March 16, 2017
Distributed weekly in the Five Towns, Long Island, Queens & Brooklyn
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Pages 9, 10, 11, 13 & 47
Around the
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34 Madraigos Strikes Success at 7th Annual Gourmet Glatt Bowl-A-Thon
TJH Presents
200+ Photos !
Your Purim Photo Album
35
Page 75
Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns Anniversary Dinner
Republicans Take on Health Care Is the American Health Care Act Obamacare 2.0?
Dr. Deb: Anxiety and Pesach Prep Page 79
48
Local Schools Celebrate Purim
– See page 3
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MARCH 16, 2017 | The Jewish Home
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The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
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n the cool, calm waters of the Pacific, among the frenzy of my finest finned friends, you’ll find me frolicking and fancying the fantastical notion, and swimming to the greatest of lengths, to earn a prized position aboard the Gefen tuna can. Yes, there’s plenty of fledgling fish in the sea. But there are only a select few who are bred like me. Tender yet tough. Chunky yet buff.
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MARCH 16, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Dear Readers,
I
n one of our news stories this week, we share research that was done on how people view themselves. The researchers concluded that people see themselves as nicer than they really are. They asked participants if they help people who are carrying packages, or if they give blood, or if they hold the door open for people. Turns out, most people consider themselves to be part of the top 50% of “nice” people. But they’re not really that nice. I was wondering: what truly defines a nice person? The researchers were focused on those who give charity or donate blood or help carry packages. But if someone does not do those things, are they “not nice”? What if people do those things but don’t share with others or are belligerent to those around them. Are they still “nice”? Turns out that Wikipedia seems to have an answer for everything. According to WikiHow, “How to Be a Nicer Person” involves three methods: acting nicer, being a nicer talker, and working on being nicer. If you’d like to act nicer, WikiHow explains how you can go about it in a few easy steps. Ready, set, go! Here’s what you need to do: offer help when needed; look out for everyone, not just those closest to you; practice your empathy; get things done without being asked; make yourself available to people going through tough times; and offer your forgiveness freely. It seems sad that this generation needs a
website to tell them how to be nicer. It’s even sadder that someone needs to ask that question and has only Wikipedia to turn to. When I saw the webpage, I first thought it was so contrived to have step-by-step directions to become a nicer person. But if someone wasn’t brought up in a home or a community where those behaviors are modeled, how are they to know the common courtesy of listening to others or feeling another’s pain? We are truly lucky. From the time we are little, we are taught that our world should revolve around chessed. Every child knows the song, “Refuah sheileima, refuah sheileima, get well quick, don’t be sick.” It’s not just a cute ditty. It shows children that we need to think of the pain of others. Your friend is all alone at home nursing a cold? Call him, reach out to him, wish him well. In school and at home, children clamor to give tzedakah. They know that they are helping the poor, and they see when you greet a meshulach at the door how to give wholeheartedly and with respect and kindness. Having guests on Shabbos enhances your Shabbos seudah, and your children come to recognize how they can help others with kind words and delicious fare. When your children grow up in a home where giving is modeled and valued, the homes that they will ultimately build will be founded on those same principles. Wishing you a really “nice” week! 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 Rachel Bergida Berish Edelman Mati Jacobovits Design & Production Gabe Solomon Distribution & Logistics P.O. BOX 266 Lawrence, NY 11559 Phone | 516-734-0858 Fax | 516-734-0857 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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MARCH 16, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Contents LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
8
COMMUNITY Readers’ Poll
8
Community Happenings
34
OpEd: A(nother) Silent Crisis: A Shortage of Qualified General Studies Teachers in Our Yeshivos 60 Your TJH Purim Photo Album
75
NEWS Global
13
National
24
Odd-but-True Stories
29
Republicans Take on Health Care
75
106
ISRAEL Israel News
20
My Israel Home
72
PEOPLE What’s in a Name? by Avi Heiligman
118
PARSHA Raising Holy Tablet Breakers by Rav Moshe Weinberger
64
Rabbi Wein
66
JEWISH THOUGHT Bless This Mess by Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz
67
Proud to be a (Stubborn) Jew by Eytan Kobre 68
Dear Editor, I noticed that you have a few columns written by people who live in Israel who tell of their experience living there. I like reading about what it’s like living in Israel and their outlook on different things. I appreciated Elana Dure’s piece this week about immigrants. It’s interesting, because although she focuses on the Sudanese people living in South Tel Aviv, Israel is comprised of many immigrants, if you think about it. Due to the Law of Return, Jews from any country feel comfortable calling Israel their home. They too are immigrants. Recently, streams of Jews from France and other countries in Europe are making Aliyah, as are Jews from the United States. I believe that the fact that people from all nations and cultures can live in Israel peacefully is a testament to the resiliency of the Jewish State. And not only that, but because Israel is so welcoming, the State will benefit from their different outlooks and perspectives, propelling the nation to greater heights. All the best, Shimshon Greenberg
Dear Editor, Purim was a busy day and even Shabbos didn’t give me the time to fully read your Purim issue. Thankfully, Tuesday was a snow day, so I was able to fully read through my TJH. Every year, you manage to make me laugh out loud with your funny “news stories.” I appreciate that you are able to do it all in good taste and with a great sense of humor. Wish your Purim issue came out more times a year! Sincerely, Baruch K. Dear Editor, I am not sure that the Founding Fathers saw the states as being a balance to the executive branch of government. As Charles Krauthammer points out in his article this week, this is a phenomenon that we saw in Barack’s Obamas presidency that has continued into Trump’s reign. He says that it may be a good thing, as the legislative branch has become impotent as of late. But I think that Continued on page 12
JEWISH HISTORY
75
Memoirs of a Forgotten Rabbi: The Troubled Life of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Ferber by Rav Pini Dunner 70
HEALTH & FITNESS Pesach, Oh No! by Dr. Deb Hirschhorn
100
National Nutrition Month by Cindy Weinberger, MS, RD, CDN
102
FOOD & LEISURE The Aussie Gourmet: Kitchen Sink Vegetable Soup
104
LIFESTYLES Dating Dialogue, Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW
96
Your Money
124
Where’s the Snow? by Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS
126
HUMOR Centerfold
62
POLITICAL CROSSFIRE Notable Quotes
108
Down the Conspiracy Rabbi Hole by Charles Krauthammer
115
CLASSIFIEDS
120
This week’s blizzard was a little exaggerated – and the weathermen knew it wouldn’t be as bad as predicted. Do you fully trust meteorologists?
25
%
YES
75
%
NO
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
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Sale Dates: March 19th - 24th 2017
Weekly La Bonne Quinoa
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The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
Sale Dates: March 19th - 24th 2017
Specials
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$
99
Untrimmed
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1ST CUT BRISKET lb.
1049 lb.
$
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Silver Tip Roast
...................
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Fancy Eggplant
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89¢ lb.
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Macintosh Apples
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Sliced Mushrooms
99¢ lb.
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Anjou Pears
Grape Tomatoes
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Jumbo Del Monte Cantaloupe
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99¢ lb.
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String Beans
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1
29
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We reserve the right to limit quantities. No rain checks. Not responsible for typographical errors.
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Continued from 8
the Founding Fathers understood that there would be times in our history that the balance of power will shift and that the judicial branch of government would have to take over so no one branch will exert too much power. I also believe that even if the legislative branch seems to be feeble, if there is such an egregious takeover of power by the executive branch, it will be forced to act. Yochanan Levy Dear Editor, Dr. Deb always has a unique take on things and I thought that her article on Purim was a breath of fresh air. Around Purim time, most writers write about simcha and laughter. But she was talking to real people who may not feel simcha during this time; she was showing them how to feel happy despite their pain. I thought she made a wonderful point and I think that she truly connects with readers and understands them. Happy Purim, Sara B. Dear Editor, Now that Pesach cleaning is starting – or about to start – I want to remind your readers that certain
cleansers are not safe – especially around children. Yes, they may make your oven sparkle and shine but is a risk of a second- or third-degree burn worth a sparkling kitchen? I think not. Spend your time before Pesach cleaning and preparing – and not in the emergency room. A Reader
Views expressed on the Letters to the Editor page do not necessarily reflect the views of The Jewish Home. Please send all correspondence to: editor @fivetowns jewishhome.com.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
The Week In News
Brexit is a Go – But Not for Scots?
On Jun 23, 2016, the citizens of Britain voted for Brexit. But tearing apart from the European Union is no easy task. This week, British Parliament passed a bill that will allow Prime Minister Theresa May to start talks to leave the EU. The Queen will now sign it into law, clearing the way for May to trigger Article 50, beginning the process by which Britain will give up its EU membership. May is under pressure to ensure that Brexit really happens. On Sunday, lawmakers published a report which warned that the government’s failure to prepare for a scenario in which no deal is reached with the European Union over Brexit would be a “serious dereliction of duty.” Scotland may be separating from Britian because of the Brexit vote. The First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, has said that she’ll ask the Scottish Parliament next week to grant her the power to call a new independence referendum – a move Downing Street said would be “divisive.” The prospect of an independence vote, which could potentially end Scotland’s 310-year-old link to Great Britain, would add further uncertainty as May embarks on formal Brexit talks. Sturgeon said it was clear the United Kingdom was heading for a “bad deal” on Brexit. She said May had failed to engage with her call for Scotland to remain in the European single market after Brexit, and that Scotland risked being taken out of the EU against its will. In the Brexit referendum, Scotland bucked the UK trend and voted 62% to 38% to remain in the Euro-
pean Union. Sturgeon said it was for Scots to decide whether they will follow the rest of the United Kingdom or forge their own path. “I am ensuring that Scotland’s future ... will be decided by the people of Scotland,” she told reporters at Bute House, the official residence of the Scottish first minister. “It will be Scotland’s choice and I trust the people of Scotland to make that choice.” The UK government must agree to a new Scottish vote. Downing Street said Sturgeon’s announcement was “divisive” and that May would seek a Brexit deal in the interests of the whole United Kingdom. But the statement stopped short of saying the United Kingdom would block a new independence referendum. In the last one, in 2014, Scotland voted 55% to 45% to remain in the United Kingdom. Downing Street said there was no appetite in Scotland for a rerun.
Top Ten Places to Live Cheaply
If you are looking to get out of your line of work and spend a little retirement time in peace, you may want to look at this list of places where you’ll get the most bang for your buck. GOBankingRates.com has used Numbeo, an online pricing database, to rank different nations based on their affordability. To keep things simple, they compared each country against New York City costs. The online group came up with four categories. The local purchasing power index was formulated to gauge how much a typical salary can buy. The rent index gauges rental prices. Grocery expenses were used, and a consumer price index was calculated to paint a picture of what local goods and services cost. Looking to move and keep some change in your pocket? The country with the lowest cost of living was India. The nation of 1.2 billion boasts the fourth largest economy on the planet and is the world’s largest democracy. Compared to New York City, the rent is 93.23% cheaper, groceries are 74.8% cheaper, and local goods
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MARCH 16, 2017 | The Jewish Home
and services are 74.92% cheaper. And you can even work for Microsoft! Cheapest countries to live around the world: 1. India 2. Saudi Arabia 3. Belize 4. Libya 5. Mexico 6. Egypt 7. Pakistan 8. Tunisia 9. South Africa 10. Macedonia
Garbage Heap Collapse Kills 46
A massive garbage dump on the outskirts of the Ethiopian capital city of Addis Ababa experienced a huge collapse over the weekend which led to the death of at least 46 people and
possibly buried dozens more. According to city spokeswoman Dagmawit Moges, most of the dead were women and children who called the landfill home. The Koshe Garbage Landfill is home to over 150 people who live in makeshift mud and stick huts and small concrete buildings. Several of the housing structures were buried when a garbage landslide occurred. Addis Ababa Mayor Diriba Kuma said that 37 people have been rescued so far. Many had been there to scavenge items for possible re-sale. The site has been a garbage dump for over 50 years. Smaller collapses have occurred there, with three people dying in the past five years. Of the 300,000 tons of waste collected from Addis Ababa, most of it goes to the Koshe Landfill.
it has a lot of ground to cover in other areas of the world. Throughout the Middle East, more women are getting a college education than men, but still over 44% of young women looking for jobs are unemployed. In Jordan, the situation for women in the workplace is a little more complex than just gender discrimination.
Less Opportunities for Women in Jordan
Jordanian women have the highest literacy rate in the Middle East and one of the lowest rates of women participating in the workforce. Only 12-14 percent of women are part of the formal working population. Counting informal jobs – such as running street stalls – the number
While equal pay for women has come a long way in the United States,
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still only increases to about 25 percent. Asma Khader, a Jordanian lawyer, former government official and human rights activist, explained in an interview what he feels is going on. “There is no civil punishment when you break the law [related to] equal pay or equal salaries,” says Khader. When faced with a choice of hiring a man or a woman doing the same job, an employer will mostly give the job to a man and he will likely be paid much more. It is assumed in Jordanian culture that a man must support his family and therefore deserves to be paid more for the same position. In Jordan, it is also expected that women will leave their positions to raise a family. The obligations that come along with raising children also contribute to women being offered less working positions than men. Though Jordan has made great strides in women’s rights in recent years, it has been influenced in many ways by the conservative Wahhabist Islamic doctrines exported by Saudi Arabia in recent decades. Younger Jordanian men are often less tolerant than previous generations due to the recent rise of extremism. Continued on page 18
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PASSOVER SUPERSTORE
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MARCH 16, 2017 | The Jewish Home
stitution and law are a betrayal of the public trust,” acting Chief Justice Lee Jung-mi said. “The benefits of protecting the constitution that can be earned by dismissing the defendant are overwhelmingly big. Hereupon, in a unanimous decision by the court panel, we issue a verdict: We dismiss the defendant, President Park Geun-hye.”
Park is accused of colluding with her longtime friend Choi Soon-sil. She took steps to extort tens of millions of dollars of government funds and allowed Soon-sil, her longtime confidante, to have access to confidential state secrets. South Korea now has two months to elect a new leader. The current frontrunner is liberal Moon Jae-in, who lost to Park in 2012.
Turkey’s Use of “Nazi” Offends
S. Korean Pres Steps Down South Korean President Park Geun-hye has officially been removed from office after having been impeached over a huge corruption scandal that rocked the small na-
tion. The country’s first female leader was removed by the Constitutional Court which upheld the impeachment unanimously. South Korea has been in a state of political turmoil over the past few years. The Court’s ruling sparked a new wave of protests, during which two people died. The riots led to 30 other people being hurt. Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, the coun-
try’s acting head of state, took to the country’s media outlets to plead for peace and to ask Park’s supporters to accept the ruling and move on. Park is also being named as a criminal suspect and may face additional prosecution. She is the first head of state to be removed from power since democracy was established in the country in the late ‘80s. Park’s “acts of violating the con-
Turkey is being warned by Germany to stop using the word “Nazi” when describing its enemies. In response to the Netherlands escorting Turkey’s family affairs minister out of the country this week, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the Dutch “Nazi remnants.” The Dutch move came in an effort to block the Turkish president’s campaign to ramp up his powers at home. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus called the Netherlands’ actions “footsteps of the far-right, of the neo-fascism and neo-Nazism that has been on the rise in Europe in the past five or six years.” German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Turkey’s comments “completely unacceptable” and pro-
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
claimed that the Netherlands have her “full support and solidarity.” Erdogan had already called Germany’s policies “Nazi practices” after Merkel did not allow similar campaigning to take place in Berlin. Turkey has been trying to drum up support for a planned April 16 referendum which would extend Erdogan’s stay in power through 2029. The country has been trying to gain support using its international Turkish citizens by campaigning in various countries throughout Europe. A pro-Erdogan protest in Amsterdam turned violent this week and 13 people were arrested by riot police.
Women Initiative – Without Women
This week, Saudi Arabia released a photo of its inaugural Qassam Girls Council meeting. The launch was led by Prince Faisal bin Mishal bin Saud, the province’s governor, who said he was proud of the conference and that it was the first of its kind in the kingdom. “In the Qassim region, we look at women as sisters to men, and we feel a responsibility to open up more and more opportunities that will serve the work of women and girls,” he said. The girls’ council is chaired by Princess Abir bint Salman, his wife. The photo that was released of the initiative puzzled many readers. Despite the council’s mission to provide more opportunities to women, there were 13 men shown in the photo – and not one woman. In Saudi Arabia, a state policy of gender segregation between unrelated men and women is rigorously enforced. The country says it is moving towards a loosening of some of its rules as part of its Vision 2030 program. Its goals included increasing women’s participation in the workforce from 22% to 30%.
France’s Fillon Charged over Fake Jobs
On Tuesday, Francois Fillon, a rightwing presidential candidate in France, was charged with several offenses over a fake jobs scandal, including misuse of public funds and corporate assets. Fillon, 63, had been expected to go before investigating magistrates on Wednesday over the scandal, which has undermined his campaign for the presidency only six weeks from the first round of the elections. Following revelations in the Canard Enchaine newspaper at the end of January, the conservative candidate admitted to employing his wife Penelope and two of their children as parliamentary assistants, but has denied any wrongdoing. Penelope was paid hundreds of thousands of euros from public funds from 1986 to 2013 but has done little work to show for her paycheck. From May 2012 to December 2013, while employed at the parliament, Penelope was also paid 3,500 euros ($3,700) a month by a magazine owned by a friend of Fillon, the tycoon Marc Ladreit de Lacharriere. After initially saying he would withdraw from the presidential race if charged, Fillon has vowed to continue, calling the investigation an attempted “political assassination.” Members of his party have asked for him to step aside, but their pleas fall on deaf ears. The scandal has bolstered centrist, pro-business candidate Emmanuel Macron in particular, as well as far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who are shown in opinion polls to be the likely top two candidates in the first round of voting on April 23. Polls suggest 39-year-old Macron would beat Le Pen in the decisive second round on May 7 – but after Donald Trump’s victory in the United States and Britain’s vote to leave the European Union, analysts caution against bold predictions.
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Iran: We’re Not Purim’s Persia
In a story that could only happen in Israel, an Iranian foreign minister has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of wrongly comparing Iran to the country of ancient Persia found in Megillas Esther. Mohammad Javad Zarif took to Twitter to respond to Netanyahu’s comment to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Persia had made “an attempt to destroy the Jewish people that did not succeed” 2,500 years ago and that Iran wants to kill the Jews today. Zarif tweeted: “To sell bigoted lies against a nation which has saved Jews 3 times, Netanyahu resorting to fake history & falsifying Torah. Force of habit.” Attached to his post, Zarif added that “once again Benjamin Netanyahu not only distorts the realities of today, but also distorts the past – including Jewish scripture. It is truly regrettable that bigotry gets to the point of making allegations against an entire nation which has saved the Jews three times in its history. The Book of Esther tells of how Xerxes I saved Jews from a plot hatched by Haman the Agagite, which is marked on this very day,” he wrote, referring to Achashverosh. The Iranians view Achashverosh as the hero of the Purim story, not as someone who gleefully allowed Haman to sign a decree condemning all Jews to death. Zarif added, “Again, during the time of Cyrus the Great, an Iranian king saved the Jews — this time from captivity in Babylon; and during the Second World War, when Jews were being slaughtered in Europe, Iran gladly took them in,” Zarif wrote. Zarif is not the only prominent
Iranian to chide Netanyahu about Jewish history. Iranian parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said on Sunday, “Apparently, [Netanyahu] is neither acquainted with history, nor has read the Torah. Of course, nothing more than presenting such lies is expected from a wicked Zionist,” he said, according to the semi-official Fars News Agency. Interestingly, Putin also seemed to reject Netanyahu’s reference to Iran attempting to annihilate Jews now just as they had thousands of years ago. “We now live in a different world. Let us talk about that now,” Putin said when Netanyahu pointed out the parallel.
Murderer Shows No Regret
Ahmed Daqamseh, convicted murderer and terrorist, had a few choice words to say about Israel after his release from a 20 year jail sentence. Daqamseh shot and killed seven schoolgirls with an automatic weapon in 1997. This week, upon his release from jail, he proclaimed that Israelis are “the human waste of people that the rest of the world has vomited up at our feet.” The terrorist then continued to incite violence by calling for every Palestinian to “eliminate them by fire or by burial. If this is not done by our hands, the task will fall on the future generations to do.” He urged the Jordanian people in a press interview: “Do not believe the lie that is normalization with the Zionist entity. Do not believe the lie that is the two-state solution. Palestine is one land from the river to the sea, there is no state called ‘Israel.’” The attack that Daqamseh committed took place in March of 1997. He opened fire on a group of schoolgirls while they were on a school trip to the Jordan-Israel border. Seven girls were killed and five others and a teacher were wounded in the attack.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
A Jordanian court found Daqamseh unstable and sentenced him to life in prison. He was released after serving the mandatory minimum of 20 years. King Hussein, the then-ruler of Jordan, condemned the attack and traveled to Israel to pay a shiva call to the families of the victims. Aside from Egypt, Jordan is the only Arab nation to have a signed peace treaty with Israel.
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Intel Corp., the U.S.-based computer giant, has agreed to buy Mobileye, the Jerusalem-based tech company, for $15.3 billion. Mobileye is a developer of advanced vision and driver assistance systems that allow for driverless cars to safely take to the open road. Mobileye has developed an artificial intelligence and camera-based sensor system that allows an onboard computer to be aware of its surrounding and react in real time to other vehicles, objects and pedestrians. The camera-based software is conducive to safe driving, even on highways at high speeds and in a crowded urban environment. The deal between the two companies is easily the largest purchase of an Israeli tech company. Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu tweeted this week: “Congratulations to Mobileye! Israeli genius, Israeli pride.” Ofir Akunis, the country’s Science and Technology Minister, said that the deal shows that “Israel is a superpower in knowledge, technology and innovation.” “The fact that large international companies see potential in Israel and are seeking to acquire Israeli companies that lead their prospective fields is a source of national pride for our technological strength,” Akunis added. Mobileye co-founders Ziv Aviram and Amnon Shashua have arranged for the day-to-day operations of the company to stay in Israel and will retain control of the company. “Intel is not looking to have their people come
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targeted in the attack were lightly wounded by Ibrahim Mahmoud Mattar when he charged at them with a large knife at 4:00 a.m. The police shot Mattar and he later died in the hospital.
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According to police, the terrorist entered a guard booth with a large butcher knife. He stabbed and hit the officers in the booth, who then shot him. The officers’ non-life threatening wounds were treated in Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem. The terrorist was a resident of East Jerusalem’s Jabel Mukaber neighborhood. Since October 2015, there have been many stabbing attacks in the Old City. Though the number of attacks has dropped in recent months, the past year and a half has seen 40 Israelis, two Americans, a Palestinian and an Eritrean national killed in stabbings, car-rammings, and shootings. The Palestinian attacks have been called a “lone wolf” intifada because many of the terror acts have been committed by individuals not directly associated with any terror group. Hamas, the terrorist organization that controls the Gaza Strip, has repeatedly referred to the recent spate of attacks as the “Jerusalem Intifada.”
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in and run Mobileye – but that being said, there is much to learn from Intel’s experience, culture, expertise and resources in many fields tangential to our own and we plan to embrace this opportunity to learn and tap into their knowledge,” they said in a message. The statement, which was posted on their website, ended, “All in all, an interesting journey is ahead. We always
wanted to change the world – now we have better means of doing so.” Mobileye was founded in 1999, with the aim of lowering vehicle-related injuries and fatalities. Goldman Sachs invested $130 million in the company in 2007 and listed shares on the New York Stock Exchange in 2014. Intel estimates the company will be worth $70 billion in 2030.
