THE JEWISH VOICE AND OPINION Promoting Classical Judaism
June 2012
Vol. 25 • No. 9
Sivan 5772
New Government’s First Round: Supreme Court, 1; Bibi, ½; Yesha, 0 After pulling off what some
pundits called a governmental maneuver worthy of study by students of political science, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spent all of May, not campaigning for re-election as expected, but, rather, heading the largest government coalition—94 seats—in the Jewish state’s history. By the beginning of June, however, some members of his own Likud party suspected the prime minister might be getting ready to jump ship and “pull a Sharon,” that is, leave the right-wing Likud to join the center-left Kadima Party (founded by Mr. Sharon when he left the Likud) because the majority of members of his own party will not support the demolition of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. Despite the fears of some of Likud, it seems unlikely that Mr. Netanyahu would leave the party. When former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon left Likud, he organized Kadima as a new party; Mr. Netanyahu would be unlikely to muster enough support to form his own party. And it is equally unlikely that Kadima’s new leader, Shaul Mofaz, would want to share power with Mr. Netanyahu.
Although it has been touted as the most stable in Israel’s history, the stability of Mr. Netanyahu’s coalition could be severely tested in the case of five buildings in the Ulpana neighborhood of Beit El in Samaria. The Supreme Court has ruled that although the 30 Jewish families who own
Death Penalty The Jewish residents of Beit El maintain that they bought the property legally from a Palestinian relative of the claimant, and that the two men share the same name. The original bill of sale with the Palestinian seller’s name is
Supporters march by Ulpana: Let My People Stay apartments in the buildings paid for the land 12 years ago and received approvals and assistance from the government, the property, nevertheless, belongs to a Palestinian who came forward just recently after being urged and supported by the left-wing group Peace Now. The Palestinian and Peace Now claim the Ulpana neighborhood was built on his privately owned land and that he was not the one who sold it to the Jewish residents.
Mukasey on Islamism.......................... 5 Kol Ami: Syria?....................................... 6 The Current Crisis............................... 7 Tomorrow’s Genius Online............16 NORPAC Goes to DC........................20 The Log................................................24 Graduations........................................28
available, but the residents of Beit El have refused to produce it because doing so could cost the seller his life. According to Palestinian law, selling property to a Jew is a capital offense. In its ruling, the court disregarded the claims of the Jewish residents and, as many Israelis claim it does with regularity, ruled in favor of the Palestinian. Many MKs, including those from Mr. Netanyahu’s own Likud Party, were furious. Increasingly, right-wing Israelis see the
Inside the Voice
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Supreme Court as little more than an instrument of the left. Precedent Although the court ordered Ulpana to be destroyed on May 1, Mr. Netanyahu’s April decision to dissolve the Knesset and hold new elections in September put the demolition on hold. In fact, the dilemma over how to handle the court order against Ulpana was one of the issues leading to the dissolution of the government. Once Mr. Netanyahu announced his expanded new government, which theoretically can rule until October 2013, the court insisted the neighborhood be demolished by July 1. Supporters of Judea and Samaria (Yesha) see in the court’s ruling a precedent, and they expect similar future verdicts against an increasing number of communities throughout Judea and Samaria. “It’s not a matter of five houses, but the opening of something very dangerous,” said Likud MK Tzipi Hotovely. Regulation Bill She is among the many Likud MKs as well as those from other religious and right-wing parties eager to pass legislation that would circumvent the court’s
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Nefesh B’Nefesh Olim.....................40 Index of Advertisers ........................41 New at HNMC....................................42 Honor the Professional...................43 Letters to the Editor ........................44 Ruby Kaplan Realtor........................46 Walk to Shul.........................................47
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Former AG: Sugarcoating the Islamist Threat Is Easier in Washington Than in Jerusalem, But It Won’t Keep Us Safe The judge who presided over the 1995
trial of Omar Abdel Rahman (“the Blind Sheikh”) and 11 other jihadists convicted of conspiring to wage a terrorist war against the US—including the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and a subsequent plot to bomb several other New York City landmarks—believes there are several explanations for why US leaders are either “[unable or unwilling] to recognize and discuss what it is that motivates Islamists.” “Government leaders in Washington live in places like Bethesda, Maryland, and McLean, Virginia, where it is a lot easier to have a secure view of the world than it is from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv,” said Michael
Former Attorney General Michael Mukasey
Mukasey, who, from 2007-2008, served as US Attorney General in the second administration of President George W. Bush. The deeper problem, he said, is that many Americans are “constitutionally illequipped” to deal with the perpetrators of Islamist terrorism. His reference was not only to the US Constitution, but also to the American “national DNA.” Basing themselves on current interpretations of the Constitution, Americans, he said, tend to think of religion, which has been all but barred from public life, as only one aspect of a person’s life, “and a private aspect as that.” “It is natural for people who live in such an atmosphere not to be on the
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THE JEWISH VOICE AND OPINION, Inc. © 2012; Publisher and Editor-in-Chief: Susan L. Rosenbluth Phone (201)569-2845 Managing Editor: Sharon Beck, Advertising: Rivkie Lichstein-Stall The Jewish Voice & Opinion (ISSN # 1527-3814), POB 8097, Englewood, NJ 07631, is published monthly in coordination with The Central Committee for Israel. A one-year subscription is $18. Periodicals postage is paid at Englewood, NJ and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Jewish Voice and Opinion, POB 8097, Englewood, NJ 07631. All advertising in the Jewish Voice and Opinion must conform to the standards of the Orthodox Rabbinic kashruth. Editorial content reflects the views of the writer and not necessarily any other group. The Jewish Voice is not responsible for typographical errors.
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Kol Ami: Syria? It was not so long ago that leftists were convinced that Syria was the lynchpin to peace in the Middle East, and therefore that the Jewish state had to relinquish the Golan Heights to Damascus. Today, Syria is beset with a religious civil war between President Bashir Assad’s Shi’ite-related Alawite government, supported by its Shi’ite allies in Iran, and Syria’s Sunni majority, backed by fellow Sunnis in Saudi Arabia. The only “good guys” in this fight are Syria’s children, who are being slaughtered and in desperate need of a Middle Eastern version of the Kindertransport. While that development does not seem forthcoming, the world community looks to the US—and some even to Israel—to do something. Our question this month: Should the US and/or Israel do anything about the situation in Syria? Y
The West won’t stop Assad; the civilian carnage will continue—Israel can’t fix that. Some of the fighting actually benefits Israel, as the Jewish state’s enemies kill each other and political alliances change. Israel has to secure itself in case the chemical arsenal gets “loose” or is used, or the border is breached. Shoshana Bryen Senior Director, The Jewish Policy Center Washington, DC
The question is: Should we prefer the blood-thirsty dictator Assad, or his opponents, the Muslim Brotherhood combined with elements of Al Qaeda? Obama has consistently backed the Muslim Brotherhood. For Israel, that cure is probably worse than the disease (Assad). Neither the US nor Israel should intervene at all. Benyamin Korn Editor, JewsForSarah.com Elkins Park, PA
With threatening violence in many areas of the world, we have only one thing to do: Improve our interactions with one another and with Hashem. We have to show Him that we are bettering ourselves and are worthy of geula. Beyond that, we have to show faith in the Israeli army and daven that Hashem guide them to make the best decisions for protecting us. Dina Galimidi Passaic, NJ
Regarding Israel, the answer is nothing! While Assad is hated, he has had a cold but steady peace with Israel. Who knows what will come after him? The answer for the US is far more complicated. Those who hate the current administration are excoriating the President for not doing anything—
continued on page 39 Michael Roth West Orange, NJ
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The Current Crisis: “Even in Laughter, the Heart Can Ache” Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this: The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing. The fifth would pay $1. The sixth would pay $3. The seventh would pay $7. The eighth would pay $12. The ninth would pay $18. The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59. So, that’s what they decided to do. The ten men drank every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. “Since you are all such good customers,” he said, “I’m going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20.” Drinks for the ten now cost just $80. The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men—the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his “fair share?” They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody’s share, then the fifth and sixth men would each end up being paid to drink. So the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man’s bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay. And so: The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33% savings). The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28% savings). The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings). The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings). The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings). Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings. “I only got a dollar out of the $20,” declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man, “but he got $10!” “Yeah, that’s right,” exclaimed the fifth man. “I only saved a dollar, too. It’s unfair that he got ten times more than I got” “That’s true!” shouted the seventh man. “Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!” “Wait a minute,” yelled the first four men in unison. “We didn’t get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!” The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up. The next night, the tenth man didn’t show up for drinks so the nine sat down to drink without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn’t have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill! And that, rabbosai, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might even do their drinking overseas. For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible. Or, in other words, ha’mayvin yavin Y
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Mukasey on Islamism lookout for attack from others to whom religion is not simply a part of life, or even a way of life, but is life itself, and life in which religion has a heavy political component,” he said. Insincere Promises A graduate of the Ramaz School, Columbia University, and Yale Law School, Mr. Mukasey practices law in New York. He made his remarks at a recent reception held by the America-Israel Friendship League for past participants in AIFL’s delegations to Israel. These included New York State Supreme Court Judges, professors from law schools throughout the country, Harvard Law School students, professors of Middle Eastern Studies, school superintendents, state education officials, members of the National Association of [State] Attorneys General, and members of the National Conference of State Legislatures.
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In a talk on counter-terrorism that was part history and political science lecture, part psychology, and part religious philosophy, Mr. Mukasey expressed regret that at the current time, when Israel faces an existential threat from Iran, the Jewish state cannot presuppose either Washington’s friendship or its support. He dismissed President Barack Obama’s recent promise at AIPAC that, regarding Iran, the US would “have Israel’s back.” Less than a day later, he said, Mr. Obama backtracked, explaining that the verbal expression was meant simply “to describe the historic relationship between the two countries and not to contain any explicit promise about the future, particularly insofar as it related to what Israel might or might not do with respect to the threat from Iran.”
Mr. Mukasey also rejected Iran’s argument that it seeks to develop its nuclear power only for peaceful purposes. “Can you seriously ask what it means when a country buries its nuclear processing facilities deep in the earth so as to make them impermeable to attack, and scatters them throughout the country so as to assure that even if one facility can be destroyed, the nuclear program can continue? When it willingly endures sanctions that punish its citizens day in and day out, rather than permit inspectors to have access to its facilities? That it develops rockets designed to carry a nuclear payload? And that it has undergone and supported all that in order to develop medical isotopes? The question itself is farcical,” he said. “Fair Question” He offered Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as an example of an American leader who seems not to see the danger. At a town hall meeting in Tunisia, she was recently asked about American political leaders who, during election campaigns, “run towards the Zionist lobbies to get their support in the States.” “Once they are elected, they come to show their support for countries like Tunisia and Egypt,” said the Tunisian questioner. “For a common Tunisian or a common Arab citizen, how would you reassure and gain his trust again, once given the fact that you are supporting his enemy as well at the same time?” Mrs. Clinton, who, Mr. Mukasey pointed out, has often objected to questions she finds offensive, even when abroad, replied that this was a “fair question.” In a statement that received very little coverage, she told the Tunisian audience, “A lot of things are said in politi-
cal campaigns that should not bear a lot of attention. There are comments made that certainly don’t reflect the US, don’t reflect our foreign policy, don’t reflect who we are as a people.” She advised the Tunisians to “watch what President Obama says and does.” “He’s our President. He represents all of the US, and he will be re-elected President, so I think that there will be a very clear signal to the entire world as to what our values are and what our President believes,” she said. Minimizing the Challenge Mr. Mukasey admitted that the administration in which he served “was not a model of clarity in confronting Islamism” and he did not give high marks to the officials who, directly after the attacks on 9-11, told the American people that Islam was “a religion of peace.” He recalled then-Secretary of State Colin Powell going so far as to call Islam “a religion of love and peace that had been kidnapped by extremists.” However, said Mr. Mukasey, in the past three years of the Obama administration, the problem has been exacerbated by a concerted effort to minimize the challenge posed by the Islamists. “Those charged with protecting our security have a duty to understand and to teach others under their authority what the basic tenets are of the people who are trying to destroy our way of life,” he said. Strengthening Islamists In addition, he said, the government should avoid strengthening not just the violent Islamists, but also those who espouse the doctrines that permit and encourage the aggression. The Islamists who see themselves as the enemy of Jews, the US, and, in fact, all continued on page 10
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Mukasey on Islamism Western civilization want not just “to blow up things and kill people,” he said. “That would be bad enough, but it might be something we could deal with. After all, we have a robust military and an intelligence network that sometimes, although not always, detects our enemies. But, for the Islamists, the violence is not the ultimate end. It is simply a means to that end, which is the imposition of Sharia, a comprehensive framework that has spiritual aspects, to be sure, but is supposed to regulate all behavior—economic, social, legal, military, and political. Because it is all-encompassing and lays claim to being divinely inspired, it regards the notion that people can determine the rules that govern any aspect of their lives, either by themselves or through elected representatives, as anathema, which is to say, Sharia is totalitarian and profoundly anti-democratic,” he said. Not a Personal Struggle Among Sharia’s more unpleasant components is the obligation, required of all Muslims, to wage jihad against nonMuslims, forcing them to accept Islam, complete with Sharia, or pay a hefty tax and accept second-class citizenship for the courtesy of being allowed to live and practice their own faith. “Jihad is not, as some in the West would have it, simply a personal struggle for self-improvement,” said Mr. Mukasey,
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continued from page 8 pointing out that, in the quest to enforce Islam, Sharia regards truces and treaties “as simply temporary pauses in the struggle,” permitted until Muslims regain sufficient strength to resume the effort. “Sharia permits, indeed urges, dissembling for the sake of Islam. There is even a word for it: taqiyyah,” he said. Long History He pointed out that Islamism, represented by Muslim extremists bent on assuming political and/or military power, by any means necessary, to destroy Western civilization, has a record in the US that predates 9-11. While he recognized that Islamism is distinct from the religion of Islam, he also maintained that “the source of Islamist violence can hardly be called ‘extremism’ when the motivating doctrines are in the mainstream of the religion from which they spring.” “Actually, as a matter of history, Islamism, insofar as it holds this country in a weird combination of awe and contempt, has been incubating for about as long as we knew about the other two isms that we successfully beat back in the last century—fascism and communism,” he said. Against Modernism Mr. Mukasey traced Islamism back to Egypt in the 1920s when Hassan al-Banna, a school teacher, founded the Muslim Brotherhood as a reaction to the modernizing influence of Kemal Ataturk, recognized as the father of Modern Day Turkey. According to Mr. Mukasey, Mr. Ataturk “dismantled the shell of what was left of the Muslim Caliphate in Turkey, banned fezes and headscarves, and dragged his country by the lapels—and it had to be the lapels because he wanted men wearing suits not robes—into the 20th century.” The Muslim Brotherhood, on the other hand, took as its motto: “Allah is our objective; the Prophet is our leader; the Quran is our law; Jihad is our way; dying in the path of Allah is our highest hope.” Greeley, Colorado In 1948, Mr. al-Banna was killed in violence generated by the Muslim Brotherhood, and his disciple, another teacher, Sayyid Qutb, was ousted by the Egyptian government. Mr. Qutb landed in Greeley, Colorado, nestled between the Rocky Mountains and the state’s high plains.
“It would be hard to imagine a more sedate place than post-World War II Greeley, Colorado, but, for Qutb, it was Sodom and Gemorrah. He hated everything he saw—American haircuts, enthusiasm for sports, jazz, and what he called ‘the animal-like mixing of the sexes,’ even in church,” said Mr. Mukasey. Mr. Qutb’s conclusion was that Americans were “numb to faith in art, faith in religion, and faith in spiritual values all together.” Returning to Egypt, Mr. Qutb, who was convinced the chief enemy of Islam was “the Jews,” joined the Muslim Brotherhood and supported Gamal Abdel Nasser, but was disillusioned when, as president, Mr. Nasser neither instituted Sharia law nor even banned alcohol. In 1966, Mr. Qutb was hanged, but his brother managed to flee, along with many other members of the Brotherhood, to Saudi Arabia. There, Mr. Qutb’s brother taught his brand of Islam to Ayman al-Zawahiri, an Egyptian who today heads al-Qaeda, and the late Osama Bin Laden, whom Mr. Mukasey called “the pampered child of one of the richest construction families in the country.” Target Practice The brewing violence came to the US in the 1980s when FBI agents spotted “a group of men taking what looked like particularly aggressive target practice at a shooting range in Calverton, Long Island.” Accused by the visiting Arabs of “racial profiling,” the FBI agents backed off, but, in November 1990, one of the men who had participated in the target practice, El-Sayid Nosair, assassinated Israeli MK Rabbi Meir Kahane after the rabbi delivered a speech in a Manhattan hotel. “The case was treated by the Manhattan DA as the lone act of a lone gunman,” said Mr. Mukasey. That fallacy became evident when, in the wake of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the terrorists demanded Mr. Nosair’s release from prison. “In fact, when authorities reviewed the amateur video of Kahane’s speech the night he was killed, they discovered that one of those 1993 bombers had been in the hall when Kahane was shot in 1990. Further investigation disclosed that another was driving what was supposed to be Nosair’s getaway vehicle. And when
http://jewishvoiceandopinion.com they retrieved from a warehouse materials that had been seized from Nosair’s apartment but had gone unexamined, they saw that it included documents that called for the destruction of Western civilization by toppling tall buildings,” said Mr. Mukasey. Blind Sheikh The spiritual advisor to Mr. Nosair and the 1993 World Trade Center bombers was the so-called Blind Sheikh, Omar Abdel Rahman, who had also issued the fatwah that resulted in the assassination of Anwar Sadat for the crime of making peace with Israel. From prison, Mr. Rahman issued the fatwah that authorized the 9-11 attack. In 1995, Messrs Rahman and Nosair and several others were tried before Mr. Mukasey and convicted of “participating in a conspiracy to conduct a war of urban terror against the US” that included the murder of Rabbi Kahane, the first World Trade Center bombing, and a plot to bomb other landmarks around New York. They also planned to assassinate Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak when he visited the UN. Mr. Rahman was sentenced to life in prison and is currently serving time in the Butner Federal Medical Center in North Carolina. Mr. Mukasey recalled that, during the trial, tape-recorded conversation between one of the defendants and a government informant, made while they shopped on Canal Street in New York for an electronic device that could be used as a detonator, was played. The defendant was heard commenting that, in the US, everything was available, from detonators to pornography. “He made the observation not out of admiration, but out of contempt and the belief that such a society was rotten to the core and would collapse easily under pressure from militant Islam, which represented to him a source of purity,” said Mr. Mukasey. Lone Incidents? Before the 1995 trial, the individual events, including the murder of Rabbi Kahane and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, had been treated merely as a series of crimes, unconventional, perhaps, but no more than that. And that perception continued even as, in 1996 and 1998, Mr. bin Laden declared that he and his associates were “at war” with the US.
