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CANDLE LIGHTING January March10, 6, 2020 13 10Tevet, Adar, 5780 ParshatTetzaveh Vayechi Parshat Candle Lighting: 5:41 4:36 pm

Issue#13 #9 Issue

Published Biweekly January 9, 2020 March 5, 129Tevet, Adar, 5780

Israelis Have Spoken and Changes at the Iran Crossed Red Line with Prefer Netanyahu, Though Keystone-K Trump Administration; US, Israel, Hurdles Remain on Way to Government

Region Braces for Response

By Gwen Horowitz

C T

ommunity Kashrus of By Yaakov Lappin/JNS Greater Philadelphia (Keystone-K) has he American announced that Rabbiairstrike Yonah of Iran’s Grossassassination will be assuming the Islamic Revolutionary position of Keystone-K Kashrus Guard Corps’ following Quds Force Administrator the commander, Gen. founding Qassem retirement Maj. of its Soleimani, in Baghdad Rabbi early Kashrus Administrator, on Friday follows major Naftoli Eisemann, whoaheld the miscalculation on the of position for six years andpart will be Tehran in the decision to up the stepping down in connection ante the United States. with against his forthcoming Aliyah. While the extent Rabbi Gross, who isof theIran’s rabbireat sponse is not yet clear, military Congregation Beth Hamedrosh planners in the region, includin Wynnewood, is expected ing in Israel, will need prepare to officially begin histonew role with the Keystone-K after

for the most severe scenarios. Even though Iran may seek to launch a calculated retaliation, which would exact a price without going to war, no one can be sure of where events will go next. Indications of Iran’s intent to escalate in the region were already apparent in late Rabbi Yonahwhen Gross U.S. Gen. November, (Credit: Yoni Kenneth F. Danielli/Eight McKenzie, x the Ten Photography) head of the military’s Central Command for the Pesach. Heresponsible will maintain his position at the shul in addition CONTINUED ON P.at6 to his new responsibilities

CONTINUED ON P. 14

Even after two other elections, the numbers remain tight, and other issues loom on the horizon— namely, the March 17 trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

celebration in Tel Aviv, “We stood against massive forces. sraeli Prime Minister They already eulogized us. Our Benjamin Netanyahu opponents said the Netanyahu declared “a giant victory” era is over. But together, we on Monday night for the Likud flipped the script. We turned Party and the Israeli right-wing. lemons to lemonade.” While Likud and their bloc With 92 percent of the votes counted, Likud won 36 seats are unlikely to have enough and the right-wing/religious seats to form a majority Qassem Soleimani receives a medal from Iranian Supreme governing coalition of 61, the bloc 59 seats. Leader Ayatollah Wikimedia Commons) rival Blue and White Party won Netanyahu toldAli aKhamenei. roaring (source: crowd at the Likud victory CONTINUED ON P. 29 By Dov Lipman/JNS

A HateofCrime In My The Siyum HaShas and Phalanx Philadelphia Fabulous Food and The Survivors’ Talmud andHometown South Jersey Fine Wine at an into the home of Rabbi Chaim Troodler Jewish Communal Extraordinary Event By Nachi Leibish Rottenberg as people By Gwen Horowitz ’ve driven down Forshay were gathered there to celLeaders Appointed ebrate the seventh to night of Road in Monsey hundreds he Troodler Survivors’ KFWE, which took place on By Nachi of times. Having grown up Chanukah. After entering the Talmud is an Monday, February 17th, at WZC rabbi’s Election home, he unsheathed in Monsey less4 thanin two miles editionexcitement published he was Chelsea Piers in Manhattan, Slate

T T

in the United even States before showcased fine kosher wines building Zone people in Allied-Occupied made their way from around the globe and Germanythe at front the request through door. “I cut my specialty foods prepared by of Holocaust survivors vacation short to come back for renowned kosher chefs and in ” said the one displaced this, gentleman as he caterers. persons camps.onAtthe thesecurity Rabbi Mordecai Menahel by KFWE Terebelo, was hosted stood outside 13th “I Siyum HaShas, at Politz Hebrew Academy rabbi Wine Corp., and which was line. never miss this event, ” Royal held on another January individual 1 at at as Congregation Ahavas Torah, founded in 1848 and is owned declared MetLife Stadium infriends New while examines gemara together andtheoperated in the with United he chatted with his Jersey, for thethe siyum his students. States by the Herzog family, waiting doorswas to open. made Rabbi Shmuel The by Kosher Food & whose winemaking roots date Kamenetsky using a (KFWE) volume was overflow crowd ofto back aneight generations Wine Experience 20,000 people at the fromundoubtedly this printing.New More York’s than nearly 19th century Czechoslovakia. is 90,000 people were and present premier kosher food wine Headquartered in Bayonne, NJ, at MetLife Stadium, andannual there CONTINUED ON P. 26 extravaganza. The 14th

CONTINUED ON P. 40

from there, I’ve traveled that (Courtesy of Mizrachi) road on countless occasions during the course of my he Greater Philadelphia lifetime. as aI large drove area However, is home to down Forshay Road contingent vyingon forSunday seats 29,Zionist things asafternoon, delegatesDecember to the World were noticeably different. Congress on Slate #4, the News trucks both(OIC). sides Orthodox Israellined Coalition of theHershel street, TV reportersholds were Rabbi Schachter doing interviews, andslate. there the toplive position on the were hordesoutcome of peoplewill walking The election help in various directions. determine what percentage Approximately 15 would hours of more than $5 billion earlier, on over Motzei Shabbat, be allocated the next five December 28, a man walked years to Orthodox-affiliated day

a large yeshivot, machete and began schools, seminaries stabbing people, seriously and other gap year programs, woundingcamps, several of them. The summer and shuls, attacker then attempted to enand for recruiting and training ter Rabbi Rottenberg’s shul, shlichim (emissaries) and Bnot Congregation Yisroel, Sherut (young Netzach Israeli women which is located next door to performing national service) the rabbi’s communities. home, but thankfully American Polls thoseMarch inside11. the shul heard the close commotion house and The OIC from is the nine major locked the door, and thereby prereligious Zionist modernventing theorganizations attacker from that getOrthodox ting inrepresented and likely saving lives. have Orthodoxy in the World Zionist Congress

CONTINUED ON P. 7 CONTINUED ON P. 14

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Philadelphia JEWISH LINK

W SEVEN CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES IN ISRAEL; THOUSANDS UNDER QUARANTINE (JNS) Israel’s Health Ministry confirmed on Saturday that seven Israelis have so far tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), aka “coronavirus.” Thousands of Israelis are currently under quarantine following potential exposure to the virus. Three of the Israelis with COVID-19 returned from Italy last week. One of the returnees’ spouses also has the disease. An additional two are under close supervision after being evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship off the coast of Japan. The seventh Israeli, who was believed to have been cured after being taken from the Diamond Princess to a Japanese hospital, was released to Israel on Friday and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. According to Israel’s Channel 12 news, Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa and Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon were also preparing isolation wards to accept coronavirus patients. According to a report by The Marker over the weekend, as of Sunday 4,582 Israelis were under quarantine for possible exposure to the virus, including 294 students and 28 preschool children. However, the report indicates that flight records suggest the number should be at least 10,000, including all returnees from Italy in the past two weeks. Israel’s El Al Airlines announced the suspension last week of all flights to Italy, which has the highest rate of coronavirus infection in Europe at 640 cases, and of all flights to Thailand starting on Monday. Parents of girls attending the 600-student Rosary Sisters School in Jerusalem’s Old City expressed concern that school administrators had not taken precautions after a group of 14 students who traveled to Italy for a Model United Nations conference returned to Israel, according to a Tazpit Press Service report published on Sunday. The girls were not quarantined after they returned, according to the report. The school’s principal said she had not reported the children to the Health Ministry and was under no obligation to do so, according to the report. However, the school’s director alleged that students wore masks and used disinfectants. As of February 28, some 83,652 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

RLD NEWSBRIEFS

Israeli Science and Technology Minister Ofir Akunis announced last week that Israeli researchers at the Galilee Research Institute (MIGDAL) were as little as three weeks away from developing a coronavirus vaccine. The team, which created the vaccine against avian flu, has said that the genetics of the two viruses are very similar. The vaccine is expected to be distributed in oral form, enabling a much faster dispersal of the medication. IDF HITS VEHICLE IN SYRIA FOLLOWING ATTEMPTED CROSSBORDER SNIPER ATTACK (JNS) The Israeli military struck a vehicle in the Syrian Golan Heights in response to an attempted cross-border sniper attack, the Israel Defense Forces said on Monday. “A short while ago, IDF troops identified an attempted sniper attack in the northern Golan Heights area. In response, IDF troops targeted the vehicle involved in the attempted attack,” the IDF spokesman said. Syria’s state news agency SANA reported that the IDF had fired a missile at a civilian vehicle “in the suburbs of Quneitra.” In response to the incident, Israeli Defense Minister Naftali Bennet said, “Even on election day, our enemies keep trying to hurt Israeli citizens and disrupt our lives, but we are going to stop them from doing that, like we do every day,” according to Israel Hayom. ISRAELI MARATHON RUNNER SMASHES TOKYO COURSE RECORD (JNS/Israel Hayom) Israeli longdistance runner Lonah ChemtaiSalpeter became one of the fastest women in the world on Sunday, when she won the Tokyo Marathon with a time of 2:17:45, smashing both the course record for the prestigious marathon and the previous Israeli women’s marathon record of 2:19:46, which Chemtai-Salpeter herself set at the Prague Marathon in 2019. Her Tokyo time makes her the sixthfastest female marathoner of all time. Following the race, the champion said she was “very pleased” with the results. “My preparation allowed me to improve my personal best. I feel that today’s result is a return for all the hard work of the last few months. Unfortunately, in my last two marathons, I wasn’t able to express myself on the day of the race, but today the conditions here in Tokyo were perfect,” she said. In September 2019, Chemtai-Salpeter

set a new European women’s record for the 10 kilometer distance, running the Tilburg Ten Miles race in 30:04, 17 seconds faster than the previous record, which legendary British runner Paula Radcliffe set in 2003. The 30:04 time also became a new Israeli women’s record for the distance. REPORT: EL AL TO CUT 1,000 JOBS DUE TO CORONAVIRUS (JNS) El Al Airlines CEO Gonen Usishkin has asked the company’s human-resources department to prepare to let go 1,000 of the company’s 6,300 employees, citing financial losses due to the global coronavirus outbreak and diminished travel, according to Israeli media reports. El Al had reported to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange that the epidemic could result in $70 million in lost revenue from January to April, according to a report by the Israeli business daily Globes on Thursday. The estimate was made before El Al was forced on Friday to stop flights to Italy for two weeks. Flights to Bangkok are being canceled until the end of March starting on Monday, while the launch of the carrier’s new flight to Tokyo is being delayed until April, the report said. The global travel industry is being hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak, with German carrier Lufthansa announcing that it is cutting its short-haul flights by up to 25 percent as demand drops, according to a report in the Financial Times on Friday. British Airways parent company IAG said the situation meant it could not provide a profit outlook for 2020. Many companies are deciding to cancel scheduled events, and the Swiss government has banned all events expected to be attended by more than 1,000 people, including the Geneva Motor Show, the report said. ADVISER TO IRANIAN LEADER KHAMENEI DIES OF CORONAVIRUS (JNS) A member of the advisory council for Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei died of coronavirus on Monday, reported Iranian state radio. Iranian Expediency Council member Mohammad Mirmohammadi is the first top official in the Islamic Republic to die as a result of complications from the virus. Iran has reported 1,501 confirmed cases and 66 deaths to date, according to an AP report. Mirmohammadi’s mother also died of COVID-19, while other top Iranian officials, including Iranian Vice President Masoumeh Ebtekar and Iraj Harirchi, the

TABLE OF CONTENTS World Newsbriefs.............................................. 4 Israel News..........................................6-7, 10, 29 Publisher’s Perspective.................................. 8 Editor’s Letter....................................................... 8 Op-Ed........................................................................ 9 Community Happenings........................11-12 Community News...............................14, 16-21 Features..................................................28, 30-31 Divrei Torah..................................................32-34 Torah from Eretz Yisrael by Rabbi Moshe Taragin................... 33 Purim........................................................34-36, 51 Health & Wellness....................................37-38 Food & Wine...............................................39-42 House to Home by House of Kosher ............................ 39 Recipes from the Rebbetzin by Rebbetzin Deborah Epstein.... 39 Pizza Party by Jonothan Chodosh.........................42 Schools..........................................................43-46 Sports...............................................................47-49 Home & Living............................................50-51 Smartphone Apps for Homeowners by Israela Haor-Friedman................ 50 10 Tips For Living Large While Going Small by Anne Goldberg.... 51 head of an Iranian government task force on the coronavirus, have been infected. Iran has reported the highest number of deaths from coronavirus after China, where the virus first emerged. The case fatality rate of the virus in Iran is around 4.4 percent—much higher than in other countries. Experts say the number of infections in Iran is likely even higher than the current figures indicate, according to the report. Iranian Health Ministry spokesman Ali Reza Raisi, who announced the new figures on Monday, said Iran’s army and the Basij volunteer branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are ready to mobilize 300,000 soldiers to work to combat spread of the virus. They have already been spraying disinfectant on the streets in major cities, the report noted.

Where can I pick up a copy of the Philadelphia Jewish Link? See page 50 for a complete list of pickup locations. 4

Philadelphia JEWISH LINK

March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

370 Montgomery Ave. Merion Station, PA 610.667.7777

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ISRAEL NEWS

Israel Navy’s ‘Startup’ Department Develops Ship Combat Systems in Record Time Student-soldiers in their early 20s in Israel are charged with upgrading essential systems and holding joint trials with their counterparts in Western militaries who are in their 50s and 60s, making for some “intergenerational meetings.”

By Yaakov Lappin/JNS

s Israel’s adversaries equip themselves with growing numbers of advanced anti-ship cruise missiles, the Israel Navy’s Weapons Systems Department must keep up with the threats and ensure that countermeasures are installed onboard Israeli ships in time. The department’s technological personnel is made up of student-soldiers in their early 20s who have completed degrees in electrical engineering, mathematics and physics, as part of their military enlistment program. After they join the department, “what they do is incredible,” stated a senior naval officer. Adversaries such as Hezbollah, the Syrian military and Iranian military forces ®

are upgrading their weapons, and the Israel Navy is involved in ambitious projects to make sure that they are two

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ISRAEL NEWS Israel Navy’s ‘Startup’ Department Develops Ship Combat Systems in Record Time CONTINUED FROM P. 6 of defense companies to work with them. Much of their work involves developing in-house algorithms, for tasks such as image and signals processing. The end result is far beyond an “off-the-shelf” product. The same holds true in the world of underwater sonar detection. The source recounted how counterparts in Western militaries were shocked when they discovered the age of the Israeli personnel. “When they hear about this, their jaw drops. We have conducted trials with partners. Their personnel in equivalent departments is made up of people in their 50s or 60s. I show up with a group of ‘kids.’ They used to smile when they saw that, but now they know us,” said the officer. A senior officer from a friendly country once entered an Israel Navy ship’s combat management center and “was stunned by what he saw—people in their 20s conducting tasks that people in their 50s do in other navies. When the two units met, it was an intergenerational meeting,” he added.

‘What is an anomaly and what is a false alarm’ The Weapons Systems Department of the Israel Navy resembles startups in its working methods as well. The development teams get thrown a problem and have to come up with solutions in little time. Those solutions have transformed the capabilities of the navy, according to the source. The Israel Navy has long ceased preparing purely for navy-on-navy combat, although this remains an important scenario for it. A central

challenge, however, stems from non-state terror armies like Hezbollah, armed with radar-guided anti-ship cruise missiles. An organization that has this type of attack capability does not need to maintain its own fleet, the source pointed out. “They have long-range missiles … they can fire and forget.” Many of these missiles have been supplied by Iran. “This has changed the rules of the game,” added the officer. One of the key projects of the navy has been to develop sensors and command systems that hermetically seal Israel’s sea borders, both on the surface and

underwater. To achieve this, complex algorithms had to be developed for radar and sonar so that operators could quickly recognize what they are seeing, and be able to tell the difference between an enemy scuba diver and a sea turtle, for example. Fusing multiple images from sensors into a single interface has also been an important capability for the navy to develop. Regional arena controllers, who sit in coastal control rooms, now have access to such screens. “We take all of this intelligence from multiple sensors and put it on the same screen. They immediately see what is an anomaly and what is a false alarm—in real time,” said the officer. The new system, built by Israel Aerospace Industries-Elta, was first deployed two years ago and is now undergoing further upgrades. The Israel Navy is also preparing to receive new, German-made Sa’ar 6-class warships, an acquisition that has kept the Weapons Systems Department teams busy with numerous adjustments. One of their projects has been to reduce the new ships’ radar cross-section—or how visible they are to enemy radar—as much as possible. “Twenty-one and 22-year-olds are doing this,” said the officer. “They are very young, and they are doing something very significant in the world.”

‫חג פורים שמח‬ ® Purim Megilah reading and se’udah (Festive meal) Tuesday, March 10th, 11:00 AM Rothenberg Center, 1420 Walnut Street Open to all. No Charge Reservations requested (215) 732-7000 or contact@injurylawyer.com PHILADELPHIA | CHERRY HILL | LAKEWOOD | NEW YORK | HACKENSACK | MONSEY March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

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THE PUBLISHER’S PERSPECTIVE

ore than a quarter century ago, I played Division III college ball. My kids poke fun at me every time I bring it up, but the fact remains that I was indeed a college athlete. Yes, I realize that this missive sounds like it’s coming from a guy who’s trying way too hard to hold on to the past and resurrect the days when he was in the prime of his athletic career (okay, it may not have actually been a career and my prime may not have been all that I’ve cracked it up to be). However, I’m not writing about my time as a member of the Yeshiva University men’s volleyball team in a feeble attempt to relive my collegiate days. I bring it up because of an incident that recently occurred, which disturbed me greatly. It was just going to be another match when YU’s men’s volleyball team squared off against Brooklyn College at the Max Stern Athletic Center on YU’s Washington Heights campus, which is the same gymnasium in which I played in the early 1990s. As is customary before each game at YU, the U.S. national anthem was played, as was Hatikvah, Israel’s national anthem. What happened next was anything but customary. As Hatikvah was playing and the crowd was singing along, two Brooklyn College players, Omar Rezika and Hunnan Butt, “took a knee” and knelt on the ground until the Israeli national anthem concluded. The blatant form of political protest employed by the two Brooklyn College students shocked the YU players, shocked the crowd, and shocked the

approach tact. Rather than speaking to the heart of the matter and directly addressing the damage caused by the students’ machinations, she completely punted. “The students’ kneeling itself is protected speech under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution,” she said. “The college, as a public institution, is bound by the First Amendment, which prohibits the suppression of speech based solely on its content or viewpoint.” The First Amendment? Freedom of speech? As much as I respect those tenets of our democracy, this troubling episode cannot be explained away by invoking a constitutional argument. What President Anderson should have done was talk about basic decency and common courtesy. She should have spoken about the importance of Brooklyn College students respecting others, especially when they are visitors in someone else’s home. She should have said that what the students did was categorically wrong. She should have called out their anti-Israel behavior and condemned it. Giving them a pass was the wrong thing to do and an affront to the YU community, the Jewish community, and the pro-Israel community. For this former YU volleyball player who never experienced anything remotely similar to this shocking incident during my collegiate career, I am aghast at what transpired at YU’s Max Stern Athletic Center. Shame on Omar Rezika and Hunnan Butt for their antics and shame on those who hide behind empty explanations and try to sweep an issue of this magnitude under the rug. The Jewish community deserves better. Nachi Troodler Publisher

EDITOR’S LETTER

have visited Israel many times over the years and have found that each trip has a completely unique flair. Last week when I was fortunate enough to be in Israel, there were two upcoming events that locals were awaiting that really shaped my time there; one was the upcoming holiday of Purim, and the second was Election Day scheduled for Monday, March 2nd. When walking the streets of Jerusalem, it was evident that there wasn’t merely an awareness that Purim was on the horizon; rather, one could palpably feel the much-anticipated holiday in the air. In Israel it seems that instead of celebrating Purim for just one or two days, the festivities begin with the onset of Rosh Chodesh Adar.

Jewish community. The barefaced breach of protocol was absolutely appalling and the players’ decision to belittle the State of Israel on the campus of Yeshiva University garnered international attention due to the sheer audacity of their disrespectful act of defiance. What happened to the sacrosanct rules of sportsmanship that we work so hard to instill in our children? We teach our kids to respect their athletic opponents, not to “talk trash” to their opponents, and to always say “good game” to their opponents as they shake their hands after a game, regardless of the outcome. We constantly remind them that good sportsmanship is supposed to be a fundamental component of any athletic competition. I had the opportunity to speak with YU President Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman this week about what took place and we briefly discussed the complexities of the situation. In response to the students’ actions, President Berman had taken the high road, focusing on the importance and beauty of YU’s longstanding practice of singing Hatikvah at its sporting events. “It is unfortunate that some members of the opposing team disrespected Israel’s national anthem,” he said in a statement. “We are proud to be the only university who sings both the American and Israeli national anthems before every athletic competition and major event. Nothing makes me prouder to be an American than living in a country where our religious freedom, our Zionism and our commitment to our people will never be impeded and always be prized.” In contrast, Brooklyn College president Michelle Anderson took a far different

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I found that many of my senses were enveloped in the Purim spirit. On the first day of my trip, I saw many children adorably dressed in Purim costumes too eager to wait for the holiday’s official arrival. The aroma of hamantaschen could be smelled wafting from bakeries which were selling this pastry in every flavor imaginable. And finally, “Mi she’nichnas Adar marbim b’simcha” was a refrain I heard numerous times. When I davened at the Kotel on Friday night, in addition to the beautiful and timeless Kabbalat Shabbat songs being sung, “Mi she’nichnas Adar…” was heard reverberating all around. As a guest at a wedding, the song was played by the band at full decibel, and when I rode in a taxi Motzei Shabbat it was the first song that came on the radio. In addition to this excitement, I also found myself in the Holy Land on

Election Day. Israelis were attempting to elect a Prime Minister for the third time in eleven months, apparently a feat not so easily achieved. Politics aside, it was fun to be in Tel Aviv on a national holiday when schools and businesses were closed, families were out and about, and seemingly everyone was in a good mood. I even stumbled upon a political rally on Dizengoff Square where Benny Gantz was encouraging people to get out the vote. Spending time in Israel is always an uplifting experience. The infusion of spirited excitement in anticipation of celebrating our ancient holiday of Purim, juxtaposed with electrified, modern day political drama, made this trip exceptional. The funny thing is, I think I say that upon my return from every trip to Israel. 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 Sales Representative Danielle Daitch Consultants Moshe Kinderlehrer Jewish Link Media Group Contributors Rabbi Ira Budow Jonathan Chodosh Rabbi Ephraim Epstein Rebbetzin Deborah Epstein Rabbi Yonah Gross 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.

Send in your letter to the editor to editor@PhillyJewishLink.com and it may be featured in our next issue! March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

OP-ED

The US ‘Ally’ that Protects Killers of Americans

We are constantly told that Jordan is crucial to regional security. That may be, but what kind of “ally” shelters a murderer of Americans—and then gives the murderer her own television show? By Stephen M. Flatow/JNS

t first glance, you might not think there was anything very significant about the recent trial of a little-known Muslim imam in the Czech Republic. Samer Shehadeh, a Palestinian Arab who is serving as a Muslim religious leader in Prague, was sentenced last week to 10 years in prison for giving financial assistance to Al-Nusra—the Syrian affiliate of Al-Qaeda—and helping his brother and sister-in-law join that terrorist group. But the most important part of the story was not the trial, the verdict or the sentencing. It was how Shehadeh was captured. Way down near the end of the news accounts of the case, we learned: “Shehadeh was arrested in Jordan before being flown back to the Czech Republic and taken into custody in November 2018.” Now compare Jordan’s extradition of Samer Shehadeh with its refusal to extradite another Palestinian Arab terrorist. On August 9, 2001, terrorists bombed the Sbarro pizzeria in downtown Jerusalem. Fifteen people were killed and 130 wounded. Three of the fatalities were American citizens, including 15 year-old Malki Roth. One of the perpetrators, Ahlam Tamimi, lives in Jordan and used to have her own TV show. The United States has requested her extradition. Jordan’s King Abdullah has refused. Whenever Malki’s parents have raised

this issue with State Department officials or leaders of certain Jewish organizations, they have been told that Abdullah can’t extradite any Palestinian Arab terrorists because the population of Jordan consists mostly of Palestinian Arabs, and they will overthrow him if he surrenders any terrorists. “And, after all,” these apologists tell the grieving parents, “if Abdullah is overthrown, Jordan could become radicalized and that would be bad for Israel, and you wouldn’t want to hurt Israel, would you?” Now we see that such excuses are not only insulting and patronizing, they are also patently disingenuous. The Shehadeh case clearly demonstrates that Abdullah is perfectly capable of extraditing a Palestinian Arab terrorist without suffering any repercussions. Abdullah’s decision to harbor Ahlam Tamimi, a woman who brags about her role in murder, is a matter of choice. He has no problem extraditing Palestinian Arab terrorists—it just depends which ones. A Palestinian Arab involved with Syrian terrorists in the Czech Republic is extraditable. A Palestinian Arab terrorist who murders Jews, including U.S. citizens, must be shielded from extradition. I am deeply disappointed at the silence of most American Jewish and Zionist organizations on this issue, including some groups that were once outspoken on the plight of American victims of Palestinian Arab terrorism. I realize that it may not be the most headline-grabbing

issue around or the most exciting for fundraising purposes. But seeking justice is an obligation, not a choice. I am equally troubled by those organizations that feign interest in the issue, but then bury it. A few months ago, a Jewish think tank, the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, held a gala dinner to honor King Abdullah. The Roth family protested that American Jews should not be honoring a king who shelters a murderer of American Jews. The institute’s executive director, Rob Satloff, responded by heaping praise on the king and proclaiming how “very proud” he was to be honoring the Jordanian dictator. As for Abdullah’s sheltering of mass-murderer Ahlam Tamimi, Satloff said he has “great sympathy,” but it can only be one item “on a lengthy agenda.” Satloff claimed it is “an important item,” but I have not seen anything in the three months since that dinner to demonstrate that the Washington Institute has done anything concrete about it.