Stabbing Attack in Old City A 25-year-old Arab man committed a stabbing attack this week outside of the Lion’s Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City. Two border police officers
Arab news outlets are reporting that Hamas is planning a dramatic shift from its current view on its land claims. The terror organization is reportedly going to endorse a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders – unlike the group’s long-held policy
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
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of claiming all of historic Palestine as its own. The 1967 borders refer to the pre1967 lines that existed between Israel and the surrounding states prior to the Six Day War. During the war, Israel captured parts of Jerusalem and the West Bank from Jordan, Gaza and the Sinai from Egypt, and the Golan Heights from Syria. The terror group will still not recognize Israel as a state. Hamas has engaged in three major conflicts with Israel since it took control of the Gaza Strip in 2007. It has fired thousands of rockets into Israel and tunneled under its borders to further attack the Jewish State. The recent backtracking is being made to engage local and international partners such as Egypt in Hamas’ quest for a Palestinian state. It is planning on releasing its new policies in a new charter in April. “All of Hamas bodies, whether affiliated with its political wing or military brigades, contributed to drafting the declaration,” Hamas sources said. Hamas’s current charter was written in 1988. It includes many Nazi, Communist and Islamist anti-Semitic conspiracy theories such as the Jews being behind the French
and Russian revolutions and the two world wars. It also suggests that the Jews control the media, the U.N., and the Freemasons. In the past, Hamas leaders have made comments about possibly using the pre-1967 borders for their state, but it has never officially been part of their policy.
U.S. is Not the Best Anymore
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its annual rating for best countries. This may hurt President Trump’s feelings but he is partially to blame. According to the 2017 U.S. News Best Countries Rankings, over 70% of respondents lost respect for U.S. leadership as a result of the toxic nature of the election – and that is a global opinion, not just American. Due to this sentiment, the U.S. stumbled from spot No. 4 to No. 7 on the best countries around the world list. 21,000 people from 36 countries in all regions of the world were included in the survey. Perhaps unsurprisingly after the recent feuding, Mexico was the most anti-Trump – only 4.6% of people supported Trump. In France, Germany, Norway and Denmark, Trump was not either well-received. “It’s pretty clear that Donald Trump ran and was elected as a nationalist who would look out, as he put it, just for American interests, and who thought the U.S. was doing too much and was being exploited by the rest of the world,” says Thomas Wright, fellow and director of the Project on International Order and Strategy at the Brookings Institution. “That has made the rest of the world very nervous.”
Since the election the U.S. has been suffering in the popularity contest department. The U.S. also fell in other rankings including the Best Countries for Adventure, Open for Business and Citizenship, Best Countries for Education, the Most Transparent Countries and the Best Countries to Headquarter a Corporation. However, for now, the U.S. remains the most powerful country, topping the list of Most Influential Countries. So who cares about what others think of us?
How Nice Are You?
The word nice is used loosely: “Have a nice day,” “She’s so nice,” “What a nice person...”
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
But what does nice really mean? Is it the polite person who holds open the door for you or the person who is always quick to give a dollar to the homeless guy on the street corner? Is it the girl who donates blood whenever possible? Or is it the grandson who calls his grandmother every week? Surprisingly, most of us consider ourselves nicer than we actually are, according to a new study. Psychologists from Goldsmiths, University of London recently concluded that 98% of people in Britain think they’re part of the nicest 50% of the population. The intention of this study was to determine whether there is a link between nice people and their levels of health, wealth and happiness. Participants were asked to fill out a survey that had a list of “nice” behaviors. The most frequently carried out gestures were giving directions to strangers, holding doors open, and giving up seats on public transportation – all nice respectable actions. Despite insisting that they’re so nice, two-thirds admitted that they rarely offer to help others carrying heavy shopping bags, five-sixths infrequently give money to strangers, and only a quarter of people give blood or assist the elderly cross the street.
In order to maintain the authenticity of responses, the questionnaire was answered by a tool called Facereader which monitors features such as furrowing of brows, how eyes appear and the shape of mouth, thus picking up on expressions usually indiscernible to the human eye. After analyzing the results, researchers discovered that the people who rated themselves as “nice” were likely to be richer (nicer people earn more than $4,000 more than those who are “nasty”) and happier, but not necessarily more pleasant. Of the “nice” participants, 81% reported being content in their lives, almost three times the number of “not very nice” participants. So are you actually nice? Or do you just think you’re nice? It’s hard to know…
Preet Bharara: I Was Fired The transition between presidents generally takes several weeks, with the most crucial jobs and posts being filled first. In the interim,
President Trump requested that 46 of Obama’s cabinet members stay in their positions until they were formally replaced. Among them was Preet Bharara, Manhattan federal prosecutor.
honor of my professional life,” Bharara wrote on his personal Twitter feed, which is just about two weeks old. Many are speculating that Bharara pulled this as publicity stunt in order to further his political career. Bharara was popular amongst New Yorkers, who are mostly anti-Trump.
Soros Sponsors Women’s Marches It was reported that shortly after the election, Bharara attended a meeting with Trump at Trump Tower in NYC and was asked to remain in his post until Trump informed him to leave. Last week Trump finally demanded a resignation from those employees who stayed on. Bharara, though, refused to quit. He was then fired. “I did not resign. Moments ago I was fired. Being the US Attorney in SDNY will forever be the greatest
Behind every large protest or movement is a generous sponsor. So who is behind the recent spate of women’s marches? A recent report has revealed that billionaire George Soros sponsored the Behind the Women’s March on Washington and a Day Without a Woman. American Civil Liberties Union was the most benefited organization with a pledge of $37 million from Soros. Human Rights Watch received $32 million, and Planned Parenthood, a premier partner of the Women’s March, accepted in part through its affiliates $21 million from So-
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ros-funded organizations. Through his charity organization, Open Society Foundations, Soros contributed $246 million between 2010 and 2014 to 100 of the 544 groups listed as partners of the Women’s March. Records also show Soros donated to other feminist groups including the Center for Reproductive Rights, MoveOn.org, and the Human Rights Campaign. “While many celebrity voices were on stage on Jan. 21, highlighting what had become a massive, anti-Trump event, there was another influential voice not heard that day. It belonged to one man. George Soros,” said the report released by Media Research Center. Soros has been known to pour money into organizations that are anti-Israel.
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The most common cause of death is heart disease (28.5%) and the most common cause for heart disease is a diet either lacking in certain nutrients or overdosing on unhealthy components. A recent study revealed that eating too much red meat, salty foods, and sugary drinks causes heart disease. Furthermore, not eating enough “healthy” fats can also increase risk. Want to become healthier? “Good” foods to consume include nuts, seeds, seafood rich in omega 3 fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Nuts contain healthy fats that can improve cholesterol levels. In the year 2012, there were approximately 700,000 deaths from heart disease, strokes and diabetes. Researchers used this data from the U.S. government, and participants in the study responded with their eating habits. Renata Micha, a public health researcher and nutritionist at Tufts University, published her conclusion in the Journal of the American Medical Association claiming that 10
foods are primarily to blame for fatalities. Micha said these foods and nutrients were singled out because of research linking them with heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Previous studies have spread awareness about the danger of high blood pressure. Excess salt raises blood pressure, putting stress on arteries and the heart. In fact, excess salt was singled out as the biggest problem, linked with 10% of the deaths. Recently the Food and Drug Administration implemented voluntary sodium reduction guidelines for makers of processed foods. A tax was implemented in some U.S. cities on sugar sweetened drinks, in an attempt to make them less attractive to consumers. Research also suggests that people keep away from processed meats like cold-cuts, hot dogs, and salami. Processed meats contain saturated fats that can raise levels of unhealthy LDL cholesterol.
Poland Demands Extradition of Former Nazi
Do you really know your neighbors? Well, four years ago Minnesota residents found out that their neighbor, Michael Karkoc, now 98, was a former commander in an SS-led unit that ordered the burning of Polish villages and killed many civilians during World War II. The man’s identity was exposed by The Associated Press four years ago. Now Poland is seeking his arrest and extradition. Prosecutor Robert Janicki said evidence gathered over years of investigation into Karkoc confirm that he was, in fact, a commander of a unit in the SS-led Ukrainian Self Defense Legion. “All the pieces of evidence interwoven together allow us to say the person who lives in the U.S. is Michael K., who commanded the Ukrainian Self Defense Legion which carried out the pacification of Polish villages in the Lublin region,” Janicki said. However, Karkoc’s family has in-
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
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Poland does not allow trial in absentia, Janicki said. He added the man’s age was no obstacle in seeking to bring him before justice. If convicted, Karkoc could face life in prison. The decision was welcomed by Efraim Zuroff, head Nazi hunter for the Simon Wiesenthal Center. “Any legal step that’s taken against these people is very important,” he said. “It sends a very powerful message, and these kinds of things should not be abandoned just because of the age of a suspect.”
Teacher Exam Called “Racist”
sisted that he was not involved in any war crimes. His son questioned the validity of the evidence against him after Poland’s announcement, calling the accusations “scandalous and baseless slanders.” Karkoc’s family says he suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. “There’s nothing in the historical
record that indicates my father had any role whatsoever in any type of war crime activity,” said Andriy Karkoc. He questioned the Polish investigation, saying “my father’s identity has never been in question nor has it ever been hidden.” In Poland, prosecutor Andrzej Pozorski said Karkoc would be of-
fered a fair opportunity to share his side of the story in court. Prosecutors with the National Remembrance Institute, which investigates Nazi and Communist-era crimes against Poles, have requested a court in Lublin to issue an arrest warrant for Karkoc. If granted, Poland would seek his extradition, as
The American education system is deeply flawed, and our global rankings for education standards has plummeted. Yet New York is considering eliminating an important exam for prospective teachers. The Academic Literacy Skills Test is designed to measure the reading and writing skills of student teachers but it may be axed. The test may be scrapped after complaints that a disproportionate number of black and Hispanic candidates were failing the test. While some educators feel that this test is not an accurate predictor of a successful teacher, supporters are concerned that eliminating it could put more weak teachers in the classroom. “We want high standards, without a doubt. Not every given test is going to get us there,” said Leslie Soodak, a professor of education at Pace University. The literacy test is one part of a four series of assessments implemented in 2013 as part of an effort to raise the quality of teachers in New York. A December 2016 study by the National Council on Teacher Quality concluded that 44% of teacher-preparation programs accept students from the bottom half of their high school classes. Education reformers feel that sophisticated exams like New York’s Academic Literacy Skills Test can help weed out potentially inferior teachers.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
After just 46% of Hispanic test-takers and 41% of black test-takers passed the literacy test on the first try – compared with 64% of white candidates – the test was accused of an alleged racial bias. Despite a ruling by a federal judge in 2015 that concluded that the test was not discriminatory, faculty members at education schools say a test that screens out so many minorities is problematic. “Having a white workforce really doesn’t match our student body anymore,” Soodak said. Ian Rosenblum, the executive director of the New York office of the Education Trust, a nonprofit that advocates for high achievement for all students, called the literacy test “a 12th grade-level assessment” – something a high school senior should be able to pass. Critics of the test say it is poorly designed, with some questions having multiple answers. There have also been complaints regarding the hefty $131 fee for the exam. The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) ranked the U.S. 24 out of 70 countries in reading. In science and math the U.S. scored even worse, 25th and 40th, respectively. Singapore has the highest achieving students in the world. Their students ranked highest in math, reading and science. Perhaps we should ask them for advice.
A Hat for a Toad
Chris Newsome knows that a hat can make an outfit. Want to look put together? Make sure to don the perfect chapeau. So when a toad started visiting the Alabama man’s front porch, he realized that this frog really needed a hat. “I have a background in art and design, but I’ve never made hats,” Newsome said. “I just sort of winged it, and used scissors to figure it out.” Newsome used some foam pa-
per and folded it together in a cute hat for the friendly frog. “It just sat there,” Newsome said. “[The toad] did not seem to mind, and I didn’t keep the hat on him for longer than the time it took to take a picture.” Apparently the toad enjoyed the colorful accessory. He would visit frequently over the summer and even made friends with Newsome’s cat and dog. Now others are clamoring for hats for their pet toads. “I’m sure I can make a few more,” Newsome joked. Toad-ally.
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One-Cent Stamp Worth $9.5M
The One-Cent Magenta stamp is possibly the most valuable item in the world, considering its size and weight. The stamp was sold a few years ago for $9.5 million – almost one billion times its face value. And now, it’s on display for the public to view at the National Postal Museum. The One-Cent Magenta was printed in the former colony of British Guiana in South America more than 150 years ago. Only a small number were ever made. It is the only British colonial stamp that Queen Elizabeth does not own. It was all but forgotten until a 12-year-old boy discovered one of the stamps in his uncle’s basement in 1873. “It’s history. It’s a way of seeing how the world was connected. It’s a way of thinking about how people are connected,” New York Times reporter James Barron said. The stamp has been passed along through several prominent people’s hands. John E. du Pont, the heir to the chemical fortune, was an owner of the stamp. He died in jail while imprisoned for third-degree murder. Famous designer Stuart Weitzman eventually bought the stamp at auction. Weitzman used to collect stamps when he was younger and always left a spot in his albums for the One-Cent Magenta. When Weitzman bought the stamp in 2014, he brought it to
Baby Boy Born to Childless Couple 10 Months after Kollel Meron Membership
W
hen my younger sister made her shidduch, after years of intense searching, my level of happiness for her was grand and bursting and over the top. Finally, she had found her soulmate and could begin to build a family. At her chasunah, I watched her stand under the chuppah, with tears streaming down her face, in heartfelt gratitude that this day had finally come. The excitement of the chasunah died down and we went back to the hum-drum of life. But I kept waiting with half an ear to hear the news. After all, she was already “old” when she got married. I hoped that the blessing of a baby would follow swiftly and easily. But year after year passed, with no calls and no news. And each time my wife had a baby, or any of the other family members welcomed a new addition, my heart cringed in pain for my sister, knowing how she longed and dreamed for the day. It hurt me so much to see her suffer, again. And so I decided to take action. I’ve heard the story of R’ Shimon Bar Yochai and the power of Meron so many times. Signing up for the devout men of Kollel Meron, I asked them to please daven for my sister and her husband that they should soon be blessed with a baby. Ten months later? Her son was born. The power of Meron, and the tefillos of Tehillim Kollel, are no longer just stories. They are real, real as the beautiful nephew I hold in my hands today.
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Penicillin eventually went on to revolutionize medicine, which by the 1940s was mass-producing the antibiotic to treat many bacterial infections. “Scientists at Oxford University further developed penicillin,” the AP explains, “and production was ramped up so that enough of the antibiotic would be available for the Allied invasion on D-Day in 1944.” Fleming, during his lifetime, gave spots of mold to notable figures including Pope Pius XII, Winston Churchill and Queen Mother Elizabeth. “These insignificant-looking artefacts soon took on the status of holy relics,” says Kevin Brown, author of Penicillin Man: Alexander Fleming and the Antibiotic Revolution. Fleming seems to have used the mold medallions as a combination annual bonus and hostess gift. As Quartz puts it: “Award Fleming an honorary degree? You got mold. Dedicated service in his lab? Mold. A special audience with a celebrity or royal? Again: mold.” And Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth’s husband, apparently received multiple copies. “Every time he met Fleming, he got another one of these things,” Brown told the AP. Last week’s auction seems to be slightly bloated for a spot of mold. Consider, though, the deal that pharmaceutical giant Pfizer got when it bought a similar sample for £23,000 in 1996 — about $51,000 when adjusted for today’s exchange rate and inflation.
You Can’t Vote for Me Washington to the Smithsonian, carrying it in his sock. He didn’t shave for two days and dressed like a “vagabond” so no one would think he was carrying something worth millions of dollars. The One-Cent Magenta will be at the National Postal Museum until November. Then Weitzman will have to decide what to do with it.
Mold for $15K Don’t throw out the moldy socks your child brings home from camp. They may be worth something. Last week, a spot of mold sold for $14,617 at auction. It wasn’t just any old mold; the mold is a capsule of the
original Penicillium chrysogenum Alexander Fleming was working with when he discovered the antibiotic penicillin. Encased in a glass disc, inscribed with the words “the mould that first made Penicillin” and signed by Fleming himself, the little sample comes from the collection of Fleming’s niece, Mary Anne Johnston.
It was meant to make drivers chuckle and locals smile in agreement. But Connor Barney’s non-campaign posters have gone viral. Barney placed a sign with his photo and his name near other campaign posters in West Australia. The tagline? “I’m 15. You can’t vote for me.” “I thought it would be a funny bit of comedy for the locals,” the non-politician said.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
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He was surprised when so many people expressed their delight at his post on Reddit. He’s now considering adding more signs with different slogans: “I’d vote for me” and “Mum said it was OK.” It’s time someone realized that politics shouldn’t be so serious.
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It’s a number one bestseller on Amazon and for those reading the book, there’s a lot to learn. Michael J. Knowles recently self-published the 266 page book Reasons To Vote For Democrats, A Comprehensive Guide. Knowles is a Yale graduate and correspondent for conservative website Daily Wire. What are some of the reasons he lists? Well, it’s hard to say. Aside from the headers and bibliography, the rest of the pages are blank. The Amazon page for the book describes it as “the most exhaustively researched and coherently argued Democrat Party apologia to date.” “Reasons To Vote For Democrats: A Comprehensive Guide is a political treatise sure to stand the test of time,” the page reads. “A must-have addition to any political observer’s coffee table.” The front cover includes a oneword quote from conservative commentator Ben Shapiro: “Thorough.” Knowles said on Fox & Friends that “what’s really great about this book,
you can go cover to cover in about 15, 20 seconds.” “It took a very long time to research this book,” Knowles acknowledged. “When I observed their record and reasons to vote for them – on reasons of economics or foreign policy or homeland security or civil rights and so on – I realized it was probably best to just leave all the pages blank.” Don’t think that it’s only conservatives who have a biting sense of humor. Last November, David King wrote a book titled, Why Trump Deserves Trust, Respect & Admiration. The book, which also bears nothing but blank pages, is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. “Despite years of research, we could not find anything to say on this subject, so please feel free to use this book for notes,” King’s description reads. Well, I guess when you have nothing good to say, it’s better to just say nothing at all.
Courtroom Combustion
Liar, liar, pants on fire. When attorney Stephen Gutierrez stood in front of the courtroom during closing arguments last week, jurors were wondering whether his client was guilty or not. But then, they had a more burning question: are Gutierrez’s pants bursting into flames? The attorney fled the Miami courtroom when smoke started billowing from his pocket. He later told the court that an e-cigarette in his pocket had malfunctioned. Some say that Gutierrez was seen fiddling inside his pocket moments before the smoke appeared. Not everyone is confident with Gutierrez’s story. Gutierrez’s client was on trial for second-degree arson for burning a car. Gutierrez had argued that the vehicle spontaneously combusted. If the court decides that Gutierrez’s pocket incident explanation doesn’t hold water, he may be held in contempt of court. Oh, and his client was convicted in the arson case. Hey, where there’s smoke there’s fire.
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Community Madraigos Strikes Success at 7th Annual Gourmet Glatt Bowl-A-Thon Huge Turnout as Friends and Local Businesses Rally Together
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he 7th Annual Gourmet Glatt Bowl-A-Thon to benefit Madraigos at Woodmere Lanes was a resounding success. This signature event has become an annual Madraigos tradition among Five Towns residents, local businesses, friends, and supporters. Participants, sponsors, and Madraigos staff came together in a festive evening filled with fun, entertainment, and support for Madraigos’ life-saving services to the community. Over 50 prizes were distributed for winners of the popular Red Pin Contest. David Jaison, mentalist, wowed the crowd throughout the evening. Adding to the night’s festivities, were the raffle drawings for prizes including a vacation at Casa De Campo resort, a custom suit from Andrew Lock, golf foursome at a Trump National Golf Club and Barracuda Luggage. The Premium giveaway distributed to all bowlers was the Tone Pro Bluetooth headset sponsored by Prime Supply. Bowlers also received complimentary T-shirts and a swag bag full of other attractive items. The biggest barometer of the event’s success was the high level of energy in the room coupled with enthusiasm for Madraigos’ mission. There were smiles on everyone’s faces, as friends cheered on each other’s bowling prowess and enjoyed deli-
cious food by Graze Smokehouse. Others joined the fun to buy raffle tickets and show support for their favorite team, even after the event was sold out. People felt the electricity in the air all night, even staying beyond midnight. Madraigos expresses its deep gratitude to the over 130 corporate sponsors. Special appreciation is extended to our Title Sponsor Gourmet Glatt, Prime Supply, Premium Giveaway Sponsor, Graze Smokehouse for donating delectable foods from their hallmark cuisine, and Rita’s Ices for donating tasty desserts distributed to all. Our generous insert sponsors include Firemall, Miller Realty, MK Ink, Stop Chop and Roll, Visionville, Westwood Realty, and Wisnicki and Associates. A full listing of all sponsors can be found on bowlforthem.org. “We are thrilled to have once again partnered with Madraigos in organizing a fabulous and fun-filled community event,” said Yoeli Steinberg of Gourmet Glatt, a state-of-the art kosher supermarket with stores in Cedarhurst and Woodmere. Rabbi Dov Silver, Madraigos Founder and Executive V.P., commented, “I thank our sponsors for their support of our lifesaving work. I very much appreciate the participants of the Bowl-A-Thon for taking out time of their busy schedule to help out our
community’s teens and young adults.” “We are thrilled with the outcome of our Annual Bowl-A-Thon,” said Rabbi Josh Zern, Executive Director. “The continued support of our community has allowed Madraigos to be an innovative and highly regarded youth service provider in the Five Towns/ Queens community. The nightly ‘Lounge’ activities, support groups and School Based Services program continue to grow and gain stronger momentum as more and more schools partner with us. We have to make sure this expansion moves forward.” Funds raised at the event will assist Madraigos, a 501c-3 not-for-profit organization, in providing a wide array of valuable mental health, social and
spiritual services geared towards helping teens and young adults overcome life’s everyday challenges one step at a time. For more information about Madraigos, please call (516)371-3250 or visit www.madraigos.org. Madraigos, a 501c-3 not-for-profit organization, offers a wide array of innovative services and programs geared towards helping teens and young adults overcome life’s everyday challenges one step at a time. Our goal is to provide all of our members with the necessary tools and skills to empower them to live a healthy lifestyle and become the leaders of tomorrow.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
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Around the Community
Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns Anniversary Dinner
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here was a sense of excitement throughout the crowded halls of the Sands, where the Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns held its 14th anniversary dinner Tuesday evening, February 21. There was also a sense of pride in the accomplishments of the Guests of Honor, Rabbi and Mrs. Jeremy Fine, and an appreciation of the contributions of Rabbi and Mrs. Meir Yehuda Kotowitz, who were the recipients of the Harbotzas Torah Award, and of Mr. and Mrs. Yehuda Klinkowitz, who received the Young Leadership Award. Those who came to show support to the Yeshiva as well as those who came to acknowledge the honorees were imbued with a sense of the important role the Yeshiva represents in being a link in the transmission of Torah. The Yeshiva Gedolah is a place of higher Torah learning for bochurim returning from Eretz Yisroel, as well as for young married men who wish to learn in Kollel. At the same time, it serves as a community institution where baalei batim enjoy many shiurim and minyanim. But what makes this Yeshiva truly unique is that it is a makom Torah where individual needs, strengths and personalities are respected and nurtured. This is true, whether it relates to the talmidim of the Yeshiva, or the baalei batim who associate with the Yeshiva. Each individual brings to the Yeshiva his own strengths and perspectives, and, at the same time, all are united in their dedication to talmud Torah, yiras shomayim and chessed. This year’s honorees clearly exemplify this diversity and unity. Rabbi and Mrs. Jeremy Fine are both outstanding mechanchim in their own right. They are supporters of Torah, and of the Yeshiva, and are our cherished neighbors as well. Mr. and Mrs. Yehuda Klinkowitz represent the backbone of the Yeshiva
in as much as they are dedicated and willing to help in any conceivable way. Rabbi and Mrs. Kotowitz, with their talents, warmth, clarity and great dedication to learning, have made their mark in the yeshiva as well as setting an example of what a Torah home should look like. Each of the honorees is an integral and important part of the Yeshiva, its past successes and its future growth. The crowd was privileged to hear the words of Rabbi Knobel, shlita, the Yeshiva’s Rosh Kollel. Rabbi Knobel first expressed his gratitude to Hashem, in giving him and his Rebbetzin the zechus to be connected to Torah, specifically in this community. He spoke of how privileged they have been to learn from and be guided by their parents and grandparents, as well as many gedolim, bearers and guardians of the mesorah. Rabbi Knobel spoke of the total immersion in learning and Torah that the Yeshiva represents. This gives them the ability to carry on our rich mesorah to the future generations. Rav Knobel then introduced the video presentation about Rabbi and Mrs. Kotowitz. The video brought out R’ Meir Yehuda’s strength in learning, and his value as a maggid shiur and a resource for all parties within the Yeshiva. In the presentations, his students spoke of his clarity in presentation and exuberance for teaching Torah. The evening’s MC, Mr. Chaim Schreck, introduced the video presentation about the Klinkowitz family, which highlighted their selfless dedication to the Yeshiva and other causes. In the video Yehuda and family related why they chose to call the Yeshiva home and why it continues to be a place of meaning for their entire family. Everyone who spoke on the video resonated with the same message that the selfless dedication of
the Klinkowitzs is what makes them so deserving of the recognition they received. Lastly, Mr. Schreck, introduced the video segment about Rabbi and Mrs. Jeremy Fine. Mr. Schreck spoke firsthand, as a personal friend of the Fines, as to the hard work and dedication that they have shown in raising a family based on Torah and teaching Torah to others. Jeremy, in his video segment, spoke about the growth of the Yeshiva since he first moved in and the close family connection the Fines have had over many years with the Yeshiva, as well as the rebbeim. Jeremy’s father, Steve, who could not attend, added how much the Yeshiva has helped shaped all of their lives and he continues to see it evolve in a myriad of ways. Jeremy, with an impromptu speech
after the video, in his classic, passionate way, cited specific examples of how the Yeshiva has influenced his life. Rabbi Moshe Zev Katzenstein, shlita, the Rosh Yeshiva, then spoke about how the completion of any aspect of our lives is the presence of Hakadosh Baruch Hu. This is accomplished through our deference to his Torah which was the prerequisite of kabolas haTorah at Har Sinai. The Rosh Yeshiva acknowledged the growth of the Yeshiva through the generosity of our tzibbur that is a testimony to the devotion of our kehilla to Torah and to the giver of the Torah. The Fourteenth Anniversary Dinner was a great success, with approximately 400 people in attendance. The evening provided an opportunity to take pride in all that
has been accomplished. The warm feelings in the room were evident of the appreciation of the Yeshiva for the crowd and, in turn, their appreciation for the Yeshiva. At the same time, those who attended were given a vision of the Yeshiva’s future plans and goals, including the recent acquisition of a new dorm. We look forward to realizing these goals and to furthering the growth of the Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns, as a makom Torah in the midst of our community. For dedication or donation opportunities and for more information regarding the Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns, please visit the Yeshiva’s website, www.ygft. org, or telephone the Yeshiva office at (516)295-8900 x5.
