fivetowns jewish home 6.19.13

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THEJEWISHHOME A PUBLICATION OF THE FIVE TOWNS & QUEENS COMMUNITY JUNE 20 - june 26, 2013 | Distributed

Weekly

In The Five Towns, Queens & Brooklyn

Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns Holds its 11th Annual Woodmere Breakfast

Page 70

Gan Chamesh Celebrates Graduation with a Tzedakah Parade Page 68

Five Towns and Far Rockaway Communities Come Out in Support of the Children of Shuvu

Page 43

Couture for a Cause Rallies the Five Towns Community for Tzedaka and Chessed Page 57

Keeping Camp Safe for our Children TJH Speaks with Mrs. Debbie Fox of Project SafeCamp Page 84

Iran Elects New President Is He Just Another One of Khameini’s Puppets?

Learning from Each Other at the OHEL and Rambam Chavrusah Program

Page 12

Page 44

— See page 47 —

— See page 22 —

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to the chupah, at a kittel,, is escorted he chattan, wearing sings: which time the chazzan

,t¨C©v QUr¨C k«F©v k©g rh¦S©t h¦n 'k«F©v k©g QUr¨C h¦n ,,k« F©v k©g kIs²d h¦n 'k«F©v k©g kUd²s h¦n 'k« t Q¥r¨c±h tUv v¨k©F©v ,¤t±u i¨,¨j¤v ,¤

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above all, He Who come! He Who is powerful Blessed is he who has all, He Who is supreme He Who is great above kallah. is blessed above all, bless the chattan and above all – may He As she circles and reaches the chupah.

The bride is also escorted sings: the chattan, the chazzan

,v¨t¨C©v v¨fUr±C i¨C h¦n © 'oh¦jIj i©JIJ ©jh¦G ±vt ,©cv© oh¦sIS GIG§n v¨K©F ,oh¦ t Q¥r¨c±h tUv v¨K©F©v ,¤t±u i¨,¨j¤v ,¤

nds the speech of the come! He Who understa joy of the beloved Blessed is she who has who is the the love of a bride, rose among thorns, the chattan and kallah. ones – may He bless

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an Around the Chatt

Such a ring also serves as a refere luchot, Tablets of the Law, that nce to the two letters in the the final mem, were miraculousl m, a square, and y suspended; Since these two the letter samech letters are forme , q, a circle. section, the engra d ved letters should by carving out the middle yet they mirac have fallen from ulously remai the Tablets, ned suspended.

Tablets of the The giving of Law is likened the to God’s “betro of the Jewish thal,” nation. The Tablet as it were, given by God s of the Law to cement His were the “ring” relationship with the ring given by the chattan His nation, and to his kallah signif q of God’s Tablet ies the m and the s. Nonetheles s, the accepted circles is to use practi the simple, circul ce in most ar ring.

There are other reasons given for the use of wedding cerem ony. the for it has no begin The circle is a poignant symbo ring in the Come, a time of l in Judaism, ning and no end. chattan to the It is a statement kallah that just ultimate purity from the y no end, as the Treasur g , ring so too their consta has no beginning The Weddin nt devotion and and will be endless the righteous will love for one anoth (Sefer ( HaMatamim). er be cleansed of all At the end of time God will make and, as it were, a circle, kIj¨n, for of their spiritual He will sit amon the righteous Ta’anit). They g will point to God, them in Gan Eden (Talmud, point in the circle, as it were, from imperfections. their vantage the circle. All will as all will be equidistant from be able to benef So, too, the ring, the center of and He will be it from God’s Divine Presen recognized by ce, all the people like the circle to of the earth.

The word kIj¨n is also a referen ce to the word be formed for In the World to v¨kh¦j§n, forgiveness.

Come, a time of ultimate purity be cleansed of , the righteous all of their spiritu the righteous, will al imperfection like the circle s. So, too, the to be ring, Kippur-like qualit formed for the righteous, allude alludes to the y of the bride and groom’s weddi s to the Yom Yom Kippur-like ng day.

Circuits around the chupah, she is escorted the chupah, n-law, or two female Once the kallah reaches mother and mother-i phrase chattan,, led by her is based on the for this custom h 31:21). escorts. The reason s the male (Jeremia ¥ b± , a female surround made by the r®cD¨ c¥cIx±T v¨ce circuits of ns in the number the There are variatio the bride around groom. Some escort t the three words bride around the the three times represen ). Alternatively, groom three times; of Maharal HaChaim, brother the Aron, the Holy in the verse (Sefer ments surrounding of the encampment there were three encamp Tablets of the Law: the the of ng and containi Ark ; the Levites, in the Divine Presence the Shechinah,, of the Torah learning , who represents ent Israelites. The chattan, three times by the kallah, reminisc d 7:108). the family, is encircle HaEzer, chapter n HaEzer (Shulchan In the World to ments (Shulcha of those three encamp

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of Transitio The blessing on n a full cup of wine officiating rabbi, is made by the mesader kiddush followed by the in, ,Ih¨r©£g¨v k©g Ub²u blessing under ¦m±u uh¨,I§m¦n§C Ub¨J the chupah of §s¦e r¤ to exempt the chattan and kallah J£t. He should have in mind with his blessin have in mind that g, and they should they will fulfill the mitzvah by is customary that answering amen. the bride and groom It the cup that is taste some of the used for the blessin wine from g on the erusin.

The question is raised regard ing the the blessing over the wine, but custom officiating rabbi, who makes Machzor Vitri, arily does not drink chapter 570, Sdei it. While Chemed, chapte posit that indeed r 3:5, and others he, as well as the bride and groom , should taste the

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The Wedding

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Title of Page

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u n e 2 0 , 2013

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>>Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 >>Community Readers’ Poll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Community Happenings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Cover Story: Keeping Camp Safe for our Children: TJH Speaks with Mrs. Debbie Fox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

>> News Cover Story: Iran Elects New President: Is He Just Another One of the Khameini’s Puppets? . . . . . . . 12 GlobaL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 National . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Odd-but-True Stories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

>> Israel

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Dear Readers, Congratulations to Michael Fragin and Alex Edelman upon being elected Village of Lawrence Trustees. The turnout at the polls this week was heartening. A record number Lawrence residents took the few moments out of their busy day to show their support for those running. This election highlighted the importance of every person’s vote; Alex Edelman won the election with just nine votes! In a small town, just a few votes makes or breaks an election. And it is important for our politicians to see how we care about the issues and are anxious to participate in the election process.

As parents, our priority is protecting our children. When they’re little, it’s almost easy to make sure they’re safe. We tell them to hold our hand as we cross the street or not to touch the stove when it is hot. But as they grow and gain independence and they venture out of the cocoon called home, we know that their safety depends on their decisions and depends on those into whose care we entrust them. During the school year, we entrust our children into the capable hands of their teachers and principals. At the end of the day, they come home to us and we can speak to them about their day at school. Now that our children are heading to camp, the dynamic will change. No longer do we have that daily conversation with them at the beginning and end of their day. After we wave goodbye at the camp bus stop, the next chance we’ll have to see them is on visiting day or at the end of the summer. But even if we don’t see them every day, we instinctively yearn for their safety. We want to make sure that they enjoy camp, and we want to make sure that their experience is safe and healthy for them.

The Shmuz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

This week, TJH spoke with Debbie Fox, LCSW, of Project SafeCamp. She highlights what parents should do and look out for to help create a safe “home away from home” environment. A lot depends on healthy communication between parents and their children. A child has to feel that their parents are interested in what they have to say and, more importantly, a child has to feel that their parents are the people they want to confide in. Sometimes, a child is scared to speak with their parents about an issue or incident, but if we keep the lines of communication open, we can hope that our children will want to share their stories with us. I have found that children don’t necessarily tell you what’s going on in their lives when you sit down to have “that chat.” More often than not, they will open up when they feel comfortable and are not confronted with questions from their parents. I hope that this summer will be a wonderful, exciting and safe summer for all our children.

>> Jewish Thought

As always, we look forward to hearing from our readers. Feel free to email me at editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com.

Breakfast of Champions,

by Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Have a wonderful, relaxing week!

Ask the Rabbi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Shoshana

Israel News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

>> People The Battle of Malta and the Heroes Who Fought Against the Axis of Evil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 A World After This: The Story of Lola Lieber . . . . 102

>>Parsha

>>Parenting

Yitzy Halpern

Camp Packing List: Pack Your Summer Just Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Publisher

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by David Elazar Simai, MD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

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Have you Helped the Bully?,

by Deb Hirschhorn, PhD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

>> Food & Leisure Recipes: Cold Summer Sweets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Travel: Ohio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 The Business of Money. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Ask the Attorney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Room for Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

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Friday, June 21 Parshas Balak Candle Lighting: 8:13 Shabbos Ends: 9:21 Rabbeinu Tam: 9:41

Beginning with the End, by Sarah Schwartz-Gluck, LCSW and Jonathan Cohen, PsyD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

>> Lifestyles

Editor

Weekly Weather

fri. sat. sun. mon. tues. wed. thurs.

June 21 June 22 June 23 June 24 June 25 June 26 June 27

Sneeze and They’re Home,

by Rivki Rosenwald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

>> Humor Centerfold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

>> Art From My Private Art Collection: The Creative Mind and Wisdom During the Aging Process, Part III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

>> Political Crossfire Notable Quotes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

mostly cloudy

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partly cloudy

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mostly cloudy

High LOW

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scattered t-storms High LOW

82° 71°

The Jewish Home is an independent weekly magazine. Opinions expressed by writers are not neces­sarily the opinions of the publisher or editor. The Jewish Home is not responsible for typographical errors, or for the kashrus of any product or business advertised within. The Jewish Home contains words of Torah. Please treat accordingly.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u n e 2 0 , 2013

Contents

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u n e 2 0 , 2013

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Letters to Dear Editor, I love your paper and read it every week. I especially loved your feature this week, The Perfect Gift for Every Type of Dad. The illustrations were adorable and the gift ideas were excellent (although I had to break it through to my husband gently that I was not renting him a Lamborghini this week for his gift). Loved your idea about the different burgers around town—I think I’m gonna try that myself one week and decide which restaurant offers the best one in town. Anyone want to join?

D. C. Dear Editor, Allow me to add to the always insightful “Politics Today, Spin Class Politics with Michael Fragin – June 13.” While the late New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg served his nation proudly in World War II and went on to found Automatic Data Processing, Inc. becoming a multimillionaire, there was also another side to his personality.

In 1982, he ran against Republican four term Congress member Millicent Fenwick for the United States Senate.

Fenwick was a moderate progressive Republican who was a champion of both Civil Rights and Women’s Rights. Then 58-year-old Lautenberg ran a negative and some would say sexist campaign against 72-year-old Fenwick. He implied she was too old for the job and could not serve long enough to develop seniority. How ironic that Lautenberg went on to serve until age 89.

Lautenberg retired in 2000 to enjoy his golden years making way for a younger, newer senator. In 2003, then-Democratic Senator Robert C. Torricelli’s campaign imploded. It was discovered that imprisoned Korean businessman David Chang made significant campaign contributions to help Torricelli. With five weeks left before Election Day, all polls showed this scandal would result in his defeat to Republican candidate Doug Forrester. After any party primary, Torricelli as the officially designated candidate is usually required to stay on the ballot. The only exceptions are death, nomination to a judgeship or moving your official residence out of state. At that point, the committee on vacancies is allowed to substitute another name. New Jersey Democrats manipulated the process and convinced Torricelli to drop out. Lautenberg came out of retirement at 79. Democrats were convinced he was the only one who could hold this seat.

Since 1982, under Senator Lauten-

berg’s watch, the only thing that grew faster than reconstruction of 1 World Trade Center was our national debt.

It went up by $15.7 trillion increasing from $1 trillion in 1982 to $16.7 trillion today while he held federal office. No wonder Lautenberg never talked about this at his standard Sunday news conferences. It was nothing to be proud of.

Lautenberg was a good man, but not a mensch.

Sincerely, Larry Penner Great Neck, NY Dear Editor, I would like to respectfully disagree with Yehoshua Levy, the author of the Ask the Rabbi column in your paper. In this week’s column, he answered a question related to chessed. The person who posed the question said that she enjoys doing chessed outside the home but her children resent it. Rabbi Levy stated that although children may have a right to speak up, a mother has to do what she thinks is right. Later in the column, the rabbi writes that if she is neglecting her family, she may have to curtail her chessed activities.

I believe that whether or not a mother feels she is “neglecting” her family, if her children feel resentful, that is an indication that they feel neglected. They want to see their mother at home when they come home from school. At no point should they feel that their mother is putting someone else’s needs before their own. She is their mother. She is not a mother to anyone else. In that vein, it is her responsibility to nurture and raise her children. They should feel that she wants to spend her time helping them.

If a woman feels that she wants to be involved in chessed, she should do so when her children are not around, i.e. in school or at an after-school activity.

All the best, Shira H. Dear Parents, My intention of this letter is not to give mussar or criticism but rather to inform and spread awareness.

Each day you send your children off to school for 8 hours plus. During those 8 hours there are rebbeim, morahs, and teachers who care for your child, teach your child, and protect your child. Those of you who have never stood in front of a class before probably do not realize the amount of effort it requires. If your child was lucky enough to have a teacher who is qualified for their job, then you can assume that that teacher constantly

the Editor thinks about how to help your child succeed and make them happy. If your child has a tutor or special ed teacher then the efforts are even greater. If there is an assistant in the class, then he/she is the one who makes your child feel safe in the yard and makes sure your child has their homework, lunch, or a sharpened pencil.

Yes, it’s their job, but their paycheck does not reflect your appreciation for them.

I work in a local yeshiva, a wonderful school with dedicated parents. Each year I invest my full attention into each student. There are nights when I fall asleep worrying that I didn’t give Student “A” enough attention or whether Student “B” understood the new concept in math I taught that day. I’m just an average teacher, no better or extraordinary than your child’s teacher.

It’s safe to assume that my colleagues invest themselves just as much as I do and that’s why the following situation pained me so much. A new teacher I worked with this year, who had an amazing and successful first year (I know this for a fact since I am friendly with some of her students’ parents), came over to me on the last of school almost in tears.

She asked me, “How am I supposed to feel that not one parent sent in a card or gift?”

Now I guarantee you she did not care about the funky platter that she thought she deserved; she was honestly hurt that not one single parent noticed or acknowledged her efforts. Every single day of school she cared for your child, she taught your child, and she protected your child.

I was truly in pain for her and for every other rebbe, morah, assistant, teacher, resource room teacher, tutor… out there who did not receive the appreciation they deserve.

And if your child did not have the perfect year, then still take two minutes to jot down a thank you. It can literally make someone’s day and give them the chizuk they need to walk back into that classroom in September.

If you missed the opportunity, it’s not too late. Find their address, send them an email and show them that you noticed.

A Mother & A Teacher

Views expressed on the Letters to the Editor page do not necessarily reflect the views of The Jewish Home Please send all correspondence to editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Readers Poll Compiled by Jannah Eichenbaum

Are you sending your child to sleep-away camp this summer?

Yes 63% No 37%

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dxezd wefigl dicnele Torah observant Jews in Israel and around the globe are living under imminent existential threat.

From Iranian nuclear weapons and Syrian chemical weapons to our own internal politics, the dangers are real and growing, Rachmana litzlan.

This seemingly insurmountable situation, chas v’shalom, calls for an even greater “call to action” to improve our Limud HaTorah. It is for this reason that the Gedolei Yisroel have called for this global gathering for Chizuk HaTorah this coming Sunday, June 23 / 15 Tammuz.

This worldwide event – broadcasting live from Binyanei Haumah in Yerushalayim – will feature critical timely messages and guidance from our venerable Gedolei Hador, who will be joining in honor of the Torah, and its learners.

Divrei Zikaron L’ilui Nishmas HaGaon HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, zt”l

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The Week

Global Iranians Elect Hassan Rowhani, a “Moderate Conservative,” as their New President

In a region where elections often spill out into weeklong street fights, Iranians overwhelmingly elected Hassan Rowhani last weekend to replace current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Perhaps more in sync with the region’s hypocrisy and manipulation, the newly elected leader declared that he will take the “path of moderation,” but that there will be no end to uranium enrichment.

Although the world is congratulating Iran on their choosing a “moderate,” the lone voice of reason among global leaders on this issue, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, warned, “The international community must not become caught up in wishful thinking and be tempted to relax the pressure on Iran to stop its nuclear program.”

According to the country’s ministry of interior, Rowhani, a Shiite Muslim cleric, won with some 18.6 million votes—nearly 51 percent of the vote in a six-man field. The “runner-up,” Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the mayor of Tehran, received only 6.1 million votes.

“The sun of my moderation has risen,” announced Arman, a reformist newspaper. The election, according to another reformist newspaper called Shargh, signifies “the return of hope and victory for reformers and moderates.” The politician is touted as a moderate conservative, which may be so compared to his predecessor Ahmadinejad. But how conservative can a leader in Iran be when the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Shiite supreme lead-

In News er, sets all major policy and can block almost any action set forth by the president? Even so, Rowhani pledged to reverse the damage Ahmadinejad perpetrated during his eight year tenure.

The United States commended the Iranian people for voicing their displeasure with the current regime and participating in the voting process. White House press secretary Jay Carney said, “We respect the vote of the Iranian people and congratulate them for their participation in the political process and their courage in making their voices heard.” He continued, “It is our hope that the Iranian government will heed the will of the Iranian people and make responsible choices that create a better future for all Iranians. The United States remains ready to engage the Iranian government directly in order to reach a diplomatic solution that will fully address the international community’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear program.”

Despite calls for a boycott of the election, voter turnout was just under three-quarters of the eligible voters in the country. When the results were in, crowds chanting and cheering flooded Haft-e Tir Square in the center of Tehran wearing purple t-shirts or scarves in support of Rowhani. Rowhani’s campaign color was the color purple, although, now that he is elected, he is looking to change his stripes. On Friday night, he tweeted to followers: “Let’s do something to celebrate success tomorrow; the day that our purple vote gives way to the green.”

During his campaign, Rowhani pledged to improve the country’s human rights practices and young Iranians cheered the politician and packed his rallies. He also called for equal rights for women, freedom of the press, an abandonment of the ban on satellite television receivers, and for the government to remove itself from the arts in general.

“If we want to eliminate corruption from the society, we should give freedom to the press,” he said, opening the prospect of a dramatic shift from the present situation in which the media acts as the regime’s mouthpiece.

At a rally in Mashad, Iran’s second biggest city, the 64-year-old president-elect promised to restore safety and freedom to the country’s universities.

“We are talking about running a country, not a police station,” he declared to shouts and chants. “I promise all of you that the era of extremism will end,” he said.

Although Iranians were praised for participating in the election process, Continued on page 14

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The Week let it be known that Rowhani, just like all the other candidates, was chosen to run by the Guardian Council, which reports to the Ayatollah. Essentially, Iranians were choosing between six of the Khamenei’s puppets. Who would you prefer? Puppet 1 or Puppet 2? Additionally, although Rowhani calls himself a moderate, the term moderate is subjective. The Muslim Brotherhood is moderate compared with Al Qaeda.

Bashar al-Assad is moderate compared with Saddam Hussein. Are they true moderates? No. Is Rowhani a moderate? Well, compared to Ahmadinejad, he’s way conservative.

Rowhani brings experience to the job. He sits on two top governing bodies that also report to the supreme leader: the Expediency Council and the Council of Experts. But, unlike the other candidates in this election, Rowhani headed the Center for Strategic Research, which analyzes economic and social issues as well as foreign policy, for 22 years. As such, he brings his own “think tank” to the position. He is also a former negotiator on the most contentious issue between Iran and the international community, the country’s nuclear

In News

enrichment program, which the U.S., Israel and other countries fear may lead to production of a nuclear weapon.

Rowhani may not be the biggest reformer in the land, but he was the candidate that was closest to the reformist group. The other reformist in the race, Mohammad Reza Aref, dropped out of the race last week, pushing all of the votes for the reformist party in Rowhani’s favor.

Iran’s future president studied at a Shiite seminary and has a bachelor’s degree in law as well as master’s degree and a Ph.D. from British universities.

He served five terms in the parliament, rising to deputy speaker and head of the defense and foreign policy committees.

According to his official biography, carried by the Iranian media, he speaks fluent English, Arabic and Persian and has written nearly 100 books and articles as well as conducting 700 different research projects.

A question was raised during the campaign about his academic credentials, for his website had stated that he’d received his Ph.D. degree from Glasgow University. A Persian specialist at Radio Free Europe’s Persian service checked

with the university to makes sure he’d graduated there, and the university had no record. Subsequently, Rowhani’s institute changed the listing on the website to the Glasgow Caledonian University, a less prestigious institution in Glasgow.

It remains to be seen whether Rowhani will usher in a new era of moderate leadership in Iran or whether he is merely the “same cat with different skin.”

actually took the ring without his permission, and that the George W. Bush administration urged him not to make a scene because of concern that the incident would damage the U.S.-Russian already shaky relations. Kraft said he wanted to do whatever he could to get the ring back from Putin, but the White House pressured him to let it go.

The Story of Putin and the Ring In 2005, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft joined several other American business leaders at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

It was noted that although Putin did not come into the meeting wearing a ring on his finger, he left with Kraft’s Super Bowl ring. After many questioned the incident, Kraft released a statement saying he had given Putin the ring as a gift to show his respect for the people of Russia. Now Kraft is changing the story.

The Jewish owner of the New England Patriots now claims that Putin

“I really didn’t [want to]. I had an emotional tie to the ring, it has my name on it,” Kraft said. “I don’t want to see it on eBay.” He said that a White House spokesman told him, “It would really be

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The Week in the best interest of U.S.-Soviet relations if you meant to give the ring as a present.”

According to the New York Post, Kraft clarified the story this week at a public speech. He said, “I took out the ring and showed it to [Putin], and he put it on and he goes, ‘I can kill someone with this ring.’ I put my hand out and he put it in his pocket, and three KGB guys got around him and walked out.”

They say there’s a truth behind every joke.

Nazi leader but to have them focus on Hitler’s economic policies. Supposedly, Jong Un is impressed that Hitler ym”sh “managed to rebuild Germany in a short time following its defeat in World War One,” an official stated. Therefore, “Kim Jong Un issued an order for the Third Reich to be studied in depth and asked that practical applications be drawn from it.”

turing that Jong Un has been trying to ratchet up his wild behavior to create a charisma for himself, something that some say he lacks. “One source says there have been many overt attempts to imbue Kim Jong Un with an ‘intimidating charisma,’ such as having him shout very forcefully at associates … and even throwing things at people,” says the paper’s international editor, Shirley Lee.

Missing Diary of Hitler Confidant Discovered

Kim Jong Un Gives Hitler’s Mein Kampf as Present to Officials A recent report from New Focus International, an underground North Korean news organization, revealed that senior government officials in North Korea received copies of Hitler’s Mein Kampf for Kim Jong Un’s birthday in January. Apparently, the North Korean dictator gave the officials the book not to idolize the anti-Semitic rants of the

In News

Since most books are banned in country, only a few copies were handed out. Such gifts are called “hundred-copy books” in North Korea. A source revealed that many have been conjec-

The U.S. government has recovered 400 pages of the diary of Alfred Rosenberg. Rosenberg was a close confidant of Adolf Hitler ym”sh who played a key role in the execution of millions of Jews during World War II. The diary could offer new insight into meetings between Rosenberg, Hitler, and other top Nazi leaders. It also includes details about the German occupation of the Soviet Union, including plans for mass killings of Jews and other Eastern Europeans.

“The documentation is of considerable importance for the study of the Nazi era, including the history of the Holocaust,” according to the assessment, prepared by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington. “A cursory content analysis indicates that the material sheds new light on a number of important issues relating to the Third Reich’s policy. The diary will be an important source of information to historians that complements, and in part contradicts, already known documentation.”

Rosenberg was convicted at the Nuremberg Trials and hanged in 1946.

His diary was a significant piece of evidence presented during the trials but mysteriously vanished after the trial.

Many suspected Nuremberg prosecutor, Robert Kempner, as being responsible for the missing diary and smuggling it back into the U. S. When Kempner died in 1993 at age 93, legal disagreements about his papers erupted between his children, his former secretary, a local

debris removal contractor, and the Holocaust museum. Eventually, the children agreed to contribute their father’s papers to the Holocaust museum. However, when officials arrived to retrieve them from his home in 1999, they discovered that thousands of pages were missing.

After the 1999 incident, the FBI opened a criminal investigation into the missing documents. No charges were filed in the case. The Holocaust museum recovered more than 150,000 documents in the decades following but the diary remained missing. Early this year, the Holocaust museum and an agent from Homeland Security Investigation tried to locate the missing diary pages.

They tracked the diary to Herbert Richardson, Kempner’s former secretary who is living near Buffalo.

Philadelphia Orchestra Entertains Passengers of Delayed Flight

An aircraft full of passengers was delayed for three hours on the tarmac in Beijing last week, but lucky for them there was some impromptu entertainment on board.

Two violinists, a cellist and a viola player who are members of the Philadelphia Orchestra were aboard the delayed flight, took out their fine instruments and played a spontaneous concert for the people aboard the flight. The ensemble recently launched a tour of China, 40 years after it became the first U.S. orchestra to visit the country.

Of course, several passengers quickly took out their phones and recorded the orchestra playing a selection from Dvorak’s “American” string quartet.

The audience loved the five-and-a-halfminute performance and applauded the musicians with cheers and applause.

That’s what we call in-flight entertainment.

North Korea Says to U.S. it Wants to Talk After talks set up between North and South Korea didn’t get off the ground last week, North Korea turned towards the United States to propose high-level talks to ease tensions between the two countries. The dictatorship said it wanted to discuss nuclear disarmament across the Korean peninsula, something that has rarely been proposed by the regime before. North Korea’s powerful National Defense Commission, headed

by President Kim Jong-un, called on the US to set the time and the place for a round of unconditional talks to “secure peace and stability in the region and ease tension on the Korean peninsula.”

Although the regime stated that it would like to talk about nuclear disarmament, it reiterated that it was not interested in giving up its weapons unilaterally. Pyongyang insisted that de-nuclearization of the region would also have to involve the South and end “US nuclear threats” against the North.

Last week, North and South Korea

were set to speak about proposals for economic cooperation, but those talks fell through when the two sides could not agree on who would lead the delegations.

German Nazi Found Living in Minnesota

Documents from a Soviet-era investigation uncovered by the Associated Press have led to the discovery that a 94-year-old German Nazi has been living peacefully in Minnesota for over six decades.

Michael Karkoc emigrated to the U.S. in 1949. He is accused of being an SS leader in Ukraine and Poland throughout World War II and allegedly

In News lied to officials about his role in the war.

The murderer directed the “liquidation of all residents” of the Jewish town in Poland called Chlaniow, southeast of Lublin in 1944.

Karkoc published a memoir in Ukraine in 1995 that told only part of the story of his role with the Self Defense Legion, a volunteer group of Ukrainians, Slovaks and Czechs during the war that had the support of the SS. AP was tipped off about the existence of the book by a British pharmacist who was researching the group and was seeking help.

It is expected that Poland and Germany will seek prosecution of Karkoc.

But from extradition forward, the international legal process can take several years, making it unlikely the 94-yearold will ever experience deportation, much less sentencing or prison due to his old age.

That won’t stop them from trying, officials say. “Polish prosecutors will help American investigators, there’s no doubt,” a Polish embassy official stated.

“Help will be provided to take steps to examine the evidence. Based on the evidence, a decision on extradition will be made.”

Egypt’s Alcohol Consumption on the Rise According to sources, Egyptians are consuming more alcohol than ever even as the country’s economic and political situation remains grave. The increase in alcohol consumption has boosted revenues for the clubs, bars, and the Egyptian government as well as from taxes collected on the brew.

Egypt was the first nation on earth to ferment barley to produce beer. The tradition of drinking beer is well accepted among many Egyptian Muslims and non-Muslims despite the fact that there is a prohibition against drinking intoxicants in the Koran. Most Egyptians don’t drink alcohol in public, but it is understood that many drink in the privacy of their own home.

According to statements by the spokesman for the Dutch beer Heineken, alcohol consumption in Egypt increased in 2012 despite the 2011 revolution and drop in the number of tourists. Heineken

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u n e 2 0 , 2013

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The Week made over $300 million in profits from beer sales in Egypt last year.

According to an Al-Ahram Beverages statement, “Egypt is the 17th largest beer market in Africa and the Middle East, reaching a demand of roughly 110 million liters annually, of which 690,000 are alcoholic beer.”

“My sales grew by 80% since the revolution started. People seem to have a lot to talk about and they come here to ventilate, drink a few beers,” Gamal Gomaa, a partner in Spitfire, an Irish pub in Alexandria, said. “People tend to come more often despite the increase in alcohol prices due to imposed alcohol taxes. People are a bit careful in their spending, but they still come and drink,” he said.

Egypt imposes a 1200% to 3000% import tax on alcoholic beverages. The Egyptians collect a hefty tax on cigarettes and alcoholic beverages that amounts to about $1.2 billion annually.

In News firmed the rock was special, and that it wasn’t actually a rock at all.

Green had found a piece of the Russian Space Station Mir. When Mir was de-commissioned, much of it burned up as it re-entered Earth’s orbit. The rest landed in the South Pacific Ocean.

Somehow, one palm-sized chunk crashed into the Merrimack River in Amesbury, a suburb near Boston.

Green works as a custodian at Amesbury Elementary School. He brought it to the school as a teaching tool. “I had a lot of fun taking it to school and showing it to all the kids,” he says.

The rock is now displayed in Mr. Green’s home, next to a letter from the NASA engineer. The “rock” that started on Earth, went to space, and eventually made its way to Amesbury now has a place as Phil’s prized possession.

Termites Feast on Woman’s Life Savings

A Space Station in his Backyard

Phil Green’s backyard backs up to the Merrimack River. He often takes leisurely walks in the serene area. One day on his walk while the tide was low, he noticed an unusual looking rock. “There she was just sitting there, sticking up like that, and I said, ‘What is this?’” he recalled as he held a large greenish colored rock. “It just didn’t belong.”

The rock was covered in mud so it was hard to see the burn marks on the side. At first Green thought it was a rock used to make arrowheads. Then he suspected it might be meteorite. He used a metal detector to check and found it wasn’t metallic, increasing his suspicions that it may actually have fallen from outer space.

For six years, Green left the unusual rock under a tree without finding out what exactly it consisted of. But then, Phil’s sister-in-law sent it to a friend who works for NASA. That friend con-

A Chinese woman almost lost her life savings when termites invaded a wooden drawer in which she kept a plastic bag containing 400,000 yuan: the equivalent of $65,000 U.S. dollars.

Luckily, the woman decided to redecorate her home in the Guandong Province and she noticed the termites had dined on her hard-earned cash. A local bank generously scanned the remaining cash and was able to identity 340,000 yuan. The majority of her savings were salvaged, although the termites’ meal cost the woman roughly $9,786.

That’s one expensive bug supper.

