March 16, 2012

Cedarhurst trustees run unopposed Page 3 Battlefield medicine Page 6 Who’s in the kitchen: Eggs, everything they’re cracked up to be Page 13 Racing for terror Page 17

THE JEWISH

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VOL 11, NO 11 ■ MARCH 16, 2012 /22 ADAR 5772

Was this the way of the ancient Jewish court?

By Juda Engelmayer A tendency within leadership of some Orthodox communities to sidestep valid issues in an attempt to mask reality, to compel Jews to follow religious law is a source of tension and often causes harm.

Double speak has smart people seeing the dilemma, but the sheep among the flock follow blindly and perpetuate a bad situation.

Worse, it puts innocent people in harm’s way.

Rarely is there an issue that highlights the predicament more than the requirement to seek a rabbinical court (Beth Din) to arbitrate a matter between Jewish people.

Having the pleasure of hearing the case for using a Jewish court by Rabbi Daniel Rapp — by all accounts a knowledgeable and pragmatic member of the Beth Din of America — I understood then the delicate dance some in the Orthodox community perform to get buy-in from their Jewish public.

Curiously, the presentation was made a few minutes after a friend conveyed a message to me from an acquaintance regarding one of my previous columns on abuse in the Orthodox community.

He said that I had “chutzpah” (nerve) to air the dirty laundry of the orthodox community. It is better to keep it under the rug and not try to evolve.

In hearing that absurd remark, my mind was on high alert as Rabbi Rapp began his talk. He explained the reasons Jews should seek justice through a rabbinical court over secular judiciaries. At the time of the Second Temple, the Sanhedrin was the ancient Jewish court system in the Land of Israel.

Biblical passages in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy, as well as in the Talmud, all lend credence to the calling.

Addressing the concerns of an eager audience, Rabbi Rapp, who is also an Associate Continued on page 2

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Gourmet Glatt Emporium

Prepping for Pesach Behind the scenes at LI’s premier Kosher market

By Karen C. Green “They were there for us, and we are there for them,” says Gourmet Glatt purchasing manager Howie Klagsburn, referring to the outpouring of community support following their fire in November 2011, which put the store out of commission for 12 days.

That same sentiment is echoed by general manager Yoeli Steinberg, when discussing why this year leading up to Pesach is different from preceding years. “People reached out to us during the fire creating an emotional bond with customers, we are so appreciative and touched,” noted Steinberg. Moshe Ratner, co manager, is proud to see his vision of a one stop upscale Glatt Kosher market realized and so well received by the community. Nevertheless his quest to continually improve Continued on page 3

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Gourmet Glatt grocery manager Shloy Rubinstein oversees the transition to Pesach merchandise.

Bombs over Be’er Sheva — Why are media silent? Page 6 Shabbat Candlelighting: 6:46 p.m. Shabbat ends 7:46 p.m. 72 minute zman 8:18 p.m. Torah Reading Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei, Parshat Parah Mevorchim Hachodesh Nissan

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Ancient court, delicate dance Continued from page 1 Dean at Yeshiva University’s Isaac Breuer College and its Beit Medrash program, discussed the quality, the education and the gender diversity of the court he presided over. He reflected on some of the cases he managed, and offered valid and compelling reasons, among the religious requirement, as to why the Beth Din was crucial and obligatory. It was a rational analysis for the Beth Din; and for the cost and time advantages of adjudication cases that are vastly more appealing than that of most secular courts, it may also be wiser.

It was only when the questions from the audience came that the dance became clear.

Well intentioned as he is, Rabbi Rapp was making a universal argument for use of a Beth Din based solely on the model of The Rabbinical Council of America’s Beth Din of America.

Not having any real experience with his particular court, the assumptions are that what he said is valid and the BDA makes every attempt to overcome major oppositions to modern uses of such courts, such as inexperienced judges, lack of enforcement and corruption.

For each of these, the BDA has a sincere answer, and Rabbi Rapp readily admits that the cases they work on are civil in nature, not criminal – leaving the latter for the Jewish decree of “dino dimalchusa dina” (the law of the kingdom is your law).

Yet, it is with those issues where many additional problems arise. If you go by the book, so to speak, then you must use a Beth Din for cases against another Jew. Yet, to live in communities where the BDA is not the accepted court, but some other body comprised of men who may not share the worldly view of the judges who serve the RCA’s judiciary, is to leave one wide open to a travesty of justice.

While the BDA may not hear criminal cases, Rabbi Rapp fully appreciates the possibility that a different Beth Din in other communities will weigh in on criminal issues. In fact, these have happened in cases of child or sexual abuse in communities like Lakewood, New Jersey and New Square, New York. The BDA judge said that the law of the land in cases like those must apply, implying that one should seek a secular court when needed, but then threw the wrench into the gears with the issue of mesira, or informing secular authorities about the actions of a Jewish person – which is said to be mostly forbidden; hence, the dilemma.

In New Square, an act of arson yielded a condemnation from the local Beth Din, yet it also instructed its citizens not to report such acts to local authorities. In Lakewood, when an alleged child molester was discovered, rather than seem outraged at the actual crime, local and Brooklyn rabbinates condemned those who reported it. A letter written by a respected Brooklyn rabbi denounced the, “horrific news that one of your fellow residents in town informed upon a fellow Jew to the secular authorities… all who have the ability to influence the informers to retract their terrible deeds should do so.” The terrible deed was informing, not necessarily the molesting.

The rules appear almost contradictory; taking criminal matters to a secular court, yet not being allowed to bring the criminal act to secular authorities. It is essentially entrusting that a report to a rabbinate will make its way to justice; but justice for who is the question.

Reflected in the comment made to my article on abuse, the sentiment to keep real issues from being exposed is pervasive and damaging, and likely not the intent of the biblical Sanhedrim.

Juda Engelmayer is an executive with the NY PR agency 5W Public Relations.

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Continued from page 1 and meet the needs of the kosher consumer never ceases.

“We see an influx of shoppers from every affiliation, Sephardic, Ashkenazi, Chasidic, and who travel to us from all over. We cater to everyone. From customers that grew up on Streits , and Manischewitz matzoh to ultra Chasidism looking for certification from Williamsburg and Israel,” noted Klagsburn.

He goes on further to make the point that “as a nation we were born on Pesach. Statistically speaking, as a holiday more Jews sit down to the seder than perhaps attend shul on Yom Kippur. It’s the yom tov that unites us.”

Pesach is a holiday that many people get nostalgic about. People draw on their Pesach memories of their youth. Klagsburn recalls selling Bartons candy as a child, when really they were the only act in town. As a former director of sales and a 25 year veteran of a food manufacturing company, he sees an explosion of the vast variety of candy products offered for Pesach. “There is such a large proliferation of products now available, including kosher for Passover liquorice and sour belts. “ Klagsburn credits the ever growing mainstream gluten free market as triggering the plentitude of options available to kosher for Passover customers. For companies, the investment made in producing such products yields an infusion of cash as items produced can be sold year round.

Other developments include the use of kosher for Passover tapioca starch, increasing the quality and availability of baked goods. Most notable, is the use of quinoa, which takes the form of a carb on the dinner plate, in lieu of rice, and pasta, but is actually a product borne from a fruit. Klagsburn sees quinoa as the next frontier, (finely ground it can be the Kosher for Passover substitute in many recipes), although to date it hasn’t gained rabbinic acceptance across the board.

Walking through the dairy aisle, Klagsburn points out the expanded variety of available dairy products, cheeses and prepared ready- to-eat dips, salads and spreads, which travel well, factoring in the potential for family day trips with all four days of Chol Hamoed falling on a weekdays this year. The overlap of Shabbos and yom tov also enables shoppers to restock for the last days with less pressure and ease. In somewhat of a breaking news bulletin, he recalls the great stick margarine shortage of two years ago and alerts all, bakers especially, that NO stick margarine is available this year, ONLY the 1 lb block , which has demarcations for cutting into smaller portions.

Klagsburn stresses the tremendous buying power that the store has, leading to bet-

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

Clockwise from top: Meat manager Rabbi Berel Wolowik instructs staff; Produce manager Ziggy Kohn at Hunts Point market; Purchasing manager Howie Klagsburn. ter prices. He is constantly negotiating with vendors, often buying well beyond the need for Pesach, especially on items that are pesachdik all year round, such as canned goods, onion soup mix, tuna fish, mandarin oranges, canned fruits.

Rabbi Berel Wolowik, meat manager, stresses that wholesale prices have risen far greater than retail prices. “ We are cutting margins to accommodate the consumer,” said Wolowik. “We are absorbing wholesale price increases to the extent we can... The economy is hurting, we don’t raise prices because its holiday time. Wolowik, a veteran in kosher meat production explains the current economic dynamic driving wholesale costs up. Corn [feed], ethanol , and diesel cost related issues are driving up wholesale costs, and not just related to the kosher market.”

“We are making an effort not to increase prices just before Pesach,…. I make sure that for every holiday there is a beef, veal, chicken and turkey product at a great price, almost at cost, to ensure that everyone can feel that they can buy a nice cut,( not just cheap cuts,) at a fair price. Wolowik calls attention to the upcoming eight page Pesach circular which offers an excellent cut of beef at way below the normal selling price.

Produce manager Ziggy Kohn, and assistant manager John Hughes are booking enormous quantities of fresh potatoes, carrots, horseradish, and apples for the holiday.

This year Gourmet Glatt is offering fresh ground horseradish and a wide variety of checked vegetables, such as romaine, and soup greens. The store has invested in a commercial quality salad spinner to speed the

output of checked romaine, by drying it faster. Additionally Gourmet Glatt has retained the services of a top well regarded mashgiach with over a decade of experience in produce. So far there are no known issues with availability due to a mild winter. Ziggy Kohn makes a weekly trek to Huntspoint market, which itself is a city, at the wee hours of the morning, in order to buy the highest quality at the best prices for his customers.

Three weeks away from Pesach, Gourmet Glatt is gearing up to make the shopping experience as easy, least stressful and appealing as possible. “As opposed to previous years where there was “swing space” available during the changeover from chometz to pesachdik aisles, (adjacent store across the street in past years, store expansion last year), this year management is faced with a bit of a juggling game, but is up for the task,” says grocery manager Shloy Rubinstein. “This year we have the largest selection of products available.” “In order to enhance the pleasurable shopping experience, Gourmet Glatt is opening up two new registers to facilitate a faster check out time,” says Yoeli Steinberg.

