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– See pages 5, 64, 65 & 103 –
Around the Community Chief Rabbis of Israel, Rabbi David Lau and Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef, Visit the Five Towns
THEJEWISHHOME A PUBLICATION OF THE FIVE TOWNS & QUEENS COMMUNITY
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MORE THAN JUST KOSHER TJH Talks with Mr. Allen Fagin, EVP of the OU, About the Tuition Crisis, Today’s Youth and Jews in Ukraine
PAGE 56 & 57
Young Israel of Woodmere Celebrates 54 Years
PAGE 63
Page 80
400 People Come out in Support of Shalom Task Force at its Annual Brunch
PAGE 68
LAG B’OMER The Yahrtzeit of the Holy Rabbi Moshe Isserles Page 92
– See page 33 –
– See page 68 –
– See page 27 –
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>>Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 >>Community Readers’ Poll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Community Happenings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
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Odd-but-True Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
>> Israel Israel News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
>> People More Than Just Kosher: TJH Talks with Mr. Allen Fagin, EVP of the OU, About the Tuition Crisis, Today’s Youth and Jews in Ukraine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Lag B’Omer: The Yahrtzeit of the Holy Rabbi Moshe Isserles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Leon Frankel: Flying High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Last Sunday, my family got together for a Mother’s Day barbecue in honor of my mother and grandmother. As the kids ran back and forth, the adults sat around the table discussing the usual topics: sports, food, family… and the tuition crunch. Tuition is a hot topic amongst those who have children or grandchildren in school today. Families are struggling to fulfill all of their financial obligations in addition to meeting their children’s tuition costs. It seems as if yeshiva costs keep on getting higher and higher each year as yeshivas struggle to pay their wonderful rebbeim and teachers while trying to maintain a well-balanced curriculum and a well-maintained building. It’s almost impossible for a family to stay in the black with two working parents who spend frugally and shun extravagance. Something has to be done and it has to be done now. So, what is the answer to the tuition crisis in our community? That’s a question that we posed to Mr. Allen Fagin, the newly appointed executive vice president and chief professional officer at the Orthodox Union. Mr. Fagin took on his new role last month, and he spoke about the resources that the Orthodox Union has been expending to help alleviate the burden of yeshiva tuitions. It costs New York State thousands of dollars a year to educate each child in the public school system. For every child in a private school, the state is essentially saving thousands of dollars. And if every child in private school decided to attend a public school tomorrow, the public school system wouldn’t be able to handle the influx of students. That’s something that the OU asks New York State to keep in mind when they lobby for tax credits and other state funds for our yeshivas. The organization has political advocates in key states to work on the tuition crisis, something they see as the most important issue facing Orthodox families in the United States today. It is heartening to know that organizations like the OU and others are working hard to bring solutions to this problem. Of course, the ultimate solution will require all of us to be actively involved in engaging our politicians—through voting and other methods—so that they enact legislation which will ease our tuition burdens. So what’s the answer to the tuition crunch? Well, there’s not just one answer to the problem and it’s not something that will take a day or even a year to implement. But if we all work together in different ways we can hopefully alleviate the burden while providing our children with quality yeshiva education.
>>Parsha
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The Shmuz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
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At the Crossroads, by Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz . . . . . . . . 81 Rabbi’s Musing and Amusings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
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by Deb Hirschhorn, PhD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Quench Your Thirst the Right Way, by Aliza Beer, MS RD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
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Letters to Dear Editor, I was moved by Yaakov Wasilewicz’s story in your paper this week. Living in our cocooned community, we don’t always realize that there are Jews around the world who don’t know about their heritage or even that they are Jewish. Having the courage to have a bris milah at 12 years old was amazing to me as well, as this is something that we take for granted in this day and age. Because I was so moved by his story, I read the article at my Shabbos table to my children so that they too can learn and be amazed by Yaakov. May He continue to have the strength and courage to grow in his Yiddishkeit. Chaim K. Dear Editor, I’d like to publish this letter as a warning to our community to be extra careful with their credit cards. Last week, my bank alerted me to some fraudulent activity on my credit card. Thankfully, they caught it in time and thankfully, they were so professional and efficient about taking care of it for me. I won’t have to pay for the charges that were made on my card by the thieves, but it was jarring to me how easily some-
one can take our vital information. I wondered how the thieves could have gotten my credit card information but then I realized that I used my card at a gas station in the neighborhood. I have heard that some people’s credit cards were ripped off after paying for gas with their credit cards so I try to use cash instead. Last week, I wasn’t able to use cash and used my credit card instead. Bamm, that’s when they got my card and proceeded to try to buy numerous items at different stores. In this digital age, it’s so important to be vigilant about our credit card information. Make sure to only give your information out to reputable businesses, and if you can, use cash when you have the chance. H.G. Dear Editor, Your feature story this week about a young boy’s path to learning about his heritage was so inspirational. I was truly riveted by his story. There are so many souls out there who don’t even know about their beautiful birthright and they are lost to their past. But they are not forgotten. As illustrated in the article, there are numerous individuals who work their
the Editor whole lives to give over our mesorah and to ensure that these Yidden find their way back home. Cheryl Sanders Dear Editor, Senator Charles Schumer’s seven point plan for reform of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey shows chutzpah. Consider these talking points. Schumer calls on the Authority to stop spending money on projects which take away from its basic mission and transportation. Since his election to the Senate in 1998, he has been silent as the Authority spent billions on projects at the request of either governor which had nothing to do with its basic mission or transportation. Schumer wants more open meetings. As a senator, he participated in numerous closed door committee meetings and Democratic Senate caucuses. Many of his campaign fundraisers geared to Pay for Play campaign contributors who had to pony up thousands of dollars per ticket were closed to the media. Schumer wants the twelve member board of commissioners from New York and New Jersey to select the authority’s director and deputy directors. Why doesn’t he ask that the same reforms apply to the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority? Everyone knows that the MTA president serves as the pleasure of the governor. As such, he has little independence to make any decisions which might impact the governor’s political future or next election. Schumer wants the Authority to submit procedures that will allow a detailed annual operating budget and a multi-year financial plan that can be adopted after opportunities for public review and comment open up the budget process to afford the public an opportunity to comment. Why doesn’t he advocate the same for our federal budget? Every year, he works hand-in-hand with Democratic
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in introducing both legislation and budgets in the dead of night. Even fellow members of the Senate have no time to read the hundreds or thousands of pages contained in toxic legislation before being asked to vote. If senators don’t participate in any open process, how can either the media or public? Schumer wants to end the abuse of agency political patronage. Schumer has never been critical of political patronage appointments by any mayor, governor or president. Was the hiring of his wife Iris by past mayors to serve as NYC Department of Transportation or Vice Chancellor for the City University of New York totally on the merits? It had nothing to do with being the spouse of a powerful senator? Did her appointments have no relationship with his ability to impact the level of federal assistance, regulations or tax code legislation which could benefit NYC? Schumer will say or do anything if it will generate some free press to keep his name in the headlines, be it in print media, television or radio. Schumer is the consummate self-champion of egos! Sincerely, Larry Penner Dear Editor, Because there is such a strong focus on the power of davening in Meron on Lag Ba’Omer, I think people don’t realize what a powerful day Lag Ba’Omer is, even for those who are not fortunate enough to go to Meron. Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai’s neshama lifts up people who are even in the lowest places, regardless of where the person is. I hope that people take a few minutes on this holy day to daven for themselves, their families and all people in Klal Yisroel who need refuos and yeshuos. Sincerely, Ze’ev Stern
Readers Poll Do you wear glasses or lenses? Yes 67% No 33%
Global
In News terrorist attack in 1982 in which terrorists lobbed a grenade and fired machine guns atthe diners, killing six and wounding 22 before fleeing. They were never found, but they are believed to have been Palestinian.
An attempted kidnapping by al Qaeda militants in Yemen on April 24 went awry when two American security personnel fended off the terrorists while the Americans were in the middle of getting haircuts. The Americans, a CIA officer and a lieutenant colonel with the elite Joint Special Operations Command, were inside an Indian-owned barbershop on the popular commercial thoroughfare, Heda Street in Sanaa, when an SUV pulled up and armed militants burst out, yelling, “Police! Police!” The Americans quickly grabbed their weapons, killed the attackers and then jumped into their vehicle and drove off. They later met with Yemeni officials and cooperated with their investigation. The al Qaeda group that has been terrorizing Westerners in Yemen recently goes by the name Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula and is considered by the US to be the most dangerous in the world. Last week, the US Embassy there had to close temporarily because of attacks on Westerners. A day before, gunmen opened fire on three French security guards at the European Union mission in Sanaa, killing one and wounding another.
Jo Goldenberg of Famous Paris Eatery Dies Jo Goldenberg, the owner of the famous, eponymous restaurant on Rue de Rosiers in Le Marais in Paris, Chez Jo Goldenberg, died at age 91. His restaurant was the site of an infamous
The restaurant was a well-known eatery in the Jewish quarter even before World War II and served classic Ashkenazi food. In 2006, the restaurant was replaced with a clothing store called Jo Goldenberg. A sign commemorating the tragedy stands there today.
Holocaust Hoax
~
Pikuach Nefeshos ~
There are currently thousands of Jewish teens that are attending public school across the New York area and have very little affiliation to yiddishkite. Through a lot of hard work and mesiras nefesh many of these teens have grown tremendously in Torah and Mitzvos. They are bringing their new commitment and passion to Yiddishkite into their lives and homes. I have been approached by many of these teens for the opportunity to attend Yeshiva High Schools and attend Yeshivas/seminaries in Eretz Yisroel the funds to cover the expense stops them from going. $2000 will help cover the cost (after scholarships) for a public school teen to attend a Yeshiva High School.
$3000 will cover the cost (after all scholarships) for a Public school teen to attend a Yeshiva/Seminary for a year.
Please give generously and with an open heart so that these teens can continue their upward climb and G-d willing raise Torah based homes for future generations
Misha Defonseca is the author of the 1997 memoir, “Misha: A Memoir of the Holocaust Years.” In it, she recounts trekking through forests after her parents were arrested by Nazis, living with wolves, and fatally stabbing a Nazi officer. For all the heroics she recollected, though, none of them were true. Defonseca was born Monica De Wael and is not even Jewish. She spent the Holocaust years in a school in Brussels. Her parents were arrested, but not for their race; they were accused of being part of the anti-Nazi resistance. This week, a judge ordered Defonseca to pay her publisher $22.5 million for her fraud. In 1998, before she was exposed, Defonseca won $32.4 million in hidden profits from her publisher, Mt. Ivy Press. Now she will have to give most of it back. Jane Daniel, the head of Mt. Ivy, first discovered Defonseca after hearing her alleged story at a Massachusetts synagogue. “This story is mine. It is not actually
Any donation amount will be greatly appreciated May the Zechus of this great Mitzvah stand by you and your family and may we only share simchas with our own children. Rabbi Avrohom Walkin Please make checks payable to Congregation Merkaz Hatorah and mail them to:
Avrohom Walkin 226 Beach 9thst. Far rockaway NY 11691 For more information I may be reached at 347 524 3864 or through email at: Rabbiwalkin@gmail.com
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Americans Thwart Al Qaeda Kidnapping in Yemen
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The Week reality, but my reality, my way of surviving,” Defonseca said in a statement to The Associated Press after the truth came out. That, Ms. Defonseca, is what we call fiction.
Koreas Keep Fighting North and South Korea have escalated their years-old conflict to one that looks like schoolyard bickering. After Pyongyang called the South Korean president Park Guen-he an old maid and referred to Barack Obama as a “monkey,” the South shot back that North Korea isn’t even a country; it exists solely for Kim Jong Un. An official also said that North Korea “must disappear soon.” This is a break from South Korea’s general policy of not publicly alluding to the failure of North Korea in order to keep relations between the two governments the least tense as possible. North Korea’s slurs came after Presidents Obama and Park met last month to discuss further sanctions against North Korea, which has been intensely ramping up its nuclear program recently. South Korea has referred to North Korea’s insults as immoral and unacceptable. The U.S. State Department called the racist slurs against Obama “disgusting.”
Putin’s Line of Cars
Known as “Project Cortege,” the plan involves several Russian automakers and, according to reports in Russia last week, engineering input from Porsche. Putin’s managers have laid out plans for a whole series of vehicles — limousines, vans, and SUVs — built in Russia from a Russian-engineered chassis. While the first prototypes won’t be built until later this year and the first vehicles are not expected on the road until 2016, Russian officials showed off mockups a few weeks ago, complete with massive Russian seals on the doors and steering wheels. Obama’s Cadillac is actually a rebodied Chevrolet Kodiak medium-duty truck retrofitted with armor panels and other protection by General Motors under the Secret Service’s directives. Cadillac has provided the presidential limo since 1993. Currently, Putin and his entourage rely on stretched Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans for official transportation. While Russia has several truck makers and smaller car manufacturers who partner with Western firms, Project Cortege requires a new level of engineering resources — enough so that the Putin government is estimated to have dedicated somewhere between $150 million and $400 million to develop the new vehicle line. By 2016, Putin will only have two years left to his term as Russian president to enjoy riding the new vehicles, although history suggests he’ll find a way to keep rolling in power well beyond that deadline.
Jordanian Journalists Turn Violent on Live TV We already know that Vladimir Putin does not do things modestly. He spends over 50 billion dollars on the Olympic Games and invades countries on a whim. His push to strengthen Russia’s standing in the world has become something of a legend. Last week, for example, he banned cursing in all Russian movies, books, and concerts. For the past couple of years, Putin has personally overseen another effort at building a symbol of Russian strength: a new series of Russian-engineered limousines for himself and other potentates that would project the same kind of power that President Barack Obama’s Cadillac does.
A small skirmish reminiscent of the Syrian civil war erupted during a televised debate on the subject. Two journalists in Jordan turned violent against each other while discussing the issue on-air. The program aired on the “Seven Stars” satellite television channel. It
In News featured journalists Shaker al-Johari and Mohammad al-Jayousi talking about the three-year-old war pitting rebels against President Bashar Assad’s government, a conflict that activists say has killed more than 150,000 people. However, the debate fell apart as al-Jayousi accused al-Johari of supporting the Syrian rebels. Al-Johari then accused al-Jayousi of taking money for supporting Assad. The two men, obviously carried away by the debate, stood up, grabbed the edge of the studio table they had been seated at, and tried to fight each other. In the scuffle, the top of the table broke off and the rest of it toppled as the moderator and studio workers tried to stop the fight and finally separated the two journalists. Seems like they wanted to act out the violence in Syria for their audience.
Polish Immigrant is World’s Oldest Man
The world’s oldest man is now Alexander Imich, a 111-year-old Holocaust survivor living on New York City’s Upper West Side. According to the Gerontology Research Group of Torrance, California, Imich claimed the title of oldest man after the previous recipient died on April 24 at 111 years and 357 days old. Imich was born in Poland on February 4, 1903. He can remember the first car in his hometown and calls the airplane the greatest invention of his lifetime. He fought in the Polish-Soviet War, escaped the Holocaust, and immigrated to the United States in 1951. Imich holds a doctorate in chemistry from the Jagiellonian University in Krakow but later became a scholar of the supernatural. At the age of 92, Imich published a book on the paranormal. Imich told the New York Times he attributes his longevity to good genes, athletics, and a sparse diet. Though he used to smoke, he gave it up long ago
and never drinks alcohol. When asked by the Times what it’s like to be the oldest man on Earth, Imich replied, “Not like it’s the Nobel Prize.” Though Imich may be the oldest man in the world, he is far from the oldest person. Sixty-six women throughout the world are older than him; his female counterpart, Misao Okawa of Japan, is 116.
First “Born-Free” South African Vote
Millions of South Africans lined up last week to vote in the country’s first general election to give the “born free” generation a say. There are not too many serious contenders in the election, and the governing African National Congress (ANC) looks to be on course for another convincing victory under the controversial president, Jacob Zuma. But of 1.9 million voters aged 18 to 19, only one in three is registered to vote. Among those who stayed away from this year’s election is Mpho Masuku, a student from Springs near Johannesburg who turned 20 last week. “It makes me sad,” he said. “I haven’t found a political party that really convinces me to vote for them. I think the ANC are really criminals, and I don’t like them. They have stolen from us and all of them support the man [Zuma] who has actually stolen from the poor. The whole nation does not want that man.” Masuku also rejected the firebrand leftist Julius Malema and his Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), “I read the EFF manifesto and I found some pretty good stuff there, but they are so radical and so violent, they actually sound racist. They sound like they want to kill white people. It’s 20 years after democracy and we haven’t found any political party capable of running this country. The rainbow nation is still a theory.” Opposition politicians also exContinued on page 14
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The Week pressed concern at the “born free” generation’s relative lack of impact on the outcome. Voting at a church in Soweto township, Mmusi Maimane of the Democratic Alliance said, “It is disappointing. This is also their future. I’ve reflected long and hard about this. We have to ask why young people are not more engaged and find new ways to engage them in the future.” Maimane has been accused of imitating Barack Obama in a bid to woo the youth vote in Gauteng province. “If that’s the worst the ANC can accuse me of, it certainly beats allegations of corruption,” he said. “I think the ANC will come out bruised after this election. They won’t be as dominant as they think.” But opinion polls predict the ANC will cruise to around 64% of the vote, only a slight dip since the last election in 2009. “Do it for Madiba, vote ANC!” read some campaign posters, referring to the former president Nelson Mandela by his clan name, although few commentators believe that the statesman’s death at the age of 95 last December has been a significant factor. This election is the fifth multiracial
In News
election since the end of white minority rule in 1994, and incidents of political violence are generally in decline. But on the eve of the ballot in Bekkersdal, near Soweto, protesters threw rocks and set fire to a polling station. On voting day, however, the city’s residents were undeterred and determined to cast their vote.
Nigeria Struggles to Fight Jihadists with Weak Army
Twenty years ago, Nigeria’s military was recognized as a force of stability in West Africa. But things have drastically changed, and now the coun-
try struggles to maintain security within its own borders as an Islamist insurgency in the northeast kills thousands. Nigeria’s armed services has suffered in the last two decades due to lack of investment in training, failure to preserve equipment, and diminishing cooperation with Western forces. Their weakened forces face a well-armed and unwavering enemy in Boko Haram. Boko Haram is a militant organization founded by Mohammed Yusuf in 2002. Their mission is to stop Westernization and establish a “pure” Islamic state ruled by Sharia, Islamic law. The terrorist organization cold-bloodedly kidnapped more than 200 secondary school girls in Chibok in northeastern Nigeria on April 14. The military still has few clues as to the group of girls’ whereabouts. Last week, the Islamist militants released a 27-minute video that showed about 130 of the girls. Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau stated that the children will be held until all imprisoned militants have been freed. Interior Minister Abba Moro rejected the deal, telling the BBC that it was “absurd” for a “terrorist group” to try to set conditions.
President Goodluck Jonathan has said that Boko Haram has “infiltrated ... the armed forces and police,” sometimes giving the militants a head start. “The Nigerian military is a shadow of what it’s reputed to have once been,” said James Hall, a retired colonel and former British military attaché to Nigeria. “They’ve fallen apart.” Army spokesman Brigadier-General Olajide Laleye acknowledged the problem in a news conference on Tuesday. He said the army would “undertake an equipment audit ... with a view to identifying areas where equipment and material are in short supply, unserviceable, or even obsolete.” In 2014, security will swallow nearly 938 billion naira ($5.8 billion), a quarter of the federal budget.
P&G Recalls Offensive “Nazi” Soap Procter & Gamble wants to be clear: they do not support neo-Nazism. The household product giant has apol-
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The Week ogized for “any false connotations” after stirring anger in Germany for unintentionally placing a neo-Nazi code on promotional packages for its Ariel laundry detergent. Social media sites were abuzz as outraged shoppers posted pictures online of Ariel powder boxes featuring a white soccer jersey with a large number
“88.” The number is sensitive because far-right extremists in Germany often use it as a code to skirt a ban on the use of Nazi slogans in public. Since “H’’ is the eighth letter of the alphabet, “88” represents the phrase “Heil Hitler.” Similarly, “18” is used to stand for “A.H.” or Adolf Hitler. Procter & Gamble acknowledged
In News on Friday that the number was “unintentionally ambiguous.” “We very much regret if there are any false associations and distance ourselves clearly from any far-right ideology,” company spokeswoman Gabi Hassig said in a statement. The number “88” was intended to show number of loads of laundry per package.
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London is packing on the pounds these days. A new survey published in the Sunday Times of London shows that London has the most billionaires living there of any other city in the world and that Britain has the highest amount of billionaires per capita than any other country. London is home to 72 billionaires, way more than Moscow’s 48 and New York’s 43. Indian-born brothers Sri and Gopi Hinduja are the wealthiest Londoners with 11.9 billion pounds (roughly $20 billion) to their names. They own the Hinduja Group, which has interests in oil, banking, the automotive industry, property and the media. Alisher Usmanov, a Jewish Russian billionaire, fell from his perch on last year’s list to number two; troubles in the Russian stock market have affected his net worth. This comes as the Trussel Trust, a British food bank, revealed that the number of people that had approached
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TIMING IS OF THE ESSENCE.
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Remembering Life When Hitler was His Neighbor
of the road but you could see these cars parked there so I knew he was there even before I left the house.” When Edgar was fourteen, he was sent to live with family in England. His parents joined him shortly thereafter. There he was bullied by classmates who called him “Fish-finger” and “Volkswagen.” He ultimately graduated from Cambridge and became a professor in history in Southampton. Feutchwanger’s memoir has drawn much attention. Munich-based national daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung says it reads like a “spooky fairy tale – more Franz Kafka than the Brothers Grimm.” He is looking for a publisher to translate into English.
Alcohol Kills One Person Every Ten Seconds
Edgar Feuchtwanger is the nephew of Lion Feuchtwanger, who was one of the most popular Jewish German authors of the early 20th century and a fierce critic of Hitler. Now Edgar, 89, has published his own book, When Hitler Was Our Neighbor, which describes growing up in the early 1930s as Hitler’s neighbor as the German leader rose to power. “We were aware of the threat probably even in 1932,” Feuchtwanger recalls. “But of course we didn’t realize how radical that threat was, how lethal it would get. My father had got that quite wrong.” He even remembers bumping into the Fuhrer as a boy. “It so happened that just at the moment when we were in front of his door, he came out. He was in a nearly white mackintosh,” Feuchtwanger told AFP. “We were in his way. He looked at me and there were a few casual bystanders in the street – it was about half past eight in the morning and they of course shouted, ‘Heil Hitler!’ He just lifted his hat a little bit, as any democratic politician would do – he didn’t give the [straight-armed Nazi] salute – and then he got into his car.” But as time went on, it became clear that his family could not stay in Munich. “After about 1935-36, you couldn’t any longer walk past his front door. You were kept to the opposite side
According to the World Health Organization, alcohol is the cause of one out of twenty deaths globally every year. It kills 3.3 million people worldwide, more than AIDS, tuberculosis and violence combined, and even more alarming is that alcohol consumption is on the rise. “This actually translates into one death every 10 seconds,” Shekhar Saxena, who heads the WHO’s Mental Health and Substance Abuse department, said. Unfortunately, more people in countries where alcohol consumption has traditionally been low, like China and India, are also increasingly taking up the habit as their wealth increases. “More needs to be done to protect populations from the negative health consequences of alcohol consumption,” Oleg Chestnov of the WHO’s Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health unit said in a statement launching a massive report on global alcohol consumption and its impact on public health. Drinking is linked to more than 200 health conditions, including liver cirrhosis and some cancers. Alcohol abuse also makes people more susceptible to infectious diseases like tuberculosis, HIV and pneumonia, the report found. Most deaths attributed to alcohol are
caused by associated cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Alcohol-related accidents, such as car crashes, were the second-highest killer, accounting for around 17.1 percent of all alcohol-related deaths. Binge drinking is especially damaging to health, approximately16 percent of the world’s drinkers abuse alcohol to excess. Alcohol abuse is not limited by wealth or lack thereof. While people in the world’s wealthiest nations, in Europe and the Americas especially, are boozier than people in poorer countries, rising wealth in emerging economies is also driving up alcohol consumption. Drinking in populous China and India is rising particularly fast as people earn more money, the WHO said, warning that the average annual intake in China was likely to swell by 1.5 liters of pure alcohol by 2025. Still, Eastern Europe and Russia are home to the world’s biggest drinkers. Russian men who drink consumed an average of 32 liters of pure alcohol a year, according to 2010 statistics, followed by other Western countries including Europe, Canada, the United
States, Australia and South Africa. On average, every person above the age of 15 worldwide drinks 6.2 liters of pure alcohol in a year, according to the report. But there are many who don’t fall prey to the dangerous drink. Nearly half of all adults worldwide have never touched alcohol, and nearly 62 percent say they have not touched a drink in the past year. Abstinence, especially among women, is most common in low-income countries, while religious belief and social norms mean many Muslim countries are virtually alcohol-free.
Ex- Loyalist Exposes N. Korea According to Jang Jin-Sung, a North Korean defector who recently offered insights to Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s Chief International Correspondent, Kim Jong Un is not a powerful as one may think. Jang served as Kim Jong Il’s primary disseminator of propaganda, which
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them for emergency food had risen 163 percent to just over 913,000 people last year. According to the Trust, these numbers are greatly under-exaggerated, as they do not include people who sought assistance elsewhere or are too ashamed to beg. It was the best of times. It was the worst of times…
In News
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The Week allowed him to be up close and personal with the leader and his son, the country’s current dictator. He is the author of a new book, Dear Leader: Poet, Spy, Escapee – A Look Inside North Korea. Jang said that since Kim executed his uncle, Jang Song Thaek, last year, the 31-year-old dictator “has become an orphan – not just in terms of family connections, but in terms of politics.” The former North Korean reveals the true source of power in the reclusive country: the Organization and Guidance Department. Jang described the OGD as a huge surveillance device with roots in an “old boys’ network.” He said the OGD provided Kim Jong Il with many university friends who became political confidants, but his son does not have the same network of friends. “Kim Jong Un may have friends in his Swiss school, but he has no one inside North Korea,” Jang said. Since taking leadership in 2011, Kim has relied on Kim Jong Il’s OGD to get things done, and according to Jang, the OGD doesn’t respect him the way they did his father. “Until the day I met Kim Jong Il,” Jang told CNN, “I
truly considered him divine, as someone more holy, like a sage — someone to be revered, someone who was better than us, who was sacrificing his own life for the people.”
“You become immune from all prosecution, all harm,” Jang told CNN. “You’re protected by his divinity.” Then Jang described how his opinion changed when he met the great leader. “The man I saw standing in front of me was a man; he was a human being. He was not a holy man; he was not a saint; he was not a god. He was a man just like me.” His adulation for Kim changed even more dramatically when he visited his hometown after the brutal famine in the 1990s which claimed upwards of 3.5 million lives, according to the South
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In News Korean NGO Good Friends Center for Peace, Human Rights, and Refugees. North Korean numbers estimate that 220,000 died of hunger. “In the past, there was only one thing to belong to, one thing that sustained you, one thing that kept your family going … loyalty to the cult of Kim,” Jang said. ”But now people have realized finally, after the famine, that it is not loyalty that feeds them. It is money. It is work. It is owning something. It’s individual property that feeds one.” Jang predicted, “Truth will set North Korea free. The people will set North Korea free. The erosion of control will set North Korea free, not engagement with the regime.”
