Five Towns Jewish Home - 12-10-15 by The Jewish Home

December 10 —December 16, 2015

Distributed weekly in the Five Towns, Long Island, Queens & Brooklyn

Your Favorite Five Towns Family Newspaper

ov ase ukkv ,urbv Pages 9, 10, 11, 15 & 91

Around the

Community

A Glow for All to See at the Menorah Lighting at Andrew J. Parise Park

83 Annual Brunch for Bikur Cholim of Far Rockaway and the Five Towns Draws Large Crowd

Special Chanukah Supplement

Includes Thoughts on Chanukah, Recipes, Party Hosting Ideas, A Chanukah Story, and Menorahs from Around the World

The Sweetness of Torah at Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island Mesiba Mishnayos

CHANUKAH AROUND TOWN See Your Photos in our Chanukah Supplement Page 143

PAGE 26

– See pages 3 & 37

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Dear Readers,

hanukah comes with a lot of parties and a lot of late nights. My three-year-old son, when asked what he wanted for Chanukah, told us he wanted “everything in the whole wide world.” It was the second night of Chanukah and he was already exhausted from the party the night before. When he opened up his present and saw that it was a truck carrier with cars, he dissolved into tears. “It’s not everything in the whole wide world!” he cried. The scenario is humorous and even he laughed when we reminded him about it the next day. But it got me thinking. So many of us want “everything in the whole wide world.” We spend our lives running after more clothes, a larger house, shinier jewelry, a more luxurious car. But if we spend our lives yearning for the unattainable, how can we ever be happy? The mitzvah that we have on Chanukah is the lighting of the neiros. The small flames flicker in the darkness as they remind us of the nes so many years ago, when just a small amount of oil was able to stay lit for eight days and nights. When the Maccabim found that one cruse of oil after finally defeating

the Greeks, they were happy. They saw what they were given and they were happy with what they had. Imagine if they would have thought to themselves, “Oh, one small jar…forget it. It’s too little. Let’s wait until next week when we’ll be able to produce kosher oil for the menorah.” Imagine if they would have wanted all the oil “in the whole wide world” before lighting. We wouldn’t have been able to see yad Hashem so vividly, and what would be with the chag of Chanukah? Chanukah gifts seem to be a new concept. I doubt they were giving their children lavish toys on Chanukah in Europe. Perhaps, though, we should tone down our gift giving. We should show our children that Chanukah is not about who got the largest gift in the class; it’s more about being happy with what you have and enjoying the small things in life. I think that’s a lesson that I have learned this Chanukah. Don’t want “everything in the whole wide world” and then we’ll be happier people. Wishing you a freilechen Chanukah, Shoshana

Yitzy Halpern PUBLISHER

publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Yosef Feinerman MANAGING EDITOR

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The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

'‫ְּב'זׂאת‬ ּ‫ִּת ָּו ׁ ְשעו‬ The Gathering of the Gedolei Hador On Monday, ZOS CHANUKA, The Gedolei Hador will gather to be mispallel on behalf of contributors to Kupat Ha’ir

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Contents LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

COMMUNITY Readers’ Poll

Community Happenings

NEWS

108

Global

National

Odd-but-True Stories

ISRAEL Israel News

The Whispering Hammer by Rafi Sackville 100 PEOPLE Zvika Greengold: One Man against the Syrian Army by Avi Heiligman 118 PARSHA Rabbi Wein

The Shmuz

JEWISH THOUGHT The Tenacity of Hope by Eytan Kobre

Lighten Up by Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz

CHANUKAH Short Story: The Yellow Star by S.B. Unsdorfer S4

S16

Chanukah Today by Rabbi Berel Wein

Chanukah Around Town

Happy Hosting by Rachel Gross

S12

In All Shapes and Sizes by Joe Bobker

S18

The Maccabee in You by Rabbi Naphtali Hoff

Dear Editor, An article on Rabbi Nemtzov has long been overdue. I can’t recall ever meeting someone who collects money that I would rather give to. When I give to his collection I feel that I receive more than I give. There is something truly unique about Rabbi Shalom Nemtzov. I look forward to seeing him as I exit the store on Thursdays and am sorry if I miss him. I look forward to his bracha and greeting given with warmth and expressive of care. His demeanor embodies the teaching of Our Father’s: That we should greet one another with “sever panim yafot,” a pleasant expression. The son of one of my friends asked his mom: How can Rabbi Nemtzov make money for tzedaka, if he gives lollipops to the children? Thank you Tammy Mark for enlightening us about this wonderful man and some of what he has done, is doing and hopes to continue to achieve. May Hashem help him to be successful, to continue to grow and benefit Klal Yisrael in good health. Esther Langer Long Beach, NY

JEWISH HISTORY The Incredible Story of Ignatz Timothy Trebitsch-Lincoln, Part I By Rabbi Pini Dunner 102

Dear Editor, The media is a funny entity. On one hand, it doesn’t wait for facts

HEALTH & FITNESS Did We Forget How to Parent? by Deb Hirschhorn, PhD

108

The Art of Connection by Moshe Glaz, MS-CASAC

110

Beets Can’t be Beat by Cindy Weinberger, MS, RD, CDN

111

PARENTING Anger, Part IV by Rabbi Dani Staum, LMSW

106

FOOD & LEISURE The Aussie Gourmet: Chanukah Doughnuts

S16

LIFESTYLES Dating Dialogue, Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LMSW

114

Your Money

140

Oil I Want for Chanukah by Rivki Rosenwald, Esq., CLC

142

HUMOR Centerfold Uncle Moishy Fun Page

88 132

POLITICAL CROSSFIRE Notable Quotes

120

In Fighting Terror, Patience is Not a Virtue by Michael Gerson

128

CLASSIFIEDS

134

when certain events occur and jumps on any opportunity to call people or events “racist,” “prejudiced,” or “bigoted.” But it seems like the media – and even our president – has its own four letter word. That word is “terrorism.” They just can’t seem to say it, ever. Even when something is so obviously a terrorist attack, they will fall on their faces, rub their noses in the toilet, but will not say that word – unless forced to, after many days, when the news cycle has already turned. Now, let me ask you: the people who carried out a massacre killing 14 innocent people in a day care center for the disabled were heavily armed, wore tactical attire and had an arsenal of ammunition and pipe bombs in their home. They had Muslim-sounding names. One murderer said on a dating profile online that he wanted his wife to wear a hijab. Another one traveled to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan recently. This is the first time in 15 years that a mass shooting on American soil was perpetrated by more than one person. So, let’s think. Terrorism or man really upset that someone took his coffee from the breakroom? Hmmm… Mr. Obama and Mr. CNN, you may have to brush up on your critical thinking skills. This, my friends, is terrorism.

Continued on page 12

Can you believe it’s December already? Are you wishing for colder weather or just enjoying the relative warmth?

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Enjoying the Warmth

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Continued from 8

Now, the president will tell you we need to have more gun control in our nation. I’m sorry, Mr. Obama, that will not fly. First of all, it’s our right as Americans to be able to arm ourselves. We all don’t live in the White House and we all won’t have a security detail watching over us when we (finally) leave the Oval Office next year. What if the people at the party at the center had guns? What if a few people had pistols on them? Would that have prevented 14 deaths? Would that have made the terrorists choose another target? I would think so. Gun control is not the answer. The answer is that terrorism is an unfortunate fact in our lives today. They are here – and everywhere – and we must realize that the time is now to prevent more deaths. Don’t let more terrorists into the country. Monitor those who are here. Protect the lives of Americans. Yes, that’s your duty as commander-in-chief. Larry Horowitz Woodmere, NY

Dear Editor, The aberration of political correctness propagated by the Left has manifested itself yet again, with the recent Islamic terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California. Leftists have eschewed denominating the mass murderers as “radical Islamic terrorists,” instead referring to the attack as “workplace violence” and the attackers as “radical extremists.” If we cannot properly discern who our enemies are, defeating them constitutes an inconceivable task. It is indisputable that we are at war against radical Islam, an ideology seeking to vanquish Western civilization, establish an Islamic caliphate governed by Sharia law, and subjugate the millions of infidels under their dominion. Contrary to the imbecilic talking-points of the Left, Islam and terrorism are intimately correlated with each other, and so the evidence is incontestable—Islam is not the religion of peace. Basic research into Koranic literature corroborates Islam’s embedded animosity and abhorrence of Jews, Christians, and other infidels, and the myriads of verses commanding their execution. Early in Islamic history, the Muslim prophet Mohammed murdered 600 Jewish men and enslaved the women and children. The Islamo-Nazis have murdered thousands of innocent

people, all in the name of their god Allah. Are Jews and Christians ramming airliners into towers? In every instance of terrorist attacks, the Islamo-Nazi subhuman cockroaches yell, “Allahu Akbar!” and vindicate their behavior utilizing Islamic teachings and the Koran. And, out of sheer curiosity, where are all the professed Muslim leaders after these attacks—why won’t they reprehend the terrorists? Where were they after 9/11? They’re virtually decommissioned after every onslaught. But we know radical Islam’s true intentions—that’s because the Islamo-Nazis incessantly reiterate themselves about what their objective is and how they will achieve it. Listen to what the Islamic terrorists themselves have to say and not to some looney politician. And here’s one more fact that should send chills down our spines: according to the respected U.S. think tank Pew Research Center, out of a world population of approximately 1.6 billion Muslims, a little over 600 million are radical! Of course this does not mitigate the fact that the vast majority of Muslims are patriotic Americans and embrace our culture and who can coexist with non-Muslim Americans. But let’s not pretend as if Islam is the religion of peace, because too many of its adherents don’t seem to think so. It’s time to repudiate the absurdity and diabolical nature of liberalism’s discredited mantra of political correctness and start calling out the enemy for what it is: radical, theocratic Islamic terrorism. Sincerely, Rafi Metz

Dear Editor, When I heard that the child of the San Bernardino killers was going to be taken in by their sister or brother, I was startled. Wait, their relatives are here and we are allowing them to take care of their child? Permit me to be a little confused. These two people just committed the first ISIS-related attack on U.S. soil and we are allowing their child and their relatives to continue living in the United States? This seems wrong. True, their child is innocent and maybe if I squint long enough I can believe that their relatives didn’t know of their attack. But we need to send a message. Terrorists need to be purged from this country. Send the baby back to their relatives in Pa-

kistan and maybe even their sisters and brothers too. Terrorism should not be tolerated or it will continue to grow unchecked. Sincerely, A Reader

Dear Editor, December 7th is National Letter Writing Day. Surveys reveal that “Letters To The Editor” is one of the most widely read and popular sections of any newspaper. Weekly newspapers such as our own Jewish Home offer readers a chance to speak out. The same is true with daily newspapers such as AM New York, the New York Daily News, Newsday, New York Post, New York Times and Staten Island Advance. Weekly newspapers tend to offer more space for writers than daily newspapers. Some daily newspapers have quotas of no more than one letter every 30 or 60 days per writer. Newsday is once every 45 days. Contrary to popular myth, we don’t always have our submissions published. Being a prolific letter writer doesn’t always guarantee publication on a regular basis by anyone. It helps to have a snappy introduction, good hook, be timely, precise, and have an interesting or different viewpoint to increase your odds of being published. Many papers welcome letters commenting on their own editorials, articles or previously published letters to the editor. We continue to be fortunate to live in one of the few remaining free societies, with a wealth of information sources available. Sadly, most American cities and suburbs are down to one local daily or weekly newspaper. Newspapers have to deal with increasing costs for newsprint, delivery and distribution along with reduced advertising revenues and declining readership. I continue to be grateful that The Jewish Home along with other daily and weekly newspapers afford both

me and my fellow letter to the editor writers the opportunity to express our views, as well as differing opinions on issues of the day. Thanks to you, ordinary citizens have the freedom to comment on the actions and legislation of elected officials in any Letters to the Editor section. In the marketplace of ideas, let us hope there continues to be room for everyone, including The Jewish Home along with all the other newspapers. Let us thank those few brave souls who are willing to take on the establishment and powerful special interest groups in the pages of your letters to the editor section. They fill a valuable niche in the information highway. Please join me along with your neighbors in reading your favorite daily and local weekly community newspapers. Patronize their advertisers; they provide the revenues necessary to keep them in business. Let them know you saw their ad. This is what helps keep our neighbors employed, the local economy growing and provide space on a daily and weekly basis for your favorite or not so favorite letter writers. Sincerely, Larry Penner Great Neck, NY

Dear Editor, Bravo to Susan Schwamm for her excellent article on the November 26 issue…and not a single spelling mistake on the names of the restaurants! (Better than the LA Times sometimes!) One thing though she omitted to mention: Helene Muyal (the name is more often spelled Moyal) was Jewish! What a moving statement her husband made, and how tragic it is that so many innocent people perished at the hands of those fanatics non-humans. Happy Hanukkah! Danielle

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

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

The Week In News

poll by Gallup. Europe was the most popular destination, chosen by 39 percent of Syrians wanting to move, followed by the Middle East and North Africa, with 35 percent. North America was the least popular region globally. Of those choosing the region, fewer than half selected the United States. “There is nothing in the data that we found that would imply that anyone is particularly trying to come to the U.S.,” said Mohamed Younis, a senior analyst at Gallup. In the wake of the November 13 attacks in Paris by Islamist State militants that killed 130 people, a number of presidential candidates from the U.S. Republican Party have warned against welcoming Syrian refugees into the country. They have cautioned that Islamist militants might try to enter the United States under the guise of being refugees. Last month, leading Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump pointed out that when Syrian refugees “start pouring into this country, we don’t know if they’re ISIS, we don’t know if it’s a Trojan horse.” Republican Chris Christie has said he does not trust the administration of President Barack Obama, a Democrat, to vet ref-

Syrians Not Interested in Moving to U.S.

While letting Syrian refugees into America is a very controversial issue, a new poll shows that few Syrians want to leave their country for North America in the first place. Of Syrians surveyed in their homeland who said they wanted to move, a mere 6 percent chose the United States and Canada as their desired location, according to a

ugees, while Republican Ben Carson said at a campaign event that Syrian refugees would endanger Americans. The Obama administration has said it will accept 10,000 Syrian refugees into the United States over the next year. A Gallup poll from late November showed 60 percent of Americans opposed the plan. Canada has said it will accept 25,000 Syrian refugees by the end of February. 46 percent of Syrians overall would leave Syria if they could. Residents in certain sections of Syria were not questioned due to security concerns, representing about one-third of the population. Syria’s war, which erupted in 2011, has killed some 250,000 people and created more than four million refugees in a country of about 23 million people.

Mosques Shuttered in France

This is not the first time a mosque was shuttered by authorities. Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve told journalists that authorities had already closed two mosques last week – the first time France has taken such action against places of worship suspected of nurturing what he called “Islamist radicalization.” The mosques closed last week were located in Gennevilliers, northwest of Paris, and in the southeastern city of Lyon. He later revealed to lawmakers in Parliament the closure of another mosque in the Riviera city of Nice. Security officers found jihadist documents at the mosque where the raids took place and at related premises in Lagny-sur-Marne. Nine people were put under house arrest and another 22 were banned from leaving the country. France, which declared a state of

e l a S A mosque just east of Paris was shut down by police and the owner of a revolver recovered in a related raid was arrested last week.

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emergency after the Islamist attacks in Paris, has so far raided 2,235 homes and buildings, taken 232 people into custody, and confiscated 334 weapons, 34 of them war-grade, Cazeneuve told reporters. “In 15 days we have seized one-third of the quantity of war-grade weapons that are normally seized in a year,” Cazeneuve related. Hassan El Alaoui, one of France’s chief imams, told Al Jazeera that French authorities were likely to close down more than 100 mosques in the wake of the Paris attacks. “According to official figures and our discussions with the interior ministry, between 100 and 160 more mosques will be closed because they are run illegally without proper licenses, they preach hatred, or use takfiri speech,” he said. Takfiris are those who accuse fellow Muslims who do not share their hardline interpretation of their faith and is often used as a pejorative term.

Iran Buying Russian Missiles Iran has begun taking delivery of the complex S-300 missile system

from Russia. In 2010, Russia froze a deal to supply advanced long-range S-300 missile systems to Iran, linking the decision to UN sanctions. Putin lifted the suspension earlier this year following Iran’s deal with six world powers that curbed its nuclear program in exchange for relief from international sanctions. Officials said last month that Russia and Iran finalized the contract for their delivery.

gion, as well as the U.S., which see it as destabilizing. Israel asserts that the Iranians could transfer the missiles to Lebanon and Syria, which could then use them against the Israeli Air Force.

In November of this year, Putin visited Iran for the first time since 2007, meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Their discussions focused on how they could assist Syrian President Bashar Assad in the civil war raging in his country, as well as trade in missiles between the two countries. The S-300 deal has long worried Israel and other countries in the re-

London police tasered and arrested a man this week who had slashed someone with a knife while reportedly screaming, “This is for Syria.” The incident, which is being called a “terror attack,” took place at the Leytonstone Underground station, about six miles east of central London. Police said initial reports indicated the man, believed to be aged 29, had also threatened other bystand-

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ers. One 56-year-old man suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries. Two other people had minor injuries, police said. “We are treating this as a terrorist incident,” Richard Walton, who leads the Counter Terrorism Command at London’s Metropolitan Police, said in a statement. An eyewitness said the attacker appeared to claim that he was retaliating for Western attacks on Islamist militants in Syria. Britain is on its second-highest alert level of “severe,” meaning a militant attack is considered highly likely, mainly because of the threat posed by Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq who are encouraging supporters to attack the West. After Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for the attacks on Paris last month that killed 130 people, British Prime Minister David Cameron won approval from lawmakers to bomb the Islamist group in Syria. British warplanes have already bombed oil fields controlled by Islamic State. Cameron said airstrikes would not increase the chances of an attack on Britain, since militants already viewed Britain as a top target with seven plots foiled over the past year.

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300-YearOld Treasure Discovered Colombia claims to have found a very valuable treasure. The South American country says

it has discovered the shipwreck of a storied Spanish galleon laden with gold, silver and precious stones three centuries after it was sunk by the British in the Caribbean. “This is the most valuable treasure that has been found in the history of humanity,” President Juan Manuel Santos declared on Saturday, speaking

from the northern port city of Cartagena, close to where experts made the hugely valuable find. For the last several decades treasure hunters have searched for this ship, The San Jose, described by some as the holy grail of shipwrecks. The loot is estimated to be worth around $2 billion, although its value has

According to historians, the San Jose sunk in June 1708 near the Islas del Rosario, off Colombia’s Caribbean coast, during combat with British ships attempting to take its cargo as part of the War of Spanish Succession. The galleon was the main ship in a treasure fleet carrying gold, silver and other valuable items from Spain’s American colonies to King Philip V. Very few of the ship’s crew of 600 survived when the San Jose sank. A team of Colombian and foreign researchers, including a veteran of the group that discovered the wreck of the Titanic in 1985, studied winds and currents of the Caribbean 307 years ago and delved into colonial archives in Spain and Colombia searching for clues. Experts confirmed that they found the San Jose on November 27 “in a place never before referenced by previous research,” Santos said. The experts confirmed that they located the ship, which was lying on its side, identifying it by its unique bronze cannons with engraved dolphins. During the excavation, at least five other major shipwrecks were discovered when searching the ocean floor. “The amount and type of the material leave no doubt of the identity” of the shipwreck, said Ernesto Montenegro, head of the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History.

Burqa Battle in Baghdad

In ISIS-controlled territories, women are being forced to wear

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

burqas that leave only their eyes revealed. While some Muslim women willingly wear the getup, for women who are accustomed to wearing regular clothes, or perhaps just a headscarf, the forced wearing of burqas can be stifling and traumatic. Phyllis Chesler, professor emeritus of psychology and women’s studies at City University of New York and author of An American Bride in Kabul, says that wearing a burqa for the first time — even willingly — can produce “sudden feelings of anxiety and claustrophobia.” “It’s very uncomfortable,” she explained. “It’s sensory deprivation, an isolation chamber. It’s hard to eat in a restaurant, hard to have a normal conversation, hard to buy things in a marketplace.” Women in ISIS-conquered areas are required to wear loose, head-totoe covering without designs that “attract attention.” Punishment for failing to comply with the ISIS dress code is severe. Many have reported that women have been whipped for wearing coverings that break the code. Other women and their families have been fined for wearing the wrong clothes. Chesler says living under a con-

stant fear of wearing the proper clothing can lead to “clinical depression, panic attacks, and low self-esteem.” Also, being covered from the sun can cause vitamin D deficiency diseases, like osteoporosis. “You’re in a prison that moves,” Chesler declares.

More FIFA Officials Indicted

The Justice Department’s widening probe of international soccer led to 16 high-ranking officials being indicted on corruption charges on Thursday, including the presidents of two federations overseeing the sport in the Americas.

A 92-count indictment unsealed in a federal courtroom in Brooklyn accuses the men of racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering, among other offenses, over a 24-year period and brings the total number of individuals and entities charged since May to 41. The accusations and pending investigation has shaken FIFA, world soccer’s governing body. In February, President Sepp Blatter agreed to resign less than a year after winning election to a fifth term. Swiss authorities have opened a criminal inquiry against Blatter, who was suspended by FIFA in October as part of a separate investigation into a $2 million payment to European soccer boss Michel Platini. Five of the officials named in Thursday’s indictments are current or former members of the FIFA executive council, including Honduran Alfredo Hawit, president of CONCACAF, which runs the sport in North America, Central America and the Caribbean; and Juan Angel Napout of Paraguay, a FIFA vice president and the head of the South American federation CONMEBOL. The Justice Department also said eight defendants named in the May

indictments, among them former CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb of the Cayman Islands, have pleaded guilty and agreed to forfeit more than $40 million. Hawit and Napout were arrested by Swiss authorities on Thursday in a predawn raid in Zurich and are fighting extradition to the U.S. Also indicted Thursday were former Honduran President Rafael Callejas, a member of FIFA’s television and marketing committee and a former president of the Honduran soccer federation; Hector Trujillo, general secretary of the Guatemalan soccer federation and a judge on the country’s high court; Marco Polo del Nero, president of the Brazilian soccer federation; and Ricardo Teixeira, the Brazilian federation’s former president. Both Del Nero and Teixeira were also FIFA executive committee members. Teixeira was once the son-in-law to former FIFA President Joao Havelange as well. “The charges unsealed today send a clear message to those who corrupted a sport beloved by millions to satisfy their own greed. We are determined to put a stop to bribery and corruption in international soccer and to make room for a new

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

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era of integrity and reform,â&#x20AC;? Robert L. Capers, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This indictment is the latest step in that effort but our work is not done.â&#x20AC;? U.S. Soccer, which will act as the local organizing committee for the tournament, issued a statement saying a planned event would go forward as scheduled. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events involving individual members of CONCACAF and CONMEBOL in no way pierce the integrity of the rigorous safeguards the United States Soccer Federation required before agreeing to host Copa America Centenario that ensure the tournament is organized and conducted in a way that is open, transparent and above reproach,â&#x20AC;? it said. Justice Department officials said the criminal investigation, which has also involved the FBI and IRS, will continue both in the U.S. and in Switzerland, FIFAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headquarters, where American authorities have been working with local officials. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are always learning more information and new information,â&#x20AC;? U.S. Atty. Gen. Loretta E. Lynch said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have noticed accounts running through 40 countries and [involving] millions of dollars. We have, we believe, a very good picture of the scope of the bribery and the scope of the corruption.â&#x20AC;?

publicly on the status of its prominent members. The group has yet to release video or audio evidence that Mansour is still alive since the incident was reported. For two years, the militant group denied that its former supreme leader Mullah Omar had died until Afghan officials revealed in July that Omar died in a hospital in Pakistan in 2013. Mansour led the Taliban for four months since the death of Omar was announced by the group. Deadly suicide attacks against Western and Afghan government targets have continued under his tenure. The group also captured the northern city of Kunduz in September before Afghan troops backed by U.S. airstrikes wrestled it back. Pakistan-sponsored peace talks between Afghan President Ashraf Ghaniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administration and the Taliban have stalled since the announcement of Omarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death, although the Taliban has become more fractured after Mansourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elevation to leadership. A faction of the Taliban splintered from Mansourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group in November and aligned itself with ISIS. The group is led by Mullah Mohammed Rasool, a former member of the Talibanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ruling council.

Taliban Head Honcho Dies The Taliban was dealt a serious blow this week when leader Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour died of his injuries sustained in a firefight at a recent meeting of the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top commanders near the Pakistani city of Quetta. Sultan Faizi, the spokesman for the Afghan first vice president, announced the death. Faizi did not provide any evidence of Mansourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death and the Taliban has denied that he was injured in the firefight as confusion continues to surround his fate. However, both Pakistani and Afghan officials have said that credible evidence suggested Mansour was â&#x20AC;&#x153;very seriouslyâ&#x20AC;? injured in an incident. Reports emerged recently that Mansour was injured after an argument broke out at the meeting between the divided groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior leaders. A Taliban spokesman called the reports â&#x20AC;&#x153;absolutely baselessâ&#x20AC;? but the group typically does not speak

Netanyahu One of Most Admired Leaders in the World

D.C.-based think tank The Brookings Institute has published the surprising results of a recent survey. 1,738 Americans were asked to â&#x20AC;&#x153;list the five American or international leaders that you most admire.â&#x20AC;? Barack Obama came in first, followed by former President Ronald Reagan. Third

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

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Both Sides Mourn Yossi Sarid

Meretz party chairman Yossi Sarid passed away last week from heart-related causes at the age of 75. Both political opponents and allies mourned the loss of the left-wing public official. “Yossi Sarid was a unique voice in

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Israeli politics, an opinionated, sharp man,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Although we differed on many issues, I appreciated his loyalty to his path, his broad education and the meticulous Hebrew expressed in his speech and writings. He will be remembered also for being a prominent parliamentarian, a longtime member of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and an Education Minis-

ter who sought to advance the education system in Israel.” President Reuven Rivlin, who served as an MK with the right-wing Likud party during Sarid’s tenure as head of Meretz, called the deceased parliamentarian a “tough political opponent, challenging and loyal to his views.” Sarid, Rivlin added, was “one of the greatest politicians of the State of Israel.”

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place went to Prime Minister Netanyahu, ahead of Pope Francis and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Among Evangelical Christians, Netanyahu is the most popular leader in the world, receiving 16 percent of the votes. Eleven percent chose Reagan, and 10 percent Obama. Among Democrats, Netanyahu’s popularity rose by 12 percent since the last such survey, although his popularity remained steady for Republicans. Despite the increase in popularity, the survey showed that Democrats and young people view Israel’s policies and prime minister in a more negative light. Republicans and older people support Israel; some even praised Netanyahu and criticized the radicalization of Palestinians in the poll. At the same time, more and more people in the U.S. say that they believe the Israeli government has “too much influence” over U.S. politics. When asked about the recent wave of terror, Democrats mostly identify more with Palestinians. Most Republicans say that the Palestinians are to blame for the current situation. Another interesting question focused on how America should respond to increased building in Judea and Samaria. Thirty-one percent of people said that the U.S. must limit itself to verbal criticism, and one in four people claimed that the U.S. does not need to do anything about the issue. Why is Israel suffering during the current crisis? 31 percent said that it is because of a lack of diplomacy. 26 percent said that it is due to Israel’s actions in Judea and Samaria, and an equal amount said it is because of Palestinian extremism.

An icon of the Israeli left, Sarid held two portfolios — education and environment — and led the Meretz party from 1996 to 2003, serving as head of the opposition for the latter two years of his party leadership. He remained in parliament for 32 years, retiring in 2006, and then began a weekly column in Haaretz newspaper.

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

“Settlements are Legal” Doc to be Released

The Israeli Foreign Ministry will soon be distributing an official document which presents a legally-backed statement that Israeli communities beyond the Green Line are perfectly legal and are not contradictory to international law. The document, which is a legal opinion which will be distributed to all Israeli embassies around the world and be handed over to world leaders, states among other things that “attempts to present Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria [the West

Bank] as illegal and colonial ignore the complexity of the issue, the history of the country and the unique legal circumstances of the case.” It says further that Israel has “valid property claims to Judea and Samaria,” due to the fact that the area “does not belong to any lawful sovereignty” and the fact that the area was never under the legitimate sovereignty of any state and was conquered as part of a “defensive war.” The document also claims that the allegations of colonialism are invalid due to “the Jewish connection of thousands of years to the area.” The legal opinion also states that “the bilateral agreements between Israel and the Palestinians specifically state that settlements fall under exclusive Israeli authority until the materialization of peace negotiations into results and do not prohibit settlement activity.” The document further points out that the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria were legally established, under all the legal rules, and it also refers to the uprooting of Gush Katif, saying the “Disengagement” was the result of a political decision, not an international legal obligation. A similar position was expressed in the 2012 Levy Report, which

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proved Israel’s presence in the Biblical heartland of Judea and Samaria is completely legal according to international law. Despite being commissioned by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, the government has yet to adopt the report. The document comes following a recent decision by the European Union (EU) to label Israeli products from Judea, Samaria and the Golan Heights as “settlement products.”

Munich Massacre Details Released

Families of the victims of the 1972 Israeli Olympic team have come out

with more details surrounding the kidnapping and murder of 11 Israeli athletes. A terrorist branch of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, known as Black September, took the Israeli team hostage and 20 hours later all were dead after a failed rescue attempt. The treatment of the hostages has long been a subject of speculation, but details have been released that show just how cruel the Palestinian terror group is. Among the most jarring details is the fact that the Israeli Olympic team members were beaten and mutilated. Ms. Ankie Spitzer, whose husband, Andre, was a fencing coach at the Munich, explained that she and the family members of the other victims only learned the details of how the victims were treated 20 years after the tragedy, when German authorities released hundreds of pages of reports they previously denied existed. The photographs were “as bad I could have imagined,” Ms. Ilana Romano said. Her husband, a champion weightlifter, was shot when he tried to overpower the terrorists early in the attack. He was then left to die in front of the other hostages and his body was mutilated. Other hostages were beaten and sustained serious injuries,

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

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including broken bones, Ms. Spitzer said. Mr. Romano and another hostage died in the Olympic Village; the other nine were killed during a failed rescue attempt after they were moved with their captors to a nearby airport. “The terrorists always claimed that they didn’t come to murder anyone — they only wanted to free their friends from prison in Israel,” Ms. Spitzer said. “They said it was only because of the botched-up rescue operation at the airport that they killed the rest of the hostages, but it’s not true. They came to hurt people. They came to kill.” For much of the past two decades, Ms. Spitzer and Ms. Romano mostly kept the grisly details to themselves. According to Ms. Spitzer, confusion about what had happened to the victims existed from the beginning. The bodies of the victims were identified by family or friends in Munich and burials were held almost immediately after the bodies were flown back to Israel. After decades of grieving, the families have now chosen to share the details with the world to make it known how sadistic the PLO group really was.

kings of Judah, either before him or after him,” who was dedicated to eliminating idolatry in his kingdom. “This is the first time that a seal impression of an Israelite or Judean king has ever come to light in a scientific archaeological excavation,” Mazar said. The clay imprint, known as a bulla, was found at a dig at the foot of the southern part of the wall that surrounds Jerusalem’s Old City, an area rich in relics from the period of the first of two Jewish Temples. It had been buried in a refuse dump dated to the time of Hezekiah and was probably tossed from an adjacent royal building. It contains ancient Hebrew script and the symbol of a two-winged sun. The bulla was initially cataloged and put in a closet, along with 33 others, after a first inspection that failed to establish its true identity. Only five years later, when a team member scrutinized it under a magnifying glass and discerned dots in between some of the letters, did the meaning become clear. The dots help separate the words: “Belonging to Chizkiyahu (son of) Ahaz king of Judah.” Mazar said the back side of the clay imprint of the seal had markings of thin cords that were used to tie a papyrus document.

Markings of Chizkiyahu’s Seal Arab Israelis Uncovered in Arrested for Jerusalem Supporting ISIS

Archeologists in Israel have discovered a mark from the seal of King Chizkiyahu, who helped build the most ancient parts of Jerusalem. The circular inscription, etched onto a piece of clay less than a centimeter (0.4 inches) long, may very well have been made by the king himself, said Eilat Mazar of Jerusalem’s Hebrew University, who directed the excavation where it was uncovered. Chizkiyahu ruled around 700 BCE. The Navi says of him, “There was no one like him among all the

On Tuesday, the Shin Bet announced that they arrested five Israeli Arabs from Nazareth on suspicion of supporting the Islamic State and preparing to carry out terror attacks. The cell’s members, all reportedly members of the same family, were arrested in October and November in a joint operation of the Shin Bet and Israel Police, according to officials. The five relatives held secret meetings and trained in the use of weapons ahead of planned attacks in Israel, according to the Shin Bet. Over the past year, the suspects became more religious and expressed support of the Islamic State and jihad against apostates. Earlier this year, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon declared the Islamic State an illegal organization, making support for the pseudo-caliphate a crime in Israel. Two rifles, a Russian SKS and a

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

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boats and candles. Haifa port’s customs manager, Kobi Yahav, declared, “Customs units will continue their day to day work in preventing smuggling attempts to Israel. We place special importance on weapons and incitement materials, especially in times like these.”