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Around the Community
JCCRP Legislative Breakfast: Celebrating 45 Years of Outstanding Service
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s the annual Legislative Breakfast for the Jewish Community Council of Rockaway Peninsula (JCCRP) approaches, the JCCRP would like to make the community aware of the important individuals who are crucial to the JCCRP’s wellbeing. The JCCRP works very hard to ensure the Rockaways & Five Towns community has a trusted and safe place to come for any and all of their needs. This cannot be done without the monumental efforts of a few select leaders being recognized at the legislative breakfast. The breakfast will be taking place at the White Shul, 728 Empire Avenue in Far Rockaway on this Sunday, March 19, at 9:30AM. The JCCRP is pleased to present the Community Service Award to Seasons Supermarket. Seasons is a growing family of kosher supermarkets that provides the warmest kosher shopping experience. But Seasons is much more than a supermarket; it’s an integral
Mayer Gold
Lynn Blanchette
part of the communities it serves providing support, assistance and in-store giving opportunities to ensure the success of local organizations. The Humanitarian Award will be presented to Officer Lynn Blanchette of the 101 Precinct here in Far Rockaway. Lynn began her career at the 101 Precinct in 2006, where she was assigned to Housing Patrol Unit for approximately seven years. In 2014 Officer Blanchette became a Youth Officer. As a Youth Officer, Lynn worked throughout the school year with the youth of the 101 Precinct. Soon after, she joined Police Officer Campbell in
Camesha Grant
Audrey Pheffer
the Community Affairs office where she now holds the title of Community Affairs Officer. Lynn is a tremendous asset to the community and she has devoted herself to ensuring our safety. The Public Service Award will be awarded to Dr. Camesha Grant. Dr. Grant serves as the Vice President for Community Connections and Reach with Food Bank for New York City, where she oversees a network of over 1,000 emergency feeding programs located in community based organizations, public schools, and on CUNY colleges across New York City. Through the Food Banks Cook Shop program, Dr. Grant leads nutrition education in over 200 NYC public schools where teachers conduct hands-on workshops preparing healthy recipes, while engaging students around the importance of healthy choices. Dr. Grant is also responsible for engaging over 800 volunteers a week to support Food Banks’ mission, many who volunteer at Food Banks Community Kitchen and Pantry in West Harlem, which she oversees. Dr. Grant has been instrumental in spearheading projects and funding into the JCCRP and many other local institutions. Audrey I. Pheffer will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Honorable Audrey Pheffer is an American Democratic Party politician serving as the Queens County Clerk. Audrey was our local assemblywoman serving the 23rd district from 1987 to 2011. Audrey ensured that the JCCRP and all local institutions received the necessary funding to support our community. The current JCCRP building was purchased with State funding that Audrey secured. The JCCRP and the community at large is eternally grateful for her support and friendship. The City Legislative Leadership Award will be presented to Councilmember Eric Ulrich of District 32. Eric has also been a strong advocate for Hurricane Sandy victims, deliver-
Eric Ulrich
ing rapid relief and resources following the storm and helping cut through the bureaucratic red tape on behalf of his constituents who are still struggling to rebuild their homes. In 2013, Eric was re-elected to the City Council to serve the diverse communities of Southwest Queens and was appointed Chairman of the Veterans Committee. During his tenure, Eric has held hearings on important issues including veterans’ homelessness, employment access, mental health issues, and other important topics. Working with his colleagues, he has also been able to secure funding to support critical services for veterans and their families throughout the five boroughs. Councilman Ulrich has always been a staunch supporter of the JCCRP and most recently increased funding to help support the growing Kosher Client Choice Food Pantry. The Legislative Breakfast is one of the few occasions during the year in which the local Jewish Community has the opportunity to come together and demonstrate our strength as a community to the elected officials, city and state agencies and other groups with whom we relate. It is also an opportunity for us to thank individuals who have rendered services to the Jewish Community. A journal is being published in connection with the breakfast. We hope you can place an ad in our journal. www.jccrp.org/ breakfast. Your attendance and participation is the best advertisement for the community and is a source of encouragement for the many individuals and institutions that work together with the JCCRP to make our community an even better place to live. We look forward to greeting each of you Sunday morning at the breakfast. To RSVP or for more information, email breakfast@jccrp.org, visit www.jccrp.org/breakfast, or call 718.327.7755 Ext. 6113.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
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Bnos Bais Yaakov’s 23rd Annual Dinner – Above and Beyond! Chinuch, Caring and Connecting
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nos Bais Yaakov’s 23rd Annual Dinner will iy”H take place this Sunday evening, March 19, 2017 at the Sands of Atlantic Beach. We are pleased to be honoring Mr. and Mrs. Elie and Cindy Becker, Rabbi and Mrs. Baruch and Sarah Rivka Rothman, and Mr. and Mrs. Zalmy and Michelle Schiowitz, and paying special tribute to our esteemed principals. BBY principals comprise an incredible team of educators. Each on her own carries the cares and concerns of every single girl in her division. She carries them throughout the day, at night, and on weekends. She carries them in her heart and mind. And as a team, the principals carry BBY on their collective shoulders. The culture in BBY is a synthesis of impressive academic standards and the warmth and simcha of Yiddishkeit. This beautiful balance is achieved by the principals and their standards, their warmth, and their simcha: Morah Yehudis Oppen (Pre-School Director), Morah Penina Neuberg (Menaheles, Grades 1-4), Morah Devorah Kurland (Principal, Grades 1-4), Mrs. Esther Kuessous (Menaheles, Junior High),
Mrs. Surela Koenig (Principal, Junior High), Mrs. Chaya Gornish (TMM, Menaheles), Mrs. Adina Mandel (TMM, Principal), and Mrs. Ruchie Sokoloff (TMM, Dean of Students). It is with an enormous sense of gratitude and a great deal of pride that we have chosen to pay tribute to these outstanding educators at our 23rd Annual Dinner. Our Guests of Honor are Mr. and Mrs. Elie and Cindy Becker. They are indeed worthy of honor; they talk and act with honor, raise their family with honor, and bring honor to our school by their association with us for the last 14 years. Elie is an accountant by trade and kovea itim le’Torah by design. He is a member of Shaaray Tefila’s morning Kollel and Khal Nesiv HaTorah. In his spare time, Elie is also active in many community organizations. Cindy is a well-known figure in BBY. On
the PTA presidium for many years, Cindy brings energy and creativity to every event she directs. As a certified hand therapist with a full caseload, Mrs. Becker still manages to fit her passion for chessed into her schedule. Elie and Cindy have six children, k”h. Ephraim (age 20), Shani (12th grade, TMM), Shira (9th grade, TMM), Rochela (5th grade, BBY), Esti (3rd grade, BBY), and Pinchas (Pre-1A). Elie and Cindy are so proud of all their children for maximizing their own personal potential. Parents of the Year has been awarded to Rabbi and Mrs. Baruch and Sarah Rivka Rothman. Rabbi Rothman is the Director of Institutional Advancement in Yeshiva Darchei Torah, one of the lead organizers of Chasdei Lev in the Far Rockaway/Five Towns area, an Agudah representative who has advocated
in Albany, RCCS golf tournament organizer, and board member of Bnos Bais Yaakov. These are just some of Rabbi Baruch Rothman’s official roles. What he accomplishes for our community “under the radar” is simply phenomenal. Mrs. Rothman is one of those fortunate women who are stay-at-home mothers. Manning the fort and managing many of the familial obligations (while her husband is out saving klal Yisroel), Sarah Rivka is the very definition of an akeres habayis. The Rothman children – Yosef (6th grade), Yehuda Leib (4th grade), Yehoshua (2nd grade), Hinda Esther (Pre-1A, BBY), Yaakov (playgroup), and sweet baby Chaim Simcha – are justifiably proud that their parents are being honored as Parents of the Year. It is an honor richly deserved. Mr. and Mrs. Zalmy and
Michelle Schiowitz, our Kesser Shem Tov awardees, have taken the concept of being osek betzarchei tzibbur to new heights. Rabbi Ephraim Blumenkrantz states that he has rarely met someone like Zalmy – someone who is committed heart and soul to assisting many institutions with his financial wisdom and yet wants no credit for any of it. Zalmy offered his services to BBY during his daughter’s first year here and has been an incredible friend to our school ever since. Michelle applauds her husband’s service to the klal, and as his ezer kenegdo, makes sure that all is well in the Schiowitz family and that the house runs smoothly. Their children, Yaakov (6th grade), Ezra (4th grade), Baily (1st grade, BBY), Sruli (Kindergarten), and cute baby Avi know that they are always first in their parents’ considerations. Michelle arranges her O.T. schedule so that she is always home when the children leave in the morning and return in the afternoon, and no matter how busy Tatty is, there is always quality time for the Schiowitz kinderlach. To make a reservation, please email us at dinner@ bbyschoool.org. We look forward to greeting you.
Ezra Academy, Running in the Right Direction
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n recent years Ezra Academy has been incorporating more computers and technology courses into its curriculum. The seventh, eighth and ninth grades have been studying the mechanics and mobility of robots in the newest addition to this department, Robotics. This class is hands on, educating the students in what the specific parts of a robot are and what their function is. The culmination of this class is the building of a functional robot. The tenth grade has also been enjoying the expansion of the department with their “Computer Boot
Camp” class. Meeting once a week, the course focuses on the development of actual computer skills. Many people assume the younger generation is well versed in all areas of computer but oftentimes this is not the case. The ability to properly use the programs in the Microsoft Package is lacking. This course gives them the ability to become proficient in these programs, which are guaranteed to help them later in life. The department has also included ways for the upper classmen to benefit from its growth. They have been able to take Computer Science APs via in-
dependent study as well connect with technology companies in the internship program including internships at engineering firms and start-up companies. While these classes have all been met with excitement and enthusiasm, the department has yet to reach its potential. The computer lab is available for the students throughout the entire school day, but due to increased enrollment there is a demand to expand the lab. The “Computer Boot Camp” would be more productive if it were expanded to twice a week. And the STEM program is seeking to be avail-
able to the entire school. The advancements are all on the horizon and in the process of being put into actuality. Ezra Academy will be hosting a 5K Run on Sunday, April 30, in which a portion of the proceeds will be directed towards the advancement of these programs. The run will serve as a fun, enjoyable way to help Ezra Academy and enjoy the scenic area of the infamous Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, home of the 1964 World’s Fair. To partake in the run and help Ezra Academy, log onto elitefeats.com/?Ezra.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
Around the Community
Chessed Committee at the JCC Food Pantry
Lily Eisenberg, Chaya Sokel, Leora Friedman, Shoshi Greenberg, and Hodaya Landau
O
n Rosh Chodesh Adar, the chessed committee of Shulamith Middle Division volunteered at the Rina Shkolnik Food Pantry at the JCC in Cedarhurst. Lily Eisenberg, Leora Friedman, Shoshana Greenberg, Hodaya Landau, and Chaya Sokel were accompanied by Mrs. Landau and Mrs. Rachel Steiner, Director of Student Activities.
They were happy to deliver the toiletries that were collected during a drive that took place last month. The girls spent time unpacking the items and reorganizing the shelves. It felt good to help out, and noting the shortage of some crucial food items, the girls were inspired to hold additional drives for the pantry in the future.
Rosh Chodesh Adar Breakfast
MEGA PESACH WAREHOUSE SALE By Nava Lippman and Leah Frankel
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n honor of Rosh Chodesh Adar, the HANC Student Council, together with the great help of Morah Hakimian, planned an extravagant and delicious breakfast for the entire Middle School after davening. Following the breakfast we had words of Torah from our very own students and a really unique, special schoolwide auction. All the auction prizes were “donated” by the teachers in the form of fun, cool, special privileges; for example, 10 points extra credit on Morah Hakimian’s test, a game
of basketball with Rabbi Olshan, out to lunch with Rabbi Hecht, yummy candy treats from Mrs. Seeno, and much more. All the money collected from selling auction tickets went to tzedakah. Students bought tickets for 50 cents each and in the end, we raised over $500 in just one morning! The entire event was a complete success. It was so much fun and a great mitzvah at the same time. Everyone enjoyed the program. Stay tuned because the Student Council will be making many more fun events like this one in the future. Thank you to Morah Hakimian for the beautiful set-up and guidance.
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MAY Educates Parents and Students about Substance Abuse
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ast week, the sophomore class at Mesivta Ateres Yaakov and their parents attended an educational evening seminar on substance abuse awareness entitled “Keeping Safe: Making the Right Choices.” Parents and students in attendance participated in informative lectures regarding the epidemic of substance abuse and the importance of communication between parents
and children. Rabbi Yossi Bennett, M.S., Assistant Menahel/Assistant Principal, organized the program, which included presentations from Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe, Ph.D., Menahel of the Mesivta, and from the keynote speaker, Eli Perlman, LCSW, a community clinical therapist and director of Madraigos here in the community. Parents and students also watched a video
presentation on the dangers of substance abuse and heard the incredible firsthand story of an individual in recovery and his journey to achieving sobriety. “Children being raised in today’s society are facing challenges that were unheard of 30, 20 or even 10 years ago,” commented Rabbi Yaffe. “We feel it’s important to address these issues head-on and thereby open
valuable communication between our students and their parents.” The evening concluded with an informative Q & A panel with the presenters and continued discussions among faculty, parents and students. The Mesivta thanks Madraigos for serving as an incredible resource in the community and for providing the presenters for this vital program.
• Focus on the complete person • Seminary Credits accepted in major • Stimulating and challenging courses universities that speak to the heart and mind • Extracurricular Programs under direction • Warm atmosphere with expert of Mrs. Yocheved Shonek mechanchim and mechanchos
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The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
"THE WORLD IS ARTSCROLL'S CLASSROOM"
FROM
New from Rabbi Nachman Seltzer the author of Incredible
AT HIS REBBI’S SIDE Rabbi Yehoshua Liff’s 50 years of personal encounters with Gedolei Yisroel
NEW!
A GADOL IN OUR TIME Stories about
Rav Chaim Kanievsky, שליט״א NEW!
He played under Rav Ruderman’s desk and noshed on the Rebbetzin’s cookies.
He sent the gadol ha’dor, Rav Shach zt”l, a most amazing, and welcome, mishloach manos.
He gave rides to Rav Chaim Shmulevitz, Rav Beinish Finkel, Rav Mordechai Gifter, and Rav Elyashiv — connecting with and learning from each one. He consulted with gedolim like Rav Shach, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, Rav Shimon Schwab, and Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel.
Rabbi Yehoshua Liff, a master educator and the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Ner Yaakov, has, since his earliest childhood, connected with gedolim on a deep and personal level. In this memoir, penned by bestselling and beloved author Rabbi Nachman Seltzer, we will meet many of the greatest Torah personalities of the past half-century.
EMUNAH WITH LOVE AND CHICKEN SOUP
ILLUMINATIONS OF THE MAGGID
The story of REBBETZIN HENNY MACHLIS, the Brooklyn-born girl who became a Jerusalem legend
Stories that will enlighten your heart and spark your soul
by Sara Yoheved Rigler
J. Krohn
by Rabbi Paysach
T RECEN ER! L E L BESTS
T RECEN ER! L E L BESTS
Meet Rav Chaim Kanievsky שליט״א, in this exciting new book for young people. While his classmates played at recess, he created a unique Gemara game for himself!
He lent Rav Moshe Feinstein a dime for a payphone, and learned from that encounter a lesson for a lifetime.
ON AL WA RM AN D PE RS TH EN CO UN TE RS WI EAT DOZE NS OF GR S! TO RA H LE AD ER
41
He sat and learned even as war raged around him. He turned a trip to the zoo with his children into an unforgettable Torah tour.
OVER 100 PHOTOS!
FOR AGES 9+ ALSO AVAILABLE:
With hundreds of great true stories, A Gadol in Our Time: Stories about Rav Chaim Kanievsky takes you on an unforgettable journey right into Rav Chaim’s famous apartment in Bnei Brak.
RABBI NOACH WEINBERG'S
48 WAYS TO WISDOM by Rabbi Nechemia Coopersmith and
Rabbi Shraga Simmons
A Gadol in Our Time: Stories about Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman
שליט״א
RAV GUSTMAN The youngest Dayan of Vilna and illustrious Rosh Yeshivah in New York and Yerushalayim
by David Page Foreword by
NEW!
Rabbi Moshe Elazar Lipka
The following ArtScroll sefarim are available for your daily learning programs:
NEW Y! APH BIOGR
The Schottenstein Edition Talmud Bavli and Yerushalmi; Yad Avraham Mishnah Series; Schottenstein Edition Mishnah Elucidated; Ryzman Edition Hebrew Mishnah; Kleinman Edition Kitzur Shulchan Aruch; Kleinman Edition Daily Dose of Torah. This Shabbos, Adar 20: Daf Yomi Bavli – Bava Basra 55 / Daf Yomi Yerushalmi – Sotah 30 / Mishnah Yomi – Shabbos 9:3-4 / Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Yomi – 75:4-9
Available at your local Hebrew bookseller or at www.artscroll.com • 1-800-MESORAH (637-6724)
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MARCH 16, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community
At the Shaaray Tefila Snow Day Learning Program
Grandfather/Father/Son Bar Mitzvah Program
O
n March 5, we had a fantastic bar mitzvah program at HANC Middle School. The day began with a beautiful davening. Netanel Stern was chazzan for pesukei d’zimra and Joshua Aryeh was chazzan for Shacharit. Next, a delicious breakfast was served. There was cereal and milk, bagels and cream cheese, juice, coffee, pancakes and Benci’s famous chocolate chip cookies. Rabbi Hecht spoke to the boys about proper behavior at a bar/bat mitzvah. Following breakfast, there were two presentations. The first presentation was by Scott Feltman, executive director, One Israel Fund. Mr. Feltman spoke about the wonderful things that One Israel Fund does and he highlighted a program called Sadna. The Sadna Communal Village is a study-residential-occupational framework for young
adults (15-26) who have trouble integrating into a regular social and study environment due to various mental and/or physical disabilities, such as Downs’ Syndrome, autism, MS and more. Some of these youngsters also have a difficult socio-economic home background. The seventh grade boys
as a group gave money (instead of a bar mitzvah gift) and voted this as a most worthy cause. Next, Rabbi Heshy Pincus, a famous sofer, spoke to everyone about tefillin and how they are made. Everyone was mesmerized. The program concluded with spirited dancing. Yitzy
Haber and Donny Weinraub (aka the Schnitzel Guys) came and taught the boys how to dance. The guys roleplayed with the bar mitzvah boy in the middle and dancing with all kinds of “family members.” The program was fantastic!
HAFTR High School Joins Twinning Network with Israeli Schools
F
or over two decades, The Jewish Agency’s P2G Global School Twinning Network has paired hundreds of Jewish schools in Diaspora communities with schools in Israel in order to create direct connections between educators, young Jews, and their Israeli counterparts thereby strengthening the participants’ sense and understanding of belonging to a worldwide Jewish community. Through the undertaking of joint programming, educators and students engage in vibrant dialogue that deepen their understanding of Jewish and Israeli identity and their sense of connection to Israel and develop meaning-
L-R: Morah Mia Rubin, Nechama Hillel, Emily Siri, Shani Aizelman, Emily Silverstein, Molly Vashovsky, Matthew Jedwab, Jadyn Harari, Rami Rudensky, and Joshua Wiener
ful long-distance relationships. HAFTR High School’s ninth grade Hebrew language honors students have recently joined the Jewish Agency’s School Twinning Network, connecting with two schools
in Israel. In Israel, Efrat’s Mayor Oded Revivi approached Amihai Bannett of the Jewish Agency, in order to connect schools from his region with Jewish schools abroad. When HAFTR was looking for a twin school,
they were paired with the Orot Yehuda Yeshiva for boys in Efrat and the Oriya Ulpana for girls in the nearby Gush Etzion Region. The program is run by the English language teachers in Israel, Roochie Sinai in Ori-
ya, and Nellie Klein in Orot Yehuda, and the Hebrew language teacher at HAFTR, Ms. Mia Rubin. The connection is coordinated by Amihai Bannett of the School Twinning Network, who also gave sessions in all three schools (in New York via Skype) about the challenges facing the Jewish people today and ways to strengthen connections between Jews worldwide. The students have already exchanged letters, and Ms. Rubin, Ms. Sinai and Ms. Klein are planning to upgrade the connection in the coming months with videos and joint study as well.
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The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
"THE WORLD IS ARTSCROLL'S CLASSROOM"
FROM
3 NEW PESACH Surprise your guests. Surprise yourself. And make your food Perfect for Pesach! NEW H C PE SAOOK!
s ipe
c 12e0e re r n-f
COOK
TITLES
Prepare for a journey … out of servitude … into emunah…
This is the night.
The Pesach book your children and grandchildren will love!
NEW ! FOR KIDS
NEW H! HAGGADA
B
te
glu
Adorable. Interactive. And just plain fun.
FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES
Passover recipes you’ll want to make all year by Naomi Nachman In this debut cookbook, Naomi Nachman shares her popular recipes from over two decades of Pesach catering. Perfect for Pesach presents easy recipes that use innovative flavor combinations to create fabulous gourmet meals to enhance your holiday table. More than 125 fabulous dishes Vivid photos accompany every recipe
Stories and insights on the Haggadah by Rabbi Binyomin Pruzansky Rabbi Binyomin Pruzansky is a brilliant storyteller, and in this unusual Haggadah he
illustrated by Elisheva Black
uses that talent to bring the story of Yetziyas
In this unusual and totally charming book, children will join Ari and his family as they search for chametz all over the house. And what fun when the young readers gleefully spot the pieces of bread hidden in the pictures! With its clever rhyming lyrics and engaging illustrations, this is a wonderfully interactive book. It is sure to infuse our children with excitement for the Pesach holiday, as they play a unique “hide and seek” game — with ten pieces of bread.
