West Hempstead Jewish Journal | Shavuos Edition (88 Pages) by A. Gross

Vol. 1, No. 3 • May 30, 2019

REACHING OVER 25,000 FAMILIES IN THE WEST HEMPSTEAD, FIVE TOWNS, FAR ROCKAWAY, & QUEENS COMMUNITIES

Shavuos In The New

West Hempstead

It is with tremendous pleasure & excitement to introduce to you our third, and very special issue of The West Hempstead Jewish Journal. As we go to print, you can feel the community’s incredible energy in getting ready for Shavuos. To all the dozens of new families who've just moved into West Hempstead in the past few months, we welcome you, & know you’ll love your first Shavuos in town. With so many Shul events, you can be sure you and your children will be busy. I’d like to thank all of our incredible Advertisers and Writers for their continuous excitement and enthusiasm. (Even the advertisers that couldn't make it in this time around, we thank you too – I’m sure that when we begin to publish on a weekly basis, maybe even team up with a decently known newspaper, we know you'll be back!) Continued on Page 10

Why Lose Sleep? RABBI GARY MENCHEL, ROSH HAYESHIVA OF YESHIVA HAR TORAH

I remember, fondly, beginning to stay up to learn on ‫ שבועת‬night at the age of ten. I was so excited, and, for the most part, spent the entire night learning. In my earlier years, I would use the time to review for my upcoming Gemara final exam, which was probably true through my Semicha years at RIETS. Growing up in Monsey, New York, it was the culture of our shul and broader community to stay up and learn throughout the night. Baruch Hashem, outside of one year, when I had the flu, I have been privileged to stay up and learn every year since. Continued On Page 31

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RESIDENTIAL MOSQUITO CONTROL

West Hempstead’s Real Estate Market Is Outpacing Everyone’s Expectations What Buyers & Sellers Can Expect From West Hempstead’s Blistering RE Market

A Chag Sameach

It’s no secret that West Hempstead’s real estate market has been on the rise, but the pace has been unprecedented. West Hempstead’s average property value has risen 163% over the past 20 years, outpacing neighborhoods such as Lawrence and Woodmere by 33% and 16%, respectively, which are impressive numbers to exceed. What this trend translates into is that West Hempstead’s prices are now attracting a different buyer pool, who in the past considered West Hempstead a tier below other premier neighborhoods in Nassau County, and are now clamoring to get in.

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The Sparks of Shavuos RABBI ELON SONIKER, RAV OF ANSHEI SHALOM, WEST HEMPSTEAD

The holiday of Shavuos is known as ‫זמן מתן תורתנו‬, the time of the giving of the Torah, because shortly after the Jewish people left Mitzrayim and were saved at the Sea, they arrived at Har Sinai and received the Torah. The receiving of the Torah was the purpose and climax of the exodus from Egypt and it was there that the entire Jewish nation heard the voice of Hashem. Therefore, we can easily understand that the celebration of the Yom Tov of Shavuos is connected to the receiving of the Torah.

Tasting The Sweetness Of Torah RABBI JOSH GOLLER, ASSOCIATE RAV OF YOUNG ISRAEL OF WEST HEMPSTEAD

Every day, as part of ‫ברכת התורה‬, we say make a very intriguing request. We ask " ‫והערב נא ה' אלוקינו את דברי תורתך‬ ‫בפינו‬: Sweeten the words of Torah in our mouths.” Growing up, we try our very best to imbue children with a sense that there is nothing sweeter than the taste of Torah. The learning has an inherent sweetness to it. So why then, Rav Pam zt”l asks, would we need to ask Hashem to make it sweet? Continued On Page 12

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‫זמן מתן תורתנו‬

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West Hempstead’s New Semichas Chaver Program Takes The Community’s Learning To Another Level

An incredibly interactive Community-Wide Semichas Chaver Shiurim Series held at BTU every Monday night, has brought a new way of combining serious learning while placing a focus on realworld day-to-day situations. See Page 52

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In This Issue With Tremendous Achdus, Individuals from the neighborhood organized a Communal Breakfast for their incredible Hakaras Hatov to Community Member Mrs. Chani Nadboy who has dedicated counseling CAHAL students and their families for 18 years. HANC also received recognition in appreciation of their partnership with CAHAL for the past 27 years.

Taking The Entire West Hempstead’s Learning To Another Level.

An Exclusive Interview with West Hempstead’s Tzvi Schwartz. His story, and opinion as to what is it about West Hempstead that makes it so unique.

Features Rabbi Uri Lesser on Shavuos Rabbi Raphael Pelcovitz zt”l on Shavuos Organizing You For Life with Debbie Ginsberg Mortgages & Loans with Lester Bleich What Causes Cavities? Preventing them this Shavuos with Brian Rosen, DDS A Complete List of West Hempstead’s Shiurim and Minyanim Times HANC Dinner Recap David Lubin on Emunah & Bitachon Accounting 101: with Renee Wengrofsky

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FROM THE EDITOR

THE WEST HEMPSTEAD JEWISH JOURNAL

By Sender Gross Continued From The Front Cover This Special Shavuos Edition of the Newspaper shows the tremendous potential our flourishing community has shown. Whether you’ve noticed it or not, the growth this neighborhood has had in past few years is nothing other than remarkable. With the influx of over 700 new families in town, they say we’re closing in at close to 2,100 families in town. 2,100 Shul Families creates countless new ideas and plans that one can bring to the table. Whether it be new learning initiatives, Chessed projects, or building campaigns. Our community has been blessed with many new young Rabbanim, and professionals who moved in, bringing in with them an abundance of ideas and plans to bring things to life and make important changes. May Hashem continue to bless us, our families, and this community. I would like to thank all those who helped make this publication possible, you know who you are. I would mention your names, but there are not enough letters on this keyboard to thank you enough. We encourage all of our readers, even those who just look at the Advertisements, to send us feedback, questions, comments and suggestions. In addition, if you have any content you feel would be helpful to our newspaper and community, please let us know. Wishing all of our readers and advertisers a Chag Sameach, and a Happy Shavuos, looking forward to seeing you at the Reishit Dinner