Howie Klagsburn speaks proudly and with great conviction about Gourmet Glatt’s commitment to their customers. “Our price negotiations with our suppliers are stronger than ever. Where we can’t negotiate, we are absorbing many of the price increases.

Where we can substitute a brand from an alternate supplier, we will in order to keep prices low. We have a greater variety than ever before and we are excited to help customer’s enhance their holiday.”

Gail Sturm, of Woodmere, is a loyal customer who appreciates that the store is “organized, easy to find things, and so aesthetically pleasing, especially since the store has expanded. They always have what I’m looking for and the staff is always helpful.

Its convenient, and centrally located. I only shop here.”

Klagsburn does see the economy rebounding slowly, referring to the somewhat quieter store during the midwinter break, a possible indication of money spent on vacation travel.

To date there is no indication, nor barometer of how many customers are staying home for the holiday, presenting a gamble as a grocery store… that he is willing to take.

“Gourmet Glatt’s commitment to the community is so strong. We are sympathetic to the fact that people are hurting financially in the community… We are not just a business, we are part of this community.”

“When you need to shop, we are here,” says Yoeli, noting extended store hours leading up to the holiday.

Zisman, Lanzilotta running unopposed for reelection

By Karen C. Green Both Myrna Zisman and Ronald Lanzilotta Sr. are running unopposed in the upcoming Cedarhurst trustee elections to be held Tuesday, March 20th. Voting will take place at the Village Hall from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Even though they are unopposed, residents should not be complacent, warned Zisman. “We must get a large turnout in the election to send a signal to Albany that as a community we are a force to be reckoned with,” she stressed.

The first woman trustee in the Village of Cedarhurst’s 100-year history, Zisman is finishing her first four-year term.

Ten years ago, Zisman, an interior designer, moved to Cedarhurst from Brooklyn with

her husband Leo of 53 years. “Every time I drive down Central Avenue it’s like a Norman Rockwell painting,” she said. “It’s just a great place to live and I love it.”

Zisman previously served as a New York State Committee Woman for the 41st Assembly District in Brooklyn, co-founded Women’s Pro-Israel National Political Action Committee and was appointed to the Citizens Committee for the Democratic National Convention by former New York City Mayor Ed Koch.

She began serving on the board when a trustee seat was vacated in 2006.

She also serves as a board member for the Town Village Aircraft Safety Noise Abatement Committee (TVASNAC), which seeks to mitigate noise from aircraft flying to and from John F. Kennedy Airport.

Zisman was among nine other New Yorkers who accompanied Mayor Rudy Giuliani to Israel after the Hamas bombing there in 1997 and received the Nassau County Woman Trailblazer Award in 2009.

Lanzilotta, a lifelong resident of Cedarhurst, was elected to the board in 2002 after a seat was vacated in 2001. This will be his third four-year term once elected. He served as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for 14 years before his trusteeship. He is also chair of the village’s Architectural Review Board.

“After I retired I got involved in the village and it’s a wonderful way of giving back,” said Lanzilotta, who was a general contractor and owned a construction company. “I enjoy working with the board, it’s always a plea-

sure and I enjoy the various duties.”

One of those duties has been serving as a village board representative to the Nassau County Sewer Consolidation Program since 2006. The county took over operation of both Cedarhurst’s and the Village Lawrence’s sewer treatment plants on Jan. 1. “Right now we are looking to complete this sewer consolidation and we are now finally seeing daylight at the end of the tunnel,” Lanzilotta said.

“We strive for the betterment of the village and I hope most of our residents see that,” he said. “When we have problems we solve them as quick as possible. If we get complaints we strive to get to the bottom of them.”

— Additional reporting by Jeff Bessen and Ann Friedman

THE JEWISH STAR March 16, 2012 • 22 ADAR 5772

Behind the scenes at LI’s premier kosher market

March 16, 2012 • 22 ADAR 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

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Opinion Media Matters’ MJ Rosenberg Renounces His Use of “Israel Firsters” Slander, Doubles Down on Anti-Semitism On his Media Matters for America (MMFA) blog MJ Rosenberg has promised he will no longer use the Anti-Semitic term "Israel firster" to describe American Jews who support Israel. Not that he was sorry for the attacks; he also defended his use of the term and launched into hateful prose directed toward Israel and Jewish Americans.

“But I will do so without using the term "Israel Firster." The term was coined in 1960 by the late Abram Leon Sachar, founding President of Brandeis University, and a renowned Jewish historian (his son Howard Morley Sachar remains the greatest historian of contemporary Jewry) and was first used POLITICO by the elder Sachar in TO GO a speech he delivered that year to a Zionist organization.”

This was a typical Rosenberg half-truth.

Sachar did use Israelfirster, but not the same way MJ and his MMFA buddies use it.

Sacher's Israel-firsters were Jews who felt the Jewish people could never have a fulfilling religious life outside Jeff Dunetz of Israel. It was never used by Sacher to impugn Jewish Americans as not being loyal to America.

“It [Israel-firster] has proven to be a distraction, allowing the pro-war lobby to focus on my choice of words rather than the substance of my arguments. I will not be using it again, for many reasons including the fact that some good people were genuinely of-

fended by it. That was not my intention. My intention is to focus like the proverbial laser on the threat posed by war with Iran and the 45 year occupation.”

Rosenberg ignored his other anti-Semitic smears, like American Jews control the media; American Jews control foreign policy (and caused the rebellion in Egypt). For example, he wrote this last year: “I am often accused of harping on the lobby's baleful influence. I plead guilty. But it's my obligation because (1) I know from personal experience — 15 years on Capitol Hill and four at AIPAC — how it operates, (2) I know how little it really cares about Israel, and (3) I am free to tell the truth about it. If I worked in the mainstream media or in the U.S. government, I wouldn't be.”

Another Rosenberg slander is; those warmongering Jews pushed the United States into the Iraq war at the behest of Ariel Sharon (even though Sharon warned Bush not to invade Iraq).

A recent Huffington Post article talking about Israeli plans to attack Iran was titled: After Iraq Success, Neocons Push Iran War. Just like Pat Buchanan, Rosenberg uses the term neocon as a polite way to say Jews.

The Media Matters Senior Fellow doubled-down on the Iraq war his no more Israel-firster post: But then there is Iran. Watching the AIPAC conference, I was horrified to see an ostensibly pro-Israel organization promoting a war that presents an existential threat to Israel's survival. I vehemently oppose the very idea of war with Iran and am appalled by the right-wing Israeli government but, even more, by its supporters here at home who are trying to push the president to either bomb or support the bombing of Iran.

.... Many of the same people who pushed us into Iraq are doing the same thing with Iran. They are pressuring Congress to prevent the President of the United States from negotiating with the Iranian government.

They are banning diplomatic contacts. They are (as they have for a decade) hyping the Iranian threat, in part because they want a war and, in part, because they want to use President Obama's reluctance to jeopardize lives as a tool to defeat him In November.

And they are demanding that should Iran develop a nuclear bomb, we must not contain the threat (as we did with the Soviet Union, China, North Korea, Pakistan, etc.) but should immediately go to war.

In other words, that evil AIPAC is pushing us into war just as they did with Iraq.

Rosenberg also uses his blog post to reinforce some lies about Israel: “One monumental thing has changed in 43 years. In 1969, neither any Arab country nor the Palestinians accepted Israel's right to exist. Since then, Israel, Jordan and Egypt have signed bilateral peace agreements, and remain committed to their terms. The PLO recognizes Israel's right to exist securely within the '67 lines. The entire Arab League (every single Arab state) is offering Israel peace, normalization and security in exchange for ending the occupation. As Shimon Peres says, Israel now has "partners for peace."

Wrong! Both Fatah, the party of Prime Minister Abbas and Hamas, the terrorist thugs running Gaza, have refused to recognize Israel as a Jewish State (the partition resolution called for the creation of a Jewish state). Their refusal is motivated by their plan to flood Israel with the great-grandchildren, cousins etc., of the original refugees, making

Israel become just another Muslim country.

MJ neglects to mention that three Israeli Prime Ministers, Barak, Olmert and most recently Netanyahu, offered deals giving Palestinians 98% of what they supposedly want.

All three offers were refused.

It’s hard to understand where Rosenberg gets the Arab League claim. Amongst their members are the Palestinians (160 rockets fired into Israel last weekend say a lot about their being a peace partner). Other Arab leaguers include the new al Qaedacontrolled Libya (fuhgettaboutit), and Hezbollah-controlled Lebanon. And don’t forget the Muslim Brotherhood-controlled Egypt is threatening to void the peace agreement, and Syria's present government has no intention of making peace. The supposedly moderate Saudi Arabia refused to be in the same room as Israeli negotiators during the Annapolis discussions at the end of the Bush presidency.

Despite his renunciation of the term Israel firster we are left with the same old Jewhating MJ Rosenberg, reinterpreting history, portraying both Israel and American Jews as warmongers, and still believing Jews control the media and government. He simply stopped using one term; it is obvious he has not changed his ways.

Jeff Dunetz is the Editor/Publisher of the political blog “The Lid” (www.jeffdunetz.com).

Jeff contributes to some of the largest political sites on the internet including American Thinker, Big Government, Big Journalism, NewsReal and Pajama’s Media, and has been a guest on national radio shows including G. Gordon Liddy, Tammy Bruce and Glenn Beck.

Jeff lives in Long Island.

Breaking a sweat for Chabad’s Friendship Circle of 5 Towns Azi Katz, a 10th grade Friendship Circle volunteer for Chabad of the Five Towns for the last 2 years spends his Sunday afternoons with a 13 year old boy named Benji. Benji has special needs, but that doesn’t stop them from enjoying a music class, make a craft project and watch an exciting show. Their favorite

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part is seeing each other and just spending time together making a puppet show or just chilling.

