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Shabbos Zachor • Tetzaveh • Friday, February 23, 2018 • 8 Adar 5778 • Luach page 23 • Torah columns pages 22–23 • Vol 17, No 9

The Newspaper of our Orthodox communities

Abbas ‘legacy’ speech at U.N. goes nowhere 5 Jewish shooting victims mourned A memorial in front of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, after the shooting that left 17 students and teachers dead. See page 12. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Achiezer: 10 for 10

By Sean Savage, JNS Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, in a 30-minute address to the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday, said he no longer considers the United States to be an “honest broker” in Mideast peace and called for a multi-national alternative to the U.S.-led process. “It has become impossible today for one country or state alone to solve a regional or international conflict,” he said. Abbas took aim at Trump administration threats to cut aid to the Palestinians. He additionally cited the administration’s decision to slash funding for UNRWA, the U.N. agency in charge of Palestinian refugees. He added that Palestinians would step up efforts

for full membership at the United Nations. After speaking, Abbas walked out of the Security Council chamber and therefore did not hear the pointed responses delivered by U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon. Grant Rumley, a research fellow and expert on Palestinian politics at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told JNS that he believes this was a legacy speech for Abbas. “Abbas wanted to put down his final positions and then, when they’re inevitably not met, he can walk away without being viewed as compromising too much. At this point, I think he cares more about what his presidency doesn’t create — compromises on isSee Abbas on page 12

Supporters filled The Sands Atlantic Beach last Thursday for Achiezer’s “Tribute of a Decade Gala,” honoring its 10 board members on its 10th anniversary. From left: Dinner Chair Ronald Lowinger, Ben Lowinger of Lawrence, Aron Solomon of Cedarhurst, Moshe Schreiber of Far Rockaway, Michael Krengel of Woodmere, Yakov Mirocznik of Bayswater, Jay Gelman of Lawrence, Moti Hellman of Far Rockaway, Dovid Bloom of Far Rockaway, Joel Yarmak of Lawrence, Achiezer Founder and President Rabbi Boruch Ber Bender, and MC Shlomo Reich. (Not pictured: Shulie Wollman of Far Rockaway.) More on page 27.

HAFTR set to cheer 40th b’day Newhouse, who was culture editor at The Forward and has written for the New York Times, Washington Post and Boston Globe, recounted how then HAFTR High School Principal Dr. Daniel Vitow prodded her to apply to prestigious colleges. “Dr. Vitow pushed me to apply to Barnard in part because of the work I did on the literary magazine,” Newhouse said. “It was Thanksgiving of my senior year, and he called me into his office and asked me why I wasn’t applying to more ambitious places for colleges. I was 17. That forced a change in my life. I hadn’t put enough thought into it. I was really very interested

in literature and writing, but I wasn’t great in other subjects. I was great in English. I never imagined that could carry me. It’s interesting what insightful educators can see that even you can’t see about yourself.” HAFTR. which includes an early-childhood center, a lower school, a middle school and the high school, will mark its 40th year with a celebratory dinner this motzei Shabbat, Feb. 24. Lisa and Arthur Perl will be the guests of honor. Ariella and Ari Gasner will receive the Young Leadership Award, and librarian Phyllis Horowitz will be honored as Educator of the Year. See HAFTR on page 6

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By Jeffrey Bessen, Herald Community News Alana Newhouse, a 1993 graduate of Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway High School, is now the editor of Tablet, the online American Jewish magazine founded in 2009. She vividly remembers two people who got her where she is today. “Gloria [Becker] ran the student literary magazine [11+], which was different from the student newspaper,” Newhouse recalled. “She took me under her wing, and within a couple of months she said I might actually like being an editor.”

HAFTR fourth grader Sarah Asherov displays her art during a visit by Rabbi and pop artist Yitzchok Moully. More on page 10.

Why Jewish leaders are fighting over Qatar blockade of Qatar seeking to punish the rival emirate for its support of Islamist groups and its close relations with Iran, the Saudis’ main regional rival. Since then, both countries have been seeking favor with the United States, with Qatar aiming some of its charm offensive at Jewish and pro-Israel leaders. In recent weeks, some high-profile Jewish leaders — including Harvard attorney Alan Dershowitz, Morton Klein of the Zionist Organization of America and Malcolm Hoenlein of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations — have paid visits to Qatar at the invitation of its rulers. Other Jewish and Israeli leaders have criticized the visits. On Feb. 9, Itai Bar Dov, a spokesman for the Israeli Embassy in Washington, told the the New York Times, “We do not approve of these visits by the Jewish organizations to Qatar.” Why Qatar? Why now? Saudi Arabia has long seen itself as the pre-eminent Sunni Arab state in the Persian Gulf. Its royal family is the guardian of two of the holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina. Most of its neighbors have been content to defer to its leadership. Most, but not Qatar. The Al-Thani family, which has controlled Qatar since at least the mid-19th century, has long chafed at taking instructions from Qatar’s massive neighbor. Their defiance of the Saudis has led to contradictions: Qatar was among the first Gulf Arab nations to openly welcome Israeli travelers, but also backs Islamist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood (although, it insists, not ISIS or al-Qaida). Home to the largest U.S. military base in the region, Qatar also enjoys friendly relations with Iran. Qatar, like its neighbors, closely controls expression in the country; it also bankrolls the freewheeling TV network Al Jazeera. When Mohammed bin Sultan, the tyro son of the See Qatar on page 8

Backgrounder by Ron Kampeas, JTA WASHINGTON — There’s a battle going on among pro-Israel leaders, and it’s over Qatar. It’s like watching ice hockey players clear the bench for a brawl, only the antagonists are all on the same team. The folks lining up to praise or bury the emirate are best known for sharing the same stages, and often the same opinions about their overarching concern: Israel. But here they are, old friends at odds over another small Middle Eastern state surrounded by hostiles. What’s going on? Here’s a pocket history — and a scorecard. Who’s fighting? In June, Saudi Arabia spearheaded a five-nation

Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, at the Gulf Cooperation Council summit at the Bayan Palace Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images in Kuwait City on Dec. 5.

Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations Chairman Stephen Greenberg (left) and Executive Vice President Malcolm Hoenlein with UAE Minister of State for Tolerance Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak al Nahyan, on Feb. 14. COPMAJO

U.S. Jewish leaders see ally in Emirates By Alex Traiman, JNS Abu Dhabi — A large delegation of American Jewish leaders spent two days in United Arab Emirates last week in search of moderate Arab counterparts working to fight against the forces of radical Islamic extremism, and who are also willing to improve private and public relations with Israel. “The United Arab Emirates are a country that can have an expanding role with the State of Israel. They are a country that is trying to counter the forces of extremism,” said Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the group that organized the delegation. According to B’nai B’rith CEO and executive vice President Dan Mariaschin,

“through its realistic worldview on the threats to stability posed by both state and non-state actors in the Middle East and the [Persian] Gulf, and with its proactive participation with the U.S. and others in countering those threats, the UAE seems very much a part of the solution—and not part of the problem—in the region.” The group visited with businessmen, government ministers and influential sheikhs, including the Minister of State for Tolerance Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan. Participants also learned about some of the Emirates’ Western infrastructure, such as a U.S. military base, in addition to private infrastructure, including a campus of New York University and a branch of the reSee Emirates on page 8

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The order of things in Gaza Eyal ZissEr

n recent weeks, the Israeli media has covered at length the rapidly deteriorating economic situation in Gaza and the concerns that an economic collapse could lead to a humanitarian crisis or to renewed clashes with Israel along the border. But while heads of Israel’s security apparatus voice genuine concern for the well-being of Gaza’s residents, the actual leaders of Gaza are too busy building up their military might and preparing for the next military confrontation with Israel. So far, no one has claimed responsibility for detonating the explosive device that caused serious injuries to four Israeli soldiers patrolling the border on Saturday. And the IDF has also avoided pointing an accusatory finger at any of the power players in the Strip. But it is obvious to everyone that Hamas is the sovereign in the Gaza Strip and therefore an attack like that could not have been executed without Hamas’ approval, even if it was

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just tacit approval. In any case, even if Hamas didn’t know a thing about the bomb, its lack of response against the perpetrators proves the group’s willingness to tolerate such attacks and even welcome them. After all, there is a clear working order in Gaza. Seeking to preserve its rule, Hamas avoids carrying out terrorist attacks in order to prevent Israeli military responses. But all the while, Hamas continues to dig terror tunnels and improve its missile arsenal. Hamas leaves the dirty work of perpetrating terror attacks to the Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad, whose command center is in Damascus. Islamic Jihad has a score to settle with Israel ever since an Israeli strike demolished one of its tunnels last year and killed some high ranking commanders. So far, Islamic Jihad has not been able to mount a satisfactory revenge attack, but it will undoubtedly continue to try. There are also a number terror groups operating in the Gaza Strip that refuse to accept Hamas’ authority. In Israel, we call these groups “rogue.” In addition, terror cells affiliated with the Islamic State group in Sinai are also active there. Hamas tolerates the activities of all these groups and does nothing to counter them. The border incident on Saturday proves yet again what we learned in the Lebanese front during the 2006 Second Lebanon War: When you tolerate provocations along a border for too long, such as protesters “just” trying to breach a border fence or “just” throw rocks at Israeli soldiers, terror attacks are never too far off. Israel and Hamas are not interested in escalation. It seems that for the time being, there is no better alternative to the Hamas rule in Gaza, at least from Israel’s perspective. That is why calm is sure to be restored along the border in the near future. But in the absence of a fundamental solution to the Gaza issue, the IDF will find it hard to maintain this calm for long. This serious incident should prompt Israel to look for a better solution than to trust Hamas to ensure calm along Israel’s southern border. Eyal Zisser is a lecturer in the Middle East History Department at Tel Aviv University.

Neve Dekalim was Gush Katif’s urban center and home to the largest community. Yakob Ben-Avraham via WikiCommons

13 years later, 160 families lack housing By Israel Hayom via JNS The Knesset House Committee convened on Tuesday to mark Gush Katif Day, commemorating the evacuation of Jewish settlements from the Gaza Strip in the summer of 2005. Nearly 13 years after the settlers were evacuated from 21 settlements in the Gaza Strip and from four others in the West Bank, the Knesset committee was told that 160 families still have not been assigned permanent housing in place of the homes they were forced to evacuate.

However, it emerged that all but 28 of those families are expected to move into new homes within the coming year. The remaining 28 families have used up the grants they received as compensation from the state after the evacuation and cannot afford to purchase new homes. To assist them, the state has offered to install prefabricated structures on their lots and charge them only 1,500 shekels ($425) per month in rent. The structures, known as “caravillas,” will be provided without charge.

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HAFTR marks its 40th birthday… puses. The Lawrence grounds host the younger children through eighth grade, and the high school is in Cedarhurst. In the past five years, HAFTR has built two sports complexes, one on each campus; a science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, laboratory in the middle school; and a prayer space specifically for girls at the Lawrence campus. Another STEM lab is under construction at the high school. “In my time, the heyday of the institution, it was known in those days for academic excellence and rigor,” said Vitow, who was at HAFTR from 1984 to 2000. He is now the headmaster of the North Shore Hebrew Academy High School in Great Neck. “There were highly motivated families that favored education, and made it a premier school.” HAFTR High graduates have attended such

universities as Columbia, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Johns Hopkins, the School of Visual Arts, and the Yeshiva University Honors Program. Maron said that HAFTR hit its “max enrollment” in the early 1990s. “That was before DRS” — Davis Renov Stahler Yeshiva High School for Boys — “and Rambam,” he said. “We were the only game in town. We hit our zenith and are now building the enrollment back up.” Vitow said that when he started, HAFTR High had 96 students, and there were 507 when he left. When the current school year began in September, HAFTR’s overall enrollment was 1,400, including 270 children in the nursery program. Along with academic rigor, there has been athletic success. With the merger, HAFTR gained Hillel’s strong basketball program, when hoops

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HAFTR guests of honor Lisa and Arthur Perl (above) and young leadership award recipients Ariella and Ari Gasner. Educator of the year Phyllis Horowitz is featured in Kosher Bookworm, on page 23.

was the only sport played by yeshivas. Now the athletic schedule includes baseball, football, hockey, soccer, softball and volleyball, said Athletic Director Joey Hoenig. Hoenig said that the middle school and high school have a total of 350 athletes taking part in 27 leagues. It was difficult for HAFTR to juggle all the sports, because the old Hillel gym was small and the school was not allowed to use it for high school games. Over the years, the HAFTR Flames, now the Hawks, have used the Number One, Two and Six schools in the Lawrence district. The first sports complex was built in 2012, and five years later the second one was completed. “We’re very proud of our sports programs over the years, and look forward to a bright future,” Hoenig said. Dozens of championship banners hang in the gyms. Ari Zoldan, a 1994 HAFTR graduate, is now a technology and business analyst, a political correspondent, a TV personality and a senior correspondent for Talk Radio News Service in Washington. He said that his “solid early education” was the springboard into a good college (Yeshiva University) and his career. “I can say there wasn’t one teacher that impacted me, as I can recall,” Zoldan said. “It was more of the collective teacher body that made a difference at HAFTR for me.” Board President Yaron Kornblum said that through the decades, “thousands of graduates have received the highest level of Jewish and secular education.” He added, “Alumni successes in all walks of life is living proof of how special HAFTR has been over the years and continues to be,” and noted the number of multigenerational families that have attended the school. “Most importantly, HAFTR’s modern Orthodox values are the same as they were 40 years ago, when the school was founded. We continue to educate our children with the most impressive secular studies and Judaic studies curriculum. and instill in them the appreciation of this great country we live in, in conjunction with a deep love of Israel and Torah.”

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Continued from page 1 Created by a merger of the Hebrew Institute of Long Island and Hillel School in 1978, HAFTR, a modern Orthodox Jewish yeshiva, educates its students following the motto Have a Growth Mindset. HILI was founded in Far Rockaway in 1936, and the Hillel School was established in Lawrence in 1957. “Because of the dual curriculum, the overall day is longer for the children, and it helps develop learning skills they’ll use in college,” said Reuben Maron, who served as executive director for seven and a half years before retiring last month, and was involved with the school for 45 years. “It makes college easier. There is a lot to say for a yeshiva with rigorous programming and a school day that is two hours longer.” Growth also applies to the school’s two cam-

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February 23, 2018 • 8 Adar 5778 THE JEWISH STAR

Evicting hundreds of thousands of Jewish settlers from Judea and Samaria “could lead to civil war in Israel,” U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman told American Jewish leaders. His remarks were first tweeted and reported on Israel’s Channel 10 by journalist Barak Ravid, who said he received the remarks from three participants in the meeting. Friedman, a resident of Woodsburgh, spoke Monday night during an off-the-record briefing in Jerusalem for about 100 American Jewish leaders at a meeting of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish American Organizations. The U.S. embassy and the Presidents Conference disputed the report. “We have seen the reports on the off-the-record address held with Ambassador David Friedman. The words attributed to him were taken out of context, are incomplete, and are therefore a distortion of the ambassador’s remarks,” Stephen M. Greenberg and Malcolm Hoenlein, respectively the chairman and the CEO of the Presidents Conference, said. An embassy spokesperson said in a statement: “The Channel 10 report is based upon three attendees at the conference who failed to provide much of the context behind Ambassador Friedman’s comments as well as significant additional and related remarks by the Ambassador.” “Ambassador Friedman made clear in his remarks that the President is committed to a com-

prehensive peace agreement that benefits both Israelis and Palestinians and that the U.S. is working on a plan to achieve that goal. As for settlements, the Ambassador believes that unrestrained settlement growth is not helpful for peace,” the embassy spokesman also said. According to Channel 10, Friedman also said that “the settlers aren’t going anywhere,” and said that this was his own personal opinion. While serving as a lawyer for Donald Trrump before his election, Friedman was a generous supporter of Beit El, community established in the Shomron Region. He added that it could be more difficult to have the Israeli military evacuate settlements since members of the national-religious sector have taken more senior positions in the IDF and believe that God promised the land to the Jewish people. He also, according to the report, said that the claim that a peace treaty is needed to preserve Israel as a Jewish and democratic state is unfounded, and supported Israel’s claim that it must hold on to the Jordan Valley under any peace agreement for security reasons. Friedman also criticized the Palestinian leadership. “They have not shown that they are capable of building institutions that will allow them to live in peace with their neighbors,” he reportedly said. “We must look at the relationship between Israel and the Palestinians not as a marriage but as a divorce,” he added. —JTA

