Philadelphia Jewish Link - October 31, 2019 by Jewish Link Marketing Solutions

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Issue #4 Published Biweekly October 31, 2019 2 Cheshvan, 5780

forefront of their minds. As we mark one year since what is perhaps the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in the history of the United States, in which a congregation was instantly transformed into a combat zone, the question is, now what? Where do things stand one year later? According to the AntiDefamation League (ADL), American Jews continue to face significant threats one year after the attack. Since the deadly shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue, at least twelve white supremacists have been

hen a gunman armed with an assault rifle and several handguns entered the Tree of Life - Or L’Simcha Congregation in Pittsburgh at 9:50 a.m. on Saturday, October 27, 2018, and began shooting while shouting anti-Semitic slurs, the lives of countless people changed forever. For the families of the eleven congregants who tragically lost their lives on that fateful day, the pain is still palpable. For the worshipers and law enforcement personnel who sustained serious injuries, the memory of what happened is still fresh. For

(credit: AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) anyone who has ever prayed in a synagogue or other House of

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n April 4, 2019, I listened to a voice message on my phone that said, “Good afternoon, this is Chaim Steinmetz of Renewal calling. We were wondering if kidney donation is still in the cards for you these days and if it is of interest, we do have a good match for you. If you could please call me back...” I was stunned after hearing that message and it took awhile to regain my composure to fully comprehend what was being asked. I had not thought about

donating my kidney since a year before when I attended a Renewal information session that was given in the hopes of finding a match for my husband’s good friend’s wife, Ilene Lechtzin. I had never heard of Renewal until my friend, Gevura Davis, informed me that she was organizing an event to have them come to Lower Merion in April 2018. The objective of the event was to educate people about Renewal’s mission and swab anyone interested in learning if

CONTINUED ON P. 16

Worship, the realization of what happened in Pittsburgh is at the

CONTINUED ON P. 14

Politz Day School of Cherry Hill Breaks Ground on New Gymnasium Expansion Project By PJL Staff

he day after Yom Kippur, construction vehicles rolled onto the campus of Politz Day School of Cherry Hill, thereby signaling the beginning of a long-awaited expansion project. The centerpiece of the project is the construction of a new gymnasium, which the students have been dreaming about for years. Ever since Politz opened the doors to its new facility

in 2004, it planned to add the gym. However, challenges abounded throughout the years, and classes graduated

CONTINUED ON P. 19

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W ISRAELI PRESIDENT TO HOST MAJOR ANTISEMITISM CONFERENCE (JNS) Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin is scheduled to host a major conference on anti-Semitism next week at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. Panelists will include Katharina von Schnurbein of the European Union; Elan Carr from the United States; Felix Klein of Germany; Lord Erik Pickles of Great Britain; and Frédéric Potier from France. All five representatives were appointed by their respective governments to spearhead activities to counter the scourge of anti-Semitism in their home countries; this will be the first time they all gather on the same stage. The conference is set to take place on November 4, around one week before the 81st anniversary of Kristallnacht is commemorated across the globe. Rivlin, who will both host and speak at the conference, is expected to address the absence of a representative from the United Nations. A recent U.N. report on anti-Semitism was welcomed by Israel and international Jewish organizations. The report’s author, however, wasn’t appointed by the United Nations to deal with anti-Semitism on a permanent basis. The Israeli president reportedly intends to call on the United Nations to devote a permanent representative to focus on the phenomenon, monitor Jew-hatred across the world and propose ways to counter it in the countries where it exists.

JEWISH SCHOOLS, CONGREGATIONS AFFECTED BY FIRES RAGING IN CALIFORNIA (JNS) Up and down the state of California, synagogues, Hebrew schools and Jewish residents are dealing with effects of wildfires that have consumed tens of thousands of acres in recent days, from evacuations to school closures to days with no electricity as authorities try to limit the fire damage and danger. In the Northern California, the Torah scrolls from Congregation Beth Ami in Santa Rosa were evacuated from the synagogue on Saturday as winds whipped flames from the Kincaid Fire in nearby rural Geyserville and brought the fire danger closer to the city. As of Monday morning, the Kincaid Fire had burned some 66,000 acres and led to the evacuations of an estimated 200,000 people. In Los Angeles, firefighters, were working to stop a brushfire that broke out. Jewish schools including Milken Community School and the American

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Jewish University were closed for the day. Many residents who live near the Getty Center were evacuated overnight as the fire quickly grew in the dark.

ISRAEL’S SECOND ATTEMPT TO LAND AIRCRAFT ON MOON JUST YEARS AWAY, SAYS ENGINEER (JNS) A representative from the Israel Aerospace Industries recently talked about Israel’s continued hopes of becoming the fourth country to land softly on the moon, following a failed attempt in April. Israel’s “Beresheet” aircraft crashed on the moon due to a computer glitch that prevented the spacecraft from slowing down properly during its descent. “We are very proud and happy with the ‘Beresheet’ mission,” Ehud Hayun, a space systems engineer at Israel Aerospace Industries, which built the spacecraft, said at the 70th International Astronautical Congress. “It was the first of many. It’s made us the seventh country to orbit the moon, fourth to attempt landing.” During his presentation, Hayun discussed what went wrong with the “Beresheet” mission and added that Israel will continue its efforts to land properly on the moon. He explained that the team behind “Beresheet” has mostly stayed on and intends to fly a new version of the aircraft in the next two to three years, according to Space. com. The successor to “Beresheet” will include upgraded computers, some design adjustments aimed at increasing its odds of landing softly and, unlike the original “Beresheet” spacecraft, an obstacle-avoidance system for landing. Looking back at the attempted landing, Hayun said “on the technical level, things were very difficult because we had a huge task defined: the first low-cost lunar mission. We had no reference to look at. It’s never been done before.”

MORE THAN 80 OFFICIALS GATHER FOR 34TH MEETING OF US-ISRAEL ECONOMIC COOPERATIVE (JNS) More than 80 U.S. and Israeli officials gathered at the U.S. Department of State to participate in the 34th meeting of the U.S.-Israel Joint Economic Development Group (JEDG), the annual economic policy dialogue between the two nations first held in 1985. Both sides seemed to express satisfaction with the trajectory of bilateral economic relations and underscored

respective commitments to expanding and deepening policy coordination and cooperation across a broad range of sectors, according to a statement from the U.S. Treasury Department. This year’s agenda covered risk management for foreign investments; women’s economic empowerment; quantum information science and artificial-intelligence research collaboration; exploration of technological innovations in public transportation; and the role of government in encouraging private-sector investments for more sustainable-development outcomes. Israel’s Higher Education Council and U.S. Department of Energy officials began discussions about possibly conducting joint research collaboration at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Illinois. Additionally, Israeli Finance Ministry and the U.S. Treasury officials reviewed regulatory considerations and opportunities for investment cooperation in the financial-tech sector. The Israeli JEDG delegation was headed by director general of the Israeli Finance Ministry Shai Babad. U.S. Treasury Under Secretary for International Affairs Brent McIntosh headed the American delegation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS World Newsbriefs…..........................................4 Publisher’s Perspective…..............................8 Editor’s Letter…………......................................8 Op-Ed…………………….....................................9 Israel News…………….....................................10 Sukkot Scenes………..................................11-12 Community Happenings…..........................13 Community News…..................................14-29 New Family Spotlight…...........................28 Divrei Torah…………................................30-32 STA“M Matters by Rabbi Yonah Gross................................31 Torah from Eretz Yisrael by Rabbi Moshe Taragin...........................32 Health & Wellness…...............................33-34 The Biopsychosocial Jewish Brain by Dovid Halpern...........................................34 Food & Wine…………..............................35-37

IRANIAN STRIKE ON SAUDI OIL FACILITIES A ‘GLOBAL WAKE-UP CALL,’ WARNS FORMER AIRDEFENSE OFFICIAL (JNS) The September 14 combined cruise missile and drone attack on the Abqaiq Saudi oil facility, which caused extensive damage and has been attributed to Iran, is a “global wake-up call for understanding that the threat is here and now,” a senior former Israeli air-defense source told JNS. The Saudis did not have any prior intelligence warning, and their advanced air-defense systems—one of the largest in the region—failed to stop the attack, noted the source. “We know from our own microcosm that the Iron Dome batteries must be ready at all times because threats can pop up without warning. Now, we can all see the importance in the presence of effective air defenses against a range of threats on 24-hour readiness, guarding 360 degrees,” the source stressed. Israel possesses the most advanced multilayered air-defense system in the world, made up of the Arrow 3 system, which intercepts ballistic missiles in space; Arrow 2 for upper atmosphere interceptions; David’s Sling; the Patriot; and Iron Dome. Out of those, David’s Sling is the primary system designated for stopping cruise missiles, which fly at very low altitudes and can change

House to Home by House of Kosher....................................35 The Case of Convincing Custard by Jonathan Chodosh…...........................36 Recipes From The Rebbetzin…...........37 Fun Corner…………………….................37-38 Features…………........................................38-39 Schools…........................................................39-41 Sports…..................................................................41 Home & Living….......................................42-43 flight paths, challenging defenses. “The State of Israel has already received wake up calls in the past,” said the source. “In general, it has dealt with the threat in the appropriate manner. However, there are never enough defenses.” While Israel faces projectile threats from multiple sectors, cruise missiles can arrive from every direction. That means they can fly in from an area where the enemy is not located, and that 360-degree defense is essential for dealing with them, explained the source. Referring to the attack on Saudi Arabia, the source said that “there is no doubt that this is a highly impressive demonstration of an Iranian strike capability. Both in terms of planning, the implementation, in terms of the technological capabilities that were used in this attack.” October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

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THE PUBLISHER’S PERSPECTIVE

he word of the day is perseverance. The quality of being able to put forth a sustained effort to accomplish a goal regardless of the challenges and complexities that we may face is one of the core characteristics that defines us human beings and as Jews. Throughout our history we have faced numerous obstacles which may have appeared insurmountable at the time, yet our faith never wavered, and we persevered despite the overwhelming odds. The truth is, perseverance does not have to be solely associated with global trials and tribulations that posed a direct threat to our Jewish identity and the very existence of our people. Of course, there are dark chapters in our history that pushed the Jewish community to the brink, including the persecution by the Nazis during the Holocaust and the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492. There were pogroms against the Jews in Russia in the late 19th century and early 20th century, as well as the Crusades in

medieval times, which left a trail of death and devastation in their wake, including the destruction of the Jewish communities of Speyer, Worms, Mainz, and Cologne. It took a tremendous amount of perseverance, as well as the Yad Hashem, to overcome those monumental struggles. We also face adversity in our everyday lives which tests not just our patience, but our ability to persevere. For example, think about the high winds that blew through our region over Chol Hamoed Sukkot. Did the schach blow off your sukkah? Did your sukkah decorations get ruined? Did your sukkah come down? None of those things are pleasant, nor are they ideal. The natural response to each of those scenarios would be to get angry and perhaps come up with a reason why there is no need to rebuild your sukkah with the chag nearing completion. However, the proper response would be to shrug it off, pick up the pieces (literally and figuratively), and reconstruct your sukkah so your family could enjoy Sukkot accordingly. Perseverance is also an apt description for the Jewish community in Pitts-

burgh. One year after a heinous attack at the Tree of Life synagogue that left eleven people dead, the community has pledged to rebuild and emerge from the attack more united and stronger than before. It is the incredible resolve of a community that was the target of anti-Semitism and sustained unimaginable losses and pain that truly epitomizes what perseverance is all about. When it comes to the importance of dogged determination in order to have a real shot at being triumphant throughout the journey of life, Vince Lombardi, the legendary NFL coach, may have said it best: “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” As Jews, we do not have the luxury of lacking tenacity. Our inner sense of steadfastness is what enables us to emerge from the darkest of days with our faith intact and our special status as a nation unscathed. Regardless of what each day may bring and despite our enemies’ best efforts, we can and will persevere. The word of the day is perseverance. Nachi Troodler, Publisher

EDITOR’S LETTER

ith the Yomim Tovim now in our rear-view mirror, this is the time of year when we can finally take a deep breath and settle into our fall/winter routine. Our focus turns to a myriad of responsibilities that were put on the back burner for the past month due to our jam-packed holiday schedule. With the long stretch of time

before we celebrate Chanukah we begin to turn our attention to mundane tasks that may have inadvertently been neglected. One of the items that should be addressed is our health. Oftentimes, we get bogged down with daily life and forget about the most important gift that we are given- our physical wellbeing. It is not unusual, unfortunately, for women in particular to put their routine health check-ups low down on their to-do list. In order to keep

Send in your letter to the editor to editor@PhillyJewishLink.com and it may be featured in our next issue! 8

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our bodies running in tip-top shape, however, we need to prioritize those appointments and not let them slip through the cracks. October, being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is as good a time as any for women to make sure that they are up-to-date with their mammograms. As you will read in this edition of the paper, Dr. Rene Rubin reminds us that Ashkenazi Jews are especially prone to being afflicted with this unrelenting disease. Breast cancer has personally affected my family more than once, and I have many, many friends who have suffered at its hand. As Dr. Rubin alludes to in her article, this type of cancer is easier to prevent (or treat at its very early stages) than it is to cure. With that in mind let us all do our due diligence and make keeping up with our health a priority. Let us commit to scheduling those six-month dentist appointments, well visits with our primary care physicians, mammogram screenings and colonoscopies. Only a month ago we were wishing each other, “A happy and healthy New Year.” Now is the time to take this expression to heart. In good health, Lisa Stein, Editor

Founder/Publisher Nachman Aaron Troodler Editor Lisa Stein Associate Editor Gwen Horowitz Contributing Editor Meryl Troodler Layout & Design Adam Negnewitzky Jewish Link Marketing Solutions Bookkeeper Gila Negnewitzky Consultants Moshe Kinderlehrer Jewish Link Media Group Contributors Carly Chodosh Jonathan Chodosh Dovid Halpern David Magerman Sam Maron Ari Nestlebaum Dr. Frani Pollack Yaeli Sokolic PJL Media Group, LLC P.O. Box 956 Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 www.PhillyJewishLink.com Phone: 484-424-5200 Email: publisher@PhillyJewishLink.com Advertising: ads@PhillyJewishLink.com To submit news, events and photos: news@PhillyJewishLink.com The Philadelphia Jewish Link welcomes letters to the editor, which can be emailed to editor@PhillyJewishLink.com. Letters may be edited for length, clarity and appropriateness. We do not welcome personal attacks or disrespectful language and replies to letters through our website comment feed will not be posted online. We reserve the right to not print any letter. The Philadelphia Jewish Link, an independent publication, promotes Judaism and Zionism, and vigorous debate on these topics. The opinions reflected in articles from our contributors do not necessarily reflect PJL’s positions. We reserve the right to accept or refuse submissions and edit for content and length. We also reserve the right to refuse advertising that in our opinion does not reflect the standards of the newspaper. We are not responsible for the kashrus of any product advertised in the Philadelphia Jewish Link. The PJL does not endorse any medical or nutritional claims by writers in our paper. The Philadelphia Jewish Link asks our advertisers to use pictures of women and men in their advertisements when women and men are mentioned.

October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

OP-ED

Thank You, Philadelphia By Zvi Gluck

he world as we know it has changed drastically over the past few years, and it seems as if everywhere we turn our children are surrounded by unprecedented dangers. Since its inception in 2014, Amudim has been working around the clock to spread awareness and to educate our community members about the dangers of substance abuse and addiction, a problem that starts not only with drugs purchased in darkened alleys, but also with the misuse of prescription drugs from a friend or family member’s medicine cabinet and alcohol consumption that is still taking place in many of our homes and our shuls.

In the days prior to Succos, the heads of five yeshivas in the Lower Merion area took it upon themselves to issue a joint statement, warning parents to keep a watchful eye on their children during Simchas Torah, as well as other times where unsupervised alcohol might be present. While there are many who prefer to bury their heads in the sand and to pretend that our communities are immune to these problems, the facts of the matter prove otherwise. Taking a courageous approach to the problem, Caskey Torah Academy, Cheder Chabad of Philadelphia, Kosloff Torah Academy, Kohelet Yeshiva and the Mesivta of Greater Philadelphia sent a letter to their respective parent bodies warning them of the dangers that lurk at various simchas, Friday night tisches and Shabbos kiddushes, as well as on Purim and Simchas Torah, with many youngsters

taking their first steps downwards towards alcohol misuse, abuse, and addiction at the holiest of times. That letter also appeared in this newspaper and included guidelines for parents to follow to prevent their children from becoming trapped in the web of substance abuse, alcohol addiction, or even worse. We applaud these five schools for their vision, seizing an opportunity to educate and safeguard their students over the Yomim Tovim and all throughout the year. Having run a local awareness event two years ago, conducted training sessions in community schools, and worked with clients from the area, Amudim has had a long and positive relationship with Philadelphia’s Jewish community. We extend our gratitude to Caskey Torah Academy, Cheder Chabad of Philadelphia, Kosloff Torah Academy, Kohelet Yeshiva

and the Mesivta of Greater Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Jewish Link for acknowledging the year-round problem of unsupervised alcohol consumption in minors and for taking a proactive stance on an issue that can and has destroyed lives. We hope that other communities will follow the example set in Philadelphia and, as always, help is just a phone call away at 646-517-0222 (our office) for any individuals, families, communities or schools in need of our services. Zvi Gluck is the director of Amudim, an organization dedicated to helping abuse victims and those suffering with addiction within the Jewish community, and has been heavily involved in crisis intervention and management for the past 20 years. For more information go to www.amudim.org.

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ISRAEL NEWS

Israel Launches Initiative to Double the Number of International Students (Courtesy of the Council for Higher Education)

he Council for Higher Education in Israel (CHE) recently officially launched the national initiative “Study in Israel” to double the number of international students enrolled in Israeli colleges and universities. Although initially targeting students in North America, China, and India, the program will eventually be aimed at students worldwide. There are currently about 12,000 international students studying in Israel. “Study in Israel,” which features a dedicated website, touts high Israeli academic standards and a distinctive, focused approach to education with the theme “Engage in Excellence.” The program highlights the country’s innovative academic and research landscape as part of the “The Startup Nation,” and accentuates Israel’s competitive tuition costs. Recently, four Israeli universities were ranked among the top 50 undergraduate programs globally that produce the most

venture capital-backed entrepreneurs, according to the latest ranking by PitchBook. The initiative also underscores that Israeli universities and colleges offer dozens of short-term study programs, as well as full degrees and research opportunities, taught in English. “We have committed to making Israel a brain gain country for excellent students and researchers from around the world - North and South America, Europe, and Asia,” said Professor Yaffa Zilbershats, Chair of the CHE’s Planning and Budgeting Committee (PBC). “With this new campaign, Israel is now more attractive than ever for students in North America and beyond – and we’re looking

forward to bringing many more students from around the globe in years to come.” Meanwhile, the CHE also recently authorized 26 new international degree programs in a range of fields in which Israel is globally recognized, including: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Jewish Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Agriculture, Urban Studies, Environmental Studies, and Design. In addition, the Council has provided earmarked funding to its public higher education institutions to bolster marketing and recruitment efforts, create new courses in English and develop international student services. The Council also finances and manages a number of fellowship programs for international students and post-doctoral researchers. “Study in Israel” is the latest effort by the CHE to promote internationalization in the Israeli higher education system and attract international students. For more information, visit www. studyinisrael.che.org.il.

Chair of the CHE’s Planning and Budgeting Committee, Professor Yaffa Zilbershats. (credit: Council for Higher Education) The Council for Higher Education (CHE) is a statutory corporation established by Israel’s 1958 Higher Education Law. The Council designs policy and is responsible for Israel’s higher education system.

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October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

SUKKOT SCENES

The Steinerman family of Bala Cynwyd enjoyed Hershey Park during Chol Hamoed.

Atara, Kira, and Ilan Finkle of Merion Station at the Please Touch Museum on Chol Hamoed.

