Dunetz: Election post-mortem Page 4 Rabbi Binny Freedman on giving to build Page 6 Chabad brings the light to those in the dark Page 10 New yeshiva comes to the Five Towns Page 11
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VOL 11, NO 44 ■ NOVEMBER 8, 2012 / 23 CHESVAN 5773
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Village of Cedarhurst deals with disaster designating emergency shelters, and suspending any law that may hinder coping with a disaster or Mayor Andrew Parise derecovery when the governor’s asclared a State of Emergency at sistance was requested or if the Cedarhurst’s town board meeting governor declares a state disaster Tuesday night with 100 residents emergency. attending. The main focus of the The Board decided to defer meeting was the recovery from the enforcement of local laws and Hurricane Sandy, noted Deputy codes to assist recovery efforts to Mayor Ben Weinstock. He refacilitate occupancy of schools ported the events of the meeting to the Jewish Star. Some of the Mayor Andrew Parise and businesses in temporary housing until their regular locasteps the Mayor is empowered to tions are repaired. They are also take under the emergency proclamation include establishing a curfew, prohib- giving priority to building and permit appliiting or controlling traffic, prohibiting access cations for work to repair storm damage and to specific zones, regulating or closing places these requests will thus be pushed ahead of of amusement or assembly, establishing or Continued on page 2 By Malka Eisenberg
Skelos reelected, but leadership in question By Karen C. Green The New York State Senate Democrats picked up five seats as a result of Tuesday’s election, resulting in a 33 to 30 seat majority. The change of the balance of power unseats Majority Leader Dean Skelos, a strong advocate for Long Island and a close friend to the Five Towns Jewish Senator Community. AccordDean Skelos ing to Michael Murphy, Senate Democratic Press Secretary, the following seats were won
by Democrats: In SD #15, Senator Joe Addabbo, who represents the Rockaway Peninsula, was reelected defeating City Councilman Eric Ulrich; Westchester’s George Lattimer defeated Bob Cohen; Rochester’s Ted O’Brien defeated Sean Hanna; Terry Gipson won the seat in a three way race in Poughkeepsie; and lastly, in a newly created seat, Cecilia Tkaczyk beat George Amedore. At the time of press, Cecelia Tkaczyk was up by 160 votes with a few thousand absentee ballots to be counted (Historically, absentee ballots generally follow the voting trend). Another factor in the mix is the Independent Democratic Caucus, which was formed in January 2011. The group of four legislators that votes with both sides of the aisle-could play a pivotal role in a divided Senate.
Photo by Shlomo Eisenberg
Young Israel of Woodmere Joseph K. Miller main sanctuary with carpet stripped from its water damaged floors and generator powered lighting illuminating mincha.
Achiezer effort
By Malka Eisenberg
Walking down Oak Drive in Far Rockaway on a sunny fall day, it’s briefly hard to remember the devastation that hurricane Sandy inflicted on this and the surrounding areas, but the upended trees and load growl of generators bring back reality. This is a community in crisis. Inside the Bender home on this pastoral street is the transplanted nerve center of Achiezer, an organization founded in 2009 to coordinate under one umbrella the various services available in the community to assist those in need. They began on Sunday before the storm, fielding calls from their office on Central Avenue and transferred to the Bender home when the lights went out that Monday night. Eight women sit tensed around the dining room table each manning either a multi-line phone or tapping on laptops. A moderate hum of activity fills the room, the women consulting with each other as the phones ring, men walking in and out discussing, meeting, asking questions, providing solutions. A large notepad on an easel has a list
of available amenities—a folding table, Tefillin to lend, a ride to Flatbush, a generator to lend. And through all the low-key hubbub, a little girl naps peacefully on a nearby sofa. At this hub of activity, assistance to the local areas affected by Sandy is coordinated and dispensed, food, clothing, shelter, pumping water, cleaning out damaged homes. “It’s quite an operation,” said Rabbi Boruch B. Bender, Achiezer’s founder and president. “It’s hard to believe—unless you see it you can’t believe it.” He pointed out that FEMA, Senator Charles Schumer, and other politicians came to see the operation and were “dumbfounded.” Calls were coming in “from all over the world” and the rescue and assistance effort was coordinated with Hatzoloh, the JCC, and other organizations, noted Bender. Chaverim, Masbia and Chai Lifeline, among others, are also helping. Medical clinics were set up: in Far Rockaway for children, in Lawrence for adults. Many are still without electricity and heat, many have lost cars, their homes damaged by flooding. Some are staying with family, friends and neighbors. Shor Yoshuv, at this
Shabbat Candlelighting: 4:24 p.m. Shabbat ends 5:24 p.m. 72 minute zman 5:53 p.m. Torah Reading Parshat Chaya Sarah
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on the post-Sandy situation. “He and his assistant Joe Marie have been constantly working. Our residents know that we are here for them. We make the calls for them. If this were Louisiana, the President and our Governor would’ve been here. They have totally abandoned us. Cedarhurst is the shopping hub of the entire South Shore of Long Island. We have less than a 6% vacancy rate in this recession. In a great economy most locations can’t claim those numbers. The Governor and the President need to pay to attention to us. Nothing, nothing from our Governor. We have great local leaders. Senator Dean Skelos has been incredible. Instead of campaigning on Tuesday, he gave out food and clothing in Long Beach. Instead of the President blowing money on Solyndra, why doesn’t he bring tankers of gas here to Long Island? When there’s catastrophe elsewhere, there are trailers brought in, and generators. Why isn’t the National Guard here to protect against looting that has been taking place in other areas, like Lawrence and Woodmere? Cedarhurst has their own nightly watch patrol, from the Village and from private organizations like Shomrim. We hear about the Red Cross but don’t see them here. Michael Hervey, the CEO of LIPA can’t pick up the phone? What’s he so busy with? They should run Michael Hervey out of town!�
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Continued from page 1 regular building applications. Enforcement of metered parking is suspended through Monday, November 12th. Jimmy Vilardi, Commissioner of Sanitary District 1, reported that the normal trash collection schedule is in force. All vehicles are on overtime to pick up the piles of water damaged items designated for removal, with 26 extra trucks added to bulk pickup duties. Nassau Legislator Howard Kopel fielded questions and complaints about LIPA, the lack of visible police presence, blacked out intersections and no concrete information on the restoration of electricity. County Executive Edward Mangano promised a portable traffic signal at Rockaway Turnpike and Peninsula Boulevard, noted Kopel. Residents noted that the Mayor is in his office and always available, and the Village has two patrol cars on the street every night, some manned by Village Trustees. The Village coordinated patrols with six Auxiliary police cars, four National Guard vehicles and 4th precinct cars as well as volunteer security patrols from the Brooklyn Shomrim. Lawrence School Board trustee David Sussman noted that school buses cannot run without working traffic signals. “Mayor Parise has been unbelievable,� said Village Trustee Ari Brown, commenting
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November 9, 2012 23 Cheshvan 5773 THE JEWISH STAR
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Continued from page 1 time still without power, has become a distribution point for clothing, housewares, food and meals. The spacious gym in the cavernous building is stocked with racks and tables of new clothing. “The response is so incredible,” said Bender. Donations have come from Brooklyn, Queens, Silver Spring, Baltimore, Toronto, Monsey, Passaic, Cleveland. Calls have come in from California and Chicago; a truck loaded with housewares from Chicago was held back for lack of space for the goods. Israel has also flown in relief. Women, men and girls from local schools come to volunteer to sort the clothing. A busload of girls from Monsey came in to help. One woman began collecting clothing on her front porch on Tuesday after the storm but so many donations came that she had to move it to the Shor Yoshuv gym. The setting sun blazed through the high windows over the crowded racks of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, tights, socks, tzitis, rows and rows of shoes, towels, blankets, sheets, pillows. There are many involved, organizing, directing, sorting, many themselves without heat or electricity at home. Chaya Sara Genack, Sara Yaffa Ross, Sara Rosenberg, Bilhah Moradi and Wendy Brecher discussed the efforts and complications as they worked. Genack was concerned that “not so many are coming to take” and that “volunteers are needed to drive people who need to get here” and that the “volunteers are tremendous.” “It’s crazy destruction everywhere,” said Rosenberg. “Erev Shabbos there was too much food coming in. A lot of people don’t know where to go. People are too overwhelmed. People shouldn’t be nervous or embarrassed. There is enough (clothing) to choose from.” “We have so much beautiful stuff,” said Brecher. “Come. We can receive a phone call, we can shop for them and try to deliver, too.” One family walked through the racks, guided and aided by volunteers, quietly and soberly accepting coats and sheets. In spite of the overall crisis of the situation, all work is being done calmly, with caring, understanding and true ahavat Yisrael (love for one’s fellow Jew). The Shabbat after the storm, Rabbi Moshe Weinberger of Congregation Aish Kodesh lauded the community’s efforts, noting that there was so much of an overflow of potato kugel into Far Rockaway from the Chassidic communities that non-Jews were eating the Shabbat delicacy as well. The dining room of Shor Yoshuv is also set, providing meals for those in need. Canned goods are stacked on a table for distribution. Other sites for meals include the White Shul, Young Israel of Woodmere and the Young Israel of Bayswater with breakfast beginning at 8:30 am, lunch at 12:30 pm and dinner at 4:30 pm. Chabad is serving meals also till 4:30 pm and a hot dinner from 4:30 to 8 pm. Outside of Shor Yoshuv, Shai Markowitz, director of young leadership of Agudath Yisrael, stood by bags of labeled clean laundry that people had dropped off and a laundry service returned clean, for free. “It’s amazing,” he said. “They had to stop people (from donating), there was so much coming in.” A large shaimos truck stood at the curb. Markowitz said that many sifrei Torah from Congregation Ohab Zedek in Belle Harbor were destroyed. Area schools are struggling to open more than a week after the storm. Hebrew Academy of Long Beach’s elementary school building, right off the boardwalk there, is shut down, as is their DRS High School for Boys on Ibsen Street in Woodmere. Two empty
Photos by Malka Eisenberg
Racks and racks of new clothing and shelves of new shoes were provided to those affected by the storm. storefronts off the parking lot by Gourmet Glatt have become satellites of the elementary school, holding classes there for 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. The Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst will house the 6th, 7th and 8th grades; 1st will be at SKA High School for Girls. The 9th and 10th grades of DRS will be in Yeshiva of South Shore and the 11th and 12th grades will be in Congregation Beth Sholom. Rabbi Dovid Plotkin, the principal of HALB elementary, stood in the doorway of one of the storefronts, helping coordinate and set up rudimentary classrooms. He said that he was grateful for the “support of the entire community. The achdus (unity) is incredible. Thank G-d.” Chaim Hollander, the associate administrator, noted that they were having an abbreviated day since there was no bus transportation due to the lack of traffic lights. Torah Academy for Girls in Far Rockaway was still without electricity as of Wednesday but opened its high school under generator power from 8:30 am to 1 pm. Back at the Achiezer nerve center, Suri Bender, Rabbi Bender’s wife, recounted stories of the dedication of the workers and volunteers. “The phones don’t stop ringing,” she said. “It’s going around the clock.” She noted that social workers stayed on the phone throughout the storm trying to calm people who were trapped and unable to be rescued. “As the tide started rising, we were hit with emergency calls, their first floors were filling up with water. We were working in conjunction with Hatzoloh to get people out of their houses. There were a lot we couldn’t get to. There was a handicapped, elderly man stuck in a house. Hatzoloh, 911, the fire department—no one was able to get to him. My husband and brother-in-law, Aron Rosenberg, got in the car saying ‘we’re not going to let this man die.’” They attempted to reach the man but were turned back by high water and downed power lines. When they were able to reach the man by phone 45 minutes later, he said that he was “very, very cold” and they set out again, hailed a large truck they spotted and the two young men in the truck gained access to the man’s apartment and carried him out on a chair in his underwear to a warm home. The water was waist high. People volunteer because they ”read the stories,” said Bender. “They want to help. It can happen to anybody.” He added that that man was “left with nothing. Our work is not over with him; we will help him rebuild.”
“As long as the power is not restored our hands are very full,” he continued. “After, we will focus on recovery. Now we are in
crisis mode.” Achiezer’s phone number is 516 791-4444.
