Five Towns Jewish Home 7-23-15 by The Jewish Home

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A PUBLICATION OF THE FIVE TOWNS & QUEENS COMMUNITY JULY 23–JULY 29, 2015 | DISTRIBUTED WEEKLY IN THE FIVE TOWNS, QUEENS & BROOKLYN

Gush Katif

Around the COMMUNITY

Ten Years Later

Young Israel of Long Beach Annual Dinner Pays Tribute to Friends and Supporters

Community Joins in Annual BBQ Event for Yeshiva Nishmas Hatorah

• Where are They Now? PAGE 80 • Anita Tucker, One of the Founders of the Gush Katif Settlement, PAGE 84 Shares Her Journey

Islanders Player Matt Martin Visits Hillel Day Camp 50 – See page 20

– See page 26

– See page 3 & 23

The Secret of Jewish Immortality by Rabbi Naphtali Hoff PAGE 76 Feeling the Loss by Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller PAGE 75 The Churban of Kitev: The Destruction of a Jewish Shtetl by Dr. Joseph Sturm PAGE 70 Working on Tisha B’Av by Rabbi Moishe Dovid Lebovits PAGE 77 See page 38

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CEDARHURST Agudah of Five Towns 508 Penninsula Blvd. 2:00 A 5:00 B Kehillas Bais YehudaTzvi 395 Oakland Ave. CC 2:30 B 4:15 A FOREST HILLS Havurat Yisrael 68-60 Austin St. July 25, 10:15pm A July 26, 10:30am A 12:15 B Machane Chadash 67-29 108 St. 2:00 A & B Queens Jewish Center 66-05 108 St. 4:15 A & B Y.I. of Forest Hills 7100 Yellowstone Blvd. 6:00 A 8:00 B

Sephardic Jewish Cong. 101-17 67th Drive 3:30

GREAT NECK Great Neck Syn. 26 Old Mill Rd. TBA Ohr Haemet 112 Steamboat Rd. 4:00 Torah Ohr Heb. Academy 575 Middle Neck Rd. TBA Y.I. of Great Neck 236 Middle Neck Rd. TBA FAR ROCKAWAY TAG HIGH SCHOOL 636 Lanett Ave 1:30 A 4:00 B Y.I. of Bayswater

2716 Healy Ave. 3:00 B 5:15 A Yeshiva Ateres Shimon 1239 Caffery Ave. 12:00 A 3:00 B HEWLETT Cong. Anshe Chesed 1170 William St. 3:00 A 5:00 B Y.I of Hewlett 1 Piermont Ave. 3:00 A 6:30 B HILLCREST Y.I. of Hillcrest 11:15 A 3:00 B INWOOD Bais Tefillah of Inwood 321 Doughty Blvd. 2:30 A 4:00 B

JAMAICA ESTATES Y.I. of Jamaica Estates 83-10 188th St. 12:00 A 5:45 B KEW GARDENS Kew Gardens Syn. Adath Yeshurun 82-17 Lefferts Blvd. 3:00 A 5:00 B KEW GARDENS HILLS Boulevard ALP Assisted Living 71-61 159th Street 2:30 B Cong. Ahavas Yisrael 147-02 73rd Ave. 2:10 A 4:10 B Kehilas Sephardim 150-62 78th Rd July 25, After Eicha B

LAWRENCE Shaarei Tefilla 25 Central Ave. 2:30 A 5:15 B Cong. Bais Avrohom Zev 2 Rockaway Trnpk 3:00 A & B LONG BEACH Bach Jewish Center 210 Edward Blvd. July 25, after Eicha A July 26, 5:00 B Y.I. of Long Beach 120 Long Beach Blvd. July 25, after Eicha OCEANSIDE Cong. Darchei Noam 3310 Woodward St. 2:30 A 4:00 B Y.I. of Oceanside 150 Waukena Ave. 5:45 B

PLAINVIEW Plainview Syn. Zichron Kedoshim 255 Monetto Hill Rd. 1:30 A & 5:30 B Y.I. of Plainview 132 Southern Pkwy. 6:00 B WEST HEMPSTEAD Y. I. of W. Hempstead 630 Hempstead Ave. 2:45 & 6:00 A WOODMERE Y.I. of Woodmere 859 Penninsula Blvd. TBA This ad is sponsored by

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From the Editor

Contents Letters to the Editor

Community Readers’ Poll

Community Happenings

This Week We’re Talking to… Simcha Day Camp

News Global

National

Odd-but-True Stories

Israel Israel News

Gush Katif Ten Years Later… Ten Years after the Forced Expulsion from Gush Katif, Where are its Residents? 80 Coaxing Life from the Sands: Anita Tucker, One of the Founders of the Gush Katif Settlement, Shares Her Journey 84 My Israel Home: The Source of Israel’s Happiness 87 People Ze’ev Raz: Leading the Mission to Bomb Iraq’s Osirak Nuclear Reactor by Avi Heiligman 101 Parsha Rabbi Wein

The Shmuz

Jewish Thought Looking Good by Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz

The Secret of Jewish Immortality by Rabbi Naphtali Hoff

Feeling the Loss by Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller 75 History The Churban of Kitev: The Destruction of a Jewish Shtetl by Dr. Joseph Sturm

Dear Readers, It was a land filled with sand as far as the eye could see. It was desolate; they were alone. And then, these true pioneers tended to the earth and painstakingly removed the rocks, planted seeds and nurtured the growing vegetation. It wasn’t just flora that was budding under their care, it was their dreams as well. What they hoped they would be able to achieve was actually coming to fruition: they were building a garden of greenery in a land that was previously barren. They were building up Eretz Yisroel and seeing Hashem’s promise fulfilled. Reading Anita Tucker’s account of how she and her family came to Gush Katif forty years ago was so inspiring to me. Their drive, their desire to build, their perseverance, their steadfast love for the land… Israel was built by individuals who toiled despite all odds. And then came the expulsion.

I remember seeing the pictures of Jews being ripped from their homes, of soldiers on horseback, and the incredible pain and tears. It wasn’t just that the people of Gush Katif were being taken from the place they called home for so many years, there was a searing pain that was felt as they knew that the next day the Arabs would be ravaging those beautiful communities. To see something you worked so hard to build and then to see it destroyed—the pain penetrates so deeply. The expulsion of the Jews from Gush Katif took place ten years ago, on the day after Tisha B’Av. As I read Anita’s account, I couldn’t help but think of the significance. Tisha B’Av has always been a day designated for sadness and for pain, for mourning and for loss. For thousands of years we’ve been driven out of our homes, forced into exile, destined to wander the world in the hopes of find-

ing a place to settle once again. So many of those who were forced out of Gush Katif are still not settled, living in temporary houses and still trying to find another way to earn their livelihood. We, too, as a nation are still not truly home. Despite the luxury and relative peace we experience today, there are many reminders that we are only sojourners in a foreign land. Tisha B’Av is a stark reminder of that reality. As we remember the calamities that befell our nation throughout the millennia and we concentrate on the tragedies that we feel so deeply, we yearn for the day when we can all live as one in the land that is truly ours, bringing honor and dignity to the Jewish nation. May we merit to see Tisha B’Av celebrated as a yom tov of happiness and joy, Shoshana

Weekly Weather

FRIDAY

SHABBOS

July 24

July 25

SUNDAY

MONDAY

July 26

TUESDAY

July 27

July 28

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY July 29

July 30

Halacha Working on Tisha B’Av by Rabbi Moishe Dovid Lebovits 77 Health & Fitness Yael’s Mysterious Illness by David Elazar Simai, MD 88 The Divorce Option by Deb Hirschhorn, PhD 90 Quench Your Thirst by Aliza Beer, MS RD

MOSTLY SUNNY

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The Aussie Gourmet: Cheesy Corn Fritters 104 Great Kosher Food: Apple Blackberry Crisp by 106 Jeff Nathan

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Lifestyles

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Your Best Friend Won’t Tell You by Rabbi Mordechai Kruger

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From My Private Art Collection

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Your Money

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Bad Hair Days and Good Ones by Rivki Rosenwald, Esq., CLC

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Yosef Feinerman MANAGING EDITOR

ads@fivetownsjewishhome.com Shoshana Soroka

Humor

EDITOR

Centerfold

Rocky’s Rant: The Name Game

eretzhachaim.org

Uncle Moishy Fun Page

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Political Crossfire 96

Worse Than We Could Have Imagined by Charles Krauthammer 100 Classifieds

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SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS

Food & Leisure

Notable Quotes

MOSTLY CLOUDY

109

Parshas Devarim Candle Lighting: 8:00 Shabbos Ends: 9:05 Rabbeinu Tam: 9:30

editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com Nate Davis Editorial Assistant Nechama Wein Copy Editor Gabe Solomon Distribution & Logistics

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CLASSIFIEDS@FIVETOWNS JEWISHHOME.COM TEXT 443-929-4003 The Jewish Home is an independent weekly magazine. Opinions expressed by writers are not neces sarily the opinions of the publisher or editor. The Jewish Home is not responsible for typographical errors, or for the kashrus of any product or business advertised within. The Jewish Home contains words of Torah. Please treat accordingly.

Letters to the Editor tors did of Neville Chamberlain. President Obama is kicking the can down the road for a future administration to deal with. Sincerely Larry Penner Great Neck, NY

Dear Editor, Dr. Deb’s advice to trust your gut in the dating process is probably the most fundamental recommendation one can give those in the dating world. Even if everything looks so perfect on paper, if you don’t feel comfortable sitting next to the one you are dating, then something is wrong. It could be something that can be addressed and corrected or it could be something that’s niggling in the back of your brain, telling you that something is not right. You are the one who will be married to this person—not your parents, not your friends, not your rabbi or therapist. If he or she makes you feel uncomfortable and on-edge, don’t dismiss those feelings. They are legitimate and important. A Reader

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.

We Remember

You Can Make a Difference

Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan Sgt. Carson A. Holmquist Lance Cpl. Squire “Skip” K. Wells Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith

Please call Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand to urge them to vote against the Iran nuclear deal.

Who were Killed in a Terrorist Attack on July 16 in Chattanooga, TN.

Senator Chuck Schumer (212) 486-4430 • (202) 224-6542

May G-d Bring Comfort to their Families and to the People of their Country for Whom they Served.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (212) 688-6262 • (202) 224-4451

JULY 23, 2015

Democratic primary or Republican general election challenger. Assuming all 246 GOP Congressmembers vote against the deal, Diogenes will be searching for 44 Democratic Congress members to come up with the magic number of 290. Democratic House Minority leader Congress member Nancy Pelosi will pull the same parlor trick as her Democratic Senate counterpart Harry Reid. With her own wink and a nod, she will allow up to 43 Democratic Congress members to vote against the president. Pelosi also wants to protect members in potentially competitive districts from a pro-Israel Democratic primary or Republican general election challenger. Friends of Israel who are Democrats should withhold campaign donations to any Democratic presidential candidate such as former Senator and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who support this deal. Do the same with your local Democratic Congress member along with any fundraising letters from the Democratic Party National Committee, Senate or Congressional Committees as well. President wannabe Hillary Clinton has endorsed this deal. She no longer deserves your support. The same should be true with Senators Schumer and Gillibrand along with all members of the New York State Democratic Party Congressional delegation if they lack the moral courage to stand with Israel in this defining moment in history. Punish any potential presidential, Senate or House of Representative candidate between now and 2016 with your checkbook and ballot who don’t support Israel. Future generations may speak of former President Obama as our ances-

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Dear Editor, The nuclear deal between Iran and the United States in the long run will be detrimental to the survival of Israel. It is still not a done deal. Providing Iran with 24 day advance notification for inspection of potential violations is ludicrous. Congress has 60 days to review and concur. President Obama in his usual arrogant way has already said he will veto any votes by Congress to cancel the deal. It will require the votes

of 67 Senators out of 100 to overturn any presidential veto. Likewise in the House, it would require 290 Congress members out of 435 to do the same. Assuming all 54 Republican Senators object to the deal, Diogenes will be searching for 13 Democratic Senators to come up with the magic number of 67. Democratic Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid from Nevada wants to make his self-appointed heir New York’s Senator Charles Schumer Majority Leader when the 2017 session convenes. This means that he can protect up to 12 Senators who are concerned about being reelected in 2016 or 2018 with a wink and a nod to stand with Israel and vote against fellow Democrat President Obama. Will Senators Schumer and Gillibrand be profiles in courage and vote against this disastrous deal? Neither has ever been bashful about speaking their mind in front of a camera or microphone. Will Senator Schumer stand up and fight for Israel by seriously lobbying his fellow Democrats to insure 13 or more defect from the president and vote against the deal and kill it? It may mean Schumer choosing between becoming Senate Majority Leader (by incurring the vengeful wrath of President Obama) and standing with friends of Israel. Reid wants to protect members in potentially competitive districts in 2016 from a pro-Israel

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Dear Editor, I really enjoy reading Mr. Rafi Sackville’s articles on life in Israel. He gives a different perspective into life there and I appreciate that he doesn’t always write about the beautiful—he shows us reality. This week, his article truly moved me and showed me just how special and he and his wife truly are. They are blessed to be the parents of three special children and it’s apparent that they see their children truly as special individuals. I am happy to see that their children are able to feel comfortable and enjoy activities that are meaningful to them, living their lives in a wonderful, connecting way. Sincerely, Rena Gross Kew Gardens, NY

The Week In News

Global UN Approves Iran Deal

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On Monday, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing the Iran nuclear deal, paving the way to lifting longstanding sanctions on the Islamic Republic. The 15-0 approval of the agreement clears one of the largest hurdles for the landmark pact, which will now go before the U.S. Congress where it may face an uphill battle for confirmation. The UN vote came shortly after the European Union approved the nuclear deal, endorsing the pact between the five permanent members of the Security Council plus Germany and Iran that lifts punishing economic sanctions on Teh-

ran in exchange for temporary curbs on nuclear activity. On condition that Iran respects the agreement to the letter, seven UN resolutions passed since 2006 to sanction Iran will be gradually terminated. Israel has vocally opposed the terms of the deal. Among those voting in favor at the Security Council was Jordan, a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, putting a dent in Israel’s claim that all the Sunni Arab states in the region oppose the deal as vociferously as Jerusalem. But a senior Israeli official speaking on condition of anonymity dismissed Jordan’s vote. “The Arabs states talking to us send a clear message. Sometimes there’s a difference between what it said at multilateral forums and what is said in closed rooms,” the official noted. Ahead of the vote, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Congress to keep U.S. sanctions on Iran in place. The UN Security Council vote is not “the end of the story,” Netanyahu urged. “So long as U.S. Congress sanctions are in place, and noting that the U.S. economy is 40 times larger than Iran’s, Iran will need to make concessions.” Netanyahu slammed the Security

Council vote as “hypocrisy,” stressing that Tehran “systematically violates UN resolutions and calls for the destruction of Israel — a member of the UN.” The prime minister said many countries in the Middle East see “eye-to-eye with Israel” on the nuclear deal. “History has proven that even when the world is united, it is not necessarily right,” he emphasized. v

An Apology from Mitsubishi—70 Years Later

The Simon Wiesenthal Center hosted the Mitsubishi Materials Corporation this week for quite an interesting event.

The Japanese company offered a landmark apology for using U.S. prisoners of war for forced labor during World War II. “Today we apologize remorsefully for the tragic events in our past,” Mitsubishi Materials’ senior executive officer, Hikaru Kimura, said at the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles on Sunday. He apologized to 94-year-old James Murphy of Santa Maria, California, and relatives of other former POWs who toiled at plants its predecessor company operated in Japan during the Second World War. Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean at the center, called it an important gesture, coming as it does ahead of the 70th anniversary in August of the end of the war that has heightened scrutiny of Japan’s attitude to its past abuses. “As far as I know, this is a piece of history,” said Rabbi Cooper, who helped to moderate the closed-door meeting at the center’s Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. “It’s the first time a major Japanese company has ever made such a gesture. We hope this will spur other companies to join in and do the same.” Continued on page 12 ‫בס"ד‬

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12 5 Towns/Queens

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Japan’s government issued a formal apology to American POWs in 2009 and again in 2010, but until now, the dwindling ranks of veterans have gained little traction in their demand that Japanese corporations that used them as slaves at mines and industrial plants under often brutal conditions do the same. Some 12,000 American prisoners were shipped to Japan and forced to work at more than 50 sites to support imperial Japan’s war effort, and about 10 percent died in their internment, according to Kinue Tokudome, director of the U.S.-Japan Dialogue on POWs. Tokudome said Mitsubishi Materials will be apologizing for its use of forced labor by some 900 American troops at four locations operated by its predecessor company, Mitsubishi Mining Co. Only two living survivors of that ordeal could be located to accept the apology, and of them, only Murphy is fit enough to make the trip to Los Angeles. “This is a glorious day,” he said. He survived working at Mitsubishi Mining’s Osarizawa copper mine and the infamous Bataan death march in the Philippines. “For 70 years we wanted this.”

Yachad is an agency of the Orthodox Union

Queen of England Raising Nazi Salute as a Child Raises Ire

The media was in frenzy last week when a photo emerged of the Queen of England raising a Nazi salute at the young age of 7. This photo shows Queen Elizabeth II, along with the Queen Mother, frolicking on the grounds of Balmoral, their vacation castle in the Scottish Highlands, and raising a Nazi salute. Princess Margaret, the Queen’s younger sister—just three-years-old at the time—is also in the photo and appears to be being coaxed into saluting by Uncle Edward, Prince of Wales, the girls’ uncle. The photo is a part of a newly uncovered 1933 family movie. Edward was a long-suspected Nazi sympathizer. He became king in 1936

for a short while and then abdicated his throne less than a year later to marry American socialite Wallis Simpson, also a reputed Nazi sympathizer, clearing the way for Elizabeth to take the throne. The couple was photographed meeting Hitler in Munich in October 1937. The palace has been accused of attempting to suppress the release of material that would suggest or confirm any sort of connection between the leading royals and the Third Reich. This leaked photo and video has brought the relationship to center stage. It has turned into a big global debate; historians and MPs have called for the archives to be opened so that the correspondence can be put into context. “The royal family can’t suppress their own history forever,” said Karina Urbach of the Institute of Historical Research at the University of London. “This is censorship. Censorship is not a democratic value. They have to face their past. I’m coming from a country, Germany, where we all have to face our past.” However, many Britons expressed their dismay that the Sun newspaper published the image of a harmless and clueless child. The managing editor, Stig Abell, defended the publication saying, “It is an important and interesting issue, the extent to which the British aristocracy – notably Edward VIII, in this case – in the 1930s, were sympathetic towards fascism.” The paper declined to comment on how it acquired the footage. Legal experts suggested a police investigation is unlikely, especially given the unsuccessful outcomes of recent cases in which Sun reporters walked free after being accused of paying public officials for information. “On the face of it, this information has been obtained legitimately and used in accordance with what the newspaper feels is appropriate interest,” said John Cooper, QC. “It’s really a question not so much on the law but whether it’s in the public interest for this material to find its way into a newspaper. The public interest in this document being produced is nothing to do with the royal family but how startling it is that in 1933 people were so naive about the evils of Nazism.” In response to the brouhaha a palace spokesman said, “It is disappointing that film, shot eight decades ago and apparently from Her Majesty’s personal family archive, has been obtained and exploited in this manner.” The Sun published the photo under the headline, “Their royal heilnesses.”

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Khamenei: Our Policies with U.S. Won’t Change

Saudi Arabia said this week that it has broken up planned Islamic State attacks in the kingdom and arrested more than 400 suspects in an anti-terrorism sweep. The announcement was made one day after a powerful blast in neighboring Iraq killed more than 100 people in one of the country’s deadliest single attacks since U.S. troops pulled out in 2011. The Saudi crackdown highlights the country’s growing concern about the threat posed by the Islamic State group. In addition to its operations in Iraq and Syria, ISIS has claimed responsibility for recent suicide bombings aimed at Shiites in the kingdom’s oil-rich east and in neighboring Kuwait. The Saudi Interior Ministry accused those arrested over the “past few weeks” of involvement in several attacks, including a suicide bombing in May that killed 22 people in the eastern village of al-Qudeeh.

JULY 23, 2015

Saudis Thwart ISIS Attacks

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The United States’ new partner is spouting rhetoric that makes one wonder if it’s truly onboard with the agreement brokered last week. On Saturday, just days after hands were shaken over the Iran nuclear agreement, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed that the deal on his country’s nuclear program would not alter Iran’s policies toward the United States. In a televised address marking the start of Eid al-Fitr, the festival that follows the Muslim month of Ramadan, Khamenei said the agreement signed on Tuesday on the nuclear issue would not affect Iran’s stance on other regional or bilateral matters. “Our policies toward the arrogant government of the United States will not be changed at all,” he thundered Khamenei said the negotiations with the United States and other world powers were an exception because they served Iran’s national interests. His speech was punctuated by shouts of “Death to Israel” and “Death to America.” On Tuesday, Secretary of State John Kerry, one of the key negotiators at the table during the brokering of the deal, called Khamenei’s sentiments “very troubling.” “I don’t know how to interpret it at this point in time, except to take it at face value, that that’s his policy,” he said in the interview with Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television. “But I do know that often comments are made publicly and things can evolve that are different. If it is the policy, it’s very disturbing, it’s very troubling,” he added. Previously, Kerry had said the deal would improve regional security by preventing Iran from seeking atomic weapons. He has yet to convince many Republicans in the United States and America’s key ally in the Middle East: Israel. Sunni-ruled Arab states, such as Saudi Arabia, are concerned about Shi-

ite Iran obtaining nuclear material. “The agreement gets rid of the nuclear weapon potential. But if we do the right things ... then I believe the Gulf states and the region can feel much more secure than they do today,” Kerry emphasized. “We don’t say the deal is totally in favor of Iran. Any negotiation is a give and take. We have definitely shown some flexibility,” Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran’s foreign minister, said. “I tell you as I told the Supreme Leader, we did our best to preserve most of the red lines, if not all.” On Tuesday, Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to Khamenei on foreign affairs, said, “No one can tell us which weapons we can have.... Except nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction, Iran will continue making all the missiles, fighter jets, anti-missile defense systems, tanks and other armored equipment it needs,” he was quoted as saying on the Supreme Leader’s website.

15 THE JEWISH HOME

The Week In News

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The Week In News That attack was the deadliest militant assault in the kingdom in more than a decade. Saudi Arabia also blamed ISIS for the November shooting and killing of eight worshippers in the eastern Saudi village of al-Ahsa, and for being behind another attack in late May when a suicide bomber disguised as a woman blew himself up and killed four people in the parking lot of a Shiite mosque. Saudi Arabia branded the Islamic State group a terrorist organization last year and has joined the U.S.-led coalition targeting it in Syria and Iraq. Authorities have vowed to punish those responsible for terrorist attacks inside the kingdom, the Arab world’s largest economy.

sory to the murder of 300,000 Jews and sentenced him to four years in prison. He served as an SS sergeant in Auschwitz. The 94-year-old, who testified that he oversaw the collection of prisoners’ belongings and ensured valuables and cash were separated to be sent to Berlin, listened expressionlessly to the verdict after a 2 ½ month trial.

Guilty Verdict for Accountant of Auschwitz

The verdict, and presiding Judge Franz Kompisch’s thorough and impassioned detailing of the Lueneburg state court’s ruling, renewed hope of more 11th-hour prosecutions of former members of the SS who served at death camps — regardless of their age. “This verdict was critical because this is the first case brought where the prosecution

Last week, a court ruled that Oskar Groening was guilty of being an acces-

charged a person who wasn’t involved in the physical side of mass murder,” said the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s head Nazi hunter, Efraim Zuroff, in a telephone interview from Belgrade. “This paves the way for additional trials of individuals who did not literally pull the trigger but who were part of the implementation of the Final Solution.” Kompisch acknowledged that Groening was born in a different time, growing up after World War I in Germany in a right-wing nationalist family and in a society where Jews were portrayed as a danger to the country. However, he pointed out that Groening joined the SS of his own volition when he had many other options. “You didn’t want to stand on the sidelines,” he chided Groening. “You wanted to be there.” Dozens of Auschwitz survivors and their relatives joined the trial as co-plaintiffs, as German law allows, though none were present for the verdict. “It doesn’t matter to me if Oskar Groening got two, three or four years in prison. What matters to me is that this trial was held, and that he got convicted for his crimes,” said Angela Orosz-Richt, a co-plaintiff who testified at

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Chinese Curator Forges 140 Paintings

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The Week In News Top Marks for Jewish IQ

A new study recently published by conducted at Cambridge University called, “From Chance to Choice: Genetic and Justice,” found that Ashkenazi Jews have a median IQ of 117. That’s 10 points higher than the “accepted” IQ of their biggest competition, those from Northeast Asia, and 20% higher than the global average. Ashkenazim make up approximately 80% of all Jews who descend from Medieval Germany and throughout Europe. The other 20% is made up of Sephardic Jews, who were not researched in the study.

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FBI: Syrian Atrocities are Real After a year of analysis, the FBI has concluded that controversial photographs showing the torture of Syrian political prisoners are indeed authentic. The findings provide powerful new evidence to support charges of extensive human rights violations by Syrian President Bashar Assad. The photographs, smuggled out of Syria by a defector two years ago, show no evidence of being manipulated and “appear to depict real people and events,” the FBI concluded in a report compiled at the request of the State Department. A top State Department official said the FBI report could provide fresh impetus for international war crimes prosecutors to bring criminal charges against top Syrian officials. The pictures were taken by a former official government photographer-turned-defector who, using the codename “Caesar,” smuggled them out of Syria two years ago on thumb drives concealed in his shoes. When the photos first surfaced last year, Assad officials denounced them as forgeries concocted by Syrian rebel groups. Any expert

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99.97% of N. Korea Participates in “Election”

lot boxes.” Leader Kim Jong-Un cast his own ballot in the capital. In 2011, 28,116 representatives were elected as deputies to local assemblies with not a single vote of opposition to the candidates. During each four-year term, the local assemblies convene once or twice a year to approve budgets and endorse leaders appointed by the ruling party. North Korea, which the Kim dynasty has ruled with an iron fist for more than six decades, held elections for its rubber-stamp parliament last year. Amazingly, those polls also saw turnout of 99.97 percent. Many believe these formal elections are one way for the dictating party to determine if there are any obvious names that are absent. South Korean intelligence officials say dozens of senior North Korean officials have been purged since Kim Jong-Un took power. Kim suspiciously replaced his defense minister in April. The most high-profile purge was of Kim Jong-Un’s once powerful uncle Jang Song-Thaek, who was condemned as “factionalist scum” following his execution in 2013.

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“could easily find out that these pictures are fake and that they have no relation to prisoners or detainees in Syrian prisons,” the Syrian Justice Ministry said in a statement at the time. But the FBI report contradicts that claim. The bodies and scenes depicted in the 242 samples analyzed by FBI analysts “exhibit no artifacts or inconsistencies that would indicate that they have been manipulated … [or] are the result of computer-generated effects,” states the report by the FBI’s Digital Evidence Laboratory. Stephen Rapp, the State Department ambassador for global criminal justice, said that the FBI report has already been shared with officials at a United Nations commission investigating Syrian human rights abuses.

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Say yes—because you have to. State-controlled local elections in North Korea this week touted a 99.97 percent voter participation rate, state media reported, in polls to elect new representatives put forward by the ruling party. Typically, 99 percent of North Korean voters in the de facto single-party state take part in elections and 99 percent of them cast affirmative votes for uncontested candidates. “All participants took part in the elections with extraordinary enthusiasm to cement the revolutionary power through the elections of deputies to the local people’s assemblies,” Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency said. The small percentage of citizens who did not vote were mostly out of the country, KCNA said. The ill and elderly were able to cast votes via “mobile bal-

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China, has admitted to stealing more than 140 paintings by Chinese masters from a university and replacing them with his own forgeries. He sold 125 of the paintings for approximately $6 million. Interestingly, Xiao defended his actions, telling Guangzhou People’s Intermediate Court there were already fakes in the storeroom when he started to work there. Xiao, who had a key to the university storeroom, substituted famous works by masters including Zhu Da, Qi Baishi and Zhang Daqian between 2004 and 2011. During this time, some of his forgeries were stolen by someone else and then replaced with yet another copy. “I realized someone else had replaced my paintings with their own because I could clearly discern that their works were terribly bad,” he said. University policy allowed students and professors to take out paintings the same way one could borrow library books. In 2012 Chinese news agency Xinhua reported that art forgery was “increasingly rampant” in the country. That year it became the world’s largest market for art and antiques, according to the European Fine Art Foundation.

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The Week In News Interestingly, for Ashkenazi Jews, the scores for “visual-spatial” were particularly low. Math and language scores, however, were astonishing. According to the study, “Ashkenazi Jews comprise 2.2% of the USA population, but they represent 30% of faculty at elite colleges, 21% of Ivy League students, 25% of the Turing Award winners, 23% of the wealthiest Americans, and 38% of the Oscar-winning film directors.” But the disproportion does not just stop at braininess. According to the Institute for Ethics & Emerging Technologies, “Since 1950, 29% of the Oslo awards have gone to Ashkenazim, even though they represent only 0.25% of humanity. Ashkenazi achievement in this arena is 117 times greater than their population.”

250 Hamas Operatives Arrested A potentially deadly series of terrorist attacks were thwarted this week when over 250 Hamas members were arrested by Palestinian Authority secu-

rity forces in the West Bank. According to the PA, the Hamas cells planned to kidnap Israelis, fire at vehicles on main arteries in the West Bank, launch attacks on IDF checkpoints and assassinate senior PA security officials. The PA also confiscated funds in possession of the Hamas operatives and seized weapons and explosives.

Behind the plot was a core of veteran Hamas fighters known as the “West Bank office,” comprised of former convicted terrorists from the West Bank who were released from Israeli prisons to the Gaza Strip in the 2011 Gilad Shalit deal. The cells were managed by senior Hamas official Saleh al-Arouri. The aim, a PA official said, was to destroy any ties between Israel and the PA and to cause Israel to make a drastic move

which would inflame the West Bank. Earlier this month, Hamas alleged that more than 200 of its members were arrested by the Palestinian Authority recently, with most of them tortured, threatening to widen a rift between Palestinian factions. “Hamas members in the occupied West Bank are being submitted to their worst campaign of arrests — their biggest and longest,” Hamas official Abdurahman Shadid told journalists. He said more than 200 had been arrested since July 2 in the West Bank and “most have been severely tortured.”

Gush Katif Poll Shows Change of Heart

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Ten years later, a majority of Israelis maintain they opposed the 2005 disengagement from the Gaza Strip, and over half believe Israel should resettle the territory. According to a survey by the think tank Begin-Sadat Center of Strategic Studies, 63 percent of respondents say they were against the evacuation at the time, while 51% say Israeli civilians should move back into the coastal enclave. Nearly half of respondents (47%) also oppose evacuating West Bank Jewish settlements, while 53% support such a move under certain circumstances, such as a peace agreement with the Palestinians. Prof. Efraim Inbar, the head of the think tank, said the results indicate that many Israelis regret supporting the 2005 plan — which saw the dismantling of 21 Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip, evacuation of over 8,000 Israelis, and an end of Israeli control over the coastal enclave — and that some respondents lied on the survey about their past support. “Since we know a majority of the public in 2005 supported the disengage-

ment, it’s very clear that some of the respondents don’t feel comfortable with their past support for the disengagement and therefore testify today that they opposed it,” Inbar noted. The majority support for territorial withdrawal in the West Bank under certain conditions, namely a peace deal, is “not surprising,” he added. “Most Israelis are willing to make territorial compromises, in particular in areas that have a large Arab population.” That most Israelis want to resettle Gaza is, however, “surprising,” and requires further research, he said.

