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CONTENTS COMMUNITY Community Happenings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

JEWISH THOUGHT

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The Paper Chicken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Season of Thanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 A Sukkah Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

COVER STORY The Jewish Footprint in the Holy Land: Our Ancient Past . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

HUMOR & ENTERTAINMENT Centerfold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Quotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

LIFESTYLES Travel Guide: Victoria, British Columbia . . . . . . . . . 26 JWI Cookbook – A Sampling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

EDUCATION Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

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ISRAEL Israel News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Dear Readers,

The Mishnah tells us that “there were no Yomim Tovim the likes of Tu B’av and Yom Kippur”. Yom Kippur is unique in that the somber atmosphere almost offers a joyous dimension as well. It is now that we are given the chance to “come clean”. No matter how we have behaved, or what we might have done, we can turn a new page and go forward in the New Year of 5775, renewed and recharged. On a deeper level, Yom Kippur isn’t simply about making amends for our wrongful actions. It is also about allowing our innermost selves to shine and reach into a place where we are already pure and reenergize from there. It is on Yom Kippur that we can access the part of our soul which is connected deeply with our source of life. At its essence, Yom Kippur reaches to the essence of our Neshama, where it is literally one with Hakadosh Baruch Hu. This is why this holiest day of the year was the time when the holiest person used to enter the holiest place. No wonder that Yom Kippur has to happen after Rosh Hashanah and not before. We are doing far more on this day than just cleansing ourselves from negativity. This is the time when we reveal our Pintele Yid, that tiny spark of our Jewish soul that is always connected to G-d. Teshuvah isn’t just about undoing the past, it is a recognition that the Yid precedes the Torah while the Torah is there for the Yid and indeed the Torah is an expression of the Yid. As it says in Avos Dirav Nosson, “I don’t know which came first, the Torah or the Yidden. Being that it says in the Torah, `speak to the children of Israel` etc. I know that the Yidden preceded the Torah”. At its core, the Torah is a means for the Jewish soul to express itself. Understanding this leads to a whole new level in ones learning and performance of mitzvos. Yom Kippur is a time to uncover our true selves, one layer at a time and deep within our consciousness until we reach the ultimate “I”, the “I” with which our ancestors gave up their lives Al Kidush Hashem and the “I” with which our grandparents sacrificed

their comforts to be able to keep the Torah and Mitzvos. This is also the “I” which gives us strength in our present day challenge of rejecting the complacency which accompanies material success. We refuse to become materialistic beings focused on pleasure and power. We rise every day for another fight with the forces of negativity, remembering that inside we are not about self-gratification or self-indulgence. We are a G-dly soul trying to control the “little city” of our lives so that it reflects the Kedusha of a Yid. This is our Mesiras Nefesh. No glory, no big battles just the simple act of refusing to give in and keeping our Neshamah as the spokesperson for our body. It is then that we can celebrate Zman Simchaseinu, a time of joy like no other. After being united with our father in heaven during the Yamim Noraim, we get to celebrate in his presence together with his children. The climax of course is Shemini Atzeres/Simchas Torah when Hashem says, “your separation is hard for me, please stay one more day.” It is this spirit which carries us through the coming year. All of the above is extremely pertinent at the current time where we await the final redemption. It is this connection and level of soul which will be revealed in the era of Moshiach. This might even be the best way to prepare for his arrival; we have to live our life with the spirit taking precedence over the material so that we feel Hashem’s presence in the simple act of making a Bracha or helping a friend. The Rambam issued a Halachik ruling over 1,000 years ago that a person should view the world as constantly standing at the tipping point between good and bad with one action tipping the scale either way. Let us recommit to doing as many positive actions as we can. Perhaps the action which will finally tip the scale will be the one we’re going to perform next. With blessings for a g’mar chasima tova and most joyous Zman Simchaseinu,

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

by Diane Pechman

encyclopedia of how Mussar works,” said Rabbi Geiger. “But it’s also like lecture notes where it’s hard to get a real picture of what a middah (character trait) should look like by trying to read about the characteristic on one’s own.“ In fact, Rav Wolbe refused to sell his

son had to guarantee that he would not be learning the material alone. “If we get Mussar wrong, it is extraordinarily dangerous,” explained Rabbi Geiger. “A person can end up doing things that are damaging and destructive to themselves and others but think they are doing

book to someone unless he personally knew the buyer and you’d have to come to his house to buy a copy. Then the per-

good and call it ‘Mussar.’ ” Rabbi Geiger also cautioned that the Vaadim are not designed for people look-

ing only to be inspired or what he calls “inspiring shiur junkies”—people who go from one inspiring shiur to another to keep the high going because they don’t have the tools to create it for themselves. “When you go to an inspiring shiur and you hear someone teach inspiring Torah you’re picking up vicarious inspiration from the fact that they’re living an inspired life and that gives you a false boost,” explained Rabbi Geiger. “Real inspiration comes from your own personal growth. If you end up being inspired from the Vaad, it will be because you work on yourself and that work creates real personal change and that leads to inspiration.” He also explained that the Vaad is not the place for people who are impatient and want to see very quick results. “We focus on making almost microscopic changes so that you don’t flip back to your old ways when you’re under stress. We do this to fly under the radar of the yetzer hara (evil inclination). The goal is to create permanent change.” Reaction to the Mussar Vaad presentation was overwhelmingly positive. “I’m excited and thankful for the opportunity,” said Leah Pasternak. “I think it’s something I need with where I’m at with my life,” said Marlene Farronan. “I’m definitely going to sign up,” said Miriam Nguyen. “I think it’s what we all need, especially at this time of year.” “The learning and doing of avodahs together is meaningful,” said Chaim Gao as he completed the sign up form. “I tried to sign up a year ago but there weren’t enough people and I was very disappointed,” said Atteret Melchi. “I just hope enough people sign up this time.” If you’d like more information about the upcoming Mussar Vaadim in Los Angeles, please call Reuven Fauman at 310927-2146 or email raf622@mac.com. There is also more information at www. mussarvaadla.com. There will be separate groups for men and women.

OCTOBER 2, 2014

Rabbi Yitzhak Summers of Anshe Emes minced no words. “Hashem expects us to grow. So how can we ensure that we grow? Rabbi Salanter taught us - study Mussar.” Rabbi Summers spoke at the recent open house meeting that was held to encourage both men and women to join a new Mussar Vaadim which will be started in Los Angeles and lead by Rabbi Benjamin Geiger under the supervision of Rabbi Leib Kelemen. Mussar, the focus on our moral conduct, instruction and discipline, is the biggest issue in Klal Yisroel according to Rabbi Summers. “We have all sorts of issues, but they would all be taken care of if we had a mass movement to get people exposed to studying Mussar properly.” Mussar can be defined as spiritual practices and teachings that enable a person to refine his character traits and transform himself to reach his highest spiritual potential and to live everyday life with happiness, trust and love. It is different from the secular notion of “self-help” in that its purpose is to enable a person to gratify more than his personal desires. Rabbi Summers noted that Mussar is a subject that is often misunderstood. “We need to obliterate the phrase, ‘I’m going to give you Mussar.’ Whoever says this has no idea what Mussar is. Mussar is uplifting, inspiring and enlightening.” Rabbi Summers explained, “I have no clue where I would be in life, even with all my years of learning, if I did not study Mussar. This has changed and shaped my life more than you can imagine.” The problem is that most people don’t know how to study Mussar. “There is a methodology and a mesorah which most people don’t know. In the Mussar Vaadim, Rabbi Geiger and Rabbi Kelemen will give you the tools to study Mussar properly.” Those who join the Vaad will be given selected readings of Rav Shlomo Wolbe, z”l and Rav Yerucham Levovitz regarding the particular character trait being worked on. Wolbe’s work, Alei Shur is “almost an

THE JEWISH HOME

Rabbi Benjamin Geiger to Lead New Mussar Vaadim in Los Angeles

THE JEWISH HOME

OCTOBER 2, 2014

Emek Sukkos Family Fun Day; Expanded And Extraordinary by Ruth Judah

LEGO sales have increased by more than 11% this year, due to the popularity of the February released LEGO MOVIE. In light of the renewed love for small plastic pieces, Emek Hebrew Academy Teichman Family Torah Center is introducing a LEGO Stand at the 7th Chol Hamoed Sukkos Family Family Fun Day. The LEGO booth will have an unprecedented collection of at least 20 major LEGO sets that will have been built and are ready for play. Alongside the castles, ships and Star Wars sets there will be tables with buckets of LEGO toys and LEGO men. Kids will be able to play at the tables until their attention wanders to another activity, likely the Hot Wheels booth that is also being introduced, complete with tracks, cars and unlimited playtime. Emek has been serving the San Fernando Valley for 50 years and over the last five years there has been a rejuvenated board of directors that has prioritized the schools mission to embrace new learning methods while becoming a vibrant center for Jewish life. Registration is up from less than five hundred students three years ago to close to seven hundred this year. This is a good thing for Rabbi Tropper who has new plans for this year’s Sukkos Fun Day that he organizes. He explained enthusiastically, “We want to create a special event where our students and families as well as non Emek families can enjoy our facilities, interact with our faculty and the student body and have a blast in a safe and secure environment. Over the past years this Sukkos event has been the launch of Emek’s middle school girl’s annual Chai Lifeline campaign. For more than 30 years Emek’s 6-8 grade girls have been raising funds for the children of Chai Lifeline and have collected close to $500,000. This partnership has resulted in Chai Lifeline’s Camp Simcha dedicating a room in honor of the Emek girls. This project is headed up by Mrs. Tova Union and a portion of the proceeds from the Sukkos Family Fun Day are donated to Chai Lifeline. Rabbi Tropper added, “There is a void of activities in Los Angeles during chol hamoed, compared to several events each

til 5pm on Sunday, October 12th. With more than 1,500 visitors at last year’s event, more than 2,000 people are expected this year. Another difference this year is that entrance will be paid-at-the door and the cost has been reduced to $15 per child and $10 per adult with a broad selection of classic, glatt kosher, American foods that will be available for additional purchase. At the same time, in order to be certain of maximum child happiness, each entrance ticket will provide unlimited rides as well as a free bag of fresh popcorn and a stick of extra sugary cotton candy. Rabbi Tropper noted that the Sukkos Family Fun day is also a major distribution point of the Emek Holiday magazine that will be distributed with 7,500 copies throughout the major Jewish communities of Los Angeles. The magazine promotes close to 40 local Jewish businesses, includes interesting articles and offers the chance to win a $50 gift card. “I’m sure the event will be a success,” Rabbi Tropper enthused. “This is a super fun day, a community program plus there’s a charitable element and you can’t do better than that!” For more information call Emek: 818 783 3663 and speak to Rabbi Tropper, Director of Family Programs, #1120 or email: mtropper@emek.org.

day of Sukkos that are offered to the Jewish community of other cities, like New York. Last year we had families from Agoura Hills and from communities east of Pico/ Robertson. This year we have increased the fun as we anticipate an even greater turnout including the many families and students who were at Conejo Valley Jewish School but now attend Emek. ”

Several elaborate moon bounces, an impressive rock climbing wall and many carnival rides for both young and older children are among the activities on offer. Other happenings include game booths and arcade games which are sure to ensure the popularity of the event, which will be held at the 5.5 acre Emek campus on Magnolia Blvd in Sherman Oaks. The fun lasts from noon un-

A Meaningful Legacy for Rebbetzin Kanievsky; Ner Echad Perpetuating the celebrated lifework and legacy of Rebbetzin Batsheva Kanievsky, the renowned Rebbetzin from Bnei Brak, whose yahrzeit is Chol Ha-Moed Succos, a new global Jewish women’s movement has been launched, Ner Echad. The Rebbetzin was known as a miracle worker and more than 50,000 people attended her funeral in 2011. Her legacy continues as thousands of Jewish women, from every background and affiliation, are now lighting Shabbos candles, praying for each other, while simultaneously donating one dollar to the Batsheva

Kanievsky Widow and Children’s Fund. A state of the art automated computer system created just for Ner Echad sends each member the time for candlelighting in their area, the name of another member to daven for, and draws one dollar for tzedakah out of members’ credit card accounts just before candlelighting time in Jerusalem, the spiritual center of the world. It all happens simultaneously around the world, thus achieving the goal of Ner Echad, to elevate the acts of candlelighting, prayer, and tzedakah by accomplishing them togeth-

er as one enormous unified group, and bringing blessing to the world. Under the auspices of Rebbetzin Leah Kolodetsky, and a special hand-picked Beis Din appointed by Rav Chaim Kanievsky, 100% of these holy dollars go to Israel’s neediest women and children, who desperately miss the financial support once provided them by the Rebbetzin during her lifetime. Women helping women and doing mitzvos together. These are the hallmarks of Ner Echad. As Rav Chaim Kanievsky enthusiastically declared, “Never before in the histo-

ry of the Jewish people have thousands of women joined together as a unified group— lighting candles, giving tzedakah, and praying for one another. Ner Echad will certainly generate a living wellspring of spiritual and material blessing, an enormous protective shield for you, your family, and the entire Jewish nation.” To be a part of this exciting new movement, visit www.NerEchad.org or call (844) N-E-R-E-C-H-A-D

OCTOBER 2, 2014

Behind the walls of an unassuming single-story building on Robertson Blvd, you will find dozens of smiling faces and hear the sounds of young children engrossed in learning. Listen a little closer and you will uncover a world filled with Hebrew alphabet, davening and Torah study. It is the new Nagel Jewish Academy, NJA, a unique Jewish educational program based on the philosophy “Jewish education for every Jewish child.” The afternoon program opened its doors for the first time this month, offering after-school classes for Jewish children, between the ages of 5 and 10, who do not currently attend a Jewish day school. It began with a mere twenty students enrolled, but the popularity of the program has seen it grow to more than eighty students in a matter of weeks. Director of NJA, Mrs. Chana Leah Margolis, believes that the school will continue to grow, “Private school tuition in Los Angeles has skyrocketed out of control. It is only a matter of time before the majority of students in the local public school system are Jewish, creating an even greater need for a Jewish after-school program.” NJA, which is free of charge and accepts all Jewish children regardless of religious affiliation or background, is making Jewish education easily accessible to all. The teaching staff at NJA aims to cater to each student’s individual needs and abilities, ensuring that each child receives a Jewish education equal to that of Jewish day schools. A teacher at the school recalls that one particular student had been having a hard time settling down, so she had taken him out of class for a one-on-one davening session. The student, despite growing up in a religious home, was only able to remember the tune to the Aleinu prayer but he was unfamiliar with the actual words. After a few days of tutoring the student had grasped all the words and in his excitement he exclaimed, “I can’t wait to go to Shul on Shabbos and say Aleinu!” Although the school year has just begun and classes have not been in session for long, teachers have worked hard to provide students with a complete High Holiday learning experience. Over the past few weeks, students have delighted in learning about the Jewish month of Elul, while creating and designing their own crowns in keeping with the theme, “the king is in the field.” In the lead up to Rosh Hashanah, students enjoyed baking their own holiday delicacies and were given the opportunity to take home their own shofar created by the visiting shofar factory.