THE JEWISH STAR February 23, 2018 • 8 Adar 5778

Friedman warns evictions could spark a civil war

University: Making an Impact

Comedian Silverman in Tweet storm over a jailed terrorist and the other 15 Jewish lives extinguished by Ahlam Tamimi, Ahed’s cousin and role-model-inlife? Do you stand with Ahed’s call to kill?” the Roths @ThisOngoingWar tweeted to Silverman. They added: “On the off chance, @SarahKSilverman, that the name Malki Roth doesn’t ring a bell, here’s one of the few photos we have. She’s holding the blind and catastrophically disabled sister she adored. Malki was murdered at 15. Ahlam Tamimi faces US Federal charges for her involvement.” Ahlam Tamimi, who assisted in the Sbarro attack, was arrested and imprisoned by Israel, and pleaded guilty to her role in the attack. She now lives in Jordan after being released as part of the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal. On Sunday, Silverman admitted to not knowing enough about the conflict and announced that she would retweet pieces from people who are on the ground in Israel. She then retweeted responses on both sides of the conflict. On Monday she capitulated, tweeting: “Dear palestinians/jews/israelis/and everyone w an opinion: I can only speak for me & all I care about is what is true, & what is just. Unfortunately, from what I see, those things seem to be wildly subjective…”—JTA

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Comedian Sarah Silverman started a heated conversation on Twitter about the Palestinian teen being held in an Israeli jail for slapping and harassing Israeli soldiers. “Jews have to stand up EVEN when — ESPECIALLY when — the wrongdoing is BY Jews/the Israeli government,” @SarahKSilverman tweeted. Ahed Tamini, 17, has been charged with 12 counts, including aggravated assault, hindering a soldier in the line of duty, incitement, threatening a soldier’s life and rock throwing. The indictment covers six incidents in recent months in which she was involved in altercations with Israeli soldiers, including the Dec. 15 slapping incident that was captured on video and went viral on social media. She has been ordered held in prison until the end of legal proceedings against her. Among those who responded to Silverman’s original tweet were Frimet and Arnold Roth, parents of Malki Roth, 15, who was killed in a Palestinian suicide bombing at the Sbarro restaurant in Jerusalem in August 2001. “Entertainers exploiting their fame are often a poor choice for clarifying what’s moral or good. Sarah, did you stand up for our daughter Malki

Qatar... Continued from page 2 current Saudi Arabian king, was named crown prince in June, he quickly flexed his muscles at home and in the neighborhood. Bin Sultan has marked territory in recent months in Lebanon and Yemen, and led the blockade of Qatar. Bin Sultan’s manspreading also has much to do with the election of another alpha male: Donald Trump. The president has signaled he appreciates bold moves among U.S. allies. (Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is super friendly with bin Sultan and is perceived in the Middle East as having given the green light for much of the prince’s recent posturing.) Not that the Trump administration has been consistent, exactly. Trump tweeted support of the blockade in June, even as his secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, worked mightily to undo it and last week called Qatar “a strong partner and longtime friend.” Since then, both sides, the Qataris on one and the Saudis and smaller Gulf states on the other, have been working hard to gain Washington’s favor. Bizarrely, those who have yet to formally recognize Israel have focused most intently on the pro-Israel lobby. Round 1: America’s lawyer vs. America’s rabbi Dershowitz, the constitutional lawyer and defender of Israel, said his visit to Qatar last month disabused him of much he had heard about the emirate and also made him warier of the Saudis. For one thing, Qatar was allowing an Israeli to compete in a tennis tournament, while the Saudis were keeping out an Israeli chess competitor. Saudi pressure to shut down Al Jazeera especially offended Dershowitz, a free speech advocate. Qatar denied other offenses, including backing for Israel’s deadly enemy Hamas. Dershowitz was skeptical but wanted to know more before endorsing steps as drastic as a blockade.

“Qatar is quickly becoming the Israel of the Gulf States, surrounded by enemies, subject to boycotts and unrealistic demands, and struggling for its survival,” he wrote in The Hill on Jan. 12. That was too much for Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, the celebrity rabbi who advocates for Israel and against anti-Semitism as the head of the World Values Network. In a Jerusalem Post column, he wrote that likening Qatar to Israel is “an absolutely shocking statement that must be totally and completely rebutted.” He called Dershowitz, his one-time debate partner (they teamed up at Harvard in 2002 against two proPalestinian advocates) a “Jewish junketeer” and a “mouthpiece.” Dershowitz wrote to the Post saying that Boteach’s column “mischaracterizes what I actually said and then rails against the straw man he has deliberately substituted for the truth of what I said.” On Twitter, Boteach called the letter a “personal attack.” In fact, Dershowitz’s letter was to the point and Boteach was the one using pejoratives like “junketeer,” but then, yes, Dershowitz got personal on Twitter. “I once made mistake of being in a debate at Harvard with @RabbiShmuley on my side,” Dershowitz said. “He screamed and yelled like a child. Hurt the cause of Israel. I promised never again to be in debate with him.” On Monday, the Forward reported that Boteach had clamored to join the same Qatar junket, according to the Jewish PR firm that organized the trips there, but was turned down when the Qataris came to the conclusion that he wasn’t (yikes) influential enough. Boteach is not quite down — he was on Twitter Tuesday morning still challenging Dershowitz to “repudiate his preposterous sycophantic, obsequious, brown-nosing, & deeply libelous” comparison of Qatar and Israel. Round 2: Flack vs. flack In August, Bluelight Strategies, a public affairs firm, began touting a London conference organized by Khalid Al-Hail, a Qatari businessman who is one of the leaders of the political opposition in Qatar. It was an early sign that pro- and anti-Qatari forces were seeking influence among

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a Jewish audience. Bluelight is run by Steve Rabinowitz and Aaron Keyak, long experienced in repping progressive causes in the pro-Israel community and pro-Israel causes among progressives. Bluelight’s work was not limited to promoting the September conference to Jews, but Keyak told JTA that was certainly part of its strategy— and of Bluelight’s appeal to Al-Hail. Then in September, Nicolas Muzin, an observant Jew and a rising star among conservative Republicans, announced that his own government and public relations firm was going to make Qatar’s case to the Jewish community. (A trade publication said his fee was $50,000 a month.) “Engagement with Qatar can only be in the best interests of the United States and the Jewish community, as we cannot allow Qatar to be ostracized by its neighbors and pushed into Iran’s sphere of influence,” he said at the time. This seemed to set up a partisan cast to the appeals: Muzin (who has advised the House Republican caucus, and Sens. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Ted Cruz of Texas), was the Republican representing Qatar. Keyak, who has worked for House Democrats, and Rabinowitz, a veteran of the Bill Clinton White House, were the Democrats repping Qatar’s antagonists. In fact, while the hirings of Muzin, Keyak and Rabinowitz signaled how seriously foreign actors take the American Jewish community, the flacks, in this case, were playing in different arenas. The Bluelight hiring was a one-off, ahead of a conference. (Keyak and Rabinowitz for a short period also touted an October conference in Washington that slammed Qatar, but edged away when Steve Bannon, Trump’s former top strategic adviser, was invited as a keynote.) Muzin is drawing a monthly salary from Qatar (now $300,000, according to Politico), and so is more invested long-term in his assignment. Paying Muzin to be persistent had dividends — he arranged for the five and counting pro-Israel leaders, including Menachem Genack of the Orthodox Union and Hoenlein, to visit the country. Keyak and Rabinowitz were working for an

individual, and thus not subject to the stringent restrictions of the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Muzin must make public his payments and whomever he meets with to advance his agenda. Round 3: Mort vs. Mort In September, the Zionist Organization of America dismissed its invitation to visit Qatar. “Rather than change any of those monstrous and evil actions, Qatar may be trying to create the optical illusion of Jewish support to moderate their image by hiring a well-connected PR firm and by having ‘secret’ meetings with Jewish leaders – which of course won’t be a secret, as the whole reason for the meetings may be for the Qataris to point to them as evidence that the ‘Jews’ (and thus Israel) don’t view them as enemies,” ZOA President Morton Klein said in a release at the time. Klein soon changed course: He visited Qatar in January, and yes, it was leaked to Haaretz. Why did he go? “At first I refused because of their support for Hamas and the anti-Semitism being broadcast on Al Jazeera,” he told the newspaper. “But over time, I saw that more and more Jewish leaders were going there, and I realized that at this point, they won’t be able to use me for propaganda because everyone is already going, but I might use the visit to push them on these issues.” Klein subsequently spoke to the Jerusalem Post’s Seth Frantzman and clearly emphasized two things: He was not paid for the visit; and he did not hold back. The ZOA put together a 50page report on Qatar’s perceived transgressions against Israel, and Klein said he handed it to every official he met and had a two-hour conversation with the emir of Kuwait. “Reports relayed to me said I was the roughest and toughest of all the leaders in presenting the issues,” he told Frantzman. “Some others were obsequious and overly warm and overly friendly. I was forceful and focused.” Roughest and toughest, but boy did Klein appreciate those Qatari pajamas. “The airline had great service,” he told Frantzman. “They handed out pajamas, the softest I ever felt. I wear them every night.”

Emirates...

One such measuring stick will be whether or not the Emirates will accept an Israeli delegation to the upcoming World Expo 2020 in Dubai, something the hosts said they were open to considering. The group also met with the U.S. Ambassador to the Emirates Barbara Leaf. The Emirates have strong military ties with the United States, including the joint operation of the Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, the Emirates maintain strong fiscal ties with the United States, and according to Hoenlein, “have a $19 billion trade surplus” with America. “They want to see the United States fully engaged in the region, and they see us as an influential channel that will push for that involvement” when the delegation returns to the United States, stated Hoenlein. “I’m always skeptical of what I hear in English from Arab leaders and spokesmen,” said Julio Messer, past president of the American Friends of Likud nonprofit organization. “But I leave the UAE convinced of their sincerity in combatting intolerance, extremism and terrorism in the region, as well as actively supporting the U.S. globally.” “Hosting us was important gesture,” said Hoenlein. “This trip is not invisible, and this year we had a larger delegation than usual.” According to Hoenlein, the Emirates went out of their way to accommodate the delegation, noting that “one of the main restaurants in Dubai koshered their entire kitchen to provide meals,” so that everyone in the group could dine together, including observant Jews who only eat strictly kosher food. The Conference of Presidents travels to a Middle Eastern country each year before arriving in Israel for a three-day convention, where they meet with senior-level Israeli officials, often including the president, prime minister and high-ranking ministers, as well as journalists and security experts. Meeting with the leaders of countries in the region, affirmed Hoenlein, “has paid off in almost each.”

Continued from page 2 nowned Cleveland Clinic academic medical center. “We engaged in serious dialogue, with long conversations, some that lasted an hour-and-ahalf each. We asked tough questions. Our interlocutors saw that we are an informed and influential community,” said Hoenlein, who noted that the government ministers they met with each stressed the potential of the relationship between the Emirates and Israel. Conversations focused on major threats faced in the region, including Iran’s efforts to become a nuclear power and a regional hegemon. “We dealt with issues that affect Israeli security and regional stability,” reported Hoenlein. Topics discussed include growing extremism in Yemen, Qatar and the Gaza Strip, as well as the ongoing inability of Israelis and Palestinians to reach a formal peace agreement with Palestinians—an issue of concern to the Emirati leaders. The delegation also raised their own ideological concerns with their hosts, including combatting extremism embedded in the education system, Holocaust denial and preserving Jewish culture in Arab lands. The Emirates houses a nascent community of several hundred Jews. “The Emirates’ openness to other cultures, and ‎their priority to bringing tolerance throughout their society, was truly a welcome eyeopener,” said Cheryl Fishbein, chair of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and a member of the Conference of Presidents executive council. “The people were warm to us as Americans and as Jews. I am optimistic about increasing our friendship with them.” “We are working on building a relationship that can be sustained,” Hoenlein told JNS, while cautiously noting that “only in time will we see whether the inroads we made on this trip will pay dividends.”

9 THE JEWISH STAR February 23, 2018 • 8 Adar 5778

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February 23, 2018 • 8 Adar 5778 THE JEWISH STAR

The JEWISH STAR

School News

Send news and hi-res photos to Schools@TheJewishStar.com • Deadline Mondays at Noon

Rambam students watch SpaceX launch

Students in Rambam’s Robotics Club joined the school’s STEM group to watch the Feb. 6 launch of SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy Rocket, the most powerful rocket in the world able to return humans to the moon — and even further, to Mars. Elon Musk encouraged anyone thinking of tuning in for the launch to do so, predicting that “this will either be a great launch or the best fireworks.” Fifteen minutes begfore the successful launch, Rambam’s Director of Technology, Sruly Schnair, led the boys in a brief discussion about what they were about to see. Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman spoke about the Rambam’s concept of the mitzvah of ahavas Hashem which comes about from studying the laws of nature, created by Hashem. “When we see an event like this, and realize our ability to understand, use and master the complexities of the universe, it gives us a small glimpse into the unlimited knowledge that Hashem implanted in the universe during creation,” he said, noting that “it is unfortunate that many in the media are crediting ‘scientists and engineers’ for this accomplishment without recognizing the Boreh Olam, Hashem, as the ultimate source of these laws and man’s ability to delve into them and utilize them.”

Midreshet Shalhevet basketball

Here’s Midreshet Shalhevet’s basketball team at season’s end, including senior Leah Feder; juniors Hadassah Krigsman, Maayan Sandowski, Shifra Chait, Avital Hochster and Becky Haviv; sophomores Leah Rubin, Avigayil Roffe and Eliana Nayberg, and freshmen Lital Davidov, Shani Roffe, Jacqui Tennenbaum, Leah Cohen and Ayala Feder, led by team captain Hadassah Krigsman.

HAFTR malave malka

HAFTR fifth grader Odelia Koren said her class’ girls’ melave malka was “a beautiful way to escort the Shabbat Queen.” Dressed in Shabbat clothing, the girls, their mothers and grandmothers considered hachana l’Shabbat. From left: Mrs. Koren and daughter Odelia; Robin Erber and daughter Phoebe; Daphna Steinmetz, Megan Scharf and Naima Lavian.

Shulamith Adar fun

At the Shulamith School for Girls in Cedarhurst, Adar began with a Middle Division trip to Sky Zone in Deer Park followed by a surprise appearance on Thursday by Benny Friedman who led students and faculty in 45 minutes of dancing, singing and reveling in the excitement of having the dynamic singer perform for them. The simcha continued on Friday with the first in a series of dress-up days. Teachers dressed as students, and students dressed as teachers. Pictured: Morah Chani Pollak dressed as a student and fifth grader Raizy Bokow dressed as Morah Pollak.

Tu B’Shvat at YOSS

The children at Yeshiva of South Shore’s Hollander Early Childhood Center celebrated Tu B’Shvat by examining, smelling, comparing, counting and tasting the shivas ha minim. The nursery baked cookies and painted with tree branches. The children learned all about trees and were amazed by how many different things come from a tree, like fruits, wood, paper, and shade. They drew, wrote about, and played with their new tree blocks too.

Combining Torah and art at HAFTR

Rabbi and pop artist Yitzchok Moully delivered this message to HAFTR fourth grade artists, “Follow what speaks to your soul in order to make Hashem’s complete world more complete.” Left photo: (top row) Royce Maron and Jill Goldstin; from left: Ava Abehsera, Kayla Jakubowitz, Lily Schlussel, Leah Kammerman, Kira Soshtain and Noa Sharon; (in front) Aviva Ettlelson and Dina Heller. Right photo: Artist Rabbi Yitzckok Moully with (back row) Xander Stein, Avraham Ahron Pultman, Joshua Markowitz and Michelle Hoffman, (front row) Jayden Gasner, Justin Berman and Rafael Asherov.