THE JEWISH STAR November 9, 2012 23 Cheshvan 5773
Achiezer operation provides relief to those in need
November 9, 2012 23 Cheshvan 5773 THE JEWISH STAR
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Opinion
Pray for America and fasten your seatbelts the next four years are going to be a bumpy flight As it will be in the future, it was at the birth of Man There are only four things certain since Social Progress began. That the Dog returns to his Vomit and the Sow returns to her Mire, And the burnt Fool’s bandaged finger goes wabbling back to the Fire; POLITICO TO GO -The Gods of the Copybook HeadingsRudyard Kipling During the 2008 campaign, I explained to my friend and teacher Professor Barry Rubin, that people will not realize what Barack Obama was all about until he is elected but by then it will be too late. By the Jeff Dunetz end of 2009 Rubin (a traditional liberal) was agreeing with me that the presidency of Barack Obama was turning into a disaster. Today America chose to reelect Barack Obama for another term as President and just as I said four years ago, I believe that America will now learn about the real Barack Obama, the one who never has to worry about getting voter approval, satisfying campaign donors. This Obama will be more radical then he has ever been before. Allow me to provide some insight into what happened, and take a look into the future: Negative Advertising Works: Obama’s “machine” accused Romney of causing a steel worker’s wife to die from cancer, not paying taxes, hating poor people, wanting bad air, hating sick children, wanting to ban contraception and wanting to kill grandma. Romney’s supporters were accused of being racist and in at least one case (me) of being antiSemitic. While the Republicans were still fighting it out in the primaries, Obama was already bombarding the swing states with the negative ads. In the end, they were too hard to overcome.
Benedict Arnold: Also known as NJ Governor Chris Christie. While many of us were trying to get power and looking for a way to stay warm, Christie was giving Obama a platform to look presidential at disaster for the first time (with BP, for example, it took months before Obama visited the Gulf). Christie’s motivation was not to help his state (it didn’t--New Jersey is much worse off than Long Island) but to help his own reelection chances. Thanks to the Governor’s efforts, for five days the Romney campaign couldn’t “buy” coverage and all we saw was that same picture of the Republican Governor and the Progressive President walking arm in arm. The exit polls mentioned the President’s handling of Hurricane Sandy as a big positive and influencer. The Jewish Vote: Exit polls showed that Obama received 68% of the Jewish vote, the lowest percentage since Michael Dukakas received 64% in 1988. Based on his track record on Israel and the First Amendment, that number is way too high. While the Orthodox voters tend to vote more conservatively, the Reform movement, which doesn’t have the same theological connection to the Jewish State as the other branches, and the Conservative movement, which claims a strong connection, abandoned the future of Israel to continue worshipping the “golden calf” of big government. Many Jewish organizations did the same, such as the ADL, the Jewish Federations and the AJC. The Economy: The “Fiscal Cliff” is coming January first. Increased taxes because of Obamacare (also known as Taxmageddon) and the tax increases that will be coming because of the end of the “Bush tax cuts.” Analysts say this fiscal cliff will drive us back into recession. What about Grandma? Sorry, folks, but enjoy your grandparents now, because unless someone finds a way to get the courts to strike it down--Obamacare is now the law. In an August interview with Chris Wallace, Presidential advisor Robert Gibbs admitted the existence of what Sarah Palin called “death panels,” whose official name is
THE JEWISH
the IPAB.
alternative.
Gibbs: “If Medicare providers continue to do what we are doing. Right now, under the old program, Chris, if a senior got readmitted over and over and over to the hospital for the same illness, they got paid every single time the senior got admitted into the hospital. Why not strengthen the benefit by adding preventive health care to it and trying to ensure that the patient gets accountable care and treated before they get that disease.”
A fight for the future of the Republican Party. Beginning tomorrow there will be a fight for the soul of the GOP. The issue will be whether the party will be an “almost as liberal as the Democrats” party, or will be dominated by the more conservative members—giving Americans a real two-party system. Look for the apex of the battle to be the vote for Speaker of the House, as many conservatives are calling for John Boehner’s head. If the Boehner wing wins out, you may see a third party arise.
Wallace: “If the providers don’t do it, then what happens is, under your plan, this unelected board, 15 bureaucrats come in and they decide what, well, you are laughing at it but that is it. The IPAB.” Gibbs: “I guess I am laughing at your characterization of it.” Wallace: “Are they an elected board?” Gibbs: “They are medical professionals, they are people we trust to make medical decisions.” Wallace: “Are they elected by anybody? They are an unaccountable unelected board that comes in and will make decisions on what the providers and what hospitals have to do and Congress either has to vote it all up or all down.” There are certain things that will happen in the near future as a direct result of the Obama victory: Justice Ginsberg will resign. She is the most progressive Justice on the Supreme Court and has been fighting serious illness for years. With a liberal Justice guaranteed to replace her, look for Ginsberg to announce her retirement at the end of the present court year. Israel will attack Iran before the end of the year. With an unfriendly president, reluctant to place additional sanctions on Iran as commander-in-chief of her biggest ally; look for Israel to strike while the iron is hot. Remember the bomb drawing Netanyahu showed at the UN? It’s getting to that time and now Israel knows it cannot expect political help from America, leaving her no
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Independent and original reporting from the Orthodox communities of Long Island and New York City All opinions expressed are solely those of The Jewish Star’s editorial staff or contributing writers Publisher and Editor Assistant Editor Account Executives Contributors
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Karen C. Green Malka Eisenberg Helene Parsons Charles Slamowitz Miriam Bradman Abrahams Rabbi Avi Billet Jeff Dunetz Juda Engelmayer Rabbi Binny Freedman Alan Jay Gerber Rabbi Noam Himelstein Judy Joszef Kristen Edelman Alyson Goodman Christina Daly
2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530 Phone: 516-622-7461, Fax: 516-569-4942 E-mail: newsroom@thejewishstar.com The Jewish Star is published weekly by The Jewish Star LLC, 2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530. Subscription rates: $9 per quarter on a credit card in Nassau and Far Rockaway, or $48 a year. Elsewhere in the US, $15 per quarter or $72 a year. Newsstand Price: $1. Copyright © 2012 The Jewish Star LLC. All rights reserved.