Malachi Rosenfeld’s Murderers Arrested

On June 30, Malachi Rosenfeld lost his life when he was shot by a terrorist in a car. Earlier this month, Israeli security forces arrested his murderers, who were also behind a shooting two days earlier at a Magen David Adom ambulance and other vehicles near Beitin. The family of terrorists and the rest of their cell admitted to have committed these attacks and attempting to commit another attack on June 6, 2015. The brains behind the “family business” terror cell, Ahmad Najar, a Hamas operative, was not among the suspects arrested. He was imprisoned in Israel several times in the past, most recently from December 2003 until October 2011, over his involvement in a shooting attack that claimed the lives of six Israelis. After his release as part of the Shalit deal and expulsion to Gaza, Najar moved to Jordan, where he has been working to organize and fund terror attacks. His brother, Amjad Najar, also a Hamas operative, was arrested on July 7. In his interrogation he admitted to facilitating the transfer of instructions, weapons and funding from his brother in Jordan to the West Bank for the attack. He was previously arrested in the 1990s for involvement in terror activities. Jamal Younes, Ahmad Najar’s father-in-law, was arrested on July 10. In his interrogation, he admitted to scrapping the car used in the attack, mediat-

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The Week In News ing on an arms deal for the attack, and to meeting Ahmad Najar in Jordan. Abdallah Ischak was also arrested on July 7. In his interrogation, the terrorist admitted to being directly involved in the two attacks, saying he drove the car used by the cell and participated in other armed activity. He was previously in Israeli jail in 20102011 for arms trade and terror activ-

ities. In 2006, he was involved in the planning of a terror attack. Fa’ez Hamed, a Hamas commander, was arrested on July 9 for his part in the attacks. In his interrogation, he admitted to planning the attacks and being involved in another attempted attack. He was arrested several times in the past for his activity within Hamas.

Adallom: Latest Israeli Start-Up Buy-Out Rumors are swirling about another huge acquisition of an Israeli tech startup. According to many industry sources, Microsoft is set to acquire Israeli cloud security firm Adallom, making it the

company’s tenth outright acquisition in Israel. If the reported acquisition price is correct, the Israeli start-up will cost Microsoft $320 million. According to reports, Tel Aviv-based Adallom, currently with about 60 employees, will continue to operate in Israel and will expand to become Microsoft’s cyber-security development headquarters in Israel. $320 million would be the most Microsoft ever paid for an Israeli tech firm and would place Adallom among the top 25 biggest buyouts made by Microsoft. The software behemoth has made 179 acquisitions since 1987.

Adallom’s product is designed to prevent misuse of online Software as a Service (Saas) systems within organizations by keeping an eye on how they are being used. The key to SaaS data security, such as corporate mail and messaging systems, is to ensure that not only is the data itself safe but that it is being used in a legitimate manner even by company employees, said Ami Luttwak, co-founder of Adallom. The system keeps tabs on many other security issues as well. If a user generally reads or downloads 3-5 technical documents a day, Adallom’s system will send out an alert if it sees the user downloading hundreds of documents; perhaps the employee is planning to quit that very day and is taking along some data “souvenirs” before leaving. If the system notices that there is a great deal of browser activity and many access requests, that could be evidence of malware operating on a user’s system, sucking up data from an employee’s computer or from the network. A quick alert dispatched by Adallom’s security solution allows administrators to put a clamp on that user’s access privileges. Adallom was established in 2011 by Luttwak, Assaf Rappaport, and Roy Reznik, who all previously served in the Israeli Intelligence Corps (“unit 8200”). Since then it has become a go-to enterprise solution for companies like HP, SAP, FireEye, LinkedIn, Pixar, Netflix and DropBox. Adallom also has specific solutions for SaaS-cloud services like Google Docs, Office365, Salesforce. com, and many others. Continued on page 24

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The Week In News Hebrew U Ranked among World’s Best by Saudi Think Tank

High marks were given to Israel’s universities by a Saudi Arabia-based consultancy this week. The Jeddah-based Center for World University Rankings listed three Israeli universities in the world’s best 100, and a total of seven in the world’s best 1,000 — eclipsing institutions in the Middle East and the Arab world and standing on par with some of the best universities in Europe, Asia and the U.S. Jerusalem’s Hebrew University was ranked as Israel’s best institution, taking

the 23rd spot worldwide — down from 22nd place in 2014. The Weizmann Institute of Science secured 39th place, and Tel Aviv University clinched 86th spot. Rounding off the list, the Technion came in at No. 136, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev was ranked No. 349, Bar-Ilan University came in at 521, while the University of Haifa was ranked 700. The highest-ranked institution in the region outside of Israel was the Middle East Technical University in Turkey, at No. 470. Unsurprisingly, Ivy League universities, together with Cambridge and Oxford universities in Britain, completed the world’s top ten list. Harvard University was ranked the world’s No. 1, followed by Stanford and MIT. These results differ substantially from a June survey run by the British daily The Times, which indicated a considerable drop in Israel’s university rankings. On that list, Tel Aviv University placed 22nd on the list of Asian nations, while Hebrew University ranked 25th. Turkey’s Middle East Technical University ranked as the best institution in the region, beating out its Israeli counterparts.

Hamas: Israel Will Never Know what Happened to Fallen Soldier

It’s been a year since Golani Brigade combat soldier First Sergeant Oron Shaul was killed by Hamas operatives in Gaza during Operation Protective Edge. But his body has never come home. Hamas has been holding Shaul’s body since last July 20 and now the armed wing of the terrorist organization, Al-Qassam Brigades, has published a statement claiming that Israel will never obtain any information about “the captured soldier Oron Shaul” despite its advanced intelligence capabilities. “Today the hope of the prisoners [jailed terrorists] to obtain freedom soon is renewed, while the enemy is in

an embarrassment on this issue, and is helpless despite its use of all the intelligence means at its disposal in an attempt to obtain any scrap of information about its captured soldier,” read the statement. Hamas gave the impression that Shaul was captured alive as it has on other occasions, even though the IDF confirmed he was killed when the armored personnel carrier he was in was hit by a Hamas rocket propelled grenade. Further putting a dent in the credibility of the Hamas claim is that the terror group has not given any evidence that Shaul is alive, or actively pressed for a prisoner swap as would be expected if they had a live soldier in their clutches. Hamas claimed that “at 12:45 a.m. in the morning on July 20, 2014, brigade activists succeeded in capturing the soldier Oron Shaul to the east of Gaza City which brought about the death of 14 soldiers and the wounding of dozens, including Golani brigade commander Rasan Elian, and Shaul has [now] entered his 365th day in the hands of Al-Qassam.” Perhaps understanding that their words aren’t too credible, the terrorist

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According to reports, Hamas members and Palestinians who live in the Gaza Strip are still working tirelessly to continue their network of underground tunnels. Ramadan, a month of fasting that took place this year in the hot summer months, didn’t even stop them. However, in recent weeks, construction has slowed due to a severe shortage of materials that are essential for the tunnel

50 years and many court cases after his death, Franz Kafka’s publisher’s estate will be legally placed in the safe hands of the National Library of Israel. The Court’s decision to hand over Max Brod’s possessions ended a longstanding dispute between Eva and Ruti Hoffe – the daughters of Brod’s secretary, Esther Hoffe, whom Brod had left in charge of his estate upon his death in 1968 – and Israel’s National Library, which was suing for possession of the documents. The judges found that upon her death in 2007, Ester Hoffe had illegally bequeathed the collection to her daughters, after having, also illegally, sold several of its most important manuscripts to private archives around the world for impressive sums. “Is the placing of Kafka’s personal writings – which he ordered to be destroyed – for public sale to the highest bidder by the secretary of his friend and by her daughters in keeping with justice? It appears that the answer to this is clear,” the

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In a poll with unsurprising results, Israelis were found to be most worried about the threats posed by Iran and the Islamic State. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s repeated warnings of the Iranian threat made quite an impression on Israelis, as 53 percent said they found Iran to be the biggest cause for concern, while 44 percent said they are most concerned with the threat posed by the Islamic State. When looking at the different sectors in Israel, Jews (59 percent) were more concerned with Tehran’s race towards a nuclear bomb than Arabs (23 percent). Among the other causes for concern among Israelis: 28 percent said they were worried about global economic instability, 18 percent about cyber-attacks, six percent said the tensions between Russia and its neighbors, and three percent were worried about the territorial disputes between China and its neighbors. But Israel is not alone in its concern over the threat posed by extremist Islamists. Many countries in the Middle East, Europe and the Americas listed the Islamic State as their top concern in the recent Pew poll. In the United States, for example, 68 percent said the Islamic State was the biggest global threat, while 62 percent said they are concerned with Iran’s nuclear program. In neighboring Canada, 58 percent were most concerned about the Islamic State, 43 percent were worried about Iran and 45 listed global climate change as the

Kerem Shalom Crossing Used by Hamas to Smuggle in Goods

JULY 23, 2015

Pew Poll Measures Top Court Awards Kafka Forty’s Fear Factors Collection to Library

judges wrote in their ruling. At the heart of the debate lay the equivocal legal status of the Kafka estate. Brod – himself a major cultural figure known for his work as a novelist, journalist, Zionist activist and composer – had received the collection from Kafka. Several decades later, he made a present of it to his secretary and associate Hoffe, whom he also named sole executor of his estate in his will. He left the fate of the material to Hoffe’s discretion, providing a list of institutions – headed by the National Library – to which she should donate the estate upon her death, if not before. The court’s decision confirmed that Brod’s ultimate request – that the collection be donated to a public institution – was the decisive factor in the story. “Just as Max Brod saw it as his indisputable duty to publish Kafka’s works as overriding any consideration against their publication, so it is our duty and our privilege to realize this aim,” Justice Kobi Vardi wrote in the Court’s decision. “And even if someone claims we were wrong, everyone will at least agree that this was a truly first-rate Kafkaesque story,” he added.

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world’s top worry. In fact, residents of 14 countries put the Islamic State as their top concern: 70 percent of Europeans expressed “top concern” over the Sunni terror organization that has been capturing territories in its quest for a caliphate in Iraq and Syria. Within the European continent, the Spaniards were the ones most concerned about the Islamic State (77 percent), while in Poland, the ISIS threat is secondary, with the tensions between Russia and its neighbors being the Polish people’s top concern. Naturally, in the Middle East the concern from ISIS is highest. In Lebanon, for example, 84 percent noted ISIS was their top concern. 90 percent of Sunni Muslims and 87 percent of Shiites in the country view ISIS as the biggest threat, compared to 76 percent of Christians.

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organization added, “Our statements express the truth and honesty, and our jihadist fighters are the initiators on the campaign field, and the public of the enemy should follow our statements to know the truth from us and not from its lying leadership,” it insisted. Aside from Shaul, the body of another fallen IDF soldier is being held by Hamas; Givati Brigade first lieutenant Hadar Goldin was killed on August 1, 2014 at the height of the operation after Hamas terrorists breached one of several ceasefires to attack his unit on the outskirts of the city of Rafah. Likewise two Israeli civilians are being held alive by Hamas after entering Gaza apparently due to mental illness. Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon has said Israel will do all it can to free the captives but will not release terrorists.

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The Week In News industry. Many Israeli defense experts assume that, a year after Operation Protective Edge, it is likely that Hamas already has one or more tunnels crossing the border fence and reaching inside Israel. When Israel realized that materials vital to the tunnel industry were being smuggled from Israel into the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom border crossing, they put a stop to it. Some of the resources are dual-use materials and some illegal material was hidden in aboveboard supply deliveries. Material for rocket manufacture was also brought into the Strip via Israel in this way. Recent inspections and seizures at the Kerem Shalom border crossing led to a discovery of an attempt to smuggle enough rocket fuel for 4,480 20-kilometer-range rockets. The fuel had been hidden in bags containing a different material. Excavating tunnels requires heavy labor, shovels, steel cables, engines, pulley blocks, batteries, concrete or wooden panels, metal pallets and various chemicals. The manufacture of rockets, meanwhile, requires electrodes, explosive materials and rocket fuel, among other things. Hamas was managing to smuggle all those things into the Gaza Strip until fairly recently — not through tunnels from Sinai or by sea, but from Israel via Kerem Shalom. Many of the necessary tools and items can be disguised as harmless parts of civilian equipment but is easily repurposed for arms manufacture and for digging tunnels. For example, refrigerator motors can be ordered without raising a red flag and then parts of it can be used for tunnel excavations. Supposedly Hamas set up an extensive hierarchy of funds and personnel for purchasing and acquisition in Israel and the West Bank. This apparatus receives orders from all of Hamas’s various departments: the military wing, of course, and military outposts, installations, tunnels and arms-manufacturing plants. Hamas also set up a network of Palestinian merchants in Gaza to buy the goods; some know nothing of their role in the organization while others are well aware of it. Their job is to supply Hamas indirectly or directly with everything it needs: electronics, communications equipment and construction materials. Despite the recent revelations of goods being smuggled in for tunnel excavation and arms manufacture through the Kerem Shalom crossing, the transfer of goods is continuing—about 600 enormous trucks filled with goods from Israel enter the Gaza Strip every day.

But at the same time, the defense establishment has heightened its efforts to prevent those dual-purpose materials from getting into the Strip. Because of the tightening of controls, Hamas’s purchasing and acquisitions department is suffering from a shortage of electrodes and chemical materials. A package of electrodes that until recently cost 60 shekels in Gaza now costs 800 shekels. The price for explosives smuggled into Gaza, once $10,000 per ton, has soared to $70,000. It seems that the price of terrorism has gone up.

National Five Honorable Servicemen Killed in Chattanooga Shooting

he didn’t appear to be radical. He was born in Kuwait but became a naturalized American citizen. Jordanian sources said Abdulazeez had been in Jordan as recently as 2014 visiting an uncle. He had also visited Kuwait and Jordan in 2010, Kuwait’s Interior Ministry said. U.S. Attorney Bill Killian said the shootings are being investigated as an “act of domestic terrorism,” but he noted the incident has not yet officially been classified as terrorism. Reinhold said there is nothing to connect the attacker to ISIS or other international terror groups. Abdulazeez was not on any U.S. databases of suspected terrorists. His family insists that he was depressed and under the influence of drugs. “I think mental health professionals would be not happy with what the parents are assessing, in saying, ‘Well, he was depressed, and therefore that’s why he became a killer like this,’” CNN law enforcement analyst Tom Fuentes said. “People with depression do not turn, necessarily, into psychopathic killers – as he did.”

3. Lincoln, NE 4. Greensboro, NC 5. Tucson, AZ 6. Reno, NV 7. Durham, NC 8. Colorado Springs, CO 9. Winston-Salem, NC 10. Raleigh, NC Here are the ten cities to avoid if you’re behind the wheel: 1. New York, NY 2. Washington, DC 3. Philadelphia, PA 4. San Francisco, CA 5. Detroit, MI 6. Newark, NJ 7. Boston, MA 8. Chicago, IL 9. Baltimore, MD 10. Los Angeles, CA

U.S. and Cuba Reopen Embassies

Best & Worst Cities for Drivers The night before Mohammad Youssuf Abdulazeez shot up two recruitment centers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, he sent a text message linking to an Islamic religious verse about “declaring war.” He had spoken out about his outrage against conflicts in the Middle East. The next day, on Thursday, he entered a recruitment center and started shooting. He then drove six miles to a Navy and Marine reserve center and shot and killed four marines, Thomas Sullivan, a native of Hampden, Massachusetts; Squire “Skip” Wells, a native of Marietta, Georgia; David Wyatt, a native of Burke, North Carolina; and Carson Holmquist of Grantsburg, Wisconsin. A fifth victim, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith, succumbed to his injuries and died on Saturday. Eventually, police killed the terrorist who had a handgun and two long guns on him at the time of his death. He was wearing a “load-bearing vest” that helped him carry extra ammunition during the shooting spree. Abdulazeez, 24, was a graduate of the University of Tennessee; he obtained his degree in engineering. He was known as a devout Muslim, although his friends, family, and acquaintances say

New Yorkers, here is some serious validation. New York City has been ranked the worst city in the United States for drivers. Yes, there is more excitement, entertainment, and opportunity in the Big Apple than in Lubbock, Texas, the city ranked best for drivers, but in terms of driving, we lose. Personal finance website WalletHub published the Top 10 Best Cities for Drivers and the Top 10 Worst Cities for Drivers last week. Cities were ranked based on factors like average gas prices, average annual traffic delays, rates of car theft and car clubs per capita. Where should drivers be honking their horns? Here are the best cities for drivers in the United States: 1. Lubbock, TX 2. Corpus Christi, TX

The last time the United States and Cuba “shook hands” was when Dwight Eisenhower was the president. There has been lots of bickering and even violence since then, but this year President Obama and Raul Castro called a truce. Finally, on Monday, the United States and Cuba reestablished formal diplomatic relations when their embassies reopened for the first time in 54 years. On Monday morning, the Cuban government raised its flag over the old limestone building on Washington’s 16th Street Northwest, which has been a Cuban Embassy, a Cuban Interests Section in the absence of diplomatic relations, and now again an embassy. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez was the highest-ranking Cuban diplomat to visit the State Department in decades when he met with Secretary of State John Kerry in the afternoon. Kerry has plans to visit Havana later this summer to inaugurate the U.S. Embassy there. The interests section was elevated to embassy status on Monday, but the American flag won’t fly until Kerry’s official visit. The respective mission chiefs in

The Week In News

Bush 41 Suffers Neck Injury

Watch your step, Mr. President! George H.W. Bush, 91, fractured a bone in his neck last week when he fell at his ocean-side summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine. Thankfully,

the injury was just physical in nature and he didn’t suffer any neurological impairments. The injury is expected to heal on its own over the next three to four months, officials said on Thursday. Dr. William D’Angelo, a neurosurgeon who is treating the former president at Maine Medical Center, said he was lucky the fracture wasn’t more serious. “He’s in great spirits,” D’Angelo said outside the hospital. “He’s with family. As his wife said, it takes a lot more than this to knock his spirits down. He was shot down over the Pacific in World War II. She said this is a small bump in the road.” “It’s a significant injury, but right now the president is in excellent shape, and we anticipate he’ll make a full recovery,” the doctor reiterated. Bush, who has a form of Parkinson’s disease and uses a motorized scooter or a wheelchair for mobility, has suffered other recent health setbacks. He was hospitalized in Houston in December for about a week for shortness of breath. He spent the 2012 holidays in intensive care at the same Houston hospital for a bronchitis-related cough and other issues.

JULY 23, 2015

James Eagan Holmes was found guilty on Thursday for murder for the shooting in a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, in 2012. The packed courtroom reacted emotionally to the verdict. Many in the au-

tors rejected a plea offer to a life sentence without parole in 2013. “Justice is death,” District Attorney George Brauchler said at the time. The victims ranged in age from a 6-year-old kindergartner to a 51-yearold father of four. Fifty-eight moviegoers were wounded by gunfire, and 12 more suffered other injuries in the panic to escape the theater.

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Colorado Movie Murderer Found Guilty by Jury

dience were family members of loved ones killed during the rampage several years ago. Some were survivors themselves of the July 20, 2012 shooting. “As soon as you heard the first guilty, we knew all the dominoes were about to fall,” said Tom Sullivan, whose son Alex was slain. “Yes, yes,” mouthed a tearful Sandy Phillips when it was confirmed that Holmes was found guilty of murdering her 24-year-old daughter, Jessica Ghawi. “We’re very happy this animal, this monster, will never see the light of day,” said Phillips, who attended every day of the trial. “It feels good to have this weight off our backs.” The jury of nine women and three men rejected defense arguments that the defendant was insane and driven by delusions during the attack that killed 12 moviegoers and wounded 70 others. After 11 weeks of often disturbing testimony, the jury convicted Holmes on all 165 criminal charges. The penalty phase was set to begin Wednesday. Under Colorado law, if just one juror disagrees with a death sentence, Holmes will be sent to prison for life without parole. Holmes, 27, was charged with two separate counts for each murder and attempted murder. The former neuroscience graduate student had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. During the verdict announcement, Holmes stood at the defense table as the judge read through each guilty count. He kept his eyes straight ahead and never removed his hands from his pockets. His parents, Robert and Arlene Holmes, sat on the left side of the courtroom about 15 feet behind the defense table. Three years ago, Holmes donned a gas mask and black combat gear and threw tear gas canisters before opening fire on the 420 defenseless moviegoers during a midnight showing of the Batman film “The Dark Knight Rises.” “You cannot divorce the mental illness from this case or from Mr. Holmes,” defense attorney Daniel King told jurors during his closing argument. “Schizophrenia is a disease, inherited like cancer. We don’t blame people for getting cancer.” The four psychiatrists who evaluated Holmes agreed that he suffers from schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Suspiciously, two court-appointed psychiatrists concluded that he was sane at the time of the shooting, but the two working for the defense believed he was legally insane. Prosecutors, however, painted a picture of a conniving egomaniac who killed for enjoyment. Prosecu-

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Havana and Washington will become chargés d’affaires at the new embassies until ambassadors are named, and new rules for operations at the embassies will take effect. Although this move indicates that the two countries are “on talking terms,” Obama was careful to acknowledge the differences that remain. “That will include America’s enduring support for universal values, like freedom of speech and assembly, and the ability to access information,” President Barack Obama noted on July 1 when he announced the date for restoring diplomatic ties. “When the United States shuttered our embassy in 1961, I don’t think anyone expected that it would be more than half a century before it reopened,” Obama said. The old policy of isolation, he said, “shuts America out of Cuba’s future, and it only makes life worse for the Cuban people.” Despite the day’s celebration, Cuban representatives were pushing for the United States to lift blockades against Havana. “The historic events we are living today will only make sense with the removal of the economic, commercial and financial blockade, which causes so much deprivation and damage to our people, the return of occupied territory in Guantanamo, and respect for the sovereignty of Cuba,” Rodriguez said at the reopening ceremony. The 53-year-old embargo with Cuba still remains in place, although Obama has eased some business and travel restrictions with the island. Only Congress can lift it, something majority Republicans are unlikely to do anytime soon.

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JULY 23, 2015

The Week In News Hacker Sentenced to 13 Years Cyber-crime is quickly gaining recognition, although there still aren’t enough laws protecting victims from cyber-crimes and often cyber-criminals

remain free to continue committing these crimes. But Hieu Minh Ngo of Vietnam, responsible for a large American hacking, didn’t get away with his transgressions. According to a report released on Tuesday by the Department of Justice, the Vietnamese citizen was sentenced to 13 years in prison for hacking the computers of American companies. The 25-year-old earned over $2 million by

stealing personal information belonging to nearly 200 million people and selling it to other criminals online. “Criminals buy and sell stolen identity information because they see it as a low-risk, high-reward proposition,” Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell said in the release. “Identifying and prosecuting cybercriminals like Ngo is one of the ways we’re working to change that cost-benefit analysis.”

Ngo’s cost of doing business remained low during his time in business. He worked from his home from 2007 to 2013. He’d enter companies’ systems and collect full names, addresses, phone numbers, birthdays, Social Security numbers, bank accounts, and details about credit cards. Then he’d advertise the identities, which he called “fullz,” on websites he ran, including superget. info and findget.me. Ngo explained that fellow cybercriminals could search those websites for stolen information about specific individuals. According to the report, more than 1,300 of Ngo’s customers around the world used this feature, entering a total of 3 million search queries. Those criminals would then use that information to file fraudulent income tax returns. Details about 13,673 Americans, bought through his website, were used to file $65 million in such returns, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Ngo, arrested in February 2013 while visiting the U.S., was sentenced in a U.S. district court in New Hampshire for wire fraud, identity fraud, and access-device fraud.

Team USA Victorious in Int’l Math Olympiad

Worrying recent reports revealed that U.S. students score significantly lower on standardized tests than students from other developed countries. In a March 2015 report by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, the U.S. was ranked 28th among 76 countries for school performance. The OECD report ranked countries based on 15-year-old students’ average scores specifically in math and science. But there is no better way to prove we’ve got brains than winning the

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JULY 23, 2015

The Week In News prestigious International Mathematical Olympiad. Recently, the smartest math students from across the globe from more than 100 countries congregated in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for some healthy and brainy competition. The International Mathematical Olympiad took place on July 10 and 11 at Chiang Mai’s Lotus Pang Suankaew hotel. Students were given three complex math problems to solve. Po-Shen Loh, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University and Team USA’s head coach, explained, “If you can even solve one question, you’re a bit of a genius.” For the first time in over two decades, the U.S. claimed a victory. The American team won the competition with 185 points, just beating out China’s team, which scored 181. South Korea clinched third place. “It’s been 21 years,” Team USA’s head coach, Po-Shen Loh, told The Washington Post. “This is a huge deal.” Loh said that he hopes the recent Olympiad victory will “inspire large areas of the [American] population to try harder in mathematics than they ever thought they could.” “[A competition like the Olympiad]

plays the same role as the Olympics does in sports: to have some sort of far destination that all of our hundreds of thousands or millions of people in America can reach towards, like a pinnacle in the distance,” Loh said. “It pushes people to reach farther in mathematics.” The last time America won the Olympiad was in 1994.

Gun Storeowner: No Muslims Allowed

In response to the recent murders in Chattanooga, Tennessee, by Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez, a Florida gun shop owner has banned Muslim customers from his store. On Saturday, Andy Hallinan declared Florida Gun Supply a “Muslim-free zone” after four Marines and

one sailor were killed in Abdulazeez’s shooting spree. “I have a moral and legal responsibility to ensure the safety of all patriots in my community, and so effective immediately, I’m declaring Florida Gun Supply as a Muslim-free zone,” he said in a video as he stood against the backdrop of the Confederate flag. “I will not arm and train those who wish to do harm to my fellow patriots.” “I’m not going to be asking every person who walks in what their religious background is. That’s not my business,” he told the media. “But I do have the right to deny firearms and training to anyone I deem as a threat.” “We are in battle, patriots, but not only with Islamic extremism,” Hallinan added in the video. “We’re also in battle against extreme political correctness that threatens our lives, because if we can’t call evil, evil for fear of offending people, then we can’t really defeat our enemies.” In order to help people become better protected against other terrorist attacks, the store will also be offering free conceal carry classes and open its practice shooting range to the public. “Our leaders are telling you that Is-

lam is a peaceful religion full of tolerance and love and hope. Don’t believe their lies,” he said in the video. In terms of the colorful backdrop in the video, Hallinan defended the Confederate flag, which has been the center of recent debates. “This flag represents nothing but the rich heritage of the South,” he declared. The Council on American-Islamic Relations called for the Department of Justice to review the no-Muslim policy, which it claimed violates federal civil rights laws. “These bigoted declarations are no different than ‘whites only’ signs posted in businesses during a period of our nation’s history that we had hoped was over,” CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper told the media. Continued on page 36

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in partnership with

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The Week In News 9/11 Related Illnesses Sweep the Nation

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Although New York City and its residents were the majority of the physical victims of Osama Bin Laden’s 9/11 terrorist attacks, the entire nation suffered severe trauma and was effected emotionally. Now, a new study reveals that in fact people in all 50 states are suffering physically from the vicious attack against our nation. According to The Daily News, every single state in the nation now has a resident suffering from cancer or other illnesses related to the 9/11 terror attacks. Facts were based off of people who receive financial help from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. Its receivers vary from just a handful in states like Wyoming, Utah and Alaska to several dozen in North Carolina, sources said. For obvious reasons, the numbers increase dramatically once people live closer to New York. For example, in Pennsylvania just under 100 people receive aid but in New Jersey nearly four times that number are beneficiaries of the fund. Expectedly, the Empire State has the most people who receive aid, with over 4,000 New York State residents receiving compensation. According to the FDNY, more than 1,100 active and retired firefighters have been diagnosed with a 9/11-re-

lated cancer. Many of the sufferers are retired police officers and firefighters who moved out of New York. Others are first responders from other states who joined bucket brigades at Ground Zero in the days after the attacks. “We knew this was a national issue right from the beginning,” 9/11 Victims Compensation Board member Sheila Birnbaum acknowledged. Sufferers began receiving financial assistance with the passing of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act in 2011, which provides health monitoring and health coverage and compensation for illnesses ranging from cancer to asthma tied to toxic air. As of March 31, the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund has provided more than $1 billion in assistance to 10,549 people suffering 9/11-related illnesses. The bill is set to expire, in phases, starting in October. A House subcommittee is mulling an extension, but many are opposed to extending the bill.

ordinary dress. No, this dress has no cotton or silk or wool. It’s made of cereal ingredients and no doubt will make the wearer pretty hungry. Four thousand stalks of braided wheat structured the shoulders, bodice, and skirt, and 500 almonds, hand-sewn together, are interspersed throughout. The train is composed of 450 red apples, and flowers were tastefully placed for decoration, not eating. But wait, there’s more! The dress also has 800 cut almonds, 50 vanilla pods, 50 vanilla flowers and 100 apple peels. “I’ve created some weird and wonderful things in my time but to make a dress 100 percent out of the ingredients of a cereal recipe was a huge challenge and involved a lot of hard work,” designer Petra Storrs said. It took 200 hours to complete the dress, with five people working together. Let’s just call it the food frock. Make sure not to fress when you wear this dress!

That’s Odd

One Bid for Spanish Airport

The Fashion of Food

To raise awareness for a new variety of Special K cereal, a designer created a special dress. This dress is no

Want to buy your own airport to land your private jet? It won’t cost too much—just a few thousand euros and you can call it your own. This week, one of Spain’s “ghost airports”—expensive projects that were virtually unused—received just one bid in a bankruptcy auction. The bid was from a Chinese group who offered just 10,000 euros for Ciudad Real’s Central airport 150 miles south of Madrid. Want to guess how much it cost to build the airport? 1.1 billion euros. The airport became a symbol of the country’s wasteful spending during a construction boom that deflated in the 2008 financial crisis—the year the airport opened. After failing to draw enough traffic, the operator of the airport went bust in 2012. Although the Chinese group bid 10,000 euros for the complex, a minimum price of 28 million euros was set

previously. If no better bid is found by September the sale will go through. Time to take out your checkbooks. Central has one of Europe’s longest runways and was designed to handle 2.5 million passengers a year. Should be enough space for all my flying gear.

Go Straight to Jail

A life of crime is not for the smartest members of society, but his thief takes the cake. A 28-year-old resident of Ramle in Israel was arrested on Sunday morning after trying to flee the scene of a crime in an unmarked police vehicle with an officer sitting in the driver’s seat. The suspect reportedly threw himself in the back of the car yelling, “Drive, drive!” which is what the detective did—straight to the police station. The police were called when a woman said she saw someone trying to break into a home in the area. When police arrived, the suspect already was at another residence trying to break in. At one point, the thief realized he was being targeted and ran straight into what he thought was a getaway car. Police said they were placing him under arrest for his sense of foolishness. (Just kidding.)

He Won the Game but Didn’t Have to Play You know what they say: you have to be in it to win it. But that’s not necessarily true. Kevin Foster just happens to be one lucky guy. In 2012, though, he didn’t feel too lucky. True, he just graduated with a bachelor’s degree in cross-cultural studies, so he could be proud of his BA. But he also came out of college carrying a load of debt of $32,000. And really, Kevin, what do you do with a degree in cross-cultural studies? It seems that Kevin decided to tackle his student debt the old fashioned way: via the internet. He signed up for an innovative new pay-to-play online trivia

37 THE JEWISH HOME

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Sometimes JFK Airport seems like a zoo. Pretty soon animals can look forward to their own $48 million private facility in the busy airport aptly called The ARK at JFK. The luxury terminal will handle more than 70,000 animals

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flying in and out of the airport every year—from cats and dogs to horses, cows, and even sloths and aardvarks. The animals will be living large. The bigger animals will enjoy their own climate-controlled stalls, and dogs will occupy hotel suites featuring flatscreen TVs, bone-shaped splashing pools and spa services. Wonder what they’re watching on the tube. “It’s a Dog’s Life”? Pet owners will be able to monitor their pooches through webcams. Sounds like the perfect ‘port for your pooch. Wonder if I can get in there while I wait for my flight in the dingy, dark terminal we humans are forced to use.

