Five Towns Jewish Home 10-24-13 by The Jewish Home

137 SPRUCE STREET

516-569-2662

— See page 5, 50 & 51 —

Around the Community BBY’s Technology Awareness Evening Presents Opportunity and Challenge Page 55

THEJEWISHHOME A PUBLICATION OF THE FIVE TOWNS & QUEENS COMMUNITY

october 24- october 30, 2013 | Distributed Weekly In The Five Towns, Queens & Brooklyn

One Year After the Storm Five Families Talk about their Journey Back to Normal

Bostoner Rebbe of Yerushalayim Visits Yeshiva Har Torah

Page 43

Shredding Day at District 1 a Success Page 56

Hundreds Come out to Support the Kakons of Yeshivas Nefesh Dovid

Page 60

Page 44

— See page 24 —

— See page 8 —

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n october 24, 2013

WINDOWS 5774 AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY PRIZES AN INTERNATIONAL AUCTION TO BENEFIT TORAH ACADEMY FOR GIRLS

Motzei Shabbos, November 2, 9:30 pm The Woodmere Club, Meadow Drive, Woodmere

Early Bird Special! Purchase Ticket Packages Before Oct. 30 for Big Discounts! Join us on the night of the AuctionVALET PARKING! Admission: $25.00 per adult All paid admissions receive a $20 ticket

Pre-paid packages of $250 or more receive 2 free admissions Drawings begin at 12AM. We’d love to see you there, but you need not be present to win! • EVENT SPONSORS•

www.tagauction.org

718-471-8444

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

4 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Mesivta Ateres Yaakov The Ruth & Hyman Simon High School 131 Washington Avenue Lawrence, NY 11559 T: (516)374 (516)374--6465 www.ateresyaakov.com

IS Y! TH DA N SU

! e B o T t n a W u o Y h a r o T n e Become the B ! e g e l l o C r o f P r e p ar e ! s n o z i r o H r u Expand Yo

Open House

Sunday, October 27th 1:30 PM

Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe, Ph.D. Menahel Rabbi Yehuda Horowitz, shlitâ&#x20AC;?a Mashgiach Ruchani Rabbi Sam Rudansky, M.A., J.D. General Studies Principal Rabbi Yossi Bennett, M.S. Assistant Menahel/Assistant Principal

INTERVIEWS HAVE BEGUN! Contact the Mesivta for an application and appointment.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Contents >>Letters to the Editor >>Community

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Readers’ Poll. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Community Happenings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

>>Cover Story One Year After the Storm: Five Families Talk about their Journey Back to Normal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Our Life After Hurricane Sandy: A Story Told in Photos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

>> News Global . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 National . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Odd-but-True Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

>> Israel Israel News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

>> People

Dear Readers, A year ago, we were listening to news broadcasters talking hysterically about an upcoming storm. They were urging us to leave our homes, telling us that destruction was coming. But many of us didn’t believe that it would really happen. After all, weren’t we warned about Hurricane Irene a year before and didn’t many of us leave town only to come back to our homes safe and sound? But on October 27, when Hurricane Sandy picked up speed, she came to our area with such force and pummeled our homes, our streets, our lives. For days, many of us lived without electricity and heat—and we were the lucky ones. Others literally had no place to come home to. Their homes were flooded by water. Furniture, toys, books, seforim, photos, pots and pans—the items that made up their daily lives—were rendered useless. They were homeless and were forced to find other places to live. But without a home, where do families eat? Without clothing, what do their children wear on the frigid nights? Without possessions, where do they find their dignity and the strength to carry on? And that’s when the strength of our community came in. People and organizations mobilized, thinking about the minutiae that were needed. Hot meals were distributed, clothing was given out, charging stations were set up. Homes were found where people could lay their meager possessions and their heads at night. Patrols went out to make sure people felt safe. And schools organized learning sessions so children could have some semblance of normalcy in their lives. People worked night and day—they knew that it could have been them who was faced with the destruction. The giving did not end when the lights went back on. There was so much more to get done to ensure that everyone would have a warm home to go home to. Rina Zingmond spoke with four families about what they experienced during and after Hurricane Sandy. Each of their stories is unique, and their strength is inspiring. How does one go about rebuilding their life from scratch? It is with the appreciation of what they do have and the caring of a warm community that helps give them the fortitude to go on. The purpose of this article is not to relive the trauma of the storm, but to remember the courage shown in its aftermath. It is our hope that the acts of kindness exhibited during and after the storm will continue in perpetuity—not out of necessity, but out of love for our fellow Jews and neighbors. Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

Simo Hayha—The Best Sniper Ever . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Yitzy Halpern

A World after This: The Story of Lola Lieber . . . . . 87

>>Parsha

Publisher

publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

The Shmuz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Classifieds classifieds@fivetowns jewishhome.com 443-929-4003

>> Jewish Thought Kever Rechokim, by Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz. . . . 67

Yosef Feinerman

Shoshana Soroka

ads@fivetownsjewishhome.com

editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com

managing editor

Nate Davis

Editorial Assistant

Nechama Wein Copy Editor

Rachel Bergida Berish Edelman Mati Jacobovits Design & Production

>>Health

Editor

P.O. BOX 266 Lawrence, NY 11559 Phone | 516-734-0858 Fax | 516-734-0857

Friday, October 25 Parshas Chayei Sara Candle Lighting: 5:42 Shabbos Ends: 6:41 Rabbeinu Tam: 7:11

Debunking Common Weight-loss Myths, by Lori Boxer, Weight No More Diet Center. . . . . . 78 How to Avoid Mistakes in the Dating Parsha, Part II, by Deb Hirschhorn, PhD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

>> Food & Leisure Recipes: A Taste of Joy of Kosher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Travel: Washington. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

>> Lifestyles

fri. Oct 25

sat. Oct 26

partly cloudy

Ask the Attorney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Weekly Weather sun. Oct 27

mon. Oct 28

tues. Oct 29

wed. Oct 30

thurs. Oct 31

partly cloudy

mostly sunny

cloudy

mostly cloudy

Your Money. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Baby Come In Out of the Cold, by Rivki Rosenwald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

>> Humor Centerfold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

High

>> Political Crossfire

LOW

55° 38°

High LOW

55° 45°

High LOW

57° 42°

High LOW

58° 45°

High LOW

60° 50°

High LOW

59° 45°

High LOW

54° 44°

Notable Quotes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

>> Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

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

Dear Editor, I could not agree more with “Hate crimes and vandalism have no place in our neighborhood” spoken by Queens Democratic State Assembly member David Weprin at a recent press conference concerning scrawling of swastikas on parked cars on Friday, October 11th in Bellerose, Queens. What is equally outrageous was the previous inclusion of the swastika by David Weprin in a campaign mailing sent to thousands of residents during the February 2010 Special Election to fill the vacated seat of former State Assembly member Mark Weprin. In 2009, brother Mark ran for and won David’s New York City Council seat. After his crushing defeat in the September 2009 Democratic Primary for the office of New York City Comptroller coming in a distant fourth, David turned around and ran for the open State Assembly seat. David Weprin had no public regrets about this mailing which was an attempt to smear his Republican opponent, Glen Oaks Co-op Association President Bob Friedrich as not being tough enough on hate crimes. Weprin’s political grandstanding for free press knows no bounds. He and his tactics are clearly not kosher. Intelligent voters know better. Sincerely, Larry Penner Dear Editor, This week, I read your article on Mr. Martin Greenfield with interest. Besides for being an interesting article and truly fascinating, I couldn’t help but marvel at this man who clearly rose from the ashes of churban Europe to create an empire for himself and his family. Losing his family in the Holocaust, Mr. Greenfield came to America with nothing—not parents, siblings or money in his pocket. He worked hard and worked his way up the ladder to create something he could be proud of. There are many other Holocaust survivors who did the same. In fact, our grandparents’ generation all came to America with barely anything except for the clothes on their backs. It was only with hard work, perseverance and siyata dishmaya that they excelled. There was no such thing as credit cards. They didn’t buy fancy cars or designer clothing for their children. They knew their priorities were to provide for their family and be honest in what they did.

Views expressed on the Letters to the Editor page do not necessarily reflect the views of The Jewish Home.

Nowadays, our children don’t know the value of hard work or an honest dollar. B”H they never had to taste the bitterness of hunger or the pain of aching bones. But they are spoiled and feel they are entitled to fancy homes and luxurious cars. They buy on credit and rack up debts to “keep up with the Cohens.” We are doing our children a disservice to constantly pamper them and give them everything their hearts desire. Perhaps we should teach our children the value of a dollar, let them know when we can’t afford something, and explain to them they just because everyone has something doesn’t mean that it’s a necessity. Richard M. Levy Dear Editor, An election is coming up and for residents of New York City, it is an important one. The race for mayor has been dominated by sound bites and by noisy ads. The polls have shown that Bill de Blasio will be the winner. But polls don’t dictate outcome. Just look at the 1948 presidential election when a triumphant Harry Truman held up a newspaper with the headline “Dewey Defeats Truman.” The likely frontrunner is not always the winner and we can help turn the tide. As shown by past elections, the Far Rockaway and Queens Orthodox Jewish communities have come out as a strong voting bloc. If everyone in those communities and in other Orthodox communities in New York City came out swinging for Joe Lhota, we may be able to sway the election. Lhota represents all that we stand for.

the Editor He values a strong family life and conservative values. He wants to keep New York safe for all citizens and make it a place for businesses to thrive. He needs our vote on November 5.

Don’t let him down. Don’t let your fellow New Yorkers down. Go out and vote. Shirley Weiss Far Rockaway, NY

Readers Poll Compiled by Toby Bobker

How often do you go to the dentist for a checkup/cleaning? Twice a year

28%

Once a year 54% Every few years 6% I haven’t been to the dentist in forever 12%

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Letters to

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

The Week Global Democracy for Sale in Afghanistan A new line of work has cropped up in Afghanistan, one that shows exactly how interested the country is in democracy. The market of selling votes for the upcoming election has seen a new emergence of “entrepreneurs” buying and selling the government issued voting cards. One “dealer” who used to be a car mechanic said he was able to buy voter cards for 200 Pakistani rupees ($1.89) each from villagers and sell them for 500 rupees ($4.73) to campaign managers who can use them in connivance with poll officials to cast seemingly legitimate votes. From the sale of each card he made enough money to pay for a hearty meal like kebabs with rice and maybe even a soda. There are months to go until polling day on April 5, but many presi-

dential candidates are already alarmed by the scale of the illicit trade in voter cards and questioning how legitimate the election will be. An election blemished by more fraud than the last polls in 2009 will play into the hands of Taliban insurgents. There is a great risk of a breakdown of government, especially as multinational troops pull out of the war-ravaged nation. “When people buy and sell voter cards for the cost of lunch, it means that Afghan democracy is for sale,” said Azizullah Ludin, who was the chairman of the Afghan election watchdog in 2009 and is now himself running for president. The United States, which has led an international effort to restore democracy in Afghanistan since it helped oust the hardline Islamic Taliban regime in 2001, desperately wants the election to be the crowning moment of its presence before Western combat troops withdraw at the end of 2014. But how democratic can an election be when the winner is determined by the highest bidder? The nomination process for the 2014 poll ended only days ago, but the voter card trade is already starting to worry Western diplomats instructed to mon-

In News itor the election for their governments. The winning candidate will replace President Hamid Karzai who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third five-year term. Among the candidates are his elder brother Qayum, former foreign minister Zalmay Rassoul, another former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah and a former Islamist warlord turned parliamentarian, Abdul Rab Rassoul Sayyaf. While it may be difficult to measure the scale of fraud compared to 2009, security will clearly be a bigger threat to the process next year, according to Davood Moradian, the director of the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies. “Last time, there was a degree of certainty about the security situation surrounding the election. This time because of the transition and withdrawing of international troops, the security will be more challenging,” Moradian said. The corruption is very widespread. In Kandahar, police were involved in the theft of registration lists from a polling station. In a recent of example of the hazards faced by monitors, Taliban gunmen shot and killed the IEC head in the northern province of Kunduz

last month, a day after he warned that deteriorating security threatened next year’s election. In parts of the northern and lawless province of Kunduz, voter cards have become a form of currency and are being exchanged for bags of rice and potatoes.

Russia Most Educated Country in the World

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development published a report detailing the education worldwide. Between 2010 and 2011, the

With great joy we are honored with the presence of our revered guest, the well known Tzaddik

"unst irn ,ause suc f t"yhka r

drucxyhpn

THE PITTSBURGHER REBBE SHLITA of Ashdod, Israel

who will be coming v”ht

vra hhj ,arp ,ca (October 25-28) to Kew Gardens Hills

• SHABBOS SCHEDULE: •

Mincha & Kabolas Shabbos at 5:50 PM Khal Nachlas Yitzchok - Rabbi Oelbaum’s Shul: 141-43 73rd Ave.

Tish Friday Night at 8:30 PM

Yeshiva of Central Queens: 147-37 70th Rd. Shacharis at 8:30 AM Yeshiva Ohr Hachaim: 141-61 71st Ave. Mincha & Shalosh Seudos at 5:30 PM Cong. Ohel Yitzchak - Rabbi Arieli: 137-58 70th Ave.

Havdala and L’chaim at 8:00 PM followed by Kabolas Kahal

at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Nussy Elbogen 73-74 136th Street

The Rebbe Shlita will be staying at the home of our dear hosts:

Mr. & Mrs. Charles-Edouard Gros 141-16 72nd Ave.

For appointments bet. October 25th - 28th call: 718-704-4821

Queens Friends of Mosdos Pittsburgh

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

rhgk tc ehsm

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

The Week percentage of Americans who received college degrees stayed the same at 42%, ranking fifth in the most educated countries list. Surprisingly, as of 2011, an estimated 53.5% of Russian adults held a tertiary degree, which is the equivalent of a college degree in the United States, the highest proportion among the developed countries considered by the OECD.

According to analysts, the most educated populations tend to be in countries where spending on all levels of education is among the highest. For example, the U.S. spent 7.3% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on education in 2010, the sixth highest among the countries reviewed by the OECD. Eight of the ten most educated countries spent more than the OECD average on education,

In News both as a percentage of GDP and in dollars per capita. However, Russia and Japan prove to be exceptions to this trend. In Russia, student spending on education was just 4.9% of GDP, or barely more than $5,000 per student, the lowest among all countries reviewed. In the United States, spending per pupil was more than three times as much.

THE OU ADVOCACY CENTER

Across OECD countries in 2011, unemployment rates were lower for young adults who had completed upper secondary or post-secondary education. According to OECD analyst Gara Rojas González, tertiary education is crucial not just for individuals’ success, but also for countries to weather poor economic conditions. “After the strong impact of the financial crisis, not surprisingly, unemployment rates increased at each level of education, but the increase has been smaller among higher-educated people. At higher levels of attainment, people are less exposed to unemployment and have better chances to keep participating actively in the economic system, for the benefit of both individuals and society.” Based on the OECD’s Education at a Glance 2013 report, the top 10 countries with the highest proportions of residents aged 25 to 64 with a tertiary education in 2011 are, in order of lowest to highest: Australia, Finland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Korea, United States, Israel, Japan, Canada and Russia.

Chinese Family Seeks to Return Books Belonging to German Jew

INVITES YOU TO A LEADERSHIP FORUM with Nassau County Executive

ED MANGANO

Monday, October 28, 2013 at 12:30 PM at The Orthodox Union

11 BROADWAY, 14TH FLOOR

NEW YORK, NY 10004

A LIGHT LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED • THIS INVITATION IS NON-TRANSFERABLE OU Advocacy is committed to educating the Jewish community about candidates and their positions throughout New York State. As the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, the Orthodox Union is a not-for-profit and does not endorse any candidate.

For Security Purposes

PLEASE RSVP TO: EVENTS@OUADVOCACY.ORG

In the 1930s, tens of thousands of Jews sought refuge from Nazi persecution in Shanghai, China. Now, one Chinese family is seeking a former Jewish refugee to return 2,000 of his books they kept safe for 70 years. The books are in Hebrew, English, and German. Apparently, this man had been a schoolteacher and left his books with Lin Daozhi for safekeeping when he left China in 1943. Based on a card dated 1947 and found with the books, the man is a German Jew named Carl Anger. The books narrowly escaped destruction by the invading Japanese during World War II and again by China’s rampaging “Red Guards” during the chaotic Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1976. Lin Daozhi died in 1981 at the age of 93. The Lin family’s 10-square-meter (108-square-foot) home, which housed the texts for decades, is now scheduled for demolition and Daozhi’s children want to return the books. “After keeping these books for seven decades, we are seeking help...because the room we use to store these books is going to be pulled down,” Lin’s daughter-in-law told the Global Times newspaper. The Shanghai Jewish Refugees Mu-

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

The Week seum is assisting the family in finding the original owner or his relatives. In the meantime, a local library is storing the stack of books.

Hillary: Even you Have to Pay the Fine!

Even Hillary Clinton has to follow the rules. On Friday, a London parking enforcement officer gave her a $127.00 parking ticket. He didn’t seem to be fazed by her current political standing

or by her potential to become America’s next president. The violation was given because her entourage did not purchase a parking pass for £3.30 per hour—that’s about $5.27. The former secretary of state was being honored for her work and her silver Mercedes Benz was parked outside the Chatham House in London. British media outlets published photos of the “extraordinary moment” when the officer slapped Clinton’s car with the citation. The pictures then go on to portray a heated conversation between the parking attendant and her security team. Greg Brennan, the photographer who witnessed the scene, also reported that at least one of Clinton’s security agents was seen “angrily waving his arms” and showing the attendant his badge. But illegal parking is still not right and warrants a fine, and the fine was issued. “Despite our traffic marshal being questioned by the Secret Service for just doing his job, he was in the right,” Councilor Daniel Astaire, the local city council member for business, said. “The former U.S. Secretary of State was

Your Garage Door Design Center • Wood • Steel • Fiberglass • Vinyl • PVC • Insulated & Non-Insulated Doors

We Service All Garage Doors • Seasonal Inspections • Garage Door "Tune-Ups" • Springs • Track • Hinges • Cables • Panel Replacements

Garage Door Openers

• Keypads • Remote Control • Sensors

Locksmith Service Installation and Repairs • Decorative Hardware • Shabbos Locks High Security Locks • Mag Locks • Electric Buzzers Automatic Handicap Door Openers • New Safe Installations

$100 OFF

10% OFF

RESTRICTIONS APPLY

NEW INSTALLATIONS

REPAIRS

In News parked for nearly 45 minutes without paying. I’m sure she will understand that we have to be fair to everyone, regardless of their status on the world stage.”

cient gold tablet that their later father acquired in Germany after World War II.

An End to Poverty in Sight

The painful realities of poverty may be over in 2030. According to a new report by the Brookings Institution, there is a possibility to completely eliminate extreme poverty within the next 16 years. Currently, there are more than a billion people worldwide that live in extreme poverty, extreme poverty being defined as living on less than $1.25 a day. The report claims that the combination of increased shared consumption and improved global distribution of resources has reduced the poverty rate considerably over the past two decades. In 1990, there were about 2 billion people living in poverty. The clincher, though, is that “both factors are needed simultaneously” in order to achieve this utopian goal. The report gained media attention on Friday when Bill Gates referred to the report in a tweet to his 13-million-plus followers, “What are the prospects of ending extreme poverty? This interactive chart shows how far we’ve come since 1990.” A report released this month by the World Bank Group says that 400 million of the world’s billion people living in poverty are children. Sub-Saharan Africa faces the largest extreme poverty gap.

Berlin Museum Seeks Return of Golden Tablet The family of Riven Flamenbaum, a Holocaust survivor, pleaded with New York’s Court of Appeals’ highest court to grant them permission to keep an an-

Attorney Steven Schlesinger argued that the estate of Riven Flamenbaum has a legal claim, regardless of if the native of Poland bought the relic from a Russian soldier or simply took it to compensate for losing his family at Auschwitz. “Under the Soviet rules at the time, there was permission to pillage and plunder,” Schlesinger said. “My client could have taken it in retribution.” Before the war, the tablet was in the collection of the Vorderasiatisches Museum, a branch of the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. The museum had not reclaimed the table for the last 60 years, and the family argued that that is considered an unreasonable delay, undercutting its claim. According to his lawyer, Flamenbaum had been told by Christie’s in 1954 that the small tablet was a fake and he therefore just held onto it. It is now in a safety deposit box on Long Island. “There’s no such thing as a right of pillage,” museum attorney Raymond Dowd said. “Reparation has nothing to do with this case.” The 9.5-gram tablet was excavated a century ago by German archaeologists from the Ishtar Temple in what is now northern Iraq. It went on display in Berlin in 1934, was put in storage as the war began and later disappeared. The seven presiding judges at New York’s highest court interrogated both lawyers on Tuesday. The ruling is expected next month. The daughter of Flamenbaum, Hannah Flamenbaum said, “It could fit in the palm of your hand. We played with it as children.” According to her, “He never tried to sell it. ... This was sort of the legacy of his suffering in the camps,” she said. “The thought was if we’re allowed to retain it, put it on display in one of the museums, whether down here in Battery Park City in Manhattan or even in Israel. Use it as a way to talk about the Holocaust ... and my parents’ story.” According to recent estimates, the tiny tablet can be worth about $10 million, Schlesinger said.

Anti-Semitism in Europe on the Rise

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights conducted a survey asking 5,100 Jews from nine European countries whether or not they avoid wearing obviously Jewish symbols in public places out of fear of anti-Semitic violence. The survey included those living in France, Britain, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Hungary, Romania and Latvia. In total, about 22% respondents admitted that they avoid wearing their kippah and other identifiably Jewish items when visiting public places. In Sweden, particularly, the fear of anti-Semitism is strong; 49% of 800 respondents said

they refrain from appearing noticeably Jewish in public. In France, 40% of approximately 1,200 Jews said they avoided wearing such items in public, followed by Belgium with 36%. “The results show that a majority of European Jews are experiencing a rise in anti-Semitism,” Gert Weisskirchen, a former representative of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe for fighting anti-Semitism, said on Tuesday at a conference in Kiev. The survey also revealed that 30% of Hungarian Jews surveyed, 21% of French Jews surveyed, and 16% of German Jews surveyed had experienced an anti-Semitic incident in the last 12 months.

China Battles Heavy Smog Days with New Rules Last winter, Beijing suffered an “airpocalypse,” off-the-charts pollution levels. The heavy smog scared off tourists and affected life in China. Recently,

In News politicians have come up with a plan to battle their heavy pollution problem. New Yorkers—think back to last year this time; Hurricane Sandy, gas shortages, and even & odd license plates. The new guidelines in China dictate that on “bad-air” days there will be an alternative driving day schedule for cars with even and odd numbered license plates. City officials will not be excluded from these rules.

Chinese state news agency Xinhua released the details for the new rules on Thursday. They will take effect on days when Beijing issues a “red alert” under a four-tiered pollution warning system. A red alert will be issued when the air quality index (AQI) is expected to be over 300 over a three-day period.

In order to accommodate drivers on their “non-driving” days, the capital will increase public transportation frequency and hours of service. According to research by the Environmental Protection Bureau, this would create an influx of an estimated 2 million more people onto the city’s already crammed buses and subway. The new guidelines also factor in children’s safety on these “red alert” days. On red alert days, all kindergartens, primary and high schools will also suspend classes until air quality improves, a modern version of snow days. The intention is that the new guidelines will help manage the symptoms of air pollution. But this is just one small effort in an area that requires a lot more change. China’s ruling Communist Party has displayed a preparedness to confront many of these issues. They recently offered nearly $1 billion dollars in incentives to local governments to clean up their act, either through the suspension of construction projects or heavy industry or transitioning from coal-burning power plants to more expensive natural gas plants. Continued on page 18

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

The Week

This Event is Being Sponsored

! FO IS YIN H ANT T NDEVE U S

vecr ,c krgp vfkn wkjr vra ,c vxsv gaybgv :vnka vtupr ,ufzk

ED AT PD U

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

ONE YEAR SINCE HURRICANE SANDY PLEASE READ THESE IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS WHICH WILL HELP ENSURE THAT THIS EVENT WILL RUN AS SAFELY AND SMOOTHLY AS POSSIBLE g Seating for men and women will be entirely separate: Please plan the supervision of your children accordingly. g Due to security precautions please do not bring any knapsacks, bags, etc.

g There will be no access to Cedar Lawn Avenue via the 878: Please utilize the side streets off of Reads Lane for parking. The police will be on hand to try and direct people as best as possible. g No reservations are required and seating will be given on a first come first serve basis.

Siyum On Entire Sefer Tehillim TO BE LED BY THE RABBONIM OF OUR COMMUNITY

FEATURED GUEST SPEAKER

Rabbi Fischel Schachter

SPECIAL MUSICAL PRESENTATION

Eitan Katz

Baruch Levine

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013 f 2:00 PM AT: YESHIVA SHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;OR YOSHUV 1 CEDARLAWN AVE, LAWRENCE, NY

Special seating arrangements will be in place to accommodate the overflow crowds.

For more information please call: 516-791-4444 Ext. 110 The Rabbonim and Principals of our community strongly urge all parents to join with their children at this event.

17 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

PARTICIPATING YESHIVOS AND SCHOOLS: (LIST IN FORMATION)

999 Yeshiva

Far Rockaway

‫ישיבה דרך איתן ע''ש מרן הגאון רבי אברהם יפהן זצ''ל‬

999

THE FOLLOWING SHULS FROM ACROSS OUR COMMUNITY WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THIS EVENT: Congregation Magen David Rabbi Izhar Azriel

K’hal Nesiv HaTorah Rabbi Binyamin Forst

Beis Haknesses of North Woodmere Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz

K’hal Zichron Moshe Dov Rabbi Aron Eliezer Stein

Yeshiva Darchei Torah Rabbi Yaakov Bender

Agudath Israel of the Five Towns Rabbi Yitzchak Frankel

Congregation Anshei Chesed Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz

Bais Avrohom Zev of Lawrence Rabbi Asher Stern

Young Israel of Woodmere Rabbi Herschel Billet

Chofetz Chaim Torah Center Rabbi Aryeh Zev Ginzberg

Young Israel of Oceanside Rabbi Jonathan Muskat

Young Israel of Lawrence Cedarhurst Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum

Beis Medrash Ateres Yisroel Rabbi Yisroel Meir Blumenkrantz

Yeshiva Ateres Shimon Rabbi Mordechai Groner

Congregation Bais Yehuda Rabbi Levi Osdoba

Young Israel of Long Beach Rabbi Chaim Wakslak

Young Israel of Hewlett Rabbi Heshy Blumstein

Congregation Beth Sholom Rabbi Kenneth Hain

Yeshiva of Far Rockaway Rabbi Aaron Brafman HILI Bais Medrash Rabbi Dov Bressler Agudath Israel of West Lawrence Rabbi Moshe Brown Congregation Tifereth Zvi Rabbi Pinchas Chatzinoff Young Israel of Far Rockaway Rabbi Saul Chill Agudath Yisrael of Bayswater Rabbi Menachem Feifer Congregation Kneseth Israel Rabbi Eytan Feiner Kehillas Bais Yehuda Tzvi Rabbi Yaakov Feitman Young Israel of Bayswater Rabbi Eliezer Feuer

Bais Medrash Ohr Shlomo Rabbi Chanina Herzberg Bostoner Bais Medrash of Lawrence Rabbi Yaakov Y. Horowitz Bais Medrash of Harborview Rabbi Yehoshua Kalish Sh’or Yoshuv Institute Rabbi Naftali Jaeger Rabbi Avrohom Halpern

Congregation Bais Ephraim Yitzchok Rabbi Zvi Ralbag Agudath Israel of Long Island Rabbi Yaakov Reisman Sephardic Beit Medrash of Bayswater Rabbi Yigal Reuven Congregation Bais Tefilah Rabbi Shaya Richmond Congregation Ohab Zedek Rabbi Tsvi Selengut

Congregation Shomrei Shabbos Rabbi Shimshon Katz Young Israel of West Hempstead Rabbi Yehuda Kelemer Agudas Achim Rabbi Elisha Horowitz Yeshiva of South Shore Rabbi Binyomin Kamenetzky Rabbi Mordecai Kamenetzky

This event is being coordinated by

Irving Place Minyan Rabbi Ariel Rackovsky

Young Israel of North Woodmere Rabbi Yehuda Septimus Chabad Lubavitch of Far Rockaway Rabbi Pesach Schmerling Kehillas Ahavas Yisroel Rabbi Dov Silver Congregation Shaarei Emunah Rabbi Yitzhak Simantov Bais Medrash of Cedarhurst Rabbi Dovid Spiegel

K’hal Chesed V’emes Rabbi Shmaryahu Weinberg Congregation Shaaray Tefilah Rabbi Dovid Weinberger Congregation Aish Kodesh Rabbi Moshe Weinberger Bais Tefila of Inwood Rabbi Pinchas Weinberger Woodsburgh Minyan Rabbi Lewis Wienerkur Bais Medrash of Woodmere Rabbi Akiva Willig K’hal Bnei HaYeshivos Rabbi Shmuel Witkin Chabad of the Five Towns Rabbi Zalman Wolowik Kehilla Ateres Yaakov Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe Beis Medrash Heichal Dovid Lawrence

with the endorsement and direct guidance of our local Rabbonim.