Zelda Shur, the 95-year-old grandmother of Sofya Tamarkin of Northeast Philadelphia, who lived through communism and is a survivor of World War II, proudly held the arba minim over Sukkot.

The extended Troodler family of Bala Cynwyd enjoyed Hershey Park on Chol Hamoed. Yisrael Starkman of Bala Cynwyd made a personal oneman sukkah.

Sukkot at the Bensalem Outreach Center with Rabbi Moshe and Malky Travitsky.

Sukkos at the Philadelphia Community Kollel.

Yocheved and Temima Epstein of Cherry Hill had fun at Barton Arboretum and Nature Preserve during Chol Hamoed.

Rabbi Meir Riber, the Rosh Kollel at Congregation Beth Solomon, hosted a community Sukkos party.

“Helping injured people is what we do and we’ve been doing it proudly for 50 years.” - Allen L. Rothenberg, Esq.

October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

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SUKKOT SCENES

The Chevra held its Mi Casa SUKKAHsa event, which has brought out thousands of participants over the years (Jewish young professionals and graduate students) for a party and Simchas Beis HaShoeva at the sukkah/home of Jessica and Jon Erlbaum.

Congregation Beth Solomon’s community-wide Simchas Beis Hashoeva.

Chabad of the Main Line’s Farbrengen in the sukkah got rained out and was instead hosted by the Shinefields.

Judy and Joel Pomerantz of Merion Station spent Sukkot visiting their children and grandchildren in Israel.

Members of Mekor Habracha/Center City Synagogue helped repair the shul’s sukkah after it was damaged during a Chol Hamoed storm.

Students from the Mesivta High School of Greater Philadelphia helped build Rabbi Goldfein’s Sukkah.

The Paris, Mazurek, Friedman and Stollman families of Lower Merion visited Hershey Park on Chol Hamoed.

Ruthie Feldman of Bala Cynwyd in her sukkah.

Rabbi David Max and the Community Torah Center of Bucks County hosted a Sukkot celebration.

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Ezra and Levi Steinerman with the arba minim in their sukkah.

Yosef Niknam made a siyum in the sukkah as part of a Lower Merion Synagogue Teen Minyan initiative.

RAJE (Russian American Jewish Experience) of Philadelphia hosted Sushi in the Sukkah at the home of Rabbi and Mrs. Akiva Gavrylin. October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

AHAVAS TORAH SIYUM Approximately 40 individuals gathered at Congregation Ahavas Torah in Northeast Philadelphia for a special night of learning on Hoshana Rabbah. After learning well into the night, they made a siyum on Gemara Maseches Sukkah. Following the siyum, Rabbi Mordecai Terebelo addressed the crowd. Photo credit: Jarred Nisenfeld

PHILADELPHIA HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE FOUNDATION VIGIL The Philadelphia community recently joined together with the Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation (PHRF) for a candlelight vigil to honor the memories of the 11 people murdered in the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh last October. The event, which was held at the Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, included remarks from Philadelphia City Council members Allan Domb and Derek Green. Also speaking were Madeleine Kessler, the daughter of two Holocaust survivors and a PHRF board member, and PHRF Executive Director Eszter Kutas, who delivered a speech on the importance of Holocaust remembrance in combatting antisemitism. Photo credit: ChrisK Photography

YOUNG ISRAEL OF CHERRY HILL The Young Israel of Cherry Hill hosted three wonderful, leibedik young women from New York who came to spend Simchas Torah in Cherry Hill to add to the simcha and help enhance dancing for women and children. They were well received by the community and participated in the annual Shmini Atzeres night kumzitz and a phenomenal youth hakafos. From L-R: Sarah Bienenfeld, Chava Elbogen, Shira Leventhal, Aliza Bienenfeld, Devorah Bienenfeld and Devora Wolgemuth.

NCSY NCSY of Greater Philadelphia hosted special celebrations for Philadelphia and Cherry Hill teens in the sukkah (or inside, as the case may be, due to the storm).

BNEI AKIVA OF LOWER MERION Bnei Akiva of Lower Merion held a special Family Israeli Brunch event during Chol Hamoed Sukkot. Parents and children enjoyed homemade Shakshuka and pitot, and a Family Escape the Room activity. On Hoshana Rabbah, they held a learning program for local teens in conjunction with World Bnei Akiva’s worldwide Torah learning project. October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

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COMMUNITY NEWS Reflecting on the Pittsburgh Attack

white supremacist propaganda. We have also seen white supremacists demonstrating outside AIPAC offices and Israeli consulates. In the first half of 2019, there were approximately 780 anti-Semitic incidents throughout the United States. Yet, despite the rise in anti-Semitism and the reverberations of the Pittsburgh attack one year later, there is a sense of optimism and the recognition that the Jewish community must endure, as well as a need to continue reflecting on what occurred. Adam Hertzman, the Director of Mar-

CONTINUED FROM P. 1 detained by law enforcement for their alleged roles in terrorist plots, attacks or threats against the U.S. Jewish community. Moreover, white supremacists have targeted properties that house Jewish institutions more than fifty times since the Pittsburgh attack. The ADL Center on Extremism found that there were twelve occasions of vandalism using white supremacist symbols and thirty-five distributions of

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PROCLAMATION REMEMBER REPAIR TOGETHER DAY October 27, 2019 WHEREAS, on October 27, 2018, violence struck the Tree of Life synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. In an act of bigotry and hatred, a gunman attacked the Dor Hadash, New Light, and Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha congregations worshipping at the Tree of Life synagogue; and WHEREAS, all of Pennsylvania stands in solidarity with the Tree of Life community, their families, the Jewish community, and all those who continue to mourn in Pittsburgh and across the commonwealth. Horrific acts of violence like this remind us of the fragile nature of human life, and of just how much we depend upon one another; and WHEREAS, though events such as these leave sorrow, heartache, and fear in their wake, we can also find hope in the outpouring of love and compassion evident in the Pittsburgh community and across the commonwealth. In the aftermath of this act of violent extremism, Pennsylvanians reached out to comfort and support one another, to reject bigotry and antiSemitism, and to affirm the bonds of kindness, acceptance, and love that define our commonwealth; and WHEREAS, William Penn founded our commonwealth on the principles of inclusion and tolerance, and today Pennsylvanians continue to demonstrate that true strength comes not from uniformity, but from diversity. The bonds we build between individuals and communities strengthen our commonwealth and our world; and WHEREAS, as we commemorate the events of October 27, 2018, we remember those killed and honor the wounded by building bridges between individuals and between communities. To combat hatred, we must cultivate bonds of friendship and understanding and celebrate the diversity of our commonwealth. THEREFORE, in memory of the victims of the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue, and in honor of the wounded congregants, wounded law enforcement officials, and the entire Jewish community, as well as those in the Pittsburgh community and across our commonwealth who fight hatred and bigotry with love, inclusion, and kindness, I, Tom Wolf, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim October 27, 2019, as REMEMBER REPAIR TOGETHER DAY. I encourage all Pennsylvanians to build bridges of understanding, welcome, and friendship. This is a day for action in the name of love and inclusion. GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, this eighteenth day of October two thousand nineteen, the year of the commonwealth the two hundred forty-fourth.

TOM WOLF Governor

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keting at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, recalled gathering with his Federation colleagues shortly after the news broke that there was an active shooter situation at Tree of Life and working diligently to organize and bring people together in the aftermath of the attack. “We didn’t know all of the details yet, but my first reaction was the reaction of every Jew to hearing something like this – ‘oy,’” Hertzman told the Philadelphia Jewish Link. “I was in work and help mode, and I don’t know that I thought a lot about it until I got home that evening and hugged my kids. It was awful. I think my first reaction was shock.” Citing the Federation’s good working relationship with the various Jewish agencies in Pittsburgh, Hertzman spoke about the collaboration among the various organizations. “It was a seamless collaboration between JFCS, JCC, and Federation trying to notify all of the other synagogues and Jewish organizations and to make sure they had their security lockdown procedures in place. We worked on setting up a place for the families of the victims to wait that was comfortable for them and away from the media, on trying the keep the community calm at a time when there was understandably high anxiety, and on trying to get information out as quickly as possible in a sensitive way.” One of the most incredible things to happen following the Pittsburgh attack was that people from all over the world and from all walks of life essentially came together to offer all kinds of assistance, whether it be financial, spiritual or physical, to the victims’ families and the greater Pittsburgh community. For example, members of the Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where a white supremacist opened fire and killed nine people in June 2015, traveled to Pittsburgh in order to spend time with the survivors of the synagogue attack and comfort them. In addition, there was an interfaith prayer vigil held the night after the attack, where people of different faiths joined to remember the victims. Wasi Mohamed, the Executive Director of the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh, electrified the crowd when he announced that the Islamic Center raised more than $70,000 for the Jewish community in the 24 hours since the shooting. “We just want to know what you need,” he said during his remarks at the vigil. “If it’s people outside your next service protecting you, let us know and we will be there. If you just need someone to come to the grocery store because you don’t feel safe in the city, we’ll be there and I’m sure everybody in the room would say the same thing.” Following his address, the video of which went viral, an additional $168,000 was raised. “The outpouring of support from the

entire city of Pittsburgh and from people around the world was really overwhelming and so meaningful to the Jewish community here,” Hertzman said. “The thing that strikes me in retrospect is although there’s certainly a rise in anti-Semitism around the world, I also feel like this is a time in history like no other time in the history of the world, in which there would be this overwhelming outpouring of support,” he added. “You can imagine a time 100 years ago, where if something like this happened to the Jewish community, the rest of the community would shrug. Knowing that the world has changed in that way really helps with the healing in Pittsburgh.” There is no question that one year after the attack, members of the Jewish community in Pittsburgh are still healing. There are people whose struggles persist as they continue down what could be a very lengthy path to recovery. “Healing is different for different people and isn’t a linear process,” noted Hertzman. “There are people who have really gathered strength from being around others and from all the support that we’ve gotten, and then there are people who haven’t recovered at all, and everything in between.” “The unintended consequences of this horror are so incredibly positive and uplifting – something no one could have anticipated,” said Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life - Or L’Simcha Congregation. “People thrust together by this heinous act continued to find ways to help each other on a healing path. People discovered strength that they didn’t know they had, and some found new purpose in their lives. The evil intentions of one person continued to sprout positive acts in ways that one cannot imagine.” “We will always be in the process of healing, for, unlike a physical wound, this wound never fully heals,” added Rabbi Myers. “Reminders of that horrific day surround us. Each day, we must integrate the trauma of that day into our beings. To emerge and engage in our new reality, we must develop the necessary tools we need to face the challenges that each day brings. I am fueled by two things – faith and hope.” In addition to healing, there is also the question of rebuilding. That issue recently appeared to gain some clarity following an address by Tree of Life President Sam Schachner during Kol Nidre on Yom Kippur, when he announced to the congregants that the synagogue will proceed with rebuilding plans that reflect resiliency, strength, and community collaboration. The building, which was home to three congregations who all lost members in the attack – Tree of Life, New Light Congregation, and Congregation Dor Hadash – has not reopened since the attack one year ago. Tree of Life has since promised to

CONTINUED ON P. 15 October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

COMMUNITY NEWS Reflecting on the Pittsburgh Attack CONTINUED FROM P. 14 return to the building in a demonstration of its faith with a pledge to fight anti-Semitism and all types of discrimination. “We are poised to become an incredible center for Jewish life in the United States,” said Rabbi Myers. “When we reopen, and we most certainly will, I want the entire world to say, ‘Wow. Look at what they have done.’ To do anything less disrespects the memory of our 11 martyrs.” While describing the plan to eventually reopen the synagogue, Barb Feige, Tree of Life’s Executive Director, stated that Tree of Life will be patient and deliberate about planning its future. Immediately following the shooting, the primary focus was on the needs of the victims’ families and survivors. The plan took time to develop as the synagogue dealt with helping its congregants to heal as well as settling into their new temporary space in Rodef Shalom, and the new daily demands of dealing with investigators, insurers, the numerous requests and extensive outpouring of support from across the country and throughout the world. “We are a resilient community,” said Schachner. “When something bad happens, we have three choices. We can either let it define us, let it destroy us, or we can let it strengthen us. We will not let this attack destroy us. And we will not let this attack define us as a congregation.” “We will start by engaging in a rebuilding effort in a victim-centered, collaborative, sensitive and caring manner,” Schachner continued. “We will build a cooperative and collaborative space located on the current Tree of Life - Or L’Simcha site that brings together stakeholders in a shared environment. Our buildings are too old and damaged for a narrow, limited vision. We will create a place that is alive with a balance of the future and the past; a place that has the flexibility to change with the times.” Before the attack last October that left the synagogue unsuitable for worship, the 60-year-old building had mostly outlived its usefulness and needed hundreds of thousands of dollars in deferred repairs. Prior to the shooting, Tree of Life was already working to expand its “metropolitan model,” where three congregations shared space, expenses, and programming under one roof, while retaining individual identities and assets. “This model is now being broadened and we have developed a vision for what we’re calling a ‘Community Collaborative/ Cooperative,’” said Feige. This expanded model will include worship spaces for Tree of Life and other interested congregations, along with the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh and Chatham University – two organizations that have signed on to explore the colOctober 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

Melvin Wax (credit: New Light Congregation)

Joyce Feinberg (credit: Feinberg Family)

David Rosenthal (credit: Rosenthal Family)

Rose Mallinger (credit: Mallinger Family)

Irving Younger (credit: Jordanna Younger)

Cecil Rosenthal (credit: Rosenthal Family)

Jerry Rabinowitz (credit: Henry + Mac Photography)

Dan Stein (credit: Stein Family)

Bernice and Sylvan Simon (credit: Simon Family) laboration – along with other community stakeholders interested in renovating and rebuilding with Tree of Life. “Having the Holocaust Center and Chatham share space with us would give us an educational component that we wish to provide as well,” Feige noted. The vision plan also includes a memorial to the eleven lives lost in the attack. “Our future is not about being the synagogue that was attacked, it is about being the synagogue that survived, thrived and remembered who we are,” said Schachner. “We will turn tragedy into triumph, loss into life and love. We will be resilient, and we will be strong.” In conjunction with the one-year anniversary of the shooting, Governor Tom Wolf signed a proclamation declaring October 27, 2019, a day of remembrance and ordered state flags to fly at half-staff. The proclamation extends the city of Pittsburgh’s resolution declaring the day “Remember. Repair. Together. Day” state-

Richard Gottfried (credit: New Light Congregation)

wide to include all Pennsylvanians. “A year has passed, but I continue to carry sorrow for the victims and their families of this heinous attack,” said Governor Wolf. “We must honor them by remembering, and through our thoughts, prayers, and actions. Pittsburgh is a city of bridges, and so it is a fitting tribute to commemorate this occasion with a day of building bridges of understanding, welcome, and friendship.” As the community rebuilds, Adam Hertzman noted the importance of Jewish institutions being vigilant and cognizant that there are people out there who might view the Jewish community as a target. He stressed the critical role that community security plays on a regular basis and remarked that security outside a synagogue or a school is not just about the building and the guard; it is also about communication and training. Hertzman observed that “Run Hide Fight” training actually saved lives during the Tree of Life attack because a number of the congre-

gants were well-versed in the protocols and knew they needed to run away from the shooter and hide. On the issue of general preparedness, Hertzman believes that “it’s incumbent on synagogues and Jewish organizations to reach out to each other and coordinate on what to do in the event of an emergency.” Notwithstanding what took place in the Tree of Life synagogue on October 27, 2018, Hertzman considers Pittsburgh to be a safe haven for Jews. “Despite the rise in anti-Semitism, Jewish Pittsburgh was one of the safest communities in the country before this attack, and frankly it’s still one of the safest communities.” As we reflect on the lives that were cut short due to a senseless act of violence and ruminate on how the broader Jewish community was impacted by the anti-Semitic attack, we can all take solace in the fact that the healing persists, our faith is powerful, and the rebuilding is proceeding.

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COMMUNITY NEWS A Gift of Life: My Personal Journey CONTINUED FROM P.1 they could be a potential match for Ilene. My husband Lee and I both decided we needed to go and get swabbed. At that session, a local transplant physician spoke about living with kidney disease, dialysis, and the benefits of finding a living kidney donor. Additionally, Lori Palatnik, a dynamic speaker in the Jewish world and a kidney donor herself, spoke about her donor experience. The words that stayed with me the rest of the night were hers, “Hashem gave me two kidneys. One to keep and one to give away!” At the completion of the program Lee and I were both swabbed. We handed in our cards and assumed that would be the end of our relationship with Renewal. About six weeks after the program, I was about to leave my house for an appointment when my phone rang. I usually do not answer calls that I do not recognize, especially when I am on my way out, but for whatever reason I took this one. The caller asked, “Is this Alyssa Fiederer?” I responded affirmatively. She continued, “Hi, this is Irit from Renewal.” My heart dropped and I exclaimed, “Am I a match for Ilene?” Irit responded, “Yes, you are a match for Ilene. Are you still willing to donate a kidney?” I had chills. I could not believe it. I could not speak. I was going to be able to give Ilene my kidney. Irit informed me that I could not yet reveal my identity to Ilene until further testing confirmed the initial compatibility. Several weeks later, my daughter and I traveled up to New York on an allexpense-paid overnight compliments of Renewal. Irit booked our hotel and all my appointments for the next day were scheduled by the transplant coordinator at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx. We checked in to our hotel and the next morning, my daughter and I spent a lovely day navigating Manhattan on our own. We dined at a delicious kosher dairy restaurant, walked along Fifth Avenue, and enjoyed people-watching in Central Park. The next morning, we arrived at the hospital for a long day of testing: social work evaluation, blood tests, EKG, CAT scan with contrast, meeting the donor transplant surgeon, and a number of other meetings. At the end of the day we were tired and ready to head home to await a call affirming that I could indeed donate my kidney to Ilene. It was so exciting when we found out that I was in fact a good match for Ilene. My daughters went to work planning a big reveal. They perused the internet for different ideas, and finally we decided we would make t-shirts. The front of the shirt would have a picture of kidneys with “I am the donor” or “I am the recipient” above it. The back of the shirt would say

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this. Honestly, if it was something that would have only impacted me, I would have immediately responded “sign me up!” But we are now talking about major elective surgery where complications were a real possibility. What would my family think? I called Rabbi Steinmetz back and informed him that I had not thought about donating since Daniel, the kidney recipient, and Alyssa Fiederer, two days finding out I was not post-op. giving to Ilene. I let him know that I had “#kidneysisters Alyssa & Ilene: Decem- to discuss this matter with my family but ber 2018.” The reveal was planned and asked him if there was any information he filmed. It was so amazing to let Ilene could share with me about the recipient know that I was the donor, a lot of hugs that might weigh in my decision. The inwere exchanged. formation that I was given was that man Ilene was in need of a kidney quickly. in need was a 53-year-old father of three My schedule was very busy with the ap- teenage sons. Immediately, I thought of proaching chagim, my son’s Bar Mitzvah, my own family: I have four teenage chiland a scheduled trip to Israel in quick dren and my husband was 52. I brought succession. What was I going to do? I the subject up with Lee and called Rabbi didn’t want to put Ilene at risk of becom- Steinmetz back to inform him that I would ing sicker, requiring her to go on dialysis, proceed with the next step. but I also had things going on in my life I had hoped that the tests performed that could not be changed. About two at Montefiore Medical Center could be week after the reveal, and many conver- used to determine whether this donation sations between Ilene and myself, Ilene could proceed. Unfortunately, since the had her own revelation for me. Appar- tests were performed almost a full year ently, her husband’s cousin was a good before the doctors at NYU, the facility for match for her as well and was able to this surgery, wanted new tests performed. have the surgery performed sooner than Lee and I traveled up to NY and once me. My initial reaction was one of a big again overnight accommodations and let down. I really wanted to be the donor meals were covered by Renewal. Before and now I had lost that chance. With a bit departing NYU, the transplant coordinamore clarity, I was able to see how amaz- tor informed me that one test came back ing it was that right when I realized my slightly elevated. The coordinator said I timing was not ideal, another donor be- could have the test redone at home and came available. they would let me know the results. AfBaruch Hashem, Ilene went on to re- ter a full day of testing and meetings with ceive a kidney from her husband’s cousin doctors, we headed home and I doubted and she is doing really well. End of story, that things would work out. right? The next morning, I went to a local lab Fast forward almost a full year to April for the repeat test, and the following day, 4, 2019, when I received the voicemail I I heard that the results were normal. I was mentioned earlier. Up until this point, I able to continue with my intention to dohad tabled the idea of donation. Giving nate a kidney. my kidney to Ilene would have been a noSeveral weeks went by and I heard brainer for my whole family, we all knew nothing from Renewal or NYU. I felt truly her. What were the chances of another committed to donating and I was hoping close acquaintance needing a kidney. I that the lapsed time was not indicative never truly entertained the idea of giving of some complication. As time continued my kidney altruistically, to someone I did to pass, I saw my time frame for donatnot know, even though I had marked the ing (during the summer when I was not box that I would on the initial question- working) dwindle. I had hoped to donate naire at the Renewal event. sometime in July but as it was now late As I listened to Rabbi Steinmetz’s June, it did not look like that would ocmessage at work, my heart began to cur. I called the transplant coordinator race and I was sweating. I was in a com- to assess how things were proceeding. plete state of shock as I had not thought During this conversation, I expressed my about this for a long time. My immediate desire to have surgery in early to mid-July thought was Hashem obviously wants me as my family would be taking a vacation to give away a kidney, first Ilene and now the second week of August. At this point,