THE JEWISH HOME

The New Nagel Jewish Academy is off to a great start

Kitah Aleph participating in a Aleph-Bet review game

One of the goals of NJA is to make Jewish learning fun. It is imperative that in this day and age children are presented with a positive experience and encouraged to have a positive attitude towards Judaism. Mrs. Margolis describes how a young student approached her after class one afternoon asking if he could possibly have his own pair of tzitzit. It is this enthusiasm that is spreading throughout the Los Angeles Jewish community and encouraging other parents to send their children to

NJA. Parents are rearranging schedules and driving an hour from the valley to ensure their child attends NJA. Although the school year has already begun, the school has been inundated with applications and calls from interested parents. It has therefore become evident that additional locations are needed to cater for all the extra students. The current location is fully sponsored, but the NJA administration is looking for further

sponsorship that will allow them to open at other locations. For more information or to register, Mrs. Margolis can be contacted at 310883-4490 or nageljewishacademy@gmail. com.

THE JEWISH HOME

OCTOBER 2, 2014

Thousands Participating In Dirshu Daf HaYomi L’Bochurim Bein Hazemanim Program Shiurim by Leading Gedolim and Rabbonim in 15 Communities Throughout the US and Canada By Chaim Gold

Wherever one sees bachurim these days, one of the things they are talking about is, “Are you joining Daf HaYomi B’Halacha L’Bachurim? Did you see who is giving the shiurim?!” This year, Dirshu’s famed Daf HaYomi B’Halacha schedule coincides with Sukkos. As the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha progresses through the final chelek of Mishnah Berurah towards completing its first seven-year cycle and its major siyum next spring, the program is providentially learning the halachos of Sukkos… on Sukkos! The hanhala of Dirshu felt that bein hazemanim would be an optimum time to afford bachurim the opportunity to learn the important halachos of hilchos yeshivas Sukkah - the laws of sitting in the Sukkah, while simultaneously giving structure to the daily learning during bein hazemanim. The program provides shiurim on the halachos by prominent gedolim and poskim and offer the bachurim the chance to take tests and experience the success of accountable yedias haTorah similar to that being experienced by tens of thousands of lomdei Dirshu the world over each month. The program that is running both in America and Eretz Yisroel, under the title, “Kinyan Sukkah” and both in America and Eretz Yisrael, Dirshu has published a special Mishnah Berurah booklets containing the entire seder halimud and schedule encompassing siman 639-642. The program has not only garnered the attention of the thousands of bachurim who have joined Dirshu but, even more importantly, it has earned the admiration and enthusiastic haskamos of Roshei Yeshiva from throughout America and Eretz Yisrael. Bein Hazemanim – A Time to Strengthen Oneself in Learning?! In a letter that displays his admiration for both the bein hazemanim Daf HaYomi B’Halacha L’Bachurim program and for Dirshu’s harbatzos haTorah and chizuk haTorah, HaGaon HaRav Reuven Feinstein, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of the Yeshiva of Staten Island writes, “Immediately following the holy day of Yom Kippur is bein hazemanim where the talmidei hayeshivos leave the walls of the yeshiva’s beis medrash… it is possible [if care is not taken] to lose all of the wonderful acquisitions of the yemei ratzon, before they even return for the winter zman. “For this reason, it is clear that the distinguished menahelim of Dirshu, the faithful organization that is known for its efforts to strengthen Torah and Torah learners in so many different ways, has stepped into the breach by creating a special learning program [in hilchos Sukkah] for the bein hazemanim and has created

shiurim by well-known maggidei shiur as well as created tests…so that the bein hazemanim will be…a continuation of the spiritual ascent accomplished during Elul zman….”

Rav Yisroel Reisman, shlita, will give the shiur at Agudah Bais Binyomin in Flatbush.

Rav Yaakov Bender, shlita, will deliver the shiur at the Agudah of West Lawrence.

Rav Malkiel Kotler, shlita, will deliver a shiur at Kehal Shearis Adas Yisroel in Lakewood.

In a seminal letter hand-written by the Rosh Yeshiva of Beth Medrash Govoha of Lakewood, HaGaon HaRav Aryeh Malkiel Kotler, shlita and co-signed by HaGaon HaRav Elya Ber Wachtfogel, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of South Fallsburg, and HaGaon HaRav Shlomo Feivel Schustal, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Neos Yaakov,

Rav Kotler hails Dirshu and its “special program for yeshivos gedolos and mesivtos for learning halacha l’maaseh during bein hazemanim and strengthening learning during bein hazemanim and preventing a slackening off in learning…” Impressive Array of Inaugural Shiurim on Hilchos Sukkah by Prominent Roshei Yeshiva, Rabbanim and Poskim in 15 Communities One of the most exciting innovations of the Bein Hazemanim Daf HaYomi B’Halacha L’Bachurim program is the inaugural shiurim being given by leading Roshei Yeshiva, Poskim and Rabbonim on the first day of bein hazemanim, 11 Tishrei/ October 5 in fifteen communities throughout the United States and Canada. In Baltimore, Harav Yosef Berger, shlita, will be giving the inaugural shiur at his shul, Kehillas Kol Torah. In Boro Park, HaRav Yitzchok Zalman Gips, shlita, will be giving the opening shiur at his shul, Kehillas Birchas Avrohom. In Chicago, the Mashgiach of the Telshe Yeshiva, Harav Avrohom Lipschutz, shlita, will deliver the opening shiur at the Chicago Center for Torah and Chessed and in Cleveland, Harav Boruch Hirschfeld, shlita, Rav Kehillas Ahavas Yisroel and Rosh Kollel Ateres Boruch will deliver the shiur at the Agudas Yisroel of Cleveland. In Detroit, Harav Aharon Sorscher, shlita, R”M at Mesivta Yagdil Torah will deliver the shiur on Monday, October 6 at the Kollel Institute of Detroit. Moving on to the Five Towns, Harav Yaakov Bender, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Darchei Torah, will deliver the shiur at the Agudah of West Lawrence. In Flatbush, Harav Yisroel Reisman, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshiva Torah Vodaas and Rav of Agudas Yisroel of Madison will give the shiur at the Agudah Bais Binyomin Branch. In Lakewood, HaGaon HaRav Malkiel Kotler, shlita, will deliver a pesicha shiur at Kehal Shearis Adas Yisroel. Moving out west to Los Angeles, Harav Nachum Sauer, shlita, Rosh Kollel of YULA, will deliver the shiur at Rav Einhorn’s shul and in Monsey the shiur will be given by Rav Yosef Veiner at his shul, Kehal Sha’ar HaShamayim. Further up north in Canada, Harav Yochanan Wosner, shlita, Ave Beis Din of Skver and Rov of Skver Montreal will deliver the shiur at the Skverer Shteibel. In Passaic Harav Asher Dovid May, shlita, Rosh Kollel at the Yeshiva Gedolah of Passaic, will deliver the shiur at Bais Torah U’Tefillah. In Shikun Skver the shiur will be given by Harav Ephraim Greenbaum, shlita, Skverer Dayan at the main Skverer Beis Medrash. In Toronto, the shi-

ur will be delivered at the Agudas Yisrael shul, by Harav Chaim Mendel Brodsky, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Gedolah Zichron Shmayahu, and in Williamsburg, the Tzhelemer Dayan, Harav Aharon Zilberstein, shlita, will deliver the shiur at the Vienner Beis Medrash. Powerful Hamlatzos From Gedolei Rosh Yeshiva and Rabbanim The passionate support of the Gedolim in America for the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha program echoes the enthusiasm of the poseik hador, Hagaoon Harav Yosef Shalom Elyasiv, zt”l for the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha program when it was first released six years ago. At that time, Rav Elyashiv wrote a haskama profusely praising Dirshu’s program and especially their new halacha program of daily Mishnah Berurah, “As the Chofetz Chaim writes in his introduction to the Mishnah Berurah that the main thing learning must be is learning that brings to practical action…” In Eretz Yisroel too, thousands have joined the Bein Hazemanim Sukkos program on hilchos yeshivas Sukkah. At the end of bein hazemanim a test will be held and, as in all of Dirshu’s programs, there will be rewards for excellent scores. Powerful letters of approbation for the Sukkos Bein Hazemanim Daf HaYomi B’Halacha L’Bachurim program were also written by HaGaon HaRav Aharon Feldman, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Ner Yisrael, Baltimore, HaGaon HaRav Dovid Olefsky, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva Mesivta Beis Yisroel, Ger, and HaGaon HaRav Moshe Heinemann, shlita, Rav of the Agudas Yisroel of Baltimore. The Sweetness of Accountable Limud HaTorah Perhaps the words of Rav Heinemann best encapsulate the tremendous revolution being wrought by Dirshu’s bringing practical halacha to the masses in an unprecedented fashion. He writes, “Moshe Rabbeinu learned with Klal Yisrael the halachos of every Yom Tov on that particular Yom Tov… and the Bnei Yisrael accepted on themselves for future generations to always learn the halachos of each Yom Tov in advance of that Yom Tov. Dirshu is [going in that hallowed path] and being mezakeh es harabim by [facilitating this learning].” One mesivta rebbi who has several talmidim in the program exclaimed, “It is amazing to see how excited they are about the program! I want them to come out of the bein hazemanim not only knowing hilchos Sukkah but also with the sweetness in their mouth of success in accountable limud haTorah and a feeling that they are part of an amazing Torah movement that is being mezakeh Klal Yisrael!”

The students were then privileged to hear from Mr. Stuart and Jake Steinberg, father and brother of Max Steinberg, Z”L, a lone soldier from Los Angeles who was killed this summer fighting on the front

lines in Gaza. Mr. Steinberg told the students about his son, Max’s passion for Israel, how he was committed to achieve whatever he set his mind on, and how he found his path as a soldier in the elite Golani unit.

It was truly a remarkable and moving event for everyone. The program concluded with a thank-you message from current IDF soldier and LA native Kevin Orenshein, and a speech from Mr. and Mrs. Orenshein. To turn their support into action, the YULA boys student body decided to adopt a school-wide project, including a Torah learning and chesed component, in the memory of those who have perished. Although the IDF is one of the strongest armies in the world, the soldiers are still in dire need of critical supplies. With the help of student leaders Sam Richter, Jordan Lustman, Ariel Amsellem, Jonah Kasdan and Doni Yellin, the YULA students, faculty, and alumni joined forces to sell “YULA Supports IDF” bracelets, with the goal of raising enough money to buy bullet proof vests for an entire unit. Over the course of two weeks, the entire student body collaborated and with the help of family and friends, the boys raised an astounding $8,000, which will go towards ensuring the continued safety of Israeli soldiers and protecting Am Israel.

L-R Rabbi Arye Sufrin, Mr. Ruben Robin, Mrs. and Mr. Orenshein, Mr. Stuart and Jake Steinberg, Rabbi Dov Emerson, Mr. David Nagel, Mr. Joey Small

OCTOBER 2, 2014

Over the course of the summer, the state of Israel and the entire Jewish people experienced a roller-coaster of emotions. As the events of the kidnappings and subsequent murder of Eyal, Gilad and Naftali were discovered, followed by Operation Protective Edge and the ensuing fighting in Gaza, the entire nation stood together as “am echad”, turning to each other and to Hashem for support during the dark times. At YULA Boys High School, it was impossible for the events to go unmarked. The entire student body took the opportunity to recognize the events of the summer, pay tribute to those who have perished, and set clear goals for what the student body could do as a group to support Eretz Israel. Students participated in a school-wide program that included a personal video message from Racheli Frankel, mother of Naftali, one of the three murdered yeshiva students. She expressed her gratitude to the LA community for their support over the last few months, and reiterated that although we do not know Hashem’s ultimate plan, the power and strength of the Jewish people is undeniable, and the events of the summer only came to prove that.

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YULA Supports IDF; Keeping our Soldiers Safe

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7317

Once,

on the evening before Yom Kippur, one of the chassidim of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk asked his Rebbe to allow him to see how he, Rabbi Elimelech, observes the custom of kaparot. “How I do kaparot?” repeated Rabbi Elimelech. “How do you do kaparot?” “I am an ordinary Jew – I do what everyone else does. I hold the rooster in one hand, the prayer book in the other, and recite the text, ‘This is my exchange, this is in my stead, this is my atonement...’” “That’s exactly what I do,” said Rabbi Elimelech. “I take the rooster in one hand, the prayer book in the other, and recite the text. Actually, there might be a certain difference between your kaparot and mine: you probably make sure to use a white rooster, while to me it makes no difference: white, black, brown – a rooster’s a rooster...” But the chassid persisted that his Rebbe’s kaparot was certainly no ordinary event. He had been coming to Lizhensk to pray with the Rebbe every

Yom Kippur for more than twenty years now, and had always wanted to observe his Rebbe at this most solemn moment. “You want to see an extraordinary kaparot?” said Rabbi Elimelech. “Go observe how Moshe the tavern-keeper does kaparot. Now, there you’ll see something far more inspiring than my own, ordinary kaparot.”

The chassid located Moshe’s tavern at a crossroads several miles outside of Lizhensk and asked to stay the night. “I’m sorry,” said the tavern-keeper. “As you see, this is a small establishment, and we don’t have any rooms to let. There’s an inn a small distance further down the road.” “Please,” begged the chassid, “I’ve been traveling all day, and I want to rest awhile. I don’t need a room – I’ll just curl up in a corner for a few hours and be on my way.” “O.K.,” said Moshe. “We’ll be closing up shortly, and then you can get some sleep.” After much shouting, cajoling and threatening, Moshe succeeded in herding his clientele of drunken peasants out the door. The chairs and tables were stacked in a corner, and the room, which also served as the tavern-keeper’s living quarters, readied for the night. Midnight had long passed, and the hour of kaparot was approaching. The chassid, wrapped in his blanket under a table, feigned sleep, but kept watch in the darkened room, determined not to miss anything. Before dawn, Moshe rose from his bed, washed his hands and recited the morning blessings. “Time for kaparot!” he called quietly to his wife, taking care not to wake his guest. “Yentel, please bring me the notebook – it’s on the shelf above the cupboard.” Moshe sat himself on a small stool, lit a candle, and began reading from the notebook, unaware that his “sleeping” guest was wide awake and straining to hear every word. The notebook was a diary of all the misdeeds and transgressions the tavern-keeper had committed in the course of the year, the date, time and circumstance of each scrupulously noted. His “sins” were quite benign – a word of gossip one day, oversleeping the time for prayer on an-

other, neglecting to give his daily coin to charity on a third – but by the time Moshe had read through the first few pages, his face was bathed in tears. For more than an hour Moshe read and wept, until the last page had been turned.