The Week Modern Day Slavery Estimated at 30M Although slavery in America was abolished in 1865, there are still 29.8 million people enslaved worldwide. Global indexes on modern slavery released on Thursday reveals that victims are often forced into manual labor or are young girls forced to live in homes where they are taken advantage of. Many are victims of debt bondage and some are born into servitude.

This estimate is higher than other attempts to quantify modern slavery. The International Labor Organization

estimates that almost 21 million people worldwide are victims of forced labor. Although the plague exists in 162 countries surveyed by Walk Free, an Australian-based rights group, almost half the 30 million are enslaved in India. “Today some people are still being born into hereditary slavery, a staggering but harsh reality, particularly in parts of West Africa and South Asia,” the report said. “Other victims are captured or kidnapped before being sold or kept for exploitation, whether through ‘marriage,’ unpaid labor on fishing boats, or as domestic workers. Others are tricked and lured into situations they cannot escape, with false promises of a good job or an education.” The Global Slavery Index 2013 defines slavery as the possession or control of people to deny freedom and exploit them for a profit through violence, coercion or deception. According to the index, 10 countries alone account for three quarters of the world’s slaves. With more than half in India, China has a reported 2.9 million slaves, Pakistan has 2.1 million, Nigeria has 701,000, Ethiopia has 651,000, Russia has 516,000, Thailand has 473,000, Demo-

In News cratic Republic of Congo has 462,000, Myanmar has 384,000, and Bangladesh has 343,000.

Israel Israel Awards Bloomberg Jewish Nobel Prize

On Monday it was announced that Israel recognized New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg as the first recipient of

the $1 million Genesis Prize, an award also known as the “Jewish Nobel Prize.” He was honored for his long record of public service and philanthropy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present the prize to Bloomberg early next year in Israel. Bloomberg, a billionaire, will then announce to which philanthropic cause he will donate the money. The mayor said he was honored to be chosen. “I got a call from Netanyahu this morning to congratulate me, and we’ll work out a date when I can be in Israel to accept it,” Bloomberg said at a news conference in New York. He mentioned that he does not yet know where he will be donating the money, but “I want to use it to do something that will foster relationships in a very difficult part of the world,” he said. These were 200 nominees for the prize which was established “to recognize exceptional human beings who, through their outstanding achievement, come to represent a fundamental value of the Jewish people — a commitment to the betterment of mankind.”

WE DELIVER!

E ducating t hE n Ext g EnEration of

J Ewish L EadErs HOURS: DAY: 11AM- 3PM EVENING: 8PM- 10PM

Layette

OR CALL FOR AN APPT.

(845) 642-2043

Hebrew AcAdemy of NAssAu couNty Child-centered general and religious studies program for Kindergarten through 6th grade

LAYETTE PACKAGES │PERFECT FOR BABY GIFTS

Challenges students to academic and social excellence

20% OFF ALL VELOURS

Differentiated instruction designed to infuse a love of learning and provide the tools to succeed

CARRYING A FULL LINE OF STRETCHIES, KNITS & 2 PIECE OUTFITS Sizes: 0-2T

Commitment to instilling Torah values and midot tovot Supportive and engaging environment which fosters creativity, imagination, exploration and curiosity

HANc opeN House hanc wEst hEmpstEad ELEmEntary schooL 609 hEmpstEad avEnuE, wEst hEmpstEad, ny 11552 novEmbEr 6, 2013 at 8:00pm pleAse coNtAct us At hanc609@hanc.org or (516) 485-7786

BrandTheRightWay.com

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

1408 MOTT AVENUE, FAR ROCKAWAY CORNER OF CAFFREY AVE

LITTLEITALYLAYETTS@GMAIL.COM

73 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

in Limudei Kodesh and General Studies Separate classes for boys and girls 4-8th Grades

Emphasis on Yirat Shamayim, e Midot Tovot and lov for Eretz Yisrael

Fre Transporet

ation

from Quee ns, Five Towns , Great Neck , and West Hem pstead!

Bais Yaakov of Queens

Open HOuse Wednesday, november 13th, 2013 9:00 a.m. - Meet the administration 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Tour the school 1:00 p.m. – Meet the administration 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tour the school Experience our warm and nurturing environment filled with loving staff, inspiring chinuch and 21st century learning! Feel the joy of becoming life long learners! If you require additional information please contact Mrs. Yocheved Granek at 718 847 5352.

YCQ Kindergarten Open House Sunday, November 3rd, 2013 10:00 am - 11:30 am For you and your child (two adults per child)

147-37 70th Road, Kew Gardens Hills | 718-793-8500

EXT.

313 | www.ycqweb.com

Open HOuse

WednesdaY, nOveMBer 13TH, 2013 1 2 4 - 5 0 M e T r O p O l I Ta n av e n u e K e W G a r d e n s , n e W Y O r K 11 4 1 5

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

YESHIVA OF CENTRAL QUEENS

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

The Week Palestinians Say Israeli Curriculum Does Not Teach History of Palestine

Last year, Palestinians in East Jerusalem were offered the opportunity to study an Israeli curriculum instead of the outdated Palestinian one that they had been studying. It was offered to give students a chance to receive a higher education and give them the possibility of a better future. But now, some of the 190 students

enrolled in the program are complaining that the program does not include information that they feel is necessary for their education. “They teach us Torah during history and Hebrew lessons. And they don’t teach us anything about the history of Palestine,” said A.J., a 13-year-old student who enrolled in the pilot program last year in the hopes of eventually being accepted into an Israeli university. Others have complained that the Israeli curriculum teaches that Jerusalem is united (something that Palestinians do not hold to be true) and that the capital of Israel is Jerusalem (an axiom that Palestinians deny). The West Bank is also referred to as Judea and Samaria. Ibrahim Al-Khatib, principal at Ibn Rushd in Sur Baher, a neighborhood of East Jerusalem, says that the Israeli material is “more comprehensive and objective, especially in sciences and the Hebrew language.” A high level of Hebrew is essential to get into Israeli university, and not being completely fluent in it handicaps many Palestinians students. Lara Mbariki, who is the official in charge of education in East Jerusalem, says that Palestinian parents were

In News and the two fired at the tractor driver, seriously injuring him. Obaidi died from his wounds shortly thereafter. Obaidi’s brother, Mir’i Radeideh, had also attempted to carry out a terrorist attack with a tractor. Radeideh attempted to run over two policemen in a police car in Jerusalem in March 2009. He was also shot to death.

the ones to have asked for the Israeli curriculum.

Terrorist Shot During Attack After trying to break into an IDF base with a tractor, a Palestinian terrorist was killed last week in the West Bank. The killed attacker was named Younis Obaidi. He managed to ram the large tractor into the fence that surrounds the perimeter of the army base. The base is located near Al-Ram, which is southeast of Ramallah. Obaidi was driving towards an IDF soldier guarding the entrance. “A Palestinian ... posed an immediate life threat to soldiers nearby. They opened fire towards the suspect and reported a direct hit,” an IDF spokeswoman said. The tractor lightly injured an IDF soldier. After realizing that the tractor was on a murderous mission, the guard began to chase the tractor and yelled for him to stop but Obaidi continued, recklessly hitting vehicles parked inside the base. An officer joined the first soldier

Swimming for Gold for Israel

The FNA Swimming World Cup has seen new records set for Israeli athletes this week. Amit Ivri broke the Israeli record, which she set last year. She is the only Israeli swimmer to ever have

ToTally Free Business Checking ... PlUS Special offers of Up to $120 Value! SupremeValue Checking® • No minimum balance requirements • No monthly maintenance fees • JUST $100 to open your account • UNlIMITeD transactions • No per check charge • Free Visa® Business Debit Card* • Free Online Banking and Mobile Banking**

PlUS. .

$100 Value***

Free IntroPak of 150 Business Checks (includes deposit tickets, stamp and cover)

$20 Cash Back

for unused checks and debit card from your business checking account at another bank.

receive a free gift with your new account. Visit us today!

Established 1863 · Member FDIC

115 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, 516-295-2698 Open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm; Thursday 9am-6pm; Sunday 9am-1pm Lauren Stamm, Branch Manager; Michael Lukin, Business Development 280 East Park Avenue, Long Beach, 516-897-5700 Open Monday-Thursday 8am-3pm; Friday 8am-7pm; Saturday 9am-1pm Stephen Hauff, Branch Manager *Application required. **Data fees from your mobile carrier may apply. ***Sales tax and delivery charge apply. Offers for new accounts and new money only. Offers may be discontinued at any time without prior notice. Gifts available while supplies last. apple bk - FIVE TOWNS JEWISH HOME - BUSINESS CHECKING AD - 10-8-13.indd 1

10/15/2013 4:35:57 PM

Suozzi spent his 8-years as Nassau County Executive spending your money on a luxury office suite and a healthy pay raise, while setting a record for government waste and mismanagement. He claims he balanced the Nassau County budget. Simple math shows all he did was hike taxes and borrow millions.

Here’s what it cost the Five Towns the last time Tom Suozzi was in office: • Hiked property taxes 23%* • Planned another 16% hike* • Passed a tax on heat and electric† • Stuck taxpayers with a $378 million deficit • Gave himself a generous $65,000 pay raise • Spent nearly $70 million dollars on luxury offices for himself and fellow Democrats * Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA) † Ed Mangano and the new Republican Legislative Majority repealed the Emergy Tax their first day in office, LI Herald 12/21/09, Nassau County Public Records, News12.com

County Executive Ed Mangano spent the past 4 years cleaning up Suozzi’s mess. We’re halfway there.

Vote for ED MANGANO on Nov. 5th

so he can finish the job.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Five Towns taxpayers CAN’T AFFORD to vote for Tom Suozzi

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

The Week reached the semi-finals at the Olympics. In the 200 meter individual mixed medley heat, Ivri shaved 18 one hundredths of a second off her previous record, stopping the clock at 2 minutes, 20.53 seconds. She also swam the 100-meter backstroke in one minute, 7.09 seconds. Also doing well in his contest is Israeli Olympic champ in windsurfing Shahar Tzuberi, who is ranked first in the at the ISAF Sailing World Cup Qingdao taking place in Qingdao, China. Tzuberi won the bronze medal in the 2008 World Cup and the bronze medal in Mistral style windsurfing at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Also participating in the World Cup is Israeli sailor Ma’ayan Davidovitz, who is ranked second among women in the competition.

Rosh Yeshiva of Bnei Akiva Yeshiva Passes Away Baruch dayan ha’emes. Rabbi Avraham Zuckerman, the rosh yeshiva of the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva network, passed away this week. He was 98-years-old.

Rabbi Zuckerman was hospitalized on Tuesday at the Hillel Yaffe Hospital in Hadera and was released on Friday afternoon, before Shabbos, to his home in Kfar HaRoeh where he passed away. Born in Lithuania in 1915, Rabbi Zuckerman came to Israel in 1936. In 1939, he co-founded the Bnei Akiva yeshiva in Kfar HaRoeh along with Rabbi Moshe Tzvi Neria. He headed the yeshiva along with Rabbi Neria for over fifty years. Rabbi Zuckerman was an advocate for secular learning along with Torah study. He felt that it was important for a Jewish child to receive a secular education in the same way a father is obligated to teach his son a trade. He is survived by his wife, Rivka, three daughters and two sons, 36 grand-

children and more than one hundred great-grandchildren.

U.N. Sec: “No Place for Anti-Semitism”

In News ering, according to several people in attendance. “The United States’ foreign policy must be clear eyed and understand that until the form of government changes in Iran, it is unlikely that their intentions toward Israel will change.”

Hamas Promises Kidnappings

ians in border towns and villages, army sources said. In July, in order to restart peace negotiations with the Palestinians, Israel approved the release of 104 Palestinian terrorists in four stages.

National Shutdown’s Pricey Price Tag

While speaking at the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon paid American Jews a compliment. The Secretary praised the American Jewish community for its partnership in fighting injustice while stressing the need to “stand strong against extremists.” In a brief speech made in front of 1,100 people, Ban said, “There can be no mistaking the distinct imprint that American Jewish organizations have made on the United Nations. Over the years we have campaigned together against injustice and intolerance. Our joint legacy is solid. The question now is where we go from here.” Despite “living in an era of tremendous opportunity,” Ban acknowledged present threats and challenges. He reiterated that, “no one – not Jews, Muslims or anyone else – should suffer or be targeted because of the creed they follow. “My position is unequivocal: anti-Semitism has no place in the 21st century,” he said. “Too much is at stake to allow such discrimination to persist.” He called the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks a “welcome step away from a dangerous status quo,” and acknowledged the upcoming anniversaries of Kristallnacht and the liberation of Auschwitz. “It is a cardinal mission of the United Nations to avert any such future horrors,” Ban said. “I look forward to strengthening the ties between the United Nations and all of you here tonight,” he said, and concluded, “Our doors are open to American Jewish organizations across the spectrum of our work.” Former President George W. Bush made a surprise appearance at the event. “I will not believe in Iran’s peaceful intentions until they can irrevocably prove that it’s true,” Bush told the gath-

According to a senior Hamas official, as long as Palestinians are in jail, Israeli soldiers will continue to be abducted and held for ransom. Issat al-Rishq promised that “Gilad Shalit was not the first” in Qatar. Al-Rishq is the spokesman for the Islamist organization’s Qatar bureau. He made the statement to mark two years since the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit who was released in 2011 from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip in exchange for 1,027 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Recently, Hamas posted a message on its website saying that the release of prisoners remained a top priority for it and that it would use all means to achieve this aim. Meanwhile, Israel carried out a phone campaign directed at Gaza residents that accused Hamas of failing to provide for the residents of the coastal strip. “To the residents of the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army warns you against obeying the orders of the terrorist Hamas or having any contact with it,” the message said. “Know that Hamas is spending millions of dollars on tunnels used for hostile and terrorist acts against the state of Israel,” it said. “This money should have gone to infrastructure, education and health projects.” Earlier this month, the IDF uncovered a massive Hamas attack tunnel leading from Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip into Israel, complete with an electrical supply and phone lines. The tunnel might have been intended for attacking or kidnapping soldiers or for moving terrorists from Gaza into Israel to commit an atrocity against civil-

The total cost of the government shutdown is hard to pinpoint but experts agree it cost U.S. taxpayers at least 24 billion dollars—that’s over 1.5 billion bucks a day. Standard & Poor’s said that the shutdown “to date has taken $24 billion out of the economy, and has shaved at least 0.6 percent off annualized fourth-quarter 2013 GDP growth.” These estimates are for the overall economy, taking into account not just federal wages and productivity, but all the ripple effects and costs as well. Here are a few of the hits we took in the past two and a half weeks: – $3.1 billion in lost government services. – $152 million per day in all spending related to travel lost because of the shutdown. As many as 450,000 American workers supported by travel may be affected. – National parks welcome more than 700,000 people per day usually in October and visitors spend an estimated $32 million per day in communities near national parks and contribute $76 million each day to the national economy. Hey, Mr. Cruz, was it worth it?

Florida Inmates Escape on Forged Papers Last week, two Florida inmates got out of jail on forged papers. Now, in-

vestigators are saying that this is not an isolated case; two more inmates in the same prison were in the process of obtaining forged documents for their “get out of jail free” card. Investigators have seized computers and printers from the Franklin Correctional Institute and are undertaking a forensic analysis of inmate accounts to figure out who is behind the scheme, how big it is and whether there are more escapees on the loose. They said they have zeroed in on several people suspected of helping Charles Walker and Joseph Jenkins escape from Franklin — only to be recaptured last week — but they aren’t ready to make any arrests. “There is still a lot we do not know and there is a lot we have yet to prove,” Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Jerry Bailey said at a press conference. The scope of the forgery operation is still unknown, but officials have identified seven escape tries at three state prisons — three of them successful. Franklin’s tally includes Walker, who was released October 8, and Jenkins, who tried unsuccessfully in 2011 and then made it out September 27. The two men, both 34 and serving life for mur-

i h T

s s

der, were arrested on Saturday in a Panama City, Fla., hotel. They have asked for attorney representation and are not talking to police.

Dry Ice Bomber Arrested

Two small explosions in Los Angeles International Airport have led to the arrest of a suspect. Dicarlo Bennett is being held on $1 million bond and faces one charge of possession of an explosive or destructive device near an aircraft. Bennett, 28, is thought to have packaged dry ice in small water bottles and having them explode in the busy airport. Bennett is an employee of Servisair, a company that provides ramp services and baggage handling. Servisair said in a statement that they were “aware of the

y a d

In News situation but have no comment at this time.” It is not clear what his motives were, but police have said they believe it was the work of a disgruntled employee and not an act of terrorism. Police investigated for two days before they arrested Bennett. No one was injured in either incident but police say dry ice can explode with the intensity of a pipe bomb. The bombs, made by putting dry ice in 20-ounce bottles, could have caused serious injury to anyone in close proximity. Authorities say all the bombs were found in restricted areas away from passengers. The first explosion happened on Sunday in an employee bathroom in Terminal 2. Another exploded on Monday night near the tarmac. No other arrests have been made.

What’s 2 + 2? Americans Can’t Read or Add Initial results of an international survey on literacy and mathematics have been released, and America did not do well. The U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) polled 23 advanced

economies around the globe, and we landed in 21st place for numeracy and tied at 15th for reading ability.

In the survey, “numeracy” was defined as “the ability to access, use, interpret, and communicate mathematical information and ideas, to engage in and manage mathematical demands of a range of situations in adult life.” “Literacy” was defined as “understanding, evaluating, using and engaging with written text to participate in society to achieve one’s goals and to develop one’s knowledge and potential.” Japan and Finland ranked first and second in both categories, and Italy and Continued on page 26

Shevach High School The Bais Yaakov High School of Queens

We take great pleasure in inviting eighth grade students and their parents to our

Open House

Sunday, October 27, 2013

s"ga, iuajrn d"f 10:00 am—12:30 pm 75-09 Main Street, Kew Gardens Hills, NY 718.263.0525 Rebbetzin Rochelle Hirtz, Principal Rebbetzin Chani Grunblatt, Assistant Principal Mrs. Miriam Krohn, Associate Principal Limudei Kodesh Mrs. Nechama Mirsky, Associate Principal General Studies A Proud Tradition of Excellence in Chinuch & Chesed

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

The Week

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

The Week Spain took the bottom two spots in both. The survey tested a sample of approximately 5,000 Americans ages 16 to 65, using a test that was scored on a scale of 0-500. The NCES report said that among the American survey sample there were 112 people who were unable to complete even the survey’s initial background questionnaire “because of a literacy-related barrier: either the inability to communicate in English or Spanish (the two languages in which the background questionnaire was administered) or a mental disability.”

Cuban off the Hook

In News which cases to bring,” Ansley said. He said the agency may become gun-shy about challenging people with the means to mount an aggressive defense, as Cuban did. Cuban is commonly listed among the 50 most powerful people in sports. He built the hapless Mavericks into an NBA champion, along the way building a reputation for berating referees. The NBA has fined him at least $1.5 million for his comments. Cuban’s wealth is estimated at $2.5 billion. If the jury had ruled for the SEC, Cuban could have faced roughly $2 million to $3 million in fines and penalties. On Wednesday, Cuban said he spent much more than that on the lawyers who delivered him a victory in the courtroom.

Booker Wins NJ Senate Seat

A five-year mounting by the SEC against billionaire Marc Cuban has come to an end. After a three-week trial and a three-hour deliberation, Cuban was declared not guilty in an insider trading court case. He was accused of selling $7.9 million of stock in Mamma.com Inc. in 2004 after he learned of a stock offering that would depress the price of shares in the search engine company. The jury in federal district court in Dallas said that the Securities and Exchange Commission failed to prove the key elements of its case, including the claim that Cuban agreed to keep certain information confidential and not trade on it. During an impromptu news conference outside the courthouse, the billionaire angrily denounced the SEC and its lead trial attorney, Jan Folena, saying that they lied about the evidence and targeted him because of his fame. He said that defendants of lesser wealth could have been bullied. “Hopefully people will start paying attention to how the SEC does business,” Cuban said. “I’m the luckiest guy in the world. I’m glad this happened to me. I’m glad I’m able to be the person who can afford to stand up to them.” Jeffrey Ansley, a former SEC enforcement lawyer now in private practice in Dallas, said the jury’s fast verdict was a condemnation of the SEC’s case. “The SEC lost every place where they could have lost, and because of that, this has to impact how the SEC staff decides

In a special election for a New Jersey Senate seat, Democrat Cory Booker has claimed victory. The seat was held by longtime Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D) until his death in June. Booker was the mayor of Newark and the heavy favorite to win the seat. He beat former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan by just over 10 points, 54.6 percent to 44.4 percent. The date of Booker’s swearing-in has not been set but is expected before November 5.

Booker thanked supporters and paid tribute to Lautenberg in a speech on Wednesday night. “Despite the cynicism and the negativity we often see on TV, despite a special election, New Jerseyans, hundreds of thousands, rejected all that and came out and voted,” he said. That turnout was low: about 1.2 million votes had been cast in a state of almost 5.5 million registered voters. Booker fended off three other Democrats in the August 13 primary and became the instant frontrunner against Lonegan in a state that has not elected a Republican to the Senate since 1972. Booker’s ambitions beyond the Senate are unclear. He has ruled out running for

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

The Week president in 2016. During the election, Booker received a lot of help from powerful Democrats. Mayor Michael Bloomberg pledged a $1 million contribution to airtime for Booker late in the race, and Obama cut a web video urging Booker’s supporters to turn out on Election Day.

In News

6M Young Americans Not Working or in School It seems that young adults in America are sitting on their couches surfing the web. According to a recent study, almost 6 million adults aged 16 to 24 are

neither in school nor working—that’s 15 percent of their age group! This finding is concerning, as these people are missing out on opportunities to gain crucial life experiences and knowledge they will need for the rest of their life. Without these vital experiences, these adults are less likely to command higher salaries than their peers.

✓ I want to go: Anywhere, as long as it’s warm ■ ✓ I have enough points to go: Someplace not so warm ■

x I found the deal I am looking for online: ■

Now what?

PAY WITH POINTSTM FOR AIRLINE TRAVEL

We will get you where you want to go

GUARANTEED

We will use your points as payment and book your ticket for the ﬂight you need! B O O K I N G

F O R :

B U S I N E S S

F A M I L Y

I N D I V I D U A L

“This is not a group that we can write off. They just need a chance,” said Mark Edwards, executive director of the coalition of businesses, advocacy groups, policy experts and nonprofit organizations dedicated to increasing economic mobility. “The tendency is to see them as lost souls and see them as unsavable. They are not.”

A young adult’s community is closely tied to his or her success. But reports showing a growing number of families living in poverty across the nation may forecast a dour future for these Americans. Some states are more supportive of their young folk. Among those states are Vermont, Minnesota and North Dakota. But Nevada, Mississippi and New Mexico have been shown to be the least supportive states in their nation. In Mississippi and West Virginia, 1 in 5 young people are idle — higher than their older neighbors. Mississippi has an overall unemployment rate of 8 percent, while West Virginia posts about 7 percent. “Their destiny is too often determined by their ZIP code,” said Charlie Mangiardi, who works with Year Up, a nonprofit that trains young adults for careers and helps them find jobs. “Often times they lack the social capital in life,” Mangiardi said. “There’s a whole pool of talent that is motivated, loyal and hardworking.” They just can’t get through an employer’s door, he added.

That’s Odd A-maze-ing Anniversary Gift Husbands everywhere have a new person to hate for making them look bad. For a special anniversary, some couples renew their vows, some buy a nice piece of jewelry…some (from Ohio) carve a symbol of their relationship into a cornfield. Phil Derthick, 72, and wife, Marie Derthick, 75, have been hosting corn mazes for the past seven years at their

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

The Week 181-acre farm. For their fiftieth anniversary, Phil decided to surprise his wife with a rendering of their wedding photo cut into 17 of those acres.

“He did it with the kids. They kept it a secret,” Marie Derthick related. “Last year we did John Glenn, because he had his 50th anniversary of going around the world, and in 2010 we had the Twin Towers in honor of the 10th anniversary of September 11, and we’ve done the Steelers and the Browns because, of course—they’re our favorite,” Marie explained. This year, however, she had no idea what her romantic husband had in store. “It was the end of June when I finally did find out,” she said. “I thought they were nuts, but it’s actually turned out very well.” Once the initial shock of her 17-acre face wore off, Marie Derthick

admitted that the maze, designed to include their wedding portrait, the place where they were married and her husband’s favorite antique tractor is definitely her favorite of all their cornfield creations. “I was surprised, because they put it together very nicely with … our wedding picture of the two of us in the middle and the old tractor at the bottom,” she said. The personalized corn field, which shockingly only took the design and cutting team one day to construct, has three different mazes, the longest measuring 4.4 miles covering the Derthicks’ faces. When she was asked how this present could ever possibly be topped next year, Marie Derthick said, “I don’t know, but we’ve got to come up with something good.” What could top something so a-maze-ing?!

If You “Like Me,” Post My Bail It’s official: you can now get anything done on Facebook. Just ask David

In News White of Beverly, Massachusetts. He used the social networking site to get bailed out of jail! White, 19, was picked up at what police called a “raucous” gathering of 100 to 150 people about 25 miles north of Boston. According to a report, five people were arrested at a party after an “uncooperative crowd” drew officers from three local police departments along with Massachusetts State Police. Once in custody, White could not get anyone by phone to come pay his $40 fee. Because the charge was disturbing the peace, he did not need to post bail, he just needed the 40 dollars to pay the fee. Finally, he asked officers if he could use his phone to post a plea on his Facebook page. “If they call mom and they can’t get her, we’re not going to say you can’t have another call. Not as long as they’re respectful and cooperative,” Detective Timothy Hegarty said. The officer admitted that White’s case was the first time he could remember of anyone “Facebooking” his or her way out of jail. “A lot of people don’t want to put it on Facebook that they’ve been arrested,” Hegarty said. It worked out for White, though.

Shortly after posting his online call for help, a friend arrived to pay his fee to get him out.

Seeing Double while You Eat

You’ll think you’re seeing double in this restaurant so just make sure you only pay once. Twin Stars restaurant in Moscow, Russia, has very narrow qualifications to become an employee: you need to be a twin and your twin needs to apply for the job as well. The eatery features a staff of servers and bartenders exclusively comprised of twins. Owner Alexei Khodorkovsky said the concept for the eatery was inspired by a 1964 Soviet film. “My favorite film from childhood, Kingdom of Crooked Mirrors, also, of course, was there in my

head. And that type of cellar, fairytale idea – the imaginative world of twins.” In the movie one character looks into a mirror and meets her twin that is living in an alternate reality. Sets of twins are required to dress identically and serve together. One pair of twins, Vika and Nika originally from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, wanted to work together. Nika said, “I really like it. It’s a very friendly team. One pair [of twins] is already fun. When there are two, it’s even more fun.” Sounds like double the fun, but hopefully it’s not double the calories.

after bodily functions, and patrons sit on seat shaped like toilets. Can’t imagine that they have much business.

World’s Weirdest Restaurants

Welcome to Cafe Neko, where your kittens are welcome, too. Cats can roam free at this Vienna cafe. If you don’t have your own furry friend, you won’t feel left out since the eatery has five feline hosts, Sonja, Thomas, Moritz, Luca and Momo. Want some meeowt-balls and spaghetti? And for the hypochondriacs out there who just can’t get enough of bare white walls and sterile atmospheres, there is the hospital-themed restaurant in Taiwan where the waitresses are dressed as nurses and serve customers

Since we all love talking about food, let’s talk about the world’s quirkiest restaurants… If you’re looking for a place where you don’t want to eat, check out the Magic Restroom Café in Los Angeles, a traditional Taiwanese restaurant with a twist. Its theme is the bathroom. Dishes are served in mini toilets and are named

In News drinks through a hospital drip. At Buns and Guns restaurant in Beirut you really get the feeling of a war zone (isn’t that what you were hoping for?). The chefs dress in military outfits and customers sit behind a wall of sandbags while dining on Lebanese fast food. Customers are assured, “A sandwich can kill you.” Very appetizing. Are you one of those people who actually enjoy airplane food? Then check out Special Enjoyment restaurant in China. The joint is shaped like an A380 airplane and waitresses are dressed like stewardesses. Unfortunately for all you foodies out there, my Google search is not showing that any of these hotspots have a reliable hechsher…I guess Mexican is as funky as we can get...for now…

Caution: Oreos are Officially Addictive We didn’t really need anyone to tell us this, but Oreo cookies are officially, scientifically addicting. According to a study performed at Connecticut Col-

lege, lab rats find Oreo cookies to be as addictive as cocaine. “Our research supports the theory that high-fat/high-sugar foods stimulate the brain in the same way that drugs do,” said Joseph Schroeder, associate professor of Neuroscience at Connecticut College. The idea for the study came from neuroscience major Jamie Honohan. He was interested in looking at how highfat, high-sugar foods contributed to the obesity epidemic in low-income areas. He could think of no better food to use than the classic cream-filled Oreo. Honohan also discovered that (surprise, surprise) Oreos are “highly palatable to rats,” which means we can all rethink the cheese in our mousetraps. To test the addictive powers of Oreos, the rats were run through a maze. On one end, the rats were offered Oreos, on the other, rice cakes. Another test group was given an injection of cocaine or morphine on one side, and a shot of saline on the other. It seems that the rats spent just as much extra time hanging out on the Oreo side of the maze as the other mice did on the cocaine side. “And just like most humans, rats go for the middle first,” reads Connecticut Col-

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

The Week

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

The Week lege’s own coverage of the study. Oreo is owned by Mondelez International’s Nabisco subsidiary, a billion-dollar business that also bakes up Chips Ahoy cookies and Ritz crackers. The odds that anybody will be shocked by the fact that lab mice, and people too, would prefer cookies over rice cakes isn’t likely to hurt the stock. Shares of Mondelez have risen 14.6% for the year-to-date.