Swiss Museum Named Sole Heir of Expansive Artwork Collection
The Kunstmuseum Bern, a museum in Switzerland, announced on Wednesday that it has been named the “unrestricted and unfettered sole heir” of a German art collector. Cornelius Gurlitt, who died at the age of 81, was the owner of about 1,280 major artworks. In February 2012, authorities found the trove of treasured artworks while investigating Gurlitt for possible tax evasion. His collection instigated anger last year under suspicion that it had been looted by the Nazis, for whom Gurlitt’s father worked. The art collection, which is under investigation, includes work by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Marc Chagall. The Bavarian Justice Ministry said on Tuesday that a deal struck with Gurlitt before his death would be binding on all possible heirs. The museum, located in Switzerland’s capital city, Bern, said it was “surprised and delighted” at the appointment. It said that the news “came like a bolt from the blue.” There is no history between the two. Cornelius Gurlitt’s lawyer, Christoph Edel, revealed the good news to
the museum board. “At the same time, we do not wish to conceal the fact that this magnificent bequest brings with it a considerable burden of responsibility and a wealth of questions of the most difficult and sensitive kind, and questions in particular of a legal and ethical nature,” the statement read. Gurlitt was known as a recluse and hoarder who didn’t often venture out of his Munich apartment. Prosecutors say that Gurlitt’s father was ordered by Hitler to acquire and sell the “degenerate art” in order to help finance Nazi activities. The collection is worth an estimated $1.4 billion.
Thailand’s PM Resigns Amid Guilty Verdict
Thailand’s prime minister stepped down from her position last Wednesday after a court decided that Yingluck Shinawatra was guilty of abusing her power by transferring a senior civil servant in 2011 to another position. This is a victory for anti-government protesters who have taken to the streets to demonstrate in the last six months. The Constitutional Court ruled that the transfer was carried out to benefit her politically powerful family and, therefore, violated the constitution. “Transferring government officials must be done in accordance with moral principle,” the court said in its ruling. “Transferring with a hidden agenda is not acceptable.” Throughout the trial, Shinawatra vehemently denied the accusations. The verdict forced a total of nine Cabinet members out of their positions. Two hours after the verdict was announced, Yingluck appeared on national television. “We held true to the principles of honesty in running the country and never acted corruptly, as we were accused,” said Yingluck, 46, the country’s first female prime minister. Deputy Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan was immediately appointed the new acting leader.
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M AY 1 5 , 2014
Monday, May 19th, 2014 at 8 pm in the White Shul (MP Room)
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presents
The Week Rebels Demolish Hotel in Syria
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The Carlton Hotel was once a luxurious, historic hotel. In recent years, it became a government army base in the northern city of Aleppo in Syria. Rebels recently set off a huge explosion from under the complex, leveling the building and causing multiple casualties, though the death toll is not currently known. The attack was a powerful statement by rebels. It seems they were trying to show that they can still deliver destructive blows while enduring significant defeats elsewhere. On Thursday,
rebels finalized their withdrawal from Homs in a negotiated evacuation that surrenders Syria’s third-largest city to full government control. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which maintains a network of activists on the ground, said at least 14 soldiers were killed in the blast. The Islamic Front, Syria’s biggest rebel alliance, took responsibility for the attack and claimed to have killed 50 soldiers in the attack. The number of those killed has not yet been confirmed.
Israel America Committed to Aid Israel US security advisor Susan Rice said that US investment in Israel’s defense systems shows the country’s commitment to Israel’s security. Rice said that the Obama administration and Israel re-
In News cently signed an agreement for further US investment in Israel’s Iron Dome system.
The Iron Dome defends Israel against short-range rockets fired by militants in Gaza, Sinai, and Lebanon. It detects the rockets and strikes them in midair. Rice said that the new deal “will take our total investment in Iron Dome, which has saved countless of Israeli lives, to nearly $900 million, a sign of our continued commitment to Israel’s security.” “Every American dollar spent on Israel’s security is an investment in protecting the many interests that our nations share. Whether that’s preventing rockets from terrorizing the Israeli people, defending against the growing ballistic missile threat in the region, or advancing our commitment to defend freedom and democracy,” she continued. Rice is currently in the Middle East meeting Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Her visit comes soon after a futile round of US-backed Mideast peace talks. Washington remains determined to stop Iran from developing nuclear arms, the White House said.
Royal Romanians Visit the Holy Land
Last week, Israel hosted Romania’s Princess Margarita and her husband, Prince Radu. The visit culminated at Jerusalem’s Yad Vashem Holocaust Mu-
seum with a touching meeting between the princess and ten Holocaust survivors who, as children, were saved from the Nazis by her grandmother, Queen Mother Elena. It was Princess Margarita’s first visit to Israel. At age 62, she is the oldest of King Michael’s five daughters. Although she is his declared successor, full parliamentary approval is lacking. Her visit to Yad Vashem was marked by a special ceremony along the “Avenue of the Righteous,” an exhibit honoring those gentiles who, at great risk to themselves, went out of their way to protect Jews from the horrors of the Holocaust. Queen Mother Elena was officially honored as one of the “Righteous Among the Nations” back in 1993. Both Prince Radu and Princess Margarita said a visit to Israel was one of their dreams. Deputy Foreign Minister Zeev Elkin said he was glad they finally made it. “I explained to the prince and princess the importance of their support in European institutions,” Elkin told reporters following a meeting with the royals. “These days, we need all the help we can get … [and] there is no doubt that we need to further promote strong relations with Romania.”
Israeli Teens Win Physics Award The high school students from the Ilan Ramon Youth Physics Center in Beer Sheva should feel pretty good about themselves this week. Once again, they were able to win a prize in an annual international competition known as the “First Step to Nobel Prize in Physics.” The award is widely considered the world’s most prestigious science prize for high school students. This year, ten of the best research projects were submitted to the prestigious US-based competition, and last week, the students’ research projects were presented to the wider Israeli public for the first time. From 2007-2014, the Ramon Center has made Israel the world leader in prizes for physics research conducted by high school students. The center has won a total of 45 prizes during that period, leaving countries like South Korea, the US, and Russia far behind. The Ramon Center operates in conjunction with physics teachers from across southern Israel to identify the most gifted students. The students write Continued on page 26
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The Week their research work with the guidance of experts from Ben-Gurion University.
Fake Interpreter Hired by Israeli Start-Up Sefi Shaked of Livelens, a start-up video-sharing app based out of Tel Aviv, has made an interesting hire for his new advertising campaign. “We need-
ed something surprising,” Shaked told reporters. “We wanted to choose a presenter who is the worst presenter for a live app possible; you know, the person who did the worst mess up on live TV — ever.” Livelens chose the disgraced sign language interpreter from Nelson Mandela’s funeral to make what is now a viral advertising video. Thamsanqa Jantjie made headlines last December after he was ousted as a
In News fraud for making meaningless gestures while working onstage as a sign language interpreter during famed civil rights leader Nelson Mandela’s memorial service, which was broadcast live internationally. During the service, he stood next to US President Barack Obama and other world leaders and dignitaries. After the service, Jantjie revealed that he was schizophrenic and claimed that he was having hallucinations during
the service. He checked himself into a psychiatric hospital. Reports later revealed that Jantjie has faced numerous criminal charges in the past for murder and kidnapping, among other things.
In the Livelens video, Jantjie apologizes for the incident and also makes fun of himself by appearing as his own phony interpreter. According to a voiceover, as he apologizes, he is also signing, “Me famous celebrity. Now I do campaign for money.” The ad was shot in Johannesburg in February, according to Shaked, and Jantjie was only able to leave the hospital after he claimed he had a wedding to go to and somebody posed as a relative to escort him. Once a fraud, always a fraud.
Visa Crisis for Israelis
The Israel-US relationship has seen some tension over the past few months. The most recent chapter in the saga deals with reports that American intelligence officials have linked the US visa crisis to Israeli espionage. US officials reportedly said in closed a conversation that “Israel crosses the line for espionage in the United States.” Some intelligence officials are firmly against relieving the Israelis, according to recent reports. Officials claimed that Israel “is the only country which takes advantage of the security cooperation with the US to spy on it.” The statements, if true, touch a delicate nerve in US-Israel relations: the recent “visa crisis.” Some have said that the belief in intelligence circles that Israel is spying on the US may be the cause behind the recent slowdown in approvals for Israelis for US visas. Last month, US Secretary of State John Kerry announced an internal review into claims that hundreds of young
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The Week Israelis were being barred from entering the US for political reasons. An initial investigation found that the rejection rate of visa applications for young Israelis ages 21-26 has doubled from 16 percent in 2009 to 32 percent in 2014. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro stated that the trend will turn around. “The department will take immediate steps to increase the number of young Israelis that can travel to the US according to our immigration laws,” Shapiro wrote in a Facebook post. “The law dictates that applicants must prove that they intend to return to Israel in making the request, and that the visa does not allow recipients to stay beyond the designated time period or to work legally in the US.,” Shapiro said. ”But we are aware of the fact that although two-thirds of young applicants receive visas, some people harbor a misconception that young Israelis are not welcome in the U.S.A.” “Surely, that’s not true,” he continued. “Israel is one of the US’s closest allies, and we welcome all networking between Israelis and Americans, including visits to the United States.” Israeli officials have yet to respond
to the letter, which responds to earlier claims that political motivations were behind the visa rejections. Earlier this year, Israeli security officials also claimed they were being targeted by the US, and that hundreds of defense officials were turned away from making important visits to Washington.
In News National LA is Country’s Food Fiesta
Israel Arrests Weapons Dealer An Israeli man was arrested in Ben Gurion airport on charges that he tried dealing weapons to Iran. In May 2013, Eli Cohen was indicted in a US federal court for exporting US military equipment without a license, money laundering, and selling security equipment to Iran, which is banned by presidential decree. The US issued a warrant for his arrest which was finally carried out by the Israelis. A February report in Greece suggests that Cohen tried selling spare parts to an F4 Phantom jet to Iran. An extradition request is the expected from the US.
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Move over Williamsburg! According to some foodies, New York is losing its title as the epicurean epicenter of the country to its cross-country rival, Los Angeles. Foodie blogger Kenny Porpora has compiled a list of the reasons why: While those of us who work in midtown Manhattan like lunching at Moshe’s falafel truck, the real serious
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leaders in the current food truck craze park themselves on the streets of LA. In fact, food trucks have been a part of LA culture since the early nineties, long before the fad began. There you can get some world famous Korean tacos and grilled cheese literally a la carte! As for celebrity chefs, we all know that for anything celebrity, LA is king. Wolfgang Puck, the father of all celebrity chefs, started out there well over a decade ago. And even though we all love Carlos and Gabby’s Cedarhurst sandwich, LA’s Mexican food scene puts New York’s on siesta. Lastly, no one can argue with the fact that California produce is better and fresher than anything grown on a Brooklyn rooftop. Don’t worry, New York, no one wants to live in LA anyway. (Yeah, right!)
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The patriotic symbol was built in honor of the nation’s first president between 1848 and 1884 and briefly reigned as the world’s tallest structure until it was eclipsed by the Eiffel Tower. Engineers spent nearly 1,000 days making repairs stone by stone. Now new exhibits have been installed, and the National Park Service is offering extended hours to visitors through the summer. For the hundreds of visitors, the trip to the top of the tallest structure in Washington is brief: It’s a 70-second ride to the top, and a more leisurely two minutes, 45 seconds back down. But the massive monument’s meaning is much more lasting for most Americans. “I just love American history, I love traveling to see American history, and this is it. You can’t get more historic than this,” said Marc Tanner of Boca Raton, Florida, who was one of the first to visit the top. “I used to be a stockbroker; I went through 9/11 as a broker, and ... it stands alone in the United States to represent freedom for me.” Ferrell Armstrong, 74, of Kinmundy, Illinois, and his wife, Connie, 70, visited with their son and were determined to be among the first visitors when he promised the family a stop in D.C. after he underwent treatments for cancer — now in remission — in Virginia. A visit for them was emotional. “It’s just immaculate. It’s just great that people that far back thought about building something this great that’s still here,” Ferrell said. “It symbolized to me a great man, George Washington.”
Texas Brothers Convicted in $550M Fraud On Monday, a Manhattan jury found that Texas business brothers Samuel and Charles Wyly committed fraud by creating a secret scheme involving offshore trusts that netted them $550 million in illegal trading profits. Samuel Wyly, 79, last appeared on Forbes’ list of the 400 richest Americans in 2010 with a net worth of $1 billion. Charles Wyly died in a car crash in 2011, and an executor for his estate was substituted as a defendant. The trial followed years of litigation and investigation by the SEC and other authorities of the Wylys, who acknowledged creating a maze of trusts in the Isle of Man in an effort to obtain tax benefits.
The case was seen as a test of the SEC’s trial capabilities following losses in some of its recent cases, including a verdict in which billionaire Mark Cuban was found not liable last October on insider trading charges. The SEC said the trusts were designed to conceal trading from 1992 to 2004 in four companies on whose boards the Wylys sat. The SEC also contends the Wylys earned $31.7 million from insider trading in Sterling Software after selling the company in 1999. Those claims will be decided by U.S. District Judge Shira Scheindlin, who also will determine the penalties. A trial on remedies is scheduled for August 4. The Wylys denied wrongdoing, contending they were not legally the beneficial owners of securities held in the trusts and had no duty to disclose them. Andrew Ceresney, director of enforcement of the SEC, welcomed the jury’s findings. “We will continue to hold accountable, and bring to trial when necessary, those who commit fraud no matter how complex their scheme or how hard they try to hide it,” Ceresney said in a statement.
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A recent inspection of the MTA Lost and Found took inventory of its contents, and the findings are fun: 62 suits, 28,482 cell phones, 26 record players, 71 Walkmans, and 6 television sets were counted.
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Lost a pair of tefillin or a lulav on the subway? Luckily, there is now a “Jewish section” in the Lost and Found. This section had ten sets of tefillin and hundreds of siddurim. Yarmulkas and tallisim also fill up the bin. The MTA boasts an impressive 60 percent return rate, so the next time you
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The Washington Monument was closed for construction due to a crack caused by an earthquake in the nation’s capital. But on Monday, the 130-year-old, 555-foot-tall towering obelisk was finally repaired, and crowds flocked to the monument for a chance to ride to the top.
In News
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Don’t you just hate those coworkers of yours who seem to love their jobs? A job is supposed to be a means to a paycheck and some health insurance and no more, right? Well, in some towns in the US, all the people there seem to be whistling while they work. Some areas that rank highly on the scale of worker satisfaction may not come as a surprise to anyone. Hey, if I lived in the Silicon Valley and worked for Facebook or Google, I’d also be pretty content with my lot! San Jose has
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The Week the highest economic confidence level of any other city in the country, and the median salary in the tech-heavy area is over $90,000. Also, people in the Naples-Marco Island region of Florida are tanned and happy workers. Let me see…beach to the office to the boardwalk to the office? I can live with that. It’s no wonder that workers there report really low stress levels from their jobs! But in Kingsport, TN, the tenth most content city for workers, not only does the population have a low overall education level, the median income is under $38,000. Workers there, however, love the trusting and pleasant work environment (Jack Daniels, anyone?). 65% of employees in Kingsport feel they are treated like a partner to their bosses. What’s the city in the nation with the most satisfied workers? San Luis Obispo, CA. 90% of workers there are content with their jobs and feel stimulated by their work experiences. Also, the median income in San Luis Obispo is $60,264, well above the US average of $51,371.
Tilting Over Chicago
Tourists to the Windy City are sure to be blown away by its newest attraction. TILT, a vertigo-inducing glass platform that shifts up to eight people at a time onto a sharp angle off the 94th floor of the John Hancock tower in Chicago, is every bit as adventurous as it sounds. The ride costs just five dollars and is the first of its kind. Patrick Abisseror, CEO of Montparnasse 56 Group, which owns TILT, said, “We had a vision for elevating the experience, and providing memories for guests that will last a lifetime. TILT is yet another example of the innovative and forward-thinking vision of Montparnasse 56 Group.” I’ll stick to a Ken’s pastrami burger, thank you very much.
In News Internet Addiction Rising Quickly
between 1 and 3 percent of people may have a genuine Internet addiction. But there will be many more who exhibit habitual behavior that has become problematic. The extent to which it is problematic depends on the impact it is having on your life.”
NY Subway Goes Yadda, Yadda, Yadda A new British study has confirmed technology’s grasp over teens. Almost four in ten young people fear they are addicted to the Internet, prompting worries that youngsters are vulnerable to cyber-bullying. Two-thirds of 11- to 17-olds take their tablet, smartphone, or laptop to bed with them. Of those, only a third claim to be doing homework, while two-thirds use the devices to talk to friends online, play games, and watch films. The research is based on the responses of more than 2,200 young people. One 12-year-old girl in the study said, “The Internet nearly always controls my actions. I have been told that I am addicted to the Internet, and prefer its company rather than being with other people. I feel lost without the Internet.” Sadly, she doesn’t even see a problem in having the Internet as her main friend. Claire Lilley, head of online safety at the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), said, “While the Internet can be a great place for children to learn and socialize, it is worrying that so many feel that they are addicted to it. There is a lot of pressure on young people, including from their peers, to be ‘always on,’ and the 24/7 nature of children’s access to the Internet means that issues like online bullying can escalate quickly.” The charity has seen a rapid increase in the number of children contacting ChildLine about online bullying, which leapt from 2,410 in 2011 to 4,507 from 2013. Dr. Barbie Clarke from Family Kids & Youth, the social market-research agency that conducted the research, said, “Many of the young people we spoke to simply did not feel they would be able to manage without [the Internet]. They did not feel able to function if they couldn’t get hold of their friends and look things up on the Internet.” Mark Griffiths, professor of Gambling Studies at Nottingham Trent University, said, “Studies suggest that
No TV show is more New York than “Seinfeld” and nothing in the world is more New York than the subway. So it should seem only natural for New York to have a Seinfeld-themed subway car. According to the Daily News, the number 7 line will be getting a Seinfeld makeover starting May 12. The car will take on the look of Monk’s Café, Jerry and George’s longtime favorite lunch spot. “For an entire month, a New York City subway will become the ‘Seinfeld 11 Train’ in honor of our ongoing commitment to this hilarious show and WPIX,” Sheraton Kalouria, chief marketing officer for Sony Pictures Television, said. So if you’ll be heading to Citi Field this month you’ll be taken back into the world of Seinfeld. “Nothing is more New York than Seinfeld, the subway, the Mets-Yankees rivalry and PIX11,” says Rich Graziano, president and general manager of PIX11. “Combining all of these is the perfect way to create an iconic New York experience for fans and viewers.”
New Yorkers Learn to Chill Stop stressing for a minute and read this article. In a new survey, New Yorkers were not found to be the most stressed-out Americans. Luckily, we’re only number two in the nation. This week, real estate blog Movoto published its list of the ten most stressed-out cities in the United States. In addition to the Big Apple, nearby Jersey City and Newark also made the list.
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The Week 90-Year-Old Heads to Prison
Movoto measured stress by creating a list of seven criteria it felt best captured the causes of stress for most people. The list includes commuting time, unemployment, cost of living, crime rates, workday hours, population density, and cost of rent. So which cities should you avoid if you want to stop popping Xanax? Stay far away from our nation’s capital, Washington, DC, the top city on the list for stress. New York City followed in second place. Miami, San Francisco, and Jersey City rounded out the top five. Oakland, CA; Chicago; Newark, NJ; Philadelphia; and Los Angeles completed the top ten. Hey, New York, how about some good breathing exercises?
You are never too old to break the law and never too old to serve the time. At the start of his ninth decade of life, an Indiana man was sentenced to three years in federal prison for hauling more than a ton of cocaine to Michigan. “All I can tell you, Your Honor, is I’m really heartbroken. I did what I did,” Leo Sharp told a judge. “But it’s done.” There was no dispute over Sharp’s crimes: he admitted last fall that he drove loads of cocaine into Michigan for a Mexican drug organization, one
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In News of 19 people charged in the case. The government said he was paid more than $1 million. “I don’t doubt it will be difficult,” U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds told Sharp of prison, “but respect for the law requires there be some custody.” Defense lawyer Darryl Goldberg focused on Sharp’s past, not the trouble that landed him in court, while asking the judge to keep his client out of prison. Sharp isn’t a typical criminal. He fought the Nazis in Italy during World War II and was awarded a Bronze Star for it. The Michigan City, Indiana, man also is known for growing prize-winning daylilies and even contributed 5,000 plant bulbs to his community. “This is not how we honor our heroes, whether they’ve fallen from grace or not,” Goldberg said. Goldberg repeatedly warned that Sharp’s dementia would be a burden for the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. He acknowledged that Sharp “went into this eyes wide open” but said his condition led him to use “bad judgment” and become a drug courier. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Graveline pointed out that criminals do not get a pass simply because of prior military service. He noted that Sharp used his age and appearance as a tool to shake the suspicions of police on cross-country trips before he was finally busted during a traffic stop west of Detroit in 2011. “They bargained on him not getting caught,” the judge said in agreement. Despite going to prison, Sharp still got a significant break. The government was seeking a five-year sentence, even though sentencing guidelines call for a minimum of 14 years.
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The Social Security Administration has just announced the top ten most popular names for newborns last year. Surprisingly, “Noah” was the most popular boys’ name, while “Sophia” remained the most popular girls’ name for the third year in a row. Noah comes as a surprise as it only entered the top ten in 2009, though it has climbed up
the list every year since then. Another surprise for boys’ names was Liam, which rose to No. 2 in 2013 after entering the top ten the previous year. “‘Noah’ and ‘Liam’ are both smooth, little names,” Laura Wattenberg, author of The Baby Name Wizard, explains. “I call them ‘raindrop names’ — they’re tiny, but they have more than one syllable, and they are totally smooth, with no hard stops or rough edges.” The only surprise with top girls’ names this year, she notes, was that there has been very little movement. In fact, the very same 2013 winners – which include “Emma,” “Olivia” and “Abigail” – made up the top ten in 2012, in just a slightly different order. Here are the top 10 names for boys in 2013: 1. Noah 2. Liam 3. Jacob 4. Mason 5. William 6. Ethan 7. Michael 8. Alexander 9. Jayden 10. Daniel Here are the top 10 names for girls in 2013: 1. Sophia 2. Emma 3. Olivia 4. Isabella 5. Ava 6. Mia 7. Emily 8. Abigail 9. Madison 10. Elizabeth Other news from the Social Security Administration, which has been compiling baby-name rankings since 1880, includes data on the fastestrising names, which are currently “Daleyza” for girls and “Jayceon” – pronounced “Jason” – for boys. The trend, Wattenberg says, nicely illustrates, as do names such as “Jaxen” and “Jaxson,” the growing phenomenon of parents using creative spellings as a way to stick to popular sounds while also being unique. “Rankings can affect people’s thinking, but doesn’t change their taste,” she says, adding that parents of today are much more interested in finding a name that stands out rather than one that blends in. “Usually everybody wants to be No. 1 at everything — except with baby names.” Continued on page 38
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The Week partment under Clinton to officially designate the Nigerian Islamist group a terrorist organization. “The one thing she could have done, the one tool she had at her disposal, she didn’t use. And nobody can say she wasn’t urged to do it. It’s gross hypocrisy,” a former senior U.S. official who was involved in the debate told a reporter. “The FBI, the CIA, and the Justice Department really wanted Boko Haram designated, they wanted the authorities…to go after them, and they voiced that repeatedly to elected officials,” he said. It seems that one reason for the State Barack Obama recently named Department’s hesitation was that offiNigeria’s Boko Haram group, which cially designating the group as a worldlast month kidnapped more than 200 class terrorist organization would have schoolgirls, “one of the worst regional added to its stature. or local terrorist organizations.” AcTo her credit, Clinton did just speak cording to a controversial report, out about the mass kidnapping, calling however, the State Department under it “abominable” and saying, “It’s crimHillary Clinton “fought hard” for two inal, it’s an act of terrorism, and it realyears to avoid adding the group, which ly merits the fullest response possible, is believed to have links to al Qaeda, to first and foremost from the government its list of foreign terrorist organizations. of Nigeria.” She also condemned the It was reported last week that othabduction in a tweet, writing in part, er government agencies, including the 5TJW 9.375x5.875 5/16/2014 “We must stand up to terrorism.” CIA and more than a dozen members of Congress, had urged the State De-
Clinton Slow to Label Terrorists
In News Insights of the World’s Oldest Vet
Richard Overton, 107, gets up every morning, and puts on a clean dress shirt, trousers, tennis shoes, and a black cap with yellow lettering that reads “WWII Veteran.” A man who appreciates hard work, the oldest living World War II veteran spends many hours each week working on his yard, sweeping his driveway, and raking leaves. Overton was born in Bastrop County in 1906. As he approaches his 108th birthday, he still holds a Texas driver’s license and hasn’t lost his sense of humor. “I just keep a-going,” says Overton with a grin. “I don’t stop.” Overton has seen many loved ones
and friends pass away, not just at home but overseas as well. Overton served in the U.S. Army and was sent to the West Pacific in 1945. He says his experience in WWII simply wasn’t fun. “I was shot over my head, between my legs, around my ears, and everything, but it wasn’t my day to go,” he muses. Many dignitaries and world leaders, most recently President Obama, have recognized Overton for his service. Overton gave the president a box of his favorite cigars when he met him. Overton is not a fan of all of the attention but appreciates the recognition. When it comes to longevity, he said he doesn’t have any secrets. He keeps everything in moderation, including a few vices such as whisky and cigars. “I’ve been drinking a little bit,” he said, “but I don’t drink much. I’ve smoked cigars ever since I was 18.” Overton doesn’t eat large meals, but does indulge every now and then on his two favorites: cookies and tacos. Overton said he avoids prescription medication and only takes aspirin to thin his blood. He should live many more healthy years.
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Arizona Town Declares Drought
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In the northern Arizona city of Williams, you don’t leave the water running while you brush your teeth, and if you water your lawn or wash your car with potable water, you may be slapped with a fine. The small city, located about 60 miles from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, is suffering a major water shortage. Businesses have been transporting water from outside the city, building permits have been put on hold, and the drought continues to dry up reservoirs, forcing the city to pump its only two wells to capacity. Recently, officials imposed severe restrictions after receiving only about 6 inches of precipitation from October to April, about half the normal levels, and the forecast isn’t all that promising. “We knew we had to take some action to preserve the water,” Mayor John Moore said. As Williams waits for moisture, Moore said city officials are exploring whether new wells will help secure a more sustainable water source.
Americans Not Crazy for Cash
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Bankrate.com’s chief financial analyst, said. “The vast majority of Americans carry $50 or less on a daily basis, which seems to indicate that it’s more out of necessity than a desire to pay with cash.” These people definitely don’t use my dry cleaners.