Stephen J. Stern Vice President/Investments

Michael A. Gordon, MD, FACS OTOLOGY AND NEUROTOLOGY • EAR DISEASE PEDIATRIC AND ADULT EAR, NOSE & THROAT HEARING LOSS • DIZZINESS • HEARING AIDS 990 Stewart Avenue; Suite 610 Garden City, NY 11530

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THE SWEETNESS OF TORAH By Rabbi Goller Continued from front cover The answer could be that even the sweetest of things will not taste so if there is a bitter or bad taste in one's mouth beforehand. Depending on what else a person has consumed, that will affect how sweet even the sweetest of foods will taste. So too, Torah itself is the sweetest thing in the world. But it cannot be tasted if a person has "consumed" bitter items beforehand. We have spent the last 7 weeks of ‫ ספירת העומר‬cleaning off our pallet, to prepare it for the consumption of Torah. On behalf of myself Rachele and family, wishing you all a sweet ‫ חג שבועות‬one where the sweetness of Hashem's Torah is tasted in full by all!

Wishing The Entire Community, A Chag Sameach!

Rabbi Goller

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SPARKS OF SHAVUOS By Rabbi Elon Soniker Continued From The Front Cover The problem is that the Torah that we received on Shavuos did not last very long. When Moshe Rabbeinu came down from the mountain after receiving the Torah, he found the Jewish people sinning with the Golden Calf and decided to destroy the aseres hadibros, the Ten Commandments, which he had brought down with him from Har Sinai. It was only after Moshe Rabbeinu made a second trip up Har Sinai did we receive the aseres hadibros that would last forever. If that is the case, that the real receiving of the Torah was at a later date (on Yom Kippur), then what are we celebrating on Shavuos? Rav Moshe Chaim Luzzato (1707-1746) wrote in his sefer Daas Tevunos, that Hashem gave the Jewish people two separate gifts. One gift is the opportunity to serve Hashem and fulfill His mitzvos. The second gift is the ability to affect and influence the world in a spiritual way through our actions of mitzvos. This second gift was given to us on Shavuos at Har Sinai. It was there that the Jewish nation had a communal “bar mitzvah,” where all of the people became obligated to fulfill the mitzvos of Hashem. As a result of this obligation, our actions carry much greater weight and can influence and correct imperfections in the world in a spiritual way. With this explanation Ramchal answers a different question as well. The Gemara (Kiddushin 31a) writes that one who is obligated in mitzvos and fulfills them is greater than one who is not obligated in mitzvos and performs them. Many commentators comment that this is counterintuitive because it seems that it would make sense to say that one who volunteers to fulfill the mitzvos is greater than one who performs them out of obligation. Why then is the reward for the one who is obligated greater? Ramchal explains that only one who is obligated in mitzvos has the ability to affect the world in a spiritual way through the fulfillment of them, because that power stems from the obligation to fulfill the mitzvos. The one who fulfills the mitzvos voluntarily is certainly praiseworthy, but his actions are not as powerful as the actions of a person who is obligated to do the mitzvos. Rav Matisyahu Salomon, Mashgiach of Bais Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, explains (in his sefer Matnas Chaim) that on Shavuos we received more than the power and ability of our actions to influence the spiritual world. On Shavuos, at the time of Matan Torah, the impure covering that was left on the Jews from the influence of Mitzrayim was removed and their hearts were opened up. Hashem placed a spark of holiness inside the heart of every Jew from that moment forward. This spark of holiness causes us to have a natural desire and inclination to serve Hashem and fulfill His mitzvos. However, this spark can be covered over as a result of our actions and our sins. A person might feel that there is no holiness inside of him because this spark can become so hidden from him. But in reality, the spark of holiness can never be extinguished. This spark of kedusha, the pintele yid inside all of us, is always burning. Our job is to try to uncover it and connect to it. Rav Salomon explains that this is what we received and what we still have as a lasting impression from Har Sinai and this is what we celebrate on Shavuos. May we all merit to open up our hearts this Shavuos and recognize and connect with the holiness inside of us. Chag Sameach.

Kenneth J. Glassman ATTORTNEY AT LAW 7 PENN. PLAZA • SUITE 1606 NEW YORK, NY, 10001

TEL. (212) 213 - 2510 FAX: (212) 213 – 2523

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ELISA ROSEN Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

O: 516.327.6204 C: 917.613.2614 Elisa.Rosen@elliman.com I www.elliman.com 390 Franklin Ave., Suite 2, Franklin Square, NY 11010 516.327.6500

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SHAVUOS: WHY DO WE COUNT TOWARD IT? By Rabbi Uri Lesser Rav of Bais Torah U’Teffilah of West Hempstead There is a question which is raised regarding Sefiras HaOmer and its connection to Shavuos. Why specifically does the Yuntif of Shavuos have a countdown to it? It’s hard to say that Shavuos is more important than the other Regalim because generally the Torah places all three (Shavuos, Succos, and Pesach) together. And although one can suggest that Shavuos is truly more important since ultimately it is the holiday where we received the Torah, from a practical standpoint if we weren’t redeemed from Egypt, we also would never had gotten the Torah. Ultimately the question returns, how is Shavuos specifically connected to Sefiras HaOmer? The answer can be explained based on the following Medrash. When Moshe Rabbeinu came down from Har Sinai the Torah tells us that he had a “shine” on his face. The Medrash explains that this shine was from the two extra drops of ink that Moshe had leftover to write down “more Torah” even though he already learned everything. How do these drops of ink create a shine on Moshe’s face? The answer is that the drops of ink represented Moshe’s inner desire to accomplish more and grow closer to Hashem, even after he accomplished it all. He was waited for more Torah to be learned in order to finish his task. This yearning created a glow on his face for all to see. We learn from here that the point of Shavuos is not just to receive the Torah but to actual yearn for it. Sefiras HaOmer is not just a countdown for the Yuntif of Shavuos, but it actually becomes part of the Yuntif itself vis-àvis the countdown. This is what makes Shavuos so unique, and this should be our mindset when we approach Zman Matan Toraseinu. What can we do more to get closer to Hashem! Wishing The Entire Community, A Chag Sameach!