Google to Launch Wi-Fi Balloon Experiment Wireless Internet has become the standard form of internet connection over the last several years being that it’s

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The Week the fastest and easiest way to communicate. But Google has plans that could blow Wi-Fi off the market.

The company announced on Saturday that it plans to release 30 Wi-Fi test balloons into the atmosphere. The balloons are intended to beam down Internet access to areas without ground connections.

“Project Loon” will begin on New Zealand’s South Island this month and will hopefully, according to Google, “connect people in rural and remote areas, help fill coverage gaps, and bring people back online after disasters.”

Once the balloons are released, they will float in the stratosphere above 60,000 feet. Their altitude will be controlled from “Loon Mission Control” using special software to allow them to pick up layers of wind traveling in the

right direction and form a balloon network.

If all goes as planned, about 60 people who’ve had a special antenna fixed on their homes for the trial will be able to connect to the balloon network. The signal will bounce from balloon to balloon, then to the internet back on Earth.

Hundreds of people will be able to connect to one balloon at a time.

According to Google estimates, two-thirds of the global population is without fast, affordable Internet access.

In News also stressed that the Jewish State must “prepare for the worst” in these uncertain times. “But if all you do is prepare for the worst and you don’t work for the best then there is no possibility of ever seeing the triumph of creative cooperation,” Clinton said.

Israel :

Clinton: Israel Must Work on TwoState Solution

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton addressed crowds on Monday night in Rehovot and advocated for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestinians. He

At a gala event at the Peres Academic Center, the former U.S. leader said that Israel’s only choice is to remain a Jewish and democratic nation despite a surging Palestinian population in the West Bank and work towards a twostate solution. “You have to cobble together some kind of theory of a twostate solution, and the longer you let this go just because of sheer demographics

the tougher it’s going to get,” he said. “I don’t see any alternative to a Palestinian state.”

He also addressed the recent election in Iran. “There’s the Iranian issue lurking in the background and there’s the question of whether the new election offers some promise of negotiation which could lead to the fulfillment of Iran’s stated objective without the fulfillment of what we fear is their real objective,” Clinton said.

Although he stressed that Israel is “doing great economically” and enjoys “relative peace and security at the moment,” Clinton pointed out that “everything still seems to be going [bad] around” its borders.

That being said, the former US president told his audience that “it is a fascinating time to be alive” as scientific breakthroughs and solutions to global challenges emerge all over the world. In order to “claim the benefits of a global economy” and do so in a way that espouses human equality, governments and businesses must adopt behaviors that are socially and environmentally responsible, according to Clinton. “Doing what is socially just is also helping to modernize the economy and lift the

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prospects of businesses,” Clinton said.

Clinton praised Israel’s success for their startups, as only Silicon Valley sees more success for startups than the Jewish State. He commended the country on its desalination technologies and widespread internet use. “You have a lot to be proud of,” he assured the audience.

The former president was paid $500,000 to speak at the event where 90-year-old Shimon Peres was present.

He decided to donate the money back to the Peres Academic Center for scholarships for students in the institution.

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Tel Aviv in Top Ten

Barcelona, Cape Town, and Honolulu were the top three but Tel Aviv has earned a place on the list of the top ten beach cities around the world. The list was recently published by National Geographic Magazine, which is celebrating 125 years of publication.

Of all of Tel Aviv’s beaches, only Gordon beach was mentioned by name.

“Head to wide and sandy Gordon Beach to sit in a seaside café or take a dip in the saltwater pool,” recommends National Geographic. The beautiful city has over eight miles of beaches that are literally a few steps away from one of the biggest financially active cities in the region.

While it came in ninth on the list, it is a still a very impressive ranking, and Israelis can be proud to be on the list considering that violence in the region usually affects rankings such as these.

It’s a whole lot different than summer camps we are familiar with and while some camps have color war, this camp teaches real war. The annual Hamas-run summer camp in the Gaza Strip has begun and features activities such as learning to fire live assault rifles, avoid capture by the authorities, and abduct Israeli Jews.

An estimated 10,000 Gaza kids between the ages of six and 16 attend the camp every summer. Children just finishing the first grade are being trained to kill people with guns and violently kidnap Jews. To increase the realism, tires are left burning all around the campground, and the sounds of explosions can be heard constantly. A reporter in Gaza wrote that the camp “appears to have been designed to mold its visitors into the terrorists of tomorrow.”

To make sure the children know just what it is they’re being trained to fight for, their masked Hamas supervisors also provide a number of lessons and workshops on Islam and becoming a martyr for Allah.

Talk about making killing into a game.

Morsi Cuts Off Damascus

Syria has harshly criticized Cairo’s decision to sever diplomatic relations with Damascus, accusing Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi of joining a U.S. and Israel-led conspiracy against Syria. Morsi said he had cut all diplomatic ties with Damascus and called for a no-fly zone over Syria, pitching the most populous Arab state firmly against President Bashar Assad.

Syria’s official SANA news agency quoted a government source as saying that Morsi was implementing the agenda of the Muslim Brotherhood, a group that has called for jihad against the Syrian regime, and ignoring the aspirations of the Egyptian people. The statement

In News added that Morsi and the Egyptian clerics should direct their attention toward liberating “usurped Palestinian land, particularly Jerusalem,” rather than issuing fatwas calling for more “Syrian bloodshed.”

The Syrian official said that Morsi’s calls for foreign intervention in Syria and the implementation of a no-fly zone in the country would only serve the interests of the U.S. and Israel. The source added that the continued presence of an Israeli embassy in Cairo and Egypt’s adherence to the Camp David accords with Israel delegitimizes both Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Addressing a rally of Sunni Muslim clerics in Cairo, Morsi said: “We decided today to entirely break off relations with Syria and with the current Syrian regime.” He also warned Assad’s allies in the Iranian-backed Lebanese Shi’ite militia Hezbollah to pull back from fighting in Syria. “We stand against Hezbollah in its aggression against the Syrian people,” Morsi said. “Hezbollah must leave Syria – these are serious words. There is no space or place for Hezbollah in Syria.”

Morsi, who faces growing discon-

tent at home over the economy and over fears that he will pursue an Islamist social agenda, said he was organizing an urgent summit of Arab and other Islamic states to discuss the situation in Syria, where the United States has in recent days decided to take steps to arm the rebels.

The Egyptian leader said Syria was the target of “a campaign of extermination and planned ethnic cleansing fed by regional and international states,” partly in reference to Iran, though he did not name the Shi’ite Islamic Republic. “The Egyptian people supports the struggle of the Syrian people, materially and morally, and Egypt, its nation, leadership ... and army, will not abandon the Syrian people until it achieves its rights and dignity,” Morsi said.

The Brotherhood has joined calls this week from Sunni Muslim religious organizations for a jihad against Assad and his Shi’ite allies. Egypt has not taken an active role in arming the Syrian rebels, but an aide to Morsi said this week that Cairo would not stand in the way of Egyptians who wanted to fight in Syria.

Continued on page 24

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National Field of Politicians: Democrats Slaughter Republicans

If the annual Congressional baseball game is a harbinger of things to come, the Republicans are in real trouble.

Once a year, the two parties that duke it out in the halls of Congress, join each other on the baseball field to, well, duke it out. The game was played at National Park, home of the Nationals, and featured the ballplayers on both sides of the aisle while their colleagues, journalists and political junkies watched from the stands.

During batting practice, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) joked about using the administration’s top-secret wiretapping program to gain an advantage over the Democrat team. “We had the NSA go through the Democrats, go through their batting records, and we’re really excited about what we discovered,” he said.

“We think we found a flaw in their game plan.”

Despite Sen. Paul’s clever idea, the Dems stomped over the Repubs with the embarrassing score of 22-0. This is the fifth time in as many years that the Democrats won.

So, now we know that Washington Democrats are destroying this country, but at least they know how to play baseball; Washington Republicans are destroying this country and they can’t even play ball. Which team are you rooting for?

World’s Largest Solar Boat Docks in NYC New York’s harbor boasted an unusual ship this week. On Monday af-

In News ternoon, the world’s largest solar boat docked at North Cover Marina in downtown Manhattan. The Tûranor is making a trans-Atlantic expedition that started in the south of France in March. New York is the boat’s sixth stop.

The catamaran, a multi-hulled vessel, has 5,554 square feet of solar paneling on its upper decks. The boat, in turn, can reach at average speed of 5 knots, with a maximum speed of 14 knots. It can carry up to 60 people on board.

The vessel was built in Germany and this is not its first voyage on the high seas. In May of last year, the Tûranor finished a 37,000 mile trip around the world in over 584 days. That was its maiden voyage and the longest trip it has taken so far. Its unusual name comes from the book The Lord of the Rings and means, appropriately, “power or mastery of the sun.”

This voyage, the boat has a group of scientists onboard who are tracking ocean currents and atmospheric conditions along the Gulf Stream. They are conducting research into climate change in the region and around the world. On June 21, they will set sail to Boston.

Bon voyage! May the sun be with you.

NSA Says Surveillance Prevented Terror Attacks After the blowup last week in response to Edward Snowden releasing classified information, the government is defending its controversial practices of gathering millions of phone and email records.

U.S. intelligence officials released newly declassified information on Saturday stating that the National Security Agency’s programs helped stop “dozens of potential terror plots.” The three-page document regarding the NSA programs was released to congressioContinued on page 28

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The Week nal intelligence committees and states the plots were thwarted in the U.S. and more than 20 other countries. The data is destroyed every five years, according to the document.

In an effort to prove that the surveillance program is less extensive than suspected, the officials reported that the NSA checked only 300 phone numbers last year against its database of millions of U.S. phone records gathered daily.

NSA chief General Keith Alexander said the agency is currently working on declassifying all the information of the many plots that were disrupted to try and illustrate to the public the importance and necessity of these programs.

He explained that the agency must proceed with caution in order to avoid inadvertently revealing any details of the U.S. counterterrorism playbook in the process.

These statements come after former NSA contractor Edward Snowden leaked the information of the surveillance programs to The Guardian and The Washington Post earlier this month.

Until now, the programs were known to Washington lawmakers but not to the public. Snowden remains in hiding in Hong Kong.

“In recent years, the intelligence gathered under them has contributed to the disruption of dozens of potential terrorist pots here in the homeland and in more than 20 countries around the world,” the documents state. “We are working to be able to provide more information about this.”

The officials offered more detail on how the phone records program helped the NSA stop a 2009 Al Qaeda plot to blow up New York City subways.

The disclosures have generated debate and legal action against the Obama administration by privacy activists who say the data collection goes far beyond what was intended when expanded counterterrorism measures were authorized by Congress after the terror attacks of September 11th in 2001.

In News The Sounds of Music on the Streets of New York Did you notice the 88 beautiful, unique pianos spread throughout public spaces in NYC? The pianos pay homage to the 88 keys on each instrument.

The Sing for Hope campaign was brought back to the city that never sleeps. The pianos vary from uprights to baby grands; all have been refurbished.

Installation was completed on June 16 and the pianos were donated to community centers, healthcare facilities, and schools.

Sing for Hope began in 2006 when Monica Yunus and Camille Zamora, friends and Julliard graduates, founded the organization in an effort to improve communities by combining the arts and volunteerism. The organization now has over 1,000 volunteers who believe in making the world better through the arts.

This year, the program was sponsored mainly by Chobani, the Greek yogurt company. The company designed two pianos themselves, one located on Prince Street and one at the DUMBO Archway. The pianos are scattered throughout all five boroughs.

Unfortunately, one piano was stolen from its location in Soundview Park in the Bronx. It was stolen sometime between June 1st and 2nd, only one day after it was installed. A replacement piano was immediately put in its place.

“Sing us a song, New York, you’re the piano man.”

Obama’s Nine-YearOld Friends

Twin sisters Zea and Luna Weiss-Wynne boldly wrote a letter to President Barack Obama last year asking him for a few “favors.” Not only did the president answer their letter, he responded with an invitation to the White House. The 9-year-old twins were invit-

ed to a reception at the White House to outline their requests in public.

“We told the president that we would like for him to make some changes this year,” the girls said to the crowd.

Among the things they requested was to “make it harder for bad guys to get guns,” The girls spoke about how they were affected by the tragedy of the Newtown, Connecticut. They said they felt “very sad.”

The twins also requested more funding for schools. Zea, who loves to read, is hoping for more libraries in schools, and Luna wants more P.E. because she “thinks it’s healthy for kids and grownups.”

As the sisters spoke, President Obama nodded his head and smiled.

They concluded by introducing the president to the crowd. Obama took the podium and began, “I will not beat that act. We could not be prouder of Zea and Luna.”

Budding politicians.

Rubio: Immigration Bill 95% Perfect

Republican Sen. Marco Rubio announced on Sunday said the comprehensive immigration reform bill is almost “ready to go.” He admitted that the reform still needs substantial border security fixes, dismissing accusations from conservative critics that he has been manipulated by veteran Democratic lawmakers in their efforts to pass the bill.

“I think it’s an excellent starting point, and I think 95, 96 percent of the bill is in perfect shape and ready to go,” he said of the bill, which is being debated in the Senate this month. “But there are elements that need to be improved.”

In response to the Democratic-Republican disagreement over the issue, Rubio said, “I recognize there is a division among conservatives about [immigration reform]. I respect other people’s views on it.”

Rubio added, “I understand why

they are frustrated by it. I just hope people understand that the reason why I’ve undertaken this is because this is a major problem that’s hurting our country.”

Mistake on Ed Koch’s Gravestone

Call this a grave mistake.

Former New York Mayor Ed Koch died in February of this year at the age of 88. He said he was not afraid of death and meticulously planned the details of his burial, including what would be written on his gravestone. The mayor was famously hands-on and was proud to be a Jew, as he had the words said heroically by journalist Daniel Pearl before being killed by terrorists engraved on his stone, “My father is Jewish; my mother is Jewish; I am Jewish.”

But recently, it was noticed that all was not right with Koch’s gravestone.

The mayor was born on December 12, 1924, but his gravestone states the date as December 12, 1942. The marker did not have the birthdate engraved on it when he was buried. Now, Tommy Flynn, who engraved the stone, says he feels “terrible” and will work “to make it right.” It will take around two weeks to fix the error.

Diane Coffey was Koch’s former chief of staff. She said that the mayor always wanted to be relevant and in the news. And even in death, the mayor still grabs the headlines.

Best Internships in the Country College graduates often seek internships to build their resume or simply “get their foot in the door.” Time off from college in the summer offers students opportunities to intern at big companies. Many top CEOs started off as interns making coffee. The worthwhile internships are hard to come by but the experience earned there is worth its

In News weight in gold.

The career site Glassdoor.com rated internships across the country at companies that are currently hiring interns.

The rankings were based on user ratings. If you’re looking for an internship this summer (although you may be a little too late), spend some time checking out these companies for some great learning experiences.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that Google is the best internship program in America. Besides for the amazing experience working at the one of the world’s most innovative companies, the pay is very good at an average of $5,832 a month.

One intern wrote, “Google treats interns even better than full-time employees.

All of the employees all the way up to VP personally spend time with you and take your opinion.”

The only con listed by users about Google was that “you will be surrounded by extremely smart people. It can be intimidating at times.” (I’d have to bet you’re pretty smart yourself to get an internship at Google.)

Microsoft is the highest paying internship and the third best internship on the list. The average monthly base pay is $5,869. Interns also get a lot of experience. One intern wrote, “During my 3-month internship, I learned more than one academic year in college.”

For accountants, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, or PwC, (No. 6) is an excellent place to start your work experience. The average monthly base pay is $4,162 but many interns at the company go on to earn themselves full-time positions, so the future is bright for interns. Users say that interns are treated well and are respected unlike in some other big firms.

The only downside is that interns need to be prepared to stay till the wee hours of the night and still be there on time the following morning, especially during

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The Week tax season. One user said, “Nothing can quite prepare you for three months of 70 hour weeks and working weekends.”

(Work hard, play hard!)

If you’re interested in retail sales or fashion, then Nordstrom’s may be the best opportunity for you. If they treat their employees as well as they treat their customers, then it’s got to be a great place to work. Coming in at number 8 on the list, interns say that the department store has a warm and friendly environment. The pay is decent for the field; $2,064 is the average monthly base pay.

Procter & Gamble (no. 4), JP Morgan Chase (no. 9) General Electrics (no.

13), Amazon (no. 15), IBM (no. 16), and Deloitte (no. 17) also made it to the top 20 list.

Happy hunting!

The History of Big Money in the U.S. Did you know that there were once bills that made $100 bills look like small change? In fact, during the recent bat-

tle in Congress over extending the debt limit, one of the solutions proposed by academics and commentators to prevent default was minting a $1 trillion platinum coin and using that to fund the government’s commitments until a more permanent solution could be found.

In 1928 and 1934, a $500 bill was printed with the image of President William McKinley in the center. There are still 280,000 in circulation. In 1934, the $1,000 note was printed with the portrait of then-President Grover Cleveland.

Back in 1918, there was a $5,000 bill printed with President James Madison’s face. Madison was the fourth president and “father of the Constitution.” Cur-

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In News rently there are only 353 of these rare bank notes still in circulation. That’s good because altogether they are worth $1,765,000.

The $10,000 bill was printed in 1918 with a photo of Salmon P. Chase, secretary of the Treasury. This was the largest bill ever circulated among the general public by the Treasury. Chase was also the sixth chief justice of the United States, a passionate abolitionist and Treasury secretary to Abraham Lincoln.

Only 346 remain in circulation today.

The largest bill ever printed by the federal government was the $100,000 note that bears the face of President Woodrow Wilson. The bill was backed by gold bullion but these bills were issued only to Federal Reserve banks for making large transactions with one another and cannot be legally held by collectors.

The Treasury ceased issuing notes of more than $100 in 1969 due to nonuse.

Poverty in the NY Jewish Community According to a study released by the UJA Federation of New York last week, the New York Jewish community has an enormous and growing number of poor. The study was based on data collected during the organization’s 2011 study of the Jewish community in New York. The data revealed that more than 560,000 people live in almost 200,000 households defined as either poor or near-poor. UJA Federation officials are hoping that the report will play a role in “helping us and others to better serve this segment of our community and form strategies for combating poverty.”

Dr. Jacob B. Ukeles, the lead author of the report, said that the scale of the poverty among the Jews of New York is “immense,” with 32 percent of community members living in poor or near-poor households. Forty-five percent of the community’s children live in such households. “In 20 years, Jewish poverty has grown much faster than the Jewish community as a whole,” Ukeles added.

Data shows that now there are “twice as many” people living in poor households than there were in 1991. There have been large “changes in the composition of Jewish poverty,” he said. A large portion of the poor population are elderly, Russian-speaking households.

A high percentage of the poverty in the New York area is concentrated in Brooklyn. In addition, the high birthrate

in the Chassidic communities “undoubtedly” helps explain the increase of the number of children living in poverty.

Among the modern Orthodox, “there is substantial anecdotal and qualitative evidence of real economic hardship in the Jewish community. Many people struggle to make choices between food and paying for day school tuition.”

According to the report, 25% of poor Jewish households are comprised of Russian seniors, with the Chassidic sector coming in second with 22,300 poor households, or 17% of the total.

There are a total of 129,900 poor Jewish households, according to the report, which noted that “more Jewish people are affected by poverty in the New York area than there are Jews living in any Jewish community in the United States” with the “possible exception of Los Angeles.”

In the summary of the report’s findings, the authors were careful to note that in 21st-century America, “poverty does not typically mean extreme deprivation” but “at the same time, poverty represents a real struggle.” “We have known for a long time that poverty is an issue in the community,” Ukeles commented. “This report shines a mirror on this important and major concern.”

World’s Oldest Jew Dies at 113

Evelyn Kozak, 113, the world’s oldest Jew, died this week at Brooklyn’s Maimonides Medical Center after suffering from a heart attack.

The mother of five was born and raised in New York and outlives two of her children and two husbands. During her long life, she survived two strokes and the Spanish flu. She is survived by her 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Kozak accredited her longevity to her healthy, active lifestyle. She was

named the seventh-oldest person in the world. Ironically, the oldest person in the world, Jiroemon Kimura from Japan, died a day after her at the age of 116.

Kozak would have turned 114 in August.

Colorado Fire Claims 2 Lives

A massive, deadly wildfire took Colorado Springs by surprise late on Friday.

Thankfully, when cooler temperatures, rain, and calmer winds swept in, it allowed firefighters to contain the blaze to 30 percent.

At that time, mandatory evacuation orders for thousands of Colorado Springs residents were lifted. Initially, more than 38,000 people were evacuated at the peak of the blaze. The fire is being called the Black Forest fire; it is documented as the worst blaze in the state’s history. It claimed two innocent lives and burnt 419 homes.

“We had a real good day without wind in comparison to previous days,” El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa said at a news conference Friday afternoon. “The cloud cover we got to experience and finally the rain made a tremendous impact especially with that duff that lines the ground and we’ve seen a lot of smoldering over the last several days. So some things finally turned in our favor ... and I think if you look at it as a fight, we got our tails kicked for a couple days.”

The fire raged for days. The burn zone extended nearly 25 square miles.

Authorities believe that the two victims of the fire appeared to have been planning to evacuate the area but unfortunately, the fire caught up with them before they had the chance to flee. “It appears as though the individuals were in the garage, the car doors were open as though they were loading or grabbing last minute things, and all indications are from the evidence on scene that they

were planning to depart very quickly,” Maketa said.

The fire’s cause is now being investigated as a possible homicide, Maketa said.

IRS Employees Misuse Government Funds

The IRS was never the most loved agency in the United States. But recently, they have been receiving a lot of bad press. Last week, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration revealed a shocking revelation in a recent audit report.

The report reveals that in fiscal years 2010 and 2011, more than 1,000 Internal Revenue Service employees misused government charge cards issued

by Citibank. The report indicated that during the two years in question, agency employees sent Citibank 325 bad checks written on personal accounts that had insufficient funds to cover them. Agency officials with top-secret security clearances had their charge accounts suspended for failure to pay the balances.

Apparently the IRS had a tendency of being “overly lenient” in disciplining those who misused the cards. “We found that the IRS was generally effective in implementing travel card controls,” said the IG report. “However, in some instances controls were not implemented effectively, which increased the risk for misuse and resulted in some travel card misuse going undetected.” The report, which is dated April 18, 2013, was released on May 29.

IRS employees who misused charge cards included an executive-level official, a criminal investigator, and multiple employees with security clearances.

“We found that 15 cardholders with either secret or top-secret clearances had their travel accounts suspended due to their failure to pay outstanding balances,” said the IG report. “Two other cardholders with secret and top-secret clearances presented NSF [non-sufficient funds] checks to Citibank for payment of their travel card balance.”

“In addition,” said the inspector general, “94 cardholders serving public

In News on official travel, purchases from an unauthorized merchant, and failure to pay on time. “The lack of aggressive steps taken to address travel card misuse and the lack of a subsequent reevaluation of employee background checks and clearances reduces the overall effectiveness of controls over the travel card program and provides a reduced deterrent factor for travel card misuse,” the report concluded.

The key message in the inspector general’s report was that the IRS is more forgiving of its own employees’ transgressions than it is of American taxpayers.

trust positions requiring moderate and high-level background checks wrote one or more NSF checks, and 36 had their accounts charged off [written off as a loss by Citibank] due to their failure to pay outstanding balances…For example,” said the IG, “a tax compliance officer wrote seven NSF checks in FY 2011 while occupying a position that required a moderate-risk background investigation.”

In 1998, President Bill Clinton signed a bill authorizing federal employees to use “a government-issued travel charge card” to pay for most official government travel and travel-related expenses.

IRS employees are not allowed to use their Citibank IRS travel cards for anything other than official government travel and travel-related expenses. “By accepting the travel card, employees agree to use it only for official travel and related expenses while away from their official duty station for which they will submit a travel voucher for reimbursement,” said the IG report. The report detailed the abuse of the travel card including use of the card by someone other than the cardholder, use while not

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The Week As you can imagine, the organizers of the event did not set out to celebrate the adhesive. They were in a sticky situation (pun intended) when their annual Festival of Flowers withered due to lack of interest. When they approached the makers of duct tape to sponsor the festival, they were asked if they could make it a duct tape festival. Well, that certainly took them for a loop. But now, the festival has become de rigueur in the town of 21,193 residents. Now, around 40,000 people are stuck on the idea of the festival and they flock to the town to enjoy the sticky festivities.

Duct tape was developed during World War II to keep moisture out of ammunition, but today people have been using it for everything—from fixing cracked headlights to leaky boats.

Some people are even using the adhesive to make items such as wallets and book covers.

The festivities this year started off with the Duct Tape Parade and featured a car float made from 1,300 rolls of tape in 30 colors. That project took students at Elyria High School five months to complete. Then came a series of fashion shows, where designer duct tape outfits were showcased.

One of the judges at the event, Michelle Lesniak Franklin, urged revelers to enjoy the tacky tape. “It’s tape! Have fun with it, push the color envelope and make it wild. And don’t cry if it doesn’t work out because you can always peel it back off and try again.”

Sounds like they’re on a roll in Ohio.

The Newest Food Fad: Craving a Cronut What would you do for a Cronut?

Don’t know what that is? Get with the program. The Cronut is the newest food sensation to be sold at the Dominique Ansel Bakery in Soho in New York.

The pastry is a hybrid croissant-doughnut and they’re so good, people have been lining up starting at 5am for a taste of the delicious dessert. With layers of cream that is oh-so-good (I have yet to

In News taste it as it does not yet have the OU!), lines form around the block for a taste of heaven.

Recently, there have been reports of scalpers standing in line for the Cronuts, which cost $5 apiece, and then reselling them for $100—that’s a 2,000% markup! And since New Yorkers are used to everything being delivered to them, the Premium Cronut Delivery, which is not affiliated with the bakery, charges $100 for a single Cronut delivery and $200 for two. There’s a $3,000 charge for the delivery of 10 pastries. I guess they really are that good. The service only accepts five deliveries per weekday, probably because of the recent two-per-customer Cronut rule in the bakery.

The baker, Dominique, says that he has received newspaper clipping and emails from customers informing him about the Cronut scalpers and the delivery service. “I’m really flattered by their care, and I know it’s coming from somewhere very sweet.” Just like his Cronuts.

He also said that when he created the Cronut, he didn’t expect so much hoopla. “I’m a chef, and so I spend most of my time in the kitchen, and [the Cronut] was just one other creation. We didn’t do any marketing,” he said. “I went to sleep the night before being told there was a small article out on Grubstreet and a photo on the bakery’s Facebook site.

When I woke up, there were 140,000 links and a note from the journalist that said: ‘Our traffic spiked. I’d advise you to make more Cronuts,’” Ansel said with a laugh. “Boy, was he right.”

Woman Uses Stiletto Heel as Weapon There’s a reason why they call these shoes stilettos. A Texas woman faces a charge of murder after allegedly fatally stabbing a man with a stiletto heel at a luxury condominium early on Sunday, Houston police said.

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DUI Can Happen Anywhere

tional Park and while exploring the beautiful park, he pocketed some rocks, not realizing that park rules prohibit collecting and keeping the rocks.

Upon realizing that the rock was considered “stolen,” the child decided to send it back with an anonymous letter.

Perhaps the child left his name out for fear of punishment.

The Channel Islands National Park Facebook page posted the letter with the following caption, “Take only memories, leave only footprints. Recently a very honest child (and possible future park ranger!) followed the national park’s ‘no collecting’ regulation and returned a rock in the mail that was taken from Santa Cruz Island. It’s never too late to do the right thing.”

That’s what we call a rock-solid citizen!

Twins Times Three Fairbanks, Alaska, resident Merill Moses, 63, is in a slew of trouble. He was busted shoplifting a Betty Crocker cake mix and chocolate chip cookies from a grocery store. But, that’s not why he is in so much trouble. After all, many a hungry thief has gotten away with merely a slap on the wrist for similar petty crimes.

The problem for Mr. Moses is that he was drunk as a skunk when he took the items. “Why,” you wonder, “is that a problem?”

Well, Moses wasn’t on foot when he pilfered the items. He was driving a motorized shopping cart and threatened to run over employees who were trying to prevent him from stealing the groceries.

Once police arrived, he was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence. A motorized shopping cart reaches a maximum speed of 5 MPH. Perhaps an insanity plea is appropriate for Mr. Moses...and for everyone else involved in this incident.

Boy Returns Rock to Park Every mother can attest to the fact that kids love collecting things. My child asks the mailman for rubber bands every time he sees him. He also collects tags from clothes, paper airplanes, and what I call nicely, “junk.”

This story is about a boy who liked to collect rocks. The boy recently went with his family to Channel Islands Na-

Mom Karen Rodger of Scotland gave birth to twin girls Isla and Rowan on Wednesday. The girls have four older brothers: 14-year-old twins Lewis and Kyle and 12-year-old twins Finn and Jude.

Mazal tov, mazal tov! This is third set of twins for the family. The chances of having three sets of twins is 1 in 500,000.

Rodger, 41, found out at her sixweek CT scan that she was carrying another set of twins. She said she immediately texted the news to her husband, Colin. “He thought I was joking and immediately wrote back to say, ‘This is not funny.’ I had to explain that it really was true.”

I guess the idea of twins wasn’t so shocking that it was normal for her to reveal it via text message.

The mom of now six could hardly believe it herself. “How could that happen to me three times?”

Isla and Rowan were born two minutes apart by cesarean section on May 29th.

“They’ve been so helpful,” Rodger said of her boys. “I think they’ll be good brothers.”

Imagine that! Three pregnancies, six babies.

was in line to purchase lottery tickets in Publix on May 18 and tending to one of her two daughters when Mackenzie, 84, stepped in front of her. “My 10-yearold said, ‘Mom, There’s a lady in front of us.’ I noticed that the lady was there.

Didn’t pay a lot of mind to it,” Crandall said. The cashier stopped Mackenzie to allow Crandell to reclaim her spot in line. Crandell declined the offer and told Mackenzie, “Go ahead.” Mackenzie purchased one Quick Pick ticket and left the store.

Before it was revealed that the ticket was sold in the Publix of Zephyrhills, Crandell said family and friends began to joke that the lady she allowed to cut in line was going to win the mega jackpot. “The joke was, that’s the lady that’s going to win it. I was like, ‘Yeah right.

No one is going to win from little Zephyrhills,’” Crandell said.

When Mackenzie claimed the money on Wednesday, Crandell’s 10-yearold daughter, Mallory, immediately recognized her from Publix. “My daughter was like, ‘Mom, look at the lady,’” Crandell said. “Same day, same store. What are the chances of that happening?”

Woman to Lottery Winner: It’s Fine That you Cut in Line

When Gloria C. Mackenzie claimed her $590.5 million Powerball jackpot, she released a statement revealing that another woman “was kind enough” to allow her to cut in line when she purchased the winning ticket. That woman has been identified as Mindy Crandell, 34. Crandell says she is not upset that her charitable gesture likely cost her an enormous fortune and says “things are meant to be for a reason.”