ISIS Hits Home

“Inciting Dolls” Seized

What did you buy your children for Chanukah? Maybe you bought them Lego, or a doll, or even a magic set. For Palestinians, the newest doll is one that is holding a rock in its hand as it attempts to free Al Aqsa mosque. These “inciting dolls” were seized in Haifa as part of a shipment from the UAE. Boxes within the shipment contained about 4,000 dolls. The dolls feature a scarf bearing an image of the Al Aqsa mosque, and they are adorned with nationalist phrases like, “Jerusalem, we are coming,” and “Jerusalem for us.” All the dolls – which were painted in the colors of the Palestinian flag – feature a hand holding a rock aloft. As a result of the symbolism, the dolls were deemed inciting materials. The dolls’ faces were covered in keffiyehs and were bound for sale in the Palestinian territories. The boxes were labeled as containing clothing, carpets and plastic items. Aside for the dolls, other unlisted items were found in the containers, including soles for military

At first we heard about gunfire at a holiday party. But then reports revealed that two shooters were involved and that 14 people were tragically murdered. Now, the details are clearer as America tries to grapple with the idea that true evil does exist – and it’s in our midst. The attack that took place last week in San Bernardino, California, was systemically planned. Shooters Syed Rizwan Farook and Tahseen Malik practiced at gun ranges in the Los Angeles area, with at least one practice occurring within days of the attack. Just days before the attack, Tahseen pledged allegiance to the leader of ISIS on Facebook. It is unclear, though, whether the couple met any ISIS leaders, took orders from them, or just acted on their own. After the killings, ISIS hailed the couple as “supporters” of the terror group. They “were radicalized and have been for quite some time,” David Bowdich, assistant director of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, said. “The question for us is how, and by whom, and where.” Investigators have been saying that Tahseen was radicalized at least two years ago – well before she came to the United States with Farook on a fiancée visa and before ISIS declared its caliphate. They were both photo-

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graphed at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport upon coming to the U.S. in 2014. Tahseen was born in Pakistan and lived in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan before moving to the United States. She obtained a green card in the summer. After the attack, authorities raided a home owned by Tahseen’s father in Pakistan. They confiscated what they could from the home in Multan. Investigators say they have learned through interviews with people who knew Farook for several years that he had militant views before he met Tasheen online and married her in Saudi Arabia. “At first it seemed very black and white to us that he changed radically when he met her,” said one of the officials who declined to be identified because of the continuing investigation. “But it’s become clear that he was that way before he met her.” The couple’s relatives have been scrambling to proclaim that they had no knowledge of their relatives’ views. “The family was completely surprised and devastated. ... No one had any knowledge. If anybody would have, they definitely would have done something to stop it,” David Chesley, an attorney representing Farook’s family, told CNN. Farook’s mother, though, shared a home with the terrorist couple. She insists that she lived in an isolated part of the house and had no knowledge of their views. But over the weekend, Farook’s father told an Italian newspaper that his son supported ISIS’ ideology of establishing an Islamic caliphate. “He said he shared the ideology of [ISIS leader Abu Bakr] al-Baghdadi to create an Islamic state, and he was fixated on Israel,” the elder Farook told La Stampa newspaper. Chesley insists that the father was on medications and didn’t recall making those comments to the Italian newspaper. Also in the interview, Farook’s father (named Syed Farook as well) recalled the first time he saw his son with a gun. “I became angry. In 45 years in the United States, I yelled, ‘I have never had a weapon.’ He shrugged his shoulders and replied, ‘Your loss,’” the father said. President Obama addressed the nation on Sunday night in a bid to allay fears. He called the San Bernardino attack “an act of terrorism, designed to kill innocent people.” “The FBI is still gathering the facts

about what happened in San Bernardino, but here’s what we know: The victims were brutally murdered and injured by one of their co-workers and his wife,” he said. “So far we have no evidence that the killers were directed by a terrorist organization overseas, or that they were part of a broader conspiracy here at home.” This was the third time Obama addressed the nation from the Oval Office during his presidency, the first two followed the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and the end of the Iraq War in 2010. Following the massacre, the San Bernardino community was grieving but brave. “Our hearts are heavy during this time, yet we must move forward,” James Ramos, chairman of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, said on Monday. The sadness over the attack remains, Ramos said, but San Bernardino will resume its duties, with all government offices open. Employees for the environmental health services department, where the victims of the attack worked, will resume work December 14, giving them time to heal. Thankfully, all of the victims who made it to a hospital are in stable condition, Dr. Dev Gnanadev said. For him, the deepest pain is over those victims whom doctors didn’t even get the chance to try to save. “What really bothers me most is that none of the 14 who perished had a chance,” he said.

Hey Baby, What’s Your Name?

Expectant moms spend hours deliberating and brainstorming over names for their little bundles of joy. There are entire books and websites dedicated to baby naming but there are some names that seem to win over the hearts of moms more than others. For the sixth year in a row, Sophia was the top girls’ name on BabyCenter’s annual Top 100 Baby Names of 2015. In the boys department, Jackson remained the favorite for the third consecutive year.

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For more information contact “We do see names stick around for a while,” BabyCenter global editor in chief Linda Murray admits, citing a three-to-five-year cycle of stability, then change, in the popularity of monikers that its 340,000 registered members report giving their children. “It takes a little time,” Murray says, “to wake up to the idea that

there may be too many Sophias in every class.” In fact, it’s not just the name Sophia that’s withstanding the test of time – the next two most popular girls’ names, Emma and Olivia, have been in the top second and third spot respectively for four years now. The name Sophia is versatile

for girls this year was Paisley. Although it only comes in at the 64th spot, the moniker has rocketed up 32 spots this year. For boys, Muhammad was the fastest growing name. It jumped 19 spots this year to number 39; in the U.K. it is the number one name for the second consecutive year. Nowadays, there is a lot of leeway in the baby naming department. People name their children after places, fruit, and feelings. “People find inspiration for baby names everywhere,” says Murray. “It used to be that family, the Bible, and heroes like athletes and politicians influenced naming trends. Then it became pop culture, and now it’s everything goes. Anything in your consciousness can inspire a baby name.” So what were the popular names for those born in 2015? Here are the top ten names for boys and girls born this year in the United States. Top 10 Girls Names of 2015: 1. Sophia 2. Emma 3. Olivia 4. Ava 5. Mia 6. Isabella 7. Zoe 8. Lily 9. Emily 10. Madison Top 10 Boys Names of 2015 1. Jackson 2. Aiden 3. Liam 4. Lucas 5. Noah 6. Mason 7. Ethan 8. Caden 9. Logan 10. Jacob

Arab World Showers Obamas with Gifts among many languages and cultures. But experts don’t expect Jackson, the boys’ winner, to stick as long. “Aiden has been up there on the list for the past seven years, and we’re seeing the number of Aidens growing,” Murray points out. “The gap between it and Jackson is closing.” One of the fastest moving names

One of the perks of being a world leader is that you receive gifts from other world leaders. Last week, the

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U.S. State Department released a list of the strange and expensive gifts President Barack Obama and his family were given over the course of 2014. The total value of gifts received is estimated to be over $1.5 million. A large chunk of the gifts were given by the Saudi royal family; they gifted the Obamas with $1.3 million in various presents. The late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz spent over a million dollars in expensive jewelry for Michelle Obama alone. Obama had a close relationship with Abdullah, who died this January at the age of 90. The president was sharply criticized for bowing to the Saudi king in 2009, not long after taking office. Ironically, given the lavish gifts given to her, Michelle was blurred out by Saudi TV in January during a condolence visit after Abdullah’s death. The expensive gift consisted of a “diamond and emerald jewelry set including necklace, earrings, ring, and bracelet.” Later in 2014 he gave her another “diamond and pearl jewelry set including necklace, earrings, ring, and bracelet.” Just last month the Saudi royal family kept its gift giving going, as Abdullah’s son Prince Miteb, who is

head of the Saudi National Guard, gave the Obama family a “robe of sheer white fabric with a beaded flower pattern and pink-purple trim.” Miteb also gave the president an “orange sheer fabric floor-length cape,” and a “brown and blue paisley robe with satin purple lining and tassels.” The robes and cape are valued at $39,915. Malaysia’s king also gifted the Obamas. He gave a $8,000 gift basket with a steel-bladed sword featuring “a grip of polished wood carved in the shape of water fowl, held in a sheath of gold and silver with encrusted gemstones.” The basket also included coins, a plate, and a picture of the king and his queen. Obama was also given a knife by Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal, who gave a “ceremonial dagger decorated with detailed silver work and coral stones” valued at $885. Prince William of the UK sent Obama a “framed, matted and signed photographic portrait of Prince William” himself. The portrait priced in at $888…an interesting choice for a gift. Despite these lavish gifts, as president of the United States, Obama is

legally not allowed to accept these gifts and is forced to reject them. The gifts are handed over to the federal government or the president can pay the market value of the gift and keep them. Expectedly Obama has dispensed most of the gifts to the National Archives.

American Receives Righteous Among Nations Award

The State of Israel is posthumously honoring Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds with the highest honor given to non-Jews who risked their lives to

save Jews during World War II: the Righteous Among The Nation Award. When it came to prisoners of war, the Nazis made their orders very clear: Jewish American POWs were to be separated from their brothers in arms and sent to an uncertain fate. But Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds would have none of that. As the highest-ranking officer held in the German POW camp, he ordered more than 1,000 American captives to step forward with him and brazenly pronounced: “We are all Jews here.” “Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds seemed like an ordinary American soldier, but he had an extraordinary sense of responsibility and dedication to his fellow human beings,” said Avner Shalev, chairman of the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum and memorial. “The choices and actions of Master Sgt. Edmonds set an example for his fellow American soldiers as they stood united against the barbaric evil of the Nazis.” Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds was captured with thousands of others in the Battle of the Bulge in late 1944 and spent 100 days in captivity. His son, Reverend Chris Edmonds, has retold his father’s story based on a pair of diaries Edmonds kept in cap-

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Please visit the NEFESH website for more information and to view the conference schedule and abstract: www.NEFESH.org 201-384-0084 | secretary@NEFESH.org *New York Medical College is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. New York Medical College designates this Live activity for a maximum of 21.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

tivity that included the names and addresses of his men and some of his daily thoughts. U.S. soldiers had been warned that Jewish fighters among them would be in danger if captured and were told to destroy dog tags or any other evidence identifying them as Jewish. When a German camp commander, speaking in English, ordered the Jews to identify themselves, Edmonds knew what was at stake. Turning to the rest of the POWs, he said: “We are not doing that – we are all falling out,” recalled Chris Edmonds. With all the camp’s inmates defiantly standing in front of their barracks, the German commander turned to Edmonds and said: “They cannot all be Jews.” To which Edmonds replied: “We are all Jews here.” Then the Nazi officer pressed his pistol to Edmonds’ head and offered him one last chance. Edmonds merely gave him his name, rank and serial number as required by the Geneva Conventions. “And then my dad said: ‘If you are going to shoot, you are going to have to shoot all of us because we know who you are and you’ll be tried for war crimes when we win this war,’” recalled Chris Edmonds, who estimates

his father’s actions saved the lives of more than 200 Jewish-American soldiers. Witnesses to the exchange said the German officer then withdrew. A ceremony for Edmonds is planned next year. And, thanks to his son’s efforts, Edmonds is now also being considered for a Congressional Medal of Honor.

Obama Acknowledges Terror on U.S. Soil

For the first time since the deadly terror attack in San Bernardino, California, last Wednesday, President Obama used the term “terror” in refer-

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ence to the violence. On Sunday night, four days after the attack that left 14 dead and dozens wounded, Obama finally acknowledged that the U.S. is “at war with terrorism.” He sought to assure Americans that the growing global terror threat will be defeated. “This was an act of terrorism designed to kill innocent people,” Obama said of the San Bernardino shooting in his first Oval Office address since 2010. “I am confident we will succeed in this mission because we are on the right side of history.” The president announced that investigators have confirmed that the attack was inspired by ISIS, but added that it does not appear connected to a larger terror network. Obama noted that it appears that the couple “had gone down the dark path of radicalization.” Authorities are saying that the Muslim husband-wife duo carried out the attack and that the wife pledged allegiance to ISIS and its leader in a Facebook post just prior to Wednesday’s attack. The president also acknowledged in his 13-minute address that the global terror threat has entered a “new phase.” However, no new or specific changes to the military campaign in Iraq and Syria to defeat ISIS were announced. “I know that after so much war, many Americans are asking whether we are confronted by a cancer that has no immediate cure,” Obama said. Obama called on Congress to tighten America’s visa waiver program and to pass a new authorization for military actions already underway against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The effort so far has been a U.S.-led bombing campaign, non-combat U.S. support troops in Iraq, and roughly 50 Special Forces members in Syria. During the address Obama reiterated his request for tightening U.S. gun laws, saying no matter how effective law enforcement and intelligence are, they can’t identify every would-be shooter. He said such a move is a matter of national security to prevent potential killers from getting guns. Not everyone felt comforted by Obama’s speech. “People are really scared,” Republican presidential candidate and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio said afterward. “Nothing in this speech tonight is going to assuage people’s fears.” While Obama has addressed ISIS a lot recently in news conferences and at other events, the decision to speak in prime-time reflected concern among

his advisors that his message isn’t breaking through. Many have accused the administration of knowingly minimizing the impending threat of ISIS. Obama implored Americans to not turn against Muslims at home, saying ISIS was driven by a desire to spark a war between the West and Islam. However, he also called on Muslims in the U.S. and around the world to take up the cause of fighting extremism. The spread of radical Islam, Obama said, is “a real problem that Muslims must confront without excuse.” And he said that Muslims in America must not be treated differently. “If we do that we lose,” the president said.

Military Now Welcomes Women to All Roles

Although it’s already 2015, there are still strides being made in the women’s movement. This week marked a major milestone for women. The U.S. military announced that women will be welcomed to serve in all combat roles. Defense Secretary Ash Carter made the announcement on Thursday in a historic move that further breaks down gender barriers in the armed forces. “As long as they qualify and meet the standards, women will now be able to contribute to our mission in ways they could not before,” Carter announced. “They’ll be allowed to drive tanks, fire mortars, and lead infantry soldiers into combat. They’ll be able to serve as Army Rangers and Green Berets, Navy SEALS, Marine Corps infantry, Air Force para-jumpers and everything else that was previously open only to men,” he said. Until now some 220,000 military jobs were closed to women. Carter said the opening to women would take place following a 30-day review period, after which they would be integrated into the new roles in a “deliberate and methodical manner” as positions come open. The waiting period enables Congress to review the

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

decision and raise any objections. Asked whether the decision opened the door to women being required to serve in front-line combat positions, Carter said members of the military have some choices but not “absolute choice.” “People are assigned to missions, tasks and functions according to need as well as their capabilities,” he said. “And women will be subject to the same standard and rules that men will.” Not everyone received the reform warmly. Senator John McCain and Representative Mac Thornberry said in a statement: “Secretary Carter’s decision to open all combat positions to women will have a consequential impact on our service members and our military’s warfighting capabilities.” Carter’s decision comes nearly three years after the Pentagon first instructed the military to open all positions to qualified women, including front-line combat roles. A restriction on such roles was seen as increasingly out of place during a decade of war in Iraq and Afghanistan in which women were often in harm’s way. Women represented about 2 percent of U.S. casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan, with some 300,000 deploying to the conflict zones. Carter said most of the services favored opening all jobs to women, but the Marine Corps had sought a partial exception for roles such as infantry, machine gunner, fire support reconnaissance and others. Carter said he considered the Marine Corps’ request and believed its concerns could be addressed with careful implementation of the decision.

Former Coal Mine CEO Found Guilty

Former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship was found guilty last week of conspiring to violate mine safety standards. Jurors at the U.S.

District Court in Charleston, West Virginia, found him guilty on one count of securities fraud and one count of making false statements. Blankenship, 65, pleaded not guilty and has been free on a $5 million cash bond since being indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2014, four years after an

underground explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine in Montcoal, West Virginia, killed 29 men. According to the indictment, Blankenship “knew that UBB was committing hundreds of safety-law violations every year and that he had the ability to prevent most of the violations that UBB was committing. Yet

he fostered and participated in an understanding that perpetuated UBB’s practice of routine safety violations in order to produce more coal, avoid the costs of following safety laws, and make more money.” Blankenship insisted that natural gas in the mine caused the explosion, however, four separate investigations

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

found that unmaintained cutting equipment created a spark and ignited coal dust and methane gas. It was the deadliest mine explosion in the U.S. since 1972, when 91 miners were killed in a fire in an Idaho silver mine. Blankenship earned his “King of Coal” moniker by transforming a once-small family business into Appalachia’s largest coal producer. Under his leadership, the company took down the mineworkers union and mastered the mountaintop removal process.

Zuckerberg to Donate 99% of his Facebook Shares When Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, welcomed their first child into the world, they made a shocking announcement. Zuckerberg announced that he plans to donate 99% of his Facebook shares, valued at $45 billion today, during his lifetime. The news was revealed in a letter

the Zuckerberg penned to his newborn daughter, Max. The Facebook CEO wrote:

Today your mother and I are committing to spend our lives doing our small part to help solve these challenges. I will continue to serve as Facebook’s CEO for many, many years to come, but these issues are too important to wait until you or we are older to begin this work. By starting at a young age, we hope to see compounding benefits throughout our lives. As you begin the next generation of the Chan Zuckerberg family, we also begin the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to join people across the world to advance human potential and promote equality for all children in the next generation. Our initial areas of focus will be personalized learning, curing disease, connecting people and building strong commu-

nities. We will give 99% of our Facebook shares – currently about $45 billion – during our lives to advance this mission. We know this is a small contribution compared to all the resources and talents of those already working on these issues. But we want to do what we can, working alongside many others. There may have been a hint to this generous move. Five years ago Zuckerberg signed the “Giving Pledge” along with other tech billionaires such as Bill Gates, pledging to give away the majority of his wealth. Zuckerberg and Chan co-founded the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Its mission is to promote personalized learning, cure diseases, and connect people. The initiative is a LLC as opposed to a non-profit, which means that they don’t have a tax write-off benefit. While charitable foundations can’t do lobbying, LLCs can. Charitable foundations can’t make political donations; LLCs can. The Zuckerberg Chan Initiative also will not have to disclose what it pays its top five executives, something that charitable foundations are required to do in their annual 990 filings, which are public documents.

Zuckerberg will still control the Facebook shares owned by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. If he had created a charitable foundation, he would lose control of those shares once he donated them to the foundation. Zuckerberg and Chan have already donated more than $1.6 billion to charity in the past decade, including a $100 million gift to the Newark Public School System, a $25 million donation to the CDC to stop the spread of Ebola, and a $120 million commitment to education in the Bay Area. Mark Zuckerberg currently has a personal net worth of $35.7 billion.

Hoarding Guns

As the country reels from the San Bernardino terror attacks, the topic of

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gun control is thrust into the spotlight once again. Many who had previously opposed stricter gun laws are now seeing its possible benefits, while others are demanding that they should have the right to be armed in case of similar situation so that they can defend themselves. For many of us, gun laws are kind of unknown – just how easy is it to obtain a firearm in this country? Well, it seems to be easy enough that a single owner can amass literally thousands of weapons. Investigators barged into the cluttered home of Brent Nicholson in Pageland, South Carolina, last month and were greeted by hundreds and hundreds of guns of all shapes and sizes. His stockpile filled every room of the home. Rifles and shotguns lined the living room, hallways, and bedrooms. Handguns adorned the tables and countertops. The garage was literally stuffed with firearms that when investigators opened the garage door, guns spilled out at their feet. Now, six weeks after the discovery, officers are still cataloging the weapons, many of which have proved stolen, and the final tally is expected to be close to 5,000. “I don’t know if there’s ever been [a seizure] this big

anywhere before,” Chesterfield County Sheriff Jay Brooks says. The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives doesn’t officially rank gun seizures by size, but a spokesman says Nicholson’s stockpile probably is among the largest ever. More people in the U.S. own guns than any other country in the world, but how did one single man acquire so many weapons without being detected? And why? Investigators are still trying to decipher whether Nicholas is just a gun-obsessed hoarder or a supply valve in the “Iron Pipeline” of illegal firearms flowing from the south to New Jersey, New York and other northern states. Gun ownership is a central issue in the current presidential nomination race. Hillary Clinton, leading candidate for the Democratic nomination, vows to renew her call to “stop gun violence now” with new firearm purchase restrictions. Conversely, those who top the polls for the Republican nomination, Donald Trump and Ben Carson, insist the answer to gun violence is to empower citizens to thwart such attacks by making it easier, not harder, to buy and carry weapons.

Nicholson is well-known in his small town of 2,700, where the median household income is half the U.S. average at $26,500 and burglary rates are significantly higher than national norms. “Everybody knew he’d buy guns; his father bought ‘em, his grandfather bought ‘em,” says Al Padgett, 68, who keeps a booth at a local flea market and says he’s known the family all his life. “He collected ‘em, hoarded ‘em, but I never knew him to sell a gun. Not one. He did everyone a favor keeping ‘em off the street.” Perhaps it was his hobby. The sheriff, though, suspects Nicholson may have been selling some of the guns. He had relatively few handguns – maybe a half-dozen large buckets full – and “that makes us believe he had a market for those and was moving them north,” Brooks says, noting that the matter remains under investigation. South Carolina is a well-known starting point for firearms moving up the Iron Pipeline, a route for many of the 230,000 or so guns stolen nationwide each year. The South has more gun thefts than any other region, federal data show, and police in New York and other northern cities say they regularly tie those guns to crimes, though there is no data on how often.

Universities Cut “Master” Title for Evoking Slavery

not to eliminate it. Undergraduates at the three Ivy League schools are assigned to a number of colleges, where the masters, who are drawn from the university faculty, oversee social and academic programs and serve as advisers. Princeton administrators announced last month that the masters at its six colleges had decided to drop a title they described as anachronistic and historically vexed. “We believe that calling them ‘head of college’ better captures the spirit of their work and their contributions to campus residential life,” Dean Jill Dolan said. At Yale, the current debate was ignited with an email from Stephen Davis, a professor who has been known as head of Pierson College since rejecting the title of master. In August, according to the Yale Daily News, he wrote to his college, “I think there should be no context in our society or in our university in which an African-American student, professor or staff member — or any person, for that matter — should be asked to call anyone ‘master.’” Harvard announced last week that it plans to change the term “house master” for a new title to be determined later. “The desire to change this title has taken place over time and has been a thoughtful one, rooted in a broad effort to ensure that the college’s rhetoric, expectations, and practices around our historically unique roles reflects and serves the 21st century needs of residential student life,” Harvard Dean Rakesh Khurana wrote to students. “The house masters feel confident that a change in title at this point in time makes sense on very many levels.”

Federal Government Probes Chicago Police Ivy League universities are saying goodbye to the title of “master” for leaders of residential colleges, a label, they say, that has roots dating back to the universities of medieval Europe that many now see as evoking slavery. Harvard and Princeton have already abolished the title, and Yale is in the process of debating whether or

Just two weeks after the video of a white Chicago police officer shooting

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a black teenager 16 times surfaced, the federal government is opening an investigation into the Chicago Police Department. The announcement came on Monday in response to the deepening mistrust of one of the nation’s largest police forces. A lack of trust between police and their communities “makes it more difficult to gain help within investigations, to encourage the victims and the witnesses of crime to speak up, and to fulfill the most basic responsibilities of public-safety officials,” Attorney General Loretta Lynch said. “And when suspicion and hostility is allowed to fester, it can erupt into unrest.” As part of the investigation, the Justice Department will analyze patterns of racial disparity in the use of force, oftentimes deadly force. The investigation will also review how the department disciplines officers and handles misconduct accusations. Justice Department officials say they use patterns-and-practices probes to identify systemic failings in troubled police departments and to improve trust between police and the communities they serve. Similar civil-rights investigations were conducted recently in Baltimore, Maryland, and Ferguson, Missouri. The Justice Department has opened 23 investigations of police departments since the start of the Obama administration. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said the police department’s challenges go beyond one case and he’s making several reforms, including appointing a new leader for the Independent Police Review Authority, which investigates shootings by police. The previous head resigned on Sunday. The authority’s new chief will be Sharon Fairley, a former federal prosecutor who also worked with Chicago’s Office of Inspector General. She appeared with Emanuel at City Hall and said she has no agenda beyond the pursuit of integrity and transparency. Politicians, including Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, called for the federal civil rights investigation. The Rev. Jesse Jackson said he hopes it would focus not only on the police department, but on Emanuel’s office and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office. “All three of them — the police, City Hall and the prosecutor’s office — are suspect,” Jackson declared. “We cannot trust them.”

The 100 Yr Old Cake

It was the cake of the century. Actually, it was from last century. When Ronald Warninger cleaned out his garage, he found something truly sweet. Although it was 100 years old, his grandparents’ wedding cake, preserved in an old hatbox and tucked into a big kettle-like canning pot, looked pristine. It was as though his grandparents walked down the aisle just yesterday. “I’m retired now and I thought I’ve got to condense some of this stuff,” Warninger, 67, related. “I looked in there and it was this hatbox and I definitely recognized that, and I knew the cake was in there. It was in the garage on a shelf way up high.” He remembered that his parents preserved the cake in their freezer when he was a child and hadn’t seen the confection since. “My grandparents didn’t have a good freezer and my folks bought one of those upright freezers and I remember it being packed in tin foil and being told, ‘You’re not allowed to touch that,’ but that was it. There was never any plans for it, nobody ever talked about it.” In fact, just a few months ago, on March 17, his sister called him for the cake. It was the 100th anniversary of grandma and grandpa’s nuptials. “I knew it was the 100-year mark because my sister called me on the anniversary and asked if I had the cake and I couldn’t find it,” he recalled. “We looked around and thought it was in the basement but it wasn’t. I had given up on it completely and she wasn’t happy with that, but I had kind of given up on it.” Now, though, they’re ecstatic that the long-lost cake that’s been through many freezers and many wars has still survived. But they won’t be eat-

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

ing this cake any time soon. Although it looks pristine, the cake is “kind of hollowed out inside” and the icing “sounds porcelain when you tap it with your fingernail.” For now, Ronald says he’ll just keep on passing it along. “It’s just like a time capsule. I hope to pass it along to one of my kids and maybe they’ll keep it for another 100 years.” Gosh, what type of preservatives did they have in 1915?

The Cookie Countenance

cookies, then you’re going to want to buy the Copypastry. Customers submit a picture of a person or animal (yes, some people love their pets and want to think of them all the time), and Kriszti Bozzai, the owner of Copypastry, will customize a cookie cutter that looks just like your loved one. This is also the perfect gift for the narcissist who cannot bear to tear themselves away from the mirror. This way, they can step away for a few minutes while they munch on cookies that look just like them. We have really become such a cookie cutter society.

The Missing Map

You’re so beautiful I think I’m going to make a cookie that looks just like you. If you want to think of your child, friend or spouse while munching on

We all know that when looking for treasure, a map is the best place

to start. But what happens when the map itself is missing? How do you go about finding that? Thankfully, a centuries-old map compiled by French explorer Samuel de Champlain and believed to be among dozens stolen more than a decade ago from the Boston Public Library was recovered last week. The map, compiled in 1612 and named Carte Geographique de Nouvelle France, was found at a New York City arts dealer, where it was on sale for $285,000. It was identified by Ronald Grim, curator of the library’s Norman B. Leventhal Map Center, who spotted it in an antiques publication over the summer. Grim said he was stunned and delighted to come across the 17-inch-by30-inch map, which depicts the coast of New England and the Canadian maritime provinces and an area as far west as the Great Lakes, part of a region once known as New France. Champlain made numerous voyages to the region in the early 17th century and included the map in a book published in Paris in 1613. “Champlain was one of the first Europeans exploring the East Coast, and this is his first published map showing his exploration,” Grim related.

When he joined the library staff in 2005, Grim began an inventory of the library’s rare map collection and discovered that 69 were missing from atlases and books. The inventory was prompted by the arrest of E. Forbes Smiley III, an antique map dealer who had been accused of stealing maps from Yale University. Grim said the FBI asked other institutions to find out whether Smiley had visited their facilities and to determine if anything was missing. In 2006, Smiley was sentenced in federal court in New Haven, Connecticut, to 3 1/2 years in prison after admitting he stole about 100 maps from several institutions including the New York and Boston public libraries, the Newberry Library in Chicago, the Yale and Harvard University libraries and the British Library in London. Authorities said at the time that Smiley helped investigators recover many of the maps, stolen from the institutions over eight years, including 34 that were returned to the Boston library. Federal prosecutors cited his cooperation in proposing a reduced sentence. To confirm the identity of the

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recently found map, Grim said he compared it with a digital image taken from a previous photograph. The document had distinctive markings, including tears on the left side and a hole just above one tear. The library estimates the still-missing maps to be valued at about $750,000. Only one was photographed, so it would be “quite a task” for the library to prove ownership of any others that resurfaced.

Bud Not-So-Wiser

His name is Bud Weisser and he was caught trespassing the – yes, you guessed it – Budweiser brewery. Police in St. Louis arrested Weiss-

er on Thursday night after he allegedly entered a secured area at the brewery. They said the 19-year-old Weisser crashed his car around 6:48 p.m. and hopped a fence to get onto brewery grounds. Even when security guards caught Weisser, he was none the wiser and refused to leave. Police eventually came and arrested Bud. It was a real brouhaha. This isn’t the first time Weisser has been accused of a crime. In August 2014, he was arrested on a felony burglary charge for breaking into a gas station-convenience store. Although a judge ordered Weisser to prison for five years, the sentence was suspended provided the suspect met certain conditions. In October, Weisser posted the mug shot from that earlier arrest on Facebook as his profile pic. Word to the wise (oh, right, that’s not our friend Bud over here), maybe you should change your name.

Need a Hand? Working in an office? Know when 2:30 hits and your face is starting to fall into your keyboard? Thanko Inc.

has the answer. The “Agonose Arm“ is an arm-and-hand combo that clamps to a desk, chair, or table to provide support for your cheek or chin while keeping your real arms free to type.

By adjusting the wrist and clamp of the arm, the user can decide how high or low his/her head should be, with ranges of motion between 180 and 360 degrees. According to the product listing, the hand is made of a urethane material that is “not too soft and not too hard.” That’s just right, according to Goldilocks. It is also curved to provide a more comfortable point of support. Office drones, rejoice! Now you can keep your head held high while your boss makes you type hundreds of memos, coordinate his calendar, and buy presents for his twin nieces. Too bad it can’t buy you a vacation.

Sweet Kindness

When Officer Michael Kotsonis responded to a call about a shoplifting incident, he didn’t arrest the perpetrator. Instead, he helped her make a party. The 19-year member of the Portsmouth, New Hampshire, police force responded to a call last week at the Ocean State Job Lots after a woman had stolen cake mix, shortening and “a couple things of frosting.” After learning the woman’s identity, Kotsonis went to her home to recover the items. It was there that he found that the woman was a mother who wanted to bake her child a birthday cake. Although the woman committed a wrong, Kotsonis’s heart went out to her child. “I’m not going to take away a kid’s birthday cake,” he relat-

ed. The officer went back to the store and bought the items for the woman so she could bake her child the birthday cake. A store employee reported his gesture to the local newspaper. Frank Warchol, acting deputy police chief, said he wouldn’t have known about Kotsonis’s good deed if not for a reporter’s call. He said Kotsonis exemplifies the department’s mission emphasizing community, commitment and compassion. “I didn’t do it for the attention,” Kotsonis declared. “What you do when no one is looking, that’s the character of someone.”

The Generator Generation

If you name it, it will come. Lawmakers in Russia-occupied Crimea, which is grappling with a nearly two-week-long blackout, are suggesting parents name their newborn boys Generator to mark the ordeal. Unknown attackers blew up electricity pylons in Ukraine on November 22, leaving the peninsula largely without power. After Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014, it began building an underwater electricity cable system to Crimea from Russia’s Krasnodar region, and Russia President Vladimir Putin traveled there on Wednesday to inaugurate the first delivery of Russian power. But now the city is in the dark. Could it be that naming their children Generator will turn the power back on? Russian news agencies on Friday quoted local parliament speaker Vladimir Konstantinov suggesting that parents name their newborn girls Sveta, or “light” in Russian, and boys “Generator” to highlight the government’s efforts to overcome the crisis. Seems like wishful thinking.

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Community Hei is for Hatzolah

n conjunction with their learning the letter “Hei,” the preschool students of Yeshiva

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Darchei Torah were treated to a visit from a real Hatzolah ambulance last week. Leading the presentation were Hatzolah members who are also YDT fathers. The boys learned about many important principles of safety and gained a greater awareness of the role the heroes of Hatzolah play in our community.