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“A declaration that got little serious attention,” said Mr. Mukasey. Even the 1998 simultaneous bombings of the US Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, elicited little more than what Mr. Mukasey called “the invocation of criminal law and the usual mantra of ‘bring them to justice,” although in 1998 the indictment named Mr. bin Laden as a defendant. Unimpressed, Mr. bin Laden and his al-Qaeda terrorists bombed the USS Cole in Aden, Yemen, killing 16 US sailors. The perpetrators were ready to carry out the bombing of another US Naval vessel, the USS Sullivan, but the overloaded barge carrying the explosives sank.
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It took the 9-11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 over Pennsylvania, before US officials told the American public that the country was at war. “This was more than fifty years after Sayid Qutb determined that Islamists would have to make war on the US, about fifteen years after Islamists had made it clear that they were training for war with us, and five years after Osama bin Laden made it official with a declaration of war,” said Mr. Mukasey. “Stealth Jihad” By the time the 2008 trial investigating the financing of terrorism by a group
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Mukasey on Islamism called the Holy Land Foundation was begun, many observers in the US were no longer shocked by what author Robert Spencer, the founder of the Jihad Watch blog, called “stealth jihad.” A document, written by a senior Hamas leader in the US and introduced as evidence during the trial, described the Islamist movement’s “settlement process” as the practice of establishing Islam in the US and then pursuing a “civilization jihadist” mission. According to Mr. Mukasey, the document, entitled “Explanatory Memorandum: On the General Strategic Goal for the Group,” describes the process as “a kind of grand jihad in eliminating and destroying Western civilization from within and ‘sabotaging’ its miserable house by their hands and the hands of believers so that it is eliminated and Allah’s religion is made victorious over all other religions.” This procedure is carried out not only in Muslim-majority countries, he said, but also in some neighborhoods in Europe where Muslims exercise control. “Notably in France, somewhat in England, and even in Sweden, Sharia is practiced and enforced in contravention and with the suppression of local law, with the result that some of those neighborhoods have become ‘no-go’ zones for police and fire-fighters, unless they have secured the explicit permission of the local enforcers,” he said.
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continued from page 11 He noted that Islamists usually refer to Spain, which they intend to reclaim, as “Andalus.” In fact, the proposed mosque near Ground Zero in lower Manhattan was to be named “Cordoba House,” in honor of a mosque built to commemorate a Muslim victory in the conquest of Spain. Unobservant and Reformists Mr. Mukasey lauded the millions of moderate Muslims throughout the world who desire only to live in long-term peace with their neighbors. Many, he said, simply disregard the requirements of Sharia, making them “not so much reformist as unobservant.” “But a brave few are actually struggling to create within the religion a theoretical and doctrinal basis for combatting supremacist Islam,” he said, singling out Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, a Syrian-born American physician and US Naval veteran who heads an organization called the American Islamic Forum for Democracy. Among the group’s missions is to promulgate the principle of “separation of mosque and state,” which means no government imposition of Sharia. Cautioning against over-optimism, Mr. Mukasey warned that, among Muslims, “moderates are the distinct and weaker minority.” The majority view, he said, was recently articulated by the prime minister of “the increasingly powerful and influential Muslim nation of Turkey,” Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, whom President Obama has identified as one of his five favorite world leaders. According to Mr. Erdoğan, the term “moderate Islam” is “ugly and offensive.” “There is no moderate or immoderate Islam. Islam is Islam, That’s it,” said Mr. Erdoğan. Unfortunately, said Mr. Mukasey, there is little the US government can do to help Muslims change this view. “If the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause means anything, it means that our government can’t pick winners and losers in doctrinal disputes. That is something that Muslims will have to do on their own,” he said. Arab Spring However, he said, the majority view of Islam must inform the Western approach to the “vaunted Arab Spring,” which was touted by the media as a revolt by Muslims against tyranny. “We in the US saw lots of coverage of
how the driving forces of the ‘revolution’ relied on Twitter and Facebook, but not so much coverage of the public rape of a CBS journalist in Tahrir Square in Egypt to shouts of ‘Allahu Akhbar,’ and even less coverage of the emergence of the Sinai Peninsula as a refuge for Hamas-trained terrorists who travel freely from Gaza and who, in August 2011, launched an attack that killed seven Israelis,” said Mr. Mukasey. He said he saw virtually no coverage of the return to Egypt by Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi, who had been expelled by former President Hosni Mubarak. Upon his return, Mr. Qaradawi, who has been praised as a liberal and a reformer, announced in Tahrir Square that he would stand up for women’s rights. “And so he has, even to the point of issuing a fatwa that authorizes women to participate in suicide bombings,” said Mr. Mukasey. He had a similarly low opinion of Rashid Ghannouchi, the post-revolutionary leader in now Islamist Tunisia. Although five years ago, Mr. Ghannouchi called for the hanging of women who dared to teach at the University of Tunisia, he is today seen by many Western journalists as “a new breed of Islamist,” based mainly on his wit. Fawning American Leaders But the fawning is not confined to the media, he said. American leaders in the Obama administration, charged with protecting the US against radical Islam, are not doing their job, he said. “The defects were obvious from the beginning,” he said, pointing to Mr. Obama’s first acts as President: signing directives to close Guantanamo and abandon the CIA’s “highly successful interrogation program.” Even necessary language has been sugarcoated, he said, pointing to the elimination of terms such “war on terror” and “terrorism” in favor of “man-caused disaster.” Local Partners? He was especially critical of a strategy paper issued by the White House last summer entitled “Empowering Local Partners to Prevent Violent Extremism in the United States.” Every element in the title, he said, was wrong. “It’s not only or even principally violence that is dangerous, and the source
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Mukasey on Islamism of it can hardly be called ‘extremism’ when the motivating doctrines are in the mainstream of the religion from which they spring. ‘Empowering local partners’—if the partners are organizations like [the Islamist] Council on IslamicAmerican Relations (CAIR) and the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)—is more likely to worsen than improve the situation,” he said. Both CAIR and ISNA, he said, are branches of the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood. Weakening Reasonable Voices The paper’s premise is that local Muslim communities in the US should become “stakeholders,” able to stand firm against and combat the intentions of the Islamists bent on establishing and enforcing Sharia in the US. There is no reference to the recruitment efforts of Islamists in the US, including in prisons and on college campuses. “The document was intended to sound innocuous and it does. Small wonder that it was applauded by CAIR and organizations similarly minded,” said Mr. Mukasey. To protect its citizens, the government, he said, must avoid strengthening those who are trying to undermine the American way of life. Such people should not be the government’s princi-
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pal interlocutors in the Muslim community, he said. “If those are the people we empower by relying on them and reaching out to them, we not only damage ourselves by giving them entry into the upper reaches of our political system, but we correspondingly strengthen them in the Islamic community, and weaken the reasonable voices such as Dr. Jasser’s and others,” he said. The danger of dealing solely with the Islamists, he said, is that it risks turning AmericanMuslim communities into European-like Muslim enclaves in which Sharia rules. “That’s what comes of dealing uncritically through local stakeholders,” he said, pointing out that, increasingly, participants in successful and unsuccessful plots have been radicalized not in Muslim countries, but in the West itself. Lost Intelligence Even the killing of Mr. bin Laden and the American-citizen terrorist, Anwar al Awlaki, does not suggest that the administration has changed its view, he said, calling it not a policy, but, rather, “an episode.” In the aftermath of these missions, he said, too much information was publicly announced, such as the “trove of intelligence” that had been seized from Mr. bin Laden’s residence in Abottabad, includ-
ing the location of numerous al-Qaeda safe houses. “Does someone who understands the value of intelligence make an announcement like that for the sake of a feel-good moment, when the main practical effect of doing so is the loss of several potential targets?” he said. But appreciation for intelligence seems to be in short supply in this administration, said Mr. Mukasey, pointing out that, if Mr. al-Awlaki had been captured rather than killed, there was much that could have been learned. But, he said, obtaining that intelligence would be difficult “when all US government employees are now restricted by Presidential order to using the army field manual to conduct interrogations.” “That manual has been available on the Internet for years and is regularly used by terrorists as a training manual for resisting interrogations. We have no classified interrogation program at all. Those who may be interrogated know precisely what to expect, and what they expect is techniques from a manual designed for use by the most inexperienced recruit,” he said. No Delusions Mr. Mukasey argued that to sustain any of its security goals in the struggle against Islamism, the government must avoid “self-censorship and selfdelusion that can wind up deluding others as well.” An example, he said, was the 75-page report issued in 2009 after army psychiatrist, Major Nidal Hasan, shouted, “Allahu Akhbar” and proceeded to murder 13 people and wound an additional 29, at Fort Hood in Texas. According to Mr. Mukasey, the report does not mention the words “jihad” or “Islam.”
“The army chief of staff said on television after that massacre that the greatest tragedy would be if it had a negative effect on the army’s diversity program,” said Mr. Mukasey. Rich, Well-Educated Another example of faulty, dangerous thinking, he said, was a talk given by John Brennan, a principal national security and counter-terrorism advisor to President Obama, at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “A deep thinker, talking to other deep thinkers, said that ‘violent extremists’ attacking the US are products of ‘political, economic, and social forces’ and should not be described ‘in religious terms,’ because to do so would create the mistaken impression that we are at war with Islam and thereby give credence to al-Qaeda propaganda,” said Mr. Mukasey. Proving the fallacies in this suggestion was not difficult: Mr. bin Laden was a billionaire many times over; his successor, Mr. al-Zawahiri, and the Islamists who planned and carried out the 2007 attack on the Glasgow Airport were physicians; the perpetrators of the 9-11 attack were welleducated; and Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the so-called underwear bomber who tried to destroy himself and his fellow passengers onboard a plane over Detroit on December 25, 2009, is the son of the former economics minister of Nigeria. “Products of political, economic, and social forces?” said Mr. Mukasey, calling Mr. Brennan “a perfect symbol of the soft-headed diffidence that has infected the discourse of many public figures.” “I think each of us has an obligation to make sure that attitude does not infect private discourse as well,” said Mr. Mukasey. SLR
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Based in Israel, Tomorrow’s Genius Offers a Virtual Classroom with Very Real Teachers and Very Real Learning While educators throughout the world
contemplate how to use the burgeoning amount of information and technology available online to complement or even supplant classroom teaching, an Israeli firm has taken the plunge, creating an online learning program that allows English-speaking students to access expert bilingual (Hebrew and English) teachers in a wide variety of disciplines who can offer personalized and customized help. Tomorrow’s Genius (TG) provides full online class options as well as tutoring services for students in Israel and the US. TG’s online classes have enabled schools to provide learning options that meet the needs of the individual student. Just this past year, TG has worked with schools, including Paramus’s Yeshivat Noam and Yavneh, to create online courses for students whose needs were otherwise not being met. In addition, TG worked with several high schools to offer online courses in Tanach, physics, and even SAT preparation. “The possibilities are truly limitless,” explains Aryeh Eisenberg, TG’s director of education. “We have been able to create programs to meet the needs of each individual school and student with whom we work.” Tutoring In addition to its online classes program, TG provides online tutoring in almost every academic subject. Every Sunday through
Thursday, from 4-10pm during the academic school year, TG connects expert bilingual teachers in Hebrew language, Judaic studies, math, English, science, and social studies to English-speaking students who are either experiencing difficulty with these subjects or want to avail themselves of enrichment. After logging in, students are usually connected to a TG tutor in about 15 seconds. “With TG, students are not tied to tutoring sessions that may be scheduled for only once or twice week, usually at their parents’ convenience. There is no scheduling or driving necessary. There are no downloads or software to install,” says Mr. Eisenberg. He offers this example: Suppose a student meets with his personal tutor on Mondays, but here it is Wednesday, and a test is scheduled for Thursday, and the student knows he needs help. His regular tutor may not be available, but TG will be. Online Space All TG classes and tutoring sessions occur in the virtual classroom, an online space in which students and educators can share documents, applications, files, and multimedia programs. Educators and students can also interact via the white board on which they can instantly draw and explain non-verbal concepts. The educators are the pride of the TG service. All of them are qualified educational professionals with experience in the Israeli and American school systems. Many of them are olim.
This is important, because many of TG’s students are also American olim. “The teachers are fluent in Hebrew, English, and their subject material. As olim themselves, they understand the problems their students face and can help them succeed,” says Mr. Eisenberg. “The Best Part” He is convinced the teachers are “the best part about learning with TG.” “We have assembled a dedicated faculty to provide our students with the most amazing learning experiences. Our programs happen in real time, which enables students to interact with their teachers, just as they would in a traditional classroom setting,” he says, admitting that for his teachers, “this real-time concept can sometimes prove to be a challenge.” “Many of our educators have busy careers and other educational commitments. Thanks to technology, however, TG lessons can happen any time from virtually any place,” he says. Unusual Locations In fact, since TG launched its online course program, classes have sometimes been delivered from pretty unusual locations. Mr. Eisenberg recalls the logistical problem he had to solve when his Monday morning TG English class was scheduled for the same time as a planned trip for a meeting with Israel’s Ministry of Education. Using his I-Phone as an Internet source, he delivered his class from the back seat of his moving car, while a friend served as driver. “Because the TG platform does not require high bandwidth, I was able to meet my students with video and all, as usual. The students did not know where I was until the end of class, when I pointed my webcam at the cars behind me,” he says. From Miluim Sometimes, teachers’ locations are much trickier. Some of TG’s teachers are active army reservists, who are required to participate in reserve duty during different times of the year. One of these individuals, Shlomi Cohen, who teaches Tanach (Bible) and Hebrew for TG, had no intention of missing his teaching assignments for two weeks while he served in the reserves. Mr. Cohen brought his Motorola Xoom Tablet
http://jewishvoiceandopinion.com with him on reserve duty and was able to deliver his class from his post as a soldier. “Not only was it an amazing learning experience for the students, as Shlomi was fully clad in his army gear, but it was also a great example about how distance learning can really happen anywhere,” says Mr. Eisenberg. Traffic Jams Other TG teachers have taken advantage of the nearly ubiquitous restaurants in Israel that offer “free Internet.” Rabbi Yisroel Porath, who teaches history and Tanach, faced a situation in which a meeting in Jerusalem was scheduled for 9:30am, and his online class was not until 1pm. Although he assumed he had plenty of time to get back to his office to teach his online class, Jerusalem traffic proved otherwise. At 12:45pm, Rabbi Porath was still stuck in traffic. He decided his best bet was to set up shop with his IPad at a restaurant on BenYehuda Street that had Wi-Fi. One of the restaurants allowed him to set up shop in its basement, where he taught his class. “With his IPad ready to go, Yisroel had an amazing class, and even got a free salad with his lunch,” says Mr. Eisenberg. The Teacher-Bride Still another TG educator, Rena Lev, who teaches math and science, once taught her class in full wedding regalia, just minutes before walking down the aisle. “Her students were only days away from a major exam and really needed some extra review time. The only problem was Rena was getting married on the same day the students asked for extra time,” recalls Mr. Eisenberg. While TG could have arranged for another teacher to conduct the review, Ms. Lev felt strongly about being there for her students. “So, in the middle of make-up, photos, and the other pre-wedding tasks, Rena taught her session from the dressing room at her wedding hall. The students commented afterwards that it actually made them feel like part of the celebration,” says Mr. Eisenberg. He says he likes sharing these “crazy” stories to show that TG “works with the most dedicated, educational staff out there.” “Our teachers take their commitments to their students very seriously, and they give their all to every online session. By
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enabling our amazing teachers to work with the amazing technology, our possibilities become virtually unlimited,” says Mr. Eisenberg. In Love with Israel TG is actually the brainchild of Dr. Sanjay Sharnah, a non-Jewish American finance professional of Indian descent, who, a few years ago, created an outsourcing company called Green Point Global, which employs 120 “Anglo” professionals living in Israel. Dr. Sharna says he fell in love with Israel in 1988 when he came to the Jewish state as part of an academic program to work at Kibbutz Hanita in the Western Galilee, about one mile from Lebanon and overlooking Nahariya, Acre, Krayot, and Haifa.
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“Israel is a country with a strong intellectual and educational capacity. Some of the best figures in worldwide education have Jewish roots. When I saw that the educational system and process needed a radical transformation, Israel was a natural place to find talent and expertise,” he says. Curriculum and Technology Recognizing that a large part of education deals with communication, he sought to design a platform that combines subject matter and curriculum and uses cuttingedge technology. Thus, TG was born. “This enables the education process to become more enjoyable and economical,” says Dr. Sharnah.
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Online Education Throughout Israel, many educational organizations are impressed and several hundred parents, as well as a rapidly growing list of schools, have enrolled their children as clients. TG has more than a dozen teachers on staff and another ten or so who work on an as-needed basis. The company is based in the new Park Global in Lod, but the teachers work from home—or wherever they happen to be when they are called. “The teachers can take the student step by step in a virtual classroom, working through the problem until it is solved,” says Mr. Eisenberg. Expanding Its Scope While TG was originally designed to service Englishspeaking middle school and high school students in Israel, the service is now expanding its scope, offering students throughout the English-speaking world the opportunity to build academic skills while completing a full program of accredited summer school courses in all academic subjects and grade levels. “Tomorrow’s Genius has offered several unique programs designed to help students succeed in all subjects. This summer, we are offering a virtual summer school program that provides a simple solution for students who need to retake course credits or who are looking for enrichment opportunities,” said Mr. Eisenberg. The program is also offering educational programs to adults. This summer, it will offer two professional development options to help prepare professionals for the job market. Adult Courses Recognizing that adults often have time constraints because juggling jobs, fam-
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ily obligations, and other responsibilities makes taking courses next to impossible, Mr. Eisenberg says TG’s program of on-call teachers is “a solution that can fit into even the busiest schedules.” The catalogue of online courses includes professional-development options for every level, whether beginners or advanced professionals. Participants can choose from disciplines such as MS Office, graphic design, and even technical writing. “Even with little-to-no prior training, there is an option for everyone,” says Mr. Eisenberg. For New Olim A third TG program has been designed especially for new olim to Israel. The special course, entitled “Joining the Israeli Workforce,” will provide olim with “invaluable information and options for finding a new job and/or career,” says Mr. Eisenberg. “The Israeli job market and working environment are quite different than in the US and other English speaking countries. Finding a job in a specific field is often one of the most challenging parts of a family’s aliyah experience. Tomorrow’s Genius is here to help olim navigate this new territory,” he says. The three-part TG course will include sessions led by Human Resources professionals,
social media experts, professional development providers, and other important employment resources. “The goal of this program is to provide new olim with the tools they need to acclimate to a new work force,” says Mr. Eisenberg. New Learning Opportunities It is a program that must be dear to his heart. Originally from Baltimore, Mr. Eisenberg made aliyah from Highland Park, NJ, with his wife, the former Debbie Losinski of Englewood, in 2009. In NJ, Mr. Eisenberg, who holds degrees from the University of Maryland and Touro College, served as director of technology for several schools, including Teaneck’s Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls, and as a consultant for many other educational institutions and organizations. “I have spent my entire career in education, striving to create new learning opportunities for students and parents,” he says. Comparatively Reasonable TG certainly seems to fit the bill, and it is comparatively reasonable. Ten sessions of live tutoring online cost $60 per month; 20 sessions cost $80 per month; unlimited sessions cost $245 per month. There is no time limit to each session. Each session is as long as necessary.