Crandell, of Zephyrhills, Florida,

M

Continued on page 36

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u n e 2 0 , 2013

36

The Week Crandell holds no ill-will toward Mackenzie and hopes the money “truly blesses her family.” The one thing Crandell did gain from the incident was a lesson she hopes her daughters learned.

“It could have been us, but things happen. Sometimes it’s better to be patient than right. I knew we were teaching our daughter the right thing,” Crandell said.

The truth is that Crandell may not have been the one to win if she would have taken her rightful place in line.

The winning numbers are based on odds throughout the state and the person who would have won may not have in been in that store buying the winning ticket.

Mackenzie has not disclosed her plans for the money. She has opted for the lump sum cash payout of $370.8 million, before taxes, instead of 30 annual payments of $19 million, a lottery official said.

Couple Marries in IKEA I’ve bought many things in IKEA but this one takes the cake. Shirley

Stewart “bought” herself a husband in the store last week.

Shirley and Rashid Smith were married in the frame department at IKEA on Saturday. Eight years earlier, the couple met in the exact same spot inside the Elizabeth, New Jersey store.

In News take our photos there. But they loved the idea and said we should have the whole ceremony there.”

Shirley and Smith invited 20 of their closest friends, family, and coworkers to witness the ceremony.

I hope they picked up a frame for their wedding photo while they were there. Did the store include instructions for putting together the perfect marriage?

Doctors Save Infant’s Life Using Superglue In 2005, Shirley, 46, was shopping for home goods with her daughter when she met Smith, 46. Fast-forward two years later…the couple got engaged.

“We always figured that when we got married, we’d have some sort of ceremony at IKEA but I didn’t think the store would allow it,” said Shirley. “So I called them and asked if we could just

Brilliant doctors at the University of Kansas Hospital saved an infant’s life with a little help from superglue.

Ashlyn Julian was born on May 16; a few weeks later her parents noticed that their daughter changed drastically in the first few weeks of her life. They had trouble waking her to feed her and then Ashyln began screaming and vomiting. Her concerned parents rushed her

to the emergency room, where doctors discovered an aneurysm in Ashlyn’s brain. The baby was quickly transferred to the better equipped KU hospital.

By the time doctors at KU Hospital got to examine the baby, she had already experienced one bleed from the aneurysm, and before her surgery, she experienced a second. The standard treatment for brain aneurysms is to open the skull and operate, but in a newborn, the procedure is not a great option unless completely necessary.

In a race against time and with the baby’s life in grave danger, Dr. Koji Ebersole decided on a different course of action. Rather than opening Ashlyn’s skull and risking significant blood loss, Ebersole decided to close the aneurysm with special surgical superglue—a method previously utilized only on adults.

The procedure is minimally invasive and was just as successful.

Just one day after her aneurysm was eradicated, Ashlyn’s breathing tube was removed and she is recovering.

What a miracle!

Continued on page 40

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40 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u n e 2 0 , 2013

The Week Lost Ring Travels across the Country before being Returned A wedding ring lost in Chicago traveled 600 miles to Arkansas.

Steve Anderson, 63, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, was unloading packages in the warehouse of Applied Industrial Technologies when he noticed something odd about one of the boxes.

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The box came from an Illinois firm called Lovejoy which makes industrial parts and uses Applied Industrial Technologies as a distributor.

“On Monday I was unpacking our orders and I saw there was a ring in the wrapping of one of the boxes. At a second glance, I realized it was a wedding ring. The ring looked very expensive; it had several diamonds in it. And it looked like it was well worn, so I was sure somebody must have been looking for it,” Anderson said.

Using the return address, Anderson was able to track down the owner, Barbara Kasang Kasang, of Romeoville, Illinois, a suburb outside of Chicago, was grateful and relieved to hear that her ring had been found. She noticed her ring was missing on Monday and was searching for it when she received a phone call from Applied Industrial Technologies saying the ring was in a box she had shipped to them. “My heart was pounding when I lost it and pounding when he said we’ve found it,” Kasang said.

“It’s the first time something has happened like this at the warehouse.

But I’ve lost things before and had them returned to me. I always try to do what’s right. It felt good,” said Anderson.

The ring of kindness goes round and round.

A Vegetarian Bridezilla Bridezilla is a term used to refer to brides who think that the world revolves

In News around them because they are planning their wedding. They truly feel that all their friends, family, and acquaintances need to drop everything and run to their side.

Well, this bride took Bridezilla to a whole new level.

Rainbeau Mars is an actress, yoga instructor, and health guru and she is dictating to her guests exactly what they should be eating not just at her wedding but in the three weeks leading up to her big day. She has requested that her guests “try out a vegan, and subsequently live food diet for 21 days” before her upcoming Kauai wedding. Her reasoning behind it is that this way, according to the media, “everyone will look and feel their best for HER big day.”

Mars claims that that’s not exactly what she said and that the story was twisted by the media. She came to her own defense on Facebook, saying, “The story was twisted and I never ‘demanded’ anything as such. We were intending to include everyone with an invitation to what is supposed to be a healing and purifying ceremony for all,” she wrote.

“We did invite people to join us for the cleanse that my fiancé and I are doing in preparation for our sacred events. Some guests are joining us along with the other people that do this with us around the world and others are not. It’s all good.”

Umm, only eating peas and carrots for the next three weeks? That will for sure turn you into a Bridezilla—even if you’re not getting married!

Man Sells Wife’s Diamond Ring at Garage Sale for $10 This is one expensive mistake…

Eric Cloutier of Laguna Niguel, California, thought the box he found in the closet was empty so he sold it for $10 at a garage sale on June 1. Little did he know that his wife’s diamond wedding ring, appraised at $23,000, was inside.

“Every year our community holds a garage sale. I was in the hospital. I just had a baby, so my husband thought it would be fun for my other kids if they could sell some things at the garage sale,” said Racquel Cloutier, 31.

Eric gathered some things he thought the family no longer needed including an “empty” watch box and headed to the sale with his kids in tow.

“He didn’t know that before I went to the hospital, I put my ring in that box. I

wanted the ring to be in a safe place and out of reach from my 2-year-old twins,” Cloutier recounted.

When Racquel returned home from the hospital on June 5, she immediately noticed that the box with her ring in it was missing. “I go into my husband’s closet, can’t find the box, and then he tells me he sold it. I said, ‘You sold it?

What do you mean you sold it?’ I immediately started crying,” she said.

“I’m very, very, very upset,” Cloutier continued. “I’m trying to remain optimistic but I don’t know anymore.

There’s a small chance whoever bought the box doesn’t know the ring is in there.”

According to Eric, the ring was carelessly purchased by a blonde woman who was at first unsure if she would even buy the watch box. Racquel is still hopeful the ring will be returned. “I would never, ever keep the ring if I had found it. If you’re honest, you’re honest. Clearly, the ring was in the box by accident.”

As for her husband, “He feels really terrible,” she said.

I sure hope the buyer returns the ring; that would be the perfect gift for delivering their newest addition.

undred miles R 106

Heels of Gold Designer Alberto Moretti created something truly unique: the first wearable heels made of 24 karat gold. But the designer shoes leave us questioning: are these shoes made for walking?

According to the brand’s Facebook page, the shoes were created in collaboration with HORO, a brand that has also made gold leaf T-shirts. The footwear will be available for purchase exclusively at five places around the world: Barneys in New York, Fred Segal in L.A., The Swank in Hong Kong, Level Shoe District in Dubai, and Harrods in London. Prices start at $2,650.

The shoe has a simple design and the company also created loafers for men.

“Both models are simple with essential lines, the importance of the material that covers the entire surface of the shoe makes it unnecessary to any kind of decoration,” the brand said in a statement.

With a price tag like that, they better match your entire wardrobe.

In News Singing on the Runway The most powerful tool during a stressful situation is a sense of humor.

Allegiant Air passengers who were stuck for hours on the tarmac in the 110-degree Vegas sun this weekend

battled the tension by bursting out into a spontaneous sing-a-long to a famous song called “I Believe I Can Fly.” The entire incident was, of course, captured on camera and posted on YouTube. By Tuesday, it had over 1 million views.

Allegiant Airlines spokesman Bri-

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u n e 2 0 , 2013

The Week

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u n e 2 0 , 2013

42

The Week an Davis told NBC News that the plane didn’t have any air conditioning running during the 2 hours and 40 minutes the flight was delayed due to mechanical difficulties. The plane did have air conditioning at the gate and after takeoff, but not during taxiing.

One passenger said he saw a passenger vomit from nausea and two pass out on the floor from the heat. Passengers took turns in groups of three and four fanning elderly passengers on blood pressure medication who complained of nausea. The airline passed out only small bags of ice and didn’t serve water until the plane was in the air. Passengers were told that the flight could be further delayed if the crew distributed beverages.

But the airline insists that water and other beverages were handed out to passengers numerous times during the ordeal. Additionally, the company says that when the passengers deplaned from the first plane to switch to another plane, a snack table with soda, water and food was provided.

Passengers were offered a $100 voucher but many say they don’t plan on flying the airline in the future. I wouldn’t either if I had to sing for my supper.

Cheap Pasta Dish during Recession Earns Chef Award Giorgio Nava, an Italian chef based in South Africa, won the World Pasta Championship in the Italian city of Parma on Saturday.

His low-cost recipe that he said was appropriate in Italy’s deep economic crisis earned him the award. The dish was simple but delicious. The jury sampled the cavatelli (small pasta shells) with broccoli and oregano flowers.

“Simplicity was the key. I presented a recipe that is very cheap but very tasty,” Nava told Reuters after his victory. “Others competed with expensive fish-based recipes but right now, given the economic situation in Italy, it did not seem right to come forward with extravagant dishes.”

The two-day pasta championship which is in its second year was held at the Barilla Food Academy in Parma.

Parma is considered Italy’s food capital and best-known for Parmesan cheese.

There were 24 chefs competing for the award. Last year’s award went to

In News Japanese chef Yoshi Yamada. Participants were given 40 minutes to complete their dish in the first round of the championship on Friday and only 30 minutes during the final on Saturday.

“My dish is something easy to make, anyone can cook it a home,” said Nava.

“After all, simple things are often the best.”

Pasta with broccoli: sounds simple enough.

Precious Lincoln Document Found Retiring President James Douthat of Lycoming College was cleaning out a closet in his office last week when he stumbled across a rather uncommon historical document that had been lost for years.

It was a certificate signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 that named the college’s founder a Civil War chaplain.

The certificate, that’s still in good condition, was displayed inside a slightly-worn, black frame. Lincoln’s neat signature is clearly visible, just above

an ornate, patriotic-themed imprint at the bottom of the commission certificate for Methodist clergy Benjamin Crever.

“In the back of my mind, I remember hearing about it,” Douthat said. But he never went looking for it and didn’t know what it looked like. “I assume it was in the top of the closet 24 years ago.

I had never seen it.”

College officials say they always knew they had it in their possession they just didn’t know its exact location. “It was [initially] discovered a while ago,” associate dean and library director Janet McNeil Hurlbert said in her office as she proudly displayed the document on a table. “And then it got ... put someplace else for a while.”

A preliminary appraisal has valued the certificate at more than $6,000.

Until the school decides where to permanently place the document, it will be kept in the college archives in the basement of the library.

But one thing is for sure, “We will know exactly where it will be from now on,” McNeil Hurlbert said.

NEWS

Community

At the Breakfast to Benefit the Children of Shuvu in Woodmere at the home of Moshe and Chaim Schmell on June 9th and in Far Rockaway at the home of Yaakov and Aliza Safier on June 16th

43 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u n e 2 0 , 2013

Around the

LOCAL

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u n e 2 0 , 2013

44

Around the

LOCAL NEWS

Community

The OHEL and Rambam Chavrusah Program

By Rabbi Hillel Goldman, Assistant Prinicipal Rambam Mesivta The scene is Rambam Mesivta on a Wednesday night.

I walk into the Bais Medrash and I see a junior, surrounded by Rambam students and strangers who have become friends, and he is giving shiur.

Only 20 minutes ago he was sitting in my English class. He was a student, diligently taking notes, raising his hand, asking questions and delivering answers. He was what you would hope any 17-year-old boy could be.

Now I see him and he is a leader of men.

He sits at the head of the table, not because he demanded it or sought it out, but because it is where he was ushered.

In front of him is a Chumash and he is encircled by his fellow Rambam students and his OHEL Bais Ezra chavrusahs. Everyone is smiling. Everyone is learning. And everyone feels the energy and the impact of what can happen when two like-minded groups refuse to see disabilities or difference and only see potential.

The OHEL and Rambam Chavrusah Program began three years ago, thanks to the assistance of Jennifer Gruenfeld, OHEL Volunteers Coordinator, with the

humble idea that it would be nice for the boys at Rambam to learn with the individuals from OHEL Bais Ezra’s many programs for those challenged by developmental disabilities.

What happened instead was a transformative experience that has resulted in friendships being made, barriers being broken, and meaningful Torah being studied shared. When I see the men from OHEL come into Rambam, their faces light up as they run to hug their Rambam chavrusahs.

The OHEL advisers tell me that the individuals from OHEL “look forward to learning at Rambam all week and they talk about it all week.” I know our guys feel the same way.

Every week, led by Sam Cohen and Yehuda Moskovits, two juniors at Rambam, the OHEL/Rambam Chavrusah regulars, Moshe Blank, Michael Benzakein, Sam Goldstein, Gavriel Lazari, Netanel Muskat, and Phillip Nagler, eagerly wait by the front entrance of Rambam to welcome their chavrusahs. “It

was a great experience for us as well as the OHEL guys. We couldn’t have done it without all of the guys who were willing to show up every week and learn,” explained Sam Cohen. Yehuda Moskovits noted, “I had so much fun getting to know all of the guys at OHEL and learning about the parsha with them every

week. It truly was an incredible experience and I can’t wait for next year.”

The culmination of this year’s learning program was a BBQ at my parents’ home in Lawrence. Rosh Mesivta of Rambam, Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, and I shared words of Torah, and delicious burgers, hot dogs, watermelon, and dessert were enjoyed by all. Mrs. Laurie Szenicer, Senior Development Coordinator for OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services, made a point of stopping by and letting the Rambam talmidim know how appreciated their time and efforts have been and what an impact they have made on the lives of the OHEL individuals.

I can see it now…next year, there is a freshman at Rambam. He has no experience with people with disabilities.

He has heard the announcements about the OHEL/Rambam Chavrusah Program from Sam and Yehuda but he doesn’t think it is for him.

The first night of the program, he walks by the Beis Medrash just to take a look. He sees warm, smiling faces and the echoes of the learning reverberate into his soul. Two learners approach him. One is from OHEL, one is from Rambam. They have their arms around one another. They invite him in. He doesn’t even hesitate as he enters not just a room, but another world where the word “different” no longer has meaning and a connection, friendship, and words of Torah are all that matter. In time, he will be the one inviting others into the room…

NEWS

45

Community Photo Credits: Tsemach Glenn

photos by tsemach glenn

At the Mesivta Chaim Shlomo Graduation

HANC Takes a Trip through U.S. and Jewish History The fifth graders at HANC’s Samuel & Elizabeth Bass Golding Elementary School in West Hempstead had a wonderful time on their trip to Philadelphia! The students have been studying American history in class, and the trip gave them an opportunity to visit some of the places they learned about.

The students visited the Liberty Bell, the very room where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed, and had a wonderful time on a horse and buggy ride around the historical district. The students also visited Mikveh Israel Synagogue, the oldest continuing congregation in America. The students davened Mincha at Mikveh Israel Synagogue and saw beautiful Torah crowns and breastplates made by famous Jew-

ish silversmith, Myer Myers, a contemporary of Paul Revere. The students attended a live performance at the Constitution Center where they also used many interactive games and ended their visit in the “Signers’ Gallery” in which the students saw life-size bronze statues of Ben Franklin and the signatories of the Constitution. The trip was a wonderful way to culminate the students’ study of American history!

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u n e 2 0 , 2013

Around the

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‫בס‘ד‬

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STRIVING FOR SOMETHING GREATER.

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Around the Community Rabbi Yaakov Bender and Rabbi Hillel Weinberg to Address Flatbush Shiva Asar B’Tammuz Program The Annual Flatbush Shiva Asar B’Tammuz Kinus organized by Torah Connections will take place at Merkaz Hasimcha, 1898 Bay Avenue (between East 18th Street and Avenue M) on Tuesday, June 25th.

Both Rabbi Yaakov Bender, Rosh Hayeshiva of the Yeshiva Darchei Torah, and Rabbi Hillel Weinberg, Rosh Hayeshiva of Aish HaTorah in Yerusha-

Early Intervention Services For children birth - 3 years with special needs.

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layim, will speak on the topic of “When Brothers Don’t Get Along.”

The program will begin with Mincha at 6:30 P.M. and the first lecture of chizuk will begin at 7 P.M. The Flatbush Shiva Asar B’Tammuz Kinus will conclude with Maariv. Admission is $10 per person or $30 maximum for a family. For more details, please call Torah Connections at (718) 998-5823.

BBY Superior Education and Daily Doses of Inspirations

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For more information about CHALLENGE call:

718.851.3300

Bnos Bais Yaakov provides constant infusions of inspiration for its students in the form of dynamic guest speakers and special programming. Recently, grades 5-8 had a powerful Yom Iyun about tzadikim and the way that Torah shapes their lives and their every action. Mrs. Faygie Bokow, our very own Bracha Leah’s mother, gave the girls an up-close portrayal of her zaydie, Reb Moshe Feinstein, zt”l. Mrs. Bokow shared her recollections of the consideration and kindness that Reb Moshe always displayed – even to the youngest members of the family. She emotionally recalled that as a little girl she had once helped Reb Moshe put in his eye drops. Rebbetzin Feinstein entered the room and asked Reb Moshe why he was taking a second dose of eye drops – he had already taken his daily dose! Reb Moshe responded that he did not want to make his ainekel feel bad. She wanted to help her zaydie, so he let her do just that. The girls understood that it can be small things that create big moments.

Mrs. Myrna Weinberger had numerous personal stories to share with the girls about the tzadikim that she and her husband, Rabbi Moshe Weinberger, have encountered, as well as tzadikim of the past. But even as she shared the stories of their gadlus, she stressed to the girls that yichus begins with each individual. While it is special to be the descendant of a gadol, we each have the ability to reach greatness on our own.

To wind up the program, a video presentation, put out by Bais Medrash Gavoha, was shown to the girls. A song with hauntingly beautiful lyrics by Rabbi Ephraim Wachsman was the background for the visual demonstration of mesiras nefesh for Torah throughout the ages.

More recently, grades 5-7 heard from a most impressive and amazing woman, Mrs. Charlene Aminoff. Mrs. Aminoff, who resides in Great Neck, had a dramatic story to tell. A number of years ago when she and her family were vacationing in Florida, her little daughter was found floating in the pool, unresponsive. As her husband, a Hatzalah volunteer, frantically worked on her child, Mrs. Aminoff grabbed a shawl that was lying nearby and wrapped it over her hair. She spoke from the depth of her anguish to Hashem saying, “If You save my daughter, I will take on the mitzvah of covering my hair from now on.” B”H, Mrs. Aminoff’s daughter is now a healthy little girl with no ill effects from her near-death experience.

Needless to say, Mrs. Aminoff has embraced the mitzvah of kisuy rosh.

Mrs. Aminoff has started a business called Gali Wigs through which she sells shaitels at cost. She is determined to make this mitzvah affordable and palatable to all women. Along with her cutting and styling, she shares mega-doses of inspirational stories and chizuk to her clients – many of whom are covering their hair for the very first time.

The girls were utterly fascinated by Mrs. Aminoff’s story. They surrounded her at the end of her talk and plied her with questions. This is the first time that Mrs. Aminoff has ever spoken to young girls. Her speeches are usually tailored to more mature audiences.

Although she was initially hesitant to speak to junior high school girls, when she saw how enthusiastic and interested the BBY girls were she stated that she would do the same for other schools. *Special thanks to Morah Suri Weingot for arranging these meaningful events.

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Around the

LOCAL NEWS

Community

HANC Student One of Six Finalists in National Essay Contest

“Hadran Alach Tefilat Hashachar,” these words were said with a sense of great accomplishment by the 7th and 8th grade boys of HAFTR Middle School at their siyum for completing the fourth perek of gemara Berachot.

Each of the students in this honors class demonstrated their mastery of the perek by successfully completing a rigorous written and oral exam. Pictured with the talmidim is their rebbe, Rabbi Judah Hulkower, and their menahel, Rabbi Dovid Kupchik.

Eighth grade student will be honored at June reception in New York City

On Thursday, the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County Middle School announced that Mottie Geller, 13, of Bellmore, NY, was selected as one of six finalists in the 22nd Annual Kaplun Essay Contest. Essays were submitted on the topic: What person of importance to the Jewish people, biblical, historical, or contemporary, would you like to meet and why?

Geller’s essay focused on Dr. Jonas Salk who developed the polio vaccine.

Geller said, “It is an honor to be chosen as a finalist in the Kaplun Essay Contest. I wrote about wanting to meet Dr. Salk because of his significant scientific achievements and his determination to make a difference in this world.”

Geller is one of six finalists in the Level I (grades7 8, 9) group. There were also six Level II finalists (grades 10, 11, 12). Of the twelve, he is the only student from New York.

Geller is an honors student and a member of the Middle School hockey team. This is not the first time he has been recognized for his writing. This past winter, he was a semi-finalist in the nationwide “Dear Mr. President” contest, sponsored by Rand McNally, in which he corresponded with President Obama about an issue he would like to see addressed, energy independence.

DRS Faculty Wins Prestigious Awards For the third straight year, a DRS faculty member has been awarded the prestigious Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education.

DRS congratulates ninth grade Rebbe, Rabbi Dani Cooper, on receiving this distinguished honor. Over his six years in DRS, Rabbi Cooper has become an immensely popular rebbe, mostly due to his incredibly warm personality, as well as his energetic and enthusiastic approach to teaching. Rabbi Cooper is known throughout DRS as an expert on inculcating modern day technology into his exciting gemara and halacha lessons, while constantly pushing the envelope in his teaching approach to create an educational experience that is relevant to high school students. A highlight of Rabbi Cooper’s shiur every year is the online “Chavruta” program he has helped facilitate, which pairs his students with contemporaries across the country in YULA High School in Los Angeles to study Torah topics together and share perspectives.

Not only is he well-respected by his

peers, but he is also regularly consulted by fellow faculty members on best practices in pedagogy as well as technology integration, and he leads by example, modeling his practice for any colleague who would like to observe.

Rabbi Cooper is a scholar, an expert teacher, and a skilled relationship builder whose love for his students shines through in all that he does. The Grinspoon-Steindhart awards are designed to recognize teachers in communities across North America who have made a unique commitment to the field of Jewish education, and Rabbi Cooper’s honor is certainly well deserved.

DRS congratulates Mr. Doni Joszef on his selection as one of this year’s “36 under 36” list by the Jewish Week.

Each year, The Jewish Week’s “36 Under 36” section has honored young people who have made great contributions to the Jewish community and life.

Doni, a graduate of DRS, now serves as

a member of our school’s guidance department. As soon as he joined our guidance team two years ago, he proved to be a tremendous asset to the yeshiva. As a licensed social worker, Doni uses his both his vast knowledge of his field, along with his charming personality, to connect to our students. He initiated “The Positive Project,” a unique anti-bullying program using video and print media to address bullying among students. Doni has an incredibly insightful and keen mind, which allows him to easily get to the root of any issue that a student may be having, and his warm and humorous demeanor cause students to gravitate towards him. His superb writing skills are featured on his blog, Deficit of Attention, and regularly in the local Five Town Jewish Times where he discusses his thoughts on various issues confronting our community. He recently began studying in an online doctoral program in media psychology at Fielding University.

NEWS

Community

Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island Commemorates May 1939 How does one teach the Holocaust survivors or rescuers. Two members to children so that they are aware but of Grade 7, Avi Herskowitz and Shai not scared? How can we strengthen the Silverstein, spoke about Oscar Shindler resolve of our students to and Albert Goering, two “never forget”? How can rescuers. students learn about these The highlight of the trying times and use this program was a guest lecexposure to strengthen their ture by Marion Blumenthal faith?

Lazan, a Holocaust surviMemory Day, a vor – a child herself at the multi-media exhibition and time – who spoke to the program which General boys in grades five through Studies Director Larissa eight.

Steele organized at YKLI, is Author of the book one answer. The day incorFour Perfect Pebbles, Mrs. Marion Blumenthal Lazan, Holocaust survivor porated displays of student Lazan shared the horror art and work, demonstrating creativity of her trip from one camp to another and sensitivity, all the while coming to without sufficient food, water or sangrips with the reality of the events and itary conditions. She told of the daily the resilience of the human spirit. Stu- struggle for food (a piece of bread once dents participated by creating a mem- a week and watery “soup”), freezing in ory quilt, drawing family trees, identi- the unheated wooden barrack at Bergen fying community “heroes,” collecting Belsen behind the threatening miles of photos of Holocaust survivors, finding the electrified barbed wire, and how examples of mesiras nefesh (self-sacri- dehumanized they felt living in a camp fice), painting canvasses on Holocaust that held 6 times its capacity of people.

An elegant and articulate speaker, themes, researching and writing about

Mrs. Lazan shared with the boys her methods for surviving: She played mind games such as searching for four perfectly matched pebbles (one for each member of her family) as a segula that each member would survive. She imagined the sunlight which reflected on a piece of broken glass was her “friend”—a friend that would never succumb to the horror of brutality or illness.

Against a backdrop of original art Holocaust painted by the boys, Mrs. Lazan recounted her family’s story. Even as a child she knew what was at stake in this life-threatening situation; when she was scalded with boiling water, she knew that even a whimper let alone a yelp would mean certain death for her family, and she remained stoically silent.

Mrs. Lazar lessons were poignant.

By the time she was liberated, she weighed only 35 pounds and her mother 60 pounds. Throw away food? Never!

Complain about being “bored”? Not at all! And there is no such thing as a

“bad day” – not now! Be tolerant and respectful of each other. And the most important thing of all is hope, to have something to hold onto no matter how bleak and terrible things appear.

This Memory Day spoke to the hearts of the students; now they will be truly grateful for all the bracha and siyata dishmaya that we all have.

TJH congratulates

Michael Fragin and Alex Edelman

Election results:

on being elected Village of Michael Fragin: 758 votes Lawrence Trustees. Alex Edelman: 567 votes We wish much them success and may David Seidemann: 558 votes they serve the community well.

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LOCAL

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Around the

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Community

At the Chasunah and Sheva Brachos of the Sulitzer Rav of Far Rockaway

Rabbi Josh Joseph of Lawrence, NY, Appointed Senior Vice President of Yeshiva University President Richard M. Joel has appointed Rabbi Josh Joseph as senior vice president of Yeshiva University. In addition to his current responsibilities as chief of staff, Joseph will launch the next phase in the University’s strategic planning process and guide its university-wide implementation. He will also work to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of various departments around the University, developing col-

laboration opportunities and proper partnerships between and among faculty, administration, staff, students and trustees.

“Rabbi Joseph will, together with the senior vice president for academic affairs, have operating responsibility for the administrative and academic aspects of the University,” said President Joel. “As those of you who know Rabbi Joseph can attest, he has brought dedication, energy, professionalism and passion to all he has undertaken. Together

with all our colleagues, his skills will be essential in advancing the story of Yeshiva University.”

“I am grateful to work alongside President Joel and our incredible team of colleagues here at Yeshiva,” said Joseph. “In my newly expanded role, I look forward to playing a part in developing this institution in creative and constructive ways.”

A native of Montreal, Joseph worked on Wall Street for several years and as a community rabbi. He completed his undergraduate degree, majoring in diplomatic history, with honors at the

University of Pennsylvania, received his rabbinic ordination from YU-affiliated Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary while simultaneously completing a master’s in Jewish philosophy at YU’s Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies. Joseph had previously served YU vice president, and before that as director of special projects for YU’s Center for the Jewish Future.

He resides in Lawrence, NY, with his wife Julie and their three children, Zach, Ozzie and Marsha.

Peninsula Public Library Board Appoints Samuel Francis to Serve as Trustee On Thursday evening, Samuel Francis, who won election to the PPL Board of Trustees on May 21st, was appointed to the Library board. Although Samuel’s term officially starts in July, he was appointed immediately to fill the vacancy left on the board by the passing of former trustee, Joel Shiff.

Samuel Francis, 29, is an attorney and CPA experienced in corporate, litigation, audit and tax matters, focusing his practice on investment management at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. Sam also advises various not-for-profit organizations throughout New York and has worked with a number of synagogues in the community. A frequent patron of libraries, he has researched and published journal articles on a range of topics. Sam and his family have lived in Cedarhurst for more than 5 years and his wife, Aviva, was born and raised in Lawrence just a few blocks from the library. While at Fordham

Law School together, they co-founded Fordham PALS (Parents Attending Law School) to provide support for fellow students with children.

Samuel commented, “Even in the Internet age, the Library is in many ways more critical than ever. It serves people of all ages and backgrounds, offering free access to books, videos and computers. The Library is one of the few remaining quiet places, free of distractions, where one can focus and concentrate. We and our children are encouraged to read, learn and participate in a variety of cultural and educational programs. While online search engines spit out millions of results, our librarians can give you a single, correct and unbiased answer. The Library can serve as a center of our vibrant community to hold meetings, study groups and special events.

“That said, particularly in these uncertain economic times, it is imperative

that our taxpayer dollars to the Library are being spent wisely. I will work together with the other trustees to operate within responsible budgets while maintaining financial transparency. We need to modernize the Library and integrate new technologies, including expanding our offering of e-books and online resources. We are all aware of the inadequacies of the current building and I am determined to move forward with the ongoing efforts to find the Library

a new home. I believe that I bring a unique perspective and qualifications to the board and look forward to representing all constituents of the district in the coming years.”

Fellow trustees Joe Fuller, Jeff Leb, Joan Lepelstat and Sarah Yastrab join the Library and staff in welcoming Sam to the board and look forward to working with him to benefit the Library and the community.

NEWS

Community Kulanu Academy Graduating Class of 2013

It is a bittersweet goodbye to the students of Kulanu Academy who are moving on this month. Several of our students are college-bound, others are moving onto adult day services, and one

student is headed to Israel for a year of study. Congratulations to our graduates!

We wish them much success in their future endeavors.

Rabbi Baruch Ber Bender, Founder and CEO of Achiezer, spoke to HAFTR’s 8th grade students about the chessed they did after Hurricane Sandy. He inspired the students explaining the importance of doing chessed not only in times of tragedy, and rather than waiting for a crisis, to be proactive in their good deeds.

Virtual Learning at Yeshiva Har Torah For the second straight year, Rabbi Ahron Rosenthal hosted an online review for the seventh and eighth grader gemara class. Combining Torah and technology for the tech-savvy generation created a buzz amongst the students in school as they anxiously awaited the date of the “On-line Review.” The seventh and eighth graders have been hard at work studying and preparing for finals and were thrilled at the opportunity to use their iPads and computers for a different mode of learning. The stu-

dents joined the virtual meeting room online at 8:45pm and were able to see, hear and speak to each other. The virtual meeting room allowed the gemara to be displayed for reference and provide the students with a virtual classroom feel.