Rachel Factor Inspires Shulamith Five Towns Executive Directors Council Mrs. Factor told the girls that the n Tuesday, December 1,

Shulamith students in grades 5 through 8 enjoyed a powerhouse presentation by Rachel Factor. Mrs. Factor lit up the stage in the beautiful Shulamith auditorium as she told the girls about her journey to Judaism, using the medium of song and dance. Mrs. Factor shared the details of her life as a young girl growing up in Hawaii, where she enjoyed a privileged life with wonderful parents, many friends, and a great school. Despite her happy childhood, Mrs. Factor explained how she always felt restless and empty, and how that emptiness was filled, at least for a time, by a career as a dancer. From Los Angeles, to the Broadway stage, Mrs. Factor tried to find fulfillment, to no avail. She eventually met “a nice guy” who was Jewish but who knew nothing about his heritage. The two began to explore Judaism and search for truth. Eventually, Mrs. Factor converted, and today, her husband learns in kollel, and the couple live a Torah-true life in Israel with their five beautiful children.

changes she made were incremental. She explained that had she been told about tziniut immediately, she might have balked, but by the time she made the move to dress b’tziniut, realizing it meant giving up her career as a dancer, Mrs. Factor was more than ready. Mrs. Factor told the girls, “I felt my insides. I felt centered, contained, dignified. I liked it a lot. I felt that I had value and it had to do with the way I was dressed.” The climax of Mrs. Factor’s performance for the students of Shulamith was a most moving song, “K’shoshana bein ha’chochim” – “Like a rose among thorns,” in which she exhorted the girls to realize just how special they are. “You are worth so much to the world by what you do every day,” Mrs. Factor said. “Every choice you make will lead you to greatness. Remember – believe in yourself.” The girls sat mesmerized throughout the hour long presentation and left the auditorium incredibly inspired and uplifted by Mrs. Factor’s message.

ecurity, medical insurance costs and compliance, joint open house ads, coordinated UJA donations by parents, recent changes in New York State law, joint programming and coordinated fundraising were the topics discussed at the biannual meeting of the executive directors of the yeshivot serving Far Rockaway and the South Shore. Organized by Rabbi Dovid Kramer of Yeshiva of the South Shore and hosted at Shulamith’s new Cedarhurst Campus, the goal of the meeting was to share best practices, so schools do not have to reinvent the wheel. A spirit of cooperation, openness and comradery pervaded the entire exchange. A number of creative ideas were bandied around and two committees were set up to hone

suggestions made. “The community at large should know that our schools help each other on a daily basis. What unites us is much greater than the minor differences between our schools,” commented Richie Hagler, Executive Director of HALB. In attendance were Rabbis Shaye Kohn (Yeshiva of Far Rockaway), Ari Ginian (YKLI), Moshe Goodman (Siach Yitzchak), Michael Grad (HANC), Richie Hagler (HALB), Yehuda Harbater (Darchei Torah), Dovid Kramer (YOSS), Yirmiyahu Lasker (MAY), Rubin Maron (HAFTR), Avraham Mayer (Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam), Steve Reisbaum (TAG), Baruch Rothman (Darchei Torah), and Perry Tirschwell (Shulamith).

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Bar Mitzvah Boys Banding Together for Israel

By Tammy Mark

ith breaking news from around the world coming in around the clock, it becomes increasingly difficult for parents to shield children from news coming out of Israel. As children grow and mature we hope to teach them that they can make a positive impact on their community and the world at large. Three local 12-year-old boys are doing just that, by banding together and trying to make a difference. Their fundraising initiative, Banding4Israel, is their unique way of helping and bringing others along to join them on their mission. Jacob Weinstein and Benjamin Tocker were inspired to help after listening to a lecture by Israel activist Ben Goldstein. A resident of the Elazar community in the Gush Etzion area, Goldstein explained that Elazar is in desperate need of a Thermal Camera system to protect their 450 families, including over 2,000 children, from terrorist attacks. The two boys, both 7th graders at the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach, decided they wanted to help these families and set out to raise money for the much needed cameras.

Tocker and Weinstein started out day one with a bake sale. They brought in the first few dollars but quickly realized they wanted to help in a bigger way. After some brainstorming, they came up with a plan that would not only raise funds but also raise a greater awareness of the cause – and Banding4Israel was born. Friend David Wexler, looking for a chesed project for his upcoming Bar Mitzvah, joined the mission and the boys got to work. The trio initially designed seven different colorful rubber bands each representing another city or town in Israel, many in the Judea and Samaria region like Elazar. Some of these towns are often referred to as settlements, but are in actuality vibrant Jewish communities where parents are raising their families and trying to maintain normal peaceful lives, without living in daily fear of terrorism. There are now up to 13 different bands, including Jerusalem and Neve Daniel, and slogans “Jewish Lives Matter” and “Live Love Gush.” The boys also developed a structured plan to get their friends and schoolmates onboard. Students can apply online to be representatives and sell the bracelets to their grades,

with alternating representatives each week and a contest for the top overall rep. Central Electronics in Cedarhurst generously donated a Hover Board to the student who raises the most money and extended a 10% discount towards the purchase of a Hover Board to anyone showing their bands. The initiative has since expanded to HAFTR, SHULAMITH, HANC, MDS, SKA, DRS and YAVNEH and they welcome other schools to join the project. The Banding4Israel team also created an online campaign, including a website to apply for and for purchase of bands, with the help of Jacob’s mom, graphic designer Michal Weinstein of MLW Design. Jacob has the benefit of learning about fundraising from his mom, who is also the co-founder of Couture for a Cause. Incorporating the most accessible tool of marketing, Banding4Israel posts updates on their Instagram account @ banding4israel. One of the most exciting moments of the campaign was the presentation of the bands to Naftali Bennett, Israel’s Minister of Education and Minister of Diaspora Affairs, on his recent visit. He loved the idea and was so proud to hear about all of the kids getting involved – and immediately put

on his bands. Tocker, Weinstein and Wexler are very excited and gratified to be working on this project. The boys will be celebrating their Bar Mitzvahs in the upcoming months and they couldn’t think of a more relevant cause to be involved with during this time. By selling these fun colorful bands to kids around the community, Banding4Israel is not only raising funds for Elazar security, but also spreading awareness of Israel’s current fight against terror and deepening the bond between American Jewish communities and these vulnerable communities in Israel. For proper protection, including the camera system and security fencing, the Elazar project will require $230,000. The students have to date sold 3,000 bands and raised over $10,000, working their way band by band towards their goal. Tocker and Weinstein will be visiting Israel in January and meeting with Goldstein to present the city of Elazar with the donations. For more information, to purchase bands or to become a representative, visit www.Banding4Israel. com.

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The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

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Chanukah Festivities at Yeshiva University High School for Girls

s visitors to Central sit in our lobby or take a tour of our building, they consistently remark on the warmth and camaraderie that permeates our hallways on a daily basis. At Yeshiva University High School for Girls, our faculty, staff, and administration prioritize developing relationships with individual students and fostering a sense of community among them. Our grade-wide Chanukah parties, hosted by various students and faculty members and organized by our dedicated team of grade-level coordinators (GLC’s), is a demonstration of this commitment to creating a Central “family” of warmth and community. At each party, members of the entire grade gather for food, games, and fun, and our faculty members also pop in to join in the festivities! Thank you to Mrs. Aliza Gewirtz for hosting the freshman party at her home in North Woodmere and for organizing the evening with fellow GLC Ms. Miriam Borenstein; to the family of Shira Friedman (’18) for hosting our soph-

omores in West Hempstead and to GLC Ms. Laura Fruchter; to GLC Mrs. Karen Lavner for opening her home to our juniors; and to the family of Daniella Strauss (’16) and GLC Ms. Leah Moskovich for making our senior party possible. Happy Chanukah from our family to yours!

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HANC ECC West Hempstead is holding a Chanukah Toy Drive for Chai Lifeline. All the children are generously bringing in gifts to donate to the toy drive

Bnos Bais Yaakov – Making Shabbos Geshmak

habbos – we do it every week. But how can we elevate our elementary school girls and inject them with excitement so that they really feel the magic and majesty of the day? Enter BBY’s Rebbetzin Altusky, the Menahalos, Morah Kuessous and Morah Neuberg, and the indefatigable Mrs. Feldberger. Together, all these creative mechanchos came up with a six week Shabbos program that both taught and inspired. With weekly topics such as kavod ve’oneg, hachana, and 39 Melachos, the girls in each grade learned the halachos pertaining to the topic. The teachers did a magnificent job in conveying the concept of Shabbos in rich, golden hues; they used songs, projects, and inspirational stories in broad brushstrokes and then filled in the details with activities such as setting an elegant Shabbos table in the classroom before each Shabbos lesson. Every student was encouraged to submit a short paragraph about how they applied the lessons of that week to their Shabbos at home. Those who did were entitled to join the Grand Kiddush held on Erev Shabbos, Nov 27th. While the whole school attended the wrap-up assembly at

which beautiful zmiros were sung, delicious potato kugel was enjoyed, and Rabbi Pesach Krohn’s Shabbos video was shown, only those girls who participated in the home communication aspect of the program joined the Kiddush at which chulent, pickles, nosh, and soda were happily consumed. Every single girl went home physically and spiritually full. Leaving school on Friday with the taste of kugel on their tongues and the words of zmiros on their lips, made for a geshmak way to greet Shabbos Hamalka just a few hours later.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

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Five Towns Marriage Initiative Lessons from Chanukah

n Chanukah we celebrate with candles to remind us of the menorah that was lit and with foods made of oil that are remi-

niscent of the oil that burned for eight days. We don’t find much celebration of the second miracle of Chanukah, winning the war against the Greeks.

There is actually a truly defining difference between these two miracles. The miracle of winning the war is something that came about directly

from Hashem. By taking the emphasis away from the military victory it’s as though we are hearing directly from Hasgen that he doesn’t need all the honor and glory, and that it’s not necessary to make a big deal out of this. Of course we mention this in davening and we thank Hashem for the amazing miracle but the acts of a public nature are not specifically related to this aspect of Chanukah. The flask of oil that was found, which is the other miracle which we do emphasize and celebrate, came about from the determination of those that came back and searched high and low in the Beis Hamikdash to find that which was completely pure for the honor and glory of Hashem. This miracle came about by the act of love and devotion that was inherent in searching out purity amidst defilement. Hashem chose that we should celebrate Chanukah by glorifying the light of the menorah, and the idea that because we went the extra mile to honor Hashem, He then made a miracle for us that we should not lose out on having the menorah lit at all times and thus the flames burned long enough until it was possible to create more pure olive oil to maintain an uninterrupted flame. When we are with our spouse, it behooves us to create a feeling of devotion and of a desire to show honor to our spouse in the way that the Jews did for Hashem in the time of Chanukah. Then they had a single-minded attitude of wanting to only give Hashem the very best they could and Hashem saw how beautiful that was and chose to celebrate it. Now we should give our spouse that feeling of only wanting to provide him or her with the very best and without a doubt our spouse will surely feel that that’s something worth celebrating! Five Towns Marriage Initiative provides educational programs, workshops and referrals to top marriage therapists. FTMI will help offset counseling costs when necessary and also runs an anonymous shalom bayis hotline for the entire community Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 9:30-11p.m. For the hotline or more information, call 516-4305280 or email dsgarry@msn.com.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

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CHILDHOOD APRAXIA OF SPEECH: Rav Yaakov Schnaidman, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Beth Moshe in Scranton, Pennsylvania, delivered divrei hisorirus at Mesivta Chaim Shlomo last week

Mangano and Kopel Announce Restoration of Rockaway Turnpike

assau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Legislator Howard Kopel announced this week that Rockaway Turnpike, in the Inwood/Woodmere area, is being resurfaced as a part of “Operation Restore Our Roadways.” The Rockaway Turnpike milling and resurfacing project takes place from Peninsula Boulevard to East Avenue. The resurfacing of Rockaway Turnpike will be completed the week of December 7, weather permitting. “Rockaway Turnpike is a main artery for our County and my administration continuously makes it a priority to restore County roadways for the safety of our residents and communities,” said County Executive Mangano. “This critical road improvement

project will benefit the residents that travel this road every day.” “It’s thrilling to see the wheels of government turning in ways that positively impact our neighbors’ quality of life while also continuing to improve our infrastructure. Rockaway Turnpike is a roadway with shared jurisdiction between Nassau County and New York City. Thousands of area residents rely on this stretch of roadway in their daily commutes, as well as for shopping and as they go about their lives. I’m very excited that Nassau County is upgrading their part of the thoroughfare; the ball is now in New York City’s court to follow-through with their own needed upgrades on Rockaway Boulevard,” said Legislator Howard Kopel.

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STATEN ISLAND AND QUEENS CELEBRATING CHANUKAH IN KAIFENG, CHINA

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

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MEMBERS OF THE BNEI MENASHE COMMUNITY LIGHT CHANUKAH CANDLES IN CHURACHANDPUR, INDIA

Science is Sensational at Shulamith

ast Wednesday, December 2, Shulamith fifth graders saw science presented in a whole new way as they attended a show called the Super Scientific Circus at Queensborough Community College. The performance included demonstrations explaining various scientific principles. “I learned about the center of gravity when he was balancing sticks and feathers on his hand,” said Miri Gelbtuch. The audience was astounded when Mr. Fish balanced six plates at once and was

even able to balance a ladder on his chin. Another part of the show was a demonstration of sound. “When he talked about a sonic boom, everyone covered their ears because it was so loud and scary,” Hannah Gewirtz enthused, “but it was cool!” Balloons, boomerangs, bubbles, and more made this an unforgettable experience. Aliza Zilberberg summed it up for everyone, “Scientifically, it was awesome! It’s the coolest theater!”

MORAH DARA’S AND MORAH DEBBIE’S STUDENTS IN HAFTR USING THEIR TZEDAKAH TO BUY GIFTS FOR THE CHILDREN OF OHEL

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

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A Great Tool For The Savvy Charity Investor By Elozor Halpert

hat is the mark of a successful investor? In a word – knowledge. An investor who knows exactly what his total investments are and can precisely channel funds into different types of income-producing opportunities, who can see how each type of

venture is faring and can adjust his portfolio accordingly will have a much better chance of success than someone who is sloppy about where he puts his money and doesn’t even know how much he puts where. It is much the same with the most important type of investment you can make, the one that offers generous and surefire dividends – tzedaka. Support-

ing Torah study, feeding the hungry, responding to emergencies and saving lives, caring for orphans, bringing people closer to Yiddishkeit – there is a rich variety of such investments to choose from. Again, the savvy charity investor will want to know how much he is investing in each project and will track his charity donations. Of course, the need for knowledge

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Join us for a two session Couples Workshop that will transform your marriage and family and enhance your quality of life. Two consecutive Sunday Evenings after Chanukah December 20th and 27th, 8:15-9:30 (after Maariv) at Kneseth Israel, The White Shul, 728 Empire Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY The two session couples workshop will feature: Session I: December 20th - The Intimate link between Menuchah and Ahava Session 2: December 27th - From Dream to Reality: Cultivating and Growing Menuchah in your Marriage and Family Life - admission $20 per session per person or $30 per couple FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROGRAM CONTACT FIVE TOWNS MARRIAGE INITIATIVE AT:

516 430 5280 or email info@fivetmi.com Five Towns Marriage Initiative provides: Educational Programs/Weekly Shalom Bayis Newsletter Sun/Tues/Thur 9:30-11 Shalom Bayis Hotline/Referral Line (above #) Daily Free Shalom Bayis Inspiration line (above #) Referrals to local therapists & programs with financial assistance as needed

about one’s charitable giving becomes particularly acute at tax time. How many of us struggle with an avalanche of receipts, trying to get everything together? And what about those receipts that got lost or the ones we didn’t even bother obtaining? (They add up quickly!) And then there are donations to foreign institutions that may not even qualify for a tax deduction. In short, those of us who are disorganized about our contributions cannot avoid the uneasy feeling that we are losing out on our charitable deductions. OJC to the Rescue So how do we solve this problem? A neat solution is provided by OJC (Orthodox Jewish Community), an organization that helps keep all your donations organized and enables you to claim the maximum deduction to which you are entitled. Here’s how it works: You establish an OJC account and deposit funds into it. You are then issued certificates in the denominations you specify. These certificates can then be recommended to the organizations you wish to support. As soon as you deposit the funds, you qualify for a deduction. This is of special importance towards the end of the year, when you want to squeeze in as many deductions as you can, but haven’t necessarily decided where to contribute. OJC takes the pressure off – once you’ve made the deposit, you can decide at your leisure how the funds are to be distributed. On Purim and other occasions when donations are given in rapid-fire succession, the OJC system is invaluable. No longer do you have to be concerned that you will neglect to collect a receipt or two or ten. Not to worry – OJC takes care of it for you. OJC enables you to see how much you have contributed to each charity so that you can decide whether you wish to continue with your current contribution pattern or whether another allocation pattern is more in line with your priorities. And the OJC website makes donating easier than ever! For more information, please call OJC at 718-599-1400 or visit them at www.ojcfund.org. You, too, can become a savvy investor! Important note: During the month of December, OJC is offering a special discount. Call for details!

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

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Generations Unite in Learning at Darchei Torah’s Dor L’Dor Event

athers, grandfathers and even great-grandfathers joined Yeshiva Darchei Torah Elementary School talmidim on a beautiful Sunday morning for a delicious breakfast, energetic learning seder, inspirational story, exciting raffles and jubilant dancing.

Rav Yaakov Bender, Rosh HaYeshiva of Yeshiva Darchei Torah, addressing the assemblage at the Dor L’Dor event

Simcha Aryeh Renov with his father, Tani, and greatgrandfather, Mr. Nuszi Wohlberg

Mr. Daniel Wolfson with his son, Dovid

PHOTO CREDIT: NAFTOLI GOLDGRAB

Mr. Pesach Ross learning with his grandson, Yisroel Ross

L-R: Dr. Yair Keilson and his son, Yakov; Mr. Chaim Schattner with his grandson, Dovid Lowinger; Dovid’s father, Mr. Yosef Lowinger; and Mr. Ronald Lowinger, president of Yeshiva Darchei Torah and grandfather of Yakov Keilson and Dovid Lowinger

Mr. Ephraim Seif with his son, Akiva

Rav Yoni Posnick, second grade rebbi at Darchei Torah, telling an inspiring story

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

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NEFESH International 19th Annual Conference

EFESH International is engaged in a flurry of excitement and activity leading up to its 19th annual Conference. Conference co-chairs, Lisa Twerski, LCSW and Chaim Sender, LCSW, are very excited about the upcoming event which promises to be as exceptional as the previous ones, if not more so. They have put together an outstanding program, replete with workshops presented by renowned experts in their respective fields. The following are just a few of the many professionals who will share their knowledge and expertise with Conference attendees. Learn about the Art and Science of Treating Addictions, presented by Binyamin Tepfer, Ph.D., who is the founder and clinical director of Tepfer & Associates in Cedarhurst, New York; he is also a CSAT Supervisor at the International Institute for Trauma & Addiction Professionals and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. Those who work with couples will want to attend this workshop on Emotionally Focused Therapy. Elana Katz, LCSW is a senior faculty member at the Ackerman Institute for the Family,

an internationally renowned lecturer, an Executive Board Member of the New York Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy, and a Board Member of the New York Association for Collaborative Professionals. Ms. Katz will talk about Creating Change in Couples Treatment using Emotionally Focused Therapy. NEFESH has recently begun to present programs for early professionals, those who have been working in the field 5 years or less, as well as students; a recent presentation was highly successful and very well received by an appreciative audience of early professionals. With this in mind, NEFESH is proud to announce that for the first time, the Conference will include separate tracks specifically geared for early professionals as well as doctors. A description of some of the presentations follows. Marcy Davidowitz, LCSW will address early professionals on the Competencies and Proficiencies for Beginning Clinicians and Students. David Katzenstein, LCSW, Deborah Marchuck, LCSW, Barry Horowitz, LCSW, and Lisa Twerski, LCSW will

talk about Anxiety, Opportunity, and Hope: Navigating the Early Years of a Career in Mental Health. The MD track will include a presentation on Early Identification and Treatment of Depression in Children and Adolescents by David Brent, MD, who is the Academic Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University at Pittsburg School of Medicine. Barry Holzer, MD, will talk about ADHD across the Life Cycle: Impact on Education, future Employment and Marriage Questions. These are but a few of the many important and fascinating topics that will be discussed at the Conference. It is clear from the above list of programs that the focus of the presentations is on many important emotional, social, and neurological/medical issues that plague our communities. All the presenters are very knowledgeable and the material presented in the workshops will be highly informative and relevant in daily interactions with clients. The Conference is open to mental health professionals, doctors, rabbis, and educators who will benefit from

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the many educational opportunities that are offered. Clinicians who need CE credits will be able to sign up and receive them. CMEs are available to MDs, PAs, and NPs. In addition, the Conference is well known as an unparalleled venue for networking among all professional groups. This year’s Conference will be held over a Shabbos to which all attendees look forward for many months prior to the event. In addition to professional enrichment, Shabbos provides ample time for socializing, listening to divrei Torah and z’miros, and enjoying the outstanding seudos for which NEFESH is known. In addition, NEFESH member and well-known singer, Yisroel Williger, LMSW will be the ba’al tefilla on Shabbos and will entertain participants at a melave malka; so much intellectual stimulation and a world class entertainer, as well! The Conference will take place December 24-27, 2015 at the beautiful Hyatt Regency in Hauppauge, New York. The event will be catered by Elite under KAJ. To register, please go to www.NEFESH.org.

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

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Rav Gav Visits MAY Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller Addresses Shevach High School on Finding Emunah

n Tuesday, December 1, Shevach High School students were treated to an address by Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller. Although Rebbetzin Heller is an internationally sought after speaker, she always makes time for Shevach in her schedule. She is the Menaheles and director of Bnos Avigail Seminary in Har Nof, Jerusalem, and consistently does not disappoint. Rebbetzin Heller spoke about the light amidst the chaos of the world in the time of creation. That chaos can exist in our lives today, and the challenge is to find the light in it. The earth as it was created represents the physicality of existence, and the sky, which is not restricted by time and space, represents the spiritual aspect of existence. The function of challenges in our lives is to discover ourselves through the challenges and use the clarity of “light” to become who we want to be.

How does one do this? One way is to see how others act and decide not to be that way. If we see cruelty, we exhibit compassion. If we see takers, we will be givers. If we see wrong, we should focus on right. As one student said afterwards, “I learned the importance of rejecting negativity and embracing the positive in the world.” Another student said, “I realize I need to figure out who I look up to and who I would like to be similar to. I need to decide what my principles are and strive to achieve them daily.” The students left inspired to change. The Chanukah message is light amidst the darkness. Indeed every galus has a message for our people. Our prayer is that the light will prevail and darkness will be banished, and the Jewish people will enjoy the benefits of having a hand in that result.

ast Friday, Rav Gavriel Friedman spoke at Mesivta Ateres Yaakov and enthralled the talmidim with his unique style and delivery. Originally from Woodmere, Rabbi Friedman, fondly referred to as “Rav Gav” by his talmidim, has spent the last decade studying and teaching in various yeshivos throughout Yerushalayim. He currently teaches at Aish HaTorah. Rav Friedman has lectured in doz-

ens of cities around the globe, including Johannesburg, London, Montreal, and across the East Coast of the United States. His unique ability to present Torah concepts in an intriguing yet entertaining fashion leaves his audiences thirsting for more. One student commented, “Rav Gav was amazing! I couldn’t stop laughing, yet felt like I learned so much!” The Mesivta would like to thank the Mermelstein family for arranging the visit.

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The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

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Harav Eli Mansour Leads Inspirational Shuvu Unity Mission to Israel By Aytan Himelstein

huvu’s USA Missions have already earned a reputation for inspiration and chizuk. Last week’s mission was no exception as close to 50 delegates from the New York area arrived in Israel for a four day tour. The mission was headed by Shuvu’s co-chairman R’ Yossi Hoch together with Harav Eli Mansour, Rav of The Edmond J. Safra Synagogue in Brooklyn. Together with them were Shuvu’s Director, Rav Chaim Michoel Gutterman, and Shuvu UK Chairman R’ David Blachman. Among the delegates was R’ Binyomin Pam, grandson of Shuvu’s founder Hagaon Harav Avrohom Yaakov Pam zt”l, and his son Avraham Yaakov, the first einakel named after his great-grandfather the unforgettable Rosh Yeshiva. The first school visited was Shuvu Lod where the delegates witnessed the final level of a Chidon on hilchos Shabbos. One had to literally pinch himself hearing the kinderlach from completely secular homes showing bekius in complex halachic topics such as placing flowers into a vase filled with water on Shabbos, lying on a hammock on Shabbos, and other halachos relating to Milachos Zore’ah and Me’amer, Davar She’eino Miskavein and Psik Reisha. Shuvu’s Chairman R’ Yossi Hoch stated with great satisfaction that he doesn’t know if he would’ve done as well as the children! This was Harav Eli Mansour’s first live interaction with Shuvu children and he too was amazed with what he saw. “I can now say that Shabbos is Rashei Teivos for Shuvu B’Shabbos Ta’anug!” he quipped, “as the greatest pleasure is that you, children, bring home to your families what you learned about Shabbos in Shuvu, and that will protect you and your families.” In the subsequent tours of the classes the students’ enthusiasm stood out, even in the youngest grades. The 2nd graders answered confidently questions pertaining to Rashi and Midrashim in what they were learning in Sefer Bereishis. The children also performed Kabbalas Ol Malchus Shamayim before the distinguished

guests, covering their eyes and crying out, “Shema Yisroel Hashem Elokeinu Hashem Echad!” In each class visited Harav Mansour spoke before the children in flawless Hebrew, giving chizuk to the children, each class according to its level. He wowed the students – not to mention the staff and delegates – with gematrias and beautiful vorts with meaningful messages to take home. In the Shuvu Petach Tikva elementary school, the delegates sat in a Ge-

Seeing the cheshkas haTorah of the Shuvu students, the mission delegates showered them with love, and often broke into spontaneous dance with the children, singing, “Anachnu Ma’aminim Bnei Ma’aminim,” and “Ma Ahavti Torasecha”! What a powerful sight to see! The Shuvu Netanya School welcomed the guests with hundreds of children waving flags to music played. The guests then were shown a performance of children of the school who had made Aliya from various countries. Indeed, Shuvu in general and the Shuvu Netanya in particular, are a mini-kibbutz galuyot, as the performing children originated from Russia, France, Brazil, Argentina, India, Ethiopia, America and Israel. Shuvu’s latest challenge is the current Aliya from France, and the Shuvu

who each received a pair of tefillin by delegate R’ AJ Ginsburg of the Roots Kiruv organization and his associate R’ Chezky Edelstein. At this inspiring event Jerusalem Chief Rabbi Hagaon Harav Shlomo Moshe Amar, shlita, said divrei bracha to the talmidim and delegates, and spoke of the importance of Shuvu’s kiruv work. Harav Mansour too spoke at this event and mesmerized the crowd with his fascinating message of the importance of putting on tefillin daily. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Schimmel, who are among Shuvu’s greatest supporters and pillars of British Friends of Shuvu, were also guests of honor at this event. The delegates also visited the Knesset where they were welcomed in the plenum by Speaker MK Yuli Edelstein, who thanked Shuvu for its important work with Israeli youth. They then met

mara Shiur in Eilu Metzios for the 6th graders, who rattled off answers without hesitation. In the boys’ high school in that city the delegates joined the learning b’chavrusa of talmidim and avreichim. This learning was within the framework of Shuvu’s Batei Medrash Program whereby avreichim come to the schools weekly to learn with small groups of 3 or 4 students. Many students so enjoy this learning that they claim it’s their favorite part of their week! Harav Mansour was most impressed with the Shuvu boys’ hasmoda and quoted the Zohar that mal’achim escort all those who learn Gemara, with Gemara being rashei teivos of the protective angels Gavriel, Michoel, Refael and Uriel.

Netanya School alone has already taken in close to 200 French children. Chairman of the Chinuch Atzmai Harav Avrohom Yosef Leizerson, who was one of Shuvu’s founders, joined the mission in Netanya and spoke of the blessed cooperation over the years between Shuvu and the Chinuch Atzmai. An integral component of Shuvu Missions is receiving brachos from Gedolei Yisroel and this time was no exception. The delegates received priceless brachos from Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, shlita, and Hagaon Harav Yaakov Edelstein, shlita, who also praised Shuvu’s kiruv work. In what has become a Shuvu Mission tradition, the delegates also participated in a gala Bar Mitzvah celebration for 60 Shuvu talmidim,

with Minister Rav Arye Deri, Deputy Minister Rav Meshlam Nahari, former Israel Ambassador to the USA MK Michael Oren, and Chairman of the Finance Committee Rav Moshe Gafni, who has been instrumental in obtaining the government funds due to Shuvu, delayed ever since the previous government’s anti-Chareidi gezeiros. If seeing the Shuvu children themselves in action was not enough to demonstrate the need for Shuvu to continue on and even expand, the Knesset Members each spoke excitedly of the great success of the network of schools in Eretz Yisroel in being mikarev the children and their families, while at the same time of the need for financial assistance and support from the network’s friends across the globe.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

Around the Community

A “Totally Awesome” Chanukah at SKA

hen faculty members and students of the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls entered the building on Monday, December 7, it was clear this would not be a regular day of school! Emails over the weekend promised an awesome “Back to the ‘80’s First Day of Chanukah Party” and we all dressed accordingly in leg warmers and other 1980’s attire. But that wasn’t the only deviation to the regular routine; after davening, Mrs. Spirn, Head of School, announced, “Everyone to the buses, we’re going on a trip!” All the grades enthusiastically enjoyed a roller skating “Chanukah Party on Wheels” and bonding with each other and teachers at United Skates of America in Seaford. For those who needed a break, there were games set up around the rink and a delicious pizza lunch provided by the SKA Parent Council. And what would be an SKA celebration without dancing? Since the facility was available only to SKAers, joyous dancing to Chanukah music and circles and circles of girls and faculty members

filled the rink. It was a wonderful way to start the festivities of the Chanukah week at SKA. The celebrations continued the next day with our G.O. sponsored “Retro Cafe,” providing drinks and baked goods for purchase. Sharing Chanukah simcha throughout the week was evident in the 11th and 12th grade chesed trips to Hoffman Manor, Gymnasia and Be’er Hagolah while leibidik 9th and 10th grade “Dreidels and More” Chanukah parties, hosted for members of Otzar and Ivdu respectively, evoked meaningful

Chanukah spirit for all. A major highlight of the chag was the eagerly awaited annual SKA Chanukah Auction. In the “bowling alley,” long rows of colorful boxes and envelopes offered opportunities to bid on class parties, lunches and outings with faculty members, Shabbos invitations, and even a hand-knitted scarf. Since the funds raised go to tzedaka, this has always been a very popular event and bidding is friendly but fierce. It was a very freilichen Chanukah at SKA!

SOLDIERS FROM THE IDF’S GIVATI BRIGADE ENJOYING SUFGANIYOT FOR CHANUKAH

One Man Against the Syrian Army See Forgotten Heroes on page 118

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Aaron’s Way: Mastering the Middos Muscle around the Year

eveloped by Tuli and Rachel Tepfer l’ilui nishmas their outstanding son Aaron Shalom ah, the Aaron’s Way organization is comprised of a series of initiatives specifically targeting pre-teen age boys to sharpen their middos at the most basic level. Aaron Shalom Tepfer a”h was an exceptional young man in every respect, radiating kindness to everyone he met, with a maturity well beyond his years in his dealings with rabbeim, chaveirim and elders. He had a keen sense of duty to Hashem as well as to his family and a selfless attitude towards life in general. His petira two years ago left the community heartbroken, searching for some concrete way to fill the void left by his tragic absence. The wisdom of his parents to try to fill the hole with middos education has b”H taken root and flourished in the hands of sensitive and energetic mechanchim who made Aaron’s Way a significant part of their chinuch systems.

Aaron’s Way continues to make a difference in the Five Towns and neighboring communities throughout the year. Three different programs are designed to motivate children of various strengths and from various schools. The diversity among participants is itself an expression and extension of Aaron a”h’s constant desire to create harmony among those around him. The first is the Aaron’s Way A+OK Homework assistance program for 6th grade boys, which takes place every Monday night from 7-8:15pm at Sh’or Yoshuv. Drawing on average of 50 boys a week, kids from Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island, Yeshiva Darchei Torah and Yeshiva of South Shore come to learn b’chavrusa, study or help each other with homework. The atmosphere is one of productivity and fun, with no judgement or critique. Raffles are drawn each week, which never fail to generate excitement (thanks to prize gift card sponsors Gourmet Glatt, Seasons, Brachs and Carlos & Gabby’s), Rabbi Elazor Bronstein tells captivating stories, and the kids end the night with basketball and snacks in the gym. The positive energy and camaraderie created by the homework program make it a truly impressive and worthwhile place to be. Stay tuned: After Chanukah, the Monday night Homework program will be handed over to 7th graders! The second program is the Aaron’s Way Filled With Love campaign, using the strength and sweetness of middle schoolers to re-stock the North Shore and LIJ Bikur Cholim Rooms every week. Food from Satmar Bikur Cholim is delivered to the driver’s home, who loads the contents and eager helpers into the car. Once on site, the

boys help stock, clean and organize the rooms, creating a peaceful and restorative space for those who are caring for loved ones. Run by Mrs. Shani Moerman, it has become one of Aaron’s Way most popular and successful programs to date. Thirdly, the Aaron’s Way “Got Talent” campaign offers hospitals and local nursing homes the chance to have talented middle school volunteers showcase their skills to the delight of residents and patients in the Five Towns, Queens and Brooklyn. Run by Chesky Rosenberg, and always in need of fresh faces and talent, this initiative has a two-fold benefit: young stars have an outlet and platform on which to shine, while engaging and entertaining those in need of a smile and a lift. Last year’s performance at LIJ-Cohen’s Children’s Hospital was streamed live and recorded for future use. This special form of lighthearted giving is a win/win enjoyable experience for all. Most recently, in conjunction with their own Chanukah celebration, the residents of the Nautilus Assisted

Living facility in Atlantic Beach were treated this past Sunday to a performance of talented 5th-8th grade Aaron’s Way volunteers. Six different groups from Yeshiva Darchei Torah, Yeshiva of South Shore and Siach Yitzchok entertained the excited audience with singing, juggling, acrobatics, uni-cycling, a veritable circus before their eyes. The joyful delight on the faces of the residents spoke volumes as to their appreciation for the kids’ presence and participation in their Nautilus home. For many, it was the highlight of their week to have over 30 talented boys celebrate for and with them. All of the boys expressed their hakoras hatov to the Tepfers for allowing them this wonderful outlet and platform on which to shine, and all shared how good they felt about themselves afterwards. Among the performers was an 8th grade singing group that often entertains elders in their homes throughout the year, whether homebound or due to illness. In a related home care program coordinated by Tova Singer of Cedarhurst, groups of boys are dispatched to play with children with special needs anytime its needed, bringing joy and light wherever and whenever they go. In essence, the Aaron’s Way program encapsulates the perfect kind of chinuch we hope and pray our children will absorb as they grow. Using it as a tool to motivate them to adopt and own these middos in a fun way will not only serve as an aliyah for Aaron Shalom Tepfer a”h’s heilige neshama, it will iy”H help shape the fine character of thousands of kids in the future. Yasher kochachem!

