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The Week In News

OCTOBER 14, 2021 | The Jewish Home

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Dear Readers, We all know the importance of Ahavas Yisroel, loving our fellow Yid. We also know that the Torah doesn’t allow us to keep grudges and act upon them. The reality is that there are people we naturally get along with and there are those whose nature doesn’t click well with our own. There are relationships that bring out the best in both people and there are relationships that bring out competitiveness. For practical questions a Rav should be consulted, but for conversational purposes perhaps we can say that the Torah doesn’t allow us to take revenge or take action based on a feeling of hate for another. Yet that doesn’t mean that the Mishnah’s directive “you shall acquire a friend” applies to everyone we meet. We accept that there are friendships which bring a positive outcome and those that don’t. The Chiddush of the Torah is that even with those who don’t we need to have a love for their Neshama and practically help out when called upon. All of this is easier said than done but perhaps this will be the Avoda which will bring about bias Moshiach tzidkeinu ub’karov mamosh. Wishing you a wonderful Shabbos,

Shalom

T H E P R E M I E R J E W I S H N E W S PA P E R H I G H L I G H T I N G L A’ S O R T H O D OX C O M M U N I T Y The Jewish Home is an independent bi-weekly newspaper. Opinions expressed by writers are not necessarily 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. FOR HOME DELIVERY, OR TO HAVE THE LATEST ISSUE EMAILED TO YOU FREE OF CHARGE, SEND A MESSAGE TO EDITOR@JEWISHHOMELA.COM

OCTOBER 14, 2021 | The Jewish Home

The Week In News

TheHappenings Week In News

OCTOBER 14, 2021 | The Jewish Home

It takes A Village Revolutionary New Community Coming to LA By Devorah Talia Gordon Perhaps you’ve seen the large sign up in the heart of Pico-Robertson announcing The Village, a first-of-its-kind project about to be launched in LA. A six-story apartment building and community center for adults that have intellectual and developmental disabilities, The Village is a project of the non-profit Cornerstone Housing for Adults with Disabilities. “It is designed for those who are capable of fairly independent living, but require some support to achieve their goals,” said Dr. Michael Held, Cornerstone’s executive director and executive director of ETTA, the catalyst for the vision of The Village. Since 1993, with Dr. Held at its helm, ETTA has served the I/DD community, the largest agency of its kind in Southern California. As the years passed, Dr. Held and his staff found that while families could meet many of their children’s needs when they were young, they were often frightened about the future and long-term support. Now, ETTA serves adults, age 18 and over, with a wide range of programs supporting 150 clients every day, and a 12-million-dollar operating budget. “I am blessed to have a career where I do what I love,” said Dr. Held, “and have learned so much from families and clients. Each step of the way, we created new programs, hearing from families what they needed and wanted.”

ETTA’s programs fall under two umbrellas, addressing the fundamental questions, “Where do you live?” and, “What do you do?” The Village seeks to be an answer to these two questions, an evolution from ETTA’s existent housing and day programs and a response to the upsurge in those who have autism. “While some are lower and some are higher functioning, with a wide range of strengths, their primary requirement is housing. Not just real estate, but in the community, a place that can enable young adults who have interests and abilities.” ETTA started thinking about such a community five years ago, and in the past three years The Village went from dream to reality. While Dr. Held knows of only four such communities like The Village nationwide, what makes The Village unique is its urban location, imbedded in a Jewish neighborhood. “People have the inspiration, but to afford it they purchase land in less expensive areas. The Board wanted this very much to be in the Jewish community. It has required a commitment to raise more, and the purpose is to be part of the community.” The state-of-the-art project will cost 50-million dollars; 12 of the 18-million-dollar capital campaign has already been raised. Pico was the natural location for The Village, as ETTA clients have a strong

community connection already with Shabbatonim; engagement with YULA, residents and rabbanim; and clients working at stores and restaurants. The Village is intended to be inclusive, giving residents ample opportunity to interact with the broader community, and vice versa. It’s not surprising that construction of the beautiful building was unanimously approved, which will feature 64 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments above 9,400 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and a 55-car basement garage. The theme of The Village is empowerment, the residents will help define and develop The Village into what they want it to be. Dr. Held explained that the I/DD population thrives – just like all people -with stimulation, tasks to do, when they feel needed and purposeful. Therefore, the retail space will employ people with special needs as part of their staff. The second floor will double as a community center and dining room for up to 150 people, including a coffee bar. The laundry room