Azi has decided to give more than just his time to make a difference to children with special needs. This year he has signed up to run in the NYC half marathon on March 18th. He has chal-

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Karen C. Green Malka Eisenberg Helene Parsons Miriam Bradman Abrahams Rabbi Avi Billet Jeff Dunetz Juda Engelmayer Rabbi Binny Freedman Alan Jay Gerber Jonathan Greenstein Rabbi Noam Himelstein Judy Joszef Zechariah Mehler Aviva Rizel Alyson Goodman Marina Russian Christina Daly

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lenged himself to raise money for the Friendship Circle of the Five Towns- so that we can increase its programming and meet the needs of even more children.

Azi is training and getting ready to represent our communitylet's do what we can to show him our support!

Is Friendship circle worth breaking a sweat for? Rachel B., a mom of a child with special needs has learned not sweat the small stuff. “If my nail chips or my sink is full with dishes, so be it. I’m just happy that my son is making progress in PT, learning how to say “I love you”, and will finally keep his Kippa on for more than 5 min. The support we as mothers receive from each other and being a part of the Friendship Circle make having a child with special needs, just a little easier to handle.”

Its for this reason that Azi Katz decided that Friendship Circle, is worth breaking a sweat for. Azi has seen firsthand the magical effect having a devoted and caring friend can have on a child with special needs. He decided to sweat the big stuff to raise money for this vital community resource.

Let’s stand behind him and show our support for his dedication. Azi will be running in the NYC ½ marathon on March 18th, you can sponsor Azi by going to http://www.crowdrise. com/TeamFriendshipNYCHalf/fundraiser/azikatz and pledging a donation on his behalf.

100% of all donations go directly to benefit the Friendship Circle. For more information please contact Batsheva Borenstein, Friendship Circle Director at (516) 295-2478 x 13. Please mail checks to Chabad of the Five Towns 74 Maple Avenue Cedarhurst, NY 11516 and write Marathon sponsor in the memo.

5

Machat Shel Yad: Rabbi Yitzchok Frankel

O

nce again a South Shore rabbi has written a quality commentary on one of the most complicated books of The Chumash, Vayikrah, whose annual weekly reading is about to commence next week.

Following in the footsteps of Rabbi Yitzchok Goodman and Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Rabbi Yitzchok Frankel, the rav of Agudath Israel of the Five Towns has put together an essay styled commentary on the Book of Leviticus entitled, “Machat Shel Yad” [Nehorah Publications, 2012].

This work, the third volume in the series, focuses upon some of the most intriguing Alan Jay Gerber questions which are answered in turn with compelling insights based upon many classical sources.

Inasmuch as the first reading of Vayikrah is next week, I chose a brief segment from this work on this parsha as a literary sample of Rabbi Frankel’s method and style.

“The Stolen Philosophy” is the title of this segment citing the second verse of this Torah reading as its base: “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: A man, when he offers from among you a sacrifice to G-d….”

Rabbi Frankel then references the Rashi Commentary as follows: “A man – Why does the verse say this?

Just as the first man, Adam did not offer stolen items as a korban, a sacrifice, as everything was his, so you may not offer stolen items as a korban.”

From these citations Rabbi Frankel develops an entire segment highlighting an important moral aspect to the development and practice of the sacrificial rites of our faith for all time.

Continues Rabbi Frankel: “We have a special warning not to use a stolen animal as a korban. Rashi points this out with the comparison to Adam Harishon….While the Torah also gives such a warning regarding other mitzvoth, there are mitzvoth that are derived from here. Why do we need to be warned about the unacceptability of using a stolen item specifically in the section of korbanot, sacrifices? Is it any more likely that stolen goods will be used for a korban?”

Rabbi Frankel goes on to cite passages from the Talmud in Masechet Sukkah to reinforce his thesis concluding with the final passage based upon a quote from Isaiah: “For I am G-d Who hates a stolen item as a burnt offering.”

“It is true,” states the rabbi, “that everything belongs to G-d…..Nevertheless, G-d will not accept a korban if it does not rightfully belong to the person offering it.

“The verse here comes to teach us this.

True, everything is G-d’s, but G-d wants to teach us how important it is to stay away from stolen property. If it is unacceptable here, it is certainly unacceptable everywhere else.”

Further on in this work there is a Pesach

nection with the mitzvah of Sefiras HaOmer” [memachras HaShabbos].

Rabbi Frankel concludes thus: “All this is reflected in the brachah following the haftarah on the Shabbos of Chol Hamoed Pesach. This is the day when Shabbos and Pesach intersect one another and form one grand partnership to testify to the greatness of G-d….

“Pesach and Shabbos blend into one harmonious union to express our everlasting faith in G-d. He created us, He took us out of Egypt and He will be with us always.”

Just one point of timely irony. Please note that this year Pesach has two Shabbosim, both of which are yom tov, the first day, and in galut, the last, the eighth day.

For futher study

With Pesach coming soon may I bring to your attention two beautiful haggadot for your reading and learning pleasure, “The Koren Ethiopian Haggadah: Journey to Freedom” that brings together in both pictures and text the history, traditions and customs of this unique and, until now, little known segment of our people, and “The Aleppo Haggadah” that includes an introduction to the Aleppo Syrian community and its rabbis, as well as a selection of their interpretations and teachings on Pesach from their traditions.

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THE JEWISH STAR March 16, 2012 • 22 ADAR 5772

The Kosher Bookworm

based discussion on why on Pesach Shabbat Chol Hamoed’s haftarah blessing we do not mention the holiday, whereas on Succos Shabbat Chol Hamoed we do. Sources from the Rema, the Mishnah Berurah, the Vilna Gaon, Bereishis Rabbah, Pesachim and Beitzah, as well as Rambam’s Mishnah Torah are all brought into the fray.

Rabbi Frankel very effectively brings all these sources together and comes up with an interesting conclusion primarily based upon the teachings of the Rambam.

“The Rambam connects the mitzvah of telling about Yetzias Mitzrayim to the mitzvah of Kiddush on Shabbos.

They are compared to one another. This is understood by the fact that the Aseres HaDibros do not open with: I am G-d Who created heavens and earth. They rather open with, ‘I am G-d your G-d Who took you out of the land of Egypt.’

Why is this so?

“Without Pesach…..

Shabbos loses its full significance. While it is axiomatic that instead of believing in the ancient Greek theory that the world always was, or believing in some modern scientific theory, we believe that G-d created the world, nevertheless, for Shabbos to have real significance in our lives, it needs Pesach.

“Similarly, Pesach needs Shabbos. We see that Pesach itself is actually called ‘Shabbos.’

This is the name the Torah gives it in con-

March 16, 2012 • 22 ADAR 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

6

Bombs over Be’er Sheva—why are media silent?

By Malka Eisenberg As over 200 rockets rained damage and destruction on southern Israel this weekend, traumatizing over one million men, women and children living in the area, the international media once again turned a blind eye only commenting much later to equate Israel’s surgical military strikes with the terrorism aimed at random civilian areas.

An Egyptian brokered cease fire with Hamas was to take effect Tuesday at 1 a.m., but, as usual, Gaza terrorists fired a rocket that landed near Sderot a few hours later, followed by five mortar shells and two Kassam rockets.

Over the past few months, there have been no reports in the media of anything happening at the Gaza border but terrorists from Gaza “have been shooting one to three missiles every day” into Israel, said Dr. Michael Frogel, a resident of Belle Harbor, attending pediatrician at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, principal Investigator New York City Pediatric Disaster Coalition, and Vice President of American Physicians and Friends for Medicine in Israel.

Magen David Adom reported treating 40 casualties from the recent attacks, including an 80-year-old woman with a head injury and two people hurt by shattering glass from a grad missile in Ashdod.

There were “people with 50 to 100 pieces of shrapnel in them,” Frogel noted. “The missiles are serious militarily but also psychologically. The missiles land all over the place. They are not strategic warheads to damage military installations. The intention is to hurt and kill civilians; the missiles are filled with nails and ball bearings. The attacks are meant to damage civilians, to terrify people and literally tear them to pieces and inflict severe damage.” He noted that with rockets reaching Beer Sheva and with Islamic Jihad now in possession of Iranian missiles that reach Tel Aviv, over one million people are under threat of rocket fire.

Frogel travels once or twice a year to Sderot, bringing doctors there, participating in and holding emergency preparedness courses in Israel. “Fifty percent of the people in Sderot have traumatic stress disorder,” he said, rather than post-traumatic stress disorder. “It’s a nightmare. It never ends. The kids don’t do well in school, they sleep with their parents; they regress. They hear the tzeva adom (red alert—that an incoming missile has been detected by Israel’s early warning system). It’s terrifying—they have 15 seconds (to find

Dr. Michael Frogel by stacks of Kassam rockets fired into Sderot.

Leadership of the World Committee For the Land of Israel joined with local Jewish leaders to welcome Naftali Bennett for a discussion on the escalating Iranian threat. Back row, from left, Yosef Poplack, second vice president of National Council of Young Israel; Dr. Joseph Frager, chairman; Odeleya Jacobs, vice president of media, pr, communications; Dr. Paul Brody, vice president and treasurer. Front from left, Rabbi David Algaze, president; Naftali Bennett; Congressman Robert Turner; Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld, Rav of the Young Israel of Kew Garden Hills. safety, to get to a bomb shelter).”

Even though Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system is 90% effective and is able to intercept and destroy most incoming rockets, the Grad missiles that hit damaged 15 homes and a school in Be’er Sheva. “They are very powerful, they can go through buildings,” Frogel said.

“Even if they are not injured they are scared,” he stressed. The residents think “where can I hide, what happens if a Kassam lands, can I leave one kid in the car while I pick up the other in school?” Schools in the area were closed for two days. “To have all these kids out of school is a tremendous burden on the parents,” he pointed out. Sapir College near Sderot informed students that school would be open on Monday but mandatory attendance would not be taken.

Students were instructed to follow the directives of their local Home Front Command.

“The Home Front Command spends a huge amount of time educating the population.

Normal life is over when it (the bombing) starts (but) they are not going to give in to terror,” said Frogel. “The people in Sderot are very tough.”