I was informed that the July dates for the transplant team operating rooms were already booked. Wow! We were now looking at scheduling surgery very close to the start of school where I am an early childhood teacher, after my family’s August vacation. Finally, I was offered the date of August 21 just six days before professional development days at work. I had met with Rabbi Entin and Rivka Dear, two amazing administrators at CTA, last year when I thought I would be donating to Ilene early in the school year. They were amazingly supportive and Rabbi Entin even put me in touch with a friend of his who donated his kidney years before in Arizona. No further discussion was ever necessary, as that transplant never occurred. On the last day of school the previous year, when discussion of possible donation resurfaced, I mentioned it to both Rabbi Entin and Rivka as a possibility on donating but assured them that I intended on doing it in early summer so as not to impact my responsibilities at work. Obviously, that was not to be the case, and when I was finally given the date of August 21, I once again requested a meeting with Rabbi Entin and Rivka. Professional development was scheduled to start August 27. My intention was to be there, as I would start setting my room up mid-July and get as much physical work done as possible. I had been told that I had to rest and take it easy, so in my head I would rest better sitting at a PD program than at home where I would probably see things that needed to get done and do them. I was given support to go ahead with the scheduled surgery on August 21. On August 8, I traveled back to New York for a pre-surgical appointment. At this appointment, a nephrologist met with me to go over lab work, I received information about what to expect on the day of surgery, what to expect post-operatively, and had more lab work completed. It was confirmed! Surgery would be in thirteen days. My family left for vacation on August 12. On our way to Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, we stopped for a short hike in Western Pennsylvania. As we pulled into the park, I decided to check my voicemails. I had missed a call from the Kidney Donation Coordinator at NYU, and she indicated that I needed to call her. With poor reception it took me a while to connect with her. Once again, a lab had come back slightly elevated and they needed me to repeat the test. This was a timely matter if surgery was going to be performed on the scheduled date. She asked if there was a Quest Lab near us. In a flustered state, my family and I tried to locate one nearby using a mapping program. We were not able to find one easily. With a pit in my stomach, thinking this was

CONTINUED ON P. 18 October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

In honor of our 125th anniversary, we are proud to present . . . AN EVENING WITH MITCH ALBOM When Chika, a resident of the Haiti orphanage Albom established, is diagnosed with a brain tumor, Mitch and his wife Janine bring her to America for treatment. Chika becomes a permanent part of their household, and their lives, as they embark on a two-year, around-the-world journey to find a cure. The five-year-old Chika’s boundless optimism and humor teach the Alboms the joys of caring for a child, he learns that a relationship built on love, no matter what blows it takes, can never be lost. Finding Chika, Albom’s newest

book, is a celebration of a girl, her adoptive guardians, and the incredible bond they formed — adevastatingly beautiful portrait of what it means to be a family, regardless of how it is made. This is Albom at his most poignant and vulnerable.

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COMMUNITY NEWS A Gift of Life: My Personal Journey CONTINUED FROM P.16 going to be the end of my donation journey, I googled it one more time once we were on the highway. There was a Quest Lab about three miles from where we currently were. Needless to say, we took a slight detour, the test was performed (have to love e-script), and we were on our way after 30 minutes. The next day, I found out that the lab was within normal limits. I was able to relax, enjoy my family, and know that surgery would certainly take place as scheduled. As surgery was approaching, my family periodically checked in with me about what I was feeling. I assured them that I felt calm and peaceful with my decision to donate. I was so happy that I was going to be able to give my kidney to someone who needed it, once again hearing Lori’s words, “Hashem gave me two kidneys. One to keep and one to give away.” My husband, son, and I traveled up to Manhattan on the night of August 20. Renewal arranged a hotel room for us and made it available to my husband and son while I was in the hospital. We awoke early Wednesday morning and took a taxi to NYU. On the ride there, my son asked, “So mom, are you nervous now?” I looked at him and responded, “Actually, I’m not.” His response, “Mom, do you have emotion?” In a weird way, I

On the first day of Chol Hamoed Sukkot, the Fiederers visited the kidney recipient in Monroe County, NY (7 weeks post-op). guess I was excited. As we entered the surgical reception area, we perused the room and saw one frum couple. My husband said, “That’s your recipient.” I asked, “How do you know?” One thing I have noticed on my trips up to NYU is that there are many frum people. This man could have been there for countless reasons. Then Rabbi Steinmetz came to greet us. He wanted to check to see that we were good, which we were quickly able to assure him. After leaving us, he went over to the frum couple. It was indeed true, that was my recipient. After being registered, I was called

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back to the pre-op rooms, my recipient had already gone back. Being a woman of childbearing age, barely, the doctors had to ensure that I was not pregnant, so they asked me to use the bathroom. I knocked on the door, and surprisingly it was my recipient who opened the door. It was a bit awkward with both of us standing in hospital gowns. I excused myself and went to a different bathroom. Once back in my room, Rabbi Steinmetz and Rabbi Shisha, both from Renewal, came in to make sure that I was settled and comfortable. They asked if I wanted to meet my recipient. My heart started to race. Of course, I wanted to meet my recipient! Did he want to meet me? Before the meeting, Rabbi Shisha asked if I could speak a little about what I was feeling, so he could post it on the Renewal website. I requested a few minutes to gather my thoughts and then I said: “Hi, I’m Alyssa Fiederer. I’m here at NYU to donate a kidney today. I thank my family for allowing me to do this. I thank Hashem for putting me in this place. And all should go well for me and my recipient. And, I’m looking forward to being on the other side.” Shortly after speaking, my recipient, Daniel, his wife, and cousin were brought into my pod. Daniel did not look to be so sick to me, although I did notice that his coloring was dark. This was a time of high emotions and hugs, and I was more certain than ever that this is what I wanted to do. Shortly after Daniel and his family left my room, the team came in to tell me it was time for me to head to surgery. At my pre-op visit, I was informed that I would walk into the OR but I thought that was not accurate. However, the moment of truth came and I did in fact walk into the OR. Before entering the OR suite, I was asked my name and asked to clarify the procedure I was going to have done. Once I answered, the doors opened and I felt a rush of cold air and saw masked people, bright lights, and a very sterile room. I actually said, “This is weird!” I was then asked to get on the table and once I was lying down, a mask was placed over my face and I was told to take slow, deep breaths. The last thing I recall was the anesthesiologist telling a joke, which I cannot remember. I was told that the surgery was about five hours long, at least that’s how long my husband and son had to wait to see me. I don’t really remember much immediately following the surgery, but I do recall being taken to my room. Several hours after the surgery, I was feeling really good, considering I just had an operation. The most obvious discomfort at this time was a sore throat, probably from the breathing tube. I made a few phone calls and had some visitors. The two most

memorable ones, besides my family, were Renewal visitors: a previous donor and Rabbi Josh Sturm. The previous donor was a woman, I forget her name, but I remember discussing the procedure. We were both amazed at the idea, and reality, that we walked into the OR. She mentioned that her husband had asked her what the process was like and what she was thinking. She gave me the best analogy, “I felt like Yitzchok (Isaac) at the akeida, when Avraham (Abraham) was going to offer Yitzchok, his son, as a korban (sacrifice).” Wow, that was so accurate! I was willing to lay myself on a table, perfectly healthy, and offer my kidney to a complete stranger. As I think about it now, it sounds crazy, but I have no regrets and would do it again if I could. One day post-op, as I was walking past Daniel’s room, I was summoned in. Remember, I only met him three minutes before surgery. My first reaction upon seeing him was, “Wow! You look so good. Your coloring is so much better than yesterday!” Being one day post-op, I was somewhat uncomfortable, but seeing Daniel’s smile and having him acknowledge feeling better, made any pain I was feeling totally worth it. Baruch Hashem, Daniel continues to do well. On erev Shabbos, September 13, he called me. I said, “It sounds like you are out?” Up until this time he had been at home post-op and had not driven. With an excited tone in his voice, he responded, “Yes! The doctors have said that I can drive so I am driving!” My heart was warm and people who saw me on the phone said my face was radiating. At that moment I truly felt the gift I was able to give Daniel was giving back to me by hearing how well he was doing. Daniel and I are from different hashgafas, Jewish outlooks, but our worlds have been joined. Neither of us are judging the other and I am elated that I was able to help him, and I know he and his family are overjoyed that I gave him this gift. To quote Malka, Daniel’s wife, “we are now family.” Two weeks after the transplant, I received a beautiful, decorative floral arrangement and scrumptious, homemade cookies from them. It was incredibly thoughtful of Daniel and Malka to send, but I assured them that all I want is for Malka to look at Daniel doing so well and know that I love them and am grateful to Hashem for leading me to the decision to become a kidney donor. I am hoping after reading my story you will consider getting swabbed as a kidney donor. It takes about 30 seconds and does not obligate you to follow through if you are called upon. Certainly there is someone among us that could use this life-saving gift. And believe me when I say, you will both be getting something incredible. October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

COMMUNITY NEWS Politz Day School CONTINUED FROM P.1 year after year all asking the same question: what happened to our gym? By the time the Politz Board of Trustees seriously undertook the Gym Campaign, they realized that the school was growing steadily (it is now at record enrollment), and that more than just a gym was needed. As such, the final construction project is much bigger than what was originally planned, and will include additional classrooms, resource rooms, a STEAM lab, a kitchen, and, of course, the gym. Construction is expected to last for approximately nine months, depending on the weather throughout the winter. The new three-story structure adjoining the existing school building will consist of an academic floor (first floor), which will add 7,500 square feet of space. The new academic floor will add classrooms and resource rooms to support the individual learning needs of Politz students. It will also add a new STEAM Makerspace, a state-of-the-art lab for creativity and problem-solving in the areas of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math. Furthermore, there will be a two-story gymnasium, which will add an additional 7,500 square feet of space. The new gymnasium will enhance Politz’s top-level academic program with a complete and challenging physical education program, something that will offer Politz students a more well-rounded educational experience. The new structure will adjoin the existing building and have its own entrance that can be utilized for community functions in the future. “This project has been a difficult challenge and we still have a ways to go with our fundraising,” said Campaign co-Chair Alise Panitch, Esq. “But it has remained a passion of mine since the beginning, as each year the kids at Politz waited as patiently as possible, asking me for updates on our progress. It has been especially hard each year watching the basketball team travel to all the other gyms, wondering, ‘will we ever have a home court?’ The last of my four children graduated Politz last spring. They all hoped it would happen for them, but at this point they will have to look forward to an alumni game. It is of vital interest that all our day schools remain vibrant and have the resources to succeed and grow. I will remain committed to the future of Politz Day School of Cherry Hill, and I invite the community to help ensure this project succeeds and that we all support each other into the future.” “When I walk by the educational annex construction site, I see the years of planning by lay leaders and Politz staff for this milestone expansion project,” said Head of School Rabbi Avraham Glustein. October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

“We are at capacity in our use of our current space and desperately need to build to accommodate our school’s continued growth. It is a dream that is finally coming to fruition.” “I am reminded of the story of the renowned Torah builder and fundraiser, Rabbi Yosef Kahaneman, the Ponevezher Rav,” added Rabbi Glustein. “In one of our darkest hours as a nation, in the early forties, the Rabbi purchased a hilltop in the town of Bnei Brak, to build what became one of the largest Yeshivot in Israel, the Yeshiva of Ponevezh. The Nazis were already in Africa, with nothing standing between them and their conquest of Israel. ‘Rabbi, you are dreaming,’ pined a colleague. To which the Rabbi replied, ‘I may be dreaming, but my eyes are wide open!’ As our dream building starts to take shape, the sight conjures up memories of all the efforts that were invested into making it a reality. I am so thrilled that our current student body will be able to benefit from our expanded facility and invite all our alumni back to celebrate when it is completed. We are seriously considering a staff-alumni basketball competition (with a staff scoring handicap) to allow them to experience our long-awaited gym and annex. Shehechiyanu!” Founded in 1968, Politz Day School of Cherry Hill is South Jersey’s premier modern Orthodox Jewish day school. Politz serves students of diverse backgrounds from Southern New Jersey, Philadelphia, and the surrounding suburbs, providing Jewish children from preschool through eighth grade with the opportunity to learn and thrive in an environment that integrates Jewish religion and traditions with excellence in both Judaic and General Studies. The school’s modern Orthodox philosophy seeks to synthesize traditional halachic Judaism with contemporary society, thought, and technology. With outstanding school leadership and a faculty committed to excellence in all areas, Politz has become one of the fastest-growing Jewish day schools in the region.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

One Year After Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting, PA Governor and Legislators Award Funding to Secure Jewish Schools (Courtesy of the OU)

ne year after the deadly synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, Teach PA, a project of the Orthodox Union (OU) and a leading advocate for equitable funding for Pennsylvania’s nonpublic schools, lauds Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and the state Legislature for providing $3.2 million to secure nonpublic schools – including nine Jewish day schools and yeshivas. Following the deadly anti-Semitic attack at Tree of Life-Or L’Simcha Congregation in October 2018, Teach PA

and Jewish day school leaders across the Commonwealth redoubled efforts to make institutions safer. Responding

to calls for more safety provisions, lawmakers included additional funds and expanded safety opportunities for at-risk schools in the FY 20192020 Budget. Pennsylvania was the first state in the nation to fund security personnel at nonpublic schools through the Safe Schools Targeted Grant Program and now, nearly five years later, the Commonwealth has expanded safety provisions to include security equipment and program !BRAMSȩ(EBREWȩ!CADEMY "gNAIȩ!BRAHAMȩ#HABAD grants. “We thank Gover"ENSALEMȩ*EWISHȩ/UTREACHȩ#ENTER #ONGREGATIONȩ-IKVEHȩ)SRAEL nor Wolf and our state #OMMUNITYȩ4ORAHȩ#ENTERȩOFȩ"UCKSȩ#OUNTY -EKORȩ(ABRACHA #ENTERȩ#ITYȩ3YNAGOGUE legislators for awarding +NESSETȩ(ASEFER these funds to nonpublic schools, making our students and educators #HABADȩ,UBAVITCHȩOFȩ#AMDENȩ#OUNTY safe,” said Teach PA Executive Director Arielle #HERRYȩ'RILL Frankston-Morris. “The #ONGREGATIONȩ3ONSȩOFȩ)SRAEL rise in school violence and anti-Semitic attacks 0OLITZȩ$AYȩ3CHOOLȩOFȩ#HERRYȩ(ILL motivated us to spear4HEȩ"AGELȩ3POT head this security cam9OUNGȩ)SRAELȩOFȩ#HERRYȩ(ILL paign and we are thrilled to see these awards announced.” !CMEȩINȩ.ARBERTH Teach PA initiated #ASKEYȩ4ORAHȩ!CADEMY and led an advocacy #HABADȩOFȩTHEȩ-AINȩ,INE "EITȩ(ARAMBAMȩ#ONGREGATION campaign involving parents, students and #ONGREGATIONȩ"ETHȩ(AMEDROSH #ONGREGATIONȩ!HAVASȩ4ORAH community members +OHELETȩ9ESHIVA #ONGREGATIONȩ"ETHȩ3OLOMON working alongside poli,OWERȩ-ERIONȩ3YNAGOGUE #ONGREGATIONȩ"gNAIȩ)SRAELȩ/HEVȩ:EDEK cymakers in Harrisburg .EWȩ9ORKȩ"AGEL %SPRESSOȩ#AFǳ to pass this important historic bill. Follow3HALOMȩ0IZZA (OUSEȩOFȩ+OSHER ing passage in June 3TARȩOFȩ$AVID 2019, nonpublic schools 4HEȩ-ESIVTAȩ(IGHȩ3CHOOLȩOFȩ'REATERȩ0HILADELPHIA throughout Pennsylva9OUNGȩ)SRAELȩOFȩTHEȩ-AINȩ,INE nia were able to apply :AGAFEN for three safety grants. 9OUNGȩ)SRAELȩOFȩ%LKINSȩ0ARK Although limited funds

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created a competitive applicant field prohibiting every candidate from receiving an award, the nonpublic school community rejoiced as the program – which saw a 597% increase over last year – began its rollout. Recipient schools are able to use the funding immediately and apply it to eligible safety expenditures dating back to July 2019. Three Jewish day schools in Lower Merion – Caskey Torah Academy, Chabad of the Main Line, and Kohelet Yeshiva – received security equipment grants. Pursuant to the criteria set forth by the PA Department of Education, the security equipment grants can be used for a number of security enhancements, including security planning, purchase of securityrelated technology which may include metal detectors, protective lighting, surveillance equipment, special emergency communications equipment, electronic locksets, deadbolts and theft control devices, and training in the use of securityrelated technology. Other Jewish day schools in PA received funding for school police officers, as well as for “programs,” which, like the equipment grants, is a new funding opportunity. Those funds are intended for violence prevention/ reduction activities for staff, students, and/or parents, and include an array of options like conflict resolution, risk assessment, positive behavior support, classroom management, reducing incidents of problem behaviors, and deescalation techniques training. “We are grateful to our legislative champions and partners in advocacy for working together with us to make Pennsylvania’s schools safer in these scary times,” said Teach Coalition Director of State Political Affairs Dan Mitzner. “With continued teamwork, we hope to achieve even more to keep all Pennsylvania’s schoolchildren and at-risk institutions safe.” Teach PA, a division of Teach Coalition, was founded in 2013 to advocate for equitable government funding for Pennsylvania’s nonpublic schools. It has helped secure over $85 million in scholarships for Jewish day school students and spearheaded the creation and maintenance of a school safety program that has delivered nearly $1 million to eleven schools. Currently, twenty day schools and yeshivas receive support through Teach PA’s efforts. For more information, visit https://teachcoalition.org/pa/. October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

COMMUNITY NEWS

Historic Gathering of Five Kollelim in Philadelphia Area

historic gathering recently took place at the Philadelphia Community Kollel in Merion Station, PA. The

members of Greater Philadelphia’s five Kollelim, over 40 yungerleit (young men in the community who participate in learning at

their respective Kollels), came together for the first time and were addressed by Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky, the Rosh Yeshiva of

the Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia, and

CONTINUED ON P. 26

Choosing the right college shouldn’t be so hard. (For students at Touro’s Lander College for Women, it isn’t.)