will be significantly larger than most, to teach clients skills, with a full-size cafeteria for cooking classes. There will also be a fitness center, and there is ample space for Shabbatonim, special guest lectures open to the community, and the like. About 10-15 units will be dedicated to neurotypical people, which will add to inclusive nature of the project. Dr. Held envisions these housing graduate students, or those who have sibling with I/DD, people who are idealistic and like The Village’s mission, perhaps volunteering with a possibility of rent abatement. While there is a no official waiting list yet, a “tremendous amount of interest” has already been sparked, including ETTA clients and interest from those in other cities. Eight units will be designated for low-income; the remainder will be a market-rate approach. Due to Covid, the timeline has slowed; demolition is slated to occur in November with building commencing in the spring and the project completing in June 2024. Major donors include Hendel and Eric Schwartz (who is also project treasurer, and the Schwartz family has been connected to ETTA for many years); Nancy and Jonathan Glaser, George and Irina Schaeffer, Kam and Lily Babaoff, Peter and Andrea Roth, Alan and Barbara Gindi, and Judah z”l and Astrid Hertz.

New Rabbinic Development Program Launched at YU RIETS in Memory of Miriam and Jack Zwas Third- and fourth-year rabbinic students at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) will receive enhanced apprenticeship training on their journey to the rabbinate, thanks to a newly-created program launched in August. The Miriam and Jack Zwas Rabbinic Development Fund, sponsored by Dr. Felice Zwas in memory of her parents, will support students in the Irving I. Stone Rabbinic Internship Program at RIETS as they serve in rabbinic internships at synagogues. For the last 25 years, these internships have played an invaluable role in the rabbinic ordination (semikhah) process for RIETS students, contributing to each of their long-term success as a community rav. As part of the internships, students join a community’s rabbinic leadership team where they are mentored by the synagogue rabbi and gain invaluable handson experience delivering sermons and lectures, and interacting with congregants. “The new rabbinic development pro-

gram will significantly expand RIETS’ existing internship program and the services it provides, including offering unprecedented levels of career coaching and personal attention as the students enter the rabbinate,” said Rabbi Zev Goldberg, director of the Irving I. Stone Rabbinic Internship Program, which now includes the new fund. Rabbi Goldberg’s predecessor, Rabbi Gideon Shloush – who is making aliyah – previously coordinated the rabbinic internship program for almost two decades, with great success. “The rabbinic internship is the first concrete step that many of our students take into the world of professional rabbinics,” explained Rabbi Goldberg, a graduate of both YU and RIETS, who as a student experienced the benefits of the school’s rabbinic internship program firsthand. “It’s a formative experience when rabbinic students take the outstanding education that they have received at RIETS and begin applying what they learned in the classroom to the ‘real world’ of syn-

agogues.” For sponsor Dr. Zwas, supporting up-and-coming community rabbis is an opportunity to honor the memory her parents, Miriam and Jack, who were passionate about the Jewish community and world Jewry. As leaders of the Jewish community in Fort Lee, NJ, Miriam and Jack played an active role in the Young Israel of Fort Lee (YIFL) – led by Rabbi Goldberg – and were among the main forces behind the construction of the synagogue’s new building. Jack acted as president of the shul for eight years. “Miriam and Jack were pillars of the Fort Lee community – they not only invested their resources into the community, but also their energy and passion,” said Rabbi Goldberg, who has been the rabbi of YIFL since 2014, and also currently acts as president of the Rabbinical Council of Bergen County (RCBC) and an officer for the Rabbinical Council of America. “Jack seldom missed attending synagogue on Shabbat and if he could not at-

tend, he would call me immediately after Shabbat was over to inquire how everything went,” Rabbi Goldberg said. “Miriam and Jack loved the congregation, and in return they were loved by the congregation. Their presence is felt every day at the synagogue.” Since its inception in 1886 RIETS has graduated more than 3,300 rabbinical students. On October 31, 2021, the most recent graduates will be honored in a Chag HaSemikhah ceremony celebrating their rabbinic ordination. For more details, visit https://www.yu.edu/chag.

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The Week In News

OCTOBER 14, 2021 | The Jewish Home

ABOUT SOD HA’ADAM

Teachers’ Take

A panel of expert Principals and Mechanchos answering your questions about Sod Ha’adam.

