137 SPRUCE STREET
516-569-2662
– See pages 5, 9, 62, 63 & 115
THEJEWISHHOME
A PUBLICATION OF THE FIVE TOWNS & QUEENS COMMUNITY JANUARY 29 – FEBRUARY 4, 2015 | DISTRIBUTED WEEKLY IN THE FIVE TOWNS, QUEENS & BROOKLYN
PESACH VACATION
70 YEARS SINCE THE
See pages 100 –108
LIBERATION OF AUSCHWITZ
Around the COMMUNITY
Learning and Enjoying Time Together— Despite the Storm 56
Yeshiva Week for Yeshiva of South Shore Included Yeshiva and Tons of Fun 70
PAGE 74
Filling the Bucket DRS Varsity Team Wins Satran Tournament 52
THE LESSONS OF TU B’SHVAT PAGE 82
Super Bowl XLIX – See pages 3
Feed all the Hungry Fans in your Home
PAGE 113 – See page 30
– See page 53 –
– See page 99
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
2
443 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook
Open Sundays
SIMULTANEOUS
MRI/PET • first outpatient MRI/PET in the United States • reduces radiation by about 100 X-rays compared to PET/CT • combines PET with the power of multiple MRI scans into a single test
T: MRI/PEology adi The R swer An cer to Can
3T MRI
128-slice 3D Mammogram Low-dose CT
• entire scan as quick as 10 minutes • clearer look through overlapping breast tissue • high quality images from 3.0 Tesla • detects 41% more breast cancers magnet strength
• high resolution imaging
• minimizes claustrophobia with an extra wide opening
• radiation doses included in all reports
• decreases callbacks by 11-18%
• cardiac CTA
We also offer PET/CT, Digital X-ray, Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy, Biopsy, and DXA Bone Density.
zprad.com
20 MINUTE CAR RIDE FROM JFK • 30 MINUTE TRAIN RIDE FROM PENN STATION
3 THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
WE ARE READy FOR THE
super bowl ARE yOU?
Super
kli C e h C l Bow
S t:
s ed Wing t a n i r a M t Heroes o o F 3 Platters i h s u S & Dip latters Chips P e i g g e &V Fruit Pastries & s e k a C More
Much h c u M &
330 Central Avenue
|
Lawrence, NY 11559
|
P: 516-295-3300
|
F: 516-295-5001
4 JANUARY 29, 2015
י בה דרך ששי מרן רבי אברהם יפה’ןאזיצ’’תן ’’ע ל Yeshiva of Far Rockaway
ANNUAL DiNNER
THE JEWISH HOME
FoRty-SixtH
JoURNAL AD DEADLiNE ExtENDED
SUNDAy • FEbRUARy 1, 2015
to SUbmit yoUR AD
PleASe CoNtACt tHe YeSHivA At
F: ( 718 ) 327 - 7600 E: DiNNER@yoFR.oRG
;; ˚∞ocgQhco∞˚;; artech 732.961.3091
Motzoei Shabbos Parshas Yisro February 7, 2015 . 19 Shvat 5775 At the Yeshiva Campus 802 Hicksville Road Far Rockaway, New York 11691
yeshiva of Far Rockaway
802 Hicksville Road Far Rockaway, NY 11691 P: (718) 327-7600 F: (718) 327-1430 e: dinner@yofr.org W: www.yofr.org
י בה ד ר ך ששי מרן רבי אברהם יפה’ןאזיצ’’תן ’’ע ל Yeshiva of Far Rockaway
Yaakov & ilana Melohn campus in memory of Reb Yosef Melohn z’’l
5
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
6
From the Editor
Contents Letters to the Editor
7
Community Readers’ Poll Community Happenings
7 43
News Global
10
National
28
Odd-but-True Stories
34
70 Years Since the Liberation of Auschwitz by Brendy J. Siev
74
Israel Israel News
20
Nice to Meet You by Rafi Sackville
93
People Israeli Military Inventions by Avi Heiligman
92
Parsha The Shmuz
79
Rabbi Wein on the Parsha
81
Jewish Thought Want Change? Then Engage by Rabbi Naphtali Hoff 80 Tree of a Kind by Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz
82
Sh’vat: Filling the Bucket by Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller 86 Tu B’Shvat: Slow, Steady Growth by Rabbi Naphtali Hoff
90
Parenting When a Jew in France is Suffering, the Jews in 91 Poland React by Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox
Dear Readers, Salt? Check. Shovels? Check. Tons of bread, milk and pasta? Check, check, check. Listening to the radio on Monday gave me anxiety. All they could talk about was the impending storm—an epic blizzard that was going to blast its way into town and force us to hole up for days without power and heat. Sometimes I believe the weathermen and sometimes I am just a teeny bit cynical about their overblown reports, but when they go Armageddon on you I try to be at least a little cautious. So I headed to the store, where there was no milk to be found (it’s good we had three bottles in the fridge) and there was a run on vegetables and bread (how many sandwiches can one eat?). We stocked up, I made sure the kids had extra blankets, and I took out the huge flashlights. We were prepared. My nephew was set to have his bris on the day of the storm. Thankfully, the bris was only going to be a block away but even one block with howling winds and sheets of snow blowing you down as you shlep four young children can be tough— and possibly impossible. But we were determined to make it. I made sure to have all our snow paraphernalia ready—sweatshirts, pants, boots, hats, gloves, scarves
and blankets—the night before. The kids went to sleep knowing that we may just have to blaze through the blizzard to get to the bris. But Tuesday morning was all too quiet. There were no howling winds, no flickering lights. We were given a special gift of soft snow—without the accompanying blustery weather. As we brushed off the car and loaded in the family, we breathed a sigh of relief; it was a beautiful day to celebrate the birth of our newest nephew and cousin. And, as the kids exclaimed, it was a day off from school! I hope you enjoyed your day off in the snow. On a more serious note, our cover story this week commemorates 70 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. My grandmother, a”h, passed away when I was just 2 years old. She was a survivor of the camps, and her stories of bravery and strength have been passed down to her children and grandchildren. My grandmother was a happy woman, able to laugh and enjoy life despite the pain and loss she had endured. She had lost her whole family in the concentration camps—only she and her brother survived the Nazi killing machine. Her younger sister, Bluma, died in her arms as they were being liberated from Auschwitz. My grandmother would speak of her
days spent pushing huge boulders up and down a hill and of other prisoners who were crushed under the heavy rocks as they tried to push them up the hill in their skeletal state. She told us of a farmer who stood aghast as the prisoners marched past his farm. When asked what he could do for her, she begged for some milk and drank thirstily from the rusted can he thrust at her filled with warm, frothy milk. She spoke about how when she was sleeping, the bed above her broke and tens of prisoners fell on her, trapping her underneath. Every day was a test of survival, a test of faith. There seemed to be no way out, no future. But amazingly, there was an end to the horror, and finally, after years of suffering, my grandmother was able to rebuild. When she came to America and married my grandfather, they shared a beautiful life together. Four wonderful children, all named after their lost loved ones, are symbolic of the Jewish people: we are a nation of survivors, and we will always endure. Yes, they may have beaten us and tried to kill us all, but we are here and flourishing and will always survive. Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana
Weekly Weather
FRIDAY
January 30
SHABBOS
January 31
SUNDAY
February 1
MONDAY
February 2
TUESDAY
February 3
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY February 4
February 5
Chinuch Workshops by Rabbi Chaim A. Morgenstern 109 Health & Fitness It’s the Little Things That Matter Most, Part III by David Elazar Simai, MD 110 How to Avoid Winter Weight Gain by Aliza Beer, MS, RD 112 Food & Leisure
AM SNOW SHOWERS / WIND
36º
30º
MOSTLY SUNNY / WIND
37º
30º
A Mom’s Guide to the Super Bowl by Sina Mizrahi 113
Shabbos Zemanim
The Aussie Gourmet: Hot Dog! It’s the Super Bowl! 114
Sponsored by
MOSTLY CLOUDY
35º
21º
AM RAIN / WIND
35º
26º
MOSTLY SUNNY
32º
PUBLISHER
publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com
Lifestyles
Yosef Feinerman
106
MANAGING EDITOR
How’s Your Blizzard? by Rivki Rosenwald, Esq., CLC 108 Ask the Attorney
ads@fivetownsjewishhome.com
112
Shoshana Soroka
Humor Centerfold Uncle Moishy Fun Page
68
eretzhachaim.org
121
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30
Political Crossfire Quibbling and Blizzarding by Nate Davis
94
Notable Quotes
96
Classifieds
118
Parshas Beshalach Candle Lighting: 4:52 Shabbos Ends: 5:55 Rabbeinu Tam: 6:24
33º
22º
RAIN / SNOW
31º
22º
THE JEWISH HOME Yitzy Halpern
Pretzel Wrapped Brats with Cider Braised Onions by Tamar Genger, MA, RD 117 Your Money
22º
SUNNY
EDITOR
editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com Nate Davis Editorial Assistant Nechama Wein Copy Editor
Rachel Bergida Berish Edelman Mati Jacobovits Design & Production
P.O. BOX 266 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 PHONE | 516-734-0858 FAX | 516-734-0857
Classifieds
CLASSIFIEDS@FIVETOWNS JEWISHHOME.COM TEXT 443-929-4003 The Jewish Home is an independent weekly magazine. Opinions expressed by writers are not neces sarily the opinions of the publisher or editor. The Jewish Home is not responsible for typographical errors, or for the kashrus of any product or business advertised within. The Jewish Home contains words of Torah. Please treat accordingly.
Letters to the Editor there! And this is the cause of our heartbreak. Hakadosh Boruch Hu gave us a neshama 19 years ago. True, the body and mind in which that neshama resides is damaged. But dare we allow that neshama to go live with nonJews? We beg anyone who is reading this letter to advocate for our son. Please go to the nearest OHEL office and beg for his life. And if you are uncomfortable doing that, we understand. But then please, please, open your Tehillim and ask for rachmei Shamayim for Shmuel Mordechai ben Leah Rivka. Thank you.
Views expressed on the Letters to the Editor page do not necessarily reflect the views of The Jewish Home. Please send all correspondence to editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com.
Readers Poll Winter is nothing without a few good snowstorms! How many would you like to have in a year? 46% None
Dr. Omid Termechi Your Dental Implant Team in Five Towns & Queens www.DrTermechi.com
• Superior NYU Implant Team • Minimally Invasive Procedures • Latest Implant Technology
38% 1-2 16% 3 or more
• Comprehensive Implant Treatment
FREE IMPLANT CONSULTATION
Lawrence, New York
Astoria, Queens
290 Central Avenue, Suite 214 Lawrence, NY 11559
30-12 30th Avenue, Suite 230 Astoria, NY 11102
516.218.2141
718.956.7800
JANUARY 29, 2015
Dear Editor, We are perhaps in the greatest tzaar in which parents can find themselves. Our 19-year-old son has been diagnosed with a mental illness. Believe it or not, that is not the tzaar of which we speak. He has presented with this challenging condition for most of his life. It is his nisayon, it is our nisayon, it is his siblings’ nisayon. But we have dealt with the manic episodes, the many hospitalizations and the unpredictable medications for the last 10+ years, to the best of our ability. The tzaar of which we speak is
that our son is being denied entry into the one and only mental health residence that is suitable for him. OHEL is where he belongs, but OHEL can’t grant him a spot in their residence. They say that our son should be placed in a different type of residence. The problem is that the residence that has accepted him is not a Jewish one. Our son wears his yarmulke and tzitzis with pride, eats kosher and keeps Shabbos and Yom Tov to the best of his ability. He cannot enter this non-Jewish residence; he will be the only white Jewish male in a coed residence. It is simply impossible to imagine what could happen to him
Dear Editor, So it snowed and our politicians made us crazy. They warned us to stay off the streets, hoard dry non-perishables sufficient for two weeks, conserve power, and gather blankets and flashlights in anticipation of the storm. But thankfully, the blizzard of the century swerved right past us, and we were able to enjoy a snow day together with our children. When the storm so dramatically missed us, one thought came to mind:
no matter how wonderful our technology, what better example of Yad Hashem? We can predict, we can prepare, but if G-d wants something—no matter how certain we are of something else—it will happen. As they say, Man plans and G-d laughs. It is comforting to clearly see that He is always the One in charge. May we have a wonderful, safe, enjoyable winter season! Chaya Leiter Bayswater
THE JEWISH HOME
Dear Editor, In the January 22-28 edition of your newspaper, Susan Schwamm wrote beautifully about Winston Churchill. Although historically accurate and well-presented, Miss Schwamm neglected to mention any ties Churchill had with the Jewish population of England as well as his attitude towards Zionism and the State of Israel. A follow up article on this subject would be of great interest to readers of this newspaper. Thank you, Josef Flaschner
7
JANUARY 29, 2015
8
THE JEWISH HOME
2015 BOCA RATON, FLORIDA
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
Boca Raton Resort
PGA National Resort
• A Waldorf Astoria Resort • Gorgeous Private Beach • Interesting, Thought-provoking Lectures by dynamic speakers
• 2 Championship Golf Courses • 30 Clay Tennis Courts, World Class Spa • NK Glatt Kosher Supervision
RYE BROOK, NEW YORK
Westchester Hilton
ONLY 30 MINUTES FROM NEW YORK CITY
• Entire Hotel Kosher for Pesach • Fantastic Scholar-in-Residence Program • Entire Hotel Newly Renovated • Exceptional Cuisine by Prestige Caterers • ORB Glatt Kosher Supervision
• Entire Hotel Kosher for Pesach • Delectable Cuisine by • All Rooms Have Private Balconies Foremost Ram Caterers • 5 Tournament-Ready Golf Courses • ORB Glatt Kosher Supervision
FIUGGI (ROME), ITALY
Palazzo Della Fonte
• 45 minutes from Rome • Member of Leading Hotels Of The World • Entire Hotel Kosher for Pesach • Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet • Glatt Kosher Supervision Rabbi G. M. Garelik of Milan • Delectable Italian Cuisine
Leisure Time Tours www.leisuretimetours.com
WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Four Seasons
EXCEPTIONAL SPRING SKIING #1 Ski Resort in North America
• Beautiful Oversized Guest rooms & Suites • Entire Hotel Kosher for Pesach • Fantastic Scholar-in-Residence Program • Glatt Kosher Supervision • Outstanding Four Seasons Cuisine
NEW YORK TOLL FREE
718-528-0700 800-223-2624
9
one of a kind crafts, teen workshops, and...
T??
OVERNIGH
ď ł
g n i t a r eC leb
JANUARY 29, 2015
f o s year ELEVEN YEARS OF PUTTING A TWINKLE IN THEIR EYES AND A BOUNCE IN THEIR STEP. th
of every month from February till June...
All registered campers watch the MAIL for a Rena surprise!
Register before you miss this month!
Rena is not just a teen camp during the day...
+
THE JEWISH HOME
Are you joining us for our stupendous trips,
One plus one = two late nights! *
Camp Rena campers are invited to join a twice weekly night camp just for teens!
ALL INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF CAMP!
SOLD OUT LAST YEAR EARLY! * ONLY FOR FIRST HALF RENA CAMPERS, NOT RENA TWIRL.
email renaforteens@gmail.com for application!
Call Rena! 516 855 RENA
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
10
The Week In News
Global Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to their King Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud died at the age of 90 last Friday. Within a few hours of his
death, throngs of mourners gathered in Mecca to pay tribute to the long-time leader. A few weeks ago, the state-run Saudi Press Agency announced that the king was suffering pneumonia and was admitted to the hospital. After his passing, the crown was passed on to King Abdullah’s brother, Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz. The White House was quick to honor the late king. “King Abdullah’s life
spanned from before the birth of modern Saudi Arabia through its emergence as a critical force within the global economy and a leader among Arab and Islamic nations,” U.S. President Barack Obama said in a statement. Obama also praised Abdullah’s role in sponsoring the Arab Peace Initiative. “This is a sad day. The United States has lost a friend, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East,
and the world has lost a revered leader,” U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement. “He was so proud of the Kingdom’s journey, a brave partner in fighting violent extremism who proved just as important as a proponent of peace.” King Abdullah was officially crowned king of the oil-rich nation in August 2005, but he had been running Saudi Arabia since 1996, after his half-brother King Fahd’s stroke. King Abdullah was viewed as a reformer in an extremely conservative nation; Abdullah took initiatives toward expansive freedoms and invested some of the country’s vast oil wealth in large-scale education and infrastructure projects.
Under Abdullah’s leadership, Saudi Arabia helped conquer al Qaeda, capturing or killing its leaders in the kingdom. Last year, it became the lead Arab nation in a U.S.-led coalition to eradicate the ultra-radical ISIS group in Iraq and Syria.
Obama Takes India
Although India and the U.S. haven’t always had the steadiest relationship, Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared an era of “new trust” on Sunday during the president’s three-day visit to New Delhi. Obama and Modi mentioned advancement toward developing and instating a landmark civil nuclear agreement, as well as improvements on climate change
11 THE JEWISH HOME
IMPRESS WITH THE BEST.
Custom fruit and floral creations for a stunning presentation CALL TODAY TO PLACE YOUR ORDER
Preview additional options online at www.hostessinternational.com Hostess International ӏ 1414 39th St., Brooklyn NY ӏ 718.437.6050
BRANDRIGHTMARKETING
G ROW HERE
JANUARY 29, 2015
CREATIONS
T U B ’ SH VAT
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
12
The Week In News blew themselves up. At least five people were also wounded during the assault, including two Filipina employees hurt by broken glass from the car bomb explosion.
Looking for the Ultimate Wall Unit
?
UN& 6& F Uuc 0uHH H9O& U0 c& !‡ ugmUN !&g91Og
Costa Concordia 9 Killed on Attack on Captain Faces 26 Years Tripoli Hotel
On Monday, prosecutors asked a court to convict the captain of the Costa Concordia and sentence him to 26 years in prison for the 2012 shipwreck off Tuscany that killed 32 people, saying the term is hardly excessive given the death toll. Prosecutor Maria Navar-
On Tuesday, gunmen stormed a hotel in Tripoli, killing at least nine people including five foreigners before blowing themselves up. After setting off a car bomb outside the luxury Corinthia Hotel in Libya’s capital, three armed militants rushed inside and opened fire, Issam al-Naass, a spokesman for the security services, said. They made it to the 24th floor of the hotel, which is a major hub for diplomatic and government activity in Tripoli, before being surrounded by security forces and detonating explosive belts they were wearing, he said. The dead included three security guards killed in the initial attack, five foreigners shot dead by the gunmen and a hostage who died when the attackers
Ă&#x2DC; Q8$/,7< Ă&#x2DC; DESIGN Ă&#x2DC; SERVICE Ă&#x2DC; Č° gUH9! Â UU! UUF g&g Č° ugmUN Â HH uO9mg Č° ugmUN H9 c c9&g
ĆĽĆŚĆŚĆ Ć§Ćthth gĆ&#x20AC;ŜĊĊĆ&#x20AC; ŜŨŨĹ&#x2122;Ĺ&#x203A;Ć&#x2014;Ţ OÂ&#x2021; ĆĽĆĽĆŚĆĽĆ tel. - tel. ƍƼƏƯƨƧƍƯƍƌƍƌ
JANUARY 29, 2015
The hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 24th floor is normally used by Qatarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission to Libya but no diplomats or officials were present during the assault, a security source said. The head of Libyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self-declared government, Omar al-Hassi, was inside the hotel at the time of the attack but was evacuated safely, Naass said. In a statement on Twitter, the Tripoli branch of the Islamic State jihadist group claimed responsibility for the
attack. It said it was carrying out the attack in honor of Abu Anas al-Libi, an al Qaeda suspect who died in the United States earlier this month days before facing a trial for bombing U.S. embassies. EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini condemned the attack, calling it â&#x20AC;&#x153;another reprehensible act of terrorism which deals a blow to efforts to bring peace and stability to Libya.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Such attacks should not be allowed to undermine the political process,â&#x20AC;? Mogherini said in a statement. A new round of UN-mediated peace talks between Libyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rival factions kicked off in Geneva on Monday as they seek to implement a roadmap on forming a unity government. The North African nation has been wracked by conflict since the overthrow of dictator Moamer Kadhafi in a 2011 uprising, with rival governments and powerful militias battling for control of key cities and the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oil riches. The Islamist-backed Fajr Libya (Libya Dawn) militia alliance took control of Tripoli last summer, forcing Thaniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s government to flee to the remote east.
ď ł
ro also asked the court to detain Capt. Francesco Schettino again and seize his passport and navigation license, saying he is a flight risk. She said the trial had proved that Schettino â&#x20AC;&#x153;thought only and always about himself.â&#x20AC;? Schettino is being tried for manslaughter, causing the shipwreck and abandoning the Concordia while many passengers and crew members were still aboard. Survivors of the January 13, 2012 wreck described a chaotic and delayed evacuation, with lifeboats unable to lower because the ship was already tilting so much. In his defense, the captain has said he saved lives by steering the liner toward shore after it hit rocks that werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t on his charts. The blame does not lie with him, he says. He has accused his crew of botching his orders and blamed faulty generators aboard the ship for contributing to the disaster. Despite his protestations, Navarro accused Schettino of lying from the start, of never apologizing to the victims and saving his own life â&#x20AC;&#x153;without even getting his shoes wet.â&#x20AC;? She said the requested sentence, beyond the 20-year maximum speculated, was not â&#x20AC;&#x153;exaggeratedâ&#x20AC;? considering Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high court recently confirmed a 10-year prison sentence for a car accident that killed four people. The defense is expected to respond in court starting February 9, with a verdict expected thereafter. Five other Costa Concordia employees indicted in the case were allowed to enter plea bargains and none is serving prison time.
THE JEWISH HOME
and defense ties. The U.S. and India also agreed to extend a 10-year defense partnership deal and cooperate on the phasedown of hydroflurocarbons, the greenhouse gases used for refrigeration and air conditioning. In a rare show of affection from an Indian leader, Modi embraced Obama after he disembarked his Air Force One jet. Modi called Obama by his first name throughout the visit and said â&#x20AC;&#x153;the chemistry that has brought Barack and me closer has also brought Washington and Delhi closer.â&#x20AC;? Obama told reporters that Modiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;strong personal commitment to the U.S.-India relationship gives us an opportunity to further energize these efforts.â&#x20AC;? The focus of Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visit was Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Republic Day festivities. Republic Day marks the anniversary of Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s democratic constitution. The crowd erupted in cheers as Mr. and Mrs. Obama arrived in an armored black limo. The Obamas sat alongside Modi on a viewing stand overlooking the parade route. Later on during their visit, the president and first lady were wined and dined at a state dinner featuring a dance performance by a cultural group that performed during Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2010 visit to India. Obama had further plans to visit Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famed white marble Taj Mahal but suddenly changed his schedule in order to travel to Saudi Arabia to pay respects to the royal family following the death of King Abdullah.
13
The Week In News Radical Left Party Wins Elections in Greece
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
14
A radical left-wing party promising to end Greece’s painful austerity program won a historic victory in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, setting up a showdown with the country’s international creditors that could shake the eurozone. The Syrisa party’s leader Alexis Tsipras, 40, instantly swore to end the “five years of humiliation and pain” that Greece has suffered since an international bailout saved it from bankruptcy in 2010. “The verdict of the Greek people ends, beyond any doubt, the vi-
cious circle of austerity in our country,” Tsipras cheered to a throng of enthusiastic flag-waving supporters. Syriza appeared just shy of the majority that would allow it to govern alone. With 97.6 percent of polling stations counted, Syriza had 36.4 percent — and 149 of parliament’s 300 seats — versus 27.8 percent for Prime Minister Antonis Samaras’ conservatives. If Tsipras manages to form a government, he will become Greece’s youngest prime minister in 150 years, and Syriza would be the first radical left party to ever dominate the country. With this change, renewed fears of bankruptcy reverberate across the Eurozone, an emotion so strong that it actually affects global markets and undermines the euro, the currency shared by 19 European countries. On Monday, the euro was down 0.3% and came in at $117, the lowest since April 2003. Shortly after Tsipras’ victory, Samaras conceded defeat on Sunday, saying he had taken office when the country was “on the brink of disaster” when he took over in 2012 and now he was close to solving the crisis. “I was asked to hold live coals in my hands and I did,” he said.
Your Garage Door Design Center • Wood • Steel • Fiberglass • Vinyl • PVC • Insulated & Non-Insulated Doors
We Service All Garage Doors • Seasonal Inspections • Garage Door "Tune-Ups" • Springs • Track • Hinges • Cables • Panel Replacements
Garage Door Openers
• Keypads • Remote Control • Sensors
Locksmith Service Installation and Repairs • Decorative Hardware • Shabbos Locks High Security Locks • Mag Locks • Electric Buzzers Automatic Handicap Door Openers • New Safe Installations
$100 OFF
10% OFF
RESTRICTIONS APPLY
RESTRICTIONS APPLY
NEW INSTALLATIONS
REPAIRS
Tsipras won on promises to demand debt forgiveness and renegotiate the terms of Greece’s 240 billion euro ($270 billion) bailout, which has kept the debt-ridden country afloat since mid2010. To qualify for the cash, Greece has had to impose deep and bitterly resented cuts in public spending, wages and pensions, along with public sector layoffs and repeated tax increases.
Yemeni Government Resigns
Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi resigned as president of Yemen on Thursday after a fiery standoff with dominant Shiite rebels. The country’s prime minister, Khaled Bahah, and Cabinet resigned as well. The powerful Shiite rebels now control the capital, a spokesman at the Yemeni Embassy in Washington confirmed. Yemen is regarded as the Arab world’s poorest country and Hadi’s resignation raised fears that this shift will severely complicate U.S. efforts to combat al Qaeda’s powerful local franchise. Hadi had been a close U.S. ally in the fight against al Qaeda. The rebels, known as Houthis, who are widely believed to be backed by Iran, had been pressuring Hadi to make further concessions, charges they deny. United States Embassy staff are being reduced in Sana’a, the capital. The embassy has been on ordered drawdown since September. U.S. Marines escorted personnel to the airport, where they traveled on commercial and chartered airlines. However, the embassy remains open and the U.S. ambassador remains there. “We will continue to operate as normal, albeit with reduced staff,” according to a State Department statement. “We are also continuously reassessing the situation on the ground based on our staffing needs.” Hadi’s resignation came after negotiations over a new governing setup that would give more power to the Houthis. Many observers suggested the Houthis would keep Hadi in his position as a puppet to maintain the perception of international legitima-
cy. Hadi had earlier pledged political concessions in return for the rebels withdrawing from his house and the nearby presidential palace following days of clashes, but Houthi fighters remained deployed around both buildings throughout Thursday. “We reached a deadlock,” Hadi said in his letter of resignation. “We found out that we are unable to achieve the goal, for which we bear a lot of pain and disappointment.” Presidential adviser Sultan alAtawani told the AP that the Houthis refused to withdraw from the presidential palace, the republican palace where the prime minister lives, or from the president’s house. They also refused to release a top aide to Hadi whose abduction earlier this week sparked the violence. Military officials said Hadi resigned after the Houthis pressured him to give a televised speech to calm the streets. They said the Houthis also requested appointments in his own office, the Defense Ministry and provincial capitals, demands Hadi rejected. According to the Yemeni constitution, presidential elections should be held within 60 days.
Egypt Bans Jews from Visiting Rabbi’s Tomb
Deep in a village in Egypt’s Nile Delta is the tomb of Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira, who passed away on a pilgrimage to Israel. From the time of his death it quickly became a tradition to visit his tombstone annually on his birthday; the tradition lasted for many years and slowly died out when it became increasingly dangerous and difficult to travel in Egypt. In December, an Egyptian court formally outlawed the festival marking the rabbi’s birthday, the 19th day of Tevet, which fell out on January 10 this year. The Alexandria administrative court that imposed the ban also moved to strip the shrine of its government designation as a cultural monument, though it was not clear whether it had
The Week In News
Imran Khawaja, 27, was reported dead last year, however, the terrorist was very much alive. Khawaja faked his own death while fighting in Syria in an attempt to sneak home to Britain
JANUARY 29, 2015
Saudi Arabia is notoriously conservative and surprisingly barbaric at times. It is one of the few remaining countries that do not allow women to
British Terrorist Fakes Death to Return Undetected from Syria
without being noticed. According to police, Khawaja admitted to preparing for acts of terrorism, attending a training camp, and possessing firearms. Khawaja is originally from Southall in west London. He departed from Heathrow Airport last January and headed for a training camp in Syria. He spent the first half of last year fighting alongside jihadists in Syria’s civil war. During that time, he posted an image of himself holding a severed human head on social media. According to Britain’s Metropolitan Police, Khawaja was an active member of Rayat Al-Tawheed (Banner of God) — a group which became aligned with the Islamic State group. The terror group falsely announced on social media that he was later killed on the battlefield. Police now believe the reports were part of a plan to throw authorities off his trail. “In May 2014, the group put out a message on social media, designed to deliberately mislead authorities, claiming that Abu Daigham al-Britani had been killed alongside an image of two masked men holding a flag associated
Flogging for Blogging in Saudi Arabia
operate a motor vehicle and that punish individuals for expressing opinions with whippings. Public beheadings are also not uncommon after Friday prayers and large crowds gather to watch. In general, one can say that Saudi Arabia is a playground for human rights activists. Earlier this month, a Saudi blogger became the subject of an international campaign to overturn an extremely harsh sentence. Raif Badawi was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes spread over 20 weeks, a punishment so cruel that doctors recommended that a second round of 50 lashes be postponed on Friday because Badawi had not yet healed from the first. His crime? Badawi was chastised for creating a website, Free Saudi Liberals. He is accused of publishing an article seen as ridiculing the kingdom’s religious police and other “offensive” material. Two weeks ago, Badawi was arrested and transported in handcuffs and shackles to a square outside a mosque in Jidda, his hometown. A crowd gathered as a security officer approached from behind and started to beat Badawi with a large cane, according to an unidentified witness quoted by the London-based rights group Amnesty International. “The officer beat Raif on his back and legs, counting the lashes until they reached 50,” the witness said. “Raif raised his head towards the sky, closing his eyes and arching his back. He was silent, but you could tell from his face and his body that he was in real pain.” Although the internet has made it possible for Saudis to discuss their views on social and political issues openly, the government disciplines those who criticize members of the royal family, senior religious leaders, or government policies. The U.N. high commissioner for human rights, Zeid Raad al-Hussein, appealed to the king to rescind the public flogging by pardoning Badawi “and to urgently review this type of extraordinarily harsh penalty.” The U.S. also made an unusual diplomatic decision to publicly call on Saudi Arabia, an important U.S. ally, to overturn the sentencing, with U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki recommending that Saudi authorities “cancel this brutal punishment.” A Princeton University professor and a prominent Muslim American figure, as well as five other religious freedom advocates, are offering to take 100 lashes each for imprisoned blogger. As of now, Saudi authorities did not change or amend Badawi’s sentence.
THE JEWISH HOME
the jurisdiction to do so. This is reflective of the growing rate of anti-Semitism in the Middle East. However, not all citizens are guilty of anti-Semitic ideology. Hanan Emara, who lives near the shrine, said, “There was never a problem, and we never complained. We are Muslims and they are Jews. We have our celebrations, and they have theirs.” Experts on Middle Eastern politics believe that this move speaks volumes about Egypt’s relationship with Israel. The two countries have had a peace treaty since 1979, and their militaries and intelligence services cooperate closely on security matters, particularly in the volatile Sinai Peninsula. But in a new wave of anti-Semitism spreading through Egyptian society, there has been much anti-Israel rumblings. Even prior to the court’s ruling, attendance at the festival had decreased after Egypt’s 2011 uprising against dictator Hosni Mubarak and the turmoil that followed. The rise of the Muslim Brotherhood, culminating in the election in 2012 of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, in effect marked an end to the celebrations, said Rabbi Yehiel Abuhatzeira, a scion of the rabbi’s dynasty who is now the municipal rabbi of the Israeli town of Ramle. “Since Morsi came to power, Jews from Israel have not gone,” he said. An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman, Emmanuel Nahshon, said Israel was studying the court ruling and weighing the possibility of raising the issue with Egypt. “This is a sensitive issue — after all, this was a court ruling and there is the matter of judicial independence,” he said. “But we are considering asking that this be viewed from a broader perspective.”
15
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
16
The Week In News with Islamic State,” said Scotland Yard. In reality, he was heading for Bulgaria, where he had asked his cousin, Tahir Bhatti, 44, to pick him up. The duo was arrested on June 3 last year as they reached the port of Dover in southern England. “He was a senior figure in Rayat Al-Tawheed, a group aligned to Islamic State that celebrated its terrorist acts through social media back to the UK,” Richard Walton, head of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, said on Tuesday. “This is a man who has chosen the path of terrorism. We don’t know why he came back. We don’t know what he was planning.” Bhatti, a taxi driver from near London, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to assisting an offender, but previously pleaded not guilty to preparing a terrorist act. A third man, Asim Ali, pleaded guilty to entering into a funding arrangement for the purposes of terrorism after making £300 ($455) available to Khawaja. All three face sentencing on February 5 and 6, with Khawaja facing an extensive jail term, perhaps a life sentence.
More Violence in Ukraine
At least 30 people were killed by indiscriminate rocket fire this week in Ukraine’s southeastern city of Mariupol. The Ukrainian president called the blitz a terrorist attack, and NATO and the U.S. demanded that Russia stop supporting separatist attackers. Ukrainian officials responded by rushing to defend the strategically important port on the Sea of Azov, beefing up
military positions with more equipment and sending in more forces. President Petro Poroshenko held an emergency meeting of his military officials and cut short a trip to Saudi Arabia to coordinate the government’s response. “The time has come to name their sponsors. The help given to militants, weapons deliveries, equipment and the training of manpower — is this not aiding terrorism?” Poroshenko asked in a statement. Russia insists it does not support the rebels, but Western military officials say the sheer number of heavy weapons under rebel control makes those claims unlikely. Secretary of State John Kerry said the rebels’ new offensive “has been aided and abetted by Russia’s irresponsible and dangerous decision to resupply them in recent weeks with hundreds of new pieces of advanced weaponry.” “I join my European counterparts in condemning in the strongest terms today’s horrific assault by Russia-backed separatists on civilian neighborhoods in Mariupol,” Kerry said in a statement, citing reports of dozens wounded as well. The rocket attacks came a day after the rebels rejected a peace deal and announced they were going on a multiprong offensive against the government in Kiev to vastly increase their territory. The rebel stance has upended European attempts to mediate an end to the fighting in eastern Ukraine, which the U.N. says has killed nearly 5,100 people since April.
Nigerian Arms Sale Blocked by U.S.
The U.S. has vetoed a 2014 arms sale of U.S.-made Cobra helicopters by Israel to Nigeria over human rights abuses. Though the resale of decommissioned gunships was approved by Israel’s Defense Ministry, Washington nixed the deal over concerns that the Nigerian government was not doing enough to avoid civilian casualties in its ongoing fight with the Islamist terror group Boko Haram.
The canceled sale has further strained Washington’s already tense ties with Nigeria over the government’s response to the five-year-long insurgency by the Islamist group. Beyond its concern over human rights abuses, the Obama administration has significantly limited its security assistance to the central African nation in recent months due to widespread government corruption and a possible Boko Haram infiltration into the Nigerian military. Though Asia remains Israel’s biggest arms customer, military exports to African nations virtually doubled in 2013. A total of $224 million worth of arms and military technology was sold to African countries, compared to $107 million in 2012.
ISIS Kills Again
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is demanding the release of a hostage from the ISIS terrorist organization. Abe said he was “speechless” after an online video purportedly showed that one of two Japanese hostages of the extremist Islamic State group had been killed. Abe told Japanese media that the video was likely authentic, though he said the government is still reviewing it. He offered condolences to the family and friends of Haruna Yukawa, a 42-year-old adventurer taken hostage in Syria last year. He declined to comment on the message in the latest video, which demanded a prisoner exchange for the other hostage, journalist Kenji Goto. He said only that the government was still working on the situation and reiterated that Japan condemns terrorism. Yukawa’s father, Shoichi, said he hoped “deep in his heart” that the news of his son’s killing was not true. “If I am ever reunited with him, I just want to give him a big hug,” he told a small group of journalists invited into his house. Yukawa was captured last summer, and Goto is thought to have been seized in late October after going to Continued on page 20
17 THE JEWISH HOME
HAS A REAL DEAL FOR MISHLOACH MANOS OHEL is Keeping it Real this Purim season.
Purchase a REALLY meaningful MISHLOACH MANOS your friends and family will enjoy. This REAL gift provides job training and a stipend to OHEL’s individuals with disabilities.
JANUARY 29, 2015
T O ORDER,
Convenient pick up VISIT ohelgiftsatwork.org locations and delivery OR CALL available 718.972.9338
This project is supported in part by
Apple Bank BONUS Savings Account: Great Rate and a Bonus on Each 1-Year Anniversary! BONUS Savings Account
0.75
% APY*
PLUS
$25,000 minimum to earn stated rate
BONUS**
0.25
%
On each 1-year anniversary of account opening
Visit us today! 115 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, 516-295-2698 Open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm; Thursday 9am-6pm; Sunday 9am-1pm Lauren Stamm, Branch Manager; Michael Lukin, Business Development 280 East Park Avenue, Long Beach, 516-897-5705 Open Monday-Thursday 8am-3pm; Friday 8am-7pm; Saturday 9am-1pm Stephen Hauff, Branch Manager
Established 1863 · Member FDIC
www.applebank.com
*For the Apple Bank BONUS Savings account, interest earned on daily balances of $2,500 or more at these tiers: $2,500-$24,999: .10% Annual Percentage Yield (APY), $25,000 and up: .75% APY. There is no interest paid on balances of $0-$2,499. APYs disclosed effective as of January 6, 2015. APYs may be changed at any time at the Bank’s discretion. There is a minimum of $2,500 required to open the Apple Bank BONUS Savings account. $2,500 minimum daily balance is required to avoid $10 monthly maintenance fee. Fees may reduce earnings. Funds used to open this account cannot be from an existing Apple Bank account. Maximum deposit amount is $1,000,000 per household. **Special bonus feature: A .25% simple interest rate bonus will be paid on each anniversary date of account opening on the lowest balance for that year (anniversary date to anniversary date). No bonus is paid if the account balance is less than $2,500 on the anniversary date. Additional deposits during a given anniversary period do not affect the bonus interest payment. Deposits made to the account on any anniversary date will be used to calculate the lowest account balance for the next anniversary period. The bonus interest is calculated on the lowest balance on deposit from one anniversary date to the next anniversary date. Simple interest rate bonus is subject to change at any time after first anniversary date of account opening. Hypothetical example of how bonus works: Assume an account is opened on January 12, 2015 for $50,000. A $10,000 withdrawal is made on July 12, 2015. No other withdrawals are made prior to the January 12, 2016 anniversary date. The low balance is now $40,000, so $100 in bonus interest will be paid on January 12, 2016.
apple bk - JEWISH HOME - BONSU SAVINGS (1-2015).indd 1
1/9/2015 10:52:05 AM
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
18
JOIN DAF HAYOMI B’HALACHA, AND MASTER THE HALACHOS OF DAILY LIVING! .וצריך כל אדם ללמוד הלכות בכל יום כדי שהלימוד יביאנו לידי מעשה... , אך שיזהר ללמוד בכל יום,ועל ידי לימוד ההלכות מובטח האדם לידי חיי עולם הבא ...' תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום וכו:כדאיתא בגמרא —מתוך ההקדמה של החפץ חיים זצ"ל להמשנה ברורה
Thousands worldwide are joined together and have benefitted from Daf HaYomi B’Halacha’s daily limud of Mishnah Berurah and Mussar from Sifrei Chofetz Chaim. Gedolei Yisrael have endorsed and encouraged Dirshu’s Daf HaYomi B’Halacha program’s unique retention and accountability methods, as a way to master Halacha.