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Seems like a long shot? It was. But it paid off. Last month, Givling showed up at Foster’s door, telling the shocked Kevin that his debts were all clear. “I started freaking out,” he recalled. How do you win the jackpot like Kevin? People with student loan debt

and his wife are still not in the clear: she has about $10,000 in student debt in her name. I know a website she can go to.

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can sign up for Givling in order to be placed in a queue based on the time and date of their registration to have their debts paid. But these students don’t have to play any games on Givling to be eligible for loan repayment. Separately, trivia gamers sign up and are randomly placed into teams of three. Team members answer true or false questions to rack up points. The highest-scoring funding team is eligible for a $4 million prize. In addition to the large $4 million prize, there are smaller daily prize amounts awarded. Givling costs $0.50 to play a round and an additional $0.30 for a transaction fee. Players also receive one free game a day. Despite signing up with Givling, Kevin had no illusions that it was a (very) long shot. He continued to pay off his student debts—around $500 a month—and worked three jobs: at a kitchen at Manhattan Christian College, as a paraeducator in a special-education classroom for a local high school, and as server in a restaurant at Meadowlark Hills, a retirement home. Sounds very cross-cultural to me. Although the gift of no-more student debt came through for Kevin, he

game called Givling earlier this year. He hoped that one of the company’s promises—to pay off some members’ student debt—would apply to him.

The Week In News A Sleepy Town

The Proper Way to Walk

Looking for a good snooze? You may want to visit the town of Kalachi. The 600 person village in Kazakhstan has been struck by a mysterious phenomenon that has scientists baffled as to the cause. Villagers have been falling asleep at random times—in schools, at home, even on a motorcycle—and sometimes even sleeping for days at a time. Last week, local officials officially ruled that the town has been hit with carbon monoxide poisoning suspected to be coming from a nearby uranium mine. But the mine is inactive, and scientists are not convinced. Villagers also don’t suffer from other symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and some have thought that meningitis or even bad vodka was the culprit for the tired town. Just to be safe, the Kazakh government has decided to relocate the villagers. Which, of course, is a whole new headache.

In New York, you don’t just walk down the street. There are rules—and you better keep to ‘em! A few months ago, the NYC Department of Pedestrian Etiquette issued the following proclamation: “Effective April 1, 2016, all new residents and visitors to New York City [o]ver the age of 16 will be required to take a mandatory training session on Proper Etiquette for navigating the sidewalks and streets of the greater metropolitan area.” The sign, which is obviously (we hope!) a spoof, was affixed to posts in certain neighborhoods in the city. Some violations pedestrians should make sure to avoid: • Blocking the sidewalk or any public area in a large group or just standing in the middle of pedestrian traffic. Also referred to as “Clumping.” • Weaving from side to side oblivious to busy New Yorkers trying to get around you. • Walking with your face in a map

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JULY 23, 2015

or mobile device. • Excessive arm swinging or bag swinging. • Stopping on a bike path with a big group to take pictures of squirrels. • Or any rude or offensive pedestrian behavior as deemed unsuitable by the NYC DPE Patrol Units whose judgment shall be final. The consequences for those incurring “three strikes” against the code? Removal of the offender and denial of permission to re-enter the city for five years. Of course, there’s no real Department of Pedestrian Etiquette, but with more than 56 million visitors a year, “clumping” is a sure problem—especially in tourist magnets like Times Square, Rockefeller Center, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the falafel cart. And this is not the first time a New Yorker decided to take the pedestrian problem in hand. Previously we’ve seen Pedestrian Penalty Cards and popup sidewalk lanes separating tourists from locals. You know what they say: if you can make it (down the block) here, you can make it anywhere.

The New Burger Kings “I now pronounce you the Burger King and Queen.” On Friday, Joel Burger and Ashley King had it their way when they mar-

ried in Illinois in front of family and friends. The two made headlines when Burger King promised to foot the bill to their nuptials after they announced their engagement.

The bride and groom posed in paper crowns from the burger chain, and the groomsmen wore Burger King T-shirts under their suits. “When we heard about the happy Burger-King couple, we felt an overwhelming urge to celebrate their upcoming marriage,” Burger King spokesman Eric Hirschhorn related. “On so many levels, it felt like fate. They found each other and their story found us.” Burger, 24, and King, 25, have known each other since they were children in the small village of New Berlin but they didn’t always connect their last names with the fast food giant. King is taking her husband’s last name, so she is now a Burger. “But it will forever be Burger King,” the new husband said after the ceremony. Family and friends said it was a whopper of a wedding. I wonder if they served more than just hamburgers at the smorgasbord. 

Remember when Israel bombed Iraq’s nuclear reactor? Avi Heiligman does.

See page 101

Young Israel of Long Beach Annual Dinner

JULY 23, 2015

served as a model to everyone whom they encountered. Since their p’tirah, the family has retained the house in which they lived to be used as a haschnosos orchim home for individuals in need of housing. In making the presentation of a “Birchas HaBayit” plaque to Elliot & Rivki Krischer, Benjy & Sima Krischer, and Dovid & Janet Klein, Rabbi Wakslak connected the Krischer family to the first request of Members of the kollel – Left to Right: Rabbi Karr, Rabbi Keilson, Rabbi Rotzker, and Rabbi Gordon Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakai – the preservation of the house of because whereas everyone may have noThe inception of the kollel took place the Nasi. Following a video tribute, El- ticed the subtle changes that were taking approximately two years ago. Rabliot Krischer responded and thanked the place in the Bais HaMikdash forty years bi Wakslak approached Rabbi Yechiel earlier, it was only Rabbi Tzadok Perr, Rosh Yeshiva of the Yeshiva of Far who appreciated the message and Rockaway, and asked for his assistance. acted and fasted in an attempt to Rabbi Perr graciously agreed and facilireverse the course of the impeding tated the establishment of the night kollel destruction. This characteristic of by asking Rabbi Keilson to recruit young Rabbi Tzadok defined Berel! Ev- men who were learning in the Yeshiva of eryone may have heard a particu- Far Rockaway during the day to become lar need or an opportunity to ac- members of the Ateres Avigail night kolcomplish or advance Yiddishkeit lel in Long Beach. but it was most often Berel who The kollel meets every night from not only heard but acted. Monday through Thursday. Rabbi Chaim The last presentation coin- Axelrod, assistant rabbi of the Young cided with the final request of Israel, works diligently to establish Rabban Yochan: “Tain li Yavneh chavrusos between the kollel members v’chachomeha.” This presenta- and people from the community. Today, tion was made Elliot Krischer speaking Joseph Langer, Master of Ceremonies Rabbi Dr. Chaim Wakslak to Rabbi DoWeeks and Tisha B’Av. The Gemara re- large contingency of friends and fami- niel Keilson, Rabbi lates how Vespasian, the Roman general, ly members who came to pay tribute to Avraham Gedalia in a moment of benevolence told Rab- lives of his parents. Karr, Rabbi Yizban Yochanan ben Zakai to make a reThe second presentation was made chok Gordon and quest on behalf of the Jewish nation and to Shelly Neumark, wife of Berel Neu- Rabbi Moshe Rostit would be granted. Rabban Yochanan mark, z”l, who was a staunch mem- ker, members of the ben Zakai asked for three things: (a) the ber of the Young Israel of Long Beach Ateres Avigail Night safety of the family of Rabban Gamliel and other communal organizations and Kollel. representing the distinguished lineage of whose untimely passing took place only Rabbi Chaim the house of the Nasi (b) a physician to several months ago. Berel Neumark z”l and Rivka Wakslak heal Rabbi Tzadok who had been fasting was an outstanding philanthropist and established a kollel for forty years prior to the destruction advocate for every cause that would en- in memory of their Joseph Langer, Rabbi Chaim Wakslak and Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky of the Bais HaMikdash and (c) Yavneh hance Yiddishkeit. He prided himself in beloved daughter Avigail a”h, a wom- a kol Torah can be heard on any given v’chacomeha. his Chabad roots and adopted their core an who passed away at a very young evening in the Young Israel Bais MeThe first presentation was made to values of kiruv and outreach. Whenever age, leaving her husband, Yisroel Zev drash. On Thursday evening, one of the the children of Rabbi Sam and Miriam Berel saw a need, he was first and fore- Rechnitz, and three children. Avigail, al- kollel members delivers a shiur in parsha Krischer z”l, who were longtime mem- most in his support, encouragement and though young in age, revolutionized the in conjunction with chulent and kugel. bers of the Young Israel of Long Beach insistence that the project be undertaken. Los Angeles community through her acts Each member was presented with a and the Long Beach community. Their The second presentation likened Ber- of chesed especially in the area of bikur beautiful plaque and Rabbi Donial Keillives served as a paradigm of the classi- el’s life and achievements to the second cholim. Rabbi Wakslak expressed his son expressed their appreciation for the cal “baal habayit” marked by chessed, request of Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakai feelings that it was most fitting to estab- warmth and opportunity to share Torah generosity of spirit and refinement of related to insurance that Rabbi Tzadok lish a kollel in her memory, specifically with the community. character. Their dedication to the ob- be afforded the proper treatment and re- in Long Beach, because it is where she Yehuda and Rivka Bohan served servance of Torah and mitzvoth and in- habilitation. The Rav explained that the grew up and developed the seeds for her as the dinner chairs and Nelson & Tara volvement in every communal endeavor survival of Rabbi Tzadok was critical outstanding and exceptional life. Spiess as journal chairs.

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The annual dinner of the Young Israel of Long Beach took place on Tuesday evening, July 14 at the White Shul. A large contingency of members, friends and supporters gathered to pay tribute to the honorees and to the work of the YILB in the enhancement of Jewish life in the “City by the Sea.” The program was opened by the recitation of Tehillim followed by Joseph Langer who served as the Master of Ceremonies during the course of the evening. Joseph welcomed all of the assembled and shared personal vignettes in regards to those being honored. He then introduced the Mora D’osrah, Rabbi Dr. Chaim Wakslak, to make the presentations. Prior to the formal presentations, Rabbi Wakslak unified the evening’s components by citing the Gemara in Meseches Gitten that is associated with the Three

41 THE JEWISH HOME

Around The Community

Around The Community Amazing Overnights at Camp Areivim

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JULY 23, 2015

Camp Areivim’s Senior Division (grades 4-8) weaves together an incredible balance of learning, sports, trips and achdus. In particular, Camp Areivim’s overnight trips have become legendary in the day camp scene. As part of the vision of Rabbi Yanky Hersh, Director of the Camp, these overnight trips give Areivim that “sleepaway camp” ruach and feel that is sorely lacking in many day camps. This summer, Areivim’s Senior Division has already engaged in two overnight trips (with two more to come).

Overnight #1 – Clementon, NJ July 6-7 – The first stop on the first overnight was Blackbeard’s Cave Family Fun Center in Bayville, NJ. Campers had a blast throughout the entire afternoon trying and re-trying all the fantastic attractions and activities that Blackbeard’s had to offer. The afternoon was topped off with a vintage Areivim barbeque dinner. But the day wasn’t over yet! Upon arrival to the sleeping quarters at the KleinLife JCC in Philadelphia, campers were able to make use of the indoor swimming pool and expansive gymnasium before heading to bed. Day two began with a visit to Torah Links in Cherry Hill, NJ. Rabbi Yisroel Tzvi Serebrowski, the rav of the shul, opens the shul to Camp Areivim on many of their trips. After davening, Rabbi Serebrowski enlightened campers with an inspirational drasha on the

topic of the Three Weeks and achdus. A great way to start the day! Rabbi Yossi Bennett, Senior Division Head Counselor, commented, “It’s important to us to give our campers an amazing summer experience, be it in our staff, our leagues, our swimming or our trips, yet never lose sight of the potential for growth in ruchniyus along the way. Davening, learning and proper middos are an integral component and primary concern during any activity in which our campers engage.” Next, it was off to Clementon Park Splash World! Campers received all-day passes and a voucher for a free soda or ices and that was all they needed as they ran off to conquer the amusement park. Beginning with Splash World, campers enjoyed the amazing attractions and water rides available. Following lunch, campers had the opportunity to attack the amusement park portion of Clementon! Campers even commented, “We don’t want to leave this place!” Cheers of Camp

Areivim’s “A-R-E-I-V – I AM” could be heard throughout the day as the ruach of Camp Areivim permeated Clementon Park Splash World and awed the other camps that were there as well.

Excited and exhausted, campers returned to camp and had sweet dreams about the amazing overnight they just had. Overnight #2 – Lake George, NY July 13-14 – The first stop of this trip was Six Flag’s Great Escape and Splash Water Kingdom! What an amazing amusement park! Campers were able to take full advantage of the awesome attractions that Six Flags had to offer. On top of that, many campers were able to reconnect with friends from sleepaway camp who joined us in the park. It was really great! Be it the Boomerang, the Comet, the Condor, the Extreme Supernova, Sasquach or the Steamin’ Demon – there was so much to do! As the Great Escape was finishing up, campers were delighted to find out that the sleeping quarters were right across the street from the park! But what they didn’t know was that they weren’t going immediately to sleep. Upon arrival at Adventure Family Fun Center, Rabbi Tsvi Greenfield, MIT Division Head, announced that there would be a Mega Pajama Laser Tag competition!

After campers set up their sleeping arrangements and changed into pajamas, they were invited to participate in an allout laser tag competition before getting a good night’s sleep. The next morning, campers were in for another surprise. Before heading to the scheduled white water rafting destination, campers engaged in a team versus team scavenger hunt at the local Walmart. An activity exclusive to Camp Areivim, Walmart agreed to allow campers to traverse the store in search of items fitting the descriptions assigned for them. It was a great “wake-up call” and campers got energized and ready to tackle white water rapids of Lake Sacandaga! Upon arrival at Lake Sacandaga, campers split up into groups and, together with counselors and guides, rafted down the Sacandaga, battling the rapids and rowing to their destination. Campers were unanimous – this overnight was over-the-top! As they completed their journey, campers were greeted by a buffet lunch of chicken fingers and potato knishes. What a way to end an amazing trip!

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Around The Community Looking for a Shidduch? Join the Kollel Chatzos Amukah Campaign on the 15th of Av

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JULY 23, 2015

By Shoshana Bernstein On Thursday night, July 30, the talmidei chachamim of Kollel Chatzos Meron will gather in Amukah to daven on behalf of Jewish singles around the world to find their bashert. At a time when the shidduch crisis has been called the bane of our generation, Kollel Chatzos is offering singles the world over the zechus of partnering with Torah learning and the power of talmidei chachomim’s tefillos on their behalf. Kollel Chatzos, the network of kollelim that studies Torah throughout the night, every night, maintains three branches throughout the Greater New York area, as well as an exclusive fourth Torah Center in Meron at the kever of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. In the Zohar, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai repeatedly extols the practice of rising at midnight to learn Torah; he mentions often that he in fact did so as well. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai guarantees that anyone who gets up to learn Torah during the second half of the night, his tefillos will be accepted.

Amukah, home to the kever of the taana Yonasan ben Uziel, is renowned as a place where tefillos for shidduchim are readily accepted. While the origins of this tradition are shrouded in mystery, thousands of eligible young men and women travel each year to daven at the kever and beseech Hashem for a wonderful shidduch. So why is the 15th of Av such a special time to partner with Kollel Chatzos? The 15th of Av has been adapted as a special day for tefillah for Kollel Chatzos, a day focuses on davening for shidduchim for Klal Yisroel. The Talmud (Taanis 26b) teaches that the 15th of Av was celebrated as a tremendous yom tov, a date that was set aside for matching up Jewish couples. The eligible girls of Yerushalayim would gather in the fields on this day to be chosen by suitable young men. Building on this theme, later seforim describe the 15th of Av as a day that bears a special segulah for finding one’s zivug. In addition, the talmid also states that

on the 15th of Av the summer solstice has passed and the nighttime hours begin to lengthen, allowing for more learning to take place during the night hours. While this is a difficult obligation for most to fulfill, the illustrious kollel members of Kollel Chatzos do indeed spend the midnight hours steeped in Torah, beginning earlier as the day begins to shorten. Kollel Chatzos is therefore eminently qualified to represent Klal Yisroel in Amukah on the 15th of Av. These two reasons make Kollel Chatzos the ultimate conduit for tefillos for shidduchim and the 15th of Av the perfect day on which to daven. In past years calls have come into the main office from across the world and across the spectrum of Jewish people; young men and women and their parents, eager to partner with Kollel Chatzos during the Amukah campaign and reserve their share in this special event. Last year, on the eve of the 15th of Av, the Kollel Chatzos Meron members left their homes and travelled to Amu-

kah. With hundreds of names in hand, they opened their hearts and davened in unison, storming the Heavens on behalf of the long list of names who are hoping to find their bashert quickly and easily. In the weeks that followed, Kollel Chatzos was thrilled to receive numerous calls announcing shidduch after shidduch that came to fruition after parents partnered with Kollel Chatzos. Adding together the merit of the location in Amukah, the date on the 15th of Av and the nature of the representatives who offered the tefillos, the representatives of Kollel Chatzos; the sum is an unbelievably charged opportunity for zechusim on behalf of those awaiting their bashert. Call Kollel Chatzos today and join the Amukah Campaign. May we all hear besuros tovos b’karov! Phone: 1-855-Chatzos (242-8967). Main Office: 718-887-9114. Fax: 718506-1051. Mail@kollelchatzos.com. www.1855chatzos.org.

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JULY 23, 2015

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JULY 23, 2015

Around The Community Five Towns Marriage Initiative Three Weeks of Connection There is a connection between the Three Weeks and the time between Rosh Hashanah and Hoshana Rabba, which is also a period of three weeks. While we don’t generally associate the three weeks of mourning with repentance, there is a tremendous ability to use this time to come closer to Hashem, just like

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dering in the fields where all the common people can be found. We are told that all those that pursue the Jewish nation can catch up to her to inflict harm during the time of the Three Weeks. For this reason people take extra precautions during this time, try to stay out of the non-Jewish court system, and attempt not to put themselves into any situation of potential danger. There is another way to explain the following teaching. Usually we interpret the one being pursued as the Jewish nation but it is also possible to explain that the one being pursued is Hashem. Therefore, if we say that all those who pursue can catch up to that which they are running after during the time of Three Weeks, it becomes apparent that there is an extra ability to use this time to pursue a connection with our Creator. During this important time, if we try to chase after Him, we will be able to catch up to Him and achieve the closeness and connection we seek. As we attempt to use this time to become closer to our Creator, we can also work to forge a closer connection to our spouse. Hashem designed the world with various prototypes to help us better achieve our purpose in this world. One of those prototypes is the system of marriage. By creating a strong connection with our spouse, we gain insight into how close a relationship can be, and this can then give us the ability to better understand how to forge a connection with our Creator. In marriage we learn how important it is to give, we focus on making our spouse happy, and we see how we reap tremendous satisfaction from a loving and happy connection with our spouse. All these ideas and more are present when we build a relationship with Hashem. Let us work this Tisha B’Av to become closer to our spouse and to in turn better understand how we can become closer to Hashem. Let us use this time to develop and strengthen close bonds and may we merit that this Tisha B’Av become a holiday where we will serve Hashem in the Beis Hamikdash once more. 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.

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JULY 23, 2015

Matt Martin, current Islanders player and 4 time winner of the Bob Nystrom award, paid a visit to the Hillel Day Campers on Monday, July 20. He spoke about the importance of staying fit, shared the story of his success, his experience on the sports team, and the skills necessary to pursue a career in hockey. This summer, Hillel began a new hockey league and clinic led by an incredible hockey coach for all second through eighth grade boys.

Gesher Expanding Again The Gesher Early Childhood Center is pleased to announce some exciting new changes taking place this coming year at Gesher. The continuous growth and expansion of the program has compelled the

administration to look for ways to better service the community. As the saying goes, ‘‘location is everything.” This is especially true in regards to the Gesher model. Mrs. Chava

Bodner, Director of Gesher, explains, “Our student body comes from every sector of our community, throughout the Five Towns and Far Rockaway. It is imperative that our location be convenient and attractive to all of our parents.” On that note, the decision was made to move to a bigger and more central location. In the short time that Gesher has made its mark on local chinuch, its need for appealing space has driven several key decisions. Gesher was originally located in the preschool building of the Yeshiva of South Shore. When the program grew out of that space, it was relocated to the Ohr Torah building in North Woodmere. “Being in our own location allowed us to grow exponentially,” said Mrs. Bodner, “and we felt that we would be able to serve the needs of our student body better in a larger and more centralized location.” Recently, Shulamith announced that they would be moving their operations to a new facility and would be vacating their location in Cedarhurst. The administration at Gesher recognized that the Cedarhurst location would allow them to maintain their high standards of chinuch and personalized attention while continuing to expand and develop new programming. Gesher’s new address is 350 Broadway in Cedarhurst, between Locust and Grove. “We will now be midway between Lawrence/Far Rockaway and Woodmere/Hewlett. The classrooms are large and airy and are perfect for early childhood education.” In the next few weeks a playground will be installed and the rooms will be readied for the many related service pro-

viders that team with Gesher to make its model so successful. The benefits of the intended move to Cedarhurst can already be felt. Mrs. Bodner is pleased to announce the opening of a parallel pre-1A. “Our pre-1A class filled up quickly and we had a large waiting list. After much thought we decided to open another class so that the needs of our students could be met.” The Gesher model calls for limited class size and only a few spots remain in the second pre-1A. The kindergarten, first pre-1A, and the new first grade are full, with just a few spots left in the nursery class as well. “The requests to open more classes are a testament to our great staff of teachers who have built a reputation of caring and success. Along with these developments comes the need to properly manage all of the many aspects of Gesher’s responsibilities. “We are happy to introduce a new member of our administrative team. Mr. Jared Berkowitz will be coming onboard to serve as Director of Operations.” Mr. Berkowitz is recognized for his organizational experience and excitement about Gesher’s distinctive mission statement. His wife is a Woodmere native and works for the Board of Education as a speech therapist. He will be tasked with many of the day-to-day managerial operations, helping to ensure that Gesher continues to be the best place for our children. “I have been watching Gesher grow over the last few years and I am amazed by what they have produced,” commented Mr. Berkowitz. “I am honored to be part of the team and look forward to seeing Gesher build on its success.”

Around The Community

51 THE JEWISH HOME

Take Action against the Iran Nuclear Accords

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JULY 23, 2015

On Sunday night, close to 1,000 people from the South Shore of Long Island, NY, along with others who came from far and wide, assembled at Temple Hillel in Valley Stream to discuss and learn how to fight the Islamic Nation of Iran Nuclear Accord. Thanks to the energy and passion of one woman, Cindy Grosz of Long Island, the community pulled together in a non-partisan setting to fully understand all the details and to learn specifically how to take action as a group and as individuals against this blasphemy of an accord. And act, we must! U.S. Congressman Lee Zeldin, NYS Assemblyman Dov Hikind, and Zionist Organization of America Director Mort Klein were the featured and impassioned speakers. Former Congressman Bob Turner, GOP Chairman of Queens County, NY, moderated, and Laurie Cardoza Moore, President of Proclaiming Justice

To the Nations, made salient remarks. Friends, this is a dangerous, precarious and life-threatening agreement that will definitely and irreparably damage our country along with the entire world as we know it. How to Take Action: Please call U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and your local congressperson – and ask all your family and friends to call today and every day – to urge them to vote down this accord in Washington, DC. We do need you to call every representative of every political persuasion. While the GOP is virtually unanimous against the Accord, we still need the Democrats to bring this up to a 2/3 majority! Senator Schumer can be contacted at his Washington office at 202-224-6542 or at his New York office at 212-486-4430. You can find your local congressperson’s contact information at www.contactingthecongress.org.

“Getting Involved” in the Camp Experience For most frum children, the summer means a time of fun and laughter spent in a day camp or sleepaway camp; however, there are many children who come from homes with two working parents and still have no means left to send their children to camp. Why is camp necessary for every child? A summer camp is an important experience for every child to have in order to help mold their middos and social interactions while in a “kosher” environment spearheaded with a Torah foundation. This past May, a group of young adults founded an organization called The Camp Scholarship Fund. The group consists of five young adults who noticed that this was something lacking and felt they should help in this important endeavor. They followed in their parents’ footsteps who taught them, “Chessed olam yebuneh.” They themselves always “Got Involved” in many

chessed organizations. The girls committee is headed by Channa Shira Ryback and Tali Wienberg and the boys committee is headed by Dovi Friedman, Avi Parnes and Shmaryahu Ryback. A fundraiser kickoff event was put together at the Five Towns Batting Cages. This event got the word out about this dire need in our very own community. Baruch Hashem, the evening was a smashing success and 14 children went to day camp this summer because people like you “Got Involved.” We all cherish our camp memories and lifelong friendships that we create. “The Camp Scholarship Fund” is backed by LIFE, which is founded by Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz. We thank all of those that have gotten involved already and those who will begin to join us in this special organization. Email tcsfkids@gmail.com to help send children in our community to camp.

PHOTO CREDIT: IVAN H NORMAN

Rabbi Dr. Aaron Rakeffet-Rothkoff spoke on Sunday morning at Congregation Shaaray Tefila before a large crowd. His subject was “Is There Pluralism in Hashkafa?” Pictured here is Rabbi Avrohom Schwartz, Rabbi Dr. Rakeffet-Rothkoff, Yossi Sonnenblick and Rabbi Yitzchok Sladowsky.

I Say Word of “mouth” on the street is that Orah Day Camp can’t be beat! There is plenty going on in camp every single week. “Mouth” week started with a “Gourmet” Dress Up Day!! There were hamburgers, hot dogs, cookies of every shape and color, candy, candy machines and plenty of chefs. Everyone looked delicious! I’ve never seen a more “mouth”-watering morning ruach! The cupcakes were cute, the button candies beautiful, and the full pint of spirited strawberries were stupendous. It’s true that swimming in our magnificent in-ground outdoor Olympic-size pool was put on hold this week, but there are plenty of special Nine Days activities to fill the holes or should I say cavities? We have a slack line and a zip line set up. For the slack line, the girls work “hand” in “hand” or “hands” on “shoulders,” to be more correct, to master the art of walking on the slack line. The zip line is less about finesse and more about fun! The girls with helmets on their “heads” are zipping across the spacious back field with the wind in their “faces” and enjoying every minute. This week also has all the bunks excitedly preparing for bunk week. What’s bunk week? Well, “chew” on this, each bunk has to come up with an original song and perform it on stage during lunch. The girls help come up with the words and “hand” motions and really get into it. We are all looking forward to the bunk presentations. “Mouth” week is also an excellent time to discuss with our older bunks the concept of healthy eating and what we put into our mouths and bodies.

Mrs. Berry (how’s that for a name?), a licensed nutritionist, is running a number of activities to help demonstrate this lesson of healthy choices, healthy eating and healthy body images. Of course, almost all of our specialties fit into mouth week one way or another, but this week the specialty in the spotlight is—wait, it’s on the tip of my tongue—drama, where our very own homegrown drama queens love to come! Mrs. Malka Wolf, our drama teacher, is working with a 5th grade bunk to practice and pull together a dramatic play for our Nine Days Cantata. The Cantata, which also features a camper choir and a staff choir, is a highlight of the first half and is the last Main Event of this half. While we are sorry to see some of our campers go, we are ecstatic about the new campers who are coming, and we are really putting our money where our “mouth” is—so many of our half summer campers are having such a good time, they have decided to sign up for August! While focusing on our “mouths” we had some special treats for our campers! We had sour sticks to make their lips pucker, hot sauce to spice up the fish sticks, and random acts of candy. “Brace” yourself for a sugar rush! This week should be a favorite to anyone with a sweet “tooth.” It’s hard to believe that camp is half over but we’ve taken a bite out of summer and still have so much more in store! So off the top of our “heads,” we have to fight “tooth” and “nail” to contain our excitement about what’s coming up because Orah Day Camp is the “HEAD”-quarters of fun!

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JULY 23, 2015

Around The Community Santino and Blakeman Restart Stalled Hatzolah Ambulance Garage Construction Construction projects are prone to surprises and setbacks. Look no further than Hatzolah of Rockaway/Nassau Volunteer Ambulance Corp’s near-decade effort to construct an ambulance garage in Woodmere. After many challenges, however, just as the weather started getting warmer this spring, the project finally seemed ready to cross the finish line. Then came the surprise; then came the setback. Hatzolah’s plan to convert a former mechanic shop on West Broadway in Woodmere into a modern, three-bay ambulance garage is an ambitious project, which includes replacing a deteriorating roof and adding a third parking bay. While dismantling the roof, the contractor recognized inherent weaknesses in the unreinforced brick walls that comprise the existing structure. As soon as the roof was completely removed, fearing imminent collapse, the contractor preemptively demolished two of the three existing walls. Though a necessary precautionary measure, the unplanned demolition and resultant need for reconstruction went far beyond the scope of the approved plans Hatzolah filed when applying for a Town of Hempstead building permit. Municipal governments carefully regulate the design and construction of any structure by requiring and retaining accurate, comprehensive documentation of all building projects for many reasons. These include ensuring the structure is consistent with local zoning laws; meets town building codes; complies with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, environmental laws, workers safety requirements, and multiple other categories requiring oversight. Because the nature and parameters of the Hatzolah garage project changed so dramatically – from renovating an existing structure to constructing a brand new structure – Hatzolah suddenly faced the prospect of having to halt all construction and virtually restart the entire permit application process. “This development was a crushing blow,” said Rabbi Elozor Kanner, coordinator of the Hatzolah of Rockaway/Nassau. “Overnight, just as the project was finally gaining momentum, our progress came to a screeching halt. It was a terrible disappointment, and a difficult setback.” Under normal circumstances, applying for and being approved for demolition and new

construction permits, as Hatzolah was now required to do, could take months to complete, and along the way, cost many thousands of dollars in permit application, legal, and architecture fees. “We were back to square one on a project that seemed all but complete,”

ly what they needed to produce when filing the new permit applications and building plans. “Hatzolah is an organization anyone could admire, and one I hold in especially high esteem,” said Councilman Anthony Santino. “Rabbi Kanner represents an army of uniquely

“When Hatzolah calls the Town of Hempstead in distress, the least we can do is send it as soon as we can.” said Moshe Ratner, a Hatzolah volunteer and a key member of the team working on the ambulance garage project. Among Ratner’s main concerns

selfless, unsung heroes who sacrifice their time, energy, and expertise to help people they never met, usually on a moment’s notice. Whenever Rabbi

was that it would be winter by the time all the filing requirements and technical details were complete. This would mean having to once again expose the ambulances to several months of ice, snow, and freezing temperatures, all of which cause excessive wear and tear for the vehicles and dramatically decreases their lifespan of useful service. Unsure of where else to turn, Rabbi Kanner reached out to Town of Hempstead Councilmen Anthony Santino and Bruce Blakeman, who, between the two, represent the entire Five Towns on the Town of Hempstead Board. In response, Santino and Blakeman arranged an emergency meeting with the Building Department plan examiners to provide Hatzolah’s architect, D. J. Shtierman, and project leaders, Moshe Ratner and Meir Krengel, a point-by-point list of exact-

Kanner calls for help, finding a solution goes straight to the top of my priority list.” Due to the unusual circumstance that an unforeseen event substantially changed the nature of ongoing project and in consideration of the invaluable service Hatzolah provides to the Five Towns, Santino and Blakeman requested the Buildings Department extend every possible resource to expedite the approval of the permit application. Also, to avoid Hatzolah having to expend valuable, often-scarce resources, all of which comes from charitable donations, the councilmen made a special request that the Buildings Department waive the thousands of dollars in application fees Hatzolah would otherwise need to spend. “They already paid all these fees the first time

they applied for permits,” pointed out Councilman Santino. “I’d rather see that money go towards training volunteers or keeping their ambulances stocked.” Councilman Bruce Blakeman took an equally forceful role to ensure the application submission and approval process ran as quickly and smoothly as possible. “Anytime someone in distress calls Hatzolah, they know help will be on the scene in less than two minutes,” said Councilman Blakeman. “These noble volunteers do this every single day and night, and they’ve been doing it for decades. I say this from personal experience as I was treated by Hatzolah EMTs for my own medical emergency just a few months ago. When Hatzolah calls the Town of Hempstead in distress, the least we can do is send it as soon as we can.” In this case, it took less than a week. In the typical scenario, this could have taken months. “We had our best people working on this, and they understood why we needed to help this organization, and why it was so important to put them back on track so quickly,” said Santino. “I’m proud of what we achieved.” Both Santino and Blakeman share a long history of helping Hatzolah. “We didn’t just wake up and discover Hatzolah yesterday,” Blakeman emphasized. “We’ve been there for Hatzolah for many years. Everyone in Hempstead Town government, from Supervisor Kate Murray and all my colleagues on Town Board, understands this is an essential organization that does its work for all the right reasons and always in the best possible way.”