Mrs B. is a high school principal in Monsey. A veteran mechaneches for over forty years, she is sought out for her wisdom and understanding, as fresh and relevant today as decades ago. Mrs H. is a high school teacher in Brooklyn. Passionate and compelling, she always has a story that speaks straight to her students’ hearts. Reb. D. has been teaching high school for many years, but she’s still learning and preparing every year, guiding her students in experiencing the beauty and richness of Torah. Morah S. is the quintessential mechaneches. Born into a family of yeshiva nobility, she has chinuch in her blood. Students turn to her for seminary and dating advice way after they’ve left her classroom. Mrs G. is a preschool teacher in Boro Park for over two decades. Warm and creative, she’s

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The Week In News

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I AM BUSY ENOUGH AS A TEACHER. HOW CAN I POSSIBLY DO MORE? Morah S: When I signed up for the course, I had no extra time, if I was budgeting my time, I was in the negative. I was super busy as a teacher and mother, with no extra time to spare. The course was in essence a gift, because it doesn’t take time, it gave me time! Reb. D: You can take the course at your own pace, in, and you will notice how the time invested

WHY SOD HA’ADAM? Mrs. H: In order to effectively teach and inspire students, you need to understand who they really are, and when you truly understand them, they can really succeed. By taking the course, you will be able to deepen your perspective into each student's world and become the teacher you really strive to be. Mrs. B: In my many years of working in chinuch habanos, seeing the girls' struggles and hearing their pain, I have found that Rebbetzin Tukashinsky's hashkafos and chochmas hachaim are the bottom line to everything– every chinuch method. For anyone working with children or adults, Sod Haadam is a MUST! Morah S: As a teacher, the biggest asset you bring to the classroom is yourself. For me, this course has really changed the person I am, the teacher I bring to my students is so much more present,

SO WHAT ACTUALLY CHANGED? Reb. D: Last year, I had a challenging class, each individual student was a good girl, but as a group, somehow they were very immature. With the thought of “this has nothing to do with me, they are in pain” I walked into the classroom. I was able to see that they didn’t feel good about the way they were behaving, and I was able to have compassion for their struggle. These thoughts transformed me into a much calmer person and I had a much calmer classroom environment. We’re in this together! Mrs. H: I learned that when I get really clear to do just that!- I get much more cooperation from my students. Whereas in the past I would get so much grumbling when I announced an assignment, now that I am sure that this is what

disappeared. Mrs. B: When I stand at the door and greet every student, I see much more than a girl walking into school. I see a whole world in her. Mrs. G.: I used to see teaching as mostly physical and intellectual hard work, a necessary hishtadlus for parnassah. I saw misbehavior as an additional burden. Now I approach my job as an opportunity to connect and uplift Yiddishe neshamos, to enrich their lives. I see misbehavior as an opportunity to practice compassion, give them what they’re missing, and remind them that they’re really good.

DOES IT WORK? HOW? Mrs. G: I had a preschool student who walked into withdrawn. She appeared locked within herself, and very sad. She did not open her mouth. She sat in the corner of the classroom, and did NOT participate in any activities, or interact with me or her classmates. Every day when I walked to school I would say to myself, “Esty, I know who you are, you have so much to offer, you love to participate. I’m so grateful to have you in my class, I enjoy you exactly the way you are.” One morning, when I greeted her she actually looked up at me! A few days later I saw her smile. It took time, but she started whispering her needs, and actually came out of her corner to participate in class activities By the time the year was over Esty was fully participating in all learning and activities, there was nothing left of the withdrawn, sad girl that had walked into my class at the beginning of the year. Mrs H: I was teaching a class of high school girls who were just not interested. Many of the teachers felt that the girls were “not really there”. There was an underlying attitude of, I don’t want to be here, and I really don’t care. When I was told that I was assigned to work on a schoolwide project with this particular class, I can’t say I was very happy about it. Then I shifted my perspective. I was going to whole-heartedly believe in these girls and in the tremendous kochos they possess. I planned with them, and even more, delighted in them every step of the way. These girls felt and knew that I believed in them and wanted them to succeed. They not only did an outstanding job on their project, but by the time it was over, I was teaching a group of girls