Now it's easier than ever to join Daf HaYomi B’Halacha, the largest worldwide daily Halacha program: Join LIVE shiurim worldwide!
Receive a daily e-newsletter!
Listen live to shiurim on Kol Haloshon USA: 718-906-6400 Canada: 416-800-2146
Daily Radio Segment
Optional Bechinos
Monthly Bulletin
Receive a FREE Luach!
TO JOIN, OR ESTABLISH A DAF HAYOMI B’HALACHA SHIUR, CONTACT DIRSHU AT 888-5-DIRSHU x.106
19
ORTU
NITY
!
This coming February 2nd, י"ג שבט, a delegation of Gedolei Rabbonim and Poskim, together with a group of senior members of Dirshu's hanhala, will be traveling to Radin to participate in a unique maamad and daven for the success of both present and future Daf HaYomi B'Halacha participants. The 'Sefer Gibborim' is a sefer containing the names of all present Daf HaYomi B'Halacha learners, as well as any person who accepts upon himself to learn Mishnah Berurah and mussar daily. Dirshu will be placing the "Sefer Gibborim" in a special place at the kever of the Chofetz Chaim where it will remain as an eternal merit for those inscribed in it.
YES!
I would like to have my name inscribed in the Sefer Gibborim, and for the delegation of Gedolei Rabbonim to daven on my behalf at the Chofetz Chaim’s Kever.
Hebrew name _______________________
Full name __________________________________________
Mother’s Hebrew name _______________
Address ___________________________________________
I am presently a participant in the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha Program
___________________________________________________
I undertake, bli neder, to join the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha program*
Phone number _____________________________________ Email address ______________________________________
*A kabbalah, the sefarim teach us, strengthens one’s resolve. It is understood that the kabbalah is bli neder and that circumstances can crop up that will make it difficult to keep. There is no minimum time requirement.
Please fill in the pertinent information, and return by fax or email, no later than מוצש"ק פ' בשלח, January 31st, 10pm.
Tel: 888.5.Dirshu ext. 141 Fax: 732.987.3949 Email: info@kolleldirshu.org
DEADLINE EXTENDED THROUGH מוצש"ק פ' בשלח, JANUARY 31, 10pm.
JANUARY 29, 2015
WHAT IS THE "SEFER GIBBORIM"?
HAVE YOUR NAME INSCRIBED IN THE SEFER GIBBORIM!
OFFER
Bottom Line Marketing Group: 718.377.4567
E OPP
THE JEWISH HOME
UNIQU
The Week In News
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
20
Unique
Arrangements To Israel with love!
Send your children, family and friends in Israel Shalach Manos they will always remember. Baked goods available for all occasions. Mehadrin Kosher certification. All products are Parve.
5
$ Puri
m De liver
NEW! Shipping across Israel. Free delivery in Gush Etzion.
y Sp (Jerus ecial ! for or alem only) ders p Febru laced by ary 2 2015 2
Israel
official Facebook page, asked whom they want to see in the Knesset. “I’m very humbled that members of the public have put my name forward as their desired representative in the Knesset,” Glick said. “I don’t know if now is the right time for me and my family for a move into politics, but I do know that the people of Israel are the strongest, bravest people in the world and deserve equally valiant leaders.” Glick said that in the 24 years since she has made aliyah she has witnessed the transformation of Israeli society on every level. Israelis have matured as a free people and have demonstrated that they can surmount all limits placed on them in every field of human endeavor, she said.
PM May Tap Glick for Knesset
Bibi’s Congress Controversy
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering offering Jerusalem Post Senior Contributing Editor Caroline Glick a slot reserved for a candidate of his choosing on the Likud candidates list. Glick is a former adviser to Netanyahu and has maintained a positive relationship with him, even though she has criticized him at times. Her most notable critique of the prime minister came after a deal in which more than 1,000 terrorists were exchanged for Gilad Shalit, which she called “immoral, irresponsible and stupid.” This week, in a statement on her Facebook page, Glick wrote that she understood the Shalit deal was hard for Netanyahu and that, despite her criticism of him, she had no doubt he was the right man to lead the country. Labor Party officials said Netanyahu was taking yet another step to harm relations with the U.S. by offering a slot to Glick, who has been among the harshest critics of the administration of President Barack Obama. “I thought that Israel’s relations with the U.S. under Netanyahu couldn’t get worse,” Labor MK Nachman Shai said. Glick was one of the candidates suggested by members of the public on January 7, when Netanyahu, on his
Last Wednesday, House Speaker John Boehner asked Prime Minister Netanyahu to speak before a joint meeting in Congress in March about the Obama administration’s efforts to negotiate a deal with Tehran that would lift sanctions in exchange for putting an end to Iran’s nuclear weapons program. But the invitation was highly unusual; Boehner extended the invite without first consulting the White House, a break from typical protocol. Republicans have joined Netanyahu in criticizing Obama’s effort on Iran, and GOP leadership is clearly hoping he will do so again while visiting Capitol Hill. The Speaker made the announcement a day after Obama gave a State of the Union address to Congress in which he threatened to veto new sanction legislation against Iran. Netanyahu strongly maintains that current restrictions should be increased to stop Iran’s controversial nuclear program. The Obama administration opposes fresh sanctions while talks with the Iranians continue. Secretary of State John F. Kerry has suggested that Israel’s intelligence chiefs don’t agree with Netanyahu either. Evidently displeased at the pros-
Syria to try to rescue him. President Barack Obama condemned what he called “the brutal murder” of Yukawa, saying in a statement that the United States stands by Japan in calling for Goto’s release. On Tuesday, emergency meetings were held after an online message announced that Goto and a Jordanian pilot, 1st Lt. Mu’ath al-Kaseasbeh, have “24 hours left to live.” A Wednesday deadline was set for a trade to release the two men. ISIS has demanded the release of Sajida al-Rishawi, an Iraqi woman sentenced to death in Jordan for involvement in a 2005 terror attack that killed 60 people, for Goto.
1.718.360.8625 from the US 02.993.3178 in Israel thecookiecrave@gmail.com
Continued on page 24
21 THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
JANUARY 29, 2015
22
WE ARE ALL
THE JEWISH HOME
ACHIEZER
A COMMUNITY OF KINDNESS
SAVE THE DATE
Helping a neighbor, lending a hand, giving advice. Each one of us thrives on loving kindness. Achiezer is an integral part of our community’s chesed. From delivering hospital packages to eldercare. From crisis management to medical and insurance referrals. Achiezer is not just an organization... it’s a mindset.
WE ARE ALL ACHIEZER.
GUESTS OF HONOR
YOELI & TOBY STEINBERG
PHYSICIAN OF THE YEAR
YOUNG LEADERSHIP AWARD
DR. STEVEN JACK SCHNEIDER
DOVI & YONINA WISNICKI
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
YANKY & MACHI MULLER
Co-Chief, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Long Island Jewish Medical Center
KESER SHEM TOV AWARD
SRULY & MIRI MILLER
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2015 THE SANDS ATLANTIC BEACH FOR DINNER RESERVATIONS & ADS PLEASE CALL: 516-791-4444 EMAIL: DINNER2015@ACHIEZER.ORG ONLINE: WWW.ACHIEZER.ORG
23 THE JEWISH HOME
s’’xc
JANUARY 29, 2015
Growth...
As our “Final Bricks Campaign” reaches the home stretch, TAG is especially proud of the growth within these new walls. Daily, our talmidos demonstrate their growth educationally and spiritually, letting us know that they will be ready to take their rightful places as future n’shei Yisroel, ensuring the continuity of the mesorah.
Annual Dinner
52
Technique... Attention... Growth...
the t.a.g. way
Honoring
Mr. & Mrs. Shlomo Jacobowitz Guests of Honor
Mr. & Mrs. Menachem Kagan Hakaras Hatov Award
Mrs. Mimi Shuter Educator of the Year Award
Rabbi Moshe Weitman Memorial Award presented to the Mermelstein family in memory of
Dr. Yaakov Mermelstein ﬠ״ה
Wednesday, February 18th, 2015 • The Sands in Atlantic Beach • 6:30 Reception • 7:30 Dinner
Dr. Boruch Adler
Honorary Dinner Chairman
Pinny Ackerman Hillel Adelman Gud Meir Adler Moshe Aron Bauman
Yehuda Biber Pinky Friedman Dinner Chairmen Dinner Committee
Yechiel Frisch Akiva Glatzer Yehudah Hammer Adam Kay
Dr. Nachum Augenbaum Hillel Axelrod Journal Chairmen
Moishe Mishkowitz Elliot Moskowitz Yussi Nussbaum Moshe Ratner
Yirmi Reichmann Dovi Safier Rabbi Eli Slomnicki Yaakov Spinner
For dinner reservations and journal ads please contact us: phone: 718.471.8444. email: dinner@tagschools.org Sponsored by:
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
24
The Week In News pect of the prime minister encouraging the Republican-dominated Congress’ push for new sanctions, Kerry made reference to the alleged dispute. In a recent interview, Kerry said a senior Israeli intelligence official told U.S. senators visiting Israel this week that new sanctions would be like “throwing a grenade into the process.” Although Kerry did not name him, the official who met with the senators was Mossad director Tamir Pardo. Public reports of a rift between Netanyahu and the Mossad on a centerpiece policy issue forced the spy agency out of the shadows to issue a rare statement meant to clarify its position and what Pardo had told the senators. In a press release, the agency stressed that Pardo had met with the senators at their request and with Netanyahu’s approval. “Contrary to what has been reported, the head of Mossad did not say he opposes imposing additional sanctions on Iran,” the statement said. Reportedly, Pardo told them that “in negotiating with Iran, it is essential to present both carrots and sticks and the latter are currently lacking.” The statement also said the Mossad chief intended the “grenade” comment
as a metaphor to describe not the explosion of negotiations with Iran but rather “creating a temporary crisis” that would ultimately produce better conditions for the talks. Reportedly, Pardo cautioned that “the bad agreement taking shape with Iran is likely to lead to a regional arms race.” Netanyahu will address Congress on March 3, just two weeks before the elections he hopes will keep him in power for a fourth term. The prime minister said in a statement that he was “honored” to accept Boehner’s invitation, which “reflects the special friendship” between Israel and the United States.
2 Soldiers Killed in Attack on the Border Two soldiers were killed on Wednesday when an Israeli army patrol came under anti-tank fire from Hezbollah operatives in the northern Mount Dov region along the border with Lebanon. One of the soldiers was a company commander. Five other soldiers were wounded in the attack and the IDF ruled
out the possibility that a soldier had been kidnapped. The vehicles were hit by Kornet guided anti-tank missiles. Photos that emerged after the attack showed two badly damaged vehicles in flames. The IDF vehicles were unarmored and were driving on a dual-use military-civilian road.
For over an hour after the attack, IDF positions in the area, as well as on nearby Mount Hermon, were hit with mortar shells. Israel responded to the attack with artillery strikes in southern Lebanon. Two Lebanese officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Israel targeted the border villages of Majidiyeh, Abbasiyeh and Kfar Chouba with at least 50 shells. Hezbollah said in a statement that a squad from the “fallen martyrs of the Quneitra brigade” had attacked the Israeli convoy in retaliation for an alleged Israeli airstrike near Quneitra, just over the border in Syria, last week that killed at least seven, including an Iranian general and a senior commander in the organization. The statement said it was a “first announcement,” alluding to the possibility of further attacks. In an initial reaction to the incident, speaking from Sderot, Netanyahu invoked Israel’s massive campaign against Hamas and other groups in the Gaza Strip over last summer: “Anyone who tries to challenge us along the northern border should come and see what happened here, not far from Sderot, in the Gaza Strip.” In 2006, Hezbollah killed two soldiers, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, and took their bodies, sparking a bloody, month-long war. The fighting resulted in the deaths of 43 Israeli civilians and 119 IDF soldiers, and over 1,700 dead on the Lebanese side, including 600 to 800 Hezbollah combatants, according to IDF figures. The bodies of Regev and Goldwasser were returned to Israel in 2008 in exchange for Lebanese terrorist Samir Kuntar, four Hezbollah members and the remains of some 200 Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners.
Israeli Products Back in Gaza Gaza’s Ministry of Economy announced this week that it will end its five year boycott of Israeli products. Many factories and processing facilities which normally provide Gaza residents with food and other goods, were destroyed in Operation Protective Edge, and rebuilding has been slow. Additionally, Israel and Egypt have destroyed many of the tunnels that Hamas uses to illegally import goods into the Gaza Strip, and Egypt has set up a buffer zone to further limit Hamas’s smuggling efforts.
As a result of this pressure, many products that were previously supplied locally or smuggled in illegally are now only available through legal, Israeli shipments. “The last war led to the destruction of thousands of factories, which affected the production power [in Gaza], and to fill that gap we decided to allow Zionist products in,” said Imad al-Baz, an assistant deputy of the ministry. A diverse array of Israeli products have entered the Gaza Strip in the past five years and have been sold there, but their purchase was officially condemned by the Hamas government that runs the Palestinian enclave.
Palestinians: Israel Behind France Attacks It is hard to say which is more upsetting: how shocking this poll is or maybe that it’s not shocking at all. A survey conducted by the Palestinian Ma’an News Agency after this month’s string of terror attacks in Paris found that the vast majority of respondents believe Israel may have played a role in the Paris attacks. The survey, which was released last week by an official Palestinian Authority agency, showed 84.4 percent of Palestinians – 5,142 of the 6,090 inter-
25 THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
26
The Week In News viewed – believed that the attacks were “suspicious and that Israel may be behind it.” Only 8.7 percent of those interviewed thought the attacks were the result of growing Islamic fundamentalism in Europe. The results of this poll are likely a disappointment to those hoping for a more moderate response from the Palestinian population. Since the attacks earlier this month, Palestinian Media Watch reported, the official PA media has been filled with conspiracy theories linking Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Mossad and Jewish leaders to the Paris attacks. Some of these op-eds have been less brazen, only implying a connection based on Israel’s benefiting from the terror attacks by way of increased immigration from France. Palestinian journalists have published, “The operation [i.e. the terror attacks] served Israel’s demographic [interests]… Government bodies predicted yesterday that 10,000 French Jews would immigrate to Israel.” Others, however, have been direct and unequivocal in their blaming Israel for the attacks in France. “We have seen that terror[ists] have begun
to receive training, weapons and perhaps intelligence from Israel,” Yahya Rabah, a columnist and member of the Fatah Leadership Committee in Gaza, wrote on January 11. He claimed the terror spree “was an [attempt to] target the role of France, which had [lately] begun to rise and assert itself” in December’s vote regarding Palestinian independence. Muwaffaq Matar, a columnist for Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, discussed the rise of the Islamic State and anti-Semitism in Europe on January 15. Matar wrote that the latest attacks “raise legitimate questions as to who is behind these crimes, if not the Israeli Intelligence, given that ‘Netanyahu’s Jewish State’ was the only one to benefit from them.”
Rockets Rain over Golan Heights Rockets rained over the Golan Heights from Syria on Tuesday, just over a week after several Hezbollah and Iranian operatives were killed in an airstrike in Syria. That same day, the of-
CALL or TEXT SIGI
(516) 986-8450
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Bikini
“We told the Americans that the leaders of the Zionist regime should await the consequences of their act,” Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was quoted by IRNA as saying. He added: “The Zionist regime has crossed our red lines.” Iranian General Mohammad Ali Allahdadi, a senior commander in the Revolutionary Guard, was killed along with six Lebanese Hezbollah fighters in a January 18 airstrike in the Syrian-con-
trolled part of the Golan Heights. Both Iran and Hezbollah blamed Israel for the strike and vowed to respond; the Israeli government refused to comment. Amirabdollahian said Iran delivered the message to U.S. officials via diplomatic channels. He did not elaborate. The foreign minister’s remarks came during a commemoration ceremony in Tehran for the slain general and the Hezbollah fighters. In the same ceremony, General Hossein Salami, acting commander of the Guard, said Iran will retaliate soon. “We tell [Israel] to await retaliation, but we will decide about its timing, place and the strength,” he said, according to the IRNA report. Allahdadi was one of the highest ranking Iranian officers known to have been killed abroad in decades. On Tuesday afternoon, two rockets slammed into open Israeli territory in what was widely viewed as retaliation for the airstrike. Israel responded to the rockets by shooting 20 shells into Syria. The Israeli military has been on high alert along the northern border since the airstrike, fearing retaliatory action from Hezbollah or its patron in Tehran. At the same time, Israeli leaders
❁ Best Laser Hair Removal Technology. ❁ State of the Art Cooling System. ❁ Safe & Effective. ❁ Hundreds of Happy Customers! ❁ Located in Woodmere in a comfortable and private atmosphere.
Evening hours available. Mens hours available (by appt).
Face
ficial IRNA news agency reported that Iran sent a warning to Israel through the United States over the recent killing of an Iranian general in the alleged Israeli airstrike.
Legs
Laser Hair Removal Underarms
Back
Etc...
27 THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
28
The Week In News have warned that Hezbollah, Lebanon and Syria will pay a price for any attacks against Israel. “They who play with fire – will be hit with fire,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday. Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan stressed that his country fully supports Hezbollah and added that Tehran would aim to heavily arm Palestinians in the West Bank, the Iranian Fars news site reported. “The Islamic Republic of Iran’s position on the Zionist regime is unchangeable, and given the fact that the resistance stream is standing against the Zionists and the terrorists and Takfiri groups, we will make our utmost efforts to support and strengthen Hezbollah and the resistance of the Lebanese people,” Dehqan told reporters in
Tehran on Tuesday. “The constant and general policy of the Islamic Republic is arming the West Bank and strengthening the resistance stream and Hezbollah forces to confront the Zionists’ usurping and occupying regime,” Dehqan added.
wanted to grow one in accordance with his Muslim beliefs. The justices, on a 9-0 vote in a closely watched case involving prisoner Gregory Holt, rejected the state’s reasoning that the policy was needed for security reasons to prevent inmates from concealing contraband.
National Highest Court: Beards Allowed Last week, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that an Arkansas policy prohibiting inmates from sporting beards violates prisoners’ religious rights. The inmate in question had
Holt, who wanted to grow a halfinch beard, is serving a life sentence for burglary and domestic battery at the Varner Supermax prison. In 2005, he pleaded guilty to separate charges of threatening the daughters of then-President George W. Bush. Without any
CHAZAQ PRESENTS
Live in
Concert
SUNDAY FEB. 8th 2:30 PM YOUNG ISRAEL OF KEW GARDEN HILLS 7011 150th Street, Flushing, NY 11367
TICKET PRICES $15 AND $20 | ONE SHOW ONLY Tickets available at SEASONS on main st. and JEWISHTICKETS.COM
FOR MORE INFO CALL 718 285 9132 WWW.SUKIDING.COM
legal representation at the time, he persuaded the court to hear his case by filing a handwritten petition. In the decision, Justice Samuel Alito wrote that the prison’s “interest in eliminating contraband cannot sustain its refusal to allow petitioner to grow a half-inch beard.” He said the state already searches clothing and hair and had not given a valid reason why it could not also search beards. Holt said the state’s prison grooming policy prohibiting inmates from having facial hair other than a “neatly trimmed mustache” violated his religious rights under a 2000 federal law called the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. His lawyers noted that more than 40 states and the federal government allow prison inmates to have similar beards.
Are you Password Protected? Password security has come under the microscope in light of recent largescale hackings and identity theft. Even some of the country’s biggest companies have been the victims of hackers in recent months. In that vein, password-management company SplashData has released its annual list of the worst passwords you could have had in 2014. SplashData took a look at the 3.3 million passwords that got leaked last year, analyzing the most commonly leaked and least secure passwords. Most of the passwords on SplashData’s list come from North American and Western European users. Unsurprisingly, “123456” and “password” both topped the list this year, but phrases like “monkey,” “dragon,” and “letmein” also placed in the top 25 list.
To keep your passwords secure, you definitely shouldn’t use any of the phrases on SplashData’s list. The company recommends using passwords that are eight digits or longer with different types of characters (letters, numbers, and symbols). You should also use different username and password com-
29 THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
JANUARY 29, 2015
30
THE JEWISH HOME
pay less - get more
2/1/15 - 2/6/15
FRESH SUSHI Vegetable Roll
Avocado Roll
each
each
$3.99
Red Ripe Florida Strawberries 2 for $5.00
Red Ripe Plum Tomatoes
Hard Ripe Grape Tomatoes 2 for $3
Dole Classic Iceberg or Coleslaw Mix 2 for $3.00
Premium Green Giant Idaho Potatoes
99¢
$1.99
Lieber’s Trial Size Jams 2 for 99¢
Confectioners, Dark or Light Brown
12 oz btl
Haagen Daz Ice Cream
2 for $5.00 14 oz cont
8 oz btl
Case of 12 2.3 oz cont
Aunt Jemima Pancakes, Waffles or French Toast 2 for $5.00 12.5 to 17.8 oz pkg
Dole Strawberries, Mango or Mixed Fruit
Polly-O Ricotta
Calavo Guacamole
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Bars
$3.99
2 for $4
Regular or 1/3 Less Fat
$3.49
$3.99
Mike & Ike Zour Chews for
Joray Fruit Rolls 3 for 99¢
Ferrara Chewy Candies 5 for $1.00
$1.00
.88 oz pkg Asst
1 oz pkg Asst
.5 oz pkg
$3.99
10 to 11 oz pkg
89¢
$1.99
5.3 oz cont Asst
9.88 oz pkg
Salmon Trout Fillet
Wild Tuna Steak
lb
lb
lb
$5.99
$6.99
$10.99
lb
Navy Bean Soup
lb
lb
lb
lb
qt.
$1.99 lb
Chicken Pullets
$2.19 lb 2 in a bag
WOW!!! Extra Lean Ground Beef
Family Pack
Rib Steaks
Family Pack
Chuck Fillet
$8.49 $4.99 $10.99 lb lb lb
Skirt Steak
$14.99 lb
$1.49 lb
Hellmann’s Mayonnaise
Wesson Oil Gallon
30 oz jar
Corn – Vegetable – Canola
Barilla Pasta 5 for $5.00
Coke, Sprite, Seagram’s, Dr Pepper 3 for $10
$5.99
8 packs 7.5 oz cans
Lieber’s Lolly Fizz 5 for $1.00 .5 oz pkg
Swizzels Double Dip 3 for $1.00 .70 oz
Magnum Ice Cream Bars
Klondike Ice Cream Bars or Sandwiches
10.14 oz pkg Asst 3 ct
18 to 27 oz pkg Asst
Tropicana Orange or Grapefruit Juice
Breakstone Sour Cream
$2.99
$2.99
59 oz cont Asst
$3.49
$1.69 16 oz cont
Regular – Reduced Fat – Fat Free
appY. cOUNTER Coffee Flavor of the Week:
Vanilla Nut
Low Fat Baked Natural and Eggplant Kosher Gouda Parmesan Cheese
$9.99
$3.99
Deli Salad Cubes
Whole or Quarters Chicken Broilers
18 oz pkg
$2.99
Corn Salad
WOW!!!
$3.99
15 to 16 oz cont
lb
$6.99
.81 oz pkg Asst
3-Cheese – Southwestern – Florentine
Breaded Fish Nuggets
$4.99
69¢
1.4 to 1.75 oz pkg Asst
Egg Beaters Liquid Eggs
Phily Steak
$8.99
Paskesz Sour Sticks
pkg
Meat Chili
$7.99
Certified Organic Red Delicious Apples
10 to 16 oz pkg Asst
Mendelsohn’s 5” Pizza
Breaded salmon Croquettes
$5.99
$1.99
Dr Praeger’s Breaded Fish Sticks or Fillets
FRESH FISH Whole St Peter
3 for $1.99
Regular – Light – Reduced Fat – Canola
1.08 oz pkg
12.5 to 13 oz
Strauss Mini Milky Puddings
Fage Yogurts
(16 oz)
$2.99
Laffy Taffy Rope 4 for $1.00
$3.99
22 oz pkg
Crisp Sweet California Carrots
79¢
17 oz cont Asst
Lemon – Cherry – Grape – Fruit Mix
Kineret Brownies
California – Tex Mex – Asian – Thai – Italian
14 to 16 oz pkg
12 to 14 oz pkg Asst
28.8 oz pkg 40 pkg
Dr Praeger’s Veggie Burgers 2 for $7.00
2 for $5.00
2 lb cont Original or Part Skim
8 oz pkg
Chicken – Vegetable – Tomato
6
99¢
Regular or Diet
Regular or Diet
Paskesz Tinglers 10 for $1
$7.99
2 oz pkg
1 lb pkg
Gefen or Emzee Chocolate Coated Wafers
Gefen Instant Cup A Soup
20 grams
Domino Sugar
Whole – Crushed – Diced – Sauce
Maxwell House Instant Coffee
Concord Gold Rock Nugget Gum
1.05 oz jar
lb
38 oz btl
Lieber’s Marshmallow Twist 3 for 99¢
Apricot – Strawberry – Grape – Blueberry – Pomegranate
lb
$2.49
89¢
**EXCLUDING DECAF**
**EXCLUDING DECAF**
lb
$1.99
Heinz Chili Sauce
$3.99
10.5 to 11.5 oz pkg Asst
79¢
Hunts Heinz Tomato Tomatoes Ketchup 2 for $5.00 28 to99¢ 29 oz cans
4 lb bag
11.5 to 15 oz pkg Asst
Red or Green Seedless Grapes
24 oz jar Asst
$1.99
lb
U.S. #1 Yellow Onions
Sabra Hummus 3 for $10
each
99¢
Certified Organic Bananas
2 lbs
12 oz cans 12 pack
Collard Green or Kale
Ripe Peaches or Nectarines
$3.99
Domino Granulated Sugar
2 for $5.00
California Sweet Sweet Corn Navel Oranges 4 for $1.99 (113 ct) 8 for $1.99
Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Sierra Mist, Schweppes
4 for $11.00
Regular or Diet
Chicken of the Francesco Kidsmania Amnon’s Original Sea Solid White Rinaldi Flash Ring Pop Sliced Pizza Tuna Marinara Sauce 2 for 99 $6.99 99¢ 4 for $5.00 .63 oz pkg 36 oz pkg 5 oz can
99¢
Entenmann’s Loaf Cakes
lb
10 lbs
in Oil or Water
Maxwell House Ground Coffee
99¢
lb
2 liter btls
Spicy Salmon, Tuna, Crunchy w/ Pepper Tuna, Avocado
California Roll Topped w/ Assorted Fish
Extra Large Crisp Green Peppers
99¢
each
each
each
Extra Large Sweet Cantaloupes 2 for $4
$9.50
$9.50
$4.99
Coke, Sprite, Dr Pepper, Fresca
Spicy Girl Roll
Rainbow Roll
Alaska Roll
$4.99
Assorted Jumbo Cookies
SUpER SpEcIalS
prepared tin
$2.00 ¼ lb
Schtark Oven Smoked Muenster
$2.50 ¼ lb
all Sales Valid Monday - Friday
$5.99
3:30 p.m.
Shoulder Lamb Chops
Round Bone Lamb Chops
lb
lb
$11.99 $11.99
Full Line Full Line of Natural & of Beit Organic beef Available Yosef Meats Full Line of Prepackaged Shor Available. Habor Lubavitch Available.
The Week In News
If you are looking for another excuse for your expanding waistline, here’s a new one: Location, location, location. A ranking has been released of the 100 best and worst cities for active lifestyles. These fitness results may have you scratching your head. For example, Pittsburgh ranks No. 3 overall for active lifestyles, while sunny Los Angeles is way down at No. 85. The reason for this seemingly odd result is because the list not only looks at things like the number of gyms per capita, public swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, playgrounds and bike lanes, it also looks at the cost of doing these activities and what percentage of the population actually gets off the couch. The results are folded into two categories labeled “Budget & Participation” and “Sports Facilities & Outdoor Environment.” The second to best city is Portland, Oregon. If you’ve ever been to Portland, you know nearly everyone is on a bike or going for a run. Nike headquarters is nearby. Portland and Seattle both have the highest percentage of people who engage in physical activity, but Portland has more facilities available and at a lower cost. The number one city is … wait for it ... Omaha, Nebraska! Smack in the
M
MEADOW PARK REHABILITATION & HEALTH CARE CENTER
New AG Nom to Face Congress President Barack Obama’s nominee to become the first female African-American attorney general is longtime Brooklyn-based federal prosecutor Loretta Lynch. Lynch will face the Senate in the coming weeks for
A place of healing
that feels like home.
Having to place a loved one in a skilled nursing facility for Short-Term or Long-Term Care is one of the most difficult decisions for family or friends to make. We have state-of-the-art facilities with beautiful rooms to make your rehabilitation as comfortable as possible. Everyone of our staff work closely together to create an environment where people can continue to go about their daily routine, even though their normal lifestyle has been interrupted by illness or injury.
Watch our Video & Virtual Tour at www.mprcare.com r tt koshe a l g R E I M The PRE in Queens! facility
• Short-Term Rehab & Long-Term Care • Prosthetic/Orthotic Services • Physical/Occupational erapy • IV erapy/Tracheotomy Care • Subacute Wound Care Services • Pain Management • Respiratory/Speech Services
• Under Frum Ownership & Operation • Featuring the Chai Traditions ProgramTM • Judaic Library for Study and Leisure • Yom Tov Programs • Special Shiurim Delivered by Inspiring Guest Speakers
Dr. Adam Zeitlin, Medical Director
dena.graphix 718.701.1125
The Fittest Cities in the Nation
mild weather. Some interesting findings include Scottsdale, Arizona, having the most public golf courses, but also the highest average cost to play golf. Lexington, Kentucky, the “Horse Capital of the World,” will cost you a fortune if you want to raise and ride thoroughbreds, but it has the cheapest fitness club membership fees on the list and the third-lowest average cost to play golf. Madison, Wisconsin, ranks first in basketball courts and park playgrounds per capita. The downside is the high this week in Madison was 32 degrees, which makes the huddling on the couch with some comfort food look pretty good right now.
Under the VAAD Horabanim of Queens (VHQ) For further information please contact Professional Chef on staff for an exquisite dining experience 78-10 164th Street, Fresh Meadows, New York David Efroymson 718.591.8300 Ext. 201
JANUARY 29, 2015
Ernie Banks was a Chicago legend even before he died this week at the age of 83. The legendary Chicago Cubs baseball player and Hall of Famer played shortstop and first base for the Chicago Cubs from 1953 to 1971, netting 512 home runs and 1,636 RBIs. Known for his smile and always being eager to play, he was often heard saying, “Let’s play two!” Former Cubs manager Dusty Baker said of Banks in 2013, “I just remember Ernie was never in a bad mood.” In 1953, Banks was the first black player to play for the Cubs. He started out his pro-ball career with a bang, hitting .314 in his first season, and the following year came in second in Rookie
middle of America’s heartland, in a city known for beef and Warren Buffett’s love of junk food, it seems there’s really no excuse for not being fit and trim. Omaha ranks ninth in the “Budget & Participation” category behind Portland, and it’s second in “Sports Facilities & Outdoor Environment” (Pittsburgh is tops). No other city ranks in the top 10 in both categories. As for the worst cities, one of them is close by. No. 99 is Jersey City, New Jersey. Two words: Chris Christie. OK, he was actually born in Newark, which ranks one notch above at No. 98, but you get the picture. Jersey City placed dead last in terms of “Budget & Participation” and nearly last in “Sports Facilities & Outdoor Environment,” as there aren’t many public tennis courts or golf courses per capita. The absolute worst city in America for fitness is Laredo, Texas. The legendary cowboy town in South Texas along the Mexican border is apparently Couch Potato Heaven for its 236,000 residents. It’s a little better than Jersey City in the category of “Budget & Participation,” but it’s worse than everybody else in terms of “Sports Facilities & Outdoor Environment,” despite its
Chi-Town Hall of Famer Dies
of the Year voting. He would spend his whole career with the team, endearing himself to the city. In a Chicago SunTimes poll conducted in 1969, he was voted the “Greatest Cub Ever.” Banks was honored as an All-Star fourteen times and was named the National League MVP in 1958 and 1959. He later became the first player to have his number retired by the Cubs. Banks was inducted into the Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1977. In November 2013, President Obama awarded Banks the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor awarded to civilians.
THE JEWISH HOME
binations for different websites. Most computers now come with a password manager to protect your passwords and help you generate passwords that are random and thus more difficult for others to guess correctly. Here’s SplashData’s top 20. If your password is on here, you should probably consider changing it. • 123456 • Password • 12345 • 12345678 • Qwerty • 1234567890 • 1234 • Baseball • Dragon • Football • 1234567 • Monkey • letmein • Abc123 • 111111 • Mustang • Access • Shadow • Master • Michael
31
The Week In News her confirmation. While she may be well known in New York, the Republican-run House will have many questions for her along the road to being confirmed.
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
32
Lynch started as an assistant U.S. attorney and climbed the ranks, distinguishing herself as a skilled courtroom tactician before her two separate appointments to lead the office, first under President Clinton and nine years later as President Obama’s appointee. Her courtroom victories involved some of the district’s most high-profile cases, including the convictions of more than a dozen members of the violent Green Dragons street gang. But none won the notoriety that came with the prosecution of a former New York City police officer who brutalized Haitian immigrant Abner Louima in 1997.
The horrific attack, carried out in a Brooklyn police precinct bathroom, drew national attention, resulting in the 30-year prison sentence for Justin Volpe. Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson, who assisted Lynch in the Volpe prosecution, said that while the case was significant, it also offered a window into Lynch’s “selfless’’ style. With much of the nation focused on the case, Thompson said he was “shocked’’ when Lynch tapped him, then a young prosecutor, to deliver opening statements in a case that carried so much weight. “It really was an extraordinary act of selflessness,” Thompson said. “Not many people would do that. It told me that she was much more interested in doing justice than getting the credit.” Her work on the case left a deep impression at the defense table as well. “With her, you never had to watch your back,” Volpe attorney Marvyn Kornberg said in an interview soon after Lynch’s nomination. “What you saw is what you got.” Having twice been confirmed to serve in Brooklyn, there is widespread expectation that Lynch will be approved again — though no one is
promising universal agreement on a range of thorny issues, including immigration. Republicans have threatened to challenge the nominee on President Obama’s executive action that would shield millions of illegal immigrants from deportation.
Boston is a Picture of Health
Where in the U.S. are the most French fries eaten and the least miles ran? Well, in order to assess the unhealthiest—and healthiest—cities in the nation, there are many factors to consider. BetterDoctor evaluated bad
habits, overeating, low physical fitness rates, and poor access to suitable healthcare. Using a 100-point composite index, BetterDoctor ranked the 50 largest cities in the U.S. by evaluating physical fitness (exercise rates, eating habits, chronic health problems, disease rates, access to parks and recreational activities, and more), healthcare (doctor access, doctor quality), and the percentage of residents with health insurance coverage. “In short, the higher-ranked cities tend to have an ecosystem of health and fitness that starts early, and this is evident in their state regulations for school fitness, local healthcare programs and regulations, spending on outdoor space and exercise habits of residents,” pointed out Better Doctor’s consumer insights researcher Divya Raghavan, “The lower-ranked cities tended to have less parkland, higher obesity rates, and more stringent state requirements for physical education in schools.” So in which city do they gobble down heart attack-burgers and greasy fries daily? Memphis, TN, is the unhealthiest city in the nation. Oklahoma City, OK; Louisville, KY; San Antonio, TX, and Nashville, TN came in at the
The Week In News
A quadcopter drone crashed onto the White House grounds in middle of the night this week. The latest White House security breach has highlighted the growing security threat posed by small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s). The White House incident comes less than two weeks after a drone flew over the French presidential palace in Paris. “I do think it’s a wake-up call for the government to start thinking about how it will protect against this type of thing – it’s important for the government and the military in general,” Missy Cummings, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Duke University, told reporters. “This [White House drone] was harmless, but in the future it might not be.” The Secret Service said that the drone was a 2-foot-long commercially
Someone has claimed responsibility for the drone that crashed onto the White House grounds, an incident that triggered an immediate lockdown and a Secret Service investigation. Secret Service spokeswoman Nicole B. Mainor said the individual contacted the agency to “self-report” the incident. According to Mainor, “Initial indications are that this incident occurred as a result of recreational use of the device.” A U.S. official told reporters that the man said he didn’t mean to fly the drone over the White House; he is said to be cooperating with investigators.
The Blizzard That Wasn’t It was a great news story—for hours on end, the media couldn’t stop reporting on the ginormous blizzard that was blasting its way to New York, threatening to blanket residents in their homes for days and possibly downing power lines and wreaking havoc in its path. Well, the joke was on them, when this week’s blizzard failed to live up to its
JANUARY 29, 2015
The number of U.S. criminals exonerated in 2014, according to a new report, climbed to a record high of 125, in part because of efforts by prosecutors willing to admit their offices made mistakes. The states with the most exonerations last year were Texas, New York and Illinois, according to the National Registry of Exonerations, a project of the University of Michigan Law School. This was the first time the Registry, which has tracked exonerations since 1989, found more than 100 in a single year. Evidence that frees a prisoner may include DNA linking another person to the crime and evidence of perjury. In one case, Ohio native Ricky Jackson spent 39 years in prison for murder – making him the longest-held U.S. prisoner to be exonerated. He was freed last November after the witness admitted he hadn’t seen the crime. Of the total known exonerations in 2014, more than half were obtained at the initiative or with the cooperation of law enforcement – the highest number in a single year, the report found. Most of these were the work of “conviction integrity units” set up by prosecutors to review questionable cases. In one case, a Chicago judge dismissed charges against Alstory Simon after 15 years in prison for a double
Drone Crash Raises More Concerns
available “quadcopter.” Brian Leary, a Secret Service spokesman, said an officer posted on the south grounds of the White House complex “heard and observed” the device “flying at a very low altitude” shortly after 3 a.m.. The commercially available device was said to pose no threat. Caroline Baylon, a cyber-security researcher at the the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, in London, says that drones, thanks to their small size and ability to hover low over the ground, can pose a huge security headache. “They have opened up this whole area that we haven’t defended against before,” she said. “Most radar can’t deal with drones that fly really low.” Baylon, who has studied the spate of drone incidents in the French nuclear industry, explained that taking down a drone is no easy task. “You can shoot a drone down, but it requires a certain level of marksmanship,” she said. “It’s easier said than done.” The U.S. military has been ramping up its anti-drone efforts. Last year, for example, the Office of Naval Research announced plans to build a laser weapon to shoot down drones.
Exonerations Hit All Time High
murder. Another man, Anthony Porter, had been convicted of the same crime in 1983, and sentenced to death but was released after Simon’s confession. Upon reinvestigation, prosecutors found that Simon’s confession had been coerced. Michigan law professor Samuel Gross, author of the report, said he is seeing a change in attitude among prosecutors about wrongful convictions. “I think prosecutors are much more willing to see identifying errors as a positive part of their job, rather than as a misfortune they have to endure,” Gross said. Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim, whose office covers the northern suburbs of Chicago, started an independent panel made up of retired judges, defense and civil rights attorneys to review cases. He said prosecutors should be leading the charge against wrongful convictions. “We’re all on the same side – no prosecutor wants to wrongfully convict somebody,” said Nerheim. “We all want the truth.”