Join Us! Open House Nov. 3 | 2-5 pm

lcw.touro.edu

We’re worldly and warm, inspired by shared Torah values and determined to reach our potential. We grew up in communities in Bergenﬁeld, Boca and Brazil—and love attending college on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. We share academic interests in accounting, computer science, ﬁnance, health sciences, law, medicine and psychology. We all love the family-like atmosphere in the dorm and a friendly community of students and professors who care about our success. If you ask us, choosing Touro’s Lander College for Women was our best decision ever. Dean Marian Stoltz-Loike, Ph.D. | Lander College for Women 227 W. 60th Street, NY, NY For more information contact Sarah Klugmann at 212.520.4263 or sarah.klugmann@touro.edu

October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

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COMMUNITY NEWS Kohelet Yeshiva Welcomes a New Sefer Torah (Courtesy of Kohelet Yeshiva)

n Thursday, October 24, Kohelet Yeshiva celebrated the induction of a new Sefer Torah to its Middle School Beit Midrash. Dedicated by the Magerman family in honor of their daughters Sydney and Lexie, as well as the first graduating class of the Kohelet Yeshiva Middle School, the new Sefer Torah was greeted with incredible excitement and enthusiasm. Unique to this Hachnasat Sefer Torah was its focus on children. In preparation for the actual Hachnasat Sefer Torah, students of Kohelet Yeshiva took part

(credit: Rabbi Dr. Gil Perl)

in a special Torah Scroll exhibition that walked students through the process of writing a Sefer Torah. From preparing the klaf to writing the tagin on the letters, students learned about the multi-step process of creating Sifrei Torah, including many of the lesser-known aspects and halachot. The children were given the opportunity to test out their own safrut skills, guided through the art of writing their names in safrut script on pieces of klaf by safrut educationalist Rabbi Eli Dovid Strasberg of Chabad of Media, PA. In order to complete the Torah, students were given the opportunity to write a

letter of the Torah together with local Sta”m expert and Rabbi of Congregation Beth Hamedrosh in Wynnewood, Rabbi Yonah Gross. Rabbi Gross completed the writing of the Torah and was able to give a hands-on explanation to the students as to the various halachot and “behindthe-scenes” practicalities that go into writing and completing a Sefer Torah. After the sefer was officially completed, each of the younger grades presented a song they had prepared in honor of the occasion. 8th grader Sydney Magerman delivered a beautiful Dvar Torah in which she described the ways in

(credit: Rabbi Dr. Gil Perl)

which her study of Torah has enriched and enhanced her life. The students then generated tremendous ruach while accompanying the Torah from the High School Beit Midrash, out and around the campus, to its ultimate destination in the beautiful new Middle School Beit Midrash. Younger students lined the sidewalks and hallways, and older students fervently danced, setting the tone for an atmosphere of passionate Limud Torah that will emanate from the newly enshrined Beit Midrash and impact the religious lives of the greater Philadelphia community for years to come.

(credit: Rabbi Dr. Gil Perl)

Israel Bonds Philadelphia Health Professions Division Holds Annual Event By Gwen Horowitz

rime Minister David Ben-Gurion conceived the idea for the Israeli government to issue bonds. The State of Israel desperately needed funds after the War of Independence. The country had taken a terrible toll in casualties and the economy was devastated. The creation of the State of Israel removed the barriers to immigration, and hundreds of thousands of Jews arrived from post-war Europe, and from the Middle East where Jews had been expelled or in some cases, rescued. Immigrants were housed in primitive shelters called ma’abarot (refugee absorption camps). In September 1950, amidst severe food shortages and rationing, David BenGurion convened a meeting of American Jewish leaders at the King David Hotel. He proposed issuing bonds to raise economic support through the sale of State of Israel securities. His goal was to help the new country with funding for immi-

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The nine Ufberg honorees along with “Uncle” Murray Ufberg, Esq. (credit: Bradford Glazier Photography) grant absorption and for the construction of vital infrastructure. Attendees were supportive of the idea and on May 10, 1951, Ben-Gurion launched the first issue at a ceremony at Madison Square Garden. First-year sales were anticipated to be $25 million, but instead exceeded $52 million. Today, Israel Bond sales exceed $1 billion annually.

Golda Meir stated that “the central role in building our economic strength has been played by Israel Bonds.” Initial bond funds were immediately used to build towns for new immigrants, and to develop Israel’s National Water Carrier, which irrigated nearly half a million acres. The success of Israel’s industrial and agricultural sectors is due to early and critical

funding for ports, transportation, educational institutions and more. In the 1990s, funds were used to help the resettlement of the more than one million immigrants who arrived from Ethiopia and the former Soviet Union. Today, nearly 70 years after its inception, Israel Bonds has had $43 billion in worldwide sales. However, continued investment is needed. On Sunday, October 27, the Israel Bonds Philadelphia Health Professions Division held its annual event to raise support. The well-attended event was co-chaired by Lower Merion residents, Dr. Ted Tapper and Dr. Jack Ludmir, and honored the Ufberg family of health professionals (nine in all). Nadav Kidron, the CEO of Oramed Pharmaceuticals, was the guest speaker. Kidron holds a degree in law and an MBA and is an international lecturer with a focus on promoting Israel’s startup industry. He shared the story of

CONTINUED ON P. 28 October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

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October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

COMMUNITY NEWS First Seder to Mark 8th Year Anniversary at Dinner By PJL Staff

n Sunday, November 10, 2019, First Seder will hold its 8th Year Anniversary Dinner at Lower Merion Synagogue, located at 123 Old Lancaster Road in Bala Cynwyd. There is a reception at 5:30 PM, followed by the dinner at 6:30 PM. Dr. Menashe Kohn will be the Guest of Honor, Rabbi Yonah Gross of Congregation Beth Hamedrosh in Wynnewood will receive the Harbatzas Torah Award, and the Young Leadership Award will be given to Zac and Rachel Miller. Rabbi Fischel Schachter, a highly acclaimed scholar, international lecturer, storyteller and author, will be the Guest Speaker. The dinner will celebrate First Seder’s community-wide accomplishments in Limud HaTorah, including the completion of Sefer Bamidbar, Divrei Hayamim I, Mesechtos Kiddushin and Beitzah, Mishnayos Seder Kodashim, all six volumes of the Mishna Berurah, and Daf Hashavua Megillah and Moed Katan. Submit your reservations and journal ads online at www.FirstSeder.org. Ever since its inception in 2012, First Seder Bais Medrash has been presenting a vast array of learning opportunities for men in the Greater Philadelphia area and beyond. With daily classes and a growing number of online offerings, First Seder has become a popular and practical means through which people can engage in regular Torah study. “Our honorees are emblematic of what First Seder is and they each embody the Torah values and love of learning that are at the very core of what this program is all about,” said First Seder Founder Rabbi Uri Greenspan. “Dr. Menashe Kohn, who I have the privilege of learning with several times a week, is a staunch supporter of

Menashe Kohn Guest of Honor

Rabbi Fischel Schachter Guest Speaker

First Seder. Rabbi Gross gives a popular Chumash shiur for First Seder that is both energetic and engaging. Zac and Rachel Miller are fabulous doers who are the first ones to volunteer for First Seder or any community organization with a smile, excitement and enthusiasm. It is truly a privilege to be able to recognize such worthy honorees at our dinner.” Rabbi Greenspan, who lives with his family in Bala Cynwyd, has built First Seder to ensure that men of any age or background can benefit from and enjoy the Torah learning that is offered. The program offers over thirty interactive shiurim and in-depth chavrusa (study partner) learning every week in a variety of topics, including Mishnayos, Halacha, Gemara, Tanach, Parshas HaShavua and Jewish ethics. “The purpose of First Seder Bais Medrash is to provide a structured and organized way of learning for a wide range of people and to enable them to take their learning to the next level,” said Rabbi Greenspan. “I have seen how First Seder has changed and impacted people’s lives – not just the participants who are learning, but their families as well.” Classes take place at Lower Merion

Rabbi Yonah Gross Harbatzas Torah Award

Synagogue on Monday-Friday from 9:10 AM-12:55 PM. In addition, there are a number of classes offered in the evenings as well. Furthermore, there are opportunities for distance learning through a special video conferencing link that allows participants to partake in First Seder’s daily programming via interactive online classes. Moreover, people have the option of joining First Seder’s popular daily short mussar (Jewish ethics and values) shiur learning Orchos Tzaddikim by having it sent to them daily via WhatsApp. “With numerous shiurim available through WhatsApp and an online component that is easily accessible, First Seder Bais Medrash gives people a chance to learn on a regular basis, whether it be in person or from the comfort of their own home, wherever they may be,” Rabbi Greenspan added. First Seder recently launched its Mishnayos Shel Chesed program, which arranges learning in memory of a departed loved one. Through the Mishnayos Shel Chesed program, over 200 individuals have collectively completed the entire six Orders of the Mishnah twenty times over the past year.

Zac and Rachel Miller Young Leadership Award

“For those of us whose background, in Gemara, Mishnayos, Mishna Berurah and other Torah subjects, is minimal, the opportunity to attend daily shiurim on these topics is perfect,” said Len Small of Wynnewood. “A novice doesn’t have the pressure of one-on-one debating issues (unless that is what he wants) or the obligation to verbalize insightful questions (although answered when they do arise), while the constant dialog among the Rebbeim and the more knowledgeable students give everyone greater insights into understanding these texts.” “First Seder presents a unique opportunity to learn in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere along with other like-minded individuals,” said Tzemach Samuels of Bryn Mawr. “The lecturers are excellent, and the environment is stimulating. Regardless of whether you, like me, are new to a Bais Medrash environment or have an extensive background in Judaic studies, I’m sure you will find First Seder to be an extremely rewarding experience.” To learn more about First Seder Bais Medrash, contact Rabbi Uri Greenspan at 732-407-3178 or at RabbiGreenspan@ FirstSeder.org.

Former US Ambassador Nikki Haley to Attend Katz JCC Event (Courtesy of the Katz JCC) The Katz JCC in Cherry Hill is thrilled to welcome former U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley on Wednesday, November 13, at 7:30 p.m., as part of its 30th annual Bank of America Festival of Arts, Books and Culture. Haley’s stop in Cherry Hill is second on her book tour. Haley’s memoir, With All Due Respect: Defending America With Grit and Grace, offers a first-hand perspective on major national and international matters, as well as a behindthe-scenes account of her tenure in the Trump administration. A revealing, dramatic, deeply personal book about the most significant events of our time,

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she chronicles her sensitive approach to tragic events, support for Israel and her confident representation of our country. Haley, named to Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in

2016,” is the first female Indian American to serve as a U.S. Governor (of South Carolina) and was the first female Governor of South Carolina. She also served three terms in the South Carolina House of Representatives. “It’s an honor for the Katz JCC to be chosen as a stop on Nikki Haley’s book tour,” said Sabrina Spector, Festival Director. “Her dynamic approach to politics and unrelenting position on issues we face as Americans will certainly be the spark to dynamic conversation.” Tickets are available for $40 and $50 for JCC members and guests, respectively, and includes a copy of Haley’s book. (Please note, there will be no book signing after the program.) Tickets can be purchased

online at katzjcc.org/abcfest or by calling 856.424.4444, ext. 1226 or ext. 1119. This event will be held at Temple Beth Sholom, located at 1901 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ. The Festival is made possible in part due to the generous contributions and continued support of Katz JCC’s major corporate sponsors: Bank of America, The Heart House, Townsend Press/ Judith Nadell and John Langan, Platt Memorial Chapels, Care One, Classic Cake, Davis Enterprises, Fox Rothschild LLP, Valerie and David Gladfelter Endowment Fund of the JCF, Inc., Healthcare Quality Strategies, Alec and Jocelyn Price, ResinTech Inc., The SHM Financial Group, and SJ Magazine. October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

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COMMUNITY NEWS The Mesivta High School of Greater Philadelphia to Celebrate its 6th Annual Dinner By Gwen Horowitz

s it continues to grow and expand its academic and religious offerings to the Greater Philadelphia area’s Jewish community, the Mesivta High School of Greater Philadelphia will celebrate its 6th Annual Dinner on Tuesday, November 19, at Lower Merion Synagogue in Bala Cynwyd. The dinner honorees, Ronni and Shlomo Troodler, became involved with the school long before its launch. Shlomo was a member of the Steering/Strategic Planning Committee and the school’s pro bono legal counsel, while Ronni provided guidance for the Committee based on her professional experience in teen mental health issues and her interests as a community member and potential school parent. They have remained active lay leaders, with Shlomo serving on the Board and as Chair of the Nominating Committee and Ronni as an advisor on student mental health initiatives. The Troodlers, whose oldest son Judah is a student at the Mesivta, felt there was a critical need in the community for a single sex high school for boys and wanted to ensure there was a local option that would meet their needs. “Shlomo and I value single gender education as well as an educational model that focuses on a core curricular product designed to address the individual needs of each student, with a prioritization on the centrality of Torah,” said Ronni. “We are thrilled to be a Mesivta family and we are truly honored and flattered that the Mesivta thinks we bring honor to the institution,” Shlomo added. “Whether it is from our support of the school in its formative stages as lay people, as donors, as community ambassadors, or as parents, we truly hope

Historic Gathering

Dinner honorees Shlomo and Ronni Troodler we can help to create additional positive buzz for the wonderful things which happen within the four walls of the Mesivta (and outside the walls, everywhere the Mesivta boys go). We encourage the Philadelphia Jewish community to financially support the school so that it can continue to not only meet but exceed all expectations and hope to see everyone at the dinner on November 19.” Now in its 6th year, the Mesivta has a student body that hails from Lower Merion, Elkins Park, Cherry Hill, Wynnewood, Overbrook Park, and Northeast Philadelphia, as well as Israel. Under the skilled leadership of Rabbi Avraham Steinberg, the Rosh Mesivta, the school’s Limudei Kodesh program offers six levels of shiurim ranging from mechina to Bais Medrash Kotton. The BMK shiur is in the Bais Medrash all morning, with chavrusa prep time and analysis of sources like in a bais medrash level shiur. Night Seder and additional learning opportunities are offered every week, many at the initiative of the

students. The school’s secular curriculum includes 33 academic courses, including nine Advanced Placement choices. The average class size for core classes is eight students, intentionally kept to a number that enables individual student growth and teacher-student relationships. The Mesivta also offers students numerous extra-curricular activities. They participated in the Lander College National Model Beis Din, winning first place two years in a row and placing in the top three all four years of their participation. A student publication, Mili DeMesivta, allows students the opportunity to write Divrei Torah. The Mesivta Mustangs field teams in soccer, basketball, and baseball, and a tennis team is in the works. Rabbi Steinberg began having discussions about the idea of a new school in March 2013 in response to what he and others saw as a community need for an additional high school option.

“Our community has many people who combine Torah pursuits with successful careers,” he said. “They wanted highlevel shiurim to enable their sons to be strong life-long learners, along with a robust secular education. As we live in a top public-school district, we were able to bring in general studies teachers who are masters in their fields.” “When I began at the Mesivta, it was my first experience outside of public education,” said Marie Occhiogrosso, the Mesivta’s Principal of Secular Studies and Guidance who is known to her students as ‘Ms. O.’ “I wondered what the atmosphere would be like and how it would impact the learning environment or the pedagogy. What I have realized is that our school allows opportunities to pivot and innovate in real time. What might take years and committees and pilots in public education could be implemented much more readily in the Mesivta’s model. The school is committed to both growth and refinement, and we are continually evaluating our programs. It’s refreshing to be able to tailor the instruction and school to be responsive to the needs of our boys, and I am grateful for a Board and administrative team that empowers its educators to innovate and deliver a customized learning experience.” Both Rabbi Steinberg and Ms. O noted they are continually moved by the character of their students. While they both admit this is something the school cannot take credit for, they feel it is an extraordinary strength of the school. They both also attribute their own success and that of the school’s to their talented faculty who bring diverse experiences from their own backgrounds to the classroom. For more information about the upcoming dinner or to make reservations, visit www.themesivta.org.

Torah in our city.

CONTINUED FROM P.21 by Rabbi Yechiel Biberfeld, Rosh Kollel of the Philadelphia Community Kollel. A new alliance of the five organizations was formally announced. The consortium, called “Ichud Kollelim D’Philadelphia Rabbossi” (Association of Greater Philadelphia Kollelim), hopes to meet periodically in locations across the area to share Divrei Torah, chizuk, and ideas for advancing the perpetuation of

THE FIVE KOLLELIM WERE: • Bensalem Community Kollel - Rabbi Moshe Travitsky • Cherry Hill Community Kollel - Rabbi Yonah Klahr • Northeast Community Kollel - Rabbi Yonah Burr • Philadelphia Community Kollel - Rabbi Yechiel Biberfeld • Somerton Community Kollel (Beth Solomon) Rabbi Meir Riber

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October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

COMMUNITY NEWS 90 Years of The Jewish Agency. 50 Years of Shlichut in South Jersey. One Jewish People. By Arkady Hasidovich

every part of the world where the organization operates. In the former Soviet Union, Shlichim emphasize aliyah efforts. In the U.S. and Canada, by contrast, they focus on building Jewish identity. The organization’s versatility has served the Jewish people’s diverse needs for 90 years and counting. On a parallel track, Shlichim meet the unique and evolving needs of their communities. Much like The Jewish Agency as a whole, we adapt to the times. For my

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October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

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Mishnayos Shel Chesed:

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presentation on Jerusalem’s history at a senior care facility, thinking he had captivated the audience before one attendee raised his hand to say, “Excuse me, who are you?” Nachum Katz (1994-97) and his family members were invited to a Passover Seder, but initially didn’t realize that it was the second Seder, which they never knew existed because only one Seder is held in Israel. Sarit Spector (2007-08) marked Israel’s 60th birthday by educating the community on not only Israel’s conflicts, but the Jewish state’s art, music, theater, and innovations. Alongside the legacy of these 50 years of Shlichut in South Jersey, this year’s ongoing 90th anniversary of The Jewish Agency tells a parallel story. As someone who worked for the organization’s Global School Twinning Network before becoming a Shaliach, I’ve witnessed the uniquely global quality of The Jewish Agency in my capacities both inside and outside of Israel. The Jewish Agency belongs to the entire Jewish people, which is reflected in the organization’s leadership structure where all streams of Judaism are represented. Essentially, it’s the government of the Jewish people, by the Jewish people, for the Jewish people. It’s also a dynamic organization that changes as the needs of the Jewish people continue to change. In the past, when aliyah and building the State of Israel were the foremost concerns of the Jewish people, those were The Jewish Agency’s top priorities. Today, amid the rising tide of unawareness about Israel in the Diaspora, The Jewish Agency prioritizes the cultivation of Jewish identity and connections to Israel worldwide, starting with the ongoing expansion of the Shlichut enterprise. The Jewish Agency also adapts its work to meet the needs of Jews living in

t started as an ordinary day in the gym at the Katz JCC in Cherry Hill, New Jersey - until I was approached by Liz, an instructor who recognized my picture from a billboard. Liz told me how four decades after she first met Tsafrir Anbar, who served as The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Shaliach to Southern New Jersey from 1975-78, she remains friends with Anbar’s children. She also informed me that the family of Anbar, a talented painter who had passed away a few years ago, was seeking to organize an exhibition of his artwork at our JCC. This fall, the ongoing exhibition of those paintings at the Katz JCC has transformed into not just a commemoration of Anbar’s legacy, but an exploration and celebration of the impact of 50 years of Shlichut (emissary work) in South Jersey. My conversations with 10 previous Shlichim in the region for a video on my YouTube channel, “The Shaliach Show,” reinforced what I already knew about the Shlichut program in 150 countries worldwide: it fosters unparalleled connections to Israel through personal relationships. Indeed, the memories we create as Shlichim - from meaningful to humorous to everything in between - last a lifetime. While producing the video, I discovered how Avi Navon, South Jersey’s Shaliach from 1981-83, organized “Our Living Past,” a festival for the 35th anniversary of the State of Israel’s establishment which drew thousands of visitors to exhibits, performances, and lectures. One attendee told Navon, “I wish Philadelphia will be able to one day have such a success as this festival in Cherry Hill.” Gil Reynes, the region’s Shaliach from 1987-88, ran a weekly class which taught community leaders about all aspects of Israeli society. When a mother told Eli Danon (198891) that her son had never met his father, as the mother and son moved to the U.S. while the father had remained on a kibbutz, Danon managed to organize the son’s first phone conversation with his father and later their first in-person meeting in Israel. Ora Chayun (1991-94) recalls being mistakenly introduced to the South Jersey community as a Shaliach (male emissary) rather than a Shlicha (female emissary). Udi Ben Saadia (1994-97) once gave a

work in South Jersey, that meant launching my YouTube channel dedicated to Shlichut. I embarked on “The Shaliach Show” in recognition of two important realities. First, that today’s Jewish professional world is constantly seeking new ways to engage unaffiliated Jews, and that multimedia content is a natural vehicle for reaching this untapped audience. Video is a format that invites people to learn more, to see their community’s story through the eyes of one of their peers. Second, the YouTube channel is a way to make my community feel seen and heard. In each video, I answer frequently asked questions from my visits to synagogues and schools. And that’s exactly what Jewish peoplehood is all about. We live across different countries and continents, and we have differences of opinion on a number of issues. But we listen, learn, and grow together, as one Jewish people. Arkady Hasidovich is The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Senior Community Shaliach at the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey.