DRS Merit honor

DRS senior Tzvi Heimoiwtz has qualified as a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship, a prestigious honor that reflects the high level of education at DRS. The National Merit Scholarship Program is a national competition for recognition and college scholarships. Students who qualify as finalists have an outstanding academic record, are endorsed and recommended by school officials, and earn extremely high PSAT scores.

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By Ron Kampeas, JTA Sam and Matthew Zeif are both students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Matthew’s a freshman, Sam’s a senior. The Jewish brothers were in different rooms when Nikolas Cruz, a 19-year-old who had been expelled from the school, raided its grounds last Wednesday, firing a semi-automatic weapon. They texted one another from places of hiding. “Are you ok?” Sam asked. “Hopefully,” Matthew answered. “Just know I love you.” They survived, and Sam posted their exchange on Twitter and made clear the experience had changed him forever. “Scariest part of it all was knowing my little brother was right above me and not knowing if I would ever see him again. I’ve never really treated him the way he deserved. Not anymore. Seeing his face outside of school was the most relief I had ever felt. My prayers to all.” What Matthew witnessed also likely will never leave him. “My teacher died,” he texted his big brother, “and he’s sitting in the doorway.”

His teacher was Scott Beigel, who died a hero as he slammed shut the classroom door to protect students from Cruz. Beigel was also a staff member at Camp Starlight, a predominately Jewish summer camp in Starlight, Pennsylvania. The Zeif brothers’ mother, Jennifer, told the New York Times that Beigel saved Matthew’s life. Matthew was the last student Beigel ushered into the class before being shot. “Mr. Beigel could have passed Matthew up and gone in the classroom first,” she said. “In that case, Matthew would have been the one in the doorway.” Jennifer Zeif, before Wednesday, populated her social media mostly with posts about her four boys (there’s a younger and an older sibling as well), and about enjoying bar mitzvahs and weddings and concerts with her husband, Doug. Her Pinterest page includes thoughts about raising boys, alongside Passover recipes. Matthew texted his mom as well during the attack, The Daily Mail reported. “Mommy. Your the best thing that ever happened to me and just know. Keep living life.” Then he added: “Call the police.”

‘Our kids should be safe,’ father says at funeral More than 1,000 mourners gathered at a Parkland, Florida synagogue for the funeral of Meadow Pollack, one of the 17 students and staff killed in Wednesday’s school shooting. “You killed my kid. ‘My kid is dead’ goes through my head all day and all night. I keep hearing it over and over,” her father Andrew Pollack said at Friday’s funeral that also was attended by Florida Gov. Rick Scott and U.S. Reps. Ted Deutch and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the Florida Sun-Sentinel reported. “I have always been able to protect my family. Mourners at the gravesite of Parkland shooting victim Meadow Our kids should be safe but my prin- Pollack. Mike Stocker/Sun Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images cess wasn’t safe.” Meadow Pollack was 18, and a seA funeral on Sunday for Alex Schachter, 14, nior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, where 19-year-old gunman Nikolas Cruz focused on his love for movies, his humor and his opened fire last Wednesday on his former class- passion for the high school’s marching band, in which he played trombone, as well as the secret mates. Pollack’s funeral came shortly after the first ingredients in his special smoothie. A third funeral on Sunday was held for teachservice for a victim, Alyssa Alhadeff. At Jamie Guttenberg’s funeral on Sunday, er Scott Beigel, 35, who saved students’ lives by mourners wore orange ribbons in her memory, opening his classroom door and ushering the stuwhich stood out against their black mourning dents in. He was shot while closing the door behind them. clothes. Orange was her favorite color. He reportedly told his fiance, who he met at Rabbi Jonathan Kaplan in his eulogy tried to Pennsylvania’s Camp Starlight when they both answer the question of where was G-d during the attack. He said: “G-d is in the teachers who pro- worked as counselors, that if he ever was the victim tected them. G-d is in the first responders who of a school shooting that she would not talk about went in that day. G-d is in the police who raced the “hero stuff.” They had been watching news covto the school. … G-d is in the people, all over the erage of a similar school shooting on television at the time, she said during the funeral. —JTA world, who sent condolences.”

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“My heart skipped a beat when I saw it,” Bronstein told Vos Iz Neias of reviewing the security camera footage. “You see him in our parking lot, casually walking by, looking over his shoulder.” Bronstein shared the footage with the FBI, as well as news media outlets. “They told me it could be an important part of the case,” Bronstein told VIN. “If he takes an insanity plea, the confident way he is walking could prove otherwise.” —JTA

13 THE JEWISH STAR February 23, 2018 • 8 Adar 5778

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THE JEWISH STAR February 23, 2018 • 8 Adar 5778

Sale Dates: February 25th - March 2nd 2018

February 23, 2018 • 8 Adar 5778 THE JEWISH STAR

The JEWISH STAR

Wine & Dine

Time for make your mishlach manot JONI SCHOCKETT KOSHER KITCHEN

ranslated, mishloach manot means “sending of portions.” So, on Purim, we send delicious foods to our friends and family. We have a long, ingrained and biblical tradition of providing food and sustenance for those who are less fortunate. But Purim is a bit different. We not only provide for those who have less, but we bring food to all our friends and relatives. The goal is to bring them joy and happiness and food that does not need preparation. So we fill bags and baskets with gel candies, wine and juices, chocolates and more, and, of course, hamentaschen. Bringing food that is not necessary for sustenance is bringing food for the fun and joy of sharing and letting people know they are in your heart and part of your community. While many of us bake, many do not, but the custom is still easily fulfilled. If you can, take a day and bake up a bunch of treats for the holiday. Hamentaschen is delicious and fun to make, but bars and cookies are also welcomed treats, as are tea breads and more. However, if you do not have the time to bake, there are so many kinds of foods that you can put in a gift basket, that no one will miss a home-baked touch. In addition, I have seen kosher certified hamantashcen in more and more grocery stores over the years and kosher bakeries are filling up their cases already. Let kids help fill and decorate the bags or baskets you use and let them help you deliver the treats. And, if all that is too much for your hectic schedule, there are lots of Jewish groups that put together wonderful shalach manot bags that come with lovely cards. So, however you send shalach manot — whether homemade or ordered over the Internet — I know that the generous gift of fun foods will accepted with smiles and appreciation. Chag sameach! Brown Sugar Fudge (Dairy) Wrap pieces in plastic wrap or cellophane and drop a few in each bag. Yum! 4 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar 1 can evaporated milk (Do not use condensed milk.) 1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract 3 Tbsp. butter

OPTIONAL: 1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or other nuts OPTIONAL: Mini chocolate chips or grated white chocolate Generously butter a 9x13 glass baking dish. A slightly smaller one will work and result in thicker pieces. Combine the sugar and milk in a medium, heavy saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-low heat. Stir very frequently. When the mixture comes to a boil, increase heat to medium-high and boil for 4 TO 7 minutes, until a thermometer reaches 235 degrees or a drop of the mixture forms a soft, pliable, ball when dropped into cold water. Remove from the heat and add the butter and vanilla. Beat with a wooden spoon until thick and creamy and the mixture loses its glossy sheen. Mix in the nuts and, if using, quickly and with as little mixing as possible, mix in the mini-chips or grated/chopped white chocolate. Pour into the prepared pan, let set and cool. Refrigerate. Makes 24 to 36 pieces. Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Goldies (Dairy)

These are a favorite. I wrap them separately and get about 24 bars. 1-1/3 cups flour 1/2 cup light brown sugar 3 Tbsp. dark brown sugar 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened TOPPING: 3/4 cup dark corn syrup

1/8 cup dark brown sugar 1/8 cup light brown sugar 3 Tbsp. flour 2 extra large eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1/4 to one-half tsp. salt 1 cup chopped pecans OPTIONAL: 1-1/2 cups chocolate chips melted with 1 Tbsp. canola oil Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 pan and set aside. Put the flour, sugar and baking powder in a bowl. Add the butter by pieces and rub together with you CLEAN hands to incorporate the butter into the flour. When the mixture is all small crumbs, pour them into the pan and press them evenly over the bottom. Place the corn syrup, sugars, flour, eggs, vanilla and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer. Set to medium speed and beat until mixture is well combined. Remove the bowl from the stand and add the pecan pieces. Mix with a spoon and pour the topping evenly over the crumb mixture. Spread the topping evenly. Bake at 350 degrees until lightly golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. If using, melt the chocolate with the oil and spread over the top of the bars. Let cool completely before cutting. Basic Cookie Dough Hamentaschen (Pareve)

We prefer cookie dough hamentaschen. You can use traditional fillings or some that are listed below. 3 large eggs 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup canola oil 1-1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 3 cups unbleached flour Line two or three rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Gather whatever fillings you want and place them nearby. Place the eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer. Blend on

medium speed until smooth. Add the baking powder to the flower and add to the eggs in three additions. Use the mixer to blend the first two, remove the bowl from the stand, add the third one and blend by hand. When the dough comes together, gather into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lay a piece of parchment on the table and flour generously. Place 1/3 of the dough on the surface, flour generously and place another piece of parchment on top. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4-inch thick. Use a 3-inch glass and cut out circles of dough. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of a circle and pinch the edges to form a triangle. Fold the rounded sides over the filling to leave a small opening through which filling can be seen. Repeat until all the dough is used. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Makes about 2 to 3 dozen hamentaschen. Some Delicious Fillings for Hamentaschen

Measurements for these are not specific. Make sure the filling is thicker than you might think because they will run during the baking process. Nutty ‘Tella: Nutella mixed with chopped, toasted hazelnuts 1. Smores:. Chocolate chips, snipped marshmallows, crushed graham crackers 2. PB&J: a dollop of peanut butter and jelly next to each other 3. Toffee Chocolate: Crushed toffee candy mixed with mini chocolate chips 4. Razzle-berry Chocolate: Raspberry jam mixed with mini chocolate chips 5. Cherry Pistachio: White chocolate chips, chopped pistachio nuts, dried cherries 6. Apple Pie: Finely chopped apples cooked with cinnamon, sugar, until softened 7. Cinnamon Nut: Chopped walnuts, cinnamon, sugar and a bit of melted butter 8. Chocolate Salted Caramel: Snip soft caramels, dark chocolate chips, sea salt 9. Apricot and Halvah: Mix apricot jam with crumbled almond halvah

Blood orange, saffron and semolina cake recipe By Chaya Rappoport, The Nosher via JTA Upside down cakes are one of my favorite types of cakes to make, mostly because they are an easy way to impress. In an upside down cake, the fruit is layered on the bottom of the pan along with sugar, and a simple, fluffy cake batter is poured on top. Once it’s baked, the cake is inverted, and what was once the bottom of the cake becomes a gorgeously syrupy, fruity top. What could be simpler? American upside down cakes are traditionally made with pineapple and cherries, but I gave that ’50s take on the cake a seasonal, Middle Eastern twist by using blood oranges, saffron and semolina flour in the batter. Blood oranges are typically in season from January until early spring, and they are some of my favorite citrus fruits to bake with: bright, not too sweet and seriously flavorful. Here they add a vibrant pop of color to the cake. As for the saffron, you might already know it by its notoriously expensive reputation. Derived from the crocus flower, saffron is the world’s most expensive spice, which makes sense con-

sidering the difficulty involved in harvesting it. But fear not: While Indian Kashmiri and Iranian saffron are definitely pricey, the more commonly available Spanish saffron is affordable, easy to find and thankfully still delicious and flavorful. In this cake, the sweet, floral and honey-like saffron threads are infused into sugar along with zest from the blood orange. The sugar turns extra fragrant, and when combined with orange blossom water and the semolina flour yields a cake that is intensely flavored, crumby and dense in the best way possible. The oranges on top are syrupy and candy-like (keeping the rind on, thinly sliced, adds even more flavor and fragrance) and best of all, it comes together in under an hour, just in time for an afternoon cup of tea. Note: You may keep the rind of the orange on or remove it. Regular oranges can be substituted for the blood oranges. Ingredients: 1/3 cup raw or turbinado sugar 2 blood oranges, very thinly sliced, seeds removed 1-1/2 cups semolina flour

1 1/2 cups buttermilk 1 Tbsp. orange blossom water 1-1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

1 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 cups granulated sugar 2 tsp. finely grated blood orange zest 1 pinch saffron threads 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. kosher salt 2 large eggs

Directions: 1. Make the infused sugar: Combine the blood orange zest and saffron threads with the granulated sugar and use your hands to rub the zest and saffron into the sugar until it is fragrant and slightly colored by the zest and saffron. Set aside until needed. 2. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease a 10-inch cake pan. Dust the turbinado sugar over the bottom of the greased pan. Arrange the orange slices in circles over the sugar, pressing them closely together. 3. Make the cake batter: Whisk flour, infused sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. 4. Add eggs, buttermilk, orange blossom water and butter; mix until no dry spots remain (a few lumps are OK; do not overmix). 5. Pour batter over oranges in pan and bake until top is golden brown and cake pulls away from sides of pan, 35-40 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool 5 minutes before inverting and turning out onto a rack or a large plate. 6. Serve slices with labne and saffron honey.

JUDy JOSzEF

who’s in the kitchen

y the time you read this, the 2018 Winter Olympics will be coming to an end. Each time the Olympics come around, I marvel at all of the time and determination these young athletes put into it. They basically take no time off after finishing off one Olympic season and dive, sprint or dash right into perfecting their game for the next time around. They spend months even years away from home, which can be especially hard for the younger athletes. Their schedules are grueling, working from early morning till night. It then comes down to a few minutes to determine whether they medal or not. Granted, sometimes it’s a cumulative score and they have to perform two or three times but still, after putting in years of such hard work, it seems unfair that it comes down to those few minutes to prove themselves.

I watch with bated breath as figure skaters take the ice and pray that their triple axel does not turn into a double axle or worse yet a crash to the ice. And seriously, how do they contain their composure and continue on with their program when they know that there is basically no chance that they will score high enough for a medal? It amazes me, that without even brushing themselves off after a fall, they turn into the next move and skate on, as if nothing had ever happened. If I’m broiling a tray of ribs steaks for Shabbat company, check them and leave them in for another two minutes only, to forget, and re-

alize five or six minutes later, I’m beyond furious with myself. I spend the next two hours being annoyed at myself, and then when the company arrives, I have to apologize profusely that the steaks are well done. And those that have partners? One makes a mistake, and then at the end of the program theother one lovingly consoles his or her partner. Who are we kidding? When my husband Jerry does something that affects me or my outcome, let’s just say it’s not pretty. I can picture many of you reading, nodding in agreement.

For the sports that rely solely on how long it takes, how does one get over the fact that they can lose by 1/100th of a point? And does the person who won by 1/100th of a point really feel that they’re so much better than the athlete they beat? How in the world do they not have a meltdown after everything that they have done to get to that place, and in a matter of minutes it’s all over. Four long years spending almost every minute just to reach the podium. I am in awe of all of these athletes. That being said, tell me why they added curling. As Linda Stasi reported, “Great news! I made varsity curling!” — said no one ever. This year, to bring a little more viewership and excitement to the much made fun of sport, they now have mixed doubles. And they also have allegations of doping in the sport. They need performance enhancing drugs for curling? They might need drugs just to get through watching it! In honor of the Olympic intertwining rings, I found a wonderful recipe for a dairy Swedish Coffee Bread (Tea Ring). You can find it too at bit.ly/2GwD6Ku

Here’s a Passover menu low on calories and carbs SEARED MUSHROOM CAULIFLOWER RISOTTO Ingredients: 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 10 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped 4 cups frozen riced cauliflower 1/2 cup dry white wine 2 cups water or more 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 1 lemon, juiced 1 pint crimini mushrooms, quartered 1 Tbsp. olive oil Salt to taste Directions: Sauté onions and garlic over low heat until cooked through and translucent. Add frozen cauliflower and mix to combine. Add white wine and continue stirring. Add water 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently and adding more water as each batch is absorbed.

