June 10, 2011

NCSY to the rescue Page 3 The bigger Weiner scandal Page 4 Chaya Wertman’s OHEL family Page 7 SPECIAL SECTION: Parade/Concert photos Page 10-11

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VOL 10, NO 22 ■ JUNE 10, 2011 / 8 SIVAN, 5771

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Three contenders emerge for Rockaway Assembly seat

A presidential hopeful speaks on Israel and Pollard

By Sergey Kadinsky

By David F. Nesenoff

The governor has not officially called the election date to fill the State Assembly seat vacated by Audrey Pheffer on May 12, but three Rockaway residents have emerged as top contenders in the race. “You have one from Far Rockaway, one from Breezy Point, and I’m the middle-of-the road pick,” said longtime Democratic activist Lew Simon, 51, a resident of Rockaway Park, which is located near the peninsula’s midpoint.

Initially, the widely presumed successor to Pheffer was her longtime chief of staff Jo Ann Shapiro, but she dropped out on June 1, leaving the local Democratic district party leaders to choose between Simon and Far Rockaway’s Y. Philip Goldfeder, 31, an aide to Senator Charles Schumer who previously worked on the election campaigns of Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Council members Simcha Felder, James Gennaro, and James Sanders.

“Phil has dedicated his professional life to serving the community. Whether it’s the community assistance unit, the Felder campaign, or his current position, it enhances his ability to serve,” said Eli Shapiro of the Far Rockaway Jewish Alliance. Shapiro stressed that Goldfeder is not an official candidate pending the decision of the four district party leaders, Shapiro, Simon, Frank Gulluscio, and Geraldine Chapey.

“Phil is a popular candidate. He’s the best news for Far Rockaway in a long time,” said supporter Richard Altabe. “He has been an amazing player in getting out the vote.” Altabe credits him with educating residents

Among the speakers at the June 5 Israel Day Concert/Rally in Central Park, was Herman Cain, a Georgia businessman, economist, and political activist. He is the former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza and is now a candidate in the Republican primary, hoping to face off against President Obama in the 2012 elections. Following his speech, The Jewish Star sat down with Cain.

David F. Nesenoff: What brings you here today?

Herman Cain: I came because I was invited to come out here and it gave me the opportunity to do the two things I wanted to do. I wanted to congratulate the Jewish people for what Israel has been able to achieve because they are under attack and I don’t agree with that. I was not happy with President Obama’s remarks over the past couple of weeks and I wanted the people to understand where I stood. I stand with the people of Israel. I don’t agree with moving the borders. I don’t agree with Israel making more concessions that they don’t want to make if there is a possibility for a peace process going forward.

DFN: How can Israel negotiate with someone who doesn’t recognize her right to exist?

HC: The big issue is the relationship with Continued on page 3 Photo by David F. Nesenoff

Presidential candidate Herman Cain spoke at last Sunday’s Concert/Rally.

Continued on page 2

Shabbat Candlelighting: 8:08 p.m. Shabbat ends 9:13 p.m. 72 minute zman 9:37 p.m. Torah Reading Parshat Beha’alotecha

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Rockaway Assembly race

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Continued from page 1 on the importance of voting through the Far Rockaway Jewish Alliance.

While excited about the possibility of his friend running, Altabe added that Goldfeder is a loyal Democrat and would run only if chosen by the party. In a special election, candidates without a party label must collect 1,500 signatures to be on the ballot. “There will be only one Democrat running, and Phil knows that I am running,�

Simon said. “You need wide recognition, you can’t just concentrate on your base.�

Simon is a former teacher at Yeshiva Darchei Torah, who now splits his time between the unpaid district leader position and as a staffer for State Senator Malcolm Smith.

Mirroring Gold- Far Rockaway’s Y. feder’s leadership in Philip Goldfeder. the White Shul and Hatzalah volunteering, Simon keeps an active presence in the Belle Harbor Jewish community. “I did not attend yeshiva, but I have been volunteering at Yeshiva of Belle Harbor since age 12, funning fundraisers and carnivals. I’ve brought them into universal pre-k,� Simon said, referring to the public funding that kindergarten students receive at the yeshiva.

