Five Towns Jewish Home - 4-20-16

April 20 — May 4, 2016

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Around the

Community

51

Congresswoman Kathleen Rice Visits Yeshiva of South Shore

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Where are You and Your Matzos From? by Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky

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Providing Pesach for the Five Towns & Far Rockaway Community with the JCCRP

Let My People Go, So They May ... Sing Nursery-Rhymes? by Mr. Joe Bobker TJH Chol Hamoed Guide Living Entebbe Every Day of His Life: TJH Speaks with the Youngest Entebbe Hostage Short Story: Save a Senior – Times Two Rhythm of the Soul: TJH Speaks With Lazer Lloyd Delicious Pesach Recipes All This and More in our TJH Pesach Supplement…

Page 111

68

Dirshu Celebrates Siyum on Chelek Aleph of the Mishnah Berurah

– See pages 3 & 31

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You’ve cleaned. We’ve cleaned.

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Dear Readers,

W

hen I was in Israel for the year, I went to my aunt’s brother for one meal on Pesach. They don’t eat gebrochts, and after we washed, they all ate their matzah. But there was nothing else on the table, just a plastic tablecloth. No drinks, no food. After the matzah was finished, they rolled up the plastic and then proceeded with the meal – sans matzah.

Not everyone is so strict when it comes to not making matzah wet on Pesach. My mother remembers her grandfather giving her and her brother a special treat on Pesach mornings – coffee with matzah crumbled on top. And my mother’s family doesn’t eat gebrochts.

I guess that’s why people have a tradition not to “mish” on Pesach. There are so many minhagim that you can’t question or explain. Some people don’t eat sugar, others don’t eat chicken, some don’t eat fish, and there are others who only eat peeled fruits and vegetables. Every family has their own way of making sure that it’s a “kasherin Pesach.”

So Pesach is about tradition. It’s also the yom tov of v’higgadita l’bincha. It’s our responsibility to teach our children about our history, what happened in

Mitzrayim, the miracle of our yetzia, and our special relationship with our Creator.

But besides for relating our history as a nation, it’s also the perfect time to tell our children about their family – their grandparents and great-grandparents and great-great-grandparents – and how they celebrated yom tov and kept Yiddishkeit alive through the generations.

Children love stories. And although they may nod and say, “I know, I know this and this happened…” they never tire from hearing anecdotes from yesteryear or from just a few years ago. It helps them envision that they are part of a long chain stretching many years back; it gives them extra pride in their history and their people.

As I write this, there are still a few days left before Pesach and there’s so much that still needs to get done. When I think of all that’s left on my list, I keep my mother’s words in my mind: “We all sit down to the seder at the same time.” She’s right: we’ll all be hearing the Mah Nishtana on Pesach night, sitting with our families and sharing in our nation’s story.

Wishing you a chag kasher v’sameach, Shoshana

Yitzy Halpern PUBLISHER

publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Yosef Feinerman MANAGING EDITOR

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Nate Davis Editorial Assistant Nechama Wein Copy Editor Rachel Bergida Berish Edelman Mati Jacobovits Design & Production Gabe Solomon Distribution & Logistics P.O. BOX 266 Lawrence, NY 11559 Phone | 516-734-0858 Fax | 516-734-0857

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classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.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.

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Contents LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

8

COMMUNITY 8

Readers’ Poll Community Happenings

40

NEWS Global

S40

12

National

27

Odd-but-True Stories

35

ISRAEL Israel News

20

PEOPLE Living Entebbe Every Day of His Life: TJH Speaks with Shai Gross by Ron Jager S16 Rhythm of the Soul: TJH Speaks With Lazer Lloyd by Tzvi Dear

S22

Operation Rimon 20 by Avi Heiligman

122

PARSHA Rabbi Wein

84

JEWISH THOUGHT Don’t Go There by Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz

86

Freedom Doesn’t Mean Free by Eytan Kobre

88

PESACH Where Are You and Your Matzos From? Talk to your Children by Rabbi S6 Mordechai Kamenetzky From Rejection to Redemption by Rabbi Naphtali Hoff Bobker on Pesach

S6

S8 S10

The Commandment of Counting by S12 Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller An Unforgettable Passover by Larry Domnitch S14 TJH Chol Hamoed Guide

S29

JEWISH HISTORY Amulets, Accusations & Controversy: The Devastating Polemic Between Rabbi Yaakov Emden and Rabbi Yonason Eybeschutz, Part XIII by Rabbi 92 Pini Dunner HEALTH & FITNESS To Passover or Pass on Over by Cindy Weinberger MS, RD, CDN Facing our Personal Slavery by Rabbi Dov Silver

S47 96

Don’t Define Me by Deb Hirschhorn, PhD

98

Exodus from Calories by Aliza Beer, MS RD

100

FOOD & LEISURE TJH Speaks with Elizabeth Kurtz, author of CELEBRATE

S38

A Reason to CELEBRATE by Elizabeth Kurtz

S40

The Aussie Gourmet: Sushi ‘n’ Dips

S44

Dear Editor, Last week, I watched the Democrat debate in New York and listened to the commentators afterwards. The Jewish nation has been called “am kishei oref.” Bernie Sanders, as much as he doesn’t relate to his Jewishness, can certainly feel proud that he has this Jewish attribute. The pundits commented about how they admired Sanders for his consistent (and obstinate) view on how Israel has been persecuting the Palestinians and how he sided with the Palestinian “plight.”

You have to admire him for his consistency, they said.

Indeed, Sanders is consistent with many things. He has consistently been touting the socialist agenda for years. You have to admire his tenacity to stick to his principles, no matter how incredulous they may be. In fact, you can probably just press “play” on some of his speeches over the years, and you’ll get the same message.

But I have a message for you, Bernie: yes, consistency is key but it’s important to sometimes listen to others and see that you may have to change your views. For example, when it’s pointed out that the Palestinians are the aggressors (as I write this, there has been a bus bombing in Jerusalem), you may just be siding with the wrong people. Indeed, despite your love for socialism, most smart people have pointed to the collapse of Soviet Russia and to poverty in Cuba and have seen that it just doesn’t work.

Cover painting by Lola Lieber, A’H

When I view Sanders as a candidate, I see him as someone whose “friends” are Soviet Russia and the Palestinians. Sure doesn’t seem to be someone I’d like to see in the White House.

Sincerely, Mark Brog Dear Editor, Like all yomim tovim, we get to spend much time with our families over Pesach. There’s time to schmooze while sitting on the couch before the meals start, more time during the seudos and the seder, and even more time after taking our afternoon naps. Chol hamoed provides an extra special opportunity to speak, connect and have fun together as a family.

Cherish this time. On Pesach we are told “v’higgadita l’bincha,” speak with your children. Yes, it is referring to the retelling of yetziyas Mitzrayim and the birth of our nation. But don’t just talk to your children at the seder about the makkos. Tell them about yourself, about your seder when you were young. Ask them about their thoughts on Pesach. When on trips, or not at the seder, chat about other, mundane things. The more you speak, the more connected you will be. You will be creating memories – good, lasting memories – that will foster a stronger, more beautiful relationship between you and your children. And that’s simchas yom tov!

Chag kosher v’sameach, Hindy Parnes Hillcrest, NY Continued on page 10

LIFESTYLES Short Story: Save a Senior – Times Two by Adina Edelman

S24

Dating Dialogue, Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW

102

Your Money

133

Matzah, Mitzorah, Mitzrayim – What are All the M’s About? by Rivki Rosenwald, Esq., CLC

134

HUMOR Centerfold

82

Rocky’s Rant: Wolf & Lambs

106

Uncle Moishy Fun Page

126

POLITICAL CROSSFIRE Notable Quotes

110

Clintonism, RIP by Charles Krauthammer

118

Let Trump Play the Victim by Michael Gerson

120

CLASSIFIEDS

128

Does everyone say Mah Nishtana at your seder or just the kids?

68 32 %

Just the kids

%

Everyone

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Continued from 8

Dear Editor, B’ezras Hashem, this coming Shabbos night, April 23 – on the second night of Pesach – we will begin counting Sefiras HaOmer.

As a community service, we will once again be providing a nightly e-mail alert as to the correct day that one should count. The Omer Alert is presented in Hebrew, transliterated Hebrew, and in English. In addition, the daily Omer Alert comes complete with associated brochos, halachos, and a Sefiras HaOmer chart.

Baruch Hashem, thousands of people receive the alerts every evening and many have commented on how the Omer Alerts have allowed them to count all 49 days correctly and with a bracha!

To receive the Omer Alert please send an e-mail with the word “subscribe” in the subject line to: omeralerts@gmail.com A chag kosher v’samaech to all, Yisroel Dear Editor, There has been a hotly contested debate in recent weeks over NYC’s minimum wage hike of $15. While eco-

nomic analysis and empirical evidence have already refuted the fallacy of legislated wage hikes, as opposed to ones facilitated by the free market, I would like to demonstrate clearly how there is only one group of workers that benefit from a wage hike, at the expense of all other workers: labor unions.

Labor unions essentially function as cartels. OPEC, for instance, is one of the largest cartels today, and they cash in large profits by utilizing one simple mechanism: restrict total output, and raise the price of oil. This is the classic economic scenario where demand exceeds supply—whether slightly or significantly—thus increasing prices. Unions as well restrict how many workers can enter a particular business or industry, thus increasing their own wages. Now generally, union-workers earn higher wages than their non-union counterparts.

Suppose, for example, that the average labor union worker earns at least $15 an hour, while non-union workers earn $12 an hour. Since wages and productivity (the amount of goods and services produced by 1 hour of labor) are intimately correlated, by raising the minimum wage to $15, virtually all workers whose produc-

tivity is less than $15 will be priced out of the market, such as low-skilled and unskilled workers, for whom the minimum wage law was enacted in the first instance. Or put differently, the more expensive the item, the less people will purchase it; workers are no different. By making workers more expensive, the city is, in effect, restricting how many workers can enter the labor force. And this, of course, is to the detriment of lowskilled and unskilled workers. Since the very function of unions is to do exactly that, they will take advantage of the smaller supply of labor to raise their own wages, since the labor market has become less competitive on account of the wage hike. This is why unions flourish in uncompetitive markets. (High-skilled workers would flourish as well in such markets.) Labor unions therefore only protect the workers within their union, and this is why they are adamant supporters of wage hikes.

The celebrated economist Milton Friedman notes in his book Free to Choose that what truly protects the worker and ensures him decent wages is the free market. For all the hype about worker exploitation, it

is actually a market governed by the economics of supply and demand— besides for productivity—that determines wages. In a competitive market, where the demand for workers is high, employers are essentially forced to bid for workers, and usually the highest bidder wins and thus wages increase. Wages would increase by default if the city government would create the conditions conducive to that end. Factors such as high taxes, excessive regulations, arbitrary licensing laws and unfettered immigration, though, all create an uncompetitive market, where wages will stagnate, or may even decline, for the average non-union worker. It is the competitive free market that ultimately increases productivity, wages and overall economic growth and wealth creation. Union-workers are the greatest beneficiaries of a raise in the minimum wage, at the expense of all other workers.

The “Fight for 15,” therefore, is really a fight for the labor union, not for the worker. Let not Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders deceive you into thinking otherwise.

Sincerely, Rafi Metz

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

The Week In News

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Saudi Arabia is threatening to sell off hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of American assets if Congress passes any bill that would hold the Saudi Kingdom responsible for any role in the 9/11 terror attacks. The Obama administration has lobbied Congress to block the bill’s passage, and many officials have warned senators of diplomatic and economic fallout from the legislation.

Saudi Arabia said it would have to sell $750 billion in treasury securities and other assets in the United States before they could be in danger of being frozen by American courts.

While many economists believe such a sell-off would be difficult to execute and would end up crippling the kingdom’s economy, it is another sign of the escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Saudi officials have fervently denied any role in the Sept. 11 plot. The special commission that investigated the origins of the attack found “no evidence that the Saudi government as an institution or senior Saudi officials individually funded the organization.” However, critics have noted that the commission’s narrow wording left open the possibility that less senior officials or parts of the Saudi government could have played a role.

Suspicions have lingered, partly because of the conclusions of a 2002 congressional inquiry into the attacks that cited some evidence that Saudi officials living in the United States at the time had a hand in the plot. Those conclusions have never

been released publicly.

Families of the Sept. 11 victims have used the courts to try to hold members of the Saudi royal family, Saudi banks and charities liable.

Most of these efforts have been ineffective, in part because of a 1976 law that gives foreign nations some immunity from lawsuits in American courts.

The Senate bill is intended to make clear that the immunity given to foreign nations under the law should not apply in cases where nations are found culpable for terrorist attacks that kill Americans on United States soil. If the bill were to pass both houses of Congress and be signed by the president, it could clear a path for the role of the Saudi government to be examined in the Sept.

11 lawsuits.

15 of the 19 hijackers on September 11 were citizens of Saudi Arabia.

7.8 Quake Devastates Ecuador

A devastating earthquake hit the Pacific coast of Ecuador this past weekend, killing hundreds and wounding thousands of people. The 7.8 magnitude quake struck the Andean nation of 16 million people, causing panic as far away as the highland capital Quito and destroying buildings, bridges and roads. President Rafael Correa rushed home from a trip to Italy to supervise the emergency. “The immediate priority is to rescue people in the rubble,” he declared.

Coastal areas nearest the epicenter were hit hardest. Authorities said there were more than 160 aftershocks, mainly in the Pedernales area. A state of emergency was declared in six provinces. The quake has piled pain on the economy of OPEC’s smallest member, already reeling from low oil prices, with economic growth this year projected at near-zero.

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

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The government called the disaster the worst quake in the country since 1979. In that disaster, 600 people were killed and 20,000 injured, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The U.S. State Department is working to confirm reports of Americans injured in the quake, although it had no reports of any U.S. citizens killed.

The Ecuadorean quake followed two large and deadly quakes that struck Japan since Thursday. Both countries are located on the seismically active “Ring of Fire” that circles the Pacific, but according to the U.S. Geological Survey, large quakes separated by such distances would probably not be related.

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In September of 2014, forty-three students were abducted in Mexico and have yet to be found. The National Human Rights Commission is now reporting that two Mexican federal police officers were allegedly heavily involved in their disappearance.

The announcement adds a new twist to an investigation that has come under fire from international human rights groups and independent investigators. The governmental rights commission says an eyewitness saw municipal officers had stopped a bus carrying 15 to 20 students. The commission also said another local police department, from the town of Huitzuco, had a previously unknown role in the disappearance. The bus was one of five that around 100 students had seized that night in order to use them for a future protest.

Jose Larrieta Carrasco, a commis-

sion official investigating the case, said authorities should look into a “new route in the disappearance” of the students. The attorney general’s office declared last year that police officers abducted the students and delivered them to a drug cartel. The gang then allegedly killed the students at a local garbage dump.

However, the case is not any more solved at this point, as experts from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights said that there was no scientific evidence that the 43 students were ever at the garbage dump after conducting an independent investigation.

What British Muslims Really Think

A new survey conducted in England has found that one out of every three Muslims in the United Kingdom believes that “Jews have too much power.” Not surprisingly, the poll found that anti-Semitic conspiracy theories are perpetuated much more frequently among Muslims than among other Brits. In particular, British Muslims are more likely to believe that Jews have too much power in general, as well as having too much power in the government, media, international banking and businesses.

The survey was done as part of a documentary film titled, “What British Muslims Really Think.” Only 26 percent of the Muslim respondents said that anti-Semitism is “a problem” in modern Britain, compared with 46 percent of non-Muslims. When questioned about specific fields, 39 percent of Muslim respondents said Jews have too much control over the media and 44 percent said Jews have too much power in businesses. 10 and 18 percent of non-Muslims said the same, respectively.

More than a quarter of Muslim respondents believe that Jews are responsible for most wars around the world. Six percent of non-Muslim

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Brits agreed with this. Forty percent of Muslims claimed that Jews are more loyal to Israel than to the UK, 27 percent said that Jews are hated because of the way they behave, and 34 percent said Jews talk “too much about what happened to them in the Holocaust.”

Trevor Phillips, the former head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the host of “What British Muslims Really Think,” said that the poll’s results are “extremely worrying.” He further explained that “on specific issues – families, gender, attitudes towards Jews and on questions of violence and terrorism – the center of gravity of British Muslim opinion is some distance away from the center of gravity of everyone else’s opinion.”

Phillips added that these results show more than just different opinions and political preferences. “One in six Muslims say they would like to live more separately, a quarter would like to live under sharia law. It means that as a society we have a group of people who basically do not want to participate in the way that other people [do].”

He continued to say that they “also found that there is a correspondence

between this desire to live separately and sympathy for terrorism. People who want to live separately are about twice as likely to say that they have sympathy for terrorist acts. Anybody, including most people in the Muslim community, would find that extremely worrying.”

No Jeans in North Korea

A few months ago, it was revealed that North Koreans had to cut their hair like their Supreme Leader. Now, they have to dress like him as well.

The regime has banned piercings and jeans as part of a crackdown on Western culture ahead of its annual

workers conference, The Telegraph reported on Sunday. The ban reportedly targets the North Hamgyong and Yanggang provinces which border China, where citizens are believed to have easier access to information and trends from the outside world.

Rimjin-gang, a North Korean news website which uncovered the ban, also reported that “inspection units” of teenagers who have pledged loyalty to Kim are prowling the streets to enforce the dress code.

“They target supposed capitalist tendencies such as length of skirts, the shape of shoes, T-shirts, hairstyles, and clothes,” The Telegraph quoted the website as saying.

The regime has been known to send those guilty of “anti-socialist” behavior to labor camps.

21st Century Nuclear Arms Race Ramping Up A new generation of smaller, less destructive nuclear weapons is be-

ing pursued by Russia, China, and the United States. After more than 50 years of nuclear peace thanks to a balance of destructive capabilities, the new buildups threaten to revive a Cold War-era arms race.

American officials largely blame Vladimir Putin, saying he is unwilling to build on a 2010 arms control treaty and further shrink the arsenals of the two largest nuclear powers. China is also being blamed by many as it is seen as looking for a technological edge to keep the United States at bay. Others hold the United States responsible for speeding ahead with a nuclear “modernization” that, in the name of improving safety and reliability, risks throwing fuel on the fire.

President Obama acknowledged that danger earlier this month. Seven years ago, Obama spoke about ridding the entire globe of nuclear weapons. At the latest Nuclear Security Summit meeting in Washington, he warned of the potential for “ramping up new and more deadly and more effective systems that end up leading to a whole new escalation of the arms race.”

Testing is a huge concern to all of the involved countries. Moscow

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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Week 12 (3-14) - Jewsih Home:Layout 1

nuclear arms and associated delivery vehicles that, as a family, are shifting the American arsenal in the direction of small, stealthy and precise.

One fear about the new weapons is that they could undercut the grim logic of “mutual assured destruction,” the Cold War doctrine that any attack would result in massive retaliation. While much debated and often mocked, MAD, as it was known, worked. Now, the concern is that the precision and less-destructive nature of these new weapons raises the temptation to use them.

Swedish Minister Resigns

is fielding big missiles topped by miniaturized warheads, and experts fear that it may violate the global test ban as it develops new weapons. The Russian Navy is reportedly developing an undersea drone meant to loft a cloud of radioactive contamination from an underwater explosion that would make target cities uninhabit-

able.

The Chinese military, under the tighter control of President Xi Jinping, is flight-testing a novel warhead called a “hypersonic glide vehicle.” It flies into space on a traditional long-range missile but then maneuvers through the atmosphere, twisting and careening at more than

a mile a second. That can render missile defenses all but useless.

The Obama administration is flight-testing its own hypersonic weapon, but an experiment in 2014 ended in a fireball. Flight tests are set to resume next year. As part of the modernization process, it is also planning five classes of improved

Sweden’s housing minister, Mehmet Kaplan, resigned on Monday partly over comments he made seven years ago comparing Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to the plight of Jews in Nazi Germany, increasing pressure on an already unpopular government.

Over the weekend, daily Svenska Dagbladet reported comments made by Kaplan in 2009 before he became a minister when he said, “Israelis treat Palestinians in a way that is very like that in which Jews were treated during Germany in the 1930s.”

“Mehmet Kaplan’s overall assessment of the situation is that he will not be able to act as a minister and I share that assessment,” Prime Minister Stefan Lofven of the Social Democrats said.

Relations between Sweden and Israel hit rock bottom in 2014 when the Social Democrat-Green government recognized the Palestinian state.

Kaplan, who was born in Turkey, has also come under criticism for attending a dinner attended by a representative of an ultra-nationalist Turkish organization.

Kaplan told reporters he rejected “all forms of extremism whether they are nationalistic, religious or in any other form.”

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Tunnel Detection Lauded Bus Explodes in Jerusalem

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On Monday afternoon, a number 12 bus exploded in Jerusalem, injuring 21 people. Thankfully, no one was killed in the attack. The bus was empty at the time and was passing the Talpiot neighborhood in the southern end of the capital. The blast set a second bus and a taxi nearby on fire.

Pictures from the scene showed a city bus engulfed in flames and a second intercity bus nearby also on fire on the busy Moshe Baram street.

The street separates Talpiot from the Arab neighborhood of Beit Safafa and is near the seam between the capital’s eastern and western sides.

Although details are still emerging about the attack, police say that a small explosive device was placed at the back of the vehicle, under a seat and above the gas tank. The placement of the device explains why a relatively small bomb was able to cause such a large and immediate explosion. As of Tuesday, police say that it seems that the device was made by a professional, as opposed to a pipe bomb. There have been instances of people making pipe bombs, but this incident seems to be on another level.

The identity of the attacker is still being investigated, although it is likely that he is an individual who was critically wounded in his lower body in the blast. It is also possible that the device was stashed under the seat by someone who then got off the bus.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast. The capital and other areas of Israel saw dozens of bus bombings, many claimed

by Hamas, during the Second Intifada from 2000 to 2004, though the attacks have subsided in later years.

On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the IDF for what he called a breakthrough in tunnel detection, hours after the army announced it had located a tunnel meant for attacking Israel reaching from the southern part of the Strip into Israeli territory.

Netanyahu said Israel’s tunnel-finding system was the only one of its kind in the world, though he gave no details on the technology that led to Israeli troops uncovering the passage.

“In recent days, the State of Israel has achieved a world breakthrough in its efforts to locate tunnels,” he said.

“That doesn’t exist anywhere else. We checked the entire world.”

Earlier in the day, Israeli officials revealed the army had found a concrete-lined tunnel stretching hundreds of meters from Gaza into Israel, reminiscent of dozens of tunnels destroyed by the army during a 50-day war with Hamas-led fighters in 2014 launched in part to thwart the underground passages.

Speaking to reporters in his Jerusalem office, Netanyahu warned Hamas against trying to harm Israeli citizens and vowed that Jerusalem will continue to invest heavily in mechanisms to detect tunnels dug from Gaza into Israel.

“The government is investing a fortune in thwarting the threat of tunnels. This is an ongoing effort; it does not end overnight; we are investing in it and will continue to invest steadily and firmly,” he said. “Israel will respond forcefully to any attempt by Hamas to attack its soldiers and attack its citizens,” Netanyahu declared. “I’m sure that Hamas understands this very well.”

The tunnel was detected about a week and a half ago and has since been “neutralized,” an army spokesperson said Monday, but would not elaborate on whether it was destroyed or merely

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

sealed off. Its exact location has not yet been revealed.

Israeli residents near Gaza had complained of hearing digging under their homes in recent months, setting off searches for the tunnels, and Netanyahu and other officials said Israel was working on a secret “solution” to the issue. According to the prime minister, the IDF was acting “around the clock” to ensure their security and their ability to live a life without rocket threats, another offensive weapon employed by Hamas and other Gazan terror groups in recent years.

Golan Forever Ours

Prime Minister Netanyahu declared on Sunday that the Golan Heights will forever remain a part of Israel, a signal to Russia and the United States that the strategic plateau should be excluded from any deal on Syria’s future.

Israel captured the Golan Heights in the 1967 Six Day War and officially annexed it in 1981 in a move that has not won international recognition.

“In the 19 years the Golan was under Syrian occupation, it was used for bunkers, barbed wire fences, landmines, and aggression. It was used for war. In the 49 years it has been under Israeli rule, it has been used for agriculture, tourism, economic initiatives, construction. It is being used for peace,” Netanyahu said during a special government meeting in the Golan Heights.

“I chose to hold this special government meeting in the Golan Heights to send a clear message. The Golan Heights will forever remain in Israel’s hands,” the prime minister reiterated.

The Golan’s population, he said, was growing every year, with some 50,000 people currently residing there and “thousands of families that are supposed to join them in the coming years.”

Netanyahu vowed to keep supporting and strengthening the residents of the Golan, its towns and cit-

ies, industry, agriculture, and more.

“Including decisions we’ll make in this government meeting,” he added.

The prime minister urged the international community “to recognize finally that the Golan will remain permanently under Israeli sovereignty.”

The Golan was an integral part of the Land of Israel in ancient times, “as evidenced by the dozens of ancient synagogues around us,” and that the Golan is also an integral part of Israel in current times.

He spoke of the war and destruction on the Syrian Golan, saying he told U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry that he “doubted Syria will ever return to what it once was.”

The prime minister said he told Kerry that Israel would not pose objections to any diplomatic agreement in Syria so long as it does not compromise the State of Israel’s security.

“Meaning, at the end of the day, Iran, Hezbollah and ISIS forces must be expelled from Syrian territory.”

Meanwhile, pro-Assad press published a message on behalf of the “Syrian residents of the occupied Golan,” which said, “The visit of the racist and fascist Netanyahu government will not change the position of the perseverant Golan residents.”

The Syrian Foreign Ministry also sent two letters to the UN Secretary General condemning the Israeli cabinet meeting. The letter said, “Syria condemns in the strongest terms the holding of a provocative meeting of the occupation government in the occupied Syrian Golan. Syria emphasizes that the meeting is null and void. Syria calls on the UN and the UN Security Council to intervene immediately and to condemn the irresponsible meeting, and demand that the meeting that took place on Syrian soil not happen again.”

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5 Sentenced for “Collaborating” with Israel A Gazan military court sentenced five men to death on Monday, charging them with being informants for Israel. Three of the cases involved alleged spying on behalf of Israel in 2000 and 2001, and two of the men were found guilty of working for Israel in 2008.

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish State was ranked above France, Austria, Brazil, Mexico, and many other countries considered tourist havens. Surprisingly, Israel even beat out Greece, which came in 29th. The Telegraph wrote of Israel that “security concerns do not seem to have undermined your enjoyment of Israel’s fascinating sites… Whatever your political views, Jerusalem is one of the world’s greatest historical destinations.” Interestingly, Tel Aviv isn’t even mentioned.

Amongst the more interesting rankings, Mexico was in 36th place, Brazil in 38th, Jordan was in the 44th spot, Spain was 45th, and Austria barely made it onto the list, coming in 47th.

The biggest surprise perhaps came from Africa, the continent which took five out of the top ten spots.

Here are the top ten places where the British like to travel: 1. New Zealand 2. The Maldives 3. South Africa 4. Japan 5. Myanmar 6. Australia 7. The Seychelles 8. Tanzania 9. Namibia 10. Botswana

Fatah Glorifies Murderers

At least one man can still appeal his sentence.

Several of the men were found guilty of giving information to Israel that led to the deaths of Hamas fighters, according to Palestinian news site Safa. Some were also accused of treason.

Hamas, a terror group which has been the de facto ruler of the Gaza Strip since 2006, has held public ex-

ecutions in the past of those it accuses of collaborating with Israel, including dragging bodies behind motorcycles.

The Palestinian Center for Human Rights said in late December that nine death sentences had been issued in the Gaza Strip in 2015 and two in the West Bank.

Since the start of 2016, four Gazans have been handed death sentences after being accused of spying for Israel.

Traveling? Head to Israel A recent poll taken by The Telegraph in England of the top 50 countries British people like to visit on vacation shows that many people like to head to the Holy Land. Israel rose 8 spots this year and came in 28th place with 75,000 votes.

Mahmoud Abbas, the Chairman of the Palestinian Authority, claims publicly that he wants to find a peaceful resolution with Israel, but his Fatah movement is clearly saying otherwise.

In the past two weeks, Fatah used their official Facebook page to glorify two female Fatah-member suicide bombers.

The two bombers were responsible for murdering eight Israelis and wounding over 100 others back in 2002. Hailing one as a “hero” and the other as a “bride of Palestine” on the anniversary of their attacks, Fatah ended both posts with the phrase: “glory and eternity to our righteous

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Martyrs.”

One of those honored was Ayyat Al-Akhras, who at the age of 17 was the youngest female Palestinian suicide bomber. On March 29, 2002, she detonated a bomb near a Jerusalem supermarket, murdering two victims and wounding another 28.

The other terrorist honored by Fatah was Andalib Takatka, who targeted Jerusalem’s bustling Jaffa Road on April 12, 2002. Her suicide bombing attack murdered six and wounded over 80 others.

Too Much Poverty in the Jewish State

With all of its medical, defense, and technological advantages, Israel still

has a huge problem of child poverty.

Among the world’s 41 most developed countries, Israel was ranked last by United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in child inequality.

The report cited Israel’s 27.5 percent rate of child poverty as the highest among the countries ranked, surpassing even Mexico and Chile.

The report, titled, “Fairness for Children: A league table of inequality in child well-being in rich countries,” documents inequalities in child well-being among the countries of the European Union and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Four key domains of child well-being – income, education, health and life satisfaction – were all examined to determine the final scores. The report focuses on how far children at the bottom 10% are allowed to fall behind the average child in each nation.

“Understanding the differences among countries in how far the most disadvantaged children fall behind their average peers can provide some insight into the conditions or interventions that may help to reduce the gaps,” said Dr. Sarah Cook, director of UNICEF’s Innocenti Research Center in Florence, Italy. In terms of income inequality, Israel ranked 37 out of 41

countries – meaning that the household income of a child at the bottom 10th percentile is 64.58% lower than that of the average child.

In education, Israel also ranked among the bottom countries with both the highest achievement gaps as well as a large proportion of 15-year-old students who achieved below proficiency in reading, math and science literacy. Israel ranked last in health inequality, whereby the health score of children at the bottom of the distribution is 38.9% lower than that of the average child. In addition, Israel also had a high rate of children, some 30%, who reported one or more health symptom every day.

Many members of the Knesset have come out with social and economic plans in response to the report.

Terrorist’s Body Returned By Mistake The body of an ax-wielding terrorist was accidentally returned to the Palestinian Authority. After delivering the body, an IDF spokes-

person revealed that the transfer of the man who had attacked IDF soldiers in front of the Al-Arroub refugee camp was “a mistake following a misunderstanding that will be investigated.”

At the end of March, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon not to return any more terrorists’ corpses in the IDF’s possession to the Palestinian Authority. Netanyahu’s decision at that time was contrary to the positions of Ya’alon, Chief of the General Staff Gadi Eisenkot, and Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Yoav Mordechai.

A senior officer in the Central Command explained this week that most of the terrorists’ bodies were returned to the Palestinians in recent months and that the security services had the remains of only three West Bank Palestinian terrorists, all from the most recent terrorist attacks.

It is unclear whether the accidental transfer was politically motivated.

“Professionally, we said what places we think that it would be correct to return the bodies to,” said an officer.

“The West Bank is not monolithic; what is appropriate for one place may not be appropriate for another.”

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

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Pakistan May Be Linked to 2009 CIA Attack

Although the information is uncorroborated, recently declassified documents suggest Pakistan’s intelligence service paid a U.S.-designated terrorist organization $200,000 to carry out one of the deadliest attacks against the CIA in the spy agency’s history.

In 2009, a suicide bombing at Camp Chapman in Khost, Afghanistan, near the Pakistan border, killed seven CIA employees. After tricking the CIA into believing that he would lead them to Ayman al-Zawahiri, then al-Qaeda’s second-in- command, a double agent blew himself up inside the base.

A newly released document dated January 10, 2010 says the head of the Haqqani network, a Taliban-allied group the U.S. considers terrorists, held two meetings with senior officials of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence the month of the bombing. “They first discussed funding for operations in Khost province” and “funds were later provided to tribal elders in Khost province for their support of the Haqqani network,” the cable says. At the second meeting, Pakistani intelligence officials gave “direction to the Haqqanis to expedite attack preparations and lethality in Afghanistan.”

A heavily redacted document dated February 6, 2010 indicates that network leader Siraj Haqqani and another individual were provided $200,000, it says, “to enable the attack on Chapman.” The document refers to several individuals involved in the plot, including an Afghan bor-

der commander, “to enable a suicide mission by an unnamed Jordanian national.”

The Jordanian would have been Humam al-Balawi, the supposed al-Qaeda turncoat whom the CIA codenamed “Wolf.” As the CIA ushered him on to its base on December 30, 2009, al-Balawi detonated a suicide bomb. A Jordanian intelligence official and an Afghan driver also died, while six people were injured.

It was the most lethal attack against the CIA in the 15-year Afghanistan war and possibly since the 1983 embassy bombing in Beirut.

A U.S. intelligence official described the information as a “raw, unverified and uncorroborated report” that clashes with the general consensus of the attack as primarily an al-Qaeda plot, and not one that involved the Haqqani network.

‫ובכן ויהי בחצי הלילה‬ KOLLEL MERON

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It’s Tax Day for the Obamas This Pesach, as you sing the ancient song of nighttime nissim, know that in our days too, miracles still happen. ‫תאיר כאור יום חשכת לילה‬ April 15th came and went – hopefully it was a pleasant day for you and your accountant. If you didn’t have the most lucrative year, the Obamas can relate. Traditionally presidents of the U.S. release their tax returns, although it’s not required by law, and the Obamas did not break the ritual.

President Obama and his wife Michelle paid $81,472 in federal taxes for 2015 on an adjusted gross income of $436,065, according to their tax return. This is their lowest annual income since moving into the White House.

While the majority of Barack Obama’s income is his $400,000-a-year salary for being the president of the United States, he also earns money from the books he has published. The $60,745 in royalties are from his two adult books, Dreams from My Father and Audacity of Hope. The royalties from a children’s book, Of Thee I Sing, are donated to charity.

This year the sales of his books have declined, explaining his diminishing

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

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income. The Obamas filed a 45 page joint return, with Michelle Obama showing no income and listing her occupation as “First Lady.”

Over the year, the Obamas donated $64,066 to charity. The largest contribution of $9,066 went to Fisher House, which helps military families and has been the biggest recipient of Obama’s largesse during

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his presidency. He also donated to the Beau Biden Foundation, established in memory of the late son of his vice president ($5,000), and Sidwell Friends School, where their daughters attend, the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation ($2,000), and CARE, which fights global poverty ($2,000).

The Mistrust of the Media Americans are dealing with some very serious trust issues involving the media. A recent poll revealed that only 6% of people have confidence in the media, putting the news industry

Experts believe that the skepticism is caused by the overload of information and abundance of access to news. Americans are more likely to rely on news that is up-to-date, concise and cites expert sources or documents, according to a study by the Media Insight Project, a partnership of The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the American Press Institute.

About 6 in 10 Americans watch, read, or hear news several times a day making online news and apps highly popular because viewers can navigate the news app or website easily and quickly. In these forums, audiences can also avoid sitting through commercials. With the explosion of social media over the last several years, consumers are consuming much of their daily news from Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets. Those viewers aren’t necessarily turning to social media for their news but they are there anyways and stumble upon links or announcements to headlines.

According to the poll, audiences ranked accuracy as the most important component of trust. Close to 90 percent of Americans say it’s extremely important that the media get their facts correct, according to the study.

About 4 in 10 say they can remember a specific incident that eroded their confidence in the media, most often one that dealt with accuracy or a perception that it was one-sided.

“The most important thing that news organizations can do is be accurate, and while we know that is a high value, this study reinforces that,” said Margaret Sullivan, public editor of The New York Times. Even if it goes against the competitive push to be first, she said, “perhaps there has to be a willingness to wait a little bit to be right.”

Readers also are looking for balance: Are there enough sources so

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

they can get a rounded picture of what they are reading? They want transparency, too.

“The skill set that journalists have to master is bigger,” explained Tom Rosenstiel, executive director of the American Press Institute. The poll illustrates how consumer expectations have increased.

African-Americans, Hispanics, and people following stories about crime and public safety are particularly likely to say it’s very important to see their communities and people who look like them represented in reporting.

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Proposed “Textalyzer” Could Nab Distracted Drivers

and much Nachas from them.

The dangers of texting while driving are very real and very scary. It is illegal to use a handheld device while driving in most states in the U.S. There is currently an initiative to help police officers enforce the law: “textalyzer” phone scanners that reveal to cops whether drivers were texting at the time of an accident. If the proposed legislation passes, this will become a common tool for police officers in New York State.

The strategy is similar to a “breathalyzer” test that is used to nail drunk drivers. The device allows police officers to examine the phone at the time of an accident as part of the collection of evidence for distracted driving. The “textalyzer” would not have access to drivers’ personal data.

Of course, as with any proposal, the idea is being met with opposition.

The New York Civil Liberties Union slammed the bill, which it says poses a host of challenges. “Distracted driving is a serious public safety concern, but this bill is ill-conceived and misguided, and fraught with legal and

practical problems,” said NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman, in a statement. “This proposal appears likely to impute suspicion and guilt for a wide range of lawful activity, and to invite cops to seize phones without justification or a warrant.

There are existing legal channels for law enforcement to access a phone or phone records if they have grounds to suspect distracted driving has occurred, rather than field-testing every fender bender.”

There are similar technologies already available to police. Israeli firm Cellebrite, which was rumored to have helped the FBI unlock the San Bernardino shooter’s iPhone, offers mobile forensic products that can unlock data from smartphones.

Cellebrite’s UFED Field Series technology was introduced in 2015 and can extract and decode a wide range of mobile device data such as call logs, contacts, calendar, media files and text messages. The technology focuses specifically on a mobile device, and does not need to harness network information from the likes of cell towers. The company insists that, even while its technology is extracting specific information, it can maintain the privacy of other data stored on a device. Cellebrite has already verbalized its support for advocacy group Distracted Operators Risk Casualties (DORCs), which worked closely on the bipartisan bill with New York State Senator Terrence Murphy (R) and Assembly Assistant Speaker Felix Ortiz (D).

DORCs co-founder Ben Lieberman has been a staunch advocate against distracted driving since his 19-year-old son Evan was killed in a 2011 collision caused by a distracted driver. In an interview, Lieberman told FoxNews.com that he wants to see much greater accountability for distracted driving. “Once people were held accountable for drunk driving, that’s when the situation improved,” he said. “We have got to address the problem of distracted driving and the place to address the problem of distracted driving is where accidents happen. I respect the Fourth Amendment – I look on it as one of the pillars of our country – but I also look on driving safely on the road as one of the pillars of our country; it’s something that we have to balance.”

The bill is currently in committee stage, although Ortiz is hopeful that it will pass before the state legislature breaks for summer on June 20.

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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to those of cocaine and other drugs.

The study concluded that, “like other drugs of abuse, withdrawal from chronic sucrose exposure can result in an imbalance in dopamine levels and be as difficult as going ‘cold turkey’ from them.”

Are You Addicted to Sugar?

Got a sweet tooth? You may be in more trouble than you think.

New research strongly recommends, based on scientific evidence,

that a sugar addition be treated like drug abuse. Researchers discovered that drugs used to treat nicotine addiction could be used to treat sugar addiction as well.

Previous research had compared sugar addiction to gambling. Research published in 2014 in an Ed-

inburgh University study stated that sugar addiction is not a biochemical dependency, a contradiction to this research, but it’s more of a psychological dependency.

This recent study, conducted

by Australia’s Queensland University (QUT), compared the effects of sugar

Neuroscientist Professor Selena Bartlett from QUT’s Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation said, “The latest World Health Organization figures tell us 1.9 billion people worldwide are overweight, with 600 million considered obese. Excess sugar consumption has been proven to contribute directly to weight gain.

It has also been shown to repeatedly elevate dopamine levels which control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers in a way that is similar to many drugs of abuse including tobacco, cocaine and morphine. After longterm consumption, this leads to the opposite – a reduction in dopamine levels. This leads to higher consumption of sugar to get the same level of reward.”

She continued, “We have also found that as well as an increased risk of weight gain, animals that maintain high sugar consumption and binge eating into adulthood may also face neurological and psychiatric consequences affecting mood and motivation. Our study found that Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs like varenicline, a prescription medication trading as Champix which treats nicotine addiction, can work the same way when it comes to sugar cravings.”

A quick replacement to sugar like Equal or Splenda is not the answer!

The study also analyzed the effects of artificial sweeteners.

“Interestingly, our study also found that artificial sweeteners such as saccharin could produce effects similar to those we obtained with table sugar, highlighting the importance of reevaluating our relationship with sweetened food per se,” said Masroor Shariff, another scientist involved in the study.

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Americans Angry with Government

The Constitution boasts rights for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but just how happy are Americans?

On the home front, Americans are actually very happy. A recent Associated Press-GfK poll discovered that the majority of Americans are happy with their friends and family, feel good about their finances, and are more or less content at work. However, unhappiness and anger sets in with regards to the current state of the federal government.

Almost 8 in 10 Americans agreed that they are disappointed or unsatisfied with the government, while the same percentage reported being satisfied with their personal lives. Dissatisfaction was more concentrated amongst Republicans: about half of Republican voters admitted unhappiness while about one-quarter of Democrats or Independents expressed discontentedness. In follow-up interviews, voters explained that they are more disappointed in specific political systems rather than political ideology.

They’re upset with both parties, as well as career politicians and Washington insiders who they accuse of not putting their constituents’ interests first.

“There are too many lobbyists and people who are not really working for the people anymore. They’re working to line their own pockets,” said 37-year-old Greg Boire of Belding, Michigan, who works as a bank customer service representative and voted for Trump in that state’s Republican primary. “It happens on both sides. … It’s just the whole government in general.”

The poll suggested that it’s specifically the angry Republicans who are supporting Donald Trump for the presidential nomination. Fifty-eight percent of dissatisfied Republicans, but just 36 percent of angry ones, have an unfavorable opinion of Trump.

However, many Democrats are directing their anger towards the Republican Party. Retired Miami postal

worker Kenneth Olinsky, a Sanders supporter, said he’s angry at Republicans in Congress for being “obstructionist” on legislation that could help working-class or low-income families.

“They haven’t done anything for the people as much as they’ve done for the wealthy and for businesses,” said Olinsky, 61. “There is a definite class system in this country; it’s the haves against the have nots.”

Life Expectancy

by Location

It’s safe to say that there is no fountain of youth but is there a fountain of longevity?