Schools have also been able to incorporate TG’s services at a fraction of what they might have expected. “It is difficult for schools to create new sections or to add new courses. Tomorrow’s Genius provides Jewish day schools with options in both Judaic and secular subjects,” says Mr. Eisenberg. Once registered, a student can access help immediately upon logging in. All that is necessary is to choose a subject and type in a question, which will prompt one of TG’s educators in the appropriate field to respond. Every session includes include access to chat-based and video-based education, full access to TG’s resource library as well as to saved and downloaded previous sessions. For more information about TG, including its summer program and the professional development courses for adults, call 212-913-0500 ext 562 or go to http://tomorrowsgenius.wordpress.com/ how-it-works/summer-schoolregistration-and-information/. “All our programs are designed to help our community of students. It is never too late to learn. Whether the student is in grade school or already in the professional workforce, Tomorrow’s Genius is here for you,” says Mr. Eisenberg. S.L.R.
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NORPAC’s Mission to Washington: US Aid to Israel, including Sanctions against Iran, Is Morally Right and Mutually Beneficial On Wednesday, May 9, more
than 1,000 pro-Israel men, women, and more than a few students from throughout New Jersey and parts of New York, left their homes before 5am in order to make their voices heard on Capitol Hill in Washington on behalf of the Jewish state. Before the day-long NORPAC Mission to Washington was over, the participants, divided into small groups, managed to hold 460 personal meetings with members of the US House of Representatives, the Senate, or members of their senior staffs. That meant NORPAC members impacted 85 percent of the House and 92 percent of the Senate. Participants saw themselves not as lobbyists, but as citizen-advocates for the strong, mutually beneficial relationship between the US and Israel. NORPAC is the largest pro-Israel political action committee in the country. NORPAC’s president, Dr. Ben Chouake, took pride in the turnout on the organization’s 20th annual Mission to Washington. “Together, a group like this can do wonders to help that sliver of a country located in such a tough neighborhood,” he said. Talking Points Some of the participants had come together the week
before to discuss the Talking Points on the issues NORPAC’s leadership had decided on which to focus, but on all 25 buses, nearly everyone wanted to hear them again. The first concerned Israel’s need for continued military assistance from the US, and the second addressed the Iranian nuclear threat not only to the Jewish state, but to the US as well. The third talking point called for enhanced US-Israel security cooperation, particularly Israel’s need for a commitment from the US Congress to provide Jerusalem with military capabilities to defend itself and preserve its qualitative edge, and to encourage Israel’s neighbors to recognize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. Iron Dome The fourth talking point called for additional US assistance for Israel’s Iron Dome, a portable, anti-missile defense system that has reduced the danger to Israeli civilians from terrorist missile attacks. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in Israel, Iron Dome can detect, track, and intercept the type of short-range missiles and rockets that are the backbone of the arsenals employed by Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah
terrorists. The current generation of Iron Dome batteries has intercepted rockets with a success rate of close to 90 percent. In one weekend in March, Iron Dome intercepted 37 rockets fired from Gaza towards Israeli cities. But this kind of defense does not come inexpensively. Each interceptor missile costs about $50,000. Just before the NORPAC Mission, the US House Armed Services Committee voted to authorize $680 million in new funding for Iron Dome, in addition to the $205 million authorized last year. Preparing On many of the NORPAC buses on the way to Washington, group leaders played a DVD showing how one of NORPAC’s founding members, Representative Steven Rothman (D-NJ), helped participants practice for tough questions they could potentially face in some legislators’ offices. “Israel gets $3.1 billion in aid from the US. Why shouldn’t that money be used at home in tough economic times?” Mr. Rothman tested the participants. The response: While Israel undoubtedly receives a great deal of military aid from the US, Israel, as an ally and a strategic asset on which Washington can depend, gives a great deal back. Mr. Rothman pointed out that all foreign aid given by the US amounts to about one percent of the entire federal budget. Israel’s share amounts to less than one-tenth of one percent of the budget.
“Floating Aircraft Carrier” On the buses to Washington, NORPAC Mission participants familiarized themselves with Israel’s strategic location on the Mediterranean, with access to the Red Sea and other vital international shipping and military lanes of commerce and traffic. On one of the buses from Teaneck, Englewood resident Dr. Monique Katz even brought along a well-appreciated map. “It is critically important to the US that Israel continues to serve as a port of call for US troops, ships, aircraft and intelligence operations,” said Dr. Chouake. In fact, he said, Israel could well be called America’s “floating aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean.” “If Israel did not exist as a US ally, it would cost the US up to $80 billion each year to duplicate the benefits it derives from Israel. This makes the $3.1 billion Israel receives a bargain for the US,” he said. Additional Arguments The US currently pre-positions more than $800 million worth of weapons and military supplies in Israel. One of the pieces of legislation supported by NORPAC—The US-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012, sponsored by House Majority Leader Rep Eric Cantor (R-VA) and House Minority Whip Rep Steny Hoyer (D-MD)—calls for that figure to jump to more than $1 billion. The bill passed in the House of Representatives while NORPAC participants were advocating on
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Lobbying for Israel, from left, Susan L. Rosenbluth, editor of The Jewish Voice and Opinion; Chana Lieba Rosenbluth; Rep Cory Gardner (R-CO); Dr. Arthur Kook; Elana Sichel; and Dr. Eric Sichel Capitol Hill. In the Senate, similar legislation has been sponsored by Sens Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA). It has 32 co-sponsors, but there is as yet no indication when it will come for a vote. NORPAC participants had another argument to bolster the position that US aid to Israel is beneficial to both countries: About 75 percent of the military aid Israel receives must be used by Jerusalem to purchase American military equipment. “This provides real support for US high-tech defense jobs and contributes to maintaining the US industrial base. This helps the US stay at the very top in the manufacturing of our own cutting-edge military munitions, aircraft, vehicles, missiles, and virtually every other defensive and offensive weapon in the US arsenal— with the added contribution of Israel’s renowned technical know-how and shared military intelligence,” said Dr. Chouake. Iran When the discussion turned to the dangers of a nuclear-armed Iran, NORPAC participants understood the threat this posed to Israel. As the leading statesponsor of terror in the world,
Iran, which is currently racing towards nuclear-weapons capability, has used its proxy Islamist armies of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza to carry out attacks on Israeli civilians. Iranian agents have carried out terrorist attacks against Jews and Americans in India, Africa, the former Soviet Union, and throughout the Middle East. “Imagine what an Iran protected by a nuclear umbrella will do,” said Dr. Chouake. NORPAC’s advocates for Israel were prepared to discuss not how to “contain” a nuclear-armed Iran, but how to prevent it. “We’re not asking the US to go to war with Iran—far from it. We are asking Congress to toughen our sanctions against Iran and to prevent it from gaining nuclear capability,” said Dr. Chouake. Danger to the US The message NORPAC participants brought to Capitol Hill was that the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran is a concern shared by the US and Israel, and cooperation between the two countries to prevent war will save lives and resources. “Today, the greatest danger to America and Israel is an
The Jewish Voice and Opinion
emboldened Iran and its client agents—Syria, Hezbollah, and Hamas. Iranian leaders have promised a final solution for the Jews and are working feverishly to obtain the means. If Iran acquires nuclear weapons, it will be able to do in 12 minutes what Hitler did in 12 years,” said Dr. Chouake. The situation is further complicated by the recognition that the Islamist-messianic nature of the Iranian leadership precludes the concept of “mutually assured destruction,” which had worked as a nuclear deterrent for the US and the Soviet Union during the days of the Cold War. Resolutions In their visits on Capitol Hill, NORPAC participants enthusiastically supported House and Senate Resolutions expressing the legislators’ determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. In the Senate, the effort to pass the resolution is headed by Sens Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Joseph Lieberman (I-CT), and Robert Casey (DPA). The House resolution was introduced by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (RFL) and Ranking Member Rep Howard Berman (D-CA). In both houses of Congress, the resolutions urge increasing economic and diplomatic pressure on Iran to suspend all ura-
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nium enrichment-related and reprocessing activities and to sign a permanent agreement that will verifiably assure that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful. The resolutions reject any US policy that would try to “contain” a nuclear weaponscapable Iran. The sanctions urged by NORPAC include injunctions against financial institutions continuing to do business with the Central Bank of Iran; and strong measures against international firms that continue to work with Iranian entities like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran Air, or groups involved in Iranian oil export. In addition, NORPAC encouraged legislators to back these sanctions “by enhancing a credible threat of military action” if all other measures fail to pressure Iran. Hidden Jewish Connection While most of the time in Washington was spent visiting legislators’ offices, for the first hour after the participants arrived, they were the ones visited by several key Congressmen and Senators. Republican George Allen, a former Congressman, Senator and Governor of Virginia who is currently running once again for Senate, shared with NORPAC participants his own
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June 2012/Sivan 5772
NORPAC in DC personal reason for wanting to keep Israel safe: His grandfather was Jewish, a secret kept by his mother who feared antisemitism even in the US. Mr. Allen’s grandfather, Felix Lumbroso, had been imprisoned by the Nazis for his resistance efforts in French Tunisia. Mr. Allen told the group that this discovery had left him not only proud of the Jewish heritage in his family but also determined to work against “injustice or the ugly head of racism, antisemitism, or repression.” “The core principle of freedom of conscience, beliefs, and religion was no longer a matter of enlightened philosophy to me; it became deeply personal in my heart-wrenching realization of how fear and persecution so tormented my loving, loyal mother’s life,” he said. “Shoulder-to-Shoulder” He said he sees support
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continued from page 21 for the Jewish state as a “winwin for the US and Israel” and, in a reference to the remark later rescinded by President Barack Obama, Mr. Allen said, “It’s not enough for us to have Israel’s back. We have to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel, recognizing that there is no distinction between threats to Israel and threats to the US. Iran is a threat to Israel, the Middle East, and, indeed, the entire world, and we cannot be timid when it comes to facing down that threat.” He said Israel’s experience with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon was proof that “containment will not work.” “We need strict sanctions that must be enforced until we convince Iran not only to give up its nuclear dreams but also to allow the world to verify that it has gotten rid of its nuclear capability. This is an
issue for all freedom-loving people,” he said. Defund UNESCO He was followed by Rep Jeff Flake (R-AZ), who has worked to defund the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) after the group voted to accept Palestinians as full members, thereby recognizing Palestine as a state without its having to negotiate with Israel. He called the US-Israel relationship, including foreign aid to the Jewish state, “the best bang for the buck we can get.” “Considering the unstable situations in Egypt and Syria and the recognition that, with the unrest in Jordan, that country is hanging by a thread, we realize that nothing is more important to the US than our relationship with Israel, our best ally anywhere in the world,” he said.
Weapons Aimed at Israel When Sen Lieberman addressed the group, he began with stories concerning his personal friendship with Rabbi Menachem Genack, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Emunah in Englewood, rabbinic administrator of the Orthodox Union, and NORPAC’s founding chairman. Mr. Lieberman called the rabbi, “my teacher and my muse.” A longtime supporter of Israel and the US-Israel relationship, Mr. Lieberman had been in Israel twice in the past month, once for his new grandson’s brith milah, and the second to visit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he sat shiva for his father. Mr. Lieberman noted that, for years, Iran and its proxy, Hezbollah, in southern Lebanon, have pursued a “methodical campaign,” concealing within Hezbollah’s bunkers “thousands of rockets
http://jewishvoiceandopinion.com and missiles aimed at Israel.” The weapons, he said, were intended to prevent Israel from striking at Iran’s nuclear program. “But Israel won’t be deterred. With its remarkable training and technological developments, it will do what it must to deter and prevent its enemies from succeeding,” he said. Congress and the White House will do their part, he said, by investing in Israel’s technological achievements such as Iron Dome. He maintained that Iran was finally agreeing to come to the negotiating table because of the “bite of US sanctions,” but that the sanctions will not end until Iran agrees to “total compliance with US demands.” “Talking will not be enough,” he said. In America’s Interests Sen Robert Menendez (DNJ) agreed, pointing out that the US Senate had voted 100 to 0 to apply sanctions on the Iranian Central Bank as a way to compel Iran to relinquish its nuclear ambitions. “There will be no mere containment, and Israel must always be master of its own fate,” said Mr. Menendez. Although Mr. Menendez has been a valiant supporter of the Jewish state for more than 20 years, it has not always been politically easy for him, especially as a Congressman representing NJ’s 13th district, which has more Arab and Muslim residents than Jews. His support for Israel reflects his conviction that it is in America’s national interests to maintain strong relations with the Jewish state based on their shared values. “Israel votes with us more often, in common cause, in international forums than does any other country in the world,” he said.
June 2012/Sivan 5772
In 2009, Mr. Menendez, a Democrat, criticized Mr. Obama for indicating, in his speech in Cairo, that the only rationale for Israel’s existence was Jewish suffering during the Holocaust. “The Holocaust was undeniably a defining moment, but it is not the reason that Israel’s exists,” said Mr. Menendez. Jewish Unity House Majority Leader Cantor explained to the NORPAC participants that the bill he cosponsored with Mr. Hoyer—The US-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012—recalls the US-Israel Memorandum of Understanding which, in 2007, guaranteed Israel $30 billion in US aid over the next ten years. That commitment has helped Israel secure loans with very reasonable interest rates, and Mr. Cantor’s legislation ensures that it will continue. Mr. Cantor saw the goals of those who had come to Washington with NORPAC as a reflection of Jewish history. Noting that the day after the mission was Lag B’Omer, a commemoration of the end of a second century CE plague that, according to tradition, was caused by Jewish disunity, Mr. Cantor said that when Jews come to Washington to advocate for Israel, they are “correcting the wrong we recall on Lag B’Omer.” The last legislator to address the participants before they began their advocacy sessions was Rep Shelley Berkley (D-NV) whose visit to the Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls in Teaneck several years ago was fondly recalled by the school’s parents and alumni. Ms. Berkley spoke about her trip to Auschwitz, which she took with students participating in a March of the Living program. The most memorable moment, she said, was when
The Jewish Voice and Opinion
an IDF officer addressed the group, telling them, “We’re 60 years too late, but we’re here now.” As the officer spoke, she said, Israeli planes flew noisily overhead. “Israeli jets buzzed Auschwitz,” she said. “Had the IDF been there 60 years earlier, they would have bombed the train tracks and ended the Holocaust. We are going to stop Iran now, because we don’t ever want to be 60 years too late again,” she said. Jewish Right to the Land It was an especially meaningful point to Dr. Chouake, who reminded participants that when they discussed Iran with legislators, they would be talking about “the Amalek of our generation that seeks to disrupt the safety of the world and the Jewish homeland.” He noted that some of NORPAC’s advocates for Israel might encounter arguments that the Jewish state must solve its conflict with the Palestinians. “If anyone complains about Jews in the West Bank, ask them if Jews are allowed to live in Egypt, or in Jordan, or in Lebanon, Syria, or Saudi Arabia, or in Iraq or Afghanistan, even after the US spent $1 trillion and who knows how much blood. Ask them if Christians are allowed to live comfortably in any of those countries. The answer is no. It is the right of every Jew
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to live in Judea and Samaria, and don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise,” he said. Next Generation Important as the words were for adults, they seemed to resonate deeply for the students who had joined the NORPAC mission. One of the youngest was Chana Lieba Rosenbluth, a sixth grader from the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, who had just made the agelimit cutoff of 12. Attending with her grandmother, Chana Lieba was placed in an advocacy group that included Elana Sichel, an eighthgrader at the Moriah School of Englewood. By the end of the day, when the adults in the group were getting a bit bleary-eyed, Chana Lieba and Elana took over the advocacy, reminding the chief of staff in the office of Rep Mike Conaway (R-TX) why Israel was the best bargain the US could ever hope to find, why it was so important that Iran not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, and how Iron Dome technology would benefit not only Israel, but also the US. As the adults dozed on the bus on the way home, Chana Lieba was busy planning her participation in next year’s NORPAC mission. She said she wants to help the leaders decide what the Talking Points should be. S.L.R.