The Jordanian government is currently in the midst of receiving a five-year, $6.375 billion aid package from the United States. We are constantly told that the aid is justified because Jordan is America’s “ally.” What kind of “ally” shelters a murderer of Americans—and then gives her a television show? The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, and other Jewish and Zionist organizations, should be demanding that the Trump administration make that aid conditional on the extradition of Ahlam Tamimi. Those who harbor killers of Americans do not deserve American taxpayers’ dollars. Those who shelter murderers of American Jews do not deserve to be praised and defended by American Jewish organizations. Stephen M. Flatow, an attorney in New Jersey, is the father of Alisa Flatow, who was murdered in an Iranian-sponsored Palestinian terrorist attack in 1995. He is the author of “A Father’s Story: My Fight for Justice Against Iranian Terrorism,” now available on Kindle.

SPONSOR A SHABBOS!

Israel’s First World Problems Are Real, but so Is the Progress It Has Made By Jonathan S. Tobin/JNS

raffic jams, crumbling and inadequate infrastructure, and a clunky political system are lamentable; however, historical perspective is needed on all of the Jewish state’s challenges. Spend enough time in Israel not immersed in history and sight-seeing or being awed by its spiritual and physical beauty, and you can easily understand why so many of its citizens spend so much of their time complaining. The Jewish state may be a regional superpower— a place where brilliant thinkers made the desert bloom and created a “startup nation” that rivals Silicon Valley with its venture capitalism, patents and high-tech March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

development. Its cities may be bustling and its farms productive. Still, much in Israel either remains lacking or just doesn’t work. Getting from place to place in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem can be a nightmare, as can any effort to go between the two cities, despite the creation of a rail system to ease congestion. Traffic seems to be always snarled within the big cities or even along the coastal corridor. There are too many cars and not enough roads to accommodate them and their owners. And as a lengthy feature published in the Sunday New York Times—timed to pour cold water on the idea that the last 11 years under the leadership of Prime

CONTINUED ON P. 10

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ISRAEL NEWS Israel’s First World Problems Are Real, but so Is the Progress It Has Made CONTINUED FROM P. 6 Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have been successful for the Jewish state—the problems aren’t limited to the commuting time many Israelis suffer. Israel needs more hospital rooms to deal with the needs of its growing population. Its educational system is also seen as failing much of the population, especially the poor, haredi Jews and the Arab minority, even if the country actually does spend more on schools than on its vaunted military establishment. Poorer Israelis and those in the middle class don’t feel empowered by the fact that some high-tech entrepreneurs have gotten rich. As is the case in many other prosperous nations, many feel left behind. What’s more, Israel’s political system seems incapable of dealing with these challenges. That’s true even when it is not locked in a political stalemate with the prospect of a possible fourth election later in 2020 to break the logjam. Entrenched interests block constitutional reform and make it difficult, if not impossible, to fund solutions to any of the infrastructure problems that the nation faces. Throw in arguments between secular and religious Jews, as well as Mizrahi and

Gan Summer 5780

2020

Ashkenazi Jews—not to mention those between Jews and Arabs—and you can paint a portrait of a nation in both an economic and spiritual crisis. And that’s true even if, unlike The New York Times, your purpose is not to trash the country and depict Netanyahu as a charlatan. But before you write the place off as a crowded, unpleasant failure of a country, a little historical perspective is needed. Israel is only 71 years old. A century ago, Zionism was a dream dismissed by most Jews as a fantasy that would not come true. And even after the state was declared, smart people thought it could not survive. Who among Zionism’s critics could have predicted that a poor yishuv of 600,000 Jewish souls could withstand the might of the rest of the Middle East and then, with the financial help of the Diaspora, provide homes for hundreds of thousands of survivors of the Holocaust in Europe and a still larger total of Jews who were forced to flee their homes in the Arab and Islamic world? Since then, Israel has faced existential challenges, as well as daunting economic, political and military problems. For the last five decades, we’ve been told that Israel cannot thrive or survive in the long run without peace with the Palestinian Arabs, only to see it grow stronger and wealthier during that period even though

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an end to the conflict is nowhere in sight. In the 1980s, it wasn’t clear how Israel— still a poor country where consumer goods like appliances or even jeans were in short supply—could navigate an economic crisis that had wrecked the value of its currency in an inflationary crisis. Several years after that, it was uncertain how the Jewish state could afford to house more than a million new immigrants from the former Soviet Union and then integrate them into its society. The Socialist ideals of the kibbutz had morphed into an economic model that was a disaster. State control of industries and services had created a situation in which growth was strangled by a bureaucratic culture in which it took years to get a phone installed. But less than three decades later, a Third World backwater has become a First World powerhouse, with many of its enemies recognizing that the nation is simply too strong and too wealthy to be destroyed. Though the process of change was hampered by corruption and inefficiencies, the result has still been a dramatic makeover that is the envy of the world. It’s once insoluble water problems have been ameliorated, if not solved, by hightech solutions of desalination and recycling. And the discovery of natural-gas fields gave the lie to the old joke about

N O R T H E A S T

Moses leading the Children of Israel to the only place in the region without natural resources. The Israel of today is unrecognizable to those who last saw it decades ago. Jewish genius and hard work have already made miracles many times over the course of its history. Its success has, as the Times reported, bred new and serious problems hard to imagine being solved by the current crop of leaders. And yet, these problems will eventually be solved, though undoubtedly imperfectly and with the maximum noise, fuss and political controversy that is evocative of Israel. The Jewish state recognizes that it escapes doom every day. In less than the average life expectancy of an American or Israeli, it has been transformed over and over again into a place that both delights and infuriates its inhabitants and its millions of visitors. No matter who wins Israel’s election, today’s dilemmas will eventually be replaced by tomorrow’s difficulties. Those who lament that it is unlivable should remember that its current crop of First World problems are a lot better than the ones it used to face. And by now, we should all know that betting against Israel is always a losing proposition. Jonathan S. Tobin is editor in chief of JNS—Jewish News Syndicate. Follow him on Twitter at: @jonathans_tobin.

J E W I S H

L I F E ’ S

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2020 March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

March 5, 2020 |

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS BENSALEM JEWISH OUTREACH CENTER Bensalem Jewish Outreach Center recently celebrated its 19th dinner in Brooklyn. The program started with a siyum on Misilas Yishorim by a Bensalem local Dave Wennograd followed by divrei bracha from HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky. The program continued honoring three yungulite that recently moved to Bensalem – Nachum Albin, Yisroel Tzvi Dewick and Yisroel Meir Heiman. The Avodas Hakodesh award was given to Mr. and Mrs. Yitzchak Statfeld, and the Ahavas Chesed award was given to Mr. and Mrs. Walfish. Mr. and Mrs. Shimon Lefkowitz were the guests of honor. The dinner was co-chaired by Mr. Avi Satt and Mr. Shmuel Tennenbaum. .

BENSALEM JEWISH OUTREACH CENTER

Bensalem rabbis play ball with the 8th grade boys in Abrams Hebrew Academy.

CONGREGATION BETH SOLOMON The community of Somerton, Philadelphia took advantage of the legal holiday on Monday, February 17, to enjoy a festive and action-packed morning. The day’s events began with the aliyah l’Torah and hanachas tefillin of Alex Shteyn, son of community members Vladimir and Yehudis Shteyn, at the CBS shul. After davening, everyone participated in a lavish breakfast sponsored by the Shteyn family in honor of the simcha. Over breakfast, the kehilla was treated to a special shiur from Rav Meir Riber, Rosh Kollel of the CBS Community Kollel, on the topic of the bracha of “Baruch Sheh’Patrani.”

KOHELET YESHIVA Thanks to Prizmah: CJDS, Kohelet Yeshiva had the pleasure of hosting a group of Jewish Day School professionals from across the country who were in town for the NAIS – National Association of Independent Schools Conference. The visit began with a presentation from Kohelet Yeshiva Head of School Rabbi Dr. Gil Perl and Kohelet Yeshiva Lab and Middle Schools Principal Mrs. Becky Troodler on Kohelet Yeshiva’s 10 Principles of Learning, followed by a tour of their new learning space. The evening ended with a delicious cooking demo and dinner presented by Esther Chana Schechter and House of Kosher.

NCSY

NCSY of Greater Philadelphia is getting into the Purim spirit, as Harriton JSU and Cherry Hill East JSU got ready for the festive holiday.

March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

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Philadelphia Jewish Link Publisher Nachi Troodler was the featured speaker at a recent Cardin Scholars Program in Huntingdon Valley, where he discussed various issues pertaining to journalism with the teens.

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COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS CONGREGATION BETH SOLOMON

Every 5-6 weeks, the children of CBS Community Center in Somerton are able to spend their davening bucks that they earn by joining the davening at the CBS Shul. The recent sale was one of the biggest that they have had. The prizes range from 10-200 davening bucks per prize. It provides a valuable lesson in saving and spending for the kids, and CBS provides a huge range of toys, games and even electronics like Bluetooth headphones! One even said that “the prizes just keep getting better and better!”

CONGREGATION SONS OF ISRAEL Congregation Sons of Israel in Cherry Hill really got into the Adar spirit on Motzei Shabbat, February 29th with a Jazz cafe and comedy night. Comedian Eli Lebowicz entertained a crowd of over 100 people with a routine that did its best to find the humor in the Jewish lives we lead. A great time was had by all!

CASKEY TORAH ACADEMY (Photo credit: Karen Goldschmidt) On Sunday evening, February 23, Caskey Torah Academy (CTA) held its 56th

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Annual Scholarship Banquet and paid tribute to Guests of Honor Sara and Josh Bleier and to Mrs. Elana Stiel Obstfeld, the Rabbi Israel M. Axelrod Excellence in Education Awardee.

YOUNG ISRAEL OF CHERRY HILL

Young Israel of Cherry Hill ran a girls morning of fun featuring a dance program run by Tamar Erlbaum, an amazing salad bar lunch, and a handson fruit demonstration by Mrs. Estelle Lerner. Over 20 girls participated and had a great time exploring different creative outlets.

March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

March 5, 2020 |

RSVP to dgoldfarb@abramsonline.org

March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

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COMMUNITY NEWS

CBS Community Center to Honor Allen Rothenberg at Annual Gala By Nachi Troodler

ith a wide array of religious, educational and communal offerings, Congregation Beth Solomon has been a mainstay of the Greater Philadelphia Jewish community for decades. On Sunday evening, March 22, the community will be able to celebrate the many accomplishments of the CBS Community Center and support this important institution that invests heavily in the lives of those in need at its 34th Annual Gala Dinner. The event will honor attorney Allen L. Rothenberg, Esq., who founded The Rothenberg Law Firm in 1969. The gala will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the Hilton City Avenue Philadelphia, which is located at 4200 City Line Avenue. People can register for the event at www.cbscommunitycenter.com and ads can be emailed to shuloffice@ cbscommunitycenter.com. In addition, there is a 360 raffle with a chance to win $5,000 (https://www.rayze.it/

Changes at the Keystone-K CONTINUED FROM P. 1 the local kashrus organization. The announcement was made in a letter issued by the Keystone-K’s Rabbinic Board and signed by Rabbi Dov Brisman (Rabbi Emeritus of Young Israel of Elkins Park), Rabbi Avraham Shmidman (Lower Merion Synagogue), Rabbi Mordecai Terebelo (Congregation Ahavas Torah), and Rabbi Yehoshua Yeamans (Congregation B’nai Israel – Ohev Zedek). The members of the Rabbinic Board credited Rabbi Eisemann with assuring

Phalanx of Philadelphia and South Jersey Jewish Communal Leaders Appointed to Slate 4 in WZC Election CONTINUED FROM P. 1 for over 100 years. They are the Religious Zionists of America-Mizrachi, AMIT, the Orthodox Union, Yeshiva University, Touro College, Bnei Akiva, Torah MiTzion, National Council of Young Israel, and the Rabbinical Council of America. The World Zionist Congress is considered “the parliament” of the Jewish people. Elections are held just once every five years. Choosing the 152 U.S. delegates (out of 500) is a primary opportunity for Jews living in America to impact major decisions being made in Israel. Delegates appoint the senior leaders of four Israeli national institutions that, between them,

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cbsgaladinner). have welcomed the Russian Since its founding by community and has really done Rabbi Solomon Isaacson, something for them with a Congregation Beth Solomon full heart. I am honored to be has ably served the Jewish honored and I hope very much community of Northeast that as many people as possible Philadelphia as well as will be there and support this the surrounding areas of very, very worthy organization.” Allen Rothenberg and Rabbi Huntingdon Valley, Bucks “I’ve known Allen Solomon Isaacson County, Montgomery County, Allen Rothenberg Rothenberg for over 40 years,” and Holland, PA. so much,” said said Rabbi Solomon Isaacson. “And in Functioning as a community center, Rothenberg, who first met Rabbi Isaacson those 40 years, I’ve witnessed many CBS provides various services including when they were both teenagers. “What moments of kindness, thoughtfulness weekly lectures, Hebrew School, women’s he has stood for is the proposition that and compassion. As a philanthropist, programming, kosher catering, summer I have always believed in, that Jewish he is second to none. As an individual, camp for girls, early childhood centers, education is Jewish survival. He will spend his participation with National after-school extracurricular programs, time with those who have the ability and President of the National Jewish holiday events, Shabbos programs, and the opportunity to contribute, and he will Commission on Law and Public more. spend time with people who have no Affairs (COLPA) and commitment to Home to the Philadelphia Russian ability to contribute, just to make sure that do everything he can for Yiddishkeit Kollel, CBS also has a group of rabbis who they’re on the right path.” attests to the kind of human being he study Torah full time and who learn daily “He does wonderful things, he cares is and the kind of Yid he is. He serves at the shul. In addition, they learn with about the people, and he cares about the as an example of how much a person community members in the evenings via Russian community more so than anyone is capable of helping others, and groups or individual study. else,” Rothenberg added. “I believe he personifies the mitzvah of v’ahavta “Rabbi Isaacson has accomplished is the leading person in Philadelphia to le’reiacha kamocha. the highest standards of kashrus for our community during his tenure and earning the respect of all major kashrus agencies. “Rabbi Eisemann’s achievements include the expansion of establishments under our supervision to over fifty in number, employment of some of the latest technologies available for kashrus oversight, and the creation of a user-friendly website,” they wrote. “Rabbi Eisemann has also left a lasting impact as a notable mechanech in our community. For three decades, he served as a Rebbe, teacher, and school administrator of Torah Academy of Greater Philadelphia and Kosloff Torah Academy Girls High

School. Additionally, Rabbi Eisemann has played an important role as a local mikvah administrator and as a Mohel for many years.” Rabbi Gross has served as the rabbi of Congregation Beth Hamedrosh for over ten years and has been a member of the Keystone-K’s Rabbinic Board for six years. His kashrus training through the Star-K and involvement and knowledge of our region’s institutions will help ensure a seamless transition for the community. “I look forward to continuing to serve the greater Philadelphia community,” said Rabbi Gross. “As a member of the Rabbinical Board for the past six years, I have witnessed

Rabbi Eisemann’s commitment to upholding and strengthening our community’s kashrus standards and practices. I anticipate working with the other members of the Rabbinical Board to build upon his work and ensure that our community has a kashrus organization that is trustworthy and accessible.” The Philadelphia Jewish Link wishes a hearty Mazel Tov and Tzeitchem L’Shalom to Rabbi and Mrs. Eisemann on their Aliyah. We also join the Keystone-K’s Rabbinic Board in welcoming Rabbi Gross in his new role. Rabbi Gross has been a regular contributor to the Philadelphia Jewish Link focusing on Hilchot Mezuzah.

allocate nearly $1 billion a year to Jewish educational and communal causes around the world. “Philadelphia plays an important role on our slate and people should know that if elected they will be sending their neighbors to vote to support causes close to our community,” said Rav Doron Perez, Chief Executive of the Mizrachi World Movement. “Israeli national institutions such as the World Zionist Organization, The Jewish Agency, Keren Kayemet L’Yisrael (JNF) and Keren Hayesod often perceive the Orthodox community in America as an insignificant minority. This perception does not reflect reality or the rapid growth of Orthodoxy in America. The contributions of Orthodox Jews to communal organizations and institutions bring to bear an influence far beyond our relative numbers. Success in these elections will greatly bolster the

standing and influence of the Orthodox Torah voice.” OIC Slate #4 Ambassadors from the Philadelphia area include: Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman of Lower Merion Synagogue and Director of the Orthodox Union’s Department of Women’s Initiatives, Rabbi Avraham Shmidman of Lower Merion Synagogue in Bala Cynwyd, Rabbi Dr. Gil Perl, Head of School at Kohelet Yeshiva in Merion Station, Yoetzet Halacha Stacey Goldman, Rabbi Ephraim Epstein of Congregation Sons of Israel in Cherry Hill, Yoetzet Halacha Tova Warburg Sinensky, Holly Cohen, Rabbi Daniel Sherman, Joan Betesh, and Dr. Marguerite Werrin. Any Jew who will be 18 by June 30, 2020, is a permanent resident of the United States, and does not vote in Israel, is eligible to vote following this process: Go to www.zionistelection.org.

Click the Voter Registration button on the bottom left. Fill in your information including payment of the $5.00 fee (ages 18-25) or $7.50 (ages 26 and above) and click submit. Check your email or texts to receive your verification number and enter it on the website. Vote for Slate #4 (OIC). Mizrachi is the global Religious Zionist movement, spreading Torat Eretz Yisrael across the world and strengthening the bond between the international Jewish community and the State of Israel. Mizrachi has represented the Torah Voice and the Orthodox movement in the WZO for almost 120 years. Based in Jerusalem and with branches across the globe, Mizrachi – an acronym for merkaz ruchani (spiritual center) – was founded in 1902. For more information visit www.mizrachi.org. March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

March 5, 2020 |

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March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Barrack’s 18th Annual Gala to Honor the Gordons and Focus on Innovation By Nachi Troodler

hen Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy (JBHA) celebrates its forthcoming 18th Annual Gala in just a few short weeks, the predominant themes will be innovation and technology. Entitled “Thou Shalt Innovate to Repair the World,” the special event will be held on Wednesday, March 25, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue, which is located at 4200 City Avenue in Philadelphia. The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails, dinner and an innovation expo, followed by the program and dessert at 7:30 p.m. Complimentary valet parking will be available. JBHA, which was originally founded in 1946 as Akiba Hebrew Academy and was the nation’s first pluralistic Jewish secondary day school, is set to pay tribute to its well-deserved honorees, Tracy and George Gordon. The proud parents of four Barrack alumni (Rachel ’12, Sarah ’13, Jacob ’16, and Eli ’18) and longtime supporters of the school, Tracy and George Gordon

Tracy and George Gordon have been deeply involved with a myriad of aspects pertaining to Barrack. George, who is a partner at Dechert LLP, where he has co-chaired the firm’s global Antitrust Practice Group and Life Sciences practice, is the Immediate past President of the Board. In addition, he has held various positions on the Executive Committee, and has been actively involved in leading a number of the school’s transformative strategic initiatives over the past several years. Tracy served as Co-President of the Parent Teacher Organization for

five years, and currently sits on the Enrollment Advancement Task Force, Governance and Nominating Committee and the Barrack Builders Committee. She has been a devoted lay leader in the Philadelphia Jewish community for the past 25 years. Currently, Tracy is the Campaign Chair for Women’s Philanthropy at the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, where she has also served as Co-Chair of the Jewish Life and Learning Commission, member of the Campaign Cabinet, and on the Board of Trustees. “We are so pleased to honor George and Tracy Gordon at this year’s gala,” said Howard Treatman, Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy Board President. “George and Tracy have been cornerstones of our community and exemplars to us all. The honor is truly fitting.” “The gala is the JBHA’s signature fundraising event of the year and allows us to fulfill our school’s mission of providing the best education for our children and ensuring the Jewish future,”

Treatman added. The gala will also feature special guest speaker Avi Jorisch, a seasoned entrepreneur and Middle East expert. Jorisch is a Senior Fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council and founder of IMS, a merchant processing company that services clients nationwide. A thought leader exploring global innovation trends, the Arab world, counterterrorism, and illicit finance, Jorisch previously served in the U.S. Departments of Treasury and Defense. An author of five books, his most recent best-selling book, Thou Shall Innovate: How Israeli Ingenuity Repairs the World, is being translated into more than 30 languages. The Honorary Chairs of the 18th Annual Gala are Lynne and Len Barrack, while Joyce and Jeff Retig and Ronit and Howard Treatman are serving as Event Hosts. The Gala Co-Chairs are Lee Ann and Scott Erlbaum, Judith and Oren Friedman, Leah Lande and Marc Singer, Kami and Josh Verne, and Leora and Jonathan Zabusky. For more information or to register online, visit gala.jbha.org.

Politz Hebrew Academy Set to Celebrate 38th Annual Gala By Nachi Troodler

or the past 38 years, Politz Hebrew Academy in Northeast Philadelphia has played a pivotal role in educating thousands of children and instilling in them a strong sense of self-worth, a strong moral compass, and a strong religious and general studies foundation. On Sunday evening, March 15, friends and supporters of Politz Hebrew Academy will gather for the school’s 38th Annual Gala Celebration, which centers on the theme of “Past, Present, and Leading to the Future.” The event will take place at

the Marriott Hotel, which is located at One Dock Street in Philadelphia. Reservations and donations can be made at www. politzdinner.org. The Guests of Honor are Rabbi Yehoshua and Rebbetzin Sarah Yeamans, while Rabbi Yitz and Mrs. Frimi Levi are being recognized as Parents of the Year. The Dinner Chairpersons are Mr. George and Mrs. Lauren Danneman. “The dinner is a moment out of time when Politz Hebrew Academy gathers its friends and supporters to celebrate its achievement and to thank all those who are a part of our success,” said

Head of School Mrs. Besie Katz. “Our honorees reflect this feeling as they have demonstrated their loyalty and confidence in Politz as a Torah true institution of chinuch.” “Not only is the evening to express our joy, it is an event to express our gratitude,” added Mrs. Katz. “Rabbi and Rebbetzin Yeamans, our Honorees, and Rabbi and Mrs. Levi, our Parents of the Year, embody the goals and objectives of Politz Hebrew Academy. They reflect the aphorism of Learn Torah… Love Torah… Live Torah.” Rabbi Yehoshua Yeamans was appointed Rabbi of Congregation B’nai

Israel Ohev Zedek in August 2015. He previously served as the Assistant Rabbi of the Beth Israel Synagogue in Edmonton, Alberta. In addition, Rabbi Yeamans also served as a Rabbinical Intern under Rabbi Moshe Hauer of Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion in Baltimore, as well as under Rabbi Dovid Rosenbaum of the Young Israel of Shomrai Emunah in Silver Spring. Rebbetzin Sarah Yeamans is a graduate of Politz Hebrew Academy and Torah Academy Girls High School. After

CONTINUED ON P. 24

AMIT Party Night in Philly (Courtesy of AMIT)

n March 14, just four days after Purim, the celebration continues with AMIT in Merion Station. On Motzei Shabbat, AMIT Philadelphia will host two (2!) simultaneous Melave Malka cocktail parties – there is something for everyone! One party is for the young leadership crowd (“NewGen Phila”) and one party is for the over 40ish crowd, AMIT’s tried and true Philadelphia Council/Shira Chapter. At 8:30 p.m., at a private home in Merion Station, the Shira Chapter will throw their

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annual Melave Malka event with the theme “Pi & Punch.” Get it? Pi for the date 3.14. There really will be pies, both pizza and pastry. The event chair is Sarah Rosner, and the evening will include a fun demonstration by local French pastry chef, Chana Gerber. RSVP/sponsor in advance is greatly appreciated: https:// amitchildren.org/event/pi-punch. At 9:00 p.m., at a different private home, NewGen Phila will throw their first annual Melave Malka event with the theme: “Babka & Booze.” The event will feature decadent babkas from various bakeries from around the country (Babkatoure,

Shevy’s Babka Paradise, and more!) paired with signature fun mixed cocktails and a local beer brewery demonstration. The event co-chairs are Aderet Frager and Larah Kirschner. RSVP/sponsor in advance is greatly appreciated: https:// amitchildren.org/event/philanewgenbabkanight. AMIT has the prestigious Charity Navigator 4-Star rating (the highest possible) and has the GuideStar “Gold” designation (the highest possible). Moreover, Charity Navigator awards AMIT a whopping 100 (out of 100) for accountability and transparency.

Contributions to AMIT are a direct link to supporting the more than 37,000 current students in 108 schools. AMIT has been ranked the #1 educational network – for the third year in a row – by Israel’s Ministry of Education. If you have any questions about either of these events, about the critical work of AMIT Children, or to set up an AMIT school visit in Eretz Yisrael, please be in touch with either Robbie Pearlstein at RobbieP@AmitChildren.org or at 410.484.2223, or Sara Bleier at SaraB@AmitChildren.org or at 917.991.3412. March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

March 5, 2020 |

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JACK M. BARRACK HEBREW ACADEMY

18TH ANNUAL GALA

HONORING TRACY AND GEORGE GORDON

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PRESENTING SPONSORS Madlyn & Leonard Abramson Lynne & Leonard Barrack '60 Charlestein Family Foundation Robert Saligman Charitable Foundation Sitchin Foundation Kami & Josh Verne PLATINUM SPONSORS Steven Collis Gideon Naim '82 Tracy & George Gordon Lewis Shapiro Harry Kogan z'l Charitable Foundation Michele & Robert Levin Ronit & Howard Treatman

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Visit gala.jbha.org for tickets & more information. March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

| 9 Adar, 5780 March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Abrams Hebrew Academy Set to Host Annual Fundraising Event By Nachi Troodler

brams Hebrew Academy plays a vital role in the Jewish community in Bucks County. As a community Hebrew day school that welcomes students and families from varying backgrounds and inculcates in them a deep appreciation for Judaism and the State of Israel, Abrams Hebrew Academy has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless families since it first opened its doors in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1903. On Sunday, March 15th, Abrams Hebrew Academy will welcome its friends and supporters to its Annual Fundraising Event, which will begin at 11:00 a.m. and take place at the school, which is located at 31 West College Avenue in Yardley. Abrams will pay tribute to Brandon and Lisa Swartz, as well as Rabbi Isaac Leizerowski, Rabbi Joshua Ottensoser, and Rabbi Chaim Tesser. The cost to attend the March 15th event is $100 per adult and $50 per child. To make a reservation or for more information, email dgoldfarb@abramsonline.org. “These honorees represent the best of Abrams Hebrew Academy,” said Head of

Rabbi Leizerowski Rabbi Ottensoser Rabbi Tesser School Rabbi Ira Budow. “The Rabbis have devoted their lives to educating our children. The Swartz family has grown religiously with us and sends all of their kids to Jewish high schools and post high school programs. This is a great victory for our school.” Brandon and Lisa Swartz are the proud parents of four children, three of whom graduated from Swartz Family Abrams and one who will graduate this year. Each of the three older Swartz attending Touro College, while their other children continued their Jewish education daughter is currently a sophomore at by attending religious high school. Their Bruriah. The Swartz’s oldest son graduated oldest daughter graduated from Bruriah from Kohelet Yeshiva High School and is High School for Girls and is currently currently attending Mayanot Yeshiva in

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Israel, while their youngest son will attend an intensive Yeshiva once he graduates from Abrams in June. “Brandon and Lisa Swartz represent the school in the most positive light and are pillars in the community by supporting all Jewish causes,” Rabbi Budow said. “We are very proud to have them as honorees.” Rabbi Budow pointed out that the combined tenure of Rabbi Leizerowski, Rabbi Ottensoser, and Rabbi Tesser is remarkably over 80 years. “They have dedicated their professional lives to generations of Jewish children in our community and are outstanding role models for all,” he said. Rabbi Budow noted that Abrams Hebrew Academy has made significant enhancements to its academic programs over the past several years and improved and revamped its science and language arts programs as part of its ongoing efforts to continue striving for excellence in education. They have also added new special education programs to address the varying needs and abilities within Abrams’ student body.