Mitzrayim into our stories — our lives, challenges, hopes, and accomplishments. And, especially, into our emunah, our faith. In addition to fascinating Torah insights,
Cooking Tips culled from Naomi’s years of professional experience
Rabbi Pruzansky offers story after story that
Freezing Tips ensure ease of prep-ahead cooking
highlights the emunah of the Jews, both
Guides to basic ingredients and kitchen equipment
famous personalities and simple people with
120 gluten-free recipes for year-round use
rock-solid faith. He shares “kriyas Yam Suf”
“
I want you to be as excited about cooking for
Pesach as I am. These recipes are so delicious, your family and friends will be asking for them
”
all year long.
— Naomi
Can you find the ten pieces of chametz? by Helene Ribowsky and Rachel Zlotowitz
stories — when a person feels there is no way to go forward and Hashem miraculously brings him to where he wants to be. We will find emunah in a dangerous Arab village and on Brooklyn’s Ocean Parkway. In the Soviet army and a luxury Pesach hotel. In traffic jams and basketball courts. We will hear great stories — and we will find ourselves strengthened. ent together we walk Down to the basem but still may not talk. We’re very excited, or on the toy chest It’s not on the dryer r, next to the … It’s on the new washe
Available at your local Hebrew bookseller or at www.artscroll.com • 1-800-MESORAH (637-6724) 19
Downstairs to the bedroom , we all tipto Though bab e in y is sleeping our search mus It’s not near t begin. the toys, it’s not in the crib It’s there on the dresser, next to the … 11
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MARCH 16, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community
Shaare Emunah First Annual Dinner
T
here was no dancing on the schedule for Shaare Emunah’s first annual dinner at Beth Shalom held on Tuesday evening, March 7, but the dancing didn’t end until late into the night – way past the scheduled time. In fact the waiters had cleared away the tables and much of the help had already gone home for the night, yet the Sephardic music maestros played on, leading congregants and rabbis in attendance in their Middle Eastern fiesta. If there is such a thing! “This was not your average dinner. I’ve certainly been to more than my share of dinners; this was the most lively dinner I’ve ever been to!” said Nelson
Behar, member of Shaare Emunah and Aish Kodesh. Mr. Behar continued, “I couldn’t believe when Rebbe (Rabbi Moshe Weinberger of Aish Kodesh) said during his keynote address that if he ever had to leave Aish Kodesh to move to Eretz Yisroel, he was considering leaving it over to Rabbi Ben-Haim.” You see, before Rabbi Ben-Haim took over as rabbi of Shaare Emunah three years ago, he was teaching in Aish Kodesh under the wings of Rabbi Weinberger. The dinner for the Sephardic Synagogue of the Five Towns, also known as Shaare Emunah, was appropriately called “Linking the Past, Building a
Future” as at the event they revealed the artists’ renderings of the new future which includes a new synagogue planned for construction on the corner of Oakland and Peninsula . With demolition and construction slated to begin within weeks, the excitement in the air was palpable. “We’ve been planning this for years, it’s finally happening,” said Mitch Ozeri, the shul’s president and MC of the sold-out evening. The evening featured a few brief words from Mayor Weinstock, who said that “every new building brings new blessing to our village.” Other words of appreciation towards the shul and the wonderful people who make it a reality were shared by Councilman Bruce Blakeman of the third district, Anthony J. Santino, Hempstead Town Supervisor, Ed Ambrosino, councilman, and regards from State Assemblywoman Melissa Miller who was unable to attend, to help introduce the evening. Of course what’s a dinner without honorees and a video? As at most dinners today, the awardees came up for their photo op with the plaques, and their words were shared on video. In the video, honoree Yaakov Mordechai and his wife Rivka described how they remembered purchasing the house with the large lot next door 20 years earlier, with their eyes set on building in the future. Those in attendance couldn’t contain their laughter when Mrs. Mordechai described jokingly
how the building is still in her name! Leah Rabi, who was honored along with her husband Yaakov, described the overwhelming response of the women of the kehilla to their weekly seuda shelishit that attracts over 30 women and takes place at a different member’s home each week. The Esteemed Leadership award went to the shul’s Rabbi Mordechai and his wife Sharona Ben-Haim, who shared in the video how he “coincidentally” found the shul years before becoming rabbi, by the advice of his mechanic! “We’re in the storytelling business,” says DMJ Studios producer David Jasse (who created the short film), “and their story was unique, and at times very funny and surely intriguing, so it was a pleasure to capture it in their video.” He continued “We’ve never produced a 22 minute video for a dinner in our 20 years. but no one said a word throughout the entire film’s presentation. It’s not often that you see Birkat Kohanim, a Sephardic Torah, and a Sephardic havdala service in a film. I believe it was the educational documentary style that kept all engaged along with the humor.” The film also featured drone shots of Cedarhurst, showing where their new shul is going to be built, comfortably nestled within the growing number of shuls in the community. The artists’ renderings of the only Sephardic shul being built since the Sephardic Temple was estab-
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
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Around the Community lished more than 30 years ago when the community was first taking root was received with great excitement. Although there are numerous Sephardic minyanim around town, they are typically within an Ashkenazi shul or in basements or behind storefronts, not stand-alone buildings. Egyptian-born Mr. Albert Sayegh was honored with the Sterling Benefactor award. Mr. Sayegh is a longtime member of the Sephardic Temple and a longtime member and supporter of Shaare Emunah along with many synagogues he helped start, from shuls in Queens to shuls in Europe. He expressed how critical a shul is to the continuity of Judaism, and when
his international business acumen took him all over the world, he always sought out a shul whether he was in Turkey or Dubai. One of the highlights of the evening was the inspirational address given by keynote speaker Rabbi Moshe Weinberger of Aish Kodesh in Woodmere. “It was different hearing the rabbi speak with a Sephardic pronunciation and sharing his experiences from when he lived in Israel. Along with his brilliant Torah insights, the rabbi’s ability to entertain the crowd shone brightly, with his humorous story of the flying jukim the size of birds that the rabbi and his wife experienced when living in Israel, how
appropriate for the many Israelis present. Rabbi Weinberger expressed, both in the film and during his keynote speech, how critical it is to have a place where Sephardim continue their minhagim and halachot and continue the links of their illustrious heritage passed down from Sinai. Of course the film also featured numerous accolades to Shaare Emunah’s Mara De’atra Rabbi Mordechai Ben-Haim. The congregants expressed their love and appreciation for the many talents of the rabbi which range from giving shiurim, his chazanut, to his public speaking and his 24/7 availability to the kehilla. Singing performances by Rabbi Yigal
Haimoff from Queens and the rabbi’s own son Avraham, with musical accompaniment of Ouri Bittan and Avi Perets, were also exceptional high points of the evening. Keep your eyes out for the trailers which will b’ezrat Hashem house the shul during the expected year-long construction, due to arrive in upcoming weeks. The video for the night which opened up with quotes from congregants whose ancestors have come from everywhere – from Buchara to Yemen, from Morocco to Iran and many other various countries – made it clear why it’s so important to secure our links to the past while building the future.
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MARCH 16, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community
Rambam Joins Teach NYS in Albany
O
n Wednesday, March 1, students from Rambam Mesivta got up early in the morning to make the trek to Albany and participate in the Teach NYS mission to advocate for additional funding for private school education. After davening vasikin and eating a quick breakfast, the boys boarded the bus to Albany. Currently, NYS provides over three billion dollars for public education, while spending one tenth of that on private education. Rambam was represented by their students, Michael Akhavan, Avraham Balsam, Dovi Breuer, Eli Deutsch, Benjamin Kattan, Aaron Moradi, David Rabinovich, Akiva Schuck and Uriel Sussman. The lobbying mission was coordinated and organized by the Orthodox Union for 500 students, yeshiva administrators and community rabbis all across of New York. All who
came had the opportunity to hear from Governor Mario Cuomo, who was introduced by Mr. Allen Fagan, Chief Executive Officer of the Orthodox Union, and then from Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan. The Rambam delegates then met with Assemblyman Francisco Moya
who represents Jackson Heights and is a strong supporter of funding private education. He lauded the efforts of the student lobbyists and urged them to continue the process and assured them that members of the Assembly are responsive to lobbying and public opinion.
After that meeting, the students were invited to the Assembly floor by Assemblyman David Weprin who publicly acknowledged them and welcomed their presence before other members of the Assembly. Shortly thereafter, Assemblyman Dov Hikind spoke about Rambam in front of the crowd. The Rambam contingent closed out the day with a private meeting with Senator Majority Leader John Flanagan. They thanked the senator for all of his efforts on behalf of private education, and he responded by reaffirming his commitment to deliver educational excellence to all students in New York State. Other yeshivas who participated from the South Shore were HAFTR, HANC and Shulamith. The voices and presence of all of the students clearly had a positive impact on the New York State Assembly.
Sensational Shulamith Science Fair Featured 63 Projects
E
Hempstead Town Councilman Anthony D’Esposito spoke during the Narcan Training Session held at Chabad of Mineola located on Willis Avenue. Pictured along with Councilman D’Esposito is Rabbi Anchelle Perl.
What the Jewish people went through is the paradigm for the growing pains every person experiences when he grows up. Page 64
xcitement filled the hallways of Shulamith Middle Division as the long-awaited science fair arrived. For weeks, students had prepared by learning the Scientific Method, deliberating project ideas, designing and conducting experiments, and analyzing data. All the projects were creatively displayed on tri-fold boards. During the day, the projects were evaluated by a panel of esteemed judges, mostly from the local Lawrence School District. Mr. Gary Schall, Superintendent, Dr. Ann Pedersen, Deputy Superintendent, Ms. Rina Beach, Elementary School Principal, Mr. William Moss, Math & Science Chairman, Mr. Willis Perry, Middle School Principal, Ms. Fallon Bienstock, Middle School Assistant Principal, Dr. Jennifer Lagnado, High School Principal, Ms. Jackie Beckmann, Middle School Principal, Ms. Christine Moore, Primary School Principal, Mr. Joseph Weickhorst, Middle School Principal, and Mr. Christian Paulino, High School Assistant Principal, all took time out of their busy schedules to judge the entries. Additional judges were Shulamith High School teachers and administrators Ms. Shira Botnick, Ms. Sara Pollack, and Ms. Shelley Adelson. Mr. Sid Krinsky, a profes-
sional engineer, and Ms. Chavie Jaffa, Shulamith parent, rounded out the panel of judges. In the evening, students showcased 63 projects in all for parents, grandparents and guests. Projects included protein denaturation, the effects of the screen on learning outcomes, and the ever-popular, “What Location in School Has the Most Bacteria?” This impressive event was certainly a highlight of the year, and we look forward to continued achievement in science from all our students. We thank Mrs. Mindy Miller and Mrs. Tirza Norowitz, science teachers, for their dedication to student learning and for sharing their passion for science!
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
Around the Community PHOTO CREDIT: IVAN H NORMAN
A Kinus Purim was held at Yeshiva of Far Rockaway last Wednesday evening. The presenters were Rabbi Yehoshua Kalish, Rav of Bais Medresh of Harborview-Bais Pinchus, and Rabbi Eliahu Rominek, who are pictured here.
Simchat Purim All Around
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hulamith students from all divisions celebrated Purim in style! In the Early Childhood Division, talmidot enjoyed the opportunity to come to school in their costumes and learn about the upcoming chag. In the Lower Division, the annual Mitzvah Masquerade was a resounding success. Third and fourth graders worked in groups to create costumes related to brachot, mitzvoth, or Chumash. Each group was allotted three minutes to present their costumes, and the creative and original results were most impressive! The eighth graders took charge of the annual SWO sponsored Purim Carnival. Led by Shoshana Brunner, Ahuva Langsam, and Elana Weiss, the carnival afforded each student the opportunity to greet Adar with unbridled simcha. This year’s carnival had a Western theme, so there were cowgirls running the moon bounce, obstacle course, and booths that included
the ever-popular Fluff ‘n’ Chips, Pickle Race, and Ring Toss and the newly-created Photo Booth and Pin the Tail on the Donkey. As they noshed on cotton candy and popcorn, it was evident that a great time was had by each attendee!
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MARCH 16, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community At the i-Shine Purim Carnival
Purim at DRS
HANC High School Chagigat Purim
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
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Around the Community Rabbi Libman with his fourth grade HALB class on Purim PHOTO CREDIT: IRA THOMAS CREATIONS
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MARCH 16, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community
MAY Purim Mesiba – An aMAYzing Event
O
n Motzaei Taanis Esther, Mesivta Ateres Yaakov held their annual Purim Mesiba. An event not to be missed, the evening included delicious refreshments, live music, a talent competition, a costume contest, and a Purim shpiel compliments of the senior class and the rebbeim of the Mesivta. It was definitely an a-MAY-zing event by all counts. The evening began with enthusiastic dancing in true Adar spirit as the live music enhanced the atmosphere. It was a heart-warming and uplifting for all those who participating! Talmidim arrived at the Mesivta in full Purim gear, posing for pictures and videos together with their rebbeim.
Rabbi Yaffe conducted his annual costume contest in which over 75 talmidim participated. The volume of cheering from the talmidim’s peers served as judgment in the contest so, as one would imagine, it got pretty loud! Following the costume contest, the annual talent competition ensued. From renditions of some classics to original musical compositions, amazing juggling and incredible dancing, talmidim had a blast cheering on their peers and participating and singing along with their friends. Concluding the talent competition, Assistant Menahel, Rabbi Yossi Bennett, together with a number of the rebbeim, performed the 4th edition of their original satirical composition,
“Don’t Call It South Shore,” which is always a crowd-pleaser. The Mesiba closed with the annual Purim shpiel provided by the senior class and some surprise faculty members contributed shpiels of their own.
“Yosef, The Musical,” A Must See By Joel Raskind
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ast Sunday evening I had the joy and privilege of seeing “Yosef, The Musical,” at the Lawrence Theater in Lawrence High School in Cedarhurst, NY. What an amazing experience! This two-and-ahalf-hour production has everything: upbeat music, fantastic singing and dancing, uproarious comedy, and heartfelt drama. The writers and producers of this unique musical have definitely succeeded in their goal of bringing a kosher Broadway-caliber musical show to life. The show begins in Egypt, during the seventeen years that Yaakov and his family lived in Egypt before Yaakov died. Yaakov wants his grandsons
to learn that in order for their family and the future Children of Israel to survive, they would have to “stand as one.” Something ensues that causes him to reveal to his grandchildren the untold story of their fathers, who had to put aside their differences in order to remain a family. The message of unity is a recurring theme throughout the musical, and the cast of Yosef successfully drives this message home. The production was conceived and directed by renowned writer, composer and lyricist Zvika Bornstein, who wanted to produce a musical based on the story of Yosef and his brothers that could be enjoyed by the entire Jewish community. Israeli superstar Gad Elbaz, joined Bornstein to create and arrange the music for
the show, and Dr. Stuart Rappaport, who also plays the role of Yaakov, collaborated with Mr. Bornstein in writing the book and lyrics. The musical score is amazing and the songs range from contemporary, to whimsical, to heartfelt ballads. At times you can actually see the audience bopping in their seats, and the finale brings them to their feet. The writers treat Yaakov, Yosef, and the brothers with reverence and sensitivity, while using other characters, such as the Ishmaelites, Potifar, the butler and baker and Pharaoh for comic relief. I laughed and cried and, even though I knew the ending of the story, I was riveted to the edge of my seat. I connected strongly with the musical’s powerful message of unity, that now I
view the story of Yosef and his brothers very differently. I can truly say that this show is an inspiring work of art! All proceeds from the show go to benefit the children and families of Torah L’Kulanu, a not-for-profit school located in Cedarhurst, Long Island, that provides religious and educational programs to individuals with special needs. The final three performances of this incredible family musical will take place this weekend at the Lawrence Theater in Cedarhurst. If you have other plans, change them! Don’t miss out on this year’s most anticipated unprecedented musical – Yosef! Visit www.yosefthemusical.
com.
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COLON CANCER MONTH
Colon Cancer is the second leading cause of U.S. cancer deaths. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. • Did you know that eating more fruits and vegetables could reduce your risk of colon cancer? • Did you know that quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can also reduce your risk? Throughout March, South Nassau will post tips about prevention, detection and treatment. Follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/SouthNassau) and Twitter (@SouthNassau) for ways to stay healthy. If you are 50 or older, make your colon health a top priority and get screened — your doctor can share new options for colon cancer screening.
For more information about screenings, services and appointments, call 877-SOUTH-NASSAU or visit southnassau.org/colorectalcancer.
66303SNCH_ColonCancer_V5_03.indd 1
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MARCH 16, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community
Simchas Purim with Sh’eefa
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his past month has been jam-packed with exciting programs and shiurim at Sh’eefa! The post-seminary women were privileged to hear words of Torah from so many inspiring lecturers, including Rabbi Aryeh Cohen, Rabbi Yussie Zakutinsky, Ms. Chevi Garfinkel, Mrs. Esther Wein and Mrs. Amit Yaghoubi, just to name a few. To welcome Rosh Chodesh Adar, the women at Sh’eefa were honored to hear from Rebbetzin Aviva Feiner, Rebbetzin of the White Shul and Menaheles of Machon Basya Rochel Seminary. The shiur was on the topic of simcha, and Rebbetzin Feiner shared tips and personal stories on how a Jewish woman can work on her level of simcha. This leil Purim, the Sh’eefa women were so thrilled to participate in a Purim event uniquely tailor-made for them, at a beautiful chagiga in the Salig home. Featuring delicious
refreshments, divrei Torah and chizuk from Mrs. Lara Klein, completing sefer Tehillim, dancing and singing, it was a true highlight of everyone’s Purim. Thank you so much to Mr. and Mrs. Salig for opening up your home once again to Sh’eefa for our annual chagiga! As we prepare for Pesach, Sh’eefa has numerous inspirational shiurim on the schedule, featuring phenomenal lecturers. Save the date for when we have the privilege to hear from guest speaker Mrs. Shira Smiles from Eretz Yisroel, on Sunday, March 26, at 10:15 am. All Sh’eefa shiurim take place in the social hall of Aish Kodesh, 894 Woodmere Place. For more information about our shiurim or to sign up for our emails, please visit www.sheefa.org or call 516-6-SHEEFA. You can also follow Sh’eefa on instagram @sheefaseminary1.
HALB 3rd Grade Purim Play
PHOTO CREDIT: IRA THOMAS CREATIONS
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MARCH 16, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community
Central Sweeps Model Congress
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t this year’s yeshiva-wide Model Congress, Yeshiva University High School for Girls took home a whopping eleven awards, the most of any school present! Winning Best Delegate in their respective committees were Aviva Gonter (‘18), Meira Saffra (‘19), and Leeba Sullivan (‘19). “Model Congress was a great experience,” says Aviva. “It was an amazing platform to argue about national issues and propose ways to solve them. It also gave me the opportunity to meet a diverse group of yeshiva students from the tristate area.” Meira notes the life skills she has enhanced through this experience: “Model Congress gave me an opportunity to problem-solve. Through the guidelines of my committee, I pushed the boundaries of creativity to both pinpoint an issue and solve it, and defend it to skeptics.” Leeba shares her experiences with us as well: “Model Congress was an amazing experience. As politics is becoming such a prominent topic
in the news today, it was amazing to have exposure to many issues that our leaders are discussing today. We discussed and debated bills on issues such as the refugee crisis, foreign policy and the national debt. I feel it was an eye-opening and beneficial experience to debate these topics with my peers as well as students from other yeshivas around the area.” Congratulations are also due to
our Honorable Mention winners: Ellie Berger (‘18), Elisheva Ezor (‘19), Aviva Landau (‘17), Adi Nissanian (‘18), Eytana Schick (‘19), Dodie Lee Weinberg (‘18), Abigail Winokur (‘18), and Emily Zhiren (‘19). Faculty advisor and History Department chair Mrs. Audi Hecht heaps praise on all of our Model Congress participants for their exceptional research, leadership, and debate skills: “Central students have
F R O M
skillfully demonstrated their exceptional ability to not only debate innovative issues in their respective congressional committees, but they also displayed stellar leadership skills in commanding the dialogue with substance and with compelling ideas. We are very proud of their poise, professionalism, and proclivity for rigorous debate that would impress the most seasoned member on Capitol Hill!”
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The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
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MARCH 16, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community
Touro Students Teach Girls to Code
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riella Feuchtwanger had never tried computer programming before she enrolled at Touro’s Lander College of Arts and Sciences in Flatbush. This year, the Touro College senior is spending her Sundays teaching high school girls how to code. Ariella is a facilitator in Touro’s Girls Who Code program, a year-long club that teaches computer coding to high school girls in order to spark their interest in technology careers. The program currently enrolls 40 students from a dozen different Bais Yaakov high schools in New York. Girls Who Code is a national nonprofit working to close the gender gap in technology. According to Girls Who Code, by 2020, there will be 1.4 million jobs available in computing related fields. U.S. graduates are on track to fill 29 percent of those jobs. Women are on track to fill just three percent of these jobs. Girls Who Code provides a national curriculum for the course. Ariella and the seven other female computer science majors at Touro who teach the high school students rely on this curriculum. “I wanted to do this because I never had this kind of opportunity when I was younger,” Ariella says. She will graduate this year and has already been accepted to a Master’s Program in CyberSecurity at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering. Tova Lederer, another Touro computer science major who serves as a facilitator, said the program is a resume-builder. “I’m looking for a job in programming and several interviewers have commented about my involvement in Girls Who Code. It means I know how to facilitate a group and lead people,” she says. Guest speakers add another dimension to the program, sharing their backgrounds and introducing the students to a wide range of career options. On this particular Sunday, Sarah Hoffman discussed machine learning, a type of artificial intelligence. Hoffman is the Lead Machine Learning Engineer at Factset Research Systems. The high school seniors and juniors listen raptly as she discusses the lucrative jobs in her field, describes how computers can be “taught” to process information, and explains the skills needed to succeed. “Who loves math?’ she asks. Hands
shoot up around the room. Touro professor and computer science chair Dr. Shmuel Fink launched Touro’s Girls Who Code program in October 2016 at the campus in Flatbush. “This is a great opportunity for everyone. Young women who attend the club get a chance to try out computer science and get a head start on a career. They learn valuable skills, even if they never work in technology. Touro students who facilitate are able to demonstrate to prospective employers that they have leadership skills and that they are both passionate and knowledgeable about technology,” says Dr. Fink. Dr. Fink makes an effort to get to know each computer science major personally. He sets the tone for the department in which faculty members are accessible to students and eager to answer their questions. Touro in Flatbush offers majors in computer science, information systems and digital multimedia design. Tova, Ariella and their fellow instructors try to model this approach. Students spend the first semester learning the basics of coding and they spend the second semester working in teams to build websites. One student is working on a website about different types of schools and their target markets. “I’m thinking about computer programming as a career. I wouldn’t have even known about it before,” she says.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
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MARCH 16, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community
At a “Snow Day Program” by Ashreinu held on Tuesday during the snowstorm
Queens Community Greatly Enjoys Shevach’s Rendition of “Annie”
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hevach High School wowed its audience with a spectacular production last Sunday, March 5, at John Bowne High School. In front of a sold-out crowd, the drama, the scenery, the costuming, the dances, and the ensembles all came together to create a performance that will long be
remembered by all who were present. The script was an adaptation of “Annie,” rewritten by Shevach sophomore Tikvah Ney, with the orphan being a girl who escaped the inferno of Europe during the Holocaust on a Kindertransport. Her hopes of being reunited with her parents were not realized,
as they perished during the war. The orphan ultimately finds a new home and in the process brings her new mother to a greater appreciation of her heritage and a rethinking of all her values. One of the many highlights of the production was the rendition of a very moving band choir composed by the Shevach Production heads themselves. The song expressed how special every Jewish girl is, and the pride that doing the ratzon Hashem instills within her. The audience was truly captivated by this theme which was so beautifully conveyed. The students were enthusiastic from the start of production practices to the very end of the performance itself. Parents, siblings and guests could not help but be impressed by the wide
range of talent evidenced among the Shevach students. In the words of one proud parent: “This is what Shevach is all about – the warmth, the excitement, and family feeling that is generated by this type of event.” Rebbetzin Rochelle Hirtz, principal of Shevach High School, was hands-on with every aspect of the production from the very beginning. The play was skillfully directed by Shevach graduate and current staff member Ms. Ahuva Hirtz, with the able assistance of senior production heads Adina Mirsky, Elisheva Marcus and Esther Shira Chait. It is always a herculean job to synchronize all the many aspects of such a performance. Yet it was pulled off seamlessly with the musical production of Annie this year.
