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Community

Community Happenings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Dear Readers, “Bad News Sells Papers” certainly describes the basic format that today’s general media tends to take. Each

Day School Tuition in LA: Part 2 An Honest Discussion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

day we read exposé after exposé showing how low the human being can fall, if left to his or her base instincts.

Filling the Void Chabad of North Hollywood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

However, is it true that only bad news is interesting and relevant? Can’t any story be “broken” and become public knowledge, including positive and uplifting stories? Certainly, the goal of free speech and the guiding mission of the journalist would seem to take that stance; but sometimes it seems like we’ve gone too far in

7 Questions with Rabbi Hershy Ten. . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

making good news the exception and negative news the norm.

jewish thought Movie Making at High Altitudes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Maybe it’s time to see things the way they really are. Most individuals I know are trying their best to do the right thing – and doing a good job of it, in my opinion. They’re working honestly and trying to earn a decent

The True Meaning of the Shofar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

living, raising children to care, being mindful of the situations others are in, and helping where they can in the

Don’t Give Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

community. On an organizational level as well, we are blessed with beautiful organizations run by individuals

The Four R’s of Teshuva. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

education Question and Answer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Touro Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

who truly want to make a difference in people’s lives.

So it seems to be a question of focus, and we’d like to hear what you’d like our focus to be. Do we want to see problems, scandals and drama with each news story? Or is it time to refocus on the good that already exists within our families, friends and communities. Let us know your thoughts at editor@jewishhomela.com.

This time around we’ve decided to focus on some of the programs created, at least in part, due to the high

Humor & Entertainment

cost of running large educational institutions. We wish them much success, for when it comes to Jewish educa-

Centerfold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

tion, different options and styles make for a more tailored and successful experience for the child.

Quotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

News Global News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 National News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 That’s Odd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Israel Israel News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

The valley makes its presence felt through the eyes of a wonderful organization, which after 30 years of effort seems to be on the verge of “reaping the rewards.”

The happenings are beautiful as usual, the divrei Torah inspiring, the columns informing, and the humor entertaining. Special thanks to Chef Gabe with Tierra Sur for launching a recipe column so we can benefit from his expertise!

Lastly, the Rambam writes that when there’s a local tragedy, it’s supposed to cause a community awakening leading to an increase in Torah study and good deeds. There were two tragedies in the past few weeks, one involving a young mother and the other a sudden accident. Both of these individuals were unique and special

history

leaders in their respective communities. In addition to feeling the pain of their families and communities,

Forgotten Heroes: Operation Biting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

let us increase all things positive relating to our thoughts, speech and action, thereby tipping the scales to the right and bringing redemption to the world. As we read in the seventh and final haftarah of comfort “For Zion’s

Lifestyles

sake I will not be silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be still… Upon your walls, O Jerusalem have I posted

Career Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

guardians; all the day and all the night…and the year of my redemption has come.” May this indeed be the year.

Real Estate: Is Rent a Waste of Money? . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Wishing you all a happy, healthy and sweet new year.

Plan it Like a Pro: Now What? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Restaurant Review Two Dishes at Tierra Sur. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Recipes by Chef Gabe of Tierra Sur. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Have a wonderful Shabbos,

Shalom

Shalom Rubashkin

Publisher & editor

editor@jewishhomela.com

Yitzy Halpern

managing editor

yitzy@jewishhomela.com

Rachel Wizenfeld For ad submissions, Alisa Roberts please email Robert Cordas ads@jewishhomela.com Mushki Boteach-Naparstek Contributing Writers

Josh Bernstein

joshua.bernstein@hotmail.com Account Executive

Sara Dubrawsky Copy Editor

Berish Edelman Design & Production

118 S Orange Dr, Los Angeles CA 90036 Phone 323-932-1106 Fax 323-843-9391

The premier Jewish newspaper for LA’s Orthodox community 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.

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PUAH salutes LA’s Young Leadership

by Rabbi Arye D. Gordon

On Sunday morning August 11, 2013, the 5th Annual Puah Brunch was held in Los Angeles and hosted by Rafi and Esther Katz.

The Puah Institute has been the “go to” place for couples that have encountered fertility problems and are looking for a halachically acceptable facility to assist them in fulfilling the mitzvah of pe’ru ure’vu and the opportunity of building a family.

Tzvi Fleischmann was the MC for the morning program, offering up divre torah and introducing the speakers to the attendees. He stressed the importance of the work done by Puah and how we can help by our participation and support.

The growth of any organization is accomplished by infusing its ranks with energized young couples desirous of helping others to experience family life with all its brachos and simchos.

The Puah Institute took the opportunity this year to promote the “Generation to Generation” link to the future, by saluting LA’s young leadership Pioneers, those young women accepting the challenge to

be mezaka others.

Among the women of Los Angeles that have joined its ranks include: Ahuva Deena Zemel, Tzippora Coronel, Tami Katz, and Avigail Rosenblatt .

The morning’s guest speaker was Rabbi Gideon Weitzman, USA Director of the PUAH INSTITUTE. Rabbi Weitzman recounted the new and exciting developments that have occurred over the last year.

Lea Davidson, the executive director, reminded me that “One of the exciting new developments at Puah is the fertility preservation awareness initiative for cancer patients and others who would benefit from the medical advances in preservation of genetic material.

Mrs. Davidson, who runs Puah’s American offices, thanked Rafi and Esther Katz for hosting the Brunch, Dr Philip Werthman , a world renown leading specialist in male fertility, Ahuva Goldstein, Puah’s head of Supervision on the West Coast and all the speakers, and guests for their participation.

Also present were Dr. Steve Presser and Marilyn Sohacheski, whose families

established last year the Florence Presser Fund, in memory of their mother, Faiga Nesha a”h. Funding is used to help with fertility preservation education.

Ahuva Deena Zemel, Tzippora Coronel, Tami Katz, Avigail Rosenblatt and Executive Director, Mrs. Lea Davidson Photo Credit Charles Kaufman

High Holiday Services with Chazan Arik Wollheim

by Mushki Boteach Naparstek

Chazan Arik Wollheim refuses to be like any other cantor. His approach to Chazonos, largely differs from the traditional ‘Cantorial Performances,’ given in so many synagogues all over the world. He is not interested in being a one-man- show, observed by congregants slowly drifting into a slow coma, bored to death in synagogue. He is a staunch believer that a Cantor must use his gifts to inspire members of the congregation to love the songs in prayer so much that they will want to sing them along with him.

On Wednesday, August 14th, Wollheim led a High Holiday sing along prep session for the Beth Jacob Congregation, where he serves as cantor. “We gathered together to go over the melodies that we will be singing during the High Holiday services.

We sung old melodies that have been sung at Beth Jacob for many years, as well as newer ones,” explains Chazan Arik. As everyone knows, the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Davening are extremely serious and moving. We ask G-d to answer our requests and forgive us for any wrong we have done in the past year. “ We say in the Davening that through the actions of Tefilla (prayer,) Teshuva (repentance) and Tzedaka (charity,) we have the power to change Hashems decree. Hopefully, we all go through the process of Teshuva. We all give charity, but unfortunately many of us do not do anything in the preparation for Tefillah. I think it’s important that we get together to do this so that people are not lost and are not hearing the prayers for the first time on Rosh Hashanah.”

Chazan Arik believes that rehearsing the prayers together with congregation members will create a participatory service where the congregation has an active role.

To further ensure this happens, Beth Jacob has recorded videos of Wollheim singing the holiday tunes, now available on YouTube. “ We send our members links to the YouTube videos which have written Hebrew text and transliterations in English.

Every week we send out four videos- we have about thirty all together.” There are also links to the tunes on the Beth Jacob website. People can download mp3 files to their iPods and listen to the songs on the go. Of course, CD’s are available as well. “ This is all part of the same idea- we want our congregants to be active participants in the service. Rabbi Topp (the rabbi at Beth Jacob) and myself believe that the congregation has to be engaged and be active participants in the service. We do not present a chazonos show where the congregation mumbles along in boredom during the long service.”

There will definitely be quite alot of singing this year during the Beth Jacob High Holy Day Services. In fact, The Maccabeats will be joining Wollheim in leading them. It is sure to be both an inspirational and enthralling Holiday for all those who sing along.

To find out more about what PUAH does, call, 718.336.0603 or go online www.puahonline.org

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Friendship Circle of Los Angeles welcomed the New Year with their annual “Let’s Go to Shul” Rosh Hashanah on August 25, at 1952 S. Robertson Boulevard.

“Let’s Go to Shul” marks the first holiday celebration of the 2013-2014 year for the Friendship Circle. While construction for the Friendship Circle’s new integrated playground continued outside, inside, a party was buzzing with children, families, friends and teen volunteers enjoying the food and fun. There were all sorts of children’s activities, including making Rice Krispy apples, constructing paper shofars, creating portable puzzles and a moon bounce.

The Friendship Circle also welcomed the Shofar Factory into their home, to teach families how to make proper shofars.

It was extremely fascinating to watch the process from beginning to end.

The Friendship Circle of Los Angeles was created by Rabbi Michael Rav-Noy and his wife Miriam in 2003 to address the social needs of Jewish children with special challenges. Its mission is to provide these special needs children with opportunities to engage with others through social, recreational and educational expe-

riences. At the heart of all Friendship Circle programs are teen volunteers from 58 schools around the Los Angeles area who are paired with the participating children to provide mentorship and friendship.

The Friendship Circle will be having its annual Walk4Friendship walk and festival event on November 10, 2013 at Rancho Park. If you would like more information about the Walk or about the Friendship Circle’s many programs, please call 310.280.0955 or visit their website at www.fcla.org

An Inspiring Lecture by Rabbi Lawrence Keleman On Tuesday August 20th, Rabbi Lawrence Keleman, author and professor at Neve Yerushalayim, spoke to a group of about 600 people at Nessah Synagogue in Beverley Hills. The event was sponsored by the Yachad Outreach Center, an organization dedicated to higher Jewish education by doing outreach and in reach in the Persian community, and by Nessah Synagogue’s Reach-U-All group. The event

was open to the whole community, but mainly geared toward a younger crowd.

Rabbi Keleman gave a powerful and inspiring speech in the spirit of Rosh Hashanah, mainly about Shalom Bayis. He pointed out that we all want to be judged favorably by Hashem and it is crucial that a person should first be good to his/ her spouse. Ultimately the way one treats his/ her spouse is the way G-d will treat him.

Young Israel of Century City Holds an End of Summer Teen Minyan Event On Monday evening, August 26th, Young Israel of Century City had an ‘ End of Summer Teen Minyan Event.’ It took place at the home of YICC Teen Leader, Shmuel Barak.

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Friendship Circle is “In the Shul” for Rosh Hashanah

The night started off with a first of BBQ hot dogs, hamburgers, corn, potato salad, and much more. After eating, the Teens davened mincha led by Asher Willner. After davening Mincha, they split up

into two groups, half playing 3 on 3 basketball games in the front of my house and the other playing pingpong in the back.

After the games, some teens left to partake in their fantasy football draft while others

stuck around to shmooze by the fire place.

About 25 teens attended along with Rabbi Goldberg, Assitant Rabbi of YICC and Yitzy Katz, Youth Director.

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Acheinu Marks 3 Major Elul Events in Eretz Yisrael

HaGaon Harav Dovid Cohen, Shlita, and HaGaon Harav Reuven Elbaz Shlita, Awed by Acheinu Talmidim

by Yosef Sosnow

Behind the screaming political headlines in Eretz Yisrael, a quiet revolution is transforming Eretz Yisrael slowly, neshamah by neshamah; family by family.

It’s the Acheinu Revolution!

To gain just minimal insight into this revolution, all one had to do was visit the Kosel just over a week ago. At that time, some 100 participants of the Acheinu summer vacation yeshiva, ended their summer of spiritual transformation with a visit to HaGaon HaRav Reuven Elbaz, shlita, Rav of Mosdos Ohr Hachayim and one of the greatest machzirei b’Teshuva in our times. The visit to Rav Elbaz was followed by a visit to the Kosel where they davened Mincha and were treated to a shmuess by Rav Dovid Hofstedter, Nasi of Dirshu.

The teenage boys who participated in the Acheinu summer program came from completely secular homes and were brought close to Yiddishkeit through a network of battei chizuk that dot the map of Eretz Yisrael, providing young boys their first taste of Yiddishkeit and Jewish learning.

“You Bochurim are the True Giborim!”

Rav Reuven Elbaz, who was extremely impressed with the quality and motivation of Acheinu’s charges, perhaps put it most succinctly in his address, “When a young man from a secular home decides to go to yeshiva, what do his friends and family back home say and think about him? They say, ‘What a pity! Nebach, he is going to yeshiva… such a dark place! He will never be able to have “fun” anymore….’ We, however, know,” Rav Elbaz thundered, “that when one enters yeshiva he starts to feel a deep inner joy and happiness such that he never felt during the fleeting moments of so-called pleasure from his previous existence. He didn’t live then, he just existed. In yeshiva one is truly alive! Not only is it better for him in Olam Habaah but it is better for him in Olam Hazeh too! Not only is it better for him

in Olam Hazeh, but the fact that he goes to yeshiva is better for his family in Olam Hazeh too! Who enriches the family? The yeshiva bochur! Who truly honors his parents? The yeshiva bochur! Who keeps the chain of Judaism alive in the family?

The yeshiva bochur! Who ensures that the rest of the family still has some minimal connection to Yiddishkeit? The yeshiva bochur! You bochurim are truly the giborim, the strong, powerful people of our time. While the entire world is spending their time running after one lowly desire after another, you thumb your nose at that “world” and are entering the true world of pleasure, the world of Abayeh and Rava!”

Rav Elbaz than begged the boys to accept upon themselves something special in honor of the occasion and in honor of their entry into yeshiva. “The boys were so moved that one couldn’t help but shed a tear, when watching such a pure, holy manifestation of the eternity of the Jewish Neshamah,” said Rabbi Chaim Goldberg, one of the senior members of Acheinu who oversaw the cross-country summer yeshiva program.

The boys then went to daven Mincha at the Kosel. As they davened, people from all walks of life stopped in their tracks to observe the intensity of tefillah exhibited by these obvious newcomers to Yiddishkeit. One could see tears in their eyes, when Rav Dovid Hofstedter, Nasi of Dirshu and founder of Acheinu, movingly said to them, “In the zechus of your learning Torah, of your continued growth in Torah, we will be zocheh to have the Bais Hamikdosh right here!!”

Acheinu Yeshiva Bochurim Tested on Entire Mesechta Kesubos by HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen, Shlita With Acheinu, the summer is just the beginning of something much bigger. In honor of the beginning of Elul Zeman at the Acheinu Yeshiva for Baalei Teshuvah in Yerushalayim, the well-known Rosh Yeshiva of the Chevron Yeshiva, HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen, shlita, came last week to participate in a pesichas hazeman

event. The highlight of the event was a siyum on the entire Masechta Kesubos that had been learned the previous years in the yeshiva.

Rav Dovid Cohen together with Rav Dovid Hofstedter and Rabbi Zev Hofstedter, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Acheinu, tested the bochurim on Masechta Kesubos. Last year the bochurim in the yeshiva spent their bein hasedorim finishing the perakim in the masechta that they had been unable to learn during the yeshiva’s regular sedarim. In addition to weekly tests, they also took the final, massive test on the whole masechta on Sunday, 28 Av, the first day of Elul Zeman.

As the bochurim, all baalei teshuvah from non-religious homes were taking the written test, Rav Dovid Cohen and Rav Dovid Hofstedter entered. Rav Dovid Cohen began to test the boys orally starting with the beginning of the masechta and hopping around, asking questions from one end to the other. Just one look at the smiling countenance of Rav Cohen, one of the great Roshei Yeshiva of Eretz Yisrael, was enough to see how pleased he was with the knowledge that the bochurim displayed. During his remarks, Rav Dovid Hofstedter said, “Look how important your Torah learning is! It is so important that one of the gedolei hador left behind all of the myriad things that he has to do in order to spend an extensive amount of time with you, because he understands how important your learning is!”

The siyum was made by one of the talmidei hayeshiva. After the Kaddish said by Rav Dovid Hofstedter, the entire room erupted in song and dance. The simcha, the simcha of Torah was tangible.

One of the most beautiful sights was the sight of the fathers, brothers and uncles of the bochurim who made the siyum, first cautiously joining the circle of dancers and then being swept up in the unique simcha shel mitzvah.

A Unique Yeshiva, A Unique Pesicha!

Another important occasion was the pesichas hazeman event at the Acheinu

Yeshiva Ketana in Kiryat Sefer. The Acheinu Yeshiva Ketana is an absolutely unique mossad, a yeshiva with no parallel in the entire Eretz Yisrael. Whereas the Yeshiva Hakedosha in Yerushalyim is for baalei teshuvah who hail from irreligious schools and backgrounds, the yeshiva in Kiryat Sefer is for bochurim who have graduated the Chinuch Atzmai network of schools from communities throughout Eretz Yisrael. They are religious boys who have learned Gemara in school but who come from homes, neighborhoods and backgrounds that make it difficult for them to undergo the transition to a regular yeshiva ketana.

The Acheinu Yeshiva is the vehicle that completely mainstreams its bochurim, enabling them to graduate into some of the best, most coveted yeshiva gedolos in the country.

On Thursday, 2 Elul a pesichas hazeman event was held at the yeshiva.

The highlight at that maamad was the shiur pesicha on Masechta Sukkah delivered by the Yeshiva’s founder, Rav Dovid Hofstedter. Rav Hofstedter gave an indepth, intricate shiur on the masechta. The sight of some 200 bochurim all listening, absorbing, taking notes and understanding the difficult shiur, was phenomenally inspiring. In the middle of the shiur there were bochurim who stood up to ask questions on the shiur precipitating a remarkable give-and-take. Yes, the fire of Torah burned brightly at the Acheinu Yeshiva of Kiryat Sefer.

Rav Michoel Berlin, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of the Acheinu Yeshiva in Kiryat Sefer said, “Seven years ago, HaGaon HaRav Aharon Leib Shteinman, shlita, asked Acheinu to open the yeshiva stating that there was a dire need for such a yeshiva and it would save hundreds of boys from attending regular high schools. At the time, we never dreamed of the size, scope and success that the yeshiva would be. Today, elite yeshiva gedolos are asking for our bochurim. That is the Acheinu revolution!

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By Mushki Boteach-Naparstek

politics, and culture of a city—and how the diversity and dynamism of Los Angeles have transformed the local Jewish community for the past 160 years.”

The first Jews of Los Angeles, were European and American- who came mid nineteenth century, joining those taking part in the California gold rush. The Jewish Argonauts found opportunity in supplying food, clothing and hardware to the miners passing through Los Angeles on their way to Northern California. They eventually settled for good, starting businesses and

raising families. In 1894, the first Chevrah Kadisha was established to ensure Jewish burial ritual was followed. The Hebrew Benevolent Society secured a burial ground for Jewish Angelinos.

The exhibit goes on to the early 1900’s when white Protestants became a majority in Los Angeles and the place of minority groups diminished. Restrictive covenant laws in property deeds created only white neighborhoods where no Jew was permitted to live. Jews and other minorities were not permitted to participate in certain clubs, political parties nor work at certain cooperation’s. This new social and racial environment excluded Jews from the social and cultural life of Los Angeles.

There were some Jews, however, who had already made a small fortune in business and were able to use this to their advantage.

They were able to continue working with the white establishment in business, cultural and civic matters. For example, the rise of Hollywood created a new class of Jewish elites who were openly invited to participate in the gentile culture.

The last part of the exhibit depicts how after World War II ended, the social and racial barriers were broken and Jewish Angelinos were once again to roam free and live where they pleased, sharing equal opportunity with all. California grew more prosperous and so did the Jews living there. They became both developers and residents of the suburbs, creators and patrons of elite and popular cultural as well as becoming actively involved in creating social change. The varieties of Jews and ‘types of Judaism’s’ multiplied as Los Angeles became home to the fourth largest Jewish population in the world and the most diverse ever in history.