Supervising the eruv line on the boardwalk, the yeshiva’s principal, Rabbi Boaz Tomsky spoke of Simon’s ability to navigate bureaucracy. “We can always depend on him to look into things, but the reality is that we have to look out for what’s best for the overall community, and he helps everyone,�

Rabbi Tomsky said. To that extent, Simon said that he supports local parochial schools, listing off his efforts to keep them going amid declining budgets.

While Simon expressed confidence in securing the party line, Republicans see the special election as an opportunity to win in the largely Democratic district. “We have a good candidate in Jane Deacey, she is well known as a district leader.� A retired police officer, Deacy lives in Breezy Point, and knows how to bring out her party’s voters. In last year’s congressional election, she helped her party colleague and neighbor Bob Turner garner 42 percent of the vote in his unsuccessful run against incumbent Anthony Weiner.

She was instrumental in Eric Ulrich’s win,� said Republican activist Bart Haggerty, referring to Councilman Eric Ulrich, a Republican who scored an upset victory in a four-person special election in Feb. 2009. Because this year does not feature any citywide, state and federal races, turnout will likely comprise of the most loyal voters. “In a low turnout election, the prime voters will vote and a Republican can pull ahead,� Haggerty said.

Altabe said that if enough of Goldfeder’s neighbors vote, it could defy expectations of a low turnout. “We vote as a community, and Phil has been effective in creating a voting bloc.�

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June 10, 2011 • 8 SIVAN, 5771 THE JEWISH STAR

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Continued from page 1 Hamas becoming part of the Palestinian Authority. I have a severe problem with that.

Hamas is a known documented terrorist organization. How are you going to negotiate with a terrorist organization, and the answer is you can’t.

DFN: Do you think Mr. Obama should negotiate with Al Qaeda?

HC: No. He should not negotiate with Al Qaeda, he might give away too much.

DFN: He wants Israel to go back to ’67.

Should the U.S. go back to 57 and lose Hawaii?

HC: (Laughs) I agree with Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu. I agree that moving the borders is non-negotiable.

DFN: Would you as President release Jonathan Pollard?

HC: Based upon what I know about Jonathan Pollard and that situation, that he should be given consideration for humanitarian reasons at this point, but I’m not one to shoot from the lip. But my sentiment would be toward his release but I’m not going to guarantee that until I had the appropriate opportunity to review the situation.

DFN: It’s an American issue. No black, white, Hispanic or any person should be in prison a day or a minute longer than they are supposed to be.

HC: I know that a lot of distinguished Americans and a lot of distinguished diplomats have expressed their view that he should be released. I’m the type of decision maker, that whereas I respect all those who have taken that position, I want to review all the facts for myself consider that, then make a definitive decision.

DFN: When will that take place?

HC: In the future. There are a whole list of issues that I’m dealing with. So I don’t won’t to commit to a timetable as to when I would make that. The best time for me to make a decision on that is after I become President.

Then I could do something about it.

DFN: People want to know things before they put someone in office. Some feel they made a mistake in the past and they don’t want to make that mistake again.

They become very wary of politicians.

HC: I’m not a politician; I’m a businessman. I’m a problem solver and you’re not going to push me into making a decision until I’m ready to make a decision.

DFN: Is there an advantage of having a businessman in the White House and not an attorney or a politician?

HC: Number one, a businessman is going to make sure in every situation that they’re working on the right problem. That’s been

one of the biggest problems with this administration and previous administrations. They go work on things and they pass laws, but they’re not working on the right problems.

Secondly, are we assigning the right priority? Thirdly, have you surrounded yourself with the right people? This president has a lousy group of people around him. Look at the advice they gave him about the economy.

It failed and then four out of five of them left.

He is not getting good advice. And fourthly, if you got the right people and the right priorities and you’re working on the right problems you will be able to put together plans that you can share with the American people and they will help to solve some of these problems. My business skills, my problem solving skills …that’s what I bring to the presidency, which is so badly needed. We haven’t as a nation fixed anything in the last several decades. It’s time we start fixing problems instead of just pushing them down the road for the next generation.

Baruch Hashem NCSY

By Adina Hart Just weeks after a vicious tornado destroyed many rural areas in Alabama, a team of eight high school girls, from the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls (SKA) and from the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR), arrived on the scene after organizing a New York NCSY relief mission.