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Yeshiva of South Shore’s 5th Grade Haschalas Gemara Celebration PHOTO CREDIT: IRA THOMAS CREATIONS

he fifth grade of Yeshiva of South Shore recently celebrated a milestone, a special simcha they will remember fondly for years to come. The occasion was a Seudas Haschalas Gemara, celebrating their first steps in their journey of Gemara learning. The fifth grade rabbeim, Rabbi Moshe B. Scharhon and Rabbi Yehoshua Zucker, have the zechus of ushering the talmidim into the world of Gemara by imparting not only the necessary skills, but also the ahavas HaTorah she’baal peh required for a lifelong yearning to learn and grow. To mark the occasion the yeshiva held a gala three generational breakfast for the boys and their fathers and grandfathers and an inspiring program that included, a festive meal, learning together, a moving rendition of Lulai Sorscha and an inspiring drasha by the Roshei Yeshiva and guest speaker Rav Shaya Schachter. In addition, four talmidim, Emanuel Medows and Shlomo Cywiak, Eli Schuckman and Eitan Kaplowitz told over divrei Torah during the event. It was so moving to see the young boys learning melodiously with their grandparents and even great grandparents, some of whom had once learned at that age in the citadels of Torah destroyed in Europe. Rabbi Shay Schachter, Rosh Bais Medrash of Young Israel of Woodmere, spoke to the boys directly emphasizing how precious it is to Hashem to the hear the words of young talmidim that holds up the

world. He spoke inspiringly and undoubtedly left an indelible mark on each talmid. To cap the event the boys performed a stirring musical rendition of Abie Rottenberg’s famous song, Lulei Sorascha. The boys sang beautifully, accompanied by Rabbi Shlomo Drebin, the Program Coordinator. Soloists included Menachem Kramer, Avi Ross, Netanel Rosenbaum, Dovid Miller and Yehoshua T. Wald. Avi Ross also performed a beautiful guitar interlude. In conclusion, each talmid was called up and the Rosh Hayeshiva, Rav Binyomin Kamenetzky, shlita, who along with his son Rav Mordechai Kamenetz-

ky, the Menahel, and the rabbeim, presented each talmid with a personalized shtender and a photo memento of the event. It is a meaningful gift each boy will undoubtedly cherish. To top off the excitement a full Shas was presented through a raffle for all the talmidim! The winner was Eli Schuckman who pledged to continue to learn until one day he will have learned all of Shas. The talmidim of the fifth grade will im yirtza Hashem be maztliach in their learning as they begin to swim in the vast yam shel Torah. Mazel tov to all of them.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Chevi Garfinkel & the Miracle of Pittsburgher Rebbe Visits Long Beach the Menorah

n Tuesday, December 1, Miss Chevi Garfinkel inspired a packed room of high school and college girls at the Levi Yitzchak Library. In her easy, relatable manner she shared with the girls how after the Jewish people reclaimed the Bais Hamikdash, the first mitzvah that they did was light the menorah. While the flame of the menorah may be small in comparison to Hashem’s greatness, it is valued and treasured

by Hashem. The flame represents the Jewish soul and every mitzvah that they do brings them closer to Hashem. She concluded with suggesting that after lighting the menorah this Chanukah, instead of rushing off to a chagiga, Chanukah party or dinner, to sit by the menorah and think about the flame, the kedusha that comes from their hearts and be inspired to passionately work on their personal growth and connection to Hashem.

he entire Long Beach community was spiritually uplifted by the visit of Rabbi Mordechai Leifer, the Pittsburgher Rebbe, on Shabbos Parshas VaYishlach. The Rebbe currently resides in Ashdod, Israel. He is a descendent of Reb Mordechai Nadverno and the immediate heir of his saintly father Reb Avrohom Abba Leifer, zt”l, who established a magnificent Torah center consisting of several mosdos in Kiryat Pittsburgh in Israel. The Rebbe and his entire entourage, consisting of over one hundred chassidim and friends of Mosdos Pittsburgh, spent Shabbos Parshas VaYishlach, November 27-28 in the community. The Rebbe davened and conducted his tischen both Friday night and Shabbos afternoon at the Young Israel of Long Beach. This visit, which has become a bi-annual tradition, is especially significant to the Morah D’osrah of the community, Rabbi Chaim Wakslak, rav of the Young Israel. Rabbi Wakslak grew up in Newark, New Jersey,

where the Rebbe’s father established a Bais Medrash prior to his move to Pittsburgh following the petirah of his saintly father, Reb Yoseph Leifer, a”h, which immediately preceded his relocation to Eretz Yisroel. Rabbi Wakslak was extremely close to the previous Rebbe and attributes much of his rabbinic vision and outlook to that very strong source of influence. As anticipated, the entire community participated in this unique opportunity to spend a Shabbos in the presence of a Chassidic Rebbe. Many guests and visitors also came to Long Beach for Shabbos. A reception and opportunity for private consultation took place on Motzaei Shabbos at the home of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Chaim Wakslak.

Mordechai Becher Presents to YLX

he “Winter YLX Thursday night learning program” held weekly at Bais Medrash Heichal Dovid had the opportunity to hear from acclaimed Gateways speaker Rabbi Mordechai Becher this past Thursday night. This was the first presentation of a new initiative by YLX to bring professional kiruv speakers to the Five Towns to present clear lessons in emunah to local high school yeshiva boys. The crowd was spellbound as Rabbi Becher masterfully blended a deep and meaningful message with a laugh out loud comedic performance. As he has done countless times on the kiruv scene, Rabbi Becher presented a clear and well-structured introduction to the basics in emunah and ya-

hadus. The guys were also treated to a Rollmaster sushi buffet sponsored by Seasons, a longtime supporter of YLX. All enjoyed and were enlightened and inspired by another incredible evening of YLX. To learn more about YLX, email Rabbi Aryeh Dachs at YIDLearningExperience@gmail.com.

Should I Break off My Second Engagement? See the Dating Dialogue on page 114

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Shalom Task Force Hosts Groundbreaking Workshop

ver two dozen young women gathered in a private home in Ramat Beit Shemesh on November 29 to attend the “Shidduch Shmooze,” a workshop run by Shalom Task Force to educate them on critical components to look for when dating

and choosing a potential spouse. The workshop – the first of its kind held in a communal setting in Israel – was presented by a group of local community members: Yitti Bisk, a kallah teacher; Bonnie Gerbitz, LCSW; and Vivianne Willig, MSW. The presenters

described the elements of a healthy relationship and explained the warning signs of an unhealthy one. The new initiative was a collaborative effort coordinated by the presenters, together with Mrs. Rikki Davies, MSW, Shalom Task Force’s Director of

Women’s Education in Israel. Participants left the event feeling empowered by what they had learned and armed with a new perspective on the intricacies of a healthy relationship. The women appreciated the small, comfortable atmosphere, which was conducive for a productive and meaningful night of exploring the sensitive and vital issues surrounding marriage and relationships. “This event was a milestone for Shalom Task Force in Israel since it was community-based, and not seminary-based,” said Davies. “The young women were engaged and involved and it was a wonderful family-like environment. Many of the attendees knew at least one of the presenters, who went out of their way to make the women feel comfortable, creating a familiar vibe and easy flow, which allowed them to ask honest and open questions. There was some authentic sharing amongst the participants, and the open conversations helped them benefit from real-life learning.” Many women and parents requested that a similar session be held for the parents to explore these crucial topics, and Shalom Task Force hopes to implement that idea in the future, in addition to running similar workshops for women who could not attend this first session. “We applaud Mrs. Davies and our presenters for leading this successful endeavor and for using their creativity to transfer the content of our seminary-based workshop to this inspiring community-wide event,” said Dr. Alan Singer, executive director of Shalom Task Force. “We hope to run similar events in the future and reach as many young women as we can in different communities around the country.” Founded 23 years ago, Shalom Task Force promotes peaceful family resolutions and healthy marriages for Jewish families. STF offers legal services and maintains an anonymous domestic abuse Hotline (718-377-3700) that has received thousands of calls. The organization also sends staff members to speak about relationships to Jewish high schools across America and seminaries and yeshivas in Israel. Your support enables STF to provide quality programs at no cost to participants. Please donate at www.ShalomTaskForce.org. For additional information about our programs, please call 212-742-1478.

Speci al CH Suppl ANUKAH emen t

md ycew elld zexpd THOUGHTS ON CHANUKAH

A FREILECHEN CHANUKAH

• Chanukah Today by Rabbi Berel Wein

• Chanukah Around Town • Short Story: The Yellow Star by S.B. Unsdorfer • In All Shapes and Sizes

IN THE KITCHEN • Happy Hosting by Rachel Gross • Chanukah Doughnuts by Naomi Nachman

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Thousands Of Yeshu'os Bazeman Hazeh

Our Rabbanim The PureLineaged Kohanim Gedolei Hatorah Who Will Participate In The Prayer Gathering And Daven Fervently There Moreinu

Harav Hagaon

Shalom Kohen

shlita

Rosh Yeshivat Porat Yosef and President of Moetzet Chachmei Hatorah Moreinu the Rebbe

Pinsk Karlin shlita Moreinu

Minyan of Kohanim Gedolei Torah “Zos Chanukah” Facing the Kodesh Hakodoshim On the Day of

Harav Hagaon

Dovid Kohen shlita

Rosh Yeshivas Chevron

Simcha Hakohen Kook shlita

Moreinu Harav Hagaon

Rabbi of Rechovot

Yosef Chaim Hakohen Kufshitz shlita Harav Hagaon

A rosh yeshivah in Porat Yosef Harav Hagaon

Shammai Hakohen Gross shlita Author of Sheivet Hakehasi

Menachem Mendel Hakohen Faksher shlita

Harav Hagaon

Rabbi of Kehilas Vizhnitz in El’ad Harav Hagaon

Kohen

Chaim Yehudah shlita - Rav and Posek in the Eidah Hachareidis

Harav Hagaon

Chaim Hakohen Kook shlita

Rosh Yeshivas Toras Refael

Elimelech Rothman shlita

Harav Hagaon

Tefilas HaChashmonaim

Harav Hagaon Ben-Tzion Hakohen Kook shlita Mashgiach of Yeshivas Me’or Chaim

A tremendous prayer assembly, a minyan composed of pure-lineaged kohanim who are great in Torah and yirah, who will daven fervently for the donors of Vaad Harabanim.

According to the special seder tefilah stated in the Tashbatz as how the Kohanim Chashmonaim prayed 2200 years ago, thereby meriting their great yeshu’ah. May we too merit great yeshu’os this year as well – as it was bayamim hahem, so may it be bazman hazeh!

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The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

1.10.16 Honoring

GUESTS OF HONOR

MR. & MRS. ALON & CHANIE GOLDBERGER

PA R E N T S O F T H E Y E A R

RABBI & MRS. DOVID & DVORAH MORGENSTERN

HARBOTZAS TOR AH AWARD

Memorial Tribute

MRS. HARRIET KEILSON A"H AND THE NAMING OF THE

HARRIET KEILSON EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

MESIVTA CHAIM SHLOMO CLASS OF 2001

ALUMNI LEADERSHIP

AWARDS PRESENTED TO

MICHAEL MANDEL MOSHE MANDEL MENACHEM POLLACK SHIMMY SUSSMAN TZVI SUSSMAN

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OUR YESHIVA. OUR COMMUNITY. OUR FUTURE.

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

The Yellow Star A Short Story By S.B. Unsdorfer

here appeared to me to be two ways of surviving these camps of death. The first was to forget or abandon all laws of decency, respect, and trust in your fellow men, and fight recklessly and ruthlessly for your own skin, irrespective of any consequences to your fellow inmates. You had to rob, steal, and “organize” for extra food and better working conditions, curry favor with your Meisters, and squeal on your colleagues for the price of an apple or slice of bread. The second was to hang on to dear life by trying to find hope and courage beyond human power. There were plenty who adopted the law of the jungle, and they became the terror of the camp. I—and many like me—could never bring myself to pick someone else’s pocket while standing to attention at Appell, or rob him of his last piece of bread or wurst, or indulge in tricks which those who had been in the camps much longer than

we appeared to accomplish so easily, and without conscience pricking them. Some of us preferred to adopt the old and tested Jewish method of finding hope and strength in G-d and in prayer to Him. Thus, every morning and evening, fifteen or twenty of us crouched together quietly between the bunks to recite some parts of the prayers, and then go to work or to sleep, encouraged by the knowledge that the G-d for Whose sake we suffered was listening to our pleas. Some laughed and mocked us. Kapo Otto, the faithful Communist, could cripple you for finding you at prayer; the S.S. would send you to the “cooler” for a couple of days for it, yet most of those sitting at what was called the “religious” table joined us regularly for a prayer session. There were: Benzi, the Table Elder; Baruch Stern, my former neighbor; Modche Fischhof, my “sleeping partner”; Hugo

Gross, who wondered what his former Sudeten-German boss would say when he received his letter; Weinberger, the optician who was always hungry; Max Schiff, who was considered foolish for admitting having been a secretary, and yet was rewarded for his frankness by getting an office job with no night shift, with the solace of working in a warm room. Then there were old Mr. Friedman, the eldest in the camp, who escaped the death chambers after showing an S.S. man his rough hands to prove that he was still able to work; young Walti Braun, who often wet his bed at night to the disgust and annoyance of Benzi, who slept in the bunk directly under him. There were Herlinger, the pessimist; Akiba Simcha Ungar, the young rabbi whose prison number was one less than mine—95602; Gestetner, Modche Fischhof’s brother-in-law; thin Mr. Herzog; Federweiss, who wanted to chisel his way out of the

transport between Sered and Auschwitz; Dr. Tauber, who often repeated to me some impressive words which he heard from my late father’s sermons; and, of course, Joszi Grunwald. As winter advanced and grew colder, life became much more difficult. The midday soup ceased, and we had to spend the halfhour break inside Halle One watching the Meisters eating their sandwiches and smoking their cigarettes. We now felt the effects of working for twelve hours without food or drink. The skin on our hands began to peel, and every tiny cut or prick became septic and took days to heal. The evening soup became thinner and thinner, and most of us had to run four or five times every night to the toilet. The thirty minute Appell in the knee-high snow froze our feet. This, and the absence of any news about the progress of the war, reduced our nerves to breaking point. Escape was completely

ruled out, not only because of the strong guard and high wire fences, but because we had no chance of replacing our striped clothing, or of obtaining money or documents to get us past the first road control into a train. When writing the little diary in which I entered the Hebrew dates and festivals, I discovered with great delight that Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, the festival on which we commemorate the recapture of the Temple from the mighty Greeks by a handful of faithful Jews, was only a few days ahead. I decided that we should light a little Hanukkah lamp even in Nieder-Orschel, and that this would go a long way towards restoring our morale. Benzi was immediately consulted because he had become the most reliable and trusted person in the block. Even those at the other two tables—the “intellectuals’ table,” where the doctors, lawyers, dentists, archi-

The 10, 2015 TheJewish JewishHome Home| DECEMBER | OCTOBER 29,

tects, and businessmen ate, and the “free table,” where the non-believers sat—even they came to Benzi to settle their quarrels, which were mostly about the distribution of their rations. Benzi would stand no arguments at his own table. He cut every loaf into eight portions and shared it out indiscriminately. He who complained, received the smallest portion. “If you are dissatisfied,” Benzi would shout angrily, “go and join another table, where they have scales and judges.” Nobody ever left our table. Benzi was enthusiastic about my idea. “Yes, we should get a Hanukkah light burning,” he said. “It will boost our morale and lighten the atmosphere. Work on a plan, but be careful.” Two problems had to be overcome: oil had to be “organized,” and a place had to be found where the lighted wick would not be seen. There was no lack of oil in the factory, but how could we smuggle even a few drops into our barrack in time for Monday evening, December 11, the first night of Hanukkah? We knew, of course, that Jewish law did not compel us to risk our lives for the sake of fulfilling a commandment. But there was an urge in many of us to reveal the spirit of sacrifice implanted in our ancestors throughout the ages. We who were in such great spiritual as well as physical distress felt that a little Hanukkah light would

warm our starving souls and inspire us with hope, faith, and courage to keep us going through this long, grim, and icy winter. Benzi, Grunwald, Stern, Fischhof, and I were in the plot. We decided to draw lots. The first name drawn would have to steal the oil; the third would be responsible for it, and hide it until Monday evening; and the fifth would have to light it under his bunk. I was drawn fifth. Grunwald, who was to “organize” the oil, did his part magnificently. He persuaded the hated Meister Meyer that his machine would work better if oiled regularly every morning, and that this could best be arranged if a small can of fine machine oil was allotted to us to be kept in our tool box. Meister Meyer agreed, so there was no longer the problem of having to hide it. On Monday evening after Appell, everyone else sat down to his much awaited portion of tasteless but hot soup, while I busied myself under the bunk to prepare my Menorah. I put that oil in the empty half of a shoe polish tin, took a few threads from my thin blanket and made them into a wick. When everything was ready I hastily joined the table to eat my dinner before I invited all our friends to the Hanukkah Light Kindling ceremony. Suddenly, as I was eating my soup, I remembered we had forgotten about matches. I whispered to Benzi.

“Everyone must leave a little soup,” Benzi ordered his hungry table guests, and told them why. Within five minutes, five portions of soup were exchanged in the next room for a cigarette. The cigarette was “presented” to the chef, Josef, for lending us a box of matches without questions. And so, as soon as dinner was over, I made the three traditional blessings, and a little Hanukkah light flickered away slowly under my bunk. Not only my friends from the “religious” table were there with us, but also many others from the room joined us in humming the traditional Hanukkah songs. These songs carried us into the past. As if on a panoramic screen, we saw our homes, with our parents, brothers, sisters, wives, and children gathered round the beautiful silver candelabras, singing happily the Maoz Tzur. That

a group of Jewish people fulfilling our religious duties and dreaming of home and of bygone years. But alas! Our dream ended much too soon. A roar of “Achtung” brought our minds back to reality and our legs to stiff attention. “The Dog”—that skinny little Unterschaarfuehrer—stood silently at the door, as he so often did on his surprise visits, looking anxiously for some excuse, even the slightest, to wield his dog-whip. Suddenly he sniffed as loudly as his Alsatian, and yelled: “Hier stinkts ja von Oehl!” (“It stinks of oil in here.”) My heart missed a few beats as I stared down at the little Hanukkah light flickering away, while “The Dog” and his Alsatian began to parade along the bunks in search of the burning oil. The Unterschaarfuehrer

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a quick glance at the deathpale faces round me, and so indeed did “The Dog.” Within a minute or two he would reach our row of bunks. Nothing could save us…but suddenly… Suddenly a roar of sirens, sounding an air raid, brought “The Dog” to a stop and within seconds all lights in the entire camp were switched off from outside. “Fliegeralarm! Fliegeralarm! ” echoed throughout the camp! Like lightning I snuffed out the light with my shoes and following a strict camp rule, we all ran to the open ground, brushing “The Dog” contemptuously aside. “There will be an investigation…. There will be an investigation,” he screamed above the clatter of rushing prisoners who fled out into the Appell ground. But I did not worry. In delight I grabbed my little

As if on a panoramic screen, we saw our homes, with our parents, brothers, sisters, wives, and children gathered round the beautiful silver candelabras, singing happily the Maoz Tzur. That tiny little light under my bunk set our hearts ablaze.

tiny little light under my bunk set our hearts ablaze. Tears poured down our haggard cheeks. By now, every single inmate in the room sat silently on his bunk, or near mine, deeply meditating. For a moment, nothing else mattered. We were celebrating the first night of Hanukkah as we had done in all the years previous to our imprisonment and torture. We were

silently began his search. I did not dare bend down or stamp out the light with my shoes for fear the Alsatian would notice my movements and leap at me. I gave

Menorah and ran out with it. This was the sign, the miracle of Hanukkah, the recognition of our struggle against the temptations of our affliction. We had been helped by G-d, even in this forsaken little camp at Nieder-Orschel.

The Yellow Star by S.B. Unsdorder was originally published in 1961 and became a classic in Holocaust literature. Now a new edition is available, with a foreword by Colonel Richard Kemp (2015, The Toby Press). This book can be purchased at Amazon or at your local bookstore.

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Chanukah Today By Rabbi Berel Wein

The Maccabees of old lived in a very fortuitous time. Had they lived today they would be accused of extrajudicial executions of the poor Syrian Greeks who, after all, were only trying to kill them and improve their civilization. At least that is certainly how the Foreign Minister of Sweden would have seen the matter. But since Sweden at that time was inhabited by pagan tribes and there was no Internet or media to speak of, we really do not know what the Swedish attitude towards the Maccabees would have been. We can certainly surmise though that it would not have been a positive one.

nd if the current president of the United States were alive then he would certainly have been critical of the use of arms just to purify the Temple and regain the territory and sovereignty that was rightfully Jewish. He would have advocated conferences, shuttle diplomacy and above all, the willingness to compromise with an enemy that openly professed the desire to destroy you no matter what concessions are granted to it. And the Maccabees were also fortunate that the European Union did not exist then. If it had, then the olive oil that the Maccabees searched for and eventually found to light the great candelabra in the Temple would have had to be labeled as being produced in areas of the Land of Israel that were previously occupied by the Greeks and now subject to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;occupationâ&#x20AC;? policies of

those stubborn Jews. Needless to say, had the United Nations existed then the Maccabees would have been the subject of many resolutions condemning their policies, actions and behavior. But as mentioned above, the Maccabees lived at a time when none of this nonsense existed and, perhaps, that alone is one of the great miracles of our holiday of Chanukah. We are not as fortunate as the Maccabees. For us, all of the above is not a parody but rather the reality of the world in which we live. So, the holiday of Chanukah must come to give us hope and determination and a renewed belief in our cause and our rights. The Maccabees faced not only powerful external enemies but an insidious internal foe as well. The Hellenists amongst the Jews were so

influenced and enamored by Greek culture that they actively proposed steps that would have completely snuffed out the Jewish state and Judaism itself. The defeat of the Hellenists within the Jewish world was as vital to the triumph of Chanukah as was the military victory over the Syrian Greek oppressors. The Hellenists distorted Judaism to make it fit their own Hellenist-Greek template of what they considered politically correct and their view of an advanced civilization. The Torah and Jewish tradition in their eyes was antiquated and deserved to be ignored and/or rewritten to fit the then seemingly modern Greek view of the world. Well, the current day Hellenists are alive and well amongst us. They are the leading Israel bashers and tradition haters in the Jewish world. They are driven by a

false vision of Jewish values and a complete misunderstanding of the role of Israel in Jewish and world affairs. They not only give comfort to our enemies but in many respects they are our enemies themselves. The Maccabees, if they were alive today, would certainly recognize them as the heirs and followers of the Hellenists of old. We should also think of them in those terms and react accordingly to their baseless charges and pernicious programs. The recent spate of Islamic radical violence the world

The world has long known that the Jews are the canary in the mine. Nevertheless, the world not only tolerated but in many respects even encouraged Islamic violence against the Jewish state and its citizens. After all, only Jews are being killed and Israel is the catalyst for all the violence that wracks the Middle East. But as Pastor Neimoller commented regarding the Nazis, they first came for the Jews and no one rose to object or protect them. Eventually they came for everyone and there was no one left who could object or protect the in-

Had the United Nations existed then the Maccabees would have been the subject of many resolutions condemning their policies, actions and behavior.

over has yet to change the mindset of the Western world regarding Israel. The Palestinian narrative regarding Israel is so fixed in the minds of Western academia, media and political leadership that almost no facts, no matter how obvious they may be, can somehow expose that narrative for its basic falseness.

nocent. Well, they have now come for everyone, everywhere in the Western world. The Maccabees would certainly recognize our current world and they would instill within us the courage to resist annihilation and to rekindle the lamp of hope that Chanukah symbolically represents. Happy Chanukah.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

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Chanukah Around Town

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER DECEMBER29, 10,2015 2015| The | TheJewish JewishHome Home

Happy Hosting on Chanukah By RACHEL GROSS

For many people Chanukah is party season, eight days of rushing from event to event. Whether it’s the entire extended family or a few friends, Chanukah is a time of connecting with our loved ones. When you find yourself hosting this holiday season, a little insider knowledge will turn your party from a flop to the talk of the town.

A TWIST ON TRADITION

Holiday parties come with certain expectations. It would be hard to host a Chanukah party without potato latkes and donuts. While you can’t go wrong with the classics, make an impression by trying variations on the traditional dishes. Try red-wine donuts or fruit latkes (see recipes on next pages) or make up your own latke recipes experimenting with new combinations of vegetables.

EMBRACE OLD FRIENDS

In the rush of party planning, it can be tempting to try out the latest gourmet menu. Avoid the temptation. Sticking to the things you know with only a few new additions will reduce the burden of catering. Those tried and true recipes will not let you down if you find yourself in a last minute rush to get everything ready.

If possible, test out any new recipes beforehand to prevent any unwelcome “surprises.” To make any dish look like a gourmet extravaganza, pay attention to presentation. A few strips of colorful pepper or a few endive leaves can transform a dish. Use brightly colored vegetables as a garnish to add life to a savory plate and place fruit around desserts to make any dish a work of art.

GIVE WINE RECOMMENDATIONS

Wine can make any event into a party. Encourage your guests to be adventurous with their wine choices. At a dinner party it’s easy to serve different wines with each course. A buffet party is harder to control. Try printing up a suggested wine list and posting it near the drinks table. Offer something unusual, like the Mt

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Hermon Indigo, which has a distinctive purple color and is a fruity blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Start the evening with sparkling wine ready for guest to take as they arrive. You could serve a classic like Gamla Brut or for a low alcohol option the Mt Hermon Moscato is a popular choice. The oily traditional Chanukah foods need wines with a little acidity to balance out the heaviness. For red wine lovers, Gamla’s Cabernet Merlot is a wonderful choice. Or try a Gamla Sangiovese, a classic Italian style wine, with relatively high acidity that goes wonderfully with traditional Chanukah foods. For dessert, Yarden Muscat will make all your guests leave with a smile on their faces. To keep wine at the correct temperature throughout the party, have a cooler filled with ice for the white wines. Red wines should be served at about 60-65°F, unless recommended otherwise on the label. For added decoration, wine bottles can be arranged on the table between dishes to add height and vary the arrangement.

DON’T LEAVE THEM WAITING

We won’t all have waiters passing out hors d’oeuvres but it is important to have something available for your guests as soon as they arrive. At a sit down dinner, you could try bowls of nuts and unusual dried fruits, which can also become a talking piece as guests try to guess what they are eating. When making a buffet, if you can’t have all the food ready, have a salad bar with various cut up vegetables and dressings for guests to make their own salad as a starter.

DELICATE DECORATIONS We eat first with our eyes before the food reaches our lips. With only a little expense and effort, you can easily create tantalizing Chanukah-themed table. Stick to one color. Choose one color as a base for your napkins, flower arrangements and dishes if you’re using disposables and you quickly create a theme for your party without using any expensive items. To create an instant Chanukah twist, scatter dreidels and chocolate coins between plates.

With careful planning and an arsenal of party planning pointers, whatever the size of your event, this

year’s Chanukah party promises to be an event to remember. Wishing everyone a happy Chanukah.

See recipes and wine pairings on next page

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RED WINE DOUGHNUTS Yields 12 doughnuts Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 9 minutes Ingredients 1 cup all-purpose pastry flour ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa ¼ cup sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 egg Dash of salt ¼ cup milk ¼ cup Mount Hermon Indigo 2 tablespoons 2% Greek Yoghurt ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 teaspoon vanilla Directions Preheat oven to 450°F. Liberally grease a doughnut pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and cocoa powder until combined. Add in egg, skim milk, red wine, canola oil, yogurt and vanilla. Stir until all ingredients are fully combined. Add in chocolate chips. Fill doughnut cavities about 1/2 – 2/3 the way full with batter. Bake for 7- 9 minutes, or until they bounce back after you touch them. Let cool completely and remove from the pan. Ice with chocolate glaze, if desired. Recipe adapted from www.nutritionfor.us

FRUIT PANCAKES

Quick Guide to Wine Pairing Mt Hermon Indigo

A medium bodied red wine, made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes which give it a distinctive purple color. Goes well with the heavy traditional Chanukah foods. Serving Temperature: 55-60°F

Gamla Brut

A light sparkling wine produced strictly according to the traditional method, made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It pairs beautifully with rich or salty foods. Serving Temperature: 41-46°F

Gamla Cabernet Merlot

Perfect with a crispy thin crust pizza or a potato latke, this medium-full bodied red wine will complement any Chanukah gathering.

Yarden Muscat

Sweet enough to be dessert in itself, this white wine goes beautifully with any dessert course whether it’s homemade doughnuts or a fresh fruit salad.

Prep time 20 minutes Cooking time: 6 minutes per batch Ingredients 2 kiwis, peeled 2 persimmons, peeled 1 pear, peeled 2 red apples, peeled 1 banana, peeled 1 cup coconut flakes 2 eggs, beaten Oil for frying Directions Grate the fruit on a large blade. Mix the fruit blend. Add the eggs and mix again. Add the coconut until it becomes a thick batter. In a frying pan with heated oil, drop 1 TBS of batter and flatten with a spoon. Fry in the oil until golden on both sides. Latkes can also be baked at 325°F for 20 minutes. Note: Fruit combination can substituted for any available fruits Recipe courtesy of Tzyiona Kantrowitz

Gamla Cabernet Sauvignon A classic with nice body and an appealing flavor. See if you can taste the notes of ripe cherry and plum fruit. Goes well with full-flavored foods. Serving Temperature: 62-68°F

Mt Hermon Moscato

Perfect for guests looking for a low alcohol option – only 6% – this slightly sweet sparkling wine is an excellent choice for a pre-dinner drink. Serving Temperature: 41-46°F Rachel Gross is based in Jerusalem. She writes extensively about trends in the Israeli food and wine scene.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

Happy Chanukah

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In The K

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

tchen

Chanukah Doughnuts By Naomi Nachman

This recipe is my favorite for Chanukah. The dough is quick and easy to make and you can freeze any leftover dough if you don’t want to fry up the entire batch. In the past few years, kosher “bacon” has become very popular. I love to make candied “bacon” and use them as croutons in salads; for this recipe I crush them up as my final coating on my delicious doughnut holes. This doughnut dough is perfect for any kind of doughnut that you might want to make. I have made stuffed Oreo doughnuts, caramel doughnuts – even plain doughnuts holes rolled in cinnamon sugar is super-delicious. There is nothing better than fresh hot doughnuts for dessert!

Doughnut Holes with Maple Glaze and Candied “Bacon” Ingredients 1 tablespoon dried yeast ¼ cup warm water ¼ cup sugar, plus 1 teaspoon ¾ cup soymilk 6 Tablespoons canola oil 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon salt 4 cups unbleached flour 5 cups canola oil for frying Confection sugar for dusting

Preparation Mix yeast and water and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar over it. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy. Blend milk, yeast mixture, remaining sugar, oil, eggs and salt plus 2 cups of the flour. In remaining intervals add remaining flour to make smooth soft dough. Cover and rise for 1 ½ hours. Punch dough down and then let it rest again for 10 minutes. Roll out the dough until ¼ inch thick. Cut rounds into about 2-3 inches using an upside down glass or cookie cutter. Place on a floured surface and let rise again for an hour. Heat oil in a pan until oil hits 360° using an oil thermometer. Drop doughnuts top side down into the oil.

Keep oil at constant temperature and fry 3-4 at a time, turning the doughnuts once about 1 ½ minutes per side. When the doughnuts are cooked, roll them in the maple glaze and then in the crushed candy bacon.

Maple Glaze Ingredients ½ cup confectioners’ sugar 1-2 tablespoons soy milk 2 tablespoons maple syrup Preparation In small bowl, whisk ingredients till smooth and creamy and a little loose.