The exhibit also points out interesting facts like how the Jews were responsible for recruiting the Brooklyn Dodgers and how a Jewish woman in California, named Ruth Handler, started the company ‘Mattel,’ inventing the first ever Barbie doll. Jews voted with other Angelinos to elect the city’s first African American

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Los Angeles and its surrounding area is the second largest Jewish populated city in America. Jews have been living here for almost 200 years and by no means in a quiet existence; in many ways Jews have proven to be the movers and shakers of the great ‘City of Angels.’ We all know Los Angeles has a huge Jewish contingency, but have we ever truly pondered upon how we all got here in the first place? The Autry Museum in Griffith Park, opened an exhibit on May 10th, called “ Jews in the Los Angeles Mosaic.” It explores “ how a growing Jewish community settled, prospered and helped shape the economy,

mayor. In 1965, Martin Luther King Jr. gave over a sermon acknowledging Jewish Activism at Temple Israel in Hollywood.

The full speech is available at a listening station at the exhibit. For more fun Jewish LA facts, you must visit the museum yourself.

“Jews in the Los Angeles Mosaic” also offers an interactive element, where visitors can leave comments and answer questions like “will LA become a melting pot or a salad bowl?” and “will your grandchildren speak more than one language?” It is the

museums hope that visitors will place themselves within the Los Angeles mosaic and consider both their past and future in determining their answers.

The exhibit is truly informative and will leave you astonished at how much Jews have accomplished in the period that they have lived in Los Angeles. As a Jew, you will definitely leave with a deep feeling of pride and wonder at all the Jewish people in California have been through and achieved before you were even here.

Itzhak Perlman and Chazzan Yitzchak Meir Helfgot at the Hollywood Bowl On Tuesday, August 20th, Itzhak Perlman and Chazzan Yitzchak Meir Helfgot, joined together to perform at the Hollywood bowl. They presented tunes from their CD, ‘Eternal Echoes,’ recently issued by Sony.

About 9,500 people crowded the large outdoor theatre to hear a variety of Chasidic melodies, High Holy Day hymns and of course traditional cantorial ballads.

The Klezmer Conservatory Band pianist and leader, Hankus Netsky, served as MC for the night and also played along on the piano. Together, the artists truly created a night of beauty in music, enjoyed and appreciated by all those in attendance.

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‘Jews in the Los Angeles Mosaic’ Exhibition at the Autry

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Maayon Yisroel on its 5th Year in Los Angeles

by Rabbi Arye D. Gordon

On Motzaei Shabbos Parshas Ki Savo,the Maayon Yisroel Chassidic Center of Hancock Park celebrated its 5th year with a Melava Malka in honor of the birth of the Baal Shem Tov, with storytelling, music and song.

To a packed audience that filled the center, Rabbi Avi Lebovic, Rabbi Shloime Klein, Rabbi Zalman Markowitz and Rabbi Reuven Wolf, the head of Maayon Yisroel, enthralled the audience with stories of greatness, miracles and hasgachas Hashem.

One of the fascinating stories told

by Rabbi Markowitz was the tale of the Minyan on JetBlue. It is the true story of a Jew, who towards the end of a year of aveilus (mourning) was on his way to Israel via Miami-NY and needed a minyan for mincha (the afternoon prayer), before the sun set. While on the delayed JetBlue flight, which was sitting on the runway, he realized that to have a minyan he needed to find 10 people, right then and there, on the plane. Announcements were made over the intercom and slowly but surely the numbers edged towards the needed ten.

As to be expected, the preverbal tenth man was not to be found.

Finally after all were counted, the realization that the 10th did not exist on this plane and that the magic number would not be met, a sense of sadness and resignation embraced the group. Seeing the desperation and energy exerted to gather up a minyan on the plane, a Jew who originally denied it, stepped forward to admit, that in truth he was, and proceeded to prove that he had grown up in a religious home and did not forget what he had once learnt and was to be the tenth man!

Those in attendance stayed late into night hearing other tales of wonder and miracles.

Looking around at the variety of Jews drawn to the Maayon Center, one wonders how it all came about.

The growth and development of Maayon Yisroel is a story worth telling.

Since 1995, Rabbi Wolf had been teaching students of all ages, from elementary school children to adults, and had lectured across North America.

Maayon Yisroel was founded in 2006 by Rabbi Reuven Wolf and Haki Abhesera, as a center to fulfill the vision of spreading the profound mystical teachings of Chassidic Judaism.

Rabbi Reuven Wolf has been described as a world renowned educator and lecturer who has devoted his life to reaching out and rekindling the spirit of Judaism in his fellow Jews. Recognized as an inspiring and thought provoking lecturer, he has cultivated a unique talent to communicate deep and complex mystical ideas in a manner that is both compelling and applicable to the greater public, and his shiurim are charged with an enthusiasm and vigor that impacts listeners both intellectually and emotionally.

In the 5 years that Maayon Yisroel has been at its present location, hundreds of shiurim, have been given on a daily and weekly basis from Rabbi Wolf, Rabbi Elchonon Tauber and other prominent Rabbanim of the Los Angeles Community.

One of the weekly staples is, “The Parsha In My Life” given by Rabbi Wolf.

“I attempt to draw everyday inspiration from the depths of the Parsha and present the mystical interpretation with chassidic teachings blended into a strong and powerful message that enriches and inspires.”

“As for the regular thursday night Shiur,” continued Rabbi Wolf, “We embark on a journey trying to understand some of the most profound Kabbalistic secrets of the Torah. During the month of Elul, thursday nights are dedicated to Igeres Ha’Teshuva. “ “On Sunday mornings, Rabbi Elchonon Tauber, the mara d’asra of the

Rabbi Avi Lebovic (F) speaking at Maayon Yisroel Melava Malka

- Photo Credit ADG

Beis Yehuda Shul, gives a regular shiur offering a dose of powerful Chassidic thought and inspiration to infuse your day with an elevated spiritual awareness.”

Rabbi Shlomie Klein speaking at Maayon Melava Malka Photo Credit ADG

The evenings melava Malka was dedicated by Mr. and Mrs. Shlomo Goldner in memory of their son, Pinchas Elimelech a”h Ben R’ Shlomo Asher Halevi.

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Day School Tuition in LA, Part 2 – Schools Going Outside the Box

Several schools in the LA area schools are challenging the idea that in order to be competitive and offer a superior education to prepare students for high school and college, tuition needs to be well over 15K. These schools have made it their business and mission to be as cost-effective and reasonable as possible with regard to charging tuition, while at the same time providing a self-directed, comprehensive education.

Scott Arnold, a parent in Pico-Robertson, found that day schools here had a hard time integrating and educating his son Noah, an exceptionally bright boy who was tested and later found to be gifted, and who is now going into 2nd grade. Noah was given individualized programming, which basically meant he was at times sitting in a corner of the classroom, listening to an advanced computer program with headphones on, while the teachers addressed the rest of the class.

This effectively ostracized the boy socially, says Arnold, who believes that for both students who are ahead as well as behind in class, the “pull-out model” – in which students are pulled out of class for extra tutoring or advanced classes, can cause serious social problems.

“The current day school system

does a very good job of teaching to the middle, but not to children who are exceptionally bright or who face challenges,” he says.

He and his wife looked for an alternative, and stumbled across Darko, a new learning model that takes advantage of Montessori learning methods and state homeschooling resources to provide a highly unique Jewish educational experience, while at the same time remaining affordable. Tuition at Darko is $6,900 a year, which includes a full time summer program, and is not expected to rise, according to Darko founder and director, Rabbi Shimon Shain. Savings come from the need for less administration and teachers in the Montessori method, since students are largely self-directed, as well as reduced need for auxiliary staff (such as therapists and behavioral specialists) and for costly facilities, since much of the learning takes place outside the building.

The Darko classroom is equipped with multi­ sensory learning materials and learning stations, which cover all core Judaic and general studies subjects and skills. The level of difficulty at these stations is variable, so that an easier form or idea could be grasped by a younger child while an older or more advanced child would be chal-

lenged at a different level. In addition, much of the learning at Darko takes place outside the classroom. Students participate in science courses offered at the L.A. Science Center and learn about spatial relationships with Lego robotics accompanied by a trip to Legoland, for example.

“Darko is really allowing every child to ‘chanoch lenaar al pi darko’ (teach a child according to his unique path),” says Rabbi Shain. “In the current system that we have right now… we’re basically just giving information. We don’t really want children to ask or explore so much, and that’s not the Jewish way.”

Rabbi Shain considers himself to be a “tactile learner,” learning and understanding concepts through the sense of touch. He recalls that much of his schooling was a waste of time, as he was sitting in the classroom without understanding or absorbing information. As the founder of MasterMind LA, a tutoring service for Jewish students in the LA area, he came in direct contact with many, many children who had similar issues digesting information in the classroom and whose parents were forced to pay for additional tutoring aside from tuition. This was part of the inspiration for starting Darko. The other piece of inspiration came from his oldest son starting school, and wanting to create a tactile learning environment for him.

Enrollment this past year – Darko’s first - was 10 boys, ages 5-12. Students have come from a variety of schools in the area, including Yavneh, Hillel, Toras Emes, Cheder Menachem, and more. Parents are drawn by the low tuition and the differentiated, individually tailored learning environment.

“My desire to send my kids to a school like this was based first and foremost on the type of hands-on Montessori experiential learning they provide,” says Arnold, who is enrolling his younger son this coming fall as well. He adds that he hates for Darko to be labeled as a “low-cost school,” because he finds the education and overall experience to be so exceptional. The learning environment is low pressure; because classrooms are mixed ages (in Montessori, classrooms group three grades together), there aren’t issues of being ahead or behind,

By Rachel Wizenfeld

since each student is learning at his or her own level. And older students are encouraged to help coach or tutor younger students, which instills confidence.

Arnold says that because the program is so experience-driven, his son is mastering advanced concepts without realizing he’s learning. Noah will tell his parents that he didn’t learn anything one day, but that he built an electrical circuit with a light bulb. Or he had fun when a woodworking truck came to the school, and also happened to learn pre-geometry concepts like 90-degree angles and shapes. Or he went to the Brothers ice cream factory in Irvine, CA and ate ice cream, and also learned about modern industrial food production and heard from an onsite mashgiach about how to keep bugs out of kosher ice cream.

It’s easy to justify that schools need to charge so much tuition when they have expensive new buildings, hot new curricula and a plethora of learning specialists, says Rabbi Shain, but he wants parents to know there’s another option that’s just as solid educationally, and perhaps more effective with certain types of children.

This past year was a pilot year and included 10 boys. This coming year Darko is opening as a full school with both a boys and girls program in the heart of Pico-Robertson. Interested parents can learn more at www.DarkoLA.com.

Yeshiva High Tech Founded with the dual goal of lowering high school tuition and changing education methods to match the times (i.e. to be available online), Yeshiva High Tech is another new model of Jewish education in LA, currently in its second year, offering affordable Jewish high school that is largely self-directed and allows students to progress and their own pace.

“We found that education, the way that teaching take place, has not changed for ages; but everything around us is changing,” says Miri Dayan, school administrator at Yeshiva High Tech.

The school created a format which relies on computer programs and online resources to allow students to learn

69 .

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on their own in a classroom environment. Classrooms are monitored by teachers who give mini-lessons and are available for extra tutoring, or to help students pace themselves. There is a little bit of frontal teaching, but mostly the teachers are there for guidance and advice, and to ensure that students are progressing appropriately.

“The idea is that there are some students that take longer, and others that are faster. This way they can be at their own pace,” Dayan says.

Class sizes depend on the year. The 11th grade is large this year with nearly 30 students, while the 9th grade has about 10. The population is a mixture; some students have come from YULA, MBY, Hillel and Yavneh, while others have come from public school.

Judaic studies classes largely follow the same model as traditional day schools with a Beit Midrash style of study, though some students will use their laptops to take notes. The school is evenly split between boys and girls, who take classes on separate floors.

The school has moved from Congregation Mogen David, where it was housed this past year, to a new location on Fairfax and Olympic Boulevard.

Besides the cost savings that come from decreased administration and faculty (tuition is $9,000), the advantage of Yeshiva High Tech is that instruction is personalized for the student. One young man who graduated

last year finished his coursework early, and was finished with high school in April – effectively completing a year and a half’s worth of coursework in eight months. This student was actually the sole senior last year and was accepted as a special case, which highlights the school’s willingness to work with individual situations.

The students who attend Yeshiva High Tech are on track to attend UC Schools as well as Touro or YU, or study in Israel for a year, says Dayan.

Sam Hodara, who will be a senior at Yeshiva High Tech this fall, convinced his parents to let him switch from YULA to Yeshiva High Tech last year so he could have a more individualized program – for instance spending more time studying math – a subject that he’s weaker at, and going more quickly in history, a subject where he excels.

His parents weren’t in favor of the switch initially, thinking that moving schools in the middle wouldn’t look good to college admissions boards, but the tuition drop – most Jewish high schools here cost around $30,000 – helped them feel better about the decision, he says.

Next year Hodara plans to attend a gap program in Israel at Bar Ilan, and then go to YU and study finance.

Yeshiva High Tech isn’t for everyone, he says. Students have to be motivated and mature enough to do the

work on their own. Initially, he found himself getting behind and had to hustle to get back on track. Some students waste their time during class and had to finish their work during the summer.

He says that while many of his friends switched to Yeshiva High Tech for financial reasons, there were several that came for the wrong reasons, thinking that class would be easy and a joke. “Then they realized they were not in a joke school and they had a lot of work to do,” he says.

In contrast to a typical high school, where students can ask questions to stall teachers and get them to go off on tangents, at Yeshiva High Tech there are no distractions so you get more

done, he finds. Hodara finds many of the classes to be more rigorous, simply because students are responsible to finish the entire coursework, whereas in a regular school, when the year is finished, school is over.

An advantage is if a student gets his or her work done during class, there is no homework, allowing for time for extracurricular activities and NCSY or Bnei Akiva.

“I never had homework,” says Hodara.

Learn more at YeshivaHighTech. org.

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Movie Making at High Altitudes: How to Find the Answers You Need From Within Rabbi Shlomo Einhorn

powering way. Contrast that with a method that uses imagination for growth. Rabbi Nachman of Breslov says that when our base desires are beckoning us, we envision a little person on our shoulder saying eat this, do that that, do this. We make a movie in our minds and we replay it over and over.

Whether it was a negative experience, or a traumatic event, the replay button is on auto pilot and we accentuate with embellishments because we forgot the details of a story that took place so long ago.

And we replace the details with our own thoughts.

A great quote from Eckhart Tolle, modern spiritualist and philosopher, in his work A New Earth says that the primary cause of our unhappiness is never the situation but our thoughts about that situation. That’s essentially what Rabbi Nachman of Breslov and the Ishbitzer are saying - it’s the Midian effect, this power of dimyon, retelling ourselves a useless story.

The award for self-help book with the greatest title may very well be Terry Cole Whitaker’s What You Think of Me is None of My Business. According to the Jewish tradition, a shem tov, a good name or having a good reputation, is something valuable but it can’t define you. You can’t let others’ opinions of you write your story. #2 Accept and Release There is a great teaching in Ethics of the Fathers. A person must “maker es mekomo,” recognize their place. What does it mean to recognize our place? Often stress and pain are the result of an internal conflict that we have in our mind between what should be and what really is. For example you’re driving in your car and you want to get to your kid’s performance at school. At the same time you are stuck in a massive traffic jam. Suddenly panic and stress overtake you. Why? There are two realities competing in your mind. The reality of being stuck in traffic and the reality of making it to the production. These two realities are creating a clash in your mind of which you are incapable right now of resolving, and that emotion when that two come at each other creates the tension, stress, agitation and the resulting frustration - as opposed to, recognizing your place. G-d says this is your place right now. Right now this is your place, there is no other reality. Arriving to the production will either happen or it will not happen. But your reality is where you are right now, that’s the space where G-d has me. “I am here, this is my place.”

If we put our minds around the present reality then we’re able to move forward with the stress negotiated, and maybe arrive at the school play, who knows? Accept, then act. Whatever the present situation manifests receive it as though you have chosen it. Judaism doesn’t say live in the now, and ignore future and past, but it does say that the bulk of our energy should be present-focused. The Rabbis gave a great analogy of a person falling into the mud. Bad things could happen. We might say, “I’m such a moron, how could I have tripped?” beating ourselves up for something that already happened.

Or we might begin a different dialogue: “People are going to see me; they’re going to think I’m a fool.” That possibility hasn’t happened yet. Accept the present. Right now you’re just a person in the mud. That’s neither bad nor good. It’s just a situation. Bad and good is commentary based upon the past or the future, neither of which are happening right now. As the Mishnah in Brachos implies, in a future world of clarity we will acknowledge that there is only one real blessing for good and bad: “Blessed is the One who is good and does good.”

By accepting the situation as is we are better equipped to collect our energies and focus on what needs to be done. #3 Problems at Higher Altitudes

Problems seem to fall away with higher altitudes. The problem that a 3-year-old faces, if we were given that same problem - for example, they can’t get the cabinets open - it would no longer be a problem. The problem falls away when you elevate yourself to a higher level of consciousness. They become baby problems. G-d tells Moshe, Aaron, Joshua, literally all of the great ones, “I will be with you and I will stand with you.” What does that mean? Everyone thinks that means they’re never going to fail, or there will never be a mistake, or a rebellion. They had all of those. These titanic figures had plenty of troubles. When G-d says I’m going to be with you it doesn’t mean you’re not going to have setbacks and failures, it means something else much more empowering. “Since I am with you, and you know that I’m with you, you elevate yourself to a much higher level of consciousness.

And those setbacks, problems, therefore are really insignificant. they are not really problems. The reason we have kings in this world, according to the Talmud, is so that we can have a glimpse of what it means to have a King of all Kings. Now imagine if you had a meeting right now with a great king or a powerful president and for some reason your shoelaces are not staying tied. That problem would be so insignificant to you because something so much bigger is going on right now: you’re sitting in the room with the president at a small table in a private meeting with 12 people. It makes the fact that for some reason your shoes are not staying tied irrelevant. But if none of that were happening and you were just standing in the street and you can’t keep your shoes tied, it would drive you crazy. This is what G-d is telling His great leaders: “I’m with you” in the sense that “I’m elevating you to a higher level of consciousness.” Not that I’m not going to let you fall and not that you’re not going to have failures. But rather it means you can sort of brush those failures off a little easier because you know you’re playing a much bigger game. You’re walking with G-d.

This idea is essentially embedded in Abraham’s return to himself – it’s his struggle to figure out how his past, of idolatry, of how he’s going to bring a pagan world to a better world. How is a human raised in darkness going to do any of that? How is he going to be capable of any of it?

He looks to the stars, and he says to G-d, “I don’t see anything coming from me. How do I know I’m going to have a destiny that’s going to make a difference?” G-d takes him outside by the proverbial hand and says, “I’m going to make you more than those stars over there.” What was G-d showing him with the stars? Abraham looked around and saw a life of trouble, of struggle. Sometimes challenges.

G-d says, you’re not confined by the stars, you live above the stars, you live with a higher level of consciousness. When you see problems in front of you know they may be messages but they’re not impossible obstacles. When you live at a higher level of consciousness, the problems fall away.

That’s Behirus HaDaas, a clarity of mind.

When we return to ourselves. When we explore within and examine the tools that G-d gave us we will find that there are powerful shifts of perspective waiting to be discovered.