Fewer Americans Reading
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Cash is what? Certainly not king. A new Bankrate survey shows that close to ten percent of Americans don’t carry any cash on their person. 78% of people walk around with less than fifty dollars and 49% with less than twenty. The results either demonstrate a high consumer confidence or a more tech-comfortable population. “If we move to a truly cashless society, it won’t be much of an adjustment for most Americans,” Greg McBride,
A report released by Common Media Sense recently revealed that American children rarely read for pleasure. A meta-analysis of seven surveys and various tests by public and private groups show that overall reading among pre-adolescents and youngsters has vastly declined in the last three decades. The data also discovered that fewer parents read to their children nowadays. The change is being blamed on the technological revolution. Society has reached a major transition point in the history of reading. From children’s earliest ages, “reading” used to mean sitting down with a book and turning pages as a story unfolded. Today, it might mean sitting down with a device that offers multimedia experiences and blurs the line between books and toys. Much of the daily communication between older children is now handled in short bursts of written text, such as text messages, emails, Facebook posts, and tweets. All of this has led to a major disruption in how, what, when, and where children and teens read. Considering that a lot of this is new data, research is evolving in this area. The proportion of children who are daily readers drops significantly from childhood to the tween and teenage years. One study documents a drop in daily readers from 48 percent of 6- to 8-year-olds down to 24 percent of 15to 17-year-olds; another shows a drop from 53 percent of 9-year-olds to 19 percent of 17-year-olds.
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The least common jobs nowadays tend to be higher earning positions. The average geographer earned more than $75,000 annually as of 2013, and the average industrial-organizational psychologist earned nearly $88,000 annually. Those two professions are expected to grow by 29% and 53%, respectively, between 2012 and 2022. Consequently, the most common jobs tend to require little formal edu-
cation or experience and therefore lower wages. Cashiers, waiters, and food preparation workers earned, on average, less than $25,000 annually, while the average U.S. worker earned more than $46,000 per year. These occupations are usually not unionized, which probably explains the lower wages, said Kohli. The ten most common jobs in America today include: janitors and clean-
ers (2.1 million jobs); secretaries and administrative assistants (2.2 million jobs); hand laborers (2.3 million jobs); customer service representatives (2.4 million jobs); waiters and waitresses (2.4 million jobs); nurses (2.7 million jobs); office clerks (2.8 million jobs); food preparation workers (3 million jobs); cashiers (3.3 million jobs) and retail salespersons (4.5 million jobs).
WEEKLY DELIVERIES TO THE CATSKILLS/COUNTRY. Throughout the entire The job market is reflective of the economy’s condition. Naturally, when the economy is healthy, more people are working. Where are Americans finding their paychecks? Well, according to Martin Kohli, chief regional economist at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), industry growth trends play an important role in job totals. Workers in the nation’s most popular occupations “are employed in industries that have also been expanding,” Kohli said. For example, food service employees are wildly popular, reflecting an expanding food industry, explains Kohli. Conversely, many of the nation’s least common jobs are in industries that are shrinking, such as in the manufacturing sector. Many of these jobs, Kohli added, “are clearly on the decline because the industries that employ them, and the technologies they use, are on the decline.” For instance, the BLS predicts that the number of animal breeders will decrease by 23 percent between 2012 and 2022, and the amount of fabric menders will fall by 10 percent. The number of radio operators and wood pattern-makers is expected to remain the same.
Why do we do upsherins on Lag B’Omer? See page 84
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There is a significant gap in reading achievement between white, black, and Hispanic children. There is also a gender gap – girls read for pleasure for an average of ten minutes more per day than boys; this discrepancy remains prominent from childhood through teenage years. Well, I know at least one person who is reading…Keep it up!
In News
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The Week That’s Odd Timing is Everything
lovers follow the same pattern. The first six months after they buy a watch, they love it. The second six months, they don’t love it as much. And by the third six months, it gets put on the pile and replaced by one or numerous others.” The company’s goal is to have 1,000 subscribers and it’s well on its way. After all, who doesn’t love a timeshare for timepieces?
This Prison Sets you Free We can rent everything from cars to houses to dog walkers. So why not luxury watches? A start-up called Eleven James is offering its subscribers a variety of luxurious timepieces to rent from Rolex, Cartier, Audemars Piguet and the like. Randy Brandoff, the company’s founder, is a former executive of the private, jet-sharing company Netjets. Brandoff says that leasing luxury items is not a novelty for today’s money-smart wealthy class. “The vast majority of our target consumers have leased a car rather than buying it, rented a vacation home or enjoyed other prized possessions without purchasing them,” he claims. So what can you expect from a membership? The “connoisseur” plan will get you watches from the $15,000 to $30,000 range and will allow you to rotate six watches a year. The cost? A mere $9,700. If something a little more on the upscale side suits you, you might like the “virtuoso” option: only $17,250 a year for watches costing close to $50,000. What’s the motivation to rent and not buy? Says Brandoff, “Most watch
In North Korea, everyone’s worst nightmare is that they’ll be thrown into some squalid jail for solitary confinement. But in South Korea, people are actually willing to fork over close to $150 a night to sit in a solitary cell. At Prison Inside Me, a jail-like retreat just south of Seoul, guests hand in their cellphones and car keys in exchange for a prison jumpsuit and spend the night in a sixty square foot cell. Hundreds of South Koreans are flocking to the “retreat” for a much needed break from everyday life. “Inmates” report feeling overcome by a sense of serenity after meditating their whole visit through. According to one visitor, “It is very suffocating, because I’m physically restrained. But on the other hand it is very helpful in that I
In News can look into my inner self.” Meals are passed through a slot in the door and cell phone usage is limited to once daily. “I only hope this retreat offers visitors a chance to reflect on themselves,” Kwon Yeun Sek, the retreat’s founder, says. Going to prison to free yourself from stress…sounds like a very good punishment.
Getting a Leg Up with Lego Leah Bowman, a junior at Northwestern University, literally built herself an impressive resume to land a summer internship. While home on spring break, Bowman decided to build her resume out of Lego blocks. “It came to me on a Saturday morning, and by Sunday night I’d designed it – an ad for myself. I assembled it on Monday,” she said. She also made a “mini-me” along with a poster that said: “LEAH. Build the perfect Account Service intern! New for 2014!”
Her resume quickly went viral and got her noticed from out of a pile of 1,000 applicants at a Chicago-based ad agency, Energy BBDO, and she was chosen to be one of the company’s sixteen summer interns. According to Kristen Quinlan, an HR manager at the firm, “She created a splash. She definitely got herself noticed from her gimmick. I wanted to talk to her. I’ve gotten a few wacky, unique things over the years from people trying to get their foot in the door.” She continued, “She did it in a good way, a very positive way. She got herself noticed.” But don’t think that Lego-building skills can always get you in the door. The main reason Leah was offered a position was that she demonstrated that she had substance at an interview. “She was a very smart, bright, articulate young woman – and she had some prior expe-
rience already,” Quinlan said. Says Bowman, “You’ve got to wow an employer with something that goes beyond your resume. You’ve got to be prepared, when you pick up the phone, to wow them again. You can’t drop the ball. A gimmick only gets you a phone call or ensures your resume winds up in the right pile.” In any case, a “Lego resume” certainly won’t “block” you from a great position.
Make Your Own Makeup
A Harvard Business School grad is looking to disrupt the multibillion dollar cosmetics industry, and she’s doing it with a printer. Grace Choi presented her 3D printer, Mink, at the Disrupt NewYork Tech conference as an alternative for women who are stuck with a limited selection of makeup colors at major retailers like CVS. She laments that only the boring or “safe” colors get marketed at major stores and if anyone needs something more edgy she’d have to head off to a specialty retailer. Choi’s printer would allow a user to take a color off of anything—from Pinterest to a flower—and upload it onto the device. The printer would spit out her lipstick or eye shadow moments later. “The makeup industry makes a whole lot of money on a whole lot of garbage, and they do this by charging a huge premium on one thing that technology provides for free. And that one thing is color,” says Choi. “Mink enables the Web to become the biggest beauty store in the world. We’re going to live in a world where you can take a picture of your friend’s lipstick and print it out.” The all-inclusive device is set to launch later this year for around $300 on GraceMink.com. At the show, Choi printed out a pink eye shadow in less than 40 seconds. Wow! Color me beautiful in less than a minute—I like that!
Your Phone or Your Life?
at home. Besides, people who talk on the phone in a public eatery are really annoying.
Planting her Inheritance
Some eccentric millionaires leave their fortunes to their cats. Now, a woman in Pittsburgh has created a completely new type of heir in her will: her trusty 42-year-old philodendron, a seven foot house plant. Ronna Scoratow, 63, received her beloved plant in 1972 and has watched it grow from just a foot tall. “This is my girl! This plant will definitely outlive me. After I pass don’t want her to go unloved,” she explains.
So Scoratow, who has no children and does not feel that her siblings share her ardor for her fauna, told her attorney, James Wood, to place a provision in her will for $5,000 for a friend to care for her plant. “It was interesting. I’ve done provisions for pets but never a plant,” said Wood. Her other plants, however, have yet to get the same treatment. “I don’t have the same love with them. I don’t know how to explain it. I don’t want to be cold or anything.” Who knows, maybe the rest of them will grow on her before her demise.
Zooming Along at 2,824 MPG I know, I know, all you self-righteous tree huggers. Your Prius gets 50 miles per gallon while my 1992 Ford Bronco does about eight. But compared to the car invented by students at the Universite Laval in Quebec, the Prius looks like a jumbo jet. The students’ three-wheeled, tear-shaped car
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In the ‘80’s, the big question was, “What would you do for a Klondike bar?” Nowadays, that question has taken on a more meaningful form: “What would you do for your lost phone?” And for many people, the answer is pretty extreme. A new survey by the company Lookout suggests that most people would put themselves at bodily risk to retrieve their phone which often contains highly personal and confidential information. Sixty eight percent of survey respondents cared more about the risk to their phones’ data than they cared about risks posed to themselves. And half of the
people surveyed said they’d be willing to fork over $500 to get their phones back. Roughly a third would give up $1,000. Alicia diVittorio, Lookout’s director of security communications, said that the study demonstrates that “phones carry highly personal information from banking credentials to corporate email, making them extremely valuable to the owner, as well as thieves. For this reason, smartphone victims are willing to go to extreme lengths to recover their devices including putting themselves in danger and coughing up a great deal of money to keep their phones and the data they carry safe.” Unsurprisingly, the most common way to lose your phone is by leaving it in a public place. Although it makes great headlines, only eleven percent of people whose phones went missing had it stolen from their person, and only five percent had it stolen on public transportation. Restaurants were the most common area where phones got taken, and from noon till five is high time for phone pilfering. So if you’re heading out to lunch on Central Avenue today, leave your phone
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The Week is able to get 2,824 miles per gallon. It overcame a number of issues, such as excess friction and short circuits, to achieve that number, which means that the car can zoom from New York to Los Angeles on less than a gallon of fuel. Interestingly, the gas-sipping vehicle doesn’t come close to what the school invented last year with a prototype that netted 3,587 mpg.
The car was built at the Shell Eco-marathon Americas competition in Houston, where competing schools vie for the top prize in fuel efficiency. Still doesn’t beat the bike I take to work daily.
Say No to Nagging A nagging spouse may be dangerous to your health. A recent study of Danish men and women ages 36 to 52 suggests that a nagging spouse may shorten your life. Researchers at the University of Copenhagen claim nagging may cause an extra
three deaths per one hundred people and is linked to heart disease and cancer. Men are more likely to be affected by nagging spouses. Husbands who reported significant demands from their wives were twice as likely to die as compared to 34% of women who felt that way. That may be because men don’t share their issues with their close friends and prefer to bottle it all up inside. Researchers from the study concluded that “men were especially vulnerable to frequent worries/ demands from their partner, contradicting earlier findings suggesting that women were more vulnerable.”
I’d love to continue, but my wife is calling me.
A Prize for Politeness What’s the best present for a mother? How about well-behaved children and an award for their best behavior? A Canadian family got a special
In News surprise on Mother’s Day when they received their bill for their celebratory Sunday brunch. At the bottom of the receipt from the Japanese bistro, the store included a discount for “Well Behaved Kids”—$5 off their meal.
small, 35-seat shop that has no room for strollers and is “not the most kid-friendly place.” Still, Daley and his wife, Alicia, frequented the restaurant for dates before having their daughter, Evie, and they had a hankering on Sunday. Luckily, Evie was having a good day. “Our daughter is like most babies,” Welsh says. “She has her on and off days. We avoid taking her out if she’s fussy.” Thankfully, she was sweet and well-mannered on Sunday.
UPS Delivers a Shidduch Daley Welsh, the father of the angelic children, said, “I feel it was just a really nice gesture,” he says, “and it really made my wife’s Mother’s Day special, affirming her hard work as a parent for the last year.” The owner of the restaurant, Toshi Carino, said, “We welcome the kids and wanted to show some appreciation for kids (and of course, for parents!) with dining manners.” She adds that the Welshes were a “beautiful family” with a baby who was impressively “calm in the crowd.” The eatery has special significance for the Welshes. The restaurant is a
Mazal Tov to Zev Goldin and Chana Simon upon their engagement, and congratulations to the shadchan, UPS worker Terry Spiers. The shidduch started to brew two years ago when Spiers got to know Regina Simon, who worked in an office on his Eastern Parkway route in Crown Heights. In their conversations, Regina would often mention her 21-year-old daughter Chana, who is studying psychology at Touro College. One day, Spiers mentioned that he knew the perfect guy for Chana, Zev Goldin, 25, who lives just a few blocks away. Spiers assured Mrs. Simon that Zev, who works in real estate, comes from a wonderful family. Then he approached the Goldins and attempted to convince them to give the idea a shot.
“Initially, we didn’t take it very seriously,” Goldin recalled. But Terry Spiers was determined and did not give up. Spiers himself helped the families exchange “shidduch resumes,” leading to a first date. Now Goldin admits that he knew that Chana was the one for him early on in the relationship. “The second date, I knew, but I waited a very, very long time to make sure.” “[Spiers] asked a million and a half questions. All he was hoping was that he’d make one shidduch before he retires,” said Goldin. Delivering the perfect spouse…now we know what brown can do for you.
Join Us in Celebration of YOM YERUSHALAYIM and to BENEFIT THE SOLDIERS OF THE IDF
WEDNESDAY • MAY 28 • 2014 Zev Grushko Cedarhurst
Veronika & David Adlerstein Debbie & Michael Alpert Rabbi Shalom & Rachel Axelrod Tikvah & Dovid Azman Beth & Dr. Neil Berman Anne & Dr. Chaim Bernstein Linda & Brian Bertan Rabbi Heshie & Rookie Billet Sheryl & Mendy Bistritzky Rabbi Heshy & Mimi Blumstein Rebeka & Gabriel Boxer Lynda & Ben Brafman Mandy & Dr. Rubin Brecher Pearl & Jack Bruger Estie & Joel Bryk Sharron & Adam Cohen Yael & Ari Cukier Tanya & Amitai Dagan Naomi & Aryeh Davis Limor & David Decter June Diamant Batsheva & Irah Donner Shelly & Dr. Barry Dorf Rena & Eli Dworetsky Doreen & Beryl Eckstein
Barak Klammer Woodmere
Noam Skiddell Hewlett
Martin Elias Rachel & Ari Ellenberg Yael & Ben Englander Judy & Fred Farbman Candice & Josh Feiler Tobi & Alan Fein Robin & Dr. Michael Feldman Elaine & David Frankel Rabbi Zev & Renee Friedman Sharon & Jeffrey Frieling Mindy & Gerald Gartner Rabbi Bruce & Rachel Ginsburg Ariel & Baruch Glaubach Rita & Daniel Goldberg Anne & Shelly Golombeck Rabbi Steven & Dr. Linda Friedman Graber Rhea & Joseph Grob Aviva & Paul Gross Janet & Ira Grosser Judy & Moshe Grushko Rabbi Kenneth & Nancy Hain Ruchie & Dr. Yonah Hamlet Judy & Lester Henner Terry & Andrew Herenstein Amy & Jordan Hiller
Ariel Weiss Lawrence
Eliezer Waltuch Woodmere
Natalie & Danny Hiller Renee Hirschman Giselle & Dr. Paul Hochsztein Lori & Dr. Sholom Huberfeld Shani & Dr. Dovid Tzvi Jacobs Julie & Brian Jedwab Faiga & Michael Joseph Sarah & Ari Kadish Beth & Josh Kalter Dara & Adam Karhu Jenny & Jonathan Katz Annette & Gary Kaufman Batya & Jonathan Kaye Rabbi Yehuda & Rochi Kelemer Tova & Aaron Keller Jaclynn & Ari-Ben Kirschbaum Rabbi Charles & Betty Klein Faye & Dr. Steven Kollander Jen & Elliot Kollander Kimberly & Jonathan Krup Yaffa & Jason Kuflik Miriam & Neil Kugelman Rena & Mark Kwestel Tami & Eytan Lader Marilyn & Eliot Lauer
Adam Dahan Long Beach
Isaac Katz North Woodmere
Lisa & Uri Lazar Rabbi Simcha & Shani Lefkowitz Elana & Dr. Tovia Lent Esther & Robert Levinson Helaine & Joshua Linder Lisa & Sol Lipshitz Lynn & Joel Mael Iris & Shalom Maidenbaum Rivka & Avi Mandel Rabbi Arnold & Zipporah Marans Shirley Kaplan & Hillel Marans Amy & Ronen Marom Aurora & David Mosberg Janine & Cal Nathan Rabbi Gedaliah & Yehudis Oppen Michelle & Dovid Ostreicher Brenda & Sam Ottensoser Wendy & Uri Ottensoser Debora & Mitchell Ozeri Rik & Allan Perlow Rabbi Ariel & Dr. Jessica Rackovsky Pearl & Dr. Jeff Ratz Suri & Jordan Rinzler Robin & David Ritholtz Malki & Phil Rosen
Evan Chanan Linder West Hempstead
Miriam Moshkovski Merrick
Sue & Jeffrey Rosenberg Debby & Meir Rosenfeld Rachelle & Eyal Rosenthal Helene & Robert Rothenberg Livia & Max Rottenberg Brenda & Alan Rubin Trudy & Ian Rubinstein Rachel & Ephraim Rudman Jamie & Evan Scharaga Carine & Bruce Schneider Tamar & Avram Schreiber Rabbi Dr. Barry Dov & Sonia Schwartz Margo & Dov Seewald Debra & David Segal Rabbi Yehuda & Lisa Septimus Shari & David Shapiro Helene & Dr. Larry Sher Sharon & Alan Shulman Esti & Dr. Yussy Silverstein Rabbi Elliot & Julie Skiddell Ann & Michael Slochowsky Esther & Marc Soskel Jessica & Steven Spector Malky & Jay Spector Nicole & Dr. Jeffrey Spivak
Jonathan Sidlow North Woodmere
Mordechai Tryfus West Hempstead
Vicki & Alex Sreter Evelyn & Averim Stavsky Gitelle & Joseph Steinfeld Fay & Solomon Steinlauf Tamara & Mayer Steinman Rabbi Sholom & Batya Stern Donna & Dr. Edward Stroh Rabbi Moshe & Sori Teitelbaum Lois & Jeffrey Tilton Rabbi Yaakov & Malka Trump Tamar & Stephen Wagner Deborah & Dr. David Waltuch Helen & Jacob Weichholz Barbara & Alan Weichselbaum Tamar & Stephen Weinrib Dr. Leah & Dr. Allen Wiesenfeld Barbara & Dr. Michael Weiss Rochelle & Allan Weiss Irit & Yossie Wittmann Tzippy & Daniel Yarmish Julie & Joel Yohay Lisa & David Zaslowsky Amy & Leonard Zehnwirth Esther & Dov Zeidman Elaine & Dr. Morton Zinberg
For more information, please contact Deborah Sason at Deborah.Sason@fidf.org or Tel: (646) 274-9661 Tickets and sponsorships also available at: www.FIDF.org/FTGSS • THEIR JOB IS TO LOOK AFTER ISRAEL. OURS IS TO LOOK AFTER THEM.
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David Golombeck Lawrence
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THE FIVE TOWNS & GREATER SOUTH SHORE 3RD ANNUAL COMMUNITY EVENT
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Around the
LOCAL NEWS
Community
Bnos Malka Academy to Honor Rabbi Michael Weichselbaum Bnos Malka Academy will be celebrating their 18th Annual Dinner on May 20, 2014 at the White Shul in Far Rockaway. The Guest of Honor will be their Menahel, Rabbi Michael Weichselbaum. Now in his 15th year as the principal, Rabbi Weichselbaum has guided the school from its infancy to that of a premier school serving the Queens community. Mr. David Berger, the school president, explained, “It was an obvious choice to pay tribute to Rabbi We-
ichselbaum as we mark this milestone for Bnos Malka. When we hired him in 1999, we were a small school with 33 girls in five classes. Under his guidance and vision, we have grown to 344 girls and multiple classes through 8th grade.” Rabbi Weichselbaum had previously been a Rebbe at Yeshiva Har Torah for four years and then at HALB for four years when he was offered the position as menahel. HALB Executive Director, Mr. Richie Hagler, remarked,
“Rabbi Weichselbaum was a real star rebbe. In his four years here he had distinguished himself and built very close ties to his talmidim. It was only a matter of time for him to advance into an administrative position.” Rabbi Weichselbaum is a product of Kew Gardens Hills and was a natural fit for the new school according to Mr. Berger. “We were obviously very impressed with his body of work at Har Torah and HALB. However, as a lifelong resident of the neighborhood,
whose family was, and remains, so active in the Young Israel of Queens Valley, it was clear he was the ideal candidate.” Bnos Malka Academy opened very modestly in 1996 with a Pre-1A class of ten girls. Each year, the school added a grade. As enrollment grew, the school opened additional classes and needed to relocate a number of times to increasingly larger facilities. Often changing locations can be interpreted as a lack of stability. In the case of Bnos Malka, it was a testament to their success. Since 2006, Bnos Malka has called the Dov Revel Building their home. Ironically, the building which served the Jewish community for nearly 50 years was the elementary school for both Rabbi Weichselbaum and Mr. Berger. Their return has reenergized the Forest Hills community. After graduating from Dov Revel, Rabbi Weichselbaum learned in Chofetz Chaim and in Ner Yisroel. He continued his learning in Eretz Yisroel in Netivot before graduating Adelphi University with a degree in Education. He returned to Eretz Yisorel and spent over five years learning at Yeshiva Torah Ohr in Yerushalayim where he received semicha in 1990. Rabbi Weichselbaum has continued to advance his education earning his Master’s Degrees in ESL and Educational Leadership. In 2009, Rabbi Weichselbaum was introduced the educational philosophy of “Understanding by Design” by Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins. The program is designed to empower the students to delve deeper into their understanding of the material taught in class and seek practical applications in real life. The girls develop skills to question and analyze and not merely learn by rote. Empowerment is not left just for the students, but for the administration and teachers as well. While always under the watchful eye of the menahel, the assistant principals, and teachers are given the latitude to use their experience and skills to manage the classroom and the curriculum. Rabbi Weichselbaum explained, “Our assistant principals are immensely talented; if I were to micromanage or dictate to them every detail, I would not benefit from their vast talents and I would stymie their creativity.” Mr. Berger concluded by saying, “We are very excited for the upcoming Dinner and the chance to all of our achievements with our beloved menahel.”
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Around the
LOCAL NEWS
Community
JCCRP First Time Homebuyer Workshop On Monday, May 19th, the Jewish Community Council of the Rockaway Peninsula (JCCRP) will be holding a First-Time Homebuyer Workshop in partnership with Knesseth Israel (the White Shul).
The workshop will be held in the White Shul’s multi-purpose room. Participants will be walked through the preparatory steps of purchasing a home: budgeting, qualifying for financing, grant program availability, tax
ramifications, homeowners/flood insurance, legal aspects and much more. The panel of experts will provide a tremendous amount of useful information in a clear and understandable way, and will be there to answer questions
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throughout the evening. The presenters at the program will be: Henoch Grumet of SBCO; a mortgage specialist; Michael Lukin, Vice President Apple Bank for Savings; Paul Mernick Esq. of the Law Office of Paul Mernick; Naftali Solomon, Principal of 718 Insurance; and Chaya and Don Miller of Miller Realty. This workshop is one of the valuable services the JCCRP provides to the Rockaway/Five Towns community. The following information and assistance is available at the JCCRP: • Medicaid/ Family Health Plus enrollment, recertification, and advocacy • Medicare advocacy, enrollment, and recertification • Food stamp advocacy and enrollment • Information and assistance with government benefits, including Social Security, HEAP, SSI, and SCRIE • Housing issues including eviction prevention and housing court assistance • Crisis Intervention • Kosher food pantry • Counseling services • Referral to New York Legal Assistance Group for legal assistance To support the JCCRP and ensure future programs like this, please mail your tax deductible donation to: JCCRP, 1525 Central Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. 100% of your donations go to those in need.
Text the word SMART to 99629 for an automatic link to download Smart List.
Want something different to serve at your upcoming barbecue? How about Hasselback Salami? See page 98 for the delicious recipe.
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NEWS
Community
Ambassador Ido Aharoni at Urgent Har Hazeisim Weekend in the Five Towns tive Vice Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and a founding member of the ICPHH, said, “Har Hazeisim is essential to keeping Yerushalayim united. Arab expansionism is increasingly threatening to divide Yerushalayim. Assuring that Har Hazeisim is accessible and secure stands in the way of those plans to isolate parts of Yerushalayim including our sacred sites. We must preserve Jewish sovereignty over Har Hazeisim and see to its security so that every Jew can visit safely and securely.” Har Hazeisim is the oldest surviving Jewish cemetery in the world, dating back over 3,000 years and is the resting place for over 150,000 people, dating back to the Nevi’im. Despite being in Israeli hands, the cemetery remained largely neglected until May 2010 when Israel’s State Controller Micha Lindenstrauss issued a stinging report on the neglect and abuse of Israel’s second holiest site. He blamed successive Israeli governments for virtually neglecting the
Bnos Bais Yaakov Welcomes Their New First Graders This week, Bnos Bais Yaakov’s first graders were the consummate hostesses! Each of the BBY Pre-1A classes were cordially invited to visit one of the first grades where each pre-schooler was paired up with a first grade buddy. The girls got to know each other as they exchanged names, ages, and favorite colors and recorded the information on their “Buddy Sheets.” Then, the very sophisticated first graders introduced the Pre-1A girls to the elements of a first grade classroom. The partners
took a walking tour of the room, and the first graders pointed out their cubbies, books, and the bulletin boards. To wrap up the visitation, the first grade morah read all the girls a story. Before the Pre-1A girls left, Morah Kurland, principal of grades 1-4, came into the classes and gave out stickers to everyone. In this friendly, non-threatening way, the sweet little pre-schoolers were introduced to their new environment for September. Our Pre 1-A girls are eager to don uniforms, sit behind desks, and be “big” elementary school girls next year!
Harav Lieff
Ido Aharoni
cemetery. This shocking report prompted Abe Lubinsky, a Brooklyn NY businessman, to create the International Committee for the Preservation of Har Hazeisim. The Committee has thus far managed to persuade the Israeli authorities to install 142 surveillance cameras in addition to a 24/7 Command Center. After extensive lobbying at the highest level of government, a police substation was finally established in March 2012. The police station has been a further deterrent to the criminal activity by Arab youths. The Committee continues to lobby the government to increase the police detail on Har Hazeisim to better protect the access roads as well as people living in the nearby Jewish housing, including
Maale Hazeisim. To deny Arab vandals easy access to graves and mourners, a series of new fences was installed as part of a broader plan to secure some of the individual sections of Har Hazeisim. For the first time, the MuMenachem Lubinsky nicipality of Jerusalem conducts regular sanitation services on the mountain. Previously, Har Hazeisim was a dumping ground for local Arabs including garbage and discarded construction material, making parts of the mountain look like a “junk yard.” Despite these accomplishments, graves continue to be destroyed and mourners and visitors routinely stoned. The Committee has stepped up its efforts for full security for the ancient cemetery where regular burials continue even today. In addition, it is continuing its efforts for many new projects to increase security and demonstrate Jewish sovereignty.