Candied “Bacon” (adapted from Kitchen-tested.com) Ingredients 6 strips “bacon” ¼ cup brown sugar Preparation Preheat oven to 400°. Line baking sheet with parchment and arrange bacon on it on a single layer. Sprinkle brown sugar on top of bacon and bake for 10 minutes, until sugar is caramelized and bacon is crisp. Watch for burning. Transfer to cooling rack and let cool. Chop into small pieces.

Naomi Nachman, the owner of The Aussie Gourmet, caters weekly and Shabbat/ Yom Tov meals for families and individuals within The Five Towns and neighboring communities, with a specialty in Pesach catering. Naomi is a contributing editor to this paper and also produces and hosts her own weekly radio show on the Nachum Segal Network stream called “A Table for Two with Naomi Nachman.” Naomi gives cooking presentations for organizations and private groups throughout the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area. In addition, Naomi has been a guest host on the QVC TV network and has been featured in cookbooks, magazines as well as other media covering topics related to cuisine preparation and personal chefs. To obtain additional recipes, join The Aussie Gourmet on Facebook or visit Naomi’s blog. Naomi can be reached through her website,www.theaussiegourmet.com or at (516) 295-9669.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

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In All Shapes and Sizes The first menorah was created by Bezalel for the First Temple out of one solid block of pure gold. There were not one but ten menorahs in the Temple for the next four hundred years until 586 BCE when Nebuchadnetzar, king of Babylon, arrived and destroyed the Temple. When the Second Temple was built seventy years later a new menorah, the only one, also made out of gold, was built and placed inside. Since then, the menorah has come to us in hundreds of different shapes, sizes and materials.

EUROPEAN

MOROCCAN

EARLY AMERICAN

NORTH AFRICAN

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TUNISIAN

FRENCH

MEDITERRANEAN

EUROPEAN

EARLY PALESTINE

ART DECO

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The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

Around the Community

Shiur, Sushi and Socialization

ore than 100 members of Congregation Shaaray Tefilah gathered last Motzai Shabbos at the Lawrence home of Tzippy and Tuli Kaplan for a pre-Chanukah shiur followed by a sushi and salad buffet and a chance to greet friends, old and new. In his shiur on inyanei Chanukah, Rabbi Uri Orlian emphasized the concept of ish u’baiso and the importance of lighting the menorah in one’s own

home at the right time. Real life questions were asked and answered, including whether one may eat before lighting if his or her job requires a 12 hour shift that ends well after zman hadlakas ner Chanukah and how to properly fulfill the mitzvah of ner Chanukah if one

travels from work to a wedding without stopping at home first. Following the shiur, all participants enjoyed a beautiful spread and each other’s company. The pre-Chanukah event was one of a number of new programs initiated this season by Congre-

gation Shaaray Tefilah. Other events are geared for teenagers as well as the larger community. For more information on upcoming programs at Shaaray, contact the Rav at rabbiorlian@shaaray-tefilah. org.

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Teaching the Importance of Working Together at Gesher

he story of Yosef and his brothers gives us a great opportunity to teach children the importance of including everyone. The story of Chanukah reinforces the value of sharing a common goal. These lessons became the theme at Gesher this past week. The Nursery class paid special attention to the Maccabim, who followed the call to protect Hashem’s honor. Although they were only a small group of fighters, they were determined. Hashem recognized their conviction and made a miracle for them. The class worked together to decorate their menorah a shiny silver. To emphasize these lessons, many multi-sensory Chanukah projects were selected. Spinning dreidel art, menorah playdough, and candle color sorting were just a few. The social skills program focused on working in groups in the Kindergarten. As a group effort the class was able to pass an egg around the room in record time. The morahs were able to illustrate that in this

way everyone could appreciate their friend’s successes. They also pointed out that sometimes when an individual becomes occupied with their own fun it makes the people around them sad. On that note the children were reminded about fire safety and the yom tov of Chanukah. Using potatoes as paintbrushes to decorate the menorah also demonstrated that everyone and everything has something valuable to offer. As a tie in to the week’s theme the children did their letter “m” unit with a focus on mail. Much dramatic play was used to remind the children how special it is to make someone feel good by sharing nice messages. How happy would Yaakov Avinu have felt if Yosef had been able to mail him a letter! Kriah continues to be the focus in the Pre-1A. The children were so excited to be able to recognize and read so many of the Chanukah-related words that they know. And they were fascinated by the story of Yosef and

his brothers. Just like Hashem was with the Maccabim, Yosef also had a special relationship with Hashem. The different events that occurred to Yosef in Mitzrayim highlighted the importance of knowing what is right even when the people around you don’t act properly. The first grade did an amazing job of combining all of the additional lessons with the regular curriculum. Kriah, ksiva, and lashon plans were coupled with Chanukah messages. Even though some of the people were affected by the culture of the Yevanim, many Jews kept all of the mitzvos even though it was very difficult. The children learned about the heroic people who went to live in caves, about the courage of Chana and her seven sons, and about the bravery of Yehudis. The lessons of teamwork are not only for the students. The Gesher model is based on an inter-disciplinary approach to education. Everybody’s input is critical and imple-

mented. As a means of supporting the efforts of the teachers and assistants, a special workshop is being given to the staff to present new techniques and strategies for maximizing the potential of all of the children. Gesher continues to introduce methods and research to create the ideal learning environment.

Chanukah Photos around Town See your photos in our Chanukah supplement

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

Around the Community

Happy Chanukah

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

YESHIVA OF SOUTH SHORE SAYS THANK YOU TO THE WOODMERE FIRE STATION FOR TEACHING THE BOYS ABOUT FIRE SAFETY THIS WEEK

Lighting the menorah at Green Acres Mall on Monday night. Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky was joined by Saul Haimoff, Youth Director of The Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach, as he entertained children for Chanukah.

Bake and Dodge: Chesed at Rambam

ne of the benefits of a school that is small by design is that ideas turn into action in only a manner of minutes. Jon Welgrin, a junior at Rambam Mesivta, went into Mr. Goldman, the Assistant Principal’s, office and outlined a vision for a Bake Sale with all proceeds going to repair a Sefer Torah for Israeli soldiers. After a brief discussion and working out all the details—together!—Rambam Mesivta was running a Bake Sale that incorporated parents and students pledging to bake cakes. Jon enlisted the aid of tech guru, Pinny Verstandig, another junior, who set up an online sales page, and the next thing anyone knew dozens of cakes were sold and hundreds of dollars raised toward the tzedakah.

While the Bake Sale was going on, Rambam’s Chesed Club, under the leadership of Seniors Daniel Kurman and Jonny Wiesel, were also fostering the school’s 6th Annual 4-Corner Dodgeball Tournament. The Tournament is student-run and refereed and over 50 students participated in this color-war like extravaganza. The proceeds went to the Save A Child’s Heart Foundation. Daniel Petrikovsky was named the tournament’s MVP. Around $1,000 total was raised between these events and the skills for life, organizing, planning, and leadership, that are gained in these endeavors, are the building blocks for the leaders of today to become the leaders of tomorrow.

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The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Light Up the Night Gourmet Glatt Sponsors Menorah Lighting at Andrew J. Parise Park

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community NYC Comptroller Scott M. Stringer hosted the Annual Jewish Heritage and Culture Night last week. Michoel Pruzansky kicked off the event with Chanukah songs.

A Mesiba Mishnayos at Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island On Sunday, November 29, the third grade classes of Rabbi Messner and Rabbi Spiegel at Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island celebrated their Mishnayos mesiba. Parents, grandparents and even some great-grandparents came to shep nachas, as the boys sang, learned and performed for our guests. One of the highlights of the event was the giving out of the Mishnayos. Rabbi Tzvi Krigsman, the Menahel of Yeshiva Ketana, mentioned how this day was truly a memorable day for himself for he has the opportunity to introduce his Menahel, Rabbi Binyomin Kamenetzky, Dean of Yeshiva of South Shore, to give out the Mishnayos. Rabbi Kamenetky is uncle of

Rabbi Spiegel and was also the menahel of Rabbi Messner, who learned at Yeshiva of South Shore as a young boy. Rabbi Kamenetzky is the pio-

neer who came to Long Island over 60 years ago to build Torah and one of the outgrowths of his work is Yeshiva Ketana. Rabbi Kamenetzky spoke to

the boys about the foundation which they are building in Torah to eventually build upon it as they grow into big talmidei chachomim.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

Around the Community

The Irving Place Minyan’s Chanukah Carnival was held on Monday, December 7 in their shul in Woodmere. Pictured here is Evan Scharaga, Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky, Rabbi Daniel Mehlman, Alex Scharaga, and Layla Karhu

Rambam Encounters Math Encounters

nce again, a Rambam student took the initiative and great things followed. Senior Yakov Weinberger, a National Merit Semi-Finalist, discovered a series at the Museum of Math in Manhattan called, “Math Encounters.” Working with the administration and the school’s “Culture Club,” Yakov was able to organize a trip to hear Donald Saari, a University of California Professor of Mathematics and Economics, as he discussed “The Mystery of the Masses.” He delved into those puzzling

voting paradoxes that demonstrate a problem: the voting systems used may not result in the election of the most favored candidate. By using mathematics to understand why these voting anomalies arise he was also able to create a framework for examining other mysteries, including the question of dark matter. Following the fascinating discussion, a number of the students were able to meet and engage Professor Saari in conversations about math and the politics of the day.

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

CHANUKAH SAMEACH!

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPA L HOSPITA L E P I S C O PA L H E A LT H S E R V I C E S I N C . W W W. E H S . O R G

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

Around the Community

Helping yo

u help

AT THE MESAMCHEI LEV PARLOR MEETING IN INWOOD THIS PAST MOTZAEI SHABBOS

PHOTO CREDIT: IVAN H. NORMAN

ikur Cholim of Far Rockaway and the Five Towns held their 34th Annual Brunch on Sunday, December 6 at Congregation Kneseth Israel (the White Shul). The Guest of Honor was Susan Edelman and the Tehillim Awardee was Rebbetzin Fay Sladowsky. The guest speaker at the event was noted author and lecturer Rabbi YY Rubinstein whose presentation was outstanding. The Brunch was extremely well attended.

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Chanukah Toy Drive Delights Local Families

his past Sunday, there were almost 50 people, adults and children alike, who came together to volunteer for the Jewish Community Council of Rockaway Peninsula (JCCRP) toy drive. Instead of checking updates on the Jets-Giants game, these volunteers gave of their precious time and spent it helping and organizing for the annual community toy drive. They unpacked toys, repacked toys, and made sure every child would walk out happy with the light of simchas Chanukah. The idea for the toy drive was created by Rochel Baron a”h, whose sensitivity was profound enough to care about children in need while she was sick. This year’s toy drive is in the zechus of another special person who the community lost this year; the JCCRP hopes that the amazing acts of kindness generated by the toy drive will be an aliyah for the neshama of Tamar Maxwell Swerdlik. The events leading up to the toy drive on Monday consisted of pure generosity, sensitivity and big-heartedness on the part of the entire local community. Many thanks to the grocery stores that opened their doors for the toys to be collected and donated very generous sponsorships for the toy drive: Brach’s, Gourmet Glatt, and Seasons enabled us to collect enormous amounts of toys by putting out collection bins. RiteLite helped with the toy drive significantly by donating many toys as well. The amazing residents of this

Can a hammer softly tell a story? See Rafi on page 100

community opened their hearts and donated beyond everyone’s expectations. People brought toys, donated money, and went shopping with their families to help bring Chanukah toys and joy to needy families. This past Monday, all the families came to pick up their Chanukah toys and gift cards for their children. The JCCRP is honored and delighted to have helped over 300 children from struggling families to receive their very own presents. Of course, none of this could be accomplished without the commitment and dedication of the JCCRP staff that worked on the project: Rena Baldinger, Yocheved Monczyk, Barbara Satt and Elisheva Trachtenberg. A big shout out goes to the amazingly devoted toy drive coordinators: Sara Austein, Rahely Fruchter, Lara Klein, Daphna Mishaan, Fraidy Osina, Rebecca Richman, Rocky Stern, and Lily Weichholz. The JCCRP is also very grateful to the UJA-Federation for being incredibly supportive in helping fund this endeavor and the entire community appreciates their continued support. The Jewish Services Coalition (JSC) also helped significantly and the JCCRP wants to thank them and their devoted efforts on behalf of the community toy drive. Thank you to all the participating schools that donated toys: Ateres Miriam, BBY, DRS High School, Little Friends Gan, Shulamis, TAG, and Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island. By facilitating this community-wide project from beginning to end, the JCCRP has been able to help create a Chanukah of perfect simcha for those in need, both parents and children alike, as well as bring an aliyah for the memory of Rochel Baron and Tamar Swerdlik. 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; we are located at 1525 Central Avenue (entrance on Foam Place), Far Rockaway, NY, 11691— Call the JCCRP at (718) 327-7755—or visit them on the web at www.jccrp.org

Local girls helping pack toys

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island

The students would like to thank the Captains, Sergeants, Members and Firemen of the

Inwood Fire Dept YKLI Visit 2015

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

HANC High School Brings Home the Hardware from the Weiner Tournament

The championship game was a defensive battle from the start with the Hurricanes’ Yoni Warshaw, Benji Greenberg, and Daniel Baruch playing shut down defense versus the talented Yavneh guards. At half-time the Hurricanes were trailing by just 2 points and the intense battle continued into the second half. Trailing by as many as 9 in the 3rd quarter, the Hurricanes dug deep by utilizing a strong defense including a momentum changing block from Alex Gross, timely offense from Yonatan Djourabchi, and clutch foul shooting by Ari Levine which allowed them to come back and win the game and the Tournament. The HANC girls played some great games in the tournament as well. They won two games against the Boyar School of Jerusalem but lost two to Ramaz and Yavneh by 1 point which ultimately cost them a chance at the title. Congratulations to Yonatan

his past weekend the HANC Hurricanes Boys’ Varsity Basketball team defeated Yavneh of Dallas 36-33 to win the 2015 Joseph and Florence Weiner Memorial Basketball Tournament. The tournament is hosted by the Beth Tfiloh School in Baltimore, Maryland, and consists of boys’ and girls’ varsity teams from around the world including the Boyar School of Jerusalem, Canada’s CHAT Wallenberg, and Yavneh Academy of Dallas. Over the first two days of the tournament the HANC boys defeated Beth Tfiloh, CHAT, and Boyar, which earned them a spot in the tournament playoffs. On Friday afternoon the Hurricanes defeated a relatively local rival in Kushner in the semi-finals to earn a trip to the championship game. After a phenomenal Shabbos at the school it was once again time for basketball as the Hurricanes were set to face Yavneh for the tournament championship.

Djourabchi on being named Tournament MVP and also on his selection to the All-Tournament First Team. Yoni Warshaw and Rachel Fellus each earned All-Tournament Second Team

honors. Overall, the students at HANC had an amazing time at the tournament and are already looking forward to Weiner Tournament 2016.

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s an enhancement to their English Language Arts class, students of grade 8 attended “Encore,” a Chamber Theatre Production in Hofstra University on Monday, December 7, the first day of Chanukah. The girls enjoyed a performance of five short stories, as well as a dramatic enactment of Edgar Allen Poe’s famous poem, “The Raven.” As they watched, students were mindful of the various elements of the theater.

From lighting to sound effects to the use of props and more, nothing escaped the keen eyes of our eighth grade critics. In the next few days, students will be writing reviews of the show, allowing them to hone their abilities to present opinions clearly and in an organized way. While they may not each be in agreement about what they enjoyed best, they all agree that the production was fun to watch!

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

Around the Community On Sunday, November 29, the Young Israel of Oceanside played host to a spirited Pre-Chanukah Bash. Azamra DJ handled the entertainment for the afternoon. We sang songs, danced and played a bunch of games that really got everyone into a festive mood. The event drew a large crowd of youngsters, and, in what has become a hallmark of our youth program, the age range was fantastic. Babies as young as 2 joined together on the dance floor with junior high school kids and all ages in between. We completed the fun with – what else? – doughnut holes! It was a phenomenally exciting afternoon!

Class 1A of Yeshiva Darchei Torah went on a trip to a nursing home this week in conjunction with the Middos Mission program. This month’s middah is nosei b’ol im chaveiro

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

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You gotta be kidding An army of Syrian soldiers with tanks, mortar, and infantry is traveling down the Golan Heights to attack Israel. They come over the top of a hill, and down below is a small Jew yelling at them: “Hey you loser, I’m here and waiting. Nu, send me a few of your best.” The Syrian commander angrily orders a group of infantry to attack. After the dust settles, there’s the Jew laughing. “That’s the best you got? I’ve seen tougher soldiers by the Hadassah ladies’ bazaar.” Enraged, the Syrian commander turns to his top colonel telling him to take a platoon of tanks and kill the pest. Again the dust settles, and again only the little Jew is left standing. “That’s it?” he yells. “That’s the best you could do? With this you’ll be lucky if you could defeat a Girl Scout troop.” The Syrian commander is beside himself with anger. He lines up his entire remaining division and gets ready to attack. Just then one of the wounded Syrian soldiers, lying on the battlefield, lifts his head and yells to his commander, “Go back, go back! It’s a trap! There are two of them!”

Chanukah Word Jumble Nteesprs � � � � � � � � Ltge � � � � Knaauhhc � � � � � � � � Tnghouud � � � � � � � � Aabcceem � � � � � � � � Xndraaler tehtreag � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Ytshiaaum � � � � � � � � � Hheuady � � � � � � � Rliedde � � � � � � � Sltkea � � � � � � Lio � � �

Riddle me

this?

At a Chanukah party, there was a humongous menorah. The window was wide open and Dovid lit the menorah. Suddenly, there was a massive wind that blew over the huge, 300-pound menorah while it was still lit. The candles didn’t blow out and no one was hurt. How is that possible? See answer on next page

Nrhomae � � � � � � � yptra � � � � � saib aaihhsmkd � � � �

� � � � � � � � �

heuaairslmyy � � � � � � � � � � � � hcpa � � � � ehgti � � � � � eehmns � � � � � � aaiochhsmmn � � � � � � � � � � �

See answers on next page

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

Fun Facts about Mr. Potato Head!

•

• • •

• In 1975,

•

• • •

the main potato part of the toy doubled in size and the dimensions of its accessories were similarly increased. This was done mainly because of new toy child safety regulations that were introduced by the U.S. government. In 1987, Mr. Potato Head became “Spokespud” for the annual Great American Smokeout and surrendered his pipe to Surgeon General C. Everett Koop in Washington, D.C. In 2000, Mr. Potato Head was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. To date, over 100 million Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head toys have been sold. In 2008, Andy Green of Iowa, took pictures of Mr. Potato Head with every candidate at the Iowa Caucuses except for Sam Brownback and Joe Biden. “I’m not saying his refusal to take a photo with Mr. Potato Head doomed his campaign,” Green says of Brownback. “But I’m sure it didn’t help that I was bad-mouthing him to a lot of people.” And Green says he’ll never forget Biden’s response: “I don’t take pictures with funny hats and funny toys.”

Jumble Answers: Presents; Gelt; Chanukah; Doughnut; Maccabee; Alexander the Great; Matisyahu; Yehudah; Dreidel; Latkes; Oil; Menorah; Party; Beis Hamikdash; Yerushalayim; Pach; Eight; Shemen; Chashmonaim

•

In the late 1940s, a man from Brooklyn, George Lerner, created a toy which consisted of face parts to stick onto real vegetables. It was called “Funny Face Man.” (Leave it to someone from Brooklyn to come up with an idea like that!) Toymakers were not interested in the toy because post-war families were accustomed to careful rationing and would not “waste” good vegetables as playthings for their kids. So the toy’s inventor settled for distributing the toy as the prize in cereal boxes. In 1951, Henry and Merrill Hassenfeld, brothers who owned a small school supply and toy company, bought the rights to the toy for $5,000 (Lerner would continue to get a 5% royalty). They changed the name to “Mr. Potato Head.” Within a year they made $4 million on the toy spud. In 1952, George Lerner created a plastic potato to come along with the parts. Mr. Potato Head was the first toy to be advertised on television. Mr. Potato Head found a wife in 1953, when Mrs. Potato Head was added to this toy line. The Potato Head family has since expanded to include Brother Spud and Sister Yam.

Answer to riddle: It blew over the menorah, it didn’t knock it down.

•

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Torah Thought

Parshas Mikeitz By Rabbi Berel Wein

The dreamer is about to be saved by dreams, albeit not the ones that he dreamt but rather those of an unlikely stranger – the Pharaoh of Egypt himself. But dreams are dreams and oftentimes they do not coincide with human reality. What makes Yosef so extraordinary in the eyes of Pharaoh was his ability to, so to speak, dream along with Pharaoh, interpret his dreams and translate them into practical lifesaving action.

he Torah here teaches us an important lesson about life and events. Everyone has dreams and again, so to speak, they are relatively easy to come by. Nevertheless, it is what follows the dream that counts most. The rabbis and the Talmud taught us that all dreams are judged and realized according to their interpretation. By this statement, they meant to teach us that what is actually done or accomplished with the dream becomes the lasting value of the dream itself. There are many dreams that remain just that – dreams, unfulfilled reveries, good ideas and rosy predictions that somehow never come to action or fruition. Yosef worked his entire life to make his dreams become real and true. He spared no effort to force his

brothers to recognize him as their leader and to validate the dreams that he reported to them in his youth. And it was his administrative skill and foresight that made his interpretation of the dreams of the Pharaoh accurate, meaningful and providential. It is only the behavior and actions of humans after the dream that give the dream a challenging and meaningful purpose. The Jewish people have long

There are many dreams that remain just that – dreams, unfulfilled reveries, good ideas and rosy predictions that somehow never come to action or fruition.

dreamt and prayed for their return to the Land of Israel and for the ingathering of the exiles to their homeland. Over the past century, in unlikely fits and starts, this dream has taken on reality and substance. And, it did so, certainly, with the help and guidance of Heaven but just as importantly with the actions, achievements and sacrifices of real people and the Jewish world everywhere. This great dream lay dormant for many centuries because no one acted upon it … more of a fantasy than

a possible reality. But somehow the Jewish people awoke from the slumber of the exile and over the past century has succeeded in bringing this dream to physical reality. It is difficult to assess why it was only in the recent past, historically speaking, that the practicality of the dream began to be emphasized and exploited. There were many great people and great Jewish communities that existed before our time who perhaps would have been deemed more worthy to give flesh and bones to the

great dream of Israel. Why did they not do so and why did Jews over the last century and a half devote themselves to the realization of this dream? That will remain one of the many mysteries of G-d that surround us on a regular basis. But one thing is clear, that the fate of dreams, national and personal, depends upon our practical, human interpretation and implementation of those dreams. Shabbat shalom.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Torah Shmuz

Chanukah G-d Fights Our Wars By R’ Ben Tzion Shafier

The Miracle of the Oil WHY DO WE CELEBRATE CHANUKAH?

“When the Yivanim entered the Bais HaMikdash, they defiled all the oil set aside for lighting the menorah. When the Chashmonoim were victorious, they searched and were able to find only one small jug of oil with the Kohain Gadol’s seal intact. It had sufficient oil to last only one day, but miraculously it lasted eight days. In honor of the miracle of the oil lasting eight days, Chazal inaugurated these days for Hallel and thanksgiving.” — Gemara Shabbos 21b

AL HA’NISIM: THE MIRACLE OF THE BATTLE

The Maharal states that this Gemara seems to contradict what we say in Al Ha’Nisim, a tefillah that was written by the Taanaim hundreds of years before. In the Al Ha’Nisim, we proclaim thanks to Hashem for the miracle of the war. We thank Hashem for delivering the Yivani armies into our hands. “You fought their battles, judged their judgments, took their revenge. You put the mighty into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few…” According to the Al Ha’Nisim, the miracle of Chanukah was that Hashem delivered us from the armies of the Yivanim. Yet the Gemara in Shabbos says that we celebrate Chanukah because of the miracle of the oil lasting eight days. The Maharal asks, “Which one is correct?” The Maharal answers that both reasons are true, and both are consistent with each other. The actual event for which we give thanksgiving and sing Hallel is the salvation of the Jewish people. We won a war against all odds. However, it wasn’t clear that the victory was a miracle. To people living in those times, the military success seemed to be natural. It was attributed to Jewish resilience and bravery. It didn’t appear that Hashem had delivered us from the hands of the Yivanim;

rather, it appeared as “their might, and the strength of their arms.” It was only through the miracle of the oil that they came to understand the miracle of the battle. Once people saw the oil last eight days – an overt miracle from Hashem — they

The miracle of the oil revealed to them the miracle of the war.

then came to see that their success on the battlefield was from Hashem as well. The miracle of the oil revealed to them the miracle of the war.

ISRAEL DIDN’T HAVE A STANDING ARMY

This Maharal becomes difficult to understand when we take into account a basic historical overview. The events of Chanukah take place around the middle of the era of the Second Bais HaMikdash. From the time that Bavel destroyed the first Bais HaMikdash up until that point, the Jewish people lived under the reign of gentile monar-

chies. Our right to exist and our form of self-government was decided by the ruling parties. We were a vassal state under foreign rule, and when the Yivanim entered Yerushalayim, the Jewish people did not even have a standing army. This wasn’t a war of a stronger army against a weaker opponent. It was a war in which the most powerful empire in the world was pitted against a band of unorganized, unarmed, private citizens. While the war itself lasted three years, during the entire first year of fighting there were no formal battles. Two armies were not squaring off against each other; there was no Jewish army. The fighting consisted of guerrilla skirmishes. Some Jews would sneak up on a lone detail of Yivani soldiers, kill them, and take their arms. Bit by bit, more Jews would join Yehudah Ha’Macabi, but at every point during the war, the Jews were far outnumbered, outgunned, and preposterously less battle-ready than their enemies. Even more startling is that almost all of the original fighters had no battle experience. The leaders of the rebellion were Kohanim. A Kohen is a Torah teacher, one who serves in the Bais HaMikdash, one who guides the klal Yisroel in ruchniyus (spiritual matters). He isn’t a soldier. So this was a war led and fought not by soldiers, but by roshei yeshiva. It was akin to Reb Shmuel

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

Kaminetsky leading his yeshiva in battle against the U.S. Marine Corps.

HOW COULD ANYONE NOT SEE THE MIRACLE OF THE WAR?

No intelligent assessment of the situation would have predicted a Jewish victory. How then is it possible that the Jews at the time saw these events as anything other than the miracles that they clearly were? The answer to this question seems to be that when one is many years away and far removed, he gains a historical vantage point. He is able to see an event in context and can easily recognize it as a miracle. But to those living in the dayto-day heat of the battle, it is much more difficult to see the event from that perspective. To those involved, it seemed to be a natural course of events. Granted the odds were slim, but the Jews won. Skirmish after skirmish,

battle after battle, the Macabees came out victorious. There is no question that they did well, which is why it seemed that their skill, their cunning, and their wisdom in battle won those wars. And as such, to people living in those times, the miracle was hidden. And then a single event focused their sight. When the Kohanim returned to the Bais HaMikdash and took out that little bit of oil that couldn’t possibly last for eight days and watched it remain aglow night after night, everyone knew it was miraculous. When they experienced the miracle of the oil, it reshaped the previous three years in their minds. Then they could see the battles themselves as the miracles that they were. Exactly as the Maharal said, “The miracle of the oil revealed the miracle of the battle.”

B’ZMAN HA’ZEH

In our own times, we witness an eerie parallel to these events and to

the same mistaken interpretation. For almost two thousand years we have existed as a lone sheep amongst seventy wolves. Universally hated and oppressed, the Jewish people have survived. And now, after almost 1900 years of wandering, we find ourselves back in our own land. Since 1948, the Jewish nation has witnessed profound miracles in the repopulation and development of the land of Israel. But it is the survival of our people that is the greatest miracle. In 1948, the population in the Middle East numbered roughly 650,000 Jews, surrounded by some 50 million Arabs. On May 15, 1948, one day after the State of Israel was declared, five nations attacked, each with well-trained armies and air forces, each alone capable of annihilating the small band of Holocaust survivors. At the time there was no Jewish army, navy or air force. Yet, against all odds, we won

that war, and against all odds we continued to win war after war – until now, ironically, when the Jews are considered the superpower in the region. To most people, Jew and gentile alike, it seems that this is just the way of the world. To the average witness to these events, it isn’t a demonstration of the hand of Hashem. It is just the ebb and flow of history. The lesson of Chanukah is to see behind the veil of nature, to tune our sight into the true cause of events, and to see that it is Hashem Who runs the world and fights our wars – then as now.

Rabbi Shafier is the founder of the Shmuz.com. The Shmuz is an engaging, motivating shiur that deals with real life issues. All of the Shmuzin are available free of chaarge at the www. theShmuz.com or on the Shmuz app for iPhone or Android.

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Between the Lines

The Tenacity of Hope By Eytan Kobre

There are no hopeless situations; there are only people who have grown hopeless about them. – Clare Boothe Luce

n the 1950s, Johns Hopkins University professor Curt Richter conducted a series of experiments designed to test the effects of hope. Placing two groups of laboratory rats in separate tubs of water, he left one group alone and observed how all the rats in that group drowned within a short time. The rats in the second group periodically were plucked from the water, held for a bit, and then returned to the water, where they continued to swim for several days. The difference? “After elimination of hopelessness,” posited Richter, “the rats do not die.” When the rats learned that they had reason to fight to stay alive—that is, when they learned they might be rescued at any moment—they did. They did not give up hope. As powerful a force hope can be for rodents, it is far more potent when harnessed by the human mind and spirit.

It was hope that buoyed Yaakov even decades after Yosef’s disappearance. Yaakov sent his sons to Egypt not only because “he saw that there were provisions in Egypt” (Bereishis 42:1) but because he discerned some “hope” for finding Yosef there (Bereishis Rabba 91:6; Rashi, Bereishis 42:1). For his part, Yosef’s entire existence depended on hope, holding onto it through the darkest and loneliest of times until his instantaneous and meteoric rise from jailed slave to viceroy (Bereishis 41:14). Then, as viceroy, Yosef doled out some of this hope to the Egyptian people, not just handing out food during the famine but “opening all that there was” in Egypt’s storehouses because he understood that the people needed more than just food—they needed hope (Bereishis 42:56 and Seforno ad loc.). Hope is perhaps the most indispensable of human emotions. “While man is alive, he has hope; once he dies, his hope is lost” (Yerushalmi, Berachos 9:1). Fortunate is the one who places hope in G-d (Tehillim 146:5; see also Tehillim 27:14), and we are to hold out hope “even if a sharp sword is pressed on [our] necks” (Berachos 10a). As Benjamin Franklin once opined, “Hope is an essential

constituent of human life.” Hope is what connects the person to the goal. Thus, one who finds a lost object may keep it only if the owner has given up hope of recovering it; if the owner still has hope, the finder may not be a keeper because that hope forms a bond between owner and object (Bava Metzia 21b). As long as there is hope, there is a connection. For this reason, no matter how desperate and overwhelming the situation, the Jewish people do not give up hope. That is and always has been the hallmark of our people. Chanukah embodies this national hope. What began as the hope for a military victory in the face of overwhelming odds turned into the hope of finding a remnant of oil in the defiled Bais HaMikdash, and when we found enough oil to last for only one night, we still did not give up; we held out hope that it would last for longer. And it did. Indeed, Chanukah endures to this day only because it conveys the eternal message of hope. After the destruction of the second Bais HaMikdash, many advocated doing away with Chanukah altogether; after all, it celebrated the rededication of the Bais HaMikdash, which now lay in ruins (see e.g. Rosh Hashana 18b). But, in the end, Chanukah

endured because it was not for naught. Yes, the Bais HaMikdash was destroyed, but the miracle—and the hope it engendered—had not been. What had transpired “in those days” could happen to us again “in these times.” We have clung to hope throughout the ages, and as much as the Jewish people have kept hope alive, hope has kept the Jewish people alive. Hope lies at the very core of Jewish survival and continuity. At times, we’ve used it to inspire others. The Continental Army arrived in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, in the winter of 1777, cold, hungry, and demoralized. Even then-General George Washington was beginning to have his doubts. It is said that Washington was walking among his troops when he saw one soldier sitting alone, huddled over two tiny flames. When Washington approached, the soldier explained that he was a Polish-Jewish immigrant, and the candles celebrated Chanukah—a festival commemorating the miraculous, centuries-old victory of his people over a tyrannical ruler. The soldier expressed his hope that, with G-d’s help, the Continental Army would do the same. Washington thanked the soldier and returned to the others, inspired

by the little flames and the reminder that miracles are possible, as long as there’s hope. And, as has been the case too often in our history, we’ve had to draw on our indomitable hope to sustain ourselves in our darkest hours. It was Chanukah in Bergen-Belsen and, of course, there was no oil, no candle, no menorah, no nothing. But the inimitable Jews still managed to craft a makeshift menorah from a wooden clog, a thread from a concentration camp uniform, and contraband shoe polish. Chanukah would still have its light, if but for a brief moment. The first night, the Bluzhover Rebbe lit the improvised menorah and recited the first two blessings in a festive melody tinged with sorrow and pain. But before reciting the third blessing, he paused and scanned the room. He then turned back to the menorah, and in a stronger, more purposeful voice recited the third blessing: “Blessed are You our G-d, King of the Universe, Who has kept us alive, preserved us, and allowed us to reach this occasion.” One of the assembled pushed his way to the Rebbe. “How can you thank G-d for allowing us to reach such a terrible occasion? This is

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‘keeping us alive’? For this you thank G-d?” “Like you,” answered the

derstood that if I am blessed to see people who maintain hope in the face of such dire

But before reciting the third blessing, he paused and scanned the room. He then turned back to the menorah, and in a stronger, more purposeful voice recited the third blessing

Rebbe, “I hesitated before reciting the third blessing. But then I saw throngs of my fellow Jews willing to sacrifice their meager existence to be here, their faces full of faith and devotion. And then I un-

circumstances, it is indeed a reason to thank G-d.” Hope is no less compelling on an individual basis. In the World to Come, we will be asked whether we hoped for redemption (Shabbos 31a).