Joel Shiff Delegates Head to AIPAC
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oel Shiff, a”h, was a well-known supporter of Israel and AIPAC during his lifetime. He was also intricately involved in the Jewish community of the Five Towns, having served as a Library Trustee and was an active board member and president of Congregation Beth Sholom . His wife, Jane, dedicated the Joel Shiff Beth Medresh in Beth Sholom as an everlasting memorial and generously sponsored delegates to participate in AIPAC. Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, longtime friend of the family, said, “Joel, alav hasholom, left behind a legacy of community activism, caring for Israel and pride in being Jewish. We hope to perpetuate his memory by instill-
ing in our students, the next generation, those very same values.” The AIPAC policy conference is an opportunity for thousands of people from all walks of life to express their support of Israel in a multi-denominational, bipartisan manner. This year, in addition to a delegation from Rambam there will also be a number of girls from Shalhevet that will be joining. The students from Rambam, who will be chaperoned by Rambam alumnus Mr. Jonathan Deutsch, will get an overview of their mission and learn more about Mr. Joel Shiff from Rabbi Friedman, who will also be briefing and chaperoning the delegation from Shalhevet.
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Around the Community
Rambam Mesivta Talmidim Participate in Unique Yeshivas Mordechai HaTzaddik Program
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his Purim, 19 Rambam Mesivta students gathered in the upstairs Bais Medrash of the Young Israel of West Hempstead for a special Rambam Mesivta Yeshivas Mordechai HaTzadik program. Led by eleventh grade rebbe Rabbi Aryeh Young, these students committed to learning an intensive, 90-minute morning seder after Shachris on Purim morning and spent the morning learning b’iyun the sugya of “Kriasa zu Halleila.” On a day when most of the Torah world is (rightfully) busy with many mitzvos and other family obligations, these Rambam students decided to do their share to add an extra boost of limud HaTorah to the world on this tremendously auspicious day. Almost eight years ago, Habochur HaChoshuv Yeshaya Dov Eckstein a”h was killed in a tragic car accident during the summer of 2009. L’ilui nishmaso, his parents and a group of
the family’s loyal friends, have committed to sponsoring bochurim to learn each Purim. Each participating talmid receives a modest financial stipend to encourage his participation. When Rabbi Young reached out to Yeshaya Dov’s father, Itzy, to ask
if Rambam students could join the program, Mr. Eckstein immediately worked to incorporate the Rambam talmidim into this groundbreaking nationwide initiative, even though he had no prior connection to the anyone from the Rambam Mesiv-
ta community. The talmidim each learned with tremendous energy and hasmada, and walked away truly proud of their tremendous Purim accomplishment. May their learning be a zechus for Yeshaya Dov a”h.
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MARCH 16, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Op Ed
A(nother) Silent Crisis A Shortage of Qualified General Studies Teachers in Our Yeshivos By Rabbi Moshe Brody
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ecently, I received a call that has unfortunately become quite a common occurrence. It went something like this: “Rabbi, do you know a teacher for us? We need an English teacher… No, the one we have isn’t working out. I understand it’s in middle of the year but we’re really looking. OK let me know if you think of anyone for us.” As a general studies teacher in yeshivos in Brooklyn for more than a decade, I often receive calls from hopeful principals looking for teachers to fill slots for this or the following year. The search, however, many times turns out fruitless. When it comes to finding qualified rabbeim in the morning, boruch Hashem, there are more applicants than positions. However, when it comes to the chinuch in the afternoon, the opposite is true. During the second half
of the day, we face a serious teacher shortage – in particular for boys in the older grades. Case in point: a Mesivta I’m familiar with in Brooklyn, with a fantastic general studies program, struggled last year for close to three months without a math teacher. The yeshiva, despite offering a competitive salary (which due to demand has risen tremendously over the last few years), came up emptyhanded until a fellow came around and offered to teach. The fellow was a bit odd, but in a bind and the clock ticking towards the regents, the Mesivta hired him. What a mess this proved to be. Besides for his odd personality, he missed a tremendous amount of days and soon came to be seen by the school administration more of a nuisance than a help. So why is this happening now?
Why is there a general studies teacher crisis today more than in the past? The reasons for this I believe are multiple: Older, qualified, frum teachers are retiring and very few teachers are taking their place: in the postwar generation, many young frum men and women became professional teachers in the public schools. Teaching in public school was seen as an attractive option for those seeking job security, lots of benefits, and ultimately, a schedule that largely fits an Orthodox lifestyle. Moreover, being that most public schools in the past ended their school day when yeshivos started teaching general studies, many frum teachers would transition from public school to yeshivos and teach the rest of the afternoon there. This allowed many frum and qualified teachers to fill the slots
available in yeshivos. However, that generation of teachers is retiring now and there is a lack of frum teachers to fill their slots. Because of the rising cost of frum living, and public schools increasingly being seen as a hostile work environments, the choice of entering the teaching profession in the public schools as a career choice for the frum male has diminished significantly. Highlighting this shift, a 2005 article in the Forward reported that AOJT membership (the Association of Orthodox Jewish Teachers, an association originally created to represent Orthodox teachers and staff in public school but which now represents and fights for all Jewish teachers in public school regardless of their religious affiliation) was down from 7,000 in the 1980s to merely 2,500 members! And while
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
the following represents the experience of one frum person it still speaks volumes about the magnitude of this reality. Someone who recently attended Brooklyn College’s graduate school to study for his Master’s in Education degree reported that he knew of only one other frum student looking to become a teacher in the whole of his graduating class! Teaching general studies isn’t the career choice it once was, especially for frum men. Compounding this problem is the growth of the Torah community ka”h and the flourishing of yeshivos. While in the past, there were only a handful of yeshivos that needed slots in the afternoon to be filled, today there are dozens of yeshivos – all with positions needing to be filled. Many experienced retirees are being asked to come out of retirement to fill these slots, however, this option proves in many instances to be to the detriment of both the young students and the older generation of even highly qualified and experienced teachers. Partly due to the sheer generation gap and partly due to the demands of teaching, in many instances (although certainly not all) students are not being properly served with this greying population of teachers. Non-Jewish or non-frum teachers also are becoming a rarity: again, in the past, many of the teachers that would come over to teach in the afternoon in yeshivos were non-Jews or non-religious Jews. Many of them, hearing through their Orthodox colleagues of teaching opportunities in the afternoon, came over to teach in yeshivos. Thus, those frum teachers who were in the public school system were able to draw upon their networks of colleagues to reliably fill slots in the afternoon. However, this too has changed in recent years for several reasons. First, public schools have extended the amount of hours in their school day and now offer additional funding for those extra teaching opportunities. This reality has diminished or eliminated the incentive and/or the ability for this class of teachers to
become general studies teachers in yeshivos. Moreover, as public school teaching has become a less popular choice for frum people, there are fewer networks upon whom to draw non-Jewish or non-religious teachers from. These factors have severely impacted and disrupted the supply chain of teachers flowing in from the public-school system. Finally, because of cultural shifts in society, principals are reluctant to higher secular teachers from the outside
of charge – see below for contact information) and a willingness to learn the methods and content needed to teach, a ben Torah in Kollel or in chinuch can become an effective general studies teacher, filling a vital role in the Torah development of our youth today. As a yungerman learning in Kollel, and with parnassah needs growing due to a growing family ka”h, I went into general studies teaching. Boruch Hashem, the experience proved to be greatly beneficial
Many general subjects – especially science and history – if taught from a Torah perspective are the perfect vehicle to impart vital lessons in classic Torah hashkafa.
and secular teachers are hesitant to take yeshiva jobs even when offered. Many stories of mid-year disasters and subsequent resignations caused by cultural differences have convinced both sides that this arrangement is not a favorable one for either side anymore. For those looking for a full-time salary, teaching general studies in yeshivos is not an optimal career choice. The yeshivos simply cannot afford to pay attractive salaries to general studies teachers who work, at best, part-time hours. Despite the rising salaries due to a lack of supply, the yeshiva system as it is today cannot sustain full-time salaries for barely part-time work. On the other hand, the yeshiva system remains in dire need of qualified teachers for their general studies departments. So what can be done about this? I would like to suggest the following solution to this problem: Bnei Torah, in Kollel or in chinuch in the morning, looking for (more) opportunities to be mechaneich can find this a perfect venue. With some training (which we are willing to provide free
and rewarding. The actual work is only a few hours a day (which allows one to learn or teach Torah the rest of the day), the pay is respectable for those few hours that one works, and it provides a workplace in a Torah environment. Additionally, for those planning to shift to full-time work in the near future, teaching general studies in Yeshiva allows a ben Torah to gradually shift from a kulo kodesh world into the world of parnassah without the jarring effect felt by shifting from Kollel to full-time work virtually overnight. Moreover, for those seeking to gain some experience in front of a classroom, general studies teaching provides a great place to acquire that experience. Becoming a general studies teacher in yeshivos for yungerleit seeking some parnassah was one that my great Rebbe, Rav Belsky, zt”l, supported wholeheartedly and one that he pursued as a young man as well. And despite the public perception prevalent in some quarters today, becoming a general studies teacher actually provides incredible chinuch opportunities, some, not even afford-
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ed to our rabbeim. Being a general studies teacher in a yeshiva affords a ben Torah an opportunity to model for yeshiva boys how worldly topics are to be approached by a ben Torah. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to influence our youth with Torah hashkafa using the general curriculum as a tool to do so. Many general subjects – especially science and history – if taught from a Torah perspective are the perfect vehicle to impart vital lessons in classic Torah hashkafa. History is a perfect vehicle to teach hashgacha pratis which can demonstrate Hashem’s providence over the Yidden throughout our long history. Science can be used as a tool to build emunah by showing Hashem’s brilliant design in nature. Literature affords a perfect opportunity to analyze cultural messages from the outside world and media through the lens of the Torah, a crucial life skill for every Jew growing up in today’s world. Finally, math affords a golden opportunity to shed light on obscure Gemaras and sugyos, including halachic measurements and the like, and to also show how the Ribbono Shel Olam made a world that is precise. All in all, these are valuable chinuch lessons not focused on much in the current curriculum in limudei kodesh and which can only serve to strengthen the yahdus of our youngsters. And so, I appeal to bnei Torah and to all members of our Torah world to consider this very unique and rewarding profession for themselves. Try it, I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Rabbi Moshe Brody is a veteran general studies teacher in our yeshivos, a member of the Kollel Choshen Mishpat and Even Haezer in Yeshiva Torah Vodaath and is the founder of the Limudai Yisroel Institute dedicated to improving general studies in yeshivos. Anyone interested in receiving free training to become a general studies teacher using these Torah methods can contact Rabbi Brody at limudaichol@gmail.com.
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MARCH 16,29, 2017 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 2015 | The Jewish Home
1.
TJH
2.
You gotta be
Centerfold kidding
Riddle me this?
A man stumbles up to the only other patron in a bar and asks if he could buy him a drink. “Why, of course,” comes the reply. The first man then asks, “Where are you from?” “I’m from Nebraska,” replies the second man. The first man responds: “You don’t say. I’m from Nebraska too! Let’s have another round to Nebraska.” “Of course,” says the second. Curious, the first asks: “Where in Nebraska?” “Omaha,” comes the reply. “I can’t believe it, me too! Let’s have another round of drinks to Omaha.” “Of course.” The second man can’t help himself so he asks, “What school did you go to?” “Omaha Tech,” replies the first man. “I graduated in ’62.” “This is becoming unbelievable!”
they
say in union. About that time, in comes one of the regulars down
and
sits
the
bar.
at
“What’s up?” he asks the bartender. “Nothing
much,”
replies the bartender. “The Johnson twins are drunk again.”
David is flying to Florida with his dog. As he is about to get on the plane the flight attendant tells him, “Dogs are not allowed on this plane, but it can stay under the plane.” He reluctantly agrees to let his dog go under the plane. Shortly into the trip the plane experiences trouble and lands in Virginia, where everybody switches planes. As they are removing the contents from the storage compartment the flight attendants are horrified to discover that David’s dog is dead. They know how attached David is to his dog and anticipate a rather large lawsuit. Acting quickly they summon a dog seller who is able to sell them a dog that looks exactly like David’s dog. He guarantees the flight attendants that there is no way that David would be able to tell that this is a replacement dog. Once they land in Florida the flight attendants bring the barking dog to David. The second David sees the dog he panics and says, “Liars! This is not my dog. You replaced her with another one.” David knows this despite the fact that the dog is an exact replica of his dog. How does David know she is not his dog? See answer below
when he saw the dog barking he knew she was not his. Answer to Riddle: David’s dog was dead the whole time. He was bringing her to Florida to be buried, so
The Jewish Home | MARCH 29, 16, 2015 2017 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER
SNOW TRIVIA 1. On the average, one inch of rain is equivalent to how many inches of snow? a. 10 inches b. 1 inch c. 5 inches d. A foot 2. Which state’s license plates have the slogan “Greatest Snow on Earth”? a. Vermont b. Utah c. Montana d. Colorado 3. What is the record for the most snowfall on the U.S. mainland over a 24-hour period? a. 38 inches Answers: 1. A 2. B 3. C-On April 14, 1921, in Silver Lake, Colorado, it snowed 76 inches over 24 hours. The storm raged for a total of 32.5 hours straight and ultimately left 95 inches (8 feet) of snow,
results in surface saturation causing whiteout conditions. d. Sustained wind of 35 miles an hour winds and falling snow which causes visibility to be reduced to less than ½ of a mile.
b. 54 inches c. 76 inches d. 101 inches 4. What causes a snowstorm to be defined as a blizzard? a. It’s an instinct. When people go to the store and buy ice cream, donuts, chips and any junk food they can find because “tomorrow is an off day,” that’s when you know a blizzard is coming. b. When 12 or more inches of snow falls in a 24 hour period. c. Snowfall which is caused by an offshore front combined with a downward air mass (usually coming from Canada or the north) which causes a vortex followed by an arctic blast which causes atmospheric pressure wind system and cloud depression thereby creating inflow humidity which
which is the record for one continuous snowfall. Silver Lake is at 10,220 feet and about 40 miles west of Denver. 4. D 5. A- The 2007 Siberian orange snow was oily to the touch and reported to contain four times the normal level of iron. Although an official cause for
5. What color snow fell over an area of 580 sq. miles in Siberia on Feb 2, 2007? a. Orange b. Black c. Pink d. Yellow 6. What is the average yearly snowfall in the New York City area? a. 9 inches b. 17 inches c. 34 inches d. 55 inches
this phenomenon was never determined, it is believed that it was caused by a heavy sandstorm in neighboring Kazakhstan.
watch out for you!
6. B
0-2 correct: When are you going to realize that these deep conversations you have with your snowman are not going to make you any smarter?
Weather Report: 5-6 correct: WCBS 880’s weatherman Craig Allen better
3-4 correct: You are OK…a bit of brain freeze, but that’s understandable, considering the weather.
It’s So Cold That…. We have to stop eating with metal cutlery. Hitchhikers are holding up pictures of thumbs. Roosters are rushing into Kentucky Fried Chicken and begging to use the pressure cooker. Even the “tough guy” is wearing a coat. The 911 emergency phone line has a recorded message that says to phone back in the spring. You go into the freezer to warm up. The optician is giving away free ice scrapers with every new pair of eyeglasses. UN weapons inspectors suddenly decided that chemical weapons might be hidden in Hawaii. Pickpockets are sticking their hands in strangers’ pockets just to keep them warm. Congress’ hot air is freezing over. Lawyers are actually sticking their hands in their own pockets for a change.
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MARCH 16, 2017 | The Jewish Home
From the Fire
Parshas Ki Sisa
Raising Holy Tablet Breakers By Rav Moshe Weinberger Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf
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hat did we take with us from Purim? One lesson was the rectification of that which Amalek tried to do to us. The pasuk (Devarim 25:17) says, “Remember what Amalek did to you [ahcel]…” The inner Amalek tries to cause us to focus only on ourselves, on “you.” It attempts to make a person think that he does not need anyone else, to live in his own little world indifferent to those around him. But the focus of Purim is (Esther 4:16), “Go gather together all the Jewish people…” Similarly, in this week’s parsha, the Torah teaches us that when Moshe took a census of the Jewish people, he was commanded to do so by causing every person to give a half shekel (Shmos 30:13). This also teaches us that we must see ourselves as only “half” a person, as lacking without other people. Our parsha also contains a lesson regarding what it means to grow up. Every year it is so hard to read the story of the golden calf and the breaking of the tablets, the luchos. How could the Jewish people have possibly fallen so far so soon after personally hearing Hashem’s voice on Sinai merely because of a slight perceived delay in Moshe’s return from the mountain?
One way we can understand it is through the lens of the Kuzari by Rabbi Yehuda Halevi, zy”a. He explains that the root of the people’s sin was not actually idol worship. Rather, their mistake was that they attempted to channel their faith in G-d into something which they could feel and touch. This desire, while misguided, is
talking to the wall.” The desire to see and feel Hashem’s presence is very strong because it is truly difficult to internalize Hashem’s presence before us when we cannot see Him. That is why the Kuzari explains that “the intention of the nation was not to depart from the service of G-d. Rather, they believed that they were working toward the service [of G-d].”
Because we work out the Torah’s message inch-by-inch, word-by-word, on our own, it belongs to us.
understandable and natural. The reality is that it is very difficult to talk to and serve a G-d we cannot see. In one of my shiurim at yeshiva, I asked the boys: “What is more difficult: davening or learning?” They all answered that davening was more difficult. I asked them why. One young man asked me if I was sure I wanted to hear the truth. I confirmed that I did. He answered, “It is so hard to daven because I feel like I am just
They were really saying (Mechilta D’Rabbi Yishmael, Yisro, 2), “Our desire is to see our King!” The truth is that what the Jewish people went through is the paradigm for the growing pains every person experiences when he grows up. That is the path from spiritual immaturity to spiritual adulthood. The Torah tells us (Shmos 32:16), “The luchos were the work of G-d and the writing was the writing of G-d.” Everything
came from G-d. And in reality, nothing could be greater than that. But as a person grows to spiritual maturity, he begins to wonder, “Where am I in all of this?” We felt like children whose parents did everything for them. That is wonderful but as children mature, they will never feel like whole human beings until they begin creating a life for themselves by making their own choices. Moshe descended from Sinai and saw the people dancing around the work of their own hands. He recognized that a mature nation can only rejoice in spiritual accomplishments it makes on its own. The Jewish people were like children who rejected that which their parents gave them. Moshe saw that in the end, forcing us to accept the Torah (Shabbos 88a) simply did not work. That is why he threw down “the work of G-d” and “the writing of G-d.” And Hashem acknowledged that Moshe did the right thing when He said (ibid. 87a), “You acted correctly by breaking [the luchos].” We have never had a generation of children when parents were able to give more to their children. We give them everything, including the beliefs and the Torah life of our fathers and mothers. But our chil-
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
dren continue to rebel like in previous generations. It is apparent that the problem is not a failure to bring down more Yiddishkeit on our children from above. At some point in their lives, they must make Torah their own. And in order to do so, they feel that they have no choice but to shatter the luchos given to them by their parents. There are so many ways to serve G-d within the parameters of Yiddishkeit. But we must understand that many of those will not coincide with the exact brand of Yiddishkeit we feel most comfortable in or in which we raise our children. They must blaze their own path in the service of G-d. Only then will they feel ownership of it. Only then will it last forever like the second set of luchos which Moshe, not Hashem, carved. The root of this principle is the fact that (Menachos 99b) “The foundation of the Torah is its nullification.” While the Jewish people stumbled and sinned grievously by building the golden calf, their attempt to fashion their own way in the service of G-d was actually a step toward a more mature, ground-up way of serving G-d. So too when our children stumble in their efforts to forge
their own identity, independent from the way we raised them, we pray that they eventually will find a path within Yiddishkeit that they have taken personal ownership of, which belongs to them. The breaking of the luchos brings about a tremendous loss of the Torah which came before. But ultimately “the nullification of Torah is its foundation” because that is what gives us the power to choose and toil in Torah, to find the sanctity of Torah for ourselves. It enables us to fashion a path within Yiddishkeit that we have made with our own hands. That is what it means to leave the sanctity of G-d’s womb and enter a mundane human life which belongs to us. The Yiddishkeit we choose has much more staying power than the Yiddishkeit handed to us. That is the secret of what it means to be a bar mitzvah as well. It means to forge one’s own path. The Ibn Ezra explains, in the name of the Gaonim, that the second luchos were greater than the first because they were carved by Moshe. They correspond to the oral Torah, in which we discover and derive the Torah’s teachings on our own. Because we work out the Torah’s message
inch-by-inch, word-by-word, on our own, it belongs to us. We acquire it. It is ours. “At the beginning, [the Torah] is called in the name of Hashem, but in the end, it is called in his name [the name of the one who studied it].” (Avodah Zara 19a). The pre-golden calf Torah which comes purely from above does not last. When we mature, we must break the luchos which are the work of Hashem’s “hands” and build our own personal relationship with G-d from the ground up. Along these lines, the Baal Haturim offers an amazing explanation of the pasuk regarding the relationship between Yaakov and Yosef, which the Torah (Bereishis 37:3) explains as “because he was a son of his old age [minkiz].” The Baal Haturim says that the word for old age, minkiz, lacks the letter Vav. According to this spelling, the word is an acronym for five of the six sections of Mishna: Zeraim (Zayin), Kodshim (Kuf), Nashim (Nun), Yeshuos (meaning Nezikin -duY), and Moed (Mem). The Baal Haturim teaches that Yaakov gave all of this over to Yosef. But one of the six sections of the Mishna is missing. There is one section Yaakov never gave over to Yosef. And that is Taharos, the laws
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regarding that which is holy. A parent can give over all of the “do’s” and “don’ts” to a child. But he cannot transmit holiness to the child. That is something the child must discover and attain on his own according to his own path in Yiddishkeit, a path he acquires himself. Parents must have the wisdom, gentleness, and patience to give their children the luchos of their beliefs, of their love, and their own sacrifice for Hashem and Torah. But at the same time, they must have the flexibility, humility, and broadmindedness to encourage them to forge their own path in Yiddishkeit. That is true wisdom. May all of us merit to raise our children in this way and may we merit to see our children successfully fashion a path in Yiddishkeit that belongs to them so that every generation will continue rising higher than the one before, each in its own unique way..
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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Torah Thought
Parshas Ki Sisa By Rabbi Berel Wein
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ne of the most important, albeit only subtly presented, messages in this week’s Torah reading is that of the enormous influence that current culture fads and beliefs have upon the society of its time. I do not believe that there is any other way for us to review the events of the creation and the worship of the Golden Calf by the Jewish people. Amazing in its brazenness and
brainlessness, a people witness to a plethora of miracles and Godly revelation itself, in a moment of crisis, reverts back to paganism and idolatry. The whole idea of worshiping images and statues as though they had life and powers is completely foreign to our society. It is not part of our current culture and by simply applying basic logic, we are able to see it for the empty falsehood that it is.
However, were we to live in a culture of paganism and idolatry as did our ancestors when they left Egypt there is no doubt that the Golden Calf could and would speak to us and enlist our thoughtful consideration, if not even our allegiance. The Talmud tells us that Menashe, a king of Judah in First Temple times, when in a dream, was questioned by a leading rabbi who lived many centuries after the death of the king as to how he could believe and worship statues and idols responded: “Had you lived in my generation you also would have raised your garment in order to run
cultural challenges and battles in amazement and wonder. They will say about us what we say about the generation that created the Golden Calf –“How could they have been so wrong?” The answer to that lies in the recognition of the enormous influence that the prevailing culture plays in our lives and thoughts. The culture of liberalism, tolerance for wickedness and basically immoral behavior has so corroded our judgment and our view of the purpose of our lives that we see everything through a distorted mirror. Jewish survival, moral growth
“Had you lived in my generation you also would have raised your garment in order to run more quickly to worship those statues and idols.” more quickly to worship those statues and idols.” Menashe was a creature of his times and a captive of its prevailing culture. The rabbi who questioned him had other cultural challenges but could no longer relate to the culture that prevailed when Menashe was the king of Judah. We see many cultural battles on challenges that are present in today’s current Jewish world. These cultural battles raise passionate feelings on both sides of the questions that they raise. Nevertheless, I feel that even a few generations from now our descendants will look back at these
and the preservation of the Jewish people and the Jewish State are the actions that should dominate our thoughts and behavior. Passing fads, which so occupy our current media, will be obsolete as we move on to newer fads and a different type of culture. The Torah attempted and attempts to raise us above temporary, passing fads. Only a traditional lifestyle based on Jewish core values and Torah principles will save us from the mockery of later generations. Shabbat shalom.