What do Scope, Head and Shoulders, and job interviews have in common?

See what Rabbi Mordechai Kruger has to say on page 102

Around The Community

YLX Tisha B’Av Program

came up several times during the workshops. The way we respect others and maintain a respectful environment in our homes can have significant impact on our children’s moral and ethical development. Other important tips included the importance of praying for Heavenly assistance, self-care, trusting our own judgment, consulting with mental health and rabbinic professionals when needed, and having patience with the parenting process. Parents left feeling that they had a support system and more confident in going about their challenging parenting duties. Judging by the parents’ responses to the end-of-workshop surveys, the parents appreciated learning about the critical importance of empathizing with their children and listening to them in a non-judgmental, focused manner without try to impose their own “more correct” views or solutions, a skill known as “active listening.” Madraigos plans on offering more free parenting workshops for the community throughout the upcoming school

year. Other services that Madraigos provides include the after-school “Lounge” program, year-round events, in-school programs, as well as parent and community education. Madraigos also provides a myriad of life-saving clinical intervention services that ensure that the young adults and their families receive caring and comprehensive support and guidance during their most difficult times. Since its founding in 2003 and with multiple expansion projects thereafter, Madraigos’ goal has remained consistent: To provide all of its members with the necessary tools and skills to empower them to become the leaders of tomorrow.

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Do it for yourself. Do it for your family. YLX will be holding a Tisha B’Av program at the Agudath Israel of the Five Towns, 508 Peninsula Blvd in Cedarhurst, NY. This program aims to provide high school boys in the area with an opportunity to experience Tisha B’Av, and specifically the Kinnos, in a new meaningful and inspiring way. The program will begin with Shacharis at 9am, followed by a brief introduction to the Kinnos and then select Kinnos will be read. The Kinnos will be explained

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stressed, Mrs. Delman explained that it is equally important to set boundaries for interactions with them. Discussing real ways to solve daily problems is helpful. Children need to learn that they have the ability to solve problems on their own. Striking the right balance between taking a “hands-off” approach versus micromanaging their lives must be reached. Being overly protective, even though the intent is to help children avoid negative consequences, may stifle their development. Guidance was also offered to help parents maintain a balance between respecting our children’s inherent value while still teaching them to have a sense of responsibility and desire to meet their moral responsibilities. A crucial ingredient in achieving such a balance is displaying unconditional love. Even if children’s performance comes up short of parents’ expectations, children’s behavior should only be judged and not the person. Young adults brought up in such an environment are not afraid to learn and grow from mistakes. They maintain self-dignity and are well-positioned to develop a healthy conscience and sense of responsibility. Mrs. Delman stressed the importance of praising teenage children and the necessity of being specific in their praise, such as saying “your voice is lovely” or “the way you take care of your clothing is wonderful.” She explained that praising children and addressing them with verbal terms of affection is instrumental in helping them develop both self acceptance, belief in oneself as a good and worthwhile person, as well as self-efficacy, belief in oneself as capable of performing a task or managing a situation. The importance of being a role model for our children in all areas of life

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Parents of teenagers in the Five Towns participated in a four-part series of parenting workshops offered by Madraigos between June 24th and July 15th. The series, aptly named “Real Face Time,” was delivered by Mrs. Chanie Delman, LCSW, Clinical Director. Well-known for its wide array of clinical and community services, Madraigos works directly with its teenage and young adult members to provide the necessary skills to live healthy lifestyles. However, Madraigos recognizes that the influence of the teenagers’ parent is extremely crucial and any program to help the community’s teenagers would be incomplete without parent participation. To that end, Madraigos developed the parenting workshop series as part of their holistic approach of supporting and assisting young adults and their families. By providing specific parenting guidance in a warm and congenial environment, parents were able to sort out the parenting areas they needed to work on and “take home” specific ideas on improving their relationship with their teenagers and becoming better parents. The workshops focused on staying connected with children and building closeness. Parents learned that by being available and responsive to their children, it enables their children to trust them and feel that parents support them. Mrs. Delman provided specific directions for connecting to children, such as: Learning what activities children enjoy and participating with them in these activities on a regular basis is worthwhile. Focusing on the moment, sitting next to children and giving them full attention is extremely important. While the importance of open communication with teenage children cannot be overly

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Four-Part Parenting Workshop Series Delivered by Madraigos Clinical Director

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Around The Community Creativity Reigns at Ruach Day Camp Ruach Day Camp provides a summer experience like no other. We provide an environment for children to grow, make friends and build confidence in themselves. Our formula is simple: dynamic and creative programs with highly spirited and interactive staff. Our emphasis is on growth, friendship and fun! In addition to our creative theme and dress-up days, we offer unique specialties for our campers to choose from. Among those is Dreamation Design, a DIY (Do it Yourself) specialty where children create projects from everyday items we have at home. Some of those projects include making plaster, making play dough from scratch, a homemade bouncy ball and creating a stained glass solution. Another popular elective is Dance Choreography where the girls learn the moves to the chorus of a song and then collaborate to choreograph the rest. A new elective this year is Comput-

er Game Design where campers learn basic coding techniques to develop their own interactive computer game. This

elective helps children learn to think creatively, reason systematically and work collaboratively – essential skills for life

in the 21st century. They are doing amazing things that they see as fun, yet educational, valuable and worthwhile.

“The Power to Yield” Builds Klal Yisrael’s True Strength Tisha B’Av Event Inspires Unity, Shalom Worldwide Increasingly, Klal Yisrael seems like a ship on a storm-tossed sea of spiritual, political and economic turmoil. Yet the ship is going somewhere; it is heading to the geulah, and Hashem is navigating. The Torah teaches us that we were cast out onto this sea two millennia ago, exiled from our land and dispersed among the nations, all for one reason – sinas chinam, baseless hatred. The only way to counter this corrosive force is by strengthening its opposite – ahavas Yisrael. Caring for others as we do for our-

selves, seeing their needs as important and valid, feeling the brotherly connection we have to other Jews – these are the ingredients of ahavas Yisrael and the course Hashem has mapped out for us to arrive at the geulah. A vital key to these traits is vatranus – yielding to others’ needs. In our highly competitive, self-centered world, vatranus may be mistaken for weakness, yet it is the ultimate power. It taps into the Jewish people’s natural drive to connect with each other and help each other. It inspires incredible acts of kindness and sensitivity to

others, and if we strengthen it, vatranus has to power to carry us safely to the end of our storm-tossed journey. This Tisha B’Av, July 26, the achdus Hashem treasures will be on full display as tens of thousands of Jews unite in 700 gatherings around the world to learn how to strengthen the powerful trait of vatranus. This Tisha B’Av, Hashem will see His children getting together in order to learn how to perceive each other’s needs more clearly and respond more graciously, sensitively and generously. He will see tens of thousands of Jews around the world learning how to let go of their illusions and recognize Hashem’s control of the world. This Tisha B’Av, Hashem will see a nation truly yearning to be united under the Shechinah. The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation is offering two distinct programs for this year’s World-Wide Tisha B’Av Event, each featuring three dynamic speakers who will deliver inspiring insights on the power of vatranus to build each of us and to uplift Klal Yisrael. Program A features Rabbi Yisroel Reisman, Rav of Agudath Israel of Madison (Brooklyn, NY) and wellknown lecturer on Navi and contemporary Jewish topics; Dayan Yonason Abraham, founder of the Yeshiva at Kollel Beth HaTalmud in Melbourne,

Australia, and currently dayan of the London Beth Din; and Rabbi Ephraim Shapiro, the Rav of Congregation Shaarey Tefilah in North Miami Beach, Florida, whose lectures have inspired thousands of Jews toward greater strides in the mitzvos bein odom l’chaveiro. Program B presents Rabbi Eli J. Mansour, one of the most sought-after speakers and leaders in the Syrian-Jewish community and Rav of Congregation Bet Yaakob in Flatbush, NY; Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein, a well-known figure in the world of chinuch and founder of Ohr Naava, renowned women’s learning institution in Brooklyn; and Dr. David Lieberman, a clinical psychologist whose many clear-sighted books have been translated into 26 languages. On the day which Klal Yisrael mourns the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash, the golus and the suffering it has wrought, these speakers will inspire Jews around the world to tap into the power of vatranus. As we learn how to knock down the walls that divide us, we can show Hashem that we are ready to once again build the walls – the walls of the Beis Hamikdash – within which we will soon, iy”H, be united. See the ad in this week’s issue for a complete listing of times and locations.

Around The Community

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Machane Hakayitz campers were all smiles as they enjoyed myriad activities with their camp friends

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. . o t g n i k l a T e r ’ This Week, We

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Exciting Camp Feature! Back for a Second Year!

SIMCHA DAY CAMP By Brendy J. Siev

How are the Five Towns’ youngest residents spending their summer? Over the next eight weeks, we’ll be speaking to different local day camps to learn how their campers are spending their 104 days of summer vacation.

By the Numbers.. The Countdown..

2,400 33 26 22 12 10 9.5 7 6 5 4 3 2

der to make a large camp small, we have a division head for each grade. We have a Junior division—that’s our preschool age for kids going into kindergarten and pre-1-A. Then, we have separate divisions for grades 1 through 4. Grades 5 through 7 have one division head; the CITs (grades 8 through 10) have their own. Our CIT division has grown so much: we have 100 campers in that age group.

pizza bagels served each week

bunks – for a total of more than 800 campers

busses bringing in kids from Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island experienced rebbeim: most have 20 years of experience

Rabbi Dachs

head morahs nurturing their Junior division Simcha Day Camp is one of the largest camps in the Five Towns area, serving more than 800 campers. This week, we spoke with camp director Rabbi Shimon Dachs and office manager Mrs. Sharoni Botwinick.

basketball courts

acres of fabulous campus

outdoor water stations to keep hydrated while playing sports batei medrash

deep fryers (for those, mmm, favorite homemade chicken fingers)

fish tanks

indoor gyms. One recently renovated, state-of-the-art for older campers. The other includes a two-story-high jungle gym for the Juniors.

Olympic-sized in-ground pool. It’s more than 100 feet long. Each camper has swim-time twice a day for instructional and recreational swim.

PHOTO CREDITS: AARON KATZ OF YAAKOV KATZ STUDIOS

baseball diamonds

TJH: Every camp has an origin story. Tell us yours. Rabbi Shimon Dachs: Originally, our camp was called “Simcha by the Sea.” It was run by the Hartman Y. In 1999, Mr. Richard Altabe and Yeshiva Darchei Torah took over, and it became Simcha Day Camp. We had 140 boys; 240 campers total. Moish Zimberg joined the team between 2000 and 2005, and I took over after that. While the original camp had boys’ and girls’ divisions— with, at our peak, 1372 campers—over the next 15 years we moved to become a boys’ camp. And we kept that boys’ division strong. Now we have more than 800 campers in 33 bunks. Wow, that’s a lot. SD: Boruch Hashem. In or-

That’s impressive. Tell us about your campers: where are they from? SD: They come from neighborhoods all over. This include Kew Gardens, Kew Gardens Hills, Hillcrest, Brooklyn, West Hempstead, Atlantic Beach, Oceanside, Far Rockaway, the Five Towns, Long Beach, and Belle Harbor. Why are they coming from all over to experience Simcha Day Camp? What makes it so unique? SD: We’re a real sports camp. This year, new for 2015, we have a special person exclusively in charge of sports clinics. He goes to every division—from first grade and up—to train our camp-

What are some of the perks that campers enjoy? SD: We give out tshirts, water bottles, and Frisbees to the little kids. Sharoni Botwinick: Each camper gets his bunk picture on a keychain at the end of the summer. This way they remember us when they go into their home away from our home. Tell us about a typical day at Simcha Day Camp. SD: Campers arrive at 8:45,

Any meaningful plans for the Nine Days? SD: We have a special middos program in memory of Aharon Tepfer, a”h, son of one of our lifeguards. During the Nine Days, we embark on a middos program to carry out the essence of what Aharon exemplified. We give rewards and prizes for acting kind to friends and for good sportsmanship. Rabbi Zevi Trenk came in as a special guest speaker. Like many camps, we joined the Chai Lifeline Bowl-a-thon this week. And campers up to third grade got wet, by running in the sprinklers or doing car washes. How about Shabbos Nachamu? SD: Normally, we have an oneg on Erev Shabbos with music. But on Erev Shabbos Nachamu, we have a big concert. We bring in a band and a professional singer, like Benny Amar, and make a massive kickoff to the weekend. As a newspaper, we love to get the scoop. When’s color war? SD: Who said we are having color war? LOL! Sounds like our readers will be kept in suspense. Oh, well. Any final words? SD: My staff really runs an amazing camp—one we are very proud of. 

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Do you have a theme this year? SD: Our Junior division does. This year, they have a Storybook theme. It’s all about famous storybooks: Clifford, Dr. Seuss. They have main activities tied to these books. Their division’s t-shirts are also tied to their theme.

and so we get started before 9. We have davening, snacks (like cookies and juice), and then learning. Then campers go to their activities. We have so many sports, but campers also enjoy arts & crafts and computers. We have leagues, and campers get to play different sports in their leagues. We emphasize that they need to have excellent sportsmanship, like making sure to congratulate kids on their successes, even if that team lost. We give out trophies for league play and for excellent middos. We serve great lunches every day. Campers love our homemade pizza, and they love our chicken fingers even more. After lunch, campers enjoy more activities. Monday through Thursday, they go home at 4. Fridays— and this is a biggie—we end at 3.

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What are some of your awesome activities? SD: We have amazing overnights for our older campers, and late nights for the younger ones. Our overnights, for grades 5 through 10, happen twice a

summer. We take a two-day trip, and we rent out a water park just for us. We take coach buses, and, in between other planned events, we go on other trips. This can mean going to Fun Center, Dave and Buster’s, Connecticut Sports Center, or Six Flags New England. Then, we sleep at a sleepaway camp and use their facilities as well—like their zip line or ropes course—or go paintballing there. We have night activity. Every division gets two late nights that culminates with extra swim, a barbeque, and a great game, like water ball or Minute to Win It. We go on trips to laser tag, Active Kids, Sky Zone, Adventureland, and Bounce. When our campers from Brooklyn and Queens come back really late, we bus them to their home neighborhoods instead of having their parents shlep out to get them at that hour. We bring in a lot of fun activities too: a carnival, a petting zoo, a magic show. Simon Sez comes by; the moon bounce stays here all summer.

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ers in specific sports skills. The campers learn the fundamentals of each sport. We bought a lot of equipment so all campers can really practice simultaneously. The campers learn how to focus, where to place their hands, the right stances—all the fundamentals. One of the most amazing things about our camp is our 9.5 acre campus. We have four baseball diamonds right here, indoor basketball courts and ten outdoor basketball courts, a hockey court, a grass volleyball court, and a grass soccer field (everyone’s crazy about FIFA nowadays). This year we have a cool new gaga pit. We have two gyms. One recently underwent a half-a-million dollar upgrade. It’s brand new and state of the art. The other gym is just for the Juniors. It has a two-story high jungle gym in there, and the Juniors have time in there every day. So you see: we don’t have to get on buses to go places, to go swimming or play sports. That’s why more than 200 kids come here from Brooklyn. Everything is right here. We have an in-ground pool on campus, and our campers swim twice a day—once for free swim and once for instructional swim. I’m so proud of this: you come to Simcha Day Camp to learn how to swim. The four- and five-year-olds learn from mommies who are also WSI lifeguards. The lifeguards are sensitive and experienced so the campers feel comfortable in the pool. I’m not just the director: I’m also a parent. I have my sixth boy going to Simcha Day Camp, and all my boys were deep-water swimmers by the time they were in first or second grade. We’re also uniquely professional, starting from the office manager on down. Everything is run professionally. Each season we try to improve. We always listen to advice, and we never rest. There’s a certain calm during the day here. Things are noisy when they’re supposed to be, when we’re pumping up the ruach. But this is a structured environment. So, when campers are at play or at activities, the campus has a calm feeling to it. Our staff has been in camping for many years. We want everything top grade. We have a real full-time nurse, real morahs, rebbeim who, for the most part, have been teaching for 20 years. The campers get real professional care.

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• TJH CENTERFOLD

Riddle!

• TJH CENTERFOLD

ld Commissioner, Dear Mr. Centerfo the sake

You are locked in a car and told that if you get out within 5 minutes you will be given $100. To help you get out of the car you are given a screwdriver, a wrench and a hammer. You are not allowed to break any windows of the car. How do you get out of the car? See answer below

l name but for First of all, I know your rea t, ntion it. Your trivia is grea of your privacy I won’t me o t baseball. I just found tw especially when it’s abou which game trivia. Question 2, mistakes in the All-Star ct All-Star teams? The corre managers manage the rld rs who managed the Wo answer is A, the manage ar 9, Why did the 2002 All-St Series. Also in question correct answer is B, the game result in a tie? The urst . (Judah B. from Cedarh teams ran out of pitchers

told me that.) about Mets players not Regarding what you said I’m , when I’m on the Mets making the All-Star game ar game, and BT W, Jacob going to start the All-St the pitched phenomenal in deGrom (of the NY Mets) All-Star game.

You Gotta be

Kidding!

A pedestrian stepped off the curb and into the road without looking one day and promptly got knocked flat by a passing cyclist. “You were really lucky there,” said the cyclist. “What on earth are you talking about?! That really hurt!” said the pedestrian, still on the pavement, rubbing his head. “Well, usually I drive a bus!” the cyclist replied.

Comm Let the ission er dec Send

your s t

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Thank you, Mets prospect An 11-year-old NY

Dear Mr. 11-year -old NY Mets Pro spect, Yo

u are absolutely right about the trivia answer s. It was sloppy work on m y part. Ever hear of slo pp y work? You know, sloppy base running, slopping field ing … there’s a place in Flush ing, Queens, you can go to if you want to witness such sloppiness every day. (You can even buy a ko sher hot dog while yo u watch the exhibit.) Oh, by th e way, now I know wh y Sandy Alderson isn’t making any moves to get anot her bat— he knows you’re coming up through the ranks and will be ready to pl ay in ten years. I guess Harvey, Matts, Synder gaard and deGrom wi ll just have to be patient and keep losing 1-0 ballgames until then.

Sincerely,

G OT FU N N Y?

ANSWER TO RIDDLE: Use the

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TJH CENTERFOLD

“unlock” buttons.

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ide

fivetow centerfold@ nsjewis hhome. com

Barack Oba�.oops, I fo rgot I’m not supposed to men tion my real name�. Sincerely, the Cent erfold Commissioner

• TJH CENTERFOLD

Tour de France Trivia

3. Over the course of the Tour de France approximately how many calories does the average biker burn? a. 33,000 b. 73,000 c. 111,000 d. 127,000 4. What was Lance Armstrong’s average speed in the 1999 Tour de France? a. 19 MPH b. 25 MPH c. 32 MPH

5. Who is awarded the yellow jacket? a. The winner of the day b. The best climber c. The overall leader of the race d. The last place driver of the day 6. The green jersey is awarded to the racer who is best at doing what? a. Climbing b. Sprinting c. Assisting his teammates d. Knocking out an opponent Answers: 1. B 2. A 3. D (That is the equivalent of eating a total of 672 jelly donuts… which is exactly what I would do if I burned that many calories) 4. B 5. C 6. B Scorecard 5-6 correct: You get the Yellow Jacket! 3-4 correct: You may not be in Tour de France yet, but good luck on Bike For Chai. 0-2 correct: You need to start cheating a little bit my friend…Live Strong!

Signs That You Are Too Into Biking

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You spend at least an hour a day watching GoPro footage. You know where every single pothole is within a 5 mile radius of your home. Your bike is cleaner than your house. Your bike has a nickname and you’re not at all embarrassed. When driving, you yell, “On Your Right!” when you pass another car. After every weekend your phone is filled with photos of mountains, trails, descents, signposts, fields, sunsets… You hear someone had a crash and your first question is “How’s the bike?” Your bike costs more than your car.

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You start yelling at cars to “hold your line.” You have more money invested in your bike clothes than in the rest of your combined wardrobe. You have more bike jerseys than dress shirts. A Power Bar tastes better than a Snickers. You can’t seem to get to work by 8:30 AM, even for important meetings, but you don’t have any problems at all meeting your buddies at 5:00 AM for a ride. You can tell your spouse, with a straight face, that it’s too hot to mow the lawn and then bike off for a century. You tailgate a semi-trailer to get the drafting effect.

JULY 23, 2015

2. Maurice Garin won the very first Tour de France in 1903. The next year, he won the Tour’s second running but was eventually stripped of his victory for cheating. How did he cheat? a. He took a train to the finish line b. He used performance enhancing drugs c. He knocked his main opponent off of his bike, resulting in a calf injury which prevented him from completing the race d. He had his team members throw out all water at pit stops after he drank, so that his opponents would go thirsty.

d. 37 MPH e. 45 MPH

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1. How many miles is the 2015 Tour de France? a. 1,575 b. 2,087 c. 3,267 d. 5,344

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TJH CENTERFOLD

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The Rocky Rant

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JULY 23, 2015

Rocky Zweig

The Name Game

t’s a good thing my nephew Heshy had a baby. I called to say mazel tov and that is from whence this column sprang. Or sprangeth, maybe. You see, until I spoke to Heshy, I was debating whether writing about my inventing the Ambien Diet a few weeks ago was too embarrassing, considering I had already set a really low embarrassment benchmark with The Infamous Pepper Spray Incident. You’re probably not familiar with Ambien Diet (patent pending). That’s when you don’t want to gain weight by pigging out over Shabbos so you take an Ambien Friday night (instead of dinner) and two more Shabbos morning after davening (instead of lunch). The ingenious diet’s major flaw is that when you awaken, you’re in such a stupor, you think you’re on Pluto and have an appointment with King Xandok, so you get in the shower and promptly fall and crack a rib (no kidding). Brilliant, right? Riiiight. It’s actually among the dumbest things a functioning human being can do, right up there with bungee jumping and eating mushrooms. So do you see now why I was so relieved that I had a new topic to write about? Anyway, I guess the column officially starts here: My mom a”h passed away in August of 2013 (4 Elul, to be exact). Her name was Baila, and she didn’t love it. She made it quite clear that she didn’t want any great-grandchildren named after her. No one agreed with her, of course. True, it’s not a modern, hip, Is

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raeli-style name like Yael or Ayelet, but it’s not exactly an assault on the cochlea either, like, say, being strapped down for hours on end and being forced to listen to the BeeGees.

new member of their family into their loving household with joy and rapture in their hearts. Sadly, it can also be a time when husband and wife become extremely stressed…”

“Thank you very much. But I never had a brother named Binyomin, and I never had a brother named Dovid!” So when she passed away, we did what all good children and grandchildren do: we ignored her wishes. Heshy’s brother Zevy named his little girl Ahuva Baila a while back, and then just a few weeks ago, Heshy had a girl and named her Baila — just Baila! A rather gutsy thing to do, considering he lives in Lawrence. Honestly, don’t you think of Lawrence as more of a Kineret or Yedidah type of town? So I called him to say mazel tov which led to a long conversation about naming in general which led to him suggesting that I write an article on the subject. I thought that was a great idea, so here we are. To collect “naming stories,” I sent out an email to my friends. Both of them. It read, in part: “I am planning to write a piece about the naming process of babies in our community. As we all know, this can be a time when husband and wife come together as one and bring this tiny

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

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

Amazingly, I didn’t get a lot of responses. That’s probably either because everybody is away having a good time or because I don’t shower often enough. But I did get a few. So here are some letters that I paraphrased, some information I received, my own story about my grandson Yosef Dovid, and a remarkable tale I heard from one of my oldest, dearest friends, Jerry Weissman. Interesting (Alleged) Facts (Letter #1): A. The name Genendel originates from Gan Eden’l. B. The names Shprintza and Yenta originate from the Spanish/Ladino names Esperanza and Juanita, respectively. Which Moshe? (Letter #2): Two Satmar chassidim were meshadeich and when the first einekel was born, the parents wanted to name the baby Moshe. The two grandfathers each had a Moshe on their side and each wanted the right to say that it was his Moshe. They went to the rebbe (Reb Yoelish zt”l), and he told them not to fight because in twenty years it would be very clear which one the baby had

been named after. The obvious inference was that being someone’s namesake influences the character traits of the child. P.S. The husband won. I Fulfill a Promise: When my son Kalman was born in 1980, we named him after my motherin-law’s father, Klonimus Kalman. My father-in-law was a wonderful person who always treated me like the son he never had (Frenchi is an only child). I went over to him at the bris and said, “Iy”H if we have another boy, we’ll name him after your father, Yosef Dovid.” Unfortunately, we never had another boy (I have three kids, Feige, Kalman, and Blimie), so I was never able to fulfill that kinda-sorta promise. When I found out late in 2012 that my daughter Blimie was expecting, I called her. “I’m not butting in,” I said, “and I certainly don’t want to pressure you, but when Kalman was born I told Zeidie Mendel…” and explained how I had always felt badly about never being able to give that name while my father-inlaw was alive. “I’m just saying if you have a boy and you and Amir have no one in particular that you want to name after, it would be a really nice thing to do.” Blimie gave birth to a bouncing baby boy on January 1st, 2013, who is so nuts, he has yet to stop bouncing. He’s also the cutest kid in the world. His name is Yosef Dovid. When his name was announced at the bris, Frenchi cried, I smiled broadly and hugged my daughter, and I’m sure Menachem Mendel ben Yosef Dovid was looking down at all of us beaming. P.S. Unbeknownst to me, a few

Rocky Zweig has been writing since he was sixteen and was the Editor-in-Chief of the late and decidedly unlamented

Modieinu, the mimeographed (remember mimeographs?) newspaper of the Tenth Avenue Pirchei of Boro Park, where he wrote everything from stories to news articles to hashkafa articles to...yes (now it can be told!)...letters to the editor. Rocky was sixteen a very long time ago. He is the proud father of three marginally neurotic children. He has been married three — count ‘em — three times and has finally determined that he’s probably not very good at matrimonial bliss. He lives in his Fortress of Solitude in Flatbush with a small menagerie: Clarice, a European Starling; Rabbi Horatio LeZard, a Bearded Dragon; an aquarium filled with Lake Malawi African Cichlids; and a ten gallon tank that functions as a Home for Unwanted Goldfish, or H.U.G., collected over the years by his grandkids and great nieces and nephews at myriad street fairs and carnivals (rather than face the unpleasant task of flushing these unfortunate piscine creatures when they are eventually, inevitably ignored by their own obnoxious progeny, the parents simply call Uncle Rocky who then feeds them and cares for them until their ultimate natural demise three or four or even ten years down the pike). So apparently Rocky seems to get along better with animals than with his fellow homo sapiens. Or sapienses. Or whatever. Rocky’s column will be appearing every other week in The Jewish Home. Rocky can be reached at anidaati@aol.com.

JULY 23, 2015

#soooooogood

Hey, what are you gonna do, right? My heart was in the right place, and at least the boy now had a beautiful Hebrew name. Motzei Shabbos the phone rang. It was the rabbi who had arranged the bris. “Jerry,” he began, “how did you know?” “How did I know what?” “The name. How did you know what to name the boy?” “Well,” I said, “I wanted to name him after my two uncles, but as it happens — wait a minute — how did I know what?” “After the bris,” the rabbi continued, “the boy’s grandparents approached me. After the name was announced, his grandfather suddenly remembered that his father had been called Binyamin and his grandmother recalled that her father’s name was Dovid!” Now how’s that for a goose-bump producing, “small-miracles” worthy story?! Wishing everybody an easy fast, - Rocky * The bris was performed with anesthesia.

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Awe-Inspiring Hashgachah Pratis Story: I’ve known Jerry Weissman since elementary school, so of course when he lost his father many years ago, I went to be menachem avel. While I was there he told me the following incredible story: I got involved with having Russian boys circumcised before their bar mitzvah. There was this one Friday afternoon when I was at the bris of a twelveyear-old boy in Boro Park and was given the kibbud of being sandek*. This boy knew nothing about Yiddishkeit and neither did any members of his immediate family. Unfortunately, any kesher that might have once existed had been lost in the horrors of the Soviet Union. After the bris, I was approached by the rabbi. “As sandek,” he explained, “you get the z’chus of choosing a Hebrew name for this young man, who has never had one.”

Wow. I was really not prepared for this! I thought for a while and then realized that my father’s two late brothers, Uncle Benny and Uncle Dave, didn’t have anyone named after them. Consequently, the Russian boy was named Binyamin Dovid. Thinking he would be absolutely thrilled, my wife and I stopped on our way home to tell my father the good news. “I just had the chance to name a Russian boy after Uncle Benny and Uncle Dave, so we named him Binyamin Dovid,” I told my dad excitedly. “Thank you very much,” he said. Then, switching to Yiddish, he continued, “Ubber ich hob kein mol nisht gehat kein brider voss hut geheisen Binyumin, un ich hob kein mol nisht gehat kein brider voss hut geheisen Duvid.” [“But I never had a brother named Binyomin, and I never had a brother named Dovid!”] I was dumbfounded. “Ta,” I said, “What are you talking about? What about Uncle Benny and Uncle Dave? “Uncle Benny hut geheisen Volf Berr, un Uncle Dave hut geheisen Shmiel, ubber du in America hoben zei eim gerifen Dave!” (“Uncle Benny’s name was Volf Berr, and Uncle Dave’s name was Shmiel, but here in America they called him Dave!”)

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days before the bris Amir’s grandmother, Savta Shoshana, called him from Yerushalayim. She told him that since the previous week’s Parsha was Vayechi, which deals rather extensively with Yosef Ha’tzaddik, and since she had had a son who died when he was very young whose name was Yosef, she would be very happy if they named the baby Yosef!

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JULY 23, 2015

Torah Thought

Rabbi Berel Wein

Parshas Devarim—Chazon

he book of Devarim begins on a somber note. In fact, the entire book, for most of its contents and statements, is a very sobering volume. Our teacher and leader Moshe reviews for us his career and the events of his leadership of Israel over the past tumultuous forty years. He spares neither himself nor the people of Israel in his assessment of the mistakes and misfortunes that occurred over that period of time. Only at the very end of this volume with soaring poetry and exalted prose does Moshe predict the eventual happy ending to the story of Jewish and general human civilization. But it seems apparent from the entire tenor and tone of the book that this essential success and happiness will be bought at great cost and enduring painful memories. The realistic appraisal given by Moshe of the failings of the Jewish people are difficult to absorb and appreciate. After all, this was in a certain sense the greatest generation of Jews ever – the generation that left Egypt,

The words of Moshe are meant to be guideposts and warnings, pointing out the pitfalls of the past so that the goals of the present and the future can be achieved and realized. stood at Sinai and accepted the Torah and thereby fashioned the Jewish people for all time. If they were so weak and failed to reach their goals then what shall we, certainly a lesser generation in spirit and holiness, expect to accomplish. But that certainly is not the message that Moshe wished to transmit to us. Apathy, giving up on goals and on our ability to achieve them, is contrary to all basic Jewish values and Torah teachings. The words of Moshe are meant to be guideposts and warnings, pointing out the pitfalls of the past so that the goals of the present and the future can be achieved and realized. The problems and failings discussed

by Moshe and even more explicitly detailed by Isaiah in the prophetic reading of this week are all current events in our society and milieu. Before they can be dealt with, improved upon or even eliminated, they must first be recognized and admitted to exist. Much of the Jewish world, today, as in the past, indulges in the fantasy of denial. Rather than dealing with problems, accepting challenges, recognizing the changing nature of societies, we prefer to ignore these realities and pretend that all is well. If the prophet Isaiah were to stand before us today, he perhaps would not change his message or temper his words much in viewing our world.