Tri-Umphant Wedding This news story is happy and sad at the same time. Just one day after seeing three of her daughters get married, Becky Swales succumbed to breast cancer and died. Swales’ daughters, Jodie, Sarah and Kaylie Swales, of Snellville, Georgia, raised money from their local commu-

In News nity so that they could all get married on the same day and have their mom in attendance. They all walked down the aisle with their father and together went over to their mother in the front row. “It’s kind of bittersweet because we’re happy she’s here, but we’re sad because it’s probably going to be the last big thing we do with her,” Jodie Swales said. Swales passed away the day after the weddings at age 43.

We stand behind our products

On Facebook, Jodie called her mother “the most beautiful person” and an “angel.” “I know she’s watching me and my family and I’m gonna give her a life that she’d be proud to watch,” wrote Jodie. “Thank you G-d for letting her be here for the wedding yesterday. I love you bunches mommy. R.I.P.”

A Home that’s a Hole in the Wall

Eclipse

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

We would like to welcome our new store manager

Gabe Goldsmith

126 Cedarhurst Ave. Cedarhurst, New York | 516.792.1191

5211 New Utrecht Ave. Brooklyn, New York | 718.438.3933

www.s leeptightbedding.com

Meet Dan Price. He lives his life so frugally that his annual expenses are far less than any one child’s tuition at a local school. For more than 20 years he has lived in a small underground structure on a horse pasture he describes as a “Hobbit Hole” and spends less than $5,000 a year on expenses. Price was once a successful photojournalist with a wife and two kids. After reading Harlan Hubbard’s book, Payne Hollow, in which the author describes moving to a meager cottage in Ohio, he moved from Kentucky to Oregon for a simpler life. In addition to constructing the hobbit hole, Price has made himself a bathhouse and sauna, a workshop, and a garage for his TerraTrike, a threewheeled off-road bicycle that he uses to get around.

During the warm months of the year, Price lives on the horse pasture where his shelter is, paying the landowners $100 a month. In the colder months, he surfs in Hawaii. He tells those interested in his life choices that he doesn’t “believe in houses or mortgages. Who in their right mind would spend their lifetime paying for a building they never get to spend time in because they are always working?” Either that…or he’s just cheap.

We would like to welcome our new store

Tichon Meir Moshe

Bnos Bais Yaakov High School The Maurice Lowinger Campus

Please note change in date & time

Open House

Meet Our Esteemed Hanhala; Discover The Enriching Curriculum We Have To Offer

Monday, October 28, 8:00 p.m.

Entrance Exam

Sunday, November 17, 10:00 a.m.

Make Up Exam

mazdesign 718.471.6470

Monday, November 18, 5:00 p.m. Rabbi Shmuel Hiller, Dean Mrs. Chaya Gornish Mrs. Adina Mandel

Principal Limudei Kodesh

Principal General Studies

Mrs. Ruchie Sokoloff Dean of students

Quality Chinuch • Quality Education Ateres Nechama Liba Simcha Hall 613 Beach 9th Street • Far Rockaway, NY 11691 • Tel. 718.337.6000 ext. 337

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

This Monday!

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Around the

LOCAL

An Inspirational Morning at TAG

NEWS

Community Care To Join Me For A Ride?

How often does one get an opportunity to meet a hero? This past week, on Wednesday, October 16th, the seventh and eighth grades of TAG’s Junior High School and the High School were privileged to have that opportunity and hear from noted Russian refusnik R’ Yosef Mendelevich. Rabbi Mendelevich spoke of growing up in Communist Russia as a fully unaffiliated Russian Jew without any idea of what it means to be Jewish. He pas-

Russian, that R’ Mendelevich understood how much he needed and wanted to hold on to his Yiddishkeit. This led to his deep commitment to keep kashrus, Shabbos and to daven daily with great mesiras nefesh throughout his years in prison. He viewed those years as a wonderful gift from Hakodosh Boruch Hu who gave him this time to fully appreciate what it means to be a Yid. The girls were deeply moved and awed by his story and a lively question and answer session followed his talk. At the conclusion of the morning, Mrs. Aliza Kadosh, Principal of Limudei Kodesh in TAG High School, spoke to the girls. She took this opportunity to emphasize to the girls that they too demonstrate their heroRabbi Mendelevich delivering his inspired message as the Dean of ism when they are moser TAG, Rabbi Meyer Weitman, and high school students listen intently nefesh for their Yiddishkeit sionately described how the realization as they fight the many outside influences and appreciation of what it means to be in today’s world that are completely antiJewish came to pass. After his attempt- thetical to what we believe in as Yidden. ed escape from Russia via a hijacked They are truly the heroines of today’s plane, he was imprisoned for 11 years! generation. Many thanks to Mrs. Arielle Wolfson It was during that time in prison when a Russian officer interrogated him and who sponsored this truly memorable suggested he become just like any other event.

Avi Goldstein Makes a Siyum At YFR PHOTOGRAPHS BY IVAN H NORMAN

On Sunday, October 13, the Yeshiva of Far Rockaway commemorated the legacy of HaRav Ovadia Yosef zt”l, with a very moving hesped. At the hesped, Avi Goldstein, a YFR alumnus and parent, made a siyum on Rav Ovadia Yosef’s Yechaveh Daas, a six volume set of teshuvos. Avi began learning Yechaveh Daas almost twenty years ago in order to efficiently use the time between aliyos on Shabbos (bein gavra l’gavra). It took approximately two years to learn through each chelek and one year to review it. Avi remarked that Rav Ovadia’s encyclopedic knowledge (some teshuvos cited dozens of sources) made learning Yechaveh

Daas a very humbling experience. In the final teshuva concerning the ongoing obligations of a ger tzedek to his non-Jewish parents who are ill or have passed away, Rav Ovadia insists that Torah study in a deceased’s honor is the best way to elevate his or her soul. Avi noted that that given Rav Ovadia’s total dedication to learning Torah, this is an appropriate way for the last teshuva in Yechaveh Daas to conclude.

Do you enjoy biking, that feeling of freedom, hair blowing in the breeze or pedaling for miles? Well, now there is an option to get your whole family involved and support a good cause while you’re at it. On Sunday, October 27, the Five Towns community will come together to support individuals with special needs at the 2nd Annual Bike4Friends. Hosted by the Jean Fischman Chabad Center of the Five Towns’ Friendship Circle, Bike4Friends is a seven-mile, family bike ride to raise community awareness and crucial funds for individuals with special needs. Participating in Bike4Friends is easy and fun! Oh, and free! Registration can easily be completed at www.Bike4Friends.com. Registrants before October 20 will receive a free T-shirt! All registrants can also set up a fundraising page and invite their friends to join them in this mitzvah. Registration and T-shirt pick up begins at 11:00 a.m. at the Chabad of the Five Towns, 74 Maple Ave. Cedarhurst. The opening ceremony will begin at 12:00 p.m. followed by the 12:15 bike

ride (or 1 mile family walk). Everyone arrives back at 1:00 for food, fun, and entertainment. At the finish line, all are welcome to partake in a barbecue and carnival for a cover charge of $18 per person or $50 per family (bikers/walkers partake for free). The programs will be running on-time in order to accommodate the Tehillim asifah. There will be ride leaders directing people along the right route, as well as a support vehicle in case any bike maintenance is needed. Safety needs range from adequate hydration, adequate calories, helmets, visibility in all weather conditions, distance between bikes, and announcing all road obstacles in group rides. Chabad thanks its generous corporate sponsors Lantern Investment Inc., Gourmet Glatt, South Shore Bicycle and Fitness, Individualized Community Cares, and The Home Depot. The esteemed committee which has been helping out at each mile is comprised of Israel Garber, Adam and Sarit Kramer, Shlomie and Rivky Hartstein, Zahavit Mandelbaum, Holly Zinn, Mimi Srulovitch, Tamara Simon, Esther Lejbovitz, Mala Goldberg, Elisheva Baum, Devorah Wachsler, Rifky Robinson, and Julie Feinberg. The young leadership committee is also leading the way: Eric Wietschner, Benji Nierenberg, Natan Bauer, Zachary Beer, Chavi Charlap, and Aviva Susman. So bring the whole crew for an incredible day of fun that will surely make a difference! All proceeds of the event go directly to support the Friendship Circle of the Five Towns. For questions contact Batsheva Borenstein at 516-295-2478, ext. 13, Batsheva@chabad5towns.com, or www. bike4friends.com.

Standing Room Only at HANC High School Open House BOYS CAMP JULY 2014

TODAY CONTACT US ALL TO SEE WHAT UT! ABO THE BUZZ IS

This Summer 2014 HANC High School welcomed hundreds of visitors at the annual Open House last Sunday. Eighth grade parents and students attending HANC’s Middle School were joined by parents and students from a variety of schools to learn about the excellence and vibrancy that define this outstanding yeshiva. Guests were treated to a superb display of the academic and extra-curricular programs being offered at the high school, having an opportunity to meet and hear from the esteemed faculty members and students. Guests also heard from two student speakers. Junior Jacob Berman described his experience at HANC HS as well as the rigorous curriculum, and transfer student Elizabeth Frenkel described the warmth of her new school and shared the new opportunities she has found at HANC. Many parents commented on how incredible it was to be able to interact with high school students and parents through-

out the morning. One parent remarked, “What an impressive group of students! It’s refreshing to attend an Open House which allows us to ask questions and interact with students and parents, rather than a packaged show.” Another parent remarked via email that “the student representation was excellent. The ambassadors were pleasant, friendly and poised.” Parents and students attended mini-lessons featuring our academic programs, participated in panels showcasing our high school students, alumni and parents and enjoyed an interactive and eye-catching activities fair titled “The HANC Palette” presented by our students. “I never realized there are so many opportunities available to choose from in high school,” said one eighth grader. High school applications are due November 25th. For application and information, please contact the registrar, Mrs. Jackie Raofim, at 516-538-8161 ext. 14.

HANC Cubed

Great TRIPS! More SPORTS! Exciting PROGRAMMING! Under the Leadership of Director Eli Brazil

EXCITING TRIPS Overnights Great Adventure Hershy Park and more

AWESOME ACTIVITIES

Horse Back Riding • Sushi Making Flag Football Tournaments FIFA Soccer Tournaments • Krav Maga Dance Step • Pilates • and more

NEW! TEEN DIVISION

3 Day Overnight Trip • Intense Organized Sports Inter-Camp Games • Special Programming Leagues Jerseys and Trophies! And all this in addition to

CAMP KAYLIE’S PREMIUM….

GIRLS CAMP AUGUST 2014

The students in Mrs. Pinn’s sixth grade math class HANC’s Samuel & Elizabeth Bass Golding Elementary School created their own “Wall of Exponents.” They had to give examples

of numbers to zero power, squared and cubed. The children then had to solve the problem giving the final answer. Math is fun at HANC!

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.CAMPKAYLIE.ORG 718-686-3261 • INFO@CAMPKAYLIE.ORG

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Around the Community

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

OPEN HOUSE for prospective parents Tuesday, November 5th

Bnos Malka Academy

COME DISCOVER

a unique perspective in Jewish education

9:30 AM Parent Information Followed by Classroom Tours

Spend an hour with us Your decision will last

a lifetime

For more information or to set up an interview, call Esther at 718-268-BNOS. Bnos Malka Academy

71-02 113th St. Forest Hills, NY

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

38 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Around the Community Pittsburgher Rebbe shlita to Visit Our Area With great joy, we welcome the visit of the Pittsburgher Rebbe, Rabbi Mordechai Yissocher Ber Leifer shlita, to the United States. The Pittsburgher Rebbe is at the helm of the magnificent mosdos in Ashdod, Yeshivas Tzidkas Yosef, a thriving cheder, a successful yeshiva for both younger and older bochurim and a Kollel where yungeleit immerse themselves in the

HIGH SCHOOL

Open House

Wednesday evening October 30, 2013 7:30 PM

Post Sandy Free Community Carnival

Entrance Exam

Sunday morning November 3, 2013 8:45 AM

Friendzone, part of TAG’s extensive Chessed program

At our High School Campus 636 Lanett Ave Far Rockaway, NY 11691 TAG. 50 Years. Here for you.

study of Torah! The Rebbe’s father was Reb Avrohom Abba zt”l who was the son of the first Pittsburgher Rebbe, Reb Yosef zt”l. R’ Yosef zt’’l was a direct descendent of the Nadvorna dynasty. He moved from Hungary to the American city of Pittsburgh in 1926. R’ Yosef zt’’l refused to become Americanized and raised his children in true European style. Reb Abba became the new Rebbe in 1966 when his father was niftar and moved from Newark to Pittsburg. After several years, he moved to Ashdod which was mostly secular. Reb Abba worked hard to show the people there the beauty of Yiddishkeit. Rabbi Mordechai shlit’a, the current Rebbe, was asked by his father to move to Eretz Yisroel and open a Chassidic Yeshiva in Ashdod in 1981. They also built a cheder and a full time Kollel. The Pittsburgher mosdos serve all the different types in the community. Both the Talmud Torah and the Yeshivos have chosen the best staff from a variety of kehillos. The Rebbe shlita is very close to his talmidim in the Yeshiva. He gives shiurim and sits with the bochurim during seder. He helps them to develop in the best possible way. Bochurim from all over travel to learn in the Yeshiva which is famous for its high standard in learning and the good middos and Chassidus that are instilled in the talmidim. Pittsburgh has Kollelim for all hours of the day. The tish of the Rebbe shlita is attended not only by his Chassidim but by other Chassidim who live in Ashdod, traditional Jews and even secular Jews who are seeing Chassidus for the first time. The Rebbe’s care and warmth attracts many followers and admirers. The Rebbe shlita has a special relationship with his Chassidim and each one feels as though he is their father. The Rebbe shlita will be visiting the following places to give chizuk and brachos and for the benefit of his Mosdos in Eretz Yisroel: Queens: October 24-29 Lakewood: October 30-31 Brooklyn: November 1-7 Long Beach: November 8-9 Far Rockaway: November 10

Total Integrated Learning Environment

For an appointment and for more information please call: Shmuel Einfeld: 347-989-6821; Moshe Aron Gross: 718-261-2120; Moshe Todres: 917-9929151; Moshe Gruner: 917-733-6870; Shlomo Weber: 516-647-5749.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Around the

LOCAL NEWS

Community

Navigating The Confusing Maze Of Obamacare The JCCRP is thrilled to welcome Sarah Zelmanowitz as an invaluable, new member of its staff. Sarah’s position is a Certified Applicant Counselor. She has worked for Met Council and now joins us through the Addabbo Family Health Center. Sarah is a trained Facilitated Enroller for Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus. We feel very fortunate to have her as part of our team. Sarah has undergone extensive training as a Navigator, and she is available to direct you through the ins and outs of the new Affordable Care Act. A Navigator’s job is to guide and educate individuals and small business owners regarding available health plans that would best suit their needs and Sarah is available to address any questions or concerns that one may have about the new coverage. The new healthcare system, sometimes referred to as Obamacare, the Marketplace or the Exchange, was introduced to the public on October 1, 2013 and its coverage will begin January 1, 2014. There have been some complications in the

THE MEL & PHYLLIS ZACHTER

program since its introduction but those glitches are currently being addressed and will soon be straightened out. In the meantime, it is important to familiarize yourself with the available options that accompany the government’s new health care program. There are many facets of this process that require consideration when one is applying for coverage. For example: not all doctors and hospitals will accept all of the new health plans. Medicaid and Child Health Plus will only be available through the Exchange. The system is completely paperless and applications will only be processed online. Household size will now be determined by how a family files its taxes, regardless of how it is comprised. If family members file their taxes separately, they would not be considered as one unit. Subsidies will now be included for low income individuals that qualify, pre-existing conditions will not preclude a person from being approved. A person who is already sick can be eligible for healthcare at the same price as a healthy person who is the

E FRE INAR

WEB

INTERACTIVE WEBINAR

ENHANCE YOUR MARITAL RELATIONSHIP!

12 TRANSFORMATIONAL TOOLS FOR DEFUSING MARITAL CONFLICT THAT YOU CAN USE EVERYDAY MONDAY, OCT. 28, 2013 7:30PM-9:30PM (EST)

P R E S E N T E R S

SIMCHA FEUERMAN, LCSW-R

Director of Operations, OHEL Author of New Book “Marriage 911"

HINDIE M. KLEIN, PsyD Director, Clinical Projects, OHEL

ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER: WWW.OHELFAMILY.ORG/WEBINAR OR CALL 1-800-603-OHEL (6435)

same age. Prices will now be based on an individual’s age, residential location, and whether or not he or she smokes. Additionally, while the Medicaid Federal Poverty Level will be rising (meaning a person can receive a higher income than before and still qualify for healthcare), Family Health Plus is being terminated. These are just some examples of the changes being brought about by the Marketplace. Registering for the new system may seem daunting and confusing which is why it is essential to seek out the guidance of a Navigator like Sarah. Sarah’s professionalism and devoted work ethic make her a highly valued addition to our staff. Her friendly, helpful nature will ensure a smooth journey on what could otherwise be a vexing endeavor. Individuals and employers now have the opportunity to sift through the different plans and settle on the one that best suits their needs. We are confident that Sarah can direct you towards the plan that will best suit you, your family, or your business. Sarah is available for appointments and

walk-ins are welcome as well. Sarah can be reached at SarahZ@jccrp.org or at the JCCRP (718) 327-7755 ext. 6111. Reminder: With Sandy’s one year anniversary drawing near, the JCCRP is hosting a Legislative Breakfast this Sunday, October 27th, at the White Shul in order to pay tribute to the community and government leaders who went all out in the lengthy rebuilding period that followed Hurricane Sandy. For more information on the upcoming Legislative Breakfast, to place an ad in the online journal or to make reservations, contact the JCCRP at 718-327-7755 x 6115, by email at breakfast@jccrp.org or visit them online at www.jccrp.org/breakfast. The JCCRP is a proud affiliate of Met Council and a beneficiary agency of UJA Federation of NY. The JCCRP provides a range of services for any clients who need assistance in social services or resource directing within the community. Please contact the JCCRP for further information; they are located at 1525 Central Avenue (entrance on Foam Place), Far Rockaway, NY, 11691— visit them on the web at www.jccrp.org

LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST HONOREES

Community Builder Award

CHESSED AWARD

YANKY BRACH

Chief Operating Officer, Met Council

STATE LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD

Honorable Assemblyman

PETER BREST

PHIL GOLDFEDER

HAKARAS HATOV AWARD

HUMANITARIAN AWARD

PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

SeniorVice President, Agency Relations UJA - Federation of NY

Commanding Officer of the 101st Precinct

Deputy Inspector

Councilmanic Aide at NewYork City Council

ROBERTA LEINER

CITY LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD

Honorable Councilmember

KEVIN MALONEY

PESACH OSINA

Achiezer, COJO of Flatbush, Hatzalah, Nivneh, Ohel, RCSP, Red Cross, Sanitation Department, Shor Yoshuv, White Shul & Yiwb HONORING HEROES OF HURRICANE SANDY

DONOVAN RICHARDS

Sponsors:

The white shul (Congregation Kneseth Israel) 728 Empire Avenue Far Rockaway, NY 9:30 a.m. Sunday, October 27th To place your ad or to make reservations online, please visit us at www.jccrp.org/breakfast Or contact our office at Tel 718.327.7755 x 6115 Fax 718.327.4903 or Email Breakfast@jccrp.org

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

In Recognition Of Our Government And Community Leaders

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Around the

LOCAL NEWS

Community

Dirshu Shabbos to Feature Guidance from Gedolei Yisrael on Eretz Yisrael Situation By Chaim Gold “It is such good news to hear that hundreds of great talmidei chachamim who have toiled in Torah and acquired a clear, in-depth knowledge of Shas, poskim, horaah and halacha [are coming together for a Dirshu Shabbos Chizuk L’lomdei Torah]…This news is especially gratifying today when so many have designs against those who learn Torah, shaming and ridiculing them in a clear, diabolical attempt to lessen the paramount importance of Torah learning…” These were the powerful words of HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of the Chevron Yeshiva, in a comprehensive, detailed letter sent especially to participants of the upcoming Dirshu Shabbos Chizuk L’lomdei Torah to be held on Shabbos Parshas Vayeitzei at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Somerset, NJ. In addition to the letter from Harav Dovid Cohen, HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Scheiner, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Berel Povarsky, shlita, the Modzhitzer Rebbe, shlita, and HaGaon HaRav Aryeh Finkel, shlita, also sent powerful letters that will be read publicly at the event. The venerated senior Rosh Yeshiva of Brisk, HaGaon HaRav Dovid Soloveichik, shlita, similarly imparted words of chizuk and comprehensive guidance for the American Torah community. The Dirshu Shabbos Chizuk L’lomdei Torah will be attended by Gedolei Yisrael from both America and abroad with a special guest senior Gadol b’Yisrael who will be coming from Eretz Yisrael specifically to participate and address the assemblage. One Shabbos, Months of Inspiration! The Shabbos Chizuk L’lomdei Torah is already sold out! Just two weeks after Dirshu announced the upcoming Shabbos and the DoubleTree Hotel in Somerset, NJ – a new, much larger venue than last year’s Shabbos Chizuk L’lomdei Torah – has already been completely sold out. There is something so unique and special about a Dirshu Shabbos. When one spends Shabbos with masters of Shas and Shulchan Aruch, when one spends Shabbos with fellow Jews who are so devoted to limud haTorah that they insist, of their own volition, on being tested monthly on their learning, one has the privilege of participating in a truly memorable taanug ruchani, spiritual delight. There are very few things that can

compare to spending a Shabbos whose spiritual impact lasts for months thereafter. This palpable chizuk is not only felt by Dirshu members but by their wives as well. Through the Dirshu Shabbos, the wives of Dirshu members gain a newfound appreciation and love for Torah coupled with an even better understanding of their unique roles as the ultimate facilitators of their husbands’ aliyah in Torah and by extension, the elevation of the whole family to a higher spiritual plane. In fact, the buzz from last year’s Dirshu Shabbos Chizuk L’lomdei Torah was so positive that Dirshu received numerous requests even from non-Dirshu members to participate in this year’s Shabbos. Dirshu gladly acquiesced to as many requests as possible from those who desired to be part of a truly memorable Torah Shabbos.

literally amazing work. You are building Torah in the world. What could be better than that?!” Rav Dovid Soloveichik then continued, “The most important thing to do is toil in Torah; to sit in front of a Gemara and learn one line after the other; to work on gaining clarity in the pshat, really understanding the true pshat. That was the approach of all the Rishonim…This is the highest level of Torah learning. This is true ameilus in Torah.” Rav Dovid also called on the American community to strengthen itself in learning Halacha. He said, “Every day, in the tefillah of Ahava Rabbah, we beg Hashem to ‘Install in our hearts to understand and elucidate… to perform and fulfill….” In their letters to the participants in the Dirshu Shabbos, other gedolim similarly stressed the imperative to bring daily

Chizuk and Practical Advice on How to Help Spiritually Neutralize the Terrible Gezeiros The Shabbos Chizuk L’lomdei Torah is a joyous event where the accomplishments of Dirshu’s talmidei chachamim from across North America are hailed and celebrated. This year’s Shabbos, however, will also address the difficult and precarious situation in which acheinu bnei Eretz Yisrael find themselves as a result of present Israeli government’s assault on the Torah way of life lived by charedim l’dvar Hashem. In their messages to lomdei Dirshu of America, many of the gedolei Yisrael who wrote letters in advance of the Shabbos all referenced the gezeiros in Eretz Yisrael and suggested undertakings that the lomdei Torah of America can do on the spiritual plane to help neutralize those difficult decrees. When Rav Dovid Soloveichik was asked what the American Torah community can do to help, he prefaced his words by telling the senior members of Dirshu’s hanhala led by its Nasi, Rav Dovid Hofstedter, “You are doing amazing things,

practical halacha learning into one’s life, and how it is virtually impossible for a Jew to fulfill his halachic obligations without learning halacha each day. “It was So Amazing, So Delicious, We Wanted to Make Kiddush on it!” According to Rabbi Aharon Gobioff, director of Dirshu’s operations in America, “The Gedolei Eretz Yisrael will be communicating an urgent message to the American Torah community with regard to the difficult situation in Eretz Yisrael. It is something that every serious ben Torah is anticipating and ready to implement.” At last year’s Shabbos Chizuk L’lomdei Torah the guests were very moved by the special Torah atmosphere. Rabbi Avigdor Berenstein, a senior member of Dirshu’s hanhala from Eretz Yisrael remarked, “I can never forget how, on Shabbos morning after Mussaf, HaGaon HaRav Berel Povarsky, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of the Ponovezh Yeshiva, gave a shiur on the intricate details of the sugya of kinyanei kiddushin. Throughout the shiur, he interwove a new yesod on kin-

Hagaon Harav Dovid Soloveichik, shlita, giving hadracha to Rav Dovid Hofstedter for the upcoming Kinnos

yanei eirusin and nisuin that inspired his listeners to begin an excited debate in the way of milchamtah shel Torah. “His masterful shiur was sweetened by the back and forth of such gedolim as Rav Yeruchim Olshin, shlita, Rav Reuven Feinstein, shlita, the Skverer Dayan, shlita, and Rav Yitzchak Sorotzkin, shlita. “In his extraordinary way of drawing his listeners into the mesikus haTorah, Rav Berel explained a chiddush. It was a true chaburah, with the Gedolim as full participants! Rav Reuven quoted at length from the psak of his father, HaGaon HaRav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l, regarding the monetary worth of a kesubah; the Skverer Dayan had plenty to add and Rav Berel tied it all together with true gadlus. “It wasn’t just a shiur,” one listener exclaimed, “the Rosh Yeshivah gave it over with such geshmak, you could eat it up … It was so amazing, so delicious, we wanted to make Kiddush on it!” An Opportunity to Strengthen Each Other and Reinforce Our Commitment to Torah This year, Dirshu will be offering the opportunity for those who do not have the zechus to participate to hear the parts of the program that transpire after Shabbos on telephone hook-ups in local media. Stay tuned for further updates. Perhaps the words from the letter by the Mirrer Rosh Yeshiva, the Gaon and Tzaddik, Harav Aryeh Finkel, shlita, best encapsulate the message, “Especially now, when it is an eis tzarah, when haters make it difficult for those who learn Torah… it is the obligation of every one of us to strengthen each other by reinforcing our commitment to Torah learning and davening… this will bring honor and praise to the people of Hashem everywhere! May we soon witness the revelation of Hashem’s malchus for all to see with the coming of Mashiach bimheira b’yameinu!”

NEWS

Community

Bostoner Rebbe of Yerushalayim Visits YHT

On Sunday night, the Chazaq Organization hosted an evening of spirituality through music with one of Israel’s most acclaimed singer/songwriters, Yosef Karduner, at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills. Hundreds of men and women attended the wonderful event.

Rabbi Mayer Horowitz, the Bostoner Rebbe of Har Nof in Yerushalayim, visited Yeshiva Har Torah this past week. The Rebbe had been scheduled to visit the school last year, but unfortunately his visit coincided with Hurricane Sandy, thus the Rebbe had to cancel his visit. After much anticipation, the Rebbe contacted the school informing them that he would rearrange his trip in order to make up the previously canceled vis-

it. The Rebbe visited the entire school and faculty, asking each and every child their Hebrew name. The Rebbe also took the time to greet the office and kitchen staff, blessing them with his brachot. The visit was a very special event at YHT, and the students, faculty, staff and extended YHT family were truly impressed and moved by the Rebbe’s warmth and sincerity.

Welcome Back JJ Swiss Smooth Yogurt! J&J Swiss Smooth Yogurt, a delectable blend of fresh fruits, a healthy yogurt base and delightful flavor, is back on the shelf bigger and better than ever! Sure to become your favorite choice once again, J&J Swiss Yogurts are available in 2 delicious flavors and sold in convenient packs of six individual yogurts. In addition, the yogurts are now manufactured under the excellent kashrus supervision of Arugas Habosem. An immensely popular breakfast, lunch or snack on the go, JJ Swiss Yogurts have everything good in one cup. Full of nutritious flavor, rich in calcium and a good source of protein, yogurts have become a staple quick meal in today’s busy society. But not all yogurts are created equal. JJ Swiss

Smooth Yogurt, a longtime favorite with many children and adults is finally back, after an extended absence. Rich flavor, fresh-blended fruits and high-quality milk products come together to bring you a perfect product. Yogurt is nutritionally rich in protein, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. It has nutritional benefits beyond those of milk and is often tolerated even by lactose intolerant individuals. Health benefits of yogurt range from decreasing the damaging effects of antibiotics on the stomach to promoting weight loss. So there’s every reason to go out and buy the newest, most flavorful Swiss yogurt out there and treat your family to a tasty and nutritious meal or snack.