While the cauliflower is cooking, sauté mushrooms in olive oil in a separate pan, set aside. Once the cauliflower is soft and resembles risotto, add Parmesan cheese and stir to combine. Serve risotto with mushrooms atop or stirred into cauliflower, topped with lemon juice. BURNT BROCCOLI Ingredients: 2 heads broccoli, cut into florets 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for drizzling 1 tablespoon honey Salt to taste Directions: Steam broccoli until just tender and bright green, about 2 minutes. Toss broccoli with 2 tablespoon olive oil and place on a large baking sheet, roast until crispy and starting to char, about 15-20 minutes. Microwave honey until it’s liquid then immediately pour evenly over broccoli and drizzle with olive oil, season with salt.

Preheat oven to 400 F., place sheet pan in the oven to heat. Whisk olive oil and lemon. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Brush salmon with half of the lemon mixture. Place salmon skin side down on the hot sheet pan, roast until cooked to your liking, or about 8-10 minutes. Serve salmon by topping the fish with the remaining oil mixture and sliced lemon.

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By Megan Wolf, JTA I’m a big fan of healthy whole grains, but they can easily become heavy. Instead of packing my Passover meals with heavy dishes, I’m offering a lighter, lower calorie and lower carbohydrate option this year. If you have seen my recipes before, you may know that I love cauliflower as a stand-in for potatoes and rice. There is truly no better substitute! Not only is it delicious, it’s now incredibly easy to find already riced. And who can’t use a time saver in the kitchen? I prefer frozen riced cauliflower to fresh. The more I make these dishes, the more I realize this is by far the best method of purchase. I think it works so well in part because there is already some water in the cauliflower and it helps the vegetable to cook more evenly. These recipes are delicious and well suited for any time of year, but they are especially welcome at Passover, when we’re all looking to lighten our load a bit. I also love how these dishes come together in color, taste and texture. The sweet and crunchy aspects of the broccoli play off the creamy cauliflower and punchy salmon. SIMPLE LEMON SALMON Ingredients: 4 6-ounce salmon portions Salt and pepper 2 Tbsp. olive oil 2 lemons, juiced 1 lemon, sliced Directions:

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THE JEWISH STAR February 23, 2018 • 8 Adar 5778

Marveling at the determination of Olympians

Young Israeli scientists showcase talents in US By Michele Chabin, for American Committee for Weizmann Institute of Science When Elena Meirzadeh immigrated to Israel from Iran with her family at the age of 12, her priorities were perfecting her Hebrew and acclimating to life in a new country. Despite the language barrier and culture shock at moving from the Islamic Republic to the Jewish state, Meirzadeh excelled at her studies and decided she wanted to become a scientist. While pursuing an undergraduate degree at an Israeli university, she attended a two-week summer program at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. It was there she discovered the joy of being in a top-notch laboratory working alongside established scientists. “It was love at first sight,” recalled Meirzadeh, who is now pursuing her doctorate at Weizmann’s Feinberg Graduate School, working in the Department of Materials and Interfaces. “I knew this was where I wanted to pursue my master’s and doctorate. It was the best decision of my life.” Meirzadeh is one of the six exceptional scientists pursing advanced degrees at the Weizmann Institute who will be traveling to the United States from March 11 to 16 for the school’s fourth Scientists of Tomorrow Tour. The graduate students — among the top crop of Israel’s newest generation of science — will be sharing their personal stories and talking about their research in biology, quantum physics, artificial intelligence and other fields. The students represent “a new generation of creative and original researchers in the natural sciences and mathematics,” said Lawrence Blumberg, the graduate school’s New York-based board chairman. “They are our future scientific leaders.” The idea behind the tour is to forge personal connections between the university’s young scientists and supporters — as well as potential supporters — in the United States. But the tour isn’t just about fundraising. It’s also an opportunity to give these promising students invaluable experience presenting their research to lay audiences. The students participating in this year’s tour have a wide range of expertise. Amitai Mandelbaum, a doctoral candidate in molecular genetics, is studying microRNAs — small, non-coding molecules that regulate gene expression. He is examining the role of microRNAs in normal cell function, as well as how abnormal microRNA behavior may contribute to the development of diabetes. Mandelbaum is also a program leader at Weizmann’s Davidson Institute of Science Education, where he teaches science to Israeli high school students.

individual atomic qubits — the quantum computing corollary to the “bit” of classical computing. Now a doctoral candidate in Weizmann’s Department of Physics of Complex Systems, Manovitz is working further to isolate and control individual atoms in order to better understand and utilize the quantum-mechanical behavior on which future quantum computing may be based. Can pharmaceutical companies develop drugs less exElena Meirzadeh (left), pursuing a doctorate at the Weizmann Institute of Science, is studying the proper- pensively and more effectiveties of crystals with an eye toward applications ranging from airplane wing deicing to improving cloud- ly? Efrat Resnick, a doctoral seeding techniques to increase rainfall. Doctoral student Amitai Mandelbaum is examining how abnormal candidate in chemical biology, Weizmann Institute microRNA behavior may contribute to the development of diabetes. is working on ascertaining more efficient ways of discov“School administrators don’t want you to waste your time on lo- ering and evaluating the compounds that offer specific biochemigistics,” Mandelbaum said. “They want you to do the research, the cal and biomedical benefits. That, in turn, can help pharmaceutical experiments. You can really excel, and your research can proceed researchers more quickly identify the most promising compounds faster and deeper as a result.” on which to base their drugs. Resnick is particularly interested in The next time you climb into an autonomous car — maybe in the compounds that attach irreversibly to proteins and thereby produce not-too-distant future — you might be relying on the research of Heli long-lasting medicinal effects. Ben Hamu. Now pursuing a master’s degree in computer science and For her part, Meirzadeh is examining how defects and imperfecapplied mathematics, Ben Hamu is focused on geometric deep learn- tions influence the properties of crystals. She is using advanced elecing, a relatively new field with significance for artificial intelligence. trical measurement techniques to learn about crystal structure and She is developing a neural network that generates 3-D models of the how it might affect everything from ice buildup on airplane wings human body — work that has practical applications for the develop- to ways to improving cloud-seeding techniques to increase rainfall. ment of self-driving cars and the interpretation of medical images. Dr. Ami Shalit, the academic secretary of Weizmann’s graduate Tel Aviv resident Shir Nevo is a Weizmann doctoral student in school, said the students going on the tour all have an infectious immunology. She’s studying the molecular basis of auto-immunity, a passion for science. “They have a spark in their eyes when they talk about their remisdirected immune response where the body attacks its own tissues. Nevo’s research centers on thymic epithelial cells, or TECs, which search — it’s a little like listening to Beethoven,” Shalit said. “No are critical to the development of different types of T cells — the matter how many times they present their work, they bring up things “workhorses” of the adaptive immune system. Under normal circum- you never thought of before. They captivate the audience.” stances, a molecular mechanism involving TECs prevents certain TBlumberg said the students are ideal ambassadors not just for the cell populations from going off-script and mounting an autoimmune Weizmann Institute but for Israel. response. When this molecular mechanism breaks down, it can lead “Through the tour, audiences across the country learn about cutto the severe autoimmunity. ting-edge science at the Weizmann Institute,” Blumberg said, “but Quantum computing is Tom Manovitz’s expertise. While just a they also learn about Israel’s role as the ‘Startup Nation’ — a science master’s student, Manovitz designed and built a system for detecting and technology hub that is changing our world for the better.”

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Continued from page 1 sues like Jerusalem — than what it does,” he said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement that Abbas “continues to run away from peace and continues to pay terrorists and their families $347 million.” Danon noted that the Palestinians need real leadership “that will speak to Israel and not run away from dialogue.” “When you speak before international forums, you speak of peace,” said Danon, adding that “when you speak to your people in Arabic, you convey a different message.” “Mr. Abbas has refused to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and sit at the negotiation table,” the Israeli envoy said. “Mr. Abbas, you have made it clear that you are no longer part of the solution, but part of the problem.” In her remarks, Haley took aim at Palestinian chief negotiator Saed Erekat, who told her earlier this month to “shut up” over her criticism of Abbas. “I will decline the advice I was recently given by your top negotiator, Saeb Erekat. I will not shut up,” she said. “Rather, I will respectfully speak some hard truths.” Haley criticized the Security Council for holding another meeting on this issue, saying “this session on the Middle East has been taking place each month for many, many years. Its focus has been almost entirely on issues facing Israelis and Palestinians, and we have heard many of the same arguments and ideas over and over again. We have already heard them again this morning.” She added that “it is as if saying the same things repeatedly—without actually doing the hard work and making the necessary compromises—will achieve anything.” The U.S. ambassador said the Trump administration “stands ready” to work with the Palestinians. “Our negotiators are sitting behind me,” she said. “But we will not chase after you.” On Abbas’s call for a multilateral mechanism for the peace process, Rumley said that “for years, the Palestinian leadership has viewed the international arena as an area of strength, and Abbas has sought to get them more involved in a way that creates leverage vis à vis Israel. In the past, that may have been marginally successful, such as when their status at the U.N. General Assembly was upgraded or when they joined the ICC [International Criminal Court].” Nevertheless, Rumley believes that the international community harbors no aspirations to take on the mantle of Middle East peace, and that the role of the United States will remain in place. “I think there is little appetite for other countries to step forward in the way the Palestinians envision,” said Rumley. “There may be an international peace conference, or the [Middle East] Quartet may reassert itself, but the U.S. will still be the primary driver of peace negotiations.” Shortly after the speech, the White House said it is still moving forward with a Middle East peace plan, spearheaded by Trump’s Mideast advisers, Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt, who were seated behind Haley during Abbas’ speech. It called the speech “old talking points and undeveloped concepts for each of the core issues.”

Iranian warns Tel Aviv An Iranian official said his country would destroy Tel Aviv and kill Benjamin Netanyahu if the Israeli prime minister followed through on his threat to attack Iran. “About Netanyahu’s unwise words, I should say that if they carry out the slightest unwise move against Iran, we will level Tel Aviv to the ground and will not give any opportunity to Netanyahu to flee,” the secretary of Iran’s Expediency Council, Mohsen Rezaee, told the Arabic-language al-Manar news channel on Monday, according to Fars News Agency. The Expediency Council is an administrative assembly that provides counsel to Iran’s supreme leader, who appoints its members. On Sunday, Netanyahu threatened to attack Iran in response to terror attacks on Israel.

“Israel will not allow Iran’s regime to put a noose of terror around our neck. We will act without hesitation to defend ourselves. And we will act, if necessary, not just against Iran’s proxies that are attacking us but against Iran itself,” Netanyahu said at the Munich Security Conference. Netanyahu waved a piece of an Iranian drone shot down over northern Israel last week, which led to Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets in Syria, and directly addressed Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who also attended the conference. Zarif later mocked Netanyahu’s theatrics, calling it a “cartoonish circus.” Netanyahu had called Zarif in his speech “the smoothtalking mouthpiece of Iran’s regime” who “lies with eloquence.” —JTA

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19 THE JEWISH STAR February 23, 2018 • 8 Adar 5778

Abbas…

“[We] will continue working on our plan, which is designed to benefit both the Israeli and Palestinian people,” said White House spokesman Josh Raffel. “We will present it when it is done and the time is right.” Moving forward, FDD’s Rumley sees little options left for Abbas as he is being squeezed by both the Trump administration and Israel, while also failing at attempts at unification with Hamas. “Behind the scenes, Abbas has few remaining options,” affirmed Rumley. “He won’t pursue violence, nor will he embrace the popular protests fully, nor compromise and coexist with Hamas. The international arena is the only arena he’s comfortable engaging today, and even that is not a comprehensive strategy for statehood. “At this point, I think he’s comfortable laying down his conditions, and then walking away and waiting out the current administration.”

Some Balkan Muslims inspired by false messiah By Cnaan Liphshiz, JTA ULCINJ, Montenegro — Throughout 1988, Jusuf Lika had debilitating migraines and sensory disruptions that doctors blamed on the chemicals in the darkroom where he had worked. A man in his twenties in what was then still Yugoslavia, Lika consulted some of that country’s best medical experts, but none could help him, citing an irreversible buildup of toxins in his body. “My world fell apart: As a young man I heard I would be a disabled person,” said Lika, a Muslim man of Albanian descent who runs a music school that he founded in his native city of Ulcinj, situated on the coast near the MontenegroAlbanian border. But then a friend advised him to place in his bedroom a jar of earth from what many believe is the Ulcinj grave site of Sabbatai Zevi. A Turkey-born 17th-century Jewish eccentric, Zevi was regarded by followers as the Messiah — that is, before his conversion under duress to Islam, when he became known among Jews as perhaps the second most famous “false messiah.” Two weeks after taking his friend’s advice, Lika was cured of his illness, he told JTA during a recent interview in his office. “I am not a superstitious man,” Lika said. “I don’t know whether I was cured because of this, I’m just telling you what happened.” Whatever the cause for Lika’s recovery, it reflects the lasting reverence for Sabbatai Zevi by some Muslims in Montenegro and beyond. Sabbatai is one figure in a tangle of customs, secrets and traditional beliefs belonging to a regional identity that is rooted in mysticism, tolerance and religious cross fertilization. Regarded by many Jews as a mere historical footnote, Sabbatai Zevi is nonetheless “a symbol for some Montenegrins and Albanians of their

The exit of the fortress in Ulcinj, Montenegro where some scholars believe Sabbatai Zevi (right) is buried.

distinct identity as well as an interfaith and intercultural bridge to the West and Judaism,” according to Eliezer Papo, a scholar on Balkan Jewish history at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel. Especially for the secretive Bektashi Shiite sect, Sabbatai Zevi is “an element through which to express their genuine philosemitism, to ‘market themselves’ to the West and to some extent to also draw tourism to Ulcinj and the region,” Papo said. “But I wouldn’t say Zevi is integral to the religious identity of the region. It’s a recent addition.” The place that Lika believes is Sabbatai Zevi’s grave is owned by the Mani family — a clan of business owners headquartered in Ulcinj’s center. Under the shade of olive and carob trees, the sepulcher is kept closed inside a yard that few visitors dare trespass. Lika stays outside as he shows a journalist a window looking inside the small sepulcher, which has a dark and carpeted interior. In Jewish history, Sabbatai Zevi — a savant

in Jewish texts whose erratic behavior fits the symptoms of a bipolar personality disorder — was a significant figure. By the time of his conversion in 1666, he had developed a huge following across Europe. It split established communities like the one in Amsterdam, dividing rabbis and families in a heated fight for the future of Judaism. Some credit the spiritual upheaval over the “Sabbateans” with the development of the fervently mystical Hasidic movement in the 18th century. Sabbatai Zevi’s legacy has had a long-lasting effect on the region as a whole, including on the Dönmeh of Turkey — a society of crypto-Jews who for centuries presented themselves as Muslims but continued to consider themselves Jewish, with Sabbatai as their prophet. Today, only a handful of families that describe themselves as descended from Dönmeh exist in Turkey — where they are still the subject of much distrust and conspiracy theories. Sabbatai Zevi died in 1676 in Ulcinj, where he had been exiled by the rulers of the Otto-

man Empire for continuing to practice some elements of Judaism after his forced conversion. This interfaith identity in recent decades has become increasingly appealing to liberal Muslims in the region, according to Papo. In 2015, Papo chaired an international conference about Sabbatai Zevi in Ulcinj. (It was the first time in the city’s modern history that it hosted a conference on Judaism, although the nearby city of Budva annually hosts the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress’ Mahar conference of Balkan Jewish communities.) Baba Mondi, the spiritual leader of the Bektashi sect, calls Sabbatai Zevi a “dervish” — a Farsi word for a deeply spiritual Muslim (and in some rare cases Jew) who ascetically devotes his life to serving Allah. “He is a dervish to Jews and he is a dervish to Muslims, and a bridge for our sister religions to meet on,” added Baba Mondi, who is based in Albania. He works at the world center of his liberal sect — a magnificent domed structure in Tirana with 12 arches and jade-colored interior walls. Elements of the Bektashi tradition and faith may have played a role in the rescue of hundreds of Jews during the Holocaust in Albania and Montenegro, a rare case of popular defiance of the Nazi occupation. Whereas Sabbatai Zevi is a well-known and popular figure in Ulcinj, there is some dispute about where exactly he is buried in this drab and chaotic city with a beautiful beachfront and few hotels. Many locals believe Sabbatai Zevi’s remains rest inside the sepulcher owned by the Mani family — whom some locals, including Lika, believe are themselves Jewish because of their relative wealth and their name, which is common among Turkish Jews. Alma Mani, a woman in her 20s, was the See Zevi on page 25

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February 23, 2018 • 8 Adar 5778 THE JEWISH STAR

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Freedom Party, which is now part of the country’s governing coalition, is blatantly anti-Semitic and threatens Jews and democracy. “Far-right populism is something on the minds of many European Jewish students,” they said in a joint statement provided to JNS. Preserving democratic principles can combat anti-Semitism worldwide, according to Small. “We should have zero tolerance for reactionary social movements that objectify Jews, moderates, women, gay people, and we should stand up for democratic principles and put them above and beyond short-term business interests and shortterm political interests,” he said. Small recommended launching educational efforts to inform people about the history and dangers of anti-Semitism. His research center organizes trainings at the University of Oxford

for professors from around the world on issues of contemporary anti-Semitism. The professors proceed to teach courses on anti-Semitism at their universities. “When we started, there were literally no courses on contemporary anti-Semitism and now we have 92 graduates…and that’s an effective way to take back the classroom and not only fight anti-Semitism on campus, but in classrooms and curriculums as well,” said Small. Similarly, Behar suggested teaching Jews worldwide the importance of strengthening Jewish education and pride, which would ultimately encourage them to report anti-Semitic incidents. “It starts with education about Judaism, to know one’s past and where you’re coming from,” he said, “and then that education leads to exposing and reporting anti-Semitic attacks.”