Achdus as Bais Yaakov of Queens and TAG Compete This past Wednesday, Bais Yaakov of Queens hosted the 8th grade of TAG for an inter-school machanayim competition. Mrs. Sarah Bergman, general studies principal at Bais Yaakov of Queens, welcomed TAG and commended all of their girls on their display of spirit and achdus between Bais Yaakovs. Bais Yaakov of Queens Eightth Grade Team Program, innovated by Mrs. Bergman and funded by the PA, was created for the girls to realize the need to work together and apply this lesson to life. None of us can do it all, but need to do our best at what we can do. If we help one another, our families, our communities, and Klal Yisroel and do our part, together we make a whole. We depend on each other and of course put our trust in Hashem. Morah Pfeiffer, the BYQ team’s coach, explained to the girls, “A team works together, with each
member doing what she does best for the good of the team as a whole. No individual can do everything. You must trust each other and work together to accomplish your goal.” Both schools’ girls displayed much ruach and sportsmanship throughout the afternoon. The girls’ thunderous cheers, all the while conducted with derech eretz, added excitement to the game. Like the ultimate host, BYQ treated everyone to refreshing snacks. Even though TAG was the winner, all of the girls had a great time!
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The ongoing security issues on Har Hazeisim and plans for the further development of the 3,000 year old cemetery will be the subject of two major events in the Five Towns on May 17-18. Menachem Lubinsky, a founding co-chairman of the International Committee for the Preservation of Har Hazeitim, will serve as the scholar-in-residence at the Young Israel of Woodmere on Shabbos Parshas Bechukosai (May 17th), according to Charlie Miller, a member of the Committee and the organizer of the events in the Five Towns. On Sunday morning (10 A.M.), Ambassador Ido Aharoni will be the keynote speaker at a rally for Har Hazeisim at the Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst (8 Spruce Street). In addition, Mr. Lubinsky will present an overview of the currents status of the 3,000 year old cemetery and holy site. Harav Moshe Tuvia Lieff , the Moroh D’Asroh of Agudas Yisroel Bais Binyomin, and Harav Moshe Teitelbaum, Rabbi of the Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst, will also address the gathering. A special video presentation on Har Hazeisim will also be shown. Mr. Malcolm Hoenlein, CEO/Execu-
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Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef, Chief Rabbi of Israel, Visits the Moroccan Shul On Sunday evening, the Five Towns community was honored by the presence of the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef, the famed author of the halachic series, Yalkut Yosef. He spoke at Bait Medresh HaChaim v’HaShalom, otherwise known as the Moroccan Shul located at 530 Central Avenue, next to Citibank. The event was very well-attended by both leaders and members of the local Sephardic community. Rabbi Yosef inspired everyone to commit to serious limud haTorah as well as delving into various halachic issues that ad-
dress the community as a whole. Rabbi Daniel Ovadia, Rav of the
communities by creating a warm and most accepting shul environment along
Moroccan shul, has continued to serve both the Sefardic and Ashkenazi needs of the Five Towns and Far Rockaway
with multiple programs and events which allow community members to participate at different levels.
Rabbi Ovadia invites everyone to participate in the ongoing daily shiurim which take place and to attend events with prominent rabbonim who visit our community. The weekday prayer schedule is as follows: Shacahris, daily at 35 minutes before netz; First Mincha at 3pm;Second Mincha and Maariv are 10 minutes before shkiah.
DRS Seniors Honored for Their Commitment to Community Service Last week, DRS held its fourth annual Nidivei Lev Service Society induction ceremony. This special ceremony recognizes those DRS students who have shown exemplary service to their community and school through extraordinary acts of chessed and kindness. The ceremony honored members of the senior class who have served their school and larger community with great distinction. The ceremony was attended by the entire student body, as well as faculty and parents. DRS’s very own Rabbi Aaron Fleksher served as the keynote speaker, and he praised the students on their commitment to serving others. What made the program truly unique was that the students were given awards by the directors and founders of many of the organizations that were the beneficiaries of the great chessed. Mr. Jonathan Cooper, Director of Student Services/ Administrator at KULANU, presented an award to Moshe Lonner for volunteer work with the organization. Rabbi Lebowitz acknowledged the hard
work and tremendous efforts that both Yitzie Scheinman and Eli Alter exert in publishing DRS’s weekly Torah
Zrihen, and David Billet on their exemplary leadership and selflessness in working with the children on the pro-
publication, the D’Varim HaYozim Min HaLev. Rabbi Liberman of West Hempstead’s Chabad Friendship Circle honored Noam Katz’s dedication to the program. Mr. Andy Lauber of Chai Lifeline’s iShine program for siblings and children of those fighting cancer commended Ariel Sacknovitz, Jonah
gram. Mrs. Irene Carr applauded Ikey Fruchter’s volunteer work with the residents of the Woodmere Rehabilitation Center. Woodmere resident Mr. Feivy Fuchs extended his deep appreciation to Avi Genachowski, Benjamin Ramras, Shimmy Keller, Moshe Spirn, and Ariel Axelrod for helping him put on
his tefillin every day, and wheeling him to shul on the weekends. DRS Menahel Rabbi Kaminetsky noted that all of the participants and guests were profoundly moved by the event: “Having been the beneficiaries of our students’ chessed programs here today has shown all of our students that when they give of themselves, they can absolutely change another person’s life.” Rabbi Kaminetsky began the program by thanking DRS Director of Student Activities, Rabbi Eli Brazil, who coordinates all of the chessed activities that happen in DRS. Rabbi Brazil noted that “this program is important not only because it gives recognition to those have who have devoted their energy to helping others, but it also serves as an inspiration for our younger students to hopefully follow in the footsteps of these student leaders in giving back to the community.”
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Community HANC High School’s Spirited Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration singing Yerushalayim-themed songs. Max Kahn, the president of the student senate, expressed in a letter of appreciation, “Thank you all for planning this incredible and memorable chagiga. It really meant a lot to me and my grade to have the last ten minutes alone with the administration and Eitan Katz.” HANC High School imbues a love of medinat Yisrael which was evident in the display of passion and love for Israel at the school’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration.
Lawrence-Cedarhurst Memorial Day Parade and Services
Bnot Yaakov Writes Expository Essays Planning for Memorial Day with Mayor Andrew J. Parise (center): Left to Right- Wayne Yarnell; Ronald Lanzilotta; Syd Mandelbaum, Law-Ced American Legion; David S. Campbell, 2nd Deputy Chief Law-Ced Fire Dept; Pam Gallopini, Coordinator of Music for Lawrence Public Schools; Frank Parise; Salvatore Evola; and Anthony Fabrizio. Not pictured: Luke Magliaro and JoMarie Capone
At a recent meeting held at Cedarhurst Village Hall, which is sponsoring this event, preparations are under way for this year’s 2014 Memorial Day Parade. Mayor Andrew Parise stated: “Last year’s 2013 parade was a terrific success, between the huge number of parade participants and the phenomenal amount of attendees; it was a true inspiration to us all. To see so many people, young and old, from every walk of life, to come together to show support for our veterans was truly monumental.” The committee, which includes co-chairmen Mayor Andrew J. Parise and 2nd Deputy Chief David S. Campbell, is very excited with this year’s Memorial Day Parade. Participating in this year’s parade includes local fire departments of the Five Towns; Lawrence High School Band and Color Guard; and various local organizations. The parade will step off at 11:30am at the Lawrence-Cedarhurst firehouse
– corner of Central Avenue and Washington Avenue towards Cedarhurst Memorial Plaza, in the Andrew J. Parise Park, where a service will be held to remember our fallen comrades and honor all the men and women that serve or has served this great country. So, please, before heading to the beach or BBQ, come and join us in honoring our veterans, living and deceased, in an event that will prove to be a meaningful and enjoyable experience. Refreshments will be served following the conclusion of the service. If you are a veteran, or know of a veteran, in the Lawrence-Cedarhurst area that would like to participate, as well as any organization that will like to take part in this memorable event, please contact Mayor Andrew J. Parise or JoMarie Capone at the Village of Cedarhurst at 516-295-5770.
Bnot Yaakov’s fourth graders have been industriously writing and presenting their “how-to” expository essays over the past several weeks. The girls have been focusing on various forms of writing all year and are presently exploring the art of “explaining a Naomi Enayatian demonstrates Nilly Shahkoohi explains how to make napkin folding towels into swans process” in expository essay form. Students had to choose something they enjoyed koohi, demonstrated how to fold towels doing and then examine its process and into the shape of a swan. Their expository essays were a perfect portal for how best to communicate it to others. Mrs. Kashi, Bnot Yaakov’s fourth other areas of creativity that might not grade general studies teacher, also had have stepped into the classroom had the girls present their papers along with a girls not been assigned this topic. Each student had a chance to try live demonstration of “how-to” do their presented project. Fourth grader Nao- out the process herself at the end of the mi Enayatian showed her classmates demonstration but some still need a lithow to fold fancy napkins for a Shabbat tle practice perfecting their swans and table and another student, Nilly Shah- fancy napkin folding!
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PHOTO CREDIT: IVAN H NORMAN
Rabbi Dovid Lau, Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Israel, spoke on Monday night before a large crowd at the White Shul in Far Rockaway. Pictured here, L-R, Rabbi Shaya Schechter, Assistant Rabbi; Rabbi Eytan Feiner, Rabbi of the White Shul; Mr. Martin Oliner, Mayor of Lawrence; Rabbi Dovid Lau; and Mr. Chaim Leibtag, President of the White Shul
In honor of the 66th anniversary of Israel’s Independence, the students at HANC High School celebrated Yom Ha’Atzmaut with an incredible, spirited chagiga and concert by Eitan Katz and band. The celebration began with a meaningful video in tribute to Israel at 66 and student body chanting “Am Yisrael Chai.” The ruach and the achdut among the students and faculty was palpable and continued throughout the day. The chagiga culminated with a moving kumzitz with the senior class
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y a a i c i ff o e r We a
open!
Free parking by our rear entrance for donation drop-offs. Call for more information.
416 Central Avenue, Cedarhurst NY 11516 516.812.9052 • (718)327-give(4483) donate327give@yahoo.com
Store Hours: Sun. 11-5, Mon. & Tues. 11-5:30 Wed. 11-7, Thurs. 11-5:30, Fri. 11-1 Daily accepting donations of upscale and designer apparel and accessories as well as free pick-up for furniture donations! Get a tax-deductable receipt while helping others! PLUM benefits The Rabenstein Learning Center and Weiss Vocational Program.
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The children of the JCC of the Greater Five Towns Early Childhood Center sang and danced on Tuesday, May 6th to celebrate the 66th birthday of Israel!
Transition Topic at Kulanu Struck Home For Parents and Professionals On Tuesday, April 29, parents and professionals attended a seminar about transition services for children with special needs. Kulanu’s PARC seminar, “Seamless Transition: Guided by the Needs of Your Child,” was powered by a panel of professionals and parents who gave insight about this challenging time in the student’s life. Panel members included: Andrew Cohen, J.D. - Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen; Cheryl Gitlitz, LCSW, District Wide Transition Coordinator Bellmore-Merrick High Central High
School District; Mitch Weisbrot, CLU, ChSNC - Center for Wealth Preservation; Edna Blumstein, PhD - Parent of Kulanu Academy graduate; Esther Weinstein, M.S., Director of Transition and Adult Services - Kulanu Academy; and Amy Eisenberg, M.S., - Director of PARC –Division of Kulanu Academy. The focus of the session was on how to prepare for post high school graduation, starting from age 12 thru 21. The choices are varied: adult day programs, college, vocational placement, supported work. Parents can opt for OPWDD
(Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) driven services or select CSS (Consolidated Supports and Services) with a broker, plus many other choices. Dr. Edna Blumstein spoke to the group about her journey in developing a viable program for her son, Ilan, who attended Kulanu. The panel spoke to the group about legal and financial decisions that are pertinent to transition planning, critical elements and timelines of what to do when, and self-advocacy techniques. Judi Velocci, a parent who attended,
said, “I would like to thank Amy and the very knowledgeable panel for all of the insight that was shared on Tuesday evening. Going through transition to adulthood can be a bit overwhelming; having this wealth of information is such a blessing.” For further assistance with transition and other topics, contact Amy Eisenberg, Director of Keren Eliana Parent Advocacy & Resource Center (PARC) at Kulanu, at 516-56-3083 x138.
HAFTR Middle School Students Inducted into the MAOR National Junior Honor Twenty-two seventh graders and twenty-seven eighth graders were inducted on May 12th at the third annual MAOR induction ceremony of the HAFTR chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. MAOR is acronym for Maturity, Achievement, Observance and Respect as these are the qualities our HAFTR students aspire to. Being nominated to the honor society is predicated
upon outstanding academic achievement coupled with a sterling character and commitment to chessed and community service. Dr. Rochelle Brand, principal, spoke to the students and guests explaining what it means to “Toil in Torah,” as written in this week’s parsha and as emulated by these forty-nine talmidim and talmidot. Students Kyle Seidel and Shoshana Wallach delivered divrei To-
rah, and Ethan Jesselson and Gabriella Stein shared their reflections of life as a HAFTR student. Six ceremonial candles were lit by pairs of seventh and eighth graders, one candle for each of the qualities of scholarship, service, leadership, citizenship, character and Torah. Mr. Dave Rose, faculty advisor for the NHS, awarded the students with certificates and Rabbi Dovid Kupchik, menahel, gave them a beautiful bracha, that they may be a light unto the nations.
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Improving our Relationship, Improving Ourselves Our Sages teach us that the days of counting the omer are a special time for self-improvement. The days of sefira are also days of mourning for the 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva who died during this time period. Therefore, we try to focus on improving in the areas of bein adam l’chaveiro, improving relations between man and his fellow. This is a particularly auspicious time to work on improving our relationship with our spouse. Just as we count the days of the omer and we learn that Klal Yisroel had to climb from the lowest rung of impurity to the highest, day by day, in our relationship with our spouse we should in a similar fashion try to commit ourselves to growing each day in any and all areas of weakness that could help improve our relationship from now
until Shavous. Some possible “action” suggestions include thanking our spouse before going to bed for one specific thing they did for us today, calling our spouse during our coffee break and really listening for two minutes, making sure to stop what we are doing when we first see our spouse after a long day, responding to at least one comment our spouse makes during the day with great empathy, leaving your spouse a note or sending them a cheerful text to start off the day (we are careful to do this with our children, but our spouses need these little reminders of love just as much – and maybe even more!!), remembering at least one thing that was important to our spouse today, and being sure to express an interest in how it went and/or picking one thing our spouse constantly
asks us to do and making that effort to do it with alacrity and great pleasure. As with anything, it is important to try and be consistent. With consistency, even if there are occasional setbacks, there is bound to be significant improvement by the end of the omer. In an effort to ensure consistency and as a way of keeping oneself on track, it is recommended to spend a minute or two after counting the omer to mentally “track” how one is doing with the particular behavior they have chosen to work on. This week let us try to pick one positive behavior within the framework of our relationship with our spouse to work on from now until Shavous. Additionally, let us try to mentally keep track of how we are doing with this commitment as we count the omer each night. May
we be zocheh to reach Shavous with our relationship in a better position than when we began counting the omer. May the tools we acquired in consistency and commitment stay with us beyond Shavous and may we merit to enjoy a continually growing and improving relationship with our spouse throughout the year! Five Towns Marriage Initiative provides educational programs, workshops and referrals to top marriage therapists. FTMI will help offset counseling costs when necessary and also runs an anonymous shalom bayis hotline for the entire community Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 9:30-11p.m. For the hotline or more information, call 516430-5280 or email dsgarry@msn.com.
Sugar is Out; Flavor is In Klein’s Unveils the Newest Summer Sensation By: L. Halevi Summer is around the corner and one of the first things that come to many people’s minds when they think summer is “ice cream!” It’s hard to deny oneself that yummy, frozen treat to combat the scorching sun and the parched palate! However, those who have to limit their sugar intake or watch their calories were left not being able to fully enjoy their summer treats. Not anymore. With Klein’s, you can now “sugar-free-yourself”. Klein’s Kosher Ice Cream, the first family of kosher ice cream, was keenly aware of this dilemma and decided that it had a duty to develop a sugar-free variety of ice cream that wouldn’t sacrifice on taste, as many sugar-free products do, and thus bring the enjoyments of summer to everyone. Enter renowned Klein’s Ice Cream Scientist, John LeSauvage. John has been developing ice cream products for over four decades and is known for his meticulousness and integrity. No product receives his stamp of approval – and the coveted “Klein’s Ice cream” name on it – unless it meets
his uncompromising, rigorous standards of being 100% delicious and containing inside exactly what the label proclaims on the outside. The Klein Family approached John with a serious challenge: “How do we put our name on a sugar-free ice cream that is up to our standards of taste and quality?” “I thought about this for a long time,” says John, “and created a puzzle that might provide the solution. My thought process went something like this: There are many things in our everyday lives that do not require sugar, such as air and water. Ice cream, though not as vital as the aforementioned elements, definitely ranks high up there among the joys of life that people would really not want to live without.” John continued, “There are many people who forgo sugar from their di-
ets, whether by choice or due to serious health concerns; should these people be left out of the summer fun or should they too be invited into the yummy, creamy world of Klein’s ice cream?” John decided that it was simply unfair to deprive so many people of their favorite fare and undertook the task of developing an ice cream, sans sugar, which would have the same taste, texture and satisfaction of ice cream. John and the Klein’s team got to work and indeed developed what is nothing short of a miraculous product, a truly sugar-free, truly delicious exclusive line of ice cream that is wholly acceptable for those who choose to limit their consumption of sugar. The new usgar-free line includes dairy and parve varieties, both which are filled with the smooth, creamy goodness
that have become synonymous with the Klein’s name. The products can be found in the freezer section of fine Jewish retailers across the United States, just in time for the hot and humid days of summer ahead. Upon learning of this breakthrough product line, renowned nutritionist and personal trainer Tanya Rosen, MS, CAI, CPT, had this to say: “I was truly delighted to learn of a brand new line of kosher ice cream, developed by the innovative folks at Klein’s kosher ice cream, which is truly, 100% sugar-free and laden with much fewer calories than the regular ice cream varieties, all without sacrificing on taste. I don’t know how they did it, but this product is a perfect alternative for those watching their sugar consumption to not forgo the frozen summer treat.” Indeed, high accolades from prominent scientists and nutritionist are a nice, but one taste of the new sugar-free ice cream will be enough of an endorsement in its own right to get you running back to the supermarket to stock your freezer for a healthy summer.
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LAKEWOOD CHEDE
BUILDERSO Rabbi & Mrs. Asher Rottenstreich MARBETZEI TORAH AWARD
HONORING
Rabbi & Mrs. Yaakov Reisman
educating our
children
Rav, Agudas Yisroel of Long Island ATERES ZEKAINIM AWARD
Rabbi & Mrs. Dovid Maryles MACHZIKEI TORAH AWARD
at the forefront of
chinuch
Rabbi & Mrs. Eli Lesin KESER SHEM TOV AWARD
Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Newhouse AMUD HACHESED AWARD
GRADUATING CLASS OF 2001 CAMPAIGN CHAIRMAN
RABBI MEIR GELLEY
passing on the
mesorah
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Young Israel of Woodmere Celebrates 54 Years
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Evelyn and Averim Stavsky, Amud Chesed awardees
-Julie and Shabsi Schreier, guests of honor
Rabbi Eliyahu and Adina Wolf, Amud Avodah awardees
Sarah and David Casden, New Leadership awardees
Lark Ballet Presents
Cinderella Ballet Recital Under the direction of Leyah Newmark
To purchase tickets, call: 917-837-8319 or 718-327-9459 A gala performance for women only All proceeds to benefit Achiezer
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Around the Community Shalom Task Force Second Annual Brunch
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Pictured are (L-R) Dr. Alan Singer, executive director, with honorees Yossi and Aviva Hoch, Judy Silverman, Dr. Malka Ismach, and Mrs. Nechama Wolfson, founder and president.
More than 400 people gathered to support Shalom Task Force at its second annual brunch at the Sephardic Temple in Cedarhurst, NY, on May 4th. Shalom Task Force was launched over 20 years ago to address domestic abuse
in the Jewish community. To learn more about STF’s confidential hotline, legal services, and educational programs, visit www.ShalomTaskForce.org.
Cancer Patients Seek Help from Five Towns and Far Rockaway Community For years, the Rofeh Cholim Cancer Society (RCCS) has helped thousands of patients fight cancer by paying for their health insurance premiums, thereby ensuring that they receive the best possible medical care. RCCS annually assists close to 1,200 patients and has an ever-growing budget of over $6,000,000. Sadly, many of these patients are local families from within the Five Towns and Far Rockaway communities. In fact, approximately $500,000 of RCCS funds was allocated to the Five Towns and Far Rockaway areas, in the past year. In light of this need, five families from our area have graciously opened their homes this coming Lag B’Omer morning, May 18, to host simultaneous breakfast receptions to benefit the cancer-stricken patients in our community. All proceeds are being used to subsidize insurance policies for cancer patients within the Five Towns and Far Rockaway. The events, chaired by RCCS board member Shlomo Weiss, will be hosted by Dovid and Chani Scharf, Yochanan and Ruchama Frisch, Dani and Michali Rosenthal, Steve and Nechama Landau, and Alon and Chanie Goldberger, co-hosted by Yehuda and
Mindy Zachter. Some of the Rabbanim who will be providing divrei chizuk at the events include Rabbi Mordechai Stern of Beis Medrash Heichel Dovid, Rabbi Yaakov Feitman of Kehillas Bais Yehudah Tzvi, Rabbi Yisroel Meir Blumenkrantz of Bais Medrash Ateres Yisroel, Rabbi Zvi Ralbag of Congregation Bais Ephraim Yitzchok, and noted speaker Rabbi Dov Silver. Over the past 17 years, the Rofeh Cholim Cancer Society has paid approximately $25 million dollars on behalf of cancer-stricken patients, resulting in half a billion dollars of medical care. Please help us continue this important and holy work. In the past 12 months, a total of 1,172 patients have turned to RCCS for help, close to 75 of them from the Five Towns and Far Rockaway communities. On behalf of the cancer-stricken patients who are your friends and neighbors, please attend this Sunday for an inspiring breakfast event. For further information about the RCCS, please contact Rabbi Yosef C. Golding, Executive Director, at RabbiGolding@rccscancer.org.
Yom Ha’Atzmaut at HALB PHOTO CREDIT: IRA THOMAS CREATIONS
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SKA’s Class of 2018: Yom Chaverut
M AY 1 5 , 2014
Entering a new school can be intimidating but not for the incoming freshmen of the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls! The warmth, camaraderie and enthusiasm displayed on Yom Chaverut, held on Sunday, May 4, was outstanding! Approximately 80 girls from various elementary schools bonded over activities such as “Speed Dating” and “Egg Drop,” where teams worked together to keep eggs intact while being dropped from the school’s second floor. Everyone had the opportunity to mingle while choosing their salads from Q-cumbers for a delicious lunch. Thanks go to Mrs. Helen Spirn, SKA Head of School; Ms. Raizi Chechik, Principal Grades 9-10; and Rabbi Yosef Zakutinsky, Director of
Fostering new friendships
Student Programming; and Mrs. Sheila Leibtag, Ms. Estee Charnowitz and Ms. Leah Pariser, ninth grade Level Advisors, for this wonderful day of new beginnings!
The Egg Drop
Fostering new friendships
‘Speed Dating’
Shulamith Middle Division Celebrates Yom Ha’Atzmaut What a difference twenty-four hours makes! On Tuesday, May 6th, the solemnity of Yom HaZikaron gave way to the joy and celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut! The day began with a united Tefila Chagigit, and a heartfelt recitation of Hallel, thanking Hashem for the miracle of medinat Yisrael. Mrs. R. Billet, principal of the Middle Division, spoke briefly to the students about the importance of the day. To get the morning off to a sweet start, the Shulamith Women’s Organization provided doughnuts with white icing and blue sprinkles. The festivities continued with dancing and merriment as Mr. Jeff Neckanoff of Azamra DJ “rocked the house!” The feeling of simcha perme-
ated the room. After an extra special treat of blue and white ices provided by the G.O., students participated in a special activity reflecting their love of Eretz Yisrael and the chayalim who risk their lives to defend our precious land. The girls created care packages for IDF soldiers, filled with basic personal items, which included a pair of warm socks, travel toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoos, conditioners, soaps, pens and other essentials. Included in each package was a personal note of gratitude to the recipient. Thanks to the students and parents of Shulamith who contributed toiletries and to the eighth graders who took the time
to solicit donations from local stores, we were able to create over 200 beautiful packages. Our appreciation to Asher Mansdorf, Capital One, Harriet Cohen, David’s Pizza, Dime Bank, Ezra’s Pharmacy, The Jeweler’s Wife, Judaica Plus, Dr. Krauss, Mathnasium, Dr. Preminger, Secret Me, and TD Bank for their generosity. We are especially grateful to Lorne Lieberman of
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Lamour Inc. in Canada for donating over 200 pairs of socks for our chayalim, and to Mrs. Kiki Haas, Shulamith parent, for arranging this donation.
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Around the Community HALB Nursery Visits the Farm Monday’s weather could not have been more perfect for HALB Lev Chana Early Childhood Center’s pre Lag B’Omer trip to Green Meadows Farm. It was an amazing sunny and breezy day as HALB’s four year old nursery children, morot and parents boarded the buses to the farm. There, escorted by knowledgeable guides, they enjoyed an exciting, hands-on, educational experience. The children rode ponies, fed sheep and goats, petted rabbits and chickens, milked a cow, observed reptiles, and even saw pigs. The children learned many new and interesting facts about the animals as well. One of our guides taught us that a cow has four stomachs and that a pig is the smartest animal on the farm! Of course, one of the highlights of the day was the hay ride on a big red wagon pulled by an even bigger tractor. The trip to the farm is always a favor-
ite spring activity for our children and an enhancement to the units of study – community helpers and animal habitats – that the children are presently involved in. A wonderful day was had by all!
NEWS
Community
M’Avel L’Yom Tov... M’Yagon l’Simcha! From Mourning to Celebration! ning of Yom HaZikaron, and again for two minutes at 11:00 am. During this time, Israelis stop everything, including driving, and stand in silence to show their respect for the fallen soldiers. In keeping with this tradition, students and faculty watched a video of the Moment of Silence in the Central Bus Station of Yerushalayim, and stood quietly in deference to the fallen heroes. After the moment of quiet contemplation, we were privileged to hear from Mr. M. Landau, father of fifth grader, Hodaya. Mr. Landau served in the IDF. He described his experience and the special bond he still has with those who served with him. He explained that chayalei Tzahal refer to each other as “achi” – my brother. Students and faculty were brought to tears as Mr. Landau
described his friend and fellow soldier, Sgt. Oren Tzelnik, a’h, who was killed in action in 2002. He told of how his brother in arms was so willing to courageously defend Eretz Yisrael and risk his life for our beloved Land and of how Oren asked to put on Mr. Landau’s tefillin before what turned out to be his final battle. With somber expressions, six eighth graders lit memorial candles in honor of the kedoshim. The entire eighth grade then performed two very moving songs under the guidance of their music teacher, Mrs. Yehudit Markovich. The commemoration closed with the tefillah of “Kayl Malay Rachamim” and the singing of Hatikvah. Students and faculty were clearly touched by all that they heard and saw
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Yom HaZikaron – a day of solemn contemplation and reflection... a day of mourning for chayalei Tzahal who gave their lives in defense of our Holy Land and for victims of terror who died al kiddush Hashem. In the Shulamith Middle Division, the annual Yom HaZikaron commemoration began with a brief introduction by eighth grade student coordinators Shoshana Farber and Michal Haas. They explained the significance of Yom HaZikaron, poignantly painting a picture of four soldiers who died defending our land in the War of Independence, the Six Day War, the Yom Kippur War, and in Lebanon. Included in the information provided by the two eighth graders was the fact that in Eretz Yisrael, sirens blare for one minute at 8:00 pm on the eve-
during the commemoration, and as they passed the memorial candles which stayed lit throughout the day, chayalei Tzahal and the victims of Arab terror remained emblazoned in their hearts and minds.