Parenting Series at Machon Basya Rochel Seminary Machon Basya Rochel Seminary in memory of Mrs. Rose Edelman will be adding a nine-part parenting series to their adult education classes. Mrs. Yocheved Shonek, seminary faculty member and noted lecturer in the community on family-related topics, will be presenting the course. Mrs. Shonek is well known for her wise and practical advice in child rearing and has brought this course to the community in the past. Machon Baysa Rochel Seminary is proud to bring it back to the community once again. Among the many topics covered in this series will be positive reinforcement, rewards and consequences, setting limits, bedtime, mealtime, and sibling rivalry. Participants will be able to share their experiences and ask ques-

tions in this group setting. Everyone who attends will gain a new enthusiasm about their parenting and have practical suggestions of how to implement these ideas into their homes. The course will take place on Tuesdays from 11:45 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. The dates of the course are November 12th, 19th, 26th, December 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st, and January 7. The classes will takes place in the seminary at 137 Lawrence Ave. The workshop will limited to a small group of women, so early inquiries are recommended. There is also an early bird special for signing up by October 31st. Please call the seminary at 516-3625000 or email info@mbrseminary.org.

43 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Around the

LOCAL

44 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Around the

LOCAL NEWS

Community

Gedolim Visit Yeshiva Darchei Torah

Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky, Rosh Yeshiva of the Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia, with Yeshiva Darchei Torah Rosh HaYeshiva Rav Yaakov Bender and talmidim of Yeshiva Darchei Torah

Rav Reuven Feinstein, Rosh Yeshiva of the Yeshiva of Staten Island, with Rav Shimon Dachs, co-principal of Mesivta Chaim Shlomo

Hundreds Come out to Support the Kakons of Yeshivas Nefesh Dovid Photo credit: Eran Abramovich

Rabbi Eytan Feiner speaking to audience

In a massive showing of care, support and encouragement, hundreds came out for the annual Lawrence breakfast for Yeshivas Nefesh Dovid of Toronto. The breakfast hosted by the Halpern family raised much needed funds for the yeshiva, and perhaps more importantly sent a strong message to the Rosh Yeshiva and Rebbetzin that their life’s work has inspired many and is appreciated throughout the world. What is so special about Yeshivas Nefesh Dovid? The yeshiva was started by a remarkable couple, Rabbi Chaim Zvi and Rebbetzin Libby Kakon. The Kakons, the parents of a beautiful family, are both hearing impaired but never looked at their “supposed” disability as anything other than an opportunity to reach higher. Not only did they challenge themselves to attend the best yeshivos and earn prestigious degrees, they devoted their lives to helping enrich the lives of others who are hearing impaired.

Rabbi Yaakov Reisman greeting Rabbi Kakon, Rosh Yeshiva

Yeshivas Nefesh Dovid, founded and led by this phenomenal couple, is the only yeshiva for hearing impaired boys in the entire North America with students attending from around the world. In the yeshiva, the Kakons wear the hats of parents, friends, advisors, therapists and many other functions, fulfilling all of the boys’ needs. Starting long before the days of email and texting, the Kakons have orchestrated all this and fundraised for the yeshiva’s budget – all without the luxury of being able to make a phone call. What was perhaps different about this parlor meeting than almost any other was the fact that this kind of venue is one of the only methods Rabbi Kakon has to raise money. Watching Rabbi Kakon speak with the help of his wife’s interpretation was a most inspiring sight. The way they work together to express their positivity and love for life and helping people is incredible. The sign language interpret-

Rabbi Kakon and his wife speaking about the yeshiva

er who came to help communicate the speeches to the various former students and their families added a special dimension. Rabbi Eytan Feiner’s passionate chizuk for the Kakons and expression of what a huge z’chus it is to help left the crowd speechless. It is safe to say that many who attended the breakfast left with a new perspective on “hearing disabilities” and

Rabbi Avrohom Halpern and Rabbi Eytan Feiner

the tremendous potential and abilities that these boys have. A common reaction of some of the donors was “Wow – I plan on keeping in touch with them and supporting the school again in the future.” In case you missed this year’s breakfast look out for a future visit by the Kakons and join in this great mitzvah and special opportunity.

Spend Shabbos, Parshas Chayei Sarah

with the White Shul as we commemorate the ﬁrst anniversary of the Hurricane with a Shabbos of Gratitude to Hashem.

Scholar in Residence Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb

Executive Vice President Emeritus, Orthodox Union

Shabbos Parshas Chayei Sarah, October 26th, oeyg a"k at The White Shul - 728 Empire Avenue

5:52 PM Minchah and Kabbolas Shabbos, led by Guest Chazzan R' Eitan Katz 8:45 PM Oneg Shabbos Reactions to Trauma - Learning from Rabbi Akiva Followed by a collation 9:00 AM Shacharis, led by Guest Chazzan R' Eitan Katz Rabbi Dr. Weinreb will give the drashah: Gratitude/Hodaah: Halachic and Psychological Perspectives Followed by Kiddush in the Ballroom 4:15 PM Shiur by Rabbi Dr. Weinreb for men and women in the Main Shul: Viewing Hidden Miracles and Major Hurdles: Contemporary Relevance Based on the Teachings of the Ramban 5:15 PM Mincha, followed by Seuda Shelishis & Divrei Torah Marriage Issues: Insights from both Psychological and Chassidic Teachings

THE WHITE SHUL 

LEARN. DAVEN. GROW.

45 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

 Every Moment. Every Person. Every Thing.

c"qa

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Around the Community

got miles? 1.877.5.SELL.MILES

W W W. C A S H YO U R M I L E S . C O M

Fun and Friendship after the PSAT at Shalhevet

After spending an intense morning taking the PSAT, the ninth graders at Shalhevet High School were treated to a surprise trip to their principal, Mrs. Eisenman’s home. The girls excitedly boarded the bus, each one smiling from ear to ear. Mrs. Eisenman greeted each student individually as she welcomed them into her home. The girls chatted

away with each other as they munched on a delicious Chinese buffet. Mrs. Eisenman played a game with the girls before serving scrumptious homemade desserts. The girls all enjoyed the quality time spent with each other and appreciated the opportunity to “hang” with their principal in an informal way.

Welcome To Our School! SKA Holds Open House

Dr. Eli Adler DDS PC

249 Broadway, Lynbrook, NY 11563 • 516.255.1988

Root Canals • Implants • Family Dentistry Sunday & Evening appointments available Only 5 Minutes From Cedarhurst PPO Plans Accepted As FULL payment

The Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls welcomed an exceptional turnout of prospective parents and students to its Open House on Sunday, October 20. The auditorium was completely full during the introductory remarks by Mrs. Helen Spirn, Head of School, Ms. Raizi Chechik, Principal Grades 9-10, and Dr. Tzipora Meier, Principal Grades 11-12, and the enthusiasm was contagious throughout the parent and student tours. SKA faculty presenters shared their passion for their subject areas; the richness of the curriculum and the warmth and dedication of the staff were apparent the entire morning. Student volunteers, including our new Student Ambassadors, shared their insights of the excellent Limudei Kodesh and secular academic program of SKA and the outstanding extra-curricular experiences they are offered. Pointing out the state of the art Smart Boards, the computer lab, and the modern biology and chemistry labs, the SKAers

were excited to share their school with the future students. They highlighted the immensely popular Art Academy and Science Research Initiative and electives such as sign language, forensics and pre-engineering, while also mentioning the extremely successful Chesed program that is such an integral part of the school. Serenaded by chamber music performed by several members of SKA’s band under the direction of Production Head, Mrs. Terri Wagner, the visitors were given SKA totes filled with informational brochures about the school. Following the program, parents and students had the opportunity to chat with the administration and faculty members of SKA. Celebrating over 20 years of educating the whole girl, SKA offers its students spiritual growth and personal development! We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2018!

NEWS

Community

1,200 People Gather for Conference of Presidents 50th anniversary Gala in NYC Photo credit: Michael Priest Photography

The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations recently held its 50th anniversary gala at the Waldorf Astoria on Ocobert 15th in NYC which featured a surprise visit and speech by George W. Bush, as well as opening pre-taped video speeches from President Obama and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The eloquent evening in New York City with over 1,200 guests continued with a video about the Conference’s achievements over its 50 years and featured video comments from prominent figures in Israel and Washington. These included Nir Barkat, mayor of Jerusalem; Shimon Perez, president of Israel; Robert Menendez, Chairmen Senate Foreign Relations Committee; and Eric Cantor, Senate Majority Leader, to name a few. The event also featured video of the current chairman Robert Sugarman, and of course the internationally respected and highly regarded Executive Vice Chairman Malcom Hoenlein. Each honoree presentation was presented by dignitaries, such as Jim Tisch’s award that was presented by Senator Lieberman. Each

of the eight honoree live on stage award presentations were introduced by moving short film that highlighted the past chairs achievements during their tenure. “My favorite segment had to be when Mr. Solow told of his and Malcolm’s close brush with a Katyusha in Sderot,” says producer/director David Jasse. Mr. Jasse is referring to the visit Mr. Solow took at the start of his tenure to Sderot in 2009 along with Malcolm Hoenlein, James Tisch, and Ronald Lauder. Malcolm and Alan were abruptly pulled into a bomb shelter right before the Katyusha rocket from Gaza hit. Malcolm has been in charge of the Conference of Presidents since 1986 and does amazing work for klal Yisroel. Since there are no term limits to Mr. Hoenlein’s position, we can’t thank him enough for his years of endless dedication. According to all in attendance, the highlight of the event was most certainly George W. Bush’s powerful speech which touted ardent support for Israel. In fact, he said that the most meaningful

moment in his presidency was his speech in 2008 to the Knesset which he then admitted was so good, he wanted to read it

word for word to the crowd…and then proceeded to do so. “Israel is America’s best friend in the Middle East, and the defense of Israel is not only an American value, but is in America’s strategic interest,” said Bush. Just as important as his words was his amazing performance. Mr. Bush had the crowd in stitches more than once with introductory comments about how he really hates the fact that he can no longer go through red lights. All the videos, including a beautiful tribute to deceased past chair June Walk-

er, projected in beautiful HD video, were facilitated by recent Emmy Award winners DMJ Digital Media in Cedarhurst, New York. The video biographies by DMJ featured personal interviews with mega philanthropists and media tycoons the likes of Mort Zuckerman, James Tisch, and Ronald Lauder and were received well by all. The entire program was artfully coordinated with the help of the Friends of IDF, the UJA, Wizard Studios, and many others too numerous to mention. DMJ also brought a video crew to the actual event and had the opportunity to interview almost the entire list of dignitaries in attendance, ranging from NYC Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, to Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the UN, along with the heads of many major Jewish organizations present. As the Conference of Presidents is the umbrella to 50 Jewish organizations, there was quite a diverse crowd in attendance from Reform to Orthodox, left to right, covering every subject from kashrus to camping.

47 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Around the

LOCAL

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Rabbi Yosef Goldstein’s Childrens Books 4 Titles

Reg. $16.00

$4. 99

THE LOSEOU CONNECTION CC

UPSCALE CLOSEOUTS

UPSCALE

Scrabble TurboSlam

516.218.2211

Reg. $15.00

New Item!

134 Washington Ave. CEDARHUST, NY 11516

Tablecloth

$5. 99

70” Wide Starting at 108”

$24. 99 Crystal Mini Ware

Next door to CVS, in the Gourmet Glatt parking lot

STORE HOURS: M.-W. 10:00-8:00 Th. 10:00-9:00 F. 10:00-4:00 S. 10:00-7:00

With Forks Reg. $30.00

$12. 99

Just Arrived! Napkin Rings Set of 4 10 Designs

Visit us at our other locations 4518 13th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 718.854.2595 Reg. $40.00

Poly Fill Comforter Lightweight

$12. 99

50 Court St. Brooklyn, NY 718.625.6677 1091 River Ave. Lakewood, NJ 732.364.8822

Reg. $40.00

$24. 99 Quantities may vary according to store location • No rainchecks • Not responsible for typographical errors

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Around the

LOCAL NEWS

Community

A Community Comes Together In Aftermath Of Sandy: One Year Later By Julie Vogel Although most community members did not even know of its existence, the RCSP (Rockaway Citizens Safety Patrol, aka Rockaway Shomrim) was established about a year before Hurricane Sandy. It was initiated due to a rise in petty crimes in the area starting around November of 2011, and from that time to the hurricane, the RCSP were involved in a few arrests. During and after Hurricane Sandy,

Shomrim played an even greater role in keeping our community safe. Immediately prior to the hurricane, they evacuated sick and elderly individuals in the community to shelters. The RCSP immediately set up a 24 hour Command Center in the Young Israel of Wavecrest and Bayswater to serve the Far Rockaway and Bayswater communities. Hundreds of volunteers came to help out in the relief effort. There was an NYPD officer

stationed in the command center for the entire storm period. Additionally, Deputy Inspector Kevin Maloney from the 101st Precinct came to the command center regularly to ensure that the RCSP had what they needed and to see if there was anything more he could do to help the volunteers. For the 2 week period after the storm, Shomrim had 24 hour patrols going throughout the neighborhoods. It is for this reason that although crime in-

Tiferes, a Program of The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation in Conjunction with Machon Basya Rochel presents

A Role to Play a DVD Presentation

Rabbi Moshe Tuvia Leiff & Rebbetzin Esther Reisman Two Viewings For Your Convenience:

Monday, October 28 and Tuesday, October 29th at 8:30pm at Machon Basya Rochel Seminary 137 Lawrence Avenue Lawrence, NY 11559

Sponsored by Henya Storch in honor of her mother Feige bas Freidel Schoenwetter Mrs. Florence Penkin of Woodmere

In Memory of Mrs. Rose Edelman

Contact information: 516-362-5000, info@mbrseminary.org

Rockaway Shomrim and Williamsburg Shomrim Work Together to Pump Water from Houses

creased greatly throughout the area, the Far Rockaway and Bayswater neighborhoods were absent of crime and looting while the entire area was in darkness. Also during this period after the storm, in addition to patrols, RCSP helped to set up a food kitchen for giving out hot food, they set up generators for young children and elderly in the community so that they could have heat and they were pumping water out of peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s houses. The RCSP also received assistance from other communities, including Boro Park Shomrim, Williamsburg Shomrim, and Monroe Fire Department and Monroe Public Safety. They were also able to provide a patrol on Shabbos carried out by off-duty police officers from upstate, which the JCCRP paid for and RCSP coordinated. Once the lights went on, the work did not stop. The RCSP worked with Chesed Shel Emes to save as many Sifrei Torah as possible and to respectfully bury those that could not be saved from Belle Harbor, Bayswater, and Seagate. They organized a community-wide levaya held at the White Shul for those Sifrei Torah that were destroyed. During the summer alone, they assisted in 15 arrests. There are 120 volunteers who do night patrol every night in Far Rockaway and Bayswater. In addition, there are currently over 30 Shomrim members who are oncall 24 hours a day. Over the summer, they had an event in which they etched hundreds of bikes for the Police Department, and they have indeed recovered a lot of bikes, although they do not always find the owner if the bike was not etched. Rockaway Shomrim are the eyes and the ears of the NYPD. RCSP has a 24 hour emergency hotline number: (917)727-7306. They also set up a Security Alert Department which lets community members know when there is a security alert or something to be aware of. Anyone in the community can register for this service by e-mailing securityalerts@ rockawaypatrol.org.

53 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Mas ery Dina Friedman Chanoch Lnaar invites you on another life transforming journey!

Learn to Master: Your Connection to Hashem Your Relationships with Family & Friends Your Emotions Your Marriage Your Finances ...And More!

Unlock the secrets to living an inspired life. Come join todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading course on self-development.

PROGRAM BEGINS

FOR MORE INFORMATION

TO REGISTER

November 5, 2013

Call now to listen to Program Details and Class Excerpt: 718.298.3266

CALL:

HENNY

732.901.6884 /

EMAIL: info@clmastery.com

SORI

845.418.4008

ONLINE: www.clmastery.com

DC DESIGN / 732. 901. 4784

GIVEN BY

Your Key to a Quality Life

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Around the

LOCAL

Bnot Yaakov of Great Neck’s Pre-1-A One of the most exciting things happening in Bnot Yaakov of Great Neck is its newest incoming Pre-1-A class! Bnot Yaakov’s youngest talmidot enjoyed mixing and mashing their very own apple crisps for Rosh Hashana, singing the “Tarnigolet Song” with their colorfully created chickens overhead, making their own “Animal Puppets” reminiscent of Noah’s Teva (ark) and re-created “themselves” as glittery kokhavim (stars) as they learned about Hashem’s promise to Avraham in Parshat Lekh-Lekha. Bnot Yaakov Pre-1-A’s multi-faceted curriculum focuses on building Ivrit language skills, reading readiness and Yahadut and parsha conveyed experientially so all students learn from personal participation. Although there wasn’t much time to teach about Rosh Hashana this year, the Pre-1-A learned about the significance of the simanim and the tapuach (apple) with both graphic cut-outs and their very own apple experience! They poured and mixed the apples with sugar as each girl made her own apple crisp to take home for Yom Tov. The girls understood that we all want our new year to be as sweet as our “sugary” apple crisps! When Yom

Kippor time arrived, they created colorful chickens and learned about kaparot as they sang in Ivrit: “Ani osah kaparot…Ani shomaat ‘SQUAK-SQUAK!!’

me-tarnigolet…” while circling the tarnigolet above their own heads three times. Each girl also went home with her own personal Yom Kippur mahzor that she could take to the Bet HaKneset with her or simply use at home. For Sukkot they went on a “Skhakh Hunt” outside and gathered all the sticks they could so

they could make a “roof” for the sukkah they built in class and took home very special sukkah decoration so that their parents would always remember this special Pre-1-A year –a sweet picture of themselves! Learning Parshat Hashavuah has been simple stuff in Bnot Yaakov these past weeks! The girls brought in their own stuffed animals and made animal puppets as well and they marched them all into the giant Noach’s Teva that hung on the class wall. Each girl also created her own glittery kokhav for Parshat Lekh-Lekha and wrote about “How I’m a Kokhav…” on the kokhav so everyone could see! Parshat VaErah brought a big “ohel” (tent) into the classroom as they learned about the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim, welcoming guests into your home. In Bnot Yaakov’s Pre-1-A, it’s not simply about Morah “telling” the girls what she wants them to know; it’s about the girls experiencing, tasting, feeling, singing and re-creating – so that they can “tell” you!

NEWS

Community Where Will You Be This Sunday? By N. Perlman

It’s happening this Sunday, and everyone will be there. Approximately fifty shuls and twenty schools from across the community are preparing to join the Unity and Gratitude Hakaras HaTov event, slated to take place this Sunday, October 27th, one year post-Sandy. Time may have dulled the effects, but those nightmarish moments remain vivid in our memories: the rising waves, the terrified calls, the abject fear, the helplessness... We haven’t forgotten. And now, it’s time to give thanks. Sandy left our community devastated physically, financially, and emotionally—but miraculously, with no loss of life amongst us. And just as we pulled together as a community to rebuild what was lost, we gather together as a community to express our heartfelt gratitude over what was miraculously salvaged. Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv, the venue which brings back so many bittersweet Sandy memories, is being outfitted with special seating arrangements to accommodate the overflow crowds. Every one of us was a grateful beneficiary of Hashem’s compassion that night. Every one

of us can and should take the time to say a proper thank you. The program itself has been designed to be short, uplifting, and inspiring. Rabbi Fischel Schachter, a speaker universally beloved by adults and children alike, will present a brief keynote address, followed by the public recital of Tehillim led by Rabbanim representing each segment of the community. The event will include a special musical presentation by renowned singers Eitan Katz (a talented local who was personally affected by Sandy) and Boruch Levine, as well as a special surprise presentation by a young member of the community. The Rabbanim and principals involved in the event are overwhelmed by the sheer electricity of the achdus already generated by this, a unified, public display of hakaras hatov, with no strings attached. Sandy will forever be seared onto our collective memories. We were all there. And now, one year later, we will all be there, once again—together. Join us.

Yeshiva of Central Queens Nursery and Kindergarten Open House – November 6 In response to a flurry of inquiries from interested parents, the Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ) will kick off its registration for the school year beginning September 2003 with a Preschool Open House on Tuesday, November 5 at the Yeshiva. Priority registration for siblings will start on Sunday, November 10 and registration of new students will commence on Sunday, November 24. Located on 70th Road in Kew Gardens Hills, YCQ offers a well-rounded stimulating Limudei Kodesh and general studies education program for children from nursery through eighth grade. YCQ’s caring and nurturing preschool classes stress midot tovot with an emphasis on the growth and well-being of each individual child. Academic learning in a fun-filled environment begins even at this early stage. The concern for the well-being of each child is evident throughout the entire school. Teacher assistants are assigned to each primary grade to work

individually with the children. A stateof-the-art computer center introduces the students to the age of information and helps the children develop computer skills. Math and Hebrew high school level courses are offered in the junior high school. YCQ offers a host of enrichment, remedial, extra-curricular, and after-school programs. Hot nutritious lunches and free transportation are provided from Queens and Long Island. YCQ students have been winners of the International Chidon HaTanach, the Brachos Bee, as well as city-wide science fairs and spelling bees. Its superior program has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, which presented YCQ with the coveted Blue Ribbon Award for excellence in education. All parents are welcome to attend the Open House which will begin on November 5 at 9:00 A.M. at YCQ – 14737 70th Road, Kew Gardens Hills.

NEWS

Community

BBY’s Technology Awareness Evening: Technology is an Opportunity and a Challenge “What we choose to make of it, is what it will be” The very word “technology” has become a trigger for many people to groan and throw up their hands in despair. They feel either that it is the fearsome dragon of our day which we do not have the weapons to slay, or that the topic has been talked about until it is simply too stale to swallow anymore. But the think tank at BBY was determined to tackle the “T” word yet again, but with a relevance to the world in which our children are growing up. After much cogitation and consultation, the Technology Awareness Evening was born. Sponsored by the PTA, the event was held on October 15 in the Ateres Nechama Liba Simcha Hall, and

Rabbi Shmuel Hiller with Rabbi Dovid Plotkin

was a sharp departure from what people expected. Comments from people entering at 8:00 p.m. were expressive of their ennui towards the upcoming program. “Technology again? We don’t want to hear the same old thing about the evils of the internet.” Two hours later, those exiting were heard to make statements describing the program as refreshingly practical and helpful in providing a strategy for dealing with the lure of technology for themselves and their children. So what exactly happened between the hours of 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday night…? The first speaker on the roster was Rabbi Shmuel Hiller, Dean of BBY and TMM and a creative educator who is always looking for ways to make Chinuch more relevant, more applicable, and more meaningful. Rabbi Hiller first welcomed all the attendees and thanked them for using their precious private time for this worthwhile event. The focus of the evening, as Rabbi Hiller described it, was to help create a mindset of awareness for the BBY parents with regards to technology and its proper uses. It was less about rules and regulations and more about understanding the

issues at hand. Rabbi Hiller also noted that a number of TMM seniors actually asked him to beseech their parents to take a more active and assertive role in their children’s technological activities. The next speaker was Rabbi Dovid Plotkin, Principal of Hebrew Academy of Long Beach and a BBY parent. By using visual aids as well as a compelling speaking style, Rabbi Plotkin presented his case for the importance of preserving the cohesiveness of the family unit. How, Rabbi Plotkin queried, can anyone think that a phone call is a more valuable way to spend time than conversing with their children? A car ride, a dinner table, a trip to the park – these are all venues in which parent and child can interact and hear about each other’s feelings and experiences. These opportunities should not be squandered because of the compelling ping of a text message or the clarion call of a cell phone. Furthermore, Rabbi Plotkin put the onus of responsibility squarely on the shoulders of parents for acting as role models for their children. Each time a parent makes the right decision about when to turn off his/her device, their children are taking mental notes on their parents’ priorities. The last speaker of the evening was the greatly respected Dr. David Pelcovitz. Dr. Pelcovitz is a psychologist of world-renown with many, many years of experience with all types of children, from all types of backgrounds, and with all types of challenges. As such, he was able to explain to his rapt audience how a child’s focus and concentration become fractured by technological distractions. Pizur Hanefesh – literally, the scattering of the soul – is a direct outgrowth of the bells and whistles of each device we own competing for our attention. Dr. Pelcovitz cited a study in which a large group of teenage girls were deliberately made agitated. Their physiological symptoms proved that they were indeed upset. 50% of these girls received a soothing text message from their mothers and 50% received a calming phone call from their mothers. Upon re-examination, it was proven that any girl who heard the voice of her mother calmed down significantly, while the recipients of the text messages showed little change in their anxiety levels. Overuse of technology, as Dr.

Pelcovitz stated, is hindering real-life communication and relationships. The evening was a thought-provoking success. The feedback from the

crowd of close to 600 attendees was phenomenal and the BBY parents expressed their tremendous appreciation to Rabbi Hiller. They went home armed with the notes they took, the handouts they were given, the number of the Five Towns Tech Committee (which assists in disabling the Internet from electronic devices), and a flyer announcing future Chinuch/technology classes planned for BBY parents. They went home with a lot to think about – which was exactly the point.

Rabbi Shmuel Hiller with Dr. David Pelcovitz

SKA Recruiting at Bnos Malka In the midst of open house season, lighted to hear how well her graduates SKA paid their first visit to Bnos Mal- were doing in their new school. “We are ka Academy in Forest Hills. Head of very proud of all our girls. The rigors of School, Mrs. Helen Spirn, explained, our program and our emphasis on devel“We have had so many wonderful girls oping understanding are preparing them come to SKA from Bnos Malka we beautifully for high school.” made sure to visit the school personally. Academically they are well prepared and they have the middos that fit in so well at SKA.” The 8th graders at Bnos Malka listened carefully as Mrs. Spirn and 9th and 10thgrade principal, Ms. Raizi Chechik, made their presentation. Mrs. Shuly Zuckerman, assistant principal at Bnos Malka, was deMrs. Zuckerman, Ms. Chechik, Mrs. Spirn

55 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Around the

LOCAL

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Around the

LOCAL NEWS

Community

Local Officials: Sanitation 1 Shredding Day Huge Success Local officials raved about Sanitary District #1 inaugural Shredding Day, where local residents were welcomed to Sanitary District #1 headquarters on Bay Boulevard in Lawrence with their bank statements, unneeded files and other personal documents. Helping neighbors unload their cars were Town of Hempstead Councilman Anthony Santino and Legislator Howard J. Kopel as well as Sanitation District 1 Commissioners James Vilardi and Irving Kaminetsky.

More than 150 residents took advantage of this inaugural program and shredded more than 10,000 pounds of documents.

Pictured at Shredding Day (L to R): Councilman James Darcy, Sanitary District #1 Commissioner James J. Vilardi, Town Clerk Nasrin Ahmad, Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino, Woodmere resident Julian Zarny who participated in the event, Legislator Howard J. Kopel and Sanitary District #1 Commissioner Irving Kaminetsky

Sunday Learning Program at Yeshiva of Central Queens On Sunday, October 13, the Yeshiva of Central Queens kicked off their Parent-Child Sunday Learning Program! The yeshiva was honored to have the world famous speaker Rabbi Jonathan Rietti both inspire and entertain our parents and students. The rav challenged us not to be fooled by the media distortion of what real happiness is. Rabbi Rietti taught us that true happiness can be attained and it is within our grasp. It is our responsibility to develop eternal happiness, and we should not require those

around us to be responsible for our personal happiness. The recording of Rabbi Rietti’s shiur will be available soon on the school’s website, YCQWeb.org, for those who were unable to attend the lecture and are interested in learning the important lesson that Rabbi Rietti taught us. This year we have also began having a special 3-on-3 basketball tournament for the students! Special thanks to Rabbi Bernstein for coordinating this exceptional program!

Africa Israel Residences at 7 Kook St. Give Home to the Luxurious

Our Specialty Free Consultation

date only 8 prestigious penthouses and 11 first-class apartments remain unsold, all of which have been planned and designed by Israel’s famed designers, Ariella Azaria Berkovich and Studio Michael Azulay. A total of 112 apartments already have been sold. The project’s unique location offers convenient access to the Old City and its most sacred sites. It is situated adjacent to the house of Rabbi Avraham Isaac HaCohen Kook, the first Ashkenazi chief rabbi in pre-state Israel, and the Ticho House museum, formerly the home of famed ophthalmologist Avraham Albert Ticho and his artist wife, Anna. Nearby, at the intersection of historic Jaffa Road and the bustling Ben Yehuda Pedestrian Mall, there is a unique assortment of at-

tractions, including the international ambiance of modern galleries, the ancient synagogues, Independence Park, gourmet restaurants, and the vibrant, colorful Mahane Yehuda Market. Eyal Haham, VP Sales & Market-

Free Policy Evaluation

Ask the Rabbi !!??

photo credits: Itay Sikolsky

Jerusalem, a city that stands as the ancient capital of the Jewish people, currently is undergoing a tremendous modernization aided by the construction of upscale residential communities. One such example is 7 Kook Street, a deluxe complex in the pulsating heart of Jerusalem. The luxury project, designed by Africa Israel and Kobi Gal of the Gal & Matsliah architectural firm, conveys a sense of perfect contrasts: old and new, classic and modern, alongside grand motifs that suggest the splendor of Jerusalem’s past and present from the project’s impressive entrance lobby with its two huge stone arches built using a modern technique, stylish sitting areas and the creations of artist Yoram Rubinger, to the penthouse entrance lobby on the eighth floor, which overlooks two beautiful courtyards. The construction of 7 Kook St. will be completed by the end of the year. To

The Rabbi loves a bargain (a metzia) Let the Rabbi help you save money (up to 50%)

¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾

Large Commercial Insurance Policies Life Insurance Disability Insurance Self Employed Health Insurance Long Term Care insurance Rabbi S. M. Leiner, CLTC

Licensed Independent Broker for All Types of Insurance

Call: 917‐543‐0497 – Leave a message

ing, Africa Israel Residences, says: “The current construction and development boom, alongside preservation activities in the heart of Jerusalem, is today at its height. Israel’s capital is truly coming to the forefront, and the city center is becoming a melting pot of desirable real estate projects that include residential, retail, cultural, and financial buildings, all offered by the city’s most well-established developers.” Even today, those who visit the area can sense the dramatic change for the better that has taken place in the Jerusalem city center. Furthermore, a large part of the area will undergo a pinui binui, an urban renewal that will present a more appealing appearance while taking care to retain the unique ambiance. One aspect of this is the Jerusalem Municipality’s investment in the alleyways leading to the city center, as it gradually transforms them into clean, quiet, shaded pedestrian lanes with attractive features, galleries, cafes, and boutique hotels. In addition, the city’s new light rail offers convenient, safe access to all attractions in this renewed, vibrant city center. For more information, join Africa Israel at one of three shows in the New York metropolitan area: The Jewish Center in Manhattan, Oct. 27 from 11 am - 6 pm; Congregation Ahavath Torah in Englewood, Oct. 29 from 5 pm-10 pm; MBR Simcha Hall in Lawrence, Nov. 3 from 11 am- 6 pm.