This refers, of course, to the ultimate redemption of the Jewish people, but it also refers to redemption in our individual lives. Did we fall prey to hopelessness and despair, or did we cling to hope even in the face of daunting challenges and insurmountable odds? Did we sever or maintain that last vestige of connection to G-d and His deliverance? A metropolitan school system once devised a program to help children keep up with schoolwork during extended illnesses. In one such case, the assigned teacher took the child’s name and talked briefly with the child’s regular class teacher. “We’re studying nouns and adverbs in class now,” said the class teacher. The visiting teacher arrived at the hospital to find

the boy badly burned and in pain. She stayed for a while but left feeling she hadn’t accomplished much, if anything. But when she returned the next day, a nurse confronted her. “What did you say to that boy yesterday?” And, as if in response to the teacher’s quizzical expression, the nurse continued, “We’ve been worried about him, but now his whole attitude has changed. He’s fighting back and responding to the treatments. It’s as if he’s decided to live.” Two weeks later, the boy had recovered fully. He explained that he had completely given up hope until the visiting teacher arrived. That’s when everything changed. “After all,” explained the boy, “they wouldn’t bother sending a teacher to work on

nouns and adverbs for a dying boy, would they?” So, as you light the Chanukah candles this year, ask yourself: Would G-d “bother” performing the miracles of Chanukah—and the countless since—if our collective national future was anything but full of hope? Would He “bother” to keep us alive and give us all He has if our individual futures were not bright and brilliant? The lights offer the obvious answer. Of course not.

Eytan Kobre is a writer, speaker, mediator, and attorney living in Kew Gardens Hills with his wife and children. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? E-mail eakobre@outlook.com.

DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

The Observant Jew

Lighten Up By Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz

Do not be fooled by what you are about to read. It is not a Chanukah article. Sure, it may use certain Chanukah themes and you may even find yourself singing Maoz Tzur in your head over and over, but it is really about every day of our lives. With that disclaimer, we can begin.

n the Friday before Chanukah started, I was in the supermarket and saw that they were selling sufganiyot, those fried, stuffed donuts whose Hebrew name means “You will swell up like a life preserver from eating so many of these.” Not only were they selling them, but people were buying them to eat on Shabbos – before Chanukah! I wondered aloud to the yeshiva boys in line in front of me whether it might be considered baal tosif, adding to the mitzvah, which is forbidden. They smiled. It was a silly question. Of course it’s not baal tosif since it isn’t the zman, the time for Chanukah,

yet. Only once it is Chanukah could one eat doughnuts and reach the point of baal tosif. However, even that’s not possible since it appears the halachic requirement is to eat doughnuts “Ad d’lo yada,” until you don’t know the difference between caramel, custard, and chocolate cream fillings. It got me to thinking. Why were people starting the Chanukah season early? It reminded me of a very important Jewish concept. The menorah is to be lit at nightfall. As with most things in Judaism, when exactly that is is up for discussion. It seems that what constitutes day and night in our religion depends on your definition. The earliest point of our halachic “day” is alos hashachar, the rise of the morning star, in other words, the break of dawn. This is well before sunrise. The end of day, and the beginning of the night, is when three medium stars appear, well after sunset. There are different opinions on how long this takes and how black the night must be to be considered night. I don’t intend to give any halachic advice here, but there’s something striking if we take note of it. Day begins even before the sun comes up, when we’re “getting close” to sunrise. It’s not night until every last bit of light has gone away. In other words, we

seek out the light and as long as there’s a tiny bit, that’s enough for us to sense it and feel the world is being lit up. Each month, when we bless the new moon, we announce the molad, the moment when the moon will be “reborn,” giving off its first, imperceptible light. Once again, we are looking towards the moment when the cycle of

However, because they appreciated the bit of light they could have, even if it wasn’t as significant as they wanted it to be, they were blessed by Hashem with a sign of His favor. By seeking out and valuing the light, they merited even greater light. Perhaps that’s why people were eating doughnuts before Chanukah, because they

the light we’re looking for? That’s when we not only have to seek the light, but actually become the light that we and others are seeking. We can each become a beacon of light and hope for others, an example of enlightenment, by internalizing the quest for the bright side of life. So, when things seem dark and dreary, just remember to

Let us find illumination in even the tiniest spark and fan it into full glory to brighten the world in which we live.

brightness will begin again, seeking out the light. On Chanukah, we light a menorah to commemorate the miracle that took place when the Chashmonaim rededicated the Bais HaMikdash. They found a small jug of oil, with only enough to light for one day, and miraculously it lasted eight days until more oil could be produced. What if the people had felt, “This isn’t worthwhile. Let’s wait until we can get more oil and then we will light the menorah without interruption?” We would not have had the miracle, and we would not have this annual holiday.

could sense it coming close and they wanted to taste its beauty. This is a lesson for us to reflect on throughout the year, not just on Chanukah. Our lives have many bright moments, and even if we feel sometimes that the darkness is overwhelming, we must remember that all the darkness in the world cannot extinguish a single candle, but a single flame can dispel all the darkness. Let us seek out the light and celebrate it. Let us find illumination in even the tiniest spark and fan it into full glory to brighten the world in which we live. And if we don’t succeed in finding

lighten up, and be the light you’re looking for. Pretty soon, the world will be bathed in glorious splendor.

Jonathan Gewirtz is an inspirational writer and speaker whose work has appeared in publications around the world. You can find him at www.facebook.com/ RabbiGewirtz and follow him on Twitter @RabbiJGewirtz. He also operates JewishSpeechWriter.com, where you can order a custom-made speech for your next special occasion. Sign up for the Migdal Ohr, his weekly PDF Dvar Torah in English. E-mail info@JewishSpeech Writer.com and put Subscribe in the subject.

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

A Fulfilled L fe

The Maccabee in You By Rabbi Naphtali Hoff

s a leader, you know that leadership offers great opportunities to guide and inspire others, to set the agenda and see it to fruition. However, it also can place us in compromised situations, where we feel as if we have lost control of the situation around us and need to engage in damage control. There are even times when we step into a leadership role that did not previously exist in order to address a need, a problem or a concern, oftentimes a pressing one at that. Such was the case of Mattisyahu, the elderly Kohen who assumed an expanded leadership role at a time of great national duress in order to save his nation and the Torah that they treasured. In this article, I will aim to distill leadership lessons from within the broader historical context, lessons that we can apply within our own lines of work and our lives in general. 1. Understand the objective – For most of our nation’s history, we have lived in exile (either in the literal sense or in our homeland under foreign subjugation). While in exile, we enjoyed varying levels of freedoms and autonomy, but were generally content to subvert ourselves to our host nation so long as we were given the freedom to live religiously as Jews. Mattisyahu and his sons had no interest in attacking the Seleucid forces. They had fled to Modiin, a small hamlet on the outskirts of Yerushalayim, because they knew that it would give them a better opportunity to live a Torah lifestyle than in the now-Hellenized capital. Knowing what was of primary importance to them is what drove their

decision to relocate as well as all of their subsequent ones. It was also captured in the family surname, Maccabee, which formed their raison d’etre, “Mi kamocha b’eilim, Hashem?” (who is like you amongst the mighty ones, O God?) As leaders, we also need to know what’s most imperative and be willing to take the proper steps in order to achieve it. Clarity of purpose, as well the ability to visualize and articulate what success looks like, are two primary characteristics of successful leaders. While most decisions may not be of the “life or death” variety, we still need to establish guidelines that inform the moral, financial, retention-related, and other decisions that we must make. 2. Know what’s at stake – When Mattisyahu killed a Hellenized Jew as the latter was preparing to sacrifice a swine to Zeus, he did not do so in a vacuum. He recognized the collective threat posed by the Seleucid forces and the Hellenists. Both were eager to redefine Jewish attitudes and Jewish practice and placed Torah observance at the center of their destructive agenda. Mattisyahu understood that at such times of spiritual threat, definitive action must be taken, despite the odds. The takeaway for leaders is plain. Evaluate your circumstance. Identify potential threats and challenges and act as proactively as possible to thwart them. On the positive side, leaders need to recognize their core purpose and remain as focused as possible on advancing that cause. Too often, we get distracted by competing objectives or peripheral in-

terests and fail to invest sufficient energy on what’s really important. Staying above the fray and remaining attentive to your primary goals can make all the difference between achievement and failure. 3. Be a man – The great sage Hillel the Elder taught us that “in a place where there are no men, strive to be a man.” (Avos 2:6) At the time of the revolt against Antiochus, there was no formal Jewish leader in place. The position of Kohen Gadol had been filled by an unworthy imposter, a non-kohen who had bribed his way to the post. Mattisyahu recognized the void and stepped into it in order to offer hope and direction to a nation that was being bombarded by pressures to conform to foreign behaviors and values. Leadership is often about recognizing and filling a void. Perhaps this will take place within your own organization, such as expanding your original suite of services to meet an increased demand. Maybe it will require that you identify others who can assume responsibility to address the issue. Either way, the leader is someone who is not content to leave matters alone when they require attention. 4. Identify the right person for the job – Yehuda, Mattisyahu’s handpicked successor, was not the eldest son. Yet, when his father, on his deathbed, selected Yehuda to assume the reins of leadership, he did so because he recognized that his third son’s blend of piety, tactical skill and general capacity made him the right man for the job. This may or may not have been the most popular decision, but it was the choice that Bnei Yisrael needed in order to defeat the Seleucids. Oftentimes, leaders struggle with choosing the right person to assume positions of influence within their organizations. They may have a few

legitimate candidates, each with meaningful skill sets and experiences. Some may also be popular or well-connected. They may not, however, necessarily represent the most important qualities for the position. A leader needs to identify what it is that the position and circumstance demand and make the best possible selection, even if it means bypassing the popular choice and going beyond the organization to find the right fit. 5. Do what you can…and then pray – Yehuda was a great leader with many admirable physical qualities. Yet, he is recorded numerous times as leading his troops in prayer for success against the enemy. He understood that there was only so much that he could do; success, if it were to occur, would ultimately have to be divinely orchestrated. He also took no credit for his successes. Hashem was the root cause of his victories. Successful leaders do all that they can to achieve their goals. They invest all of the necessary effort and talent to meet and exceed their objectives. But they also need to be able to step back and bring their Maker into the picture. They pray for their success, knowing full well that it will not occur without His blessing. The struggle of Mattisyahu, Yehuda and the Chashmoniam offer us many insights into how to live inspired lives and lead change. Let us hope that the lessons that we have gleaned will help us in our capacities to bring added focus, fulfillment and sense of purpose to our tasks, so that we can lead optimally and bring our teams to new levels of achievement.

Rabbi Naphtali Hoff is President of Impactful Coaching & Consulting (www. ImpactfulCoaching.com). He can be reached at info@impactfulcoaching.com.

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Israel Today

The Whispering Hammer By Rafi Sackville

Tefillin boxes Rafi made

was in my early twenties when I met the man who changed my life. Rav Ze’ev Chaim Lifshitz, zt”l, was a man of great wisdom and patience. Using his unique blend of Torah, modern psychology and graphology, he possessed the necessary tools for understanding people. At one of our earliest meetings he revealed to me that I had a creative tendency that had yet to be tapped – I didn’t even know it existed. I accepted his suggestion and took two apprenticeships at a jeweler and a graphic artist. I disliked both. The same year, during the annual fair at Chotsot Hayotzer, opposite Jaffa Gate, I came across a large piece of brown leather. I sharpened a fork and knife and went about crudely forming a bag, which I still use today. Thus began my forty year passion in leather craftwork. I’ve made tefillin boxes, megillah and lulav cases, and bags of every shape and style. My commitment at work, however, finds me less in my leather workroom, although I occasionally banish myself there when I’m overcome with the need to create. Recently, the principal in the junior high school asked if I’d be willing to mentor five boys with severe behavioral

issues. Would I be willing to sit with them once a week and teach them how to work in leather? They are boys who speak with their hands and feet. Four of them use violence even when they’re being friendly. They yell instead of talk and regularly disturb classes. When I first met them I lowered my voice to the point they could barely hear me. It’s a trick I learned many years ago when playing with children: if you whisper, they usually whisper in reply. The effect is rewarding. Instead of shouting over one another, the boys take these subtle cues from me unawares. There was a point during the third lesson that I became conscious of the calm in the room. Rawhide mallets to stamp leather can be noisy when put into uninstructed hands. Therein lies the irony of the hours we spend together: the very tool synonymous with noise came to be used almost compassionately by the boys. It was as if the mallets were themselves whispering. Years earlier I was asked to run a leather workshop during summer camp at Darchei Torah. I taught the boys how to make bookmarks. They drowned the leather strips they’d been given in the water provided

instead of slightly wetting them. When the time came for them to use the mallets the noise was so deafening I had no option but to leave the room. Most of the strips of leather became mangled and useless. On the way out of the room, one of the boys looked up at me and said, “Mr. Leatherman, that was the best time I’ve had since I began camp.” That little boy taught me a lesson in education I’ll never forget. He had enjoyed himself while pounding that strip of leather into a hamburger and wished to share that feeling with me. Oftentimes educators miss the cues their students are sending them. There are times when we think they understand us when they don’t, and times we think they are lost when they actually comprehend. My experience, particularly my habit of observing students when they don’t know I’m watching, helps me better cater to their needs. Four of the boys I am currently working with are needy and easily accessible. Press the right button and they are instantly receptive. One of boys is very troubled. Let’s call him Noam. His life is one high wall to climb after another. On our first day together he wanted to walk out with a finished

product. I told him it would take three weeks. When his sense of instant gratification wasn’t satisfied, he began to panic. That led to the constant mantra of begging me to do the work for him. I politely refused, and I refused while whispering. His initial reaction was to stop working. He thought that his non-compliance would touch a chord with me. It didn’t. He must have asked me twenty times – and every time in a whining, high pitched voice. The more I refused him, the angrier he became. As mantra-like as he, I repeated the same refrain over and over: “Do it yourself, Noam. I’ve shown you how. You can do it. You can do it.” Never once did I budge from my position. This went on for three weeks until he eventually succumbed to my supplications. He worked silently for over half an hour. He was methodical, careful and diligent. His product, the key chain, was complete. The look of joy on his face was priceless. He was so proud that he had done it himself. I reinforced the message with words of encouragement and sent him on his merry way. Working with kids at risk is very rewarding. Many of my students arrive at school without food in their stomachs; Sundays is a day I

find the need to bring a few more slices of bread with me. Some students are at risk because their parents have no time for them. Others come from homes that struggle financially. Many of the students who have “gone missing” won’t have the opportunity to wield a mallet in a class with me. That is something I cannot control. I can only help those who cross my path. I cherish my time with them. Some of my students are similar to those that crossed my path while we were living in New York; they aren’t difficult to recognize wherever they live. More to the point, it takes regular teachers out of their comfort zone, which is a zone necessary to inhabit regardless of the frequency of the need. As Noam was recently walking out of class holding his newly-made keychain he stopped at the door. “Rafi, why are we always whispering?” I looked at him and smiled. “Whispering? I wasn’t aware we were doing anything of the sort.”

Rafi Sackville, formerly of Cedarhurst, teaches in Ort Maalot in Western Galil.

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Jewish History

Adventurer, Missionary, Conman, and Political Activist The Incredible Story of Ignatz Timothy Trebitsch-Lincoln Trebitsch in 1904, after his return to Europe following his stint as a missionary in Canada. By this time Trebitsch had tired of his religious role and was looking to expand his horizons into politics

By Rabbi Pini Dunner

Part I

ne sultry afternoon in the summer of 1943, a young Jewish journalist called Anna Ginsbourg gingerly entered the imposing YMCA building on Bubbling Well Road in Shanghai, China. The YMCA was by far the largest building in Shanghai, and it was overflowing with European refugees who had found themselves in the Far East while war raged across the world. Ginsbourg informed the receptionist she had come for an appointment with one of the residents, a Buddhist monk called Chau Kung. Ginsbourg, a feisty woman in her early thirties, had been seeking an audience with the monk for months, desperate to interview him for the local Jewish refugee newspaper. Eventually she received word that he had consented to meet her, and the day of the meeting had finally arrived. After a short wait in the chaotic reception area Ginsbourg was shown into a quiet side room.

Chau Kung was already there, waiting for her, dressed in his ceremonial robes and a black cloth skullcap that almost completely covered his shaven head. He eyed her up and down, and motioned for her to sit down. “What language would you like to interview me in?” he asked her in English, his voice high-pitched but soft. “English, German, or Yiddish?” His crinkled face broke into a smile, and Ginsbourg smiled back at him. For Grand Abbot Chau Kung of Shanghai, the Japanese government recognized Dalai Lama of Tibet, was none other than Ignatius Timotheus Trebitsch-Lincoln, the notorious Hungarian-born Jewish fraudster and fugitive, erstwhile Christian missionary, Liberal member of the British parliament, German spy, and political agitator, who had over the previous fifty years been arrested and imprisoned in multiple countries and whose varied life story was more remarkable than the most imaginative fiction. The interview with Ginsbourg would be the last interview Tre-

bitsch-Lincoln ever gave after a lifetime of desperately seeking notoriety and fame. A couple of months later Trebitsch-Lincoln was dead, struck down by a mysterious stomach ailment. There were those who believed he had been poisoned by the Nazis, who had contemplated using him in a scheme against the British. Others simply believed that his unhealthy and frenetic life had hastened his untimely death. Whatever it was, on that July afternoon in the peaceful setting of the YMCA building side room, as Ginsbourg scribbled notes and sipped green tea, Trebitsch-Lincoln presented her with a final version of his life story, a story so magnificent, so dramatic, and so unbelievable, that it deserves to be retold, even if the man himself does not deserve to be remembered. Ignatius Timotheus Trebitsch-Lincoln began his life as Yitzchak Trebitsch, born in the spring of 1879 to a devout family that belonged to the breakaway “Status Quo” Orthodox community of Paks, Hungary. The Paks Jewish community was

tiny, barely exceeding one thousand souls. Breakaway communities in Hungary were extreme and inflexible, refusing to belong to any government-recognized organ, even if it was Orthodox, believing that official recognition inevitably led to assimilation. Trebitsch’s father, Nathan, was a successful businessman who owned

Rabbi Eliezer Zussman Sofer was the uncompromising rabbinic figure who led the Paks community while Trebitsch was growing up

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

a fleet of barges transporting grain to cities across the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His wife, Julia, hailed from the distinguished Freund family. Nathan was a dogmatic and forceful personality fully supported in his strict application of Orthodox Judaism by Julia, who bore him fourteen children, or possibly sixteen, several of whom died in infancy. Trebitsch was the second son of six who survived. The oldest, Vilmos, was a child genius who later descended into mental illness and never recovered. The other boys went in multiple directions, none of them retaining the Orthodoxy of their youth into adulthood. The rabbi of Paks during this period was a renowned Talmudic scholar, Rabbi Eliezer Zussman Sofer (1830-1902), devoted disciple of Rabbi Abraham Shmuel Binyamin Sofer (no relation), the Ketav Sofer of Pressburg (Bratislava), and an uncompromising traditionalist who rejected any contact with the outside world. Perhaps at Rav Sofer’s urging, Nathan sent his second son to Pressburg at a young age to study at the renowned Pressburg yeshiva. The experience was formative, not

substantial. But in 1893 the stock market crashed, and he suffered a substantial loss of money. Desperate to rebuild his financial capital, he cashed out his shares at a loss and invested the money in various business ventures, all of which ultimately failed. The once prosperous Trebitsch family was suddenly reduced to struggling for their survival. This change of circumstances had a profound effect on the young Trebitsch, resulting in a lifelong distaste for capitalism, a system that had so dramatically destroyed his family’s life. But rather than turn him into a Socialist or a Communist, as was so common during that period, the tragic circumstances of his father’s financial ruin turned him into a cynical, amoral crook with an insatiable desire for money. In early 1897 Trebitsch was accused of stealing an expensive gold watch in Budapest. At around the same time, accusations of petty theft emerged in the Italian port of Trieste. In both instances he evaded arrest, as by the time the accusations were made he was nowhere to be found. His restless nature had by now resulted in his

Rather than turn him into a Socialist or a Communist, as was so common during that period, the tragic circumstances of his father’s financial ruin turned him into a cynical, amoral crook with an insatiable desire for money.

because it brought the young Trebitsch closer to his Judaism, but because it exposed him to the German language, which he mastered quickly and comprehensively, enabling him to widen the scope of his exposure to non-Jewish culture and studies. In the early 1890’s the Trebitsch family moved to Budapest so that Nathan could turn the provincial family business into something more

traveling frequently from one country to another, not so much because he was heading towards a particular destination, but rather he seemed to enjoy the constant journey. He restively flitted around Europe – and possibly North and South America – never staying anywhere for too long. Indeed, the nomadic bug would become a lifelong hallmark, and he always seemed to be on the move.

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In the summer of 1897 he arrived in England, probably to attend the widely advertised Diamond Jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria. There he fell in with Christian missionaries through the efforts of an indefatigable Jewish convert to Christianity, Reverend Chaim Lypshytz of the Barbican Mission to the Jews. The missionaries in London’s East End district were extremely active among foreign Jewish immigrants, offering them free lodgings and food in exchange for attending classes in Christian theology. Whether Trebitsch had any interest in conversion at the time, or whether he was simply looking for a free place to stay, is hard to know. What we do know is that some months later he left the hostel simultaneous to the disappearance of a gold watch and chain belonging to Mrs. Lypshytz, along with a passport belonging to a fellow resident. Trebitsch reappeared in Hungary, but didn’t stay there for long. With his family in disarray as a result of Nathan’s financial problems, he tried unsuccessfully to find work. Accused yet again of stealing a gold watch, in late 1898 he left Hungary and went to Hamburg, where he found refuge in the Irish Presbyterian mission house. This was a Christian facility run by another convert from Judaism, a former bank clerk turned pastor called Arnold Frank. Under Frank’s influence Trebitsch began studying for conversion to Christianity, and in December 1899, a few months after the sudden and unexpected death of Nathan, Trebitsch was formally baptized into the Christian faith. The conversion idea was no doubt enhanced by his introduction to a young German gentile woman called Margarethe Kahlor. She was an unlikely match for the restless young Trebitsch. The daughter of a retired sailor, she was two years older than him and had given birth to an illegitimate child in 1897. Perhaps it was this factor that made the idea of Trebitsch courting Margarethe more acceptable to her parents. Whatever it was, he became a frequent visitor to their home. Every visit would apparently end with Trebitsch leading the

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family in passionate prayer, on their knees, eyes closed, arms raised, as he cried out, “Deliver us from all sins and purify our hearts!” The Kahlors were fairly wealthy and this was certainly an important factor for Trebitsch, whose desire for money was boundless. It was agreed that the young couple would marry once he found a way to make a living, and the plan was for him to become a Christian minister after having trained at a theological seminary. So, after his conversion, Trebitsch joined a Lutheran college in a small town called Breklum, near the Danish border, to train for the ministry but he found college life exceptionally boring and was soon back in Hamburg. For some reason Trebitsch now hopped onto a boat and sailed to Canada, where he spent a few weeks at an ailing missionary church in Montreal before traveling to New York. But within a couple of months, following an intense exchange of correspondence, he had convinced the presiding minister of the Montreal mission, Revd. John McCarter, to engage him as his assistant, and he returned to Montreal and began trying to convert Jews to Christianity. Among his Christian friends Trebitsch could not have been more popular. They found his enthusiasm infectious, and his zeal inspiring. But the Jews of Montreal found this opinionated, insidious convert, who regularly knocked on their doors to missionize and who tried to hand out Yiddish translations of the Gospels on the streets of the Jewish neighborhoods, repulsive and annoying. Not that the hostility towards him diminished Trebitsch’s commitment to his new calling. He frequently gave public speeches on street corners and was ready to debate any Jew who engaged with him. And while he continued with his missionary work, he also concluded his theological studies at McGill University, and within a year he had graduated as a fully-fledged Lutheran cleric. In the early summer of 1901 he wrote to Margarethe and asked her to join him in Montreal. Within weeks she had arrived, and in July of that year they were married by Revd. McCarter. But all had not gone

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according to plan. Although Margarethe’s father had made promises of a dowry, the amount of money he sent with his daughter was woefully insignificant in the eyes of the greedy Trebitsch, and it soon became evident that no more money was on the way. For a couple of years Trebitsch desperately tried to build up his own Christian mission and use his activities to solicit church funds and missionary society funds. But although he seems to have been a very popular public speaker and was well regarded for his effervescent enthusiasm, his admirers failed to deliver the financial support he needed for even his family’s most basic needs. When Margarethe’s sister died in early 1903, Trebitsch abruptly gave up the Montreal mission, and, without saying goodbye to anyone, returned to Hamburg with Margarethe. He then left his pregnant wife with her parents and traveled to London, where he attempted to get a job with the London-based parent organization of the missionary society. But between Revd. Lypshytz’s undisguised disdain for the man who stole his wife’s watch and slowly emerging information of financial irregularities perpetrated by Trebitsch in Montreal, the London missionaries were reluctant to engage him and turned him away. Trebitsch was unfazed by his failure with the missionaries, and he now took a job as curate in the parish of Appledore, a sleepy village in the southwest of England. How he got the job is unclear, as he was not authorized as an Anglican minister by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and although it was some months before he took it, he failed the basic priesthood entry test, getting miserable scores, even in the Hebrew section. In July Margarethe gave birth in Hamburg to their second son, their first having died shortly after birth in Montreal. They named this newborn Ignatius Emanuel, and Margarethe joined her husband in Appledore soon afterwards. Things were not going well. His superficial knowledge of the gospels and of basic church practice were slowly catching up with him, and had it not been for a

Revd. Chaim Christlieb Traugott Lypshytz, convert to Christianity, worked hard to convert Jewish immigrants in London to Christianity. He looked after Trebitsch after he landed in London in 1897

lucky break that allowed him to leave the priesthood, he would have been unceremoniously defrocked within a short period of time. The lucky break, if you can call it that, was the unexpected death of Margarethe’s father, Captain Johann Kahlor. Suddenly, and for the first time in his life, Trebitsch came into some money. He immediately moved to Hampton-on-Thames, a suburb of London, and began to live like a country squire, for the first time using an English last name: Lincoln. He bought a large house, furnished it, and started to buy books on economics and politics, as his focus shifted away from spiritual pursuits to these more temporal interests. Within eighteen months he was actively looking for employment in the political sphere and eventually applied for a job as director of the Temperance Society, an organization that fought against the evils of alcoholism and against the distilleries and breweries who underpinned this social problem. He did not get the job, but as fate would have it, as a result of the interview he came to the attention of the society’s principle funders, a wealthy industrialist called Benjamin Seebohm Rowntree.

Benjamin Seebohm Rowntree, the British Quaker industrialist and social pioneer who was taken in by Trebitsch’s charm and linguistic expertise. He hired Trebitsch as his personal private secretary, but would later regret having ever met him

Seebohm Rowntree was a fascinating and decent man, who would later regret the day he had ever met Trebitsch. He was born in York, into a wealthy Quaker family. His father, Joseph Rowntree, started the famous cocoa and chocolate company bearing his name, which by the end of the nineteenth century was one of the largest employers in Great Britain. Benjamin was an indefatigable social activist who over the years funded and was involved in various research projects whose aim it was to reveal the true extent of poverty in Britain at the time by demonstrating how many thousands of families and individuals were living below what he referred to as the “poverty line,” a term he invented to define the minimum amount of money required for people to house themselves and keep themselves warm, clothed and fed at a basic subsistence level. For some reason, Seebohm Rowntree took a liking to Trebitsch. He was fascinated by his ability to speak multiple languages, flowing seamlessly from one to another. Trebitsch also impressed him with his wide, if not deep, knowledge of numerous subjects. For Seebohm Rowntree, Trebitsch’s value lay in the fact that he could conduct research for him in European countries and then convey

that information back to him and his team in flawless English so that it could be examined and analyzed together with similar British data. He appointed Trebitsch as his personal private secretary and awarded him a generous salary plus a travel allowance that paid for any expenses associated with travel on his behalf. How he could have been so naïve is hard to understand. Perhaps it was Trebitsch’s obsequious middle-European charm, or perhaps Trebitsch was just the right person appearing at the right time, when he had a specific need for a linguist to liaise this particular project. Either way, Seebohm Rowntree’s connection with Trebitsch, although it would last for several years, proved to be a disaster from the very beginning.

In Part II find out: how Trebitsch generated a massive diplomatic row over books he “needed” from the French government; how he was unexpectedly elected Liberal MP for Darlington in 1910, only to lose his seat in Parliament shortly afterwards; how he later went spectacularly bankrupt, owing fortunes of money to multiple creditors; how he got caught up in a devastating energy commodity scandal; and how he became an espionage agent for multiple countries during the First World War. The story about the Orthodox Jewish boy from Hungary and erstwhile Christian missionary just gets stranger and stranger.

Rabbi Pini Dunner is the Rav of Young Israel North Beverly Hills in California.

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456 Central Ave., Cedarhurst, NY 11516 | (516) 791-1925 Sun: 11-6 | Mon-Thurs: 11-7 | Fri: 10:30-1:30

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Parenting Pearls

Anger By Rabbi Dani Staum, LMSW

In the previous article we discussed how to help a child deal with his/ her own anger. In this article we will focus on how parents should best relate to their temperamental child.

Part IV

hen a person becomes angry, it is an obvious sign that whatever has stimulated that anger is truly vexing to that person. Perhaps we may look at the situation and feel that their anger is unwarranted and unjustified, but we need to realize that at that moment their anger is real. We should never discount feelings (including our own) and especially those of children. Our feelings are part of our reality and cannot just “go away” or be squelched at will. In fact, doing so can only exacerbate those suppressed issues at a later time in a more explosive manner. Therefore, our first step is to validate the anger by simply acknowledging it. Often that alone helps the child calm down. Conversely, when we reply with our own anger or attempt to impose immediate punishments, it results in further anger and

chutzpah. This does not mean that every time a child gets angry we have to accept that this is who the child is and we should deal with the external factors. We unquestionably can, and often must, deal with misplaced anger. We must try to guide the child, often by explaining how he may have misjudged the situation, as well as how to handle his own angry feelings in a sociably acceptable and healthy manner. But that is all after the fact. In the heat of the moment our job is to recognize and accept the child’s anger and try to help him navigate himself through it so that he can calm down. When a person is having an angry outburst, he/she is not in “thinking mode.” When consumed with anger one views everything that is happening in a highly emotional state. No one would try to rationalize with a drunk and explain to him why drinking is detrimental to his health and why he needs to stop. At that point the goal is to get the drunk into bed and out of harm’s way. Only when he sobers up can he be guided to reflect upon his drinking problem and try to realize the danger involved. Similarly, while a child is “tantruming” it is ineffective – and, in fact, generally counterproductive – to try to compel the child to calm down with warnings and threats. We can emphatically remind the child that even when angry he cannot act or

speak inappropriately. However, the primary goal at that moment is to diffuse the situation. Many children with anger issues (who we will heretofore refer to as “the explosive child”) experience a repeat of the following scenario: A peer or sibling pushes the child’s buttons. This can often be done in a subtle but purposeful manner, knowing from past experience that the explosive child will overreact and end up in trouble. Then, when the explosive child indeed overreacts and ends up in trouble, the “aggressor” is overlooked, leaving the explosive child feeling all the more angry and resentful. However, because of past experience knowing that he is the one held accountable because he overreacted, he seeks to squelch his angry feelings, which only leads to further blowups later on when he feels he can’t handle it any longer. For this reason, once everyone has calmed down it is very important that the situation be reviewed. Although the explosive child must be held accountable with appropriate consequences for what he has said/done in his anger, we must also seek to understand what caused him to become angry, i.e. what was the precipitating factor. If he was incited by another child, that must be dealt with as well, and the explosive child should be made aware that it is being dealt with so he feels he is not being viewed as a pariah because of his anger. When reviewing a blow-

up, it is most helpful if it can be done with all parties involved. This can be time-consuming and draining, and a parent or teacher may often not have time or patience to hear everyone out. However, if this can be done even occasionally, it can be extremely beneficial. This is especially true for the explosive child who feels that he is often not heard because he “gets in trouble” because of his behavior while angry. It is additionally helpful for the explosive child to review the situation from the other child’s perspective, which is something many children (and adults) have a hard time doing. Trying to review a situation from someone else’s perspective is in fact great training for life! (The child’s future wife and mother-inlaw will be ever grateful to you for teaching him/her this vital skill.) When the situation is being reviewed, the more we are able to allow the parties involved to speak to each other the more beneficial it is. We should try as much as possible to help each side feel that we are impartial and merely want to help everyone understand what occurred. This is very different than understanding what happened in order to mete out consequences which places everyone on the defensive. It is for this reason that this form of discussion is most meaningful after consequences have been given and the situation has calmed. The challenge is that once the situation has finally calmed we may have no

patience to reopen that Pandora’s Box. But that is when real growth can occur. What other ideas can we convey to the explosive child to help him? When do we need to seek outside intervention? How do therapists help the situation more than we can do as educators? These points will be discussed iy”H in our final article about anger.