Over an hour was spent together online in the virtual meeting room learning and preparing for the final. The buzz continued into the next day as well, as the students reminisced about having class late at night, relaxing at home and learning Torah, all in the virtual world.

Top Row (Left to Right): Jack A., Josh Z., Josh W. Bottom Row (Left to Right): Abie A., Melissa S., Max D., Bayla B. Camera shy: Isaac H.

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Around the

LOCAL NEWS

Community

Charity Basketball Tournament to Support the Priority-1 Teacher Training Institute On Thursday night, June 27, top Jewish athletes will compete in a 5-on5 basketball tournament at the Aviator Sports Center. Eight all-star teams from Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Five Towns will battle for the championship crown and $500 cash prize. The tournament will feature eight of the top basketball teams from the New York area. Several of the teams have won league championships in the various Jewish sports leagues, which are ongoing throughout the year. All proceeds from this exciting event will be donated to the Priority-1 Teacher Training Institute, a dynamic program which provides young men with the training and guidance necessary to become expert rebbeim and leaders of the Jewish community. This program, which is based in Bayswater, NY, is focused on giving young men the tools necessary to be expert mechanchim, by providing special training courses. The goal is to teach techniques beyond the standard classroom management and discipline

methods taught elsewhere, to teach skills in detecting issues and challenges before they spiral out of control. The program also provides the training and experience to understand the issues and be able to address them through early intervention with students, families and schools. Today, there are rebbeim teaching in yeshivos around the country that have been a part of this program and are making a difference in guiding the next generation of young students to a successful education.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Sponsors will be prominently advertised in Jewish newspapers across the NY metropolitan areas, as well as in signs at the event, and via email to thousands of Jewish families and businesses in NY and nationally.

For more information about this unique competition, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please call Effie Hoffman at 818-984-9969 or email jdivisionhead@gmail.com.

OHEL Bais Ezra Hewlett Resident Celebrates her Siyum

Darchei’s Preschool Ends the Year with Song and Dance

Donna Schapiro, a resident of OHEL Bais Ezra’s Hewlett residence, had much to celebrate this week as she finished studying the Jewish book of Tehilim in its entirety.

On Monday, June 17th, the women from Bais Ezra’s Hewlett home gathered for a celebration in honor of Donna’s hard work. There was excitement, enthusiasm, and a celebratory barbeque. Donna took copious notes of her learning schedule, which would make even an advanced student jealous.

Jennifer Pollack, who learns with Donna, said about her, “She is a creative soul, who loves and appreciates art, cal-

ligraphy, and poetry. Her neshama loves to sing, and to soar and to learn.” She said that Donna loves to bake and share with her friends.

In honor of Donna’s siyum, she was presented with a certificate of achievement, as well as a book about Europe, because of her love of traveling. She was also given a special women’s English and Hebrew siddur, in honor of her finishing Tehillim.

For more information about OHEL and their many services which you can benefit from, please contact OHEL today at 1800-603-OHEL, askohel@ohelfamily.org or www.ohelfamily.org.

NEWS

Community

The Night Joan Rivers Couldn’t Be There How the Five Towns Community Rallied Together for Tzedaka and Chesed

By Malky Lowinger It’s a chilly and rainy Tuesday morning, but that doesn’t serve to dampen the spirits of the coordinators of Couture For A Cause (CFAC) at all. They are busy setting up for the event of the year, the evening’s fashion show/fundraiser. Their motto, appropriately, is “We Put the Fun in Fundraising!” And nothing could stop them from enjoying every minute of that wonderful day.

Well, almost nothing. This year’s event was to be hosted by the very fashionable and also very funny Joan Rivers, whose very presence would lend an aura of glamour to the evening. While CFAC had arranged successful fashion shows before, this was the first time an icon of such celebrity status would have graced their stage.

So when Joan’s publicist called Michal Weinstein, founder and co-chair of CFAC, that fateful morning, her heart skipped a beat. What could she possibly be calling about now? According to Michal, “She said she’s so sorry, but Joan’s sister had passed away and she would need to attend the funeral. Due to these unfortunate and unforeseen circumstances, Joan would have to cancel.”

Says Michal, “It was like a nightmare.

We were all in shock.”

It was a watershed moment for CFAC, an instant in time that would prove their ability to face challenges and overcome setbacks. “To postpone the event was never an option,” says Michal. “It was always going to be that the show must go on.”

In a last minute attempt to find a replacement, Ivana Trump and Isaac Mizrahi were considered. But it was too late in the game to enlist either of them, and the only celebrities available just didn’t measure up to Michal’s standards. “There was no way we were going to cheapen the event by inviting a housewife from a reality show or a B-level celebrity. If it wasn’t going to be someone with class, we would go without.”

And “go without” they did. But the real story of Tuesday evening had nothing to do with Joan Rivers. And her absence may indeed have been a blessing

in disguise. Because it allowed a unified and charitable community to show its true colors. The women of the Five Towns stepped up to the plate in a very impressive way.

Rarely does a tzedaka event generate such a powerful desire to give, to volunteer, and to donate.

Virtually everyone who was involved in this production, from photography to raffle prizes, from modeling to hairstyling, was volunteering their time and expertise. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” says Breezy Schwartz, who co-chairs CFAC and heads the raffle committee. “I’m involved in a lot of tzedaka organizations, but never have so many offered to donate their time and their resources. Every one of the raffle prizes, and there were 170 of them, was donated. People were literally throwing stuff at us.”

Prizes included such out-of-the-box selections as a Toto toilet installed, a box suite at Barclay Stadium, and a glamorous purple chair covered in Swarovski crystal. And when the call came out seeking volunteers for the event itself,

there was an overwhelming response.

“Total strangers,” says Breezy, “were calling and emailing me, asking what they could do to help.”

For Adina, helping meant overcoming her shyness to model Raquel’s stunning gowns on the CFAC runway.

“When Michal asked me to model,” Adina says, “I was flattered at first. But then I thought, ‘You know, maybe this really isn’t my thing,’ as I am kind of an insecure person. And, of course, when I saw the runway and the lights that’s when I

really freaked.”

Nevertheless, Adina remained committed. She enjoyed choosing her gowns and having them fitted. “Raquel is such a sweetheart,” she says. “She let us pick the gowns we loved and she was very involved in the process.” Models were instructed to wear a neutral color nail polish and to bring their own shoes and jewelry to the fittings.

Ultimately, Adina overcame her stage fright (“A sip of wine before the show definitely helped!”) and performed flawlessly.

With the encouragement and cheers of an enthusiastic audience, she and her fellow models strutted down the walkway and put on a first class show.

People texted her afterwards, complimenting her on her poise. Even Adina’s mom, who was sitting in the audience, was bursting with pride. To Adina, the entire experience proved that there are many different ways to do chesed. “If they would ask me to do it again,” she says, “I would agree in a minute.”

Also in the audience that night was Devorah Schochet. Devorah had plenty of reasons to be proud last Tuesday night, not the least of which was the fact that her lovely 13-year-old daughter Sabrina was a model. But there’s more to her story than that.

Only recently, Devorah was a successful Manhattan corporate businesswoman with a beautiful family and a wonderful life. But a few months ago, her world turned upside down. Her house was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. She lost her job. Her daughter underwent major surgery. And, the biggest blow of all? She discovered that she suffers from ALS, a neuro-degenerative disease.

You wouldn’t know it. Devorah’s indomitable spirit amazes everyone and she is determined to stay active and vibrant. Her blog, Shirat Devorah, is a tremendous inspiration. Her friends established a tzedaka fund to help pay her formidable medical expenses as well as to rebuild her home and make it wheelchair accessible.

What with everything that is going on in her life, Devorah is grateful. In an email to The Jewish Home, Devorah

photo credit jerry meyer studio

writes, “CFAC was a magnificent event.

I am in awe of the job the committee did.

When they approached me about raising money for the Shirat Devorah Foundation I was overwhelmed. The fact that they were sold out six weeks before the actual event is a testament to the causes and to the amazing women running the event.”

Devorah wouldn’t have missed Tuesday evening for anything. The highlight of the night was the moment Sabrina appeared on the runway wearing a beautiful orange and beige Zoe dress. “She has had many challenges in her young life,” Devorah writes, “but they have never broken her spirit. I was so proud to see her up there.”

The evening’s proceeds were also allocated to Renewal, an organization dedicated to assisting people with kidney disease and facilitating kidney transplants for donors and recipients. Sharon, who co-chaired the CFAC event, revealed that she is herself a kidney donor, adding that she is no more remarkable than anyone else for doing it, as if there was nothing extraordinary at all about saving someone’s life. In an evening dedicated to chesed, Sharon represented the ultimate chesed.

So in the end, the event wasn’t really about Joan Rivers after all. It was about a community that recognizes its responsibility to be there for each other.

It was about chesed of every type being performed on every level. Even the ticket holders showed integrity of spirit.

On Tuesday afternoon, CFAC offered a refund to anyone who wished to cancel because Joan wouldn’t appear, but only a tiny handful of the 450 ticket holders took her up on it. “Not only that,” Michal adds, “but we got lots of calls from people who were begging us to sell them those extra tickets.”

Ultimately, it was the tzedaka and not the celebrity that made this evening so special. Says Breezy, “The achdus was unbelievably moving. It was so personal and so real. It really reminded you of what being Jewish and being a community is all about.”

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HANC High School Recognizes Student Accomplishments at Closing Ceremony “The school that builds character” is not only the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County’s motto, it is ingrained in its foundation. HANC High School proudly honored students who personified this mission throughout the year in a final ceremony on Tuesday, June 10, 2013.

HANC’s ninth through eleventh grade students filled the school’s auditorium surrounded by encouraging faculty and staff members. Students were warmly welcomed to the ceremony with a video montage prepared by the MSG Varsity committee, which displayed a year of kindness, compassion and friendship.

During the ceremony, HANC surprised students by inaugurating a set of awards recognizing outstanding academic achievement, perseverance, and service to the school and the community. Recipients were nominated and voted on by faculty.

The following awards were present-

ed by Principal Rabbi Shlomo Adelman and Assistant Principal Ms. Tziporah Zucker. These awards will be permanently showcased in HANC’s hallways: Rav Avraham Yitzchak Kook Passion for Education Award - Jared Djourabchi; Nechama Leibowitz Passion for Education Award- Kayla Plutzer; Rabbi Meyer and Rebbetzin Goldie Fendel Determination and Perseverance Award – Charlotte Bassalian and Yitzchak Masturov; Rabbi Moshe & Rebbetzin Sandra Gottesman Chesed Award ­– Jeremy Mlotok and Jenna Kessler; Golda Meir Community & School Spirit Award – Leora Weiss; Natan Sharansky Community & School Spirit Award – Max Kahn In addition to the featured awards, several other presentations were made at the Closing Ceremony. This past April, the Boy’s Torah Bowl Team won the championship for HANC, a noteworthy accomplishment that showed

the students’ intellectual prowess and devotion to learning Torah. In recognition of this victory, each team member was presented with a sefer by the team’s coach, Rabbi Shimon Chrein.

Beyond their diligence in Torah learning, HANC students also take pride in their commitment to the community participating in various chesed activities throughout the school year. Although HANC requires its high school students to perform 15 hours of chesed each year, many students go above and beyond this obligation. For the first time, awards were given to these students in recognition of their outstanding commitment to chesed. These awards were presented

by Director of Student Life, Rabbi Daniel Mezei.

Associate Principal Mrs. Carole Tabin and Director of College Guidance Ms. Karen Sheff presented a series of awards recognizing students’ accomplishments. These awards were: Baus-

ch and Lomb Honorary Science Award - Yakov Wieder; Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award - Bassy Kimelfeld; George Eastman Young Leaders Award - Yoni Rabanipour; Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology - Max Kahn; The Brandeis Book Award - Robyn Awendstern; Rensselaer Polytech Institute Medal - Ariel Golshan The program concluded with Jake Thall and Reuven Katz, two of HANC’s talented musicians entertaining the audience with their rendition of the song “Time of Your Life” by Green Day. In his closing remarks, Rabbi Adelman thanked students for their time and devotion to the school community, and encouraged students to spend their summer further building their characters by performing acts of kindness for others.

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AFTER CAMP Program – Girls Nights Out! for High School Girls Hosted by Madraigos For the second year, Madraigos is hosting the AFTER CAMP Program geared for high school girls who might spend their days working in local day camps. AFTER CAMP provides a fun and growth-oriented experience three nights a week where girls can socialize, relax and take advantage of stimulating projects and activities. AFTER CAMP meets Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights in July from 6-9 PM at the beautifully renovated Madraigos Lounge in Woodmere as well as a variety of off-site activities planned at locations throughout the community.

AFTER CAMP was originally developed by Mrs. Tzippora Weinberger, teacher and Extracurricular Coordinator of Tichon Meir Moshe, in conjunction with Madraigos. The program is a means for girls to have exciting activities with which to enhance their long summer nights. Last year, the program

was a huge success, with many thrilled participants. This year, led by Ms. Rachel Nayman, who brings refreshing energy and years of supervisory and programming experience, Madraigos has expanded the program to include many new activities with high hopes of an even better summer experience for all.

The program, called GNO, Girls Nights Out, offers dance, fitness, chessed, workshops, BBQs, motivating speakers, and much more.

Ms. Nayman comments, “High school girls are home for the summer and we want to give them a nice way to develop their talents and interests while having a great time with friends. I’m not surprised that the feedback from the girls has been terrific. We can’t wait to begin!” For more information about AFTER CAMP, please contact Ms. Nayman at (516) 680-0696 or email info@ madraigos.org.

Five Towns Shabbat Tea Commemorates 75th Anniversary of Kristallnacht The Five Towns Chapter of EMUNAH held a spectacularly successful Shabbat Tea on June 1st at the beautiful home of Beth and Yehuda Honig. The tea, which this year commemorated the 75th Anniversary of Kristallnacht, featured guest speaker, Fran Laufer, a survivor and author of “A Vow Fulfilled.”

Three outstanding members of the Five Towns community, also survivors, were honored at the event: Phyllis Margules, Regina Peterseil and Luba Schulsinger.

The crowd of 200 guests were riveted as Fran Laufer, in her elegant and articulate manner, spoke movingly about her experiences. Her story reflects the vow she made to her mother—to sur-

vive and tell the story of what happened to the family, and to educate the world about the Holocaust. She concluded with a rousing rendition of “Am Yisrael Chai,” toasting the survival of the Jewish people.

Elana Oved and Shari Shapiro, departing presidents of the Five Towns Chapter, were lauded for their years of extraordinary leadership. They will now serve as chairpersons of the board. Bini Dachs will remain vice president. Cindy Parnes and Leslie Wanderer were welcomed as the incoming chapter presidents. Without the hard work of the entire committee, the event could not have been the tremendous success that it was.

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Community

Far Rockaway Resident Yossi Lieberman Accepted to Harvard Law Yosef (Yossi) Lieberman of Far Rockaway, N.Y., a student at Touro’s School for Lifelong Education (SLE), was recently accepted to Harvard Law School.

“Yossi is an exceptionally motivated student with a refined demeanor and friendly nature,” said Shoshana Grun, director of SLE. “His intuitive mind enabled him to hone his Talmudic study skills to maximize his educational potential. His acceptance to Harvard Law School is the culmination of his intellectual ability and determination.”

The process of applying to law school requires hard work and dedication. For Lieberman, it took even more.

Lieberman has attended SLE on a full-time basis since 2010 and also works full-time for a healthcare marketing corporation. In order to fulfill his many responsibilities, Lieberman had to adhere to a strict schedule, rising before 6 A.M. every weekday morning to play with his two children—boys, ages two and six months—and driving to his office in the Bronx. After work, he headed to Brooklyn for classes on school nights or home to help put his kids to bed and study for several hours. Most Saturday nights and Sundays were dedicated to preparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

“When I started school it was a difficult time because I was doing so many things and I had a newborn,” said Lieberman, 26, who graduated from the Mirrer Yeshiva Central Institute in Brooklyn in 2003. “But Shira, my very supportive wife (a 2010 Touro graduate), said to me, ‘When you’re at home you need to be fully at home, when you’re at work you need to be fully at work and when you’re at school you need to be fully at school.’ That helped my focus and I was able to give my all on everything I did.”

The hard work paid off. Lieberman is one of three Touro students—the others are from the Lander College for Women in Manhattan and the Lander College of Arts and Sciences in Flatbush—to be accepted to Harvard Law School this year.

Two Lander College alumni are current students at Harvard Law. It would have been “impossible” for Lieberman to have gotten into Harvard, he says, without the help of two Touro faculty members, Angelo Decandia, his instructor for economics and finance, and Thomas Rozinski, a professor of political science. Lieberman said that Prof. Decandia consistently encouraged him to accomplish his goals.

“He was always pushing me harder, not so much toward law school necessarily, but he showed me that there were no limits,” Lieberman said.

As Touro’s pre-law advisor, Prof.

Rozinski helped Lieberman through the application process, always giving feedback and support. Prof. Rozinski said that in addition to his intelligence, Lieberman’s acceptance to Harvard Law was a direct result of his ability to focus on all his responsibilities.

“What impressed me about Yossi was his maturity. He was very good at balancing the priorities in his life,” said Rozinski. “He worked very hard on his application and demonstrated great perseverance in making it as good as possible.”

We’d Like to Hear From You Please send all correspondence to:

editor@ fivetownsjewishhome.com.

NEWS

Community YKLI Students Continue Space Exploration

In the last game played of this year’s Little League season, the 5th-6th grade World Series game played by the Bayswater Blaze vs. Shaaray Tefillah was epic! The game went deep into extra innings, and although only one team can win, both teams played great with amazing plays from both sides. Shaaray pulled out a hard fought victory in 9 long innings but when it came to sportsmanship, both teams came out shining.

SKA and OHEL Team up to Help Provide for Foster Care Children Throughout the month of May, students from SKA high school in Long Island donated books and school supplies to benefit the children in OHEL’s foster program.

Yedida Holzer, a junior in SKA, always had a passion for reading.

She never took for granted the fact that she had the means to buy herself new books when she wanted, and that she was able to obtain whatever she needed in order to succeed in life. She wanted to find a way to give back and spoke to her father about different volunteer opportunities. Her father told her about foster care children, and Yedida quickly learned about OHEL and their award-winning foster care program.

Yedida reached out to OHEL, and together they set up the SKA book and school supply drive for foster children.

To kick off the drive, Suzy Libin, an OHEL Foster Parent, gave a stirring speech to all of the girls, and told them about her experiences as an OHEL foster parent.

The girls from SKA learnt that foster children come in all shapes, sizes, and ages, and just like everyone else, foster kids just want to feel like normal, regular children. Therefore, the donations

would be anonymous, and although they won’t meet the children who benefit from their generous gifts, they can feel good about themselves for doing something important and invaluable, by improving the life of a foster child.

It is important to remember that foster children find themselves in foster care through no fault of their own, but rather from external circumstances.

These children don’t need pity, but rather support and encouragement, which the girls from SKA have generously contributed.

For more information about OHEL’s foster care programs, or other OHEL services which you can benefit from, please contact OHEL today at 1800603-OHEL, askohel@ohelfamily.org or www.ohelfamily.org.

Two years ago, Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island embarked on an ambitious “YKLI in Space” Project and saw their experiment put aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis and propelled to space. Our students, who were fourth graders at the time, got the opportunity to experience the excitement of space exploration for themselves when they travelled to the Challenger Center in Ramapo, New York – and into another world.

Challenger Centers such as the one in Monsey were founded by families of the astronauts who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion in January of 1986. The focus is to provide dynamic “hands-on” opportunities for students to be both astronauts and engineers and share “the thrill of discovery” as they embark on simulated missions through the galaxy!

The YKLI students loved the Challenger challenge and the role playing involved in being at Mission Control at the Command Center or being astronauts on the Shuttle and each student had the opportunity to be both. Whether part of the Shuttle crew, the DATA team, geologists testing rocks for mineral content or researching the landing site, the Medical Team, Life Support Team, Navigation Team, Remote Team or the Isolation Team, there was data to input as they worked at computer consoles.

This dynamic experience gave the stu-

dents opportunities to work together to solve real-world problems as each one contributed to his own team’s expertise.

At the same time, they saw firsthand the need for strong science, mechanical, analytical, reading, mathematics, problem-solving and deduction skills.

While still tethered to this world and yet reaching higher, the boys davened mincha at the Satmar shul. The boys made a real kiddush Hashem as other mispallelim asked which yeshiva our YKLI boys were from since they davened so nicely.

Continuing the “otherworldly” experience, each of the two sixth grade classes spent time at Bounce where giant trampolines invited “flights of daring” and “experiences in weightlessness.”

The trip, arranged by Mrs. Steele, Director of General Studies, was chaperoned

by Rabbi Friedler, mashgiach for Junior High, and by Rabbi Finkel, an esteemed 6th grade Rebbe. All YKLI staff and students strongly recommended the experience which was filled with wonderful moments and exciting memories.

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Mesivta Yam Hatorah’s Annual Dinner and Graduation This year’s dinner celebrated yet another great year at Mesivta Yam Hatorah. The strong bond forged between the students and their rebbeim, which has become a hallmark of the Mesivta, was strongly felt that night.

The dinner opened with a message from the Rosh Mesivta, Rabbi Avi Pollak. He spoke about how the graduates gained so much throughout their years at the Mesivta and how, through the Yeshiva’s focus on in-depth learning and all areas of avodas Hashem, they have really become deeper, more sensitive people—how the graduates have become true bnei Torah. After speaking

about the graduates, Rabbi Pollak then introduced the first of the honorees.

This year the Mesivta honored Mr. and Mrs. Baruch Nisanov as Parents of the Year. Their son Yonatan, one of this year’s graduates, has been a tremendous

asset to the Yeshiva since he came to the Mesivta in ninth grade. Rabbi Pollak spoke about the Nisanovs’ chesed and eagerness to help, how Yonatan had great role models at home and truly exemplifies their lessons. The Mesivta expressed tremendous gratitude to the Nisanovs for their support throughout Yonaton’s years in the Mesivta.

The next honorees were Chesky and Chani Moskowitz who received the Young Leadership Award. Chesky is a member of the Mesivta’s beis medrash mentoring program and has had a profound impact on his students. The Menahel, Rabbi Eli Zoldan, spoke of Chesky’s care and warmth. He called Chesky’s dedication unmatched and how he is a role model, not only to the other students, but also to the other mentors.

Rabbi Zoldan quoted the gemara in Shabbos 31a where it attributes Hillel’s success in bringing people closer to Hashem to his humbleness.

Rabbi Zoldan said that this middah is Chesky’s secret to his ability to influence people. Rabbi Zoldan also praised Mrs.

Moskowitz, not only for her support but also for her guidance and opening her home to the Mesivta’s students. The evening continued with Rabbi Zoldan telling the graduates how the Mesivta is proud of each of them and has seen each one reach great heights.

A special recognition was given to Nossi Burger and Kalman Tokarsky, two 12th graders who made the decision this year to learn full time in the Yeshiva’s beis medrash. Rabbi Zoldan praised their commitment to Torah and gave them the Kesser Torah Award.

Each boy received their own personal Kovetz Meforshim on Baba Kama to enhance their year of learning next year in Yeshivas Ohr Hatzufun. After receiving his award, Kalman Tokarsky addressed the crowd and spoke of the special rebbe-talmid relationship that

exists within the yeshiva. He spoke of how the yeshiva developed within him not only a commitment to Torah but a passion for Torah, a gift for which he is truly grateful.

The program came to a close with a short message from Rabbi Abramchik, the general studies principal. He spoke of the deep emunah the boys developed this year through the Mesivta’s Holocaust class and how that emunah will carry them through life’s trials and tribulations. The evening closed with the diploma ceremony in which each graduate received their diploma as well as an Igeres HaRamban as a graduation gift.

The Mesivta would like to thank all the honorees, parents, and graduates for an amazing evening.

Madraigos Annual Breakfast to Benefit Community Youth Shlomie and Malkie Scharf are this year’s hosts for the Annual Breakfast to benefit Madraigos. The event will take place on Sunday morning, June 23, 2013 at 9:30 AM in their home, 384 Donmoor Rd., Lawrence. This event will raise funds to enable Madraigos to continue to provide innovative programs for the hundreds of teens, young adults, and their families in the Five Towns and surrounding communities who are currently utilizing their services. Madraigos is honored to have the opportunity of having Rabbi Kenneth Hain, Senior Rabbi of Congregation Beth Sholom and longtime loyal supporter, address the crowd and share insights and words of chizuk.

Involved in various charitable causes, Shlomie and Malkie Scharf are ex-

cited to be able to help Madraigos grow and expand to the next level. “We thank Shlomie and Malkie for their genuine commitment to our youth who depend on our services and we sincerely appreciate their gracious involvement in this upcoming breakfast,” commented Rabbi Dov Silver, Founder and Executive V.P. Mr. Scharf remarked, “My wife and I are looking forward to personally greeting all of Madraigos’ friends and supporters. Madraigos is a lifeline for so many families in our community. We hope this event will educate, enlighten and inspire all who attend.”

“Madraigos is growing by leaps and bounds in programming, services and our stellar reputation is growing nation-

wide. We invite the community to come and learn more about our programs and celebrate our growth and plans for the future. We appreciate the growing involvement and active participation of our Breakfast Committee who came together to make the coming event a success. With these partnerships, Madraigos will be able to continue helping our teens take the next step in becoming the leaders of tomorrow,” stated Rabbi Josh Zern, Executive Director.

To make a donation, please contact Rabbi Josh Zern, Executive Director, at 516-371-3250 ext. 5. To learn more about all of Madraigos programs and services, please visit www.madraigos. org.

Madraigos, a 501c-3 not-for-profit organization, offers a wide array of innovative services and programs geared towards helping teens and young adults overcome life’s everyday challenges one step at a time. Our goal is to provide all of our members with the necessary tools and skills to empower them to live a healthy lifestyle and become the leaders of tomorrow.

Madraigos provides a wide array of innovative programs and professional services designed for teens & young adults engaged in at-risk behaviors.

Our goal is to empower our members with the skills to take the next step in becoming leaders of tomorrow.

HANC High School Graduation Parade On Wednesday evening, June 12/4 Tammuz, HANC High School seniors graduated before an audience of a thousand proud family members, guests, administration and faculty members. The ceremony took place at Hofstra University’s Adams Playhouse in Hempstead, Long Island.

The program opened with a video presentation featuring the graduating class. Rabbi Shlomo Adelman, principal of the high school, welcomed guests and graduates and introduced the salutatorian, Aaron Levian, who delivered the invocation. Mrs. Carole Tabin, associate principal, greeted the graduates and introduced the class valedictorian, Jonathan Livi.

Following her remarks, Ms. Tziporah Zucker, assistant principal, introduced the graduation class speaker, llan Scher. For the first time, class speakers were selected by their peers to represent the grade and speak at the senior dinner and at graduation. Both llan and Jordana Moldovan were presented with plaques.

Rabbi Shlomo Adelman, in his charge to the graduates, encouraged students to stay true to their values in a world surrounded with many distractions.

Diplomas were distributed by Rabbi

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JCC of the Greater Five Towns Food Pantry Dedication—The Rina Shkolnik Kosher Food Pantry

Adelman, Mrs. Tabin, and Ms. Zucker.

Gifts to the graduates were generously donated by the PTA and distributed by the PTA presidium, Mrs. Beth Chiger

and Mrs. Adina Frankel.

Senior Annelle Amsellem stunned the audience with her original and outstanding presentation of her poem “Leaving.”

The benediction was then administered by salutatorians, Sydney Daitch and Reut Baer. Following the ceremony, guests returned to HANC’s auditorium for an elaborate collation of food and dancing, sponsored by the PTA, featuring the Shelly Lang Orchestra.

Mazal Tov!

The JCC of the Greater Five Towns recently renamed their kosher food pantry the Rina Shkolnik Kosher Food Pantry in honor of Rina Shkolnik, their Executive Director. Ms. Shkolnik, who has devoted the last 11 years to serving those in need in the Five Towns and surrounding areas and to enhancing the quality of life for their members and clients through various programs and services, will be retiring at the end of June. In 2005, Ms. Shkolnik identified the need for a kosher

food pantry in this area and has worked tirelessly to ensure that those who are not able to put food on their table can come and shop with dignity. The JCC’s Board of Directors decided to rename the pantry in her honor as a fitting legacy to mark the occasion of her retirement from the agency.

Featured in the photo from left to right are: Michael Kerr, Craig Spatz, Carol Harrison, Rina Shkolnik, Toby Wolf, Raynee Blum, Renee Harris and Robert Block.

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Gan Chamesh Tzedakah Graduation Parade On Friday, June 14th, 90 Gan Chamesh student paraded down Maple Avenue as a culmination of an amazing year of growth and learning.

Parents, grandparents, siblings and guests lined the streets as they cheered on the young graduates marching with great pride!

The focus of the parade was the mitzvah of tzedaka. In a year-long exploration, the Gan Chamesh students delved deeper into this mitzvah by seeing the process

through- from beginning to end. Putting pennies on a tzedaka box is an integral part of every preschooler’s morning routine but it can sometimes stop at that without having children truly understand what happens to the money after it’s dropped in the box.

This year, in conjunction with our exciting math unit, children spent time counting, sorting, categorizing, and adding their savings so they can better understand the val-

ue of money and how it can help others.

As a school, the young students chose to donate their year’s tzedakah savings to Hatzalah. This was a very meaningful learning opportunity as the children internalized that tzedakah is not only for the poor person— which might be hard for them to conceptualize—but it can be given to a community organization that helps so many. To this end, Hatzalah members were invited to the school to explain and show the children what their tzedakah money can be used for, from buying band aids and supplies to getting gas for the truck so that they can reach the people who need their help.

The Tzedakah Parade was an incredible finale to this year-long process as each child marched out shaking their very own filled tzedakah box and then placed them into the Grand Tzedakah Box on display. It was an amazing sight to see a

Hatzalah truck pull up to the parade and the children were able to present all of their savings to a Hatzalah member.

What an inspirational lesson this was for the children and everyone present. A big thank you to the Village of Cedarhurst, as well as to the local Police Department and the Auxiliary Police for helping carry through this magnificent event. Thank you for the local Hatzalah members who were amazing at helping the children with this special mitzvah.

Gan Chamesh is Chabad of the Five Town’s Preschool and it is known for its innovative education and warmth. If you would like more information about the program, please call 516 295-2479.

Jewish Teens from Columbus, Ohio, Volunteer at Far Rockaway’s JCCRP This past week, the JCCRP welcomed the Wexner Service Corps (WSC) from Columbus, Ohio. The WSC is a new Jewish service-learning initiative for Columbus Jewish teenagers funded by the Wexner Foundation.