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cations and Countering Anti-Semitism, noted, “Most of the surveys, including ours, do not reflect reality. If 73 percent of incidents are not reported, no matter how many official numbers we give, the whole picture is not being reported.” Nevertheless, Behar said, “There has been a shift of anti-Semitism in the last few years towards new media. This is problematic because we can never control content uploaded on the media. With one click, each and every one of us can rewrite history and spread hate.” In America, 24 percent of respondents expressed that their politicians are anti-Semitic, compared to 32 percent in Europe. Benjamin Guttmann and Benjamin Hess, co-presidents of the Austrian Union of Jewish Students, the political and social body representing Jewish young adults in Austria, maintain that the far-right

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By Eliana Rudee, JNS A recently released Israeli government report shows that the international community needs a “principled policy” as well as a comprehensive education system to address Jew-hatred, said a prominent scholar and public speaker specializing in contemporary anti-Semitism. Dr. Charles Asher Small, founding director of the Institute for the Study of Global Anti-Semitism and Policy, called an Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs report on worldwide anti-Semitism, which was presented to the Knesset in January, an important step towards “putting more resources into monitoring and developing ways to understand contemporary anti-Semitism.” “Anti-Semitism has become a threat to notions of Jewish peoplehood, and the hatred targeting Jews and state of Israel,” Small told JNS. “It’s good that the Israeli government is taking this more seriously than they did in the past.” For its report, the Israeli government surveyed 1,363 Jews living outside of Israel and conveyed various differences between European anti-Semitism and American anti-Semitism. The U.K. reported a 78-percent rise in cases of physical violence perpetrated against Jews. The U.S. saw anti-Semitic incidents surge by 86 percent in early 2017, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Eleven-percent of Jews living in North America felt unsafe, compared to 27 percent in Europe, according to the study. Similarly, 22 percent of respondents felt unsafe wearing Jewish symbols in America, compared to 51 percent in Europe. In the U.S., 14 percent experienced anti-Semitic physical violence, compared to 10 percent in Europe. Small explained that the difference in these numbers might stem from the contrasting manifestations of anti-Semitism in the U.S. and Europe. He said that while European anti-Semitism is often driven by immigrant Muslim populations that “bring the baggage of ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamism ideas to Europe,” anti-Semitism in the U.S. is exacerbated by politicians “such as under the [Bill] Clinton and [George H.W.] Bush administrations, and accelerated under the Obama administration” that have supported the Muslim Brotherhood and Islamist Iranian regimes at different junctures, thereby “turning a blind eye to anti-Semitism propagated by political Islam that uses Nazi imagery and perception of Jews.” “And now, with [President Donald] Trump,” he said, “we see the increase of racist, anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim imagery that is fueling extreme nationalism and backlash in Europe.” While the Trump administration is taking a principled said stand on radical Islam, Small said, there is currently “a dangerous mixture of fear of the other, which includes anti-Semitism as we saw in Charlottesville, and is not being condemned strongly enough by the Trump administration.” The Israeli report documented a record number of anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S. and Europe, with most anti-Semitic events occurring on social networks and media. It found that 80 percent of respondents had experienced antiSemitism on social networks and media, but 73 percent of those who experienced anti-Semitism of any form did not report the incident because they were “afraid” and believed that “the authorities would do nothing.” Eitan Behar, director of the World Zionist Organization’s Center for Diaspora Communi-

THE JEWISH STAR February 23, 2018 • 8 Adar 5778

Policy hunt follows global anti-Semitism report

February 23, 2018 • 8 Adar 5778 THE JEWISH STAR

‫כוכב של שבת‬

SHAbbAT STAR

Inspiration is great but creating habit seals deal Rabbi binny FReedman

the heart of jerusalem

t was known as shavua Tirgolot, the week of training drills. It sounded pretty innocuous, but as it turned out, it was a week of hell. The IDF prides itself on being prepared for any eventuality, and to that end, tank crews are trained to automatically respond in any given combat or stress situation. A day was devoted to each scenario; this entailed half an hour of instruction and discussion followed by tank crews practicing said activity as many as 30 or 40 times, until they got it perfect. And we had to practice not only as tank crews but as infantry squads, in the event we had to abandon our tanks and were forced into infantry combat situations. This meant clambering out of the tank, removing the 12 kg. heavy machine gun from its position, handing it over to a second crewman who had already jumped down and was ready to receive it, then grabbing two extra heavy ammo boxes, jumping off the tank, and running up the hill they had us practicing on. Then, mid-run, being told we were under fire which meant hitting the ground in a combat roll and responding with fire after which we had to resume our climb up the hill until we reached the top with all our gear and were able to set up the machine gun post. Our commander would yell out our time which was inevitably not even close to good enough, after which we had to run down with the gear, jump back up on the tank, reattach everything, put the ammo back in its place and do it all over again, and again and again — all in the sweltering heat of the desert MiddleEastern sun. It was only years later, as a combat officer responding to an actual situation in Lebanon, that I realized as we came under fire and every one of us hit the ground in a perfect combat roll, just how valuable those hours of training

actually were. In my mind I took back every negative thought I had considered about our seemingly sadistic commanders; their refusal to accept anything less than perfect absolutely saved my life. his week’s parsha, Tetzaveh, continues the explanation of the commandment to build the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and all its vessels, with the depiction of the clothes the Kohanim were required to wear during their service in the Mishkan. The different sacrifices which Jews were meant to offer in different situations in the temple (and the Mishkan) are delineated in the book of Vayikra, and the sacrifices which were part of the service on the holidays are described in the book of Bamidbar, in the parsha of Pinchas — with one exception. For some reason, alongside all the clothing of the priests and their inauguration, the Torah seems to switch gears, commanding us (Shemot 29:3842) to offer the Korban Tamid, the twice-daily sacrifice, which was required as part of the daily service in the Mishkan (and later in the Beit ha’Mikdash) . Why is this dally sacrifice juxtaposed with the building of the Mishkan? Especially considering its natural place in the Torah should have been alongside the sacrifices delineated in the portion of Pinchas in the book of Bamidbar? Interestingly, only after the command to offer the daily Tamid sacrifice does the Torah tell us that (ibid. v. 43-44) that the Mishkan would be sanctified. Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch explains that the construction of the Mishkan (and later, of the Beit ha’Mikdash) did not automatically ensure G-d’s presence; it was only with the actual offering of the daily Korban Tamid and with it the establishment of a routine, that Hashem’s presence finally rested on the Mishkan.

ombastic and inspiring events, powerful as they may be, do not last. They are meant to set the stage for a routine which transcends the excitement of the moment and gives way to what really lasts in the day-in-day-out experience of a daily ritual. As an example of this phenomenon, the Rambam (Maimonides) in his Hilchot Deot, or laws of character development, describes in his first chapter an ideal of balance between extremes. But after delineating the need for a person to navigate between anger and apathy, arrogance and low self-esteem, and stinginess and giving too much, Maimonides asks how one makes this balanced behavior a part of one’s life. Surprisingly he does not suggest a person think about it extensively, or understand it. Rather, he suggests practicing a desired form behavior again and again and again, until there is no longer any torach — no stress or resistance. (Hilchot Deot 1:7) In other words the Rambam is defining what a habit is: A habit is when one does a particular behavior so regularly, one no longer struggles with it. If a person decides to get back in shape and one morning wakes up at 5 am to go for a run, he may find it very difficult to haul himself out of bed at such an hour. But if he does it every day, again and again, at some point it will no longer be an effort; it will become a habit. I recall sitting in the transit hall in Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, with a few hours to wait for my connecting flight.A fellow sitting near me took off his sweater, then his shirt and then his pants and shoes, and changed into a t-shirt, sweats and sneakers he had in his carry-on and asked me if I’d watch his bag. Amused I nodded in the affirmative and he literally sprinted off across the hall. It was a huge hall, probably a good kilometer across

Bombastic and inspiring events set the stage for routines that transcend the excitement of the moment.

and I watched as he became smaller, until after ten minutes I saw him running back. And as he got back to where we were sitting he ran past, got to the end of the hall turned around, and started all over again. He must have done about ten laps, and about an hour later, finally came back and began a stretching routine, all of which culminated in a “shower” using Fresh Ones and a towel. When he was all done he got back into his clothes and sat down with a smile. Seeing my shocked expression he said simply, “Can’t live without my daily run!” t was an established habit he could not live without! Kind of like when I get up in the morning and place a kippah on my head; I barely think about it, but could not walk around the house without it because it’s a habit. Will Durant observed in The Story of Philosophy, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act, but a habit.” Indeed, for every action as it relates to a particular person there is a finite number of repetitions that will turn something into a habit. And the only question is: what habits do I want to acquire? Imagine developing the habit to be silent for a few moments as soon as one feels annoyed or angry; how much would that reduce the words spoken in anger we wish we could take back? Or imagine developing the habit to exercise for 30 minutes in the morning first thing, every day, or to spend an hour and a half without one’s smartphone upon entering the home at the end of the day, every single day. Perhaps this then is the message of the Korban Tamid, the daily sacrifice in the Temple. Indeed the word tamid actually translates as “always.” Inspiration is indeed powerful, but it is the decision to create habits that actually changes our lives and the lives of those around us. What remains is simply to decide what habits we wish to acquire and how much effort we are willing to make to acquire them. And be assured there is a finite number of times we need to practice any activity after which it will indeed become a habit. And if the habit is worthwhile, then so is the effort. Wishing you all a Shabbat shalom from Jerusalem.

Both valuing the Torah and observing its law Rabbi avi billet

Parsha of the week

nyone acquainted with the Torah reading we hear each Rosh Chodesh will find themselves in familiar territory as we read in this week’s parsha Tetzaveh (29:38-46) of the daily tamid offerings which are to be brought on the Miz’be’ach (altar) once its elements are put together and it is inaugurated. Rashi notes on Bamidbar 28:6 that the reference there, about the “eternal burnt offering which had been brought at Sinai” and is to be mimicked, refers either to the offerings described in Shmot 24 while at the bottom of the mountain, or the offerings brought during the actual time of the dedication of the Mishkan (in Parshat Shmini). Whichever one is correct, that would suggest that the parallel language between Bamidbar 28 and our parsha is simply in the matter of instruction, while not necessarily describing the actual offering-as-brought. Rabbenu Bachaye has a most insightful comment, following a teaching from the Talmud

Chagigah 6b, which I think will prove to be most instructive and inspiring. From the fact that the reference is made to Sinai when describing these “daily” offerings, it would seem that after leaving Sinai, the Israelites did not bring these offerings at all until the final year! he Talmud in Chagigah records the following: Rabbi Elazar teaches that the verse “which had been brought at Sinai” (Bamibdar 28:6) teaches that the rules for how the bring the daily offerings were taught at Sinai, but the offerings were not brought at that time. Rabbi Akiva is of the view that they were brought, and they never stopped being offered daily. How do we reconcile this debate, in light of the verse in Amos 5:25 that describes how “you offered sacrifices to Me for 40 years in the wilderness?” The Tribe of Levi, who did not participate in any form of idolatry, took the responsibility to bring these offerings. Rabbenu Bachaye concludes that even ac-

cording to Rabbi Akiva, who says that they had been brought and never stopped, this suggests that the overwhelming majority of the Bnei Yisrael did not participate in these daily offerings at all, but the faith was held together in the wilderness by the torch-carrying Levites who kept everything going. This is not an insult to the Israelites of the wilderness. They also didn’t circumcise during their wanderings. To my best recall, the only times rebuke is given for not following the law is over the Sabbath (when people went to collect Manna in Parshat Beshalach and the wood gatherer in Parshat Shlach), taking G-d’s name in vain (the blasphemer of Parshat Emor), and for otherwise not trusting G-d when a crisis arose (spies, Korach, water, a battle, etc.) How observant were the generation of Israelites who left Egypt? We know very little of their lives during the 38 years that are skipped in the verse, from the time of Korach until the

Two things carried them and allowed for their children to merit the Promised Land.

death of Miriam. And so, in simple terms, we don’t know. We know little to nothing about how the Mishkan functioned in the wilderness, beyond the “inauguration day” and the information discussed above about whether or not they brought daily offerings. There is further evidence that they didn’t even bring the Pesach offering during the 38 years on account of the non-circumcision! ut two things carried them, and allowed for their children to merit the Promised Land: 1) an overwhelming respect for Moshe and the Torah he brought and taught, and 2) Levites who were the Keepers of the Faith. Both must be ingrained in ourselves and in our children. First, we must have great respect, awe and reverence for the Torah, but we must also take it a level up and study in order to observe. Second, we must be the Levites of our generation — we can’t consign religion and religious practice to the “rabbis,” it is our responsibility to be the torch carriers. With the right attitude towards our fellow Jews, if we are successful in these two areas, the Jewish people should be blessed to find ourselves united in at least one arena — valuing both the Torah and the observance of her laws.

AlAn JAy Gerber

Kosher BooKworm

his coming motzei Shabbat Zachor, one of our community’s oldest educational institutions, the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway, will honoring one of its most distinguished staff members, Phyllis Horowitz, as its Educator of the Year. This week’s column, normally dedicated to books, will be dedicated to a lover of books and her legacy as a school librarian. Much of the following is based on an online interview. “It is a great honor, indeed, to have been selected Educator of the Year in celebration of HAFTR’s 40th anniversary dinner,” Horowitz said. “My Hebrew education began by attending Central Yeshiva High School for Girls in Brooklyn. I received a degree in education and a masters degree in early childhood from Brooklyn College.

Over the years I took courses at Bank Street Graduate School of Education in Manhattan. “My educational purpose and mission in life has always been to devote my efforts to help children succeed in reaching their goals. The journey to increase my skills and knowledge encouraged me to participate in Operation Head Start, a full year intervention program sponsored by Columbia University. “My first classroom assignment was through the New York City Board of Education. I secured a position in Ocean Hill Brownsville, an underprivileged school district. Remarkably, many of those students continue to reach out to me, recalling the times we worked together in building their healthy future. “Soon, Murray and I were married, and some years later we, together with our four children, moved from Brooklyn to Woodmere where we had our fifth child. “Shortly thereafter, I accepted a teaching position at the Torah Academy for Girls. Then, ten years later, I joined the teaching staff at HAFTR, teaching in the elementary and middle divisions. When Rabbi Bess, the principal at

Give me a book and a piece of chocolate and I am in Heaven!

Phyllis Horowitz

that time, offered me a position in the HAFTR library, I enthusiastically embraced the opportunity. I could envision lighting the paths of our students with wisdom and enchantment of Jewish folktales, Biblical literacy, and Jewish humor.