KEY POINTS

• Our first step must be to acknowledge the child’s anger • We need to ensure that even when the explosive child is deserving of consequences his perspective still needs to be heard • As much as possible, we should try to review the situation after the fact in a non-judgmental fashion

Rabbi Dani Staum, LMSW, is the Rabbi of Kehillat New Hempstead. He is also fifth grade Rebbe and Guidance Counselor in ASHAR in Monsey, and Principal of Mesivta Ohr Naftoli of New Windsor, NY, and a division head at Camp Dora Golding. Rabbi Staum offers parenting classes based on the acclaimed Love & Logic Program. For speaking engagements he can be reached at stamtorah@gmail.com. His website is www.stamtorah.info.

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Dr. Deb

Did We Forget How to Parent?

By Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.

I was rereading a therapy magazine from 1999 – so the problems were full-blown even back then – and it related the following: In a difference of opinion between a child and her mother who wanted the TV shut off, as the mother’s demand became stronger, the child finally used a swear word on her mother. That child was eight-years-old.

nd this is not an inner-city family. It is a socio-economically privileged family whose mother spends time toting her daughter to after-school activities and the like. This young girl also does well in school and is liked by her peers. What’s going on? Why the language? The article was filled with similar stories including those of kids who hit and kicked their parents when they didn’t get their way and another child who didn’t like anticipating the arrival of a new baby and smashed a

baseball bat into her mother’s belly. The author, Ron Taffel, was compelled to interview parents to try to find out what was missing in their approach. It turns out that parents – who may have suffered harsh discipline themselves growing up – are afraid to do the same to their children. So they do nothing. Maybe their child needs to “get out” their anger, they’re thinking. If so, then letting them vent should be a good thing. Of course, it isn’t good and the venting never ends. But this is only the beginning of the problem. What Taffel found is that these same parents who are afraid to injure their children by punishing them also don’t like their children’s company. (Can you blame them? The children are rude, spoiled, angry, unpleasant.) So they make no attempt to share time with them, listen to them or relate to them – other than to bark orders when their patience finally wears thin. When this article was written, there were few cell phones. Today the problem is worse. Other than Shabbos, I just about never see a parent pushing a stroller with a child and actually engaging with that youngster. The parent will be – 99-to-one – on the phone. And I often have the urge (which I manage to control) to point out to these parents that this precious time will be over before they know it, so put the phone away

and talk to your child! In fact, Taffel found, on interviewing the kids, that they craved parental attention even if they would never admit it to their parents. How much more so today when people’s eyes and ears are glued to their devices. Why is the person who is not with you more important/more interesting than the one who is? This is how the cycle seems to me to have gotten to this place: Parents have no map of how to handle their children since they were not handled in an ideal way themselves. They are afraid to discipline but there isn’t much attention, love, and affection given either. This leads to two problems with the children: First, the children are out of control because no one ever set up limits and boundaries for them. Second, the children are very unhappy because they have no clue how to get their needs met; they feel lost and alone. So, if you only pay attention to the first problem – the obnoxious behavior – you can fall into the trap of not even liking your own child, chas v’chalila. You then may want to become punitive yourself, the very thing that you were trying to avoid. You may end up saying mean things to the child about his or her personality which doesn’t help and only hurts. And you, the parent, are stuck not knowing how to get out of this mess.

If you only pay attention to the second problem, you take the child to a shrink so that the child is put on “meds” for “his” depression, anxiety, alienation, and so forth. You, however, still don’t know how to handle this depressed but unruly child. The only way out is to look at the big picture. The child is both ill-mannered and depressed (or angry or anxious). And the cure is one thing only: a good relationship with you. Not that that is easy. Having a good relationship is what you wanted in the first place but didn’t know how to achieve. So I would like to break down the elements, from my view, of a good parent-child relationship: Boundaries must be slowly built. Boundaries go both ways. I would never enter my children’s rooms without knocking. When they received mail, back in the day when they lived at home, I did not look at the return address because that would be nosey. Boundaries are a way of creating the fertile soil for respect. We don’t interrupt, yell, criticize, blame, say mean things, show contempt. When the child says something disrespectful, I would suggest initiating the following conversation: “I realize that we have not been speaking nicely to each other. I’m as guilty as you are. But I am starting fresh because I want to do the right thing. So I won’t be disrespectful to you and I’m expecting the

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

same from you, too.” The above conversation probably won’t work at first because another thing that has been missing from the mix all this time is caring. You may care for your child, but the child

on outings, or watch videos together. Playing charades, Simon Says and other stepping-around games are great for younger children. Arts and crafts are also an option. I know many fathers and sons who bond

The child is both ill-mannered and depressed (or angry or anxious). And the cure is one thing only: a good relationship with you.

may not realize it. Caring is shown, first of all, by listening. You will then say, “But my child won’t talk to me!” An atmosphere for conversation and sharing can be built by doing fun family activities together. Some families play cards, scrabble, chess or other games. Some do puzzles, go

over Legos. Acceptance of the person is an absolute necessity. No matter how much trouble your child has caused, accept who he is. What if you really don’t? Then you are conflating the person with the actions. Why are you doing that? Are you unable to

tease apart the person underneath? How did this happen and when? Take some time and pour over baby pictures to get back the feelings you had before things went wrong. Do some deep breathing and imagine a real relationship and how nice that will be. If you are very honest with yourself and acknowledge that this is still a problem, then you should get outside help to figure out how to get over that barrier. A key part of loving is giving, but how much? Some parents give so much of their own time and money that they have lost themselves – and the child may not appreciate it anyway. Consider the cost of Chanukah gifts – have you overdone it? Are you trying to buy your child’s love? Don’t think for a moment that material things will ever make up for a relationship that lacks time shared together with quality conversation thrown in. On the other hand, children should get some gifts because this creates a happy atmosphere. After all, it is a holiday in which your

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child knows everyone else is receiving something. One must be careful in how much time, attention, and material things are given to children. The Goldilocks rule applies here: not too much and not too little. Let’s start fresh with our children: That is possible, no matter how far and how long you have veered down the wrong path. The responsibility to teach them is in your hands. And miracles do happen.

Dr. Deb Hirschhorn is a Marriage & Family Therapist and best-selling author of The Healing Is Mutual: Marriage Empowerment Tools to Rebuild Trust and Respect—Together. Attend the Food For Thought lectures at Waffelino Restaurant at 310 Central Avenue in Cedarhurst on Tuesdays at 9:45 AM. Any questions, call 646-54-DRDEB or check out her website at http://drdeb.com. All stories in Dr. Deb’s articles are fabricated. See Dr. Deb on TorahAnytime.com.

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Madraigos

The Art of Connection By Moshe Glaz, MS-CASAC

Our world is seemingly more “connected” than ever before—we can open WhatsApp and talk to a group of friends or family members all at one time. But are we experiencing true “connection”?

here is a famous Medrash (Sifra) which states, “Rabbi Akiva said that the mitzvah to love your fellow as yourself is the fundamental principle of the Torah. The term ‘as yourself’ is not just telling us to love others as much as we love ourselves, but that we should love others in the same manner that we love ourselves.” How is this possible? We have self-love not because of a specific quality that we may have like our looks, intelligence, or sense of humor, but rather because we are simply “programmed” to love ourselves. But loving others is a different story. While parents love their children unconditionally, the love we have for non-family members is usually based on a specific reason. For example, we may like being around someone because they make us laugh or they are the type of person we want to emulate. However, loving others because of a personality trait, social status, or how they make us feel can be problematic. The Mishnah in Avot (perek 5, mishnah 16) tells us that when love is based on something and that something is no longer there, the love disappears. Similarly, the American theologian, Charles Stan-

ley, reflects, “If we have built on the fragile cornerstones of human wisdom, pride, and conditional love, things may look good for a while, but a weak foundation causes collapse when storms hit.” So the question arises: is it possible to love other people with the same unconditional love we have for ourselves and our children? In essence, all Jews are like one person, constructed of various different parts. As the Yerushalmi says, “All Israel is one body.” The seforim explain that all Jews are from a singular essence. It is only when the Jewish souls descend into the physical world do they take on separate selves. Therefore, a Jew’s love for his fellow Jew is not love of another person but the love of himself or herself since in essence we are truly one. Nevertheless, if a person’s self-concept is that he is just a body, then he cannot love another Jew as he loves himself since the other Jew is a separate body. On the other hand, if a person sees himself as a soul and lives a spiritual life, then it becomes possible to love another Jew as he loves himself. This is because he sees the other Jew as a soul and two souls recognize that they have a Common Source and are truly one. Is connecting with our fellow Jews reserved for just the holy few who identify themselves more with their souls than their body? Surely this cannot be the case since the Torah speaks to all Jews. So, how do we truly connect to our fellow Jew? According to the Mesilas Yesharim, external actions ignite inner emotions. For example, if we want to induce feelings of happiness, we put on fast music and dance, and if we want to engender feelings or compassion we

gaze at images of sick children or the elderly. In other words, we don’t have to be of high spiritual stature in order to really connect with others, we simply need to engage in behaviors which foster connection and the internal feelings of closeness and oneness will follow. Activities which are conducive in igniting inner feelings of closeness are those which create a common ground between the participants. Casual activities such as sharing meals together, talking together, and having fun together are all examples of these kinds of common ground activities. This concept is clearly seen amongst Chassidim. In order to create a strong bond between Chassidim, the great early Chassidic masters placed a great emphasis on the Chassidim regularly getting together to shmuz, eat, drink, dance, laugh, and, when appropriate, cry – together. However, not all behaviors which are shared with others lead to feel-

the Lounge, our community’s teens and young adults attend regularly – on different nights for boys and girls – spend time together and engage in popular activities together. Even though there may be seeming substantial differences between a Lounge staff member and a participant (i.e. age, personality, level of Torah observance) such differences become inconsequential when both are enjoying a burger or playing a game of ping pong. In general, due to various factors, our community’s youth often feel that they don’t belong. The mission of the Lounge is to make our youth feel that they do belong. All Jews are truly one. The spirit of camaraderie and unity which is the bedrock of the Lounge experience allows for true connection. For more information about the Lounge Program at Madraigos for boys, please contact Moshe Glaz, MS-CASAC, Director of Boys Lounge, at mglaz@madraigos.org or 516-

A Jew’s love for his fellow Jew is not love of another person but the love of himself or herself since in essence we are truly one.

ings of closeness. Some activities either by nature or circumstance tend to emphasize distinctions or are not conducive in creating deep bonds. For example, while group Torah learning and praying are the very life blood of the Jewish people, they often lead participants to feeling excluded. Naturally, there will be those who are better and worse “learners” and those who feel more connected to the davening and those who feel less connected. At Madraigos, we understand this issue and develop programming at our Lounge program to help build close, healthy relationships among teens and our trained staff, despite people’s differences. Because of the non-judgmental environment of

371-3250 ext. 112. For Lounge programming for girls, please contact Mindi Werblowsky, LMSW, Director of Adolescent Programming at mwerblowsky@madraigos.org.

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

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Health & F tness

Beets Can’t be Beat By Cindy Weinberger MS, RD, CDN

fter eight days of fried food, we could all use a good cleansing. A popular food that is used for detoxification is beets. Beets have become increasingly popular due to their unique variety of health benefits. For years, this root vegetable was on the “most hated vegetables” list, but things started to change when foods such as beets, arugula and goat cheese became popular menu items across the country. In ancient times, it was the beet greens that were consumed. In the 19th century, the actual beet started to get appreciated for its natural sweetness and began to be used as a source of sugar. Nowadays, sugar beets are used as raw material for sugar, but many are missing out by not including the whole beet in their regular diet. The sweet red beet root contains a variety of unique health boosting nutrients. Plus, they’re delicious! Fresh beets are a double whammy: the greens and the bulbs are both edible. Just one cup of cooked beet greens is an excellent source of vitamins A and K, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Vitamin A is an important antioxidant and protects our immune system. A more commonly known form of vitamin A, beta- carotene, helps support good eyesight and prevents glaucoma. Vitamin A is also known for maintaining healthy skin. The popular skin treatment Accutane is made primarily of vitamin A. In addition, consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A has been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers. Vitamin K is vital

in maintaining bone health, and blood clotting. Vitamin K also prevents calcium from building up in our tissues which can lead to stroke, cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. It has also been shown that vitamin K helps people who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Potassium lowers our heartbeat and regulates metabolism inside the cells by counteracting the detrimental effects of sodium.

tain normal nerve and muscle function, supports a healthy immune system, keeps the heartbeat steady, and helps bones remain strong. It also helps regulate blood glucose levels and aids in the production of energy and protein. As you can see, eating beet greens can help prevent osteoporosis by boosting bone strength, helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease, helps fight off cancer, supports cardiac

Nowadays, sugar beets are used as raw material for sugar, but many are missing out by not including the whole beet in their regular diet. Calcium is the most abundant mineral and one of the most important ones in the human body. Calcium is well-known for its key role in building bones and teeth as well as maintaining bone mass. Adequate calcium intake is vital in adolescents to build strong bone mass and help prevent osteoporosis later in life. Calcium is also essential for cardiac function by regulating heart and muscle contraction and nerve conduction. Research has also shown that calcium plays a role in preventing certain cancers. For example, calcium with vitamin D may help protect against breast cancer in premenopausal women. Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps to main-

function, strengthens the immune system and much more. All of these health benefits are from the greens alone! Now let’s take a look at the beet root. The sweet red beet root, also known as the bulb, is a good source of fiber, potassium and folate. Fiber keeps one feeling full for longer, aids in digestion, helps regular bowel movements, and helps lower cholesterol levels. Folate is an essential part of the homocysteine cycle and functions as a coenzyme in DNA synthesis. Prenatal folate can help prevent neural tube defects in the baby. The root is also a rich source of a phytochemical, glycine betaine. Glycine betaine helps lower homocysteine levels in the blood. Homocysteine is a

highly toxic metabolite found in the blood, and high levels can result in cardiovascular disease and stroke. Recent attention has been drawn to the high nitrate content of beets. Research suggests that the natural nitrates found in beets are reduced in the body to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps to relax and dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. Drinking beet juice may help to lower blood pressure in a matter of hours. One study found that drinking one glass of beet juice lowered blood pressure by an average of 4-5 points. Athletes have also taken a lot of interest in nitric oxide. Nitric oxide improves performance by decreasing the amount of oxygen needed during exercise, increasing blood flow to exercising muscles and lengthening the amount of time one can exercise before reaching exhaustion. Beets are also a unique source of betaine. Betaine is found in high concentrations in the peel and flesh of beets. Betaine is a nutrient that helps protect cells, proteins, and enzymes from environmental stress and is known to help fight inflammation. More importantly, betaine supports detoxification. Beet root juice has become a popular beverage amongst Americans due the health and detoxification pros. Aside from juicing beets, there are many ways to incorporate beets into your diet.

Classic culinary techniques include pickling or blending cooked beets into soups, more commonly known as Russian borscht. Beets can also be grated, diced, or thinly sliced for a salad or garnish. Grilled or roasted beets can be served hot or cold. Steaming or boiling beets are also popular options. All cooking methods bring out beets’ natural sweetness. For those who don’t want to be bothered with the preparation and mess of beets, they are available in the refrigerated produce section of supermarkets, along with canned beets. Beets are delicious, nutritious, economical and versatile. With a lot going for them in appearance, taste and nutritional content, one can easily attest that beets can’t be beat! Cindy Weinberger MS, RD, CDN, is a Master’s level Registered Dietitian and Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist. She graduated CUNY Brooklyn College receiving a Bachelor’s in Science and Master’s degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences. Her Dietetic Internship was completed under Brooklyn College primarily in Ditmas Park Care Center and Boro Park Center where she developed clinical and education skills to treat patients with comprehensive nutrition care. She is currently a dietitian at Boro Park Center and a private nutrition consultant. She can be reached at CindyWeinberger1@ gmail.com.

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Dating Dialogue

What Would You Do If… Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LMSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

I’m supposed to be getting married in eight weeks from now and I want to break my engagement off. What makes it so impossible is the fact that I have already broken another engagement and can’t imagine what would happen if I did it again. The reason I broke my first engagement was because I felt as though once I became engaged my chosson no longer treated me with the same respect as he showed prior to our getting engaged. While beforehand he would open a door for me, or ask my opinion about things, or even just have the patience to listen to what I had to say, he suddenly started showing his true colors and acted as though he didn’t have to be on good behavior anymore. It was even obvious to my family and they actually not only supported me breaking the engagement but were very supportive in general. It was still a very hard period in my life, and I wouldn’t wish the experience on anyone. But I eventually got through it. When I got engaged this second time around, I made sure to pick someone very, very kind and caring. On paper, he is perfect in every

way. The problem is that he doesn’t excite me – not even a little. I don’t look forward to seeing him and often when wea are together, I feel bored and can’t wait until he takes me home. This has been troubling to me for a while, but I didn’t want to complain to my parents – or even to myself! But last week, when we were supposed to go out together for dinner, he called to tell me that he was feeling sick and had to cancel. Rather than worrying about what was wrong with him, I found myself feeling so relieved that I wouldn’t have to see him that evening. That really scared me! How can I embark on a life with a man who I don’t enjoy being with? Yes, he is nice and kind and has all the good qualities that my first chosson didn’t have. And I appreciate how important those qualities really are. But now I’m thinking that I was so desperate to find a good man, that I overlooked my need to be enthusiastic about the relationship. I feel so stuck and wonder whether I should just make the best of things, since I brought this on myself, or risk being the talk of the town and break up – yet once again? Please give me some advice and probably much-needed perspective. Sincerely, T. R.

The Panel The Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S.

can appreciate your trepidation at this point, where you seem to feel that chemistry is missing from the relationship with your chosson and

yet are afraid of breaking up with a nice, kind man. Regardless of what the neighbors may say, you need to make a decision for yourself and your future. You seem to understand that this question is serious. It is. You need serious help from a professional who is experienced in counseling engaged couples. And you

need the time to do so without pressure. The chances of your making a heathy decision will be greater if you quietly pause your wedding preparations without telling anyone besides your parents and invest all of your time in talking with a professional, alone, and with your chosson. Some of the questions you will

explore will center on him and his ability to deal with difficulties in the past and the present crisis. Is he being patient and kind to you during the process? Have you seen him deal with others in a way that you admire? Who are his heroes and why? Has he had a chance to talk about what fires him up? Does he feel he has present-

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ed himself as he truly is? Have you varied the venues of your dates and activities together? Has he done only what he thinks you like and not what he likes? How is he reacting to the pause? Other questions will center on you. Do you enjoy being the initiator and the “exciting” one? What are your perceptions of marriage? What about differences in style and personalities? Do you articulate to him what your wants and interests are? What you like to do? Other questions will focus on alignment. Are you two on the same page in terms of priorities of material, spiritual and social values? Talking all of this through with help will take time. Make sure you have lots of time before you make your decision about your future. And daven throughout for the wisdom to make a good decision. Good luck!

The Dating Mentor Rochel Chafetz, Educator/Mentor

read your letter a few times and I gave much thought to what you were saying and feeling. As a mother and a kallah teacher, I would recommend that you break off this engagement as well. There has to be an emotional connection between you and your spouse. Otherwise, what will happen is that when things get a little rough in your marriage – which eventually always happens on occasion – you will have no motivation or desire to work things through. You say that you can’t wait till he takes you home from a date. That is a huge red flag. Listen to your inner voice and hear what you are saying. You answered your own question. How can you embark on a life with a man who you don’t enjoy being with? That will affect every part of your relationship. You cannot make a decision based on what others are going to say about you. Would you rather wait until you get divorced? You need to think about you and only you at this time.

Marriage is hard work. It is a lifetime of continuous avoda. In order for that to happen, two people who enter that pact must have a sincere desire and an excitement to want to build and create a unified home together. You would be beginning this important stage of your life without any of those feelings. Can you imagine what will happen when you hit a bump along the road? You need to sit your parents down and have a talk with them and explain how you feel. There is no way they will want you to go through with this, feeling this way. And then I think you need to give yourself some time to develop your inner self. Think about who you are, where you are going, what you want to accomplish in life, the reasons you want to get married, and where you see yourself in ten years from now. Develop yourself as a person, build yourself up so that when you do begin to date again you will have a lot more confidence in yourself, allowing you to realize that you deserve to marry someone you are excited to be with. Hatzlacha.

The Mother Sarah Schwartz Schreiber, PA Your dilemma kept me up all night. You, my dear, are wedged between the proverbial rock and hard place. As you state, “How can I embark on a life with a man who I don’t enjoy being with?” Well, simply put, you can’t. What makes your quandary so painful is that while you ruminate over your prerequisites for a mate (excitement and enthusiasm) and you rationalize that Shidduch #1 caused you to choose Shidduch #2, there is another person – that “kind and caring” individual – who is adversely affected. Your problem does not have a happy ending – not for you, who will have to endure the public humiliation of two broken engagements, or for your erstwhile chosson, who will have to endure the trauma of a broken engagement (in your words, “I wouldn’t wish the experience on anyone”). It’s grownup time. Don’t waste another moment

Many people stay in bad situations because of the fear of judgment and the sometimes practical repercussions of that judgment.

wringing your hands; enlist the aid of your chosson’s rav, the shadchan, or another qualified individual in terminating the engagement in the most sensitive way possible. Back to you. While you don’t mention whether you sought professional guidance during or after your first broken engagement, it is imperative that you seek counselling now. Aside from your personal support system (your family and friends), only a professional can give you the tools to deal with the “post traumatic stress” of two breakups. Let’s examine Shidduch #1: was your “oisvorf” filter working during the dating process? A therapist can help you hone your ability to evaluate a potential shidduch from an objective, thoughtfully considered perspective. With Shidduch #2, you concede that desperation (that reckless driver) caused you to get engaged to a young man who was “paper-perfect” but not for you. Warning: after two mishaps, you are at exponential risk of falling prey to desperation once more. A qualified counselor has the knowledge and expertise to rebuild your self-esteem and help restore your confidence to date again and, b’ezras Hashem, choose the most loving, caring chosson ever. Many decades ago, a mother of a 19-year-old young lady asked a venerable mechanech whether she should allow her daughter to date a boy who “broke a shidduch.” His answer was swift and definitive: “Not unless the

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bochur’s gone to therapy.” Take care of yourself and choose someone who can help you pick up the broken pieces so you can become whole.

The Single Irit Moshe (pen name)

ome people might say that it’s often hard to find a good man nowadays even in the frum sector. Whether or not that’s the case, I don’t feel I have enough information about your situation to fully properly advise you, except to first and foremost suggest that you see a dating coach. A good dating coach will inquire about what your dates are like, where he takes you on your dates, and what are some of the subjects discussed on your dates. Also, since I don’t know how long the two of you have known each other, it’s hard to gauge where you two should be mentally or emotionally with one another. I don’t think breaking off the engagement before exploring certain options is the right move, though it would be very helpful for you to date longer and get to know one another a lot better before you actually tie the knot. I am thinking you may need to shake up how the two of you are dating and what your conversations look like on your dates. Malka Schulman has “the Dating Box” with great questions and topics to discuss with a potential mate. I suggest you also write some of your own serious or deep questions that you’d like to know about your Chosen too. Obviously, be prepared to answer them in return. Try to structure these questions/answers as some sort of game, so that it doesn’t feel like an interview. Rabbi Dov Heller also has a great list of 39 questions you must answer before you say “I do” to anyone, on his website www.claritytalk. com. Also, I suggest you both make a list of fun places the two of you can explore and/or experience together. These activities should help your relationship blossom. Through learning about each other and experiencing things together you can fall in love with a person.

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Pulling It All Together The Navidaters Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

uch like Rachel Chafetz and Rebbetzin Horowitz, I found myself giving an awful lot of thought to your e-mail and personal situation. You are undoubtedly going through quite an ordeal. You wisely broke off your first engagement to a man who quickly showed you his true colors. You then made a second wise decision to look for the important character traits of kindness and caring in a mate. You took out your best magnifying glass and found what you were looking for, but in your search forgot to put down your lens and take a look at the bigger picture.

And here you are, bored and unfulfilled in your relationship. Your greatest excitement to date was when your fiancé cancelled your date. Your internal compass guided you when it said, “This feeling is scary.” That is because your intuition is spot on. The relief you felt when he cancelled the date speaks volumes. What exactly your relief speaks to, I do not know and can’t know due to the nature of the column. As if this conflict wasn’t enough, to add insult to injury, you

have the additional concern of how the community will receive you and judge you. Many people stay in bad situations because of the fear of judgment and the sometimes practical repercussions of that judgment. “Whew! Now what?” was my personal reaction to all the sound but very different opinions and perspectives of the panel. When the panel is all pretty much in agreement, it can be a very affirming and clarifying experience for the individual writing in. The nature of your inquiry has panel members giving you conflicting advice. Rebbetzin Horowitz keenly suggests taking the time to make this decision for yourself and offers insightful and key topics for you to explore with a mental health professional. Rachel Chafetz thinks it is wise for you to break off the engagement and provides good evidence to buttress her case, and Sarah Schwartz Schreiber agrees. Irit Moshe says, “Not so fast,” and suggests you see a dating coach, get to know each other better, and maybe shake things up on your dates. The panelists do not see eye to eye, which is a good reflection of your inner turmoil. Do I stay or do I go? Two different relationships. Two different men. Two different sets of circumstances and problems. One common denominator: You. I think it would be wise to see a therapist at this point in time. Your therapist will not advise you whether to stay or leave your fiancé (though you can explore your ambivalence as much as you need to) but will support you in making the decision that feels right for you. In therapy you will explore your attraction to both of these very different men. There is something you found attractive about both of these partners. The first, (strikes me as probably) charming, exciting, maybe manipulative. The second, the former’s foil; kind, caring, boring. Aside from making the here and now decision of whether to stay or break it off, I would like to see you gain some insight into your attractions and decisions. How long after engagement #1 did you meet #2? After #1, what was your process? Did you take some time off to process your feelings and heal? Were you ready to date again when you started?

And at what point in this relationship did you realize you were unfulfilled? Was it before you got engaged? I’d also like for you to explore why you would consider settling for anything less than a decent relationship. I have to wonder about how you feel about yourself and what you believe yourself to be worthy of. This in my opinion is of utmost importance. You ask, “How can I embark on a life with a man who I don’t enjoy being with?” I will tell you what that life may look like. You will tolerate and you will tolerate some more. You will wonder if you made a mistake. You will push these thoughts and feelings down and at times feel that you are in control of them finally. You will enjoy time with your children, friends and family. You will make a life around your husband as opposed to a life connected to your husband. A love may develop between the two of you as you experience the joys and lows of life as partners invested in each other. There are women who choose this choice. Some are very happy and some are not. And then there are the women for whom this is a death sentence. The women who break off their engagements because the aforementioned description is a living purgatory. They are scared: scared of hurting their significant other, scared of disappointing family and friends and scared of the unknown. But they leave because they have an intuition or firm belief that this is not where they belong and that they are destined for something greater. I truly wish you the best of luck with your difficult decision. Give yourself permission to take as much time as you need to come to your decision. Sincerely, Jennifer

The Navidaters are dating and relationship coaches and therapists. Located in Lawrence, NY, their services include date debriefing, dating skills coaching, couples counseling, premarital and marital counseling. Sessions are held in the office or via phone or Skype. The Navidaters can be reached at 516.224.7779. If you have a dating or relationship scenario you would like to be featured in WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF, email thenavidaters@gmail.com. Check out their website, thenavidaters. com for more information. Follow TheNavidaters on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Forgotten Her es

Zvika Greengold One Man against the Syrian Army By Avi Heiligman

We say in Al Hanisim “Rabim b’yad mi’atem, [and Hashem delivered] the many into the hands of the few.” Many times in Jewish history the small Jewish nation survived countless attempts by our enemies to destroy us. At times when there was a Jewish army, Hashem was always there to protect the soldiers. During modern times this was evident throughout Israel’s wars against her Arab neighbors. The Yom Kippur War saw incredible armies from Syria and Egypt defeated by an ill-prepared Israeli Army. One of the most incredible acts of heroism took place on the Golan

Syrian tanks after the Yom Kippur War

Heights by a soldier named Zvika Greengold.

vika was a 21-year-old lieutenant from the Galilee when the Yom Kippur War broke out on October 21, 1973. He was sitting at home and became alarmed because jets were screaming overhead to the border. Fighter jets did not practice on Yom Kippur and so Zvika ran to his radio to find out the latest news. Egyptian forces had launched an attack on the Suez Canal, and Syrian armor (tanks) had been amassed in the Golan

Heights. Zvika hitched a ride to the Golan Heights where he found a very confused and desperate situation. Israel had captured the Golan Heights six years earlier, and it was vital that it remain in Israeli hands. If the Syrians controlled the area then they could place artillery there that could penetrate deep into Israel. Syrian commanders knew the advantage of the Golan and put the bulk of their 150,000-man and 1,200tank army in the Golan Heights. In the area that became known as Emek Habacha-Valley of Tears, the most the IDF could send to

the front was one brigade with about 80 tanks. The 300 Syrian tanks in Emek Habacha were some of the best in the world. The Soviet T-62 was better than the best Israeli Centurion tank but they were only a limited number and had some weaknesses. The rest were older T-54 and T-55s but still were a formidable foe in the largest tank battle since WWII. Zvika reached the crossroads of Nafekh on a half track. Nafakh also needed to be taken over by the Syrians if they wanted to have control over the heights – they couldn’t just bypass it

like other outposts. Even though he wasn’t attached to a particular unit, Zvika was granted his request to join his old unit, the 74th Battalion, already on the line. After helping some of the wounded men at the base, he saw two badly damaged tanks that were unmanned. He radioed headquarters that “Zvika Force” was going to battle. He did this in order to confuse the Syrians who were listening to radio traffic. Neither Israeli nor Syrian commanders had the slightest clue that Zvika Force had just two damaged tanks! The two tanks spotted Syrian tanks coming in unopposed and Zvika proceeded to blast six of them out of action. Zvika soon lost one tank and its commander Hagai Tzur was sent back to base. The one tank continued alone against the rapidly advancing Syrian tank army. Greatly outnumbered, he changed positions very frequently to convince the enemy that there was more than just the one tank. The underbelly of the Syrian tanks were vulnerable to shells fired from Zvika’s Centurion tank and he used this to his advantage. As the enemy tanks reached the top of a hill, Zvika fired, hitting the underside of the Syrian tanks.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

Zvika was told that anything he saw he should shoot at because there were no friendly tanks in the area besides his. He shot at a silhouette of a tank and it

sition. The lead tank came within twenty meters, and then he fired. Zvika then used the fire from the burning tank to direct his fire in the darkness, and played cat

more tanks and moved to the slopes where only the gun and the turret of the tank were visible, thus making him a very small target. After an hour the Syrians

Neither Israeli nor Syrian commanders had the slightest clue that Zvika Force had just two damaged tanks

burst into flames. On a slope he saw another three enemy tanks and destroyed them in succession. He moved to another spot, as many other Israeli tanks did to great success during the war, and saw a column of thirty tanks and trucks coming at his po-

and mouse, ducking behind natural boundaries as well as shot up tanks. He had the advantage of knowing that every tank he saw was enemy, but the Syrians couldn’t be sure that what they were shooting at was Zvika’s Centurion. He killed several

retreated and his kill figure reached double digits. Over the radio, Zvika heard desperate pleas for reinforcements, and everyone was being told that were none. Then he realized his tank was the only one between the Syrians

and Nafekh. His colonel at first thought that he was at least at company strength and sent him the first reservists to reach the Golan. Zvika went to join the ten reservist tanks, but they were ambushed and badly mauled. Then Zvika’s tank was hit and his clothing had caught fire in the explosion. The driver was killed and the rest of his crew wounded. Still, he wasn’t done, as he took control over one of the tanks still able to fight. Soon it was just him and the Syrians because the other two tanks left the battlefield with casualties. Then a miracle happened. The Syrians stopped advancing. This gave the IDF time to bring up reinforcements to push back the Syrians. However, Zvika was too burnt, literally, to continue. With burns,

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wounds and covered in soot, he collapsed during a break in the fighting and was taken to a hospital. Zvika Greengold is credited with killing between 20 and 40 tanks and was a critical part of the IDF effort that stopped the Syrian advance during the Yom Kippur War. The Syrian commanders never realized that were up against just two damaged tanks led by one resilient officer. For his actions, Zvika was awarded Israel’s highest medal for bravery in battle, the Medal of Valor.

Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comments and suggestions for future columns and can be reached at aviheiligman@gmail.com.