Rabbi Lesser

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REAL ESTATE Continued from front cover To help illustrate this upward trend, a Cape in the Presidential area was sold by Sharona Beck Realty three times since 1996. Originally sold for $163,000 the property changed hands again in 2003 for $334,000 and most recently again in 2019 for $565,000. This property in particular rose a whopping 246% in 23 years. West Hempstead’s most expensive residential transaction in the last 12 months saw a five-bedroom home on an acre of property command a hefty $1.85 million price tag. There is little doubt that the recent sales by Sharona Beck Realty of four newly constructed homes on Paramount Court boasting an asking price of over $1,000,000 has firmly established that West Hempstead has turned a corner in terms of pricing. However, the unique aspect of West Hempstead is that it still remains affordable, even if there have been a record amount of sales going for upwards of $900,000 in various pockets of the neighborhood. Sharona Beck Realty currently has listings in the Dogwood area asking $489,000 for a three-bedroom home, $555,000 for a four-bedroom ranch and $615,000 for a four-bedroom expanded cape. Right around the corner from these homes, Sharona Beck Realty sold a sevenbedroom house for over $1,200,000. West Hempstead distinguishes itself from other high-end communities because of the value per square foot, which still remains one of the best “bang for your buck” opportunities in Nassau County. West Hempstead’s infrastructure continues to improve with an upcoming new location for I&D Glatt’s Kosher Butcher & Grocery Store, gas lines being installed throughout the neighborhood for homes that previously didn’t have the option, renovations and expansion to many older homes, and rumors of new kosher restaurants on the horizon. These improvements always have a direct impact on the trajectory of the market. We cannot categorize what is going on in West Hempstead as a purely “seller’s market” or “buyer’s market” as both groups have plenty of upside to consider when either purchasing or selling in the neighborhood. What we can say is that West Hempstead is finally coming into its own as a viable option for buyers looking for either affordability or luxury housing, a rare quality in any neighborhood. ______________ Sharona Beck Realty is a full-service real estate brokerage with locations in West Hempstead and Cedarhurst, Long Island. It has been the most transactional brokerage in West Hempstead for nearly two decades. Sharona Beck Realty’s West Hempstead Office can be reached at 516.565.4392 THE WEST HEMPSTEAD JEWISH JOURNAL • SHAVUOS • WHJewishJournal@Gmail.com • WHJJOURNAL.COM 0

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SHAVUOS; THE POWER OF RENEWAL By Rabbi Raphael Pelcovitz, zt”l In The Teffilos Of Shavuos, We Refer To This Holiday As Z’man Matan Toraseinu, “The Season of the Giving of the Torah.” Yet, when we study the Parashas HaMoadim in Emor, it refers to this Yom Tov only as Chag HaBikkurim, “The Festival of the First Fruits,” and no mention is made of the great historic event at Sinai which shaped the destiny of Israel for all time! The pesukim there speak of the culmination of Sefirah, the two loaves of bread brought as an offering, and the sacrifices and prohibition of labor to mark this day; but regarding the giving of the Torah, the dramatic encounter of G-d with Israel, complete silence! A similar anomaly can be found in the same Parashas HaMoadim, where the Torah

refers to Rosh Hashanah as Yom HaZikaron, “A Day of Remembrance,” but no mention is made of its paramount character, that of Yom HaDin, the Day of Judgment, when all mankind passes before G-d to be judged for the coming year. Why does the Torah choose to be silent regarding these two vital, tremendously important aspects – the giving of the Torah on Shavuos and G-d’s judgment of mankind of Rosh Hashanah? The Kli Yakar offers an illuminating answer to these questions. He explains that although the giving of the Torah took place at a specific time, we accept the Torah every day, Rashi, commenting on the phrase ‫“ ״היום״‬today”

Devarim 26:16),‫“ ״בכל יום יהיו בעיניך חדשים״‬Let the (words of Torah be new in your eyes every day,” says as though you just received them. There is a need for freshness, excitement and a sense of wonder each time we study Torah and observe its Mitzvos. To mark Matan Torah one day in the year would be restrictive and selfdefeating. An anniversary is special, but it tends to diminish the significance of all the other days of the year. That is why, basically, Mother’s Day or Father’s day is alien to us, for the mitzvah of Kibud Av V’em is one of that operative every day. That is why the Torah chooses not to specify that Shavuos is the festival of the giving of the Torah, Instead it simply states: ‫״הקרבתם מנחה חדשה לה״‬, “And you shall bring a new meal offering to Hashem” (Vayikra 23: 16), thereby implying