Our trip began on Friday May 20th in Atlanta, Georgia. Spending Shabbos in Atlanta was eye opening; we saw immense kindness from the community, as well as Rabbi Chaim Neiditch, Southern NCSY’s Regional Director (ND) & Atlanta Director, who organized our Shabbos meals and lodging. Many of the locals were quite surprised to hear that a Jewish group of girls from New York would be assisting in the tornado relief effort. The community was excited to be a part of the mission by giving us a beautiful Shabbos experience to start off our trip.

Early Sunday morning we departed for Birmingham, Alabama. We made our way to Knesseth Israel, a local shul, and met with members from NECHAMA, a Jewish organization that provides disaster relief, that assigned us one specific home in Pratt City to work on in the coming days. As we drove in the direction of the home, the complete destruction and devastation became very real.

We saw the uprooted trees, mangled street signs, and buildings without roofs; we were compelled to capture these scenes in our photos. We couldn’t imagine anything worse, but only a few blocks later we saw the real extent of the damage.

Homes were completely knocked down with only a doorway or staircase remaining.

Mattresses were hanging from tree branches and homes were reduced to piles of debris with remnants of a bathtub or kitchen table among them. When we pulled up to our worksite, we all just paused. It was as if a giant foot had come down and stomped on the house. All that remained was debris, cinder blocks, and chunks of dry wall. Not only were we in shock from the extent of the damage, but we were also nervous that we wouldn’t be able to do enough to help. The challenge appeared too great to be conquered. The destruction seemed overwhelming not only to us, but to the homeowners, who we had the privilege of meeting.

Kellie, a single mother of two children,

along with her sister, and elderly parents, now faced the challenge of removing floor boards, a bathtub, fallen segments of walls, knocking down a staircase and clearing all the little pieces in between. These victims were not physically able or emotionally ready to throw out all the pieces of their lives, so that became our job. Our first impression of Kellie, as she greeted us, was that she wanted to forget about the tornado, the damage, and move on with her life. We asked if there was anything she wanted us to save from the ruins, but she replied that everything was garbage. However, after she left and we began to remove the debris, we started to find family photos and a few other salvageable items.

Against Kellie’s wishes, we decided to save these memorable items for her family. As the day progressed, we made clean up goals for ourselves. We started off with simple things, but as we continued to work, we began to see how much we were really capable of dong. It was unbelievable to see our pile of garbage grow. We started to realize that we were fully capable of completely clearing the property.

It was over 90 degrees outside, but we managed to clear away all of the wood, broken furniture, and cinder blocks to our pile. We demolished the already broken down leftwall of the house, as well as the bathtub.

The next day, Kellie came to visit us. She began to cry as she told us how she came to the plot of land that was formerly her home after we had finished work the day before.

She could not believe her eyes when she saw all that we had done in just 24 hours. What she truly thanked us for was all of the pictures we prepared for her. She could not stop hugging and thanking us for all that we had done. She said, “We spend our entire lives locking our doors and shutting our windows.

We try our hardest to keep everything enclosed. We want our privacy, but in a matter of seconds, everything we tried to keep hidden from the world, is totally exposed. We may think we are in control of physical and material matters, but all that can be wiped out in seconds and all we are left with is a floor foundation, our family, and friends. Everything is finite.”

Kellie, an Orthodox Baptist, remained optimistic and devoted to God, despite her family’s homelessness and devastation. Among the items that we saved for Kellie, we found many bibles. We realized how religiously committed this woman really was when

Photo courtesy of NCSY

Local NCSYers travel to Alabama to assist in the tornado relief effort. she began to speak about all that God had done for her, and how she knew there was a lesson to take away from this tragedy. Kellie then told us about the day she and her family lost everything. She said, “Me and the six members of my family hid together under our staircase during the tornado. At one point during the storm, I looked up and saw a clear blue sky and I realized that this was the eye of the storm as the winds took up all around me. My mother told me to keep my eyes low and to continue praying, and that’s what I did.” As we looked around, we saw that all that was left of Kellie’s home was that solitary staircase.

This story obviously had a profound impact on our group as we thought of the fear Kellie and her family experienced that day.