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June 2012/Sivan 5772
Wed., June 6
Women’s Networking of the Jewish Business Network, Starbucks at the Meadowlands Sheraton Hotel, E Rutherford, 9:30am, 973-902-5932 Contemporary Israeli Poetry Group, in the original with English translation and discussion, Atara Fobar, Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, 7pm, 718-796-4730 Abused Women’s Confidential Support Group, Jewish Family Service, Teaneck, 7:15pm, 201-837-9090 Jewish 12-Step Meeting, JACS—Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons, and Significant Others, Jewish Family Service, Teaneck, 7:30pm, 201837-9090, ask for IRA (Information and Referral) or 201-981-1071 Monthly Israel Update, Daniel Sonnenschein, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 7:30pm, 845-362-4400 “The Art of Marriage: Make Up or Break Up?” Rabbi Mendy Mangel, Chabad Center, Cherry Hill, 856-874-1500; Rabbi Levi Wolosow, Chabad House, Manalapan, 732-972-3687; Rabbi Mendy Herson, Chabad Jewish Center, Basking Ridge, 908-604-8844 ext 210; 7:30pm “Faith and Challenge in Tanach,” for women, Rachel Friedman, Libby Kolb Chapter of EMUNAH evening dedicated to the memory of Naomi Esral, z”l, and Aliza Chaya Esral, z”l, includes papercutting workshop by Noa Attias, a graduate of the EMUNAH-supported Appleman College of Arts and Technology, in Jerusalem, private home in Teaneck, 7:30pm, faberronnie4@ gmail.com
“The Art of Marriage: Make Up or Break Up?” Rabbi Ephraim Simon, Chabad House, Teaneck, 8pm, 201-907-0686
Charlie Harary, scholarin-residence, Young Israel of Teaneck, through Shabbat, June 9, 201-837-1710
Café Europa Lunch and Concert, for seniors, Riverdale YMHA, 10:30am, 718-548-8200 Training Course for Synagogue Security Team Leaders, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 6pm, 201-907-0180 “Trends That Impact Synagogues,” for shul presidents and presidents elect, Lisa Harris Glass, includes supper, Jewish Federation of Northern NJ, Paramus, 6:30pm, 201-819-6433 Cong Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob and David Sisterhood Donor Dinner, honoring Lisa Schwarzbaum and Mindy Saibel, at the shul, West Orange, boutique, 7pm; dinner catered by Beth Indyk, 7:30pm, 973-736-1407 “The Fool and the Genius: The True Fiction of Isaac Bashevis Singer,” Nadia Kalman, JCC, Tenafly, 7:30pm, 201-408-1458 “The Fast Track to Good Health: How to Find It,” Dr. Mendel Singer, Yaakov Rosenthal, and Elisheva Rabinowitz, LCPC, moderated by Rabbi Lawrence Zierler, Jewish Center of Teaneck, 8pm, 201-833-0515
“I Wish I Understood Everything I Was Saying” Minyan, Rabbi Steven Weil, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 8:45am, 201-907-0180 “The Philosophy of Hebrew Scripture,” Dr. Yoram Hazony, Davar Institute, Teaneck, 10:30am and 7:30pm, DAVAR-owner@yahoogroups.com “The Case of the Backward Letters,” Rabbi Kleinberg, Cong Ohr Torah, Edison, 11am, 732-7776843 Graduation Kiddush, Young Israel of Passaic-Clifton, Passaic, noon, 973-330-1244 Graduation Kiddush, Cong Ohav Emeth, Highland Park, noon, 732-247-3038 Graduation Kiddush, Cong Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck, noon, 201-692-8292 Graduation Kiddush, Cong Ahavat Shalom of the Teaneck Apartments, at the Torah Academy of Bergen County, Teaneck, noon, danik35@gmail.com Graduation Kiddush, Young Israel of Monsey and Wesley Hills, noon, djacobson@ashar.org Kiddush, to honor boys in first grade for learning Baruch She’amar and boys in grade 2 for helping leaders teach it, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, noon, rivki19@yahoo.com Lunch and Scavanger Hunt, for girls in grades 5-7, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, noon, alicht13@ aol.com The Three C’s: Cholent, Cugel, and Conversation: “They’re No Longer Playing Our Tune: The Role of the Iconic Song in Religious and National Life,” Rabbi Lawrence Zierler, Jewish Center of Teaneck, noon, 201-833-0515 ext 200 “The Tefilla Tightrope: Something Old, Something New,” Rebbetzin Peshi Neuberger, at the Atara Spring Tea, for women, honoring Rebbetzin Debbie Baum and Estee Kirsch, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 4pm,
Thurs., June 7
Fri., June 8
“Great Jewish Women in History,” Doug LeBlag, Riverdale YMHA, 10:30am, 718-548-8200 “Igniting the Spark Within: A Wholesome Approach to Personal Growth,” Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport, spons by Chabad at the Shore, at the Linwood Public Library, 12:15pm, 609-822-8500
Connect with Leading Experts at the 4th International Conference on
Jewish Medical Ethics Thursday August 16 - Sunday August 19, 2012 at The Heritage Hotel, Southbury, Connecticut
Dr. Beni Gesundheit Rabbi Dr. Aaron E. Glatt Rabbi Dr. Edward Reichman
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Rabbi Dr. Avraham Steinberg Rabbi Dr. David Shabtai
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Shabbat, June 9
The Log:
Francineweisbrot@gmail.com “The Religious Zionism of Rav Soloveitchik: Why He Left Agudat Yisrael for Mizrachi,” Rabbi Simcha Krauss, Cong Rinat Yisrael, Teaneck, 6:55pm, 201837-2795 “The Philosophy of Hebrew Scripture,” Dr. Yoram Hazony, Davar Institute, Teaneck, 7:30pm, DAVAR-owner@yahoogroups.com
Sun., June 10
“The Art of Marriage: Make Up or Break Up?” Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale, 9:45am, 718-549-1100 Kushner Day School Hachnasat Sefer Torah and Dedication, in honor of Susan Dworken’s retirement after 25 years, Kushner Hebrew Academy and High School, Livingston, 10am, 973-597-1115 ext 1106 “Outraheoushiss…Pets: Reptiles and Other Hissing Animals,” for children 3-8 years old, Cong Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck, 10am, cbybnot@gmail.com Bnai Akiva South of Route 4 End of Year Celebration, Cong Ohr Saadya, Teaneck, 10am, pscheininger@hotmail.com Mitzvah March Walkathon, to benefit the JCC MetroWest Early Childhood Program and Pediatrics at St Barnabas Hospital, at Camp Deeny Riback, includes kosher BBQ, mitzvah projects, 10am, 973-530-3915 Riverdale Israel House (iHouse), gym and Israeli-style brunch, for children and adults, in Hebrew, Talya Leib, Riverdale YMHA, 10:30am; 718-548-8200 Teens Needed to Staff Family Soup Kitchen, Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, 11:45am4:15pm, 917-885-4542 Cong Poile Zedek Dedication of New Harry, z”l, and Dora Shipowich Sanctuary, at the shul in New Brunswick, noon, 732545-6123 Cong Keter Torah Family and Youth Fun Day and BBQ, Votee Park, Teaneck, noon, rivki19@yahoo.com State-Wide Gathering of Generations of the Shoah, for survivors and their families (2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations), featuring Michael Berenbaum, Mercer
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June 2012/Sivan 5772
The Jewish Voice and Opinion
“Separate Yourself Not from the Community”
County Community College, West Windsor, 1:30pm, holocaust@doe. state.nj.us or 609-292-9274 “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Riverdale YMHA, 2pm, also Wed. June 13, 7pm; Thurs., June 14, 7pm, and Sun., June 17, 2 and 7pm, 718548-8200 Jewish Relief Agency Packing Non-Perishable Food and Delivering to People in Need, Zalman Moshe “Zalmo” Silverman, at Rabbinical College of America, Morristown, 3pm, 973-267-9404 ext 111 or 516-606-3413 Concert and Acrobat Show, featuring Freedom Season, Pitom, Cirquetacular, kids crafts and show, bounce house, and BBQ, Chabad Jewish Center, Basking Ridge, 3-7pm, 908-604-8844 ext 209 Guns and Beef Night, includes talks on gun ownership and live fire followed by kosher meat buffet, proceeds go to the Israel Independence Fund, at Gun for Hire Firearms Training Institute, Belleville, 4pm, 201-928-0855 or 414-GolaniC (465-2642) Bnei Akiva Snif Chadash of Teaneck Darom End of Year Program, for students in grades 1-6, fun with an educational Zionist element, Cong Arzei Darom, 4pm, pscheininger@hotmail.com Hebrew Institute of Riverdale Dinner, honoring Stanley and Ruby Langer, Phil and Jean Schneider, and James and Ann Lapin, at the shul in Riverdale, 5pm, 718-796-4730 Yeshiva of Spring Valley Dinner, honoring Eli and Bea Hirsch, Danny and Atara Gilbert, Jason Cury, and Joel Beritz, at the Doubletree Hotel, Tarrytown, 5:30pm, 845-356-1400 ext 154 Yeshivas Ohr Yosef Dinner: celebrating the school’s 2nd graduating class, honoring Rabbi Yisroel Teichman, Trana Freedman, and Mr. and Mrs. Barry Mase, at the school, New Milford, 5:45pm, 201-977-2990 Defensive Driving Course, spons by the Young Israel of Teaneck, 6pm, 718-702-2432 “Israel in Our Hearts and Voices,” Shirah community choir concert with Matthew Lazar, fea-
turing Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, JCC, Tenafly, 7pm, 201-408-1465 Shiur, for women, Rebbetin Esther Baila Schwartz, private home in West Orange, 8pm, rglickusa@ yahoo.com Tanach, Rabbi Nati Helfgot, Cong Rinat Yisrael, Teaneck, 8pm, 201-837-2795 “Super Mom: It’s Attainable,” for mothers of children of all ages, Debbie Selengut, spons by Neve Passaic Torah Institute, private home in Clifton, 8pm, 908-278-4059 Shiur, Dr. Rivkah Blau, with introductory remarks by Rabbi Larry Rothwachs, in memory of Rochi Lerner, z”l, Cong Beth Aaron, Teaneck, 8:15pm, 201-836-6210
Mon., June 11
Kosher Trip to Western Massachusetts, for seniors, includes Tanglewood and the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the National Yiddish Book Center, spons by the Riverdale YMHA, return Wed., June 13, 718-548-8200 Donations of Books Accepted by Teaneck Public Library, for later sale, donations accepted through Sun., June 17, 201-403-4629 Clifton Cheder Dinner, honoring Rabbi Yosef Gavriel, Dr. Shani Bechhofer, Eli and Tovah Schneider, Rabbi Menachem Wiederman, at Zichron Moshe Hall, Passaic, 6:30pm, 646-584-7540 “The Art of Marriage: Danger Ahead—Boredom and Temptation,” 7:30pm, Rabbi Mendy Kasowitz, Lubavitch Center, West Orange, 973-486-2362; Chabad Jewish Center of Suffern, Rabbi Samuel Gancz, 845-368-1889 “The Law and the Law: Florida vs HHS and the Torah’s View of Obamacare,” Rabbi Steven Pruzansky, Cong Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck, 7:30pm, 201-836-8916 “An Introduction to Ohel Rachel: How Jewish Marriage Transforms Strolling with a Spouse into Walking with G-d,” Becca Allen, for women, spons by the Sisterhoods of Congs BnaiYeshurun and Beth Abraham, at Cong Beth Abraham, Bergenfield, 8:30pm, 201-384-0434
Tues., June 12
Jewish Business Network Women’s Networking, includes kosher breakfast, Whole Foods Market, Bergen Town Center, Paramus, 8:15am, 201-966-0800 “Law and Order: Courtroom Extravaganza,” Aytan Adler, Riverdale YMHA, 10:30am, 718-548-8200 “The Art of Marriage: Make Up or Break Up?” Rabbi Levi Wolosow, Chabad House, Manalapan, 10:30am, 732-972-3687 Parsha and Latte and Learn, Ben Keil, Teaneck General Store, 7pm, 201-530-5046 “The Art of Marriage: Make Up or Break Up?” Rabbi Levi Dubinsky, Chabad of Mountain Lakes, 7:30pm, 973-551-1898 Shalva Chai Chapter of AMIT Mother-in-Israel Evening, honoring Bleema Posner; Melanie Sosland; and Deena, Talia, and Alex Thurm, featuring “Raising a Child with Soul,” Slovie JungreisWolf, private home in Englewood, 7:30am, 212-792-5690 “This Summer’s Potential: What You Can Make of It,” Charlie
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Harary and Rebbetzin Baila Stern, spons by N’shei Hatzolah of Passaic-Clifton, at Bais Sholom, Clifton, 8pm, 917-952-7296 Volunteer Orientation, to work with special-needs children and teens through the Friendship Circle of MetroWest, Livingston, 8pm, 973-251-0200
Wed., June 13
“Beyond Time and Place: Paintings of Israel,” artist Barbara Israel Bortniker, trip to ACL Gallery, Livingston, for seniors, leave Cong Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob and David, West Orange, 11:30am, 973-763-1407 ext 240 Fathers’ Day Luncheon and Program, for seniors, Riverdale YMHA, 11:45am, 718-548-8200 Cong Beth Abraham of Bergenfield Dinner, honoring Hannah and Elchanan Dulitz and Julie and Larry Farkas, at Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 5:30pm, 201-384-0434 Challah Baking, for grades K-2, Cong Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob and David, West Orange, 7pm, 973-736-1407
continued on page 26
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The Log
June 2012/Sivan 5772
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continued from page 25
Mom’s Support Group, for mothers of children with special needs, Amy Brunswick, LSW, spons by Jewish Family Service of MetroWest, JCC, West Orange, 7:30pm, 973-765-9050 or 973-929-3129 Schmooze on the News B’Ivrit, Danniel Sonnenschein, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 7:30pm, 845-362-4400 “Chicks with Sticks Knitting Circle,” hats for preemies, children with cancer, and IDF soldiers in Israel, private home in Highland Park, 8:15pm, 732-339-8492
Thurs., June 14
Rachel Wig Sale, Party Plaza Building, Teaneck, 10am-6pm, 732-809-5493 Film: “Silent Movie,” JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 1pm, 845362-4400 Training Course for Synagogue Security Team Leaders, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 6pm, 201-907-0180 Challah Baking, for grades 3-5, Cong Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob and David, West Orange, 7:30pm, 973-736-1407 Sandra O Gold Founders Day Concert, JCC, Tenafly, 7pm, 201-408-1465
Fri., June 15
OHEL Awareness Shabbos: Challenges Unwrapped, Solutions Available: Guest Cantor, Shloime Dachs, Cong Ahavath Torah, Englewood, 10:30am, 718-6863214, through Shabbat, June 16 “A Taste of Shabbat,” for parents and children, with Daniel Sonnenschein, music, stories, crafts, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 10:45am, 845-362-4200 “Spirituality or Reality? Is Home Where the Heart Is?” Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport, spons by Chabad at the Shore, at the
Linwood Public Library, 12:15pm, 609-822-8500 Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, Cong Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob and David, West Orange, through Shabbat, June 16 Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, scholar-in-residence, Beis Medrash of Bergenfield, through Shabbat, June 16, ryan@bmob.org
Shabbat, June 16
Israel Bonds Shabbat, with Rabbi David Warshaw, Cong Ahavas Achim, Highland Park, D’var Torah, 8:15am and 10:15am; Q&A and Seudah Shlishit, 8pm, 732-390-2173 Carlebach Minyan, Cong Darchei Noam, Fair Lawn, 8:45am Minyan Tiferet: Shira Hadasha-Style Shabbat Morning Service, private home in Englewood, 9:15am, minyantiferet@gmail.com OHEL Awareness Shabbos: Challenges Unwrapped, Solutions Available: “Protecting Our Children in Time of Crisis,” David Mandel, OHEL CEO, Cong Ahavath Torah, Englewood, 10:30am, 718-686-3214 OHEL Awareness Shabbos: Challenges Unwrapped, Solutions Available: “Secrets Regarding the Psychological Well-Being of Our Children,” Dr. Hindie Klein, Kehillat Kesher, Tenafly, 10:30 am, 718-686-3214 Mommy and Me, for children 0-3, with a parent, Cong Arzei Darom, Teaneck, 10:45am, 201530-0043 Graduation Shabbos, Community Synagogue of Monsey, noon, 845-425-2676 Graduation Kiddush, Cong Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob and David, West Orange, noon, 973736-1407 Graduation Kiddush, Cong Rinat Yisrael, Teaneck, noon, 201-
The Log is a free service provided to the Jewish community in northern and central New Jersey, Rockland County and Riverdale. Events that we list include special and guest lectures, concerts, boutiques, dinners, open houses, club meetings, and new classes. Announcements are requested by the 25th of the month prior to the month of the event. Due to space and editorial constraints, we cannot guarantee publication of any announcement. Please email them to : susan@jewishvoiceandopinion.com
837-2795 Graduation Kiddush, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, noon, 201907-0180 Lunch and Ping Pong Tournament, for boys in grades 5-7, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, noon, alicht13@aol.com Bnei Akiva Snif Chadash of Teaneck Darom, for students in grades 1-6, fun with an educational Zionist element, Cong Arzei Darom, 4pm, pscheininger@hotmail.com Women’s Shalosh Seudos, with Rebbetzin Efrat Sobolofsky, spons by Cong Ohr Torah, private home in Bergenfield, 4pm, jennygans@gmail.com Nerot Women of the Year, for women, honoring Bina Faber, Sheryl Levine, and Shany Wiener, featuring Yocheved Schacter, Cong Rinat Yisrael, Teaneck, 4:45pm, 917-853-1143 or 917-655-8787 Cong Beth Aaron Sisterhood Book Club: “Start-Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle” by Dan Senor and Saul Singer, private home in Teaneck, 5pm, 201-837-0651 Sisterhood Shabbos Mevorchim Lecture, Community Synagogue of Monsey, 5pm, 845-356-7687 OHEL Awareness Shabbos: Challenges Unwrapped, Solutions Available: “Secrets Regarding the Psychological Well-Being of Our Children,” includes a discussion on bullying, private home in Englewood, 6pm, 718-686-3214 Final Oneg, for teens, honoring Chanie Kirschner, Cong Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob and David, West Orange, 6pm, 973-736-1407 or 973-243-1463 “A Story of Corruption, War, and Turmoil: The Ancient Origins of Day School Education,” Yossi Prager, Cong Rinat Yisrael, Teaneck 6:55pm, 201-837-2795 OHEL Awareness Shabbos: Challenges Unwrapped, Solutions Available: “Nurturing Healthy Parent-Adolescent Relationships in the Age of Texting, Sound-bites, and OMG,” David Mandel, OHEL CEO, includes shalosh seudos, Cong Ahavath Torah, Englewood, 8pm, 718-686-3214 OHEL Awareness Shab-
bos: Challenges Unwrapped, Solutions Available: “Giving Our Young Adults Helpful Advice on Maintaining Strong Values,” Dr. Hindie Klein, includes Shalosh Seudos, Kehillat Kesher, Tenafly, 8pm, 718-686-3214
Sun., June 17
Community Blood Drive, honoring traffic victim Ariel Fishman, for those 16 and up, Young Israel of East Brunswick, 8am-2pm, 800-933-BLOOD Daughters of Miriam Minyan Appreciation Day, honoring the minyan volunteers who visit Daughter of Miriam to attend services and visit the residents, includes shacharis, breakfast, short ceremony, dvar Torah by Rabbi Ira Kronenberg, and time for bikur cholim, at Daughters of Miriam, Clifton, 8:45am, samapprais@aim.com Torah Academy of Bergen County Scholarship Breakfast, honoring Fanny and Dov Elefant and Seth Warshaw, at the school in Teaneck, 9am, 201-837-7696 ext 150 Teaneck Friends of Mesivta Tifereth Jerusalem Breakfast, with HaRav Reuven Feinstein, Cong Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck, 9am, 201-836-8916 Family Arts and Crafts at the Riverdale YMHA’s Sunday Market, 9am-2pm, 718-548-8200 Explanatory Morning Service, Rabbi David Pietruszka, spons by the Jewish Learning Experience, at Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 9:15am, 201-966-4490 Bnai Akiva End-of-the-Year Tie Dye Event, for grades 1-5, Cong Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck, 4pm, 201-836-8916 Bnai Akiva Bounce-plusPizza, for grades 6-8, Cong Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck, 4pm, 201836-8916 Riverdale Jewish Center Dinner, honoring Elizabeth and Rabbi Gidon Rothstein, Yardena Osband and David Glazer, and Lori and Shai Barnea, at the shul, 5:30pm, 718-548-1850 Yeshiva Tiferes Naftoli, Chofetz Chaim Yeshiva Dinner, honoring Aviva and Barry Siegel, at the school in Old Bridge, 5:30pm, 732-446-5841 Concert to Save Lives, featur-
http://jewishvoiceandopinion.com ing Burnt Ice and Friends: Zach Dicker, Ben Eidman, Judah Levy, Matt Parker, and Tamara Sastow, all graduates of the Moriah School and now students at SAR; also Jon Merkin, Green Stop Sign (Alle Glenn, Eliot Kershner, and Uriyah Kopelowitz), and Jonah Eidman, to benefit United Hatzalah of Israel, kosher snacks and soft drinks, at Mexicali Live, Teaneck, 6:45pm, 201-833-0011 or http://www.tsel. org/hatzalah/burntice Tanach Series, Rabbi Nati Helfgot, Cong Rinat Yisrael, Teaneck, 8pm, 201-837-2795 Writers Group, for sharing, private home in Teaneck, 8:30pm, 347-200-5009