The first trick is to make money – a higher income has been linked by previous research to a longer and healthier life. Across the U.S., the gap between the expected longevity of rich and poor is widening, according to the study led by Stanford University economist Raj Chetty. Between the top 1% and the bottom 1% of income distribution, life expectancy was 15 years higher for men and 10 years more for women. The study examined 1.4 billion records of income-tax files for people aged 40 to 76 years from 1999 through 2014, data that include age, gender and geographic location.

Angus Deaton, a Nobel winning economist at Princeton University and Princeton professor, found that suicide, alcohol abuse, drug overdoses and chronic liver diseases drove a rise in the death rate of middle-aged whites between 1999 and 2013. In fact, longevity inequality got worse, not better, in recent years. The study found that between 2001 and 2014, individuals in the top 5% of income distribution saw their life expectancy increase by around three years, whereas individuals in the bottom 5% experienced no gains.

Additional research suggests that geographic location greatly impacts life expectancy for lower earners.

Low-income individuals tend to live more healthily and for longer in cities with college-educated populations,

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

high incomes, more immigrants, and high levels of government expenditures, such as New York and San Francisco. Experts believe that bigger cities provide healthier environments since they are generally populated with highly educated individuals who are often the first to initiate public health policies such as smoking bans, restrictions on trans fats or taxes on sugary drinks. Strangely, the study discovered that the measures of health insurance coverage and health spending were not as important as social and economic factors in determining health for low-income individuals. Health insurance did not seem to be a factor at all in increasing life expectancy for poorer groups.

Looking to live long? Consider a move. Here are the ten cities where the rich are expected to live the longest: 1. Salt Lake City, Utah 2. Portland, Maine 3. Spokane, Washington 4. Santa Barbara, California 5. Denver, Colorado 6. Minneapolis, Minnesota 7. Grand Rapids, Michigan 8. Madison, Wisconsin 9. Eugene, Oregon 10. Springfield, Massachusetts

Questions with the Obamaphone Program

During the Obama administration there was an initiative to offer low-income families cellphone access by providing them with free cellphones and plans. The “Obamaphone” program was recently expanded but a regulator is claiming that federal regulators willingly and purposefully hid the results of an investigation until after the expansion was approved.

The Federal Communications Commission on Friday announced that it would seek $51 million in

damages from a cellphone company that allegedly defrauded the federal Lifeline program of nearly $10 million. The commission’s five members unanimously backed the Notice of Apparent Liability (NAL), but Republican commissioner Ajit Pai parted from his colleagues in a partial dissent. According to Pai, he and other commissioners were told not to reveal the details of its investigation until April 1, a day after the FCC voted to expand the Lifeline program.

“Commissioners were told that the Notice of Apparent Liability could not be released or publicly discussed until April 1, 2016, conveniently one day after the Commission was scheduled to expand the Lifeline program to broadband,” Pai wrote. “That’s not right.”

Pai did not specify who demanded that commissioners remain tightlipped but it surely would have impacted the outcome of the program expansion. Had there been public knowledge of widespread fraud in the Lifeline program ahead of the vote, concerns about a lack of internal safeguards would certainly have surfaced. There has been controversy over enrollment requirements for the program, and many claim the

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qualifications are too lenient, making the program susceptible to fraud.

Enrollment can be completed by simply using an active Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) card, meaning once a household is approved for food stamps, they automatically become eligible for an Obamaphone.

FCC spokesman Will Wiquist insisted that the timing was completely coincidental. “The timing of the enforcement action was in no way related to the timing of the vote on the program modernization,” he related.

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

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Now, it seems, that dogs can’t just eat scraps from the dinner table.

The Seattle Barkery is a canine-centric food truck that caters to dogs and their owners.

Ben and Dawn Ford, the husband-and-wife team behind the truck, have been parking their 1968 Chevy Step Van outside dog parks, farmer’s markets, and dog-friendly breweries around the city for the past 10 months Their menu includes items both people and dogs can enjoy, like pumpkin pretzels, peanut butter-banana cookies, and mini cheesy doughnuts. Other offerings, like their air-fried chicken feet and duck necks, are perhaps better left for the canines. All the treats are homemade and, as Dawn relates, “aren’t filled with ingredients you can’t pronounce.”

Think that the food industry is going to the dogs? This is not the first canine cafeteria. Fido to Go in Chicago serves up fare like bacon cheeseburger-flavored frozen yogurt, and Milo’s Kitchen Mobile Treat Truck includes a play area and doggie selfie station for their fourlegged patrons in San Francisco.

Seems like every dog has its day – I mean, its fillet.

The Noodle Nuptials There is nothing funny about the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. They take themselves very seriously. This week, though, they were all smiles, as the first legally recognized marriage was held in the church in New Zealand. The religion now boasts that it’s heading towards acceptance as a real religion.

Those who follow the Church of

Flying Spaghetti Monster call themselves pastafarians, wear colanders on their heads, revere pirates, and believe the world was created by a giant deity made of spaghetti. But while they have a love of pasta-based puns and celebrate holidays such as “Talk Like a Pirate Day,” followers insist their religion is no joke.

New Zealand officials agree, giving Wellington-based pastafarian Karen Martyn the legal right to conduct marriages last month after ruling the church was based on genuine philosophical convictions.

Martyn conducted her inaugural wedding as an ordained “ministeroni” on Saturday, when Toby Ricketts and Marianna Young became the first couple in the world to “tie the noodly knot” in a legally recognized ceremony.

The wedding took place on a charter vessel decorated as a pirate ship at the South Island town of Akaroa, with guests dressed in costume.

Ricketts, a filmmaker who discovered pastafarianism while making a documentary about religion, said he knew some people may not take the marriage seriously.

“That’s kind of what attracted us to it,” he told AFP. “We were never planning to get married and have a conventional wedding but this allowed us to do it in a way that we’re comfortable... Our families are 100 percent behind us.”

Maybe they’ll be naming their first child Marinara.

Sleepy Delivery It seemed like a dream. He fell asleep in Tennessee and then woke up in Texas. But then he realized that it was real.

A FedEx Express hub worker was loading cargo onto an aircraft in Memphis when he nodded off at 4am. After napping for a while, he awoke midflight and tried to alert pilots by knocking on the cabin door.

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

SHIR HASHIRIM

NE W COMPAC10T”) SIZE (7”x

The pilots spoke with him via telephone and he sat in a jump seat until the plane landed.

Finally, the plane landed, and the worker found himself in another state – and it was not the state of happiness.

What’s in a Name?

One of the justices, Eleanor King, said it was “one of those rare cases” in which judges should intervene.

“It is hard to see how ... the twin girl could regard being named after this deadly poison as other than a complete rejection of her by her birth mother,” she pointed out.

The woman has a history of drug abuse and mental health problems.

Her children have been placed in foster care.

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Congratulations! It’s a boy and a girl – twins!

But just because they’re your children, doesn’t mean you should subject them to a life with a terrible name. Thankfully, there are judges with some common sense that can intervene.

Last week, a British court ruled that a woman from Wales cannot name her baby daughter Cyanide.

The woman, whose name ironically cannot be published for legal reasons, has infant twins and wants to name her son Preacher and her daughter Cyanide, saying the poison is a “lovely, pretty name” with positive associations because it helped kill Nazi leader Adolf Hitler ym”sh.

But as “pretty” as that association is, local officials objected, and a family court judge ruled against the mother in September, saying she was not acting to secure her children’s welfare. She challenged the ruling, saying it was her right to choose her children’s names. But three Court of Appeal judges upheld the earlier decision in a judgment published last Thursday.

It’s a fresh concept and it seems to be working. Residents of Bengaluru, India, have been seeing something slightly different recently. Unguarded refrigerators have begun popping up around the city, and passersby are invited to open them up and take what they like. There is no place to insert their rupees before selecting their food item, though. Nor is there a person with his or her hand out. Customers are encouraged to use the honor system to deposit their payment in the box attached to the refrigerator.

“Trust Shops” are trust-based coolers from the food company iD Fresh Food. Customers can grab an item from behind the unlocked glass door and deposit their payment in the box attached. Don’t have cash right now? No problem. Just come back later to pay for your food.

The foods available from the

TJH Speaks with the Youngest Hostage at Entebbe See our Pesach Supplement

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

unmanned stands include preservative-free offerings like chapatis, parottas, and idli-dosa batter. iD Fresh Food has already set up 17 Trust Shop locations throughout Bengaluru, mostly in office buildings, apartment complexes, and the “software parks” that are common to the tech hub. It seems that trust works. Most apartment installations have reported payment rates around 90 percent, with some days reaching 100 percent.

In addition to targeting adult buyers, the company also wants to expand the stores to schools and colleges to spread the value of trust to student customers. The business plans to launch in Hyderabad, Chennai, and Mumbai in the near future.

Don’t think that trust only works in India. After a coffee shop in Valley City, North Dakota, swapped out their baristas for a system based on trust, they earned back 15 percent more revenue than they asked for.

Panera Cares, a nonprofit “pay-whatyou-want” cafe from Panera Bread, has been operating under the honor system since 2010.

Seems like honor is not a goner in today’s world.

Make a Hamburglar Happy Last month, a man was caught on security footage breaking into a closed Five Guys burger restaurant and cooking up food for himself on the grill. The “D.C. Hamburglar,” as he has been dubbed, is now wanted by a restaurant – but not for punishment.

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A Bag of Air

I’d say this is all a bunch of hot air.

A sandwich bag purporting to contain air from Kobe Bryant’s last game as well as the NBA star’s autograph was listed for nearly $4,600 on eBay. User cardemon_huskers2015 created an eBay listing on Sunday for the bag of air and the listing ended just hours later “because the item is no longer available.” It was unclear whether the bag sold for its $4,599.99 asking price, although I know for sure that whoever purchased it is just an airhead.

The bag bears Bryant’s purported signature along with an explanation that the air was from Bryant’s final game with the Los Angeles Lakers on April 13 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. He scored 60 points during the game.

The seller said Bryant’s autograph “looks authentic,” although he admitted the bag was purchased “from a guy off of Craigslist.”

At least one other bag claiming to contain air from Bryant’s final game was posted sans autograph on eBay, but the auction site quickly removed the listing. And then it just vanished into thin air.

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If the criminal with a craving turns himself in, he’ll find there’s a pot of ground chuck at the end of the rainbow: free burgers for a year after he’s paid his debt to society.

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rant brand last month in the D.C. area and is still at large,” John Eucalitto, president of Wayback Burgers, said in a statement. “To that gentleman, I’d like to say that we all make mistakes – from committing this illegal act to your choice of burgers. I strongly encourage you to do the right thing and turn yourself in right away.” Seems like eating the wrong burger may just be a crime in some people’s eyes.

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Around the

Community

Yeshiva of Central Queens Celebrated its 75th Anniversary at a Gala Dinner at Leonard’s of Great Neck, on Sunday April 10, 2016.

L-R: Rabbi Yaakov Lonner, Executive Director, Mr. Sruli Glaser, Chairman of the Board, Mrs. Norma Holzer, Legacy Family Award, Mark and Cheryl Hametz, Legacy Family Award, Rabbi Joseph Rothberger, Legacy Family Award, Reize Sipzner and Pearl Cohen Dinner Chairpersons, Assemblyman David Weprin, Councilman Rory Lancman, Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz, Eric S. Goldstein ‘73, Distinguished Alumnus Awardee, Dr. Joel Cohen, President, Rabbi & Mrs. Mark Landsman, Guests of Honor, Ronen Nissani and Tanya Nissani Parents of the Year Award.

Bnos Malka Celebrates 20th Annual Dinner

B

nos Malka Academy celebrated the important milestone in its history by honoring four outstanding families. Mr. and Mrs. Josh Berkowitz, the Guests of Honor, have distinguished themselves within the community and especially at Bnos Malka. Rabbi Michael Weichselbaum, Menahel at the school, has had a long and close relationship with the family. “I was Josh’s 5th and 6th grade Rebbe, prepared him for his Bar Mitzvah and was privileged to be his Mesader Kedushin.” The Parents of the Year were Mr. and Mrs. Yakir Wachstock. “The Wachstocks are pillars of the Holliswood community and are always ready to help our school. They epitomize the values we try to instill in our talmidos.” This year the school recognized Morah Rochel Wasser as their Educator of

the Year. “She is a remarkable educator. Her energy and genuine concern for each girl brings out their best.

More than being masterful in the classroom, she is an incredible role model for the entire school.” Finally, the school paid tribute to Robert, Alan and Michael Salzbank and their respective families for the formation

of the Julius & Claire Salzbank Memorial Fund. “It is a testament to the values of this family that they sought to honor their parents’ memory and help strengthen Torah in our community.”

Parents remarked that the atmosphere at the Dinner was very special. One parent shared, “The video

presentations and the inspired messages of Rabbi Weichselbaum and Mr. Salzbank made for a meaningful and enjoyable night.” Both Rabbi Weichselbaum and Mr. Salzbank emphasized the 20th Annual Dinner as a time to commit oneself to partner with the school to build another generation of Bnos Torah.

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Bnos Bais Yaakov: Persuasive Writing It Makes a Difference

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s one of the ways that BBY strives to create articulate, literate young women, different genres of writing are discussed and practiced. Dr. Joyce Nissel, a writing coach who works with the 5th grade students weekly, has explored mystery writing and poetry, among other writing forms. Most recently, the 5th graders have been working on persuasive writing. By learning to present their arguments in a cogent style and propose realistic solutions, the girls are acquiring a crucial skill for verbal and written communication in all areas and all stages of life.

Working with the 5th grade teachers, Mrs. Buls, Mrs. Rosenblatt, and Mrs. Steinwurtzel, Dr. Nissel instructed the students to choose a topic that was meaningful to them and write to the correct liaison or politician to ask for resolution on

the particular issue. Miss Leah Teitelbaum had decided that our neighborhood had seen enough of the potholes that deface our streets.

After revising and editing her persuasive letter, and even including some methods for raising funds for street repairs, Leah sent her letter off to Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder – never really expecting a response from such a busy politician. Well, not only did BBY receive a phone call from Assemblyman Goldfeder, he sent someone from his office to Bnos Bais Yaakov to hand-deliver his response to Leah and to speak to the 5th grades about the efficacy of persuasive letters in relation to the political process.

We look forward to driving down the even, unbroken streets of Far Rockaway in the near future!

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The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Hundreds of Darchei Torah Alumni Return for Annual Reunion PHOTO CREDIT: YECHIEL UNGAR

Rabbi Yaakov Bender with Yosef Wartelsky and Mordechai Neuman

Rabbi Avrohom Bender, Menashe Malov and Rabbi Dovid Bender

Rabbi Menachem Feifer with Chaim Blumenkrantz

Rabbi Pinchus Wachsman with Muttie Kohn

Rabbi Moshe Bender with Asher Gross

S

ome had graduated the Yeshiva over a decade ago while others were away for less than a year. The alumni assembled at Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s annual reunion represented a broad cross-section of the Yeshiva’s former talmidim, from full-time rabbeim and

bachurim to attorneys and finance professionals. All reunited for an event that enabled them to reconnect with their rabbeim and each other in an atmosphere that was infused with nostalgia and true friendship – the kind that last a lifetime.

The event began with a

Rabbi Shlomo Avigdor Altusky with Yossi Tepfer

dvar halacha about Pesach from Rav Shlomo Avigdor Altusky, the Rosh Yeshiva of Darchei’s Beis Medrash Heichal Dovid. This was followed by a buffet reception prepared by the Yeshiva’s chef, Mrs. Chana Florans.

A short program included divrei chizuk from Rav Yaa-

kov Bender, Rosh HaYeshiva; an update on alumni activities from Rabbi Moshe Benoliel, director of alumni affairs; an award presentation to Menashe Malov, an alumnus of the Yeshiva who has been helpful over the last decade in numerous ways; and raffle drawings.

The Yeshiva Darchei Torah Alumni Association works around the year to keep the alumni connected with their rabbeim and each other through a panoply of events and initiatives. For more information, email alumni@darchei.org.

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Providing Pesach for the Five Towns & Far Rockaway Community

A

s Pesach approaches, many organizations are in a hurry to get people in need the basics for the huge holiday coming up. The Jewish Community Council of Rockaway Peninsula (JCCRP) goes above and beyond the “basics.” On April 13, 14, and 15, last week, the JCCRP’s Kosher Client Choice Food Pantry ran a Pesach food distribution that helped provide a momentous Pesach for well over 1,000 people. That’s 1,000 people who received beyond the basics, whether with cash assistance or with food and non-food items (aluminium foil, cutlery, sponges). The Pesach Food Pantry distribution was held in honor and memory of Dr. Esther Rose Lowy a”h.

Unfortunately, many of our local Jewish needy families don’t view Pesach as the “festival of freedom” that it truly is; it actually becomes a large financial burden and produces anything but feelings of freedom. The JCCRP stepped forward to address this issue and makes sure that as many families as possible are able to benefit from the

Rabbi Yehoshua Robinson and his 11th grade MAY students helping out in the food pantry, stocking shelves and organizing goods

Pesach Food Pantry and cash assistance.

The unique quality of the JCCRP’s Kosher Client Choice Food Pantry is the way clients are given the opportunity to make their own selections.

Clients are treated with the dignity they deserve, as they are able to walk through the pantry and choose their own food items, comparable to a real

supermarket.

Hundreds of clients came to the pantry on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and chose from a wide selection of food, including grape juice, matzah, potatoes, carrots, onions, melon, chicken, gefilte fish, oil, ketchup, eggs, apples, macaroons and much more – all kosher for Pesach.

The JCCRP would like to thank the many volunteers who participated in helping pack bags and boxes, and for guiding clients through the pantry.

Many volunteers from Met Council lent a helping hand, as well as students from Mesivta Ateres Yaakov (MAY).

Rabbi Yehoshua Robinson and his 11th grade class partnered with the JCCRP in assisting our local families for Passover by volunteering in the pantry and assisting with setup and packaging.

Rabbi Yossi Bennet, Assistant Menahel/Principal, said, “At the Mesivta we place a great emphasis on teaching our

talmidim the importance of helping the klal. By feeling a sense of achrayis for the community, our talmidim gain tremendously now and in the future.”

In addition, the JCCRP is grateful to all its sponsors and to the organizations that provided fresh, quality food items: City Harvest, Food Bank NYC, Frenkel’s Supermarket, Met Council, United Way, and UJA-Federation.

The JCCRP is a proud affiliate of Met Council and a beneficiary agency of UJA Federation of NY. The JCCRP provides a range of services for any clients who need assistance in social services or resource directing within the community. Please contact the JCCRP for further information. They are located at 1525 Central Avenue (entrance on Foam Place), Far Rockaway, NY, 11691— Call the JCCRP at (718) 327-7755—or visit them on the web at www.jccrp.org.

Shulamith Students Seek Spirituality

“I

feel like Hashem said, ‘I want to have a relationship with you.’”

“Hashem is my parent. I check in with Him throughout the day because I know He’s waiting to hear from me.”

“Hashem is always there for me.”

Developing a relationship with Hashem was the topic of the third in a series of Panel Discussions at Shulamith Middle Division this year.

On Wednesday, April 13, students in grades five through eight were

privileged to hear from community members Sarala Chrein and Ruchie Frei, as well as their very own Morah Chana Schwartz and Principal Mrs. Rookie Billet.

Each panelist spoke about her own role models as well as occurrences in her life when the hand of Hashem was clearly present. The panelists also shared tips with the girls for how they can find and recognize Hashem in their own lives.

The girls came away inspired and with much food for thought.

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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Around the Community

This Week at YCQ

T

he YCQ Annual Grade Six Science Fair this year depicted the educational growth the students are gaining in the STEM fields. Teachers and students understand the vital importance science is and have displayed an array of well thought out and researched experiments that were displayed for students, parents and faculty during the Fair. Extensive research was done on each topic chosen by the student or students. The systematic approach

being taught in the YCQ science department gives the students an understanding of each step in a research project from collecting the data and studying it through the final analysis.

The participation and success of the Science Fair will encourage students to continue to broaden their knowledge in the STEM fields, as well as keep the learning fun and exciting.

Names, Not Numbers: For the past several years, YCQ Students have participated in Names, Not Num-

bers, an inter-generational project that keeps the memories of survivors of the Shoah alive. The project was started by Mrs. Tova Fish-Rosenberg with the understanding that right now, in the present, this generation has a responsibility to each survivor, the Jewish people, and all who were lost in the Shoah, to tell their stories and remember.

This year YCQ had 26 grade eight students pair with a survivor. They spend time researching the lives and

journey taken of their survivors. They learn and experience the horrors of this magnanimous tragedy and share the victory by the mere fact that as Jews, they survived and continued to create generations of B’nai Yisroel.

As the years get further and further, there are less and less eyewitnesses of the world’s tragedy. Hillel Golubtchik, one of the participants reminds us, “It is so important for us to learn the story now, so we can tell it over and over.”

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

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Children at the Hollander ECC at Yeshiva of South Shore use their fine motor and gross motor skills to build pyramids in “Mitzrayim” out of outdoor bricks and marshmallows

OHEL Gears Up for OXC – Another Xtreme Event

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early 250 participants from the Five Boroughs, the Five Towns, and New Jersey are preparing to run, climb, jump, crawl, and muscle their way through the Second Annual OXC – OHEL Xtreme Challenge – 5-mile or 1.5mile obstacle course at Camp Kaylie. The course has been custom-built by professionals to allow all participants to push their bodies and test their limits, with options for everyone from children to the most hardened athletes.

Modeled after the now famous “Tough Mudder” and “Spartan” runs, OXC includes options for children and adults with disabilities.

Several of OHEL Bais Ezra’s residents with disabilities who have overcome their own life challenges will be joining for this challenging and fun-filled day.

OXC features over 32 obstacles, including tunnels, climbing walls, balance beams, rope ladders, water hurdles, mud dumpsters, and much more. As teams or individuals, every one of the participants will make it to the finish line, receive a medal and other giveaways, and be proud of their accomplishments of overcoming obstacles together. Participants and their families will get to enjoy a full day at Camp Kaylie that includes breakfast, registration, a

5-mile (or 1.5-mile) obstacle course, BBQ lunch, and a participant parade.

Family members of OHEL individuals, Camp Kaylie campers, and students from several colleges and high schools from the Five Towns and New Jersey, including HAFTR, DRS, TABC, North Shore, and Frisch, have already signed up, and are preparing for the event on May 15th. “I’m training at Move U Fitness in Brooklyn with Mark Izhak several times a week,” says OXC participant, Goldy Weiss. “It’s challenging but fun, especially as I join with 20 other Flatbush women. We challenge each other every week to do more and know that with our women power – we’re invincible! Our group of women has become a family; we strengthen each other. We are passionate about our training and proud to be fundraising for OHEL’s children and adults. Training to overcome obstacles similar to what OHEL individuals face every day has changed my life. It has also enhanced my perspective of OHEL and all they do to help those facing challenges every day.”

Ben Englander, OHEL Board member and OXC Chairman, commented: “This is a groundbreaking event and I am proud to be involved with this for its second year. I personally

tions for participants of all ability levels.”

OHEL thanks OXC Chairmen Ben Englander, Aryeh Jacobson, Etan Kestenbaum, and Jeffrey Schwartz for their tireless work on this event, as well as our sponsors: ABC Communications, ABF Mud Run, Atlantic PC, Inc., Barristers Title Agency, Billman Ross & Associates, Clif Bar & Company, Dependable Abstract, Elite Care, Fresko, Poland Spring, Rosco Vision Systems, Stein Farkas & Schwartz LLP, and Toby Schwartz Graphic Design. We also thank our many participants who helped raise money to make this event possible.

participated with my family last year and it was beyond awesome! Our team, ‘The Bunklemen,’ is proud to be a part of the event again.

The obstacles are amazing and challenging. It will be a great day for kids and adults of all abilities. Come out and join us in support of OHEL’s children and adults.”

OHEL notes that the customized tiered system of

obstacles, appealing to both seasoned pros and individuals with developmental disabilities, has become a trend in fitness-related events.

“We have built this course with the hopes that we can set a new precedent in fundraising”, said Robert Katz, Chief Development Officer at OHEL. “I hope that we can lead by example to show how any event can provide op-

All funds raised at this event support OHEL’s children and adults with disabilities and families in crisis.

There is still time to participate, sponsor a participant or team, or become an event sponsor. Please call 718-9729338 or visit www.oheloxc. org.

Since 1969, OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services has served as a dependable haven of individual and family support, helping people of all ages effectively manage disability, surmount everyday challenges, heal from trauma, and manage with strength and dignity during times of crisis.

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Congresswoman Kathleen Rice Visits Yeshiva of South Shore

Rabbi Yotav Eliach to be Feted at Upcoming Rambam Mesivta Dinner

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Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Rabbi Binyamin Kamenetzky and Rabbi Dovid Kramer presenting the YOSS Leadership in Government Award to Congresswoman Kathleen Rice

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ongresswoman Kathleen Rice recently visited Yeshiva of South Shore, where she was presented with an award on behalf of her services to the community.

Over her short tenure in Congress, Ms. Rice has been an advocate for the Five Towns vommunity at large and an outspoken advocate for the State of Israel, being one of the first members of Congress to openly oppose President Barak Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran. She most recently cosponsored several bipartisan bills that express strong opposition to acts of boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel and recognize the continued importance of the mutually

beneficial economic partnership between the U.S. and Israel.

She spoke to the eighth grade boys in the Yeshiva on what it was like during her tenure as the Nassau County District Attorney and how difficult it was to stand up against the president on the Iran nuclear deal.

She stressed to them the importance of getting involved in community affairs and exercising their right to vote, when the proper time came.

The boys got a chance to ask questions on a variety of issues and they were pleased to hear Ms. Rice’s strong commitment to our community, Israel and the growth of our Yeshiva.

YOSS Focuses on Kashrus

abbi Yotav Eliach, renowned educator, has been named the “Educator of Excellence” for Rambam Mesivta’s upcoming 24th Annual Dinner. He will be presented with the Educational Standard of Excellence Award.

Rabbi Eliach comes from a prominent family of Jewish educators. He is the son of Rabbi David Eliach, who served as the principal of Yeshiva of Flatbush High School for over four decades, and Professor Yaffa Eliach, a renowned Holocaust educator and researcher.

Rabbi Yotav Eliach has served as Rambam Mesivta’s principal for 17 years, working alongside Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, the Rosh Mesivta. Before coming to Rambam, Rabbi Eliach taught at Flatbush High School for 19 years, where he was well-known for his dynamic classes.

“Rabbi Eliach is an incredible mechanech who knows how to relate to and inspire talmidim. He imparts true Torah values to so many and does

so in a serious yet humorous manner.

His tireless dedication to Jewish education is made possible by the resolve and sacrifice of his family, his wife Hildy, his children Liam, Noa, and Itai, who have witnessed firsthand and supported his mission of inspiring the next generation of leaders for our people,” said Rabbi Friedman.

The Guests of Honor for this year’s Dinner are Adam and Rivky Orlow, whose son Avi is currently a student in the 11th grade.

The dinner also marks the 10th anniversary of the graduating class of 2006 and will honor Aaron Friedman and Yehuda Isseroff as Alumni of the Year.

Also welcomed back are members of the graduating class of 1996 who will be attending to honor the 20th anniversary of their graduation.

The Dinner will be held on May 8 at the Sands of Atlantic Beach. More information is available at 516-3715824 X102 or Dinner.Rambam.org. b"h

the jean fischman chabad center of the five towns invites you to join in

the 21st annual

Meal of Moshiach it is a custom established by the baal shem tov that on the last day of pesach we eat a special meal,

the moshiach seudah

complete with matzah, wine, and chassidic songs.

Saturday, april 30, 2016 · 6:30 pm

an

fi

hman chab sc ad

c

th e

for more information call (516) 295-2478 or online www.chabad5towns.com

r te

a chance to learn many of the sophisticated elements in modern manufacturing and distribution that affect hechsherim on common food products.

en

Rabbi Dov Schreier from the OU Kashrus Division visited the YOSS 8th grade to share an inside view on the world of kashrus. Talmidim had

je

at the chabad center of the five townS 74 maple avenue · cedarhurSt, ny 11516 men, women & chiLdren are weLcome! sponsored by chaim & tova brill

·o

ft h

e five t o w

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s

·

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

SKA Torah Bowl Champions

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or the sixth year in a row, the Torah Bowl Team of the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls has won the championship! The team faced off against Kosoff Torah Academy, Magen David and Maayanot on Thursday, April 7, in an intense 100 question game that covered all of Sefer Shmot. All of the team members enjoyed learning lishma and are proud of the hard work they’ve put in all season. A special thanks goes to coach Mrs. Beatrice Menchel for her dedication to the team.

The RNSP and the Unspoken Impact it Has on the Community

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he Rockaway Nassau Safety Patrol is an organization of 150+ volunteers who want nothing more than to serve the community in whatever capacity possible.

With a payroll of $0, the RNSP is unique among community serving organizations, since all of its recourses go straight to those its volunteers set out to serve. I’s accomplishments are many, and since it has fully expanded its volunteerism to serve all of the Five Towns in addition to Far Rockaway and Bayswater, the tangible quality of life improvements are clearly evident in all of those areas.

For years before the existence of the RNSP, the Five Towns, Far Rockaway, and Bayswater suffered from regular occurrences of burglary, car break-ins, assaults, and robbery. Repeat offenders enjoyed the fact that there was no community-based group to stop them. Within its 5 years of existence, although these crimes do continue to affect our area, they have been halted in a major way. A productive relationship between law enforcement, district attorneys, community leaders, elected officials, and the RNSP has been forged. Each party has worked in tandem and within the respective roles they play to put repeat-offenders away for significant time. In many past instances, there was nobody to follow up with homeowners and local merchants who have fallen victim to these crimes to press charges on those guilty of committing

those crimes. The above described relationships forged by the RNSP has created a system of accountability for criminals and those who are caught to put them away. The revolving door is spinning no more.

The RNSP is not a group of volunteers from any one particular end of the community; RNSP volunteers live, work, and shop in Far Rockaway, Bayswater, Lawrence, Cedarhurst, Inwood, Hewlett, and Woodmere – all of the areas it serves. This is set up to make it possible for RNSP members to respond to calls to its 24/7 hotline as needed and in real time. The organization’s record of success speaks for itself.

In all of 2015 through April 2016, the RNSP assisted law enforcement, work that resulted in the arrest of 78 perpetrators who have collectively made life less than enjoyable for the citizens of the community. Refer to the numbers below: Arrests: Car break-ins:..................................17 Grand theft auto:.............................. 4 Disorderly conduct:.......................... 4 Burglary:........................................... 3 Leaving the scene of an accident (hit & run):............................................... 5 Assault:............................................. 6 DWI/DUI:......................................... 5 Grand larceny:.................................. 4 Possession of stolen property:.......... 3 Bike theft:......................................... 6 Criminal mischief:............................ 4 Extortion:...........................................1

Illegal fire arm possession:............. 16 TOTAL:........................................... 78 These numbers are but a fraction of what the organization does. Members have taken off work to testify in court in order to ensure that is served.

Tech Squad units have handled over 70 matters requiring technical assistance (such as obtaining video footage of past crimes and tracking lost or stolen electronic devices). Marked night patrols regularly patrol the Far Rockaway and Bayswater areas where such a service is not provided. Every night, there are unmarked patrols after midnight in all of the Five Towns, Far Rockaway and Bayswater, which is the best way to seek out criminal activity proactively. In addition to all of this, the RNSP Search and Rescue Team responds to missing person situations in our community and assists in similar efforts as needed in other areas. Furthermore, the RNSP holds community-wide crime prevention events and other community service details. Such events include but are not limited to bike etchings, counter-terrorism education, funerals, and

Torah processions (hachnasas sefer Torah). This year, the RNSP will hold safe and centrally located public chametz burnings (at the dead-end of B. 9th Street off of Seagirt and in the lot of the LIRR Lawrence Train Station).

Plain and simply put, there is no job too big and no job too small for the RNSP. There is no such thing as a call to the 24/7 hotline going unanswered. If you need them, they are there. It is thanks to the devoted volunteers of the Night Patrol Division, Rapid Response Team, Tech Squad, the 24/7 Dispatchers, the Security Alerts Team, and the spouses of all of those within, each of whom serve in accordance to their talent and passion to make life better in the areas we all call home. On behalf of these men and women, we wish you all a happy and safe Pesach.

Sign up to receive regular security alert updates by sending the message “sign me up” to securityalerts@ RockawayNassau.org. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram.

Think you know everything?

The Centerfold Commissioner says he can stump you

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Jewish Medical Liaison Group

By Chaia Frishman

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hile visiting her son in Lakewood Frumi Z. felt a sharp pain on her side. When the pain did not subside after taking a deep breath, sitting down and taking a drink, her son Yossi knew that something was wrong. Fast forward nine hours and Mrs. Z is now recovering in the post-op room at Robert Wood Johnson hospital in New Jersey. Her emergency appendectomy completed by the top chief surgeon was a success, her family’s needs were met, and someone was at their side throughout this ordeal. All because of the collaborative work of one small, yet powerful group of individuals better known as the Jewish Medical Liaison Group (JMLG) What is a hospital liaison? We all hear about them and we all know someone who works as one. A liaison works for a particular hospital to represent patients in different religious or cultural demographics to streamline any

issues that may arise because of their designation. They coordinate with different medical professionals related to their patient. They advocate for their patients. They deliver calm to chaotic situations. They quite literally are the go-to people with all things medical throughout the frum community.

These 43 liaisons for the frum community hailing from places like New York, Lakewood, Montreal, Chicago and beyond joined together to form the JMLG several years ago for the singular purpose of connecting with each other, collaborating with one another

and to multiply their resources for the good of our communities. Many of the group members have never met in person. Phone calls, emails and texts are exchanged when one liaison needs information to help a client that may be more readily available to a fellow liaison. Various annual gatherings, email and other text forums keep everyone updated and available for each other as needed.

While working as a liaison is a hired job, joining the JMLG has taken their dedication to a whole new level. This tireless and thankless job can sometimes be rigorous, never-ending and truly a 24/7 commitment.

Chizuk and inspiration was needed and through the brainchild of its executive board, a weekend convention was prepared to gather all liaisons and their spouses for the first time to rejuvenate them, acquaint themselves with each other and prepare themselves for all that will face them ahead. After months of preparation, 45 couples enjoyed a weekend in the Somerset Doubletree in New Jersey. It was a Shabbos that most will never forget. In fact, for many of them it was the first time they ever met face to face.

This event would not have been possible without the innovation and sheer generosity of Mr. Kenny Rosenberg and Daryl Hagler founders of the Centers for Care Company, at the forefront of almost every facet of healthcare. Through their nursing homes, rehab programs, Senior Care Ambulance, Home health aides and variety of health care initiatives, they have worked with many liaisons throughout the year and this convention was a natural fit. They have shown real sensitivity and compassion to the particular needs of the frum patient.

The convention program began with a keynote given by Rabbi Boruch Ber Bender of Achiezer, on behalf of the JMLG. The theme of this event is

“Gratitude,” he said, “specifically to the spouses and families of those present.”

Rabbi Bender pointed out the dedication of those present and pointed out how each and every one of the convention attendees had likely never experienced a quiet and peaceful Shabbos without the interruption of a particular emergency.

Rabbi Yechiel Spero, prolific author and speaker and the resident rabbi of the Shabbos, delivered many stirring drashos throughout the weekend underscoring the importance of the achdus of the group, while highlighting the selfless acts that happen every day due to the work of the JMLG members.

The Shabbos morning drasha was given by Rabbi Benzion Lesser, a Chaplain at Maimonidies Hospital, and his warm divrei chizuk were well received by all. The delicious meals over Shabbos were punctuated by a riveting round table discussion clarifying different questions that come up on a day-to-day basis. Led by Rabbi Yehuda Kasirer, of Lakewood Bikur Cholim, the issues were diverse. One question addressed how to navigate family members torn on whether to transfer a patient. So many facets need addressing. Will it be harder to visit that patient in the new hospital, stalling recovery due to his emotional turmoil? Will that move cause the family financial hardship due to insurance concerns? Is the best doctor necessarily somewhere else? The weighing of options is crucial for all decisions. And the challenge of making those decisions with the speed necessary should be noted.

During the Shabbos meal, Heshy Neuman of the Center’s group delivered beautiful words reflecting on this unique weekend.

The culmination of the event was on Motzei Shabbos when 100 more participants joined the convention.

Representatives of area Bikur Cholim organizations, medical referral groups

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Around the Community

and Hatzolah coordinators from across the tristate area arrived to join this special weekend. Rabbi Boruch Ber Bender began the program and once again marveled at the diverse crowd that had gathered from every stripe and background all with the same common denominator. Each of these groups is directly involved in medical care in the Jewish community and bringing them all together can and will benefit so many families and individuals in the future.

He introduced Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zweibel, a close friend to JMLG and Executive Vice President of the Agudas

Yisroel of America. He gave stirring divrei bracha and reminded and highlighted the impact that the group had on our society at large.

Rabbi Bender then introduced Mr. Sruly Rosman, a liaison for NYU Medical center. Mr. Rosman went on to enumerate the amazing details that led up to the creation of the convention and then introduced Kenny Rosenberg, one of the event sponsors. Mr. Rosenberg spoke about the work that his Centers for Health Care does for so many throughout the Jewish community.

The next speaker was Mr. Solomon

Rosenberg, a liaison at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx. Mr. Rosenberg gave gripping detail of the JMLG from its early days of creation and how it has now flourished into an active and robust group that works together on a daily basis. Mr. Rosenberg gave a rallying call to all, to continue to work together to make sure that no Jewish patient ever find himself alone. He announced plans that will be rolled out in the near future to further integrate these liaisons, Hatzolah members, organizations, and other askanim so that patients in our communities will be better served. He went on to explain

that when all of these individuals work hand in hand, great things can be accomplished.

The evening was closed with the moving final words of divrei Torah shared by Rabbi Spero. He poignantly integrated the weekend’s message.

Many people lingered after the speeches to network to get to know each other and exchange contact info, all with the same goal: to help Klal Yisroel in any way possible. Indeed it was a weekend not to be forgotten and one that all of the participants look forward to in the coming years.

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Ready for Chag HaMatzos The Model Matzah Bakery came to the Harriet Keilson Early Childhood Center of Yeshiva Darchei Torah last week

MAY Alumni Yarchei Kallah – A Homecoming Success!

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his past week, Mesivta Ateres Yaakov held their annual Bein Haz’manim Yarchei Kallah on Inyanei Pesach. Although primarily geared for alumni returning from Eretz Yisrael for bein haz’manim, the Yarchei Kallah also attracted many members of the greater community.

This year’s program drew close to 50 graduated talmidim for shiurim, learning, schmoozing and “catching up.”

Each morning following Shacharis, alumni were treated to a lavish breakfast during which they caught up with friends, current talmdim and Rabbeim. Seder began with shiurim on the Haggadah delivered by Mesivta and Yeshiva Gedolah rabbeim, providing insightful divrei Torah for talmidim to share at their own sedarim. Following the Haggadah shiurim, talmidim, together with the 12th grade, were provided ma’areh mekomos with which to prepare for the day’s iyun shiur on different Pesach topics.

The Yarchei Kallah also featured a special Thursday night mishmar shiur

and kumzits. Senior Rebbe, Rabbi Elysha Sandler, delivered a shiur on limud Torah and the crucial role it plays in the life of a ben Torah. The shiur drew

Read the Final Chapter in the Conflict between Rabbi Yaakov Emden and Rabbi Yonason Eyebeschutz Page 92

a crowd of over 100 talmidim. Following the shiur, those in attendance were treated to a delicious smorgasbord replete with cholent, kishka, kugel and poppers all sponsored by the Puderbeutel family of Cedarhurst. The evening progressed into a beautiful kumzits, with live music, singing and divrei Torah from various Rabbeim of the Mesivta. Suffice it to say, the evening was enjoyed by all, illustrated by the fact that it didn’t end until after 1:00 in the morning!

Rabbi Yossi Bennett, Assistant Menahel, commented, “Each year it is one of our most highly anticipated events and a highlight of our year

when our talmidim return either from Eretz Yisroel or from their respective yeshivos or colleges in America. The enormous response from our talmidim returning to learn with their MAY Rabbeim is a huge chizuk, both for Rabbeim and current talmidim. It bears testimony to the strong connections and relationships that were forged while they were here at the Mesivta and to the fact that those relationships remain intact.”

Recordings and source material for the various shiurim are available on the Yeshiva’s website at www.ateresyaakov.com or through the Yeshiva’s office.

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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YOSS Mishmar Learning Celebration

mar on Thursday nights in the Yeshiva. Whether held at the Rebbe’s home or after hours in the classroom, these boys came week after week without fail, demonstrating how much one can achieve in Torah through dili-

gence and commitment, even in such a short time once a week. Our boys’ tremendous accomplishments in learning varied from finishing perakim in Maseches Megillah, Bava Kama, or Makkos to mastering osiy-

os in safrus or Shas sugyos! YOSS is so proud of the boys’ continued growth and commitment to Torah learning!

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The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

THANK YOU!

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PASSOVER 2016 BETTER! All of our great Passover Specials valid till after Yom Tov!

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HAFTR Captures Seven Medals at the Long Island Mathematics Fair

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ll seven HAFTR High School students who competed in the final round of the Long Island Mathematics Fair at Hofstra University on April 16 were awarded medals for their outstanding research.

Outstanding recognition went to Rachel Sacks, who was awarded a silver medal, along with Justin Lish, who was awarded a gold medal. Rachel did extensive work related to the enigmatic qualities of prime numbers and Justin compared plane and spherical trigonometry.

In addition, Isaac Adlerstein, David Fleschner, Jeremy Herskowitz, Jacob Hoffman, and Jack Winkler were awarded bronze medals. Isaac explored the concepts of infinity and beyond, David explored cardinality,

and Jeremy explored triangular recursion relationships.

Other outstanding research was done by Jacob Hoffman, who investigated the cardinality of sets, along with Jack who investigated chaos

theory.

All seven students worked with their mentor, Mr. Neil Bernstein, chairman of the mathematics department at the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway.

Madraigos Presents Bullying and Cyber Bullying Awareness Workshop at HANC

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s part of an ongoing effort in partnership with various schools in our community, Madraigos visited HANC (Hebrew Academy of Nassau County) Middle School on Wednesday, April 6, to deliver a Bully Awareness Workshop with a special emphasis on cyber-bullying. The presenter was Mindi Werblowsky, LMSW, Director of Adolescent Programming at Madraigos.

The workshop, presented separately to the fifth and sixth grade boys and girls, focused not only on awareness, but also on providing students with the tools for action when they are being bullied or witness someone else being bullied.

Students explored the wide spectrum of ‘bullying’ such as physical bullying, emotional bullying, verbal bullying, cyber bullying, and exclusion bullying. They were encouraged to define these types of bullying and how they manifest themselves on a day-to-day basis in their own lives.