Knowing that Hashem is in our midst rAbbi dAvid etenGoff

he final five pasukim of Parashat Tetzaveh focus our attention on the underlying purpose of the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting): “… at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting before the L-rd, where I will arrange meetings with you (asher eva’ade lachem shamah), to speak to you there. “There I will make Myself known (v’no’adati shamah) to the children of Israel, and it will be sanctified by My glory. “I will sanctify (v’kidashti) the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and I will sanctify Aaron and his sons to serve Me [as kohanim]. “I will dwell (v’shechanti) in the midst of the children of Israel and I will be their G-d. “They will know (v’yaidu) that I, the L-rd, am their G-d, Who brought them out of the land of Egypt in order that I may dwell in their midst; I am the L-rd, their G-d. (Shemot 29:42-46) A careful reading of these verses provides us with an understanding of the Ohel Moed as a unique dwelling wherein Hashem revealed his Divine presence during meetings with the Jewish people. These encounters brought kedushah to the Ohel Moed, and to the kohanim who served Him there. In addition, this passage continues a familiar theme that was introduced in Parashat Ki Tisa, “And they shall make Me a sanctuary and I will dwell in their midst” (25:8), and adds the highly significant words, “and I will be their G-d.” The final pasuk informs us that the Ohel Moed served as the glory-filled place for the Almighty, from which He taught us that it was He, and none other, who redeemed us from the shackles of Egyptian servitude in order to dwell in our midst. The Malbim (Rabbi Meir Leibush ben Yechiel Michel, 1809-1879), widely considered to be one of the greatest and most perceptive Tanach commentators, offers an enlightening analysis of our passage. In his view, these verses contain a number of core concepts regarding the singular import of our people’s worship in the Ohel Moed, and by extension,

the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple), as found in the words asher eva’ade lachem shamah, v’no’adati shamah, v’kidashti, v’shechanti and v’yaidu. ur author begins by noting that the avodah (Temple service) generated “an unceasing flow of nevuah (prophecy) amongst our nation.” This idea, he maintains, is intimated by the phrase, “asher eva’ade lachem shamah,” and refers to “Hashem’s communications with Moses from between the cherubim that were shared with the Jewish people, [since] all communications were [ultimately] for the [sake of our] nation.” The Malbim continues his analysis and interprets the expression, “v’no’adati shamah,” as referring to Hashem’s ongoing revelation to our nation during the course of the avodah. He suggests that this interpretation is buttressed by the following complementary pasuk from Sefer Vayikra: “And Moses said, ‘This is the thing the L-rd has commanded; do [i.e. the avodah,] and the glory of the L-rd will appear to you.” (9:6) Next, our author explicates the term, “v’kidashti,” as connoting two crucial ideas: “The subject matter of this expression teaches us that through the avodah, the Ohel Moed and its vessels were sanctified, since it was the very place wherein the Temple service was undertaken; and Aharon and his sons — who were designated to serve in the holy priestly service - [performed their obligations]. This means that the avodah served a dual purpose: the sanctification of both the Ohel Moed and those who ministered therein [the kohanim]. According to the Malbim, the next term, “v ’shechanti,” teaches us a vital notion regarding the eternal existential bond that links us to the Almighty: “As a result of the avodah in the Ohel Moed, Hashem’s presence became manifest amongst the entire people until He became their G-d, [precisely because He] placed His divinely re-

vealed immanence amongst them.” n other words, the experience of the Schechinah (Hashem’s Presence) in the Ohel Moed was similar in kind to that which the Jewish people had encountered at Kriat Yam Suf (the Splitting of the Sea of Reeds). Our Sages teach us that the Holy One’s presence at the Yam Suf was so palpable that we proclaimed as one, “The Eternal’s strength and His power were my salvation; this is my G-d, we could “see and point to Him”] and I will extol Him, the G-d of my father, and I will exalt Him.” (Shemot 15:2) I believe that the Malbim’s explication of our final term, “v’yaidu,” is an intellectual tour de force in its presentation of the underlying rationale of the Ohel Moed: “For through this [the Ohel Moed and the avodah therein,] the people would acquire a crystal-clear knowledge that He is their G-d and the One that took them out of Egypt. The purpose of the Exodus, therefore, was none other than to dwell among them in order that they would become the spiritual chariot (G-d’s platform on earth) for His all-powerful immanence (shechinat uzo). Through this knowledge and understanding Hashem would be their G-d and strengthen the connection and the closeness between Himself and the Jewish people — His intimate nation [forevermore]. The Malbim’s final sentence is reminiscent of a well-known bracha that we recite each morning before the recitation of the Shema: “And You have brought us close to Your great Name forever in truth, to offer praiseful thanks to You, and proclaim Your Oneness with love. Blessed are You Hashem, Who chooses His people Israel with love.” With Hashem’s help and our fervent desire, may we ever be the spiritual chariots for His immanence in this world, so that we may experience His closeness amongst us in the newly rebuilt Beit Hamikdash soon and in our days. V’chane yihi ratzon.

The Malbim’s explication of ‘v’yaidu’ is an intellectual tour de force on the underlying rationale of the Ohel Moed.

“In 1989, we moved to Lawrence and became members of Congregation Beth Shalom and to be spiritually enriched by the leadership of its rabbi, Rabbi Kenneth Hain, and his talented wife, Nancy. “Murray and I have worked diligently to raise our five children, and in bonding with our 15 grandchildren, we receive much love in return.” “My hobbies? Books are my Utopia! Give me a book and a piece of chocolate and I am in Heaven!” When asked about her current readings I was much taken by her noting at the head of the list is Francine Klagsbrun’s “Lioness: Golda Meir and the Nation of Israel.” Inasmuch as I had the honor of both knowing and doing business with Golda, I was most impressed with this prime listing. Hopefully, I will, iy”H, read and review this work, and hope that my regard for Golda will be vindicated by Klagsbrun’s take. It is not every day that a school honors one of the stewards of its library and its books. Thank you HAFTR for setting the marker for other schools to do likewise and to recognize and honor their hard working and dedicated librarians. And, while I still have my smile, may I take this opportunity to wish you all, my dear and dedicated readers, a most joyous and safe Purim holiday.

Mishloach Manot: A Purim story hiding in plain sight … this motzei Shabbos at YIW In addition to reading the book of Esther, Purim is primarily celebrated through two mitzvot: mishloach manot and matanot la’evyonim. Mishloach manot is the practice of giving gifts to friends and family and matanot la’evyonim is the act of giving gifts to the poor. But what makes mishloach manot and matanot la’evyonim unique to Purim? Sure these are great mitzvot to do — but why do them on Purim, specifically? Through a careful examination of the Purim story, Rabbi Fohrman explores the subtle whispers and foreshadows of these two mitzvot in the text. What emerges is a unique story of the discrete dialogue shared between Queen Esther and Mordechai during this period in the turbulent, Persian Empire. Join Rabbi Fohrman as he explores this fascinating backstory — and never give mishloach manot the same way again. He’ll be speaking this motzei Shabbos, Feb. 27, at the Young Israel of Woodmere, at 8:30 pm.

luach Fri Feb 23 • 8 Adar Shabbos Zachor Parsha Tetzaveh Candlelighting: 5:21 pm

Havdalah: 6:31 pm

Wed Feb 28 • 13 Adar Taanis Esther, Erev Purim

Thurs March 1 • 14 Adar Purim

Fri March 2 • 15 Adar Shushan Purim Parsha KiSisa Candlelighting: 5:29 pm

Havdalah: 6:39 pm

Fri March 9 • 22 Adar Shabbos Mevarchim Parshas Parah Vayakhel-Pekudei Candlelighting: 5:37 pm

Havdalah: 6:47 pm

Five Towns times from the White Shul

THE JEWISH STAR February 23, 2018 • 8 Adar 5778

Saluting Phyllis Horowitz, HAFTR’s librarian

24 February 23, 2018 • 8 Adar 5778 THE JEWISH STAR

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Poland, from Jewish oasis to anti-Semitic nation Jeff Dunetz politics to go

ppearing at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki was questioned by an Israeli journalist who told of his mother’s narrow escape from the Gestapo in Poland after learning that neighbors were planning to denounce them. Then he referring to the new Polish Law making it illegal to accuse Poland of complicity in Nazi crimes. The journalist asked if he told that story in Poland would he be a criminal? Morawiecki responded: “It’s not going to punishable, not going to be seen as criminal, to say that there were Polish perpetrators, as there were Jewish perpetrators, as there were Russian perpetrators, as there were Ukraine and German perpetrators.”

Jewish perpetrators? That’s new. Well perhaps not in Poland. Despite what the government claims, Poland remains one of the most anti-Semitic countries in the world. Not the least example is the new Polish law which denies the truth and makes it illegal for people to claim that “the Polish Nation or the Republic of Poland is responsible or coresponsible for Nazi crimes committed by the Third Reich.” The law carries with it a possible prison sentence of up to three years. The Polish parliament passed it last month, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The Associated Press reports that the debate over the new law has increased antiSemitism in Poland: “A conservative party, Law and Justice, won power in Poland vowing to restore national greatness while also stressing an anti-Muslim, anti-migrant message. Jews — whose presence in Poland goes back centuries — were increasingly the targets of verbal hate on social media. “Matters escalated a few weeks ago when

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in Berlin on Feb. 16. Michele Tantussi/Getty Images

Israeli officials sharply criticized new Polish legislation that criminalizes blaming Poland as a nation for crimes committed by Nazi Germany. They accused Poland of seeking to use the law to whitewash the role of the Poles who helped Germans kill Jews during the war.”

French blind to anti-Semitic reality Ben Cohen Viewpoint

lush from his victory over far-right candidate Marine Le Pen in the French elections last July, President Emmanuel Macron decided to address head on the horrific murder of a Jewish pensioner in Paris three months earlier. “Despite the denials of the murderer, our judiciary must bring total clarity around the death of Sarah Halimi,” Macron declared at a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the deportation of the Jews of Paris by the Nazis. “We were silent because we did not want to see,” the president continued. This remark can be taken on one level as an observation concerning French history, but on another, concerning the appalling silence on the part of the French media and political class, who feared that public discussion of Halimi’s ordeal at the hands of a rabidly anti-Semitic, drug-fiending Muslim immigrant would boost Le Pen’s election campaign. With that speech, Macron left little doubt that he regarded Halimi’s murder as a hate crime. And by September, the Paris public prosecutor’s office announced that it was now treating the murder as a hate crime, a decision based on interviews that a court-appointed

Orthodox woman and former kindergarten teacher, lived alone in public housing in the Belleville district of Paris. The only Jewish resident of her building, she lived one floor above Traore, an immigrant from Mali. Halimi did not know Traore, but she was understandably frightened of a man who had once called her, as her daughter later revealed, a “dirty Jew” as he passed her by. t 4 am on April 4, 2017, Traore went to visit relatives who lived in the adjoining building. Having apparently consumed large quantities of cannabis and other recreational drugs, he evidently behaved in such a way as to terrify his own family, who locked themselves in a room and called the police at 4:25. The unit that arrived at the family’s apartment could hear Traore reciting verses from the Koran on the other side of the door. Their decision to not to break the door down allowed Traore to climb out of the window and back into his own building, and into the apartment of Sarah Halimi. Once inside, Traore beat and kicked her savagely. Neighbors who heard Halimi’s screams and Traore’s increasingly frenzied Koranic recitations and shouts of “Satan” again called the police. And again, the unit that arrived elected not to break down the door. As dawn broke, Traore threw Halimi’s bloodied, broken body out of the third-floor window to her death. Then he climbed back into the apartment of his relatives before finally being taken into custody. In taking stock of this monstrous event, the French authorities focused primarily on Traore’s

French President Emmanuel Macron at a U.N. press conference on Sept. 19, 2017. U.N./Kim Haughton

psychiatrist conducted with the accused murderer, 27-year-old Kobili Traore. Pitifully, that is no longer the case. The examining magistrate in the trial of Traore, Anne Ihuellou, whose job is to prepare the indictments, announced at the end of January that based on the same psychiatrist interviews, the assailant would no longer face a hate crime charge. Her decision is now, in turn, being appealed by the public prosecutor’s office. The entire French judiciary is aware that a final decision that leaves the hate-crime element out of Traore’s trial will have profoundly negative implications for the declared intention of the French government to combat anti-Semitism. Before explaining why that is, it’s worth revisiting the circumstances of the murder, so as to demonstrate the depths to which anti-Semitic hatred can sink. The 65-year-old Halimi, a devoutly

ot all Poles helped the Nazis kill Jews during the Holocaust but too many did. For example, was a massacre in the town of Jedwabne in summer 1941, where hundreds of Polish Jews were locked in a barn by their neighbors and the barn was set on fire. In May 1942, non-Jewish residents of the town Gniewczyna Łańcucka held hostage some two to three dozen local Jews. Over the course of several days, they tortured and raped their hostages before finally murdering them The Polish Center for Holocaust Research in Warsaw estimates that as many as 200,000 Jews died at the hands of Poles, or because Poles identified them as Jewish to the Nazis, during the war. On the other hand, the Polish Government in exile tried to help the Jews in their country, the were also one of the first to warn the world of Hitler’s Final Solution. But to say Poland was blameless is absurd as saying all Poles were collaborators. But the controversy See Poland on page 25

psychological state, allowing reports of his supposed mental frailties to seep into the press. Irritatingly, they never addressed the question of how someone who was allegedly stoned and in a state of hysteria still had the presence of mind to climb from one building to another. Certainly, the psychiatrist, Dr. Daniel Zagury, who interviewed Traore, concluded that he had indeed engaged in an anti-Semitic attack while under the influence of drugs. At the same time, he emphasized that Traore was not sufficiently intoxicated to be unaware of that he was inflicting torture and then murder on a defenseless woman. Moreover, Zagury pointed out the Islamistinflected anti-Semitism embedded on Traore’s labeling of Halimi as “Satan”—noting that the idea that “the Jew is on the side of evil, of the evil one”—is a common anti-Semitic theme. But Zagury also observed that by going through the process of a trial, Traore was at risk of a “delusional relapse.” That was enough for the magistrate, Ihuellou, to remove the charge of an aggravated hate crime. As things stand, Traore will not be tried for murdering Halimi because she belonged, as her brother William Attal put it, “to the Jewish people.” Sarah Halimi’s Jewish affiliation will be, at most, a subsidiary element in a trial that will become a cautionary tale about drug use, rather than the anti-Semitic hatred that has established itself as an integral part of the culture of France’s Muslim immigrant communities. If the French judiciary continues refusing to see what the executive branch—all the way up to President Macron—sees all too clearly, future grandiose assurances that anti-Semitism is fundamentally alien to French values won’t be worth the paper they’re written on.