The WeekCorner In News Sarah's

OCTOBER 14, 2021 | The Jewish Home

They Broke into the Jewelry Store! Sarah Pachter

Before I was born, my mother prayed daily that my father would not have to work on Shabbat. She longed to observe it properly and attend synagogue weekly. She prayed for over ten years, with no success. Finally, little by little, their lifestyle changed, and today they are observant. All of their children and grandchildren observe Shabbat, as well. Rabbi Yoel Gold shares an incredible story illustrating the significance of observing Shabbat. Isaac and Albert Falchi were brothers who co-owned a jewelry store. One Friday night, their families were enjoying a meal together. While Isaac was making Kiddush, the phone rang. It was AGT, the security company. They left the following message: “There was a zone three break in at your jewelry store!” Isaac and Albert looked at each other in disbelief. Zone three was where the safe was kept! Their entire livelihood was at stake. The safe contained one million dollars’ worth of jewelry. If someone accessed the safe, their business was ruined. They each asked the other, “What’s our plan?” Finally, Albert said, “Isaac, Shabbat is Shabbat! There is no plan. If we have to, we will give all the money to Hashem. I’m not going anywhere.” The phone continued ringing throughout the night. Isaac and Albert were distraught, but reminded themselves, “Shabbat is Shabbat.” Determined to maintain serenity, they kept to their Shabbat routine. Motzei Shabbat, Isaac and Albert drove down to the store together. The gate and locks were closed and seemed as though they had not been tampered with. Externally, everything looked fine. Isaad said, “Albert, I’m going inside,

say shir hamaalot.” Inside, the whole store was in shambles, with chunks of glass and empty showcase boxes strewn everywhere. Isaac thought, The most important thing is the safe, where the gold and diamonds are kept. With shaking hands, he tried to open the lock. It took several minutes as he fumbled over the combination. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that nothing was stolen. The situation was mysterious. The outside gate was untouched, yet the store was clearly robbed. They had no idea how the thieves got in or out. A nearby policeman noticed them outside. Albert explained the situation, and asked for his help. The police spent a few minutes inside and then emerged, saying, “If the alarm company called you last night, why are you only here now?” Isaac explained, “Last night was our Shabbat, a holy day. We wouldn’t come even for a trillion dollars. Shabbat is Shabbat.” The police officer was surprised and said, “Your G-d, your Shabbat, has saved your life.” Confused, the two brothers asked, “What do you mean?” The policeman explained that he had seen this type of break-in before. The thieves climbed onto the roof of the building and entered the store through the vent, which activates the alarm. Then, they wait for the owners to arrive and open the safe. When the safe is open, the robbers jump the owners, kill them, and then steal everything inside. He concluded, “They were probably waiting for you the entire night. If you had come then, they would have ended your lives and emptied the safe.” The Torah commands us to guard Shabbat. During Kiddush, we recite the words, veshamru bnei yisrael et hashabbat--and the nation of Israel guards Shabbat. Ironically, the Falchi brothers were reciting Kiddush when the initial call from

AGT came through. The Jewish people have kept Shabbat for thousands of years, despite all types of challenges and rampant Anti-Semitism. However, as the Ahad Ha’am once said, “More than the Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews.” While sitting in a nail salon in New York City, author Jenna Maio overheard two secular women conversing next to her. One woman, Sandra, mentioned that she was a descendant of Rav Yisrael Salanter, and then began discussing her plans for Rosh Hashanah. “I’m not going to family or synagogue. I will be at work, because I didn’t want to take off.” While reading Jenna Maio’s story I thought, If Rav Yisrael Salanter’s descendents did not observe Shabbat or holidays, what chance did I stand raising observant descendents? My family breeds similar circumstances; my father is a direct descendant of the Iben Ezra. As a baal teshuva, he is the only sibling of five to observe Shabbat or kashrut. When we take a stance on Shabbat, it makes an impression both on our children and ourselves. Perhaps in this way we will greatly increase the odds of our offspring guarding Shabbat with fervor. Do we ever make “harmless” comments, such as, “Oh, wish I could take a picture today! You kids look so cute!” Or, “Oh my goodness, there is a leak in the faucet. I wish I could call the plumber today.” Perhaps when these thoughts arise, we should instead think like Albert and Isaac: “Shabbat is Shabbat! Every Mitzvah is for our benefit!” The Torah is a pathway, the true instruction manual for life. With it we walk in the ways of Hashem. Our lives are filled with decisions that are forks in the road. The Torah enlightens us with the best way to turn. Sometimes, following Torah guidelines is easy, and the benefits are clear. On Shabbat, we disconnect from electronics and the family unites. Prayer lowers stress