Mon., June 18
Drawing for Rabbi Pesach Raymon Yeshiva Raffle, grand prize is two tickets to Israel, 732572-5052 Last Day for Those Whose Homes Need Repairs to Submit Photos and Story to GAF North America for its “Homeliest Home,” winners must have someone living in the house suffering from an illness, someone in the house was recently in the military, or if the owner suffered a weather-related event; GAF is located in Wayne, 973-628-3000 Brunch and Learn: Meet Our Israeli Shlichim, JCC, Margate, 10:30am, 609-822-1167 ext 138 Israel Film Club: “Jellyfish,” in Hebrew with English subtitles, discussion led by Danniel Sonnenschein, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 7pm, 845-362-4200 “The Art of Marriage: Make Up or Break Up?” 7:30pm, Rabbi Mendy Kasowitz, Lubavitch Center, West Orange, 973-486-2362; Chabad Jewish Center of Suffern, Rabbi Samuel Gancz, 845-368-1889
Tues., June 19
Women’s Club for Widows, Jewish Federation and Vocational Services, Concordia Shopping Center, Monroe, 10:30am, 732-7771940 or 609-395-7979 “Create the Perfect-Pitch Workshop: How to Pitch Your Story to the NY Media,” Jaci Clement, Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands, Lyndhurst, 10:30am, 201-447-7920 End-of-the-Year Seniors Party, Cong Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob and David, West Orange,
June 2012/Sivan 5772
10:30am, 973-736-1407 Early Childhood Family Picnic, honoring parent leaders, includes music, Riverdale YMHA, 6pm, 718-548-8200 Simply Tsfat, in concert, at Mexicali Live, kosher food available, Teaneck, 7pm, 201-833-0011
Wed., June 20
Volunteers for Kefiada leave for Israel, college students will work as counselors in an Englishlanguage day camp in Ofakim, all expenses covered, through July 19, dyizrael@ujcnj.org Jewish Educational Center Banquet, honoring Julie LipsettSinger, NJ State Senator Raymond Lesniak, and Beth Russ, at Mayfair Farms, West Orange, 6pm, 908355-4850 ext 141 Abused Women’s Confidential Support Group, Jewish Family Service, Teaneck, 7:15pm, 201-837-9090 Schmooze on the News B’Ivrit, Danniel Sonnenschein, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 7:30pm, 845-362-4400 Rock Concert, to benefit music therapy at EMUNAH’s Beit El Ezraki Children’s Home, at Cong Beth Shalom, Teaneck, 7:30pm, ldschreiber@hotmail.com Super Jewish Singles, 65+, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 8pm, 845-362-4400
Thurs., June 21
La Leche League of Bronx/ Riverdale, Mia Damond Padwa, pregnant women, babies and small children welcome, healthy snacks, Riverdale YMHA, 9:30am, 718-543-0314 Cong Ahavath Torah Dinner, honoring Cheryl and Myron Bari, Rifki and Dr. Arthur Helft, and Jessica and Meyer Orbach, at the shul, Englewood, 6pm, 201-568-1315
Fri., June 22
“The Jewish Phoenix: Stories of Leadership and Revival,” Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport, spons by Chabad at the Shore, at the Linwood Public Library, 12:15pm, 609822-8500 Jewish Learning Experience 27th Anniversary Shabbaton, Rabbi David Pietruszka, Cong Beth Aaron, Teaneck, through Shabbat, June 23
Shabbat, June 23
Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Yehoshua Leib “Rebbee Hill”
The Jewish Voice and Opinion
Hill, Cong Beth Aaron, Teaneck, 201-836-6210 Graduation Kiddush, Cong Ohr Torah, West Orange, noon, 973-669-7320 Graduation Kiddush, Young Israel of Teaneck, noon, 201-8331884 or 201-837-1710 “Guess Who’s Coming to Lunch,” sign up to be a guest or a host, but you won’t know where you are going or who is coming until Shabbat morning in shul, spons by Cong Arzei Darom, Teaneck, noon, sisterhood@ arzeidarom.org
Sun., June 24
Bikur Cholim Event: “The Female Perspective,” for women, certified professional nutritionist, psychologist, cosmetologist, personal trainer, and financial trainer, includes brunch, Cong Ohr Torah, Edison, 10am, volunteers@ bikurcholimrv.org Flattening the Hills Street Fair: A Celebration of Jewish Life in Washington Heights, with entertainers, vendors, kosher food, PS 187, Washington Heights, 10am-4pm, 212-5685450 info@flatteningthehills.com Yeshivat Chovevei Torah
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Rabbinical School Yemei Iyun on Bible and Jewish Thought, 4 sessions, includes lunch, at Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls, Teaneck, 10am-4:30pm, 212-666-0036 or http://weblink. donorperfect.com/yctorah_register Friends of the Teaneck Public Library Sale of Books, Teaneck Public Library, 12:305pm, also Mon., June 25, 9am8pm, 201-403-4629 Riverdale RiverFest, to support the future Bronx Greenway, spons in part by the Hebrew Home at Riverdale, the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, the Riverdale Jewish Community Relations Council, Riverdale YMHA, and SAR, includes boat rides, kosher food, and exhibits, College of Mount St Vincent, Riverdale, 1-6pm “And the Angels Sing: Jewish Music Classics and Great Hits,” presented by The Makhelet Hamercaz Jewish Choir of Central NJ, Richard P Masasco Performing Arts Center, Monroe Twnshp, 3pm, 732-422-6444 or 732-985-2778 Eco-Cruise, spons by Teaneck Greenway, Hackensack River, 5:30pm, 201-833-1717
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The Log
June 2012/Sivan 5772
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JACS Meeting, 12-steps meeting for Jews in recovery, Rabbi Steven Bayar, Cong B’nai Israel, Millburn, 6pm, 973-379-3811 Young Israel of Passaic Clifton Dinner, honoring Richie and Helen Stareshefsky, at Cong Kehillas Beis Shalom, Clifton, 6pm, 973-778-7117 Shalom Bayis, for couples, Rabbi Reuven and Rebbetzin Devorah Kigel, private home in Teaneck 8pm, Allyson.guraryeh@ gmail.com
Mon., June 25
“Introduction to Holocaust History,” includes “Lasting Legacies: Anti-Judaism, Antisemitism, and the Foundation of the Nazi Racial State,” “Programs of Persecution: Jews and the Social Outsiders under Nazism,” “The Invasion of Poland: Expulsion, Concentration, and the Creation of Ghettos,” “Total War: Barbarossa and the Final Solution,” “The Camp Universe,” “Life in the Lager,” “Perpetrators: Doctors, Bureaucrats, and ‘Ordinary Men,’” Collaborators and Bystanders: The Case of Jedwabne,” “Resistance: Religious, Cultural, and Armed,” and “The Last Days,” Jessica Anderson Hughes, Bildner Center for Jewish Studies, Rutgers, New Brunswick, 9am, through Fri., June 29, 732-932-2033 Yachad Vocational Training, for special-needs Jewish men and women with special needs18-35, at Camp Moshava Ba’ir, at the Frisch Yeshiva High School, Paramus, 9am, through Aug 17, 212-613-8369 Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School Yemei Iyun on Bible and Jewish Thought, 5 sessions, includes lunch, at Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls, Teaneck, 9:30am-5pm, 212-666-0036 or http://weblink.donorperfect. com/yctorah_register Café Europa Holocaust Survivor Group, Jacob Weiland, MSW, Riverdale YMHA, 1pm, 718548-8200 ext 303 Confidential Support Group for Single Women Involved in the Process of Egg Freezing, Izetta Siegel Stern, LCSW, private location in Manhattan, 8pm, 212691-1266
Wed., June 27
Schmooze on the News B’Ivrit, Danniel Sonnenschein, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 7:30pm, 845-362-4400 “Chicks with Sticks Knitting Circle,” hats for preemies, children with cancer, and IDF soldiers in Israel, private home in Highland Park, 8:15pm, 732-339-8492 Thurs., June 28 Trip for Seniors: “Five Jewish Neighborhoods in Five Hours: Bronx, Harlem, Washington Heights, Upper West Side, and Greenwich Village, spons by the Riverdale YMHA, leave the Y at 9am, 718-548-8200 “What Everyone Needs to Know about Wills and Power of Attorney, Tina Jansen Spinoza, Riverdale YMHA, 1pm, 718-548-8200 “Handle with Care,” workshop for parents of children with behavioral disabilities, Hillcrest Community Center, West Milford, 5:30pm, 973-728-8744
Fri., June 29
Concert: Spanish, Yiddish, and Sephardic Songs, Chaim Zadok, Riverdale YMHA, 10:30am, 718548-8200 “I Wasn’t Ready to Say Goodbye: A Jewish Approach to Grief,” Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport, spons by Chabad at the Shore, at the Linwood Public Library, 12:15pm, 609-822-8500 Prof Jonathan Sarna, scholarin-residence, Davar Institute, Teaneck, through Shabbat, June 30, 201-837-1995 or DAVAR-owner@ yahoogroups.com
Shabbat, June 30
“What to Expect When You’re Not Expecting: Medical and Halachic Background for Your Gynecological Visits,” for women, Dr. Efrat Ginsberg and Yoetzet Halacha Shoshana Samuels, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 4:30pm, 201-907-0180
Sun., July 1
Blood Drive, includes babysitting and snacks, Cong Ahavas Achim, Highland Park, 9am-3pm, 732-393-1018 Explanatory Morning Service, Rabbi David Pietruszka, spons by the Jewish Learning Experience, at Cong Keter Torah,
Tell Our Advertisers “I Saw It in The Jewish Voice and Opinion”
Mazal Tov to the Class of 2013 Thurs., June 7
Frisch Yeshiva High School, Paramus, 7:30pm
Sun., June 10
Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls, Teaneck Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, 8th Grade, 4pm
Mon., June 11
Adolph H Schreiber Hebrew Academy of Rockland (ASHAR), 8th Grade, Monsey, 7:15pm SAR High School, Riverdale, 7:30pm Torah Academy of Bergen County High School for Boys, Teaneck, 7:30pm
Tues., June 12
YBH Hillel 8th Grade Girls, Teaneck, 9:15am, 201-966-4490 Gathering for Encouragement of Modest (GEM) Tznius Group: Hashkafa and Halacha from Bnos Melachim and Individual Thoughts, for women, private home in Passaic, 9:15am, 973-365-2342 “Still Jewish After All These Years…A Life in the Theater,” starring Avi Hoffman, to benefit the Jewish Family and Vocational Services of Middlesex County, at the Marasco Performing Arts Cener, Monroe Twnshp Middle School, 3pm, 732-777-1940 or 732-985-7348 Writers Group, for sharing, private home in Teaneck, 8:30pm, 347-200-5009
Mon., July 2
Infant/Pregnancy Loss Group Trip to Israel, with Reva Judas and Judy Isaacson, to provide support, counseling, and inspiration to those who have experienced infant or pregnancy loss, open to individuals and couples, through Sun., July 8, 201-692-9302
Tues., July 3
Women’s Club for Widows, Jewish Federation and Vocational Services, Concordia Shopping Center, Monroe, 10:30am, 732-7771940 or 609-395-7979
Wed., July 4
Cong Ahavat Shalom of the Teaneck Apartments Shul BBQ, Votee Park, Teaneck, 4pm, Joe9487cool@gmail.com Abused Women’s Confidential Support Group, Jewish
Passaic, 7:30pm
Wed., June 13
YBH Hillel 8th Grade Boys, Passaic, 7:30pm SAR, 8th Grade, Riverdale, 7:3pm
Thurs., June 14
Rabbi Pesach Raymon Yeshiva Two-Year-Old Nursery, Edison, 9:30am Yavneh Academy, 8th Grade, Paramus, 7:30pm
Mon., June 18
Rabbi Pesach Raymon Yeshiva 8th Grade Graduation, at Middlesex County College, Edison, 7pm Moriah School of Englewood, 8th grade, 7:30pm Family Service, Teaneck, 7:15pm, 201-837-9090 Jewish 12-Step Meeting, JACS—Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons, and Significant Others, Jewish Family Service, Teaneck, 7:30pm, 201837-9090, ask for IRA (Information and Referral) or 201-981-1071
Fri., July 6
“Seeing the Half-Full Glass: The Secret of Transformative Positive Thinking,” Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport, spons by Chabad at the Shore, at the Linwood Public Library, 12:15pm, 609-822-8500
Sun., July 8
Drop Off for CommunityWide Clothing Drive, children’s sizes 2-16, all clothing, including uniforms, simcha wear, shoes, snow pants, cleats, coats, scarves, gloves, backpacks, etc., all in very good condition, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, yarkkay@yahoo.com Kickoff Event for Achieving Change through Torah (ACTT), private location in Highland Park, 3pm, 732-572-8762 or 732-572-4408 Bruckner Te Deum and Block Sacred Service, performed by the Collegiate Chorale with the Israel Philharmonic, conducted by Zubin Mehta, Carnegie Hall, Manhattan, 7pm, 212-247-7800 or 646-202-9623, through Sun., July 15
Mon., July 9
Trip to Spain and Gibraltar, led by Rabbi Steven and Rebbetzin Karen Pruzansky, will return, Thurs., July 19, 212-481-3721 Y
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June 2012/Sivan 5772
The Jewish Voice and Opinion
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New Classes This Month Sundays
Chabura, Cong Agudath Israel, Highland Park, 7:30am, 732-819-8300 “Laws of Shabbat and a Bagel,” for boys and girls ages 6-18, Rabbis Aryeh Stechler and Josh Dredze ages 6-18, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 9am, 800-592-3050, begins June 24 Gemara Shiur, Rabbi Yosef Posen, Cong Agudath Israel, Highland Park, 9am, 732-819-8300 Shukchan Aruch, Rabbi Yitzchak Sebbag, Chabad House of Passaic, includes breakfast, 9:30am, rabbisebbag@chabadpc.org TorahKid Leagues, for boys ages 5-12, Rabbi Lasar, includes working on skills in baseball, soccer, and flag football, Highland Park High School Ball Field, 10am, TorahKidLeagues@yahoo.com
Mondays
Youth Soccer Clinic: Happy Feet Soccer, for ages 3-10, private location in Fair Lawn, 4pm, 914-401-1771 One-on-One Chavrusah Program, for boys and girls, ages 6-18, with male and female college students, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 5pm, 800-592-3050, begins June 25 “Widow and Widowers: You Are Not Alone,” Judy Brauner, LCSW, JCC, Tenafly, 6pm, 201-408-1456, begins June 25 Youth Soccer Clinic: Legends Soccer Club, for ages 11-14, private location in Fair Lawn, 7pm, 914-401-1771 “Support Group: Beyond Bereavement,” for those beyond the initial stages of bereavement and moving to the next stage of their journey, overcoming obstacles, Judy Brauner, LCSW, JCC, Tenafly, 7:45pm, 201-408-1456, begins June 25 Gemara Shiur in Hebrew, Rabbi Erlanger, Cong Ohav Emeth, Highland Park, 8:30pm, 732-247-3038 Tefillah, Dr. Chaim Presby, Cong Agudath Israel, Highland Park, 8:30pm, 732-819-8300 Men’s Boxing and Krav Maga, Sensei Yuri Milshtein, The Power Studio, Monsey, 9:30pm, 845-364-9111
Tuesdays
Kollel Boker: Gemara, Rabbi Tzvi Sobolofsky, Cong Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck, 6:20am, 201-836-8916 Chavura Studying Sefer Divei HaYamin, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 9am, 201-907-0180 Study of Tractate Ketubot, Rabbi Menahem Genack, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 9:45am, 201-907-0180 “Exploring the Background and Practical Applications of Hilchot Shabbos,” for women, Rabbi Daniel Fox, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 10am, 201-907-0180 The Book of Chavakuk, Rabbi Shalom Baum, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 11am, 201-907-0180 “Avos and Dogs (Pirkei Avos and Hot Dog Dinner),” for boys and girls ages 6-18, Rabbis Aryeh Stechler and Josh Dredz, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 5pm, 800-592-3050, begins June 26 Beginners Arabic, Aaron Rubin, JCC, Tenafly, 7:30pm, begins June 12, 201-408-1429 Yoga for Women, Cong Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob and David, West Orange, 8pm, sheri678@gmail.com, begins June 12 Halacha, Avi Kamelhar, Cong Agudath Israel, Highland Park, 8:30pm, 732-819-8300 Hilchos Shabbos, Avi Bodlander, Cong Agudath Israel, Highland Park, 9:30pm, 732-819-8300
Wednesdays
Halacha, Rabbi Yisrael Hoffman, Cong Agudath Israel, Highland Park, 8:30am, 732-819-8300 Shiur on Tefilla, Rabbi Shalom Baum, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 8:45am, 201-907-0180 Swimming Lessons, Morah Elana Ochs, Englewood Crowne Plaza
Hotel, 4pm, 917-750-7679 or moral.elana@hotmail.com One-on-One Chavrusah Program, for boys and girls, ages 6-18, with male and female college students, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 5pm, 800-592-3050, begins June 27 Painting Using an Apple iPad and Other Painting Aps, no iPad necessary, will be provided, for adults and children 12+, Noel Gussen, Teaneck General Store, 7pm, 201-530-5046 or 330-366-6635, begins June 13 Beginner Israeli Folk Dance, Sara Burnbaum, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 7:15pm, 845-362-4400, begins June 20 “Tanya: Shulchan Aruch of the Soul,” for men, Rabbi Yitzchak Sebbag, Chabad House of Passaic, 7:30pm, rabbisebbag@chabadpc.org Kosher Cupcake Decorating, for women, Limor Levy, private home in Livingston, 8pm, limormlevy@yahoo.com Open Pickup Basketball Game, for men over 18, Cong Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob and David, West Orange, 8pm, amirgold2@gmail.com Shiur, Rabbi Aharon Ciment, Cong Arzei Darom, Teaneck, 8pm, 201-530-0043 Gemara Shiur on Succos, Rabbi Ziegler, Cong Ohav Emeth, Highland Park, 8:30pm, 732-247-3038
Thursdays
Chavura Studying Sefer Divei HaYamin, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 9am, 201-907-0180 Study of Tractate Ketubot, Rabbi Menahem Meier, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 9:45am, 201-907-0180 Book of Daniel, Rabbi Menahem Meier, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 10:50am, 201-907-0180 “Parsha and Pizza,” for boys and girls ages 6-18, Rabbis Aryeh Stechler and Josh Dredz, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 5pm, 800-5923050, begins June 28 Pre-Intermediate Israeli Folk Dance, Sara Burnbaum, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 7pm, 845-362-4400, begins June 21 Beginners Arabic, Aaron Rubin, JCC, Tenafly, 7:30pm, begins June 14, 201-408-1429 Men’s Boxing and Krav Maga, Sensei Yuri Milshtein, The Power Studio, Monsey, 7:45pm, 845-364-9111 Evening Open Israeli Folk Dance, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 8pm, 845-362-4400 Tele-Shiur: Chassidishe Thoughts Culled from the Sichos of
continued on page 30
Mazal Tov Mazal Tov to the Bat Mitzvah Girls: Rachel Berk, Pessi Blatt, Jamie Blum, Talya Danzer, Shalva Eisenberg, Channa Kahan, Joelle Levart, Jessie Orgel, Leah Paley, Michal Shechter, & Aliza Sperber; and the Bar Mitzvah Boys: Yehuda Melech Ainspan, Zachary Fishman, Aryeh Halpert, Akiva Hirsch, Meir Jacoby, Eitan Katz, Ari Krul, David Needle, Yonatan Rand, Netanel & Yosef Sabo Mazal Tov to the Jewish Educational Center’s Rav Teitz Mesivta Academy High School in Elizabeth on being selected to complete in the Projects and Inventions competition in Israel. Mazal Tov to JEC’s team: Eital Adler, Tani Ben-Haim, Brian Goldman, Azriel Kimmel, Micah Lebowitz, Noam Shachak, Uri Shalmon, Jake Stern, and advisor Ken Dietz Mazal Tov to Yeshiva University valedictorian Yehuda Safier Mazal Tov to Yael Eisenberg for winning 2nd place in the National Chidon Hatanach High School division. Mazal Tov to Yishai Eisenberg for winning 1st place in the National Chidon Hatanach Junior High division. Y
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June 2012/Sivan 5772
New Classes
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the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Brucha Sternberg, 9pm, 760-984-1000, access code 291032#; for playback anytime, 760-984-1099, access code 291032#, press # again for the last shiur Parsha, Rabbi Y Eichenstein, Cong Agudath Israel, Highland Park, 9:30pm, 732-819-8300
Fridays
Kollel Boker: Halacha, Rabbi Tzvi Sobolofsky, Cong Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck, 6:20am, 201-836-8916 Likras Shabbos Program, for boys ages 7 and up, Rabbi Ari Neuwirth, includes hot kugel, Cong Agudath Israel, Highland Park, 6:45pm, 732-819-8300
Shabbat