The WSC launched with an inaugural New York service trip departing Columbus on Sunday, June 9 and returned on Friday morning, June 14. WSC members participated in hands-on Hurricane Sandy relief work and studied Jewish texts relating to the value of service and reflecting on the work, its impact, and the harsh reality of disasters. Upon return and throughout the year, all WSC service trip participants will continue

to volunteer locally for two hours per month. In addition, Columbus Jewish teens who were not able to participate in the service trip will be invited to join in local volunteering. Many participants will continue to meet regularly to continue the Jewish reflective learning experience.

“The Wexner Foundation is excited to empower Columbus Jewish teenagers with an opportunity to improve our local community and our extended community through service. This unique opportunity will bring together Jewish teens from across our schools, synagogues, and youth movements, as well as those who are not currently engaged in Jewish

life,” said the president of The Wexner Foundation.

WSC is being co-chaired by Hannah Wexner, a junior at Columbus Academy, and Sam Dolen, a sophomore at Bexley High School. Wexner and Dolen will help recruit a diverse group of teens for this program, which will be led by Rabbi Ben Berger and Ruthie Warshenbrot, educators at the Wexner Foundation.

All volunteer hours performed through WSC will benefit a unique philanthropic endeavor – Kids Here and There, created by Hannah Wexner, WSC co-chair, which will leverage volunteer hours of Columbus teens into donations already raised by several corporations.

The JCCRP was delighted to host the WSC group. The teenagers from WSC were extremely helpful in disseminating the JCCRP’S flyers throughout the neighborhood. The JCCRP has been in the forefront of Sandy relief and continues to do so to this very day. The WSC was delighted to stop in and offer their services to such a wonderful organization.

To learn more about the JCCRP or to make an online donation, with all proceeds going directly to underprivileged families, please visit them at www. jccrp.org.

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Community Last Sunday, Inside Scoop ice cream store on Washington Avenue in Cedarhurst celebrated their grand opening with a carnival featuring live music, a balloon sculpture, clowns and face painting.

Parents and children gathered at the store to enjoy the free samples and lots of fun!

Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns Holds its 11th Annual Woodmere Breakfast Honoring Mr. Jeff Newman and Rabbi Sholom Fried Photo credits Naftoli Goldgrab Photography

The Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns held its eleventh annual breakfast on June 16, 2013 at the Young Israel of Woodmere. The two honorees are prominent members of the Woodmere community, Mr. Jeff Neuman and Rabbi Sholom Fried. The turnout for the event was impressive due to the community’s respect and admiration for this year’s honorees and in acknowledgment of the Yeshiva’s important role in the Five Towns.

Jacob Weicholz, the event chairman, started off the program acknowledging all that the Yeshiva has contributed to the community over the past eleven years. He detailed just some of the services provided to the community, including the eruv, which is maintained by the Yeshiva. He also updated those present on the progress made on the construction of a new building, just two blocks from the Yeshiva’s current home.

He spoke of how much more the Yeshiva would be able to serve the community, in davening and in learning, once it has a more appropriate place to call home.

The Yeshiva expects to complete the new building in the coming months and will keep the community abreast of the progress.

Rabbi Yitzchok Knobel, shlita, the Rosh Kollel, presented the Kesser Shem

Tov award to Mr. Jeff Neuman. Rabbi Knobel emphasized Mr. Neuman’s and his family’s dedication to Torah. After a hard day at work, Mr. Neuman joins Rabbi Knobel’s in-depth Gemara shiur at the Yeshiva, where Mr. Neuman participates with enthusiasm and with engaging

Rav Yitzchok Knobel; Mr. Jeff Neuman, Keser Shem Tov Awardee; Rav Moshe Zev Katzenstein

questions. His eleven years attending the shiur exemplify a model of consistency and dedication, one that he and his wife have passed on to their children, each of which has his own connection with the Yeshiva. Mr. Neuman, in his speech, described his close ties to the Yeshiva in general, and to Rabbi Knobel in particular. He spoke of the Yeshiva’s important role in his family’s growth and expressed his gratitude to the Yeshiva for all it has done for him and for the community.

Rabbi Moshe Zev Katzenstein, shlita, the Rosh Hayeshiva, presented the

Kesser Torah Award to Rabbi Sholom Fried. Rabbi Katzenstein recounted the Yeshiva’s humble beginnings, and how the dedication of many people in the community, along with much siyata d’shmaya, helped the Yeshiva get to where it is today; to the point where it is now very close to moving into its new and spacious home. Rabbi Katzenstein noted that Rabbi Fried and his wife not only teach Torah in shiurim and in classes, but also teach Torah by example. The lives they lead and the beautiful Torah home that they have created are truly inspiring. Rabbi Fried, in addressing the crowd, expressed his admiration for the Roshei Hayeshiva and Rebbeim who not only devote their time, energy, and talents to teach their talmidim, but also give shiurim to the baalei batim, thereby enriching the entire community.

He highlighted the importance of not only having a Yeshiva in the community, but having one which exemplifies all the requisite middos and values that come along with proper Torah learning.

In their speeches, both Mr.

Neuman and Rabbi Fried echoed the same sentiment. They were motivated to accept the honor only in order to enable them to publicly thank the Yeshiva. The Roshei Hayeshiva, and the talmidim of the Yeshiva have created a makom Torah where all members of the community feel comfortable and everyone can find Torah learning which suits their needs. The Yeshiva is a unique institution, maintaining the highest standards of learning while at the same time welcoming all to partake of what it offers.

We all look forward to the next great milestone of the Yeshiva Gedolah: the chanukas habayis of the Yeshiva’s beautiful new home, iy”H.

Rav Yitzchok Knobel; Rabbi Sholom Fried, Keser Torah Awardee; Rav Moshe Zev Katzenstein

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Community

Kupat Ha’ir in an Urgent Appeal for Compassion and Chessed “All their lives, they suffered terribly. They rarely knew a happy moment.

Now they’re trying, pleading to build a Jewish home, to open a new page in their lives. Let us help them. Only a massive response will enable the seven brides and grooms to build their homes.”

This is Kupat Ha’ir’s urgent appeal for compassion and chessed on behalf of seven brides and grooms, some orphans and some with no parental support, who have no hope for salvation other than a generous response from the population at large.

Kupat Ha’ir is currently spearheading a special rescue appeal for the seven orphans whose weddings are taking place this month. The appeal is taking place upon the instructions of Maranan Gedolei Hador, shlit”a, after intensive investigations carried out by local rabbanim in the areas where these orphans reside.

The cases included in the appeal

are all tzedakah mehuderes. Each case was carefully investigated by Kupat Ha’ir’s sophisticated screening system.

They were all classified as “desperately needy” by the rabbanim of Kupat Ha’ir.

“If the seven grooms and their families were to knock at your door, or visit your kollel, there wouldn’t be a dry eye in the place,” say the gabba’im at Kupat Ha’ir. “The amount of anguish they have endured would melt your heart.

Please, make every effort to help these orphans, who don’t even have a way to appeal to you directly.”

Kupat Ha’ir appeals to everyone to make a special effort on behalf of this crucial fundraising effort and contribute generously to the salvation of the seven orphans. They point out that for each orphan, this fundraiser is the only one on their behalf, and their fate will be decided by its success.

The gedolei hador, shlit”a, have announced a special krias kodesh on be-

half of these seven cases, calling upon everyone to participate in the appeal for the sake of the seven orphans and citing the words of the poskim that marrying off a needy bride is the greatest form of tzedakah that exists. They extend their blessing that the merit of this mitzvah stand in the good stead of all those who help, that they merit everything good.

Kupat Ha’ir regrets that in most cases, space constraints in the fundraising brochures that were mailed, made it impossible to accurately depict the full measure of distress endured by these poor brides and grooms. These cases have all been confirmed by the rabbanim of their communities and by the rabbanim of Kupat Ha’ir as the most severe among the hundreds of cases with which Kupat Ha’ir deals each month.

The rabbanim of Kupat Ha’ir and the local community rabbanim, who serve as the presidents of these funds, have expressed their hope and prayer for

a generous response to their plea on behalf of the seven orphans marrying this month, as their entire future hangs on this fundraising appeal. There is simply no other way to rescue them and brighten their lives.

Kupat Ha’ir emphasizes the great importance of making a special effort for this fundraiser, to which all sums contributed are to be divided equally among the orphans. Each individual case is in desperate straits and has suffered terribly throughout his or her lifetime, so it is imperative that we help them establish a Jewish home by providing, at the very least, financial assistance.

To assist these poor orphans or for more information, please contact Kupat Ha’ir 24 hours at 1-888-587-2842 and contribute to Fund # 2018, to which incoming contributions will be distributed evenly among the seven cases. You may also contribute individually to specific cases.

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Gedolei Yisroel and Communities Around the Globe to Gather Sunday in Honor and Support of Torah By: Shimmy Blum

It is no secret that the Torah world – and the world’s frum communities in general – are currently undergoing a very trying period. Countless members

of our community are wondering how much longer they – and, most of all, their children – will be able to sit within the walls of Torah and its sacred lifestyle. No shortage of mothers and children are wondering where their bread and milk will be coming from in the upcoming months and years. And who knows how much further our nation’s sworn enemies can advance in their quests to amass the most pernicious weaponry, r”l.

Nary a day goes by when we do not feel more hopeless than the previous day.

What can we do?

We cannot rely on anything other than Heaven for our ultimate salvation, but gedolei Yisroel from throughout the globe have called upon us to strengthen our pride and resolve in our Torah learning as the ultimate weapon to perpetuate our sacred way of life, b’ezras Hashem.

Whether one lives in Eretz Yisroel or chutz l’aretz, whether one feels directly threatened by recent developments or not, we can do more than merely “share the burden” with those who feel like their physical and/or spiritual lives are at stake.

Every Yid has in his hands the wherewithal to counteract these negative developments and give chizuk to those who feel imperiled.

“Me’at min ha’or doche harbei min hachoshech.” The dark forces focused

on us are no match for the powerful beacons of light at our disposal. Hence, Yidden from around the globe are anxiously looking forward to Sunday, 15 Taamuz (June 23rd), when they will join in a historic gathering in honor of the Torah, its learners and our revered leaders. A cross section of senior rabbanim, admorim and Roshei Yeshiva have lauded the gathering as a most appropriate response to the challenges of our times, and urged all of klal Yisroel to participate in it.

In a letter urging maximum public participation, the Lakewood Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav HaGaon Malkiel Kotler, shlita, termed the gathering “an honorable event that will enhance the honor of Torah, and unite the Torah world that is persecuted and downtrodden.”

The gathering has been arranged by the renowned Dirshu organization, with its flagship location being the large halls

of Binyanei Ha’uma in Yerushalayim. A long list of premier gedolim, including HaRav HaGaon Aharon Leib Shteinman, shlita, HaRav HaGaon Chaim Kanievsky, shlita, HaRav HaGaon Yitzchok Scheiner, shlita, HaRav HaGaon Azriel Auerbach, shlita, HaRav HaGaon Baruch Mordechai Ezrachi, shlita, the Belzer Rebbe, shlita, the Gerrer Rebbe, shlita, HaRav HaGaon Chizkiyahu Mishkofsky, shlita, HaRav HaGaon Moshe Tzadka, shlita, and many more, have enthusiastically lent their support for the gathering and most will iy”H personally participate in it.

As this Kiddush Hashem will iy”H

progress in the Holy City, communities around the world will be a part of history, by viewing and/or listen in to the event, as well as partaking in special satellite events of their own.

In addition to its importance due to the circumstances of the world, the gathering will include a Siyum on Maseches Eruvin, as Yidden from around the globe celebrate the completion of the complex Masechta and look forward to beginning Maseches Pesachim, b’ezras Hashem.

It will also mark the first yahrtzeit of the gadol hador, HaRav HaGaon Yosef Shalom Elyashiv zt”l, whose sonsin-law, lbc”l HaRav HaGaon Yitzchok Zilberstein, shlita, and HaRav HaGaon Ezriel Auerbach, shlita, will deliver heartfelt words of remembrance.

More than just the significance of the various aspects of the program and the chizuk they offer, the gathering will be very professionally organized and comprehensive – as is Dirshu’s hallmark in all of its events. It will feature live song and dance, as well as a special mass recitation of the “Tefillas HaShla” for success in raising ehrliche children.

The achdus that this event symbolizes cannot be overestimated. Family background or levush are no dividing factors when klal Yisroel gathers as one to celebrate what has bound us as a Nation since our inception.

Ashkenazim, sefardim, litvaks, chassidim and every other Torah community will have ample representation at the event – and its various satellite locations around the globe - and modern communication has obliterated much of our geographical limitations as well. Radio Kol HaTorah (97.5 FM), and the Kol Halashon and FNW telephone hotlines, will feature live hookups to the Yerushalayim event. There will also be full scale individual satellite celebrations in Brooklyn (Bais Medrash Birchas Avraham), Lakewood (Cheder Bnei Torah), Monsey (Hamaspik Terrace) and the Catskills (Raleigh Hotel) from 2-4 pm local time.

Prominent local gedolim and community leaders will iy”H attend the local satellite events, along with a solid representation of their communities.

Each of these events will feature an ad-

dress from a local speaker, in addition to a hookup to the thousands of Yidden gathered in Yerushalayim, with English translation available.

The Lakewood event will have the particular honor of being attended by all Roshei Yeshiva, shlita, and addressed

by HaRav HaGaon Malkiel Kotler, shlita. The Brooklyn event will be headlined by noted mechanech and speaker HaRav Hagaon Fishel Schachter, shlita. Noted Dirshu Maggid Shiur HaRav HaGaon Zev Smith, shlita, will headline the Catskills event.

In addition to these four events and the electronic hookups, communities well beyond Yerushalayim and the New York metropolitan area will be able to partake in the gathering at live, local events of their own. At least seven communities in Eretz Yisroel, as well as London, Paris, and other transcontinental locations, will feature live events at local landmarks. The Torah Communications Network (TCN) will host satellite events in Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Passaic, Montreal and Toronto – as well as other communities throughout North America.

It may difficult for us to grasp the impact that this event will have on Heaven, as well as in the personal and spiritual lives of attendees and their families. Those who will follow the lead of an unprecedented cross section of our leaders, and thousands of devoted bnei Torah, will b’ezras Hashem derive inestimable merit in this world and the World to Come.

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Riddle

Kidding!

Three mothers were sitting around comparing notes on their exemplary offspring. “There never was a daughter more devoted than my Judy,” said Mrs. Kramer with a smile. “Every summer she takes me to the Catskills for a week, and every winter we spend a week in Miami Beach.”

“That’s nothing compared to what my Joy does for me,” declared Mrs. Stein proudly. “Every winter she treats me to two weeks in Miami, and in the summer two weeks in the Hamptons, in my own private guesthouse.” Mrs. Geleibter sat back with a proud smile. “Nobody loves her mother like my Suzy does, nobody.”

“So what does she do?” asked the two women, turning to her.

“Three times a week she gets into a cab, goes to the best psychiatrist in the city, and pays him a hundred and fifty dollars an hour—just to talk about me.”

Avi, Ben, Chaim, and David each have an A in their favorite subject. Each student has only one A and it is in either in calculus, biology, physics, or English.

Each student’s favorite class is taken during a different time from first to fourth period, and there is only one A per period. Match the student to their favorite class and the period in which the class is taken.

1) Avi’s class is after physics and before biology.

2) Chaim has an A in biology, so he tutors Ben during their free 4th period.

3) David is grounded for failing physics 1st period.

4) The student with the A in English has the class 4th period.

************** What were Jimbo’s first words after graduating 4 years of college?

“Would you like fries with that?”

Answers on next page

Down 1. Please pay for my junk 2. This scientist proved that lightning was an electrical current in nature 4. In honor of all the great dads out there 5. Official flower of June 6. In 1937, this baseball great hit 3 1

2 3

4 5

6

7

8 9 10 11 12

13

14

15 16 17

18

consecutive home runs against the St. Louis Browns 8. One reason to miss the winter 10. First woman to pilot a plane across the Atlantic Ocean 11. Year-end exams 13. Something to do on Sundays Across 3. Pesky little creatures that won’t leave you alone 7. Commemoration of our Stars and Stripes 9. Although blind and deaf, she left a great mark on the world 12. Israel miraculously defeats its enemies on several fronts, in less than a week.

14. Longest day of the year 15. This nice Jewish boy makes his first pair of pants in 1850.

16. June birthstone 17. 160,000 Allied troops storm the beaches 18. World leader named U.S. honorary citizen by JFK

Across 3. Mosquitoes 7. Flag Day 9. Helen Keller 12. Six Day War 14. Summer Solstice 15. Levi Strauss 16. Pearl 17. Normandy 18. Winston Churchill

T hT he eJ eJ w n e 2240,, 2012 2013 e wi si shhH ho omme enn jmu ay

You Gotta be

Down 1. Yardsale 2. Benjamin Franklin 4. Fathers Day 5. Rose 6. Joe Dimaggio 8. Allergies 10. Amelia Earhart 11. Finals 13. Barbeque

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2. What is Phil Jackson’s record in the NBA Finals? a. 10-2 b. 11-2 c. 12-0 d. 11-1 3. Who won the first NBA finals MVP in 1969? a. Jerry West b. Kareem Abdul Jabbar c. Willis Reed d. Elgin Baylor

6. Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant teamed up to win how many championships for the LA Lakers? a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4 7. What team is the only #8 seed to make it to the NBA finals? a. 1994 Denver Nuggets b. 1999 NY Knicks c. 1988 Washington Bullets d. 1982 Philadelphia 76ers 8. The Chicago Bulls won 3 straight NBA championships twice during the 1990’s. Which team interrupted the Bulls championship streak by winning back-toback titles themselves? a. San Antonio Spurs b. Houston Rockets c. Detroit Pistons d. LA Lakers

4. Who scored 48 points in his first ever NBA Finals game in 2001? a. Allen Iverson b. Kobe Bryant c. Tim Duncan d. Shaq

9. The Miami Heat defeated which team to win the 2006 NBA championship? a. Mavericks b. Spurs c. Lakers d. Kings

5. Which all-time great holds the record for the most points in a finals game? a. Elgin Baylor b. Kareem Abdul Jabbar c. Michael Jordan d. Kobe Bryant

10. Which of the following players won the most NBA Championships? a. Kareem Abdul Jabbar

Answers 1. C- Jordan won 6 NBA titles and was the MVP of all six.

2. B 3. A 4. A 5. A-Though the Celtics won the 1961-62 Championship, those finals will be remembered forever because game 5 was the stage for Elgin Baylor’s best performance: he scored 61 points and grabbed 22 rebounds in a 126-121 Laker victory at the Boston Garden.

6. C- After tag teaming for 3 NBA Championships, the two had a feud about who could win without the other. Shaq left LA and Kobe went on to win 2 more NBA championships, giving him a total of 5 championships to date.

Shaq won 1 more with the Heat in 2006, giving him a total of 4 championships to date. Kobe claims that they patched up their relationship, but says that whenever he sees Shaq he says, “What’s up Four?”

7. B 8. B 9. A

Got funny?

Let the Commissioner decide.

Send your stuff to centerfold@fivetownsjewishhome.com

b. Jerry West c. Bill Russell d. Michael Jordan 11. Which of the following players did not record 8 blocks in a finals game? a. Bill Walton b. Patrick Ewing c. David Robinson d. Shaquille O’Neal 12. Michael Jordan is 6 for 6 in the NBA Finals.

What is LeBron James’ record in the NBA Finals? a. 1 and 4 b. 2 and 2 c. 3-4 d. 4 for 4 13. Which player has the record for most 3-pointers in an NBA Finals series? a. Jonathon Starks b. Tim Allen c. Nick Van Axel d. Danny Green

10. C- Bill Russell won 11 Championships with the Celtics between the years of 1957 and 1969.

11. C 12. That’s current events. If you don’t know the answer to this question, I ain’t gonna tell you!

13. Danny Green, who was cut twice by the Spurs and once by the Cavs, set the NBA Finals mark with 25 3-pointers in the first five games the 2013 finals.

Scorecard 9-12 correct: Danny Green! From down toooown..

Yes! 5-8 correct: Must be a Knick—stuck at second rate.

0-4 correct: “What’s up Zero?”

Answer to riddle: Avi - Calculus, 2nd period Ben - Physics, 1st period Chaim - Biology, 3rd period David - English, 4th period

1. How many times has Michael Jordan been named the finals MVP? a. 2 b. 4 c. 6 d. 7

wiisshh hHoommee nn mjay u n 2e 42, 02012 , 2013 TThhee JJeew

NBA FINALS TRIVIA

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78

The Shmuz

R’ Ben Tzion Shafier

Parshas Balak

Hashem’s Knows What I am Going to Do “And Balak sent messengers to Bilaam ben Beor” — Bamidbar, 22:5

icated upon our understanding Hashem’s relationship to physicality.

Bilaam was a gentile who was allowed to be a prophet of Hashem. Rashi asks, “Why did Hashem allow His shechinah to rest on a wicked gentile?”

Prophecy is a great gift limited only to Hashem’s beloved. Rashi answers according to the gemara: “Hashem decided to give the gentile nations prophets so that if in the World to Come they would claim, ‘Had we had prophets to show us the right way, we too, would have been righteous,’ Hashem will answer them, ‘I gave you navi’im, and not only did they fail to lead you on the proper course, they led you to immorality. Bilaam is the example.’”

Rashi is saying that not only didn’t the gentile nations merit having navi’im, it was a degradation to Hashem that He should rest His name upon such people. However, to answer the gentiles’ claim that they would have done teshuvah, Hashem appeared to Bilaam.

This Rashi is very difficult to understand. The conversation between the gentiles and Hashem is taking place in the World to Come. In that world, there is only truth, and Hashem’s word is fully accepted by all. Why can’t Hashem simply say, “I am the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and I know the true nature of man. I know that had I given you a prophet, not only wouldn’t he have led you on the proper course, he would have misguided you.” Why would Hashem have to actually go through the process of giving them a navi and have him fail? It should be enough for Hashem to say, “I know what would have happened.”

The answer to this question lies in understanding an age-old philosophical question.

If Hashem knows what I am going to do, then how can I have the free will to do it? If I have free will to do that act, then Hashem can’t know what I am going to do because I haven’t done it yet; I could still chose to either do it or not do it. And if Hashem already knows what I am going to do, then I don’t have free will to do it – Hashem already knows what I will do.

The answer to this question is pred-

A Two Dimensional Man But before we begin any discussion on this subject, we need to keep in mind that we are flesh and blood mortals attempting to understand something that is outside our entire frame of reference.

A mashal to this would be to imagine a two-dimensional world made up

Hashem is all-knowing, all–present, and all-powerful. Limitless and boundless, neither contained nor limited by space or time, He is in all places in all times, existing before and after time.

To understand what it means that Hashem isn’t limited by time, imagine a time machine. When you walk into the machine, you are effortlessly transported twenty years forward. You walk out, and the first thing that you notice is

Limitless and boundless, neither contained nor limited by space or time, Hashem is in all places in all times, existing before and after time.

of only of height and width, but no depth — an entire existence contained on a gargantuan sheet of paper. In this world, there live stick people, men who are like pencil drawings — tall and wide, but flat. One day, two of these men have a conversation.

“Hey, Stretch, wouldn’t it be great if we had depth? Wow! We would be fat, you know? We’d have real thickness to us, not just height and width, but be really fat.”

“Oh, Slim, stop your nonsense,” his friend replies. “I told you a million times. Everyone knows there is no such thing as depth.”

And it is true. In their world everything exists in two dimensions. Depth doesn’t exist. In fact, it is impossible.

Everything they have experienced proves to them that this is the limit of reality. For them to imagine depth would require breaking out of their limited perspective and imagining a very different world.

So too, for us, any discussion that we will have about Hashem requires us to break out of our limited experiences and relate to concepts beyond physical limitations. And for that reason, while we are capable of some level of understanding these ideas, our grasp will be limited. However, in the attempt to understand as best as we can, let us begin a discussion of our Creator.

Reuvain holding a gun up to Shimon.

Shimon yells, “Stop! No!” But Reuvain doesn’t stop. He squeezes the trigger on the gun, and you watch as Shimon falls into a clump on the ground — stone dead. You then go back into your time machine and come back to the present. You walk over to Reuvain and say, “You murdered Shimon. I saw it. I know it. There is no doubt in my mind because that is what happened.”

Reuvain will look at you with a quizzical expression as he exclaims, “I don’t even know who this Shimon is! How could I have had killed him?”

Here is the pivotal question: is it true? Do you know that Reuvain is going to kill Shimon? The answer is no.

You do not know that Reuvain is going to kill Shimon; you know that he did kill Shimon. Because your time machine allowed you to defy the limitations of human knowledge, you were able to move forward in time and see something happen. Now that you’ve come back, you know it with absolute certainty — and yet Reuvain still had free will to do what he did. As you moved forward in time, it was completely in Reuvain’s capacity to either pull the trigger of that gun or not to. He had complete control over his actions.

The reason that you know what he did is because you aren’t limited by time, so you can now move back in time and

know what he did even before he did it.

Hashem is above time Hashem is not limited by time.

Hashem sits miles and miles about this earth and knows everything that is going to happen before it happens. But that is the point: Hashem doesn’t know what is going to happen; Hashem knows what happened — before it happened.

This seems to be the answer to the question on Rashi. In the World to Come, the gentile nations will gather and say, “If we had Navi’im, we also would have been different.” If Hashem didn’t give them Bilaam, He couldn’t say, “I know what would have happened.” While it is true that Hashem could reach a conclusion that is most likely, it would not be Truth; it would be most probably…or, the odds are. . . But in the World of Truth, there can be no room for error. As long as man has free will, there is no way to predict with absolute certainty what he will do.

Free will by definition means he can go either way. The only way that Hashem can say with absolute knowledge that such and such will happen is by allowing it to happen. So even though Hashem knew what Bilaam would bring to the world, if it could be, Hashem had to allow it to play out, so that in truth He could say, “I gave him to you and look what he brought about.”

These concepts have very little application to our lives. If a person were to never know the answer to such questions, nor even ask them, he could very well walk right into Gan Eden. However, there are times when such issues come across our thinking, and it is worthwhile for us to attempt to understand our Creator as much as we can, provided we retain the perspective that we are but mere mortals attempting to gain an glimpse of something so great and profound that it is clearly beyond our limited capacity to truly understand.

Get the new Shmuz APP! Access hundreds of audio, videos, and articles from the Shmuz. Simply go to the App store, or Google Play, and search for “TheShmuz” or go to www.theShmuz.com.

79 Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz

Breakfast of Champions

In my research as to why that is, I came upon an interesting factoid. The scent of citrus has been shown to increase cognitive function and awareness, meaning O.J. is great for waking you up, but may not be what you want before bed when you want to allow your mind to slowly drift off. While I

think that’s part of it, I also think that as the day wears on, we tend to care less about vitamins and nutrients.

So why all this focus on breakfast being good for you but not caring what you eat or drink later in the day? It’s a good question, but one that is not limited to food.

What would you do if your six-year old used a vulgar word? Maybe not

well, but later on we give up and settle for less. “If you eat your vegetables you can have ice cream for dessert…

You don’t have to finish the whole thing, just have some… OK, have ONE pea and then you can have ice cream.”

In that scenario, we know that the peas are important for good health, and we’re trying to make the child (or spouse) eat them. Then, when it

If it’s not good enough for breakfast, why is it OK later on?

even an actual expletive or swear word, but one of the more “tame” expressions that you would still not use in front of your tabbi. I’m sure we’d give him or her a stern look, explain that such speech is not proper, and perhaps wash their mouths out with soap.

That makes sense, so why is it alright when an adult uses the same phrase? Like my Pepsi question, if it’s not good enough for breakfast, why is it OK later on?

“What do you mean? There’s a big difference, because I am a grown person!

I know when not to use such language but the kids don’t.

Plus, I am not in my formative years like my son. I mean, if my kids wanted to drink coffee I wouldn’t let them because it might stunt their growth, but if they want to drink it when they’re done growing, it’s fine! Therefore, it’s inappropriate for a young child to use this language, but for me it’s not a problem.”

Sorry, my friend, I don’t buy it. I believe the honest truth is that earlier on we tend to try to make things go

doesn’t work easily, and we face opposition, we rationalize that some is better than none, so we make compromises. When that fails, too, we make a last-ditch attempt to save face and tell ourselves that we’re giving in because we made some headway, and that next time will be different.

When our sons are in yeshiva, we tell them how important it is to get to davening on time and to make the most of their time in seder (study hall).

Yet, when those boys grow up and are working, we don’t see the same push to daven and learn, and we certainly don’t press the issue when we’re talking about our own prayers or studies.

I believe the accepted approach, and the reason for our apathy later on, is that while we all agree you need a good beginning; after a while, especially if you haven’t seen superior results, many of us feel you can let up on the pressure. While we wouldn’t drink soda for breakfast, after a long day we deserve to relax and have a cold one. C’mon, what’s the harm? Likewise, we don’t usually push ourselves as hard when we get older because we’ve “mellowed.” The word mellow has a nice ring to it, but it really means we’ve given up an ideal and become complacent.

If something is unhealthy, then it doesn’t make a difference when you ingest it. If something is wrong, then the age of the perpetrator is irrelevant.

If you can’t say it in front of your rabbi

or in front of the kids, should you be saying it at all? We should be looking at things objectively before making our decisions on whether we should or shouldn’t do them, but unfortunately we often don’t.

I have news for you. It’s not too late to eat a healthy breakfast. Even if you’ve spent the entire day pigging out and ignoring what you were eating, it’s not pointless to try to watch what you eat at the end of the day. It’s like if someone is on a diet. She isn’t supposed to eat chocolate chip cookies, but she cheats and has two. Overcome with regret, she says, “What’s the use?

I ruined the day,” and proceeds to eat the rest of the bag.

Clearly, her logic is flawed. True you may not have had the best start, or you may have faltered somewhere in the middle, but by giving up you’re just assuring yourself that these unhealthy habits will continue. If you think Pepsi is unhealthy, don’t have it with dinner.

If you think you’d be better off without vulgar speech or lashon hara, then watch your mouth no matter what your age or what the people around you say.

Until the day is done and the sun sets on your life, you have the opportunity to eat a “healthy breakfast,” by making wise choices and thinking about the results of those choices.

Don’t settle for less, and you, too, can be a champion.

Jonathan Gewirtz is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in publications around the world. He also operates JewishSpeechWriter.com, where you can order a custom-made speech for your next special occasion.

HELP PUBLISH THESE ARTICLES! We are currently gearing up for publication of a book of Obervant Jew articles.

Reread your favorites; laugh, cry, scratch your head in confusion, just like the very first time! Sponsorship opportunities are available and necessary.

For more information, or to sign up for the Migdal Ohr, his weekly PDF Dvar Torah in English, e-mail info@JewishSpeechWriter.com and put Publication Sponsorship or Subscribe in the subject. © 2013 by Jonathan Gewirtz. All rights reserved.

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uick! Name as many breakfast foods as you can in five seconds.

Don’t worry, I’ll wait. [Quiz music wafts through the page.] You probably mentioned some of these: milk… eggs… juice… toast… cereal… Pepsi… What? You didn’t say Pepsi?

Why not?