levels and brings serenity to our daily life. The laws of kashrut help ensure health, and family purity practices can lead to a more passionate life with our spouses. However, the right decision is not always made completely clear. Torah is not a fair-weather friendship; it is meant to be guarded in both good times and hardships. Torah guides us in difficult moments, when we don’t feel following halacha or we think we know a better outcome if we behave differently. Following the Torah’s commandments leads us toward our best lives. The following story illustrates this idea. When Michal Oshman, an executive at TikTok UK, was just eighteen years old, she hugged her parents goodbye and boarded a bus for the Israeli army. Michal’s unit slept in tents, endured intense weather conditions, and had to quickly learn how to use and clean a weapon. They were exhausted emotionally and physically. Michal fell asleep to the sound of her bunkmates crying each night. Their living quarters had to be spotless by 7:00am. If the commanding officer determined that the room and bathroom were not up to standard, no one was allowed to go home for a visit. One morning, a toilet was clogged and unable to flush. Each girl refused to help. Inspection was approaching, and panic began to ensue. Without even thinking, Michal walked into the bathroom and pulled out the offensive blockage. Everyone clapped and cheered. “Hooray! We can go home!” She turned to toss the filth into the garbage and was faced with her commanding officer. Michal shrunk in fear, assuming the worst. Instead, the officer smiled and said, “Yup, you’re one of us.” Michal was promoted to a commanding officer that day. Michal followed orders, even though it didn’t feel good, and her entire life’s trajectory changed for the better. Following Hashem’s orders is always for our benefit. Sometimes, we merit to see the positive effects of our choices. I view these moments as “love taps” from Hashem. The Torah is our illuminated walkway, guiding every step towards a reward far more valuable than gems or jewelry. The opportunity for Mitzvot such as Shabbat, Kashrut and shemirat Halashon are constantly available to us for the taking. Sometimes, we are faced with dilemmas, and when we follow the Torah’s prescription, we are enabled to lead our best life.

OCTOBER 14, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Review TheBook Week In News

Book Review

The Wisdom of Getting Unstuck Rabbi Shimshon Meir Frankel Mosaica Press 250 pp. Reviewed by Devorah Talia Gordon “You are the author of your own story. You’re the main character and, as you know, a compelling story always has the main character come into conflict with an opposing force. This force is your Antagonist.” With these lines, clinical psychologist Rabbi Shimshon Meir Frankel’s opens his self-help book, “The Wisdom of Getting Unstuck.” Right from the start, Frankel describes our opposing force, which does everything it can to distract us and encourage us to make poor choices. Combining Torah wisdom and psychology, Frankel guides the reader through a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The book is well-structured with six sections, providing practical, bullet point take-aways at the end of each chapter, and a comprehensive appendix at the end of the book for easy reference. Frankel pulls from varied sources; from Tanach, Pirkei Avos, Rav Shlomo Wolbe, and Rabbi Chaim Friedlander to modern psychologists like Dr. Fritz Perls, the developer of Gestalt therapy. The first section defines the adversary, what it looks like, how it makes someone get stuck in the ‘muddy middle’ – a point where nothing is clear, where there are more questions than answers. The next section “Clever or Wise,” is based on Yehudah ben Teima’s teaching in Pirkei Avos: Be strong as a leopard, light as an eagle, swift as a deer, and mighty as a lion to do the will of your Father in Heaven (Pirkei Avos 5:20). Here Frankel points out we can utilize each animal’s strength to fight our Antagonist, for example, when we are stuck we can be like a deer and move quickly; our legs get us moving and leave negativity behind. In the next section, “The Shmutz,” Frankel describes the grime that covers our eyes – the negative way we might see things and how this affects our interaction with world, as well as blind spots and jealousy. He fittingly brings the blessing we say in the morning, when we thank Hashem for removing slumber and sleep from our eyes, showing how each morning Hashem wipes the soot clean from our eyelids and provides us with a “fresh start and a new perspective.” The next section, “Your Whereabouts” begins with the idea of “being myself;” what it means to “be myself,” and the intriguing concept that when we are not being ourselves, it is still us – we’re just being the part of ourselves we don’t like; Frankel encourages the reader to embrace even that part of oneself. In this section, Frankel discusses approaching life from the inside-out, rather than the most common approach, that of ‘outside-in.’ Working from the inside-out starts from using