From Commemorations to Celebrations: Yom Hashoah, Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haazmaut at SKA There was an air of solemnity in the hallways of the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls on Yom HaShoah, April 28, as students and faculty members stood for a moment of silence, reflecting on those who lost their lives in the Holocaust. As everyone filed into the auditorium for the program, the SKA choir sang with deep emotion while a PowerPoint presentation of the war years played on the screen. In a poignant segment, Mrs. Helen Spirn, Head of School, and faculty members who are children of survivors lit yahrtzeit candles in memory of their loved ones who were killed. We were then privileged to hear from Mr. Shimon Felder, a prominent Lawrence resident who was a young child growing up in Amsterdam when the war began. With much hakarat hatov to Hashem, Mr. Felder told the story of his life, recounting the many miracles that led to his survival. In a special aside, Mr. Felder noted that two of his granddaughters are graduates of SKA and he has the zechut of having children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who are leading Torah lives. At the end of the emotional program, three ninth graders read passages from the student-produced Holocaust journal, “A Light Beyond the Darkness,” with original stories, poems and artwork dedicated to the victims of the Shoah.
One week later, in the observance of Yom HaZikaron on May 5, the siren rang again at SKA and the students stood for a moment of silence, this time reflecting on soldiers in Israel who fell in battle and those who were murdered by terrorists. Ms. Raizi Chechik, principal, grades 9-10, spoke of the link between Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut. To convey the impact of each individual loss, the students heard from Rabbi Gideon Black, rabbi at the OU-sponsored JILF (Jewish Learning Initiative) at New York University, who spoke of his Scottish cousin, Yoni, killed in a terrorist bus attack in Jerusalem in 2002. Rabbi Black recounted how he himself stood in front of Yoni on the bus, but was left unharmed while his cousin was killed. The loss of an individual became so real to the audience as Rabbi Black spoke of Yoni’s special qualities, how he leined in shul in Scotland, and prepared divrei Torah for the congregants because there was no one else in the community to do so. Indeed, the morning Yoni was killed, he had leined in a shiva house when no one else was available. After watching a powerful video on the tragedies in Israel, the students said tefillot and Tehillim for those who lost their lives throughout the history of the State of Israel. Chaim Weitzmann’s fa-
mous comment, “No state is ever given on a silver platter,” resonated so clearly as the school commemorated Yom HaZikaron and prepared to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut the next day. With pride, exultation and thanks to Hashem, SKA welcomed Israel Independence Day with Tefilla Chagigit, as the whole school joined together for Shacharit in the auditorium. The “Miracle of Israel,” as the day was named, was elucidated in a special program coordinated by Ms. Chechik and Mrs. Elisheva Kaminetsky, director of religious guidance, called “Israel Across the Curriculum;” every teacher used his or her classroom as a forum on Israel utilizing their subject matter. Topics ranged from “The Ramban’s Attitude towards Yishuv Ha’aretz” to “The Dead Sea: Its Chemical Composition and Therapeutic Benefits.” An Israeli “shuk” sold refreshments throughout the day while videos of people making aliyah through Nefesh B’Nefesh played in the hallway. The Yom Ha’atzmaut Chagigah, with spirited dancing, live music by Gary Wallin, and of course, blue and white cookies, was preceded by a very festive lunch of Israeli foods provided by the SKA Parent Council. Special thanks goes to Rabbi Zakutinsky, director of student programming, Mrs. Dena Kobre, Mrs. Yafa Storch, Ms. Jorge Bienenfeld, Ms.
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Nomi Bensasson and all the faculty and staff members who worked so hard to make all the programs so inspiring. The ruach all day in the school was incredible; the students of SKA shared their love and yearning for the State of Israel and there was such a feeling of achdut with am Yisroel and medinat Yisroel. At davening in the morning, four girls shared their thoughts with the assemblage. Here is Junior Adi Penzoh’s narrative, encapsulating Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut: Good morning. My name is Adi Penzoh and this is my Israel story. My grandfather arrived in Israel after the war, with only one surviving sibling from of family of 12. The Nazis took away almost everything he had, but could not steal his dream of settling in Eretz Yisrael and creating a homeland for his children where they could live in freedom. He arrived in the fledgling town of Petach Tikva and built his home with his own two hands, brick by brick. He planted his garden, seed by seed. He did this for his mother, his father and the millions of Jews who did not survive. He did this for me, and for my children, to make our connection to Israel a living vibrant reality I am Adi Penzoh. I am SKA, and I am Israel.
d e t i s i V l l e W
y d d i r G y Knitt Using the grid below, how many words can you find? Each word must contain the central V and no letter can be used twice, however, the letters do not have to be connected. Proper nouns are not allowed, however, plurals are. There is at least one nine letter word.
O
A consumer habits data service company, Placed Inc., recently put out a list of America’s most visited stores. Can you figure out the correct order of the top ten stores, from store #1, which has the most visitors, and on? Target
E
R
D V
B
Starbucks
R
O
7-Eleven
A
Taco Bell
McDonalds
Walgreens
Kidding!
A man died and went to heaven. There, the angels told him, “Before you meet with G-d, we should tell you — we’ve looked over your life, and to be honest you really didn’t do anything particularly good or bad. We’re not really sure what to do with you. Can you tell us anything you did that can help us make a decision?” The newly arrived soul thought for a moment and replied, “Yeah, once I was driving along and came upon a person who was being harassed by a group of thugs. So I pulled over, got out a bat, and went up to the leader of the thugs. He was a big, muscular guy with a ring pierced through his lip. Well, I tore the ring out of his lip, and told him he and his gang had better stop bothering this guy or they would have Comm Let the ission to deal with me!” er dec “Wow that’s impressive,” ide Send your s the angels replied. “When tuff to did this happen?” fivetow centerfold@ nsjewis “About three minutes hhome. com ago,” came the reply.
G OT FU N N Y?
CVS Pharmacy Burger King
Answer below
Riddle! Five percent of all people living in a town have unlisted phone numbers. If you selected 100 names from the phone book, on average, how many of these people would be unlisted? Answer below
Answer to Knitty Griddy: above, adverb, ave, aver, brave, braved, braver, bravo, bravoed, deva, dove, drove, drover, ova, over, overboard, overbroad, overdo, rave, raved, raver, rev, rove, roved, rover, var, verb, voe.
You Gotta be
Walmart
Answers to most frequented stores, in order: 1. Walmart, 2. McDonalds, 3. Subway, 4. Starbucks, 5. Walgreens, 6. Target, 7. CVS Pharmacy, 8. Burger King, 9. Taco Bell, 10. 7 -Eleven
How many can you find? Genius: 28 words. Excellent: 20 words. Good: 16 words. Average: 12 words. Answer below
Subway
Answer to riddle: Zero. You are selecting names from a phone book, so they all have listed phone numbers.
T HTEHJEEJW I SIHS HH OHMOEM En n MMAY EW AY 1254,, 2014 2012
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Down 1. The 33rd president 3. The unconscious mind is the key to understanding our actions 4. In 1935 this baseball player hits his 714th and last home run 5. Made a great discovery 8. First bridge connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan opens in May 1883 9. The first United States expedition to the Pacific Coast 12. Formed from a union between England and Scotland Across 2. Nixon’s VP forced to resign 6. Home of bin Laden 7. Composed “G-d Bless America” and other famous hits 10. Legendary bank robbers shot to death in police ambush in Louisiana 11. Author of Leaves of Grass 13. The first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic 14. Israel’s Prime Minister from 1969 to 1974 15. Great to do, after a long winter 16. Defendant in the famous Supreme Court case brought by Brown, resulting in school desegregation Answers below
ACROSS 2. Spirow Agnew 6. Abbottabad 7. Irving Berlin 10. Bonnie And Clyde 11. Walt Whitman 13 Amelia Earhart 14. Golda Meir 15. Barbecue 16. Board of Education Down 1. Harry Truman 3. Sigmund Freud 4. Babe Ruth 5. Christopher Columbus 8. Brooklyn Bridge 9. Lewis And Clark 12. Great Britain
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Everything May Crossword Puzzle
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LOCAL NEWS
Community
Toronto Jewry Comes Out in Support of Acheinu Inspiration from Special Messages from Senior Gedolim of Eretz Yisrael By Chaim Gold Hundreds of Toronto residents representing a wide-range of the city’s frum community participated last Tuesday, May 6, in a very well-attended parlor meeting on behalf of Acheinu, the kiruv arm of Dirshu. The outpouring of good will and support at this year’s Toronto event was a testament to the special place that Acheinu and its mission of accountable kiruv that produces bnei Torah, has in the hearts of Toronto residents. In attendance were some of Toronto’s most prominent rabbanim. Among them were HaGaon HaRav Shlomo Miller, shlita, Rosh Kollel Avreichim and Av Beis Din of Toronto; HaRav Moshe Mordechai Lowy, shlita, Rav of Agudas Yisrael of Toronto; Harav Shea Fuhrer, shlita, Rav and Rosh Kollel of Bobov; Harav Shea Weber, shlita, Rav of Kehal Machazikei Hadas; and Harav Yair Adler, shlita, Rav of Kehal Shoavei Mayim. Acheinu was born in Toronto as the brainchild of Rav Dovid Hofstedter, shlita, founder and Nasi of Dirshu. Rav Hofstedter sought to bring the same degree of goal-oriented accountability achieved by Dirshu to the burgeoning kiruv rechokim movement in Eretz Yisrael. This year marks the 20th Anniversary since Acheinu’s establishment. During that time, over 10,000 young men and women have become frum— not just frum, but true bnei Torah and bnos Yisrael who have proceeded to establish exemplary Torah homes and generations. Acheinu is affiliated with more than twenty-five yeshivos across Eretz Yisrael and has three of its own yeshivos and Bais Yaakovs. Thus, it is able to achieve its goal of intense follow-up until its charges are mainstreamed into the community. In fact, Acheinu follow-up continues until and often after marriage too! “Acheinu is Different!” When one Toronto resident was asked why he felt so compelled to come out and show his support for Acheinu, he replied, “Truthfully, I don’t attend many parlor meetings but Acheinu is different. When I was visiting Eretz Yisrael, I happened to visit one of Acheinu’s battei chizuk. [Acheinu has battei chizuk – spiritual
‘drop-in’ centers in strategic locations throughout Eretz Yisrael where young men from secular or traditional but not observant homes can drop in to learn about Judaism.] I went to one of those battei chizuk and met several boys at various levels of observance. What amazed me about the battei chizuk was the fact that the boys there, even those who were not yet frum at all, displayed such enthusiasm for their classes, for the things they were being taught about Yiddishkeit, that it was contagious. I, who am frum from birth, found my own ahavas Hashem and ahavas Torah being reignited just through my observations. What I saw clearly was the love of learning being transmitted by the Acheinu avreichim running the battei chizuk. They clearly cared about their charges and most of all, they were deeply passionate about their own Yiddishkeit! That passion was so overwhelming that it impacted the young, non-religious youth!” “Thus, when I see a parlor meeting for Acheinu, it is just different. I feel compelled to come. I feel it is a zechus to support such avodas hakodesh!” The Positive Impact of Passionate Yiddishkeit Indeed, one of the primary contributing ingredients to Acheinu’s more than 90% success rate in kiruv is this passion for Yiddishkeit, a passion displayed by every single member of the Acheinu family. At the parlor meeting, the chairman, Reb Aaron Wagschal, emphasized this point with a quote from Rav Dovid Hofstedter at one of Acheinu’s kiruv conferences. Rav Hofstedter, in that address, explained what it means to be an Acheinu kiruv activist: “Someone who engages in kiruv rechokim with Acheinu must be aflame with passion for Yiddishkeit. That is the only way he will be successful in reaching others. That is why Acheniu insists that everyone of its mekarvim spend the primary part of their day engaged in Torah learning.” Rav Dovid constantly says that a cup that is overflowing spills its wonderful contents on others. By definition, a yungerman who is overflowing with Torah and love of Torah transmits that passion into life transforming idealism in his young charges.”
One of the highlights of the evening was the special video presentation delineating the amazing work of Acheinu. Achiad Na’im, a recent baal teshuvah, perhaps put it most succinctly. “When I was secular,” he explained, “I used to go out. I had fun but then it was over. The end of the night, the end of the party, I would come home, empty, really empty. Now, when I keep Shabbos I feel so full, fulfilled. It’s fun, really fun! You go to sleep and feel ‘Wow!’ You get up in the morning and you feel alive…alive!” “The Merit of Our Generation – Bringing Those Far Away Back” The assembled sat riveted listening to HaGaon HaRav Aharon Leib Shteinman, shlita, talk on the video about Acheinu’s achievements. The centenarian rosh yeshiva said, “The generations are going down in spiritual levels as we proceed in time. But our generation has something that did not exist in previous generations. We have been given a special opportunity for merit. The way previous generations learned and did mitzvos – we cannot compare to them. On the other hand, Hashem gave our generation the opportunity to draw others – those who are far away – close. Their parents already became distant from their grandparents and now we have to bring this generation back. This is happening in a way that has never happened before. Baruch Hashem, there are many organizations including Acheinu who invest their hearts and souls in this and our generation thus gains special merit.” Another spellbinding moment was the rare footage of the senior gedolei Yisrael, HaGaon HaRav Shteinman, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky shlita, and HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein, shlita, who were visited by the Hanhala of Dirshu just weeks ago and offered guidance to the Diaspora Torah community regarding the difficult times facing the Torah community of Eretz Yisrael. When Brothers Care… Their Father Hears! The keynote address at the parlor meeting was given by Rav Yair Adler, dynamic young rav of Kehal Shoavei
Mayim. Rav Adler related that “on Monday and Thursday we say five tefillos to Hashem following the reading of the Torah. The first four begin with the words, ‘May it be Your will our Father in Heaven.’ In those tefillos we ask Hashem to build the Bais Hamikdosh, to preserve the sages of Israel, etc. The last tefillah starts with the words, ‘Acheinu Kol Bais Yisrael,’ wherein we beg Hashem to have mercy on all of our brothers, our fellow Jews. Why,” Rav Adler asked, “do we not start again with the words ‘May it be Your will our Father in Heaven that You have mercy on our Acheinu Kol Bais Yisrael’? The Belzer Rebbe, Rav Shalom, answers that when a person davens for ‘Acheinu,’ for his fellow Jews, there can be no greater eis ratzon, no more auspicious time for his prayers to be answered. He does not need the introduction of ‘May it be your will our Father in Heaven.’ It goes without saying! So too, when we gather here tonight,” Rav Adler exclaimed, “on behalf of Acheinu, it creates a profound eis ratzon. It is a time when Hashem certainly showers His mercy on us, here, because we are here on behalf of our brethren, His children. When brothers care for each other, worry about each other, their Father is especially pleased. We can only imagine how much nachas Hashem has when He sees us here in Toronto, caring for Acheinu in Eretz Yisrael.” “Sefirah is a particularly auspicious time,” concluded Rav Adler. “When the Bnei Yisrael came out of Mitzrayim 3326 years ago, they were on the 49th level of impurity and in fifty days, they transformed themselves to the highest level of kedushah. Similarly, Acheinu takes boys from irreligious homes with very little connection to kedushah and, with tremendous devotion and love, emulates Hashem and transforms their charges to elevated levels of kedushah! What a zechus to be able to help such an organization and participate in this miraculous transformation as we say in the tefillah of Acheinu on Mondays and Thursday, it is a transformation, ‘From darkness to great light and from servitude to redemption!’”
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Cover Story
Nachum Soroka
TJH Talks with Mr. Allen Fagin, EVP of the OU, About the Tuition Crisis, Today’s Youth and Jews in Ukraine
The OU is huge. It’s in every fridge. Its youth movement, NCSY, has chapters in virtually every city where you can get a lox bagel and has close to fifteen summer programs. Jewish Action, the OU’s publication, is one of the most formidable Orthodox magazines published today. But for all of the programs that make it well known, many of the OU’s accomplishments on behalf of the Orthodox American community are relatively inconspicuous. Recently, I sat down with Allen Fagin, the OU’s newly appointed executive vice president and chief professional officer, to discuss what he considers to be some of the most important issues facing our community today, the OU’s tremendous work on behalf of the community, and his vision for a seamless, professional organization. Mr. Fagin is the former chairman of the white-shoe law firm Proskauer Rose LLP who oversaw the firm’s expansion to over 750 attorneys and the opening of three international offices.
Speaking with Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Lau
NS: Mr. Fagin, congratulations on your new position and thank you for meeting with me today. Can you tell us a little about your background and upbringing? AF: I grew up in the Bronx and went to Ramaz Yeshiva for grades 1 through 12. After I graduated, I went to Columbia College until 1971. I then moved to Boston for four years to join Harvard Law School and the Kennedy School of Government for a joint law and master’s degree in public policy. NS: What was the reason for joining the public policy program alongside law school? AF: I was trying desperately to find a way not to be a lawyer! But then I realized everyone in the Kennedy program was so much smarter than I was; the only way I could make a living was to be a lawyer! So after Harvard, I moved back to New York to serve as a law clerk for Judge Robert Carter in the southern district of New York. In 1976, I joined what was then Proskauer, Rose, Goetz & Mendelsohn and was there for close to 40 years as a labor and employment attorney. I made partner in 1983 and was elected as chairman of the firm in 2006. After I served the maximum two terms in that position, I then stayed on to spend the remainder of my years in a management position. I retired in December 2013. NS: That’s a long legal career. When did you begin to become involved with community work? AF: Well, I’ve been involved in the volunteer capacity, especially at the Orthodox Union, for decades. After my retirement from the legal field, I was approached by members of the OU search committee, asking, would I be interested in the executive vice president position, and I took it. NS: The last two OU executives in your office, Rabbi Steven Weil and Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, hailed from rabbinic backgrounds. You have a legal background. Do you believe your background will lead you to have a different approach to the office than your predecessors? AF: Any differentiation is not necessarily going to be “rabbinic or not” or “legal or not.” I think it’s the last ten years of my professional life that I spent as a manager that will help me in this position. I think the Union was at a stage of its development—given its size, the scope and the breadth of its programming, the number of its employees, the size of the budget—that what the search committee was looking for was someone who understood the community, who shared the values of the Union, and also had significant managerial experience. And that characteristic tends not necessarily to relate to a rabbinic figure or not a rabbinic figure but more to the nature of one’s professional responsibilities. NS: So, what are your goals for your tenure in office? AF: I have a lot of goals to attain in this position. One is to put in place a much more robust management process that involves a whole lot of things including weaving together a number of the departments of the Union to get them operating more effectively and cohesively with one another. For example, we have a premier youth movement in the U.S., NCSY. Now, NCSY’s activities traditionally end when children graduate 12th grade. But we now also have a number of post- high school programs grouped under the name
NS: So let’s talk about the OU. We are all familiar with its kashrus division. We all know about NCSY and its vast programming. People all read Jewish Action. But what are some of the other programs the OU has that many people are not familiar with? AF: There are so many important programs we have. For one, our college program—JLIC, The Seif Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus. People recognize the program on college campuses but do not know that it is an OU program. We are currently on sixteen campuses and will be on 21 campuses by the fall. A Jewish couple provides counseling services as well as a rich program of learning opportunities, one-on-one and in groups. Most people also don’t know the extent of our activities in advocacy on the federal, state and local level for tuition aid. We have been successful over the past few years in bringing in tens of millions of dollars on a stateby-state basis for yeshiva funding. We have seven full time employees who do political advocacy on the state level…South Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey — across the Atlantic Seaboard. They are all outstanding and politically savvy people. We are working on adding an additional two individuals to the state staff, besides our federal staff in Washington. We believe it is the single most important issue facing Orthodox families in the U.S., and we have had some very good success in bringing state dollars to yeshivas and day schools, but there is a lot more to be done.
We have been successful over the past few years in bringing in tens of millions of dollars on a state-by-state basis for yeshiva funding. NS: Tuition is definitely a major issue for frum families today. What is the best approach to take to help alleviate families’ burden? AF: Well, in an ideal world, private philanthropy should be supporting yeshivas and day schools in a profoundly different way than it currently does. NS: What sort of numbers are we talking about? AF: It would take hundreds of millions of dollars to bring down tuition across the country in a truly significant way, and probably tens of millions just to maintain tuition at where it is today. Certain schools and communities have been successful at keeping tuition down on their own. But it is increasingly difficult for parents with large families and mortgages to find the discretionary income available to do more than what they are currently doing. So what we’ve concentrated on is to try to maximize the amount of public funding that is available for yeshivos and day schools. In some states, it means trying to amplify the amount of state funding for items that it is constitutionally permissible for governments to pay for. That includes energy efficiency, technology, health and safety requirements, and transportation. On a state-by-state basis, there are a number of things that the state can pay for that they are not paying for yet. In other states, we are advocating for the tuition tax credits and statewide programs that would allow individuals to contribute what they would otherwise pay in tax dollars directly into various scholarships programs. In various states, it has been very successful. And we are pushing very, very hard in states in which we don’t have it, to set up
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“NextGen.” Making certain that the connection of NCSY and the programs of its alumni is seamless is just part of the plan for weaving together our departments. We also have a department of community engagement and synagogue services, which provides services to shuls and communities. They have to work together better with the programs we have now serving various college campuses and programs we have for youth and the other elements of community. All of these pieces overlap and have to communicate with one another. Increased communication will increase the amount of resources available to the various communities, including bringing in the next generation of leaders of the OU. We have extraordinary lay leaders and we want to make sure that we still have that in place in 20 and 30 years from now.
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N E C T I U S Y R O T S I TRAL H
those kinds of programs. So we push hard for at least a partial government solution. And we do it on the basis of what we consider civil rights and fundamental fairness. Orthodox homeowners who are paying property taxes to communities or who are paying income taxes to communities are seeing those tax dollars support public education but are getting none of those tax dollars to support the education that is the only education that our community can provide to its kids. I think that is fundamentally unfair and, as a result of that, we see it as a serious civil rights issue. More importantly, the amounts that states are saving by not educating kids who attend day schools are significant. In New York, for example, the average cost to educate a child in public school is something in the neighborhood of $20,000. If tomorrow everyone who sent their kid to a yeshiva decided that they could no longer do that and instead decided to send them to public school, the government payments for public education would increase by that amount. We’re not suggesting that states give that full amount back.
One of the biggest difficulties that I have from this job is how to bridge that gap from what we do to what the world knows we do. But we think some fair share of what states are saving by not educating children who are being sent to private schools ought to be shared on some basis. NS: So would you consider the budget passed in New York State this past March a partial victory or a full victory? AF: We consider the budget process to be a partial victory. There were a number of things that we were able to achieve. One was in the area of mandated services in New York. Over the last number of years New York has set aside money to pay every school, even parochial schools, for certain mandated services. But the problem is that they cast the mandates but didn’t fund them. So we have pushed for the funding of those programs. And this year there will be a benefit to yeshivos and day schools under the mandated services requirements. Part of the budget included direct stipends for technology for schools of $250 per student. There will also be a benefit to yeshivos with regards to universal Pre-K. When it was passed by the New York legislature, we were part of a significant coalition that would have universal Pre-K made available to yeshivos. That funding is now in the process of being implemented in New York City. We will work with the mayor’s office to make sure that yeshivos will be able to take advantage of universal Pre-K dollars. What we did not achieve, but were very hopeful we would achieve this year, was the tuition tax credit bill. We were in active partnership with the Catholic community and others. We had a majority of legislators sign onto the bill as sponsors but in the final negotiations between the Governor’s office and leadership that item was dropped from the budget. But we will not give up on it by any means. We are still going to fight for it. We made significant inroads by convincing a majority of legislatures that this was the right thing to do—the right thing for New York and the right thing for people who send their children to schools other than public schools. But sometimes it is not enough to have a majority. It is a process and each step builds on the next. We feel good about the inroads we made and we know we have a whole lot more work to do. NS: Any timeline on the tax credit? Five years, ten years? AF: That is too long a timeframe; parents cannot wait that long. We are very hopeful for New York. We are hopeful we are going to see significant progress even in the area of tuition tax credits. In the meantime we push for as much additional aid in other forms as we can get. NS: Can we discuss the difficult situation for Jews living in Ukraine and what the OU is doing about it? AF: We’ve certainly been in touch with those communities. We participate in the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations in coali-
tion, and they are very active with respect to this issue. Just a few weeks ago there were meetings with the prime minister of Ukraine and other officials to talk about life there. The reports that are coming out of Ukraine are often reports tainted by political considerations by one side or the other. It is important to get accurate information about what is really happening there. And we certainly participate with other groups that are deeply involved with the administration in connection to Ukraine. NS: A few weeks ago, Secretary of State John Kerry warned Israel of the possibility of it being an “apartheid sate.” Any comments? AF: We condemn the statement. The secretary issued his own explanation and modification the effects of that statement. However, I think we take at face value the statement that he made. NS: Do you have any parting thoughts you’d like to make to our readers? AF: Now, that’s a tough question. I’ll tell you what my experience has been over the last couple of weeks as I go from program to program. The work of the OU is so broad in so many critical areas. When you have a community like the Five Towns that is so rich in institutions and opportunities for learning and the infrastructure that it has, it’s so easy to lose sight of what is going on 20 miles north or 30 miles west. We’ve got it all, but the rest of the country doesn’t. And most of the rest of the Jewish world doesn’t. They really are living in a desert. The work that’s done by programs like NCSY is just extraordinary. The work done by JLIC is extraordinary. Much of that is hidden from the view of most of the Orthodox world. One of the biggest difficulties that I have from this job is how to bridge that gap from what we do to what the world knows we do. That has been extremely difficult. Last December, NCSY held a Yarchei Kallah. 300 public school kids gave up their winter break vacation to come together and learn Torah for a week. For virtually all of them it was the first taste of Torah that they had
ever had. I would imagine that most people in our community didn’t even know that that learning took place. This summer we will bring approximately 1,100 children to Israel for a summer program of one type or another. Half of those kids are public school kids for which this will be their first visit to Israel. They will see Israel from a Torah perspective. Most of them will then go back to their communities with their lives having been transformed from that experience. Again, I would imagine most Orthodox people would not have a clue that we do that. Part of my job is to communicate that and ultimately to find the support that is necessary within our community so that these activities can not only continue but can grow and flourish. We’re grateful that we are the beneficiaries of kashrus revenue. But, the kashrus revenue does not even begin to cover all of the programs that we run; for that, we rely on philanthropy. It is sometimes difficult when we hear from people who truly believe in our mission, that they understand what we do, they recognize its importance, but they don’t think it’s necessary to contribute to that mission because we must have sufficient funds to cover it. The simple fact is we don’t. And if we are going to continue doing the kind of work that we’re doing, it is imperative to not only receive community support but for the community to understand better what we do.
