Five Towns Jewish Home - 12-14-17

December 14, 2017

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

Your Favorite Five Towns Family Newspaper

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PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

A TIME FOR MUSIC

See pages S2-S3

THIRTY ONE

Around the

Community

72

Miles of Smiles at iShine Five Towns Chanukah Event

32 Page Chanukah Supplement Inside

50 Cong. Bais Ephraim Yitzchok Chanukas Habayis

HaRav Aharon Yehudah Leib Steinman, zt”l

80

Passover Vacation GUIDE

Chanukah Contest

Starts on page 115

Details on page 10

Doughnuts of Thanks

OPEN FOR REGISTRATION – See page 3

SEASONS LAWRENCE

330 Central Avenue, Lawrence, NY 11559

Page 89

pg

84

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

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The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

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The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Dear Readers,

W

hen we go to my parents’ Chanukah party in Brooklyn every year, I am imbued with a special, warm feeling. No, it’s not that I’m going back to my childhood home, although that is always nice. And it’s not that I’m going to be spending time with family, although that is also very special. And it’s also not the doughnuts or the latkes or the platters of food that cover the tables, although that is always very welcome (just not to my diet!).

The feeling comes as we drive past all the houses on the dark streets. Almost every home has a group of menorahs standing in its window, their small flames glinting in the darkness. Blocks and blocks of windows, rows and rows of menorahs, countless small bundles of light illuminating the darkness.

The same emotion – magnified – is felt in Eretz Yisroel. There, the whole country is celebrating Chanukah, and when it gets dark, flames are seen dancing in windows, in stores, and in boxes on the streets. And it’s not just menorahs that imbue Eretz Yisroel with a Chanukah ambiance. The whole country is more joyous, more uplifted, as sufganiyot are piled high in storefronts and potatoes for latkes are sold by the kilo in groceries.

Yesterday, when I heard of the passing of Rav Steinman, zt”l, I felt as if a huge light was extinguished from the world. Rav Steinman was the indisputable leader of our generation, shouldering our burdens and shedding light into various matters that seemed dark to us. Suddenly, we are left alone; our world was darkened when he left to the Olam Ha’emes.

I recently viewed a clip of Rav Steinman lighting the Chanukah menorah. What struck me when viewing the film was that after saying the brachos and lighting the menorah, Rav Steinman sang Maoz Tzur. The tune he used for singing Maoz Tzur is the same tune that we all use when lighting the menorah, from four-year-olds to 104-year-olds. Look, I said to myself, look at the Jewish nation! We are

all performing this mitzvah of lighting the menorah, and we are all united, singing age-old words with the same melody. Regardless of who we are, the miracles that took place were for “avoseinu,” all of our fathers. All of our ancestors saw the nes of Chanukah, of the war and of the oil, and they passed down those stories of miraculous victories and astounding wonders to their children, who in turn passed it to their children until the chain, unbroken, reached us.

As we began to prepare an article on Rav Steinman for this week’s issue we became aware of his tzava’ah in which he asked that the media not print articles on him after his passing. In a world where people yearn for popularity and recognition, Rav Steinman’s request highlights his true self. Even after his passing, his essence so shunned adulation and ego, anything connected to the material world, that he asked for a simple gravestone and to be buried among simple people. He was the embodiment of shemen zayis zach, a pure, untainted human being whose only desire was to connect with Hashem and His Torah.

The miracle of the oil on Chanukah only highlights this lesson. When the Maccabim weren’t able to find enough pure oil for eight nights, they could have used something less than pure and it would have been permitted to use. But they desired to do the mitzvah on the purest level. And so, because of their elevated yearning to connect with Hashem in a most pure way, they were zocheh for the miracle of oil burning for eight nights.

This Chanukah, as we gather around the menorah with our families, we can gaze upon the flames and the oil burning beneath them and remember the lesson of the shemen and the desire to be pure that our ancestors have passed down to all of us.

Wishing you a wonderful, freilechen Chanukah, Shoshana

Yitzy Halpern PUBLISHER

publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Yosef Feinerman MANAGING EDITOR

ads@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Shoshana Soroka EDITOR

editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Nate Davis Editorial Assistant Nechama Wein Copy Editor Berish Edelman Mati Jacobovits Design & Production Gabe Solomon Distribution & Logistics P.O. BOX 266 Lawrence, NY 11559 Phone | 516-734-0858 Fax | 516-734-0857 Classifieds: Deadline Mondays 5PM classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com text 443-929-4003 The Jewish Home is an independent weekly magazine.

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

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The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Contents LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

8

COMMUNITY Readers’ Poll Community Happenings

8 40

NEWS

S26

Global

13

National

26

Odd-but-True Stories

38

ISRAEL Modern Day Miracles in the Land of Israel

S16

Israel News

20

The Smile of Success by Rafi Sackville

96

PEOPLE Harav Aharon Leib Steinman, zt”l

84

Camp Shoresh and Its Year-Long Influence

103

Chanukah on the Frontlines by Avi Heiligman

134

PARSHA The World that is or the World that Could Be

by Rav Moshe Weinberger

S4

Rabbi Wein

88

JEWISH THOUGHT The Candle That Burned for 70 Years by Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm

S14

The Great Light Hope by Eytan Kobre

90

Light Through the Forest by Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz

95

The Story of Chanukah – Where It Really Happened

by Malky Lowinger

99

HALACHA Olives, Olive Oil, and Chanukah

S8

HEALTH & FITNESS What Kind of Psychologist is a Marriage and Family Therapist? by Dr. Deb Hirschhorn 112 Confident Parenting by Dr. Hylton I. Lightman S20 Lighten up the Miracle of Chanukah by Aliza Beer, MS RD S22

Dear Editor, Chanukah, a time for celebration and at the same token a time for reflection. Every Chanukah we, the Korman family, reflect on our Chanukah miracle, our survival from carbon monoxide poisoning, and make it our point to remind the community to please make sure you have working, non-expired carbon monoxide detectors in your home or those that are connected via your alarm company.

May Hashem continue to show us miracles and protect us from all the “poisons” of this world.

The Korman Family Dear Editor, Your dating question this week was right in-line with the YouTube show called “Soon by You” about Orthodox singles dating in the City.

In the show, the last episode ended off with two people who seemed so compatible with each other – until he totally disregarded her interest in making aliyah. The woman in the show felt slighted; he didn’t seem to care about her hopes and dreams.

Spoiler alert: in the newest episode the couple realizes that they shouldn’t allow a dream to ruin a wonderful re-

Cover painting, “Hanukkah in Jerusalem”

by Alex Levin www.artlevin.com

lationship.

I think that’s the right answer for this woman whom the man in the dating column is asking about: why would you throw away a perfect match for you for something that can – maybe – happen in a few years? What are your priorities? Would you prefer to never get married and live in Israel or get married and possibly stay in the States? Putting it that way may help enlighten this young woman.

Sincerely, Chana H. Dear Editor, I urge everyone who is reading this to please, please never leave your Chanukah candles lit when you leave your homes this week. You never know if something can G-d forbid fall over, which can lead to, chalilah, a terrible event.

Also, keep careful watch over children. Even if the lights are off in a room, children are sometimes mesmerized by the flickering lights.

Watching them and knowing where they are at all times is extremely important when the candles are lit.

Sari Lofer Dear Editor, Great article on the “Mock-abee Chanukah Party” this week! A dreidel as a place card – I never thought of that, and I wish that I had! Perhaps Continued on page 10

FOOD & LEISURE

118

The Aussie Gourmet: Doughnut Holes with Maple Glaze and Candied Bacon 118 From Greece to Grease by Naphtali Sobel

120

LIFESTYLES Chanukah Crafts for Kids

S26

Dating Dialogue, Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW

109

Your Money

140

Go Ahead – Enlighten Yourself by Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

142

HUMOR Loveable Latkes by Jon Kranz Centerfold

S28 86

POLITICAL CROSSFIRE Notable Quotes

124

How Long will Congress Remain a Bystander Regarding War? by George F. Will 132 CLASSIFIEDS

136

Do you play dreidel on Chanukah?

78

%

YES

22

%

NO

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Continued from page 8

Chanukah Giveaway WIN A $10 BERRYLICIOUS GIFT CARD!

S

end us your photo(s) of what Chanukah means to you—it could be your family lighting candles, you and your siblings at your Chanukah party, Grandma playing dreidel or Grandpa eating a jelly doughnut (or two…or three). We want to see what makes Chanukah special to you. Make sure the photo includes the people you love most. Be one of the first 50 people to send in your photo(s) and we’ll send you a $10 Berrylicious gift card!

you can give this great party planner her own Jewish Home Instagram account – I’d love to see what she did for her Chanukah party this year, wink, wink!

As always, your paper is entertaining, interesting, and great fun!

Happy Chanukah, Temi Sternfeld Dear Editor, I listened to President Donald Trump’s speech with awe. His words were poignant and inspiring. He was not dithering in his statement and used plain, clear language to explain that he is just stating the “obvious”:

that Jerusalem in the capital of Israel.

We all know that it says that the words and actions of kings are in Hashem’s hands. Yes, Trump is the one who had made the announcement.

But it is Hashem’s will that the world now decisively knows and is forced to acknowledge that Yerushalayim, the place of the future Beis Hamikdash, belongs to the Jewish nation. It’s as if the world is now forced to see our nation in a different light; they are no longer able to ignore reality.

May this Chanukah bring more “light” for the Jewish nation around the world.

Y. Sorotzkin

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.

CARS

V.I.I. (Very Important Information) • The contest starts Tuesday night, the first night of Chanukah, and ends Sunday night, December 17, at 11pm • Email the photos to editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com with the word “contest” in the subject line • Include your name, age, and mailing address in the email (we have to mail you the card, right?!)

• The photo(s) must have people in them • Photos may be printed in a future issue of TJH so make sure to smile big!

• Only the first 50 people who send in their photo(s) will receive the gift card • One gift card per family

Happy Chanukah!

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

PASSOVER 2018 OUR 60th YEAR

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• Gorgeous half-mile stretch of Private Beach • 2 Championship Golf Courses • 30 Clay Tennis Courts • Enjoy the exciting Surfing Simulator • Fantastic Scholarsin-Residence • 40,000 sq. ft. World Class Spa • Exceptional Cuisine by Mark David Hospitatlity • International Kosher (IK) Glatt Kosher Supervision.

• Entire Hotel Kosher for Pesach • AAA 4-Diamond Resort • All Rooms Have Private Balconies • 5 Tournament-Ready Golf Courses • 19 Har Tru Tennis Courts • Fantastic Scholars-in-Residence • Delectable Cuisine by Foremost Ram Caterers • ORB Glatt Kosher Supervision

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Entire La Villa building Kosher for Pesach • Luxury 5-star resort • Hotel set amidst a 350,000 sq.ft. botanical garden • Gourmet cuisine by Michelen rated Four Seasons chefs • Daily services, outstanding lectures & children’s program • Glatt Kosher Supervision by Rabbi G.M. Garelik

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The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

The Week In News

American who Defected to N Korea Dies

It’s hard to believe that someone would purposely move to North Korea, but Charles Jenkins was among four U.S. soldiers who did so in the 1960s. Out of the four, Jenkins was the only one who was eventually released after forty years of captivity.

The others died in North Korea.

This week, Jenkins, 77, died on Sado Island in Japan where he was living with his wife, Hitomi Soga, also a former prisoner of North Korea, since 2004.

Jenkins had led an extraordinary but also difficult life in North Korea, which he chronicled in a memoir and several interviews.

In 1965, while stationed with the U.S. army in South Korea by the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Jenkins decided to abandon his unit and defect to the North, fearing he would be killed in patrols or sent to fight in the Vietnam War. He said he thought that once in North Korea, he could seek asylum with the Russian embassy and eventually return to the U.S. in a prisoner swap. One January night, Jenkins walked across the DMZ and surrendered to North Korean soldiers there. He was only 24-years-old.

But Russia did not grant him or the other Americans asylum. Instead, they were held as prisoners by the North Koreans. The men were forced to study the teachings of then-leader Kim Il-sung, do translation work, and teach English. But they also became minor celebrities when they acted in North Korean propaganda films, starring as Western villains.

Jenkins said his captors often beat him and conducted medical procedures on him that were sometimes unnecessary or brutal, including cutting off a U.S. Army tattoo without anesthesia.

Jenkins was forced to marry Ms. Soga – who was abducted from Japan – in 1980, and they had two daughters. In 2002, Soga was freed after negotiations by the Japanese government. Jenkins joined her two years later, along with their daughters, where he surrendered to the U.S. Army almost four decades after he had defected and was given a dishonorable discharge.

The family settled in Sado Island, Soga’s hometown; Jenkins worked as a greeter in a tourist park.

In August, in one of his last media interviews, he told the Los Angeles Times that he was still worried that North Korea would assassinate him or his family. “North Korea wants me dead,” he told the paper.

Poland’s New PM has Jewish Background

The new prime minister of Poland has two aunts who were rescued and hidden during the Holocaust by non-Jews. Finance Minister Mateusz Morawiecki will take over the Polish government as it gets ready for upcoming Parliamentary elections in 2019. He is a member of the rightwing Law and Justice party.

Morawiecki was a bank chairman in the Santander Group until 2015 when he joined the government as minister for economic development in 2015. He has not hidden his Jewish past from the Polish public. At a ceremony at the Warsaw Zoo that was held to honor the former zoo director and his wife, Jan and Antonina Żabiński, who risked their lives to save hundreds of Jews, Morawiecki spoke about his past. “Always at such ceremonies I begin reflecting on my family’s own story,” Morawiecki said. “My

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

aunt Irena was a Jew, she survived the war. Until she was 16, she stayed with a Polish family who rescued her” with help from a few dozen other non-Jewish Poles who risked their lives to hide her, he said. His other aunt, Roma, now lives in Israel.

Morawiecki said that none of those who helped his aunt during the Holocaust were recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by the State of Israel. That title is one given to nonJews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. Morawiecki says that there are only 7,000 such recipients in Poland, while in reality “10 times” that many people are deserving of the honor.

Traveling Holocaust Museum There are some outstanding Holocaust memorials throughout the world. Israel, Washington, and New York are home to some of the more well-known museums documenting the Holocaust. In a move to reach the masses that may not have access

to a comprehensive museum on the Holocaust, a traveling exhibit has been organized. The memorial was launched on December 1 in Madrid, Spain, and is a collection of artifacts from Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi death camp where one million Jews were slaughtered.

The “roving exhibition” will popup in 14 cities over the next seven years, mostly in Europe and North America. Operating under the slogan, “Not long ago. Not far away,” the exhibition is a collection of more than 600 artifacts on loan. The exhibit is a project of Poland’s Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and Spain’s Musealia group, which calls itself “an artistic and documentary research project.” The loans are from those museums, as well as from Israel’s Yad Vashem, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, and private collections.

“Today, the world is moving in

uncertain directions. That is why we need to rely more and more on the strong foundations of our memory,” said Piotr M. A. Cywiński, director of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.

“Nothing can replace a visit to the authentic site of the biggest crime of the 20th century, but this exhibition, which people in many countries will have the opportunity to see, can become a great warning cry for us all,” Cywiński noted.

It is suggested that visitors set aside 90 minutes to travel through the maze of artifacts, many of them accompanied by historical photographs for context. There is a collection of sophisticated models depicting the horror of the Holocaust, including a detailed model of the gas chamber-crematorium complexes. At the entrance, there is the tour’s largest and most impressionable object, a German Model 2 freight car. The cattle car was used to transport millions of Jews to their deaths and to the camps.

The exhibition will move to the next city in Europe in the middle of June. This is intended to be an awareness project, to teach the next generation of the atrocities Jews and other minorities faced during World War II.

“Hatred, racism, antisemitism and intolerance are, unfortunately, concepts we still have to face nowadays,” said Luis Ferreiro, exhibition director for Musealia. “Therefore, it is of vital importance to remember the road that led to Auschwitz and the consequences it had.”

Deadly Attack on UN Peacekeeping Mission

Rebel fighters in eastern Congo attacked a United Nations peacekeeping mission and killed 15 peacekeepers last week. Fifty others were wounded in the hours-long nighttime assault. The attack is the deadliest

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such assault to hit a U.N. peacekeeping mission in 25 years since 22 Pakistani soldiers were killed in Mogadishu, Somalia.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that he feels “outrage and utter heartbreak” at the “war crime” and urged Congolese authorities to investigate the attack. The peacekeepers who were targeted and killed in this attack were from Tanzania. Tanzanian President John Magufuli expressed his shock and horror at the slaughter and sent his prayers to the wounded, three of whom are in critical condition. At least five Congo soldiers were killed in the attack and 20 of the wounded were evacuated to Goma for medical treatment.

A U.N. peacekeeping spokesman called the assault “a determined and well-coordinated attack by a wellarmed group.” It is not clear how soon military reinforcement appeared to fight off the attackers. U.N. peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix said the assault was a response to the U.N. mission’s own “increasingly robust posture.”

“We are disturbing them,” he said.

“They do not like it.”

It is suspected that the Allied Democratic Forces, or ADF, are behind the attack. The rebel group is composed of Muslims, although they do not have any known ties with extremist Muslim groups. The ADF has a long history of preying on the local population in Congo. The ADF “has an agenda both ideological and extremist in nature, but also focused ... on exploitation of illegal resources,” Lacroix explained.

U.N. flags were flown at halfmast all over the world on Monday in memory of those killed and injured in the attack.

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Saudi Arabia has been proactive about change recently, particularly in the last few months. Earlier this

year, the kingdom passed a new law allowing females to drive. Next on the agenda is opening public cinemas for the first time in three and a half decades. The Ministry of Culture and Information announced on Monday that multiplexes will open in March 2018. They plan is to operate 2,000 screens in more than 300 theaters by 2030. The industry is expected to contribute around $24 billion to the economy and add 30,000 permanent jobs.

Public entertainment was banned in 1979 when militants besieged the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

These moves are all part of Saudi’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plan to modernize the conservative country and boost the economy. Religious clergy still hold a lot of control over the country. Shopping malls are patrolled by religious police, and gender segregation is strictly enforced across the kingdom.

The Culture and Information Ministry said movie theaters will receive permits allowing them to operate within 90 days. It did not indicate what kind of movies the government will allow to be shown, although it is probable that all films will need to conform to Islamic law.

“The content of the shows will be subjected to censorship based on the media policy of the kingdom,” the statement said. “The shows will be in line with the values and principles, and will include enriching content that is not contrary to Shariah laws and ethical values of the kingdom.”

Do you Compulsively Unlock your Phone?

A study out of England has found that about 40 percent of the time smartphone users check their phone it is for no reason at all. Researchers at Casumo, an online casino company, surveyed 2,000 smartphone users across the United Kingdom to see how much of “checking our phones”

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

and a host of messaging services may help us more to organize our lives but checking our updates on Facebook remains truly compulsive viewing instead of consciously looking for an entertaining break away from our daily routines.”

An odd side note finding of the survey was that seven percent of Brits did not know that “app” was short for “application.” Did you?

Kim Jong Un: Weather Controller?

is due to being creatures of habit and how much is related to active cellphone use.

The average smartphone user unlocks their phone more than 10,000 times a year, or about 28 times a day.

The researchers discovered that about 4,000 of those phone interactions are “compulsive,” meaning the owner had no particular act in mind when engaging the phone. The researchers also found that – horrifyingly – the

top ten percent of users opened their phone 60-plus times every 24 hours.

Despite these numbers, only a third of respondents feel that they are addicted to checking their device.

“Our smart devices have become an essential part of modern life, and checking them regularly is second nature for most users,” says Greg Tatton-Brown, a spokesperson for Casumo. “However, the instances of compulsive checking are much higher

than we would have imagined, showing our phones are as much a habit as they are an aide to our busy lifestyles and an immediate source of entertainment, from wherever we are.”

The apps that steal us away from real life the most are Facebook, followed by WhatsApp, Gmail, and Instagram. “Despite the presence of more useful apps, Facebook is the service which wins our time in the end,” Tatton-Brown concludes. “Gmail, Maps

North Koreans are forced to believe a lot of drivel when it comes to their leader.

This week, as Kim Jong Un stood at the peak of Mount Paektu in a black wool coat and leather shoes, North Koreans were subtly influenced to believe that he was also able to control the weather.

After releasing images of a smiling Kim on top of Mount Paektu, an active volcano on the China and North Korea border, the nation’s state media appeared to imply that the “peerlessly illustrious commander” can in fact control “the nature.”

According to media, when Kim “ascended” to the top of the 9,000foot mountain this weekend through thick snow wearing his signature double-breasted winter coat and black leather shoes, a blizzard gave way to “fine weather unprecedented” in December for the climb.

“Mount Paektu presented charming scenery showing magic peaks and dazzling sunshine on its clear and blue waves,” the account of Kim’s journey up the mountain published in North Korea’s official state newspaper Rodong Sinmun said.

Hiking made Kim think about North Korea’s nuclear abilities.

“Imposingly standing on Janggun Peak, the respected Supreme Leader

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gave a familiar look for a while at the dizzy cliffs and the sea of trees, recalling the emotion-charged days when he realized the great historic cause of completing the state nuclear force without yielding even a moment and with the indomitable faith and will of Paektu.”

Still, unusual and amazing things do apparently happen at Mount Paektu to the Kim family. Kim’s father, Kim Jong II, claimed that he was born in a secret military camp on the mountain and that his birth there coincided with the appearance of a double rainbow in the sky.

Russia Banned from Winter Olympics Russia has been banned from participating in the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea due to the country’s “systematic manipulation” of anti-doping rules. The International Olympic Committee is allowing individual Russian athletes that can prove that they are not on any performance enhancing drugs to compete in Pyeongchang.

The banning of the entire country is by far the largest punishment ever handed out by the IOC. Russia has also been ordered to pay the $15 million it cost the IOC to investigate the doping scandal and to help set up the new Independent Testing Authority (ITA). In addition, Vitaly Mutko, the deputy prime minister of Russia who was the former minister of sport and chairman of the organizing committee for soccer’s 2018 World Cup in Russia, has been barred from attending any future Olympic Games.

Any “clean” Russian athletes that wish to play in the games must meet very strict guidelines to compete under the name “Olympic Athlete from Russia” (OAR). Their uniform will say “OAR” and the Olympic anthem will be played should any of them win medals.

“This was an unprecedented attack on the integrity of the Olympic Games and sport,” said IOC President Thomas Bach, who is a friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin. “The IOC has issued proportional sanctions for this systematic manipulation while protecting the clean athletes. This should draw a line under this damaging episode and serve as a catalyst for a more effective anti-doping system led by the World Anti-Doping Agen-

formerly

cy. As an athlete myself, I feel very sorry for all the clean athletes from all (National Olympic Committees) who are suffering from this manipulation.

Working with the IOC Athletes’ Commission, we will now look for opportunities to make up for the moments they have missed on the finish line or on the podium.”

Travis Tygart, the CEO of the US Anti-Doping Agency, welcomed the Russia ban. “Over the past three years, a high stakes game of chicken has been played,” Tygart, who had played a key role in bringing down disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong, recently wrote, “between those willing to sacrifice the Olympic ideals by employing a state-directed doping program to cheat and win and, on the other side, athletes unwilling to stand silent while their hopes and dreams were stolen and the Olympic Games hijacked. Today the IOC listened to those who matter most – and clean athletes won a significant victory.”

Daredevil Dies Doing Stunt

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A daredevil climber who was attempting to scale a 62-story skyscraper in China plunged to his death last month.

Wu Yongning, a so-called “rooftopper,” had earned a huge following on social media by climbing tall buildings without safety equipment and posting vertigo-inducing selfies and videos online. However, the 26-year-old fell from the top of the 62-story Huayuan Hua Centre in the Chinese city of Changsha. The “Chinese Superman”

had been attempting to do pullups off the roof of the building to claim $15,000 for a clip promoting an unnamed sponsor. He fell about 45 feet onto a terrace and then died of fatal injuries.

Chinese media was quick to point out the dangers of social media, stating that Wu would not have continued to do his stunts without his large following.

“From his interactions with his audience, it seems he really enjoyed the attention,” the China Daily editorial stated. “But with all the likes and comments, he overestimated his own abilities and finally lost his life because of that feeling. Had Wu not been so popular on live-streaming apps, he might not have died.”

It added, “His death should remind us to strengthen supervision over live-streaming apps. Some of them try to hype things up with obscene and dangerous things, and their purpose is to attract more eyeballs and make a profit. It is time we ended this.”

Wu wanted to use the money earned from this last stunt for his father’s medical bills and for his own wedding.

The incident took place on November 8. The video of his horrific demise surfaced on December 10.

Hamas Calls for Violence

The head of the Hamas terror group has vowed to continue the Palestinians’ “blessed intifada” until the city of Jerusalem sees “liberation.”

Terrorist Ismail Haniyeh announced his continued war against Israel in response to President Donald Trump’s official recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. “Anyone who thinks our position will be limited to demonstrations is dreaming,” said Haniyeh.

In response to President Trump’s

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

speech last Wednesday, 5,000 Palestinians held demonstrations in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The Iron Dome missile defense system also intercepted rockets fired from Gaza. Two Gaza-based Palestinians were killed as they demonstrated and threw rocks at IDF troops near the Gaza border.

The demonstrations were praised by the terror leader. Haniyeh said that the protests show the Palestinians’ «willingness to sacrifice their lives for the defense of Jerusalem. We will stick to the strategic plan until we reach the final point – the liberation of Jerusalem and all the land of Palestine.”

Haniyeh’s comments came one day after he called on his people to perform violent acts in response to Trump’s announcement to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Haniyeh heads an organization that actively seeks the destruction of Israel.

A number of rockets were fired at Israel from Gaza this past week. IDF tanks and aircraft carried out strikes against Hamas positions in Gaza in response to the rocket fire.

“The IDF holds Hamas responsible for the hostile activity perpetrated against Israel from the Gaza Strip,” the army said in a statement.

IDF Destroys Terror Tunnel

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The Israeli army announced that an attack tunnel coming into Israeli territory from the southern Gaza Strip was destroyed last week. The kilometer-long tunnel, which was constructed by Hamas operatives, was created in the Gaza city of Khan Younis and extended “hundreds of meters” into Israel, according the IDF. IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus did not specify where the tunnel ended, only that it surfaced on open farmland .6 miles from the nearest Israeli community. “We monitored this tunnel for a long period of time,” Conricus noted. The deci-

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ICA has successfully trained and placed hundreds of people. Be one of them! sion to destroy it came about three weeks prior to the actual demolition.

Based on the level of detail in the tunnel, Conricus said that the tunnel appeared to be “very substantial” for Hamas. He added that the army holds “Hamas responsible twice – once, because it is responsible for any aggressive action coming from the Gaza Strip, and twice, because this was a Hamas terror tunnel.”

On October 30 of this year, an-

other tunnel that belonged to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group was destroyed by the IDF. While it was being demolished, 14 terrorists were killed, including two senior commanders. Though no terrorists were hurt in the destruction of this newest tunnel, Conricus did warn that the tunnels “can become death traps for terrorists digging them.”

The IDF is now employing a new system to discover underground tun-

nels. The new detection technology has not been made public and the IDF will only say that the new system makes them “confident there will be more achievements in the future.”

L’Chaim!

Life expectancy in Israel is on the rise, after having fallen a bit in the

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

past few years. The average lifespan for an Israeli today is on average 82.5 years, with 80.7 years for men being the norm and 84.2 year for women, according to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics. In 2015, the numbers were slightly lower. Now, Israel ranks 11th in life expectancy among OECD countries – a drop from its 8th place holdings in 2010 and 2013.

Arab women live longest at 83.5 years, Druze women live an average 82.4 years, and Muslim women live 80.9 years.

Education played a large role as well. 30-year-old men with high education levels in 2016 were expected to live 7.4 years longer than their peers with less than 12 years of education. Women were found to outlive their less educated counterparts by five years.

PA Refuses Meeting With Pence Women in Israel live an average of 3.5 years longer than men. Jewish men live 4.3 years longer than Arab men, and Jewish women live 3.3 years longer than Arab women.

The report also shows that among Arabs, religious affiliation made a difference in life expectancy. Druze men live 79.4 years on average, while Christian Arabs live 78.9 years and Muslims live 76.5 years. Christian

The U.S. accused the Palestinian Authority of “walking away” from peace in the Middle East by snubbing Vice President Mike Pence during his

upcoming visit to the region. Pence’s deputy chief of staff Jarrod Agen told reporters that “it’s unfortunate that the Palestinian Authority is walking away again from an opportunity to discuss the future of the region.” Jarrod is referring to the PA announcing that Mahmoud Abbas would refuse to meet with the vice president of the United States when he visits Israel in the coming months in protest to the United States recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Palestinian leaders were outraged at the historic shift in U.S. policy made last week, and several days of protests were seen in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank following President Trump’s announcement. A security guard was stabbed, rockets were fired, and rocks were thrown at passing cars in response to the news.

The message from the PA has been very clear. President Abbas’s diplomatic advisor said that the meeting with Pence was canceled “because the U.S. has crossed red lines” on Jerusalem. Jibril Rajoub, a senior member of Abbas’s Fatah party, also said last week that Pence was “not welcome in Palestine.”

It is unclear what, if any, the long-term ramifications will be on

the United States’ new position on Jerusalem. Abbas has an upcoming meeting with Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo to discuss the ”developments related to the United States’ recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital,” according to a spokesperson for the Egyptian presidency.

Terrorists Killed in Explosion Two Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists died this week after their motorcycle exploded. Islamic Jihad’s military wing, the Jerusalem Brigades, said in a statement on its website that the two Palestinian men died while on a “jihad mission” in the northern Gaza Strip.

Palestinian media reports blamed Israel for their deaths; the IDF emphatically denied their involvement.

The two men were reportedly riding through the town of Beit Lahiya when their motorcycle exploded.

The terror group named the dead as 25-year-old Hussein Nasrallah and 29-year-old Mustafa a-Sultan. Both

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

were part of an engineering unit. Islamic Jihad said that the two who died were “martyrs of preparation,” in a possible reference to working with explosive materials for rockets that the group fires at the Jewish state.

Hebrew media outlets reported that within the IDF there was a suspicion that the terrorists were killed in a “work accident,” possibly from improperly transporting explosives.

The blast comes amid increased tensions in Gaza. On Sunday, the military destroyed an attack tunnel belonging to the Hamas terror group, and there has been an increase in rocket fire against Israeli communities by terrorist groups, along with violent demonstrations along the security fence in protest of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital last week.

Shortly after midnight last Tuesday, Israeli forces attacked Hamas targets in the northern Gaza Strip after Palestinians fired a rocket toward the southern city of Ashkelon, the army said. The rocket was intercepted by an Iron Dome anti-missile battery. After the rocket fire, Israeli aircraft and a tank attacked Hamas sites in the Strip, the army said, noting that it holds the terror group, which runs Gaza, responsible for all rocket attacks.

Hamas last week called for a new intifada against Israel over Trump’s announcement and urged Palestinians to confront soldiers and settlers.

Bahraini Delegation Visits the Holy Land

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A delegation has been sent to Israel from Bahrain to promote “tolerance and coexistence” in response to the Arab anger that has erupted after President Donald Trump announced that the United States would recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The interfaith group calls itself “This is Bahrain” and has insisted that they have no official or governmental status, though they have the backing of

King Hamad of Bahrain. This marks the first public visit of a Bahraini delegation to Israel.

The Palestinian Authority has banned the group from visiting the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. The delegation’s visit was organized by Rabbi Abraham Cooper, an associate dean at the Simon Wiesenthal Center NGO. “About one-third of them are Muslims, there are Christians and two Buddhists,” Cooper notes. “It’s not a political visit so there was no request to see politicians.”

The NGO said that the trip was part of an initiative to visit many European countries and the United States. “The initiative... is based on the principle of tolerance and coexistence, an approach embraced by the Kingdom of Bahrain and a feature of its society, and aims to visit Islamic, Christian, Jewish and other holy sites across the world,” it said.

Their visit sparked a protest in an Arab village in the West Bank. The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, which calls for a boycott

of Israel, “strongly” condemned the cooperation between the “despotic Bahraini regime (and) Israel’s regime of occupation and apartheid.”

Bahrain is one of Israel’s many Arab neighbors that have established a behind-the-scenes relationship with Israel lately, particularly in their shared apprehension towards an increasingly aggressive Iran. The Kingdom of Bahrain is an Arab constitutional monarchy situated between the Qatar peninsula and Saudi Arabia. It is the third smallest nation in Asia.

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Security Guard Stabbed

A Palestinian terrorist stabbed a security guard in the chest at the entrance to the Jerusalem Central Bus Station this week before being tackled to the ground by a bystander and police. The terrorist was taken into custody for questioning.

The victim, 46-year-old Asher Elmaliach, was taken to Shaare Zedek Medical Center for surgery and treatment. “The knife, unfortunately, hit his heart. His condition has stabilized, but I cannot say that there’s not threat to his life because, like I said, he’s in serious condition,” his doctor told reporters, adding that he was unconscious and connected to a respirator.