Mail: Rabbi S. M. Leiner, CLTC P.O. Box # 7655 600 Franklin Ave Garden City, NY 11530

Premier clients receive a copy of my book (sefer) “Sweeter Than Honey” as a gift

57 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Around the Community

Low Cost Quality Insurance

T h e J eT w t oMb eAYr 2 4 , 2013 H Ei sJ EhWHIoSmHe HnO MOEc n 2012

78 58

You Gotta be

Riddle!

Kidding!

Bob and Drew were two of the biggest baseball fans in the world. For their entire adult lives, Bob and Drew discussed baseball history in the winter and they pored over every box score during the season. They had not missed a World Series game together in 60 years. They even agreed that whoever died first would try to come back and tell the other if there was baseball in heaven. One summer night, Bob suddenly passed away. A few nights later, his buddy Drew awoke to the sound of Bob’s voice from beyond.\ “Bob, is that you?” Drew asked. “Of course, it’s me,” Bob replied. This is unbelievable!” Drew exclaimed. “So tell me, is there baseball in heaven?” “Well, I have some good news and some bad news for you. Which do you want to hear first?” “Tell me the good news first,” says Drew. “Well, the good news is that, yes, there is baseball in heaven, Drew.” “Oh, that is wonderful!” says Drew, “So what could possibly be the bad news?” “Well,” Bob says, “You’re pitching tomorrow night.”

There is a small town in Maine that has two barbershops each with a single barber and on opposite sides of town. The barbershop in the good part of town is immaculate. The floors and windows are washed and the air is fresh. The barber is very friendly, always smiling; he has shined shoes, a nice head of hair, and a clean dress shirt. The barbershop in the bad part of town is a mess. The entire barbershop is covered with a layer of dirt, and the air smells of trash. The barber always has a frown on his face. His skin is oily, his hair is ragged, and there are always stains visible on his shirt. A man comes into town and hears of both barbershops, and the man decides to go to the dirty barbershop in the bad part of town. Why does he do this? Answer on next page

“If you know how to cheat, start now.”– Baltimore manager Earl Weaver to pitcher Ross Grimsley on the mound

you could see him drifting back and forth across it.” – Brooklyn Dodger Manager Leo Durocher on team executive Larry MacPhail

“You can sum up the game of baseball in one word: ‘You never know.’” – Joaquin Andujar, St. Louis Cardinals

“Last night I failed to mention something that bears repeating.” – Seattle Mariner announcer Ron Fairly

“I walk into the clubhouse today and it’s like walking into the Mayo Clinic. We have four doctors, three therapists and five trainers. Back when I broke in, we had one trainer who carried a bottle of rubbing alcohol, and by the 7th inning he’d already drunk it.” – Tommy Lasorda

“On this special Father’s Day, we’d like to wish all of you a very Happy Birthday.” – New York Mets announcer Ralph Kiner

“He’s got power enough to hit home-runs in any park, including Yellowstone.” – Manager Sparky Anderson, on Willie Stargell

“Who is this Baby Ruth? And what does she do?” – George Bernard Shaw

“You want proof that baseball players are smarter than football players? How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field?” – Jim Bouton “There’s a thin line between genius and insanity, and in Larry’s case it was so thin

“There have been only two authentic geniuses in the world: Willie Mays and Willie Shakespeare.” – Tallulah Bankhead

“I watch a lot of baseball on radio.” – Gerald Ford “If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can’t get you off.” – Bill Veeck “Bob Gibson is the luckiest pitcher I ever saw. He always pitches when the other team doesn’t score any runs.”– Tim McCarver

In the Name of the Game

“I think I throw the ball as hard as anyone. The ball just doesn’t get there as fast.” – Eddie Bane “I never took the game home with me. I always left it in some bar.” – Bob Lemon “After Jackie Robinson, the most important black in baseball history is Reggie Jackson.” – Reggie Jackson “We know we’re better than this, but we can’t prove it.” – Tony Gwynn

59 T h e J e TwH iE sJhE W H oI SmHe HnO MOEc tno bMeAY r 2244,, 2013 2012

World Series Trivia 1. Who is the only player to play in 75 World Series games? a. a. Yogi Berra b. b. Mickey Mantle c. c. Joe DiMaggio d. d. Phil Rizzuto 2. Everyone knows that Sandy Koufax declined to pitch Game 1 of the 1965 World Series because it was Yom Kippur. What do you know about the rest of that series—how many games did he pitch? a. 1 game b. 2 games c. 3 games d. He was benched and was not allowed to play at all. 3. Which team appeared in the World Series the most in the 1990s? a. Indians b. Tigers c. Yankees d. Braves 4. In 2003, the Yankees won 101 games but lost the World Series to this team, which only won 91 games and was appearing in only their second World Series: a. Baltimore Orioles b. St. Louis Cardinals c. Atlanta Braves d. Florida Marlins 5. Who was clearly not the MVP of the 1986 World Series? a. Ron Darling b. Bill Buckner c. Roger Clemens d. Bob Stanley 6. In the 1996 World Series, this pitcher had four saves for the Yankees, earning his the MVP award: a. Enter Sandman...Mariano Rivera b. Jeff Nelson

c. John Wetteland d. Doc Gooden 7. How many World Series rings does Joe Girardi have? a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4 8. Which pitcher threw a four-hit shutout to defeat the Giants in Game 7 of the 1962 World Series? a. Whitey Ford b. Bill Stafford c. Ralph Terry d. Jim Bouton 9. Which one of these players never hit three home runs in a World Series game: a. Babe Ruth b. Derek Jeter c. Albert Pujols d. Reggie Jackson Answers: 1. A 2. C- In Game 2, Koufax pitched six innings, giving up two runs, but the Twins won the Game 5–1 and took an early 2–0 lead in the series. The Dodgers then won Games 3 and 4. With the Series tied at 2 to 2, Koufax pitched a complete game shutout in Game 5, giving the Dodgers a 3–2 lead as the Series returned to Minnesota’s Metropolitan Stadium for Game 6. The Twins won Game 6 to force a seventh game. Starting Game 7 on just two days of rest, Koufax pitched through fatigue and arthritic pain. Despite giving up on his curveball early in the game after failing to get it over four strikes in the first two innings and pitching the rest of the game relying almost entirely on fastballs, he threw a three-hit shutout to clinch the

Series. The performance earned him his second World Series MVP award. 3. D 4. D 5. B- In game 6 with the game tied, Mookie Wilson hit a dribbler up the 1st base line which should have been a routine play to end the inning and put the Red Sox up to bat, but Bill Buckner had a Little League moment and the ball went right between his legs into the outfield. The Mets scored and won the game and went on to win the Series in the 7th game. 6. C- Mo was the set-up man in 1996. 7. D- He was on the Yankees for their 1996, 1998 and 1999 wins and was the Yankee manager when they won in 2009. 8. C 9. B Scoreboard: 8-9 correct: You are like a World Series MVP! (Ain’t it a shame that nobody cares about baseball anymore) 3-5 correct: Not bad. Well, actually, if you got 3 correct, you lose. If you got 5 correct, you win, with one to spare. 0-3 correct: You get the Bill Buckner award!

G OT FU N N Y?

Comm Let the ission er dec Send your s tuff

Answer to riddle: The clean-cut barber must have his hair cut by the dirty barber and the dirty barber by the clean-cut barber, so it’s obvious that the dirty barber gives a better haircut.

ide

o fivetow centerfold@ nsjewis hhome. com

60 96 T h e JTeHw m eH OnM EO cnt oMbAY e r 2244,, 2012 2013 E iJsEhWHI So H

Cover Story Rena Zingmond

One Year After the Storm FOUR FIVE FAMILIES TALK ABOUT THEIR JOURNEY BACK TO NORMAL

he crests of the Atlantic roll playfully forward as the ocean’s fingers brush gently against the land’s edge in rhythmic succession. Boats tethered to the docks rise and fall lazily with every ebb and flow. A picture of calm, it’s hard to believe that this tranquil body of water ever failed us, that its placid movement once gave way to armies of destruction. Yet, as we near the one-year anniversary of the day the world turned upside-down for so many, we can’t help but revisit the memories and repercussions wrought by such a storm. Following are the accounts of four individual families affected long-term by Hurricane Sandy – their challenges, their recovery, their reflections – their stories. While they may not encompass the voice and experiences of every Sandy sufferer, perhaps at the heart of their narratives is the message that, whatever your experience, you are not alone. We begin on October 23, 2012, the day after the waters raged their fury over the lower tip of New York and its surrounding areas.

The Damage

Danny Block* was one of the first people to return to his Far Rockaway home after the hurricane. “It looked like the world had ended,” he remembers. “There was devastation everywhere.” Uprooted trees, mud and garbage were strewn across the neighborhood. Following the city’s recommendation, Danny had evacuated with his family to his in-laws in Brooklyn before the start of the storm. Upon entering his home on Tuesday morning, he quickly assessed the damage. There was about six feet of water in the house, destroying his basement and everything in it. “Everything” included personal belongings, pictures, their washer-dryer and the kids’ Shabbos clothes, to name just a few. The electrical system needed rewiring, heating and hot water tanks needed to be replaced, and the house’s exterior had suffered damage from the wind and rain. Wanting to be prepared, Danny had purchased a generator before the onset of the squall, which he used mainly to pump out all the water afterwards. When the job became too big for him, neighbors

“WE LEARNED A BIG LESSON IN HOW TO TAKE AND HOW TO GIVE.”

pitched in to help. At one point they went into the water to see if anything was salvageable, which was “pretty gross” and mostly unsuccessful.

The Displacement

Raizy Blum* returned apprehensively to her house in North Woodmere to find it in a similar state. “We found sewage, seaweed, fish – everything was in our house,” she recounts. “You didn’t want to go near anything.” The worst part was that the Blum family had bought the house in June, almost four months before the storm hit. “We took out loans and did work on it and a few months later it was destroyed.” Raizy moved in with her in-laws in Lawrence who were a tremendous help. Her little one cried constantly, while the older ones lamented their physical separation from friends and social venues. Despite the earnest invitation from siblings to stay with them, Raizy declined, attempting to keep some semblance of order in her children’s lives. Her mother- and father-in-law did everything in their power to ensure that they were comfortable in their home. Eventually she set up a system of travelling to her parents in Monsey every Shabbos, picking up half of the menu while her mother made the rest. Even there her kids were difficult, and a certain point, Raizy felt she couldn’t take them anywhere. To make matters worse, the main access road to get to the Five Towns had collapsed – “broken like someone bit into a cookie,” says Raizy, rendering it impossible to reach Far Rockaway, where Raizy’s children attended school. The normally short drive morphed into a 35-minute circuitous route. School itself proved to be an additional challenge; as time went on, when teachers began expecting homework to be done. While it may have been feasible in other locations, Raizy says, the Five Towns was one of the latter areas to restore their power, and homework just wasn’t on the radar. Over time her children began to receive incredulous responses at their inability to submit their work. Some teachers would say, “Come on, still?” as if the kids were taking advantage. “[The school] wanted life to be normal,” Raizy explains. “There was no normalcy at home with unavailable parents, and the children really felt the burden. They couldn’t spend time with their friends like they usually do, couldn’t go to other people’s houses; they needed to help their parents.” With kids in four different schools, schlepping around took up a big chunk of Malka Fishman’s day. Malka had originally evacuated from

61 97

York Legal Assistance Group for legal advice, OHEL’s Project Hope for mental health counseling, and social workers from JASA for seniors, to name a few. Their “client choice” food pantry skyrocketed from 500 to 1800 people a month.

The Scramble

Oceanside with her seven children to her friends in West Hempstead. After the extent of the hurricane became apparent and the apartment lost power, the friend decided to move home to Virginia, leaving Malka with the decision to move as well or remain there in the dark. But where would they go? Miraculously, they were taken in by a Jewish family living in Queens who had contacted Malka’s principal with the message that they had room to house a displaced family. “I didn’t even know her!” Malka exclaims. She gratefully took up their offer, moving into the upstairs part of their house. While acknowledging the tremendous chessed this entailed, adjusting to the new reality proved difficult. Malka and her family had nothing but the things they had packed in their suitcases. There were no extras, not even a pair of underwear. The children missed their toys and familiar routine. When asked about homework she exclaims, “Homework? There was no way they could do homework! We were eight people upstairs and I would get home late…” Malka and her children stayed in Queens for about eight weeks after which, through Project Nivneh – a division of Achiezer, they were able to find a rental in Hewlett. Rebbetzin Tzipora Weinberger of Inwood was another beneficiary of the unbelievable kindness in the realm of room and board. Her house had suffered core damage that rendered it unlivable for a considerable amount of time. Wishing to stay local and available for their constituents, Rav and Rebbetzin Weinberger accepted the generous offer of Scott Miller to move into his house. “He moved into his downstairs, and we moved in with five rambunctious boys,” she recalls. “We literally took over the place.” At school, her children’s teachers would keep tabs on their progress. “The week after we moved into Scott’s house,” Rebbetzin Weinberger continues, “one of my son’s rebbeim called to check in and see how we were doing. When I told him that, baruch Hashem we moved into this apartment, he said, ‘Oh good, because your son told me you’ve been living in your car.’” She laughs again and adds wryly that he’s not so far off – everything they had taken with them when they left was kept in their car. With her basement totally flooded, the rebbetzin would return every day and remove whatever she could from the upstairs floors. As with the Fishmans, the chessed of a place to stay was invaluable, yet not the same as being home.

The Response

As the assemblyman representing areas in Queens, Phillip Goldfeder was faced with unthinkable difficulties. “85% of the people I represent were somehow damaged or affected,” he says. “There’s no guidebook, no handbook for these things.” Having been personally displaced from his Far Rockaway home, the assemblyman operated from the nearby police precinct, which became his temporary residence for five days. “Day number one was making sure everyone had a place to sleep, a place to stay. On day number two we started to wonder, ‘Where are they eating?’” The Jewish Community Council of the Rockaway Peninsula or JCCRP sprung into action as well. With funding and resources provided by the Met Council and UJA, executive director Nathan Krasnovsky tried to cover all the bases he could. “As soon as I got the sense that people were staying,” he relates, “I went with Rabbi Eliezer Feuer of Young Israel of Wavecrest and Bayswater to Brachs and set up a kosher hot kitchen right away at the White Shul and the Young Israel.” Next on the list were generators and a charging station. “After that,” he continues, “we saw people were really worried about security so we helped fund walkie-talkies for the volunteer Rockaway Citizens Safety Patrol.” Among many other feats, the JCCRP also brought in experts in various fields to help people navigate the endless maze of insurance, supply purchasing, and emotional baggage. They currently house representatives from the Red Cross, Met Council disaster case management, New

Juggling the demands of day-to-day living paired with the fresh challenges that arose at every step of recovery proved to be incredibly daunting. “There were so many things to take care of. Meet with an adjuster, FEMA, get estimates,” Malka says. Raizy tells of a similar experience. She describes the first few months following the storm as nonstop – “meeting with this organization, that insurance company…I needed another me to do everything! Scrounging for grants from organizations, feeling like a schnorrer,” she continues. “We obviously tried to get as much money from our insurance first.” There were mountains of paperwork to complete, only to hear it had been misplaced, forms to fill out online, meetings to set up; it was a constant uphill battle. When arriving home (at her in-laws’) Raizy would greet her kids with a quick, “Sorry, gotta run,” and be out the door again. “My kids were a mess,” she sighs. Danny relates that the amount of time it took to get things taken care of was unbelievable. “We didn’t get any help from FEMA or the government, and insurance took forever to come through, not even covering 50%,” he says. “It was a full-time job in and of itself.” Trying to come up with the money so as to get back in the house as fast as possible was the goal. “You never realize how important it is just to be in your own space,” Malka muses. “Even people who went to live with their parents said how difficult it was to be there for so long with the children.” To add insult to injury, price gouging among service providers was prevalent due to the desperation of their clients. Everyone was panicked, and no one really knew if the provider was reliable or ripping people off. Malka relates that when choosing a boiler, she was told she would need one that functioned on 4 BTU when she knew she needed 7. Under normal circumstances, when one decides to remodel a kitchen or even a house, one takes the time to research, get various opinions, search for one item at a time. In the aftermath of Sandy, there was no luxury for such mental space. “All at once I needed a new fridge, stove, washer-dryer and freezer,” says Malka. “We were scrambling.” Rebbetzin Weinberger echoes the feeling of trying to be in two places at once. “We both work full time; we either needed a secretary or to quit our jobs to get everything done.” She comments that under normal circumstances, construction is a frustrating experience. Throw in a contractor engaged in a tug-of-war between frantic clients and it can be almost impossible to see any progress. When her cousins would ask her whether or not she thought they’d be home in time for Purim, the rebbetzin had thought it was a given. “Then we opened our walls and there was terrible termite damage, either from now or years before. The water weakened the beams further…there were always setbacks. Everything took longer.” Every time a step was made in the right direction, another problem seemed to crop up. Raizy recounts, “We would start working and the sewage lines collapsed, then they would tell me there’s no soil under the house, then the floor started collapsing, then they found cracks in the foundation. A $70,000 estimate ballooned to $150,000.” Heating was a big problem, in that the storm hit at the onset of a very cold winter. While the power had been restored in Raizy’s neighborhood, the lack of electricity and heat in her house made it impossible to move back in. Replacing the boiler was another decision to make – oil or gas. She opted to switch to gas even though the projected time frame was 6-8 weeks; if it had to be redone, why not upgrade in the process? “Every time I came in [to the house] I had to come so bundled up,” Raizy recalls, as it took weeks to turn the heat back on.

The Children

As difficult as it was for the adults to reclaim their lives while attempting to retain their sanity, children, with their absorbent faculties and sensitive natures, were especially affected. The chaos, confusion and fear experienced by so many made lasting impressions on some young minds. “My little one came with me to check Continued on page 64

WiIsShH HHoOmMeE nn OMcAY TThHeE JJeEw t o b2 e4r, 2012 2 4 , 2013

SHE DESCRIBES THE FIRST FEW MONTHS FOLLOWING THE STORM AS NONSTOP – “I NEEDED ANOTHER ME TO DO EVERYTHING!”

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

E iJsEhWHI So H T h e JTeHw m eH OnM EO cnt oMbAY e r 2244,, 2012 2013

64 98

on the house for the first time [after the hurricane],” Raizy relates, admitting in retrospect that it might not have been the best decision. “We had never seen a house flooded before. We were so busy trying to deal with everything we didn’t pay attention to his reaction…he was stomping in the water like any boy would. But after that,” she continues, “for the next two months he kept the 2-3 toys we took for him – the only toys he had – next to his bed to sleep with because he said he didn’t want them to get ruined in the flood.” Every time the weather would yield wind or rain, the kids would pile into their parents’ bedroom. “We had to have our own education of what scary wind is, what normal wind is,” Raizy laughs ruefully. “We all know hurricane season ends November 30th.” Malka’s children were left with similar impressions. “It really was a trauma. A couple weeks ago there was a thunderstorm and they were petrified. And they’re not such young kids; my youngest is ten. They thought it was another hurricane.” Malka adds that besides the storm anxiety, different emotions arose in relation to the uncomfortable reality of owning next to nothing. “My kids said to me, ‘I don’t want used clothes’ – because I wasn’t about to buy everything new. I told them, ‘The clothes you lost were used, too – by you! We’ll use these for now and eventually we’ll buy new things that are your style, your brand. Now, we’re borrowing.’” The displacement was taking its toll as well. “We felt like we had no home or chinuch,” laments Raizy. “When you have your own Shabbos table you feel like it solidifies your chinuch for the next week.” Not all reactions were negative. Rebbetzin Weinberger says that her children feel a certain fondness for the home that had afforded them refuge. “When we pass Scott’s house my kids point and cheer, ‘That’s the house we stayed in!’ B”H they don’t talk so much about the storm any more.”

The Chessed

Though the stories of Sandy sufferers span a wide range of emotions, a common theme was the sheer amazement at the unbridled display of chessed prevailing within the community and beyond. “There was so much chessed happening,” Raizy says in awe. “It’s amazing to see how people come together for you.” Rabbi Boruch Bender, founder and director of Achiezer, an organization focused on providing community support, says, “We provided what was requested. In the first few weeks we served about 42,000 meals and processed insurance applications for about 470 families.” Malka enthuses, “If it wasn’t for Nivneh and my Partner in Sandy, I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through.” “Partners in Sandy,” the brainchild of Project Nivneh’s co-founder and director Ettie Schoor, aimed to give families in need those extra pairs of legs and mental space they wished they had. “When my Partner came into my life,” Malka continues, “it was such a change; I no longer had to start running around fighting for this grant, that government aid; she would

THROUGHOUT THE DEVASTATION AND TRYING ORDEALS, A LIGHT PIERCED THE DARKNESS; THIS LIGHT WAS THE CARE AND CONCERN OF PEOPLE WHO MADE EFFORTS TO HELP ANOTHER JEW. get the emails. [The Partners] could sit with their clear heads removed from the situation and sift through all the information and figure out what applied to us and how to get it. She would compare programs and tell me, ‘Don’t use that program – it doesn’t apply to you.’ We could take care of our homes and families and they would get the things we needed. It really lifted the burden off my shoulders.” Nivneh hosted a “Partners” dinner where some Partners had a chance to meet for the first time after communicating so extensively by phone. Malka adds that her Partner still calls her periodically to see if she needs anything. With Chanukah following so closely on the heels of the disaster, the holiday was one of the furthest things on people’s minds. “Chanukah came right away,” remembers Rebbetzin Weinberger. “We hadn’t even started with insurance; out of nowhere a bag of toys came from this organization and from that committee. The kids felt so taken care of. It was done so quietly and honorably.” Malka shares,

“Nivneh was amazing; they gave out Chanukah presents for the kids, menorahs and oil – I didn’t even remember it was supposed to be Chanukah!” Resupplying themselves with a fraction of the amount they used to have was a daunting procedure for many storm victims. “Months after the storm I couldn’t walk into a department store,” Malka recalls. “There’s so much of everything, and you don’t know what to get because you need everything.” Malka especially appreciated the “store” organized by Sh’or Yoshuv, allowing people – including her kids – to choose what they wanted. “We didn’t want to buy anything new to cover our costs,” says Raizy. “We mostly bought second-hand stuff, and here we are today and somehow I feel I’m missing nothing. I probably purchased $30,000 dollars’ worth of merchandise in two weeks.” In addition to the comprehensive responses afforded by the many organizations involved in relief, the chessed of individuals was equally astounding. “At one point there were about twenty-five people in my house knocking down sheetrock,” Malka relates, “and my neighbor came over and I told her, ‘I don’t even know any of these people!’ and someone said, ‘You know me!’ She pulled down her mask, and sure enough I knew her and her husband from around the neighborhood. I said, ‘Why are you here?!’ She said, ‘I teach my kids it’s important to do chessed and be responsible for one another, and what better way to teach them than this?’ I looked around and her children were all there.” Another person up came from Baltimore with a truckload of provisions, including homemade muffins from his mother. Companies also donated services they would otherwise be paid for. “I had someone come to my house to do a mold treatment,” Malka continues. “It cost a fortune, and I still had mold! Nivneh sent someone from Mold Maven who didn’t take a penny from me; he did three treatments to make sure I was mold-free.” Though Danny’s office in Far Rockaway suffered only minor damage, it had lost power and with it, heat. “There was no leeway in terms of work; we were still expected to meet deadlines,” Danny says. Generously, someone involved in hurricane recovery offered him free office space in Brooklyn. A woman who works as a professional interior decorator volunteered her expertise to Rebbetzin Weinberger and her family. Rabbi Hiller, the principal of the school she teaches, offered his office and internet since most insurance claims could only be submitted online. Throughout the devastation and trying ordeals, a light pierced the darkness; this light was the care and concern of people who made efforts to help another Jew. “I felt Hashem put so many wonderful people in my life to help us get back on our feet,” Malka says. “I have so much hakaras hatov and feel so fortunate to be part of this community.” Assemblyman Goldfeder says that where the city of New York failed, the Jewish community prevailed. “It was the organizations who stepped up. Where there was a need, new organizations sprouted. I hear this from every part of my district – the Orthodox community was ahead of the curve at every challenge.”

The Hashgacha

Hashem reveals His hashgacha in the most unexpected ways. When Danny and his family sought shelter Brooklyn, the Blocks temporarily enrolled their children in local Brooklyn day schools. They were so happy with one yeshiva that

6599

they kept their son there. “It definitely wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for the storm,” Danny admits. Before Malka successfully eradicated her mold problem, she was running out to Long Beach for an estimate when someone handed her an envelope. He explained his role as messenger and told her that the envelope contained a check. She took it quickly and thanked him while shouting into her cellphone, “The contractor told me I have mold!” A man on the street overheard her conversation and said that he could take of the problem for $1,600. Malka explained that she didn’t have that kind of money available and got into her car. Once in the car she opened the envelope and the check that fell into her hand was made out for $1,600. “I ran out and said, ‘I can do it! Come tomorrow!’” she laughs. “So many stories happened to me like that. Hashem sent me the right people and guided me through the whole experience.”

The Return Home

With their homes far from done, many people opted to brave the remaining discomforts and inconveniences just to be in their own space again. Raizy returned to her house after Pesach. “We moved home on one floor and there was a half-aninch-thick layer of dust everywhere.” Three coat racks lining the living room held their meager belongings. Until the end of July, laundry was done at a neighbor or in a laundromat. Also until mid-July there were workers all over the house, leaving their tools around and using her bathroom. “They would say they can only come on Friday and I would say, ‘Nope – that’s my only day to clean and organize.’ He would show up at 7:30 and not be out until 3:30.” The front door had expanded so that once it was closed it wouldn’t open again, but in any case there was no way to lock it. She had removed her valuables long before. “Somehow our house still isn’t finished,” Raizy sighs. “They still have to fix the locks on the door, fix our attic closure – which they broke.” Raizy and her family still worry about animals getting into their house, since they had had a problem with squirrels. By June 10th, Malka’s house was “ready enough” to move in. “I don’t need closet doors or molding, just one working toilet.” They just got a garage and a side door last Wednesday. A year later, it’s clear things have yet to be completed. “I’ve been to homes within the last ten days in the heart of our community,” says Rabbi Bender, “that behind the façade you wouldn’t believe [what it looks like]. They look structurally sound from the outside … but inside it’s just wooden slats, people living off toaster ovens in their living rooms. For some people back home is not quite home yet.” With all said and done, Rebbetzin Weinberger is able to enjoy her remodeled home. With one working bathroom and sink, it does the job. “We love our house now,” she says, “and the chessed done was amazing. The contractor kept bringing extra crews and threw in extras. The fact that he got us in by Purim was a superhuman feat.” The Weinberger family moved back into their home on Friday, erev Purim. Danny eventually moved back into office when he and his family returned to Far Rockaway. He reflects that the biggest challenge he had to deal with was finding the money and repairing the damage. Danny and his family stayed at his in-laws for four months.

Despite the flaws, the end is on the horizon as life begins to fall into place once again. After being home for four months, Raizy feels that her kids are finally adjusting and that things are calming down. When Raizy’s mother called her last week, she was able to say this was her first week of calm since Sandy. “We had a lot of company over Sukkos, now that everything’s freshly done and new in our house. But every time they said something like, ‘We’ll see you then,’ I didn’t believe it. I had this little fear in my head – who knows what can happen with the weather?” As she starts to breathe again, Raizy has begun to feel nervous about adjusting to normalcy. With yom tov over and the workers out of her house, she experienced her first week home alone with her family. “We cleaned out the final traces of Sandy from our garage last week,” she continues. “I feel like we finally cleaned Sandy out of our house.”