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The Shmuz
R’ Ben Tzion Shafier
Parshas Bechukosai
If You Will Labor in Torah Study “If you will follow My decrees and observe My commandments and perform them. . .” — VaYikrah 26:2 The Torah lays out two divergent destinies for the Jewish people: “If you will go in the ways of my statues. . . I will give you rainfall in its time, the land will give forth with abundance, the trees of the field will produce fruit…you will eat until you are satisfied. . . There will be peace in land...” However, “if you do not guard my statutes . . . you will suffer diseases and famine. . . you will plant and not harvest. . . your enemies will chase you. . . the skies will turn to iron. . . wild animals will attack . . . [and finally,] an avenging sword will come into the land.” Rashi explains that the pivotal point of these two paths is: If you will labor in Torah. If you will labor in Torah, then you as a nation will find great success. Your enemies will fear you, and you will rise ever higher. If, however, you cease to labor in Torah study, then curses will befall you. In short, our success or failure as a nation hinges upon this one activity. However, as Rashi also points out, this concept of laboring in Torah study is not found in the posuk. The words are,
“If you will go in the ways of my statutes.” Nowhere does it specify what this refers to. Rashi explains that it cannot refer to keeping the mitzvahs because that is specifically mentioned at the end of the posuk. So by process of elimination, he reasons that this must be referring to laboring in Torah study. This Rashi is difficult to understand. There seems to be no indication of the concept in the posuk. Granted, learning Torah is very significant, and we may know from other sources that laboring in Torah study is central to serving Hashem,
MAN HAS TWO COMPETING SIDES TO HIM, EACH ONE CRYING OUT TO FULFILL ITS NEEDS, EACH ONE DEMANDING ITS FILL. but there doesn’t seem to be any indication here that this statement is speaking about laboring in Torah study. How does Rashi know that this statement of “If you will go in the ways of my statutes” refers to laboring in Torah study, as opposed to any other mitzvah? The Inner Workings of the Human The answer to this question stems from understanding the inner nature of man. The Chovos Ha’Levovos (Shaar Avodas Elokim) explains that Hashem created man from two very distinct elements. Part of man is pure intellect and wisdom. This part of the person only wishes to do that which is noble and proper. It desires to be generous and giving. It needs to do that which is good and right. This part deeply hungers to experience Hashem. Chazal call this segment the “nefesh ha’sichili” – the pure soul. However, there is another component of the human personality that is pure instinct and desire. That part of the individual doesn’t care about anything but fulfilling its needs and wants. It is comprised of base appetites and inclinations. This is referred to as the “nefesh ha’bahami” – the animal soul. When Hashem created man, He took these two diverse segments and mixed them together, creating a new synthesis called man. Man has two competing sides to him, each one crying out to fulfill it needs, each one demanding its fill. These two elements are in competition for dominance of the person. Much like a muscle that grows stronger with use and atrophies with disuse, each side is constantly being strengthened or weakened. If a person gives into his animal instincts, those instincts become stronger and more dominant. If a person listens to his spiritual soul, it becomes stronger, gaining primacy over his personality. The human is in constant flux, with one side or the other always growing, always gaining supremacy and control over the person.
Man was put on this planet to grow. By resisting the pull of the animal soul and allowing the pure soul to flourish, man elevates himself and reaches the state of perfection of which he is capable. On the other hand, if he gives in to the cries of the animal soul, he elevates it, allowing it to take control of him. His appetites become stronger and dominate him until they effectively rule over him. He becomes more animal than man. The Torah: The Ultimate Guide for Self-Perfection The Torah, which is the ultimate guide of human perfection, warns us against certain activities that give an unusual advantage to the nefesh ha’bahami. These are the sins as outlined in the Torah. We are cautioned to avoid certain foods, and we are warned against certain activities because they give an unfair edge to the animal soul. However, any activity that a person engages in strengthens one side or the other. When a person eats, sleeps, works, or goes about all of his daily activities, these physical actions strengthen the nefesh ha’bahami. In a sense, there is an unfair lead given to the animal soul. All day long it is in its element, and by being utilized, it is thereby strengthened.
To bring balance to the equation, Hashem gave us specific mitzvos to nourish the nefesh ha’sichili. The single greatest nutrient of the neshama is learning Torah. For the neshama, Torah is like rocket fuel. When a person learns Torah, his neshama is strengthened and invigorated. It becomes fortified and then takes the lead in the battle against the nefesh ha’bahami. However, without it, the neshama doesn’t stand a fighting chance because the animal soul is so much more in its element in this world. This seems to be the answer to Rashi. Since this expression, “If you will go in the ways of my statutes” is the pivotal point of the Jewish people’s destiny, it must be referring to that element that is the key to the equation: laboring in Torah study. Therefore, Rashi points this out almost as the translation of the words. There is a great lesson for us in this concept. The Jewish people are never stagnant. We are either going up towards great heights or down to the lowest abyss. The single greatest nourishment for the soul of the individual, and therefore for the soul of the nation, is laboring in Torah study. If we engage in it, support it, and actively pursue it, we will flourish as a people and enjoy unparalleled success. If not… The Shmuz-Marriage Seminar, a 12-part, comprehensive guide to a successful marriage is available FREE of charge at TheShmuz.com. It is also on the Shmuz App available at the App store, or on Google play, or you may listen on Kol Halashon by calling 718-906-6400, then options 1,4, 3.
85 Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz
At the Crossroads
B
etween Pesach and Shavuos, we are in a state of growth. We study Pirkei Avos, we think about how we can rectify the mistakes of R’ Akiva’s students, and we take the steps to elevate ourselves towards kabolas HaTorah. Well, it would be a good idea, at least. It is said that Pesach and Shavuos are really one long holiday, one leading into the other, and the forty-nine days in between symbolize the rise we needed as a nation to go from deep levels of impurity to holiness. Yes, it is a time for every step, to teach us that one does not jump from the depths to great heights. If he did, it would likely have the effect of a bungee jumper, where he would be at the extent of his greatness for but an instant, before being pulled back to where he was before. So if this is a holiday of building up and every day we’re supposed to do a little more, why don’t we celebrate it at the end, when we’re finished? Why should the time of sefira be considered part of it? If you think about the fact that Klal Yisrael in Egypt was at the forty-ninth level of impurity, then it is
only at Shavuos when we begin to grow in our level of purity. That means that Shavuos should be the beginning of our holiday. The truth is, though, that we don’t wait until we are on that side of the scale. To a Jew, every day is a crossroads. In fact, every minute is a crossroads. We are faced with decisions of what to do or not to do, and it is up to us to decide whether we’re moving in the right direction. R’ Elchanan Wasserman HY”D met a former classmate who had become a successful lawyer. The well-dressed fellow chided, “Elchanan, you had a better head than me. If you had gone
into law you could have been even more successful than I. It’s such a shame you missed that opportunity to enjoy the wonderful life that I lead.” R’ Elchonon calmly responded, “Let
exit isn’t for 50 miles and we are sickened knowing that we are going further from where we want to be and making it that much harder to get there. Sefira teaches us that every day can
SEFIRA TEACHES US THAT EVERY DAY CAN BE A CROSSROADS.
me ask you. If you had to take a train, and at the station you found two options: One train had bare, wooden seats, poor heating, and drafty windows, while the other was luxurious, with plush upholstered seats, cozy heaters, and a dining car that could provide delicious food and drink, which would you take?” “Why,” said the wealthy lawyer, “the second train, of course!” “Ah,” said R’ Elchonon, “In truth, the choice of train depends on where you wish to go.” Each day and each moment in our lives provides us the opportunity to ask, “Am I heading towards Shavuos and Matan Torah, or am I heading back to Egypt?” At those moments, we are at a crossroads. We can still make a turn and get headed the right way. The trip might take a little longer than if we hadn’t detoured, but it’s understandable that when you’re on the road, even on the road of life, things happen. Now, no one in his right mind would plan to do this and say, “I am driving from New York to Florida, for a week’s vacation. Maybe I’ll make a little detour to the Grand Canyon.” Well, unless he was really bad at geography. The reason he wouldn’t do that is because the trip would be over before he could reach his destination and the “side trip” would take up all of his time. Not only that, but there’s no way of knowing if he’d make it to his destination, or even back home again during vacation, because his time might be up before he reached it. However, if he was on a reasonable course and at a certain point he realized that he was heading in the wrong direction, he wouldn’t give up, but would quickly make a U-turn and head the right way. Sometimes, though, the next
be a crossroads. We celebrate the fact that we have the chance to make our U-turn at any point, today if we want, at this very minute, and there are road signs pointing the way for us. On this journey we’ve got GPS, maps, traveler reviews, and many more tools to guide us, but there’s one big advantage that we have over the traveler. We don’t have to wonder when we
will get there, because Shavuos comes to us. We know exactly how much time we have left in this part of the trip and how much time we have to get back on the right track. In fact, we’re counting down the days. Jonathan Gewirtz is a prolific inspirational 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. For more information, or to sign up for or sponsor the Migdal Ohr, his weekly PDF Dvar Torah in English, e-mail info@JewishSpeechWriter.com and put Subscribe or Sponsor in the subject. © 2014 by Jonathan Gewirtz. All rights reserved.
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The Observant Jew
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Rabbi's Musings [& Amusings] Rabbi Dani Staum
Staying in the Game In the final game of the 1965 World Series you could see that Sandy Koufax had almost nothing. You could see that his curve was hanging high in the early innings and, as the game went on, you could see that he pretty much tucked the curve ball away and stuck to the fast ball. And yet you also knew he was going to win. (Article by Ed Linn, Boy’s Life, March 1967) No pitcher in baseball goes undefeated all season. What’s more, no pitcher in baseball has “his best stuff” every time he takes the mound. Even the greatest pitchers have their off days when their command is weak and they can’t seem to throw the ball how and where they want it to go. Sandy Koufax once quipped that any pitcher should be able to win when he has his best stuff. But a good pitcher can keep his team in the game even when he doesn’t have his best stuff.
Even during a shaky outing a truly great pitcher has enough momentum and confidence to mix his pitches and battle the opposing team. He knows he’s going to give up more hits and runs than he’d like and he knows he’s not going to be all he can be that night. But he doesn’t allow that to overwhelm or deter him. He forges on, one pitch at a time, doing the best he can to give his team a chance. We live in a society that doesn’t like second best. We want perfection and we demand perfection, and we are unsatisfied with anything less. But the bottom line is nothing in life is perfect. Our homes aren’t perfect, our cars aren’t perfect, our spouses aren’t perfect, our spouse’s spouse aren’t perfect (with one notable exception), our vacations aren’t perfect, our schools aren’t perfect, our jobs aren’t perfect, and our children aren’t perfect. Above all, we are not perfect. But
our “all or nothing” mentality seeps in and enervates us. We often have the feeling that if our davening isn’t as passionate as it is on Yom Kippur (which is just about every day), our learning isn’t as perfect as Shavuos night (which is just about every day), and our performance of mitzvos isn’t as enthusiastic and passionate as seder night (which is just about every day) then what’s the use of even trying?! The true Servant of G-d is not one who is always nearly perfect or is always on a spiritual high. Rather it is the person who can “stay in the game” even when he doesn’t have his best stuff. He may have twenty things weighing heavily on his mind, including deadlines at work, mortgage payments due, and a child sick at home with a high fever, and he’s absolutely exhausted. Yet he doesn’t throw in the towel on that morn-
ing’s shacharis. He knows it may not be “his best outing” but he is confident that if he does his best he can “stay in the game” and pull off a win.
Rabbi Dani Staum, LMSW, is the Rabbi of Kehillat New Hempstead, and Guidance Counselor/Rebbe at Yeshiva Bais Hachinuch & Ashar in Monsey, NY. He is the author of Stam Torah and can be reached at stamtorah@gmail.com. His website is www. stamtorah.info.
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Lag B’Omer
The Power of Lag B’Omer and THE PERIOD OF MOURNING BETWEEN PESACH AND SHAVUOS IS HALTED ON LAG B’OMER, THE EIGHTEENTH DAY OF IYAR. IT IS ON THIS DAY THAT CELEBRATION AND SONG AND DANCE ARE FELT THROUGHOUT OUR NATION. CHILDREN GO ON OUTINGS WITH THEIR BOWS AND ARROWS, BONFIRES ARE LIT, WEDDINGS ARE HELD, AND YOUNG BOYS RECEIVE THEIR FIRST HAIRCUTS. IT IS A DAY OF UNITY WHERE ALL OF THE JEWISH NATION JOINS AS ONE IN CELEBRATION OF RABBI SHIMON BAR YOCHAI AND THE TORAH THAT HE REVEALED.
Rabbi Akiva During the time of Rabbi Akiva, 24,000 of his students died from a plague during the days of sefira because they did not accord honor to each other. On Lag B’Omer, the plague stopped and Rabbi Akiva gave semicha to five talmidim on that day. One of those
five was Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Rabbi Shimon grew in Torah and became a luminary for the future generation. It’s interesting to note that some say that the celebration on Lag B’Omer is for the five leaders of Klal Yisroel that Rabbi Akiva was able to ordain. If we are celebrating with such simcha for the five that Rabbi Akiva was able to transmit the Torah to, we can understand that sadness that we experience during sefira, for the 24,000 talmidim who were lost.
Torah in a Cave After criticizing the Romans by stating that they built the bridges, bathhouses and marketplaces for their own benefit, Rabbi Shimon feared for his life, and he and his son, Rabbi Elazar, fled to a cave to hide from the enemy. Miraculously, a carob tree grew near the mouth of the cave and a spring with fresh water gave them the sustenance they would need throughout the twelve years they spent in hiding. All those years, Rabbi Shimon and his son delved into the Torah and learned the mystical secrets of kabbalah. When the Romans lost power, Eliyahu HaNavi came to the mouth of the cave and announced, “Who will notify Bar Yochai that the Caesar has died and the decree is nullified?” Rabbi Shimon and his son then understood that it was time for them to return home. But after learning all day without distractions, it was hard for Rabbi Shimon to acclimate to the world. He saw
people working in the fields and his holy eyes burned up what his saw as mundane. A voice came down from the Heavens: “Have you emerged to destroy my world?” At that point, Rabbi Shimon and Rabbi Elazar returned to the cave for another year. When they emerged once again, Rabbi Shimon was able to reconcile the mundane with his holy perception. (Rabbi Elazar, though, still burned things with this holy eyes and Rabbi Shimon would follow him to repair all that he burned.) One erev Shabbos, they saw a man hurrying with two myrtle branches in honor of Shabbos—one for zachor and one for shamor—and they were appeased at how to connect the mundane with the spiritual. “See how beloved the mitzvos are to Yisroel,” Rabbi Shimon said to his son.
Yom Simchato
Lag B’Omer is the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Generally, we commemorate the death of a tzaddik with prayer and fasting. But on Rabbi Shimon’s yahrtzeit, we celebrate with song and dance. The Arizal calls Lag B’Omer “yom simchato,” the day of his happiness, because it is on Lag B’Omer that Rabbi Akiva gave semicha to Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Some say that it is for this reason that one should visit the kevarim of all the five talmidim of Rabbi Akiva on Lag B’Omer because all five of them received their semicha on that day.
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the Joy of our Celebration Hillulah of Rabbi Shimon
Before Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai left this world, he gathered his students around him and revealed the deep secrets of kabbalah to them. The day of his demise was filled with great light for he taught them the beautiful and mystical secrets of the Torah. Additionally, daylight was extended for Rabbi Shimon until he revealed all that he had been permitted to reveal. As such, bonfires and candles are lit on Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai’s yahrtzeit, a symbol of the powerful light he left in this world.
the greater part of a person’s soul comes down to the grave on a person’s yahrtzeit. He explains that the presence found at that time is like a ladder, connected to the world up high. Essentially, when we visit and daven at a tzaddik’s grave on his yahrtzeit, our prayers are lifted up to the heavens by the tzaddik’s soul. It is for this reason that so many come to Meron on Lag B’Omer to daven by Rabbi Shimon’s kever and beg for Hashem’s mercy. Many have felt that miracles have been performed after davening to Hashem in Meron on Lag B’Omer.
Meron
Upsherin
The tradition of visiting Meron on Lag B’Omer goes back for many generations. In fact, the Ari Hakadosh visited Meron on Lag B’Omer and commanded Rabbi Yosef Caro to allow the celebrations of Lag B’Omer to take place. At that time, the rabbanim were concerned that proper decorum was not maintained during the celebrations, and they wanted to forbid Lag B’Omer celebrations in Meron. But the Ari directed them to allow the celebrations; he stated that Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai was happy with the celebrations of Lag B’Omer in Meron. Indeed, this is a custom that started from the gedolei Yisroel and there is much loftiness in the celebration. Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and his son are buried in Meron. Rabbi Yaakov Hillel shlita writes that
Traditionally, many children celebrate their upsherins on Lag B’Omer. The Arizal made the trip to Meron on Lag B’Omer to cut his three-year-old son’s hair. There is much singing and dancing and some throw the hair of the upsherin into the fire. When a child is three, it is their time of maturation from a small baby to a child ready to learn Torah. The upsherin is the third in a series of “cuts”—the first of the umbilical cord when they are born, the second of the bris, and the third of the haircut. A child is now independent and ready to move into society and Torah learning. Many teach their child the aleph bais on the day of their upsherin and give them honey and sweets to lick so they should taste the sweetness of Torah.
Chai Rotel
Some have the tradition of giving chai rotel at the kever of Rabbi Shimon on Lag B’Omer. A rotel is a liquid measure of approximately three liters; eighteen times that amount is the equivalent of about 54 liters. It is believed that if one offers a drink of that amount to those attending the celebrations on Lag B’Omer, the giver will be granted miraculous salvation. Many couples who were childless have had children after giving chai rotel. Indeed, Rav Ovadia MiBartenura and the Shelah HaKadosh have written about this practice.
Bows and Arrows
The bow and arrow symbolize a rainbow, a keshet. In the time of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a rainbow was not seen in the sky. The merit of the holy tzaddik was enough to protect the world from calamity and there was no need for the sign of the rainbow representing Hashem’s promise He made to us after the mabul. Now that Rabbi Shimon is no longer alive, we have reason to fear that if not for Hashem’s promise represented by the rainbow, the sins of the world would cause Hashem to bring another mabul. It is for this reason, some say, that children play with bows and arrows on Lag B’Omer. Photo credits: Kuvien Images
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Lag B’Omer Yaakov Wasilewicz
LAG B’OMER The Yahrtzeit of the Holy Rabbi Moshe Isserles
On
the 18th day of Iyar, the day of Lag
because each one of those great students didn’t see the
B’Omer, many people travel to Meron
uniqueness of their friend. It’s very hard for us to under-
to pray by the grave of the holy Rab-
stand how Rabbi Akiva’s great students were unable to see
bi Shimon Bar Yochai on the day of his yahrtzeit. Rabbi
that uniqueness in their friends. Yet, we must take that as
Shimon Bar Yochai was one of the five students of Rabbi
a lesson for our everyday life and try to see our friends for
Akiva who stayed alive after the 24,000 students of Rabbi
who they really are and appreciate their uniqueness be-
Akiva passed away. The reason why they passed away was
cause every person truly is unique and special.
Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai was the author of the holy Zohar and after Rabbi Akiva was murdered by the Romans, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, together with his son Rabbi Elazar, went into hiding in a cave in the mountains near Peki’in in the Galilee, where they stayed for 13 years. There, he wrote the Zohar. This body of mystical knowledge was given orally by Hashem to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai. These teachings were lost to most people, until R’ Shimon, fearing a permanent loss of this knowledge, recorded them in the Zohar. After being hidden for a 1,000 years, the Zohar was rediscovered by Rabbi Moshe de Leon of Spain in the 13th century. While everybody celebrates the day of Lag B’Omer in celebration of the day when the Rabbi Akiva’s students stopped dying and for the yahrtzeit of the holy Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai who before passing away revealed to us the deep secrets of the holy
Zohar, many of us forget about another great personality in Jewish history who greatly impacted our lives, Rav Moshe Isserles, or the ReMa of Krakow, whose yahrtzeit also falls on Lag B’Omer.
R
’ Israel Isserl was one of the most well-known storeowners in Krakow, Poland, during the sixteenth century. He owned a large store that sold many different types of items and was extremely wealthy. Customers would frequent his store not just because of what he sold but also because Israel was known to be an extremely honest man. Every Friday, exactly at noon, R’ Israel would close his store and go home to prepare for the holy Shabbos. When the clock would show the 12th hour, he would nicely ask his clients to leave the store. One Friday, very close to the noon, a customer came to his store. This was no ordinary patron; he
was a very famous buyer who would buy and sell tailor equipment. The customer announced that he would be making a large purchase and started to look at the shelves around the store for things to buy. Slowly, he took things down from the shelves and put them down on the floor; those things that he was planning on buying he would put on aside. When the clock showed the 12th hour, R’ Israel went over to the buyer and said, “I’m really sorry but I have to close the store now. Come after Shabbos to complete your purchase.” The buyer replied, “It’s only a noon. We still have a few hours before Shabbos starts. Don’t worry; we’ll for sure finish our transaction before the holy day begins. I was given a big job to purchase all different things for many tailors who must make dresses for the people in the king’s palace. I would like to buy half of your store, and this is not the last purchase in this store that
Rabbi Moshe Isserles was considered to be the posek of the generation. People from all over the world would ask him questions. Even though he lived a short life, Rabbi Moshe Isserles was an author of many great works. One of such works is “Mechir Yayin” – a commentary to the Book of Esther written in Szydlow, Poland, in 1556. The title means “the worth of the wine.” He wrote this book instead of getting drunk on Purim that year, since there was not enough of wine in the city, and it was impossible to fulfill that mitzvah. He gave the sefer to his father as a present on Purim instead of wine. R’ Moshe also wrote Toras HaOla, which talks about the symbolism of the Bais Hamikdash and the way of bringing the korbanos. It also contains opinions on the topic of philosophy, astronomy, and kabbalah, since the Bais Hamikdash is a miniature of the whole world. Next to the synagogue, which R’ Israel Isserl build for his family, is an old Jewish cemetery. In this cemetery, the bodies of the greatest and most famous rabbis that lived in Poland in the sixteenth and seventeenth century rest. Some of the headstones in the cemetery were destroyed during the war. But the gravestone of Rav Moshe Isserles, one of the greatest of the Polish rabbis, was never destroyed and is standing until today.
O
ne day, a messenger came to Krakow from the holy city of Tzfat in Eretz Israel where at that time lived many great rabbis. This messenger would
Jews visiting the grave of the ReMa on Lag B’Omer, the yahrtzeit of his passing
A
ccording to one source, Moshe was born in the year between 1520 and 1525; other sources say he was born in 1539. He studied in Lublin in the yeshiva of Rabbi Shalom Shachne, who was the student of Rabbi Jakub Polak. His first wife was the daughter of his teacher. When he returned to Krakow, he was chosen to be the Chief Rabbi of Krakow. It has been said that he was not going to be accepted for this position, but Hashem made a miracle and overnight his beard turned white. Using family funds, R’ Moshe established a yeshiva in Krakow, which soon after became famous in the whole Jewish world. The students not only came from around Poland but also those from Central and Eastern Europe would attend the yeshiva in Krakow.
travel from one country to the next one, collecting money for the Jewish community of that city. Filled with dust after a long journey, looking very unusual, he knocked to the door of Rav Moshe Isserles. Rav Moshe was very happy to see such a guest and invited him inside to his house and gave him something to eat. After eating a big meal, the messenger from Eretz Israel told Rav Moshe, “You gave me the set table, and so I will also give you the set table.” He took out a sefer from his bag and gave it to Rav Moshe. It was the Shulchan Aruch, the freshly printed work of Rabbi Yossef Karo from Tzfat. Rav Moshe Isserles looked inside the sefer and became very sad. He also wrote a book which was identical to the one that the messenger just gave him, but his book
was a little bigger and richer. Besides for all the halachos, his book contained all different opinions of the Ashkenazy rabbis and Ashkenazy traditions. Rav Moshe understood that most of his work was a waste of time. He decided to publish only those parts of the book that he wrote that had to do with the opinions of the Ashkenazy rabbis, and the traditions of the Ashkenazy Jews. The handwritThe famous tree that protected the ReMa’s grave ten work that was the same as the book of Rabbi Yosef Karo he buried at night on the cemetery. In the place where he buried those papers grew a tree. And when a few years later, on Lag B’Omer, 18th day of Iyar, 5332 (May 2, 1572) Rabbi Moshe Isserles left this world, they buried him under this tree, which surrounds his grave. The tree bothered the chassidim who would come to the grave of the holy Rabbi Moshe Isserles, since they couldn’t visit the grave from all the sides; they wanted to get rid of it. But when the axe touched the tree, a storm broke out, thunder and lightning pierced the air, an abrupt sound on a day filled with clear blue skies. The scared chassidim ran away and no one has tried to remove the tree since then. During WWII, when the Germans were occupying the city of Krakow, they wanted to destroy the grave of the ReMa. But the tree’s branches were filled with leaves that covered the grave, hiding it from the rabid Nazis. After the war, when Jews came back to Krakow, they found the cemetery to be totally devastated. The only grave that was standing, untouched, was the grave of the holy Rabbi Moshe Isserles.
J
ews from all over the world still visit the grave of the ReMa in the old Jewish cemetery in Krakow, especially on Lag B’Omer, the day of his passing. “Mi’Moshe v’ad Moshe, lo kam k’Moshe b’Israel” is written on his gravestone, alluding to the special love Polish Jews had for their great leader. His ideas are alive today as we learn from his words and we delve into the seforim that he authored.
Yaakov welcomes your questions and comments. He can be reached at jakubwasilewicz@tlen.pl.
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I’m planning on making. If I will be able to get them the necessary items, I will become their main, favored delivery person for the king’s tailors.” He continued, “And if I purchase by you now, from now on I will only buy things by you. If you throw me out, now that I already selected the things that I want to buy, I will not have enough time to look for them and purchase them anywhere else before Shabbos—and later it’s going to be too late. I will not deliver what I was asked to, and I will lose the opportunity to be the main delivery person in the king’s palace! You can be sure that if that happens, I will never buy anything by you, and I will tell all the different buyers not to purchase anything in your store,” the buyer threatened. “I’m really sorry,” said R’ Israel. “This is my tradition, and I will not change that for any riches of this world! “If that’s so, from now on I will be buying somewhere else.” R’ Israel sighed, “That’s OK. I have to close my store now so I can rush home for Shabbos.” Summarily, he left all the items on the store that the buyer selected, turned and walked out of the store along with the customer, and locked up his shop. It was a really big loss. R’ Israel could have sold half of his store! Besides that, the buyer never came to his store again. He therefore lost a very good customer. Nevertheless, he was paid back in spades when nine months later his wife gave birth to a son, who they named Moshe.