Mesivta Model Beis Din Team Ties for First Place

he Mesivta High School of Greater Philadelphia’s Model Beis Din team, under the leadership of Rabbi Ephraim Goldfein and Dr. David Weiss, tied for first place in the Annual Model Beis Din competition. The competition was held on Sunday, March 1 at Lander College for Men. This is the team’s third straight year in first place. This year’s topic was “Programming Autonomous Cars: Facing the Ethical Dilemmas” and the school shared the first

place title with Torah Academy of Bergen County. The Mesivta team includes the following students: Moshe Badush, Joey Bleier, Gabi Brown, Betzalel Chase, Avi Dachs, Elimelech Danneman, Nachi Epstein, Simcha Fieg, Yaakov Frager, Elan Goldman, Simmy Kaplun, Yosef Niknam, Shlomo Robbins, Yisroel Schaeffer, Matan Schwartz, Ephraim Shmidman, Noam Sommer, Sa’adia Weinstein, and Ovadia Yitzhak.

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March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

March 5, 2020 |

March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

| 9 Adar, 5780

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Precautions in Shul in the Wake of Coronavirus By Rabbi Asher Bush

ith the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), which as of this date has no specific treatments, numerous halachic issues are being discussed; a few that have practical implications will be addressed here. It is worth noting that while much attention is correctly being placed on this new and yet untreatable virus, these issues apply to any communicable disease such as the flu and lesser sicknesses. Attending Public Events The Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rav David Lau, recently ruled that “anyone who is required to remain in isolation is forbidden from davening with the tzibur. An issur gamur applies to anyone at risk of harming another person, even if the chances are very slight. Likewise, there is an issur to enter a place of danger and therefore one should refrain from visiting places where there is a risk of contracting [the virus].” While Rav Lau’s opinion refers to an individual placed in some sort of quarantine, the same logic applies to individuals suffering from various sicknesses, major ones such as the flu and less serious ones as well. It is quite common for a well-intentioned person to think that their personal obligations of tefilla be-tzibbur and hearing kerias ha-Torah, megillah reading or attending a shiur are so strong that even though they may not be feeling well, they should push themselves to attend. While their motivation is to be admired, and certainly there are times when “pushing oneself” is indeed a Midas Chasidus, in cases of communicable diseases it is wrong. There is a higher obligation not to harm others and one is not permitted to risk doing so in such cases. To expose others to a harmful pathogen renders the offending party as a mazik or chovel, and in certain high-risk cases, perhaps even a Rodef, all clear violations of halacha. It should be noted that even in a “lesser” case, namely one in which a person who is not known to be infected but has not been vaccinated for measles (in 2019 when the disease was rapidly spreading in public places), Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl ruled that such a person would be a mazik, both for the harm he may cause as well as for the act of frightening others by going into public places. At the same time, it is easy for some to overreact. Recently a man shared that after sneezing just once, an elderly man asked him to leave the shul. While one should deal with every sneeze in a hygienic manner, not every sneeze is cause for alarm. Good judgment and common sense should be employed in all cases. Hay fever and other

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allergies are not contagious, and, in the case of a minor cold, it may be enough for one to sit at a distance from others; in all cases of doubt one should consult one’s doctor for the best advice.

and yeshivas have one large cloth towel hung up for all to use to dry their hands; this can be counterproductive as sharing a public towel may well be a good way to share germs.

Kissing a Sefer Torah or Mezuzah Rav Yosef Eliyahu Henkin (Edus LeYisrael, #63) writes admiringly of the practice he witnessed among Georgian Jews who do not kiss a Sefer Torah directly, but who point at it from a distance and then kiss their hands. Aside from finding this practice to be spiritually appropriate, he writes that it is good not to kiss a Torah adding “that they soil the Torah’s cover with saliva when they kiss it, and aside from this being degrading to the Torah, it is unacceptable from the perspective of health, and so too with kissing a mezuzah. (This idea is also alluded to by Chazal who said not to drink from a cup and pass it on to one’s friend, as is codified in the Shulchan Aruch O.C. 170:15, Taz and Mishnah Berurah).”

Addressing the Use of Hand Sanitizer When You Cannot Use Soap and Water The CDC states: “You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label. Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in many situations. However, sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs. Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.” It should be noted that recent disclaimers from the FDA are not meant to discourage the use of hand sanitizers, but only to highlight that their use is not a guarantee of safety, even if it is a useful aid in avoiding the spread of germs. The FDA said that no Purell products have been tested against Ebola and the flu. Clearly the CDC encourages their use if one cannot wash with soap and water. It should be noted that there may be many times when one cannot easily get to a sink, but the use of a sanitizer may be a ready option; shuls may be such a case.

Hand Washing and Sanitizing On a minimal level, the CDC has recommended the washing of hands. The following is from the CDC website: Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals. Follow these five steps every time. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap. -Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. -Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. -Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice. -Rinse your hands well under clean, running water. -Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them. The “good news” about this advice from the CDC is that it recommends using either hot or cold water and thus creates no problem regarding the use of hot water on Shabbos. It should be noted that this is not just a token rinse and pouring water from a washing cup is clearly not adequate; the recommended washing requires lathering with soap, making sure the entire hand is washed for no less than 20 seconds, followed by a thorough rinse. In terms of Shabbos, liquid soaps are permissible (as seen in Sehmiras Shabbos 14:18). Also, worth noting is that some shuls

The Use of Hand Sanitizers on Shabbos It has become common in our society to use hand sanitizers such as Purell; as such, there is no prohibition of refuah on Shabbos even when used for obvious medicinal purposes. This is based on the ruling in the Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 328:37) that foods that are eaten or activities that are commonly performed by healthy people are permitted even when done for reasons of health. Additionally, these activities are in fact not performed for the sake of healing, but rather to protect or prevent harm. Examples of this also include the permissible use of a bandage meant to protect an injury from being banged or rubbed (Aruch Ha-Shulchan 328:23,24,27), the use of toothpaste to prevent decay (Yabia Omer 4:29:16, the debates about toothpaste are for other reasons, not with regard to refuah) or the application of liquid insect repellant (Sehmiras Shabbos 14:31). All are permitted on Shabbos and are not included in the prohibition of refuah, whether the concern is major or minor. Hand sanitizers come in various forms, including gels and liquids. Based on the Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 327), Rav Hershel

Schachter has pointed out that applying olive oil or other substances of the same viscosity are permitted on Shabbos. Accordingly, the liquid forms (generally sprayed on) are clearly permitted on Shabbos. Following the CDC guidelines, one needs to make sure that the entire hand – top and bottom and between the fingers – has been properly covered. The gel raises the question of the melacha of memare’ach. It should be noted that many, if not most, of the products labeled as “gel” are in fact a liquid that pours, not thicker in consistency than olive oil, and are not subject to the prohibition of memare’ach. Those products which may be a true gel, and which have a noticeably thicker consistency, raise a concern. However, it is important to note that the Magen Avraham (O.C. 316:24, quoted by Mishnah Berurah 316:49) ruled that a thicker substance, if it is obliterated (i.e., it is rubbed into the skin so it does not leave a coating), is not subject to the prohibition of memare’ach. This ruling is also applied by Rav Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer 4:27:1,2) regarding the use of toothpaste, and in a more universal way by Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (quoted in Sehmiras Shabbos chapter 33, note 58) who ruled “that rubbing in the ointment until it is totally melted and absorbed into a person’s skin is not considered memare’ach, as the prohibition is only when the ointment remains and one wants to leave a layer on the surface of his body.” Accordingly, if a gel is thin and easily poured, it is viewed by the Halacha as a liquid and may be applied without any hesitation. In cases where there is a fear of communicable disease, and neither a liquid nor a thin gel is available, there is certainly room to permit the use of hand sanitizer, provided one was careful to fully rub it into the skin until it was no longer noticeable. Conclusion While much of this seems like common sense, it is all too easy to be in denial and think that these problems will not affect us and our communities. It is also possible to overreact, either by “too much caution” at the expense of mitzvos, or by finding sources in Halacha and not take proper precautions; neither is appropriate. Given the newness of this entire situation it is also possible that, as facts change, or as more medical information becomes available, some of these guidelines may change. Further guidelines will be offered if appropriate. Rabbi Asher Bush is the rav of Congregation Ahavat Yisrael in Wesley Hills, NY, and is a longtime member of the faculty at Frisch Yeshiva High School. He is the author of Responsa Sho’el B’Shlomo and serves as the Chairman of the Va’ad Halacha of the Rabbinical Council of America. March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

Pikuach Nefesh & Kovod Women’s Healthcare Symposium Join Dr. Chani Yondorf, OB/GYN, for a free Women’s Healthcare Symposium

Sunday, March 22, 2020 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Speakers:

Politz Hebrew Academy 9225 Old Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia Dor L’dor and Einstein Victor Center Chani Yondorf, MD

Breast Health Lisa K. Jablon, MD Breast surgeon and Director, Breast Program, Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia. Dr. Jablon provides compassionate and comprehensive care while offering patients the latest technology and minimally invasive procedures.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia. Dr. Yondorf provides women’s healthcare that honors the traditions of the Jewish community, while advocating for preconception screening of Jewish genetic diseases for young adults.

Genetics And Your Body Susan J. Gross, MD, FRCSC, FACOG, FACMG Clinical Professor of Genetics and Genomic Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Medical Director of the Reproductive Division of Sema4. Dr. Gross has worked on national and international guideline committees, lectured, and published extensively on prenatal screening and genetic testing with a focus on new technologies and public health policy.

Disability Etiquette Training Julie Hensler-Cullen MSN, RN

Stop the Bleed Training Cathy Markey MSN, RN, CCRN-K, CEN, TCRN

Director of Quality and Education, MossRehab. Julie is the Director of Disability Etiquette Education and Outreach for Einstein Healthcare Network.

Trauma Education and Outreach for Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia. Cathy is the Coordinator for Stop the Bleed and Director of Think First Injury Prevention at Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia.

Childcare provided by Politz Hebrew Academy Food courtesy of Sema4 and provided by House of Kosher

This event is sponsored by Einstein Healthcare Network in partnership with Politz Hebrew Academy and Sema4 Genomic Lab.

Space is limited - Registration required RSVP to Sheri Minkoff at minkoffs@einstein.edu by March 16. For more information call 1.800.EINSTEIN. March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

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COMMUNITY NEWS

The Forbidden Art Exhibit at the National Liberty Museum “IT IS THROUGH ART THAT THE HUMAN SPIRIT TAKES SHAPE.” By Linda Dubin Garfield

he exhibition Forbidden Art at the National Liberty Museum in Old City Philadelphia is comprised of 20 powerful images made illegally and under grave danger by Jewish and Polish

hand-picked from the collections of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Poland. Despite the effort to erase their identities, from making them wear uniforms to tattooing them with numbers that made them anonymous, these

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prisoners in the German Nazi Auschwitz concentration camp from 1940-1945. It is part of an extensive collection

prisoners fought to keep their humanity by creating art. Using whatever materials they could find (cigarette paper, backs of letters, scraps of paper), the art kept their human spirit alive and

allowed them self-expression while also documenting what they saw. The fact that the works survived to the present day is, in most cases, a miracle; many were hidden or smuggled out at great risk by friends of the artists. The works are deeply moving testaments to human resilience and the

drawn by children and adults were discovered. They bear silent testimony to man’s eternal need to create and portray for future generations a way of living and dying that the Reich tried to hide. “This exhibition shows in an impressive way that, no matter how terrible violence

Image 4 power of art. Inmates who produced clandestine art did so at risk to their lives. Such artists used their talents to create works as an expression of their own humanity. When the liberation forces were examining the ghettos and camps, thousands of pictures

can wipe out the soul, the spirit and the creativity of mankind survives,” said curator Professor Walter Smerling. These artistic works, made under conditions of extreme danger, are an

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COMMUNITY NEWS The Forbidden Art Exhibit at the National Liberty Museum CONTINUED FROM P. 22 exceptional and moving document of an historical time. They embody the emotions that accompanied the prisoners every day, which are hard to recreate today. The camp art collection is under special scholarly and conservationist protection and is the subject of research based on the detailed documentation of every object. So, the original art is not traveling but the presentation of the images is effective. Forbidden Art is part of a larger group of exhibitions and programs being mounted across the U.S. in honor of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Each piece in Forbidden Art is accompanied by a historical commentary and excerpts from archival accounts and is displayed within large illuminated wooden kiosks that artfully evoke the interiors of prisoner barracks. Some examples of the work shown are: Halia Olomucka “I am drawing nervously. Every subject is good, it seems that I can bear hunger, thirst and fear, on condition that I am able to draw.” (image 1) Franciszek Jazwiecki “I just didn’t take into consideration that drawing would be punished with a death sentence, and it wasn’t due to any special bravery. I simply took no notice of the danger. It was so attractive to

stay and create in my own world.” (image 2) Zofia Steplen “I’ve seen their huge, famished, black eyes and their emaciated bodies… I just tried to embellish it all.” (image 3) Wiodzimierz Siwierski “My drawings do not render the horror of the camps.” He made 200 tiny sketches, depicting camp prisoners both at work and mandated rest. He created his drawings on scraps of paper, even cigarette paper. They were originally transported by the artist himself, taped under his arm with an adhesive bandage. Only 20 have been preserved. The National Liberty Museum, inspired by the Museum’s home in historic Old City Philadelphia, just down the street from Constitution Hall and the Liberty Bell, seeks to understand the roles people play in creating and sustaining liberty. You’ll learn how liberty works, what happens when it doesn’t, and explore your part in the story of liberty. Liberty education presents a set of ideas and skills at the intersection of civics education and character education. It entails thinking critically about such topics as diversity, inclusion, identity, conflict resolution, communication, rights and responsibilities, social change, community outreach, advocacy, and character strengths. Across all programs, when engaging with their curriculum, learners of all ages consider how their everyday actions enhance or

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detract from their own liberty, and the liberty of others. They discover the personal and social power of character strengths they already possess. They become empowered to make the changes they want to see in their communities and in the world. Their tours are grounded in their everyday lives showing them new ways to explore the world around them, learn about themselves and their community, and take part in shaping the future. The four core Museum themes participants will explore on their tour include appreciating diversity, resolving conflicts respectfully, balancing rights with responsibilities and heroes of liberty from all walks of life. Their tour also draws on six character strengths that build leadership – empathy, responsibility, respect, integrity, courage, and perseverance. The Forbidden Art exhibit is on display until April 11, 2020. Linda Dubin Garfield, an award-winning printmaker and mixed media artist, creates visual memoirs exploring the mystery of

memory and the magic of place, using handpulled printmaking techniques, photography, collage and digital imaging. She also creates installations that include public participatory art, especially when she is exploring themes relating to women in today’s culture. In 2005 she founded ARTsisters, a group of professional artists who empower each other and their community through art. In 2007, she started smART business consulting, helping emerging artists reach their goals and their audience, providing consulting and coaching on the business side of art through individual, small groups, and workshop experiences as well as providing opportunities to exhibit work. She also provides art-making workshops to several organizations like Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Centers for Older Adults, Simpson House and Atria Senior Living. Today she serves on several non-profit boards including Da Vinci Art Alliance, Congregation Beth Hamedrosh, and AMIT, and appreciates her good fortune to be able to make art every chance she gets. Learn more at www.lindadubingarfield.com.

The Annual Chabad Women’s Luncheon By Nechama Emunah Cellucci

very year, the Annual Chabad Women’s Luncheon honoring the yahrzeit of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, the wife of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, takes place at the Lubavitcher Center on Castor Avenue. It’s a festive affair run by Rebbetzin Batsheva Shemtov and her daughter, Goldi. Rebbetzin Shemtov, along with many women from the Northeast community who share her passion for this noble work, devotes so much love and time to this event. On February 23, 2020, the women’s section at Chabad was transformed into an ornate garden filled with flowers,

Politz Hebrew Academy Set to Celebrate 38th Annual Gala CONTINUED FROM P. 16 attending seminary in Israel, she served as a Judaic Studies teacher for girls’ high schools in both Philadelphia and Baltimore. Rebbetzin Yeamans earned her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and holds specific training in the teaching of Taharas Hamishpacha. Rabbi Yitz Levi has served as the City Director for NCSY’s Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Atlantic Seaboard Region for the past ten years. He attended Beis Medrash in Scranton Yeshiva, married and lived in Israel while learning in Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovits’s Kollel. He trained as an outreach professional and currently runs programming across the Greater Philadelphia/Cherry Hill area. Rabbi Levi

floating lit candles in high glassware, colorful tablecloths and bow embellished chairs. This beautiful event benefits the entire Jewish community of Philadelphia, as it supports Hachnasas Kallah, the mitzvah of helping a Jewish bride to be married. Penina Taylor, the inspiring speaker chosen for this event, captivated the room of women by talking about her Jewish journey and her connection to our Creator. The audience absorbed her every word and charming smile. Laughter and sighs of understanding filled the air. Every woman who attended appreciated the moments shared and the delicious food provided by Espresso Cafe. volunteers for the Safety Kid training program empowering local Jewish students about overall safety. Mrs. Frimi Levi attended Bnos Chava Seminary in Israel, met and married Yitzchok. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master’s degree in School Psychology. In addition, she is trained as part of the Jerusalem Kollel to teach Taharas Hamishpacha. Mrs. Levi currently works as a School Psychologist for the Lower Moreland School District. Politz Hebrew Academy, which currently has over 400 students in Kindergarten through 8th grade, is rooted in the values and teaching of the Torah and is committed to providing a quality Orthodox Jewish day school education, while simultaneously preparing its students for life as productive and ethical members of society. March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

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Rabbi Sholom Kamenetsky in Northeast Philadelphia By Sam Maron

icture this: You are at a seudah at which there are 10 people. Seven are eating meals with pas (bread) while three are eating yerech (vegetables) without bread. What do they do about benching? That was among the questions emanating from the past week’s Daf Yomi in Maseches Brachos answered by Rav Sholom Kamenetsky, a Rosh Yeshiva at the Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia, as he launched a weekly Sugyas B’Daf Yomi Series at Congregation Ahavas Torah in Northeast Philadelphia on Sunday, February 23. In order for all ten to bench, all would have had to be eating pas, Rabbi Kamenetsky said. What happens, he said, is that the three who ate yerech, the vegetables, are not required to bench but are still part of the mezumin and can answer to the seven who ate pas when they say Birkas Hamazon. The Gemara, he said, in last week’s Daf, also deals with the question of what happens when three people sit down to a

Scott Rosen and his son listen to the recent shiur at Ahavas Torah seudah and two are eating bread and the other is having vegetables. Here, he noted, there are two opinions on how they engage in benching. The Rambam holds there is no mezumin, so that the lone vegetable eater answers to the other two when they bench. While he is not mechayiv, he is still part of the mezumin. The Rosh, he said, holds that all three including the man who consumes vegetables, can bench together. That is, Rabbi Kamenetsky said, “all are mechayiv” in benching.

Rabbi Sholom Kamenetsky speaking at Ahavas Torah The brainchild of Congregation Ahavas Torah Morah D’Asrah Rabbi Mordecai Terebelo, the series will also feature Rabbi Yitzchok Leizerowski of Bais Midrash Harav–B’nai Jacob; Rabbi Yechiel Biberfeld, Rosh Kollel of the Philadelphia Community Kollel; Rabbi Reuven Goldstein, Young Israel of Elkins Park; and Rabbi Ephraim Epstein, Congregation Sons of Israel, Cherry Hill, NJ.

Dovid Flaum, Daf Yomi Magid Shiur at B’nai Israel - Ohev Zedek, talks with two members of his shiur at the Ahavas Torah event

Batman Cartoonist Jordan B. Gorfinkel to Visit Katz JCC on March 16 (Courtesy of Katz JCC)

ordan B. Gorfinkel, an accomplished cartoonist, musician, writer, and producer who is credited for the massive growth of the Batman franchise, will be appearing at the Katz JCC in Cherry Hill on Monday, March 16 at 6:00 PM to present Everything I Learned About Passover, I Learned from Batman. Gorfinkel’s program is part of the yearlong series for the Bank of America Festival of Arts, Books, and Culture at the Katz JCC. Jordan B. Gorfinkel or “Gorf” as he is

affectionately known, was a manager of the Batman franchise at DC Comics for nearly a decade, where his creations serve as inspiration for television, film, games and more. During his tenure, he grew the Batman franchise, including an explosion of licensed products and the successful development of Warner Brothers’ Batman animated television series and film franchise. He masterminded No Man’s Land, which was the inspiration for the acclaimed film Batman Begins. He also created Birds of Prey, the longest running superhero comic starring women since Wonder

Woman, which was just released as a motion picture, starring Academy Award nominated actor, Margot Robbie. As a cartoonist, Gorfinkel writes and illustrates Everything’s Relative, the weekly newspaper comic-strip published internationally, from America to Israel. In 2007, the new Munich Jewish Museum commissioned a series of Everything’s Relative cartoons to be featured in their permanent exhibition. Gorfinkel is the first cartoonist in the world to be so honored in a Jewish museum. After years of extensive historical and linguistic research, Gorfinkel created

The Passover Haggadah Graphic Novel which integrates a brand-new, modern translation into sophisticated and superfun sequential art that brings the epic story to life. Gorfinkel will enlighten the audience with entertaining stories and an understanding of Jews and comics. It’s a perfect intergenerational event for all ages and the program will include a bagel dinner. Tickets are $5 per person for JCC members and $10 for guests. Tickets available at www.katzjcc.org/abcfest. For more information, call 856-424-4444 x1108 or email sspector@jfedsnj.org.

Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia Files Chapter 11 By PJL Staff

he Museum of American Jewish History, which operates the Philadelphia-based National Museum of American Jewish History, filed a legal action in Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania over the weekend, seeking Chapter 11 protection. In its court filings, the museum noted that it has $10 million to $50 million in assets and liabilities. The museum, which was established

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in 1976 and is located on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, presents educational and public programs that preserve, explore and celebrate the history of Jews in America. A Smithsonian affiliate, the museum has displayed over one hundred exhibitions since its inception and is the repository of the largest collection of Jewish Americana in the world, with more than 30,000 objects. In a filing, Paul Waimberg, the museum’s Chief Financial Officer, informed the court that the museum prepetition capital

structure includes $16.3 million owed under a series 2015 A bond and $13.8 million owed under series 2015 B bonds, both of which were issued by the Philadelphia

Authority for Industrial Development to underwrite the museum. According to its CFO, the museum plans to restructure its debt “so that its debt service is reduced to a level that will allow the Museum to sustain its operations for the long term.” “The Debtor believes that the Chapter 11 filing is the path that will best allow it to secure the future of the Museum and ensure that it continues to serve the community for many more years to come,” Waimberg wrote. March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

This is not a raffle. You wii receive the prize of your choice that you cooected for.

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FEATURES

Steven Some By Rabbi Ira Budow

he state of New Jersey has a Commission on Holocaust Education. This Commission works with the Department of Education to ensure that all students in the state of New Jersey are taught the lessons of the Holocaust. This education is not limited to the study of the time period between the 1930s and 1945. It also teaches students lessons of genocide that are taking place in the world today. Twenty-five years ago, I was introduced to this Commission through my friend, Marvin Raab. At the time, Dr. Paul B. Winkler, of blessed memory, was the official Director of this Commission. Even though Abrams is located in Pennsylvania, Paul was gracious to come to our school to educate our students and teachers about the Holocaust. They were all enthralled by Paul’s wealth of knowledge on the subject. One day, Paul approached me to join the Commission on a sixteen day trip to Europe and Israel. To say the least, it was a very arduous trip. We visited Prague,

Auschwitz and Theresienstadt. Thank God, we concluded the trip in Israel with an upbeat feeling that Jews are alive and well. This trip was comprised of educators, lay leaders and many politicians from New Jersey. Assemblyman John Rocco and Assemblyman Steve Corodemus represented the State of New Jersey. It was my honor to lead the Assemblymen on a tour of religious sites in Israel. We met Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, Chief Rabbi of Efrat, for a conference with the Assemblymen, which was an eye opener for them. The Assemblymen gave me a proclamation of thanks from the New Jersey Assembly for my help with the politicians. The proclamation of 1997 is still proudly displayed in my office. While on this trip, I met the lay leader of the group, Steven Some. It was very apparent to me that Steven was totally committed to the trip and was very knowledgeable about the Holocaust. This trip which he had made many times was a passion for him. I got to know Steven and found his dedication to the study of the Holocaust intoxicating. He impressed me so much that I invited him to teach middle school at Abrams every other week. I

remember Steven coming to Abrams and being very prepared for his class. Teachers at our school would go to his class to hear him speak because he brought so much information to the table. Again, Steve not only taught about the era of the Holocaust, but any genocide that was taking place around the world. Over the years we lost contact with each other. However, through social media, Steve and I reconnected, and we picked up just where we left off. Steve told me that he moved to Doylestown, Pennsylvania, from New Jersey and he was still committed to the study of the Holocaust. He told me that he wanted to create a small Holocaust center in Doylestown to teach the Bucks County area about the Shoah. He wanted me to be on his committee and told me that he would take care of the financial challenges of creating this museum. Typical Steve. He also informed me that he wanted to donate many books to the Raab Holocaust Library at Abrams. Steve is the type of person that wants to help everyone in the world. I venture to say that if any Jewish organization would like to hear his views on the Holocaust, he’d be honored to speak to them. Already, I have plans for Steve to talk to

our students and be the guest speaker at our eighth grade graduation. When I came to Bucks County years ago, there were only a small number of Jews living here. Congregation Beth-El of Levittown was one of the few synagogues in the area. Forty years ago, there was hardly a Jewish presence in Doylestown, PA. To think that Steve Some is in Doylestown and wants to memorialize the study of the Holocaust is truly a blessing for the entire Delaware Valley community. Steven was a member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, from 1990 through 1994, appointed by President George H.W. Bush. He was also the Chairman of the N.J. Commission on Holocaust Education from 1994 through 2001 and served as a member of the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad from 2002 through 2006, appointed by President George W. Bush. Steven Some can be contacted at Steven@stevensome.com. Rabbi 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.