Rabbi Shlomo Einhorn is the Rav & Dean of Yeshivat Yavneh in Los Angeles. He is the creator of WINGS; a synagogue consulting group for the Orhodox Union. He is also the author of 3 sefarim. For any comments, thoughts, or observations email the Rabbi at rabbieinhorn@gmail.com

august 29, 2013

With Rosh Hashanah in the wings, it is time for a moment to turn a little inward. “Lech Lecha” you should surely go. Those were G-d’s first words to Abraham. According to the Torah, G-d asked Abraham to begin a journey to the land of Kenaan.

Rav Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubovitcher Rebbe, beckons us to pay closer attention to the Hebrew. “Lech Lecha.” It literally means go to you. G-d didn’t tell Abraham the name of the land that he’s going to go to. Ultimately the reason why G-d didn’t tell Abraham where he has to go is because the main purpose of the journey was for Abraham to find himself - “lech lecha” - dig deep within to uncover all the resources you need to build up what’s eventually going to be called the people of Israel.

G-d placed within us all the tools we will ever need. Sometimes it takes others to help us become aware of the potential that lies within. This explains the Jewish emphasis on having a chavrusa, a learning partner, because we each can sharpen one another and bring out the skills that can go unnoticed. That’s why it’s good to have push back from somebody else who can look us straight in the eye and tell us what’s what.

Upon this great journey, Abraham has what we call in Kabbalah a behiras hadas, a clarity of thought, of mind, that cosmic light of lucidity which suddenly turns on. In modern lingo we would call it a paradigm shift or an “aha moment.”

It often can be a different way of looking at the same situation. And at times it’s a way of rephrasing a problem or dilemma in our lives by shifting a perspective over a little bit and suddenly, voila, we have some new insight. That’s this paradigm shift.

Suddenly a light goes on.

We ask ourselves how are we supposed to make any major change in our life? We’ve been stuck in the same pattern for so long. The ancient teachings refer to this with an analogy of a light going on in a room. Even though the room has been dark for 40 years, the second the light goes on in the room, it’s light. For there to be light in the room that’s been dark for 40 years, it doesn’t take a whole lot of work; it just means suddenly when that light is on, even if it has been dark for 40 years. The notion that we’ve been doing something for 40 years, thinking a certain way - it’s hard to get out of that mindset, it’s definitely challenging.

But once we come back to our core, to our unbiased self – suddenly that flash of inspiration, the behirus hadaas - when the light has been turned on in the room and you just know it’s never going away on a light in a room. It might not necessarily take years of work. It’s about having the right vessels to receive the information we need.

The Chassidic master, the Bobover Rebbe, says that is why we start the Passover Seder with Kadesh, sanctification, and then Urchatz, the washing. Presumably it should be the opposite, we should cleanse ourselves first and then we are ready for holiness The Bobover Rebbe explains that we begin with sanctification before we cleanse ourselves because sanctification allows us to elevate

our faculties to a level where they can catch the frequency and comprehend the profound messages of the evening. In our prayers we ask that G-d “taher libeinu,” or purify our hearts, because so many years of built up spiritual plaque have stunted our ability to catch inspiration.

It was 14 years ago and I was in Israel a week before the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana. I was in a makolet (mini mart), and the cashier at the counter turned to me and asked if I made a cheshbon, literally “an accounting”? He was talking about the groceries, did I add it up? And I’m wondering why is he asking me this, isn’t it his job to make the cheshbon? At that moment I thought to myself, it is before Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, the Jewish days of judgment; this is my message, I need to make a chesbon. We always have to stay in a state that allows us pick up the spiritual frequency. Judaism says you can never stop being teachable. There’s no concept that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. The universe does not subscribe to that idea. The great teacher Rabbi Akiva is the paradigmatic example of that notion. Abraham, Moses and so many others grew and they kept growing.

They opened themselves up to new ideas and new paradigms.

Let’s make this a bit more practical. We explored the concept of a behirus hadaas, a clarity of thought. Permitting our minds to open allows a flash of insight that suddenly changes the way we think about the way that we live. A major shift in perspective waits right around the corner for us if we simply allow it. Here are a few simple shifts that can be made when we open ourselves up to new ideas: #1 Movie Making We all make movies. One way or another we are in the movie business. I bet you’re wondering how come Hollywood hasn’t sent you a paycheck.

Allow me to clarify. At times we find ourselves to be unhappy or in a difficult space but that is due to the fact that we are playing out a script in our head, a whole scenario that hasn’t even happened yet.

And we build a movie on top of the movie. “This person is going to say that, that person is going to say that.” Or, “when they said that to me, this is what they meant.” Sometimes we even repeat the film. We replay the event over and over and over again in our minds. Movie making with our emotions can be very tricky. On one hand G-d gave us an amazing gift: the koach hadimyon - the power of imagination. That’s what makes our brain so impressive. The power to imagine. Let us say that we’re setting up for a party. We can imagine what that table would look like and we move toward that direction. We imagine what a business is going to look like so we build that business in that direction.

It’s a powerful tool. The Rambam says prophecy wouldn’t be possible without the power of imagination. But we know that everything has a yin and a yang. Everything has a sur m’rah and asey tov, a positive and a negative. The negative, the more challenging part of the power of imagination, is that we imagine a whole storyline going on in our lives that people must be thinking of us, or that because they’re thinking it, that’s what it must mean.

The Ishbitzer, one of the great Chassidic Rebbes, says that one of the most difficult enemies of the people of Israel as recorded in the Bible is the people of Midian. The Ishbitzer points out that moving the letters around of the word Midian, gives us Dimyon – imagination. Why? Because they were a group of people who knew that the way you attack is by playing with the imagination, enticing the threat to create faux realities through the imagination. Midian is a symbol of that notion of using the power of our imagination in a disem-

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Rabbi Shlomo Einhorn

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august 29, 2013

18

by Rabbi Zev Goldberg

Question & Answer

The True Meaning of the Shofar

Education is at the fore of every parent’s mind. Parents and Educators have many questions, concerns and worries.

It is an annual ritual for kids. Moments before the last shofar blast is sounded on Rosh HaShana, they gather in the synagogue and start guessing. How long will it last? 40 seconds? 50 seconds? Maybe it will beat last year’s record, or shatter it! Their excitement is palpable. However, as we mature, and the prospect of a long shofar blast ceases to thrill (well, for the most part) we are charged with finding the true meaning and depth in the mitzvah of shofar on Rosh Hashanah.

Curiously, Maimonides deviates from his usual pattern when outlining the commandment to blow the shofar, as he seldom includes a rationale for a commandment. Yet, when it comes to blowing the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, Maimonides writes, “Even though the sounding of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah is a decree, it contains an allusion. It is as if [the shofar’s call] is saying: Wake up you sleepy ones from your sleep and you who slumber, arise. Inspect your deeds, repent, remember your Creator” (The Laws of Repentance 3:41). Many commentators are puzzled as to why Maimonides includes the reason for shofar, namely that it is a call for repentance.

Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, one of the greatest rabbinic figures of the 20th century, insightfully explains that Maimonides is not simply presenting the logic of the mitzvah.

Rather, Maimonides is outlining two distinct levels one can attain when listening to the shofar blasts. The very basic obligation is for one to listen to the shofar on Rosh HaShana. If one does so, then one has fulfilled the Torah’s “decree”. However, the mitzvah of shofar is only fully realized when the blasts penetrate a person’s heart, inspiring introspection and repentance. On its most profound level the sound of the shofar is a clarion call to become a better and more committed Jew. This goal, however, remains elusive. We all want to become better people but meaningful change is difficult. How does the thunderous sound of the shofar actually propel us to introspect and refine ourselves? The answer, I believe, lies in focusing our attention on three important thoughts with respect to the shofar.

Thought number one: On Rosh Hashanah we blow a teruah sound. It is the same teruah that the Jewish people would blow when going out to wage war. The Torah tells us, “If you go to war in your land against an adversary that oppresses you, you shall blow a teruah with the trumpets and be remembered before the Lord your God, and thus be saved from your enemies” (Bamidbar 10:91). The teruah we hear on Rosh Hashanah is our call to battle, and when we hear it we must remember that the State of Israel is engaged in constant battle. Though it lacks a formal declaration of war, tension in the Middle East is high. Missiles still fall in the South, we have a precarious peace with an unstable regime in Egypt, and Syria continues its chaotic deterioration. If we seek to internalize the shofar sounds, we must honestly evaluate our commitment to the State of Israel. Is their battle our battle? Are we, living thousands of miles away, willing to engage in our own, often

modest but always important, forms of battle?

Will this be the year we finally get involved in pro-Israel politics? Will we make sure to visit Israel this year? There is so much to do for our homeland despite our distance. And when we hear the shofar we must heed the call to battle in whatever way we can.

Thought number two: The Talmud (Rosh Hashana 33b) teaches us that the sound of the teruah parallels the sobbing noises of Sisrah’s mother. Sisrah, a commander of the Canaanite army, was killed when defeated by the Jewish people (Judges Chapters 4 -5). When Sisrah did not return from battle his mother stood by the window, sobbing as she waited in vain for her son’s return. Despite the fact that Sisrah was a commander of an enemy army, the rabbis modeled the sound of the teruah based on his mother’s weeping to teach us that human pain and suffering are universal. In fact, it is specifically the cries of the downtrodden that help our prayers reach the Heavens. When we hear the sound of the teruah, we must remind ourselves that there are people suffering in our community and that we can help. We are often aware and sensitive to those who are suffering from physical pain, but we can sometimes neglect a far more insidious pain, the pain of loneliness and exclusion. As the shofar sounds, we should consider expanding our social circles. Let this year be the year when we start inviting people to our Shabbat table who would otherwise eat alone. Their presence at a Shabbat meal is not only socially enriching and uplifting for them, but it will undoubtedly enhance our experience as well.

Thought number three: The sound of the shofar is meant to evoke the drama of Har Sinai. The Torah tells us that during the giving of the Torah “the sound of the shofar was very powerful“(Shemot 19:19). Studying Torah is an act of encountering the Divine and hearing the shofar reminds us of that watershed moment in our national history when we encountered God at Sinai. Today, there are so many opportunities to study Torah in our community, which is rich with Torah resources. But there are also many important and exciting activities that compete for our attention. During the shofar blasts we must recommit ourselves to a consistent enrichment of our relationship with God, through the study of his Torah.

Although the days of counting the length of the shofar blasts are long gone, there is still reason to look forward to the sound of the shofar. The private moments of introspection are few and far between in our fast-paced lives. Seizing those precious moments to consider these three ideas will enhance our Rosh Hashanah experience and hopefully set us on a trajectory towards a year filled with health, happiness and spiritual growth. Shanah Tovah. org

1 - Translation taken from: www.chabad.

Comments? Contact Rabbi Goldberg: zevgoldberg@yicc.org

If you wish to have your question or issue considered by a team of Educators feel free to email educationqanda@hillelhebrew.org and your topic may be discussed in this column in future weeks. All names will be held confidential.

Rosh Hashana has many parts to it. One piece is the role of Tefillah. We spend so much time on Tefillah in the beit haknesset and at home. How do I get my child to enjoy this part of the day?

Why Pray Dear Why Pray, It is always a good place to start addressing the Tefillah experience as a conversation with Hashem. This is a time to cultivate a relationship that is precious and holy. Talking to someone creates a greater connection between the two people conversing. When we know that the person we are talking to is listening we walk away feeling more complete and ready to face whatever comes our way.

By viewing Tefillah this way, Tefillah itself now has a tremendous transformative power.

By analyzing the very meaning of the word Tefillah we unlock these powers of transformation and connection. The root of the Hebrew word for prayer is Tefillah, comes from the same root of the word that means “to judge”. When a person is mitpallel there is an element of self-reflection. He / She reflects on how things have gone over the course of a day, week, month, or a year, and makes resolutions for a positive future. In the process a person identifies what it is that he / she shall be grateful for to Hashem. This is also the time we identify our needs and ask Hashem to provide them.

In anticipation of the Tefillah component of Rosh Hashanah, give your child the opportunity to experience how to reflect and prepare a request.

Open a Machzar and show your child two or three examples of how reflection plays a role in the Tefillot we use. This exercise is supported at the Rosh Hashanah evening table when the

special Yehi Ratzon prayers are recited while eating the simanim. In between each one have a conversation, about the message. Reflect together.

Tefillah also means to connect. When a person has taken the time to reflect on the past and plan for the future, a connection develops. Your child can now ask him / herself: Who am I conversing with?

It is now when you introduce your child to the term “Avinu Malkeinu” “Our Father, Our King”. Your child will now feel special. He / She is engaging with a divine Father and King.

One of the themes of Rosh Hashana is that Adom crowned Hashem as his king.

On Rosh Hashana one child walking out of the Bet Knesset having renewed his / her relationship with the king, goes forth and accomplishes that which Hashem desires.

May Hashem grant you and your child a happy and sweet new year.

To continue the dialogue and share other ideas on this topic, emaileducationqandq@hillelhebrew.org. We want to hear your thoughts.

This article was compiled by Rabbi Y. Boruch Sufrin and Rabbi Eli Broner Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy Administration

19 The Jewish Home august 29, 2013

7 Questions with Rabbi Hershy Z. Ten President of Bikur Cholim

By Mushki Boteach Naparstek

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself? Where are you from? What’s your background?

I’ve been a resident of Los Angeles for almost 30 years. I grew up in Monsey, New York where my parents still live, I received semicha from Harav Tuvia Goldstein zt”l, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Emek Halachah. Concurrently received a master’s degree in international business and finance.

2) What is Bikur Cholim? How did you get involved? What’s your position there?

I serve as president of Bikur Cholim.

Within 2 weeks of our wedding, my wife and I moved to Los Angeles from New York. Sadly, soon thereafter at the age of fifteen months, my son fell critically ill and became dependent on constant nursing care, 24 hours per day. This served as the “flashpoint” for me and the Bikur Cholim we know today. Wherever my son went, whether to school or to shul, a nurse went with him. In the span of 11 years, he was admitted to the intensive care unit 110 times. Sadly, he was niftar at the age of twelve and a half, just months before his bar mitzvah.

Then tragically, eleven years ago, we lost our youngest child at the age of two to an unrelated illness. B”H our middle daughter just completed Seminary in Israel and she is the light of our lives.

The Ribono shel Olam has been extraordinarily kind to my family. When my son was sick, we were B”H able to provide him with the best care possible. We were fortunate enough to ensure he received everything that was available within the abilities of the medical community. To think for a moment that patients suffering from illness don’t receive treatment due to financial constraints is unacceptable. Knowing that my wife and I were able to afford care for our children while seeing that there where others who could not; made it clear this needed to change.

At the time when my son fell ill, there was no community organization in existence that could address our needs, or the needs of so many other families enduring the challenges of illness. It was there and then when I committed myself to creating an institution of chesed dedicated the health and welfare of our city. B”H since that moment Bikur Cholim has grown into an organization that offers more than 20 services and programs to serve the thousands whom turn to us for help. From helping pay for surgery and medication, or speech and physical therapy for children who can’t properly walk or talk, to our renowned blood and platelets program, as well as the Bikur Cholim House which provides free lodging for patients from around the world who come here for medical treatment, Bikur Cholim has

become the single-most important healthcare strength. organization in Los Angeles. This is in addiThe next morning, the parents visited our tion to our ongoing visitation, hospital kosher office with their precious daughter in tow. She meals, medical equipment g’mach, and Chal- seemed just like every other little girl; howlah Shel Bracha ever it was clear programs. that the tumor 3) How inwas already imvolved is the pacting her balLos Angeles ance and gait. I Jewish commuremember she nity in Bikur asked for paCholim? What per and pens so kind of response she could draw do you get? at one of our We have a desks while we group of amazwent over the ing volunteers plan for her care whom we can with her parcall on, day and ents. We gave night, however her a notepad I will say we on which she can always use drew throughmore hands on out the entire deck. The needs meeting until of patients have she left while grown exponenWho you call first can make all the difference in the arms of tially, thus so have her father clutchthe demands on Bikur Cholim. ing her treasured artwork. This girl was brave; We look to both our Executive and Profes- she knew things weren’t right, but she was a sional Boards which are comprised of leading fighter and was doing her best not to worry her physicians and professionals, as well as the lay parents, even wiping away one of her mother’s leadership of the kehila for guidance to ensure tears from over her father’s shoulder; it was that everyone who turns to us is treated appro- heartbreaking. priately and with dignity, regardless whether That day we went through the intricate they are rich or poor, young or old. maneuvering required to pick-up her daughThe community has come to learn that ter’s records and had them evaluated by a who you first call for help can make all the world-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon for a difference and their trust in us is humbling. In 2nd opinion who concurred with the recomturn, they continue to support us day-in and mended surgery and treatment protocol. Evday- out, and we don’t ever take this trust for eryone agreed that this surgeon was the best granted. choice for this surgery, however the problem 4) Tell us an interesting story that hap- was that he wasn’t in the family’s network and pened to you on the job? their insurance company would not cover this.

There are so many stories over the de- The parents felt trapped and overwhelmed; cades; obviously certain cases stick with you forced to choose between the best care for more than others. I remember one in particular their daughter’s future, or a surgery covered of a 4 year-old girl who had been diagnosed by their insurance that could possibly have a with an aggressive tumor that was pressing devastating outcome. We immediately conagainst her brain and spine. The parents were tacted the surgeon and negotiated the $40,000 devastated. While the tumor was benign, it out-of-pocket fees to a more manageable was crucial to remove it in order to prevent amount which we subsidized. Bikur Cholim permanent neurological damage. Her mother also worked with the parents’ insurance carcalled our office around 11:00 PM and I was rier to ensure that all follow-up care and reputting in a late night and picked up the call. habilitation would be provided within their Her voice choked as she tried to bravely relay network. With the help of Hashem, the surgery this news and hold back her tears. I waited for was successful, and life returned to normal for her crying to subside and simply responded, the entire family.

“We will help you get through this.” It seemed We don’t always hear from our patients; like such a basic reply, however these seven however in this instance we received as surwords seemed to help her breathe and give her prise visitor at our office about 4 months ago

who simply announced herself through our intercom as “Sarah”. When one of our staff brought her in we had no idea who this young lady was donning her school uniform She shared that she had meant to come by much sooner but recently found something that made her feel compelled to visit. The girl then said, “I don’t know how to thank you, but you saved my life.” Then she pulled out this notepad of drawings and said she had kept it all these years and never knew why.

This story is just one of thousands, there are so many I could share.

5) What motto or quote do you live by?

There are many, however one of the most important to me is. Ana Avdah D’kudsha Brich Hu. I am a servant of Hakadosh Baruch Hu 6) Which person from history do you most admire and would like to have met? Why? Interesting question; again there is more than one, each relating to a different pillar of Jewish Life. My answer would be Chanina ben Dosa. When Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakkai’s child fell ill he went to Chanina for help.

Rabbi Yochanan’s wife was troubled that her husband, the great leader and Head of Yavneh would go to Chanina, someone not of his stature. The Talmud in Berachos records her question to her husband, “‘Is Chanina greater than you?” To which Rabbi Yochanan replied, “No, he is not. Chanina is like a servant before the King, who comes and goes at will, while I Yochanan am like a minister before the King, whose audience before the King is less frequent”. I strive to attain Chanina’s relationship with Hashem so I can help as many as possible.

7) You have your annual Bikur Cholim dinner coming up- tell us about it? How can we get more involved?

The Bikur Cholim Annual Dinner will IY”H be held this Sunday evening 9/1/13 and is the single-most important event for the thousands whom we serve. We all know that the costs and expenses of medical care are soaring, and even more frightening is the vast number of people in our community who cannot afford treatment. From visitation, meals, paying for medication and care to ensuring children can walk and talk, this is why we’re here, and why we need your help. This year we are pleased to honor Derald E. Brackmann, MD of St. Vincent Medical and Center and House Clinic and will also present a special memoriam for Levi “Robert” Schweitzer z”l.