One feels the frustration of the prophet at having his words ignored and his message unrecognized. It is the unrealistic view of the people and of its leaders’ will, the inability to recognize the changed nature of the problems that face the Jewish society then and now that most disheartened the prophet. Like Moshe before him, Isaiah paints for us a realistic picture of the failings of Jewish society in the hope that recognizing the problem will help, eventually, lead it to its solution and elimination. The destruction of the Temples and the ensuing troubles that marked Jewish history are usually attributed to the will of G-d. That certainly is true but that supposes that as in all matters of human life, it is human choice and behavior to which the will of G-d, so to speak, reacts. An honest appraisal of the true nature of our society and its problems will help us rise from the sadness of these days and allow us to reach the rosy future that will inevitably come. Shabbat shalom.

The Shmuz

Parshas Devarim

hen Moshe Rabbeinu was near the end of his life, he gathered Klal Yisroel together to give them rebuke for the sins they committed in the forty years of wandering in the desert. Rashi is bothered by why he waited. Why didn’t he rebuke them years earlier when the events first took place? Rashi answers that Moshe learned from Yaakov Avinu. Yaakov didn’t admonish his son Reuvain until he was close to death. “If you are wondering why I didn’t admonish you all of these years,” Yaakov told Reuvain, “it’s because I was afraid that if I did, you would leave me and cling to my brother Eisav.” Therefore, Yaakov waited until he was about to die and only then did he chastise Reuvain. Moshe learned from Yaakov, so he too didn’t give rebuke to the Jewish nation until he was about to die. This Rashi is very difficult to understand. Why would Yaakov be afraid that if he criticized Reuvain, it would cause him to leave and cling to Eisav? First off, it is difficult to imagine a relationship of love, mutual respect, and dedication that was greater than the one that Yaakov and his oldest son Reuvain shared. Aside from the natural sense of attachment of a son to his father, Reuvain accepted his father as his teacher, mentor, and spiritual guide. Surely, that should have allowed Reuvain to know that his father’s rebuke was only for his good. Furthermore, whenever Yaakov spoke to his son, it was with love and sensitivity. If a situation arose where Yaakov felt his son erred, a mature person like Reuvain would willingly accept words of guidance and correct his ways. Why should Yaakov have been afraid? The Damage of Criticism The answer to this question is based on the effect that criticism has upon a person. The Orchas Tzadikim (Shaar 12) explains that when you verbally at-

tack me, it is a given that I will retaliate. It isn’t much different than if you were physically assaulting me. I perceive your words as an attack against the essence of me, and it is almost within the category of self-defense for me to strike back at you. Every fiber of my being

This is a powerful illustration of the damage caused by rebuke. Even in a relationship based on mutual love and respect, criticism undoes the bond and causes a separation. Here we see it with a mature man whose priorities were straight, a man who lived his whole life

Even in a relationship based on mutual love and respect, criticism undoes the bond and causes a separation. screams out to defend myself against the onslaught of your words. Criticism is but one step below a verbal attack. It isn’t quite as pointed, not quite as aggressive — but not that far off. When you criticize me, I am under attack. The essence of me, who I am, and what I stand for is being assaulted. You may not have intended it that way, but that is what I feel. There is a powerful sense of disapproval and condemnation that comes across, and I feel under attack. No one likes to be criticized, and the easiest course is to avoid the pain by pulling away. The greater you are in my eyes, the greater the damage of your words, and the more they will drive a wedge between us. This seems to be the answer as to why Yaakov was so afraid to criticize Reuvain. Despite the fact that Yaakov would only have intended it for his son’s good, and despite the fact that Reuvain was looking for direction from his loving father, if Yaakov had rebuked Reuvain, he was afraid that it would have forced them apart, damaging the relationship, and perhaps even going so far as to drive Reuvain away. The sense of disapproval that Reuvain would have felt would have been so difficult to bear that Reuvain might well have run away to avoid it, even going so far as joining Eisav.

for growth and recognized his father as the spiritual guide of the generation. Yet words of rebuke could have had the effect of separating and causing even such a man to go off the path. If this concept is true for people as great as the Avos, how much more so for us? The reality is that we humans are very sensitive; we hunger for approval and despise rejection. When you criticize me, it may not be your intention, but I feel unwanted and unaccepted. I feel that you don’t approve of me, so I am not respected in your eyes. That emotion is very

difficult to bear. The easiest course is for me to run away — away from the situation, and away from you. For that reason, criticism is poison to all relationships. As a parent, it is one of the most noxious elements that can ruin an otherwise strong relationship. As a spouse, it can be the wedge that drives apart an otherwise happily married couple. And amongst friends, it can be the force that ends an otherwise nurturing relationship. 3 Rules of Criticism For that reason, before a person sets out to criticize, he should remember the three cardinal rules of criticism. The first rule is: don’t do it. The second rule is: don’t do it. And the third rule is: don’t do it. Don’t do it because it hurts. Don’t do it because it distances people. Most of all, don’t do it because it doesn’t work. Even if your intentions are to help, and even if you only mean these words for the good of the recipient, criticism is a powerful separator that accomplishes no good, merely drives people apart, and should be avoided like the plague. 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 charge at the www.theShmuz.com or on the Shmuz App for iPhone or Android.

JULY 23, 2015

“And it was in the fortieth year, in the twelve month, on the first day of the month, when Moshe spoke to the Bnai Yisroel according to everything that Hashem said to them.” — Devarim 1:3

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I Hate Criticism

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R’ Ben Tzion Shafier

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The Churban of Kitev THE DESTRUCTION OF A JEWISH SHTETL BY DR. JOSEPH STURM

The

town of Kitev is little known, but its story is representative of the fate of so many Polish shtetls. Kitev was most renowned for its association with the holy Ba’al Shem Tov and several other rabbinic luminaries including Rav Gershon Kitiver, the son-in-law of the Besht; Rav Yosef Shmuel Gelernter, author of Roshei Besomim; Rav Moishele Kitiver; and Rav Chaim Gelernter, author of Pri Eitz Chaim. The town itself was a picturesque hamlet, nestled in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. It was known for its beautiful landscape,

verdant forests, and fragrant fruit orchards. Kitev was a twin city with Vishnitz, which sat across the Chermosh River on the other side of the Polish-Romanian border. Before World War

youth with strong membership in such groups as Shomer Ha’tzair, labor Zionists, and the socialist Bund. Many of the town youth were fervent believers in Communism as well.

BODIES LAY IN THE STREETS EVERYWHERE, THE AIR WAS FILLED WITH THE ACRID SMOKE OF BURNING HOMES AND HUMAN FLESH; ON EVERYONE’S FACES THERE WERE LOOKS OF DAZE AND BEWILDERMENT.

The author’s mother, Sarah Henya, is pictured with her parents and brothers in front of their house in Kitev, circa 1938. Sarah Henya’s oldest brother, Menachem, pictured top left, managed to smuggle nine-year old Sarah Henya across the Romanian border to the train station in Vishnitz shortly after the German actsia. Menachem promised her that he’d be back the next day with the entire family. Sarah Henya waited and waited, but her family never came and she never saw them again.

II, it sat in southern-most Polish Galitzia with a total population of approximately 6,000, half of which were Jewish. (Today the town of Kuty is part of Ukraine.) As beautiful as Kitev’s scenery was, its local Polish and Ukrainian residents were ugly. Before World War II, the Jews suffered from heavy taxation, no government representation, inability to obtain employment in any civil service jobs, and all the other typical anti-Semitic calumnies. The Jewish community itself was a microcosm of pre-war Jewish life in Poland. The town had three Chassidic batei medrashim (Kloz) from Vishnitz, Chortkov, and Kossov. There was a large central shul with separate minyanim for each group of tradesmen such as the tailors, the shoemakers, etc. Each Simchas Torah, the wealthier members of the town would serve a tremendous kiddush with the main invitees being the poorer members of the town. On Friday afternoons, many also had the minhag of distributing bread and challah to the needier members of the town (which were many). The secularists, the Maskilim, and Zionists were also well-represented among the town’s

In fact, at the outbreak of the Second World War, it was the Red Army that arrived ﬁrst to occupy Kitev. The Soviets were initially hailed as saviors by the town Communists. Within a short while, however, it became clear to all that the Soviets were there simply to plunder the Jews, deprive them of their livelihoods, and restrict their religious freedom. The Soviet secret police, the NKVD, appointed one commissar for each ten Jewish households to constantly monitor all activity. Anyone stepping out of line simply disappeared during the night and was presumed to have been shipped to Siberia. The ﬁrst Rosh Hashana rolled around under Soviet rule, and the Jews were forced to daven in secret at 3a.m. Even the most ardent Communists who had never stepped foot in a shul their entire lives appeared in the back of the shul that early morning, having been totally disillusioned by the behavior of their Soviet “comrades.”

the time the Nazis broke the MolotovRibbentrop Pact and arrived in June of 1941, the Jewish community of Kitev was already in an impoverished, weakened, and starv-

The author’s mother, Sara Henya, a”h, who passed away five months ago, is shown as the little girl with the doll with her extended family in Kitev circa 1937. She was the only one in this photo who survived the war. Orphaned at the age of nine, and aside from raising her family and teaching, she spent the rest of her life personally helping orphans, widows, divorced people, and all those she came across who felt alone.

The preceding article was compiled based on two Yizkor books written many years after the destruction of Kitev and on several eyewitness accounts.

JULY 23, 2015

the spring and summer of 1942, many Kitev Jews tried to ﬂee

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across the river into the comparative safety of neighboring Romania knowing that the final liquidation was soon to come. A vast majority were either killed outright by Ukrainian peasants and border police, or turned over to the Gestapo. Five days before Rosh Hashana in 1942, the Nazis conducted one final gathering of the Jews of Kitev. The Jews were marched to a train station in a neighboring town. Men were on the inside of The author’s mother, Sarah Henya, is seated on the lap of her aunt in Kitev, circa 1938. Seated to her aunt is Reb Shmuel Liebergall, the gabbai of the Chortkov Beis Medrash. He was the column while women next known for hosting all of the chassidish Rebbes that would pass through town. He was also known and children were kept for his melodious and meaningful Yamim Nor’aim davening. After all the other shuls had ended on the outside to ensure davening on Rosh Hashana, the entire town would come to hear Reb Shmuel Liebergall’s musaf. that no one would escape. Standing behind the author’s mother is Eisig Husen, the young man who refused to give up his Those young men that two-year-old daughter to the SS and who later authored the Kitev Yizkor book. He, his wife, and Sarah Henya were the only people in this picture to have survived the war. were deemed fit to work were shipped to labor camps in Lemberg, where most died of exposure, beatings, and starvation. Author’s Note: During the spring of 1942 The remainder of the Kitev Jews were overstuffed into cattle cars in the searing hot sun and before the final German actsia, an SS officer approached a young Jewish man who was holding his two-year-old daughter. The girl had pigtails and a pretty polka-dot dress. The Nazi officer told the Jewish man that he had taken a liking to the little girl. He told the man that his own wife could not have children, so he asked the Jew if he would allow him to take the girl and raise her as a German. The Nazi said, “After all, you know that you will never leave this place alive.” The young Jewish man trembled, but declined the German’s offer. He never understood why the German did not simply shoot him on the spot and take the girl. However, that young man and his daughter were some of the few people Pictured here is Rabbi Chaim Drukman, the most illustrious to safely cross the border into Romania and essurvivor of Kitev, standing in the town square during his visit cape the final liquidation of Kitev. The young in 1990. The only reminder of Jewish life he could find was the Jewish man spent the next thirteen years after holes in doorposts where mezuzahs had been in hanging in Jewish homes. Photo courtesy of Chaim Zins, who wrote a book the war pecking away at an old Yiddish typepublished in Israel in 1993 entitled Kitev, My Town. writer, chronicling the life and death of the town of Kitev in a book called, “The Kitev Yizkor shipped off to the death camp at Belz. Many Book.” perished from dehydration and suffocation on the way to the death camp. The remainder died The author is a graduate of Yeshiva University and from electrocution at Belz. Of the three thousand Jews of Kitev, only a lives with his family in Woodmere, NY. His small handful survived the war. Most were too mother, Sarah Henya (Sally Sturm), a”h, shell-shocked by the unbelievable and gruesome was one of the few survivors of the town horror to ever speak about it again. Many en- of Kitev. tire families were wiped off the face of the earth, their burial places unknown, with no one having ever said Kaddish for them. As those of us who say Kaddish this Tisha B’Av think of whom to include in our tefillos, let us remember the nearly forgotten souls of the Jews of Kitev. Hashem yinkom damam. 

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ing state. The Nazis immediately established a Judenrat and seized all remaining valuables, foodstuffs, and winter clothing. The Jews of Kitev were forced to wear blue stars and their movements were increasingly restricted. They gradually heard rumors of liquidation actions (actsias in German) being taken against neighboring Jewish communities. They knew their turn was soon to come and they prepared makeshift hideouts. On the seventh day of Pesach, 1942, their awful turn arrived. The SS death squads sealed off all exits, along with the more than willing Ukrainian police, who arrived with skull and crossbones painted on their trucks. The SS immediately began shooting any Jews caught in the open. The Ukrainians then singled out each and every Jewish house that was to be set on fire (knowing that many Jews were hiding in their houses). Those who that fled the burning houses were thrown back into the fires, while those who ran were hunted down by ax-wielding Ukrainian peasants. The only “fortunate” Jews were those who hid in bunkers beneath houses that were too close to gentile homes or businesses to be “safely” set ablaze. My mother recalled being stuffed into a makeshift bunker underneath the kitchen stove along with a dozen other Jews. Her heart pounded with terror as she heard the Ukrainian boots stomp overhead. She heard the Ukrainians curse their bad luck as they could not find any “Zhidhe Paasheva” (dirty Jews) hiding in that structure. In many houses, the Ukrainians shouted out in Yiddish, “They’ve left, it’s safe to come out now” in order to coax the Jews from their hiding places. When the actsia was over and the surviving Jews emerged from concealment, they witnessed a most ghastly scene. Bodies lay in the streets everywhere, the air was filled with the acrid smoke of burning homes and human flesh; on everyone’s faces there were looks of daze and bewilderment. There was a macabre and grizzly cortege of mothers holding their dead babies who had been strangled in order to avoid having their hiding places revealed.

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JULY 23, 2015

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JULY 23, 2015

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is never easy, nor is it meant to be. Recognizing the empty space that can’t be filled with distraction or replacement is one of life’s most profound experiences. There are losses so devastating that words, no matter how carefully selected, are cheap and banal at best and patronizing at worst. When there is nothing to say, nothing is more eloquent than silence. There are losses that not only defy any lexicon, but they are so enormous that even our minds cannot grasp them, and we find ourselves in emotional denial. When we realize that the life of any Holocaust survivor has chapters that can never be digested, let alone expressed, we can begin to understand the awesome silence of loss. When we have no words, there is no way to transmit information. A tragic result is that often the most profound losses are also the least understood, and most often forgotten. To our great-grandchildren, the horror of the Holocaust may become a dusty relic of antique memory, much as the Spanish Inquisition is to us. No one today can begin to understand the enormity of the loss of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, the Beit HaMikdash. When it stood, the Temple let us experience spirituality directly. G-d’s presence could be felt in every stone, in every corner – no external catalyst needed.

We have been mourning the loss of this connection for thousands of years, and we no longer have the words to convey its meaning. We go through the motions of mourning, but we need words to make it real. Let us focus on what the loss of the Temple 2,000 years ago means to us in the new millennia. *** The words Beit Hamikdash literally means “Holy House.” A house is by definition a place to find shelter, comfort and express our identity. Without a house to call our own, Jews experience

discomfort in the world. Physically, we are not comfortable in the face of ceaseless persecution. Nor are we psychologically comfortable unless we have spiritual means of being ourselves. Without it, our collective life is painful and gray. The need to express our most genuine selves manifests at times in pursuit of justice. This is reflected in social activism. Our collective need to give has been reflected in our caring and generosity. We are an ex-

It seems that we are held together by the world’s hatred rather than by love for each other. Yet things can change. traordinarily interactive people, but we are still restless. The inner serenity that we seek eludes us; we are not quite at home. The material world that fulfills us also distracts us from searching for our deepest sense of identity and at times corrupts us. In recognition, other religions have idealized “rising above” worldly desire. Jews recognize the power and beauty of the world as a catalyst for our capacity to live meaningfully, and we embrace it. But our two worlds, the outer one and the inner one, sometimes remain separate realms. In the Beit Hamikdash, the spiritual world was not obscured by the physical. The two worlds existed perfectly together through the grace of G-d’s presence. G-d Himself is referred to as HaMakom, “The Place.” He is the place in which the world exists. The engaging nature of the world conceals G-d from us, and we drown in the endless pursuit of what the world cannot give us. The exception to this was intense realization of G-d in the Temple, where the physical stones revealed more holiness than they concealed. It was a place of intense joy. There, we were truly home. We were ourselves, at our best. The Beit Hamikdash was the glue that held us together as a people. Not only were we “at home,” but we also developed a collective identity – one family with common goals, while retaining our individual roles. In such a setting, the external differences between individuals fades, leaving only our yearning for goodness. Yet when our ability to see the common bond of goodness fades, our focal point changes. Inexorably we focus on the limitations that separate us. Our sense

of justice is degraded into ceaseless negativism and biting criticism. This eventually leads to senseless hatred. Hatred is senseless when there is no desire to improve the relationship between oneself and another person. The fact that “they” are not you is enough of a threat to fear them at first, and then hate them. The more different they are, the greater the threat. The Temple’s destruction was caused by senseless hatred. The factionalism and xenophobic fear of others catapulted a 2,000-year journey toward rectification. Now, the physical return to Israel has given us, for the first time in centuries, a physical means of redefining our nationhood. And though there are signs in the right direction, we are not yet at home.

THE KEY TO REDEMPTION

Will we ever be truly home? Is there a way out? Maimonides offers a formula that has often been referred to as “senseless love.” We must reach out to each other without agendas that corrupt into another form of acquisition. The process is transformative in the way that it changes our focus: • We are obligated to speak well of other people, sharing our joy at having glimpsed his/her inner beauty. The act of speaking positively allies us to each other. It makes us aware that we are on one team. • We are obligated to care for each other’s material needs. By being aware of how frail and needy our bodies make us, we become more forgiving and tolerant. • We are obligated to seek out situations that bring honor to others. By doing so, we give them the precious gift of self-esteem and simultaneously remove ourselves from the egotistical traps of center stage. This three-step process is deceptively simple. Yet it can change us dramatically. It can change not only our relationship to others, but can lead us to rediscover ourselves. In doing so, the endless mourning for our lost selves, and for our national tragedies, will cease. Tisha B’Av, the day we lost the First and Second Temple, is also the day in which the Inquisition edicts were signed over 500 years ago. It is also the fateful day in 1914 that started the World War One, which inevitably led to the worst atrocity mankind has ever experienced, the Holocaust. For two millennia, the Jewish people have been targeted again and again by hatred and persecution. It seems that we are held together by the world’s hatred rather than by love for each other. Yet things can change. We only need to take the steps from hatred to love, from criticism to appreciation. G-d Himself has promised that once we achieve this transformation, we will merit to truly come home. 

JULY 23, 2015

Mourning

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Feeling the Loss

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Torah Thought

A Fulfilled Life

Rabbi Naphtali Hoff

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JULY 23, 2015

The Secret of Jewish Immortality

ach year on Tisha B’Av we commemorate and mourn the destruction of our two batei mikdash together with their associated torment and exiles. Certainly, these events were both tragic and traumatic, and left indelible scars on the collective psyche of Bnei Yisroel, both at the time of their occurrence, as well as for many subsequent centuries. Yet, despite this pain and agony, it is still possible to identify a number of proverbial silver linings, positive outcomes which these events have engendered. One such benefit has been the concretization of our belief in Hashem as the Guiding Hand of Jewish history. It is well-known that every power of yesteryear, such as Assyria, Babylon, Greece and Rome, has long disappeared from the historical landscape. Yet, the Jews have survived and have often thrived. When you consider that the Jewish people have averaged to no more than a mere 1% of the entire world population, the question of our enduring survival becomes even more perplexing. Compounding the issue is the set of circumstances that our nation has endured. In all of human history, seldom has an entire nation been exiled out of its country. Multiple exiles are practically unheard of. No nation has ever survived exile with its national identity intact. Based on the “rules” of history, the Jewish people should have been destroyed many times over or, at the very least, absorbed into other nations. So obvious is this historical “truth” that a number of gentile thinkers have openly acknowledged it. Close to 350 years ago, King Louis XIV of France asked the great French philosopher Blaise Pascal to give him proof of the supernatural. Pascal answered, “The Jews, your Majesty, the Jews.” How is it that we have managed to defy this trend? What is it that ensures our ability to continue on this incredible odyssey? Of course, the primary answer is that our survival is in no way contingent upon our physical and numerical strength. Had it been so, we surely

would have vanished from the world long ago. Rather, we survive for the simple reason that Hashem has willed it so, in order that we can continue in the lofty covenant established with our ancestors.

remnants of Jewish life in Eretz Yisroel, Rabban Yochanan risked his own life to leave Yerushalayim and meet with the Roman general Vespasian. Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai managed to gain the good graces of Ves-

King Louis XIV of France asked the great French philosopher Blaise Pascal to give him proof of the supernatural. Pascal answered, “The Jews, your Majesty, the Jews.” Thus, even while (the Jewish people) are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject or destroy them … I am the L-rd their G-d; I will remember them because of the covenant I made with their ancestors whom I brought out from the land of Egypt, in the sight of the nations, so that I might be their G-d. (Vayikra 26:44-45)

pasian and was granted three requests. The sage asked for three things, all relating to Torah and the Jews’ spiritual

But that is not to say that we have not also played a significant role in ensuring our own survival. Of particular note are the efforts of the great Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai, av bais din of the Sanhedrin at the time of the Great Revolt against Rome (in 66 CE, which eventually resulted in churban bayis sheni). In an attempt to salvage at least some

whether Rabban Yochanan’s requests truly addressed the needs of the people. In fact, some of his own colleagues criticized him, stating that the Bais Hamikdash, perhaps even the entire city, could have been spared had the appeal only been made. Seen from the vantage point of historical hindsight, however, we can see that Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai,

preservation. “Give me Yavneh and its wise men, the family chain of Rabban Gamliel, and physicians to heal Rabbi Tzadok.” All three of his requests were summarily granted. (Gittin, 56a) At first glance, one is left to wonder

in asking for Yavneh, comprehended that for the sake of survival, the Jewish people would be better served with a viable Torah center even more than its own capital. “Give me Yavneh and its wise men!” Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai stood before the Roman emperor and asked of him, not the preservation of the state, because it was no longer a state of the Torah, and not the preservation of the Bais Hamikdash, because Herod’s name was associated with it – but the preservation of the oral law of the Torah, which depended on Yavneh and its sages. He knew that if there were a people of the Torah, there would be a land of the Torah, and in the future – a state of the Torah. With “Yavneh and its wise men” he saved everything. (Rabbi Eliyahu E. Dessler) In a physical sense, the Romans emerged from this war as the victors, capturing Yerushalayim and destroying its Bais Hamikdash. History, however, would show that the Jews won the greater ideological struggle, keeping themselves and their Torah alive long after the fall of the empire and its pagan values. When the Bais Hamikdash and the political entity that it represented disappeared, the spirit of Judaism, represented by Yavneh, stepped in and filled the void. We are an “Eternal Nation” (Yeshayahu 44:7). Our survival has been directly linked to our covenant with Hashem and our commitment to Him and His Torah. As long as we follow the Torah, we are guaranteed survival. It is the quality of Jewish living that carries the day, not our numerical strength. In the words of the Talmud, “The People that is tired out by intensive Torah study will not be delivered into the hands of her oppressor.” (Sanhedrin 94b)

Rabbi Naphtali Hoff is an executive coach and president of Impactful Coaching and Consulting (ImpactfulCoaching.com). He can be reached at 212.470.6139 or at president@impactfulcoaching.com.

Halachically Speaking

Working on Tisha B’Av ing clothing unless there is a hefsek of a garment that is not meant to be worn between him and the floor. Since our floors are not dirty but have boards and tiles, some poskim are lenient in this regard. However, the custom is that we do not sit on the floor but sit on some sort of pillow or cushion. One who finds it hard to sit on the floor may sit on a small chair which should not be higher than three tefachim (approximately 12 inches), though some are stringent and hold not higher than a tefach (approximately 4 inches). The custom starts at night and not during bein hashmashos. Although we do not sit or stand on a table which we eat on, the custom is that one can sit on a folding table in shul on Tisha B’Av.

A man who is weak, or a pregnant woman, may sit on a normal chair. One is permitted to sit on the step or the landing in front of the aron kodesh on Tisha B’Av since this is viewed as sitting on the ground (people walk there). The restriction ends after chatzos, since we can be lenient with a custom. Some say that this is until after Shacharis (after kinnos). Since one is supposed to say kinnos until chatzos, there is no argument. One who finished kinnos before chatzos still sits on the floor. One should not be stringent and sit on the floor or low chair after chatzos. One who is driving in a car is permitted to sit while driving even before chatzos. Some explain that the custom does not apply when traveling. Others argue that the seat is less than 3 tefachim. When traveling by train to work on Tisha B’Av one may sit on the seat as

well. Others say that one should not do so unless it is too hard to stand due to the motion of the train. After Chatzos Why is it that some of the restrictions are lifted on Tisha B’Av after chatzos? This is the time that the fire engulfed the Bais Hamikdosh. At this time, it was obvious that only the Bais Hamikdosh would be destroyed but the Jews’ lives would be spared. Therefore, we lift some of the restrictions. Shoes to Work on Tisha B’Av What happens if someone needs to work on Tisha B’Av and must dress formally? What should he do?

The halacha is that leather shoes are not worn on Tisha B’Av. This issur applies to women as well. The time for this starts at night (at Maariv). A non-leather shoe with a decorative leather strap may be worn. One who finds himself among the non-Jews may wear leather shoes since the nonJews may laugh at him. Others feel that this heter is not valid since the non-Jews may laugh at us anyways. Nonetheless, one who wishes to be lenient in this regard may do so. While traveling, there is no need to wear leather shoes, since the driver’s feet are not visible to others. When one comes back home he should put on his shoes which he wears on Tisha B’Av. One who is traveling may wear leather shoes, because it is bothersome to go around barefoot on the road (since there are pebbles, etc.). However, this would not apply today since our roads are paved.

Therefore, one may wear shoes if he needs to look presentable. However, if man-made shoes that look like leather are available, it is more advisable. One who does wear real leather shoes should put dirt in his shoes to feel the mourning somewhat. One who can get away with wearing non-leather sneakers to work should do so. There is a big discussion in the poskim if wearing materials other than leather is an issue. Some even went around barefoot (with socks) in order to avoid this dispute. Many poskim say that only leather is an issue, others say wood is also an issue, and others say that any item that is called a shoe is forbidden. The main reason why some forbid other materials is because it is considered a shoe. In addition, one does not feel that he is in pain and in aveilus when wearing shoes made out of other materials (even if it is not leather). However, the majority opinion only forbids leather. Even according to the stringent opinion, one would still be able to walk around with galoshes since one feels as if he is walking on the floor. However, sneakers and Crocs® would not be allowed. Nonetheless, the overwhelming custom is to allow all types of footgear, as long as they are not leather. Some say that non-leather shoes that look exactly like leather shoes may not be worn because of ma’aris ayin. Rabbi Moishe Dovid Lebovits is a former chaver kollel of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath and a musmach of Harav Yisroel Belsky shlita. Rabbi Lebovits currently works as the Rabbinical Administrator for the KOF-K Kosher Supervision.

JULY 23, 2015

Sitting on the Ground While Traveling One who finds himself with no choice but to go to work on Tisha B’Av before chatzos is faced with a question regarding sitting in a car or a train. The custom is that we sit on the floor until midday. This is just like an avel who sits on the floor, as some had the custom to literally sit on the floor. Al pi kabbalah one should not sit directly on the floor even if he is wear-

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he custom is that one does not work or do business from the night of Tisha B’Av until after chatzos the next day. The reason given is to stay focused on the aveilus. Others explain that Tisha B’Av is called a moed. Work that does not take too much time is permitted even before chatzos because it does not distract from the aveilus. Some examples are turning on lights, tying knots, etc. One should not open his store (if he does not sell food) before chatzos. The custom is to be lenient and open after chatzos, although some are stringent. Work that is done privately by a non-Jew is permitted on Tisha B’Av. Some say that a factory may remain open if non-Jewish workers will be doing the work. The Aruch Hashulchan says, “One who needs the parnassa may work after he has finished reciting the kinnos. However, one who fears [Hashem] should be careful not to do work until after chatzos.” If one will lose money if he does not do a specific job, then he may work even before chatzos. Therefore, one who works every day may go to work if he will lose money. In any event, one who does work on Tisha B’Av even after chatzos will not see bracha from that work (either from the item that he produced or the money he earned). This applies to someone who works and forgets about the aveilus. Therefore, although it is permitted to do work after chatzos one should not “drag out” the work in order not to forget about the aveilus. A good idea is to listen to a shiur about the churban.

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Rabbi Moishe Dovid Lebovits

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JULY 23, 2015

The Observant Jew

Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz

Looking Good

wo women were sitting together in a restaurant. One of them noticed a young man come in and whispered, “Oy! Look at that boy. He’s got a nose that’s too big for his face, he’s slouching like he’s a hunchback, and he’s covered in acne!” The second woman turned, then turned back and hissed, “That’s my son!” “Oh,” said the first woman, with an ingratiating smile. “But on him it looks good!” It’s a joke, of course, but imagine the boy did look like that. Don’t you think his parents will still have his pictures on the refrigerator door? Won’t they be proud to pose for pictures at his Bar Mitzvah and say how handsome he looks? When it’s your child, you see the good and the beauty in him or her even if others don’t. You find something to compliment him about, and you see the nature of the child as something wonderful. How often do we find that people caught in the act of committing violent crimes are defended by their parents? His mother will say, “He’s a good boy; he’d never do something like this.” The fact that he was seen by dozens of people and caught on camera doesn’t make her waver. She still contests that he’s a good boy and something else must have happened or someone else must have forced him to do it. To us it sounds preposterous, but it’s a natural instinct to see the best in

your own. Though my children didn’t get the benefit of this that much, some

So why did Hashem make this happen? Why can’t we see objectively?

When it’s your child, you see the good and the beauty in him or her even if others don’t. children’s parents will defend them to the death for misbehavior at school. Their child may be a thief, a bully, or show major disrespect to the teacher or

The truth is that if we want to, we can see objectively and recognize the bad behavior. However, regardless of what they do, when it’s someone we love, it

principal, but these parents blame everyone but the child. They are blind to their kids’ shortcomings.

is the behavior we despise, and not the person. If it’s someone we don’t know, however, or better yet, someone we don’t like, then we have carte blanche to hate them, call them out for their behavior, and declare that it just shows how evil they truly are. How sad. You see, what happens when we let people know that we dislike them is that they gain a natural dislike for us. We cause hatred, resentment, and further bad behavior. Especially with young people who feel a need to stand up for themselves and prove that the person putting them down is wrong (unless it’s a peer, but that’s for a different time) by persisting in the negative acts. Showing displeasure in the person will often lead to worse behavior. So what can we do?