According to Gilad Erdan, Minister of Public Security and Strategic Affairs, the Palestinian Authority is to blame for the attack. “This afternoon’s terror attack in Jerusalem is a direct result of the ongoing incitement to terror by the PA and Fatah, which is working with Hamas to instigate violence,” Erdan said. “Abu Mazen continues to demonstrate that he is not a true partner for peace, and now that he has established a unity government with Hamas, he is responsible for Hamas’ murderous incitement as well. I am praying for the quick recovery of the security guard who was wounded in the attack,” he said, referring to Mahmoud Abbas by his nickname, Abu Mazen.

The Shin Bet identified the stabber as Yassin Abu al-Qur’a, a 24-year-old Palestinian from the northern West Bank city of Nablus. In the security video he is seen at the metal detectors taking off his coat. He then throws his coat and uses his right hand to stab Elmaliach in the heart with a knife.

The knife was recovered at the scene coated with Elmaliach’s blood.

The terrorist had a permit allowing him to work in the “seam region,” which is only the area surrounding the West Bank and not in Israel proper.

He attempted to flee the scene but was tackled before he was able to escape.

Two of his brothers had served in the Palestinian Authority security forces.

Additional police and military personnel have been deployed in light of the recent unrest and an assessment which measures the increased potential for violence.

Terror in NYC

On Monday morning, just before 7:20a.m., as commuters headed into the workweek, a pipe bomb strapped to a terrorist’s body detonated at the walkway at the Port Authority Bus Station. The walkway connects to the Eighth Avenue, Seventh Avenue, and Broadway subway lines beneath Times Square. Authorities responded within seconds as terrified commuters fled the scene. Luckily the homemade bomb malfunctioned, minimizing casualties.

The attacker was identified by police as Akayed Ullah, 27. He later admitted to authorities that he chose the location because of its holiday themed posters. The terrorist strapped the pipe bomb to himself with a “combination of Velcro and zip ties,” said James P. O’Neill, commissioner of the New York Police Department. He had been wearing the device his whole train ride, which began at the 18th Avenue train station in Brooklyn. The explosion, captured on surveillance video, occurred after the device did not detonate properly and thankfully didn’t release shrapnel, the deadliest element of a pipe bomb.

“I think he was prepared to die, and we see him connect the wires on the video,” said a law enforcement official.

The heroes credited with responding first are Officer Anthony Manfredini of the Port Authority Police Department and a former marine, Officer Manfredini, 28, who found the suspect on the ground with “visible wires coming from his jacket into his pants.”

Ullah claims his act was in retali-

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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ation to U.S. airstrikes on ISIS targets in Syria. Authorities believe Ullah, an immigrant from Bangladesh, is a “lone-wolf” terrorist. He is a resident of Brooklyn, living on Ocean Parkway, since 2011. He came into the U.S. through a visa program made available to those who have relatives that are already U.S. citizens. Ullah was the only person to have been really injured in the blast. Five others suffered from light injuries.

“I did it for the Islamic State,” Ullah told investigators, according to the federal complaint. He faces five federal terrorism-related charges and three state terrorism-related charges, according to court documents.

Ullah’s ISIS radicalization began in 2014, according to the federal complaint. He began researching how to build improvised explosive devices about a year ago, started collecting the necessary items two to three weeks ago, and built the bomb in his home a week ago.

Investigators recovered a passport in his name with a handwritten message: “O America, die in your rage.”

New York City is on high alert, as this is the second attack in two months. In October, eight people were mowed down in a truck attack along the Hudson River bike path.

Shortly after the attack, President Trump criticized the visa program, known as extended-family chain migration. “The terrible harm that this flawed system inflicts on America’s security and economy has long been clear,” Trump said in a statement. “I am determined to improve our immigration system to put our country and our people first.”

Republicans Crash and Burn in Alabama

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For the first time in a quarter of a century, a Democrat won a Senate seat in the deep-red state of Alabama.

In the special election which was held on Tuesday to fill the seat vacated by

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Doug Jones defeated the now-infamous Roy Moore.

To some, this is a strong indication that President Trump and the Republicans are in serious danger— after all, if they can’t win in Alabama, can they win anywhere?

To others, this is proof-positive that “G-d is a Republican” — considering the horrible allegations against Roy Moore (and to top that off, the fact that he conjures the image of George Wallace), had he won, he would have certainly been an albatross around the neck of the GOP going into 2018.

The clearest loser in this race is former advisor to President Trump and current executive director of Breitbart News, Steve Bannon.

Bannon was Moore’s main supporter and publicly broke with Trump during the primaries when the president supported Luther Strange, who was appointed to hold the Senate seat until this election. With Moore’s surprise come-from-behind victory in the primaries – defeating the Trumpand GOP-backed Luther Strange – Bannon’s profile rose dramatically.

His brand of brash populism quickly seemed to be gaining traction. It seemed like he had a recipe that can sweep his brand of conservatives into office in 2018, primary establishment Republicans with populist insurgents.

Then came the horrible allegations against Roy Moore.

Rather than back away, Bannon doubled down. While most politicians ran away from the “flames” of Roy Moore, Bannon and his army of populists defended him. They argued that Moore was being attacked because he stands for conservative principles. Even after Moore stumbled during an interview about the allegations with Sean Hannity, Bannon and crew stuck with him.

Eventually, when it sunk in that losing the Republican seat in the Senate would make it more difficult to accomplish the Republican agenda (and after several high-profile Democrats came under attack for similar transgressions), President Trump tepidly backed Moore. On the eve of the election the president held a rally in Pensacola, Florida. Although Moore was not at the rally and it was not an official Roy Moore rally, it was very obvious that the rally was held in the neighboring state, where the TV coverage would bleed into Alabama.

President Trump also recorded a robo-call for Roy Moore, asking Ala-

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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Rashi

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His indispensable annotations on Scripture and Talmud are clear and concise, and they speak to both erudite scholars as well as to novice students.

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What merit did Rashi have to write this commentary that achieved such universal acclaim? Tradition attributes it to the merit of his pious parents, who had been childless for many years. Rashi’s father, R’ Yitzchak, once had a precious jewel and was approached by people who wished to buy it to adorn their idol. R’ Yitzchak agreed to travel by ship with them to their leader, but en route, he cast the gem into the sea. Afterward he was informed from on high that he would be rewarded with the birth of a precious son who would illuminate the world with his Torah knowledge.

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There is a legend that once, while Rashi’s mother was pregnant with him, she walked down one of the narrow lanes in the Jewish Quarter of Worms and an oncoming wagon careened toward her, threatening her and her unborn child. She pressed herself against a wall, which formed a niche and protected her. For centuries, Jews have pointed to the niche in the wall where this was said to have occurred, and it is visible even today. Rashi’s fame was so great — and this story was so well known — that although this miracle occurred in Germany, it is even recorded in Judeo-Arabic manuscipts written in Yemen during the Middle Ages.

The reconstructed niche in the wall in Worms where Rashi’s mother is said to have been miraculously saved

ne of the fundamental mussar classics, Orchos Tzaddikim (lit., The Ways of the Righteous), provides a precise system

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The author of this beloved sefer of ethics is unknown. What we do know is that the book was first published in a Yiddish translation in Krakow some 500 years ago, and its original Hebrew was first published in 1580 in Prague. Since then, over 80 editions have been printed. The author originally named his work Sefer HaMiddos

Rashi’s primary focus was to explain the peshuto shel mikra, the simple, plain meaning of the text (see, for example, Rashi to Genesis 3:8), though he frequently cites midrashim to provide a more comprehensive understanding.

(The Book of Traits), but it was renamed

In his humility, Rashi readily conceded that his commentary is not the only approach to a simple understanding of the text. His illustrious grandson, the Rashbam, also an exegete, in his commentary (Genesis 37:2) recounts, “[Rashi,] my mother’s father, the great light of the exile … devoted himself to explaining the plain meaning of the text. I, Shmuel, son of his son-in-law R’ Meir, of blessed memory, disagreed with him [about certain explanations] in his presence, and he acknowledged to me that, had he the time, he would write additional commentaries based on the ‘simple understandings’ that come to light each day.”

“This book is named The Book of Traits.

18 | Great Jewish ClassiCs

Orchos Tzaddikim by a later copyist.

In the introduction, the author writes, I wrote it and sealed it with the seal of wisdom to instruct man with intelligence, for it to serve as a handbook — to be a tool by which he can correct his traits and actions. The artisan who has the proper equipment can do his work, but without the tools he needs, he can do Orchos Tzaddikim, Prague, 1580

nothing. Therefore, my son, listen to

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bamians to vote for him.

Jones defeated Moore by approximately 21,000 votes, 50% to 48%.

The election results caused an immediate barrage of political-artillery fire against Steve Bannon. The normally elusive Matt Drudge, proprietor of the mecca of conservative websites, drudgereport.com, tweeted that Luther Strange would have won in a landslide and “there is a limit” [to who conservatives can support].

His website featured a big-bold headline: “Bannon Busted.” One of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s allies tweeted, “I’d just like to like to thank Steve Bannon for showing us how to lose the reddest state in the union.”

Some are hoping that this defeat will put a wedge between Bannon and President Trump. One Republican super-PAC head tweeted, “Not only did Steve Bannon cost us a critical seat in one of the most Republican states in the country, but he also dragged the President of the United States into his fiasco.”

With Moore’s loss the Republican’s majority in the Senate will be reduced to 51 to 49. This leaves no wiggle room for the Trump agenda, considering several GOP senators who are scornful of his agenda in the first place. As such, there will likely be a rush to pass the tax reform bill before Jones is sworn in in January.

How this will play out in 2018 remains to be seen. Perhaps the Democrats now have the wind under their sails. But an argument can also be made that if less is ever more, not having Moore is more.

San Fran Mayor Dies at 65

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Mayor Ed Lee, San Francisco’s first Asian-American mayor and the man who presided over the city’s rise to the top of the tech world, died early Tuesday morning after suffering a heart attack. He was 65.

News of Lee’s unexpected death shocked and saddened city officials,

many of whom respected the moderate mayor even when he was their political adversary.

Lee, known for his friendly and often jokey personality and his focus on details and political consensus, was the 43rd mayor of San Francisco and the first Asian-American to lead the city. Board of Supervisors President London Breed became acting mayor, effectively immediately.

Lee was city administrator in January 2011 when the Board of Supervisors appointed him to replace Mayor Gavin Newsom, who had been elected the state’s lieutenant governor.

Lee initially said he wasn’t interested in being mayor, but relented and took the job after a public campaign led by Chinese American civic leaders; the slogan was “Run, Ed, Run!” He said he wasn’t interested in a full term, but after solid job reviews and months of urging from former Mayor Willie Brown, now a Chronicle columnist, the late Chinatown power broker Rose Pak and, ultimately, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Lee changed his mind.

He won election to a full term in November 2011 and was re-elected in 2015.

Lee’s signature accomplishment was 2011’s “Twitter tax,” which cut payroll taxes for six years on a sketchy stretch of Market Street and lured thousands of tech jobs and workers to the city. While Mid-Market has since been partially redeveloped with new offices and hotels, the overarching effect of the tax cut was to draw startups and established tech companies to the city, which now has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country.

The move, though, also drew backlash from city housing advocates. Many blame the city’s exploding rents, housing shortage and persistent homeless crisis on the tech boom.

Lee recently focused his office’s efforts on the homelessness problem, opening Homeless Navigation Centers – shelters that allow people to move in their partners, pets and belongings and which offer expanded services – and creating a new city Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing.

The Board of Supervisors now will appoint a new mayor if its remaining 10 members can get to six votes – Breed is no longer a supervisor. If no candidate gets that majority support, Breed would continue to serve as mayor until a special election is

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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Yosef look ed at his parents, 8:50. It was perplexed. at 8:30. I ‘‘No. The know beca make sure explosion use I had I had eno was not at just look ugh time and still ed at my to get off be at choi watch to the train r practice would not to buy a on time. be alive now cup of coff If I had not ee .’’

Now his gotten off father look the train ed confuse I explosion d. ‘‘But we happened heard on at 8:50.’’

Yosef look the news ed at his that the watch. He still said 8:30. He could not real beli ized would not eve his eyes that if he hav . The wat had known ch him, by mak e left the train. He it had been understood ing his wat 8:50, he that Has ch stop wor hem had king. saved Later that day, he visi miraculous ted his Rav story. He , Rabbi Far was over hi, and told ‘‘Take a pict joyed. him this ure of this watch now ever wan ,’’ Rabbi t to be sure Farhi told Yosef. ‘‘If that look at you the picture Hashem runs this world, just remember.’’ of your watch. The n you will Hashem has man y way take care of us. Som s to etimes, we do not realize it right away, but He is with us every second of every day .

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

held in June 2018. The next regularly scheduled mayoral election is in 2019.

Lee was born in Seattle, the fourth of six children of immigrant parents, and grew up in housing projects. His father was a cook, his mother a seamstress. He won a scholarship to Bowdoin College in Maine and then went to UC Berkeley Law School. He met his wife, Anita, in 1974 when he was studying in her native Hong Kong, where she was his Mandarin tutor.

Before he worked for the city, Lee fought it. As a law student and intern at the Asian Law Caucus in 1978, he represented residents of the Ping Yuen public housing complex, who were angry over unsafe and unsanitary conditions, in the first tenant rent strike against the San Francisco Housing Authority.

He went on to a distinguished career as a civil rights attorney, often representing low-income tenants. In 1989, Lee represented Asian and female firefighters who joined others in successfully suing the city for discrimination at the Fire Department.

Lee spent two decades working for the city, eventually becoming director of public works and city administrator, overseeing multiple departments.

Arab Emirates was in New York late last year. The revelation shed new light on a practice that had come under sharp criticism from the committee chairman, California Rep. Devin Nunes, and President Donald Trump, who previously accused Rice of committing a crime.

The new unmasking policy has been given a January 15th due date

by Dan Coats, the Director of National Intelligence. Coats sent a letter to Representative Nunes and other top lawmakers, letting them know of the timeline for the changes. Nunes was one of the first politicians to accuse U.S. intelligence agencies of spying on the Trump campaign.

Coats wrote in a letter that the new policies will reinforce procedures that “make clear that IC (intelligence community) elements may not engage in political activity, including dissemination of U.S. person identities to the White House, for the purpose of affecting the political process of the United States.

“In addition, this policy will require heightened levels of approval for requests made during a Presidential transition when those requests relate to known members of a President-elect’s transition team,” he concluded.

Changes in “Unmasking” Policy

The Man Flu

Tighter restrictions are to be implemented in order to protect the identities of Americans who work in the intelligence community during presidential transitions. Top U.S. intelligence officials have called for increased security following claims by President Trump and his team that President Obama’s administration spied on Trump and “unmasked” the identities of his associates during his campaign. “Unmasking” refers to an authorized U.S. policymaker requesting the name of an American that was shielded during surveillance to help understand the value of foreign intelligence and when the information concerns a crime.

In September former national security advisor Susan Rice privately told House investigators that she unmasked the identities of senior Trump officials, including Steve Bannon and Mike Flynn, to understand why the crown prince of the United

Every wife knows this is true, but here’s a study to prove its authenticity.

Dr. Kyle Sue, a Canadian doctor whose findings are published in the British Medical Journal, claims that physiological differences between men and women can lead to different responses to colds and viruses. Men, it seems, take longer to recover from certain illnesses.

“I do think that the research does point towards men having a weaker immune response when it comes to common viral respiratory infections and the flu,” he said. “This is shown in the fact that they [have] worse symptoms, they last longer, they are more likely to be hospitalized and more likely to die from it.”

Sue reviewed several studies in-

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

volving both animals and humans and found that male hormones could dampen the immune system’s response to influenza, while female hormones could actually boost it. He also cited surveys that found men can take up to twice as long as women to recover from viral illnesses.

“There needs to be more studies, higher quality studies that control for other factors between men and women before we can definitely say that this difference in immunity exists,” Sue admitted. “Is it that women are more resilient, that they are able to juggle more when they are ill, or is it that they don’t have as severe symptoms? That we are not too sure about.

But I think everyone should be given the benefit of the doubt when they are ill.”

Sure, stay in bed while I run errands, cook supper, go shopping, fold laundry and put the kids to bed. Looks like your cold is really hurting you.

Cryptocurrency Craze

pursue the schemes that lure investors, take their money, and run for the hills of cyberspace. They have supposedly frozen the assets of several companies already.

Todd Kornfeld, an attorney with Pepper Hamilton who specializes in financial regulations as well as ICOs, said, “So far, the cases that have attracted regulatory scrutiny and enforcement actions appear to be blatant, outright frauds where apparently there were never any intentions of actually delivering a product or service, or so it has been alleged.”

This is new territory for all those involved being that it is a very new atmosphere with complex factors.

Garrick Hileman, a senior research associate at the University of Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, said that it will be difficult for authorities to determine whether situations are a result of a failed ICO or a deliberate scam.

“I think the regulators have signaled very clearly that they’re watching the space very closely now and this is going to scare off some of the more blatant ICOs,” he said. “I think the ICOs we do see will be much better disguised. I think they’ll have to be, to avoid scrutiny.”

Alabama: Like Living in a Third World Country?

Bitcoin, the most widely recognized cryptocurrency, hit $17,000 late last week before plunging back down to $14,000. Bitcoin was the first decentralized digital currency, operating without a central bank or single administrator. Other less popular cryptocurrencies are also gaining traction. These new and risky digital currencies are making pioneer investors rich quickly. However, federal authorities are saying to proceed with caution as the potential for fraud with cyber-currency is high.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has warned investors to watch for “potential scams” involving Initial Coin Offerings. Sometimes called “crowdsales,” ICOs work similar to Initial Public Offering on the stock market, but without the governmental regulations. Funded by investments in the form of cryptocurrency, they are exchanged for shares known as tokens.

A new unit formed by the SEC called the Cyber Unit has begun to

The United States is considered one of the most advanced countries in the world. Access to education, medical care, clean drinking water, and information is the norm across the country. Shockingly, there are some small areas that have somehow fallen through the cracks, where residents live in extreme poverty, resembling a Third World country.

According to a United Nations official investigation, there are several rural communities in Alabama that have horrible living conditions.

“I think it’s very uncommon in the First World. This is not a sight that one normally sees. I’d have to say that

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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I haven’t seen this,” Philip Alston, the U.N.’s Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, said earlier this week as he toured a community in Butler County in Alabama where “raw sewage flows from homes through exposed PVC pipes and into open trenches and pits.”

During a two week investigation through Alabama’s rural communities it was discovered that some Americans are living in surprisingly unsafe conditions. This investigation comes after recent reports of hookworm viruses in Alabama, a disease generally common in regions with poor sanitary conditions in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. The investigation will continue into towns in California, Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The aim of the study is to determine the effects of poverty in an otherwise prosperous society like the U.S. There are currently close to 41 million people living in poverty in America, according to the Census Bureau.

A large percentage of those living in poverty are minorities. Black, Hispanic, and Native American children, for example, are two to three times more likely to live in poverty than white kids, according to a study us-

ing census data by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Many argue that economic inequality is an effect of racial discrimination.

Alston, a law professor at New York University, said in a statement announcing the launch of the U.N. investigation that poverty in the U.S. has been swept under the rug for too long. “Some might ask why a U.N. Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights would visit a country as rich as the United States,” Alston said. “But despite great wealth in the U.S., there also exists great poverty and inequality.”

Alston added that the U.S. “has been very keen” on other countries being investigated by the U.N. for civil and human rights issues. “Now, it’s the turn to look at what’s going on in the U.S.,” Alston said. “There are pretty extreme levels of poverty in the United States given the wealth of the country. And that does have significant human rights implications.”

Economy Booms Donald Trump has been sitting in the Oval Office for just about a year.

During his time in the hot seat, he has suffered many disappointments but has also celebrated some successes, the economy being one of them. This Friday, the government reported that unemployment was at a 17-year low at 4.1%. In the month of November alone, employers added 228,000 jobs.

Steady workers also received good news: average weekly paychecks increased by 3.1% over the last 12 months. This is the very first time that the reading has surpassed 3% in close to seven years. While hourly pay increased by 2.5%, the increase is partially due to increased working hours as well. The data is surprising: experts point out that generally when wages rise there are less jobs available. When workers have options of jobs, it becomes a “worker’s market” and employers are forced to offer competitive salaries to find and keep workers.

Several industries are responsible for the hiring increase. Manufacturing added 31,000 jobs while healthcare added 29,500 workers and construction added 24,000. Temporary help services added 18,300 jobs.

There were several surprises. For example, even the retail industry reported growth by adding 18,700 jobs beyond their normal seasonal hires, the best month for the sector since January.

The White House received this report in triumph saying, “We’re especially pleased to see the manufacturing sector roaring back to life, adding a total of 159,000 jobs since President Trump took office after averaging a loss of more than 1,000 jobs per month during the last year of the previous administration,” read a statement from White House press secretary Sarah Sanders. “As we continue to unleash the American economy from unnecessary regulation and taxes, we look forward to seeing more reports like this, showing a healthy and thriving jobs market for the American people.”

Overall, the economy grew 3.3% in the most recent quarter, the best since 2014, and the stock market is at record levels.

Mayfield Takes Heisman Trophy

Baker Mayfield, 22, became a household name with his quick rise to stardom playing professional college football as a quarterback for Oklahoma. He recently received the most coveted individual award in the sport: the 83rd Heisman Trophy.

After receiving 78.8% of the firstplace votes, Mayfield accumulated 2,398 total points beating out fellow finalists Bryce Love of Stanford (1,300) and Louisville’s Lamar Jackson (793), who won the award last year.

Despite his excellent skills on the field, Mayfield has been involved in some drama this year. His triumphs and accomplishments on the field seemed to have overshadowed the incidents, and he took home the most-wanted trophy.

Mayfield yielded the third-highest percentage of possible points received (86 percent) since 1950, behind only Ohio State’s Troy Smith (2006) and Oregon’s Marcus Mariota (2014).

Mayfield became the first senior to win the Heisman since Smith in 2006. Earlier in the week, he won the Davey O’Brien (best quarterback) and Maxwell (player of the year) awards. The Associated Press and Walter Camp also both named him their player of the year.

“This is unbelievable for me, being up here among these greats,” Mayfield said upon receiving the award with past Heisman winners standing behind him. “It’s something that words can’t even describe.

G-d has put me in this position that I’m so blessed, and a lot of times I wonder why. But it’s such an honor to be up here. It’s unbelievable.”

Mayfield gave Oklahoma its sixth Heisman winner, which moves the Sooners into a tie with USC for the third-most all time (not including Reggie Bush’s vacated 2005 Heisman). Alongside Heisman winners Billy Vessels, Steve Owens, Billy Sims, Jason White and Bradford,

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Oklahoma will soon erect a statue of Mayfield in its Heisman Park, which sits just to the east of Oklahoma’s Memorial Stadium.

“It’s been a dream come true to play at OU,” Mayfield said. “Although I grew up in Austin, Texas, I was always Sooner-born and Sooner-bred. And you know, they say, ‘When I die, I’ll be Sooner-dead,’ and I truly mean that. It’s been a dream for me. And it’s an honor to represent my school.”

After he won the starting job as a walk-on true freshman at Texas Tech, Mayfield bolted for Oklahoma.

He showed up in Norman in 2014 without an invitation from thencoach Bob Stoops, much less the promise of a scholarship. But Mayfield grew up a Sooners fan living in Austin, Texas, and wanted to see if he could make it at his “dream school.”

After sitting out the first season as an ineligible transfer, Mayfield beat incumbent Trevor Knight for the starting job. In 2015, he led Oklahoma to the playoff on his way to posting a 34-5 career record with the Sooners.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Lexington, Kentucky Dayton, Ohio Macon, Georgia Albany, NY Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Portland, Maine Kansas City, Missouri Grand Rapids, Michigan Hartford, Connecticut

The least satisfied drivers in the United States live in: 1. Honolulu, Hawaii 2. Jacksonville, Florida 3. San Diego, California 4. Los Angeles, California 5. Portland, Oregon 6. San Francisco, California 7. Orlando, Florida 8. Charlotte, North Carolina 9. Miami, Florida 10. Savannah, Georgia

Drink and Drive Driving with a Smile

If you own a smartphone, chances are you are a Waze user. The GPS application, invented by a group of young Israelis, has become the goto route finder. Aside from calculating routes in real-time, the app also gathers information from drivers.

Drivers have the opportunity to report traffic, accidents, police, red light camera, and complain. And it seems that drivers in some cities enjoy complaining more than others.

Waze’s annual Driver Satisfaction Index uses data from its millions of users across the USA to rank the 61 best – and worst – metropolitan areas. After collecting data based on safety, traffic, and road quality, Waze ranked the cities.

Where do you whistle while you drive to work? The happiest cities in the U.S. for driving are: 1. Greensboro, North Carolina

We’re all guilty of drinking and driving – and the car industry is going to make it even easier with a new app in GM vehicles. No, I’m not talking about guzzling a bottle of Absolut as you cruise Central Avenue. I’m talking about sipping your morning coffee, tea, latte, macchiato, caramel skinny mocha latte with soy milk...whatever! Yes, there’s something very comforting about a warm drink in your hand on a cold winter morning. And a sweet, chilled iced coffee on a sweltering summer day?

Heaven in a cup!

Starting this week, drivers who own 2017 or 2018 models of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac may have seen a new icon on their vehicle ‘s central computer screen called “marketplace.” That’s drivers’ new magic genie. A few pokes with the finger and their coffee has been ordered. Need to book a hotel room?

Do it while driving.

Don’t think GM is thinking of its drivers when it conceived the app.

“For most retailers and consumer

brands the daily commute is the only time not accessible in a consumers’ day,” said Santiago Chamorro, GM’s vice president for Connected Customer Experience, in an announcement. “Marketplace gives merchants the ability to more safely engage with drivers and passengers in a meaningful way that provides true value for our customers.” In other words, advertisers need our attention every single second of the day.

The system relies on “machine learning,” taking cues from your location and from how you’ve used the Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts apps on your phone to decide which menu items to offer.

Vendors featured on the app include Wingstop, TGI Fridays, Shell, ExxonMobil, Priceline.com, Parkopedia, IHOP, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and Delivery.com. GM itself is also a vendor. Drivers can buy 4G data packages, extend their OnStar subscription, and receive offers for parts and services while driving.

We don’t know how safe it is to scroll through a menu while driving, but we’re sure they’ll get back to that later.

Over the next 12 to 18 months, the service will be rolled out to a total of about 4 million GM vehicles on U.S. roads.

Attention drivers, please keep your eyes on the road.

Stinky Socks Scandal

Passengers on a bus in India raised a stink recently when a man with horrifically smelly socks removed his socks and shoes, permeating the bus with a pungent, awful odor.

The man removed his footwear on a bus going from the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh to New Delhi and put them near the aisle.

Passengers, sickened from the noxious odors, asked him to throw out his socks or put them away. But the man refused, sparking a heated confrontation that forced the bus driver to stop at several stations. Ultimate-

ly, the bus reached a police station – and the man was arrested.

“He was arrested on charges of causing public nuisance and later released on bail,” Una police chief Sanjeev Gandhi said.

The man filed a complaint against his fellow passengers and the bus crew for harassment and insisted his socks did not smell. He left the area on another bus a day later.

This story really knocks my socks off.

Castle for a Crowd

In an amazing crowdfunding event, 8,186 strangers joined together to buy a crumbling French castle to prevent it from being demolished.

The thousands of purchasers pledged at least $60 each on the French crowdfunding site Dartagnans to “adopt” the 13th-century Chateau de la Mothe-Chandeniers with the hopes of restoring the property and opening it to the public.

“La Mothe-Chandeniers belongs to thousands of users. Through this collective purchase, we believe in the preservation and development of the heritage of tomorrow and prove that the civic strength is always the greatest,” the crowdfunding platform said.

The group reached its goal of about $590,000 in 40 days and has so far collected about $790,000 from the more than 8,000 donors.

Donors will be offered shares in a company to run the chateau set up early next year for an additional dollar for each $60 donated.

For a donation of about $70, donors will receive a membership card and “access to part of the castle.”

La Mothe-Chandeniers’ oldest portions date back to the 13th century. The chateau was taken twice by the English in the Middle Ages and was ransacked during the French Revolution. The nearly 5,000-acre property, which also includes almost 3,000 acres of forest, is surrounded by a moat and was last purchased

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

39

by Marc Deyemer in 1981. Deyemer, tired of constant renovations, wanted to have the castle destroyed.

Is a royal title included with my donation?

Number 1 for Nothing

This restaurant was too good to be true.

Ever dined in London’s mostsought after restaurant? According to Oobah Butler, The Shed at Dulwich is an exclusive eatery with just a street name for an address. In fact, the restaurant is almost always fully booked when you call to make a reservation.

After numerous raving reviews and myriad accolades from diners, The Shed made its way to the top of TripAdvisor and on November 1 was crowned the number one restaurant in London – out of more than 18,000 – on the site.

There’s only one problem: the restaurant does not exist.

Yes, for all your TripAdvisor-philes, the site is not the most trustworthy when it comes to reviews.

Butler, a prankster who loves to write about his exploits, used to earn a living writing positive reviews for restaurant owners. He had observed that restaurants he reviewed – for pay – would make their way to the top of the site, and he set out to expose its lack of honesty.

“One day, sitting in the shed I live in, I had a revelation: within the current climate of misinformation, and society’s willingness to believe absolute [fakery], maybe a fake restaurant is possible? Maybe it’s exactly the kind of place that could be a hit?

“In that moment, it became my mission. With the help of fake reviews, mystique and nonsense, I was going to do it: turn my shed into London’s top-rated restaurant on TripAdvisor.”

And so the “The Shed at Dulwich” was born. Butler worked hard at his new eatery, setting up a website and filling it with pretentious descrip-

tions of dishes and pictures of fake but incredibly realistic looking food crafted mainly from household domestic products. In a photograph of what appears to be a plate of bacon and eggs, Butler’s foot makes a cameo as the meat, but you would never know it. Bleach tablets pose as scallops in one dish.

The budding restaurateur registered The Shed on TripAdvisor in May, adding a steady stream of reviews from friends rhapsodizing about “London’s best-kept secret.”

Slowly but surely, word of this mys-

terious but clearly amazing restaurant spread and The Shed saw its ranking rise from 18,149 to inside the top 1,500 in a matter of months.

“I realize what it is: the appointments, lack of address and general exclusivity of this place is so alluring that people can’t see sense,” Butler observed in a series of videos he made documenting the experiment.

“They’re looking at photos of the sole of my foot, drooling. Over the coming months, The Shed’s phone rings incessantly.”

Butler even tricked food crit-

ics, including The Guardian’s Jay Raynor, into endorsing The Shed without any of them having set foot inside. “At last: a restaurant that recognizes food is all about mood. Of all the shed-based eating experiences out there this one sounds like the best,” Raynor tweeted.

On November 1, The Shed finally garnered TripAdvisor’s top spot – without one paying customer.

Sometimes, when something is too good to be true, well, it just may not be true. Non appetit!

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Around the

Community Second Graders at YCQ Receive their First Chumashim

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hroughout YCQ you could hear the voices of the second grade students reverberating through the hallways as they rehearsed for their Chumash plays.

The Chumash plays took place on the past two consecutive Sundays where students performed for their families and morot. Each student received their first Chumash engraved with their names. The students prepared for this day for weeks prior, learning how to find, read and understand the psukim. The excitement in each of the children’s faces as they learn and perform is a sign of the inspiration imparted on them by their morot, as well as the continued love of learning offered to them.

The children learned the first ten psukim together giving nachat to their families, morot and their yeshiva. Receiving their Chumashim is the first step to a lifetime of learning the Torah. There is a Jewish proverb, “Bring up a child in the way he should go, and, when he is old, he will not depart from it,” (Mishlei, 22:6). At YCQ the children are given a hands-on approach to learning Torah in order to make the words of

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the Torah come a live with the hopes of instilling a lifelong love and desire to learn.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Book Buddies and More for Shulamith

After three weeks of consecutive shiurim Ashreinu had its “outing.” This time the Ashreinu boys went to Spring Gymnastics. Ashreinu would like to thank Mrs. Fordsham and staff, Yochonon Gordon, Yitzy Hoffman and Yehuda Adler, for a great evening. For more information or sponsorship please email us at ashreinufr@gmail.com.

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iteracy Week in the Lower Division of Shulamith School for Girls was a meaningful and exciting experience. The theme was picture books, which combines literature with art. And what makes a great story? Characters who struggle to overcome their challenges! Our guest speaker, Rabbi Michael Levy, inspired our students with his love of reading and writing. The girls were

curious about Rabbi Levy’s struggles with blindness and the tools he uses to have a successful life.

The week ended on a high note with a shopping spree at the book fair and celebrating picture books with book buddies. The first graders joined the third graders and the second graders joined the fourth graders where good stories were shared by all.

Genius Hour at HANC Middle School

HALB Recognizes Trump’s Announcement

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n Wednesday, December 6, President Trump delivered a historic announcement recognizing Jerusalem as capital of Israel and pledging to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. HALB conducted a short assembly, showing the students an excerpt of this his-

toric announcement. Rabbi Lubetski, Mrs. Wein, and Rabbi Fogel also delivered short remarks emphasizing the importance of this moment in history. The students said chapter 122 of Tehillim expressing our thanks to Hashem and our hope that peace will be maintained in Israel.

n December 4, HANC Middle School students went back to their elementary school, HANC’s Samuel and Elizabeth Bass Golding Elementary School, to present an anti-bullying campaign.

Avi Baruch, Isaac Goldschmidt, Jake Peyser, Noam Klein and Dovid Engelsohn created Stop Bullying by Kids (http://stopbullyingbykids.tk/), an organization that was built for a project in Mrs. Morey’s English class.