The “Living Benefits” Of Life Insurance – Part 2 By Miriam Wartell

n my previous article, I discussed many of the living benefits of life insurance. I wrote about how Term life insurance (which is meant for temporary use) can be a vehicle to “lock-in”

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someone’s health (insurability) until he or she is ready for permanent life insurance. Not all companies offering Term insurance have the “conversion privilege” (the right to upgrade with no medical questions asked), but the companies who do offer it give you an advantage of lower cost life insurance without the health-change risks.

Having a piece of permanent life insurance should be everyone’s goal. Why? Because life insurance is love insurance and you don’t want that expression of love to only be temporary. Additionally, there are extra features that can be added onto a permanent life insurance policy. All life insurance policies have optional add-ons known as “riders.” You can choose to customize any insurance plan with them; some will be at an additional cost. In the previous article, I wrote about the Children’s Insurance Rider which helps to insure the life and insurability of little ones, the Accidental Death Benefit Rider which provides additional money as part of the death benefit if someone passes away as a result of an accident and the Disability Waiver of Premium Rider which waves someone’s premium should he or she become disabled. When deciding to get a permanent policy, you are planning for the future – not just the “here and now.” Planning for the future means planning for additional issues that may come with age. In addition to helping clients with life insurance, I also help clients with Long-Term Care needs.

Many of us have either heard stories or have had our own experiences of helping someone who needed care. There are riders and policy options to help prepare for those needs in the event that a person develops Alzheimer’s, has a stroke or experiences any other ongoing medical issues. While thinking about aging isn’t the most desirable topic to think about, when planning one’s future it’s something important to be addressed. Life insurance can be used in many ways, but the primary function should always be for protecting those you love and leaving a legacy for them. While it can help with care needs, future savings and tax-free benefits, at the end of the day it’s about taking action for those you care about. If anyone is interested in having an insurance or financial review, or for information on life insurance in general, please email me at mwartell@ft.newyorklife.com. Miriam Wartell is a Financial Services Professional with New York Life. Miriam has been working in the financial industry since 2014, providing education to clients to help them make informed decisions. March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

ISRAEL NEWS Israelis Have Spoken and Prefer Netanyahu, Though Hurdles Remain on Way to Government CONTINUED FROM P. 1 just 32 seats and it’s only natural partner, Labor-Gesher-Meretz alliance, likely won a mere seven seats, leaving no path for Blue and White leader Benny Gantz to form a coalition. Likud Tourism Minister Yariv Levin told JNS that “this is a festive day for the Israeli rightwing. In the face of constant bashing and shaming from the other side, the people have spoken. They have expressed their love for Netanyahu and rejected the hate.” Levin acknowledged that “we have a lot of work in front of us for the nation and the state.” Knesset member Sharren Haskel of the Likud echoed Levin’s celebratory words, telling JNS that “this was a great achievement for the Likud. We are still waiting for the final results, but we look forward to creating a government to advance the Likud agenda on security, diplomacy and the economy.” Blue and White Knesset member and former Likud Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, however, took issue with the euphoria in the Likud camp. He told JNS that “the indicted Netanyahu still cannot form a coalition of 61. We established Blue and White in order to set Israel back on the right track according to the values which we believe in, and we will continue to work hard to do so even if the path is long.” Gantz himself spoke to a low-key small crowd of Blue and White activists and told them that “the results could be exactly the same in the political sense as they were a year ago; then we remained strong, united and committed to our path, and I tell you we will again remain strong, united and loyal to our path because it is the correct one.” He was referring to the April 9 election results that had Netanyahu’s bloc with 60 seats and no path to get to 61. The difference this time, however, is the large number of seats that Likud won, in addition to the significant gap between Likud’s mandates and those of Blue and White, as opposed to the 35-35 tie back in April. Netanyahu’s bloc is set to include the ultra-Orthodox parties, which did well, with exit polls showing Shas winning 10 seats and United Torah Judaism with seven seats. Shas Knesset member Yaakov Margi told JNS that the election was “a victory for Shas, which ran a clean and dignified campaign, and was not negative against other parties. This approach worked. Those who ran negative campaigns were not successful. The bottom line is that a majority of Israel wants a right-government and a country that is Jewish in nature.” The right-wing bloc will also include Yamina, which won six seats. Yamina leader and current Defense Minister Naftali Bennett declared that “with God’s help, March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

a government that will establish Israeli sovereignty [over the West Bank] has been established.” Yamina’s Knesset members have made it clear that they intend to urge Netanyahu to move forward with a strong right-wing security and diplomatic agenda. Joint Arab List: ‘We did our part. They failed.’ Aside from Likud’s strong showing, the

Joint Arab List also came away with solid results, likely winning 15 seats. Knesset member Ahman Tibi of the Joint List called this “a major success” and referred to it as their “biggest election success in decades.” At the same time, he said that the country is now facing “a dark future” with Netanyahu continuing at the helm. Joint List leader Ayman Odeh praised

his party’s showing, and went on to blame Blue and White for not toppling Netanyahu. “We did our part. They failed,” he said. Labor and Meretz, two left-wing parties that ran together, won a disappointing seven seats. Labor Party chairman Amir Peretz blamed Blue and White for focusing on taking away their voters during the last

CONTINUED ON P. 44

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FEATURES

Book Tastings By Judith Pransky

oday’s Menu:

Is It Shabbos Yet? (preschool and early grades) By Ellen Emerman Illustrated by Tova Leff Layla’s Vistaville Summer (grades 3-6) By Faygie Holt Illustrated by Sarah Zee CLASS-ified Information series (tween and young teen) By M.C. Millman Sun Inside Rain (young adult and adult) By M. Bassara If you have a taste for reading, you probably want to taste a book first, before you commit to a full portion. That’s precisely what this Book Tastings column provides: it’s a place to get your feet wet before jumping into the ocean of reading. Since the best day for reading is Shabbos, it makes sense to begin with a young children’s book about that special day of the week. A book that’s fully ripe for tasting (because of the many years it has been on the market) is Ellen Emerman’s preschool classic, Is It Shabbos Yet? (Hachai, 30 pages). The simple text and Tova Leff’s sweet and bright illustrations follow a small girl, Malkie, as she observes and “helps” her mother prepare for Shabbos. At each step, Malkie eagerly asks, “Is it Shabbos yet?” Over and over, she receives the same response: “No Malkie. First we have to...” Her mother completes each sentence with “clean” or “shop” or “bake” – all of the familiar Shabbos preparations that end at last with setting the table, lighting candles, and “Good Shabbos.” The book addresses a small child’s impatience with everything that must be done before she can finally be enveloped by

the warmth and wonder of Friday night. But it can serve another purpose, as well. It is a perfect book for a child just learning to read. The clear illustrations and the repeated phrases make it easy for an emerging reader to match the text to the pictures, and to remember the flow of the words; thus the joy of success is added to the joy of Shabbos. Older children deal with impatience, too, especially in grades three through six. In Layla’s Vistaville Summer (Menucha, 86 pages), Faygie Holt, author of the popular Achdus Club series, tells the story of nineyear-old Layla, who can’t wait for time to pass so she can go home. Her parents insisted that she fly with her Bubby Ida to faraway Vistaville to spend a few weeks of her summer vacation getting to know “a bunch of cousins and aunts and uncles” she has never met. She would much rather be home, hanging out with her friends, especially when she starts off on the wrong foot with her “S” cousins, a group of girls close to her age, all with Hebrew names beginning with S. But things begin to look up when great-aunt Rivka tells Layla that her great-grandfather, the Alter Zaidy, was a builder who constructed the very house Layla is staying in. Layla decides to ignore her cliquey cousins and focus instead on finding a mysterious something that, according to family legend, the Alter Zaidy hid somewhere inside the walls of the large Victorian-style house, filled with nooks and crannies. Written as a diary, the story is told by Layla in a lively, sometimes humorous, conversational style. In the weeks of her Vistaville visit, she experiences selfdiscovery, and growth in social skills and understanding. The older relatives try to pave the way for the girls to work out their differences, but they are not heavy-handed, fully realizing that there are problems that children must solve themselves, and that some problems will never be resolved. The reader is drawn along, eager to find out more about the family relationships and the hidden

mystery. This book is a quick read, with sentences that flow, and vocabulary that is easy to comprehend. But the characters and storyline have depth and interest, and the reader grows along with Layla. Social interaction is the overarching theme, as well, in the CLASS-ified Information series (Jerusalem Publications), by prolific author M.C. Millman. These are 12 books about 12 eighth grade girls, each book told from the perspective of a different one of the students. A fascinating concept, it is one that is so appropriate for this age group – young teens toward the end of their middle school years and on the cusp of stepping up to high school. Navigating this time period can be treacherous for people this age. They can be so wrapped up in their own assessment of relationships and events swirling around them that it is challenging for them to see the world from another person’s point of view. M.C. Millman tackles this minefield admirably, telling absorbing stories while the reader stands in different people’s shoes watching the scenes unfold. Each of the books is named for another one of the characters – CLASS-ified Information – Aliza, or Faigy, or Tziporah, or Naomi – and the stories are told in first person. The eighth-grade year is the same, but the viewpoints and attitudes and reactions to the experiences couldn’t be more different. One girl might be concerned with acting more maturely, another can only think about friendships and popularity, a third is mortified by her stuttering, and a fourth is immersed in improving herself spiritually. But all are brought to life masterfully by Millman’s engaging storytelling, and her ability to teach through her tales without preaching. An interesting note about the author is that the majority of her many books are about boys. When she first began writing, her publisher asked her to camouflage her female identity to make her books more appealing to a young male audience. She decided to hide her name by using her

initials only, and thus M.C. Millman was born – literally telling her stories from a perspective not necessarily her own. Perspectives and identity permeate the young adult/adult novel, Sun Inside Rain (Menucha, 366 pages). Set in South Africa and Israel during the era of apartheid, this exceptionally well-written novel, by M. Bassara, has something of a cult following. Many people have read it multiple times, and recommend it to their friends in glowing terms. It is the story of wealthy Hanan and Margo, secular Jews, whose parents died, leaving Hanan at the helm of their diamond business and in charge of his teenage sister. And it is the story of Joey, half-white, halfIndian, also a teenage orphan. The three connect with each other in a mixed-race South African band that spreads songs of protest against the government. They tread a dangerous path that leads to Joey’s imprisonment and torture, and Hanan and Margo’s blacklisting. As the plot twists and turns in unexpected yet believable ways, the three are separated. They experience danger and tragedy, cross paths with observant Jews, and eventually make their way to Israel. They are each on a quest to find out what kind of person they really are and what they believe; however, their success is not guaranteed, and neither is their survival, both emotional and physical. Bassara deftly takes the reader deep inside the lands and cultures of both South Africa and Israel, and deep inside the lives and feelings of the young protagonists. She weaves a story that is gripping and realistic, and stays with the reader long after the last page. Judith Pransky is the award-winning author of the Mister Lister series of children’s books, from Menucha Publishers, available at Judaica stores, from the publisher, and from Amazon and other online booksellers. She is also the author of the young people’s novel, The Seventh Handmaiden, soon to be published by Green Bean Books. She is a writer, editor, and writing coach for all ages. Learn more at www.judithpransky.com.

Remarkable Times By Rabbi Nesanel Cadle There is no question we live in remarkable times. On the one hand, we have experienced violent anti-Semitism, to an extent unprecedented in this country. On the other hand, Jews seem to enjoy an unheard of level of power and prestige in this country as well. Most of us remember being amazed when Joe Lieberman ran with Al Gore

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on the Democratic presidential ticket, and very nearly became Vice President of the United States. I think many of us felt wonder and pride at how far Jews had come in this country. Now, twenty years later, arguably the two leading candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination are Jews. As we approach Purim, it may be beneficial to help us understand our current, seemingly paradoxical situation, in an historical context. Jews in Shushan certainly wielded great power and influence in Persian society, prior to the existential threat brought upon them by

Haman. They too held powerful positions in government and commerce. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, they were threatened with a decree of extermination. Ultimately, we know that it was the very influence and power of the Persian Jews which led to their downfall. Persian society would not allow themselves to be, in point of fact, ruled by Jews. More importantly, Hashem would not allow the Jews to wield the kind of influence they would have liked to enjoy in Persia, since this would have necessitated greater assimilation into Persian society. So, He visited a Haman upon us, yet again

reminding the Jewish people that their real influence and power can only come from the Master of the World. Unfortunately, the parallel is obvious. While we do need to do our part to advocate for Jewish, and especially Torah, needs, we must always remember where our real protection comes from. Let us not ever forget that to the degree we try to provide ourselves power and protection playing by society’s rules, Hashem will remind us that only His rules matter. Rabbi Nesanel Cadle is the Rabbi at Congregation Knesset Hasefer in Yardley, PA. March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

FEATURES

I Can’t, I’m Way Too Busy By Ari Nestlebaum

t has long been claimed – and debunked, then reclaimed – that the Inuit have somewhere between 50 and 100 different words for snow. I haven’t been able to unearth a definitive conclusion about this in my research for this article; there is evidently still some disagreement in the anthropological community. However, there does appear to be some consensus regarding the fact that a culture will develop multiple words to focus on something that it considers important, regardless of whether or not that something is ever-present. For the working American, I would argue that our Inuit word for snow is “busy.” The cult of busy is a powerful one, and its influence snakes into all areas of our lives. We can’t go here because we’re “swamped,” we can’t go there because we’re “up to our eyeballs.” We’re not sure about our next steps, but we’ve got “a lot of irons in the fire.” Our “plate is full” right now, so this next item needs to go “on the back burner.” Countless leisure products blare at us to “take a break” because we deserve it. (I always wondered: what if I don’t?) Bite into this candy bar, visit this restaurant, light this scented candle, and it’ll be exactly like a mini-vacation in the middle of our busy, busy days. We flaunt our lack of downtime and our overflowing calendars as medals of valor. It is a uniquely American thing to assume that a person’s lack of apparent busyness – and, by extension, their presumed lack of upward mobility – is a sign of perhaps the greatest sin to the cult of busy: laziness. There are a slew of swear words we all have at the ready for such a sin: slacker, good-fornothing, couch potato, bum, schlimazel, deadbeat, parasite, you name it. Often,

these slurs are deployed simply because someone turns off their phone for the day and dares not to answer an email. Other times, they are deployed due to the generational misunderstanding that a jobseeker on his or her laptop is probably playing Minecraft instead of looking for and applying to various jobs. Even more damagingly, these slurs can be aimed like arrows at those people who don’t seem to be looking beyond their “dead-end jobs,” or who are holding jobs which we regard as low-class or unambitious. Have you ever felt a twinge of guilt for just sitting on a park bench for a few minutes, or taking a walk? Have you ever felt the need to justify these perfectly human endeavors with, “I’ve just been so buried lately that I needed to take some time for myself”? If you commute by public transit, have you ever glanced around uncomfortably and eventually whipped out a laptop or phone – something to make sure everyone knows you’re “all wrapped up”? Welcome to the poignant world of those who briefly consider and then quickly back away from the notion of resisting the cult. Instead of shrugging and simply owning our decision to slow down for a bit, we squirm uncomfortably and make excuses for not being “buried alive in paperwork” at that exact moment. Instead of opting not to spread disease around during cold and flu season, we pride ourselves in being the kind of employee who gulps down Theraflu and shows up anyway. I’ve always wondered: whence did this dogged determination to never be seen tripping into the pitfall of leisure time come from? Is it American society’s profound culture of individuality? Do we each feel personally responsible to prove to one and all that we are doing our part to realize the American Dream,

thank you very much, and that any failure to do so is certainly not our fault? That only feels like part of an answer. Instead, I’d like to suggest a more fundamental possibility: we are scheduling away ourselves. We are moving those meetings we have with ourselves, with our loved ones, with our Creator, to that proverbial back burner because, let’s face it, those things are anything but busywork. Paradoxically, one thing that constant busyness gives us is a ticket away from responsibility. We find ourselves uncomfortable with silent stretches of time, with phonefree family dinners, with morning prayers that “drag on” any longer than twenty minutes. Luckily, we’ve got our calendars to fall back on; we’ve got that meeting, that late night at the office, that session of Torah study which happens to coincide with what might otherwise be family time. And who can hold any of that against us? We’re supposed to do these things! Perhaps, as a society, we all need to undergo a bit of deprogramming to free us of the indoctrination. Leaving a cult does not mean leaving the cult mentality, and thus it is not as simple as going on

a real vacation. What we might need to do is relearn what children know so well: how to be amazed at the world, how to put our bare feet right into the (probably unsanitary) grass. With adulthood comes cynicism and jadedness, but that need not always be the case. When was the last time any of us stopped to be surprised and grateful for the beauty of our world, our families and even our own experiences? All those mindfulness articles we’re always reading about have to begin right there, long before mindful meditation or mindful eating. So, maybe look out the window of that bus for a few minutes; breathe on it and draw a smiley face in the condensation. If you’re a daredevil, try reclaiming your evenings for that lost concept of “after working hours,” and don’t open those 10 p.m. emails marked URGENT. Do homework with your kids and agree that math is boring and bad. Have a cup of tea with your spouse and complain about your days until you’re both laughing. Sometimes, we’re simply not busy, or up to any level of our torsos or heads with paperwork. And that’s fine – perhaps even beautiful.

Great Titles for Young Readers by Best-selling Author Judith Pransky! Join Reuven in Mister Lister Strikes Again as he discovers hidden talents and tackles new challenges…with unexpected results.

Reuven tries to do things right, but something always seems to go wrong. Young readers will be rooting for Reuven as he struggles to succeed.

AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL JUDAICA STORE OR AT: 1-855-MENUCHA • www.menuchapublishers.com March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

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DIVREI TORAH

When? If Not Now... By Mrs. Besie Katz

he Megillah informs us that the lottery that Haman picked for the Jews’ annihilation was set for the 13th of Nissan. The Targum teaches us that Eliyahu HaNavi came to Mordechai and informed him of all the evil Haman planned to do. Upon hearing this, Mordechai sent a message to Esther to approach Achashverosh and beg for mercy for her beloved people. Esther’s reaction to Mordechai’s plea was to gather all the Jews of Shushan and fast for three days and three nights. She would then go to the king and ask for his compassion. Mordechai declared a fast for the next three days which were the 14th, 15th, and 16th of Nissan. This means that Mordechai decreed a fast day on the first

day of Pesach! The question begs to be asked: Why would Mordechai decree a fast day on Pesach? The Jews were to be killed in Adar, which was eleven months away. There was almost a full year until the horrific plan of Haman was to be executed. Why, then, would Mordechai declare a fast on the very next day, a Yom Tov, no less? Couldn’t these days of fasting and intense communal tefilah have waited? Furthermore, in light of the decree against them, should they not have had the merit to fulfill the mitzvot of Yom Tov? The answer to this question is based on understanding the human condition. Consider the following story: Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, dropped out of college and became one of the wealthiest men in the world. During an interview, he was once asked, “To what do you attribute your great success?”

“I was in the right place at the right time... you could say that I got lucky,” he explained. He continued, “But there were a lot of other people who were there as well. The difference is I had a vision. I saw the potential that was there. There were a lot of people who also had a vision, but the difference was that I seized the moment of opportunity. My vision became a reality because I took immediate action.” This concept is “Everyman’s” concept. During our lifetime we have “Heaven Sent” opportunities bequeathed to us by Hashem. We delude ourselves into thinking that we will be able to act upon our inspirations and realize our aspirations. We rationalize that time is our friend waiting unconditionally for us. We all know, though, that time is ephemeral and fleeting. Mordechai was aware that a potential

tragedy was awaiting the Jews, albeit, a year away. However, he knew that the time to act upon Haman’s decree was right then and there. Waiting until... was not an option. Time fades enthusiasm, and enthusiasm even fades into oblivion. How tragic that would have been for the Jews! There is an important lesson for us to glean from Mordechai’s quick reaction to Eliyahu HaNavi’s words to him. When we have glimmers of inspiration and act upon them, we are utilizing the precious opportunities Hashem has given us. One never knows how these actions can change the world. One man, one woman can even save an entire nation! Mrs. Besie Katz is Head of School at Politz Hebrew Academy.

Does the Heart Really Want What It Wants? By Rabbi Menachem Friedman

“T

hey are everywhere! They are invading all of our neighborhoods.” “They are unproductive and don’t offer anything to society! They are constantly slacking off from work, saying, ‘I have a holiday so I can’t come in.’” “They aren’t even loyal to our country.” “They think they are above the law. And what’s more! They don’t pay taxes.” “They see themselves as better than everyone else and secretly look down on us.” These shocking statements seem like an echo from 1930s Europe. Chillingly, we even hear these statements on one occasion or another, in our times, too. But, it’s not a recent development that these tropes have been spouted as justification for anti-Jewish sentiment. These are quotes from the Gemara in Maseches Megillah, 13b. Rava says, “There was no one who spoke slanderously, [quite] like Haman.” He just knew just how to stir up hate. The above sentences are from a conversation between Haman and Achashverosh, where Haman persuaded Achashverosh to act on their shared malice of the Yehudim. Yet, his opening sentence doesn’t seem

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to fit in with the overall theme. Haman opens his remarks to the king about “The Jewish Problem” by saying, “There is one people, scattered and spread out, among the nations…” If we analyze Haman’s other criticisms of Klal Yisrael, how is this even a criticism? If Haman is trying to paint our characteristics in a negative light, had we been one distinct and identifiable body, would that not be cause for even more pronounced Jewishness? Is not the fact that we are fragmented a reason that we are easier to rule over and to control? Why would Haman say a sentence which runs counter to his hate-mongering? Rabbi Chaim Friedlander, z”l, Mashgiach of Ponevezh Yeshiva, answers in the following manner. In the opening sentence, Haman was not yet talking about our characteristics. He was explaining to Achashverosh why the time was ripe to destroy the Jews. He understood that if we are without unity, we would not merit any special protection from Hashem and are easy prey. The Medrash says that the words Haman used, “Yesh’no” and “Echad,” can be understood as “Yashein” and “Echad,” meaning, the Holy One Who protects us is “asleep” and the Jews can be overcome. By Esther instructing all of the Jews of Shushan to fast and daven together, she was repairing the disunity and we

once again merited Hashem’s special protection. We can see further; indeed, how complete the turnaround was. The Megillah in 9:16 says, regarding the Jews defending themselves, “And all of the Jews that were in the other provinces of the king, gathered, ve’amod – and he stood up” – instead of the more grammatically correct plural word – ve’amdu. They stood as one. We see similar in the sentence in 9:23 which states, “ve’kibeil Hayehudim – and the Jews accepted” [the mitzvos of Purim], rather than the plural form of ve’kiblu. As to the future, how to ensure that Klal Yisrael would remain be’achdus? So, Mordechai and Esther instituted the mitzvos of Purim, of Matanos La’Evyonim and Mishloach Manos. These actions had been done by the Jews on their own, at the time of the Nes Purim. By continuing this each year, Chazal ensured that love and brotherhood would increase among Klal Yisrael. In many cultures gift-giving also takes place. Is there something deeper that is taking place when one gives Mishloach Manos? Matanos La’Evyonim? R’ Friedlander explains, it is well known that the Aramaic word “give” – “hav,” is at the root of the word “ahava” – “love.” Because when we give to others, we will come to love them. In the words of

Chazal, in Maseches Derech Eretz, “If you want to love your fellow man, do good on his behalf.” Typically, people give gifts to those that they already love. But Chazal are telling us the opposite is true. Give to another, even one whom you don’t yet have feelings for, and you will see the love grow in your heart. Then, to merit special heavenly protection and to defeat the Hamans of today, the path is clearly laid out before us since the time of Mordechai and Esther. Give to others, care about the wellbeing of someone that you perhaps wouldn’t naturally seek out, and you will grow in love and unity. The world at large would like us to believe, “The heart wants, what the heart wants.” First comes feelings, followed by actions. Chazal are teaching us otherwise. The heart wants, whatever you want it to want. May we merit the blessings of ahava and achva, and usher in the days of “Vi’yemei HaPurim ha’eileh, lo ya’avru mitoch ha’Yehudim” with the coming of Mashiach. Ah freilichen Purim. Rabbi Menachem Friedman lives in Bala Cynwyd with his wife Chavie and their 6 children. Originally from Brooklyn, the Friedmans moved to Lower Merion 4 years ago. Rabbi Friedman is a Middle School Rebbe at Caskey Torah Academy.