Chassidic Parsha in Likkutei Torah from the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Yitzchak Sebbag, Chabad House of Passaic, 8:30am, rabbisebbag@chabadpc.org Junior Congregation, for boys and girls, grades 2-5, includes special Kiddush, Cong Arzei Darom, Teaneck, 9:30am, 201-530-0043 Bnos Malka, Cong Agudath Israel, Highland Park, 2:15pm, 732819-8300 Pirchei Mincha, Cong Agudath Israel, Highland Park, 2:50pm, 732-819-8300 Pirchei Beis Medrash, Cong Agudath Israel, Highland Park, 3:15pm, 732-819-8300 Shiur, for women, Rabbi Reuven Drucker, Cong Agudath Israel, Highland Park, 5pm, 732-819-8300 Teaneck Perek in the Park, at Sagamore Park, Teaneck, 5pm, rdfrankel1@aol.com Jewish 12-Step Meeting, for all those—and their families—who suffer from addiction, Highland Park Conservative Temple-Cong Anshe Emeth, Classroom #6, Highland Park, 6pm, 732-545-6482 Perek on the Lawn, different rabbis each week, spons by Cong Ohav Emeth, includes refreshments, private homes in Highland Park, 6pm, 732-247-3038 r iste 15 Reg e n u J e ore e iv c Bef e r ff and O 20%
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“On Hebrew Pronunciation,” Yaakov Gorlin, includes “Halachic Background: Why It Matters,” “The Pointing (Nikkud) System,” “Basic Linguistics,” “Hebrew Dialects, including Historical Background,” and “Taamei Hamikrah (trop),” open to everyone, no prior knowledge of aleph-beis required, Cong Ohav Emeth, Highland Park, 50 minutes before mincha, 732-393-0053 Pirkei Avos, Rabbi Yitzchak Sebbag, Chabad House of Passaic, following mincha, rabbisebbag@chabadpc.org Pirkei Avos, Rabbi Yaakov Glasser, Young Israel of Passaic-Clifton, 7:10pm, 973-330-2285 “Insights of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef on Pirkei Avot,” Rabbi Mordechai Gershon, The Sephardic Center, Cong Ahavath Torah, Englewood, 7:15pm, 201-568-1315 or 516-581-3309 Pirkei Avos, Dr. Chaim Presby, Cong Agudath Israel, Highland Park, 8:45pm, 732-819-8300
New Minyanim
Balabatish Shachris Minyan, Cong Zichron Mordechai, Teaneck, Mon-Thurs, 6:45am, jgitstein@gmail.com Mincha Minyan, Passaic Torah Institute, easy parking, free coffee, Sun-Thurs, 1:30pm, danbressel@yahoo.com Friday Evening Minyan, Kehillas Bais Yehudah, Wesley Hills, NY, at 7:15pm and at z’man, rwaitman@cisco.com
Chesed Ops
Ezrah’s Closet, a place to donate or “shop” for gently worn women’s and girl’s clothing, Project Ezra, Englewood, Mon-Thurs, 9:30am-3:30pm; Fri, 9am-noon, 201-569-9047 Chatan and Kallah Gemach, donate new unopened gifts in original boxes for needy couples, includes Judaica, engagement, or wedding gifts, 201-801-9028 Eitan’s Hope for Children Fund, helping children, young adults, and families undergoing treatments for life-threatening illnesses, 201787-0434 After a simcha, donate leftover food to She’arit ha-Plate of Bergen
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Ulpana
June 2012/Sivan 5772
The Jewish Voice and Opinion
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unilateral left-wing decisions. The most popular proposal is a bill that would require original owners of privately held land— Jews or Arabs—to bring their claims to court, where judges would have to be convinced, based on evidence, that the transaction was flawed. If such evidence existed, the courts would deal with the problem by awarding the original owner monetary compensation. The buildings would not be demolished and the residents would not be expelled. Lawmakers in Israel who support this legislation point out that this is the practice in many other countries. Called the “Regulation Law,” it would affect thousands of Jewish families throughout Judea and Samaria who with Israeli government approval and help bought homes on abandoned land, distant from any Arab communities. Some of these Jewish homeowners are now facing sudden lawsuits by Palestinians claiming ownership of the land on which these homes were built. Fair Legislation The first “Regulation Bill” was written by National Union Party chairman Yaakov “Ketzaleh” Katz, a longtime resident of Beit El, and co-sponsored by Likud MKs Yariv Levin and Ze’ev Elkin and Yisrael Beiteinu MK David Rotem. The second was by Yisrael Beiteinu MK Zevulun Orlev. Both bills are intended to legalize outposts and neighborhoods throughout Judea and Samaria, beginning with Ulpana. According to Dr. Aaron Lerner of the IMRA news agency, the proposed law to compensate Palestinians who can prove ownership is the fairest to them. “Today if a Palestinian decides to file in court to have part of a Jewish neighborhood torn
down, because he claims [that] he owns the land it was built on, the most he can expect to gain from the effort is the satisfaction of seeing the home bulldozed. After all, since the land is in the middle of a Jewish community, beyond the Green Line, there is no way the authorities are going to permit him to build a home there. And if he sells the land to the Jews, our ‘peace partner,’ the Palestinian Authority, will sentence him to death. “In sharp contrast, under the proposed law, the same Palestinian land owner would get fair financial compensation for the ex post [facto] confiscated land. And since this is a kind of ‘force majeure’ from the standpoint of the Palestinians, the Palestinian landowner can get fair compensation for his land and stay alive,” he said. Political Decision According to Kalman Libeskind, a columnist for the daily Ma’ariv, the High Court’s decision to raze Ulpana was purely political. He pointed to a similar prior case that involved a dispute over homes built on land that turned out to be privately-owned. But unlike the Ulpana case, the original owner (as well as the residents) was Jewish. Despite the fact that the state and the court agreed that the original Jewish owner was correct, the homes built with government assistance were not demolished. “The court ruled that that it was ‘not implementable’ to uproot dozens of families from their homes. But when an Arab demands his land at the price of kicking out 30 families, it becomes very implementable,” said Mr. Libeskind. The prior case was resolved by financially compensating the Jewish owner, the solution many Israelis see as appropriate in the Ulpana case as well. “Could it be that the state
has one solution for Jews and a different one for Arabs?” said Mr. Libeskind. Seizure Order Some observers said Mr. Netanyahu might have preferred the administrative route to saving Ulpana rather than the legislative. It might have been easier. Several years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that Israeli law does not apply to the communities in Judea and Samaria because they have never been formally annexed. Instead, they operate under military administration, meaning Mr. Netanyahu could save the homes in Ulpana simply by instructing the Defense Ministry to issue a seizure order for them. With this order, the military commander of Yesha could have expropriated the land from the Palestinian owner, making it Israeli state-owned property. By changing the status of the land, the political leadership could theoretically allow the houses and residents to remain in place. Likud MK Miri Regev called for Mr. Netanyahu to solve the problem by annexing all state land in Jewish communities in Yesha, thereby extending Israeli law to all threatened communities in the region. “Unconstitutional” Most observers say any attempt to circumvent the ruling, whether legislative or admin-
istrative, would send the new coalition on a collision course with the Supreme Court. Although Israel does not have a Constitution, in 1996, the Israeli Supreme Court ruled that Israel’s “Basic Law of Human Dignity and Liberty” amounts to the Jewish state’s formal Constitution. The court then assigned itself the right to exercise judicial review and nullify laws—including government policies—it deems “unconstitutional.” Over the years, the Knesset had little impetus to find ways to reign in the justices. Because Israel lacks separation of powers between the branches of government, the Supreme Court was left pretty much on its own to rule as it liked. Recently, however, judicial review has become issue, especially when critics feel (as they did in the Ulpana case) that it is used against the sovereign will of Israeli voters, and to override government diplomatic, political, and security policies. Super Majority Looking at the problems presented by the Ulpana conflict as well as judicial review, Justice Minister Prof Yaakov Neeman proposed another new law, one that would restore power to the Knesset. It would empower the Knesset to overrule a court verdict with
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a special majority of 65 in the 120-member legislative body. The Supreme Court would still be able to invalidate Knesset laws, but only with an expanded nine-member panel. Most Supreme Court decisions are made by three justices. Many of Israel’s more cynical observers said Mr. Netanyahu had another option: he could simply delay carrying out the Supreme Court’s order until a more suitable solution presented itself. Contrary Goals While most MKs and ministers made their positions for or against acquiescence to the Supreme Court public, Mr. Netanyahu played his cards very close to the vest. He spoke of support for Ulpana and the need to find “a solution for the residents,” but he was also intent on following the Supreme Court’s ruling. Israel’s Attorney General and government legal advisor Yehuda Weinstein said if
Ulpana were not destroyed per order of the Supreme Court, the Jewish state could be accused of expropriating land and homes from the Palestinians and giving them to Jews, which could bring the issue of Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria to the International Court in the Hague. According to some reports, Mr. Netanyahu was concerned that Israeli officials could face prosecution in the Hague under the Fourth Geneva Convention, which stipulates that transferring an occupying population into occupied territory is a war crime. Israel has long argued that Judea and Samaria is not occupied territory, but, rather disputed territory, because it is far from clear which entity has the right to the land. “We could find a legislative solution” to protect homes in Judea and Samaria, Mr. Ne-
tanyahu told ministers in his government, “but there would be a price to pay in the international community.” Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who, in recent years, has not been supportive of the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, implied that this was his concern as well. Originally a member of the Labor Party, Mr. Barak left the faction a few months ago and formed his own left-wing Independence Party. Mr. Barak said that scuttling the Supreme Court’s order by means of a Regulation Law would give ammunition to the international anti-Israel movement. Popular Goal When Messrs Katz and Orlev made it clear they were ready to bring their Regulation Bills to a vote, there were reports that Mr. Netanyahu was prepared to allow his ministers and Likud MKs to vote their consciences on the issue. Mr. Orlev was confident that a sufficient number of government ministers would support a law to save Ulpana. The prospect of legislation that could save Ulpana, be used for other communities in Judea and Samaria, and rebuke the Supreme Court, was welcomed by many MKs. Likud’s Deputy Prime Minister Silvan Shalom said there really was no alternative. “Settlement in Judea and Samaria is a value that the Likud believes in and wants to promote. There’s no use in waging a new rescue battle for each and every hill and each and every valley. We must enact an authorization law in order to concentrate on the main effort, which is strengthening the settlement enterprise,” he said. Ending the Vote
Israel’s Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, a member of the Yisrael Beiteinu Party, said Ulpana would be the first test of the new coalition. “Those residents have been living there for years, and they are law-abiding citizens who serve in the armed forces and are tax-paying workers. The Ulpana neighborhood is not an illegal outpost. If a mistake was made, it was made by the government, not the residents who were told by the government they could live there. The government must take responsibility for its mistake,” he said. But before any of the bills on proposed legislation were presented to the Knesset, Mr. Netanyahu postponed the vote. Further, he said, he would not allow ministers to vote their consciences on the issue. Veering to the Left It was at that point that some MKs and other officials began to speculate that Mr. Netanyahu might be preparing either to foment a split within Likud or to leave the party all together for a more left-wing faction, such as Kadima, which supports the demolition. Ironically, it was Mr. Netanyahu himself who, during his first term as prime minister, inspired the construction of the Ulpana neighborhood in the aftermath of a ghastly terror attack that left a mother and her 11-year-old son dead during Chanukah 1996. After Ita and Efraim Tzur were murdered in a terrorist drive-by shooting, Mr. Netanyahu visited their family and neighbors in Beit El and promised Yoel Tzur, the bereaved father and husband, that a large neighborhood would be built to commemorate the tragedy. Girls School The first structure to go up was a school for girls, called Ulpana
http://jewishvoiceandopinion.com in Hebrew, and that is how the neighborhood received its name. Recalling the tragedy, Mr. Tzur addressed Mr. Netanyahu’s “feelings, heart, and wisdom, to find the proper ways not to enable the decree which you yourself said is one that the public cannot bear.” “Harm caused to the Ulpana neighborhood is harm to our community and to our beloved ones who gave their lives—and even then you told me, and I told you, and we strengthened each other—that wherever there is a terror attack, we will build a settlement,” said Mr. Tzur. No Bill In the end, neither Mr. Katz’s bill nor that of Mr. Orlev was presented to the Knesset. Mr. Netanyahu persuaded the MKs to table their bills with a promise that, if they waited two weeks, the government would not oppose them. Mr. Netanyahu said he intended to use the extra time to find a solution to the Ulpana problem. If they insisted on presenting their bills, Mr. Netanyahu was prepared to order his government to vote against them, which would have meant firing those who voted according to their consciences. Those supporting Ulpana had no doubt they would win, even if Mr. Netanyahu enforced party and coalition discipline. The Knesset Land of Israel Lobby commands at least 40 Knesset votes, in addition to the votes of sympathetic ministers and lawmakers who are not formal members. “Hearts of Stone” After withdrawing his bill, an emotional Mr. Katz said, “Jews who forget their brothers have hearts of stone. We will not stand witness to thousands of homes being destroyed. Enough is enough.” Although he expressed confidence in Mr. Netanyahu, Likud Minister without Portfolio Benny Begin recognized
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that “Ketzaleh’s words are felt by many.” “The prime minister, his ministers, and senior officials are trying to find a suitable solution to the Supreme Court order, so that whatever the government does, it will not be challenged in court,” said Mr. Begin. Conciliatory Throughout the next two weeks, the plans by Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Barak for Ulpana were unclear. According to reports, the prime minister met with residents and officials of Beit El, and, during the course of a Yom Yerushalayim event at the Merkaz HaRav yeshiva in Jerusalem, told them, “Things will work out fine.” Mr. Barak’s position was even harder to fathom. At one point, he said he considered Beit El “a large and important community that, in the future, will remain a part of the State of Israel in any future arrangement with the Palestinians.” “We must find a solution to carry out the court order while strengthening Beit El,” he said. Another Disengagement But, at the end of May, in a speech to the annual conference of the Institute for National Security Studies, he suggested the Ulpana residents’ worst nightmare: That Israel consider a unilateral disengagement from Judea and Samaria, similar to that carried out by the Israeli government from the Gush Katif region of Gaza in 2005. He did not mention the 10,000 Jews who were expelled from their homes in some 23 communities and deprived of their businesses and livelihoods. While they did receive some compensation, most were left without jobs and with their possessions in storage for many years. Many were forced to continue paying for mortgages on homes that
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had been destroyed by the government. His remarks outraged Likud Education Minister Gidon Sa’ar, who announced that Mr. Barak’s opinion had nothing to do with the government’s policy and, in fact, “represents a negligible minority in the government and the coalition.” “It baffles me how there are still people willing to toy with this dangerous idea after the decisive failure that was the unilateral disengagement from Gaza,” said Mr. Sa’ar. Movement Not Destruction At the same time, Messrs Netanyahu and Barak made clear they were exploring another possibility: Relocating the Ulpana neighborhood’s five apartment buildings in their entirety to a different site, a few hundred yards away from their present location, onto sate-owned land in Beit El. According to this plan, the neighborhood would be removed in accordance with the High Court’s instructions, but there would be no scenes of destruction, rather, said Mr Netanyahu, the houses would be taken apart in a way that would make it possible to rebuild them in their new location. On the right, there was skepticism. Mr. Ariel advised Messrs Netanyahu and Barak “to stop floating unrealistic and hal-
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lucinatory ideas and start thinking of a true solution, like the Legalization law.” “Absurd” Other critics pointed out that the move—five large multi-family structures built on the side of a deep hill—“would not only be extremely expensive and technically difficult, but “absurd.” “It does not solve the same potential problem faced by other communities in Judea and Samaria, built not only in good faith, but with government assistance,” said Arutz Sheva’s Gabe Kahn. Mr. Katz said it was unfeasible, and Yesha Council head Danny Dayan said the plan to “saw” the homes in two and move them to a new location is a “bluff” as is the promise to issue new permits for construction. “Experience shows that while the demolition will take place on time, the plans for construction will be stuck in some clerk’s desk for years,” he said. Building Ten for One Mr. Netanyahu seemed eager to dispel that image, telling reporters that for each home that is evacuated from Ulpana, ten new structures would be built. “What will strengthen the settlement is settlement construction,” he said. “For each demolished home, we will build ten new ones.” He emphasized that a bill to legalize the structures, such as the Regulation Law, would expose the entire settlement enterprise to international criticism. He also refused to equate the Beit El experience to the rest of Judea and Samaria. “The Ulpana neighborhood is an exceptional case, and cannot set a precedent for future cases,” he said, adding that if a solution cannot be found to halt similar cases in the future, there will be “no other choice but to go ahead with such a bill – despite warnings by lawmakers that the government is bound by the ruling of the High Court to evacuate Jews who build on land contested by Arabs who file ownership claims.” $3.6 Million Mr. Netanyahu said that his government would “respond to the families of the neighborhood in a way that is practical, legal, and economical.” He maintained that, despite the fact that moving the five buildings will cost the state an estimated $3.6 million, “building