“Dear Father, today is the eve of Yom Kippur, when everyone forgives and is forgiven.” “Yentel,” he now called to his wife, “bring me the second notebook.” This, too, was a diary – of all the troubles and misfortunes that had befallen him in the course of the year. On this day Moshe was beaten by a gang of peasants, on that day his child fell ill; once, in the dead of winter, the family had frozen for several nights for lack of firewood; another time their cow had died, and there was no milk until enough rubles had been saved to buy another. When he had finished reading the second notebook, the tavern-keeper lifted his eyes heavenward and said: “So you see, dear Father in Heaven, I have sinned against You. Last year I repented and promised to fulfill Your commandments, but I repeatedly succumbed to my evil inclination. But last year I also prayed and begged You for a year of health and prosperity, and I trusted in You that it would indeed be this way. “Dear Father, today is the eve of Yom Kippur, when everyone forgives and is forgiven. Let us put the past behind us. I’ll accept my troubles as atonement for my sins, and You, in Your great mercy, shall do the same.” Moshe took the two notebooks in his hands, raised them aloft, circled them three times above his head, and said: “This is my exchange, this is in my stead, this is my atonement.” He then threw them into the fireplace, where the smoldering coals TJH soon turned the tear-stained pages to ashes.  Yanki Tauber is the content editor of Chabad.org. Reprinted with permission from Chabad.org.

OCTOBER 2, 2014

The Paper Chicken

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Rabbi Yanki Tauber

T H E J E W I S H H O M E n M AY 2 4 , 2012

Chassidic Tales

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OCTOBER 2, 2014

Season of Thanks

The theme of the beautiful pesukim that comprise Shir Hashirim, focuses on the Ribbono Shel Olam’s boundless and enduring love for His people. The lyrical account written by Shlomo Hamelech, portrays the depth of the relationship between Knesses Yisroel and their shepherd. Shir Hashirim describes Klal Yisroel’s departure from Mitzrayim and how the newly-formed nation followed Hashem into a desert, displaying ahavas kelulosoyich, which is a zechus we still call upon as a source of merit in our day, many centuries later. One of those gloriously poetic pesukim is “Uri tzafon uvo’ie Seiman - A call to the winds from the north (Tzafon) and the south (Seiman) to blow on to my garden” (Shir Hashirim 4:16). The Rokeiach understands this posuk as a plea for the mercy and goodness of tzafon, which the Vilna Gaon teaches is a repository of good, and Seiman, where middas hachessed resides. Essentially, the posuk represents the cry of the Jew in golus, beseeching Heaven for a bounty of goodness and chesed. The Rokeiach adds an interesting tidbit. He writes that the words uri tzafon are the acronym of eitz (referring to the lulav). We hold the lulav and wave it in all four directions, pleading for Hashem, kevayachol, to come to us, bo’i Seiman: with middas hachessed. Even if we understand the allusion to the garden at the end of the posuk as it hints to the species that come forth from the ground and serve as a cheftzah shel mitzvah, what connection is there between the words uri tzafon and the mitzvah of lu-

lav? What is the connection between waving the lulav and asking Hashem to come join us? The Torah describes the Yom Tov of Sukkos as Chag Ha’osif, the festival celebrating successful harvests. It is a season of ingathering. The Sefer Hachinuch (324) develops this idea and writes that the mitzvah of Arba’ah Minim is also part of this theme. We take in our hands the four minim because they bring joy to those who behold them. It is a time of “yemei simcha gedolah l’Yisroel, ki eis asifas hatevuos upeiros ha’illan babayis, ve’oz yismichu bnei odom simcha rabbah, umipnei chein nikra Chag Ha’osif.” As we celebrate the bounty that Hashem has given us, we translate that joy into kedushah and mitzvos. The Chiddushei Harim shares a similar thought which explains why Yaakov Avinu recited Krias Shema when he was reunited with his beloved son, Yosef, in Mitzrayim (Rashi, Vayigash, 46:29.) Yaakov had waited many long years for this moment to arrive. When it finally did, he channeled his happiness of the moment into service of Hashem and recited Shema Yisroel.

tefillah: “Uvena’anui osam tashpia shefa brachos. Hashem, we appreciate what You have done for us. We pledge to do more for You and ask that, in return, You continue to bless us. Mimcha hakol.” Yet, there is another element to this wonderful Yom Tov as well. While the Torah in Parshas Mishpotim (23:15) and Parshas Ki Sisa (34:22) describes Sukkos as a Chag Ha’osif, a festival celebrating the annual harvest, the Torah later refers to the Yom Tov by the name with which we refer to it, Sukkos. The Torah states in Parshas Emor (23:42) that the reason for the mitzvah is so that the future generations will know that Hakadosh Boruch Hu fashioned sukkos for the Bnei Yisroel to live in when He redeemed them from Mitzrayim. (This is a kavonah that the Bach says is me’akeiv, necessary, for the fulfillment of the mitzvah.) How are we to understand the dual message? Is Sukkos a celebration of a good harvest or is it a memorial commemorating the sukkos in which we took refuge in the desert? The Meshech Chochmah (Parshas Mishpotim 23:15) offers an explanation

Sometimes the blessings are evident and sometimes they are concealed. But we must know that they are there. We merit Hashem’s kindness when we appreciate the goodness He has blessed us with and use it for kedushah. We turn to Hashem and say, “Thank you for all you have done for me in the past year. Please bless me in the coming year.” Sukkos is when we gather in the harvest. We grasp the Arba’ah Minim close to our hearts. We focus on the blessings, pulling together the various streams of good in our lives in a single ode of thanks. Sukkos is the most joyful time of year. We gather our hard-earned bounty, place it over our heads as s’chach, and recognize that everything we have is thanks to Hashem’s chessed. We grab hold of what He has given us and turn it in all directions, spreading kedushah wherever and however we can. As we do so, we whisper a

based on the Vilna Gaon who said that until the time the Luchos Shniyos were given, Sukkos was a Chag Ha’osif, a celebration marking the end of the harvest season. After Hashem forgave Am Yisroel for the chet ha’eigel, and after Moshe returned with the second Luchos and the Ananei Hakavod returned on the 15th day of Tishrei, Sukkos became a Yom Tov commemorating the sukkos in the midbar, namely, the Ananei Hakavod which covered and protected us wherever we went. We celebrate the great joy of teshuvah. The two concepts - the joy of accomplishment and the joy of proximity to His Presence - are interwoven. Chag Ha’osif celebrates man’s efforts which are invested in planting, cultivating and eventually harvesting his produce, yet still recogniz-

ing that the fruits those labors produce are essentially a gift from Hashem. Man knows that it wasn’t his toil or expertise that brought forth the fruits. It was not kocho ve’otzem yado, but a gift from Shomayim. Chazal refers to Seder Zeraim as “emunos” because of the inherent faith of the farmer as he plants yet another season of crops. With this in mind, we can appreciate the unique joy of that first Sukkos. A people redeemed through bitachon and who followed Hashem blindly into the midbar, fell into the abyss of sin and were misled into fashioning the Eigel. After they were admonished, they lifted themselves and repented. And their teshuvah was accepted. Their emunah and bitachon were once again intact, and the Anonim returned, remaining with them throughout their sojourn in the midbar. Additionally, according to the Vilna Gaon, the 15th of Tishrei was not only the day on which the Ananei Hakavod returned to Am Yisroel. It was also the day on which the Mishkon was first erected and the Bais Hamikdosh was completed. It is a day that marks what we can reach with proper emunah and bitachon, and the heights we can attain. It is because they appreciated the fact that everything they have is from Hashem, and because they celebrated the Chag Ha’osif by thanking Hashem for His goodness and kindness, that they merited the Divine protection of the Anonim. “Lemaan yeidu doroseichem ki basukkos hoshavti” is a lesson that teaches those who maintain their belief in Hashem and appreciate what He does for them will merit His protection. The joy of Chag Ha’osif and the mandate to use that euphoria as a springboard for gratitude, is just as relevant today in our society. Too often, we work very hard but when we look at other people it seems as if they have easier lives. They seem richer, better and happier, and we become jealous of them and of what we view as their accomplishments. They have more, so we imagine that they are better off and we become angry at them for succeeding more than we have. It appears that for some, earning a livelihood comes easier than others and therefore their lives are blissful, unlike ours. We

and give thanks, with the recognition that we are nothing without Hashem’s blessing. We are thankful for this interlude to take inventory and count our blessings. I was present when a person seeking a brochah from the Toldos Aharon Rebbe asked for a segulah he could undertake to merit salvation from his situation. The Rebbe made a suggestion. “There are so many wonderful organizations,” he said. “There are so many gemachim filling all sorts of needs, from crucial to mundane. But there are so many tzubrochene people who need support. Seek out tzubrochene Yidden and offer them chizuk.” Everyone needs chizuk. Everyone has their own pekel of tension, challenges, and things that don’t seem to be going right. Sometimes people look happy, but if you scratch the veneer you’ll find pain looking to be assuaged, loneliness looking to be comforted and a black hole looking to be filled. A few simple, kind words can lift

enables us to work, providing us with strength and ability, and presents opportunities to allow us to feel a sense of achievement, when, in fact, our role in the accomplishments is quite small. Perhaps we can derive a similar message from the minhag of Hakafos, when we circle the bimah. Every day of Sukkos, we walk around with our Dalet Minim. On Hoshanah Rabbah, we march around holding aravos. And on Simchas Torah, we again circle the bimah in spirited dance bearing Sifrei Torah. Maybe the circuits we complete reflect the circle of osif that we celebrate on Sukkos, from when the seeds are sown until a complete fruit merges. Chag Simchoseinu reflects the joy of seeing a process culminated, dreams realized and hopes fulfilled. The peirush Siach Yitzchok on the Siddur HaGra, on the tefillah of “vesechezenah eineinu,” states that the Bnei Yisroel will be redeemed from golus in the merit

religious writers depicting the Holocaust era leave the reader astonished by the indomitable spirit of those Yidden. You are amazed by knowing that the Jews were stronger than any Nazi beast. Part of that strength was an acceptance of Hashem’s will, plan and design. Instead of engaging in self-pity over their situation, through their emunah and bitachon they summoned their inner strength, accepted their circumstances and resolved to make the best of what they had in order to survive the inferno and to live another day. Those with that attitude survived and thrived after liberation. Others cursed their own fate and wondered why other people and nations were spared of G-d’s wrath and these thoughts caused this second group to give up and perish. Similarly, books of lore depicting the modern-day settlement of Eretz Yisroel, typically gloss over the First Aliyah and concentrate on the Second Aliyah. This is because those who made up the first were largely religious and did not fit the narrative that the secular Zionists sought to

So how did they do it? “They coped and managed because they believed that they were the shlichim fulfilling a holy commandment.” That is the true strength of the Jewish people, reflected in the Yad Hachazakah of the Rambam, not in the clenched fist of kochi ve’otzem yodi. On the Chag Ha’osif, everyone celebrates the fruits of their shlichus. The posuk doesn’t say that only the top one percent who can afford a private jet, a personal chef, and housekeepers should observe the Chag Ha’osif. The Yom Tov is for the farmer who plows one acre all by himself and the mega-producer whose expanse is thousands of acres. Every person appreciates his gifts and the challenges which he surmounted on the path to achievement. This is how he arrives in Yerushalayim with a thanksgiving offering and bringing korbanos and to dwell in a sukkah. The Chag Ha’osif offers everyone a moment of rest and time to catch their breath and assess their accomplishments. The nisayon of pride is daunting. It is empowering to raise our eyes heavenward

anyone’s spirit. Also, by being big enough to dispense words of chizuk to others, complimenting them on their attributes and congratulating them on what they have achieved, we join them in thanking Hashem for the blessings bestowed upon them. Sometimes, all they need is a small pick-me-up to appreciate the good in their lives. We can be the ones to provide it, making them - and us - feel so much better. Approaching Sukkos, in this season of thanks, I merited to taste the joy of harvest when my sefer, Peninei Chein, arrived from the printer in boxes of neatly stacked, attractive volumes. Cognizance of the labor and exertion that went into each piece made the joy of completion much greater. The divrei Torah and ideas that fill the sefer are culled from these columns, each a gift from Hashem, who has enabled me to arrive at these thoughts and attempt to express them in a way people can find uplifting. We all have what to be thankful for and should offer thanks to Hashem, who

of their emunah despite all that happens to them in golus, just as our forefathers in the time of Mitzrayim were redeemed in the zechus of their emunah. We will merit the imminent geulah by recognizing that all we have is from Hashem and by maintaining our belief in Him. This is the same belief that enabled the Chag Ha’osif to be transformed into a chag commemorating the Shechinah’s embrace through the Ananei Hakavod and later the Mishkon and the Bais Hamikdosh. Just as their emunah and bitachon were rewarded then, so will they be soon in our day. This Sukkos, as we go into the sukkah every morning betzeilah demeheimnusah to take hold of the Dalet Minim, we will draw them close and contemplate the blessings and steady kindness that abound on the road we have traveled. We will merit being enveloped by those holy clouds once again. May this be the year when we dance not just around the bimah, but all the way back home. Ah gut Yom Tov.

OCTOBER 2, 2014

inculcate. The Second Aliyah immigrants were largely irreligious or worse, and their ascension to Eretz Yisroel had nothing to do with religion and everything to do with nationalism. What kept the early immigrants of the First Aliyah going, in the face of what seemed to be insurmountable hardships? Sam Finkel, in his exceptional book, “Rebels in the Holy Land,” quotes Avrohom Yaakov Gellman, who arrived in Eretz Yisroel in 1882: “Many difficult and terrible hardships befell us. So many people died… So many men and women became blind…because the air of this locale was unhealthy (and because of disease-carrying flies). We could barely sleep at night without evading the malarial fever that struck us. We literally put our lives at risk. Through our efforts, we have improved the air quality of the settlement, but at the cost of the lives of our dear ones and with such pain and anguish.”