When a Jew passes away, they can no longer perform mitzvos or get closer to Hashem. By arranging learning for the soul of a departed family member or friend, their soul can be elevated. As their loved ones, it is within our power to help their neshamos (souls) ascend ever higher. Through First Seder Bais Medrash’s MISHNAYOS SHEL CHESED Program, for just $613, we will learn the entire Shas Mishnayos in memory of your loved one.

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NEW FAMILY SP TLIGHT Dovid and Racheli Levy Mordechai, Rena, and Gavriel Where did you grow up? Dovid is from Queens, NY and Racheli is from Monsey, NY. Where did you move here from? Monsey Where did you move to? Cherry Hill, NJ When did you move here? August 2019 Why did you choose to move to this community? We chose to move to Cherry Hill because it’s a great out-of-town community that’s still close to our families. What do you do professionally? Dovid is a clinical psychologist and Racheli is a nurse. What are some of the things that you enjoy most about the Greater Philadelphia community? There is a strong sense of community and people are very friendly and welcoming. What is a fun fact about your family that people may not know?

Israel Bonds

We all love swimming, so much so that on family trips the kids always say that their favorite part was swimming in the hotel pool. So, it’s pretty ironic that we’re in the process of filling in the pool in our backyard!

Oramed’s inception; his mother Miriam Kidron was part of the research team at Hadassah Medical Center that spent 30 years working on an oral delivery of insulin for people with diabetes. When they made their breakthrough, Mrs. Kidron told her son that the product was commercially viable, but Hadassah was unable to fund the process. This was the beginning of Oramed (the “Ora” is short for “oral”). Mr. Kidron told the event attendees that the diaspora community can support Israel’s start-up community by making

Nadav Kidron, CEO of Oramed (credit: Bradford Glazier Photography)

Dr. Jack Ludmir, event co-chair (credit: Bradford Glazier Photography)

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The Crisis of Jewish Day School Education By Rabbi Ira Budow

Aliyah or helping Israeli companies with access to funding. With enough funding, Israel’s start-ups can realize their extraordinary potential for innovations that will change the world. Dr. David Ufberg spoke on behalf of the nine members of the Ufberg family who were honored. He shared a story which is often told in his family and passed down from parent to child. The story goes that the Jewish people are like a bundle of sticks; easy to break when alone, but strong and resilient together. In short, the Jewish people need to stick together and show support for the State of Israel as individuals, families and as a community.

CONTINUED FROM P.22

COMMUNITY NEWS

was privileged to attend the Jewish Educational Center in Elizabeth, New Jersey, as a student. Years later I returned to JEC to teach limudei kodesh in their middle school for four years. It was an honor for me to get to know Rabbi Pinchas Mordechai Teitz, the true architect of the Elizabeth community. When Rabbi Teitz came to Elizabeth there was hardly a minyan and, under his dynamic leadership, the Jewish community exploded. Five synagogues were under the auspices of Rabbi Teitz. He founded the first day school, a high school for boys and girls in New Jersey. Today Elizabeth is a thriving Jewish community. What was the secret of Rabbi Teitz? The Rav was truly a charismatic leader and many notable people gravitated to him and the community (Wilf, Kushner, Halpern, Dienier, Silverstein and others were privileged to be part of Rav Teitz’s cabinet.) But there was a very important realization that the Rav had from the beginning - the cost of being Jewish. There were no synagogue dues, and day school tuition there was among the lowest in the country. One could afford to be Jewish in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The results of his work are staggering. The schools have almost a thousand children in their school network and the synagogues are full. I am convinced Rav Teitz understood that money was an important reality to the success of a community. Fast forward to the 21st century. There was a new Jewish organization formerly called PEJE (Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education). The aim of PEJE was to elevate Jewish education so that more people would send their children to Hebrew day schools. This goal was truly noble. However, one of the goals of PEJE was to make our Hebrew day school education on par with elite private schools. The problem was that PEJE wanted day schools to charge a similar amount of tuition to our parents. This thought has proven to be a disaster. Many Hebrew day schools raised their tuition to these levels and forced numerous Jewish families to choose one of two options - not to send their children to Hebrew day schools or limit the size of their families. My school and other day schools in Pennsylvania have been saved by

the EITC program. Abrams has also found support from many religious organizations such as OORAH. OORAH helps public school parents transfer their children to Hebrew day schools. A private philanthropist also earmarks money for middle school students that are transferring from public middle schools to Abrams. Because of EITC, OORAH and others, our school was able to enroll 40 new transfer students from public school. Without EITC many schools, both Catholic and Jewish, would not survive. I looked at the tuition levels at two nearby day schools in New Jersey. On the surface their tuitions are reasonable, from $15,000 to $18,000. These tuitions are reasonable in today’s Jewish world. But if God forbid a family has three children and has to pay close to $50,000 in tuition, a family making $250,000 would need a scholarship. This is a problem that will not be easy to solve. Today, two young alumni visited me. They graduated from Abrams two years ago and their families could not afford Jewish high school tuition. The parents of these two young girls chose a radical option and sent their children to Israel for high school. Our Holy Land has programs for overseas high school students that are tuition free! Parents who cannot afford the cost of Jewish education in the U.S. may be forced to send their children to Israel or even uproot their entire family and move to Israel. Incidentally, these young ladies are very satisfied with their schools. Okay. I have painted a picture of doom and gloom for the future of Hebrew day schools. But there is hope. There’s a website edchoice.org. Listed on the United States map are the locations where voucher systems are available in our country. An example in point is South Bend, Indiana. Indiana has a robust voucher program and now there are an influx of Jews moving to South Bend. No, they are not going to Notre Dame, but they are joining the South Bend Jewish community because of the voucher system. Jews and Catholics must unite and try to make this voucher system a reality throughout the United States. This will ensure the future of Hebrew day schools in the United States. Rabbi Ira Budow has been the Head of School at Abrams Hebrew Academy for 39 years. One of his greatest accomplishments has been taking 700 people to Israel. His favorite pastime is seeing his grandchildren grow up. October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

COMMUNITY NEWS Congregation Beth Solomon First Annual Women’s Shabbaton

ongregation Beth Solomon (CBS) is pleased to invite the community to participate in a Women’s Shabbaton to take place on November 22-23. Rebbetzin Yaffa Palti will be the guest speaker for this exciting weekend event. From Brooklyn to Israel, Mexico City to San Diego, and now Miami, Mrs. Yaffa Palti has been actively involved in community affairs: teaching, lecturing, and leading challah bakes for thousands of women around the world for many years. As a speaker, Yaffa lectures on many diverse topics, each one inspirational, motivational, and transformational; all profound, enlightening and unique, and filled with humor. Yaffa is also a singer/ songwriter and often blends together her

lectures and melodies. Her words of wisdom and short inspirational videos can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram. The Shabbaton will feature a Friday night Oneg in the community’s shul with a special lecture and a gourmet Viennese Table by Panache Party Planners. The Shabbos day schedule includes an afternoon workshop with babysitting provided by our wonderful community girls. The culmination of the weekend will be an inspirational and entertaining lecture by Rebbetzin Palti at an elaborate Melava Malka catered by Espresso Café. To join our community for Shabbos or to RSVP for the Melava Malka, please contact the CBS office at 215.671.1981 or email shuloffice@cbscommunitycenter.com.

Lower Merion Synagogue to Host Rabbi Dr. Harvey Belovski

ower Merion Synagogue will host Rabbi Dr. Harvey Belovski as a Scholar-in-Residence on Shabbat, November 8-9. Rabbi Dr. Belovski is a British Orthodox rabbi, educator, and organizational advisor who has been the rabbi of Golders Green United Synagogue since 2003, a position previously held by Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. He will speak at a special Friday night dinner at 7:30 p.m. at the shul, which will be catered by Ma’adan of Teaneck, NJ. To register for the dinner, go to https://tinyurl.com/y6bfpm82. Rabbi Dr. Belovski will also deliver the drasha at the main minyan on Shabbat morning, and will speak at both

n Shabbat, November 15-16, Sha’arei Orah in Bala Cynwyd will host Rabbi Dr. Zvi Grumet as a Scholar-in-Residence. Rabbi Dr. Grumet will speak at an Oneg at the home of Dr. Frani Pollack and Dr. Joel Hecker on Friday night at 8:30 p.m. on the topic of “From Avram-Sari to Avraham-Sarah: What is the significance of the name change for the first patriarch and matriarch?” On Shabbat morning, Rabbi Dr. Grumet will speak during the 9:00 a.m. Shacharit on the topic of “Did God choose Avraham or did Avraham choose God?” In addition, he will deliver a shiur following a Kiddush lunch on the topic of “Is it broken and should we fix it? The current state of modern Orthodox Jewish day school education.” He will also speak at Seudah Shlishit at 4:00 p.m. on the topic of “Sarah’s laughter: Sarah laughs and there is rebuke. Previously, Avraham laughs, yet there is no rebuke.” Rabbi Dr. Zvi Grumet is a master Bible teacher who lectures widely across the English-speaking world. Having earned his rabbinic ordination and Ed.D. at Yeshiva University, Rabbi Grumet dedicated the first eighteen

years of his career to teaching Torah and leading educational institutions in the U.S. Today, he teaches at Yeshivat Eretz HaTzvi and is Director of Education at the Lookstein Center for Jewish Education. Rabbi Grumet’s books include: Moses and the Path to Leadership and Genesis: From Creation to Covenant. He is currently writing a volume on Exodus as well as a teen-friendly Chumash for Koren Press. Davening will take place at Sha’arei Orah, 131 Montgomery Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA.

Cherry Hill “Amen Party” By Rebbetzin Deborah Epstein

A the teen minyan Kiddush and Seudah Shlishit.

Have you checked out our social media pages? Don't miss out on the latest photos, articles, article discussions and much more. PhillyJLink phillyjlink PhillyJLink October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

Rabbi Dr. Zvi Grumet to Visit Sha’arei Orah

few weeks ago, the night before Yom Kippur, over 50 women in Cherry Hill gathered together at the second annual Amen party. The goal of the event was to usher in the New Year and prepare for Yom Kippur with the reciting of hundreds of blessings. The strategy was to invite more Bracha into their lives by saying blessings and answering Amen to them. The program consisted of a short presentation on the benefits of answering Amen. The five blessings of Mezonos, Hagafen, Ha’etz, Ha’adamah and Shehakol were then recited by each attendee on delicacies catered by House of Kosher. Many of the women chose to dedicate their Bracha as a merit for specific causes such as a Refuah Shelaimah, shidduch, or to be blessed with children. The room remained silent, except for the utterance of each Bracha. It was an inspiring and meaningful event during the Aseret Yemei Teshuva. At the conclusion of the evening tzedakah for the needy was raised and

the entire Sefer Tehillim was completed. It was a spiritual evening connecting to Hashem and women from all over the Cherry Hill community.

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DIVREI TORAH

The End is Only the Beginning… By Mrs. Besie Katz

he Yomim Noraim are behind us, and we have all shifted our mindset to the upcoming winter months. (If Succos is over, can Chanukah be far behind?) For me, and I am sure for others, it is difficult to physically and emotionally leave the Succah. We have davened with an intensity unparalleled to the rest of the year, and we have delved into words of Torah which have expanded our spiritual horizons. How do we keep the gifts of these Holy Days with us? Certainly, they are too precious to put away and not retrieved until next year? I believe the answer lies in the “leining” of the weekly Parsha. Each Parsha contains gems of Torah knowledge which serve as the link to Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, and Succos. It is with this in mind that I feel privileged to bring you the following D’var Torah on Parshas Noach:

The Torah gives us a very explicit description of the teyvah. There were three floors; Noach and his family had the top floor, the middle floor housed the world’s cross section of animals, wild and domestic, and the myriad of species of “creepy crawlers.” The ground floor was the “trash and garbage dump”. No trash pick-up, no recycling, just…. You can only imagine what the living conditions were like in the teyvah. This is what Hashem decreed to be done, and so it was done. The Ark took 120 years to build with highly defined architectural designs. Why were these specifications necessary? After all, Hashem promised there would be no more floods of this magnitude, and we would not need a teyvah of this description. Nothing that Hashem commands us to do can be trivialized. There are several lessons to be gleaned from the design of the teyvah – even the design of a small window. Hashem tells Noach to build a window. One would think that Noach would have

thought of it on his own. A window in this type of construction certainly would make sense. Yet, the window is a command which emanates directly from Hashem. There must be an inherent lesson in the instruction to build a window inside the Ark. The following story may help us understand the wisdom behind the window in the teyvah: A highly acclaimed Rosh Yeshiva tragically lost his son to a devastating disease at the prime of his life. He had left a young widow and a son. Understandably, the shiva period was a most difficult time to endure. Among the many visitors, the Bluzhever Rebbe, Rabbi Spira, zt”l came to be “menachem avel” – to comfort the family. Rabbi Spira had lost his entire family to the Nazis ‫ימ"ש‬, and was no stranger to the constant reminder of bereavement. When he had the opportunity to say something, Rabbi Spira gently told the Rosh Yeshiva, “Your loss is terrible, but at least you have a son to continue your name,

and there is a stone where the family can visit. I do not know where any of my children who were killed by the Nazis are buried. But somehow Hashem has given me the strength to rebuild my family and my life.” These words gave the Rosh Yeshiva a new perspective on his loss and provided him and his wife comfort. Sometimes when we are confined to our “boxes of life” we need a “window” allowing us to see another perspective. When we feel as if our world is falling apart, Hashem tells us to build a window and look through it. This window may look out into the wisdom of a Gadol or a Sage. This window may look out into someone else’s perspective, or this window may look out into the beautiful world Hashem has created for us reminding us He is the Master of all. May all of the collective Tefilos of Klal Yisroel be answered with Hashem’s mercy and compassion during the year of 5780. Mrs. Besie Katz is Head of School at Politz Hebrew Academy.

From Yom Kippur Through Rosh Hashanah By Rabbi Yisrael Davidowitz

e just completed the most intense, spiritually charged Yom Tov season on the Jewish calendar. Through a process of tefilah, teshuvah, and avodah, culminating with Simchas Torah celebrating our ahavas Hashem, each of us soared to great heights. But after the whirlwind, now what? A friend recently forwarded me the following message, “It’s very important to act especially good from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur... but it’s also important to act especially good from Yom Kippur to Rosh Hashanah.” Sounds nice, but how can we keep the connection throughout the entire year without all the special mitzvos? It may be wise to analyze what other steps we were instructed to take during Aseres Yemai Teshuvah to reach those lofty levels, and then endeavor to replicate them throughout the year. The Mishna Brurah quotes a p’sak of The Rosh to learn sifrei mussar each day of Aseres Yemai Teshuvah. Furthermore, Chazal instituted saying L’Dovid Hashem Ori during this time period because of the pasuk found therein, “achas shoalti m’es Hashem… shivti b’ves Hashem kol yemai chayai,” which Mesilas Yesharim

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interprets as d’veykus b’Hashem. He then plainly states that Dovid Hamelech’s intent in this pasuk was that any other pursuits that people consider meaningful are mere emptiness and utterly worthless. D’veykus, literally, clinging to Hashem, may seem esoteric; however, according to the Nefesh Hachaim, it is achieved through learning Torah. It emerges that Torah and mussar are critical components in reaching the spiritual heights of Yemai Hadin. However, setting aside time to learn every day is difficult and takes serious discipline and commitment. Someone once asked Reb Yisrael Salanter, “I only have a halfhour a day to learn Torah. What should I learn, gemara or mussar?” Reb Yisrael famously replied that he should learn mussar because, in doing so, he will find that he has much more time than a half-hour a day to learn. The Mishna Brurah, quoting the holy Arizal, states that it is actually a chiyuv to learn mussar every day of the year. The Vilna Gaon writes that the purpose of life is to be mesaken (perfect) one’s middos and that is accomplished through learning mussar, and learning mussar only, as The Mesilas Yesharim states explicitly and the Chida concurs with. In the sefer Ohr Yisrael, Reb Yisrael goes so far as to say that a person is completely lost spiritually without mussar. So, it comes out

that no matter your level or persuasion, litvish, chassidish, or sephardic, virtually everyone agrees to this absolutely critical limud. I have a mesorah from my Rebbe, Reb Henoch Leibowitz, zt”l, who received from his Rebbi and father Reb Dovid, who was the talmid muvhak of the Alter of Slabodka, who received directly from his Rebbe, the great Reb Yisrael Salanter, that the single greatest change that one can make in their life, that will affect everything else, it to learn mussar daily. As someone blessed to work in chinuch, I can share from my own observations and experience that learning Mesilas Yesharim consistently makes a most profound impact on a person. It is truly an elixir of life. At any age and stage, students of mussar start finding (more) meaning and purpose in life, attitudes improve, emunah and bitachon are strengthened, and even marriages become blissful. Many other challenges we

face, such as falling prey to destructive temptations and behaviors, raising difficult children, workplace relationships, etc., all slowly melt away. As a result, we will surely find we do have more time to dedicate to learning and growing in ruchnius throughout the entire year right up through next Rosh Hashanah. My dear friends and readers, there are no shortage of pitfalls and truly good excuses in life, but the stakes here are too big, too critical, too everlasting to let slip away and pass us by. We should all be zocheh to seize this golden opportunity of life and start learning a few minutes of mussar each day. If we already learn mussar, let us consider increasing the time, or better yet, grab someone else, a spouse, child, friend, or co-worker, and share with them the beautiful life attained in this world and the next by one who studies mussar daily. Together, may we all reach the levels that the Mesilas Yesharim describes, where we are drawn to Hashem like a powerful magnet is drawn to iron, and where the eish ha’tayva, the powerful desire of our yetzer hara, is completely extinguished and replaced with a passion for closeness with Hashem. Rabbi Yisrael Davidowitz is Head of School and a Rosh Yeshiva at Foxman Torah Institute in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He is also a mohel mumcheh and can be reached at rydavidowitz@ftiyeshiva.org. October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

DIVREI TORAH

Sta”m Matters How Many Letters are in a Sefer Torah? By Rabbi Yonah Gross

remember learning in elementary school that there are 600,000 letters in a Sefer Torah and that each represents one of the souls that left Egypt. There was also an added lesson: when one letter of the Torah is damaged or incomplete, the entire Torah is Passul and must be corrected. Likewise, each and every Jew is essential to the Jewish people. What is the basis for this number? The count of 600,000 is recorded in the Zohar Chadash (Shir Hashirim p.74). The Megaleh Amukos #186 (Rav Nosson Nota Shapiro, Krakow, 17th Century) records the number 600,000 and suggests that it reveals that every Jewish neshama has a corresponding letter in the Torah. He even adds that the word ‫ ישראל‬can serve as an acrostic for ‫( יש ששים רבוא אותיות לתורה‬There are 600,000 letters in the Torah). But are there actually 600,000 letters in the Torah? If you sat down and counted, you would only get to 304,805. This number is also part of our tradition and is recorded following the end of Sefer Devarim in a stan-

dard edition of the Mikraos Gedolos Chumash, where it is given its own pedagogical significance. The Talmud (Kiddushin 30a) grapples with this problem as well when it claims that the letter vav (‫ )ו‬of the word gachon (‫( )גחון‬Vayikra 11:42) is the middle of the Torah. Rav Yosef questions whether the letter represents the end of the first half or the beginning of the second half and suggests bringing out a Sefer Torah to count the letters. His colleagues respond that their count would not be accurate as they are no longer well enough versed in “deletions and additions.” “Deletions and additions” are normally understood to refer to variant spellings of the same word. For example, sometimes a word is spelled with a vav in one place, but not in another. Accepting this answer at face value is a challenge. The spot the Talmud points to is almost 5,000 letters away from the middle of the Torah according to our count. Another challenging point of Rav Yosef’s statement in the Talmud is the question about whether it is the end of the first half or the beginning of the second half of the Torah. His statement seems to assume that there is an even number of letters, when in fact our count of the letters is an odd number.