Gridlock. During the debate over the stimulus plan, the GOP asked to participate in crafting the stimulus, they were rebuffed and told “elections have consequences.” The same thing happened during the health care debate. Obama has refused to engage the other side of the aisle. That will not change; the gridlock we saw for the past two years will continue. When I was a child, my mother, of blessed memory, used to tell me over and over that I could be anything I wanted to be provided I worked hard enough. I passed those feelings to my children. As we enter another four years of an Obama presidency, I wonder if my kids will be able to say the same thing to their children, or will it be more of a progressive, “when you grow up, you can be the same as everybody else.” Near the end of the first year of the Obama Presidency, my friend and teacher Barry Rubin told me my predictions about Obama were true. I pray that a year from now he won’t say the same thing to me regarding my outlook for the next four years, but fear I will be correct. So pray for the future of this great experiment we call the American Republic, pray for the future of Israel and, as Bette Davis said in All About Eve, “Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy flight. Jeff Dunetz is the Editor/Publisher of the political blog “The Lid” (www.jeffdunetz.com). Jeff contributes to some of the largest political sites on the Internet including American Thinker, Big Government, Big Journalism, NewsReal and Pajama’s Media, and has been a guest on national radio shows.
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Shloshim for Harvey Schneier, educator, Zionist Harvey Schneier, the first English Principal of South Shore Yeshiva High School and English Principal for the Mesivta of Long Beach from 1972-1987 passed away on Shemini Atzeret. The Shloshim coincides with his Bar Mitzvah Parsha, Chayei Sarah. In 1985, the Beis Medrash at South Shore Yeshiva was started. In 1987, they hired Mr. Schneier to start the secular studies department. “He set the standard,” said Rabbi Yitzhak Noble, then Rosh Yeshiva for South Shore High School and who is now Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivah Gedolah of the Five Towns. “In such a nice way, he aimed for the best. He knew how to integrate an English department into a yeshiva school.” “He was a frum yid who appreciated Talmiday Chachamim” but also “got a good team and AP classes at the school.” He wanted to make sure yeshiva men could interact with the secular world and pursue higher secular education if they chose that path, the Rabbi said. “It was a pleasure dealing with someone who understood, who could appreciate, and sympathize with other people’s needs,” continued Rabbi Noble. “He had a way of talking to kids, not really as a principal but as a friend. Kids knew they were given encouragement. You felt empowered. When a kid really needed someone to come through for them, he did,” said Rabbi Berel Leiner, who was Hebrew Principal at South Shore Yeshiva High School. Rabbi Avrohom Cooper, a Rebbe at the Mesivta of Long Beach, said, “The (Yeshiva) bochurim loved him. He was friendly, easy
to get along with, and a fine person. He was not rigid. He was a flexible person who did what was best for the student. He had a feeling for what a yeshiva boy should be.” Mr. Schneier began teaching at Chassam Sofer on the Lower East Side where he eventually became assistant principal. He was a high school social studies teacher for 35 years with the NYC Board of Education. Rabbi Herschel Billet of the Young Israel of Woodmere said, “We had a successful Lunch & Learn program on Thursday in the 80s and 90s which faded out. A couple of years ago, Harvey recruited some friends and gently or perhaps not so gently persuaded me to allow it to begin again. It became more successful than ever! “For all of his crusty exterior, Harvey was a true pursuer of peace. I can give many examples of Harvey notifying me of bruised feelings in particular situations and helping to quietly resolve conflict. “Harvey was a proud Jew, proud Zionist, and a proud person,” continued Rabbi Billet. “He was an educator of the highest standards and integrity. He especially loved the Yeshiva boys he tried so hard to provide with an excellent secular education.” Harvey’s wife, Harriet said, “He was very supportive of my educational pursuits, especially when they went against the stereotype of women at the time. He was very loving and concerned about his family, very much a family man.” Harvey is survived by his wife, Harriet, his children Sharon, Michael, and David, and six grandchildren.
photo courtesy of Michael Schneier
Harriet and Harvey Schneier, South Shore Yeshiva High School’s first English principal and the English principal for the Mesivta of Long Beach from 19721987,
Giving of oneself to build a relationship Do we have the right to test G-d? Can we sit back and wait for G-d to give us a sign as to what we are meant to do? Or perhaps we are meant to live in FROM THE HEART somewhat of a fog, so OF JERUSALEM as to preserve intact our freedom to choose and make decisions in this world? This week’s portion, Chayei Sarah, contains a fascinating story on this topic: Avraham is getting on in years, his beloved wife Sarah is now gone and buried, and it is apparently time for Yitzchak to find a wife. Rabbi Binny So he calls in his trustFreedman ed servant, Eliezer, and sends him on a mission to find a suitable mate for his son. Avraham is insistent on his future daughter-in-law coming from the land of his birth, far away, perhaps assuming it would be better for Yitzchak’s family if his wife is removed from the influences of her pagan home. (Better, perhaps, not to have grandma popping by with birthday idols for the grandchildren!) So Eliezer sets off on his mission, with an audacious plan and a prayer to G-d, “the G-d of Abraham.” “And he (Eliezer) said: Hashem, G-d of my master Abraham, please appear before me today, and do kindness with my master Abraham. Behold I will stand at the wellspring, and the daughters of the men of the
town will go out to draw water. And the girl to whom I will say ‘tip your pitcher’ and I will drink, and she will then say ‘drink and I will bring water for your camels as well’, then you will have shown (proven) to your servant Yitzchak, and through it I will know that you have done kindness with my master.” (Bereishit 24:12-14) Eliezer will go to the wells on the outskirts of town, near the home of Betuel and Lavan, Abraham’s cousins, seeking water. And when he asks the girls to draw water from the well and pour water into his mouth, if one of them will not only acquiesce to this rather presumptuous request, but will also immediately hasten to draw enough water for his camels, then she will be the wife for Yitzchak, the son of Abraham. And indeed, (verse 15) as soon as he finishes his strange request to G-d, Eliezer sees Rivkah (Rebecca, Yitzchak’s wife to be ) come to the wellspring, whereupon he runs to her with this request, and not only does she pour water (“Hagmi’ini Na’”) into his mouth… she proceeds to draw water for all of his camels! Now, this presents us with a rather preposterous recipe for finding a wife! Eliezer, with all of his servants standing by, actually stands before her, asks for water and literally holds his head back expecting her to pour water into his open, waiting mouth! And as if that is not enough, he wants to see whether she will then, of her own accord, without his even asking, automatically begin to draw water for all of his camels! Have you ever seen a camel drink? I remember sitting and watching a camel drink, and drink, and then drink some more, for over an hour, as it emptied an entire wa-