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become blinded by the bling and apparent success, and either we don’t see or aren’t cognizant of the struggles and failures even such people endure. The one whose belief in Hashem is not complete, wonders why he can’t be like the other guy and why he can’t be as blessed. What he fails to realize is that he really is blessed because Hashem cares for every one of His subjects. Sometimes the blessings are evident and sometimes they are concealed but we must know that they are there. Most writers and historians play up the image of the Jew in the ghettos and concentration camps as being feeble and pathetic, submitting to their Nazi oppressors with nary a whimper. Yet, reading the accounts of Moshe Prager or the halachic shailos posed to Rav Ephraim Oshry, the Veitzener Rov and others during the war years, causes one to be awed by the heroism of these individuals. Books by

A Sukkah Life Rabbi Asher Brander

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OCTOBER 2, 2014

It’s a cute Sukkos bentsching style about which we are likely to be clueless (an admitted projection) as to its actual Sukkos significance. I refer to the strange recitation at the very end of the grace after meals. It is during Sukkos that we customarily insert a special request throughout the holiday: Harachaman hu yakim lanu es sukkas David hanofelesMay the Merciful One raise up for us the fallen sukkah of David What exactly is that fallen sukkah of

David? More pointedly, of what relevance (other than the obvious sukkah word play), does it have to our Sukkos holiday? It’s a long story - but here is the short version. First, the phrase Sukkas David is based on a verse in Amos, “On that day will I raise up the fallen Sukkah of David, close up its breaches, raise up his ruins, and build it as in the days of old[1]” Most commentators (Targum, Rashi, Maharal, Malbim) understand David’s fallen Sukkah to be an oblique Messianic reference to the rejuvenated Davidic dynasty. A cryptic Talmudic piece calls the messiah a bar nafli, (son of the fallen one) while recording a fascinating conversation: R. Nahman said to R. Isaac: “Have you heard when Bar Nafli will come?” “Who is Bar Nafli?” he asked. “Messiah,” he answered. “Do you call the Messiah Bar Nafli?” “Yes!” he responded, as it is written, “On that day I will raise up the fallen Sukkah of David” To Maharal, the Davidic line cast as a sukkah and not as a house, is a crisp and purposeful reformulation. Precisely because of its flimsiness the sukkah can

‫בשורה טובה לשוחרי תורה‬

‫הופיע ויצא לאור ספר‬

‫פניני חן‬ ‫לקחי דעה והגיוני לב‬ ‫מפרשיות התורה והמועדים‬

‫מאת הרב פינחס הלוי ליפשיץ‬ ‫ טעמו וראו כי טוב‬,‫תביא ברכה אל ביתך‬ ‫למכירה בכל חנויות לספרי קודש‬

718-377-0047 ‫הפצה ראשית יעקב לעוויץ‬ 845-369-1600 ‫או אצל המחבר‬

be rebuilt. One builds (boneh) a fallen house while one resurrects (yakim) a floored sukkah. Since the Messianic line dare not start afresh, the sukkah’s resurrection symbolizes a continuity and loyalty to its past. To R. Yosef Kara however, David’s fallen sukkah refers not to David’s messianic progeny, but rather to his house; more precisely, His house, a veiled reference to the Beis Hamikdash. On the holiday of huts, we petition God to rebuild the big Hut. Two items need clarification: Why is the Temple called a sukkah and not a house? More pressing, why is it David’s sukkah and not Shlomo’s sukkah, given that Shlomo actually built the Temple? Nor is the Davidic appellation for the Beis Hamikdash a one-time phenomenon. Consider the opening of the famous psalm thirty, “Mizmor shir chanukas habayis l’David,” a Psalm dedication song for the house of David . Even as Ibn Ezra somewhat unsatisfyingly understands David’s house as a reference to David’s personal home, most commentaries take the reference to mean the Temple. Consider the poignant notion of Metzudas David’s that this chapter of tehillim presents David’s special musical composition, to be sung at the Temple inauguration, an event that David never made and yet so desperately wanted to attend. There is one final Temple connection: a remarkable Talmudic account of King Solomon’s first foray into the mikdash. For when Solomon built the Temple, he desired to bring the Ark into the Holy of Holies, whereupon the gates stuck to each other. Solomon uttered twenty-four prayers, yet he was not answered. He opened [his mouth] and exclaimed, Lift up your heads, O gates; and be lifted up, you everlasting doors: And the King of glory shall come in ... yet he was not answered. But as soon as he prayed, ‘O Lord God, turn not away the face of Your anointed one, remember the good deeds of David thy servant,’ he was immediately answered. David’s merit alone opens up the gates of the Temple. My Rebbe once put it all together on the basis of a most moving Psalm, 132: A Song of Ascents. LORD, remember unto David all his affliction; How he swore unto the LORD, and vowed unto the Mighty One of Jacob: “Surely I will not come into the tent of my house, nor go up into the bed that is spread for me; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, nor slumber to mine eyelids; Until I find out a place for the LORD, a dwelling-place for the

Mighty One of Jacob.” David’s turbulent life makes our crises seem oasis-like. Pursued by his father-inlaw; children and enemies alike; dogged by allegations impugning his lineage; plunged into depression over the loss of his sons; witness to internecine familial strife, the Batsheva story, and more, David weathered it all. Consider the life he led where even at the height of his power, King David needed to politic with heads of state, wage war, govern and levy taxes. In short, he had to deal with insurmountable stuff. Thus Tehillim remains the book that speaks to us in all seasons of our lives. Through it all, King David teaches us that key to menuchas hanefesh or serenity, is to make a place for G-d in one’s life, wherever and whenever. We are not just to build a material Temple, but more subtly create a mikdash of the mind[3]. David’s ability to see his troubles and myriad tasks as places to find Hashem, allowed him to grow constantly while yet continuing to pine for G-d’s more pristine presence. What then is the connection between King David and the Temple? Home is where the heart is. And no matter where David was, his heart was always Temple bound. In effect, King David opens up Temple gates, composes the inaugural song and is the Temple’s namesake, for even as he is physically constrained from building the Temple, that is where he always was. Sukkos is that gateway between the rarefied purity of the Rosh Hashana/Yom Kippur world and the mundane ordinary of everyday life. It reminds us that as we cross the portal, we dare not allow our minds and hearts to forget the extraordinary holiness of those awesome days. No wonder that on the last day of Sukkos, we mystically (think ushpizin) invite King David into our sukkah. Who better to teach us that we must never sleep without desiring? We must never surrender to routine without first infusing our yearning for sanctity. With Sukkos as the gateway and with King David at our side, we are ready to confront our world through His world. Let us take the leap! Chag Sameach! [1] Amos, 9:11 [2] Cf. Malbim who explicates the verse to be referring to three stages of rebuilding. The house of David is the kingdom and the sukkah of David refers to the nesi’im who had more influence than power. Thus it shall be at the end of days that the line will start as nesi’im and eventually progress towards kingship. See also R. Hutner, Ma’amarei Pachad Yitzchak and Maharal Netzach Yisrael. [3] Perhaps this is why it is called a sukkah of David and not a bayis - for the latter implies greater materialism

SHIURIM NATIONWIDE

L’ Bochurim

In conjunction with the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha L’Bochurim program, Dirshu presents shiurim on ‫ הלכות ישיבת סוכה‬by prominent gedolim and poskim, throughout North America. Endorsed by Gedolei Yisroel, The Daf HaYomi B’Halacha L’Bochurim program was introduced this bein hazmanim season to afford bochurim the opportunity to learn the important halachos of ‫ – ישיבת סוכה‬the laws of sitting in the Sukkah – while simultaneously giving structure to their daily learning during bein hazmanim. Shiurim open to men – of all ages!

‫שליט"א‬

‫הרה"ג ר' נחום סוער‬ ‫ראש כולל ד'יולא‬

7:45 PM • Sunday, Oct. 5 – ‫י"א תשרי‬ Rabbi Einhorn's Shul • 7200 Beverly Blvd. BALTIMORE

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‫הרה"ג ר' יוסף ברגר שליט"א‬ ‫רב דקהילת קול תורה‬

‫הרה"ג ר' אהרן סארשער שליט"א‬ ‫ר״מ מתיבא יגדיל תורה‬

Sunday, Oct. 5 – ‫י"א תשרי‬ 7:00 PM

Monday, Oct. 6th – ‫י"ב תשרי‬ 6:50 PM

Kehillas Kol Torah 2929 Fallstaff Rd.

Kollel Institute of Greater Detroit 15230 W Lincoln Blvd.

BORO PARK ‫הרה"ג ר' יצחק זלמן גיפס שליט"א‬ ‫רב דקהל בית מדרש ברכת אברהם‬ ‫ראש ישיבת נהרדעא‬ Sunday, Oct. 5 – ‫י"א תשרי‬ 7:30 PM ‫קהל בית מדרש ברכת אברהם‬ 1319 50th St.

CHICAGO ‫הרה"ג ר' אברהם ליפשיץ שליט"א‬ ‫משגיח בישיבת טלז שיקאגו‬ Sunday, Oct. 5 – ‫י"א תשרי‬ 7:00 PM Chicago Center for Torah & Chesed 3135 Devon Ave.

CLEVELAND ‫הרה"ג ר' ברוך הירשפעלד שליט"א‬ ‫רב דקהילת אהבת ישראל‬ ‫וראש כולל ד’כולל עטרת ברוך‬ Sunday, Oct. 5 – ‫י"א תשרי‬ 8:00 PM Agudas Yisroel of Cleveland 1860 South Taylor Rd.

FIVE TOWNS ‫הרה"ג ר' יעקב בנדר שליט"א‬ ‫ראש ישיבה ד'ישיבת דרכי תורה‬ Sunday, Oct. 5 – ‫י"א תשרי‬ 7:00 PM Agudas Yisroel of W. Lawrence 631 Lanett Ave.

FLATBUSH ‫הרה"ג ר' ישראל רייזמן שליט"א‬ ‫ראש ישיבה בישיבת תורה ודעת‬ Sunday, Oct. 5 – ‫י"א תשרי‬ 7:00 PM Agudas Yisroel Bais Binyomin 2913 Ave. L

LAKEWOOD ‫הרה"ג ר' ארי' מלכיאל קטלור שליט"א‬ ‫ראש הישיבה דבית מדרש גבוה‬ Sunday, Oct. 5 – ‫י"א תשרי‬ Mincha 6:20 – Shiur 6:40 PM Khal Shearis Adas Yisroel HaRav Forchheimer's Shul 418 5th St.

MONSEY ‫הרה"ג ר' יוסף וויינר שליט"א‬ ‫רב דקהילת שער השמים‬ Sunday, Oct. 5 – ‫י"א תשרי‬ 8:00 PM followed by Ma’ariv Kehilas Sha’ar Hashamyim 71 East Willow Rd.

‫הרה"ג ר' יוחנן ווזנר שליט"א‬ ‫ראב"ד דחסידי סקווירא‬ ‫ודומ"צ בית המדרש חסידי‬ ‫סקווירא מנטריאל‬ Sunday, Oct. 5 – ‫י"א תשרי‬ 7:00 PM ‫בית המדרש תולדות יעקב יוםף דסקווירא‬ 6019 Durocher

PASSAIC ‫הרה"ג ר' אשר דוד מאי שליט"א‬ ‫ראש הכולל דישיבה גדולה דפסייק‬ Sunday, Oct. 5 – ‫י"א תשרי‬ 9:00 PM Bais Torah U’Tefilah - BTU 218 Aycrigg Ave.

SKVER ‫הרה"ג ר' אפרים גרינבוים שליט"א‬ ‫דומ"צ בעיר סקווירא‬ Sunday, Oct. 5 – ‫י"א תשרי‬ 7:00 PM ‫בית המדרש הגדול דשיכון סקווירא‬

TORONTO ‫הרה"ג ר' חיים מנדל ברצקי שליט"א‬ ‫ראש הישיבה דישיבה גדולה‬ ‫זכרון שמעיה' דטורנטו‬ Tuesday, Oct. 6th – ‫י"ג תשרי‬ 10:30 AM Agudah of Toronto 129 McGillivray Ave.

WILLIAMSBURG ‫הרה"ג ר' אהרן זילבערשטיין שליט"א‬ ‫דומ"צ דחסידי צהעלים‬ Sunday, Oct. 5th – ‫י״א תשרי‬ 7:00 PM ‫בית מדרש דקהל עדת יראים וויען‬ 27 Lee Ave.

For more information on this program, please contact Dirshu at 888-5-DIRSHU x.147

OCTOBER 2, 2014

LOS ANGELES LOCATION:

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‫הלכות ישיבת סוכה‬

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OCTOBER 2, 2014

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OCTOBER 2, 2014

Travel Guide: Victoria, British Columbia By Aaron Feigenbaum

Located on scenic Vancouver Island, Victoria is the capital of the Canadian province of British Columbia, located just north of Washington State. While it

miles away on the mainland, you’ll find that Victoria’s historical charm, tranquil atmosphere, and natural beauty set it apart as one of Canada’s most unique and un-

The Hatley Castle

Queen Victoria, a beautiful fountain, and a rose garden. Step inside and see the magnificently painted rotunda followed by the legislative hall, modeled on its Brit-

The Fisgard Lighthouse

lacks the big-city thrills of its big brother, Vancouver City which is located about 60

derrated cities. It also holds the prize as the world’s northernmost Mediterranean

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climate so you’re sure to find the weather pleasant and comfortable no matter when you visit. Once you’re done exploring the city’s

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old-world European architecture and world-class gardens, Victoria is also the perfect departure point for an adventure into the pristine beaches and forests of the Gulf Islands, as well as into the majestic backcountry of Vancouver Island. The area now known as Victoria is western Canada’s oldest city and has been home to a number of communities of Coast Salish aboriginal peoples prior to the arrival of British explorer Captain James Cook in 1778. In 1843, British colonial governor James Douglas chose the site of Victoria, then known as Camosack, as a trading post for the Hudson Bay Company (North America’s oldest corporation). Camosack was later renamed Fort Victoria after Queen Victoria of the U.K. The Fraser Valley gold rush of the 1850‘s caused the burgeoning town’s population to swell as Fort Victoria, renamed again as Victoria in 1852, became a supply base for miners. Victoria was officially incorporated as a city in 1862 and became the capital of the newly formed province of British Columbia in 1866. Two decades later, Victoria lost its position as the preeminent commercial center of B.C. to the city of Vancouver with the completion of the western end of the Canadian Pacific Railway in Vancouver’s port. However, Victoria can still boast that it’s B.C.’s political heart. And in addition to its architectural and natural wonders, the city serves as home to a naval fleet, significant fishing activity, and renowned educational institutions. Things to See and Do: B.C. Parliament House: Designed in the neo-Baroque style, the stunning buildings that make up British Columbia’s parliament are one of Victoria’s prime attractions. Tour the outside and see a statue of

ish counterpart. Come at night to see the buildings lighted up. Free guided tours are offered year round. The Fairmont Empress Hotel: Located just across the street from Parliament, The Empress is perhaps Victoria’s most recognizable landmark. Luxurious and elegant, this grandiose building looks more like a castle than a hotel. But don’t let the exterior fool you. The Empress has lodged countless notables including Hollywood celebrities and members of the British royal family such as Queen Elizabeth II. If you wish to stay overnight, the hotel is a bit pricy, but the amenities and ambience are unparalleled in quality. A kosher menu is available. Royal B.C. Museum: Also located in the immediate vicinity of the Parliament buildings is this fascinating museum, one of Canada’s most prestigious. You’ll get an in-depth education about British Columbia’s history and cultural heritage, from prehistoric fossils to the First Peoples to the modern age of exploration and industry. The museum’s collection is immense, encompassing over 7 million items. The fossil collection alone includes 55,000 specimens. While the museum’s collections mainly pertain to B.C.’s rich history, the institution has hosted some “big-ticket” exhibits in the past including Titanic artifacts and ancient Egyptian mummies. Expect a full exploration of the museum to take at least half a day. Regular 1-day admission is $23.95 CAD. Butchart Gardens: The heart of Victoria’s natural world, Butchart Gardens represent one of the best gardens not only in Canada, but arguably, in the entire world. The deep, vibrant colors of the intricate floral displays, as well as the serene fountains, rustic water wheel, and

27 THE JEWISH HOME

The BC Legislature Building

as a National Historic Site of Canada and have been rated highly by travel reporters at CNN, U.S. News and others as one of the best gardens in North America. Seeing the garden lit up at night gives a new perspective to this enchanting mini-world. Prices are a bit steep at $30 CAD for adult admission, but the unforgettable beauty of this lush oasis is well worth the hit to your wallet. Victoria Butterfly Gardens: Not to be out-done by Butchart, the Butterfly Gardens presents a diverse sampling of fauna, in addition to the gorgeous flora. The Gardens hold over 4,000 butterflies and moths representing about 75 different species. In this tropical environment, you can also see a wide array of fish and birds such as flamingos and parrots. At $16 CAD standard fare, the Butterfly Gardens offer natural beauty like Butchart but at significantly less cost. Fisherman’s Wharf: For unique shopping experiences and beautiful views, Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf is a great choice. Take in the view of the harbor, admire the quaint, colorful floating homes, and watch boats passing by. Craigdarroch Castle: Another fine example of Victoria’s proud architectural tradition, Craigdarroch is a Victorian-era castle built in 1890 for the Scottish coal magnate Robert Dunsmuir, who owned a quarter of Vancouver Island at the time. The rather imposing building is reputed to be haunted. This Castle is an amazing example of Victorian architecture and you can also learn about the Dunsmuir family’s history and their impact on Victoria. Add to that the sweeping views of the city, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and of the Olympic Mountains and you know you’ve

made a worthwhile excursion. Admission is $13.95 CAD for adults. Colwood: If you venture out into the suburb of Colwood just to the southwest

lumbia, James Dunsmuir, this formidable Edwardian style castle now serves as part of Royal Roads University. Its impressive architecture, rich interior, and exquisite

Laurel Point Park

of Victoria, you’ll find two great historic attractions. One is Hatley Castle and Park.