T H E J E W I S H H O M E n M AY 1 5 , 2014
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Tiferes, a Beautiful Marriage
A
couple of weeks ago, in talking about skillful parenting, I said that tiferes, beauty, the third sefirah in counting the omer, is the artful combination of chessed, kindness, and gevurah, strict justice, the first two sefiros. This same combination can be applied to marriage. Tiferes is the perfect relationship. It is the couple that has managed to join the differences between them in a creative way so that neither loses his or her personality, yet the couple, taken together, is enriched by the contribution of each. You know what I’m talking about when I refer to “differences”: One is a morning person and the other a night owl. One is fastidious and the other is, shall we say, casual, about tidiness. One is punctual to the minute and the other is decidedly not a Yekki. One is calm and controlled, perhaps cool, and the other is emotional. One is an introvert; the other, an extrovert. One has mastered the art of brevity and the other cannot shorten anything to less than a ten minute monologue. We can go on; you’re quite familiar with this. When you just can’t stand those differences anymore, before you rush to the lawyer or engage in really inadvisable behavior, you need to ask yourself three questions: 1. Why in the world would G-d, who loves me, let me get mixed up in such a mess anyway? 2. Why in the world was I attracted to somebody like this in the first place? What was I thinking? 3. How do I make the best of this and manage to be happy? So here is my theory. It is based on the concept in Bereshis that Chava was Adam’s eizer k’negdo. There’s that annoying word, k’negdo. Couldn’t HaKadosh Baruch Hu have just left it out? Wouldn’t it be so much nicer and easier on all of us if we helped one another without that business of being “against him” or “opposite him”? Obviously, since Hashem created the world this way, it makes more sense to try to figure out why He did, or at least how it can, indeed, be helpful to us than to be annoyed with it. So we can start to answer question one by recognizing that our “differences” should not feel like annoyances. They are not the result of unfortunate choices that we made when we
were young and stupid, but actually part of G-d’s plan. In order to figure out what exactly G-d might have had in mind when He created couple-hood, let’s start by looking at question two. When I get to know couples that come to me, I am often amazed at how alike they are in ways that lie underneath the surface. Here we
covery comes up in a client session and I say, “Wow, you really have something deep in common.” The oddest thing about all of this is that no one was aware of it when they couple met and married. So how did it exert its influence? I can only answer that it must have been a neshama thing: Their neshamas knew. At some spiritual level, they shared a
WHY IN THE WORLD WAS I ATTRACTED TO SOMEBODY LIKE THIS IN THE FIRST PLACE? WHAT WAS I THINKING?
are, talking about differences, but the really significant pieces of who these people are make them so incredibly alike that you realize how perfect they actually are for each other. Since I can’t give real examples in this column, I’ll make up some that illustrate what I’m saying. Sam and Cheryl didn’t know this when they met and did not find this out until long after they were married, but it turns out that both their mothers may have been marranos. Jonah and Devorah both had fathers who left the family and divorced when they were young, followed by bad remarriages by their mothers. Silvia and Terrance were raised by parents of very high standards and no matter how hard each child worked, they never quite achieved the level that their parents were looking for. Although Sharon was the oldest of four and Shimmy the youngest of five, both of them were connected to their mothers growing up, she because she did not respect her father and he because his father had died. You might think that these experiences are not significant but they actually play powerful roles in how we see and feel about ourselves. Sometimes, as in the case of Sam and Cheryl, the effect goes under the radar. I’ve lost count of the number of times this sort of dis-
deep and important experience. This fundamental sameness makes me think of the first version of the Adam and Chava story: that Chava was part of Adam before Hashem separated them. And I believe this is where the real attraction to one another comes from. Usually, when a couple and I, having worked hard on the differences, uncover the significance of this sameness that they share, it creates a profound awareness within them of why they have such a strong bond in spite of those differences. It explains why, instead of that ugly “d” word, they chose to seek help to fix the problem. That leads us to question three, what to do about those still-annoying differences. We understand that for some reason, all this was part of G-d’s Plan. We’ve taken care of the spiritual bond that has come out of strong and deep similarities, but what about the part that’s driving us crazy? And how are we supposed to be happy with it? To me, this, too, is part of the big Plan. We were created to perfect the world – starting with ourselves. We were very specifically not created perfect. If we were, we would not need a “helper” to make our way in this world. So, on the one hand, we were not created perfect; on the other, our job is to make the world a fit place for Hashem’s Presence, starting with ourselves. How
better to do that than with a “helper” whose strengths lie where we are weak? However, all is lost if we are not happy. Remember, it says, ivdu es Hashem b’simcha. This perfecting-the-world process is our avodah, our work, and we are supposed to do it b’simcha. The answer is that when our well-meaning “opposite” tries to help us become better in those areas in which we are weak, we have to let our egos go. We have to accept the constructive criticism and try to do a better job. We have to, in fact, enjoy the process of learning a new outlook, getting up earlier, or enjoying the sense of carefree-ness that comes from staying up late. In short, we have to enjoy going out of our comfort zone. That is the only way to learn and to grow. Think of it in the same way that people master basketball or piano or their video games. Mastery must, by definition, start with failure after failure. But the players don’t think of it that way; they see everything as fun. They see challenges. What turns the failure into fun? It’s the idea that they believe, somewhere inside, that with time, patience, and practice, they can achieve the mastery they desire. It also means that they must enjoy that process because they see progress every day. That is tiferes. It connotes the joy in learning how to be a better person by acquiring a little more of the skills and outlook of our life partner. It connotes that experience of joy in the process happening to both people in the relationship. It isn’t merely that your tidiness is a good thing for me to learn; it also means my carefreeness is a good thing for you to learn.
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. Listen to her new show called “Kids and Parents” on Chazaq Radio live from 3-4 on Thursdays. The call in phone number is 718-285-9132. Attend the Food For Thought lectures at Cravingz Cafe, 410 Central Ave, Cedarhurst, on Wednesdays at 10 AM. Any questions, call 646-54-DRDEB or check out her website at http://drdeb.com.
T H E J E W I S H H O M E n M AY 1 5 , 2014
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Notable
Quotes
Compiled by Nate Davis
“Say What?” I do … but I think that’s true for multiple other people that would want to run … I mean, I’ll be 43 this month, but the other thing that perhaps people don’t realize, I’ve served now in public office for the better part of 14 years. - Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) when asked on ABC’s “This Week” if he thinks he’s ready to be president
I could not be there with you on this big day, but being in space I was trying to figure out how to make this speech different than all the other commencement addresses that are given each year. - Astronaut Rick Mastracchio delivering the commencement address for the University Of Connecticut School Of Engineering from space
Listen, my friend, make a fist, like this. Next time the [Jews] come, punch them. Turn their faces into tomatoes. - Advice from a giant “fun-loving” bumblebee character to a little girl on a cartoon show which airs on Palestinian TV
On my third full day as secretary, January 29, I was supposed to have my first one-on-one meeting with President Obama. As I was about to walk into the Oval Office, Stephanie Cutter, a veteran Democratic operative who was handling our communications strategy, told me we would have a ‘pool spray,’ a photo opportunity for the White House press. The President and I would make brief remarks about executive compensation, responding to a report that Wall Street firms had paid their executives big bonuses while piling up record losses in 2008. “Here’s what you’re going to say,” Cutter said. She handed me the text, and I skimmed the outrage I was expected to express. I’m not very convincing as an angry populist, and I thought the artifice would look ridiculous. “I’m not doing this,” I said. Instead, I sat uncomfortably next to the President while he expressed outrage. - From former Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner’s new book, Stress Test: Reflections on Financial Crises
tpfccdlfdtte pcaccplircdt dklpcfrp?qeiq lhpqlipqeodf gpwafopwprti izxndkiqpkii krirrifcapnc dxkdciqcafmd vkfpcadf. #MissionMonday #NSA #news - Tweet sent out by the NSA last Monday Want to know what it takes to work at NSA? Check back each Monday in May as we explore careers essential to protecting our nation. - What the Tweet really said after it was decoded
Listen, I can’t predict what’s going to happen. I’m going to be 65-years-old in November; I never thought I’d live to be 60, so I’m living on borrowed time. - Chain-smoking Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio), when asked whether he plans on being Speaker of the House for the next two years
Not like it’s the Nobel Prize. - Jewish Holocaust survivor, Alexander Imich (age 111) when asked how it feels to be the oldest man on Earth
There’s a guy on the Upper West Side in New York City who’s now the oldest man in the world. He is 111 years old. How about that? His medical expenses are fully covered by Coolidge Care. - David Letterman
There’s a new trend of people calling “Find My iPhone” to confront thieves who have stolen their iPhone. They use the app “Find My iPhone” to find the thief. And this explains the app called “Find My Stupid Friend Who Went After the Criminal Who Stole My iPhone” way to get murdered. - Conan O’Brien
The fraying of middle-class economic security did not begin during President George W. Bush’s terms, but earlier, in the later years of the Clinton administration. - Vice President Joe Biden, at a fundraiser in South Carolina, in comments that may be a signal of a pending primary battle
Thirty days in the hospital? And when she reappears, she’s wearing glasses that are only for people who have traumatic brain injury? We need to know what’s up with that. - Karl Rove, suggesting that Hillary Clinton may have brain damage since suffering from a fall in 2012
We needed something surprising. We wanted to choose a presenter who is the worst presenter for a live app possible; you know, the person who did the worst mess up on live TV ever. - A representative of Livelens, an Israeli app company, explaining why they chose the imposter sign language interpreter from Nelson Mandela’s funeral to appear in their ad campaign
The Koch Brothers actions against the environment aren’t limited to toxic emissions. Charles and David Koch are waging a war against anything that protects the environment. Now I know that sounds absurd, but it’s true. While the Koch brothers admit to not being experts on the matter, these billionaire oil tycoons are certainly experts at contributing to climate change. That’s what they do very well. They are one of the main causes of this. Not a cause, the main cause. - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) in a tirade against the Republican-backing Koch brothers
A new report came out that calls Venezuela the most miserable country on earth. After hearing this, Kim Jung Un said, “What do I have to do? What do you want from me?” - Conan O’Brien
Thursday is the deadline for Iran to meet a series of measures to delay its nuclear program. Then Iran said, “Do you mean ‘DEADLINE deadline’ or ‘Sign up for Obamacare deadline?’” - Jimmy Fallon
I am sure that 2014 will go into the annals of our whole country as the year when the nations living here firmly decided to be together with Russia, affirming fidelity to the historical truth and the memory of our ancestors. - Russian President Putin at a military parade in Crimea
With their loss to the Braves yesterday, the Chicago Cubs became the third team in baseball history to lose 10,000 games. The poor Cubs— they can’t even win a losing contest.
Changing Lanes? Use Yah Blinkah. - Message appearing on electronic highway signs throughout Boston as part of a new safe driving campaign It’s terrible, and I got my receipt. And I told them I can’t eat that kind of sauce. The marinara sauce is terrible. They made my mom another sandwich without a problem, but they say they won’t make me a sandwich. - 37-year-old Bevalente Hall’s complaint when she called 911 to complain that Subway got her order wrong, leading to her being charged with making an unwarranted 911 call
- Jimmy Fallon
People who did not receive a response to a status update experienced lower levels of belonging, self-esteem, control, and meaningful existence than did those who received a response. - A recent study by Taylor & Francis Group about the negative impact of not being popular on Facebook
In a biography, Michael Jordan said that as a kid he saw so much racism that he began to hate, quote, “all white people.” Jordan said he only started to feel compassion for white people after watching them play basketball. - Conan O’Brien
I always knew I’d be more than happy to donate a kidney if I only knew how to go about it. When I saw that on there, I knew that was a sign and I had to do it. - Jacklyn Mellott of Ohio, 56, explaining why she responded to a “Wanted: kidney” ad on Craigslist and donated one of her kidneys to a stranger
Sony has invented a new kind of cassette tape that could store 47 million songs. They estimate that they’ll be ready to demonstrate the new cassette for the public sometime in the year 2267 when it finishes rewinding. - Seth Myers
Women would leave me after I told them that I murdered my previous wives. But I spent 14 years in jail. I have changed. - A disclosure made by a 62-yearold contestant on a dating show in Turkey
#BringBackOurGirls - Social media campaign in response to the recent mass kidnapping in Nigeria, which involves celebrities such as Michelle Obama posing with the hashtag The 5 stages of Western Reaction to Foreign Events: 1 Ignorance 2 Wikipedia wisdom 3 Outrage 4 #SolidarityHashtag 5 Tedious self-obsession - Tweet by Sudanese-born writer Nesrine Malik
Did the sponsor consider raisins as a potential official state snack? Perhaps pretzels? … What if the pretzel was dipped in yogurt? … Cheesecake? - Tough questions asked by NY State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx) to Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer, (R-Williamsville) who sponsored a bill to make yogurt the official New York State snack, during the one hour debate before the measure passed
I like my guns like Obama likes his voters: Undocumented. - Sign outside of a Texas gun shop
A public servant who accepts bribes is akin to a traitor. This is a man who was on top of the world. He served as prime minister, the most important position, and from there he reached the position of a man convicted of criminal offenses. - Tel Aviv District Court Judge David Rozen, while sentencing former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to six years in prison.
ew s hH Oh M om ay 1254,, 2014 2012 T HT Eh eJ EJ W I Si H E enn MmAY
A guy got a tattoo on his leg of the KFC Double Down sandwich. He wanted to do something he would regret even more than eating a KFC Double Down sandwich. - Conan O’Brien
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Health & Fitness Aliza Beer, MS, RD
Quench Your Thirst the Right Way
D
o you know our body weight is comprised of nearly 60 to 70 percent water and that sufficient intake of water can help us stave off many health problems? Despite the seemingly sublime importance of water consumption, most people tend to choose sodas as their beverage of choice. There are many reasons why one should avoid drinking diet sodas and other soft drink beverages, but I have narrowed it down to the top five. 1. Caffeinated Beverages: Caffeine is an addictive drug and stimulates the brain similarly to mechanisms used by amphetamines, cocaine, and heroin, albeit with milder effects. If you cannot function without your coffee in the morning, then you are addicted to caffeine. Consumption of caffeine in large amounts, especially over extended periods of time, can lead
to a condition called caffeinism. Caffeinism encompasses a wide range of physical and mental symptoms that include nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and heart palpitations. 2. Will Harm Your Teeth: The
Her project, “Rot your Teeth,” won an Honorable Mention at the fair. 3. Artificial Caramel Coloring Linked to Cancer: The Center for Science in the Public Interest has recently petitioned the FDA to ban in-
DRINKING A GLASS OF WATER BEFORE EACH MEAL WILL HELP YOU FEEL FULL.
flavoring agents used in soft drinks make the beverage more acidic and could erode tooth enamel. Coke and Pepsi are very acidic. I read an article about a fifth grader whose science fair project consisted of placing her baby teeth in vials of Coke. Over the course of a few days, they disappeared!
gredients known as “caramel coloring” that are found in many soft drinks and snacks. These chemicals have been shown to cause several different types of cancers, including lung, liver, thyroid, and leukemia, in lab animals. 4. W e i g h t Gain: The high sugar content of sodas will cause increased weight gain. Although diet sodas lack calories, the sweet taste of the diet sodas will keep you craving sweets and inhibit any attempt at weight loss. Will 5. You Drink Less Water: The more soda you drink, the lower your water intake. Why is it important to drink water? Water: • Maintains blood volume and reduces risk of heart diseases like high blood pressure and heart attacks • Flushes out the toxins and prevents UTIs and kidney stones • Reduces risk of cancer. It minimizes the chances of colon cancer by 45%, breast cancer by 75%, and bladder cancer by 50%! • Weight loss: Drinking a glass of water before each meal will help make you feel full and you will eat less • Digestive health: Water prevents and eases stomach distress and constipation
• Improves skin texture. Your skin will be smoother with less breakouts There are some healthy beverage alternatives to water that can be incorporated into a nutritious diet: • Milk: A great source of energy, protein, and loaded with calcium. • Green tea: The Chinese have been using green tea for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. A 1994 study showed a clear link between green tea and the lower risk of esophageal cancer in the Chinese by as much as 60%. • Seltzer: When craving some fizz in your drink, seltzer is the best carbonated beverage. You can even flavor it with a little cranberry or pomegranate juice while giving it a healthy boost of antioxidants. As Americans, we have access on a daily basis to a copious amount of beverages. We watch the advertisements on television and see our friends drinking the eclectic range of drinks. What we don’t know is that the seemingly tasty and pleasurable drinks we venerate are actually deceitfully harming us. The long term effects are daunting; cancer, tooth decay, weight gain, and other physical impairments are tangible threats to our lives. Hopefully, by switching over to healthier drinks like water, seltzers, teas, and milk, we will be able to break the constricting chains linking us to sodas and lead a new, joyful life!
Aliza Beer is a registered dietician with a Master’s degree in nutrition. She has a private practice in Cedarhurst, NY. Patients’ success has been featured on the Dr. Oz Show. Aliza’s new line of prepared, healthy meals-to-go are available at Gourmet Glatt. Aliza can be reached at alizabeer@gmail.com.
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In the Kitchen Naomi Nachman
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he weather was perfect this past Sunday for a Mother’s Day BBQ. Seeing as I am the one who cooks the BBQ at our place, I wanted a quick and easy food for the grill that didn’t take too much preparation time so I could relax with my family. I went to Gourmet Glatt and picked up some readymade beef kebabs, some vegetables to grill, and some delicious watermelon for dessert. I also bought chicken wings without any seasonings. I find that you can rinse off and clean the wings when you want to keep it simple and just throw them on the grill. They were so crispy and delicious. I had also noticed in my freezer
that I had an Abeles and Heymann salami. I decided I would try to make a hasselback salami on the grill. I had only made it in the oven so it was an experiment to try and grill it to get the “out-doorsy” flavor. It was a huge hit and the easy sauce/marinade was so versatile you could use it to marinade chicken cutlets or use it as a dipping sauce. Note: In the 1940′s, a dish of whole potatoes cut to resemble an accordion was first served at the Hasselbacken restaurant in Stockholm. Cutting the potatoes this way results in a soft and creamy interior with crisped and browned edges.
Easy Hasselback Salami Inspired by Busy In Brooklyn - Chanie Apfelbaum Ingredients 1/3 cup duck sauce 1/3 cup BBQ sauce Any size Abeles and Heymann Salami. The bigger, the better, as it’s so delicious. (Just make more sauce.) Preparation Mix the two sauces together and set aside. Remove the wrapper from the salami and place on a cutting board with chopsticks on either side. Holding the salami down with one hand, slice it into thin, even slices (don’t worry, the chopsticks will ensure that you don’t slice all the way through). Place the salami on a hot BBQ on indirect heat. (That means the BBQ burners are on but not directly under the salami.) You must watch for burning as the sauce has sugar and can burn. By the time you finished cooking your other meats on the grill, the salami will be ready. I also continue to baste it every 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can put back it in the oven at 400° on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Serve warm with leftover sauce for dipping.
Garlic Asparagus on the Grill We love asparagus in our house. On the grill it’s extra delicious. I have used the same recipe for other vegetables too including zucchini, peppers and even peeled chipotle onion. The cooking times vary depending on what you grill. As always, watch for burning. Barbeques don’t have controlled heating like our ovens do. (You can buy pre-checked asparagus at Gourmet Glatt in Cedarhurst or at your local kosher supermarket.) Ingredients 1 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 cloves fresh garlic, crushed Salt and pepper to taste Preparation Preheat grill on high heat. Lightly coat the asparagus spears with olive oil and season with salt and pepper and garlic to taste. Grill over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or to desired tenderness.
Naomi Nachman, the owner of The Aussie Gourmet, caters weekly and Shabbat/ Yom Tov meals for families and individuals within The Five Towns and neighboring communities, with a specialty in Pesach catering. Naomi is a contributing editor to this paper and also produces and hosts her own weekly radio show on the Nachum Segal Network stream called “A Table for Two with Naomi Nachman.” Naomi gives cooking presentations for organizations and private groups throughout the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area. In addition, Naomi has been a guest host on the QVC TV network and has been featured in cookbooks, magazines as well as other media covering topics related to cuisine preparation and personal chefs. To obtain additional recipes, join The Aussie Gourmet on Facebook or visit Naomi’s blog. Naomi can be reached through her website,www.theaussiegourmet.com or at (516) 295-9669.
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Voluntary Disclosure of Foreign Bank Accounts
F
ollowing my recent article on this topic, I received an unprecedented amount of concerned calls and follow-up questions from various readers who were informed by their Israeli or Swiss banks that their names and account information may soon be turned over to the US government. As a result, I will briefly review this topic for those new to this matter and provide additional information that I hope you will find timely and relevant.
A Brief Review of FBAR Requirements The Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (commonly referred to as “FBAR”) was instituted as a tool to help the U.S. government identify individuals who may be using foreign financial accounts to circumvent U.S. law. U.S. citizens or residents with either a financial interest in or signature authority over foreign financial accounts whose total value exceeds $10,000 at any time during the previous calendar year must generally file the FBAR. It must be filed annually and be received by the IRS on or before June 30th. This is in addition to the general tax requirements of reporting all interest and income from these accounts on one’s income tax return. Government investigators use FBARs to “help identify or trace funds used for illicit purposes or to identify unreported income maintained or generated abroad,” and their reporting, or lack thereof is used as a tool to prosecute individuals, both civilly and criminally, for offshore tax evasion. The IRS has confirmed that it has expanded its investigation of banks worldwide, resulting in a heightened risk that the IRS will discover taxpayers’ noncompliance. Failure to file FBARs and/or failure to report the income generated by the foreign financial accounts can subject the responsible parties to significant civil and/or criminal penalties. For the FBAR alone, the current civil penalty may be as high as the greater of $100,000 or 50% of the total balance in the foreign financial account for each year’s failure. As such, if a responsible party failed to file the FBAR for several years, the potential civil penalty can significantly exceed the full value of the accounts. This is in addition to any unpaid taxes on unreported income from such
It’s Still (Hopefully) Not too Late!
accounts, and civil penalties, which typically start at 20% and can be as high as 75% if the IRS can prove that the underreporting was due to fraud. Prosecution, the Voluntary Disclosure Program, and the Importance of Tax Counsel The IRS started prosecuting individuals of all ages, whether their accounts were large or small, to force compliance and cooperation. In order to make it more palatable for those who have not yet cooperated to become fully compliant, it instituted its third offshore voluntary disclosure program (OVDP). Nevertheless, it retained the right to end this program or to have its penalties increased at any time in order to incentivize participation sooner rather than later. Furthermore, if the IRS receives the name of an individual and begins an investigation, then it is too late to participate in the program. Participation is not cheap and can equal 27.5% of the highest bank account balance, in addition to underreporting penalties and interest for failing to disclose the interest earned on those accounts. Furthermore, tax returns going back several years would have to be amended and all remaining aspect of those returns would need to be accurate in order not to be subject to prosecution for filing false tax returns. Nevertheless, the peace of mind associated with the removal of potential criminal or civil prosecution and/or the ability to pass one’s assets to one’s children without the threat of confiscation may be worth a great sum to many of those reading this article. In certain instances, the cost of participation may be greatly reduced if the facts warrant it, something which a tax attorney could help you determine. Follow-Up: Inherited Accounts Just as there is an obligation to report foreign bank accounts, there similarly is an obligation to report gifts or inheritances received from foreign individuals or estates, even from one’s parents, if the amount exceeds $100,000, or from foreign corporations if the amount exceeds approximately $15,000. To do so, taxpayers must file Form 3520, Annual Return to Report Transactions With Foreign Trusts and Receipt of Certain Foreign Gifts the same time they file
their annual income tax return for that year (normally April 15th), including extensions. In instances where individuals inherited a foreign bank account and failed to file Form 3520, they may be subject to a penalty for failing to file equal to 35% of the gross value of the amount received. The U.S. government is actively pursuing this penalty in cases where the taxpayer did not enter the OVDP, since the statute of limitations can never expire if the form was never filed. That’s why it makes sense in these instances to consider the guaranteed penalty structure of the offshore voluntary disclosure program. Furthermore, in limited circumstances, the OVDP penalty may be significantly reduced. Where We Stand In addition to the penalty we mentioned concerning holders of foreign bank accounts, the foreign banks themselves can also be prosecuted both criminally and civilly for aiding tax evasion, and essentially be barred from partaking in the US economic system. As such, out of the approximately 300 banks in Switzerland, the Department of Justice already received letters from 106 Swiss banks requesting to participate in a similar program, which besides for obligating them to pay penalties ranging between 20% and 50% of the maximum account balances, will require them to provide detailed information concerning their US account holders. The next deadline in the process for the Swiss bank program is April 30th, when those Swiss banks participating in the program will have to provide the DOJ with a plan detailing how they structured, operated, and supervised their cross-border businesses, including the names and functions of the individuals responsible for that business; how account holders were attracted and serviced by the banks; and the total number of U.S. accounts and the maximum aggregate dollar value of each account in existence on August 1, 2008, opened between August 1, 2008 and February 28, 2009, and opened after February 28, 2009. Depending on the type of account and when it was opened, they will also be turning over names of US account holders in the near future. As for Israeli banks, various dates have been suggested as to when they
may be turning over names of their US account holders to US authorities, and specifically which names will be turned over, be it just those holding accounts in existence at any time since 2013 , or also those holding accounts prior to that time. Although some reports place the disclosure as early as July 2014, if not earlier, what is of utmost importance is that anyone possessing or having possessed a foreign bank account that has not disclosed that account should seriously consider the consequences and potential ramifications of their actions, since as Kathryn Keneally, Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice’s Tax Division, said in midMarch, locating those who use foreign bank accounts to evade taxes will be a main priority of the Tax Division for the foreseeable future. To emphasize that point, she said, “If you have people who…are doing anything other than coming into compliance at this point, I simply can’t imagine what they’re thinking because we’re going to be on this for a while.” As the matter is complex and the risk of criminal and civil prosecution is real, it is imperative that you consult a tax attorney to thoroughly analyze your options while ensuring that your discussions remain protected by attorney-client privilege. I would be happy to discuss your matter further to see how I can help. This article is published for informational purposes only. It is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.
Shlomo Steiman, a former Justice Department Auditor, is a Queens attorney with an office in Manhattan. His practice focuses on taxation, businesses and non-profit organizations, as well as workers compensation and social security disability. He can be reached by phone at 917-838-5923 or by email at ssteiman@steimanlaw.com. No column is a substitute for competent legal advice. Please consult with the attorney of your choice concerning specific legal questions you may have.