Picture 1

Picture 2

One approach is to look closely at the letters themselves. Many Hebrew letters are complex and comprised of smaller, simpler letters. For example, look at the word ‫( שמע‬picture #1). The letter shin (‫)ש‬ contains two vavs (‫ )ו‬and a zayin (‫ ;)ז‬that’s three letters. Likewise, the mem (‫ )מ‬contains a chaf (‫ )ח‬and a vav (‫ ;)ו‬the ayin (‫)ע‬ is made up of a vav (‫ )ו‬and a zayin (‫)ז‬. The idea that many letters are comprised of multiple letters is one approach to explain the discrepancy. Another approach is that the 304,805 number represents only the ‘black letters.’ There are also letters written between the ink. One example is the letter peh (‫( )פ‬picture #2). The traditional way of writing the letter peh in a sefer Torah includes a nick towards the bottom right. If you focus on the inside of the peh you may notice another letter formed - the letter bet (‫)ב‬. I am not suggesting that if we add up all of the different parts and insides of letters,

we will get to exactly 600,000. I am merely pointing out that there are different ways of approaching a count of the numbers and one of these other approaches may have been what the Zohar Chadash was alluding to with the number 600,000. Furthermore, the Talmud’s statement that “we aren’t experts in deletions and additions” makes more sense when referring to different styles of writing than when referring to full words that are written in multiple ways in the Torah. The idea that letters are made up of other letters gives us an appreciation for the beauty and depth of our holy Torah. It also has interesting ramifications in halacha which I hope to discuss in a future article. Rabbi Yonah Gross is the Rabbi of Congregation Beth Hamedrosh in Wynnewood, PA. He is also the founder of Mezuzah and More which checks and sells mezuzahs, tefillin, megillahs and Sifrei Torah. For more information visit mezuzahmore.com.

Unity is a Double-Edged Sword By Rabbi Binny Freedman

Weekly Dvar Torah

ate June 1976 passengers boarding Air France Flight 139 discover it is now stopping in Athens en route to Paris. Some, like George and Rivka Karfunkel, don’t want to board. Athens airport was renowned for its terrible security. Indeed, it was from this very airport a plane was hijacked in 1970. But their luggage is already on board, so they board as well. In Athens, two Germans join the flight: Brigitte Kulma and Willie Burs, along with two Arabs who are connecting from Bahrain. The two Germans were members of Baader Meinhof and the two Arabs were members of the Palestinian Front for the Liberation of Palestine, an organization founded by Wadi Hadad, who broke off from Yasser Arafat whom he did not consider radical enough. There was no security inspection for transit passengers in Athens, so they were able to get on the aircraft with the weapons they brought from Bahrain. October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

FROM ERETZ YISRAEL

Five minutes after takeoff they hijacked the plane, refueling in Benghazi where the terrorists began calling out names. It did not take a genius to quickly figure out what they were doing: not thirty years after the Holocaust, German terrorists were separating the ninety-three Jews and Israelis who, along with the crew who refused to leave, were taken to Kampala, Uganda. The terrorists gave an ultimatum: if their demands were not met, they were going to start killing hostages on July 1. Yitzchak Rabin, the Prime Minister at the time, upheld Israel’s policy of not negotiating with terrorists, and eventually approved the mission, led by Yoni Netanyahu, to fly thousands of miles, through enemy territory, to rescue the hostages and bring them home. Just before boarding the planes and

beginning radio silence, Yoni Netanyahu gathered his men, Israel’s most elite commandos, telling them, “...we may not know who they are, but they are our brothers and sisters, and we are going... because if we don’t go no one will.” A moment that recalls the well-known Jewish axiom, kol Yisrael areivim zeh la’zeh, every Jew is responsible for every other Jew. Ultimately, we are all one. Achdut – unity. A powerful idea, which cuts to the core of what the Jewish people are all about. Ideally, it’s not only about Jews. We are meant to model for the world what brotherhood and unity are all about. What could be more beautiful than true unity, when we all put aside our differences in deference to something greater than ourselves? Parshat Noach, however, seems to suggest otherwise.

The world, created with such hope and light, has sunken into a morass of idolatry and violence, to such a degree that there is no longer a point to its continued existence. After all, if God and Godly ethics no longer matter, then we no longer matter. So, God brings a great flood that destroys the world and pushes the ‘restart’ button with Noach; the world gets a second chance. Yet, later in the Parsha, it looks like humanity is about to make the same mistake by building a city and a monstrous tower – rabbinic tradition suggests they were literally going to war with no less than God Himself! Only this time, despite the fact that all of mankind seems united against God, the world is not destroyed. Why not?

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DIVREI TORAH

Torah from Eretz Yisrael Cyber-Towers of Modern Bavel By Rabbi Moshe Taragin

adly, an entire planet had suffered total moral collapse and was tragically annihilated by the violent waters of the flood. Noach’s world disappears and humanity must be rebuilt from scratch. A few generations later, an ambitious company of people attempt to form a modern city punctuated by a tower. For some unspecified reason G-d intervenes and scatters this united and determined population. The sin of this “tower generation” isn’t obvious: Why did this generation suffer catastrophic population dispersal? On first glance, the “tower generation” achieved remarkable feats. So much of human history- both before and after the tower- have been pockmarked by strife and contention, and somehow this generation achieved unity and fraternity! Working in unison, this generation migrated to a clement area in “Shin’ar” where they construct the first ‘designed’ city of human history. All this organized activity launched the first industrial revolution- bricks and mortar were manufactured in large-scale furnaces. Such industrial scale activity can only emerge from coordinated management and synchronized manufacturing. Importantly, straw and mud construction was replaced by bricks and mortarmaterial which can support multi-storied homes and, ultimately, a colossal tower. Multi-level construction enabled larger populaces to inhabit relatively smaller areas, thereby producing the first urban habitat. These accomplishments were groundbreaking and extremely beneficial to human progress. Why was this generation scattered across the planet?

Unity is a Double-Edged Sword CONTINUED FROM P.31 Of course, one might suggest that God promised He would never bring another flood, but technically God has no shortage of options; if not by flood, destroy them with fire! The Midrash suggests that what saved the builders of the Tower of Babel was that they were unified – a beloved concept before God. A beautiful idea, save one detail. The Torah makes very clear that the consequence of the Tower of Babel was that

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Unlike the morally stained generation of the flood, these urban planners advanced human society while fostering the spirit of unity which had been so elusive for close to two millennia of human history! Indeed, our Chazal portray this ‘tower’ generation as heretics who challenged Divine authority. Their true design was to ascend to Heaven and war with G-d. Where did this heresy stem from? The Torah profiles them as industrialist urban planners and not philosophical heretics. Evidently, technological empowerment is a tricky proposition. Indeed, human ingenuity removed the curse of Kayin; no longer would humanity suffer a nomadic and wandering lifestyle exposed to the elements and to the dangers of the natural kingdom. Technology produced a city and dramatically advanced civilization, but it also tested religious faith in G-d. As long as Man senses his inherent vulnerability, he looks to Heaven for redemption and for solutions to life’s challenges. When Man becomes more technologically advanced, he loses touch with his reliance upon a higher Being. Technology emboldens Man to look inward rather than Heavenward for solutions and answers. As Eric Hoffer, an American philosopher once commented, “Where there is the necessary technical skill to move mountains there is no need for the faith that moves mountains.” Sometimes it is material and financial luxury which deadens religious sensitivity and invites religious inattentiveness. For the “tower generation” it wasn’t material success but rather technological overconfidence which blinded them to their dependency upon a higher Being. Interestingly, the midrash describes the principle goal of the tower: to fortify the foundations of heaven and prevent another potential flood. Technology had convinced Man that he was no longer

susceptible to Divine intervention; with enough ingenuity Man could achieve invulnerability. Superman was alive in Bavel! Over the past two centuries humanity has undergone a similar technological revolution. Rapid industrial and technological revolutions have completely altered the face of human experience. We live longer and more healthily, rapidly travel the globe, mechanize much of our labor, and feed our planet through large scale industrial agriculture. We possess a seemingly endless arsenal of technological solutions to conditions of life which overwhelmed our ancestors. More recently, over the past thirty years, the internet revolution has galvanized communication; we share information more rapidly and with greater collaboration. Just as in Bavel, the land of universal language, the internet revolution was enabled by the emergence of English as a universal language. Without a universally recognized language the internet would never have materialized. However, this 250-year technological revolution has produced a secular city in which G-d has no necessary or obvious role. Modern Man feels so empowered and has cleared so many barriers that he no longer looks to Heaven for assistance. Thousands of years ago G-d scattered the tower generation because they were too intoxicated with their own technological prowess to fully realize the fragility of the human condition and their dependence upon G-d. Every once in while Modern Man is reminded of the limits of technology while recovering a truer sense of reliance upon Heaven. An additional crime of the “tower generation” was its attempt to emulsify the individualism. Human beings are created as unique individuals meant to express individual views and unique talents. In the pursuit of “conformity of purpose and

common language” does Man abdicate his uniqueness and personal identity? In this city of common identity, differing languages and opinions were shunned (see the Netziv’s commentary on this story). Those who didn’t squarely agree with the common convention were dismissed. Ironically, it is “human speech” which best allows us to express our individualism. If we were all identical and conformed to the same interests, there would be no need for creative communication. Speech assists us in defining and expressing our individualism. Yet in the “tower generation” the homogenization of speech abolished human individualism. The tower people weren’t punished but were scatteredboth geographically and linguistically- to restore diversity and individualism. Our own age of ‘cyber-towers’ also threatens individual identity. The hyperconnected world of the internet makes us vulnerable to mob mentality and less comfortable asserting non-conformist opinions. Social media creates echo chambers where we only engage with content we are already interested in, depriving us of exposure to contrary ideas. The naïve assumption that everyone should share common opinions creates animosity toward those with differing opinions, and ultimately yields the jagged world of identity politics which has beleaguered modern democracies. Of course, as religious Jews we are expected to conform to a common set of ideas and to perform common religious activities. However, individual expression, even within religion, ensures that our religious experience remains profound and authentic. G-d scattered the tower generation both to restore a sense of human fragility as well as to protect human individualism. Rabbi Moshe Taragin is a rebbe at Yeshivat Har Etzion, located in Gush Etzion, where he resides.

God caused them to speak many languages and scattered them across the face of the earth! Why would Hashem undo the one thing that was their greatest merit? It seems unity is a double-edged sword. Being of one mind and one purpose is not always good. We need only recall the horrible images of tens of thousands of Germans with their outstretched arms yelling “Seig Heil” as one to realize just how dangerous unity can be. Indeed, sometimes allowing for divergent opinions is what helps to create healthy unity. One of the worrisome phenomena on campuses today is how easily opinions

that do not seem to follow the consensus are shot down, their authors ostracized and belittled. This phenomenon is not limited to any one group or population. We all must be sensitive to how easy it can be to shoot down the opinions of those we disagree with.

Perhaps Noach is teaching us that unity is meant to build bridges, not towers and walls. Rabbi Binny Freedman is Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Orayta. He is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi. org/speakers).

DO YOU OWN OR MANAGE A HEALTHCARE BUSINESS? Be Featured in our Health & Wellness section Call 484-424-5200 or email publisher@PhillyJewishLink.com October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

Update on Breast Cancer By Dr. Rene Rubin

ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, is that really enough time dedicated to

this issue? For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we should take time to celebrate our complex relationship with our breasts. Breasts are the first things girls develop at the start of puberty, and breasts are what we watch as one heaves their last breath of air in this world. They sustain life, and can also take away life. We cannot deny that breasts are one of the most important parts of our body. There are at least 50 synonyms for breasts and almost as many different meanings associated with these strange and wonderful appendages. In America this year, 270,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, 62,000 will have non-invasive breast cancer,

October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

and 2,500 men will be found to have breast cancer. 42,000 women (1% under the age of 40) and 500 men will die of breast cancer this year. However, what is more remarkable is the fact that the 5-year survival rate of invasive breast cancer is 90%. And the 10-year survival rate is 85%. More importantly, if someone is diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer (not in the lymph nodes), the 5-year survival rate is between 95-99%. Unfortunately, if diagnosed with stage 4 disease the 5-year survival rate drops to 25%. Obviously, we have our work cut out to make sure we diagnose patients early. There are now over 3 million Americans living with breast cancer. As Jews, we need to have a heightened awareness, but not a fear of breast cancer. Inherited breast cancer in the general population is 5-10% (1 in 400). However, the BRCA gene is more prevalent. The BRCA gene causes a 10fold increased risk. In Ashkenazi Jews the risk is 1 in 40 women. This means the average female has a 12% risk and BRCA mutated women can have as

high as 70% over their lifetime. There is also an increased risk of ovarian and pancreatic cancer as well as melanoma in the BRCA mutated population. What is important to know is that there are new genes we are learning about.

THESE INCLUDE: • CHEK 2 - 2-3 x the risk • PALB2 - Third most common mutation. 35% of women with this mutation will get breast cancer. • CDH1 - Increases lobular breast cancer • PTEN - Controls cell division • TP53 - Recognizes damaged DNA • RADS51 • CTLA4 • STK11

WHO SHOULD HAVE GENETIC TESTING? 1. Anyone with a diagnosis of breast cancer less than 50 years of age 2. Anyone with multiple family members with breast cancer on either side 3. Family history of male breast

cancer 4. Anyone diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer 5. Anyone diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer 6. Anyone diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer 7. Family members with prostate cancer under age 60 8. Ashkenazi Jewish women This last one is the one we need to be most proactive with! If any of the above testing shows you are at increased risk, there are options to discuss. This must be done on an individual basis and with a physician who can spend time discussing every option available. First and foremost - a positive test does not mean you will get breast cancer!!

RISK REDUCTION INCLUDES: • Early screening • Add in MRI and ultrasound - this can improve the diagnosis in early

CONTINUED ON P. 36

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS The Biopsychosocial Jewish Brain – Insights From Ourselves About Ourselves

Bechira, Our Brains, and the Choice of Being Jewish By Dovid Halpern

s was discussed in my previous article, there appears to be a correlation between our actions and the neural activity in our brains. This begs the question: how do we know our thoughts are not determined through physical interactions? The question of free will and determinism has been one which philosophy and theology have grappled with for centuries. The challenge of this century appears to be from the physical sciences, with deterministic principles postulating that all neural interactions determine human thought, action, and belief. Thus, our own existence is simply another cog in a deterministic universe. This claim has obvious difficulties for any religion that bases its principles on human autonomy, self-determination, and the freedom to choose. The question then becomes, what freedom in Judaism do we seek? To understand the debate, one first must understand the terms. We usually think free will means to be able to make any choice we feel like. This is known as “radical choice” by some philosophers, but it is not always the free will that theologians/ philosophers speak of. One school of thought, the incompatibilists, believe that free will is incompatible with a deterministic universe. Others who believe that these two can coexist are called compatibilists. The compatibilists argue that the freedom we should be describing is not radical choice, but the freedom to act in a situation where one has no impediments. Then, even in a deterministic universe, we would have free will. The problem with this classical argument is that physical determinism argues that everything we do is physically predetermined, and thus there is never a time with “no impediments” ensuring a choice; effectively we could never have chosen otherwise.

Modern compatibilists therefore resort to other types of arguments to defend compatibilism (the argument of moral responsibility as an example) but suffice it to say it is a difficult position to defend. Some modern philosophers such as Robert Kane and John Searle have argued for an indeterministic position in the face of modern neuroscience. To them the neural networks of the brain may be the seat of our “self,” but these networks also are able to self-regulate and create choices in the setting of emergent properties and sense of being, allowing for both usual and radical choices despite the mechanistic understanding of our neural network. So, where does that leave us as religiously inquiring Jews? The answer is of course: machlokes. Our tradition has a myriad of possible responses to these issues, but they generally fall into three camps: rejection, acceptance, or synthesis. 1. Rejection: The camp of rejection believes modern science, like its predecessors, is only as true as people are. As we are flawed, there is no reason to believe science which contradicts religious truths. The entire issue of physical determinism is simply a mistake one makes placing science on equal footing with religious beliefs. Some understand the Midrash Tanchuma on tzaddik b’emunaso yichyeh to emphasize this point exactly; we cannot fully comprehend existence, so emunah and bitachon must take precedence. This sentiment is echoed by the Rivash (Shut #447), the Klausenberger Rebbe (Divrei Yatziv, Orach Chaim 113), and Rav Hirsch (in “Letter on Aggadah”) on conflicts between scientific research and statements of Chazal. Science may appear correct, but Chazal knew much more than we can ever know. Any scientific reasoning that then contradicts our emunah must be rejected outright and, ultimately, we know it will be false. This position usually explains physical determinism as an epiphenomena alongside

our actual choices, placed there as a nisayon (test) from Hashem. Truly, correlation does not equal causation. 2. Acceptance: To accept physical determinism appears counter to our entire religious conscience. Though this does appear to be the case, there are a few exceptions. In the Orthodox Forum discussion on this topic (“Judaism Science and Moral Responsibility, 2006), Rabbi Dr. David Shatz argued that theoretically we could accept a deterministic universe if ratzon Hashem was to make the universe so. If Hashem makes the world run in a determined way, then this would be in line with the schools of Kotzk and Izhbitze who believed ultimately God’s hashgacha runs the world. This may also line up with the position of the Ramban (Devarim 30:6) that, prior to the chet, Adam HaRishon did not have free will the way we do, and that this is the ideal. Thus, not having free will is not a fundamental religious problem. Professor Haim Sompolinsky is the most accepting of a deterministic universe in the Forum, and states that all we have is the wonder at how Hakadosh Baruch Hu is able to create such an incredible world, and to continue acting as if we have free will even if scientifically we may not. 3. Synthesis: This position assumes free will as incompatibilists do but argues that deterministic pieces of nature are important to understanding human nature. Rav Soloveitchik writes in Emergence of Ethical Man (2005) that physically we are different from animals in degree, not kind. Free will for The Rav is using God-given bechira to engage our own animalistic tendencies and transform them into positive action for the Creator of the World. Rav Dessler, in describing free will, explains the nekudat habechira (point of freedom) that moves with one’s actions. The more one acts immorally, the less choice they have to do differently, and the more one acts ethically, the more ethical options open to them. While these perspectives still

perceive indeterminist free will as a fundamental concept, they also emphasize the significant amount of influence our environment, physical predispositions and determinations have on our choices. Rav Dessler’s explanation also correlates to the idea that neural networks that get continuously used are far more easily accessed than those not used at all. We are in fact “more prone” neurologically towards a choice we make regularly, while still maintaining the freedom to make another “radical choice.” Whatever position one takes, it is fascinating that the brain may be hardwired for us to continue to make “choices” on the same path we have previously. One can look at a brain and say neuroscience smacks of physical determinism. Therefore, as with scientific principles in general, it is a nisayon that we must learn to ignore and ultimately will be proven false. Alternatively, one could argue that our religious sense of freedom is in fact compatible with scientific deterministic principles and reveals a higher truth of milo kol haaretz kvodo. Lastly, one can marvel at the amazingness of Our Creator who made our minds in such a way, with multiple neuronal interactions and neurotransmitters, constantly evolving and changing in ways we cannot yet fathom or fully understand. One stands in awe at the greatness of the Creator who made such an instrument, facilitating the neshama of man, and even more so allowing His own creation to look back on our minds and wonder mah rabu maasecha Hashem. Dovid Halpern was born and raised (and still lives with his family) in Lower Merion and is a third year Resident in Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. He has a BA in Psychology from YU, smicha from RIETS, an MD from Sidney Kimmel Medical College, and recently published the book “The Rabbi’s Brain: Mystics, Moderns and the Science of Jewish Thinking” with Dr. Andrew Newberg.