A woman I know told me what she did, and I was inspired. She saw a young man in a store. He had messy hair falling into his eyes, headphones on his ears, and a small yarmulka on his head which looked a bit incongruous. A rather observant-looking man walked into the store and the boy spoke to him. He responded, but the boy didn’t seem to like it. As the man left, the boy silently cursed him out, making gestures and mouthing words behind his back. Horrified at the hatred she’d seen, she tried to turn this young man’s feelings around—at least a little bit. She engaged him in conversation. Asked him what he did. She said she figured he worked with the handicapped or the elderly because he seemed to be a good guy with a big heart. He softened. He told her he wasn’t religious. “But you’re wearing a yarmulka!” He said he only did it for work. “That’s amazing. You’re so good to be respectful and do that.” What she was doing was seeing the good because she realized he is one of our own. If he had been her son, she would have done nothing less, so why do anything less if he is her Jewish brother? The days of the Nine Days and Tisha B’Av are times to reflect on the goodness that is inherent in each other, and use it to overlook what we find lacking. Of course if we can help guide someone we should, but we must make sure it’s more carrot than stick. Let’s try to focus on the seeing the good in each other, because it truly is there. As they say, “If you can’t say anything nice about someone, you’re not trying hard enough.” 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@JewishSpeechWriter.com and put Subscribe in the subject.

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JULY 23, 2015

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JULY 23, 2015

TEN YEARS AGO, ON THE DAY AFTER TISHA B’AV, THE ISRAELI GOVERNMENT EVACUATED ALL RESIDENTS OF GUSH KATIF IN GAZA AND RETURNED THE LAND TO THE PALESTINIANS FOR WHAT THEY SAID WAS THE SAKE OF PEACE. WE ALL KNOW THE END OF THAT STORY—A DARK STAIN ON ISRAEL’S HISTORY. DID THE EVACUATION BRING ITS DESIRED OUTCOME? AT THIS POINT, GAZA IS A ROILING TERRORIST TERRITORY, RIFE WITH POVERTY, FEAR, ANGER, AND HOME-COOKED ROCKETS. MANY OF THOSE ROCKETS ARE LAUNCHED FROM FORMER GUSH KATIF RESIDENTS’ HOMES INTO THEIR NEW SETTLEMENTS. BUT WHAT ABOUT THOSE RESIDENTS? HOW ARE THE FORMER INHABITANTS OF GUSH KATIF FARING TODAY, TEN YEARS AFTER BEING PULLED FROM THEIR HOMES?

GUSH KATIF TEN YEARS LATER...

A DECADE AGO Just a few years ago, Gush Katif was a land inhabited by highly successful farmers and exporters. Former residents describe it as one with “the empty sand dunes, the wonderful beaches, the miracle of the bare sand transformed into beautiful communities, synagogues, schools, the hotel, the hot houses that grew flowers, fruit, and vegetables not only for local purchase, but for the foreign markets.” The people who lived there were industrious and ba’alei tzedakah: those looking for food donations would go first to Gush Katif. The Gush Katifniks lived with unusual achdus: one shul encompassed all nusachim. The shul followed the ba’al teﬁlah’s nusach; this naturally changed regularly. The people had been sent to Gush Katif as pioneers, chalutzim, by the Israeli government. With the forced evacuation, they went from being chalutzim to enemies of the country. As much as the government planned the evacuation, the government did not consider the morning after. People who had lived in beautiful homes, who had busied themselves from dawn to dusk with their farms, businesses, and greenhouses, were now homeless and jobless. It was very painful for them. They had been so connected to the land—they had literally made the desert bloom—and they had lost it all.

GUSH KATIF Ten Years Later… A DECADE AFTER THE FORCED EXPULSION FROM GUSH KATIF, WHERE ARE ITS RESIDENTS? BY BRENDY J. SIEV

They left their greenhouses and agricultural infrastructure and shuls—only to see the Arabs destroy them within hours of the evacuation. The government claimed to be helping the evacuees, but they were largely ignored. Suddenly, people were living in tent cities or hotels, whole families in single rooms without privacy, let alone the autonomy of a washing machine or a stove. For those who had spent their lives invigorated by hard work and the fruits of their labor, they now had stunningly little to do. They did not have jobs. Overnight, the people went from 3 percent unemployed to a full 86 percent. “They lost control of their lives,” says Rabbi Pesach Lerner, executive vice president emeritus of National Council of Young Israel. “There’s no control of your life in a hotel. They had lived in a beautiful place, with a low divorce rate, kids on the derech. Today, it’s the opposite—a clear consequence of this [evacuation].” Months after the explusion, Rabbi Lerner helped procure and distribute Purim costumes to the children. He raised money for yomim tovim, giving out chicken, meat, and fish. One father thanked him for grape juice: he had planned to color his children’s water as a substitute for the arba kosos. People’s health declined. Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon, the rav of Alon Shvut, took volunteers from Alon Shvut to the evacuees’ hotel. What he found was appalling. He tried to help and organized little things, like laundry pickup and diaper distribution. But one thing was most concerning to him. “Things were bad,” he recalled. “Worst of all: those people who were working people all their lives found themselves jobless. No one was doing anything.”

FINDING JOBS: THE BIRTH OF JOBKATIF

Rav Rimon, a rav, scholar, and writer, knew little about job seeking and the job market. But he felt it was his chiyuv to help another Jew in need. Drawing on volunteers, Rav Rimon began to help match people with new jobs. But this was, as he told us, “challenging. Someone who was a farmer, in charge of security, can’t find a job. They need to change professions. We needed to know, how do we find the right training? How do we get the money for this? It’s complicated.” “L’at, l’at [slowly, slowly],” they found people more jobs. But this was not enough. A lot of the people were over 40. Opening a business brings its own challenges, as 70 percent of new businesses fail. The kibbutzim would not accept the farmers because of their age. How does an experienced farmer start a city business? Rav Rimon felt that once people were on a normal working schedule, they would find jobs. He helped people find appropriate work, working initially on a volunteer basis. Many became successful based on this model. These efforts turned into a serious organization, key to the emotional and physical rehabilitation of evacuees. Rav Rimon came to the United States for a wedding in 2005 and stayed with Mark and Susan Wiesen of Teaneck. The Wiesens, whose sons had been in Rav Rimon’s shiur at Yeshiva Har Etzion, arranged parlor meetings in Teaneck, on the West Side, and Riverdale, as well as contacts for the rav. At each meeting, Rav Rimon spoke about this fledgling organization that hoped to bring a longterm solution for evacuees, to restore their sense of dignity and their home structure. By 2006, JobKatif became a reality. The orga-

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A NEW PLACE TO CALL HOME

GUSH KATIF TEN YEARS LATER...

TEN YEARS LATER... Once again the people of Gush Katif are rebuilding. Today, 2,600 people have jobs. There are 250 new businesses. Only 330 people are still unemployed. While this figure seems low, it is important to realize that they have not worked in ten years. These past weeks have seen a push in the United States to raise $2,000 per shul to helping these last 330 people gain employment. Rav Rimon emphasizes, “Each job is to save a person, a child, a family, a marriage. Boruch Hashem, it is a big privilege to help these amazing people.” JobKatif continues to try to help them through various tools and tremendous siyata dishmaya. Despite re-entering the job market, Rav Rimon tells that, among former residents of Gush Katif, there is “not the same morale. Everyone knows [evacuating Gaza] was a big mistake. It brought more war.” “You can’t take people out of their homes if you have no solution for them,” he explains. “There was no solution. We hope this will not happen again. B’ezrat Hashem.” But, as resilient and amazing as former Gush Katif residents are, “they are scarred,” says Judy Lowy. “Young couples who had been teenagers reminisce on their Facebook page about their lives. This brings up all the pain. They are a wonderful and wounded people.”

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helped those from Gush Katif as well as other Israelis. The organization has sent 580 people to further their education. Most of those who have completed professional retraining courses are employed. Others participate in the Bridge-to-Work Volunteer Program, “whereby evacuees will ‘volunteer’ in positions where they feel certain they can excel [and enjoy].” Most become full-time employees when the volunteer period ends.

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“This is our heritage and we shall never forgive nor shall we forget Gush Katif.”

Of course, people cannot live in hotels or tents forever. So while JobKatif has emphasized the micro, or individual, rehabilitation of residents of Gush Katif, Friends of Gush Katif has worked on a macro level. This means that they are involved in building settlements and public buildings in new communities. Dror Vanunu, leader of Friends of Gush Katif (gushkatif.co.il), is himself a former resident of Gush Katif. During his last year there, he was working in the municipality as an international coordinator and in regional development. He was a spokesman and leader of the effort to stop the expulsion. “It was shocking,” he told us, “that the government, despite that it repeated that it was helping, didn’t do anything. There was no compensation.” Ten years later, only 75 percent of the people have permanent housing. It will take at least a few more years to get the other 25 percent homes. Most shuls have not been built. Vanunu says, “We’re making a significant effort for every family from Gush Katif to be part of a Gush Katif community. This is a major, major effort.” To build what was destroyed takes more than 20 years. But Vanunu works with the government to help people at least get settled. At this point, 23 new communities have been developed and are building themselves up. One farming community, Bnei Netzarim, has seen success farming in the south. “It took a lot of time to get the government to understand that nothing was available for Gush Katif residents,” he says. “We demanded help; nothing was being done. Since the Netanyahu government came in, the government has cooperated more. Then, things moved somewhat faster.” Despite this, “the bottom line is that so many years have passed since the disengagement and we still have so far to go. People sacrificed so much,” he adds. “The opposite has happened to peace.” For efforts that the government cannot do, Vanunu turns to NGOs and donor friends from around the world. Mike Roth, treasurer of American Friends of Gush Katif, says that his organization has channeled more than five million dollars to former evacuees. Some funds are earmarked for specific projects: a Sefer Torah for a new settlement called Palmachim, a beit medrash for Netzer Ariel. Some monthly donations even come from non-Jewish, sympathetic sources. Scott Feltman of the One Israel Fund has also worked tirelessly on behalf of evacuees. The One Israel Fund was founded to provide humanitarian aid specifically for the Yehuda, Shomron, and reemerging Gaza communities. The organization has been involved in grassroots efforts to help the families and the settlements. “The people were left to the wolves, taken from their homes, ripped from their livelihoods, put into tent cities,” says Feltman. “Only ten years later are most in permanent housing,” he points out. The One Israel Fund works to build playgrounds, youth centers, mikvahs, and shuls in the new settlements. They procure security equipment for communities near the borders. “The broader Jewish community,” Feltman says,” does not realize how little we’ve come after

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nization is quite successful. Judy Lowy, executive director of Job Katif, points out, “It’s not just about money for families. Jobs give back a person’s confidence.” Two years ago, they surveyed their clientele to determine how to best continue to assist them. They identified six core groups that could best benefit from their offerings. JobKatif has created individualized programs for each group, including counseling, mentoring, and assistance to, as they say, “maximize successful integration.” Over time, JobKatif has helped launch more than 250 small businesses; most are still in operation. They continue to consult with the businesses to ensure continued success. These businesses also hire former evacuees, “helping to absorb their former neighbors into the workforce.” So successful was JobKatif that, seven years ago, Shimon Peres, the proponent of disengagement, gave Rav Rimon the President’s Award for volunteerism. The government started giving matching grants to money JobKatif raised. Initially, JobKatif thought that once they had helped people find employment, the organization would close: its mission would have been complete. But, Rav Rimon told us, “Two years ago we thought if Hashem gave us tools like JobKatif we have to use it for other people.” Once they have helped ease all former evacuees into full-time employment, the program will be renamed JobIsrael and will offer unemployment services to people throughout the country. Now, they have expanded into helping other communities. Because of their “extensive expertise in designing unique employment programs that help marginalized population groups enjoy opportunities for stable careers,” they have piloted a new program for a new population group. This is for Ethiopian women whose job prospects are bleak and who have not received adequate education to qualify for nursing school. A new nursing training program has Ethiopian women rising to the top of their classes. One woman’s father had been a rebbe in Ethiopia. In Israel, he works as a street cleaner. He told his daughter, “I did it for you to be in another position.” She is now a nursing student and tearfully told Rav Rimon, “You made my father’s dream real.” Thus, ten years after the evacuation, they have

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ten years. We see firsthand how desperate the situation is—to rebuild lives for thousands of people.”

FOCUSING ON ONE NEW SETTLEMENT: NETZER HAZANI

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Today, the new Netzer Hazani, a settlement that shares its name with the original first settlement in Gush Katif, is full of new homes. Many are modified trailers or double-wides, small substitutes for the beautiful multilevel homes and gardens residents had in Gush Katif. But the residents of the new Netzer Hazani, who have seen their fellow Gush Katif-niks suffer over the past ten years, perceive “each and every home in and of itself miraculous.” They see the building as miraculous, a gift that “Hashem gave each and every family the fortitude to build their home anew as a tikkun for their destroyed home.” During the evacuation, residents took trees originally planted in Gush Katif in memory of resident Etti Pachima who was killed by Arabs when she was 40. These trees were uprooted, taken to a nursery in Gilat, and watered for ten years. They have now been replanted in Netzer Hazani, their roots still filled with Gush Katif sand. The trees are starting to branch and flower. Resident Anita Tucker writes, “Will our replanted souls be capable of showing signs of sprouting and flowering anew?”

GUSH KATIF TEN YEARS LATER...

REMEMBERING THE PAIN

Over the past few years, former residents of Gush Katif have developed two museums commemorating Gush Katif in its glory and the tragic expulsion. The Gush Katif Legacy Center is located in Nitzan between Ashdod and Ashkelon and is narrated by the voice of a boy, the last child born in Gush Katif. The Gush Katif Museum, located in Jerusalem at 5 Sha’arei Tzedek Street, is directed by Rabbi Wolpo and managed by former Gush Katif resident Shlomo Wasertheil. We spoke with Wasertheil about the museum’s mission “to learn and remember the legacy of Gush Katif.” He told us about his time in Gush Katif: “We came during prosperous times, and there was nothing there. We turned it into a gan poreach [blossoming garden], like Gan Eden for people, animals, trees... In less than two generations, we changed the place. We exported to all of Europe and Israel—there never before had been something like this.” Nature seemed to have changed as Hashem looked over their shoulder. Ironically, the government “made war from the peace” and Oslo: “Until the Peace there had been peace.” The museum seeks to show others that the people who had lived in Gush Katif were “beyachad.” They helped each other to grow and succeed. According to Wasertheil, “There are no other exemplars of this togetherness in Israel.” In the exhibits, “we tell the story. We also emphasize that in the expulsion itself not a single person raised his hand. The wholeness of the nation precedes the wholeness of the land.” The 200,000 visitors who have come to the museum thus far see what they did not know. A connection develops: people see the war that has ensued since the evacuation, the deaths. Visitors think: maybe there’s another way to peace than returning

land. The second floor overlooks the Kotel. The message is clear: “We are am Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael.” Because of this, on the night of Tisha B’Av, more than 1,000 people come to the museum. They read Eichah and say special kinnos for Gush Katif. With the tenth anniversary of the expulsion, the evacuees and local government have planned several events. Netzer Hazani residents see the tenth anniversary commemoration as “just the time to touch those sores and pains in our souls.” They want this “month of events for the people in the community to be fun, encouraging, and therapeutic.” They hope that by “touching the pain,” they will actually “build pride in all that we built in Gush Katif ... and the victory of building anew.” This pride “must replace the pain, guilt and the anger that sears...in those so special neshamas.” Through this, they seek to “bring pride and not shame to all of am Yisrael.” Einat Yefet Bloch chairs the committee for those who, ten years ago, were teenagers protesting to save their parents’ homes and are now parents. Her brother, Itamar, H”yd, was murdered on the roads of Gush Katif in 2000. She writes, “Ten

“Ten years have passed since our world collapsed on us and was destroyed … the place where we grew up was trampled as if it never was... Perhaps this was all just a dream? With a heavy heart yet with much faith we continued.”

years have passed since our world collapsed on us and was destroyed, the backdrop of our youth, our home, the place where we grew up was trampled as if it never was... Perhaps this was all just a dream? With a heavy heart yet with much faith we continued.” She describes the incredible unity among former Gush Katif-niks, as “G-d tied us together via our mutual fate and we were melted into a friendship of heart and soul that held us together through thick and thin, good and evil via that very same fate that caused us to be separated against our will.” She is now organizing an event at the new Netzer Hazani settlement, bringing her cohort together for “the beautiful privilege of a few hours of feeling this togetherness again... We will laugh, cry, hug, and feel that special love of friendship as we long for those faraway days that will not return as they were.” She hopes that “such a special evening will give us the added strength so needed to continue to contribute and to build, each of us, wherever we are with the values and faith that were not destroyed!”

RELIVING THE TRAGIC BUS TRIP

Former residents of Gush Katif have also organized a bus trip in remembrance of the dark days ten years ago. Aviel, a dynamic leader of the community during the struggle, says, “Ten years ago our entire community was expelled altogether from home, piled on buses, abandoning Gush Katif... The goal of this event is to have the entire community take that same—that very same—route in buses covered with appropriate signs, traveling in the opposite direction to reach the closest possible location towards Gush Katif.” He adds, “This symbolic voyage will be a partial emotional tikkun of that so sad voyage that we traveled together that very night. But now [we will travel] with children and grandchildren strong, with faith, with dreams.” Because many families have not been emotionally able to travel that route again, while others have only traveled it once or twice, this journey is one of emotion and “longing.” The trip includes “guided explanations on the area, riddles on the past, songs, as well as time to feel and think while together.” This journey “hopes to stir the dreams for am Yisrael returning to this part of nachalat shevet Ye-

MOVING FORWARD Ten years ago, with the announcement of the planned evacuation of Gush Katif, only three organizations at a meeting of the Conference of

of that so sad voyage that we traveled together that very night. But now [we will travel] with children and grandchildren strong, with faith, with dreams.” Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations voiced opposition to the Israeli government’s decision. These organizations were the National Council of Young Israel, Emunah, and the Zionist

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be a partial emotional tikkun

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“This symbolic voyage will

Organization of America. How that has changed. Now Dror Vanunu of Friends of Gush Katif emphasizes that the majority of people in Israel realize that losing Gaza gave them nothing. The fact is that “during the last election no one spoke about giving away territories. They realize that no matter how much we give, peace won’t result.” Scott Feltman of the One Israel Fund emphasizes, “I don’t think anyone would think [the evacuation] wasn’t a travesty...of tremendous proportions. We need to get our hands dirty, moving forward to help building new communities. There’s still so much that needs to get done.” Billions of dollars’ worth of infrastructure were left in Gaza. Today, these are facilities for terrorism, launch points for rockets into the Negev. Rabbi Lerner of the National Council of Young Israel reiterates, “There has to be a lesson for the future. Abbas wants 250,000 people evacuated from parts of Jerusalem, and 700,000 out of Judea and Samaria. “This Gush Katif evacuation cannot be forgotten. It’s our history, and G-d willing we’ll go back one day. The lesson learned here is: it doesn’t work! Kick ‘em out: you think it brings peace? When we’re strong, everyone’s afraid of us. When we’re weak, everyone takes advantage. Especially Arabs. “We need to be more egotistical and proud. Don’t celebrate [an anniversary]. Recognize its lesson.” Because, as Feltman reiterates, “We need to make sure that Judea and Samaria do not suffer the same fate.” 

GUSH KATIF TEN YEARS LATER...

will never accept our existence. This is our heritage and we shall never forgive nor shall we forget Gush Katif.”

THE JEWISH HOME

huda.” The trip culminates with a ceremony at the Gamma junction in the Negev. There they will install a sign pointing to Gush Katif, a sign that did not exist before. Last Wednesday, July 15, the President of Israel, Reuven Rivlin, hosted the “Gush Katif 10 Years Commemorative Event” at his home. Many attended. But some of the invitees to this VIP event declined. They considered this overture too little too late. Rabbi Pesach Lerner, one of the invitees, told us, “The event at the president’s house is nice—it keeps this in the news. But it’s unfortunate to celebrate ten years of expulsion.” Yehudit Tayar, a former IDF soldier who had been stationed at Gush Katif, describes her time there as a “privilege.” The invitation to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the evacuation led her to cry: “Yes, I cried again, as [I have] so many countless times since the destruction of the Gush; the expulsion of our families not only from their lives, but also from what we believed to be the final resting places of our loved ones, z”l.” But she is confounded, because “I find it impossible to comprehend how this disaster happened and how much suffering it caused to our families... and indeed the entire country.” She recounts “our beloved Hanan Porat, z”l, with tears in his eyes saying to us, ‘We returned to the Gush (Gush Etzion ) we shall return to the Gush (Gush Katif).’” She prays that “the Jewish Nation will know how to redeem our history and protect it forever more. That we will finally realize that no matter what we do, what we give up or abandon, the world

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Coaxing Life from the Sands Anita Tucker, One of the Founders of the Gush Katif Settlement, Shares Her Journey

PREPARED FOR PUBLICATION BY BRENDY J. SIEV

grew up in Brighton Beach. My husband,

a YU musmach, is from Cleveland, and in 1969 we decided to make aliyah. We decided that, unlike our grandparents and their parents who had faced eviction from shtetl after shtetl, that we didn’t want to be refugees. We wanted to live in our homeland.

We were very Zionistic, and we moved to Be’er Sheva. I was pregnant with my first at the time; I gave birth in Soroka Hospital alongside Bedouin women! We had more children, and in 1975 we decided we wanted our children to have challenges. So we went to the Ministry of Agriculture and asked to move to a settlement to farm. They showed us several new communities. Gush Katif was the one closest to Be’er Sheva, it needed a cultural center to open as well, so we went there. We packed our three kids in the car—they were 5, 4, and 2, at the time—and we followed the primitive map and directions we had to get to our new home. We got to the place, and all we saw was sand and sand. We thought we were crazy. But while we were standing there, the kids pulled out garbage bags from the trunk, walked up the sand dunes, and started sledding down the dunes. You have to understand. There is no other sand like that in the world. It’s so fine and so soft….The children didn’t want to leave. So we moved there in 1976. There were no houses. We just had a

contract to grow and sell tomatoes. We were nine families and two bachelors living in these caravans on land that during the time of the Gemara had been called “Kfar Dorom.”

One

day, we were standing near the sand dunes when we heard a noise. And we saw one Arab in his keffiyeh and galabiyya rising at the top of one sand dune. Then we saw

“

of their communities and came to ask us if we could give their people work. Under the Egyptians, they had received no work or aid. Under the Israelis, who had acquired the land in 1973, nothing had come either. They were at a standstill. We were nine families standing there; several people were children of immigrants from Arabic-speaking countries. So they spoke with these men, who turned out to be the mayors,

It was a great area, great to be a farmer, to feel connected to the land, to its mitzvos, like maaser. Torah was alive and real.

another Arab in his keffiyeh and galabiyya rising at the top of another dune. Both were coming toward us. It was out of an old movie, and we were scared. But then we saw that each held bread and salt in their hands. They wished us “bruchim ha’baim,” and introduced themselves. They were leaders

”

the muchtar, of their villages. Eventually, it came out that one of them had actually studied at Oxford. He spoke with me in a beautiful British English. Hearing that we had come to farm, the muchtar were incredulous. “Our tradition is that this land is called the ‘Cursed Land.’ Nothing grows here.

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appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture that we had no elements here

They turned a land of sand into a plush carpet of greenery

Destroying what took years to build

For 25 years, we had a good relationship with the Arabs. When the Israelis extended the water pipeline to us, we made sure they piped water into the Arab cities as well. The same with electricity.

Then

the world started talking about “peace.” Arafat came in the 1990s. He was a cruel person. He hanged Arabs. He took their land. He killed our Arab friends, the muchtar. This wasn’t peace. It was piece. It tore us to pieces. This was not about shalom, with its roots in the word “shalem,” or “wholeness.” Post Oslo [Accords], we had a lot of terror. I was afraid driving to the packing plant in Kfar Darom. Every time we knew about new terrorists and their hideouts, and we told the government or army, we were

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from G-d. Gush Katif became beautiful: full of grass, trees, gardens. We had a cultural center with basketball courts, schools, shuls, a college, yeshivot. The children grew up loving surfing. It was a great area, great to be a farmer, to feel connected to the land, to its mitzvos, like maaser. Torah was alive and real. People made a good living there, too. We exported 70 percent of Israel’s total organic produce.

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for farming. But we started on our own. We built greenhouses. We used the drip method. We used computers to measure out the amount of fertilizer entering the plants, the exact amounts of water. We wasted nothing. We started producing 1,000 kilo [2200 pounds] of food, and we kept growing. Our last year there, we produced 20 tons of organic tomatoes. All our children had a strong feeling about this. Even the most secular saw and believed that this was a blessing

THE JEWISH HOME

This is El Grarah [Grar]. The last people who were able to farm here were Avraham and Yitzchak.” Indeed, historians examining the land and its artifacts later verified this. We also visited the Arab settlements in Gaza City. This had once had many Jews; they had been evacuated in 1929 by the British who feared anti-Jewish riots and massacres. We brought a man who had lived there as a boy, and he showed us the old Jewish quarter and his former home. We saw the beautiful mosaic floors of the old Jewish homes. One, on the floor of the old cheder, depicted Moshe and the sneh and Dovid and Golias; now it houses a mosque. Remember: Gaza was a home for us for generations. It was part of our nachalah.

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told, “We can’t take them out because of Oslo. We keep treaties.” So, I had no defense as I drove my celery to the packing plant. I wouldn’t take my gun—what was the point? I repeated a mantra to myself in the car, “Kuma Hashem v’yafutzu oyvechah v’yanusu sanechah mipanechah,” over and over. I was never attacked. I didn’t appreciate this until after we were thrown out of Gush Katif. This was a privilege! Imagine: no one listens to you, and you yell out to G-d Who listens! The peace process continued. They gave the Palestinians arms. After a month, an officer warned us that the price of bullets on the black market had dropped from $20 to five. That means, he told us, that they’re smuggling in arms and bullets. Be ready, he said. He was right. Soon after, rockets were flying. They were shooting them all over towns. We had no alerts. But I personally saw so many nissim. Rockets landed between two people, and they didn’t explode.

Then

the government decided to take everyone out and destroy everything there. They did not give us an explanation why. This meant taking 10,000 people out. The kids between 12 and 25 just couldn’t get it. They saw it as immoral and unethical. They would not close

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Anita in her greenhouse in Gush Katif in 2002

Even the media were crying. There was a feeling of destruction. We sang Hatikvah, Ani Maamin. Our house was our home. Our son had married the girl next door! My neighbor and machateyniste had a beautiful home. When the soldiers came to evacuate her, she burned her own house down. She said to them, “My dear soldiers, you come to destroy my house. I’m destroying it. You can’t destroy the spirit that built this.” In our home, my daughters opened the table up and put out our best china. They put out a full breakfast. When the soldiers came, they were marching in five rows of three—15

He saw the officer, the seemingly cold-hearted officer who had forced us out of our home, sitting at our dining room table and crying.

their eyes. They followed the lessons of Dovid against Golias. They knocked on doors all over Israel to explain why this was wrong. The media kept coming down. But the day came anyway. The day after Tisha B’Av. Our own IDF soldiers had to evacuate us. All of us had served in the army in some capacity. But the army came with bulldozers and tanks. The youth put up signs in front of towns, kids of all religious and ethnic backgrounds. They wrote and said, In our town, we believe in G-d in full faith. The kids thought this would save them.

”

soldiers to evict the Tucker family! Each soldier had a blue vest. On one side was an embroidered menorah, the symbol of the Knesset and Bais Hamikdash, and on the other the side the Israeli flag, symbolizing the techeles and Torah. Anticipating our resistance, they planned to come in groups of three until we’d comply and leave. But my daughter opened the door and forced them all into our home at once. She sat them at the table. “We have to hear what’s in your hearts. And you have to hear from us.” After two hours of talking, the sol-

diers were unmoved, like robots. And I started crying. I wanted to evoke their emotions. “Hamedina sheli! I want my grandchildren to believe that this is reishis tzmichas geulaseinu. One of you! Show me—” They moved not a muscle, not an atom. Eventually, my daughter took a soldier and put him in a room alone with me, away from the others. “Right now! You have to give my mother something!” And the soldier burst into tears. This happened with all 14 soldiers. G-d gave me a present. There’s still a medinah. There’s still a tzmichah. We have a lot of work. But this cannot happen again. We left the house. The last to leave was my youngest son, who himself was in the IDF but stationed elsewhere. My son put on his army jacket, stood at the door to our house and tore kriah. He kissed the mezuzah, knelt, kissed the land where he was born. Everyone started to walk. We were hunched over. After so many months of struggle…. My husband realized he had left his tallis and teﬁllin and went back to get them. Back in the house, he saw the officer, the seemingly cold-hearted officer who had forced us out of our home, sitting at our dining room table and crying. We tried to awaken the achdus in Bnei Yisrael. We took a Sefer Torah and walked.

were packed into army trucks. We wanted to go to the Kotel, but the soldiers had been instructed to drop us off at a nearby bus

junction. Finally, we got permission to go to the Kotel. There, we were greeted by 10,000 people. Some soldiers defied orders and joined us (they were later jailed for this). A Knesset member made arrangements for us to stay at local hostels for Shabbos. But then, we were relocated to different hostels and hotels throughout the country, to a tent city near the Tel Aviv train station. The Israeli government told people that we were put in new places, but that was not true. We were on our own. The process took a long time. After a year, we moved to mobile homes, called “caravillas.” For others, this process continued until 2007.

Two

years ago, we built a new settlement called Netzer Hazani. We built a beautiful shul with funds donated from Jews from all over. You see, when we were originally being evicted, someone went to the high court and argued successfully that you cannot destroy a synagogue. So the batei medrash were left intact. As soon as the Arabs entered our Gush, they burned the synagogues down, shouting, “Massacre the Jews!” Our first challenge was to build it. When we had arrived in Gush Katif, there were only 150,000 Arabs there, according to the U.N. Now, there are millions. Many have been brought in. Some pay people to live in their homes while they live elsewhere, in order to get benefits from the U.N. We have kept in touch with some of our old Arab friends and workers. My son had a worker whose family members had a particular genetic disease. He received his medication from our pharmacies. After we left, my son sent him medicine through the mail. Then Hamas stopped the mail from going through. Many of our other Arab friends have been killed or live in fear, so we cannot speak with them anymore. Now is the tenth anniversary of this evacuation. We have buildings and houses. But families are not flourishing. The pain hasn’t healed. We’re longing for home. Especially the young families. Gaza is part of our country; the sea is one of our natural borders. Without it, we look like a pear, with a small bite of its corner. Iy”H, there will come a day when we will go back. We will be able to live there. 