that the celebration of receiving the Torah on this day should be marked by finding what is new and exciting in Torah. Similarly, the Day of Judgement, the Yom HaDin, is not mentioned in conjunction with Rosh Hashanah lest one think that since he is judged only on this day, therefore he can sin all year and repent before his trial on the following Rosh Hashanah. This trend of thought is incorrect for judgement is constant, accountability is a daily concern and repentance is incumbent upon us every day. Hence, the Torah consciously choose not to mention specifically that the first day of the seventh month is Yom HaDin in order to underscore the idea of daily judgment and constant Din O’Chesbon Judaism rejects the concept of a “leap of faith,” a sudden flash of intuitive inspiration and acceptance of a deity. Rather, it emphasizes a growing awareness of G-d, a daily confirmation of our faith and the discipline of Mitzvos, which form the pattern of our everyday existence. Moments of exceptional enthusiasm fade quickly. What counts are the seemingly mundane moments which are nonetheless touched with magic and majesty. That is why neither Matan Torah nor Yom HaDin are mentioned. Rather, they are alluded to through the phrases Mincha Chadashah and Yom HaZikaron, respectively, to stress the need for a sense of constant renewal and remembrance. Modern man desperately needs to learn this twofold lesson of Shavuos and Rosh Hashanah, as interpreted by the Kli Yakar. Modern religionists would do well to ponder, when they capitulate to the radical elements in their ranks, how far they are removing themselves from the Torah spirit. How tragic and dangerous are the radical changes introduced into religious practice which are motivated by a desire for innovation and progress but which in reality proclaim a bankruptcy of ideas and an erosion of basic loyalty to, and belief in the authenticity of Torah and its viability and vitality. When religious leaders lose faith in the Mincha Chadashah quality of Torah, they desperately embrace change for the sake of change. Commitment cannot be compromised, and when it is, it reflects a fundamental weakness and hollowness which contains its own seeds of destruction. Regarding the Akeidah, Avraham’s readiness to sacrifice Yitzchak, which is considered to have been the greatest test of Avraham’s faith, the Kutzer Rebbe asks: What man could refuse G-d if the Almighty spoke to him directly, regardless of how difficult the request? What was so special about Avraham? He answers that the greatness of Avraham lay in the fact that the Akeidah took place on the third day. There was time to reflect, to reconsider, to cool off. The enthusiastic, emotional readiness to comply with G-d’s command had time to diminish, but it didn’t Avraham’s enthusiasm and devotion remained as strong and fresh on the third day as it was when G-d spoke to him. This intriguing thought of Rav Mendel of Kutz adds dimension and depth to the commentary of Kli Yakar. It is a psychological truth that a human being can be inspired, motivated and challenged, but this heightened sense of enthusiasm does not last indefinitely. It wanes and dissipates with the passage of time. That is why our Sages emphasize that a person must train himself to accept Torah each day and appreciate its constant newness. That is what is meant by the phrase ‫“ ״בכל יום יהיו בעיניך חדשים״‬Let the words of Torah be new in your eyes every day.” That is why the ability of Avraham to retain his commitment and willingness to fulfill G-d’s command, even on the third day was so unusual and unique. Just as Avraham on the third day was no less determined to fulfill G-d’s command that he was on the day G-d first commanded him, so must Jews, centuries after Sinai, say naaseh v’nishma, “We will do and we will listen,” as though the Torah is being given today. Those Jews who have learned the lesson of the Mincha Chadashah, who have never lost their enthusiasm and sense of freshness, are the ones who ensure the future of Torah and Klal Yisrael, May we be privileged to be among them and to be makabel the Torah each day, be’ahavah!

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WHY LOSE SLEEP? By Rabbi Menchel Continued From Front Cover I am certain that my experience in Monsey was not unique. We are all aware that in Jewish communities the world over it is customary to stay awake on the first night of Shavuot and to be actively involved in Torah study throughout the night. While it seems appropriate to dedicate time to studying Torah on the holiday on which we celebrate receiving the precious gift of the Torah, what is the reason for staying up all night? The Chofetz Chaim zt”l writes in his Mishnah Berurah (Siman 494:1) that the origin of this custom, cited in the Zohar, is that the ‫חסידים‬ ‫הראשונים‬, the original pious ones, used to stay awake all night engrossed in the study of Torah, a custom which was subsequently adopted by the majority of Torah students. The Zohar states (Parashat Vayikra 97b) that when the first night of Shavuot comes, it is appropriate to toil in the study of Torah and to connect to it, and to protect and maintain the elevated purity which one attains that night. It is for this reason that the original pious ones did not sleep that night as they toiled in the study of Torah, saying: Let us inherit this holy portion for ourselves and our children for both worlds. The Mishnah Berurah also quotes the Magen Avraham (found in Shulchan Aruch 494) who references a Midrash that the reason for this minhag is because the Jewish people slept through the night that the Torah was to be given, and Hashem needed to wake them up so that they could receive the Torah. Therefore, we now stay up the entire night of Shavuot as a Tikkun, to correct the past.

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It appears that the Midrash to which the Magen Avraham referred is the Pirkei D’Rabbi Eliezer (Chapter 41) which states as follows: Rabbi Chanina said: In the third month (the month of Sivan, counting from Nissan) the day is double the night, and the Jewish people slept for two hours into the day, for sleep on the day of Azereth (Shavuot) is pleasant, with the night being short. And Moshe went forth and came to the camp of the Jewish people, and aroused them from their sleep, saying to them: Arise from your sleep, for behold, Hashem desires to give the Torah to you. The bridegroom wishes to lead the bride and to enter the bridal chamber. The hour has come for giving you the Torah, as it is said, ֵ‫ן־המַ חֲנֵ֑הֵוַ ִּי ְָֽתי ְַצבּ֖וֵ ְב ַת ְחתִֵ֥ית‬ ַ ָֽ ‫אתֵהאֱֹלהִֵ֖יםֵ ִמ‬ ָ ָֽ ֵַ֥‫לִקר‬ ְ ֵ‫מֹשֵהֵאת־הָ עֵָ֛ם‬ ֧ ֵ‫וַּיוֹצֵ֨א‬ ‫ הָ ָֽ ָהר‬- And Moshe brought forth the people out of the camp to meet Hashem" (Shemos 19:17). And Hashem also went forth to meet them; like a bridegroom who goes forth to meet the bride, so Hashem went forth to meet them to give them the Torah, as it is said: ‫ישימ֣וֹןֵ ָֽסלָה‬ ִ ‫לִפנֵ֣יֵעַ מֵָ֑ךֵ ְבצַ ְע ְדָךֵ֖ ִָֽב‬ ְ ֵ‫אתָך‬ ְ ‫יםֵ ֭בְֵצ‬-‫ אֱֵָֹֽל‬- "O G-d, when You went forth before your people, when You marched through the desert, selah" (Tehillim 68:8). While the Magen Avraham cites that Hashem had to wake the people up, apparently, he sent Moshe as his emissary. The Mishnah Berurah also quotes the Ari zt”l who says that one should be aware that anyone who doesn't sleep at all and is engrossed in learning Torah can be assured that his sleep will be made up and nothing bad will occur to him. The Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato) offers a profound reason for dedicating our night to the study of Torah in his Derech Hashem (4:7). Our holidays mark dates when Tikkun (rectifications) take place in history, and Hashem has decreed that on their anniversary, a counterpart of their original light