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The Observant Jew
Bless This Mess By Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz
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ven though we’re thirty days before Pesach, this article is not about Pesach cleaning. Rather, it’s about a little housekeeping of our own minds. You see, quite often, we imagine things to be problems that aren’t really problems and with a little practice, we can keep a clear mind. One evening, a tutor was coming to our home. Having just returned from a trip, we still had things to be unpacked. My wife was mortified that the house would be a mess (defined as any item being more than three centimeters from its designated space). I assured her that the tutor wouldn’t mind. When the woman arrived, my wife apologized. The tutor said, “I didn’t even notice it. If it isn’t my mess to worry about I don’t see it.” I concurred, “Like when someone else’s kid is misbehaving. You’re just glad it isn’t yours.” She knew the feeling, “Exactly!” It’s a great truism that when you don’t have to deal with the problem, it’s a lot easier to miss it. For example, if your child isn’t allergic to something, you are less likely to notice when that allergen is around. My wife, for example, can spot a mango at 1,000 yards while someone else would easily serve it to my daughter (who is allergic to them) and comment to her about how tasty it is. Even if you’re aware of it, it won’t offend your sensibilities like it will someone to whom it really matters, like when someone forgets to check whether the snack they sent into school is nut-free.
When someone has financial woes, or shidduch issues, or no children, those of us who don’t share that challenge may thank Hashem that we don’t but we don’t dwell on it constantly. So why is it that when someone else has something good, it can be on our minds excessively? If we see someone with a lot of money – and I mean a lot of money – we wonder why they deserve it. We wonder why we weren’t gifted with great wealth. If it’s a test, it’s one we’d like to take! When you see someone with a fancy car, or a good-looking or kind or intelligent spouse, or a lovely home, it sticks with you more than if you see someone driving a jalopy
Don’t look at someone else’s house, or wife, or job, or car, or anything that belongs to someone else. Why? Well, besides for the fact that it borders on one of the Ten Commandments, it’s just a waste of time and energy. It’s like growing cobwebs in your mind to think about something that isn’t yours and isn’t supposed to be yours. At a fancy resort hotel, a woman passed another woman in the lobby. She couldn’t help but notice the giant diamond pendant the woman was wearing. “That’s a beautiful diamond!” she exclaimed. The woman replied, “Yes, it’s the Krupnik Diamond.” “Oh!” squealed the other wom-
If you saw someone with a shiny state-of-the-art electronic wheelchair and you can walk on your own two feet, would you be jealous?
or with a loud-mouthed husband. But remember, just as it isn’t your mess, the rest of the package isn’t yours either! You shouldn’t be noticing it because it isn’t part of your world. The Orchos Chaim LaRosh writes that a person should accustom himself to not look at something that isn’t his.
an. “Like the Hope Diamond? Does this one also have a curse?” “Absolutely,” said the pendant-wearer with a deep sigh. “Mr. Krupnik!” If you saw someone with a shiny state-of-the-art electronic wheelchair and you can walk on your own two feet, would you be jealous? Of
course not! The mistake we make is thinking that what others have would be good for us. But it’s not. It’s like a pair of shoes that are the wrong size. There’s nothing to be jealous of because they’re not a good fit for us. Chazal tell us that just as we bless G-d for the good, we should bless Him for the bad. I suggest the opposite too. The same way we bless Him for not having given us the problems we see others having, we should bless Him for not giving us the good things He gave to others that wouldn’t be right for our needs and for giving them what’s good for them. We are all keenly aware of the difficulties in our lives and the good in others’ lives. If we can only turn that around and be aware of what we have that’s good and be sensitive to the hardships others face, we’ll be able to “bless the mess” and be happy – because we know it’s ours.
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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Between the Lines
Proud to be a (Stubborn) Jew By Eytan Kobre
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any are stubborn in pursuit of the path they have chosen; few in pursuit of the goal. -Friedrich Nietzsche Many years ago, there was a stubborn minor league baseball player who hit mile-high pop-ups, one after another, soaring high into the clouds…only to land for easy outs. His coaches tried to intervene to no avail, and highly-paid hitting instructors tried to correct the young man’s swing, but he just wouldn’t listen. One day, the old groundskeeper hobbled by and saw the young man swing his bat in practice. After several consecutive pop-ups, the old man said, “Son, I haven’t seen a ball hit that high since ol’ Willy McDugan played here.” The young man thanked the groundskeeper for what he thought were kind words, and asked, as an afterthought, “By the way, who is Willy McDugan?” The old man offered up a knowing smile. “Exactly.” History has had its fair share of pig-headed people. Take Japanese soldier Hiroo Onoda, for example, who hid in a Philippine jungle for 29 years after World War II, refusing to believe the war was over until 1974, when his former commander was flown in to personally reverse his 1945 order to stay behind. Many of us seem to know people who are almost as stubborn – rela-
tives, friends, neighbors, co-workers…never us, of course. We tend to regard stubbornness as an undesirable attribute, and for good reason. We are criticized repeatedly as a “stiff-necked nation” (Shemos 32:9, 33:3, 33:5), and the Torah expressly warns us not to be stiff-necked (Ramban and Seforno, Devarim 10:16; Moreh Nevuchim III:33; Michtav M’Eliyahu, Vol. I, pgs. 63-64). But, like most negative traits, stubbornness isn’t all bad (Chovos
ple not in spite of their stubbornness but because of it – because the same stubbornness that mired the Jewish people in their errant ways also could manifest itself in unwavering loyalty. “A stubborn people may be slow to acquire a faith, but once it has done so, it never relinquishes it” (Ralbag, Shemos 34:9). An obstinate streak can develop into an honorable mark of allegiance. Measured stubbornness can be an asset; in fact, the Torah was given to the Jewish people because we
Throughout our long and sometimes agonizing history, stubbornness has been essential to our survival.
Halevavos, Sha’ar Avodas Ha’Elokim, Chapter 10). Although G-d threatened to destroy the Jewish people in the aftermath of the sin of the Golden Calf because they were stiff-necked (Shemos 32:9-10), Moshe also appealed to G-d to save the Jewish people because they were stiff-necked (Ramban and Chizkuni, Shemos 34:9; Shemos Rabba 42:9). Moshe called upon G-d to forgive the Jewish peo-
are stubborn (Beitza 25b). The Vilna Gaon even remarked that, in spiritual matters, it is “the stubborn who succeed” (Keser Rosh 51). As a young man, R’ Chaim Shmulevitz asked his uncle, R’ Avraham Yafhen (head of the Navardok yeshiva), to point out his top student. R’ Yafhen showed R’ Chaim the most intelligent student, then the most knowledgeable, and then the most pious. “Okay,” R’ Chaim pressed,
“but still, who is the best student?” Pointing to a young man learning in the corner, R’ Yafhen said, “He is the best student in the yeshiva.” “But if he is the best student, why did you not point him out earlier?” R’ Yafhen replied, “Because what makes him the best is not his intellect or his memory or his piety; it is his doggedness. He is the most stubborn.” That student turned out to be the Steipler Gaon. In his frantic efforts to enter the Land of Israel, Moshe took a page out of this playbook. When he beseeched G-d to be allowed to enter and wasn’t answered, he didn’t give up. He begged another 514 times, 515 prayers in total (Devarim 3:23). No answer? Didn’t matter. Additional prayers might not help? Didn’t matter. It might be improper to ask repeatedly? Didn’t matter. That’s the benefit of stubbornness (Da’as Torah, Bereishis 30:8). Our collective penchant for stubbornness began with Avraham. Avraham was called an “Ivri” because he was never been afraid to stand apart from others in his beliefs and values (Bereishis Rabba 42:8); indeed, the word “Ivri” stands for “Akshanus b’ruchnius yatzliach” – “stubbornness in spirituality succeeds.” All alone in a pagan world, he refused to renounce his beliefs. He was the original stiff-neck. He remained
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
steadfast, resolute, and committed. And he transmitted that stubbornness to his descendants – the generations of Jews who were and remain prepared to give up everything, even life itself, for their faith. Being stiff-necked gives us the fortitude and the gumption not to cower before those who would degrade us and our ways (Yifei To’ar, Shemos Rabba 42:9). Throughout our long and sometimes agonizing history, stubbornness has been essential to our survival. Two Jews once were taken into captivity. When their captor overheard them exchanging some insightful Torah thoughts, he couldn’t help but remark that they were true to their moniker as a “stiff-necked people” (Sanhedrin 104a-b and Maharsha ad loc.). Despite the exiles
and persecutions, despite being the punching-bag of the nations, the Jewish essence is indomitable. And we owe that to our stubborn spirit. The Skverer Rebbe would relate how, as a young child, he was known to possess a stubborn streak. He once saw an object with which he wanted to play, but his grandfather, not wanting the object to break, placed it on the highest shelf of a nearby bookcase. But the boy would not be deterred. He devised a way to scale the bookcase and retrieve the object, much to his grandfather’s chagrin. When he finally succeeded in reaching the object, his grandfather patted him on the head. Der yingele hot asach akshanus (“the boy has a lot of stubbornness”). Those words proved prescient. It was his stubbornness that helped him survive the Nazis
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and rebuild his decimated congregation. Reflecting on his grandfather’s words uttered so many years earlier, the Skverer Rebbe would remark, “I used all that stubbornness to rebuild this community.” Holocaust survivor Asher Brenner recalled the stubbornness of the Klausenberger Rebbe during that same dreadful time. In Auschwitz I was placed into the same group as the Klausenberger Rebbe. He suffered even more than the rest of us because of his stubbornness: he refused to eat non-kosher food; he managed to sneak tefillin into the camp and put them on every day; he organized daily minyanim. These activities, of course, drew the attention of the Nazis and the Kapos, and he frequently was punished with vicious beatings. Yet Rabbi Halber-
stam persisted (The Klausenberger Rebbe: The War Years). That’s the hallmark of stubbornness. We have a paradoxical relationship with stubbornness. Our penchant for being “stiff-necked” is a criticism – but it’s also our strength. Other nations have come and gone, but not us. We don’t give up. We keep trying. We remain true to our divine task. We always have. And we always will.
Eytan Kobre is a writer, speaker, mediator, and attorney living in Kew Gardens Hills. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? E-mail eakobre@outlook.com.
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Jewish History
Memoirs of a Forgotten Rabbi The Troubled Life of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Ferber By Rabbi Pini Dunner
Part V
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here is one more thing that I wish to mention. It relates to the omission of some names and stories, omissions so remarkable and startling, that I am not sure myself how to interpret them. I will leave it as a riddle for you to puzzle over and try to understand. There are quite a few episodes of consequence that Rabbi Ferber simply leaves out of his narrative. These were matters of importance which must have been known to him and about which he must have had some opinion. The one that is most obvious to me, as I am writing a separate book about its protagonist and his life, is the infamous episode of the London-based Rabbi Joseph Shapotshnick and his spurious dispensation for agunot, also known as “chained wives,” to remarry, endorsed by what turned out later to be the forged signatures of several prominent European rabbis. Six hundred of Shapotshnick’s rabbinic colleagues from around the world, including the leading rabbi of Lithuanian Jewry, Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzenski, and the leading Polish Hasidic leader of the era, the Rebbe of Gur, Rabbi Avrohom Mordechai Alter, signed a public declaration against Rabbi Shapotshnick in 1928. A number of English rabbis were amongst the signatories on the anti-Shapotshnick declaration. But not Rabbi Ferber. Nor does he men-
tion the whole episode in his memoirs, despite the fact that it rocked the rabbinic world at the time. It is hard to know why – I simply mention it as an example of a noteworthy omission. But this, and any other omission, pale into insignificance in relation to an omission that occurs in the very first few pages of the memoirs. In these pages Rabbi Ferber describes in great detail, and with great enthusiasm, the town of Slabodka in
sacred by Arabs in 1929. Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel lived in Slabodka before Rabbi Ferber was born and left Slabodka long after Rabbi Ferber had moved to England. The whole of Slabodka was made up of a few insignificant streets – it was a tiny little town. Rabbi Ferber even mentions the Rosh Yeshiva of Rabbi Finkel’s yeshiva, Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Epstein, and in the same connection he mentions Rabbi Isser Zalman Meltzer. But Rabbi Finkel’s
It seems that he leaves nothing out, until you realize that he has left out one person who the world – to this day – most identifies with Slabodka. which he grew up. He talks about the history of the Jewish community in Slabodka, and of course Kovno – the neighboring larger town. He recalls great events. He details the positive and negative attributes of the various rabbis who lived in Slabodka. It seems that he leaves nothing out, until you realize that he has left out the one person who the world – to this day – most identifies with Slabodka: the man known as the “Alter of Slabodka,” Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel, the founder and spiritual mentor of the Knesset Yisrael Yeshiva, which moved to Hebron in 1924, where its students were mas-
name is not mentioned once. As Rabbi Ferber himself makes clear, he studied at the rival Knesset Beit Yitzchak yeshiva in Slabodka, so he obviously belonged to the “anti-mussar” faction in the famous dispute he describes that led to the fateful split in Slabodka yeshiva. His reverence for Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan Spektor, the rabbi of Kovno, who was universally recognized in his day as the world’s leading rabbi and after whom the yeshiva was named, as well as for Rabbi Spektor’s son and successor, Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Rabinovitch, is evident from the narrative. But this, and his alle-
giance to Knesset Beit Yitchok, does not explain the omission of Rabbi Finkel’s name. Furthermore, it is obvious that Rabbi Ferber was not in principle “anti-mussar.” He describes how Rabbi Yitzchak Blazer, a devoted disciple of the founder of the mussar movement of Rabbi Yisrael Salanter, made a strong impression on him, and elsewhere he mentions how he used mussar in his own homilies and public addresses to exhort and influence his audience. Moreover, he was married to Rabbi Salanter’s great-niece, as he mentions with great pride on a number of occasions. Was there some reason why Rabbi Ferber did not mention him? The omission of Rabbi Finkel from the memoirs is a puzzle worth considering and I leave it to you, dear reader, to draw your own conclusions. With these words I can wrap up my introduction and begin to share Rabbi Ferber in his own words. The actual memoirs were written in Hebrew and will be published in full with copious footnotes when the editing process – currently in full swing with the help of an international team of scholars – is complete. The translation offered here in the columns of this newspaper will be extracted and somewhat abbreviated, arranged in such a way as to give you a taste of Rabbi Ferber’s troubled and eventful life.
Rabbi Pini Dunner is the Rav of Young Israel North Beverly Hills in California.
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‎My Israel Home
Jerusalem Real Estate: Intrigue and Irony By Gedaliah Borvick
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albieh is a charming centrally-located, upscale Jerusalem neighborhood. It was originally comprised of large private houses owned by wealthy Christian Arab families, most of whom lived in neighboring countries and spent their vacations in Jerusalem. After the establishment of the State of Israel, many of these architecturally distinctive homes got chopped up into small apartments and were populated by displaced families and immigrant families. By the 1960s, these formerly majestic buildings became rundown, due to the heavy wear and tear that they endured, and many of these structures were abandoned. Around the same time, many new buildings were built. Demand for these modern properties was strong, and the apartments sold for top dollar. Countless projects were built on church land and no one seemed too concerned, as the 2051 lease expiration date was considered very far into the future.
CHURCH LAND Over 130,000 dunam (32,500 acres) of land in central Jerusalem neighborhoods are owned by the Greek Orthodox Church. In 1952, the nascent Israeli government and the Greek Catholic Church executed a 99-year lease with one 25-year lease renewal option. Thousands of apart-
ments were built on church land, in addition to many famous Jerusalem buildings, such as the Knesset and the Great Synagogue. In 2011, a group of private Jewish businessmen signed an agreement with the church to lease the land for 160 years, commencing when the original lease expires in 2051. Fast forward to 2017, and the initial church lease expiration date is starting to loom large, as it is only 34 years away. Most industry observers expect that in 2051 a lease renewal fee will be levied on the apartment own-
fashionable to purchase and renovate the previously neglected older houses. One such property is Chovevei Tzion 7, a magnificent house which was built in the 1920s by a Christian Arab family headed by attorney and power broker Elias Mognom. The family was extremely well-connected and hosted such dignitaries as the British Mandate governor and Jordan’s King Abdullah. During the War of Independence, the Mognom family abandoned the property, which was then divided into several smaller units and, over time, fell into disrepair.
The property is one of the most cherished private homes in Jerusalem and is for sale with an asking price that reflects its magnificence. ers to cover the lease extension cost, but no one knows how significant that levy will be. This lack of clarity is wreaking havoc on market pricing, and units on church land are currently selling at minimally 30% below similar apartments on private land.
REJUVENATION Starting in the 1970s, it became
Almost all of these previously undesirable older buildings are situated on privately owned land and are now highly sought after; as a result, prices for these properties continue to rise. Refocusing on Chovevei Tzion 7, in the early 2000s, an overseas family purchased all of the apartments in the building, and lovingly and painstakingly restored the property to its
original grandeur. Two floors were added to this rare free-standing villa, which is now an extraordinary 8,400-square-foot estate comprised of nine bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a rooftop pool, beautiful grounds, and expansive family space. The property is one of the most cherished private homes in Jerusalem and is for sale with an asking price that reflects its magnificence.
TREND We are observing similar scenarios in other sections of Jerusalem. For example, in Baka, many older Arab buildings laid fallow for many years. During that time period, new properties situated on church land were built on Ben Azai and Dan Streets and were at the forefront of the community’s gentrification. Just like in Talbieh, these apartments are selling significantly below market due to the unresolved church land issue, while many of the formerly neglected older buildings have been meticulously restored and are in great demand. Gedaliah Borvick is the founder of My Israel Home (www.myisraelhome.com), a real estate agency focused on helping people from abroad buy and sell homes in Israel. To sign up for his monthly market updates, contact him at gborvick@ gmail.com.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
Keren Minchas Shlomo Over the past few years, we have sent gently used clothing to aniyei Eretz Yisrael in a biannual clothing drive. ALL COSTS are paid by anonymous sponsors, and collection and distribution is undertaken by UNPAID volunteers. This is a special opportunity to perform the tremendous mitzvah of tzedakah without incurring any expense. Last September we shipped over 10,000 garments to distribution centers, both chareidi and chiloni, in Yerushalayim, Kiryat Sefer, Bet Shemesh, and other communities. We also distributed clothing to families affected by the fires in Haifa. The Keren is responsible for the clothing when it reaches E�Y, and the Israeli government inspects the container to make sure we comply with the rules and regulations. WE ARE SENDING ONLY GENTLY USED CLOTHING (no shoes, hats, or undergarments). Please select garments that you feel are appropriate and that our needy brethren in E"Y will be proud to wear. Please insure that all clothing is stain-free and in very good condition. Thank you for the last drive! Our community’s drive continues to be the most successful this organization has in terms of the quality and quantity of clothes we send to Eretz Yisrael. Help us do it again!
The clothing drive will BE"H take place
Sunday, March 19 | 10am-3pm at PRECISION AUTO BODY
10 Nassau Ave., Inwood, NY 11096 Make a right turn after the Exxon station on Sheridan Blvd. For more information, call 802-622-1818
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Your TJH Purim Photo Album
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Your TJH Purim Photo Album
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Your TJH Purim Photo Album
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Your TJH Purim Photo Album
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Your TJH Purim Photo Album
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
Your TJH Purim Photo Album
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Your TJH Purim Photo Album
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Your TJH Purim Photo Album
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
Your TJH Purim Photo Album Simchas Purim at the Home of Ephraim and Rena Kutner
PHOTO CREDIT: IRA THOMAS CREATIONS
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Your TJH Purim Photo Album Simchas Purim with Rabbi Tzvi Krigsman, Menahel of Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
It looks l ike a boy becoming a handsome man
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Your TJH Purim Photo Album Simchas Purim at Rabbi Brown’s House
PHOTO CREDIT: IRA THOMAS CREATIONS
Simchas Purim at the Young Israel of Woodmere “Men’s Club” Purim Event PHOTO CREDIT: IRA THOMAS CREATIONS
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Your TJH Purim Photo Album Simchas Purim at the Home of Rabbi Bender PHOTO CREDIT: IRA THOMAS CREATIONS
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
Your TJH Purim Photo Album Simchas Purim at the Home of Rabbi Bender PHOTO CREDIT: IRA THOMAS CREATIONS
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Your TJH Purim Photo Album Simchas Purim at the Home of Rabbi Bender PHOTO CREDIT: IRA THOMAS CREATIONS
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Your TJH Purim Photo Album At the Young Israel of Woodmere Purim Celebration
PHOTO CREDIT: IRA THOMAS CREATIONS
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
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Your TJH Purim Photo Album At the Young Israel of Woodmere Purim Celebration
PHOTO CREDIT: IRA THOMAS CREATIONS
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MARCH 16, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Dating Dialogue
What Would You Do If… Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters
Dear Navidaters,
The year I went to Israel, I decided to take a totally different path than my parents. They are very modern Orthodox and I’ve chosen to move way, way to the right. Everything clicked for me during that year and I feel very happy living this very different lifestyle. I knew there would be problems once I got home, as I hoped that my parents would make changes in our home to enable me to live the way I needed to live. In certain areas, they were happy to go along with my requests. In some other areas, we are still knocking heads. But that’s another story.
I’d like to start dating now and my parents don’t want to have anything to do with the whole “checking out the resume” system. They don’t believe in it; in fact, they view it as ridiculous. They don’t like the whole idea of people calling up people and asking all sorts of personal, prying questions. They think it’s an invasion of privacy – the entire family’s privacy. They believe that two people should go out and get to know one another and if there is an alignment of values and a chemistry, that’s the way it should go. I do have a mentor who is willing to take on the job of looking out for me, going with me to shadchans and acting as middle (wo)man. The problem is that I’m fearful that when people do call my parents – which I’m sure will ultimately happen – they will say things that will ruin my chances of meeting anyone. I kind of suspect that maybe they really don’t want me pursuing this lifestyle and will sabotage my efforts in any way that they can. I’m really worried. I’ve tried talking to them but they are sticking with their attitude and I think hoping I’ll change in some way to be more like them. I don’t know what to do at this point. Help!
Disclaimer: This column is not intended to diagnose or otherwise conclude resolutions to any questions. 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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The Panel The Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S.
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alm down. You are mature and sensible. You have dealt with part of the challenge of functioning without parents playing the traditional role in shidduchim. You went and got yourself a mentor who will help you with dating prospects, checking them out, and working with shadchanim. Good job. Don’t forget to show appreciation for this individual’s time and effort. It’s a big job. Beyond gifts, offer to help out during busy times such as yom tov, babysitting, etc. Be patient with your parents and make sure to give them respect. They are your parents. They are probably paying for your schooling and supporting you right now. They may also wonder whether your flip is temporary or not. They may question whether you are ready for a lifestyle with which you did not grow up. Keep talking, keep your chumros, and keep your calm. Time will work things out for you. Your parents’ respect will grow. And your commitment to your chosen way of life will deepen. Don’t feel so vulnerable. Continue to be mature, responsible, and prayerful. Do your hishtadlus. What’s the worst that can happen now? Your parents might make it clear to a caller that you have “frummed out”? That means everything will be out in the open and whoever calls will know where both you and your parents are holding. I would give your parents more credit than you are giving them. They are fearful and nervous. They don’t know if your religiosity is permanent. They are probably afraid that your future spouse and family may look down on them. They may fear the responsibility and implications of working with a system they don’t know. Understand their vulnerability as well as your own. They are not consciously looking to sabotage their daughter’s prospects. They probably just wish things were the way they were in their times and lifestyle.