My Israel Home

36 countries. The list starts out pretty much as expected, with Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland and Finland – countries that are relatively prosperous, not involved in wars, and shielded from constant global scrutiny – taking the top spots. But that Israel is ranked fifth in the Happiness Report has mystified many people. How can a country that has lived in a constant state of war since its inception, that has an almost-nuclear Iran threatening to wipe them off the map, that has Arab neighbors firing rockets into its cities on a regular basis, that has been vilified and boycotted by many countries, and that has internal friction between segments of its population, be so happy? And lest you think that this is a unique, one-time ranking, think again. Israel has for many years ranked highly in similar Gallup, Forbes and UN polls. Let me share with you a number of reasons, in no particular order, that have been proposed to explain the source of Israel’s happiness. One possible explanation is that Israel’s demographics are strong: while many countries’ populations are declining, Israel’s population is robustly expanding. This sense of continuity and growth is a compelling motive to elicit a national sense of happiness and stability. An inspiring answer is that, despite becoming westernized, Israel’s definition of happiness is deeply rooted in the Prophet Isaiah’s vision of the Jewish people’s role as an “ohr lagoyim,” a light unto the nations. Living a meaningful existence – realizing that you have value and that you can add value – is an understandable justification for happiness. Another reason – or, some may

argue, an extension of the last explanation – is that Israelis are happy living in an enlightened society that leads the world, on a per capita basis, in scientific publications, museums,

infuses meaning in their lives. Another poignant reason focuses on many Jews’ sense of attachment to the physical land of Israel. This approach resonates not only in the “re-

Living a meaningful existence – realizing that you have value and that you can add value – is an understandable justification for happiness.

and new book publishing – and boasts an inordinate number of Nobel Prize winners. A practical answer focuses on Is-

rael’s economic success, spurred by its extremely successful high-tech industry and its advances in many other important fields. This sense of financial well-being understandably helps create a national culture of contentment and self-confidence. An insightful explanation touches upon the religious nature of the Jewish people in Israel. Despite only 20% calling themselves “religious,” 57% of the Jewish population consider themselves religiously connected, and over two-thirds of the Jewish population believes in G-d. This appreciation of a Higher Being endows people with a sense of purpose and

ligious nationalist” camps but across the demographic spectrum. The experience of living in the land of our patriarchs and matriarchs creates a

comforting and encouraging sense of being part of the chain of Jewish destiny. An uplifting answer focuses on the unprecedented amount of Torah that is being learned in Israel and the religious growth occurring here. There are literally thousands of Judaic classes offered for people of all ages and skill levels. The sheer number of people learning Torah is astounding, and the high level of study is remarkable. For religious people, this is a source of tremendous pride and joy. Interestingly, many secular Israelis also derive satisfaction knowing that Jews are keeping their grandparents’

traditions alive. An interesting explanation for the country’s high morale and sense of security is that its army has consistently proven itself – spanning multiple wars, intifadas (Arab uprisings) and terror attacks – as a reliable and unswerving protector of the Jewish people. One final reason is proposed by Dr. Joshua Lipsitz, professor of Psychology at Ben Gurion University. He maintains that most Israelis are more interconnected – they know each other and are concerned about each other’s welfare – than citizens of other countries. Thus, the sense of loneliness and alienation that people in large population centers often experience is less common in Israel. Although one may sometimes prefer to be left alone than to answer to multiple Yiddishe Mamas intruding on their goings-on, the general feeling of being connected to others is a source of happiness and contentment. The happiness that pervades Israel is not borne of naiveté nor established in denial of the challenges confronting the nation. Rather, it is based on an understanding that life in Israel, despite its real and difficult hardships, is enriched with meaning and a sense of purpose and destiny.

Gedaliah Borvick is the founder of My Israel Home (www.myisraelhome.com), a real estate agency focused on helping people from abroad buy and sell homes in Israel. To sign up for his monthly market updates, contact him at gborvick@gmail. com.

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he Better Life Index – also known as the Happiness Report – was recently released by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, rating the highest life satisfaction scores of

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The Source of Israel’s Happiness

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Gedaliah Borvick

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Health & Fitness

David Elazar Simai, MD

Yael’s Mysterious Illness

Dear Readers, As many of you are aware, practicing medicine today poses many challenges. To name a few: • Staying focused on the patient and ignoring any painful or insensitive comments his parents may make. • Staying focused on treating patient concerns despite challenging financial environments such as Obamacare. • Staying focused on patient care despite the parents’ objections to conventional medicine. • Delivering excellent care despite challenging opinions posed by family members and friends. • Finding competent, honest and skillful specialists to assist in the care for our patients. • Delivering superior care without the frequent use of unnecessary tests and emergency room visits. • One constant challenge that physicians have faced since the first medical doctor started his practice is the challenge of making an accurate diagnosis. As they teach us in medical school, in 95 percent of the cases a doctor makes his diagnosis solely based on the history given by the patient or the caretaker. The examination portion of the visit serves just to confirm the hypothesis. But what happens when the diagnosis is not that straightforward, or when the patient does not respond to the treatment prescribed or the developing symptoms are simply unexpected? For years I’ve wanted to share this inspiring story. It is one that starts off routine and becomes more dramatic. A story that takes a comic turn and concludes with a happy but suspense-filled ending.

his story took place approximately eight years ago, in the early years of my practice in Cedarhurst (established in 2005). Yael, a young, 12-year-old girl presented at the office with a sore throat

and fever. She had a slight cough and headache but appeared very strong. Her rapid strep was negative and I suggested hydration and Tylenol for her fever and pains. Two days later, the young girl returned to the office with a worsen-

because I am not with my daughter. “Where are you?” naturally, was my next question. In an apologetic, devastated voice she replied: “I am in Florida with my husband. After 16 years of marriage, we dared take our first vacation without our kids. My in-

I glanced again at the concerned grandparents and then said a little silent prayer to G-d.

ing headache and persistent fever. I knew her mother well. She was (and still is) an intelligent, energetic and caring figure. Seeing the concerned look on her face, I realized that these headaches signaled something must be wrong despite the negative strep test. Coupling the fever and headaches with the cough and the congestion, I surmised that the child may be suffering from Acute Bacterial Sinusitis and started treatment with an appropriate, strong antibiotic called Augmentin. I also drew a set of blood tests to make sure that we were not dealing with mononucleosis or another pathogen. I was happy to report to the mother the next day that the blood tests showed no surprise. The young girl was feeling slightly better and that was comforting. As I walked over to my car a week later my pager went off. On the line was this girl’s mother. The paging message said that her daughter was not feeling well, and that she looked horrible, much worse than before. I quickly called the mother and asked the regular questions: How high is the fever? Is she coughing a lot? Where is the pain? But for some odd reason, the mother could not answer these questions which had me wondering what happened to my “super mom.” Immediately a quiet, apologetic voice said to me—I don’t know the answer to these questions

laws are watching the kids. But tell me, Dr. Simai, should my husband take the first flight home?” I was so taken aback by this whole back and forth that I just smiled and said, “Give me a little time to see my wife and kids, and I will stop by your house shortly.” In my mind I was hoping that the girl was a little nervous to be without her parents, and maybe her parents were just a bit “panicky” because they were away. I live just a 5 minute drive away from the office but I was paged three times by the girl’s father who wanted to know if he should head over to the airport. I suggested that he allow me an hour or two so I could give him my honest opinion, and assured him that I would provide him with an answer soon. I rushed in to see my wife and kids and grabbed a bite of dinner and headed to my patient’s house.

s I entered the house, I was immediately impressed by the calm and pleasant demeanor of the grandparents. They

seemed to be friendly, sweet and grateful people, and that made my job enjoyable, feeling at ease in their presence. They offered me some dinner which smelled really delicious. Regrettably, I declined. In my office, this patient appeared febrile but strong, but this night she appeared very different. Yael was lacking energy, she could barely sit up in her bed. Her cheeks were very rosy and her lips were cracked from dryness. She was running a high temperature, and her blood pressure was borderline low. I asked her grandparents if she was drinking anything throughout the day. The answer was negative! I asked when was the last time she urinated. 12 hours prior. Finally, I asked her what bothers her the most and she replied, “My head.” I proceeded to examine Yael and to my great surprise, despite being on Augmentin for over a week, she

had developed an ear infection and still had some mild congestion. Her heart rate was elevated and her lung sounds were very “wet” sounding – the sound of full blown pneumonia. While I was listening to her lungs, my thoughts were racing. How on earth does a patient start getting better from a sinus infection and then continue to develop a full-blown pneumonia while on antibiotics? Reflexively, when physicians seem confused, we resort to the help of – you guessed it – other physicians! The idea of send-

trying to decide on a course of action, I send the same prayer to Hashem – to guide me on the right path, to navigate my way through all the challenges a doctor has to the Ultimate Diagnosis. Wishing you a healthy summer, David Elazar Simai, MD

Dr. David Simai is a Board Certified Pediatrician from the Five Towns. He is a full time attending in his own private practice since 2007 in Cedarhurst, New York. In addition, he is an Attending Physician at LIJ-Cohen Children’s Hospital, NorthShore Manhasset University Hospital and South Nassau Communities Hospital. He can be contacted for consultation at 516 374-2228 or via email at davidsimai@ yahoo.com. NOTE: name, gender, geographical area and other identifying information were deliberately altered in this article in order to protect the patient’s privacy. This article is not intended to help diagnose or treat any specific disease. Always consult your personal physician before diagnosing or treating yourself or your child for any of the above mentioned illnesses.

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K EW G ARDENS

radiologist saw the right lower lobe pneumonia and phoned me immediately. I asked her: What do you think is the likely pathogen causing the pneumonia? She replied, “A regular pneumococcal pneumonia,” but after I told her the entire story, she was amazed how Mycoplasma in Yael’s case caused such an unusual picture. Yael’s father called several times and gave me feedback on the comments that he received from family physicians. At first, they were equivocal but after all the labs and x-ray results were in, they all agreed that it was a very unusual presentation of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae. The ending was sweet. Yael was back to her vibrant and smiling self before the week ended. Her parents enjoyed the rest of their vacation in Miami, and her grandparents continued enjoying their time spent with their wonderful grandchildren. The image of Yael, laying down sick in her small bedroom, is still in my heart and mind, and every so often, when a child has an illness that does not resolve with a penicillin, I think of Yael. And when I feel lost in my thoughts while auscultating (listening to the lungs) a patient and

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literally had goosebumps when I took the stethoscope off and with a confident voice explained to the grandparents and Yael the following. Yael had a pneumonia while on Augmentin because the bacteria that caused her symptoms was Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, a common cause of what is known as “walking pneumonia.” Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacteria/virus—it has properties of both—and many people heal from the infection without treatment, but some go on to develop a worsening cough, culminating with a pneumonia. I suggested that we will start Yael on Zithromax that night and hydrate her very well with electrolyte drinks, which the grandparents did so amazingly well. Hydrating a febrile child is always very challenging and it takes a lot of patience and warmth. I was confident that these grandparents possessed everything necessary for Yael to heal. The next day, Yael came to my office for a recheck. She was still febrile but appeared much stronger. She drank 64 ounces of Gatorade and started urinating again. I drew her blood to test for mycoplasma and sent her for a chest x-ray as well. The

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ing Yael to the emergency room was naturally the first thought that crossed my mind. But then I glanced at the grandparents, a nice couple in their 70’s who had been working around the clock caring for Yael and her siblings. I could picture them driving in their car or riding in the back of an ambulance to the E.R. They would stay up all night just waiting for test results and Yael’s parents would cut their first independent vacation short. Would that make sense? On the other hand, if Yael remained at home, her pneumonia could overwhelm her; she appeared very weak, tired and dehydrated. My stethoscope was still on Yael, listening to her heart and lung sounds as I was having all these thoughts, and I felt that it was time to end the exam part of the visit and state my opinion at last. But the truth was that I was clueless as to what the diagnosis was: a severe pneumonia while taking strong antibiotics?! I glanced again at the concerned grandparents and then said a little silent prayer to G-d. “Please, help me find the right diagnosis and avoid inconveniencing these nice grandparents.” And then it came to me!

Dr. Deb

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JULY 23, 2015

Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.

The Divorce Option

have always been opposed to divorce. I have an article on my blog, “15 Reasons Not to Divorce,” and the reasons are quite powerful: the kids will suffer, there will be unexpected costs, antagonisms will increase instead of being quieted, and perhaps most important of all – the parties will have lost their chance to grow through the relationship. See, I believe that marriage is the proving ground of personal growth. Marriage brings together two people who can learn from being in the company of someone who sees things differently, does things differently, and is, well, completely different. Sometimes it feels really alone to be with that difference. It feels like being on each of two cliffs with no bridge between them. But I think marriage is for creating that bridge. Exercising that creative process is growth. We have to somehow learn to value that which never interested us like watching football games or tearjerkers. We not only have to participate in it but value it so that our significant other feels valued. After all, if we poo-poo it, then how can the person who is passionate about it feel valued? And it’s more than that. There are those real annoying opposites of temperament that we have to bridge, too: the messy-neat, the morning person-night person, the spendthrift-free spender, the far right-the left wing, and so on. They’re not easy. None of this is easy. Then there is the tendency to feel like a victim when nothing negative was meant. And the worse tendency to believe that one is indeed a victim and lash out at the other because of it. There is the tendency to crawl up under the covers and be sad because one’s soulmate is not rescuing you from perceived pain that the soulmate is actually unaware of. There are all kinds of communication breakdowns and misperceptions. There is the tendency for life to get in the way of relationships and only to find that the relationships are withering on the vine because of it. But all of that is good. Yes, it is good. Because bridging all of that is

the growth that we are here for. Are we not here to make a teeny difference? Doesn’t the job of tikkun olam (fixing the world) begin with us? So it is up to us to build those bridges, reach out, try to understand, value, and square away misperceptions. That is an exciting,

not to. That’s where the list of bullets above comes in. Then we would be that person who thinks ill of others instead of being dan lechaf zchus (judging others favorably). And we might not wish to be an oheiv shalom (lover of peace), nor would we

Trampling through the brambles to clear a path to our beloved has to be the biggest joy. wonderful process. Trampling through the brambles to clear a path to our beloved has to be the biggest joy. Except when it isn’t. It isn’t when one person— • persists in negative views of those he or she is supposed to love • will not make shalom with others • cannot take into himself or herself gentle tochacha (rebuke) • cannot be honest • is not trustworthy • misuses his or her tongue to hurt One person cannot carry the relationship. It takes two. That’s when divorce peeks at you from where the thought of it was banished and invites a second look. O n e thing that is clear to me in spite of the fact that I am a member of MarriageFriendlyTherapists.com is that the Torah has a place for divorce. Unlike the other peoples of this world, we accept the fact that because everyone has bechira chofshi (free choice), people may choose to not do what they are supposed to do. Torah-abiding Jews should automatically practice derech eretz (good behavior). That is a requirement. Without it, Torah practice is a sham. But our bechira chofshi means we may choose

ever do a cheshbone hanefesh (personal accounting) to see if we should correct something we are doing wrong to others. We would possibly be guilty of onas devarim (hurtful words), tafal sheker (lies), and kazav (false promises). We have that right. We have the right to do exactly what we want, whether it is right or not. Of course, Adam and Chava got banished from the Garden for exercising that right. But we still have it. And when one partner insists on doing what he or she wants rather than what G-d wants, the other partner cannot fix what is broken in the relationship. Repairs take two people. For such couples, divorce is a healthy option. So let me clarify what I mean by “such people.” We have a Torah that is our Guidebook to life. If we are not so clear in how to interpret it, then it behooves us to get daas Torah (Torah knowledge) from the rabbi that we have created a relationship with. When a marriage partner refuses to respect the rabbi as Hashem’s shaliach (messenger) and disregards Torah imperatives, treating them as if they were optional, then what is the other partner to do?

So, from my perspective, divorce is not an option because you got bored with your spouse. For them, I say: You need to stretch yourself. Learn to value what your partner values. Divorce is not an option because you have nothing to talk about anymore. To me that means you haven’t tried. Take a class together; learn together; go white-water rafting together; do things to talk about! Divorce is not an option because your spouse “seems” mean. Many abusive people do reform. First go to therapy. Dig in. Stay with it. Don’t give it twenty years, but give it two. Be committed to the process and to each other. This could also be said for the many other ills that befall people: depression, anxiety, gambling, drinking, drugs, improper websites, and so on. The solution is the right therapist and rolling up your sleeves to face your demons. But when you’ve given your all and your partner is simply not making that effort, it is not your burden to carry the marriage. If there ever were a good time for self-reflection (cheshbone hanefesh), this is it. We are on the brink of Tisha B’Av. We lost our beis hamikdash because we thought we knew what we were doing. We persisted in the wrong paths and didn’t listen to the prophets telling us to change. How is that different from the way we are today? A rabbi’s sermon could be a wakeup call and so can divorce papers. G-d willing, we won’t need either one. G-d willing, the beis hamikdash will be rebuilt now and Moshiach will come. But we have to bring him. Better to be served papers than to suffer a Divine punishment. 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 Traditions Restaurant in Lawrence on Tuesdays at 12:30 PM. (There is a lovely optional lunch menu for $12 cash.) 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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JULY 23, 2015

Health & Fitness

Aliza Beer, MS, RD

Quench Your Thirst this Summer

o you know our body weight is comprised of nearly 60 to 70 percent water and that sufficient intake of water can help us stave off many health problems? Despite the seemingly sublime importance of water consumption, most people tend to choose sodas as their beverage of choice. There are many reasons why one should avoid drinking diet sodas and other soft drink beverages, but I have narrowed it down to the top five. 1. Caffeinated Beverages: Caffeine is an addictive drug and stimulates the brain similarly to mechanisms used by amphetamines, cocaine, and heroin, albeit with milder effects. If you cannot function without your coffee in the morning then you are addicted to caffeine. Consumption

of caffeine in large amounts, especially over extended periods of time, can lead to a condition called caffeinism. Caffeinism encompasses a wide range of physical and mental

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symptoms that include nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and heart palpitations. 2. Will Harm Your Teeth: The flavoring agents used in soft drinks make the beverage more acidic and could erode tooth enamel. Coke and Pepsi are very acidic. I read an article about a fifth grader whose science fair project consisted of placing her baby teeth in vials of Coke. Over the course of a few days, they disappeared! Her project, “Rot your Teeth,” won an Honorable Mention at the fair. 3. Linked to Cancer: The Center for Science in the Public Interest has recently petitioned the FDA to ban ingredients known as “caramel coloring” that are found in many soft drinks and snacks. These chemicals have been shown to cause several different types of cancers, including lung, liver, thyroid, and leukemia in lab animals. 4. Weight Gain: The high sugar content of sodas will cause increased weight gain. Although diet sodas lack calories, the sweet taste of the diet sodas will keep you craving sweets and inhibit any attempt at weight loss. 5. You Will Drink Less Water: The more soda you drink, the lower your water intake. Why is it important to drink water? • Water maintains blood volume and reduces risk of heart diseases like high blood pressure and heart attack • Flushes out the toxins and prevents UTIs and kidney stones • Reduces risk of cancer. It

minimizes the chances of colon cancer by 45%, breast cancer by 75%, and bladder cancer by 50%. • Weight loss. Drinking a glass of water before each meal will help make you feel full and you will eat less. • Digestive health. Water prevents and eases stomach distress and constipation. • Water improves skin texture. Your skin will be smoother with less breakouts There are some healthy beverage alternatives to water that can be incorporated into a nutritious diet: • Milk: A great source of energy, protein, and loaded with calcium. • Green tea: The Chinese have been using green tea for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. A 1994 study showed a clear link between green tea and the lower risk of esophageal cancer in the Chinese by as much as 60%. • Seltzer: When craving some fizz in your drink, seltzer is the best carbonated beverage. You can even flavor it with a little cranberry or pomegranate juice while giving it a healthy boost of antioxidants. As Americans, we have access on a daily basis to a copious amount of beverages. We watch the advertisements on television and see our friends drinking the eclectic range of drinks. What we don’t know is that the seemingly tasty and pleasurable drinks we crave are actually deceitfully harming us. The long term effects are daunting; cancer, tooth decay, weight gain, and other physical impairments are tangible threats to our lives. Hopefully by switching over to healthier drinks like water, seltzers, teas, and milk we will be able to break the constricting chains linking us to sodas and lead a new, joyful life! Aliza Beer is a registered dietician with a master’s degree in nutrition. She has a private practice in Cedarhurst, NY. Patients’ success has been featured on the Dr. Oz show. Aliza can be reached at alizabeer@ gmail.com.

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thursday, august 6

Shepherds, Sweets & Sussya

5 with

Shuli Mishkin

start the day right! Cookies to soldiers at the Pina Chama; we’ll buy them fresh in Neve daniel with a view from the highest point in yehuda. then to sussya: taste goat yogurt and puddings at Chalav haaretz dairy, visit the incredible dahlia har sinai at her sheep ranch and buy organic flours, honey and cheeses. Mincha in the new/old Judean style synagogue. Light lunch at the Visitors Center with a chance to buy local crafts. then an in depth tour of ancient sussya, a talmudic era town.

When & Where We leave from Liberty Bell

wedNesday, august 19

Gush Katifers & the Gaza Belt

6 with

Eve Harow

Moreshet gush Katif; the moving, inspirational story of the Jews of gaza and a tour of the new community in Nitzan. then visit kibbutzim on the gaza border and the security chiefs who protect them, via One Israel Fund who are providing upgraded security equipment for the security chiefs and their communities. Lunch at alumim, the kibbutz that remained during Protective edge. hear from anita tucker at her new home in ein tzurim, and much much more.

parking lot (behind the Sonol Gas Station) at 8:15AM prompt, Return approximately 6:30PM

MONday, august 24

Gourmet Day in the Shomron

with

Eve Harow

Begin our day with a ride to har Bracha. then freshly ground techina from the samaritans before we see the vineyards of the har Bracha winery and taste their wines. the shmitta year is ending but the challenges continue. gourmet dairy lunch with... wine at the famous tura winery in rachelim. dessert is in a glass at the award winning shilo winery followed by goat cheese tasting at the brand new gush shilo dairy amidst vineyards and olive groves. happy hour with the incomparable yoram Cohen at the tanya winery in Ofra. Chance to buy techina, cheeses, olive oil, honey, cider and of course wine all through the day for your holiday meals and gifts.

more Info Email daytrips@oneisraelfund.org

www.oneisraelfund.org

US - Contact Ruthie Kohn at 516.239.9202 x10 ISrael – Contact Ayala Waltuch - 054-920-9704

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Notable Quotes

Compiled by Nate Davis

“Say What?” Researchers here in New York created a robot that actually passed a self-awareness test. So if you’re keeping score, that’s robots: 1, Donald Trump: 0. – Jimmy Fallon

The Congress and Senate are very strongly pro-Israel... In a sense, Obama is like a gift to Israel – the big brother you realize can’t take care of you when you are a teenager, so you have to take care of yourself. - Dr. Harold Rhode, a Distinguished Senior Fellow at international policy council and think tank Gatestone Institute

A couple who got married in Illinois on Friday has the last names Burger and King. Which makes sense because in a few years most of their conversations will end with “Fine, have it your way!” - Seth Myers

It was announced today that Iran has reached a deal with the U.S. to limit its nuclear program and send most of its uranium to Russia. Then Americans said, “That’s great! Wait, WHAT?” - Jimmy Fallon

Hey, I’m sorry if I delayed your show five minutes. But you got a lot of attention from this, so maybe I made your show a little better [known]. - Nick Silvestri, 19, who climbed onto the set of a Broadway show before it started to plug his cellphone into a socket onstage, when his actions were discovered and were widely condemned

From what I hear, he is coming now as the president of the United States. He should have at least informed us as his family. - 57-year-old Malik Abon’go Obama during an interview at his home in Kogelo, Kenya

MORE QUOTES

JULY 23, 2015

I’m just happy that he’s willing to review my status. When I sit down with him, I’ll tell him everything I did as a player and as a manager. We’ll go from there. I’ll be as honest as I can with him. I’m not going to make any odds. - Pete Rose, who was banned from baseball for gambling, discussing his upcoming meeting with MLB’s commissioner about possible reinstatement

Yesterday President Obama announced that he is commuting the sentences of 46 prisoners, most of whom committed nonviolent crimes. Then those 46 convicts said, “Actually we already escaped. Thanks for thinking of us, though.” – Jimmy Fallon

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Probably getting a new phone. iPhone or Android? - Tweet by Senator Lindsey Graham after Donald Trump revealed his private cell number to the public

The president of Iran prematurely announced the nuclear deal on Twitter yesterday before it was official. Which isn’t that big a deal until you realize the guy who almost had nukes is known for accidentally hitting “Send.” - Jimmy Fallon

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So Lindsey Graham says to me, “Please whatever you can do.” What is this guy, a beggar? He’s like begging me to help him get on Fox & Friends. So I say, okay. I’ll mention your name... And he gave me his number. And I found the card! I wrote the number down, I don’t know if it’s the right number, let’s try it... (202) 228-0292…So, I dunno, give it a shot…Your local politician, he won’t fix anything but at least he’ll talk to you. – Donald Trump, who is upset at Senator Graham for criticizing him, recalling, during a political rally, an incident from several years ago when Senator Lindsey Graham asked Trump to help him get on Fox News. (Reporters quickly called the number and it was, in fact, Senator Graham’s private cell number)

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The U.S. won the International Math Olympiad. If you don’t think Americans can compete with Asia in math, maybe you should talk to some of the members of the American team, like Shyam Narayanan, Yang Liu, and Allen Liu. And their coach, Po-Shen Loh. - Seth Myers

Donald Trump got in some trouble for saying that John McCain is not a war hero and said, “I like people that weren’t captured.” Not good. In fact, Trump’s people are telling him to lay low for a while until all this combs over. – Jimmy Fallon

The pile officially melted. - The mayor of Boston sharing the good news on July 14th that the last of the snow from the city’s epic winter is finally gone

Disney revealed its plans for its upcoming resort and theme park in Shanghai, which will open next year. It’s great news for anyone who loves theme parks but wished the lines were a billion times longer. - Jimmy Fallon

President Obama said yesterday that education is the key to reducing the prison population. Though apparently power tools also works. – Seth Myers

I’ve got to give you credit Major for how you craft those questions. The notion that I’m content as I celebrate with American citizens languishing in Iranian jails, Major, that’s nonsense, and you should know better. - President Obama in response

Police in Germany are trying to find the owner of a plastic bag filled with $200,000 after it recently fell from a tree at a local campsite. Then Greece said, “Can we get like 10 million of those trees?” - Jimmy Fallon Senseless? Unfathomable? Terrorism? I doubt it… Not every act of political violence is terrorism. If we target a training site, and if the only people we kill are the fighters or trainees inside, our hands are clean. And that seems to be what Abdulazeez did to our own men in Chattanooga. We don’t yet know his motive. But if it turns out that he was angry about U.S. military action abroad—and if his response was to kill U.S. military personnel—does that make him a terrorist? Or just an enemy combatant? - William Saletan writing on hyper-left wing website Slate. com, shamelessly making a treasonous argument that if we go after ISIS recruits they should be able to target our military recruiting centers

The Obama administration announced a deal with Iran that would prevent the Iranians from making a nuclear weapon. In exchange, we’re giving the Iranians Netflix. – Conan O’Brien

Mexico is offering a $3.8 million reward for information leading to the capture of the escaped billionaire drug lord, El Chapo. Mexico said they’ll get the money by borrowing it from El Chapo. - Conan O’Brien Shepard Fairey, the street artist responsible for President Obama’s “Hope” poster, is now facing vandalism charges in Detroit. It’s pretty serious. Detroit officials say the artist’s spray paint caused over $9,000 worth of improvements. – Jimmy Fallon

Has the administration reached out to the Steinle family, to your knowledge? -Representative Steve Chabot (R-OH) to Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, during a Congressional hearing about sanctuary cities in the aftermath of Kate Steinle being randomly shot by an illegal alien while touring San Francisco with her father To who? - Secretary Johnson in response

JULY 23, 2015

Yes, it is real, it is possible, and, in fact, we should expect that some portion of that money would go to the Iranian military and could potentially be used for the kinds of bad behavior that we have seen in the region up until now. – National Security Advisor Susan Rice when asked on CNN if any of the $100 billion that is being released to Iran might go to fund terror in the region

To the four Marines that have been killed, it has been a heartbreaking circumstance for these individuals who have served our country with great valor to be killed in this fashion. - President Obama after four Marines (and a sailor who has since succumbed to his injuries) were brutally gunned down by a radical Muslim terrorist

As you well know, there are four Americans in Iran: Three held on trumped-up charges, according to your administration, and one, whereabouts unknown. Can you tell the country, sir, why you are content with all the fanfare around this deal to leave the conscience of this nation, the strength of this nation, unaccounted for in relation to these four Americans? - CBS News’ Major Garrett to President Obama at his press conference about the Iran deal

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– Seth Myers

Who would have supposed that there were ice mountains? It’s just blowing my mind. - Hal Weaver, a scientist on NASA’s New Horizons project, which provided mankind with its first up-close glimpse of Pluto this week

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Tomorrow, July 15, is a rare day when no professional sporting events will take place in the U.S. It’s causing millions of fathers everywhere to ask, “Why can’t your dance recital be today?”

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100

Political Crossfire

Charles Krauthammer

Worse Than We Could Have Imagined

hen you write a column, as did I two weeks ago, headlined “The worst agreement in U.S. diplomatic history,” you don’t expect to revisit the issue. We had hit bottom. Or so I thought. Then on Tuesday the final terms of the Iranian nuclear deal were published. I was wrong. Who would have imagined we would be giving up the conventional arms and ballistic missile embargoes on Iran? In nuclear negotiations? When asked at his Wednesday news conference why there is nothing in the deal about the four American hostages being held by Iran, President Obama explained that this is a separate issue, not part of nuclear talks. Are conventional weapons not a separate issue? After all, conventional, by definition, means non-nuclear. Why are we giving up the embargoes? Because Iran, joined by Russia – our

“reset” partner – sprung the demand at the last minute, calculating that Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry were so desperate for a deal that they would cave. They did. And have convinced themselves that they scored a victory by delaying the lifting by five to eight years. (Ostensibly. The language is murky. The interval could be considerably shorter.)

Iranian arms shipments to, say, Hezbollah. But wait. Obama has insisted throughout that we are pursuing this Iranian diplomacy to avoid the use of force, yet now blithely discards a previous diplomatic achievement – the arms embargo – by suggesting, no matter, we can just shoot our way to interdiction.

Whatever Congress ultimately does, it won’t matter because the legal underpinning for the entire international sanctions regime against Iran will have been dismantled at the Security Council. Obama claimed in his Wednesday news conference that it really doesn’t matter because we can always intercept

Moreover, the most serious issue is not Iranian exports but Iranian imports – of sophisticated Russian and Chinese weapons. These are untouchable. We are not going to attack Russian and Chinese transports. The net effect of this capitulation will be not only to endanger our Middle East allies now under threat from Iran and its proxies, but to endanger our own naval forces in the Persian Gulf. Imagine how Iran’s acquisition of the most advanced anti-ship missiles would threaten our control over the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, waterways we have kept open for international commerce for a half-century. The other major shock in the final deal is what happened to our insistence on “anytime, anywhere” inspections. Under the final agreement, Iran has the right to deny international inspectors access to any undeclared nuclear site. The denial is then adjudicated by a committee – on which Iran sits. It then goes through several other bodies, on all of which Iran sits. Even if the inspectors’ request prevails, the approval process can take 24 days. And what do you think will be left to be found, left unscrubbed, after 24 days? The whole process is farcical. The action now shifts to Congress. The debate is being hailed as momentous. It is not. It’s irrelevant.

Congress won’t get to vote on the deal until September. But Obama is taking the agreement to the U.N. Security Council for approval within days. Approval there will cancel all previous U.N. resolutions outlawing and sanctioning Iran’s nuclear activities. Meaning: Whatever Congress ultimately does, it won’t matter because the legal underpinning for the entire international sanctions regime against Iran will have been dismantled at the Security Council. Ten years of painstakingly constructed international sanctions will vanish overnight, irretrievably. Even if Congress rejects the agreement, do you think the Europeans, the Chinese or the Russians will reinstate sanctions? The result: The United States is left isolated while the rest of the world does thriving business with Iran. Should Congress then give up? No. Congress needs to act in order to rob this deal of, at least, its domestic legitimacy. Rejection will make little difference on the ground. But it will make it easier for a successor president to legitimately reconsider an executive agreement (Obama dare not call it a treaty – it

would be instantly rejected by the Senate) that garnered such pathetically little backing in either house of Congress. It’s a future hope, but amid dire circumstances. By then, Iran will be flush with cash, legitimized as a normal international actor in good standing, recognized (as Obama once said) as “a very successful regional power.” Stopping Iran from going nuclear at that point will be infinitely more difficult and risky. Which is Obama’s triumph. He has locked in his folly. He has laid down his legacy and we will have to live with the  consequences for decades. (c) 2015, The Washington Post Writers Group

Forgotten Heroes

101

Ze’ev Raz

Ze’ev Raz in a recent interview

that remains on the table is a military airstrike like the one they carried out over Iraq in 1981. Many of the pilots on that raid are well-known but the leader needs more of an introduction. Ze’ev Raz was born in 1947 and had shot down three Syrian MiGs. He flew in an F-4 Phantom during the Six Day War and shot down two MiG-21 fighters. After being selected to go to the United State to train in an American aerial combat program called TOPDOG, he trained as a squadron commander in the new F-16 Falcon. His kill of a MiG-23 in April 1982 (ten months after the Raid on the Reactor) was one of the world’s first kill in an F-16 called by the IAF the Netz.