the Ulpana residents new homes will cost less than buying any apartment in Tel Aviv.” He reiterated that his plan “respects the rule of law while, at the same time, strengthens Israel’s settlement enterprise.” While Mr. Barak said nothing about ten homes for every one demolished, he told his faction that “the settlement enterprise in Beit El will be strengthened, not weakened” by the destruction of Ulpana. He implied that there is no need for the Regulation Law because other communities in Judea and Samaria need not feel threatened by the fate of Ulpana. “Israel does not operate in a vacuum. The idea that a law can be passed to retroactively correct a court decision is wrong,” he said. Addressing “the people who tied their fate and lives to Judea and Samaria,” he said, “It is hard to imagine something that could do more harm to Israel, to its status, and to the future of the settlement enterprise than an attempt to pass retroactive laws of this kind, or laws that bring us to a head-on collision with the international community.” Diminishing the Right But despite Mr. Netanyahu’s efforts show concern for the residents of Ulpana, a Kadima Party MK recognized and took credit for the government’s actions against the neighborhood. “Without Kadima’s 28 hands in the government, which soften and diminish the right-wing positions, Netanyahu would not have dared to stand strongly against the residents of the Ulpana neighborhood and against Ya’akov Katz, and I say this with full responsibility,” said Kadima MK Shai Hermesh. Nevertheless, it was widely reported that Mr. Netanyahu has been pleading with members of his Likud faction to vote against the Regulation Law. And, despite Mr. Katz’s fulfillment of his commitment not to submit the Regulation Law for two weeks, it is no longer clear that Mr. Netanyahu will keep his promise not to oppose the bill when it comes up for a vote. Hunger Strike When, for a few days, Mr. Netanyahu was no more forthcoming about his plans for Ulpana, a few supporters of the neighborhood, including Mr. Katz, went on a hunger strike, hoping to bring attention
http://jewishvoiceandopinion.com to the need to pass the “Regulation Law.” To support the hunger strikers, other demonstrators sat in a protest tent opposite the Knesset. Inspired by them, Likud Minister of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs Yuli Edelstein vowed to vote for the Regulation Law even if he had to so against Mr. Netanyahu. “I will vote for the Regulation Law even if it costs me my chair in the cabinet and seat in the Knesset,” he said. “It’s not rebellion, but a natural choice in accordance with what the Likud stands for and what was part of the prime minister’s platform. I cannot be a party to the demolition of homes in Judea and Samaria.” He emphasized that while he hoped Mr. Netanyahu would find a suitable solution, if not, ministers should be allowed to vote and act according to their consciences. “An Honor” Israel’s Nobel Laureate Prof Yisrael Aumann agreed, telling the hunger strikers “it would be an honor” for Cabinet ministers to be fired by Mr. Netanyahu for voting to save the homes in the Ulpana neighborhood of Beit El. Evicting the families, he said, “would endanger not only the Jewish presence in Judea and Samaria, but also all of Israel.” He said it is “a humanitarian and moral” issue to keep families in their homes. “This eviction endangers all of us, even if the danger does not occur in our generation. The expulsion will influence our grandchildren,” he said. Risking Their Jobs Other Likud Ministers who indicated willingness to vote for the law, if necessary, against Mr. Netanyahu were Mr. Shalom, Gilad Erdan, and Moshe Ya’alon. Mr. Lieberman said he, too, would back the Regulation Bill to legalize the neighborhood. “If there is no choice, I will have to support the Regulation Bill,” he said. In all at least 20 of Likud’s 27 MKs have openly opposed the destruction of Ulpana. With the exception of Mr. Barak and Kadima’s Mr. Mofaz, every other faction leader in the coalition pressured Mr. Netanyahu against the destruction. Shas chairman and Interior Minister Eli Yishai told Mr. Netanyahu that the party’s spiritual advisor and former Sephardic Chief Rabbi Ovadia Yosef had directed them to support the Regulation Law. Nevertheless, Mr. Hermesh dismissed
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the possibility that nationalist MKs from Likud and other parties might vote against Mr. Netanyahu and be forced to leave the government over the issue of Ulpana. “They won’t do it for one simple reason, and that is the popularity of the Prime Minister and his being perceived by the public as the only man worthy to hold this position,” said Mr. Hermesh. “No one can oppose a strong leader. They will roar, bark, and call the whole world into action, but this is a powerful and popular Prime Minister. It’s hard to believe that someone from within his own party will challenge him.” Suit No one seemed more concerned about the Regulation Bill than Peace Now, whose
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officers warned that if the Knesset passed the law, the organization would go to the Supreme Court to have it overturned. “The law is unconstitutional,” said Peace Now head Yariv Oppenheimer. “It allows theft, as long as the perpetrators are settlers and the victims are Palestinians.” Mr. Katz said, on the contrary, his bill would prevent groups like Peace Now from using Palestinians “as tools to destroy Israeli homes.” He maintained that most PA claims to land ownership are “unproven or largely fictional and, in any case, serve no practical purpose.” “Instead of demolition, the Regula-
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tion Law would provide those who can prove ownership with financial compensation,” said Mr. Katz. Mr. Katz said the law is important because “everyone, including the prime minister and his ministers, knows that if the Regulation Laws do not pass, the Netanyahu government will embark on a campaign of destruction of 9,000 homes and uprooting 70,000 Jews.” “There has never been anything like this in the history of the Nation of Israel,” said Mr. Katz. “It will be ten times more destructive than what they did in Gush Katif.” Preparing for Destruction But even as the right protested, the wheels of authority prepared to move against them. A senior IDF officer, Judea and Samaria Division Commander Brigadier-General Haggai Mordechai, sent a message to
the residents of Ulpana, telling them to prepare to evacuate their homes. Mr. Mordechai also met with Beit El Mayor Moshe Rosenbaum, telling him to instruct the residents to leave their homes voluntarily to avoid confrontations. IDF officials said General Mordechai embarked on these meetings without approval from Defense Minister Barak. Outraged that the military acted without government approval, Mr. Orlev demanded a “severe reprimand” for General Mordechai and an apology expressing deep remorse for the Ulpana residents. Mr. Orlev called the IDF warning to the residents of Ulpana “a serious breach of the understandings reached between the prime minister and the coalition.” Not in the Street
But before the day was out, it was reported that, contrary to Mr. Netanyahu’s promise to freeze all preparations for an eviction, 40 mobile homes were on their way to Beit El to house those whose homes were about to be demolished. Likud Coalition Chairman Ze’ev Elkin called the episode “an outrage, a blatant violation of a summary agreement between the prime minister and the coalition leadership.” Rabbi Avichai Ronsky, former Chief Military Rabbi of the IDF and the current rosh yeshiva in the Samarian community of Itamar, said he spoke with General Mordechai, who told him that Mr. Barak had issued the evacuation order. “The army is planning an operation to the last detail,” said Rabbi Ronsky. He said General Mordechai told him the residents will first be evacuated and then the houses will be demolished. The caravans are being brought “so that the citizens will not be thrown into the street.” Rejected By the beginning of June, it was official. Mr. Netanyahu announced that the five disputed homes would be demolished, but that the evicted residents would be compensated with housing units in Beit El, either on state land or in a military area.
He also said that 50 new structures would be approved on adjacent state-owned land. While they may not have any real choice, the residents of Ulpana, in a prepared statement, said they rejected Mr. Netanyahu’s plan, explaining that the neighborhood was born during Mr. Barak’s government 12 years ago. That government “placed us in the Ulpana neighborhood, while providing incentives and grants, mortgages, construction of roads and sidewalks and infrastructure,” they said. “As in the entire free world, a neighborhood is not demolished even if it turns out there was a problem with the land’s bureaucratic status; so, too, will the Ulpana neighborhood not be demolished and neither will thousands of homes in Judea and Samaria which are in the same position. The Ulpana neighborhood will not be ‘copied,’ as though it were a building made out of Lego,” they said. According to Ulpana resident Baruch Kitay, he and his neighbors will accept nothing less than legislation. “A home is not just bricks and mortar. A home is memories and love and families and children. We’re not prepared to move our home for anything. A home is worth more than money,” he said. S.L.R.
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After Huge 2012 Pesach Success, Kosherica Plans for 2013 Passover 2012 is now just a mem-
ory, but Kosherica’s grand Pesach experience at the spectacular PGA Resort and Spa in West Palm Beach, Florida, already boasts a waiting list for next year. This past Pesach, 1,500 people were guests of Kosherica at the PGA Resort and Spa, which featured an all-star team from Foremost Caterers in partnership with Kosherica’s own signature cuisine. In addition, there were elaborate programs for children, teens, and adults, which included top-notch lectures, entertainment, and even an amusement park on the premises. Throughout the week, there were daily shows for children, an amusement park with rides and slides, and an all-star day camp that kept the youngsters busy from 9am-5pm. When adults were not socializing, or playing on one of the five tournament golf courses, they attended a lecture series covering topics ranging from Judaic subjects to psychology and politics. “The Kosherica team is thrilled with the outcome of our 2012 Passover program. We’re excited and motivated to outshine ourselves in 2013,” said Yehuda Shifman, CEO of Kosherica. Lectures and Circuses Among the most popular lecturers this past year was New York Times bestselling author Rabbi M. Gary Neuman, who, during one of his many guest TV appearances, was called by Oprah Winfrey “one of the best psychotherapists in the world.” At the Kosherica program, Rabbi Neuman spoke daily, often on the issue of making a great marriage and removing toxicity from life. Evening entertainment included grand concerts, popular bands, a tenpiece swing band, a mentalist, comedians, wildlife exhibits, a casino, and a circusthemed night complete with a carousel, fire-throwers, tightrope walkers, and other Cirque-du-Soleil-style performers. Gourmet kosher-for-Passover delicacies were served non-stop, from the dining room to the poolside barbecue. Every night, a huge tea room attracted guests who enjoyed truly elegant displays, like a chocolate gala with chocolate martinis, chocolate-covered apples, and chocolate fondue, as well as an ice cream station,
banana soufflés, fruit carving, and other custom food demonstrations. “Amazing” Tova Gil, a guest at the program, called it “amazing.” “With the best caterers, the best entertainment, the best kids programming, the best lecturers, the best everything, it’s no wonder that they are already waitlisted for next year,” she said. For more information about Kosherica 2013 Passover program and its numerous
AJGB.5x7.4C.indd 1
cruises throughout the year, visit kosherica. com or call 877-724-5567. Kosherica has been a leader in the glatt kosher cuisine and tour industry for over 15 years, and has pleased more Jewish travelers than all other cruise and tour companies combined. Kosherica provides five-star glatt kosher, chalov Yisrael, and pas Yisrael award-winning cuisine on the world’s most respected Jewish cruises, cruise lines, and Passover resorts and hotels. Y
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Ess Gezint: Glamour and History from Bais Yaakov For some, the concept of a glamorous, coffee-table cookbook produced by the Bais Yaakov movement might seem almost an oxymoron, but that is the treat inside The Complete Informative and Inspirational Bais Yaakov Cookbook, edited by Batsheva Weinstein and published by the Skokie-based Fund for Jewish Education. With its pictorial and informational history of Sara Schenirer and the Bais Yaakov movement she founded—the initially painful, though ultimately wildly successful effort to offer Jewish girls and young women an organized, traditionally-based education—and pages of halachic guidelines, brachos, and all sorts of culinary tips, the book should make it to everyone’s classic gift list. For more information, call 732-901-3942. S.L.R.
Honey Ginger Grilled London Broil Salad Honey Ginger Marinade Poppy Seed Dressing ⅓ cup pineapple juice 1 cup vegetable oil ⅓ cup soy sauce ¾ cup sugar ⅓ cup honey ⅓ cup white vinegar 1 clove garlic 1 Tbs poppy seeds 1 tsp dried ginger 1 tsp dry mustard powder 3 lb London broil 1 tsp salt For Salad 1 (8oz) bag romaine lettuce, ½ cup slivered almonds ½ (10 oz) can mandarin orange chopped segments, drained 1 red onion, thinly sliced In a small bowl, whisk all the ingredients for the marinade except the meat. Place the marinade and London broil in a gallon-size re-sealable plastic bag. Marinate refrigerated at least 4 hours or overnight. Preheat grill or broiler on high. Place London broil and marinade into a 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Grill or broil meat 8-10 minutes each side, for medium doneness. Keep warm. Slice on a diagonal, against the grain right before serving.
White Chocolate Chip and Macadamia Nut Cookies 1 cup (2 sticks) m argarine, ½ tsp salt room temperature 2 cups old-fashioned oats ½ cup sugar ½ cup white chocolate chips 1½ cups packed brown sugar 1 (3 oz) semi-sweet chocolate 2 large eggs bar, chopped into chunks 1½ tsp vanilla ½ cup macadamia nuts 2 cups all-purpose flour ½ cup dried cranberries 1 tsp baking soda (optional) Preheat oven to 350º. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream margarine and sugars. Add eggs, vanilla, flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix to combine. Add oats, Mix well. With a spatula, mix in chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, nuts, and cranberries, if using. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto prepared sheet. Bake 10 minutes and place on wire rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough. Makes 36 cookies. For the dressing, whisk all ingredients in a small bowl. Then, in a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients and top with London broil. Add dressing and toss to coat. Serves 6-8
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Kol Chaverim Preschool and Daycare Center: Jewish and Secular Education for the Youngest Members of the Community Morah Elana Ochs has some
lofty goals for children in her care as director of the new Kol Chaverim Preschool and Daycare Center (KCP) in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. She intends that the programmatically Orthodox, kosher day care center and early childhood facility maintain high standards of quality Jewish and secular education coupled with exceptional love and care. A state-licensed facility, KCP accepts children from six weeks to six years. Keeping the needs of working parents in mind, the program offers extended hours and flexible scheduling, including a limited-closing operation during holidays and school vacations. “We do everything we can to accommodate parents’ needs and unique schedules. At a parent’s request, we can tailor a schedule to his or her child’s exact needs,” says Ms. Ochs. Plenty of Room KCP, which is open from 7:30am to 6:30pm, offers half-
Kol Ami
day, full-day, and extendedday options all year round. On Fridays, the center’s new “Erev Shabbat” program operates until approximately 1-2 hours before the Sabbath each week. Conveniently located on Saddle River Road in Fair Lawn, with easy access to Routes 4, 17, and 208, as well as the Garden State Parkway and all neighboring Bergen County communities, KCP features a beautiful and spacious facility with two outdoor playground areas, large classrooms, and 25 parking spots. “The children have plenty of room to play and learn. The classrooms are brightly painted and equipped with top-of-the-line equipment and toys,” says Ms. Ochs. New Program and Goals While the school and facility are not new, when Ms. Ochs became its director last April, she instituted a dual Hebrew-English curriculum and intends to continue restructuring the program throughout the summer
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even though that is what is in Israel’s best interests. A balanced view dictates that what is best for Israel is for the US to work with Russia and China in a productive way ultimately to remove
Assad. By working with those two countries, the US may also be able to keep them on board in the more important issue of Iran. Michael Roth West Orange, NJ
to incorporate Jewish elements and upgrades to the program. The school’s lunch program is under the supervision of the Rabbinical Council of Bergen County. Her chief concerns are safety and health (the center has a full-time school nurse and infant-care supervisor) coupled with a fun and thoughtfully age-appropriate curriculum. Every KCP staff member is certified in Infant and Child CPR and first aid, and the teachers and cleaning crew ensure that all classrooms are exceptionally clean and that toys are regularly sanitized. “Our small teacher-child ratios ensure that each child receives the attention and care he or she deserves,” says Ms. Ochs. “We pride ourselves on providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for our students.”
Their Own Pace Drawing upon several educational philosophies, Ms. Ochs integrates various styles into the KCP program, provided, however, that children are allowed to learn and grow at their own pace and development. To that end, the school offers various learning centers such as animals, computers, nature, dramatic play, blocks, library, arts and crafts, baking, and housekeeping. Specialty programs include “Music and Movement,” athletics, creative dance, yoga, drama, and special guests. Children in Pre-K and Kindergarten enrichment will be eligible with the renowned Handwriting without Tears and computer literacy programs. School Nurse Devorah Goldberg, RN, the
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Jewish Daycare
continued from page 39
school’s nurse, also has a degree in education. In addition to incorporating a health-andnutrition program into each KCP classroom, she is developing a creative “Healthy Habits” Mommy and Me class for all KCP families, “Our focus on socialemotional skills and learning through play combines with well-rounded curriculums, programs, and activities. Our goal is to ensure that each child has a positive overall experience, including social, emotional, academic, and spiritual success,” says Ms. Ochs. Camp From June 25th to August 24th, Kol Chaverim will become Camp KCP, complete with morning line-up, waterplay, arts and crafts, baking, special guests, outdoor fun and exciting themed days and weeks, all with a Jewish angle and intent.