The obvious answer is that almost no one would drink or serve their children Pepsi for breakfast. That begs the next question: why not? I asked some folks this question and they said, “Because it’s not healthy!” I was prepared for that. “OK,” I asked, “Then why do you drink it later in the day?” They didn’t have as ready an answer for that one.

Now, at breakfast, many people drink orange juice. In fact, in the United States, where we have access to locally-grown oranges and therefore better-tasting juice, it’s one of the top breakfast items for most people. It energizes them and makes them feel healthy, fortified with mega-doses of Vitamin C, and ready to take on the world. For years, though, the orange growers have been trying to convince us that orange juice isn’t just for breakfast, but should be drunk at all times of the day. They haven’t really succeeded.

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Ask the Rabbi

Yehoshua Levy

As You Love Thyself How can G-d command us to “love thy neighbor as thyself”? Love is an emotion and there are people I just don’t like, let alone love as I love myself. Even the people that I do love, I can’t say I love them as much as I love myself.

The Rabbi Responds: I must agree with you that it is difficult to dictate emotions and it also doesn’t seem possible to love another as much as you love yourself. But it’s not clear that the Torah ever obligates us to do so. The Torah (Lev. 19:18) states, “V’ahavtah l’reiacha kamocha.” The literal translation of the verse is, “Love your friend like yourself.” Some commentaries say that the actual commandment is not to be taken literally and render it to mean, “What is offensive to you, don’t do to your friend.” (See Targum Yonasan and Talmud, Shabbos 31a, and the introduction to Shaarie Yosher.)

Even the literal translation can be understood in a way that is certainly achievable. The Baal Shem Tov (16981760) interprets the word “kamocha” (like yourself) as follows: Most people realize that they aren’t perfect. Everyone has their faults and foibles. Yet, they still look at themselves as basically good people. This is how we must look at others as well. If we see character flaws in others, we shouldn’t let that overshadow all the good qualities that they have. By focusing on the good, you can find a way to like just about anyone― the same way you are able to like yourself despite your own shortcomings. “Love your friend like yourself.”

You don’t have to love him as much as you love yourself, rather, the same way you love yourself by focusing on the good, learn to love your friend by doing the same. This may be easier said than done, but is a trait that can be acquired and perfected.

A related point here is the wording of the verse, “V’ahavtah l’reiacha kamocha.” The first time the word “rei’ah, friend” is used in the Torah is when Judah sends payment to the woman he thought was a zona with “his friend, the Adulamite.” (Gen. 38:20) After this friend failed to find her, Judah asks him to forget it, as he feared others would find out and result in causing him great embarrassment and shame. The fear of humiliation, however, didn’t stop him

from telling his friend. Why not? Rav Schwab explains that the Torah is telling us what a “rei’ah,” a real friend is.

Judah could tell him what transpired and know that his friend would still see him as a good person who made a mistake. This verse that commands us to love our “friend” also uses the word “rei’ah.” Love and respect your friend because that’s what a real friend is.

Rabbi Akiva used to quote this verse and comment, “This is the great rule of the Torah.” Ever the optimist, Rabbi Akiva was famous for seeing the positive in every situation. There are so many stories in the Talmud and Medrash that illustrate how he always found inspiration and hope even in the darkest moments. Even when his rabbinic colleagues were grief stricken and depressed over catastrophic events, he found reason to rejoice.

Perhaps that is why he taught: “Love your friend like yourself” as a central rule to the Torah. Just as he was able to see the good in every situation, he was able to see the good in every person. There is almost no one who doesn’t have some redeeming qualities.

The Talmud invokes this commandment most often regarding certain laws in marriage. The spouse is the ultimate rei’ah. Who knows our weaknesses and flaws better than our spouses? Nobody.

And who loves you more than all the others who think you’re really such a good person? Your spouse. In the Sheva Berachos we make when a couple gets married, we refer to the young couple as “re’im ahuvim, beloved friends.” We remind them that by focusing on the good, they can prevent the other things from affecting their mutual love and respect. If you are married, start with your spouse. Then, try this with others as well. Then you will be able to say that you “love them as you love yourself.”

With brotherly love, Yehoshua Levy

Please note, the information written above is not meant as a rabbinic ruling. If you have any questions, please consult your rabbinic authority for clarification.

Yehoshua Levy, a teacher of Torah, is a writer and lecturer who dares to think outside the box to bring his thought-provoking insights and facts to his readers. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com.

76 Susan Schwamm

t h g i R Just

If your children are heading to camp, you probably have five duffel bags lining your living room that are overflowing with odd ‘n ends. Here is a helpful list of what they may just need so you can close the zipper on their suitcases and send them off to camp with kisses and hugs. Keep in mind: if they forget something there’s always visiting day and Walmart!

 Band-Aids

 iPod

 Sleeping bag

 Baseball cap

 Slippers

 Bathing cap

 List of addresses and phone numbers of relatives

 Bathing suits, 2

 Knapsack

 Sock bag

 Batteries and chargers

 Jacket

 Socks, 8 pairs

 Blow dryer

 Laundry bag

 Books

 Linen including pillow and blanket

 Sports equipment, camp permitting

 Brush

 Mirror

 Sunglasses

 Camera

 Nail clipper

 Sunscreen

 Cellphone/charger (if camp permits)

 Nosh—lots and lots

 Sweatshirt

 Notepad

 Tefilin

 Chapstick

 Outfits for Shabbos

 Tissues

 Clip on fan

 Pants, shorts or skirts, 5-6

 Contact lenses/lens solutions

 Pajamas, 3

 Toiletries—soap, shampoo, conditioner plus bag or container

 Cup

 Pens

 Toothbrush/toothpaste

 Deodorant

 Photos of the family

 Towels, 2

 Envelopes and stamps

 Q-tips

 Tzitzis, 2

 Flashlight

 Quarters

 Umbrella

 Flip flops

 Raincoat

 Underwear, 10 pairs

 Floss

 Robe

 Undershirts, 10 pairs

 Goggles

 Safety pins

 Water bottles

 Hair accessories

 Sewing kit

 Yarmulka, 2

 Hand sanitizer

 Shaver, shaving cream

 Ziploc bags

 Hand towels, 2

 Shirts and t-shirts, 7

 Insect repellant

 Siddur

 Sneakers

**Remember to label everything!

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Cover Story Rena Zingmond

ummer is around the corner and families nationwide are gearing up for the long-awaited outdoor fun. While kids may be bursting with impatience for the start of the camp season, parents may be battling other emotions at the thought of sending their children away for any amount of time, whether it be a few hours, weeks or months. In addition to providing their children with an enjoyable camp experience, parents today want to make sure it happens in the safest way possible.

We spoke with Debbie Fox, LCSW, to learn what parents can do to ensure their kids a safer summer camp experience. Mrs. Fox is well known for her active involvement in promoting child safety all year round. Beginning at Aleinu Family Resource Center, a program of Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles, Mrs. Fox developed the nationally renowned Safety Kid® Program, which continues to educate over 20,000 students in the yeshiva system about abuse awareness and prevention. Her newest program, Project SafeCamp, is a comprehensive counselor training program aimed specifically at promoting safety in summer camps.

Mrs. Fox suggests a three-prong approach for parents to follow, aimed at keeping kids safe and parents worry-free. She advises parents to ask questions of a camp beforehand, discuss safety awareness with your children once a camp is chosen, and to be on the lookout for signs of any discomposure upon their returning home.

Ask Questions before Choosing a Camp Knowledge is power. It pays to get an early start in researching camps and their policies. Ask specific questions and, if it helps you remember, write down the answers. Asking questions lets the camp know that safety is important to you and that you expect a certain level of standards. You’ll breathe more easily after resolving your doubts and shedding a light on the unknown.

Some important questions to ask are: • How are disciplinary and behavioral problems handled?

• What kind of training do counselors receive before camp? Does the training include personal safety such as unwanted or inappropriate touch?

• Are criminal background checks performed on all personnel?

• How many references does the camp require and what is the process of checking those references?

• What is the camp policy about supervision during changing or bedtimes?

• At what point would a parent be notified about an issue with a camper?

• To whom can the campers turn to if they feel uncomfortable or at risk, and is that clearly communicated to the campers themselves?

Posing questions and concerns to camps of interest will not only endow you with a better ability to make a more educated decision, it also sends a message to camps that parents take safety seriously and expect a viable plan of action. Summer camps, which are highly competitive, will be more likely to add safety training and awareness to their list of priorities when observing the interest and involvement displayed by prospective parents. Your questioning alone can spur camps to reevaluate their safety procedures, to everyone’s best interest.

After asking your questions, pay attention to the answers. Says Rabbi Ronald Greenwald, director of Camp Sternberg, a girls’ camp in Narrowsburg, NY, “It’s important to choose a camp that acknowledges that these issues exist and endeavors to prevent them from happening. Be wary of statements like, ‘Things like that don’t happen here.’” If you are not comfortable with the director’s responses or camp policies, see what may result from offering positive recommendations. It’s safe to say that most camps place camper safety at the top of their priority lists; it just boils down to choosing the approach you feel is right for your child.

Mrs. Stern was faced with a conundrum. All of her eleven-year-old son’s friends were going to a camp that confiscated cellphones from the minute they arrived on the premises until returning home. The boys would not be provided with any other means to contact their parents. When Mrs. Stern questioned the camp regarding this policy, the director responded that he felt it was important for the boys to mature and learn to handle things on their own. When Mrs. Stern inquired further as to camp procedures for handling emergencies or other significant issues, the director replied, “We’ve been involved with this for a long time – we know what we’re doing.”

Mrs. Stern did not feel comfortable with the lack of contact she would have with her son under this particular camp’s rules. She was faced with a dilemma. Should she allow her child to attend the camp his friends were going to – to which he desperately wanted to go – or should she listen to her instincts and do that what she feels is safest for her son? We’ve all heard the familiar refrain, “But everyone else’s parents let!” If you couldn’t help rolling your eyes just now, we understand. It is always difficult to go against the grain, especially when the grain includes a desperate, uncomprehending, pleading child, who just wants to fit in and be with his friends. Ultimately, parents must find the strength to choose what they feel is the wisest, safest option for their kids, even if it’s not the popular choice. Mrs. Fox adds, “There are times when being a parent does not make us popular with our children. Our responsibility is to be their parent – not their friend.” Sometimes it takes that one parent to stand up for what s/he believes in to give others the strength to follow suit, enabling decisions to be based truly on what is best for the child.

Talking Points to Prepare your Child for a Safer Camp Experience: • Choose friends and activities consistent with your home standards and values (open up a conversation about what your home standards and values are) • Remain in public areas of the camp – never separate yourself by being alone in an area that cannot be seen by others, whether it’s with an adult or even a friend.

• Your body belongs to you – unwanted or uncomfortable touch is never okay (except by the camp doctor or nurse for medical reasons, where someone will always be with you).

• You can and should say NO to anyone (whether it’s a fellow camper, counselor or respected adult) who wants to show you inappropriate pictures or talk about, look at or touch the private areas of your body • No one should tell you to hide anything or keep secrets from your parents.

The best education starts at home. Initiating discussions with your children in a comfortable way about their personal safety and protecting their bodies during camp gives your children the clear message that you are interested and available to discuss these sensitive issues with them. Children will be more likely to confide in parents who open and welcome these discussions.

Mrs. Fox went on to establish her own organization called Magen Yeladim: Child Safety Institute, an agency geared toward developing and instituting programs that increase child safety. Recognizing that camp counselors, often adolescents themselves, appreciate the opportunity to learn about relevant issues regarding boundaries, limit setting, bullying prevention and respecting personal safety, Mrs. Fox created Project SafeCamp, the newest program of Magen Yeladim. Mrs. Fox began the process by interviewing camp directors, rabbeim and counselors throughout the country about what they felt were the areas that counselors needed the most education. Once the topics were developed, teams of highly skilled specialists (separate for male and female counselors) were elected to present the information in the form of four twenty-minute videos. Project SafeCamp has officially launched with the creation of its website, and counselor training can be completed online, at designated local venues or brought to the campsite itself.

There are times when being a parent does not make us popular with our children. Our responsibility is to be their parent – not their friend.

Be on the Lookout for Warning Signs The end of camp has finally come – your kids hop off the bus, complete with a ravenous appetite and mounds of dirty laundry. After sleeping for the next two days, it’s only natural that they’ll be talking over each other to give you the rundown on their camp experience. Mrs. Fox encourages parents to be active listeners and supply their own questions about the highlights of the summer, the productions, sports teams, favorite counselors and new friends. Fortunately, most of our children return from camp with only the best of memories and experiences. At the same time, she urges parents to take visual and emotional inventory and note any significant differences in their child.

Some examples of changed behavior may include: • Suddenly exhibiting a newfound knowledge/interest in inappropriate topics, jokes, pictures or websites.

• Becoming secretive (that might mean minimizing the computer screen every time you walk in the room).

• Harboring a deep relationship or dependency with an adult or significantly older person (especially if there are secrets or gifts involved).

• Significant differences in mood or behavior, i.e. depressed, hostile, or isolating him/herself since returning from camp.

If you have reason to be concerned about an inappropriate relationship or incident that may have transpired in camp, it is most important to remain calm and express your support. If your child chose to confide in you, praise him for it and keep him informed about ways you are going to get him help. Although it may not be outwardly expressed, your child will welcome the unconditional love and support as only a parent can give.

Counselor Training Over the course of many years, Mrs. Fox has developed various training programs in response to the prevalence of these sensitive issues. Safety Kid®, as mentioned earlier, was designed to help schools teach children strategies for keeping themselves safe from potential threats in a fun and kid-friendly manner. The program also includes components for staff and parents as well, making it easy for them to incorporate the material into their curriculum, educating them as to signs of abuse, and providing the appropriate recourse in case a disclosure is made.

Project SafeCamp provides counselors with tools in some of the following areas: • Developing appropriate counselorcamper boundaries, balancing the ability to relate to campers with maintaining a certain level of professionalism • Identifying and addressing high-risk situations (i.e. eating disorders, mental/physical health issues, family trauma, etc.)

• Preventing inappropriate touch in camp

• Bullying prevention skills Counselors have myriad responsibilities in camp. They are responsible for getting their bunk to activities on time, providing the campers with a fun time, and keeping order in the bunkhouse. Many times counselors are just teenagers themselves and it requires extra insight to see the problems or anxieties that may be lurking beneath a camper’s smile.

In one camp, campers thought they would pull a prank on Sarah so they put her in a garbage can filled with flour and sprinkled water all over her. All the girls stood around the circle and laughed at the funny scene. One of the girls snapped a picture which was circulated around the camp. Sarah was terribly embarrassed but too ashamed to show it. She tried to act as if she was laughing with the group. When the head counselor walked by and asked what was happening, Sarah told her everything was fine although she was holding back tears, and told her it was a joke.

But it was not a joke. Pranks or jokes that single out someone are never funny and should never be tolerated. In this situation, the head counselor knew that what was being done was not right and swiftly disbursed the crowd. Immediate action was taken so the girls would know that actions like this would never be condoned.

And a special chat with Sarah let her know that she was special and had an important place in camp.

Leah looked forward to coming back to camp this year...she was sure it would be the safest place in the world for her. Mrs. Strauss, the camp director, noticed that she seemed sad and quiet and was barely participating in activities. In fact, her counselor was concerned about her. Sarah would not go swimming or participate in any activities where she would need to change into a bathing suit and although she slept fitfully, she was fully dressed in her bed. Before visiting day, she almost ran away from camp. Leah had a secret that she felt she could not tell.

An intuitive counselor should be able to see the pain hidden beneath the surface.

In this case, Mrs. Strauss was aware that something was wrong, and working together with the social worker and psychologist on staff, she was able to help Leah deal with the issues that had been plaguing her all year. Ultimately, camp was the safest place for young Leah, as here she was able to find the help she so desperately needed.

Ultimately, the goal is to expand Project SafeCamp to a community-wide system that involves everyone – directors, parents, counselors and campers – in working together to keep children safe at camp. Says Meir Frischman, director of Camp Agudah, “The Project SafeCamp program is the counselor-training model we have been waiting for. Trained professionals address our counselors at home, in their neighborhood or at camp. I recommend every camp become a SafeCamp.”

Camp experiences can be life-changing for a child; together we can work to ensure the impact is of a positive nature. With the increased awareness of parents, counselors and the kids themselves, we can, G-d willing, provide our children with an all-around fun and safe summer.

For more information about Project SafeCamp or to schedule a training session please contact us at info@projectsafecamp.com or call (347)762-7276.

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Talk to Your Kids You are your child’s most powerful teacher. After selecting the camp you feel is the best fit for your child, Mrs. Fox recommends having a discussion with your children about protecting their personal boundaries. She offers a personal tip: instead of initiating a dramatic “camp talk” moment, try to find a natural window of opportunity during which to bring up the discussion. While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to specifically identify an authority figure to whom your child should turn if they ever feel uncomfortable, frightened or concerned about boundaries. If that person is unavailable or does not respond, designate a second person they should approach. You might want to role play or share a camp story you know of to solidify their understanding and make the information more tangible.

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• 'v oac tcv lurc • y eshiva K etana of l ong i sland is proud to announce the distinguished mechanchim

Rabbi Tzvi Krigsman t"yhka Menahel

w i l l j o i n t h e h a n h a l a s h ay e s h i va a s

Rabbi Shlomo Dovid Pfeiffer t"yhka S'gan Menahel will join as

w e wish them much hatzl ocha in their new endeavor . i t is a true Kovod to have such mechanchim join us as the y eshiva continues its mission of being mechanech our t inoKos s hel b ais r abon .

Rabbi Yechiel Perr rosh hayeshiva, yeshivas derech ayson

Rabbi Zvi Bajnon rosh yeshiva, yeshiva Ketana of long island

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Health & Fitness

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David Elazar Simai, MD

Summer Safety Tips Dear Readers, Some of you may remember the first summer safety article I wrote two years ago, which discussed sunburns, heat stress, and pool and beach safety. This year, I would like to focus on some other important summer safety tips.

Bug Bites and Repellants Spending more time outside means more exposure to insect bites, and es-

pecially in the south shore of Long Island, itchy nights are commonplace in most homes.

I did some research to find out why some people are more prone to mosquito bites than others, and here are some of the conclusions of scientific studies: • Mosquitoes prefer “human targets” with type O blood over other types • Some people with type O blood secrete sugar-like chemicals known as saccharides through their skin. Mosquitoes love these secretors more than any other human being.

• Cholesterol – some people have the ability to store cholesterol on their skin surface and attract mosquitoes to their skin. (This may not be related to their total cholesterol level in the blood.)

• Other acids – such as uric acid and lactic acid attract mosquitoes.

• Floral perfumes and deodorants – it is a common misconception that mosquitoes live on human blood. They would much prefer to feed on nectar from wild flowers.

• Dark clothing – solid patterns more than floral or striped patterns are attractive to mosquitoes.

• Exhaled air from our lungs contains CO2 – carbon dioxide – which mosquitoes could detect from 60 to 100 feet away and rush towards their targets Prevention • Most over-the-counter repellants contain the chemical DEET which is available in concentrations ranging between 5%-100%.

• I have searched the possible side effects of DEET and found that the chemical is hazardous and has been reported to cause rare, but serious side effects ranging from local skin reactions to death (most deaths were caused by accidental ingestion of the chemical).

• In 1989, 3M developed a slow release formulation containing 35% DEET for the US army, which minimizes the possible side effects of DEET. The product is available under the name Hour Guard.

The CDC (Centers of Disease Control) Recommendations • To keep your children safe, do not use repellents on kids under the age of 2.

• Use repellents sparingly on kids 2-6 years old.

• Use products containing no more than 10% DEET on all kids.

• Avoid using DEET if you are pregnant – it can cause severe birth defects.

• Adults should use repellents containing less than 35% DEET. • Always follow the directions on the product label.

Natural Repellants • Thousands of plants have been tested for the insect repellent properties. While none of them are as potent as DEET, some studies point that soybean oil repellent may be as effective as 5% DEET products.

• Other effective natural repellents include: lemon eucalyptus (for kids 3 and above), citronella, catnip, neem, garlic (ingested), lotus and black

pepper.

• A word of advice: just because these products are natural doesn’t mean that they are 100% safe. Natural repellents can be dangerous if ingested, applied on cuts or wounds, or sprayed into the eyes.

Bike Safety As many of you have noticed, there has been a surge of popularity to biking in recent years. Here is some advice to ensure that your biking trips are as safe as can be.

While you may not have ridden your bike with a helmet when you were a child, it’s a must for kids these days. Over 250,000 kids make a visit to the emergency room every year with bike-related injuries, some resulting in death or severe brain injury. Some of these injuries could have been prevented by wearing a helmet. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets standards for helmets, so make sure to choose one with its safety seal on it.

While you are at it, check to see if the bike your child uses fits him or her.

Have your child straddle the top bar of his or her bike with both feet flat on the

ground. A 1 to 3-inch gap between the bar and your child’s body means it’s still the correct size.

Wishing you a healthy and safe summer, David E. Simai M.D.

Dr. David Simai is a Board Certified Pediatrician from the Five Towns. He is a full time attending in his own private practice since 2007 in Cedarhurst, New York. In addition, he is an Attending Physician at LIJ-Cohen Children’s Hospital, NorthShore Manhasset University Hospital and South Nassau Communities Hospital. He can be contacted for consultation at 516 374-2228 or via email at davidsimai@yahoo.com.

NOTE: name, gender, geographical area and other identifying information where deliberately altered in this article in order to protect the patient’s privacy. This article is not intended to help diagnose or treat any specific disease. Always consult your personal physician before diagnosing or treating yourself or your child for any of the above mentioned illnesses.

The Buzz about Bugs Did you know that?

• • • • • • •

Mosquitoes are carnivores They can live 2 weeks to 6 months They weigh an average of 0.000088 oz.

They can drink up to three times their weight in blood There are more than 3,500 species of mosquitoes Only females can suck your blood Mosquitoes don’t have teeth • Mosquito-borne diseases cause millions of deaths worldwide every year; they are considered the deadliest “animal” in the world • The females can lay up to 300 eggs at a time

TJH Staff

Have You Helped the Bully? grades, even if there are B’s and C’s in there; they aren’t good enough.

He notices, though, that if he pushes around another child, not only does that child actually listen to him, something amazing in and of itself, but there are other kids who kind of stop and listen, too. A number of people are afraid of him. Him! Wow, the person who is the one that is afraid turns out to inspire fear in others. What a trip!

The second child may not beat up other children; after all, he didn’t have people beating him so he may not even

but his behavior goes far beyond being spoiled.

Parents of children like this may deny that the description above holds for them because they will be the first to explain that there are no fights in their house. That is because they give the child everything and in so doing prevent tantrums. They are raising a narcissist.

The Torah teaches us that we must teach our child all day long how to live life in a G-dly manner. If your relationship with your child fits any of these situations, it is not too late to make a deci-

The unfortunate problem is that this child has gained a whole lot more in the way of material comforts by bullying his parents. His behavior goes far beyond being spoiled. feel comfortable with that modality. But he sure is disrespected. Like the child in the first case, above, the child in the second can quickly learn that he can feel a whole lot better about himself by getting negative attention from other kids at school – or at camp.

Both of the children in these situations not only are modeling their parents’ behavior but they don’t have the knowledge of how to get the things they want by being kind, outgoing, encouraging of others, and friendly. They simply don’t know. They may have seen other children draw peers to themselves but they can’t figure out what they did or how they did it to make that happen.

Then there is the third child. This child actually may know how to be pleasant and charming when he or she wants to. But the unfortunate problem is that this child has gained a whole lot more in the way of material comforts by bullying his parents. His parents would not want to think of it in these terms,

sion to change. It won’t be easy but it’s absolutely necessary for your child’s sake and the sake of others. Start before sending him or her off to camp. Here is how you can start.

• If you are been overly aggressive, both physically or verbally, get some help with your reactions. A relatively cheap method is to listen to relaxation inductions which can be downloaded from the computer.

Alternatively, learn meditation or take an anger-management course in the privacy of your home. Get therapy.

• Apologize to your child for each and every one of those aggressive incidents. This teaches your child how to apologize and how to have the inner strength to do so. It also teaches your child that the verbally or physically violent behavior was wrong – a most important lesson for bullies.

• If you have not set boundaries up till now, start. Begin with how the child should speak to you. Make a list

of new rules and post them. Then apologize to your child for not having had those boundaries before. You may wonder about this since you were only being “too nice.” But you weren’t. You were teaching your child that a world without rules is fine. That is not true of any civilized society and certainly not for a Torah-observant family.

• In all cases, start giving your child plenty of positive reinforcement.

Make a chart, not for the child, but for yourself because the goal is for you to give more of it. The child is thirsty for encouragement and praise. Say it gently and lovingly. Be sincere. Tell your child exactly what he or she did right and why you like that behavior.

• There does have to be punishment for breaking rules but that punishment should be reasonable and should fit the “crime.” For example, getting into bed too late could be punished by setting the bedtime earlier the next night. Forgetting homework will receive enough punishment at school. If you are uncertain what a reasonable punishment is, talk to the teacher or to a family therapist. There should be much more praise than punishment in the child’s life.

When your child goes off to camp, arrange to get feedback from the counselors if there are behavioral issues.

Arrange for these rules to be continued at camp; they should be tailored to the child’s specific needs. If that can’t be done, perhaps it would be better for the child to stay home under your supervision this summer while you both learn how to handle things differently.

And don’t beat yourself up over this. That is just as bad as beating your child, verbally or physically. Set the example by creating new goals for yourself as a parent and striving for them.

Being positive towards yourself is just as important as being positive towards your child.

Dr. Deb Hirschhorn, a Marriage & Family Therapist and best-selling author of The Healing Is Mutual--Marriage Empowerment Tools to Rebuild Trust and Respect--Together, is proud to announce that readers of The Jewish Home will receive a $50 discount on every visit to her Woodmere office. For more information, call 646-54-DRDEB or check out her website at drdeb.com.

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ullies are everywhere it seems.

The newest thing is that office bullying is going to be the “new sexual harassment” according to employment lawyers. Maybe we should stop them when they’re still little.

Kids are getting ready for camp and the “getting ready” process may be a bit heavy on supplies and a bit too light on middos. Here’s a question for parents: Is there any chance in the world that, behind your back, your child is a bully to other kids? In order to answer this question, consider the following conditions that increase the risk of this possibility: • Your child is punished severely, sometimes hit. These punishments are accompanied by scoldings but are not followed by opportunities for the child to speak.

• Your child is not punished severely but is yelled at, often.

• Your child is neither punished severely nor yelled at but on the contrary, runs the household. The truth be told, you are afraid of him or her; you’re afraid of the temper outbursts that don’t end. You may even be afraid of the verbal abuse when your child calls you names. Some people have called your child “spoiled.”

These three very different types of family relationships can set the stage for bullying by your child. Here’s how: In the first situation, the child has learned that attacking another person is the thing to do. After all, that is exactly what is being done to him. Children learn by osmosis. They don’t analyze or discuss their learning process; they simply pick up and imitate what they experience.

Furthermore, the child feels like a piece of dirt. He is being attacked without an opportunity to explain why he failed the math test or forgot his lunch.

He is not allowed to simply be a person who makes mistakes. No matter what he does, his is derogated for it. The only possible message he can get out of that is that he is worthless.

What can he do to feel better? He can abuse drugs; that will take his mind off of himself. But something else he can do would be to elevate himself in his own eyes. That would be powerful.

Studying will not work because he has already been a miserable failure at that.

Well, not really a failure, but his father seems to not be too happy with his

Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.

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Notable

Quotes

Compiled by Nate Davis

“Say What?”

I took out the ring and showed it to [Vladimir Putin], and he put it on and he goes, ‘I can kill someone with this ring.’ I put my hand out and he put it in his pocket, and three KGB guys got around him and walked out.

- New England Patriot owner Steve Kraft talking about how Russian President Vladimir Putin stole his Super Bowl ring from him What Mr. Kraft is saying now is weird. I was standing 20 centimeters away from [Kraft] and Mr. Putin and saw and heard how Mr. Kraft gave this ring as a gift.

- Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Petrov, responding to Kraft’s claims This is what democracy looks like in a theocratic dictatorship. Iran’s presidential campaign season kicked off last month when an unelected body of 12 Islamic jurists disqualified more than 600 candidates. Women were automatically out; so were Iranian Christians, Jews and even Sunni Muslims. The rest, including a former president, were purged for possessing insufficient revolutionary zeal. Eight regime loyalists made it onto the ballots.

One emerged victorious on Saturday.

- Iranian expat Sohrab Ahmari, in The Wall Street Journal.

This man was elected president of the United States of America.

- VP Biden introducing Al Gore at Democratic fundraiser

It’s important to bear in mind I’m being called a traitor by men like former Vice President Dick Cheney...

Being called a traitor by Dick Cheney is the highest honor you can give an American, and the more panicked talk we hear from people like him, Feinstein, and King, the better off we all are. If they had taught a class on how to be the kind of citizen Dick Cheney worries about, I would have finished high school.

- NSA surveillance leaker Edward Snowden I hope, I pray, and I ask that you will not release any secrets that could constitute treason. I sense that you’re under much stress [from] what I’ve read recently, and [ask] that you not succumb to that stress ... and make a bad decision.

– Lon Snowden, on FOX News addressing his son Edward Snowden Democrats terrify Hispanics into thinking they’ll be lynched if they vote for Republicans, and then turn around and taunt Republicans for not winning a majority of the Hispanic vote.

- Ann Coulter, on the immigration debate

Marco Rubio [is] the Jack Kevorkian of the Republican party.

- Ibid

Egyptian Politician Khaled Zaafrani in an interview on Egyptian television: Khaled Al-Zaafrani: It’s well known that during the Passover, they

make matzos called the “Blood of Zion.” They take a Christian child, slit his throat and slaughter him. Then they take his blood and make their [matzos]. This is a very important rite for the Jews, which they never forgo.

Interviewer: Could you repeat the name of this rite?

Khaled Al-Zaafrani: It is called the Blood of Zion rite. During the Jews’

Passover, they must slaughter…

Interviewer: And the Jews do this to this day?

Khaled Al-Zaafrani: Absolutely. The French kings and the Russian

czars discovered this in the Jewish quarters. All the massacring of Jews that occurred in those countries were because they discovered that the Jews had kidnapped and slaughtered children, in order to make the Passover matzos. Recorded evidence of this is kept in the Egyptian national archives. This happens to this day.

Now, techniques used to prevent attacks have been disclosed. I don’t know if you remember after 9/11, Congress had hearings, right? And you know what the hearings were about? We didn’t connect the dots. Well, we didn’t have the tools there to connect the dots. One of the killers makes a phone call from San Diego to somewhere, how come you didn’t know? We didn’t have the tools.

We’ve got the tools. Now the people in Congress are saying, “Why are you connecting the dots?” It’s a tough assignment for the president. It is.

- Former-President George W. Bush at a speech in California, discussing the NSA surveillance scandal This is a Glock block. We don’t call 911.