Mrs. Morey allowed the students one period a week to work on a Genius Hour project. Genius Hour was conceptualized by Google with the idea of giving their employees 20% of their time to think creatively and work on their own projects. New departments and ideas came out of Google’s

20% time, such as Gmail and Google Voice. Inspired by 20% time, Mrs. Morey set aside one period a week for students to learn based on their own interests and make a product based on their learning. ​ Stop Bullying by Kids was so excited to present to the 3rd grade classes; they presented a video showing the bystander effect of bullying and a pictochart categorizing the different bullying statistics in each state.

The presentation included many heartfelt and emotional moments as the students explained how important and personal the campaign is to them. Stop Bullying by Kids is hoping to visit HANC Plainview next and to continue to spread the message of anti-bullying.

“Rebbe!” he shouted, and remained silent for several long minutes.

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Emunah of America’s Annual Dinner

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n December 2, 2017, over 600 people gathered in Pier 60’s Chelsea Piers for Emunah of America’s Annual Dinner.

They gathered to share Emunah’s stories and successes and, in so doing, ensure its continuity.

This year, Emunah was privileged to honor individuals who wholeheartedly devote themselves to the creation of a better and safer future in Israel.

Esther and Paul Lerer, our Guests of Honor, are lifelong advocates of those less fortunate and worthy recipients of this esteemed award. This year’s recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award was Melanie Oelbaum, who has made lifelong, outstanding contributions to Emunah’s work. Michelle Salig was the deserving recipient of the Keter Shem Tov Award for her extraordinary work on behalf of Emunah of America’s families. An exemplary role model, Shira Ben-David was the recipient of this year’s Young Leadership Award and serves as an

inspiration to youth worldwide.

This year, Emunah of America put a whole new “spin” on its annual dinner, beginning with a fabulous hologram entrance and featuring an elegant Lucite Lazy Susan with a spinning buffet. Catered by MD Hospitality, the meal – with its delicious food and creative presentation – was nothing short of spectacular. A special thank you goes to our incredible chairs, Malkah Cohen, Charlotte Dachs, Careena Parker, Rivki Rosenwald, and Mindy Stein, for all their creative input.

The guests were inspired to hear from Manny Machtayev, a man who, together with his brother, grew up in

the Emunah Afula children’s home.

Now, years later, Manny brought his wife and child to Emunah’s dinner and shared his moving story. He said, “I look out into this crowd, and I am grateful to people like you. I may not know your name, but you are part of my story and part of my Emunah family.”

The event was followed by a Young Leadership after-party, cohosted by Kol Hanearim. Michael Riedler and Ezra Gontownik are founders of Kol Hanearim summer program that brings students from around the world to volunteer in four Emunah homes. Over 400 Young Leaders enjoyed the party and live performances

by Zusha and DJ Sol. Emunah of America is an organization dedicated to the betterment of Israeli society through a wide variety of educational programs and social services. The evening was a truly inspirational one – one which celebrated Emunah’s honorable work in a magnificent way. Each and every one of Emunah’s supporters and attendees play a critical role in helping Emunah’s children and families heal, thrive and live productive lives.

That evening was testament to this indisputable fact; Emunah may be where the story begins, but it’s far from where it ends.

mitzvah parties to make them more meaningful. The bnei mitzvah make the celebration together at Neve Michal.

Our very own office staff member, Morah Melissa Spector, and Morah Penina Deutsch’s granddaughters have all celebrated their bat mitz-

vahs with Neve Michal.

In honor of Chanukah, Morah Deutsch’s third graders presented Hava and Rachel with $1,100 for Neve Michal. They raised this money from a stuffed animal and snack sale that had prices ranging from $1-$3.

In addition to selling their wares to

students from other classes, the girls also sent small stuffed animals to the youngest children at Neve Michal.

Kol hakavod to Morah Penina Deutsch for coordinating and running this beautiful tzedakah drive!

The girls were inspired and are looking forward to doing more chessed!

Chessed at Shulamith

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n December 4, the 3rd and 4th grade students of Shulamith School for Girls had the privilege to meet Hava Levene and her daughter, Rachel Bargad. They came to speak about the Neve Michal Children’s Village, where they both work and put their hearts and souls into each child.

Neve Michal is a safe haven for children 5-18 years old who have been removed from their homes due to extreme traumatic circumstances.

Hava and Rachel told the students many stories of how they have helped the children. Among the many programs they offer are a bar/ bat mitzvah program which consists of trips, workshops, and a party at the end of the year. Many families in Israel, America, and other countries partner with Neve Michal when planning their personal bar/bat

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community Bikur Cholim of Far Rockaway and the Five Towns held their Thirty-Six Annual Brunch on Sunday at Congregation Kneseth Israel in Far Rockaway PHOTO CREDIT: IVAN H NORMAN

Daniella Wolfson and Chavi Mandelbaum, Guests of Honor

Marilyn Wolowitz, Chairperson

Tzippy David, Chairperson

Charlene Aminoff, guest speaker, of Great Neck

Rebecca Berger, Dalia Borenstein, Jackie Erlichman, Shoshana Jacobowitz, Devorah Rosner and Leah Sod with the guests of honor and the chairpersons of the brunch

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Mishmar at Central

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hursday night, December 7, Central hosted its second mishmar of the semester. The focus of this year’s mishmar has been educating students about different kinds of Jews around the world. Last mishmar, students heard from a convert about his experience, and this time, students heard from Mr. Shmuel Lagesse, an Ethiopian Jew, who discussed his identity and the wider Ethiopian Jewish community. Rabbi Joshua Strulowitz, who directs mishmar, said

that he thought the event was a success and that he hopes that through these lectures “students will develop a wider and more diverse sense of Jewry, beyond the kinds of Jews

they know from New York. There are so many kinds of Jews in the world, and these kinds of events can help introduce them to different parts of the Jewish spectrum.”

Next semester, mishmar will pick up with this same theme, and students will have the opportunity to learn about other pockets of the global Jewish community.

Shalom Task Force Featured at International Conference on Abuse

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halom Task Force presented at an international symposium in Israel, “Creating Safe Communities, Creating Hope,” which featured training sessions and lectures on a wide range of topics relating to domestic violence and abuse. Organized by the Tahel Crisis Center for Religious

Women and Children, the event drew more than 400 professionals and laypeople from across the global Jewish community who traveled to Jerusalem to attend the three-day interdisciplinary conference last month.

“The hundreds of attendees and presenters, and the range of topics that

were explored, were so incredible to see, and it reminded me how prevalent and important the issue of domestic abuse is in our Jewish community,” said Avital Levin, LMSW, Shalom Task Force’s Director of Education, who led two thought-provoking sessions.

Levin spoke about casual intimacy and its impact on abuse, a hot-button topic that attracted many mental health professionals, educators and leaders. “My session was eye-opening for people who may not necessarily work with younger clients, but need to recognize these trends in relationships,” she said. “It helped them gain a deeper understanding of some of the challenges faced by this demographic.”

In her second presentation, Levin discussed the myths and stigmas surrounding abuse, drawing on her experiences with Shalom Task Force and its valuable resources, including its hotline, legal department and education programs. Using real-life cases, she explored the mind-frame associated with these myths, the frequently asked questions, and common concerns.

Rachel Marks, an attorney at Schonfeld and Goldring LLP and a Shalom Task Force board member, delivered two presentations and also moderated two panels. STF board member Surel Goldfinger attended as well.

“Overall the conference was a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from around the world all working toward bettering Klal Yisrael,” said Marks. “While many of the topics are sensitive, it is absolutely necessary that they be given this forum. It is encouraging that there are so many lead-

ers who are willing to shine light in the darkness.”

Marks, along with her colleague Aliza Goldring, spoke about mediation in divorce and discussed the long term benefits of utilizing mediation to achieve a more peaceful resolution crafted by the parties themselves and not a judge or arbitrator. In her second lecture, directed toward mental health professionals, she discussed how attorneys help children during a divorce and legal options that couples can pursue, as well as the implications of these choices for the family.

Many presenters also touched upon the recently publicized cases of sexual assault in the media. “People at the conference expressed that many of their clients and victims were feeling more empowered to share their stories, because of the #MeToo campaign,” Levin said. “Since there is a feeling of strength in numbers, people now feel more comfortable sharing their experiences instead of hiding them.”

However, there are many who are still suffering from victim shaming and blaming, and feel the negative judgments of others. “As a community and as providers, it’s so important to be aware of that mindset and do that much more to try to help victims of domestic abuse,” Levin added. “From a legal and societal perspective, we still have a long way to go in terms of supporting victims. That’s why the work we do here at Shalom Task Force is so vital.”

For more information on Shalom Task Force’s life-saving programs and services, please visit www.shalomtaskforce.org or call 212.742.1478.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community On Sunday, Congregation Bais Ephraim Yitzchok, better known as CBEY or the Island Shul, celebrated the completion of its new building, Bais Medrash Ohr HaChayim. Â The shul is under the leadership of Harav Zvi Ralbag and is located at 812 Peninsula Boulevard in Woodmere.

PHOTO CREDIT: EMES PRO PHOTO

Nikolsburger Rebbe

HaRav Aryeh Ralbag

MC Steve Landau

Harav Zvi Ralbag

Moishe Spinner, Rabbi Ralbag, and Menachem Kagan

Rabbi Kamenetzky reciting Tehillim

Berel Daskal and Menachem Kagan

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Bridal Secrets and Nip & Tuck Move up Central Avenue

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fter fifteen years of tremendous growth on Central Avenue in Cedarhurst, bli ayin hara, Bridal Secrets and Nip & Tuck Alterations have moved up three blocks from 415 to 525 Central Avenue (the former Radio Shack/Central Electronics). Their new location is twice the size of the previous one and all on one floor. It’s been designed and exclusively decorated for them by Esti Felder Designs and proves to be, beyond a doubt, a seminal destination to be visited from absolutely anywhere – as their roster of thousands

of clients can attest. Bridal Secrets has taken this opportunity to double its inventory of stunning and upscale modest bridal gowns, headpieces and veils. Nip & Tuck Alterations has grown to become a one-of-a-kind professional alterations center par excellence, with two designers, a staff of European seamstresses as well as exclusive fabric and trim at your fingertips. It’s no longer necessary to aimlessly wander the streets of Manhattan or Brooklyn looking for bridal gowns, fabric or trimmings – they are fully stocked and everything is available right on the premises. The best part is, of course, that a percentage of everything in both departments, under one roof, goes to Be’er Miriam Hachnosas Kallah, an arm of the Davis Memorial Fund of Far Rockaway and the Five Towns which helps needy local families with wedding expenses. Women and girls can look good and feel good at the same time.

It just can’t get better than that.

For more information go to www.bridal-secrets.com or call for a bridal consultation at 516-2952062. For Nip & Tuck Alterations an appointment is not necessary. That number is 516-569-0041 and it lists the hours of operation.

A Day of Giving for School Security

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ow, more than ever, our children’s schools need security.

In today’s climate, we simply can’t afford not to have school security.

90% of yeshiva students in America are represented by the Teach Advocacy Network, a project of the Orthodox Union. In fact, our advocacy efforts helped secure over $70 million in government funding for security aid to nonpublic schools and nonprofits in states we represent. And that’s just this year!

Here’s the breakdown for 2017: ▪ $40 million for New York State ▪ $19.8 million for New York City ▪ $11 million for New Jersey ▪ $2 million for California ▪ Plus, school security funding and legislation for nonpublic schools and

nonprofits in Maryland and Florida for the very first time Help us make 2018 even more successful by joining us on December 20 for a day of charity for security advocacy. If we raise $250,000, we can greatly increase our advocacy for the security our children need. For just 24 hours, every dollar you donate will be matched. Help us raise our voice in the halls of the government.

Help us raise $250,000 for the cause!

Please join us by visiting teachadvocacy.com/giving<http://teachadvocacy.com/giving>. Campaign funding will begin Wednesday, December 20 at 12pm and will end Thursday, December 21, at 12pm.

YOSS Celebrates Chanukah at HASC

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he eighth grade boys at Yeshiva of South Shore kicked off their Chanukah celebrations by visiting HASC, the Hebrew Academy for Special Children in Brooklyn.

The Mechina Division was excited to spread as much ruach as possible by sending groups on two separate days.

As part of the annual tradition, the boys spent time dancing with the stu-

dents and playing live music. Joined by their rabbeim and administrators, they also delivered special Chanukah treats.

The YOSS talmidim eagerly look forward to the trip each year, as it offers them a unique opportunity to put into action many of the middos that their parents and rabbeim instill in them at home and in the yeshiva.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community Chazaq Celebrates its 5th Annual Dinner

Rav Ahron Walkin and family

Mr. and Mrs. Noach Deutsch

Chazaq board members and elected officials

Partial view of the crowd

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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Around the Community PHOTO CREDITS: GABE SOLOMON, MARK SHIMONOV AND BARRY BROWN

Chief Rabbi Rav Yitzchak Yisraeli

Yaniv Meirov welcoming Rav Noach Isaac Oelbaum

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Chanukah Spirit at KMT

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he Chanukah spirit was burning at K’hal Machzikei Torah last week. It all started with a special shiur and kumzitz, hosted by Dr Nachum Augenbaum. Harav Nosson Greenberg spoke about inyanei Chanukah and everyone was imbued with the Chanukah spirit. The

Rav then gave each person a bottle of oil before leaving. The oilam was invigorated by the shiur which was accompanied with hot refreshments including kugel and sushi.

Throughout Shabbos there was a special spirit in the air. During the multitude of shiurim and tefillos

Maybe Uri and I did meet in the past.

Maybe we didn’t. The least I can say is that we lived in the same house.

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throughout Shabbos, the anticipation of Chanukah filled the air. The third week of the new Friday night learning program was packed as fathers and sons filled the shul learning together. The Motzei Shabbos learning program was also packed despite the weather as no wanted to miss out on the special pre-Chanukah learning.

On Sunday afternoon, the shul had their annual pre-Chanukah extravaganza. The N’shei of KMT prepared a beautiful event, with moon-bounces, jugglers, magicians, and music. Stations included dec-

orate your own doughnut, custom Chanukah artwork, facepaint, make your own cotton candy, and, of course, a dreidel station with chocolate coins to enjoy. Personalized gifts were given to all the children.

Special thanks to Gourmet Glatt for generously sponsoring the refreshments, and to the N’shei of KMT for their devotion and dedication to preparing this event and ensuring that an enjoyable time was had by all.

All participants were invigorated by this special weekend and are now prepared for the beauty of Chanukah.

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Wounded IDF Warriors Speak at Rambam

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n Thursday, November 30/12 Kislev, Rambam Mesivta was honored to host part of a delegation of IDF heroes who were wounded while defending Medinat Yisrael and Am Yisrael. The delegation was sponsored by an Israeli organization called El Ami – “To My Nation.” El Ami works to create bridges between all sectors of Israeli society by showing that Torah-centered ideas and values are the common thread that ties all of Am Yisrael together.

Rambam hosted two heroes: Itai Abraham, 32, who fought in the Second Lebanon War 2006 as part of an Elite reconnaissance unit and was wounded; and Elad Horowitz, 26, who was a squad commander in the Givati Brigade and was hit by a snip-

er’s bullet during the fighting in Gaza in Operation Tzuk Aitan 2014. Both these men had powerful stories that revolved around their great love for the Jewish State and the Jewish People, their great faith in the Almighty, and their boundless optimism and positive outlook. Our students and rebbeim were mesmerized, touched, inspired and had a great sense of hakarat hatov to Itai and Elad.

What made this event truly a Rambam style event is that Itai and Elad were greeted by two of Rambam’s 40 alumni who are either currently serving, or served, in the IDF. Sam Cohen (back in the U.S. visiting his parents), who is presently serving as a sergeant in the Paratroopers and soon will begin officer’s training school, spoke first about his journey

from Rambam to Yeshivat Har Etzion and to the IDF. Ari Broyn who served in the Golani Brigade also spoke of his journey from Rambam to Mechinat Otzem and then to the IDF. Both Sam and Ari spoke of how honored they were to be at an event honoring IDF heroes, their Brothers in Arms.

Rabbi Eliach who also served in the IDF and still volunteers to do milluim during the summers, made the important and very relevant point that at Rambam Mesivta when IDF Warriors like Itai and Elad come to speak, they are not viewed as “them” from Israel, but rather they are part of “us,” Am Yisrael. We share in the triumphs and pride of Israel and we share in its sadness and its responsibilities. He then added that this past summer he had the privilege of

speaking in front of a group of commanders of a very important IDF unit. His message to them was that an American-born Jew comes to Israel to volunteer with security forces because his sense of obligation is no different than theirs. He stressed that it was a privilege to be able to, in a very small way, help defend a Jewish State that Jews had dreamt about for 2,000 years.

It was another example of the strong bond between Rambam Mesivta and Medinat Yisrael. When the assembly was over, students and rebbeim went over, visibly emotional and full of pride, to thank Itai and Elad for what they have done for all of Am Yisrael, which at Rambam means all of Us.

Central Students Attend Bioethics Seminar

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espite the snowy morning on Sunday, December 10, the AP Biology students of Central High School attended the 11th YU Student Medical Ethics Society Conference “Breaking Down the Firewall: A Jewish Perspective to Future Technologies in Medicine.” Rabbi Yaakov Glasser, the Dean of the Center for the Jewish Future (CJF) introduced Rabbi Dr. Moshe David Tendler, who was being presented with the honor of having this and future such conferences named in his honor. Rabbi Tendler spoke about the role that the Yeshiva and like conferences play in allowing our students to enter the public sphere of work while maintaining their private sphere of conviction to Torah values and ethics. Rabbi

Dr. Edward Reichman, chairman of and advisor to the conference, introduced Dr. Ana Maria Cuervo, who spoke about her work at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (AECOM), studying human longevity and aging through the analysis of the garbage destruction mecha-

nisms in a cell. Her work focuses on the fact that as we age, we lose the ability to clean out the free radicals and toxins in our cells, which lead to the effects that we call aging. Dr. Ed Burns, Dean of AECOM, introduced the next speaker, Dr. Neville Sanjana from NYU and the NY Ge-

nome Center, who spoke about cutting-edge gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR. Rabbi Dr. J David Bleich was asked to then respond to the halachic views on these topics.

The conference ended with a final session, when Rabbi Ozer Glickman, a Rosh Yeshiva at RIETS and professor at Cardozo School of Law, had a “fireside chat” with Dr. Matthew Liao, director of the Center of Bioethics at NYU. He is a philosopher interested in the interface of neurobiology and Big Data.

Senior Eliana Fatir shared, “Attending the medical ethics conference was an incredible experience. It was a perfect blend of Torah and madda, learning the text of the Torah on aging and longevity and also hearing the scientific perspective on these issues.”

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Around the Community

HANC High School Celebrates Excellence

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n Tuesday evening, December 5, HANC High School held its 42nd National Honor Society Induction Ceremony, honoring the 36 members of this prestigious organization and welcoming fourteen new inductees into the Maalot Chapter. Members of the Honor Society must maintain a 92 average and represent excellence in Torah, scholarship, service, character, and leadership.

Rabbi Shlomo Adelman, principal/menahel, opened the ceremony in the HANC auditorium with a brief d’var Torah emphasizing the importance of living a life as a true ben or bat Torah. This was followed by singing of the Star Spangled Banner and the Hatikvah by music teacher Mr. Dovid Klaver. Mrs. Marie Palaia, associate principal and faculty advisor of the Honor Society, greeted the audience and introduced the officers of the Honor Society and welcomed them to the stage to light candles and speak about the main tenets that rep-

resent the pillars on which the Honor Society stands. Co-presidents Batsheva Moskowitz and Zackary Plutzer, co-vice presidents, Adena Cohen and Aeton Rabanipour, historian, Joshua Vilkas, each delivered a d’var Torah and an explanation before lighting their candle.

Rabbi Daniel Mezei, director of Student Life, Mrs. Marie Palaia, associate principal, and Ms. Tziporah Zucker, assistant principal, presented the new inductees with their of-

ficial certificates and membership cards.

Mr. Sam Kintzer, chair of the English Department, was chosen by the members of the Honor Society to deliver the keynote address.

The audience was riveted by Mr. Kintzer’s delivery and poignant message which conveyed to students to keep on dreaming and that anything is possible.

Rabbi Etan Ehrenfeld, Dean of Students, and Ms. Karen Sheff, Di-

rector of College Guidance, took the stage to read the accomplishments of our senior members and thanked each student for their service to HANC. After the presentation, all members presented a yellow rose to their parents and grandparents to show their hakarat hatov for guiding them to where they are today. The induction ceremony concluded with an elaborate collation.

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Ohr Leah Sings for Seniors

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hr Leah Academy, located conveniently in the building of Sons of Israel on Irving Place in Woodmere, often takes advantage of the shared building to create an opportunity to do chessed with our senior population. JCC’s “Remember When” program for seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia takes place in the Panel Room every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

The students of Ohr Leah happily

performed their Chanukah songs at the Monday and Tuesday programs this week to the delight of the participants! The girls’ faces shone with delight at the attention of the seniors

and the seniors were enamored by the sweetness of the children and their songs. After the girls were done, the seniors asked each student to introduce themselves with their names

and ages. Then, they wanted the girls to sing “I Have a Little Dreidel” one more time so they could sing along!

Both the seniors and the girls can’t wait for their next performance.

Providing Resources the TAG Way

T

orah Academy for Girls, the Bais Yaakov of Long Island, strives to meet the needs of each individual student. TAG not only has a private resource room for both English and Hebrew subjects, but has over 35 related service providers working at TAG, including occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language therapists, special education teachers and social workers.

The classroom teachers, the resource room teachers and related service providers work together to ensure that students who need more support get the most out of their TAG education.

Dr. Devorah Zelasko, Mrs. Alyssa Prince and Mrs. Tova Ackerman oversee all resource room and related services in the elementary, preschool and middle school divisions respectively to coordinate care and ensure that an individualized approach is being utilized. The school has dedicated a large section of the resource room area for a sensory gym. With the help of the Joseph Leroy and Anne C. Warner Fund, the gym is fully equipped with state of the art sensory equipment and therapy tools, which are utilized by almost all disciplines to help TAG students meet their goals.

Over the past few years TAG’s reputation for its successful approach to managing multiple services and its skilled therapists has gained the recognition of many graduate schools.

Fieldwork coordinators, who seek to provide a first class training site for their students pursuing a degree in therapies, place many graduate students in TAG. The colleges and universities are confident that TAG therapists will provide graduate students with a top notch fieldwork expe-

rience and prepare them to enter the workforce with the skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century academic setting. The graduate students are not the only ones who benefit from their placement at TAG. The therapists who supervise these graduate students and the TAG students benefit as well!

Dena Isaacs, our head occupational therapist, has worked at TAG for the last 18 years and to date has served as a fieldwork supervisor for Touro Manhattan and Touro Bayshore graduate students at TAG. She explains that both the therapist and the TAG students gain from the presence of the graduate students. “When a therapist takes a responsibility to supervise and train a graduate student, the entire level of care improves. The therapist now has to justify everything she is doing to a graduate student. Additionally, the therapist wants to provide the graduate student with a vast knowledge of the latest treatment techniques and approaches. Therefore, the TAG stu-

dent gets the highest, up-to-date level of care, as each session is tailored to demonstrate the latest, most innovative approaches that meet the needs of each student.”

Rachellie (Knobel) Braun, a TAG graduate and currently a level II fieldwork student at TAG, describes her fieldwork experience as “an opportunity to see professionals in action! All the support services work together in a multidisciplinary approach to allow the students the maximum benefits of therapy to grow and become the most successful individuals they can be.”

Danielle (Halpern) Whitman, a TAG graduate and a graduate of Touro Manhattan school of Health Science, describes her fieldwork experience at TAG as her favorite and most effective fieldwork. She feels that the unique and balanced experience provides graduate students with the opportunity to engage in substantive hands-on work. She describes her fieldwork experience as an opportunity to work in

a state of the art setting where all providers work collaboratively as a team to maximally support each student.

She says, “I am so lucky to have been one of the many OT students who have been trained by top, experienced occupational therapists who love what they do and have an individualized process for building skills in their OT graduate students so that they can follow in the footsteps of their amazing and effective work.”

Tara Collins, the academic fieldwork coordinator of Touro College-Bay Shore Campus, identifies TAG as one of her favorite placements.

Ms. Collins explains that her graduate students love being placed in TAG, “as TAG provides students with a unique opportunity to provide services for their community. Many of them came from TAG, or schools like TAG, so they are very enthusiastic to return there to share what they have learned.” Thus the graduate students are bringing the newest theories and approaches to TAG. The TAG Occupational Therapists work with the graduate students and train them in implementing and refining what the graduate students have learned as theory.

As TAG’s reputation is growing as the first choice fieldwork placement, many OT schools are jumping on the bandwagon and eagerly seeking placements for their students. This year TTI, in conjunction with LIU and Eastwick College, will also be placing students at TAG. Needless to say, TAG is thrilled to see our alumnae return as mature, educated, graduate students training to become experts in their field so that they can serve our community in the best way possible.

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Yeshiva University High Schools Presents Annual Dinner of Tribute

Y

eshiva University High Schools will present their annual Dinner of Tribute on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at Marina del Rey in the Bronx, New York. This year’s Guests of Honor are Amy and Michael Berger ‘86YUHS at Samuel H. Wang Yeshiva University High School for Girls (YUHSG) and Gila and Dovid Weinstein ‘86YUHS at The Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy/Yeshiva University High School for Boys (YUHSB). Mrs. Miriam Chopp of YUHSG will be presented with the Ethel Dworetsky Morrow z”l Faculty Award, and Rabbi Rafi Pearl will receive the Faculty Award from YUHSB. Special tribute will also be paid to past chairs of the Yeshiva University High

Schools Joint Board of Trustees: Mr. Jack Bendheim, Mr. Elliot Gibber, Dr. Felix Glaubach, Mr. Henry Rothman, Mr. Irwin Shapiro and Dr. Edith Zwillenberg z”l.

The theme of this year’s dinner is “What’s Next” as the YUHS community explores the future of experiential programming and 21st-century skills and learning. The evening will recognize this integral value of YUHS, celebrate the accomplishments of students in these arenas, and look ahead toward new and exciting opportunities for YU High Schools’ growth.

The Bergers, of Woodmere, New York, have been very active in the high school, from opening their home for YUHSG events to serving on the Parent Council. Amy graduated Stern College for

Women in 1990 and works as a special education teacher specializing in Early Childhood Itinerant Teaching.

Michael is a senior managing director at Colliers International Real Estate in New York City and once served as an advisor to the Sy Syms School of Business real estate curriculum. They have four children: Zachary ‘19YC, Elizabeth ‘18S, Emily ‘17YUHS and Jordana ‘19YUHS. “Our honorees are each a true reflection of the distinctive features of a YU High School education,” said Mrs. CB Neugroschl, head of school at YUHSG. “Michael and Amy Berger have been active partners and proud ambassadors of Central as a school that’s invested in nurturing and supporting each student both academically

Amy & Michael Berger

and extracurricularly.”

Mrs. Chopp, of Lawrence, New York, has been a member of the YUHSG Science Department for 22 years.

She teaches chemistry and mentors the science teams for competitions. She is a graduate of Brooklyn College and holds master’s degrees in chemistry, secondary school education and teacher education in science. She currently mentors new teachers following their completion of a two-year training course sponsored by the Jewish New Teacher Project.

Mrs. Miriam Chopp

“When you talk to Mrs. Chopp’s students you get that we’re about so much more than just a classic curriculum,” said Neugroschl. “Mrs. Chopp is one of the most dynamic teachers whose love of learning propels her to be teacher, mentor, life coach and personal role model all at once for faculty and students alike.”

For reservations or additional information, please visit www.yu.edu/hsdinner or contact Elissa Schertz at 212.960.5223 or elissa. schertz@yu.edu.

Bringing Joy with Aaron’s Way

A

tangible sense of excitement fills the air at the Senior Living Center. It’s Sunday, but this Sunday is not the same as most. In place of the usual card games, bingo, and mah jong, a special performance will be held, courtesy of Aaron’s Way. Anticipation builds as the 2:00 pm start time nears. The residents make their way to the Recreation Hall, where they are greeted by a group of...yeshiva kids? But as the performance begins, their skepticism turns into amazed appreciation. They clap and cheer as these special boys, all from local yeshivos and between the ages of 11 and 16, sing together, blending their beautiful voices in exquisite harmonies while also playing instruments in accompaniment. Others perform magic tricks, dazzling the enthusiastic crowd, while yet other boys perform breathtaking acrobatic stunts. As the final act comes to a close, the room erupts into a prolonged ovation. The boys from Aaron’s

Way have truly brought some light and cheer to those who can really use it.

Do YOU think you have what it takes to bring joy to others? Why not join us with your special talent? Alone or with a group of friends, Aaron’s Way is a fantastic way to have a great time while doing tremendous chessed!

While the sun can only shed light on that which is, the Chanukah candles show us that which we desire and long for – what we can become.

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MSH Debate Rookies Win Multiple Rounds By: Hadassah Fertig and Ariella Kutoff, MSH ‘18

L

ast Thursday, the Midreshet Shalhevet DebateStars made their way to YUHSG for the second debate competition of the season. The debaters rigorously fought on the subject of whether or not smartphone and social media

app developers have the legal responsibility to disable certain apps in a fast moving vehicle. Captains of the team, seniors Hadassah Fertig and Ariella Kutoff, sophomore Staci Steinfeld, and freshman Elisheva Conway all participated in the competition. The girls debated strong and hard, leaving two of their rounds victorious. An intense and exciting

time was had by all. Thanks to debate team coach, Mr. Schildkraut, for all his help in preparing the girls

to debate. The members of the team are already beginning to prepare for their next debate.

Chanukah Excitement at BYAM

C

hanukah is in the air with all the various Chanukah fun activities in our school. From our Mommy and Me workshops, to our candle making activities, interactive Chanukah Bulletin board, chagigah, latke frying, menorah woodworking, and various Chanukah projects, the sights, sounds and smells of Chanukah are keeping us (and our dreidels) spinning and learning!

Camp Shira Launches out of Shulamith

A

fter two years of groundwork, Camp Shira is now launching a new girls’ camp designed for all of the girls of the Five Towns and Far Rockaway. The camp will be in the Shulamith School for Girls campus, located at 305 Cedarhurst Avenue.

A new, state-of-the-art Olympic-size pool is being built on the grounds for the exclusive use of the camp.

Camp Shira is for girls entering nursery through 7th grade. The camp features three dynamic divisions: Preschool, Girls and Shira EXTREME for girls entering 6th and 7th grade.

The Shulamith campus features a 400-seat auditorium, an indoor gym, and large outdoor playground and play space. For the summer, Camp Shira will also add a water park on campus, a gymnasium room for preschool, and numerous specialty workshops.

The Camp Director is Mrs. Yaffa Schreier, a beloved teacher in Shu-

lamith. She also spent six years as a division head in Camp Shoshanim and she brings her significant camp directing experience to Camp Shira.

The rest of the Head Staff is professional and creative. Mrs. Adina Hoch, formerly of Areivim, leads the Girls

Division. The Preschool Division is overseen by Director Rochel Lapidus and Assistant Director Chanie Pearlman. Both are experienced, warm morahs who are dedicated to giving each girl a fun summer experience.

Shira EXTREME, for girls entering

6th and 7th grades, is a teen-focused program that features an overnight each half. The girls enjoy a unique program catered just to them with bonus trips, late nights and more to give them a sleepaway camp feel while staying local!

Camp Shira is also hiring experienced camp staff for positions like specialty instructors, morahs, counselors, and more. Staff positions are available beginning for girls entering 8th grade.

Camp Shira is poised to become the hottest new camp in the Five Towns, so get in early! The first 100 registered campers receive a significant discount on camp and each camper registered before the end of Chanukah is entered into a raffle to win a free summer.

You can learn more about Camp Shira at campshirany.com or by texting or calling the camp at 516-456-8392 or by emailing campshirany@gmail.com.

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‫בס"ד‬

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Around the Community

Rambam Focuses on Chessed at National Blue Ribbon Educational Conference

H

undreds of heads of schools, administrators, and teachers gathered for the 33rd Annual Blue Ribbon Conference in Florida to examine the theme of Excellence in Education. Among the select few who were invited to present and inspire those assembled was Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, Rosh Mesivta of Rambam.

According to Rabbi Friedman, who was chosen to speak for the second consecutive year, “The opportunity to present to a non-Jewish cohort is an opportunity to share the beauty, depth, and richness of our Torah way of life. The topic chosen was chessed with an emphasis on a curriculum that focuses on giving.

“After discussing various Torah themed topics with Mr. Hillel Goldman, we decided that talking about chessed

was a subject that everyone could relate to, understand, and hopefully implement.

Chessed, as we know it, is one of the cornerstones of being a Torah Jew. In short, it was an opportunity to demonstrate what we as Jews believe in and practice: an opportunity to teach others and make a kiddush Hashem,” expressed Rabbi Friedman.

The one hour PowerPoint lecture touched on the many successful projects that students in Rambam organized and implemented with the encouraging hand of Mr. Goldman, who, as Rambam’s Associate Principal, also heads up its tireless, multifaceted student activities program whose Mission Statement is: “A Team for Every Talent. A Club for Every Curiosity. A Place for Every Person.”