Students were shown images of a typical bullying scenario and asked

what the bully and the victim may be thinking and feeling. Through this exercise the students learned that bullies, who often target a weaker person, have as much power as the victim gives them.

One of the hands-on tools shared with students was how to respond when bullied. The students were taught the benefit of standing up for themselves when they are attacked and when possible to treat the situation with humor so the bully sees the victim is not influenced. Students were urged not to become friends with bullies because the friendship gives the victim more ways to be hurt. As in all unhealthy relationships, students were advised to seek help by reporting the situation to a responsible adult.

Mrs. Werblowsky also spent a great deal of time discussing cyber-bullying, its dangers and effects. In addition to the fact that comments posted on the internet or social media are made available to a much wider audience, she explained that the specific danger associated

with cyber-bullying is that the bully believes his/her actions are anonymous. Therefore, he will likely be more hurtful. As such, there is no safe place for victims as the bullying follows them “home.”

Some tools given to combat cyber-bullying were “blocking” the bully, deleting the pertinent social media account, and updating user settings to private. The message most emphasized was that students should never blame themselves if they ever suffer from bullying. Although the victim may feel that no one can provide support since cyber-bullying is anonymous, there are methods of discovering who is posting anonymous messages. It was stressed that the most important thing a victim can do to improve their situation is to consult a trusted adult.

The workshop was very well received by staff and students at HANC. Students were given time to ask questions and discuss possible scenarios that they have faced or expect to encounter in the fu-

ture. When asked by Mrs. Barbara Deutsch, Associate Principal of HANC Elementary School, whether the workshop was beneficial, the students quickly raised their hands in unanimous agreement and said they learned a tremendous amount.

Madraigos and HANC look forward to continue partnering together in raising the awareness of these very important issues in their school.

Please contact Mindi Werblowsky, LMSW at Madraigos at 516371-3250 ext. 113 or email mwerblowsky@madraigos.org for any additional information.

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

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

Around the Community

The fifth grade girls at HALB finished Parshat Va’era and much like the frogs in Pharoah’s bed they were jumping with excitement. For their siyum the girls created a spectacular Makkot Carnival for the fourth grade girls to enjoy. They did such an incredible job brining the makkot to life that the Long Beach residents were sure they were back in Mitzrayim! Each booth connected to a makka and pasuk in our parsha with incredible creativity. Thank you to each girl who put in so much effort and did such a great job!

Chometz Burning

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nnual community-wide chometz burning with the Woodmere Volunteer Fire Department, 20 Irving Place, Woodmere, NY (between Broadway & Central Avenue) on Friday April 22, 2016 from 6:30AM - 11:45AM (Zman).

Going away for the chag? Drop off your chometz to be burned by trained firefighters. Leave in cans by red garage door in parking lot on Thursday.

Please: No silver foil. No plastic bags. Paper bags only. Plastic is toxic when it burns!

NEW: Drop off your unused sealed

F

ar Rockaway/Nassau County chametz burning on Friday, April 22.

Sof Zman: 11:30am/Vilna Gaon: 11:46am.

In Far Rockaway: 7:30-11:46am.

To be held at the dead end of B. 9th off of Seagirt. Supervised by the FDNY, NYPD and RNSP. In Nassau County: 7-12:30pm.

To be held at the Lawrence LIRR Station Parking Lot. Supervised by the LCFD and RNSP. Community members are welcome to burn their chometz at either

chometz products to be given to the The Rina Shkolnik Kosher Food Pantry of the JCC, 1012 Central Avenue, Woodmere, NY. Why burn perfectly good food that can benefit the hungry?

Fire personnel will be on hand to ensure the safety of all. Large dumpster also here for garbage disposal.

If you have any questions, email burningchometz@aol.com. This is a free service provided annually to the community by the Woodmere Volunteer Fire Department.

Have a zissen Pesach and a chag kosher v’sameach.

of these locations. For your safety and the safety of others, please burn only that which is halachically required.

Children must be supervised by a responsible adult.

All community members are urged not to create individual chametz burnings. Any such infraction will result in that fire being extinguished by local fire department personnel and may result in the issuance of a summons.

Wishing you a chag kosher v’sameach.

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Makeovers and Mingling Amongst OHEL’s Adult Mental Health Individuals

By Sharon Mikhli

O

n Sunday April 10, women and men from OHEL’s Adult Mental Health program gathered for a day of pampering, and social engagement thanks in large part to Inspired by You, a wonderful volunteer organization from Canarsie.

Sarah Kahan, LCSW at OHEL and coordinator of OHEL’s Morris Pinsky Simcha Program, organized and managed social facilitation amongst the many participants.

The day kicked off with female participants treated to a morning of welcome pampering and makeovers.

Volunteers from Inspired by You provided “A Day of Beauty,” offering the women manicures, hair styles, makeup applications and wardrobe advice.

Inspired by You is a newly formed non-profit organization based in Canarsie headed by Christine DeSilva

and Natasha Havens. It was created by a team of women who specialize in fields such as cosmetology, wardrobe styling, event planning, and culinary arts and graciously offer free makeovers to those with disabilities or simply, “down and out,” in need of a self confidence boost, emotionally and physically.

They seek to inspire women not just with outer beauty, but also inner beauty, having “Empowering” sessions after the makeovers, where they discuss life aspirations and exchange advice.

Together with OHEL staff, Elaine Schickman, an OHEL board member, also volunteered, styling hair and providing makeovers, and enjoyed spending time with OHEL individuals – many of whom she knew from spending time at the OHEL Bushkill Summer Retreat.

Additionally, participants received hands-on wardrobe styling, and chose outfits and accessories to

complement their new look. Rosie, one of the OHEL individuals, conveyed, “I feel so beautiful!” while Leba added, “Wow, this is great; just a little bit of makeup and I feel so good!”

Makeovers and such pampering are especially beneficial to such women challenged by mental illness, from bi-polar disorders to depression. As these women work to effectively manage their disorder and rightfully focus on medication and emotional and psychiatric support provided by OHEL, there can sometimes be a lacking of focus on externals such as appearance, deportment – external wellbeing.

After the morning of pampering, the many male participants arrived and Sarah Kahan, LCSW and event facilitator, along with co-facilitator Howard Hirt, conducted networking and social mixing. Together with a light dinner served, there was much accompanied talking and mingling. A number of practical dating questions were raised and discussed such as: “Where do you go on a first date?”

“How do you move from casual dating to serious dating?” “How do you ask someone out for a date?”

“How do know this person is the right one?” “How can I trust him/ her?” “When do I introduce him/her to family?” etc. These were all relevant and important dating issues to participants, and they welcomed the interesting discussion by all.

The underlying rationale behind OHEL’s Morris Pinsky Simcha Pro-

gram is the belief that all individuals seek to care for and love another – and that individuals challenged by disability are no different. The program provides socializing and dating skills as well as dating introductions.

In fact there have been numerous marriages that have resulted from the program!

The Inspired by You event enthused the participants, giving them a greater self-confidence to move forward with building healthy relationships through improved self-esteem.

OHEL graciously thanks Inspired by You for their incredible efforts – a team of dedicated, warm and friendly volunteers that OHEL individuals immediately warmed to.

The day came to a reluctant close with OHEL staff, volunteers and residents sharing toasts and words of inspiration, with the hope to do such an event sooner than later in the future! Women left with goodie bags filled with cosmetics and self-care products provided by OHEL and Inspired by You. Christine DeSilva, founder of Inspired by You, commented, “What a great day! My volunteers were so happy to give of themselves and spend the day with OHEL individuals. They are all truly beautiful people, inside and out!”

Individuals interested in the Simchah program, should please contact Sarah Kahan, LCSW at OHEL, at 1-800-603-OHEL (6435).

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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66

APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Special Pesach Programs for Special Needs

By Daniela Berkowitz

O

ver 200 young adults with special needs are preparing for a very unique Pesach experience at Seeach Sod’s “Nofshon” Respite Center in Jerusalem. These participants will sleep over at the hotel-like Nofshon, where they will be treated to a traditional Pesach featuring a wide range of activities by Seeach Sod’s trained staff. For the 16th year running, the full program includes a dynamic seder for those who cannot be with their families and offers activities during Chol HaMoed.

Eighty individuals, ranging from age three to adulthood, will participate in the seder, which is tailored to provide for the emotional and spiritual needs of the participants and grant many families peace of mind knowing that their children are being properly cared for during this busy season.

In addition to the programs during chag itself, 45 elementary school-aged kids enjoyed a pre-Pesach “camp.” The program included a theatrical play, games, art projects, water activities and learning. The week-long camp was packed with song and dance to ensure these students were fully inspired for a lively chag.

In the weeks prior to Pesach, boys and girls from the various Seeach Sod

schools and residential programs embraced the preparations for chag by taking trips to matzah baking centers around Jerusalem, learning about Kriyas Yam Suf, and enjoying other festivities.

“Our annual Pesach programs are designed to reinforce the mitzvos of Pesach,” said Rabbi Shimon Levy, CEO of Seeach Sod. “All these activities were planned and implemented by our professional staff, including

speech, physical and occupational therapists, to ensure the maximum rehabilitative and enrichment during a time when schools are typically on break. As part of our motto to provide culturally and age appropriate activities to the special needs community that is no different than the experiences of their peers, we have prepared hands-on Pesach programs for hundreds of children to approach the chag with excitement.”

Celebrating 45 years, Seeach Sod serves 1,000 individuals with special needs through group homes, vocational programs and other educational opportunities geared to the frum community. Seeach Sod is committed to working on behalf of the special needs community and constantly develops new services to improve the lives of individuals with special needs. To support Seeach Sod, visit seso.co.il/en

Brooklyn to watch the Nets take on the Toronto Raptors. Trip day was

a big success this year. A big thank you goes to DRS Student Activities

Director, Rabbi Brazil, who planned all the trips.

DRS Trip Day

L

ast Wednesday, freshmen, sophomores, and juniors at DRS participated in their annual grade-wide trip day. The students always look forward to trip day. As sophomore Dovid Blank said, “The trip is always a highlight of my year!” The freshmen went to Ring Homestead, where they had a great time enjoying a variety of activities. Freshman Joe Greenberg said, “We played paintball, went on ropes courses and rock walls!” The sophomore grade went to Chelsea Piers and New Roc City, where they were able to ice skate, bowl, play mini golf, and much more. The juniors went to a ropes course and New Roc City.

At the end of the day, all three grades met at The Barclays Center in

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The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

‫א‬

‫לו שהוא‬ ‫ב‬ ‫ן‬ ‫ע‬ ‫ו‬ ‫ל‬ ‫ם הב‬

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68

APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

HaGaon HaRav Aharon Leib Shteinman, Shlita, Attends Daf HaYomi B’Halacha Siyum on Chelek Aleph of Mishnah Berurah Daf HaYomi B’Halacha Nesius Gathers in Bnei Brak to Mark Milestone

By Chaim Gold

“T

here was so much kedusha in that room, so much tahara! So many venerated senior Gedolei Yisrael were there for one reason only – to celebrate limud halacha and to further encourage Klal Yisrael to learn daily halacha. Without a doubt, however, the climax was the entrance of the venerated senior Rosh Yeshiva of our generation, HaGaon HaRav Aharon Leib Shteinman, shlita, who despite his age and weakness pushed himself to attend and even deliver divrei bracha in order to impress upon Klal Yisrael the importance of learning daily halacha.” These were the words of Dirshu’s senior hanhala member Rabbi Avigdor Bernstein when describing the unique maamad of kavod haTorah that marked the siyum of chelek aleph of the Mishnah Berurah in the second machzor of Dirshu’s Daf HaYomi B’Halacha program.

The siyum, held in Rav Shteinman’s apartment building, was attended by the nesius of the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha. They included HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva at the Ponovezh Yeshiva, the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, HaGaon HaRav Yisrael Hager, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Shimon Baadani, shlita, Rosh Yeshivat Torah V’Chaim, HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Scheiner, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Kamenitz, the Sanz-Klausenberger Rebbe, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Boruch Dov Povarsky, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva at the Ponovezh Yeshiva, the Alexander

Rebbe, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Chevron, the Modzhitzer Rebbe, shlita, and the Seret-Vizhnitzer Rebbe, shlita. The Boyaner Rebbe, shlita, was unable to attend, but he sent an emissary, the Rosh Yeshiva of Boyan, HaGaon HaRav Tzvi Rabinowitz, shlita.

The event was also attended by Dirshu’s Nasi, Rav Dovid Hofstedter, shlita.

Rav Shteinman’s Bracha The Nesius of the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha was established just over a year ago in advance of the beginning of the second machzor. There are two separate nesius, one in Eretz Yisrael and the other in America, comprised of Gedolei Yisrael representing the entire cross-section of Torah Jewry. The nesius serves as the leading body and guide for Daf HaYomi B’Halacha and Dirshu looks to them for direction and inspiration on all matters related to the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha.

When the revered Rosh Yeshiva Rav Shteinman entered the room accompanied by his grandson, Rabbi Dovid Shapira, all of the senior gedolim rose in deference. There was a reverent hush in the room as the chairmen of the event, HaGaon HaRav Yehuda Aryeh Dunner, shlita, Rav of Beis Medrash Divrei Shir in Bnei Brak, asked Rav Shteinman to deliver words of bracha. In his short but telling remarks that offered insight into the great importance of Daf HaYomi B’Halacha in Rav Shteinman’s eyes, he said, “From Tzion the Torah comes

forth and the word of Hashem from Yerushalayim. Through the learning of halacha we will all merit the geulah shelaima, bimheira b’yameinu!”

The Pivotal Importance of Learning Halacha Daily The Daf HaYomi B’Halacha was established by the Gedolei Yisrael among them, the posek hador, HaGaon HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, zt”l, who encouraged Dirshu to undertake establishing what would become a new Daf HaYomi in Klal Yisrael.

The Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman, remarked at the founding of the nesius about a year ago, “The foundation of a Jew is to conduct himself in accordance with the four orders of Shulchan Aruch.

Nevertheless, the very fact that the Chofetz Chaim wrote the Sefer Mishnah Berurah on the chelek of Orach Chaim (and according to those who maintain that it was his intention to write on all four orders, the fact that he chose to start with Orach Chaim) shows that one must learn halacha daily. Orach Chaim is unique in that it outlines the daily halachos that every Jew must know. This is the chelek that a person must live with every day of his life. Thus he must learn it every day of his life.” Rav Shteinman concluded with the bracha, “Hashem Yisborach should help us, that in the zechus of learning Torah every day, may we merit the coming of Moshiach Bimheira B’yameinu!”

In addition, at a previous Daf Ha-

Yomi B’Halacha event several years earlier, Rav Shteinman almost prophetically said, “When Rav Meir Shapiro introduced the concept of learning a ‘Daf Yomi,’ many skeptics predicted, ‘How will everyone be able to learn the difficult masechtos covering areas of Torah that are not relevant in our times, such as seder Kodshim, learned in the past by only the greatest talmidei chachamim?’ Today, however, everyone knows how mistaken those skeptics turned out to be! Today we realize that because of Daf Yomi, all Jews have the opportunity to become Shas Yidden. Similarly, with Daf HaYomi B’Halacha all the naysayers will be proven to be mistaken…”

The event was opened by Rav Dunner who began, “We have gathered here today at the home of the Rosh Yeshiva in honor of the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha. Anyone with any familiarity of the situation in our communities can see what a colossal, revolutionary transformation the learning of daily halacha has made in the minds of yungeleit and bachurim the world over. It has given them a newfound cheshek in learning halacha and a deep desire to know and understand halacha. All of Klal Yisrael is indebted to Dirshu and its Nasi both for creating a comprehensive program and for publishing a Mishnah Berurah with biurim and musafim from the great poskim of our time that enables every Jew to be able to derive the practical halacha in the most user-friendly of ways.”

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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Around the Community

The Vizhnitzer Rebbe, Shlita: Learning Halacha Every Day Transforms the Entire Day! The Vizhnitzer Rebbe, shlita was then asked to deliver short remarks.

The Rebbe cited the Gemara at the end of Masechta Niddah, “‘Kol hashoneh halachos b’chol yom muvtach lo shehu ben Olam Haba’ah—He who learns halachos every day is assured a place in the world to come.’ B’chol yom means every day and the simple meaning,” explained the Rebbe, “is that if he learns halacha every day he is guaranteed a place in Olam Haba’ah.” The Rebbe added, “I think we can say that the words ‘b’chol yom’ can also mean ‘throughout the day.’ When a person learns halacha daily, his entire day, everything he does, wherever he walks, is one long manifestation of learning and fulfilling halacha,” concluded the Rebbe.

HaGaon HaRav Shimon Baadani, Shlita: Daily Halacha an Antidote to Tzaros HaGaon HaRav Shimon Baadani, when called upon to speak, said, in his deep humility, that he was embarrassed to speak in front of the leading gedolim and ziknei ha’dor. He then brought proof from pesukim that specifically when the world is in a terrible situation, when Jewish blood is being spilled and so many want to ruin the Jewish nation, the solution to neutralize the middas hadin and invoke middas harachamim is to learn halacha. Rav Badani cited the well-known Gemara (Megillah 28), “We learned in the beis medrash of Eliyahu that one who learns halacha every day is assured a place in Olam Haba’ah, as it says, ‘Halichos olam Lo [the ways of the world are His]’ – do not read the word halichos, but rather halachos.’”

Rav Badani explained that the pasuk, “’Halichos olam Lo [the ways of the world are His]’ is mentioned in Sefer Chabakuk, where the Navi discusses terrible punishments. The preceding words are, ‘Everlasting mountains were smashed, eternal hills were laid low, for the ways of the world are His.’ How,” Rav Badani asked, “do the words of ‘halichos olam lo’ come into this description of Hashem’s judgment?” He answered, “Perhaps we can say that Chazal derived from this pasuk [that one who learns halacha daily is assured a place in Olam Haba’ah] that even when we are plagued by great tzaros, great travail and suffering, the antidote is to learn halacha every day.”

A Remarkable Sight!

One of the most remarkable aspects of the maamad was the great honor and deference that the gedolim had for each other. The elderly sages stood up for their counterparts as each one entered despite the physical frailty of some of them.

Rav Dovid Hofstedter: The Combined Power of Individual and Community Led

by Ziknei Hador Rav Dovid Hofstedter, Nasi of Dirshu, opened his remarks by saying, “The hakoras hatov that Dirshu has to the Gedolei Hador zt”l and yblc”h, shlita, who established Daf HaYomi B’Halacha is incalculable.”

Rav Dovid continued this theme by pointing out that in the pasuk about the korban Pesach the Torah tells us that Moshe summoned the Ziknei Yisrael and told them about the commandment to bring a korban Pesach.

Why did Moshe specifically tell that to the Zekeinim? In Parshas Shemini where the Torah talks of the chanukas

hamishkan the Torah also says that commandment was given to the Zekainim. What is the significance of the elders?

Rav Hofstedter answered, “The medrash teaches us that Yisrael is analogized to a bird. Just like a bird cannot fly without wings, so too Bnei Yisrael cannot elevate themselves without the Zekeinim. The chanukas hamishkan is a time when the Shechina rests on Klal Yisrael. The Torah is teaching us that the Shechina cannot be present without the Zekeinim.

Similarly, the korban Pesach signified the geirus of Klal Yisrael, the conversion of Klal Yisroel to the people of Hashem. They rose from the 49th level of impurity to become the people of Hashem! Such a transformation, such an undertaking can only be done with the Zekeinim.”

Rav Dovid went on to explain how the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha is a combination of the power of the individual who undertakes to learn halacha daily, day in and day out and the collective tzibbur who undertake learning in one program together. This combined power of individual and tzibbur guided by the Ziknei Hador is the ultimate antidote to free ourselves from the tumah all around us and to bring Hashem and kedusha into our lives!

“As Yidden seeking to improve in our service of Hashem,” Rav Dovid stressed, “we must take this lesson learned from the synthesis of community and individual to heart and apply it to our own lives. As ovdei Hashem we must constantly seek to challenge ourselves, to incorporate more ruchniyus, more Torah learning, more mitzvos and enhanced knowledge of halacha into our lives. At the same time, the ultimate way to accomplish these goals is by attaching ourselves to the

wider community or to a worldwide movement or initiative. In this way we become energized from being attached to something greater than ourselves, to something that unifies all of Klal Yisrael while engaging in individual accomplishment in order to reach those goals.”

Halacha Every Day to Combat the Yetzer Hara Every Day Rav Shlomo Rozenstein, Dirshu’s Director of Public Affairs, related, “The fact that the most senior gedolim, who are so overwhelmed with obligations and often such minimal physical strength, took the time to come to the home of Rav Shteinman to be mechazek the Yidden who are learning Daf HaYomi B’Halacha and to encourage every member of Klal Yisrael who has not yet joined to come aboard and bring Hashem into their lives every day is the greatest testament to the importance that they attach to this newer, exceptionally vital Daf Yomi.”

Perhaps the words of Rav Shteinman that he wrote in a letter in advance of Dirshu’s Shabbos Kinnus Olam HaTorah, 2013, are most prescient at this time. He wrote, “It is therefore proper that every single person set aside time every day to learn halacha, and especially the halachos that are of practical relevance, every day and every Shabbos. This daily learning session of practical halacha should not be less than a half-hour…

“A person must strengthen himself in learning halacha every day, because the yetzer hara comes every day. Countless times each day the yetzer hara tries to pull a person away from Hashem. The only antidote is to strengthen limud haTorah and limud halacha!”

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community PHOTO CREDIT: IRA THOMAS CREATIONS

At the Sderot Dinner last week

Filling Boxes to Fill the Void Jerusalem, Hama​sg​er 4 A wave of activity surrounds the entire facility as the minds and hands of scores of volunteers work together to pack, haul and load over 15,000 boxes of nutritious Pesach food.

Welcome to the Tov V’chesed warehouse, a singular hive from where 37,000 children are fed annually.

“14 years ago, I started out by feeding 200 local families. With the help of so many kindhearted Yidden, we’re now feeding thousands of children all across Israel,” says Tov V’Chesed founder Rabbi Yaakov Eliezer Shisha. “I try to fulfill my childhood promise – made in the throes of shame that poverty brings – by feeding these kids with dignity.” Indeed, each

package that leaves the Tov V’Chesed premises is delivered to the recipient’s door, sparing them the humiliation of claiming their food in public.

Though this fourteenth distribution was an epic one, a small episode in the midst of the action jolted everyone back to a very harsh reality: As the volunteers finished a bountiful meal during a much-needed lunch break, they noticed how young neighborhood children began to gather the leftovers to bring home to their families. The paradox of the situation was stark: inside, 40,000 pounds of matzah and chicken were being distributed while outside, poverty was still not cured.​ Employees at the Tov V’Chesed offices attest to the rise in poverty as they sort

through the endless amount of applications pouring in: desperate families are still​ begging for food for Pesach!​

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IN THE KITCHEN

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Matzos From? Talk to your Children

by Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky

Save a Senior – Times Two

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

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The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Where are You and Your Matzos From?

Talk to your Children

By Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky

I

n this town where I was born, when I was growing up, Pesach was called Passover – a loose translation of the Hebrew word. But I believe that the yom tov it is not only about passing over, it is about passing down. You see, many, if not most, of the sacred rituals of Judaism that involve some sort of speech – davening, learning, and reciting blessings – are all very personal verbal exercises, rituals that are performed and words that are spoken by us to our Creator.

Indeed most of them are sent in one direction –heavenward.

Maybe a Jewish male with no sons to teach or a female who technically does not have to teach Torah can lead a Torah life by fulfilling almost every mitzvah in verbal solitude, without discussion, without interaction. Without passing something on to someone else.

Pesach, though, is different. We must talk to each other. Parent to child.

Child to parent. Scholar to layman. Layman to scholar.

Rabbi to student. And vice versa.

We ask. And we answer.

We communicate. We impart.

When I was a young yeshiva bochur (now I am just an older yeshiva bochur), I was one of the few Americans in Ponevezh Yeshiva, back in the latter part of the 1970s. The first day in yeshiva, I made sure to be up at the crack of dawn and daven every word in my new environs, trying to whisper my reish that somehow never had the same guttural sound as my Isrrraeli (sic) compatriots.

Davening was indeed an experience. It was a weekday, but I felt like it was Aseres Yemai Teshuva. But that is not the part that I remember.

I remember what occurred after davening more vividly than what happened during davening. The magnificent bais medrash was divided into three or four sections. Facing the magnificently gold-gilded aron kodesh, midway down the section that was to the right of the aron, stood a short bushy bearded man who was gesticulating excitedly. He looked like he was from a different era. His large horn-rimmed glasses showed prominently on

his face, and his clothes, though extremely neat, exemplified the essence of kach hee darkoh shel Torah.

There was a crowd gathered around him. All types of talmidim. Old, young, Europeans, Americans, and, of course, the ubiquitous Israelis. He was darshening and they stood spellbound.

I figured he was repeating shiurim from the great Roshei Yeshiva, Rav Shach or Reb Shmuel Rozovsky, perhaps he was giving them insights into a difficult sugya or a shverrer Rambam.

But as I drew closer, I became puzzled. He was telling a story. And not a story with a fascinating ending that came as a surprise to the listeners. He was telling a story that everyone knew and every one of the readers of this column knows.

The storyteller was a holy Jew named Rav Chaim Berman. And the story he was telling, which he continues to tell daily to the devoted listeners who gather around him to immerse themselves in a mitzvas asei, was an old story. It was the tale of Yetzias Mitzrayim, the Exodus from Egypt.

Reb Chaim would be animated as he narrated the

story, to fulfill the mitzvah of remembering Yetzias Mitzrayim every day. He would take the Jews out of Mitzrayim; he would leave the wailing Egyptians. He would blundjah in the desert. He would fear Mitzrayim chasing him and the rest of the fleeing Jews. And then the sea would miraculously part for him and everyone else standing there.

No gematriyos. No roshei taivos. The amazing “meat and potatoes” story of Yetzias Mitzrayim. Every day. Day in and day out.

When I visited Ponevezh 30 years later, he was still there. Same seat. Same enthusiasm. Even some of the same listeners. Gevalt! Yetzias Mitzrayim! Again and again. Every day! The same story. With the same enthusiasm as 30 years prior.

And maybe with the same enthusiasm as 3,324 years prior!

Recently I thought about all the projects and divrei Torah that our children bring home. Everything is wonderful, every shtikel Torah is beautiful. Every gematria and roshei taivos and pilpul is astounding.

But I do not think that any of it comes close to experiencing the true story according to our Sages and the way that the baal haggadah outlines it for us. What happened. The wonders and the miracles. The simple faith that was planted and whose long branches bore the fruits that sustained us in our darkest hours.

It is those miracles and the emunah that we root in our children that will get them through the nisyanos

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

of their generation. It is our jobs to at least one night a year mesmerize our families with our faith as we relate to them the stories of our founding.

I sometimes wonder if all the problems we have today and all of those that began with the haskalah happened because someone down the line did not, or was not able to, tell the story with the same zest, enthusiasm, clarity, and confidence as it was told to him.

Maybe when the mesorah is muddled and murky then we are left with rusty links in a chain that eventually snap.

It is shocking how simple Jews can be so detached from the reality of their history and the events that forged their essence.

My grandfather, Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetzky of blessed memory, once told me a horrific story that a colleague of his related to him back in Lithuania.

This friend was the rabbi of a small shtetl where there lived a very ignorant laborer who somehow fell into some money.

Though he was the same boor as he was before, money can do wonders for a person’s self-image. And so, before the holiday of Pesach, this laborer called his rabbi to a corner and said he would like to discuss a very important yet private matter with him.

When the rabbi agreed, the man whispered to him, “This year, I would like to get some of the special matzos.” The rabbi looked at him bewildered.

“All our matzos are special. I supervise the entire process from the harvesting of the wheat until they come out of the oven. What kind of matzos are you talking about?”

Again, the man was

cryptic. In an even more desperate voice, he reiterated his plea. “This year I have given much more charity. I am even sitting near the mizrach vant (the Eastern Wall) of the synagogue. I truly think that I can finally get some of the special matzos.”

Stupefied, the rabbi shook his head in wonder.

“Can you be more specific?”

This time the man mo-

bar mitzvah. I did not go to buy a suit. I came to thank the proprietor, Mr. Nathan Borlam, for the tremendous chessed he did in supplying quite a number of needy families in our community with yom tov clothing.

I walked out with much more than a “You’re welcome.” I had the opportunity to shmooze with a man from a different world and to hear the stories of his

oif zeiner forder-ahrmer…”

Look at him! He goes with a yarmulke but he has tattoos on his arms.

Frankly, I could not believe it. I could not believe that there were people alive today, Jewish, religious people, that did not know what those tattoo marks were. It sounded as naïve and delusional as little Bruno the character in John Boyne’s book, “The Boy in

When I visited Ponevezh 30 years later, he was still there. Same seat. Same enthusiasm. Even some of the same listeners. Gevalt! Yetzias Mitzrayim! Again and again. Every day!

tioned to the rabbi to draw closer. He looked around furtively. When he saw that they were not being watched, he whispered in the rabbi’s ear. “I want the matzos with the blood.”

My grandfather’s friend recoiled in horror. He described to my grandfather how it took him a tremendous amount of time to convince this Jewish man that there never was, and never will be a matzah with one of the most forbidden consumables in the Torah –blood.

Imagine, for years upon years we were trying to fight the blood libel. And yet it came to the point that we had to fight those horrific notions within our own community.

I tell this story because I am frightened by the erosion of mesorah [tradition], which seems to be treated as an anachronism.

I recently had the opportunity to enter a store I have not entered since one of my married children was

own enslavement in a Mitzrayim called Auschwitz. I sat mesmerized while his son kept feeding the New York City meter and his own miraculous defiance in the face of his oppressors.

And I sat in awe as he told me the story of how he and a group of holy prisoners traded away precious jewels in order to bake matzos in Auschwitz.

And it could not have come at a more poignant time. Just a week before that, a dear friend, Dr. Charles Mitgang, had told me a horrific story. His father, Reb Zalman Yisrael, was walking this winter in Miami Beach on the boardwalk, wearing a short sleeve shirt. There were two young mothers pushing a stroller and they noticed the old man, a large black yarmulke on his head, walking toward them.

In Yiddish they said to each other in a tone loud enough for the elder Mr. Mitgang to hear, “Kik! Er gait a kapalutsh, ober er hut ois shtrechiner tattoos

the Striped Pajamas,” who thought that Shmuel a little Jewish child in Auschwitz was in a fun place and was wearing striped pajamas and not a concentration camp uniform.

No. Mr. Zalman Mitgang did not have an anchor tattooed on his arm. He did not have an arrow piercing through a heart on his arm either. He had numbers and letters tattooed on his arms. Time and even the relative calm of America did not let them fade. But time and the relative calm of America has let it fade from some of our minds.

I say some of our minds.

There are still some who see those tattooed numbers and run to ask Mr. Mitgang for a bracha.

It is sadly shocking, but, similar to the man who asked for blood matzah, there are young women who speak Yiddish to each other but don’t know the story behind those numbers. It is very scary.

The seder night is the

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time for every Jew to join his hands across the sea of time and let his fingers grasp the soul of forebears who were actually there.

Because if the chain of truth is snapped, and the mesorah is just a relic of the past, then we have lost a generation. What is left are simple Jews turning a curious ear to the naysayers, their self-esteem and national pride converted into a murky cloud of meaningless customs. And they eventually nod their heads to Holocaust deniers, and blood libelers and deniers of a Jew’s connection to Eretz Yisrael.

If we are not clear among ourselves who we are, where we come from, and where we are supposed to be heading, then our enemies will do it for us. And the ramifications are frightening.

Perhaps the lesson of the seder must be renewed for all of us. If we do not tell our children what our parents were supposed to tell us, what will our children tell themselves when faced with an unprecedented barrage of falsehoods and slurs about themselves and their heritage?

So when your child asks the four questions this year, make sure you really do know the answers. And if you do not, then make sure you have the right person to ask as well. It may be not only a discussion that forges your relationship; it may be the discussion that ensures our future.

Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky is the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Toras Chaim at South Shore.

This article was adapted with permission from Ami Magazine, where Rabbi Kamenetzky is a weekly columnist.

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

A Fulfilled L fe

From Rejection to Redemption

By Rabbi Naphtali Hoff

P

esach commemorates the redemption of a band of Hebrew slaves from extended, torturous Egyptian bondage. We sit around a regal table as kings and queens, as we recall our ancestors’ transition from servants to freedmen and celebrate their glorious fate on that special date some 3,300 years ago.

However, the holiday is not intended to simply be a historic commemoration of a bygone era. Instead, we are admonished to view the experience as if we, the present edition of our ancient nation, are personally leaving a land of oppression for a new life.

“A person is obligated to see himself as if he were leaving Egypt.” (Pesachim 116b) A number of questions arise from this mitzvah as well. First, what exactly is the nature of this obligation?

In which specific respects are we to attempt to “relive” yetzias Mitzrayim?

In addition, even if we were to clearly define the exact obligation, is the expectation realistic? Can we really view ourselves, living as we do in a free country with great liberty and freedom far removed from the abject suffering of slavery, as if we are leaving Egypt? How then do we go about achieving a meaningful connection?

I would like to answer these questions homiletical-

ly, by suggesting an alternative explanation for the words of Chazal. Instead of understanding our obligation at the seder as being simply one of reliving yetzias Mitzrayim, let us substitute the word “meitzarim,” meaning straits or confinement. In our new version, the mitzvah reads: “In each and every generation a man is obligated to see himself as if he has left behind his personal confinements.”

One such confinement, or limiting belief, comes from the feeling of rejection. The Hebrew slave nation experienced a sudden transformation from a state of perceived rejection (Is G-d ever going to take us out of here? Did He leave us here to rot in turpitude, slaves forever?) to one of miraculous redemption, complete with supernatural miracles and newfound glory. If we are to take a stab at replicating that ancient experience we may wish to spend some time considering our own transitions from rejection to redemption.

We have all tasted the bitter pill of rejection. There was the time that we were not selected for the school performance or failed to make the basketball team. We know what it’s like to be kept out of select social cliques or told “no” by the person with whom we sought a re-

lationship. Not every school that we applied to accepted us; nor did every would-be employer. Perhaps we even had the misfortune of being rejected by an employer, or worse, a spouse or family member.

Rejection is one of the worst feelings that a person can experience. When we are rejected we feel unwanted, unloved and perhaps inadequate. These emotions and thoughts cut at our very essence, leaving us with questions about our true worth and capabilities. We fear moving forward (who is to say that we won’t be treated similarly in the future?) and tend to hunker down in some form of anger-driven selfpity, blaming others, circumstances, and the like for our misfortune.

Pesach teaches us that the best way forward is to not get pulled down by past troubles.

If there is something to learn from the experience (and there always is) then by all means do so. But we cannot achieve, let alone thrive, if we are to spend all of our time and energies thinking about what could have been or who did us wrong. We must be able to be forward thinkers, using every new experience and opportunity as a path to move forward and grow.

I would be the last to suggest that such a mental transformation is simple.

The Torah underscores this by sharing that the Hebrew nation repeatedly demonstrated their “slave mentality” after they had left their land of bondage. Time and again they pined for a return to oppressive Egypt rather than endure the new challenges that they faced in the Sinai Desert. Moses had to continually remind his nation of G-d’s love and munifi-

ter, more positive outcomes?

But sometimes the outcome really had nothing to do with us or was simply a matter of timing or need. Some of the world’s most accomplished and capable people were rejected for the pettiest of reasons, before (and perhaps even after) the greatness was made known.

To be free is more than a physical state; it is a mind-

We must be able to be forward thinkers, using every new experience and opportunity as a path to move forward and grow.

cence in order to move them forward.

Still, what kind of life do we live when we are filled with bitter resentment and refuse to move forward and embrace new opportunities?

In order to emerge healthy and whole from a challenging experience, one in which we felt hurt, unappreciated and perhaps even hated, we need to study the causes. Assuming that we really had anything to do with the rejection in the first place, what could we have done differently? What can we do in the future to experience bet-

set first and foremost. We cannot necessarily choose what others’ reactions and decisions will be but we can choose our behaviors and our responses. At this time of freedom, the best choice is the one that only you can make, which is a choice to live your life to the fullest, in perpetual growth mode.

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 nhoff@ impactfulcoaching.com.

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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APRIL 20, 20162015 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER OCTOBER 29, 29, 2015 || The The Jewish Jewish Home Home

BOBKER ON PESACH

Let My People Go, So They May... Sing Nursery-Rhymes?

S

eder means order. Order means reading the Haggadah in a certain chronology. But if you flip through the wine-stained pages of your free Maxwell House version in search of a coherent structure you will be disappointed. Since this is a night of questions, one may be forgiven for asking, “Ma haseder shebaseder?” “What order is there in the Seder?” Ironically, there is none.

The Haggada is not a book in the typical sense but rather a mosaic of passages and images collected from different sources; “a great and mighty Divine poem” is how Rabbi Avraham Isaac Kook, the mystical first

chief Ashkenaz rabbi of Palestine, described its extracts from Tanach, interwoven with sayings from the Midrash and Mishna, stirred with diverse blessings and prayers that somehow all come together in a perfect union.

On the surface Haggadah means “thanks,” but it is more than that, much more. It is a symphony of gratitude, a chorus of appreciation, composed from the verse, “I acknowledge [higgadeti] today to G-d.” This is a salute to the Mishna’s aggadeta, a compilation of Midrashic sayings and homiletic stories designed to fulfill a direct Torah command: “You

shall tell [vehiggadeta] your son on that day.”

Since then, the “son” has expanded to the entire extended family and guests. As head of the household you have to be prepared for nearly any type of question. Why we ask questions on Pesach and not on Yom Kippur is an easy one to answer: seeing a Jew sad and anxious raises no eyebrows; seeing Jews happy does! The fact is, at Pesach we are even allowed a klotz kasher every now and then.

Here’s mine. What if we read the seder backwards? Would that create the opposite of order – “disorder”? It would certainly create a serious im-

balance in the mesorah but it would start the seder tisch in plenty of song and humor. I speak of my childhood favorite Had Gadya, one of the Haggada’s ending four songs – the other three are Ki Lo Na’eh, Ki Lo Ya’eh, Adir Hu, and Echad Mi Yode’a – that are all for der kinderlach. How do we know? They’re repetitive.

In the music industry this is known as a “snowballing song”; i.e.: a song whose lyrics swell as each new stanza is added. Here’s a trivia questions: How many times does the word dayenu appear in Dayenu? 180!

In one breath: Had Gadya – repeat after me: The goat that is swal-

Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016 The The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

lowed by a cat that is consumed by a dog that is hammered by a stick that is scorched by a fire that is doused by water that is drunk by an ox who gets shechted by a slaughterer who meets his demise at the hands of the malach hamaves – who is sent by G-d.

A half-a-century ago, Alan Mills and Rose Bonne, folksinger composer and lyricist, must have been invited to a seder. How else to explain where they got the inspiration to write their popular ditty about the little old Lady? The first thing she does is swallow a fly. By the end of her perilous gastronomical journey, the little old lady has swallowed a cow to catch the goat she swallowed to catch the dog she swallowed to catch the cat she swallowed to catch the bird she swallowed to catch the spider that wriggled and jiggled and tickled inside her. Why did she swallow the spider? To catch the fly. It ends with a mystery. “I wonder why she swallowed that fly? Perhaps she’ll die.” And she does, after swallowing a horse, of course, of course!

According to R’ Elijah Zalman, the 18th century Vilna Gaon, Had Gadya, whose author still prefers to remain anonymous, is more than just a light-hearted nursery rhyme.

The greatest Ashkenaz scholar since Rashi saw Had Gadya as a profound piece of poetry with serious philosophical undertones. He finds deep meanings in the sequence of animals and different folk trying to chastise others who in turn get punished for the crimes they commit in their pursuit of rebuke. This, he explains, is a metaphor of warning in Aramaic and Hebrew of the vengeance that G-d will one day levy over the long line of Jewish history’s enemies. When? At the end of days. And G-d’s final act before Messiah times? Slaying the Angel of Death whose employment He terminates because in the idyllic state it is no longer needed.

Rabbi Jacob Emden, a contemporary of the Vilna Gaon and one of the outstanding scholars of his generation, was less interested in Had Gadya as an historical allegory of the Yiddishe folk and more fascinated by how much the father pays for the goat (two zuzim) and the fact that the price is repeated in each stanza.

The zuz was introduced into the Judaic monetary system by Bar Kochba during his struggle against the Roman Empire c. 132-136 CE. It was an act of insurrection. Jews would stamp their zuz on top of the silver Roman coinage that displayed the images of Vespasian, Titus, Hadrian. Noting that two zuzim equals half a shekel, Rav Emden saw each purchase as an escalating tax on the soul. The Yiddishists in Central and Eastern Europe would use “chad gadya” as a slang euphemism for prison in that one sits “all alone.”

In a pamphlet published in Leipzig, Germany, in 1731, the members of the anti-Semitic Hall of Fame

don’t sing! Slaves don’t indulge in humorous lyrics and rhymes. It is only after we tell the story of our freedom that the universal language of song becomes appropriate. Especially for the children around which the seder tisch unfolds for the presence of a child is essential to the yom tov because only they have the heightened sense of curiosity and questioning.

Fast backwards to the beginning.

Although many children say the Ma nishtana in a melodic verse, there is an interesting custom behind its repetition from Hebrew to Yiddish in the same sing-song genre going back to our first years in cheder and through beis medrash. It wasn’t enough to say

Q: Why do we have a Haggadah at Passover?

A: So we can Seder right words and Shame were identified. The Usual Suspects were Assyria (the cat), Babylon (the dog) Persia (the stick), Macedonia (the fire), Roman Empire (the water), Saracens (the ox), Crusaders (the slaughterer), and the Turks (the Angel of Death).

One of the enemies that the author of the pamphlet forgot to mention was himself. Philip Nicodemus Lebrecht abandoned his Judaism and became a baptized Jew, a betrayer of Jewish destiny from within. By the time Cecil Roth, the great 20th century British Jewish historian, brought out his Haggadah, the slaughterer had been replaced from the Christian Crusaders to the Muslim Empire.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for mystic subtlety you won’t find it in Echad Mi Yode’a which was penned long before Had Gadya. This children’s song is overtly educational: “Who Knows One?” (G-d) to who knows two (luchos), three (avos), and so on, all the way through to thirteen (principles of faith). Unlike Had Gadya we used to sing Echad Mi Yode’a, originally composed in German in the 15-16th century, in Yiddish.

If we start the seder backwards we miss the essence of Pesach. Slaves

a posuk in the Chumash in Hebrew.

We had to repeat it in song in Yiddish to make sure we understood the Hebrew. This was the custom in preWar Europe when the language in the home was Yiddish, not Hebrew.

(There was no English Haggadah until 1770.)