THE JEWISH HOME
top five. Indianapolis, IN; Las Vegas, NV; New Orleans, LA; Los Angeles, CA; and Jacksonville, FL, rounded out the top ten. Better lace up those sneakers and put down those cookies! On the other side of the scale, the healthiest city in the nation is Boston, MA. Maybe it’s all that snow shoveling that keeps them healthy. Minneapolis, MN; Washington, DC; San Francisco, CA; and Hartford, CT came in as the top five pictures of health. Pittsburgh, PA; San Jose, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; Seattle, WA; and Cincinnati, OH, rounded out the top ten. New York, NY, came in as the 24th healthiest city in the nation. After all, we’re known as the Big Apple.
33
The Week In News dire predictions. More than 7,700 flights were canceled, and schools, businesses and government offices closed. But as the storm pushed northward, it tracked farther east than forecasters had been expecting, and conditions improved quickly in its wake. By midmorning Tuesday, New Jersey and New York City lifted driving bans, and subways and trains started rolling again, with a return to a full schedule expected Wednesday. While Philadelphia, New York and New Jersey had braced for a foot or two of snow from what forecasters warned could be a storm of potentially historic proportions, they got far less than that. New York City received about 8 inches, Philadelphia a mere inch or so. New Jersey got up to 8 inches. So the weathermen messed up… again. A National Weather Service forecaster in Mount Holly, New Jersey, apologized on Twitter for the off-target forecast. “You made a lot of tough decisions expecting us to get it right, and we didn’t. Once again, I’m sorry,” Gary Szatkowski tweeted. Jim Bunker at the agency’s Mount Holly office said forecasters will take a closer look at how they handled the
storied hype in Philadelphia and New York City.
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
34
In New England, though, the storm that arrived Monday evening was a bitter, paralyzing blast, with howling winds gusting over 70 mph and heaps of snow blanketing the area. 1 ½ feet of snow was reported on Tuesday morning and the far eastern tip of Long Island had more than 2 feet of white fluffiness. Snowplows around New England struggled to keep up. “At 4 o’clock this morning, it was the worst I’ve ever seen it,” said Larry Messier, a snowplow operator in Columbia, Connecticut. “You could plow, and then five minutes later you’d have to plow again.” As the storm pushed into the Northeast on Monday, the region came to a near standstill, alarmed by forecasters’
Low Cost Quality Insurance
Our Specialty Free Consultation
Free Policy Evaluation
Ask the Rabbi !!?? The Rabbi loves a bargain (a metzia) Let the Rabbi help you save money (up to 50%)
¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾
Large Commercial Insurance Policies Life Insurance Disability Insurance Self Employed Health Insurance Long Term Care insurance Rabbi S. M. Leiner, CLTC
Licensed Independent Broker for All Types of Insurance
Call: 917‐543‐0497 – Leave a message
Mail: Rabbi S. M. Leiner, CLTC P.O. Box # 7655 600 Franklin Ave Garden City, NY 11530
Premier clients receive a copy of my book (sefer) “Sweeter Than Honey” as a gift
storm and “see what we can do better next time.” Well, I guess there’s always a silver lining to these few flurries: there’s nothing like a snow day!
That’s Odd
Since their launch this month, the company has had a few naming requests. The families, though, have requested their identities remain private. After spending $35,000, I wonder if there’s a way to prevent others from naming their children the same “unique” name as yours…’cuz then, you’re not so unique anymore.
The Cost of Being Truly A Sandwich for Two Unique Grand
Your child is one of a kind. And now, if you wish, your offspring can have a truly one of a kind name—but it’ll cost you. For $35,000 a Swiss company called erfolgswelle will create a 100 percent, globally-unique name for your child. That means nobody in the world will have the same name as your little infant—although we hope that they can pronounce it! “We calculated that the entire process takes around 100 hours,” says Marc Hauser, owner and CEO of erfolgswelle. “We have 12 translators that speak the most common languages around the world among 5.5 billion people.” This is no simple process. Along with translators, Hauser’s creative team assembles a list of 15 to 25 unique names by using a combination of different words. Those names are then presented to the customer for review. After the family chooses their favorites, a team of professional historians will check for any existence of the names used in markets or in previous history. “If there are any interruptions with past history of anyone having the name before, then we kill it,” Hauser told ABC News. “Some of the copyrights on our team are parents as well,” he said. “So it’s not just about the name. It’s very important to us to give a name that fits within the family’s culture and background.” If you can’t cough up $35K for a completely unique name, you can still consider a nationally-unique name for your child. After all, who ever said he or she will be world travelers? For a nationally unique name, erfolswelle charges only $20,000.
Burger King is not just about burgers anymore. A New Hampshire woman ordered sweet tea and a junior spicy chicken sandwich on Friday at the restaurant, but instead of enjoying her tasty supper, she got a surprise in her bag: loads of cash. Janelle Jones says she discovered that the bag did not contain her order on the way home. She then called her husband and they returned the $2,631— which was meant to be a Burger King bank deposit. Matthew Jones admitted that they briefly considered keeping the money, which they certainly could have used. But he and his wife said that G-d sees everything and felt it was only right to return the cash. The restaurant seems to be relieved that the money was returned. “A manager told me they would give me five free meals,” Janelle said. “The manager said he talked to the corporate office and they said to tell me ‘thank you.’” Hmmm…five free meals—that’s real gratitude.
A Knockout Photo Better brush up on your boxing— you never know who you’re gonna meet when you pose for photos on the famous “Rocky steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A group of tourists met the Rocky star himself after they bounded up the staircase last Saturday. According to Peter Rowe, Sylvester Stallone said to the boys, “Man, you guys are fast. You’re making me look bad!”
For PesAch?
JANUARY 29, 2015
—From the book TNT/Torah Novel Thoughts
UR O G VIN NOW SER
YEAR! H T 10
• Custom designed gourmet meals to fit your personal dietary needs and taste preferences. • Can be prepared in your own kitchen, or ours.
CONTACT NAOMI NACHMAN KOSHER PERSONAL CHEF
Available At Judaica Stores Available JudaicaAnd Stores Across NorthAtAmerica Israel Across North America And Israel And Online On Amazon.com And Online On Amazon.com Questions: E-mail torahnovelthoughts@gmail.com
The Torah is the blueprint for creation, containing the secrets of our existence. Have you ever wondered what G-d thinks about abortion, activism, antiSemitism, cremation, euthanasia, evolution, homosexuality, life on other planets, and other intriguing topics? Come explore and be astounded by mind-blowing, explosive insights into the greatest controversies of our time. When reading these magnificent stories, your mind will be stretched to a new dimension and enlightened by this spiritual dynamite.
THE JEWISH HOME
SEE NATURE? Why Go AWAy THINK HASHEM
35
516-295-9669 nznachman@yahoo.com www.theaussiegourmet.com Become a Fan on Facebook!
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
36
The Week In News He then posed for a selfie with the trio, putting up one fist. “Look tough, guys!” he said, according to Rowe. Stallone made the art museum’s steps famous in his first turn as fictional boxer Rocky Balboa, who used them as part of his training regimen. Thousands of people now visit the steps each year to re-create the run and to take pictures with a Rocky statue, which originally was a prop in “Rocky III.”
Stallone has always loved the steps. When he wrote the screenplay to the original movie, he conceived of the scene there. And in every subsequent movie, his character either runs the steps again, or returns there. In Rocky IV, which took place in Russia, there are flashbacks to the steps. In Rocky on Broadway last
year, there was an homage to the steps. In the original Rocky, Stallone wanted to run the steps carrying his dog, Butkus, but the dog weighed 120 pounds. “After going up a flight and a half,” Stallone wrote in the foreword to Rocky Stories: Tales of Love Hope and Happiness at America’s Most Famous Steps, “I realized I would only be completing this with a terminal case of a hernia, so I abandoned that idea.” In Rocky Balboa, the sixth movie, however, he runs the steps, at age 60, with his new dog, much smaller, on a leash, and thrusts only one hand to the sky in celebration at the top because he has picked up the pup with the other. It was hardly surprising that Stallone returned to the steps on Saturday. He loves it there. Rowe’s friends, Jacob Kerstan and Andrew Wright, were visiting him from Azusa Pacific University in greater Los Angeles. Rowe recently graduated from the university and moved to the Lancaster area, about 60 miles west of Philadelphia. Yet in all the time spent in L.A., Rowe said, they never saw a famous person.
“What are the chances of meeting him, that celebrity, right there?” he said of the Stallone encounter, calling it “an unreal experience.” I call it a knockout punch.
How Many Cows for a Wife? Looking for a wife? Perhaps you should consider getting this new app. A software developer in Johannesburg has taken the time-honored African tradition of paying a bride price into the tech age. He has designed an app to calculate the woman’s value. Anyone considering asking for a woman’s hand can enter her stats into 26-year-old Kopo Robert Matsaneng’s Lobola Calculator and it churns out her value in the currency, the rand, and tells you how many cows that would equate to. The price can also be converted into pounds, euros and dollars. The app considers the person’s age, height, weight, waist size, and how attractive they are: ranging from “not at
all” to “really [beautiful].” The prospective groom must also enter certain qualifications the woman has, including whether she has a job. “This is a fun app to calculate how much lobola you’re worth,” Matsaneng says in the app’s introduction. “It’s simple, fun and meant to be playful, so enjoy.” Lobola, known outside South Africa by other names, is a tradition practiced in many parts of Africa where a man’s family approaches a woman’s relatives to propose marriage and to negotiate a bride price. The custom symbolizes a coming together of the two families. Lobola was historically paid in livestock, a symbol of wealth, but now it often includes other goods and money.
Running 100K Miles of Ice Thought our snowstorm this week was a good excuse not to go for your morning jog? Meet Keith Whyte, who just won the Antarctic Ice 100K ultra-
37 THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
38
The Week In News marathon in temperatures that hovered around 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Amazingly, Whyte, who is 33, quit smoking in 2007 and won the race in just 9 hours, 26 minutes, and 2 seconds – almost four hours ahead of his closest competitor – even though he signed up at the last minute because another runner withdrew. Whyte is the Irish record holder in the 100K, and his victory was redemption for a 100K race in the much warmer conditions of Qatar in November, when he was slowed down by a stress fracture in his pelvis.
on it and after a few minutes the feeling came back into the fingers. If the station had been further away, it could have been more serious. Thankfully we found a replacement glove and I was able to continue.” “Any part of your skin exposed was in danger,” the winner related. “I was lucky in that the worst injury I got during the race was very bad windburn on my face…Some of the lads who were out running for longer got snow blindness.” The race consisted of five 20K laps on snow and ice, and there was a special mandatory kit the 12 runners had to wear to protect against hypothermia. This race sounds way too cool for me.
Hair Today, a Fortune Tomorrow Despite it being summer in Antarctica, it was cold enough to put Whyte in danger of frostbite. “I lost a glove at one stage,” he told the Irish Examiner. “I could feel the frostbite setting in. At the next station we poured warm water
Last week, a collection of Abraham Lincoln memorabilia was sold at an auction in Dallas, fetching more than $800,000. Fans of the late president bought a
lock of his hair for $25,000. The hair was taken by Surgeon General Joseph Barnes shortly after Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865.
Other memorabilia was sold as well. A letter signed by his assassin John Wilkes Booth sold for $30,000 and his military arrest warrant made $21,250. Interestingly, a letter written by the late president admitting that the Civil War was not going well did not sell. The 300-item collection was started in 1963 by Texas gallery owner Donald Dow, who died five years ago. His son, Greg, said it was time “for other collectors to have a chance to enjoy it.” His father had started collecting because of his interest in the Civil War and military history “but then he be-
came interested in Lincoln and the assassination.” Don Ackerman, from Heritage Auctions, told the Associated Press that the Booth letter had raised more money than expected because “the public was so disgusted by Booth’s atrocity that most all letters, signatures and documents mentioning him were destroyed after Lincoln’s death, making any that survive 150 years later exceedingly rare and valuable.” Also sold were two separate eyewitness accounts of the assassination – for $27,500 and $14,375.
Too much sitting around this winter? See Aliza Beer’s tips for avoiding winter weight gain on page 112
39 THE JEWISH HOME
final call up to
f f o % 80 Motzei Shabbos January 31st 7:30- 11:00 pm
WOMEN’S FASHION REDEFINED
top
skirts
dresses
evening wear
419 CENTRAL AVE, CEDARHURST, NY 11516
casual wear
jewelry
accessories
S: 11-5 / M, T, TH: 10-6 W: 10-7 / F: 10-1
516.812.8424
JANUARY 29, 2015
midnight m dness
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
40
41 THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
42
Around The Community
43
PHOTO CREDIT: SHAHAR AZRAN
THE JEWISH HOME
70 Years Later: Auschwitz Survivors Return to the Infamous Camp for the First Time
JANUARY 29, 2015 (from left to right in the very center) Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress; David Zaslav, president and CEO of Discovery Communications; and film director Steven Spielberg, founding chair of the USC Shoah Foundation, surrounded by 100 Auschwitz survivors at a special event at the Holiday Inn Kraków for the survivors who arrived in Poland from at least 19 countries
Fifteen Auschwitz survivors, aged 80-94, returned on the morning of January 26 to the infamous camp – some for the first time – ahead of Tuesday’s 70th anniversary celebration of its liberation. Joining the survivors on their visit was Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, who,
along with the USC Shoah Foundation, organized the delegation of returning survivors from across the world. “When I arrived in Poland, the tall trees made me immediately anxious. They reminded me of my arrival to Auschwitz – the same day my mother and little sister were gassed,” said
(left to right) Robert Singer, CEO of the World Jewish Congress; Natan Grossman (Germany); Samuel Beller (US); Florence Sprung (US); Manny Buchman (US); Mascha Schainberg (South Africa); Marcel Tuchman (US); Rose Schindler (US); Jonny Pekats (US); Henry Korman (Germany); Ronald Lauder; Mordechai Ronen (Canada); Joseph Madrowitz (US); Edgar Wildfeuer (Argentina).
Johnny Pekats, 80, one of the American survivors who returned the death camp for the first time. “For years I refused to return to this horrible place, but I finally decided to come back with my son. I wanted to say kaddish with him there. This is my first and last visit to Auschwitz and my message for the world is that it’s not enough just to remember; we have to make sure that this never happens again.” More than 100 Auschwitz survivors from at least 19 countries arrived in Poland on Monday as part of the World Jewish Congress’ delegation to participate in the upcoming ceremony and Mordechai Ronen (Canada) hugging Ronald Lauder. events. “I deeply admire the courage of these survivors,” said Lauder, who joined them at Auschwitz. “For some of them, this was the first time they returned to the place of their nightmares. Each survivor is a living testament to the triumph of good over evil, of life over (from left to right) Johnny Pekats (US); Mordechai Ronen (Canada); Ronald death, and they are Lauder; Rose Schindler (US); Joseph Madrowitz (US). my heroes.”
SHALOM BAYIS HOTLINE
All calls completely anonymous-9:30pm-11pm S/T/TH Basic Problem solving/Referrals to local therapists
Call: 516 430 5280
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
44
Around The Community Nesius of Daf HaYomi B’Halacha Led by Senior Gedolei Yisrael from Eretz Yisrael and America By Chaim Gold “I feel that we are in yemos haMashiach! I had tears in my eyes when I saw senior Gedolei Yisrael from all three Moetzos Gedolei HaTorahs sitting at one table coming together to encourage Klal Yisrael to learn a daily daf of halacha.” Those were the words of Rabbi Avigdor
ety such as the Skulener Rebbe, shlita; the Roshei Yeshiva of Lakewood, HaGaon HaRav Aryeh Malkiel Kolter, shlita, and HaGaon HaRav Yeruchim Olshin, shlita; HaGaon HaRav Yosef Harari Raful, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshiva Ateret Torah; HaGaon HaRav Matisyahu Solomon, shlita, Mashgiach Beis Medrash Govoha, Lakewood; the Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Monsey, shlita; HaGaon HaRav Elya Ber Wachtfogel, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of South Fallsburg; HaGaon HaRav Yechezkel Roth, shlita, the Karlsberger Rov; and HaGaon HaRav Asher Anshel Katz, shlita, the Vienner Rav.
HaGaon HaRav Yosef Harari Raful, Chaver Nesius Daf HaYomi B’Halacha
Berenstein, a member of Dirshu’s hanhala, who merited being present at the historic event. The first kinnus of the Nesius of Dirshu’s Daf HaYomi B’Halacha program HaGaon HaRav Matisyahu Solomon, Chaver Nesius was a demonstration – a demonstration of Daf HaYomi B’Halacha Dirshu’s Daf HaYomi B’Halacha has the beauty of Klal Yisrael and a demonstration on how important it is for every united the venerated senior Gedolei YisJew to undertake the daily learning of rael representing the entire cross-section halacha…so important that senior Ged- of Torah Jewry, k’ish echad b’lev echad. olei Yisrael, Roshei Yeshiva and Ad- These gedolim have come together not morim led by the centenarian Rosh Yeshi- only to encourage Klal Yisrael to bring va, HaGaon HaRav Aharon Leib Shteinman, shlita, felt compelled to interrupt their packed schedules and travel to the home of the Vizhnitzer Rebbe in Kiryat Vizhnitz in Bnei Brak to participate in the first Nesius gathering of the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha. Nesius members who participated were HaGaon HaRav Berel Povarsky, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Ponovezh, the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Shimon Badani, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva Torah V’Chaim, the Sanzer Rebbe, shlita, Nesius of Daf HaYomi B’Halacha gathering in Bnei Brak the Boyaner Rebbe, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen, shlita, Rosh Yeshi- daily halacha into their lives, but also to vas Chevron, the Alexander Rebbe, shlita, give a sense of urgency on how important the Modzhitzer Rebbe shlita, and HaGa- it is for every Jew to be familiar with the on HaRav Binyomin Finkel, Mashgiach halachos of daily living and thus realize of the Mir Yeshiva of Yerushalayim, who the primacy of making a daily halacha seder. Daf HaYomi B’Halacha is an ideal chaired the event. In addition, Dirshu has merited to way to accomplish that goal. Without a doubt, one of the primahave an American Nesius of Daf HaYomi B’Halacha led by Gedolei Rosh Yeshivos ry highlights was the words of chizuk of and Admorim. The American Nesius is HaGaon HaRav Aharon Leib Shteinman, comprised of luminaries of Torah and pi- shlita. Rav Shteinman spoke about the
importance of daily halacha, saying, “The foundation of a Jew is to conduct himself in accordance with the four orders of Shulchan Aruch. Nevertheless, from 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 Skulener Rebbe, Chaver Nesius Daf HaYomi B’Halacha his intention to write on all specifically when the world is in a terrifour orders, the fact that he chose to start with Orach Chaim) shows ble situation, when Jewish blood is being that one must learn halacha daily. Orach spilled and so many want to ruin the JewChaim is unique in that it outlines the dai- ish nation, the solution to neutralize the ly halachos that every Jew must know. middas hadin and invoke middas haraThis is the chelek that a person must live chamim is to learn halacha. The Sanzer with every day of his life. Thus he must Rebbe picked up where Rav Badani left off saying that the holy seforim relate that learn it every day of his life.” The chairman of the evening, Rav the learning of halacha has the power to Binyomin Finkel, mentioned that the Daf neutralize terrible gezeiros. HaYomi B’Halacha was established upon The American Nesius of the advice of HaGaon HaRav Yosef ShoDaf HaYomi B’Halacha lom Elyashiv, zt”l. The creation of the American Nesius The Vizhnitzer Rebbe then addressed of Daf HaYomi B’Halacha has similarly the assemblage, explaining the wellinspired American Jewry to recognize known words of Chazal, “Kol hashoneh the importance of a serious daily halacha halachos b’chol yom muvtach sh’ehu ben seder. Olam Haba’ah—He who learns halachos According to Rabbi Ahron Gobioff, every day is assured a place in the world Dirshu’s American Director, the enthuto come. B’chol yom means every day but siasm shown by all the Gedolei Yisrael it can also mean, ‘throughout the day.’ representing the Sephardic world, the When a person learns halacha daily, his Yeshiva world and the Chassidic world is entire day is one long manifestation of deeply moving. They were full of praise learning and fulfilling and excitement about the benefits for all of halacha,” concluded the Klal Yisrael that would be gained through Rebbe. mass enrollment in such a program. Although the Gerer In a beautiful display of the imporRebbe, shlita, was untance with which the American Nesius able to attend, he told attaches to the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha Dirshu leaders. “It is very important to con- program, they signed a historic document vince and urge people to outlining the hashkafa behind the prolearn halacha. It is the gram and explaining why it has garnered desire of Hashem that such an enthusiastic worldwide backing every Jew should know of Gedolei Yisrael. It says, “It is impospractical halacha prop- sible to properly depict the importance of erly so that he can fulfill this [Daf HaYomi B’Halacha] undertakTorah and mitzvos in ac- ing, because the foundation of the life of cordance with halacha. a Jew is to conduct his life in accordance “A tremendous responsibly rests upon with Torah...Baruch Hashem our generamarbitzei Torah and mechanchim to influ- tion has been worthy and we see kehillence their talmidim to institute a non-ne- os comprehensively learning halacha all gotiable seder in practical halacha. It is over the world. Together with the halacha not sufficient to be a lamdan or someone program [Dirshu] also has established who knows Torah. Without knowledge of daily learning of mussar in the seforim of halacha, a person is missing the ‘orach the Chofetz Chaim…. From here we call on all G-d fearing chaim,’ the path of life that must characJews, to be clever and join the tens of terize every Jew.” thousands already in the program and to HaGaon HaRav Shimon Badani, give nachas to Hashem.” shlita, brought proof from pesukim that
Around The Community
45
Mr Shlomo Jacobowitz, Guest of Honor
on their families’ legacy. Shlomo, who grew up in Flatbush, was exposed from a very young age to parents who were role models in every way. It would certainly be no exaggeration to say that Shlomo is eager to follow the path of his late father Jack, a”h, who was a modest benefactor to mosdos and chessed organizations. Likewise, Shevi Sigler Jacobowitz grew up in Toronto surrounded by a loving and giving family. She credits her parents as being her role models and hopes she is modeling her life after their values, ideals and commitment. As Pirkei Avos says, she describes her father, Marvin Sigler, as someone who is “amor m’at v’aseh harbei,” and the Toronto community has certainly been enriched by the involvement of this family in building Torah after the war. With this kind of DNA it is no wonder that both Shlomo and Shevi became deeply involved in Yeshiva Darchei Torah where their three sons, Aryeh, Pesach and Yakov were enrolled. Shevi was active in the Women’s League and both she and Shlomo not only supported the school monetarily, but gave of their valuable time as well. The Jacobowitz credo is that education is a priority which they value and helping their “partner” the school, is a privilege they embrace. Aryeh, currently is learning in Ner Yisroel, while Pesach and Yakov are presently attending Shaar Hatorah High School in Queens. Their connection to TAG is their bas yechidah, Sylvie. Sylvie is a very happy fifth grader who loves school. As Shevi remarks, “My daughter is so happy here and I am happy to help her school in any way I can.” Many of her cousins are also talmidos in TAG and the Jacobowitzes
are truly at home in TAG. Despite Shlomo’s schedule at work in the financial world, he always makes time to learn b’chavrusa and the Jacobowitz home reflects his love of learning and its importance. Shevi, as an interior designer, adds her special touch not only to make their home appealing to the eye, but more importantly to incorporate the solid foundation of Torah, avodah and gemilas chassodim. The Jacobowitz family members are mispallelim in both the Agudah Israel of Long Island and Heichel Dovid. The links in the chain of the family will no doubt continue in their children who have experienced, firsthand, living in a mikdash me’at. We are so proud that we will be able to express our appreciation to them at the 52nd Annual Dinner of Torah Academy for Girls. Hakaras Hatov Awardees: Menachem & Aviva Kagan Menachem Kagan certainly knows firsthand about what it takes to make a TAG dinner successful. When asked how he initially became involved in the dinner campaigns, he admits that he answered the call, or rather the email, of Rabbi Baruch Lovett, Director of Development, for help with the dinner. “As a Court Attorney, I have an entire week off at the end of December, and when I saw Rabbi Lovett’s email, I thought why not give a hand to the school that is doing so much for our girls?” And what a helpful hand that has proven to be. Since that time, Menachem has consistently been involved with the TAG dinner campaigns and served with dedication and determination as Journal Chairman for the past few years. Menachem and Aviva Kagan were both born and raised in Brooklyn. They were married in 1996 and moved to Woodmere in 1999. Together they helped found Congregation Bais Ephraim Yitzchok. Aviva was active in the Sisterhood and Menachem served as President and member of the board and currently gives a Daf Yomi shiur there. Menachem works in the Supreme Court of Kings County as a Principal Court Attorney (and no, he can’t get you out of jury duty). Aviva is an audiologist who owns a busy audiology practice, the Hearing Technology Center in Jackson Heights, Queens. Of course, when not dispensing hearing aids or conducting hearing tests, Aviva is also quite busy raising their beautiful family. Their son Sruly is currently a senior at DRS while Moshe attends Pre1A in South Shore.
Their lovely daughters, Adina, a freshman at TAG High School, Shira in the 6th grade, and Mindy in the 4th grade, are enjoying the special TAG chinuch and are a source of nachas for their parents and for TAG as well. “We have been part of the TAG family for over ten years and in that time we have seen our girls mature and grow. At TAG they have developed a strong appreciation and love for the Jewish way of life. They have also excelled in secular subjects, perfectly blending
Mr. Menachem Kagan, Hakaras Hatov Awardee
these important ideals. The Hakaras Hatov title being bestowed upon us really expresses how we feel about the school. Our girls love going to TAG and we love the fact they love it so much. We are so grateful that we are a part of a school like TAG which is our genuine partner in helping our girls develop into true bnos Yisroel.” Torah Academy for Girls is grateful to have the opportunity to show our appreciation to this special couple who exemplify a willingness to go the extra mile to help our school. Look for next week’s issue as we focus on the Educator of the Year Awardee, Mrs. Mimi Shuter, and the presentation of the Rabbi Moshe Weitman Memorial Award to the Mermelstein family.
Do you know your trees? See Centerfold on page 68
JANUARY 29, 2015
Guests of Honor: Shlomo & Shevi Jacobowitz One cannot help but be impressed when meeting Shlomo & Shevi Jacobowitz, this year’s Guests of Honor at the TAG dinner. Their sincerity, their appreciation for chinuch, and their modesty all join to produce a couple worthy of recognition, yet, who shun it. So what is it that propels a couple to step forward to help their daughter’s school?
The roots of both these families are entrenched in the above middos and it is no small wonder that both Shlomo and Shevi are so well equipped to carry
There are indeed many ways to educate a child. This year, Torah Academy for Girls is focusing on The T.A.G. Way as the theme of their annual dinner, which will be held iy”H on Wednesday evening, February 18 at the Sands in Atlantic Beach. Technique, Attention and Growth are not just words that are part of our school’s name, but words that come into play every day in TAG as we go about educating the future imahos of Yisroel. According to Dinner Co-Chairman, Mr. Yehuda Biber, it is obvious that TAG has successfully managed to blend the latest educational techniques along with the special attention being given to allow each of our students to flourish and reach her full potential. As to the growth of the school, Rabbi Baruch Lovett, Director of Development, adds that the growth process at TAG not only refers to the maturation of our students as they develop into true bnos Yisroel, but to the actual growth of our facilities as well. As we look forward to completing the final bricks of our massive expansion, we are so appreciative to our parents, as well as community members who encourage and support this major effort. TAG is grateful to the following individuals who have stepped forward to ensure the success of this year’s dinner. Mr. & Mrs. Shlomo Jacobowitz will be the Guests of Honor, and Mr. & Mrs. Menachem Kagan will be receiving the Hakaras Hatov Award. Long-time and beloved morah and general studies teacher Mrs. Mimi Shuter will be receiving the Educator of the Year Award. Mr. Pinky Friedman, Dinner Co-Chairmen, announced that the coveted Rabbi Moshe Weitman Memorial Award is being presented to the Mermelstein family in memory of Dr. Jack Mermelstein z”l. As a grandson-in law, Mr. Friedman feels this is a most fitting memorial to a remarkable man who impacted so many in our community. Our Journal Chairmen, Dr. Nachum Augenbaum and Mr. Hillel Axelrod, as well as the entire dinner committee, are eager to greet all our guests at the dinner.
THE JEWISH HOME
TAG’s 52nd Annual Dinner: The T.A.G. Way
Around The Community Kaminsky Calls on LIRR to Study Overpass at Woodmere Train Station
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
46
At this week’s Learn & Live Program, Rabbi Nachum Dinowitz presented the melacha of Boneh.
Young Israel of Long Beach Annual Robert Chiger Scholarship Concert The Young Israel of Long Beach will be holding their annual Scholarship Concert on Motzaei Shabbos, February 7, 2015 at 8:00 PM. It will take place in an intimate setting at the YILB Social Hall at 120 Long Beach Boulevard, Long Beach, NY. The concert will feature the renowned musical entertainers Baruch Levine, Shlomie Dachs and David Levitan, mentalist, who will entertain the audience with their vast repertoire of popular and Chassidish Jewish music. The Young Israel of Long Beach is the cornerstone of the Orthodox Jewish Long Beach community and is led by Rabbi Dr. Chaim Wakslak. Rabbi Wakslak and Joseph Langer, a past shul president, conceptualized this scholarship concert eighteen years ago. Since that time, the proceeds from this scholarship concert has allowed many local community youngsters to attend yeshiva and/or overnight summer
camps. Nine years ago, following the untimely petirah of Robert Chiger z”l, a young, vibrant member of the congregation, it was decided that his memory would be most appropriately perpetuated by re-naming this scholarship fund the “The Robert Chiger Scholarship Fund.” Bob had a unique connection to the youth of the synagogue and cared for their religious and character development. He was also a strong proponent of the YILB youth and sports programs. This concert is strongly supported each year by Beth Chiger and Neil Sambrowsky and Beth’s children, Michele & Eric Ehrenhaus, Andrea & Ariel Gantz, Elliot and Chana Chiger and David Chiger. General admission tickets can be purchased for $30.00. For further information or to order tickets, please call (646)285-5301, (516) 431-9715 or look at the website WWW.YILB.ORG.
This week, Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky penned a letter to the Long Island Rail Road asking them to study the feasibility of constructing an overpass at the Woodmere LIRR train station after a community-based petition garnered almost 300 signatures.
“I visited the Woodmere train station during rush hour and witnessed for myself that a proposal to ease the congestion at a dangerous intersection needs to be studied,” Assemblyman Kaminsky related.
Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe Hosts Annual Grand Raffle Melava Malka
Paroh in Pajamas in the Middle of the Screen The snowstorm did not stop the talmidim and the rebbes of Yeshiva of South Shore from learning Torah during the snowstorm. Rabbi Binyamin Jacobi is seen teaching his second
grade class via teleconference and zoom networking. A talmid of Rabbi Yehoshua Zucker’s fifth grade is seen taking part in an interactive Gemara shiur. Parents of Tiferes Moshe students were invited to a gala Melava Malka on Motzei Shabbos, January 10. The elegant affair, which was held in Shaarei Tovah, featured a sushi bar by Sushi Tokyo and a lavish fleishig sandwich bar, salad bar and dessert bar by Simchas Gourmet. Adding elegance to the affair was a Wine Tastings table arranged by HaKerem. The ambience was casual yet sophisticated and set the tone for parents to relax and enjoy some good food and company together. The event included a Mini Chinese Auction, with eight exciting prizes, as well as the Grand Raffle of
$10,000. The Yeshiva thanks Seasons, Mechys, Union Medical Urgent Care, Hakerem, Artscroll, The Mileage Guy (Mr. Elie Siegel), and Ruben and Lauren Paris for their Mini Auction sponsorships. The evening wrapped up with the drawing of the Grand Raffle and Chinese Auction prizes. Winners included YTM alumni as well as families of current students. Most of all, Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe thanks everyone for participating in the raffle campaign and Melava Malka and values and appreciates the relationship and support shown by the Yeshiva’s parent body and friends.
47 THE JEWISH HOME
Chinese Auction To Benefit M E S I V T A AT E R E S Y A A K O V
JANUARY 29, 2015
The Warmth of
ON A
Winter Day
Motzei Shabbos, February 7 , 2015 th
DOORS OPEN: 8:30 PM • DRAWING NOT BEFORE 10:30 PM Location: 131 WASHINGTON AVENUE, LAWRENCE, NEW YORK 11559 A Sumptuous Buffet sponsored by Ossie’s
Live Entertainment & Fabulous Door Prizes
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL:
516.374.6465 (Ext 4005) | www.may-auction.com | auction@ateresyaakov.com
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
48
Around The Community Five Towns Marriage Initiative We Are Who We Once Were The Ksav Sofer asks how it is possible that Moshe and Bilaam were viewed as equals. Moshe was considered the greatest prophet of the Jewish people and Bilaam was the prophet Hashem gave to the gentiles so that they won’t have an opening to say that they could not be as great as the Jews because they did not have a prophet. Yet is seems ludicrous
to compare the two people because Bilaam was an evil person who attempted to curse the Jewish people and he could not even recognize a miracle of a talking donkey when it stared him in the face. He ultimately became a glorified magician so it seems hard to equate these two individuals. Yet Hashem did say that both were given an equal power of prophecy.
Playgroup
MORAH HUVI’S AGE 2s
Mon-Thursday 9am-1pm Friday 9am-12pm
Located in North Woodmere
Breakfast and lunch provided Morahhuvis@aol.com // 917-478-4876
Professional Lice Treatment Centers
Granting Wishes by Removing Itches
$15 HeadCheck Or 10% OFF One Treatment (One Per Family) 2463 S. Long Beach Rd., OCEANSIDE 1755 Deer Park Ave., DEER PARK
866-561-0492 www.FairyLiceMothers.com May Be Covered Under Insurance * Accepted Under Flexible Health Spending (FLEX)
The difference between them lies in what they did with the opportunity placed in front of them. Moshe first had prophecy at a very advanced age, when he was already 80. He was given the starting ground and he built up from there, attaining higher and greater heights. Bilaam started at the same point as Moshe but never worked to advance himself. He never put in the effort to make himself into a great prophet so while Moshe became the greatest of the prophets and the most humble of all people, Bilaam got the honor of being called an evil person. When people go out on shidduchum every boy and girl are described as the biggest catch. Each one has the most sterling middos, the finest attitude, does the most chessed and learns so much Torah. After 10 plus years of marriage, while we hope most people look as good, if not better, than the descriptions used about them when they were dating, unfortunately that is not always the way things turn out. So were those compliments and accolades ever real? Were they all just
one big exaggeration? Most likely not. Most people do have good qualities and given the time and ability to utilize them they can shine to their fullest. But then, life catches up to them. Everyone gets busy—work, marriage, children, tuition, and somehow under the load the descriptions slowly seem to become inapplicable, belonging to a different person or at least a different era. The trick is to try to continue to make those accolades relevant, to recall the inner potential and the opportunities that once came knocking and see how we can attempt to incorporate all the good things into our lives once again, so that we can become the kind of person our spouse thought they were marrying. Five Towns Marriage Initiative provides educational programs, workshops and referrals to top marriage therapists. FTMI will help offset counseling costs when necessary and also runs an anonymous shalom bayis hotline for the entire community Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 9:30-11p.m. For the hotline or more information, call 516430-5280 or email dsgarry@msn.com.
49 THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
50
Around The Community The Flatbush Basketball League Week #10 Recap In the China Glatt Division: All the shirts have it written on the bottom “The Only Game in Town.” This week’s games proved again that The Flatbush Basketball League is all of that. Let’s get to the action, on a special night of basketball. Oh Baby looking for a
possible tie with Pizza Heaven for first place, was playing Supreme RX Pharmacy. It was all Ezra B. tonight with 23 points. Mr. Beyda and company beat Oh Baby 43-35. With two new starters and a whole new look, Batampte Pickles walked on the court looking for its first win against Pizza Heaven. League MVP Shimon Greenwald put an end to that idea scoring a game high 22 points. Batampte had great play from newly acquired Yisroel Azafar and Ezra Azoulay who combined for 27. Not enough in a real exciting game as Pizza Heaven rolls on over Howie’s Batampte Pickles 47-35. The first round of the playoffs match ups will be the same as it was tonight, Pizza Heaven vs. Batampte Pickles and Supreme RX Pharmacy will face Oh Baby. One slight difference:
Shimon Greenwald will not be there for Pizza Heaven. Can a 0-10 team make it to the Championship game? It’s happened before. In the Jewish Home Division: Quality Carpet: 55, Pizza Nosh: 40—With Yossie Muller out in Lakewood, Moshe Frank and Moishe Kornitzer combined for 30, Pizza Nosh didn’t look the same without their big man. Nosh keeps the first seed after the loss by way of beating Holy Schnitzel 2 out of 3 times they played. These two teams face off in round one next week. In a game worthy of The FBL logo, Holy Schnitzel squeaks out a win over ITP 59-53.What an exciting game from start to finish. Mr. Cohen & Hara combined for 36 points to lead The Holy ones to the win. A great game for ITP’s Mr. Goldstein who had 15 in the loss. What will happen next week when ITP brings back Mr. Fried and Weber? Stay tuned. In The Jewish Connection Division: In a classic game for the ages, Piz-
za World miraculously won this game vs. Rami’s Pizza, 45-44.With PW up at halftime 24-23, Yossie The Machine Friedman lived up to the billing with 24 points as he hit a shot with 20 seconds left putting Rami’s up 44-43. Not so fast! Yehoshua Fonfeder threw up a prayer with the clock winding down to pull out the W. His 25 didn’t hurt either. What a game! The final game took us to double overtime. With Visual Image up at the break 20-16, an upset of Plaza Auto Leasing was in the air. Mendy Schiffenbauer’s game high 23 and three pointer sent the game into the first OT period. There Zevy Tepper’s six straight foul shots and clutch play from Dovid Safer secured the upset win 58-55 for Neil’s squad. The Visual Image looks strong going into round one. Are there any more upsets in the cards? Join us for The FBL Playoffs this Motzei Shabbos at Huddee Jr. High Nostrand Avenue and Avenue K at 7:00 pm. The Championship games will be held iy”H on February 7.
51 THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
52
Around The Community Yeshiva Ketana Opens Up its Doors to JEP-LI Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island teaches their students the concept of achrayus in the best way possible: by acting the part. This past fall, the yeshiva building (with the gracious assistance and collaboration of its administration) hosted two JEP Shabbatons – one for girls and one for boys. YKLI, despite having many school related events in the building during the winter Motzei Shabboses, graciously welcomed JEP into its beautiful campus. On every Shabbaton, different veteran Shabbaton attendees receive various forms of honors, such as saying a dvar Torah and holding the havdala candle. This year, the honor of holding the havdala candle at the girl’s Shabbaton was given to Eden Fokshner. Eden, who attends the Suri Schwartz JIL program in Great Neck, is a Camp
Nageela alumnus who has been encouraging others to join various Nageela programs. At the boy’s Shabbaton, the honor of holding the havdala candle was given to Jesse Rothafel who attended Camp Nageela this past summer and since then has been wearing tefillin. The participating JEPpers enjoyed the yeshiva’s beautiful facilities. They even got to sleep there! While the regular talmidim of the yeshiva were home enjoying a typical Shabbos, many of these visiting Jewish children kept their first Shabbos ever. All in all, some 100 children, mostly public school attendees, were fortunate enough to taste the kedusha of Shabbos. This was made possible by Yeshiva Ketana who graciously open its doors in an act of chessed and ahavas Yisroel. The lesson of achrayus for all Jewish children was well taught.