Jonathan S. tobin

henever Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu uses props for his speeches, his critics pounce. That’s why some of his usual detractors, both at home and abroad, could barely contain their contempt for his decision to wave a piece of debris from an Iranian drone that violated Israeli airspace while speaking, at the Munich Security Conference on Sunday, about the threat from the Islamist regime. For the legion of Netanyahu critics, the drone will go down alongside the cartoon bomb picture he used at the United Nations in 2012 when trying to illustrate the Iranian nuclear threat, as another example of his penchant for drama and hyperbole. Critics dismissed Netanyahu’s attempt to focus the world on Iran’s use of Syria as a military base and its aggression. Instead, they saw his rhetoric as intended primarily for domestic consumption. But while politics is part of anything politicians do, there was more to unpack here than Netanyahu’s rivalry with his right-wing coalition partners or an attempt to distract Israelis from the corruption charges that have been brought against him by the police. Far from concealing his true motive, the prime minster later admitted that the main audience for his was neither in Israel nor Iran — it was a warning to President Trump that if the United States wasn’t prepared to assert itself, Israel was more than prepared to do so. As it has often done in the past, the Jewish state would take on America’s dirty work. ran’s decision to violate Israeli air space set off a chain of events that inflicted serious damage on Iranian forces and Syrian antiaircraft installations, even though it also led to the shooting down of an Israeli air-force jet. But while Israel’s enemies got the worst of that exchange, there was also little doubt that the attempt to warn Russia, Syria, Iran and Hezbollah of the limits of the Jewish state’s patience was not a complete success. In the wake of Iran’s intervention in the Syrian civil war, Israel now faces powerful foes in the north as the Hezbollah-dominated

Poland... over the law and the history of Poland is increasing hatred of Jews in the country. “Amid Israeli criticism, a prominent Polish right-wing commentator used an offensive slur to refer to Jews. Rather than being punished, he was welcomed on TV programs, including a state television talk show where he and the host made anti-Jewish comments, including jokes about Jews and gas chambers. “The negative comments just kept on coming. A Catholic priest said on state TV that it was hard to like Jews, and his words were then quoted by the ruling party spokeswoman. An adviser to the president said he thought Israel’s negative reaction to the law stemmed from a ‘feeling of shame at the passivity of the Jews during the Holocaust’.” Which sounds much like what the Polish leader said in Munich. n unspoken part of the controversy over the Holocaust law and he prime minister’s statement is that anti-Semitism has been part of Polish culture since the Holocaust. Per a report by David Engel and published by Yadvashem.org, “Jews had been subjected to deadly violence at Polish hands almost continuously (albeit with fluctuating intensity) ever

Zevi... Continued from page 20 only member of the family who agreed to talk to JTA. Rolling her eyes when asked about the sepulcher, she insisted the grave inside is not Sabbatai Zevi’s but of “some ancient ancestor.” She declined to say anything about the family’s origin or pose for a photograph. Papo, the Ben Gurion University historian, also doubts that Sabbatai Zevi is buried inside the sepulcher.

regime must be imposed. But the State Department seems to be aiming at creating an amorphous blueprint for consultations that will allow the U.S. president to pretend that he is working on these goals without actually making any progress. What has this to do with the fighting along Israel’s northern border? The short answer: everything. hough Trump deserves credit for helping to achieve a victory over ISIS in Iraq and Eastern Syria, which eluded the Obama administration, he also appears content to continue his predecessor’s policy of letting Russia control what is happening elsewhere in that country. Which means that for all of his bluster about Iran, its power is growing on his watch as much as it did under Obama. While no one expects or wants U.S. forces to directly engage the Iranians in Syria, Trump can do Tehran more damage by announcing a firm date for more sanctions on Iran, in addition to a commitment to punish anyone who does business with the regime unless it renegotiates the nuclear deal. That would give the Europeans a stark choice between doing business with Iran or with the United States. Is Trump listening to Netanyahu? Given the president’s lack of interest in serious policy discussions and the distractions posed by other issues, the answer is probably not. Waving the drone debris was a warning to America that if it doesn’t act, then Israel will. Russia’s involvement in this problem complicates Israel’s options. But no matter what Moscow says, the Israelis aren’t likely to tolerate Iran consolidating its hold on parts of Syria. All of which means that a Trump administration that has been asleep at the wheel on Syria and Iran had better wake up soon before the situation deteriorates. Instead of mocking Netanyahu’s props, serious observers should be seconding his counsel that Trump must make it clear to Russian President Vladimir Putin that he won’t put up with Iran turning Syria into a base from which it can attack Israel. And that it’s time to change the nuclear deal. Trump has the leverage to make these demands stick, if only he will use it. The alternative isn’t more empty diplomacy. It’s letting a bad situation turn into something far worse. Jonathan S. Tobin is editor in chief of JNS.

At the Munich Security Conference, Prime Minister Netanyahu displays a fragment of an Iranian drone destroyed over Israeli airspace last week. GPO

Lebanon and the Syrian regime of Bashar Assad—and its Iranian, Hezbollah and Russian allies—remain essentially unchallenged as they mop up the last remnants of the rebellion against Damascus. Israel may hope that Russia has the will to restrain the actions of its Iranian partners. But as Iran just proved, its ability to exert military pressure on Israel has greatly increased. Iran’s enhanced strategic position cannot be ignored. The financial and diplomatic assets it acquired via the nuclear deal it signed with the West, as well as the certainty that it will eventually be able to get the bomb that the pact was supposed to stop it from obtaining, creates a long-term threat that Israel can’t avert on its own. Combine that with Tehran’s ability to start a two-front war in the north via Lebanon and Syria, and you have a volatile situation in which even a still powerful Israel no longer calls all the shots. What is the United States doing about any of this? The short answer: nothing. President Trump still occasionally talks tough about Iran but, as Reuters reported, the State Department is already watering down his demands for America’s European allies to join him in an attempt to fix the Iran deal or watch the U.S. re-impose sanctions on Iran. The sunset clauses in the deal must be ended, while restrictions on missile development and a more intrusive inspection

since the first postwar Polish territories were wrested from the Nazi occupiers. … The hostile climate of feeling toward Jews in Poland following the liberation was, in short, so highly volatile and was fed by such a variety of motives that violent anti- Jewish attacks could break out virtually any place, at any time, under any conditions, and with no provocation whatsoever.” March 1968 student-led demonstrations in Warsaw motived the Communist government to use the situation as a pretext to launch an anti-Semitic press campaign which was labeled as anti-Zionist. This state-sponsored “anti-Zionist” campaign resulted in the removal of Jews from the Polish United Worker’s Party and from teaching positions in schools and universities. In the end, up with 20,000 Jews forced to relinquish their possessions and their Polish citizenship and flee the country. And the hatred remains. According to a 2015 survey by the ADL, thirty-seven percent of Poles have anti-Semitic attitudes. The way one was placed in that 37 percent is answering probably true to the majority of these questions: 1. Jews are more loyal to Israel than to [this country/to the countries they live in] 2. Jews have too much power in the business world 3. Jews have too much power in international financial markets

Followers of Sabbatai Zevi wrote that he did not want to be buried in a Muslim cemetery. But he could not be buried in a Jewish one either because of his conversion, Papo said. Sabbatai Zevi’s followers also wrote that he is buried “adjacent to the sea,” whereas the Mani grave site is more than a mile away from the beach. Papo’s research has led him to an alternative location for Sabbatai Zevi’s grave, near the seaside fortress where Sabbatai lived out his final years and where he likely had his study. The fortress’ tower has a work space that archaeologists now use to prepare exhibits from the site. Mysteriously, that space has two niches, one featuring two Stars of David and

4. Jews still talk too much about what happened to them in the Holocaust 5. Jews don’t care what happens to anyone but their own kind 6. Jews have too much control over global affairs 7. Jews have too much control over the United States government 8. Jews think they are better than other people 9. Jews have too much control over the global media 10. Jews are responsible for most of the world’s wars 11. People hate Jews because of the way Jews behave rior to the Shoah, Poland was an oasis for Jews in Europe, except for the times the country were taken over by anti-Semitic Russia, Poland was a nation where Jewish people, learning, and culture thrived, and were accepted by the non-Jewish population. The UK Daily mail reports Polish commentators are suggesting “that opposition to the Holocaust law was a cover for Jews wanting money from Poland, a reference to reparations that international Jewish organizations seek for prewar Jewish property seized by the communists.” “Anna Chipczynska, the head of Warsaw’s Jewish community, said members feel psycho-

logically shaken or even depressed, and that the hostile rhetoric has triggered hateful phone calls and emails and other harassment. “In recent events, two men tried to urinate in front of Warsaw’s historic Nozyk Synagogue, and then shouted obscenities when security guards intervened. One Jewish community member found a Star of David hanging from gallows spray-painted outside a window of his apartment. A woman found the word Zyd (Polish for Jew) written in the snow outside her home.” Beginning with the Holocaust attitudes toward Jews by the rest of the Polish population deteriorated to the point where even with the Nazi’s gone, even with the communists gone, almost 40% of Poles have anti-Semitic beliefs. The Polish Government claims their Holocaust law is not an example of holocaust revisionism, nor is it anti-Semitic. The government has also defended its Prime Minister’s comments, saying he did not intend to deny the Holocaust nor allege that Jewish victims bore responsibility for “Nazi German-perpetrated genocide.” It’s time for the Polish Government to face the reality that the law and the premiere’s statement are based in the country’s anti-Semitism. And after a millennium of being an oasis for Jews in Europe, Poland is just another Jew-hating country.

another adorned with a painting of a snake descending from a tree. Whereas Stars of David were commonly used in Islamic decorations, the snake painting is much stronger indication of Sabbatai Zevi’s connection to the place. It corresponds with Sabbatai’s unique interpretation of the story of the Garden of Eden in the Book of Genesis, Papo said. “The followers of Zevi who became Muslims believed the messiah is destined to help us off the tree of knowledge of good and evil and onto the tree of life,” Papo said. In Judaism and early Christianity, he added, there are strong ties between the snake and the concept of messiah.

Additionally, Sabbatai Zevi’s followers called him “Ilan” – Hebrew for tree. Seen together, these elements reinforce the hypothesis that the snake painting is “a distinct Sabbatai Zevi symbol,” Papo said. The same symbol features on headstones of Zevi followers in Istanbul. As for Sabbatai Zevi’s burial place, Papo traces it to a hill near the fortress. Fittingly for the resting place of a man who personifies the concept of interfaith influences, the hill is sandwiched between what used to be a mosque and a church with a Christian cemetery. “If you ask me, that’s where this Jew is buried,” Papo said.

THE JEWISH STAR February 23, 2018 • 8 Adar 5778

Must Israel once again do America’s dirty work?

CAlendar of Events

Send your events to Calendar@TheJewishStar.com • Deadline noon Friday • Compiled by Zachary Schechter

Women’s Shiur: [Weekly] Dr. Anette Labovitz’s women shiur will continue at Aish Kodesh. 10 am. 894 Woodmere Pl, Woodmere. Seeing Things Clearly: [Weekly] Join Rabbi Shalom Yona Weis at Aish Kodesh for a shiur for women and high school girls titled “Seeing Things Clearly- Learning to View Our World and Our Lives Through Positive Lenses. 8:45 pm. 894 Woodmere Pl, Woodmere.

Tuesday February 27 Breakfast Connect: [Weekly] Breakfast Connect is a business and networking group that meets for breakfast at Riesterer’s Bakery and to discuss business and networking opportunities. 7:30-8:30 am. 282 Hempstead Ave, West Hempstead. 516-662-7712. Women’s Shiur: [Weekly] Rebbetzin Weinberger of Aish Kodesh will give a shiur on the “Midah of Seder in our Avodas Hashem.” 11 am. 894 Woodmere Pl, Woodmere. Jewish History: [Weekly] Join Rabbi Evan Hoffman at the YI of Woodmere for a talk on Jewish History. 8:15 pm. 859 Peninsula Blvd, Woodmere. 516-295-0950. Halacha Shiur: [Weekly] Join Rabbi Moshe Sokoloff at the YI of Woodmere for a halacha shiur. 8:40 pm. 859 Peninsula Blvd, Woodmere. 516-295-0950. Gemara Shiur: [Weekly] Join Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt at the YI of Woodmere for a gemara shiu. 9:15 pm. 859 Peninsula Blvd, Woodmere. 516295-0950.

7:30PM vum, ,arp e"amun

Purim At the Stadium: Chabad of MerrickBellmore-Wantagh is holding a special Purim “At the Stadium” celebration at the Clubhouse at the Merrick Park Golf Course with Megillah reading, carnival games and a concession stand dinner. $12/child, $18/adult. 5 pm. 2550 Clubhouse Rd, Merrick. 516-833-3057. Timely Tanach: [Weekly] Join Rabbi Ya’akov Trump of the Young Israel of Lawrence Cedarhurst for a shiur on Sefer Shoftim. 8 pm. 8 Spruce St, Cedarhurst. Chumash and Halacha Shiur: [Weekly] Shiur with Rabbi Yosef Richtman at Aish Kodesh. 8 pm. 894 Woodmere Pl, Woodmere. Shiur and Tehillim Group: [Weekly] Join the women of YI of Woodmere at the home of Devorah Schochet. 9:15 pm. 559 Saddle Ridge Rd.

Saturday March 3

Steak House Purim Party: Don Gaucho Steak House will be having its first annual Purim party with an all night DJ. $100 admission. 8 pm. 1230 Broadway, Hewlett. 516-837-0510.

Sunday March 11 Cahal Concert: Cahal presents a special concert featuring Uri Davidi, Lipa Schmeltzer and 8th Day at Lawrence High School. Tickets starting at $36. 2 Reilly Rd, Cedarhurst. 516-295-3666. YCQ Annual Scholarship Dinner: Yeshiva of Central Queens will be having its 77th anniversary scholarship dinner at the Sands at Atlantic Beach. 1395 Beech St, Atlantic Beach. 718-7930500.

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note remarks that opened the fourth While Torah is nual an- passed down way for the mesorahforever true, the ideal tive Five Towns Community Collaboraaccording Conference on to be conveyed the time, emphasizing to the middah of children — and Sunday. “What is the Torah how an everlastingto our that the primary of Torah and the kids need now?” ingredent needed in Yiddishkeit is embeddedlove he asked. “What today’s chinuch simcha. their beings — worked in 1972 is in necessarily changes won’t work today.” Twenty-six speakers, “You’re still talking over time. Rabbi Weinberger, about what rebbetzins, educators, including rabbis, for you in 1972 and insisting thatworked d’asrah of Congregationfounding morah ers and community leadwhat should work lecturers that’s Woodmere Aish Kodesh in and mashpia at sue that challengeeach addressed a key isMoshe Weinberger, for your kid,” Rabbi the YU, reminded families and parents Shila”a, said in key- that Torah and educators in attendance frum communities. The event, schools in will not be received the Young Israel hosted at of Woodmere, if it’s not was orgaSee 5 Towns Rabbi Moshe hosts on page Weinberger, of 15 Kodesh in Woodmere, Congregation Aish delivered keynote Photo by Doni

FEBRUARY 24, 2018

Wednesday February 28 PURIM TONIGHT

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Presenters at Sunday’s conference, from left: Elisheva director of religious Kaminetsky, SKA kodesh, “Empoweringguidance, limudei choices”; Rabbi

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• Vol 16, No 34

betzin Shani Taragin, 7:53 • Torah columns Tanach coordinator and mashgicha 6:46 pm, Havdalah nika, and Morah”; ruchanit at Midreshet Towns candles Rabbi • Five rah V’avodah, Ephraim 5777 Congregation Polakoff, don’t”; “Miriam: Meyaledet, To• 24 Elul Bais 15, 2017 Rabbi Jesse Horn Tefilah, “Teens Meiech • Sept. technology: What and kotel, of Yeshivat HaNitzavim-Vayeil you know and ognize your bashert”; what you and “Helping children balance ideology Rabbi Kenneth pleasure”; Esther of Congregation Hain Wein, “How to Beth Shalom, rec- A-OK to “When it’s say yes.”

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Super Spec ialS chanukat habayit Avenue in celebrating a on Church elementary school Woodmere. beginnings that the humble

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cha of the Five Towns and of the Great Neck Synagogue, “Where do come from — addressing grown babies ters with children.” up matPhotos by Doni

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a small “From years ago in This had over 50 page 8 HALBweek on pageson8-9 See HALB celebration

of YI LawrenceYaakov Trump director From left: Rabbi Shenker, executive Cedarhurst; MarvinWeitz; Dr. Herbert Pasternak; of YILC; Dr. Mott Lance Hirt; and Rabbi Aaron / Theresa Press HALB Board Chair The Jewish Star Fleksher of HALB.

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value school’s top core The JEWISH STAR investiture follows formal the Emet first is “Torat ‘InvestFest’ fair shiva University,”Truth.” in

LAST SHIUR OF THE YEAR!