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Ask the Attorney
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Forgotten Heroes
Avi Heiligman
Leon Frankel Flying High
T
he Israeli Air Force today is a big into the naval aviation program. After and powerful organization that graduating, he was given a Grumman only the elite pilots can think of TBF “Avenger” torpedo bomber and joining. That wasn’t always the case. assigned to the carrier USS Lexington. By February 1945, the U.S. was During the Israeli War of Independence closing in on the in 1948, the Israelis Japanese home ispractically begged lands, and B-29 veteran pilots from Superfortresses around the world were bombing Toto help their bekyo. Marines were leaguered brethren about to land on in their quest for a Iwo Jima to proJewish homeland. vide a base for Most of the st these attacks with 101 Squadron the navy providing was comprised of air support for the Machal volunteers landings. Before from many backthe landings, airgrounds. One of Leon Frankel craft carriers turned these pilots had an amazing story to tell even before he their attention to the Japanese capital fought for Israel. Leon Frankel had with the Lexington’s planes making sunk a Japanese cruiser during WWII the navy’s first attack on Tokyo. Their and would have another hair-raising mission was to destroy enemy planes and their support system. Frenkel took experience flying for Israel. Born in St. Paul in 1923, Leon his plane to bomb an aircraft factory Frankel was just two years out of high but the Japanese response was intense school when he joined the navy in anti-aircraft fire. Enemy planes flew to 1942. As with many youngsters in the meet the flyboys (an affectionate term 1940s, he was fascinated by aviation for navy pilots), and two of Frankel’s and was elated when he was accepted buddies in his formation suffered se-
vere damage and were “limping” back was gone. He was credited for sinking to the Lexington. Frenkel’s Avenger the ship and was awarded the Navy was able to provide adequate cover and Cross for his efforts. everyone landed safely. The feat of being singled out as the Two months later, the Japanese were pilot who sank a ship was sweet and down to their last few capital ships and was even more so considering it was had even less fuel to keep them run- one of the enemy’s biggest threats in ning. In keeping with the tradition of the entire Pacific Ocean. Frankel went fighting to the death, they sent the mas- back to his home state of Minnesota afsive battleship Yamato, the cruiser Yah- ter the war and was heralded as a war agi, and eight destroyers to destroy the American forces invading the island of Okinawa. It was called Operation Ten-Go but was doomed from the start. American submarines had been tracking the force and soon scout planes joined the party. 400 American planes were in the air headed towards the Japanese force and among them The pilots of the 101 Squadron in August 1948--Ezer Weizman is was Leon Frankel in his on the top, second from the left. Leon is the third from the right. Avenger torpedo bomber. Anti-aircraft fire was pouring up from the destroyers but hero. He stayed in the naval reserve as Frankel and his wing mates pressed a pilot while opening up a very lucraon the attack. A torpedo from Avenger tive car business in St. Paul. Then, in struck the Yahagi and soon the cruiser 1947, a phone call came from a stranger that sent him back to war over 6,000 miles away. Despite the fact that he wasn’t a Zionist and the impassioned pleas from his mother to stay home, Frankel joined the Israeli Air Force. He didn’t want it on his mind that he abandoned his brethren in a time of need when his skills could help turn the tide. Before going to Israel, Frankel first went to New York and found out that the organization that recruited him was being followed by the FBI. After lying about his purposes for going overseas, he was given a passport and headed to Czechoslovakia for training in planes that had been kept secret from everyone. The plane was a Czech knockoff of the famed German Me-109 called Avia S-199. It wasn’t a great plane but it was all the Israelis had to fight the Arabs who were flying the best British aircraft. Many of the pilots, Frankel included, weren’t trained as fighter pilots and had to learn the skills of aerial dog-fighting. Several of the early Israeli Air Force losses were due to inexperienced fighter pilots. Frankel was
smoke as he tried in vain to reach the nearest air base. Frankel crash landed in a wadi but wasn’t sure if he was in Israel or Jordan. Suffering from minor injuries and armed only with a pistol, he began walking and soon spotted soldiers. They were Israeli and told him that he had just walked through a minefield and were surprised that he was still in one piece. They took him in their truck to an airbase in time to see another S-199 burning. That pilot did not make it out, and after the funeral the next day, Frankel became limp. He had seen enough of war and after 25 missions was sent to the hospital and then back to the States. Frankel went back to St. Paul and continued with his car business but stayed in the naval reserve. While in Israel, he befriended fellow pilot and the future president, Ezer Weizman, and maintained a close relationship with him throughout his life. Frankel looked back on his time with the Israeli Air Force with fond memories. “One day during the war I was in Tel Aviv, and planes were coming in from Europe, transport planes. I
went over and the planes were full of refugees from the death camps. And you know what they did; they got down on their knees and kissed the ground. But at that moment, I knew why I had
Frankel (on the right) in 2011
come to Israel. The Talmud teaches that if you save one life, it’s the same as if you had saved the entire world. That has always stood with me.”
Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comments and suggestions.for future columns and can be reached at aviheiligman@ gmail.com.
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called the bomb chucker. They would tie a rope to him so he wouldn’t fall out of the plane. Someone would hand a 70-lb. bomb to the bomb chucker, and, at a signal from the pilot, he would chuck it out of the plane. I’m serious about that.” He also talked about his photo missions: “There was no escort. You’d just fly about eight or ten thousand feet and then turn on the camera. Then fly back and do it again. It was about the scariest thing I’ve ever done. You’re flying over Jordan or Egypt all by yourself.” The S-199 planes that they were flying were primitive examples of flying machines and didn’t even have a working gas gauge. On one mission in September, Frankel saw an Egyptian Spitfire and began to chase it and performed a maneuver that was supposed to have the enemy lined up in his gunThe Japanese cruiser Yahagi sinking under Frankel’s fire sights. However, since he had very little training as a fighter pilot, the for a while there was no action. Soon enemy got away from Frankel. He rethe truce fell apart and Frankel began turned to base to refuel and noticed that flying photo reconnaissance missions the plane was leaking oil. A mechanand escorting bombers to their targets. ic cleared him for takeoff but soon he Frankel describes a job on the three lost all oil pressure and had to return to B-17 Fortress bombers in these terms: base again. The plane began to fill with “They had a position on those bombers determined not to be on that list. Finally, in May 1948, Frankel made it to Israel just in time for a truce. When he landed in a C-54 transport plane, a casket was waiting to be loaded onto the plane for transport back to the U.S. It was Colonel “Mickey” Marcus that Frankel helped with transferring; he was the American commander of the ground forces and was killed by friendly fire right before the truce began. Frankel joined Israel’s first fighter unit, the 101st Fighter Squadron, but
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Your Home Aaron Koster
Ask The Steam Doctor What types of heating systems will you cover in this column? SD: Currently we are only covering steam heat, not forced hot water or forced air. What can I do for you today? I think that my boiler finally needs to be replaced, and I can seriously use some professional advice. SD: Why do you think that it needs replacement? There is a leak from the bottom of the boiler that has gotten progressively worse. It is so bad now that we need to fill the boiler once or twice a day in order to have heat. Shabbos has been a real nightmare (not easy to get a Shabbos goy in my neighborhood). Let me ask you, doctor. Is there a way to fix the leak or does the boiler need to be replaced? SD: There are ways to temporally fix boiler leaks but they are not permanent solutions. If it was the middle of the winter, I would suggest fixing the leak just to get you through the winter. Boiler replacement can take a few days and you don’t want to be stuck without heat in the dead of winter. At this point in the year, I would suggest having the boiler replaced.
OK. Gam zu l’tova. My sister-inlaw had her boiler replaced a few years ago and her bills skyrocketed. In addition, half of the house never seems to get hot. I also have a cousin who had his boiler replaced and ever since, there is banging like you won’t believe.
thing at a time. There is only one way to determine the proper size of a steam boiler. The radiators have fixed amount of heat that they are able to give off. The heat output of the boiler has to match the heat output of the radiators.
THERE ARE TWO CRITICAL FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN HAVING A STEAM BOILER REPLACED.
It sounds like there are a bunch of guys in there hammering away. I definitely don’t want the same thing to happen to my system. I have asked and received all sorts of conflicting advice and I am soooo confused!! Please HELP! SD: There are two critical factors to consider when having a steam boiler replaced. Number one is that the boiler must be sized properly. Number two is to ensure that the boiler is piped properly. Do you mind explaining that slowly and clearly? SD: Not a problem. Let’s take one
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How does one determine the heat output of the radiators? SD: There are various charts available that detail the heat output of just about any radiator every made. If your plumber did not determine the heat output of every radiator, then you are probably getting an incorrectly sized boiler.
Can I skip the whole measuring thing and tell the plumber to put in a big boiler? This way I will be assured of having enough heat. SD: There are a few reasons that this is unadvisable. First of all, bigger boilers cost more money. Why pay extra money for something that you don’t need? Secondly, bigger boilers cost more money to run. Again, why pay the extra money to run an oversized boiler? The properly sized boiler will do the job just fine. I don’t care about the money as much as I care about the function of the heating system. Are there any other reasons not to put in an oversized boiler? SD: Yes. An oversized boiler can actually lead to less heat.
What’s the worst that can happen if the boiler is the wrong size? SD: Let’s start with undersized boilers. If the boiler is too small then you will likely have inadequate heat. You will feel this most on colder days. How can that be?? Bigger boiler=more stream=more heat. SD: Not necessarily. There is only a certain amount of steam that the pipes and radiators can handle. If the boiler makes more steam than the pipes can handle, then pressure will build up in the boiler. The boiler pressure control will shut the boiler until the pressure level drops back down. This cycle will continue to repeat itself. The result will be slower heating of the home and higher heating bills. In addition, excess steam in the system can lead to banging and hissing noises. Iy”H, in the next article, we will discuss the critical need for proper boiler piping. Thanks a million! This has been so helpful.
Aaron Koster is the owner of Steam Doctor. Steam Doctor is a full service plumbing, heating and drain cleaning company specializing in steam heating systems. You can reach Steam Doctor at 1-800-313-STEAM, 917-613-0193 or at steamdoctor313@ gmail.com.
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Contractor’s Corner
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et’s do it. Let’s _______ that ______ we have wanted to do for so long (substitute how you would like to renovate which area of your house). The first step of any journey is the most difficult, and renovation work causes much trepidation since once you have chosen your contractor and the job is started, very little is in your hands. If you would like your project to run smoothly then you must set up a solid foundation (pun intended).
Discuss Amongst Yourselves The first step in starting your project is not calling in a contractor for a quote. Why? Because we can only quote the project you describe, and more often than not, the conversation is as follows: Jason: What are you looking to do? Homeowner: Redo our kitchen. Jason: Excellent, do you want to do: part or all? Homeowner: We’re not sure, just price both… Jason: OK, do you want to keep the same configuration and just update or re-
Jason Kersch
Getting the JobDone Right
And so ‘round and ‘round we go… Spend a significant amount of time discussing ideas and options with everyone involved with the project and come up with some basic plan. We are experts in designing and happy to help, but we need an idea of where you want to go with this.
The answer is “I have no idea, I don’t know if you are adding a bedroom or a wing.” I find it baffling to be told that I am the first one to refuse to give a number on the phone. If you would like an accurate quote for the cost of a large construction project like a dormer or extension then hire a good architect. Yes, I realize that they can become costly, but if this is a project that you are definitely going to do then it will be money wellspent when the time comes for multiple revisions. This scenario can certainly create a catch 22: You don’t want to hire an architect until you know the price but you can’t get an accurate price without designs. If a homeowner is looking for an idea of the possible cost, we generally set up a meeting, get the basic scope of the project, and provide a highest-to-lowest price range. From there the ball is in your court.
done by the book. This means finding out what the village requires and following it exactly; the last thing you want is a project being halted midway because of improper paperwork. The town will want to know the scope of the work, the cost (to assess the fee) and contractor’s information. While this process is always viewed an enormous headache (which it is) and just another way to get you to pay off the town’s deficit (which it is), it also serves two positive purposes: 1) Making sure that all work is done properly, to code (for safety), and by a licensed contractor. 2) Maintaining the architectural décor of the neighborhood.
Back to the Drawing Board I field no less than five calls per week with the same type of question: “How much do you charge for an extension?”
Mother May I? Every large renovation project (and some small, depending on the village) will require paperwork and it must be
Jason Kersch is one of the owners of Major Homes. He welcomes your comments and questions and can be reached at JKersch@ majorhomes.com or at 718-229-5741.
design the space? Homeowner: Um…we don’t know…you’re the contractor, you tell us.
There is also the tedious process of choosing the right team for the job. I seem to be out of space…guess you’ll have to wait until next week…
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From My Private Art Collection Rebbetzin Naomi N. Herzberg
The Art of Teaching Art - Part Three The Art of Communication
I. Below are messages presented in question and answer form which are important for teachers and parents to convey A. Does observation play an important part while learning art? Look at the art, think about the art, and talk about the art. The observation of works of art will open up new avenues of adventure which will stimulate the mind.
B. Do you see with the eye of an artist? If you focus on the project you will be able to reflect on the creative process. New ideas and viewpoints will evolve which are exciting and unique. C. Will you find art in all things? Artists are known to possess the ability to explore the use of lines, patterns, colors and textures present in everyday objects and
our surroundings. D. Is it possible to communicate an idea through art? Art is an unspoken language. Yes, one can express themselves through visual communication. One painting can speak volumes. E. Is art timeless? Yes, it certainly is. Through the study of art history we see how art, from all time periods, continues to be valued. F. Do you recognize beauty all around you? Take advantage of the study of nature and our surroundings which introduces us to many beautiful and memorable scenes. II. Below are quotes which convey powerful messages “Get to the heart of what is before you and continue to express yourself as logically as possible” (Paul Cezanne) “Expression is not a matter of passion mirrored on the human face or revealed by a violent gesture. When I paint a picture, its every detail is expressive” (Henri Matisse) “Everything is expressed through relationships” (Piet Mondrian) “I don’t see why we ever think of what others think of what we do – no matter who they are. Isn’t it enough just to express yourself?”(Georgia O’Keeffe) “Despite any will I may have in the matter, what I express interests me more than my ideas” (Pablo Picasso) “A good legible label is usually worth, for information, a ton of significant attitude and expression in a historical picture” (Mark Twain) III. A special note to teachers and parents: In order to provide a positive experience, please read the valuable points from A-Z below
*As much one-on-one instruction as possible and avoid criticism *Be supportive *Clear step-by-step instructions *Display artwork *Encourage discussions on topic *Follow safety rules *Give explanations when asked *Help only when asked *Identify famous artists’ works and introduce concepts clearly *Justify whenever possible *Kindle the fire for a successful art experience *Let the creativity evolve at an individual pace *Modify exercises when required *Notice difficulties and make suggestions *Open necessary doors for communication *Provide cultural background information *Quietly observe and suggest with sensitivity * Review and provide strategies for success * Supply visual aids wherever possible *Troubleshoot *Use art vocabulary *Value contributions *Welcome new ideas *X-ray vision should be applied where needed *Yesterday’s ideas should be reviewed *Zero-in on individual potential
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.
117 T H E J E W I S H H O M E n M AY 1 5 , 2014
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No Perfect Solutions!
C
an somebody please tell me what Here’s an interesting twist. We the flu shot is for? Because it sure write resumes for our kids. We think doesn’t seem to be to avoid get- long and hard who to include in them. ting the flu! Trust me, we need to rethink that. BeMaybe it’s to give someone some- cause that’s usually not the people who thing to rant about as they’re burning get called at all. Recipients just look up with fever and feeling miserable. for who they know personally in our “How can I have the flu? I just got the neighborhood and call them. So why flu shot! It just can’t be…it must be not just make it easier for them and something I ate?! What in the world include the streets surrounding us indid I eat? Too bad it wasn’t Tamiflu?!” stead. Then they can figure out who Precautions aren’t always perfect. they know near us to call. But they are still the best deterrents It’s not always easy to figure out we’ve got. which measures or preventative meaSome safety precautions make peo- sures make the most sense. Sometimes ple crazy. For inyou prepare for evstance, some people ery possibility you hate wearing a seatcan think of and belt in the car. They then the one thing kind of think, “Why you never thought do I need a seatbelt? of is just what hapAfter all, nothing pens! ever happens to In life in genme.” But, let me get eral you just can’t this straight: would always expect it to they actually like turn out perfectly: something to hap- The one time pen?! What’s the big inconvenience? your GPS gets you there in less time They are just sitting in the car…where than ever before, you realize you are they going anyway? read the invitation wrong –it’s next And then, those same people Sunday! Ouch. wouldn’t think not to strap themselves -The one time he remembers to in on an airplane! Like, what are they send you flowers, you’re allergic to going to crash into up there? An overly them. fluffy cloud?! -The one time she offers to pick Oh, here’s one precaution I’m fas- up the bill, the waiter says it’s on the cinated that people house. don’t take advan-The one time he tage of. They don’t volunteers to change WE’VE GOT TO want the epidurthe diaper, it’s a false al they can have alarm. DO OUR BEST -The one time which numbs the TO DO OUR BEST. you remember your pain of childbirth. umbrella , it forgets Trust me, I admire to rain. and commend It doesn’t mean them. But to me, that’s amazing. I want that epidural to we should give up. Nothing is 100%; reduce the pain of delivering children. nothing is foolproof. We’ve got to do In fact, I want the numbing effect to our best to do our best. After that, it’s extend right through till the children not in our hands! But it still needs to be in our heads and hearts to keep trying move out of the house! Oh, here’s a great one. Everyone to do the right thing. So be careful when you can, take hates putting on suntan lotion. It’s such a pain. And after all, how long are they precautions when you can, and then really going to be in the sun for?! Yet try and experience the glitches with a everyone is obsessed later on with an- smile if and whenever you can. ti-aging creams—just loading them on by the dozens. Now guess what the Rivki Rosenwald is a certified relationship main ingredient is in most anti-aging counselor, and career and life coach. She creams? You got it—suntan lotion! Are can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or rivki@rosenwalds.com we nuts or what?!
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Life Coach
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...from Start to Finish! • RIP-UP AND REPLACE SOD • INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEM • GROUND LEVELING AND GRADING
NOW IS THE TIME! N ALL 10 % DISCOUNT O TALLATIOSeNnsSor! NEW INSW ireless Rain
Includes a Free to be valid Must present promotion
“Are You Ready For Your Dream Garden?”
www.LMIrrigationInc.com • Malverne, NY 11565 Office: 516.417.4212 • Fax: 516.593.0245
Nice Mouth
T
wo weeks ago, few Americans had heard of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling. Now, thanks to Sterling’s big mouth, we’re all talking about him. As President Barack Obama said, “When ignorant folks want to advertise their ignorance you don’t really have to do anything, you just let them talk. And that’s what happened here.” National Basketball Association commissioner Adam Silver wasted no time banning Sterling from the league for the rest of life. (No communication with players, coaches, or staff. No practices or games. No owner meetings at cushy resorts or other league activities of any kind.) He announced he would urge the league’s Board of Governors to force Sterling to sell the team. And he fined Sterling the maximum $2.5 million allowed by the league constitution. At first glance, $2.5 million sounds like a mere technical foul for a guy with Sterling’s wealth. (Forbes estimates his total net worth at $1.8 billion.) But the real cost of Sterling’s words may turn out to be $100 million or more. Where does that extra penalty come from? Thank our friends at the IRS, of course. Sterling bought the team in 1981 for just $12.5 million. According to the Wall Street Journal, it’s worth $700 million or more today. We’ll assume for the purposes of this discussion that Sterling could sell it for $700 million. If Sterling holds onto the team until his death, his estate will owe Uncle Sam 40% on the $700 million. The $280 million tax will leave his heirs with just $420 million. That’s a big bite, of course. But the heirs will take the team with a “stepped-up basis” equal to the full $700 million. In other words, they avoid tax on the full difference between the $12.5 million purchase and the $700 million value. Now let’s say Sterling’s fellow NBA owners force him to sell. Sterling
will owe 20% federal capital gain tax on his $687.5 million gain (the $700 million selling price minus his $12.5 million “basis.”) He’ll owe the new 3.8% “unearned income Medicare contribution” on the same amount. And, as a California resident, he’ll owe the Golden State another 13.3%. The California tax is deductible from his federal income. Still, all told, he’ll pay in the neighborhood of $230 million on his gain. Talk about fouling out! Those tax hits will leave Sterling with just $468 out of the team’s $700 million. At his death, estate taxes will take another $187.2 million, leaving his heirs with just $280.8 million. That’s nearly $140 million less than if he had held the team until his death. As bad as $140 million sounds, the real penalty could climb even higher. The team’s television contract expires after the 2015-16 season, which could mean hundreds of millions in new revenue from a more lucrative replacement contract. Plus, celebrities from NBA great Magic Johnson to rapper-entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs and even Oprah Winfrey have announced interest in buying the team. That sort of financial jump shot could push the price to well over a billion dollars. Selling appreciated assets like stocks, mutual funds, real estate, or a business can feel like striking it rich. But you can’t forget that your friends at the IRS are waiting to share in your good fortune, too. That’s why it’s crucial to have a plan to minimize your tax when you sell. And that, of course, is where we come in. So call us before you sell, and remember, it’s what you keep that counts.
Allan J Rolnick is a CPA who has been in practice for over 30 years in Queens, NY. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at 718-896-8715 or at allanjrcpa@aol.com.
125
Grocery Section Gefen
Assorted
Assorted
Cuties
Noodles
8pk
10oz
Jack & Jill Cookies
Ziggys
14oz
8oz
Lag Ba'Omer
Gefen
Salty
Juice Box Drinks
Popcorn Assorted
Kiwi Strawberry & Fruit Punch
Special
4pk
2ֿ/ 5
2\ 3
2\ 3
2\ 5
$
Glicks
Diet
Gedilla
Hod Golan
Almond Breeze
Assorted
2L
Assorted
$
$
Potato Chips
$
Coca Cola
.75oz
5oz
$
.99
$
Arrowhead Mills
Arrowhead Mills
6oz
6oz
0.99
Puffed Rice
Gefen
Kellogs
Levs
instant Soup
18oz
Assorted
Glicks
Glicks
Shibolim
.99
Cooking Spray Canola & Baking
.99
Rice Crispies
1.99
3.99
Bagel Flats Assorted
Paskesz
Gefen
8oz
40pk
40 pk
Chocolate Cafers
4/$1 Paskesz
Assorted
Except Quinoa
$
2/$3
General Mills
Kellogs
Mehadrin
Paskesz
12.25oz
2\$6.99
Cheesecake
$
7.49
.79
Fresh Sushi
2/$5
$
Is Coming To Our Store
Fruits & Veg.
Meat Dept. Bonless Flanken
Family Pack
Rib Steak
9.99lb
Cholent Meat
5.99lb
$
Red Grapes
6.99lb
$
$
Beef Stew
5.99lb
$
Cash & Carry Only
!!
8oz
original only
Kollel, Rabayim, & Teachers
Good News
Marshmallows
Assorted
2.99
avuos Early Sh ial Spec 6”
Fit N Free Yogurt
$
Bakery
Stern
3.99
11.4oz
10% 0FF
Ricecakes
$
Krave Cereal
Rocket Pops
1.4oz
$
Honey Nut Cheerios
package of
Assorted
From Kleins Ice Cream
Hazelnut Wafers
3.99
FREE
Noshkees
$
Emzee
2.99
Elite
1.19
$
Givat
Cream Cheese
$
Assorted Flavors
6oz
And get a
.79
$
Chocolate Bars
.99
$
Sour Sticks Shop for $150
2\ 3 Canola Oil
1.99
$
2\ 3
$
2.99
$
$
Pie Crust
32oz
5oz
Chicken Noodle
$
Assorted
Assorted
1.99
Puffed Corn
$
Ultra Sliced Chicken
Potato Crisps
5\$1
1.29
$
T H E J E W I S H H O M E n M AY 1 5 , 2014
Tofutti
Chicken Wings
1.49lb
$
Avocado
1.99lb
$
$
.99lb
Nectarines Mango
$
1.49lb
2\$1
Macintosh
Apples
.69lb
$ Suntan
Light Green Peppers $
.89lb
5x6
Tomatoes
.79lb
$
Sale valid 5/15/14-5/21/14. Cash & Carry only. We reserve the right to limit quanitities on sale items. Not responsible for typographical errors. While supplies last. No rain checks.
ORDERS CAN BE EMAILED, FAXED, OR CALLED IN 1913 Cornaga Ave. • Far Rockaway • T. 718.471.7555 • F. 718.471.9102 • E. Kosherworldorders@yahoo.com
FREE PARKING • FREE DELIVERY • FRIENDLY SERVICE • CURB SIDE SERVICE Store hours: Sun 8-8 • Mon. - Tue. 7-8 • Wed. 7-10 • Thu. 7-12 • Fri. 7-1 1/2 Hours Before Shabbos
T H E J E W I S H H O M E n M AY 1 5 , 2014
126
STAYING IN THE CITY THIS SUMMERYOU CAN STILL...
AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE ROCKAWAY PENINSULA
POOL
First Session: June 22– July 20 Second Session: July 20 – August 24 Pool closed: July 15, July 28-August 5 (9 days)
INDIVIDUAL RATES
FAMILY RATE
FULL SUMMER: $175 HALF SUMMER: $95
FULL SUMMER: $395 HALF SUMMER: $295
Includes Men & Women
DAILY RATE Per Person
POOL LIGHTS FOR EVENING SWIMMING
WEEKDAY: $10 • SUNDAY/HOLIDAY: $20
POOL HOURS WOMEN SUNDAY & HOLIDAYS*: 9:45 AM-1:15 PM MONDAY-THURSDAY: 6:45 PM-8:15 PM FRIDAY**: ——
MEN 1:30 PM-5:00 PM 4:20 PM-6:30 PM 3:00 PM-5:30 PM
*Includes June 22, June 29, July 4, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27, August 10, August 17, August 24 **Please note Friday, June 27 hours are from 2-5pm
Newly Renovated Bathrooms
MEMBERSHIP: Families only will be allowed to sign up for membership. This includes all immediate unmarried 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. • 2 passes for any half summer family membership. • 2 passes for full summer mens/womens/individual membership • 1 pass for any half summer mens/womens/individual membership. Passes will be issued at the time of registration. If you did not receive your passes, they will be left for you at the pool.
FOOD: No food or drink is allowed in the pool or pool area at any time. WEATHER: In the event of a rainstorm, lightening or other weather related matter; the management reserves the right to close the pool for safety reasons. Any person or persons, who do not cooperate, will be asked to leave the pool premises. We will not refund for any weather related matter. LOUNGE CHAIRS: There are a limited amount of lounge chairs available for deck use. Membership does not entitle you to a lounge chair. Please be advised that the chairs are given out at a first come first serve basis. REFUNDS: There are no Refunds.
All rules will be strictly enforced.
COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE ROCKAWAY PENINSULA 257 Beach 17th Street • Far Rockaway, New York 11691 • (718) 868-2300
127 THE JEWISH HOME n M AY 1 5 , 2014
SPRING SAVINGS 2014 Nissan Sentra S
2014 Nissan Altima 2.5S
99* $ 129* $
/Per Month
w/ College Grad
/Per Month
Features: Power Windows & Locks./Air Conditioning/Auto Transmission
}
Lease Loyalty Or Conquest
24 Month Lease 12,000 Miles Per Year DamageWaiver Included
}
2014 Chrysler Town & Country Touring $
189*
Per Month Features: Leather/Back-Up Camera/ Bluetooth/Rear Power Liftgate/ AM-FM-CD-DVD-MP3-iPod Integration
36 Month Lease 7,500 Miles Per Year Up to $5,000 Damage Waiver Available
}
145* 159*
$ $
/Per Month
w/ College Grad
/Per Month
36 Month Lease 12,000 Miles Per Year Up to $5,000 Damage Waiver Available
Features: Remote Keyless Entry/ Bluetooth/AM-FM-MP3
2014 Honda CR-V LX AWD
185* 199*
$
/Per Month
w/ College Grad
/Per Month
36 Month Lease 10,000 Miles Per Year Damage Waiver Included
Features: Bluetooth/Back-Up Camera/ Remote Entry w/ Trunk Release
Lease Loyalty Or Conquest
Expires 5/19/14
iPad Giveaway
Joinemail our email & you into a raffle for an iPad3 Join our listlist and youwill willbebeentered entered into a raffle for an iPad 3
www.wheelstolease.com/joinemaillist www.wheelstolease.com/joinemaillist Congratulations to our last raffle winner, Jonathan Thurm!
}