64
DRS Varsity Team Wins Satran Tournament
In their third matchup of the year, the DRS Wildcats took on the undefeated HAFTR Hawks at HAFTR’s Annual Scott Satran Memorial Tournament. The Hawks took the lead throughout the early goings of the game, but as the game progressed, the Wildcats put up a good fight, strong enough to take a small lead of 7 points by halftime. After the long and intense battle, the Wildcats beat the Hawks by a mere nine points to take home the championship trophy. The entire school cheered for MVP Junior Gabriel Leifer, who scored an astonishing 31 points, along with Jeremy Brody (7 points) and Yoav Deutsch (11
cegh wkve - arsnv whc rgmhkux
Sulitzer Bais Medrash - Kehilas Jakob Bnos Israel Educational Institute 612 Beach 9th Street West Lawrence, NY 11691-5297 (718) 337-2520
,vnurw 'p asue wca htmun v"gaw rst 'c
points). The big win was truly a team effort, and DRS is immensely proud of the way they boys handled themselves both on and off the court. DRS would like to acknowledge Joey Hoenig, Athletic Director of HAFTR, who organized an outstanding tournament!
Mr. & Mrs. Avrohom Friedman h"b
64
Motzoei Shabbos Parshas Terumah • Feb. 21, ' 15
Guests of Honor
Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Grunberg h"b Eitz Chaim Award
Mr. & Mrs. Aryeh Pinchasov h"b Chessed Award
53 THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
JANUARY 29, 2015
54 Reg. $20.00
$12. 99
onSale
THE JEWISH HOME
75 Pcs Mega Bloks
T
UPSCALE CLOSEOUTS
516.218.2211
Crystal Amber Bowl
All New!
5.5”
Looks like Crystal But it’s Plastic!
Drinkware
Reg. $20.00
UPSCALE
C
THE LOSEOU CONNECTION CC
$7. 99 Reg. $3.00
$1. 49 Each
Shannon Crystal Candleholder
134 Washington Ave. CEDARHUST, NY 11516 Next door to CVS, in the Gourmet Glatt parking lot
STORE HOURS: M.-W. 10:00-8:00 Th. 10:00-9:00 F. 10:00-3:00 S. 10:00-7:00
Set of 2 Reg. $10.00
$3. 99
Shannon Crystal Wine Decanter 46 oz.
Wood Magazine Rack Blue only
Visit us at our other locations 4518 13th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 718.854.2595 Reg. $25.00
$12. 99 Reg. $50.00
$24. 99
50 Court St. Brooklyn, NY 718.625.6677 1091 River Ave. Lakewood, NJ 732.364.8822
Quantities may vary according to store location • No rainchecks • Not responsible for typographical errors
Around The Community
55 THE JEWISH HOME
Yeshiva of Far Rockaway Forty-Sixth Annual Dinner A Time to Remember and To Rejoice
JANUARY 29, 2015
several hours learning with the chaburah. These young men and their wives represent the unique kesher that Yeshiva of Far Rockaway talmidim maintain with their Rosh Yeshiva, the hanhala, and the yeshiva itself, often long after they leave the bais medrash to marry and raise families. Eli Feldberger remembers the chaburah’s beginnings. “The Sunday morning chaburah began close to three years ago. Several months earlier, the Rosh Yeshiva mentioned to me that he thought it was a good idea to get some of my chaverim to join me each Shabbos morning for a ten-minute vaad on the weekly parsha. Boruch Hashem we started that, with everyone taking turns speaking for the others. It went so well that I strongly felt that the time had come
By Liba Lieberman The Yeshiva of Far Rockaway has a history as exalted as the history of Far Rockaway itself. What was once a summer community became a thriving center of Torah learning and life. At the epicenter of that growth and transformation is the Yeshiva of Far Rockaway, which has been under the spiritual guidance of its revered Rosh HaYeshiva, Rav Yechiel Yitzchak Perr, since its inception. The yeshiva is now celebrating its forty-sixth Annual Dinner on motzoei Shabbos, Parshas Yisro, at the yeshiva campus. The dinner’s honorees reflect the enormous hakores hatov that yeshiva families feel about the chinuch being imparted to their sons, as well as the timeless pursuit of limud haTorah itself. Both couples cite the beautiful and personal interest in the talmidim shown by the Rosh HaYeshiva, Rav Perr, and the Menahel, Rav Aaron Brafman. As the Esteemed Parent Awardees, Mr. and Mrs. Mayer Gold are filled with deep appreciation toward the yeshiva and its dedicated rebbeim. The Golds explain that the yeshiva is known far and wide for the well rounded talmidim it produces, talmidim who go on to become leaders in Klal Yisroel. “Our sons, Aryeh Leib and Yaakov Binyomin, are talmidim of the yeshiva, and it is due to our profound sense of hakaras hatov that we agreed to accept this award, as a way of giving back to the yeshiva that we hold so dear.” This year’s Kesser Shem Tov Awardees are Dr. and Mrs. Moshe Werzberger, whose three older sons are alumni from the “pre-gym” era while their youngest son, Dovid, is currently a tenth grader in the yeshiva. They share their devotion to the yeshiva and say, “Our extended personal experience allows us to testify to the will and ability of the Rosh HaYeshiva, the Menahel, and the rebbeim to reach and stay connected to very different personalities over decades. We unequivocally feel that our ‘Yiddishe nachas’ is due in a large measure to our choice of Yeshiva of Far Rockaway as the yeshiva for our sons’ formative years.” The Rosh Hayeshiva’s Sunday Morning Chaburah is also being honored at this year’s dinner. The Bnei Chaburah— Yoni Mendlowitz, Elimelech Feldberger, Shmuel Schwartz, Yehonasan Soffer, and Eliyahu Babad—are select talmidim of the Rosh HaYeshiva who are regulars at the Rosh HaYeshiva’s Sunday morning chaburah, a time when Rav Perr spends
Members of the Chabura, Eliyahu Babad, Yehonasan Soffer, Shmuel Schwartz, Elimelech Feldberger, and Yoni Mendlowitz, learning with Rabbi Perr
spective on life, packing everything into the chaburah discussion, which understandably has a tremendous impact on me and my family. It’s much more than just heading out to listen to a good shiur. He gives us a lot of hadracha in life in a very meaningful and fulfilling way. I try very much not to miss it, and we have heard the Rosh Yeshiva say, ‘It really means a lot to me, and I try to work my schedule around it.’ Although he’s very preoccupied with many things, he’s really into the chabura and won’t miss it for anything.” Chabura member Eliahu Babad
Mr. and Mrs. Mayer Gold, Esteemed Parents Awardees
for our chaburah to take it to the next level, while at the same time strengthening our connection with the Rosh Yeshiva. I approached the Rosh Yeshiva and asked if he had some time for us on Sunday morning, and he agreed. It began as more of a 45-minute mussar vaad; but then the Rosh Yeshiva said he wanted to learn Gemara with the chaburah. Perek Arvei Pesachim was chosen as the initial limud. This was something very meaningful to the Rosh Yeshiva as he once had a seder with his father z”l, learning that perek. The chaburah recently completed that limud, with the related halachos and other topics that are connected to it. The amount of time we spend together grew to two or two and a half hours each Sunday, from 9:45 a.m. until about noon. There’s always some enlightening hashkafa discussion following the learning.” It’s clear that the learning has allowed Eli to develop a relationship with the Rosh HaYeshiva that is life transforming. He explains, “I’ve been close to the Rosh Yeshiva for a long time and spending this precious time with him compares to nothing else. Every Sunday he gives us a per-
Dr. and Mrs. Moshe Werzberger. Kesser Shem Tov Awardees
shares, “The chaburah is a time when you have the opportunity to hear from a true ‘master of all aspects of Yiddishkeit.’ I cherish the connection with both the Rosh Yeshiva as well as the yeshiva. I was there for high school, bais medrash, and have been associated with the yeshiva for about twenty years now. Its uniqueness, its specialty starts with the Rosh Yeshiva at the top and works its way down to the rebbeim and everyone else who’s there. The chaburah is obviously a time when we are focused on the main topic, but we get to hear about a lot of other things that are on the Rosh Yeshiva’s mind. He shares with us before and after the Gemara, and his insight during the actual learning is very beneficial. He’ll point out some things about the precise wording that one of the Rishonim chose to use,
explaining how it is consistent with that Rishon’s opinion throughout Shas. He’ll talk about community affairs, Klal Yisroel issues, and everything is examined through his view, which is insightful, helpful but not always conventional. He is also a very caring person who truly understands people.” A third member of the chaburah, Yehonasan Soffer, has a different point of view, since he is not an alumnus of the yeshiva. He observes, “The chaburah is a natural outgrowth of what the Yeshiva of Far Rockaway stands for. I happen not to be an alumnus. I got to know the Rosh Yeshiva after discussing a few sh’eilos with him and was looking for a strong, meaningful way to be connected with the yeshiva. I think it’s amazing how the Rosh Yeshiva takes time out for people every Sunday, not to mention all other times during the week when his wisdom and insight are needed. He is an ish emes, and my connection to him and his yeshiva does wonders for my ruchniyus. Let’s be honest. Leaving yeshiva for the workplace can be a ‘shocker’ for the average kollel yungerman. You really need a makom, as well as a proper rav and a moreh derech, to keep you grounded. I couldn’t wish for anything better than what the yeshiva provides, both in gashmiyus as well as ruchniyus—a beautiful building with seforim that is available 24/7 for davening and learning.” This annual major fundraiser for the yeshiva is not only critical in helping the yeshiva cover its budget deficit, but is also necessary to assist in the yeshiva’s dormitory building campaign. As the excitement mounts toward this anticipated event, the yeshiva urges its vast community of support comprised of parents, alumni, baalei baatim, and friends to honor the yeshiva’s pivotal role in the making of this community and join the hanhala at this year’s forty-sixth Annual Dinner. Reprinted with permission from the Yated.
Around The Community
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
56
At the Learn & Live Program and Yeshiva Ateres Shimon snow day program this week, boys and their fathers learned together. Approximately 75 boys joined in Tehillim, a raffle and an enjoyable video on the snowy Tuesday.
Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns 12th Annual Dinner Nearly a year has passed since Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns inaugurated its magnificent mikdash me’at. Though the festivities surrounding the culmination of that project have receded, the enormous influence the Yeshiva provides the Five Towns has only come into greater focus and attention. The last few months have brought explosive enrollment, an expansion of communal outreach and shiurim and the addition of new members to the administration and the board. However, the underpinnings of the yeshiva – a steadfast commitment to limud haTorah, mussar and tikun hamiddos – have not changed an iota. The Yeshiva is committed to keeping the warmth and closeness to each and every talmid, yungerman and community member that it had when they were in their previous, smaller quarters. The new building has allowed the Yeshiva to visualize the majesty of Torah and make that majestic presence accessible to all who enter its doors.
Serious blizzard, wasn’t it?
See Nate Davis’ thoughts on the storm that never was on page 94
It is a very exciting time in the history of the Yeshiva Gedolah. After many years of planning and hard work, and with a lot of siyata d’shmaya, the construction of the Yeshiva’s new home was completed just under a year ago. Since its inception over a decade ago, the Yeshiva has become a sought-after makom Torah for young men returning from learning in Israel. The Yeshiva is known for the high level shiurim given by the prominent Rebbeim as well as for its warm atmosphere and unique hashkafah. The Yeshiva, however, is a multifaceted institution. In addition to having become a prominent makom Torah for its talmidim and Kollel yungerleit, it also serves the Five Towns community in various ways. The eruv is maintained by the Yeshiva and it sends people to check its status on a weekly basis. The Yeshiva provides numerous shiurim to baalei batim, ranging from iyun to amud yomi and hashkafah. Its doors are open to all who wish to learn in its inspiring atmosphere. The Yeshiva’s yungerleit are available as chavrusas for interested baalei batim. In the coming days at the Yeshiva’s 12th Annual Dinner, the now expanded community will once again come together to celebrate YGFT’s growing accomplishments, and put faces on some of those who have borne the greatest responsibilities towards facilitating its success. The three sets of honorees, Yehuda and Rebecca Biber, Ricardo and Gitty Goldschmidt, and Rabbi Tani and Suzanne Feit, have all been close with the Yeshiva from its earliest days and act as communal models of ahavas haTorah and mesiras nefesh.
Guests of Honor There are no words to describe the unwavering commitment Yehuda and Rebecca Biber have made to the Yeshiva over the last decade. Yehuda’s tireless dedication, with the constant encouragement and sacrifice of his wife, has allowed him to function as its Treasurer, Janitor, Fundraiser, Advisor and close confidante to the B’nei Yeshiva, Kollel and its Rebbeim. And he has accomplished all of this while maintaining a demanding job and, most importantly, while disguising himself as a bachur in the Yeshiva – given the many evening and weekend hours he spends learning in its beis medrash. While this evening is a celebration of all of these accomplishments, it is also a bittersweet occasion, as Yehuda has recently resigned from his position as Treasurer of the Board to allow other individuals to assume roles of leadership. It is without any doubt that the Yeshiva would not have achieved its success without him and no words of hakaras hatov can adequately convey the deep sense of appreciation it has for them. Yehuda grew up in Chicago, before making his way to Yeshiva University where he learned in its beis medrash and kollel. He is the Head of Tax at Viking Global Investors and very active in a variety of communal organizations including his service on the board of Torah Academy for Girls. Rebecca has played a central role in the N’shei Yeshiva Gedolah, opening up her home to host shiurim and coordinating meals for women after childbirth. Her family, the Rubinsteins, raised Rebecca in Woodmere after
spending their earlier years in Plainview and share their children’s commitment to the community. Together, the Bibers are beautifully raising their children, Aliza, Tamar, Aharon, and Shayna. Aliza and Tamar are both in TAG and Aharon attends Yeshiva Darchei Torah. Though still young, Aharon has demonstrated an exuberant enthusiasm for the Yeshiva and following in his parents’ path of influencing those around him. Parents of the Year Some parents are simply fortunate to have children who grow into bnei Torah. Others will do everything in their power to create that reality. Ricardo Goldschmidt and his eishis chayil, Gitty, fall firmly into the latter category. Not only has Ricky learned on more continents than most people ever have the opportunity to visit, but he has pro-actively ensured, b’gufo u’bmamono, that wherever he resides, his communities are bustling with Torah institutions and talmidei chachamim. From his early years in Buenos Aires to his time at Ner Yisrael in Toronto and Baltimore, later on to yeshiva in Switzerland, back to University in Argentina before settling in Woodmere –Torah has been the a focus in Ricky’s life. In addition, to his close kesher with the Roshei Yeshiva and other local Rabbanim, including the Morah D’asra of Aish Kodesh, Rav Moshe Weinberger, shlita, Ricky can be found in the houses of talmidei chachamim across the globe. Just in the last couple of years, Ricky has founded a new daf yomi shiur at Aish Kodesh, headed by Rav Yoni Levin, so he can begin his mornings
Around The Community to learning and davening. Esti attends Bnos Bais Yaakov where, iy”H, her sister Hindy will shortly join her. It is a great kavod to the Yeshiva that the Feits agreed to act as its shining example of achievement in accepting this award.
Please join us at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, February 10th at the Sands in Atlantic Beach, as we recognize these special individuals for their tireless service to the yeshiva, the Five Towns community and klal Yisrael.
JANUARY 29, 2015
Harbotzas Hatorah Award Rabbi Tani Feit is one of the earliest products of the Yeshiva’s kollel program and living evidence of the success of its work. It has been nearly eight years since he and his wife, Suzzanne, entered the walls of the YGFT beis medrash and, over that time, with the joyful prodding and support of his wife, he continues to develop as a talmid chacham and role model for all the b’nei yeshiva. Seeing the remarkable achievements of such a ben Torah has encouraged the kollel to flourish over the years, expanding in size with it now hosting more than two dozen yungerleit who provide constant influence for the Yeshiva and the baalei batim in the community. Tani grew up in Staten Island and learned in Eretz Yisrael in both Yeshivas Hakotel and in Yeshivas Mir, before settling in the Yeshiva Gedolah. His wife, formerly Suzanne Hiller, was raised locally in Lawrence and attended HAFTR before heading off to seminary. She attended Midreshet in Eretz Yisrael before returning to Stern College, ultimately attaining a Master’s Degree in Nursing from NYU. In addition to her role as a full time balabusta to their family, she works as a labor and
delivery nurse in South Nassau Hospital. Baruch Hashem, the Feits have been blessed with a beautiful family, Akiva, Yedidya, Esti, Hindy and Aryeh. The older boys attend Yeshiva Darchei Torah and are active participants at Yeshiva Gedolah, escorting their father
THE JEWISH HOME
at 6am with the words of Torah on his lips. It is this tradition that has been imbued in all of his children who are all deeply engaged in the world of Torah study; first in Netiv Aryeh, then in Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns and now the 3 oldest children are part of the same kollel program in Eretz Yisrael. Ricky’s father escaped to Argentina from Austria prior to its occupation and his mother settled there later, after surviving Auschwitz and living in Rav Eliyahu Dessler’s home. Upon marrying in Argentina, his parents raised him with a firm yeshiva education before encouraging him to pursue studies in University, joining the family textile business and obtaining an MBA. It was in Buenos Aires that Ricky met his wife, herself a child of prestigious rabbinical lineage. Gitty’s father was Rabbi Meyer Shapiro, the former Chief Rabbi of Venezuela and Argentina, born in Caracas, Venezuela. After Ricky and Gitty married in Argentina, they remained there for their early married years until settling in Woodmere 25 years ago. Their first three children, Yissachar Dov (Kevin), Menachem (Jason) and Malka were born in Argentina, and their youngest son, Michoel (Darren), was born in New York.
57
Around The Community
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
58
The fifth grade classes of Rabbi Friedler and Rabbi Hersh of Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island had a farher by Rabbi Aharon Stein, rav of Kehilla Zichron Moshe Dov. The Rav was very impressed with the depth of knowledge the boys showed while answering his questions. He was also impressed with the participation of every boy during the farher, which showed they all mastered the Gemara very well.
YI of Kew Gardens Hills to Host Religious Zionist Slate Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Dr. Aaron Adler Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills will be hosting Rabbi Dr. Aaron Adler on Shabbat Parashat Yitro (February 6-7, 2015) as the congregation’s Scholar-in-Residence. Over the course of the weekend, Rabbi Adler will address the community three separate times, sharing ‘Torat Eretz Yisrael’ and explaining the importance of voting for the Religious Zionist Slate (www.VoteTorah.org) in the World Zionist Con-
gress elections. Rabbi Dr. Aaron Adler is the rabbi of Ohel Nechama Community Synagogue, Jerusalem, President of Yeshivat Bnei Akiva Ner Tamid, and the Chairman of the World Council of Mizrachi Rabbis. He is also a lecturer at Herzog College and the OU Israel Center. A graduate of Yeshiva University, Rabbi Adler received his rabbinic ordination from Y.U.’s Rabbi Isaac Elchan-
an Theological Seminary (R.I.E.T.S.) and holds a Ph.D. in Talmud from Bar Ilan University. He made Aliyah with his family in 1979 and has held several positions at Israeli educational institutions, including president and campus rabbi at Emunah College for Arts and Technology in Jerusalem. Currently, North American Jews have the opportunity to seat the 37th World Zionist Congress, an entity that
decides on the policies of and funding for Zionist organizations in Israel and around the world. By voting in the elections, individuals over the age of 18 will have a voice in deciding Israel’s future as well as the future of Jewish life globally. Running under the banner “Vote Torah,” the Religious Zionist Slate is a party in the World Zionist Congress comprised of delegates from America’s foundational religious Zionist organizations who provide a religious voice for world Jewry by championing programming and policies that promote Jewish unity and continuity as well as the preservation and enrichment of Torah values and Jewish life in Israel and around the world. Rabbi Adler will first address the community at an oneg on Friday night at 8:00PM in the Nat and Mary Saperstein Simcha Room. He will also deliver a drasha on Shabbat morning in the main shul. Finally, Rabbi Adler will be the guest of honor at a Melave Malka at 8:00 PM on Saturday night in the Nat and Mary Saperstein Simcha Room. Volunteers from the community and the “Vote Torah” campaign will be on-hand with tablet computers to walk participants through the process of voting in the World Zionist Congress elections. The Melava Malka is a free event. There is a nominal fee for registering with W.Z.O.
59
THIS TUESDAY FEBRUARY 3, 2015
Laws of Shabbos
The Shabbos Kitchen
The Shabbos Home Vol. 1
Muktzeh
The Shabbos Home Vol. 2
The Radiance of Shabbos
The Sanctity of Shabbos
The Aura of Shabbos
The Laws of Shabbos 7-volume Slipcased Set
Daily Living
Kitzur Shulchan Aruch
What If...
Women
The Laws of Niddah Volumes 1, 2
What If... Volume 2
The Woman’s Guide to the Laws of Niddah
My Father My Mother and Me
Visiting the Sick
Mourning in Halachah
Laws of Daily Living
Children in Halachah
Going Global
The Simchah Handbook
The Fifth Commandment
Chofetz Chaim: A Daily Companion
Contemporary Questions in Halachah and Hashkafah
The Daily Halacha
Chofetz Chaim: A Lesson a Day
The Family Lesson a Day
Positive Word Power
Positive Word Power for Teens
Yom Tov
Trekking Through Time
The Festivals in Halachah 2-Vol Set
Chol HaMoed
Kashrus
Bris Milah
Laws of Daily Living — The Three Weeks
Proper Speech
Kids
Life Cycle
The Funeral and Cemetery Handbook
The Jewish Calendar
Children / Parents
Medical
Nishmat Avraham Volumes 1, 2, 3
The Laws of B’rachos
The Kosher Kitchen
The Laws of Kashrus
Halachic Handbook Laws of Purim
Laws of the Seder
The Laws of Yom Tov
The Lulav and Esrog Handbook
Business / Finance
Business Halachah
Cases in Monetary Halachah
The Laws of Ribbis
The Laws of Tzedakah and Maaser
The Tzedakah Treasury
Availableat atyour yourlocal local Hebrew Hebrew bookseller or at Available at www.artscroll.com www.artscroll.com••1-800-MESORAH 1-800-MESORAH(637-6724) (637-6724)
JANUARY 29, 2015
SALE ENDS
list price
% F F O ALL HALACHAH TITLES
THE JEWISH HOME
30
T S A L FEW S Y A D
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
60
Around The Community Young Israel of Hewlett held their monthly rosh chodesh shiur this week. The guest speaker, Rabbi Eliezer Cohen, spoke on the topic of “The Importance of Birkas Hamazon.”
PHOTO CREDIT: IVAN H NORMAN
Fruit Wine from the Holy Land Wine can yield an abundance of flavors, including every fruit imaginable (and some not so imaginable). But how many of us have tried fruit wine? Now, don’t confuse fruit wine with flavored wine or a wine cooler (wine mixed with juice). When searching for a quality fruit wine, make sure you get the real deal: actual wine made from beautiful, perfectly ripe, 100% fruit. Tu B’Shevat, the 15th day of Shevat, marks the beginning of a “new year” for trees. This is the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle. In Jewish law, the “new year” for trees relates to the various tithes that are separated from produce grown in the Holy Land. These tithes differ from year to year in the seven-year shemittah cycle; the point at which a budding fruit is considered to belong to the next year of the cycle is the 15th of Shevat. We mark the day of Tu B’Shevat by eating fruit, particularly those that are singled out by the Torah in its praise of the bounty of the Holy Land: grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. Traditionally, we eat a new fruit so we can make the blessing of “Shechiyanu.” The deeper meaning of the day is to remember that “man is a tree of the field” (Deuteronomy 20:19), and reflect on the lessons we can derive from our botanical analogue on self improvement. What is fruit wine? Just as grape-based wine is the natural fermentation of the juice of the grape, fruit wine, similarly, is the natural fermentation of the juice of the fruit. Often in fruit wine you will also find they may be enhanced with the addition of alcohol or what is known as ‘Pot Still Brandy’ meaning alcohol derived from grapes (more about that another time). As any chef will tell you, if you want
great food, start with great ingredients. Same with fruit wine: start with great fruit. When is comes to fruit wines, no one does it better than Israel’s Morad Winery. Morad Winery is an exclusively nongrape winery that produces full-flavored fruit wine including lychee and passion fruit grown in Israel. With Tu B’Shevat, the celebration of trees and agriculture, around the corner, what better way to celebrate than with fermented fruit from the Holy Land? Besides drinking Morad’s wine straight (it’s delicious), here are some other recipes for a joyous Tu B’Shevat celebration. Morad Passion Fruit Sparkler In a champagne glass, pour 3 oz. of Morad Passion Fruit wine and then top with Prosecco (we recommend Bartenura). Garnish with fresh fruit. Nectar of the Galilee 4 oz. Morad Lychee Wine 2 oz. coconut milk ½ oz. lime juice In a shaker filled with ice, shake vigorously and strain into champagne glass. If you want, triple the ingredients for this recipe and serve in a hollowed out coconut shell.
61 THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
JANUARY 29, 2015
62
Sale Dates: February 1st - 7th 2015
THE JEWISH HOME
Weekly Kellogg’s 10 oz Frosted Flakes, 9 oz Corn Pops, 8 oz Apple Jacks, 8 oz Froot Loops, 14 oz Chocolate Frosted Flakes
2
$
49
Wesson Oil Canola, Corn, Vegetable, Best Blend - 48 oz
399
$
.................................................
......................................................
Domino Sugar
Hunt’s Tomato Sauce Assorted - 8 oz
2
5/$
4 lb Bag $ 99
1
......................................................
Heinz Ketchup
.................................................
Mikee Original Brisket Sauce 25 oz
38 oz
399
$
5
2/$
......................................................
Hunt’s Tomatoes
5
......................................................
Crystal Geyser Sports Cap Water 8 Pack - 8 oz
...................................................... Pepsi, Schweppes, Crush, Sierra Mist, Mountain Dew, Brisk, Mug 12 Pack - 12 oz Cans
Tropicana Orange Juice All Varieties - 59 oz
349 ...................................................... $
10
10/$
......................................................
Turkey Hill Iced Teas
.................................................
.................................................
10 Pack - 160 Count
All Varieties 12 oz
Assorted - 18 oz
Kleenex Tissues
1199
$
Bear Naked Granola
7
2/$
499
.................................................
.................................................
.................................................
6 oz
Classico, Extra Light, Extra Virgin - 51 oz
$
72 Count 4 Hour $ 99
3 Hour Only 72 Count
.................................................
6 Hour $ 99 .................................................
Gefen Solid White Tuna in Water
.................................................
Skinny Girl Sparklers All Flavors 17 oz
Fresh & Healthy Cottage Cheese 16 oz
5
Bertolli Olive Oil
1399
Nabisco Chips Ahoy Cookies Assorted 9 oz - 15 oz
5
2/$
.......................................
12 oz
299
$
Aunt Jemima Pancakes
5
7
Danish Delight Cookies 12 oz
299
$
.................................................
Deep River Snacks 1.5 oz/2 oz
79¢
Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Polly-O Ricotta 2 lb
8 oz Cups
399
$
5
2/$
.......................................
Miller’s Shredded Cheese
.......................................
Sabra Dips & Spreads
Except Pizza 8 oz
Skim Plus Milk
Except Lactose-Free 64 oz
Except Hummus 8 oz
5
2/$
349
$
3
2/$
79¢
$
.......................................
.......................................
.......................................
.......................................
20 oz
8 oz
16 oz
5
$
4
399
$
2/$
Kineret Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
24 oz $ 99
Ohr Light Shabbos Candles
Super Pretzels
$
799
1
Rich’s Whip Topping
Tofutti Cuties
..............................................................
Frank’s Hot Sauce $ 99
Ner Mitzvah Neronim
5
.......................................
Mauzone Salad Dressing
3
Except Organic 8 oz
2/$
349
French’s Mustard
Breakstone Butter
$
Mendelshohn’s Pizza Original Only - 36 oz
3
2/$
.................................................
Assorted - 14oz
..............................................................
Hunt’s BBQ Sauce
12 oz
Plum Organics Stage 2 Baby Food
1
$
299
$
.................................................
$ 49
20 oz
5 oz/6 oz
2/$
64 oz
Fresh & Frozen Gefilte Fish
Pam Cooking Spray
4/$
Mehadrin Leben All Flavors - 6 oz
7
.................................................
2/$
5
11 must buy 4!
6
2/$
Gourmet Glatt Four Section Tu B’Shevat Platter $ 99
Classic or Spicy Brown 12 oz/14 oz
5/$
4/$
32 oz Mix 24 oz Syrup
5
5/$
.................................................
3.5 oz/4 oz
1
4
Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix or Syrup
1
$ 99
Dark or Light Brown, 10x Confectioners 1 lb
.................................................
$ 79
2/$
499 ................................................. $
10 oz
Domino Sugar
.................................................
Quaker Chewy Bars
5
5/$
8 oz
La Choy Lite Soy Sauce
.................................................
................................................. 6 oz/7 oz
Whole, Diced, Crushed, Sauce 28 oz/29 oz
Maxwell House Regular Coffee or Sanka Decaf
12 oz
299
8 oz
McCain 5 Minute Fries
2
$
99
Assorted 12 oz/13 oz
299
Morning Star Sausage Links
3
$
99
Popsicle Ice Pops 18 Pack/20 Pack
499
$
Dole Strawberries, Mango, Peaches
299
$
Call us: (516) 569-2662 • Fax: (516) 569-8376 • 123 Spruce Street, Cedarhurst, NY 11516 STORE HOURS: SUNDAY 7 AM-9 PM
MONDAY 7 AM-9 PM TUESDAY 7 AM-8 PM WEDNESDAY 7 AM-11 PM THURSDAY 6:30 AM-12 AM FRIDAY 6:30 AM UNTIL 2 HRS. BEFORE CANDLE LIGHTING
63 THE JEWISH HOME
10
$
99
lb.
2 Pack
Family Pack
...................
...................
...................
2
ready to bake or broil!
Marinated or Buffalo Boneless $ 49 29 4 lb. Flanken 10 lb.Chicken $179 lb. Beef Wings Super Family Pack ...................
Neck & Skirt Ground $
CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS 49
...................
Silver Tip 1st Cut $ 99 Roast $899 lb. Brisket 9 lb.
Family Pack
$
Seasoned Beef of $ 49 Pastrami 8 lb. Sliders
...................
...................
lb.
We carry only premium quality USA beef tender, juicy & delicious!
Side Corned Beef Steak $999 lb. Deckel $749 lb. (Mini Brisket)
Family Pack
JANUARY 29, 2015
Whole or Neck & Skirt Cut-Up Beef $ 29 Pullets 2 lb. Patties $499 lb.
MINUTE STEAK
Specials Poland Spring Water 24 Pack - 16.9 oz
499
$
...................................................... Coke, Diet Coke, Fresca, Sprite, Dr. Pepper 2 Liter
99¢
...................................................... Chicken of the Sea Solid White Tuna In Water or Oil 5 oz
Jumbo Cantaloupe
5.
2/$
new york state!
Fancy Eggplant
Portabella Mushrooms
79¢ lb.
2/$
1
2/$
Golden ¢ Delicious 79 lb. Apples ..........................
Sunkist Oranges
..........................
..........................
..........................
Macintosh Apples 89¢ lb.
Jumbo Red Pepper
Sweet Potatoes
Fresh Cauliflower 2/$4
..........................
..........................
Hass Avocado
99¢ ea.
4/$1
149 lb.
$
..........................
Spanish 99¢ lb. Onions
Anjou Pears
Fresh 79¢ lb. Kirbies
69¢ lb.
89¢ lb.
Pretzel Chicken Vegetable Lo Mein Split Pea Soup with Franks Macaroni Salad
Pistachio Salmon $ 99 ea.
8
1199lb. $ 99 6 lb. $ 99 7 qt. $ 99 3 lb.
$
59¢ lb.
4 Pack
Aliza Beer Nutritional Meals 24 VARIETIES! SPECIAL OF THE WEEK:
Holland Tulips Bunch
799
$
Chicken Meatballs with 2 Side Dishes
14
Alstromeria Bouquets
1099 $ 99 9
$
Broccoli Quiches
Strawberry Shortcake, Oreo Layer Cake, Chocolate Pudding Cake $ 99 ea.
999 $ 1499
order@gourmetglatt.com
450
$
............................
Spicy Salmon Avocado $ Roll
495
............................
Tuna Avocado Roll $
550
Sushi Sandwich
895
$
............................
Red Alert Roll
995
$
............................
Lion Roll
1095
$
all our cabbage is greenhouse grown!
1
Colorful Gerbera Daisies
299ea. $ 99 Turkish Salad Pre-Packaged 2 ea. new! $ Assorted Dessert Cups At the Counter 299ea. Cabbage with Noodles At the Counter $499lb. $ 49 Spinach Pasta At the Counter 5 lb. Honey Mustard Broccoli $ 99 6 lb. Cauliflower Salad At the Counter $ 49 Butternut Squash Soup Pre-Packaged 6 ea. $ 49 Low Fat Zucchini Souffle Pre-Packaged 5 ea. Tarter Dip
1
Bunch
order your shabbos platters early!
Lite Honey
1499lb. Garlic Sauce $ 99 5 lb. $399ea.
Six Grain Hamburger Buns Bread Package of 6 $ 99 $ 49 ea. ea.
$
5
2/$
Crunch Roll
6 Pack
Breaded Tilapia
All Flavors - 14 oz
Persian $ 59 Cucumber 1 lb.
Fresh Cheese or Potato Blintzes
Herb Crusted Tuna $
...................................................... Haagen Dazs Ice Cream
..........................
Deli & Takeout
/
...................................................... Axelrod Yogurt All Flavors - 6 oz
5
Plum Tomatoes
99¢
1099
$
Floral Arrangements in a Decorative Container or $ Glass
3499
/gourmetglatt
Pre-Packaged
$
We reserve the right to limit quantities. No rain checks. Not responsible for typographical errors.
Around The Community
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
64
BE STRONG ENOUGH TO STAND ALONE, SMART ENOUGH TO KNOW WHEN YOU NEED HELP, AND BRAVE ENOUGH TO ASK FOR IT.
516.284.8248
www.DrBosDiet.com FREE, NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION • LOCATIONS IN HEWLETT & MANHASSET
Yachad to Present Two-Day Conference for Parents and Educators New Jersey Yachad and the International Jewish Resource Center for Inclusion and Special Education will present a two-day conference for educators and parents on Sunday, February 8 and Monday, February 9 at Congregation Keter Torah in Teaneck, NJ. The synagogue is located at 600 Roemer Avenue. The conference is composed of two parts: On Sunday, Yachad Parents’ Conference: Ensuring that Every Child Belongs, to be held from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m., followed on Monday by Toward Successful Inclusive Classroom Environments from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Sunday conference is for parents and siblings; educators will participate both days. Yachad, the flagship program of the Orthodox Union’s National Jewish Council for Disabilities (NJCD), provides unique social, educational and recreational programs for individuals with learning, developmental and physical disabilities with the goal of their Inclusion in the total life of the Jewish community. The dual program is coordinated by Batya Jacob, Director of the International Jewish Resource Center for Inclusion and Special Education, a division of Yachad. “I can think of no better way than fostering the partnership between home and school than to invite parents and educators to meet together and learn about effective education for diverse learners,” Mrs. Jacob declared. “Beginning the conversation between these essential elements of our children’s education will ensure the creation of effective and appropriate education for all learners.” The Keynote Speaker on Sunday will be Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman, International Director of Yachad/The National Jewish Council for Disabilities. He will speak on “How to Foster Constructive Relationships Between Educators and Families,” in which he will provide strategies for both educators and parents to bridge the gaps between them and to create and maintain working relationships with each other. The Monday keynoter is Dr. Edward Hollowell, practicing child and adult psychiatrist, founder of the Hallowell Centers for Cognitive and Emotional Health and former instruc-
tor at Harvard Medical School. He will speak on “The Childhood Faces of ADHD” and give the Keynote Summation, “Creating Connections in a Disconnected Culture.” Other featured speakers over the two days include Beth Aune, owner-therapist of Desert Occupational Therapy for Kids, Inc., a pediatric outpatient clinic in Palm Desert, CA; Dr. Robin Brewer, Associate Professor in the Division of Special Education at the University of Northern Colorado and President of the Council for Exceptional Children; Dr. Kathy Johnson, who provides professional development on Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia through Premier Education Solutions and CMI Education Institute, to schools and to private clinics and institutions; Michelle Mintz, LCSW, Group and Intern Social Work Supervisor at Yachad. Rabbi Naphtali Hoff, who provides professional development and consulting services to day schools and yeshivot throughout the country, will also speak; Deborah Gardner, an innovative educator with broadbased experience as a teach, tutor and consultant in the Boston area; Amy Eisenberg, Director of Kulanu’s Keren Eliana Parent Advocacy and Resource Center in Cedarhurst, NY; Keith Burns, School Building Leader for Kulanu Academy; Lauren Portella, New York State-Certified special education teacher for children from birth through Grade 12; Beth Raskin, Executive Director of Kulanu; Shira Richman, Consultant with the Institute for Children with Autism; Penina Rybak, expert in speech-language pathology; Gary Shulman, Program Director of Social Services for Children with Special Needs; Dr. Jill Slansky, specialist in literacy; and Esther Weinstein, specialist in providing innovative services for individuals with disabilities. To register, contact www.yachad. org/specialedconference. The fee for parents is $36 per person or $50 per family. The fee for educators is $120 per educator for one day and $160 for both days.
65 THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
rgrossmandesign@gmail.com
ENDS
3 2 , Y R A FEBRU
RD
www.simchadaycamp.com 718. 868.2300 ext.233
66 JANUARY 29, 2015
“
OUR WHOLE
THE JEWISH HOME
FAMILY WAS VERY HAPPY WITH THE WAY MARGARET TIETZ TREATED MY FATHER. The care was great and the therapy was outstanding. With excellent food and a beautiful shul, Margaret Tietz takes care of you, they make you feel comfortable.
”
– Rabbi Schneure Zalman Baumgarten
At Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center you're surrounded by the reassuring faces of friends. An integral part of the Jewish community for more than four decades, Margaret Tietz is proud to deliver unparalleled Subacute Rehabilitation, as well as Long-Term, Medically Complex and Hospice Care in a newly renovated, comfortable and completely Kosher setting. s
State-of-the-art separate Meat & all Cholov Yisroel Dairy Kitchens under the Vaad Harabonim of Queens
s
Daily & Shabbos Minyanim
s
Shabbos Elevator
s
Shabbos Hospitality Apartment for visiting family members located only a block away
s
Eruv connecting our facility to Kew Gardens Hills, Jamaica Estates/Holliswood, Hillcrest/ Fresh Meadows & Briarwood
164-11 Chapin Parkway, Jamaica Hills, NY 11432 • www.tietzjewish.com • 718-298-7829 Centrally located near the Queens communities of Kew Gardens Hills, Hillcrest & Jamaica Estates. Only 20 minutes from Crown Heights, Manhattan & the Five Towns.
adlibunlimited.com
(Pictured here with his father)
Around The Community
67 THE JEWISH HOME
Mesivta Ateres Yaakov Rabbeim Visit their Talmidim in Eretz Yisroel
Two rabbeim from Mesivta Ateres Yaakov visited Eretz Yisroel this past week to “check up on their investments” in their respective yeshivos. 12th Grade rabbeim and Israel advisors, Rabbis Elysha Sandler and Yehuda Orlansky, embarked on a whirlwind of activity that filled their schedule while in Israel. They went straight from the airport to begin visiting the many yeshivos hosting MAY alumni. Their talmidim were eagerly waiting for them and showered them with ear-to-ear smiles and warm embraces. Each talmid sought to “impress” their rabbeim with their achievements and accomplishments, their notebooks and libraries. It was truly a fitting welcome to Eretz Yisroel. The week-long trip was a non-stop excursion from yeshiva to yeshiva; over 20 different yeshivos in all, over 100 talmidim, from the early hours of the morning – davening Shacharis together with various yeshivos – until way past midnight. The MAY rabbeim met privately with each talmid, their roshei yeshiva, mashgichim and current rabbeim to ensure that each talmid’s needs were being met and that their particular
kochos were being properly cultivated. Each yeshiva visit also gave the rabbeim an opportunity to “scout” each institution for MAY’s current and future talmidim. This is necessary since new yeshivos continue to emerge annually and even established yeshivos revamp their programs. The culmination of the already indescribable trip was the Shabbos spent together with over 80 talmidim at Yeshivas Ohr Yerushalayim, the annual host for this event. Five years of Mesivta Ateres Yaakov alumni gathered for a Shabbos of chizuk in Moshav Beit Meir and spent what many talmidim referred to as, “the best Shabbos they’ve ever had” together with their rabbeim. The entire weekend was saturated with inspiration. From the enthusiastic tefillos, to the leibedik meals, and all the heartwarming divrei Torah and learning in between – it was the perfect mix of ruchnius and gashmius. Divrei chizuk by the tefillos, older bochurim delivering prepared chaburos, a Shabbos afternoon shiur from a Rebbe or just the casual walks and warm reminiscing – everyone was both inspiring others and being inspired at the same time.