By making the Jewish child adopt the Talmud Torah chinuch melody from the beis medrash and sing, not speak, the Four Questions, verse-byverse, to his/her father, it immediately set the scene for the rest of the seder: a learning session. And here’s where it gets interesting. Yiddish for “questions” is she’elos. But that’s not the term used. The child does not sing, “Tatte, ich hob gefregen arba ha-she’elot” but “Tatte, ich hob gefregen fir kashes.” Kashes? A kasha is not technically a question; it is derived from kasheh, “a difficulty.”

In other words, in Yiddish it reads, “Father, I have asked you about four difficulties [that I am having with the seder involving matzah and bitter herbs and double-dipping and reclining].” This is the brilliance of the Yiddish language. Asking a question could result in one quick “answer”; exposing a “difficulty” opens up the discussion and interaction, the give-

57 S11

and-take between the talmid (child of Ma Nishtanas) and his Rebbe (father at the head of the seder tisch), a process that remains embedded for life in the earliest memories of a Jewish child.

This is the explicit Biblical duty for parents. To engage in a creative dialogue with their children. When your child asks, “What is this?” the reply must be long. Why? Because “the more a person dwells on the Exodus, the more praiseworthy it is.”

Even the word ‘Pesach’ offers a clue to the importance of this once-a-year pedagogical narrative: in Hebrew pe means “mouth,” sach means to “converse.” And more! “If the other does not know how to ask,” states the Haggadah, “ask for him!” Why? “Because the finest quality of Man is asking questions, since his wit is judged better by his questions than by his answers.”

The saga of the magical story of the Israelites’ redemption from slavery and exodus from Egypt is not the “remembering” part of the mitzvah, of which we do every day of the year as a private act during davening, but the “telling” part which by its very nature must be public, sharing, and involve interaction with others. This response can go a whole night as Rabbi Akiva and his chaverim experienced when they had to be reminded the sun was rising above Bnei Brak.

So there is order in the disorder!

The Haggadah is laid out in a manner that is meant to encourage the questioning of the customs as they unfold.

By the end of the night, the kashya (difficulty) has finally been explained – and it’s time for song!

A kosher un freiliche Pesach to all!

Joe Bobker, alumnus of Yeshivas HaRav Kook in Jerusalem, is the former publisher and editor-in-chief of the Los Angeles Jewish Times, author of the popular Torah With a Twist of Humor and the 18-volume “Historiography of Orthodox Jews and the Holocaust,” the first of which, “War Against the Rabbis: Hitler’s Assault Against Judaism,” will be published this year around Shavuos.

Mr. Bobker can be reached at jbobker@ gmail.com.

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

The Commandment of Counting Counting the Omer teaches us mindfulness, and opens our hearts to the power of stories

by Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller

T

he commandment to count the omer is one of the more curious prescriptions of the Torah. We are told to count the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot even though, of course, the number of days never changes. Therefore, it is very much an effort in which the process is in and of itself a value.

The word for “number” in Hebrew is mispar. Its root is closely related to the word for “story” ― sipur. What is the relationship between the two?

A collection of events becomes a story ― as opposed to a random anthology of events ― when there is a beginning in which the characters are introduced, a middle in which conflict takes place, and an end in which there is resolution.

Our lives flow by so quickly that we frequently lose awareness of the awesome power of our own stories.

The metamorphosis of today into tomorrow is subtle enough for us to lose consciousness of beginnings and ends.

The commandment to count teaches us mindfulness. It re-opens

our hearts to hearing stories. And what story is being told?

There are two stories intertwined.

One is the story of a transformation of a people who at Passover become physically free into a people who at Shavuot become spiritually free as well.

The day we left Egypt was one in which we rejected the Egyptian definition of what our lives can hold. We were free to be who we wanted to be.

But we didn’t yet know our own story. It is only when we received the Torah that we found the channels that could give our souls expression.

It was then that we learned the mechanics of meeting challenges that are genuine and enduring. Our story began to evolve.

BARLEY AND WHEAT

The rituals that define this time of year reflect this change. The sacrifice that was offered on Passover was made out of barley. In ancient times, barley was used as fodder for animals. The sacrifice that was offered on Shavuot was made of wheat.

Wheat is often used as an allegory for the human capacity for using our intelligence. While an animal can eat a fruit or a leaf, it requires human intelligence and creativity to make bread.

What this symbolizes is the transformation of the Jewish people from one who are defined primarily through the strivings and yearnings for the sort of freedom that we share in common with the animals to becoming truly evolved humans. It is indeed quite a story.

What makes us truly human?

The mystic literature discusses the bonds that we share with G-d as being the humanizing factor. These bonds are called sefirot, a name which, as is obvious, also has the same root as number and story.

This common root conveys the fact that our beginning, middle and end are ultimately measured and finite, but nonetheless touched by the infinite spark of G-dliness within us.

The earliest mention of this mystic concept is presented in the Kabbalistic work called Sefer Yetzirah,

literally the “Book of Formation,” which is attributed to Abraham.

There are over a thousand commentaries on Sefer Yetzirah, yet it remains nonetheless one of the most esoteric of the Jewish works on G-d’s nature.

In the 1500s, Rabbi Yitzhak Luria ― a mystic from Egypt who settled in Safed and who is known widely by the acrostic of his name as the Ari (literally “the Lion”) ― elucidated the most enigmatic sections of Kabbalah to a select group of disciples with unsurpassed clarity. Subsequently, the mystic teachings of Judaism became far more accessible than they had ever been in the past.

One of the most central of his teachings is the significance of gaining awareness of the bond that we share with G-d, the sefirot of our spiritual souls.

THE SEVEN ASPECTS OF G-DLINESS

Let us now examine the bonds with G-d that make us human ― the seven expressive aspects of G-dliness.

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(1) Chesed, “kindness” While the drives of the body are towards oneself, those of the soul are directed outwards towards others.

We love those to whom we give be-

by splendor whether its source is spiritual or physical. Our ability to be truly sensitive in this sense is what inspires us to express gratitude. We often resist allowing our-

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Our beginning, middle and end are ultimately measured and finite, but nonetheless touched by the infinite spark of G-dliness within us. selves to be grateful because of the fragility of our self-esteem. When we begin the day with the words Modeh Ani, “I thank you,” we express gratitude towards G-d, and simultaneously see ourselves as creations that are worthy of life.

(6) Yesod, “foundation” This refers to our ability to bond.

It is called “foundation” because it is the very foundation of all interactions. What we ultimately seek in relationships is goodness. Inevitably if we had to choose one trait in a perspective spouse, it would be a spiritual one. For some of us it would be compassion, for others honesty or sensitivity. If we see our own goodness mirrored back to us, we love the person even more. What this tells us is that what we are seeking is in the final analysis, spiritual bonding. We are searching for the face of G-d.

(7) The final attribute is malchut, “kingship” It refers to our ability to bring G-d’s kingdom into being in the greater world and into our own hearts. The way we do this is through the recognition that our missions are of infinite significance; at the same time we retain the humility that comes as a result of knowing what a tiny piece of infinity we can individually call our own.

The seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot have the spiritually potency to give us the ability to let our stories unfold. We can make every day count and emerge more human than we ever could have imagined.

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cause they validate our spirituality.

We see our highest self-reflected in them.

(2) Gevurah, “strength” or “empowerment” Specifically this refers to empowering one’s soul to overcome the obstacles that stand before it. We have the capacity to live for the sake of our goals and to make sacrifices to attain it. The ultimate goal of every Jew is to be a source of light. In order to do this, we must submit our egos and desires to the scrutiny of G-d’s Torah.

(3) Tiferet, “beauty” Beauty is created through harmony and contrast ― that is when we make a “match.” When we become people of truth, our words, thoughts, and deeds match. Only humans can lie. The reason for this is that only humans have the possibility of creating themselves in a certain sense.

To use the words of the Maharal of Prague, “we give birth to ourselves.”

When we lie we succumb to our animalistic desire for comfort and ease.

When we tell the truth, we reconnect to G-d’s transcendental reality and chose to be authentic as humans.

(4) Netzach, “infinity” Anyone who has ever resisted the desire for immediate gratification has touched this quality. It is the source of hope and aspiration towards growth.

(5) Hod, “gratitude” In Hebrew, hod is a noun which literally means “splendor,” but as a verb means both “to confess” and “to thank.” As humans we can be moved

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An Unforgettable Passover

By Larry Domnitch

O

ne particular Passover for the young Cantonist, Chaim Merimzon must have seemed like a dream. Merimzon was one of thousands of Jewish children who were victims of Tsar Nicholas’s zealous obsession to force them to accept baptism. One day, at the age of twelve, he was literally snatched from his home and forced to face years of hardship as a Cantonist. He stubbornly resisted incessant pressure to accept baptism and remained a committed Jew. After years of “service,” Merimzon, already a seasoned servant of the Tsar, was being transferred to another battalion. Along with another Cantonist, Mikhail Zaks, he waited for a group to arrive to be transported together down the Volga River to the province of Saratov.

Merimzon and Zaks began to converse. It was the day before Passover, and the two commiserated.

Tomorrow their parents would sit at the Seder while they were far away.

They reminisced about their lost childhoods and wept.

Suddenly, an elderly man approached. He wore a long coat of dark blue broadcloth belted with a red sash, along with a thick reddish beard.

He stopped the men and questioned them. From where had they arrived? Where were they being sent? He did not ask their nationality since he noticed they were Jews. He only asked whether they had converted. Merimzon and his companion responded that they had not.

“I find that hard to believe,” said the merchant. “You were in the Cantonists and able to remain Jews?”

He bid them not to leave and told them he would soon return. Merimzon and his friend stood there in bewilderment wondering, who was

this man? “We’ll see,” Merimzon said to his comrade. They remained at the assembly point and waited.

They waited for one hour and then another. Suddenly the man returned with a cab. The cabby yanked on the reins and the horses took off.

The merchant led Merimzon and Zaks up a dark stairway to the top floor of a home. He opened the door of a large and lavishly decorated chamber. From the ceiling hung a bronze chandelier; pictures

room was brightly lit by chandeliers and candelabras. The table was adorned with a magnificent bottle of wine. There were small goblets at each place and a large goblet set aside for Elijah the prophet. At each end of the table was a china plate with three matzos wrapped in new silk napkins.

The glasses were filled with wine and the host who had found the Cantonists, Avraham Moisevich, placed his glass upon his right palm and recited the Kiddush in the

In the morning, Moisevich and his wife delivered them back to their commander just as parents see off their beloved sons on a long journey.

were placed upon the walls along with mirrors in gild frames. Velvet armchairs rested around the room.

At the large table, a middle-aged man in a long frock coat was reciting from the Haggadah. The man arose and offered the Cantonists his hand, “Shalom Aleichem,” he said. They replied in kind. Merimzon asked him, “Who are these people who appear Russian but seem as Jews?” The Jew smiled. “They are converts to Judaism, they are Subbotniks who enthusiastically practice Judaism. The government persecutes them cruelly but they have found a place in my landlord’s home to observe religious practices. This evening they will gather to sell their chometz, and tomorrow evening they will gather to pray.”

The two were asked to stay for the holiday. They gladly accepted.

The next night at the Seder, the

traditional melody. Then he invited the soldiers to follow suit. Merimzon remembered how he used to do it at home; he chanted the words with joy and clarity. Then it was Saks’ turn. The children present then asked the traditional “four questions” which were answered by the adults.

At the meal, matzah balls were served with a tasty soup and a large portion of goose. Following the meal, the Seder continued and everyone sang merrily. The final song of Chad Gadya was sung to the tune of a Russian folk dance.

Merimzon and his friend slept in soft beds until Moisevich called them for morning prayers. It was quite a change from the wake up calls they had heard over the past years. What a contrast! For the next several days, life was like a dream; another Seder and more festive

meals, with their gracious hosts.

The guests were content, well fed, and at peace.

When the final day of the holiday arrived, the soldiers were due to leave their temporary paradise and return to the misery that had been their lives for so long. As Moisevich was still reciting the Havdalah prayer, which marks the end of the holiday, members of the community began arriving bearing gifts, which included clothing items, food and a prayer book. Coins of all values were contributed as well.

The hosts gave each a ruble, “Listen boys,” they implored, “Hold onto your holy faith. Don’t be tempted when someone else promises you riches or rank. Go on believing in the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Be firm. ” Merimzon’s heart ached at the thought of his departure, but the time had come to leave. The guests bid their farewells to members of the community. In the morning, Moisevich and his wife delivered them back to their commander just as parents see off their beloved sons on a long journey. For that Passover, they were indeed, family.

That Passover helped sustain the strength of two heroes to continue a long struggle and journey. Several years later, Merimzon would be released from the military, and he would make his way back to his home and family. His unexpected return completely astonished his parents and community.

The years passed but he never forgot the kindness displayed to him on that Passover.

Larry Domnitch is the author of The Cantonists: The Jewish Children’s Army of the Tsar, released by Devora Publishing.

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Shai Gross with his family after their rescue in 1976

Living Entebbe Every Day of His Life TJH Speaks with Shai Gross

By Ron Jager

O

nce upon a time, the State of Israel evoked admiration and respect whenever having to tenaciously defend her borders, defeat her enemies, and provide a national safe-haven for Jews. Long before BDS and the demonization of Israel became politically correct, Israel was once perceived as the heroic nation of the chosen people.

It was almost 40 years ago when many of us were ushering in America’s 200th year anniversary through an endless stream of parties and mesmerizing fireworks displays going on until the

wee hours of July 4, 1976; in a country called Uganda, the frightening specter of Palestinian Arab terrorism had reared its ugly head, but was defiantly crushed with the exceptional courage of the leaders of Israel and an Israeli commando unit that defied all logic by pulling off the greatest rescue operation of Jews since the days of the Holocaust by freeing 105 Israeli and Jewish hostages bringing them back home to Israel.

On June 27, 1976, Air France Flight 139 took off from Tel Aviv, Israel, bound for Athens, Greece, and

eventually Paris. There were 246 passengers and 12 crew members aboard. Not long after the plane took off from Athens, four terrorists – two German nationals and two Palestinians –hijacked the flight. They were armed with pistols as well as a grenade with the pin removed, which one of the terrorists held onto as insurance against being attacked or overwhelmed by the passengers. The hijackers, who were affiliated with the terrorist groups, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and the Baader-Meinhof Gang of West

Germany, forced the plane to land in Benghazi, Libya, and eventually in Entebbe, Uganda. The passengers who were not Israeli nationals were released within two days, but this left over 100 innocent Jews still in their hands.

The terrorists demanded that the Israeli and other Western governments release 53 prisoners held in Israel, Kenya, Switzerland, France and West Germany, and if their demands would not be met, they threatened to start killing the Israeli hostages one by one on July 1.

The 105 Israeli passen-

gers were held in the old Entebbe terminal for a week.

Finally, the Israeli government approved the legendary, risky rescue plan, and the secret mission was underway. On July 3, four Hercules aircraft took off from Sharm el-Sheikh and flew to Entebbe to rescue the Israeli hostages. The horrifying ordeal came to a dramatic end on July 4, when the Israel Defense Forces carried out a hostage rescue mission, and a group of Israeli commandos stormed the complex. When the rescue mission was over, five Israeli commandos were wounded

The The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

and one, commander Yoni Netanyahu z”l, was killed.

Three hostages and 45 Ugandan soldiers, as well as all the hijackers, were also killed.

It was within this context that I met Shai Gross, at the time, only 6 years old, being the youngest hostage of Entebbe. Today, Shai is married, the proud father of four. He named his youngest son Yoni in memory of Yoni Netanyahu, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s brother who was killed while commanding the IDF rescue team at Entebbe.

Yet despite the 40 years that have passed since those eventful days and nights in the sweltering terminal hall at the Ugandan Airport, Shai speaks about his life-changing experience as if it happened only yesterday, vividly recalling those terrifying moments as a sixyear-old hostage. For Shai and his parents, the flight was their first time ever as passengers on a jet plane and their first time that they left Israel to visit abroad.

The night before, neither Shai nor his parents slept being excited about their first flight abroad and visiting Los Angeles, their final destination.

About 40 minutes after taking off from Athens, the plane’s first stop, Shai remembers hearing yelling, and seeing men on the flight brandishing weapons. Within minutes of commandeering the plane, the terrorist hijackers took all the children to business class at the front of the plane separating the children from their parents. The hijackers isolated the children from their parents so as to ensure that the adults would not attempt to overcome the terrorists.

Shai’s mother instinctively told him to hide under her

Copies of the diary written by Shai’s mother, in the case that they would survive the ordeal

seat, covering him with her dress. He recalls his petrifying fear of being separated from his mother and hid quietly without uttering a sound for 2 ½ hours until the children were reunited with their parents. Even then, Shai refused to come out and continued hiding under the seat even longer.

Shai remembers asking his

A handwritten prayer

by Rabbi Shlomo Goren

hazi, Libya, where the plane was refueled and additional terrorists were allowed to board and reinforce the four terrorists already on the plane. The plane continued onto Uganda where all the hostages and crew members disembarked and were held in the terminal building.

The terrorists placed explosives throughout the ter-

terrorists.

All the passengers were held together in a common hall until the fourth day of captivity when the terrorists gathered all the passports and began a process of “selection,” separating the non-Jews from the Jews. An older woman started yelling at a German terrorist, folding up her sleeve, exposing

Shai remembers standing with his mother near a window and looking at two stars in lieu of two Shabbos candles.

mother at the time, “Does it hurt to die?”

Shai reminded me that the plane flew for almost 24 hours, being denied by every nation the right to land and embark. This refusal to open their gates and allow the plane with her Jewish hostages to land was only the first of many instances of events during the week of being held hostage that resembled the behavior of many, if not most nations, during the Holocaust.

Being refused by tens of nations the right to land, the plane was diverted to Beng-

minal building to deter any resistance on the part of the hostages.

During the first three days of captivity, the conditions where substandard; much of the food was spoiled, causing severe vomiting and diarrhea among many of the hostages. Shai remembers that his parents refused to eat treif, preventing them from consuming spoiled food. He played with the other children in and around the terminal hall; at one point, he made too much noise and remembers being slapped by one of the

a number on her arm from the concentration camp in which she was interned. She yelled at the German that he should be ashamed. He responded by hitting her and throwing her into the hall with the remaining Jews.

All of the non-Jews were released and taken out of Uganda, leaving the remaining Jewish passengers in the terminal. The French captain and his crew refused to be released with the nonJews and remained with their Jewish passengers until the ensuing rescue later in the week. Years later, the

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captain, Michel Bacos, was awarded the National Order of the Legion of Honour, the highest decoration in France. He was also awarded a medal by the Israeli government for refusing to leave his Jewish passengers behind when the terrorists released their non-Jewish hostages and offered to release Bacos and his crew.

Among the non-Jews who was released was a woman who evidently succeeded in hiding her Jewish identity. Shai remembers this woman and how she stayed to herself during the days of captivity. The woman, who went by the name Moranu, had a very important role in the success of the rescue mission. During her days of captivity, she made secret drawings of the terminal hall where everyone was being held, drawing specific locations of windows, doors, descriptions of all the terrorists, places where explosives were placed, and so forth. Upon reaching the safety of Paris and being released, she handed over the drawings to relevant parties and these drawings played an important role in the planning stages of the rescue mission.

July 2 was Shai’s 6th birthday and despite his captivity he wanted to eat the cake that his grandmother had put in their bag.

But his mother responded that they had to save the cake for a day when they might not have anything to eat. In retrospect, Shai describes this memory of a child being denied food for fear of starvation as directly reminiscent for him of the Holocaust experience for millions of Jews. He also reminded me that his name, Shai, was a conglomeration of two names of uncles who were murdered in the Holocaust – Shmuel and Yaakov

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

With Gilad Shalit

– Shin and Yud form the name Shai.

Later that day, Idi Amin Dada, the President for Life of Uganda, came to visit the Jewish hostages with his son. It was evident to all that the leader of Uganda was fully cooperating with the Palestinian and German terrorists throughout the whole ordeal.

With Shabbat approaching and still being held hostage, Shai remembers standing with his mother near a window and looking at two stars in lieu of two Shabbos candles and making the blessing that Jewish women have been making for generations. Shai’s mother also spoke about her two other sons who were older than Shai and had remained with the grandparents in Israel.

That Shabbat of captivity was Parshat Chukat and the Chief Rabbi at the time, Rabbi Shlomo Goren, had written a special prayer to be said in all the shuls of Israel during this tense time.

Shai’s grandmother had gone to shul to say the tefilla. According to what Shai knows, his grandmother left the ezrat nashim, entered the men’s praying section, went up to the Aron Hakodesh, threw herself on the Torah scrolls and uttered the blessing, pleading to G-d to safely release the

With President Peres

hostages. The whole congregation wept along with her. Shai believes with all his heart that this blessing uttered by his grandmother, begging for rachmanus, is what touched G-d, opening Shaar Shamayim.

It was Motzei Shabbat between July 3 and July 4, 1976, just before midnight, when the shooting started. Shai and his parents

take to kill 100 Jews?”

But suddenly, an Israeli soldier stuck his head into the room, and his father yelled out in Hebrew that they were Israelis. The soldier picked him up and covered Shai with a blanket so that he wouldn’t see the deadly carnage outside the room as Shai was taken with his parents directly to the first IDF evacuation plane.

“After a few moments,

With Gilad Shalit

town of Givat Shmuel just outside of Tel-Aviv, 40 years later, Shai is now a grown adult with four children of his own. As he collects his thoughts and shares his life-changing experience, it becomes evident from the very beginning that for Shai, Entebbe has become forever embedded in his thoughts. He is never truly free of the ramifications of the trauma he experienced

“After a few moments, we realized that we were being rescued by the IDF. That dramatic rush from desperation to salvation … that is a joy I will never forget.”

thought that the terrorists had started executing the hostages. There was chaos, darkness, smoke, shooting in all directions. His parents took him into an adjacent room, put him under a mattress and both parents laid on the mattress so as to protect Shai with their bodies. Shai remembers feeling a sense of choking and being unable to breathe. The shooting was continuing for way too long; Shai remembers his father asking rhetorically, “How long does it

we realized that we were being rescued by the IDF. That dramatic rush from desperation to salvation … that is a joy I will never forget.” Shai recollects that on the plane not far from where he sat was the covered body of a soldier, Yoni Netanyahu z”l, the fallen commander of the rescue forces.

In Shai’s own words, only then did his life really begin. Taking a leap in time, sitting with Shai in a friendly coffee shop in the sleepy

as the youngest hostage of Entebbe. For Shai, Entebbe is intertwined with his personal identity, and with his personal destiny in life.

Every year, when attending the memorial service of Yoni Netanyahu z”l, rubbing shoulders with the younger brother, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, or requesting to speak before an audience about the Entebbe hijacking throughout the year, he becomes a living testament of those frightening few days, highlight-

ing that he and a whole nation were able to overcome then and now any and all threats to Israel at home and abroad. No one threatening Israel is immune from retribution or accountability.

Entebbe has become a symbol of Israel’s national heroism, eliciting admiration and even envy. Israel, the small and struggling nation, fighting for her existence even before her establishment, was able to show the world how to combat and respond to Palestinian and international terror way before the world realized that by condoning Palestinian terror against Israel, the world has empowered today’s radical Islam to attack the West.

On a personal level, Shai has been able to translate his unique life experience into a few simple words: to help others and to give of himself. Immersing himself into the public movement to release Gilad Shalit from his imprisonment in the Gaza Strip became one of Shai’s two passions to help others.

Shai acknowledges the immense differences between Entebbe and the kidnapping of Gilad Shalit, but on a personal level, he knows that Gilad underwent a horrifying experience and he knows the kind of help and accompaniment he would need

The The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

upon being released. For that reason alone, Shai used his public name and status with Israel’s former President Shimon Peres (who served as Defense Minister at the time of Entebbe), and with Esther Wachsman, the mother of Nachshon Wachsman Hy”d; he used all of his personal powers of persuasion to help a fellow Jew be released from captivity.

Upon Gilad’s release in October 2011, Shai befriended Gilad, opening up his home and helping him with the long rehabilitative process that awaited him.

Today Shai and Gilad are good friends and meet occasionally, sustaining their relationship with an understanding that they share a unique yet similar life experience.

Shai’s second passion and need to help others has been with the children of the organization Shalva, an NGO dedicated to helping children with major disabilities. For Shai, the moment when the unbelievable happens before your very eyes, when the darkness is suddenly transformed to light, such as Shai experienced in Entebbe, is also a familiar occurrence in the Shalva center in Jerusalem.

For 26 years, Shalva has been helping children with special needs move beyond their limitations. Shalva programs and services are designed to provide individual treatment for the child while strengthening the fabric of the family. The program accompanies each child from birth to adult-

hood with individual tailored programs, designed to help participants reach their full potential and integrate into the community.

Inspired by the willingness of soldiers to participate, Shai later decided to volunteer at Shalva, in an effort to mirror what those Israeli soldiers had once done for him and give back to the people of Israel. Having personally experienced how a child can be expected to overcome challenges that would try an adult, Shai has added empathy for the children of Shalva. “Shalva doesn’t see children with disabilities. No. They see superheroes that just need to conquer some challenges.

After volunteering at Shalva myself, I have come to realize that we’re all the same:

potential heroes trying to overcome our struggles.”

Shai was awarded with the Shalva Spirit of Hope award in recognition of how he had met his personal challenges and used that experience to help others.

From a 40 year prospective, the Entebbe rescue mission became a milestone event for the State of Israel. The nation was at its peak, proving to the world that the Jewish people can and will conquer terror. Generations of youth have been inculcated with this message, empowering Jews throughout the world to believe in themselves, the power of prayer, and the State of Israel. Indeed, Shai, the youngest hostage at Entebbe, has carried this message with him through-

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out his life. His passion for giving is a symbol of how the Jewish nation has endured and has come out stronger throughout the generations.

The writer, a 25-year veteran of the I.D.F., served as a field mental health officer and Commander of the Central Psychiatric Military Clinic for Reserve Soldiers at Tel-Hashomer. Since retiring from active duty, he provides consultancy services to NGO’s implementing Psycho trauma and Psychoeducation programs to communities in the North and South of Israel and is a strategic advisor to the Chief Foreign Envoy of Judea and Samaria. He can be reached at medconf@netvision.net.il.

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Rhythm of the Soul TJH Speaks With Lazer Lloyd

By Tzvi Dear

Internationally renowned guitarist Lazer Lloyd started out as an unaffiliated Jewish virtuoso in the nightclubs of Connecticut. After a chance encounter on the streets of Manhattan, he ended up in Israel studying Torah…and playing music. As the lead guitar player in beloved jam band Reva L’Sheva and now in his solo career, Lazer has awed audiences – from left wing chilonim to right wing chareidim – throughout Israel and internationally. His style ranges from folk to blues to rock and beyond, but his musical mission is simply to bring pure joy to all those that click play on his CDs. Lazer, I know you didn’t grow up religious. What made you decide to be chozer b’teshuva?

I didn’t grow up frum at all and I was doing some demos for Atlantic Records while I was living in Manhattan. I would see a homeless beggar in Central Park every day and I used to give him a few dollars to buy some food. We got to talking one time and he told me that he’s Jewish and prays every morning. And I was really intrigued by that. So we agreed that I’d meet him the next day at the synagogue at 39th and 6th.

There was a rabbi there, Rabbi Mormon, and he asked me what I do.

I told him I play guitar and we started hanging out. He saw a long-haired hippie. The next thing I know, two weeks later, he arranges a concert

with me and Shlomo Carlebach.

I was blown away by Reb Shlomo – the way he told the stories and sang the songs. And Shlomo liked the way I played and told me that we have to play together in Israel. That was a month before he died. And he hooked me up with a yeshiva in Israel and said, “I’m coming soon, you go hang out and I’ll be there.”

I had already started learning some Torah with Rabbi Mormon and he convinced me. He said go learn some Torah there, Shlomo will come, and you will play some concerts with him.

I don’t know why, but I ended up going.

Where did you go?

They got me to stay for free in

this yeshiva near Yerushalayim.

When I got there I said, “Listen, I’m not cutting my hair and I play guitar every day.” The rabbi said, “OK, we got a room for you, don’t worry.” I came down to the classes and I was certain that I was going to be able to convince them that this whole thing is ridiculous after a few minutes. But by the time I got through the first Rashi, I knew this was the real deal.

Did you stay in touch with Reb Shlomo at that point?

Yes. I would go to Modiin and I called him and he told me he is coming after the holidays. Then one day the rabbi came in and said, “You’re not going to be playing with Shlomo.

He passed away.” I was devastated.

So what did you do then?

Shlomo had given me some names of his students who were musicians and I was in touch with the guys. But even before that, the person who really helped me out the most was Avi Piamenta.

He’s definitely the world’s greatest flute player.

Totally. He’s also a super mensch and he took me under his wings and I started playing with him. And then I started playing with Chaim Dovid.

Did you ever play with Yosi Piamenta z”l?

Yes, we jammed. It’s hard to be

original these days, but Yosii managed to totally come up with an original style of playing. He was able to combine the whole Middle Eastern and Hendrix thing.

What style do you play?

I do a lot of blues, but I’m unorthodox in my playing.

How many hours do you play a day?

I mean, I do a lot of praying and Torah study but I try to get some guitar playing in.

I love music because it connects to the soul, but when I started learning Chassidus...let’s just say my guitar was crying because that’s when I really connected to the real soul food. But, you know, the Torah and davening inspires the music. So, I do a lot of songwriting.

Before you started learning Torah how long would you play every day?

For years I played ten hours a day.

I majored in music in college. And even before that, I was married to my guitar.

Is there an amount of time that it takes to become an expert at guitar?

For each person it’s different. I know kids that they could put in tons of hours and it just doesn’t work for them, and I know other people who

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

just pick the thing up and it’s like, Wow!

than you?

Yes. We joke about it because he’s very leftist. But the truth is, it’s not my place to say who is religious or not because only G-d knows that.

But, they were an unbelievable band and they were way ahead of their time.

The songs you write now, are they based on spirituality?

Well, if you write about what’s going on with yourself, that’s spirituality. But I also don’t like when people preach in their songs, so there’s no preaching in my music. I just kind of talk about my own journeys, suffering and things that I deal with.

But there’s a lot of fun songs. I have a song called “Rocking in the Holy Land,” about my journey to Israel.

Do people realize you’re Jewish at these festivals or do they just think you fell off of the ZZ Top bus?

Ha ha. I got my tzitzis hanging out and my beard. You know, some of the festivals use it to market the festival, because it stands out – you know a Jewish blues player with a big beard.

You must meet a lot of unaffili-

S23 35

ated Jews at these festivals.

Of course, all the time. Last summer in Illinois this guy came over to me and was pouring his heart out about how he just got divorced and he used to be religious and wants to get reconnected. Things like that happen all of the time.

What’s the music scene in Israel like nowadays?

There is unbelievable amount of

musical talent in Israel. My career has blossomed there. I’m playing 4 to 5 nights a week in Israel. I’ve been blessed; I do acoustic shows, electric shows, so it’s been really good.

Do you listen to Kaveret?

Are you kidding?! I play with the guitar player Ephraim Shania sometimes.

He’s probably very different

Do you ever throw in Carlebach songs when playing for left wing audiences in Israel?

Yes, I try to show them the other side. It’s in fashion today for the left wing in Israel to talk [negatively] about the Jewish people and that bothers me a lot.

Do you do a lot of international touring these days?

Sure. I’m going to be in South Africa, Germany, Canada, and Brazil.

Nice. When you come to New York, you gotta do a Five Towns show.

Absolutely.

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Short Story

Save a Senior - Times Two

By Adina Edelman

I

straightened my shirt, checked my hair for the third time, and then pressed the doorbell. I waited for the door to open … and waited … waited some more …

I pressed the button again, biting my lip. Did I have the right house number? I checked the sign next to the mailbox. 3414. Yup, that was it. Maybe she wasn’t home?

Another push of the button.

I stuffed my hands into my coat pockets, shivering as the harsh wind whipped at my face. What would I do if she wouldn’t answer the door? What if something had happened to her? She was an old woman, after all. Maybe she’d fallen down the stairs and was, at this moment, lying unconscious on the floor.

I pressed the button again.

Maybe this hadn’t been

such a good idea. I readjusted my pony, thinking about the tedious application process I’d had to go through for the “Save a Senior Scholarship,” which gives money for assisting a senior once a week for eight months. Seeing as how my mother had recently left her job and I was planning on going to seminary next year, my parents and I were looking into every scholarship opportunity possible.

But I sure hadn’t signed up to wait on a porch for ten minutes in thirty-degree weather.

I tried the bell again.

Nothing.

I brought my fist up and knocked sharply on the door.

“Coming!” I heard a voice call out. I stood there, hand suspended and mouth hanging open. Did this lady have selective hearing when it came to doorbells and knocking?

Then came creaking foot-

steps, the tapping of a cane, and the door slowly opened.

A short woman stood in the doorway. She wore a straight brown sheitel, a dark blue sweater, and those thick-soled sneakers that old women are fond of. Her narrowed eyes took in my face, and at the same time we gasped aloud.

“You’re that Mrs. Miller?”

I croaked.

“Zahava Friedman, late as usual,” said Mrs. Miller, giving me one of those evil grins old women seem so skilled at. “You’ve grown since fifth grade.”

My face turned beet-red.

“Hello, Mrs. Miller.”

Fifth grade Chumash.

An 11-year-old Zahava who loved to talk, disrupt, and mock the teacher with thick white sneakers. That year hadn’t been the best example of my dignified and modest behavior.

“Well, come in,” said Mrs.

Miller, turning away from the doorway. “I don’t want the house to get cold.”

I stepped inside and gave an appreciative sigh at the warmth surrounding my cold cheeks and chilled hands.

Mrs. Miller eyed me. “Did you, by any chance, try to ring the doorbell?”

“Huh? Oh, yes, I did.”

Pause.

“It’s broken, isn’t it?”

“For three years now,” said Mrs. Miller. “But I hate the sound, so I never bothered to have it repaired.

Now.” Mrs. Miller clapped her hands together, and I winced at the sound. I remembered her constant “Let’s do this!” clap from fifth grade, and I was in no hurry to subject myself to it for the next eight months. But Mrs. Miller had already moved on.

“Dishes in the sink.

Broom in the closet on the right. And a bag of potatoes

to be peeled and washed. I’ll be in the living room doing some sewing.”

Mrs. Miller step-canedstep-caned off, and I resigned myself to my fate.

I started with the dishes.

When it comes to washing other people’s plates and cutlery, I actually find the job relaxing. Ask me to do my own dishes, however, and you’ll find them sitting in the sink for a week.

I laid a towel out on the counter, seeing no dishwasher, and turned on the hot water and started scrubbing.

There weren’t too many dishes, and a few minutes later I turned to start on the potatoes. There was a bulky bag of the vegetables sitting on the counter next to a large bowl.

“Where’s the peeler?” I muttered to myself, starting to open up the kitchen drawers.

“Second drawer on the

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

right,” said a voice behind me. Startled, I whipped around to find Mrs. Miller entering the kitchen. She opened up a drawer, pulled out the peeler, and handed it to me.

“Thanks,” I said, taking it and turning to the potatoes.

Silence ensued.

Rip. I opened the bag of potatoes. Thud. Three of them fell on the floor. Thump.

I dumped them back onto the counter. Now very aware of every move I was making, I picked up a potato, looked around for the garbage can, and walked over to it as calmly as I could. What’s she still doing here? I thought, sneaking a quick glance over my shoulder. Wasn’t she supposed to be sewing little booties for her grandchildren in the living room? Or was that knitting? I always got the two mixed up.

Leaning over the trash can, I was about to start peeling when I saw two glowing eyes peering at me from out of the can.

I didn’t know I was capable of shrieking the way I did until I saw those glowing eyes. My scream was immediately followed by a loud and indignant Meow! and Mrs. Miller’s throaty cackling.

“That’s my cat, Bonkers,” said Mrs. Miller. “I call her that because she likes to sit in the garbage can when it’s empty.”

I blinked. “Bonkers. You have a cat named … Bonkers.

That’s … unusual.”

“That’s right,” said Mrs. Miller cheerfully. “I’m pretty sure I mentioned her in class, don’t you remember?”

I swallowed. “To be perfectly honest, Mrs. Miller, the only thing I remember from your class is when Ehud ben Geira gorily slaughtered that king – what’s his name?”

Mrs. Miller shook her

head in mock disappointment. “That’s your homework for next week. Look up his name and report back.”

I smiled weakly at her.

“That’s a funny joke, Mrs. Miller. I have three tests and an essay due this week.”

“Then a little more research can’t possibly hurt you. Weren’t you going to peel that potato?”

I gestured helplessly to Bonkers.

Mrs. Miller shuffled over and clucked her tongue at the cat.

“Is he a chicken in disguise?” I found myself saying.

Mrs. Miller glanced at me. “Tongue as sharp as ever.”

Mortified, I said, “Sorry, it just slipped out.”

“Yes, that’s what you always said.”

“Oh, gosh, I’m –” Mrs. Miller held up a hand. “I’m just pulling your leg. Relax. And careful with the potato peeler.” She clucked again to Bonkers, who looked up at her lazily, then, with a gargantuan effort, leaped out of the trash can.

“There,” said Mrs. Miller.

“You can put a fresh bag in and then start peeling. I’m going back to my sewing.”

For a few minutes after she’d left I just stood there, potato and peeler clenched in my hands, and my face burning with embarrassment.

My eight-week Save a Senior had begun, but I was pretty sure I was the one who needed saving. ◊ ◊ ◊ Knock-knock.

There was no way I was ringing the bell again.

I heard Mrs. Miller’s cane tapping towards the door, and soon I was looking into her wrinkled old face.

“Eglon Melech Mo’av,” I said.

Mrs. Miller raised her eyebrows. “I knew you could do it.”

It hadn’t taken me long to find out whom Ehud had killed. I’d just asked my father. But still, I was kind of proud at Mrs. Miller’s acknowledgement of my efforts. Or lack thereof.

“What would you like me to do today?” I asked Mrs. Miller, following her into the house.

“The plants need watering.”

I frowned. “The plastic ones on your windowsill?”

“No, the live ones in the sunroom. They haven’t been getting much sun lately, though.”

I nodded. The skies had been pouring down their distress for the past several days.

“And after you do that you can sweep the dining room and wipe down the table.”

“Yes, Ma’am!” Water the plants. Sweep the floor. Wipe the table. I got it done in less than twelve minutes.

“Next?” I asked Mrs. Miller. She was sitting on her couch, sewing away. Or knitting. Something with a needle.

“Bring me the large blue photo album sitting on the bookshelf.”

I searched the shelves and pulled out the thick al-

bum. “This one?”

Mrs. Miller nodded.

“There are class pictures in there. Dates on the back. Can you organize them for me?

They’ve all gotten out of order over the years.”

I’d never heard of photos getting out of order when stuck in an album, but I said, “Sure.” I sat down at the dining room table and opened the album. I sat in silence for a moment, then asked, “For how many years did you teach, Mrs. Miller?”

“Fifty,” said Mrs. Miller, not looking up from her needlework.

“Wow.” I looked back down at the album. “That’s a lot of class pictures.”

“Indeed.”

I began to organize them.

Faces, hairstyles, uniforms – so many different types over the years. The school had only finalized our uniform ten years ago. And faces and hair always change.

I finally came to my fifth grade class. I studied the photo closely, picking out each student and naming them in my head. Penina had moved to Israel after that year. Miriam had switched schools. But all the rest were there. And Mrs. Miller…

She stood on the right, hands at her side; thick, white sneakers gleaming; and a stern expression on her face. Well, nothing new there.

And then I spotted myself.

I had a surly expression on my face, and I had purposely pulled my bangs over my eyes, which my mother

S25 53

hadn’t appreciated when she saw the photo. I also happened to be glaring in Mrs. Miller’s direction.

“How did you put up with me?” I found myself asking Mrs. Miller. “I must have driven you up the wall.”

Mrs. Miller glanced up from her sewing, surprised. “You were no worse than some of my older students when they were going through their rebellious stages. And I’ve certainly had tougher cases than you.

Don’t think too highly of your misbehavior. It wasn’t that unnatural.” I looked back down at the photo.

“Still … for what it’s worth, I’m sorry for the trouble I caused you.”

“Well, at least you enjoyed every bit of it. Your antics were certainly never boring. You still enjoy acting these days, don’t you?”

I nodded. “I’m head of drama this year for the school play.”

“It’s good to hear you’re using that talent wisely. I might even come if it works out with my schedule.”

I grinned. “I think you’ll like the play this year. It’s about a nineteen-year-old girl in her first year of teaching.”

“I’m sure that goes well,” said Mrs. Miller dryly, sewing another stitch.

“All part of the drama.” I slid the last photo into its slot and then placed the album back onto the shelf.

“What next?” I asked.

“Knitting.”

I blinked. “Knitting? I don’t know how to knit, Mrs. Miller.”

“And that is something I cannot tolerate. Sit down, Zahava.”

I hesitantly took a seat on

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

the couch beside her. Mrs. Miller had a large bundle of yarn at her feet and two long needles on her lap.

“Here.” She handed me the needles. I took them.

“Now what?”

Mrs. Miller gave me her evil old lady grin. “You’ve really never done this before, have you?”

I sighed. “I’ve had a very sheltered childhood.”

“Uh-huh.” Mrs. Miller reached down and pulled a ball of blue yarn out her pile.

“This’ll be your first project: making a scarf.”

“Um, okay.” Honestly, I’d rather do the dishes.

“Here, I’ll start you off and then show you how to do the stitches.”

That sounded quite painful, but I watched as Mrs. Miller started wrapping the yarn around the needles and began the scarf.

“Alright, now watch closely. You go under, pull it off, wrap around, and slip out. Keep doing that till you have about 30 stitches on the needle. Then I’ll show you what to do next.”

Gingerly, I took the needles and tried to do what she showed me. Surprisingly, it worked.

“Good,” said Mrs. Miller.

“Keep going.”

And so I began my blue scarf. ◊ ◊ ◊ “I’m back, Mrs. Miller!”

I called, dumping the grocery bags onto the

floor. “I wasn’t sure whether you wanted the whole wheat or white bread, so I got the whole wheat.”

Mrs. Miller came stepcane-ing into the hallway.

“That’s fine. I prefer whole wheat, anyway. But you could have called the house if you needed.”

“My phone died while I was out.” I carried the bags into the kitchen and began putting the food away. After a month of visiting Mrs. Miller, she had finally decided to let me go shopping for her. However, this only brought about more difficulties, such as inevitable miscommunications – which resulted in buying the wrong food products – and trying to get back in time to put the groceries away and finish cleaning. I was feeling more like a cleaning lady with each passing week.

“You have to be going now, don’t you?” Mrs. Miller asked, glancing at her watch.

I nodded. “Yeah. I have a dentist appointment in forty minutes.”