In addition to this horrendous story, one of the most heart wrenching moments of our mission was when we decided to take a bathroom break. We realized that the closest bathroom to our worksite was a ten-minute drive away, as all of the buildings around us were completely flattened by the tornado. As we drove through the ghost town looking for a restroom, we barely saw anyone walking the streets. Homeowners had relocated to shelters and volunteers hadn’t yet made it to Pratt City. Finally, a police officer directed us to a public high school, where the Red Cross was setting up.

We were immediately inspired by what we saw – every classroom was designated to a different item, such as children’s toys or women’s shoes, every locker was labeled

with signs that explained what was inside – ties, shoelaces, hairclips. After meeting the other volunteers, we left the school and returned to our worksite. We felt our hard work pay off as we swept the floor of Kellie’s home clean and moved the last of the rubble into the pile. We then drove back to the public school and donated our sleeping bags, pillows, and blankets to the relief effort, and handed out candy to the Pratt City locals.

Then, we were off to New York.

Kellie kept saying, “Thank the Lord for everything. He has blessed us with our lives and our challenges, and has brought us here together.” As Jews, we would translate this into, “Baruch Hashem.” We learned many lessons in Alabama, one of which was a message that we see in Shavuous, “There was one mountain, but many paths.” We understood that all people are G-d’s children and in order to be an or lagoyim, we must learn from one another, especially through opportunities such as this one. We would have never met Kellie if we hadn’t taken the opportunity to go to Alabama and restore Pratt City. We hope that just as much as Kellie impacted us, that we impacted the community in Alabama. We would like to thank Kellie, NCSY, and NECHAMA, for this amazing opportunity.

Adina Hart is a senior at SKA and is going on to study in Michlalah in Israel next fall. If you would like more information on how you can help the relief effort in Alabama, please contact New York NCSY at (516) 569-6279.

THE JEWISH STAR June 10, 2011 • 8 SIVAN, 5771

Candidate Cain speaks of Jewish support

June 10, 2011 • 8 SIVAN, 5771 THE JEWISH STAR

4

Opinion Memo for Shabbos

T

he hustle and bustle of last minute Friday shopping and cooking preparations were coming to a close throughout the land of Shomer Shabbos. Cell phones, computers and electronic miniature communication devices were being switched off and logged out. But amidst the Sabbath bride’s community aroma of chulent, soup herbs and chicken …something smelled afoul.

The White House Media Affairs Office issued a Press ReDAVID’S HARP lease dated for Shabbat June 4, 2011. A memo from President Barack Hussein Obama to the Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, it was an email attachment file labeled 2011jerusalem.dp.rel.pdf.

Two days earlier, Jews throughout the world celebrated the unification of a city indigenous to the Israelites with song, prayer and with concerns of security.

So as Shabbos licht flickered in the windows and as children David F. Nesenoff witnessed Eshes Chayil sung by Abba to Eema, the Washington email laid quietly without a blink or a boink in the inbox. The subject? Suspension of Limitations Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act. Unlike the taste of Kiddush and the dips for the challah, it was a sobering and dry provision: Pursuant to the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 7(a) of the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-45) (the “Act”), I hereby determine that it is necessary, in order to protect the national security interests of the United States, to suspend for a period of 6 months the limitations set forth in sections 3(b) and 7(b) of the Act. “Please pass me the potatoes, they’re really good.” “Pass some more brisket.” The Shabbos meal continues. In 1995 Congress passed an Act to relocate the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem as Israel considers Jerusalem its capital.

The Senate voted in favor 95 to 5. Congress voted in favor 374 to 37. The move was to take place in 1999, 12 years ago. But the U.S. Embassy still to this day continues to stand in Tel Aviv.

“Eema the kugel is cold!” A young one shouts at the table. Clinton didn’t move the embassy and Bush (who campaigned he would move it) didn’t either, as these men were always on the supposed cusp of Middle East peace and wary to cool down Arab enthusiasm. So every six months, Presidents take a break from their diligence and duties and issue a memo of suspension “to protect the national security interests” and not move the embassy to Jerusalem.