The program spanned from Friday afternoon until after the spirited dancing following havdalah, but the highlights of the Shabbos were the four hour Friday night oneg and two hour Shalosh Seudos, where each and every talmid gave over something from his own heart and mind. This, together with inspirational words of guidance and encouragement from the rabbeim, the heartfelt lively singing, the spontaneous dancing and the great noshing, brought everyone together and was mechazek rebbe and talmid alike. Reflecting on the Shabbos, Rabbi Sandler commented, “The diversity among the talmidim is very apparent; each progressing at his own pace along their distinct paths towards individual goals. Yet equally apparent was the deep-rooted camaraderie and reciprocal admiration that they share with each other, recognizing each other’s struggles and taking pride in their accomplishments. Not only did each of the eighty-plus bochurim respectfully listen to their fellow talmid’s words of chizuk and divrei Torah, they often made reference to each other’s remarks and made a point of both raising and
praising each other when they could. I am so proud of who they are and who they continue to become.” The Shabbos left all in a reflective state of mind, more focused on their goals and confident in their ability to overcome all forms of adversity. In addition to mentally and emotionally equipping them for the future, it also reminded them of the solid foundation that unites them and which prepared them for who they are now—the formative years of nurturing and growth at Mesivta Ateres Yaakov.
Rabbi Wein on the Parsha
Page 81
JANUARY 29, 2015
A pre-storm meeting was held in the Achiezer offices with representatives from: Hatzalah, JCCRP, JCC Greater Five Towns, Villages of Lawrence and Cedarhurst, NYPD, NCPD, RNSP, Scott M. Stringer NYC Comptroller’s Office, Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder’s office, State Senator Joe Addabbo’s office, Councilman Donovan Richards’ office, Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky’s office, Chaverim and Achiezer.
You Gotta be
Riddle!
Kidding!
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
68 78
A famous magician claims that when he is in the far north, he can point his car north on an ordinary road, drive it for one mile, and without turning around, end up one mile south from where he started. How does he do it?
Answer on next page
Three Texans die and go to heaven and bump into Albert Einstein. Einstein introduces himself to the first guy and says, “Timmy, what was your IQ when you were alive?” “161,” Timmy replies. “Great!” says Einstein, “we’ll discuss my general theory of relativity and maybe a little unified field theory as I show you around.” Einstein then introduces himself to Billy Bob. When Billy Bob tells him that he had an IQ of 143, Einstein says, “If you’d like, we can discuss a little mathematics and some philosophy.” Einstein then introduces himself to Bubba and asks, “What was your IQ when you were alive, Bubba?” “56,” says Bubba. Punching him on the arm, Einstein says, “Hey, Bubba, how ‘bout them Cowboys!”
If Tree Huggers Ran the NFL
69 79
3. Which country has the most square miles of forest? a. U.S. b. Russia c. Australia d. Brazil
5. Which of the following U.S. states has the most trees? a. Wyoming b. Oregon c. New York d. Ohio 6. The oldest known tree in the world is located somewhere in Inyo National Forest, California. (Its exact location is undisclosed to protect it from vandalism. If I found it, I would totally love to hang a “No Mets Parking Here” poster on it.) The tree is 4,789 years old. What is the name of the tree? a. Methuselah b. Solomon c. Goliath d. Jacob’s Ladder
6. A 7. B
Answers: 1. C 2. D 3. B- Russia has approximately 3,287,243 square miles of forest. The U.S. comes in fourth place with 872,564 square miles of forest. 4. A 5. B- According to a report published by the USDA Forest Service in 2002, Oregon has the most trees in the U.S.
Wisdom key: 6-7 correct: You are a serious tree lover. Let me guess, you tied yourself to a tree to protest it being cut down to build a new hospital, right? 3-5 correct: Not bad. You see? You gained something from those nature walks that your parents forced you to take as a child. 0-2 correct: You could use a little less carbon dioxide and a little more oxygen… develop a give and take with your local tree and maybe you will do better on the next trivia.
G OT FU N N Y?
Comm Let the ission er dec Send
your s t
uff t
ide
o fivetow centerfold@ nsjewis hhome. com
ANSWER TO RIDDLE: He drives his car in reverse.
4. The tallest tree in the world is a Coast Redwood located in Northern California. How tall is it? a. 379 ft b. 590 ft c. 734 ft d. 1,100 ft
JANUARY 29, 2015
2. Approximately how many types of trees are there in the world? a. 500 b. 2000 c. 14,000 d. 23,000
7. The science of calculating a tree’s age by its rings is known as: a. Chlorophyllyzation b. Dendrochronology c. Treehugolagy d. Makeitupolagy because nobodyknowsyourelyingoligy e. Botanology f. Arboristology
1. What is the official tree of the U.S.? a. American Chestnut b. Gray Birch c. Oak d. Hawthorn
THE JEWISH HOME
Tree Trivia
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
70
Around The Community A Real “Yeshiva Week” for the YOSS Boys By S. Nussiav Giving a few days off, whether it be dispersed through a few long weekends with extra days off or a few days off in the middle of the week or even a week off, seems to be something of an accepted fact in our neighborhood. Despite the fact that the students are off, it’s known throughout the neighborhood and the Tri-State area as “Yeshiva week.” But at the Yeshiva of South Shore, the mid-winter break is truly a “Yeshiva Week” as it is punctuated by a fabulous program called “Yeshivas Bein Hazmanim.” This wonderful program, geared to the talmidim of grades 1 through 8, gives the boys an opportunity to enjoy a respite from their daily grind of schoolwork, but within a yeshiva environment. Despite an official off day, the boys come to Yeshiva, daven appropriately with a minyan and then learn with Yeshiva Rabbeim in an informal non-classroom setting. And after an exciting and “gesh-
mak” period of learning, the boys and their Rebbes together with some older talmidim from local high schools and Batei Medrash, head out on an exciting and invigorating day trip under the direction of Rabbi Shlomo Drebin and supervised by his staff of experienced and
devoted counselors. This year’s program was filled to capacity with many participants on every grade level. After all, who wouldn’t be excited to participate? Over the course of the mid-winter’s program, the boys went on two separate trips—one to the famed CoCo Key Water Resort in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, which was rented exclusively for the boys. Although it may have been 25 degrees outWhether it was learning, swimming or snowtubing, Yeshiva of South Shore’s Yeshivas Bain Hazmanim made a real splash! side, it was 85 degrees inside with thousands of gallons students gathered so seriously to pray ments from the facilities’ staff members of water to frolic in while sliding down (when davening Mincha), while be- and even the bus driver. waterslides, water tubing, and myriad having so delightfully when having so The boys returned to Yeshiva inother water activities, much fun! It goes without saying that vigorated and ready to resume learning highlighted by, of course, the boys acted with utmost derech eretz refreshed and excited by a winter break swimming. Indeed it was which prompted numerous compli- that they will not soon forget. a taste of summer in the middle of winter! On another day of the fantastic program, winter reality set in as the talmidim headed to the largest and best tubing facility in the nation, the Camelback snow tubing facility in Tannersville, Pennsylvania. That trip, too, was an exclusive experience for the talmidim as Camelback allowed them to have the entire facility to themselves! Being the only ones there facilitated the most fun with the shortest lines. In both facilities gentile workers expressed amazement about how the
71 THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
72
73
le!
BOWL-A-THON
ets O g Buy Tickowlforthem.or b . www
To Benefit
Strike A Better Future For Our Youth
DAVID JAISON
THE MENTALIST
Food Sponsored By:
Wednesday, February 25th, 2015 Woodmere Bowling Lanes, 948 Broadway 8:00 PM - - Registration 936 Broadway, Woodmere NY
9:00 PM Bowling Begins
CO
NT
ES
T
10:30 PM - Award Ceremony
RE
D
PIN
make a $10 Donation TEXT MADRAIGOS to 20222
To register or information on becoming a sponsor, Please contact Rabbi Josh Zern at
jzern@madraigos.org or call 516-371-3250 ext. 5
YOUTH PROGRAMS Holiday Retreats The Lounge Year Round Events
COMMUNITY RESOURCES Community Education Educational Enhancement Job Placement School Based Services
CLINICAL SERVICES 24 Hour Support Line Assessments/Referrals Case Management Crisis Intervention Support Groups
BowlForThem.org
JANUARY 29, 2015
ics Electron ickets T s Sport ilia W emorab Sports M nline NO
Raff g n i t i c Ex
THE JEWISH HOME
HAVE A FUN NIGHT OUT • HANG WITH FRIENDS • HELP A CAUSE
JANUARY 29, 2015
174 12
THE JEWISH HOME
70 YEARS SINCE THE LIBERATION OF AUSCHWITZ By Brendy J. Siev
L
ike many of my Brooklyn-born peers, grandchildren of survivors, I learned about the Holocaust from my grandmother. She did not speak of it to me, but her arm did. I was about five years old when I noticed Bubby’s tattoo. I asked my mother and thus began a very real and very personal Holocaust study. Bubby had been through Plaszow, BergenBelsen, and Auschwitz. Her number branded her forever as a woman of paradoxes: strength and suffering, pride and humility, luck and fate, and love and loss. This year marks 70 years since the soldiers liberated her from Auschwitz, throwing chocolate and whatever food they had at her, so horrified were they at the living skeletons quietly standing at the barbed wire entrance to hell. Now, 70 years since Auschwitz’s liberation, the last of those courageous survivors and world leaders are convening at Auschwitz, the little city of tremendous horrors, to recognize the past and emphasize a resolve and hope for the future: never again. The Horror of Auschwitz On January 27, 1945, the Allies liberated Auschwitz. The Soviet advance forced the Nazis to retreat from Eastern Europe to Germany; they took many of their prisoners to kill in death marches along the way. However, the Germans left 7,500 prisoners behind, among them children and those prisoners closest to death. Upon liberation, the world was horrified and shocked. The Soviets found 600 corpses, and thousands of living skeletons greeted them when they arrived. “I saw the faces of the people we liberated,” Soviet major Anatoly Shapiro recalled. “They
went through hell.” Holocaust historian Daniel Goldhagen writes, “Auschwitz was a death factory, an oxymoron that would have made no sense before the Holocaust, but that now is effortlessly comprehensible.” Overall, in Auschwitz, 1.1 million people were slaughtered. One million of those killed were Jews.
A
uschwitz was the site of the largest mass murder in the history of the world. In spring of 1940, Rudolf Hoss, captain of the SS, became commandant of a concentration camp in a town called Oswiecim in southwest Poland. The Germans called it Auschwitz, and it had been taken over by the Germans the year before. Hoss was told to make a camp for 10,000 prisoners using old Polish army barracks. These buildings were “well-constructed,” he later wrote, but “completely run down and swarming with vermin.” The camp came to be called Auschwitz I and was meant to contain and control Polish dissidents. At the time, Polish Jews were still confined to ghettos. Hoss decided to utilize the ironic motto of Dachau, “Arbeit Macht Frei—Work Makes You Free” in his camp as well. More than 10,000 Poles died in Hoss’s camp within 20 months. The camp had few supplies and little support from headquarters. Hoss later admitted in his memoirs that cruel and brutal punishment was routine there. However, because the town was so close to major railroad lines and surrounded by natural resources, including fresh water, lime, and coal, it was perfect for IG Farben, the German industrial company, to build a factory for war materials. This worked for SS Commander Heinrich
Himmler. He envisioned a model Nazi settlement, where prisoners worked as slaves and the SS grew rich selling coal, gravel and labor to IG Farben. Toward the end of 1940, Himmler visited Auschwitz and told Hoss to triple the camp’s capacity. This would be the largest concentration camp in the Nazi regime. They drew up architectural plans, expanding their Nazi vision. At this point, during the spring of 1941, Hitler invaded the Soviet Union. The Nazis hated the USSR and considered the Red Army a gaggle of inferior human beings. The Nazis took three million Soviet troops prisoner; within nine months, two million were dead from bullets, starvation, or hard labor. Hitler wanted any prisoner who could not work dead. Soon Himmler decided to extend Hitler’s Euthanasia Program, “mercy” deaths of handicapped children and the mentally and physically disabled, to Auschwitz. This way, he would not have to transport those who could not work out of the labor camp. He wanted a more efficient way to murder people that was also psychologically easier on the killers.
E
nter Zyklon B, a pesticide used to exterminate bugs and vermin from warehouses. One of Hoss’s deputies figured out how to efficiently use Zyklon B to fumigate barracks and disinfect clothes. These crystals dissolved in air to produce a lethal gas. He chose Block 11 for the first Zyklon B experiments. In late summer of 1941, the Nazis sealed off the doors and windows of Block 11. August Kowalczyk, a Polish political prisoner in Auschwitz, recalls, “Our attention was drawn by SS men running around with gas masks. The windows of the bunker had been covered up with sand, and in the cellar Soviet prisoners of war were assembled. And it turned out the following day that the SS—actually it was [Gerhard] Palitzsch in particular who attracted attention because he was running around like crazy. It turned out that the gas hadn’t worked properly and that many of the prisoners, the people, were still alive. So they increased the dosage— added more crystals—and finished the job.” Hoss later wrote that this experiment calmed him. He said that he was “relieved to think that we would be spared all these bloodbaths.” Even so, the so-called bloodbaths, or death-by-firing-squad, continued with a new camp built a mile and a half from Auschwitz, in Birkenau, also known as Auschwitz II. Auschwitz II, designed originally for Russian
113 75
Greeting their Soviet liberators
somewhere. My brother and my father are buried here as well, you know.” Hoss was a master of efficiency: During 1942, 200,000 Jews were sent to Auschwitz from all over Europe. Seventy percent were killed immediately upon arrival. In 1943, the infamous Dr. Josef Mengele, an SS physician, arrived at Auschwitz. He and other Nazi doctors conducted experiments on women, children, twins, and infants. If one twin died under experimentation, he would kill the other in order to conduct twin autopsies. Auschwitz was his laboratory and terror playground. Hours of Horror and Torment Although Hoss focused on killing as many people as possible, there were thousands of prisoners who were living through the horrors of life in Auschwitz. Their day began at 4:30am with morning roll call. Weak and shivering through the cold, the prisoners were forced to line up in rows of five for the roll call, which could last for four hours. Beatings were carried out for infractions, such as a missing button or an improperly cleaned bowl. All prisoners were counted and recounted—even those who died through the night were expected to
top of each other, pushing to try to sleep before they were forced awake in a few hours for another day of terror. As punishment, some prisoners were made to spend the night in standing cells. The cells were only 16 square feet and held four men who could only stand. After a night of standing, they then had to head out to work. Prisoners sentenced to death for attempting to escape were confined in a dark cell and given neither food nor water until they died of thirst and starvation. In the basement of Block 11 were the “dark cells,” which had only a very tiny window and a solid door. Prisoners placed in these cells gradually suffocated as they used up all the oxygen in the cell; sometimes the SS lit a candle in the cell to use up the oxygen more quickly. Many were subjected to hanging with their hands behind their backs for hours, even days, thus dislocating their shoulder joints.
I
n 1944, the Nazis struggled with a bottleneck of people: so many Jews were coming in from Hungary, and the gas chambers were always full. With about 725,000 Hungarian Jews in all, Hungarian Jews were the largest group of Jews
JANUARY 29, 2015
be there, propped up by their fellow inmates. After roll call, they would walk to their work details five abreast, wearing their camp uniforms and ill-fitted wooden shoes—despite the fierce cold. A prisoners’ orchestra would play cheerful music as they left the camp. During the summer, work would last for 12 hours; it was slightly shorter in the winter. Much of the work was labor-intensive and meant to break their spirit and inflict the most pain. Some prisoners would be forced to roll boulders up and down hills; many would be crushed as they tried to push the large rocks up the hills in their weakened state. A second roll call took place in the evening, and again, all prisoners would have to be accounted for. Afterwards, punishments were meted out, depending on what happened during the day. Finally, after hours of horror, the prisoners were allowed to head back to the barracks for their bread and water rations. They slept lengthwise and crosswise one on
B
y spring 1942, Auschwitz became the pivotal point of implementation of the Final Solution. And Birkenau was not about Russian POWs anymore; it was about Jews. While Hoss had been using Zyklon B to kill Soviets and the sick in the camp’s crematorium, Hoss did not find this the best place for mass murder. For one, the killings were happening too close to Hoss’s office. A prisoner recounted that after the Zyklon B pellets entered the gas chamber, “in spite of the fact that these walls were very thick—you could hear a great scream from within. This took place at lunchtime. In order to stifle the screaming, they had two motorcycles standing on the pavement near the crematorium, engines revved up as far as they could go.” So Hoss found an ideal location for new gas chambers where people could die in secrecy. In a remote field, just a few miles from Auschwitz I, was a little cottage known as the Little Red House, or Bunker 1. This they converted into two separate gas chambers. A few weeks later, they build a sister cottage to the Little Red House. The new place of death was called the Little White House. In March 1942, Hoss was ready. Jews came from Slovakia to the railhead in Birkenau, just two miles from the Little Cottages. From Birkenau, they were pushed toward the cottages. Eva Votavova, a Jewish survivor from Slovakia, recalls, “When they opened the train carriages and forced us out, they shouted at us immediately. They were screaming in German… We had to stand in line. Men had to step out first, then women with children, and then old people. I looked at my father, here, and I saw a sad look on his face. This is my last memory of him.” Thus, Auschwitz-Birkenau became fully operational in 1942: it was Germany’s largest killing site. Hoss issued commands, that what was most important in “the whole business of arriving and undressing” was that it “should take place in an atmosphere of the greatest possible calm.” The murder mastermind later wrote, “Hundreds of men and women in the full bloom of life walked all unsuspecting to the death in the gas chambers under the blossom-laden fruit trees of the orchard… I looked upon them as enemies of our people. The reasons behind the Extermination Program seemed to me right.” The SS had Jewish prisoners deal with the bod-
ies, to load the dead onto hand trucks and wheel them to giant pits behind the cottages. These men were called the Sonderkommando. The SS eventually made sure to have Sonderkommando speaking every language to calm the people entering the gas chambers. The Sonderkommando were killed by the SS cyclically to ensure that they would not rise up and rebel. Former Jewish Sonderkommando Otto Pressburger related, “We were digging holes. We really didn’t know what they were for. It was only when the holes were deep enough that we started to throw the bodies into them. It was appalling. New bodies were lying here every morning and we had to bury them. When summer came everything started to rot. “It was terrible. The majority of the people working here were from my home city of Trnava. I knew all of them and every day there were less and less of them. They must still be buried around here
THE JEWISH HOME
prisoners of war, was built to hold 100,000 prisoners. The architects ensured that suffering was part of its planning. The plans had no provisions for enough water or waste disposal, and they knew the overcrowding would lead to widespread disease. At the last minute, they planned to increase the occupancy of each barrack from 550 to 744. Of the first 10,000 Russian POWs sent to Birkenau, only a few hundred lived past the first five months. At this point, Auschwitz was not part of the plan to liquidate the Jews. The Germans were still isolating Jews into smaller and smaller ghettos. On January 20, 1942, at the infamous Wannsee Conference held in a villa in a swank Berlin suburb, the Nazis fully articulated their plan: the Final Solution. All Jews under German command must die.
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
176 14
alive in Europe. By early July 1944, more than 380,000 of them were brought to Auschwitz where they were gassed and burned. But all the bodies overtaxed camp resources. The SS started burning bodies in pyres in huge pits behind Crematorium V. By January 1945, the SS knew the Red Army was approaching. Himmler frantically ordered the dismantling of the camp. The crematoria and gas chambers were blown up. Files were removed or destroyed. The Germans could not get rid of all the bodies, though. The Russian liberators found stacks of tens of thousands of bodies in the snow. The Germans evacuated more than 60,000 inmates and marched them in subzero temperatures to railway junctions. Thousands died on these death marches; many were shot. Those who survived were packed in wagons and sent west to work as slave laborers. Those who were too weak or too ill were left behind to be shot, though, in the confusion to evacuate they were thankfully abandoned and left behind. Many of these were children who had been Mengele’s test subjects. These were the prisoners the Russians found. After liberation, Hoss was incarcerated while he awaited trial. He spent his time writing his memoirs of Auschwitz. He felt that the reasons behind the extermination seemed right, and he wrote about watching women and children entering the gas chambers. One chilling statement from his memoirs: “One woman approached me as she walked past and pointed to her four children who were manfully helping the smallest ones over the rough ground and whispered, ‘How can you bring yourself to kill such beautiful, darling children? Have you no heart at all?’ ” In just four years, 1.3 million people were sent to Auschwitz. By conservative estimates, under Hoss’ watch and directives, at least 1.1 million died there, 90 percent of them Jews. Before Hoss was hanged at specially-made gallows at Auschwitz, he wrote: His only regret was that he did not spend more time with his family. A Symbol of the Aryan Revolution What is most troubling, Holocaust historian and author of Hitler’s Willing Executioners Daniel Goldhagen writes, is that the Holocaust and its mass murders would have happened even without gas chambers and even without Auschwitz, Treblin-
ka, and Sobibor. Only half of the six million died through deliberate slaughter; the rest “they killed by nonindustrial means, mainly by shooting or starving them to death.” In fact, Goldhagen claims, rounding Jews up and shipping them to concentration camps was inefficient. The Nazis could have killed Jews where they found them. The Germans chose to create death factories to keep the killers away from their victims. Goldhagen points out, “To understand the politics of mass murder and eliminationism, the technical means of carrying out the deed are almost never the central issue. Rather, the crucial elements are the political leaders’ decision to commit genocide, the willing participation of a large population of perpetrators, the sympathy of an even broader civilian population — in the case of the Holocaust, principally ordinary Germans, but also many other Europeans — and, above all, the ideology that motivates them all to believe that annihilating the targeted people is necessary and right.” To Goldhagen, this is what marks Auschwitz as so important. Auschwitz is a symbol of a “racist revolution,” a group of people committed to overturning core ideals about humanity and normalcy. Auschwitz’s gas chambers were only one part of a larger system of 40 camps and sub-camps run by German “overlords.” In this way, Auschwitz “was a microcosm, not so much of the specific mechanisms of the Holocaust, but of the Nazis’ ideological vision of a world to be ruled by a master race, resting on the collective graves of the Jewish people...served by an enormous population of slaves.” Goldhagen says that when global leaders convened this week at Auschwitz they needed to realize “that they are gazing into the abyss that would have consumed their continent and the world.” If not for the end of the war, the Nazis just would have kept on killing, bringing their weapons to the rest of the world. Did the Allies Know? The question that immediately follows witness-
Children survivors show the numbers on their arms
ing or hearing about this horror is what the world could have done. Americans think about our country: Did the Allies know? Could they have stopped the atrocities? As with all aspects of the Holocaust, the Allies did not know the level of horrors until 1943. Even with that information, had the Allies bombed the train tracks leading to Auschwitz, the Nazis would not have stopped the murders. Even when Hitler was losing the war, the Nazis sent trains that could have been used to transport more troops to the front to transport more Jews to concentration camps. Their single-mindedness underscored their determination. What Allied efforts would have accomplished, though, was a show of force toward the Nazis and a message to the suffering Jews. But the Allies did not want to use military force for civilian means. It is easy for us to examine history as a continuum; it is harder for those living it to anticipate the future or fully understand it. Students of history see the Nazis’ clear intent based on de-classified documents from the Axis and Allied powers and the luxury of time. What we do not remember is that even the Allies themselves were comprised of different countries with different ideologies. We don’t visualize Stalin, of purge fame, trying to protect human rights, or the British, who have a strong history of anti-Semitism, standing up for Jewish rights and lives. These were the Americans’ partners. From 1933 through 1939, especially following the first few months of the Nazis’ rise to power, the United States had heard constant reports of events in Germany. Jews lost their civil rights; they faced economic persecution. While the Americans perceived this as mostly unprecedented, they compared these laws to medieval precepts and strictures of old. The Germans were careful to say that Jews who were arrested and sent to concentration camps were not arrested as Jews, but as “opposition.” To the Americans, this discrimination may have been wrong, but not historically unique. But by 1938, the Nuremberg Laws ceased to be a simple German internal issue that influenced only several hundred thousand German Jews. With the Anschluss, the annexation of Austria in March of 1938, Austrian mobs clogged the streets. The antiJewish sentiments got louder. The Jews were told to leave.
A
nd then came the catch-22, or as Shlomo Aronson of Hebrew University calls it, The Trap. Jews needed to immigrate in large numbers. But the world was occupied with the Great Depression, high unemployment, and poverty. Countries would not take the Jews. When Jews waited on lines for visas in Germany and Austria, they were harassed. Soon, Eichmann made a rapid system of taking all Jewish property and trying to force Jews to emigrate. When the Germans deported Jews to the Polish border, they were turned away by the Poles. The United States, prior to World War II, was already isolationist. This influenced the American intelligence community. The Americans were focused on the Communist threat and perceived the
77 115
Survivors Speak Most of the 114,000 Holocaust survivors living in America are in the New York area. They struggle with horrible memories, issues with trust, and hoarding food. The UJA keeps track of survivors who are, on average, 79 years old, poor and in need of special help due to stress and malnutrition. About half the survivors of Nazi camps and wartime ghettos have died in the last ten years; half of those who remain are expected to die in the next seven years. Survivor Hy Abrams recalls his time in Auschwitz, Plaszow, Mauthausen, Melk and Ebensee. Abrams was taken at age 20 by German Nazi soldiers and separated from his mother, father, brother and three sisters. He keeps a little blue book of his memories of the time. “At night I saw the chimneys and the fire and the smoke,” Abrams recounts. After he entered Auschwitz, he asked another prisoner where he could find his parents. Abrams recounts, “‘That fire,’ he says, ‘is where your father and your family went.’” He never saw his parents again. Abrams, at 90, is one of the oldest of Holocaust survivors who gather each week to share stories. Seven decades have not dulled the pain he lived through. Abrams and Golda Pollac, 89, survivors of several camps, including Auschwitz, see the anniversary of the liberation as a time of pain. Golda
JANUARY 29, 2015
T
saw that the State Department was not helping the Jews, and so he founded the War Refugee Board as an unprecedented resource to save Jews. The Allies then bombed Budapest. This halted some deportation. Raoul Wallenberg acted on behalf of the War Refugee Board; the organization, according to Professor David Leiman, saved 200,000 Jews. The Allies bombed an industrial complex in Auschwitz III, a few miles from Birkenau. They argued that they would kill innocent civilians if they bombed Birkenau. They claimed that did not have the right range to bomb the area, though they did. Whether they could have precisely bombed the crematoria and gas chambers is an unanswered, debatable question. Professor Shlomo Aronson of Hebrew University questioned, as so many of us do, whether the Americans should have and could have bombed the rail lines leading to Auschwitz. He interviewed Albert Speer, the Nazi minister of armaments, in jail while Speer was serving a life sentence. Speer told Professor Arenson that repairing a rail line would have taken the Nazis mere hours. The Allies would only have halted the killings for some time if they had bombed key railroad interchange points. Looking at the Nazi track record, the Nazis would have continued their murders using other methods. This was still 1944, and, by June 6, the Allies began their most aggressive offensive: D-Day. Allied resources were now dedicated to bombing areas near parts of France rather than the inland Auschwitz. Less than a year later, the Soviet forces marched into the Auschwitz concentration camp, aghast with the horror of what was happening there for the past few years. Living skeletons greeted them, still living, breathing and surviving despite the evil Nazi machine.
from Warsaw, to his countryside dwelling Kever [“tomb”]. I am alone here; I feel lonely...Uncle Gerush [“deportation”] works also in Warsaw; he is a very capable worker. His friend Miso [“death”] works together with him. Please pray for me. A follow up arrived in September: “Uncle Achenu has died.” The two men purposely delayed going public with this report for four months. At that point, more reports came through. The mass murder had been going on for more than a year. By the end of 1942, the British foreign minister addressed Parliament. He told his fellow Englishmen that the Nazis were carrying out systematic killing of many hundreds of thousands. The British condemned the killings. Then they held a moment of silence. The Allies started feeling pressure to do something. There was nothing more, however, that they thought they could do. They had just had their first Allied victory—in North Africa. They could not really reach the places Women survivors huddle in a prisoner’s barracks shortly after Soviet forces liberate Auschwitz that they had to to stop the killing. sions. The British were concerned the USSR would collapse quickly; they saw reports about Jews and he timelines, tragically, do not correlate, the “murder of citizens” but did not react, in part, according to Dr. Joel Zissenwine of Yad they claim, because the Nazis would realize someVashem. The Allies only knew about the one had deciphered their secret coded transmis- gas chambers and the murders when the Allies did not have sufficient power or access to do anything. sions. At this point, the Americans were still unaware By 1943, the Allies focused all their power on the of anything as terrible as gas chambers. Further- unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany. Their more, the British could not believe that a Western resources were directed to that, curtailing any atcountry would engage in systematic mass murder tempts for humanitarian action. 1943 also marked the turning point in the war: the Allies began as part of a larger plan. But 1942 marked a turning point. Vyacheslav to win. But it also marked the end of Operation Molotov, the Soviet foreign minister and diplomat, Rhinehard: the Germans had completed their mass informed the Soviets about the murders. Bertram murder of Jews in Germany and Poland. But what about Auschwitz? Could the Allies Jacobs of the Joint Committee announced that 300,000 Jews were killed on the Eastern front. have bombed the complex of evil? The first reports of Auschwitz came in late 1940 Members of the Bund smuggled out a report that 700,000 Jews were killed. There was talk about from the Polish government in exile, located in gas chambers. This information reached the Pol- London. The Polish government knew Auschwitz ish government in exile and the BBC in England was being used to kill Poles. They wanted the British RAF to bomb Auschwitz. But the RAF would reported on it. Despite that, the British were reluctant to be- not do it, a reflection of the British attitude toward lieve the reports. They were afraid of exaggera- many humanitarian causes at the time. Jews from Hungary who had been on the front tion, like some of the propaganda that had reached them during World War I. But by August of that also told the Allies about Auschwitz. But the reyear, a representative of the World Jewish Congress ports of the horror seemed surreal to the listeners. By 1944, Eichmann organized deportation to received a report: the Nazis planned to murder all the Jews. He sent this information to Dr. Stephen the only death camp still working: Auschwitz. DurWise in the United States and Sidney Silverman in ing the spring and summer of 1944, deportations began of 400,000 Jews in a matter of weeks. Great Britain. Two prisoners escaped from Birkenau in June The encoded letter read: I spoke to Mr. Jager [“hunter” in German]. He 1944. They sent a report with details about gas told me that he will invite all relatives of the fam- chambers and the ongoing horrors of Auschwitz. Then there were no more secrets. Henry Morily Achenu [“our brothers,” meaning all Jews], with the exception of Mrs. Eisenzweig [“ironworkers”], genthau, Jr., a high-level member of FDR’s cabinet,
THE JEWISH HOME
Nazis as a limited problem. Furthermore, many Americans were anti-Semitic. This does not mean they supported mass extermination of Jews: many Americans simply did not like Jews. Jews were an unpopular victim. By 1939, with the outbreak of World War II, news began to travel across borders. The Joint started sending packages. By June 1941, the Nazis attacked the USSR. The Germans started sending out mobile killing units to shoot everyone. The British, in the meantime, cracked the Nazis’ codes and began deciphering thousands of daily transmis-
178 16 JANUARY 29, 2015
After liberation, “I was so weak,” Abrams recalled. He learned that only about 30 people from the 100 Jewish families of his hometown survived.
went to Auschwitz at 19, where she lost her hair, her name, and her family. She worked in Buchenwald at an airplane factory and ate grass off the ground during forced marches. “I [would] say, ‘Here is the heaven and here is the hell. And we are now in the hell,’” she said of the camps. “This is what I say and with this I go until I [was] liberated because here people do everything.” In Plaszow camp, Abrams made shoes for the Germans; in Mauthausen, he hauled boulders up the “Stairs of Death.” On his way to Plaszow, Abrams saw his once-beautiful sisters, who, bald and starved, called out to him. He did not answer. “I was so depressed, I couldn’t even look from where that voice came,” he said. “That lives with me.”
“I Will Outlive You” My grandmother, Rochel Rothschild Schwartz, was not present at Auschwitz this week. Her time there ended decades ago. In Auschwitz, she lost her mother, her sisters, her brother, her father. Later, married and living in Los Angeles, she named her children after her parents, mourned for her parents on Tisha B’Av, and wrote her family names into books at Yad Vashem. She lived through Auschwitz in part because of her friend, Henchu Weiss of Queens, who worked in the kitchen and snuck food to my grandmother. Our family is ever grateful. Once, in Auschwitz, broken and devastated, without a thought about her future or a glimmer that she would ever emerge alive, Bubby looked a Nazi in the eye and said, “I will outlive you.” He laughed. She outlived him. But what the Germans could not do to her, a brain tumor, a possible side effect of being deloused with DDT in Auschwitz, eventually did. Though she and so many other survivors did not make it to this 70th anniversary, their children and children’s children and children’s children’s children, have. They have outlived them.
IRGUN SHIURAI TORAH presents the
בס"ד
ORLDWIDE SHOVAVIM PROJEC
Review the fundamental Halachos and Hashkafos that preserve the sanctity of the Jewish home! These courses review the basic Halacha and Hashkafa issues that affect the daily lives of all observant couples. Argentina • Australia • Austria • Belgium • Brazil • Canada • Chile • England • France • Germany • Hong Kong • Israel • Italy • Mexico • South Africa • Switzerland • Uruguay • U.S.A.
The Halacha Hotline of the Five Towns and Far Rockaway in conjunction with Irgun Shiurai Torah presents a series of shiurim for women covering various topics in Taharas Hamishpacha ____________________
The Gift of Harchakos
Preparing for Purification B'Simcha by Mrs. Batya Krasnow
Sunday, January 25 at 8:30 pm
Sunday, February 8 at 8:30 pm
Challenges, Goals, and Greatness
Understanding the Taharah Principles
by
Mrs. Shoshana Jaeger
____________________
____________________
by
Mrs. Debbie Greenblatt
Sunday, February 1, at 8:30 pm
by
HaRav Binyomin Forst Shlit"a Sunday, February 15, 8:30 pm
____________________
location: TAG Elementary School (2nd Floor) 444 Beach 6 Street, Far Rockaway
Shovavim is an acronym for the initial letters of six sidros of the Torah (Shemos, Vaerah, Bo, Beshalach, Yisro, and Mishpotim.) These six weeks are a time for Teshuvah, according to the Arizal. During these sacred weeks, Irgun Shiurai Torah organizes Shiurim in Taharas Hamishpacha to help foster increased awareness of these laws. Calligraphix 718.438.1334
THE JEWISH HOME
O
n Monday, the day before world leaders convened on Auschwitz to commemorate the liberation, hundreds of survivors gathered for a private day of prayer at the former camp. One survivor cried out in pain, “I don’t want to come here anymore!” The trip, funded by the World Jewish Congress and the USC Shoah Foundation, brought back terrifying memories: for some, it was the first time back since the end of World War II. Those returning said they wanted a final visit to cry for their parents and siblings who were slaughtered in the Holocaust. Rose Schindler, 85, never said goodbye to her family. She survived because she was selected for slave labor. “I have no graves for my mother and sisters and brother, my father. So this, somehow, it is a way to say goodbye,” said Schindler. Together, the survivors chanted the kaddish next to the “Arbeit Macht Frei” sign. Marcel Tuchman, a 93-year-old survivor of Auschwitz and three other Nazi camps, said, “The
overwhelming statistics are not the stories to be told. The stories could only be told by the victims. Unfortunately their voices were silenced by gas and the crematoria, so we are here, the survivors, to speak for them and honor the memory of their suffering.”
page 14
SPONSOR TAHARAS HAMISHPACHA WORLDWIDE! Mail your contribution to: IRGUN SHIURAI TORAH Worldwide Shovavim Project: 1438 40th Street • Brooklyn, NY 11218 • 718.851.8651 • 718. 853.3950 • IST@THEJNET.COM To be notified of upcoming shiurim in your neighborhood, send an email specifying your location to tapecenter@yeshivanet.com
The Shmuz
79
Parshas Beshalach
A
fter months of witnessing the hand of Hashem, the entire Jewish nation — three million strong — marched out from slavery to freedom with flourish and fanfare. Escorted by clouds of glory, walking through a desert made smooth by overt miracles, they travelled as one. It seemed that the troubles of the Jewish people were finally behind them, and they were being escorted to their final redemption . . . until the clouds directed them to a dead end – the sea. Stopping there, the Jewish people looked up and saw Mitzraim chasing after them. With nowhere to turn, they waited while Moshe called out to Hashem. Hashem answered back, “Moshe, why do you cry out to Me? Speak to the Jewish people and let them travel.” At that point, the entire nation crossed the Yam Suf. Rashi is bothered by the expression that Hashem used: “the Jews need only travel.” What did Hashem mean by that? How could they travel when an entire sea was in the way? Rashi explains that Hashem was saying there is nothing that will stop the Klal Yisroel because they are worthy of the greatest miracles ever known to man. Rashi then enumerates the reasons that they are so worthy. 1. The merit of the Avos. 2. Their own merit. 3. The merit of the trust that they had in Hashem at that moment. The difficulty with this Rashi is that he lists all three reasons in same breath as if they are equal, and clearly they aren’t. The first two, the merit of the Avos and the Jews’ own merit, refer to overall perfection across the gamut of human activity. The Avos were living, breathing Sifrei Torah. We learn from their every action and thought. Their combined merit is hard to imagine. And even the second cause, the merit of the
entire Jewish people, was stupendous. While not every member had remained on the highest level, as a nation they had remained loyal to Hashem. After spending months witnessing Hashem’s direct involvement in their lives, they had grown to great levels across many different areas: chessed, emunah, ahavas Yisroel, emes… How can we com-
we know it. It is a given that Hashem is constantly and permanently involved in the running of this world at that level. However, the specific details and the day-to-day running of the world Hashem has given over to a host of forces that He created and maintains, but allows to actually carry out the laws that He set. These forces determine much
The amount of our trust in Hashem will directly affect how much Hashem will intercede on our behalf .
pare one single aspect — their trust in Hashem — to the merit of the Avos or to the merit of all of their actions put together? It would seem to be dwarfed by comparison. Yet Rashi put these together as if they are all equal reasons that Hashem would create miracles for the Jewish people. Hashem’s Involvement in the World The answer to this question is based on understanding Hashem’s relationship to this world. The Chovos Ha’Levovos explains that because Hashem created this world, Hashem feels a responsibility, if it could be, to sustain it. Much like if I invite you to my home, it is my obligation as host to take care of your needs, so too Hashem feels almost obliged to support all of His creations. However, there are different levels to Hashem’s direct involvement in the running of this world, what the sefer Derech Hashem calls “hashgacha klalis” and “hashgacha pratis.” Hashgacha klalis, or general intervention, refers to Hashem’s involvement in the “big picture” issues: famine, war, epidemics, natural catastrophes, and maintaining the multitude of systems that allow for life as
of the outcomes that befall humanity. Hashgacha pratis, or personal intervention, is very different. This refers to Hashem’s personal involvement in a nation’s or a person’s life. It includes Hashem actually supervising directly, watching over and taking care of the needs of those individuals. General intervention is a given; it is something that Hashem assures to all of creation as a birthright. Personal intervention is quite different; it must be earned. By dint of being the children of the Avos, the Jewish nation merits personal intervention — provided they keep certain conditions. One of these is that they must recognize Who runs the world. In this regard, it functions on a continuum. The more a person trusts in Hashem, the more, if it could be, Hashem feels an obligation to take care of that person and the more Hashem will be directly involved in that person’s life. It is almost as if Hashem says, “How can I not take care of him? He relies on Me; he trusts in Me.” This seems to be the answer as to why the “merit of their belief in Hashem” was so pivotal at Krias Yam Suf. In terms of the objective weight, there is no comparison between the merits of the Avos and their current trust in
Hashem, but trust in Hashem operates on a different level. It alone can be the reason that Hashem will save a people. It was almost like Hashem was saying, “How can I not take care of them? They trust in Me. They rely on Me. I have to save them.” And that trust alone was reason enough to split the sea. The Reward for Trust This is a powerful lesson to us in the effect of trusting in Hashem. While we are obligated to act in the ways of this world, we are equally obligated to trust in Hashem. We have to go out and do our part, follow the laws of nature, knowing all the while that exactly that which Hashem has decreed will come about — no more, no less, no sooner, no later. However, the amount of our trust in Hashem will directly affect how much Hashem will intercede on our behalf, and this may have a huge difference in many situations. For example, there may be times when we don’t warrant receiving that which we need. Whether it’s health, success, or sustenance, it may well be that according to the letter of the law, we don’t merit special assistance, and certainly not the right to ask Hashem to intervene on our behalf. In that situation, it may be our trust in Hashem alone that will bring us Hashem’s help. When we rely on Hashem and trust in Him, Hashem, if it could be, thereby feels almost obligated to take care of us. Trust in Hashem is the basis of our belief system. It is also one of the most comforting thoughts that a human can come to. And it is also one of the most effective ways for us to secure Hashem’s direct involvement in our lives — even in a manner that we might not otherwise deserve.