To provide a backdrop to the talk, Rabbi Friedman frequently cited the Tanach,

Rashi, the Talmud and the Rambam. Quoting the Rav, Joseph B. Soloveitchik, zt”l, Rabbi Friedman explained that, “Tzedaka is not charity... but is a derivative of tzedek…which means justice and righteousness, hence, it is an obligation and thus incumbent upon us to help others in a bind.” Rabbi Friedman asked rhetorically, “Do we help others when we give?” he proclaimed, “Absolutely!

But concomitantly, we also improve and elevate ourselves.”

The PowerPoint presentation prepared with the help of Mr. Goldman, and Mr. Sruly Schnair, Rambam’s Director of Technology, outlined Rambam’s involvement in numerous chessed activities.

These include, but are not limited to: Learning/Chavrusah Program with OHEL; inclusion and reverse-inclusion with Kulanu; blood drives;

can drives; used sporting goods drives; toy drives; sending care packages to IDF soldiers and American soldiers; and the role Rambam played in responding to tragedies such as the massacre in Har Nof; and the assistance Rambam gave to those in need by Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey.

Rabbi Friedman also brought references from Senator Ben Sasse’s book, The Vanishing American Adult, which promotes the values of responsibility and helping

others as an opportunity; underscoring and echoing many of the Torah concepts discussed.

A lively Q&A session followed the lecture and educators from a myriad of states and countries got a small glimpse of the values that have sustained Klal Yisrael throughout the ages.

The reception that followed confirmed that those assembled got the message.

SKA is Recommended for Re-Accreditation with Middle States

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ongratulations to the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls upon its third receipt of Middle States Accreditation!

Over the past year and a half, SKA’s faculty and staff completed a comprehensive self study which culminated in a challenging four day visitation from representatives of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools during the week of December 4. This detailed self study, which was ably assisted by board members, parents and students, suggested ideas and created objectives to improve our student learning, focusing on areas of strength and improvement. All the participants took part in surveys, collaborated and completed Standards Reports, and opened our classrooms and hallways to observations and critical eyes.

The Middle States visitation team recognized that the administration, faculty and staff of SKA are true

Left to right: Ms. Elana Flaumenhaft, Ms. Shira Manne, Mrs. Shifra Schapiro, Mrs. Helen Spirn, Mrs. Mina T. Levenson, Mrs. Hena S. Diamond, and Mrs. Evelyn Wolgin

to the school mission. They were incredibly taken by the sense of family permeating the school atmosphere, classrooms and relationships, as noted in the oral report delivered by the Chairperson of the Middle States visitation team.

Kudos to Ms. Elana Flaumenhaft,

Associate Principal, and faculty member Ms. Shira Manne for their leadership and the countless hours they dedicated to this process. Their devotion and efficiency streamlined the project, making all the work involved less overwhelming and much more focused.

Thanks also goes to Mrs. Helen Spirn,

Head of School, Mrs. Bluma Drebin, Principal, General Studies, Mrs. Deena Kobre, Associate Principal, and all the administration, faculty and staff members who worked to make the accreditation process an overwhelming success.

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Around the Community

Siyum at YFR

Y

eshiva of Far Rockaway held a siyum this week in which 16 talmidim completed the Gemara Kiddushin l’zecher Rabbi Aaron Mordechai Brafman, zt”l. The sixteen

mesayamim were Akiva Balter, Shlomo Zalman Braun, Dov Noach Feldhamer, Doniel Goodman, Chaim Goodman, Menachem Grumet, Dovid Karp, Aharon Krischer, Doniel Menahamov,

Elchonon Messner, Efraim Metz, Yosef Sasson, Eliyahu Boruch Shonek, Yitzchok Hakohane Sittner, Elie Slansky and Ami Stern. Elie Slansky was the MC; the last Gemara was read by Akiva

Balter; the last Rashi was read by Shlomo Zalman Braun; the Hadran was said by Ami Stern and Ahron Krischer.

Divrei bracha was delivered by Rabbi Chaim Shlomo Metz.

PHOTO CREDIT: IVAN H NORMAN

Divrei bracha from R’ Chaim Shlomo Metz

Elie Slansky, MC

YOSS Grandfather-Father-Son Chanukah Workshop

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ith hammers, nails and, of course, safety goggles, three generations built menorahs and memories at

Yeshiva of South Shore’s annual Grandfather-Father- Son Chanukah Workshop. The family teamwork was wonderful to witness and the

beautiful menorahs will enhance the chag for many years to come.

The festive crowd enjoyed pizza and played dreidel. A fun Cha-

nukah kumzits led by Rebbi Eli Herzberg and Rabbi Shlomo Drebin capped off the evening.

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Around the Community

The holiday of Chanukah was ushered in at HAFTR’s Early Childhood Center by the fabulous performers of the pre-kindergarten program. Over 350 guests were thrilled to watch a wonderful performance by the children followed by a Make-It/Take-It where each child created his/her very own chanukiah. The event was livestreamed and watched by family members in three continents.

Pre-Chanukah Fun at YI

O

n Motzei Shabbos, December 9, the Young Israel of Far Rockaway Youth Department presented its first annual Pre-Chanukah Family Fun Night.

Adults and children of all ages used their creativity to make their own menorahs and dreidels. And, of course, they all enjoyed the latkes and jelly doughnuts. Special thank you to all who helped make it a mem-

orable night, including Rabbi and Rebbetzin Chill, Bernie and Libby Frankel and to Sara Nathanson for organizing the whole event.

The Young Israel of Far Rockaway Youth Department, under Youth Directors Jay and Sara Nathanson, runs Shabbos groups for ages 3-10. For information about groups and other upcoming events please email Groups@Yifr.org.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

Around the Community

Hour of Code

T

his past week, rows of laptops were set up in the cafeteria for an “Hour of Code,” and freshmen Savi Kessler, Rachel Rose, and Tiferet Weissman, who are studying computer science in their Engineering I class, taught the basics of code to all interested students.

“Hour of Code” is an international program facilitated by thousands of schools to promote computer science. Students come together to learn the basics of a coding language and are then challenged to use that code to create a product.

Tiferet Weissman shared that “it was so wonderful putting together the program and introducing computer science to the Central community.” The three freshmen challenged students to create a Central Chanukah logo that would be used on all Central Chanukah fliers and at all Chanukah events next week.

For Shulamith Mothers and Daughters, a Time to Glow

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he annual Mother-Daughter Shulamith Melava Malka was held on Motzei Shabbat, December 9 at Beth Sholom. The theme of the event was “Let’s Glow,” and it was indeed a bright, fun-filled evening for Lower Division students and their mothers and grandmothers!

Attendees enjoyed two photo booths, an array of delicious foods from Central Perk, and Rita’s ices. Mothers and daughters danced the night away

with Raina from the Woodmere Fitness Club, accompanied by Azamra

DJ. What a wonderful prelude to the light-filled days of Chanukah!

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Around the Community

YE S H I VA U N I V E R S IT Y H I G H S C H O O L S A N N U A L D I N N E R O F TR I B UTE

What’s Wednesday, January 3, 2018 • ‫י׳׳ז טבת תשע׳׳ח‬ 6:30 p.m. • Marina del Rey

Honoring HALB’s 3rd grade girls did a fantastic job performing in the Ivrit BIvrit Chanukah play

i-Shine Chanukah Chagiga PHOTO CREDIT: JASON MEYERS PHOTOGRAPHY

Amy and Michael ’86 Berger

Gila and Dovid ’86 Weinstein

Guests of Honor, YUHSG

Guests of Honor, YUHSB

Mrs. Miriam Chopp

Rabbi Rafi Pearl

Ethel Dworetsky Morrow z”l Faculty Award, YUHSG

Faculty Award, YUHSB

The Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy/ Yeshiva University High School for Boys Samuel H. Wang Yeshiva University High School for Girls

For information or to RSVP, please visit www.yu.edu/hsdinner or contact Elissa Schertz at 212.960.5223

i

-Shine Five Towns celebrated ten years of helping children living with illness or loss in their homes find friendship and mentoring at a festive Chanukah Chagigah at Beth Shalom. More than 250 children and their families, program volunteers and adult drivers commemorated Chanukah with Build a Bear, music

by Benny Amar and Tzvi Lampert,

and the extreme magic of Eric Wilzig.

Wide smiles were captured at Naomi Cohen’s photo booths, and all enjoyed Wok Tov’s delicious repast.

Special thanks to Suri Brody, who planned the event, Jason Meyers photography, and to Gourmet Glatt and Seasons for the candy and beverages, respectively.

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Spec ial C Supp HANUKA leme nt H

‫הנרות הללו קודש‬ ‫הם‬

4 8 14

The World that is or the World that Could Be

Rav Moshe Weinberger

Olives, Olive Oil, and Chanukah

Rabbi Moishe Dov Leibovits

The Candle That Burned for 70 Years

Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm

16 20 22

Modern Day Miracles in the Land of Israel

Ilana Amzaleg

Confident Parenting Dr. Hylton I. Lightman

Lighten up the Miracle of Chanukah

Aliza Beer, MS RD

26 28

Chanukah Crafts for Kids Esther Ottensosser

Loveable Latkes Jon Kranz

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

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From the Fire

Parshas Mikeitz – Shabbos Chanukah The World that is or the World that Could Be

By Rav Moshe Weinberger Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

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e find a unique halacha with regard to the Chanukah candles that does not exist anywhere else. According to the Gemara (Sukkah 41a), if one is walking down the street and sees a lit menorah, he should say the blessing, “Who has done miracles for our forefathers in those days at this time.” Tosafos offer three reasons to explain why this is only the case with regard to the mitzvah of Chanukah candles, the first of which is that it is because of “the preciousness of the miracle.” Let us understand an additional reason why we make a blessing even when we merely see Chanukah candles without actually lighting them.

What is the unique connection between Chanukah and the concept of seeing such that one can make a blessing just by seeing the Chanu-

kah candles?

The Divrei Chaim of Tzanz teaches that the primary element of the mitzvah of Chanukah candles is seeing the candles. He was even known to sit and watch the Chanukah candles for six or seven hours without ever averting his attention from them. He explains that this is the deeper meaning of the phrase in “Haneros Halalu,” in which we say after lighting the candles: “And we do not have permission to use [the candles]. Rather, we may only see them.” The Avodas Yisroel of Kuzhnitz says that gazing at the Chanukah candles can repair the spiritual damage done to our eyes when we look at forbidden sights. The Chanukah candles are the manifestation of (Tehillim 97:11) the “light sown for the righteous.” And the “righteous” is a ref-

erence to Yosef Hatzaddik, who was known for being extremely careful to ensure that his eyes saw only appropriate sights.

Why is seeing such an important concept on Chanukah? The Divrei Chaim explains: In truth, if one follows that which his eyes see, he will, G-d forbid, fall into [the evil inclination’s] trap. As the pasuk (Bamidbar 15:39) says, “And you shall not stray… after your eyes.” The main thing is to distinguish matters using the intellect. This is also called “seeing,” as Chazal (Kesubos 109a) say, “I see the words of Admon.” This means the sight of the intellect because the intellect, chachma, means the ability, koach, to see what, mah, something truly is.

It is the ability to truly see. And

the Greeks wanted to seduce our hearts to forget the words of the Torah and to follow that which nature can see, as we know about their foolish ways. In this way, they attempted to darken the eyes of the Jewish people (Bereishis Raba 2:4).

We see from the Divrei Chaim that there are two types of “seeing.” One way is to see things which are physically before one’s physical eyes and the other is to see something with the power of the intellect, with one’s wisdom. Rav Avremela Eiger, z”ya, the son of Reb Leibele Eiger, zy”a, who was the grandson of Reb Akiva Eiger, zt”l, explains a phrase we say in the Korbanos every Shabbos morning in his sefer Shevet MiYehuda, “And every eye hopes to You.” He explains that this means that ev-

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

Dessert made simple

GREEN H GROWOUSE N

KOSHER PARVE

Look for it in the freezer section.

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

ery eye hopes, waits, and longs for G-d. He also explains how the Torah uses the word ayin, eye, to refer to the wellspring, ayin ha’mayim, throughout the story leading up to the marriage between Yitzchak and Rivka, the first “shidduch” process mentioned in the Torah. On a simple level, the “ayin hamayim, wellspring” refers to the well. But on a deeper level, Eliezer was “testing” Rivka to see what kind of eyes she had. Did she look at the world with physical eyes or with the eyes of, “And every eye hopes to You?” The light of Chanukah does not illuminate the physical world.

Rather, it lights up the potential that exists inside things, beneath the surface. When a person opens his physical eyes, he only sees what is in front of him. But if he wants to see something far away, he squints his eyes, almost closing them.

Why? Because by closing his eyes to that which is right before him, he is able to see much further and much deeper. He can see potential which has not yet been actualized. While the sun can only shed light on that which is, the Chanukah candles show us that which we desire and long for – what we can become.

Although Greece fancied itself the most “enlightened” nation, Chazal revealed (Bereishis Raba 2:4) that Greece represents the deepest darkness because they attempted to “darken the eyes of the Jewish people.” They attempted to convince us that we can only rely on that which our physical eyes can see. From that perspective, the Jewish people have no hope. If one looks only at what his eyes can see, he sees that we have no future.

If one sees the world according to what he reads in the Pew Survey, he would lose hope. If Matisyahu ben Yochanan Kohein Gadol and his sons only considered the physical nature before their eyes, they would never have taken up arms against the Greeks! Only tzaddikim who look at the world with the eyes of “And every eye hopes to You” have the deeper vision to see the world as it could be. Not the world as it is.

When one sees the Chanukah candles, he makes the blessing, “Who did miracles for our forefa-

thers in those days at this time.” On one hand, this means that Hashem did miracles in the past for our great-grandparents at this time of the year. But on a deeper level, “in those days” refers to the light of the times of Moshiach, as the pasuk (Tehillim 132:17) says, “I have set up a candle for My Moshiach.” When we gaze at the Chanukah candles, we look into the future and draw the reality from that great future “in those days” into “at this time.”

We actualize that future right now.

Rebbe Nachman even teaches (Likutei Moharan Tinyana 7) that the mitzvah of the Chanukah candles rectifies the sin of the spies who looked at Eretz Yisroel with their physical eyes instead of squinting to see the land with the eyes of the intellect. They saw only what was,

idbar Raba 14:6) that Hashem repaid Yosef for his eyes’ greatness in a remarkable way. According to the Midrash, “Our sages taught that people ate minor sanctified foods within the walls of Yerushalayim, but [with regard to eating minor sanctified foods from the Mishkan] in Shilo, which was on Yosef’s portion [of Eretz Yisroel], they would eat them ‘as far as one can see [the Mishkan]’” (emphasis added).

The Gemara (Zevachim 118b) expands on this idea, teaching that “‘a charming son is Yosef, charming to the eyes’; the eye which did not want to benefit from something which does not belong to it will merit to eat ‘as far as one can see.’”

Reb Shlomo Katz quotes a story recounted by Reb Shlomo Carlebach about Reb Boruch Mezhbitzer,

While the sun can only shed light on that which is, the Chanukah candles show us that which we desire and long for – what we can become.

but not what could be and what would be.

Yosef Hatzaddik exemplified this Chanukah-dik outlook. The Torah (Bereishis 49:22) describes him by saying, “A charming son is Yosef, charming to, alei, the eyes.”

The word used to describe how Yosef was charming to the eyes also means that he rose above, alai, the eyes. He looked above and beyond that which was in front of him. He saw the world as it could be and not as it was. He did not look at the wife of Potifar. He did not look at his suffering. Despite everything in front of his eyes, he saw greatness and holiness underneath the filth of Egypt.

Although the daughters of the land were clamoring to gaze at Yosef’s face (ibid.), he never looked at them.

He was able to see his father’s image in the depths of the impurity of Egypt (Rashi on Bereishis 39:11).

The Midrash teaches us (Bam-

zy”a. In it, Reb Boruch traveled to Zhitomer, a town known as having a large population of thieves.

As he was walking, he saw a man on the other side of the street who appeared to have a shining face.

He immediately walked over to him and asked if he had a son. He answered that he did. Reb Boruch responded that he had a daughter.

“Do you want to make a shidduch?”

Stunned, the man paused for a minute. Reb Boruch’s gabbai was shocked as well, and people began to gather around. But the man responded and agreed. Reb Boruch began drafting the tena’im, the engagement contract, on the spot.

After the agreement was signed, he went on his way but the people of Zhitomer felt an obligation to tell Reb Boruch that the man with whom he made a shidduch had a checkered past.

The townspeople told Reb

Boruch that several years earlier, this man was accused of stealing something from another family. He was then tied to the back of a wagon and dragged around the town while the Jews and non-Jews of the town pelted him with garbage. Reb Boruch paid them no mind, telling them, “I know good merchandise when I see it.” Before leaving, he went to pay a visit to the widow of a great tzaddik who used to live in the town, Reb Volf of Zhitomer, known by the name of this sefer, the “Ohr Meir.” When he was speaking with her, she wished him a hearty mazel tov on the shidduch. So Reb Boruch said, “Not everyone here believes that this is such a good shidduch. Why do you think it’s a good match?”

Reb Volf’s widow answered, “When that Jew was being dragged around the streets, my husband and I were watching from this window. He said to me, ‘That man is innocent. The thief was actually a poor man who was desperate. This man knew that the poor man could not withstand the town’s abuse so he decided to take the blame. And if you do not believe me, you will see that some years from now, a big tzaddik will come to town and make a shidduch with this man.”

Tzaddikim like Reb Volf of Zhitomer and Reb Boruch Mezhbitzer have eyes that look beneath the surface at the inner essence of things. They look at the world with the light of the Chanukah candles, not the light of the sun.

On Chanukah, we must daven to gain the ability to see the good and the potential within everything and not only at what things appear to be externally. We must daven for the ability to look at ourselves, our wives and husbands, our children, and all Jewish people with the eyes of Yosef Hatzaddik, the eyes of “in those days at this time,” the inner perspective of “and every eye hopes to You.” Rav Moshe Weinberger, shlita, is the founding Morah d’Asrah of Congregation Aish Kodesh in Woodmere, NY, and has served as Mashpia in Yeshiva University since 2013.

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Halachically

Speaking

Olives, Olive Oil, and Chanukah

By Rabbi Moishe Dovid Lebovits

A

s we all know, we use olive oil to light the Chanukah menorah. Recently, olive oil has become very popular for its health benefits. Olive oil has many other uses as well. In previous years, its main purpose was as fuel for lamps. Aside from the Chanukah questions, there are other questions regarding olives and olive oil. Are there any restrictions with eating olives? How is olive oil made? What bracha is recited on olives? Are there any kashrus concerns about olive oil without a hechsher? Does the olive oil have to be edible? Can one give his children wax as opposed to oil? These questions, and others, will be addressed in this article.

Olives are mentioned frequently in Chazal. Olives for pickling were more expensive than those for oil making. Olives were pickled or preserved in jars or barrels.

Green olives are grown in many parts of the world such as California, Italy or Eretz Yisroel. Olives from Eretz Yisroel pose issues of teruma, ma’aser and Shemitta. Olives from other locales pose kashrus concerns since olives can be packed in brine which can be made with salt, acetic acid and vinegar. Therefore, olives require a hechsher. If they are packed in salt or lactic acid no hechsher is required. This applies to both green and black olives (they are the same fruit but black olives remain on the tree longer).

The Gemara says that the frequent consumption of olives is one of the items which make one forget his Torah knowledge. This is brought in many poskim as well.

Many poskim opine that there is no difference if the olives are pickled or raw. According to Harav Chaim Kanievesky, shlita, one may eat ol-

ives once every thirty days and it is not considered “frequent.” There is a discussion in the poskim if one is permitted to eat olives frequently if he adds olive oil to them. Many are lenient. The custom seems to be lenient with eating olives in any case. The Mor U’ketizah explains that the entire concern is eating raw olives as a meal. However, pickled olives (even in salt or vinegar) as a snack are permitted. The custom is to be lenient either because it is mixed with olive oil or is pickled.

Eating olive tortilla chips are permitted and are excluded from the above discussion.

Olives are not generally eaten raw and they taste better when cooked or pickled. Therefore, raw olives are a shehakol, and cooked or pickled olives are a ha’etz. After a kezayis of cooked or pickled olives, the bracha acharona is al ha’etz.

How is Olive Oil Made?

Olive oil was used for many things throughout our history. It is one of the seven species for which Eretz Yisroel is praised. Olive oil was used to light the menorah in the Mishkan. In addition, it was used in the purification for a person who was recovering from tzara’as.

Olive oil was used as an ingredient in the korban mincha. Olive oil was used to soften skins such as animal hides, to gargle for a remedy of a sore throat, to remove hair, and as a treatment for headaches and stomach disorders. It was also used to heal wounds.

Olives are harvested by shaking them off the tree onto a sheet on the ground. More sophisticated facilities have a special harvesting machine. They are sent to the factory where the olives are placed on a vibrating table to remove leaves and other debris. A crusher grinds the

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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olives into a paste. The oil is then removed from the paste through a process using a centrifuge. Some vegetable oils are extracted from the seed of the vegetable, such as corn, soybeans, peanuts, hazelnuts, and sunflowers. Some vegetable oils come from the “fruit of the vegetable,” as in olives and palm.

A variety of processes are used to extract oils. Olive oils are graded according to their acidity levels.

The best-quality oils are called cold pressed, a chemical-free process that involves only pressure and produces oils that are low in acidity. Extra virgin olive oil, a coldpressed oil, is only one percent acid and is considered the finest and fruitiest of the olive oils. Extra virgin olive oil undergoes no refining process; the sediment is allowed to settle and the oil is sold as is.

Cold Pressing Cold pressing is also known as physical or mechanical extraction, as it does not use processing aids.

All varieties of vegetable oils are expressed through chemicals and heat. Cold pressing is unique to olive oil.

Olive oil is truly one of Hashem’s unique creations. It is the only fruit oil that can be extracted through cold pressing. This means that the oil only needs to be squeezed out; no further refining is required before it is ready for consumption.

Although the heavy grindstones and millstones that crushed and expressed the olive oil in ancient times have given way to mechanical crushers and centrifuges, cold pressing extraction has remained virtually unchanged.

The olive oil’s quality is rated by its acidity content. If there is little or no acidity, then this supreme quality olive oil is labeled extra extra virgin; up to .5% acidity, the oil is considered extra virgin; and from 1 to 1.5% acidity, virgin olive oil. The oil is filtered through a cold filter press and is ready to go. Extra virgin olive oil comes from the first pressing of the olive. Virgin olive oil comes from additional pressings of the olives. Pomace olive oil is extracted sometimes with the aid of

solvents and enzymes from the remaining mass of pulp residues and pits of the olives after the initial pressings. This is the lowest quality oil and there are more concerns for adulteration. The pomace oils are subject to more processing for refinement in equipment that could have been used for non-kosher oils as well.

The Bracha One who consumes olive oil as is does not recite a bracha since it is damaging and not enjoyable. This is true even if one eats the oil with bread. However, there is a possible exception in a case where one eats a little bread with olive oil, and the oil is being consumed to soothe his throat. The poskim debate whether a bracha is recited on the oil and no bracha on the bread. The bracha would be a ha’etz, followed by an al ha’etz if one consumed the shiur.

Based on this, the Aruch Hashulchan suggests that a bracha would be recited on olive oil because it would be a benefit in certain cases;

should try to use extra virgin cold pressed olive oil, which is the type of olive oil used in the Bais Hamikdash. Many oils do not burn cleanly. Nevertheless, one fulfills the mitzvah even if the flame goes out.

Therefore, all oils are permitted for Chanukah.

Wax candles may be used if olive oil is very expensive. Nonetheless, one should light with oil on the first night. Others say that one should use olive oil even if it is very expensive.

There are many circles in our community that light with wax candles since their light is as clear as olive oil. Some poskim say that lighting with wax is not acceptable.

However, this is not the custom, and lighting with wax is acceptable – it’s just not the preferred method. Those who have the custom to light with wax candles should make sure they are long, since they look nicer. The Chai Adom says that wax is only permitted if there is no oil available.

Some poskim frown on the prac-

Just as oil will rise to the top of other liquids, so too Yisroel is on top of all other nations.

perhaps their olive oil was better tasting than ours. Some poskim are of the opinion that our oil is better than in the time of the Gemara and Shulchan Aruch, and one would recite a bracha on olive oil when eaten alone. However, this is not the accepted custom.

Lighting the Menorah The miracle of Chanukah was that olive oil was found after the victory against the Yevonim and it lasted eight days. Since the miracle happened with olive oil, it is preferable to use olive oil for the mitzvah of lighting the menorah. In addition, olive oil produces a clear light. Based on the first reason, one

tice of using both oil and candles on the same menorah, as people will conclude that two people are lighting one menorah and are not fulfilling mehadrin min hamehadrin.

Others are lenient. According to some poskim one can light on one night with oil and other nights with wax.

One can light the menorah with some olive oil and some other kind of oil as well.

One who prepared to light with wax candles and then received a supply of olive oil should light with the olive oil even if the menorah was already set up with the wax candles.

There is a discussion in the

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poskim if one must own the oil used for Chanukah as opposed to borrowing it. Some poskim maintain that one should make sure to pay for the olive oil, while others are not convinced that this is so.

If a guest needs to borrow oil from his host, he should either pay for it or ask that it be given as a gift in order to fulfill all opinions.

One who is lighting on the road (he is away for Chanukah) may light with wax candles.

The opinion of some poskim is that the olive oil used for Chanukah should be edible.

There is a discussion in the poskim if children have to be given olive oil or if they can light with wax. The consensus is that giving them wax is permitted even l’chatchilah.

There is no need for the shamash to be lit with olive oil, and using a wax candle is permitted.

Many people use floating wicks for Chanukah. Some claim that this is not preferable since the fuel for the flame is the wax coating on the wick, and only later does the oil start to burn. However, this is not the overwhelming opinion of the poskim.

The Gemara says one who is haragel b’ner – accustomed to lighting (Shabbos and Chanukah) candles – will have children who are talmidei chachamim. Therefore, there is an opinion in the poskim that the wife should prepare the wicks and oil as a segula.

One should not use olive oil which was stored under a bed unless the olive oil is bitter tasting.

The reason for this is because there is “ruach rah” under a bed.

A recent innovation is hardjelled olive oil lights. The consensus of the poskim is that lighting with this is like lighting with regular olive oil.

Another innovation is readymade disposable glass cups preloaded with oil and wicks. These are permitted, and it is not considered a disgrace for Chanukah and it looks like a proper arrangement.

Over the years the question about using an electric Chanukah menorah arose. The electric lights

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The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017 OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

certainly burn as clearly as olive oil.

Most of the poskim who dealt with the question maintained that using such a menorah was not allowed. If no other options are available, one should light an electric menorah without a bracha. We will detail some of their reasons below: • In order to light a regular fire, the lamp must be in the person’s presence; this is not the case when it comes to an electric light.

• An electric light is like a torch, which is not valid for the Chanukah lights.

• The light of an electric menorah does not resemble the light which was used in the Bais Hamikdash which had wicks and oil.

• Since one lights with electricity all year round there is no pirsumei nisa that the lighting is being done for Chanukah.

• The menorah at the time of the miracle was lit by a human, while this is lit by a machine.

Those who wish to light an electric light in public to publicize the miracle should light at home with a

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any other form of olive oil must have a reliable hechsher. Most processed oils are often processed on the same equipment as non-kosher fats, are stored in the same equipment as non-kosher fats, and are shipped on the same carriers as non-kosher fats. Great care, therefore, must be taken to ensure that all these products carry a reliable hechsher.

Jews Compared to Oil

regular menorah and then light on the street to publicize the miracle.

Foods Eaten With Oil The minhag of eating doughnuts and latkes is a zecher of the miracle that happened with oil, since these items are made with oil. Harav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, zt”l, said that in regard to latkes if the potatoes are still recognizable, then the bracha is ha’adama. If they are not recognizable then a shehakol

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is made. Furthermore, doughnuts that are eaten during the meal, even for dessert, do not require their own bracha. The poskim advise that one should not eat a lot of doughnuts outside of a bread meal and if one wishes to eat doughnuts at a bread meal he should have in mind to do so when he washes for bread.

Extra virgin oil is packed at the source so it presents no problem for kashrus. One may purchase such olive oil without a hechsher. However,

The Medrash says that just as oil in the beginning is bitter and at the end is sweet, so too Torah is hard at first and then one finds it sweet.

Just as oil lasts forever, so too Torah lasts forever. Just as oil cannot mix with other liquids, so too Yisroel cannot mix with other nations.

Just as oil will rise to the top of other liquids, so too Yisroel is on top of all other nations.

Rabbi Moishe Dovid Lebovits is a former chaver kollel of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath and a musmach of Harav Yisroel Belsky shlita. Rabbi Lebovits currently works as the Rabbinical Administrator for the KOF-K Kosher Supervision.

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

By Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm

A

s the Chabad emissary in Zhitomir, Ukraine, I visit Paris occasionally to fundraise and purchase supplies. In between appointments, I often step into the synagogue for a few precious moments of Torah study.

During one of these brief respites, the local shliach came in with two strangers – an older man and a longhaired American student in his early twenties. The rabbi asked the older man if he would like to put on tefillin.

At first he refused, but with a little persuasion he was soon rolling up his sleeve and allowing me to wrap the tefillin around his arm and head.

Meanwhile, the young student began walking around the shul. In one corner he stopped, took out his cellphone, and took a few pictures.

Could he possibly know that seventy years ago, in that corner, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, gave a weekly Torah class? Yes, indeed, on those very

benches Jews had gathered to learn a tractate of Talmud from the future Rebbe.

In the 1930s, when he was living in Paris and studying at the Sorbonne, the Rebbe attended the synagogue at 17 Rue des Rosiers, where he also offered a Torah class to the small congregation.

One of those classes was on the topic of Mai Chanukah, “What Is Chanukah,” the portion of the Talmud that discusses the significance of Chanukah. The Rebbe spoke about the well-known dispute between the Greek philosophers and the sages of Israel and the fundamental difference between Hellenistic philosophy and the wisdom of Torah.

In Jewish thought, wisdom – particularly Torah wisdom – is compared to pristine water. By contrast, he explained, the Greeks mixed the pure, spiritual water of intellect with the dust of materialism, resulting in mud, a quicksand that drags one

down in a gradual but endless descent into the depths. When intellect becomes the tool of materialism rather than spirituality, it feeds egoism and selfishness.

The Rebbe noted that in Psalms Yavan, the Hebrew name for Greece, is associated with mud – (Tit ha)Yavan. He pointed out that the very letters of Yavan provide a visual image of graded descent, beginning with the elevated yud that represents wisdom, moving down to the vav that reaches the baseline, before the final nun that descends below the baseline, i.e., to the depths.

Greek philosophy embodied this descent from the loftiest to the lowest moral plane.

The Greeks had wisdom; indeed, many great sages of Israel (including the Rebbe) were well-versed in secular knowledge. Their error was in its application. They used it to exalt the body and its desires above the soul, and that this is what led to their

moral decline. Even the study of Torah can become like the wisdom of Greece, the Rebbe said, if one does not approach it with purity of spirit and humility. One can exploit the Torah, too, to justify his crassness.

The Greeks defiled not only the pure oil for the Temple menorah, but also the pure spiritual oil in the Jewish heart. And the miracle of Chanukah reestablished that purity – our absolute devotion to Gd and His Torah.

This was what the Rebbe taught in Paris in 1935.

Back in the synagogue, I watched the American boy take pictures.

Something was strange about the scene. Who was he, and what connection could he possibly have with this place?

“Have you put on tefillin today?”

I asked him. The reply was astonishing. “Yes, I did,” he said.

“I put on tefillin every day. It is the only mitzvah I still keep. Just yesterday I considered dropping it,

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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`crenc `xtey but I decided to continue for the time being.”

It dawned on me that this young man might be a lost sheep who had once been part of the ChabadLubavitch community. The combination of tefillin observance and photographing an obscure setting in which the Rebbe had taught couldn’t be a coincidence.

Indeed, this was the case. He had been a student in a Lubavitcher yeshiva, where he thrived until his late teens. “But then I decided I wanted

selves.”

Suddenly the young man stopped and closed the book. He seemed overcome with emotion.

“Rebbe!” he shouted, and remained silent for several long minutes. Finally he looked me in the eye and said, “Do you understand what is going on here? The Rebbe is talking about me.

“At first there was just the yud of Yavan, the wisdom of philosophy.

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“Rebbe!” he shouted, and remained silent for several long minutes.

most of the students were more interested in having a good time than in acquiring knowledge. It was hard to separate the ideas I was studying from the moral atmosphere around me. I descended one nearly imperceptible step at a time, until I reached the depths, the final nun.

The entire process was so gradual, I didn’t realize it was happening.

“The Rebbe sat here seventy years ago, and gave this lesson for me! The Rebbe is telling me, ‘I see you. I am following you. I understand the entire process you are undergoing.’”

He opened the book again and scanned the entire discourse with his cellphone, page by page.

“I can’t continue here,” he told me. “This is too big for me. I will continue later, by myself.”

His parting words to me as he left: “The Rebbe has turned over my soul.”

Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm is the Chabad emissary to Zhitomir, Ukraine. This story has been reprinted with permission from Chabad.org.