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shines forth, and the results of its Tikkun are renewed for those who accept it. Shavuot involves a great Tikkun, since it is the time when the Torah was given. Each year, on the anniversary of the giving of the Torah, when we study Torah through the night in anticipation of receiving the Torah anew, there is a profound spiritual impact on each of us. Rav Yeshaya Horowitz, the Shelah HaKadosh, writes that Shavuot is likened to Rosh Hashanah; it too is a day of judgement. Hashem, understandably, takes account of our actions on Rosh Hashanah, which is the anniversary of the creation of humanity, known as the first day of Hashem’s works. Similarly, Shavuot, as the anniversary of the giving of the Torah, which is the ultimate culmination of and justification for the creation of the world, is a day of judgement and accounting as well. We are so blessed to live in a community in which we are guided by Torah values and where there are so many opportunities to study Torah and to feel a connection to Torah. As we prepare for the holiday of Shavuot, Zman Matan Toraseinu, I hope you will plan to join Klal Yisrael for a night of Tikun, of repairing the past and partaking of the profound spiritual impact which undoubtedly awaits all those that study Torah through the night. Take advantage of the many different shiurim available at our shuls, and, with Hashem’s help, we will be judged favorably, while we inherit the holy portion of that which is our Torah, for ourselves, our children and for Klal Yisrael. Wishing you and yours a joyous and inspired

‫זמןֵמתןֵתורתנו‬ Rabbi Menchel

The WHJJ Had The Honor To Speak With West Hempstead’s Renowned Tzvi Schwartz, Where We Discussed His First Experiences With Music, His Mindset While Singing, & What He Feels Is Special About Our West Hempstead Community.

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Continued From Page 33 WHJJ: Tzvi, it’s so great to speak with you! Tell us about your first experiences with singing. How did you get into this? Tzvi:

WHJJ: Do you keep up with any of the guys from the choir days?

WHJJ: Did you have to try out? How does that work? Tzvi:

WHJJ: Well that must have been terrifying – how did Reb Yerachmiel choose? Tzvi:

Tzvi with Mordechai Ben David Tzvi:

official Miami Boys Choir

everywhere (not mention I got to miss school for this!). – Tzvi is in the front row, first person on the right, Ari Goldwag is the 2nd person from the left

WHJJ: That’s Amazing any other some other memorable moments from those years? Tzvi:

WHJJ: Wow, so about you now, where did you move from? Tzvi: Lived in Brooklyn for 8 years before coming to West Hempstead. WHJJ: What made you decide to come to West Hempstead? And while we’re talking about West Hempstead, what do you find is unique and special about it? Tzvi:

WHJJ: So true, and Tzvi, you enhance the community’s Shabbosim, and Yomim Tovim with your inspirational singing, always picking out the best tunes to sing and knowing exactly when to sing them. Correct me if I’m wrong, but this past Rosh Hashana / Yom Kippur, you davened for the Amud in nearly every single Shul in the community, for different parts of the Teffilos. What’s that like to have this special gift, how do you view that experience alone? Continued On Page 51

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THE WEST HEMPSTEAD JEWISH JOURNAL Continued From Page 34…

“Hashem Sifasai Tiftach U’Fei Yagid Tehilasecha”,

Tzvi: own

to try to make this event again this year, with the confidence that the same, if not more people will attend. WHJJ: I remember that night. It really was special. Everyone sang, danced and had a blast. If everyone came for free, I’m assuming someone sponsored the event? Tzvi: Actually, raising money to cover the cost wasn’t easy at all (laughing)! But B’H several people helped make it happen and we were even able to raise extra money for HANC. So, I truly hope those who are able to will join me once more in helping make this event happen again this summer I’YH. WHJJ: Tzvi, it was really great sitting with you. Thank you for doing this. Any last words for our readers? Tzvi: When two people talk at the same time, it creates chaos… but when two people sing at the same time, it creates harmony… so give me some harmony”

Rabbi Kelemer dancing with Tzvi as he preforms at his Community Wide Kumtzitz

WHJJ: You’ve recently led multiple community events, which were all massive successes. Always leaving us on a musical high. Tzvi, you have to tell us, what’s next? Tzvi: I’m glad you asked! Two years ago, I made a community wide Kumtzitz on Motzei Shabbos Nachamu. I hired the singing group Mezamrim, had a professional sound and light company, and I really had no idea what to except and had no idea what the turnout would be. I specifically didn’t want anyone to have to pay to come. I wanted everyone to just come and enjoy. And it was B’H a huge success. Around 300 people came, I&D catered, it was an all-around incredible experience. G-d Willing, I’m going

Tzvi and Ari Goldwag

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THE WEST HEMPSTEAD JEWISH JOURNAL MORGAGES

ORGANIZING YOU FOR LIFE

LOANS

Lester Bleich

Debbie Ginsberg

Continued on page 54

Here are some of the statistics: 1. The average age of ADHD diagnosis: 7 2. Age when symptoms of ADHD typically first appear: 3-6 3. 6.1% of American children are being treated for ADHD with medication 4. There has been a 42% increase in ADHD diagnoses over the past 8 years. This is due to our new awareness of ADHD. Doctors do not believe that we have more people with ADHD, just they their symptoms are now recognizable.

• • • •

Trouble with concentrating or focusing Difficulty staying organized Being forgetful about completing tasks Challenges with sitting still It can be a difficult condition to diagnose. Many symptoms of ADHD can be typical childhood behaviors (think Tom Sawyer), so it can be hard to know what’s ADHD-related and what’s not. • Males are almost three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females. • During their lifetimes, 13% of men will be diagnosed with ADHD. • Just 4.2 % of women will be diagnosed.

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THE WEST HEMPSTEAD JEWISH JOURNAL

Continued From Page 53

. Continued on page 56

Lester Bleich is a New York State Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator with South Shore Mortgage and has financed hundreds of homes in West Hempstead. He can be reached by phone at: 516-302-7485. Readers are encouraged to send questions or comments to: info@Les4Loans.com.

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West Hempstead Breakfast Held In Support Of CAHAL

To learn more about CAHAL and to donate to this outstanding community organization, visit WWW.CAHAL.ORG.

Chabad of West Hempstead Holds Its Annual Community Wide Lag Ba’omer BBQ

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THE WEST HEMPSTEAD JEWISH JOURNAL DENTISTRY

Continued From Page 54

Brian Rosen, DDS.

Continued On Page 75

It’s not just one non-medicinal approach that will improve the lives of people with ADHD or EFD. Growth and improvements are a result of a combination of utilizing organizing techniques and tools in a proper manner.