We sing, “Yom zeh l’Yisroel orah v’simcha…

This is the day for Israel, shine and rejoice!” The zemiros begin. Obama continues to scribe his every sixth-month waiver since his inauguration with the same vocabulary and legal lexis as his predecessor. But Barack always omits one sentence. Lost in the mixture of the terminology tzimis, he extricates from a people their very heart, soul, Bayt Hamikdash, history and a Wall. He turns over his number two pencil and rubs and erases the words of his predecessor: “My administration remains committed to beginning the process of moving our embassy to Jerusalem.”

We bentch the blessings after the meal. “V’al Yerushalayim eerecha, v’al tsiyon mishkan kevodecha..” “Have mercy Hashem…on your city Jerusalem, on Zion the resting place of Your Glory.” It is the only U.S. Embassy not sitting in the capital of a country.

Scattered prayers in the dining room unify into song “U’vnay Yerushalyim eer hakodesh bimhayra v’yamaynu.” “Rebuild Jerusalem, the Holy City, soon in our days.” Obama gives great comfort and hope and clear messages to the nations of the world that Jerusalem is not intrinsic to Jewish liturgy and land. Through his words, actions, edits and omissions he endeavors to lacerate the Jew from King David’s City and Solomon’s Temple and Abraham’s mission and Isaac’s blessing and Jacob’s vision and add Jerusalem to the detachment of Sarah’s resting place and Rachel’s tomb.

“Blessed are you Hashem, boneh Yerushalyim, Who rebuilds Jerusalem, Amen.” We conclude our after dinner blessings.

While Obama’s email cowardly cowers in the digital postal caverns of Yahoo, the people of Joshua and Jeremiah return to Shabbos zemiros refusing to leave the table. “Yah Ribon Olam v’olmaya…

Oh Master of the world and all worlds…” are the lyrics. Obama may think he is the king over this planet with his Mid East mindset and Jerusalem memos, but Eeema clears the challah crumbs and we sing to our Creator, “Ant hu malka, melech malchaya, You are the King who reigns over kings.”

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The bigger Weiner scandal

I

ts over I hope. After ten days of wiener jokes, Congressman Anthony Weiner has finally stood up and admitted that it was indeed his picture tweeted out to a Seattle college student and that there were other indiscretions. I don’t know what the halacha is, but as far as I am concerned “weinergate” is over; it is now a personal matter for the Congressman and his wife.

Hopefully he can repair the hurt he caused and their marriage can be saved.

Sadly, while the world has been attentive to Weiner’s twitter postings, there is a much more important issue concerning the Congressman that has been virtually ignored by the mainstream media, Congressman Weiner’s conflict of interests.

In the past few months Weiner has been trying to stack the deck in the Supreme Court to make sure that when POLITICO they rule on the constitutionality of Obamacare, the deTO GO cision will go the progressive way. Weiner is among 73 members of Congress demanding that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas recuse himself from any cases related to Obamacare.

Weiner’s demand is based on the fact that Mrs. Thomas is a Tea party activist and a lobbyist who has “experience and connections” and appeals to clients who want to overturn health reform (their words, not necessarily Mrs. Thomas’.)

“As members of Congress, we were surprised by recent revelations of your financial ties to leading organizations dedicated to lobbying against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” the letter said. “We write today to respectfully ask that you maintain the Jeff Dunetz integrity of this court and recuse yourself from any deliberations on the constitutionality of this act.”

“Given these facts, there is a strong conflict between the Thomas household’s financial gain through your spouse’s activities and your role as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court,” they wrote. “We urge you to recuse yourself from this case.”

Of course what they don’t say is that there is nothing wrong with Mrs. Thomas working as a lobbyist or for the Heritage Foundation and that the Judge wasn’t even required to disclose his wife’s income, but did so anyway.

It’s interesting that Weiner, who was the co-sponsor of the reintroduction of the Equal Rights Amendment in 2007, believes that a woman cannot have an independent career when it’s politically expedient. And that is what this is all about...politics. The move against Thomas is being made to preempt another recusal request, Judge Elena Kagan.

Kagan was solicitor general for the Obama Administration during the time the bill was being passed although she has claimed that she had no substantial legal involvement with the bill (she is the one defining substantial.) The purpose of Weiner’s letter was to deflect attention away from Kagan.