Get the new Shmuz APP! Access hundreds of audio, videos, and articles from the Shmuz. Simply go to the App store, or Google Play, and search for “TheShmuz” or go to www.theShmuz.com.
JANUARY 29, 2015
And Hashem said to Moshe, “Why shout at Me? Speak to the Jewish People and they should cross.” Shemos 14:15
The Merit of Trusting Hashem
THE JEWISH HOME
R’ Ben Tzion Shafier
A Fulfilled Life
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
80
Rabbi Naphtali Hoff
Want Change? Then Engage!
A
few years ago, I found myself in a very uncomfortable situation. One of the students at the traditional suburban Chicago congregational school of which I was principal had clearly prioritized his love for organized sports over his need for a Jewish education. Traveling baseball, flag football, ice hockey, you name it, he was there. Hebrew school, however, was a different story altogether. As part of my administrative duties it had become necessary to inform this young man’s parents that their oft-truant son would not graduate from our program, and, even worse, not be allowed to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah in our congregation if he did not significantly increase his attendance at school. The father was incredulous. We were going to mandate Hebrew school attendance? The conversation quickly escalated from uncomfortable to antagonistic, as the father cajoled, yelled, and eventually demanded that we work
out some form of alternative tutorial arrangement in lieu of regular classroom attendance. I held my ground. Finally, out of
sheer desperation, the father exclaimed, “You know, rabbi, you can be so inflexible!” As with all traits, rigidity (or, as I would prefer to think of it, firmness) can have positive as well as negative implications and uses. A prideful person can come across as arrogant and self-serving. He can also use pride to persevere
No other nation has survived one exile, let alone two, other than the Jews. No nation other than ours has maintained its core identity despite two thousand years of wandering and persecution. Our “stiff necked” nature has held us in good stead as we anxiously awaited a return to our homeland, where we can live freely and openly in
How is it that our ancestors could have witnessed so many open miracles and still lack basic faith? during times of spiritual assault, when his core religious values come under attack in his social networks, national media and the like. Someone who is sensitive may appear soft and at a disadvantage in our no-holds-barred society. Her sensitivity can also serve her in good standing as she works to understand and fulfill others’ needs. The same dichotomy can be said for stubbornness. Our nation is frequently labeled as “stiff necked” (Exodus 32:9 et al), a term that carries a dual connotation. On the one hand, it implies resistance, an unwillingness to change, a stubborn refusal to improve and see another vantage point. It can also be a positive, particularly in the long, bitter exile that we still endure.
a Torah society. Despite such positives, one cannot help but to be troubled by the apparent obstinacy that was displayed repeatedly at the time of the Exodus and beyond. Having experienced numerous open miracles, we naturally assume that the witnesses to such manifestations of Divine power would readily comply with the rest of the plan. They faithfully would do as they were told and accept any subsequent challenges without protest. Instead, we are struck by an immediate chorus of complaint and despair. Consider: Moshe brought Bnei Yisrael from the Red Sea and they went out into the wilderness of Shur and… found no water… And the people murmured against Moshe, saying, “What shall we drink?” (Exodus 15:22, 24) The entire community… complained against Moshe and against Aharon in the desert... “If only we had died by the hand of the L-rd in the land of Egypt, when we sat by pots of meat, when we ate bread to our fill! For you have brought us out into this desert, to starve this entire congregation to death.” (Ibid, 16:2-3) (Bnei Yisrael) encamped in Rephidim, and there was no water for the people to drink. So the people quarreled with Moshe, and they said … “Why have you brought us up from Egypt to make me and my children and my livestock die of thirst?” (Ibid, 17:1-3) All of this begs the obvious questions. How it is that our ancestors could have witnessed so many open miracles
and still lack basic faith? Why did they not hearken back to the many recent miracles and trust that more deliverance was soon forthcoming? In short, why did they stubbornly hold onto their old ways and thoughts? Rabbi Chaim Shmulevitz, zt”l, the great dean of the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem, (Sichos Mussar, 5733, pp.47ff) suggests that miracles alone do not transform people. We can experience the most inspiring event, but if it does not lead us to elevate our behavior, it is of little consequence. It is not enough to know what is correct. Rather, one must take that information and internalize it, making it part of their character and behaviors, if it is to truly take hold. Such was the case for the young Hebrew nation. They were just days removed from decades of harsh servitude. In many respects they had come to live and think as Egyptians and were not quite ready, at least as a whole, for the complete spiritual and emotional makeover that they were experiencing. Miracles alone could not get them over that hump. They needed to engage in the rich experience of a Torah life for a sustained period in order for it to take hold. This thought carries tremendous implications for leaders, parents, educators and other change agents. We seek to make a difference, to engage, educate and inspire others. Oftentimes, we are content to present a thought, concept or a vision, and expect that our demonstrations will result in learning, compliance, readiness and change. But that’s not the way that growth occurs. We may get people excited at first and even lead to some initial progress. However, for learning and progress to take hold and endure, we need to give others the chance to ruminate and ponder, to question and to consider. Most importantly, we must give them opportunity to engage and take ownership of the concept before they take action. This, more than anything else, will deepen and personalize the experience, resulting in meaningful, lasting change. Rabbi Naphtali Hoff, a former principal, is President of Impactful Coaching & Consulting (www.ImpactfulCoaching.com). He can be reached at 212.470.6139 or at info@impactfulcoaching.com.
Torah Thought
81
Parshas B’Shalach—Shabbos Shira depressing part of the song is also its timelessness and relevance. There is another song recorded for us in the Torah that is similar to this
These songs are to be as unforgettable thousands of years from now as they were when first composed and sung. torical era. It was a song sung at a particular moment in time but its essence and message is timeless and constantly pertinent and relevant. The words of the song delineate the struggle for survival in which Jews will always be engaged against enemies who never completely disappear but rather morph into new forms and ideologies. The most uplifting message of the song is its timelessness and relevance. The most
type of message and outlook. It is the song that concludes the great oration of Moshe to the Jewish people in the last days of his life in the desert of Sinai. That song, which appears in parshat Haazinu, is also a song of survival and eventual success in the never-ending struggle that we call Jewish history. This week’s song and that later song of Moshe really constitute the bookends of the Torah and of the Jewish story gen-
erally. We are bidden to know and understand these songs and their import. We are to teach them to our children and to all later generations of the Jewish people. These songs are to be as unforgettable thousands of years from now as they were when first composed and sung. Jews who have somehow forgotten these songs – or perhaps even worse, never knew of their existence – will find it difficult to identify with G-d’s Torah, His people and His holy land. Song is a tool for remembrance and prophecy – for an appreciation of our wondrous past and a commitment to our promised and even more spectacular, future. That is why we are bidden to recite it day in and day out, in all times and places, for it contains within it the essential kernel of Jewish life and existence. We should therefore pay attention carefully to its words and message and sing along with Moshe in this great anthem of Jewish and world history. Shabbat shalom.
JANUARY 29, 2015
historical events. Because of its emphasis on the eternity of God and of Israel, it is not confined to any one time period or his-
T
here are many different types of songs familiar to human society. There are songs of triumph and of resignation and acceptance. There are songs of joy and love and anthems of hatred and violence. There are songs of nostalgia and remembrance and songs of hope in future greatness. There are also hymns of faith and melodies of rebellion and change. In short, in human history, one can almost identify with the events of the time by hearing the music and songs that were then prevalent and popular. In this week’s Torah reading, we encounter a song that is all of the above and yet none of the above. It is an ancient song recited or sung by the Jewish people on a daily basis for over 3,300 years. At its heart, it is a song of faith, of belief, and survival and of the promise of eternal greatness and continuing challenge. At the beginning of Jewish history, it already establishes the equation of the relationship of the Jewish people to the rest of the world and to
THE JEWISH HOME
Rabbi Berel Wein
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
82
The Observant Jew
Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz
Tree of a Kind
H
ave you ever heard the term, “dead tree edition”? I hadn’t until recently, and I didn’t like it when I did. It’s apparently a piece of journalistic jargon, referring to a non-electronic magazine or news publication, one made out of [gasp!] paper. When I first heard it, I thought it was a cynical approach to describe something like a newspaper which has been providing valuable information to generations of consumers. The term “dead tree” implies that there was no need for a poor tree to have died in vain, as you could easily have read what you wanted on some digital device that would have saved the poor, hapless tree. No mention of Shabbos, of course, or seforim, but I’m guessing the creator of the term was not an observant Jew. Then I heard it was an industry term, used by journalism professionals, and I thought it was a cynical approach to describe something like a newspaper which may have been providing … you get my drift. Just because it’s a “witty” term coined by someone with an environmental bent or agenda doesn’t mean I have to like it. Personally, I’d rather be “out of the know” and use the word “paper,” then use something with a negative and cynical connotation like “dead tree.” I discussed it with my kids. One daughter said, “But the paper companies are responsible. They plant two trees for every one they cut.” She
had a point. But as I thought about it, I wondered what was so bad about a dead tree? When trees are alive, they change carbon dioxide into oxygen, provide food, shade, and protect the area from flooding. That’s fantastic.
trying to conquer a city. The tree is not a man, a member of the enemy camp, and we must take into account that killing it is not something to be done lightly. However, if we need it, we are allowed to do it.
By “planting seeds” and investing our time, love, and energy in others, we will one day reap bountiful harvests. When they’re dead, though, they’re not through providing for Mankind. “Dead” trees don’t fit the connotation of “dead,” which is something useless, pointless, and meaningless. Not by a longshot. When they’re cut down, trees have an entirely new set of uses. Their wood is used for building homes, as fuel for fire for light and heat for warmth, and yes, it can be made into paper, allowing the sharing of ideas over great distances and timespans. Trees have a useful lifespan whether they are attached to the ground or not, and that’s something we should learn from. “Ki ha’Adam aitz ha’sadeh,” For is the tree of the field a man? The Torah poses this question to us when it directs us not to cut down a fruit-bearing tree to make a battering ram when we’re
Chazal, though, in their infinite wisdom, interpret this phrase as a statement. “Man is a tree of the field.” People are to be compared to trees, and I know just the way we should compare ourselves to them. Trees greatly benefit the world around them and ask for little in return. That’s how we should be. We should not be high-maintenance, and we should try at all times to give to others. Trees are not onetrick ponies. They provide many different benefits for the world and we, too, should aim to give in as many ways as possible. Trees provide fruit, in which are seeds to create and grow many new trees. By “planting seeds,” and investing our time, love, and energy in others, we will one day reap bountiful harvests we never dreamed of. As the expression goes, “Any fool can count the seeds in an apple, but only a wise man can count the apples in a single seed.” As people, we should not be concerned as much with our situation in the present, as the world’s situation is moving into the future. Have you ever heard of Thompson Seedless grapes? Most of the green grapes you know come from cuttings of a single vine raised by William Thompson in California in the mid1800’s. By taking a part of this vine which produced luscious, juicy fruit and transplanting it elsewhere, it kept
the original vine “alive” and “productive.” When a person’s knowledge, experiences, and deeds are emulated, they live on as well. We would do well to remember this and make sure our life is worth by imitating others. Just as trees do not become obsolete when they are dead, we should strive to ensure that while we are alive people find us comforting, helpful, and valuable and we should also leave behind a legacy that is useful and meaningful to others. We should leave them informed, warm, and protected, just as a tree leaves behind paper, firewood, and lumber for walls. This Tu B’Shvat, think about the roots you’ve put down, and how you’re nurturing the seedlings in your life, be they your family, friends, or people you’ve just met today. There’s plenty of room for growth so take advantage of the opportunity to branch out.
Did you like this article? There’s plenty more where that came from! Pick up The Observant Jew, a compilation of some of the best articles from the first ten years of this column, at your local bookstore or order it online and bring the inspiration home. Jonathan Gewirtz is an inspirational writer and speaker whose work has appeared in publications around the world. He also operates JewishSpeechWriter.com, where you can order a custom-made speech for your next special occasion. Sign up for the Migdal Ohr, his weekly PDF Dvar Torah in English. E-mail info@ JewishSpeechWriter.com and put Subscribe in the subject. © 2014 by Jonathan Gewirtz. All rights reserved.
83 THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
84
$100 0 $55 – full 0– h sum alf m sum er mer
...To join v o T a M p m a hiva C Summer Yes rience, please call expe the MaTov ontact c r o 7 6 5 2 ail.com m g (718) 327@ v o t a m ivacamp summeryesh
Rabbi Aaron Brafman– director, Rabbi Zev Braun-assistant director Rabbi Moshe Shonek– head counselor Rabbi Dovid Libman, Rabbi Menachem Engel, Rabbi Avki Klein– division heads Rabbi Ben Czeladicki– pre-school director including those entering pre-1a Located on the Yeshiva of Far Rockaway campus
CALL 718-975-9000 2750 Nostrand Ave Corner of Ave N Brooklyn NY 11210
WE SELL, LEASE & FINANCE
ALL MAKES AND MODELS
www.PlazaAutoLeasing.com
$119/mo
2 YEAR LEASE!
Features: Power Windows, Power Door Locks, AM/FM/CD
2015 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S
$149/mo
Features: Bluetooth, Pushbutton Start, Power Windows, Power Door Locks, AM/FM/CD
2015 ACURA RLX W/TECH PACKAGE
$479/mo
Features: Leather, Navigation, Bluetooth, Pushbutton Start, Sunroof
2015 ACURA MDX
$429/mo
Features: Leather, Heated Seats, Bluetooth, Power Seat, Sunroof
2015 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SE
$159/mo
Features: Power Windows, Power Door Locks, AM/FM/CD
CALL 718-975-9000 OR VISIT
WWW.PLAZAAUTOLEASING.COM!
ARE YOU A PAL YET?
Sentra lease 24 months/12k mpy. Altima lease 36 months/12k mpy. Acura leases 36 months/10k mpy. Elantra lease 36 months/12k mpy. All leases listed do not include tax in the payment. Due at signing is first month, bank fee, applicable taxes, registration fees. Expires 1/31/2015. DCA #1312589 DMV #7084665
JANUARY 29, 2015
2014 NISSAN SENRTA S
HOT SALES FOR COLD WEATHER!
85 THE JEWISH HOME
Plaza Auto PAL Leasing
BS”D
86 JANUARY 29, 2015
Shvat: Filling the Bucket
THE JEWISH HOME
BY REBBETZIN TZIPORAH HELLER
T
he astral sign (mazal) of Shvat, the fifth month of the Hebrew year, is the bucket, corresponding to the sign of Aquarius. A bucket is just an ordinary container made to hold water, but in Judaism water has enormous spiritual symbolism. Along with earth, air and fire, it is one of “the four elements.” Let us look at them one by one. Fire: A flame rises by its nature. It can be used either creatively or destructively. Similarly, passion was created to inspire us to rise upward towards our source, but when corrupted, the yearning for goodness turns to fury, which consumes and destroys everything it touches. Earth: By nature it is stable. Its resilience and permanence is the spiritual source of humility and tolerance, but when corrupted it translates into passivity at best, and despair at worst. Air: It is in constant motion. It provides us with life-giving oxygen. We tend to associate life with movement. In its highest state it symbolizes the kind of inner tension that keeps us moving beyond the liv-
In nature, water is inaccessible unless we have the means of getting it to where it is needed. Today we have reservoirs and elaborate irrigation and plumbing systems. When we peel away the layers of technology that we have grown accustomed to, we see that the most basic means of making water accessible is a bucket. The mission of the Jewish people is to serve as a spiritual bucket, pouring out spiritual “water” by making the Torah’s teaching accessible to the entire world -- through the example we set and the concepts we teach. In order to do this, we have to constantly refill ourselves with the Torah’s life force and articulate it as we go about living our lives. SHVAT’S HISTORY The first of Shvat is the day that Moses began to elucidate the Torah he had taught the Jews in the desert. Moses was a living bucket pouring forth wisdom that will keep us going forever. We are arguably the only people who have heroes who are teachers, rather than conquerors or fighters. From Moses to Rabbi Akiva, who taught Torah publicly during the Roman occupation at the risk of his life, to contemporary Torah sages who put in 18-hour days when they are deep in their eighties or even older, we have always idealized people who appreciate the Torah’s waters enough to dedicate significant parts of their lives to being the human equivalent of a bucket. They are not always famous. My octogenarian neighbor is a heroine in the ongoing narrative of our history. Leah Horowitz came to the United States just after World War I. She attended public school, miraculously emerging with a sense of pride in her identity at a time when most American Jews would do anything to be more American and less Jewish. When she married and began life in Canarsie, south Brooklyn, her home was kosher and Shabbos was kept without compromise. But it still wasn’t enough. Her bucket was
The mission of the Jewish people is to serve as a spiritual bucket, pouring out spiritual “water.” ing death of complacency. In its negative state it keeps us moving so fast that we never commit to anything or anyone. Water: It too gives life. In fact, the Hebrew word for physical is “gashmi” which literally means “rainy.” By its nature it flows downward. Because of these two factors, the Torah is considered the spiritual parallel to water. It gives us life in the most basic sense. It is from its teachings that basic moral concepts (integrity, self-transcendence, justice) have become the mainstay of the world’s moral lexicon.
empty and she knew it. Her turning point was the day her husband, Zelig, came home and told her that there was a fundraising appeal in shul. A visiting rabbi told the congregation that the time had come to build a yeshiva in Brooklyn (at that time the only full day Jewish schools were in Manhattan). Their children needed Torah as much as they needed food and clothing. The young couple sat together in their tiny kitchen. They calculated how much they could take out of his $40 salary and still remain solvent. The most that they could give was $5. She looked at her husband’s face as he put the lone bill in an envelope to give the yeshiva’s representative when he would return next month. She had never seen him defeated before. Not when their neighbors moved on to more spacious homes in the suburbs, and not when he faced friends who found jobs that paid more but required coming in on Saturday. “I have an idea!” Leah exclaimed. “Just wait. You’ll give a donation that means something.” She got to work. She put up handprinted signs wherever Jewish women congregated: “Gala Melave Malka. Entertainment, Food and Drinks Galore. A Good Time for One and All” followed by her name and address. Her sisters-in-law contributed their favorite dishes and her friend Blanche sang to the accompaniment of the living room player piano. Leah borrowed folding chairs from her non-Jewish neighbors. The evening’s take was close to $50. Two nights later, Zelig brought the cash to the yeshiva’s representative. It was a moment that had great meaning for both men. For Zelig, it was living proof that he could be part of something greater than himself. For the fundraiser it was the beginning of the realization of a dream in which Torah would not be suffocated in the New World. The rabbi told Zelig, “Your money will pay the first salary of the yeshiva’s spiritual supervisor. We have our eye on a young man of great promise, Rabbi Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg.” In the course of the next 50 years, Rabbi Scheinberg has emerged as one of the generation’s great
scholars, halachic experts, and spiritual leaders.
and the earthly recipient. to make eating more varieties possible) with the aim of reaching a total of 15 fruits in all. In the 16th century, the great Kabbalist, the Arizal, and his disciples created a short “seder” that explores the inner meaning of the day. To catch a glance at the kabbalist side of Tu B’Shvat we must look at three of its motifs: trees, fruit, and the significance of the day of the month that the “new year” comes out on.
respond to the myriad choices that we see in front of us every day with awareness and consistently choose life in the highest sense, we find ourselves discovering different “flavors” from the sweetness of giving to the piquant pleasure of self-discipline. When we serve G-d with this kind of joy and awareness, we are so to speak “eating the fruits” that He planted for us. Tu B’Shvat takes place in the middle of the month when the moon is at its fullest. It symbolizes wholeness, unity between the divine Giver and the earthly recipient. May it be a day of wonder and renewal for us all. May we draw on its power and let it fill us so much that we can’t help but pour it out, so that our waters nurture everyone who is walking the path along with us. Reprinted with permission from aish.com.
JANUARY 29, 2015
unity between the divine Giver
It symbolizes wholeness,
87 THE JEWISH HOME
TU B’SHVAT The 15th of Shvat (Tu B’Shvat) is referred to in the Mishna as the new year of the trees. It does not have the status of a holiday; it is a day that Jews celebrate by way of custom. A Jewish custom comes from a very special place, the Jewish soul. In a certain sense, it is our art form. How do we celebrate Tu B’Shvat and what does the celebration tell us about ourselves as a people? The observance of the day is just eating fruit. If at all possible, the fruits should include the seven species for which the Land of Israel is praised: wheat, barely, figs, pomegranates, grapes, olives and date-honey. Add as many other fruits as you can (using dry fruits
“A man is as a tree of the field,” the Torah tells us when commanding the Jews not to cut down fruit trees. In what sense is a human comparable to a tree? Like a tree, our roots are the source of our continued life. When a human cuts himself off from his roots, which for a Jew would be the Torah and its commandments, there is an inevitable consequence. As much as he may want connection, he has lost the knowledge of how to make an enduring connection to our Source. Every mitzvah that we do revives the hidden yearning for spiritual life that always lies dormant within us. The Mishna tells us that this is the day that the sap begins to rise. It is a day of renaissance and hope. While two of the species (wheat and barley) provide necessary basics in our diet, fruits were given to us for sheer pleasure. Wheat and barley, which are basic staples, are compared to Jewish law, “halacha” in Hebrew, which literally means “the way we walk.” Humans have a sense of destiny, and the directives of Jewish law tell us which roads won’t take us to where we want to go and which roads will. The message of the fruits – which are not staples but add flavor, variety, fragrance and color to our lives – is that the journey itself is meant to be joyous. Moving forward, getting beyond routine and habitual observance, gives us enormous pleasure. When we
JANUARY 29, 2015
88
THE JEWISH HOME
s’’xc
ENTERING F O R B O Y SR G A R T E N K I N D ET H R A D E TO 6 G
Morning of Learning • Experienced Caring Rabbeim • Special Erev Shabbos Program • Free Hot Lunches & Daily Snacks • Transportation Available
Afternoon of Activities • Sports Leagues • Professional Grounds • Daily Swimming– Pool on Premises • Full Size Gym with Bleachers • Exciting Trip Each Week • Art Program
AL EARLY BIRDCHSP17.ECI 2015 REGISTER BY MAR
JUNIORS $1,325
SENIORS $1,450
JUNIORS: FULL SUMMER $1,400 HALF SUMMER $750 SENIORS: FULL SUMMER $1,525 HALF SUMMER $815
FIRST HALF: JUNE 29 - JULY 23 SECOND HALF: JULY 24 - AUG. 19 NO CAMP ON SUNDAYS
Directors: Rabbi Eliezer Ament • Rabbi Eliezer Selengut Sports Director: Rabbi Eliezer Post
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER PLEASE CALL 718.868.2300 EXT. 502 • HAKAYITZ@GMAIL.COM
89 THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
Tu B’Shvat
Rabbi Naphtali Hoff
Slow, Steady Growth
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
90
T
u B’Shvat draws our collective attention to nature’s inherent cycles of deterioration and growth. The botanical realm follows a steady, predictable pattern of budding and development, and, eventually, stagnation and decay, only to be followed again by a new period of advance and vitality. History has shown that this cycle also applies to the human condition. On both a personal and national level, life is full of highs and lows, gains and losses, successes and failures. The Torah itself alludes to this symmetry between man and botany when it compares us to trees (Devarim 20:19).
Life is a continuous cycle pointed in the direction of growth. However, while this cyclical aspect of nature is apparent throughout the year, it is most perceptible when one observes the extreme disparity between the seasons of winter and spring. Winter represents stagnation and unrealized potential, when all signs of growth lie hidden from sight. There are no external signs of development, no expressions of vitality. Spring, on the other hand, symbolizes burgeoning vigor. Everything is new and exciting. Trees that have remained dormant for the past few months start to show new signs of life. Buds begin to sprout, flowers start to open. Nature once again reveals its true beauty. For, behold, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing bird has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. (Shir Hashirim 2:11-12)
This same contrast applies to human life. Circumstances sometimes force us into our own personal or collective “winter,” when struggles and challenges strip us of our innate vitality. There are other times in which we seemingly experience only joy and excitement in our lives. Everything points towards growth and accomplishment. We must realize, however, that there are two distinct ways for a person to approach the winter-like situations in his own life. The aforementioned contrast between winter and spring is only true if one views winter as the death-knell of summer. The beauty of the seasonal cycle, however, is that one can alternatively view winter as ushering in the upcoming spring. No matter what challenges a person faces, there are always better days awaiting him. Such a person knows no limitations, no dormancy. Life is a continuous cycle pointed in the direction of growth. This is the message of Tu B’Shvat. In the middle of the winter, when everything around us seems so cold and bleak, think of spring. Eat fruit. Sing joyous tunes. Plant new trees. Always look for the good. But the message goes one step further. Not only are we charged to maintain a continuously upbeat attitude regardless of our personal circumstances, we must also realize that those very circumstances are the ones that form the basis of our eventual success. The basis for our success, namely the trials and challenges that we have had to overcome, is already in place. The only difference is that this foundation still lives in the realm of potential, hidden from the outside world. It takes the warmth of spring, literally and in our own lives, to allow that potential to blossom into its eventual reality (see Ramban’s commentary to Bereishis 22:1). Interestingly, the Hebrew word for winter itself, choref, illustrates this exact point. Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch notes that choref is related to the word charfi, a word which means dormant vigor. “As I was in the days of my winter (i.e. dormant vigor)” (Iyov 29:4). Winter here alludes to the days of a person’s youth, a time in which his vast talents are waiting to emerge. It is a person’s “spring” that helps to bring those latent talents to the forefront. Tu B’Shvat provides us with many essential, real-life lessons. We celebrate it knowing that we will continue to weather the storm of life, no matter what that particular “season” has in store. This is because Hashem, the Source of all blessing, is behind us, providing us with the means to succeed.
Rabbi Naphtali Hoff is an executive coach and president of Impactful Coaching and Consulting (ImpactfulCoaching.com). He can be reached at 212.470.6139 or at president@impactfulcoaching.com.
Parenting Today
91
When a Jew in France is Suffering, the Jews in Poland React
THE JEWISH HOME
Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox
queried the appropriateness of this minhag, once intended as a brief zecher l’churban. It is no wonder that some have the practice of stopping to chant “im eshkachech Yerushalayim” first, giving the heart and the neshama one more chance to focus on the universal sadness over klal Yisroel still being out of its element, and Knesses Yisrael still mourning the churban. And now, the late breaking news is that the Jews of Paris greeted Shabbos
meant to dismiss it or ignore its scope of ramifications. A Torah individual feels the dent in self. We acknowledge the Divine origin of all that befalls us, including things which merely come across our radar rather than impinging directly on our physical selves. Whether I experience something personally or I learn about another Jew’s experience, I am being handed an envelope, and there is a message awaiting me, in some form or
When we are in golus, moving from place to place as our foes antagonize us, there is no one listening to our voice. with murdered, martyred kedoshim. Some of us managed to get in a kapital Tehillim after Shacharis, or a barrage of tefillos at various moments Friday morning. But the news came, the press moves on to other topics, we stop and let these latest killings float through our thoughts, and then…? It is unwise and unhealthy to go on the lookout for tragedy. Scholars regard that as “ignoble misfortune,” which can indicate a lack of mental health rather than a resilient mind. In contrast, when we do confront tragedy r”l, we are not
another. If I carelessly discard the envelope, I will fail to make use of that message. Or I can open that envelope and study its message, then try to make personal sense of it and determine how I plan to respond. Our children get those messages as well. Their attitude about what to do with this information, and what skills to draw on in responding therein, are learned from their interactions with us. In a recent parsha, we read about Moshe Rabbeinu’s struggle with an assailant, and the Torah relates how he
buried his enemy in the sand. The medrash examines the message of our being told that this took place in the sand. Why was sand chosen? When snow avalanches, the sound can be heard from miles away. When rocks tumble in a volcano, the thundering noise is deafening. However, when sands shift in the desert wind, its silent humming is all but inaudible. Moshe was signifying, says the medrash, that when we are in golus, moving from place to place as our foes antagonize us, there is no one listening to our voice. The shifting sands of exile create a low hum that no one pays attention to. The challenge, friends, is for us to pay attention to the sound of yearning, of aching, of suffering. We need to become conscious of the sound and to address it. As parents and as educators, we must address our youth. When they are afraid, we support and validate them, while offering credible encouragement and hopefulness. When they are sad, we validate that too, and discuss their perceptions of what has happened. When they wax philosophical, we meet them half way, willing to engage them in dialogue while also providing them with hashkafically-sound direction. (I recently did an intervention at a community Jewish high school where a tragic death had occurred. The principal told me that the class was about to begin a semester on whether or not G-d does evil; he wanted to know if he should postpone the lectures for a while.) And when our youth do not react at all, what do we do? From a clinical view, of course, we might consider that silence is a reaction, and the unresponsive teen or child may be processing their experience deep within. But from another vantage point, we need to consider that no reaction = no reaction. The dilemma then becomes: did they learn that from us? Is that what our non-responsiveness reflects to others? When Jewish blood is spilled in Paris, is it felt by the rest of us?
Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox is the director of Education and Interventions at Project CHAI.
JANUARY 29, 2015
“W
hen a Jew in France is suffering, the Jews in Poland react.” This was an observation attributed, variously, to Rav Meir Shapiro of Lublin z”l, to the Chofetz Chaim of Radin z”l, to Rav Yisrael Lipkin of Salant z”l, and to many others , as well as to a related passage in the Yerushalmi. We are all meant to be a single land mass, unseparated by geographical borders and by time and space. When the fault lines of Jewish safety crack anywhere across the globe, we are all meant to feel the quaking beneath our feel and within our minds and souls. And yet, here we are once again, erev Shabbos getting ready for a restful evening at home, with family, in shul and in bais medrash, and Jewish blood has been spilled in France. As my daughter and I sat down this morning over a rushed breakfast before departing for our daily routines, she asked me if anyone had contacted Project CHAI of Chai Lifeline about this crisis. (We were still at the crisis level in that it was still “only” a hostage situation. We were not yet considering this a “trauma,” at least for those of us ensconced within our homes and offices elsewhere.) Before I could answer my daughter, she responded to her own question, noting that in today’s cyber-saturated environment, people don’t stop to process bad news; they are already clicking on the next email or news bit. We sidestep our emotions before any reaction can kick in. We seldom attain consciousness of what we might, or might want to be, feeling. It is even possible that some of us even lack an unconscious, unprocessed emotional response, rushed as we are to move on to some other focus, stimulus or distraction. It is sort of like stepping on the glass at the close of a chasuna. The ritual has become, for some, so reflexive that its seems like a natural flow from the joyous anticipation of completing bracha achrita that the smashed goblet has become the signal to yell out “mazal tov” then hit the aisle dancing and singing. It is no wonder that there were poskim early in the last century who
Forgotten Heroes
Avi Heiligman
Israeli Military Inventions
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
92
I
t’s common knowledge that Israel has produced many things that have changed society for the better. These inventions and discoveries include medical equipment, computer technology and advances in food and agriculture. Military inventions have also been in the mix as some of their weapons and devices are used worldwide. These include weapons, devices for improved battlefield performance, defense mechanisms, and battlefield medicine. Some of these are well-known like the Iron Dome and the Uzi but others will amaze the reader. Taking a chapter from the U.S., Israel gives their many weapons strong military names. The Iron Dome is an example of this as well as the Python air-to-air missile. The Python is actually a “family” of missiles dating back to the 1950s. They were developed by Rafael Advanced Defense System and first used on the Mirage III fighter jet. Originally called Shafrir (dragonfly), the missile had no kills in the Six Day War (1967) despite the fact that it deployed several times. Rafael completed a series of upgrades and the Shafrir 2 was ready by the Yom Kippur War of 1973. During the war, the Israeli Air Force claimed 89 enemy planes downed with the missile. The Python 3 built on the success of its predecessors and destroyed 35 enemy aircraft during the 1982 Lebanon War. Other countries saw the successes and placed orders for the missile. China even licensed-built their own missiles using the Python 3 as its blueprint. Two later versions were built and the Python 5 is capable of locking onto a target even after it is launched in the opposite direction. The Derby missile is similar to the Python and is also built by Rafael. The success of the Python and the Derby has led Rafael along with IAI (Israeli Air Industries) to build a truck capable of launching the missiles. It’s a mobile defense system called SPYDER which stands for Surface to air PYthon 5 and DERby. Several countries have bought the system and it is believed that Georgia operated their SPYDER in 2008. In 2008, a small startup in Kfar Netter invented a product that enabled soldiers and other operators to do something that only comic book characters previously had the power to do. The company Camero was the pioneer of Sense through the Wall (STTW) solutions. Yes, it is a device that can “see” through a wall. Using radar and imaging algorithms, the Xaver gives the operator a picture of what is behind a wall. It has been used in military and police situations worldwide. In the same category as the Camero, the CornerShot is an innovative gun that allows the shooter to see around corners without exposing any limb. There have been guns with bent barrels before, but to aim it properly was tricky. In the CornerShot, there is a camera and optics on the exposed part of the system while the operator uses a screen to see what is around a corner. It was invented by Lt. Col. Amos Golan and has been in service since 2003. With American investors and interest, it served during Operation Iraqi Freedom and is used by law enforcement in the U.S. China, Russia and Iran have all made simi-
lar versions of the weapon. The CornerShot has several variants including a grenade launcher and anti-tank weapon system. Soon a mountable version of the M-16 will be made available by the company. In the past century, medical advances have saved countless lives that before would have been lost due to battlefield wounds. From blood transfusions and penicillin in World War II to blood clotting bandages, medical professionals are always thinking of new things. Israel has always been on the frontlines on the battlefield and medical technologies so it isn’t surprising that many innovative ways to save lives come from the Holy Land. The Israeli Bandage was invented in the 1990s by medic Bernard Bar-Natan and was first used in combat by the U.S. in Bosnia in 1996. It is an elastic bandage with a non-adhesive pad inside the wrapping. There is a pressure bar that allows the person applying it to stop the bleeding more quickly. A closure bar keeps the bandage in place. One hand is all that is needed to save the life of a fellow soldier who is wounded. Applying the bandage on the field saves the wounded from losing blood that otherwise would be lost had he been taken to the rear for treatment. It is used worldwide and two million are distributed yearly to militaries, rescue workers and civilian paramedics. In 2011, it was credited with saving the life of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords after she was severely shot in the head. Other Israeli inventions have literally changed the landscape of battle. The Mitznefet is that weird-looking material on the helmet of IDF soldiers. It’s used to break the shadow of the helmet at long distances, making it difficult to identify that there is a soldier. It also protects the soldier from the sun. As with many Israeli inventions, American troops also use the Mitznefet. Heads Up Display for fighter planes was developed by Elbit Systems and allows pilots to aim their weapons just by looking at the target. The Trophy is a vehicle rocket protection system developed by Rafael that protects tanks and other vehicles from incoming RPGs. There is also the Injured Personnel Carrier developed by Agilite that allows an injured person to be carried on a rescuer’s back without using hands. Not only is this popular in military situations but fire departments have trained and used this device as well. As mentioned previously, many of these inventions have been used by militaries worldwide and some have been adapted for civilian use. Every year several new products that originate from the IDF hit the global market and Israel has become a leader in military exports. Many of the innovations and products are made with American money and technological assistance and this trend will continue for the foreseeable future.
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.