Debbie Ginsberg is a Professional Organizer and the founder of OrganizeU4Life which focuses on Mentoring the ADHD and EFD community. In addition to their customized individualized program, organizing techniques and tools are used to further assist clients in reaching their goals. OrganizeU4Life is a Play Attention Provider. Lessons are provided at a client’s home, school, office or virtually. Debbie also offers a free audio class for the ADHD and EFD community. You can contact Debbie by email, phone or text. Email: Info@OrganizeU4Life.com Phone: 516-984-9365. www.OrganizeU4Life.com

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THE WEST HEMPSTEAD JEWISH JOURNAL

DAILY MINYANIM IN WEST HEMPSTEAD

DAILY SHIURIM IN WEST HEMPSTEAD Sponsored By:

Sponsored By:

SHABBOS DAY

SHABBOS DAY SHACHARIS

8:30am @ YIWH Parsha Shiur, Main Shul, Speaker Varies Weekly @ Eitz Chayim, Rabbi Menschel’s Parsha Shiur 45 min Before Mincha @ BTU, Contemporary Halacha Chaburah with Michael Lavner 1 Hour Before Mincha @ Anshei Gemera Shiur with Rabbi Pearl @ Eitz Chayim, Daf Yomi, Bais Medrash @ YIWH, Menachem Brick Gemera Shiur, Main Shul Between Mincha/ Maariv @ Anshei Shiur by R’ Soniker @ YIWH, Rabbi Kelemer Gemera Shiur, Main Shul Between Mincha/Maariv @ Eitz Chayim, Shiur By Rabbi Schwalb, Main Shul Following 2nd YIWH Mincha, Daf Yomi with Avi Pechman, Bais Midrash

7:10am @ YIWH 7:30am @ Eitz Chayim 8:00am @ Anshei @ Hanc Minyan Room 8:30am @ BTU 8:45am @ YIWH (Sephardi Minyan) 9:00am @ YIWH (Main Shul) @ YIWH (Kiddush Room) @ YIWH (HLR) @ ECC @ Eitz Chayim @ Anshei 9:30am @ Chabad @ YIWH (Teens/ BM) @ Anshei (Teen Minyan)

SUNDAY 7:00am @ Eitz Chayim, Daf Yomi with Rav Avrohom Sebrow 7:15am @ Anshei, Gemera Chagigah Shiur with Rav Tzachi Diamond 7:45am @ YIWH Daf Yomi with Rabbi Gross, Youth Wing 8:00am @ YIWH, Rabbi Kelemer, Mishna Shiur, Main Shul 8:30am @ 625 Hempstead Ave, Rabbi Menachem Brick, Toras Eretz Yisrael 8:00pm @ BTU, Gemera Chaburah with Rabbi Meir Fried 9:00pm @ YIWH, Daf Yomi with Shlomo Klein, Bais Medrash

SUNDAY SHACHARIS

MONDAY

6:00am @ YIWH 6:30am @ YIWH @ Anshei 7:00am @ YIWH 7:30am @ YIWH @ BTU 7:50am @ Eitz Chayim 8:00am @ YIWH 8:30am @ YIWH 9:00am @ YIWH 9:30am @ Chabad

5:50am @ Eitz Chayim, Daf Yomi with Rav Avrohom Sebrow 6:40am @ YIWH, Daf Yomi with Rabbi Gross, Youth Wing 7:30am @ YIWH, Rabbi Avraham Borenstein, Mishna Shuir, Kiddush Room 9:45am @ YIWH, Rabbi Kelemer, Gemara Shuir, Bais Medrash 8:00pm @ BTU Semichat Chaver Program with Rabbi Lesser 8:30pm @ Chabad, Tanya w/ R’ Lieberman 9:00pm @ YIWH, Rabbi Kelemer, Halacha Shuir, Bais Medrash 10:00pm @ YIWH, Daf Yomi with Avi Pechman, Bais Medrash

TUESDAY

WEEKDAY SHACHARIS 5:50am @ YIWH 6:10am @ BTU 6:20am @ YIWH @ Anshei 6:30am @ YIWH 6:45am @ Eitz Chayim (10 Minutes early M&T) 7:30am @ YIWH (10 Minutes early M&T) 8:00am @ YIWH 8:30am @ YIWH MINCHA 2:00pm @ YIWH 7:15pm @ Anshei (Fallowed by Maariv) 7:20pm @ YIWH (Fallowed by Maariv) @ Eitz Chayim (Fallowed by Maariv)

6:00am @ Eitz Chayim, Daf Yomi with Rav Avrohom Sebrow 6:40am @ YIWH, Daf Yomi with Rabbi Gross, Youth Wing 7:30am @ YIWH, Rabbi Holczer, Mishna Shuir, Kiddush Room 8:00pm @ Eitz Chayim, Woman’s Parsha Shiur with Rebbetzin Beaty Menchel 8:30pm @ Chabad, Chassidus with R’ Lieberman 8:30pm @ 625 Hempstead Ave, Rabbi Menachem Brick, Gemara B’iyun 9:00pm @ YIWH, Rabbi Goller, Amud Hashavua, Bais Medrash 9:00pm @ Anshei, Contemporary Halacha with Rabbi Soniker 10:00pm @ Anshei, Daf Shavua with Rabbi Soniker 10:00pm @ YIWH, Daf Yomi with Neil Torczyner

WEDNESDAY 6:00am @ Eitz Chayim, Daf Yomi with Rav Avrohom Sebrow 6:40am @ YIWH, Daf Yomi with Rabbi Gross, Youth Wing 7:30am @ YIWH, Varies, Mishna Shiur, Kiddush Room 8:15pm @ Chabad, Tea and Torah for Women 8:15pm @ Eitz Chayim, Parsha Shiur with Rav Eliyahu Alpert 9:00pm @ YIWH, Rabbi Goller, Halachos & Customs of the Jewish Lifecycle, Bais Medrash 9:15pm @ Chabad Gemera Shiur with Rabbi Brick 10:00pm @ Anshei, Daf Shavua with Rabbi Soniker 10:00pm @ YIWH, Daf Yomi with Dan Sockolow