Killer Whale off the shore of Victoria BC

gardens make it quite picturesque. Admission to the castle is $18 CAD per adult

The Butchart Garden

The Craigdarroch Castle, overlooking Voctoria BC

Built by Robert Dunsmuir’s son and onetime Lieutenant Governor of British Co-

ties. You can go kayaking, sailing, fishing, biking, zip-lining, camping on the Gulf Islands and more. If you’re in the mood to ski, check out Mount Washington Al-

while the gardens can be viewed for $9.50 CAD per adult. Colwood’s other claim to fame is the scenic Fisgard Lighthouse overlooking Esquimalt Harbor on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Although you can’t enter the lighthouse itself, you can explore the underground tunnels and gun batteries of next-door Fort Rodd Hill. Explore the Great Outdoors: As mentioned before, Victoria is the gateway to countless exciting eco-adventures. Several companies offer great whale-watching or even grizzly bear-watching opportuni-

pine Resort. For a wacky way to explore the city and its natural surroundings, Victoria Hippo Tours lets you travel through the Pacific Ocean and Victoria Harbor on a semi-submersible bus. Lastly, there’s no shortage of gorgeous hiking trails, many of which cut through ancient forests and offer spectacular ocean views. Where to Daven and Eat: There is a Chabad in Victoria located at 1095 McKenzie Ave. They can be contacted at 250-744-2770. There’s also Congregation Aish HaTorah at 299 St. Charles St (250-884-4915). Victoria does not have any kosher restaurants. A wide selection of kosher foods can be found at Aubergine Specialty Foods at 1308 Gladstone Ave (250-5901031). Otherwise, many supermarkets and local grocery stores carry a limited selection. Getting There: The most popular way to get to Victoria is by taking a scenic ferry ride from Vancouver. Many of the ferry boats can accommodate vehicles. Otherwise, you can fly into Victoria’s airport (YYJ) located 14 miles to the northwest of Victoria in North Saanich. If you really want to appreciate the scenery, you can charter a plane or helicopter to transport you from the mainland to Vancouver Island. Note: Whether traveling by sea, air, or land, you will need to present your passport to a Canadian customs official in order to enter Canada. Also, note that most places in Victoria do not accept U.S. currency so you will likely have to exchange your U.S. dollars to Canadian dollars. (Sources: Wikitravel, Tourism Victoria)

OCTOBER 2, 2014

adjoining Japanese garden, will leave you feeling as if you’ve stepped into another world carved out of a fairy-tale book. Not surprisingly, the Gardens are listed

THE JEWISH HOME OCTOBER 2, 2014 28

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TRIVIA

c. Gatorade High School Player of the Year award d. USA Today’s High School Player of the Year

1. In what year did Derek Jeter make his major league debut? a. 1992 b. 1994 c. 1995 d. 1996 2. In what year did Jeter record his 2,000th hit? a. 2000 b. 2006 c. 2008 d. 2011 3. How many Gold Gloves does Jeet’ have? a. 2 b. 3 c. 5 d. None 4. In what year did Jeter become captain of the Yankees? a. 1996 b. 2000 c. 2003 d. 2007 5. While in high school, which of the following awards did Jeet’ receive? a. B’nai B’rith Award for Scholar Athlete b. High School Player of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association

6. Which team passed up on Jeter, enabling the Yankees to sign him? a. Astros b. Padres c. Cubs d. Red Sox 7. What is Jeet’s highest yearly batting average to date? a. .324 b. .334 c. .349 d. .352 8. In his junior high school yearbook, what did Jeter predict he would be in 10 years? a. Zoologist b. Shortstop for the Yankees c. Doctor d. Physical trainer 9. On September 11, 2009, Jeter became the Yankees all-time hit leader. Who did he pass in order to get that title? a. Mickey Mantle b. Yogi Berra c. Babe Ruth d. Lou Gehrig Answers: 1) C- Jeter made his major league debut as a fill-in for injured shortstop Tony Fernandez on May 29, 1995. He batted ninth and went 0-for-5. Not a sign of things to come. 2) B- In May 26, 2006, almost 11 years to

the day after he hit No. 1, Jeter reaches 2,000, singling vs. Kansas City Royals righthander Scott Elarton. 3) C- 5 4) C- 2003 5) A, B, C, D- Jeter received each of these awards. 6) A- Jeter was scouted heavily by Hal Newhouser, an employee of the Houston Astros, who was convinced that Jeter would anchor a winning team. Newhouser felt so strongly about Jeter’s potential that he quit his job after the Astros passed on him. 7) C- In 1999, Jeter’s batting average was a career high .349 and he also hit a career high 24 homers. (Those steroids really work wonders! just kidding…. I can already feel the wrath of you Jeter fans. It’s a good thing you don’t know where I live!) 8) B- Dream big and you too may achieve greatness. In my junior high school yearbook, I predicted that in 10 years I would be the TJH Centerfold Commissioner! 9) D Scorecard: 7-9 correct: You are one of those who has a life-size cutout of Jeter in your basement… Yeah, he loves you, too! 3-6 correct: You have a healthy level of Jeter knowledge, while still having a real life. 0-2 correct: You are a true Mets fan! Derek who? We have David Wright! (Sure dude, and let me ask you: How many World Series rings does David Wright wear on his hand?!)

G OT FU N N Y?

Comm Let the ission er dec Answer to riddle: The shofar is in the third box. The red key goes to the first box. The yellow key goes to the second box. The blue key goes to the third box. The green key goes to the fourth box.

Send your s tuff

ide

to fivetow centerfold@ nsjewis hhome. com

OCTOBER 2, 2014 T HTHE E J JEWISH E W I S H HHOME OME n M AY 2 4 , 2012

El Capitan Jeter

THET HJEWISH HOME OCTOBER 2, 2014 E J E W I S H H O M E n M AY 2 4 , 2012

30 90

Notable

Quotes

Compiled by Nate Davis

“Say What?” Vice President Joe Biden will travel to Iowa this week, three days after Hillary Clinton’s high-profile return to the state. He’ll spend two days there — one campaigning and another stuck in a corn maze. - Jimmy Fallon

An English-speaking man went into a coma and came out speaking only Mandarin Chinese. It’s a true story. On the bright side, now he can find work. - Conan O’Brien [Adrian Peterson] beat a fouryear-old with a tree branch. Here’s a tip for any profootball players out there, curious as to whether or not they may be child abusers: You can’t do something to a four-year-old that you’re not allowed to do to a 300 pound lineman in a helmet and pads. – John Stewart Don’t take me to an elevator! - A heckler at NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s press conference

The kids like kale here, and they eat broccoli. - Shelley Mathias, principal of Vermont’s Burlington County Elementary School, talking about the implementation of the federal school lunch and snack regulations championed by First Lady Michelle Obama

A new study found that artificial sweeteners in diet soda might actually increase some people’s chances of obesity. Doctors recommend people just drink water, while people said, “No. We’re drinking diet soda. You guys figure it out.” – Jimmy Fallon

Go ahead and do what you’re gonna do. I pretty much dare you to give me the death penalty because I’m innocent. – Convicted killer James Herard at his sentencing hearing in front of a Florida judge

I want to talk about the Orioles. This is in no way to minimize the debate going on now. - Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) during the Senate debate on how to take on ISIS, stopping to congratulate the Orioles for clinching the American League eastern division There were no injuries this week when a truck in San Diego overturned and spilled thousands of oranges on a highway. But it did mark the first time in 20 years people in California were yelling, “Look out! OJ is on the highway.” - Jimmy Fallon

Vast numbers of Christians do not believe that if you leave the Christian religion you should be killed for it. Vast numbers of Christians do not treat women as second class citizens…So, to claim that this religion is like other religions is just naive and plain wrong. It is not like other religions. - Bill Maher on the Charlie Rose Show on PBS, referring to Islam Amazon has cut the price of its Fire smartphone to just 99 cents to compete with the new iPhone. When they heard, even Blackberry said, “At least go out with dignity, man.” - Jimmy Fallon

The family sat with the National Security Council officials. And basically he [an official] bullied and hectored them [the family], and they were scared. - Spokesman for the family of beheaded American journalist Steven Sotloff, on CBS, claiming that the Obama Administration did not cooperate with their attempts to try and figure out a way to rescue Steven

- Conan O’Brien Hillary Clinton also gave a speech in Iowa. She fueled speculation that she’ll run for president when she admitted that she’s “thinking about it.” And next week, she’ll be “thinking about it” when she’s in New Hampshire before she spends a few days “thinking about it” in Florida. - Jimmy Fallon The people of Scotland are voting on whether to declare independence from the United Kingdom. If Scotland votes for Independence, it could have major ramifications. Great Britain is concerned that if they lose Scotland, they could be cut off from a major supply of bagpipes and kilts. - Jimmy Kimmel The official ballot is one line: “Should Scotland be an independent country?” And that’s it. Why is it that I have to go through 18 pages of terms and conditions to download iOS 8 while a whole country can secede from the United Kingdom by checking a box that says “Yes”? - Ibid

We never treated President Bush the way they treat President Obama. - Nancy Pelosi on MSNBC One could go on forever about the deceptiveness of the Jews. They are liars. They allow cannibalism, and the eating of human flesh. Check their Talmud and religious sources. On their religious holidays, if they cannot find a Muslim to slaughter, and use drops of his blood to knead the matzos they eat, they slaughter a Christian in order to take drops of his blood, and mix it into the matzos that they eat on that holiday. - Sheik Abd Al-Mun’im Abu Zant on Hamas’ Al-Aqsa TV last week

If I wanted, Russian troops could not only be in Kiev in two days, but in Riga, Vilnius, Tallinn, Warsaw or Bucharest, too. - Vladimir Putin during talks with Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko

President Obama hosted a picnic at the White House today for members of Congress. Obama said it was a great opportunity to gather every member of Congress in one place — so he could turn on the sprinklers. Payback! - Jimmy Fallon

Now that we have read about two men of power who abused their power in various ways, we will compare and contrast them and their actions. - The homework assignment asking 5th graders in McKinley Middle School in Washington D.C., to compare and contrast Hitler and George W. Bush after the class read Fighting Hitler, A Holocaust Story and Bush: Iraq War Justified Despite no WMD

Exchange between Sen. Rubio (R-FL) and Secretary of State John Kerry at a Senate hearing about ISIS: Rubio: Let me ask you about that then. What you’re saying now is there is the potential the U.S. will be coordinating with Iran. Kerry: No, I never said

anything about coordinating. If we are failing and failing miserably who knows what choice they might make?

Today Trump Entertainment Resorts declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Or as Donald Trump described Chapter 11, “back-to-back No. 1’s.” - Conan O’Brien

Do you know who I am? I’ll…kill you. - George Zimmerman to a driver in Florida last week, during a road rage incident

QUOTES CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

THET HJEWISH E J E W I SHOME H H O M E OCTOBER n M AY 2 2, 4 , 2014 2012

With Jews we lose. - Slogan of Robert Ransdell, a Neo-Nazi write-in candidate for U.S. Senate from Kentucky

South African sports officials have ruled that Oscar Pistorius is free to run competitively again. Shortly after the announcement, he was signed by the NFL.

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In a recent interview, Texas Governor Rick Perry revealed that he has spent the last 20 months preparing to run for president. Then Hillary said, “Call me when you’ve spent 67 years.” - Jimmy Fallon

The hero I had is Forrest Gump. I like that guy. I’ve been watching that movie for about ten times. Every time I get frustrated, I watch the movie. I watch the movie before I came here again for coming to New York. I watched the movie again. - Jack Ma, CEO of Alibaba, the Chinese company that went public last week and is valued at close to $200 billion, when asked by MSNBC who his hero is

Hillary Clinton’s supporters are calling on her to be more herself, after some of her recent appearances seemed to be too scripted. Hillary said, “I don’t know where you guys get this stuff. Shrug and shake head.” - Jimmy Fallon Hey Ray, just want to let you know, we loved you as a player, it was great having you here. Hopefully all these things are going to die down. I wish the best for you and Janay. ... When you’re done with football, I’d like you to know you have a job waiting for you with the Ravens helping young guys getting acclimated to the league. - Text message sent to Ray Rice by Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti minutes after he released him from the team

Thirteen years ago this October we started bombing Muslims in the Middle East. We’re still bombing them. Does any sane person think that thirteen years from now we’re not going to still be bombing them? Of course we are. …Maybe there’s no alternative other than bombing people. But we’re getting in the middle of four— count ‘em—four civil wars here. - Democrat strategist James Carville Everyone goes through the different stages of buying a new iPhone: The first stage is “I don’t need a new phone,” followed by “maybe I’ll just check it out in the store,” followed by “maybe something will happen to my current phone,” followed by, “oh no, it ‘fell’ in the toilet.” - Jimmy Fallon

The team’s ownership and front office have only made things worse. Some fans had become so disenchanted that they pledged not to attend any games until there was a change in ownership. Others compared Castergine’s job to selling “deck chairs on the Titanic” or “tickets to a funeral.” - From the complaint in a federal lawsuit filed by former New York Mets executive Leigh Castergine after she was fired

Well, Bob, I think there’s frankly a kind of tortured debate going on about terminology. What I’m focused on obviously is getting done what we need to get done to ISIL. But if people need to find a place to land: in terms of what we did in Iraq originally, this is not a war. This is not combat troops on the ground. It’s not hundreds of thousands of people. It’s not that kind of mobilization. But in terms of al Qaeda, which we have used the word war with, yeah, we’re at war with al Qaeda and its affiliates. And in the same context, if you want to use it, yes, we’re at war with ISIL in that sense. But I think it’s a waste of time to focus on that, frankly, let’s consider what we have to do to degrade and defeat ISIL, and that’s what I’m frankly much more focused on. - Secretary of State John Kerry’s “tortured” response when asked by CBS host Bob Schieffer whether or not “we are at war with ISIS”

The moss-covered-too-long in Washington crowd cannot help themselves. War, war, what we need is more, more war. Their policies and the combination of feckless disinterest, fraudulent red lines, and selective combativeness of this administration have led us to this point. Yes, we must now confront ISIS… But let’s not mistake what we must do. We shouldn’t give

a pass to forever intervene in the civil wars of the Middle East. Intervention created the chaos. Intervention aided and abetted the rise of radical Islam and intervention made us less safe in Libya and Syria and Iraq. – Rand Paul, arguing on the Senate floor about President Obama’s plan to take on ISIS

People would come to him and talk about what was happening to them at home in terms of foreclosures, in terms of bad loans that were being… I mean these Shylocks who took advantage of, um, these women and men. - VP Joe Biden, talking about his son’s legal work and using the derogatory name of the ruthless Jewish moneylender in The Merchant of Venice The vice president reached out and we spoke today. Clearly there was no ill-intent here, but Joe and I agreed that perhaps he needs to bone up on his Shakespeare. – Abraham Foxman of the JDL, discussing Vice President Biden’s remarks

The FBI debuted its new facial recognition software which will archive the faces of tens of millions of Americans every day. This groundbreaking, amazing new software is called Facebook. - Conan O’Brien No, I wasn’t. I really thought it was important for us to maintain a presence in Iraq. - Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta when asked on 60 Minutes whether he was confident in President Obama’s decision to pull all troops out of Iraq two years ago

33 THE JEWISH HOME

Revel.