Keep in mind that a good fit for you will probably be someone who has also become more religious than his family. Having traveled the same path to spiritual growth and lifestyle choice will make you both stronger together and individually. And while you pursue dating choices, keep in mind that the strength you have developed in dealing sensitively and intelligently with your parents and your situation is a real value. You will be a bigger, better person for it. You can handle the possibility of some comments that they might make along the way.
otaging the Right One. To prove my point, I relate a story that happened to a friend of mine, some forty years ago. “Shirley” was an older single teacher in Manhattan; she came from a modern Orthodox family and sought to marry a more yeshivishe type of guy. Her principal introduced her to a young rabbi, also in chinuch. Her mom thought she would derail the shidduch by wearing pants and an uncovered coif when she met the young rabbi at the door, on date one. Despite mom’s efforts, the shidduch was an instant success. What about the pants and hair? Seems back in St. Louis, the young rabbi’s mother didn’t cover her hair either. No explanations needed.
The Mother Sarah Schwartz Schreiber, P.A.
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irst and foremost, my utmost admiration to you for absorbing kedushas Eretz Yisroel and growing spiritually “way, way to the right.” You are not alone; legions of girls and boys “flip out” after that Year Abroad, causing their parents untold anxiety and resentment (“You’re going Cholov Yisrael? You want to wear a sheitel? Seriously?”) Each case has a different outcome; often parents will give up the fight when they see their children sincerely committed and happy with their new lifestyle. And besides, grandkids can soften and obliterate many a conflict. The best thing you’ve done is align yourself with a mentor who is “looking out for you” and is familiar with shadchanim who understand where you’re coming from. An experienced shadchan will introduce you to young men amenable to meeting with you; men who have similarly flipped out or who seek women who are serious about their frumkeit. Your mentor should help you with the resume/checking out; your parents are off the hook. That said, do not exclude your parents from the process. Have them meet with your prospective shidduchim and believe that the Ribbono Shel Olam will prevent them from sab-
The Shadchan Michelle Mond
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our circumstance is tricky; however, it is somewhat common. Many young men and women go to Israel for the year and come back changed people, many different from their parents. The core factor in your dilemma is surprisingly not so much dating but how your interactions with your parents should be now that you’re home. Do you act towards them in a way that shows you are respectful, responsible and level-headed? As hard as this will be to put into practice, always keep your room clean and neat. Ask your mother how you can help her around the house. When she has an opinion, listen respectfully and tell her you’ll keep it in mind. Use your mentor to check out your dating prospects so that your mother won’t have to be involved. In a way, she is right, the whole shidduch dating process is a lot more complex than it used to be. You’re not going to be able to change her views. However, you are in control of how positive she views you. Focus your energies on less correcting, less arguing, less shoving your newfound epiphanies on your
Focus your energies on less correcting, less arguing, less shoving your newfound epiphanies on your parents.
parents. Replace these with actions that show you are a mature, happy, respectful daughter who’s now doing her own thing, however, doesn’t expect your parents to bend over backwards just because you changed. It is always difficult to “come back home,” and fusing your old life with your new one is the hardest part. The fact that you have a mentor is crucial (and as a side note, showing her gratitude is just as crucial!). You will speak to her often for guidance and to do your shidduch research. When your parents see this positive, respectful change in you, they will not feel threatened and may even respect your choices. Remember that they did not have the same experience as you, and you cannot expect them to change themselves or their mindset. It is also crucial to remember that when the right one comes along, Hashem will have the bachur speak to the proper parties and hear the proper things. As long as you’re treating your parents respectfully, it is highly unlikely they would want to do anything to sabotage your future marriage prospects. Hatzlacha!
The Single Tova Wein
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here is so much change going on in your life right now. Besides the major fact that you have taken on such a different lifestyle to the one that you entered Israel with, you are on the cusp of dating! These are two very major changes for you and it’s not surprising to
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
hear that you are feeling nervous about how your life will play out at this point. It’s a stressful period in most people’s lives who are experiencing what you are now experiencing. Maybe, because of all this stress, you’re not giving your parents enough credit for how they will ultimately handle your upcoming dating. Just because they don’t want to get involved with resumes, doesn’t mean that they would actually try to sabotage your potential shidduch. That’s quite a stretch. You are far from unique in where you are now holding and
I’m sure your parents have many friends and probably even relatives who have had the same experiences with their own children. Nothing about your desires should be shocking to them. Though it may not be their first choice for you, it’s still a fine and honorable choice. Try to focus your attention on maintaining a loving, respectful relationship with your parents, despite your difference of opinion in this one area. As your mentor finds young men for you to date, try to keep your parents apprised of what’s happening with you and try to share your enthusiasm with
Pulling It All Together The Navidaters Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists
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or what it’s worth, I have worked with many young men and women in your exact shoes. It is the rare exception to the general rule: Parents are not willing to sabotage and ultimately lose their child over their level of observance. Bumps in the road? Yes. Arguments? Yes. Not talking to each other for a period of time? Unfortunately, perhaps. But losing a child because she has become more frum? No. I’m focused on where you got the idea that your parents would sabotage your efforts. Have they sabotaged you before? In your past experiences with them, have they been unyielding to your detriment? If the answer is yes, then their currently feared behavior is nothing new, unfortunately. And it is so wonderful that you were proactive and connected with a mentor. If the answer is no, then I ask you: what leads you to believe that they would suddenly sabotage you? If they are not master manipula-
tors or saboteurs, my suggestion is actually quite simple. Try to put yourself in their shoes and imagine how worried they may be. They raised you a certain way. And here you are, creating a new path for yourself and taking on a new lifestyle and ready to date and marry. This is a big one for them to swallow. Though you are confident and comfortable in your beliefs and new way of life, they aren’t…yet. Most parents do the things they do out of a desperate kind of love that can only be understood when you become a parent. I’m not saying it’s right, but I am saying it’s pretty normal. So, what can you do to help alleviate their concerns and increase your chances for them to get on board? When the topics of dating, shidduchim and observance come up and they express their concerns, validate them and comfort them.
them. Enthusiasm can often be contagious. Ultimately, I’m sure they want to see you happy. And for that reason alone, they will no doubt allow the process to go forward smoothly. did things get to the point where your husband has all the say and you have to sit back, feel angry, and yet still have no say in the matter? If your husband calls all the shots on shidduchim, my guess is that he’s calling all the shots in many other areas of your marriage as well. How’s that working for you? Sounds like the two of you would benefit tremendously from
For example: MOM: I think resumes are ridiculous. Two people should have a chemistry together. What is this mishigas with the resume? What am I, a detective? YOU: Yeah, I understand what you’re saying. It is so different from how you and Daddy did it. OR DAD: I don’t think you’re ready for all of this. You just got home from Israel, a changed person, and now you’re ready to commit to this life with someone else and build your future around it. How do you know you won’t change your mind? YOU: I do see what you’re saying. It is quite a big change and I understand your concern. I think it might be helpful if you, Mom and I sat down together and had a conversation. I want you to be able to talk to me about all of this, and I want to be able to talk to you too. I’ve gone through a lot of changes, and as a result, so have you. Sometimes people just want to be heard and feel seen. Are you creating an environment in which your parents can voice their concerns to you? I hope so. The more you try to shut someone down, the louder
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Try to put yourself in their shoes and imagine how worried they may be.
some couple therapy. Marriages are about teamwork, equality, respect and mutual say in all matters. I get the feeling that does not describe your marriage. I feel that if the two of you get on the same page, your shidduch question will no longer be relevant.
they become. Try hearing your parents. Maybe that will be soothing and comforting for them. You mentioned that you are knocking heads with your parents, but it’s another story. I think that is the story right here, in your query. You are worried about them sabotaging your shidduchim; something that hasn’t happened yet. I believe that may be because of all the head knocking going on. Start listening and opening the door for more communication. Listen, validate, empathize, speak your mind. Works wonders! Good luck. Sincerely, 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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Dr. Deb
Pesach, Oh No! By Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.
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he costumes are put in a box in the back of the hall closet. The seudah was nice and the food was delicious. And you don’t want to look at another hamantash again. The next thought that crosses the universal frum mind, especially women’s minds, is, “Oh, no! Pesach!” Once, when I was still living in Florida, I was introduced to a young lady who was just finishing her Master’s degree and was about to intern with the psychologist down the hall. She told me that her specialty was anxiety disorders and then she said
something that struck me as profoundly interesting: She thought that all human problems come from our inability to handle anxiety. I had never looked at it that way, myself, but I could see where it made sense that at least a good many emotional difficulties would be eliminated if we could handle stress. Imagine getting ready for Pesach without anxiety, somehow trusting that everything would get done – because it always does – and therefore, just having it instead of stressing over it beforehand.
Imagine a world with no yelling. After all, the yelling comes from being so easily flooded with anxiety that sometimes no one has to actually do anything to produce it in the anxious person; the anxiety could be internally produced. So imagine if it wasn’t. Imagine a world where no one needed to resort to an addiction to calm their nerves. And kids didn’t need to text or hang out till 3 AM or go off the derech to run away from stresses that they just couldn’t handle.
Imagine actually being able to fall asleep at night without being prisoner to relentless thoughts, thoughts that lead down one path, then another, then maybe we must back up and take a different path instead…. I know, you’re going to tell me that these things don’t all come from anxiety. That’s what I had been thinking before that individual suggested otherwise. But now, I challenge you: Go back to the examples above and see for yourself if anxiety isn’t the root of it all. Take Susan. She is a shopaholic.
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Let’s take a peek into her (fictitious) life: Susan is married to James. She was attracted to him because he was calm, loving, and supportive. He was kind, caring, and intelligent, too. She needed all that in her life having grown up in a house of quiet anger. In her house, you didn’t get put down but you never got built up, either. There was no yelling but there was no laughter, except maybe derisively. Without words being said, Susan came to believe she was deeply flawed. She was amazed that such a wonderful man like James actually had fallen in love with her. Secretly, she thought there must be something wrong with him if he loved her. But these are thoughts that she didn’t want to recognize; her entire life would come crumbling down if she did. So she did the next best thing: she became a shopaholic. I could have substituted smoker, drug addict, workaholic, spendaholic, gambler, or any other number of addictions; they all work the same way: They’re a distraction from stress. So where’s the anxiety, you may wonder. No one is acting anxious; no one is yelling. Things seem pretty calm, in fact. Anxiety is a state that is characterized by a lack of clear thinking and a physical feeling that the person experiencing it may be aware of although you may not be when you’re with that person. In fact, we all do such a great job of hiding what we feel from ourselves that the person experiencing it may not be aware of it, himself. If you think that’s impossible, it’s not. My physical therapist told me just today that the reason for one of my toes rubbing against my shoe is because I am not walking correctly. Who would think of such a thing? But we’ve been doing exercises for three months, so how come I didn’t notice? Well, I didn’t. And you probably wouldn’t either. So even in the realm of awareness of one’s own body – let alone one’s own emotions – we have the great capacity for blindness. But stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs do a nice job of reminding us that our bodies can betray our anxieties even when we would go shopping to shut them out. Let’s get back to Susan. There is absolutely nothing wrong with her except that at some deep level that she does not want to recognize, she believes there is. There is certainly nothing wrong with her husband,
James. Theoretically, she should find no fault in him and they should be happy. However, as a child, she received a message that she is not good; she is deeply flawed. Children take these messages to be Truth because they don’t have the critical faculties to refute them. But they are too painful to contemplate anyway, so they get buried and forgotten. The problem is that although they’re not consciously recalled, they still exert influence. Susan not only rejects herself, but the man who loves her. In addition to her shopping, she looks for – or creates – reasons to find fault with James. Until the underlying theme of her “flawed” self and her feelings about herself that come from it are brought to conscious awareness, she will remain anxious, always working on covering up this theme with distractions – including picking on her husband. Now, as a counterpoint to this take on how bad anxiety is, Hashem created anxiety for a good purpose. A little bit of it keeps us on our toes when we need to be. It’s all a matter of balance. Remember, I opened up this article musing how much better things would be if we could handle stress. We’re not supposed to get rid of it. And handling it means focusing on getting the job done but not allowing our automatic stress responses to take over. Just as in my last article I wanted to help you to shift from the pain in your life if you are sad, so too, I’m looking to help you shift from the anxieties if you are overly stressed. Life is really meant to be enjoyed full-heartedly. On that note, I have a particularly interesting case study which will be real: tomorrow I’m leaving for Eretz Yisroel for my hakamas hamatzeivah of my husband, z”l. I decided to stay through Pesach to be with my son and his family. (That will be my very first Pesach there!) But here is the kicker: My son, his wife and four little children have to move to a new apartment just before Pesach. Talk about “Oy vey!” So I’ve decided to give you a little travel-log over the next few weeks of how we all manage our stress – at least if they don’t mind me writing this all up. Come along for the ride!
Dr. Deb Hirschhorn is a Marriage and Family Therapist. She can be reached at 646-54-DRDEB or by writing drdeb@ drdeb.com.
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Health & F tness
National Nutrition Month By Cindy Weinberger MS, RD, CDN
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t’s that month again: National Nutrition Month! National Nutrition Month couldn’t fall out at a better time. With winter wrapping up (hopefully), and Pesach right around the corner, now is a better time than ever to lose that winter weight and improve our diets. For this year’s National Nutrition Month, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics stresses, “ Eat Right for Your Lifestyle.” There’s no one diet that is right for everyone, therefore, everyone should follow a healthful eating plan consisting of healthy, yet tasty, foods that keeps your unique lifestyle in mind. For the working individual who is always eating on the go: if you eat most of your meals on the run, keep nutritious foods close by. Grab a smoothie for a quick meal on the go. You can throw in an assortment of fruits, vegetables, seeds, oatmeal, wheat germ and yogurt or milk for the protein. You can switch it up so you don’t get bored of the same combination each day. Whole wheat sandwiches with peanut butter, hummus, tuna fish, eggs, or grilled chicken make a balanced meal of protein and whole grains. Always carry cut up veggies as a side dish or a snack. Fruits are an ideal snack on the go. A banana, an apple, or orange are probably the easiest to take along with you since they don’t require any prep time. All other fruits can be cleaned and stored properly ahead of time and enjoyable anywhere.
Athletes, give your body the fuel it needs with low fat yogurt or cottage cheese with fresh fruit, whole grain crackers with peanut butter, or cereal with skim milk. Post workout meals should consist of a lean protein, a carbohydrate, heart healthy fats, and fluids. Here’s why: your muscles rely
Vegetarians, be sure you consume adequate amounts of protein, calcium, and other important nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, and zinc. Choose a variety of foods, including whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and, if eaten, eggs, soy and
Experiment with recipes that offer a balanced, nutritious meal.
on carbohydrate foods like breads, cereals, pasta, rice, fruits, and vegetables for quick energy and to replenish your muscle glycogen. You need protein for your muscles and blood cells, which bring nutrients and oxygen to your muscles. You also need fluids to rehydrate your body after the workout. For those who buy meals: make sure to take advantage of healthy options like fish, chicken, low fat meats, salads, and fruit. Stay away from fried foods or foods with heavy sauces. Choose the foods that look the most natural. The best choice would be a salad with lean meat, fish, or beans as a protein source. Be sure to choose a low fat dressing, as we previously discussed. The ideal salad dressing would be vinaigrette with an olive oil base.
dairy products. For those of you lucky enough to prepare and eat all your meals at home, you’re at an advantage. Be brave, courageous, and creative. Experiment with recipes that offer a balanced, nutritious meal. Cook in bulk if possible to save leftovers for a hectic time or for when you’re just feeling lazy. Be organized with menu planning and shopping so the cooking can be as easy and enjoyable as possible. Here’s to the moms who always have challenging mealtimes. Getting your kids to eat anything at all can be enough of a battle – forget about getting them to eat healthy. Eating fruits and vegetables, or just about anything, can be a daunting task for kids. Eating healthy is usually more fun for kids when they are involved
in the process. If possible, take your kids shopping with you and let them choose the foods they prefer while also introducing them to new ones. Once you buy the foods that they choose, involve the kids in the preparation process. You can also make eating healthy into a fun activity. One quick, easy, fun way to prepare fruits and vegetables is to chop them up into cubes and slide the cubes onto skewers to make fruit and vegetable kabobs. Another fun idea is to cut up the fruits and vegetables and make them into shapes desired by the kids such as flowers, trees, rainbows, or, if very talented, animals! Fruits and vegetables can also be blended to make smoothies and can be frozen to become popsicles. Eating healthy is not one diet set in stone. There are many ways to fit nutritious meals into your busy day. Pick the way that suits you best and be healthy every month – not just National Nutrition Month!
Cindy Weinberger MS, RD, CDN, is a Master’s level Registered Dietitian and Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist. She graduated CUNY Brooklyn College receiving a Bachelor’s in Science and Master’s degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences. She is currently a dietitian at Boro Park Center and a private nutrition consultant. She can be reached at CindyWeinberger1@gmail.com.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
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Kitchen Sink Vegetable Soup pareve – yields 16 servings – freezer friendly I made this soup for the first time because I had a whole bunch of vegetables that were about to go bad, so I decided to put them all into a soup. A chef I once worked with taught me the this trick for making a homemade soup base: blending the simmered vegetables and then using that stock to make an amazingly rich soup with the diced veggies.
INGREDIENTS Broth 3 medium carrots 1 large parsnip, peeled 1 large tomato 1 turnip, peeled 8 cups water 4-5 stalks celery ½ cup fresh parsley leaves 2 medium zucchini, with peel ½ Tablespoon kosher salt 3 large onions Diced Vegetables 2 onions 4 stalks celery, peeled 1 small parsnip, peeled 3 medium carrots, peeled 1 Tablespoon kosher salt 2 medium zucchini, with peel METHOD
1 Prepare the broth: Cut parsnip, turnip, celery, zucchini, onions, carrots, and tomato into large chunks. Place into a large (10-quart) pot; add water, parsley, and salt.
2 Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are soft, approximately 1 hour.
3 Use an immersion blender to process soup for a full 3 minutes, until smooth. Reheat to a boil.
4 Complete the soup: Cut the remaining vegetables into small dice. Add to pureed soup; lower heat. Simmer for approximately 2 hours, until the vegetables are soft enough to your taste. Add salt; adjust to taste.
Recipe reproduced from
PERFECT FOR PESACH by Naomi Nachman with permission from the copyright holders ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications, LTD.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
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MARCH 16, 2017 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home
Republicans Take on Health Care By Sholom Nachtman
T
he months following President Trump’s election and inauguration have been a nonstop series of tempests in teapots. Among controversies about crowd sizes, cabinet members, and accusations of wiretapping, it has seemed at times that the regular business of government has come to halt. While the media is eager to latch onto this trend as proof of President Trump’s supposed incompetence and corruption, the president has already delivered serious change to the country. Last week saw both the rollout of the revised executive order on immigration and, more importantly, the first look at the new Republican plan to repeal and replace Obamacare. Health care reform was a major issue on the campaign trail for President Trump, but little had been accomplished on that score since the election. On Tuesday, GOP leadership unveiled their new healthcare bill, The American Health Care Act. Some have taken to calling it Trumpcare, but in a news conference on Tuesday, Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price referred to it as “patient care….
This isn’t about politicians, this isn’t about insurance companies, this is about patients.” The new act represents a departure from Obamacare
new health care legislation, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan described the failures of Obamacare. Pointing to skyrocketing premiums and declin-
“That’s the very definition of Obamacare Lite.”
in several key areas, but retains elements of the old bill, leading to harsh criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. American Health Care Act vs. Obamacare Obamacare has been a target of Republican ire for years. GOP politicians and voters alike viewed the bill as President Obama’s far-left fantasy of socialized medicine – a bill rammed through Congress that increased government control and costs at the taxpayers’ expense. During his speech introducing the
ing provider choice, Ryan described Obamacare as a program that had hurt America, and one that the GOP hopes to overhaul. He described the new system as one that would “drive down costs, encourage competition, and give every American access to quality, affordable health insurance… This unified Republican government will deliver relief and peace of mind to the millions of Americans suffering under Obamacare.” More than just another piece of legislation, this bill is the culmination of years of efforts by Republicans to roll back Obamacare, a law they feel to be em-
blematic of the onerous overreach of big government. The new bill addresses two of the most maligned aspects of Obamacare: the individual mandate and the employer mandate. Under Obamacare, all citizens were required to purchase health insurance or pay a $695 annual penalty fee. Businesses with more than 50 employees were required to provide health insurance for their employees. These mandates were seen as a way to expand coverage and attain funding for Obamacare by serving as an incentive for healthy people to buy into the insurance pool. Due to budgetary rules, these mandates cannot be eliminated entirely. Instead, the new bill reduces the penalties to zero, effectively rendering these mandates moot. Rolling back the Obamacare Medicaid expansion is another major aspect of this new bill. Under the previous administration, states were given federal funding to provide Medicaid coverage for all people 138% below the federal poverty level. This was an expansion of Med-
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015
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While both parties argue health care, American patients are caught in the middle
icaid eligibility standards, which had previously only covered specific groups such as pregnant women, the disabled, children, and the elderly. Under the new bill, this expanded funding would be rolled back starting in 2020. Funding to states will also be limited based on costs and rates of enrollment, as opposed to the open-ended funding provided by Obamacare. The new bill would also change the way tax credits are issued to help pay for medical coverage. Like Obamacare, it will provide tax benefits to help citizens who do not receive insurance through their employer or the government. However, the criteria for issuing these credits will change dramatically. Whereas Obamacare issued credits based on a citizen’s income level and local insurance costs, the new bill would issue the credits based on age. Older people will receive $4,000 a year, while younger people will receive only half of that number. Location will no longer be factored into the issuance of tax credits. This can help people who are have higher incomes or who live in low premium areas like Washington, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Criticisms of the New Bill President Trump described the new legislation in glowing terms, calling it “our wonderful new healthcare system” and declaring last week that “we’re going to do something that’s great and I’m proud to support the replacement plan released by the House of Representatives.” Despite Trump’s endorsement and Ryan’s confidence, some of the most ar-
dently vocal opponents of the GOP’s new healthcare bill have been from within its own ranks. The more conservative wing of the party has come out strongly against the new bill, describing it as Obamacare 2.0. and claiming that the new legislation does little to reintroduce free market dynamics into the health care industry. Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah said that the new bill is “not the Obamacare replacement plan, not the Obamacare repeal plan we’ve been hoping for. This is, instead, a step in the wrong direction.” Also weighing in with criticism was Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, who in the past has proposed a bill that fully repeals Obamacare. “It keeps the Obamacare taxes for a year,” Senator Paul said in a Fox News interview about the new legislation. “Then [it] keeps the Cadillac tax forever; [it] keeps the Obamacare subsidies, but renames them tax credits; [it] keeps the individual mandate, but you don’t pay the government the penalty, you’ve got to pay the insurance company... That’s the very definition of Obamacare Lite.” Paul was referring to the “continuous coverage” portion of the new healthcare bill, which is a 30% insurance rate hike imposed as a penalty for not having coverage. Many critics of the bill have said that the continuous coverage penalty is effectively the same as Obamacare’s individual mandate penalty, paid to the insurance company instead of the government. Three major conservative groups have also strongly criticized the new bill. Club for Growth, Freedomworks, and Heritage Action for
America all made strong statements of opposition last week. Club For Growth President David McIntosh explained that “the problems with this bill are not just what’s in it, but also what’s missing: namely, the critical free-market solution of selling health insurance across state lines.” He added, “Such an injection of competition would lead to hundreds of billions of dollars in savings, nullifying any argument by Congressional Republicans that this provision cannot be included in the current bill.” In addition to the opposition from conservatives, the new bill also faces strong criticism from across the aisle. Democrats say that the new bill would leave millions of Americans without coverage, the exact problem that Obamacare was supposed to solve. They also argue that the bill in its totality will result in tax breaks for wealthy Americans, pointing to the 20 Obama-enacted taxes eliminated under the new bill. As Senator Chuck Schumer put it, “This is a tax cut for the wealthy with some health insurance provisions tacked alongside of it.” Passing the Bill Given the strong bipartisan opposition to this bill, getting it passed will be an imposing challenge. According to Ryan, last week’s rollout was part one of a three step process, which will be followed by executive orders and Senate legislation that will require some Democratic support. From where the bill currently stands, however, it faces a rocky road of political obstacles. House Republicans will need to convince their colleagues and the public that
the new bill is viable and will provide adequate coverage. Public opinion will be turned against them by Democrats who are already accusing Republicans of callously removing coverage for millions of Americans. The cuts to Medicaid may also prove to be very controversial, as it is a program relied on by many for basic coverage. In reference to the new program, Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said, “In Alaska, we’ve got 27,000 people that are now eligible for coverage that didn’t have it before. Really have no place else to turn… So I’m trying to figure out a way that treats these people in a fair and humane manner.” Another factor that may prove to be an obstacle is the president himself. Both during the campaign and since his election, Trump has been very vocal in his opposition to Obamacare, calling it a failure and a disaster. For all his opposition, though, Trump has yet to indicate the precise alternative he prefers for health care in America. His effusive praise of Ryan’s plan is belied by the pragmatic attitude he has towards it, saying that the plan is “out for review and negotiation.” Trump has proven to be a political chameleon, hard to pin down ideologically and prone to holding asymmetrical positions that confound members of both parties. The bill in its current iteration may prove to be too difficult or unpopular for Trump to support. If it loses his backing, Republicans and the country may find themselves back at square one. Whether the new bill can weather the storms that await it remains to be seen.