“Well, don’t let me stop you. I’ll put the rest of the stuff away.”

I glanced at her. “You sure?”

Mrs. Miller glared at me.

“Do you think I’m incapable of putting groceries away in my own kitchen?”

“No, ma’am,” I muttered.

“I’ll leave you

to it.”

I said good-bye and then left the house, hurrying to my car before the cold made my hands go numb. I’d left home without my gloves again. It was starting to become a bad habit.

Miller’s house when I saw a man standing on her porch.

He wore a baggy gray uniform and held a bulky toolbox in one hand. Curious, I stopped by the stairs as he reached up and pressed the doorbell.

who probably had a miniature heart attack. I knew that my heart was pounding like a skeleton trying to get out of a closet.

I hurriedly turned to the “repairman,” who was standing on the porch with

“How did you put up with me?” I found myself asking Mrs. Miller. “I must have driven you up the wall.”

I reached into my pocket so I could text my mother that I was on my way home, and then remembered that my phone was dead. I mentally berated myself for not remembering to charge it as I got into my car and turned the key in the ignition.

Kcccchh. Kcccchh.

I froze. “Oh, no. Not now.

Come on, car, you can do it!”

Kcccchh. Kcccchh.

I sat back, defeated. Dead phone, dead car, and an approaching dental appointment. Not a good combination. Resignedly, I clambered out of the car and made my way back up Mrs. Miller’s walkway.

Knock-knock.

Step-cane-step.

“Back so soon?”

“My car’s dead. Can I use your phone?”

Mrs. Miller waved a hand and I quickly called my mother. ◊ ◊ ◊ A few weeks later I was walking up to Mrs.

–?

Ding-dong.

I froze. Had the bell just

A moment later the door opened and Mrs. Miller appeared. “Can I help you?”

The man nodded his head. “Hello, ma’am, I’m from Andy’s Repairmen.

We heard you wanted a look at a bathroom fixture. It shouldn’t take more than –” “I didn’t call for a repairman.”

“I’m sorry, ma’am, but we received a call from you just yesterday, and you made an appointment with us for this time today.”

Mrs. Miller turned her evil old lady glare on. “I couldn’t have possibly called you yesterday, since it was my Sabbath. Now, if you’d be so kind as to leave my property, I would greatly appreciate it.”

“Now, ma’am, I’m sure you just don’t remember –” BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! My car alarm rang out, causing a few nearby birds to leave their perches. Both Mrs. Miller and the man jumped. Quickly stuffing my keys into my pocket, I sailed up the steps, crying, “Grandma! It’s been ages!”

I pushed past the man, not-so-accidentally treading on his toes, and flung my arms around Mrs. Miller,

a dumbfounded look on his face. “I’m so sorry, sir. I hope I didn’t interrupt anything – I just haven’t seen my grandmother in ages and I just couldn’t resist since we’ve been so close ever since I was born – she’s like a second mother to me – can you believe the government forces youths like me to attend school, forcing family apart when they’re so close?

Truly I can’t believe it – but, sir, I’d be willing to bet that you understand the true meaning of family and why it’s so important to stick together in hard times such as these – after all, you never know what kind of phonies are lurking around doorsteps these days, it’s absolutely despicable what some people come up with, and you just never know whom to trust anymore, which is why I just feel so close to Grandma because I truly trust her unlike some unsavory men who really have no idea what to do for a living other than scrounge among other –” “Alright, Zahava, it’s very nice to see you, too,” Mrs. Miller interrupted. “Have a good day, sir.” She shut the door.

We both stood there: Mrs. Miller silent, me trying not to breathe too loudly after my run-on monologue.

Soon enough we heard

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

boot steps retreating, and a moment later the sound of a car’s engine turning on. Mrs. Miller and I breathed a sigh of relief. Then Mrs. Miller turned to me.

“What on earth possessed you to do that? And was the car alarm really necessary?”

“I needed it for morale support,” I explained. “Gosh, I’ve never done anything like that before. Do you think that was stupid of me?”

“Yes,” said Mrs. Miller flatly. “Get me the phone. We should inform the police we just had a scammer.”

I got Mrs. Miller the phone and then plopped onto her couch, trying to calm my

“Look, Mrs. Miller!”

My teacher glanced up from her sewing – yes, sewing this time, not knitting. “I thought you were calling me Grandma.”

I stared at her. “Do you want me to?”

She looked back down. “If you want to.”

There was a moment of silence, and then I said, “Well, Grandma, my scarf’s done!”

She squinted at it. “Nice work, Zahava. Now you can start the next one.”

But of course. ◊ ◊ ◊ Mrs. Miller had no children, nor grandchildren.

the daffodils came up, didn’t they? Bring some of them in.”

I dutifully went into the garden, cut a few daffodils from their earthy bed, and brought them inside.

“Check for bugs. I don’t want ants running around the place.”

“They already are. I found three when I was cleaning the floors.”

“Didn’t you say you also found a ten dollar bill?”

“That’s irrelevant, Grandma. Pesach’s coming and we only have two rooms done.”

Mrs. Miller sighed and reached down to pet Bonkers, who was slouching past her chair to go sit by the win-

Quickly stuffing my keys into my pocket, I sailed up the steps, crying, “Grandma! It’s been ages!”

frantic heartbeats. Honestly, what had possessed me to do that? I cringed, thinking of my overly dramatic display of affection. How embarrassing.

“Well, granddaughter, how’s the scarf coming along?”

Mrs. Miller had finished her phone call. I reached into the bag next to the couch and pulled out my knitting. “Almost done,” I announced. “I should be able to finish it this time around.”

“Well, what are you waiting for? If you keep procrastinating, it’ll be spring by the time it’s done.”

Without further comment, I began to work. Then I paused. “Your doorbell’s working.”

Mrs. Miller sat down with a sigh. “Yes, well, I thought it was about time.” She said nothing more, so I let it be.

Forty-five minutes later I was done.

Her husband had passed away three years ago, and she’d been alone ever since.

But now she had an honorary granddaughter. It was a privilege I did not take lightly. I made sure she got prime seats at the production, which Mrs. Miller actually enjoyed.

“Good play, Zahava,” was her comment when I saw her after the performance. I couldn’t help the smug smile that tugged at my lips from breaking out.

Slowly winter slipped away, taking with it the cold winds and naked trees.

However, not everything was growing back.

“Grandma, the plants in the bathroom are wilting.”

“So are the fake ones by the windowsills.”

“Grandma, fake plants don’t wilt.”

“I think they should get to choose when they die. Well,

dowsill. It was his favorite location when the garbage can was otherwise preoccupied.

“I don’t think we’ll get the whole house cleaned in time, Zahava. Pesach’s in a week and a half, and you need to help clean your own house.”

I frowned. “Well, then what are you going to do?”

Mrs. Miller looked at me slyly. “Wait for an invitation.”

“Oh.” Pause.

“Would you like t o

come to us for Pesach, Grandma?”

Mrs. Miller turned up her nose. “I couldn’t possibly intrude upon your family.”

I sat back, exasperated.

“Well, then, why’d you ask?”

“I didn’t. And besides, you’d need your mother’s permission before offering.”

6:30 pm. New Text.

Zahava: Hey, Ema, can Mrs. Miller come to us for Pesach?

Ema: Mrs. Miller?! My old Chumash teacher?!

Zahava: ???!!!

Ema: What, you didn’t know?

Zahava: NO! Ema: . . . .

Zahava: Well, do we have room?

Ema: Of course! Though I’ll have to make an extra dish and figure out a new seating planZahava: Thanks, Ema. TTYL. I looked up. “She’d love to have her old teacher for Pesach. I’m shocked on a number of levels.”

Mrs. Miller smiled.

“What, you didn’t know?” ◊ ◊ ◊ The next few months flew like a falcon. High in the air and then – fwoom! We were hurtling towards graduation.

Mrs. Miller came. My mother took a picture of us together, and I kept that picture taped to the inner flap of my suitcase as I packed for seminary at the end of the summer.

“It’s a whole year, Grandma. What’ll I do?”

We were standing on the doorstep of

S27 55

Mrs. Miller’s house. It was the last time I’d be seeing her.

My flight was leaving tomorrow morning.

“Bring yarn,” said Mrs. Miller. “Send me a scarf.”

I laughed. “No, seriously.”

Grandma looked at me.

“Knowing you, Zahava, you’ll make it one of the best years of your life. And when you come back, you’ll tell me all about it. In the meantime, don’t forget to call on Fridays and write in between.”

I nodded and looked down. I felt a sudden stinging sensation in my eyes.

And then I felt Grandma’s arms wrap around me. “It’ll be faster than you think, Zahava. I hope I’ve helped contribute somewhat to the cost of your trip.”

I shook my head against her shoulder. “I never visited you for money, Grandma.

Well, maybe the first two times. But certainly not after that.”

Her arms tightened. “I’ll miss you. You really saved me this year, Zahava.”

“I’ll miss you, too, Grandma. Take care. Beware of men trying to repair your bathroom fixtures.”

Grandma laughed.

“That’ll be a story to tell all your seminary friends!”

We stood there for a few moments longer and then broke apart.

“Shalom, Zahava,” said Grandma.

“Shalom, Grandma. Love you.”

I turned and walked down the pathway, pleased to note that the gray clouds from this morning had dissipated into a clear blue sky.

The same color blue as my first scarf. The same blue as Grandma’s eyes. A blue of new beginnings.

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CHOL HAMOED

Places to Go, Things to Do This year, Pesach comes out when the days are getting warmer. Even though we hope to have balmy temperatures, remember that nothing warms you up more than enjoying quality time together.

Take advantage and spend time with the family during chol hamoed – indoors or outdoors.

TJH has compiled a list of ideas, activities and places to go for you to enjoy. Make sure to pack enough food (macaroons, matzah and marshmallows!) and music for the road and have fun!

Zoos and Farms Queens County Farm Museum 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11004 718-347-3276 White Post Farms 250 Old County Road, Melville, NY 11747 631-351-9373 New York Aquarium 602 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224 718-265-3474 Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center 431 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901 631-208-9200 Prospect Park Zoo 450 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225 718-399-7339

Central Park Zoo 64th Street & 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10065 212-861-6030 Long Island Game Farm 489 Chapman Boulevard, Manorville, NY 11949 631-878-6644

Scenic Attractions Central Park Boating, biking, the Great Lawn, model-boat sailing, carriage rides, carousel Between 5th & 8th Avenues and 59th & 106th Streets 212-360-3444 Bryant Park 6th Avenue, between W40-42 Street, New York, NY 10018 212-768-4242

Bronx Zoo 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460 718-220-5103

New York Highline Gansevoort St. to West 30 St. between Washington St. and 11 Ave., New York, NY 212-500-6035

Queens Zoo 53-51 111th Street, Flushing, NY 11368 718-271-1500

Brooklyn Bridge Park 1 Main Street, Brooklyn, NY 718-222-9939

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Fort Tyron Park Riverside Drive to Broadway, W 192 Street to Dyckman Street, New York, NY New York Circle Line Pier 83 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036 212-563-3200 Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Ferries from Battery Park, NY 1 Battery Place, New York, NY 10004 212-363-3200 Old Westbury Gardens 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568 516-333-0048 Old Bethpage 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, NY 11804 516- 572-8400 Brooklyn Botanic Gardens 900 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225 718-623-7200 Brooklyn Heights Promenade Downtown Brooklyn—Remsen Street to Orange Street along the East River South Street Seaport 89 South St., New York, NY 10038 212-732-7678 The New York Botanical Garden 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458 718-817-8700 Historic Richmond Town 441 Clarke Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10306 718-351-1611 The Amish Village 199 Hartman Bridge Road, Ronks, PA 17572 717-687-8511 Mystic Seaport 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355 888-973-2767

Amusement Parks Hersheypark 100 West Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033 1-866-946-9977

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The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

NEW JERSEY NCSY GOES TO

CHOL HAMOED PESACH 2016

MONDAY APRIL 25TH AND TUESDAY APRIL 26TH Park hours 10:30am-8pm for both days

PERFORMING LIVE ON TUESDAY APRIL 26, 3 PM ONLY

Baruch Levine AND Simcha Leiner

Concert Produced by Sheer Productions Musical Director: Yochi Briskman.

Tickets can be ordered online at www.ncsygreatadventure.com and by calling 201.862.0250 or Mordechai Z. at 732.961.1233 and 848.525.2295

PRICES:

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT:

Presale price: $40 At the Gate: $45

Tuvia’s (Monsey) Eichler’s (Flatbush) Z Berman (Passaic)

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Six Flags Great Adventure 1 Six Flags Boulevard, Jackson, NJ 08527

Adventurers (formerly Nellie Bly Park) 1824 Shore Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11214 718-975-2748

Adventureland 2245 Broad Hollow Road (RT 110), Farmingdale, NY 11735 631-694-6868 Luna Park Coney Island 1000 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224 718-372-0275

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Indoor Fun Parks Fun Fuzion at New Roc City 19 Le County Place, New Rochelle, NY 10801 914-637-7575 Fun Station USA 40 Rocklyn Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563 516-599-7757

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Legoland Discovery Center Westchester 39 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers, NY 10701 866-243-0779

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday April 25th, 26th and 27th from 11AM to 6PM

Chuck E. Cheese 162 Fulton Avenue, Hempstead, NY 11550 516-483-3166

PARK HOURS ONLY ON

Kids N Shape 162-26 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach, NY 11414 718-848-2052 @Play Amusements 229 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale, NY 11735 631-815-5355 BounceU of Oceanside 3459B Lawson Blvd, Oceanside, NY 11572 516-593-5867 New York Skyride Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10118 212-279-9777

No food will be available on premises

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

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Observatory de Center, 285 Fulton Street, New York, NY 10007 6

mes Square New York, NY 10036 EST 44th STREET (BETWEEN 7th & 8th AVENUES

Museums Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum Pier 86, 12th Avenue and 46th Street 212-245-0072

s —Piers 59-62—New York, NY

Lanes , Woodmere, NY 11598

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Strike 10 Lanes 6161 Strickland Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11234 OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home 6 718-763-6800

One World Observatory One World Trade Center, 285 Fulton Street, New York, NY 10007 9/11 Memorial and Museum 844-OWO-1776 200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10006 Discovery Times Square 212-266-5211 226 W 44th St., New York, NY 10036 866-987-9692EST 44th STREET (BETWEEN 7th & 8th AVENUES

6

Museums Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum Pier 86, 12th Avenue and 46th Street 212-245-0072

Chelsea Piers OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Hudson River—Piers 59-62—New York, NY 212-336-6800 Woodmere Lanes 948 Broadway, Woodmere, NY 11598 516-374-9870

Strike 10 Lanes 6161 Strickland Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11234 718-763-6800

One World Observatory 9/11 Memorial and Museum One World Observatory One World Trade Center, 285 Fulton Street, New York, NY 10007 200 Liberty New York, NY 10006 One World Trade Center, 285 FultonStreet, Street, New York, NY 10007 844-OWO-1776 212-266-5211

Strike 10 Lan Strik 6161 Strickland 6161 S 718-763-6800

Discovery Times Square th 226 W 44 St., New Times York, NY 10036 Discovery Square 866-987-9692EST th 44th STREET (BETWEEN 7th & 8th AVENUES

Muse

Hudson River—Piers 59-62—New York, NY 212-336-6800 Chelsea Piers

Intrepid Sea Pier 86, 12th Av 212-245-0072 Intre

Woodmere Lanes 212-336-6800 948 Broadway, Woodmere, NY 11598 516-374-9870

9/11 Memoria 212-2 200 Liberty St 212-266-5211

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226 W 44 St., New York, NY 10036 866-987-9692EST 44th STREET (BETWEEN 7th & 8th AVENUES Chelsea Piers Hudson River—Piers 59-62—New York, NY

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One World Observatory One World Trade Center, 285 Fulton Street, New York, NY 10007 844-OWO-1776

Strike 10 Lanes 6161 Strickland Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11234 718-763-6800

Discovery Times Square 226 W 44th St., New York, NY 10036 866-987-9692EST 44th STREET (BETWEEN 7th & 8th AVENUES

Museums

Chelsea Piers Hudson River—Piers 59-62—New York, NY 212-336-6800

Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum Pier 86, 12th Avenue and 46th Street 212-245-0072

Woodmere Lanes 948 Broadway, Woodmere, NY 11598 516-374-9870

9/11 Memorial and Museum 200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10006 212-266-5211

718-7

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Pier 8

9/11 M 200 L 212-2

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

THIS PESACH ENJOY A FULL MEAL AND DESSERT AT BERRYLICIOUS! NON-GEBROKTS Pesach 2016 Hours: Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Sony Wonder Technology 550 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022 212-833-8100

Living Torah Museum 1601 41 Street, Brooklyn, NY 11218 718-851-3215

New York Hall of Science 47-01 111th Street, Queens, NY 11368 718-699-0005

Long Island Children’s Museum 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530 516-224-5800

Jewish Museum 1109 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10128 212-423-3200

Brooklyn Children’s Museum 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11213 718-735-4400 Jewish Children’s Museum 792 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213 718-467-0600

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The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

TJH Speaks with Elizabeth Kurtz, author of CELEBRATE Elizabeth is a resident of Lawrence and runs gourmetkoshercooking.com. Her cookbook, CELEBRATE, has 100 Pesach recipes to enhance your yom tov meals. She took some time out of her busy pre-Pesach schedule to chat with TJH.

TJH: Elizabeth, it’s a pleasure speaking with you. This may sound like the “Mah Nishtana,” but how is CELEBRATE different from other cookbooks out there?

EK: I love that question.

I’ve been running gourmetkoshercooking.com for 7 ½ years and I’m very in touch with what my readers want.

I know they download a brisket 10 times more than a more unusual recipe like curried vegetables (although many people love that too); I know that readers are just like me – they are looking for wholesome, delicious meals that can be made with fresh and familiar ingredients without too much fuss. So CELEBRATE features over 200 recipes easy enough for everyday and special enough for Shabbos or any holiday. And it’s all non-dairy because people

request Shabbos food more often and I added some really cool sections like kiddush, shalosh seudos, a complete section of challahs (lots to choose from) and a pantry, all with recipes special and specific for those times.

People are entertaining for both kiddush and shalosh seudos and the menus and items we serve are different than for other times. For kiddush there are lots of homemade dips, like triple onion and spinach dip, sun-dried tomato dip, chicken livers with brandy mushrooms and cherries, and for shalosh seudos there are special make ahead fish dishes, like Tomato and Garlic Baked Salmon, and salads like Everything Bagel Romaine Salad, Pearl Barley Salad with roasted peppers and olives, and a Peanut Soba Noodle salad with cucumbers and carrots.

I also added items to each page that readers ask me about all the time. Each recipe includes a make-ahead component, freezing instructions and any Passover accommodation needed if any (there are 100 Passover recipes) and many are Passover perfect as-is. All right there, no flipping to charts or boxes for conversions.

I have to mention that I included lots of items that my readers love, like the meat chart that helps people know what meats to buy, how to prepare them and what else it might be called outside of big Jewish butchers.

One of my favorite items is the “trouble shooting cookie chart.” It’s an awesome chart with just about anything and everything that could go wrong with a cookie recipe and instructions on how to fix that problem. It’s been a big hit.

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

Finally, the proceeds benefit a wonderful organization, Emunah of America, the largest social service organization in Israel that helps every population in Israel. From children’s homes and daycare centers, to art colleges, crisis centers for terror victims, high school for the arts, to senior centers, Emunah is there for everyone.

It sounds like there’s so much involved.

How long did it take you to develop CELEBRATE? Was it very different than what you anticipated?

CELEBRATE took about 2 years to create. I had the idea and passion for a long time. We triple tested everything, though, and that took a while, and editing 200 plus recipes was quite the long process. It was a joyous experience and a dream come true.

You write that some of your best childhood memories are spent in the kitchen. Are there any recipes that you still make from your mother’s recipe box?

I make Almost My Mom’s Chicken Soup, Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad in Wonton Cups, and Vegetable Carbonata, all from my mom’s repertoire. Of course, I’ve put my spin on them a little but I’ve been enjoying them in my mom’s kitchen for years. What I learned from my mom is that one way we demonstrate love is through caring for our families and preparing the dishes they love. My mom still makes my husband’s favorite date nut bread every time we visit, just to say I love you

and I’m happy you came.

Speaking about your mother’s recipes, Pesach is about tradition, but can you give us a few recipes we should try from CELEBRATE that our families will rave about throughout the year?

There are 100 to try!

I make these year-round.

Start with these: When I’m being traditional, I start with Grandma Tillie’s Brisket and I serve zucchini with tomatoes and basil with overnight potato kugel. But during the yom tov days, I like to have fun with other scrumptious flavors that are not as traditional. Try Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Kale, Pesto and Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms, Savory London Broil with Sweet Shallots and Onions, and Extreme Chocolate Drop Cookies.

Those dishes sound delicious! Pesach is eight days and we eat so many meals throughout yom tov. Do you have any ideas of food we can serve at a lighter meal?

I actually think Pesach can be very light! Just omitting bread from your diet makes it lighter if you are careful with other items.

I stay away from lots of matzah meal and potato starch dishes. They just taste and feel heavy and are hard to digest. So many of my recipes are naturally perfect for Passover. In the book, the recipe says “Passover Perfect As-Is.” I love Roasted Chicken with Shiitake Mushrooms and Artichoke Hearts, Romaine Salad with Quinoa and Pomegranate Seeds, and lots of homemade sorbets

with Forgotten Meringues.

Speaking of meringues, what do you recommend to serve for dessert?

I like to make homemade sorbets in an ice cream maker that I got as a gift for Pesach one year. It’s small so not a lot of storage is needed and the sorbet recipes are great in the book. The Pomegranate Sorbet with mini chocolate chips is my favorite, and a make ahead item. I also like the Meringue Mousse with Balsamic Berries for a lighter dessert.

Sorbet sounds perfect after a yom tov meal.

You started your website, Gourmet Kosher Cooking, in 2009. How and why did you start it and what sort of adventures have you had?

I started the website because there was so much out there for the non-kosher consumer and nothing for the kosher community.

People love recipes that are tested, converted to kosher, follow food trends, and help inspire them. One of the joys is that Shabbos comes 52 weeks a year but the challenge and joy is making it delicious every time. That is my goal! I started www. gourmetpassovercooking. com about 5 years ago as well for the same reason.

Now people have a resource for everything Passover – recipes, conversions, menus, wine ideas, products – all Passover perfect.

It sounds like you’re busy. How are you able to balance your cooking career with running a home?

Balance…ha ha, you mean how do I live with managed chaos? Baruch Hashem, life is great. I’ve always liked being busy and I love working with people.

I stay very organized – I make dinner first thing in the morning so I know that we will be well fed, and I exercise to keep my head on straight. Don’t ask my kids this question; they will say yes we get a great dinner, but we are nuts.

I think some readers can relate to leading busy lives. Are there some recipes in CELEBRATE that I can prepare with just an hour or two before Shabbos?

How about a recipe or two that I can prepare with the kids?

My kids make everything in the book and help me in my cooking classes. The recipes in the book are all geared to be easy enough for everyday and special enough for Shabbos – especially the soups, chickens, salads, sides, and cookies, all are simple and delicious.

So what are your go-to recipes for Shabbos or a weekday meal?

I make Everything Bagel Chicken, Honey Garlic Meatballs, Sesame Chicken Handrolls, every salad in the book regularly, and for Shabbos I make Brick Roast with Porcini Mushrooms and Onions, It’s so Easy anyone can Make it Corned Beef, and Italian Veal Stew with Gremolata (awesome with the Passover gremolata too). I always have a few cookies around (we are cookie monsters) and the S’mores Blondies too. My fridge is well-stocked with

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Zesty Chickpeas, salad dressings, Vegetable Carbonata, and Green Beans with Dill. My kids are upset if we don’t have them….still after making them so often.

Sounds like I need an invitation to your house for a Shabbos meal.

You’ve been in the business for quite a while.

What changes have you seen in the kosher food industry?

We can get so many more ingredients today! From great flours, like quinoa flour and spelt, to coconut milk and lots of fresh herbs washed and checked. I see consumers willing to try more great flavors.

Elizabeth, you’re busy with your website, writing columns, developing recipes and with your family.

Is there anything else on the horizon for you? We promise not to tell!

I’m excited to be developing a great new concept coming soon: online live cooking classes coming your way. You can watch from home, learn in real time and cook with me, share your thoughts with others or even make a quick appearance, or refer back to the episode at your leisure.

And I love that readers are asking for when the next book is coming – now that’s a big compliment, I’ll never tire of hearing!

It’s been a pleasure speaking with you, but I need to take my meringues out of the oven.

I can’t wait to try out some of the recipes you recommended. Chag kosher v’sameach!

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A Reason to CELEBRATE

By Elizabeth Kurtz

Garlic and Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms Garlic, pesto, mushrooms—need I say more? Cooking the garlic in the almond milk calms and sweetens the garlic and thickens the almond milk, which makes a delicious base for the rest of this recipe.

Serves 8

Ingredients 1 cup almond milk or non-dairy creamer 12 cloves garlic, peeled 24 large button mushrooms 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided 2 large shallots, chopped 1 cup matzo meal or Passover panko crumbs 3 tablespoons homemade pesto (p. 335) or store-bought 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided ½ teaspoon red wine vinegar

Preparation Combine almond milk and garlic in a small saucepan over very low heat; cook until garlic is soft enough to mash with a fork, about 45 minutes. (Almond milk will be reduced and thick.)

Remove from heat and mash garlic with a fork to a rough puree.

While the garlic is poaching, remove the stems from the mushrooms and chop the stems to use in the stuffing. Reserve the mushroom caps for stuffing. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium; add shallots and chopped mushroom stems. Cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.

Combine the mashed garlic with the matzo meal/panko, pesto, 1 teaspoon of the salt, 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper, and shallot-mushroom mixture and mix thoroughly.

Preheat oven to 450°F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet.

In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, vinegar, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add the mushroom caps and toss to coat.

Arrange mushroom caps on prepared baking sheet and fill centers evenly with reserved garlic-crumb mixture. Drizzle tops with remaining teaspoon of olive oil.

Bake until just browned, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

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Savory London Broil with Sweet Braised Shallots and Mushrooms As I put together the list of meat recipes for this book, tester after tester requested more recipes for London broil. That makes sense because it’s very accessible, not too large or expensive, and if prepared well, it’s delicious. I like to have my butcher “split it” and remove the vein in the center. The result is a super-soft and easyto-slice quick roast that is full of flavor.

Serves 8

Ingredients London Broil: 1 (2- to 4-pound) London broil or minute steak, split, and deveined (this recipe can also be made with 2 smaller (11/2- to 2-pound) London broil) 1 head garlic, roasted (instructions below) 1 tablespoon onion powder ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar Braised Shallots and Mushrooms: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 6 shallots, sliced 1 ½ pounds button or assorted mushrooms 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoons kosher for Passover soy sauce 2 tablespoons sugar ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Roasted Garlic INGREDIENTS

1 head garlic ive oil, s extra-virgin ol 1 to 2 tablespoon as needed

PREPAR ATION

400°F. Preheat oven to garlic. Set the the head of the Slice the top off um foil. piece of alumin garlic on a large ing the oil to the garlic, allow Drizzle oil over e p tightly with th completely. Wra 45 r cover the garlic fo t ck. Roas rectly on wire ra foil and place di ned. Remove fte so the garlic is til un or , es ut min the roasted d then squeeze an , ol co to en from ov ins. garlic from the sk

Preparation Preheat oven to 300°F. To prepare the London broil: Place meat on a piece of parchment paper in a large roasting pan. In a small dish, mix roasted garlic, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and brown sugar.

Spread all over the top of the meat. Wrap the meat tightly with parchment paper and then with foil.

Bake for 1 ½ to 2 hours or until meat is 150°F for medium. Remove meat from oven and allow to rest 5 to 10 minutes until cool enough to slice. (Alternatively, preheat oven to broil and set the top rack 8 to12 inches from the broiler. Spread seasoning on meat but do not wrap it. Place meat in an oven-safe dish in oven and broil for 7 to 10 minutes, or until an internal meat thermometer registers 150°F for medium. The top should be browned and the meat pink on the inside.)

To prepare the shallots and mushrooms: Set a sauté pan over medium heat and add olive oil. When oil is hot, cook shallots until soft, about 6 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook an additional 4 to 6 minutes. Add balsamic vinegar, Passover soy sauce, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until sauce is syrupy.

When meat is cool, slice and return meat to the cooking juices in the baking pan. Pour shallot and mushroom mixture over meat.

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Chocolate Angel Pie Makes 10 servings

Ingredients Meringue Crust: 4 egg whites, at room temperature 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon potato starch 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar 3/4 teaspoon Passover vanilla extract Filling: 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped 4 egg yolks ½ cup sugar 2 tablespoons water 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 cups pareve whipping cream, whipped until soft peaks form, divided Generous amount of chocolate and pareve white chocolate shavings, for garnish

Preparation Preheat oven to 450°F. Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan.

To prepare the meringue crust: With an electric mixer, beat egg whites in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and potato starch, constantly beating. Stir in vinegar and vanilla; beat until stiff peaks form and meringue is thick and glossy. Spoon meringue into prepared pie pan; press against sides to form a crust. Place in oven and turn off heat. Leave meringue in oven for 3 hours; remove pan to cool. The meringue can be stored up to 2 days, covered, in a dry place.

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To prepare the filling: Melt chocolate in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Cool to lukewarm.

Using an electric mixer, beat egg yolks, sugar, water, and salt until frothy.

Stir into pan of melted chocolate. Cook mixture over low heat, whisking constantly until thick, about 4 minutes. Cool completely. Fold chocolate mixture into half of the prepared whipped cream. Pour into cooled shell; chill in refrigerator until mousse is set.

Top with remaining half of whipped cream; garnish with chocolate and white chocolate shavings. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Reprinted with permission from CELEBRATE by Elizabeth Kurtz

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

In The K

tchen

Sushi n’ Dips

By Naomi Nachman

Sushi for Pesach Who doesn’t want to eat sushi all the time, right? For the last 20 years sushi has become a staple at every Jewish simcha and kiddush. Everyone seems to flock around the sushi station and fill up their plates. But for Pesach, we feel the loss of not eating sushi for 8 days because rice is not permitted for those that don’t eat kitniyot (grains and legumes such as rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds).

When the Orthodox Union certified quinoa for Passover last year, many people were so very excited to eat a this new food group during Pesach after 2,000 years. This answered some questions about what to use as the “rice” for sushi and opened up a possible avenue for kosher for Pesach sushi.

However, not everyone uses quinoa due to different minhagim (customs). I wanted to develop a sushi recipe for everyone to use on Pesach. I came up with the idea of using cauliflower. People have been making cauliflower pizza, so I thought, why not use it as the “rice” for the sushi? Once I got to the testing, I was very impressed with the carb-free results. Now my family doesn’t have to be deprived of sushi for 8 days! This makes a great appetizer, side dish or serve it as a main meal and watch your popularity soar.

Sushi Cauliflower “Rice” Ingredients 2 large packages frozen Bodek (checked) cauliflower 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp Passover soy sauce 1 tsp Passover vinegar

Preparation Grate the frozen checked cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles small crumbs. Place the cauliflower crumbs on a clean dish towel. Since there is a lot of cauliflower, you can split it in half and use two dish towels.

Tightly wrap the cauliflower in a bundle and squeeze it dry. If it’s still cold from being frozen, let it sit out for another 20 minutes and squeeze again.

Make sure the cauliflower is very dry.

Place the cauliflower in a bowl and add the sugar, Passover soy sauce and Passover vinegar. Mix well and then use it as rice for sushi.

Filling There are different filling options, which should all be cut into julienne strips (long and thin). You can use avocado, carrot, cucumber, salmon – cooked or raw, tuna, spicy tuna, grilled chicken, or sliced steak.

Basic Steps to Make Sushi Rolls • Prepare cauliflower “rice” as directed above.

• Put a nori sheet on top of a bamboo mat.

• Spread the “rice” on top of the nori sheet.

• Place the filling lengthwise across the rice.

• Roll up the bamboo mat, pressing forward to shape the sushi into a cylinder.

• Press the bamboo mat firmly and remove it from the sushi.

• Cut the rolled sushi into bite-sized pieces. You can cut the sushi better if you wipe the knife with a wet cloth before you slice it.

Here are some ideas for sushi fillings combinations. Use your imagination and go wild.

Charoset roll (dessert roll) Apples, ground almonds, dash of cinnamon.

Chicken Caesar roll Chicken, romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing

Grilled steak Avocado, sliced steak and red onion

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

Let’s Dip Twice I love to make dips for Shabbat, so why not have it on Pesach too? The key to having great dips is the fresh ingredients including garlic, lemons and cilantro. With the introduction of so many spices that are kosher for Pesach, you can also spice up your palate by adding cumin, cayenne and pepper to your Pesach dips.

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Marinated Eggplant This recipe is from my mother, Miriam Stein, from Sydney, Australia. I asked her if I could print the recipe but she only had it in her head. She just told me that she makes it by adding a little of this and a little of that. You know the Yiddish expression: “shitz arein.” I had to figure out the amounts of each of the ingredients, but after experimenting and some further adjustments and tweaks, I was able to reconstruct her recipe.

Ingredients

Matbucha

1 large eggplant cut into 1/4 inch rings Oil for frying Fistful of parsley finely chopped 1 cup ketchup 4 tablespoons sugar ½ fresh lemon, juiced 4 cloves garlic, crushed Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Heat a large frying pan and fry eggplant in batches until light to medium brown.

Drain the eggplant in a colander to let the oil drip out. (Yes it’s fattening but totally worth it.) I leave a plate underneath the colander to catch the oil.

To prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl mix the rest of the ingredients together. Once the eggplant has drained for an hour you can add it gently into the sauce being careful not to break up the eggplant slices.

Eggplant Liver Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 large onion, cubed 4 garlic cloves, crushed 1 can 28oz. crushed tomato 1 can 14oz. diced tomato 1 bunch cilantro, finely diced 1 tablespoon cumin ¼ cup sugar Dash cayenne pepper Salt & pepper to taste

Preparation Sauté onion in a tablespoon of olive oil until onions are soft and translucent.

Add garlic, both cans of tomatoes, and cook for 10 minutes. Then add the cilantro, cumin, sugar and cayenne pepper. Stir gently and cook until the cilantro has wilted into the recipe.

Season with salt and pepper.

Cook for 15 minutes until reduced down and flavors are concentrated. Adjust any seasoning to your family’s palate.

Ingredients 2 medium eggplants 2 cups oil 2 hardboiled eggs 1 small onion, sautéed in oil until light brown ¼ cup mayonnaise Salt to taste

Preparation Slice the eggplant lengthwise into 4 spears, and then cut each spear across into 1 inch chunks. Arrange in a single layer on the counter and sprinkle with kosher salt. Let the eggplant rest in the salt for half hour. (The salt will help get rid of its light bitterness.)Wash under running water and dry with paper towels.

In a medium pot over medium-high heat, pour about 2 inches of oil. When the oil is hot (350°F with an oil thermometer) slowly fry the eggplant in batches until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined cookie sheet. Repeat with the rest of the eggplant slices.

Take the fried eggplant, 2 hardboiled eggs and fried onion and blend them together.

Add mayonnaise and salt to taste.

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1 19oz. can Israeli pickles ½ cup pickled red peppers (optional) 1 teaspoon cumin Dash cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil

Olive Dip

Preparation Mix all ingredients in a food processor until blended. It shouldn’t be too smooth like a paste but it should have a little texture.

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.

Ingredients 3 cloves crushed garlic 2 19oz. cans green pitted sliced olives

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The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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Health & F tness

To Passover or Pass on Over

By Cindy Weinberger MS, RD, CDN

A

s the majority of us know all too well, any attempt at healthy eating goes out of the window on Pesach. We tend to conveniently forget about our health and diet, and instead, take the opportunity to overindulge in every way possible. Even when trying to watch what we eat, the continuous large meals make it difficult to prevent weight gain. When one hears the word “Pesach,” the foods that tend to come to mind are generally eggs and potatoes.

Let’s go through the list of traditionally eaten Pesach foods and decide which foods one should “pass over” and which foods one should request to “pass on over.”

1. Potatoes, potatoes, and more potatoes

Potatoes are a great side dish for Pesach since they are not chometz, cheap, easy to prepare, and versatile.

Potatoes can be served as mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, potato kugel, French fries, or even latkes! They are rich in iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, and zinc which all contribute to the building and maintaining of bone structure. Additionally, potatoes’ fiber, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin B-6 content, together with its lack of cholesterol, all support heart health. Another beneficial nutrient found in potatoes is choline. Choline helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Choline also helps maintain the structure of cellular membranes, assists in the transmission of nerve impulses, aids in the absorption of fat, and reduces

chronic inflammation. Potatoes also contain folate which plays a role in DNA synthesis and thus can help prevent the forming of cancerous tumors.

Potatoes definitely have a lot of nutrients to offer, however, let’s not forget that they are considered a starchy vegetable and should be consumed in moderation. Over Pesach, try to limit the potatoes to only once a day. An even better, healthier option would be to substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes.

So what’s the verdict? After one serving a day, “pass over” the potatoes.

2. Eggs

Eggs are a great meal throughout Pesach, especially on Chol Hamoed.

Eggs can be hard boiled, soft boiled, scrambled, sunny side up, made into an omelet, served as egg salad, deviled eggs, and even the popular Israeli dish, shakshuka. Eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet.

They are a great source of protein, iron, vitamin A, folate, vitamin B5, vitamin B12, vitamin B2, phosphorus, and selenium. Eggs also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that have major benefits for eye health.

Eggs are known to raise HDL cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol, however, there are still mixed reports regarding their effects on LDL or “bad” cholesterol. Therefore, try not to consume more than two yolks a day. Eat as many whites as you’d like since they have many health benefits and few calories.

So when you’re served eggs after eggs after eggs over Pesach, make sure

you say, “Pass on over the eggs!”

3. Fried foods

Yom tov is a time of indulgence and delicious foods. However, that usually means unhealthy, oil-saturated foods. Fried foods damage your body and brain in many different ways. The damage is not just a long term consequence, but a short term danger as well. Similar to a car that needs good clean oil to run efficiently and not break down, your body requires foods that can easily be digested and not clog the “machine.” Fried foods clog arteries which lead to strokes and Alzheimer’s disease. Clogged veins and arteries cause heart attacks and aneurysms. As enticing as they may look, definitely “pass over” the fried foods.

4. Kugels

Kugels are an easy and popular side dish for any yom tov meal. Don’t be fooled by the type of kugel. Many people trick themselves into thinking that kugels are healthy since they are made of broccoli, spinach, carrots, zucchini, etc. Kugels contain a lot of oil and potato starch; many include sugar and other products that should be limited. A small bite of kugel to taste is OK, anything more than that deserves a “pass over.”

5. Vegetables

Vegetables are the body’s best friend. All vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that are essential and beneficial to our bodies in many ways.

Most vegetables are not problematic over Pesach in terms of chometz, and should be eaten generously. Vegetables can be eaten fresh on a platter, in a sal-

ad, roasted, steamed, and grilled. Eat as many as you’d like, wherever you’d like: as a snack, part of a meal, on the go and in the house. Make sure you ask to “pass on over” the vegetables.

6. Cookies, Cakes, Chocolates, and Macaroons

No one ever said dieting is easy, especially when your menu is limited. However, no good can come from turning to baked goods, except for filling a sweet tooth. In any case, when it comes to baked goods and chocolates, “pass over” is the name of the game.

Hopefully this guide will enable you to make wise eating choices over Pesach and keep the weight gain to a minimum.

I wish you and your families a chag kasher v’sameach!

Cindy Weinberger MS, RD, CDN, is a Master’s level Registered Dietitian and Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist. She graduated CUNY Brooklyn College receiving a Bachelor’s in Science and Master’s degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences. Her Dietetic Internship was completed under Brooklyn College primarily in Ditmas Park Care Center and Boro Park Center where she developed clinical and education skills to treat patients with comprehensive nutrition care. She is currently a dietitian at Boro Park Center and a private nutrition consultant. She can be reached at CindyWeinberger1@gmail.com.

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Around the Community

HANC High School Hosts Project Ezra

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n Monday, April 11, HANC High School and its Jewish Poor Committee were privileged to host the annual Project Ezra Model Seder, aimed at providing a mock Pesach seder experience to elderly Jews from the Lower East Side who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in or celebrate the holiday. Organized by Project Ezra,

a nonprofit organization that serves the Jewish elderly of New York’s Lower East Side, and HANC’s Director of Student Life, Rabbi Daniel Mezei, and chairpersons David Rapanipour, Daniel Levy, and Talia Kirschblum, the model seder involved much singing, dancing, eating, and celebrating, as the seniors of Project Ezra were joined

by HANC students from all grades. All

were treated to special performances from members of HANC’s award-winning Boys’ Chorus as well as members of the HANC Band, both of which contributed tremendously to the ruach and joy of the event.

Students read aloud from the Hagaddah, educating and commemorating with the seniors on the basic aspects and practices of the seder, and

connected with them through jovial conversation and laughter, taking the opportunity to learn from the seniors themselves on their personal histories and experiences. The program concluded in high spirits with seniors and students hand in hand, singing and dancing to L’Shanah Habah B’Yerushalayim, marking a classic Pesach Seder.

Madraigos Parenting Workshop - Back by Popular Demand

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adraigos will be offering another parenting workshop to the Five Towns community to aid parents in better communicating with their children. Parents are invited to participate in a four-part series by Madraigos on Mondays between May 9 and May 30. The program will take place at the Madraigos office in Woodmere. The parenting workshops will be presented by Mrs. Mindi Werblowsky, LMSW, Director of Adolescent Programing at Madraigos.

Madraigos is well-known for its wide array of clinical and community services that work directly with teenage and young adult members, to provide them with the necessary skills and tools to live emotionally and spiritually healthy lifestyles. The parenting workshop, aptly named “Real Face Time,” will cover a wide range of topics directed towards developing a positive connection with teenagers while placing a strong emphasis on raising teenage children through the development of emotional health. Mrs. Werblowsky will provide guidance on how to maintain a balance between respecting children’s inherent value and feelings, while still teaching them to have a sense of responsibility which

is a crucial ingredient of unconditional love. This workshop will focus on the importance of empathizing with children through active listening in order to elicit feelings of validation and belonging; while also addressing the difficulty of striking a healthy balance between a “hands-off” approach versus “micromanaging children’s lives.”

An integral focus of this parenting workshop is the importance of the parents’ responsibility to act as role models for their children in all areas of life. Each action performed by a parent has significant impact on children’s moral and ethical development.

Other important tips for effective parenting that will be presented by Mrs. Werblowsky include the importance of praying for Heavenly assistance, selfcare, trusting one’s own judgment, consulting with mental health and rabbinic professionals when needed, and having patience with the parenting process.