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a university education. I just wanted to broaden my horizons,” he told me.

“And then one thing led to another, and before I knew it, I’m observing nothing except tefillin.”

I suggested that we sit down and learn something together, perhaps something the Rebbe taught while he was in this very place. He agreed, and we sat down to study the discourse on Mai Chanukah.

We opened the Reshimos, the posthumously published collection of the Rebbe’s private notes where the talk is recorded. The conversation proceeded in fluent Yiddish, as the young man cut into the difficult discourse with the ease of the young chassidic scholar he had once been.

“And so the whole idea of Greece, of Yavan, is represented by the very Hebrew letters for Yavan,” he explained. “Even Torah learning, when mixed with material motives, becomes a downward spiral, descending from the lofty yud to the depths represented by the dangling final nun. Step by step it makes us arrogant and conceited, turning our pursuit of knowledge into a lethal poison, a viscous quicksand from which we cannot extricate our-

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

By Ilana Amzaleg

A

baby is born. A flower blossoms. A terminal patient recovers. Israel is a land of miracles, from the world famous to the seemingly mundane. As Jews around the globe celebrate the ancient miracles that took place in Israel, we take the chance to look at modern day miracles that are changing the face of Israeli life.

MEDICAL INNOVATION REVOLUTION Miracles happen minute by minute at the Sheba Medical Center, Israel’s largest hospital. From new births to the latest medical research and the development of new treatments, Sheba saves lives and brings hope to Israelis from all walks of life.

Employing a new and innovative medical treatment as a clinical trial, Sheba Medical Center recently became the first Israeli hospital to have achieved complete remission in children stricken with leukemia utilizing CAR T-cell therapy. CAR T-cell therapy has achieved a 75% positive response rate in patients who have been treated at Sheba Medical Center and previously failed to respond to conventional cancer treatments.

This cutting-edge treatment uses the patients’ own T-cells, taken from the immune system and genetically engineered in the laboratory to produce special receptors called Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CAR), which are armed and then attached to a specific target on cancer cells (an antigen). The cells are grown in the lab until they number in the millions and then reinfused back into the patient.

“We have the advantage of making our own cells, as well as conducting the research and clinical trials within our labs, independent of any pharmaceutical company in Israel or the USA,” explains Dr. Michal Besser from Sheba. This type of therapy promises to be the future platform from which to combat other forms of cancer, as well as other diseases.

DEVELOPING THE DESERT While the entire State of Israel is a legend of victory, the development of the Negev has been a unique battle to transform the desert into a fertile ground for innovation. Ben Gurion University has played a special role in nurturing innovation in the Negev

community. It is the current leader in research, cyber, homeland security, alternative energy, desert and water research, and high-tech and robotics, sharing the University’s expertise locally and around the globe.

One of the research university’s most recent discoveries will actually help make deserts bloom and could aid a billion people who are currently living in areas threatened by desertification.

The researchers recently published a study revealing how treating graywater using biofiltration is more efficient for irrigation in arid, sandy soils found in deserts.

The use of raw graywater generally causes a phenomenon called hydrophobicity, causing water to collect on the surface of the soil instead of being absorbed into the ground, as is the case with fresh water. That problem usually disappears quickly after rainwater or freshwater irrigation, which is more of a concern in arid lands.

Researchers at the University created three graywater models using raw, treated and highly treated graywater and found that only raw graywater showed hydrophobicity, not

graywater treated with biofiltration.

“Onsite reuse of graywater for irrigation is perceived as a low risk and economical way of reducing freshwater use, and as such is gaining popularity in both developing and developed countries,” says Prof. Amit Gross. “The results of the study reinforce the recommendations to treat graywater before reusing it for irrigation, particularly in arid regions.”

WINE INDUSTRY REVOLUTION From a barren land, Israel has become home to a thriving agricultural industry. With products being exported around the world, Israel has taken its place on the international stage.

The wine world has enthusiastically embraced Israel wines, thanks to the Golan Heights Winery, which took advantage of the incredible wine-growing potential of the Golan Heights region. The first wine they produced received a gold medal at the world-renowned International Wine and Spirit Competition in London in 1987, placing Israeli wines on the map. In addition to creating excellent wines, the winery has also

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

made huge scientific breakthroughs that have allowed for the improvement of both yields and quality.

Working with top plant physiologist Dr. Michael Kopyt, Golan has begun using weather stations to predict how blocks of vines will react to weather conditions. Eventually, blocks of vines will be designed to need little or no irrigation.

Today, wine stores and food chain

stores across the globe and in Israel stock a variety of outstanding Israeli wines: blends, varietals, single vineyards, reds, whites and rosés are all among them. Wine festivals are being hosted across the country, an increasingly popular event. Top restaurants across the world serve their most celebrated dishes with the best Israeli wines.

Recent award-winning Israeli

wines include Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, which won the “Best Israeli wine” award, Gamla Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, and Galil Alon 2013, featured at the prestigious international Mundus Vini Competition this year.

From being trodden upon by ancient feet to being handled with the expert care of the latest technologies, Israel’s grapes have become a

symbol of sophistication and skill in a once-barren land.

This Chanukah, as we remember the bold achievements of the Maccabees and the miracle of the oil in the Bais Hamikdash, we can rejoice in the modern miracles and achievements that help Israel to truly be a light unto the nations.

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Health & F tness

Confident Parenting

By Hylton I. Lightman, MD, DCH, FAAP

“Y

ikes, Dr. Lightman. Chanukah is coming. There’s a family get together. Yes, it’s fun but…my kids are not picture perfect. My extended family might see my children acting out. What’s a parent to do?”

I remember those days. Somehow, our kids don’t “perform” just because we ring a bell.

Family get togethers can be loaded in angst. Parents tell me that they may be surrounded by relatives and love but there’s always that relative who disagrees with how they parent or somehow says something judgmental that feels like a knife has been slammed into the gut and then twisted 180 degrees.

I’m here to boost your confidence.

Teach your child manners We parents must teach our children what we expect from them in behavior. Look people in the eye. Shake an adult person’s hand firmly, keeping eye contact. Respond appropriately to questions; shrugging shoulders doesn’t cut it. Most children will file the information away and use it in the moment.

Don’t surrender your parenting authority to any person Parents have told me that Bubbe and Zayde don’t approve of their parenting style.

My response: Bubbe and Zayde are entitled to their opinion. And Bubbe and Zayde should think once, twice, 20 times, before voicing their opinion

to their children. And never should Bubbe and Zayde undermine Mom and Dad, especially in front of the grandchildren. Doing so will create, G-d forbid, confusion and shame in parents’ hearts.

What if someone jumps the gun and says something? Suggested responses: “Mmmmmm…I’ll think about it.”

“I’ll handle it.” Say it firmly.

Don’t forget who you are, Mom and Dad. You have developed and contin-

who feels they know best, be straight.

Say matter-of-factly: “Come and get me if my child misbehaves and I’ll handle it.”

And there are family members who are more reserved and will never offer an opinion. Bless them in your heart.

Tell them to come get you, if needed.

as a “Tasmanian devil on wheels.” If he hears it, he will want to be it. And negative names have a nasty habit of sticking for a long time.

Suggested language: “Yes, Naftali is a work in progress.”

Give a heads up

Tell your children a day or two in advance about what will be happening. If guests are coming, speak about sharing their home and toys. Tell them “normal” will return.

If you’ll be guests in another person’s home, ask when arriving where the children can play and which areas are off limits. Tell them they can’t go past the row of trees in the backyard.

Children welcome talk in concrete terms.

Perhaps Shmuel didn’t nap as long as he usually does. Or Penina is teething.

When your child sees you react or respond calmly, that’s a priceless lesson that he will one day reenact.

Prepare kids and tell them what you expect

Always remember: Your children are human ue to develop your unique voices as parents. Stay present in the moment and never forget who you are.

Let things slide Not everything needs to be answered. Silence can be golden (as long as lives are not threatened). Take a deep breath and stay the course.

When your child sees you react or respond calmly, that’s a priceless lesson that he will one day reenact.

Let family know how they can help With an outspoken family member

Quietly announce when you walk in something to the effect like: “Shmuel napped only 20 minutes so he’s not as well rested as always.” Or “Shulamis is in that preschool independent phase and likes to do everything by herself.”

You’d be surprised that there are family members who want to help soothe a cranky child or get a kick out of watching a little person assert their independence.

Never speak ill of your kids in front of others Naftali might be overflowing with energy but please never describe him

Even with the best chinuch, kids act out because they are kids. If and when they act out, have a sense of humor about it. Address it and move on.

Stressing about it will only stress them and others. And the faster you move on, they, too, will move on.

Enjoy Chanukah!

P.S. These guidelines are for all year.

Dr. Hylton Lightman is a pediatrician and Medical Director of Total Family Care of the 5 Towns and Rockaway PC. He can be reached at drlightman@totalfamilycaremd.com, on Instagram at Dr.Lightman_ or visit him on Facebook.

The 14, 2015 2017 TheJewish JewishHome Home| |DECEMBER OCTOBER 29,

Chanukah 2017:

Safety Guidelines

By Hylton I. Lightman, MD, DCH, FAAP

Chanukah is a happy time, and I wish to assure that you and your loved ones have a most enjoyable holiday. Here are some safety guidelines which will enhance this festive holiday.

1. Our children and grandchildren make the most beautiful homemade menorahs. Alas, they are mostly for show-and-tell and decorative purposes only as many of them are flammable.

2. Place the chanukiah on a sturdy surface made of nonflammable material such as marble, glass or metal. Second choice: Place aluminum foil on smooth surface and then the menorah on it.

3. Place the Chanukah candles only inside the menorah made of nonflammable material.

4. Never place the menorah near or under any flammable material such as curtains or books.

5. Stay stationary while holding a lit candle.

6. Do not place the menorah in a location where it can be knocked over – either by a passing person or wind, or where something can fall on it.

7. Keep matches and lit objects away from children.

8. Make sure your pet cannot reach the menorah.

9. Never leave a lit menorah unattended!

10.

Keep all oil out of reach of children.

11. Use a long-tipped lighter to keep the flame away from your fingers.

12. Never leave the house with a menorah still lit inside.

Chanukah also means oily, fried foods such as latkes, fried chicken and doughnuts. If you make these foods at home, you will be dealing with oil that can reach up to 400 degrees, which can be a fire or burn safety hazard. Please follow these safety tips to avoid a Chanukah cooking accident: 1. Ensure that your fire alarms are in working order.

2. Never leave the kitchen while frying foods and always keep a close eye on the pans or fryer.

3. Keep water away from the cooking area as even a small splash combined with oil can create very hot steam.

4. Use vegetable, canola, corn, grape seed, safflower, or sunflower oil as they have a high smoke point.

5. Do not pour huge amounts of oil in your frying pan – it is not necessary to make a delicious latke and is a fire safety hazard.

6. Do not “overcrowd” the food in the oil.

7. Flip latkes carefully with a slotted

spatula or pancake flipper to avoid oil splashing.

8. Use metal cooking tongs to flips chicken or doughnuts to keep your hands from touching the oil.

9. Keep your stove vent turned on while you are frying foods to help keep smoke from the oil at bay.

10. Place cooked food onto a paper towel on a plate to soak up oil.

11. If you are keeping cooked food warm in the oven, remove them from the paper towel and keep the temperature low at below 200 degrees. Be careful not to drip oil into the oven from the plate.

G-d forbid, if one gets burned, the following is protocol: drop and roll. This means do not remove clothing while it’s in flames. The person should DROP to the floor and ROLL until flames are extinguished. Place person in cold water bath and remove all clothing. Assess severity of burns, realizing a child’s percentage area is greater than that of an adult. All burns to the groin and face and mucous membranes are more significant and will need urgent attention.

Minor areas without blistering – cut up an onion (white or red) and smear over burnt area. Do not pop large blisters. Sylvadene can be applied to large areas except the face. Call your physician and Hatzoloh to be evaluated.

Wishing you a happy and safe Chanukah!

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Health & F tness

Lighten Up the Miracle of Chanukah

By Aliza Beer MS, RD

C

hanukah is a time to celebrate the miracle of the oil and menorah with family and friends. Unfortunately, eight days of celebrations always include latkes and sufganiyot, in other words, foods heavy in carbs, oil, and sugar! Every party has to have them, and some people find themselves at 6-8 parties over the course of the holiday. How best to navigate through the Festival of Lights without diminishing the joy? Adhere to the following suggestions, and you will come through this chag maintaining your weight and good health.

1. Latkes, latkes, and more latkes: Traditionally, latkes are made with white potatoes and fried in lots of oil. Allow yourself one or two of the traditional, high-fat latkes over the course of the eight days. Consider introducing your family to an alternative, healthier option as well. Try making zucchini or cauliflower latkes instead. Take your bubby’s latke recipe and swap in zucchini or cauliflower instead of the potato. Fry them in Pam or very little olive oil and you’ve got yourself a healthy and filling side dish! Recently, cauliflower rice and zoodles have become all the rage, and for good reason. They mimic their pasta and rice counterparts, but

are carb–free, low in calories, and high in vitamins.

2. Time to Make the Doughnuts: It is actually better and healthier to eat a bagel than a doughnut. A doughnut is white flour that is deep fried and then a high-sugar, highfat, cream, ganache, lotus, caramel, chocolate, or custard is inserted into it and on top of it! A doughnut of this cal-

are attending a party that night, plan accordingly. Eat your breakfast and lunch and a couple of fruit snacks. Don’t skip a meal in anticipation of a heavy dinner. You will only come to the party starving and overeat. Try to find out in advance what the food selection consists of and offer to make or bring something if there are no healthy options. If you are uncomfort-

Set up a salad bar with various veggies, toppings, and low-fat dressings, and offer at least one fish option. iber can be upwards of 600800 calories. So what to do?

How to resist? Allow yourself half of a doughnut at some point during the holiday. This will prevent you from feeling deprived. Eat it, enjoy it, and move on with your life.

Or bake your own, not fried, and do it in mini muffin tins so they are small. Use no sugar-added jelly or melt some no sugar added chocolate chips.

3. Plan Ahead: If you know you

able with that strategy, then just make the best choice from your available options.

You are never supposed to sit and starve. If there are only high-carb, high-fat options then take small portions of the least offending ones. If you are still hungry when you come home, have a light meal like veggie soup or eggs.

4. E xercise: It’s going to be an off week, so try to compensate by upping your exercise game

to work off the extra calories. Do some kind of cardio at least three times over the course of the week, for a minimum of 40 minutes.

5. The Hostess with the Mostest: If you are hosting the party, then provide healthy options for yourself and others that are trying to watch their weight and maintain good health. If the menu is dairy then include not only pasta and pizza – set up a salad bar with various veggies, toppings, and low-fat dressings, and offer at least one fish option. Fat-free frozen yogurt would be a nice addition to the mandatory doughnuts and cake. If the menu is fleishig, then offer grilled or baked chicken, not only breaded and fried options.

Choose leaner cuts of meat and don’t drown your proteins in high sugar marinades! Try using herbs and spices to give them flavor. Sorbet or baked apples will make delicious dessert options. For both menus, roast or grill an assortment of veggies with Pam and spices – they are always a crowd favorite. Additionally, fresh fruit should always be a dessert option.

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

6. Drink Water: Drink 8 cups of water, seltzer, or flavored seltzer a day. At parties, opt for water or seltzer, and if none is available, then a clear diet soda or unsweetened tea should do.

Avoid sugary juices, sodas, or mixed drinks.

Chanukah should not produce

similar weight gains to Pesach or Sukkos, for it is a very different kind of holiday, but it does present with its own very specific set of challenges. These challenges can be overcome, or the negative effects at least diminished, with proper planning and a little self control. As I have said to many a patient: just because it’s there doesn’t mean you have to

eat it. By all means treat yourself, but not every day for eight days in a row! Teach yourself to be happy with savoring the taste of one cookie, not three or four.

Utilizing the tools and tips I have set forth will help you traverse these eight sensational, joyous, light-filled days of Chanukah.

Wishing all of my readers a frei-

lechen Chanukah!

Aliza Beer is a registered dietician with a master’s degree in nutrition. She has a private practice in Cedarhurst, NY. Patients’ success has been featured on the Dr. Oz show. Aliza can be reached at alizabeer@gmail.com.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

By Esther Ottensosser

T

he thought of Chanukah brings back memories of warm cozy nights, eating latkes and doughnuts, playing dreidel, and enjoying fun, special and creative activities. Chanukah brings a unique opportunity for family and friends to get together, more so than the rest of the year.

Nothing makes these encounters more positive for the children than a well thought-out activity.

These projects can create memories that last throughout the year and beyond. This idea was adapted from a post on my blog a few years back. It has been a big hit at parties, Sunday clubs, and school and camp activities and is sure to add excitement to your Chanukah activity program. Recommended for ages 5+. Here’s how you can do it at home!

Try out whatever shapes you like—the possibilities are endless! Let us know how creative you are by sharing your pictures with us!

Special thanks to kosher.com and Esther Ottensosser for this feature.

Cut up Twizzlers into ¼-inch pieces (approximately 12 beads per Twizzler straw).

1

2 3

Draw some pictures on regular copy paper or if you would like an easy download of the shapes, you can go to my website.

Fill your picture with cut up Twizzler beads.

Place a piece of parchment paper on top of Twizzlers.

4 5

Use a hot iron to fuse the pieces together.

Allow to cool and slowly and carefully remove the paper from the candy.

Enjoy!

6

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Good Hum r

Loveable Latkes

By Jon Kranz

O

n Chanukah, Jews light candles, spin dreidels, and eat latkes. Of course, there is no law that requires Jews to consume latkes on Chanukah. Then again, there is no law requiring Jews to eat cold cuts, but deli sandwiches abound in classic Jewish cuisine and in nouvelle Jewish cuisine (also known as “Jew”velle cuisine). There also is no law requiring Jews to herring and schmaltz on Shabbos, macaroons on Pesach, or chopped liver on a regular basis but these nevertheless remain culinary cornerstones of Jewish consumption. One could argue that a Chanukah without latkes would be like a Purim without hamantaschen, a synagogue kiddush without herring, or a bris without bagels and lox.

The term “latke” is Yiddish for “small pancake,” which is no coincidence because latkes are the Jewish version of the potato pancake and typically consists of flour, eggs and grated potato. Many countries and cultures have their own version of the potato pancake including the kartoffelpuffer (Germany), patatnik (Bulgaria), deruny (Ukraine), and tócsni (Hungary). Of course, potato pancakes are not really pancakes, at least not in the breakfast sense, and this can be very confusing for the uninitiated: Jew #1: Would you care for some latkes?

Jew #2: What are latkes?

Jew #1: Potato pancakes.

Jew #2: Pancakes? I love pancakes!! In fact, in college I was in a

band called “The Crêpes of Wrath” and my e-mail address is flapjack@ hotcakes.com.

Jew #1: It sounds like you are obsessed with pancakes.

Jew #2: Yes, I am. But “griddle” me this: if these latkes are pancakes, where is the maple syrup?

Jew #1: Actually, they aren’t really pancakes.

Jew #2: But you just called them pancakes. Make up your mind!

Jew #1: You’re right. I tend to waffle.

Jew #2: Waffles? My second favorite! Pass the syrup.

Jew#1: Oy vey!

While serving latkes on Chanukah is not a legal obligation, serving latkes

or squash. Even so, if you throw a Chanukah party and serve latkes made from really unusual ingredients, then the miracle of that particular Chanukah will be if any of your guests remain at your party.

The latke, regardless of its ingredients, actually has important symbolism based on how it is cooked.

For a latke to be authentic and meaningful, it must be cooked in oil. This is essential because the oil reminds us of the official “miracle of Chanukah,” when the oil in the Beit Hamikdash stayed lit for eight straight nights. For the same reason, we also eat sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) on Chanukah because they are traditionally fried in oil too. Here’s an im-

Actually, since latke are potato-based, it’s more like a yin/yam situation.

without apple sauce or sour cream should be a punishable offense. This is the case because the hot, crispy latke needs a cool, smooth complement to balance temperature and texture.

You can think about it as food feng shui or a yin/yang situation. Actually, since latke are potato-based, it’s more like a yin/yam situation.

A latke need not be made from potatoes; it can be made out of other items like spinach, broccoli, carrots

portant safety tip: It is perfectly fine to cook your latkes and sufganiyot in olive oil, peanut oil or canola oil but please do not cook them in crude oil, motor oil, or Oil of Olay.

Traditionally, latkes are circle-shaped but they do not have to be.

Technically, they can be oval, square or rectangular. That said, a strong argument can be made that a latke that is not round is not a latke at all because its shape is part of its essence.

For the same reason, bakeries do not offer hexagonal bagels, trapezoidal donuts, isosceles meatballs, or quadrilateral matzah balls. Go figure.

Perhaps the most controversial question regarding the latke is whether it constitutes an appetizer or qualifies as a full-fledged entrée.

One scholar, Rav Yukon, posits that the answer depends on the size and number of latkes served and he cautions that a single potato latke served as an entrée may be viewed by your guests as a “dud of a spud.”

Another scholar, Rabbi I. Dahofsky, warns that if mini-latkes are served as an entrée, the undersized potato portions may arouse suspicion of fraud, deceit, or a “yam scam.” Rav Frye notes that just because someone prefers mashed potatoes does not mean that the person is a “mash”ugina. Finally, Rabbi Tattertotsky offers a cautionary note: “Never attempt to make latkes using a couch potato. It is totally forbidden and, if you try to do so, you and that couch potato will become starch enemies.”

I’ve heard that in Scotland there is a mysterious and legendary sea creature that is obsessed with latkes and thus is known as the Latkes Loch Ness Monster. Some have claimed to have seen him; others say he only comes out in the month of December.

Jon Kranz is an attorney living in Englewood, New Jersey. Send any comments, questions or insults to jkranz285@gmail. com.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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Around the Community

Yam Hatorah’s Melave Malka Open House

O

n Motzei Shabbos, December 9, Yam Hatorah held its Melave Malka Open House.

The event mixed present parents and students from Yam Hatorah with potential future parents and students.

On a snow-filled night it was impressive to see a full crowd! Held at the Bais Medrash Campus, Yeshiva Zichron Aryeh, the Melava Malka featured delicious food from Stop Chop ‘n’ Roll and platters from Frankels.

The hot soup hit the spot on such a cold night!

The program opened with Rabbi Shaya Cohen, the Rosh Yeshiva, giving divrei bracha to the Mesivta and its hanhala. Then a video about the Mesivta was shown, in which Rafi Friedman, one of last year’s students and now studying in our affiliate in Eretz Yisroel, was highlighted giving an emotionally charged graduating speech last June. Rabbi Eli Zoldan, the Menahel, spoke about the vision of the school to develop ovdei Hashem, create leaders, and enable students to become independent learners. He then outlined how the program is built to accomplish these lofty goals, all in a culture of positivity. Rabbi Pollak, the Rosh Mesivta/Mashgiach, spoke about his unique role in helping students develop their own personal goals, working toward them step by step. He mentioned how he is scheduled to meet with each boy at least twice a month and some boys once a week. Rabbi Nachum Dinowitz, the general studies principal, closed with a discussion on the vision of the general studies department and he further developed the theme that everything is about positivity. At the same time, he emphasized that the school is about academics, and students will be challenged to work hard and succeed. The school’s focus is clearly growth-oriented and it really shows with the pro-

gramming and staff put in place in the Mesivta.

The evening closed with new and

old parents mingling, and the boys being treated to a spirited game show of Jeopardy led by our 10th grade Reb-

bi, Rabbi Eliezer Weiss. One parent nailed it when they commented, “The Mesivta seems so real, there is no fluff about your presentation!” That is Yam Hatorah’s hallmark; real -relationship with Hashem, learning, and leadership.

For more information or to schedule an interview please call or email the Mesivta at 718-471-7471 or mesivtayamhatorah@gmail.com.

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Rav David Yosef Visits Bukharian Community

M

otzai Shabbos, Parshas Vayishlach, was a historic evening for the Bukharian community in the United States. An overflowing crowd came to the Beth Gavriel Center in Queens for a festive melava malka with music and words of chizuk.

At the head of the dais was the recently elected Chief Rabbi of the Bukharian Jews in America and Canada, Rav Yitzchak Yisraeli. Joining him was the great posek from Yerushalayim, Rav David Yosef, son of the late Rav Ovadia Yosef, zt”l . On the seats surrounding them were dozens of Bukharian, Sefardic and Ashkenazi rabbanim from all over the New York area including the renowned posek Rav Noach Isaac Oelboum. Heard in the background was the beautiful voice of a Bukharian boys’ choir singing legendary songs from the old country.

The message of this evening was quite clear. The Bukharian community is united under the Da’as Torah of the Chief Bukharian Rabbinate that already in its two years of existence has made numerous takanos to preserve the kedusha and continuity of the community.

Rav David Yosef said it very eloquently: The Bukharian Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Yisraeli is a gaon in Torah and a dayan metzuyan.....everyone must work together to reach our goals on a spiritual front.

Rav Dovid also extended his brachos to the Chazaq organization for their work with Jewish public school students, noting that since speaking for Chazaq in August of 2016, Chazaq transferred 352 Jewish students

from public school to yeshiva, most of whom were students of Bukharian descent. “The revolution must continue, and everyone must feel the responsibility to be mekarev those around them,” Rav Dovid stated.

Literacy Week at Shulamith

L

iteracy Week in Shulamith Middle Division included visits from some very special guests. On Tuesday, the 6th and 7th graders enjoyed a presentation

by Mrs. Elizabeth Kurtz, author of the cookbook, “CELEBRATE Food, Family, Shabbos.” Kurtz’s websites,

w w w.gour metkoshercook ing. com and www.gourmetpassovercooking.com, have become the go-

to kosher recipe sites for thousands of foodies around the globe. Mrs. Kurtz explained the differences between journalistic writing, which is meant to be devoid of emotion and present just the facts, and social media writing, which is “all about voice and opinion.” She explained how, as a blogger, she is free to use emojis and abbreviations and write as if her

readers are her friends. Mrs. Kurtz also explained the process of writing a cookbook. The girls were especially fascinated by her description of food stylists, whose job it is to photograph food so that the images make the reader want to devour it.

On Wednesday, Mr. Chaim Schneider, parent of 7th grader Lani, presented “From Concept to Consumer.” The fifth graders were fascinated to hear how an idea becomes a book! With his experience working for Judaica Press, Mr. Schneider was able to delineate all of the steps in the publishing process. The session ended with a challenge to the students to create illustrations for book covers.

Our final guest speaker was Rabbi Dovid Fohrman, who spoke to the eighth graders about a writer’s need

Mr. Chaim Schneider with fifth grade students

to develop a relationship with his readers. He asked them what they expect out of a meeting with a friend and showed how that same desire to create a connection is necessary in

one’s writing. It was most enjoyable to hear some excerpts from one of Rabbi Forhman’s books; his erudition and sense of humor are unsurpassed.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

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Filling the Mussar Void Gedolei Yisroel Urge Daily Mussar Study as Dirshu Kinyan Chochma Program Embarks on Masechta Avos

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HaRav Matisyahu Salomon speaking at Dirshu’s 10th Anniversary

By Chaim Gold

T

he passing of the elder Mashgiach of our generation, HaGaon HaTzadik, Rav Dov Yaffe, zt”l, Mashgiach of Yeshivas Knesses Beis Chizkiyahu, has left a great void in the mussar world. For over sixty years, Rav Yaffe, whose sheloshim was recently marked, served as a mashgiach leaving an indelible positive impact on generations of talmidim though his shmuessen, his seforim and his personal guidance.

The Mashgiach always spoke about the importance of learning mussar.

He understood how the yetzer hara always finds ways to discourage a person from learning mussar.

Rav Dov and numerous other roshei yeshiva and mashgichim urged their talmidim to carve out a daily seder in limud ha’mussar so that not a day will go by without having the elixir of limud ha’mussar to enable a person to combat the constant enticements of the yetzer hara.

“The Yetzer Hara Always Tries to Minimize the Importance of Inner Avodah” Mussar is one of those things that most people realize that we need, but somehow it gets pushed to the side because usually there is no scheduled time and specific limud for it. Over the past year, thousands of participants in Dirshu’s Daf HaYomi B’Halacha

program have added Dirshu’s Kinyan Chochma mussar program to their daily learning regimen. This daily, scheduled immersion in mussar has resulted in tremendous benefit in their avodas Hashem.

In Dirshu’s Sefer Chizuk, published in honor of Dirshu’s 10th Anniversary, the Mashgiach Rav Dov Yaffe, wrote about this very matter.

He wrote, “A person must remember that the yetzer hara always tries to minimize the importance in a person’s own eyes, of inner avodah, of working on oneself and improving one’s middos. Often the yetzer hara magnifies the importance in one’s eyes of things that are not directly related to one’s inner avodah, such as assisting others or reaching out to estranged Jews. These are all important but the daily inner work of avodas Hashem is the primary task that each person has and that is why the yetzer hara always tries to minimize its importance and convince a person not to engage in learning Torah and mussar…” (Sefer Chizuk Chapter 7).

Rav Mishkovsky: Knowledge of Torah, Knowledge of Halacha and Knowledge of Mussar Bring Sheleimus Recently, the Dirshu Kinyan Chochma program began learning Masechta Avos with the commentary of Rabbeinu Yonah. In conjunction with the beginning of this foundational mussar work, numerous gedolei

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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Around the Community Yisroel put out a call for even more people to join the Kinyan Chochma program that will facilitate their sustained growth in avodas Hashem and avodas ha’mussar.

The Rosh Yeshiva of the Chevron Yeshiva, HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen, shlita, said, “In our generation it is impossible to maintain and sustain one’s spiritual achievements with Torah learning alone. One needs to combine Torah learning with mussar learning. Masechta Avos contains the mussar lessons that Chazal have taught us and thus learning them brings tremendous benefit. In the commentary of Rabbeinu Yonah there are many foundational mussar lessons that strengthen a person in his avodas ha’mussar.”

Furthermore, the well-known Mashgiach of Yeshiva Orchos Torah, HaGaon HaRav Chizkiyahu Mishkovsky, shlita, a talmid muvhak of HaGaon HaRav Aharon Leib Shteinman, shlita, said that Dirshu saw fit (by establishing Kinyan Chochma) to combine within their programs, knowledge of Torah, knowledge of halacha and knowledge of mussar… a person can therefore attain sheleimus, completeness, in his avodas Hashem and be able to fulfill the Torah dictates coupled with middos tovos…”

“How Worthy it is to Learn Masechta Avos with Rabbeinu Yonah” The Kinyan Chochma program was established almost a year ago at Dirshu’s International Convention that celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Dirshu’s founding. The program was established at the behest of the leading gedolim who felt that chizuk was needed in daily mussar learning.

As in all of Dirshu’s programs, tests are given on the material and a stipend is awarded for excellent results.

In his warm letter praising the Kinyan Chochma program, the Mashigach of Lakewood, HaGaon HaRav Matisyahu Salomon, shlita, writes, “The obligation to learn mussar daily is well known, as Rav Yisrael Salanter explains at length in his sefer Ohr Yisrael, in the name of the poskim. It does not require a haskama. Nevertheless, because of its great benefit, the yetzer hara tries to find all kinds of excuses to deter a person from learning mussar.

“Therefore, how great is the joy that the Dirshu organization has added a mussar program to its existing

HaRav Dov Yaffe, zt”l, seated left on front row, attending a Dirshu Chizuk event

programs to encourage and make it easier to learn mussar every day…”

HaGaon HaRav Moshe Wolfson, shlita, Mashigach of Yeshiva Torah Vodaas and Rav of Beis Medrash Emunas Yisroel, wrote about Kinyan Chochma: “The importance that our earlier sages attached to learning works of yiras shomayim and mussar is well-known. Nevertheless, the yetzer hara tries to get us to neglect learning mussar, to the extent that even bnei Torah overlook it.

“We must therefore feel indebted to Dirshu for encouraging Jews the world over to strengthen themselves in this…”

Hagaon HaRav Chaim Walkin, shlita, Mashgiach of Yeshiva Ateres Yisrael, wrote, “How worthy and fitting it is to set aside even a small amount of time every day to learn Masechta Avos with the commentary of Rabbeinu Yonah. Rabbeinu Yonah was one of the towering Rishonim, from whose words and mussar we continue to derive life…”

A New Kabbalah, a New Person…A New Decree!

The well-known Chassidishe mashpia, HaRav Elimelech Biderman, shlita, asked, “Why did Chazal place Masechta Avos which is all about middos tovos in the order of Nezikin?

The answer,” he said, “is that anyone who doesn’t work on his middos is the greatest mazik!”

Rav Biderman continued with the following fascinating story that transpired with Rav Yechezkel Levenstein, the famed Mashgiach of Mir and Ponovezh. “A person who had been married for a long time and had not yet been blessed with children came to Rav Yechezkel for a bracha. Rav Levenstein advised him to accept upon himself to learn mussar every

day for just ten minutes. The person agreed and within a short time thereafter he was blessed with a child. Rav Yechezkel explained, ‘This was not any sort of miracle. The reason he was blessed was that when a person undertakes a good kabbalah, he becomes akin to a new person. Even if a decree of childlessness was decreed on the old person that decree will not apply to the ‘new person’!’”