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Notable Quotes “Say What?!”
That’s what America is about. A land of dreams and opportunity. There were other immigrants who came here in the bottom of slave ships, worked even longer, harder for less. But they too had a dream that one day their sons, their daughters, grandsons, granddaughters, great-grandsons, great-granddaughters might pursue prosperity and happiness in this land. - HUD Secretary Ben Carson, in a speech delivered at HUD, referring to slaves as “immigrants,” drawing immense backlash from the media
Let’s hope it’s not going to be as bad as some people are predicting; usually it isn’t. - Pres. Trump on Monday talking about the impending North-East blizzard
To me, he is just a normal guy. He told me, “I would love to come to America to go to a New York Knicks game.” He actually said that to me. Obviously, he can’t come here or he would be dead. – Dennis Rodman, talking to West Point cadets about “his friend” Kim Jong Un, during a seminar on Alternative Tools of Diplomacy
With Trump being involved in the show people have a bad taste and don’t want to participate as a spectator or sponsor or in any other way support the show. It’s a very divisive period right now and I think the show got caught up in all that division. – Arnold Schwarzenegger, explaining the abysmal failure of his first season as the host of “Celebrity Apprentice,” a show that used to be hosted by Trump
A new study reveals Americans are getting fatter and giving up on their diets. The study was conducted by going to a water park for five minutes.
We say it so often, we sometimes forget what it means — we are a nation of immigrants. Unless you are one of the first Americans, a Native American, we are all descended from folks who came from someplace else — whether they arrived on the Mayflower or on a slave ship, whether they came through Ellis Island or crossed the Rio Grande – Barack Obama in 2012, one of the 11 times that he spoke about African-American slaves being immigrants
Donald Trump is making me gain weight. I start the day with liquids, but after the morning news, I eat pancakes smothered in maple syrup! – Tweet by Barbra Streisand
- Conan O’Brien
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Work is work. – Mario Burgos, whose father and maternal grandparents immigrated from Ecuador, explaining to CNN why his construction company put in a bid to build the border wall
Last night in New York City, the Statue of Liberty went dark for an hour due to an unplanned power outage… When asked for an official statement, the statue just said that she wanted some me time. - James Corden
Reasons To Vote For Democrats. – Title of the current No. 1 bestselling book on Amazon. The pages are all blank.
For the second time, RadioShack has filed for bankruptcy. Experts say if RadioShack goes bankrupt one more time, it can officially run for president – Conan O’Brien
This week, Wisconsin is hosting the U.S. Cheese Championship. Once again, the winner is expected to be “Heart Disease.” - Conan O’Brien
You’re stuck with me for about another six and a half years. – FBI Director James Comey at a cybersecurity conference in Boston, vowing to serve out the remainder of his term
Look at the policy, forget the tweets. - JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon on Bloomberg TV, talking about Trump’s pro-growth policies
Not staged. – A Florida lawyer, whose suit caught fire in court when e-cig batteries in his pocket overheated. (He was defending someone accused of arson)
No, I think that measuring with precision human activity on the climate is something very challenging to do, and there’s tremendous disagreement about the degree of impact. So no, I would not agree that it’s a primary contributor to the global warming that we see. But we don’t know that yet. We need to continue the debate and continue the review and the analysis. – EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, when asked on CNBC if he agrees that CO2 – carbon dioxide – is the primary cause of global warming
Thank you for your congratulations on the upcoming Purim holiday. In ancient Persia, an attempt was made to destroy the Jewish people 2,500 years ago, and it failed. This is what this holiday celebrates. Today, ancient Persia’s successor, Iran, continues attempts to destroy the Jewish state. They speak of this openly and write this in black and white in their newspapers. - Prime Minister Netanyahu at a press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin
We now live in a different world. Let us talk about that now - Vladimir Putin in response
To sell bigoted lies against a nation which has saved Jews 3 times, Netanyahu resorting to fake history & falsifying Torah. Force of habit. - Tweet by Iran’s foreign minister, responding to Netanyahu’s statement about Iran and ancient Persia
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I basically have zero contact with him at this point. - Donald Trump Jr., in a speech at a GOP fundraiser in Dallas talking about his relationship with his father now that he took over the Trump business
I have a special way I like to scratch tickets. - Sylvia Silverance, of upstate NY, talking about winning the $10 million scratch-off cash lottery prize last week
In honor of International Women’s Day, Snapchat added famous women to their selfie lenses. Snapchat called it the perfect way to honor the enduring contributions of women for 10 seconds. - Conan O’Brien
They need to be channeled back into our democratic society. - Swedish Minister for Culture and Democracy Alice Bah Kuhnke talking about Swedish ISIS fighters returning from the battlefield in the Middle East
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The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
Pesach 5777 With Guide Rabbi Aryeh Leiferts
Thursday April 13, 2017
What's a Green Line? HebrontoBetShemesh
Start the day at Ma'arat Hamachpela, open in its entirety
Special Discount for Lone Soldiers Cost includes armored transportation, guide, entry fees, tastings. Trip departs promptly at 8:15am from the Liberty Bell Parking Lot (behind the Sonol Gas Station) and returns approximately 6:00 pm
for the Jewish holiday. Leave Passover nosh at Beit Hashalom's Pina Chama for our soldiers. See the security room in Kiryat Arba and how One Israel Fund protects the communities. At Adora on the strategic Trans Judean highway; enjoy your own picnic lunch then tour the town. On to Beit Shemesh and the Israel Police Heritage Center. End the day with Passover apple cider and hard lemonade at Buster's Cider, open specially for One Israel Fund. Cost: $60 adult / $50 student learning in Israel (225/190 shekels)
FOR RESERVATIONS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION visit www.oneisraelfund.org/daytrips email to daytrips@oneisraelfund.org or call: In US: Ruthie Kohn 516.239.9202 x10 In Israel: Sarah Tacher 050-587-7710 *Itinerary subject to change due to security, weather and/or other considerations.
Building and Securing the Heartland of our Nation
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Everyone’s OK, but over the weekend off the coast of Florida, a Carnival Cruise ship almost hit two jet skiers. Today, the captain of the ship apologized and said, “I’ll get them next time." - Conan O’Brien
How do you feel about destroying our country, Sean? How do you feel about that? Do you feel good about the decisions you’re making? How does it feel to work for a fascist? - Questions from a nagging “snowflake” to White House Press Secretary when she ran into him in an Apple store and was unable to control her Trump Derangement Syndrome
I hate to bring anybody down but I have a little pin to put in our collective balloon. U.S. News and World Report released their annual ranking of the best countries in the world, and the United States — you know how we always say we’re No. 1? — turns out we’re not No. 1. That honor goes to Switzerland. Switzerland was named the best country in the world, based on several factors including power, quality of life, economic influence, and tiny little army knife production. – Jimmy Kimmel
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
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Political Crossfire
Down the Conspiracy Rabbit Hole By Charles Krauthammer
W
hen he was Ronald Reagan’s secretary of state, George Shultz was once asked about the CIA’s disavowal of involvement in a mysterious recent bombing in Lebanon. Replied Shultz: “If the CIA denies something, it’s denied.” Has there ever been a more dry, more wry, more ironic verdict on the world of espionage? Within it, there is admission and denial, smoke and mirrors, impenetrable fog and deliberate obfuscation. Truth? Ask the next guy. Which is why my default view of espionage is to never believe anyone because everyone is trained in deception. This is not a value judgment; it’s a job description. We learn, for example, from Tuesday’s spectacular WikiLeaks dump that among the CIA’s various and nefarious cybertools is the capacity to simulate intrusion by a foreign power, the equivalent of planting phony fingerprints on a smoking gun. Who are you going to believe now? I can assure you that some enterprising Trumpite will use this revelation to claim that the whole storyline pointing to Russian interference in the U.S. election was a fabrication. And who was behind that? There is no end to this hall of mirrors. My rule, therefore, is: stay away. Hard to do with Washington caught up in one of its periodic conspiracy frenzies. Actually, two. One, anti-Donald Trump, is that he and his campaign colluded with Russian
intelligence. The other, anti-Barack Obama-CIA-“deep state,” is that Obama wiretapped Trump Tower to ensnare candidate Trump. The odd thing is that, as of today, there is no evidence for either charge. That won’t, of course, stop the launch of multiple all-consuming investigations. 1) Collusion: James Clapper, Obama’s director of national intelligence, who has been deeply and publicly at odds with Trump, unequivocally states that he has seen zero evidence of any Trump campaign collusion with Russia. Nor
alone for a special prosecutor. To prosecute what exactly? 2) Wiretap: The other storyline is simply fantastical. Congressional Republicans have uniformly run away from Trump’s Obama-wiretap accusation. Clapper denies it. FBI Director James Comey denies it. Not a single member of Trump’s own administration is willing to say it’s true. Loopier still is to demand that Congress find the truth when the president could just pick up the phone and instruct the FBI, CIA and DNI to declare on the record whether
Under Obama, did the agencies deliberately abuse the right to listen in on foreigners as a way to listen in, improperly, on Americans?
has anyone else. The contrary suspicion arises because it’s hard to explain why Michael Flynn falsely denied discussing sanctions with the Russian ambassador and why Jeff Sessions falsely denied having any contacts at all. That suggests concealment. But there was nothing inherently inappropriate with either behavior. So why conceal? Suspicion, nonetheless, is far short of assertion – and a fairly thin basis for a major investigation, let
this ever occurred. And if there really was an October 2016 FISA court order to wiretap Trump, the president could unilaterally declassify the information yesterday. The bugging story is less plausible than a zombie invasion. Nevertheless, one could spin a milder – and more plausible – scenario of executive abuse. It goes like this: The intelligence agencies are allowed to listen in on foreigners. But if any Americans are swept up in the conversation, their part of it is sup-
posed to be redacted or concealed to protect their identity. According to The New York Times, however, the Obama administration appears to have gone out of its way to make sure that information picked up about Trump associates’ contacts with Russians was as widely disseminated as possible. Under Obama, did the agencies deliberately abuse the right to listen in on foreigners as a way to listen in, improperly, on Americans? If they did, we will find out. But for now, all of this is mere conjuring. There is no evidence for either the collusion or the wiretap charge. We are headed down a rabbit hole. An enormous amount of heat and energy will be expended, ending – my guess – roughly where we started. What a waste. There is a major national agenda waiting to be debated and enacted. And there is trouble beyond the cozy confines of the capital that needs to be confronted. Self-created crisis can leave us distracted, spent and unprepared when the real thing hits. It’s unquiet out there. North Korea keeps testing missiles as practice for attacking U.S. bases in Japan. Meanwhile, we are scrambling to install an antimissile shield in South Korea as early as next month. Fuses are burning. When the detonations begin, we’d better not be in the rabbit hole.
(c) 2017, The Washington Post Writers Group
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Forgotten Her es
What's in a Name? World War II Planes and Their Names By Avi Heiligman
Crew of the Ruptured Duck
B
efore a ship is completed, she gets her name and a hull number. This way the ship can be identified and not confused with other seagoing vessels. This is not the case for airplanes. Many are only identified by tail numbers, and that can get really confusing There are some planes that were given names (and artwork drawn by the nose of the plane) by the crews that manned the aircraft. The most famous of these are the Spirit of St. Louis and the Enola Gay that dropped the atomic bomb on Japan. Most of the others have long been forgotten in the annuls of history. Going over their names and stories can provide a glimpse into military life during WWII. Five months after the bombing at Pearl Harbor, the citizens of Japan were getting a good feeling that things were looking up for their empire. That was until April 18, 1942, when they looked up and saw sixteen bombers headed towards Tokyo. Known as the Doolittle Raid, sixteen B-25 Mitchell bombers did little material damage to Tokyo but the mo-
rale booster for the American public was great. One of the bombers was known as the Ruptured Duck and is most well-known of all participating B-25 bombers of the raid. A painting of Donald Duck and a pair of crutches adorned its nose. After dropping its bombs the plane made its way to
The Bockscar, which dropped the bomb on Nagasaki on August 12, 1945
with Japanese troops so they could receive medical help. The entire crew survived the mission, and Thatcher was awarded the Silver Star for his actions. Before the B-24 Liberator became the workhorse of the American Air Corps, the B-17 Flying Fortress was
For some reason it seemed like it was mainly the bombers that had personalities.
the China coast. The Ruptured Duck didn’t make it and had to ditch in the China Sea. With most of the crew badly injured and in a life raft, the youngest of all of the raiders, David Thatcher, swam back to the plane to get the medical kit. They were rescued by Chinese fishermen who were persuaded by Thatcher to carry them over mountainous terrain swarming
the heavy bomber of choice. There was one Flying Fortress in particular that no pilot wanted to fly due to it always returning to base in bad shape; it was considered bad luck among pilots to fly the plane. Still, Captain Jay Zeamer took the risk and took the plane dubbed Old 666 and gave her a fresh life. Zeamer and his crew were considered a bunch of misfits and too
rowdy to be given easy missions so they took missions that no one else wanted. The Old 666 was named for her tail number and the crew of nine had no time to paint nose art on her. Instead, they were busy beefing up her defenses – including changing the guns from .30cal to.50cal – and had a total of 19 guns which was six more than most Flying Fortresses. The most heavily armored bomber in the Pacific theater, over the course of several months Old 666 had some close encounters but always returned to base. On one of the missions she was hit 60 times, had oxygen tanks explode; and was in bad shape. Still, she returned to the American base in New Guinea. On June 16, 1943 the Old 666 had her most harrowing mission of the war. One plane was needed to go on a photoreconnaissance mission over Bougainville, and Zeamer’s crew volunteered. When they neared the target, 17 Japanese planes came out to greet them with hot lead. Old 666 then battled with all she had but was crippled and one of the crewmen was dying. 2nd Lt. Joseph Sarnoski
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015
The Enola Gay, which dropped the atomic bomb
was hit by a shell that also wounded Zeamer. Instead of looking for medical help, he crawled back to his guns and kept on fighting. The co-pilot was able to fend off the attackers and land the plane safely with the pictures of the island needed for the upcoming invasion. Zeamer was thought to have died on the way back but survived the mission. Later, doctors pulled out 150 pieces of shrapnel from Zeamer’s body as he recovered. Sarnoski wasn’t as lucky and both were awarded the Medal of Honor. The rest of the crew was given the Distinguished Service Cross, making it one of the most highly decorated missions of the war. Old 666 was put out of commission when an ample number of B-24 Liberators became available to take over frontline duties. Before the war was over, Old 666 was in the scrap heap. The Enola Gay (named for the pilot’s mothers) dropped the atomic bomb named Little Boy on Hiroshima. Three days later, another B-29 bomber took off from Tinian with another atomic bomb named Fat Man (this referred to its shape and size). This one was bound for Nagasaki. Her name was the Bockscar. On August 12, 1945, pilot Charles Sweeney took the plane to the Japanese city and wiped out 44% of the population. This bombing mission essentially ended WWII. On August 15, 1945, Japan sent word that they would surrender unconditionally.
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The Eager Beavers: Zeamer and his crew were the most highly decorated combat flight in United States history
The Bockscar is on display after a full restoration at the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio. Accompanying the Bockscar on her mission was another B-29 named The Great Artiste. Named for the artistic talents of the plane’s bombardier, The Great Artiste was on both atomic bomb missions. Unlike the other two famous planes from the mission, The Great Artiste was heavily damaged in an accident. In 1949 she was unceremoniously sold for scrap. Two other Superfortresses took part in the missions as camera planes. The Necessary Evil was on the Hiroshima mission and had there been a third bomb dropped would have been selected as the plane to carry the bomb. Big Stink was the B-29 camera plane on the Nagasaki mission accompanying the Bockscar. Another B-29 plane that was on the atomic training missions was aptly named Up An’ Atom. For some reason it seemed like it was mainly the bombers that had personalities. Even though many fighters had harrowing tales of combat it was the bombers that had incredible feats of survival that made the news. Perhaps it was because bomber crews had between 5-10 men, and most fighters were manned by one or two crewmen. Bomber missions were longer and the American versions were built to withstand a ton of punishment. These names and
artwork gave the bombers character and many times the name was a sign of what was to come to the plane and aircrew.
Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comments and suggestions for future columns and can be reached at aviheiligman@gmail.com.
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Classifieds classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com / text 443-929-4003 HELP WANTED
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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 Real Estate Development and Investment company is looking for an experienced Investor Relation associate to raise capital for sponsor/ investor relationships. Compensation will be offered thru partnership/commission. Contact info@zreny.com 718-285-0941
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LOCAL FRUM INSTITUTION SEEKS A SECRETARY TO WORK IN ITS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE FROM 9-2. Requirements: Tech-savvy, organized, efficient and personable on the phone. (Rudimentary familiarity with computer programming is a plus but not required.) Email resume and any correspondence to mhb345@gmail.com
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Your
Money
Fixed This for You By Allan Rolnick
E
or generations, Americans fostered a culture of thrifty self-reliance, especially where it comes to taking care of our stuff. It started all the way back in pioneer days and living on the frontier’s edge. Back when Pa Ingalls lived in that little house in the big woods, if his saw broke, he couldn’t just order up a replacement on Amazon. He had to fix it, or he would have a tough time heating his house for the winter! Ma had one nice dress, for Sunday church, and when she got home she spent the rest of the day taking care of it. Folks mended and darned and repaired until household items had more lives than the family cat. More recently, though, we’ve become a throwaway society. Maybe it’s the flood of cheap, shoddy stuff from Walmart and China. Even formerly big-ticket purchases like TVs are cheap enough now that it rarely makes sense to repair them. (Think about it — your family room TV may have cost less than your phone.) Even real estate has become disposable, as thousands of Americans buy perfectly serviceable houses for the land they sit on, then tear them down to replace them with something bigger (and usually gaudier and not as well built).
Our democratic socialist friends in the Kingdom of Sweden have noticed the same trend, and they’re not very happy about it. (Yes, Sweden is still a monarchy — King Carl XVI Gustaf hands out the Nobel Prizes every year and collects Porsche 911s.) It might seem ironic for the country that unleashed IKEA’s particleboard aesthetic on the world to champion
services, 12% for restaurant meals and hotel stays, and 6% for printed materials, cultural events, and travel within the country. For 2014, the VAT raised 353 billion krona ($39 billion dollars, give or take a couple of meatballs), which amounts to 21% of the country’s revenue. Last November, the legislature chopped the VAT tax on repairs to
It might seem ironic for the country that unleashed IKEA’s particleboard aesthetic on the world to champion durability.
durability. But they’ve expressed it through their tax code, of all things, by passing a new law cutting taxes on fixing things. Here’s the scoop. Like most European countries, Sweden imposes a value-added tax, which is a form of sales tax levied at each level of production (such as from producer to distributor to retailer). In Sweden, the tax is 25% for most goods and
items like bicycles, shoes, and clothing, from 25% to 12%. The goal is to encourage Swedes to buy higher-quality products. They also “Sweden the pot” by letting taxpayers deduct half the cost of repairs they make to appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers. This makes repairs cheaper and helps keep repairmen employed in Sweden. (We suppose it could be possible to out-
source refrigerator repairs to China or Mexico, but your food would probably melt before it gets back.) Sweden’s Minister for Financial Markets, Per Bolund, told BBC News, “I think it will be a good incentive and I think there’s also a possibility that people will buy high-quality products and repair them, rather than buying cheap products they know will break down and then buy something new instead.” He estimates the new law will cost Sweden about $250 million krona, not to mention slowing the growth of landfill fjords. As long as we’re on the topic of taxes and maintenance . . . how’s your tax plan looking these days? Still shiny and new? Or showing some wear and tear at the seams? Tax planning isn’t something you do just once and forget about. It’s an ongoing process that needs periodic maintenance and tuning. So make sure to keep your plan running in tip-top shape! (And if you don’t already have a plan, what are you waiting for?)
Allan J Rolnick is a CPA who has been in practice for over 30 yea rs in Queens, NY. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at 718-896-8715 or at allanjrcpa@aol.com.
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Life C ach
Where’s the Snow? By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS
O
K, so what happens when you call a snow day and then “it” never shows up? Well, you make school kids and grocery owners ecstatic, that’s for sure! After all, the supermarket shelves were practically bare Monday night. Everyone had gotten ready to be housebound for a day, and no one wanted to starve! I’d speculate teachers and school bus drivers were pretty glad for the break as well. They probably were more than happy to let you get reacquainted with “your little angels” they are always hearing about. So, the snow starts to fall but then the temperature gets fickle. As the old adage goes: Where’s the beef? Everyone’s got their boots and sleds ready to go. But what they wind up needing is Noah’s ark. The nor’easter turns into a mabel. The shovel-toting, driveway-clearing gang has lost some great opportunities. Business has literally gotten washed away, so to speak. Rumor has it New Jersey and Monsey are snowed in. And for the first time Five Towns kids wish they lived north of the George Washington Bridge. ‘Cuz, after all, what’s a snow day without snow?! It’s not like you can blame the
snowflakes for holding out either. They tried to fall. It’s the temperature that changed on them. They loyally fell all day. But the warmer air turned them to raindrops. There’s gotta be a lesson for life in there somewhere!
cleaning. OK, I’m not saying this was a fun option, but it certainly is one that was going to hit either way. So here was an impetus to getting things started. Some people caught up on needed rest, work, or studying. And some had to pack up their gloves
Life often throws us curveballs – curve snowballs, in this case.
Sometimes you give it your all, but things just don’t go your way. You cannot beat up on yourself! There are forces that operate outside of our control. And even though based on all predictions and personal effort you felt certain of one thing, the outcome is not what you expect. This is a fact of life. And what can you do about it? Well, do what we all did Tuesday. Regroup. Adapt. And don’t start the blame game. It’s just not meant to be the way you thought. But there are always opportunities in every situation. What did people actually do last Tuesday? Some went for Pesach
and “itchy snowball fingers” and find new ways to keep busy. Sure, as their dreams literally got washed away, they could stand at the window and shed tears for what could have been. But, after a while the best thing to do is recognize that it’s time to go to plan B. B-have, B-creative, and try to B-optimistic that this is the way it is supposed to B. Life often throws us curveballs – curve snowballs, in this case. But sometimes we just have to “scarf” it down. And even when we’ve “hat” it and think it’s not fair, we’ve got to peel off the “layers” of disappoint-
ment and embrace a “less heavy” outlook. After all, Life can be compared to a series of different weather conditions. Sometimes things go exactly as forecasted. Sometimes the unexpected shows up. And sometimes things just change in unexpected ways. But there are also those days that it’s even better than we ever thought it could be! We try to own all the paraphernalia to deal with whatever comes our way – coats, umbrellas, sunglasses, etc. But the best armor to have is flexibility. We’ve got to be able to find the inner tools to confront the unexpected weather. The sensitivity to sense the sun’s rays that shine through even on cloudy days. And the awareness to embrace those perfect days so that we never forget they are possible and can always show up again unexpectedly. So, what’s a snow day without the snow? I guess it’s what you make of it!
Rivki Rosenwald is a certified relationship counselor, and career and life coach. She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or rivki@rosenwalds.com
The Jewish Home | MARCH 16, 2017
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