The Reflections

It’s impossible to undergo an experience of such magnitude and remain unaffected. Thankfully, many Sandy victims walked away with a new appreciation for life, the people around them, and the things that really matter. “At one point,” Malka recollects, “the city of Long Beach got huge dumpsters, and they were going up and down the streets taking stuff away. The forklift was coming and I felt like my entire life was at the street.” Included were her children’s furniture, clothing, pictures, and other mementos. “I remember standing there feeling like a little person, and this huge dumpster with a huge crane came to pick up all the belongings. I spent so much time researching that [particular] stove or bed and it’s gone, but we’re all OK and that stuff doesn’t matter.” Raizy echoes, “You come away with a very clear feeling of ‘it doesn’t mean anything.’ We still have our family and health.” She adds that, despite the surprising rate at which things were replaced, owning next to nothing was a freeing experience like no other. Now, when visitors comment on her beautiful house and what a pleasure it must be, Raizy agrees, but what a price it cost. “It can be taken away in a minute; it’s not worth getting attached to,” she says. “It was a big lesson for us, as we’re both in giving positions,” Rebbetzin Weinberger considers. “We learned a big lesson in how to take and how to give. There’s an art to giving.” The bottom line for her seemed to be just to give – no guilt trips, no dilly-dallying, and no lip-service. “You realize how important it is to be there for others,” Malka says. “This family [in Queens] was amazing; she bought me a toothbrush and the brand of toothpaste I like. It seems so silly, but the small things made such a difference.” To this day she and Malka are friends, and Malka stresses that their paths would have never crossed otherwise. “The other thing I realized,” Malka adds, “was that I had so much stuff, and when we moved [to Queens] we were fine with what we had. We had what we needed.” As Rav and Rebbetzin Weinberger complete their house, they say they’re happy, but it doesn’t mean much. “We want it to be nice and serviceable, but [we know] it could be destroyed tomorrow. Everything’s transient. Things are not you.” * * * Hurricane Sandy has been described as the worst storm in the history of the modern United States. “This was by far the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced,” says Assemblyman Goldfeder, “personally and professionally.” The extent of the damage and the lasting effects serve as continual reminders as people strive to recover and rebuild. However, as is the case with many catastrophes, the response generated by caring individuals shattered the limits of average expectation. The local population and the community at large rose to the occasion with an intensity that may not have manifested itself without the impetus of tragedy. What still remains to be done? “Be compassionate and understand it’s not finished,” Rabbi Bender suggests. “Reach out to a family member, friend, or our office – we’ll find you a family to help.” With Hashem’s assistance, we hope that all aspects of Sandy recovery will be speedily completed – for good. *names have been changed to protect people’s privacy

T H E J E W I S H H O M E n M AY 2 4 , 2012 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

“I TEACH MY KIDS IT’S IMPORTANT TO DO CHESSED AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ONE ANOTHER, AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO TEACH THEM THAN THIS?”

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

The Shmuz

R’ Ben Tzion Shafier

Parshas Chayei Sarah The Greatness of the Avos

“And Sarah died in Kiryas Arba, which is Chevron, in the land of Caanan, and Avrohom came to mourn for Sarah and to cry for her.” — Bereishis 23:2 Every word in the Torah is exact and every nuance measured. Therefore, Rashi is bothered that the Torah places the burial of Sarah next to the Akeidah. There doesn’t seem to be any connection between the two events. Rashi answers that the Torah is teaching us that it was through the Akeidah that Sarah died. The Medrash tells us that after the Akeidah, the Satan came to Sarah and said, “Did you hear?” “No. What?” “Oh…well…you see, Avrohom took Yitzchak with him to Yerushalayim to the very place where the Bais HaMikdash will be built. He built an altar right where the Mizbeach will one day be. He tied Yitzchak up, hands behind his back, and put him on that altar. Then Avrohom prepared the wood and everything else needed to bring a korbon. He took a long knife, held it over Yitzchaks neck, moved his hand down…” Before the Satan could continue, Sarah’s neshama left her and she died. The Taz on this Rashi explains that when Sarah heard the words of the Satan, she imagined the pain and terror that Yitzchak must have felt at that moment. It was too much for her to bear, and that caused her death. This Rashi is quite difficult to understand. Sarah Imeinu was a strong, emotionally stable woman. In fact, she was a like a rock. She had unshakable 



As the child matures and becomes his own person, the parent still loves the child, but there is a change in the relationship. bitachon, having lived through many trials and travails. More than that, while all the Imahos matured at a very young age, Sarah was 127 years old at this point, not a flighty teenager. It seems difficult to understand how she could die from feeling the pain of her son. But even more, her son was not a toddler. At the time of the Akeidah, Yitzchak was 37 years old. He was a fully grown man. How is it possible that this news caused her so much pain that she literally died from it? This question can best be answered by understanding the dynamics of the human personality. Parental Instinct In the wild, a mother cougar will risk its life to save its young. A mother bear becomes ferocious and almost uncontrollable when her cubs are threatened. In many species, we see a powerful maternal instinct to protect offspring, and this lasts till the young are about two years old. Then something strange happens. The same mother, who would risk life and limb for her litter, will turn against the now-grown cub and force it out of the group. The cub is no longer recognized as something to protect, but as a competitor to be shunned and chased





  

out. The motherly instinct served its purpose. When it is no longer needed, it shuts off like a water spigot. We see an eerie parallel in the world of man. If you go to your local hospital and look in at the new fathers in the nursery, you will witness very tender scenes. When Frank, the UPS driver, picks up Frank Jr. for the first time, there is a look of love and devotion in his eyes. You can almost hear him planning out their future. “Me and Frank Jr….we are going to be tight. We are going to play ball together, go to hockey games together. It’s going to be great.” And it is, for a while…but then Frank Jr. hits the teenage years and it is no longer so beautiful. In fact, they are no longer speaking to each other. No longer does Frank dream about spending time with his child, no longer does he yearn for that relationship. It might be the farthest thing from his mind. What happened? What happened was that Frank Jr. stopped being the little babe lovingly looking into his father’s eyes, and the relationship took on a very different nature. When the natural instinct begins to wane, a very different relationship ensues. The Chovos Ha’Levovos tells us that Hashem implanted into the human heart all of the instincts needed for survival of man. One of these is the parental instinct. The father didn’t ask for this sensation, nor does he control it, but he feels the pain of his child. In fact, if the son is cut, the father feels it as if it his own flesh that is being cut. This is an instinct that Hashem put into parents to give them the drive to care for and protect their young. However, that attachment doesn’t last forever. As the child matures and becomes his own person, the parent still loves the child, but there is a change in the relationship. This instinct is much like the sulfur on a kitchen match. When you strike it against the phosphorous on the matchbox, it will ignite into flame. It gets

very hot, very quickly. It flares up for a second or two, long enough to light the wood of the match. However, that flame wasn’t designed to last. If the match is wet, the flame will soon flicker and die. It was only created to be a catalyst to start the fire, not to keep it going. The instincts that Hashem put into man will cause him to care for his offspring when they are young and in need of great attention, but that sense soon fades. If the person is a giving, caring individual, that initial burst will be enough to be the catalyst to real attachment, and the bonding will continue and deepen as the flame of love grows. If the wood is wet or rotten, the flame will weaken and go out. This seems to be the answer to the question. The heart of the tzaddik is pure and is filled with love and affection. Sarah worked on herself to such an extent that she was completely other-centered. Her whole existence was focused on helping others, taking care of their needs, and doing for them. When she had her own child, the natural maternal instinct flared and caused a bond and attachment to her child that was unbreakable. But that sense didn’t fade as the years passed. Because her heart was so pure, it increased and became more powerful so that she and Yitzchak were as one. It was to such an extent that when she heard the news that her precious child was in pain, the thought was too much for her to bear, and she literally died. This concept has powerful ramifications in our own lives. For parents to become true advocates, protectors, guides, and mentors to their children, they must foster this bond and allow it to grow up with their child. The instinct will only take them so far. After a point, it is their own dedication and devotion that takes over and creates the true bond. While we will never reach the level of the Avos, they remain for us guiding lights to show us the dynamics of the human personality and the heights that a human can aspire to. Get the new Shmuz APP! Access hundreds of audio, videos, and articles from the Shmuz. Simply go to the App store, or Google Play, and search for “TheShmuz” or go to www.theShmuz.com.

67 Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz

Kever Rechokim

he heard that the young fellow worked with kids in trouble, the dayan related that he had not always looked as he did that day. “When I was younger, I was a troublemaker. I was not religious, and one Shabbat we were playing soccer outside the bait k’neset when a rabbi walked out and a ball I kicked knocked off his hat. I thought it was hysterical but he approached us. He asked me where my parents were. I told him they were dead. He brought me home, made Kiddush and gave me wine, and then

his wife served me as much food as I could eat. They even gave me a bed and let me go to sleep. “When I woke up it was after Shabbat. The rabbi asked me what I liked to do. I told him I wanted to go to the cinema and see a movie. He gave me money and told me to have fun, then said,

I said on the surface, but I did not affect the underlying girl, nor change her the way I wanted. The common thread in all these stories is that they were all attempts at bringing a person closer to the ideal of what they could be and separating them from improper behavior. The ones who

The problem is that instead of kiruv rechokim, bringing people closer, we end up doing “kever rechokim,” burying that person in negativity and possibly stunting their spiritual growth.

‘Make sure you come back tomorrow.’ “I did, and every day he fed me, gave me a place to sleep, and gave me money for my activities. I truly loved him. Eventually, he started speaking to me about Torah, and bought me a pair of tefillin. I went to yeshiva, excelled, got married, and now I am retiring after 25 years on the Beit Din. Don’t give up on your boys, just love them and they will surprise you. “Who was the rabbi?” asked the young man. “What do you mean was?” replied the dayan. “He is 92-years-old, and his name is R’ Ovadiah Yosef!” I was a bad Daddy. 3. My daughter was walking in the darkened living room to get something and stubbed her toe on my other daughter’s book bag. She was upset at her sister for leaving it where it could trip her. Instead of comforting her, I took up the role of teacher and said, “You cannot blame her for this. Why didn’t you turn on a light? You chose to walk in the dark and it’s your own fault.” The words my daughter said next seared my heart: “You don’t even care that I got hurt.” I failed. At that moment, she needed me to care for her and empathize with her pain. She needed to know that I loved her even though she was blaming her sister because I could see through the frustration to the real girl underneath. Instead, I tried to teach her how she should act. She might do what

succeeded were the ones who put aside the inappropriate actions and focused on unconditional love of the person. Nearly all observant Jews feel a certain sense of responsibility to bring those who are less observant closer to our ideal of a Torah Jew. The problem is that instead of kiruv rechokim, bringing people closer, we end up doing “kever rechokim,” burying that person in negativity and possibly stunting their spiritual growth. In essence, we’re doing the exact opposite of what we intended to do! The way to bring people closer to Hashem is by finding what they do right, instead of pointing out what they do wrong. If someone doesn’t keep Shabbos, throwing stones – either literal or proverbial – won’t change his or

her mind. In fact, it will likely succeed in making him more steadfast in his ways. I’m reminded of an old parable my mother a”h used to use in Sunday School. The Sun and the Wind made a wager. They were trying to see which one could make a fellow take off his coat. The wind went first and blew until he was blue in the face, or blew in the face, or whatever, but the harder the wind assailed him, the tighter the man drew his jacket around him. Then it was the sun’s turn. He just beamed at the man and the continued warmth of the sun’s smile made the fellow peel the jacket right off. When you want to help someone come closer to Hashem, don’t be cold to him or blow lots of air in his face, it will make him turn his back and cling more tightly to his beliefs. Instead, just love him, be kind, and when he’s ready, he’ll ask for help in taking off the jacket.

Jonathan Gewirtz is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in publications around the world. He also operates JewishSpeechWriter.com, where you can order a custom-made speech for your next special occasion. For more information, or to sign up for the Migdal Ohr, his weekly PDF Dvar Torah in English, e-mail info@JewishSpeechWriter.com and put Publication Sponsorship or Subscribe in the subject.

O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

’m going to tell you three stories: two happy, one sad, but all with the same message. You may have heard these before, but humor me. Hear me out and see if I make you think. 1. R’ YY Rubinstein related the story of a boy who was preparing to go out with his friends on a Friday night. He put on his jeans, his leather jacket, and whatever other paraphernalia he needed to be cool. His father, a chasidishe fellow in a bekeshe, came to him with a box before Shabbos. “I know where you’re going,” said his father, “and I don’t want you to go. It’s not safe.” He opened the box and pulled out a small television set. He put it down on the desk and said to his son, “What happens inside the four walls of your own room is your business, but I don’t want you going out to those dangerous places.” He walked out and closed the door. Years later, now fully observant, that boy noted his father’s unconditional love as the turning point for his return. “It didn’t matter what I did; I knew my father loved me, and that brought me back.” 2. Not too long ago, a man on a bus in Israel spent some time speaking to his seatmate, a dayan (judge) on a local Beit Din (Rabbinical Court.) When

The Jewish Home n

The Observant Jew

The Jewish Home n o c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

69 Avi Heiligman

Simo Hayha—The Best Sniper Ever

O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

between the two armies “White Death” as his kill score his column is usually reserved for was that the Russians increased. He mainly used the Jewish heroes of were fighting thousands M91 Mosin-Nagant rifle that was war and others who of miles from home, great at the long distances that have supported Jewish didn’t know the territo- Hayha needed to pick off Ruscauses. Sometimes we ry, had unreliable leader- sians. Almost every sniper in histalk about little known ship, suffered from low tory used a scope but Hayha just facts or battles in recent morale and were fight- used the iron sights on his rifle. modern military history ing in one of the harshest Iron sights are roughly the size of (1800-current). Howevwinters that Finland ever a fingernail and are placed on top er, for this current artiexperienced. On the oth- of the rifle near the trigger and cle we are going to talk er hand, the Finns were near the muzzle. It takes a skilled about a little known indefending their home- marksman to hit a bull’s eye hundividual who, while he land which they knew dreds of yards away with just iron wasn’t Jewish or had well, had good leaders sights. Hayha did this because the connections with Jews, and men who were ben- sun shined brightly on the snow Simo Hayha played a major role in efiting from high morale covered ground and would reflect history. This is the story and knew off the glass scope of the best sniper in history. how to fight in such bruand create a glint. Many After the defeat of Poland in the fall tal climates. They also anti-sniper teams locatof 1939, there wasn’t much fighting in had a sniper called up ed snipers by looking Europe until the next spring when Ger- from the reserves named for this glint but Hayha many attacked France and the Western Simo Hayha. wouldn’t give them the Allies. However, there was a smaller Simo Hayha was opportunity. conflict raging on to the north. The So- born in 1905 on the The Russians atviet Union was in a bitter struggle with Finnish-Russian border. tacked in the Kollaa retroops from an inferior Finnish army. He was a natural farmer gion with over four diFinland broke away from the Russian and even more important visions while the Finns empire in 1917, and the Soviets were to the military, he was a were only able to put one itching at an attempt to regain lost ter- skilled hunter. Like many on this particular battleritory. With the outbreak of WWII, the countries, all young men field. In the area where Russians finally had their opportunity were required to serve at Hayha was stationed, for a full scale war with their neigh- least a year in the army 4,000 Russians attacked bors. This became known as the Win- and remain in the rea motley force of just 32 ter War, and the Russians weren’t pre- serves after leaving acFinnish defenders. The pared for the Finns staunch resistance tive duty. Simo joined region had few roads and Simo Hayha in his battle dress to their invasion. the army in 1925, and was only passable on skis Russia sent 21 divisions, close to when the Soviets invadand horseshoes. Hayha half a million men, into ed in 1939, he picked camouflaged himself and packed his Finland to “retaliate” up his rifle and went mouth with snow to prevent frost from for killing four guards. to the front lines. After coming out and being seen. Using his Later it was revealed his first army stint, he small frame to his advantage— he was that the NKVD (precompeted in civilian only 5 feet 3 inches—he sat in “Indian cursor to the KGB) sniper tournaments style” or lying against a barrier while had been the ones reand when he returned shooting at the enemy. He also placed sponsible and only did to the army he was snow at the end of his rifle barrel to it so that Russia could given a sniper rifle. avoid alerting the Russians with the attack Finland with T e m p e r a t u r e s muzzle flash. In a period of about 100 “just cause.” The truth during the 1939-1940 days, he picked off over 500 enemy was that Russia wantWinter War ranged soldiers with his sniper rifle and 200 ed land that Finland between -4° and -40° more with a machine gun. The Soviet high command heard had seized in 1917 and Fahrenheit. Hayha was about the sniper who was singlehandso the Finns prepared in his comfort zone in edly holding off a battalion and sent for war. They called this weather since he anti-sniper teams to take him out. Hayup the reserves but grew up in the area. ha systematically maneuvered around still could only musHe wore completely Simo Hayha after the Winter War. His faced is deformed from a bullet them and eliminated these teams. The ter about 350,000 solwhite and the Rusthat exploded on his left cheek diers. The difference sians called him the Russians even resorted to using artil-

The Jewish Home n

Forgotten Heroes

Hayha taking aim in the frigid weather

lery barrages just to eliminate this one corporal but were unsuccessful. On one of these “carpet bomb” attacks, pieces of shrapnel tore up his coat but he was unharmed. On May 6, 1940, a Russian counter-sniper finally hit him the jaw with an exploding round. Hayha was down and was brought to the rear. Doctors thought he was a goner as he drifted into a coma. Miraculously, he woke up on March 13. It was the same day that the Winter War ended so Hayha didn’t get a chance to fight again. Hayha slowly made a full recovery but the left side of his face was disfigured for the rest of his life. He died in 2002 at the ripe old age of 96. Finland was successful in holding off the Russians in the Kollaa sector but it didn’t stop them from getting the shorter end of the peace treaty. Russia ultimately gained land but Finland did manage to retain their independence. It wouldn’t be too much to say that if the Russians had succeeded in winning most of the battles then Finland would have become part of the U.S.S.R. during the Cold War. Simo Hayha independently held off thousands of men and directly contributed to a major part of Finland’s successes in the war.

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.

T h e J eT HwE iJsEhWHIoSmHeH nO M Eo cnt oMbAY e r 2244, ,2012 2013

70 88

Notable

Quotes

Compiled by Nate Davis

“Say What?” Because of the government shutdown, the White House is under attack — by squirrels. They’ve invaded the White House garden because the gardeners were laid off. Michelle Obama planted a garden to show how easy it is to grow your own food. All you need is water, sunlight, and 50 fulltime federal employees. - Craig Ferguson The website has been too slow; people have been getting stuck during the application process. And I think it’s fair to say that nobody is more frustrated by that than I am – precisely because the product is good, I want the cash registers to work. I want the checkout lines to be smooth. So I want people to be able to get this great product. - Remarks by President Obama about the glitches with the Obamacare website Stay away from Healthcare. gov. - Consumer Reports’ conclusion regarding the Obamacare website

I am a bully. Honk if you hate bullies. - Text of a large poster Jose Lagares Madhi’s fourth grade son held at a busy intersection in Texas, after the boy was sent home from school for being a bully

After the shutdown debacle, the Tea Party’s approval rating is 23 percent. In other words, it’s the first time the Tea Party has ever been supported by a minority. - Conan O’Brien

I brought some muffins! - Vice President Joe Biden welcoming EPA employees back to work This morning Joe Biden personally greeted government employees who’d been out of work during the shutdown. Haven’t those people suffered enough? - Craig Ferguson

It was kind of a rough day today. A friend of mine was given six months by his doctor — not to live, to sign up for Obamacare. - Jay Leno The president spoke today on the Obamacare website glitches. He said he’s bringing in “the best and the brightest” to solve the problem. Why didn’t he bring in the best and the brightest in the first place? See, this is typical Washington. They only bring in the best and the brightest as a last resort. - Jay Leno

Constant conflict is actually often good politics. - Former President Bill Clinton, discussing the government shutdown

The president said, “There’s no sugarcoating the problems with the healthcare website.” See, that’s a mistake. We’re Americans, we love sugarcoating. If you sugarcoat something, Americans will buy it. In fact, sugar is the reason we have Obamacare in the first place. - Jay Leno I obviously do not have an opportunity to go within the Republican conference. But I know some of the members there — and a lot of those members — they’re rabid, they’re sophomoric, literally, they’re second term in Congress, never worked in politics before, and they think they are somehow like — it’s all talked in military terms. They think they’re some kind of guerrillas there to strike a blow for freedom…We take an oath to support the country against all enemies foreign and domestic, and these are the domestic enemies. - Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) on MSNBC

Last week North Korea unveiled a new governmentowned water park. There are differences between an American water park and a North Korean water park. In America, if you’re less than four feet tall, you can’t ride a slide. In North Korea, if you’re less than four feet tall, you can run the country. – Jimmy Fallon

It’s just unimaginable the actions [Republicans] they would turn to, to get their way on a very small and modest bill – Obamacare. We’re talking about universal health care for everybody – single payer, that’s what the new direction is. -Rep. John Conyers (D-MI)

It’s more than just a car. I didn’t grow up with a lot. This helps me remember where I come from and where I’m going. - Redskins’ player Alfred Morris explaining why he still drives his 1991 Mazda

People are saying that Republicans got nothing out of the [government shutdown]. Not true. They got eight years of Hillary. –David Letterman

I hope they fire some people. - Former White House press secretary Robert Gibbs talking about the problems with the health care exchange rollouts

We fought the good fight, we just didn’t win. - House Speaker John Boehner after the shutdown ended

Today John McCain said the shutdown was, quote, one of the most shameful things he’s seen as a senator. That’s from a guy who saw Lincoln get shot. - Conan O’Brien

When I first heard the White House was under attack by freaky rodents, I thought, “What’s Ann Coulter done now?” - Craig Ferguson I got you…This happens when I talk too long. - President Obama to a woman who nearly fainted standing behind the president as he spoke in the Rose Garden about the glitches that have plagued the health exchange website

In a speech today, President Obama called for a new era of bipartisan cooperation. He said this because Obama likes to start off a speech with a joke. -Conan O’Brien

President Obama is urging Americans who are having trouble with the Obamacare website to sign up for healthcare by calling a 1-800 number. The number is 1-800-we-didn’t-think-thisthrough. - Conan O’Brien You can also enroll over the phone. The call goes like this: “Hello and welcome to Healthcare.gov, the place where you can learn about signing up for affordable healthcare. Right now there are 8 million people ahead of you in line. Your estimated wait time is forever.” - Jimmy Kimmel

House Speaker John Boehner just wanted to sneak out of the White House for a smoke. But President Barack Obama pulled him aside for a grilling. Obama wanted to know why they were in the second day of a government shutdown that the speaker had repeatedly and publicly pledged to avoid. “John, what happened?” Obama asked. “I got overrun, that’s what happened,” Boehner said. - Politico, recapping the shutdown from “behind the scenes”

Due to system failure today, many people were unable to update their Facebook status. Incidentally, for the several hours Facebook was down we were actually competitive with China. - Conan O’Brien Facebook had a major outage this morning. Users around the world experienced a variety of problems. Some couldn’t log in, some couldn’t upload photos. I was trying to find actual babies and sunsets to look at. - Jimmy Kimmel

It’s pretty clear that 54 is more than 46 and the president of the United States thinks [Obamacare is] his greatest accomplishment. It was not a smart play. It had no chance of success. - Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-WI), when asked about Sen. Cruz’s (RTX) contention that had the Republican senators remained united they would have won the fight to defund Obamacare

A new study found that ancient cave art … was mostly done by women. So even back then men didn’t have a say in decorating. - Jimmy Fallon

Obviously, Senator McCain would be better off with “no intelligence” since he does not know the Syrian opposition he met with is infested with al Qaeda and terrorist kidnappers. His “intelligence” even caused him to support the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt that burned churches and killed Christians, as the senator stood against the will of the massive majority of Egyptians including moderate Muslims, Christians, and secularists who demanded the Muslim Brotherhood extremist persecutions must end. - Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) responding to Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who told NBC News that the congressman had “no intelligence.”

And what the right—that small part of the Republican Party, maybe a third of it—was willing to do. To show no respect for who’s president, or the voters that elected him. And they have this weird “we” they refer to. “We,” the American people. Why does a group of people that always loses elections, or tends to do lately, call themselves the American people? Do they still count blacks as three-fifths of a vote? Is that the way they count it? Because, seriously, why do you say, “We, the American people” when the president keeps getting reelected? And you keep saying, “Oh, we don’t like him!” How does that work? How do they vote for him? So there’s this “we” I’m worried about, like we’re more American than the rest, so we should get a higher weighting to who we are? I think it’s dangerous, and it goes with the birther stuff and all the rest of it. - Chris Matthews, MSNBC

The House is divided. He will not be mocked. This is not one nation under G-d. It never was. The greatest deception here is this is not one nation under G-d! It never was. Had it been, it would not have been! The Constitution would not have been written by Freemasons! – Rant on the House floor by Congressional stenographer Dianne Reidy who appeared to have a nervous breakdown during the late night session which ended the government shutdown (she had to be dragged away from the podium)

Like the Bush administration in Iraq, the White House seems to have invaded the health insurance marketplace with woefully inadequate post-invasion planning, and let the occupation turn into a disaster of hack work and incompetence. - Ross Douthat, The New York Times

Researchers are in the process of creating an underwater Wi-Fi network. Finally a way for people to tweet “I’m drowning.” - Conan O’Brien

Governor Cuomo, Donald Trump is after your job. Sir, if you find orange bronzer stains on your office doorknob, just get out of there. - Steven Colbert, at the 2013 Al Smith Dinner I’m a huge fan of Ray Kelly. Wonderful to see you here at these events. Did you come alone tonight, or did you bring the whole biker gang? - Ibid. The real reason [Bloomberg] doesn’t want drink cups over 16 oz. is because he’s afraid he might drown in one. - Ibid.

71 89 E Wi sI h S HH oH m OM T hT He EJ eJ w e En n OMcAY t o b2e4r, 2012 2 4 , 2013

The problem here is that the administration may get into, sort of, a credibility depth spiral. There have always been charges from the right that the president’s health care promises didn’t turn out to be true… Some of those charges turned out to have some merit. - CBS News Political Director John Dickerson

The Jewish Home n

o c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

THE CONCERT T0 BENEFIT THE CHILDREN OF

C A H A L

AVRAHAM FRIED SHLOIME DACHS

BENNY

FRIEDMAN

MOTZEI SHABBOS DECEMBER 21, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ 8 PM LAWRENCE HIGH SCHOOL

REILLY RD & PENINSULA BLVD, CEDARHURST

CAHAL is a yeshiva-based program of self-contained classes for children with learning disabilities, language impairments, and/or attention deficit disorders from Kindergarten through High School.

Since 1992, hundreds of children have been able to attend the same yeshiva as their siblings and friends, learning the mainstream curriculum, in a professionally staffed, highly individualized program.

73 The Jewish Home n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Fit for a

Gentleman ANDREW LOCK 415 -B C E N T R A L A V E C E D A R H U R S T , FITTINGS

N E W

Y O R K

APPOINTMENT

516.619.6264 A L O C K @ N Y B E S P O K E . C O M

joe @ brown-designs.com

CUSTOM TAILORING

T h e JTeHwE iJsEhWHI So H m eH OnM Eo n c tM o bAYe r2244, ,2012 2013

74 76

Cover Story

Our Life After Hurricane Sandy A STORY TOLD IN PHOTOS

he central theme of the current parshiyos is the nisyonos of Avraham Avinu. The lessons we gleam are teaching us how to deal with the nisyonos and challenges that we face in our lives. “Maaseh Avos Siman Labanim.” Much has been written, expounded upon, lectured and learned about the nisayon called “Sandy” – both collectively and on an individual basis. The chesed, the ahavas Yisroel, the tzedakah, the bein adam l’chaveiro and the imo anochi btzarah was outstanding. It brought out the best in us. Hashem was surely proud of us. We passed the test with flying colors. All the articles, stories and scenarios that were written, all the chesed and nisyonos that were recorded, become a magnificent, inspiring mussar sefer—a true learning experience. Basya Brecher, a young mother in the Far Rockaway who experienced devastation, displacement and deprivation, turned the experience into a lesson for her children. She wrote a book with them and for them about all the good that they experienced throughout the ordeal. With photos and captions she depicted and detailed the weeks of upheaval and ruination – continually bringing out (sometimes with humor) and emphasizing “Chasdei Hashem ki lo samnu... gam zu l’tovah.” She took the nisayon of Parshas Lech Lecha and applied its challenges with strong hashkafah and emunah as she imparted this lesson to her family. She not only preached but practiced and taught by personal example that “Kol maan deaved Rachmana l’tav aved.” May we be zoche to build and rebuild batim ne’emanim b’Yisroel!

Their home

uction

under constr

ained eping entert onsey and ke M Savta in g om in fr s ay St sson with music le

The book be gins--who w ould know what the fu ture would bring

Seeing the good--H ashem gave us a boat--on our lawn!-to make us laugh

-A sailor V’nahafoch Huos theme an M h ac lo Mish Welcome ho

me, swee

t home

RABBI MORDECHAI BECHER

Gateways Senior Lecturer , Author of Gateway to Judaism

Sunday, October 27, 2013, the 23rd of Cheshvan at 10 A.M. at Cong. Shaaray Tefilah - 25 Central Avenue THIS LECTURE IS BEING SPONSORED BY: THE BEN-DAVID FAMILY Li”n Alte Matil Chaya bas Reb Moshe Pinchas Hacohen, a”h, 26 Elul THE BERGMAN FAMILY li”n Reb Klonimus Kalman ben Reb Yeshaya, a”h, 25 Cheshvan li”n Sara Esther bas Reb Yeshayahu, a”h, 20 Cheshvan THE FEIGENBAUM FAMILY li”n Harav Avrohom Elimelech ben Harav Pinchas Shlomo, a”h, 18 Cheshvan For Yahrtzeit Sponsorships contact jgulkowitz@yahoo.com or call Debbie at 516-239-0494

SAVE THE DATE:RABBI JEREMY KAGAN – Nov. 10th at the YILC CHAVA WILLIG LEVY – Dec. 15th at Aish Kodesh B’H In our 24th year unifying the women of our community!