THURSDAY

MAARIV 9:15pm @ BTU 9:30pm @ Eitz Chayim 9:45pm @ YIWH Cut This Out. Take A Picture Of It. View This Paper Online & Take A Screenshot! You’ll Always Know All Community Davening Times! To Add To This List Email WHJewishJournal@Gmail.com

5:50am @ Eitz Chayim, Daf Yomi with Rav Avrohom Sebrow 6:40am @ YIWH, Daf Yomi with Rabbi Gross, Youth Wing 7:30am @ YIWH, Michael Levine, Mishna Shiur, Kiddush Room 9:00am @ Lamm Residence Windsor Lane, Woman’s Parsha Shiur 8:45pm @ YIWH, Thursday Chaburah with Varies, Bais Medrash 9:00pm @ YIWH, Rabbi Frand, Satellite Shiur, Youth Wing 9:00pm @ YIWH, Rabbi Rudansky, Parsha Shiur, Bais Medrash 9:30pm @ Eitz Chayim, Cholent & Torah with Rabbi Schwalb 10:00pm @ YIWH, Daf Yomi with Bency Schlager Cut This Out. Take A Picture Of It. View This Paper Online & Take A Screenshot! You’ll

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HANC Celebrates 66 Years of Educational Excellence & Pays Special Tribute to Rabbi Moshe Gottesman zt”l On Sunday evening, May 12, 2019, more than 650 guests, which included parents, faculty, and alumni gathered at the Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation for the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County’s (HANC’s) 66 th Anniversary Dinner Gala. In addition to celebrating HANC’s sixty-six years of providing educational excellence on Long Island, and to its surrounding communities, this festive event allowed HANC to publicly recognize and pay tribute to its most notable and deserving honorees and celebrate its many achievements. The evening began with a moving tribute to Rabbi Moshe Gottesman zt”l, Dean Emeritus. HANC was blessed to have Rabbi Gottesman as a teacher and Dean, for over 41 years. Rabbi Gottesman’s legacy will continue to live on in the many students he inspired throughout the years, and in all the current and future HANC students who will continue to be educated with love, and in a way that meets their specific needs, as per Rabbi Gottesman’s mission. We are thrilled that Mrs. Sondra Gottesman, and so many extended Gottesman family members were able to join us. Rabbi Gottesman’s legacy will continue to live on in the many students he inspired throughout the years, and in all the current and future HANC students who will continue to be educated with love, and in a way that meets their specific needs, as per Rabbi Gottesman’s mission. We are thrilled that Mrs. Sondra Gottesman, and so many extended Gottesman family members were able to join us.

Debbie (Rudansky) & Perry Wyner, Jill & Max Rudansky, Henny & Sam Rudansky, and Hanni & Charles Rudansky were recipients of the Family Legacy Award. The Rudansky Family credits Rabbi Moshe Gottesman zt”l for introducing the entire family to a Torah lifestyle. The Rudanskys and their spouses are wonderful examples of Rabbi Gotteman’s legacy and all that Rabbi Gottesman accomplished as an educator at HANC. Rabbi Sam Rudansky is a HANC alumnus and a beloved Rebbe at HANC High School. Rabbi Charles Rudansky is also a HANC alumnus and serves as the Director of Jewish Clinical Services at MJHS Hospice and Palliative Care, as well as the cherished Rabbi of Congregation Shaarei Tikva, in Mamaroneck, NY. Dr. Max Rudansky is a highly respected neurologist who has been treating patients in the Long Island community for over 20 years. Mrs. Debbie Wyner has served as the HANC West Hempstead Elementary School nurse for the last 19 years, until her retirement this upcoming June. We will miss her!

Photo to the right, Rabbi Moshe Gottesman, zt”l

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THE WEST HEMPSTEAD JEWISH JOURNAL EMUNAH

BITACHON

David Lubin As religious practicing Jews, we believe in an Omnipotent and Infinite G-d and we all have faith in the Hakadosh Baruch Hu. We must constantly transform the theoretical concept of Emunah (faith) into the practical utilization of bitachon (trust) in order to put our beliefs into action. While it is easy to have beliefs and a dogma that we profess we believe in, it is not always so easy to have trust that all that G-d does is for our good. Our belief incorporates the idea that G-d created the world and continues to play an active role in world events.

We believe that Moshe Rabbianu, who brought us the Torah, was the greatest prophet and we believe in the coming of the Mashiach. But do we really incorporate our faith and belief in our everyday lives and occurrences? Do we worry that G-d is not providing us with our many needs, or do we actually trust that everything that happens to us is for the best? Worrying, anxiety, depression – these are all symptoms of not having enough trust that everything comes from G-d, and therefore all is good. The Hebrew word for worry, “‫”דאגה‬, contains the first four letters of the Hebrew Alphabet, absent the Bais, which stands for bitachon. If I really, truly believed that everything is from G-d and trusted that all that G-d does is for my best interest, then there would be no reason that I should worry. David HaMelech said it best when he informed us that he placed G-d in front of him at all times. If I can imagine that G-d is continually and constantly standing in front of me, then I can always be cognizant of the fact that G-d is permanently and forever with me. It is no different than your shadow, which is

always with you no matter where you go. If you move to the left, your shadow moves to the left. If you smile or frown, your shadow smiles or frowns. G-d is your shadow – you are with Him and He is with you. According to the Chasam Sofer, G-d shall be with whomever keeps G-d in his heart and mind; as long as I constantly am mindful of G-d, then Gd shall always be with me. No human being can understand or know G-d; all we can hope to know is how He relates to us. That is the reason that G-d has various names and descriptions, as each holy name relates to a different connection or relationship that G-d has with us. When Moshe Rabbeinu first encountered G-d, he asked G-d what to tell the children of Israel when they ask him who sent Moshe; G-d told Moshe to tell them that his name is Ek-yeh (yud kay vav kay). He is what He is. Rav Chaim Voloshin explains that this Name of G-d is descriptive of one of the most important of the Divine attributes. This Name basically means that “The same as you are with Me, so too am I with you”. The hidden meaning of the Name Ek-yeh is in the realm of Midas rachamim. This attribute works as long as you believe that you are close to Hashem; upon such belief, then He will be to you. When you find yourself in trying circumstances, you need to remember that nothing can affect you when you firmly decide to believe that Hashem is the true G_d and that there is no independent power anywhere in the universe besides Him. The power of belief coupled with trust can overturn Midas HaDin even in the most troubling situations. Possessing and actualizing this belief will result in seeing wonderful miracles that range from the sea splitting to missing a plane which then crashes to appreciating the seemingly ordinary sight of a rose in a thorn bush. Accordingly, if G-d is with me in the good times as well as the bad, then there is no reason to be worried about the outcome. There would be no reason to be depressed. G-d wants me in that particular situation at that particular time for a particular reason. As a rational thinking being, I have the right to question why did it have to be this way but raising the question does not mean I should become depressed or despondent as a result. Most people tend to ask why did this particular situation occur to me; the Hebrew word for why is lama. However, I would like to suggest that instead of asking why, lama, ask yourself for what, l’ma – what should I do as a result of the situation? How do I make the situation positive? What good can come out of the situation, or what can I do for others in a similar situation.