“Camp is a wonderful place for children to befriend one another and adjust to a new school and environment. Although the activities in the summer time may differ from the school year, we still incorporate many educational elements and routines into our program,” says Ms. Ochs. She maintains that because consistency is “key for young children,” the camp, like the school, will create a consistent and reliable program. Many of the camp counselors and teachers will remain on staff during the school year as well. Long Resumé Originally from Toronto, Ms. Ochs, who has a bachelor’s degree from Yeshiva University and a Master’s in Early Childhood and Special Education from Touro College, has been involved in children’s programming for more than a decade. Although still a very young
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woman, she has served as a preschool director and consulting director for preschools in Bergen County and worked as head staff at the camp run by the Hebrew Academy for Special Children (HASC). In 2008, she was chosen to join Teach for America, and used her passion for special education to serve as a special educator and corps member for Teach for America in Harlem and the Bronx. Certified as an EMT, Ms. Ochs operates Morah Elana’s Swim, water-safety and swimming lessons, which operates year-round at the Englewood Crowne Plaza Hotel on Wednesdays from 4-7pm. She says it is “thrilling” now to be involved in KCP where she looks forward to creating “unique programming as well as a safe, nurturing, stimulating, and dynamic environment for the children, parents, and staff.”
Elana Ochs Ms. Ochs also prides herself on KCP’s competitive tuition rates, including family discounts for multiple children attending the school. For more information, Ms. Ochs can be reached at 917-750-7679 or at info@kolchaverim.com. S.L.R.
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Before this past Shavuot, Nefesh B’Nefesh, which works in
close cooperation with the Ministry of Immigration Absorption and the Jewish Agency for Israel, organized a special celebration in Ein Yael, Jerusalem for new olim to prepare for their first Shavuot in Israel. At the event, the children, parents, and Nefesh B’Nefesh staff prepared for the holiday by assembling delicious baskets of fruit, which is a tradition in Israel during this period. Nachi Jerozolim, 7, who with his parents made aliyah last August from Woodmere, NY, was very excited about celebrating his first Shavuot in Israel. “It is so much fun living in a Jewish country where everyone around me is getting ready to celebrate the same holiday,” he said.
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Index of Advertisers Education
Ads with Coupons
Chopstix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Ma’adan Platters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Teaneck Road Bagels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Automobile Services
Plaza Auto Leasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Burial Services
Cemetary Plots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Eden Memorial Chapels . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Gutterman and Musicant/Wien & Wien..46
Car Service
Teaneck Taxi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Camp, Sports, & Summer Programs
Golf Camp, 8/19-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Kol Chaverim Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Morah Elana’s Swim School . . . . . . . . . 25 Camp Regesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 NBA Fantasy Camp, 8/22-24 . . . . . . . . 19 Yachad-Moshava Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Catering Hall/Event Planning
Congr. Shomrei Emunah . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Charities
Donate Your Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Umbrella Tzedaka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Tomorrow’s Genius . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Entertainment & Events
Space Odyssey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 “A Jew Grows In Brooklyn” . . . . . . . . . . . 37 6/16: Englewood/T’fly Ohel Shabbos...13 7/1: Nefesh B’Nefesh Workshop . . . . . . 9 8/16-19: Jewish Medical Ethics . . . . . 24
Graphic Artists & Editorial Services
Aldine Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Seventh Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Home Products & Services
American General Windows . . . . . . . . 43 Shalom Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Starr Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Kosher Groceries
Butterflake Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Teaneck Road Bagels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Kosher Restaurant, Take-Out
Chopstix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Ma’adan Platters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Medical Services
CNA/Home Health Care Aide Avail. . 20 Holy Name Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . 2 Psychotherapy, Chana Simmonds . . 43
Miscellaneous
Car Keys and Remotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Carly’Z Craze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 NARTH/JONAH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Table Extensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Musicians
Jeff Wilks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Photography/Video
Aptowitzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Real Estate.
Beaver Lake Catskills Bungalows . . . . Cape Cod Summer Vacation . . . . . . . . Florida R.E., Garrett Ellberger . . . . . . . Jerusalem Apartment Rental . . . . . . . Ruby Kaplan, Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . Teaneck Luxury Apartments . . . . . . . . Vacation Village Home for Sale/Rent . . Zimuki Property in Jerusalem . . . . . . .
47 10 47 14 47 47 47 23
Travel & Vacations
Emunah Bar/Bat Mitzvah . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Emunah Succot in Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Edu-Travels, Aug. 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Jewish Heritage Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 KMR Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Kosherica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Quality Hotel, Montreal . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Kutsher’s Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
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June 2012/Sivan 5772
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Holy Name Medical Center, a Best Place to Work, Wins Accreditation for Its Cancer Center and Echocardiography For the seventh consecu-
tive year, Holy Name Medical Center (HNMC) has been named among the “100 Best Places to Work in New Jersey” by NJBIZ magazine. HNMC has achieved recognition for workplace excellence in the “large employer” category every year since 2006. This year’s recognition comes at the same time that the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (CoC) granted HNMC’s Regional Cancer Center three-year accreditation with commendation. HNMC Regional Cancer Center is also accredited by the American College of Radiology and the American Society of Radiation Oncology. The center works in partnership with Sharsheret, the organization supporting Jewish women and their families facing breast cancer. HNMC, a comprehensive 361-bed medical center, is known for its extraordinary outreach programs to the Jewish community, among other groups. The medical center employs about 2,500 medical, nursing, and allied health professionals, as well as non-clinical staff. Comprehensive Cancer Care The American College of Surgeons CoC is a consortium
of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients. Only 30 percent of all hospitals in the US and Puerto Rico have CoCaccredited cancer programs, and those that have it diagnose and/or treat approximately 80 percent of all newly-diagnosed cancer patients each year. Accreditation by the CoC is granted only to those facilities committed to providing the highest level of quality cancer care and that agree to undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance. The CoC-accreditation means patients treated at HNMC’s cancer program have access to comprehensive care, including: a range of state-ofthe-art services and equipment; a multi-specialty team approach to coordinate the best treatment options; information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options; access to cancer-related information, education, and support; a cancer registry that collects data on type and stage of cancers and treatment results, and offers lifelong patient follow-up; and ongoing monitoring and improvement of care. “Perhaps most important, at HNMC’s cancer center, pa-
tients receive quality care close to home,” said Marylou Anton, RN, OCN, who serves as executive director of HNMC’s Oncology Services. Echocardiography Accreditation Just recently, HNMC was granted a three-year term of accreditation in echocardiography in the area of Adult Transthoracic by the Inter-Societal Accreditation Commission (IAC). “This illustrates our commitment to offering our patients state-of-the-art medical care and treatment,” said cardiologist Stephen Angeli, MD, director of HNMC’s Cardiology Services. HNMC cardiologist David Wild, MD, medical director of the Echocardiography Laboratory, was pleased by the level of support cardiac services has received from the medical center. “Patients who come to Holy Name can be confident that they are being provided with the latest cardiology services and medical technology,” he said. The IAC grants accreditation only to those facilities that are found to be providing quality patient care, in compliance with national standards through a comprehensive application process including detailed case study review “IAC accreditation is a ‘seal of approval’ that patients can rely on as an indication that Holy Name has been carefully critiqued on all aspects of its operations considered relevant by medical experts in the field of echocardiography,” said Dr. Wild. Good Place to Work According to NJBIZ, the magazine’s survey and award program identifies and honors the best places of employ-
ment which benefit the state’s economy, workforce, and businesses. The determination is based on a combination of the competing companies’ workplace polices, practices, and philosophies, together with surveys that measure employees’ experiences. HNMC has also received awards for workplace excellence for four consecutive years from Modern Healthcare magazine’s “Best Places to Work in Healthcare” program and from Companies That Care’s “Honor Roll” for the three years in a row. April Rodgers, vice-president for Human Resources at HNMC, was pleased but not surprised by the medical center’s recognition. “Holy Name has a positive working environment focusing on quality, safety, and patient satisfaction. The pride our employees take in their jobs and their enthusiasm is very evident in the care they give our patients,” she said, adding that HNMC offers its employees benefits and amenities geared to improving their quality of life, and empowering them to use their skills, advance professionally, and think creatively. More Information For more information about HNMC, its regional cancer center, or its cardiovascular services, call 1-877-HOLY-NAME (1-877-465-9626). Those who want to support HNMC can participate in the medical center’s 18th annual classic golf tournament, scheduled for Thursday, June 14, at the Hackensack Golf Club in Oradell, New Jersey. For more information, call 201-833-7143 or email mcgarry@holyname.org S.L.R.
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Another Tough Jew
I liked your Kol Ami Question last month, asking who fits the bill for a “tough Jew.” For me, the obvious choice is Rav Meir Kahane, z”l. He exemplified the concept of Ahahvas Yisroel, and his love for the Jewish people knew no bounds. He saw the inconceivable contradictions between what we know, as Jews, to be correct, and what was happening in America and Israel. He dedicated his life to the betterment and safety of the Jewish people. He won the right of Federal prisoners in America to obtain kosher food. He taught Jews that they could be proud of being Jewish, without shame or embarrassment. In Israel, he served in the Knesset and held rallies all over the land. He inspired thousands upon thousands of Jews and his legacy lives on to this day. Sadly, he died as a martyr to the Jewish people. The Arab who assassinated him had connections to the terrorists who committed the first World Trade Center bombing, but the authorities did not bother to investigate this aspect of his murderer. Scott David Lippe, M.D. Fair Lawn, NJ There is a new scam going around, and I think the FBI and federal court system have issued nationwide alerts to it. You receive a call, and the caller claims to be a jury duty coordinator, asking why you did not show up as summoned. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer on the other end asks for your Social Security number and date of birth, so they can verify the information and “cancel the warrant for your arrest.” If you give out any of this information, your identity has been stolen. Name Withheld Teaneck, NJ
Anna Little Rates Big
Last month, on Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, Sixth District Republican Congressional candidate, Anna Little, reaffirmed her belief that Jerusalem should remain the united capital of the State of Israel. The holiday commemorates the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967. Israelis and Jews around the world celebrate the holiday with special prayers of thanks to G-d, educational programs about Jerusalem, and other festivities. Between 1948 and 1967, Jews were prohibited from visiting Jewish holy sites in the eastern part of the city. This includes the Western Wall, a remnant of the wall that surrounded the Holy Temple, one of the holiest Jewish sites in the world, destroyed by the Romans in the year 70 CE. After Israel regained control of all of Jerusalem in 1967, open access to the holy sites of Jerusalem was guaranteed to everyone, Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Anna Little joins Israelis and Jews in saying that, “Jerusalem should never again be divided. It should remain, as it historically has always been, the undivided capital of the free and democratic State of Israel.” Anna also called on the Obama Administration to move the US Embassy to Israel, from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, as repeatedly
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Letters to the Editor
called for by laws passed by both houses of Congress. For more information about Anna Little for Congress, or to volunteer, visit www.annalittleforcongress.com or call 732658-5461. Lyle H. Himmel Highlands, NJ SLR: The Jewish Voice heartily endorses Mrs. Little, the former mayor of Highlands, in her race for Congress in NJ’s Sixth District against Rep Frank Pallone (D-NJ). Go, Anna! Students Respond to Munich 11 Massacre After reading the article about the International Olympic Community (IOC) declining to recognize the eleven Israeli athletes through a minute of silence, I was deeply disturbed [“Families of the Israeli Athletes Murdered in Munich in 1972 Ask the Olympic Committee for One Minute of Silence; Arabs Object,” May 2012]. As a high school teacher, I wondered if any of my students had ever heard about this event, only 40 years ago. That day, I cancelled my original lesson plans; I brought in the copies of the article and played a short clip reenacting the events of the summer of 1972. All my students were deeply touched by the tragic tale and enraged by the decision of the IOC. When I presented the assignment for the day, writing a letter to Congressmen Bill Pascrell and Steve Rothman about this issue, there were no complaints. Each girl worked diligently, viewing her letter as more than merely class work, but rather as a personal responsibility. Looking at the passion my students exhibited when writing, I felt tremendous pride in their dedication for justice. I strongly recommend other members of the Jewish community to join my students in urging their members of Congress to address this issue and give the victims and their families the respect they deserve. Rivki Nyer Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School For Girls Teaneck, NJ The Confusing Impact of the Internet Two weeks ago, close to 60,000 men jammed two stadiums in Queens to learn about the sensual dangers of the Internet. This raised the eyebrows of many rabbis and community baalei batim, who are equally as Orthodox as those in the stadium but with more common sense. Members of the Agudath Israel of America, for example, understand that, because of the sensitivity of the subject, such matters should never be discussed publicly. The issue of sensuality should be treated as a sensitive matter, like the question of Creation and Jewish mysticism, the study of which is forbidden to more than two people at a time. The raising of millions of dollars for a spectacle of this kind suggests that there was another motive for this modern “hakhel,” held for the benefit of the organizers and their sponsors. We live in a world where free speech and a free media are the norm. The Internet is simply an extension of this. At the dawn of the atomic age, many feared what lay ahead. In fact, nuclear technology proved beneficial. It has deterred another world war, which could, G-d forbid, mean the destruction of mankind
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“Thought Is the World of Freedom” (R’ Dov Ber of Mazeritch) within hours. Even the most fanatic ideologues don’t want that. As a matter of fact, atomic research has saved millions of lives, so it is difficult to evaluate whether atomic power is a blessing or a curse. Our sages teach us that to be admitted to the Great Court in Jerusalem, a judge had to be able to evaluate both sides of every issue. Even when presented with a problem for which 49 positive and 49 negative opinions exist, the judge still needed to be able to arrive at the correct conclusion. The “problem” with the Internet is that it, too, has countless good and vital features, which may well outweigh the frivolity that is also found on it. It is important to learn to restrain oneself from that which is wicked on the Internet. Teaching us to do this is where our rabbis’ focus should be. In our orphaned generation, in which we lack even one indisputable leader whose opinion would be accepted by all, we can only look forward to the speedy arrival of Mashiach who will solve all of Man’s problems. Amen Rabbi Jacob Eisemann Elizabeth, NJ Parenting Workshops in Teaneck The Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey (RYNJ) is offering a series of free parenting workshops for the members of the Teaneck apartment community. We would be happy to hear about which topics you would like to learn, and will tailor the programming accordingly. Please feel free to email me jfrohlich@ rynj.org or call me at 201-986-1414 ext 316 to indicate your general interest and specific requests. I look forward to greeting and working with you. Dr. Jonathan Frohlich, Director, Psychological and Counseling Services RYNJ River Edge, NJ Raising Money for Camp Simcha On Wednesday and Thursday, August 8th and 9th, I will bike 150 miles to Camp Simcha, an organization well known in our community. My objective is to raise $3600 to give 430 children a chance to forget about illness and just be kids again. I would like to ask you to support my fundraising efforts. To donate please visit my website: http://www.chailifeline.org/
events/Bike4Chai/my/dovidd or email me with your pledges at doviddashevsky@yahoo.com Dovid Dashevsky Teaneck, NJ The Right BDS I am a proud Zionist who supports BDS – Blessings, Donations to Israel, and the settlements. Those of us in the Zionist camp who spoke of boycotting the 48th Annual Celebrate Israel Parade on June 3 because of a few leftist fools like the New Israel Fund made a very major mistake. Should those of us with children in Modern Orthodox yeshivas have allowed the fringe fools to define Zionism, and denied our children the beautiful occasion of seeing Fifth Avenue draped in white and blue? Should great groups like Betar (the youth movement of Ze’ev Jabotinsky), RAJE (From Let My People Go to Let My People Know) or all of the yeshivas not have participated in this rite of passage simply because of those few fools? I think not. If it had been my parade, I would never have allowed people like the NIF to march and I think they should have been removed. They are outside the consensus of the Jewish people, and if someone had prevented them from marching, they would have been right. But no matter who opposes Zionism, whether a self-hating liberal or those who don religious garb and oppose Israel annually at the parade—the good Jews must go on. Ze’ev Jabotinsky once said, “Zionism is a moral and just movement—and if it is a just cause, justice must win, disregarding the agreement or disagreement of anyone. And if Joseph or Simeon or Ivan or Achmed would like to prevent the victory of the just cause because it is inconvenient for them, it is a duty to prevent them from successfully interfering.” Let’s not allow the folks who talk of that other BDS to interfere with Zionism. Ronn Torossian CEO, 5WPR. New York, NY The Jewish Voice and Opinion welcomes letters, especially if they are typed, double-spaced, and legible. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and style. Please send all correspondence to POB 8097, Englewood, NJ 07631. The phone number is (201) 569-2845. The FAX number is (201) 569-1739. The email address is susan@jewishvoiceandopinion.com
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June 2012/Sivan 5772
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For Realtor Ruby Kaplan, Experience and Dedication Are Key Teaneck realtor Ruby Ka-
plan knows that to serve her clientele, many of whom are Jews looking to relocate to or within communities with nice-sized Jewish populations, she has a professional obligation to “wear many hats.” Mrs. Kaplan, who has been a licensed realtor for over 25
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years and now works with V&N Realty in Teaneck, has experience buying and selling properties in New Jersey and New York. She knows each transaction presents the challenge of individual personalities whose needs must be addressed professionally and expediently. “My clients are continually assured that I am there for them when and if an issue
arises. Ultimately, my motto is: ‘I want what my buyer or seller wants,’” she says. Being Available To accomplish this, Mrs. Kaplan commits herself to being available throughout the process, providing professional direction that reflects her expertise in a number of crucial areas. For example, she makes sure clients receive comparable reports on similar properties in the area, listing information, tax reports, and sold “comps.” She gives buyers casual advice on how to “stage” a home for optimal sale. Perhaps most importantly, she provides emotional support for the difficult times during the process and seeks constantly to be a resource in all situations. “Be wary of a realtor who does not respond timely to
your questions and concerns, or someone who is not familiar with your area,” she warns. Improved Market For Mrs. Kaplan, the good news is that the housing market has improved. “Statistics show that some houses are starting to sell quicker than they did in the last four years. Sellers have become more motivated and interest rates are an attractive less than four percent to encourage buyers to take advantage of the plunge,” she says, adding that “purchasing ‘a piece of the rock’ in an area servicing your family’s needs is always a positive step in right direction.” Those looking for a realtor totally dedicated to securing her clients’ housing needs can reach Mrs. Kaplan at 201-6923700, 917-576-4177, or by email at Rubykaplan@aol.com Y
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