If a person wants to bring pnimiyus into his life, if he wants to become the proverbial “new person” now is the

time to join Dirshu’s Kinyan Chochma Program. “Learning Avos with Rabbeinu Yonah,” explained HaGaon HaRav Shimon Galei, shlita, “brings much light into a person’s life. Dirshu has done a great thing by promoting this limud. Dirshu has always promoted Torah, now they are culminating their work by promoting derech eretz that is kadmah, that comes before, Torah!”

To join Kinyan Chochma please call, 888-5-Dirshu or e-mail, info@ kolleldirshu.org.

DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

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Around the Community

Preparing for Chanukah at Gesher

DRS Parent-Son Melave Malka

PHOTO CREDIT: IRA THOMAS CREATIONS

T

he sounds of lively music and dancing filled the air at DRS Yeshiva High School’s 21st annual Parent-Son Melave Malka. In an email to the DRS family, Menahel Rabbi Yisroel Kaminetsky remarked that the goal of the Melava Malka is to celebrate “the joy, fulfillment, and meaning that there is in being a Jew,” as well as to highlight the “positive Jewish energy that [the Yeshiva] strives to inculcate in its talmidim with song, divrei Torah, food and dancing.” This annual event is the one night that the entire Yeshiva family, rabbeim, parents, and talmidim get together to honor these aspects of the positive spirit of being Jewish.

The evening commenced with a kumzitz in the beit midrash led by Rabbi Kaminetsky and the DRS student band. Parents and sons sang together in unison, while videos highlighting DRS events from the year were shown on screen. Two sets of awards were presented to students: the Torah Growth Award was presented to the student in each Gemara shiur who displayed special aptitude in his learning over the year, and the Middot Awards were given to a student in each grade

who, when voted upon by his fellow classmates, was recognized as having the best and most refined middot and character.

“The melava malka really shows what DRS is all about, and it was truly a great experience,” said Harrison Chwat (‘19). This year, Rabbi Yehuda Balsam, a long time DRS Rebbe, was honored for his 17 years of dedication

and commitment to the yeshiva. Rabbi Balsam has inspired hundreds of students throughout his years in DRS, turning on countless talmidim to the joy of talmud Torah. A video tribute was played in honor of Rabbi Balsam and he was presented with an award for his dedication to DRS. The melava malka continued in the gym where the parents and students

enjoyed a delicious dairy buffet together. Students, parents, and the faculty then danced together for hours.

“It was really great to see everyone sing and dance together and the atmosphere was incredible!” said Jakey Friedman (‘18). The students, parents, and the faculty danced together in unison and had a meaningful and enjoyable evening.

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

YOSS Delivers Thanks to 4th Precinct Hagaon Reb Shia Atik, shlita, speaking in Mesivta Shaarei Chaim in Far Rockaway

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Remembering Rav Binyamin, zt”l

By Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky

A Son Remembers

T

hroughout the months following the passing of my father, zt”l, Rabbi Binyamin Kamenetzky, the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Toras Chaim of South Shore and the founder of Orthodox Jewish life as we know it in the Five Towns, I have been deluged with an outpouring of loving memories from the thousands of people whose lives he impacted.

The most common question I get is “when is the biography coming out?” Indeed, those plans are germi-

nating in all of our minds and actually my son, R’ Shmuel Kamenetzky, is working diligently to produce a sefer filled with hundreds of his beautiful divrei Torah that graced so many joyous and sad occasions during my parents’ 61-year tenure in the Five Towns.

And then there are the stories...

Over the course of these months, people from all walks of life have shared their special encounters, memories, tidbits and anecdotes in-person and via email.

The editors of The Jewish Home have so graciously offered to share these stories with you, their readers, in a weekly column in their publication.

For me it is an honor to present this column to you and I hope that you grow and gain as you learn about the history and vision of a man upon whose shoulders the legacy of this community rests.

Unlike many of the hagiographical stories of other great leaders, these stories involve every facet of society. My father, zt”l, found himself interacting with almost every type of human being imaginable.

Most people only knew my father as the founder, dean and Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva of South Shore and all of the offshoots of that wonderful Torah institution. But his inspiring story spans three worlds. He was a yeshiva bochur in pre-War Europe Lithuania, a refugee who landed in Canada and was sent the day after arrival to learn in New York. He was a semicha student in Baltimore during the War years when he was involved in the cause of aiding Holocaust victims. He was a dynamic pulpit rabbi in East New York and finally, together with my mother, a true pioneer in the community of Woodmere, bereft of an Orthodox minyan. Throughout his entire life there were amazing stories and adventures.

During his later years, until his passing last year, he had the vibrancy and vigor of a young man. There are stories of him interacting with the most revered of gedolei Yisrael and those of him beseeching the most nefarious of characters for a favor to help a Jew in distress. I learned so much more during the shiva in seeing this wide diversity of

people who came and shared stories about my father. They ranged from Chassidisher rebbes, among them the Skverer Rebbe, politicians and other public servants including the police commissioner. There were even gentiles who came to share their stories of how they interacted with my father, zt”l. Among them, a fellow named Anthony Gambino.

It was his visit, that reminded me of that one erev Shabbos when a gigantic bouquet of flowers was sent to our home, signed by the aforementioned visitor. “Thank you for allowing me to do a good deed,” said the note.

Someone recently asked me, “Was there anything that was beneath your father to do?”

I did not answer him immediately, and after a bit of thought, I responded, saying, “No.” I was moved by the young people who came as well, there were talmidim from almost every High School and Mesivta in the neighborhood, and many of the boys who were not alumni had their little anecdotes to share – a dvar Torah he told them, a vision he imparted, a goal to strive for.

I hope this column sheds some light on the way he lived his life and the way we should live ours. I am sure that through the stories within we will all gain an understanding of the reason why, this community, I believe, is one of the most vibrant and harmonious Jewish communities in America.

Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky is the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva of South Shore.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

HaRav Aharon Yehudah Leib Steinman, zt”l

O

n Tuesday, 24 Kislev, Harav Aharon Yehudah Leib Steinman, zt”l, left this world at the age of 104. HaRav Steinman became the official leader of the frum world after the passing of Harav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, zt”l, five years ago.

In accordance with his wishes, outlined in his tzavaah, which was read after he passed away, we will not be printing an article on Rav Steinman. Instead, we are printing his tzavaah, as translated into English.

The tzavaah was read by Harav Chizkiyahu Mishkowski, Mashgiach of Yeshivas Orchos Torah.

1) I greatly beseech that no one be maspid me, neither in front of me nor not in front of me, not to make any atzeres hisorerus or atzeres avel, or any sort of [similar event] with any

other name, whose intention is to be maspid.

2) Not to write any articles about me in the newspapers, daily, weekly or monthly. Not to publish my picture, not to publish my biography as is customary.

3) Not to print signs about the levayah and not to announce on loudspeakers or radio. It is enough that there will only be ten people at the levayah.

4) To try not to take time between the petirah and the kevurah and to hasten that the kevurah should be as close to the petirah as possible.

5) My place in the cemetery should be amongst simple people.

6) Not to write on the kever any titles, only, “Here is buried Reb Aharon Yehudah Leib son of Reb Noach Zvi Steinman.”

7) The matzeivah should be the

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

cheapest and simplest, not to waste money for buying an expensive plot in the cemetery. However, if it is desired to give tzedakah, it should be done but without buying [an expensive] plot.

8) On those days when it is customary to visit the kever, such at the end of the shivah, sheloshim and on the yahrtzeit, not to waste too much time over this.

Instead, it is more worthwhile to learn Torah throughout that day, and to refrain from speaking about devarim betailim.

If searching for a place to daven for the amud will cause much bittul Torah, it is better to use the time to learn l’shem Shamayim.

9) I request that anyone who seeks [to do something for] my benefit should learn a perek of Mishnayos every day until the end of the -12month period. Girls should recite pirkei Tehillim every day, including Shabbos and yom tov.

10) [My] manuscripts of divrei Torah and Aggadah should not be published, except those about which it is known that I have reviewed them and that they are ready for publication.

11) I ask not to be referred to with the title “tzaddik” or “yerei Shamayim,” so that I shall not be embarrassed by this in the Olam Ha’emes.

12) I greatly beseech forgiveness from all those whose honor I have slighted; and to those who, unbeknownst to me, I owe money to, and in reality will not demand it i.e., that they cannot collect it according to halacha) – that they should forgive me.

13) All my descendants shall not follow the mittah, per the minhag of Yerushalayim.

May Harav Aharon Yehudah Leib ben Rav Noach Zvi Steinman, zt”l, be a meilitz yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

TJH

Centerfold

Hey Underlings, If you didn’t send in your Chanukah pictures to TJH yet remember to send them. Maybe you can win some ice cream or something like that. See page 10 for details. But tread carefully: I don’t generally like it when underlings read other parts of this magazine.

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c. Anchorage d. Miami 4. Which of these states is not in the top five oil-producing states? a. Alaska b. Texas c. Oklahoma d. New Mexico 5. How much did a gallon of gas cost after the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo? a. $5.76 b. $3.23 c. $2.12 d. $1.89 e. $0.55

6. Which country is the world’s biggest producer of oil? a. United States b. Russia c. Saudi Arabia d. United Arab Emirates 7. What is ethanol? a. It is a type of oil which is extracted from the ground without causing adverse environmental impacts b. It is an alcohol c. It is oil which is ethical d. It is a natural gas

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3. B 4. C 5. E 6. A- In 2013, the U.S. produced 12.31 million barrels of oil

per day. Saudi Arabia produced 11.59 million per day, and Russia produced 10.53 barrels per day.

7. B- Ethanol is a clear, colorless liquid. In the U.S., over 80% of ethanol is produced from corn.

(When you fly over the heartland and see millions of acres of corn fields, it’s not just because corn is a great BBQ side dish.)

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 Wisdom Key 6-7 correct: You must be Prince Salmin Abba Abdul Achmad Hassan bin Tzbir al Waheed 3-5 correct: You are regular unleaded.

0-2 correct: Slip on an oil patch and bang your head?

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

Redneck vs. Regular Oil Change REGULAR PEOPLE

1. Pull up to Jiffy Lube or Valvoline Instant Oil Change when the mileage reaches 3,000 miles since the last oil change.

2. Drink a cup of coffee while they change the oil.

3. 15 minutes later, write a check, and leave with a properly maintained vehicle.

Cost: $29.99 oil change, $2.00 coffee. Total $32.00

REDNECKS

1. Wait until Saturday, drive to the auto parts store.

Buy a case of oil, oil filter, kitty litter, hand cleanser (don’t forget a little tree air freshener). Write a check to the auto parts store for approximately $50.

2. Stop by 7/11 on the way home, buy a case of beer.

Write a check for $20.

3. Drive home with oil and beer.

4. Open beer, enjoy it.

5. Spend 30 minutes looking for the jack stands.

6. Find the jack stands (finally) under the kid’s pedal car, jack the car up.

7. Open another beer, drink it.

8. Place drain pan under engine.

9. Look for 9/16” box end wrench for drain plug 10. Give up looking ten minutes later, find crescent wrench.

11. Unscrew drain plug.

12. Drop drain plug into pan of hot oil. Splash hot oil

onto your hands and face in the process.

13. Crawl out from under car, wipe hot oil from hands and face. Throw some kitty litter on the spilled oil.

14. Open another beer while watching the last drops of oil drain.

15. Spend 30 minutes looking for the oil filter wrench.

16. Give up looking for oil filter wrench, crawl under car, and hammer a flat-head screwdriver through the oil filter and twist it off.

17. Crawl out from under car, splashing hot oil everywhere from newly made holes in oil filter.

18. Cleverly hide used oil filter in trash to avoid those pesky environmental penalties. Open another beer.

19. Install new oil filter, making sure to apply a thin coat of oil to the gasket.

20. Pour the first quart of new oil into engine.

21. Oops! Now remember the drain plug (removed in step 11). It’s still swimming in the now-warm oil in the drain pan.

22. Throw more kitty litter on the quart-sized oil puddle on the floor.

23. Open another beer and drink it.

24. Find drain plug with a minimum of spillage, hand-tighten in drain plug socket. Drink beer.

25. Crawl under car (getting oily kitty litter embedded in neck and arms).

Tighten drain plug with crescent wrench, but this time, it’s slippery. Bang your knuckles on the frame while tightening drain plug.

26.

Throw crescent wrench across the garage in anger. Throw a fit because crescent wrench hits bowling trophy (which wife wouldn’t let stay in the house).

27. Open another beer and drink it.

28. Clean hands, bandaging where needed to stop blood flow.

29. Pour in five quarts of fresh oil.

30. Lower car from jack stands. Smile at your handiwork. Open another beer and drink it.

31. Move car back to discover oil puddles you missed; apply more kitty litter to missed areas.

32. Test drive car to make sure oil doesn’t leak.

33. Get pulled over a block from the house by local police, get arrested for DUI. 34. Call loving wife and bail bondsman.

35. Next day, get car out of impound yard.

Cost: $50 parts, $20 beer, impound fee $75, bail $1,500, DUI $2,500 minimum.

T o t a l : $4,145 (but you know the job was done right!)

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Torah Thought

Parshas Mikeitz

By Rabbi Berel Wein

T

the desired end of the fulfillment of the prophecy and promise of G-d to Abraham about the future fate of the Jewish people.

This principle, that man proposes but G-d disposes, is one of the basic beliefs of Judaism and is vindicated, for good or for better, throughout the history of the Jewish people and humankind generally. All of the twists and turns of daily and national life, the seemingly random and inexplicable events that assault us on a regular

he entire narrative of the story of Joseph and his brothers, the Jewish people to Egyptian society, slavery and ultimate redemption is meant to illustrate to us the guiding hand of Providence in human affairs.

There is no question that all of the participants in this dramatic narrative acted according to their own wishes and wisdom. Yet the confluence of all of these conflicting personalities and ambitions leads to

basis, somehow have a purpose and a goal. They help us arrive at the situation and circumstance that G-d’s destiny has provided for us.

The difficulty in all of this is that very rarely is this pattern revealed or are we aware of it. The L-rd told Moses that “you will see my back, not my face.” We see things much more clearly in retrospect than in the ability to judge present events and somehow predict the future.

All of the dreams of Joseph will be fulfilled but no one could have

providence and G-d’s will.

That is why Joseph is seen as the main antagonist to Eisav, for Eisav always attributed events to random chance and to human action and power. We will see later that this was also the main contest between Pharaoh and Moshe. Pharaoh continually maintained that the troubles of the Egyptians were coincidence and that all of the blows that he sustained were due to circumstance and nature. Even when his wise men stated that the finger of G-d was pointing at

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All of the twists and turns of daily and national life, the seemingly random and inexplicable events that assault us on a regular basis, somehow have a purpose and a goal.

imagined at the onset of the story how they could have been fulfilled and under what circumstances, of both tragedy and triumph, they would come to be the reality of the narrative of the story of Joseph and his brothers.

Of all of the brothers, Joseph seems to be the one that is most aware that he and they are merely instruments in G-d’s plan. The rabbis teach us that Joseph was distinguished by the fact that the name of G-d never left his lips and that he always attributed events to divine

him, he refused to admit that it was the divine presence that was driving Egypt to destruction.

We also live in a world where many see the events that surround us as being mere happenstance, random events engendered by human beings.

However, Judaism knows better and teaches better and we are therefore confident that all of the processes ordained for us millennia ago will yet be completely fulfilled. There is a divine hand that guides the affairs of mankind.

Shabbat shalom.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Between the Lines

The Great Light Hope

By Eytan Kobre

There are no hopeless situations; there are only people who have grown hopeless about them.

-Clare Boothe Luce

W

hile surfacing from a submerged run off Cape Cod on December 17, 1927, the S-class submarine USS S-4 was accidentally struck and sunk by a U.S. Coast Guard destroyer. Heroic efforts were made to rescue the six known survivors trapped in the submarine’s forward torpedo room, who had exchanged a series of signals with the rescue force by tapping on the hull. With the last available oxygen in the submarine, the trapped men tapped out the Morse code message, Is there any hope?

Hope was their lifeline.

Hope is everything.

Hope buoyed Yaakov even decades after Yosef’s disappearance.

Yaakov sent his sons to Egypt not only because “he saw that there were provisions in Egypt” (Bereishis 42:1) but also because he discerned some hope for finding Yosef there (Bereishis Rabba 91:6; Rashi, Bereishis 42:1).

For his part, Yosef’s very survival depended upon hope, onto which he clutched through the darkest and loneliest of times until his meteoric rise from jailed slave to viceroy (Bereishis 41:14). Then, as viceroy, Yosef doled out some of

this hope to the Egyptian people, not just handing out meager rations during the famine but “opening all that there was” in Egypt’s storehouses because he understood that the people needed more than just food – they needed the hope of a better, more prosperous future (Seforno, Bereishis 42:56).

Hope is perhaps the most indispensable of human emotions. “While man is alive, he has hope; once he dies, hope is lost” (Yerushalmi, Berachos 9:1). Fortunate is the one who places hope in G-d (Tehillim 146:5; Tehillim 27:14), and we are to hold out hope “even if a sharp sword is pressed on [our] necks” (Berachos 10a).

“Hope,” Benjamin Franklin put it, “is an essential constituent of human life.”

Hope connects the person to the purpose. So, one who finds a lost object may not keep it if the owner still holds out hope for recovering it; only once the owner has lost hope, severing the connection to the object, may the finder keep it (Bava Metzia 21b). As long as there is hope, there is a connection.

Hope is and always has been the hallmark of the Jewish people, and Chanukah embodies this national hope. What began as the hope for a military victory in the face of overwhelming odds turned into the hope of finding a remnant of oil in the defiled Bais HaMikdash (r”l); when we found oil to last for only one night, we still did not give up – we held out hope that it would last

for longer. And it did.

Chanukah endures to this day only because it conveys the eternal message of hope. After the destruction of the second Bais HaMikdash, many advocated doing away with Chanukah altogether; after all, it celebrated the rededication of the Bais HaMikdash, which was in ruins (Rosh Hashana 18b).

But, in the end, Chanukah endured because our prior rededication of the Bais HaMikdash was not for naught. Yes, it was destroyed, but the miracle – and the hope it engendered – had not been. What had transpired “in those days” – we believed – could happen to us again “in these times.”

And as much as the Jewish people have kept hope alive throughout the ages, hope has kept the Jewish people alive too. Hope lies at the very core of Jewish survival and continuity.

We’ve also used hope to inspire others. The Continental Army arrived in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, in the winter of 1777, cold, hungry, and demoralized. Even then-General George Washington was beginning to have his doubts about the outcome of the Revolutionary War. It is said that Washington was walking among his troops when he saw one soldier sitting alone, huddled over two tiny flames. When Washington approached, the soldier explained that he was a Polish-Jewish immigrant, and the candles celebrated Chanukah, a festival commemorating the mirac-

ulous, centuries-old victory of his people over a tyrannical ruler. The soldier expressed his hope that, with G-d’s help, the Continental Army would do the same. Washington thanked the soldier, inspired by the little flames and the reminder that miracles are possible – as long as there’s hope.

And, as has been the case too often in our history, we’ve had to draw upon our indomitable hope to sustain ourselves in our darkest hours.

It was Chanukah in Bergen-Belsen and, of course, there was no oil, no candle, no menorah, no nothing. But the inimitable Jews still managed to craft a makeshift menorah from a wooden clog, a thread from a death camp uniform, and contraband shoe polish. Chanukah would still have its light, if but for a brief moment.

On the first night of the holiday, the Bluzhover Rebbe lit the improvised menorah and recited the first two blessings in a festive melody tinged with sorrow and pain. But before reciting the third blessing, he paused and scanned the room.

He then turned back to the menorah, and in a stronger and more purposeful voice recited the third blessing: “Blessed are You our G-d, King of the Universe, Who has kept us alive, preserved us, and allowed us to reach this occasion.”

One of the assembled pushed his way to the Rebbe. “How can you thank G-d for allowing us to reach such a terrible occasion? This

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

is keeping us alive? For this you thank G-d?”

“Like you,” replied the Rebbe, “I hesitated before reciting the third blessing. But then I saw throngs of my fellow Jews willing to sacrifice their miserable existence to be here, their faces full of faith and devotion. And then I understood that if I am blessed to see people who maintain such hope in the face of dire circumstances, it is indeed a reason to thank G-d.”

Hope is no less compelling on an individual basis. In the World to Come, we will be asked whether we hoped for redemption (Shabbos 31a). This refers, of course, to the ultimate redemption of the Jewish people, but it also refers to personal redemption in our individual lives.

Did we fall prey to hopelessness and despair, or did we cling to hope even in the face of daunting challenges and insurmountable odds?

Did we sever or maintain that last vestige of connection to G-d and

His deliverance?

A metropolitan school system once devised a program to help children keep up with schoolwork during extended illnesses. In one

accomplished much, if anything.

But when she returned the next day, a nurse confronted her. “What did you say to that boy yesterday?”

And, as if in response to the teach-

arrived. That’s when everything changed. “After all,” the boy later explained, “they wouldn’t bother sending a teacher to work on nouns and adverbs for a dying boy, would they?”

* * *

And as much as the Jewish people have kept hope alive throughout the ages, hope has kept the Jewish people alive too.

case, the assigned remedial teacher took the ill child’s name and talked briefly with the boy’s regular class teacher. “We’re studying nouns and adverbs in class now,” said the class teacher.

The visiting teacher arrived at the hospital to find the boy badly burned and in pain. She stayed for a while but left feeling she hadn’t

er’s quizzical expression, the nurse continued, “We’ve been worried about him, but now his whole attitude has changed. He’s fighting back and responding to the treatments. It’s as if he’s decided to live.”

Two weeks later, the boy recovered fully. He had completely given up hope until the remedial teacher

As we light the Chanukah candles this year, we ought to ask ourselves whether G-d would “bother” performing the miracles of Chanukah – and the countless since – if our collective, national future was anything but full of hope. And would He “bother” to sustain each one of us personally if our individual futures were not bright and brilliant?

The eternal lights offer the obvious answer.

Eytan Kobre is a writer, speaker, and attorney living in Kew Gardens Hills.

Questions? Comments? Suggestions?

E-mail eakobre@outlook.com.

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

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95

The Observant Jew

Light through the Forest

By Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz

I

glanced out the window as we began Maariv after Shabbos one evening and something curious caught my eye. Through the trees out the westerly window, I saw the pinkish-gray tint of the sky as I’d seen it so many times in the past. What struck me, though, was the fact that since Shabbos was concluding, the sky should have been completely dark. So I stared longer.

It didn’t make sense. I recognized the coloration but something was wrong. Then it hit me. The sky I recognized wasn’t there. It was a scene I’d taken in near my home, not from where I was standing now, and my brain was telling me it was the same thing – but it wasn’t.

What I actually saw that night was the artificial light of a street lamp reflecting off the leaves that were blocking any possible view of said sky. Because my brain had been accustomed to viewing (with awe, I might add) the beautiful shades of color in the sunsets as the street in front of my home slopes downward, giving us an expansive view, it told me this was the same thing I’d seen before. It amazed me how easily I was fooled. I actually looked back several times to recognize the phenomenon and commit it to memory.

Another time, while contemplating this concept for this very article, I walked past two mirrors. I caught sight of myself peripherally as I passed. Suddenly, I looked taller and larger. I did a double-take. A quick look confirmed that though the two mirrors were next to each other, one was angled down and changed my appearance.

Once again, an artificial view made me think something was –

when it wasn’t. But it’s not only sight.

Hearing can do the same thing. Have you ever heard an Apple iPhone “ding”? Let me correct that, it’s more of a: diiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing.

It seems to drag on for some time even though it was just a single “ding” before. Except that it wasn’t.

The iPhone ding is actually a long sound that gets slightly lower and fainter as it continues so it mimics the sound of a metal gong or tuning fork being struck, creating diminishing sounds as it resonates.

Essentially, the sound is trying

substance, and while they appreciated the variety of things which offered beauty, they did not appreciate people having a different set of values.

They wanted everyone, including Jews, to buy into their version of beauty, to participate in their events on their terms, and to drive away the true light which would cast their ersatz replacement in eternal shadow.

The Torah was an obstacle to their worldview. Just as one has no need for a candle when the sun is shining, the truth of Torah and Hashem would obliterate the artificial light of their

We stare at the flames and see beyond their appearance to their essence

to fool your brain into hearing a true metallic sound rather than one synthesized by some wires and chips.

Our brains, of course, trying to be true to our memories, tell us that this is exactly what we’re hearing.

With Chanukah upon us, this message struck home with me. Yavan, the Greek empire that idolized beauty and form, tried to replace the light of Torah with the light of human intellect. They denied our One G-d, replacing Him with a panoply of gods that had plenty of human failings and just some cool “superpowers.” They wanted us to accept Hellenism and feel that it was the same G-d construct we’d been used to, just that this one was updated. They admired the superiority of form over

beauty with its brightness and show how inconsequential it was when not connected to anything deeper.

That’s not to say there is no place for appreciation of beauty. Indeed there is, as I mentioned that I marvel at the sunset or the changing leaves, and beautiful things can make us feel uplifted. We are supposed to beautify our mitzvos with a nice esrog, a nice tallis, and so on. The beauty, however, must be put in the proper perspective as a medium of appreciating Hashem and furthering our relationship with Him. Alas, even though the official exile of Yavan is gone, we still suffer in a world that puts high value on how things look rather than what they are in essence. Now, makeup is import-

ant, don’t get me wrong. Cosmetics even fell with the maan in the desert so women could feel their best by looking their best. But the painted lips must be combined with a genuine smile of warmth and kindness – not a duck face – for the true beauty to emerge.

The world today still tries to ply its values on us, ones of acceptance (when they choose) and tolerance (to the chosen ones), based on human logic and philosophy. Without being connected to the true Source of light, however, they end up creating more darkness in the world and more chances for evil to dress up as good on the surface and fool everyone.

On Chanukah, we light the menorah and choose lights that will burn straight and pure, without flickering or casting deceptive shadows. We stare at the flames and see beyond their appearance to their essence – the connection to Hashem and our dedication to always seeking out the true light.

Remembering to be guided by the eternal light of the Torah and know that we are not accepting a poor imitation is a fantastic Chanuka gift – to ourselves and Klal Yisrael.

Jonathan Gewirtz is an inspirational writer and speaker whose work has appeared in publications around the world.

You can find him at www.facebook.com/ RabbiGewirtz, and follow him on Instagram @RabbiGewirtz or Twitter @ RabbiJGewirtz. He also operates JewishSpeechWriter.com, where you can order a custom-made speech for your next special occasion. Sign up for the Migdal Ohr, his weekly PDF Dvar Torah in English. E-mail info@JewishSpeechWriter. com and put Subscribe in the subject.

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Israel Today

The Smile of Success

By Rafi Sackville

P

eople are naturally drawn to Uri Bouskila like a magnet; he sports a constant smile that is genuine, and his demeanor is a mixture of pleasant and more pleasant. And he isn’t hard to find: he runs the Gali franchise in the local mall in Ma’alot, where he sells shoes and connected apparel.

Whenever I pass the store and our eyes meet, Uri’s face awakens in delight. He makes you feel special.

When we moved to Ma’alot, I would look in through the Gali window, catch his eye, and get an enormous smile in return. This occurred often enough for me to walk in where we introduced ourselves. I detected a heavy French accent.

He wasn’t born in France, he quickly corrected me, but moved there at the age of 15 from Casablanca, Morocco, where he was born. His wife, Penina, on the other hand, was born in Paris.

Wishing to ask him more questions Uri invited me to his home on

Rechov Snir. The name “Snir” perfectly suits Uri and Penina. It conveys a parent’s love for Israel and the hope their child will not only express the same love the parents have for the country but will develop a personality that is calm and agreeable.

We sat at their modest dining room table that overlooks a verdant valley leading down to Nachal Kziv, the slow moving stream that flows west towards Nahariya, where it meets the Mediterranean.

Why Ma’a lot, I asked, when the majority of French-speaking immigrants move to Netanya or further south along the coast?

Penina was quick to disabuse me of the notion that they would have been better off living among French speakers, explaining how they prefer living among regular Israelis.

Making aliyah is never easy for adults: employment, language and bureaucracy are hurdles that can

determine the level of aliyah success, and not every potential Israeli is able to meet the challenge. It is not uncommon for the children in immigrant families to assimilate more smoothly than their parents.

The Bouskilas cannot be counted among those who had to run a difficult obstacle course in integration. For one, they had the language. More importantly, both Uri and Penina carry themselves with an easygoing air of adaptability.

Failure has never been an option for them. Their positive attitude to life is a surefire recipe for success.

They both come from illustrious families. Uri placed a copy of the Tanya in my hand. “My father was the first person to translate it into Arabic,” he proudly explained. Penina’s grandfather, Rabbi Rotnemer, was a man of great resource and enterprise: he played a large role in financing the yeshiva in Meaux, France.

When Uri moved to France his

family began a business in recycling metals. He stayed there until the mid-‘80s and then moved to New York to be with his brothers, who were living on Ocean Parkway and working in metal recycling.

He met Penina in New York.

They married in Deal, New Jersey, in 1989 and moved to a house on East 9th between P and Quentin in Flatbush for a year and a half. They returned to France in 1991, where they lived until 2008.

“Maybe you and I ran across one another in the shteeble on East 9th and L in Brooklyn once or twice,” Uri suggested.

Following the press reports out of France it is natural to believe that most Jews making aliyah from there do so exclusively because of anti-Semitism. But according to Uri anti-Semitism wasn’t much of a catalyst in their move.

“We didn’t feel it much. Life in France? Jews don’t feel panic or feel threatened. They get used to it, al-

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

though you don’t find men wearing kippot. They take them off and wear a kisket instead.”

From whom are French Jews most threatened? “It is because of Muslims that Jews don’t walk around with kippot. French people don’t like us, but they don’t say it outright. Muslims don’t care. We didn’t make aliyah because we panicked. There were other factors involved. Our love for Israel was our greatest catalyst. Our aliyah happened very fast when it became clear to us that we had to be living here.”

During 2008 Uri came on a pilot trip. He traveled up north and instantly fell in love with Ma’alot.

Penina had told him to search for a house. He came to our shul, where he chanced upon the only Frenchman in the neighborhood. Between Mincha and Maariv he was introduced to a number of people.

He then met Mordechai, an army commander I know. Mordechai told Uri he had a close friend in the army with the same name, who happened to be Uri’s cousin.

When Mordechai understood Uri was looking for an apartment he whispered, “I have to tell you something secret, that no one knows. I was notified by the army today that in a month and a half I am being moved south. I have to leave Ma’alot. I’m leaving the house I’m renting. Come and have a look at it. The owner won’t mind.”

Uri recalled, “It was a mansion in comparison to what we had in Paris. It was a Friday. I went to the owner’s shop. He gave me a price.

We settled. What was really surprising was just how many people had wanted to rent this same house. When they asked me, a foreigner who had spent no more than a few hours in Ma’alot, how I came to get the house I couldn’t tell them because Mordechai has sworn me to secrecy.

“I took photos of the house and showed them to my wife when I got back to France. Before we knew it, we were living on Rechov Livneh in Ma’alot. The neighbors were so nice. Before I returned to France I found a guy who organized mat-

tresses, a table and chairs. When we moved into the house they were there waiting for us.”

The ultimate irony of the house they rented from Mordechai is that after the Bouskilas moved to Rechov Snir, Mordechai moved back to Ma’alot. We had made aliyah, but weren’t happy with the apartment we were living in. The day we discovered Mordechai was planning to move into the house he was building, I chased down the same owner Uri had spoken to. After a short conversation we settled on terms. A month later we had moved in.

Maybe Uri and I did meet in the past. Maybe we didn’t. The least I can say is that we lived in the same house.

Uri rented a store in the local mall and tried to sell suits, which is akin to selling ice hockey sticks in the African Sahara. The only crowd that does wear suits are only interested in a range of black. It’s no wonder the business wasn’t successful. Uri wasn’t idle, however.

He began importing zinc and selling it in bulk to factories around the country.

He eventually closed the store and moved to the central mall where he convinced the owner of Gali to open a franchise there. Penina, meanwhile, found work in the real estate market.

This means that once they have expired the authorities can exhume and burn, or re-inter, the remains.

This worries many Jews.

Uri told me that his brother recently went to visit his father-in-

Maybe Uri and I did meet in the past.

Maybe we didn’t. The least I can say is that we lived in the same house.

I asked Uri about the insistence of so many French Jews to seek burial in Israel.

For one, the Jewish cemeteries in Paris are fast filling up, particularly in the largest suburb of Pantin, and unless one has the means to buy one outright, many burial plots in France have fixed term leases that are rapidly running out.

law’s grave only to discover that the remains had been exhumed a week earlier.

It is approaching 4 o’clock, and the store beckons. As I get up to leave Uri breaks into his most infectious smile yet when he asks me whether I know about his shul. He gently takes me by the elbow and leads

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me out of his house and downstairs to street level. Uri has converted what once was a double parking garage under the house into a fully functioning shul, which is used on Shabbat and chagim.

There is a small women’s section which seats 20. It leads into the shul that seats a maximum of 30.

It is intimate and warm. Inside the aron kodesh are three sifrei Torah.

Uri asks me to sit.

“I sometimes come down here by myself and sit and learn. It is so relaxing,” he says. When I ask him what it’s like to run a shul, he shakes his head. “I don’t run it. I let other people do it. All I wanted to do was create a place for people to daven on Shabbatot. I come to pray and relax.”