According to Ynet, 222 rockets were fired over four days from the Gaza Strip, following the targeted assassination of Popular

Resistance Committee chief Zuhair al-Qaissi on Friday. The PRC is a Gaza-based terrorist group affiliated with Hamas and was behind the murder of two Israeli soldiers and the kidnapping of Gilad Shalit. Intelligence reports indicated that al-Qaissi was planning a terror attack from Sinai to cross Israel’s border at different points, plant explosives and kidnap. Terrorists are attacking from Sinai, reported Ynet, assuming that Israel would be reluctant to attack targets under Egyptian control. Israel is now going after the targets when they are in Gaza, something that they were reluctant to do preceding the last terror attack in August when eight Israelis were killed by the PRC near Eilat.

Ynet reported that Israel’s Iron Dome intercepted 56 rockets and the IDF launched 37 sorties at missile launch sites and munitions depots. Of the 26 Palestinians killed, 22 were enemy forces, according to IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz. “(Israel) tries to hit terrorists and military targets,” emphasized Frogel. “It’s very hard to only hit people who are shooting because they (shoot) from civilian populations.”

“The Islamic terrorists have a simple method,” explained Naftali Bennett, former chief of staff of Benjamin Netanyahu.

“Place rocket launchers right next to wom-

en and children, shoot on Israeli cities and wait for Israel to retaliate. That’s sure to kill innocent lives and create a great picture for the media.”

“Israel got advance information of a big impending terror attack and preempted by taking out these terrorists,” continued Bennett. “This saved dozens of Israeli lives. Let me be clear: this is not symmetric: the IDF is targeting terrorists and rocket launchers, while the Islamic terrorists are targeting Israel’s city centers. This escalation may be part of Iran’s plan to distract Israel from the main problem—Iran’s race to acquire a nuclear weapon.”

Living under the threat of rocket fire might be daunting but Israelis are tough and have adapted to the ever changing definition of normal. “In general, I drive into Be’er Sheva every day and, like everyone, I am most worried about being in my car when the sirens go off,” wrote Faye Bittker, Director of the Department of Publications and Media Relations at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. “There are no words to describe that feeling of getting out of your car on the side of the road with nowhere to hide as you wait the long minute that the siren sounds while you wait to hear the missiles make impact as they fall. I have had this happen before but yesterday was the closest I have ever been.

It was terrifying, but also the quintessential Israeli experience, as some of the other people out there with me were people I know.

Someone waving hello just breaks the tension and makes this impossible situation feel almost normal.” Bittker also noted that classes are starting again tomorrow, “Better late than never!”

Battlefield advances yield freeze-dried blood, oxygen packets

By Malka Eisenberg New research in medicine in Israel has brought potential breakthroughs in patient care for battlefield and civilian use.

That’s what the audience at the Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst heard from Dr. Yossi Mandel last Monday evening in a briefing billed as an opportunity to “learn about new medical research and its application to the civilian sector from the former head of research and foreign affairs directorate for the Israel Defense Forces and Israel Ministry of Defense.”

Dr. Michael Frogel, Vice President of APF, recounted some of the advances in a talk jointly sponsored by the UJA-Federation of New

York, and American Physicians and Friends for Medicine in Israel.

Freeze-dried blood, still under development, can be used on soldiers or civilians, and can be kept in ambulances, said Frogel. “It needs no refrigeration and can stay on the shelf for years and years.” Another advance is the use of functional MRIs to diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by seeing changes in the brain. Small packages of 100% oxygen are also under research. And the development of an artificial retina has already been demonstrated in rats, explained Frogel. It has potential for treatment of macular degeneration and retinal damage.

AFP gives scholarships to Israeli physicians to study abroad in the

U.S. and Canada and return to Israel as experts, explained Frogel.

The organization has Birthright for medical students and emergency and preparedness courses in Israel for doctors in the U.S. and Canada.

These doctors will return as medical volunteers to Israel should a state of emergency be declared due to a natural disaster or war.

Dr. Yossi Mandel is a practicing surgeon and ophthalmologist, and has extensive experience in the IDF in health, safety, epidemiology and military and battlefield medicine. He has taught in the Hebrew University and the Edith Wolfson Medical Center and has written for many journals. He is currently a post-doctoral fellow at Stanford University.

Photos by Christina Dalty

Dr. Yossi Mandel and Dr. Michael Frogel spoke at YILC.

7

I

f you were to do a literary analysis of the books that have been most popular over the past century you would find that the unifying feature of those books is character development. This is because having a dynamic character (or characters) that drive the narrative is critical to creating a story that entices the audience. In the world of cookbooks this effect is achieved by connecting the reader with the author and is why so many cookbook authors become food personalities whose real world persona's transcend the written narrative. But what if a cookbook was able to become its own protagoTHE KOSHER nist? What if a cookbook was able to CRITIC be more than just a collection of recipes and become a nuanced and engaging character that is in of itself the thing that drives you to read it? A year ago I would have questioned the ability for a cookbook to achieve such a feat, but then I read One Egg is a Fortune.

One Egg is a Fortune is a cookbook created by Judy Kempler and Pnina Jacobson, who from their homes in Sidney Australia, spent the past twelve years developing what I consider to be one of the most innovative cookbooks to be released in the kosher world. Pnina Zechariah Mehler and Judy began contacting a number of influential Jews from around the world asking them to contribute a story or anecdote accompanied by a recipe so that they could compile a cookbook that would benefit Jewish elder care. Of the people contacted, Judy and Pnina received fifty really wonderful stories and recipes from a who’s who of global Jewish celebrities that range from musical figures like Neshama Carlebach and Dudu Fisher to serious political and academic dignitaries like Alan Dershowitz and Hirsh Goodman. The unifying thread that runs through their stories is one that illustrates how Jews from all walks of life are deeply connected by our shared food culture.

What I really loved about One Egg is a Fortune is how each

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personality that contributed to the book is so wonderfully represented by their contribution. Dudu Fisher provided a recipe for Baked Fish a’la Dudu which on the surface is overly flamboyant but at its heart a formula for making an accessible dish that is comforting and delicious. Shmuley Boteach

gave a recipe for a traditional Persian stew called ghormeh sabzi, a dish that Boteach has no real relationship to but that in itself so perfectly illustrates his persona that his offering makes sense. It also exposes the reader to a really unique and easy to make recipe that they would probably never have seen in any other kosher cookbook. Marlee Matlin gives her recipe for oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. It’s a sweet down to earth submission from a woman who is not just amazingly accomplished and inspiring; she is also someone whose thoughtfulness and charm are so tangible as to be moving.

These personality traits are so inherent in the narrative and recipes presented in One Egg is a Fortune that reading the book becomes compelling. As you transition from appetizers to main courses to deserts you read the stories of these fifty diverse personalities and the recipes that follow and are given a clear insight into the character of the author. This creates a fascinating sort of account of how we all respond to food and paints a clear picture of how all the authors are culturally connected. In this way One Egg is a Fortune becomes its own character. The book is the house, the unifier, the Mcguffin that retains these characters and, in acting as that vehicle, it surpasses just being a mechanism in which recipes are stored and transforms into its own unique character.

While this may seem like high praise for a cookbook, I am not the only one who is this taken with One Egg is a Fortune.

Recently Judy and Pnina went to the Folies Bergere in Paris to attend the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards where they won the award for Best in the World in the category of charity cookbook. This is a monumental accomplishment for any cookbook but is made even more of a triumph by the fact that it is a kosher cookbook. It’s a victory that anyone in the kosher food world or who shares a kosher food culture can be proud of. One Egg is a Fortune is just now coming to the States and is hard to find in stores, but it can be ordered off its website at oneeggisafortune.com.

Zechariah is a widely published food writer and marketing expert. Follow him on Twitter @thekoshercritic and read his blog at KosherGonzo.com

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THE JEWISH STAR March 16, 2012 • 22 ADAR 5772

A buffet of stories and recipes benefit elder care

Happy Purim!

(Pinocchio) Dov Werner, (Football players) Dovid Pewzner, Binyomin Wolowik.

Elyana and Danyela Zuller.

Rabbi Shimon and Chana Kramer and entire Kramer mishpocha clown around on Purim at Merrick’s Chabad Center forJewish Life. A fabulous carnival was held at the Bellmore FD.

Josh Weiss with daughters Allie, and Gabrielle at YIW.

Dov Feldman, Rabbi Wolf, Michael Berger, and Shalom Katz enjoy festivities at YIW.

P L E Aviva Leba Drucker, Rachel Tannenbaum, Blima Drucker, and Rivka Yakira Drucker at Chabad of 5 Towns..

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Maxine Kastriner and Scarlett Levine.

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Yisroel Willinger provides the music at the YIW Purim party

For Confidential Interview Email Your Resume To: Kgreen@thejewishstar.com or Call 516-622-7461

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March 16, 2012 • 22 ADAR 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

8

9 THE JEWISH STAR March 16, 2012 • 22 ADAR 5772

The promised land

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March 16, 2012 • 22 ADAR 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

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THE JEWISH STAR March 16, 2012 • 22 ADAR 5772

526346

11

HAFTR Highlights

By Gabby Lovett and Hillel Friedman

Photos by Karen Wolf

(From top) Model congress participants representing 12 area yeshivahs; Dr. Sharon Goldman, AIPAC Northeast Regional Politiacl Director addresses students; Young Israel of Woodmere hosted the event

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HAFTR High School hosted the 23rd annual Yeshiva League Model Congress on Wednesday, March 14. Over 300 students attended from yeshivas in New York and New Jersey to participate in the day’s events. Presiding were coPresidents Hillel Friedman and Gabrielle Lovett. We were fortunate enough to have AIPAC’s Northeast Regional Political Director, Dr. Sharon Goldman, speak to the students about the need for politicians who can fight on behalf of Israel and who can also use debate as a tool for compromise. Model Congress is a simulation of a Congressional conference where students are placed in various Congressional committees, which allowed the students to experience American government firsthand. Students prepared and debated bills pertaining to important issues facing our nation today. Students debated bills in the following committees: Appropriations, Armed Services, Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce, Environment and Public Works, Ethics, Foreign Relations, Homeland Security, Intelligence, Judiciary, Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Ways and Means. There was even a Crisis Committee that dealt with newly emerging crises. HAFTR students took on the role of chair people of these committees, while the students of a dozen schools involved themselves in heated debates over the important issues, thus enabling them to gain knowledge of our political process.