For those who can join and/or looking to donate please visit www.bikurcholim.net or call (323) 852-1900.

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The Jewish Home

august 29, 2013

“Don’t Give Up”

Here we stand, a week before Rosh Hashanah, wondering where we are relative to where we should be at this time of year.

We wonder if we have accomplished as much as we have to in order to be zocheh in din. How much more can we achieve and how far are we from what Hashem wants us to be? We review the year in our minds and feel as if we have been here before. We have worked so hard in the past to right ourselves, only to fall back to previous levels. We may become disheartened as we ponder whether we can do it again.

It was Motzoei Yom Kippur in the Mirrer Yeshiva. Far from the familiar embrace of the hallowed building in Mir D’Lita, the yeshiva was in its temporary home in Shanghai. The holiest day of the year had just come to a close. A cloud of intensity and emotion had filled the large Bais Aharon shul, headquarters of hundreds of Mirrer refugees. The echoes of the day’s powerful prayers for themselves and their loved ones still in danger were reverberating off its walls.

The talmidei chachomim of the yeshiva had emptied out to break their fast, removing their hats and jackets after a long, oppressively hot day. A lone figure remained in the cavernous room.

The mythical mashgiach, Rav Chatzkel Levenstein, lingered in the bais medrash, walking back and forth, talking to himself in soft and mournful tones. His countenance, always luminous, was angelic at that exalted moment.

The mashgiach had not sat down throughout the long day, his Shemoneh Esrei of Shacharis continued until krias haTorah, when he was called for the aliyah of levi. His Mussaf continued until the start of Minchah, and again he remained standing in prayer until just before Ne’ilah.

At that time, he offered words of chizuk to the talmidim, ushering forth a last wave of energy before the sun set and Yom Kippur concluded.

Now, with everyone gone, the mashgiach stood in the empty bais medrash speaking gently. “Sometimes a person is able to raise himself and achieve great heights,” the mashgiach said, “but what happens is that after a while at that exalted level, he returns to being the same person he was. Why do we lose the roishem, the impression, of teshuvah?” The mashgiach left the question hanging and then concluded, “A person must work and toil his entire life to be omeid b’nisayon, acquiring and internalizing the means to do battle and succeed.”

By this time, we hope that each of us is engaged in the process of teshuvah, preparing for the holiest days of the year and working to be zocheh b’din. The goal, as Rav Chatzkel taught, isn’t just to make it through Elul and come prepared on some level for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, but to become elevated in a genuine and lasting way. The objective is to develop ourselves and emerge from this period of introspection and preparation on a higher level than when we began the process.

As we prepare ourselves for the Yom Hadin, we have to do so in a way that will remain with us throughout the rest of the year as well.

The Vilna Gaon, our rebbi in niglah and nistar, drush and sod, reveals the purpose of life. “Ikkar chiyus ha’adam, the purpose of existence,” he says, “is for man to destroy his bad middos. Ve’im lav, lamah lo chaim?

If he won’t do so, what’s the point of his life? (Even Sheleimah 1:2).

Life is an ongoing process, and without constant progressive evolution and growth, it is futile. In life, the nisyonos keep coming.

There is seemingly no rest from them. Our task is to continue rising, reaching the next level, firming up, and moving up to the next rung.

The Alter of Kelm once said to his talmidim before Rosh Hashanah, “What is the worst gezeirah possible for us in the new year? That it will be exactly the same as the year before.”

The noted mussar personality, Rav Mordechai Schwab, would eagerly observe the changing seasons. He would watch the summer’s heat give way to the crisp coolness of the fall, which would then morph into the winter’s penetrating cold and finally the rebirth and regeneration of spring. He would say that he saw the changing of the seasons as a metaphor for spiritual life and a reminder that change is the essence of life.

Rav Meir Chodosh, the Chevroner mashgiach, was one of the survivors of the horrific massacres that decimated Chevron in 1929, when bloodthirsty Arabs tore through the city and its yeshiva. As the murderers searched through a pile of corpses looking for signs of life so that they might snuff out yet another Jew, Rav Meir lay there immobile, pretending to be dead so that they might pass him by.

During those moments, as the Arabic conversation swirled around him, he suddenly had a memory of an incident that had taken place years earlier, when he was a young bochur in Russia. He had been seized

by Russian soldiers during the tumultuous period leading up to the First World War and was unable to produce proper documentation proving his citizenship.

Overjoyed with their find of a hapless undocumented Jew, the soldiers instructed Rav Meir to stand against the wall and told him they were going to kill him on the spot.

The lead soldier aimed his gun at him.

Shaking with fright, Rav Meir leaned against the wall, barely able to stand.

The soldier began to shout at him, “Stand straight, Jew! Show respect!” Rav Meir was unable to oblige and the soldier grew angry, yelling louder.

Rav Meir recited viduy and Shema Yisroel as he prepared for his young life to come to a sudden and tragic end. Suddenly, a nearby window opened and a highranking general looked out. He began to berate the soldiers for yelling and disturbing his afternoon nap. “You woke me,” he said.

“Why are you making a commotion? Get out of here.”

The humiliated soldiers beat a hasty retreat and Rav Meir’s life was miraculously saved.

The memory of that incident suddenly came back to him as he lay there in Chevron, amidst a pile of bodies.

Later, in a shmuess, Rav Meir shared a lesson he derived from that fateful experience. The first miracle had elevated him to a high spiritual plateau, and he was determined to remember the kindness of Hashem and live accordingly, keeping the heightened awareness alive.

Alas, the mashgiach continued, in time, he returned to his routine, and the effect of the neis wore off. Eventually, he went back to living life as he had prior to his miraculous deliverance. It was only when he was once again in that awful situation, staring death in the face, that the spectacular moment suddenly came back to him. He resolved that if he would live, the experiences in his past would always be his present and future, and he would never again lose sight of what had transpired to him and the levels of emunah they had inspired.

Our avodah, as well, is to keep alive those inspired moments, through changing seasons, moods and situations, no matter what nisyonos we face.

When Golias was wreaking havoc amongst the ranks of Klal Yisroel’s army, a young shepherd showed up at the front to bring provisions to his brother. His name was Dovid. When he arrived at the encampment, he was disturbed by the

power of that rasha and the reaction of Klal Yisroel. “Ki mi haPlishti ha’arel hazeh?

Who does this impure Plishti think he is that he might mock and taunt the ranks of Elokim Chaim?” (Shmuel I 17:28).

Dovid’s older brother was upset at him, thinking that he had come to the front merely to watch “the action.” Dovid’s fighting words were passed on to Shaul Hamelech and the young shepherd was brought before the king.

Upon meeting him, Shaul was convinced that the physically unintimidating Dovid could never battle the towering Golias.

Dovid reassured him. “Your servant was a shepherd…and a lion and a bear came and lifted one of the sheep from the flock. And I went after and killed it and saved the sheep from its mouth… Both the lion and the bear your servant smote - and this Plishti will be as one of them…” (Shmuel I 17:34-36).

On the posuk that tells of the sheep, a seh, there is a mesorah of kri and ksiv - that the word is written as zeh, meaning this, but read as seh, meaning sheep.

The Vilna Gaon explains the interchanging of the word seh with the word zeh. Dovid Hamelech had a miracle happen to him. He was able to kill a wild beast with his bare hands. He understood that if the Ribbono Shel Olam allowed this to happen, there was a deeper purpose to what had transpired and a lesson for him for life. Dovid was determined to remember the incident so that when further nisyonos arose, he would recall that he had the power to triumph. He wanted to maintain the level.

The Gaon quotes a Medrash which states that Dovid cut off some wool from the sheep whose life he saved and made himself a cloak from that wool.

With this, the Gaon explains the depth of the mesorah in reading the posuk. “Venasa seh meiha’eider” is rendered as “Venasa zeh meiha’eider” because Dovid would wear that cloak and point to it and say, “Zeh! This is from the wool of the sheep that was attacked by a lion, which I killed with my bare hands. Hashem allowed me to experience this miracle and I want to make sure I will remember it.”

The call of the hour during the final week of Elul is to perceive our own strengths, commit to using them, and pledge to live with that awareness throughout the following year. We must peer into our souls and see what motivates us, what makes us tick, what we are doing right and what we are doing wrong. Then, we can honestly begin fixing what needs repair and doing

Nisyonos define us. They give life meaning and substance. We must hold on to moments of inspiration and chizuk so that when the inevitable challenges appear, we know how to act.

Rav Moshe Leib Sassover was very active in the mitzvah of pidyon shevuyin, working assiduously to release Jews from prison. There was a man who was jailed for being delinquent in paying rent to a wealthy landowner on whose property he lived.

Rav Moshe Leib’s efforts to raise the funds necessary to pay the debt came up

short. He traveled to the poritz anyway, thinking that perhaps he would be able to convince him to accept the money he had raised and free the poor man from jail. The landowner refused the compromise and told the rebbe that he wouldn’t settle for anything less than the full amount.

Having failed in his mission, Rav Moshe Leib left the poritz’s house with the money, dejected.

On his way home, he saw police dragging a Jewish man and mercilessly beating him. This Jew was a highway robber who ambushed people on the roads, and the police had enough of him and were going to hang him in the public square and rid the community of the menace once and for all.

Rav Moshe Leib went over to the bandit, who was gushing blood, severely beaten.

He said to the man, “Do you promise to do teshuvah if I free you? Will you live a clean and honest life if I manage to convince them to let you go?”

When the man assured the rebbe that he would repent and never rob anyone ever again, the rebbe took the money he had raised to free the poor Jewish tenant and used it to bribe the policemen to let the robber go.

The rebbe took the man, who was in terrible shape after his beating and near death experience, into his wagon to bring him home.

Along the way, the rebbe spoke to the bandit, trying to convince him to give up his career and earn an honest living, which wouldn’t involve hurting people and placing himself in mortal danger.

As the rebbe spoke, the man remained

silent, not uttering a word during the entire journey. When they finally reached the man’s house, the rebbe, who had saved his life, asked the robber to give his hand and promise that he wouldn’t go back to his old ways.

The man refused. He said that he was not going to abandon his chosen career.

He explained: “Just because I had a bad day today doesn’t mean I’ll have a bad day tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day and I’ll make a big hit.”

Rav Moshe Leib took leave of the man and sadly continued on his way. It was an awful day. His trip was a crushing failure.

He wasn’t able to get the first Jew out of jail, and the Jew he did free told him that he wouldn’t give up his life of crime.

That night, Rav Moshe Leib dreamt that everything that happened to him that day was to teach him the proper way to serve Hashem. Never give up. Never let defeat get you down. If things don’t work out today, that doesn’t mean they won’t work out tomorrow. Keep on trying until you get it right.

This is a powerful lesson for us as well.

It’s almost Rosh Hashanah. We try to be better and feel we are failing. As long as we don’t give up, as long as we keep on trying, we are succeeding.

Twice a day, we recite “LeDovid,” expressing confidence in our abilities to overcome. “Im tachaneh alai machaneh lo yira libi.” If a nisayon comes my way to test me, I shall not be afraid. I am confident in my ability to withstand the nisayon. With the help of Hashem, I will rise up and triumph.

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You have to take responsibility for your thoughts and actions.” Years later, when the Second World War broke out and difficult decisions had to be made, Rav Leib rose to the challenge. Some of his positions were unpopular (he was among those who were resolute that the yeshiva had to escape to Japan, a decision that saved the

lives of the Mirrer talmidim, but, initially, many considered that avenue of escape to be foolish) and there was open resistance to him. He stood firm. “You have to take responsibility,” his rebbi had said. He remembered.

The perceptive mashgiach had made him aware of his own potential for achrayus and leadership. When the situation arose, Rav Leib was aware of his abilities and able to rise to the occasion.

At the beginning of Parshas Vayeilech, as Moshe Rabbeinu prepared to leave this world, he said to the Jewish people, “Lo uchal od lotzeis velavo - I am no longer able to come and go.”

Rav Tzadok Hakohein explains that Moshe Rabbeinu was saying that he had reached a level where there were no more nisyonos. He no longer had the peaks and the valleys, the aliyos and the yeridos, that are part of life. Moshe Rabbeinu was telling Am Yisroel that since he had reached that level, there was no longer a reason for him to remain physically alive in this world.

The Jewish Home

what we are able to improve ourselves and enhance our behavior and Torah observance.

Many people suffer from insecurity, unaware of their abilities and unsure of themselves. Great mechanchim are able to identify latent qualities of their talmidim and bring them forth, making the students aware of their own capabilities and drawing upon them when a nisayon arises.

When Rav Leib Malin was a talmid in the Mirrer Yeshiva, he felt compelled to protest something that had taken place. He, along with some others, made their way to the back of the bais medrash, planning to walk out as a way of registering their objection to whatever it was they disagreed with. As they walked, they caught sight of the awe-inspiring figure of the mashgiach, Rav Yeruchom Levovitz, standing at the door with his arms crossed. He clearly wished for them to sit down and forget about their intended protest. They did.

Later, Rav Yeruchom called in Rav Leib.

“I didn’t agree with what you wanted to do, but you had obviously thought through your plan and were convinced that it was correct.

Why, then, did you stop when you saw me?

If you felt that what you were doing was proper, you should have been prepared to continue.

The Jewish Home

august 29, 2013

22

The Four “R’s” of Teshuva

By Rae Shagalov The winds of Elul are blowing – can you feel them? The store aisles are billowing with Back-to-School bins filled with colorful folders, planners, and crisp, new notebooks awaiting new plans and possibilities. The high holidays are close and you know you should be starting to do the deep inner work to prepare for Rosh Hoshannah and Yom Kippur – but how should you begin? What should you do?

The Jewish month of Elul has a very special spiritual energy for fixing past mistakes and clearing out the dust and stains of actions and behaviors that don’t reflect who we really want to be. Fixing our mistakes and cleansing our souls creates a new closeness with G-d. It’s called teshuva.

“Teshuva” means “Return” – returning to the path of G-dliness. Our Sages teach us that when we do Teshuva, we rectify our mistakes. We actually fix and uplift all previous mistakes of the same nature and restore the holiness of our being. In this way, bit by bit, we restore the entire world to holiness.

Teshuva can be done at any time of the year, in any moment – even in one’s last moments, but the month of Elul is a particularly auspicious time to do teshuva. It’s easiest to do teshuva a little bit at a time, at bedtime each night, weekly before the Sabbath, or before each new month begins. It’s easier to keep your house in good repair by fixing things as they break, instead of waiting till the

house falls down in disrepair, and so it is with the care and maintenance of your soul.

So how do you begin this powerful process of teshuvah? These are the four steps of teshuva: 1. Recognize that what you did was wrong. The first step of teshuva is recognizing and acknowledging that what you did was wrong. It’s so easy to avoid or justify our actions, even when we feel uneasy about them, but once we face them, we can access the strong inner will deep inside of us that will help us overcome them.

2. Regret what you did wholeheartedly. Yes, this is “Jewish Guilt” at its very best. Seclude yourself for a little schmooze with G-d. Allow yourself to feel the pain, embarrassment, or shame for a little while, and ask G-d to forgive you for it. These feelings of profound regret wash away the stain of the sin, and prepare the ground of the heart with fertile soil for change.

3. Resolve not to do it again. Tap deep into your inner will to access the inner strength you need, to make the change you desire. This is “home base,” the inner place you’ll return to when you weaken or fail in your resolve to change. Ask G-d to help you remember your resolution.

4. Refrain from making the same mistake when faced with the same situation. Ah, yes – now comes the test.

You didn’t think it would be easy, did you? The situation will arise again and

when it does, go back to step one and repeat – Recognize, Regret, Resolve, and Refrain. Recognize the situation for what it is – a test. Remember the regret you felt as a deterrent. Tap into your inner resolve, and ask G-d to help you to have the strength to refrain from repeating the same mistake.

Every person has the strength to change. Choose something small--one thing you would like to change in yourself. Work on it every day for a whole year. Pray and meditate every day and ask G-d to help you change this one thing. If you wronged another person, take courage and ask the person you have hurt to forgive you. If that’s not possible ask G-d to forgive you with your whole heart.

Don’t become discouraged. The Harsh Inner Critic sometimes says, “Who are you fooling? You’ll never change!

Don’t even bother to try – you’ve failed a million times before!” Tell your Inner Voice: “Thank you for your opinion, but I can change, and with G-d’s help, I will change.” Every single little bit of Teshuva counts. Never underestimate what you can accomplish with your effort!

new animated videos, and read her blog at: www.holysparks.org/souljourney

Rae Shagalov is a Los Angeles artist and author of the forthcoming book, “What’s a Soul Like You Doing in a World Like This?” and the new, “Return to G-d Soul Kit.” She is currently teaching a series of “Soul Journey” workshops at Rabbi Wolf’s Maayon Yisroel Chassidic Center. You can view Rae’s Artnotes, her

Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Weddings, Retreats, Fundraising Events, Corporate Events, Private Parties, or any event you would rather have someone else worry about.

!

Tali Merewitz www.EventsEnchanted.com 323-937-0980

23

‫רה‬

c"ryz elqk f-d NOVEMBER 8-10, 2013 For more information, please contact the Dirshu office at:

somerset hotel and conference center

Scenes from

2012

/‫דרשו שבת תשע"ג‬

Phone: 888-5-DIRSHU Fax: 732-987-3949 Email: shabbos@dirshunj.org

august 29, 2013

`vie zyxt zay

"‫התאחדו עם "דרשו‬ ‫בשבת של התעוררות‬ ‫"שבת חיזוק ללומדי‬ ‫תורה" לכבוד הצלחת‬ ‫הלימוד של אלפי‬ ‫יראים ושלמים‬ ‫מהרבה קהילות‬ ‫שלמדו באחריות‬ ‫ובבחינות באופן‬ ‫ המעמד יכהן‬.‫נפלא‬ ‫פאר בהשתתפות‬ ‫ ראשי‬,‫גדולי ישראל‬ ‫ישיבות ורבנים מכל‬ .‫רחבי העולם‬

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‫שב‬

Join Dirshu for a truly inspirational “Shabbos Chizuk L’lomdei Torah” which will mark the momentous achievements of many thousands of Yidden from all segments of Klal Yisrael who have learned with extraordinary accountability in an unprecedented way. The Shabbos will be graced with the presence of Gedolei Yisrael, Roshei Yeshiva and Rabbonim from around the world.

‫ת חיזוק ללומד‬ ‫י‬ ‫תו‬

The Jewish Home

august 29, 2013

24

Filling the Void: Chabad of North Hollywood Chabad of North Hollywood is an all-purpose community. They have programs for everyone from youth to seniors, classes on a wide variety of subjects, and daily prayer and holiday services, as well as an array of community outreach programs. But, as with most communities, they didn’t start out quite so strong. More than 30 years ago, when Rabbi Aaron Abend and his wife Sarah Abend made the trip out to California, things were a bit more modest.

“We’ve been here for around 32 years,” Rabbi Aaron tells me. He and his wife, Sarah, came to North Hollywood straight out of kollel. It was a bit different from Crown Heights. “Our initial building was the old farmer’s market, which was there before there were even homes, when everything was orange groves. The place was purchased in 1981; I didn’t come out until 1982. At that time it was, I believe, a liquor store.” Sarah is originally from Manchester, England, but she was no stranger to California. She had spent time out west in in Chabad Gan Israel in Tarzana. She’s a veteran teacher, which has no doubt served the community well over the years. Theirs is very much a family shul. Out of 11 children, one of their sons has now joined them in North Hollywood. Rabbi Nachman Abend went to yeshivah in Israel and in Crown Heights. He then spent a year in Minsk, Belarusk, doing community outreach there, followed by two years at Yale University opening a Chabad center. Shortly after that he married his wife, Elkie, and spent some time in kollel. The two of them rejoined the forces in North Hollywood about eight years ago.