March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

DIVREI TORAH

LightPoints

Adapted from the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, ‫זצ”ל‬ By Rabbi Baruch S. Davidson, Chabad Shliach and Rabbi of the Shul Community – Chabad of the Main Line

‫ּות ֵכלֶת אָ חּוז ְּבחַ ְבלֵי בּוץ‬ ְ ‫חּור ּכ ְַרּפַ ס‬ ‫וְ אַ ְרּגָמָ ן עַ ל ּגְ לִ ילֵי כֶסֶ ף וְ עַ ּמּודֵ י ׁשֵ ׁש ִמּטֹות‬ ‫זָהָ ב ָוכֶסֶ ף עַ ל ִר ְצפַ ת ּבַ הַ ט וָׁשֵ ׁש וְ דַ ר‬ )‫ ו‬,‫וְ סֹ חָ ֶרת (מגילת אסתר א‬ White, green and blue fabrics, embroidered with cords of linen and purple wool, were draped on silver rods and marble pillars. There were couches of

gold and silver on a pavement of green, white, shell, and onyx marble. (Esther 1:6) Party Like It’s 366 BCE The Megillah recounts Achashverosh’s excessive partying as a prelude to the salvation of the Jews through Esther. After months of revelry, when “the king’s heart was merry with wine,” Achashverosh summoned Queen Vashti to appear before him. Her refusal resulted in her death and paved the way for Esther to take her place as queen. Even so, the Megillah’s elaborate description of these feasts seems entirely unnecessary, if not misplaced, in this holy volume of the Torah. Is it relevant for us to read each year, in exhaustive detail, about the food, drink and décor of

Achashverosh’s more-than-six-months of partying?! Evidently, Achashverosh’s knack for hosting contains a message for us as well. After three years as king, Achashverosh felt that his authority was wellestablished; it was now time to properly celebrate his rise to the throne of the greatest empire in the world. Eager to demonstrate his confidence in his crown, Achashverosh invited all of his subjects to partake in extravagant affairs, the likes of which could be hosted by no one but a ruler of one hundred and twenty-seven lands. A feast of any lesser proportions, even if well beyond any other living person’s capabilities or means, simply wouldn’t convey the full extent of his

power and wealth. This teaches us an amazing lesson about measuring success. Success in one’s Divine mission in this world cannot be defined by a job well-done, nor can it be measured in comparison to the achievements of others. Rather, Achashverosh taught us that you can’t call it a success until you have maximized the potentials that God has granted you to their absolute fullest! Only when you benefited as many people as you could possibly reach, and have made the greatest impact on the world that you – and only you – can accomplish, can your “heart be merry,” having truly succeeded in the mission that God entrusted to you. —Sichos Kodesh 5733, vol. 1, pp. 410-414

The Missing Moshe By Rabbi Zev Leff

“N

ow, if You would, please forgive their sin. If not, You can blot me out from the book that You have written.” (Shemot 32:32) Moshe’s name is not mentioned explicitly in Parshat Tetzaveh. He is referred to only with the pronoun “you.” After the sin of the Golden Calf, when the Jewish people were in danger of being destroyed, Moshe begged God to forgive the people’s sins and if not, to blot his name out of the Torah. Even though God forgave them, Moshe’s words were fulfilled, and his name was erased from one portion in the Torah. Why was Moshe punished for exhibiting self-sacrifice for the Jewish people? When God first approached Moshe at the Burning Bush, Moshe questioned his worthiness to lead the Jewish people out of Egypt. Even after God had answered all his doubts, Moshe still replied, “Send this mission with the one you usually send.” (Shemot 4:13) Here, Moshe revealed the

real reason behind his unwillingness to accept this mission. He was afraid of slighting his older brother Aharon, who had suffered together with the Jewish people and had been, until then, God’s emissary to them. God responded in anger. According to Rabbi Yossi (Talmud, Zevachim 102a), Moshe was actually punished for his reticence. He had been destined to be the progenitor of the line of Kohanim, and Aharon was to be an ordinary Levi. Now this designation was reversed. It seems incongruous that Moshe should have been punished so severely for refusing the mission out of sensitivity to his brother’s feelings. The Sages tell us that one who suspects another wrongly is smitten in his own body (Shabbat 97a). If there are no grounds to suspect another, then the suspicion reflects on the one who is suspicious. He knows that if he were in a similar position himself, he probably would have acted as he suspects his friend of acting. Therefore, his suspicion is based on a personal blemish, and this is the personal impairment which the

Weekly Dvar Torah F R O M E R E TZ Y I S R AE L

Sages refer to as being smitten bodily. Moshe’s suspicion that Aharon would feel slighted was groundless. God told Moshe that Aharon would have nothing but joy in his heart upon hearing that Moshe had been chosen. Therefore, the basis for Moshe’s suspicion must have been within himself. And it was this slight blemish that God responded to by punishing Moshe. A Kohen becomes God’s agent and representative, and therefore must be a selfless servant, totally negating his own self. If Moshe could not free himself of the self-concern he projected onto Aharon, he was found unfit to be the Kohen. Aharon’s selflessness was beyond question – it made no difference to him who the redeemer was, as long as God’s mission was fulfilled – and he was therefore found fit to be the Kohen Gadol. Moshe rectified this slight blemish

of self-interest when he asked that his name be erased from the Torah if God did not forgive the Jewish people. To publicize Moshe’s rectification of his original blemish, his name was deleted from Tetzaveh, in which the installation of Kohanim is discussed. Moshe might have been jealous of Aharon’s status as Kohen Gadol. To show that he was not, the Torah alludes to his earlier willingness to have his name removed entirely from the Torah. The Torah, therefore, deletes his name and refers to him as “you.” It made no difference to Moshe who the Kohen Gadol was – as long as there was a Kohen Gadol to fulfill God’s plan for the Jewish people. Rabbi Zev Leff is the Rabbi of Moshav Matisyahu, and a renowned author, lecturer and educator. He is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/speakers).

Purim: The Restoration By Rabbi Moshe Taragin

he Purim miracle was a “milestone moment” in Jewish History as a nation, faced with almost certain annihilation, was rescued by Divine intervention. Unlike the Exodus from Egypt, the Purim experience unfolded March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

without overt Divine involvement. It reminded us that God always manages history - sometimes in a manifest fashion while other times ‘behind the scenes.’ However, it is impossible to fully appreciate the impact of Purim without casting these events within a broader historical framework. According to the traditional timeline, Purim occurred around seventy years after the first phase

of Jewish exile. This first stage, known as the exile of King Yechanaya, preceded the actual destruction of the Mikdash by approximately eighteen years. Purim occurs around seventy years after the first wave of exile in the shadow of the catastrophic destruction of the First Temple. Everyone reading this article was born into a world without a Mikdash

and without full Jewish sovereignty. By contrast, the generations who lived in that world of miracles, prophecy and supernaturalism, were traumatized by the destruction of the Temple. According to Chazal, the one-hundred-and-eightyday party in Shushan was pivoted upon drinking from the holy keilim or jugs of

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DIVREI TORAH Purim: The Restoration CONTINUED FROM P. 33 the Mikdash. One can only imagine the sting for those who still remembered the Mikdash ceremonies with those same vessels. Perhaps this is why Chazal were so critical of those who participated in this wanton party; regardless of the kashrus level, a Jew has no place at a party which contaminates these holy Mikdash remnants. Purim unfolds at a dark and despairing period of Jewish History. The depressed plight of the Jews was also noticed by Haman, a wise man who had risen to become the King’s trusted adviser. How did he commit such a gargantuan mistake in plotting against the Jews? So many before him, from Pharaoh to Nevuchadnezer, had tried and failed to defeat the people of God. How did this student of history commit such a foolish mistake? Haman read the tea leaves: The Jews had indeed been chosen as God’s children but were discarded because of their continuous infidelity. The period of the First Temple was marred by years of shameful paganism and brutal murder. The Jews were no longer God’s children and they were now ripe for the picking. In many respects, Haman was the first “Christian.” Obviously he wasn’t a

religious Christian but he was the first to lodge the claim which Christianity would ultimately institutionalize and perpetuate – that God had discarded his rebellious former children while choosing another people. In fact, Haman’s historical gamble is latent in the conspiratorial plan he delivers to Achashverosh. He refers to the Jewish people as a nation that is “mefuzar u’meforad bein ha’amim” – dispersed randomly amongst the general population. This contemptuous phrase showcases not merely their geographical scattering, but also Haman’s opinion that they had been demoted to a “regular” nation status – diffused among the nations of the world. No longer possessing the unique status as God’s children, they could now be vanquished. The thousand-year period of prophecy and revelation had now ground to a halt and history was ready to “move on” from the Jews. Witnessing his lottery select the month of Adar for his genocide, only reaffirmed Haman’s convictions. The great era of Jewish selection began in Nissan but it was now slowly expiring, coughing its last breaths at the conclusion of the calendar year in Adar. The dramatic Purim turnaround revitalized the fallen Jewish spirit. It reminded the world – but more importantly the Jewish nation – that the original selection of the Jews was immutable. Despite our disloyalty and

religious lethargy, we remained “chosen” and were still protected, even in the fields of our enemies. Purim possesses a tone of Sinai because it reaffirmed the pact of Sinai formed centuries earlier. The Jews are, and will always be, God’s people, chosen to represent Him in this world. What occurred close to two-thousandfive-hundred-years ago recurred seventyyears ago. The historical rupture of the Holocaust dealt a potentially devastating blow to Jewish identity. How could our Father and Protector allow the systematic elimination of six million Jews? Weren’t we promised safeguarding and Divine protection? Of course, many Jews emerged from this nightmare with their faith intact but much of our nation was facing a haunting question- were we still chosen? Just as He did then, God reminded us that we were still his chosen people. He collected us from across the globe and returned us to our homeland. This miracle reminded us that we still possess our special status. It rejuvenated Jewish identity and pride across the globe. The phenomenal growth over the past seventy years in Jewish culture, community building, economic influence, political activism and, of course, in Torah study would have been seriously hampered without the restored confidence which the

renewed state of Israel provided. Beyond national rejuvenation, there was a second historical function to the Purim miracle. Purim unfolds as the Jews had already returned to Jerusalem and had launched the construction of the second Mikdash. However, the project was stalled in the face of stiff and hostile opposition from locals in Israel opposed to Jewish expansionism. According to the Sefat Emet, the Purim miracle was a pre-redemptive event to provide “thrust” for the ultimate redemption. Without the national energy provided by the Purim miracle, the final return to Israel and construction of the second Mikdash would have been significantly delayed. Purim provided historical thrust for the final stages of Jewish redemption. Will the founding of the State of Israel function in our era in the same manner? Obviously, we aren’t “fully” redeemed as we still lack so much in our beloved State. Will 1948 be recorded in history as the modern-day Purim? Will this serve as the pre-redemptive event which provides the thrust to achieve ultimate redemption? We certainly hope so and pray for this to be so. Purim Sameach. Rabbi Moshe Taragin is a rebbe at Yeshivat Har Etzion, located in Gush Etzion, where he resides.

A Sampling of Purim Events Around the Greater Philadelphia Area: Abrams Hebrew Academy: Abrams will be hosting a Purim Carnival co-sponsored by Oorah on Sunday, March 8, from 3:00-5:00 PM at Abrams Hebrew Academy. This is a free community event and all are encouraged to attend. There will be food, games, raffles, prizes, and a costume contest. Chabad of Penn Wynne: Join Chabad of Penn Wynne for their family friendly Megillah Reading, on Monday, March 9th at the Kaiserman JCC at 7:30 PM followed light refreshments, all are welcome! Chabad of Penn Wynne International Purim Party! Tuesday, March 10, 5:00 pm Megillah Reading 4:30 PM at the Kaiserman JCC 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood. Admission: in advance $20 Adult * $10 Child at the door: $25 Adult * $15 Child $180 Sponsor (includes admission for your family) Enjoy international cuisine from Israel, Italy, China and Japan! DJ! Magic Show and much more! For more information or to RSVP:

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www.ChabadPennWynne.org * 610.529.9011 * Moshe@chabadpennwynne.org Dibrot Eliyahu: Purim party at Dibrot Eliyahu Arvit at 7:20 PM Megillah starting at 7:45 PM Purim party at 8:45 PM Lower Merion Synagogue: LMS Youth presents its annual Purim Carnival! Sunday, March 8 from 12:302:30 PM at Lower Merion Synagogue, 123 Old Lancaster Road, Bala Cynwyd $10 for 20 tickets! 50 cents each additional ticket Come in your costume! Food will be sold! In partnership with Bnei Akiva of Lower Merion and NCSY of Greater Philadelphia Mekor Habracha/Center City Synagogue: Purim Party, Monday night, March 9 Mekor will host another fun-filled Purim program this year. On Monday night, Ma’ariv will begin at 7:15 PM; Megillah reading & Women’s Megillah reading

at 7:30 PM, followed by a costume party, with pizza, hamantaschen, and a performance by their amazing shul band, Moments of Wrong! Suggested donation $5 per person. For the entire Mekor Purim schedule, visit their website at mekorhabracha.org. NCSY: NCSY Purim Extravaganza March 9th at 7:45 PM, Magerman Home 117 Raynham Drive, Merion Station, PA | $20 philadelphia.ncsy.org/events/254306/ register Mikveh Israel: Mikveh Israel Association will hold its annual Purim celebration on Monday, March 9 at 44 North Fourth Street in Philadelphia. There will be Mincha at 6:00 PM, followed by a puppet show at 6:30 PM. Arvit and the reading of the Megillah will take place at 7:00 PM and will be followed by a special Purim party. The cost is $13 per person or $36 per family. You can call in advance or pay at the door. To RSVP, please call the Mikveh Israel

office at 215.922.5446. Northeast Jewish Life – Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia: Northeast Jewish Life’s Post Purim ‘Palooza will take place on Sunday, March 15 from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at KleinLife, which is located at 10100 Jamison Avenue in Philadelphia. There will be games, inflatables, prize raffles, yummy food, a balloon artist and face painting! Purchase game and ride tickets at the door. For more information, contact northeastpurim@jewishphilly.org. House of Kosher: House of Kosher presents “HOK ROK CAFÉ,” a pre-Purim shopping and musical event to help everyone get into the Purim cheer, featuring exclusive musical entertainment from “The Kollel Band” of the CBS Community Kollel. It will take place on Motzei Shabbos, March 7 at House of Kosher, which is located at 9806 Bustleton Avenue in Philadelphia. The store will be open from 7:45 – 11:30 PM and the concert will begin at 8:45 PM. Sushi and Pizza will be open! March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

A Dr. Seuss Purim Shpiel By Dana Baruch and Robbi Sherwin Source: www.jr.co.il

Though Achashverosh chose her and she was now queen There was one rotten rule she had not foreseen.

h’ma yeladim and hear us well For now is the story of Purim to tell. It took place in Shushan so long, long ago. Now off to Persia we all will go.

Under penalty of death she had to obey The following rule in an unbending way: Her new husband commanded she could only see him When HE chose to see her and on HIS whim

In this beautiful kingdom ruled a king A king with no brain, who’d think such a thing? He spent all his days and his nights having fun Parading his wealth in the warm Persian sun.

So now back to Haman, that cruel crusty fellow At the top of his lungs he continued to bellow: “Bow down, bow down NOW I command! Or great harm will come to you in this land.”

A queen named Vashti was his loyal wife She promised to love him all of her life. She promised, that is, until he did ask For her to perform an unthinkable task.

Mordechai, of course, refused to obey “I bow only to G-D to my last dying day!” Haman’s face turned red with anger and hate “I’ll get you my pretty If it’s the last breath I take!!” (Cackle cackle cackle)

At his grandest of parties the king did command Queen Vashti dance for royal men of the land. “I am Not your servant, and dance I will Not!” Vashti refused the king’s sexist plot. For Vashti, you see, was not known as a fibber She was, in fact, history’s first women’s libber. Vashti was banished - away she did go. Where did she go? That we do not know. In this fair kingdom lived also the Jews Who could not practice the religion they choosed No Torah, no Challah, no Matzah Ball soup For a villain named Haman had started a coup. “Bow down to me now”, cruel Haman did say “For I am an important man of the day.” “I’m the King’s right-hand man - I rule all that I see If you don’t bow down now, you will cease to be!!!” Meanwhile back at the palace grand An announcement went out throughout the land A new queen to be chosen in an unusual way In a beauty contest held the very next day. All the maidens of the land were forced to appear From near and from far, from far and from near One such maiden had brains and had grace Esther was her name…Such a pretty face! Encouraged by her Uncle (or was it cousin?) Mordechai “I beg you dear Esther, this you MUST try” “With your brains and your beauty YOU he would choose “Go, go, go, go! “Comb your hair. Wear nice shoes!” “Besides that my dear, with your grace and your charm You will blow them away. You’ll be on King Achashverosh’s arm!” Unsure of herself but willing to go Because she loved her Uncle so She entered the contest But said, “Uncle dear Promise me that you’ll always stay near.” The contest was held - They came one and all And Esther of course was the Queen of the ball. March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

Mordechai turned his back, and others did follow As for Haman, well, his pride he had to swallow “That Jew, Mordechai has ruined my heinous plot Because of this affront I will have to draw lots The straw that I pick, the one that comes nigh Is the day that the Jews of Persia shall die!” Into his three-cornered hat - he did cast All of the dates - the future, the past The lot that he picked was the 13th of Adar “Make ready the gallows! Adar is not far.” Right after Haman he did pester Went Mordechai to see Queen Esther. At the palace gate, two guards he did broach Plotting to kill King Achashverosh. Brave Mordy protected his king and his land By revealing the plot in the palace grand His loyalty and his brains gave him the upper hand. The king in his chamber that evening did read Of Mordechai’s loyalty in the Book of Good Deeds With the smallest of brains, the king thinked and he thinked “Who is this Mordechai who saved me from the brink? Who, who, who is this man who foiled the guards’ plan? I must reward him - send for Haman!” A question to Haman Achashverosh did pose: “How should I honor a man who has been on his toes Who has saved my kingdom through heroic deeds Without a single thought to his own needs?” Haman, thinking this hero was he For saving the kingdom from the Jews for the king Pompously swelled with excitement and greed He knew the king would his words heed: “I think my dear king no reward is too great Give him diamonds and jewels—a house by the lake” “Fabulous clothing and all of the best Let him ride the king’s horse on your next birthday fest!”

“Make it so, dear Haman, loyal right hand man Bring forth Mordechai the Jew…this is my command!” “Instruct all my tailors, my jewelers my builders To spare no sheckles, no rubles, or guilders Call all the king’s horses and all the king’s men To honor this Jew again and again! Haman astounded, speechless at best Felt his anger spread from his feet to his chest Could it be that this man who refused to bow down Must now be honored all through the town? Seizing the moment, the opportunity here, Modechai to Esther did appear Using his wits and Oh, so clever brain Mordy made history, now Esther has fame. “You must risk your life and go to the king And tell him about this heinous thing That Haman is planning the Jews will all die You must go brave Esther…this you MUST try. “But cousin (or Uncle),” she said - trembling with fear “Without his permission, I cannot go near It could be my life - I am so afraid.” But Morty replied: “You can do this, BABE.” “Use your brains and your charm and your prettiest skirt And your shaina punim…What could that hurt!” So, Esther swallowed her fear, And she calmed her nerves She went after this task With Vim and with Verve At a party given that very same night She walked into the banquet, trembling with fright. Although shocked to see her, the King did beckon “I’ll see her, I’ll see her…It’s fine, I reckon.” “Dear husband.” she said, “I’ve gotten some news So horribly horrible that I did choose To come un-summoned to be by your side You must listen to me - After all, I’m your bride!!” Risking her life Esther told him the story Of Haman’s dastardly plan—Evil and Hoary Esther, still trembling explained to her mate: “My lord, at the risk of sealing my fate I must tell you something that to you may be news… Someone is planning to kill all the Jews!” “This includes Mordechai, And all of his kin And in this category, you must put ME in. For you see, I am Jewish, but so loyal to you Please don’t hurt my people…Please don’t hurt the Jews. I fear my dear husband, unless you act with your heart I, too, will die on the 13th of Adar.” Thinking the thoughts a king would sure think (That his loyal wife deserveth a mink) He called for his henchman…His Number Two

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The Purim Megilla Story By Menachim Z. Shimanowitz Source: TorahTots.com 1) The story I’m telling you isn’t very new, Just about a man, who messed with a Jew, You all know what happened, it’s history, You mess with a Jew, you swing from a tree. 2) Once there was a king called “Achasveirosh” Of many “Medinos”, he was the “Rosh”, One day the king had himself a thought, that a big party to make, he ought. 3) Everone’s invited, everything’s “ ba-tzalt*” *(paid) Even the minors, accompanied by an adult. Stuff ‘em up like goose, till their hearts content, make everyone happy, was the king’s intent. 4) Announce to everyone, party starts at 8, And ends a week later, very very late Along comes a ‘yidel’, pour a shnapps so fine, Down the hatch it goes, and says ‘make the second wine.’ 5) “Kaylim mi-kaylim shoi-nim*,” nothing was spared, *Esther 1,7 Your hearts desire was quickly prepared, “’Ahd d-loh yoda’*,” king’s dead drunk and mean, *see Purim Story Gets a bee in his bonnet, wants to see the queen. 6) “’Leh-hahr-ohs ess yohf-yah’”*, thats the way they put it. *Esther 1,11 “ ‘B’kesser mahl-chus’”*, nothing else with it. *Esther 1,11 Suddenly a prude, she won’t even telephone, Cuts off her head, and now the king is all alone. 7) The order was out, that the man rules over the dame, and in every house in the kingdom, it better be the same, He’s looking for a wife should be a “’Noi-ses chayn,”* *Esther 2,15 he didn’t use a “shadchen”, he just took ‘em to his “heim” 8) A Miss Persia Contest for his own pleasure, Esther beat them all by a very far measure, Every contestant he did screen, but of them all, she became the Queen. 9) You can read all about it in the King’s books, the gallows were the last place you could see the cooks, Mordechai heard their plot to poison the King, for the good of the Jews, he decided to sing.

A Dr. Seuss Purim Shpiel CONTINUED FROM P. 35 To question again—what should he do In order to save his wife and her kin Haman of course, slunk right in. “Esther, dear Esther, tell Haman your fear Don’t be afraid—Tell him my dear.” “Okay, here goes nothing,” said Esther inside.

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10) Haman “iz geh-veh-zen ah gantz feiner mentsch” “hawt kayn-mall nit geh-dah-vent, uhn kayn-mall nit geh-bentsht” the King made him a bigshot and he was tickled pink, you had to bow to him, else you’d end up in the klink. 11) He even expected it from Mordechai the sage, and when he didn’t bow, he flew into a rage, he went to the king and he offered him gold, 10,000 for the Jews, and the king said “sold.” 12) Esther heard the plot, Haman was trying to swing, and told Mordechai, “(I) can’t do a darn thing.” because to see the king, there’s one condition, the hardest thing to get, you need his permission. 13) Cause anyone who walks into his room, without being called in, just sealed his doom, so how do you expect me to save the Jews, Oh Mordechai, me you’ve got to excuse. 14) Mordechai told her “ don’t be such a “Knah-ker,” ‘cause, “Reh-vach v’hatzolo yah-ah-mode mi-mokom ah-cher”* *Esther 4,14 no excuses, don’t be such a prude, diplomatic immunity will do you no good. 15) Esther replied, “OK, I will try, It’s my only chance, “do or die,” I’ll go to the king with my charm of the past, just get the Jews together, pray for me and fast. 16) She went to the King, everything came out right, he stuck out his scepter, Esther to invite, She went right in, and he said “say, tell me what you want and you’ll get it today. 17) She answered, “ all I want is you to come, to my party today with that man Haman. All she said at the party was “come again’” to my party tomorrow and I’ll tell you then. 18) Haman started home full of glee, when he saw Mordechai, it turned to misery. He went home and asked his wife what to do, she said,”build a gallows and tomorrow he’ll be thru. 19) That night the King just couldn’t sleep, he read his diary, he felt like a creep, he realized that he didn’t repay, Mordechai for saving the day. 20) Haman was just coming in to tell the King, that to hang Mordechai is just the right thing. She looked straight at Haman, and summoned her pride “You wicked wicked man…How dare you pretend That you are loyal to my king to the end? You who did plot to destroy all the Jews Also will kill ME Whom the king did choose! For I too am Jewish, you hateful old coot!” “Turn around,” said the king…”I give you the boot! I sentence you now to the gallows you built Not a single drop of Jewish blood shall be spilt!

The King asked him, ‘Pray me tell, What do you do to a man the King likes well? 21) Haman thought, who else is there but me, that the King would like to honor with all finery, He told him everything that he should do, the King said, ‘Do so to Mordechai the Jew.’ 22) He didn’t have very much of a “bray-rah”* *(choice) but to listen to the King’s “geh-zay-rah”* *(command) he only hoped he wouldn’t meet, any friends, walkin’ on the street. 23) Haman’s daughter saw them from the kitchen, garbage at him, she started pitchin’, she threw so far, you wouldn’t think she’d reach him, she threw so much, he was “bah-tail b’shi-shim” 24) When she realized that Mordechai was the one, sitting on the horse, instead of Haman, she went out the window, and how, Haman’s troubles were piling up now. 25) They came for the party, Haman to call He went thinking it’ll be a ball. He didn’t realize this was the end, to the gallows, him they’re gonna send. 26) The King asked Esther, ‘What do you need?’ She answered, ‘For my own people I plead, He wants to get rid of everyone, “Who is that?” and she said, “Haman.” 27) The King walked out and Haman was turning red, He came back in, found Haman on the bed. The King said, ‘Can’t I leave you alone, with Esther in one room without a chaperone? 28) Just then ‘Charvona” started to say, ‘there’s a tree in Haman’s yard, I saw it today. He put it there to hang Mordechai, The King said, ‘hang Haman up to die. 29) The rest of the Megillah you just can’t compare with what we learned today, up until here, live and learn, that’s what you’re doing today, So listen to me folks to what I’ve got to say. 30) This is a warning to all you Haman’s on the loose, Don’t mess with no Jew, don’t put your head into a noose. The moral of this story, you’re blind if you can’t tell, you mess with a Jew, and you’ll go to ......

Pack up your belongings but don’t go far On the gallows you’ll be swinging on the 13th of Adar!!!” The moral of the story, Yeladim, you now know Is to honor G-D and all people wherever you go. To stand up and speak out for all that is right And to you Chag Sameach…Laila Tov, and good night.