By the time the training began for the raid against the Iraqi target, Raz was a lieutenant colonel and was selected to lead the raid. The second in command was Amos Yadlin who was given more media attention than Raz after the reactor was destroyed. The mission was a high risk one. There were several opponents in the Israeli military who were opposed to the plan. The strike was called off once before while the pilots were on the runway getting ready for takeoff. Surprise was a key element of the mission, and Lieutenant Colonel Ze’ev Raz planned to use it while preparing for the raid. Taking off on Sunday afternoon, June 7, 1981, the eight planes planned on hitting the reactor at the changing of the guard. Flying close to the ground so radar couldn’t pick up their movements, the timing was just right. If an F-16 was shot down, then a search and rescue mission would be launched by helicopters on standby. The pilots were given Iraqi currency and survival kits. Despite the careful preparations, the squadron was afraid of two things: being chased by Iraqi fighter jets and running out of fuel. They were fully prepared for a fight and were shocked when Iraqi planes were nowhere to be seen. What they didn’t expect was to be seen by the king of Jordan who was on his private yacht in the Gulf of Aqaba. King Hussein correctly predicted that the Israeli fighters (he could see the IAF insignia because they were flying so close to the ground) were headed to the Iraqi nuclear reactor. Fortunately, the warning message sent to the Iraqis never reached the defenses. At dusk, sixteen bombs rained down and destroyed the Osirak reactor for good. Ten Iraqis and a French worker were killed. All of the Israeli planes returned safely to a base in the Negev even though most were dangerously low on fuel.

There was controversy afterwards Ze’ev Raz was played a major role among the pilots because Yadlin de- in one of the most important missions cided to take the first shot at the reac- in Israeli history. He was awarded by tor instead of letting the commander, the government but was most relieved Raz, have the honors. As they were when all of the pilots on the raid remaking the bombing, Raz missed a landmark and made too wide of a turn. This allowed Yadlin to cut in front. Raz later said that he was most upset because Yadlin was his wingman and he couldn’t see him in case an enemy plane appeared. Despite this blatant gap in the IAF’s defenses, the mission The site of the Osirak nuclear reactor in September 2002 was successful although there is still a debate among the pilots what exactly hap- turned safely. To him that was more pened. important than any medal or recogniThe Israeli government had a lot tion he would receive. Today he works more on their plate than to deal with for an aerospace company after retirarguing pilots. The U.S. was really up- ing as a full colonel. He believes that set in the aftermath and only ten years Israel will not bomb Iran. He says they later during the Persian Gulf War did will use their air force as a threat that they realize the service the IAF had done for the world. Nuclear weapons had been taken out of Saadam Hussein’s arsenal and an atomic war was prevented. Raz later talked about the mission: “We were quite surprised that Iraq didn’t react, didn’t take off or fire any missiles to us. We couldn’t understand how they did not see us. They Some of the pilots after the successful raid could see us on the radar scopes at least 15 minutes before the bombing. It was disap- ultimately will bring the U.S. to their pointing; to play, to do their part and senses and call off this terrible deal then our victory would’ve been larg- with the Islamic Republic. er, bigger, more realistic. King Hussein saw us one minute off the coast to South Arabia flying east, they saw Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to us…and he reported. They did nothing The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comwith this information. They did not ments and suggestions for future columns understand the purpose of his report, and can be reached at aviheiligman@ gmail.com. and he was the king!”

JULY 23, 2015

istory has shown that diplomacy in the face of nuclear warfare can work. The USSR, South Africa, Pakistan and other countries have or have had nuclear weapons but never used them. However, some countries just cannot be trusted. For example, North Korea’s nuclear program has produced several bombs at this point and the world hasn’t checked the Communist country’s ability to wage a nuclear war. For Israeli security their main threat is in the Middle East and if Iran obtains a nuclear weapon it could yield disastrous results. Israel doesn’t trust Iran will end their quest for a bomb, and now that the sanctions are being lifted, Iran will have more money to give to Hamas and Hezbollah. The one option

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Leading the Mission to Bomb Iraq’s Osirak Nuclear Reactor

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Avi Heiligman

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Hire Education

Rabbi Mordechai Kruger

Your Best Friend Won’t Tell You

emember the old “Scope” commercials? (Really old. ) The ones where somebody had to deal with the embarrassment of telling their friend that an upgrade in oral hygiene was badly needed? Or “Head and Shoulders”? How embarrassing is it to tell someone that they need to deal with a personal snowstorm? Writing this week’s column feels embarrassing in about the same way. There is a wonderful video available on YouTube called “The Entitlement Creed.” (Strongly recommended.) In it, an array of young adults are asked if they feel entitled to a job, and if so, at what salary. The responses, sadly, are all too predictable. They sure did feel entitled to a job, often expecting a six-figure salary or more (for starters!). Then, a number of employers were asked whether they felt “entitled” to any particular behavior from their employees. The employers were quite emphatic about their “entitlements.” They felt entitled to expect their employees to arrive on time, to focus on their work, to deliver the best effort they could while treating customers and coworkers with courtesy and respect. They felt entitled to honesty and loyalty to the mission of the company. And they felt entitled to fire anyone who didn’t want to live up to these expectations. Here’s the embarrassing part of this discussion: that it has to take place at all. Unfortunately, there are clients who don’t inspire confidence on these points,

but they are not the only ones who need to address these issues. Especially when I speak to young people about their first

sive that every detail of menschlichkeit has to be talked about; there is no end to the ways that self-respect, self-dis-

There is no end to the ways that self-respect, selfdiscipline, and self-motivation have faded from our common discourse, leaving self-centered slackers taking selfies. job hunt, I always bring up the sensitive topic of what is euphemistically called “personal management.” Sometimes I prepare checklists for the day of an interview that include dressing neatly and planning to arrive on time. I have spoken to job placement counselors about the need to coach clients on speaking courteously, avoiding distractions, and demonstrating company loyalty. There was a time not long ago when these things didn’t need to be talked about, or at least wouldn’t be talked about unless there was some clear indication that a problem needed to be addressed. Now the problem is so perva-

cipline, and self-motivation have faded from our common discourse, leaving self-centered slackers taking selfies. This somber situation would be a terrible obstacle for job hunters to overcome even if it meant that, instead of relying on good upbringing and education, each candidate had to carefully assess the way that he presents himself to a prospective employer and correct any deficits. But the truth is much worse than that. The truth is that employers are so afraid of hiring a pouting adolescent in disguise that they often decide not to hire anyone at all. The conventional wisdom today is that there is a shortage of jobs. But do a little research and you’ll find that there are millions of jobs that go unfilled. Even more jobs would be created if only employers felt confident that effective workers could be found to fill them. That the worker they hire will work hard to learn the job, and then continue to work hard to deliver the greatest value possible, every single day. Employers hesitate to hire because they tremble at the possibility that someone who seems to have a solid resume and proven skills will turn out to have a “personal management” problem. Whether it’s casually walking in late, spending the day texting or web surfing, leaving early, or just displaying a bad attitude, a “slacker” can poison the entire compa-

ny with lightning speed. Faced with the possibility that a new hire might turn out to be a slacker, employers decide to get along without hiring anyone. This places a burden on all job hunters, and especially affects young people. In a job market which is already highly competitive, often opaque, and terribly frustrating, it is not enough to demonstrate to an employer that you are the best candidate for the job. You also have to prove that you are not a slacker—that you can be relied upon to show up ready to work hard and deliver the value that is expected. Practically, that means that each job hunter must be ready to cite situations and experiences which demonstrate reliability and responsibility. Any accomplishment where hard work and determination were evident should become part of the resume, whether at school, in a volunteer setting, even at home. I’m not going to try to explain why we have reached this sorry point. I’m a job search coach, not a social scientist. My job is to help job seekers understand the employment battlefield and to teach them the strategies that lead to success. But if a young job seeker has never had a chance to exercise his reliability muscles, he will be handicapped in his efforts. Parents and educators must be sensitive to this and create opportunities for these self-management skills to grow. In Trinidad (this is true), if you are invited to a social event called for, say, 6 PM, you can show up whenever you want. An hour late, whenever, as long as when you arrive you greet your host with a smile and say, “Anytime is Trinidad time!” you’re fine. But let a worker try that at the office he will be told, “Time is time.” Far too many of our workers think they’re on Trinidad time. As a society, we must strongly espouse the value of personal management in every area, so that our careers— our futures—begin on time. Rabbi Mordechai Kruger is the Director of Pathways to Parnassa, an organization dedicated to educating our community in all aspects of career choice and job search. Individual coaching is available. He can be reached at myparnassa@gmail.com.

103 THE JEWISH HOME

4,297 lives impacted by pediatric illness.

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Last year, Chai Lifeline brought joy and hope to

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In The Kitchen

Naomi Nachman

orn fritters are a perfect summer side dish. This

recipe is a perfect balance of Sincerely Brigitte’s authentic Jalapeno-Cilantro flavored cheese with sweet corn. I am very excited to present this awesome summer dish that will lift the palate sensation to a new level! It makes a beautiful presen-

PHOTO BY MELINDA STRAUSS

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tation at a brunch or any meal topped with some smoked salmon and chives.

Cheesy Corn Fritters Ingredients Yields 10 1 ½ cups corn flour (I used Bob’s Red Mill brand)* 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons butter, melted 1 cup low fat milk ¼ cup shredded Jalapeno Cilantro by Sincerely Brigette ¼ cup shredded mozzarella 2 tablespoon honey 1 cup frozen corn kernels 2 egg yolks 3 egg whites Canola oil

Preparation Whisk together the corn flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix the butter, milk and honey. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and stir in the cheese, milk mixture, 2 egg yolks, and corn. Set aside. In a clean, dry bowl, beat the 3 egg whites until stiff and they hold their shape, then fold them into the corn mixture. Heat some canola oil in a non-stick skillet or griddle. When hot, spoon batter in mounds into the skillet, spaced apart – making as many as will comfortably fit in the pan. I used ¼ cup measure per fritter. Let the corn cakes cook until browned on the bottom then flip the corn cakes with a spatula and cook on the other side for about a minute, until lightly browned on the reverse side. * Note: corn flour is not the same as cornmeal; it’s very finely ground corn.

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.

105 THE JEWISH HOME 

JULY 23, 2015

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JULY 23, 2015

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Great Kosher Food Elan Kornblum

APPLE BLACKBERRY CRISP By Jeff Nathan Dairy - Serves: 6-8

INGREDIENTS

1 cup unbleached whole wheat ﬂour ½ cup packed dark brown sugar ¼ cup granulated sugar Pinch kosher salt ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans 8 tablespoons slightly softened unsalted butter, cut into pieces 4 cups sliced Macintosh apples (½-inch slices) 2 cups blackberries ¼ cup sugar 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 pint vanilla ice cream

DIRECTIONS oad-owner of Abigael’s on Br is Executive Chef and co is well-known for his kosher restaurant. Jeff st ge lar ’s rld wo the y, wa public television Cuisine, which is seen on ish Jew w Ne , ies ser on televisi is an awarderal other countries. He sev d an l ae Isr , ide nw tio stations na elling books, book author of two bests ok co d an r eu rat tau res winning chef, . Jeff is Nathan’s Family Suppers f Jef d an ing ok Co ish Adventures in Jew d Royal Wines CorHain Celestial Group an the for t an ult ns co ary a culin ment branch, n the research and develop thi wi tly ec dir ng rki Wo poration. t shelves w products on the marke ne the of ny ma for e ibl Jeff is respons s exculinary horizons. He ha his ed en ad bro s ha f today. Recently Jef mpany, Jeff Nathan ing, with his boutique co ter ca e vic ser l ful o int ed pand siastically recooking has been enthu to h ac pro ap ve ati cre s Events. Hi ur, Chef’s, in articles in Time, Save d ﬁle pro en be s ha n tha ceived, and Na has been noted in the ts. His Abigael’s acclaim Art Culinaire and Food Ar ess, The New York e Forward, The Jewish Pr Th , ws Ne ily Da rk Yo New ish News, and rd, The New Jersey Jew co Re n rge Be e Th d, ral Jewish He e Journal Globe and The Milwauke n sto Bo e Th er. dg Le r New Jersey Sta articles t the nation have featured ou gh ou thr ers oth l era Sentinel, and sev on programs as a peared on several televisi ap s ha n tha Na ef Ch . on him gis, Late Night pearances on Live with Re ap r ula reg ing lud inc ef, guest ch Food NetC and ABC News, TV NB e, nn sea Ro , ien Br O’ with Conan Bobby n their Throwdown with wo d an s ay lid Ho ... Of work’s The Best

JEFF NAT HAN

Heat the oven to 375°F. Make the topping: Combine the flour, both sugars, salt, cinnamon and pecans in a medium bowl. Rub in the butter with your fingertips until it’s well blended and the mixture crumbles coarsely; it should hold together when you pinch it. Refrigerate the topping until you’re ready to use it. Make the crisp: Place the apples, blackberries and remaining sugar in a medium-sized bowl. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the lemon juice. Using a rubber spatula, gently combine the mixture with the fruit. Pour the fruit into a greased 8 - 9 inch square glass or ceramic baking dish. Set the pan on a baking sheet to catch overflowing juices. Top the fruit with half of the topping. Do not press down. The topping should be light and crumbly. Bake for 20 minutes. Keep the remaining topping refrigerated until needed. Sprinkle the remaining topping over the crisp and continue baking until the apples are tender when pierced with a knife, the topping is crisp, and the juices are bubbling, another 25 to 35 minutes. Let cool for 20 to 30 minutes. Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Flay challenge.

This recipe was reprinted from the 2015 Edition of Great Kosher Restaurants Magazine. Elan Kornblum, a.k.a. “The Restaurant Guy,” is the publisher of Great Kosher Restaurants International Magazine and its accompanying website www.gkrm.net. The 2015 edition, available on www.GreatKosherDeals.com, has 256 glossy pages and provides a visual description with menus to over 200 top kosher restaurants alongside 400 stunning high resolution color photos. Kornblum’s top ranked website, award-winning newsletter, comprehensive app and hugely popular Facebook Foodies page makes sure everyone is up to date on the latest restaurant news. Email info@gkrm.net for any questions or comments.

107 THE JEWISH HOME

In conjunction with

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Beth Gavriel Community Center

JULY 23, 2015

Present

Tisha B’av Marathon 2015 / 5775

10:15 PM Words of Inspiration from Rabbi Ya'aqob Menashe "Tisha B'av and Rabbanith Ruth Menashe"

SATURDAY NIGHT

July 25, 2015

SUNDAY

SHACHARIT Netz, 7:30AM and 8:45AM (Sephardic Nussach) MINCHA 7:45 PM ARVIT 8:30 PM Times and Speakers Subject to Change.

July 26, 2015

10:30 AM RABBI ZECHARIAH WALLERSTEIN

1:45 PM RABBI BINYAMIN YUHANAN

4:30 PM RABBI BENZION KLATZKO

11:30 AM RABBI YONATON HAKIMIAN

2:15 PM RABBI DANIEL GLADSTEIN

5:00 PM RABBI ELIEZER KROHN

12:00 PM RABBI ISRAEL ITSHAKOV

2:45 PM RABBI MOSHE BAMBERGER

5:30 PM RABBI PAYSACH KROHN

12:30 PM RABBI BENZION SHAFIER

3:15 PM RABBI DOVID GOLDWASSER

6:15 PM RABBI R' LABEL LAM

4:00 PM RABBI ILAN MEIROV

7:00 PM RABBI IGAL HAIMOFF

Video

1:15 PM RABBI ARI BEN SHUSHAN

Location: Beth Gavriel Community Center 66-35 108th St. Forest Hills, NY 11375

Admission is FREE! Men and Women are Welcome!

For More info call 718-285-9132, email Info@Chazaq.org or visit www.CHAZAQ.org

Free Shatnez Checking 12:00PM - 4:00PM Our Partners:

This event can be viewed live at Torahanytime.com

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JULY 23, 2015

108

From My Private Art Collection Rebbetzin Naomi N. Herzberg

Georges Seurat “Some say they see poetry in my paintings; I see only science”

eurat was born in Paris, France, in 1859 and died in 1981 at the young age of thirty-one. His mother came from a family known to be sculptors. As a young boy he also displayed a tremendous interest in producing artwork. His mother’s brother was an amateur painter and worked with textiles. This same uncle was knowledgeable in art, and so to Seurat’s benefit he provided the young boy with art lessons. After receiving and enjoying these art lessons from his uncle, he continued with the study of art at an art school where he studied Henri Lehmann, and then went on to develop a new technique known as Pointillism. Pointillism is a method of painting which uses small dots of pure color. This technique is appreciated when seen in his artworks, such as one titled “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte,” which is located on the Seine River. It is his largest and best known work of art and can be viewed at The Art Institute of Chicago. He had observed many large scale paintings done by other artists and decided that he could learn from them and develop their style even more. When observing this painting you cannot help but notice how the colors appear to be blending into each other when looked at from far. His type of art creates what is referred to as “optical mixing” which has a scientific A Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat connotation. In many of Seurat’s paintings he used these brushstrokes to create paintings which are engaging and exciting. In 1879, Georges Seurat had the opportunity to admire the work of Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro. He loved the idea of how atmosphere and light would affect the way a painting appeared. This was the Impressionist style which he tried to use as a guiding

The Channel At Gravelines Petit Fort Philippe by Georges Seurat

light. The guiding light to him was the scientific explanation of what makes up a piece of art. The line, form, psychological impact that art made on a person with the use of color and theory was quite important to him. He loved to read books which had a scientific component like the Principles of Harmony, which was written by a chemist, and the Essay on the Unmistakable Signs of Art. His work played a major role in influencing other artists.

The Eiffel Tower, 1889

Rebbetzin Naomi N. Herzberg is a professional art educator, artist and designer. Among her known artwork is a floral sculpture presented to Tipper Gore, Blair House, Washington, D.C. Presently she is the Director of Operations at Shulamith School for Girls. Please feel free to email nherzberg@ optonline.net with questions and suggestions for future columns.

TJH Classifieds

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SERVICES

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HEWLETT - FOR SALE BY OWNER High Ranch in SD#14 No basement - no water damage - EVER! 5 bedrooms; 2 1/2 baths; large den / play room (23’x20’) deck off spacious Kosher kitchen Formal dining room flowing into large living room with Anderson bow window 10 closets; new Central A/C; new water heater; new roof 2-car garage; huge fenced-in back yard Oversized lot - 6,720 sq ft Low taxes Walk to LIRR, YOSS, Aish, YIW, YG5T Priced to sell (making aliyah) (516) 569-0755 WOODMERE $699,000. RE Taxes with Basic Star = $11,987 Walk Numerous Shuls. Step into the splendor of this captivating 5 bedroom, 4 full bath jewel. All redone, inside and outside. Upgraded, Updated, Upsized and Awaiting your Indulgence. SS, Granite, EIK. Perfect for the Discerning Homeowner. Call or text today for private showing, C. Slansky, Broker: 516-655-3636

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Spacious 4 Level 3/4BR Split, Eik, FDR, Traditional 5BR, 3.5BA Col, Gourmet Eik, Den, Finished Basement, SD#14…$499K Lux MBR Ste, Breathtaking Views...$1.8M

1,500 +/- SF Space Located On Long Beach Rd. H i g h V i s i b i l i t y Good for Any Office/Retail Use

G r e a t P o t e n t i a l Across From Trader Joe’s O n - S i t e P a r k i n g Call Randy For Details!!!

If You Are Interested In Buying, Selling Or Leasing Call The Local Commercial EXPERTS 516-295-3000

Charming 3BR, 2.5 Bath Colonial, Eik, Elegant 4BR, 4.5BA CH Col, Beautiful FDR, Full Fin Basement, SD#14...$449K Woodwork, Den, 1/2 Acre, Patio…$1.3M

CALL ME FOR A FREE M A R K E T A N A LY S I S F O R YOUR HOME!!!

LO OKI NG T O B U Y OR SE LL? C ALL M E T O DAY! !!

TJH Classifieds DUE TO EXPANSION, TORAH ACADEMY FOR GIRLS IN FAR ROCKAWAY IS SEEKING TO FILL THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS. • Pre-School & Elementary School Assistants • Elementary General Studies: qualified, experienced teacher for fifth grade and a gym teacher for 5th grade; • Junior High General Studies: qualified, experienced teacher, 6th grade, Language Arts & Social Studies Please fax resume to 718-868-4612 or email mweitman@tagschools.org Male JHS Science teacher for Sept. ‘15. M-Th afternoons 5 Towns area boys’ school Email candidateteacher@gmail.com

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

JHS Math teacher, male, for Sept. ‘15. M-Thu. afternoons. 5 Towns area boys’ school. email candidateteacher@gmail.com

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

Needed in Far Rockaway Mature Frum male aide needed on Fridays and Sundays. Must have drivers license. Good pay! 5towns area. Must be kind and compassionate Serious inquiries only Contact me at 732-552-9889 or mykovod@yahoo.com

LYNBROOK: 10,000 +/- SF Combined Professional/Retail One Story Buildings In Heart Of Lynbrook, Can Be Divided, Plenty Of Municipal Parking, Upgrades Throughout, Close To All, For Sale… Call Ian For More Details (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island seeks warm, energetic and reliable assistant for full time preschool position. Please email resume to office@ykli.org Seeking dedicated and motivated Elementary School General Studies Teachers, PM Sessions. Email: fivetownseducators@gmail.com

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT FAR ROCKAWAY (CENTRAL LOCATION ) 2 bedroom Apartment in Ideal for young couple or 2-3 Shomer Shabbos girls Heat and hot water included in rent Special Discount for Kollel and Yeshiva students Please call 516-225-4558 INWOOD 2 BEDROOM APT. FOR RENT Sheridan blvd /Solomon Av. with private parking. Call for info 212-470-3856 Yochi @ WinZone Realty 2 & 3 bedroom. Newly renovated, Washer and dryer hook up. Granite countertops. On Seagirt Avenue More info call or text 917-602-2914

Seeking Computer Teacher for Elementary School, PM Sessions, Monday-Thursday. Email: fivetownseducators@gmail.com Local 5towns school seeking asst teachers for the pm. Please send an email toyeshivalooking@gmail.com Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA’s) & Occupational Therapists Assistants (COTA’s) For 200+ bed Nursing Home in Queens Must have Hospital or Nursing Home experience Please email resume to promrehab@aol.com

4 BEDROOM, 3 BATHROOM SINGLE FAMILY CONDO $2,400 / MONTH Newly renovated, newly refinished hardwood floors throughout entire house, living room, dining room, large eat in kitchen with pantry, lots of windows, new porcelain flooring, laundry room with washer / dryer, garage, backyard with space for sukkah, access to communal pool, Central Air/ heat, parking space, Near Darchei and beach. Call / txt 323-314-8773 or email rivkalock@gmail.com

NURSING SECRETARY FULL TIME For 200+ bed Nursing Home in Queens. Must have prior Hospital or Nursing Home as well as Bookkeeping experience. Please email resume to promrehab@aol.com Part Time Male Aid SALES POSITION $1000/week (based on exp) Unlimited commission potential 3 positions available Call: Fidelity Payment 516-262-3134 Or apply online: www.fidelitypayment.com/salescareer

TJH Classifieds Post your Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services, Miscellaneous Ads here. Every Thursday Email ads to: classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com Include valid credit card info Deadline Monday 5:00pm

Weekly Classified Ads Up to 5 lines and/or 25 words

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

Seeking a warm, capable Preschool Teacher for Preschool in Port Washington (near Great Neck) Good pay, beautiful facility and atmosphere. Please email your resume sara@chabadpw.org LOOKING FOR A REGISTERED NURSE to work part time (3 hrs/wk) with adults who have developmental disabilities. Strong health assessment skills needed. Current NYS RN license and a minimum of 2 years of post graduate hospital experience required Contact OHEL Bais Ezra 718-686-3102 or email resume to resumes@ohelfamily.org to apply. CATAPULT LEARNING Teachers for Title I in Boro Park and Williamsburg 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

Seeking position in Five Towns vicinity Extremely reliable Excellent office skills/ customer service skills/ inside sales skills Call Barbara at 516-569-5054

MISC. Looking for donation of car or minivan in good running condition. Tax exempt receipt available for full market value. Please call 347-342-8196

Discounted tickets to Six Flags Great Adventure Theme Park And Safari Valid for any operating day for only $40 Contact Yehoshua @ 917- 923-0011 YNM/5towns Sheital Gemach is in desperate need of wig donations. Anyone who has wigs/falls they no longer need- There are many women who you can make very happy. Tizku l’mitzvos! Please contact 347-408-8354 for details.

GET RESULTS! THE TJH CLASSIFIEDS

JULY 23, 2015

OCEANSIDE: 1,500 +/- SF Store Front Office Space In Great Location With Parking On Long Beach Rd, For Lease, Only $2500/Month… Call Randy For More Details - (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

POSITION WANTED

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CEDARHURST: 2,500 +/- SF Retail Space On Busy Shopping Strip, Former Restaurant, Street & Municipal Parking, For Lease... Call Ian For More Details - (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

HELP WANTED

THE JEWISH HOME

HELP WANTED

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

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THE JEWISH HOME

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JULY 23, 2015

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Your Money

Allan J. Rolnick, CPA

Forensic Filings

e tend to think of the Internal Revenue Service mainly as Uncle Sam’s “collections department.” But it’s also a true law enforcement agency. Special agents from the Criminal Investigations unit take on obvious crimes like tax evasion and tax preparer fraud. They also partner with local police, the FBI, the DEA, and even foreign governments to combat public corruption, money laundering, drug trafficking, and international terrorism. The tax cops are good at what they do — the

IRS boasts the highest criminal conviction rate of any federal law enforcement agency (93.4% in 2014). But sometimes the IRS plays a surprising role in more ordinary crimes . . . which brings us to today’s story. On May 17, 2005, 38-year-old Amy Bosley frantically called 911 to report a break-in and shooting at her family’s holiday cabin in Alexandria, Kentucky, just across the Ohio River

from Cincinnati. Police arrived to find her 41-year-old husband, Bob, dead on the bed with at least seven bullet wounds. The cabin had been ransacked, and the couple’s terrified sons, ages six and nine, were huddled in their room. Local authorities were stumped at first. There were no witnesses and no DNA evidence. The Bosleys were well-liked in their community. They owned a million-dollar roofing business, along with all the grown-up

BAKE SALE To Support the LONE SOLDIER CENTER

The Lone Center provides physical and emotional support for lone soldiers in Israel especially now that many are coming back from active duty.

WHERE: e. 416 Central Av Cedarhurst

B’av a h is T v e r E : N WHE to 8:00 pm m a 0 :0 0 1 3 2 July to 2:00 pm m a 0 :0 0 1 4 2 July Page 12

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THE JEWISH PRESS

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Friday, April 21, 2006

America’s Largest Independent Jewish Weekly

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Danielle Aronovitz 516.316.1902 • Naomi Nachman 917.331 0259 Checks can be make payable to FJC-Lone Soldier Center A m e r i c a ’ s L a r g e s t I n d e p e n d e n t J e w i s h We e k l y

America’s Larges t Independent Jewish Weekly

toys their success could buy: sports cars, horses, an airplane, and a 50-foot yacht. But officials soon learned there were secrets beneath the Bosley’s successful facade. Bob had made enemies in his business. And he would disappear for days at a time to his boat on nearby Lake Cumberland. Then came the call that cracked the case wide open. It seems that Amy, who served as the roofing company’s accountant, had been cavalier with the business’s taxes. The company owed a whopping $1.7 million in back taxes. Amy had hidden the investigation from her husband and even impersonated him on the phone. Not being able to talk to Bob had the IRS smelling a rat. So they demanded an in-person meeting with the couple that was scheduled to take place . . . the morning after the murder! And that morning, the “grieving widow” was even so bold as to call the IRS and say they wouldn’t need to meet because Bob was dead. Given the astounding coincidence on top of all the suspicious behavior, the IRS agent called local police and suggested a suspect and motive they might want to look into. You can probably guess where the story goes from here. Investigators focused their attention on Amy and began to pull apart her story. They found hundreds of checks to the IRS, unmailed, in the back of her car. The coup de grace came from the children, who told interviewers they heard gunshots first, then breaking glass. Ten days later, Amy was in custody. She pled guilty to protect the children from having to testify, and now she’s serving a 20-year sentence. Campbell County Prosecutor Michelle Snodgrass told the court that Amy set out to destroy the business to get even with Bob. She even thought killing him would make the tax problems go away. And where did all the money go? Snodgrass says, “I think that there’s money buried, and when she makes parole, one of the first stops she makes is to go get that.” When we work with couples, we make sure both spouses are on board with the plan. And while we probably couldn’t have saved the Bosleys, we can help eliminate financial conflicts that threaten relationships. So don’t wait to reach out to your better half. Make sure you have a plan that will help bring you closer together! 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.

Life Coach

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Bad Hair Days and Good Ones And then you’ll be the best version of yourself—inclusive and accepting.

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

JULY 23, 2015

And in the end all the connecting has us standing around exchanging identities. So don’t flip your wig—realize that we women are a lot more alike than we are different! Because no matter what’s on top of our heads, the reality is, we all have bad hair days and good ones. And bad days and good ones.

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i, I am on a trip to Israel with just a few other women. Well, 399 to be exact. We are from all walks of Jewish life. Tonight is our last night in Israel. And everyone has completely changed their identity. Literally! We are all trying on for the first time and switching wigs! Israel has had a wild effect on us. It changes us both physically and spiritually. In just nine days we’ve gone from independent people to dependent ones. We are dependent on being with each other 24/7. I wouldn’t necessarily say it was a case of love at first sight, but it certainly is love at last sight. The women are sending pictures of themselves home wearing the wigs they tried on and the husbands are flipping out. Half because they don’t recognize their wives anymore, and the other half because they can’t figure out why their wives are sending home pictures of what they think are other women. What is this strange effect that this trip has on its participants? It’s a combination of women bonding, the air in Israel, and overdosing on hummus! We also attend classes on the wisdom that the Torah has to give on bettering ourselves as mothers, wives and human beings. And though most of our husbands, of course, know we are perfect just the way we are, we are willing to admit that there may be just one or two minor glitches in our programming. At least when we are alone without them. We also tour the country and visit some important sites. We leave kids at second base to visit kids at an army base. We float away from the Hudson River to float on the Jordan River. We exit the West to encounter the Western Wall.

THE JEWISH HOME

Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

JULY 23, 2015

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Microbead Travel Pillow

THE JEWISH HOME

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Reg. $12.00

onSale

$5. 99

UPSCALE CLOSEOUTS

Sidewalk Chalk

516.218.2211

Just Arrived!

37 Giant Pieces

134 Washington Ave. CEDARHUST, NY 11516

Metal, Padded

Reg. $10.00

Folding Chair

$2. 99

UPSCALE

THE LOSEOU CONNECTION CC

Next door to CVS, in the Gourmet Glatt parking lot

Reg. $50.00

$29. 99 PBS Kids Wood Blocks Assorted Designs

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

Reg. $35.00

$14. 99

Disposable Grill

Glass Cake Plate

Large

With Dome

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

Reg. $35.00

$9 .99

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

Reg. $12.00

$4. 99 Quantities may vary according to store location • No rainchecks • Not responsible for typographical errors

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