our heart to guide our eyes in a positive direction, awakening healthy desires and values. The outside-in approach (that of Western culture) looks to externals such as appearances, movies, fashion industry, and uses those images and values to rate ourselves. He writes, “Negative outside forces are quick to usurp our personal ambition and misdirect our unique energies.” This section leaves the reader empowered to trust herself and her intuition; much-needed chizuk for the times in which we live. Frankel also scrutinizes our patterns in this section, explaining how they come to be and delineating tools to stop negative patterns. One personal favorite is using the imagery he recommends to “cut the chain” of negative actions with a huge pair of “ethereal mental clippers.” The next section “The Daily Grind” confronts the ‘bear-like beast’ in all of us, wanting to satisfy our cravings. What we really crave is attachment – to others, to the Infinite. Here Frankel gives many practical tools to deal with our hunger, including doing acts of kindness. This section provides a refreshing discussion on the individual’s power to choose correctly and then relying on Hashem to be with him as he goes down his path. It closes with a powerful reminder – keep things simple. One great point among many Frankel makes is from Rav Shlomo Wolbe, zt’l; to take care with the small details of one’s life, and ‘light’ mitzvos. Frankel encourages us to improve the things we are already good at, as starting from there promises more success than taking on a brand-new goal. The book ends on a strong note, with the last section called, “Walk Your Own Path.” It is chock-full of examples from clients Frankel worked with, showing how they were challenged by their unique Antagonists and offering ways to sign a ‘peace treaty’ with one’s Antagonist. The dialogue between client and therapist is engaging, giving the reader great ideas about how to enter into a conversation with her Antagonist. Also fascinating in this final section is Frankel’s “Benefit Theory,” the theory that one is somehow benefiting from an issue she is carrying around. Frankel provides helpful exercises for journaling about what those benefits might be and becoming conscious about how holding onto this issue might not be working for us anymore. Throughout the book, Frankel’s wise, sincere and often witty tone encourages us to move past our negative side, take charge, and become the person we wish to be. Once freed from the muddy middle, we get to write our own story and walk our own path, unencumbered by the Antagonist’s wily ways.

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Jewish The WeekHistory In News

OCTOBER 14, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Jewish History

FDR’s Secret Plea to Hitler by Rafael Medoff

resident Franklin D. Roosevelt sent a secret plea to Adolf Hitler in the summer of 1936, according to newly-uncovered documents. It wasn’t a plea to curtail Germany’s military buildup. It wasn’t a plea to Hitler to stop intervening on behalf of the fascists in the Spanish civil war. And it certainly wasn’t a protest against the brutal Nazi persecution of German Jews. No, the issue that was so urgent to FDR that he sent a secret communication to Hitler was his request that the Führer meet with three American oil industry executives – two of them Roosevelt’s personal friends – who were on their way to Germany. The documents about Roosevelt’s request came to light when they were recently put up for sale by a Maryland auction house. They begin with a “very urgent” message to Berlin from the German ambassador in Washington, Hans Luther, on August 21, 1936. The ambassador reported that President Roosevelt had requested, through his senior aide Stephen Early, that Hitler grant an audience to Kenneth R. Kingsbury, president of Standard Oil of California; James A. Moffett, former head of FDR’s Federal Housing Administration and now vice president of Standard Oil of New Jersey; and Torkild Rieber, chairman of Texaco. “In view of Roosevelt’s personal interest,” Ambassador Luther wrote, “I very strongly recommend that his request should be granted.” In a second message a few days later, Luther reported that Early had again emphasized “the great importance Roosevelt attaches to Moffett being introduced to the Führer.” Ultimately, FDR’s request ran aground because of a scheduling conflict – the oil executives were going to be in Germany during one of the busiest periods in Hitler’s schedule, the preparations for the annual Nazi Party rally in Nuremberg. But that didn’t stop the three oil executives from engaging in significant com-

merce with the Third Reich. Assistant Attorney General Thurman Arnold testified to a Senate committee in 1942 that at Hitler’s request, Standard Oil had obstructed the development of synthetic rubber in the United States and instead provided the rubber technology to the Nazis. The revelations were so damning that

directors to force his resignation. President Roosevelt’s plea to Hitler to meet with Kingsbury, Moffett, and Rieber sheds light on a question with which historians have long grappled: Why did President Roosevelt refuse to say a single word in public, from 1933 until late 1938, about Hitler’s anti-Jewish policies?