ter trough. Camels drink only once every few days, but when they drink, they really drink. So imagine a girl drawing enough water from a well, bucket by bucket, for ten camels. That is an incredible amount of work! And Eliezer has basically told G-d, if you want me to find Yitzchak the right girl, then this is how it has to be; she has to make all this effort, without my even asking! And she has to do it, while all my men and I sit around and watch! And all this, incidentally, occurs (verse 11) “Le’Et Erev,” as dusk is approaching. This poor girl must have been stuck until the middle of the night! And the verses tell us she runs to get it done as quickly as possible! What on earth would possess Eliezer to demand such an outrageous performance in order to find a bride for Yitzchak? And most incredible of all, it actually works! So G-d apparently thinks this a great plan. What exactly are we meant to learn from this strange story? Is this the recipe for a successful marriage? Should the single men of today be looking for an enthusiastic maid? And, perhaps the strangest part of this story: why is Abraham sending Eliezer to find a bride for Yitzchak? Why doesn’t Yitzchak, who after all, is the one who has to marry the girl, go find her himself? In fact, why does Abraham have to send anyone? G-d has already promised that: “Ki’ Be’Yitzchak Yikareh’ Lechah’ Zarah,” “Through Yitzchak will you merit offspring,” so Yitzchak will certainly find a wife; why not just sit back in the tent and wait for the girl to show up? In truth, this story speaks to the heart of what loving, healthy relationships are really meant to be. How do I know what and whom
I am really looking for, whether in a spouse, or a business partner? Interestingly, it seems that Yitzchak has no relationship whatsoever with Rivkah before they wed. He does not meet her, court her, or date her at all. In fact, at the end of our story, when Eliezer is bringing Rivkah back as a wife, Yitzchak is out in the fields, apparently communing with G-d in nature. And Rivkah has to ask Eliezer who he is! And yet, the next thing we know, after Eliezer tells Yitzchak all that has transpired: “And Yitzchak brought her into the tent of Sarah his mother, and she became his wife, and he loved her….” (v. 67) So Yitzchak does not even love Rivkah until after they are married! What, really, is love all about? We live in a society that assumes that love is something you have to find. In fact, many who have not (or feel they have not) yet found that ‘love,’ are still looking for it. But love is not something you find; it’s something you build. It isn’t a noun; it is, rather, a verb. Most of what a real marriage, as an example, is all about, has little to do with the intense emotional roller coaster that often is part of the courtship before marriage. That is not love, it is simply romance. And it doesn’t really last. The love that lasts is not that which we have found, but rather that which we work at. People often mistakenly assume that the deep feelings of love experienced later in a relationship, are due to the gift of love that was originally discovered, but that just isn’t true. They are rather the result of the hard work two people put in to what they found. The long hard labor of love is what Continued on page 13
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Hurricane Sandy was the late October surprise that devastated the shoreline communities of New York and New Jersey, knocking out power and pouring a storm surge across some of the metropolitan region’s biggest Jewish communities. Nearly everyone who lives within the designated Zone A of the hurricane evacuation zone designated by the New York city government has a story of storm waters creeping into homes amid the heavy wind and rainfall, trees blocking roads and complete darkness all around. From my safe perch in the heart of Queens, I read cries for assistance coming from Brighton Beach and Coney Island, where the Brighton Beach Jewish Center, a massive 1920s synagogue that serves as an outreach center for young Russian Jews, had its basement flooded. A few blocks to the east, off of Neptune Avenue, the Chabad-run Friends of Refugees of Eastern Europe (FREE) had its Torah scrolls soiled by floodwaters. Across Ocean Parkway, the Trump Village and Warbasse high rises were dark, with frightened seniors isolated in their apartments by out of order elevators. A mile to the east, police clashed with looters taking advantage of the storm. For me, the focus of relief efforts in the Russian Jewish communities of Brighton Beach, Coney Island, Sea Gate and Far Rockaway, centered around the flooded outreach center, RAJE- the Russian American Jewish Experience, headed by Rabbi Mordechai To-
karsky and its numerous alums who have taken RAJE seminars, traveling to distant countries to learn about their Jewish heritage and imparting their knowledge to others in the community. My contact person was Esther Lamm, who runs the Russian division of the UJA-Federation of New York, connecting the established element of Jewish leadership with young leaders in the immigrant Jewish community. Having a car with a full tank, I used this past Sunday to assist Esther in delivering food and clothing to those in need. We met at the Flatbush home of philanthropist Ron Hersh, where Esther set up a command center in the kitchen, with laptops and papers documenting need. In the driveway, volunteers packed items into boxes and bags. I pulled up and received my order to deliver to COJECO, the Council of Jewish Emigre Community Organizations, a UJA beneficiary based in Coney Island. Crossing Belt Parkway, I entered another world, with sand-covered streets lined up with solied mattresses and broken furniture, lines of people receiving packages, police, FEMA agents and insurance adjusters jostling amid the crowds, all under a clear sky that would normally host thousands of marathon runners on a crisp autumn weekend. Pulling up at COJECO, I was pleased to see dozens of volunteers, all young and inspired to do good. At the head of the line, an 82-year-old retiree recalled how her family survived the 872-day Nazi siege of Leningrad, enduring three punishing winters amid