Important Information for Breast Cancer Awareness Month By PJL Staff

ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a frightening reminder that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. For Ashkenazi Jews, the risk of contracting breast and/or ovarian cancer is higher with a 1 in 40 chance of a BRCA mutation which increases the lifetime risk

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for these cancers up to 84%. Nationwide, one in 400 women are BRCA positive (National Cancer Institute. Genetics of breast and gynecologic cancers (PDQ®) - health professional version.) https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/hp/breast-ovariangenetics-pdq#link/_113_toc, 2018. The BRCA Founder Outreach (BFOR) Study offers Ashkenazi Jewish women and men no-cost genetic tests for BRCA

mutations. BFOR notes that, “This group is at least 10 times more likely than the general population to inherit certain kinds of BRCA mutations.” The first phase of the BFOR study began in 2017 in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. Individuals can register at https:// www.bforstudy.com/about, email info@ bforstudy.com, or call 833.600.BFOR. Fortunately, the Philadelphia region

has several world-renowned medical institutions which provide cutting edge treatment. Our area also boasts dozens of organizations which provide educational materials, tangible support, and a myriad of services. Susan G. Komen Philadelphia provides education and awareness materials

CONTINUED ON P. 36 October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

Recipe by the House of Kosher family

House to Home By House of Kosher

BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER TACOS WITH AVOCADO CREMA Our family loves tacos. Cauliflower tacos? Let’s just say there were no leftovers. It’s got the spice, the creaminess from the avocado and the crunch from the cabbage. After a few weeks of heavy eating, this light dish will do just the trick! • 1 package Del Campo Corn Tortillas • 1 bag shredded purple cabbage • 1 bag B’gan frozen breaded cauliflower • 3/4 cup hot sauce Avocado Crema • 3 avocados • 1 garlic clove • 1/4 cup sour cream • 1/4 cup water • 1/2 tsp. salt

• squeeze of lemon Instructions For the Cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with Pam. Spread the cauliflower on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, mix the hot sauce into the cauliflower, and place back into the oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven. For the Tortillas: Heat a frying pan over medium high heat. Spray with Pam. Fry each tortilla for about one minute per side. For the Avocado Crema: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. To assemble: Put the tortillas flat on a plate. Place purple cabbage on the bottom and buffalo breaded cauliflower on top. Place the avocado crema on top. Optional toppings: fresh parsley, cilantro, additional hot sauce

CAULIFLOWER GNOCCHI WITH SPINACH MUSHROOM CREAM SAUCE This cauliflower gnocchi is gamechanging. Lighter than potato gnocchi, without sacrificing taste, this dish is paired with a mushroom cream sauce that is just divine. • 1 bag Dare To Be Different cauliflower gnocchi • 2 tbsp. butter • 1 small onion, diced • 8 oz. button mushrooms, sliced • 2 cloves garlic, chopped • 1/2 cup vegetable broth • 1/2 cup Pride of The Farm heavy cream • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan (optional) • salt and pepper • 1 box Kosher Crops baby spinach

Instructions Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and mushrooms and sauté until mushrooms release their juices, about 15 minutes. Add garlic and cook for a minute. Add the broth and swirl it around the pot to deglaze the pan. Add the heavy cream and bring to a boil and simmer to thicken (about 2-4 minutes). At this point, you can add the parmesan and mix to melt the cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add in the baby spinach and let it wilt. Let the sauce simmer on low, being careful it doesn’t dry out. In the meantime, prepare the gnocchi according to package instructions. We recommend searing the gnocchi, after its cooked. (Optional, but highly recommended.) Toss the gnocchi with the mushroom sauce, sprinkle on some parmesan and enjoy!

Zagafen’s Smokey Sips Courtesy of Zagafen

ith cooler weather approaching, you might be looking for a treat to warm you up. Zagafen has shared instructions for Smokey Sips, one of their signature drinks. Smokey Sips a Bourbon, Mezcal (smoky element) based drink that calls for particularly whiskey sour drinkers which enjoy the upfront October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

foamy and creamy texture of egg whites along with rustic notes of Mezcal and bourbon. Ingredients: • ½ oz Ardbeg Single Malt Whiskey (Mezcal substitution) • 1 ¾ oz Bourbon • 1 oz Egg White • 3 dashes Angostura Bitters • ½ oz Brown Sugar (agave) • ¾ oz Lemon Juice • Star Anise

Directions: 1. Add all the ingredients into a shaking tin with no ice. 2. Shake it vigorously. 3. Double strain it into an oldfashioned glass with a big rock of ice. Double strain means you use the shake strainer while pouring it through the small beverage strainer. This step is very important, so the drink is extra creamy. 4. Garnish with a star anise.

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FOOD & DINING

The Case of Convincing Custard By Jonathan Chodosh

orously the hot milk into the egg mixture. As the egg mixture warms you can add the hot milk faster. Once most of the milk is added to the eggs you can reverse the pouring and move the entire batch back into the pot and finish it on the stove on medium low heat. Cook until just thickened. Goal is 180F. Over 160 it is safe to eat. The second method uses a technique called tempering eggs (not to be confused with chocolate). In this technique the egg portion is heated gently enough that they don’t curdle (scramble). If we would pour all the milk into the eggs, we would get little bits of egg scramble in your vanilla sauce giving a gritty unpleasant texture. Side note: Zagafen has a Creme Anglaise on its dessert menu. It is perfect! Now that you made a vanilla sauce, now what? Well, there are many variations you can do that use the same method.

Freeze Creme Anglaise in your ice cream maker and you will have traditional vanilla ice cream. For Pastry cream, a close relative to vanilla pudding add ⅓ cup corn, potato starch, tapioca or arrowroot starch and cook until it just breaks a boil stirring constantly. Cool immediately in ice bath to prevent lumps of over cooked eggs. For a double chocolate creme anglaise add ¼ cup of cocoa powder and 2 oz dark chocolate. We can even use the same ingredients to make a baked sweet custard. Mix it up and bake in ramekins for the custard of creme brulee or steep the hot milk on whole coffee beans before mixing up the custard base for the coffee pot de creme. Garnish with a chocolate covered espresso bean or fill a pie with a chocolate pastry cream base for a chocolate tart. Note: The trick to a baked custard is a water bath. Set the vessel(s) on a pan with a lip in your hot oven. Fill the pan with near boiling water until about halfway up the sides of your custard dishes. Bake at 325F for 40-60 minutes depending on size. This water is a buffer for the heat to make sure you don’t overcook the custards. When you do, you will know it because the texture will be unpleasant. Other common curds you will find: • Pumpkin pie • Pecan pie ( sugar in an egg curd) • Stuffing! Stuffing is traditionally a savory baked custard. We don’t need a water bath for it like the others. A little curdled egg will be just fine. Keep some high-quality leftover bread in large cubes dried or toasted. Sourdough bread makes a great stuffing.

You should use a bread that you enjoy eating. I pre sauté my vegetables on high heat for 3-5 minutes. I want them a little underdone so that there is some texture to the stuffing. Method: Sauté vegetables, mix in bread cubes, put in baking dish (greased will help clean up). Heat stock and herbs and use to temper eggs. Ladle stock mixture onto the bread and vegetables. You should be able to see some of the liquid in the dish. There is no need to add it all. Let sit 5-10 minutes for bread to soak up stock. Bake 30-60 minutes depending on the dimensions of your dish. Enjoy my personal fall guilty pleasure. Ingredients: • ¼ cup oil • ½ cup diced onions • ½ cup diced celery • ½ cup diced carrots • ½ cup shiitake mushrooms • 2 lbs Bread cubed dried or toasted, sourdough works especially well but use a bread you enjoy. • 2 qts stock • 5 whole eggs • 1-2 tsp dry sage • 3 bay leaves (Don’t eat!) • ½ tsp thyme • ½ tsp oregano • Salt (add salt to the vegetables while sautéing to draw out moisture, add to stock to flavor the whole dish) Egg size matters! I use large eggs. You might like Jumbo. Keep that in mind while making all recipes and add more or less of that ingredient that you personally vary. Jonathan Chodosh is a food scientist and the owner of Teavon Food Group. You can find his vegan products (gelato, tapas salads, and dips) at Jack Levin’s Wine Store, or order by reaching him directly at jonathan@teavonfood.com. Follow him on social media @nerdydadfoods and @teavonfoodgroup.

• Medications - Tamoxifen, Raloxifene, both decrease risk 30-50% • Lifestyle - exercise, weight reduction, breastfeeding By now one can see that breast cancer prevention/risk reduction has become quite complicated. However, we

must be proactive in preventing this disease because this prevention is easier than curing it. Hopefully, this has kept you abreast of what is new in breast cancer! Rene Rubin, MD, has been treating breast cancer and women’s cancers for

over 30 years. She is board certified in hematology and oncology and was the director of the Hahnemann University Hospital Cancer Center. She is now located in Bala Cynwyd and in Center City Philadelphia, and is associated with Lankenau Medical Center.

services for individuals who are uninsured. For details, visit www.komenphiladelphia. org, email info@komenphiladelphia.org, or call 215.238.8900. The PA Breast Cancer Coalition offers support groups at numerous locations around the Philadelphia region, and a plethora of other services and programs. You can request a call from a Patient Advocate by di-

aling 800.377.8828. Breastcancer.org is a nonprofit organization whose site has had more than 20 million visits yearly since its inception in 2000. The organization was founded by breast oncologist, Dr. Marisa C. Weiss, a breast cancer survivor and a well-known speaker on issues related to breast cancer in the Jewish community. Dr. Weiss currently serves

as Director of Breast Radiation Oncology and Director of Breast Health Outreach at Lankenau Medical Center. Sharsheret is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Jewish women and families facing breast and ovarian cancer. They offer free support and educational programs. Visit www.sharsheret. org for information about their services.

ell, we did it. We survived a Yom Tov season full of “Erev Shabboses” and Sundays, and if you’re feeling in any way similar to me, it’s totally meat-ed out. So, with Thanksgiving around the corner, I thought that we’d stay away from the Turkey (although, more on that in the next issue) and focus on one of my other favorite things to eat during the Thanksgiving seudah – custard. We eat them often, sometimes without even realizing it. Some are sweet, others salty, and they are usually sumptuous and make us want that next bite. The first matter of business is to define what is a curd or custard. We will define them as a liquid thickened by eggs. Sometimes other thickeners are added too, but by definition, they must contain egg. People are usually intimidated by the process of making homemade custard but keep reading and you will be fearlessly bringing the curd to your extended family potluck. The quintessential classic custard would be a creme anglaise (english cream). • 2 cup whole milk (or half-and-half or pareve creamer/milk) • ½ + 2 tbs cup sugar • ½ cup egg yolk (or whole) • 2 tsp real vanilla extract • ¼ tsp salt Method 1. Mix everything together. Heat very gently until just thickened. Today we can double check things with a thermometer. Goal is 180F. Over 160 it is safe to eat. Method 2. Mix eggs and sugar. Scald milk in the pot. Drizzle slowly and mix vig-

Update on Breast Cancer CONTINUED FROM P. 33 stage cancer by 40% • Dense breasts - needs MRI • Preventive surgery - prophylactic mastectomies - skin sparing

Breast Cancer Awareness Month CONTINUED FROM P. 34 in English, Hebrew, and other languages. Komen sponsors a podcast and Instagram television program which provides a platform to medical professionals, survivors and those undergoing treatment. The organization also funds mammograms and other

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October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

FOOD & DINING Recipes From The Rebbetzin

A Taste of Torah; Food for Thought By Rebbetzin Deborah Epstein

s the Jewish new year starts, we begin reading the Torah anew. The first book of the Bible entitled, Genesis (Bereishit), is read in shul on October 26, 2019. I thought I would share an edible experience relating to the creation of the world. In honor of this momentous event I am including a recipe for Black & White Cookies. Additionally, the following week’s parsha (November 2) is Parshat Noach. Noach and his relatives resided together in the Ark with all the earth’s species of animals. Therefore, I am presenting a delectable delight; Noach’s Animal Crackers. Furthermore, in Parshat Lech Lecha, which is read on November 9, God promises Abraham that He will multiply the children of Israel just as the stars of the sky and sands of the earth. With this in mind, I have chosen Biscotti Sandies as the appropriate tasty Torah treat of choice. It is my hope that these recipes, which correlate to their respective Torah portions, will be food for thought for your Shabbos table. Enjoy!

• ½ tsp. kosher salt • 2 eggs • 2 cups flour White Frosting: • 1 cup confectioners sugar • 2 tsp. pure vanilla • 2 tsp. hot water • 1 tbsp. canola oil • pinch of lemon juice Chocolate Frosting: • 1 cup confectioners sugar • 4 tsp. pure Dutch cocoa • 1 tbsp. canola oil • 2 tbsp. hot water Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream margarine and sugar, add vanilla, salt, and eggs. Mix together well. Slowly add flour. Form into one large ball of dough. Flatten well and place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Cool. In a small bowl mix all of the ingredients for the white frosting. In a second small bowl mix all of the ingredients for the chocolate frosting. Frost on flat side, half with chocolate frosting, and the other half with white frosting. Yields one large cookie.

• 2 cups flour Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together all of the above ingredients and refrigerate for one hour. Press onto cookie sheet (lined with parchment paper) and add the following as a topping. Topping: • ½ cup crushed walnuts • 2/3 cup sugar • 2 tsp. cinnamon • 1 egg white Mix together all of the topping ingredients in a small bowl. Spread on top of cookie. Mix remaining egg white with a fork and drizzle over the top of each cookie. Bake 10-12 minutes. Shaping: When the dough has cooled, use animal cookie cutters (your favorite friend) and place shapes onto cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and re-bake for 2-3 minutes. Optional: use colored sprinkles for eyes, hair, etc. Yields 20-25 cookies.

BISCOTTI SANDIES

NOACH’S ANIMAL CRACKERS

BEREISHIT BLACK & WHITE COOKIES

Dough: • ½ lb. margarine (two sticks) • ¾ cup sugar • 1 egg yolk • 1 tsp. pure vanilla • 1 tsp. almond extract

Dough: • ¾ cup margarine • 2/3 cup sugar • 2 tsp. pure vanilla

• 1 cup sugar • 1 cup oil • 3 eggs • 1 tsp. baking powder • 2 tsp. pure vanilla • 1 cup semi-sweet miniatures Topping: • 4 tbsp. sugar • 2 tbsp. cinnamon Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Com-

bine: sugar, oil, and eggs in a large bowl. Add baking powder and vanilla and mix well. Batter will be stiff. Add semi-sweet miniatures and form into three loaves (½ inch high x 2 inches wide). Bake on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper in 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Remove loaves from oven and slice diagonally ¾ inch slices. Return to oven and turn slices over after baking period of ten minutes. Mix together topping ingredients in small bowl. Sprinkle onto mixture. Re-bake for five additional minutes. Yields 40-50 biscotti. As the holiday of Sukkot has concluded I’d like to suggest a recipe for Etrog Preserves to perpetuate the sweetness of the Jewish New Year. Holiday Addendum:

ETROG (CITRON) PRESERVES Remove peel of etrog, and grate finely with grater. Chop into bite size pieces. Place into a small pot with boiling water to cover. Allow to soak for 10-15 minutes. Remove water from pan, excluding four tablespoons. Add two cups of sugar, and cook on low flame for thirty minutes, mixing occasionally. Cool, and refrigerate. Yields ½ cup preserves. Deborah Epstein is the Rebbetzin of Congregation Sons of Israel, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. She is also the Director of the Mikvah Ohel Leah, in Cherry Hill. She is a celebrated chef, and has been a recipe columnist and developer for over a decade.

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ZOO CHEW By Yoni Glatt koshercrosswords@gmail.com Diﬃculty Level: Easy

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1. Muscat resident 6. Involuntary twitch 11. The Ice Bucket Challenge beneﬁtted it: Abbr. 14. Prayer shawl 15. “You ___ at hello” (Renée Zellweger) 16. “Nes gadol hayah ___” 17. Condiment for a long-legged bird? 19. Masters org. 20. “Poly” attachment 21. Best Picture of 1987 23. Dip for a laughing scavenger? 26. Dr. Bob of “Scrubs” 29. Abbr. with a ring to it? 30. A in Austria 31. Biblical High Priest 32. Chemical in fertilizer

34. Singer Franklin 37. Spy Hari 39. Bagel go-with for a beast of burden? 41. Use a sense 42. Promise solemnly 44. Wooley of “Rawhide” 46. Outmoded preposition meaning “before” 47. Bible study: Abbr. 48. Former “The Voice” judge ___-Lo Green 49. County of Newark, London or Salem 51. Bread for a cute marsupial? 55. “Rabbit ears” on an old TV 56. Trump cut its funding in 2018 to show support for Israel 59. Nittany Lions coll. 60. Roll for Lassie? 64. Each 65. Amazon’s business 66. Pond life 67. Had a taste 68. Newark Athlete 69. Close of “101 Dalmatians”

DOWN 1. Requiring no Rx 2. Stallion’s partner 3. “Woe!” 4. They’re for closers 5. “Peek-a-boo!” follow-up 6. The sound of silence? 7. When it’s broken, that’s good 8. Makes a screenplay out of 9. Pre-picture word 10. One who threatens 11. Upcoming judges 12. Start using Facebook, perhaps 13. “Tova” preceder 18. ___atine, exercise supplement 22. Person with sticky ﬁngers 24. Colo. neighbor 25. Rapidly shrinking body of water on the edge of Kazakhstan 26. Former Supersonics star Shawn 27. Birthright carrier 28. Kafka’s work 33. Sea eggs

34. Fire or a firefighter’s chopper 35. 16-Across, translated 36. Trivial Trebek 38. One-named singer (whose last name is Adkins) 40. Where many Chabanicks go after landing in New York, with “The” 43. Looked quickly 45. Round chair 48. Drink that has to be Yisrael for some Jews 50. Annoyingly high-pitched 51. Sorority letter 52. Start 53. $100, slangily 54. Coach Tyronn who (shockingly) couldn’t win without LeBron 57. What a worker earns 58. Turing or Greenspan 61. 52, in old Rome 62. Down with the flu 63. Cash in Tokyo Answers on page 38

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FEATURES

The Failed Promise of the Internet: Amber Alerts and Onas Devarim By David Magerman

or the past two decades, the world has been transformed by the power and promise of the Internet: the democratization of information. Before the Internet, information was a commodity shared mostly by the world’s elite. Totalitarian governments with state-run media had absolute control over what their oppressed populations knew about their own country, much less the world. In Western democracies, information flowed to the masses through filtered channels, daily newspapers and nightly news programs, and with content controlled by editors that might be likened