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March 16, 2012 • 22 ADAR 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

12

E

xquisitely simple, yet enormously complex, the egg is one of nature's marvels.

Eggs are the backbone of many baked goods. They also provide steam for leavening or moisture for starch. The yolks are known to add moisturizing fat, giving the finished product a smooth and creamy texture. The egg whites act as strengtheners.

Eggs have many uses in baking and cooking. They can bind ingredients as in meat loaves or croquettes.

Their thickening talent is seen in custards and sauces. Eggs emulsify mayonnaise, salad dressings and Hollandaise sauce and are frequently used to coat breads and cookies-this process is also known as an egg wash.

They can be used in Judy Joszef soups to clarify them.

In boiled candies and frostings, eggs retard crystallization. And let's not forget the large role they play in breading and coating.

According to Wikipedia, there is a legend that the folds in a chef’s hat used to represent the number of ways s/he knew how to cook an egg, with the vaunted 100-fold hat reserved for the heads of only the most knowledgeable culinary experts.

I don't even come close to knowing that many (which is good, those hats definitely

cause "bad hair" days) but a few that come to mind are fried, poached, scrambled, hard or soft boiled, coddled, sunny side up, over easy, shirred and pickled.

When egg yolks are removed, egg whites, when beaten, will foam and increase the volume by up to six to eight times.

The ability for the egg white to foam is due to the close teamwork between the two egg white proteins, albumin and ovalbumin.

The albumin, when beaten, forms a mass of tiny air bubbles. Since the egg white is mostly water, the protein molecules bond and form a fragile network that holds the moisture in place. The ovalbumin coagulate when it's heated making it resistant.

The foam or as my mom used to call it "the snow," is essential for making meringues, mousse, soufflés and sponge cake.

There is nothing as beautiful as a perfectly high, delicate mound of foam. All conditions have to be perfect in order to achieve it.

The egg whites cannot have any yolks in them. The bowl has to be chilled and perfectly clean. A touch of grease will hamper the ability of the whites to foam to perfection.

I'm very serious about my foams. A few years back I had an order for three lemon mile high cakes. I separated my eggs, beating 36 whites to perfection. While preparing the yolk mixture for the cakes, I reached for a spatula in my overcrowded drawer and sliced my thumb on one of those overpriced knives promising to cut through anything (they were right). Looking down at my thumb which was bleeding profusely, then back at the perfect snow, I just couldn't let that per-

Egg White omelet topped with Stir Fried Vegetables Ingredients

6 egg whites Salt and pepper to taste 1 1/2 cups frozen stir fried vegetables

of your choice 1 1/2 tablespoons La Choy Teriyaki

Marinade and Sauce Non-fat cooking spray

Directions

Generously coat the bottom of a 10" fry pan with non-fat cooking spray. When pan is very hot, toss in the vegetables and cook until done, slightly soft but not soggy.

Add the teriyaki sauce and coat all vegetables well. Let cook on high flame for a minute to caramelize the vegetables. Remove from heat.

Heat a non-stick pan with cooking spray and pour in the egg whites. Cook until the top of the eggs turn from clear to white, loosen the sides and fold over half the mixture to form an omelet. Let cook another few seconds till done transfer to a plate. Top with the stir fry mixture.

So enjoy this non-guilty, healthy meal, for you never know, you might have to save some calories for next week’s recipe!

Judy Joszef is a pastry and personal chef as well as a party planner. She spent 18 years as a pastry chef at Abigael’s, The Cedar Club, Centro and T42 in the Five Towns, before launching her current business, Soireé. She can be contacted at Judy.soireé@gmail.com.

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Eggs—all they’re cracked up to be

13 THE JEWISH STAR March 16, 2012 • 22 ADAR 5772

Who’s in the kitchen

fectly high airy mound go to waste. I applied three band aides, put on two rubber gloves and tied a string around my wrist. I then continued to bake the cakes, then proceed to the plastic surgeon (don't try this at home). Sixteen stitches and a few hours later I returned to three beautiful sponge cakes waiting to be filled with lemon curd and whipped cream.

Although I bake and cook hundreds of rich, fattening delicious dishes and cakes, most of the time I’m happiest eating a healthy egg white omelet. Every time my old time girlfriends and I get together for lunch or dinner (usually to celebrate someone’s birthday), I always get the same “Come on Judy, you don’t always have to be on a diet.” Truth is, though, I really enjoy egg white omelets!

But if the thought of a tasteless, yolkless omelet makes you cringe, you just need a new way of thinking. You can dress up an egg-white omelet with a myriad of toppings and you'll never miss the egg yolks.

The egg white contains 36% water, 13% protein, 0.25% fat and mineral salts. Hence, egg white is a source rich in protein and low in cholesterol.

The whites contain vitamin B3, vitamin B2, magnesium, potassium, and contain about 57% of an egg’s protein.

Egg whites that are cloudy indicate that the egg is very fresh, according to the Egg Safety Center. Clear egg whites indicate an egg is aging; pink or iridescent egg whites indicate spoilage, and these eggs should not be consumed.

Below is my favorite egg white omelet recipe. It’s easy to prepare, has less than 200 calories, has 21 grams of protein, virtually no fat and can be served for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.

March 16, 2012 • 22 ADAR 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

14

Opinion Seizing the moment to transform potential into destiny

T

here are places in this world that are so powerful, so full of meaning that they allow us to tap in to why we are really here. Such a place is Emek HaBacha, The Valley of Tears. In this valley, deep in the Golan Heights, in the Yom Kippur War in 1973, a small group of men held off the might of the Syrian Armored Corps, and saved the State of Israel. There is a power to this place, and if you listen carefully to the wind howling through the hills, you FROM THE HEART can still hear the cries OF JERUSALEM of the men who fell there.

We took a group of our students there a few years ago on Israel’s memorial day. As I was sharing the story of the battle, I noticed a fellow standing off to the side watching us. You could tell from his eyes that he had ‘been there,’ so I Rabbi Binny went to catch him beFreedman fore he left. His story made a powerful impression on us all.

“You know,” he said, “There are heroes of this war who have never really been recognized.

“Everyone speaks of the men in the tanks who risked everything, but not all the heroes that day were in the tanks.

“In the middle of the battle, a couple of the tanks began pulling back to re-load and

re-supply. We were hopelessly outnumbered and had been fighting for hours, struggling desperately to hold the line against far superior forces. 650 Syrian tanks had poured into this valley in the afternoon of Yom Kippur, and we were only one battalion, about 35 tanks. We were almost out of ammo, and our fuel was dangerously low, so this platoon commander began pulling his two remaining tanks back to re-fuel and load up on more tank shells.

“Kahalani, the battalion commander, saw these two tanks pulling back, and gave immediate orders that they should hold their ground. The young lieutenant responded over the radio that he was almost out of fuel and shells, to which Kahalani responded that if they had no ammo they should move around and make dust, along with machine gun fire. And if they ran out of fuel, they should rotate their turrets, but that they were absolutely not to pull back. The entire balance of the battle was hanging by a thread, and if the Syrians saw a few tanks pulling back they might think it was a retreat, which could cause a rout. So the tanks stayed where they were.

“A truck driver, back at the fuel depot, hearing this on the radio, jumped on his fuel truck, drove straight into the valley, and began re-fuelling the tanks. Can you imagine?

This man drove a fuel truck, loaded with gasoline, into the heat of battle, under fire, with no armor to protect him, and began refueling the tanks! There are moments when history hangs in the balance, and special individuals rise to the challenge…”

I have never looked at a truck driver in

Israel in quite the same way since…

One of the central mitzvoth of Pesach (Passover) is the injunction not to eat any Chametz, or unleavened bread. Instead, we are commanded to eat Matzah for the entire week of Pesach.

Indeed, the concepts of Chametz and Matzah (leavened and unleavened bread) are introduced as a central part of the story of the exodus from Egypt, and thus are an important concept related specifically to the festival of Pesach.

Rav Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin, in his Tzidkat HaTzaddik, alludes to an interesting question. Most people, if asked why we eat Matzah on Pesach, would probably recall that when we finally left Egypt, we had no time to bake bread for the journey. So we had to take the dough with us, even though it had not yet risen. Hence, to commemorate this event, we eat Matzah on Passover today.

Now, to be fair, this would be the correct answer, as attested to in the Torah.

The Jews, say the verses, “took their dough before it could rise,” (Exodus 12: 34).

And the reason for this was “because they were chased out of Egypt and they could not tarry, and had prepared no fare for the way…” (Exodus12: 39).

So in fact the Jews baked Matzah because they were in such a rush they could not afford the time to allow the dough to rise.

But it’s not so simple. Because the Torah also tells us, at the beginning of the same chapter (Exodus 12: 15) nearly a week before the Jews ultimately leave Egypt (and before even receiving the mitzvah to take the paschal lamb) that the Jewish people will have

a festival on which they will eat Matzah for seven days….

So we were given the mitzvah of Matzah a week before we ever left Egypt! Why then, did we not have enough time to bake bread?

While it may be true that our departure ended up being in a hurry, without the time to bake the bread, Hashem (G-d) who knew all this in advance could certainly have arranged for some advanced challah baking! Obviously Hashem engineered such a departure because there was a message we needed to learn which is represented in the mitzvah of Matzah.

There are certain moments, suggests the Tzidkat HaTzaddik, when we are presented with a window, an opening to come closer to a relationship with G-d. Such windows appear all too infrequently, and remain open only briefly. In life you have to grab those moments when they appear, otherwise, you miss them.

Each of us, every day, has our own moments of enormous potential, just like that truck driver in the Yom Kippur war. The question is, do we rise to meet them? Do we transform those gifts into Jewish destiny? Do we change the script we have fallen into, and become partners in an entirely new world, the world we are born into every moment?

May Hashem bless us, this Pesach, to reconnect with our potential, as individuals, and as a people, so that one day soon, we can all dance together in the beautiful hills and valleys of Jerusalem, on our way up to celebrate the festival of Pesach the way it was really meant to be.

Best wishes for a wonderful Pesach, Rabbi Binny Freedman

the people at Marah, even before the giving of the Torah, and certainly before the Golden Calf incident, was the mitzvah of Parah Adumah (Shmot 15:25)!