ongoing bombardment and starvation. We wished her well and I made two more runs between Flatbush and Sea Gate. On the edge of New York City, the need was greater. Unlike Brighton Beach, which has a very organized Russian Jewish communal infrastructure, Russian-speaking seniors in Far rockaway feel isolated, geographically and culturally. With daylight savings creating a shorter day, time was vital in delivering food, clothing and medicine to residents of the 17-story Israel Senior Citizens Housing on Beach 19th Street. “When I got there, I saw a truck and a few nurses who needed translators,� said Far Rockaway resident Ken Soloway. An alum of RAJE, Soloway is the Assistant Director of the Assistant Executive Director at Kings Bay YM-YWHA in southern Brooklyn. Using his connections in RAJE, UJA-Federation and the Park Slope-based Congregation Beth Elohim, Soloway made a call for volunteers. “Beth Elohim brought 200 hot dinners, Esther Lamm had the supplies, and soon I was getting calls from FEMA and the mayor’s office,� Soloway said. “The police came to patrol the buildings.� Within three hours, fifty volunteers increased to two hundred. Soloway was viewed by residents and volunteers as a leader. Perhaps that’s something he earned coming from four years in the marines, where he attained the rank of sergeant. With my gas tank dwindling to half, I rushed across the Marine Parkway Bridge, not knowing that while the toll sign flashed, the bridge was free at the moment, courtesy
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of State Assemblyman Philip Goldfeder, who successfully argued before the MTA that with the subway out of service and relief workers traveling back and forth, the toll was an unfair burden amid the devastation. “We are taking action to suspend these tolls to make the recovery easier for both Rockaways residents and the people helping them,� Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. Along the way, I witnessed homes drained by men and women in uniform and flags hanging to boost morale for residents and volunteers. Arriving in Far Rockaway, the bright sun was dimming orange. I unloaded my car and joined other volunteers in translating and distributing goods. The orange sun turned fiery red, in its last shout before darkness set in. With flashlights in hand, we hiked up 16 flights carrying food and water to seniors. Most had evacuated, but for one couple from Moscow and two seniors from Korea. Water was vital, not only for drinking, but also because the toilets were not flushing. Guarded by police, JASA workers and their loyal home attendants, the seniors recalled the survivor spirit forged in the Second World War and praised the younger generation in keeping alive the sense of community. One retiree, an octogenarian from Odessa, with a thick Yiddish accent and flowing beard, stood in the lobby amid the younger crowd. “That’s my lantern, they said I can take it home,� he said. “But they need it, and I will stay with them until the last volunteer leaves.�
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THE JEWISH STAR November 9, 2012 23 Cheshvan 5773
Sandy Hits Shore Communities and relief efforts pour out
November 9, 2012 23 Cheshvan 5773 THE JEWISH STAR
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THE JEWISH STAR November 9, 2012 23 Cheshvan 5773
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November 9, 2012 23 Cheshvan 5773 THE JEWISH STAR
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Chabad brings light to those in the dark
C
habad of the Five Towns has been a home for those without a home due to the wrath of Hurricane Sandy. On a daily basis the Chabad Center on Maple Avenue has been a place to charge your phones, access wifi, have a hot lunch and dinner. Entertainment by clowns lifted the spirits of so many children and their parents alike. Social workers were available for counseling. “The warmth and chesed that Chabad provides is incredible. It really proves that yidden can find a safe haven under any circumstance. Its a testiment to the strength of our community. Rabbi and Rebetzin Wolowik are truly an incredible team solely partnered with Hashem,” said Gary Weiss of Woodmere. The Chabad house provided warmth and camaraderie and helped with the healing process. Thank You CHABAD!!!
Photos courtesy of Rabbi Meir Geisensky
Lev Leytzan clowns provide joy and laughter to kids and parents who are victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Rebetzins Hadassah Geisensky and Chanie Wolowik receive delivery of food at Chabad Center where they hosted those affected by the storm.
Chafing dishes of hot food provided by Brachs, Carlos and Gabbys, Chap A Nosh, Masbia, Cucumbers, Oasis, Ossies, Gourmet Glatt, Chosen Island, Coffee Bar.
Sol Levy of Amnons pizza provided fresh hot pies daily to the families to eat there and to families with power just restored.
Even in difficult times, there was a sense of ruach at Chabad.
Dr. Evan Pockriss, a Cedarhurst pediatrician, devoted his time at Chabad to examine sick children.
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Editorial by Avi Muchnick Yeshiva education hasn’t grown much in the last 30 years, except for tuition costs. It used to be that sending your child to a yeshiva offered a far superior education to that in public schools. But advancements in technology and educational techniques in the last decade have left government funded secular education moving to the head of the charge in educational innovation, while yeshivas have lagged behind. A group of dedicated parents from the Five Towns aims to change that in 2013 by launching Tiferet Academy, a model of 21st Century Learning and sustainable tuition. It’s our goal to bring the yeshiva education system into the future. Colloquially referred to as 21st Century Learning, (or sometimes “Blended Learning”), the educational model Tiferet uses splits every classroom into 3 rotating groups of students called sections. 21st Century classrooms are more spacious than traditional classrooms to more easily accommodate the sections. In a class of 24,one section of 8 children learns with a master teacher in a traditional, but more intimate setting that allows for more face-to-face time; one section of 8 children reviews the materials collaboratively under the supervision of an assistant teacher, often with a hands-on project that helps clarify make the lesson relatable; one section of 8 children uses technology (computers or tablets) to assess their understanding of the materials in real-time, to help students move at their own pace and alert the teacher to any knowledge gaps.
Each child is given equal access to all three sections throughout each school day. The resulting approach to learning offers students the ability to gain greater face time with their teachers, develop social skills with their peers, and learn at a pace that is tailored for their unique needs. And as an added bonus, it allows for greater cost efficiency by increasing the size of the classroom, while providing even more individualized teacherstudent attention than traditional classes. This ultimately translates into lower, sustainable tuition costs for parents. In the secular schools that have piloted this system in the last decade, grades have improved in astonishing ways. Acton Academy in Austin, Texas implemented 21st Century Learning for math and reading courses, and saw a 2.5 grade level bump in both subjects in one year. Rocketship Education, a network of California elementary schools incorporating 21st Century Learning, saw the percentage of students who were advanced or proficient in English rise from 40% to 80% in 2010 under their model. Math skills rose from 50% to 90%.