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Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

They were two hate-filled, bigoted municipal employees interacting in one department. Now 13 innocent people are dead in unspeakable carnage. – Opening line of an Op-ed in the NY Daily News by Linda Stasi, equating the radical Islamic terrorists who killed 14 in St. Bernardino with one of their victims who was outspoken on Facebook regarding his approval of the NRA and disapproval of Muslims

The fact is, sensible gun laws work. We’ve proven it in California. - Senator Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) in a press-conference one day after 14 innocent and defenseless civilians were gunneddowned in St. Bernardino, California

Well, first of all, thanks for telling everyone what I’m going to do with my family. You just had a private conversation with me, and now you decided to make that public. I really don’t appreciate that. I really don’t. - Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel berating Politico’s Mike Allen when Allen disclosed during a forum with Emanuel that the mayor plans on taking his family on a holiday vacation to Cuba

In Beijing, because pollution has reached 35 times the safety level, children have been ordered to stay home. This could mean a delay for anyone who ordered a new iPhone. – Conan O’Brien

I guess Allah decided to punish the ruling clique in Turkey by stripping them of their sanity. - Russian President Vladimir Putin talking about Turkey’s downing of a Russian fighter jet, during his “State of the Nation” address

Amazon just unveiled new prototype drones for its Prime Air delivery service, and it said it hopes to deliver packages in under 30 minutes. Then people waiting to depart from LaGuardia were like, “How much weight can they hold? I’ll try it.” – Jimmy Fallon

Try to relax, everyone try to relax. I’ll take a bullet before you do — that’s for … sure. Just be cool, OK? — From a viral phone video showing what a police officer said as he was escorting terrified people out of the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, providing a glimpse into why society should value rather than vilify police

Let’s talk about Donald Trump, because we do it every night. He said that he may skip the next Republican debate on CNN unless the network pays him $5 million. But CNN laughed it off, saying, “We don’t have $5 million.” – Jimmy Fallon

CNN was like, “Fine, we’ll just let Jeb Bush talk for two hours — Oh my G-d, where do we send the check?” - Ibid.

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We put out a statement today. It’s impossible to watch this gross incompetence that I watched last night. And we put out a statement a little while ago and these people [the media] went crazy... Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what…is going on! We have no choice. We have no choice. We have no choice. According to Pew Research, among others, there is a great hatred towards Americans by large segments of the Muslim population… They want to change your religion. I don’t think so. I don’t think so. Not going to happen. – Donald Trump at a campaign rally, the day after President Obama’s Oval Office address calling for tolerance towards Muslims

Trump’s over-reaction is as dangerous as Obama’s under-reaction. - 2016 GOP Candidate Carly Fiorina

The Trump campaign, for months now, has had a dustbin of history-like quality to it, from the vacuous sloganeering to the outright lies to even the fake hair, the whole carnival barker routine that we’ve seen for some time now. – White House Spokesman Josh Earnest, responding to Trump’s statement

Well I guess I was describing why it would be easy for people to dismiss the Trump campaign as not particularly serious.

In New York, federal authorities have seized 274 pairs of shoes made from endangered species. The shoes were made from rhino horn, crocodile skin, and Jeb Bush supporters. – Conan O’Brien

John Kerry is probably the worst negotiator I’ve ever seen. No, he is the worst negotiator I’ve ever seen. He did not read The Art of the Deal, folks, I can tell you that. It’s one of the bestselling books of all time and he didn’t read it. And Obama definitely didn’t read it. Obama, oy, oy, oy. – Trump speaking at the Republican Jewish Coalition Conference

- Earnest, when asked by a reporter what Trump’s hair has to do with anything

Our president doesn’t want to use the term…“radical Islamic terrorism.” There is something wrong with him that we don’t know about.

Because of his hair?

– Ibid.

- Another reporter to Earnest, seeking to clarify whether the White House’s position is that Trump’s bad hair disqualifies him from the presidency

Well because he’s got a rather outrageous appearance, that’s the hallmark of his campaign and his identity, though, that’s the point I’m trying to cite here. .- Earnest’s response

I am hereby barring Donald Trump from entering St. Petersburg until we fully understand the dangerous threat posed by all Trumps. - Tweet by the mayor of St. Petersburg, Florida, in response to Trump’s statement

Is there anyone in this room who doesn’t negotiate deals? This room negotiates a lot. This room perhaps more than any room I’ve ever spoken to. - Ibid

Donald Trump said today that all Muslims, even U.S. citizens and those serving in the armed forces, should be barred from entering the United States. Trump’s statement was so outrageous and so offensive, his poll numbers went up 20 points. – Conan O’Brien

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The person I rely on most as it relates to U.S.-Israeli policy is my brother. I thought I could get an applause line out of that. – Jeb Bush speaking at the Republican Jewish Coalition Conference

Forecasters say El Niño should bring much-needed rain to California. Meanwhile, Donald Trump said if elected president he won’t let El Niño into the country. – Conan O’Brien

In an interview with Charlie Rose yesterday, Hillary Clinton admitted that she has Wall Street connections, but said that she can’t be bribed with campaign donations. Then Hillary said, “And especially they can’t bribe me at Hillary for America, P.O. Box 526, New York, New York – don’t even think of sending money there, this weekend.” - Jimmy Fallon

Michigan’s state Senate just repealed 80 outdated laws including one that banned people from trespassing on a huckleberry marsh. Which, as everyone knows, takes away all the fun of trespassing on a huckleberry marsh. – Jimmy Fallon

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The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

Today is the 23rd anniversary of the first text message. Or, as my friend texted me, “Today is the 23rd anvil-ersary of the fist Texas massage.” – Conan O’Brien

Russia is planning to build a base on the moon where astronauts will live permanently. When asked if they really wanted to spend the rest of their lives in a barren, lifeless landscape, the Russians said, “No, that’s why we want to go to the moon.” – Jimmy Fallon

We will utterly destroy ISIS. We will carpet-bomb them into oblivion. I don’t know if sand can glow in the dark, but we’re going to find out. And we are going to make abundantly clear to any militant on the face of the planet, if you wage jihad against the United States of America and try to murder innocent Americans, you are signing your death warrant. – GOP presidential candidate Ted Cruz at a rally in Iowa

Donald Trump is still under fire for mocking a reporter with physical disabilities. Trump told his supporters, “Don’t worry, I’ll soon do something worse and all this will be forgotten.” – Conan O’Brien

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 10, 2015

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Political Crossfire In his address to the nation on terrorism, President Obama warned against “tough talk.” On this, at least, no one can accuse him of hypocrisy.

In Fighting Terror, Patience is Not a Virtue

n the aftermath of recent attacks, Obama perfunctorily ticked off a series of inputs: airstrikes, arming and training Iraqi and Syrian forces, cooperating with allies on counterterrorism and pursuing a cease-fire in the Syrian conflict. And then he issued this directive: “I’ve ordered the Departments of State and Homeland Security to review the visa-waiver program.” Who at the White House thought it would be helpful for the commander in chief, after a terrorist attack on the American homeland, to order an interdepartmental review process? Obama gave a speech of reassurance for a policy that appears to be collapsing. The Islamic State has solidified control of vast territory and is displaying many of the characteristics of an actual nation. It has attracted jihadists from around the world to the conflict in Syria and Iraq, many of whom will return home with deadly skills. With the Paris attacks, the Islamic State has demonstrated the strategic capacity to strike in Western capitals. It counts affiliates in about a dozen nations, including a particularly successful Libyan branch operation. And it has become a rallying point for self-radicalization, as close as a Facebook pledge of allegiance. Before the events of the last few weeks, it might have been possible to argue that Obama’s anaconda plan of slow strangulation could work in, say, five years. But is the threat revealed in Paris and elsewhere acceptable for five years? In this case, patience is a dangerous course. In his speech, Obama talked of a -65nation coalition fighting the Islamic State and claimed that France, Germany and the United Kingdom “have ramped up their contributions to our military campaign.” But when France decided to take ac-

By Michael Gerson

tion after the Paris attacks, it invoked an obscure passage of the European Union treaty to avoid a NATO commitment that might offend Russia and imply American leadership. Ger-

preme commander in a coalition of the willing – constrained by political commitments (“no boots on the ground”) and highly restrictive rules of engagement.

What would it take to degrade the Islamic State’s capabilities to strike in the west within one year? And to defeat it completely in two?

many has tested the boundaries of its constitution to make a small military contribution (6 planes and 1,200 soldiers) in solidarity with France, not the U.S. And America has generally rejected the Eisenhower role of su-

Obama’s strategy has many elements that any future president, Republican or Democrat, would adopt. The only things missing are urgency and leadership. The president should convene his security

team and ask: What would it take to degrade the Islamic State’s capabilities to strike in the west within one year? And to defeat it completely in two? Then the president should assemble a coalition sufficient to that task, comprised of forces from European allies, boots on the ground from Sunni nations and a more aggressive U.S. support role (much larger Special Forces to assist on the frontlines, forward air controllers, relaxed rules of engagement). Obama is correct that a parallel political track is essential. Syria will require a Lebanon-like peace, in which minorities (including the Alawites) are granted protection and power. It will be necessary to somehow re-convince the Sunni tribal leaders in Iraq that, if they fight the Islamic State, they will find protection and fair treatment in a unified country, instead of living under Shiite despotism. The complexity of this military and diplomatic task would challenge any president. It is pretty much inconceivable that the “ender of wars” would suddenly assume this role in his seventh year in office. Obama has consistently done the minimal amount necessary to avoid the charge of fecklessness. Obama’s call for tolerance of the Islamic faith is more than minimal; it is essential. But even this is put at risk by the broader crisis. “A continued failure to recognize the scale of the challenge and to construct the means necessary to meet it,” says Britain’s former Prime Minister Tony Blair, “will result in terrorist attacks potentially worse than those in Paris, producing a backlash which then stigmatizes the majority of decent, law-abiding Muslims and puts the very alliance so necessary at risk, creating a further cycle of chaos and violence.” This is the challenge of America’s involvement in the Middle East. Because it is politically unpopular, there is a natural temptation to disengage. But after attacks, engagement will come – with more anger, on worse terms. (c) 2015, Washington Post Writers Group

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Classifieds classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com / text 443-929-4003 SERVICES

SERVICES

HOUSES FOR SALE

Alternative Solutions Geriatric Care Management staff will assist you with: * Obtaining Medicaid and Pooled Income Trust * In-home Assessments, Individual and Family Counseling * Securing reliable home care assistance * Case and Care Management services Dr. S. Sasson, DSW, LCSW (718) 544- 0870 or (646) 284-6242

La Difference For all your catering and party needs Will work with every simcha at our place or choice of yours Leave detailed message at (516) 725-6101

LAWRENCE: Traditional 5BR, 3.5BA Colonial With Gourmet Eik, LR W/Fplc, Den W/Skylight, Family Rm, Library, Lux MBR Suite, Breathtaking Views...$1.8M Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

WOODMERE: Elegant 4BR, 3 Full Bath CH Colonial, Features Gracious Entry Hi Ceilings, Eik, Lg FDR, LR, Fabulous Den, Prime Location, SD#14…$825KCall Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www. pugatch.com

WOODMERE: Price Reduced - Lovely 5BR Expanded Ranch On Lush Oversized Property, LR, FDR, Den, Freshly Painted, All New Carpet, Many Upgrades, Prime Location…$399K Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

989 EAST BROADWAY BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED, ONE OF A KIND HOME IN OLD WOODMERE 4 B/R, 2.5BA Cape. Approx. 2420 sqft of living space nestled on 9167 sqft of beautifully landscaped property. Located in Old Woodmere, HewlettWoodmere school district. Attached 1 car garage, enclosed front porch, deck, 3 working fireplaces, custom cabinetry and built-ins throughout. Partial basement and attic, CAC, IG sprinklers, lovely yard. Low taxes. Walk to Worship. Walk to transportation. Asking price $699K Contact Mike 516-509-7489

Buying or Refinancing a Home? Pre-Approval letters that brokers trust! Put as little as 3% down. Borrow up to 90% with no MI! We can beat any written offer! Specializing in very difficult scenarios Call Daniel at Landmark Funding Group. NMLS#367291 at 718-663-7202 All loans arranged through 3rd party lenders.

DRUM LESSONS by an experienced frum drum teacher in the Far Rockaway area. Many references available. Uri Zutler 917-749-3652 Leah’s Beauty Concepts Experienced Makeup Artist and Skin Care Specialist Makeup for all occasions Conventional and airbrush Wake up looking beautiful with permanent makeup Relaxing deep cleansing European facials Laser hair removal-electrolysis Leah Sperber 917-771-7329 The Children’s Clothing Gemach in Cedarhurst is fully stocked for boys/ girls in sizes newborn-teen. To make an appointment please call/text 516-712-7735 Personal chef, menu planning, grocery shopping, cooking, will stock your freezer with prepared meals, customized meals, every day, holidays, dinners, Naphtali Sobel 516-732-1729 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! 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

COMPUTER DOCTORS 911 Virus removal, Data recovery, Set up home/office computers. Lessons, eBay/Amazon Seller Assistant, Social Media Marketing. House calls. Allen Luxenberg 347-432-7303. SAFETY GRAB BARS Install… before you Fall! Home Work After 3, INC. Licensed and Insured Call Mark Dubin @ (516) 569-2113 BAR MITZVAH/LAINING TEACHER Also Tutoring in Lashon, Chumash, Mishnayot and Gemora. References And Reasonable Rates. Please call: Eliezer Wilbur 516-234-1405 N&T Handyman Services Construction, renovations, plumbing, electrical, instillation of cameras Shlomi 516- 532- 2625 “Kosher” Yoga & Licensed Massage Therapy Peaceful Presence Studio 436 Central Avenue, Cedarhurst Separate men/women Group/private sessions, Martial Arts... Gift Cards Available www.peacefulpresence.com 516-371-3715

HOUSES FOR SALE Don’t Get Stuck With a Two Story House Ya Know, It’s One Story Before You Buy It But a Second Story After You Own It! Call Dov Herman For An Accurate Unbiased Home Inspection Infrared - Termite Inspection Full Report All Included NYC 718-INSPECT Long Island 516-INSPECT www.nyinspect.com

HEWLETT: Charming 3BR, 2.5BA Colonial On CulDe-Sac, Eik, Formal DR, Full Finished Bsmt W/Sept Entrance, Lovely Private Backyard…$435K Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

WOODMERE: Completely Renovated 3BR, 2BA Ranch, Updated Eik, Formal DR, MBR Suite, Den W/Fplc & Vaulted Ceiling, Lovely Property, SD#14…$625K Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

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Lg Cottage 2BR, 2BA, Lg 3BR, 2BA Ranch, FDR, Renov 3BR, 2BA Ranch, Great Potential Investment, Huge Basement…$259K Eik, FDR, Fin Bsmt...$429K Lg Eik, MBR Ste...$625K Legal 2 Family, 6BR..$699K

4BR, 3Fbth Colonial, Den, 4BR Colonial, LR, FDR, Eik, Bright 5BR, 3BA Hi-Ranch, Custom 7000 Sq Ft. 6BR, Lg Eik, Prime Loct..$825K Den, Full Fin Bsmt..$949K IG-Pool, Deck…$999,995 Col, Gourmet Eik..$1.550M

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2BR, 1.5BA, Eik, CAC, Lg 3BR, 2BA Apt In 6BR, 3BA, Eik, Den, 2BR, 2.5BA Apt In Lux SD#14..$2,500/mo Elev Bldg..$2,895/mo FDR..$3,995/mo Condo Bldg..$4,200/mo

Bright & Spacious 2BR, 1BR, 1BA, Elev Bldg, Mint X-Lg Studio, Eik, 2BR, 1BA, Eik, CAC, 1st Flr, SD#14..$114K Eik, LR/DR..$120K Near All..$133,900 Elev Bldg..$215K

INWOOD: 9 6 J e f f e r s o n S t (12-1:30)$489K LAWRENCE: 115 Lawrence Ave(12-1:30) $999,995 N.WDMR: 230 Hungry Harbor Rd(12:30-2)$429K

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Classifieds classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com / text 443-929-4003 HOUSES FOR SALE

COMMERCIAL RE

WOODMERE 6 Bdrms, 2.5 Baths, new trex front porch, brick patio, in ground pool, koi pond with water fall, central A/C, gas/steam heat, wood floors, security system with cameras and remote control front gates Asking $799,000, taxes $14,800. Please call 516-569-9042

FIVE TOWNS: 1200 +/- SF Office Space in the Finest Building in the Five Towns, Available Feb 1st, Must See!!! $32PSF in Premiere Building, For Lease …Call Ian for More Details (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

OCEANSIDE: 1500 +/- SF Space in Prime Location on Long Beach Rd, On-Site Parking, Only $2500/Mo. For Lease…Call Randy for More Details (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com WAREHOUSE SPACE IN INWOOD 25K-40K of Beautiful Warehouse space. 25’ ceilings, 10 interior drive in Loading Docks, drive-in Ramp. Adjacent Office Space Available, Plenty of Truck & car Parking available. Call 516-567-0100

INWOOD Commercial mixed use building + Lot. Private parking, corner property, high traffic area 1st floor offices, 2nd floor: 2 Apts. Asking 849k. Call 212-470-3856 Yochi @ WinZone Re

WOODMERE NEW CONSTRUCTION 5 BR, 3.5 Bths, Center Hall Colonial. Master Suite w/2 Walk in Closets, Guest BR wFull Bath on First Floor. Radiant Heat on First Floor, Granite Kosher EIK………………….….. $1.3M By Owner NO Brokers 646-634-4642

COMMERCIAL RE LAWRENCE: Medical Suite in Doorman Building, 3 Treatment Rooms, Waiting Area, Reception Area, For Sale … Call For More Details Broker (516) 792-6698 WOODMERE: 2 Story Building Just Off Broadway in Woodmere, 1 Storefront Leased, 1 Apartment Leased. For Sale …Call For More Details Broker (516) 792-6698

INWOOD: 500-3,000 +/- SF Office Space Available in Professional Elevator Building in the Five Towns, $18PSF, Ample Parking, Great Location, For Lease...Call For More Details Broker (516) 792-6698 CEDARHURST: NEW TO MARKET!!! 2200+/-SF Professional Building Available In The Heart Of Cedarhurst, Currently Medical Use, On-Site & Metered Parking, Close to All, For Sale... Call Ian for More Details (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

CEDARHURST OFFICE SPACE LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN! 500-5000 square feet very nice office space with cool conference room & Kitchen. Onsite parking Great Location. Lots of options! Will divide and customize space for your needs! Call 516-567-0100

WOODMERE: Follow The Leader To Woodmere, Now Is The Time To Act!!! No Metered Parking, Various Retail/Office Spaces Available, For Sale/Lease...Call For More Details (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

INWOOD OFFICE SPACE LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN! 500-7000 Square feet gorgeous office space with WATERVIEW in Inwood! Lots of options. Tons of parking. WIll divide and customize space for your needs! Call 516-567-0100

355 Central Avenue, Lawrence NY 11559 (Across the street from Seasons)

P: 516.791.6100 | F: 516.374.7059

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INWOOD

MOVEIN READY Charming, updated home on oversized lot. Granite EIK, SS appl, hrdwd rs, n. bsmnt w/ wine cellar. Lrg shop/oﬃce permitted on premises. Many possibilities. Call Sherri 516-297-7995

$530K

FAR ROCKAWAY APARTMENT RENTALS

Clean & kept 4 bdrm, large kitchen, LR, Den, enclosed porch, beautiful backyard, bsmnt w/ laundry. Over 2,000 square ft. Great for a family. Asking Call Moshe 516-697-2504

$550K

5 TOWNS & CEDARHURST OFFICES 1-2 Rm executive oﬃces available all utilities & internet included. Varied conference room. Locations & pricing. Call Sherri 516-297-7995 Large 4 room suite 2,250 Sq. Ft. 4 private oﬃces, kitchen and reception, Cedarhurst location. Call Sherri 516-297-7995

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APT FOR RENT LAWRENCE: Beautiful & Spacious 3BR, 2BA Updated Apartment. Washer & Dryer, Use of Driveway & Yard, All Utilities Included Except Cable, CAC…$2,750/Mo. Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com Brand new luxury 3 bedroom 2 bath apartment in central Far Rockaway 2 Family home Features: Private entrance, 1 car off street parking, Sukkah porch Large eat in kitchen with new appliances, Living room, Dining room, Additional storage in attic, Separate heat, A/C, hot water, Washer/Dryer Hook Up, Walk to all Call 1-917-415-0055

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Classifieds classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com / text 443-929-4003 APT FOR RENT

APT FOR RENT

HELP WANTED

FAR ROCKAWAY: NEW TO MARKET! Beautifully renovated 2 BRs starting at $180; 3 BRs $2100 + no fee Zarate Realty 516-514-7525

CEDARHURST 500-3,500 +/- SF Beautiful, newly renovated space for rent. Ideal for Retail or Executive offices. Prime location. Convenient Parking. Call Sam @ 516-612-2433 or 718-747-8080

SERVICE COORDINATOR ASSISTANT F/T for Queens office Proper candidate will have: good computer skills, ability to multitask and office experience. Prior early intervention experience a plus. Will Train. Competitive comp. pkg. Fax Resume 718-261-3702 Att. Bella Or email: cara.challenge2@thejnet.com

SECRETARY Real Estate Management office in Boro Pk is seeking a F/T Secretary with gd phone manner, able to multi task & have computer knowledge. No experience necessary Pls email resume to REALTY@CGMAIL.NET (Pls enter resume in subject) or fax to 718-851-3511

FAR RACKAWAY Near everything. 2 bedroom apartment for rent on 3rd floor in a 3 floor house. Upgraded kitchen and bathroom. Available now. Heat, hot and cold water included in rent No problems with parking. Please call: 516-322-6515, 516 -225-4558 4 bedroom, 3 full bath, duplex on Beach 12 Street. Renter controls Central A/C and heat, Washer Dryer Hookup $2,600 Available immediately. Please call or text 516-668-8199 Brand new luxury 3 bedroom 2 bath apartment in central Far Rockaway 2 Family home. Features: Private entrance, 1 car off street parking, Sukkah porch. Large eat in kitchen with new appliances, Living room, Dining room, Additional storage in attic, Separate heat, A/C, hot water, Washer/Dryer Hook Up, Walk to all Call 1-917-415-0055

ON SEAGIRT AVENUE 2 & 3 bedroom. Newly renovated. Washer and dryer hook up. Granite countertops. More info call or text 917-602-2914

FOR SALE Unique Light Blue Solid Wood Server/Bar with Doors and Storage Area -$400.00 Pair of Campdimonte Made in Italy Floral Wall Light Sconces- 2 Finishes --$200.00 PICK UP ONLY ON BOTH ITEMS VALLEY STREAM 1-718-490-0044

HELP WANTED Experienced Real Estate Sales agent needed for a HIGH Producing real estate office who is seeking an opportunity to Earn & Learn more!!! Call Today (516) 295-3000 x 128. All calls kept confidential.

Dayhab Trainers Full time position available in Far Rockaway for caring individuals to involve adults with developmental disabilities in skill development while encouraging them to become more independent. Responsibilities include supervising and joining in activities to foster independent living as well as escorting consumers to community sites. Valid driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license and ability to drive 15-passenger van required. For more information contact OHEL Bais Ezra 718-686-3102 or go to www. ohelfamily.org/careers to apply! Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island is seeking a full time administrative assistant. Experience necessary. Please email resume to office@ykli.org

REAL ESTATE MANAGER R.E. Management Co. in Bklyn seeking capable & hard working individual . No experience necessary. Pls email resume to REALTY@CGMAIL.NET (Pls enter resume in subject) or fax to 718-851-3511 Local F.T. Accounting Office Seeks P/T JR. ACCOUNTANT proficient in Q.B. knowledge of payroll tax, sales tax, business tax and individual taxes Qualified applicants should please e-mail resume to: 5towntaxoffice@gmail.com Geometry teacher available to help with classwork, study for tests and prepare for the regents. 347-977-6967

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Classifieds classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com / text 443-929-4003 HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

CATAPULT LEARNING Teachers for Title I in Boro Park andWilliamsburg Chassidic boys schools *College/Yeshiva Degree Required *Strong desire to help children learn *Excellent organizational skills *Small group instruction *Competitive salary Email resume: nyteachers@catapultlearning.com. Fax (718) 381-3493

Dry cleaner looking to hire EXPERT SEAMSTRESS / TAILOR to work in dry cleaning store asap. Main Street (Queens) location. Established clientele. Generous compensation split and opportunity to make extra money. Set your own hours. If interested please call Marc 917-612-2300

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) & Occupational Therapists Assistants (COTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s)For 200+ bed Nursing Home in Queens. Must have Hospital or Nursing Home experience. Please email resume to promrehab@aol.com ACCOUNTANT/BOOKKEEPER Growing company in the 5 Towns seeking motivated employee for Full Time accounting/bookkeeping. MUST have professional accounting experience previously to be considered, strong teamwork skills required. Submit qualified resume to admin@ getpeyd.com for details. Licensed Practical Nurse seeks position in homecare with the elderly or pediatric care. I am skilled, caring and dependable. Please call me at 631-759-0025

MISC Tutors desperately needed for Zichron Etel, a gemach providing free tutoring to those who cannot afford it. Now in Brooklyn and the Five Towns! Kindly visit our website at www.zichronetel.com Found stroller on Central Avenue. If anyone has lost their stroller or knows someone who has, please contact me at SL11691@yahoo.com Senior Jewish looking to rent a garage for storage in or near Far Rockaway ASAP 646-657-3131 Yehalomim Shelanu Special Programming presents an after school program for the special children of our neighborhood! Every Monday afternoon from 4:45- 6:15 Fun & educational run by talented and experienced staff. Call 516-732-2949 for more info or to register

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Your

Money

New Tax Collection “Law” By Allan Rolnick, CPA

Turn the dial on the Way-Back Machine to the days of the Great Depression. Millions of Americans are jobless, struggling just to eke out a living. But one man named Willie Sutton has discovered unlimited opportunities in a truly recessionproof field: robbing banks. And why did he choose banks, an enterprising reporter asked? “Because that’s where the money is,” Sutton supposedly replied.

hen Sutton published his autobiography 40 years later, he denied saying those words. But by that point, they were so famous it didn’t matter. Today, med students learn “Sutton’s Law” to focus their workups on the most likely diagnosis, rather than every conceivable possibility. And accountants use the “Willie Sutton rule” when they focus their activity-based costing where the

highest costs occur, because that’s where they’re likely to find the biggest savings. Now it seems our friends at the IRS have stumbled upon Sutton’s Law, too. Last month, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration released a 34-page report arguing the service spends too much time auditing people who make “merely” $200,000-400,000, and should spend more time on “Global High Wealth” taxpayers earning even more. We know you don’t want to read that report, so we’ll go ahead and summarize it for you. For the 2013 tax year, the IRS audited 1.5% of the returns reporting income from $200,000-$399,999. They spent 726,258 hours on that effort, and dug up

$605 in additional tax for every hour. That sounds like a pretty solid return on investment, until you look at what those auditors do with people stacking real paper. That same year, the IRS examined 12.1% of the returns reporting income of $5 million or more. (That’s 6,309 out of 52,078 returns, if you’re curious.) They spent 193,559 hours dissecting those returns and brought in a whopping $4,545 for every hour invested. Numbers like that suggest that the IRS audit should everyone, or at least everyone above a certain income. (Maybe just everyone who looks really sneaky?) So here’s the challenge. Congress has slashed the IRS’s budget by 18% in real dollars since 2010. That means

picking audit targets more strategically. The Inspector

They spent 193,559 hours dissecting those returns and brought in a whopping $4,545 for every hour invested.

General’s report argues the service should spend more time on so-called “enterprise

cases,” where they examine individual taxpayers plus the corporations, partnerships, trusts, and other entities they control. Those efforts take more time, more effort, and more experienced staff — resources they can’t spend on lower-income cases. But that’s where the money is! So where should auditors draw the line? $200,000? $400,000? Or even higher? What do you think? Of course, the IRS can’t stop auditing everyone else entirely. Fear of an audit is their cheapest and best tool to ensure compliance. Focusing those efforts entirely on “the 1%” would undermine that deterrent. And if everyone earning less than $200,000 knew they had a hall pass from the IRS, pretty soon there wouldn’t be enough tax dollars collected to pay auditors at all! Here’s the lesson for the week. You already know that the key to paying less tax is planning. But did you know that some of the most powerful tax-cutting strategies can also lower your audit odds, too? Planning to pay less doesn’t mean waving a red flag in an auditor’s face. It might even mean pulling one back. So make sure you stay off the IRS radar!

Allan J Rolnick is a CPA who has been in practice for over 30 yea rs in Queens, NY. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at 718-896-8715 or at allanjrcpa@aol.com.

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THANK YOU FAR ROCKAWAY/LAWRENCE! We had a great time at our very special weekend! The children and staﬀ of Chai Lifeline and Camp Simcha gratefully thank the Far Rockaway/Lawrence community for opening their homes and hearts to us last weekend. We had a blast, and we hope you did, too.

Our special thanks go to all the families who graciously hosted us and: Benny’s Brick Oven Pizza Raizy Beren at Alpha 1 Studios Tzvi and Goldie Bloom Elite Caterers Rabbi and Rebbetzin Eli Eisecovitz Pinky and Miri Friedman Gadi and Aliza Fuchs Shabse and Tova Fuchs Moti and Miriam Hellman Mrs. Judawitz and the TAG Chessed Crew Rabbi Orlian from Sharei Tefillah Rush King Seasons and Seasons Express Sharmel Caterers David and Breindy Sporn Tip Toe Boutique Zach and Dovi Tomaszewski Torah Academy for Girls Weatherproof Ari and Dena Weinstein Moshe and Arielle Wolfson Zezi Fuld at Bouncin Around the Rock

And our organizers extraordinaire, Moshe and Tova Bollag! We appreciate the hours and hours and HOURS you gave to make this incredible weekend happen for us. Friends ‘n Fun Weekends are dedicated in memory of Sari Ort, a’h.

151 West 30th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10001 www.chailifeline.org • 877-CHAI-LIFE twitter.com/chai_lifeline

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Life C ach

Oil I Want for Chanukah By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

here is no such thing as Sunday this time of the year. There’s only Chanukah Party one or Chanukah Party two that you must attend – from his side or your side! Afternoon or evenings! - Or made by a really close friend who makes an annual thing! Or harder yet, you’re the annual host!!! But basically you’re not doing anything else with your Sundays other than eating oil and spinning dreidels. Firetruck red, electric blue, and neon green, the new candles practically outshine the flames we light. But we are just doing our best at our job to spread the miracle. As they say, “Light up the night with the

candles shining bright!” The candles today come in eccentric colors, assorted stripes, different shapes, different sizes. They replace the one blue box some charity, luckily, sent us all in the mail. Unfortunately, they couldn’t very well email it today. And who still uses the post?!! Then also some people go for the more authentic experience and use oil. Today they’ve found a way to make it less messy and safer. We use a new handy dandy oil-and-wickin-one thing. But where they get that unique, congealed oil texture is a mystery to me. It kind of looks like they collect the fat we scoop off the top of our chicken soup. But hey, that

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wouldn’t be so bad. Firstly, it would be economical and environmentally politically correct – great recycling. But better yet, it would give an added benefit to menorah lighting. Not only would it be a spiritually uplifting experience but it would be a physical one as well. After all, there’s no better cure for what ails you than the old dependable Yiddishe Mama’s chicken soup! Somehow, somewhere along the line someone snuck in the concept of exchanging presents. I can only imagine it was the Lower East Side retailers. But it’s a legacy we all have to live with. Don’t get me wrong – t’s always great to give and get gifts. It certainly enhances the celebration. But eight nights in a row.... Isn’t it hard enough thinking of one birthday gift? One of my children was kind enough to make it easier for me. They posted a list on my closet door which was really helpful. The one problem was no one explained to them we also still had bills to pay! There does exist an upper limit. When they were little it was so easy, a chocolate bar sufficed. But as they got older they got WISER. Even though that’s what we pray for, we don’t necessarily mean around Chanukah time! What we do love, though, is that it lasts eight days. Plenty of time to get something right!! It’s also great quality time together, bonding as we sing together and light the menorah. And we like that this is one holiday we can still eat then drive. You might say Purim has that same feature but it’s not that easy unless you want a DWI record. Well, on Chanukah you actually need to be able to drive, because at some point you always need to refill the candle supply, replenish the gifts, pick up more latke ingredients, or more importantly, get to your next Chanukah party! So what are we partying about with all this light? Well, we stayed

en”light”ened, on our terms. The Greeks weren’t even trying to kill us off, as the nations had before them. They just wanted to cast a different “light” on our Jewish outlook. Get us to “see” things their way. The small group of fighters, the Macabees, defeated the Greeks because they understood that our generation needed to survive to “illuminate” the world with healthy values. We celebrate remaining “eye”witnesses to the good G-d wants to rain down on His creations. May the menorahs we light help us all be blessed with insight and the “clarity” we need!

What we do love, though, is that it lasts eight days. Plenty of time to get something right!

So, is it all worth it? The lighting, the schlepping, the eating, the bonding. You bet. And it’s so much easier because everything has that extra smattering of oil to help you slip right through it all with no resistance. Happy Chanukah!

Rivki Rosenwald is a certified relationship counselor, and career and life coach. She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or rivki@rosenwalds.com

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