In past workshops, parents have left with feeling of a newfound support system and more confidence in going about their challenging parenting duties. David Jasse, a participant of a past parenting workshop provided the following testimonial: “I want to personally thank Mrs. Delman and

Madraigos for the awesome parenting series we recently attended. It was so wonderful each week for my wife and me to come get inspired, educated and reassured about building our Jewish home. We encourage you and Madraigos to continue in this amazing work for the community. The lessons were priceless and timeless, Chazak Baruch!”

Deena Feller, another attendee of the workshop, commented: “Last summer, I participated in a free parenting workshop at Madraigos which I really enjoyed and from which I gained a lot.

The group was a great size, big enough that each person could listen quietly without sharing thoughts if he or she preferred, but small enough that the group felt friendly and one could ask a question or share an idea if he or she chose to do so. Of all of the sessions, my favorite was about empathy.

Hearing others’ questions and brief descriptions of their parenting experiences was also helpful to me. I would highly recommend that any parent of young adults who is interested in growing in parenting skills attend the Madraigos sessions offered.”

Madraigos clinical staff spends many hours coaching and guiding parents as parenting is a critical com-

ponent in raising healthy adolescents.

Chanie Delman, LCSW, Clinical Director of Madraigos explains, “We are constantly hearing teenagers say to us that their parents don’t ‘get it.’ These workshops are designed to help parents actually ‘get it’ and have the tools to connect with their adolescents. The primary goal is to always keep that connection open.”

These workshops are geared toward parents of adolescents and young adults regardless of which school they attend or how connected or disconnected they feel to their families and to religion. Parents will gain a tremendous amount of ideas and support from this free workshop series.

Please contact Mindi Werblowsky, LMSW at Madraigos at 516-371-3250 ext 113 or email mwerblowsky@ madraigos.org for any additional information.

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

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

A Peek into Kollel Chatzos the only Kollel Chatzos and the only kollel learning throughout Rabbi Nechemye Hoffman the night. is the founder and Director of Describe a night in Kollel Chatzos. A young, married father of three, he startKollel Chatzos. ed the first kollel in 2011 with The members are picked just 14 members and a dream. up (since it is the middle of Four years later there are four the night, we provide translocations and the power and portation) and Kollel begins zechus of supporting limud promptly at 12:45 with Maariv. haTorah, especially at chatzos, Then they settle in to learn. is reverberating across the Some chazer what they learned globe. during the day, some learn b’chavrusa. Others participate in Dirshu; Maggidei Shiur prepare and there is a Dayan who reviews shailos and learns Shulchan Oruch. Many say tikkun chatzos.

Each member has a list of names specific to their kollel to keep in mind while they learn.

At some point he takes out the paper and recites the names, often with tears. We keep the lists relatively small and these exemplary talmidei chachomim develop a strong spiritual What is Kollel Chatzos? connection to the names they Every night at a little past daven for; if a name is taken midnight, close to 100 young off the list, they notice. talmidei chachamim in BrookThey learn until daybreak and daven Shacharis at netz. lyn, Monsey, Monroe and Meron leave home to learn in Kol- There is something very spelel throughout the night. cial about a davening that People are shocked when comes after an entire night they see the yungerleit running of being immersed in Torah! into shul at that time, with tal- Then the members head home lis and tefillin in hand. It’s in- to eat breakfast and help with spiring to see such excitement the family and sleep for a coufor learning when everyone ple of hours. By ten o’clock in else is going to sleep! Recently, the morning they are back in a wealthy man happened to be their regular day kollel. standing outside the shul when one of the cars pulled up. He So they learn day and wondered out loud what they night?! were doing and was so moved, Yes. They get home from he gave $50 to each kollel day kollel, eat supper and help member right then and there. with the kids, go to sleep at about 8:30 pm for four hours What differentiates Kollel and then wake up and head to Kollel Chatzos for the night. It Chatzos from other oris an intense way of life, but the ganizations of the same kollel members who commit to name?

We are the only kollel in it can’t imagine anything else.

Eretz Yisroel with regular, In fact, there’s a huge waiting young kollel members learning list in each city. the standard range of Torah.

Walk into any of our locations What type of person signs up for Kollel Chatzos? at 3AM and you’ll think you Yungerleit ages 25-30; stepped into a normal, vibrant day kollel. In America we are deeply committed to learning

By Shoshana Bernstein

Torah; they must be learning during the day as well. When someone applies we meet with him and ask: “What is your plan for learning and what is your plan for your home life?

When will you sleep?” They must be able to sleep for four hours before they come. When someone is accepted, he is committed for one zman. For most kollel members, there is definitely an adjustment period, but then it becomes a way of life.

What about the wives?

The application actually requires the wife’s signature stating that she agrees and supports this decision, just like for Hatzolah members.

Some wives even add that it is a zechus and an honor. During the year we plan support groups for the women, and inspirational speakers; before Pesach we give out bonus coupons, and before Shavuos we give a bag filled with milchig items and a beautiful letter thanking the wives.

How did the Kollel get started?

When I was a bochur learning in the Mir I was zoche to get to know a tremendous talmid chochom and mechaber seforim who shared with me that it is a life-changing experience to learn the Zohar. I went to Meron for Lag b’Omer and bought myself a small set of Zohar and found it very inspiring. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai states over and over that chatzos halaila is such a special time to learn, so I decided to try. I davened Maariv in the first minyan in yeshiva, went to sleep and woke up at 12am.

I had the key to a Bais Medrash in Meah Shearim; I let my-

the kollel, and the yeshuos it brings, they realize that there is definitely a koach to supporting Torah being learned b’chatzos halailah. There have always been those who feel a deep connection to segulos and yeshuos. Now people across the board are recognizing the tremendous zechus in helping ensure there is never a moment without Torah being learned, especially during the night.

When you consider the time difference between the How did one small kollel Kollel Chatzos locations in America and Eretz Yisroel, it grow into four locations means that in essence Torah and a world renowned source for the zechusim of is being learned non-stop from 6 pm to 6 am. Add this Torah limud haTorah?

The kollel started after Pe- learning to the rest of Torah sach and by the summer, I was being learned during the day running out of money. I hap- throughout the world and Topened to mention the kollel to rah is being learned 24 hours a new father and he reached a day. into his wallet and gave me $30. He told me, “I can’t stay You give people the up the whole night before the opportunity to become bris to learn. Please have the a partner with Kollel kollel learn in zechus of my Chatzos. Where does the baby.” money go?

The Rashash brings an inExclusively to the kollel credible chiddush: if someone members and administrative cannot stay up to learn the costs to help administer and night of his baby’s vacht nacht, raise funds for the kollelim. he can ask someone else to Without the money raised, we learn on his behalf and it is as if would not be able to pay the he himself learned for his baby kollel members and the famithe entire night. I realized that lies would not have the ability this was a potential way to help to live this elevated and excepsupport the kollel while pro- tional life of Torah. The more viding new fathers an avenue money raised, the more I can to have a shmira and a zechus give each kollel member and for their baby. We started ad- the more locations I can open. vertising and more people signed up for the zechus of havWhat is your vision for ing the kollel learn throughout the future? the night. It grew from there.

A kollel chatzos in every city with enough money to include as many kollel members What do you think as possible. And ultimately, appeals to people most?

When people hear the pow- that each kollel chatzos should er and zechus of supporting be a full day kollel as well.

self in and learned, alone, the whole night.

Then I got married and settled in Monroe with a regular day kollel schedule, but I really missed the chatzos halaila learning and always talked about it. About a year and a half after I got married, my wife urged me to use our chasunah savings to open a kollel. I went to various Gedolim for haskama and put a small ad in the classifieds. I started two weeks later with 14 people.

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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Around the Community

Rabbi Eisikovic’s seventh grade class in Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island participated in the national Masmid Govoha contest. To celebrate their tremendous accomplishments they enjoyed a pizza party topped off with Slurpees from Season’s Express.

Ezra Matzahs, Handmade by Ezra Academy Students

T

he Ezra Academy mission is not only to teach Torah and Judaism, but to live it as well.

While many schools and yeshivas schedule trips to matzah factories to watch the process of handmade Shmura Matzah, the seniors of Ezra Academy did something slightly different this week; they made the matzahs.

That is correct! A group of 35 students from Ezra traveled to Brooklyn to make their own matzah for the Seder. We are not talking about students assisting professional rollers

and kneaders in the matzah process; rather the entire production line was done by Ezra. From Michelle who measured and poured the first pitcher of “Mayim Shelanu,” to Sharon who rolled perfectly round matzahs, and ending with Eyal who assisted the matzahs as they were placed in the oven. It was all Ezra.

Well, not all Ezra. There was one great person there who not only helped and supervised the process but made this all possible. Rabbi Mordechai Twersky shlita, the Hornesteipler Rebbe of Flatbush, be-

ginning with Rosh Chodesh Nissan turns his shul into a matzah factory.

The entire Beis Medrash is covered top to bottom with paper, and the process begins. Select schools and groups bake their own matzah. The matzahs are made in the shul itself on the tables, and baked in their special oven.

As fun and exciting as the entire morning was, the hands-on educational aspect was what really impressed the students. When the first round finished (18 minutes), the students had to strip the tables and

put on new tablecloths, wash their hands, and change their aprons before they could begin again. One boy commented that he had no idea that this goes on in every matzah bakery around the world.

After several hours and a big mess, the Ezra bakers were able to reward themselves with kosher l’Pesach matzahs for the Seder. For some, however, this pride did not last long as a few tired and hungry members could not resist their freshly baked goods, and had a very crunchy snack on the way home.

Beatrice Deevy Joins Apple Bank for Savings as Vice President and Branch Manager of Cedarhurst Office

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pple Bank for Savings has appointed Beatrice Deevy as Vice President and Branch Manager of its Cedarhurst, Long Island, branch office located at 115 Cedarhurst Avenue. Ms. Deevy joins Apple Bank with close to 20 years of retail banking experience with a number of Long Island banking institutions.

James Matera, Executive Vice President and Head of Apple Bank’s Consumer Banking Division, said, “We are pleased to welcome Bea Deevy as the new manager of our Cedarhurst branch office. Her extensive retail banking background and experience in serving the financial needs of Long Island residents will be valu-

able assets in serving Apple Bank customers.”

Ms. Deevy comes to Apple Bank from Astoria Bank, where she was a Vice President and Branch Manager in Floral Park, LI. She joined Astoria in 2013 after 15 years with HSBC, where she most recently served as Vice President and Senior Branch Manager of the HSBC Freeport, LI office.

Ms. Deevy began her banking career with North Side Savings Bank as a college student. She transitioned to a full-time position with North Side Savings Bank in their Long Island call center after graduating from Nyack College with a B.S. degree. She then went to work for Northwest Airlines

as a Reservation Sales Agent following the acquisition of North Side by North Fork Bank. Ms. Deevy returned to banking in 1997 as a Consumer Banker with Republic National Bank in the Garden City office at Roosevelt Field and remained there until HSBC acquired the bank in 1999.

Born in Brooklyn, Ms. Deevy grew up on Long Island and is currently a resident of Oceanside. She is married and has two young sons. .

Apple Bank, established in 1863, provides consumer and small business banking services in greater New York through its branch network and online banking platform and is an active lender in the commercial

real estate and corporate banking sectors. Apple is the second-largest state chartered savings bank in New York State, with $12.8 billion in assets and 79 branches located in the five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, Westchester and Rockland.

Visit us at www.applebank.com.

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Drowning Out BDS with Israeli Wine

By Joshua E. London

I

srael’s wine industry is thriving, and Israel’s wine exports remain largely very healthy. This is in spite of the fever-pitched efforts of the fiercely anti-Israel “Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions” (or BDS) movement promoting international punitive economic policies against Israel and consumer boycotts of Israeli goods. So far, good wine continues to trump such hate-based campaigns and the critical and consumer appreciation for Israeli wines continues to grow.

“Israeli wines remain an incredibly strong growth area in the kosher wine world,” says Jay Buchsbaum, VP Marketing and Director of Wine Education with the Royal Wine Corp., the largest producer, importer and distributor of kosher wines and spirits with 27 different Israeli wineries in its portfolio. “While some brands are steady performers,” says Buchsbaum, “others seem to fly off the shelf…Some of the wineries can’t produce anything like enough volume to satisfy U.S. demand.”

Josh Greenstein, of the Israeli Wine Producers Association, adds that “Israeli wine is now being acknowledged, even lauded, for its successes.” More than “50 Israeli wines,” he notes, “have been awarded 90+ scores by such renowned industry experts and critics such as Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, and by Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast and Decanter magazines.” These wines are not, he observes, “being recognized as great kosher wines or as great for Israeli wine, but as great wines amidst the world’s variety of great wines.”

All this positive critical attention has not gone unnoticed, as Israel wine export figures remain very good. According to the latest report from the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute, Israel’s global wine exports grew 6% to $39 million in 2015. In this same period, Israeli wine exports to the United States, the largest market for Israeli wines, grew 8% to $25 million.

Interestingly the Israeli wine sector’s exports to Asia, where there is no significant demand for kosher wine, rose a whopping 16% to $2.6 million.

Israel’s domestic wine market enjoys annual sales of around NIS 1 billion (around $257,248,000. USD), with

exports totaling 40 million bottles a year, plus 10 million more bottles of grape juice. Roughly 20% of Israel’s wine industry output is for export.

“Traditionally, the Israeli wine export was based on the demand for kosher wine by Jewish communities around the world,” says Yaara Shimoni, the wine and fresh produce manager for the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute.

“However, a recent trend,” she notes, “sees Israeli wines gaining international recognition and respect also in countries where the kosher issue is irrelevant,” like Japan and China, and this really “shows the global progress of the Israel wine brand.”

One dark spot in the report concerns Europe: Exports to the European Union were down 18% to $10 million during this same period. According to the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute this decline is due largely to the “Euro crisis” (the multi-year European sovereign debt crisis), rather than to any European boycotts or related BDS activities. More than a few folks in the Israeli wine industry, however, think something far more sinister is going on.

In November of 2015, after all, the EU delivered on its previously publicized intention to issue labeling guidelines on Israeli products that seeks to penalize Israeli settlement policy. In the U.S., the Obama Administration – a similarly harsh critic of Israeli settlement policy – ultimately indicated its support for the European measure. Even more troubling, the Obama Administration more recently announced its own similar guidelines despite overwhelming bipartisan Congressional support for Israel. The U.S. measure is not likely to prevail, while the EU guidelines are already taking root.

Under the new EU directive, Israeli goods produced in the Golan Heights or in Judea and Samaria, the so-called “West Bank,” must display labels such as “Product from the Golan Heights (Israeli settlement)” or “Product from the West Bank (Israeli settlement),” rather than “Made in Israel” if they are to be sold in Europe. The EU was quick to distance itself from BDS campaigns which sought to take credit for the EU directive. Regardless, the punitive effects on trade of the EU’s poli-

cies remain very real.

Some major public figures have decided to fight back the BDS movements such as Jewish billionaire Sheldon Adelson. Last summer, Adelson hosted a secretive closed-doors summit at his luxury resort “The Venetian” in Las Vegas. According to the reports, roughly $20 million were raised.

While these efforts have been helpful in the USA, they have so far very little impact in the EU. According to Yaakov Berg, CEO of Psagot Boutique Winery, the EU directive is all bad. In fact, his exports to Europe and South Africa declined by 50% already back in 2014 due to unofficial BDS sentiments. The first sign of trouble reared its head a few years earlier, he said, when he refused a South African importer’s request to label his wines “Made in Occupied Palestine” and thereby lost that importer’s business. “We were not surprised for the European decision,” says Berg. “The Europeans haven’t been so nice to the Jewish People historically – so I think it’s not a huge surprise.”

Other Israeli winemakers have also experienced financial loss due to the EU directive. According to Amichai Lourie, winemaker of the Shiloh Winery, which produces 100,000 bottles annually, his winery’s exports to Europe have disappeared following the EU’s November 2015 directive. “Our sales in Europe dropped to zero,” he says, “literally, zero. No sales in Europe at all.”

Last December was the first major impact for Shiloh, he said. “December is usually a very good season for us in Europe and we had zero orders of wine,” explains Lourie. “Our importers all told us the same thing, ‘Listen, I don’t yet know what we have to do, what labeling we need to do [to make this work]’, so in the meantime they placed zero orders rather than risk the

wine being held up; they don’t have the specific guidelines; it’s a simple business proposition. I’m waiting for the guidelines too.”

Like all of his fellow Israeli winemakers, Lourie remains defiant. “We are proud to be in Shiloh,” says Lourie. “We are hiding nothing; we say it on our labels in English and Hebrew.

It [the EU labeling guidelines] hurts our business, for sure; it’s the current reality…but we’ve gone through more difficult things in life.”

Strong movements against the BDS have also appeared in many Jewish communities across the USA such as Young Israel of Teaneck or the Irving Place Minyan of Long Island. This past holiday of Purim, a number of congregations have encouraged their members to buy only Israeli products, including Elite Chocolate and Barkan wines. Rabbi Binyamin Krohn, of the Young Israel of Teaneck, said that there is no better time than Purim to show support for Israel.

Meanwhile, according to Dovid Perelman, CEO of the JCommerce Group, which owns both jwines.com and kosherwine.com online retailers, Israel’s wine sector has little to fear from BDS. “We don’t drink Israeli wines because we want to support Israel,” insists Perelman, “but because the wines are awesome, with great terroir, and interesting stories.”

According to Perelman, sales of Israeli wines are not only incredibly strong, but have been consistently strong every year. Most retailers indicate that Israeli wine makes up about 80% of the kosher wine marketplace in the U.S. Perelman insists this is “because of the quality, not because of the affinity for Israel.”

Whatever the reason, the export figures make clear that Israel’s wine industry continues to thrive and is well poised to drown out the BDS haters.

Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky: Where are You and Your Matzos From?

See our Pesach Supplement

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

The Marion and Aaron Gural JCC Clients Enjoy a Model Seder

O The words of our Chazal, which say Mishenichnas Adar marbim b’simcha, are well-known. The boys in Rabbi Spiegel’s third grade class in Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island extended their simcha into the month of Nissan by recently completing Parsha Miketz and celebrated with dancing in the halls into the Menahel’s office where they enjoyed a fahrher.

Saul Dymant, Arthur Greenbaum, and Bernie Igielski

n April 14, the Marion and Aaron Gural JCC was proud to partner with the Atlantic Beach Jewish Center in coordinating a beautiful seder for Holocaust survivors, older adults and adults with disabilities. Over 250 participants gathered to enjoy a model seder at the Jewish Center. For some, this was their only opportunity to

experience a Passover seder. This heart-warming and meaningful celebration has become an annual event.

A special thanks to Mark Ramer for making this beautiful and festive day a treasured tradition for so many. In addition, Mr. Ramer worked with the JCC to provide over 125 Pesach packages to many of our clients in need.

Government Funded Energy Efficiency

By Zezy Fuld You know that you want to have a more comfortable home. Save money.

Be good to the environment. You may also know that you can accomplish all these goals by increasing the energy efficiency of your home and appliances.

But, maybe you’ve hesitated because you’re worried that the project is too complex, too invasive and too expensive. JSynergy wants you to know that the process is simpler than you think, will not disrupt your life and family, and will actually save you a significant amount of money overall. In addition, your home will be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer and your whole family will be more comfortable year-round.

But, you don’t have to take the word of JSynergy for this. We sat down with Jonathan Nierenberg of the Five Towns who recounted his experience with JSynergy to boost the energy efficiency of his home.

Mr. Nierenberg began the process in late June when he filled out the application for government funds to help with the costs of the project.

“Within about 6 weeks I got the approval and the work began almost

immediately,” said Mr. Nierenberg.

When asked about the application process and the paperwork, he added that the process was fairly simple and whenever he found any difficulties, JSynergy’s staff members were readily available to help out in a speedy and efficient manner. “Documentation is always a nightmare for me and I avoid it even when it’s beneficial for me,” he added. “Helping me with that is one of the key customer care benefits that JSynergy has to offer.”

When asked about the way that his energy options were presented, Mr. Nierenberg said that, after the initial energy audit and assessment, the company clearly presented many possible options of which he could choose the ones he felt were most necessary. He opted for oil-to-gas conversion, window replacements and spray-on foam insulation as his major improvements.

He added that during the past winter, he found his home to be appreciably warmer with fewer drafts and greater all-around comfort.

Nierenberg went on to say that he had been most concerned about the cleanliness of the project and the time-lines of the implementation. He found that JSynergy came through on

these aspects. “Each time I reached out there was always someone at JSynergy to help whether from a financial perspective or an operational perspective. I really enjoyed that.” As far as his concern about cleanliness and the time-lines, Nierenberg added that the workers were “extremely polite” and informed him and kept to the time frame which they promised. As for cleanliness, he added, “I was 100% satisfied with the way they left the home each day.”

Despite the fact that some of the potential home improvements may seem complex to understand, Mr. Nierenberg said that he was provided with much information about all aspects of the home improvements and had many options, for instance with the spray-on insulation, presented to him. “I was very impressed with JSynergy’s Ari Elbogen in terms of his helpfulness, knowledge and expertise.”

Mr. Nierenberg also expressed his appreciation for the fact that, although the work on his home coincided with the holidays, at no time did the project impact on his family’s holiday preparations. “What really sold me on this project and the reason I’ve recommended it to several of my friends, is

the fact that Ari at all times accommodated my schedule and assured me that the project would be done in a timely and efficient manner.”

When the project was finished and the representative of the state did a walk-through of the home to assure that all work had been done in a way that fulfilled all government regulatory requirements, “he gave it a 10 out of 10,” said Mr. Nierenberg.

Making your home energy efficient is work that pays for itself in the savings on future fuel bills. Similar to driving a smaller vehicle vs. a big truck, your home appliances and machinery may still work well, but at what cost?!

With the costs of energy as high as they are, you are paying anyway. Why not let your investment work for you and your family?

So, if you have been thinking of having a more comfortable, more energy efficient home and of saving money besides, contact JSynergy. It’s easier than you think and you and your family can be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. And have more money in your pockets, too. Call today for a FREE energy assessment, 516-331-2020.

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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An Inside Peek into Hofstra School of Law with Professor Baruch Bush

D

id you know that Hofstra’s Maurice A. Deane School of Law was one of the first law schools in the nation to integrate clinical education into the law school curriculum? To this day, the school continues to innovate and develop new programs to train the modern lawyer.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Professor Baruch Bush, one of several Orthodox faculty members at Hofstra Law, for a conversation about the benefits of law school for aspiring law students in our community, as well as a new two-year J.D. program Hofstra Law has launched.

Why did you want to become a lawyer?

Professor Bush: That’s an interesting one. First of all, I have to tell you that I graduated law school quite a long time ago, in 1974. At that time in my life, my major interest was to use the legal process and the skills of a lawyer to pursue what today is generally called “social justice” – to work

on behalf of low income clients and public interest clients, especially in environmental law. My interest was in public interest law when I went to law school, although that changed somewhat by the time I graduated.

What areas of law do you teach?

I teach a number of courses involving alternative dispute resolution processes. Those are processes which take place out of court – settling conflicts through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. I also teach a first-year course in personal injury law which is lots of fun and interesting because it involves me interacting with all the first-year law students which is a great experience.

Do you think Orthodox students who only have a yeshiva background have any advantages or disadvantages in law school?

That is a nice question. First of all, that first semester of law school is

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generally a very different experience than anything students have done before. Studying law is its own thing.

The approach to problems is different, the language is different. You are learning a new language both in terms of vocabulary and in terms of analysis.

However, students who have studied Talmud for many years have developed a certain discipline, as well as analytical skills and an understanding of how to interpret text. Torah study places a great emphasis on the importance of every word and textual nuance which is important in the practice of law. Many yeshiva graduates are also accustomed to focusing intently on intricate legal studies for several hours at a time. This too proves valuable in law school.

Do you recommend Hofstra Law for Orthodox students?

Yes. Hofstra Law is a great option for any Orthodox student. The school boasts several Orthodox professors and all professors are very understanding of the needs of religious students such as Shabbos and yom tov.

There is fresh kosher food available on campus as well as many nearby options. Hillel has a strong on-campus presence and there are daily minyanim. Hofstra is also located just minutes from the Five Towns and Queens and just a short drive from Brooklyn.

We understand that Hofstra Law now offers a 2-Year Honors J.D. Program. Who do you think would benefit from the two-year program compared to the three-year program?

The two-year program is a great option for someone who has a family or is starting a family and wants to be able to move quickly through the J.D. program. They can get into the job market quicker and start being able to support their family.

The program would also benefit someone who may have a job waiting for them with family and friends, or an existing business that really wants them to join as soon as possible. That would be another reason you’d want to get through it in two years rather than three. If you yourself are an older person, an older student, like a

second-career student who is looking to get into the legal marketplace as quickly as possible, that is another advantage of a two-year program.

What skills do you think students need to succeed in this accelerated program?

They need the skill of diligence and the willingness to work very hard and long hours, as well as the tolerance of their families to allow them to do so.

You also need good skills in reading and understanding text – not just the surface of the text like judicial opinions or scholarly articles, but also to read beneath the text to understand what kinds of concepts and policies and philosophical ideas are implied from the text. This is something students in the Orthodox community generally excel in.

Writing skills are also important because lawyers do a lot of writing, and law students also do a lot of writing. That may be the most challenging thing for Orthodox Jewish students, since their earlier studies may have involved less written work in English. Finally, in law school and as lawyers, you need the ability to articulate orally, to participate in class and to engage in the back-and-forth with teachers and classmates. That is something that Orthodox students have plenty of experience in and should excel at in law school.

Hofstra Law’s 2-Year Program will begin in the fall of 2016. If you have any questions about applying to Hofstra Law or its new 2-Year Program, please contact the Office of Enrollment Management at 516463-5916 or lawadmissions@hofstra.edu.

TJH Chol Hamoed Guide See our Pesach Supplement

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

Siach Yitzchok Building Update

WE DO MORE O U R FA C U LT Y D O E S M O R E T O E N S U R E

T H E S U C C E S S O F O U R G R A D U AT E S .

NETWORK. NETWORK. NETWORK. Hofstra Law ranks 58th nationally for the number of alumni partners at top 100 firms.

OUR FACULTY ARE TOP EDUCATORS AND SCHOLARS Our faculty ranks 47th nationally in scholarly impact.

OUR LOCATION IS ONE OF A KIND Our state-of-the-art campus is conveniently located just minutes from the 5 Towns, Queens and Brooklyn. On-site amenities include minyanim and kosher food ensuring the best possible experience.

A

s we begin the Pesach break our construction project manager, Mr. Asher Feigenbaum of Ray Builders, reports significant progress on the foundation work. Although the site may at times look idle and inactive, in truth there has been a tremendous amount of work accomplished throughout the winter months. The “pit,” as we call it, has been quite active.

The north and west side footings and foundation walls have been poured and are mostly complete. In

the coming weeks we will be forming and pouring the south side concrete footings and then we will begin the prep work for the foundation wall.

By Shavuos we hope to have poured the east side footings and wall as well, thus completing the entire foundation work. The next step is to begin fabricating the steel so we can lay the beams for the promenade and the first floor slab. The exciting part will be when we “break out” above ground and begin erecting the steel structure b’karov!

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

HANC ECC West Hempstead is proud of our Yeladim who have contributed to Maot Chittim

Touro to Host Holocaust Remembrance Day Lecture on Recovering Stolen Jewish Art

T

he entire community is invited to the Touro College and University System’s Presidential Lecture, “Recovering Nazi Looted Art: The Last Prisoners of the Shoah,” presented by renowned attorney Mel Urbach, in observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom HaShoah. The lecture will take place at the Lander College for Men, located at 75-31 150th Street in Flushing, on May 4 beginning at 7:30 PM. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

“Germany has been slow when it comes to recognizing and returning items looted from Holocaust victims,” said Urbach. “This art may be related to German history and culture, but it belonged to the victims who were German and Jewish. It was pilfered during the 12 years of Nazi atrocities and it must be returned.”

Urbach devotes his legal practice to helping Holocaust victims recover artifacts stolen during the years of Nazi terror, using a combination of international law, arbitration, mediation and dispute-resolution techniques. He represents World War II

victims and has actively participated in recovering several billion dollars for his clients during the last two decades, as well as stolen artwork and artifacts, which include porcelain collections and Judaica.

“To decide these claims Germany appointed a panel of judges who, in the last four cases, have denied the return of property clearly lost during Nazi rule,” he said. “They are rewriting and distorting history to keep Nazi-looted art in Germany. It is unacceptable and Germany has to open the door to moral and legal justice.”

Dr. Alan Kadish, president and CEO of Touro College, said that returning the artwork goes beyond the responsibility to reclaim stolen property.

“As the number of living Holocaust survivors dwindles, it is ever more important to protect the legacy of its victims,” Dr. Kadish said. “Mr. Urbach points us toward a path of continued advocacy for our people and its history. We must be active in the present in order to honor our past and ensure our future.”

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island

Hands On Learning In YKLI Pre-School

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

1.

TJH !

Centerfold ?

You gotta be

kidding

Yankel and Moshe meet at a local coffee shop to shmooze. As they sit there, Yankel turns to Moshe and says, “Do you know what I think, Moshe?”

“No,” replies Moshe, “what is it that you think, Yankel?”

“I think,” says Yankel, “that life is just like a cup of coffee.”

“Why do you think that?” asks Moshe.

“How should I know,” replies Yankel. “Am I a philosopher?”

Did You Know?

When three-letter airport codes became standard, airports that had been using two letters simply added an X.

A normal, relaxed blinking rate is 6–8 blinks per minute, and the eyes are closed for about 1/10th of a second.

If you start counting at one and spell out the numbers as you go, you won’t use the letter “A” until you reach 1,000.

There are more than 50,000 characters in the Chinese language.

You’ll need to know about 2,000 to read a newspaper.

Riddle me

this?

You are given a 5 gallon barrel and a 3 gallon barrel. You are told to go to the sink and fill the 5 gallon barrel with 4 gallons of water. You don’t have any measuring devices. What do you do to make sure the 5 gallon barrel has 4 gallons using your two items?

See answer on next page

Rhode Island is the smallest state but has the longest name. The official name, used on all state documents, is “Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.”

Diet Coke was only invented in 1982.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word “set” has the most definitions, with 464.

The word “run” runs a distant second, with 396 definitions.

If you have 3 quarters, 4 dimes, and 4 pennies, you have $1.19.

You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar.

Alaska is the only state that you can type out its name using only one line of a keyboard.

There are 10 human body parts that are only 3 letters long (eye, hip, arm, leg, ear, toe, jaw, rib, lip, gum).

The average person falls asleep in seven minutes.

No word in the English language rhymes with month.

The plastic things on the end of shoelaces are called “aglets.”

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

*

Intelligence Test

1. Do they have a 4th of July in England? a. Yes b. No 2. How many birthdays does the average man have? a. 1 b. 7 c. 72 3. Some months have 31 days; how many have 28? a. 2 b. 12 4. How many outs are there in an inning? a. 1 b. 3 c. 6 d. 9 5. Is it legal for a man in California to marry his widow’s sister? a. Yes b. No 6. Divide 30 by 1/2 and add 10. What is the answer? a. 20 b. 25 c. 70 7. If there are 3 apples and you take

away 2, how many do you have? a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 8. A doctor gives you three pills telling you to take one every half hour. How many minutes would the pills last? a. 60 b. 90 c. 120 9. A farmer has 17 sheep, and all but 9 die. How many are left? a. 8 b. 9 c. 17 10. How many two cent stamps are there in a dozen? a. 2 b. 6 c. 9 d. 12 Answers 1. A- In England, much like America, July 4th comes after July 3rd. Everything else about the place is backwards, though.

2. A- Every person has 1 birthday…duuhh.

3. C- Last I checked each month

has at least 28 days, although we wish August had 60 and January had 2.

4. C- A full inning has 6 outs, 3 for each team.

5. B- It would be pretty hard for a dead person to get married.

6. C-70 (30 divided by 1/2 equals 60. Then you add 10) 7. B- Unless someone stole one of the apples from you, you have the 2 that you took.

8. A-60 - Start with the first pill, 30 minutes later take the second, 30 minutes after that, take the third.

9. B- Why don’t you think about this one a little more? Maybe read the question again.

10. D- There are twelve 2 cent stamps in a dozen.

Wisdom Key 8-10 Correct: You are probably the smartest person sitting around your yom tov table (which also makes you the most annoying person to sit near).

4-7 Correct: You are intelligent.

But you shoot from the hip a bit too much.

1-3 Correct: Too much matzah is known to kill brain cells. Slow down on the chomping and try this quiz again later.

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Answer to riddle: You fill the 5 gallon barrel up and pour it into the 3 gallon barrel. Then dump the 3 gallon barrel out and pour what was left in the 5 gallon barrel into the 3 gallon barrel so that you have 2 gallons in the 3 gallon barrel. Then fill the 5 gallon barrel up and pour it into the 3 gallon barrel to fill it up. Now you have 4 gallons in the 5 gallon barrel.

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Torah Thought

Pesach

By Rabbi Berel Wein

A

side from the actual lessons and topics regarding freedom from bondage and the emergence of the national identity of the Jewish people, Pesach conveys to us the wonders of the natural seasons of the year here in Israel. The great Song of Songs of King Solomon occupies a place of honor in the synagogue service of the holiday and recorded in that most holy work are recorded colorful descriptions of the beauty and variety of nature here in the Holy Land.

Pesach always falls in the spring months here in Israel, a natural symbol for the constant rebirth and vitality of our ancient and ever young nation. For many centuries a significant portion of the Jewish people – especially in Eastern and Central Eu-

rope – lived in climates and under weather conditions that were uncomfortable and even brutal. Frigid winters of snow and ice were followed by impassable mud and then dusty and hot summers. Even na-

ty is highlighted by the reappearance of the flowers and the blossoming of the fruit trees. Jews search for blossoms in order to recite the “blessing on the trees” in this month when Pesach arrives. Nature’s revival

phasize the wonders of nature. The Torah and the Talmud are both very nature oriented. The prevalent custom here in Israel to take nature hikes is a manifestation of our attempt to reintroduce a knowledge

Nature’s revival sparks a renewal within us as well.

ture in Eastern Europe was not necessarily kind to the millions of Jews who lived there.

In the United States, winter in the Midwest or the Northeast is usually quite cold and snowy, so spring is always a welcome arrival. But here in Israel it takes on a special meaning, more than just a change in weather. The season’s beau-

sparks a renewal within us as well. And that is a key ingredient in our Pesach celebration and commemoration, Unfortunately in our super-technologically oriented society many are too busy texting to notice the natural beauty that surrounds us now. In general, our educational systems and lifestyles do not em-

and appreciation of the natural surroundings into our lives.

There are entire sections and tractates of Mishna that are simply not understandable even to scholarly students of the Oral Law because of our ignorance of the botany and topography of Israel. My father told me that there were certain fruits that he never tasted

or even saw until he came to study here in Israel in the middle 1920s. Except for the ritually required citron, citrus fruit was practically an unknown commodity in his native Lithuania. In extolling the virtues of the Land of Israel, the Torah dwells constantly on its natural beauty and abundant food variety and sustenance.

The holiday of Pesach subtly carries with it this message of the wonders of nature, especially as they relate to the Land of Israel.

So, wherever we find ourselves on this glorious holiday that falls in this month of such verdant natural beauty, we should pause to admire the world of beauty that G-d has placed us in. It will be a delight for the eyes and a blessing for the soul.

Chag kasher v’sameach.

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

The Observant Jew

Don’t Go There

By Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz

A

friend had a very traumatic experience after his wedding (and I don’t mean realizing he was married!). I’d heard bits and pieces of the story but figured it might be a good hashgacha pratis lesson so I asked for more details. Even though it was decades since that night, and he’d been blessed with a loving spouse and a large family, he was shaken and said, “I don’t want to talk about it.”

When I pressed him for details and explained my reasoning for wanting to hear the story he still recoiled at the idea. “It was not a good experience and I never want to discuss it again. I’m sorry, but you don’t have a good ‘hashgacha pratis’ story on your hands.”

That was the end of that, but I was taken aback by his violent reaction and obviously still strong emotions. As an outsider, it was easy for me to say that everything Hashem does is to teach us a lesson or to help us in some way, but he could not view the story in any way but as a painful memory.

And that’s too bad.

You see, knowing and recognizing that everything is part of a plan, that Hashem takes into account every feeling, every bad word or disdainful look and doesn’t allow us to be pained more than is

appropriate, makes difficulties much easier to handle.

A wise man (or woman) once said, “Pain is mandatory, suffering is optional.” What this means is that during our lives we will find situations in which we are hurt – either physically, emotionally, mentally, or otherwise – but we don’t have to suffer because of them.

If, as an adult, you go to get a shot from the doctor, you understand that it’s a little bit of pain that will help you. The pinch is uncomfortable but nowhere near as traumatic as when a child gets a shot and has to deal with the question of whether her mother or father loves her because why else would s/he let this mean, evil, maniac with a stethoscope pierce her innocent flesh with a sharp piece of metal?

It’s the same when you realize that Hashem is our Father and the evil maniac who gets to harm us is actually doing Hashem’s bidding in an effort to help us grow and be healthy. When you look back many years to a challenging time and you contemplate how life has changed since the moment when you thought all was lost, or you reflect on how you approach similar disappointments today, you will often see the silver lining that

you missed before.

One woman who was childless and went through many procedures and difficulties in her quest to become a mother went on to become a counselor and therapist able to help other people in similar situations. Her pain brought about knowledge and through it she lessens other people’s pain. Had she not experienced it, she would not have been able to make as much of a difference in people’s lives as she did because of those experiences.

Throughout the year we recite the Shema twice daily and recall that Hashem took us from Egypt. On Shabbos we say Kiddush and invoke, “Zecher l’yetzias Mitrayim,” it is as a remembrance of leaving Egypt. On Pesach, we take it a step further and we have subtle references to the actual slavery. We have salt water for the tears, charoses for the bricks, matzah for the poverty we experienced and the way we were rushed out of everything we ever knew.

We know that the plagues were punishments for the Egyptians for the things they did to us, and as we revel in the miracles of Hashem’s salvation, we find that the actual pain we experienced seems to fade. The pain wasn’t the focus of our lives because we

were being groomed for greatness. At the time we couldn’t see it, but in hindsight we can.

My poor friend doesn’t see that Hashem never gives us pain to hurt us. He gives us

past and find the lessons and benefits in them.

When we are able to frame our life experiences in this way, understanding that Hashem is providing

That’s why we’re always reminded to recall the Exodus from Egypt, when so many things finally made sense and we could see the benefit of the pain.

pain to grow and learn about life and about ourselves. He doesn’t want us to suffer, and if we recognize that, then we don’t have to. We will be able to “keep calm and carry on,” as they said during the London blitz bombings of World War II. That’s why we’re always reminded to recall the Exodus from Egypt, when so many things finally made sense and we could see the benefit of the pain. We merit recalling it at night, which is symbolic of the dark times in our life. That’s what Seder night is all about.

You see, we are supposed to go there. We are supposed to recall the difficulties in our

us with the best care imaginable, we can release ourselves from suffering and truly be free.

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.

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Between the Lines

Freedom Doesn’t Mean Free

By Eytan Kobre

You have freedom when you’re easy in your harness. -Robert Frost

P

icture a violin string, unraveled yet detached. Some might consider the string free because it is unrestrained. But free to do what? It produces no sound.

It serves no real purpose. Only by fastening it to the violin – and tightening it tautly – is the string free to reverberate with delightful sound.

Only then is the string truly free to fulfill its promise.

This is the great paradox of freedom, the dominant theme of Pesach, when G-d took us of Egypt, “from slavery to freedom.” Indeed, the liturgical moniker for Pesach is not the “Time of Our Redemption” but the “Time of Our Freedom.” This celebration of freedom informs our conduct at the Seder. Among other things, it is the reason we drink four cups of wine (Pesachim 108b; Pesachim 117b; Rambam, Chometz U’Matza 7:9), it is the reason we recline (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 472:2; Rambam, Chometz U’Matza 7:7), and it is the reason we use our finest tableware (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 472:2 and Mishna Berura ad loc.).

But what is freedom?

It is not the absence of all constraint on self-expression, the lack of limitation, or the ability to act as we please.

It is the ability to do not what we want but what we are destined to do.

A story is told about the first dove created. It complained to G-d, “I have no teeth or claws with which to defend myself. I’m small and have two scrawny legs, so I can’t flee from attackers. How will I survive?”

G-d heard the dove’s plea and agreed to rectify the situation.

A short while later, the dove returned and complained even more bitterly than before. “It was bad enough before. Now I have these two large clumps on my back. They only add weight and make it harder to escape those who prey on me!”

“You don’t understand,” G-d explained. “Those clumps are wings.

They’re to help you fly.”

The Torah’s commandments are likened to the wings of a dove (Berachos 53b). To the uninitiated, the Torah’s dictates seem restrictive or stifling. But they enable our souls to fly. They create and perpetuate a connection with G-d, and they are therefore tools of freedom – enabling us to unshackle ourselves from a society that regards freedom as a life with no responsibilities, no ties, no strings, no commitments.

The difference between the Torah’s notion of freedom and the misguided spirit of freedom pervasive in society is underscored by the emancipation of the Jewish indentured servant – the “eved ivri” – who sold himself as a servant to pay debts or return stolen monies. At the expiration of his six-year term, he is set free – “lachofshi chinam” – “liberated, free” (Shemos 21:2). Lest we think that this was an unrestrained liberation to do as he pleased, Rashi explains that it was not a liberation of “chofshi” but of “cheirus” (Rashi, Shemos 21:2). There’s a difference.

The latter is the power to do as one pleases; the former is the power to do as one should. The emancipated servant no longer is in servitude to his master. But a Jew is never entirely free. Because while we are not to be “servants to servants,” we are to be servants to G-d (Kiddushin 22b; Bava Metzia 10a).

It is therefore no surprise that “by freeing the servant in the seventh year we commemorate the exodus from Egypt” (Ramban, Shemos 21:2). In both cases, freedom was not an end; it was a means to an end.

And, paradoxically, when freedom is abused, it results in subjugation. Is the smoker, free to smoke, truly free? Is the alcoholic, free to drink, truly free? And what of the

status seeker who will do anything to fit in? Are any of them truly free?

Of course not.

Unchecked liberty is a poor substitute for authentic freedom.

Consider two societies. In one, the people are unregulated. This society requires a heavy police presence, surveillance/alarm systems, and electrified fences. People are afraid to walk alone. The other society is one of adherence to the law. There is no need for fences or alarms or police. People walk the streets without fear. Of course, only the latter society embodies true freedom. Sure, there are rules. But those rules allow the people to be free. It is the absence of rules that inhibits freedom.