How Existing Yeshiva Classrooms Work Tiferet’s approach greatly differs from other established yeshivas whose classrooms haven’t changed since the early 1900’s (an educational model which was originally based on preparing children to work on assembly lines in factories). Traditional classrooms generally have one teacher lecturing to 20+ children at once, moving at the average pace of the classroom. In other words, teachers teach to the middle. Tiferet Academy was founded by a group of dedicated parents in the 5 Towns who were
concerned with the growing yeshiva tuition crisis and knew things needed to change. We feared that if parents did not take action now, the yeshiva system would eventually collapse as a result of increasing numbers of parents unable to afford full tuition. Without a financially sustainable Jewish educational system, the future of the Jewish people is in jeopardy. Tiferet aims to achieve lower, more stable tuition at a 35-40% discount over local Jewish day schools through efficiency, decreasing overhead, eliminating mandatory scholarship funds. The net effect of these practices will save the average family of 3 children close to $200,000 over the course of K-8th grade. And potentially means savings of many millions of dollars for the community per year… Money that can be earmarked for tzedaka, community projects and most importantly, enable families to comfortably afford to bring more Jewish children into this world. Tiferet Academy embodies Torah dedication focusing on mitzvoth, Israel, learning, middot, financial management and entrepreneurial skills, operational responsibility, and a model for others to emulate. Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum, Rabbi of the Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst, said, “Every opportunity for the sake of some of our kids enhances possibilities and holds out greater promise for all of our kids.” A group of parents in Bergenfield, New Jersey, opened Yeshivat He’Atid in September 2012 under Rabbi Natanel Gralla of Woodmere (previously of HALB) with 116 students. Another 21st Century Learning yeshiva is
planning to open its doors in Westchester in 2013. Yeshivas incorporating technology in Baltimore and Los Angeles are already open and thriving. Rabbi Aryeh Lightstone, Regional Director of NSCY has founded Aleph Beta Academy (www.alephbeta.org), a digital platform for Jewish learning in partnership with Rabbi Fohrman, a prolific author and noted lecturer who also served as a lead writer and editor for Artscroll’s Talmud translation project. Aleph Beta is one of a new wave of providers beginning to develop next generation Judaic curricula. “Aleph Beta Academy is developing rich interactive digital coursework for Judaic topics,” said Rabbi Lightstone. “As the education world at large incorporates more next generation learning methodologies for secular studies, Judaic studies are sure to follow suit.” Other organizations are helping innovate on Jewish education as well. The AVI CHAI Foundation, a private foundation that has donated staggering amounts to Jewish education and Israeli causes, has helped fund Tal AM, a digital curriculum covering Hebrew language, Torah, and prayer, as well as introductions to rabbinic literature and Jewish history in older grades. Tal AM software is already in use in more than 400 Jewish day schools worldwide. Tiferet Academy will be holding its inaugural Open House in the Lawrence Woodmere Academy auditorium on November 18th, 7:30pm at 336 Woodmere Blvd in Woodmere. More information and preregistration information can also be found at www.tiferet.org.
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THE JEWISH STAR November 9, 2012 23 Cheshvan 5773
5 Towns parents to launch new yeshiva
November 9, 2012 23 Cheshvan 5773 THE JEWISH STAR
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TAG chesed brings fun to storm-weary kids By Malka Eisenberg The Torah Academy for Girls’ (TAG) chesed program united with the White Shul this past Sunday to present multifaceted entertainment for children impacted by Hurricane Sandy. TAG High School’s Zichron Chana Henya Ahavas Chesed program and TAG’s 12th grade, under the coordination of Mrs. Breindy Judowicz, ran the event at the White Shul between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. this past Sunday. They are planning to repeat the program this coming Sunday, November 11th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The earlier time is to enable the children and parents to attend a Lipa Schmeltzer concert in the area that afternoon as well. Two TAG graduates, Sarah Novack and Margalit Grossman, helped run the program. Under TAG’s initiative, and with the help of the White Shul, children who were toilet trained and older, boys up to age eight, were invited to the White Shul to do arts and crafts, listen to stories, eat pizza and snacks and drink juice. Two preschool teachers, Mrs. Shayna Markowitz and her mother-in-law, Mrs. Markowitz, came and brought many activities and games, jump ropes, and basketball hoops. Musician Gershon Veroba and Rabbi Chaim Leibtag played guitars and sang songs in an impromptu concert, and the children danced and sang along. The crowd was estimated at 150 children. “The place was packed,” said Rivka Dienstag, a TAG graduate who assisted as an “extra hand. Some parents stayed, some left their children. It
Photo by Rabbi Dr. Aryeh Dienstag
Children impacted by the storm enjoy crafts, stories, pizza and snacks at the chesed program at TAG . was amazing. Everyone was happy to be there and was having a good time.” Another TAG graduate, who did not want
to be named, said that they wanted to state that, “If you are affected by the hurricane and could benefit by dropping your children
ages three to eight off on Sunday at the White Shul from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., please join us.”
Penny Frondelli/Herald
A COMMUNITY OF CHESED The JCC of the Greater Five Towns’ kosher food pantry is in need of donations of non-perishable food items and toiletries (especially diapers). Please take this opportunity to donate if you can. If you are in need of food from our kosher food pantry, please let us know by calling 516-569-6733, or stop by the JCC office at 207 Grove Avenue in Cedarhurst. In addition, if you are having difficulty coping with the storm and its aftermath, the JCC has trained, caring social workers available to help; please just stop by the JCC for assistance.
Karen C. Green/Jewish Star
BABY BORN BY STORM The entire Weinstock mishpocha at the bris of Stone Weinstock, born to Tamar and Allon Weinstock of Long Island City during the height of the hurricane. Mazel Tov to grandparents Eileen and Benjamin Weinstock, Deputy Mayor of the Vilage of Cedarhurst.
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Time To Rebuild Since Monday of last week, I have read many articles, sermons, and even listened to some lectures online about “the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.” Most people, particularly those affected, are fairly sensitive to the realities, but no one can speak for another person’s devastation. Some had no damage, some had significant damage, some lost everything. Some lost loved ones, and those who were lost are obviously gone forever. Years ago, I heard a story about the Chafetz Chaim. One year, half of Radin burned down and those who were spared helped those who lost all. They rebuilt, and a little after the rebuilding was completed, the other half of Radin burned down. As the flames were burning in “Round 2,” the Chafetz Chaim was heard saying, “Baruch Hashem. (Blessed is G-d). There was a decree from heaven that the entire city of Radin should burn down. But the Master of the World, in His kindness, divided the decree in Rabbi Avi Billet two halves, so people can do chesed (acts of kindness) and help one another.” In our communities, and in the United States in general, we expect nothing less. (Though I have other words for looters.) And as far as a perspective goes, the Chafetz Chaim’s response is not only devout, but a reminder of the way he lived his life, truly believing that this world is a “prozdor,” a tunnel connecting the pre-mortal existence of our souls to the eternity of the World to Come. This is why he was known to own few material possessions. For most people, things could be much worse. Thank G-d, a natural disaster comes and goes--leaving much damage, yes, but leaving us our lives and our abilities to rebuild. Maybe some will be inspired to take on an entrepreneurial spirit. Change professions, open a business, and try to make a go of a new lease on life. Or move to a milder climate. Avraham was old, the Torah tells us, and G-d had blessed him “with all.” What “all” entails is a discussion. All kinds of blessings (Yonatan); not having a daughter to marry off to pagans (Midrash); having a son that he needs to marry off (Rashi, Radak); Long life, wealth, honor and children, the basic human desires (Ibn Ezra). There are other interpretations as well. The blessing of “all” does not necessarily mean he had all the material possessions in the world. Rashbam posits that the blessing of “all” serves as an excuse for Avraham’s servant to explain why there’s no “shidduch” for Yitzchak in Avraham’s land: “It’s not as if