OCTOBER 2, 2014

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THE JEWISH HOME

OCTOBER 2, 2014

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We are now offering the following examinations on Sundays to serve the Orthodox community, with immediate reads as needed by Radiologist on call MRI • CT • X-Ray • Ultrasound Screening Mammography • IV Contrast and light sedation available for all Studies •

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Any questions please contact Bruce Yawitz M.D. during business hours.

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THE JEWISH HOME OCTOBER 2, 2014

THE JEWISH HOME

OCTOBER 2, 2014

The Jewish Footprint in the Holy Land: Our Ancient Past By Aaron Feigenbaum There is, perhaps, no other country that so definitively and incontrovertibly demonstrates the link between its land and its people than Israel. While other peoples such as the Phoenicians, lived in the Holy Land before the Jews, they are long extinct. Today only the Jews have a unique, G-d-given claim to the land. Thousands upon thousands of archaeological sites, inscriptions, and documents have been found attesting to an unbroken history of Jewish habitation dating back over 2,000 years. Walls, fortresses, shuls, coins and royal seals are just a few types of evidence of our connection with the Holy Land. It’s not an exaggeration to say that you can find evidence of the Jewish past almost everywhere you go in Israel. What’s more is that amazing new discoveries are made every year, making Israeli archaeology one of the most dynamic and fascinating fields of historical research. In a time where an alarming number of voices deny the legitimacy of the Jewish presence in Israel, archaeological and historical evidence are all the more important in providing evidence of our rightful claim. This article will highlight some of the most important pieces of evidence in presenting our case. Cave of Machpelah: This is the world’s most ancient Jewish site and the second holiest site in the world. Avraham Avinu purchased the cave around 3700 years ago and he, along with Yitzchak, Yaa-

The Stele of Mesha, King of Moab, which recorded his victories against the Kingdom of Israel

kov, Leah, Rivka, and Sarah are all buried there. King Herod built the structure, enclosing the cave in the 1st century B.C.E. Crusaders turned the building above the burial caves into a church. After Saladin’s army defeated the Crusaders, the building

Western Wall: There is arguably no other structure standing in Israel today that so boldly, yet eloquently, sums up the Jewish history of Israel, as well as Judaism itself, and expresses our longing for the Messianic Redemption. The Wall is

Unidentified structure discovered in Beit Shearim dating back to the beginning of the Roman exile

became a mosque. Though the town of Hebron was liberated by Israel in 1967, Jewish access to the site is still heavily restricted by the Islamic waqf which controls over 80% of it. Located right near the Cave is the tomb of Avner, King David’s cousin and commander of the royal army. Tel Rumeida is thought to be the site of Biblical Hebron and evidence of a Jewish presence there goes back to the time of the kings of Judah. West Bank settlers hope to turn Tel Rumeida, located in the heart of Hebron, into an archaeological park.

Birkat Kohanim at the Western Wall

the last remnant of the Second Temple, destroyed in 70 C.E. by the Romans. Jewish pilgrims have come to pray here for centuries and halachah determines this to be the closest one is allowed to the Temple Mount itself. The kottel has survived countless wars, invasions, riots, time and weather. It is the most poignant piece of evidence of our Jewish past in the Holy Land. In addition to the Wall itself, you can also tour the underground passages which contain a huge array of archaeological landmarks including a channel which

supplied water to the Temple, Warren’s Gate (the closest physical point to the Holy of Holies), and a Roman road dating to the time of King Herod. The tunnels continue to yield exciting new discoveries including a 2,000 year old mikveh and, just this year, a chisel used to carve out the high quality Melekeh limestone of the Wall. Dead Sea Scrolls: Considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries of all time, the Scrolls date mostly to the 1st century B.C.E. and give a glimpse of Jewish life during this turbulent era. The Scrolls are believed by most to be written by a non-Rabbinic Jewish sect called the Essenes who lived an ascetic lifestyle in the desert of Qumran. The Scrolls include the vast majority of the Tanakh which, with the exception of a few scrolls following the Greek Septuagina, are the same as the modern Masoretic text, thus disproving Islamic claims that Jews have altered the text of the Torah. The Scrolls are currently housed in a special wing of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem called the Shrine of the Book. Masada: Masada is an ancient fortress in the Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea. It’s the site where the last Jewish holdouts battled the Roman Empire after the destruction of the Second Temple. According to the Jewish historian Josephus, the Romans besieged the fortress and the trapped defenders saw no other choice but

37 THE JEWISH HOME

A mosaic of the Akeida in the Bet Alfa National Park

earthed with hundreds of stone coffins and inscriptions depicting everyday life. The beautiful historical site also shows evidence of an ancient shul and olive press. Beit Alfa National Park: This 6th century C.E. shul located near Kibbutz Hefzibah is best known for its richly detailed floor mosaics. One of the mosaics depicts the binding of Yitzchak while another depicts a shul scene and objects such as a lulav, esrog, and shofar. The third mosaic is a Hebraized Greco-Roman Zodiac wheel, demonstrating the cultural influence of the West on ancient Jewish culture. Tzfat: Tzfat is best known both for its artists’ colony and its Kabbalistic heritage. It was here that the Arizal rose to prominence as the founder of the modern Kabbalistic movement in the 16th century. His tomb has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries, attracting the most visitors on his yahrzeit, the 5 Av. The Arizal has two shuls in Tzfat named in his honor, one Sephardic and one Ashkenazi. According to legend, he would daven at the Ashkenazi shul on Erev Shabbos and was said

to study Torah and Kabbalah with Eliyahu HaNavi at the Sephardic shul. The Sephardic shul is possibly the oldest continually used shul in Israel and served as a defensive stronghold for Israeli soldiers in the War of Independence (after they had removed the Torah scrolls). Meron and Peki’in: Located 15 miles northwest of Tzfat, Meron is known to Jews worldwide as the location of the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, disciple of Rabbi Akiva, author of the Zohar and one of the greatest halachic authorities. Every Lag BaOmer, thousands flock to Meron in commemoration of Rabbi Bar Yochai’s yahrzeit. A much less known site in Meron is the burial cave of Hillel which, appropriately enough, faces opposite the tomb of Shammai. Though it no longer stands, Meron’s shul dates to the 3rd century C.E. The Druze village of Peki’in is where Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and his son Rabbi Eliezer ben Shimon spent 13 years hiding in a cave from the Romans during the Bar Kochba Revolt. It is there that they

studied the Revealed and Hidden Torah, compiling the latter into the Zohar. The narrow cave can be visited today. The Peki’in shul was built in the late 1800‘s on the ruins of an earlier shul which dates to the Second Temple era. The shul’s gatekeeper is Margalit Zenati and her family has lived in Peki’in ever since that ancient time. Rachel’s Tomb: Rachel was not buried at the Cave of Machpelah; rather, she was, “buried on the way to Ephrath” (Bereishis 35:19.) Rachel’s tomb near Bethlehem is the third holiest site in Israel. Jews have made pilgrimage to this site since before the destruction of the Second Temple, especially on Rachel’s yahrzeit of 11 Cheshvan. Ancient descriptions of the tomb date back to the 4th century C.E. It wasn’t until 1841 that the famous Zionist financier Sir Moses Montefiore had the familiar dome placed on top of the tomb. Though the UN and the Palestinians rejected Israel’s move to place the tomb on its list of National Heritage sites, it is abundantly clear that this holy site is one of the main threads that has linked Jews with Israel for millennia. Tiberias: The Rambam’s tomb is not only one of Israel’s most important religious sites, but it’s also the most dramatic claim to fame for the beautiful lakeside city of Tiberias. The tomb’s walkway has seven pillars on each side inscribed with names of the 14 chapters of the Ram-

A half shekel which has the words Jerusalem the Holy, circa 66-70 CE

The Masada Fortress

One of the Dead Sea Scrolls

OCTOBER 2, 2014

to commit mass suicide. While suicide and murder are not permitted by halakhah, Masada is nevertheless a symbol in modern Israel for heroism, defiance, and the iron will of the Jews of Israel. Gamla: Don’t think that Masada was the only site of Jewish resistance against the Romans! Gamla (meaning camel) nestles dramatically on a steep hill in the Golan Heights and is known as the Masada of the North. Jewish settlement there dates back to the 3rd century B.C.E. Excavations have revealed that Gamla’s Shul is one of the oldest in the world. Archaeologists have also found a mikvah and thousands of Herodian coins. The small town was less than 20 years old when it stood against the tyrant Vespasian in the Great Jewish Revolt. Despite the community’s bravery, having forced the Romans into retreat several times, they were eventually overwhelmed in 67 C.E. and, according to Josephus, the 9,000 inhabitants committed suicide by throwing themselves down the cliff-side. You can learn more about Gamla’s history by visiting the Golan Antiquities Museum in nearby Katzrin. Beit She’arim National Park: Shortly after the beginning of Roman exile, Jewish life was reestablished in the Galilee and Beit She’arim became the headquarters for the Sanhedrin in the early Rabbinic period. It’s also the burial site of Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi, redactor and editor of the Mishnah. 20 catacombs have been un-

THE JEWISH HOME

OCTOBER 2, 2014

Gamla, otherwise known as the Masada of the North

bam’s seminal work, the Mishneh Torah. A stream flows along the sides, an allusion to his father Maimon whose name is derived from mayim. Also buried within the complex is Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz, the 16th century Kabbalist who authored the Shnei Luchos HaBris which had a significant impact on the development of Hasidism. The Tanna Yochanan ben Zakai is buried right next to the Rambam. Tiberias is also home to the tomb of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNess, the legendary miracle worker and renowned Tanna. On his yahrzeit 14 Iyar (also the date of Pesach Sheni), thousands flock to his tomb near the Tiberias hot springs to pray for success and good health. The hot springs are famous in their own right, having cured Shimon Bar Yochai of a foot ailment. And Tiberias also has the honor of serving as the final resting place for Rabbi Akiva. Tradition states that his body was miraculously transported to Tiberias along with his students that had died in a plague. His tomb has been a place of pilgrimage since at least the early Middle Ages and it is a custom to pray there for rain during times of drought. The Arizal was just one of the many luminaries to have visited this site. You can also visit the tomb of Rabbi Akiva’s wife, Rachel. Finally, Tiberias’ Jewish cemetery is one of the holiest in the world. The Rambam states that the resurrection of the dead will begin here 40 years before Jerusalem. Records of the cemetery date back to the time of Herod Antipater in the 1st century C.E., but it is known that he violated halakha by building on top of graves. Therefore, the cemetery must predate his reign.; some of the gravestones’ inscriptions are so old they can’t be read. King David’s Tomb: According to a millennium-old tradition, King David’s tomb is located on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. This claim is controversial as the original tomb was most likely destroyed during the Bar Kochba Revolt and its location has been lost. Despite its questionable authenticity, the Tomb of David has attracted worshipers for centuries. Jews

come far and wide to his grave and say Te-

hillim, the Psalms remaining one of King

Tomb of Rachel Imeinu, circa 1930

David’s most endearing accomplishments. On his yahrzeit on erev Shavuos, it is customary to pray and study Torah all night at his tomb. Tzidkiyahu’s Cave: Located beneath the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem, this cave bears witness to one of the most tragic events in Israel’s history. It is here in this melekeh limestone quarry that Tzidkiyahu, the last king of Yehuda (Southern Israel), was forced to witness the murder of his sons and had his eyes gouged out after being deposed by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia (2 Kings 25:1-6). A legend about the cave holds that it was the source of the rock used to construct the First Temple. Tomb of Shmuel HaNavi: The cave below the former Crusader fortress of Nebi

Western Wall Tunnel, opposite the Kodesh Hakadoshim

Samwil in the hills of West Jerusalem is the burial place of Shmuel HaNavi. The Crusaders had found Shmuel’s remains in the coastal town of Ramla and relocated them here. Shmuel’s traditional burial place is Mitzpah where he was chosen to lead the Bnei Yisrael. Nebi Samwil is one of two possible locations for Mitzpah, the other being Tell-en-Nasbeh, located 8 miles north of Jerusalem. The Shiloah Inscription in the tunnel built by King Hezekiah

(Sources: Jewish Virtual Library, Israel Ministry of Tourism, Jerusalem Post)

Visiting Israel?

39 THE JEWISH HOME

Who are the Biggest Givers? Americans have big hearts. Recently, the Charities Aid Foundation ranked the most and least charitable countries in the world. In order to rank each country, the survey focused on three areas: willingness to help a stranger, donating to a charitable organization, and volunteering time. So which nations have the most open hands? Ireland came in third; Canada, New Zealand and Myanmar tied for second; and the United States came in at number one on the list. Last year’s winner was Australia, who was moved down to the seventh spot this year, allowing America to reclaim the crown. The U.S. overall score was 61%. To break it down by category, 77% of Americans surveyed said they’d lent a helping hand, 62% had donated to an organization, and 45% had volunteered time.

As for the countries that are least generous, China and Croatia second for second place, and Greece came in as the least generous nation in the world. I guess they want all that Greek yogurt for themselves. According to the National Philanthropist Trust, 95.4% of American households give charity with the average annual household contribution of $2,974. In 2013, Americans gave $335.17 billion in charity. For 2013, the estimated dollar value of volunteer time was $22.55 and about 64.5 million adults volunteered 7.9 billion hours of service, totaling an estimated value of $175 billion.

debt. Most of the bottom low scoring nations have experienced a major regime change in the past two decades. Political and economic stability have historically always been necessary for financial prosperity.