Using the Xaver 100, soldiers can ‘see’ through walls
The CornerShot can see around corners
Soldiers wearing the Mitznefet
Members of the U.S. Army using the Israeli Bandage
Firing the Python 5 missile
Israel Today
93
Nice to Meet You
It was as if we had all gone out of our way to be friendly—like faking a smile. even trying to solve any major problems. They play music. No more, no less. Whereas the country’s capital is oftentimes explosive, people in the North live in less congestion and tension. Here in western Galil, the Jewish population is outnumbered by predominantly Christian—not Muslim—Arabs, Druzim and a smattering of Sadalnikim (South Lebanese Army refugees). They are a dominant and visible reminder that, despite the overall Jewish majority in Israel, this part of the country looks and feels different. The Arab population is not necessarily homogenous. Christian Arabs live in limited harmony with Muslim Arabs, the Druze live in villages mostly to the exclusion of other Arabs, and Sadalnikim live wherever they’re accepted, including Jewish towns. I live in Ma’alot-Tarshicha. Ma’alot is Jewish; Tarshicha is mostly Christian Arab, although there is a smattering of Muslims who live there, as well as
JANUARY 29, 2015
a small number of Bedouin. The two cities joined into one municipality in 1963. Ma’alot and Tarshicha live in peaceful co-existence. There are no fears held by people in one town driving through the other. All buses run through both. It is not unusual to see the local mall on any given day in Ma’alot used equally by Jews, Arabs and uniquely dressed Druze men in their shirwals (traditional baggy pants that are tight around the ankles) and sporting huge moustaches. It gets to a point where one stops staring. Farres, for example, the security guard at the front gate of my school, comes to work every day fully armed, although without the shirwal. Pashut Sharim has yet to play a concert up north, but their presence would have less of an effect because of the very different atmosphere found in cities with dominant Muslim populations. I was thinking of Pashut Sharim recently when I found myself sitting at a table with a group of Arab educators. I teach in Ort, a network of schools with branches throughout the country. Recently, our staff spent two hours with our counterparts from Ort Tarshicha. The two schools are no more than a kilometer apart. Ort Tarshicha has an exclusively Arab student body, whereas Ort Ma’alot is mainly Jewish; our Sadalnik students are not completely welcome in Christian Tarshicha. As well, we teach several Druze students who choose not to learn in Tarshicha. This, despite neighboring Druze villages of Peki’in, Hurfeish and Fassuta having their own high schools. After students had left school on the second day of Chanukah, teachers and administrators made their way to the auditorium. Decorated tables filled the lobby. As we walked in, the organizers equally sat teachers from both schools at the tables. I found myself next to Hani, Ort Tarshicha’s 11th grade coordinator, Jamir, who teaches technology, and Lorin, in charge of special education. With me was Gavriel, one of our Tanach teachers. We weren’t there to solve the peace process. We were there to show some sort of educational solidarity. We were given a set of cards with pictures and underlined with a statement that described the figure on the card. Our task was to relate it to ourselves and then talk about it. We then had time to eat doughnuts and talk before writing a card with greetings to one of the teachers. Hani’s note to me was full of praise for my professional work. “I see that you view your job as a mission. I see that you love your students. I wish you much success.” I later asked around and discovered how we had all written similar comments of praise and encouragement. It was all good humored and amicable. Once greeting cards had been exchanged, we were entertained by a stand-up Arab comic. Her set, which lasted almost half an hour, was very funny. She made many insightful observations.
I
n late November, arsonists set fire to Jerusalem’s Hebrew-Arabic bilingual school and left graffiti-covered walls and an acrid smell of hatred. The act was widely condemned, but tension in Jerusalem remained. Days later three young suspects from the extremist group “Lehava” (flame) were arrested. They appeared in court smiling, full of braggadocio and displaying no signs of remorse. Jerusalem has always been a political minefield. Co-existence is difficult in a city constantly at odds with itself and its history. Attempts are constantly being made, nonetheless, at finding a common language between cultures. Which is why it is surprising to note the emergence and success of “Pashut Sharim” (simply singing), an organization that promotes itself on a platform of little more than Jews and Arabs playing music together. What began as a small gathering of like-minded musicians has turned into major events sponsored by the municipality of Jerusalem and funded by Beit Hillel. A recent concert attracted almost 4,000 people. Due to the ongoing tension, there is a significant security presence at all venues. Groups like “Lehava” would like to see the failure of such gatherings Before playing, the musicians give a short background on themselves. The concept is to teach about each other’s cultures. Its organizers hope their initiative gives the mainstream an alternative to the mind-numbing propaganda that talks black and white but sees no colors in between. Speaking is secondary to the performances themselves, however, which take place once or twice a month. The organizers aren’t naive nor do they confess to
THE JEWISH HOME
Rafi Sackville
Hani, Rafi, Lorin, Gavriel
She poked fun at the supposed differences between our two cultures. According to her, there are more things we have in common than we realize. The audience broke into loud laughter when she poked fun at two male teachers. She told the first from Tarshicha that he has the most recognizable sign of a hard working teacher because he’s bald. He could only have lost his hair having been driven crazy by students. She then pointed to Yuval, a colleague of mine, and accused him of being lazy. “You probably work no more than two hours a week,” she said. At first he was taken aback, until she pointed at his full head of hair. “You couldn’t do any work with that much hair.” When she finished she broke out of character and delivered an eloquent speech about her work and why she does it. She was followed by a few speakers, who essentially praised each other before bidding us all farewell. I was in two minds on the way home. One the one hand, I had had an enjoyable time. I’d gotten to briefly know Hani, Lorin and Jamir. We had laughed together and exchanged pleasantries. We had spent enough time together to feel comfortable in each other’s presence. On the other hand, there really wasn’t much more accomplished than being nice. It was as if we had all gone out of our way to be friendly; like faking a smile. But that is being harsh, because after introductions the talk had been serious and at times personal, although we never came close to solving any international crisis. ISIS have proclaimed their desire to slaughter as many Christians as possible. That’s one thing we all had in common. When Hezbollah bombed the north in the last war in 2005, Tarshicha was as much in harm’s way as the residents of Ma’alot. The cynic’s view of such meetings misses the point. We don’t have to be best friends. We don’t have to invite one another to family parties. What is inescapable is that we’re both going to be around for quite some time to come, and it’s better to laugh over a stand-up comic or to play music together than pitch rocks across highway 89. Rafi Sackville, formerly of Cedarhurst, lives in Ma’alot in Western Galil. He teaches in the local high school.
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
94
Political Crossfire
Nate Davis
Quibbling and Blizzarding
W
hen the president recently faced criticism for not attending the Paris peace rally (of course he didn’t attend—it wasn’t about him), his self-esteem-protectorin-chief, Secretary of State John Kerry, put on his best long face and dismissed the complaints as ”quibbling.” It was a very effective method to deflate the criticism because 90% of people didn’t know the definition of quibbling—if you don’t know what something is, you can’t say it’s not that, right? Over the past decade, it has become acceptable for politicians—schooled in Saul Alinsky’s tactics—to manipulate and toy with the general public, but it eventually corrodes the general public’s ability to know what is really going on. When that happens we are all at the mercy of the political class who see us as pawns. This phenomenon was on full dis-
play when President Obama delivered his State of the Union Address last week (if you were one of the three Americans who watched, ever wonder how your life got to that point?) and in what can only be described as a fictional
That attitude may work when you are calling a baseball game, not when you are the leader of the free world. trance, spent close to 90 minutes talking about how the world is in great shape. His attitude reminded me of a famous story about the time Babe Ruth was at the plate and a pitch whizzed by him. Ruth turned around to the umpire Bill
LOSE 10-20-30 POUNDS IN A MONTH!
NO Pills NO Drugs NO Diet Drinks NO Packaged Foods We don’t sell anything!
Klem, who was known as the father of baseball umpires and a real stickler, and said, “What was that?” Klem snapped back, “It ain’t nothing until I call it!” That attitude may work when you are calling a baseball game, not when you
Children/Teens/Adults All Medical Conditions Private Diet Counseling Individualized Programs Personal Menu Planning
SKYPE with clients nationwide and in Israel. SM
Workforce Weight LossSM Programs customized for business.
WEIGHT NO MORE
SM
DIET CENTER
No one does what we do! Oakhurst
Brooklyn
Woodmere
732.663.0222
718.998.8898
516.569.6400
weightnomoredietcenter.com
are the leader of the free world. During his address, the president painted this picture of a rosy world which is on the verge of perfection, as if the only thing he still has to do is raise the sea levels a little more. The fact that ISIS has total control of large swathes of the Middle East, that Boko Haram killed tens of thousands of people in the days prior to the address, that the day after his speech the Yemeni government ran for the hills and surrendered to al Qaeda is all meaningless, because Obama looked confident at the podium – even effectively hiding his ever-present Nicorette gum. The world is in great shape because Obama says it is. As an aside, I confess, I sort of watched the speech, but for a different reason than most people (the other two people who watched it). You see, the truth is the speech did inspire me. Look how high you can rise in this country— everybody’s totally inappropriate and over-the-hill great uncle, Joe Biden, was seated to the president’s left. And the only guy in America who didn’t get the memo about the carcinogenic effects of spending hours in tanning salons, John Boehner, was emanating a bright orange light to the president’s right. They both seemed totally transfixed on Obama’s great political thumb-wagging abilities. (By the way, if you don’t know what I mean: press underside of thumb against the bottom third of your index finger then shake arm in an up and down mo-
tion and poof! You can be a politician… OK, dude, you can stop now.) Political manipulation is not just a cutesy annoyance that we have to live with. It actually messes with our lives. Take the “Blizzard of 2015” as an example. Bill De Blasio probably woke bright and early at 2 PM on Sunday morning and heard that a snowstorm was blowing into town. Having struck out more than the Mets over the past year, Mr. de Blasio had to get it right this time. So, after picking a sign language interpreter who looks like he has the unfair competitive advantage of being totally wasted, he gets in front of the cameras while wearing a sanitation department jacket (a field much more appropriate for him) and we are off to the races: in a stern voice he warns, “This blizzard will be epic. We may get three feet of snow” (don’t say I didn’t warn you)… “Please check in on your neigh-
bors, especially the elderly” (oh, he is so compassionate)… “New Yorkers are resilient. We will get through this” (wow, he has some Winston Churchill in him). He then hustles out for his next anti-cop meeting with Al Sharpton while we all freak out and raid Home Depot for every last shovel (even though we already have three of them in our garages) and lug home tens of pounds of bags of salt. Oh, he was dead wrong? Big deal, at least we evaded a blizzard, you say. Score one for de Blasio. And so the script on political snowstorm handling is written: Hype it up to Armageddon. If you are right, you will get credit for sounding the warning bell. If you are wrong, well, “quibblers will be quibblers.” Not sure what quibblers are? Look it up on Google— that’s probably what Kerry did when his aide handed him his speech.
95 THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
96 90
Notable Quotes
Compiled by Nate Davis
“Say What?” Reverend, you’ve been fighting the good fight on climate change, and we can see the crazy climate here, and we’d like to have a little bit more of you down in Washington. - Bridgeport, CT, Mayor Bill Finch (D) on MSNBC, thanking Al Sharpton for being on the forefront of climate change
The winner gets to witness a beheading in Riyadh. - Tweet by Mark Bowlin in response to the Pentagon creating a contest to honor the recently deceased King of Saudi Arabia
What is middle class income? Why are gas prices dropping? How much does the president make? When does Obama’s term end? What does the Speaker of the House do? -GOOGLE’s most searched questions during the State of the Union address
Today is National Hugging Day. It’s a day that encourages people to hug more often. Why they have it in the middle of the cold and flu season, I have no idea. I don’t know if it was sponsored by Theraflu or what. – Jimmy Kimmel
A new study says that children are suffering bad health effects from eating too much pizza. The study was explained in a pie chart which children immediately tried to eat. – Conan O’Brien
I said to my wife, “You know Jill, you know I sit back there and I listen and I help write the ideas in the speech and I know it all.” And I said, “I got to pay attention.” She said, “Welcome to the club.” And I said, “What do you mean?” She said, “Welcome to the Good Wives Club… How many times have I sat and listened to you make a speech and pretended to be interested?” - Vice President Joe Biden talking about sitting through the State of the Union address
- Mayor Bill de Blasio, who was criticized last year for his handling of the city’s snowstorms, on Sunday
Four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon announced that this will be his final season of racing. You could tell it was time for him to retire during his last race when he had his blinker on the whole time. - Jimmy Fallon
This isn’t ISIS. No one’s dying. - New England quarterback Tom Brady addressing his team’s use of improperly deflated footballs in the AFC Championship game
MORE QUOTES
Have old clothes? Give ‘em a second chance! Donate clothing to help needy people while benefitting the girls of Batya
Helping you help others!
Free Pickups from Your Home! Clothing, Shoes IN ANY CONDITION—men, women, children!
201.477.8775
Helping y
ou
JANUARY 29, 2015
Change your plans, change your behavior, change your approach starting right now. This could be a storm the likes of which we have never seen before. New Yorkers should not underestimate this storm. We are facing one of the largest snowstorms in the history of the city.
97 91
I hope you’re excited about the agenda I laid out tonight for 2015. Now it’s time to get to work. Let’s go – make a monthly contribution to support Democrats now: https://my.democrats. org/2015. Thanks, Barack Obama - From a mass fundraising email sent out by President Obama minutes after his State of the Union address
While we were discussing a resolution regarding the murder of 1.1 million human beings – I will point out that 90 percent of them were Jewish, but the other 10 percent, they were political dissidents … those were the people who were being killed together at Auschwitz-Birkenau—while we were discussing that, they had the chutzpah, the nerve, the temerity, to unfurl a Palestinian flag and yell at us… What you saw here today was naked, blind anti-Semitism. That’s what you saw. That’s what you watched. That’s what you witnessed. People who are upset for one reason. Do you want to know why they are angry? Do you want to know why they are unfurling that flag today? Because Hitler did not finish the job. He only wiped out half of my family. And only by the grace of G-d is the other half, me, the grand-child, still alive today. That’s why those people are upset. Shame on them! Shame on them for hating Jews! Shame on them for hating people! Shame on them for disrespecting the most diverse, democratically elected body in the United States of America. – A portion of New York City Councilman David Greenfield’s impromptu speech after pro-Palestine protesters heckled the New York City Council’s commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the liberation of AuschwitzBirkenau
THE JEWISH HOME
I’ve served in Congress with many of you. I know many of you well. There are a lot of good people here, on both sides of the aisle. And many of you have told me that this isn’t what you signed up for – arguing past each other on cable shows, the constant fundraising, always looking over your shoulder at how the base will react to every decision. Imagine if we broke out of these tired old patterns. Imagine if we did something different. - President Obama during the State of the Union address
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
98 92
Tonight President Obama gave the State of the Union address. Obama said he was more relaxed just because he’s already done it so many times. Incidentally, Mitt Romney said the same thing about running for president. – Jimmy Fallon The Obamas invited 22 guests to the speech, including a former Cuban prisoner, an astronaut, and a doctor. Either that or he was setting up the weirdest bar joke of all time. – Ibid
SkyMall’s parent company has filed for bankruptcy, which could mean the end of the catalog. Airline passengers were really upset. They said, “Now what am I gonna spit my gum into?” – Jimmy Fallon SkyMall was the premier shopping destination for people who just drank four tiny bottles of Jim Beam. – Jimmy Kimmel I will answer very simply that the internet will disappear. There will be so many IP addresses … so many devices, sensors, things that you are wearing, things that you are interacting with that you won’t even sense it. It will be part of your presence all the time. - Google Chairman Eric Schmidt when asked about the future of the web during a panel at the World Economic Forum
America’s lifestyle expectations are far too high and need to be adjusted so we have less things and a smaller, better existence. We need to reinvent our whole system of life. - Billionaire Jeff Greene who flew to Davos with his family and two nannies on a private jet in an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland
As gas prices continue to drop, 28 states are now selling regular gasoline for less than $2 a gallon. It’s getting cheaper to pump two gallons of gas outside the station than it is to pump two squirts of nacho cheese inside. - Jimmy Fallon
We have to keep our heads. The biggest error we could make would be to blame Muslims for crimes…that their faith utterly rejects. - Secretary of State John Kerry at the World Economic Forum talking about radical Islam, or as he would call it, “terrorism” This extremism has grown up over a long time, over decades. Its roots are deep within the perversion of a religion, the perversion of Islam. At some point we have got to deal with the root problem, which is educating people from a close-minded view of the world—if you’re not like me you’re my enemy. We got to stop making excuses for those people. - Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair at the World Economic Forum
He spat in our face publicly, and that’s no way to behave. Netanyahu ought to remember that President Obama has a year and a half left to his presidency, and that there will be a price. - A senior Obama Administration official talking to Israeli newspaper Haaretz about Prime Minister Netanyahu planning to address Congress on the Iranian threat at Speaker of House John Boehner’s invitation, despite President Obama’s disapproval
The fury is telling. It reminds, as if we could forget, that everything is always about Obama. How dare Israel be more concerned with the existential threat of Iranian nukes than with Obama’s feelings? And what do members of Congress think they are, a separate branch of government or something? - Michael Goodwin, New York Post I was leading in every poll. I regret that I didn’t stay in. I would’ve won the race against Obama. He would’ve been easy. Hillary is tougher to beat than Obama, but Hillary is very beatable. - Donald Trump in Iowa, talking to the Des Moines Register We have to build a fence. And it would have to be a beauty. Who can build better than Trump? I build – that’s what I do. I build, I build great fences. I build great buildings. But fences are easy, believe me! - Donald Trump talking about immigration policy at the Iowa Freedom Summit (which is the unofficial kickoff of the 2016 presidential elections) First and foremost we need to control our border. The 40 percent of the people that have come here illegally came with a legal visa and overstayed their bounds. We ought to be able to figure out where they are and politely ask them to leave. - Likely 2016 Republican presidential candidate, Jeb Bush (R-FL), talking about immigration
Last night President Obama gave the State of the Union address, and I just have to say that I don’t know what union he was describing. But I want to live there. I want to move. It sounds outstanding. There’s a middle class. They have small businesses. It sounds great. – Seth Myers
Vice President Joe Biden said he has privately met with 17 Republican senators at his home to try and connect on issues like tax reform. Biden asked what he can do to speed up negotiations, while Democrats asked, “Does this door lock from the outside?” - Jimmy Fallon
CNN is developing a game show to be hosted by Anderson Cooper. It will be just like the other CNN shows except the contestants will make wild guesses instead of the news anchors. – Seth Myers
99 THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
100
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
בס“ד
WONDERFUL WINTER TOURS: USA:
Israel:
Kotel Tunnels; Ein Gedi; Dead Sea; Ir David; Old City; Jeep Excursion; Galil/ Tsfat/ Kivrei Tzadikim; Chevron, Kever Rochel; Rosh Hanikra and the Western Coast; Footsteps of the Maccabees; Negev Tour & more...
First child Free!
101 THE JEWISH HOME
The SchechTer Family PreSenTS...
JANUARY 29, 2015
n n n
For reservations Call Caribbean Kosher tours:
1-800-327-8165
marcopolopassover@gmail.com
Call Joy of aMit Children
SoutheaSt Region:
954-922-5100
n n
n
n n n
Our 20th spectacular year! directly on the beach Oversized newly renOvated rooms many with terraces superb children’s program Gourmet glatt kosher cuisine with renowned Chef Andy Serano Communal or private seders Private seder rooms available Trips to major attractions Golf, tennis, watersports nearby Daily services, shiurim, lectures Featuring:
Rabbi Chaim Friedman Rabbi Moshe Taub Honorable Phillip Goldfeder New York STATe ASSemblY
Eitan Katz
19201 Collins Ave, MiAMi BeACh, FloridA • www.MarcoPoloBeachresort.com
Jewish Home 4.65” x 5.875
Ask the Attorney
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
102
Shlomo Steiman, Esq.
NY License Suspension for Failure to Pay NY Taxes – Revisited I recently received a letter in the mail from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance stating
that if I don’t reach an agreement and start paying the taxes I owe, they will suspend my driver’s license. The
problem is that my business has been doing very poorly for the last year and a half and I have been having trou-
Serving the International Jewish Community for 27 Years
Passover 2015
A Luxurious OCEANFRONT LASKO Experience Fontainebleau Resort Miami Beach The Ocean at YOUR Feet
Gourmet Cuisine by RAM Caterers
ORB Glatt Kosher Supervision Internationally Acclaimed Resort & Spa OCEANFRONT and Directly On the Miami Beach Boardwalk Sephardic and Ashkenaz Minyanim Room & Suite options offer views of Atlantic Ocean & Intracoastal Waterway Lapis Spa with 30 treatment rooms & 100 plus lavish services LASKO’s Exceptional Difference: Scrumptious Tea Room & Poolside Daily Barbeque Live, Accredited CME Program Inspiring Scholars In Residence Program Outstanding Day Camp/Infant Care Programs Exclusive Coach Yogev “Step It Up” Teen Program
Information and Reservations Call:
877.538.9948 or 954.251.1940
Info@LASKOgetaways.com
ww.LASKOgetaways.com
ble merely putting food on the table – let alone paying any taxes. If they go ahead and suspend my license, besides for being a personal nightmare, it will make it even more difficult for me to earn a living and will essentially guarantee that I will never have the funds to pay them back. It doesn’t seem fair. What can I do? The Attorney Responds: About a year ago, I first answered a question dealing with this topic. Since then, I have unfortunately seen too many individuals stuck in this predicament. Your situation unfortunately is not that uncommon, and before dealing with your specific issue, I will first give a general overview of the New York State tax collection process. New York State will use all means legally at its disposal to collect back taxes, and will do so aggressively. Historically, this has been done through the means of liens and levies on property, including sweeping money out of taxpayers’ bank accounts and garnishments of wages. The means used to collect taxes was extended further when Governor Cuomo announced in August 2013 that a New York State driver’s license can be suspended when a taxpayer’s pastdue tax liability exceeds $10,000. As he explained, the impetus behind that decision was to force the “worst offenders [who] are putting an unfair burden on the overwhelming majority of New Yorkers who are hardworking, law-abiding taxpayers…[to] abide by the same rules as everyone else.” Otherwise, they should not be “entitled to the same privileges as everyone else.” On its face and in its intent, this law seems fair, and as such, I would be the last person to advocate for true tax scofflaws to be able to get off scotfree. However, much has since been written about whether this law is really helping collect money from scofflaws, and if not, who it is that is most severely affected by this law. As I have personally witnessed through individual who have contacted me and clients I have represented, it often turns out that people whose financial situation is in a downturn, with the least ability to pay their taxes yet who need the ability to drive their vehicle to get to
tions and negotiate an agreement that keeps your driver’s license privileges from being suspended. This article is published for informational purposes only. It is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be
used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.
Information and Reservations Call:
877.538.9948 or 954.251.1940
Info@LASKOgetaways.com
www.LASKOgetaways.com
@LASKOgetaways
JANUARY 29, 2015
Serving the International Jewish Community for 27 Years
Shlomo Steiman, a former Justice Department Auditor, is a Queens attorney with an office in Manhattan. His practice focuses on taxation, businesses and nonprofit organizations, as well as elder law and guardianship matters, for which he has been appointed a Court Examiner. He can be reached by phone at 917-838-5923 or by email at ssteiman@steimanlaw.com No column is a substitute for competent legal advice. Please consult with the attorney of your choice concerning specific legal questions you may have.
103 THE JEWISH HOME
work and pay their bills and if possible their back taxes, will not be able to do so as a result of this new law. If they still choose to drive in order to support their families, they risk being arrested for driving with a suspended license and being held in a police station like a common criminal. Now New York State is not without heart and does not just suspend one’s license without notice, which can ultimately start several months before suspension. Furthermore, in order to enable such people to work, New York enables those with unresolved tax problems to apply for a “restricted license” that would allow them to drive to and from work between certain hours of the day. However, besides for the fact that the only job one may be able to find will not entirely fall between those hours, with the severe restrictions placed on the license and other familial obligations people realistically have, those in the worst shape may now be put in a situation which will make it that much harder to get back on their feet and move on with their lives. The purpose of my articles is not to wax poetic about tax policy, but to rather to inform you of potentially concrete actions you may take. As such, someone facing a suspended license may be able to have their suspension removed if they could enter into an installment payment agreement with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. When doing so, however, once must be sure that the agreement they enter will enable them to realistically make all required payments, since failure to make payments could result in their license again being suspended as well as their bank accounts being levied and their wages garnished. In some instances, the Department of Taxation and Finance may also agree to consider an Offer in Compromise, where based on financial information presented and the facts and circumstances surrounding the situation, the taxpayer would offer to pay an amount which may be significantly less than the amount due. Nevertheless, before considering any of these options, it is imperative that the Department of Taxation and Finance is contacted before the driv-
er’s license is actually suspended, since removing the suspension can take time and the work involved can be more difficult once the suspension takes effect. As such, I would highly recommend speaking with an experienced tax attorney who could help you better assess your tax situation, realistically discuss your op-
JANUARY 29, 2015
104
• BUSHK ILL , PA •
GREENWALD CATERERS
IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE ARE OPEN FOR:
THE JEWISH HOME
Weekends G R O U P S H U L
R E T R E AT S
R E T R E AT S
S C H O O L
R E T R E AT S
CO N F E R E N C E S DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND
WE ARE OPEN FOR THE FEB 20 & MARCH 13TH WEEKENDS
TH
IN THE HEART OF POCONOS WINTER ACTIVITIES!
SPECIAL SHAWNEE SKI RESORT PACKAGE FULLY RENOVATED ROOMS, SUITES, CHALETS & COMMON AREAS WORLD CLASS RESORT / SPA FACILITIES & INDOOR HEATED POOL SEPARATE SWIMMING STAFF & SERVICES THE “HAUTE’ WITH A HEIMISH TOUCH” GOURMET MENUS OF GREENWALD CATERERS
C AT E R I N G B Y
GREENWALD CATERERS FOR RATES & RESERVATIONS PLEASE CONTACT
732.575.9525
getaways@greenwald caterers.com
SUPERVISED DAY CAMP, TEEN & BABYSITTING MASHGIACH TEMIDI CHOLOV YISROEL GLATT KOSHER
CHECK OUT HOTEL AMENITIES ONLINE: BUSHKILLINN.COM
PESACH in the NORTHEAST
LECTURES & ENTERTAINMENT
L I V E CO N C E R T S W I T H
YEHUDA GREEN 8TH DAY'S BENTZI MARCUS mn SCHOLARS IN RESIDENCE
RABBI SIMON JACOBSON RABBI EPHRAIM BUCHWALD CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS
mn
WE ACCEPT AIR MILES CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION
GLATT KOSHER • NON GEBROKTS CHOLOV YISROEL • SHMURA MATZAH
RESERVE NOW
774.353.0170 PESACHINTHENORTHEAST.COM CATERED BY
GREENWALD CATERERS
mn
105
*Rancho Bernardo Spa Pool & Cabanas
The Upscale Experience Awaits. White Oaks Resort Niagara Falls, Canada
Rancho Bernardo Inn San Diego, California
“Extraordinary would be the only way to describe it. The resort that has it all.”
“A peaceful haven in the heart of the mountains.”
-Canada Select Ontario’s Top Five Star Hotel Resort
-Condé Nast Traveler Worlds Top 100 Resorts
info@upscale-getaways.com www.upscale-getaways.com
1.877.895.3210
JANUARY 29, 2015
NO ONE OFFERS AN EXPERIENCE LIKE “UPSCALE”. LET US SHOW YOU WHY.
PESACH 2015
THE JEWISH HOME
presents
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
106
Your Money
Allan J. Rolnick, CPA
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year?
W
ay back in 1963, the singer Andy Williams introduced one of the most popular holiday songs of all time: “It’s the Most
Wonderful Time of the Year.” Decades later, the office-supply store Staples repurposed it to sell school supplies, and Miller recycled it once again to sell light beer. But for our friends at the
IRS, the most wonderful time of the year starts right now. So here are some tax time quotes to get you in the spirit of the season:
“It’s tax time. I know this because I’m staring at documents that make no sense to me, no matter how many beers I drink.” - Dave Barry “Nuclear physics is much easier than tax law. It’s rational and always works the same way.” - Jerold Rochwald “I don’t care anymore whether I pay more taxes or less taxes, as long as I don’t have to understand it.” - Bob Thaves (“Frank & Ernest”) “If you make any money, the government shoves you in the creek once a year with it in your pockets, and all that don’t get wet you can keep.” - Will Rogers “You don’t pay taxes — they take taxes!” - Chris Rock “Nothing makes a man and wife feel closer, these days, than a joint tax return.” - Gil Stern “U.S. Internal Revenue Service: an agency modeled after the revenue raising concepts of the 19th century economist, Jesse James.” - Robert Brault “It would be nice if we could all pay our taxes with a smile, but normally cash is required.” - Anonymous Sure, writers and columnists like Will Rogers and Dave Barry can make you laugh at the tax man. But can they actually help you pay less? No! And there’s nothing funny about wasting money on tax you don’t have to pay. So make sure you have a plan, and you’ll enjoy having the last laugh on the IRS! Allan J Rolnick is a CPA who has been in practice for over 30 years in Queens, NY. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at 718-896-8715 or at allanjrcpa@aol.com.
P RIME E XPERIENCE
WWW. THEPRIMEEXPERIENCE. COM
Laguna Beach
creating lasting memories
elevate...
Your Yom Tov
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS WITH THE SMILOW FAMILY
PESACH 2015
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
E N T I R E R E S O R T KO S H E R F O R P E S AC H
David J. Rabbi Yoel Lieberman Gold Ph.D
Mrs. Ahuva Cherns
Mrs. Ruchy Harary, MS
Rabbi Elie Abadie M.D. Rabbi Lewis Wienerkur
Yoni Z.
THE NEW SHIDDUCH INITIATIVE
• The Only Non-Gebrokt Resort in S. Florida • 5 Star Cuisine & Service • Star Studded Entertainment • Professional Day Camp & Teen Program • 4 Pools • Jacuzzi • Fitness • World Class Spa
telephone :
Rabbi Asher Charlie Stern Harary, Esq.
Srully Willger
Yumi Lowy
Vieques Island
Beaches Ranked in World’s Top 10 Spectacular Bioluminescent Bay Breathtaking Scenery Incredible Attractions
323-275-1949 • website : www.smilowfamilytours.com
JOIN US IN OUR NEW LOCATION! "THE HUDSON VALLEY RESORT" The Mandel Family Presents
Pesach 2015 at the Hudson Valley Resort Kerhonkson, NY
Our 10th exciting year!
Just 2 hours from Brooklyn
RABBIRABBI YISROEL YISROEL ROLL ROLL
RABBI RABBI RABBI MENACHEM AVI SCHNALL DANI RAPP APTER
MICHOEL PRUZ PRUZANSKY
Activities
- Beautiful Indoor Pool - Tennis - Exclusive Spa - Basketball - Championship Golf - Miniature Golf - Jogging Trails - Zipline - Horseback Riding - Petting Zoo - Hay Rides
Visit our Visit new our website! brand website: www.pesachtime.com www.pesachtime.com
~ Rabbi Avi Juravel, Rav
~ Day camp run by Rabbi Shlomo Hyman of Englewood
~ Entire hotel Kosher L’Pesach
~ Daf Yomi, Shiurim and lectures by noted Rabbonim & speakers
~ All baking done on premises ~ Fully Stocked Bais Medrash ~ Infant day care and babysitting
~ Amazing teen program ~ Jugglers, clowns, animal shows, and more for the kids
732.370.7777
Looking forward to greeting you personally.
Chasidishe shechita, Cholov Yisroel, Non Gebrokts, Hand Shmurah Matzo
Your hosts , The Mandel Family
Aspen
Rabbi Dr. Seth Grauer Rabbi Steven Weil Rabbi Sion Setton Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis Dr. David Pelcovitz Award Winning Skiing Breathtaking Scenery Incredible Attractions Non-Gebrokts
Special Performances By Speakers Ohad, Baruch Levine, Modi, Senator Ted Cruz, & Lior Suchard U.S. Representative Ed Royce, Nick Muzin
& Much, Much, More !
212-335-0828
jon@theprimeexperience.com www.theprimeexperience.com For Information About The Four Seasons Westlake Village Please Call Our Office at 212-335-0828
JANUARY 29, 2015
BONAVENTURE enjoy...
experience...
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Rabbi Eli Mansour Rabbi Marvin Hier Rabbi Abraham Cooper Malcolm Hoenlein Championship Golf Private Beach Surfing & Kayaking
THE JEWISH HOME
2015 Prime Pesach
107
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
108
Life Coach
Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS
How’s Your Blizzard?
H
ow’s your blizzard? Did you go out for staples? We did too! But we came back with Kit Kats, marshmallows, and frozen yogurt! What better way to weather a blizzard? Can anything be a more de-
pendable cure-all than chocolate?! Oh, of course we picked up big bags of salt! We are not nuts! What else would we put on the homemade popcorn? And yes, don’t worry, we got shovels too! After all, how else would
we move around the logs in the fireplace? Does it sound like we are not taking the storm seriously? We are! We made sure we had sleds! How would you have liked us to react? We can only control a certain side
of things. We can’t close the roads, the schools, or work. Luckily, the district took care of that. We are first responders, so to speak. We hear a call for a snowstorm and we get ready for action. We’ve got our carrots for the nose, buttons for the eyes, and twigs for the arms. There’s a song that goes “If all of the rain drops were lemon drops and gum drops, oh what a world this would be!” Well, just imagine what we could do with snowflakes?! There’s only one way to weather these storms with a smile and a good pair of gloves. There’s nothing like falling into a soft bed of snow or making that perfect snowball. These are the moments we can all share. It’s amusement park fun – free of charge. Just slide, roll, sled, throw! And even be productive – build! G-d’s got a great way of telling us to just stay home, have fun, and be a family. Usually it takes planning, or packing, or organizing. But this just comes our way easy as pie. Delivered straight from heaven. So blizzard, shmizard, enjoy the best it has to offer. Before you know it, it will just melt away. And the roads will just be roads not rinks. The yards will be grass knolls not tubing courses. And the beautiful pure white world will be back to all the overly stimulating, color-filled array of incoming information. Snow = See No Offense in the World. Purity reigns supreme! Bask in it! Rivki Rosenwald is a certified relationship counselor, and career and life coach. She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or rivki@rosenwalds.com
Parenting Today
109
Chinuch Workshops: Practical Torah Guidelines and Strategies for Achieving Successful Chinuch
THE JEWISH HOME
Rabbi Chaim A. Morgenstern
P
art and parcel of being mechanech a child according to his derech is to know when to start the chinuch process and how to progress with the child’s age. Although the parents’ obligation of chinuch starts between the ages of six and seven depending on the child’s intellect (Mishna Brura 269:1), nevertheless, there are a few chinuch concepts that apply to infants and toddlers. It is evident from Chazal that from day one a child is aware of his surroundings and absorbs everything to which he is exposed (Alei Shur, vol. 1, p.263). • Chazal praise the mother of Rebbi Yehoshua ben Chananya ‒ Ashrei yolad’to ‒ because she placed his crib in the beis hamedrash so that he should absorb the sounds of Torah study
from infancy (Pirkei Avos 2:11, Bartenura ad loc.). • In the mitzva of Hakhel, the Torah commands parents to bring their infants (taf) with them to the Bais Hamikdash the year after shmitta to hear the king read parts of Chumash Devarim. The Minchas Chinuch (mitzvah 612) says that taf refers to infants over thirty days old, and Chazal write that the purpose of bringing infants is “la’seis sachar l’maivi’eihem” − to bring reward to those who bring them (Chagiga 3a, cited in Rashi Devarim 31:12). • What is the parents’ reward?
One explanation is that the Torah reading that the infants hear
daughter knows all Shas!” With a surprised look on Rav Shalom’s face, Rav
“Parenting isn’t imposing your will; it’s discovering who your child is.” will enter their hearts and cause them to have yiras Shamayim as adults (Commentary of Nachalas Yaakov to Masechta Sofrim 18:6). • Rav Chaim Friedlander writes that studies have shown that until two years old a child learns proportionately more than he does during the rest of his lifetime (Mesilos Chaim B’Chinuch p. 78). Therefore, since children’s neshamos absorb all that they hear and see, exposing infants and toddlers to Torah and mitzvos will have a positive life-long effect on them. Rav Moshe Aharon Stern, the late Kamenetzer Mashgiach, once remarked that even though we can’t bring an infant’s crib into the bais hamedrash, nevertheless, we can create a bais hamedrash in our homes by exposing an infant to the sounds of Torah. Parents should relate stories of tzaddikim and sing songs with words of Torah and yiras Shamayim in an infant’s presence. Whenever possible, they should daven and say brachos aloud for him to hear. Similarly, when the father studies Torah at home, he should have the infant next to him and say the words aloud. Let an infant observe mitzvos such as lighting the Shabbos candles, making havdala, conducting the Pesach Seder and eating in the sukkah. When Rav Yehuda Leib Auerbach suggested to Rav Shalom Schwadron that he marry his daughter, he told Rav Shalom, “I want you to know that my
Auerbach explained, “During World War I, our family spent many days in
a bomb shelter. Each night, I would to rock my daughter’s crib while learning Gemara out loud to lull her to sleep and was able to complete the entire Shas with her!” The Chofetz Chaim (Mishna Berura, Shaar Hatziyun 560:25) cites the Shelah Hakadosh who writes that a parent should not sing shirei agavim – songs with immoral themes – to his children because this causes children to have negative character traits (teva ra).
Main point to work and focus on with infants and toddlers for the coming week: > Expose them to stories of tzaddikim and songs with words of Torah and mitzvos. > Study Torah and daven in their presence > Let them observe mitzvos such as lighting the Shabbos candles and making havdala.