FDR’s own public statement criticizing the pogrom did not contain a single explicit mention of Hitler, Nazism, or even the Jews.

then-senator Harry Truman accused the oil company of “treason.” Rieber’s Texaco, for its part, sold oil to Nazi Germany and Franco’s fascists in Spain and had extensive dealings with Mussolini as well. At one point, the FBI questioned Rieber about his aid to Franco – which violated U.S. neutrality laws – but the Roosevelt administration let him off with a $22,000 fine. Embarrassing publicity over Rieber’s pro-Nazi leanings eventually led Texaco’s board of

The answer is that any criticism of Hitler would have undermined Roosevelt’s policy of maintaining good diplomatic and economic relations with Nazi Germany. FDR is remembered for leading America toward military preparedness and, later, in the war against Germany – but in the 1930s, he pursued a very different policy toward the Nazis. Thus, President Roosevelt allowed U.S. diplomats to attend the mass Nazi Party rally in Nuremberg in

1937. His administration helped the Nazis evade American Jewry’s boycott of German goods in the 1930s by permitting the Nazis to deceptively label their goods with the city or province of origin, instead of “Made in Germany.” FDR also pressured Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes to approve the sale of helium to power Germany’s Zeppelin airships (Ickes managed to obstruct the deal), and Roosevelt personally removed criticism of Nazi leaders from at least three of Ickes’ speeches in 1935 and 1938. One of those speeches was a radio broadcast responding to the Kristallnacht pogrom in Germany in November 1938. Ickes wrote in his diary that White House aides who reviewed his draft informed him “that the President wanted us to cut out all references to Germany by name as well as references to Hitler, Goebbels, and others by name.” FDR’s own public statement criticizing the pogrom did not contain a single explicit mention of Hitler, Nazism, or even the Jews. It was not that President Roosevelt felt any sympathy for the policies or ideology of the Nazi regime. On the contrary, he made numerous derisive comments about Hitler and Nazism in private conversations in the 1930s. But FDR considered the Nazi persecution of German Jews to be none of America’s concern. The president who presented himself to the public as a humanitarian and a champion of the downtrodden went out of his way to maintain good diplomatic and economic ties with the world’s most brutal violator of human rights – even to the extent of using his office to try to facilitate contacts between his oil industry friends and the Nazi leadership. Dr. Medoff is founding director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies, and author of more than 20 books about Jewish history and the Holocaust.

OCTOBER 14, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Yeshiva University Rises to 68 in U.S. News and World Report Best College Ranking Yeshiva University (YU) continues to rise in the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best College Rankings released this week and has secured the 68th spot – rising from No. 76 in 2021 and moving up 29 spots in the last two years. YU also placed No. 33 in the Best Value Schools category, up from 54th position last year. This accolade recognizes the colleges and universities that offer students the best value based on academic quality and average cost of attendance. “This continued rise in the rankings reflects strong execution on our long-term strategy of growth through investments in the key areas of Values & Leadership, STEM & Health, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and Great Jobs & Impactful Careers,” said Dr. Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University. “We are moving YU forward into its next great era, and I am deeply thankful to our faculty, staff, lay leaders and students who are driving our growth.” Published by U.S. News & World Report, the Best National University Rankings annually rate 1,466 American colleges and universities that grant bachelor’s degrees. The rankings are based on data that U.S. News & World Report collects from an annual survey sent to each school administrators. Benchmarks range from

student-faculty ratio and faculty resources to graduation and retention rates and alumni giving. “We are delighted by YU’s ascent in the U.S. News & World Report Rankings, an impressive achievement,” said Dr. Selma Botman, Yeshiva University’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. “This ranking underscores our success educating students, introducing new academic programs, contributing new knowledge, and engaging with alumni in creative ways throughout the year.” About Yeshiva University Founded in 1886, Yeshiva University brings together the ancient traditions of Jewish law and life and the heritage of Western civilization. More than 7,400 undergraduate and graduate students study at YU’s four New York City campuses: the Wilf Campus, Israel Henry Beren Campus, Brookdale Center, and Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus. YU’s three undergraduate schools – Yeshiva College, Stern College for Women, and Sy Syms School of Business – offer a unique dual program comprised of Jewish studies and liberal arts courses. Its graduate and affiliate schools include Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, and Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. YU is ranked among the nation’s leading academic research institutions.

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