BALFOUR

Cedarhurst remembers

Star the loss, By The Jewish to remember Cedarhurst pausedmiracles of 9/11, at the the n on Sunday. the heroism, and commemoratio village’s annual Rabbi Shay Schachter of WoodIn his invocation, of the Young Israel the Master and (top right photo) pray that G-d, all the strength mere said, “we world, grant us Creator of the to stand firm together against of and the fortitude of extremism, of bigotry, all forms of terror, and of all evil that can be hatred, of racism, forms in our world.” who found in different obligation to thosenever solemn a have “We 11th to injured on Sept. died or were said Mayor Benjamin but we also forget what happened,” “We saw evil, Weinstock (bottom). America.” of best survivor saw the (middle), a 9/11 78,” reAri Schonburn Fate of “Miracle and waitand author of that day. He was called his experiences on the 78th floor when elevators ing to change hit. Chief the first plane hurst Fire Department Lawrence-Cedar the playing of saluting during victims. David Campell, 9/11 names of local Taps, read the

TheJewishStar.com

to an — we believe investiture speech Delivering his Wilf Campus in at YU’sThe Newspaper of our Orthodox communities Berman, with many assembly of 2,000 ty, Rabbi Dr. Ari values that personify YeWashington Heights, in by livestream, that of the “five more listening spoke of the Rabbi Berman the five central “Five Torot, or institution.” teachings, of our believe in Tor“We do not just Chayyim — Torat at Emet but also and values must that our truths he said. live in the world,” teachings, YU’s other central Adam,” “Torat he said, are “Torat Tziyyon, the Chesed,” and “Torat Torah of Redemption.” formal cereFollowing the community parmonies, the YU street fair at an “InvestFest” Am- tied street fair on Amsterdam Avenue. 11 was a along at the “InvestFest” See YU on page Star

Jewish of Yeshiva UniversiVayera • Friday, November 3, 2017 • 14 Cheshvan 5778 • Luach page By The president 21 • The fifth Torah columns pages 20–21 VolSunday 16, No 41 said •on

At declaration’s centennial, a source of joy and derision

ceremony, YU’s new president, after the investiture for a selfie. sterdam Avenue who happily posed sought-after celebrity

To British, Palestine just another colony

Rabbi Elchonon Kuritsky

Viewpoint

will be learning

Perek 43 & 44 of Tehillim

Arthur James Balfour

& Lulav Sets Island • Etrog

LIsukkah.co

Jonathan S. toBin

or the Palestinians, the year zero is not 1948, when the state of Israel came into being, but 1917, when Great Britain issued, on Nov. 2, the Balfour Declaration—expressing support for the establishment of a “Jewish national home” in Palestine. So central is the Balfour Declaration to Palestinian political identity that the “Zionist invasion” is officially deemed to have begun in 1917—not in 1882, when the first trickle of Jewish pioneers from Russia began arriving, nor in 1897, when the Zionist movement held its first congress in Basel, nor in the late 1920s, when thousands of German Jews fleeing the rise of Nazism chose to go to Palestine. The year 1917 is the critical date because that is when, as an anti-Zionist might say, the Zionist hand slipped effortlessly into the British imperial glove. It is a neat, simple historical proposition upon which the entire Palestinian version of events rests: an empire came to our land and gave it to foreigners, we were dispossessed, and for five generations now, we have continued to resist. Moreover, it is given official sanction in the Palestine National Covenant of 1968, in which article 6 defines Jews who “were living permanently in Palestine until the beginning of the Zionist invasion” as “Palestinians”—an invasion that is dated as 1917 in the covenants’ notes. As the Balfour Declaration’s centenary approached, this theme is much in evidence. There is now a dedicated Balfour Apology See Cohen on page 22

Dealer on Long

Sukkah To Abbas Largest and Hamas, it was ‘original sin’

Ben Cohen

t was a minor news story when it broke in the summer of 2016. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced he was suing Great Britain over the Balfour Declaration, issued on Nov. 2, 1917. But as we observe the centennial of the document this week, it’s important to understand that although his lawsuit was a stunt, Abbas was serious. More than that, the symbolism of his See Tobin on page 22

Weintrob

Harmony XII: Kol Rayus presents a song and dance extravaganza for women and girls featur-

Timely Torah: [Weekly] Join Rabbi Ya’akov Trump, assistant rabbi of the Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst, for a shiur on relevant Halachic and philosophical topics related to Parsha Moadim and contemporary issues. Coffee and pastries. 8 am. 8 Spruce St, Cedarhurst. Learning Program: [Weekly] At Aish Kodesh led by Rav Moshe Weinberger following 8:15 Shacharis including 9 am breakfast and shiurim on subjects such as halacha, gemara and divrei chizuk. 894 Woodmere Pl, Woodmere. Gemara Shiur: [Weekly] Join Rabbi Moshe Sokoloff at the YI of Woodmere for a gemara shiu.r 9:15 am. 859 Peninsula Blvd, Woodmere. 516-295-0950. Torah 4 Teens: [Weekly] Yeshiva program for high-school age boys & young adults with Rabbi Matis Friedman. 9:15 am-12:30 pm. 410 Hungry Harbor Rd, Valley Stream. Torah4teens5T@ gmail.com. Central Learning Program: Yeshiva University High School for Girls will be holding a special morning of learning featuring President of Yeshiva University, Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman. 9:30-11:30 am. 86-86 Alto St, Holliswood. RSVP@yuhsg.org. SHEEFA: She’efa presents Ms. Chevi Garfinkel with “A Purim Message: When Upside Down is Right Side Up.” $10. 894 Woodmere Pl, Woodmere. 516-6-SHEEFA. Chabad of the Five Towns Dinner: The Jean Fischman Chabad Center of the Five Towns invites you to join them for a gala dinner at the Sephardic Temple. $600 per couple. 7:45 pm. 775 Branch Blvd, Cedarhurst. 516-295-2478.

photos by Ed

Saturday February 24

Monday February 26

The Jewish Star

Erev Shabbos Kollel: [Weekly] Eruv Shabbos Kollel starting with 6 am Chassidus shiur with Rav Moshe Weinberger and concluding with 9 am Chevrusah Learning session with Rabbi Yoni Levin. 894 Woodmere Pl, Woodmere.

Sunday February 25

932193

Friday February 23

Bnos Beis Yaakov Dinner: Bnos Bais Yaakov is having its 24th annual dinner. 1395 Beech St. 718-337-6000.

919959

Parsha Shiur: [Weekly] Join Michal Horowitz at the YI of Woodmere for a special shiur on the parsha. 9:30 am. 859 Peninsula Blvd, Woodmere. 516-295-0950. Iyun Tefilah: [Weekly] Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum at the Young Israel of Lawrence Cedarhurst. 9:45 am. 8 Spruce St, Cedarhurst. i-Shine Bake Sale: i-Shine will be holding a bake sale at the home of Bonnie and Heshie Schertz. 10 am-7 pm. 88 Margaret Ave, Lawrence. 917-763-1109. Learn Maseches Brachos: [Weekly] Join Rabbi Eliyahu Wolf at the YI of Woodmere for a shiur on Maseches Brachos. 5:15 pm. 859 Peninsula Blvd, Woodmere. 516-295-0950. Mega Emet Challah Bake: Emet Outreach and Ner Mordechai Congregation present a mother daughter Challah Bake. 7:30 pm. 8233 Lefferts Blvd, Kew Gardens. 646-209-5680. SHEEFA: She’efa presents Rabbi Tzvi Bokor with “Unmask Your Kochos: The Keys to Your Success.” $10. 8:30 pm. 894 Woodmere Pl, Woodmere. 516-6-SHEEFA. Halacha Shiur: [Weekly] Join Rabbi Yoni Levin at Aish Kodesh for a halacha shiur. 9:30 pm. 894 Woodmere Pl, Woodmere.

ing the N’Shei Zimriah Chorale Dance Troupe and benefiting TOVA. Tickets starting at $25. 8 pm. 2 Reilly Rd, Cedarhurst. 888-718-4253.

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Thursday February 22

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Corbyn boycotts B’four event

Britain Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn— who in 2009 called Hezbollah and Hamas his “friends” — said he would not attend a dinner commemorating the centennial of the Balfour Declaration. Prime Minister Theresa May she would attend “with pride” and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu would be her guest. “We are proud of the role we played in the creation of the State of Israel and we will certainly mark the centenary with pride,” May said. “I am also pleased that good trade relations and other relations that we have with Israel we are building on and enhancing.”

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IsraAID brings relief to U.S. disasters

By Ron Kampeas, JTA Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, and WASHINGTON — For 17 years, the then the wildfires in northern California. Israeli NGO IsraAID has been performPolizer recalls that he was wrapping ing search and rescue, purifying water, up a visit to IsraAID’s new American providing emergency medical assistance headquarters in Palo Alto on Oct. 8 and and walking victims of trauma back to was on his way to a flight to Mexico to psychological health in dozens of disas- oversee operations after a devastating ter-hit countries. No 25 earthquake there when he got word of • Vol 16, But no season has been busier than the wildfires. “I literally had Luach page 19 9:15 • to do a Uthis past summer and fall, its co-CEO Yo- turn,” he said Havdalah this week in an interview 8:07 pm, tam Polizer said in an interview — and ting Candleligh at the Israeli embassy in Washington. Polizer spoke with the exhilaration of an executive whose team has come through a daunting challenge. “We’re the people who stay past the ‘aid festival’,” he said, grinning, describing the See IsraAID on page 5

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wedding TheJew on the 70th Bonnie ishStar.c EpisStar reported survivors 93rd om ty News s and St. John’s The Jewish and Shoah The Newspape , the Far residents years ago Herald Communi Last March, Woodmere of Jack Rybsztajn’ Bessen, closed five Rockaway Peninsula y of r of our Orthodox in patients Hospital the By Jeffrey communit On the occasion anniversar hospital on percent jump Rybsztajn. his story continues. ies When Peninsula and Jack to get became the experienced a 35 million on July 12, center was desperatelocated. copal Hospital a $10.15 birthday medical Weintrob obtaining to help complete Jack Rybsztajnrelatives were which Rockaway y services. By Celia a few war ended, emergenc week celebrated nt of Health creating primary After the to Brussels, where cargo trains, during legal using its officials last Departme given on ld hospiSt. John’s New York State that will also include from Stuttgart daring voyages then ultimately sister-in-law s the The 111-year-o Turntwo grant from services renovationacross the street. and arrested, and their future to Brussels Through y at 275 Rockaway headed y center the couple emergenc in a building right for he was discovered . ambulator in Brussels, journey. They had dismay had left on page 14 care space an off-site sites on the peninsula residence the to their See St. John’s Cyla, who tal also operates and similar finally completed kosher restauJack’s sister they arrived. pike in Lawrence to meet s ate at a stating that a one day before wall the Rybsztajn Palestine Brussels, a placard on the looking for anyone While in this was they saw address, wrote to rant, where with a Brooklyn been Rybsztajn , who had survived. Mr. Jacobs, JN who Yechiel Rybsztajn containson of s, a package plus named RYBSZTA he is the afterward Brussels, man, saying nephew. Not long was received in Mr. Jacobs’ and a pair of tefillinto the United States. Rybsztajn ing a tallis g his travel for five years,” which in Belgium were so nice, papers authorizin Brussels “we stayed Poland. So However, gentile people of went through in Shaydels, the “The what we recalled. He mentioned s into their a relief after was such coming to America.” the Rybsztajn on page 7 who welcomed See Shoah we stalled Isaac. a well-to-do couple

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A Priority-1 Community Initiative Promotion Courtesy of opportunities, please call Priority-1 at 516.295.5700. For more information or dedication

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Cong. Shaaray Tefila Rabbi Uri Orlian HILI Bais Medrash Rabbi Dov Bressler Kehillas Bais Yehuda Rabbi Yaakov Feitman Cong. Tifereth Zvi Rabbi Pinchas Chatzinoff Y.I. of Bayswater Rabbi Eliezer Feuer Y.I. of Far Rockaway Rabbi Shaul Chill Y.I. of Hewlett Rabbi Heshy Blumstein Y.I. of Lawrence-Cedarhurst Rabbi M. Teitelbaum Y.I. of North Woodmere Rabbi Yehuda Septimus Y.I. of Woodmere Rabbi Hershel Billet

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Agudah of the Five Towns Rabbi Yitzchok Frankel Agudah of West Lawrence Rabbi Moshe Brown Bais Haknesses of N. Woodmere Rabbi A. Lebowitz Bais Medrash D’Cedarhurst Rabbi Dovid Spiegel Chofetz Chaim Torah Center Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg Cong. Bais Avrohom Rabbi Osher Stern Cong. Anshei Chessed Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz Cong. Bais Ephraim Yitzchok Rabbi Zvi Ralbag Cong. Bais Tefila Rabbi Ephraim Polakoff Cong. Beth Sholom Rabbi Kenneth Hain Cong. Kneseth Israel Rabbi Eytan Feiner

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February 23, 2018 • 8 Adar 5778 THE JEWISH STAR

The JEWISH STAR

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By The Jewish Star Fifteen-hundred supporters flocked to The Sands Atlantic Beach last Thursday evening to salute Achiezer and its dedicated board and staff. The “Tribute of a Decade Gala” marked the organization’s tenth anniversary by presenting Community Patron Awards to its 10 board members — from Bayswater, Yakov Mirocznik; from Cedarhurst, Aron Solomon; from Far Rockaway, Dovid Bloom, Moti Hellman, Moshe Schreiber and Shulie Wollman; from Lawrence, Jay Gelman, Ben Lowinger and Joel Yarmak; and from Woodmere, Michael Krengel. A special Hakoras Hatov Award was presented to Elke Rubin, Achiezer’s executive coordinator who’s

been with the organization since 2012. Anthony Vero, deputy general manager of LaGuardia Airport, was cited for his unexpectred assistance in a problematic near-Shabbos transfer of an aron from LaGuardia to Newark airports enroute to Israel. Among several speakers who praised Achiezer, Michael Harbater said he answered the call and was an early supporter but “never once did I think I would need Achiezer’s help.” But when he did, Achiezer was there. “If you haven’t been helped by Achiezer, there’s a good chance you will be,” he said. Rabbi Baruch Ber Bender, founder and director

The Jewish Star photos by Christina Daly of Achiezer (pictured at left), said the organization, which began by providing medical referrals, expanded into many other areas in which people in the community — in and around the Five Towns and Far Rockaway — needed help. He called the 10 honorees “real community heros,” and said they agreed that “if we want to help people, if we want to be there for others, where there’s a will there’s a way” — and there’s no turning back.

From left: Dinner co-chairmen Ronald Lowinger and Lloyd Keilson, who led the assembly in Tehillim; Gourmet Glatt’s Yoeli Steinberg and

White Shul Rabbi Eytan Feiner of Far Rockaway; Town of Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen with Ann DeMichael of Woodmere; Nassau

Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder; Village of Lawrence Deputy Mayor Michael Fragin, and Nassau District Attorney Madeline Singas.

From left: NYS Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, flanked by special assistant Avi Fertig (left) and James Vilardi of Hewlett; Hempstead Town Deputy Supervisor Bruce Blakeman, Chabad of Mineola

Rabbi Anchelle Perl, and Nassau County Legislator Howard Kopel; Michael Harbaer is pictured with Anthony Vero, deputy general manager of LaGuardia Airport who was commended for his assistance in

a problematic transfer of an aron from LaGuardia to Newark enroute to Israel; Rabbi Isaac Brach with Rabbi Yaakov Bender of Yeshiva Darchei Torah and his son, Achiezer’s Rabbi Boruch Ber Bender.

Left photo: Achiezer Executive Coordinator Elke Rubin is surrounded by members of her family as she received the Hakoras Hatov Award. Center photo: Michael Krengel of Woodmere, one of the

evening’s 10 Community Patron Awardees, is joined by members of his family during the reception. Right photo: Achiezer Founder and President, Rabbi Boruch Ber Bender, personally greeted numerous

guests as they walked through the entrance to The Sands Atlantic Beach. Here, he greets Joel and Cheryl Baruch as Dr. Joshua Mitgang looks on.

From left: Dovid Bloom, one of Achiezer’s Community Patron Awardees, with Rabbi Elysha Sandler; honoree Jay Gelman pages

through the gala’s massive journal; Jewish radio personality Nachum Segal with Chabad of Mineola Rabbi Anchelle Perl; Rabbi Her-

schel Billet and Rookie Billet; boys waiting for the program to begin; and dinner co-chairman Lloyd Keilsonl.

THE JEWISH STAR February 23, 2018 • 8 Adar 5778

1,500 at Achiezer’s 10th anniversary gala

955078

February 23, 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ 8 Adar 5778 THE JEWISH STAR