- Posters with a image of a gun posted by residents of an Oregon neighborhood, after the police were unable to prevent a rash of petty crimes

This week a man was arrested for jumping over the White House fence and trying to spray paint a political message. If that guy really wanted to get a message to the president, he could have just written it in an email to literally anyone.

- Jimmy Fallon

According to a Gallup poll, President Obama’s approval rating has dropped to 45 percent. Luckily for Obama, he has “impeachment insurance.” It’s called “Joe Biden.”

- Jay Leno

This day marks the 42nd anniversary of the war on drugs. Today our partners in Mexico observed it with a moment of silence followed by hours of laughter.

– Jay Leno

Ever since the government’s spying scandal was exposed, sales of the novel 1984 have jumped 6,000 percent on Amazon. Yeah, 1984 shows how scary it would be if society tracked everything you do. And if you want to read it, just buy it on a website that tracks everything you do.

- Jimmy Fallon [Obamacare] is a term, by the way, that I coined and used proudly long before the administration decided it was a good idea.

- Anthony Weiner to the New York Times 20 brazen self-professed illegal aliens have just invaded my DC office.

Obama’s lawless order gives them de facto immunity from U.S. law.

- Tweet by Rep Steve King (R-Iowa) on Thursday, June 13, after demonstrators held a “sit in” in his office If we can’t secure the doors to a congressional office building, how in the world does John McCain and Chuck Schumer think we’re going to secure the borders?

- Ibid

The Taliban is now recruiting women to become suicide bombers. And it’s not easy to qualify. The women must be able to push a car loaded with explosives because, as you know, they’re not allowed to drive over there.

- Jay Leno

The only true democracy is one that is based on a people that are virtuous, and that’s what you’ve maintained through your traditions.

- Sen. Rang Paul (R-KY) at a private luncheon with Orthodox Jews in Lakewood, after touring Beis Medrash Govoah The guy who blew the whistle on the NSA scandal is a former security worker named Edward Snowden. He is a high school dropout. He was making $122,000 a year.

He lived in Hawaii...And he gave it all up. So not only is he a whistleblower. He’s also a moron.

- Jay Leno

Our government spied on every single one of your phone calls, but it couldn’t find two pot-smoking deadbeat Bostonians with a hotline to terrorist central in Chechnya…really? And it’s built an apparatus to sneak into all of the good guys’ communications, but oopsy-daisy! It missed the Fort Hood mass-murder of our own troops, despite this Islamic terrorist declaring his ideology in numerous army counseling sessions…and on his own business cards. But… no red flags there. Really?

- Sarah Palin at the Faith and Freedom Coalition Road to Majority 2013 conference I say let Allah sort it out.

- Ibid, in reference to the Obama administration’s decision last week to arm Syrian rebels

Well, [newly elected Iranian President Hassan Rowhani] was seen as the most reformminded of all the candidates who ran this time. That being said, they were all very conservative. In U.S. terms, it was as if all the candidates for the presidency came from the Tea Party.

- CBS News reporter Elizabeth Palmer

The man who loved polls too much warns the president not to...

Not only is President Obama leading from behind, now he’s leading from behind Bill Clinton. After dithering for two years over what to do about the slaughter in Syria, the president was finally shoved into action by the past and perhaps future occupant of his bedroom. Clinton told John McCain during a private Q. and A. on Tuesday in New York that Obama should be more forceful on Syria and should not rationalize with opinion polls that reflect Americans’ reluctance to tangle in foreign crises. ... As Maggie Haberman reported in Politico, Clinton said at the McCain Institute for International Leadership that the public elects presidents and lawmakers to “look around the corner and see down the road” and “to win,” not to follow polls. When the man who polled where to take his summer vacation ... tells you you’re a captive of polls, you’d better listen up. ...The silver-tongued campaigner has turned out to be a leaden salesman in the Oval Office. On issues from drones to gun control to taxes to Syria, the president likes to cite public opinion polls to justify his action or inaction. He seems incapable of getting in front of issues and shaping public and Congressional opinion with a strong selling job. ... [A]s the White House announced this pittance of a policy on Thursday evening, the president was nowhere to be seen. ... The less Obama leads, the more likely it is that history will see him as a pallid interregnum between two chaotic Clinton eras.

- Maureen Dowd, New York Times I think he is really coming to Connecticut to congratulate us on getting the Cigna headquarters here and getting ESPN’s digital operations here, both of which considered Texas before deciding on Connecticut. Maybe he can talk about Texas’ higher crime rate, the higher murder rate, and higher assault rate. Also, low educational achievement.

- Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy, who spoke with reporters outside of a Connecticut restaurant where Texas Gov. Rick Perry was meeting with business owners to convince them to move their businesses to Texas The big story continues to be 29-year-old Edward Snowden, the man behind the leaking of the NSA spy scandal. Speculation is that Snowden is hiding in Hong Kong and could be working for China. Hey, let’s get real.

Aren’t we all pretty much working for China?

- Jay Leno

Mr. President, no one is saying you broke any laws; we’re just saying it’s a little bit weird you didn’t have to.

–The Daily Show’s John Oliver on the NSA spying scandal

Ahmadinejad is retiring. He’s going to spend all of his time on his ranch in Crawford, Texas.

- David Letterman

A recent report finds that by the year 2043 white people will no longer be the majority in America. And by 2050, people will be saying, “I’m not racist. One of my best friends is white” - Conan O’Brien

President Obama is traveling to Africa later this month, and it’s got some people upset because the trip is expected to cost taxpayers more than 60 million dollars.

It’s mostly for security, hotel accommodations — plus Biden wants a giraffe.

– Jimmy Fallon

91 89 wi isshh Hhoommee nn mj uayn e2 42 ,0 2012 TThhee JJeew , 2013

Due to the government spy scandal, sales of the classic George Orwell book 1984 have skyrocketed. So the fallout is worse than we thought. It’s making Americans read.

- Conan O’Brien

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Health & Fitness Sara Schwartz-Gluck, LCSW Jonathan Cohen, PsyD

Beginning with the End

T

he end of the school year is an opportunity to put the stepping-stones in place for future success. Before rushing into summertime and enjoying the pool, flip-flops, and sunshine, let’s take a moment to talk about maximizing our children’s growth at this juncture.

We at SSCT have had opportunity to work with many teachers over the course of the past few months as we collaborated to create success plans for students in their classrooms. One thing we’ve noticed across the board is that teachers have a unique perspective regarding children; this perspective is different from one that a parent, friend or therapist would have regarding the same child. Teachers get to spend the best hours of the child’s day with him or her. Teachers see how children interact not only with friends, but with adults and authority figures as well.

Teachers get to see what happens when a child feels unsuccessful and has a hard time mastering academic material. They get to watch as their students are faced with challenging situations both in and out of the classroom. Each teacher that we’ve spoken with has given us a wealth of insight on how their student functions, what his or her greatest challenges are, and what the child needs in order to succeed.

On the flipside, what we’ve noticed is that teachers don’t always communicate this information to parents. Sometimes the first time that parents hear of their child’s problem is after the problem has escalated to a crisis. Sometimes, teachers are hesitant to be completely honest with parents because they get negative reactions from those parents. There are many reasons for this. When our children are struggling, we may think it’s because the teacher is in the wrong, or that the teacher has not been interacting with the children in an effective way. Hearing about our children’s problems may bring up feelings of guilt, worry, and most of all— fear. Fear for our children’s future.

Fear that if what the teacher saying is in fact true, our child is heading toward an uphill battle for the remainder of his or her school years. However, when we have those reactions while speaking to teachers, this discourages them shar-

ing vital information with us about our children, information that can help us ensure that our child doesn’t meet the same challenges again when he or she enters the new classroom for the first day in August.

Having an open, honest, end-ofyear phone conversation with your

often more relaxed. They don’t have to face the daily stressors of homework, tests, and hours of sitting at a desk.

They get to exert more physical energy and soak up more sun. This sets the stage for growth and change. When children are feeling calm and happy, they may be more open to learning new

Teachers have a unique perspective regarding children; this perspective is different from one that a parent, friend or therapist would have regarding the same child.

child’s teacher is always a good idea, but is especially vital if your child struggled at school. Here are some tips for talking to teachers: 1. Remember that children have academic and social struggles for a multitude of reasons, most of the time it is NOT your fault.

2. Remember that whether or not you agree with this teacher’s specific teaching methods, he or she is the one that holds the key to a lot of information that can help your child. As much as you can, try to be open to what the teacher has to say.

3. Ask the teacher what areas your child needs to improve in order to be successful next school year. Ask for specific examples of things your child struggled with.

After the Final Bell During the summer, children are

skills and becoming more self-aware.

In the words of a local school principal, “At the beginning of the school year, we can clearly see which children used the summer to grow and became more emotionally mature. They come back as different people.”

Self Awareness is the foundation of emotional maturity. Children who are self aware can identify how they are feeling, what they are thinking, and what they need to do in order to cope. For example: Shmuel comes home from camp in a restless state. He runs around the house bumping into his siblings, and throws his snack onto the ground. He feels frustrated but he doesn’t even know why.

There are some simple awareness-building questions you can ask your child when s/he gets home each day.

• Physical Awareness: Do you

need a drink? Do you need to use the bathroom? Is anything hurting you?

• Emotional Awareness: What is one good thing that happened today?

What is one bad thing that happened today? How did you feel when those things happened?

• Cognitive Awareness: What were you saying to yourself when those (good or bad) things happened?

Shmuel’s mother asks him the above questions. Shmuel realizes that he didn’t have a water bottle today, and he is so thirsty. After having taken a long drink, he is able to calm down enough to say, “Mordy made fun of me on the bus. He said I’m such a baby.”

Having taking a moment to self-reflect, he can now begin to deal with his actual problems—being dehydrated and feeling hurt.

Self-awareness is the difference between running around the house starting fights with siblings, and calmly talking about why feelings of frustration are there. When children develop the ability to look within and express themselves, they have taken the first step toward managing their feelings on their own.

Stay tuned for our summer series, during which we will address ways to help your child develop social and organizational skills, as well as tips for transitioning children from Pre-K through high school.

South Shore Cognitive Therapy (SSCT) will be running school readiness social skills groups for children entering grades 1-8 this summer. These activity based group sessions are so much fun that children will barely realize they are learning valuable skills for social and emotional success!

There are current openings for groups servicing girls entering grades 1,2, 4 and 5.

Please contact us for more info.

Jonathan Cohen, PsyD is the director of SSCT and has advanced training in evidenced-based therapies for emotional and behavioral problems. Sara SchwartzGluck, LCSW is a Clinical Social Worker who works with children and adults, and has lectured at schools and mental health organizations throughout NY and NJ. They can be reached at 516-568-7493 or at www. southshorecognitive.com.

What Are They Doing? Understanding Brand’s Strategies Starbucks: Your Home. Anywhere.

ou know you’re an innovative company when marketers, organizational psychologists and other analysts use your company as a case study as what to do in order to be innovative, fresh, relevant. They study your brand to determine how to be successful in a unique way. Your company is one that revolutionizes an industry and has a fresh long lasting impact on people and business in general.

Studies, books and hours of analysis were spent trying to figure out what it is that Starbucks has and does that makes it so unique, successful and iconic.

When Howard Schultz bought the company in 1987 and made it the company it is today, he set out to create an amazing coffee shop and had no idea how he was changing retail for good.

Starbucks started in Seattle, Washington, on March 30, 1971 by three partners who met as students at the University of San Francisco: English teacher Jerry Baldwin, history teacher Zev Siegl, and writer Gordon Bowker.

Originally the company was to be called Pequod, after a whaling ship from Moby Dick, but this name was rejected by some of the co-founders. The company was instead named after the chief mate on the Pequod, Starbuck. In 1978, the three sold the company to Howard Schultz, the current CEO, and he made it the company it is today.

Let’s look at some ways they’ve changed retail, and what we can learn to implement into our businesses.

A Place to Call Home. Feel at Home.

Anywhere.

Who doesn’t love “home,” that feeling of security, the place where you feel most comfortable, your little enclave that’s yours, in a big busy world? We all have different feelings for our home.

For some it’s the smell of some childhood favorite foods being cooked, a room that we can kick back in after a long day, or the overall feeling of comfort and that ability and freedom to just be able to be ourselves.

The feeling you get when you walk into a Starbucks is of warmth, comfort and a feeling of belonging. You can sink into a couch, sip your favorite cold or hot drink, delve into a book on your tablet, or have a conversation with a friend, business associate or spouse. The stores

are set up so you feel like there are different sections, and you are able to have your own sense of space and privacy.

The darker space gives you further comfort and a feeling of warmth. Every Starbucks follows a very strict rule on similarity so no matter where you are in the world if you come in to a Starbucks, there’s a sense of familiarity and the comforting “I’m home” feeling. They want you to feel “I’ve got a place to go anywhere I go” that you can rely on for a place to work in quiet, kick back, go on a date or business meeting, and oh, get a coffee.

Two Ways to Feel at Home There are two aspects to this “home” feeling that Starbucks implements. One is easier to implement into your retail experience and one is a lot harder.

One is that sense of warmth, coziness and overall mood that Starbucks implements into their stores, that should be implemented into yours and it’s fairly easy to implement in small or large ways. It just takes a conscious effort to make it happen.

Often a client will express to me that they wish they can make their location as cool as a Starbucks, but they don’t have the extra capital to make their store super-cool and hip.

In this area, I point out that it’s not capital; it’s effort. It’s not capital to make sure you have a nice clean restroom; it’s a conscious effort to send an employee in there every hour or so to make sure it’s clean, and stocked with essentials. It’s not capital to paint your store inviting colors; it’s just one Sunday afternoon with friends or some family members. For cool accessories, there’s no need to empty your pocket.

Ikea, Homegoods, and many online sites offer funky, cool stools and wall art/signage to give your store that special feeling. And please make sure (demand) that all your employees are always smiling, happy and in an uplifted mood. That’s for sure the cheapest, “no excuse” part that you can implement.

Another strategy Starbucks implements into its stores includes the little things they do to give you a welcoming feeling. Ever wondered why they sell music CDs and other odd objects that don’t necessarily fit in a coffee shop?

Why their people are all a little zany,

loud and super-friendly (not just regular corporate America friendly)? The answer is to give you a sense of difference. Starbucks knows that as much as we want to fit in and feel we do fit in, we’re all a little different. When you’re around people who act slightly different than the “norm” and spaces that don’t exactly make sense, you put down your guard, your creative side starts going into play and feel like you can be yourself too. This also plays into their home strategy.

At home you don’t feel like you have to impress anyone or have the pressure to be a certain way, you can just relax, put your guard down and be yourself. This also why Starbucks, as a whole, is always on the cutting edge of embracing controversial cultural issues; it’s to give a strong sense that they’re a place of inclusion—that they want everyone to be themselves and feel comfortable for who they are. I believe this is highly important for large corporations that want to have a strong social relevance: to embrace human causes, and have a strong human voice to your company and overall brand.

Many Locations but One Sense of Home The harder part for storeowners to implement is a technical one. Most storeowners have one or two locations, but if you do have many locations, try to implement Starbucks’ second “home” strategy. Every store is exactly or almost exactly the same.

Think about when you visit your parents, there’s that special feeling you get. When you visit the town that you grew up in or visit your elementary school, there’s a special feeling that overcomes you. Even someone who had a negative experience in a school, neighborhood, or home they grew up in still experiences a positive feeling of nostalgia when visiting. The reason is because it’s the familiarity with that place that triggers those emotions. It’s not necessarily about your experience there; it’s the familiarity that gives you the warmth and positivity.

Familiarity has a strong effect on us

humans. As humans we have six different emotional needs: certainty, variety, significance, love/connection, growth and contribution. (As we progress, we’ll discuss all six and how they have a core effect on how we make purchasing and other life decisions.) The main one that Starbucks focuses on is security—the need to feel grounded and in

control. When we visit a place that we are familiar with, we feel secure and in control. In the case with Starbucks we can be in a country or city we’ve never been in but as soon as we walk into a Starbucks and it looks the same as the one we visit often, we feel in control and secure; we feel at home.

Recently, I went to Puerto Rico and experienced this feeling as soon as I saw the Starbucks sign on the way from the airport to my hotel. In the morning, the first thing I did was go to that Starbucks outside my hotel, and this strategy became very apparent to me.

I felt extremely at home, secure and in control in a place that was completely foreign to me.

So while you may not be able to give someone familiarity anywhere, as you may not have as many locations as Starbucks, storeowners should try as hard as possible to put a focus on giving their locations a sense of inclusion, friendliness and an overall homey feel.

It’s easier and cheaper to implement than you may think.

Jay Spok is the founder and creative director of Spok Global, a business development firm with offices in New York and Chicago, IL. Connect with Jay on Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+. His office can be reached at 718427-2202 or at tiffany@spokglobal.com.

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Working hard at Day Camp?

Now it's your time!

Design by: MKink.net

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Presents

After-camp for high school girls A program of the Madraigos Lounge

Fill your long summer nights in a super cool environment Dance, fitness, workshops, chessed, and much more Enjoy your friends, go on trips and be filled with inspiration

Three nights a week, 6-9 PM for the entire month of July

Only $100

Under the leadership of Rachel Nayman For more information or to register, please call 516-680-0696 or email rnayman526@gmail.com 936 Broadway, Woodmere, NY 11598 516-371-3250 ext 5 • www.madraigos.org • info@madraigos.org

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In the Kitchen Cold Summer Sweets Summer solstice is finally here (June 21st!) and that means the warm summer sun will be tanning our noses and painting our cheeks with dapples of freckles. Let’s enjoy the sweets of summer with ices, cakes and desserts that are sure to make your family ask for more.

Lemon Mint Granita Ingredients 4 Meyer lemons 1 cup filtered water ½ cup sugar 10 mint leaves Preparation Using a vegetable peeler, zest long strips from 2 of the lemons and set aside. Juice the lemons through a fine mesh strainer.

Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan and simmer on medium heat until the sugar dissolves.

Take the pot off the heat and add the zest and mint. Allow the flavors to steep for 30 minutes while the mixture cools. Once cooled, strain the zest and mint from the sugar syrup and stir in the lemon juice.

Pour the mixture into a brownie pan or flat-bottomed glass dish. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, stir the mixture very thoroughly with a fork and allow it to freeze for another 30 minutes. Repeat this process every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours. Make sure to mix the granita well every time, scraping down the sides. The idea is to prevent ice crystals from forming so you wind up with a consistency similar to sorbet. If the mixture isn’t stirred thoroughly you might wind up with small blocks of ice, which aren’t nearly as fun to eat. Doing this for three hours will give you a good granita, although, if you can, try to do this for four hours—this way you are guaranteed a perfect consistency.

Best when served within 24 hours of making it.

Poached Peaches and Raspberries with a Kick Ingredients 1¼ cup dry white wine 1½ cups water ½ cup sugar 3 peaches, halved and pitted 1⅓ cups raspberries 1 (¼-ounce) envelope unflavored jello (1 tablespoon) Fresh mint sprigs for garnish Preparation In a large saucepan, bring 1 cup wine, water and sugar to boil over medium-high heat; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add peaches and cook for 3 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 3 minutes.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer peaches to a cutting board; remove and discard peels. Carefully place peach halves into a sealable container and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Add 1 cup raspberries to syrup and return to medium-high heat. Return to boil and cook for 5 minutes; remove from heat.

Pour raspberry mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over remaining ¼ cup wine and let stand 1 minute to soften; add to warm raspberry mixture and stir until gelatin is dissolved.

Chill raspberry mixture, uncovered, in refrigerator until set, about 6 hours.

To serve, remove peach halves from refrigerator and let come to room temperature, 15 to 30 minutes.

Divide raspberry gelée into 6 serving dishes. Top with peach halves and garnish with remaining raspberries and mint leaves.

Note: Can be prepared up to 3 days ahead. Keep covered and chilled.

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Ingredients 1/3 cup water 1/3 cup sugar 2 ½ cups fresh or frozen unsweetened strawberries 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon liqueur, optional Preparation Place the sugar and water in a small saucepan and stir over low heat until sugar dissolves (3-5 minutes). Boil the mixture for one minute and then remove from heat. Pour the sugar syrup into a container and place in refrigerator until completely chilled.

Meanwhile, thaw the frozen strawberries or clean the fresh strawberries.

Place the berries in a food processor and blend until they are pureed. Transfer to a large bowl, add lemon juice and liqueur, if you are using it. Refrigerate that mixture until thoroughly chilled. Once both mixtures are chilled, combine the simply syrup with the strawberries. Transfer the mixture into a 8 or 9-inch stainless steel pan, cover with plastic wrap and then place in freezer. Once the sorbet is completely frozen (around 4 hours), remove from freezer and then let stand at room temperature until partially thawed. Transfer mixture into food processor and then process to break up any large ice crystals. Place the sorbet back into pan and refreeze for at least three hours.

Refreshing Fruit Soup Ingredients 5-6 ripe plums 5-6 ripe peaches 5-6 apricots 1 can pitted cherries 3 cups water or more to cover 1 package raspberry or cherry flavored gelatin Preparation Wash and cut fruits into slices or chunks. Add all ingredients to pot and then simmer on stove for 20 minutes until fruit is soft. If you like your soup to be smooth, blend the soup with an immersion blender once cool. Refrigerate until serving.

Note: If you find that after freezing the sorbet, the sorbet is too sugary or needs more sugar, add more sugar syrup (too watery) or water (too sugary) and then refreeze the sorbet.

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Strawberry Sorbet

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STAYING IN THE CITY THIS SUMMERYOU CAN STILL...

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AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE ROCKAWAY PENINSULA First Session: June 23– July 22 Second Session: July 22 – August 18 Pool closed: June 25, July 8-16 (9 days)

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MEMBERSHIP: Families only will be allowed to sign up for membership. This includes immediate family members only (no son in laws or grandchildren, cousins or other assorted relatives.) If you have a guest that you would like to use the pool, please use a pool pass.

FREE PASSES: • 5 passes for any full summer family membership.

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Forgotten Heroes

Avi Heiligman

The Battle of Malta and the Heroes Who Fought Against the Axis of Evil

W

orld War II was a conflict that involved more countries than any other war and took place on three continents and off three others in naval and air battles. It’s no wonder

small island deep in enemy territory that survived despite being bombed and almost starved into capitulation. Many of the heroes deserve special recognition especially the airmen that prevented total destruction.

There were several Jewish pilots that Despite the fact that they were merit acknowledgment including outnumbered about 25 to 1, the Hurricane fighter pilot Cyril “Bam” platoon had excellent positions.

Bamberger.

After the outbreak of the war in that many of the battles are largely for- September 1939, the Germans took to gotten today and the heroes that fought the offensive in Europe while the Italthem are buried in history books—if ians attacked Allied, mainly British, their stories were written down at all. bases in the Mediterranean Theater The Siege of Malta was the story of a of Operations (MTO). Having landed

troops in North Africa and pushing towards Egypt, the Axis controlled the theater except one area between Alexandria and Gibraltar that was still in British hands. Malta is about 17 miles long and had a population of about 270,000 citizens with a small band of troops and airmen stationed on the island. These airplanes were able to reach areas in Italy, and the island could be used as a staging point for convoys on their way to attack Sicily. The Italians, and later the Germans, needed to put Malta out of the war.

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill refused to give in to concession demands, which included giving

up Malta without a fight, made by the Italians in early 1940. Instead, he told

Cyril Bam Bamberger

the island to prepare for war, and the Italians declared war on Great Britain in June 1940. At the time, Malta had only three obsolete airplanes to defend

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weeks. Many of these kills were Italians for whom Buzz had much more respect for their flying skills than the Germans he encountered.

After being shot down for the fourth time over Malta, he was hospitalized and sent back to England. His total Pilots returning from a mission over Malta for the war was 31 enemy aircraft Malta left behind a legacy for future downed and he was highly decorated.

After the war, Buzz tried to fit into generations. The defenders of Malta civilian life but had a tough time ad- never gave up and by the end of 1942, justing. His marriage was failing so in the siege had been lifted and the Axis 1948 he turned to the skills that he knew forces were forced out of Africa. No best. This time he was recruited to fight matter how dire their situation seemed for the fledgling Israeli Air Force. Even to be, they fought through it and prethough he wasn’t Jewish, he offered his vailed. Most of these heroes are forgotservices for a $1,000 a month to fight ten today but their sacrifice and comthe Arabs in a P-51 Mustang. En route, mitment to free the world of tyrants will the plane he was test flying crashed over forever be remembered.

Rome and he was killed. It was the tenth time he was shot down (he really did have nine lives!), and in 1950, he was Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to reburied by Har Carmel with full IDF The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comments and suggestions.for future columns honors.

Cyril Bamberger, George Beurling and can be reached at aviheiligman@ and the other pilots who fought over gmail.com.

The Jewish Home n

herself. chant ships were actually reaching the The defense of Malta was a two- island, aircraft were being flown off airstep process. The first was to bring sup- craft carriers to land airstrips. In the latplies, especially food and ammunition, ter months of the siege, American carriby ships, and the second was to defend ers were used but in November 1940, a her by the air. There were dozens of British carrier sailed to the Mediterraconvoys that tried to break through the nean on one of these missions. Bam was siege during the two and half years that onboard but since he wasn’t qualified the island was suryet to fly Hurricanes rounded by enemy or Skuas, he went ships, including the ashore via a demenacing U-boat stroyer. Those that submarines. Many did fly off the Argus of these convoys were decimated by were either turned the long flight and back or sunk by the eight of the 12 airtime they reached craft crashed into Malta’s harbors. the sea. Spared this Just enough supfate, he served with plies reached port to No. 261 Squadron prevent starvation, and he shot down although there was two Ju 87s in sucsevere rationing for cessive days over the citizens. As well Grand Harbor in as bringing in supJanuary 1941. The plies for the popRAF decided that Buzz Beurling, the Knight of Malta ulation and arms he had seen enough for the defenders, who were expecting action and sent Bam back to England to a German invasion at any time, planes train aspiring American pilots. were being flown off aircraft carriers.

Bam fought in Malta during one The siege started in June 1940, and in the most trying times of the siege. He November, a young pilot flew off the left Malta in May 1941 and the fighting British carrier HMS Argus to join the continued above and around the island defenders. until December 1942 when the siege Cyril “Bam” Bamberger was born was broken. Many pilots became hein 1919 in England and dropped out of roes for the folks back at home for their school to become an electrical appren- incredible sacrifice and daring. One of tice. Two years later he volunteered the pilots that took a place in history for the Auxiliary Air Force as a pho- over Malta when Bam left was George tographer and in 1938 was given pilot Beurling. training. His unit, the 610 Squadron, “Buzz” Beurling was from Quebec was outfitted with Spitfires in 1940 as who was turned down by the Canadian it made the transfer from bombers to air force because he lacked formal edufighters. Bam was with them when cation so he made his way to England to sign up for the RAF in 1940. The Brits were glad to have anyone who would volunteer to fight the Germans and by early 1942, he had shot down 2 planes.

Beurling developed a technique called deflection shooting and after his flying days were over, he wrote the manual for the Anti-aircraft guns on Malta RAF on the subject. they fought from the base at Biggin Hill Beurling, who earned the nickname during the Battle of Britain. During the “Knight of Malta,” was a careless man air battle that saved England from an in- and at times reckless with little regard vasion, Bam shot down one Me 109 and for authority. His commanders tried to was credited with another “probable.” settle him down but nothing worked As that fight began to wind down, expe- so they gladly accepted his request to rienced pilots were being sent to Malta be transferred to Malta. Over there, he to help with the siege. Bam volunteered barely listened to orders but his brash for the very dangerous but exciting as- nature was the order of the day on the signment. island as he shot down an incredible Since very few supplies from mer- 27 aircraft in his Spitfire in about two

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Lola's Story

Lola Lieber Schwartz

A World After This

A Memoir of Loss and Redemption Lola Lieber Schwartz is a world-renowned artist whose paintings have been exhibited in art galleries throughout the United States and are part of the Yad Vashem archives in Jerusalem. Most importantly, Lola is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to many. She has myriad friends and sees life in all its vibrancy and vitality. But life was not always easy. Lola was only sixteen-yearsold when Hitler ym”sh invaded Poland, and Lola was forced into hiding and spent years on the run with her husband, Mechel. Through six years of trying times, near

continued Chapter 16 Nightmare on Pesach

M

arch 19, 1944. The Germans invaded Hungary and our world began to collapse. The Germans marched right in and took over. Overnight, Hungary became another Nazi puppet state with no autonomy whatsoever. Hungarian national identity was gone. Hungary was now another vassal in the new European entity that called itself the Empire of the Third Reich. We heard rumors that Britain might soon fall too. Hitler openly announced his intention to invade and conquer the United Kingdom and do away with all its Jews and intellectuals. Despite the fact that Debrecen was in the far eastern corner of Hungary, the Nazi forces arrived only a couple of days later.

It was the same horror we had faced before, yet it was different. Hitler’s evil had escalated to new levels. The Germans bombed civilian Debrecen and enforced a 10 p.m.-to-dawn curfew. There was a strategic military reason for their violent aggression against Hungary, which we did not know then. The Nazis considered Hungary particularly untrustworthy because, after having allied themselves with the forces of evil, the Hungarians became weary of their alliance. It had cost them between 150,000 to 200,000 soldiers on the Russian front, and they realized too late that they were on the wrong side of the war. Word was

out that Hungary had sent out peace feelers to the Allies. Moreover by March 1944 the Soviet Army was approaching the Carpathian Mountains.

In Hungary, the Reich established its own brutal puppet government, which issued directives against the Jews. In order to make sure there was no misunderstanding about their power, they proceeded to intimidate Hungary further with devastating air raids.

starvation and brutality, Lola and her husband held onto their faith and values.

It was Mechel’s words of encouragement, “There will be a world after this,” that helped them cling to the hope that there will be a life of light and joy waiting for them at the end.

This is the story of Lola’s life—from her grandparents’ “enchanted garden” to meeting Eichmann ym”sh to making the Pesach seder for the Bobover Rebbe during the war—her words will take you back to a different world.

was a year when Pesach would fall on Shabbos. I debated about what to do. I didn’t say anything to Mechel.

Surely, we must not do anything. It was too dangerous and so we would just have to forfeit the observance of Pesach. Without any conversation about the past weeks, our partnership was reinforced and our bond renewed.

We decided as a couple that we would celebrate Pesach. It was our duty and our desire to do so, regardless of the

The words of the Pesach story had particular poignancy and meaning to us.

We were not slaves, but we were most certainly captives.

It had taken the Nazis several months to hit upon the idea of locking the Jews up in ghettos in Poland, but now they had the techniques down pat.

In Hungary they immediately herded the Jews into ghettos. The 7,000 registered Jews of Debrecen were pushed into the Jewish Quarter that they declared a ghetto in the blink of an eye.

As Jews living clandestinely, we had to be particularly careful. For more than two weeks neither Mechel nor I left the second-floor room of Mrs. Kuper’s home. When it was absolutely necessary to obtain food, I was the one who went out. Mechel was unusually quiet. I thought he had forgotten about his plans to escape. I speculated that there were no plans to escape because there wasn’t any place left to go.