people don’t want to marry into Avraham’s family – he has everything! It’s just that he wants Yitzchak to marry someone from the old country.” We are told in 24:10 that the servant, traveling with 10 camels, took “all of the good of his master.” All of Avraham’s material possessions, it seems, could fit on ten camels --along with the servants that came along for the journey (which I can only assume lessens the amount of property on the camels). Parshat Chayei Sarah is the last in the chapter of the life of Avraham. He loses his wife and seems to have no particular relationship with Yitzchak after “the Binding” episode. And yet before he fills the companionship void in his own life (25:1-6), he takes on the project to assure his future, and the fulfillment of “through Yitzchak you will be said to have offspring” (21:12), through building Yitzchak’s marriage union with the resources he has left. It’s an amazing lesson in perspective and priorities. I’ll deal with myself last, after I make sure everyone else is cared for. My material possessions are not my own anyway, I am giving them to my son (24:36, 25:5). I may not have spoken to him since our Bereshit 22 encounter, he might not even know about his mother’s death (Yitzchak was not at the funeral, and a reading of 24:67 may indicate he first discovered she was gone when he brought Rivka to meet her), but I want to make sure he is set up with the best possible wife, so he can build his own family and continue the tradition I have carried in my life. In 9 short verses, Avraham declares his faith in G-d (24:3&7), concern for his son, and his trust in his friend (especially in 24:2&8). It’s not clear if Avraham was still a wealthy man at his death. He may have given away everything he had in his lifetime. Additionally, there are those who suggest that Yitzchak was wealthy in his youth but lost it all in his older age. The cycle of ups and downs is, therefore, not a new phenomenon. Life itself is loaded with challenges, and challenges come in all forms. What are the constants? Avraham said it: Faith, family, friends. An appreciation for the gift and blessing of life itself hopefully comes hand in hand with the faith, family and friends we cherish, all of which make our lives complete. Electricity, heat, safe homes, good neighbors, and life’s amenities are blessings we now appreciate more than ever before. With G-d’s help, and with the help of all those working on the ground to restore a sense of normalcy to local neighborhoods, I wish for everyone to be able to return to warm homes where the work to repair what needs to be repaired, replace what can be replaced, and start with the new lease on life can begin. We cannot find answers or reasons for nature’s wrath. But we can look to the future and see how we will choose to emerge from the storm.
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Giving of oneself to build Continued from page 6 makes relationships last. Love, (which in Hebrew is Ahava, related to the word Hav, to give), is all about giving (as opposed to lust, which is all about taking), and giving is very hard work. Only when two people are committed to giving to each other, can a real and lasting relationship of love ensue. But if you cannot really build a relationship until you are committed to giving to each other, how does one make the decision to make that commitment to give? That decision is the first essential component of any healthy relationship: trust. Trust in each other, and ultimately trust in the silent partner of any relationship; trust in Hashem. You don’t find love; you have to build it. But you do discover trust. You can never really know ahead of time whether the other person is who you are meant to be with, but you reach a point where you trust that they are as ready and willing as you are to work at building that relationship. And this trust is based on shared dreams and goals. If I realize that I have found someone who shares the same values and goals as I do, then all I really need to know is whether they are prepared to work as hard as I am to make them come true. And that is the secret of any healthy relationship. If I am looking for a business partner to help me build a company that I envision can change the world, the wrong partner can ruin everything. But how do I really know whether I have found the right person? Ultimately, I will have to take a leap of faith. What makes that leap manageable is the realization that I have found someone who shares my vision, and whom I believe is willing to work as hard as I am at making it come true. Those are the basic building blocks of trust, and the necessary factors allowing me to make the commitment to begin building that relationship. And that is the lesson of Yitzchak. Yitzchak does not love Rivkah before they marry, because he does not really know her. It is only after he brings her home, and they begin to really work at building their relationship, that he can love her, because now he is giving to her; they are both partners in creating something much bigger than either of them. So how does Yitzchak know he can marry her to begin with, if he doesn’t really know her? In truth, he needs only to know whether they share the same values and goals, and whether she, like he, is committed to making such a relationship work, and building a better world. And that, it seems, is exactly what Eliezer is sent to find out. How do you find a partner for a Yitzchak?
You have to find someone who can live up to the values and goals of the son of Abraham. Yitzchak has nursed on the mother’s milk of Chesed, the loving-kindness of Abraham, itself extraordinary. Avraham is the man who argues to save the evil city of Sedom. And it is Avraham who in the heat of the desert, at the ripe old age of ninety-nine, on the third day after his circumcision, (Bereishit 18:1-8) runs to help three strangers who are already coming towards him! The loving-kindness and ethics of Avraham are far from the norm, because they are the beginnings of the foundation on which a people will be built. And the vision of this people is that these foundations will ultimately change the world. This extraordinary level of human behavior; of love and ethics and kindness to one’s fellow human being is what the Jewish people are meant to offer the world, so Yitzchak must find a partner who shares this value, and who is ready to live this goal. Hence, Eliezer knows exactly what he is looking for. He is looking for a woman whose ethics and kindness are so extraordinary, that she is worthy of being the soul mate of a Yitzchak. Such a match can only come from G-d. The gift we seek isn’t love; that is something we have to earn and work to achieve. Rather, the gift Hashem gives us is a person who is ready to share our dreams. And of course, this means I first have to know what my dreams are. If I don’t know who I am, I cannot really know who I am looking for. This is why the goal is not to find the right person (in any relationship), it is, rather to become the right person, so that other person can find us. And if there was ever a person who knew who he was, it was Yitzchak. So he doesn’t have to find the woman he is looking for; Eliezer can find her for him. This Shabbat, our hearts go out to all those on the Eastern seaboard struggling to get back on their feet after the horrendous impact of Hurricane Sandy. In embracing the incredible loving-kindness (chesed) on which the Jewish people was built, may we all experience the beauty of discovering a little more of who we are and who we are meant to be. Shabbat Shalom, from Jerusalem, Binny Freedman Rav Binny Freedman, Rosh Yeshivat Orayta in Jerusalem’s Old City is a Company Commander in the IDF reserves, and lives in Efrat with his wife Doreet and their four children. His weekly Internet ‘Parsha Bytes’ can be found at www.orayta.org
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