He poses for me in front of the aron kodesh. I don’t have to ask him to smile. It comes naturally.

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

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CAMP SHORESH AND ITS YEAR-LONG INFLUENCE As the shammash lights all the other candles on the Chanukah menorah, Shoresh reignites the flame of Yiddishkeit for thousands of Jews

By Naomi R. Wein

hile families in every neighborhood are enjoying their Sunday afternoon Chanukah party, Camp Shoresh is hosting its Chanukah carnival for the campers and their parents. We’re heading into winter! What bearing does a summer camp have on a cold, dark afternoon in the middle of December? When it comes to Camp Shoresh, the answer is everything.

Shoresh is a camp that guides and inspires its campers, as well as their families, throughout the entire Jewish year with its many events, activities, and routine Torah classes.

Set in the suburban countryside of Frederick, Maryland, just fifty miles west of Baltimore, Shoresh is one of the largest and most successful organizations of its kind in

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America. Opening just four years after the founding of the world renowned Aish Hatorah in Israel, Shoresh serves as a bastion of Jewish education in America for the thousands of members who have joined their myriad functions. Due to its tremendous success and progress, many other outreach programs throughout the United States have since consulted with the leaders of Shoresh, drawing upon their experience and the influence they wield.

Shoresh will be open for its thirty-ninth summer this year but its roots bring us back to a highly devoted communal leader who laid the groundwork for the program and influenced its founding. Rabbi Moshe Kosman, a”h, a wise and distinguished scholar, served as the beloved rabbi of the Frederick

community shul for fifty years. He led the community in understanding the significance of being Jewish and cultivated a love for Judaism in his congregants. At the time he noticed that come December time the Jewish children of Frederick who attended public school would hear their friends talk all about their upcoming holiday and the ways their families celebrated. When the teachers would turn to their Jewish students and ask, “What about your upcoming holiday? Tell us about what Chanukah means to you,” she would face rather uncomfortable responses. “Well, we don’t really know what Chanukah is all about. I mean, we light a menorah, but I don’t know why or anything…”

It seemed to Rabbi Kosman that Jewish education and guidance was

needed and would be appreciated in his community. At this time, Dr. Robert and Margary Edelman, two wonderful members of the Frederick Jewish community, recognized a need for a Jewish day camp for the children of Frederick. “Why should we be sending our kids to the local camp?” they wondered. “Why shouldn’t our kids be able to spend the summer with other Jewish children?”

And so, in July of 1979, Camp Shoresh opened for its first summer, housed in the Edelman backyard. Although the idea originated with Rabbi Kosman, the camp was actually started by his son, Rabbi Avi Kosman, along with his son-inlaw, Sam Finkelstein. Sam Finkelstein was the first director of Camp Shoresh, later succeeded by his

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brother, Rabbi Dave Finkelstein.

The camp started out as a small backyard day camp with just nineteen kids and offered a fun-filled summer program for children to intermingle with other Jewish children. But the camp really took off.

The families of Frederick were impressed by the exciting program of great activities, as well as with the Jewish awareness it created. As the camp grew, its goals expanded as well, as the staff utilized the opportunity to share Jewish concepts with their campers. The parents appreciated this aspect of the camp, as well. The Frederick community had always sustained true Jewish pride and really cared about Judaism.

Now their children actually had the opportunity to learn and grasp Jewish knowledge and customs which they had not been previously privy to. When the camp outgrew the Edelmans’ home, it was moved to the back of the Frederick shul.

Rabbi Kosman was a magnificent man, and he served his community with dedication for so many years. With his passing last fall, he left a truly rich legacy, and along with it, the beloved Shoresh, which has since grown exponentially from where it began as a small endeavor in the Edelmans’ backyard.

Three years after the small day camp’s inception, a remarkable personality who had frequented the Kosman home, Rabbi David Finkelstein, joined the staff of Camp Shoresh. Rabbi Finkelstein, or Rabbi Dave, as he is affectionately referred to by Shoresh members, grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and was studying in Ner Yisroel High School in Baltimore when his brother, Sam, married Rabbi Kosman’s daughter.

He then got to know Rabbi Kosman and visited a lot, often spending Shabbos and yom tov meals with the Kosman family, and, of course, with their guests. Rabbi Dave was taken with the sincere interest in Jewish customs displayed by the Frederick community members.

“I remember once being at the Kosmans’ table for a meal close to Sukkos,” Rabbi Dave recalls, “and Rabbi Kosman was sitting and explaining the meaning and beauty of the upcoming holiday to a guest

who had never seen a sukkah at all before. ‘Wow!’ the guest exclaimed.

‘That sounds amazing! Can you come and help us build one, too?!’”

Rabbi Dave was awed with the sincere appreciation and thirst for Jewish ideas in the community, and he wanted to join the summer camp endeavor that would help his fellow Jews learn what they didn’t yet know.

Rabbi Dave joined the camp staff, and in 1985, he became the director. He, along with his marvel-

that emanates from every part of the program. The wonderfully dedicated and exuberant staff fill the air with energy, their love for each child apparent.

A donor who visited the camp one day observed the campers singing lively camp tunes and having a great time. “Did they put on this show just for me?” he asked incredulously. “Not at all,” he was told.

“You can pop into Camp Shoresh on any given day and you’ll see smiling faces, great activities, and sheer de-

“As fellow Jews, we need to stop putting up walls and start building bridges to connect to one another.”

ous crew, built a camp that imbeds Torah lessons and growth within an action-packed program of fun and recreation. The children enjoy themselves and learn about various mitzvos along the way. Camp Shoresh is a place where Jewish interest really flourishes, not just because the kids learn about wearing a kippah and baking challah, but because of the joy and sheer delight

light all the time.” Every minute at Shoresh is exciting.

“What is it about this camp?” one parent wondered. “My child turned down a trip to Disney World in the summer because he wouldn’t miss camp.” When children become attached to their beloved camp, their parents become intrigued as well.

They say, “If learning about Jewish observance can make this kid so en-

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thralled, I want to learn more about Judaism, too.”

Rabbi Dave quotes the pasuk in Malachi that states, “V’heishiv lev avos al banim, the fathers’ heart will return through the children’s.”

The children’s excitement drives their parents to further their own education. And that is how the summer camp really generates a world of Jewish thought and interest in the families it caters to.

Rabbi Finkelstein explains that there are more factors than the fun and excitement that really prompts the interest in learning about Judaism. A lot of effort is put into building bonds with the families and creating an environment where the parents can feel safe and secure about their children’s education.

Many people possess a preconceived notion that observant Jews may appear antiquated and disconnected from other, “normal” lifestyles. But then the parents come to the camp.

They see Rabbi Dave and Rabbi Tuchman, the assistant director of the camp, wearing sports caps and T-shirts out on the fields, they feel they can relate to them. “The parents also see that we’re not changing their kids or making decisions for them in terms of Judaism and their lifestyle. We’re just teaching them knowledge of Judaism.” As families or individuals grow in their Jewish knowledge and feel they’d like to start observing some mitzvos, the rabbis show them how to perform the mitzvos, help them in their observance, and support them all the way – but they don’t make any religious choices for anybody.

More than the Summer

A bunk at Camp Shoresh

About five years after Rabbi Finkelstein joined the camp, the thought arose, “Hey, why only in the summer? Why don’t we conduct educational events throughout the year?” And so, with his ever-present liveliness and passion for Jewish outreach, Rabbi Dave set out to organize Shabbatons for Shoresh campers throughout the year, Chanukah get-togethers, and various social events. Shoresh works yearround to achieve its goals for the community. “The summer is the engine that drives the machine,”

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A Camp Shoresh challah baking event

says Rabbi Dave, explaining how the summer camp engages the children in the program, but it’s the events throughout the year that continue to fan the flames of Yiddishkeit in their souls.

Teen classes were formed to convene weekly and discuss Torah topics, and a big-brother-and-sister program was developed where older campers or counselors were paired up with younger campers to help them learn more about mitzvos. In 1993, Rabbi Finkelstein organized the first teen trip, a two-week trip to Israel, for his teen members. It was a most incredible experience, and every year since then the teen group, ranging from ninth graders through college students, have had wonderful trips following a threeyear cycle: one year to New York, the next year to some other location, and the third year to Israel. These trips are truly memorable experiences and open the youths’ eyes to Jewish lifestyles in different parts of the world.

“We really got to see Jewish communities in all different places, getting a glimpse at different sects of Judaism,” enthused Brielle, a post-seminary Shoresh member.

“The Jewish communities in New York are so much bigger than ours in Frederick, and it’s amazing to see such large Jewish congregations.

What also really touched me was the hospitality of Jewish families in the places we visit. They so readily open their homes to us, perfect strangers,

On the Camp Shoresh trip to Israel

and host us for a few days!”

One year, while in Israel, a girl asked permission to spend one Shabbos with observant relatives of hers in Bayit VeGan. After Shabbos, the girl described how the men were wearing white shirts, suits and big black hats. And then she told Rabbi Finkelstein that they informed her that her great-great-grandfather had been a big tzaddik. “They said his name was Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld,” she said, slowly getting the whole name out. When Rabbi Finkelstein’s face lit up, the girl exclaimed in disbelief, “Rabbi, you know of him?!”

Upon return from one of the teen trips to Israel, when the parents came to meet their children in the airport, they announced to Rabbi Dave, “We’re very mad at you!”

“Mad at me? I just took your kids on a largely subsidized trip to Israel for ten days! How can you be mad at me?”

“But that’s just it,” they complained. “You took our kids to Israel, and they learned all about being Jewish, but we also want to go to Israel! We also want to learn about our Jewish roots!”

And so, adult classes were arranged for the parents to learn more about Judaism. That year fifty adults learned how to read Hebrew, and their eyes were opened to the beauty and breadth of the Torah.

The following year Shoresh hosted their first family Shabbaton. Parents, along with their children, were

invited to participate in an uplifting and enriching experience together as a family. From the advent of the adult weekly learning sessions, Shoresh became a full-family program, now featuring family Shabbatons and yom tov gatherings, as well as many social events and individualized guidance for each family.

“From baby to Bubby” Shoresh provides Jewish education and enriching experiences for the whole family.

“What Shoresh does is provide a way to network with other Jews and learn from each other,” explains Becca, a veteran Shoresh member, now living in Baltimore. “They set up a lot of partnerships. After Shabbatons, they can set you up with another family to visit and learn more from.”

On a personal note, Becca, who started at Shoresh at age 4 and shifted from camper to counselor when she was seventeen, describes her soul connection to Shoresh. “When I was going to college, I knew I had to be in a Jewish community, and I had to be able to keep up my involvement with Shoresh. When deciding where to live, I felt I wanted to live in Baltimore so as to keep up with Shoresh.”

The far-reaching influence which Shoresh wields in its all-encompassing family outreach is accredited to a remarkable personality, Phran Edelman, the warm and esteemed camp mother at Shoresh. After marrying into the Edelman family of Frederick, the original founders of

the summer camp, Phran joined the camp staff, initially as a volunteer, and then later as a full-fledged staff member. Today she holds the title of Director of Operations at Shoresh.

An incredibly dedicated and selfless woman, Phran tends to all the children in camp. She oversees every Shoresh child’s summer experience, as well as every Shoresh endeavor.

She is the one who attends to all the myriad details that go into running such a large and far-reaching organization. She’s what Rabbi Dave calls “a logistical whiz” in the way she scrupulously orchestrates each event and Shabbaton, from catering and sleeping arrangements to activities and programming. Dismissing these enormous tasks as “not so hard,” Phran states that the most difficult part of her job is evoking participation.

“People’s schedules are so overbooked these days. With swim lessons and soccer practice, and all kinds of family-time sort of obligations, everyone has something else to occupy their weekends with that it’s hard to accommodate people’s schedules when planning various events,” she notes.

Phran, along with Rabbi Dave, try to accommodate their members’ busy social lives. But what truly “wins over” their participants and compels them to find the time for Shoresh functions in their lives is the unconditional warmth and acceptance that is imparted by the directors and the entire Shoresh

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staff. With the simple goal in mind of offering educational Jewish experiences, every Shoresh event is marked by its open-minded and non-judgmental culture regarding lifestyles and religious observance.

“Shoresh doesn’t tell you what to do or what kind of life to lead,” says Brielle. “Nobody forces you to do anything. They just teach you how beautiful Judaism is and then give you the resources to follow through when you’re ready.”

Rabbi Finkelstein confirms Brielle’s sentiment as the very goal of the organization. “We’re not here to tell people what to do. Our goal is to enable people to be more informed so that they may make more educated choices to help them on their Jewish journey.”

Building Bridges, Not Walls When it comes to making decisions, education is key. The more one knows about Judaism, the more qualified he is to make informed decisions regarding the path he takes in his Jewish observance. “Good, knowledgeable Jews make good, knowledgeable decisions,” says Rabbi Finkelstein, and he’s there to help good Jews become good, knowledgeable Jews – because Rabbi Dave believes that we are all good Jews.

This highlights another source for Shoresh’s all-around success in its achievements: Shoresh embraces Jews of all backgrounds and of various levels of observance, without any judgement or condescension.

The staff at Shoresh reaches out to each member with love and respect and creates a culture of unconditional acceptance and kinship.

“When I meet a couple, right away I’ll talk about what we have in common. I’ll talk about business, about the Orioles. You have a degree from Penn? I have a degree from John Hopkins,” Rabbi Dave explains. Drawing on common ground, Rabbi Dave makes everyone feel comfortable with who he is and with who they are. He sees the good in everybody. “No one made us judges to decide who is a good Jew and who is not,” Rabbi Finkelstein firmly states. He feels frustrated

that so many people don’t realize this and thus make others feel uncomfortable and criticized for their level of observance.

“As fellow Jews, we need to stop putting up walls and start building bridges to connect to one another,” he says.

At Shoresh this positive energy and sense of unity is palpable.

People from across the strata of Jewish observance join together to learn and grow, each in their own

up to camp wearing only skirts.

When Rabbi Dave inquired about their sudden change in attire, the girls exclaimed with admiration, “Oh, we want to be like Shani and Dini and Shevy [their new counselors]!” Rabbi Dave wouldn’t accept that. “Go back and put on the pants you usually wear. You can’t rush into things because someone else does that. Do what works for you, what makes sense to you.”

Beginning as a small backyard

“What is it about this camp?” one parent wondered. “My child turned down a trip to Disney World in the summer because he wouldn’t miss camp.”

way, and at their own pace. In the camp, as well, while Rabbi Finkelstein seeks to educate the children about Judaism and how mitzvos are performed, he doesn’t push anyone to take on anything they don’t feel ready for. He warns the campers to think carefully and to advance at their own pace.

One year on the second day of camp, a group of young girls showed

Shoresh campers davening

camp, Shoresh actually grew into an all-encompassing program. But what really helped the camp expand its horizons was the purchase of the sprawling 107-acre campus just 16 years ago. The spacious grounds boasted a large community center, a ‘50s diner, a full challenge course complete with a zip line and rock climbing, a playground, a dance studio, a pool, and loads of sports

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fields. Camp Shoresh was equipped to enrich the lives of many more campers. Rabbi Finkelstein drove up to an hour in each direction from the campgrounds located in Adamstown, a suburb off of Frederick, knocking on doors to recruit campers.

The camp continued to grow, and as it did, the programs throughout the year expanded, as well, to meet the needs of the hundreds of families thirsting for Jewish knowledge and holiday experiences. Teen groups developed in several neighboring towns. Shoresh now services Jewish communities across Maryland, in Gatersburg, Potomac, Baltimore, Silver Spring, Olney, Columbia, as well as in Leesburg and Ashburn, Virginia. Shabbatons are organized throughout the year in several of the communities, and that’s besides for the grand annual family Shabbaton which is open to everyone and the two Shabbatons held on the campus during the summer for campers only. Yom tov with Shoresh is inspiring. Shoresh hosts Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah on the campus for those who’d like to participate in an authentic yom tov experience. With Yeshiva bochurim present to liven up the dancing, the hakafos are moving.

Over Chanukah, there are always three Shoresh celebrations, held in three different communities, each complete with entertainment for the kids and socializing opportunities for the whole family. Shoresh members are eagerly awaiting the upcoming Shavuos event, as Shoresh will be conducting a Shavuos gathering on the campus this year for the very first time.

To-date, over one thousand families are affiliated with Shoresh with close to 500 children registered in the camp this past summer. When asked what enables Shoresh to keep growing in both numbers and its festivities, Rabbi Finkelstein accredits his exceptional staff and their commitment and dedication. “Staff members come to Shoresh and stay. No one just comes and takes a job at Shoresh as a resume builder.” People who work for Shoresh mean it, and pour their whole selves into it.

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When it comes to camp counselors, Rabbi Finkelstein looks for young men and women who can be positive role models for the campers. Originally, these counselors were brought in from nearby communities, such as Baltimore and Washington, which had more of a nucleus of observant Jews. At this point, many of the staff members are former Shoresh campers who are delighted to come back and give over the care and guidance they were shown. In a way, these counselors can connect with Shoresh campers on a most intrinsic level, as they can fully appreciate the challenges their campers face on their Judaism journey. When a camper complains that when he tries to wear a kippah in the public school he attends the other kids in his class bully him, his counselor can truly relate, as he had experienced such encounters in the past as well.

Of course, the numerous Shabbatons and expansive programs all

require a great deal of money. While the neighboring cities of Baltimore and Washington recognize Shoresh as a highly successful organization and a beacon of light for so many communities, the federations in

tertainment, Rabbi Finkelstein has to raise a large portion of the two million dollar budget himself. It isn’t an easy task, but nothing stops Rabbi Dave. In fact, if a former Shoresh camper is getting married and does

“Good, knowledgeable Jews make good, knowledgeable decisions,” says Rabbi Finkelstein, and he’s there to help good Jews become good, knowledgeable Jews.

these cities cannot assist Shoresh, since it is located in the town of Frederick. Frederick itself doesn’t have a federation. Aside from two significant fundraising events, a family barbecue and a Night of En-

not have the means to pay for all the wedding expenses, Rabbi Finkelstein will step in and help raise the money for her. Rabbi Dave will also see to ensuring that members who wish to further their Jewish educa-

tion have the financial backing to do so. The Shoresh scholarship funds help finance tuition for Jewish Day schools, as well as seminary fees for students who would like to study in Israel.

A truly determined man, Rabbi Finkelstein shares how he was always a competitive person who thrived on winning and achieving goals. “I used to really play sports seriously. After I tore my ACL a few years ago, I realized I would have to give up sports. I told myself that I would take those same qualities of tenacity and determination and channel them towards my outreach programs. I would not let anything get in my way, not let any need get past me, but rather I’d ‘step up to the plate’ and with the help of Hashem and make it happen.”

Hundreds of children and Jewish families can attest that Rabbi Dave and his dynamic team have been making it happen, one candle, one soul, at a time.

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Dating Dialogue

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

Dear Navidaters,

Our daughter has always been an independent spirit who has to do things her own way. She has a problem “following the pack” and almost always needs to make a statement very often to prove her independence.

Growing up, if all her friends had long hair, she insisted on cutting hers short. If everyone was attending a specific camp for the summer, she was the one who had to try out the new camp – it seems, almost, to be different.

We never had much of a problem with her need to set herself apart. We understand that some people are just wired that way and need to find their own way in life, independent of what the group is doing. We supported her individuality and her ability to think for herself, rather than just follow everyone else’s ideas of what’s appropriate. And we even at times applauded her confidence that enabled her to do things her way.

But now we’re having a situation that we’re having a problem supporting. Even from the time before Sarah decided it was time to start dating, she always had very strong feelings about the whole “resume thing.” She found it absurd, argued that it said nothing about the real person and felt it was a silly trend that has gained traction over the years and that no one has bothered questioning why it has become a given these days.

Yes, she’ll admit that one would like to know the types of schools and camps a person attended to get a sense of where they are holding, but she feels much of it is silly and almost demeaning. Her feeling is that no resume will ever tell her what a person is truly about and she doesn’t want anyone judging her based on a piece of paper.

Now that she wants to start dating, she absolutely refuses to put together a resume. It’s almost become her “cause.” As we’re trying to arrange dates for her, of course the first thing everyone asks for is her resume and we have nothing to give them. We’re hitting a wall, and Sarah refuses to cave in and allow us to create our own resume just to get the ball rolling.

She is stubborn and has dug in her heels on this. We believe she is hurting herself very badly and will pay a price. Sarah believes that she has to stick to her guns on this one.

What do we do?!

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The Panel The Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S. et Sarah be Sarah. Give her time and opportunity to meet people. It’s not worth it to jeopardize your relationship for the sake of a shidduch resume. Sarah will deal with the world in her own way and deal with shidduchim in her own way. She probably senses that she needs to explore and develop on her own as a young adult before she commits to marriage and responsibilities. She is not in a rush so why are you in a rush to start her with dating? Accept who she is and that she will take it her own way and in due time.

If you push her to date and put together a resume for her, she will probably communicate negatively to all who are involved – shadchanim, guys she is set up with, and general community members. This will not be good for her or for you. Just let it go and when she gets serious about pursuing marriage possibilities she will probably get it together on her own. There is plenty to focus on now – trying out career possibilities, education and developing other interests.

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own ideas and basically couldn’t care less about what other people say or do. My guess is that Sarah has never caved into peer pressure or other people’s ideas of what is right or wrong or appropriate vs. inappropriate.

I guess the good news is that we all know of lovely couples who did happen to meet on their own and went on to form beautiful marriages, never having to put pen to a resume in the first place. Though it’s not as commonplace as it used to be, look around and discover that it can and still does happen.

Hopefully this will be the way that Sarah ultimately meets up with her bashert. If she doesn’t have a resume, she is clearly minimizing her opportunities for being “set up,” though it won’t entirely rule everyone out. However, I would imagine that if enough time goes by and Sarah finds herself anxious to move on and meet someone special and notices that all her friends who did create resumes are being set up with and ultimately marrying wondering guys, she may have second thoughts about this whole “resume thing.” But she’ll have to come to this conclusion on her own. If you try badgering her about it, I’m guessing it will only have the very opposite results from what you are hoping for.

Another Mother Miriam Stern rom one mother to another, if we’re being honest with ourselves, we both must recognize when we are dealing with a daughter, and even an adult daughter, who has her

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The Shadchan Michelle Mond our daughter is in good company. There are many people

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who agree that the whole idea of a shidduch resume is ludicrous. Here is the only problem, which you may want to explain to your daughter. Similar to the way a recruiter searches for employees for a company and finds it crucial to have a page of information describing the candidate to pass along to the potential company – a shadchan is there to help search for potential spouses for single men/women. Unlike a recruiter, a shadchan is generally working hours of her time completely voluntarily towards the cause of helping singles find their other half.

If shadchanim do not have a page of basic information handy, they will be spending hours longer of their own time going back and forth to both sides answering basic questions. The shadchan would be busy asking and passing along all the basic information that would have been helpful if it was all written down on a sheet of paper in the first place, which would include references, so the person could make calls to someone who knows her personally to find out more about her.

A shadchan would rather spend all that extra time searching for potential matches for your daughter rather than doing all that extra unnecessary legwork. In short, this is why the “shidduch resume” came about. Basically, it helps convey the basic information the guy would hear about her anyway just in a more precise, organized and time-efficient manner. Do I wish singles would be able to meet each other on their own and there would be no need for shadchanim or shidduch profiles? One hundred percent! Frankly, if I had one

Disclaimer: This column is not intended to diagnose or otherwise conclude resolutions to any questions.

View it as the price of admission to the vast world of dating.

wish, this would probably be it.

However, in frum society today, this has become the norm (whether we like it or not) and to not have a shidduch profile when everyone else does will put her at a disadvantage.

Here are some practical tips that may appeal to her. (1) Start out without a resume and see where that goes. She may get tired of repeating the same basic information over and over to shadchanim because she refuses to put it all down in writing (which essentially is what a resume is) and will end up deciding to make one for convenience; (2) Have her try to meet people on her own. Encourage her to go to singles events for people her age and Shabbos meals to those who host singles and hopefully she will meet someone there on her own; (3) Have her write her

Our intention is not to offer any definitive

conclusions to any particular question, rather offer areas of exploration for the author and reader. Due to the nature of the column receiving only a short snapshot of an issue, without the benefit of an actual discussion, the panel’s role is to offer a range of possibilities. We hope to open up meaningful dialogue and individual exploration.

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own resume, but using own personal flair. She can use her choice of color, font, and template to her advantage to make it unique. She can make the layout however she wants so she can have a page with her basic info yet be able to still express her individuality at the same time; (4) If all else fails and she is really interested in dating yet won’t create a resume, put one together for her and send it out to the shadchanim you think would be helpful. Then she can meet these shadchanim in person to get a sense of who she is.

When a good idea comes up, just present the idea to her. She doesn’t need to be involved in the whole resume process to begin with.

Hatzlacha!

The Single Tova Wein

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can certainly relate to and understand Sarah’s reluctance to participating in the resume reality. For some women, it makes us feel like commodities. Somehow, our very personhood feels lost in the process and we start worrying that we are seen as the schools we went to or the camps we attended wherein, in reality, a resume says absolutely nothing about our core values, our innermost feelings, are personalities and our quirks.

Unfortunately, very often, this piece of paper is what can

sometimes make the difference between getting our foot through the front door or not. So, one way to look at it would be to view it as the price of admission to the vast world of dating! You might want to explain this to Sarah in this way, thereby giving it a different spin than the one she probably holds onto now. Who wants to limit their opportunities regarding dating? It’s hard enough without adding any limitations!

So try to have to friendly conversation with Sarah and see whether she is able to look at it any differently. It’s her call. She may still try to proceed the old fashioned way, which may work for her. But if that doesn’t pan

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Life is often “easier” for rule-following children and their parents.

out, don’t be surprised if she eventually decides to grin and bear it and join the resume club after all!

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

L

ife is often “easier” for rule-following children and their parents.

Some children seem to go with the flow and do not question rules or authority. Girls are wearing their hair long? Great! I love long hair!

Time to write a shidduch resume?

I don’t really agree with it, but I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do. It’s not a big deal. Yet, other children have to find their own way. Independent-minded children and adults question the rules. They especially question or buck when the rules seem flawed. Parents of stron- minded individuals often wish life could be easier for their child or that they could somehow protect their child from the hardship their individuality often creates. While you support Sarah, you know that this quality of hers may make dating more challenging.

Sarah has always done things her way, and it looks like dating

will not be any different. And while I can certainly understand how her actions and decisions can be interpreted as “stubborn,” I encourage you to reframe viewing her as “digging in her heels” into someone who “thinks outside the box” and cannot conform to a societal norm that can be painful and hurtful to many people.

Based on your description of Sarah, my guess is that pushing the issue too hard may only further motivate Sarah to date without a resume. There’s not much to do other than support her decision.

Doing otherwise may alienate her.

Keep communication open and check in with her every so often.

Instead of telling this independent woman what to do, you can explore what her process will look like. You can get a sense of her plan and if

at any point she would consider going the resume route should the old-fashioned way not be working to her advantage.

It seems like you and your husband have done a wonderful job of supporting Sarah’s individuality. Many parents would have tried to place her into that box, placing societal values and their own personal needs above their child. Try to view this time just like Sarah’s hairstyle. She usually figures it out for herself and doesn’t care what anyone thinks of her. Let her know that you are supporting her and will be there for her every step of the way. Hopefully, she will meet someone this way, as a good number of people still do. If the “old-fashioned” way is not working, hopefully through the open communication and support you will have established, Sarah will feel comfortable approaching you should she need to veer off course.

Actively think about and visualize Sarah in your own mind as a very capable, creative and successful

young woman who will meet her bashert in the way she sees fit. Being that she has just started dating, I think you have some time to relax and allow Sarah the space to do this her way. See where it takes her. If in six months to one year you notice that she is not going out on dates, you will be able to reevaluate as a collaborative team.

Best of luck, Jennifer Esther Mann, LCSW and Jennifer Mann, LCSW are licensed psychotherapists and dating and relationship coaches working with individuals, couples and families in private practice in Hewlett, NY. To set up a consultation or to ask questions, please call 516.224.7779. Press 1 for Esther, 2 for Jennifer. Visit www.thenavidaters.com for more information. If you would like to submit a dating or relationship question to the panel anonymously, please email thenavidaters@ gmail.com. You can follow The Navidaters on FB and Instagram for dating and relationship advice.

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Dr. Deb

What Kind of Psychologist is a Marriage & Family Therapist?

By Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.

A

Marriage and Family Therapist is not any kind of psychologist.

They’re two different fields.

I’m writing about this because the differences are important and this question comes up every once in a while. Marriage & Family Therapy started in the mid-twentieth century with an anthropologist, Gregory Bateson, and his wife, Margaret Mead. In studying cultures around the world, they started wondering if families themselves aren’t mini-cultures with their own norms and values.

In worldwide cultures, values that are accepted in one place as completely normal could be thought of in other places as rather strange, or “off.” For example, a friend in Florida was telling us at the Shabbos table about typical weddings in Argentina. They started about six hours later than “scheduled” and ended at the crack of dawn the next day – or later. Can you imagine a yekkie contemplating that?

So, too, are the accepted norms from family to family. One family understands what rudeness is and is therefore very careful not to hurt

another person’s feelings, even at the risk of withholding feedback from that person which could help him improve himself. In another family rudeness and even abuse is merely “expressing myself,” so what is the big fuss?

What’s interesting about this is that the abusive family would not appreciate being called “abusive” and would “resist” (as the psychologists say) being told that their behavior was “wrong.”

The Family Therapist would deal with this family in what’s called a “non-normative” way.

The psychologist “knows” abuse is wrong. So does the Family Therapist, but the FT also allows for the difference in perspective of the person she’s talking to, so she might say, “It totally makes sense that given the history of your family, people would not have thought of that language as abusive. But now, marrying into a different family with different norms, can you see how your husband might feel abused by that way of speaking?”

In fact, this last piece sums up the support beam of family-systems thinking: “Everything makes sense in context.”

This includes weird and “crazy” behavior. While it is true that genetic endowment plays a role in who we are and how we think – as evidenced by studies of identical twins reared separately who seem to like the same food or same colors – systems research has demonstrated the power of the “nurture” end of the nature-nurture equation in forming our values, opinions, personality, and coping styles.

Take the woman who came to a day treatment program I once worked in. She was fully convinced that lions and tigers roamed the streets of Miami. This woman came from a home where little girls witnessed and experienced violence of all kinds. Perhaps it was less painful for this woman, as a child, to think of her father as an “animal” than to acknowledge that her actual father was mistreating her so badly. If, while she was victimized, she could escape a bit and pretend an animal was attacking her, she would feel just a little bit better than if she faced reality. Her departure from reality makes sense when you look at it that way. Maybe you or I would also develop this particular coping skill under such circumstances.

GIVING A DIAGNOSIS For this reason, Marriage & Family Therapists don’t rush to figure out what someone’s diagnosis would be when they come in for help. Rather, they want to understand the context in which the person (or all the people sitting in front of them) developed the particular coping styles and attitudes that they did. By understanding context, the behavior makes sense; it is a natural result of that context.

There are advantages and disadvantages to this approach.

The main advantage is that it takes a personal burden off people; they don’t have to see themselves – and they shouldn’t – as defective. This is important because they are only defective in the eyes of the larger society in which they exist. That evaluation of defectiveness is counter-productive in a healing environment. After all, if a person is already burdened by not feeling like he’s coping well or well-received by family, co-workers, or friends, why add to his pain with the notion that he is also defective?

In addition, it could add a dimension of hopelessness to the situation: If there’s something wrong with me, then I’m stuck; there’s nothing I can

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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do about it.

The disadvantage is that there are times when a label actually relieves distress. There are times when a person says, “Ah! Now I know why I can’t pay attention: I have ADD.” So when is a diagnosis good and when isn’t it?

The solution to this is to note that not all diagnoses are created equal.

Most of them represent a description of a cluster of behaviors that go together but imply causality that isn’t actually there. So, for example, if a person has an unhappy marriage, it would make sense that they’d be depressed. But to give a diagnosis of depression would imply that this set of behaviors representing depression came from inside the person rather than outside of him.

Once we rush into labeling what we see instead of understanding the roots of what we see, we run the risk of dis-empowering that person.

They may feel stuck in their diagnosis, making the therapy process that much harder. This is particularly true of Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder, to name two.

THE DANCE The whole process is complicated by the existence of a number of people

in one family all presenting for therapy at the same time to the same therapist. Here is another major difference between the fields of MFT and psychology: Psychologists would never,

client.”

That sort of bias will not occur when a systems-oriented MFT is at work. This is because the therapist always knows that each person can

Marriage & Family Therapists don’t rush to figure out what someone’s diagnosis would be when they come in for help.

ever do that. They would consider it unethical.

MFTs see it differently and research supports that view. Let’s look at each position so as to understand the differences better. Here’s a website, Therapy In LA, and the article on the website, http://www.therapyinla. com/articles/article0406.html, says, “Some clients are quite apprehensive that, if the therapist is meeting with another member of the family, the therapist will be biased or be incorrectly influenced in favor of the other

only bring into the therapy room his or her own perspective. As is the true with the fabled rabbi who heard a husband and a wife tell him their stories and told each person that they’re right (and then told his own wife who was listening that she was also right when she pointed out that they can’t both be right), a seasoned MFT understands that she must keep herself from jumping to conclusions before a lot more data is in.