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The Truth About Colon Cancer Screening The Green Smoothie Challenge By David E. Stein, MD

By Christina Sciarretta

s a practicing colorectal surgeon, March is very March,exciting it feels likebecause I am – not pullingwinter myself outends of and a pit of formally spring healthit and way Colon too beginscrappy – but because is National Cancermonths Awareness Month.dark, On February many of cold, damp 29, 2000, President William Jefferson weather, and if you live here at Clinton signed a Presidential Proclamation the shore, you know that with the designating March to be the month where weather we have had, this year is no we think about everyone’s colons. Those different! I don’t know about you, interested can insert commentary here.but it feels to me it hasawareness been raining The goal waslike to create about for 87 years. colorectal cancerI cannot screening,understand since at the time people less thanlive 25%inofyear-round people underwent how rain, proper screening every year. Why do in we like Seattle or London. We, here care? Colorectal cancer is the second Atlantic County, are beach people. most common cause of cancer death in We don’t thrive in gloom and darkthe United States and is the third most ness. Wecancer comeintomen lifeand in sun, sand, common women with and salty air. As such,cases I always find approximately 145,600 diagnosed every year. The incidence, defined as the myself needing a total recharge occurrence of new cases diagnosed in March. That recharge comes inina given year,ofisaslightly higher than the form giant cup fullin ofmen green women. For Ashkenazi Jews, there is an awesomeness and good vibes. increased risk of developing colorectal I use over the month of March to replencancer the general population. This is ish body with vita-of duemy to adepleted genetic mutation foundthe in 6% Ashkenazis. For people with this mutation, the risk of developing colorectal cancer is two times greater than those who do not have the mutation. Screening, for cancers before they begin to cause symptoms, has been shown to decrease the incidence of cancer when implemented in a population. In fact, the incidence of colorectal cancer has been decreasing as more and more people get screened for this preventable cancer. Effective screening is the product of three critical factors: accuracy, compliance, and access. Compliance rates are still suboptimal; approximately 65% of Americans report being screened at least once on survey questionnaires, but the participation rates may be lower based on actual record reviews. Fewer still are compliant with the screening frequencies recommended in guidelines. Finally, access (geographic or otherwise) is a barrier to many people. Since early cancers rarely cause symptoms, testing to detect something becomes critically important. So now that we understand why we need to screen for colorectal cancer, who needs to be screened? The American Cancer Society recommends routine colorectal cancer screening for anyone who turns 45 years of age. In years past it was age 50, but the incidence of colorectal cancer in younger patients has been increasing, so the age

to begin screening was reduced in 2018. There are specific guidelines for individuals at higher risk for cancer, but this article will focus on average risk adults. Depending on the choice of screening test, the interval between these tests varies. Screening should continue for healthy individuals through the age of 85. For those over 85, screening is not required. It is important to re-emphasize that these guidelines are for healthy, asymptomatic adults who do not have any family history of cancer. If you have any symptoms, such as change in bowel function or blood in the stool, please tell your physician. Now that we know why we screen and who needs screening, what screening test should you choose? There are three main categories of tests: stool-based tests (gross, but no prep required), imaging tests (radiology and prep required) and endoscopic tests (invasive and prep required). I will briefly highlight what I believeand are nutrients the most effective within mins that it istests missing, each of these categories. due to the over-abundance of carbs Stool based tests include Fecal and sugar and lack of anything green Immunohistochemical Tests (FIT) and or healthy… anyone else? Come Multi-Target Stool DNA Tests (Cologuard on, Enter theantibodies Green from somebody! Exact Sciences). FIT uses to detect microscopic amounts of human blood in the stool. A single stool sample is probed several times with a sampling stick, placed into a tube and sent to a laboratory where it is tested for blood. It should be done every year. It detects about 80% of colon cancers which is why we do this every year. Cologuard analyzes the stool for altered DNA found in common cancers. A whole stool is deposited into a bucket mounted to a toilet seat, which gets sealed and sent to a central laboratory by a prearranged mail courier service. This test detects 92% of cancers and is done every three years. If either test is positive, one needs to get a colonoscopy to confirm the source of the blood or abnormal DNA. The major advantages for stool-based testing are that it requires no prep, can be done at home, is cheap and noninvasive. Cat Scan (CT) Colonography, often called Virtual Colonoscopy is also an acceptable screening test for colorectal cancer. For this test, the colon needs to be cleaned with bowel prep. The day before the procedure you drink clear liquids only, then take the bowel cleanse medication the evening before. The way the procedure works is a technician inserts a small tube trans-anally and distends the colon with air. Then the CT scan is performed. This test detects 90% of cancers but does have a higher incidence of false positives. It is ideal for someone who cannot have or doesn’t want a colonoscopy

Ad 1/4 4.3 x 5.63

March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

as no sedation is required. It needs to be repeated every five years and does deliver a radiation dose. Similar to the stool tests, a positive test will require the person to undergo a colonoscopy. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) colonoscopy which has higher resolution and no radiation is not yet mainstream. Colonoscopy is still the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. In addition to having a high cancer detection rate of up to 93%, it also allows endoscopists to actually remove precancerous growths called polyps – essentially preventing the polyp from growing into cancer. Similar to Virtual Colonoscopy, you need to drink clear liquids the day prior and do a bowel cleanse so the endoscopist can see the inside wall of the colon. Colonoscopy is also usually performed under sedation which means you need someone to accompany you. That being said, I have had patients who refuse sedation and do the procedure awake – it is an option – even if not desirable by 99% of Smoothie. I have found that blending the population. It is repeated every years. nutrient-rich leafy greens with10 other Although this is the best test, because it

is invasive and uses anesthesia it also has the most risk. Injury tolike the me, colonyou can know occur If you’re a parent in just under 1 out of a thousand scopes. that healthy eating is just about last Anesthesia also carries a small but real risk. on the to-do list for most of the year, Since colonoscopy is both diagnostic and so it’s important for us to takecancer time therapeutic, the benefits of finding to stop and polyps reset.outweigh If you go and removing thetoo risk.long So, what should you do? Let’s it, without proper nutrition, it willface creep drinking copious amounts of fluid that back up in awful ways, like chronic can make you nauseous and will give you disease, illness, aches and pains, diarrhea may not be your idea of fun, but low energy, moodiness, etc. I’d like it beats dying of colon cancer. In general, I to encourage you all to(and joinitour com-I recommend colonoscopy is what munity, takeat charge of then yourfollowing health, had) starting age 45 and up 10-year intervals. someone really andat consider takingIf the challenge does not want a colonoscopy, then yourself or with your family or team!I recommend stool DNA test (Of course,the asCologuard with anything healthevery three years. The most important take related, it is always important to dishome message is that it does not matter cuss the benefits and risks with your how you get screened for colorectal cancer; havegettoscreened. do peace, itphysician.) matters thatAll youyou actually love, and good vibes, my friends! David E. Stein, MD, serves as the Regional Chief of makes Surgerya green for MedStar Health’s What smoothie? Baltimore region and Chair of Surgery for Leafy greens of your choice spinFranklin Square Medical Center. He is boarded ach, kale, collards, swiss chard, etc in both General and Colon and Rectal Surgery.

Other veggies of choice: carrot, veggies, fruit, and liquid (yogurt, coconut water, almond milk, etc.) bring cucumber, beets, etc MIKVEH Fruit of your choice (I almost almy body and mind back to life.ISRAEL It is ASSOCIATION use ANNUAL bananas and one or more a total rejuvenation! For YOU 31 days, I waysTHE INVITES TO ATTEND of the following: pineapple, mango, commit to consuming a homemade PURIM CELEBRATION green smoothie every single day. By berries, cherries, papaya, avocado, apple,9,etc the end of the month,MONDAY, I almost don’t MARCH 2020 Liquid of your choice: yogurt, cocoeven recognize myself. My skin is radiant, my hair is shinier, my energy nut milk, almond milk, ice, water, etc Extras: chia seed, flax seed, protein level is sky-high, my mental clarity is improved, my sleep is deep, my wake powder, hemp seed, cacao powder, is easy, I’m usually a bit more trim, I etc Here are just a few of the benefits begin to crave healthier foods, and I feel unbelievably freaking awesome. of green smoothies: • Increased energy I decided that I just couldn’t keep this • Improved digestion magic to myself, so I created The Sci• Improved mental clarity and arretta Collection’s Green Smoothie focus Challenge! • Supports overall health I can’t lie, it is a bit scary to see • Improved mood how much change happens, just • Glowy skin from nourishing my body properly.

6:00 P.M. minha (fast of esther) 6:30 P.M. Puppet show 7:00 P.M. arbit & READING OF THE MEGILLAH Followed by the m.i. association PARTY!

$13 per person

$36 per family

Call in advance or pay at the door!

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44 north fourth street

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Food Real Deal TheAllergy GreenAwareness: Smoothie The Challenge

By Jenny Sved

By Christina Sciarretta

e’ve all been there. When the school sends that letter home very March,usit to feels I am reminding be like mindful of pulling myself out oftoathe pit“fun” of nuts, it’s an added complexity way too that iscrappy making health lunches and for our children. However, as a mother of a child with many months of cold, dark, damp multiple food wellhere as two weather, andallergies if you aslive at children with none, I understand the need the shore, you know that with the to play it safe. Food allergies – whether weather we have had, this year is no you have one, are related to someone different! I don’t knowsomeone about you, who has one, or know whobut has itanfeels to chances me like are it has raining allergy, youbeen are somewhat for 87 with years. I cannot understand familiar them. Most people think they are pretty straightforward. “Do they carry how people live in year-round rain, an EpiPen?” or “Is it airborne?” are like Seattle or London. We, here the in most common questions we get when we Atlantic County, are beach people. check the allergy box on our paperwork. We don’t thrive in gloom and darkSometimes though, it’s not as simple as ness. We come to life in sun, sand, an airborne peanut allergy. Sometimes and salty air. As I always it’s as complex as such, my son breakingfind out in hives when his friend decides to stroke myself needing a total recharge hisMarch. face after eating her string cheese in That recharge comes in at the playground. The reality is, some the form of a giant cup full of green allergies are more severe, and some are awesomeness and good vibes. less, but we need to keep everyone safe I use the month of March to replenregardless. ishAccording my depletedtobodyFARE with the (Food vitaAllergy Research and Education),

approximately 32 million Americans have food allergies, including 5.6 million children under age 18. That is 1 in every 13, or about 2 in every classroom. (My son with allergies told me that there are two children with food allergies in his class at CTA, so this hits the nail on the head.) Additionally, about 40 percent of children with food allergies are allergic to more than one food. Food allergies have become so prevalent that, in April of last year, a bill was passed allowing universities to keep EpiPens in their cafeterias in order to keep students safe. The University of Maryland is currently doing this. The hope is that science will move faster than the prevalence of food allergies but, in case it does not, it’s important that we do our best to educate ourselves and others as to how to keep those with food allergies safe, especially our children. 1. Know the signs. People tend to think that only sign out for mins and the nutrients thattoit look is missing, is if someone cannot breathe. This is due to the over-abundance of carbs not accurate. Anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAKand sugar and lack of anything green sis) is a serious allergic response that or anyone hives, else? lowered Come oftenhealthy… involves swelling, on, Enter the Green bloodsomebody! pressure and, in severe cases, shock. If anaphylactic shock isn’t treated

immediately, it can be fatal. In reality, allergists instruct us to use epinephrine (aka an EpiPen or AuviQ auto-injector) when someone looks as though they are having a life threatening reaction: throat swelling, difficulty breathing, etc., but not ONLY in those circumstances. When we see TWO signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives AND vomiting, it is time for epi. 2. Be sensitive. If you know someone with allergies, try to be sensitive and do your best to keep them safe. This might mean missing out on some foods, or it might mean good handwashing when you are around them or in public spaces. Try to have a good attitude about it as well. It’s not a great feeling when people make rude comments about having to put away certain foods or make special accommodations for my son’s safety. 3. Learn how to use an EpiPen. Just as CPR is anI have important learn to Smoothie. foundthing thattoblending save others, EpiPens, AuviQ’s and other nutrient-rich leafy greens with other epinephrine auto-injectors out there are veggies, fruit, and liquid (yogurt, cocrucial too. You never know when you conut be water, etc.)one bring might in aalmond positionmilk, to use on my body As anda mind to life. It is someone. parentback of a child with a a total rejuvenation! Forsure 31 to days, food allergy, I always make bringI

commit to consuming a homemade green smoothie every single day. By the end of the month, I almost don’t even recognize myself. My skin is radiant, my hair is shinier, my energy level is sky-high, my mental clarity is improved, my sleep is deep, my wake is easy, I’m usually a bit more trim, I begin to crave healthier foods, and I feel unbelievably freaking awesome. I decided that I just couldn’t keep this magic to myself, so I created The Sciarretta Collection’s Green Smoothie Challenge! I can’t lie, it is a bit scary to see how much change happens, just from nourishing my body properly.

Life-Saving Machine: The Easy-To-Use AED By Shirin Kaye

ne can find them everywhere, but few people know what they are or how to use them. Automated External Defibrillators (AED) are in schools, restaurants, stores, hospitals, police cars, etc. – basically in every public facility. An AED is a life-saving machine that delivers a shock from outside of one’s body to startle the heart back into a regular rhythm after a person has experienced cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is when a person’s heart stops beating regularly. If you are ever in a situation where a person becomes unconscious, first check whether he is breathing and has a pulse. If not, call 911 (or the designated emergency number) immediately and stay until the ambulance arrives; you can provide the EMS personnel with vital information about the person and what led to the incident.

You need not be a medical professional nor certified in first aid to save a life with the help of an AED. (Though Good Samaritan Laws only protect people who are certified, it is best for lay people to know that AEDs are extremely easy to use and have a basic understanding of how to use them; it is better to be confident enough to take action than to let the person die.) Once having determined that the person has no pulse nor breath, remove the AED from its bag and turn it on so it has time to load. The machine will narrate each step and light up to indicate the correct button to press. Next, push or cut the person’s clothing off his chest. Place the two pads that come with the machine on the person’s chest: on his upper right and middle left (alongside the bottom of the ribcage) – to surround the heart, as shown in the illustrations on the pads themselves. If the person has an implanted pacemaker, avoid

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covering its area. Plug the wires coming from the pads into the machine and step away; if someone is touching the unconscious person, the AED will read his pulse inaccurately. If the machine says a shock is advised, remain unattached from the person and press the button to deliver a shock. (If you click the button without the machine

along EpiPens or send them on playdates, but I should training on how to If you’re a be parent likeothers me, you know use them in case of emergency. Always that healthy eating is just about last ask about allergies and these items when on the to-doa child list for of the year, you will have in most your care. so4. it’s important us to You takebeing time Educate your for children. to stopand andsensitive reset. Ifyourself you gois too mindful only long part of your job. It is your job to educate your without proper nutrition, it will creep children food ways, allergies, back upabout in awful likeespecially chronic ifdisease, you know that they have peers with illness, aches and pains, allergies. Explain to your child(ren) what low energy, moodiness, etc. I’d like food allergies are and how we need to to encourage youkeep all totheir joinfriend our commake sure we help safe. munity,even takecheck charge yourfrom health, Maybe out aofbook the and consider taking the library on the topic if that willchallenge help you explain. yourself or with your family or team! While there are anything new therapies (Of course, as with healthconstantly being worked on, and we hope related, it is always important to disthat food allergies will become an issue cuss the benefits and risks with your of the past, for now we have to ensure physician.) you have that we do All whatever we to candotopeace, keep love, around and good vibes, myallergies friends!safe. those us with food As What a mother of a achild who is allergic to makes green smoothie? peanuts, sesame and milk, I ask forspinyour Leafy greens of your choice help in this, but more importantly your ach, kale, collards, swiss chard, etc positive attitude. Other veggies of choice: carrot, Jenny Sved, a resident of Bala Cynwyd, is cucumber, beets, a mother of three, oneetc of whom has severe Fruit of your almostMati alfood allergies. She choice and her (I husband ways Lower use bananas and one or more attend Merion Synagogue.

of the following: pineapple, mango, berries, cherries, papaya, avocado, apple, etc Liquid of your choice: yogurt, coconut milk, almond milk, ice, water, etc Extras: chia seed, flax seed, protein powder, hemp seed, cacao powder, etc having it will Hereinstructed are just ayou fewtoofdo theso, benefits not shock.) of green smoothies: For a child or baby, there are smaller• Increased energy sized pads in the kit, but otherwise the • Improved digestion routine is the same. If the person’s chest • Improved mental and is too small for the pads toclarity not touch each other while stuck on, put one on the focus center of his chest and the other on the • Supports overall health center of his back. • Improved mood Recheck the person’s breathing and • Glowy skin pulse. The desired effect is that his heart will have resumed beating. If that did not occur, and you are not trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), you have completely fulfilled a critical step in contributing to the patient’s chance of survival. By knowing how to use an AED even if you are not certified, you have the potential to save a person’s life in the face of a cardiac emergency. Spread the message! Shirin Kaye is a student at Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy.

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March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

‘Mocha Crème’ Launches at Mocha Bleu House to Home By Elizabeth Kratz

Courtesy of House of Kosher Recipes Esther pastries, Chana Schechter reshbybaked new orPhotography by Shani Josefovits

ganic house coffees, croissants and muffins, not to menurim is a busy day with lots of tion exciting gelato- things topped crepes, smoothgoing on. The secret ies and milkshakes, and two types to the perfect Purim Seudah is cooking delicious and festive foods that of grabandgo savory sandwiches, can in advance or canaeasily are be allprepared part of Mocha Crème, new be thrown together on the spot. During meeting place now debuting at Mothe time I lived in Israel, I would make the chaevery Bleu. Erev Shabbos to my favorite trip The new oftakeout place counter-purchase to pick up marinated eggplant salad. It had the perfect notes of ferings are perfect to sample with acidity that got me hooked. Coming back a friend while having morning cofto America, I just knew I had to recreate fee or an afternoon treat with the this favorite of mine. To be honest, I think kids;nailed the it, ambiance I’ve even if I is canasbecomfortthe only able at 7:30☺. in theit morning it is judge of that (Plus, makes theas perfect Tupperware salad. Keep a container of at 10 p.m.. Mocha Crème is open six this in your fridge and you’ll have an easy days a week and on motzei Shabway to amp up any dish.) Continuing on bat in winter. Priced comparably to down memory lane, I was inspired by one other coffeeshawarma options dishes in thetoneighof my favorite create borhood, Mocha Crème is launchthis flatbread. Let’s be real - who doesn’t love flatbread topped10 layers of ing aascrusty Mocha Bleu turns years

flavors? All I can say is, make it. And don’t skip the amba! Just a few drops of it here

old. A communal table for families, friends or small group meetings is in the new Mocha Crème area, perfect for high school students coming in for a quick gelato or sandwich. The couches and small tables just next to the coffee area are quiet in the morning and perfect for friendmeetups after carpool and business meetings, with coffee and muffins. There is ample space for children in strollers and free wifi. With a new shiny white woodand- chrome Frigomecccanica ‘jewelry- style’ pastry case, custom-designed in Italyit’ll and intended for everything to and take the flatbread to a whole new be seen easily from eye-level, Molevel. cha Bleu’s owner Naftali Abenaim is A Freilechen Purim! bringing his most exciting dessert and coffee ideas out intoSALAD the open. MARINATED EGGPLANT Temperature controlled 2 eggplants, sliced thinly to just the right degree, Abenaim explained 5-6 pickles sliced 6-8he cloves garlic, that could do thinly more sliced and different 1 1/2 c olive oil

desserts with a higher level dessert case. Just in time to enjoy along with the new desserts, Mocha Bleu is also debuting a line of house coffees from Jim’s Organic. While Nespresso cappuccino, espresso and other Italian coffee drinks are still available, Jim’s Organic, a local New Jersey company that sources beans from all over the 1/2 c balsamic vinegar world, developed a smooth blend 23 tbsp. sugar called Papua New Guinea just for 1 c fresh parsley Mocha Bleu. Mocha Bleu’s new iced Combine olive oil, vinegar, sugar and house coffee and decaf coffee is anparsley in a big bowl. Add in pickles and other blend, Sweet garlic. Seasoncalled eggplant withNothings. salt and “We developed roast Immediately with them pepper and grill this eggplant. to geteggplant it just right. It’s grill smoother and once has dark marks place in the bowl with marinade. Chill for 30 sweeter than your average,” Abeminutes and enjoy.

TRIPLE MEAT AND TAHINI PIZZA 1/4 c oil 2 lb. pepper steak 1 lb. sandwich steak, sliced 1 package beef fry 4 onions, thinly sliced Lafa, pizza bread, sourdough flatbread Cherry tomatoes, sliced 1/2 purple onion thinly sliced Fresh spinach or arugula Amba Tahini Fresh parsley

naim said. Chalav yisrael Italian gelato, once a week an Italian In amade frying pan heat oil andby sauté onions till translucent, and not yet caramelized. chef, headlines the new menu ofAdd in pepper steak and cook until ferings. The difference between ice browned. Add in sandwich steak and beef cream and gelato is that gelato genfry and cook till browned and softened erally contains heavy cream rather just a bit. Remove from heat. Season thansalt. milkWarm as the with themajority flatbreadof inits thebase, oven. giving a higher content and a Top withitmeat, freshfat spinach or arugula, more decadent, creamy taste. “It’s tomatoes, onions, amba, tahini and fresh parsley! best to just close your eyes and

RECIPES FROM THE REBBETZIN

Purim!!!

By Rebbetzin Deborah Epstein

he aroma of hamantaschen is in the air, along with preparations for the four mitzvot of Purim: Megillah reading, mishloach manot (food gifts to others), a seudah (festive meal) and matanot l’evyonim, (monetary gifts to the poor). Of course, let’s not forget the creative costumes for the children. It is an exciting time of year for the Jewish people worldwide. The Talmud in Tractate Megillah teaches that when the lunar month of Adar arrives it is a time of true joy. This year the Fast of Esther takes place on Monday, March 9. The joyous holiday of Purim begins when Megillat Esther is read in synagogues throughout the world, publicizing the great miracle that occurred when the Jews of Shushan and the rest of the world were saved from planned annihilation from the wicked

Haman. On Tuesday, March 10, Purim continues to be celebrated with the performance of the four aforementioned mitzvot. Traditionally, hamantaschen are enjoyed on this day. Purim sameach to all! THE CHALLAH MASK Great-Grandma’s Challah (Enjoy a taste of my childhood!) 6 yahrzeit glasses of flour 2 yahrzeit glasses of lukewarm water 1 block of fresh yeast (or 5 tsp. yeast) 4 tbsp. salt 4 tbsp. sugar 4 tbsp. margarine 1 egg, beaten (for glaze) blue and red sprinkles (for decoration) Melt yeast in lukewarm water. Mix yeast together with the remainder of the ingredients. It will form a loose dough. Cover and let rise for half an hour. Knead dough. Let it rise again until doubled in size. Shape into a large mask. Cut out two oval shapes to resemble eyes, and one oval shape to resemble a nose and then

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March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

form a mouth towards the bottom. Glaze with beaten egg. Top with blue sprinkles surrounding the oval shapes as eyes and red sprinkles to form a mouth. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven @ 350° for twenty minutes. PULLED BEEF HAMANTASCHEN 2 lbs. beef brisket, 2nd cut 2 onions, peeled and sliced 1/2 cup barbecue sauce 4 tbsp. maple syrup 1/2 cup water Place all of the ingredients into a crockpot and cook on high for four hours, or alternatively cook on low for eight hours. Remove brisket from crockpot and shred with two forks, pulling in the opposite direction. Set aside. 1 large puff pastry sheet 1 egg, beaten sesame seeds Preheat oven to 400°. Place puff pastry sheet onto a large roasting pan that has

been lined with parchment paper. Place brisket on top of the middle of the puff pastry. Form into a triangle, folding the right side, left side, and then bottom, pinching all three corners.‫ ‏‬Glaze puff pastry with beaten egg using a pastry brush. Top with sesame seeds. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Serves 6-8.