Rabbi Morgenstern does family counseling and lectures extensively in Israel and abroad on shalom bayis, chinuch habanim, family communication, shidduchim, dating and personal growth, and has produced a popular CD series on these topics. His articles on these topics and Jewish hashkafa have appeared internationally in Jewish newspapers and magazines. For more information or to schedule a lecture, contact Rabbi Morgenstern in Israel at 952236-4197 or at rabbi@toras-chaim.org. You can also request to receive his weekly Parsha Pearls and chinuch articles by e-mail. Please include your name in the request. Articles are dedicated to the memory of his parents, Reb Yerachmiel Yisroel Nesanel z”l and Leah Gittel a”h. T.N.T.B.H
JANUARY 29, 2015
Chinuch with Infants and Toddlers
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
110
Health & Fitness
David Elazar Simai, MD
The Little Things That Matter Most Part III
Dear Readers, This week I continue with the last of my three part series about extremely interesting patient encounters. It seems that many parents and grandparents were moved by the previous articles describing aspirated foreign objects. A few even stopped me in shul and promised to no longer allow popcorn or cloves in their houses. One of my friends suggested I should brand a “Dr. Simai Childproof Clove Box” for havdala. However, the main message I tried to deliver through these cases is that sometimes we cannot rely on tests alone. Clinical history and examination findings are critical in making a proper diagnosis. There is one common challenge that parents and physicians share. While both sides want the best for the child, the art of being a good caretaker is to properly react to the medical situation. Many times, we allow our fears to overcome us and subject patients to unnecessary and sometimes even risky and harmful procedures. Attaining the proper balance requires first and foremost a close bond with your physician. When there is proper communication, a physician can attain a thorough history, and the parent will feel comfortable with following up. The trust between both sides will ensure that the physician/patient relationship will stay calm and healthy. On occasion, I sense that there are parents that enter the office ready to battle. Instead of giving the medical history and asking for a medical opinion, they sometimes give a short history and demand that I prove
their child does not have certain conditions they may have looked up online or heard from their concerned and (very) anxious neighbor. In medicine, it is sometimes easy to diagnose certain illnesses, but proving to a parent that their child is not sick may involve tests that sometimes will endanger their health. This case took place on a Sunday afternoon while I was a third year resident at Schneider Children’s Hospital (now known as Cohen’s Children’s Hospital). To put it lightly, being a resident is really not too much fun. At Schneider’s, we worked around the clock seeing patients, documenting, drawing bloods, starting IV infusions, writing orders, summarizing the hour by hour changes of the entire ICU ward, and communicating with attending physicians and parents. With all that work, there were rarely any glorious moments. Most residents looked forward to the end of their shift or hoped that they had a colleague/ friend on their shift who would share some sympathy with them. Seeing the daylight was a real privilege especially when you were on call for 24-30 hours. During my residency at Schneider’s, Long Island Jewish Hospital merged with Northshore Hospital. As a result, all the Northshore satellites referred
The RNSP Serves the Rockaway and 5 Towns Communities
A ROCK WAY
NASSAU
Call the 24-hour hotline at any time:
917-727-7306 Subscribe to the RNSP Security Alerts
Anyone interested in receiving security alerts, please send an email to securityalerts@rockawaypatrol.org and enter "Sign me up" in the Subject field.
their complicated pediatric cases to Schneider’s. ICU residents were sometimes sent to transport unstable patients from satellite hospitals. On one particular Sunday in August of 2002 while on call in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), I was asked to travel via ambulance to Northshore Plainview Hospital and transfer a 17-year-old male with apparent kidney failure to Schneider’s. After a while, being in the ambulance was actually not so exciting, and it meant that I would have less time to write notes and gather information that day. Transfers usually took a few hours to conduct. One ICU resident and nurse along with two paramedics comprised the crew on the ambulance. This was my first visit to the Plainview Hospital. I remember that I was very impressed by what seemed to be a newly renovated ER, equipped with updated machinery and a lot of high tech gadgets. The ER attending informed us that the boy was reported to be in good health until five days ago, when he developed a fever and a sore throat. He was checked for strep and the test came back negative. His doctor instructed him to stay hydrated and take Tylenol for the pain. Two days later, he returned to his pediatrician complaining of higher fever and decreased urination. His doctor checked his throat and saw some blisters that were consistent with a coxsackie viral illness that is a very common summer illness. She instructed him to drink more fluids and continue taking Tylenol. A day later, the fever persisted and the boy looked more tired. He told his mom that he had not urinated in two days. She called her doctor and was sent to the ER. Usually, young patients that fail to hydrate themselves do not urinate much. Assuming that the patient was dehydrated, the ER physician started him on large amounts of IV fluids. However, instead of the expected improvement in his condition, the ER physician noticed that the patient’s condition was worsening. The blood tests showed that his
kidneys were failing. CT scans of his entire body were performed and were reported negative. By the time we arrived, the extra fluids that the patient received were accumulating in his lungs and he required oxygen. The patient was overweight and transferring him to the ambulance stretcher was quite a task. We had to resort to rolling him onto his side and then pushing him onto the ambulance stretcher. While performing this task, his lower back was exposed to me, and I noticed that it was quite red. I asked the ER attending whether the patient complained of backaches and the answer was no. Initially, I thought that his back was red from laying on his back for a while. But on the ride back to Schneider, I was pondering what caused the boy to get so sick. Kidney failure and now respiratory distress in an otherwise healthy 17 year old? It just did not make any sense. A thought came to my mind right there – in the ambulance. I did remember that several months prior, I heard on the radio about a patient with a flesh eating bacteria. Is it possible that this boy’s red lower back was infected with flesh eating bacteria? I knew it was a long shot, but I did research this condition when I arrived back at Schneider’s and learned that the proper medical terminology for this was necrotic fasciitis. As we arrived at Schneider’s, the PICU team hovered around the boy. His respiratory distress was worsening, and the decision was made to insert a chest tube into his lungs and drain some of the fluid that accumulated there. The attending on call that night was a senior attending who is currently the chief of the PICU. My relationship with the attending was cordial, but I always felt a little religious tension in the air. As a second year resident, before leaving to mincha, the Chief of the Department commented to me, “You think I do not know your prayers? I can dictate all of them by heart.” On Fridays, I had a very hard time leaving the hospital with enough time to drive home before Shabbos. I tried very hard not to judge them; after all, I was lucky to receive a Shomer Shabbos Residency position, and it was natural that some attendings had their reservations about this privilege. But while inserting the chest tube, I was asked to tie some surgical knots, and
will blame me if I call an Infectious Disease (ID) consult in the morning and have them investigate this matter. The next morning, I wrote my note in the chart suggesting in the assessment possible necrotic fasciitis. I did not want to irritate the senior attending again,
chair. I heard him scream, “David, you did it! How did you know the boy had necrotic fasciitis?” It took me a few seconds to digest the news. Nimrod recalled that his attending examined the boy’s back and decided to do a biopsy. As soon as the plastic surgeon cut the skin,
REGAL Mother of Pearl and Sterling Ataros
black, necrotizing material came oozing out (sorry for the graphic description). The patient required an immediate, wide, deep excision as the infection was quickly spreading. Subsequently, he was intubated and remained in the ICU for eight weeks. A special vacuum was used to bring the two free edges of his back together. Although weak, he was able to walk out of the ICU on his own at discharge. His mother was not aware that I diagnosed his illness. But the look on her face on the day of his discharge was unforgettable. To date, I feel that the thought of necrotic fasciitis was implanted in my head by G-d. There is a major lesson to be learned
Dr. David Simai is a Board Certified Pediatrician from the Five Towns. He is a full time attending in his own private practice since 2007 in Cedarhurst, New York. In addition, he is an Attending Physician at LIJ-Cohen Children’s Hospital, North-Shore Manhasset University Hospital and South Nassau Communities Hospital. He can be contacted for consultation at 516 374-2228 or via email at davidsimai@yahoo.com. NOTE: name, gender, geographical area and other identifying information were deliberately altered in this article in order to protect the patient’s privacy. This article is not intended to help diagnose or treat any specific disease. Always consult your personal physician before diagnosing or treating yourself or your child for any of the above mentioned illnesses.
JANUARY 29, 2015
so I did not mention this at our formal ICU rounds. But after rounds, I called my friend Nimrod Dayan, who was the ID fellow. “Nimrod, I know everyone thinks I’m crazy, but I think I have a case of flesh eating bacteria in the PICU.” In my excitement, I forgot the medical name for the condition. Nimrod listened to the case and laughed at me. I knew that once I filled out the requisition for a consult, there would have to be a formal consult and discussion of the case with his attending. I respected the ID team a lot, and when I heard Nimrod’s reaction, I felt that my judgment was flawed. When I returned to the ICU on Tuesday morning, Nimrod Dayan saw me entering the ICU. He almost fell off his
Wishing you the best of health, David E. Simai, M.D.
111
Kidney failure and now respiratory distress in an otherwise healthy 17 year old? It just did not make any sense.
from this case. When fever or other symptoms do not disappear, it is not enough to order blood tests and CT scans. It is important to check the patient from head to toe. Even a routine and boring shift on a Sunday afternoon gives me goosebumps ten years later. I left the PICU with the feeling that said by heart or not, my prayers went straight where they belonged.
THE JEWISH HOME
due to my father’s mentoring in medical school, I was able to tie one-handed knots. Noting this, the senior attending gave me a rare compliment, and I felt that maybe this was the beginning of a new chapter. So a few minutes later, I asked him: “Doctor S. what do you think is wrong with our patient?” “Well, David, I think this is a lymphoma until proven otherwise.” The PICU fellow that night totally ignored my question. I suggested my opinion – “I think he has necrotizing fasciitis.” The attending and the fellow laughed at me. “Why in the world would you say that?” Well, I did see that he has a deep red lower back when I transferred him, I said. “That’s not enough, David. His CT scan and blood tests were negative! I think that’s a waste of time.” Luckily, and generally on Sundays, we have a few extra moments to spare around dinner time. I picked up the CT scan and went straight to the radiology department. I described the case to the radiologist on call. When I reviewed the CT scan initially, I did see mild thickening of the lower back, but the radiologist at the previous hospital reported that the CT was negative. The radiologist at Schneider agreed that there was some non-specific inflammation in that area, and said that I had a point. I thought to myself I have nothing to lose—no one
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
112
Health & Fitness
Aliza Beer, MS, RD
How to Avoid Winter Weight Gain
F
ollowing previous blizzards, several of my patients regressed in their diets. Patients who had been losing significant amounts of weight – for weeks – all of a sudden found themselves gaining weight and were asking me: Why?
ing storm, fear that possibility. You may have made it to the grocery store to buy some healthy food, to cook or not... What should you be eating? Studies have shown that many people gain at least one pound between November
Studies have shown that many people gain at least one pound between November and January. So, you have been stranded in your house for a few days as a result of a recent storm, or, in light of an upcom-
and January, and that gain is usually permanent. Some causes are the decrease in outdoor exercise, cravings
for fattening comfort foods, and layers of warm clothing that hide your expanding waistline! Winter comfort foods are usually high in fat, calories, and sodium. In the summer months, there is an increase in the quantity and variety of light foods. The following are some winter foods that are most likely to pack on the pounds, and some healthier alternatives for them: 1. Macaroni and Cheese: The name says it all! Try to reduce the fat/ calories by using whole wheat or low carb pasta and reduced fat cheese. 2. Cream-Based Soups: They are typically high in fat and sodium. Make soups that are brothbased, like vegetable or chicken, and add very little salt. Cauliflower and zucchini soups are nutritious, filling, and comforting. 3. C h e e s e c a k e s or Muffins: These are loaded with artery clogging fats. Try a toasted Vitamuffin (100 calories and 4 – 10 grams of fiber), or a baked apple with a spritz of fat free whip cream to satisfy your sweet tooth. 4. Cookies: One small cookie (1 – 2 oz) is about 200-250 calories, which is not tragic if you have the ability to control yourself and limit it to just one, but most people do not exhibit that much self control. Try to keep 100 calorie packs of your favorite cookie in your house for emergencies. 5. Fried Side Dishes: Onion rings and French fries are some of the worse foods one could possibly consume. Salad and veggies are the ideal side dishes, but if you are craving something starchy, try baking sweet potato fries with a little olive oil, salt and pepper. 6. Hot Cocoas and Lattes: These beverages are deceptively caloric. Try decaf coffee, diet hot cocoa, or green tea. Warm beverages are more satisfying and comforting than cold ones. 7. Cholent: Cholent is a Shabbos staple especially in the winter months,
but contains an abundance of carbs (beans, barley, potatoes) and fat. Try putting up a crockpot of chicken or vegetable soup for Shabbos lunch. Many of my patients love having the hot soup and stop craving the cholent. The key to warding off winter weight gain is a ready supply of alternate comfort foods. When trapped indoors during snowstorms make up a feeding schedule for yourself and don’t eat unless it’s eating time. Remove yourself from the kitchen environment as much as physically possible. Above all, don’t utilize this homebound opportunity to bake!! Nibbling during food preparations can lead to substantial weight gains. When having a Martha Stewart moment, chew gum or sip on an iced coffee. Try some fun indoor exercises such as Dance Dance Revolution, hoola hoop, and jump rope. Hang in there, spring will be here…eventually!! 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.
113
In The Kitchen
Photos and Recipes by Sina Mizrahi
chili and sliders are all guaranteed crowd pleasers. They are quick to rustle up and you can make a lot in bulk ahead of time too. • Although beer is the de rigeur drink to serve at a Super Bowl party, it’s not always everyone’s first choice of drink. Offer an assortment of beverages – a bowl of fruit punch, cocktail/mocktail options and plenty of soda/ water. Don’t forget to stock up on ice to keep the drinks cool. • Decorate your home with balloons and streamers in the colors of the teams that are playing. Minimize cleanup time and buy disposable plates, tablecloths, utensils and napkins. • Make sure you know how many people are planning on attending so you can ensure there’s plenty of seating. No one wants to bestanding for the duration of the game! If you don’t have enough dining room chairs/ folding chairs, lay out throws, blankets and floor cushions so guests can be comfortable on the floor. For a dairy party, try these Mediterranean Lavash Nachos. For a meat party, try these Turkish Lamb Meatballs. This article is sponsored by Sabra Dipping Company as part of an ongoing partnership.
Cocktail Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs
Mediterranean Lavash Nachos
Spice up your meatballs with Sabra Turkish salad and then serve more on the side. It really adds a depth of flavor to this quick party snack perfect for game day parties.
Here’s a new take on classic nachos Mediterranean style with homemade Lavash chips. Layer on beans, cheese, guacamole and Turkish salad with some schug for extra heat. Add some labneh if desired.
Ingredients 1 pound ground lamb 3 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, minced 8 oz. container Sabra Turkish Salad 1 teaspoon salt Ground pepper, to taste 3 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed ¼ cup seasoned bread crumbs 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil Directions In a large bowl, add ground lamb, parsley, 2 tablespoons TurkishsSalad, salt, pepper, garlic and bread crumbs. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg and pour over the ground lamb mixture. Mix gently with your hands and form into meatballs no larger than a golf ball. (As with burgers, a soft touch will ensure a tender finished product; overworked, compact meatballs will end up dense and heavy.) Allow meatballs to come to room temperature. In a 12″ skillet, heat 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil until shimmery-hot. Cook until deeply, evenly browned on all sides. (An internal temperature of 150-155 degrees will give you a medium-well meatball; if your butcher ground the meat from a solid hunk of lamb himself, feel free to aim for medium rare, if you like.) Drain on paper towels and blot dry. Serve over more Sabra Turkish Salad.
Ingredients Nonstick vegetable oil spray 4 sheets of lavash, cut into 2 inch triangles 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 1 large white onion, chopped 4 ounces shredded mozzarella 8 oz. container Sabra Turkish Salad 2 avocados, mashed Sabra schug, optional to taste Directions Preheat oven to 350°. Place triangles of lavash on a parchment-lined cookie sheet in a single layer. Spray with cooking spray and bake until lightly toasted (about 5 minutes). Layer toasted chips in the middle of the pan, top with beans, onions, and shredded cheese. Bake until cheese is melted, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and top with Turkish salad, mashed avocados and shug if desired. Reprinted with permission from joyofkosher.com.
JANUARY 29, 2015
ave you been waiting patiently on the sidelines as the football fanatics in your life have immersed themselves in a world of “touchdowns, red zones and huddles” for the past 17 weeks? If you’ve been counting down the minutes until the end of the football season – albeit it for slightly different reasons than your other half – then get ready to celebrate. The big day has arrived; it’s time for Super Bowl Sunday XLIX! There’s really no escaping the game so why not make a festive evening out of it and host your own Super Bowl party? It’s the perfect opportunity to get together with friends, try out a variety of new recipes and have an entertaining evening in the process. Here are our top tips for prepping for the event: • When it comes to food, Super Bowl is second only to Thanksgiving in terms of calorie consumption. Be prepared for big fans with big appetites! Opt for an easy buffet-style/finger-food menu. Choose foods that will appeal to the adults and kids alike – chicken wings with a variety of sauces, nachos and plenty of dips (see recipe below)*, crudités, a bowl of
A MOM’S GUIDE TO SUPER BOWL H
THE JEWISH HOME
108
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
100 114
In The Kitchen
Naomi Nachman
HOT DOG! IT’S THE SUPER BOWL! I love the Super Bowl. Well…not the actual game, but the camaraderie it brings. We have been hosting a Super Bowl party with the same friends for the last 15 years and I love catching up with them while watching half-time shows, commercials and even some football. Of course, there’s lots of food involved. This past year I have been working a lot with Abeles and Heymann products as they sponsor my radio show “Table For Two with Naomi Nachman” on the Nachum Segal Network. Here are some great recipes I have developed which make great Super Bowl party food.
Easy Hasselback Salami Easy Hasselback Salami Inspired by BusyinBrooklyn.com Ingredients ½ cup duck sauce ½ cup barbecue sauce Abeles and Heymann salami Preparation Mix the two sauces together and set aside. Remove the labeled casing from the salami and place on a cutting board. Make slices in the salami, taking care not to cut all the way through. The salami should still remain intact. Place the sliced salami on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a pastry brush, liberally coat the slices with the prepared sauce on both sides and across the top. Be careful not to tear apart the slices and to keep the salami intact. Place the salami in a 400° oven for 45 minutes. Baste the salami with the sauce continually during baking. Watch for burning as the sauce has a high sugar content. As it cooks, the salami will fan out and bend. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Transfer to a serving tray and serve warm with extra dipping sauce.
Hot Dog Knish Hot Dog Knish Ingredients 6 large Idaho potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 2 TBS canola oil 1 large onion, divided 4 medium eggs, divided 3 TBS potato starch 3 TBS mayonnaise 1 tsp garlic powder 1 TBS salt Pinch of white pepper 2 Abeles and Heymann hotdogs, thinly sliced about ½-inch Preparation Boil the potatoes in a medium pot with water to cover until fork tender. Meanwhile, heat canola oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Set aside. Drain the potatoes; mash well in a bowl. Add 3 eggs, potato starch, mayonnaise, garlic powder, ¾ of the sautéed onion, salt and pepper. Mix well and then set aside. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Make small scoops of the potato mixture and place it on the cookie sheet about an inch apart. Place a hot dog slice in the center of each potato mound, burying each slice so it is hidden. Beat the remaining egg and brush each potato mound with the egg wash. Top each knish with remaining onion in the center to garnish. Bake at 400° for approximately 30 minutes or until slightly browned. Continued on page 116
115 THE JEWISH HOME
For children birth - 3 years with special needs
Services Provided l
Evaluations
l
Feeding Therapy
l
Special Education
l
Nutrition Counseling
l
Service Coordination
l
Family Support/Counseling
l
Speech/Language Therapy
l
Physical & Occupational Therapy
l
ABA Program – Center & Home Services
Routines Based Interventions & Collaborative Coaching
ING
SERV
FAR AY AW OCK
R
TO REFER YOUR CHILD TO THE EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM CALL 311. This Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a public program for children under the age of three who are either suspected of having or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities. EIP is funded by NYS and NYC. All EIP services are provided at no cost to parents. Health insurance may be used for approved services. A child’s eligibility for the program can be determined only by state-approved evaluators under contract, and all services must be authorized by the NYC Early Intervention Program.
For more information about CHALLENGE: T. 718.851.3300 W. challenge-ei.com
JANUARY 29, 2015
Early Intervention Services
101
Chicken Kishka Wontons
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
116
Classic “B.L.T.”
Hot Dog with Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Sriracha Sauce
Chicken Kishka Wontons Ingredients 1 TBS brown sugar 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 TBS soy sauce 1 lb. skinless chicken breast cubes, diced 1 package wonton wrappers 1 package Abeles and Heymann kishka, cut into small pieces Preparation Combine sugar, garlic, soy sauce and chicken. Make sure to dice the chicken into small pieces. Refrigerate chicken for 1 hour. Place a piece of marinated chicken and a piece of kishka in the center of a wonton wrapper. Make sure the chicken and kishka are cut into small pieces; the wontons will burst open if overstuffed. Fold each corner of the wonton in the center to form an envelope. If the wrapper doesn’t stick close, use a little of the marinade or water to seal the edges slightly. Fill a large pot with about 2-3 inches of oil (approximately 2 cups). Place over medium high heat until it reaches to 350° on a fry thermometer. Fry a few wontons at a time (do not cook too many at once) for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Watch for burning. Use a slotted spoon to remove; transfer to paper towels to drain. Serve with duck sauce. Classic “B.L.T.” Ingredients Choose your favorite kind of bread—Kaiser roll, whole grain bread, baguette, sliced 1 package Abeles and Heymann beef fry Beefsteak tomato, sliced Romaine lettuce, shredded Hummus, avocado, poached egg, optional Mustard Sauce ¼ cup mayonnaise 1 TBS Abeles and Heymann Sweet and Tangy Mustard 1 TBS relish Preparation Prepare beef fry according to package. Set aside. In a small bowl, combine sauce ingredients; whisk to blend. To assemble: Spread the sauce on both sides of the bread. On one half of the bread, place cooked beef fry, then layer it with tomato, lettuce and any additional toppings. Top with other half of the bread.
Hot Dog with Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Sriracha Sauce Ingredients 1 can crushed pineapple juice ¾ cup brown sugar 4 tsp minced garlic 3 TBS cider vinegar 1 TBS sriracha sauce 1/2 tsp salt Handful cilantro, parsley, or mint (or a mixture) 1 TBS cornstarch ½ cup water 1 package favorite flavor of Abeles and Heymann hot dogs, grilled 1 package hot dog rolls Preparation In a small pot on medium heat, blend together the first 7 ingredients until smooth. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes on a low heat. While simmering, mix together cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. With a whisk, gradually blend cornstarch into pineapple mixture, whisking until sauce thickens which will be at boiling point. Remove from heat. Cool and serve as a dipping sauce for hot dogs.
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.
recipe to make this and it was
if you don’t want to make them all with meat, you can make some pretzels or even a challah out of the extra dough. Fill the dough with the roasted brats and a little mustard. Leftovers can sit in the fridge for about a week and reheat well. Before serving, slice open the dog and fill with onions and more mustard if desired.
Pretzel Wrapped Brats with Cider Braised Onions Ingredients pretzel challah recipe (see below) 3 packages Grow and Behold Nitrate-Free Bratwurst Gold’s spicy brown mustard 1 egg Coarse salt Cider Braised Onions 1 tablespoon oil 1 large onion, sliced 1 bottle hard cider 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Salt and pepper Directions Preheat oven to 425°F. Combine water and baking soda in a large stock pot. Bring to a boil. Meanwhile, turn the dough out on to a slightly oiled surface. Press the dough into a 1 ½ inch thick circle. Cut into 15 even pieces. Roll the dough into a thick rope, drizzle a thin layer of mustard on the brat. Then wrap the dough around the brat, making sure to seal the ends tightly. Continue until all brats are wrapped. When the water is boiling, add a few pretzel brats into the water at a time. Boil each batch for thirty seconds and then remove with a large slotted spoon or folded spatula. Transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet. Once all pretzel brats are boiled, brush with egg wash and then sprinkle with pretzel or coarse salt. Bake pretzels for 15 minutes until deeply golden. To make the onions: Heat a large pan over medium high heat. Add oil and onions. Sauté the onions until soft and translucent. Add Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and pour in your entire bottle of cider. Cook over medium heat until the onions caramelize and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Scoop onions into a bowl and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. Slice open the pretzel bun before serving and fill with onions and your favorite mustard.
Hot Pretzel Challah Recipe by Susie Fishbein Ingredients 2 tablespoons bread machine yeast or active dry yeast 1 tablespoon sugar ½ cup lukewarm water 3 tablespoons sugar 2 cups water 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt ¼ cup canola oil 6 cups bread flour (King Arthur® brand if possible) 8 cups water at room temperature 2/3 cup baking soda Pretzel salt, kosher salt, or sesame seeds Mustard, optional for dipping
JANUARY 29, 2015
enough for 15 bratwursts, but
Tamar Genger, MA, RD
I
used the hot pretzel challah
117 THE JEWISH HOME
In The Kitchen
Directions In a medium glass or Pyrex bowl or measuring cup, place the yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar, and ½ cup lukewarm water. Proof the yeast: it should show signs of life by expanding, slightly bubbling, or moving. If none of these things happened, your yeast is dead. Spill it out and start again. Meanwhile, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, on medium-low speed, mix the 3 tablespoons sugar, 2 cups water, fine sea salt, and oil. This can also be done by hand with a whisk. When the yeast has been “proofed” and shows signs that it is alive, beat the yeast mixture into the mixing bowl. With the mixer at a low speed, add the flour. Raise speed to medium and knead for 4–5 minutes until a nice, smooth, satiny dough forms. It will have almost a matte finish. If you are kneading in the flour by hand, it may take a few minutes longer to get a good smooth texture. Cover the bowl of dough with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1 ½ hours or until doubled in size.
Tamar lives in New York and is the mother of three amazing children, a registered dietitian, professor of nutrition, and as you can probably guess, a foodie! Tamar loves to travel with her family and visits kosher restaurants wherever she goes. Although she loves the sights, she spends more time talking about the restaurants and food she ate! As a mom and a nutritionist, Tamar tries to balance her passion for healthy cooking with her insatiable desire for chocolate!
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
118
TJH Classifieds SERVICES
SERVICES
SERVICES
SERVICES
Buying or Refinancing a Home? Pre-Approval letters that brokers trust! Put as little as 3% down. Borrow up to 90% with no MI! We can beat any written offer! Specializing in very difficult scenarios Call Daniel at Landmark Funding Group. NMLS#367291 at 718-663-7202 All loans arranged through 3rd party lenders.
Experience Math Teacher Available to Tutor All subjects, algebra, geometry, Math A, Math B, Trigonometry, Calculus etc. Guaranteed improvement, first hour free. Shomer Shabbat. Call Yossi at 516-581-3930
Frum mother Available to babysit during morning hours (till 12) at her home in Far Rockaway. Early morning available. All ages Call or text 718-290-3848
Yiddish Home Study Program: The new book Yiddish in 10 Lessons along with 2 CD’s has just been released to easily learn to read, write and speak the Yiddish language. Call Chaim at 516 924 7694 or www.conversationalyiddish,com You can also sign up to receive a Free Weekly Taste of Yiddish
HAIR & MAKE UP BY BRACHA BRAVER Weddings, Sheitels, Make Up, Waves, Up-dos, Braids, Color, Highlight, Cut, Wash & Set Best prices guaranteed Years of experienced, references available 516-943-0133 or 646-915-2527
Matchmaker for the Stars As seen on TV I represent the most successful families seeking appropriate matches for their children Very substantial finder’s fee Currently seeking young man for their daughter age 21 College and seminary educated, owns and operates her own business Outstanding middos and appearance Seeks young man who has earned the best Call me in confidence 347-702-2075
The Children’s Clothing Gemach in Cedarhurst Is fully stocked for boys/girls in sizes newborn-teen To make an appointment please call/text 516-712-7735
Keep Calm and Get Organized! Organizer. home. closet. playroom. kitchen. garage. Call today to get started - Special Low Rates Call Miriam 347-684-0338
Psychotherapist
Depression, anxiety, marriage, low self-esteem, Adults/Children Professional/Confidential Kenneth J. Levin, LCSW Insurance Accepted (516) 546-9170
Struggling with Shalom Bayis? The Shalom Bayis Hotline 732-523-1112 Caring rabbanim answering your questions for free So far very positive results BS’D!
Home Organizer Professional home organizer and accessory designer. Will help you organize your home and get rid of your clutter Will work with any budget Call (516) 725-6101 for immediate service
Hair Course Learn how to wash and style hair and wigs Hair and wig cutting, wedding styling Private lessons or in a group Call Chaya 718-715-9009
Are you Itching? Getting Bitten? Call us for Bed Bug Inspection! We also get rid of carpenter ants, silverfish, termites, carpet beetles, raccoons, Mice, rats, fleas, roaches, opossum, squirrels, mosquitoes, bees and wasps. Call 917-873-3180
Photos 4 your Simcha Professional Photography and Video We love what we do and it shows in our work! Competitively priced! Check out our website & specials. www.photos4yoursimcha.com or call Yaakov 718-868-1800
950 Broadway
Woodmere, NY 11598 www.pugatch.com
BARRY PUGATCH
Commercial Properties For SALE/LEASE
Professional Organizer and Time Management Coach Enjoy and learn to organize your home, business, or car – Less mess = Less Stress Sara Koppelman 917-579-7049
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE NORTH WOODMERE: Spectacular 6BR, 3 Full Bath CH Colonial, LR, Den W/Fplc, Eik, FDR, Master BR Suite, HW Floors, CAC, SD#15, Close To All…$999K Call Carol Braunstein - (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com
Carol Braunstein
(516) 2 9 5 - 3 0 0 0 www.pugatch.com
“Kosher” Yoga & Licensed Massage Therapy The Peaceful Presence Studio 436 Central Avenue, Cedarhurst Separate men/ women Prenatal Yoga, Martial Arts... www.peacefulpresence.com 516-371-3715
Call or Text
(516) 592-2206
cbraunstein@pugatch.com
BUILDINGS FOR SALE
10,000SF
+/Combined Elevator Bldgs Many Upgrades Plenty Muni Parking
Lovely 4BR, 2.5 Bath Cape, Eik, FDR, Lovely 4BR Exp-Ranch On O/S Property, Den W/Fplc, Patio, SD#14…$390K Formal Dr, Den, Prime Location...$489K
RETAIL FOR LEASE
3 , 6 0 0 S F + / - In Key Food Center Lots of Parking Fantastic Location
If You Are Interested In Buying, Selling Or Leasing Call The Local Commercial EXPERTS 516-295-3000
Spacious 4BR, 3 Full Bath Hi-Ranch, Beautiful 3BR, 3BA Exp-Ranch Set On A Eik, Formal Dr, Patio, SD#15…$679K 1/2 Acre, Formal LR & DR, Den...$1.249M
C A L L M E TO D AY T O S E L L YOUR PROPERTY!!! BE HAPPY! HAVE A COOKIE...
LO OKI NG T O B U Y OR SE LL? C ALL M E T O DAY! !!
TJH Classifieds NORTH WOODMERE: Oversized Home & Property In SD#15, 3BR, 2.5 Bath Split, Updated Kitchen, Formal DR, Lg Rooms, Low Taxes, SD#15, Near All…$645K Call Carol Braunstein - (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com
Commercial Property In Cedarhurst: 1,000-1,500+/- SF Retail Spaces Available, For Lease… Call For Details - (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
THE JEWISH HOME
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
119
Boro Park for Sale 54th St. (Bet. 11th & 12th Ave.,) 2 family, attached, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, built-in closets, Kosher Kitchen & Passover Kitchen, Mint Condition. Asking 1.6 Mil. Serious buyers only. Email: Goingrealty@Gmail.com
PLAINVIEW
Commercial Property In Hewlett: 500-2,500+/- SF Professional Office Spaces, Near Train, For Lease… Call For Details - (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com
4 Houses. Brnd New Construction. 4 rs. 5BR, 3 full bths + 2 half bths. EIK, LR/DR, den area off kit. Lndry on 2nd r. Full bsmnt w/ half bath. 4th oor has prvte brs and bth. Prvte drvwy. Call Chaya Moller for a showing. 516-506-3347
$625K
Commercial Property In Hewlett: 800+/- SF Retail Space With Basement, For Lease… Call For Details - (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com
For Sale: Cedarhurst $600’s Double Lot: Nestled on a park-like corner property, this private oasis awaits you. Step into the splendor of the spacious rooms of this all brick Tudor/ Colonial with many custom details: high ceilings, crown moldings, cozy fireplace, to name but a few. Steps from Ced Park, transportation, shopping, numerous shuls, and everything and everyone. Low taxes and endless possibilities make this a truly rare find. Call/text C Slansky, broker, 516-655-3636
21 WILLIAMS CT.
Cedarhurst Apartment Share Available for Frum Female 2 bedroom apartment in lovely area, 2nd floor of house Shomer Shabbat, kosher & pet friendly $800 monthly + security Please call: (917) 330-5470
FAR ROCKAWAY
MOTIVATED SELLER!! 3BR/1.5BA SD near FR schools and shuls. Newly renovated, full BSMT. $389,000 Call Melissa @ 347-757-0224
420 Central Ave., Cedarhurst NY 11516
Milky Forst nc. Properties IAvrohom "Avi" Sobel
Avrohom “Avi” Sobel Office: 516.239.0306
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Cell:
347.524.6530
Office: 516.239.0306 Cell: 347.524.6530
Email: asobel18@gmail.com milkyforstproperties.com
LAWRENCE 5BR/2.5BA Cape. Open plan, Hardwood Flrs, New kitchen. 2-car attached garage. Deep yard. Call Melissa @ 347-757-0224 $925,000. Also for rent $4,000/mo
APARTMENT RENTALS
M ILKY FORST PROPERTIES INC.
Licensed 420 Central Ave., Cedarhurst, NY 11516
30 MEADOW LANE
56 MURIEL
REAL ESTATE FOR RENT
Apartment for Rent in 2 family house 4 Bedroom 2 Bath in Cedarhurst Close to the LIRR, Shuls, and Shopping Huge rooms! Asking $2800 plus utilities Call Daniel 516-900-3867 cedarhurstrentals@gmail.com
LAWRENCE For SALE or LEASE Renovated Waterfront home 8 BR/4BATH with dock & 28’ BOAT. Motivated owner: 516-206-1100
FAR ROCKAWAY
Young, legal, 2 family semi-detached, 3 over 4 bedrooms. 5 full baths. 1st oor is a duplex with a huge eat in kitchen w/radiant heat. Large master bedroom with bath..W/D hookup in both apts. Call Sherri 516-297-7995 $699K
Real Estate Salesperson
Email: asobel18@gmail.com milkyforstproperties.com
FAR ROCKAWAY
LAWRENCE
Stunning renovation completed. Gorgeous cntr hall. 5 lrg bds. Mstr suite w/ sitting rm. Gourmet Kosher Kitchen with Great Room. LR w/ Frplc, huge custom DR. 4 full bths & full bsmnt. Call Sherri for further details . 516-297-7995
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES CEDARHURST
Call Sherri 516-297-7995
#1 Far Rockaway and 5 Towns Rental Specialists
JANUARY 29, 2015
WOODMERE: Move Right In!!! Charming 4BR Cape With Full Finished Bsmt, Lr W/Fplc, Formal DR, High Hats, Lg Playroom, Lots Of Storage, Great Backyard, SD#14…$399K Call Carol Braunstein - (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com
INWOOD For SALE or LEASE 10,000 SF Office+Warehouse Building - Parking. Overhead Door. Across from LIRR & USPS. Only $9.50/ft nnn. Owner: 516-206-1100
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
120
TJH Classifieds REAL ESTATE FOR RENT
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
For Rent 3 Bedroom Apartment New to market, Very nice condition 2 bathrooms, 2 porches, washer and dryer in the basement. On Dinsmore, in a 3 family house. Asking $1775 call: 516-225-4558
Due to simchos, Torah Academy for Girls, Far Rockaway seeking qualified, experienced elementary & jr high moras. Fax resume to 718-868-4612 attn: Rabbi Weitman
CATAPULT LEARNING Teachers for Title I in Boro Park and Williamsburg Chassidic boys schools *College/Yeshiva Degree Required *Strong desire to help children learn *Excellent organizational skills *Small group instruction *Competitive salary Email resume: nyteachers@catapultlearning.com Fax# (718) 381-3493
HELP WANTED Full Time Secretary Position in Cedarhurst Office Entry level position. Basic computer and customer service skills required Only email applications will be considered Email resume to readyvoicedata@yahoo.com IMMEDIATE OPENING F/T. Midtown Manhattan. Shomer Shabbos company Excellent knowledge in Excel necessary, QuickBooks a plus Organized, multitasking, computer saavy. Good pay Email resume to jobopening.tb@gmail.com or fax 877-625-3691. Salon in Cedarhurst is looking For a friendly, experience hair dresser, part time. Please send resume to: saraeidel@aol.com
Master Faster, an agency providing ABA therapy is looking to hire an individual to do ABA in Williamsburg Sundays for 4 hours and one afternoon during the week for additional 4 hours. Please call our office at: 845-477-5000 ext.105 or email your resume to: services@masterfaster.org Amazing Job Opportunities in Cedarhurst Shomer Shabos Office. Flexible hours for working moms! Part time and full time jobs available. Seminary girls welcome. Seeking capable, efficient individuals to join a fast-paced growing office. Excellent communication skills and strong organizational skills required. Basic Computer Skills necessary. Ability to multi-task and detail-oriented. Email resume to FTSadresponse@gmail.com YESHIVA IN QUEENS SEEKS FULL TIME SECRETARY Immediate opening. Experience preferred. Please email resume to ndsudwerts@gmail.com
Yeshiva in Queens seeks full time secretary. Immediate opening. Experience preferred. Please email resume to ndsudwerts@gmail.com
MISC. DJ YOSSY MUSIC and LIGHTING for any event, the crowd will love it. Djyossy.com 845 774 5949 Brand New and Free! “Same Boat” single mom support weekly voicemail message....call 24/7 to be cheered up, enlightened, and infused with new strength! 206-6000-812 Feel free to leave a feedback message afterwards
MISC. Looking for donation of car or minivan in good running condition. Tax exempt receipt available for full market value. Please call 347-342-8196 BUSINESS FOR SALE Restaurant for Sale Five Towns area. For more info, pls email kosherrestaurantforsale@gmail.com
BAYSWATER JEWISH LIBRARY IS NOW OPEN
A wide selection of both the latest and classic novels, Biographies, Short stories, Holocaust, self-help, cookbooks, And more! OPEN MONDAYS FROM 6:30-7:30 PM AND FRIDAYS FROM 2:00-3:00 PM $25 yearly membership - (718) 327-0604
Can You Sell?
Looking to make some extra cash? On-The-Marc is hiring motivated part time sales people. Six to 8 hours a week with unlimited income potential. Must have/own car. For more information Call Marc at 917-612-2300
121 THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
THE JEWISH HOME
JANUARY 29, 2015
122
Grocery Section Gefen
Mehadrin
Mayim Chaim
Mehadrin
Gesher
15oz
6oz
3 liters
Reg & Lite
Assorted Flavors
Tomato Sauce
Chocolate Lebens
.79
Greek Yogurt
Spring Water
.99
Snack Pak
6oz
1.25oz
$
$
$
$
.99
4/$1
Sabra
Gefen
Kariot
Kosherific
Near East
75 Ct
Original
6.99 Case Price Only.
Peanut Butter
Hummus Assorted 10oz
Cereal
Fish Sticks & Fish Shapes
13.20oz
18oz
2.99
2.99
4.49
$
$
Devash
Dagim
Milk
Tilapia Fillets
1/2Gal.
$
Gefen
Wise
Apple Juice Box Drinks
Potato Chips 0.75 Oz
16oz
$
Rice Pilaf Mix
5.49
2/$3 Liebers
Tnuva
12oz
Assorted
Alphabet Cookies
Sliced Cheese
4pk
$
$
5/$1
2/$3
2/$3
2/$5
Kemach
Gefen
Tnuva
Glicks
Snapple
Tnuva
2.69
4.99
Marshmallow Crème 13oz
Lite Mayonnaise 32oz
3.49
$
$
Quaker
Glicks
Hod Golan
42oz
31oz
Assorted
4.49
$
Apricot Preserves
3.99
$
Chunk Cheese
All Flavors 64oz
15oz
Assorted
2/$5 Instant Oatmeal
Chick Peas
Cheese Sticks
8oz
.89
5.99
3.49
2/$5
$
$
Deli Dept.
Cold Cuts
Come Into Our Store To See Our Deli Specials
5oz
For Catering, Please Call For More Information
2.99
$
Bakery Beigels
Sponge & Marble Cake 15oz
$
3.99
Fruits & Veg. Macintosh
Apples 3lb Bag
2.49
$
Large
Zucchini
$
.99
Clementines
6.99
$
Stringbeans
$
.79
Cookrite
Potatoes
1.99
$
5x6
Tomato
.89Lb
$
Sale valid 01/29/15 -02/04/15. Cash & Carry only. We reserve the right to limit quanitities on sale items. Not responsible for typographical errors. While supplies last. No rain checks.
ORDERS CAN BE EMAILED, FAXED, OR CALLED IN 1913 Cornaga Ave. • Far Rockaway • T. 718.471.7555 • F. 718.471.9102 • E. Kosherworldorders@yahoo.com
FREE PARKING • FREE DELIVERY • FRIENDLY SERVICE • CURB SIDE SERVICE Store hours: Sun 8-8 • Mon. - Tue. 7-8 • Wed. 7-10 • Thu. 7-11 • Fri. 7-1 1/2 Hours Before Shabbos
123 WOMEN’S COHORT
THE JEWISH HOME
MEN’S COHORT
JANUARY 29, 2015
MSW make a difference... SOCIAL MSW
Rabbi Levy is currently in Eretz Yisrael and available for interviews until FEBRUARY 2
WORK
To schedule please call:
052-539-8540
ISRAEL Internships / fieldwork offered in Israel for those who qualify
AN EXCLUSIVE PROGRAM OF
DC DESIGN / 732.901.4784
THE NEW SEMINARY & LIU
A N
E XC LU S I V E
P RO G R A M
O F
THE New A P P L I C AT I O N P RO C ES S N OW O P E N FO R
SEPTEMBER
2015
F I N A N C I A L A I D AVA I L A B L E 1 4 9 2 E A S T 1 2 T H S T R E E T, B R O O K LY N , N Y 1 1 2 3 0
7 18.769.8160
Seminary asjv rbhnx Rebbetzin Sora F. Bulka
MENAHELES
Rabbi Yeshaya Levy
Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
MENAHEL
f: 7 18.769.8640
I N F O @ T H E N E W S E M I N A RY. O R G