From her point of view, they actually are both right! That’s because

each one can only see his or her own view. A solid MFT knows that and conveys to each person, well, not so much that they are right, but that she understands each perspective. In fact, all her training has gone into her ability to deeply understand the viewpoint of each person – in spite of their vastly different viewpoints.

From the same article, here is another misunderstanding: “Let us say the chosen goals of couple therapy are to work out differences and continue the relationship. In the individual therapy, it becomes clear to the therapist that this relationship may be harmful to the client, repeating issues from the past that are destructive to the individual. The therapist needs to feel (s)he can explore this issue in the individual therapy to best meet the needs of (her)his client – in this instance the individual.”

If the therapist knows his beans, then “working out differences” should definitely not “be harmful to the client.” That “working out” process has to include that client feeling affection, intimacy, respect, trust, happiness, and joy with the spouse.

If those don’t happen, then the differences were not adequately worked out!

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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and the therapist hearing can lead an individual to conclude that their spouse is doing a terrible job as a spouse. Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin of the OU corroborated this point (among others) in an article entitled, “How My Therapist Destroyed My Marriage”: “Worse still, it is common for one spouse to feel that the therapist is able to provide the warm, understanding, and available presence he or she is looking for in the marriage.

The goal of good couples work is that the spouse can become that presence, not the therapist.” (https:// www.ou.org/life/relationships/marriage/how-therapist-destroyed-marriage-shlomo-slatkin/)

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What if this marvelous outcome is not going to happen because one or both spouses doesn’t care, isn’t invested, doesn’t understand, and so forth? The simple answer is that the therapist should be able to explore this individually and jointly with the couple; that is part of the MFT’s job description.

In contrast to this, Psychology Today published an article in 2012 entitled, “Beware: Individual Therapy Can Harm Your Marriage.” (https://

718-969-9100 info@majesticpassover.com www.majesticpassover.com w w w.psychologytoday.com/blog/ resolution-not- conflict/201202/ beware-individual-therapy-can-harm-your-marriage). Why? The answer is because individually-trained therapists don’t realize that a story from one person’s perspective is only half the story. Hearing the pain of the person seated in front of them, they are liable to think of the spouse (who is not there to explain his/her “side”) as a possibly bad, toxic, or sick person from whom

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a divorce would be the healthiest option. The author, who wrote a book on the subject, backed up what she said with scholarly research.

Even when the therapist makes an effort to keep an open mind, the therapy process itself can cause the client to decide on divorce. Why? Because individual therapy includes the amazing experience of being heard. Possibly for the first time. In a crumbling marriage, the contrast between one’s spouse not hearing

Marriage & Family Therapists are educated at a Masters or doctoral level. Generally, the doctoral degree requires: more clinical work; a written document, usually a dissertation; and a broader theoretical perspective on the field than a Master’s degree would. In Googling this I found that the state of New York has only two schools that offer a doctoral degree and they are not in New York City. This explains why my degree and field are unfamiliar to most people here.

This point about training is crucial because many therapists with insufficient couples training try to do couples therapy – and they fail. Such therapists find themselves overwhelmed by the need to juggle their perspective back and forth between partners, control of often-acrimonious sessions, and, most importantly, a sense of a goal and path for getting the people in front of them out of their mess. Without that goal, they fall down the rabbit hole and just tell the unfortunate couple that they must not be meant for each other and it won’t work out. I’ve heard of this terrible, incompetent advice too many times.

So, no, Marriage & Family Therapists are not psychologists. Or social workers for that matter. They’re in their own, rather complex field. But they’ve got the rakes, shovels, watering cans, and fertilizers to make flowers bloom there.

Dr. Deb Hirschhorn is a Marriage and Family Therapist. She can be reached at 646-54-DRDEB or by writing drdeb@ drdeb.com.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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In The K

tchen

Doughnut Holes with Maple Glaze and Candied Bacon

By Naomi Nachman

This recipe is my favorite for Chanukah. The dough is quick and easy to make and you can freeze any leftover dough if you don’t want to fry up the entire batch. In the past few years kosher “bacon” has become so

Ingredients 1 tablespoon dried yeast ¼ cup warm water ¼ cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar ¾ cup soy milk 6 tablespoons canola oil 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon salt 4 cups unbleached flour 5 cups vegetable or canola oil for frying Confectioner’s sugar for dusting

Preparation Sprinkle yeast over the water and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar over it.

Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.

Blend milk, yeast mixture, remaining sugar, oil, eggs and salt plus 2 cups of the flour. In remaining intervals add remaining flour to make smooth soft dough. Cover and rise for 1 ½ hours.

Punch dough down and then let it rest again for 10 minutes. Roll out the dough until ¼ inch thick. Cut rounds into about 2-3 inches using an upside down glass or cookie cutter. Place on a floured surface and let rise again for ½ hour.

Heat oil in a pan until oil hits 360°F. Drop doughnuts top side down into the oil. Keep oil at constant temperature and fry 3-4 at a time turning the doughnuts once about 1 ½ minutes per side.

When the doughnuts are cooked, roll them in the maple glaze and then in the crushed candy bacon.

Maple Glaze Ingredients

Photo by Melinda Strauss

Doughnut Holes

popular. I love to make candied “bacon” and use it as croutons in salads. Here, I crush them up as my final coating to my delicious doughnut holes.

½ cup confectioner’s sugar 1-2 tablespoons soy milk 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Preparation In small bowl whisk ingredients till smooth and creamy and a little loose.

Candied Bacon

(adapted from Kitchen-tested.com)

Ingredients 6 strips facon ¼ cup brown sugar

Preparation Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment and arrange bacon on it on a single layer.

Sprinkle brown sugar on top of bacon and bake for 10 minutes, until sugar is caramelized and bacon is crisp. Watch for burning.

Transfer to cooling rack and let it cool.

Chop into small pieces.

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

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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Chef

Trnare tristique. Morbi tempor eros quis eros ultricies, vitae pulvinar felis rutrum. In vitae lacus eget erat interdum vehicula quis non tellus.

Talk

From Greece to Grease

By Naphtali Sobel

C

hanukah is a time when families share good times and good food. We have fond memories of crispy latkes, decadent doughnuts, and other fried treats perfuming the air, commemorating the miracle when oil burnt for eight nights. As a kid my family celebrated this fried food tradition with sesame chicken, lo mein, and eggrolls. Nowadays many foodies will be frying the more trendy churros or deep fried Oreos. Some establishments will be selling fried chicken and doughnut sandwiches or savory liver mousse doughnuts. When in Yerushalayim, I make sure to stop by Falafel Miro, where they will put a latke in your falafel sandwich not for eight days but for 12 months a year.

Speaking of fried foods and oil I would like to take this opportunity to discuss different oils and their culinary and dietary properties.

Oils vary in flavor, color, smoke point, and nutritional value. When frying, it’s best to use oil with a high smoke point since it releases toxins above that. Smoke point is when the oil starts shimmering and it

starts smoking. Some examples of oils with a high smoke point would be canola or peanut oil. Canola is more neutral in flavor and peanut oil is more nutty. Avocado oil has the highest smoke point but is quite pricey and specific in flavor. Canola oil comes from the rapeseed plant.

It used to be used as a lubricant for machinery since was high in acid and not fit for consumption. Canadian scientists created a way to reduce the acid content, rendering the oil fit for human consumption.

Hence, the name “canola,” which stands for Canadian oil low acid.

Shortening is any oil that remains solid at room temperature but traditionally refers to vegetable shortening. It is used in sweet fruit pies, flaky tarts, and delicious pastries. It is called shortening because it prevents gluten formation or “shortens” gluten formation.

Classic shortening usually contains trans-fats and hydrogenated oils.

This can wreak havoc on one’s arteries so it should be avoided if possible. The City of New York banned its use in food establishments.

Palm oil is a common substitute since it is a solid fat.

Hydrogenated oil is when oil is heated to smoking point and then pumped with hydrogen. This causes the oils to solidify at room temperature.

Cooking with butter always

makes me happy. It has a special dairy and nutty aroma. Everything is literally better with butter. Butter is usually about 80% fat and the remaining 20% is water and dairy solids. Butter melts at body temperature this is why it has such an amazingly smooth mouthfeel.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

On the other hand, margarine and shortening melt above body temperature, leaving an unpleasant coating on the top of your palate. I would recommend using butter for crispy grilled cheese, silky scrambled eggs, and buttery pastries.

Shmaltz or rendered chicken/ duck fat is a great cooking oil and is up there with butter as one of the cooking greats. The flavor is indescribable on potatoes, latkes, homemade kishka, and chopped liver.

Those who don’t eat processed foods on Pesach might use it in cakes as well. Use this ingredient in moderation so your doctor won’t flip out.

Olive oil is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. Its taste ranges from fruity, bitter, spicy and aromatic.

Olive oil varies in color as well. It is amazing in salad dressings and on top of hummus. It works phenomenal in tomato sauce and Italian foods. Some will drizzle this oil on their steak or fish as well. It contains omega 3 and 6, which are

good for the heart and the brain.

Many chefs will utilize different olive oils in different preparations.

They might use a pungent extra virgin olive oil to infuse herbs and garlic as a bread dip or to garnish hummus, and a simpler lighter olive oil or olive oil blend in hot cooking applications. Truffle oil is olive oil commonly with synthetic truffle flavor and sometimes actual truffle sediment. The chef community has mixed feelings on this product. Some chefs use this frequently while others will use the real deal and nothing else.

In honor of Chanukah, I would like to leave you with the recipe for an amazing orange olive oil cake. It is zesty, moist, and visually appealing.

Naphtali Sobel is an experienced chef and food consultant. He is available as a personal chef and for consulting. He can be reached at napsob87@gmail. com.

RECIPE

FOR

You

ITCHEN OF FROM THE K

Naphtali Sobel

ke Orange Olive Oil Ca S I N G R E D I E N T ur

se flo 1¼ cups all-pur po ¾ cup sugar 2 eggs 1/3 cup olive oil ct 1 tsp vanilla ex tra 1 TBS zest e orange (approx. on of Juice and zest and 3 TBS juice) er 1 tsp baking powd da so ½ tsp baking ½ tsp salt g gar for garnishin Confectioners’ su for garnish, s rig sp y d rosemar Orange slices an optional

N P R E P A R A T I O pan. Set aside.

round Grease a 9-inch 0°F. Preheat oven to 35 y and light. sugar until froth Whisk eggs and ive oil and ng g while addi ol Continue whisk in thy as well. fro d till light an am re st a in lla ni va ft the flour, juice, and zest. Si ge an or lt, sa d Ad gether. Mix d baking soda to an , er wd po ng ki ba gredients ts into the wet in the dr y ingredien sprayed pan to in orated. Pour rp co in lly fu til un utes until oximately 30 min and bake for appr out clean. es m d in center co rte se in ick hp ot to

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The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

I am not used to receiving lectures about morality from the leader who bombs Kurdish villagers in his native Turkey, who jails journalists, who helps Iran go around international sanctions, and who helps terrorists, including in Gaza, kill innocent people. That is not the man who is going to lecture us.

We will not be a party to that. The United States no longer stands by when Israel is unfairly attacked in the United Nations. And the United States will not be lectured to by countries that lack any credibility when it comes to treating both Israelis and Palestinians fairly.

- U.S Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley at an emergency meeting of the Security Council that was convened over Trump’s announcement last Wednesday

Towards the end of the speech on Israel today, President Trump began to slur his words, leading some to speculate that he may have been wearing dentures … or as Trump calls dentures, “fake chews.”

- Prime Minister Netanyahu, at a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, when asked about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accusing Israel of being a “terrorist state”

There was an error.

- Uber, after charging a customer more than $14,000 for a 21-minute ride

Well, one of our attorneys is a Jew. We have very close friends who are Jewish and rabbis.

- Roy Moore’s wife, responding at a rally last Monday to an eleventh-hour claim that her husband is an anti-Semite

- Seth Myers

Ireland will be collecting $15 billion from Apple in a settlement over back taxes.

Ireland will receive the money on Friday, and Guinness will have it all by Monday.

- Conan O’Brien

Russia was banned from the Olympics. But Russia doesn’t mind – they said they’ll just invade some other teams.

- Jimmy Fallon

MORE QUOTES

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We are heartbroken by this attack on our city today and by the allegations being made against a member of our family. Our family, like all families, is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all New Yorkers.

But we are also outraged by the behavior of law enforcement officials during this investigation. Today, we have seen our children, as young as 4-years-old, held out in the cold, detained as their parents were questioned. One teenage relative was pulled out of high school classes and interrogated without a lawyer, without his parents. These are not the actions that we expect from our justice system, and we hope to see better in the days and weeks to come. We also ask the press to respect our privacy and to give our family time to grieve this horrific development.

- Statement by the family of the Islamic immigrant terrorist who tried detonating a suicide bomb in Manhattan on Monday

Sorry our son tried to blow up a lot of you on your way to work today, but the cops were kinda rude to us after that and we want answers.

- Ex-CIA analyst and radio host Buck Sexton in a tweet, mockingly summing up the above statement

According to a new poll, 71 percent of American men believe they face pressure to act interested in sports. “Not us!” said the New York Giants.

- Seth Myers

Let’s talk about Jeff Flake – did he sign a check today, $100, to Jones, right?

What did he say, “Put country ahead of party"? Come on brother, if you’re gonna write a check, write a check.

Don’t give the man $100! Are you kidding me? Hey Flake, this is why your approval rating in your home state is like 11 percent. No, man, you’re a total embarrassment - Steve Bannon, while campaigning in Alabama for Republican Roy Moore, commenting on Republican Sen. Jeff Flake giving a $100 donation to the Democrat candidate

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

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I’ve been trying to tell Donald since day one, “Come talk to me, man ... I’ll tell you what the Marshal wants more than anything” ...

It’s not even that much. I ain’t telling you what it is; I will tell him [Trump] when I see him.

- Dennis Rodman, talking with the Guardian about his friend Kim Jung Un, or “the Marshal,” as Rodman affectionately refers to him

Once upon a time, the Palestinians were the only game at the propaganda casino, a marvelous tool for Arab leaders to divert attention from domestic failures. Then came al-Qaeda. And Iraq.

Iranian empire-building. The Arab Spring. The oil price collapse and the rise of ISIS, with its butcher-shop caliphate. The civil war in Syria, with half a million dead. And, not least, the region-wide confrontation between decaying Sunni power and rising Shia might.

- Ralph Peters, New York Post, explaining why the promised demonstrations didn’t materialize after President Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel

A New York woman is suing her surgeon claiming he was on his cellphone during her operation.

In response, the doctor said, “For your information, I was Googling ‘how to perform surgery.’”

- Conan O’Brien

There’s a G-d. And she’s unhappy.

- Tweet by Neera Tanden, former advisor to Hillary Clinton, in response to a news story that Rupert Murdoch’s home was burned in the California wildfires

Just evacuated my house. It’s like Donald Trump is setting the world on fire. Literally and figuratively. Stay safe everyone. Dark times.

- Tweet by a Hollywood actress, blaming the California wildfires on the “doer of all evil”

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Now, presume there was a ballroom here in Vienna in the late 1920s or ‘30s that looked and seemed as if it, filled with the music and art and literature that was emerging, would continue into perpetuity. And then 60 million people died.

An entire world was plunged into chaos. So you got to pay attention – and vote.

- Barack Obama making comparisons to the early days of the Nazi party and imploring people to vote, the day after President Trump made his historic speech about Jerusalem

It’s unfortunate that the Palestinian Authority is walking away again from an opportunity to discuss the future of the region.

Two guys tried to rob me, and I killed one of them, maybe the other one, the bullet hit him, too. I hope so.

- Vice President Pence’s deputy chief of staff, Jarrod Agen, after Fatah announced that Mahmoud Abbas will not meet with Pence next week and that he is “unwelcome in Palestine”

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

29

Twelve Diet Cokes a day? If he drinks this many, what is this doing to the brain?

- CNN’s Brook Baldwin – in the moments after the attempted terror attack in New York on Monday – talking about a report in The New York Times that President Trump drinks 12 Diet Cokes a day

Amazon is now making it possible to create a shopping profile for your cat. Yeah, all you have to do is go to Amazon and type in “I am single.”

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This morning, Vladimir Putin announced he’s going to run for re-election. Then this afternoon, he announced he won.

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Political Crossfire

How Long will Congress Remain a Bystander Regarding War?

By George F. Will

T

he first use of nuclear weapons occurred August 6, 1945. The second occurred three days later. That there has not been a third is testimony to the skill and sobriety of 12 presidents and many other people, here and abroad. Today, however, North Korea’s nuclear bellicosity coincides with the incontinent tweeting, rhetorical taunts and other evidence of the frivolity and instability of the 13th president of the nuclear era. His almost daily descents from the previous day’s unprecedentedly bad behavior are prompting urgent thinking about the constitutional allocation of war responsibilities and especially about authority to use U.S. nuclear weapons.

Last month, for the first time in 41 years, a congressional hearing examined the Atomic Energy Act of 1946 that gives presidents sole authority. There was serious discussion of whether a particular presidential order for their use might not be “legal” – necessary, proportionate. But even if, in a crisis, time permits consulting lawyers, compliant ones will be found: President Obama’s argued that the thousands of air strikes that killed thousands and demolished Libya’s regime did not constitute “hostilities.”

The exigencies of crisis management in an age of ICBMs require speed of consultations, if any, and of decisions. And the credibility of deterrence requires that adversaries know that presidents can act in minutes.

Furthermore, the authority to employ

nuclear weapons is, as was said at the congressional hearing, “intertwined” with the authority “to take the country to war.” So, as a practical matter, President Trump can unleash on North Korea “fire and fury” without seeking the consent of, or even consulting, Congress. This, even if North Korea has neither attacked nor seems about to attack America. A long train of precedents tends to legitimate – although not justify – practices, and this nation has engaged in many wars since it last declared war on June 5, 1942 (when, to satisfy wartime legalities, it did so

to think that North Korea’s regime will relinquish weapons it deems essential to its single priority: survival.

As Vladimir Putin says, North Korea would rather “eat grass.” U.S. actions have taught this regime the utility, indeed the indispensability, of such weapons. Would America have invaded Saddam Hussein’s Iraq if he had possessed them? Would America have participated in destroying Libya’s regime in 2011 if, soon after Saddam’s overthrow, Moammar Gadhafi had not agreed to abandon his nuclear weapons program?

There is no reason to think that North Korea’s regime will relinquish weapons it deems essential to its single priority: survival. against Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania). Over many decades, Congress has become – has largely made itself – a bystander regarding war.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., says, “If we have to go to war to stop this, we will.” By “this” does he means North Korea’s possession of nuclear weapons, which it has had for 11 years? Or ICBMs, which it is rapidly developing? If so, Graham must think war is coming, because there is no reason

North Korea, says Trump, is a “situation we will handle” – “we will take care of it.” Does “we” denote deliberative and collaborative action by the legislative and executive branches?

Or is “we” the royal plural from the man whose general approach to governance is, “I alone can fix it”? Trump’s foreign policy thinking (”In the old days, when you won a war, you won a war. You kept the country”; we should “bomb the ... out of [ISIS]”) is short on

nuance but of Metternichian subtlety compared to his thoughts on nuclear matters: “I think, for me, nuclear is just the power, the devastation is very important to me.”

A U.S. war of choice against North Korea would not be a pre-emptive war launched to forestall an imminent attack. Rather, it would be a preventive war supposedly justified by the fact that, given sophisticated weapons and delivery systems, imminence might be impossible to detect. The long war on the primitivism of terrorists has encouraged such thinking. A leaked 2011 memo from the Obama administration’s Justice Department argued that using force to prevent an “imminent” threat “does not require ... clear evidence that a specific attack ... will take place in the immediate future.” So, regarding al-Qaeda, the memo said that because the government might not know of all plots and thus “cannot be confident that none is about to occur,” any leader of al-Qaeda or “associated forces” can be lawfully targeted at any time, without specific knowledge of planned attacks.

It would be interesting to hear the president distinguish a preventive war against North Korea from a war of aggression. The first two counts in the indictments at the 1946 Nuremberg trials concerned waging “aggressive war.” (c) 2017, Washington Post Writers Group

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Forgotten Her es

Chanukah on the Frontlines

By Avi Heiligman

Celebrating Chanukah 1916 in the army

A

lmost all Jews know of the miracle of Chanukah. Without going into the details of the Maccabees and their story, there are two parts to the narrative. One was the miracle of winning an im-

possible war, and the other was the miracle of the menorah in the Beis Hamikdash. Even today people who don’t have much of a connection to their roots still light the menorah in commemoration of the miracles.

A symbol of our Torah and mitzvos in front of the Nazi flag, 1932

During times of battle the Jewish soldiers that do wind up on the frontlines still feel this connection and have made sacrifices to light the menorah. Stories of soldiers celebrating Chanukah on the frontlines date back centuries and have helped bring light into dark times.

One story that came from the American Revolutionary War (17751783) has been proven to be a tall tale. At least the details are mostly false but it’s possible that there is some truth in the story of General Washington being inspired by Chanukah candles. The basic narrative is that there was a lone Jewish soldier camping with Washington’s army at Valley Forge in the dead of winter. He was a Polish immigrant and brought over a menorah that his father had given him to light every year. After everyone had bunked for the night, he lit the Chanukah candles. Suddenly, General Washington appeared and asked him about the menorah and was impressed with his answer.

The next year Washington visited him on the Lower East Side to give him a medal.

There are many factual errors with this tale, the first being that Washington camped at Valley Forge in 1778 and not two years earlier, like the story says. Also the medal that

he supposedly received didn’t exist at the time. In general there is no accepted source for this story. Still, there may be truth to the fact that Jewish soldiers lit the menorah at Valley Forge and a commander was inspired by their courage and by the story of the Maccabees.

Thousands of Jews served on both sides of the American Civil War. The armies typically camped for the winter and so Chanukah was never right before a major battle. Many of the soldiers went home for the winter and this author couldn’t track down a story of Jewish soldiers lighting the menorah on the frontlines during the Civil War (eating matzah is a separate story).

During World War I a famous picture was taken of soldiers holding up a menorah. Their uniforms appear to be a mixture of German and Austro-Hungarian uniforms with both officers and enlisted men in the photograph. Sadly, twenty years later, the country that they fought and willing risked their lives for killed millions of their fellow Jews. Many stories are told of Jews in concentration camps being mesiras nefesh to light the Chanukah menorah. Right under the noses of the Nazis, menorahs were lit so that the mitzvah performed for over 2,000 years would

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

continue in defiance of our staunchest enemies.

In late 1943, the American soldiers and marines were returning from fighting on far away islands in the Pacific and on the mainland of Asia. Dozens of marine veterans just returning from the bloody battle at Tarawa (their landing craft got stuck in the surf and coral and they were sitting ducks for Japanese gunners) were in western Asia, probably at a base in India, for rest and relaxation.

Chaplain Rabbi Rudin traveled to be with the men so that they could light the menorah for Chanukah.

There was no electricity at night so the candle lighting had to be done in daylight, when everyone could see.

He lit the candles, said the brachos and sang Maoz Tzur. It was dark and only the shammash was still lit when a gust of wind blew that one light and lit the other candles. The soldiers had their own little Chanukah miracle in the middle of a brutal war.

At another outpost in India a differ-

ent Jewish chaplain began to prepare for Chanukah. Wanting to share more with the servicemen than just lighting the menorah, he tried to obtain some special Chanukah foods. Somehow local tribesmen appeared and gave them eggs. Unexpectedly, a Jewish mess sergeant had arrived and knew how to make latkes and knishes. For the first time in the war the soldiers were able to taste Chanukah cooking.

There are many stories about soldiers lighting the menorah on the frontlines. By celebrating the victory over the ancient Greeks, Jewish soldiers found solace and inspiration fighting modern day wars. War isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pretty but the Chanukah menorah shows us that there is always light at the end of the tunnel, even in the bitterest of battles.

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.

A 1944 Chanukah postcard from a soldier to his parents in Brooklyn

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

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Sunny Jr 4 in beautiful co-op. Renovated kit & bth, Lg stately apt in secure Wdsbrgh bldng. Hi ceilings, roomy feel. hrdwd flrs. Elv, doorman, laundry. Asking $255,000 Updated granite kit, bths. Prvte shower in each bth. Deep closets. W/D in unit. Parking, storage incl. Won’t last! $355K LAWRENCE/FAR ROCKAWAY APARTMENT RENTALS OFFICES

FOR LEASE Far Rockaway

Cornaga location, 3 to 4 offices, plus bthrm. Good for doctor, dentist or business. $1900 Call Sherri 516-297-7995

Cedarhurst

Single rooms or executive suites. All utilities included. Starting at $400. Call Sherri 516-297-7995

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

Classifieds

classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com text 443-929-4003

APT FOR RENT

APT FOR RENT

JERUSALEM RENTAL Talbia. Short term. Across from the Plaza. Furnished renovated 2 bedrooms. 2 bathrooms. AC. Kosher kitchen. Wifi. TV. W/D 347-788-8541 or email smolenskinestates@gmail.com

ONE/TWO BEDROOM OR LIVING ROOM, RENOVATED APT. New Kitchen, Washer Dryer. 3rd Floor Walk up in the Reads Lane Area.

Great for Couples or Singles 347-753-1199

NEWLY RENOVATED TWO BEDROOM BASEMENT APT AVAIL Jan 1st located on Doughty Bl Far Rockaway/Lawrence For more info (516) 405-5117‬

BRIGHT 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT; 2nd floor, Private entrance Eat-in kitchen; washer/dryer hook-up On Sage Street, FAR ROCKAWAY; parking available. Near main Shuls & LIRR. For more information call (718) 327-4386 or (718) 406-3979

CEDARHURST: NEW LISTING 2BR, 2BA In 2 Family House, Eik, LR, DR, Washer/Dryer, Very Close To All, Great Location...$2,500/mo Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com CEDARHURST: PRICE REDUCED Sunny & Spacious 3BR Apt, Eik, Formal DR, Many Updates, Won’t Last...$2,595/ mo Call Carol Braunstein (516) 2953000 www.pugatch.com NORTH WOODMERE: Spacious 6BR, 3 Full Bath Ranch, Large Entry Foyer, Large Den, Formal DR, Lg Eat-In-Kitchen,W/2 Sinks, Close To All…$3,995/mo Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

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NEW RENOVATION IN LAWRENCE large 3 bedroom apt in 2 family house L/R, D/R, Eat in Kitchen, porch and backyard 2800 + utilities CALL 718-471-9397

HELP WANTED LOCAL MEDICAL OFFICE looking to fill two positions.

Experienced front desk help and a Medical assistant.

Part time hours. Email resume CAROLATSIGA@gmail.com TEACHER ASSISTANTS NEEDED For Special Education Pre School In Far Rockaway Competitive Salary. Email Resume to scohen@onourwaylc.org

Life CAPTURE

I M A G E S LTD PHOTOGRAPHY I VIDEO

GABRIEL SOLOMON

GABE@LIFECAPTUREIMAGES.COM 516.499.9620 WWW.LIFECAPTUREIMAGES.COM

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Pugatch Realty Corp., in Woodmere, is looking to hire and train a select group of motivated Realtors. If you are looking to build a career in real estate, or looking to take your existing career to the next level, there is no better place to start that the #1 Real Estate Brokerage in the Five Towns…Call Today (516) 295-3000 x 128. All calls kept confidential.

CATAPULT LEARNING Teachers, Title I Boro Park, Williamsburg and Flatbush Schools *College/Yeshiva Degree *Teaching experience required *Strong desire to help children learn *Small group instruction *Excellent organization skills Competitive salary Send resume to: Fax: (212) 480-3691 ~ Email: nyteachers@catapultlearning.com

SHULAMITH EARLY CHILDHOOD is looking to hire a full time teacher assistant for the current school year.

Please email resume to earlychildhood@shulamith.org F/T & P/T REGISTERED NURSE openings to work with adults who have developmental disabilities within residential settings in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Long Island. Current NYS RN, min 2 years hospital experience. OHEL: 855-OHEL JOB, www.ohelfamily.org/careers FIVE TOWNS OFFICE LOOKING FOR immediate hire of several people…part time and full time…starting at $15 per hour. Need detail- oriented person to handle A/P, A/R, customer service, and ability to negotiate bids and contracts.

Computer literate a must.

Please email fabadi@egwaste.com

MISC WIG GEMACH Everyone in our community deserves to look great! Donate used wigs and make a world of a difference.

For appointments to see wigs or to donate, call Deena 845-304-6668

Reach Your Target Market

Classifieds

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DECEMBER 14, 2017 | The Jewish Home

Your

Money

Royal Wedding, Royal Problems

By Allan Rolnick, CPA

T

wo hundred and forty one years ago, we declared our independence from Mother England — over taxes, of course. But here on our side of the pond, we’ve never completely lost our affection for all things British. We applauded as the Queen celebrated her 70th wedding anniversary. And now, we’ve learned that Prince Harry and actress Meghan Markle are getting married in May. Now, Harry may be just fifth in line for the throne, and about to be bumped down to sixth when Princess Kate gives birth to her third child next spring, but a royal wedding is still a Very Big Deal. There’s going to be lots of work to keep the couple busy for months to come.

That includes a guest list, a gown, and flowers. And of course, there will tax questions, too.

Here’s the issue: Markle isn’t a Brit. She’s a Yank. Buckingham Palace has already announced that Markle will become a British citizen, which involves passing a test with questions like “What did the Statute of Rhuddlan in 1284 lay the basis for?” and “Who or what is Vindolanda?” But that transition will certainly complicate her financ-

es, and possibly the rest of the royal family’s, whether she says cheerio to her American citizenship or not.

Giving up her U.S. passport would be a simple but possibly pricey proposition. There’s no magic to it: you make an appointment at the nearest embassy, sign some forms, and take an Oath of Renunciation.

There’s a $2,350 fee to process the

or your average annual income for the five years before you leave tops 162,000$, you’ll owe tax on any appreciated assets you own calculated as if you had sold them on the day you leave. That could make it frightfully expensive to move into a palace!

Things get more complicated if Markle keeps her U.S. citizenship.

Markle will become a British citizen, which involves passing a test with questions like “What did the Statute of Rhuddlan in 1284 lay the basis for?” and “Who or what is Vindolanda?” paperwork, but that’s low enough that she could probably add it to her wedding registry and count on a generous Member of Parliament, or maybe a lesser Marchioness, to pick it up for her.

The real problem with expatriating is the bloody exit tax.

If your net worth is over 2$ million,

She’ll still owe U.S. tax on her worldwide income. And she can’t hide foreign holdings from the IRS. If she keeps more than 300,000$ in assets abroad, she’ll have to file Form 8938 reporting them. (And, really, what’s the point of being “Her Royal Highness Princess Henry of Wales” if she’s not going to have more than

300,000$ in assets?)

If Her Royal Yankee Highness holds anything jointly with Harry, those U.S. filings could reveal assets the Crown prefers keeping confidential. We know that Harry inherited half of his mother, Princess Diana’s 21.5£ million estate (roughly 28.5$ million), and he shares a 3.5£ million allowance with his brother.

But the royals work hard to keep the bulk of their finances private.

The recent “Paradise Papers” leak revealed that Harry’s grandmum, the Queen, benefits from investments the Duchy of Lancaster holds in the Cayman Islands and Bermuda.

You probably thought that marrying a royal would solve your financial problems, not create new ones. But life is full of surprises, even for princesses. So let us propose a jolly good solution: a plan for paying the legal minimum, no matter who you marry! Call us when you’re ready to save, and you can take a few quid to treat the queen to a cuppa!

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

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 14, 2017

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Life C ach

Go Ahead – Enlighten Yourself

By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

J

ust want to let you know that there’s lots of controversy around Chanukah. It’s not something huge. It’s just always: wait a minute, which way do we put in the candles? Do we light from right to left or left to right or put in the candles right to left or left to right? Can we blow out the shammash? Can we use the other candles to relight the shammash after it blows itself out? Simple questions.

But, you know, it’s been a whole year. It’s not like we’ve done nothing in the interim. We’ve blown the shofar: short, long, short or long, short, short? We’ve shaken the lulav and held the esrog: pitum up or down, and after the bracha before the bracha? We’ve eaten the marror: with the charoset, separate from the charoset,

or with the romaine leaf?

We’ve been busy!

So, a little confusion is understandable. The important thing is that we light those candles, spread

to join the confusion?!

And isn’t it the best way to live?! We’ve got structure, which they say all people need. We’ve got fun, who can decry that? After all,

In other words, we can be confused but we still need to enlighten the rest of the world.

that light. In other words, we can be confused but we still need to enlighten the rest of the world. After all, how else will we get them

it says serve G-d with joy!

And we’ve got those yearly challenges, listed above. And they say we grow from our challenges.

Chanukah is a time of introspection and yet we’re told to light our menorahs by the window or door to publicize the nes, the miracle. What are we to do? Enlighten ourselves or enlighten others? We need to do both! It’s a time to fan our spiritual sparks and fan the sparks of spirituality in our neighbors and friends.

If all this makes you dizzy, it’s the right holiday to feel that. It’s the spinning dreidel holiday.

So share gifts, and love and light up the world, yourselves, and others. Have a very happy Chanukah!

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

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Wishing all a Freilichen Chanukah.

May the light illuminating from the menorah be a light of happiness and may the story of the Chanukah give us all hope and inspiration throughout the year.