Ad THE ROYAL CROWN SALAD WITH 1/4CREAMY GARLIC DRESSING (Queen Esther dined on vegetables in the royal palace...) 4.3 x 5.63 1 pint grape tomatoes 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped 1 bag of red cabbage 1 bag of shredded carrots 4 Persian cucumbers, chopped 1 can of corn, drained 1 can of hearts of palm, chopped 2 red onions, peeled and chopped Place chopped romaine lettuce on a

CONTINUED ON P. 41 Philadelphia JEWISH LINK

‘Mocha Crème’ Launches at Mocha Bleu

Fabulous Food and Fine Wine at an Extraordinary Event CONTINUED FROM P. 1

By Elizabeth Royal Wine Corp.Kratz is the leading producer, importer and distributor of kosher wines and spirits, than 300 brands resh offering baked more pastries, new orin its portfolio. ganic house coffees, croisThousands of muffins, people attended the sants and not to mensold-out event, balancing wine glasses tion gelato- topped crepes, smoothand plates topped with innovative cuisine iesthey andendeavored milkshakes, types as to and maketwo their way of grabandgo savory through the room, which sandwiches, was filled to are all part of Mochawas Crème, new capacity. Conversation made,a much wine was poured, and plenty of food was meeting place now debuting at Moconsumed. cha Bleu. In addition an endless sea of wine The new tocounter-purchase ofand spirit bottles representing over 60 ferings are perfect to sample with wineries, the culinary offerings spanned a friend while having morning cofthe gamut – from kosher poke and street fee ortoan afternoon with the tacos, barbecue style treat smoked salmon kids; the ambiance is asgelato comfortand creamy non-dairy frozen pops. It was in essence “who’s who” of able at 7:30 in the amorning as it is kosher restaurants and caterers, including at 10 p.m.. Mocha Crème is open six Buffalo2go, Judd’s days a weekGraze, and on motzeiMemphis ShabKitchen, Kosher Poke, Le Marais, Marani, bat in winter. Priced comparably to Reserve Cut VIP Experience, Sushi Tokyo, other coffee options in the neighT Fusion Steakhouse, Taam Eden Bakery, borhood, launchThe HangryMocha Heifer, Crème The Loft,is UN Plaza ing as Mocha turns 10 Grill. years Grill, Urban Pops, Bleu and Wall Street Sampling some of the scrumptious offerings was a real treat. The “Meat Pizza Rolls” (I partook of both the Sloppy Joe and BBQ Pulled Brisket varieties) by Silverleaf Caterers, which is based in New Rochelle, NY, were phenomenal. Weiss Brothers Catering, which is based in Linden, NJ, had a large display, where I got to try a number of their dishes. Their lamb sliders were quite tender, with the mouthwatering meat nestled between two soft buns. The cholent (yes, I had cholent on a Monday), was delicious – it had great texture and an abundance of meat. Of course, I could not pass up their mini hot dogs, which were very flavorful and left no doubt that they were freshly made. Great Falls Bistro, which is in Passaic, NJ, had an array of different dishes that they were offering, including their signature rib-eye, which was cooked to perfection and virtually melted in my mouth, bourbon gelato, which was cool and refreshing, waffle chicken, lemon squares, chocolate brownie bites, and pastrami parmesan, which was made with vegan cheese. At the table hosted by West Wing/ Diamond Caterers, which is based in Woodmere, NY, I enjoyed a chicken slider that was breaded to perfection, as well as a tasty plate of wings. United Airlines made its KFWE debut

and presented samples from its new menu, which is available to its Polaris business class clients on flights between Newark and Tel Aviv, including everything old. A communal tabletofor families, from blintzes and bagels kale quinoa friends served or small group meetings burgers with Herzog wines. is in Asnew far asMocha the wines and spirits KFWE, the Crème area,atperfect itforwas a veritable smorgasbord of the high school students coming finest kosher wines on the market today. in for a quick gelato or sandwich. “An extraordinary bounty of wines from The couches and small tables just all over the world is coming to market next to” the are President quiet in in 2020, saidcoffee Nathanarea Herzog, theRoyal morning perfect for friendof Wine and Corp. “This year’s most meetups after carpool and business extraordinary bottlings included Château Léoville Saint and Julien 2017, meetings,Poyferré with coffee muffins. Château Giscours Margaux 2017, Flam There is ample space for children Noble 2016, Champagne Rosé in strollers and free Drappier wifi. With a de Saignée, and Herzog Single Vineyard new shiny white woodand- chrome Calistoga 2016.” Frigomecccanica ‘jewelry- style’ This year also marked the 30th pastry case, custom-designed in anniversary of kosher wine production Italy intended for everything to by theand acclaimed House of Rothschild. “We wereeasily delighted celebrate Mowith be seen fromtoeye-level, the introduction of Barons Edmond cha Bleu’s owner Naftali Abenaimand is Benjamin de most Rothschild Haut-Médoc bringing his exciting dessert Anniversary Edition 2016 and their firstand coffee ideas out into the open. ever kosher Château Clarke ListracTemperature controlled to just the Médoc 2016,” said Herzog. right Abenaim explained Jay degree, Buchsbaum of Royal Wine that he could moreincrease and different Corp. noted thedo steady in the kosher wine market in recent years. “Consumption of kosher wine is outpacing general market consumption by more than 100%, with an average price of $20+ per bottle,” he said. “Every year sees more and more kosher wines earning top scores and prestigious awards from the industry.” KFWE seemed to have it all. Barkan Vineyards presented its Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alma vineyard in the Upper Galil, which is aged in oak barrels for 18 months and is a light and fruity wine. J. de Villebois, a family-owned winery in France, offered its Caillottes Cuvée, which is made from grapes grown on the Calcareous soils originated in the Upper Oxfordian, and is a wonderfully aromatic wine. Boondocks had its American Whiskey, which is both fruity and spicy, and has a creamy and buttery mouthfeel. Israel-based Psagot Winery, which is fighting against anti-Israel discrimination and anti-Israel boycotts in Europe, was also at KFWE. Psagot sued the French government and challenged a ruling that Jewish products made in Judea and Samaria, including wine made by the Psagot Winery, be marked “made in an Israeli colony.” Barkan Vineyards, which produces over 15 million bottles annually from over 2,500 acres of vineyards across Israel that are exported to more than 45

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countries, also showcased their products. Domain du Castel, a family estate winery located 10 miles west of Jerusalem that was founded by Eli Ben Zaken in 1992, desserts with a highwas pouring their Rosé, which is a fine er level dessert case. blend of early picked Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc grapes. Just in time to enjoy Tabor with Winery,the whose Founder and CEO along new Oren Sela is 4th generation desserts, Mocha Bleu of a family of grape growers in Kfar Tabor, Israel, had is also debuting a line its Premium series Storm (or Sufa in of housewhich coffees Hebrew), is afrom full-bodied wine that Jim’s Organic. is a blend of Petite Syrah and Cabernet While Nespresso Sauvignon. Alexander a boutique winery cappuccino,Winery, espresso

and other Italian coffee drinks are still available, Jim’s Organic, a local New Jersey company that sources beans from all over the world, developed a smooth blend called Papua New Guinea just for Mocha Bleu. Mocha Bleu’s new iced house coffee and decaf coffee is another blend, called Sweet Nothings. “We developed this roast with them PJL Publisher Nachi Troodler with to get it justDani right.Dayan It’s smoother and Ambassador sweeter than your average,” Abe-

PJL Publisher with Etti Edri of Carmel Winery

in Israel that was founded in 1996 and is located in Beit Yitzhak, on the Mediterranean coast between Haifa and Tel Aviv, also drew a crowd. People enjoyed their Grand Reserve, which is part of their flagship Alexander the Great label, and is made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, grown in a vineyard in the Upper Galil that was planted in 1978, and aged in small French oak barrels for two years, and then for another two years in brand new, small French oak barrels. Jezreel Valley Winery, which is located in Kibbutz Hannaton in Israel, offered attendees their Alfa Special Reserve, which is a rich red wine with intense black fruit aromas that is aged in oak barrels for 22 months. I saw my friend Geoff Rochwarger, who naim said. Chalav yisrael Italian gebecame a partner in Covenant Winery lato,summer. made once a week by an Italian last Covenant, which produces chef,inheadlines the Israel, new offers menuhighofwine California and end kosher and between its immense ferings. The wines, difference ice popularity evident fromgelato the throngs cream andwas gelato is that genof people at KFWE who waited line to erally contains heavy creaminrather try their various offerings. than milk as the majority of its base, As I spoke to some of the representatives giving it a higher fat content and a of the various wineries at KFWE, the more decadent, creamytheir taste. “It’s significance of presenting products best just close yourevident. eyes and at this to particular event was “Carmel has been coming to KFWE since Day 1,” said Etti Edri, Export Manager for Carmel Winery. “KFWE is one of the most important, if not the most important show, because this is our way to expose our wines to all kinds of categories – restaurants, stores, etc.” “The room is packed not just because this is one of the famous shows, but also because the Herzog family and Royal Wine do an amazing job spreading the word that it’s not just about being kosher; it’s about high-quality wine that happens to be kosher,” she added. In addition to the unbelievable food and wine, one of the most intriguing parts of KFWE was learning about the different wineries and hearing the stories behind their formation and mission. I had the opportunity to speak with Aharon Ziv, the winemaker at Or Haganuz Winery. Or Haganuz is a yishuv community in the upper Galil near Meron that was established in 2005. “It’s based on the social rule of veahavta le-re’acha ka-mocha (love your neighbor as yourself),” Ziv told me as he described the special characteristics of Or Haganuz. “When the Jews received the Torah, they were k’ish echad b’lev echad (like one man with one heart), they were united. This is what we try to do in

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PJL Publisher Nachi Troodler with Tal Bendor of Tulip Winery

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

‘Mocha Crème’ Launches at Mocha Bleu

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Or Haganuz.” In Or Haganuz, the sense of community is extraordinarily strong. In fact, the By Elizabeth Kratz winery is a business that belongs to the community and the community actually owns it. resh baked pastries, new or“It’s ganic somewhat like a kibbutz, we’re house coffees,butcroisdoing sants it because we believe it’s God’s and muffins, not to menmitzvah to do it,” Ziv said. “It has a real tion gelato- topped crepes, smoothcommunity feel, in that each person and milkshakes, and twoand types isiesworking for the community, the of grabandgo savory community is working for sandwiches, your needs. I are all Mocha Crème, a new make thepart wineof the best way I can because this is something that I’m taking care of meeting place now debuting at Mofor the community. ” cha Bleu. Aside solid community-centric The from newitscounter-purchase offoundation, Or Haganuz Winery is all

and coffee ideas out into the open. Temperature controlled to just the right degree, Abenaim explained that he could do more and different

Photo Credit: Nachi Troodler

ferings are perfect to sample with a friend while having morning coffee or an afternoon treat with the kids; the ambiance is as comfortable at 7:30 in the morning as it is at 10 p.m.. Mocha Crème is open six days a week and on motzei Shabbat in winter. Priced comparably to other coffee options in the neighborhood, Mocha Crème is launching as Mocha Bleu turns 10 years

about producing high quality wine. “We are doing really well, because every year we produce more and more,” Ziv said as he noted that approximately old. A tabletofor families, 40% of communal production goes export, and friends or of small group meetings is in about 60% the 40% goes to the United States. the new Mocha Crème area, perfect “This show is important for me coming because for high school students Iin meet the people who drink the wine and for a quick gelato or sandwich. hear about what they think about the The couches and small tables just wine, what they want, and what we could next to” Ziv thesaid coffee are quiet in change, whilearea explaining the vital the that morning perfect friendrole KFWEand plays. “This isfor important meetups carpool and business for me andafter it’s important for the winery because this exhibition exposes us to meetings, with coffee and muffins. other people who don’t know about Or There is ample space for children Haganuz. ” in strollers and free wifi. With a Ziv also offered me some perspective new shiny white woodand- chrome on the evolution of the world of fine Frigomecccanica ‘jewelry- style’ wines, remarking that historically, most pastry would case, typically custom-designed in people drink just for Italy andIf intended for everything to Kiddush. you gave people in Israel dry wine to drink, they did eye-level, not enjoy it, as be seen easily from Mothey much preferred the sweet wine that cha Bleu’s owner Naftali Abenaim is they were accustomed to. Those dessert days are bringing his most exciting

Ad 1/4 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 4.3 x 5.63 4 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil top with

Recipes From the Rebbetzin CONTINUED FROM P. 39

large rectangular platter and remaining ingredients of your choice in order to form colorful layers. Layer each vegetable (can use each two times if desired). Place the grape tomatoes on the outer edge and all sides and top in order to form the top of a crown. Drizzle with dressing, or place dressing in a decorative bowl on the side. CREAMY GARLIC DRESSING March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

2 tsp. sugar 2 tbsp. parsley 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

CONFETTI HAMANTASCHEN WITH BUTTERSCOTCH FILLING Dough: 4 cups flour 2 eggs ¾ cup sugar

long gone. “Or Haganuz picks the best grapes and we use the best process to make the wine – we put it in barrels, and we age it desserts with a highunder the sun, ” Ziv said. “We make very er level dessert impressive wine. Incase. that way, we started to teach the community Just in time to enjoy how to drink good alongwine, with and the now newmany Orthodox Jews, especially in Israel, know how to desserts, Mocha Bleu drink good wine. Every time I come here is also debuting a line (KFWE), people tell me that they learned ofdrink house coffees from to wine because of our winery.” Jim’s Organic. There is a remarkable story associated While Nespresso with Tulip Winery, which Tal Bendor, Brand Ambassador for cappuccino, espressoTulip, was happy to share withItalian me. and other cofTulip Winery fee drinks was arefounded still in 2003 by the Yitzchaki family, which had three distinct available, Jim’s Orgoals according to Bendor. One, produce ganic, a local New Jersey company high quality wine, make good wine for a that sources beans from all over good price, and be approachable to the the world, Two, developed smooth blend public. do thingsa that are different and special, as opposed to simply called Papua New Guinea justbeing for generic, including making different Mocha Bleu. Mocha Bleu’s new iced varieties that you not ordinarily house coffee anddodecaf coffee is see. anThree, contribute to society. other blend, called Sweet Nothings. They opened the winery in a “We developed this roast with them community in Israel called Kfar Tikva to get itofjust right. It’s smoother anda (Village Hope), which is almost like sweeterand than average, Abekibbutz is ayour community for” adults with special needs. Established in 1964 on the Zeid Hills in the Jezreel Valley near Kiryat Tivon, Kfar Tikva has approximately 200 members with various ages ranges, disabilities, and degrees of functionality. 90% of Tulip’s staff, which totals about 40 employees, are adults with special needs and mental challenges. “They are a big part of our winery and a big part of everything we do every day,” Bendor said. Bendor told me about “Tulip at Home,” which was a drawing competition that invited all of the residents of the village to draw what home means to them. Tulip then labeled 1,000 bottles with four winning drawings and the profits from those bottles went to renovating the

apartments in the village. In 2010, Tulip Winery launched a competition called “Don’t Label Me” between four foundations for children with various syndromes, in which they needed to draw a picture of tulips. “The reason for that competition was to show that you can label wine, but you can’t label people,” Bendor said. “The story of the drawing is on the back of the bottle and people can read it and it really has an impact.” Bendor proudly showed me one of the bottles labeled with the winning drawing, which was drawn by David Ashkenazi, a 16-year-old with Down syndrome. When they gathered all of the contest participants in the winery and announced the winner, Ro’i Yitzchaki, the winemaker naim said. Chalav yisrael Italian geand winery owner, showed David the lato, made once by The an Italian bottle, and he was asoweek excited. young chef,thought headlines menu man that the his new drawing was ofon only one bottle until they told him to turn ferings. The difference between ice around and gelato he suddenly thatgenthe cream and is thatsaw gelato entire display had the label that he had erally contains heavy cream rather drawn. Yitzchaki saw David’s excitement than milk as the majority of its base, and told him that as long as he is a part of giving it a higher fat content and a the winery, that would remain the label of moreflagship decadent, taste. their wine. creamy “Ever since then,“It’s this bestbeen to the justlabel close your eyes wine, and has of our flagship Black Tulip,” Bendor said. I asked Bendor about the importance of being at KFWE and showcasing their products there. “For us, it’s very important to be there when you meet both with the vendors that support our brand and also the actual customers – to see them, see their reaction, and see their support,” he replied. “It’s through that connection to the market that we can see where we are and if we are doing things the right way. The exposure is so important.” The savory food samples and the scintillating stories made KFWE a very memorable experience. If you enjoy good food and appreciate fine wine, attendance at KFWE is mandatory.

Ad circles. Place butterscotch chips into the ¾ cup non-hydrogenated margarine 1/4 middle of each circle. Fold over right and 1 tbsp. orange juice 4.3 x 5.63 left sides, in order to form into a triangular 2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1-1/2 cups colored sprinkles Filling: 2 cups butterscotch chips Preheat oven to 350°. Place all ingredients (excluding sprinkles) into a large mixer and cream together well. Add sprinkles and mix into dough. Roll out dough with a rolling pin. Use a round cookie cutter and cut out

shape. Pinch ends together. Bake for 1012 minutes. Yields: 4 dozen Deborah Epstein is the Rebbetzin of Congregation Sons of Israel, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. She is also the Director of 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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Partyat Mocha Bleu ‘Mocha Crème’Pizza Launches By Jonathan

By Elizabeth Kratz Chodosh

e have all resh baked pastries, new orbeen croisthere. ganic house coffees, the sants and muffins, Planning not to menperfect Shabbos, tion gelato- topped crepes, smoothPurim and Seder. You ies and milkshakes, and types have everything figured out,two from the of grabandgofrom savory sandwiches, napkin selection Amazing Savings to are all part ofsides, Mocha a new appetizers and but Crème, unless you have vast experience, you can get lost in the meeting place now debuting at Mowine store trying to decipher which wine cha Bleu. suits This wine primer will Thewhich newfood. counter-purchase oflend some understanding of the basics of ferings are perfect to sample with what your dining room sommelier (wine a friend while having morning cofguy) is pouring. fee or an treatfoods, with what the When you afternoon think of comfort kids; as comfortdo you the thinkambiance of? If you’re is anything like me, Iable thinkat of 7:30 carbohydrates. Pasta, macaroni in the morning as it is and cheese, breads, grilled cheese, at 10 p.m.. Mocha Crème is open six mashed potatoes and the comfort food to days a week and on motzei Shabrule all comfort foods -- pizza. If the past bat in winter. Priced comparably to few weeks have been anything for you other coffee options in the neighlike they were for me, when there were borhood, is launchseveral tripsMocha to the Crème pediatrician, one to ing trips as Mocha Bleu turns years two to urgent care, some10positive strep tests, and one positive flu test to boot, you’re craving some comfort. So instead of spending your hard earned money on pizza, make some at home. Come on - it’s everyone’s favorite food.

HAND STRETCHED PIZZA CRUST 20 oz Flour (High gluten bread flour is best but all-purpose flour can work too) 1 oz sugar 0.3 oz Salt 0.2 oz Instant Yeast 12.5-13 oz Water 1-1.5 oz Extra Virgin Olive Oil This is made by the straight dough method. This is the fastest and most direct way to make bread dough and is what most home bakers are used to. Instant yeast cuts out an additional step of hydrating the yeast. Recipes are best done by weight. Once you have a digital scale with a tare feature it is faster to measure out, more accurate and you don’t need to wash different size measuring utensils any more. Weigh out your ingredients straight into the work bowl of your stand mixer. Directions: Weigh and mix all dry ingredients in a bowl. In the same bowl add water and oil on top of the flour. Rough mix and knead by hand 8-10 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook. Set stand mixer to the

lowest setting and knead for 6-8 minutes. old. Aa communal for families, Using faster settingtable will work faster but friends small to group is in has beenorknown breakmeetings gears in many stand mixers and is not recommended the new Mocha Crème area, perfect by of what for manufacturers, high school regardless students coming other recipes say. Use a slow speed or in for a quick gelato or sandwich. be prepared to replace your mixer every The couches and small tables just once in a while. next to the coffee area quiet in What happens when aredough is the morning kneading? We and aren’tperfect mixing for just friendfor fun; meetups after carpool and after all, the ingredients werebusiness blended dry. Anyone who has kneaded dough by meetings, with coffee and muffins. hand knows it is a lot of work so it better There is ample space for children be the and effort!free When wheat flour in worth strollers wifi. With a (or any other glutinous grain) is kneaded new shiny white woodand- chrome with water the gluten structure develops. Frigomecccanica ‘jewelry- style’ Gluten is a protein that is strong and pastry Itcase, custom-designed in elastic. is created when the proteins Italy and to present in intended the grains for are everything kneaded in the presence water.from For example, some pie be seen ofeasily eye-level, Mocrusts call for the use of vodka in place cha Bleu’s owner Naftali Abenaim is of water tohis discourage gluten formation. bringing most exciting dessert See article to come about that. When and coffee ideas out into the open. making bread, the goal is to develop the Temperature controlled to just the maximum amount of gluten in the dough. right degree, explained By doing that theAbenaim gluten matrix behaves thata he do all more and different like net could capturing the air made by the yeast and expands during baking without deflating. Gluten also gives the pizza crust its characteristic chew. Want more gluten? Use bread flour. More still, let the dough rest overnight. Still not enough? You can buy isolated wheat gluten powder to add to your dough. Ok, so the dough is weighed, mixed and kneaded. Now the dough must be shaped into dough balls called boulles. This recipe made 2 rectangular 13x18inch pizzas or 4 round 14inch pizzas. Cut the dough into the amount of pieces needed and shape by placing the misshapen clump of dough under cupped hands on a clean counter. Move in a circular motion pushing down. The dough will form a sphere with a seam on the bottom. Lightly flour after shaping and leave them to rest. Dust them with flour and then cover them with a clean dish towel to maintain moisture. This rest is like letting your bread rise before you bake. The yeast is going to do its job but pizza doesn’t need to rise so much and we are going to stretch it out later which will deflate it. The purpose of this step is to let the gluten relax. Pay attention to how hard the dough is straight out of the mixer and compare it to when you leave it alone for 20+ minutes. If you try to stretch it right away the dough would tear. After a rest it stretches easily. (Sound familiar?)

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The next major ingredient to make desserts a highpizza is thewith sauce. You could make your er level own pizzadessert sauce bycase. sweating vegetables in butter then adding Just in time to enjoy whole peeled tomato and simmering along with the new with parmesan cheese rinds only blend it all together desserts, MochatoBleu (it’s worth it folks - trust me) or you can is also debuting a line follow this quick pizza sauce. Canned of housetomato coffeesisfrom crushed saucey with some Jim’s Organic. texture. Use tomato sauce for something While smooth Nespresso perfectly but be aware that the canned versions are very salty. The sauce cappuccino, espresso is very important to the flavor of the pizza; and other Italian cofit’s the only chance to give fee drinks are still your pizza any seasoning and flavor absent in both the available, Jim’s Orcrust and cheese.

ganic, a local New Jersey company that sources beans fromSAUCE all over (OR the SUPER-FAST PIZZA world, SAUCE developed PASTA TOO) a smooth blend 1 can Papua plain crushed added called New tomato Guinea(no just for basil etc.) Mocha Bleu. Mocha Bleu’s new iced 2 cloves of and garlicdecaf crushed or is2 antsp house coffee coffee coarse garlic other blend, called Sweet Nothings. 2 TSP oregano “We developed this roast with them 1 TSP salt to1get justoil right. It’s smoother and TBSitolive sweeter than your average,” AbeDirections:

Mix it together. The oil here functions as a flavor carrier. You don’t need much but a little makes a big difference. Cheese is the final ingredient needed to make the basic pizza. Mozzarella is the classic choice. Pre-shredded varieties are both cost effective and delicious. Getting creative with the cheese and toppings is fun but isn’t always perfect kid food. Even if you have other cheeses around, many don’t melt the same and some have strong flavors. Make sure the cheese works for the audience receiving it. Or leave it cheeseless and top with some extra olive oil and veggies. How do you assemble this monster? The dough is in a boulle rested for at least 20 minutes. The dough will be supple. The goal is to shape the pizza using many little movements. No single motion is severe so don’t try and stretch it to full size with one pull. Instead know that we are working towards a pizza circle using tiny motions. Move the boulle onto your well-floured work surface. With the tips of your fingers press gently into the dough with quick motions. This is to flatten the ball into a disk and start to define the center/crust of the pie. With the dough on the work surface place both hands on top and stretch them gently away from each other. At this point it should look like a very thick pizza with an enormous crust.

Focus on the circumference of the pie by pinching with both hands and pulling the dough away from the middle, working around the entire dough. Do this until the entire pie is the desired size. Lastly, make sure the middle is the correct thickness by placing hands flat on the dough and stretching it away from the center. Move the dough to the floured pan or pizza peel you will be using. Confused? I was too. I created a video with visual instruction - you can find it on my instagram feed @nerdydadfoods. Have your oven preheated to 400°F. We bake our pizzas on a pizza stone and move the stretched dough onto the stone naimassemble said. Chalav yisrael Italian and it half in our oven. Yougecan lato, made once a week an Italian assemble it on a pizza peel, by a paddle used chef, headlines the out new menu to move pizzas in and of the oven,ofor on the pan youdifference will be baking it on. ice ferings. The between This recipe can work for pan pizza too! cream and gelato is that gelato genIn a seasoned cast iron pan add 2 tbs. of erally contains heavy cream rather olive oil and place a ½ stretched crust than milk as the majority of its base, into the pan and finish stretching it to fit giving it a higher fat content and a in the pan. Top with sauce and cheese more decadent, creamy taste. and allow to rise 30-60 minutes. Set“It’s the bestontoa burner just close yourit toeyes and pan and crank high heat. Once the crust starts to sizzle, you can move it into the oven. 10-14 minutes later you have perfect pan pizza. If you aren’t using the cast-iron method, once your crust is on a baking pan, pizza peel or pizza stone in the oven, carefully dollop your sauce in the center and work it all the way to the edge of the crust. This makes the crust tasty too. When addressing the cheese, I recommend starting from the perimeter and working around the entire circle with a light sprinkling. The very center of the pie will be the last to get cheese. We like to give pizza the largest cheesy area since that is what the pizza is for, right? Complicated, a little, but no longer overwhelming. Stretch yourself and stretch your dough. You too will make amazing pizza using simple affordable ingredients! Did you do your stretches today? Jonathan Chodosh is the Nerdy Dad. You can find his products such as Raw Pestos, Dips, Chef Shortcuts and Spice Blends at Le Vin Wine Cellar, or order by reaching him directly at Jonathan@nerdydadfoods. com. Check out new products and services at www.nerdydadfoods.com. Delivery available to the Main Line. Private chef services available. Follow him on social media @nerdydadfoods.

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March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

SCHOOLS Nursery and Kindergarten celebrated 100 days of school and had the best day. Everyone had fun reading about 100, doing many activities, playing “100” bingo and eating special treats!

ABRAMS HEBREW ACADEMY

Morah Raya’s 6th grade Jewish history classes completed a Kibbutz unit. Each student had to present a different Kibbutz to a panel of judges and create a commercial about their Kibbutz. The students gained a new understanding of the history of the Kibbutzim, what life is like on a Kibbutz and how they impact Israel’s economy.

3rd and 4th Grade celebrated American historians and symbols with their annual Wax Museum. The students did a great job researching and presenting to the school in honor of President’s Day.

CHEDER CHABAD

Abrams brought the “Machaneh Yehudah Shuk” from Jerusalem to Yardley, PA for Tu B’shevat. Students and parents experienced the sights and sounds of Israel with the Abrams shuk styled after the world-famous open market. A huge emphasis was placed on the fruits and produce of Eretz Yisrael for an unforgettable Tu B’shvat “chavayah” (experience). The children received “shekels” to purchase from a plethora of Israeli style goods, i.e., fruits, candies, pickles, halva, smoothies etc.

CASKEY TORAH ACADEMY (CTA)

Building a Mishkan for Parshas Terumah

Chumash Bingo

Music Class

Rabbi Levi Haskelevich from Chabad Studying 100+ Gemara Translations of UPenn gave a class on the halachos of shechita

This week, CTA’s Kindergarten classes celebrated the 100th day of school! Students participated in hundredth day STEAM centers where they were challenged to build or create something using 100 items.

4G is rolling with simcha into the month of Adar, with great learning about Purim, decoration contests, and simcha dancing. Adding to the list of fun and learning was a great bowling trip!

KOHELET YESHIVA LAB SCHOOL (KYLS)

Purim themed puppet show March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

Students celebrated Rosh Chodesh Adar with baking hamentaschen, pajama/silly dress up day and face paint.

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SCHOOLS CONGREGATION BETH SOLOMON PRESCHOOL

The kids of CBS learn through experience. They learned about the letter P this week, and they did things that connect to it. They played with a parachute, had a picnic and a pillow fight in their pajamas.

KOHELET YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL (KYHS)

KYHS students took part in the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Super Sunday.

few days of the campaign, Israeli Exit Polls referring to their tactic as Give Clear Edge to Netanyahu’s Likud Party, “cannibalism.” At the same time, Nearly a 61-Seat Majority

KOSLOFF TORAH ACADEMY (KTA)

Avigdor Lieberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu Party also likely won seven seats. While Lieberman is right-wing on security issues, which would seem to make him the natural partner to join with Netanyahu and establish a government, he continues to refuse to do so as he has done in the previous election rounds. “We won’t move a millimeter from what we promised our voters,” Lieberman told his supporters, making it clear that he won’t join a Netanyahu-led government that includes the ultra-Orthodox parties, which he disagrees with on matters of religion and state. Judicial matters could complicate coalition-building Now Netanyahu must find a way to bring at least two more Knesset members from other parties to join his coalition. Some Knesset members in Blue and White are suggesting that the party should join a Netanyahu-led unity government, and some more right-wing Blue and White Knesset members have been talking about joining the right-wing/religious coalition. Another possible defector is Knesset member Orly Levy-Abekasis, who heads the Gesher faction of the Labor-Gesher-Meretz alliance. Netanyahu faces another hurdle on the way towards forming a government: the Israeli judicial system. While half of the country has clearly stated that they want him to continue to serve in the top job despite the fact that he goes on trial March 17 for bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges, there has already been an appeal to the Supreme Court to stop him from being given the mandate to form a government. The court refused to hear arguments and issue a ruling on this issue in January, when such an appeal was made, saying it was premature at that time. Now the issue will be raised. While Israeli law allows a prime minister to continue serving while under indictment, it is less clear about whether a candidate can be given the task of trying to form a government while facing a trial. Final results may not be announced until next Monday, as extra precautions were put into place to prevent fraud and to assure the counting a few thousand votes from Israelis currently in quarantine because of the coronavirus.