COMFORTS OF AMERICA STEPS FROM THE KOTEL

Israel How productive is your country? This year, the U.S. came in at two spots higher on a world ranking of competitiveness. The World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report defines competitiveness as the “set of institutions, policies and factors that determine the level of productivity of a country.” Many factors, including improving business sophistication and institutional frameworks, helped the U.S. improve. This high score was given despite perceptions of an inefficient government and a weak macroeconomic environment. Switzerland came in at number one for the sixth year in a row. Singapore came in next, coming in at second place for the fourth consecutive year. The United States took the third spot on the list. Finland, Germany, Japan, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Sweden rounded out the top ten. Yemen, Chad and Guinea came in last on the list. The least competitive economies in the world are missing obvious ingredients. Nine of the bottom 15 scored low because they lack basic economic requirements, such as institutions, infrastructure and education. These economies have also yet to develop quality infrastructure such as roads, telecommunication systems or transportation networks. Maintaining strong nationwide institutions and infrastructure often requires a great deal of investment. The least competitive nations typically lack the ability to borrow large sums of money in order to finance investment. With only a few exceptions, these countries have relatively low debt levels; in these poorer nations, access to financing is often a challenge not just for businesses, but also for governments. Still, the least competitive nations face larger impediments than

Nearly 9 Million Living in Israel New census figures released ahead of Rosh Hashana show that Israel’s population is reaching almost 9 million, with an increase of some 200,000 people. According to the Population and Immigration Authority, the population of the State of Israel stands at 8,904,373. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pointed out at a weekly cabinet meeting that Israel’s population has surpassed 8 million in 2013, including a population of over 6 million Jews, a historically freighted figure equaling the number of Jews killed in the Holocaust.

OFFERING: » American style apartments & large homes » In house chef or catering “This number has a dual significance in light of the path our nation has followed in the past century, as well as into this century,” he said on Sunday morning. The number of Jews living in Israel actually topped the 6 million mark in early 2013, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics, a milestone marked by Netanyahu at the time. “Six million Jews perished in the … Holocaust.” Netanyahu said at a Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony in April 2013. “Today, for the first time since the establishment of the State, more than 6 million Jews live in the State of Israel. You, the citizens of Israel, are the testament to our victory. From the abyss of the Holocaust, we climbed to the peak of

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What Makes the World’s Worst Economies?

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OCTOBER 2, 2014

Zion. From a deep pit, we rose to a pinnacle.” Israel absorbed 24,801 immigrants in the past calendar year, and to date, some 176,230 babies were born this year in Israel — 90,646 boys and 85,584 girls. The 10 most popular names for boys this year were: Yosef, Daniel, Uri, Itai, Omer, Adam, Noam, Ariel, Eitan, David. Meanwhile, baby girls were most commonly named Tamar, Noa, Shira, Adele, Talia, Yael, Leanne, Miriam, Maya, Avigail.

seen as making someone more susceptible to diabetes and obesity. When the scientists repeated the experiment with mice that were given antibiotics that killed their digestive bacteria, they found that the mice did not develop glucose intolerance. “The relationships we have with our personal gut bacteria is significant to understanding how the food we eat affects us, and our tendency to develop conditions such as obesity and diabetes,” Elinav pointed out.

Sweeteners Not as Sweet as We Thought

Israeli Tech Revolutionizes Online Clothing Retail

We are all careful about what we eat. A lot of us think that we have smartly made the decision to leave the sugar out of our morning coffee and go for the substitute sweetener that has no calories. But a new study out of the Weizman Institute in Israel has some hope-dashing research to share. According to a study just published, artificial sweeteners may be worse for your health than the sugar we are avoiding. “Our research findings attest that consuming artificial sweeteners causes the development of the very health problems they’re supposed to prevent,” Dr. Eran Elinav. “Our findings beg reconsideration of the massive, unregulated use of these substances.” According to the study, artificial sweeteners can actually increase intolerance of glucose (a simple sugar) by altering the bacteria in the digestive tract, even though artificial sweeteners do not contain any glucose. In the experiment, a set of mice were given three commonly used artificial sweeteners approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration that were diluted in water, while another set of mice got regular sugar that was diluted in water. The mice that were given artificial sweeteners developed greater glucose intolerance, and by consequence, the sweeteners can be

The Internet has hurt a lot of brick and mortar retailers. Online shopping is easier than ever before and delivery is practically quicker than the time it takes to get your bags back from the store and up your driveway. But the clothing industry is one area that has not been completely overtaken by online shopping. While tons of clothes are bought online, over half of purchased clothing gets returned. Often, fit is the issue, but looks are also a problem. Many consumers complain that outfits just don’t look as good on them as they had expected. An Israeli tech firm may just have the answer that online clothing retailers are looking for. Fitterli, an Israeli-developed platform, has been announced as the winner of Intel’s Business Challenge Europe 2014. Fitterli provides technology that lets users create an online avatar that can try on clothing for them. The company will now go on to the World Business Challenge finals, set for California later this year

HAIMISHE EXPRESS

If returns are a problem for on-line retailers, “trying on” syndrome is a problem for brick and mortar stores. Retail clothing industry experts say that customers looking for a bargain will often try on outfits in a department store, and then use an app like Amazon Price Check — which lets you check the online price of a product – by scanning its barcode. Fitterli’s platform hopes to solve both problems. Sites using the system offer shoppers an opportunity to upload a scan of themselves, which, using advanced algorithms, is turned into a virtual full-body avatar. That avatar can then try on outfits to see how they look. Key to the system is the exactness of the avatar – and according to Fitterli, the avatar is extremely accurate, taking into account all of a person’s features, even down to “unsightly bulges.” While fashion doesn’t sound like it would be up Intel’s alley, the company has become interested in the sector in recent years, as wearable technology becomes ever more popular. “We expect 500 million wearables to be sold annually by the end of the decade,” said Neil Cox of Intel Europe. “We’ve spoken to a lot of companies in recent months, and they have a lot of great ideas on how they would use wearable tech.” Fitterli, along with four other European firms, will represent Europe at the Intel Global Challenge 2014 Finals at UC Berkeley later this year. Teams competing in the Finals in came from 12 countries: Israel, Norway, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Romania, UK, Bulgaria, Ireland, Denmark and Poland.

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If you like Chol Hamoed trips, it pays to be an illegal immigrant. Mayor Bill de Blasio is now offering free or heavily reduced admission to some of the City’s cultural and family attractions in order to coax illegal immigrants to join an identification card program in New York. The Bronx Zoo, New York City Ballet, Metropolitan Muse-

um of Art, and Carnegie Hall are among the destinations that will be free for a year for all who sign up. New York is joining other U.S. cities with large immigrant populations including Los Angeles and New Haven, Connecticut, with municipal ID cards for non-citizens. New York’s $8 million ID card program begins on January 1. It was approved in June by the New York City Council. “The municipal ID is a powerful tool to bring more New Yorkers out of the shadows and into the mainstream,” de Blasio said in a statement. “It is now also a key that opens the door for hundreds of thousands of more New Yorkers to our city’s premier assets in culture, science and entertainment.” The ID program targets residents lacking legal immigration status who have trouble obtaining official U.S. identification. However, all New York City residents are eligible for the ID cards. Without an official ID, some illegal immigrants cannot do routine tasks like opening bank accounts and signing rental leases. Supporters of the program have said the ID cards also would improve access to basic health and shelter services for illegal immigrants. Three Republican City Council members voted against the measure in June, saying the funds would be better used for hiring firefighters or police officers. New York’s ID cards can be obtained with a foreign birth certificate, driver’s license or proof of residence such as a utility bill. The cards will include the holder’s photo, name, date of birth and address along with an expiration date.

Green Given for Black Gold in White State

Alaska has something other states don’t. Every year since 1982, on October 2nd, the state pays all of its residents. It called The Permanent Fund and was established in 1976 after the discovery of oil on Alaska’s North Slope. It is the proceeds from the state’s oil wealth savings account and the good people of Alaska are on the payroll just for living in the Last Frontier. This year’s share of nearly $1,900 per resident is the sweetest since the Great Recession and the third richest ever. Governor Sean Parnell announced the amount of the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend with great fanfare. “This is all good news for Alaskans,” he heralded at an Anchorage press conference. This year’s payout is more than double last year’s $900 but still short of the 2008 record of $2,069. What’s cool about the fund is that every single resident qualifies. Is you are living in the state for at least one calendar year, or were born in Alaska by the December 31 deadline of the previous year, you get a

Best Museums Around TripAdvisor has proved itself to be a very useful resources for planning vaca-

tions. Being that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s user-generated, it provides practical feedback. Each year, it gives out awards to the best museums. According to a recent survey by the site, 28% of U.S. respondents plan to visit a museum this fallâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;especially this Succos. TheÂ Art Institute of ChicagoÂ founded in 1879, was named the most-liked museum in the U.S. inÂ TripAdvisorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Travelersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ChoiceÂ awards for the second consecutive year. This year, it was also named the

worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite. The awards are based on millions of reviews and opinions from travelers from the last 12 months. The most-reviewed museum on the list, with 14,999 reviews, was the New York Metropolitan Museum which locked down the No. 3 spot in the U.S. and No. 7 worldwide. Here are the top ten museums in the United States. Have you been to them all? 1. Art Institute of Chicago

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Small cities are becoming bigger and bigger contributors to the American economy. And small cities are no longer so small; they are becoming larger and larger. So called â&#x20AC;&#x153;mega-regionsâ&#x20AC;? are not the only places that matter any longer. Since 2000, small cities with between 100,000 and 250,000 residents have enjoyed a 13.6 percent population growth rate, more than twice that of New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, and have grown roughly 10 percent faster than the national growth rate. The main driving force, notes demographer Wendell Cox, appears to be domestic migration, which is negative in the largest cities. In order to determine which small metro areas are booming, and to help us understand why, the Praxis Strategy Group has ranked them based on four factors: population growth, job growth, real per capita personal income growth, and growth of regional gross domestic product per job â&#x20AC;&#x201D; if GDP per job is increasing, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an indicator that the area is adding high-value, productive industries to its economy, as opposed to lower-wage jobs. Here is the top 10 small metro cities in the nation: 1.Â Â Â Â Â The Villages, Florida 2.Â Â Â Â Â Midland, Texas 3.Â Â Â Â Â Odessa, Texas 4.Â Â Â Â Â Fargo, North Dakota 5.Â Â Â Â Â Jacksonville, North Carolina 6.Â Â Â Â Â Longview, Texas

OCTOBER 2, 2014

Small Cities, Big Impact

7.Â Â Â Â Â Bismarck, North Dakota 8.Â Â Â Â Â Houma-Thibodaux, Louisiana 9.Â Â Â Â Â Watertown-Fort Drum, New York 10.Â Madera, California

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check. This year, nearly 599,000 Alaskans will receive checks, either through direct deposit or in the mail. Of those, the oldest recipient is 109 years old and the youngest includes 26 children who were born December 31. Altogether, the checks total $1.1 billion. The program is very impressive. If an Alaskan has qualified for all of the checks distributed since the beginning, they would have collected $37,027.41. With the upcoming distribution, the state will have distributed more than $21.9 billion over the years. But if you plan on moving to take advantage, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget that the money is not tax-free. Even though Alaska has no income tax, Uncle Samâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taxes still apply. Yes, the IRS gets you every time. Â Â

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OCTOBER 2, 2014

2. Getty Center, Los Angeles 3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC 4. The National WWII Museum, New Orleans, 5. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. 6. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C. 7. USS Midway Museum, San Diego 8. Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle 9. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, AZ 10. Newseum, Washington, D.C. If you’re traveling around the world, here are the top ten museums in the world for you to visit: 1. Art Institute of Chicago 2. National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City 3. State Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia 4. The Getty Center 5. Galleria dell’Accademia/Statue of David, Florence, Italy 6. Musee d’Orsay, Paris 7. The Metropolitan Museum of Art 8. The Acropolis Museum, Athens, Greece 9. Prado Museum, Madrid, Spain 10. Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, Jerusalem

Rich Man, Poor Man

erty rates. Mississippi, the nation’s poorest state, had a poverty rate of 24% last year, the highest in the nation. By comparison, when surveyed, 15.8% of Americans said they lived below the poverty line at some point in the last 12 months. So what the nation’s richest states? Connecticut is the United States’ fifth richest state. The median household income is $67,098 and only 10.7% live below the poverty line, the nation’s fourth lowest. Hawaii came in fourth; New Jersey, with a median household income of $70,165, came in third; Alaska came in second; and Maryland, with a median household income of $72,483, came in as the richest state in the nation. Kentucky, Alabama, West Virginia, and Arkansas were among the poorest states in the nation. Mississippi, with a median household income of $37,963, is the poorest state in the United States. No state had a higher poverty rate than Mississippi, where more than 24% of people lived below the poverty line. Last year, 8.6% of workers were unemployed, the sixth highest rate nationally, while 19.4% of households relied on food stamps, the second highest rate.

Where Rude Drivers Rule The only thing that makes rude driving behaviors worse than rude table manners is that it can be extremely dangerous as well. Weaving in and out of traffic on a busy highway, speeding, not signaling before turning, and blasting your horn are all characteristics of offensive road behavior.

The United States added more than 2.3 million jobs in 2013, the most in any year since 2005. Despite this, income levels and poverty rates did not improve in most of the United States last year, according to recently released figures from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.

While many American households continue to struggle to make ends meet, those in the richest states continued to earn far more than households in the poorest states. Maryland was the wealthiest state in the U.S. again last year, with a median income of $72,483. Mississippi, in turn, was yet again America’s poorest state, with a median income of just $37,963. States with relatively low median incomes typically had poverty rates that were much higher than the national rate. In fact, all but one of the nation’s 10 poorest states also had among the 10 highest pov-

Insure.com surveyed 2,000 licensed drivers nationwide to determine which cities are the guiltiest of these offensive driving behaviors. Rankings were calculated using a ratio of the nationwide votes for drivers of the state divided by the number of respondents from the state. According to the survey, if you like respectful roadways, stay away from the following states: Utah, Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware and Vermont. Massachusetts, Wyoming, New York, and District of Columbia came in at the top five, with Idaho leading the nation with the country’s rudest drivers. Are they drunk on potatoes? Readers also ranked the rudest behaviors. 47% said the rudest habit is when drivers talk on their cell phones while driving, 37% ranked tailgating as the rudest, 35% said not signaling turns is the worst behav-

ior, 28% feel weaving in and out of lanes earns the rudest title, and 26% say driving too fast is the worst.