RAMBAM MESIVTA

YEARS

Rambam Mesivta

TORAH | MIDOS | EXCELLENCE

15 Frost Lane Lawrence, New York 11559 516-371-5824 info@rambam.org

www.rambam.org

F O OPEN HOUSE O R P

Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 2:00 PM 26 Cheshvan 5773

O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Chassidic Approaches to Uncertainty

The Jewish Home n

STRONGER THAN THE STORM

The Jewish Home n

o c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

ANNUAL DINNER

Honoring

Rabbi & Mrs. Zev Freundlich THE RABBI SHLOMO FREIFELD MEMORIAL AWARD

Marc & Sharon Friedman KESSER SHEM TOV AWARD

Pesach & Matty Sod

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Saturday Evening, December 14, 2013 • Motzei Shabbos, 12 Teves 5774 The Sands of Atlantic Beach 1395 Beech Street • Atlantic Beach, NY BUFFET DINNER: 7:45 PM | PROGRAM: 9:00 PM | FOLLOWED BY VIENNESE DESSERT TABLE

FOR RESERVATIONS & INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 516-239-9002 EXT. 102 FAX: 516-239-9003 • WWW.SHORYOSHUV.ORG • E-MAIL: ADMIN@SHORYOSHUV.ORG SH’OR YOSHUV • ONE CEDAR LAWN AVENUE • LAWRENCE, NY 11559

The Jewish Home n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

The Jewish Home n

o c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Health & Fitness Lori Boxer

Debunking Common Weight-loss Myths

re your thoughts and habits keeping you fat? Believe it or not, the biggest obstacle to losing weight can be your own misconceptions about dieting. To see if your beliefs may be holding you back, read the following statements and decide which ones you believe are true. Then read the brief discussion after each statement to learn the facts, so you’ll know what works and what doesn’t. If I skip breakfast or lunch, I will lose weight faster. Eating fewer meals can actually lead to weight gain and added body fat. In fact, people who skip breakfast have a 4-5% lower metabolic rate (the rate at which your body burns calories to maintain vital functions when at rest) than those who do not. When you skip meals, your body fights back by slowing down the rate at which you burn calories. Believe it or not, you will lose weight more efficiently if you eat several small meals a day rather than one or two large meals. As long as a food is fat-free, I can eat as much of it as I want without gaining weight. Fat is indeed the most concentrated source of calories in our diet: A gram of fat provides 9 calories, while a gram of carbohydrate or protein provides only 4, so cutting down on the amount of fat you consume can be an efficient way to lower your calorie intake as well. However, just because a food is fat-free doesn’t guarantee that it’s low in calories. As a matter of fact, when manufacturers remove the fat from a food product, they sometimes replace it with so much sugar that the fat-free product ends up providing more calories than the original product. And consuming more calories than you need— no matter where they come from — will cause you to gain weight. So while limiting dietary fat can be beneficial to your health and can be a simple way to trim excess calories from your diet, you must also keep tabs on, and reign in, the number of calories you consume at the same time. I want to lose weight, but unless I lose it fast and see results right away, I know I won’t stick with the program. If you lose weight fast (more than a pound or two a week), you are more

likely to lose some muscle. Think of muscle as your body’s engine. The larger the engine, the more gas it burns. If you lose too much muscle during weight loss, your engine becomes smaller and you need less “gas,” or fewer calories, to keep it running. As a result, you’ll actually gain weight if you eat the same number of calories that you previously consumed to maintain your old weight. Losing weight fast makes it harder for you to keep the weight off in the long run. Keep that in mind if you get tempted to switch to a fast-weight-loss fad diet or feel like abandoning your weight-loss efforts altogether. I know that I can’t eat at my favorite restaurants and still lose weight. It’s possible to dine at any kind of restaurant today— from fast food to

fat reserves will come from. Spot exercises can tone and strengthen muscles in specific areas. But, aerobic exercise— such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or aerobic dance, for example— is the best way to burn fat. The bottom line: You’ll burn more fat from around your middle (as well as from other fat-laden areas) if you take a brisk 20-minute walk than if you do 100 situps. I would rather jump in the sauna and sweat off a few pounds than exercise. You can’t bake, sweat, or steam pounds off. Sweating without exertion causes only a temporary water loss, not a fat loss. The water lost will be quickly regained as soon as you have anything

Habits, not the daily fluctuations on the scale, will determine whether or not you achieve long-term success.

five star— without compromising your weight-loss efforts. Granted, when you eat away from home, you may have less control over how the foods are prepared and which ingredients are used, but you can control which foods you choose and how much of them you consume. The secret is to know how to approach the restaurant challenge. I have to give up “real desserts” to reach my goal weight. You don’t have to completely forgo your favorite foods or “goodies” to lose weight. Most people eat for pleasure as well as nutrition. If you love pie á la mode, just eat it less often— plan in advance to have it: pick a date on the calendar, and work towards that date to ‘earn’ the pleasure of eating it without the guilt. And, when you do have it, have it in smaller portions. Better yet, think substitution, not elimination. I know the best way to lose my flabby stomach and thighs is to do sit-ups and leg lifts. Actually, spot reducing doesn’t work. When you lose fat, it comes from your total fat reserves, and you have no control over what part of the body those

to eat or drink. And remember, sauna suits, rubber belts, and nylon clothes designed to make you sweat during exercise can actually dam age your health. To avoid potentially deadly dehydration and heatstroke, it’s important to replace fluids lost during exercise and allow your body’s natural thermostat to regulate your temperature. I will only feel successful if I reach my target weight. Success means more than a number on the scale. It is an ongoing process that is rewarded each time you make a positive lifestyle change. So, don’t be a slave to your bathroom scale. Put your time and effort into what really counts: keeping accurate records, and increasing your daily activity. Habits, not the daily fluctuations on the scale, will determine whether or not you achieve long-term success. If I can’t exercise strenuously for hours at a time, it really won’t help me lose weight. In general, experts agree that what’s most important for improving health and controlling weight is replacing sedentary habits (like sitting in front of the

television or computer) with activities that involve movement. All physical activity— whether it’s running a track or a vacuum cleaner — counts. It’s the total amount of time spent in active pursuits that’s most important when it comes to weight control. Although 30 minutes a day can help lower risk of chronic disease, to really manage your weight, you’ll probably need to gradually work up to getting at least 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week (coupled with a calorie intake that doesn’t surpass your needs). But you don’t have to get that 60 minutes of activity all at one time. Putting in a few 10-to-15 minute bouts of physical activity throughout the day— such as before work , during your lunch hour, and after dinner— will work just fine. And what about intensity? Although vigorous exercise (fast-paced aerobic activities such as jogging that really get your heart pumping) will burn the most calories, you’ll still lose pounds if you couple moderate-intensity activity (such as brisk walking) with sensible eating. Even housework and gardening chores that get you working up a sweat— such as raking the lawn, scrubbing the bathtub, or washing the windows— count. I just don’t have the willpower it takes to lose weight and keep it off for good. Lasting weight control is a process that takes “skillpower,” not willpower. By identifying your eating habits, and thinking positively, you can tack le your weight and win. Lori Boxer is the Director of Weight No More™ Diet Center. In addition to serving the Brooklyn, Long Island and New Jersey communities for 2 5 years, they also provide Skinny Skype™ service to clients nationwide and to Israel. For more information, plea se call Rosalie Shatzman, Rana Frankel and Linda Franklin in their Cedarhurst office, 516.569.6400.

TJH Staff

How to Avoid Mistakes in the Dating Parsha Part II

ast week, we met Mimi and Yitzi, a lovely young couple whose dating relationship was marked by Mimi being attracted to Yitzi precisely because he did not fawn over her. Mimi, although very pretty, smart, and nice, had low self-esteem. She kept that well-hidden with great social skills but in her heart of hearts she did not believe in herself; she felt weak and unsure. Therefore, if a boy would be too admiring, she foolishly felt that it could only mean one thing: He would expect her to take leadership in the relationship and that was something she didn’t feel she could do. Yitzi was reserved. He was devoted to his learning and did not seem to expect anything from Mimi except to be there for him. Oddly enough, once the marriage got underway, Mimi felt the absence of the very thing she had been afraid of in other boys – attention. Actually, this makes sense: The attention made her insecure while dating but once married she felt needy because of her own insecurities. The more she complained to Yitzi, the more irritated he felt; she was no longer the same sweet girl he had been dating. Now that Mimi and Yitzi have been married for six months and the marriage seems to be heading to that unnecessary and terrible place starting with the word “d,” is there a way to avert this tragic next step? Of course there is. Mimi and Yitzi engaged in a short course of counseling to address three issues: Mimi, Yitzi, and them. Issue #1: Mimi: • Mimi needed a little time to explore her sense of self. Where did her low self-esteem come from? Why did she imagine that attention from an admirer would be a sign of weakness? How can she re-learn what relationships really are made of and how to be happy in this one? It does not require years of therapy for Mimi to make these discoveries about herself, although there are modalities of therapy that seem to go on forever. However, a tools-based therapy gives clients a means to think, feel, and behave in ways that are self-enhancing rather than self-defeating and ultimately create

The key to re-wiring the brain is a program of wellplaced and correctly-done affirmations strong relationships. In going over her family background, it didn’t take Mimi long to see that her low self-esteem came directly from her own parents’ divorce. She was the oldest of three children, but rather young when the divorce took place. Her mother was awarded the children and Mimi was left in charge of her siblings starting at age eleven; her mother would not return from work for another hour after they all got home from school. Mimi was frightened to be the oldest in the house for that hour but she learned to put on good appearances for the little ones. When her mother got home, her mother was preoccupied with her own emotional pain and fatigue. She didn’t ask Mimi how she was doing; she didn’t thank her for her help or give her the sort of positive feedback such a huge job would require. The task of assisting her siblings was overwhelming to Mimi and she was quite sure that her mother’s silence on the subject meant she was doing it wrong. As Mimi grew older, she found that even when she directly asked for feedback, she did not get the sort of concrete answers she was looking for. Her mother frequently met her questions with some irritation so she learned not to ask. Her father visited occasionally but he was also preoccupied with worries of his own. In just a few weeks of therapy, it suddenly dawned on Mimi that the admirers in her dating years “felt like” her little siblings hanging onto her skirts – and that was scary. Even more, she realized with a start that Yitzi’s reserve was like her mother’s reserve. Wow! What a revelation. No wonder it disturbed her great-

ly.

Now, what to do about all these discoveries? The first thing that Mimi needed to do was re-visit her assumptions about herself. “Now that you are an adult,” the therapist asked, “how do you see the enormous job you did taking care of your sister and brother?” “Obviously, I did a fantastic job,” Mimi answered without hesitation. “Exactly,” the therapist replied. “You did. So now the task at hand is to remind yourself that you are, indeed, a capable person.” “I know, at some level, that that is true,” Mimi responded. “But there is that little voice in me that says, ‘No,’ even when rationally I know it is not true.” “Yes, those toxic messages are the problem people usually have when there is a disconnect between their rational evaluations of themselves and how they feel. The way to handle this is to remind yourself ten times – or more – a day that you are a capable person.” The therapist went on to explain the role of neural circuits in the brain and how they can change so that the automatic thoughts we have will, in turn, change. The key to re-wiring the brain is a program of well-placed and correctly-done affirmations like the one above. Mimi was excited. She now had the tool to literally undo the damage of a lifetime of wrong thinking and low self-esteem. But more was needed. How can she come to enjoy and appreciate Yitzi? When the revelation hit her that Yitzi’s reserve was like her mother’s, she burst out with one of those oft-heard statements: “I married my mother!”

“No, you didn’t,” the therapist weighed in. “Your mother’s reserve came from her own feelings of being overwhelmed, possibly depressed, and frankly, a lack of understanding of child development. She was not there for you because she didn’t even realize she needed to be. Yitzi, on the other hand, is there for you. He is doing exactly what he was going to do and what you already knew at the beginning: He learns, he cares, he returns home to smile at you. What Yitzi never knew is that you felt insecure to begin with. He didn’t know he was supposed to fill that empty spot in your heart.” “Well, now what?” asked Mimi plaintively. “How can I get him to fill it?” “First of all,” the therapist answered, “the person who must fill that empty spot is you, yourself. No one else can make up for what a parent didn’t give. Second of all, general feedback without the insecurity is always nice to have and to get it, all you have to do is ask for it. And we will work on that in our couple’s session. “But what has been sorely missing, I want you to start thinking about before our next couple’s appointment, is that you have not given Yitzi any positive feedback. He’s a good boy, doing what you knew he would be doing, and all you do is complain.” Mimi saw that her therapist was right. She owed Yitzi something he’d never received. Imagine that: In wanting so desperately for her empty spot to be filled inside, she neglected her husband’s need for the same loving recognition. She made up her mind to rectify that as soon as she got home. Stay tuned next week for the next part of this series when we take a look at Yitzi himself and how the two of them can build a beautiful bayis ne’eman b’Yisroel. Dr. Deb Hirschhorn, a Marriage & Family Therapist and best-selling author of The Healing Is Mutual--Marriage Empowerment Tools to Rebuild Trust and Respect--Together, is proud to announce that readers of The Jewish Home will receive a $50 discount on every visit to her Woodmere office. For more information, call 646-54-DRDEB or check out her website at drdeb.com.

O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.

The Jewish Home n

DrDeb

o c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

The Jewish Home n

GLITTER & GLUE ETAILS FOR D LL: CA 4-7442 73 871 OGEL YAEL V

8 week Lessons

Ages 5&up Sundays 11/2 Hrs.

YAEL VOGEL - M.S. S.P. ED EXPERIENCED TEACHER AND ARTS & CRAFTS COORDINATOR 415B CENTRAL AVE. CEDARHURST, NY 11559 718-734-7442

In the Kitchen Jamie Geller

Jamie Geller knows how to make a royal meal. And when she bakes and cooks for her family, they eat like kings. Her newest cookbook, Joy of Kosher—Fast, Fresh Family Meals, is filled with mouthwatering recipes and photos of ways to entice your family and guests. Here is a sample of her newest masterpiece. Bon appétit!

Hearty Mushrooms with Herbs and Wine Among the many ventures in my life, I went through a vegetarian stage. I loved nothing more than rich, earthy beefy mushrooms as a satisfying sub for meat. Beef broth (you can use veg if you want to keep it pareve) and red wine make this a really sumptuous side. Ingredients ½ cup beef broth 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon tomato paste ½ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 small onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 ½pounds button or cremini mushrooms, quartered 2⁄3 cup dry red wine 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried Preparation Whisk the broth, Dijon, tomato paste, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth; set aside. Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté 2 minutes more. Add the mushrooms and sauté until golden brown, 5 minutes. Raise the heat to high and add the wine. Cook, stirring and scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon until the wine evaporates, about 5 minutes. Add the broth mixture, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the thyme and parsley and stir to combine. Serve warm. Variation Makes a great dairy appetizer cooked with white wine and vegetable broth and topped with a little goat cheese or feta.

Dress it up

Mushroom Phyllo Cups

Serve in individual phyllo cups. You will need 12 sheets (12 x 16½ inches) frozen phyllo dough, thawed. Stack 4 layers at a time, spraying each layer with cooking spray. Cut the phyllo stacks into six 5½ x 6-inch pieces and press them into muffin cups. Fill each cup with 2 tablespoons cooled mushrooms. Bake at 375°F until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Garnish with a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley before serving. Makes 18.

O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

A Taste of a Joy of Kosher

The Jewish Home n

T H E J E W I S H H O M E n M AY 2 4 , 2012

During the developing and testing process for this book, this dish became Hubby’s new favorite. Totally unexpected—I was sure he’d steal a line from the kids and say, “Thank you anyway, but this is not my taste.” (We taught them to say that instead of “Ooo, yick!”) It’s just not the usual stuff and spices he goes for, but apparently the combination was soooo his taste. And mine, too. It’s one of those winner recipes that will make you dance around your kitchen. You may hug me now. Ingredients 2 tablespoons honey 1⁄4 cup olive oil 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground turmeric ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 4 garlic cloves, chopped One 3 ½-pound chicken, cut into 8 pieces

2 medium red onions, quartered 1 pound small red-skin potatoes, scrubbed and halved 1 cup dried apricots ½ cup golden raisins ½ cup coarsely chopped pistachios 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil; spray the foil with cooking spray. Mix together the honey, olive oil, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and garlic in a small bowl. Place the chicken, onions, and potatoes in a large bowl. Toss with three-quarters of the honey mixture and arrange in a single layer on the prepared pan. Toss the apricots and raisins with the remaining honey mixture and set aside. Bake the chicken, onions, and potatoes for 35 minutes. Add the apricots and raisins and bake until the chicken is cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes more. Garnish with the pistachios and cilantro.

REGAL Mother of Pearl and Sterling Ataros

T H E J E W I S H H O M E n M AY 2 4 , 2012

The Jewish Home n

Moroccan Roasted Chicken

Dress it down / make it a meal

Slow Cooker Moroccan-Style Chicken Make this a slow cooker meal.

Use 4 chicken leg quarters (thigh with leg attached), and toss all the ingredients except the pistachios and cilantro in the slow cooker with 3 cups chicken broth, such as Manischewitz All Natural Chicken Broth. Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve over whole wheat couscous and garnish with the pistachios and cilantro.

93 T H E J E W I S H H O M E n M AY 2 4 , 2012

o c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

83 The Jewish Home n

Gooey Chocolate Cherry Cake

O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Early Intervention Services For children birth - 3 years with special needs. For great moist chocolate cakes, the best of the best recipes call for buttermilk. If you go nondairy, you can use soy milk, but it just ain’t the same. Yes, you can make a homemade version of buttermilk with soy milk and some lemon juice, but I also love using soy sour cream for that really moist texture. I think it’s pretty ingenious. The coffee really brings out the flavor of the chocolate, and the orange zest gives off little hints of fanciness. Oh, and the cherries—well, you gotta love cherries—and chocolate: I like how they sound together, and I loooove how they taste together. This is going to become your favorite easy-as-cake chocolate cake recipe. Ingredients 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 ¼ cups granulated sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 large eggs, lightly beaten ½ cup canola oil

One 12-ounce container soy sour cream 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules, dissolved in 1 cup boiling water Grated zest of 1 small orange One 3 ½-ounce bar 72% cacao bittersweet chocolate, chopped 2 cups frozen pitted cherries, thawed and drained well

Preparation Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray one 9 x 13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch square baking pans with cooking spray. Stir together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. With the mixer on medium speed, add the eggs, canola oil, and soy sour cream and mix until fully incorporated, about 2 minutes. Gently fold in the coffee and orange zest. Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake immediately. After 20 minutes, remove the pans from the oven. Sprinkle the chocolate and arrange the cherries on top. Return to the oven and continue baking until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes more. Cool the cake for 15 minutes in the pan. Serve warm or allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Variation For a classic moist, rich chocolate cake, omit the cherries. Dress it up

Red Wine Chocolate Cherry Cake

Replace the coffee with 1 cup dry red wine for a richer treat and stencil a bow, star, heart, or other shape or message of your choice on top of the cake with confectioners’ sugar. Draw and cut out the desired shape on thick cardstock paper. Remove the cooled cake from the pan and place the stencil on top. Dust with confectioners’ sugar. Carefully remove the stencil and you’ll be left with a beautiful decoration.

Services Provided l

Evaluations

Feeding Therapy

Special Education

Nutrition Counseling

Service Coordination

Family Support/Counseling

Speech/Language Therapy

Physical & Occupational Therapy

ABA Program – Center & Home Services Routines Based Interventions & Collaborative Coaching l

Far

Ser Roc

ving

kaw

TO REFER YOUR CHILD TO THE EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM CALL 311. This Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a public program for children under the age of three who are either suspected of having or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities. EIP is funded by NYS and NYC. All EIP services are provided at no cost to parents. Health insurance may be used for approved services. A child’s eligibility for the program can be determined only by state-approved evaluators under contract, and all services must be authorized by the NYC Early Intervention Program.

For more information about CHALLENGE call:

718.851.3300

The Jewish Home n

o c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

the s ! in wn ays w o no e Tkaw v Fi oc R &

Therapy on

Wheels

We bring the clinic to you!

Physical and Occupational Therapy in the comfort of your own home We treat all orthopedic & neurological issues

We are pain management and balance experts! Dr. Justin Hirmes, DPT Dr. Yitzi Kolodny, DPT Office: (516) 500-1750 Fax: (516) 569-1901 IntroducIng

ColD laser for paIn relIef and to decrease InflammatIon

C urrently aCCepting MediCare

and private pay only

The Jewish Home n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

The Jewish Home n

o c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Ask the Attorney

Leaving Something for Your Loved Ones

ichael and Joan came into my office to re-draft estate planning documents that they had prepared over a decade ago. Their wills, like those of many married couples, left everything to each other. If one of them passed away first, the wills had mirroring provisions which left 10% of the estate to Joan’s brother, Tom, with the remainder, 90%, split evenly between their three children. From the face of it, their wills looked alright, but their accountant advised them to see me about updating their plans. We were all glad that he did, since much had changed since they had their estate plan prepared. Joan’s brother’s medical situation worsened and he was receiving Supplemental Security Income, also known as SSI. Additionally, their third child, David, who was only 6 months old when their prior wills were prepared, was determined to be developmentally disabled and would need Medicaid as he got older. Had Michael and Joan kept their wills the way they were, their bequests would have disqualified Tom from SSI and David from Medicaid until their portion of the inheritance was spent down.

I advised the couple that they should prepare a new estate plan which does not give any outright bequest to a beneficiary who is receiving means tested government programs such as Medicaid and SSI. Instead, I explained the benefits of incorporating a testamentary Supplemental Needs Trust (SNT) into their wills (the same concept can be applied to living trusts). A supplemental needs trust, sometimes referred to as a special needs trust, allows a person to leave a bequest to a beneficiary in trust instead of outright. The trust, which is authorized in New York under EPTL 7-1.12, would allow the beneficiaries to qualify for government benefits while receiving distributions from the trust if the following conditions are met: (1) the beneficiary suffers from a severe and chronic or persistent disability; (2) the trust document clearly states that the bequest should be used to supplement, not supplant, government benefits; (3) the trust prohibits the trustee from using the assets in a way that may impair or diminish the beneficiary’s entitlement to government benefits or assistance; (4) the beneficiary does not have the power to assign, encumber,

direct, distribute or authorize distribution of trust assets; (5) the distributions are at the sole discretion of the trustee(s) and are not mandatory. If Joan and Michael give Tom and David their inheritance in trust, the assets in the trust will not be considered the beneficiaries’ assets for purposes of eligibility for SSI or Medicaid, thereby letting them keep their benefits along with their inheritance. The trustee(s) of the trust will be able to use the principal and/or income to provide Tom and David with their needs, beyond what Medicaid or SSI provides. They will be able to purchase necessary medical equipment and pay for additional care. They could also purchase a car, home, or even a vacation. It is important to note that, for SSI purposes, payments made for food, clothing or shelter are considered “unearned income” and will reduce SSI benefits by up to one-third. The SNT may own a residence where the beneficiary can live without a reduction to his or her SSI. Unlike SSI, Medicaid does not impose this penalty. If the beneficiary is a Medicaid recipient, payments can be made for various needs including food, clothing, or shelter with no reduction in benefits or

Roman Aminov, Esq.

eligibility. Michael and Joan can were advised that they can use the SNT to provide for a disabled child and sibling for life. As long as the trust was funded after their legal duty to support beneficiary ended, the couple is free to direct how any unused trust property will be distributed upon the beneficiaries’ deaths. They could direct that the funds be given to their other children or grandchildren if it was not used up during the beneficiaries’ life. This is an ideal and statutorily authorized tool to allow a disabled person to get the care they need, while allowing their family to provide them with benefits that government programs don’t pay for. No column is a substitute for competent legal advice. Any additional or different facts could change or affect any legal analysis. Please consult with your legal professional of choice regarding any legal question you may have. Roman Aminov is a trusts and estates attorney concentrating in estate planning, elder law, and probate. He is experienced in the drafting of wills, powers of attorney, health care proxies, and trusts of all types. He can be reached at (347)766-2685 or at http:// www.aminovlaw.com.

HAPINA MEDITERR ANEAN

Just what you had in mind.

GRILL

128 Cedarhurst Ave. Cedarhurst, New York

516.295.1800 www.hapinagrill.com

Appetizers . Soups Entrees Sandwiches . Sushi Desserts . Salad Bar New Deli Menu Selection of Wine & Beer

We will cater your next Simcha

Sheva Brachos starting at $25 pp

Special rates for Business Meetings & School Lunches/Dinner

Student Lunch Special $7.50

Includes: Sandwich, Fries & Soda

Like us on Facebook

UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE VAAD OF THE FIVE TOWNS & FAR ROCKAWAY

Lola Lieber Schwartz

A World After This

A Memoir of Loss and Redemption

Chapter 22 Bucharest 1945

e wandered around and asked for directions to the address the Bobover Rebbe had mentioned in his letter. When we reached the right neighborhood we were puzzled. It was a strange collection of buildings and dwellings. It was as if someone had thrown together spare sets and props from a large theatrical production. It made no sense to us. On one corner there was a mansion, on another a hut with a thatched roof. And the old royal castle was still standing, making it all too bizarre to take in at first. We saw a man riding a horse and someone on the street said, “There’s the king’s son.” We were confused and bewildered, but with great relief arrived at a beautiful building that was the address the Rebbe had given us. The building was close to the royal palace. The Rebbe was living in a small apartment with his son. They had a bathroom – an absolute luxury! – and the extra bedroom served as the Rebbe’s study. The living room did not have a couch in it, but the dining room had an enormously long table. There was one chaise lounge on which to sit. The foyer was large but empty. There were two cots folded up and waiting there, so we understood this was to be our bedroom by night. I looked around and realized there was no kitchen. I was crippled with anxiety. How could I begin to make a Seder for the Bobover Rebbe without kitchen facilities? I asked and was told that indeed there was not a kitchen available. Mechel and I noticed that the apartment was packed with sefarim, which had been saved from burning or rescued from trash bins. I wondered how the Rebbe had managed to retrieve so many and how he had hidden them during the times of peril. I did not ask, however. I saw that the apartment was overflowing with medical textbooks as well. The Rebbe was not only a Torah scholar but

starvation and brutality, Lola and her husband held onto their faith and values. It was Mechel’s words of encouragement, “There will be a world after this,” that helped them cling to the hope that there will be a life of light and joy waiting for them at the end. This is the story of Lola’s life—from her grandparents’ “enchanted garden” to meeting Eichmann ym”sh to making the Pesach seder for the Bobover Rebbe during the war—her words will take you back to a different world.

This was the most unforgettable Seder of my life, unsurpassed until today. also had a serious interest in medicine. discussion linking us to the Israelites’ deWe were there to make Pesach and I parture from Egypt and the miracles they was not going to be defeated by the lack experienced. We were a remnant, a mere of a little item like a stove! Or a kitchen! fragment of a vibrant and huge populaI discussed with Mechel my idea of how tion of Jews. We represented all that was to turn the bathroom into a kitchen and lost as much as we represented the reality he agreed. We found of survival. We were wooden planks at not telling the story the lumberyard, of the ancient deand laid them over liverance that night the bathtub, which but were living the produced an instant contemporary recital kitchen countertop. of our own survival We purchased a and the continuasmall gas tank with tion of our people. two burners. It was a Seder of joy Always confiand tears. The wine dent in languages, we spilled from the now I had reached a glasses to signify the place where I could Ten Plagues could not communicate. I also represent the did not know a word losses we had only of Romanian. How recently suffered. could I negotiate at The Bobover Rebbe Rabbi Shloime Halberstam, the Bobover the market and with did not know what Rebbe. Oil painting by Lola Lieber, 1956. the butcher? The had happened to Rebbe taught me a few basic words, and his family any more than I knew about how to count, which was the most im- mine, yet we both knew. His face and portant. The Vizhnitz community had a mine were mirror images of one another. shochet (a ritual slaughterer) but he did Our nightmares and fears were as yet not not kasher (salt and soak) the chickens specific in detail but were nonetheless after slaughtering them as required by present in our hearts that night. Jewish law. I had to do this in the bathWe knew there had been nothing tub. The Vizhnitzer Rebbe had wine and random about Bochnia or Krakow or matzos, which he made available to us Niepolomice or any of the other emptied too. I bought some prunes and some fish. out cities and villages of Europe. It had It was so simple to perform difficult do- all been a part of a systematic plan to mestic tasks because I now knew what arrest, torture, murder, assassinate, bludmattered and what did not. Without any geon, gas, and burn millions of Jews. commotion or drama, I was ready with Seated around that Seder table in Buchaour Seder meal. It was March 28, 1945, rest, we understood without articulating a Wednesday; in the Hebrew calendar it it that our parents, grandparents, and was 14 Nissan 5705. their children were undoubtedly lost forThis was the most unforgettable Sed- ever, yet the Jewish hope for continuity er of my life, unsurpassed until today. and belief in our ancient covenant with When we began to recite the Haggadah, Hashem was alive that night. Maybe, we all wept. We did not need to add extra just maybe some members of our fam-

ilies and those dear to us had escaped and survived. We did talk about how it could have happened. We had no answers. There are still no answers, none that really work at any rate. There are explanations for the Shoah, but those are not answers. The Rebbe began to sing a song, but I heard it as a prayer. I always will. Di Mamme hot gehaissen, nisselach fun boim oopraissen Oy, vi niderik zenen di kinderlach Zei konnen nisht dergreichin Mother told us to pick nuts from the tree Oh! How high the branches are! Oh! How low the children are! They can’t reach them. We cried and sang and ate, but mostly we cried. It was a Seder of longing and grief, but together we made it through to the end of the Haggadah, and it established a lasting bond between us. We stayed with the Rebbe after Pesach. In the days and weeks that followed, we all remained glued to the radio. We learned too that the Rebbe had turned his Bucharest apartment into an unofficial relief center. Jews from all circles, friends, relatives, and strangers came to him to search for lost family members, to find out how to emigrate, to get married, and for guidance in performing other Jewish rituals. The Bobover Rebbe did not return to Poland, perhaps because he was afraid of what he would find there, but I think he stayed in Bucharest doing what he did as his way of offering thanks to Hashem for having been spared. He viewed his work in Bucharest as a blessing. Our numbers were so decimated that his decisions were enormously important to our future; he became the very oxygen of religious life for many of us. Continued next week Lola wrote this book with the help of Alida Brill. A World After This was published in 2010 by Devora Publishing.