How do we reconcile Rashi saying that Parah Adumah was taught before the Torah was given with his suggesting that the Parah Adumah serves as an atonement for the Golden Calf?

Some suggest that there is an editor's mistake in the Rashi, because the Talmud includes "Kibud Av" – honoring one's parents – as one of the commandments discussed in Marah. Perhaps Rashi had written the abbreviation for Kibud Av (Kaf Alef), which was mistaken to read "Peh Alef," and was thus transcribed as "Parah Adumah." [The Kaf and Peh are easily mistakable, particularly in some styles of handwriting.]

Others reject such a notion, arguing that in Marah the people were taught "Chok u'mishpat" – a statute and a judgment – and Parah Adumah is the classic example of a Chok.

And so, our question remains.

As a parent, have you ever decided that a punishment or (as we call them) a "loss of privilege," or maybe just a decision your children did not like was in order? And then, you found out that something else that you had been unaware of had also taken place and you then included the new item in the

"reason" for your choice of action? I certainly have. [And may have been the recipient of such as a child as well!]

Making the Parah Adumah atone for the Golden Calf is called "poetry in motion," because it fits so nicely into the narrative of what transpired after Parah Adumah was first taught to the people.

More importantly, at this time of year leading into Pesach, perhaps the lesson of Parah Adumah can be one of a re-commitment to the Torah "just because."

The Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakkai tale reminds us that we don't need to be such geniuses. Not everything we see or do has to make complete sense. There are some things about the Torah and about Judaism that are hard to explain rationally, and may even leave us with questions. Do we therefore throw all of Judaism under the bus because of one question?

I have met too many people who have found one contradiction, or one thing that bothers them so much that all of Judaism is therefore rejected.

The Parah Adumah teaches us that if at first something is taught "just because," eventually we will find that its purpose actually makes a whole lot of sense when it comes to atone for a major faux pas that almost destroyed our nation.

Parshat

A “Chok” With A Reason T

he calendar this year has us reading "Parshat Parah" (Bamidbar 19, which speaks of the Red Heifer) in the week following our reading of the tale of the Golden Calf (in Ki Tissa - last week's parsha). Is there a connection?

One might say there need not be a connection, simply because Parshat Parah is the next in line of the "4 Parshas" that round out this time of year. As the Aruch Hashulchan puts it (685:1), "[we read Parah] because the burning of the heifer was done close to the month of Nissan in order that people could participate in the Paschal Lamb in purity."

And yet, there is a connection between the two, as pointed out

by Rashi in Bamidbar 19:22. There Rashi writes that the "Red Rabbi Avi Billet Heifer is a parable to the son of a maid who soiled the palace of the king. They say, 'Let his mother come and clean up his mess!' So does the cow come and atone for the calf."

The source Rashi is quoting is the Medrash Tanchuma (8) on the parsha, when

Rabbi Aivo explains why of all sacrifices which are generally male animals, the Red Heifer is a female.

The midrash recounts a tale of Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakkai and a "stranger" who confronted him saying the ritual of the cow makes no sense. Rabbi Yochanan asked him, "What do you do when a person has been contained by an evil spirit?" The stranger described a low-key form of an exorcism in which something is put on fire below the person and water is sprinkled to get the evil spirit out.

Rabbi Yochanan was flabbergasted: "Listen to what you are saying!" In other words, each method is equally strange to an outsider. Rabbi Yochanan explained to his students after the non-Jew left, "It is not the dead who brings on tumah, and it is not the heifer who purifies. Rather it is God who made rules and laws and decrees and we are not to disregard or break them."

The Red Heifer is therefore a mitzvah that serves the purpose of relieving us of a status of spiritual impurity, both of which (mitzvah and spiritual purity/impurity) are concepts created by God for His reasons.

But there's a problem. Both the midrash and, subsequently, Rashi imply that the Red Heifer came about to atone for the sin of the Golden Calf. But it is Rashi himself who says that one of the mitzvot that was taught to

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Shabbat: The Ultimate Gift of Love Dedicated to the sacred memories of my sister-in-law, Ruchama Rivka Sondra, my sister, Shulamit bat Menachem, and Shifra bat Chaim Alter, and the refuah shlaimah of Yosef Shmuel ben Miriam, Yehonatan Binyamin Halevy ben Golda Friedel, and Miriam bat Bilhah Batsheva.

Orthodox Judaism is very difficult, if not impossible to define, since there is no unanimity of opinion as to what exactly one must believe or do to be considered one of its adherents. As a result, Orthodox Jews differ widely in their faith structure, mitzvot orientation, and mode of ethical behavior. Yet, upon reflection, belief in the existence of G-d, and dedication to, and fulfillment of the laws of Shabbat, Kashrut, and Mikvah, because Hashem commanded us to do so, appear to Rabbi David be the major constituEtengoff tive elements and essential foundation of contemporary Torah Judaism.

The first of our three parshiot begins with verses that discuss the vital necessity of Shemirat Shabbat (Shabbat observance). Perhaps because of its public nature, this mitzvah has become the litmus test of Orthodox Judaism. Then, too, Shabbat, along with Brit Milah (Ritual Circumcision), Torah study,

and Mikvah (the laws of Family Purity), is historically one of the mitzvot for which we Jews have sacrificed a great deal. Our mesirat nefesh (sacrifice) has endowed this holiest of all days with a unique status: It will never be nullified. No matter how dire and devastating the circumstances we have faced, Shabbat has been, and always will be, observed. Thus, the Mechilta de Rabbi Yishmael, the halachic Midrash to Sefer Shemot, states the following in its analysis of Sefer Shemot 31:17: “It [Shabbat] is a permanent sign,” this tells us that the Shabbat will never be nullified from the Jewish people. So, too, does one find, each and every thing [mitzvah] for which the Jewish people have sacrificed their souls [i.e., lives] remains in their hands [i.e., continues to be observed]. [Conversely,] each and every thing [mitzvah] for which the Jewish people have not sacrificed their lives no longer remains in their hands [i.e., no longer continues to be observed]. For example: Shabbat, Brit Milah, Torah study, and Mikvah, are those [mitzvot] wherein the Jewish people sacrificed their very souls to guarantee their observance, and they continue to observe them [today]. [Conversely,] the Holy Temple, the Jewish court system, the Sabbatical years, and the Jubilee years, wherein the Jewish people did not sacrifice their very lives [to guarantee their observance], no longer continue to be observed.

(Translation and emphasis my own) Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Shemirat Shabbat emerges as one of the hallmarks of an individual dedicated to the Torah way of

Hebrew only please!

spirational parable: …that matanah tovah [precious gift], is like a ring - a ring that a husband gives a wife to symbolize their special relationship, their love, their devotion. That is the “ot bayni uveneichem,” [“sign between Me and you”] that is our wedding band that the Ribono Shel Olam, G-d, has given us. Sometimes husbands and wives have arguments and fights, and things are not perfect, but the wife never removes that ring as long as they remain married. No matter what happens, she wears that ring…Shabbat is the ring.

(Quoted by Rabbi Yissocher Frand in a public address and reproduced at: http:// www.torah.org/learning/ravfrand/5758/ shabbos.html, modifications my own) Shemirat Shabbat thus emerges as “the ring” that symbolizes our steadfast and unwavering commitment to Hashem. It represents our devotion to G-d and His devotion to us. In sum, it epitomizes His love for us, and our love for Him. It is a weekly reminder that Hashem is truly He who is “habochere b’amo Yisrael b’ahava” (“Who chooses His people Israel with love,” translation, Artscroll Siddur).

As we strive to observe Shabbat to the best of our knowledge and ability, may HaKadosh Baruch Hu help us remember that Shabbat, in and of itself, is the greatest of all His gifts to us, second only to life itself. In addition, may we always remember that Shabbat connects us to our Creator like a bride to her bridegroom. In this way, may our lives be sanctified and endowed with new and enriched meaning. V’chane yihi ratzon.

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A Jewish newspaper should have a Hebrew column. So here it is.

We will try to maintain a level of vocabulary so that it will be easy enough for students to read and interesting enough for those more fluent to enjoy.

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life. Thus, the well-known secular Jewish writer, “Ahad Ha’Am,” (Asher Hirsch Ginzberg, 1856-1927) is famous for the statement: “More than the Jew has kept Shabbat; the Shabbat has kept the Jew.” Given the above, Orthodox Jews naturally focus upon the many details intrinsic to Shabbat observance. These halachot (laws) are crucial to fulfilling both of the commandments of the Aseret Hadibrot (The Ten Utterances or Commandments) that refer to Shabbat: “Zachor” (Remember) and “Shamor” (Guard or Keep).

Unfortunately, our intense and legitimate concentration upon properly observing Shabbat may sometimes prevent us from fully appreciating its dazzling beauty. We need, therefore, to refocus our attention on a fundamental idea: Shabbat is a magnificent gift. It is a present from our Creator that inextricably links us to Him: Raba b. Mehasia also said in the name of R. Hama b. Goria in Rab's name: If one makes a gift to his neighbor, he must inform him [beforehand], as it is written, “in order that you may know that I the L-rd sanctify you.”

[Sefer Shemot 31:13] It was taught likewise: “In order that you may know that I the L-rd sanctify you: The Holy One, blessed be He, said to Moses: “I have a precious gift in My treasure house, called the Sabbath, and desire to give it to Israel; go and inform them.”

(Soncino translation, Talmud Bavli, Shabbat 10b with my emphasis and modifications) The great Chafetz Chaim (Rabbi Yisrael Meir Hakohen of Radun, Poland, 1838-1933) explained this passage with the following in-

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THE JEWISH STAR March 16, 2012 • 22 ADAR 5772

Parshiot Vayakel-Pekudei-Parah 5772, 2012:

March 16, 2012 • 22 ADAR 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

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Mar 18 Rabbi Seth Farber YOUNG ISRAEL OF NORTH WOODMERE Rabbi Farber will discuss the crisis of J ewish life in Israel. Rabbi Farber is internationally known as the founder and director of ITIM: The Jewish –Life Information Center, an organization that assists Israelis with the legal intricacies of personal status- marriage, divorce, conversion and burial. Young Israel of North Woodmere is located at 634 Hungry Harbor Road in North Woodmere.