Man Breaches White House Security with Knife

On Friday, a Texan, armed with a knife, climbed the White House fence and made it to the executive mansion before Secret Service officers arrested him. The president and the first family were not in the White House. Omar Gonzalez, 42, was charged with unlawfully entering a restricted building or grounds while carrying a “deadly or dangerous weapon,” according to an affidavit released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Saturday. It was initially thought he was unarmed. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison. Daniel Hochman, a Secret Service officer on duty at the White House when the incident occurred, said Gonzalez was carrying a folding knife with a 3-1/2-inch long serrated blade. “After he was apprehended, Omar Gonzalez told United States Secret Service Agent Lee Smart that he was concerned that the atmosphere was collapsing and [he] needed to get the information to the President of the United States so that he could get the word out to the people,” a Secret Service affidavit said. The incident, one of the most significant breaches since Obama became president, raised questions about security procedures at the White House, a heavily guarded complex filled with Secret Service officers and snipers. Security since the incident has since been increased. “Every day the Secret Service is challenged to ensure security at the White House complex while still allowing public accessibility to a national historical site,” the agency said in a statement. “Although last night the officers showed tremendous restraint and discipline in dealing with this subject, the location of Gonzalez’s arrest is not acceptable.” Despite the close call, the president is confident in the abilities of those guarding him. “The president has full confidence in the Secret Service and is grateful to the men and women who day in and day out protect himself, his family and the White House,” spokesman Frank Benenati said. A second man was arrested on Saturday for trespassing at the White House. Secret

Service spokesman Ed Donovan said the man approached the White House gates on foot, was sent away, then returned in his vehicle.

1 in 4 Americans Open to Secession

Last week, Scots voted on whether or not to secede from the United Kingdom. Ultimately, the country voted to stay part of the UK. But talks of secession stirred emotions for some Americans; according to a recent poll, almost a quarter of Americans are open to their states leaving the union. 23.9 percent of Americans polled from August 23 through September 16 said they strongly supported or tended to support the idea of their state breaking away, while 53.3 percent of the 8,952 respondents strongly opposed or tended to oppose the notion. The urge to sever ties with Washington cuts across party lines and regions, though Republicans and residents of rural Western states are generally warmer to the idea than Democrats and Northeasterners, the poll revealed. Ire at President Barack Obama’s handling of issues ranging from healthcare reform to the rise of Islamic State militants drives some of the feeling, with Republican respondents citing dissatisfaction with his administration. But others said long-running Washington gridlock had prompted them to wonder if their states would be better off striking out on their own, a move no U.S. state has tried in the 150 years since the bloody Civil War that led to the end of slavery in the South. “I don’t think it makes a whole lot of difference anymore which political party is running things. Nothing gets done,” said Roy Gustafson, 61, of Camden, South Carolina, who lives on disability payments. “The state would be better off handling things on its own.” “It seems to have heated up, especially since the election of President Obama,” said Mordecai Lee, a professor of governmental affairs at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, who has studied secessionist movements. Brittany Royal, a 31-year-old nurse from Wilkesboro, North Carolina, said anger over the “Obamacare” healthcare reform law made her wonder if her state would be better off on its own. “That has really hurt a lot of people here, myself included. My insurance went from $40 a week for a family of four up to over $600 a month for a family of four,” said

Whistle While you Work

Going Bananas for the Ig Nobel Prize

A janitor at an Illinois hospital does much more than mop floors. Rolando Maaba brings sweet songs to patients during his 15 minute breaks when he plays calm and moving songs on the piano in the lobby of the Rockford Memorial Hospital.

Ever step on a banana peel? Well, Japanese scientist detailed the hazards of stepping on banana skins for their paper titled “Frictional Coefficient under Banana Skin.” It seems like the scientific world truly believes that research into

“The bottom line is I want to be helping guests who are waiting for their relatives after an emergency or a surgery and they’re worried,” Maaba, 55, related. “When I play, they forget all their worries.” “I want to help them just relax and the

doctor will take care of them,” he said. Maaba, a native of the Philippines, moved to Rockford in 1999. He began working for the hospital last year and says he started playing the piano by simply asking if he could. “They didn’t know me then but when I played, they liked me,” Maaba said of the hospital staff. Maaba doesn’t use notes to serenade hospital patrons; he plays by ear. People have loved his music so much, that Maaba now plays piano every Wednesday night at a local restaurant. And just because Maaba plays the piano at his workplace, it does not mean he does not take his job seriously. He even times his music, he jokes, so as not to miss a minute of work. “I play for 14 minutes and 39 seconds a day,” he said. He’s sweeping happiness into people’s lives.

Greatest Gator Grabbed Swamp training will never be the same for Sgt. Jesse Phillips, a mortarman for the U.S. Marines, who recently participated in his first-ever alligator hunt and helped bag a Mis-

sissippi state record. The massive gator weighed 792 pounds and measured 13 ½ feet from nose to tail. It was the largest male gator bagged in the state, with a belly girth of nearly 70 inches. “During my swamp training I’m going to think about it a lot different now that I’ve snagged a 13-foot, 5-inch gator,” Phillips is quoted as saying in Military Times. “I don’t like snakes and I don’t like gators. But it ended up good—I faced my fears.”

Alligators, which are native to the southeast United States, are hunted seasonally to keep their numbers in check. States allocate a certain number of permits each season. Phillips and two friends, Brian Montgomery and Scott Berry, ventured into the swamp along the Mississippi River at midnight. In their small boat, they carried heavy-duty fishing rods with which to snag the thick-skinned reptiles (a traditional hunting method in most areas that allow hunting). But those rods were no match for the giant gator. It took the might of all three hunters and

OCTOBER 2, 2014

That’s Odd

banana peels are important; the team was one of ten that took home this year’s Ig Nobel Prize. Like the name implies, the Ig Nobel Prize awards scientists for comical scientific achievements. Seems like these experts have a sense of humor. The prize is awarded by the Annals of Improbable Research as a whimsical counterpart to the Nobel Prizes which will be announced next month. Another winning team also focused on food, studying how pork strips can be stuffed into people’s nostrils to stop severe nosebleeds. Isn’t that what gauze is for? Ig Nobel prizes this year also went to researchers who measured the relative pain people suffer while looking at an ugly painting, investigated whether cat ownership can be mentally hazardous, and studied how people who routinely stay up late can be more psychopathic. Former winners of real Nobels handed out the spoof awards at a ceremony at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Thursday. The ceremony included a three-act mini-opera about people who stop eating food and instead nourish themselves entirely with pills, inspired by the pill-heavy diet of Google engineering director Ray Kurzweil. A personal favorite of Marc Abrahams, editor of the Annals and architect of the Ig Nobels, was a study by a team of Norwegian and German researchers who tested how reindeer react to seeing humans wearing polar bear costumes. “I’ve never in my life met anyone who disguised himself as a polar bear to frighten a reindeer,” Abrahams said. What about an analysis on scientists’ sense of humor? Seems like there won’t be much to study.

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Royal, a Republican. “The North Carolina government itself is sustainable. Governor McCrory, I think he has a better healthcare plan than President Obama.” By region, the idea was least popular in New England, the cradle of the Revolutionary War, with just 17.4 percent of respondents open to pulling their state out. It was most popular in the Southwest, where 34.1 percent of respondents back the idea. That region includes Texas, where an activist group is calling the state’s legislature to put the secession question on a statewide ballot. One Texan respondent said he was confident his state could get by without the rest of the country. “Texas has everything we need. We have the manufacturing, we have the oil, and we don’t need them,” said Mark Denny, a 59-year-old retiree living outside Dallas on disability payments. Denny, a Republican, had cheered on the Scottish independence movement. “I have totally, completely lost faith in the federal government, the people running it, whether Republican, Democrat, independent, whatever,” he said. Even in Texas, some respondents said talk about breaking away was more of a sign of their anger with Washington than evidence of a real desire to go it alone. Democrat Lila Guzman, of Round Rock, said the threat could persuade Washington lawmakers and the White House to listen more closely to average people’s concerns. “When I say secede, I’m not like [former National Rifle Association president] Charlton Heston with my gun up in the air, ‘my cold dead hands.’ It’s more like – we could do it if we had to,” said Guzman, 62. “But the first option is, golly, get it back on the right track. Not all is lost. But there might come a point that we say, ‘Hey, y’all, we’re dusting our hands and we’re moving on.’”

THE JEWISH HOME

OCTOBER 2, 2014

70 long minutes to get the reptile close enough to be roped. The powerful beast inflicted damage to the boat and broke six hooks before it could be hauled close enough to be fashioned with a noose. Once it was subdued, it was hauled into the boat, leaving almost no space for the hunters. “It was shocking, a little scary,” Phillips said of the experience. The three planned to eat some of the meat, and to have the gator stuffed as a trophy. On average, adult American alligators measure about 10 feet and weigh roughly 500 pounds. For the sake of comparison, the largest alligator ever taken by a hunter was a 15-foot, 1,011.5-pound specimen harvested in Alabama earlier this summer.

Caring and Compassion and a New Family Nurses are known for their kind and giving hearts. Tricia Seaman gave more than just compassion and caring for one of her patients—she gave her son a home. When Tricia Somers was given the devastating diagnosis that she had terminal liver cancer last spring, her main concern was figuring out who would care for her 8-year-old

son, Wesley. Somers didn’t have any family who she believed could care for her son; her parents died year ago. But one day, after witnessing Seaman’s compassion for so long, on the day she was discharged from the hospital, Somers made one request: “If I die, will you raise my son?” Initially, Seaman didn’t know how to respond. “I didn’t know what to say in that moment,” said Seaman. “I told her I was flattered enough [that she] asked me. I said to her, ‘Why don’t you take a little time with this.’ ... I was trying to be very diplomatic, everything in me said was saying, ‘Yes I’ll do it.’” At that point, Seaman and her family had actually been in the process of becoming foster parents. They have three teenage girls and a 10-year-old son. “She came in and I just felt this overwhelming feeling of comfort,” Somers recalled. “It was strange. I never had that feeling before and I thought she is going to take care of me. She is the one.” After the request, Seaman and her family visited with Somers and Wesley at their home, and then they invited the duo to their home. She said she wanted to make sure that everyone felt that it would be a good fit. “The first time she was here, I said, ‘Does everything look okay to you? Is it what you had in mind?’“ said Seaman. “I felt like I was interviewing. ... She said it was perfect.” When Seaman spoke to her husband Dan-

iel about the idea of adopting Wesley, he simply told her, “We need to do something to help this lady,” Seaman recalled. When Somers became weaker due to her chemotherapy, Seaman decided to not only take Wesley into their family, but Somers as well. “At one point I said, ‘I can’t be your nurse anymore. I’m your family now,’” said Seaman. “I talked to her and said I want you to come [home]. She kind of fell apart and cried. She said, ‘I’d love to.’“ Seaman said when Somers arrived in May, doctors thought she would survive for only a month. But with care and time, Seaman said Somers has improved and can now walk without the help of a cane. “We just want to Trish to live life to the fullest and ... we love her and love Wesley,” said Seaman. “He’s a very smart little boy. We want to see him get an education and be successful and know that he’s not alone. He has a family. He’s not going to be all by himself.”

High Five New York! New Yorkers have a sense of humor. Ever been standing on a street corner in the City with your arm in the air, hailing a cab? It can be pretty boring, but a Lubavitcher chassied tried to make it fun for New Yorkers last week

by “high fiving” them as they tried to grab a cab. The video of Meir Kalmanson, 24, leaping into high five “action” went viral last week. He’s wearing street clothes and a baseball cap as he runs and prances past commuters while slapping their outstretched arms. Most think he’s funny—and are amused—other, more serious folk, are shocked by the intrusion.

In one instance, a scowling businessman is hip to the scheme and moves his hand in time to avoid the slap, while a smiling Kalmanson flies by him, locks flowing. The businessman later turns and gives a grudging smirk to the camera. Kalmanson said he is “honored and amazed” by the feedback he has gotten. “I wanted to make people smile, give off good energy and good vibes. Everyone is always hustling and bustling, trying to grab a taxi. Just the simple act of a high-five can do wonders at a moment when someone is stressed out,” Kalmanson told the media.

Buy a Home Q: “I want to buy a house…Now what?” A: As a real estate agent, I get this question all the time… and that’s a good thing. There are certainly many surprises for first time home buyers and for people who have not purchased a new home in a while and are surprised by the constantly changing process of purchasing real estate. So what are the steps to move into the home you deserve and what can you expect along the way? I hope this serves as a starting point. Step 1. Get pre-approved by a lender. Unless you are going to buy your next property “all cash” you are going to need a lender on your side. Sometimes the lender at your local bank is not your best choice. The bank is going to want to see your tax returns for the last two years and if you don’t fit a certain mold, the big banks are not going to get the best rate and you are better off looking elsewhere. Don’t give in! Remember that you can apply to several lenders and let them compete for your loan. Once the lender has looked at your finances, they should give you a “pre-approval letter” letting you know how much

you can afford. That’s what you need to start shopping for your new home. Step 2. Find the right agent for you. Chances are that you can name three people who have a real estate license yet remember that all agents are not created equal. Some agents work part time. Others don’t know the area where you want to move. Sometimes, even the best agent in the area is so busy that they are really not going to be available when you need them the most. Sit down with a potential agent and discuss the area you want to move to, the key features your next home must have, and how often they represent buyers. Most of all, make sure you find an agent who is going to listen to your needs but also has wise advice to share about the complicated home buying process. Step 3. Study the market. There is a great amount of technology out there for the consumer. Trulia and Zillow are my two favorite websites for clients. They allow you to get a sense of what a 3 bedroom house in your area sells for or how much you should expect to pay for a 10,000 square foot mansion. Be sure to discuss your favorite listings with your agent and

let them know right away if there is a home you want to view. Most importantly, build a sense of how much house you can buy for your budget. Step 4. Find the right house. Keep in mind that it is highly likely that the home you end up buying is not your dream home but the home you can turn into your dream home. There is a 90% chance you are going to want or need changes in the house you buy. It’s all about checking off as many boxes on your wish list as you can. Step 5. Write the winning offer. The days of several buyers competing for a single home are slowly dissipating but they are not gone entirely. If you find yourself in a “multiple offers” situation it’s not a bad idea to work with your agent to write a cover letter telling the seller about you and your family. This can make all the difference, setting your offer apart from the rest. Another thing to remember is that price is not everything. While sellers love to receive the highest price, you can also try and offer terms that fit the seller needs and that might beat higher priced offers. Maybe the seller wants a quick escrow and you are able to accommodate that or

maybe the seller would like more time to move out. Your agent should try their best to get detailed information about the seller to better help your chances. Step 6. In escrow. You are now halfway to making the deal, but don’t let down your guard. Even though you have been pre-approved by a lender, the bank requires a professional evaluation of your property. If the home is not perceived to have the value you have agreed to pay you will either have to make up the difference in cash or get the seller to lower the price. Next, you need to have the property inspected to make sure you understand the nature and scope of any pending repairs. If there are undisclosed problems, your agent may have to try and renegotiate with the seller but once all of this is in order you can close escrow and go to Step 7. Step 7. Enjoy your new home! If you have questions about real estate write to me on twitter @revererealtor or search for Aaron Revere-Realtor on facebook.

THE JEWISH HOME OCTOBER 2, 2014

THE JEWISH HOME OCTOBER 2, 2014 46

THE JEWISH HOME OCTOBER 2, 2014

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