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What Can Be Done Practically To Prevent Cavities?

Brush with fluoride toothpaste after eating or drinking. Rinse your mouth with a fluoride rinse. Visit your dentist regularly. Consider dental sealants. Drink lots of water. Avoid frequent snacking and sipping. Eat tooth-healthy foods. Consider fluoride treatments. A new product that I strongly recommend to help maintain proper of pH is BasicBites. Developed at SUNY Stoney Brook BasicBites has been clinically shown to help maintain enamel health. THE WEST HEMPSTEAD JEWISH JOURNAL •SHAVUOS 5779 • WHJewishJournal@Gmail.com • WHJJOURNAL.COM

THE WEST HEMPSTEAD JEWISH JOURNAL

Continued From Page 75 If a doctor tells me to take a particular medicine which (and assuming I trust the doctor), I will first take the medicine and then if desired I can learn how and why the medicine works. So why is it any different if G-d creates a certain scenario for me to endure - I can question why G-d wanted this ‘bad’ situation to occur but first I must remember that G-d wanted the situation to occur and then question what I should do as a result of being put into the situation? There was a reason at Har Sinai we said naaseh v’nishma –first we will do and then we will listen. When presented with a difficult situation, you should first do what is required, which is to remember that G-d is with you. Difficult concepts such as the foregoing are sometimes best explained by a mashal. The Baal Shem Tov has a parable which expresses the concept that G-d is always with you. A king with magical powers surrounded his palace with many walls and obstacles. The walls were arranged in concentric circles, one inside the other, and they grew increasingly larger as one approached the center. The walls were manned by fierce soldiers who guarded from above, and wild animals such as lions and bears ran loose below. All this was done so that those who approached would have the proper awe and fear of the king; not all who desired to approach would be allowed to do so. The king then proclaimed that whoever came to see him in his palace would be richly rewarded. Most of those who came and saw the size of the outer walls and the soldiers and animals guarding the perimeters were afraid and turned back. Some succeeded in scaling the first wall and fighting the soldiers and animals, but when they saw the second

wall, which was taller and more fortified than the first, they turned back Either for fear at the increasing obstacles or satisfaction with the rewards, none reached the king. Except for the king’s son. He had only one desire – to see his beloved father. He saw the walls and the obstacles and could not understand why his father would make it so difficult to reach him. He began to weep and cry out “Father, Father, have compassion on me. Don’t keep me away from you”. His longing was so intense that he had no interest in any rewards; he was willing to risk his life to attain his goal. By the courage of his broken heart, he ran forward with reckless abandon and self-sacrifice. He scaled one wall, fought past the soldiers and animals. After crossing the wall, he was offered money and jewelry, which he threw away in disgust. His only desire was to see his father. He cried out again, whereupon his father the king suddenly instantaneously removed the walls and other obstacles. In a moment they vanished as if they were never there in the first place. Then his son saw that there were no walls, no soldiers, no wild animals, no obstacles whatsoever. His father was right before him the whole time, sitting on his majestic throne, gardens and orchards surrounded the palace on all sides. The whole earth shone from the king’s glory -everything was tranquil and there was nothing bad at all. Then the son realized that all the obstacles were a magical illusion and that his father had never really been hidden or concealed but was with him at all times. It was just a test to see who truly loved the king. One of the first things we learn as a child is the aleph bet. There is much mystical meaning hidden in the twenty-two letters of the aleph bet. Now is as good as a time as any to re-learn the aleph bet, just this time it is the aleph bet for life. Fortify your aleph, Emunah, coupled with the bet of bitachon. Having Emunah and Bitachon can then lead to gevurah, strength. May you always go from strength to strength.

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Renee Wengrofsky

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Achdus new, premiere monthly ORGANIZING YOUEntertainment’s FOR LIFE publication, HaGibor, flew off the presses just over a month ago, delivering a new form of entertainment aimed at the underserved frum teen audience. HaGibor takes super heroics to a place they’ve never been before…The Torah World! Additionally, the Torah based mythology in these comics, extends to the decision to publish every issue in• both Hebrew and English, the reader just flips it over to read it in whatever language they prefer - making HaGibor an truly educational experience on top of everything else, with Achdus Entertainment providing free teaching tools for rebbe’s wanting to use them in their classrooms. The core message that runs through HaGibor is one of Achdus and Ahavas Yisrael. Go to www.AchdutEnt.com/store to order• your copies today! See Page 14.

Rabbi Pesach Lerner established the YIEP (Yeshiva Initiatives Educational Programs – www.theyiep.com) and developed a program that trains members of the Orthodox community seeking to enter the mental health field. Through a partnership with Bellevue University that began in 2004, YIEP offers undergraduate and graduate programs, including a specialized Master of Science in Clinical Counseling (MSCC). Accommodating the Yomim Tovim, a Torah-sensitive program that doesn’t compromise a quality education. For more information about the program, contact Rabbi Lerner at THEYIEP@gmail.com

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Renee Wengrofsky is founder and JSN Consultants ((516)7297666), a West Hempstead-based bookkeeping and accounting firm that helps passionate entrepreneurs realize their dreams by supporting them in the building of sustainable, profitable companies. Renee welcomes your comments, and can we reached at renee@jsnconsultants.com

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