At its core, that is what Pesach celebrates: the freedom to serve.

Moshe made this clear from the get-go. He didn’t tell Pharaoh to let the Jewish people go simply to be free. There was a purpose to this freedom. “Send forth My people, and they will serve Me” (Shemos 7:16, 26; 9:1). “Praise the servants of G-d – not servants of Pharaoh” (Megilla 14a). Freedom means free to serve G-d.

For this reason, the exodus culminated not when we cleared the Egyptian border but when we received the Torah. “When you lead

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

the nation from Egypt, you will worship G-d on this mountain (i.e., Har Sinai)” (Shemos 3:12). Receiving the Torah was the purpose of redemption (Sefer HaChinuch 306); the physical exodus from Egypt was but the first step in the nation’s sev-

off exodus from Egyptian bondage; freedom is G-d’s eternal promise to the Jewish people that are free to stay in G-d’s service.

This freedom is epitomized by Shlomo Carlebach’s story about the last Seder in the Warsaw Ghetto. It

“I know this: somewhere in the world, there will always be a Moishele who will ask his father the Four Questions.”

en-week journey to true freedom, which is why Pesach and Shavuos are, in a sense, one long holiday (Kad HaKemach, Atzeres). Receiving the Torah and agreeing to obey its commands was the capstone to the freedom we first tasted when we left Egypt.

This is precisely what we mean in Hallel: “I am Your servant the son of Your maidservant, You have opened my chains” (Tehillim 116:16). Through His Divine dictates, G-d released our chains such that we may serve Him freely.

“The only truly free person is one immersed in Torah” (Avos 6:2; Eruvin 54a). It is the Torah’s dictates that make us free. As John Locke put it, “The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom. For in all the states of created beings capable of law, where there is no law, there is no freedom.”

Ours also is a freedom from the ordinary laws of nature, by which we should have been annihilated long ago. “And He took out His nation the Jewish people from amongst the [Egyptians] for an eternal freedom” (Ma’ariv Liturgy). This was no ordinary freedom. It was an enduring freedom. It was an eternal freedom. It was a freedom predicated upon our being a nation of G-d and of laws. Redemption was the one-

was the second night of Pesach, and the Nazis ym”sh were liquidating the ghetto. Moishele huddled together with his father in utter darkness. And as generations of Jewish children had before him, Moishele asked his father the Four Questions.

But before the father could return the scripted answer, Moishele asked his father two more questions of his own.

“Tatteh, will I be alive next Pesach to ask the Four Questions? Will you be alive to answer me?”

Moishele’s father held him tightly, tears teeming from his eyes. “I don’t know if you will be alive next Pesach to ask the Four Questions, and I don’t know if I’ll be alive next Pesach to answer them. But I know this: somewhere in the world, there will always be a Moishele who will ask his father the Four Questions.”

And, in a sense, that is the freedom we celebrate on Pesach. It isn’t the cheap, fleeting freedom to act as we please. It is an eternal freedom – a “cheirus olam” – to do that which destiny calls upon us to do.

Eytan Kobre is a writer, speaker, mediator, and attorney living in Kew Gardens Hills. Questions? Comments?

Suggestions? E-mail eakobre@outlook. com.

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Jewish History

Amulets, Accusations and Controversy The Devastating Polemic Between Rabbi Yaakov Emden and Rabbi Yonason Eybeschutz

By Rabbi Pini Dunner

The Final Chapter THE STORY SO FAR: Despite the conversion to Islam of false messiah Shabbetai Tzvi in 1666 and his death in 1676, secret societies of Sabbatians who still believed in his messianic mission thrived in communities across Europe and continued to be active well into the eighteenth century. One prominent rabbi who was suspected of being a Sabbatian was the A-list rabbinic luminary, R’ Yonason Eybeschutz of Prague. Although initially he successfully dismissed the allegations, when he was appointed Chief Rabbi of the illustrious triple-community Hamburg-Altona-Wandsbeck in 1750, the suspicions came back to haunt him and then developed into a full blown controversy over his suitability as a rabbi.

His principle opponent was R’ Yaakov Emden, a distinguished rabbi with strong influence within and beyond the triple-community, who claimed that Kabbalistic amulets written by R’ Yonason he had examined contained secret references to Shabbetai Tzvi. The community leadership sided with R’ Yonason, and R’ Yaakov was forced to flee to Amsterdam. A number of prominent rabbis came to R’ Yaakov’s defense, including R’ Yaakov Yehoshua Falk of Frankfurt and R’ Shmuel Hilman of Metz, but it was to no avail; R’ Yonason’s seemed unassailable. But as violence between the opposing factions began to escalate in Hamburg and Altona, the gentile authorities became involved. At the conclusion of the dramatic court case, the King ruled in R’ Yonason’s favor. He also declared that a new election for the Chief Rabbinate position take place.

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he election took place in December 1752, and R’ Yonason was overwhelmingly reelected. But the unexpected victory and vindication were quickly diminished by other events. Almost immediately after his reelection as Chief Rabbi, the Hamburg City Council – Hamburg was a “free” city not under the rule of the Danish King – rejected both the King’s verdict and the election result, and a long, complex battle began to unfold over the formal definition of the chief-rabbinate for the triple-community and about the powers he was legally entitled to. Simultaneous to this latest twist, the battle between rabbis across Europe over how to deal with R’ Yonason’s alleged Sabbatianism began to escalate, as positions hardened and enmity increased.

R’ Yonason’s strategy vis-à-vis his rabbinic accusers had been consistent throughout. He was only willing to present his version of what the amulets meant in a setting that did not include anyone who would challenge him or disrespect him. This was his position through-

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

out the controversy, and he resorted to numerous tactics to ensure that he would not be forced into any kind of hostile rabbinic hearing. As far as R’ Yaakov was concerned, this evasive attitude alone proved R’ Yonason’s guilt. Why would he not agree to a harsh cross-examination if he was innocent? Why was he so frightened of coming face-to-face with his opponents? R’ Yaakov believed he knew the answer. R’ Yonason was acutely aware that if he was ever subjected to penetrating questions that he might be unable to answer, as opposed to the soft, respectful questions of deferential rabbis who held him in high esteem, his Sabbatianism would immediately be revealed for all to see. It was R’ Yonason’s unwillingness to appear before his accusers and the consequent presumption of guilt that underlined R’ Yaakov’s ferocious attempts to destroy R’ Yonason’s reputation and see him unseated from his position.

It was inevitable that two distinct camps would emerge among the European rabbinate – one group that presumed R’ Yonason’s guilt but could not formulate an effective strategy to deal with it, and the other group that presumed R’ Yonason’s innocence but were seemingly unable to find any way to silence his critics. It was at this point that R’ Yechezkel Landau stepped into the picture. Much later in his career R’ Landau would become famous as Chief Rabbi of Prague and as author of the scholarly work Noda BiYehuda, but in 1752 he was the relatively unknown 39-year-old rabbi of Yampol, a small town in Ukraine 1,000 miles from Hamburg, who had never met R’ Yonason Eybeschutz or R’ Yaakov Emden. For some unknown reason R’ Landau felt compelled to resolve the epic dispute that had erupted between these two rabbinic titans, both of whom were old enough to be his father. To that end he sat down and wrote a long “letter of reconciliation” suggesting a compromise solution where both R’ Yonason and R’ Yaakov, along with all their supporters, could walk away with their pride and reputations intact.

The letter was diplomatically

worded and cleverly constructed.

It painted R’ Yonason as one of the greatest rabbis of the time whose understandable but misplaced mistreatment of R’ Yaakov had stained an otherwise unblemished reputation. It was a wrong that had to be put right, especially as R’ Yaakov had clearly had grounds to behave as he did. To have publicly embarrassed R’ Yaakov by banning anyone from communicating with him and to then have him hounded out of town was simply not an appropriate way to behave towards a dis-

expelled.”

R’ Landau had clearly examined the notarized amulets from Metz, and was convinced they contained letter formations that referred to Shabbetai Tzvi. But he had two superb observations to make – one that was a face-saving device for R’ Yonason, the other a wise insight into the potential threat posed by the author of the amulets. In the first instance he questioned whether any notarized document that condemned a third party was valid under Jewish law if that third par-

“To be perfectly honest I do not regard them as heresy – because heresy is only heresy if it encourages heresy.”

tinguished rabbi, and particularly R’ Yaakov, whose dedication to the most stringent Torah-observant life and whose positive influence on those around him were beyond question. Only rabbis who lead people astray can be placed under any kind of ban, said R’ Landau, and R’ Yaakov was certainly not in that category.

“R’ Yonason might propose that R’ Yaakov did lead people astray by suggesting he was a fraud, and I can see why he would say that.

R’ Yonason has been an exemplary teacher of Torah to thousands of students across the Jewish world, many of whom have their own students, making him the teacher of virtually every Torah scholar in Europe. If doubts are raised about him it would put the credentials of all those scholars into doubt and R’ Yonason might understand that as someone leading people astray.

But in my opinion this would only be the case if R’ Yaakov deliberately led them astray, and this was not the case. On the contrary! We know that his intentions were to prevent people from going astray! That being the case he should never have been excommunicated, and never been

ty was not present when the document was notarized. He noted that none of the amulets were signed by R’ Yonason, and that it was therefore impossible to establish with any halachic certainty that he had written them. In other words, he was providing R’ Yonason with a graceful avenue to deny the authorship of any amulet that had a Sabbatian link. His second point was even more astute: “Although there is no way of deciphering these amulets in any way that would eliminate their Sabbatian contents, to be perfectly honest I do not regard them as heresy – because heresy is only heresy if it encourages heresy.”

With this remarkable proposition R’ Landau completely deflated the suggestion that R’ Yonason posed any kind of threat to the future of Judaism, even if it was irrefutably true that the amulets attributed to him contained references to the false messiah. As long as R’ Yonason visibly behaved in accordance with Jewish law and conducted himself according to the standards expected of a great rabbi, what difference did it make if he had surreptitiously inserted incom-

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prehensible Sabbatian word puzzles into amulets that influenced nobody to believe in the messianic mission of the long dead Shabbetai Tzvi?

To resolve the dispute R’ Landau proposed that all the amulets that had ever been attributed to R’ Yonason should be handed over to the Jewish authorities and never be used again. He also proposed that R’ Yonason publicly declare that he would never write another amulet, so that no Sabbatian heretic would ever again be able to claim that he was partial to their cause. R’ Landau concluded his proposal by forcefully warning against any further mistreatment or criticism of R’ Yaakov for his campaign against R’ Yonason.

R’ Landau’s letter was widely circulated, and although it clearly implied that R’ Yonason was the author of the amulets, the suggested compromise solution was nonetheless warmly welcomed by R’ Yonason and his supporters, who clearly understood how R’ Landau’s proposal offered a workable exit strategy that wiped the slate clean and offered a way forward devoid of controversy, just as long as no further associations between R’ Yonason and Sabbatian heresy were ever discovered.

But R’ Yaakov was in absolutely no mood for a compromise of any kind.

As far as he was concerned this was a holy war, and as such it was a zero-sum game. R’ Yonason had to be defrocked, and humiliated. No other end to the dispute was acceptable.

In a viciously worded pamphlet against the “letter of reconciliation,” R’ Yaakov called R’ Landau every name imaginable, and even accused him of being a closet Sabbatian who desired R’ Yonason’s exoneration and rehabilitation.

The controversy had essentially reached a stalemate. Although R’ Yonason remained Chief Rabbi of Altona, in Hamburg his powers were stripped away by the City Council, and by the time they were reinstated some years later, the issue had become largely irrelevant.

In the rabbinic world R’ Yonason’s opponents were unyielding in their antipathy towards him, and they continued to insist that he was an unrepentant heretic. Meanwhile, R’

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Yonason’s supporters rallied to his cause and hundreds of rabbis responded to his request for letters of support, that he published in 1755 as part of a book called “Luchot Edut” which also recorded his version of events. R’ Yaakov continued to publish regular attacks against his nemesis, and in 1760 the controversy gained a new lease of life when R’ Yonason’s younger son, Wolf Eybeschutz, declared himself a Sabbatian prophet and was then exposed as a close friend to a number of known heretics. As a result of this incident R’ Yonason’s yeshiva was closed down, never to be reopened.

Even R’ Yonason’s death in 1764 did not end the controversy. R’ Yaakov continued to publish his attacks and to maintain that Sabbatian heresy remained a very real threat to every Jewish community. R’ Yaakov’s death in 1776 and subsequent burial in close proximity to R’ Yonason as a result of R’ Landau’s halachic ruling finally brought the personal

dispute to an end. Ultimately it was R’ Landau’s resolution that was the blueprint for future generations. R’ Yonason’s incredible scholarship, as recorded in the numerous works that were mainly published after his death, are mainstays of Jewish learning to this day, principally as a result of R’ Landau’s suggestion that if someone is in every sense a devout Jew and an exemplary rabbi, unverifiable aberrations ascribed to him must be completely disregarded. R’ Yaakov is equally venerated as an exemplary rabbi who fought a valiant battle against a man he regarded as a dangerous heretic, and his works on Talmud, halacha, and prayer continue to be widely used and respected.

Before concluding this series we must address the questions that have hovered in the background throughout this dramatic saga: In the final analysis, was R’ Yaakov right? Was R’ Yonason really a Sabbatian? If he was a Sabbatian, did

he actually pose a danger to normative Judaism? There are multiple answers to all these questions, but nothing conclusive or definitive.

What is absolutely clear is that R’ Yaakov truly believed R’ Yonason was a Sabbatian, and he believed R’ Yonason was a subversive who needed to be ousted from his job and from Jewish life. And R’ Yaakov was not alone. Even among those who supported R’ Yonason there were rabbis, like R’ Landau, who were not convinced of his innocence, although they offered their support because they believed that the campaign against him was very damaging to Jewish life, and therefore supporting him was the lesser of two evils.

Throughout the saga R’ Yonason was tactically very smart, bettering R’ Yaakov and his supporters at every stage, but his camp’s overall strategy was ill considered and often counter-productive. In the belief that his reputation far outweighed

any attempt to malign him, R’ Yonason refused to take his interlocutors seriously, and he constantly sought to neutralize them without engaging them directly, which only infuriated them more. Of course hubris is not proof of guilt, nor can some of R’ Yonason’s more ridiculous claims vis-à-vis the amulets be used to condemn him. And yet it is a sad fact that he died without having conclusively shaken off the cloud of suspicion that hung over him. But ultimately whether or not he was a Sabbatian sympathizer is a question that has no relevance today. Both he and R’ Yaakov Emden, despite the vicious polemic that so scarred their lives, are considered two of the most prominent rabbinic scholars to have graced us with their presence and scholarship in the early modern era.

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

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Madraigos

Facing our Personal Slavery

By Rabbi Dov Silver

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s we approach the yom tov of Pesach, we prepare ourselves and families for a “freedom experience.” Nissan is the month that we were freed. This is the month that we will have the ultimate freedom, and this is the month that freedom takes place on a yearly basis.

We all have something from which we want to break away. It may be internal or external but we all have the same goal: to rid ourselves of some sort of “baggage.” The Seder night is full of actual symbolic experiences to help us work through our issues and walk away with an actual sense of freedom. How blessed we are that G-d Al-mighty gives us the precious opportunity to liberate ourselves from our personal oppression and help us focus on the real enslavement – to G-d Himself.

A question brought up every year is why it was that Hashem took us out of our slavery so quickly. The posuk says in Devarim 16, 3, “Because you left Egypt in haste.” Why was it necessary to leave so quickly? Could it not have happened as a more comfortable, slower process? The Shela Hakadosh in Pesachim explains that when Bnei Yisroel went to Egypt, it was not because it was a punishment. As we know, Hashem promised Avraham Avinu beforehand that his children will become slaves in Egypt. Clearly, it was a treaty of love and kindness and part of the process that Bnei Yisroel needed to endure in order to become a nation.

As difficult as it was, Hashem

wanted us to separate ourselves from the other nations. We could rationalize that we didn’t really need to distance ourselves from the other nations and we could have remained strong regardless of the outside influences. But Hashem knows the truth and the division was paramount.

But still, why so quickly? Chazal explain that in Egypt we were almost at the very lowest spiritual level, level forty nine. If we would have stayed there a little longer until we hit level fifty and we would never have been able to leave. So Hashem waited to the last minute so we should obtain the full benefit that slavery has to offer. And that is why we had to leave so quickly.

Sometimes experiencing the pain is all we need to make positive changes in our lives. However, we may have to hit rock bottom before we are prepared and ready to take the necessary steps for growth and change. Just like the darkest part of night is right before sunrise, challenge, struggle, and despair can be a very powerful motivator and lead to joy and celebration.

But change can only happen if we are willing to do the work. If success would be obtainable through minimal work it wouldn’t merit such a successful outcome. With consistent dedication and hard work, a person can reach a state of complete recovery and observe the most rewarding experiences.

However, motivation isn’t the only key factor. Although one may have good intentions and truly

want to make progress, one may take steps without the necessary follow-through. These kinds of attempts are rarely sufficient to successfully overcome the challenge.

The situation usually worsens and spirals downward, getting worse and worse.

stand ourselves, we can determine what kind of “baggage” we might be carrying. We should consider our own “enslavement.” If we think seriously about this concept, we might argue that this process is even more difficult than the physical clean-up for Pesach. Keeping the valuable life

Just like the darkest part of night is right before sunrise, challenge, struggle, and despair can be a very powerful motivator and lead to joy and celebration.

At Madraigos, we work hard so that a potential downward spiral will be less severe and debilitating.

We aim to guide and support teens, young adults, and families as they face the darkest moments of their lives. Besides helping them become more self-aware and devoted to do what is needed for healing, we strive to ensure that a treatment plan stays on track. There must be a constant realization that a long-term commitment is necessary. Only with a fierce dedication to change and recovery – for the long haul – is a complete, full recovery possible.

As we focus on our Pesach preparations we should take the time to also focus on our “spiritual cleanup.” By designating time to think about our lives and better under-

messages from the exodus of Egypt in mind, it should help us face our struggles and move forward. We should feel empowered with the ability to take a fresh look, emotionally and physically, at the circumstance, in which we find ourselves.

May this month of Nissan bring us to the ultimate redemption with the coming of Moshiach.

Wishing you and your families a chag kasher v’sameach.

Rabbi Dov Silver is the Founder & Executive Vice President of Madraigos.

Please feel free to contact Rabbi Silver to discuss how Madraigos can be of assistance to you and your family. He can be reached at 516-371-3250 ext. 4 or rds@ madraigos.org.

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

L A RE

Face Time WITH YOUR

s n e e T

WHAT Parenting Workshops Mindi Werblowsky, LMSW

Director of Adolescent Programming at Madraigos will run a series of 4 parenting workshops for the community to help parents connect with their teens

TOPICS INCLUDE Creating An Attuned Relationship With Your Child Fostering Respect In Our Children Learning The Art Of Empathy Implementing Healthy Boundaries

WHEN May 9, 16, 23 & 30th at 8:30 pm

WHERE Madraigos 936 Broadway, Woodmere, NY 11598

limited space available

For more information please contact Mindi Werblowsky at (516)371-3250 ext. 113 or email mwerblowsky@madraigos.org 936 Broadway, Woodmere, New York 11598 | P: (516) 371-3250 F: (516) 612-4515 | www.madraigos.org

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Dr. Deb

Don’t Define Me!

By Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.

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he most awful thing in the world is to be defined by someone else.

Wait! There’s something actually worse than that: When they do it wrong.

That is the source of outrage we feel when we read about anti-Semitism. They want to reduce us to being

sub-human in their own eyes. Not only is that an awful place to be but it is particularly hurtful because there is not one grain of truth to it. We are so the opposite of who they make us out to be.

Yet, there is that gnawing feeling that sits somewhere in the pit of the stomach or the corner of the

mind that wonders if maybe there isn’t some tiny bit of truth in the accusation. We worry so much about that that some of us are likely to join them; self-flagellation gives us back a sense of control: At least we are doing the flagellating. And we are on the more powerful team.

That, of course, is not only happening today; it’s precisely what happened in Mitzrayim. Four-fifths of us didn’t leave. We wanted to distance ourselves from who we really were.

Those of us who did not side with the enemy and did leave nevertheless suffered the trauma of having heard over and over the nasty accusations and the put-downs and suffered the trauma of the hundreds of daily indignities and tragedies. We ended up hopeless, doubting ourselves, and confused.

THIS IS THE PROTOTYPE FOR ABUSIVE FAMILIES.

The abuse can begin with someone defining a child – actually, mis-defining that child. “You’re lazy,” is thrown at a child who doesn’t get the homework done. Is he really? Is it possible that he doesn’t know where to begin, that he needs tutoring? Will calling him lazy really motivate him to work harder?

The one that bothers me the most is “You’re spoiled.” It’s probably true, but whose fault is that? Certainly not the child’s!

When this occurs with spouses, it triggers old childhood feelings and experiences. Often, little Joshie grows up to forget his unpleasant past. He knows he is neither lazy

nor spoiled. He shrugs off his parents’ comments. In fact, he’s totally forgotten them under the weight of new and more positive experiences.

He knows that he is a hard worker, a good person, sensitive and kind.

He knows that he is helpful to others and unselfish. The old remarks have been pushed to the back of the high cupboard where long-forgotten memories are left to collect dust.

Decades later and a wife and children later, one evening, Josh didn’t bring home the orange juice that Jane had verbally added to the list as he ran out the door in the morning.

She called him “selfish” and it irritated that memory, buried and nearly forgotten, of untrue – and painful – ways in which he had been defined by his parents.

He doesn’t remember the event from childhood at all, but he definitely feels the double sting of being labeled and mis-labeled. Jane’s words have touched a raw nerve because of his childhood experience. Who he is as a human being is not built on a solid foundation; that’s the problem.

If it were, then Jane’s words would not trigger such deep pain. Part of the pain comes from the nagging possibility that her words are true even when the rational part of him knows that they are not. This is the unhealed scar of childhood.

HEALING MEANS YITZIYAS MITZRAYIM

As long as Josh, in some part of himself, wonders whether there really is something wrong with him, he is still back in Mitzrayim, tortured.

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

When he absolutely rejects the nonsense his wife has thrown at him, he is out, free.

How can he do that?

I would like to share with you a way that isn’t talked about much but is critically important: Jane can be his path to health – and freedom.

and Jane know each other very well, intimately well. They’ve shared a lot over the years; they’ve grown close. In spite of the pain, there is good there, too. There is connection.

There may even be love left.

It would start with Jane voluntarily doing a cheshbone hanefesh. If

Part of the pain comes from the nagging possibility that her words are true even when the rational part of him knows that they are not.

Being a Marriage and Family Therapist, I’ve thought a lot about the role of the eizer k’negdo. I believe that in its finest form, the eizer k’negdo means that spouses are healers for one another.

In spite of her harsh words, Josh

she is a good person in spite of her quick judgments, she won’t mind and would actually embrace a little introspection. Perhaps Josh is the one to get her in this mind frame by saying, “You really hurt my feelings with that remark.”

Rather than getting defensive, her approach would be to look inside herself and see if she handled it the way she ought to have done.

Aside from the obvious apology that is forthcoming, her cheshbone hanefesh could include the following questions to herself: • Is it just Josh or do I tend to be quick to judge other people as well?

• Where does that come from?

• Was it my own childhood?

• Do I feel superior, really?

• Or maybe inferior and wanting to cover it up?

• Am I frustrated because of something else, something entirely unrelated, that is happening between me and Josh?

• Is this a pattern? If so, what else have I done?

• Can I spot my mood before I open my mouth and say something hurtful?

Next, Jane would have to decide to commit to changing her approach.

She also would want to focus on the

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good in her husband so that she can think of him with joy and admiration rather than annoyance. Sometimes – although it is a big change for her – a small shift in focus produces wonderful results.

Finally, she would want to verbalize her re-discovered warm feelings towards Josh. If she repeats often enough to him the goodness that she sees, it will be a major source of healing for him.

You might be wondering why Jane would even take these steps at all. Well, I just learned that Jane is on the floor scrubbing some chometz out of cracks in the tiles. This process is just more of the same. In fact, it is the desired outcome of all that physical work. If you can do it for a floor, you can surely do it for a person.

Dr. Deb Hirschhorn is a Marriage and Family Therapist. She can be reached at 646-54-DRDEB or by writing drdeb@ drdeb.com.

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Health & F tness

Exodus From Calories

By Aliza Beer MS, RD

P

esach symbolizes miracles, matzah, macaroons, freedom from slavery, family trips, and quite often, substantial weight gain. I’ve had numerous patients that have tipped the scale upwards of 10 pounds in the eight days! This is a challenging week with an enormous amount of time spent in the kitchen, and countless hours around the table.

It is inevitable that some cheating will come into play, but the question is how much and how to curtail a massive weight gain. Prepare yourself with the following game plan, and rest assured your waistline will remain intact: 1. Eat Breakfast: Don’t skip the most important meal of the day because you anticipate a large lunch and dinner. Eat some yogurt, cottage cheese, or egg whites, and you will eat less at lunch and burn more calories too.

2. Limit the Carbs: You must choose between the matzah or the potatoes. You cannot have significant portions of both of them. At the seder, make sure to have the minimum halachic shiur, and not one superfluous bite! The same applies to your grape juice/wine intake. At mealtime, fill your plate with protein and veggies, or have some of your meal earlier like the protein and veggies, and have just soup at shulchan orach.

3. Minimize the Matzah: I am b”H fortunate enough to go to a hotel on Pesach, and hotels are no-

torious for many hours sitting in the dining room waiting for the food.

Quite a few family members spend that time eating the matzah and themselves into oblivion. Eat the minimum amount necessary. Matzah is packed with calories and can cause constipation. One machine board of matzah equals one regular (not diet) slice of bread. One round shmura matzah can be comparable to about 2 ½ slices of bread! Try to get whole wheat or spelt matzah.

4. Pass Over the Cake: Pesach cakes and cookies are loaded with sugar, eggs, and often nuts. You cannot eat them everyday for eight days and expect to maintain your weight. Healthy choices for desserts include fruit, compote, baked apples, or ½ cup of sorbet as a treat.

5. Drink Water: Studies show that if you drink 1-2 cups of water before each meal, you will eat less at that meal. Drinking a lot of water will help you avoid constipation from the matzah as well. Avoid juice and regular soda because they are pure sugar.

6. Walk: Weather permitting, take long walks on yom tov to burn off some calories. Cooking, serving, and cleaning is very hard work, but not really great exercise. Walking on yom tov will help you maintain your weight in case you were not 100 percent compliant.

7. Allow Yourself a Treat: Over the course of the eight days, you may treat yourself a few times to

avoid feelings of deprivation. When you do cheat, try to do it earlier in the day and not late at night when every morsel of food is converted to fat.

It’s not just what you eat that makes a difference but when you are eating that food.

8. Be Prepared: Pack yourself enough appropriate and healthy foods for your chol hamoed trips.

Many marshmallows have been eaten out of hungry desperation! Some good suggestions are tuna, cottage cheese, hardboiled eggs, cut up veggies, fruit, matzah, and water.

9. Eat Slowly: Yom tov/Shabbos meals tend to run long, and people overeat out of boredom. Take small bites and chew your food slowly. Drink sips of water between bites of food to help fill you up and slow you down. It takes the brain 20 minutes to get the signal from the brain that it’s being fed. If you inhale your food in 5 minutes, then you will be hungry and the result will be that you will take more food. The slower you eat your meal, the less food you will end up eating at that meal.

10.Eat Fish: Some do not eat fish on Pesach, so ignore this suggestion.

For everyone else, fish is a healthier, lighter, better fat than chicken or meat. Make an effort to consume a few fish meals over the course of the eight days.

11. Just Because it’s There Doesn’t Mean You Have to Eat It: For my fellow hotel-goers, just be-

cause they are roasting lamb at midnight, or bbq-ing at the pool at 3:30, doesn’t mean you should/can eat it, especially if you’ve already had your lunch and dinner! Every tea room has fruit in addition to cake. If you don’t trust yourself to go in without succumbing to temptation, then send someone else in there to get you a healthy option.

Pesach is a time of joy and freedom. It should also be a time when we take our liberation from gluttony and break our bonds chaining us to high-calorie foods. Pesach is a very vulnerable time for your weight since it is so easy and tempting to put on the pounds. You must be vigilant with all you consume since there are many meals with a prodigious amount of food. Pesach is our liberation to freedom, but remember that you still need to follow your healthy diets. Make sure to exercise and eat healthy foods. Even though we are limited in our choice of food, unfortunately, detrimental calories are still permitted. Remember to make every bite count! Chag kasher v’sameach!

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.

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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Dating Dialogue

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

Dear Navidaters,

My husband Josh has been going through a really bad time for the past six months. It began when his best friend from childhood suddenly died of a heart attack. This really impacted Josh more than I could ever have imagined. Of course it was a terrible tragedy, but Josh took it so badly and it seemed as though he was suddenly reevaluating his entire life. When he was sullen for the first few weeks after this happened, I wasn’t surprised and figured it would take a little while for Josh to bounce back to his former self. But it was like something life-altering occurred to Josh’s entire temperament.

Then, if that were not bad enough, three months later, Josh lost his job. Again, something he didn’t see coming. It seems his entire department was let go, so he wasn’t singled out. But still, he felt blindsided by the whole thing and it left him feeling totally nervous, insecure and sad.

The reason I’m writing to you today is because I don’t know what to do to help him. We’ve always had a pretty good relationship and could usually talk about most things. Every time I bring up how he’s doing, he gets very angry at me and shuts down. He won’t let me into his feelings and won’t allow me to help him at all. I love Josh and would do anything to get him out of this funk. But I feel like my hands are tied.

At first I was feeling totally sorry for Josh. Now I’m starting to feel even more sorry for myself, since it’s impacting my life also When he’s around, which is most of the time these days, it feels as though there is a dark cloud in the house. I just can’t take it anymore and don’t know what to do, since Josh won’t let me do anything.

Where do I go from here?

The feedback from our readers has been remarkable. In order to facilitate further discussion, you can now continue the conversation anonymously on our website. Every Sunday, we will upload the weekend’s most recent edition of What Would You Do If to the dating forum at thenavidaters.com. Join The Navidaters and your fellow TJH readers in a comprehensive dialogue with regard to dating, relationships and marriage. The forum will be moderated daily for everyone’s comfort and safety. See you there!

Disclaimer: This column is not intended to diagnose or otherwise offer resolutions to any questions. Our intention is not to offer any definitive conclusions to any particular question, but to offer areas of exploration for the author and reader. Due to the nature of the column receiving only a short snapshot of an issue, without the benefit of an actual discussion, the panel’s role is to offer a range of possibilities. We hope to open up meaningful dialogue and individual exploration.

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

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The Panel The Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S.

W

hen a spouse is going through a rough time, s/he does not always allow the other to help and offer support. Especially when the breadwinner loses his job, it’s not usual for him to acknowledge or hear the wife. He feels like a failure on top of his funk. He will more likely respond to close friends and/or siblings with whom he is close.

Pull a team together that includes the aforementioned as well as mentors/rabbanim/chavrusos. Although they know about the job loss, they may not know about his friend’s death.

Tell them and discuss how they can be most helpful. Listening, job referrals, networking, offers of learning together, discussions about meeting the family budget, retraining options and encouragement about interviewing are critical ingredients of a support system that he needs so badly now.

After he begins to be reached and opens up to someone several times, that person should probably recommend him meeting a mental health professional for an evaluation. He is probably clinically depressed and that will hamper his job search. Be very careful about the timing of these things.

As for yourself, you need support.

Being a one woman cheering squad is hard when you don’t have your husband’s ear. And your job is much bigger than that. You need to maintain a happy environment in the home, try to cut expenses, and keep in touch with your own friends and mentors This is going to be one of those critical challenges in your marriage and life. Rise to the occasion and do what you need to do with a cheerful face, a resourceful brain, and a prayerful heart.

The Mother Sarah Schwartz Schreiber, PA

S

ounds as if your husband is feeling pummeled – losing his

best friend and then losing his job is quite a load. It’s natural for him to feel as if the rug has been pulled out from under him and he is quietly licking his wounds (“shutting down”). At the same time, it’s understandable that your feminine/ wifely/maternal instincts have been aroused and you want to help him deal with his anxiety through deep, meaningful conversations.

You can’t. Here’s where the Mars-Venus thing gets in the way.

Your husband, the Martian, has a harder time expressing his feelings of helplessness – at least to you. He needs to feel strong and in control, and he needs space to sort out his emotions. You, the Venetian, like other women, seek others’ affirmation and support when you’re feeling down. How many of us open up to strangers – the woman in the line at Costco, for example – to express our fears and frustrations?

To you, six months is a long time; it may be the time Josh needs to come to terms with his loss and formulate a recovery plan. Speak to your Rav regarding Josh’s matzav.

He may be the intermediary who can give your husband the chizuk he needs now. At the same time, pay attention to Josh’s health – is he binging or fasting; is he sleeping more or suffering from insomnia; is he neglecting his physical appearance? These are the “vegetative” signs of depression that should spur you to seek medical or psychological intervention.

The Dating Mentor Rochel Chafetz Educator/Mentor

T

his is where the ezer knegdo sets in. It’s very easy when things are good but now you have to dig deep inside of you to find the strength to deal with this. You really cannot help him if he doesn’t want help. He needs to say that he wants help. What you have to do is find the right therapist who will

help you navigate through these tough waters, giving you strength and encouragement and most of all – hope. I think once he sees you are going for help, at some point, you may be able to invite Josh to join you.

The therapist will help you become stronger and at the same time, maybe it will help you understand what Josh needs. As his wife and a Torah Jew you can try to figure that out. Maybe during the day you can ask him what you can do to help him today – maybe help him with a certain errand. Maybe you should make time for him to go out for coffee or do something together, perhaps go to a shiur tor whatever you enjoyed doing in the past.

Tell him throughout the day that you love him and that you understand how hard all this must be for him. Obviously it is really, really

Rise to the occasion and do what you need to do with a cheerful face, a resourceful brain, and a prayerful heart.

hard for him and you have to try to feel his pain.

The Torah says that Moshe went out this brothers – the mefarshim tell us that he put his heart into their pain. You have to try to really feel for him. You would want the same done for you. Keep reassuring him that you are there for

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

him. Go for walks, buy him a good book that he might take an interest in, ask him if he wants to join you in whatever you usually do during the day. Hopefully, together with the help of a therapist and being his “ezer,” you will both see the light.

The Single Irit Moshe (pen name)

I

am sorry to hear that Josh and you are going through this. It sounds as though Josh might need bereavement counseling. He may not wish to tell you what he is feeling

and thinking because it might scare you, which will make matters worse.

Tell him you love him (repeatedly) and that you’d like him to speak to someone where he can feel safe in order to talk about what’s been happening in his life and his feelings.

And perhaps when he is feeling capable to share with you, let him know that you would love to hear and understand. This is one of those times in a marriage in which you will have to

Pulling It All Together

You don’t have to join him on his sinking ship.

What is the point of the two of you drowning?

work very hard to not take it personally and just be there to support your husband mentally, emotionally, and even a bit physically. Good luck to you both!

The Navidaters Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

F

irst and foremost, I would like to extend my sincere condolences for the loss of Josh’s best friend. Baruch dayan ha’emet. I am so very sorry. To pour salt on an already open wound, Josh lost his job a short while after his best friend’s passing. I’m sure he must feel as though he is having a nightmare – except he doesn’t get to wake up. My heart goes out to him.

And then there’s you… Thank G-d Josh is alive and physically healthy, but you are living with your own loss right now as well. The loss of the man you once knew. The loss of a relationship and love you once knew. Josh is not accessible to you right now. Though I can’t offer you a diagnosis, I would imagine anyone put in Josh’s shoes would be feeling depressed, anxious or both. I would be more concerned if he was acting “fine.” You want to help him, want to fix him, want to get your marriage back … and you know as well as I do that ultimately Josh’s healing in his own hands and not yours. So yes, you are right, your hands are tied.

Your feeling of not knowing what to do and where to go from here is completely understandable. You have been surviving emotionally

on your own for several months now, in complete isolation from Josh, when we intuitively turn to our partners for support, comfort and safety. You are married, and yet Josh is not available for you.

You may be feeling a bit of emotional dysregulation (maybe even more than a bit).

Where do you go from here? A question asked by so many spouses when the other becomes unavailable. First and foremost, you must understand that you do not need to join Josh in his depression. It is very common for the healthy spouse to perceive the pursuit of happiness, fun and a return to “normal” as a betrayal of her depressed partner. For example, “How can I go shopping (running, to a show, to a shiur, out with friends) when Josh is sitting on the couch day in and day out?” Many men and women express feeling guilty about moving on or shameful about their desire to do so. However, it should be just the opposite. When one spouse is suffering, the best thing you can offer is to remain the stable, happy partner you have always been. You don’t have to join him on his sinking ship. What is the point of the

two of you drowning?

You have to live your life. You may be feeling depressed living with these circumstances. Here you have been trying to help and support Josh, but what about you? You need to take care of yourself right now. I suggest you see a therapist by yourself to process your loss and loneliness and figure out how you can carve a healthy space out for yourself in all of this. You may also want to join a support group for people married to a depressed spouse. Meeting other people going through the same thing can be normalizing, validating and healing. If you are a religious or spiritual woman, the power of prayer can be healing not only for the person you are praying for, but for you as well. You may also want to consider talking to a trusted religious figure to offer you some comfort.

When both husband and wife are doing well, marriage can be the most wonderful thing in the world.

It is your safe place in a scary and cold world. When one spouse loses his will to go on, or changes drastically, that safe place no longer exists. We then face the question of whether or not we want to redefine ourselves for the duration of our spouse’s challenge. How do I want

my life to look during this time?

What am I willing or unwilling to forego? My advice to you is to be as supportive of a wife as you want to be or can be. Love him, hug him, let him know you are there. And then get out of dodge! If he is very nasty and you can no longer tolerate reaching out to him, then give yourself permission to take a break from consoling him. Take a luxurious bubble bath, go to an exciting lecture series, do something you have always wanted to do but never got around to it. Living under the cloud of a spouse’s depression is one of the most challenging trials a person can live through.

I hope Josh finds a job very soon and that he feels better. I wish you the best of everything. You are doing an incredible job and I want you remind yourself of that every day.

Sincerely, Jennifer

Esther Mann, LCSW and Jennifer Mann, LCSW are licensed clinical psychotherapists and dating and relationship coaches, working with individuals, couples and families in private practice in Hewlett, NY. If you would like to set up an appointment, please call 516.224.7779. If you would like to submit a dating or relationship question to be answered by the panel, please email thenavidaters@gmail.com.

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home

Rocky’s

Rant

Wolf & Lambs

By Rocky Zweig

Y

eshiva Toras Emes, circa 1962: incredibly, one of only three yeshivos in Boro Park back then. There was Be’er Shmuel for the Chassidishe kids, Etz Chaim for the more modern crowd, and Toras Emes for the rest of us. It was situated in a massive campus on 43rd Street between 13th and 14th Avenue consisting of two enormous buildings connected by an enclosed bridge that spanned the schoolyard between the two huge edifices, a true engineering marvel.

Of course the “campus” was no such thing. When I returned as an adult, I was shocked to see how much the place had shrunk. Two dinky little buildings with a saggy old bridge that looked like it was ready to give up after having had thousands upon thousands of pairs of Stride Rites, Buster Browns and PF Flyers go zooming across its scuffed linoleum over the decades.

The shul that seemed cavernous was anything but. Even the classrooms were different: no more guides on the walls showing how to write cursive (or “script” as it was known back then). No maps of the world. No desks with inkwells, or

“Yanky smells” lovingly carved into their surfaces.

That fateful April afternoon in 1962 during recess, grades 6, 7, and 8 were out in the gutter playing punchball. A punchball “court” ran from one “sewer” (actually a manhole cover) to the next. A really good punchball player could hit a pink rubber Spalding ball (“Spaldeen” in the jargon of the day) a distance of two sewers!

That day, the last court off 14th Avenue was occupied by a group of seventh graders. They were just starting a game when six gentile kids who lived on the block came over.

“This is our court,” the leader said. “We use it all the time. Get off.”

“Sorry,” Yossi said. “We got here first.”

“What did you just say to me?”

“I said we got here…”

“I heard what you said, Jewboy.

Now you better walk off the court while you can still walk!”

I wasn’t there, so I made up the dialogue, but I’m pretty sure that’s kind of how it went down, although it might have been a little more…

colorful. I remember the kids that lived on that block. They were none too happy that there was a Jewish school anywhere near them in the first place. They started up with us all the time, but this was the first time they ever had the chutzpah to actually try and claim all the block’s asphalt real estate for themselves. Words were exchanged, but only words. To put it in modern political terms, it was like Obama trying to negotiate with Putin: simply pathetic. After some perfunctory resistance, the seventh graders ceded the court and went to the candy store on the corner (wasn’t called a bodega back then) to lick their wounds. They bought ¢5 bags of Wise potato chips, Pixie Stix, or tiny wax bottles filled with different colored sweet mystery liquids.

Normally this would have been just another yeshiva humiliation at the hands of the local goyim that would have gotten swept under the rug with all those that came before it. It would have been spoken about in hushed tones in the lunchroom for a day or two and then it would have disappeared from everyone’s consciousness. Except this time

was different. This time Rabbi Wolf heard about it.

And now a word about Rabbi Wolf.

Rabbi Arnold Wolf zt”l was our assistant principal. Remember all that stuff I told you about my perceptions about the yeshiva being gigantic as a kid clashing with reality later on? Well, that was true of Rabbi Wolf, too — in spades! When I met him as an adult, he turned out to be an average sized man with a winning smile and twinkling, mischievous eyes. When I told him how deathly afraid I was of him when I was young, he gave me one of those patented evil looks he had perfected on thousands of impressionable young yeshiva kids and said, “Gee, I wonder why!”

To all us defenseless talmidim, Rabbi Wolf was the scariest dude on the planet. In our eyes he was tall as an oak, strong as an ox, and very, very strict. In short, he was the yeshiva’s enforcer. We were absolutely petrified of him.

I’ll give you an example: there were monitors going around during davening to make sure no one was taking. If you were caught, you were

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

sent to a little area to the left of the stage up front where you were to wait till after mincha to see Rabbi Wolf. You stood there stewing with your heart in your mouth, along with all the other poor, unfortunate souls who were about to meet their doom; it felt like a holding cell.

That’s why you always tried to talk the monitor out of reporting you. You’d plead, you’d cajole, and if all else failed, you’d bribe (“I’ll give you one of my Ring Dings tomorrow at recess!”). Yup; the shul monitors were about as popular as parking enforcement officers.

If it was your first time in that corner, you got away with a warning.

But Rabbi Wolf’s warning came with his glare: he could give a dirty look that could melt steel. And you knew that you had escaped what we all feared most of all: a trip to his office.