Rabbi Nachman fills in a little more of the history: “Chabad of North Hol-

Chabad of North Hollywood Hebrew School

lywood primarily served as a neighborhood shul. The focus was not as much on outreach as on being a community shul with classes and holiday programs. That’s how it was for many years.” In a community largely made up of Holocaust survivors, and with the nearby Chabad of the Valley, a community shul was all that was needed. But things change.

“Over the years the neighborhood has grown and we have grown,” says Rabbi Aaron. “We started out with many Holocaust survivors; unfortunately many have now passed on. Now it is mainly young people and families who attend services. We are doing, and continue to do, all different types of activities. On the one hand we are a local-based shul, but on the other hand we go out into the community and do God’s work – whether that’s feeding people who don’t have anything to eat or giving kids with cancer the time of their lives.”

Rabbi Nachman adds to the timeline: “About eight years ago, when I moved back out here, was when we began the shift of turning Chabad of North Hollywood into a full-fledged community center, with a Hebrew school under the leadership of Mrs. Elkie Abend, senior programs, and holiday activities. These are things that have been needed for a while.

The community in North Hollywood is very large, with many different synagogues, but Chabad was not being used to its full capacity. So that is what our community center is doing. We also embarked on a building campaign and are in the process now of building our new center. The whole exterior will be Jerusalem stone – expensive, but you can’t underestimate the effect on the people who pass by. They may

Artist rendition of future center

never have walked into a synagogue. It may take a few years for them to walk in. But driving by and seeing such a beautiful building can in itself be an inspiration to people.”

There have been different kinds of attention surrounding the new building, but Rabbi Aaron is all practicality and positivity. “We’ve been in our current building 30 plus years. We grew out of it more than 20 years ago. When they put in the Orange line, the local bus line, there was a reconfiguration of the land. The outcome was that our property increased and we had the reality of building a new building. We went through the process, we crossed our t’s and dotted our i’s. It’s been a very lengthy and costly process. There was small opposition from several neighbors who make a lot of noise. But we did everything properly and legally and have all our permits. I believe the city loves us because we’re good people and we follow the rules.” Rabbi Nachman adds, “And at the completion of the building we will be doing even more.”

What they are currently doing is pretty impressive. Aside from daily service and high holiday services, Chabad of North Hollywood puts on an impressive number of Torah classes. They have weekly Parsha, Talmud study, and Maimonides classes, along with Rabbi Aaron’s Chassidic Philosophy class, which is well-attended both by members of the shul and of the greater community. They also provide a Jewish Learning Institute program, which encompasses three 6-week courses throughout the year on various

By Alisa Roberts

interesting topics. As Rabbi Nachman puts it, “All the good stuff.”

But shul services and classes are just scratching the surface. “Our mission is to help people,” says Rabbi Aaron. “To fill the void. For example, we’re building a men’s mikveh in our building. There’s a communal mikveh right down the block for ladies, but the community needs a men’s mikveh so that’s part of what we’re building in our structure. We’ve been running a Hebrew school for a long time. It serves those who don’t go to day school, but are still Jews who need a Jewish education. We go to nursing homes every Friday to make Shabbos programs – and we approached them.

We also do community programs and holiday events. We make a Simchat Beis Hashoeva every Succos, we have a Lag Baomer celebration in the park.”

Not all of what they do for the community is as cheerful as holiday celebrations. “Filling the void” is a philosophy – and responsibility – that Chabad of North Hollywood takes very seriously. “One of our highlight programs, which has a lot of community involvement,” Rabbi Nachman tells me, “is every day we feed 101 homeless people. It’s a daily program, Monday through Friday. The food (it’s a sack lunch) is prepared in our kitchen and is distributed. A good friend approached us and asked us to team up with him to make this program happen. He saw that there was a need for it in certain parts of the East Valley.

Every day we go to parks and shelters where people are hungry, and we feed them. That’s what we do. The idea of

25

Rabbi Nachman Abend, distributing food packages to the homeless

The Jewish Home

Rabbi Aaron Abend, second from right, with event attendees

august 29, 2013

101 is the numerical value of the angel Michael. So it’s called Project 101.

In general it’s a very simple project.

When it comes to people being hungry, we all need to eat. So when we pass out the food, generally people take it and swallow the sandwich down. We put a little message in with the lunch, an inspiring quote of the day. They are not usually Jewish, but they’re appreciative, they say, “Thank God.” It’s not always just about the food – they recognize God in the world. It’s similar to Abraham’s tent, where anyone who was hungry could come and eat and say a blessing.”

Rabbi Aaron has another story.

“As everybody in the Orthodox com-

Rabbi Nachman Abend giving a class

munity knows, people come to collect money during davening. So there was a guy who used to come here all the time. We had a nice conversation. He was living out of his car, and he was scared of what would be. I gave him my phone number, wrote it on my card. Two years later, I think it was, I get a call from the city morgue. He had passed away in his car, and they found my card in his wallet. He didn’t have anyone or anything. So we arranged a funeral for him so that he could be buried properly in a Jewish cemetery.

That’s filling the void.”

And both Rabbis are eager to tell me about another program that they run. “Lehosheet Yad is an organization

based in Israel, but we have undertaken to be the Los Angeles branch,” says Rabbi Aaron. “Basically, we take kids from Israel who have cancer and bring them out here for several weeks, and we give them the time of their lives.

We give them a break from the hospitals and the horrors that they have to go through. It’s a pretty major operation. My son can tell you more.”

And Rabbi Nachman is happy to: “We bring out a group of 18 children every year along with a staff of 10: doctors, nurses, counselors, and different support staff. We go to all the parks – Disneyland, Magic Mountain, Universal Studios, Sea World San Diego. We go to Hollywood, Venice Beach – all the sights. We give them the time of their lives. Many of these kids don’t come from religious homes. Some do, but many don’t. So we give them a very inspiring Shabbat dinner, with singing and praying and dancing. It’s a very emotional experience.

Literally what this program does is give them a second lease on life. I’ve seen it, and I’ve heard it from the children. They get out of the hospital and away from the chemo and all the things they are going through.

Many times they have to go straight back to the hospital to continue treatment, but many times it gives them the strength to be able to continue fighting the disease.”

When I asked him if any memorable stories stood out

to him, he responded right away. “As a matter of fact, this year there was a 15-year old boy who had already lost one of his legs from cancer, he was an amputee. I had the opportunity to put on teffilin with him, which he hadn’t done since his bar mitzvah. He sat in his wheelchair as we said the blessings, prayed together, and then he said, with tears in his eyes, that it was the highlight of his trip. How a young kid could pick that up, especially with all he’s been through – to me that was heartwarming.”

The trip doesn’t end at the close of those two weeks, either. “We stay connected. I was just in Israel a few weeks ago visiting children in the hospital and in their homes. It becomes a lifelong connection. I went with a group of people from the community.

Members of the community are also involved. We get the local young teenagers involved, we get them volunteering with the group. Everyone meets the kids, they get to know them. It’s an all-around wonderful experience.

As we always say, a better experience would be that God-willing we don’t have a trip next year because everyone is healthy. But we do what we can.”

And they intend to continue doing what they can. “Regarding the future,” Rabbi Nachman tells me, “we intend to build better on what we have, to expand our existing programs. The idea is to expand what we have and keep the building busy 24/7.” Rabbi Aaron sums it up: “Chabad’s philosophy is helping the world. God is the God of all people.”

The Jewish Home

august 29, 2013

26

Tierra Sur Some things are worth the drive.

Tierra Sur is the fabulous restaurant connected to the Herzog Winery in Oxnard, California. When I lived in the valley, Tierra Sur was my go-to for special occasions; every year when my birthday rolled around I’d spend the afternoon at the Oxnard shopping outlets and swing by Tierra Sur for an incredible dinner. However, when I moved over the hill to Los Angeles, suddenly I developed the “city attitude” that I used to rail against: anything past Hollywood and Highland is not worth the shlep.

Developing the opposite perspective is

worthwhile especially when it comes to fine dining. A little patience and planning will open you up to the magical world past the freeway, where parking is free and people use plastic bags without shame. Still, Oxnard seems so very far away. So, before I tell you about the lifeaffirming dishes of Tierra Sur, I thought I’d offer advice on how to get there in about an hour.

There’s a free app called Waze that’s Israeli made (booyah) and tells you the quickest route based on distance and reality (traffic). We did this and took the unlikely route of the 170 freeway to the 118 and got from La Brea to Oxnard in

70 minutes. Our less tech-savvy friends went old school on the 101, got stuck in traffic, and got there in a grumpy 150 minutes. Be smart, use waze, and going to Herzog Winery is just a tad longer than going to “the other side of town”.

Using my advice, you’ll take a calm, luxurious drive through the quiet roads of Oxnard, surrounded by green pastures and honest to goodness vineyards, and reach the Herzog winery. After you park in their ample parking spots (told you!) you’ll walk past their beautifully manicured lawn, and if you’re lucky, spot a few bunnies on the way. Upstairs is the self-guided tour where you’ll see

giant barrels of wine aged and bottled on site as well as a pictorial history of the Herzog dynasty and their winery.

The history of the Herzogs is fascinating and I’m sure you’ll find their story worthwhile. We’re good friends with some Herzog grandchildren (looking at you, Jono and Faige) and I can attest that the Herzog class, savvy, and knowledge of good food and wines has been past down through the generations.

Afterward, you can do a wine tasting as well as dine on the tasty, snacky, tapas menu which includes fun dishes like short rib potpie and sweet potato fries.

The wine tasting is nestled in the middle

and flavored sparingly to really allow the natural taste of the ‘shrooms take the stage. Usually mushroom appetizers are sautéed, sometimes to death, so this was a nice surprise. FYI, microgreens are the latest rage in vegetable nutrition, they can be any leafy vegetable that is picked after only growing for 7-14 days and are tiny, nutrient-packed, superstars. This was an unusual concoction, where each forkful differed in taste and was a joy to eat. It’s definitely one of the two dishes I recommend.

We polished off a perfectly done medium-rare grilled rib eye steak and sea bass with a crunchy, nutty crust and ordered dessert. We split churros aka churrisimo (“cute”) because of their round shape as well as a new offering, lemon semifreddo. Since Tierra Sur opened I’ve loved their churros and chocolate sauce, and the new donut hole shape was even better. But, the meyer lemon semifreddo was so special and different it deserves a rightful place as a 2 Dishes all-star. I honestly had no clue what semifreddo might be, but it’s kinda like a cross between mousse and gelato and was soft and smooth, like a lemon flavored cloud. It also has bits of sweet crunch in it made from pine nuts and a smattering of homemade strawberry jam.

Memorable and delicious. We paired our dessert with Baron Herzog late harvest, white Riesling wine, which is one of

my old favorites and great for those who appreciate sweet dessert wines.

Throughout the meal my husband sipped Baron Herzog black Muscat Jeunesse, which is also his favorite pairing for Shabbos lunch.

The hour grew late and it occurred to me that we were surrounded by celebration.

Cakes festooned with candles passed by our table celebrating a few birthday parties and the anniversary of one of our friends. Chef Garcia is proud that Tierra Sur has become a destination for happy times. He says, “our guests have chosen to make special memories in our restaurant and in each bite- we want to capture the honor that it brings us . . . it puts an emotion into the food, a passion that guests can taste.”

I certainly agree. The night could not have been more perfect. I will definitely be back soon, because some things are worth the drive.

Estee Cohen is a California native and goes out to eat more than is appropriate. She is a kosher food insider, has a patient husband and 3 little kids. She is passionate about restaurants, science education, and collects rooster figurines.

27

august 29, 2013

delicacies such as quail and bison.

It’s hard to keep up with Garcia’s unusual and varied menus, so my particular dishes will likely differ from your meal in a month from now.

Therefore, I want to give you my general recommendations before going into what I specifically enjoyed. Tierra Sur’s appetizers are unique in taste, presentation, and ingredients.

Use their appetizers as an opportunity to expand your dining horizons and try something new. Their main dishes have large portions and often, unusual side dishes and are similar to things you have tasted in your life- just better. My best recommendation for your main course is to go with a classic steak. My favorite chef, and sister, Erica Solomon always snickers when I order chicken or fish, “when in a steak house, get a steak.” This is good advice for always, and especially for this restaurant where your steak is grilled exactly to your preference, and will never disappoint. One last tip: get dessert. It’s worth it. Their Mexican chocolate cake is one of my all time favorite desserts in the world.

I was absolutely in love with my appetizer: a “mushroom toast” which consisted of a crusty toasted bread, sauce with a spicy kick, a sunny side up egg, microgreens, and six different types of mushrooms including lobster mushrooms and oyster mushrooms, all prepared dry

The Jewish Home

of the cutest store teeming with kitchy tableware, wine paraphernalia, high quality chocolates, cigars, and packaged gourmet goodies. (Note: the tapas menu is available only from 4 pm-7 pm.)

When you reach the entrance to the restaurant it’s immediately obvious why Tierra Sur has been rated the #1 Kosher restaurant by Zagat. The elegant décor, tall ceilings, and warm color palette create an inviting and, after dusk, romantic ambience. There’s also outdoor seating next to the stone barbeque where your meat and fish is grilled. Thoughtfully, a custom screen shields customers from smoke.

I’m immediately impressed with how knowledgeable the waiter is- not only does he accurately describe the food, but he can discuss spices, flavors, and wine pairings with ease. Glancing through the menu I noted that the many ingredients, such as heirloom tomatoes, are repeatedly used in several dishes.

This is because Tierra Sur is big on sustainability and therefore makes the most of local produce.

Renowned chef Gabriel Garcia explains that while most restaurants come up with menus and then purchase ingredients, he visits local farmers and purchases fruits and vegetables that are in season and creates original recipes based on the bounty available. Tierra Sur is also known for offering hard to find cuts of meat and rare

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FIN EST D• QU

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NO HORMONES & NO ANTIBIOTICS ADDED

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EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 4TH 2013 • Not responsible for typographic & PRODUCT IMAGE errors • Western Kosher Specials are for in-store shopping only and may be subject to limited quantities depending on available stock

EASY WAYS TO SHOP

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29 The Jewish Home

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B”H

The Jewish Home august 29, 2013 30

31

With the coming of the twenty-first century, with more of the entire world population gaining access to university education, the need to march out into the working world with at least a college degree, if not higher, has become an absolute must.

So when we speak of “higher education for the Jewish community,” we are speaking of more than higher education in which it just happens to be Jewish students receiving tutelage and training, but with nothing specifically Jewish about that training? That could be what is meant by the term “Jewish higher education.” But “higher Jewish education” means more. I would argue that there is a real distinction here, and that it is an important one, but to explain, we need to take a brief trip down memory lane.

In the Fifties and Sixties, people who attended “Litvishe” Yeshivos—European–styled Yeshivos, like Torah Voda’ath, where I went—were directed into educational programs that led to work as accountants, perhaps as pharmacists or doctors, and sometimes in some “theoretical” disciplines like philosophy or physics.

Sometimes, people would “drift” into areas that were filled with challenges to Jewish ideology. If one wanted to become a physician, one had to study biology, and that inevitably led to being right in the middle of the Evolution controversy that challenged Jewish beliefs. Some yeshiva students shrugged their shoulders, ignored the ideology, and managed to pursue solid medical careers. But some did not, falling into the conundrums that the life sciences—and many other disciplines—pose to a committed, believing Jew. In some places, an attempt was made to combine the two areas of Limudei Kodesh (Jewish studies) and Limudei Chol (secular studies). An idea was touted under the word “synthesis” (a word I discovered you can get sick of hearing if you hear it enough times), which proposed to meld Limudei Kodesh and Limudei Chol.

It seemed to me even then (as it does today) “synthesis” was a vain hope and a mistaken approach. No wonder that when I finished college, I turned my back on the scholarships and the grad school offers and spent a year in Yeshivat Sha’alvim, in the wilderness halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv—only to come back to the U.S. at the end of that year to learn with the Rav. (“Every time I Think I’m out,” I would say in my best Pacino impression, “They pull me back in!”)

So what is the point here? Simply this: If all we are interested in is gaining expertise in a discipline so that we could qualify for a highly skilled (and well-paying) job, which requires what I call “Jewish higher education.” I and presumably most of the readers of this piece are the “Jewish” part of the equation, and the totally secular

coursework is the “higher education” part.

In this scenario, there would not be—and shouldn’t be—any connection or interaction between the teachings and the methods of the secular disciplines mastered and the body of Torah knowledge that has been “harvested” in the yeshivos and mechonim that the students have attended. Students who have studied in the total-immersion day-and night environment of a Yeshivish institution have gained proficiency in the techniques and knowledge of that way of learning—a way that has produced generation after generation of brilliant Talmudic scholars—iluyim and geonim—and that can stand up to the intellectual standards and academic rigors of any secular discipline known.

But then, under these circumstances, can there still be an interaction—something that elevates it from simply “Jewish higher education” and makes it “higher Jewish education”? Yes, for there are tools and expertise that are garnered in the secular disciplines that can be used to advantage and to enlightenment when applied to Jewish learning—the learning I refer to is that gained in the traditional and uncompromising Yeshiva regimen and environment, which has developed over the past half-century in the Eastern U.S. and in Israel—and, thank G-d, over the past several decades in Los Angeles.

This is the foundation of the system Touro has developed: young men and women can study in Yeshivos and seminaries, in the U.S. or in Israel, learning Torah at the most intense level and in the manner that Limudei Kodesh has been studied for centuries. And then, having received college credit for those studies (as they should), they can attend a college designed to follow the Jewish calendar and that provides a spiritually inspirational and a joyful Jewish environment, with special programs, events and services. It offers serious college courses in both purely secular areas—highly rated majors in Business and Psychology, and courses in accounting, and a health-oriented curriculum that prepares students to enter the health field at many levels—from medical school to all allied areas of therapeutic and health-care specialties (with Touro students receiving preferred admission to all of Touro’s many graduate and professional programs and schools across the United States).

But at Touro College–Los Angeles, they can also take advanced courses in Jewish subjects, in which the tools, methods and findings of the secular intellectual and scientific world are also applied appropriately to Jewish subjects. The findings of modern archaeology (far from being a threat) are used to better understand episodes and passages of Tanach. Logic and reasoning are applied to sugyot (subject areas) of Talmud. Physiology and genetics

illuminate not only Kashruth and medical subjects, but also Hashkafa concepts of Neshama and and Midos.

In a course given this past summer on Jewish Business Ethics, detailed analysis of sugyot in Talmud were analyzed using classical Yeshivish methods, but on two occasions, sophisticated mathematical methods were brought to bear. On one occasion, the classic game-theoretical problem of the “Prisoner’s Dilemma” was applied to business partnerships; and on another occasion, the mathematical puzzle of the “Secretary Problem” was applied to determine the Halachic legitimacy of the means actually used in many states to determine which patients will receive an organ transplant.

These analyses would have been impossible without using the purely secular disciplines in which these subjects were developed.

Out of this comes a Higher Jewish Education. This was the vision that the University’s founder, the late Dr. Bernard Lander, zt”l, had for Touro: he envisioned an institution of higher secular education that allows young men and women to study Jewish subjects during their college years for a year or more in institutions devoted to the intense study that is the hallmark of the yeshivos for men and the mechonim for women. While young men and women have the opportunity to learn intensively for some of their college years, they can still master secular disciplines that will enable them to enter either graduate studies or medical or law school. In addition, they can study classic Jewish subjects in the light of how secular disciplines—their scholarship, reasoning, and analysis—sheds light in nuances of meaning and depth of understanding. That’s when it becomes Higher Jewish Education.