More importantly, Weiner is not one to talk about conflict of interest. In Continued on page 5

Yankie & Luzer How can we get Pollard’s message out?

Have Congressman Weiner tweet it.

The real Anthony Weiner scandal Ateret Cohanim honors tough the 2009 spending bill Weiner sponsored $18.3 million in earmarks for 22 groups and projects, over $500,000 of those earmarks went to campaign contributors.

An earmark of $238,000 went to the Sephardic Addiction and Family Education (SAFE) foundation, which may very well be deserving of taxpayer dollars. But the fact that the organization’s board of directors contributed more than $160,000 to Weiner’s various campaigns, may make it a bit more worthy in Weiner’s eyes. Weiner also sponsored a $300,000 earmark for Brooklyn’s Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services, whose director, David Mandel, personally contributed $6,240 to Weiner’s political campaigns.

According to the NY Daily News on Mar. 02, 2009, “At least four board officers of the Sephardic Addiction and Family Education (SAFE) Foundation have, together with their families and close associates, directed more than $160,000 to Weiner’s campaigns, including more than $100,000 for this year’s mayoral race.

“It smacks of pay to play,” said Steve Ellis of Taxpayers for Common Sense, an advocacy group that has railed against socalled “earmarks” in the federal budget that let lawmakers steer federal dollars to pet projects back home.

When the story broke two years ago, Weiner declined to answer questions about why he chose this group for the funding, or about the campaign contributions.

His spokesman John Collins said in a statement: “It is an outrageous smear to say these leaders of the Jewish community are engaged in anything improper.”

But the truth is no one is accusing these organizations of doing anything improper, the accusation is against Congressman Weiner. In fact one of the principals involved never knew about the earmark until he was contacted by the press.

“Anthony is a friend of the Sephardic community of Brooklyn,” said Morris Missry, a SAFE board officer who raised $67,700 from 27 donors for Weiner last summer.

He and his wife have given $9,950 to Weiner’s mayoral and congressional campaigns.

Missry said he was surprised about the Weiner earmark when called by the Daily News. “That’s wonderful,” he said of the $238,000 for SAFE. “We need the money.”

As long as this sexting controversy occurred between adults, and unless there is evidence it was done on the public dime, I strongly believe that it was an issue between Weiner and his wife.

But his suspicious use of congressional earmarks is the issue that we all should be concerned about. Before he questions the conflict of interest related to Justice Thomas’ wife, perhaps Congressman Weiner should answer (to his own wife) and to Congress on questions about his earmarks.

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.

living in east Jerusalem

By Sergey Kadinsky

Their home has armed guards, their ride has bulletproof windows, but the dangers surrounding the Tanami family are not on an isolated settlement, they are within the capital of Israel.

“My life has become complicated with daily challenges. We have faith in our cause as messengers of the entire nation,” said Chaya Shira Tanami, an American-born optometrist who lives with her husband and three children in Yemenite Village, a Jewish community within the largely Arab Silwan neighborhood. Tanami was honored on June 1 at the Jerusalem Day fundraiser dinner held by American Friends of Ateret CohanimJerusalem Chai, an organization that raises funds for Jewish property purchases in parts of Jerusalem annexed by Israel after the Six Day War. “They redeem homes that once belonged to Jews in the Old City. These young families are amazingly brave,” said Bernard Hoenig, a Far Rockaway resident, who is a founder of American Friends of Ateret Cohanim.

Along with Chaya Shira Tanami, Brooklyn real estate developer Henoch Messner and his wife Tova were honored for their work in purchasing a 150-year-old home in the Muslim Quarter that still had evidence of its former Jewish ownership. “We found here an old niche for a mezuzah,” Messner said in a video presented at the dinner, held at Terrace on the Park in Queens. “We are going to put a mezuzah back in this place.” Between 1930 and 2010, Arab tenants had occupied

Photo by Sergey Kadinsky

Chaya Shira Tanami recieves award from Ateret Cohanim Executive Vice President Shani Hikind

the home.