You see, my friends, this was the 1960s; corporal punishment was perfectly acceptable. Indeed, in some cases it was encouraged (“You got potched by your rebbe today?

Well, good! I’m sure you deserved it!”). But trust me: if you were the potch-ee when Rabbi Wolf was the potch-er, you felt it for a good long time, and you didn’t talk in shul again – probably ever!

So this time our communal act of cowardice got back to him, and he was incensed! He just could not get his head around the fact that a couple of goyish bullies were able get their way with hundreds of yeshiva kids standing around! I would say it boggled his mind, but they taught me in writers’ school to steer clear of clichés. Also, I don’t really understand that one in the first place. I looked up boggle in the dictionary.

It said, “To overwhelm or bewilder, as with the magnitude, complexity, or abnormality of.” So how come the only time anyone ever uses boggle is in conjunction with mind?

You can overwhelm lots of things.

If a factory is geared up to make 4,000 lightbulbs a day and they get an order for 7,612 that needs to go out tomorrow, why doesn’t the foreman say, “Boss, the factory is totally boggled?” And as far as bewildering is concerned? If you walked into a voting booth and your choices were either Trump or Hillary, wouldn’t

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room, so I stared out the window a lot and that’s where my mind would wander. So grades 1 thru 12 are like one long, vague, mediocre experience filed away in a dusty old box in back of my cerebellum, somewhere between drumming rudiments and Girls I Dated and Didn’t Marry (that’s a small box). But Rabbi Wolf’s Stick-Up-For-Yourself assembly? That was never even in that dusty old box. Every so often a situation comes up when I conjure it up and remind myself that being frum and ehrlich, but also tough when one needs to be, are not mutually exclusive.

you be completely boggled? Well, wouldn’t you?

Anyway, getting back to Rabbi Wolf. First thing he did was find out where the culprits lived and paid them a visit. Obviously none of us were privy to exactly what was said or to whom (the kids, their parents, or both), but suffice it to say

excuse for us to let them push us around like we did. He did not want it to happen again. He also said that we should understand that there’s nothing wrong with a Jew standing up and defending himself. Passivity in the face of aggression generally has not worked out well for the Chosen People. Remember: this was a

When I told him how deathly afraid I was of him when I was young, he gave me one of those patented evil looks he had perfected on thousands of impressionable young yeshiva kids and said, “Gee, I wonder why!”

those little creeps never bothered us again. Indeed, we very rarely even saw them anymore. I guess they decided it was healthier for them to play when we didn’t have recess!

The second (and, I think, more remarkable) thing Rabbi Wolf did was call an assembly. We didn’t have assemblies for frivolous reasons; when we had one, it was always about something important.

Of course I don’t remember what he said verbatim, but the gist was this: there were roughly 200 yeshiva kids out there that day and six mini-gangsters. There was no

mere seventeen years since the end of The War. He was addressing a student body, many of whom were children of Holocaust survivors.

His message was lost on no one.

While he stopped short of telling us to clobber anyone who ever starts up with us again, he made it clear that it was an outcome of which he would wholeheartedly approve.

Let me tell you something: my memories of the twelve years I spent in yeshiva are foggy at best. I was a dreamer who wanted to be anywhere else on earth but in a class-

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.

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Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

You have to have your wallet for security reasons. I’m the governor.

And I had to have money. I had to buy something to eat. You have to have identification.

- Embattled Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley (R) responding to the disclosure that he once had his wallet delivered to him via state helicopter

Greece has put into place its new plan of deporting unwanted migrants. The plan was the brainchild of new Greek minister “Adonis Trumpadopoulos.”

- Conan O’Brien

Sen. Lindsey Graham said in an interview last week that if he can support Ted Cruz, anybody can do it. You know it’s bad when your best endorsement sounds like a bad diet plan.

- Jimmy Fallon

What’s something you always have with you?

– Host of a hip hop radio show to Hillary Clinton during an interview

Hot sauce.

– Clinton’s response

After being surpassed by a Chinese company, Walmart is no longer the largest retailer in the world. But don’t worry, Walmart still has the largest customers.

– Conan O’Brien

House Speaker Paul Ryan this afternoon issued a formal statement ruling himself out as a potential replacement candidate if there is a contested Republican convention. And you know things are bad in the Republican Party when people who aren’t even running are dropping out of the race.

- Seth Myers

A man in New Orleans could be facing a life sentence for stealing $31 worth of candy from a drugstore. This is due to Louisiana’s repeat offender law… I feel for this guy. That has got to be a tough conversation once you’re in prison. “Yeah, I’m in for armed robbery and arson, what about you?” “Oh, you know, the new peanut butter Twix.”

- James Corden

I chose to have this festive Cabinet meeting on the Golan Heights to send a clear message: The Golan Heights will forever remain in Israeli hands.

- Prime Minister Netanyahu, after holding a cabinet meeting in the Golan Heights

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I think it’s fine that all these young students have been so enthusiastic for her opponent, and it sounds so good – just shoot every third person on Wall Street and everything will be fine.

- Bill Clinton, at a rally for his wife, poking fun at Sanders’ supporters

Bernie Sanders said today that none of the ideas he’s proposed in his campaign are radical or unrealistic other than, of course, the idea of a 74-year-old Jewish president with a $2 haircut.

– Seth Myers

So, the world doesn’t have Angus MacDonald to kick around anymore. I’m gone! ... I bit the dust. So I guess I’m off to the promised land, eh? The promised land! Imagine! So anyway, I think I was a pretty nice guy, despite being a former punk and despite what some people would say about me. What did they know about me anyway? I loved my family and cared for them through good times and bad; I did my best. I had some serious health problems the last few years, but survived them (up till now anyway) with the help of my wife, Brenda; my granddaughter, Nicole; my sweetheart little dog, Scarlett; and my rescue kitten, Dolly.

- Angus Brian MacDonald of Nova Scotia who penned his own obituary before he died last Friday at the age of 67

A new iPhone feature has been developed that will interpret and describe Facebook photos to blind people, finally doing away with the one good thing about being blind.

–Seth Myers

The IRS has introduced new technology allowing you to pay your taxes at a 7-Eleven. So just imagine: You can now declare your earnings from 2015 while eating a hot dog from 2005.

- Conan O’Brien

I saw something in the news, so I copied it. I put a piece of tape — I have obviously a laptop, personal laptop — I put a piece of tape over the camera because I saw somebody smarter than I am had a piece of tape over their camera.

- FBI Director James Comey during a speech at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, explaining why he places a piece of tape over his laptop computer’s webcam

Bernie Sanders this morning joined the Verizon workers picket line here in New York. It’s a perfect match, because Bernie always talks like he’s getting bad reception.

- Seth Myers

Last night, CNN hosted a town hall with Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, and at one point he complained that the rules of the election are stacked against him “by the establishment.” You gotta give it to Trump. He’s the only man who could inherit millions of dollars, have his name on buildings, and still go, “Life is totally unfair!”

– Jimmy Fallon

I don’t feel any differently than I did when I was 20.

I am truly so lucky.

- Elena Griffing, 90, who just celebrated her 70th year working for Sutter Health Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in San Francisco

More than 11.5 million documents called the “Panama Papers” just leaked, and they link Vladimir Putin to $2 billion held in secret offshore accounts. If confirmed, it could be the least bad thing Putin’s ever done.

– Jimmy Fallon

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APRIL 20, 2016 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

I’m supposed to feel comfortable and safe. But this man is being supported by students on our campus and our administration shows that they, by their silence, support it as well … I don’t deserve to feel afraid at my school.

- A student at Emory University at a rally to prohibit other students from voicing their support for Trump

When people say, “I believe in free speech, but ...” then they don’t believe in free speech.

— Salman Rushdie, who has lived under threat of death since a 1989 Iranian fatwa over his novel, “Satanic Verses,” talking about Emory University students who are seeking to ban support of Trump on the campus

It’s very easy to defend the right of people whom you agree with — or that you are indifferent to. The defense [of free speech] begins when someone says something that you don’t like.

Over 27,000 people attended Bernie Sanders’ rally in Washington Square Park last night. Which is especially crazy, since Bernie only went to the park to play chess.

– Ibid.

– Seth Myers

MORE QUOTES

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I eat porridge with pleasure. Every day.

- Russian President Putin, taking on a “hard-hitting question” about his breakfast habits during his annual call-in show.

They died first, so I guess they made a mistake.

— Elizabeth Sullivan, 105, on resisting doctors’ advice to cut back on her three Dr Peppers a day.

(The retired math teacher threw out the first pitch at Wednesday’s Texas Rangers-Seattle Mariners game)

It’s hard not to feel sorry for Hillary Clinton. She is hearing ghostly footsteps. She’s having her inevitability challenged a second time by a moralizing senator with few accomplishments who chides her on her bad judgment on Iraq and special-interest money, breezily rakes in millions in small donations online, draws tens of thousands to rock-star rallies and gets more votes from young women. But at least last time, it was a dazzling newcomer who also offered the chance to break a barrier. This time, Hillary is trying to fend off a choleric 74-year-old democratic socialist.

– Maureen Dowd, The New York Times

Buddy, it seems like we’re collapsing.

- Golfer Jordan Spieth to his caddie as his lead at the 80th Masters slipped away

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When asked about his potential running mates, Donald Trump said he would consider Marco Rubio, Scott Walker, and John Kasich. Or as Trump calls them, “Shrimpy, Stupidface, and Loser.”

– Conan O’Brien

Oh, my goodness, they must have been really crushed by this. Was that before or after you received huge sums of money by giving speaking engagements?

— Bernie Sanders, at the Brooklyn debate, mocking Hillary Clinton’s assertion that she called out the big banks

A new study finds that some people may be genetically programmed to be vegetarians. So in addition to having your grandmother’s eyes, you can also inherit her ability to be difficult at restaurants.

– Jimmy Fallon

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

From my family to yours, chag kasher v’sameach.

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Political Crossfire

Clintonism, RIP

By Charles Krauthammer

H

ow far they’ve come. And I’m not talking about the GOP, whose front-runner representing 37 percent of the Republican electorate has repudiated post-Reagan orthodoxy on trade, entitlement reform, limited government and Pax Americana. I’m talking about the Democrats.

The center-left, triangulating, New Democrat (Bill) Clintonism of the 1990s is dead. It expired of unnatural causes, buried – definitively, if unceremoniously – by its very creator.

The final chapter occurred last week when, responding to Black Lives Matter hecklers denouncing his 1994 crime bill, Bill Clinton unleashed an impassioned defense. He accused the protesters of discounting the thousands of lives, mostly black, that were saved amid the crack epidemic of the time because gang leaders and other bad guys got locked up.

Yet the next day, the big dog came out, tail between his legs, saying he regretted the incident and almost wanted to apologize. It was a humiliating, Sovietstyle recantation obviously meant to protect his wife’s campaign, which depends

on the African-American vote to fend off Bernie Sanders.

You know Bill Clinton still believes his crime bill was justified. One cannot definitively prove causality, but it certainly contributed to one of the most radical declines in crime ever recorded in this country.

Moreover, the Black Lives Matter charge that the 1994 law was an inherently racist engine for the mass incarceration of young black men is belied by the fact that it was supported by twothirds of the Congressional Black Caucus (including civil rights pioneer James Clyburn, D-S.C.), justly panicked at the time by the carnage wrought by the crack epidemic ravaging the inner cities.

It’s one thing to argue that the law overshot and is due for revision with, for example, a relaxation of its mandatory-sentence provisions. It’s quite another to claim, as does Black Lives Matter, that it was a vehicle by which a racist criminal justice system destroyed the lives of young black men. Hillary Clinton, catching up to Sanders, has essentially endorsed that view, demanding an end to “the era of mass incarceration” and the underlying

maltreatment of blacks by police and the courts.

For the man who changed the image of the Democratic Party 25 years ago by daring to challenge the reverse racism of Sister Souljah to have to bow to this new – false – orthodoxy, symbolizes perfectly how far the Democratic Party has traveled since the Clinton era.

But the 2016 undoing of classic Clintonism hardly stops there. Take trade. It was Bill who promoted and passed NAFTA. Although Hillary criticized NAFTA when she ran in 2007-2008, as secretary of state she returned to her traditional free-trade stance, promoting and extolling the Trans-Pacific Partnership as trade’s “gold standard.”

Now dross, apparently.

She came out against the TPP, once again stampeded

by Sanders and the party’s left, i.e., its base. She may not have sincerely changed her view, but there are only so many times you can flipflop. She’s boxed into the party’s new anti-trade consensus.

Other pillars of her husband’s internationalism were already toppled, pre-2016, by the Obama presidency, often with her active collaboration. At the

core of Bill Clinton’s foreign policy lay the notion of America as the “indispensable nation.” It is today quite dispensable, indeed a nation in retreat – from (Hillary’s) reset with Russia to the Iranian nuclear negotiations (which Hillary initiated with secret meetings in Oman in

Hillary Clinton delights in attacking Sanders for being soft on gun control.

Malleable she is. And she sure knows her party.

It is nothing like her husband’s party. Which is why she campaigns as Bernie lite – they share the same goals, she says, but she

It is nothing like her husband’s party. Which is why she campaigns as Bernie lite – they share the same goals, she says, but she can get things done.

2012) to the disastrous evacuation of Iraq in 2011.

As has happened with another of Bill’s major achievements: welfare reform. President Obama has essentially dismantled its work requirements (with Bill Clinton’s acquiescence, a sign of things to come). No need for Hillary to repudiate her husband’s legacy. It’s been done for her.

How far has the party moved left? Under Bill Clinton, it gave up on gun control after stinging defeats in the 1994 midterms. Today,

can get things done. Hence the greatest irony of all: For the last decade and a half, the main propellant for the Hillary-for-president movement has been the rosy afterglow of Bill’s 1990s, the end-of-history era of peace, prosperity and balanced budgets.

Want it back? Vote Hillary. That’s the tease. Yet a Hillary victory would yield a Clinton Redux animated not by Bill but by Bernie. (c) 2016, The Washington Post Writers Group

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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Political Crossfire

Let Trump Play the Victim

By Michael Gerson

W

elcome to Donald Trump’s banana republic. “We’re going to have protests, demonstrations,” says Trump surrogate and confidante Roger Stone. “We will disclose the hotels and the room numbers of those delegates who are directly involved in the steal. If you’re from Pennsylvania, we’ll tell you who the culprits are. We urge you to visit their hotel and find them.”

This is the Trump-world version of a counterpunch. Lose in a delegateselection process you’ve known about for a year but didn’t prepare for. Respond with brutish threats of mayhem and personal harm.

Some presidential candidates tease out the latent idealism of their fellow citizens. Trump promises to pay the legal bills of followers who assault protesters. Six of one, half-dozen of the other. Those who believe that politics is a low and dirty business are often the ones who make it so. Trump has a genuine contempt for the profession he seeks to join, and he is doing his best to make it contemptible. He is featuring the kind of bullying vindictiveness that Richard Nixon took great pains to conceal. We don’t need to subpoena the tapes; we have the tweets. Trump will clearly do anything to become president.

Except hire an adequate campaign team, open a briefing book or make any real preparations to govern.

This is, by far, the most confusing

aspect of Trump’s campaign. He may be ruthless, but it remains unclear what he actually wants. Three or four weeks ago, many in the Republican Party seemed prepared to accept his nomination, if he could pivot to a more presidential style. Focus groups of GOP voters found some discontent with Trump’s excesses, but little of the disdain that motivates GOP elites. “Non-Trump voters,” an Annenberg Center focus group concluded, “did not demonstrate the kind of true ideological cleavage that causes floor fights or makes delegates walk out of conventions.”

So all Trump had to do was act briefly like a normal candidate.

What followed was an attack on the wife of his main opponent, another obsessive swipe at Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly, an answer on abortion that showed complete lack of preparation and then a full-scale assault on the credibility of the Republican primary process (which he calls “absolutely rigged”). Hiding in a cave would have been a more effective political strategy.

The task required of Trump was not hard: Avoid being an insufferable, unstable, whiny buffoon for a few weeks. Why did he fail?

It is possible, of course, that Trump simply lacks impulse control.

At this level of compulsion, we usually don’t grant people the nuclear codes.

But there may be something different and deeper going on. In psychology, there is the concept called “self-sabotage” – behavior

that (consciously or unconsciously) undermines a long-term goal. For most people this might involve procrastination or substance abuse. For Trump, it seems to come in the form of rambling public monologues and a late-night Twitter addiction. Trump’s recent behavior provides enough evidence to raise some questions: Does he honestly want the nomination?

What is his real endgame?

Trump has done none of these things.

Self-sabotage can take many forms. It may be that Trump is calculating that he only wants the nomination on his own terms – like a college student who desires a degree, but only if he is spared the indignities of opening a book or attending a lecture. Trump may hope Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus brings him the

He is featuring the kind of bullying vindictiveness that Richard Nixon took great pains to conceal. We don’t need to subpoena the tapes; we have the tweets.

It is possible that Trump began his presidential race as a lark, found an unexpected momentum and now realizes that the enterprise involves skills he does not possess.

Trump’s actions (or lack of them) are consistent with this interpretation.

A candidate who really imagines himself in the Oval Office would put together a campaign capable of counting delegates when it was early enough to matter. He would gather a serious policy operation that could form the core of a governing team.

He would study up on obvious issues in preparation for obvious questions.

nomination on a silver platter in the billionaire’s Cleveland hotel suite.

And if Priebus doesn’t – if a serious, working campaign is an actual requirement to secure the Republican nomination – Trump is set to be a populist folk hero, energized by a “stolen” election. Playing the victim is Trump’s most comfortable pose.

Maybe, deep down, it is the role he desires.

Desired or not, it is the role that Republicans should give him. (c) 2016, Writers Group

Washington

Post

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Forgotten Her es

Operation Rimon 20 Three Minutes of Fighting and Then Victory

By Avi Heiligman

Romanian MiG-21MFs, the Soviet aircraft type deployed to Egypt

Typically in the past, the article right before Pesach has something to do with battles in and around Egypt.

However, the following battle has a twist – the Egyptians weren’t doing the fighting.

B

etween the Six Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973 low intensity fighting continued between the Israelis and the Egyptians, Jordanians and Palestinians. It was known as the War of Attrition and lasted until 1970. Most of the battles were commando raids or air attacks on enemy installations. However, at the end of the War of

Attrition, the Israelis set a trap for enemy fighter jets over the Suez. Their targets weren’t Egyptian fighters.

Rather the IAF went after the cream of the crop – Russian-built and piloted MiG-21 fighters which were considered the best in the world.

Israel had captured key pieces of territory during the Six Day War including the Sinai Desert to the Suez Canal. Egypt tried slowly to wear down the IDF in that area but the IAF (Israeli Air Force) gained almost complete superiority. After a failed operation in early 1970, Egyptian President Gamal Nasser turned to the Soviets for help. The USSR provided several systems including the latest anti-aircraft missiles and the 135th Fighter Aviation Regiment.

The 135th was equipped with the top of the line MiG-21 fighter. The Israelis had one advantage against

the MiG-21. Four years earlier, in one of the most brilliant operations by the Mossad, a Christian Iraqi pilot defected to Israel in his MiG-21. After the Israelis were finished testing it out for weak points it was lent to the U.S. who were embroiled in the fighting in Vietnam. Russia supplied MiG-21 fighters to many of her allie,s including North Vietnam and Egypt. Now they sent their own pilots in their best fighter which fortunately was compromised with Israel knowing its secrets.

Israel had been trying really hard not to upset the Soviets stationed in Egypt by curtailing flights flown over the Soviet allies. However, when Soviet MiG-21s chased and shot down an Israeli A-4 Skyhawk, the time for action had come.

This time the IAF Chief of Staff Motti Hod decided to plan an ambush to drive away the Soviets for good.

The plan was called Rimon 20 and was to be carried out on July 30, 1970. The best and most-seasoned Israeli pilots were assembled against a Russian force with little combat experience.

That morning the normal raids on Egyptian positions were carried out like any other day. Once the planes from the morning raids returned to base, four F-4 Phantom fighters led by Avihu Bin-Nun took off for an Egyptian radar site. Four other Mirages led

by Amos Amir flew in tight formation over the Gulf of Suez. Their goal was to attract the attention of the Soviets stationed there, and a few minutes in, the MiG21s were scrambling to kill the Israelis.

12 MiG-21s entered the battle as the aerial dogfight commenced with the F-4 Phantoms shooting off their missiles. The first to kill a MiG was Avraham Salmon

who launched an AIM-9D missile at the commander of the Russian formation, Nikolai Yurchenko, who was killed as he couldn’t eject in time.

Avner Snir had the second kill of the day and it was recorded by another IAF pilot. One of Mirages fired an air-to-air missile seconds after the battle began. “The missile hit a MiG and set it on fire. The pilot bailed out; the aircraft went into a spin and dropped like a stone from 30,000 ft. The Russian pilot’s parachute opened right away – it’s not supposed to: chutes are designed to open automatically at 10,000 ft., so their wearers don’t freeze or suffocate at high altitudes.”

The pilot died on the way down. However, for Snir his day would turn sour as Captain Vladimir Ivlev spotted him alone and an anti-aircraft missile, the Atoll Missile, hit Snir’s Mirage causing severe damage. Snir

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

was able to nurse his plane back to base.

More Israeli Mirage fighters joined in the battle but two returned to base as one of them had engine trouble. The Phantoms were flying in pairs which proved to be more effective than the Mirages “each for himself” attitude. Aviem Sella skillfully preformed a difficult maneuver which placed him in a favorable position to shoot at an inexperienced Russian pilot.

Two missiles later, and Captain Georgy Syrkin bailed out of his MiG-21. Two Israeli pilots, Bin-Nun and Yehuda Koren, both chased down the same MiG-21.

It was Phantom pilot BinNun who shot the Aim-7 Sparrow missile that killed the Soviet and his plane.

Said Bin-Nun of the engagement, “By this time I’d

realized the Russian pilot was inexperienced; he didn’t know how to handle his aircraft in a combat situation. At 15,000ft he

missile – which turned out to be unnecessary. The Russian aircraft had, in fact, been severely damaged by the first missile; suddenly,

cannon fire into the plane as it returned to base. Later they found out it crashed killing the pilot. After this engagement all of the IAF

“Suddenly, it burst into flames and fell apart.

By the time the second missile reached it, it wasn’t there anymore.”

proved this fact by trying to escape in a steep dive to 700ft. All we had to do was follow him and lock our radar onto him – and fire a missile. There was a tremendous explosion – but the MiG came out of the cloud of smoke apparently unharmed. That made me mad and I fired a second

it burst into flames and fell apart. By the time the second missile reached it, it wasn’t there anymore.”

The fifth and last MiG21 to be shot down was a shared kill. Both Salmon and Iftach Spector shot missiles at the plane but failed to bring it down immediately. Salmon poured

planes returned to base.

The entire operation lasted just three minutes.

Prime Minister Golda Meir told the press that the Israelis knew the Soviets were in Egypt “very simply because we had shot down four Soviet planes that were flown by Soviet pilots.” Soviet commanders told the

pilots that were in Egypt that if anyone leaked word of defeat to outside sources they would be sent to Siberia. The Egyptians secretly were very happy that the Israelis won because the Soviets were pressing them hard as to why they couldn’t defeat the tiny Jewish country’s air force.

On August 7, a ceasefire ended the War of Attrition.

The Israelis won a battle that they chose the time and place for and came out victorious.

Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to The Jewish Home.

He welcomes your comments and suggestions for future columns and can be reached at aviheiligman@gmail.com.

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ATLANTIC BEACH 200 Feet of Unobstructed Open Bay The Unique Joining of Two Homes by a magnificent Indoor Heated Pool & fully Equipped Gym. 10 Bedrooms, 12 Baths, 3 Gas Fireplaces, Open Concept and Formal Living Spaces, Radiant Heated Floors, Finished Basements, Steel Bulkheads, 3 Piers, Mahogany Decking & Terraces, boat slip, Elevator, Handicap Accessible, CAC, Generator, State-of-the-Art Systems.

By Appointment only CHRISTINE LYNCH Lic, Assoc. R.E. Broker 516-398-5888 Cell christinemarielynch@yahoo.com Petrey AB Real Estate

HOUSES FOR SALE Don’t Get Stuck With a Two Story House Ya Know, It’s One Story Before You Buy It But a Second Story After You Own It! Call Dov Herman For An Accurate Unbiased Home Inspection Infrared - Termite Inspection Full Report All Included NYC 718-INSPECT Long Island 516-INSPECT www.nyinspect.com HEWLETT: NEW LISTING Spacious 2BR Apt In Mint Condition, Updated Kitchen, Renovated Bathroom, Near All, A Must See!!!...$129,995 Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

HOUSES FOR SALE INWOOD: Lovely 5BR, 2 Full Bath Side Hall Colonial, LR, Formal DR, Den, Eik, Close To All…$459K Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com LAWRENCE: BEST BUY Charming Cape, 3BR, LR, Formal DR, Kitchen, Close To All Transportation, SD#15…$249K Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com WOODMERE Magnificent Split Level 6BR, 3 Full Baths, Expanded New Eik, Formal DR, HW Floors, Lg Den W/Fplc, Central A/C, SD#14...$699K Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

HEWLETT: Side Hall Colonial 3BR, FDR, Enclosed Florida Room, Eik, Formal DR, Finished Basement, Convenient To All…$475K Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

FAR ROCKAWAY HOUSE FOR SALE: Located in the heart of Far Rockaway near Bnos Bais Yaakov, Yeshiva of Far Rockaway, Sulitza Beis Medrash, and Rabbi Groner’s yeshiva.

Fully detached. Large yard + driveway. 4 spacious bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms.

Granite kitchen with all major appliances. Refinished hardwood floor in LR/DR. Generous closets in each bedroom. Master bathroom with jacuzzi.

Finished basement. Intercom and alarm system.

Great neighbors!

Address: 396 Beach 12th Street Price: 750K Call Ephraim Perlstein at 646-346-0269 for viewing appointments and inquiries.

TJH Classifieds Post your Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services, Miscellaneous Ads here.

Weekly Classifed Ads Up to 5 lines and/or 25 words 1 week ................ $20 $10 2 weeks .............. $35 $17.50 4 weeks .............. $60 $30 Email ads to: classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com Include valid credit card info

Deadline Monday 5:00pm

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Sunny & Spacious 2BR, Charming 2BR, Eik, LR/DR Lovely 3BR, 2BA Cape, Great Loct! 2BR Ranch, 2BA, Close To All..$275K Near Beach...$21,500 Den, Bsmt, SD#14..$399K 2 Dens, Fin Attic…$425K

3BR Colonial, FDR, Eik, Great Potential Investment, Spacious 4BR Splanch, 9BR, 4.5BA CH Colonial, Den, Patio,SD#14..$455K 6BR, 5BA, Eik..$649K Eik, Basement..$899K X-Lg Property.. $1.299M

Susan Pugatch

Carol Braunstein

(516)

Call or Text

(516) 592-2206

295-3000

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WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY PASSOVER!!!

 2,800 +/- SF Avail - For Lease  2 Bathrooms, Kitchenette In Office  12’ Ceilings - Close To Transportation

 2,340 +/- SF Bldg W/Bsmt - For Sale  Retail Stores With Apts Above  Convenient To All

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Classifieds classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com / text 443-929-4003 COMMERCIAL RE INWOOD OFFICE SPACE LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN! 500-7000 Square feet gorgeous office space with WATERVIEW in Inwood!

Lots of options. Tons of parking.

WIll divide and customize space for your needs!

Call 516-567-0100 CEDARHURST: 1650 +/- SF Soho Like Loft Space With 3 Offices, Municipal Parking, Ideal For Office Or Showroom. For Lease… For More Details Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

COMMERCIAL RE

COMMERCIAL RE

APT FOR RENT

LONG BEACH:

VALLEY STREAM: 2,500 +/- SF Office Space, Close to J.F.K. Airport, with Parking, For Lease...Call Lori For More Details (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

FAR ROCKAWAY 3 Bedrooms – New Construction Central air, oak floors, granite kitchen, elevator building. Asking $2350 Call Yossi 917-337-6262

INWOOD Commercial mixed use building + Lot. Private parking, corner property, high traffic area 1st floor offices, 2nd floor: 2 Apts. Asking 849k.

Call 212-470-3856 Yochi @ WinZone Re

ON SEAGIRT AVENUE 2 & 3 bedroom. Newly renovated.

Washer and dryer hook up. Granite countertops.

More info call or text 917-602-2914

1,428 +/- SF Professional Suite, 5 Offices – 2 with Water, Waiting Room, Reception Area, 5 Parking Spots, For Lease…Call For More Details Broker (516) 792-6698 LYNBROOK: 1251 +/- SF Neat & Clean Professional Office Suite in Free Standing Building, Ground Floor, Great Location, For Lease… Call For More Details Broker (516) 792-6698

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CEDARHURST: 500-3000 +/- SF Retail Space Available in the Heart of Cedarhurst, For Lease...

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Call Arthur for More Details (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

v

Property, 5 Commercial Tenants, 3 Residential Apartments, New Stucco Façade & More, For Sale… Call for More Details Broker (516) 792-6698

CEDARHURST Beautiful house for rent! New kitchen, granite counter tops, redone floors, recently painted, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath.

Spacious basement and backyard Washer/ drier hook up.

Asking $2,200 Call (516) 732-0111

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

Office Space Available In Heart of Far Rockaway

Large Office Space Available in Heart of Far Rockaway. Multiple rooms. Fireplace.

Lots of parking.

Please call Yitzy @917-929-3241

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

ATLANTIC BEACH: SUMMER RENTAL Charming 2BR House, Near Beach, Eik, LR/DR, On Lovely Quiet Street, Close To All....Memorial Day-Labor Day..$22,000 Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

HELP WANTED EXPERIENCED REAL ESTATE SALES AGENT needed for a HIGH Producing real estate office who is seeking an opportunity to Earn & Learn more!!!

Call Today (516) 295-3000 x 128. All calls kept confidential.

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

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Great summer job opportunity. Great pay, and overtime is available.

Job description: • Field Service Technician for a Green Company - all products are safe and non-toxic.

• All training provided.

• Job available from May - September.

• Fun and positive company, good pay.

• Work for a professional ‎company in a structured and progressive work environment.

Qualifications: • Need to be physically fit able to lift 50 lbs. consistently • A valid and clean driver’s license.

• Strong work ethic.

• Good communication skills.

• Able to work well without direct supervision.

• Be responsible and courteous.

• Ok with working indoors and outdoors in higher temperature conditions.

For more information: Call - 516-206-1600 Email - serviceny@ greenhomesolutions.com Make sure to reference the “Field Service Technician”.

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS AND ASSISTANTS CAHAL has openings for Special Education teachers and assistants, Sept. 2016, P/T and F/T for lower and middle school classes, Secular Studies, and Limudai Kodesh. E-mail resume to shira@cahal.org or fax to 516-295-2899

5TOWNS BOYS YESHIVA SEEKING ELEM TEACHERS. Exc working env’t, supportive admin, exc pay. Lic’d & experienced preferred.

Email resume to yeshivalooking@ gmail.com

SEEKING TEACHER ASSISTANTS for special education preschool in Far Rockaway. $10.50 an hour Email resume to scohen@onourwaylc.org

LIMUDAI KODESH TEACHER for 6th Grade Girls CAHAL class Located in Lawrence, P/T afternoon position Starting May 9th - through the end of the school year E-mail resume to shira@cahal.org or fax to 516-295-2899 LIMUDAI KODESH TEACHER for 1st-2nd Grade Girls CAHAL class Located in Far Rockaway, P/T morning position Starting May 9th - through the end of the school year E-mail resume to shira@cahal.org or fax to 516-295-2899 Lawrence co-op very big first floor apt.

3 Br,2full bath,Kosher granite kitchen, Den, lots of storage space, close to all.

Ask 415k . Call 516-489-5204

GREAT OPPORTUNITY Looking for class B CDL DRIVER with clutch for a heimishe lumber co.

Great pay, Call: 718-369-3141 Ext. 348 Far Rockaway Mesivta looking for EXPERIENCED TEACHERS in ELA, Math and Social Studies for September, Grades 9 -12, afternoons only: Please e¬mail resume to: mesivtayamhatorah@gmail.com TEACHERS AND ASSISTANT TEACHERS wanted for coming school year for Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam in Far Rockaway.

Send resume to teachingpositions1@gmail.com SEPT. ‘16: GENERAL STUDIES MIDDLE SCHOOL AND JUNIOR HIGH TEACHERS. Expanding 5 Towns area boys’ school.

Middle school: M.-Th, 2-4:30 pm. JH: M.-Th., 2:45-5 pm. candidateteacher@gmail.com

PART TIME AND FULL TIME BOOKKEEPING POSITION Fast growing accounting and consulting firm seeks a qualified individual to assist our accounting staff in providing bookkeeping services for our clients. Qualified individuals will have the opportunity to join our employee friendly culture At least 2 years working experience Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, QuickBooks a MUST Email – info@smallbizoutsource.com YESHIVA SECRETARY Yeshiva near Brooklyn/5 Towns Seeking help during Dinner Campaign.

Detail oriented and ability to multi task Yeshiva experience a plus Morning Hours, Immediately after Pesach Send Resume to officepositionhire@ gmail.com

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Classifieds

Life CAPTURE

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

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

5TOWNS BOYS YESHIVA SEEKING ELEM TEACHERS. Exc working env’t, supportive admin, exc pay Lic’d & experienced preferred.

Email resume to yeshivalooking@gmail.com

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

Fax (718) 381-3493

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 Local F.T. Accounting Office Seeks P/T JR. ACCOUNTANT proficient in Q.B. knowledge of payroll tax, sales tax, business tax and individual taxes Qualified applicants should please e-mail resume to: 5towntaxoffice@gmail.com General Studies teachers for Sept. ‘16 due to expansion.

5 Towns area boys’ school.

Middle school teachers: M.-Th, 2-4:30 pm.

JH male teachers: M.-Th., 2:45-5 pm. candidateteacher@gmail.com.

WARM LOVING HEIMISHE PLAYGROUP for children ages 2 ½ -4 years old, in Far Rockaway, is looking for assistants and substitute teachers.

Call 516-371-6848 Are you tired of your present job or out of work and looking for a job where you can make good money and be your own boss?

We are looking to hire a marketing/sales specialist.

Job will require your own car and being computer/internet savy.

If you consider yourself a marketing professional, this is the position for you. Opportunity to make unlimited income potential, Don’t delay.

Give us a call at 917-612-2300

GABE@LIFECAPTUREIMAGES.COM 516.499.9620 WWW.LIFECAPTUREIMAGES.COM

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL to work with men with autism and other disabilities in a residential setting in Long Island. Available shifts include morning, afternoon, evening and overnight. High pay rate, plus benefit package.

Contact OHEL Bais Ezra 718-686-3102 or email your resume to resumes@ohelfamily.org/careers

SITUATION WANTED LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE seeks position in homecare with the elderly or pediatric care. I am skilled, caring and dependable.

Please call me at 631-759-0025

MISC DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK, VAN OR SUV Help ill children and get $1200 gift card and $1500 tax deduction 718-974-9428 SPACE AVAILABLE FOR 3 YEAR OLD PLAYGROUP IN FAR ROCKAWAY. EXCELLENT MORAHS. PLEASE CALL (516) 406-2980

SHIDDUCH DATING? NEED PLACES TO GO? Check out Pegishaplace.com Tutors desperately needed for Zichron Etel, a gemach providing free tutoring to those who cannot afford it.

Now in Brooklyn and the Five Towns!

Kindly visit our website at www.zichronetel.com

Reach Your Target Market

Classifieds

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GRAPHICS LEARN ADOBE INDESIGN,

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We are looking to hire a MARKETING/SALES SPECIALIST Job requirements: Your own car and internet savvy. Hob has unlimited income potential. Don’t delay, give us a call at 917-612-2300

I M A G E S LTD PHOTOGRAPHY I VIDEO

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ILLUSTRATOR & PHOTOSHOP

Next Session Starts After Pesach Workshop meets twice a week.

Day or Eve. Flatbush location.

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Seasoned instructor with 10+years of experience in print & web design.

Basic computer skills, labtop & software required. Ask about Adobe student software discounts.

For more info call 917-771-6996 or email computergraphicsworkshop@gmail.com

The Jewish Home | APRIL 20, 2016

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Money

Where Are All the Americans?

By Allan Rolnick, CPA

L

ast Sunday, the International Consortium for Investigative Journalism stunned the world with their release of findings from 11.5 million files leaked from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca.

The “Panama Papers” blow the lid off the firm’s creation of over 214,000 companies, mostly in the British Virgin Islands and similar “sunny places for shady people” where financial miscreants go to hide their loot.

Most of the press has focused on 140 political figures and family members caught with their pants down. Iceland’s Prime Minister Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson has already resigned. British Prime Minister David Cameron has released his tax returns to rebut claims he improperly benefited from his father’s offshore investments. And Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose close cronies have been named, has denounced the leak as a U.S.-led plot to weaken Russia. But there’s one question on everyone’s lips — specifically, where are all the Americans?

It’s not like there aren’t any Americans lurking in the files. Billionaire developer Igor Olenicoff, who paid $52 million to settle tax-evasion

charges back in 2007, is there. He says he’s been framed. (Right.) John “Red” Crim, another convicted tax cheat who sold sham trusts to hundreds of marks around the country, is there too. But those are the sorts of people you’d expect to find hiding

Gaddy’s hunch is that Putin may be holding back information on Americans to blackmail them. (Is Gaddy really serious? Or is he just trolling the Kremlin?)

But the real reasons are disappointingly less suspicious. The sur-

Titling businesses and investments offshore doesn’t save tax unless we just “forget” to report them.

offshore. Where are the senators, the televangelists, and the Wall Street fat cats you really want to see exposed?

Here’s one possible explanation that House of Cards fans might appreciate. Clifford Gaddy, a former Russian finance ministry advisor, suggests that Putin himself may be behind the leaks. The Russian strongman is popular enough in his own country to withstand exposure, and most critics already assume he and his billionaire henchmen are looting “the Motherland” blind.

prising truth is that we Americans don’t get any tax benefits simply by moving our income offshore. That’s because U.S. law taxes us on everything that moves we earn no matter where in the world it moves we earn it. Titling businesses and investments offshore doesn’t save tax unless we just “forget” to report them.

We also don’t have to go offshore to cloak our ownership. We can incorporate anonymously in business-friendly places like Nevada (where Mossack Fonseca kept an of-

fice) or Delaware, and stay nearly as far under the radar as if we had sent our money on a Caribbean vacation.

Even when we do go offshore, there’s nothing inherently improper or unlawful about it. For example, Hollywood billionaire David Geffen used a Cayman Islands company to hold title to a $300 million yacht he bought from a Russian billionaire’s ex-wife. Juicy? Sure! Illegal? Sorry, move along … nothing to see here.

Here’s all you really need to know.

The Panama papers remind us that the global elite really do have ways to hide their money from threats, including taxes. But here in the U.S., you have plenty of legitimate deductions, credits, loopholes, and strategies you can use to accomplish those same goals — without hiding or cheating. All you really need is a plan. Make sure you have the proper strategies that won’t risk exposure to muckraking reporters and frontpage headlines!

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

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Life C ach

Matzah, Metzorah, Mitzrayim What are All the M’s About?

By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

A

Passover message catapulted by the last few parshas!

Metzora, when you split it up, means motzei rah.

Brings out bad.

In the parshiyos preceding Passover this year we can contrast destructive speech – selfishness and narrow vision of others, a theme of the parshiyos – with expansiveness , growth, and caring for others through positive speech, a theme of Passover.

Egypt in Hebrew is Mitzrayim. Its root is tzar, narrow. G-d redeemed us from narrow, limited and enslaved thinking to be open and growth-full. We grow through knowledge and connection. The ultimate connection is with G-d. We don’t always get the answers right away but we are encouraged to always be seeking them.

The structure of the Seder illuminates this for us.

The mitzvah of the night is to retell the story of leaving Egypt and how G-d is not merely the Creator of the world but intimately involved in our day-to-day

lives. How? G-d didn’t create us and leave us alone to struggle, rather He saw our suffering and redeemed us with powerful miracles.

But the Talmud says the retelling must start with questions. Why? G-d wants us to be curious, interested.

Through curiosity we grow.

Through asking we will keep growing and hopefully ultimately discover truths.

So let’s look at the parsha a minute. This week and last week were dedicated to tsara’as. A rash-like plague that could infect a house (i.e. like mold), clothing (i.e. like mildew does) or a body (i.e. like leprosy). It was a physical manifestation of being selfish or speaking badly of others.

The parshiyos explain the consequence was that the evil speakers were separated from others so as to realize the error of their ways.

In isolation one would hopefully realize the sadness and loneliness he created by separating those he spoke badly of from others.

Each month has a qual-

ity. Adar, the month of Purim, has happiness. Things were turned around for us, our terrible destiny was turned to our persecutors.

Joy replaced sorrow.

The quality of Nissan, the month of Passover, is speech.

When we were released from bondage we were free to speak out as we wished!

The parshiyos discuss using this power, speech, for destruction. How? Through harmful speech, which destroys others, their reputation, their self-esteem, confidence. Negative speech brings divisiveness among our people.

However, Passover shows the flip side. It encourages the use of this power of speech for building. How? -To build a sense of history and connection to G-d through knowledge of it.

The next generation hears through the sharing of the plagues and miracles that G-d did to set us free that G-d has a very personal involvement with us, not a Creator who disappears after getting things started.

-Passover tells us to use speech to embrace the ability to inquire. G-d is secure that the more we ask, the more this will bring us close to him/her. G-d wants us to ask because through asking we will get closer to the true answers just as science does by continuously exploring and trying to find out what is really going on.

Passover is the time of unity among our people. It is when we became a nation.

Speech should join us as a nation – not separate us.

Our job is to go from Mitzrayim, Egypt, narrowness to freedom; from metzorah to motzei tov. Bring out the good! From narrow-minded thinking to expansive thinking.

Instead of speaking badly of someone by seeing the small picture, to recognize there is a bigger picture; they may be enslaved by their own experiences or their own narrow thinking.

Passover tells us we were formed as a unit, a nation, responsible for one another. Our thinking should be

nonjudgmental, open, understanding of others. Our speech should reflect this!

We should use our power of speech for positive – to inquire and grow! Not to hurt or destroy. And that will lead us to true freedom!

Have a happy, healthy Passover. Speak to your children about G-d’s involvement in our lives. That is the sharing of the Passover story! G-d cares and is there for us even if we don’t see it all the time. Just like we always have our children’s best interest at heart even when they don’t think so, so does the Ultimate Parent. Parents may not always demonstrate it in the perfect way, because we are simply human. But G-d, the Perfect Parent, does it in the perfect way, even if we don’t understand it at the time.

Have a meaningful Passover conversation!

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

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