Pesach was approaching. This was our first Pesach in Hungary. It

consequences. We would make a Seder. On Pesach Eve, Mechel davened the Ma’ariv prayers and I produced the matzos I had secretly obtained. We were not alone among the hidden Jews doing this. We had no wine, no festive meal, no ritual plate, and no guests.

But we told the Passover story to each other.

I listened with tears in my eyes to Mechel reciting the account of our deliverance from Pharaoh in Egypt.

We had a Pharaoh too: the Nazi forces that had nooses hanging over our heads. The words of the Pesach story had particular poignancy and meaning to us. We were not slaves, but we were most certainly captives. I saw tears in Mechel’s eyes too, but he quietly continued the story we had been told and had recited since we were tiny children. “In each and every generation

we will tell our children, that the Holy One, blessed be He, delivered us from the hand…”

At around midnight Mechel completed the entire Haggadah. We held each other and dried our tears and went to sleep. We were just about to doze off when we heard voices and banging on the front door of the house.

Then the doorbell rang and rang. We heard the concierge of the building (who was not Jewish) engaging in a heated conversation with some men.

I could tell they were Germans and I assumed they were from the Gestapo.

I heard them scream that they wanted Michael Nowakowski. I heard our concierge tell them which door was ours. I heard their steps on the stairs and knew that Mechel was going to be killed. He ran into the bathroom and I tried to hide anything left from the Seder under the bed.

They pounded on the door and I opened it. I was in my nightgown and my robe. Several Germans stood in front of me. The head thug had a list. It was for the roundup of Polish political troublemakers and subversives. There were twelve on the list, all known to be living under false identities with fake documents. I looked over the top of the Nazi’s list and read the names upside-down. Each and every name was a member of Mechel’s committee and of course, Mechel was the ringleader. Obviously a local non-Jew had turned Mechel and his group in to the Gestapo. The entire room smelled like matzos to me – the aroma of Pesach. I thought for sure they knew that smell too. The smell of Jewish food was not unfamiliar to our killers.

I forced myself to become an actress again. I was very polite and very much the lady. “I am sorry but my

Now it was over. Everyone was gone.

Not only would I never see my parents again, or any of all the others I’d lost, but now Mechel, the only one I had left in the world, was torn from me. Without him there was no point in fighting on against these creatures from Hell. I had neither reason nor wish to survive. I instantly knew what I wanted. I did not have to think about it for even a minute. I flew down the stairs in my nightgown and robe.

“Take me along with him. I am also a Jew.”

Now Mechel, the only one I had left in the world, was torn from me.

Without him there was no point in fighting on against these creatures from hell.

There was a deep ravine between our house and the next building.

Mechel was down in the ravine with an injured leg. The concierge led the Nazis right over to Mechel and I watched as they stormed down the stairs and hauled my husband away.

A man’s voice pierced the night.

“No, she is not. Don’t believe her. She just wants to be with her husband. I can assure you, this woman is not a Jew.” It was the concierge. He restrained me by putting his hand firmly on my

shoulder. I wanted to hit him. As far as I was concerned he had helped the Gestapo arrest my husband. He was saving my life but I did not think of him as a good man. After leading the Nazis to Mechel, why did he suddenly care what happened to me? Then it dawned on me. Maybe he believed my story. He really did think I was a Catholic woman married to a Jew. Or maybe it was his way of helping me. I will never know. I pulled away from the concierge and went back into our rooms, which smelled of Pesach and of Mechel. The Nazis had taken away my brave, now injured husband.

They would kill him. It was the end of everything for me. My entire life had vanished on a Pesach Shabbos.

Continued next week

Lola wrote this book with the help of Alida Brill.

A World After This was published in 2010 by Devora Publishing.

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said that nobody had left the building during the evening.

“He is in this building somewhere.” They said to each other. They moved around our tiny quarters, and ended up in the bathroom. I waited for the inevitable, but Mechel was not in the bathroom. I couldn’t imagine how he managed to escape. Just as I was about to thank Hashem, one of them stood on the toilet and looked out the tiny window.

“There he is. Look, he’s down here. He jumped out of the window.”

The Jewish Home n

husband Michael is not here with me.

I am all alone.” An officer standing right behind the one with the list asked me, “Is your husband a Jew?” I blanched white in melodramatic horror and disgust. “You must be kidding me? My husband is the grandson of a very famous Polish railroad engineer named Nowakowski. He ran from the Polish army because he had no intention of fighting against Germans. I have no idea where he is or what has happened to him.”

My acting did not support the evidence in front of their eyes. Mechel’s clothing was right next to the bed where he had taken it off to get into his pajamas.

“Really?”

One Gestapo officer went over and picked up the clothing and looked at me in a menacing way. I had to think of something to say to save myself, or surely they would just shoot me.

“Well, he was here, but we had a bad fight and he left.”

The head Gestapo officer was done with me. He knew I was lying. Apparently I was of no interest to him, which was a relief, but I knew that Mechel was now in mortal danger. He might be living the last minutes of his life on earth. The Gestapo men talked to each other. One said that the concierge had

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Price negotiable Call 347-210-0299 or 347-210-0110

Far Rockaway duplex apartment for rent, 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom, basement playroom, everything new, Brunswick ave, $2,200, call: 917-295-5288

Cedarhurst – For sale by owner. 5 BR, 3.5 bath. Colonial on oversize lot.

Hardwood flooring throughout.

Beautiful Eat-in Chef’s Kitchen (Viking/Sub-Zero/Granite). Lrg LR & DR. Finished Basement. Central A/C. Walk to all. Move in Condition….$799k….917-685-0247

House for Rent in Lawrence near Far Rockaway.

4 spacious bedrooms including Master Suite w/ walk-in closet and Jacuzzi bath, 4 full bathrooms, finished basement, CAC, washer/dryer, kosher kitchen. Block with many children, walk to LIRR and shuls.

Asking $4,200 a month.

Call or text 516-302-7333.

Due to expansion, Torah Academy for Girls in Far Rockaway, is seeking qualified, experienced and successful moros for our lower elementary and junion high school divisions for the September school term.

Please fax resume to: 718-868-4612, att: Morah Drillman

Great Kosher Summer House Rental Long Beach NY- 4b 3b CAC EIK LR DR W/D WiFi, enclosed yard, parking.

Near beach, shuls LIRR, 5T mailplace4-house@yahoo.com 516-428- 8525

Teachers F/T General Studies PreK, 1st, 3rd, 4th Grades Co-ed progressive Brooklyn Day School Inspire students' hearts, minds & souls!

Email jobs@mazeldayschool.com call 718-368-4490

Queens-Upper Ridgewood. Fresh Pond Rd./Forest Ave area. Professional space for rent. Ideal for medical office. 1st floor handicapped access, around 1000 sqf.

Call R.E. Agent for more info @347-8065414/Edyta - Grimaldi Realty

A wig salon in cedarhurst is looking to hire a full time shaitel macher with followers. (future potential partnership) Please send resume by email tresjolieboutique@hotmail.com

Bayswater- massive 2 family home in a great area, close to all the shuls, beautiful cabinets & granite counter tops, lots of bedrooms, all tiled bathrooms, hardwood flooring all through the house, fireplace, etc., needs tlc, very motivated seller, Asking 449k, Call Yitzchok 847-691-6397.

Real Estate for Rent House for rent in Bayswater, weekly or weekend, starting June 23 to Aug. 25.

4 BR, 3 BA, finished basement, enclosed yard. Close to all shuls.

Please call 646-932-1763* Shared Office Space Available Affordable shared office space available with a chiropractor on the Far Rockaway / Lawrence Border. ~$600 a month, utilities included, no broker fee.

If you are interested and in a similar profession, please email writers613@gmail.com for more details.

Job Available Middle school secular studies positions open for ’13-’14 school yr.

Far Rockaway.

Email teachersearch11@gmail.com Nursing in Far Rockaway Looking for P/T Executive Secretary Monday – Thursday 1:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. Knowledge in Quickbooks.

Fax resume to: 718-327-2880 Sales position available. Flexible hours, great commission, excellent communication skills needed, must have car. Please call 732-503-3760 if no answer leave message.

New to market.

2 bedroom apt 1st floor.

Neilsen and Dinsmore area. Kosher kitchen $1,400 available July 1st. Call 516-569-1150

Is your child home this summer?

Want to treat yourself to some fun?

Enjoy some of our creative lessons given by qualified and experienced instructors. Centrally located at the Young Israel of Wavecrest & Bayswater 2716 Healy Ave.

Arts & Crafts, Jewelry (Beading), Mosaics, Papercutting All Classes are $120 for 6 lessons. All materials included.

Lessons are based upon registration. Beginning July thru Aug. For more information or to register: Chana Yurman 347 729-3102 Chanaschugim@yahoo.com

Seeking a full time administrative assistant for a busy roofing company.

Hours are M-Th 9am - 4pm & Fri 9am - 1pm.

Skills must include: - The ability to multitask - Good phone skills -Basic bookkeeping - Proficient in MS Office - Proficient in Quickbooks Please email resume and salary requirements to info@islandexteriors.com or fax to 516 303 7664.

Local restaurant looking for responsible experienced shomer shabbos night time manager email relerner1@hotmail.com Boys Elementary School in the Far Rockaway / 5 Towns area seeks experienced and dynamic General Studies teachers for grades 1-5 and Junior High School SS, Sc, ELA and Math positions. Please email resume to educate128@gmail.com.

Leaders in Online Jewish Marketing are hiring Sales Superstars. Do you fit the bill?

Send your resume to sales@thejmg.com or call us @ 646-351-1808 x 111

Seeking Job

Experienced P-3 Provider, with M.S. in Education and Permanent N.Y. State Teacher Certification- Available to work with students in all grades Mondays through Thursdays- mornings until 11 A.M. and anytime after 5:30 P.M.; and Sundays anytime Please call Tsivia: 516-526-2385

Misc.

Looking for donation of car or minivan in good running condition. Tax exempt receipt available for full market value.

Please call 347-342-8196 Looking to rent a garage for storage No food will be stored Call 646-657-3131 Simone's Bridal located at 71-05 Main Street has many elegant wedding gowns by designers Maggie Sottero , Enzoani , Morilee and Allure Bridal look on their site to see if u like the gowns we carry most samples .

Custom made gowns and mother of bride and sisters are all welcome. Please call for appt. 718-793-5989 Shaital gmach in Eretz Yisroel desperately needs shaitels.

To be a part of this great mitzvah please call Peninia @ 347-6756526 Tizku L’mitzvos Lost white gold diamond bracelet/covered watch either at Kennedy Airport or in Boro Park. If found please call 347.578.4165 Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students The Mesivta/ Torah High School of Long Beach and Rabbinical Collage of Long Beach admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other schooladministered programs.

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Position Available: Front desk/Receptionist/Office Manager Challenge Early Intervention Center F/T for Queens Office, mature, energetic, organized person with good computer skills and ability to multitask.

Good compensation pkg.

Applicant living in close proximity to office preferred.

Fax Resume 718-261-3702 or email cara.challenge2@thejnet.com

For Sale / North Miami Beach Apt. One Bedroom Deluxe, First Floor, Gym, 2 Pools...

Gated Community, Walking to all Shuls & Shopping Low Maintenance, Must be 55 or Older Call - 305-761-9323

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Health & Fitness Devorah Gerber Schmeltz

Body Awareness Dear Devorah, My four year old daughter recently had an occupational therapy evaluation, but does not qualify for service. As described in her evaluation and based on what her SEIT has told me, she had poor body awareness.

For example, she always needs to be told to wipe her face and straighten her clothes. She needs help deciding which shoes goes on what foot. Getting dress takes an incredible amount of time. She also sometimes trips over herself.

What can I do to help her improve her body awareness?

Efrat The Therapist Responds: I’m sorry your daughter did not qualify for service. If no improvement is made within the next few months,

you may want to consider a re-evaluation. (I am assuming this was done through the NYC DOE.) Discuss this with your coordinator. In the meantime, here are some helpful suggestions: Wiping her face.

Provide your daughter with visual feedback.

Have her look at herself with a small mirror after lunch so she can recognize the dirt/ food on her face and the necessity to wipe it all off.

Straighten her clothes. Again, using the same idea as above, before leaving the house and after toileting have her look at herself in a fulllength mirror.

Wait and see if she notices and corrects her clothing.

If not, help her by pointing to the places she needs to fix (twisted skirt) and wait to see if she finds the solution.

Play games such as Simon Says and Twister which can focus on body awareness and right/left discrimination. Activi-

ties such as obstacle courses, gymnastics and instructional dance help build body awareness. Throughout the day, in the right context use the terms right/ left and spatial words such as over/ under/through. (e.g. Look at the ant crawling under the bench, Mommy is wearing a watch on her left hand.)

Hatzlacha!

-Devorah

Devorah (Gerber) Schmeltz, MS OTR/L is a 2003 alumnus of Downstate Medical Center’s OT Program. She worked as a senior occupational therapist at United Cerebral Palsy’s Brooklyn Children’s Program for 9 years. Currently, Devorah runs a private practice, Bumble & Tumble Occupational Therapy P.C in Far Rockaway.

Your questions and comments are welcome. She can be reached at BumbleTumbleTherapy@gmail.com or 917-971-5327.

109 The Jewish Home n j u n e 2 0 , 2013

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Leisure & Travel

From Sea to Shining Sea: Ohio

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t’s almost July 4th, so you might as well make the trip to Ohio to visit the state where Harry M. Stevens gave America its first hot dog in 1900. No matter how you like it— with sauerkraut, mustard, ketchup or chili—what would Independence Day be without a dawg? And you should know, while you’re there, that Ohio seems to be about law and order (at least in the 1800’s). You see, Cincinnati established the first ambulance service in 1865, and it was also the first city to establish a professional city fire department. The city of Akron was the first city to use police cars. But it’s not all about emergency services in the Buckeye State. Some Ohioans are literally out of this world. Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, was from Wapakoneta. And John Glenn, who was an Ohio Senator, became the oldest man to venture into space on February 20, 1962. Never to let his age deter him, the space explorer returned to traveled back into space in 1998 at the age of 77.

Speaking of famous Americans, seven U.S. presidents were born in the Buckeye State. These include Presidents Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Harrison, McKinley, Taft and Harding. And of course, if you’re looking for really famous people, head over to Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

There you can enjoy some of American history written in song.

Things You Won’t Want to Miss West Side Market We all know, thanks to Drew Carey, that Cleveland rocks.

While you’re enjoying the rockin’ city, spend some time in the West Side Market, which is one of the most stunning indoor public markets in the country. The market is located in what may resemble a converted train station and offers customers a large array of products. Looking for flowers, fruits or herbs? This is the place for you. The hustle and bustle doesn’t take place every day, so make sure to check out the market’s website for hours. After buying all those goodies, relax in Market Square Park across the street or spend time in Edgewater Park, just a short drive away. On a nice day, spend time to walk to the Hope Memorial Bridge, which offers wonderful views of the Cleveland skyline and of the Cuyahoga River valley.

Cleveland Rocks If you’re into music, or even if you’re not, make sure to check out Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. It’s a museum that’s alive with the spirit and the passion of the music it holds dear. The museum guides are energized about the exhibits—in fact, they are volunteers who just love

“music that soothes the soul.” You can spend an hour here or even a day. There are myriad exhibits to peruse and enjoy. Like the Beatles? John Lennon’s coat is on display here. The Rolling Stones’ exhibit celebrates 50 years of the band.

And the roots of rock ‘n roll exhibit features the blues, R &B and country/folk music.

The Signs of the Nation The American Sign Museum in Cincinnati takes visitors back in time from 1870-1970 in America’s history. It’s the “signs of the times”— hand carved wooden signs, electric bulbs, neon signs—that help visitors take a trip down America’s memory lane.

South Bass Island Did you know that South Bass Island, located in western Lake Erie, is part of Ohio? There’s plenty to see here, such as the Marblehead Lighthouse, the Cedar Point Amusement Park, and the William Perry Monument. Plus, if you like to fish, there’s plenty of fish in the lake for you to catch and release (or enjoy!). For those who like water sports, there are jet skis, kayaks and boat rentals available. Visitors can enjoy a ferry ride to the island, and golf carts are the best way to maneuver around the island itself. It’s fun for the day for the whole family!

Cantwell Cliffs Just a short ride from Columbus, Cantwell Cliffs offers visitors amazing views and breathtaking scenery. The hiking trails are great for most members of the family—leave the family dog at home and anyone who is not in reasonably good shape. During the fall, the views are breathtaking but it is a worth a trip here in the summer months as well, as the flowers and foliage are bright and colorful.

A Rose, is a Rose, is a Rose Columbus boasts one of the largest and most celebrated municipal rose gardens in the United States.

The 13-acre Park of Roses is nestled within the larger Whetstone Park and contains over 11,500 roses with more than 400 varieties. If you’re looking to relax on your vacation, spend time here meandering the paths with the heavy scent of roses in the air.

Susan Schwamm

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113 Roman Aminov, Esq

What Happens to My Assets When I Die? ing probate. At the death of the final joint owner, the property passes under his will or through intestacy and necessitates the probate or estate administration process. Bank and brokerage accounts can also be held jointly. This type of ownership, common among spouses, means that each co-owner has the full right to use the assets during his or her life, with the balance going to the surviving joint account holder at his or her death. Owning assets jointly may be convenient, but it also opens up all the joint owners to liability based on the acts of one joint owner.

Tenants by the Entirety: The most valuable asset in a person’s estate is their home. A married couple usually owns their home jointly, as tenants by the entirety, which means that after the death of the first spouse, the home automatically passes to the other spouse. Only married couples may take title by tenants by the entirety. While this may make estate administration easier by avoiding probate, there are certain drawbacks to this approach. First, it doesn’t allow the deceased spouse to fully utilize their New York lifetime estate tax credit amount which may cause higher estate taxes after the second spouse’s passing. Second, the surviving spouse may be, or may soon be, on Medicaid, and owning the home in their names may subject them to Medicaid liens or Medicaid estate recovery. Additionally, when the second spouse passes away, the property will have to go through the probate process (see below) unless a joint owner is added to the deed. An estate attorney should be consulted in each situation.

Beneficiary Designations: Another common way of passing assets is by designating a beneficiary.

Many financial products allow for the designation of a beneficiary. Examples include bank accounts (“POD” or “ITF”), life insurance policies, and IRAs. When you list a beneficiary, that person will be able to collect the funds without going through a court process.

That individual will simply present a death certificate to the financial institution and fill out the necessary paperwork. This is a great way to pass money to people to help pay for immediate expenses associated with the funeral.

There are some issues which need to be considered with beneficiary designations, however. First, a minor should not be listed as a beneficiary since the money will not be accessible until he or she turns 18 or 21, depending on the state. Consequently, it is advisable to name a trust or a custodian as the beneficiary to hold the money for the benefit of the minor. Second, if the beneficiary is receiving governmental benefits such as SSI or Medicaid, he or she may lose their benefits upon receiving the funds. In this situation, it is advisable to establish and name a supplemental needs trust for the benefit of the beneficiary. Third, if you own a life insurance policy on your own life, your heirs may have to pay an estate tax on the proceeds. To avoid this result, ownership may need to be changed and an irrevocable life insurance trust may be necessary.

Joint Ownership: A second way of holding title is by joint ownership or joint tenancy.

This is similar to tenants by the entirety except that it lacks some protections which are outside the scope of this article. Real property can be held as a joint tenancy with rights of survivorship (JTWROS) which means that when one joint owner passes, their share automatically transfers to the other remaining joint owner(s), avoid-

Assets in a Trust:

Assets which are titled in the name of the trust pass under the terms of the trust and avoid probate. Commonly, a pour over will is also executed to transfer anything not titled in the name of the trust. A trust can allow for asset protection, preservation of Medicaid and/ or SSI benefits, and distribution to minors.

Sole Name with No Beneficiary A person may simply own property in his own name without any joint owner or beneficiary. In such a case, except for certain property passing to his or her surviving spouse or minor children, the property will have to pass through probate (if there was a last will and testament) or administration (if there was no will). Probate is an expensive and time consuming process. You will likely require the assistance of a probate attorney to deal with the Surrogate’s Courts in the county where the decedent was domiciled.

In order to properly and efficiently plan for your future while protecting your family, it is important to speak 



with an estate planning attorney about your particular situation.

No column is a substitute for competent legal advice. Please consult with the attorney of your choice con-

cerning specific legal questions you may have.

Roman Aminov is a trusts and estates attorney concentrating in estate planning, elder law, and probate. He is experienced in the drafting of wills, powers of attorney, health care proxies, and trusts of all types. Contact Roman Aminov at (347)ROMAN-85 or visit www.AminovLaw.com to schedule a free consultation.





  

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question I often hear from clients is: “What will happen to my assets when I die?” This sobering question is important not just for the person asking it, but also for the loved ones that they leave behind.

The person making the inquiry wants to make sure that his family will be able to receive their inheritance in a quick, efficient, and inexpensive manner as possible. To answer the question of what happens to one’s assets when they pass, we need to look at the most common ways of owning property in New York:

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Life Coach

Room for Design

Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

Naftali Landau

Let the Sun in with Skylights I’m looking into adding skylights to a space in my house. What are some design aspects I should consider when planning for this project?

N. T. Now that summer has arrived, more and more homeowners are realizing the tremendous advantages of natural sunlight in the home. Sunlight can really brighten up a dark space and bring new life into an existing space that has remained dreary and uninviting. Skylights are a great way to create this effect in the room and also provide a great ascetic look in your home.

The first important thing to remember when adding a skylight to your space is to plan well. You have to be sure to plan carefully to achieve the most pleasing and efficient results. Adding a skylight in the kitchen or bath has different effects than adding a window because, while a window in a wall automatically catches rays of the sun and limits the glare of the sun, a skylight in the ceiling tends to do the opposite. It is important to plan where the skylight will go and to what effect it will have on the space when the sun is shining. You have to be aware where the sun starts out and where it ends up.

Skylights in sloping roofs facing south are especially liable to overheat rooms.

North-facing skylights will admit a soft, diffused light all day long, although they won’t give that sun-splashed effect. Also, to protect the new cabinets in your kitchen or vanity in your bath from the potentially bleaching effects of direct sunlight, you can get gray- or bronze-tinted glass that blocks the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

An additional form of shading, such as built-in blinds or horizontal curtains, which a lot of skylights have integrated into the unit, can also help you regulate the amount of light coming in. These features also provide insulation against heat buildup in summer and heat loss in winter.

Another design aspect to keep in mind which is crucial for the overall effect is to pick the correct sized skylight for the space. Most of the cost of a new skylight is the installation and not the actual cost of the skylight itself so it is important to purchase the correct size and not base it upon the price of the unit. If you have a large cathedral ceiling in the space, for example, then you should go larger in the skylight dimension because the light has to travel considerably downward and needs as much light as possible coming through. Usually the bigger the

Sneeze And They’re Home!

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skylight, the better effect you will get in the room. Of course, you need to work with the space you’ve got. A very small second bath may be best served by a tubular skylight. This is a tube that consists of a clear acrylic dome on the roof that captures sunlight, a highly polished reflective steel or aluminum pipe that carries light through, and a flush or domed fixture in the ceiling that diffuses light throughout the room. Tubes are easy to install and bring natural light to rooms too small for a full-sized skylight.

Lastly, an extremely important design aspect, while not as practical as the above mentioned but equally as important, is the ascetic and look of the skylight in the room. As in respect to the outside of the home, avoid installing the skylight on a roof surface that faces the street because front-facing skylights look jarringly out of place on traditional home styles. As in respect to the inside of the home, try to align the skylight opening with a door, window or some other existing feature, so it doesn’t look haphazard.

You really need to look at the ceiling as the work you’re composing because you get a greater, more open visual feeling because the ceiling is no longer a solid block. Now you are introducing an architectural element to the room and certain spacing such as centering it above an island or a certain decorative treatment around the skylight can pull the ceiling in as a design element in the room.

In summary, when adding a skylight to your space there are important design aspects to keep in mind but with careful planning and sizing as well as ascetics in mind. you should be able to create a beautiful space in your home illuminated by a perfect skylight. Good luck.

Just a reminder: I am offering 20% off on all orders to anyone unfortunately affected by the storm.

Naftali Landau is owner and chief designer of Exclusive Cabinetry and Design and has been designing kitchens for the past 12 years. For questions or ideas for future articles, he can be reached at 917-468-7693 or at naftalilandau@gmail.com

hey’ve got one foot in the gym Simple, easy, no fuss! The newest taking the regents, and the other in gemachs! Anyway, honestly, do you inside their trunk! want all that stuff back in your house There is literally no time to breathe after the places it’s been?! between finishing school and packing We all know how important it is for off to camp. One minute they’re figur- everyone to go to “sleep-away camp”; ing out if it’s a, b, c, or all of the above, after all that is the stuff memories are and the next minute they are figuring made of. Everyone’s got their bear out a whole new formula—how many sighting story, their raid story, and their pairs of underwear getting docked stothey’ll need for the ry, and of course, summer. trips out of camp It’s a continto their favorite uous run on the ice cream store. treadmill with no The kind of ice emergency stop cream you would button! not eat at home if Before you they paid you. But leave the parking in the mountains it lot from graduais considered the tion, you are pullStarbucks of ice ing into the bus decreams. parture area.

The most im“I still need portant reason for a shorts,” “I need new boots,” “I hate kid to go to camp really is so we can my bedding,” “I need a fan,” “I want a register their growth spurts, otherfridge,” “I’m taking my car.” wise somehow we can’t identify when As they get older they want more they’ve made these significant but eluand more of the comforts of home in sive height jumps! camp with them. I came home last Try to enjoy the rushing, the labelnight and caught ing, the last minute my son trying to shopping. Try to pry his room loose think of it as qualI caught my son from the rest of the ity bonding time trying to pry his house so he could together, that is if load it onto his car you manage not room loose from and actually have it to strangle each in camp with him. other in the tense the rest of the After all, he’s gofew days. It could house so he could ing to be a counselalways have been or this year—isn’t tougher, you could load it onto his that roughing it have had twins that enough? age! car and have it in I told him it Enjoy the jewcamp with him. would be easier just els G-d entrusted to move his whole to you while they bunk in with us. are home; they’ll I was joking! He sent out emails this be the camp mother’s concern in a few morning….inviting them all. Interest- days. ingly, they are all coming!

And then that miraculous thing I don’t know why kids bring their happens, visiting day is upon us. A secclothes and gear back home with them ond later, sneeze, and before you know after the summer. I think it would be it they’re home! a lot easier if they just left it in their bunk. Then the next year everyone Rivki Rosenwald is a certified life coach could move up a bunk and use someone and relationship counselor, as well as else’s clothing and stuff, and change a space design consultant. She can be their original name to work with any contacted at 917-705-2004 or rivki@ rosenwalds.com. name tag they inherit.

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From My Private Art Collection

Rebbetzin Naomi N. Herzberg

The Creative Mind and Wisdom During the Aging Process Part III

T

he gray matter and the aging process is a subject that must be covered in order to make sense out of this topic. “Additional studies show that mental activities related to occupation may not decline until the age of 75 or later. Repeated activity enables the mind to bridge more direct routes and to create the most efficient strategies for dealing with creative problems. As a result, there appears to be no physiological reason for a decline in creative skills such as poetic use of language, the techniques of painting, or the balancing of harmonic structure in music. Nor is there any reason to suspect a diminishment of the ability to bring any of these skills to bear on some new inspiration provided by the rich stockpile of memory and gathered experience stored within the older brain. It is clear that age alone presents no barriers to creativity, but coexistent diseases such as

judgment, insight, problem solving, weighing various considerations and

son. There is no reason to think that a person is past their prime when it

There is no reason to think that a person is past their prime when it comes to creativity.

putting things into an organizational framework are parts of wisdom. “The field of behavioral neuroscience has revolutionized the way that we understand the brain’s ability to adapt and keep itself vital, which is referred to as brain plasticity”(Kolb and Whitesha, 1998).

The brain is highly capable of making connections in active communication. This communication is what brings about the creative process, as the person proceeds to become more active, creating direct passages from one nerve cell to another.

Creative development studies have proven that the potential for creativity and further development is present many times during the lifespan of a person. This creativity is as necessary Isadore Waber, 100, with one of his paintings to a person’s complete development Alzheimer’s and other forms of de- as exercise is. There are those theomentia, as well as stroke, may have an rists that believe it is an important preimpact on brain function and can mar scription for life. As a person develartistic ability” ( Bickhardt, 2003, p. ops there is internalization that takes 1). When studying creative people and place. Much of this process involves their traits, we find out, that the need spirituality and wisdom. As long as to take chaotic situations and make there is no substantial illness affecting sense out of them is a unifying mea- a person, many worthy contributions sure. Creative thinking skills, good can be obtained from an elderly per-

comes to creativity. Scientists are fascinated by the ability to paint. Artist Heather Bimonte-Nelson is the head of a laboratory located in Arizona. It is there that she started to do paintings, which explore neuro-anatomy. These paintings are scientific expressions of the way she sees it.

The idea of general adult development is explained and expressed through the strong relationships that exist between teachers and students.

The teacher’s role will vary according to the needs of their individual students, who will guide them accordingly. It is a privilege to be able to be exposed to people of stature; educators that share their knowledge and experience with their charges. Mentors, who share their passion for particular subjects, serve as invaluable gifts to their students and towards their future development. This is necessary for all development, but adult development is more appreciative of it, due to their higher level of maturity. This philosophy needs to be incorporated into the adult learning styles universally at career workshops as well. “The role of teacher and the student varies over time as the student exercises a greater degree of professional and scientific autonomy” (Keily, 1998 p.1).

Specific geriatric creative development issues are present in the questions found in the process of doing this research: “What are man’s most creative years? What are the chronological ages at which men are most likely to design great architectural

works and to execute their most notable oil paintings and etchings?”

(Lehman, 1941, p. 19). This was not easy to determine. Sufficient data was accumulated in order to accurately figure this out. There are a number of variables that were taken into consideration such as only artists that had already died were being taken into account. This was based on a theory that it is impossible to know what they would accomplish later on in life. The study was, therefore, based on statistics that were certain. This included what the artists achieved up until their deaths. Many of the artists did die relatively young so it was hard to determine how old they were when the actual piece was completed. We do know that they were past middle age.

At every age there are those few that are off the chart.

To be continued…

References Bickhardt, C. (2003). “Gray matters: aging and the creative brain.”

Song Writing Article, The Muse’s Muse.

Kiely, M. C. (1998). “A piece of good news”: Teaching as a creative process. Canadian Psychology, Universit’e de Montre’al, Vol 40, No.1, 30-38.

Lehman, H. C. (1941). The creative years: Oil paintings, etchings, and architectural works. Ohio University, Vol. 5, No. 1, 19-42

Rebbetzin Naomi N. Herzberg is a professional art educator, artist and designer. Among her known artwork is a floral sculpture presented to Tipper Gore, Blair House, Washington, D.C. Presently she is the Director of Operations at Shulamith School for Girls. Please feel free to email nherzberg@optonline.net with questions and suggestions for future columns.

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