Event begins at 8 p.m., refreshments will be served.

ON THE

Calendar Submit your shul or organization’s events or shiurim to jscalendar@thejewishstar.com.

Deadline is Wednesday of the week prior to publication.

YOUNG ISRAEL OF LAWRENCE-CEDARHURST Rabbi Fohrman will speak on the topic of “Korban Pesach, Manna, and the Garden of Eden” at 8:30 p.m. The Young Israel of Lawrence- Cedarhurst is located at 8 Spruce Street, corner of Broadway.

Support group

Mar 25

Mar 27 Project Frumway PRESENTED BY NCSY, aspiring designers who entered the contest, will showcase their talents at a fashion show held at Congregation Beth Shalom, sponsored by Junee and Junee Jr. For more information or to model in the show: www.newyork.ncsy.org or call 516-569-6279.

Congregation Beth Shalom is located at 390 Broadway in Lawrence.

Mar 28 Maccabeats Concert YESHIVA UNIVERSITY LAMPORT AUDITORIUM The group released its first album, Voices from the Heights, in March 2010. In November, they released "Candlelight", a Hanukkah-themed single.

The song garnered international attention and became a YouTube sensation, receiving over 7 million hits. The Maccabeats will be launching their highly anticipated new CD, "Out of the Box" at the concert .The CD boasts an array of 11 new songs and arrangements. For tickets, visit http://bit.ly/CDconcert .

THE JCC OF THE GREATER FIVE TOWNS, located at 207 Grove Avenue in Cedarhurst, hosts every Tuesday a Parkinson’s Support Group from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The purpose of this group is to bring together Parkinsonians, spouses and their families in order to help them better understand the nature of the condition, gain confidence and join in community activities. For further information, please contact Cathy Byrne at 516-569-6733 x220.

JCC OF THE GREATER FIVE TOWNS is sponsoring a support group for those affected by the recession. The group meets on Thursday mornings at 10:15 a.m. at Temple Israel, located at 140 Central Avenue in Lawrence. This group is part of the UJA-Federation’s Connect to Care initiative. For more information call Talia Rapps at 516-569-6733 x213.

Rabbi David Fohrman

Join Nefesh B'Nefesh staff, and professionals from various fields for a range of Aliyah related seminars and information tables, including: employment in Israel, financial planning & taxes, Israeli healthcare system, retiring to Israel, real estate & mortgages, introduction to the aliyah process, aliyah rights and benefits, NBN's GO NORTH Program, shipping to Israel, communities in Israel Crowne Plaza Times Square, located at 1605 Broadway, New York. 12:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

Parkinson’s Support Group

Recession impact group

Mar 21

Nefesh B’Nefesh NYC Aliyah Mega Event

at the JCC, 207 Grove Avenue, Cedarhurst. 12 sessions/$240. Please call Sharona Arbeit at 516569-6733 x218 for more information.

Along with their classmates at the JCC of the Greater Five Towns’ Nursery School, pre-schoolers Aly Lichter of Woodmere and Sophia Friedman of Lawrence celebrate Purim by preparing mishloach manot, gifts of food and drink. The children dressed in costumes to celebrate the story of Purim.

For more information on the nursery school and other programs offered at the JCC of the Greater Five Towns visit www.fivetownsjcc.org or call 516-569-6733.

The Jewish Community Center of the Greater Five Towns is a beneficiary agency of the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Federation of New York, a member agency of the United Way of Long Island, the Jewish Community Centers Association and an affiliate of the Five Towns Community Chest. It serves the communities of Cedarhurst, East Rockaway, Far Rockaway, Hewlett, Inwood, Lawrence, Lynbrook, Malverne, Valley Stream, West Hempstead, and Woodmere.

Mar 29

optional contribution requested per session. For information please call Sheryl at 516-569-6733 x222.

HALB/SKA Blood Drive

Class for special needs

STELLA K ABRAHAM HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 291 Meadowview Avenue, Hewlett 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Ongoing

THE JCC OF THE GREATER FIVE TOWNS offers “Movement with Mary Moshos,” a class for children with special needs ages 5 and up, designed to enhance interaction with the environment through work with music, bubbles, and various textures. Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30pm

THE JCC OF THE GREATER FIVE TOWNS will sponsor a new support group for the economically challenged as a result of the economic downturn. Key themes will include unemployment, financial issues, empowerment and support. Please join us on Thursday mornings at 10:15 a.m. at Temple Israel, 140 Central Ave, Lawrence until January 20th. This group is part of Connect to Care, an initiative funded by UJAFederation of NY. For further information and to pre-register, please contact Talia Rapps, L.M.S.W. at 516-569-6733 x213.

Holocaust Center Exhibit “Displaced Persons Camps: Rebuilding Culture and Community in the Aftermath of World War II,” written and curated by survivor and historian Lillian Gewirtzman, is on display at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County. The exhibit highlights the renaissance of Jewish cultural life and community, which took place among the more than one million survivors who were left essentially homeless after World War Two. The Center has opened its long-awaited permanent exhibit, which uses photographs, artifacts and video to relate the events of the Holocaust and relate them to more recent genocides and acts of intolerance. The Center, at 100 Crescent Beach Road in Glen Cove, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Suggested donation: $10 for adults, $5 for students to age 18 and seniors (65+). For more information: (516) 571-8040 ext.

100 or visit www.holocaust-nassau.org.

Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibition DISCOVERY TIMES SQUARE in partnership with the Israel Antiquities Authority presents an exhibition on the Dead Sea Scrolls. The world premiere of the exhibition, located in New York City at 226 West 44th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, ends April 15. For tickets and more information, please call 866-987-9692 or visit Discoveryts.com

Calling Senior Song Birds THE JCC OF THE GREATER FIVE TOWNS, located at 270 Grove Avenue in Cedarhurst, hosts a choir for seniors every Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. for a joyful hour of singing with choir master Zvi Klein. We sing songs in all languages and we perform for local venues. There is a $5.00

Honorees David and Rena Maryles, Odette Fellus, Jani and Arthur Cooperberg at Hebrew Academy of Nassau County Annual Dinner at Cresthollow Country Club

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By Karen C. Green On the day preceding the passage of budget resolutions in Albany, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos spoke at a breakfast in Lawrence sponsored by Agudath of America.

The reception , hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Yolly Edelstein in their home served as a community wide thank you to Senator Skelos for his steadfast support of issues that are paramount in the community and that were part and parcel of the current budget negotiations.

The event was chaired by Rabbi Yehiel Kalish, Agudath Israel’s National Director for Government Affairs, who opened the session.

Other speakers included Rabbi Binyomin Kamenetzky, founder of Yeshiva of South Shore, and a close friend of Senator Skelos; Rabbi Yonah Feinstein, Director of Special Projects for Agudath Israel, who coordinated the event; Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, executive vice president of Agudath Israel, who articulated the gratitude of the community for government leaders who recognize the vitalimportance of the yeshivos in New York State; and Yoily Edelstein, whothanked Agudath Israel which “works tirelessly on our behalf throughout the year advocating for our community’s needs.”

Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, dean of Yeshiva of South Shore addressed the area of Mandated Services / CAP (Comprehensive Attendance Policy) programs in New York State law whereby nonpublic schools are entitled to reimbursement for carrying out state mandates. Due to numerous deep cuts to the CAP program over the past few years, a considerable debt has accrued to the nonpublic schools. More importantly, the State Education Department applies a flawed, inaccurate formula which does not capture the actual costs that yeshivos incur to comply

with thetCAP mandate whichentails multiple attendance taking throughout the day. Rabbi Kamenetzky asked Senator Skelos to consider how very important education is to our community and to expend every effort towards helping yeshivos and other nonpublic schools receive these funds which they have been counting on fortheir budgets.

Transportation for students with extended hours was also on the agenda. Rabbi Meir Weitman, dean of Torah Academy for Girls, and Simcha David, Esq.,a parent of students in Yeshiva Darchei Torah, explained the need for transportation services. While acknowledging that Senator Skelos made a huge difference to many families by allocating millions of dollars from his discretionary funds for buses for nonpublic schools, Mr. David implored him to make an even bigger difference going forward. He described how children as young as 10 are dismissed later than 5:00 p.m. when the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) transportation services will no longer provide transportation for them. Given the already high cost of tuition, many parents cannot undertake to pay the additional charge for private transportation forcing young children to walk home from school, sometimes through unsafe conditions. It also forces parents to drive carpool in midst of serving dinner and doing homework with the younger siblings.

The conversation then turned to students with special needs. Mr. Richard Altabe, Headmaster of Yeshivat Shaare Torah and vice president of CAHAL ,noted that New York is perhaps the best state in the country for services for Yeshiva students with special needs. He appealed to the senator to prevent the state from withdrawing vital services to special needs children. He illustrated the issue with poignant stories as he

explained that while the changes being proposed – forcing parents to choose between receiving transportation to and from special needs programs or related services - appear innocuous at first glance, they have the potential to reverse decades of gains for these vulnerable children. He summarized the other issues of concern, including the reduction of time allowed to parents to file for an impartial hearing in order to request tuition reimbursement, summer placement, and the requirement of mediation with no timeframe in which it must take place.

The last topic discussed was the difference of attitudes towards end of life issues between the Orthodox Jewish community and the culture at large. Rabbi Boruch Ber Bender, founder and executive director of Achiezer, spokeof the Palliative Care Information Act and the impact that this law, which does not take into account the Jewish value of preserving life, would have on our community. He related a moving story of a man in his 50’s who suffered complications due to a dental procedure. He spent 3 ½ months comatose, with the primary care facility attempting to transfer him to hospice. His wife enlisted Chayim Aruchim, Agudah’s Center for Culturally Sensitive End of Life Advocacy and Counseling and they came to her aid. After consultation with other health care professionals, the patient was transferred to another facility where he underwent a procedure and is on track to be discharged to his own home next week. Rabbi Bender requested that the Senator make every effort to amend the law to include continuationof care options as well.

Senator Skelos was then introduced by Rabbi Shmuel Lefkowitz, Vice president

for Community Services, Agudath Israel of America. He praised Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos for effectively advocating for the Jewish community during budget discussions and legislative sessions. He elaborated on how our community has benefitted from his friendship and advocacy.