This is one reason why Touro has grown to the point that it now has some 20,000 students worldwide; educates more physicians in its five medical schools than any other institution (public or private) in the world!; and provides a traditional, authentic, spiritually uplifting and inspirational education for young men and women who seek to become contributing and authentically educated members of American Jewry. _______________________________ “Touro-LA Corner” is edited by Rabbi Harold Rabinowitz, a proud product of Yeshiva Torah Vodaas and Yeshiva University and is (an equally proud) member of the TCLA Faculty.

august 29, 2013

The Jewish mind has always sought to delve into the deepest mysteries of the universe and beyond the borders of human knowledge; was it not just such mental and spiritual “pioneering” that led our Patriarch Abraham to look at the universe and conclude that there is a Creator, and that “iss din ve’dayan”—there is justice and a Judge over creation? For Jews, detailed knowledge of the physical universe focused on the needs created by Halachah—the practices of Jewish Law. A basic knowledge of human and animal physiology was necessary in determining many issues in Kashruth and a host of other areas of Jewish practice; and the high value placed on the human life and health made Jewish interest in—and involvement in—medical science only natural. Perhaps some people will argue that the preponderance of Jewish minds in medicine and the sciences is just an accident of history—the result of the fact that these were the only professions open to Jews throughout much of human history. But you’ll never convince me of that.

Having worked closely with scientists both Jewish and non-Jewish, I have come to recognize a unique and identifiable ethos that typifies the thinking of Jewish scientists. And now, over a half century after the passing of Albert Einstein, historians and philosophers of science are beginning to realize that the Germans were right: Einstein’s physics was indeed redolent with Jewish ideas, values, concepts and constructions (as Professor Steven Gimbel has shown in his recent book, Einstein’s Jewish Science). Their only mistake was in thinking that that alone made it incorrect!

Given the age-old innate Jewish love for intellectual pursuits, the numbers of Jewish Nobel Prize winners and the achievement of Jews in virtually every area of academic activity should come as no surprise; any more than should the fact that the Maharal of Prague conducted a lively correspondence with Tycho Brahe, the Danish astronomer who conducted the astronomical observations that lead directly to the scientific revolution ushered in by Kepler and Copernicus.

In the twentieth century, higher education became more important in human civilization as the problems we humans faced became more difficult and in need of more careful and considered treatment. University and professional training became a must in fields like medicine, engineering, science—and even in the social sciences and the humanities, people trained and proficient in higher learning became essential contributors to the welfare of societies and the flourishing of civilization. For the most part, people with advanced degrees and, more importantly, advanced knowledge, became critical for designing solutions to persistent, intractable problems.

By Rabbi Harold Rabinowitz

The Jewish Home

At Touro, What IS “Higher Jewish Education”?

32 2013 T h e TJHE eThe wJ EWISH i Jewish s h h o mHOME eHome n na uMAY gaugust u s T2 42 ,9 2012 ,29, 2013

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You Gotta be

Kidding!

Bob arrives at the football game after the first quarter. “Why are you so late?” his friend, Mike asks. “Well,” replied Bob, “you see, my cousin is getting married tonight and I was really supposed to go to the wedding.”

“So what are you doing here?” asks Mike.

Bob replies, “Well, I just really wanted to see this football game more than anything in the world. I didn’t know what to do: should I go to the wedding or come to the game. After making myself crazy about what to do, I decided to toss a coin. It was heads, which is why I’m here!”

“But why are you so late?” asks Mike.

Bob answers, “Well, I had to toss the coin 17 times.”

Riddle!

Giants’ coach Tom Coughlin is known for keeping his team to a tight schedule in practice. Like all NFL coaches, he meets with each unit of the team separately. He has a set schedule that he follows each day.

• Defensive linemen meet fifteen minutes after the running backs.

• Offensive linemen meet after the receivers.

• Quarterbacks meet before the receivers but after the running backs.

• The different times that the meetings are held are: 6:30, 6:45, 7:00, 7:15, and 7:30AM. Based on the clues above, what’s the schedule?

Answer on next page

Which one of the following people never played in the NFL? E Tshimanga Biakabutuka

E Peerless Price

E Richie Incognito

E Captain Munnerlyn

E Cory Lekkerkerker

E Lousaka Polite

E Chris Fuamatu-Ma’Afala

E Junior Glymph

E Bronko Nagurski

E Ras-I Dowling

E Le-Lo L. Lang

E Rex Hadnot

E C.J. Ah You

E Isaako Aaitui

E Yourhighness Morgan

E Ikechuku Ndukwe

E Kirby Dar Dar

E Nnamdi Asomugha

E Lofa Tatupu

E Babatunde Oshinowo

E Vaka Manupuna

E Ebenezer Ekuban

E Adimchinobe Echemandu

E Syndric Steptoe

E Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila

E Akbar Oluwakemi-Idowu Gbaja-Biamila

E T.J. Houshmandzadeh

E Josh Smith Answer on next page

The T hJewish e J e w i sHome h h o m e august n a u g29, u s T2013 2 9 , 2013

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1. How many footballs is the home team (which plays in an outdoor stadium) required to provide for game day? a. 10 b. 16 c. 24 d. 36 2. A receiver makes a leaping dive over the defender and makes a gorgeous 35-yard catch. To celebrate, he gestures like he is the “Incredible Hulk” or does a little dance. What should the referee do? a. Laugh it off and say, “Come on, let’s go...clock is rolling,” or something like that b. Give him a delay of game warning c. Give his team a 5-yard penalty d. Give his team a 15-yard penalty 3. The Giants start the game by kicking off from the 30-yard line to the Jets. The Giants’ kicker kicks the ball out of bounds at the Jets’ 32-yard line.

The official throws his flag, indicating an illegal procedure. Where is the ball spotted? a. At the Jets’ 40-yard line. b. At the Jets’ 32-yard line. c. At the Giants’ 25-yard line. d. At the Jets’ 20-yard line.

4. What is the penalty for encroachment? a. Automatic 1st down b. 5-yards c. 10-yards d. 15-yards

Answer to riddle: 6:30 AM - Running backs 6:45 AM - Defensive linemen 7:00 AM - Quarterbacks 7:15 AM - Receivers 7:30 AM - Offensive linemen

5. Tom Brady tries to elude a defender.

He throws the football, only to have it batted back to him. He catches the ball and then, after finally shaking his pursuer, throws the ball again, completing a spectacular 37-yard pass to his tight end. Does this play count? a. Sure, classic Brady play! b. Nope 6. On 1st and 10 from the Cowboys 8-yard line, Dallas is called for holding.

Where does the referee spot the football? a. Dallas 4-yard line b. Dallas 1 yard line c. Stays at the 8-yard line and Dallas loses a down d. Dallas 3 yard-line Answers 1. D-The home club is required to provide 36 balls for outdoor games. Twelve of those footballs must be sealed in a special box and shipped by the manufacturer, to be opened in the officials’ locker room two hours prior to the starting time of the game. These balls are to be specially marked with the letter “K” and used exclusively for the kicking game.

(This is done because kickers used to tamper with the balls to make them have more flight when kicked.)

2. The NFL announced that this season it will enforce the rule that a team will get a 15-yard penalty if a player commits these acts: “sack dances; home run swing; incredible hulk; spiking the ball; spinning the ball; throwing or shoving the ball; pointing; pointing the ball; verbal taunting; military salute; standing over an op-

Answer to who was not in the NFL: Josh Smith

T HE J EWISH HOME n MAY 2 4 , 2012

“Wanna Ref in the NFL” Trivia ponent (prolonged and with provocation); or dancing.”

3. A- If a kickoff goes out of bounds, the ball is spotted no farther than 30 yards from the spot of the kick. In this case, the Jets would get the ball at their own 40-yard line. If the kick had gone out of bounds before travelling 30 yards, the receiving team would get the ball at that spot.

4. B- Encroachment is when a defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage and makes contact with an opponent before the ball is snapped. The penalty is 5-yards.

5. B-Only one forward pass may be attempted per down.

The quarterback catching the ball is considered a self-pass, meaning that he could run with the ball or lateral it, but he cannot throw it again. The Patriots would lose five yards from the spot of this illegal forward pass.

6. C-Holding is a 10-yard penalty that is enforced from the spot of the ball. However, since Dallas has the ball at their own 8-yard line, the ball is moved back half the distance to the Cowboy’s goal line, which would be their 4-yard line.

Scorecard 5-6 correct- You should ref in the Super Bowl. (Hey, watch out, don’t do the happy dance! I’ll have to penalize you!)

3-4 correct- You are stuck at the 50yard line. Guess you gotta kick it.

0-2 correct- You wouldn’t even qualify to referee a game of checkers!

G OT FU N N Y?

Comm Let the ission er dec Send your s tuff

ide

to fivetow centerfold@ nsjewis hhome. com

34 T h e J eThe w i sJewish h h o m eHome n a u gaugust u s T 2 929, , 2013 2013

88

Notable

Quotes

Compiled by Nate Davis

“Say What?”

Recently, in one of the New York City subway cars, they found a dead shark. Other passengers just thought he was sleeping so they didn’t say anything. The Transit authority suspects foul play.

- david letterman We’re using a very strong four-letter word to describe this winter, which is C-O-L-D. It’s going to be very cold.

- sandi duncan, managing editor of The Farmers’ Almanac, making a similar prediction to the one they made for the past 197 years

Doctors told President George W. Bush to avoid any heavy exertion, so that means no reading. He had a little touch of coronary artery disease. One of his arteries was clogged with old Al Gore ballots.

- david letterman

You will need a large bottle of Advil.

- department of homeland security secretary napolitano at her goodbye party, imparting advice to her yet-to-be-named successor

I love Hillary. I told her a while back that she should cut her hair. She said she couldn’t do it then because when she arrived in a foreign country and asked for a hairdresser, Homeland Security would have to check the person out.

- fashion designer oscar de la renta

For a lot of people, [Obamacare]it will be cheaper than your cell phone bill.

- president obama during a radio interview

So you have your regular Oreos and they have Double Stuf Oreos. Somebody measured the things, and it turns out there is not twice the amount of stuff as in the regular Oreos. No double ammonium bicarbonate, no double thiamine mononitrate, no double calcium phosphate.

- david letterman

They went Negative First using NY Post as there SURRAGATE attack DOG. That’s why our guys pushed into this Ads. - exact text, form and spelling of an email blast sent by republican mayoral candidate John catsimatidis against his opponent

Now if you are at home measuring stuff in an Oreo, you should take a long, hard look at your life. I’ll tell you something else right now: we wouldn’t have to worry about stuff like this if New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was president.

- david letterman

What we saw in Syria last week should shock the conscience of the world. It defies any code of morality. Let me be clear: the indiscriminate slaughter of civilians, the killing of women and children and innocent bystanders by chemical weapons is a moral obscenity. By any standard it is inexcusable, and despite the excuses and equivocations that some have manufactured, it is undeniable.

- secretary of state John kerry We are ready to go, like that, the options are there, the United States Department of Defense is ready to carry out those options.

- secretary of defense hagel discussing a possible attack on syria Would any state use chemicals or any other weapons of mass destruction in a place where its own forces are concentrated?

That would go against elementary logic. Failure awaits the United States as in all previous wars it has unleashed, starting with Vietnam and up to the present day.

- syrian president bashar al-assad in an interview with a russian newspaper No military attack will be waged against Syria. Yet, if such an incident takes place, which is impossible, the Zionist regime will be the first victim of a military attack on Syria.

- hossein sheikholeslam, the director general of the iranian parliament’s international affairs bureau The West behaves in the Islamic world like a monkey with a grenade.

- dmitry rogozin, russia’s deputy prime minister

I started off by saying, “Mr. President, I voted for you before, but how will things be different four years from now? You haven’t passed a budget. Even Democrats aren’t supporting you much.

And why didn’t you support Simpson-Bowles?” The audience was a bit shocked. … [Obama] said, “I came up with a much better program than Simpson-Bowles.” I answered, “Mr. President, with all due respect, your solution may be a better one, but no one is supporting it.” “Well, in a matter of time, I can get this done,” he said. “The first thing I’m going to do is let the Bush tax cuts expire on the wealthy, and that will make a big difference in the deficit.”

I told him, “A nonpartisan committee has estimated the total amount of money saved by letting those cuts expire will add up to only $40 billion a year. It costs $10 billion a day to run this country, so that money will last only four days.” At this point, someone came over and touched my arm and said, “I think that’s enough.”

- motivational speaker tony robbins, discussing an encounter with president obama

35

He’s the one who started to sound like something of an idiot Monday, and not just because Mehta is one of ours. Who knows, maybe there is a stronger bond than we knew of between Christie and Ryan because they both have undergone lap-band surgery the past couple of years, maybe it’s some kind of “Lap-Band of Brothers” deal.

- New York Daily News in response, referring to the fact that both christie and ryan both underwent lap-band surgeries

If I would’ve put an “I love Obam”’ mural up there, I would probably have every ACLU lawyer from here to San Francisco in a circle up there holding hands in front of my sign.

- brent kovac, claiming that his first amendment right was violated when his landlord painted over the large “impeach obama” sign he posted outside his rental office space

This is what happens when you get to be 52-years-old.

- president obama after being corrected by a crowd in buffalo when he mixed up the names of buffalo’s mayor and congressman

At some point, the government will run out of money, which means more and more costs are being loaded onto students and their families.

- president obama at state university of new york in buffalo on august 22nd The deficit has gone down.

It’s now dropped at the fastest rate in 60 years.

The deficit has been cut in half since 2009 and is on a downward trajectory...We don’t have an urgent deficit crisis. The only crisis we have is one that’s manufactured in Washington.

- ibid., on august 23rd at state university of new york in binghamton

I wouldn’t want to get ahead of the legal process here.

- White house press secretary Josh earnest, responding to the senseless killing of christopher lane, taking a different stand than what the White house took after the trayvon martin shooting Does President Obama have another imaginary son who maybe would look like Christopher Lane?

- conservative radio host dana loesch

I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get Congress — and Republicans in Congress in particular — to think less about politics and party and think more about what’s good for the country...I’ve made this argument to my Republican friends privately, and, by the way, sometimes they say to me privately, “I agree with you, but I’m worried about a primary from, you know, somebody in the tea party back in my district” or, “I’m worried about what Rush Limbaugh is going to say about me on radio.”

- president obama on cnn

The conversation on global warming has been stalled because a shrinking group of denialists fly into a rage when it’s mentioned.

It’s like a family with an alcoholic father who flies into a rage every time a subject is mentioned and so everybody avoids the elephant in the room to keep the peace. But the political climate is changing... And as I said, many Republicans who’re still timid on the issue are now openly embarrassed about the extreme deniers.

The deniers are being hit politically. They’re being subjected to ridicule, which stings...The ability of the raging deniers to stop progress is waning every single day. When that conversation is won, you’ll see more measures at the local and state level and less resistance to what the EPA is doing. And slowly it will become popular to propose steps that go further.

- al gore in an interview with The Washington Post. (his mansion’s carbon footprint is the equivalent of the carbon footprint of 20 homes.)

The people of Germany believed Hitler’s foolishness that led to the Holocaust.

They believed that stuff.

People will tend to believe what they hear through the media. Most of these people are not media people; they are bloggers, and they are bloggers for the extreme right-wing.

- rep. James clyburn (d-md.) discussing conservative media, in a radio interview

The New York State Attorney General is now suing Donald Trump for $40 million dollars, saying that Trump University is a total fraud. And Trump Barber College? Being sued for $5 billion dollars.

- Jay leno

I don’t have the legal background to know if that rises to high crimes and misdemeanor but I think they’re getting perilously close.

- republican sen. tom coburn (rok) in a speech at a local civic center, discussing the obama administration’s violations of the constitution and possible impeachment

Warfare is eminent, and in order for black people to survive the 21st century, we are going to have to kill a lot of whites – more than our Christian hearts can possibly count.

- a blog post by ayo kimathi who works for the department of homeland security and is responsible for procurement of guns and ammunition for u.s. immigration and customs enforcement. (once his hateful blog was exposed he was placed on paid leave.)

The coffee shop was so noisy, my tape recorder didn’t pick up everything. I thought I had that one quote from her in my notes, but I garbled the end with a bit from her previous sentence...I’ve apologized to the DeBlasio and Quinn campaigns and I am going to buy some kind of noise-cancelling microphone for my recorder.

- New Y ork Times columnist maureen dowd, whose misquoted bill deblasio’s wife talking about christine quinn

They say it tastes like vomit.

- harlan county, kentucky, public school board member myra mosley at a contentious board meeting last week after the school lunch program started conforming to the new usda meal regulations touted by michelle obama

89

TheT hJewish e J e w iHome s h h o maugust e n a u29, g u2013 s T 2 9 , 2013

Manesh Mehta is an idiot. The guy is a complete idiot, selfconsumed, underpaid, reporter.

- governor chris christie on monday while guest-hosting on Wfan sports radio, defending Jet coach rex ryan for losing his cool at Daily News reporter manesh mehta

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37 The Jewish Home

Global Could This be the Future Mayor of Moscow?

What is the nature of the eternal bond between husband and wife, which even death cannot undo?

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This man may be running for office in Russia, but he is foremost an anti-Semitic thug. Alexei Navalny is the so-called “defender of Russian democracy” and is known for his opposition to President Vladimir Putin. But just because he is opposing the Russian dictator, doesn’t mean he stands for justice. The 37-year-old is running for mayor of Moscow in the September 8 election and many are concerned for minorities if he does indeed win.

In a party celebrating the anniversary of the newspaper The New Times, the Russian blogger suggested that they “make the first toast for the Holocaust,” he referred to religious Jews in his blog as “dandies in fox hats and rags” and stated that “whoever wants to live in Russia has to become Russian – in the full sense of the word.”

But his virulent remarks are not just aimed at Jews; he is openly critical of other minorities. In a video distributed in Moscow, he identifies dark skinned Caucasians as cockroaches and states, “Although one can kill cockroaches with a shoe, when it comes to human beings, I recommend using a gun.”

In the past he has declared: “This is our country, and it is our duty to eliminate all the crooks who suck our blood ... All immigrants are like dental caries, destroying the Russian public.

There is no need to hit anybody – whoever is in our way will be deported by a strong hand. There is a need for full cleansing/disinfection.”

When accused of being a dangerous nationalist, Navalny stated, “Nationalism is dangerous only when it is in underground – when it is part of the government it becomes more moderate,” adding that “the mayor of Rome is also a neo fascist and so far, there were no pogroms in the city.’’

His rise in politics came in 2008 when he started blogging about allegations of malpractice and corruption found in some of Russia’s big state-controlled corporations. He then started opposing the ruling party in Russia, which he dubbed the “party of crooks and thieves.” Interestingly, on July 18 of this year, Navalny was sentenced to five years in prison for embezzlement and fraud charges but he is free pending a ruling on his appeal.

CO M I N

‫על‬ ‫המועדים‬

2 volume set on the Moadim, in English

G SOON!

Bereishis / Shemos French Edition

august 29, 2013

‫מה הקשר הנצחי‬ ‫שאינו פוסק אף לאחר‬ ?‫מיתת האיש והאשה‬

Meet China’s Richest Man

Iran Teaching Students to Disrupt Drones

The Jewish Home

august 29, 2013

38

Wang Jianlin is the owner of China’s biggest commercial land developer.

Based on filings of Dalian Wanda Group and filings of his other non-real estate businesses, Jianlin is far more valuable than previously calculated, making him China’s richest man. Aside from his role as chairman of the closely held conglomerate, he also became the owner of the world’s biggest movie theater chain last year when he acquired AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. for $2.6 billion.

The 58-year-old is the oldest of five brothers born to a military family in western China’s Sichuan province. After serving in the People’s Liberation army for 16 years, Wang took a job at an indebted residential developer in the Northern port city of Dalian and changed the company’s name to Dalian Wanda. He became the general manager in 1992.

Since then, Wang has overseen the development of 72 shopping centers, called “Wanda Plazas.”

It’s no secret that China’s retail industry is thriving and Wang plans to take advantage of that. “Chinese consumption, particularly high-end consumption, is booming,” Wang told reporters in Beijing in June. Supposedly, he plans to own 110 plazas by 2014.