The keynote speaker at the event was World Likud Chairman Danny Danon, who also spoke later in the week at the Israel Day Concert/Rally, on Israel’s commitment to keeping Jerusalem united. “I am not afraid of September. Jerusalem will exist after September,” he said, referring to the likely date for a UN vote on Palestinian statehood. “We made a poll among Israelis and 80 percent are against any compromise of Jerusalem,” Danon said.

In the mean time, families such as the Tanamis look back at their home, which flies Israeli flags from its windows, next to burn marks on the walls from Molotov cocktails lobbed by Arab rioters. “The more Jewish homes we have, the more secure it becomes.

We need more neighbors,” Tanami said. “We invite each of you to visit us in Jerusalem.”

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THE JEWISH STAR June 10, 2011 • 8 SIVAN, 5771

Continued from page 4

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June 10, 2011 • 8 SIVAN, 5771 THE JEWISH STAR

6

Parshat B’haalotkha

Hebrew only please!

Razors to raise them The Levites are consecrated, once and for all, in the opening passages of our parsha.

Mazal tov!

Hold your horses. Did you read what they have to go through to experience this monumental achievement?

“Take the Levites from among the Israelites and purify them. This is how you purify them: sprinkle on them ‘sin waters’ and pass a razor over their entire bodies (shave their hair), then they’ll wash their clothes and they’ll thus be purified.” (8:67) The Midrash takes the entire procedure and places it into Korach’s mouth as one of his arguments against Moshe’s sanity and moral leadership.

With (arguably) good reason! It sounds like Rabbi Avi Billet they’re going through a delousing formula before entering prison!

Rashi is so disturbed by this depiction that he quotes a “nice idea” that he heard from Rabbi Moshe HaDarshan, the master of Biblical exegesis, to try to explain why the Levites would go through such an ordeal. Such a homiletical interpretation suggests a lesson to be learned, but also an explanation that may not be entirely accurate.

Their body hair seems to be shaved, he explains, “Since they brought about the forgiveness for the firstborns who had worshiped idols through killing those who worshiped the Golden Calf and idolatry is considered ‘the offerings of the dead,’ and a person afflicted with tzara’at is called ‘dead,’ they were required to have the same kind of haircut as those afflicted with tzara’at.”

So, if one is looking to achieve a spiritual connection to G-d, the last step before bringing a korban or dunking in the mikveh is to take a full-body-shave?

I understand the concept of shaving to achieve “cleanliness.” But to compare the journey of the metzora cleansing himself to that of a Levite who carried out capital punishment on idolators is like comparing apples to oranges. Technically they’re both fruit – but through two very different processes.

The biggest irony comes from the fact that the only other time the word for razor (ta’ar) appears in the Torah is in the context of a nazir commencing his vow period of not drinking wine or cutting his hair. (Bamidbar 6:5) While the metzora does shave all his (or her) hair, (Vayikra 14:8-9) there is no mention of the use of a razor.

The Talmud (Nazir 40) addresses the

question of how we know the metzora’s shaving is done by razor, concluding that the rabbis interpreted thus from comparing their shaving to the shavings of the Levites and Nazirs which were done with a razor.

More importantly, what does it mean to have the body-hair shaved? And why do the Levites have to go through such a procedure?

Commentaries address how much hair must be removed. Ibn Ezra quotes the “copiers” who said the beard should be shaved, but not the “pe’ah,” the area that is Biblically forbidden to cut (Vayikra 19:27). Rabbenu Bachaya says the “pe’ah” is included in what may be cut. The Midrash, however, says the only hair that may not be cut grows in hidden areas.

The Torah Temimah defines these “hidden areas” as armpits and the pubic region, and he learns this from a passage in Kiddushin 25a that says we only count generally seen organs. Organs that are not normally seen need not be shaved in the “full-body” shave.

No matter how much of the body is shaved, the question remains of why the “cleansing process” of shaving is applied to the Levites. One marked distinction between the shavings is that of the Sefer HaChinukh (Mitzvah 377) which says the Levite circumstance was a one-time purification process that only the first group of Levites went through, while nazirs and metzoras would forever have to go through such a process.

The Siftei Cohen (Shakh) puts it best when he describes the symbolism of this onetime act as one which helps the Levites get past a few dark spots in their familial history.