O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Lola Lieber Schwartz is a world-renowned artist whose paintings have been exhibited in art galleries throughout the United States and are part of the Yad Vashem archives in Jerusalem. Most importantly, Lola is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to many. She has myriad friends and sees life in all its vibrancy and vitality. But life was not always easy. Lola was only sixteen-yearsold when Hitler ym”sh invaded Poland, and Lola was forced into hiding and spent years on the run with her husband, Mechel. Through six years of trying times, near

The Jewish Home n

Lola's Story

The Jewish Home n

o c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Your Money

ack in grade school, you did all sorts of math problems. You started out with drills to learn your basic addition, subtraction, and multiplication. You learned long division (ugh). You moved onto fractions. And all along the way, as part of your teachers’ efforts to convince you that it all matters here in the “real world,” you did “story problems.” Remember those?

Story Problems for Grownups Well, now you’re all grown up, so here’s a grownup story problem to ponder: You’re an IRS auditor, toiling away to protect the government’s revenue base. Then you decide to leave “the dark side” and start your own practice. Things start off great, but you want more. So you mock up some fake tax returns, tell some clients they owe $11

million, and have them make payments into a bogus “trust account.” Then you take the money for yourself, make some home improvements, buy a beach house in Mexico, pay to use a private plane, pay $2 million on your personal credit cards and loans, and make some investments. It’s good to be rich, isn’t it? But now there’s a teensy-weensy little problem. The IRS is on to you, your clients

Allan J. Rolnick CPA

are hopping mad, and two of them are scheduled to testify against you! What do you do? Well, if you’re Steven Martinez of Ramona, California, you send your limousine driver (!) to offer a hit man $100,000 to take out the clients. But you don’t just whisper some names in his ear and slink back home. Oh, no. Because you’re an accountant, you’re thorough. Right? So you surveil the victims and watch them to document their habits. You give the hit man packets with photos of the victims and their homes and detailed instructions and information about them. (How else do you think an accountant would go about whacking his clients?) Unfortunately, Martinez should have followed his hit man, too. Then Martinez would have seen him scurrying straight to the FBI. (Oops.) It’s tough to deny the charges when the Feds have you on video, “cool and calculating,” telling your killer to buy two guns — and a silencer! (Try explaining that when it hits Youtube and goes viral!) Last year, Martinez pled guilty to charges including murder-for-hire, witness tampering involving attempted murder, solicitation of a crime of violence, mail fraud, filing false returns, Social Security fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. (You’ve got to wonder, if he had jaywalked to meet with the hit man, would they have charged him with that, too?) On April 12, 2013, District Court Judge William Q. Hayes pretty much threw the book at him, sentencing him to 286 months in prison (plus five years supervised release if he ever makes it out) and ordering him to pay more than $14 million in restitution. Let’s see what sort of “home improvements” Martinez can make with the 11 cents/hour he makes stamping license plates! As tax professionals ourselves, we’re appalled at how Steven Martinez betrayed his clients. We’re proud to affirm our commitment to helping you save tax within the bounds of the law — because we know just how many legitimate opportunities there are to save. Accountants are pleased to offer you the plan that helps you save taxes and sleep soundly at night. 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.

The Jewish Home n O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

The Jewish Home n

o c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Leisure & Travel

From Sea to Shining Sea: Washington

ashington seems to be famous for its food. There are Washington apples, shiny and crisp. There’s Starbucks, the biggest coffee chain in the world, which was founded in the state. And then there are red raspberries—90% of the nation’s production of this berry came from Washington. So I guess you can say that Washingtonians are serious about their food. But don’t just head to Washington for its produce and cuisine. Washington boasts some of the nation’s most beautiful and serene landscapes. It’s known for its commerce and technology. And it’s known for its people— quirky and smart, funny and nice. Washington’s motto is “Al-ki,” which means “bye and bye” or “hope for the future.” A trip to the Evergreen State is a guarantee of a future filled with fun and adventure.

Things You Won’t Want to Miss The Space Needle Towering above Seattle, the Space Needle is the symbol of the city. The observation tower was built in 1962 for the World’s Fair and is 605-feet high. When at the top, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the downtown Seattle skyline, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker and Elliott Bay. A trip to the top takes just 41 seconds—the elevator travels at a whizzing 10 miles per hour. Once on top, visitors can enjoy the gift shop and a revolving restaurant. At night, the Needle is bathed in light and provides an impressive backdrop to the Seattle skyline. Pike Place Market If you’re looking for personality and character, head to Pike Place Market in Seattle. The market is one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers’ markets in the nation and features antique dealers, collectible shops, restaurants, produce and fish stands, and flower shops. Street musicians and entertainers make sure that shopping is never dull. Take a stroll to Pike Place Fish Market, a shop that has been featured in TV shows. When customers order a fish, the fish is thrown from employee to employee with a loud yell. The “flying fish” is sure to entertain— even if you’re not a fan of

seafood. And when you’re in the mood of some java, make sure to check out Starbucks Coffee’s first store—located at 1912 Pike Place, just by the market. Olympic National Park Over 922,651 acres of preserved wilderness is found in Olympic National Park. Its natural diversity and breathtaking beauty include eleven major river systems and 100 kilometers of wilderness coastline. There are temperate rainforests, a mountain range, large lowland lakes, wild rushing rivers and saltwater beaches. Make sure to visit the Quinault Rainforest with the largest Sitka Spruce Tree in the world, stretch out on Kalalock and Ruby beaches, and check out the whales at La Push. The Sol Duc falls, river and hot springs are breathtaking with lush greenery year-round, great hiking trails and mineral hot springs. Mount Rainier National Park Ascending 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainer stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. The national park is composed of five developed areas, each with its unique beauty and landscape. The park is perfect for all seasons—glorious views, old growth forests and wildflower meadows brighten up spring days; sledding and cross country skiing are enjoyed in the winter months. Mount Rainier is a volcano that is often shrouded in clouds that hide it from the crowds who gather to see its glorious peak. Glaciers dot the park and almost 10,000 people attempt to climb to Mount Rainier’s summit every year.

Susan Schwamm

— Presents — A BRAND NEW

Shalom bayis hotline phone lines open from 10-11pm all calls are anonymous

PHONES STAFFED BY LICENSED FRUM THERAPISTS

• Completely Anonymous • Desgined around your schedule • Use the service as a sounding board for even small issues you feel you may want to discuss further

• Discuss current Shalom Bayis issues • Get a referral to a local therapist to further discuss problems • Hear ideas how to make your current marriage better

SHALOM BAYIS HOTLINE NUMBER

516.430.5280

Sunday/Tuesday/thursday 10-11pm

O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

beginning thursday, august 2nd and then every sunday, tuesday and thursday night

The Jewish Home n

FIVE TOWNS M ARRIAGE INITIATIVE

The Jewish Home n o c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

IN A MONTH!

Children/Teens/Adults All Medical Conditions Private Diet Counseling Individualized Programs Personal Menu Planning

SKYPE

to clients in Israel and nationwide

WEIGHT NO MORE

DIET CENTER

Serving the Community for 25 Years Lakewood

Morganville

Oakhurst

Brooklyn

Cedarhurst

732.903.7700 732.536.2027 732.663.0222 718.998.8898 516.569.6400 weightnomoredietcenter.com WeightNoMoreDC

O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

NO Pills NO Drugs NO Diet Drinks NO Packaged Foods We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sell anything!

The Jewish Home n

LOSE 10-20-30 POUNDS

The Jewish Home n

o c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

classifieds Services

Bubby Babysitter Available Excellent references Long Hours – Newborn & up Far Rockaway Location TLC Call 718-327-1932 Tova Home Inspections

Howard Kaufman – Licensed Home Inspector Tova Home Inspections provides a thorough and professional inspection of your prospective home. Be an educated consumer! Call Howard516-776-7549 or Visit www.tovahomeinspections.com. NYS License #16000057431 Wheels To Lease Get The Car Of Your Dreams! Shorter Lease Terms Always $0 Down Always Lower Payments Every Make, Every Model Call Us: 718-871-7749 www.wheelstolease.com Join Our Mailing List For A Chance To Win An iPad3! (http://wheelstolease.com/joinemaillist/) Yara Cleaning Services Commercial and residential best services in town. Email yara2003@aol.com 9174404096. Shomer Shabbos…contact Joe B'haskamas Rabbonim there is a hebrew-speaking playgroup now forming for the 2014-2015 school year for 3 year olds. Please call 732-664-8874 or email:hebrewplaygroup2014@gmail.com to register as there are limited slots available.

WRITING ON DEMAND Experienced writer available for business proposals, resume building, job/college applications, Blogging, online media and marketing, cover letters and all your professional writing needs. References available upon request. E-mail:WritingProNY@Gmail.com

North Woodmere fully licensed daycare opening this September Program tailored for 2 year olds with an emphasis on developing healthy social skills Limited space available Call 516-295-0554 for more information "Kosher" Yoga & Licensed Massage Therapy The Peaceful Presence Yoga & Massage Studio 436 Central Avenue, Cedarhurst NY Separate for men & women Now women's aerobic, cardio-strength training and Tai Chi. www.peacefulpresence.com 516-371-3715 Looking to design/redecorate your home? Call Tami Rosenbaum Interiors for a free consultation! 718-734-7452 or email: tamiroseinteriors@gmail.com Affordable design without having to negotiate HOME SERVICES & MAINTENANCE Plumbing Electricity repaired- replacedrelocated. We do asssemblies- House problems solved. so put togeter your repair to do list and call Avrohom 917.744.1962 Fivetownsrentaguy@yahoo.com

Dynamic, educated, frum counselor offering unique counseling services to men struggling with personal issues. Goal-oriented sessions. Discreet & Confidential. Contact smartcounseling@gmail.com

Experience Math Teacher Available to Tutor All subjects, algebra, geometry, Math A, Math B, Trigonometry, Calculus etc. Guaranteed improvement, first hour free - Shomer Shabbat Call Yossi at 516-581-3930

Keyboard Lessons by Meshulam Ross Only $25 per Session Learn by Ear/Note Reading Free Trial Session Loads of Fun! Call or Text: 917-280-4545 Email: MeshulamRoss@Gmail.com

Counseling 4 Success! Relationships, school, work, parenting. Solution-Focused. Teens, adults, children. 20 yrs experience. Warm, understanding, supportive. Confidential. Affordable. Rabbi Perry Schafler LCSW-R (516) 4288525 Mailplace4-counseling@yahoo.com

KARING 4 KIDS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SERVICES Male/Female therapists available from the comfort of your own home! Evaluating and treating children of all ages. Call: (516) 415-2044 or email: Karing4kidsOT@gmail.com.

Children's Way Learning Center After School Homework Group Orton Gillingham: Reading, Writing, Math & Hebrew HomeSchool Education! Register Now! www.childrensway.wix.com/childrensway 516-847-2047

EXPERIENCED DEBT COLLECTION ATTORNEY Local frum attorney experienced in debtors’ and creditors’ rights. Fast, discreet and effective – on average we recoup 80 cents on the dollar. sb@BiegaczLaw.com (718) 285-0943

Home Improvements General Contractor Entire renovations of bathrooms, kitchens and basements Tiles, floors, expert Roof repair available Free estimates and reasonable rates Call 718-907-0618 or 917-865-5033

Reliable Shomer Shabbat Driver Available for trips upstate, out of town, airport or local errands Brand new minivan. Very reasonable rates Call Shlomo at 917-385-9043 Yiddish Home Study Program: The new book Yiddish in 10 Lessons along with 2 CD's has just been released to easily learn to read, write and speak the Yiddish language. Call Chaim at 516 924 7694 or www.conversationalyiddish,com You can also sign up to receive a Free Weekly Taste of Yiddish

LEARN TO LEAD A BEAUTIFUL DAVENING Do you love davening for the amud? Do you sometimes wish you could lead the Tsibbur but lack the knowledge and confidence to pull it off? Call Yaakov 516-229-1948 Jewish Lower East Side Walking Tours given by licensed NYC tour guide specializing in the area. Once a bustling Jewish neighborhood with struggling immigrants. Come connect to your heritage and experience the gateway to “Di Goldneh Medinah”. Private, Group, School tours booking now. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. Call 516-652-4527 Experienced Certified Life Coach for Men only Call Chaim 516 924 7694 Photos 4 your Simcha Professional Photography and Video We love what we do and it shows in our work! Competitively priced! Check out our website & specials. www.photos4yoursimcha.com or call Yaakov 718-868-1800 Hair Course Learn how to wash and style hair and wigs Hair and wig cutting, wedding styling Private lessons or in a group Call Chaya 718-715-9009 Guaranteed cheapest prices on strollers and baby gear! Babyjogger, Uppa, Stokke, Britax, Bugaboo and more! Free next day shipping and no tax Call or text 443-208-8532, sthav@zment.com Struggling with Shalom Bayis? The Shalom Bayis Hotline 732-523-1112 Caring rabbanim answering your questions for free So far very positive results BS’D!

Real Estate for Sale House for Sale Kew Gardens Hills 18ft. attached, 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths Best location, front porch, backyard, finished attic, finished basement Call 718-578-2882

House for Sale by owner in Cedarhurst Immaculate, 4BR, 2 bath home Eat-In Kitchen, New appliances, CAC, Hardwood floors, fireplace, heated basement All new systems, Double garage, beautiful area, walk to all. 589k Call 516-569-1056

House for sale in the Heart of Far Rockaway located near YFR/TAG & Agudah Shul. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Whole house gut renovated, NEW bathrooms with jacuzzi tub in master, Finished Basement with extra bedroom and playroom, New boiler, Attic can be finished for more bedrooms. Amazing location, attractive price. NO brokers! Call: (646) 474.5606 FOR SALE BY OWNER - Colonial LR/fireplace, DR, Large EIK, 6 bedrooms, 4 baths, finished basement, CAC, .26 acre, Located in Woodmere Academy area $749. Call 516-524-1258 833 CENTRAL COOP For sale: 2BR 1 bath kosher kitchen 24 hr drmn near LIRR+ all shuls gr8 view 917-602-4551 Bayswater- massive 2 family home in a great area, close to all the shuls, beautiful cabinets & granite counter tops, lots of bedrooms, all tiled bathrooms, hardwood flooring all through the house, fireplace, etc., needs tlc, very motivated seller, Asking 449k, Call Yitzchok 847-691-6397.

TJH CLASSIFIEDS Post your Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services, Misc. Ads here every Thurs.

Weekly classified ads

up to 5 lines and/or 25 words

1 Week………………$20 - $10 2 Weeks……….……$35 - $17.50 4 Weeks…………….$60 - $30

Email ads to:

classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com Include valid credit card info

Deadline Monday 5:00pm

Lawrence - For sale by owner Co-op, large one bedroom, 1 1/2 bath, eat in kitchen, cent. A/C, double terrace, top floor, doorman, pool, garage, walk to town, temples, train. (516) 791-7000

HOUSE FOR RENT West Lawrence. EIK, 3 bedrooms,2 baths, screened porch, laundry room. Near shuls (White Shul, Agudah) and LIRR,. $ 2350 plus utilities. Please call 347-223-2587.

Lawrence - Newly-restored manor house. Central location. Hi Ceilings. Wood Floors. 5 large BR, Library/den, FDR. New chef’s kitchen. $4,500 917-455-7376 Apt. For Rent in Far Rockaway 1 B/R $1075; 2 B/R 1100-1200 No broker fee, all brand new; very spacious Gorgeous new kitchen and appliances Call 732-300-4098

Job Available Local organization seeks highly motivated part-time secretary, proficient in database management, queries and reports, and other basic computer skills. Email resume to writers613@gmail.com

Shaitel Macher in Far Rockaway Looking for a full time/part time assistance help] Job description: Helping wash and set shaitels- answer calls & set up appointments Please call 347-524-3864

F/T Marketing/ Admissions representative for a 200+ bed Nursing Facility. Candidate must have current affiliations with nearby hospitals, Dr.'s & Medical Representatives. Must be experienced, personable & have knowledge in medical terminology. Please email resumes to nhjobs1@gmail.com

Growing marketing firm seeks a male graphic designer to join its fresh and creative team. Email portfolio to bigideasmarketing@yahoo.com

We are seeking, friendly female to work in our newly renovated high end wig salon, located in the heart of Cedarhurst Experience in cutting and styling required please send resume to tresjolieboutique@hotmail.com

A real estate investment & development

firm in Brooklyn is looking for highly

motivated and aggressive individuals to seek and bring in potential investment deals.

Will train the right individual Please forward your résumé at jobs@greenbuildersnyc.com or call at 516-250-5848.

CATAPULT LEARNING Title I, P/T School Teachers Boro Park and Williamsburg boys Yeshivas B.A. Required; Strong Desire to Help Children Learn Excellent Organizational Skills; Small Group instruction; Competitive Salary Email Resume: nyteachers@catapultlearning.com Fax: (718) 381-3493

Sales position available. Flexible hours, great commission, excellent communication skills needed, must have car. Please call 732-503-3760 if no answer leave message. Leaders in Online Jewish Marketing are hiring Sales Superstars. Do you fit the bill? Send your resume to sales@thejmg.com or call us @ 646-351-1808 x 111

Misc. Beginning collector would like to purchase (buy) Soviet medals and awards Call Bruce 516-413-1751 Looking to rent a garage for storage No food will be stored Call 646-657-3131

Business for Sale Online unique baby and mommy gifts 10k FB fans, 7k customers, Gross 45k big upside Serious Inquiries only 718 471 5614

Volunteer tutors desperately needed

for Zichron Etel, a tutoring gemach that provides free tutoring to those who cannot afford it. Help needed in Brooklyn & the Five Towns. Please contact Nina@ 516-791-6676 or zichronetel@aol.com

Love your car?…Give it life Donate it to Yeshiva Fast, Free pick-up and towing Easy donation steps Maximum charitable tax deduction Free Vacation Voucher, 2 days/3nights CALL NOW! (718) 778-4766

Looking for donation of car or minivan in good running condition. Tax exempt receipt available for full market value. Please call 347-342-8196 Shaital gmach in Eretz Yisroel desperately needs shaitels. To be a part of this great mitzvah please call Peninia @ 347-6756526 Tizku L’mitzvos

Can You Sell?

Looking to make some extra cash?

On-The-Marc is hiring motivated part time sales people. Six to 8 hours a week with unlimited income potential. Must have/own car. For more information call Marc at 917-612-2300 Get Noticed! The Jewish Home CLASSIFIEDS Contact: classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com

O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Real Estate for Rent

An embroidery store in New Hyde Park is seeking a front desk operator. Needs to be bright, energetic and very responsible. Required to deal with customer service and prepare work tasks for embroidery operations. Will train fully embroidery program. Please email apropoemb@gmail.com

The Jewish Home n

classifieds

The Jewish Home n

o c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Life Coach

Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

Baby Come In Out of the Cold

refuse to buy another box of tissues. Is it my job—exclusively—to keep Kleenex or Scotty in business? After all, what have they done for me besides stuffing up my toilets with their new thicker, more absorbent, 2-ply tissues?! And before they came out with that, I was tortured by the rough, thin tissues that could eradicate three layers of my facial skin every time I had a cold. Who

can forget the red blotches that made their debut below either side of your already inflamed nostrils every time your nose dripped? Oh sure, that did great things for your looks! Isn’t it bad enough that your nose is leaking like the faucet your grandmother had in her three-story walk up on the Lower East Side? Isn’t it bad enough your ears are clogged up so badly you’ve

Maximizing YOUR

PARENTING Potential

taken up sign language? On top of it all, you’ve got to have the blotch component as a visual aid to make sure you look as miserable as you feel. No cold’s complete without it! So I ask you, should I have a sense of hakaras hatov to Kleenex? Maybe if they’d just kept their tissues to themselves someone would have been forced to come up with a real solution to the

A 9 part series designed to enhance your parenting techniques and your relationship with your child(ren.

Mrs. Yocheved Shonek

Given by MBR Faculty Member: Lecturer on topics related to family life and parenting $125 for the series $100 early bird registration by October 31st. Class size is limited. Please register early.

In Memory of Mrs. Rose Edelman

Contact Us: 1 3 7 L a w r e n c e A v e n u e , L a w r e n c e N Y 11 5 5 9 516 . 3 6 2 . 5 0 0 0 I n f o @ M B R s e m i n a r y. o r g

problem! Instead of these quick fix, anti-environmental, tree destroying sheets of paper. Like how about a mini nose plunger? You’d be able to just apply pressure and stuff the mess right back where it came from. Then again, here’s a better one: a nose stopper. After all, we can do all our breathing straight through our mouths. That would be like, middah kineged middah, fair and balanced, since it is the orifice G-d put the air into us in the first place. Do I sound upset with tissues? That’s nothing compared to how I feel about colds! They’re annoying! They linger, even when you don’t want them there, then they refuse to leave no matter what, and they don’t seem to serve any purpose whatsoever! Sound like someone you know?! I hope not! If you want my advice, I think you’d be smarter to avoid getting a cold altogether. But hey, here’s the thing, it’s not in your control at all! What is in your control is your attitude! So as annoying as colds are let’s see what good we can glean from them: It makes us very aware we have a nose on our face. After all, how strange would that spot look, right in the center of our visage, if nothing was filling it. Colds also keep us drinking and drinking which finally helps us use up some of those 300 different flavors of Wissotzky teas we have sitting in our pantries taking up shelf space. Colds give us a reason to get to sleep earlier and catch up on some good wholesome dreaming which saves you money on buying a book or video for entertainment. And best of all, colds remind us how good it is when they are gone, to be able to breathe freely and clearly. And then just enjoy life, even with absolutely no frills, just because we don’t have a cold! Now there’s a warm thought to keep with you as you battle the cold season ahead! Rivki Rosenwald is a certified relationship counselor, and career and life coach. She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or at rivki@rosenwalds.com.

Spring

Galil

Cup Of Noodle Soup

Diet

Grapefruit Drink

Case of 12

1.5L

.99

5.99

Frescotti

Marinara Sauce

Fruits & Vegetables Dagim

Pollock Fillets

1.99

2/$5

Liebers

Eden

15.5oz

Olives

12oz

24oz

Snackers

10oz

.89

1.99

Cauliflower

2/$5

Liebers

Taanug

Landau

Pierres

Rice Cakes

Assorted

Pretzel Crunch

Juice

Box Drinks Assorted

Mini Chocolate Coated 2.1oz

7.2oz

4pk

Fancy Eggplant

3/$1

Limes

Macintosh

3.99

6/$1

Sorbet

.99

1.99

.99

Head & Shoulders

Landau

Fresh & Frozen

Shampoo

Gefilte Fish

All Natural

Animal Cookies

14.4oz

20oz

3.99

1.99

3.49

Tuv Taam

Of Tov

Hers

Olive Spread 7oz

Chicken Nuggets

Assorted Shapes

Potato Chips

Sweet Potatoes

1.99Ea.

2/$5 Liebers

Marshmallows 5oz

Super Family Pack

3/$1

Shwartz

Gesher

Mehadrin

Sharons

Animal Cookies

Snak Pak Assorted 1.25 Oz.

Cottage Cheese 16 Oz.

4/$1

Kellogg’s

Generals Mills

J&J

General Mills

6 Pack

Cheerios

15oz

3.99

Trix Cereal

Swiss Yogurt

12oz

2/ 5 $

2.99

2.49Lb.

Assorted Pints

2/$3 Frosted Flakes

3.99

Sorbet

3.49

Honey Nut 12oz

3.49

5.99Lb.

$ Fresh

1.99

2/$3

Cholent Meat

5.99Lb.

9.99

.79Lb.

Shabbos Meat

Chicken Legs

2.99

Mushrooms

Meat Dept.

Lakewood

Orange Juice

Sliced & Whole

6oz

2/$7

8oz

.69Lb.

1 Pint

64oz

Whole Wheat & Regular

Apples

Pineapples $

.79Lb.

Chicken Liver

6.99Lb.

Family Pack

Rib Steak $

8.99Lb.

Deli Dept. BBQ Chickens

6.99Ea.

Chicken Capons

7.99Lb.

Free Cholent & Kishka

Regular

8 Oz. W/ min. purchase of $25. After 6pm Thurs. only.

Coleslaw

3.99Lb.

Sale valid 10/27/13 thru 11/01/13. Cash & Carry only. We reserve the right to limit quanitities on sale items. Not responsible for typographical errors. While supplies last.

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 • CURVE SERVICE Store hours: Sun 8-9 • Mon. - Tue. 7-9 • Wed. 7-10 • Thu. 7-12 • Fri. 7-1 1/2 Hours Before Shabbos

O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

Stuffed Manzanilla

Size #56

26oz

Chickpeas

Grapefruit

14oz

The Jewish Home n

Grocery Section

The Jewish Home n o c t o b e r 2 4 , 2013

99 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n october 24, 2013

Breakthrough

REHAB to fuel your recovery!

Margaret Tietz Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

Shabbos Elevator

Shabbos Hospitality Apartment for visiting family members located only a block away

Daily & Shabbos Minyanim

State-of-the-art separate Meat & all Cholov Yisroel Dairy Kitchens under the Vaad Harabonim of Queens

adlibunlimited.com

is proud to provide the Jewish Community with high quality Sub-acute Rehabilitation, Hospice and Long-Term Care services in a newly renovated comfortable and completely Kosher setting.

Eruv connecting our facility to Kew Gardens Hills, Jamaica Estates/Holliswood, Hillcrest/ Fresh Meadows & Briarwood

Experience your personal rejuvenation at Margaret Tietz as you relearn the skills of daily living following surgery or illness. Our team of therapists utilize the MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY and TECHNIQUES to get you back home as quickly as possible.

164-11 Chapin Parkway, Jamaica Hills, NY 11432 â&#x20AC;˘ 718-298-7829 â&#x20AC;˘ www.tietzjewish.com Centrally located near the Queens communities of Kew Gardens Hills, Hillcrest & Jamaica Estates. Only 20 minutes from Brooklyn, Manhattan & the Five Towns.

FALL

}

r u t O ege u bo oll am! A k nt C gr s A ce Pro Re rad G

}

2014 Nissan Altima 2.5S $

189*

Per Month

Features: Bluetooth/Remote Power Doors/AM-FM-CD-MP3

36 Month Lease 12,000 Miles Per Year Up to $5,000 Damage Waiver Available

2014 Honda CRV-LX $

Per Month 36 Month Lease 7,500 Miles Per Year Up to $5,000 Damage Waiver Available

2014 Honda Odyssey

Features: Remote Entry w/ Trunk Release/Power Seats/ Bluetooth/AM-FM-CD-MP3

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

269*

Per Month 36 Month Lease 7,500 Miles Per Year Up to $5,000 Damage Waiver Available

269*

Per Month 36 Month Lease 7,500 Miles Per Year Up to $5,000 Damage Waiver Available

Features: Power & Heated Mirrors/ AM-FM-USB-iPod/Bluetooth/ Alloy Wheels/Rear Liftgate

}

Lease Loyalty Or Conquest

}

Features: Remote Keyless Entry/ 240-Watt AM-FM-CDMP3-USB/Bluetooth/ Back-Up Camera/Rear Privacy Glass

215*

Expires 10/31/13

iPad Giveaway

Join our listlist and youwill willbebeentered entered into a raffle for an iPad 3 Joinemail our email & you into a raffle for an iPad3

www.wheelstolease.com/joinemaillist www.wheelstolease.com/joinemaillist Congratulations to our lastlast raffle winner, Jonathan Thurm! Congratulations to our raffle winner, Sam Mayer!