YONI GLATT’S

JEWISH SPELLING BEE How many common words of 5 or more letters can you spell using the letters in the hive? Every answer must use the center letter at least once. Letters may be reused in a word. At least one word will use all 7 letters and have a direct Jewish connection. Proper names and hyphenated words are not allowed. Score 1 point for each answer, and 3 points for a Jewish related word that uses all 7 letters. Rating: 10=Good; 14= Excellent; 17= Genius

to censors, for their ability to curate the knowledge conveyed to the mainstream audience. Today, we have unlimited, unfiltered, and immediate access to all forms of media: political, financial and cultural news, windows into cross-cultural human behavior through social media, and counter-cultural information about alternative lifestyles, anti-government activities, and dark web (illegal and illicit) behavior. The Internet has taken an immensely valuable and regulated commodity, information, and made it as available to the vast majority of human beings as readily as water (and, in some places, even more available than water). As we face the rapid societal changes brought on by this unfettered access to information, we might ask ourselves a question whose answer seems obvious at first blush, but not so obvious on deeper analysis: is the Internet, with its democratization of information, a net positive for society? Is the Internet good for the world? Is the Internet filled with useful and valuable knowledge and wisdom, or is it a vehicle for words, images, and videos that amount to onas devarim, hurtful words? There are no easy ways to answer these questions definitively, and there are many different ways of approaching them. In the coming months, I will use this forum to explore answers to these questions from a variety of perspectives. One way in which the Internet purports to help society is through its ability to alert people to danger. Weather warnings alert us to dangerous climate conditions. Amber Alerts inform us about

Solution to crossword puzzle from page 37: 1

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abducted children. Breaking news alerts bring our attention to developing stories that require our immediate attention. But are these services of net positive value to humanity, or do they do more harm than good? I recently saw an announcement about an active tornado threatening lives. My nerves were on edge until I read more closely and found the tornado was in Texas. Through the magic of social media, I get Amber Alerts about child abductions throughout the United States. I am unlikely to help identify a fleeing car in Northern California, but I am certainly saddened and put on edge whenever I get one of these notifications. And my anxiety is constantly elevated by online and television news programs that view every on-going news story as worthy of a bright red “BREAKING NEWS” banner. Just as I am writing this article, I learned through breaking news that 39 dead bodies were found in a van in London. Aside from reinforcing my sense of the depravity of humanity, did I really benefit from learning about this British tragedy? Once upon a time, news, announcements, and crisis alerts were targeted to relevant audiences and geographies. Back then, the harm they might cause in heightening anxieties were more than offset by their informational value. Now, however, with the audience broadened to nearly the entire human race and the broadcasters sacrificing nuance for sensationalism in the chase for market share, I would argue that the anxiety, sadness, and overall demoralization caused by the irresponsible and useless spreading of bad news far outweighs the societal benefit of the information contained 11 12 13 in the bad news. A L S 16 For me, a primary P O H example of this hurt19 P G A ful information is the 22 Indonesian tsunami T O O N that killed hundreds of H I N A thousands of people I N in 2004. I never knew 35 36 E T H A what a tsunami was be41 fore 2004, and my only F E E L chance for exposure to 46 E R E the horrifying imagery 50 S S E X of a tsunami was apocalyptic science fiction. H 57 58 Living on the East Coast R W A of the United States, 63 I A L Y a tsunami was not a threat I needed to worry L G A E about. Thanks to the InL E N N ternet, we all shared in

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the terror, through live videos of people vacationing in Indonesia streaming their experiences with a massive wall of water that destroyed everything in its path. We now can have sweat-inducing nightmares about a threat that has virtually no chance of impacting our lives. My newfound and irrational fear of a wall of water killing me and my family represents the main harm caused by the words and images on the Internet. If a tsunami, tornado, or other natural disaster, or some evil human behavior, had some chance of imminently impacting my safety, or if there were some appropriate action or response for me to take, I would appreciate the information and welcome the trade-off of heightened anxiety and sadness caused by access to the information. But the vast majority of negative information we get from the Internet is completely useless, not actionable, and only serves to harm all but a handful of recipients. The Torah typically speaks about onas devarim in terms of deliberately hurtful words, harsh, insulting, and insensitive criticism. With the innovations of the Internet and how it has transformed the way we communicate, we need to consider the impact of our digital communication in the same way we used to look at verbal communication. Posting messages and sharing news that in aggregate harm more than they help might be as forbidden as speaking harshly to a person in a way that causes emotional distress. We have an obligation to consider the repercussions of our online behavior through the same lens we have always considered our face-to-face human interactions. The words and images supposedly transmitted to help us in fact might be onas devarim, hurtful words. Every time we share scary, anxiety-inducing, and mood depressing information, we should consider what our motivations are for sharing the news. Are we trying to alert someone to a real threat? Are we hoping to trigger some valuable and perhaps lifesaving response? Or are we simply serving as conduits for the democratization of bad news, thoughtlessly sharing negativity to audiences who don’t benefit from it, and would almost certainly be better off without it? David Magerman is a co-founder and managing partner of Differential Venture Partners, an early stage technology venture fund manager. He is also a data privacy advocate and founder of Freedom From Facebook. He lives in Merion Station with his wife and four children. October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

FEATURES

Eli Mandel Shares His Four-Month Plan to Financial Stability By Bracha Schwartz

li Mandel was once a kollel student who thought piling on credit card debt was the simple way to make whatever purchase he wanted. He learned the hard way that trouble ensues when you can’t pay the bill. He taught himself a better way to manage money. Now he’s coaching others with a fourmonth guided self-help path to financial stability. “I define financial stability as a state where your personal life and goals are in sync with your finances,” said Mandel, “when you tell your money what to do and it does it. Most of us manage our money by feel or intuition. Maybe that works out, but often people find themselves out of control with money. Things aren’t adding up.” Mandel became an accountant and developed professional credentials. He and his wife increased their financial literacy by reading the works of experts like Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman. He went to Israel where he trained

with Mesila, a non-profit that provides free financial coaching, and then came back and opened Mesila’s Cleveland branch. At Mesila, he honed his skills not only in budgeting, but in teaching people how to make the attitude and behavioral adjustments necessary to transform their financial lives. After Mesila, he returned to accounting, providing accounting services to nonprofits, with an emphasis on better budgeting, while continuing to offer financial counseling for individuals and families on the side. He now does financial coaching exclusively. Mandel’s four-month program puts clients in the driver’s seat while he helps them steer. The first meeting is always in person or, if necessary, through Skype or video conferencing. “The program is guided self-help,” said Mandel. “Whatever comes up - bankruptcy, credit card debt, tax situations - a million things come up. The client, or couple if married, develops awareness of the full scope of their financial situation and everything that surrounds it: the financial terms and numbers, and how they

got there. There’s lots of homework. In the second stage, we address all of their underlying attitudes, assumptions and habits about money and what is causing their problems. Then I help them analyze what to do, how to make changes. I guide them to implement these changes and make suggestions to help manage them in reality.” Changes sometimes seem like common sense, but it takes coaching to make them happen. Mandel spoke about a couple with four children he worked with who had a household income of $50,000 a year. Every year during the fall Yom Tov season, when the husband wasn’t earning much, they put $1,000$2,000 on credit cards, assuming they would slowly pay off the balance, only they didn’t. After working with Mandel, the next year was different. They had saved enough going into the season for a month’s rent after Sukkot in addition to the money needed for Yom Tov. “They sailed through the whole season on money they had put away, rather than borrowing,” said Mandel, sounding like a

proud parent. After two years, the family was debt free. More money isn’t the answer to better financial stability. With most people, spending rises to meet income and can still spiral out of control. Mandel worked with a dual-income family who had a household income of close to $200,000 a year. When their oldest child was ready for high school, they began panicking as they realized the combination of mortgage, expenses and tuition was heading them into negative numbers. Working with Mandel, they gained solid knowledge of what they had and a clear-eyed, realistic view of where they were going. Armed with this analysis, the couple decided to make a big change. They sold their house and bought one in a different community and chose different schools. Mandel is based in Philadelphia but is beginning to meet clients one day a week in New Jersey. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Eli Mandel Consulting at emandelconsulting@gmail.com or 216.314.7258.

SCHOOLS CASKEY TORAH ACADEMY

POLITZ DAY SCHOOL OF CHERRY HILL

PERELMAN JEWISH DAY SCHOOL

Forman Center

Forman Center October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

Stern Center

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SCHOOLS KOSLOFF TORAH ACADEMY (KTA)

KOHELET YESHIVA LAB SCHOOL (KYLS)

As part of KTA’s speaker series, Rebbetzin Aviva Feiner addressed the students about seeing Hashem’s Hand in our lives.

3rd and 4th grade students took part in a mishmar learning program.

Rabbi Yakir Schechter studied halacha with his 11th grade class on the beautiful KTA campus.

Students tended to their new Grow Torah Garden.

CHEDER CHABAD

KOHELET YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL (KYHS) Students spent time working and learning in the school’s new state-of-the-art Fab Lab.

Students worked on Ushpizin projects, learned how to shake a lulav, made their own sukkah, learned about Tashlich, and did Hakofos at school.

Students in grades 4-8 on Liberty Island during a trip to the Statue of Liberty.

ABRAMS HEBREW ACADEMY Abrams, which is open for Chol Hamoed Sukkot, is one of the few local schools that do not close for the holiday.

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It is important for the kids to get in the spirit of Sukkot. This year, we had a full day, over 12 hours of fun for the students. It was a balance between science at the Liberty Science Center, history at

KOHELET YESHIVA MIDDLE SCHOOL (KYMS) Students, rebbeim, teachers and administrators joined together over Sukkot to enjoy special events in the sukkah.

Head of School Rabbi Ira Budow with a member of Jersey City’s Chassidic community and Mayor Steven Fulop. the Statue of Liberty, politics when the students met the Mayor of Jersey City, and religion when they ate in a sukkah run by Satmar Chassidim. It was educational, religious, scientif-

ic and historic. It was a great experience for our 4th-8th graders as they had fun as they bonded with their teachers and fellow students. They made memories that will stay with them for a long time. October O b 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, Ch h 5780

SCHOOLS THE MESIVTA HIGH SCHOOL OF GREATER PHILADELPHIA

After coming back following the Sukkos break, students spent time learning with their chavrusas in the Beis Medrash.

Mesivta launched its first student government project.

POLITZ HEBREW ACADEMY Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky, Rosh Yeshiva of the prestigious Philadelphia Yeshiva, visited Politz Hebrew Academy for the 9th year in a row. He first gave his pre-Yom Kippur chizuk to the boys in grades 5-8, during which time he spoke about the importance of Yom Kippur and asking ‫מחילה‬ from those they have hurt. He also emphasized the importance of keeping our Jewish values and increasing our commitment to Torah and Mitzvos. After speaking, all the boys lined up and greeted the Rosh Yeshiva, who asked each boy his name and firmly shook his hand. Grades 1-4 boys then came into the room and also shook the Rosh Yeshiva’s hand. Rabbi Kamenetsky then went to the Girls building and spoke to the students there as well.

Rabbi Binyamin Newman’s 2nd grade boys class created decorations for their Sukkahs prior to leaving for Succos vacation.

Yaakov Meir Dubrow proudly displayed his work of art.

RTS

(credit: Rachel Loonin Steinerman)

NARBERTH SOCCER The yellow and light blue teams in the 1st and 2nd grade division faced each other in a contest that had friends from three local Jewish day schools - Caskey Torah Academy, Kohelet Yeshiva Lab School, and Perelman Jewish Day School - all taking the field at the same time. October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

(credit: Rachel Loonin Steinerman)

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Buying a Condo Just Got Easier Submitted by Israela Haor-Friedman

value. With approximately 84% of homebuyers purchasing a condo for the first time, the relaxed rules will promote more “affordable and sustainable homeownership, especially for credit-worthy first-time buyers.” The result should also make condos more marketable and easier to resell since the pool of available buyers and loans will be larger. Contact Israela Friedman for more information. Israela Haor-Friedman is a licensed realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox & Roach Realtors in Haverford, PA. She is a member of The Gail Kardon Team and can be reached at 610.730.0731 or at israela.friedman@foxroach.com.

he U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently revised its condominium loan policies to allow consumers greater access to mortgage loans that are federally guaranteed through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). After October 15, 2019, as many as 60,000 additional condo units will meet FHA-certification, making them eligible for buyers to purchase with an FHA loan. The new guidelines will extend project certifications from two years to three, allow for singleunit mortgage approvals, allow a higher owner-occupant vs. renter occupancy ratio, and increase the number of units eligible to be purchased with FHA loans in a single project. The FHA certifies eligibility for both condo projects and individual units but, according to the National Association of Realtors, only 17,792 FHA condo loans were originated in the past year out of approxi-

mately 8.7 million condo units nationwide. The new relaxed guidelines are a significant improvement as condos are often more suitable and affordable to many singles, couples, and small families who wish to take advantage of easier qualification, low-down-payment FHA loans – particularly first-time buyers. Any impediment to buying a property can impact its desirability and market

Are you a growth-minded real estate professional? Reach home buyers and sellers today in our Home & Living section Call 484-424-5200 or email publisher@PhillyJewishLink.com JEWISH SPELLING BEE ANSWERS (FROM PAGE 38): Jewish Answer- HAYMISHE. Here is a list of some common words (Yes, we know there are more words in the dictionary that can work, but these words are common to today’s vernacular)- ASSAY, ASSAYS, ESSAY, ESSAYS, HISSY, MAYHEM, MESSY, MISSY, MISSAY, MISSAYS, SASHAY, SASHAYS, SASSY, SEAMY, SHIMMY, SHYISH, YESSES (YESES) - Questions/comments/compliments- email Yoni at koshercrosswords@gmail.com

I Love Lower Merion I’m a proud resident of Lower Merion and I love to call the Main Line “home.” I am passionate about helping families ﬁnd their perfect home. If you want to buy, sell, rent or just want to know what your home is worth, I would be honored to help. Call me and together we can ﬁnd the place you’ll love to call home.

Passionate about the place you call home ISRAELA HAOR-FRIEDMAN REALTOR® 610-730-0731 cell Israela.friedman@foxroach.com www.Israelafriedman.foxroach.com 610-649-4500 office

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October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

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Realtor – A Value Proposition By Anne Goldberg

ften people ask what do you do as a realtor? There is a popular belief out there that a realtor waits by the phone and then goes out showing houses. Although, showing houses is one aspect of the job, it is far from being the only thing. Ultimately, a realtor is a master coordinator and multi-tasker. I must take a second to tell you that I love what I do. It is the perfect mix of all my loves: expertise, experience, knowledge, talent, hobbies, etc. Raising four girls (and now watching them raise their own children) while being a synagogue Executive Director for 20 something years, being involved in many non-profit organizations, doing property management, fixing up houses, helping my friends with their home projects, etc….“multi-tasking,” I got it. Being a realtor is a dream come true. Where else can I engage in my love of real estate, my love of business (and spreadsheets), unleash my inner interior designer and meet many interesting people who often become my friends? It is, indeed, the ideal business for me. So, what do I really do all day? From meeting with clients, understanding their needs and wants, helping them

find the right home in the right neighborhood at the right price, or helping sellers understand the market and the market value of their home, helping them get the home ready for market (small repairs, decluttering, staging, photo shoots, etc.) ensuring that everyone understands the process, helping buyers get a mortgage pre-approval, writing and negotiating offers, scheduling and attending inspections, renegotiating if need be, getting quotes for repairs, and follow up, retaining and working with title agencies to get the transactions to the settlement table, and meanwhile, coordinating with all parties, sellers’ agents, buyers’ agents, lenders, title agencies, etc. to make sure that everyone is doing what they are supposed to do and meeting all the deadlines. Real estate transactions have strict timelines when certain events need to take place or be completed by. Missing a deadline could have serious repercussions for all parties involved. A smooth transaction does not just happen. It takes great coordination and dedicated professionals who are on top of their game. My success as a realtor is based on the same principle as my success in the “shul” and non-profit world. It is all about relationships, trust, and building

a solid network of industry professionals (lenders, appraisers, contractors, electricians, architects, lawyers, accountants, designers, photographers, etc.). It also means keeping on top of the market, checking the new listings, what is under contract and what is sold, and scouring the inventory in search of the right home or investment property for my clients. All the while,

paying close attention to social media and real estate sites – as 99% of buyers or sellers start looking online. It also means tuning into my “inner artist” to create good marketing material and maintaining a strong online presence. Let’s not forget education – there are many new things to learn, classes to take, ideas to explore, and of course, the required continued education for licensing purposes. The possibilities are endless. As I said, I love what I do, and love making my clients’ realty dreams reality, all while making new friends in the process. Please feel free to call me with any real estate questions you may have; I am happy to help. BTW – if there is a topic that you’d like me to address in a future article – shoot me an email at annegoldberg@kw.com. A nne Goldberg is a realtor with Keller Williams Main Line Realty. She can be reached at annegoldberg@kw.com or call/text her at 973.985.9053.

CLASSIFIED HELP WANTED Private Elementary school in Cherry Hill seeks: • Experienced, certified Middle School Social Studies teacher for the current school year. • Experienced, Safa/Hebrew Language

teachers for the current school year. To view job descriptions visit www.politz.org/jobs To apply, please send your resume to Mrs. Darcie Young, Middle School Principal, at dyoung@politz.org

Are you, or someone you know, looking to buy or sell a home or invest in real estate on the Main Line or greater Philadelphia? I’d be happy to help. Give me a call!

ANNE GOLDBERG, REALTOR Mobile: 973-985-9053 Oﬃce: 610-520-0100

Email: annegoldberg@kw.com Website: annegoldberg.kw.com

Making Realty Dreams Reality

720 W. Lancaster Ave Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 Each oﬃce is individually owned and operated.

October 31, 2019 / 2 Cheshvan, 5780

A Anne was extremely helpful throughout the p process of buying our first home. She was rresponsive at all hours to our endless stream of ques ons and guided us through from start to q fi finish with a steady hand. She found us a home tthat both suited our needs and budget.

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M F on O F da R J IN y, OU AL N R C ov N AL em AL L be A D r4 S ,2 ! 01 9

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Celebrating our Community-wide Accomplishments complishments in

Limud HaTorah

Sunday, November 10, 2019 Exclusive Donor Reception with Rabbi Fischel Schachter: 5:00 pm

Reception: 5:30 pm / Dinner: 6:30 pm LOWER MERION SYNAGOGUE • 123 Old Lancaster Road • Bala Cynwyd, PA

HONORING

Dr. Menashe Kohn

Rabbi Yonah Gross

Zac & Rachel Miller

Rabbi Fischel Schachter

Guest of Honor

Harbatzas Torah Award

Young Leadership Award

Guest Speaker

— CELEBRATING THIS YEAR’S SIYUMIM — Completion of SEFER BAMIDBAR, Maggid Shiur: R' Yonah Gross • Completion of DIVREI HAYAMIM I, Maggid Shiur: R' Ahron Gold Completion of MESECHTOS KIDDUSHIN AND BEITZAH, Maggid Shiur Meseches Kiddushin: Reb Daniel Baltuch • DAF HASHOVUA: Megillah and Moed Katan MISHNAYOS Seder Kodshim, Maggid Shiur: Reb Chezky Weiss • MISHNAYOS SHEL CHESED: Collectively completed Shas Mishnayos 20 times this past year. (Over 200 learners) MISHNAH BERURAH: Completion of all 6 Volumes, Maggid Shiur: R' Uri Yehuda Greenspan • SIFREI CHOFETZ CHAIM: Laws of Proper Speech, Ahavas Yisrael MUSSAR: Orchos Tzadikim (469 Shiurim)

To make a reservation or place an ad, contact: FirstSeder.org • FirstSederDinner@gmail.com • 267.314.7156

BottomLineMG.com

— DINNER COMMITTEE — Gedaliah & Sarah Fineman • Dov & Chavi Goldschmidt • Jay & Julie Kamin • Dan & Adeena Menasha Levi & Dahlia Ocken • Dr. Israil & Dr. Inna Pendrak • Alex & Erika Perilstein • Chesky & Ruchi Schneider Dr. Zach & Dr. Yana Weiser • Jared & Regan Weiss • Yona & Mindy Zaslow Board Members: Zachary B. Miller • Dr. Israil Pendrak • Dr. Srully Stoll • Yona Zaslow