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Last week, KTA introduced its all new KTA Robotics Team! The team, led by Mrs. Sara Spiewak and under the advisement of University of Pennsylvania engineers Mr. Russell Spiewak and Mr. Gedalia Knizhnik, is building a robot using the VEX system. The team is drawn entirely from volunteer freshmen and sophomores who, on their own, offered to work during their lunch breaks to build the ‘bot. Different groups are on the team working on different parts of the robot-the software, base, wheels, etc., and over the next weeks, all will come together to build a robot that moves boxes and stacks them into a container. The robot will have its debut at the CIJE Robotics

The KTA Kobras continued their undefeated season against Bnos Yisrael of Baltimore with an impressive 37-22 victory. Junior, Amalia Littwin led all scorers with 23 points! Kudos to KTA’s beloved alumna coach, Avigayil Weiss (‘’15). Go Kobras! Competition on April 30 in New Jersey. Though KTA originally intended to attend the competition experientially and not as competitors, the students insisted that they could enter even on short notice. KTA is thrilled that its students have the enthusiasm and the initiative to get ready for our close up so soon.

KTA students were treated to a special Rosh Chodesh Adar lunch with guest speaker, Rabbi Jonathan Bienenfeld, Rabbi of Young Israel of Cherry Hill.

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March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

SCHOOLS PERELEMAN JEWISH DAY SCHOOL

STERN CENTER

FORMAN CENTER

Gan Shabbat Celebration

Preparing for Purim

4th Graders Celebrate Kabbalat Tikkunim

Ganon students participating in weekly swim instruction at the Kaiserman JCC

POLITZ DAY SCHOOL OF CHERRY HILL

Preschool enjoyed a puppet show with Avishay Shitrit from Israel, who came with a delegation from Amiel Bakehilla.

Adar is in the air! The students enjoyed Backwards Day, Wacky Wednesday, crazy hat day and general Purim fun!

THE GAN IN NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA

March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

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SCHOOLS POLITZ HEBREW ACADEMY

The Politz Kindergarten classes K1 and K2 celebrated the 100th day of school on Tuesday, February 25th with a grand celebration. The children are 100 days smarter and have learned so much since the beginning of the year. It was a day filled with fun, games, projects, and 100 treats. They enjoyed a celebratory cake baked just for us from Rolings Bakey.

The Boys Purim Festival was energetic and creative! Students dressed in many different costumes. The older boys developed and ran all of the different activity booths. Some were athletic and others food related. Much fun was had by everyone!

KOHELET YESHIVA MIDDLE SCHOOL (KYMS) Students made hamentaschen in honor of Rosh Chodesh Adar.

The Girls Purim Festival was such a BLAST! Their carnival activities included face painting, count the chocolate chips in the marshmallow fluff, pickle racing and a soda-tasting challenge...not to mention hit the clown, (an eighth-grader) in the face with a wet sponge!

THE MESIVTA HIGH SCHOOL OF GREATER PHILADELPHIA

Rabbi Yosef Ifrah of Yeshivas Ner Yisrael in Baltimore came to visit to discuss his Yeshiva and its college options with Mesivta students.

Dr. Noam Wasserman, the Dean of the Sy Syms School of Business, visited Mesivta and presented to the students on the topic of “forty years in the dessert, the death of Reish Lakish, and our transitions in life.”

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Mesivta students volunteered in the community-wide Jewish Federation Super Sunday phone-a-thon at JFCS in Bala Cynwyd.

March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

March 5, 2020 |

RTS

The HOK Sports Star of the Week: Yisrael Weinberger me my whole life. Happy 25th The Philadelphia Jewish Link and House of anniversary to my parents this Kosher would like to recognize The Mesivta week! High School of Greater Philadelphia guard What is your favorite sport? Yisrael Weinberger as this week’s Sports My favorite sport is football. Star of the Week. What is your greatest sport’s In Mesivta’s recent JV win against Kohelet, accomplishment? Yisrael had a standout performance and In my 8th grade year on the was extremely solid on both the offensive and CTA Tigers basketball team, defensive ends. Yisrael had a team-high 19 we went undefeated. points, which included 4 3-pointers in the The Philadelphia What is your earliest sports first half. memory? “Yisrael has a great work ethic and Jewish Link wishes a refuah shleimah to The earliest sports isn’t scared of a challenge,” said Mesivta Max Mogyoros, the memory I have is playing coach Rabbi Gershon Schwartz. “He inaugural HOK Sports Narberth Little League pushes himself on and off the court and Star of the Week, who Baseball. is constantly learning from his mistakes. is recovering from an Who is your favorite athlete You can see how he’s risen to the occasion ankle injury. and why? this year as a captain and has led the Ben Simmons, because I Mustangs.” The Philadelphia Jewish Link had an opportunity to am a big fan of the 76ers and we both play speak with Yisrael about being named Sports Star of the point guard. What is your favorite sports memory? Week and his love of sports. Last year, I went to and Phillies game against the Who is your role model and why? Both of my parents have been great role models for Padres. I went early before the game and was able to get

all the way down next to the field. When Bryce Harper was coming off the field to the dugout after warming up ,he stopped and signed my hat. What is your pregame routine? I don’t really have much of a routine. I normally just warm up with the rest of my team. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports? Probably watching sports What is your weirdest sports memory? Earlier this year, I thought I was just going to a normal 76ers vs. Knicks game, until Ben Simmons hit his first NBA 3-pointer. What is the best thing about winning HOK Sports Star of the Week? Being able to get pizza in Bala Cynwyd. The HOK Sports Star of the Week will receive a “Winner’s Pie” – a free regular pizza pie from House of Kosher. Please send nominees to be featured as an upcoming Philadelphia Jewish Link and HOK Sports Star of the Week to: publisher@PhillyJewishLink.com.

YU Men’s Basketball Captures Skyline Conference Championship With Victory Over Purchase College; Earns Spot in NCAA Tournament (Courtesy of Yeshiva University) For the second time in three years, the Yeshiva University men’s basketball team captured the Skyline Conference Championship, thanks to an 86-74 victory over Purchase College, at the Max Stern Athletic Center on Sunday afternoon, March 1. The Maccabees earn an automatic bid into the NCAA Division III tournament for the second time in program history. Senior forward Gabriel Leifer was named Most Outstanding Player of the Skyline Conference championships. In today’s game, he generated his third triple-double of the season, scoring 16 points, grabbing a career-high 24 rebounds, and leading all players with 12 assists. Nationally ranked No. 15 Yeshiva secures its 27th win of the season, the most in all of NCAA Division III, and has won 27 consecutive games since the season opener. “Really proud of this group,” Yeshiva University Head Coach Elliot Steinmetz said. “Undefeated in the Skyline this season. That’ll last forever. Now we celebrate and tomorrow we start focusing March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

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on our next game.” YU got off to a slow start, as Purchase surged to an early 13-3 advantage just over four minutes into the contest. Yeshiva regained its composure, as a layup by Leifer kick-started 18 unanswered points to propel the Macs to a commanding 21-13 hold, with 10:30 left to play in the half. Sophomore guard Ryan Turell nailed two shots from beyond the arc, during the rally, and freshman guard Ofek Reef capped it off by forcing a steal and converting a layup off the fast break. The Macs held the Panthers scoreless for 5:45 during that stretch. Later in the stanza, junior guard Eitan Halpert drained a 3-point field goal to inflate Yeshiva’s cushion to 11, at 34-23, with 5:53 to go in the half. The Blue and White finished the frame strong, as senior guard Simcha Halpert drilled a shot from downtown with 11 ticks left on the clock that gave YU its largest lead of the stanza, 55-39, and that would be the score at the intermission. Yeshiva and Purchase exchanged baskets throughout the early stages of the

second half. Eitan Halpert continued his strong shooting with a successful jump shot that increased Yeshiva’s lead to 65-47, with 12:48 remaining in regulation time. Later in the period, Leifer blocked a shot attempt and grabbed the defensive rebound. On the other end of the floor, he capitalized on a layup to give the Maccabees their largest lead of the afternoon, at 19 (72-53). Purchase would not go down without a fight, tallying six consecutive points to cut Yeshiva’s hold to 72-59 with 8:06 to go. With 6:19 remaining, freshman guard Jorden Means knocked down a pair of free throws to pull the Panthers to within 12, at 73-61. Senior forward Daniel Katz halted the opposition’s momentum by tipping

the ball into the basket to extend the Macs’ advantage to 75-61, with less than six minutes remaining. Yeshiva seemingly had control of the game, but with 2:01 left to play, Means capitalized on a jumper while being fouled. He added the free throw to pull the Panthers to within single digits, at 81-72. That’s as close as Purchase would get, as Eitan Halpert countered with an “and one” jump shot of his own, and then converted the free throw to increase Yeshiva’s hold to 84-72 with 1:33 remaining. Leifer added two shots from the charity stripe with less than a minute to go, and Yeshiva went on to win the contest, 86-74, and capture its second league championship in program history. For the Maccabees, Turell had a gamehigh 29 points with three assists. Eitan Halpert scored a career-best 19 points, shooting 7-for-9 from the field and 3-for5 from 3-point range, while forcing a pair of steals. Simcha Halpert added eight points, three boards, just as many assists, and two steals. Katz tallied six points and eight boards.

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Penn-Jersey Jewish Middle School Basketball Postseason Tournament

On Sunday, March 1, the inaugural PennJersey Jewish Middle School Basketball Postseason Tournament was held at Kohelet Yeshiva, with Abrams Hebrew Academy, Caskey Torah Academy, Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy and Kohelet Yeshiva Middle School taking part. KYMS topped CTA in the semis, 46-

34. Asher Liss led the Kings with 33 points, while Daniel Benjamini added 7. Shua Gross led the Tigers with 12. In the other semifinal game, Abrams got past Barrack, 44-23. Asher Kahlon led Abrams with 22 points. Kohelet took home the championship with a 39-22 win over Abrams in the finals. Asher Liss, who had

a triple-double in the finals (15 points, 12 rebounds and 10 steals), was named the tournament MVP. Make sure to check out the March 19 edition of the Philadelphia Jewish Link for a full array of photos from the tournament! Reporting by Binny Perl.

Scenes from CTA-KYMS Basketball

Photo Credit: Ikey Troodler

(credit: Rabbi Gil Perl)

(credit: Ikey Troodler)

Former NBA Player and YU Assistant Coach Talks YU Men’s Basketball with the PJL Moments after the Yeshiva University men’s basketball team beat Purchase College on Sunday afternoon, March 1, thereby winning the Skyline Conference Championship and earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament, PJL Publisher Nachi Troodler had an opportunity to speak with YU Assistant Coach Michael Sweetney about YU’s big

win on the sidelines of the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, DC. A former NBA lottery pick, Sweetney was drafted ninth overall by the New York Knicks in the 2003 NBA Draft and played college ball at Georgetown University, where he was a finalist for the Naismith College Player of the Year and a candidate for the John R. Wooden Award.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for those guys,” Sweetney added. “Their college schedule is a little bit harder than what I had at Georgetown. Those guys are finishing class “I’m so excited for those sometimes at 8:00 at night and guys,” Sweetney told Troodler. then practice is at 9:00 until 11:00. “They worked hard all season. Their commitment to basketball, Coach Steinmetz and the PJL Publisher Nachi to their faith, and to just being whole coaching staff has put Troodler with Michael good people is amazing and it’s the guys in a good position to Sweetney win. The team is so together and they’re all for inspired me a lot. I’m so happy for those each other – no group is more deserving than guys – they’ve worked so hard and are so deserving.” those guys. I’m so happy for them.”

Mesivta’s JV Squad Tops Kohelet in a Saturday Night Showdown

By Nachi Troodler

A packed gym. Young basketball players ready to showcase their skills in front of a boisterous crowd. The Motzei Shabbos JV matchup on February 22nd between Kohelet Yeshiva High School and The Mesivta High School of Greater Philadelphia had it all and certainly lived up to the hype. After Mesivta freshman Ephraim Shmidman opened the scoring, Kohelet freshman Gabe Pugman had a nice move to the hoop to tie the game at 2. Mesivta sophomore Dovid Weintraub grabbed an offensive rebound and had a put back to

(credit: Dr. David Stein)

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make it 4-2, but Pugman came up with a steal and dished it to freshman Eli Wallace who promptly drained a 3. Shortly after Pugman nailed a corner 3 to give Kohelet an 8-6 lead, Mesivta sophomore Shmuel Stieglitz hit a 3 from the right side to put Mesivta on top, 10-8. Sophomore Yisrael Weinberger swung the momentum Mesivta’s way with two consecutive 3s, giving the Mustangs a 16-8 advantage. Freshman Ari Brown entered the game for Mesivta towards the end of the first

quarter and made a quick bucket to make it 18-10 in favor of the Mustangs after one period. Wallace opened the second quarter with a corner 3 from the right side to cut the Mesivta lead to 18-13. Kohelet sophomore Azi Jacobson scored in the lane to make it a 20-15 game with 5:10 left in the first half, but Weinberger hit another 3 to extend the Mustangs’ advantage to 23-15. Sophomore Aaron Goldstein had a nice left-handed finish

on a fast break to make it a 23-17 game, and then Jacobson struck again when he grabbed a big rebound and laid it back up and in, to cut the Mesivta lead to just 4. After Goldstein hit two free throws to make it a 2-point game with 2:08 left in the second period, Weinberger nailed his fourth 3 of the game. In yet another sign of the back-and-forth nature of this game, Pugman answered with a 3 for

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Fans of all ages came out to watch the big game! March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

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Mesivta Sweeps Season Series from Kohelet By Judah Troodler The energy and excitement were palpable. Following an entertaining JV game, the Kohelet Kings and Mesivta Mustangs stepped on to the court, on Saturday night, February 22nd, for a long-anticipated matchup between the two “rivals,” which is actually a misnomer, being that the players from the two teams are good friends and play ball with each other quite often. It was “Senior Night,” as it was the last game of the season for Kohelet and the final appearance that their seniors would make on the Kohelet court wearing their Kings jerseys. Mesivta will be heading to the Red Sarachek Tournament in New York, where they will finish out their season. Mesivta won the long-awaited opening tip, hoping to jump out to an early lead. However, led by seniors Noam Troodler and Eric Dolitsky, Kohelet jumped out to an early 9-3 lead. After a Mesivta timeout, the Mustangs fought back, and by the end of the 1st quarter, Mesivta had gone on a 9-1 run to finish the period with a 12-10 lead. Mesivta senior Noah Mogyoros opened the 2nd quarter scoring with a layup to make the score to 1410 and the score would remain this way for several minutes. While the Mustangs’ lack of communication on the offensive side of the ball was evident, both teams’ defenses were playing extremely hard and allowed a combined 13 points in the 2nd quarter. At the half, Mesivta held a

Mesivta’s JV Squad Tops Kohelet in a Saturday Night Showdown CONTINUED FROM P. 48 Kohelet to make the score 28-26 in favor of Mesivta. Sophomore Matan Schwartz scored to extend Mesivta’s lead to 3026, but Pugman got fouled with 1 second left and hit 1 of 2 free throws, cutting the Mustangs’ advantage to 30-27 going into the locker room at halftime. Goldstein opened the second half scoring to cut Kohelet’s deficit to just 1, and then Jacobson hit a shot while being fouled to give the Kings a 31-30 lead. Shmidman launched a long pass ahead to Schwartz who finished at the rim and Mesivta regained the lead. Weinberger followed that up with a strong drive to the basket and a finish to put Mesivta up 34-31. Kohelet put a stop to Mesivta’s momentum when Pugman hit a short jumper from the right side to make it a 1-point game. Weinberger’s strong performance continued when he stole the ball and dished it to Shmidman, who scored to put Mesivta up, 36-33. Jacobson converted 2 free throws for Kohelet, but March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

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(credit: Dr. David Stein)

close, one-point lead over the Kings. During halftime, Mesivta Head Coach Rabbi Gershon Schwartz said that, “we just need to play our game and we will win.” Both teams came out of the locker room to start the 2nd half and explodShmidman scored off a fast break and Stieglitz hit 2 free throws of his own to give Mesivta a 5-point lead. Shmidman, the Mustangs’ freshman phenom, electrified the crowd with a dazzling move at the end of the third quarter, dribbling through and around several Kohelet defenders and finishing at the hoop to make it a 42-36 game after 3 periods. Kohelet started the fourth quarter determined to narrow the deficit. After Goldstein had a strong drive and finish at the basket to make it 43-38, Pugman had an “and one” and hit the ensuing free throw, making it a 45-41 game with 4:50 left in the final period. Goldstein followed that up with another great drive to the hoop to cut Mesivta’s lead to just 45-44. The Mustangs answered when Weinberger scored off an inbounds pass and then Weintraub hit a shot, extending Mesivta’s lead to 51-44. However, the Kings were not done just yet. Pugman nailed a 3 and then Goldstein hit both free throws after being fouled to make it a 3-point game with 1:53 left. Shmidman put Mesivta up 5 when he hit two free throws, but Pugman had a nice finish underneath the hoop with 1:23 remaining

ed offensively. Junior point guard Isaac Melman led the way for Kohelet, while Mogyoros led the way for the Mustangs. By the end of the 3rd quarter, the score had jumped to 33-28, Mesivta. Building on their momentum, Mesivta continued to execute well on both the offensive and defensive sides of the court. When time expired, the scoreboard read 4436, Mesivta. Led by Mogyoros and junior to make it 53-50. Shmidman went to the line after being fouled with 1:13 left and calmly drained both of his free throws to give the Mustangs’ a 5-point lead. With 46 seconds left in the contest, Weinberger hit one of two from the free throw line to put Mesivta up 56-50. With 35 seconds left, Wallace hit one of two foul shots for Kohelet to make it 56-51. Kohelet then fouled Shmidman, who promptly went to the line and once again hit both of his free throws to give Mesivta a 7-point lead. Although Wallace converted one of two free throws with 24 seconds left to make it a 6-point game, that was as close as Kohelet would get, and the Mustangs walked away with a 60-52 victory. Weinberger led the way for Mesivta with

shooting guard Bennett Stein, who had 19 and 13 points respectively, the Mustangs were able to complete their season sweep against their down-the-road “rivals,” the Kohelet Kings. Junior Dovi Erlbaum added 7 for Mesivta, while Dolitsky and Melman had 9 for the Kings and Troodler and junior Ori Bach each added 6 for Kohelet. 19 points, followed by Shmidman with 17 and Weintraub with 10. For Kohelet, Pugman scored a game-high 21 points, while Goldstein added 15 and Wallace and Jacobson each chipped in 8.

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Smart Phone Apps for Homeowners multiple members access to one account.

By Israela Haor-Friedman

HAPPY PLANT Yard maintenance is important, but for many of us who don’t have an automatic sprinkler system, it can be difficult to remember when you last watered. Happy Plant is a free app that helps you track how often you water your plants and even creates a watering schedule to remind you to water in the future. Along with notifications, you can also take pictures of your plants and create a time-lapse video to see the growth over time.

friend recently asked about bathroom renovations that got me thinking about what is currently trending. Those of you who know me, know that I love real estate and that I also LOVE home renovations. I am a big HGTV fan and can spend hours looking at photos and redesigning rooms in my mind. Here are some takeaways from various blogs and articles that I have recently read, and from clients’ feedback. Smart phones have become a popular staple in many homes across the U.S. Aside from being a personal computer that fits in your hand, smart phones have brought home management into the tech era. Whether you need to arrange a move to a new area, track how often you water your plants, or keep an inventory of all your personal property, there’s an app to help you. MOVED Coordinating a move is a big task. Moved is a free app that helps with the planning and moving process. You tell the app what you need for your move, and it provides you several options to help your move go smoothly. You can get multiple moving quotes, and they’ll manage scheduling, COIs (certificates of insurance), elevator reservations and anything else that you may need. You can also get prices on packing materials and order them through the app, coordinate a storage unit for any items not needed, and can schedule mail forwarding all through the app. NEXT DOOR Moving to a new community can be daunting, especially when you don’t know anyone in your new neighborhood. NextDoor is a free communication app for neighbors, communities, and citizen involvement organizations. NextDoor

provides service recommendations, a classified section, and keeps you up-todate on neighborhood and community events. The app is a secure environment where all neighbors are verified. Be prepared for lively discussions and lots of local involvement!

CENTRIQ Keeping track of all your appliances and home systems can be a process. Centriq is a free app that “puts everything you need to troubleshoot, operate, and maintain all your stuff, right at your fingertips.” The app includes troubleshooting, How-To videos, and can help you find and order parts for 1,000s of brands. The app also provides manufacturer support information and local repair solutions, and you can access specific user manuals and keep up-to-date with custom reminders for maintenance.

HOMEZADA Keeping track of everything related to your home can be a lot of work. HomeZada is an app that acts as a digital hub for all things related to your home. This app gives you the means to plan and manage a remodel; keeps track and automates your home maintenance schedule; creates a home inventory of all your items for ease of access in case of emergency; helps to keep you up-to-date on home-related financial metrics and can help you build a digital home profile among other things. Being a homeowner is no easy task. You can make your life a little easier by taking advantage of new technologies, and smart phone apps are a great option. Let me know about any apps you use that make your life easier. If you have questions about the local real estate market, feel free to contact me at 610.730.0731 or at israela.friedman@foxroach.com. 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.

1PASSWORD Many of us access our personal and home-related accounts online or via apps, and keeping track of our many passwords can become cumbersome. 1Password helps you by storing your passwords all in one place. 1Password works on many operating systems, and with a personal account you can store unlimited passwords and items (like credit card numbers). It even includes 1 GB of document storage. For families, they offer a family account that allows

I love Lower Merion & I am a Proud Resident! Please call me and together we can find the place you’ll love too.

Passionate about the place you call home A passion for the place you call home

ISRAELA HAOR-FRIEDMAN REALTOR®

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Israela.friedman@foxroach.com www.Israelafriedman.foxroach.com 610-649-4500 office

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10 Tips For Living Large While Going Small By Anne Goldberg

re you considering smaller alternatives when it comes to real estate? Whether you are downsizing or buying your first home, most of us would want to live as large

as possible in our new smaller spaces. Luckily, there are several tricks you can use in your home to make small rooms

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feel comfortable and bigger than they really are. One of them is to avoid creating a highly congested space. Thankfully, experts like real estate professional Matt Parker have done the homework for us. Learn to make the most of your small space by following these 10 tips from Parker: Rooms with high ceilings, 9 ft. or taller, help make small square-footage spaces feel large. In many cases, liking or disliking a home has to do with ceiling height. Add custom bookshelves high on one wall in a room. This creates a “spacer” for your eye, drawing your glance up and making the room appear larger. Use large paintings in small rooms, one wall only, and you will be amazed how much bigger they feel, says Parker. Follow this rule: If you haven’t used it in a year, sell or donate it. Parker recently did this and removed about 25 percent of his family’s clutter.

When it comes to clothes, consider quality over quantity. Use a stand-up desk instead of a sitdown desk. Sit-down desks occupy about 100 square feet, explains Parker. In small rooms, install a very large custom mantle. This lends a sense of grandeur to a small space. To make small rooms feel more spacious, decorate with light colors: gray, white, light blues, light yellow, light green, and stick to the same color palette throughout the room. Large floor rugs make rooms feel much bigger. Parker also advises against buying huge wholesale quantities of food. Instead, buy one week’s worth of healthy, fresh food each week. You will feel better,

and look better, like your home! “I am recommending people buy nicer things, enjoy them more, and live better lives. I am not indicating to stop consuming or become a hermit. Simply be decisive about what you love and eliminate the rest! You will not believe the sense of peace, and style,” adds Parker. As you can see, the trick to living large in a small space is to not be afraid to let go. Freeing up space usually taken up by clutter allows you to enjoy the things you actually like. As a matter of fact, this is true regardless of the size of your home. Anne Goldberg is a Realtor with Keller Williams Main Line Realty. She can be reached at annegoldberg@kw.com and 973.985.9053 (mobile) 610.520.0100 (office).

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?

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

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

Making Realty Dreams Reality Lori & Scott F.

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

Anne helped us purchase a very unique property, under very unique circumstances. She was steadfast in her commitment to make the dream a reality for us ... and she then sold our home in no time, again calmly guiding us through ups and downs of that experience. We can safely say that Anne will be a great partner for you, whether buying or selling.

Esther You See

(to the tune of “Under the Sea”) Source: www.jr.co.il

ou might be our only savior, It won’t be a piece of cake. You dream about going up there, You think it’s a big mistake. Just look at the world around you, I say, who could ask for more. Such wonderful things surround you, But trouble could be in store. Esther you see Esther you see You must tell the King, That is the thing, Take it from me. Jews everywhere they rue the day, March 5, 2020 | 9 Adar, 5780

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Nothing to do but fast and pray, This is our plight, but you’ll make it right, Esther you see. In Shushan the Jews were happy, They chant from the Torah scroll. But things have begun to change, and It’s starting to take its toll. So Esther, we need your help now, Our chances are getting slim. We can’t let ourselves be subject, To Haman’s every whim. Esther you see Esther you see They’re gonna beat us, Try to defeat us, Listen to me.

No time to lose, you can’t snooze, Esther you’ve got to save the Jews. We’ve got trouble, Act on the double, Esther you see. (Esther you see.) Esther you see (Esther you see.) Life has been sweet here, We can’t get beat here, Naturally. All of the Jews throughout the land, Need you to lend a helping hand. You’ve got to act, This is a fact, Esther you see. Esther you see (Esther you see) Esther you see (Esther you see) Since you’re the Queen,

You must make a scene, Take it from me. Haman is such an evil man, We’ve got to stop his evil plan. Everyone needs you, He can’t defeat you, Esther you see You needed a nudge, Don’t hold a grudge, Esther you see. You must prevail, You cannot fail, That’s why I sing, Go see the King. Ya we need luck here, We’re really stuck here, Esther you see.

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Tips For Living Large While