Wang owns 100% of Dalian Wanda directly and through holding company Dalian Hexing Investment Co. He owns 98% of Dalian Hexing and his son, Wang Sicong, owns 2%. The billionaire owns 61.6% in his flagship Dalian Wanda Commercial Property Co. directly and through Dalian Wanda Group, according to the filings. Dalian Wanda had revenue of $26 billion in the 12 months ending June 30.

Wang’s stake in Dalian Wanda Commercial Properties Co. is valued at $7.4 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Wang has another tremendous asset: 100% stake in the Wanda Department Store Co. chain. The company is valued at $5.6 billion, according to the Bloomberg ranking. The company currently has 62 stores but plans to expand to 120 stores by 2015. Wang’s stake in AMC is worth $1.3 billion.

According to Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Wang Jianlin is worth $14.2 billion.

According to an Iranian newspaper, Iran’s authoritative Revolutionary Guards paramilitary units plan to teach drone-hunting to school students. The media outlet quoted General Ali Fazli, acting commander of the Guard’s Basij militia, as saying the new program will be taught as part of a “defensive readiness” lesson in high schools starting in late September.

Fazli did not give details on the curriculum but made it clear that students would be taught how to track and disrupt drone aircrafts by hacking computer systems.

Iranian tyrants have been pushing for the country to include more military curricula and training in the education system. Currently, beginning in junior high, students take courses focusing on “civil defense.”

1,000 Escaping Arab Spring Head to Italy It was an incongruous sight on the beach in southern Italy: a fishing boat filled with passengers who leaped out to evade arrest. These were migrants who crossed the Mediterranean from North Africa to land in Italy searching for the peace that was elusive in their hometowns.

In the last week alone, 1,000 of these migrants have shown up in Italy and there’s no sign of stopping. On Friday, over 140 Egyptians and Syrians arrived; on Saturday another 200 landed onshore.

The United Nations Refugee Agency says that the number of Egyptians arriving in Italy has doubled, from 836 in 2012, to 1,641 so far this year. The number of Syrians has increased ten-fold.

“The increase in landings has been phenomenal,” said Carla Trommino, a lawyer who specializes in asylum cases with Italy’s Association for Legal Studies on Immigration (ASGI). “The route the migrants take has changed, because they used to land at the island of Lampedusa but now they prefer to come straight up to mainland Italy. Until two weeks ago we were sending them straight back. But two Egyptians have arrived since then, and they are going to be allowed to stay and

seek asylum.”

Last month, the UN said that some 7,800 migrants have arrived in the southern European nation this year – over double the figure for the first six months of 2012.

Many sell all they have to pay traffickers to transport them, with a crossing costing around €1,000 – €1,500 depending on the distance. But the trip to safety is filled with hardship. Often, boats are crammed with 200 people. There is no water; they have to fight off others to provide water for their thirsty children.

Often, the Syrians are wealthier than the Egyptians who come to Italy. Pregnant women and those who gave birth only six months ago are generally entitled to remain in Italy, leading many expectant mothers to make the journey.

“Italy should do more to help these people,” said Ivan Lazzarino, 36, whose family home is near the beach where the migrants landed in Calabria. “I feel desperate for them. They came here on a stormy night, babies as well, to look for a better life. But it’s not just an Italian problem; it’s a European problem. It just happens that we are one of the closest parts to Africa.”

“What we see on the Italian coast is a consequence of the exodus of the desperate, because you see two phenomena: those fleeing war and those fleeing poverty,” said Emma Bonino, Italian foreign minister, earlier this month. “The borders to the south of Libya are difficult to control. Syrians go through Lebanon and then to Egypt, arriving in a country like ours or Spain. It is a very heavy burden to be endured. And for this there is no miracle solution.”

Mubarak Released from Prison After Cairo’s Criminal Court cleared Hosni Mubarak, 85, on Monday of an outstanding corruption charge related to illegal gifts he received while in office, the former Egyptian President has been released from jail.

According to Egypt’s interior ministry, the former leader was transferred out of Tora prison in Cairo by helicopter to a military hospital in Cairo. Once his health is restored, he will be put under house arrest

at an undisclosed location. Mubarak has been imprisoned since April 2011.

The former dictator still faces charges of corruption and complicity in the killing of demonstrators during the protests that toppled him in 2011. He cannot leave the country and is unable to access his foreign assets due to a previously issued travel ban.

After the country’s deadliest week in modern history, the release of Mubarak threatens to intensify political tensions.

Mohamed Morsi, who was elected last April to replace Mubarak, was ousted in July. During Morsi’s presidency, the Muslim Brotherhood was ardent about Mubarak remaining in prison. But the July 3 military overthrow removed the Brotherhood from power and Mubarak’s release serves as proof that the old regime may be making a comeback, infuriating already enraged Islamists.

25,000 Fail Entrance Exam at University of Liberia Classrooms are empty in the University of Liberia and it’s not due to a lack of applicants. Apparently, every one of the 25,000 students who applied to the university failed to pass the entrance exam, to the surprise of the country’s education minister. There will be no freshman turning up the class for the new term.

Etmonia David-Tarpeh, who described the widespread failure as “like mass murder,” plans to meet with university officials after school-leavers paid a fee of $25 each to take the test, only to see their dreams dashed. She said, “I know there are a lot of weaknesses in the schools but for a whole group of people to take exams and every single one of them to fail, I have my doubts about that. I’d really like to see the results of the students.”

A bloody civil war that ended a decade ago has left the education system in tatters, with many schools deprived of the simplest education resources and in dire need of qualified teachers. But a lack of enthusiasm and a basic grasp of English are behind the latest shocking statistic, a university spokesperson has said.

Defending the university’s decision, spokesman Momodu Getaweh confirmed that it would not be changing its stance, arguing that the government must put the war behind them and act fast on students’ complete ignorance of the “mechanics” of English.

When all students fail an exam, perhaps it’s time to look at the exam itself.

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Israel Due to Breaches in Security Fence, Palestinians Sneaking into Israel

Typing Error Makes Tel Aviv’s Stock Exchange Drop In the age of modern technology, so much of our lives are dependent on computers. On Sunday, a typing error caused the value of one of the Israel’s largest companies to instantly drop over 99% in value, dragging the Tel Aviv stock exchange down several points before the problem was detected and corrected.

People have mused that a strike by Iran would cause grave damage to Israel and engulf the whole region into an all-out war.

But Steinitz insists that Iran would only respond with “two or three days of missile fire” against Israel and other Western targets in the region. He said it would only cause “very limited damage.” He also said although new Iranian leader Hasan Rouhani seems to be diplomatic now, he is not to be seen as a moderate figure. Steinetz said that Rouhani will try to court the West with promises and compromises but that Iran is still in the process of acquiring nuclear weapons.

The government leader reiterated that Israel does not need a green light from the U.S. or Europe to take action against Iran on its own.

explained that if in fact the compromise is accepted, it would mean that the IDF will continue not to enlist Chareidi men unless it is voluntarily and the Knesset will continue to work toward a bill on “equal burden of service.” The Knesset’s bill, he said, “as the public is beginning to understand, is a law with no equality in the sharing of the burden.”

National Al Jazeera Comes to U.S., Who’s Watching?

Court Proposes Compromise Regarding Chareidi Draft According to Shlomi Langer, the head of the municipal council of Oranit, Palestinians have been illegally entering the country daily due to an unfinished portion of the security barrier. In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Langer said that he has complained to the army about the breach in security, but his pleas have fallen on deaf ears. There have even been cases where the town’s security forces have captured infiltrators and passed them onto the army, but those Palestinians have just been released later.

Indeed, the Post witnessed Palestinians crossing in and out of Israel near Jewish settlements of Oranit, Sha’arei Tikva and Elkana, which are communities outside of the Green Line but inside the security barrier. Inside the Green Line as well is the Israeli Arab city of Kafr Kaim, where many of these Palestinians are welcomed once crossing the fence.

Most of those entering Israel come to work, although some are involved in criminal activity. They are generally driven from Kafr Kasim to other parts of the country where they work. In the evening, many workers cross back into Palestinian territory to go home. Some of them stay in Kfar Kasim instead of heading back home.

Some in Israel have complained that buses from Tel Aviv are packed because of these Palestinian workers and Israel has not added more buses to the line to alleviate the overflow.

Langer says that for the most part, relations with the nearby Arab communities of Kafr Kasim and Kafr Bara are good and that a joint project to build an extreme sports park in a nearby forest is in the planning stages.

Around noon, the Israel Corporation saw its value plummet 99.88% in just a matter of minutes. The TA-25 index was dragged down by 2.5%, triggering an automatic fail safe that shut down trading for a short time. So what caused this momentary break-down in the economy? It was triggered by a trader who wanted to sell shares in another company but accidently entered Israel Corp. shares instead. Luckily for the trader, the transaction was canceled, but trading was down to just 85% of the daily average.

As of 2:45 p.m. the TASE-25 had made an almost complete recovery.

Last Tuesday, the Hiddush organization filed a complaint with the High Court regarding Chareidi drafts to the IDF. Previously, men studying full-time in yeshiva were permitted to defer service. While the High Court previously overturned the law allowing full-time students to defer service, Chareidi men have yet to be forcibly drafted. Six hundred young Chareidi men who received or will receive call-up notices for the months of August to October will have their actual service deferred for the present. Hiddush sued to require the 600 to enlist.

Iran Won’t do Much Damage to Israel Last week, Strategic Affairs and Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz said that even if Israel would perform a preemptive strike against the Islamic Republic, Iran’s response would be short and would not cause as much damage as others have predicted in the past.

Arutz Sheva reported that the nine justices who heard the case denied Hiddush’s petition to force Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon to order the immediate draft of Chareidi soldiers. Instead, they proposed a compromise: the men’s enlistment will be postponed but the deferral will not count as part of their service. Meaning, when they do report to service, they will be required to fulfill the full three year requirement regardless of the timing of their enlistment.

Deputy Director-General of Hiddush Shachar Ilan voiced his apprehension over the proposed compromise. “We’re worried that the real meaning of this proposal is not compromise, but a delay until the Knesset passes the Perry law,” he said. He

On Tuesday, Al Jazeera America launched in the U.S. with a flurry of live news and pre-taped segments. It went live at 3pm to the excitement of some and the dismay of others.

Despite the anticipation the channel had for its American viewers, those who are Time Warner Cable customers were unable to see the channel and after AT&T dropped the channel on Monday in a last-minute decision, customers of AT&T were locked out of the channel as well. Al Jazeera America is now filing a lawsuit against AT&T. In January, Al Jazeera paid $500 million to buy Current TV, a struggling cable channel founded by former Vice President Al Gore. In 2010, Al Jazeera English drew criticism for broadcasting Osama bin Laden videos in hostility towards the Bush administration.

Customers of Comcast, Verizon FiOS, DirecTV and Dish Network are able to view the pro-Arab broadcast. The first hour of programming on Tuesday had a lengthy promotional video that said, among other things, “We will connect the world to America, and Americans to the world.” Then, at 4 p.m., the news began, led by the former CNN anchor Tony Harris, who updated viewers on the unrest in Egypt and a shooting at a school in Georgia. Only about six minutes of ads per hour were shown, including in-house promos. Vonage and Procter & Gamble were sponsors.

Interestingly, those who were watching Al Jazeera English online were told that they would not be able to view the Qatar-owned network on the internet and would have to watch it live on TV.

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NY Sues Trump Trump loves getting his name in the news, but this week, he may not be happy about his name making headlines. On Saturday, New York’s attorney general sued Donald Trump, saying he helped run a phony “Trump University” that pledged to make students rich but instead steered them into expensive seminars.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says many of the 5,000 students who paid up to $35,000 thought they would at least meet Trump but instead all they got was their picture taken in front of a lifesize picture of real estate mogul.

“Trump University engaged in deception at every stage of consumers’ advancement through costly programs and caused real financial harm,” Schneiderman said.

“Trump University, with Donald Trump’s knowledge and participation, relied on Trump’s name recognition and celebrity status to take advantage of consumers who believed in the Trump brand.” The lawsuit says that many of the students weren’t even able to land one real estate deal and were left far worse off after the lessons, considering the fees they racked up for the seminar program.

Schneiderman is suing the program, Trump as the university chairman, and the former president of the university in a case to be handled in state Supreme Court in Manhattan. He accuses them of engaging in persistent fraud, illegal and deceptive conduct and violating federal consumer protection law. The $40 million he seeks is mostly to pay restitution to consumers.

A Trump attorney had said Schneiderman sought campaign contributions while investigating the case, telling The New York Times it was “tantamount to extortion,” a claim denied by Schneiderman. Additionally, it has been noted that Schneiderman met with President Barack Obama last week, someone who Trump has vocally criticized in the past.

State Education Department officials had told Trump to change the name of his enterprise years ago, saying it lacked a license and didn’t meet the legal definitions of a university. In 2011, it was renamed the Trump Entrepreneur Institute, but it has been dogged since by complaints from consumers and a few isolated civil lawsuits claiming it didn’t fulfill its advertised claims.

Scheiderman said the three-day seminars didn’t, as promised, teach consumers everything they needed to know about real estate. But the Trump University manual tells instructors not to let consumers “think three days will be enough to make them successful,” Schneiderman said.

At the seminars, consumers were told about “Trump Elite” mentorships that cost $10,000 to $35,000. Students were promised individual instruction until they made their first deal. Schneiderman said participants were urged to extend the limit on their credit cards for real estate deals, but then used the credit to pay for the Trump Elite programs. The attorney general said the program also failed to promptly cancel memberships as promised.

If you believe everything Trump says, I have a bridge, I mean, a hotel to sell you.

Smuggling Uranium through the U.S. Patrick Campbell, 33, was arrested in Queens, New York, in John F. Kennedy Airport on Wednesday. This was no ordinary traveler. Campbell, originally from Sierra Leone, a small country in West Africa, is accused of brokering a uranium deal intended for Iran.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations office conducted the investigation. Allegedly, Campbell responded to a shockingly candid post on alibaba.com.

A buyer who said he was representing Iranian interests was looking for yellowcake uranium, also known as Uranium 308, which is made from raw uranium and can be further processed and used in the manufacture of nuclear fuel and in nuclear weapons.

According to the criminal complaint filed in the Southern District of Florida, Campbell brokered the supply of goods he knew were destined for supply to Iran.

He arrived from Sierre Leone in JFK on Wednesday with a sample of uranium hidden in the soles of his shoes in his luggage.

He had his initial court appearance on Thursday. If convicted, Campbell faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

ceive good benefits while they seek work.

On the contrary, there are states where job growth is slow while competition for positions remains high and benefits are weak.

Nationally, unemployment benefits cover about a third of the average weekly wage in an area. In six of the best states to be unemployed, this figure, known as the replacement rate, was more than 40%, with Hawaii leading the nation with unemployment benefits of 53% of the average weekly wage.

Based on unemployment insurance benefits data and employment statistics from the Department of Labor, 24/7 Wall St. identified the states where residents had the best and worst chances of finding work and where workers received the best and worst benefits while unemployed.

The following are the best states to be unemployed: 1. Kansas 2. Utah 3. Washington 4. Vermont 5. Idaho 6. Minnesota 7. Iowa 8. North Dakota 9. Hawaii 10. Montana

Biggest Gun Bust in NYC In a case that made national news last week, an undercover city police officer posing as a gun broker for criminal customers bought 254 weapons from men who smuggled the firearms into New York City on discount busses. The gunrunners hid the weapons in their luggage and boarded a discount bus, hoping this would strengthen their disguise. This was the biggest gun bust in city history.

Don’t Lose Your Job in These States Although nationwide unemployment rates have fallen, there are still nearly 12 million active jobseekers who are unable to find work. By most accounts, unemployment is an unlucky situation but in certain states, jobseekers have more opportunity, and in some states, the unemployed re-

and Earl Campbell, were arrested. Another 17 people were arrested in New York, North Carolina, and South Carolina as a result of the 10-month investigation.

New York Police Department officials and prosecutors announced details of the case on Monday, citing it as another example of a persistent black market in which firearms from the South can sell for three times their original price in the city. New York has some of the nation’s strictest gun-control measures and Mayor Bloomberg is not slowing down now; he continues to fight for tougher laws in other states as well.

“There is no doubt that the seizure of these guns has saved lives,” Mayor Michael Bloomberg said at a news conference.

“Perhaps the two most disturbing aspects of the gun-trafficking operation were the simplicity of the business model and the complete indifference of the gun suppliers to the mayhem their actions would cause here in New York City,” said Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan.

“The marketing strategy was buy low, sell high and keep a low profile.”

Before heading to New York, Campbell would send photos of the guns for sale to his gun broker who was really an undercover officer.

According to charges, both defendants would travel to the city carrying a dozen or more handguns, rifles, and shotguns in bags that were stowed in luggage compartments of Chinatown-based carriers.

These discount bus companies charge half the price of Greyhound and do not require identification.

After a tipoff from an Instagram photo, wiretaps and other evidence led investigators to Walker, 29, of Sanford, N.C. and Campbell, 24, of Rock Hill, S.C. In one recorded conversation Campbell is heard saying, “The problem is that the gun laws passed now, so it’s like now I can only buy a gun from a gun store every 30 days. So I had to, like, pay different people to keep buying different guns.”

This case also highlighted the importance of the stop-and-frisk program for the mayor. One of the defendants was overheard saying, “I’m in Brownsville. We got like, umm, uh, whatchamacallit, stop and frisk,” telling the others why he couldn’t take the guns home. Bloomberg pointed to this to show how the city program of stopand-frisk keeps guns off the city streets.

He credited the laws with taking 8,000 guns out of criminals’ hands.

U.S. Sues Texas

The alleged smugglers, Walter Walker

The Lone Star State isn’t getting much love from the federal government. On Thursday, the U.S. government sued to keep Texas from carrying out a vote identification requirement enacted in 2011. The

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That’s Odd Are Double Stuf Oreos Truly Double Stuffed?

Are you hungry for math? Maybe take Dan Anderson’s math class next year.

Anderson, a high school teacher at an upstate New York high school, gave his students a task that was sure to attract their attention. In his “consumer math” course, he challenged his students to determine whether or not Double Stuf and Mega Stuf Oreos really are double and mega-stuffed.

“This class is for students struggling with math so I’m always looking for handson activities,” Anderson, who teaches in Queensbury, N.Y., said. “When the Mega Stuf Oreos came out, I decided to do it.”

The One and Only Cheerios

Stick your 8-month-old baby in the highchair with a tray of Cheerios, and it will probably buy you enough time to whip up a quick dinner. But aside from keeping your infant busy for a few minutes, Cheerios has also recently been labeled the most nutritious cereal in a box, according to nutritionists.

A trip down the cereal aisle usually offers a lot of visual stimulation with all the colors and pictures but that simple, yet classic, yellow box is the key to a healthy breakfast. Cereal has sugar; it’s a fact.

Even cereals you may regard as healthy have an abundance of sugar. For example, one portion of Raisin Bran has 20 grams of sugar.

Own a Car? Don’t Live in Georgia Did you know that the most expensive state to own a car is the state of … Georgia.

Yes, believe it or not, isn’t not peaches ‘n cream for car owners in the Peach State. On the other hand, Oregon is the state where it’s the most affordable to own a vehicle.

Anderson, 32, brought his class one package each of regular Oreos, Double Stuf and Mega Stuf as materials for their assign-

“A cup of Cheerios is 100 calories and the first ingredient is whole-grain oats,” says registered dietitian Kim Kirchherr.

One serving of the toasted oats has only one gram of sugar and three grams of fi-

ber. The primary ingredient is whole-grain oats, which help reduce the risk of typetwo diabetes and heart disease.