The highlight of the event was when Senator Skelos took the podium. He thanked Agudath Israel for inviting him and reminded the assembled of the great strides that have been made in Albany, including providing necessary services without raising taxes, empowering the private sector to create jobs, and eliminating the MTA tax in not only 80% of small business and public schools but ensuring that nonpublic schools should be exempt –permanently – as well. The elimination of the MTA tax saves yeshivos and other nonpublic schools millions of dollars that they can use to educate young people. He acknowledged that he will soon be presenting a one house budget, and responded favorably to the requests of the presenters by remarking that he is “going to make sure the recommendations you’ve made are heard, listened to and effected positively in the budget.” He concluded,“It is an honor to represent you. There is no more respectful community of their elected officials than those sitting in this room. You have always come to me with what’s right, and I hope that I have returned that respect to you.”

The budget resolution was passed in Albany the following day providing 16 million in additional aid to non public schools and a commitment for reimbursing NYC schools costs to provide transportation to non public schools who transport students after 5pm.

Closing the circle to race against terror

By Malka Eisenberg Pia Levine is returning to Jerusalem for an encore performance, racing against terror and raising money for victims of terror.

Levine, a sophomore at Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of Business hails from Edison, New Jersey. On March 23, 2011 she was returning to her seminary on a bus that had stopped at Binyanei Ha’uma in Jerusalem when a bomb exploded, shattering the bus’ windows, killing a bystander and injuring others. Levine was physically unscathed but suffered post-traumatic stress disorder.

She was planning on running the Jerusalem Marathon before the attack but was suffering from shock.

Chantal Belzberg, executive vice chairman of One Family Fund, an organization whose stated purpose is to provide “direct financial, emotional, material, and legal assistance to the victims of terrorism in Israel,” came to her aid. One Family Fund was founded in 2001 following the Sbarro bombing where 15 men, women and children were murdered and 130 wounded. In response to that attack, Michal Belzberg, Chantal’s daughter, canceled her bat mitzvah party and donated the funds from that to the victims and asked family and friends to give the gifts intended for her to them instead. They raised over $100,000 and from that was launched a large volunteer–based organization assisting victims of terror in Israel.

Chantal Belzberg took Levine to Shaarei Zedek Hospital the day after the attack to be treated for PTSD and then brought her back

Pia Levine to her hotel where she was staying with her team. Belzberg cheered her on as she passed the One Family fund station at the marathon.

When Levine returned to America after the race, Michelle Napell, representing One Family, assisted Levine in her recovery, meeting her for lunch, giving her contacts to talk to, going with her when Levine had to meet with the FBI and getting her involved in Team One Family, “the multi-sports training and fund raising” arm of One Family Fund that joins fund raising with competing in endurance races.

Levine competed in the New York City triathlon in August, raising awareness and $3000 for the Fund. She plans to run in the Jerusalem Marathon March 16 and the Philadelphia triathlon this summer.

“Last year was my first marathon.,” said

Pia Levine crossing the finish line at the New York Triathlon in August.

Levine, in an email from Jerusalem. “I ran for an organization called Chayeinu, the Israeli branch of Chai Lifeline, in memory of my father who passed away the year before from cancer. I run marathons for organizations that have helped me as my way of giving back. I hope that the small dent of money that I can raise will help someone else the way they helped me.

“Everyone thought I was crazy for running in the marathon so soon after the attack but for me there seemed to be no other choice. I had been excited to finally run my first marathon, to give back to the organization that had helped me so much. Also, running was my way of not giving into terrorism.

I would not let them stop me from living life and make me afraid. This week has been my chance to come full circle. Because I had left so soon after the attack I never fully got to deal with the aftermath. I didn't get the opportunity to get on a bus, to go back to the bus stop by Binyanei Ha’uma to ultimately confront my fears. Now I have had the chance. Sunday, the one year anniversary of the attack, I took my first bus ride and had a seudat hodaah (feast of thanks). Running the marathon will finally allow me to fully move on. I will participate in the event that they tried so hard to prevent me from running in.”

For more information go to: www.onefamilyfund.org.

THE JEWISH STAR March 16, 2012 • 22 ADAR 5772

5T community turns out for Agudath Israel breakfast

Thousands expected at mega Aliyah fairs in 2012 Ministry of Immigrant Absorption, Jewish Agency partner with Nefesh B’Nefesh to host series of informational Aliyah-related events throughout March (JERUSALEM; 12 March, 2012) – As part of Nefesh B’Nefesh’s ongoing initiatives to provide comprehensive Aliyah information, guidance and inspiration to potential Olim, the organization will be holding a week of Mega Aliyah Events in five major cities across North America together with Israel’s Ministry of Immigrant Absorption and the Jewish Agency.

The Aliyah Mega Events, which will take place in Toronto, Montreal, Baltimore, Florida and New York between March 18th and 25th, will incorporate Aliyah-related seminars and workshops, as well as personal consultations with staff from all three organizers. Representatives from various other Israeli ministries, health funds and shippers will also be present.

Minister of Immigrant Absorption Sofa Landver will be among the guests of honor at the NY event, together with Israeli Consul General to NY, Ido Aharoni and the Jewish Agency’s Director of Aliyah, Absorption and Special Operations Yehuda Sharf. Director of the Garin Tzabar Program in the “Friends of Israel Scouts” office in NY, Einav Zamir will also be attending.

Participants will benefit from workshops and seminars on various topics such as: Careers in Israel, Financial Planning, Taxes & Budgeting, The Israeli Healthcare System, Navigating Israel’s Education System, Intro-

CLASSIFIEDS To Advertise In This Section, Call 516-632-5205

duction to the Aliyah Process, Aliyah Rights and Benefits and the ‘Go North’ Program. Additionally, the Montreal event will feature a French-speaking Aliyah counselor who will be available for question and consultations.

The New York event will feature a discussion with founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B’Nefesh Rabbi Yehoshua Fass for Students and Young Professionals entitled ‘Making an Impact’.

To date, Nefesh B’Nefesh has assisted over 30,000 Olim and more than 47,000 North American and British Jews have attended Nefesh B’Nefesh pre-Aliyah informational seminars throughout the US, Canada and UK, including specially tailored programs, events and individual counseling sessions.

For a full schedule of the Mega events, please visit http://www.nbn.org.il/megaevent.

About NBN: Founded in 2002, Nefesh B’Nefesh in cooperation with the Israeli government and the Jewish Agency for Israel, is dedicated to revitalizing Aliyah from North America and the UK by removing or minimizing the financial, professional, logistical and social obstacles of Aliyah. The support and comprehensive social services provided

by Nefesh B’Nefesh to its 30,000 newcomers, has ensured that 97% of its Olim have remained in Israel. www.nbn.org.il For more information please contact: Tani Kramer / tani@nbn.org.il ISRAEL: 054-243-4330 USA: 347-878-6086 UK: 0800-075-3353

REAL ESTATE

Miscellaneous For Sale

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Brokers Protected Call Azi/Leba 516-374-6080 x19

WANTED : WILL Pay Up to $15.00 For High School Yearbooks 1900-1988. Any School / Any State. Yearbookusa@yahoo.com or 972-768-1338 WANTED YOUR DIABETES TEST STRIPS. Unexpired .We buy Any Kind/Brand. Pay up to $25.00 per box.† Shipping Paid. Hablamos espanol. Call 1-800-267-9895† www.SellDiabeticstrips.com

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800-414-9569 www.driveknight.com HR PROFESSIONAL Richner Communications seeks a HR professional to focus on all aspects and processes of recruitment. Position is Part-Time with flexible schedule and hours. Qualified candidates should email their resume along with salary requirements to hr@liherald.com.

TRADITIONAL CONSERVATIVE SYNAGOGUE In Five Towns, Is Seeking P/T Or F/T Chazzan For Shabbat And Holidays. Salary Negotiable. Preference Given To Individual Who Lives Within Walking Distance Of Synagogue. Send Resume To execdirector@csoiwoodmere

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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March 16, 2012 • 22 ADAR 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

18

Miscellaneous For Sale

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19 THE JEWISH STAR March 16, 2012 • 22 ADAR 5772

a hospital that’s sensitive to your needs

superior inpatient physical rehabilitation Dedicated Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Program • Largest in southern Nassau County

When choosing a hospital, you want not only the best medical care you can ďŹ nd — but also sensitivity to your cultural and religious needs.

• Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury, Hip Fracture, Disabling Arthritis

That’s why Mercy Medical Center, with support from Chabad of the Five Towns, provides special services and amenities for our observant Jewish patients, their families and other visitors.

• Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Neurological Disorders Supervised by Dr. Perry Stein • Nationally-Recognized Specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

• Jewish Chapel with Mincha services Monday – Thursday • Glatt Kosher and Cholav Yisrael meals available to patients, and for purchase by visitors in our Dining Room and Patio Grill

• Expert, Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Team Provides Individual Care Advanced Equipment and Innovative Techniques • Physical, Occupational, Recreational and Speech Therapy

• Rabbinical services, prayer books and electric Sabbath candles on request • Many diagnostic tests available on Sundays

• Nintendo Wii Video Gaming, Yoga, Aerobics

• Two overnight hospitality rooms with twin beds, Shabbat lamps and prayer books, for visitors needing a short-term stay for Shabbat or during emergencies

• Pet Therapy Program Superior Outcomes – Rapid Recovery • Optimum Healing For Higher Levels of Function and Independence

• Adjacent Kosher kitchenette with refrigerator, two microwaves and Glatt Kosher-stocked pantry

Physician Referrals:

516-62MERCY Convenient Free Parking

Dr. Marc Weber Rehabilitation Medicine Dr. Perry Stein Director of Rehabilitation Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt Chief Administrative OfďŹ cer

JUDQG opening

J. Lanzetta Photo

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1000 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre www.MercyMedicalCenter.info A Safe Haven For Newborns — Legal Option To Abandonment

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16 New St. Hewlett NY (516) 341-7341 HOURS: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 10-6 • Tues: 10-8 • Sat: 9-5 • Sun: 10-3

543538

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March 16, 2012 • 22 ADAR 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

20

Stairway to your Community Join your neighbors online visit www.thejewishstar.com to get the latest in local community news, events, sports and more...

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