“Cereal is a vessel for a lot of other good stuff,” adds Jim White, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Fruit is a great way to increase fiber. It’ll keep you full longer. It can really get men jump-started for the day.”

White suggests eating your Cheerios with organic skim milk. “It has protein to build muscles, calcium to help support strong bones, electrolytes to help replace after a hard workout, and water to help hydrate the body. It’s one of the perfect foods for men.”

Seems like those little O’s are the best foods for babies—and their parents— alike!

Unborn Babies Hear Loud and Clear It’s important to talk to your children— and it’s never too early to start.

A new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that babies hear what their mothers are saying while in utero and can recognize these words after birth. Talking to your unborn baby is stimulating and may help shape their brain after birth.

Researchers at the University of Helsinki in Finland looked at 33 moms-tobe and examined their babies after birth.

While pregnant, 17 mothers listened at a loud volume to a CD with two, four minute sequences of made-up words (“tatata” or “tatota” said several different ways and with different pitches) from week 29 until birth. The moms and babies heard the nonsense words about 50 to 71 times. Following birth, the researchers tested all 33 babies for normal hearing and then performed an EEG (electroencephalograph) brain scan to see if the newborns responded differently to the made-up words and different pitches.

The babies who listened to the CD in utero recognized the made-up words and noticed the pitch changes, which the infants who did not hear the CD did not, the researchers found.

“We have known that fetuses can learn certain sounds from their environment during pregnancy,” Eino Partanen, a doctoral student and lead author on the paper, wrote. “We can now very easily assess the effects of fetal learning on a very detailed level.” Babies can detect subtle changes and even process complex information.

This paper does more than simply find that babies in utero can hear; it shows that babies can detect subtle changes and process complex information. It may be worthwhile to expose babies to more sounds before they are even born.

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A federal court in Washington blocked the Texas law in August 2012, but its ruling was undone in June when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. “We will not allow the Supreme Court’s recent decision to be interpreted as open season for states to pursue measures that suppress voting rights,” U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement.

Voter ID laws – which require government-issued identification before voting – have become a political and racial flashpoint across the country. Democrats generally oppose the measures and many Republicans back them. Its many supporters maintain that they are needed to deter those from illegally casting ballots; opponents feel that the requirements are preventing many of those in Democratic constituencies from acting on their right to vote.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, a Republican, called the Justice Department suit “gutter politics” and “offensive to the overwhelming majority of Texans of all races who support this ballot integrity measure.” He has said he will defend the state’s voter ID law and redistricting plans in court.

The courts and the Justice Department have allowed voter ID laws in states that guaranteed that voters would face no additional costs as a result of the laws. Voting rights lawyers have said they expect the Justice Department to sue other jurisdictions, possibly North Carolina over its new voter ID law, as it looks for ways to protect minority voters. Without naming any states, Holder, an appointee of President Barack Obama, said that the Texas lawsuit “represents the department’s latest action to protect voting rights, but it will not be our last.”

Including the cost of gas, insurance, repairs, taxes and fees, it costs auto owners a whopping $4,233 a year to operate a vehicle. California is the second-most expensive state for car owners, and Wyoming, Rhode Island, and Nevada round out the top five most expensive states in the nation. The majority of the most expensive states were big states and motorists there tend to drive a lot. There also seems to be a lack of mass transit alternatives for residents. Georgia has the most expensive automobile taxes and fees in the country.

One thing is for sure: the cost of car ownership just keeps on getting more and more expensive. If you’re looking to save some money, head on over to these states, where the cost of ownership is the least in the nation: Oregon ($2,204); Alaska ($2,227); South Dakota ($2,343), Montana ($2,660) and Indiana ($2,698).

The national average for car ownership is $3,201. I think I better start dusting off my bike.

ment. Students were divided into groups and assigned different tasks. Some measured the cookies’ height and others measured weight. “We weighed 10 of each – Double Stuf, Mega Stuf and regular,” Anderson said. “And we weighed five wafers alone to deduct from the total.”

Using mathematical equations to determine the cream content of the cookies, Anderson’s students found that the bigger Oreos are not all that they are cracked up to be. The Double Stuf Oreos were 1.86 times the size of regular Oreos, while the Mega Oreos were 2.68 times the size of regular Oreos, according to students’ measurements.

“They were surprised,” said Anderson.

A spokeswoman for Nabisco, the company that makes Oreos, said the company’s Double Stuf Oreos are made to have double the “crème” filling as the original Oreos.

“While I’m not familiar with what was done in the classroom setting, I can confirm for you that our recipe for the Oreo Double Stuf Cookie has double the Stuf, or creme filling, when compared with our base, or original Oreo cookie,” the spokeswoman said.

Well, Nabisco, something doesn’t add up. Perhaps the students had a little to snack on when they were performing the measurements.

The Jewish Home

Justice Department said that Texas state lawmakers passed the requirement to deny racial minorities the right to vote and, unlike other states with similar laws, failed to take steps to prevent the law from being discriminatory.

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Mazal Tov! Now What? Picking a Date, Place and Vendors.

By Tali Merewitz, Events Enchanted

You are engaged, mazel tov! Now what?

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming and most people don’t know where to start. Here are your first steps to get you on the right track.

There are six primary vendors for a wedding: Venue, Caterer, Photographer, Videographer, Band and Florist.

Most vendors are chosen based on recommendations by friends and family or other professionals. They will each be an important part of a very special day and should be interviewed and researched carefully.

Finding the Perfect Place (and Date) The most pressing questions to answer immediately are: Date and Place. If there is a specific date that needs to be accommodated then the venue selection may be limited to what is available that day. The venue for a wedding needs to fit into the family budget and reflect the needs of the wedding such as guest count and desired services.

The venue for a wedding needs to fit into the family’s budget and reflect the needs of the wedding such as guest count and desired services In the Los Angeles area there are four types of venues to consider: halls and synagogues, mid-level hotels, luxury hotels and “unique” venues.

Synagogues and halls, are generally billed at a flat rate. The benefit to the basic fee is the ability to have as many people as you want without having to consider a per person charge.

The mid level hotel will have an area for kosher food or a kosher kitchen and will offer space, tables and chairs and stages and support staff for the wedding. Some provide in house catering but most require that you bring in your own caterer. The bride and groom will be offered a room to

The florist is the center of the décor for every wedding. Lighting and linens will only enhance and augment the work of a florist. Choose someone who can work within your budget but either be creative on your behalf or execute a concept that you envision.

That’s Not All… There’s More!

stay on the wedding night and there is generally some space offered for the families to get ready for the wedding.

These venues are typically billed on a per person basis plus extras. Watch out for the fine print!

Luxury hotels offer the same as the above-mentioned hotels but with superior service and amenities, and the property is usually much more lavish.

They will usually base their price on a requisite bar package.

A “unique” venue such as a mansion or public garden, ranch or movie studio requires you to bring absolutely everything from the silverware to tables and chairs, tents and sometimes even basic lighting. They offer the wedding party a blank slate to be creative, but require a larger financial commitment.

What’s for Dinner?

Jews are really into food, for every event and holiday. Taste and style will help you decide on the right caterer for you. Always ask for sample menus and a tasting as you make your selection. Be sensitive that caterers are under different hashgacha. Make sure to discuss this matter up front with both families so as to avoid any discomfort at the wedding.

Strike up the Band!

Choosing the band is one of the most important decisions when planning a wedding. The energy brought to the Chupa and dance floor come from the bride and groom but begin with the skill of the bandleader. The ability of the bandleader to play the types of music the guests and family

would like to hear should guide the decision. If the wedding will have different types of people, you need a band that can appeal to different audiences.

The energy brought to the Chupa and dance floor come from the bride and groom but begin with the skill of the bandleader.

Capture the Moment There are a lot of great photographers out there but you need to make sure you have someone who understands a traditional Jewish wedding.

There are so many pieces of a traditional wedding that can be missed and never re-created. Look at a lot of sample work to make sure you like the style. Remember, the photographer is a very intimate part of your wedding day so chemistry between them and the couple is critically important.

Roll the Film Your video will bring back all of the moments you wish you could relive. Each videographer has a unique editing style and footage that they shoot to create that end product. Look at a lot of sample work and make sure you order a package including the number of cameras that can create for you the work in your favorite samples.

The Flowers Were Just Beautiful!

Once you have all of your main vendors locked down, it is time to work on other details, such as invitations, gowns and suits, hair and make up, etc. Use the same formula of references and recommendations to choose the people you will work with.

In most cities, a wedding can require a professional to help with advance planning, vendor selection, contract negotiation, design and “day of” coordination. Without a professional coordinator, the family is at a disadvantage in negotiations with the various vendors. At the event, you want to be part of the simcha and not managing the event. I often say, you can enjoy your simcha or you can run your simcha!

Focus on the details beforehand so that you can enjoy the wedding day.

It can be daunting, but it will all get done! Remember that a wedding is one of the most moving and special days in a family’s life. Focus on the details beforehand so that you can enjoy the wedding day.

Tali Merewitz is the owner of Events Enchanted and has been involved in Jewish and corporate events since 1999. She has been involved in all aspects of event planning for 2-15,000 people, vendor and venue negotiations, decision making, budget prioitization and event coordination.

She can be reached at Tali@EventsEnchanted.com or www.EventsEnchanted.com

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by Jessica Yuz

1. Competitive Grade Point Average (GPA): The definition of competitive varies depending on your major and goals. The more prestigious the job or graduate school the higher your GPA needs to be. 3.0 averages are the baseline but the closer one can get to 4.0 the better.

2. L e a d e r s h i p experience: Joining professional associations and campus clubs/organizations is an ideal place to gain leadership experience.

Employers and graduate schools love to see that you have drive and passion and are willing and able to donate your time and resources to a worthwhile cause. You do not have to become president or even a VP to show you care. Just take a genuine interest as early as possible so you do not give the impression that you are only participating to boost your resume.

3. Networking: The student sitting next to you in the lecture hall today could be your future co-worker, supervisor or employee so I recommend getting to know as many people as you can. Stay memorable by printing business cards with your name and career aspirations stated clearly and succinctly. Hand the cards out as you meet new people and network so they have a tangible way to remember you.

4. Social Media: Another important form of networking is joining professional social media outlets, the most popular being LinkedIn. Make sure to keep your information and goals appropriate and up to date. Stay active by posting and linking articles and following companies that you aspire to work for or emulate.

5. Internships: While working for little or no pay may not be ideal, it is an essential step toward breaking into almost any field. Internships are competitive and without the right credentials (GPA, letters of recommendation, leadership experience and networking skills) you may not be able to land a meaningful opportunity in your desired field. The good news is that the right internship will not only set you apart when it comes time to apply to work, but many schools offer course credit for these experiences.

6. Work experience: Internships are wonderful (see above) but they are often unpaid. School is expensive and you want to minimize the amount you take out in student loans. Even an entry level job such as waiting tables, answering phones or childcare can be a great boost for your resume and give you the opportunity to learn responsibility, teamwork, time management, multitasking and other transferable skills.

7. Keeping your resume up to date: There is nothing worse than sitting down your senior year to begin applying for a job and racking your brain to remember the dates and details of your previous work and leadership experiences. I recommend setting aside time to keep an ongoing diary of all of your work, leadership and volunteer experience. Most importantly note the start/ end dates, job title, supervisor name and 3-5 accomplishments for each experience.

Graduation may seem like a lifetime away, but it will sneak up on you before you know it. Follow these seven tips to ensure you are ready when real life comes knocking on your door. Wishing you a smooth and easy transition into the 2013-14 school year. Good luck!

About the Author: Jessica Yuz, MBA is the Founder of Yuz Career Advisers, dedicated to helping individuals identify their interests and set realistic goals so they can take control of their future. With nearly a decade of experience in higher education, Jessica works with high school, undergraduate and graduate students in the areas of career exploration, resume writing, interview skills, job search and placement, goal setting, time and stress management, and related fields.

Jessica also specializes in assisting professionals of all ages’ transition between employment, finding fulfillment in their work and achieving a life-work balance. You can follow Jessica’s career blog at ycadvisers.blogspot.com or contact her at ycadvisers@gmail.com.

by Michelle Hirsch

Should I buy a house? Is now a good time to buy? Will I be able to pay the mortgage, taxes, insurance and other expenses that come with maintaining that property? Is the purchase of a house a responsibility I’m ready to take on? How long will I live in the house?

These are all great questions and ones that must be answered before making the decision to buy a home.

The idea here is not to get caught up in a trend. Purchasing a house is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will make. At the same time the choice is not just financial, it’s also personal. We have a tendency to get drawn in, whether it is by the media or talk amongst friends, and lose sight of OUR OWN big picture. However, there are some things you can think about to make a decision that is right for you.

First you need to assess what you can afford. You’ll want to assess your income, expenses and job stability. The thought of not being able to pay a mortgage, being foreclosed upon and losing the house is more stress than most of us want to deal with, on top of the stresses we already have of paying school tuitions and kosher food bills! Going through this part of the process will help answer the question of, is this a responsibility I am ready to take on?

Why is it important to consider how long you will live in the house? You may have heard the rule of thumb that if you will live in a house for five or more years you might consider buying.

The reason for this is because you will likely have time to recover closing costs and the costs associated with selling the property, in case you decide to sell. But don’t plan on appreciation or expect your home to be a quick ‘n’ easy, money-making, five year investment. The real estate market is a ride that you need to be able to get on and off at the “right” times. The “five year rule” is generally a

safe number of years to hopefully allow some appreciation in value of the home.

You will be naturally building equity as you make every month’s mortgage payment and bring down the balance of your loan. If you aren’t sure how long you’ll stick around or feel uncertain about the length of time in one spot, having the flexibility of renting might be a better option for you. Appreciation will also vary greatly depending on the area you are buying in - which is definitely a very important item to consider when making a decision of where to buy. Zillow have created what they call the breakeven horizon: “the number of years you will need to own and live in a home until it becomes more financially advantageous than renting the same home” (with taxes, maintenance, utilities, inflation, etc. factored in). Go online and check it out.

There are other rent vs. buy calculators online as well.

The actual purchase of a home is an exciting time but it can also be stressful.

This is likely one of the largest acquisitions of your life. Make sure you ask for inspections and understand all the paperwork you are signing, and most importantly make sure you are getting into a loan that makes the most sense for you.

Someone very wise once said: “There is a time for every event under the heaven”(Kohelet-Ecclesiastes), that included when it is time to be a renter and when it is time to be a homeowner!!

Michelle Hirsch has been a top producing agent for the last 9 years. When meeting her for the first time, you will notice one of the friendliest and inviting personalities in Real Estate. At the same time her strong negotiation skills and experience, ensure a high success rate for accomplishing her client’s goals.

Michelle can be reached at 818-5124226, michelle@michellehirsch.com, and through her website: www.michellehirsch.com

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august 29, 2013

These are things that every High School and College student should be doing today, to ensure a bright tomorrow. Although this list is far from exhaustive, by following these simple steps you will be far ahead of the average student and future job seeker.

Is Rent a Waste of Money?

The Jewish Home

Success in College and Beyond

Avi Heiligman

Operation Biting

T

he years in between the two world wars was a period of innovation and expansion in science and technology for military purposes. For example, the airplane first saw combat in WWI but it was of rudimentary design and the gun on the front had to be manned. By the time WWII started in 1939, the plane was of much better design and the guns in fighters were controlled from the cockpit. Jets and rockets were being tested and even saw some combat. Radar didn’t exist in the 1910s, and even in the early 1930s, some scientists thought it was a figment of someone’s wild imagination. However, it existed, and the world powers started working on developing it. America and England had it by 1941 but so did the Germans. The best way to combat it was to “outsmart” the technology. To do that, the British decided to launch a special operations unit to capture a Wurzburg radar unit intact.

Radar stands for RAdio Detection And Ranging and is able to detect planes from a distance. The results are shown on a screen with later versions showing the distance, altitude and direction of oncoming planes, making it invaluable to ground defense units. Many of these units are maneuverable and were able to be packed up and moved onto trucks.

The Wurzburg, named after a city in Germany, was introduced in 1940 and was the most common German early warning radar with about 4,000 produced.

After the capitulation of France in 1940, the Germans set up airfields and anti-aircraft batteries throughout France. The British knew that these systems were responsible for heavy losses that were incurred by the RAF (Royal Air Force). British commanders were told by scientists that if they could capture one intact, the system could be properly evaluated and countermeasures enacted. A British physicist, Dr. Charles Frank, noticed through careful study of aerial photographs that the cliffs of Bruneval on the coast in Northern France had a mysterious installation. He surmised that it was the new German radar and informed the British high command. They in turn decided it was a job for the commandos and sent daredevil pilots to more accurately photograph the site. All the information was passed on to the head of combined operations,

Outsmarting German Radar the third unit Lord Louis from an atMountbatten, tack inland. for approval.

The third unit After carewas to head to ful examinathe radar site, tion of the site dismantle it and surroundand head toing areas, wards the sea Mountbatten for evacuation. decided that They would using seaborne have about 30 commandos Paratroopers training for Operation Biting minutes to carwas too risky. ry out the opParatroopers erations before would be used major German instead and forces would would utilize assemble for the advantages an attack. An of speed and intense trainsurprise to keep ing period folthe casualty lowed, and by number low. late February This would be 1942, the paraone of the first troopers were times that airready. borne troops Bruneval RADAR unit and villa where the operators lived F o u l would be used weather postby the British, poned the opand it was a eration, codeturning point named Biting, for special opuntil the posterations. dusk hours on The assignFebruary 27, ment was hand1942. The 120 ed to Company nd men boarded C of the 2 Parachute Battwelve Whittalion led by ley transport Major John planes while Frost. Attached bagpipers were Würzburg Radar to the parastanding neartroops were by playing seven Royal Scottish music.

Engineers and Two of planes a RAF radio were driven operator. Aloff course by together, 120 incoming anmen made ti-aircraft fire the jump into and dropped France for the off the twenty operation. The men inside two plan was to miles off target. drop inland and The other men Paratroopers on one of the landing craft split up into landed where on their way back home. Major Frost stands three groups they were supon the bridge, second from the left before heading to the target. One unit posed to and quickly went about their was to move towards the beach and business. Very little opposition was met secure it for evacuation and prevent as they neared their target. As they were German reinforcements from coming about to enter the villa, a German guard by the sea. A second unit was to protect opened fire, and he was promptly killed

by Frost’s men. Other Germans heard the firefight and shot at the British, killing one paratrooper.

While this was happening, the engineers went to work dismantling the radar system. The order to be delicate with system went out the window when they discovered that doing so would be time consuming. After sawing off the aerial part of the unit, the engineers used crowbars to rip out the rest of the system. Frost decided it was time to pack up and move to the beach after he heard vehicles off in the distance.

As they moved towards the beach, a machine gun pinned down the paratroopers who were caught in a bad position. Fortunately, the twenty men who were dropped far from the drop zone finally appeared on scene and silenced the gun. At 2:15 AM, the paratroopers reached the beach and sent signals out for the navy to come. Receiving no confirmation combined with the increase of enemy fire, Frost began to set up defensive positions. Another trooper was killed in this firefight until mercifully the boats were heard approaching. Finally, they were on their way home with their precious cargo stored on the landing craft.

The raid was a complete success as the captured radar proved vital in developing countermeasures. One of the two Germans who were captured was a radar operator who told his interrogators that his wife predicted the airborne raid.

He thought that she tipped off the British and was a traitor!

Besides the two dead paratroopers, six were wounded and another six were taken prisoner by the Germans. In order to prevent further raids, the Germans installed barbed wire around radar sites which only helped Allied bomb crews identify them for destruction. The overall effect on the British public was a morale booster. In dark times, they finally had a successful operation that brought dividends of hope to the English people until Germany finally surrendered in May of 1945.

Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comments and suggestions.for future columns and can be reached at aviheiligman@ gmail.com.

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Forgotten Heroes

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