While it says, “they will pass a razor on their flesh,” the Torah does not go into detail as to what they’ll actually shave, because it is the act of the moving of the razor that is symbolic, not the removal of the hair as it is in the case of the metzora. The Levites had an appetite for the sword, as was originally demonstrated by their ancestor’s actions in wiping out the city of Shechem. They took the same sword to punish those who had sinned at the Golden Calf. The razor needed to be passed over the body as a ‘kapparah’ for their distasteful act, inspired by the bad angel Sama’el, of using the sword to carry out justice.

Therefore, the razor, and not the actual hair removal is what becomes the focus.

Even though capital punishment is sometimes necessary, those who rush to carry it out are still held culpable for their participation in the act, minimally mandated to have a spiritual cleansing.

The one-time act was meant to purge forever Levitical characteristics that would no longer be useful in those designated for Temple service.

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.

It takes all types to make a nation

By Rabbi Noam Himelstein

Rabbi Noam Himelstein studied in Yeshivat Har Etzion and served in the Tanks Corps of the IDF. He has taught in yeshiva high schools, post-high school women’s seminaries, and headed the Torah MiTzion Kollel in Melbourne, Australia. He currently teaches at Yeshivat Orayta in Jerusalem, and lives with his wife and six children in Neve Daniel, Gush Etzion.

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By Chaya Wertman My name is Chaya Wertman. I am fourteen years old and I was born into a family with two extraordinary boys with disabilities. I don’t look at myself as unfortunate, but rather as the fortunate younger sister of two amazing brothers.

An outsider that would walk into my house at any given moment would realize at once that it was anything but typical. However, as a little girl I didn’t think of my family as different, I didn’t know of anything else. As I got older, I realized that my brothers were different and my family was different than my friends’ families. Teachers and therapists were part of our daily routine and arranging our schedule around the therapies was normal.

A family outing was rare and when it did occur the preparations took longer than the actual outing. My brothers’ moods were very unpredictable and what one child enjoyed doing the others didn’t necessarily enjoy. We always had to have contingency plans because one of my brothers could have an unexpected tantrum at any time. And of course, we couldn’t go anywhere without additional help for the boys.

Even though it was very challenging, my parents tried their best giving each child the attention that we needed and doing activities that each child enjoyed. But, by necessity, Eli and Ephraim needed the most attention.

Ephraim’s needs were met through the many res-hab workers that OHEL Bais Ezra sent to keep him occupied. But as Eli grew older and stronger his needs became more demanding. There was no one in the immediate family or extended family that wasn’t

Photo courtesy of the Wertman family

Chaya Wertman of Cedarhurst is a proud sister of Ephraim and Eli. affected by Eli’s demanding needs. Anything that I left unattended, Eli would get his hands on. I found that sometimes I couldn’t go out with my parents because Eli couldn’t be left alone and he couldn’t be left with a typical babysitter either. I was probably one of the only girls my age that had to help watch a brother that was 3 years older or do homework with another brother that was 7 years

older. Doing homework with Ephraim was part of my daily routine in order to help out while my mom was busy caring for Eli. As time went on, things started to spiral out of control, even my mother and father had a hard time taking care of Eli because he was so strong and needy.

At that point, the Arlington residence came as a savior for Eli and for our entire

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family. It was a home that OHEL Bais Ezra opened, that was designed entirely to meet the needs of Eli and four other developmentally disabled boys. It gave Eli a place that was his, where he didn’t have to be contained in one room; there was nothing that he couldn’t touch or could break if he touched, everything was “Eli proof.” There are constant activities that the home provides that Eli enjoys. There’s an incredible staff that gives each boy their undivided attention and constantly keeps the boys occupied with activities that are geared to their individual needs. Eli, along with the other individuals work on life skills daily. Whether it’s cooking in the kitchen, doing the laundry, or even simply throwing out their garbage, each boy strives to achieve his own goals at his own pace.

This home didn’t only make a difference to Eli but it affects me as well as my family daily. We can go on outings without worries of scheduling, tantrums and contingency plans. I can leave things around the house without worrying that Eli could be harmed by them. I now spend more time with my family and friends and my daily routine is closer to that of a typical 14 year old.

At any time that I like I can go and visit Eli. In fact, as part of my weekly schedule I set aside Thursday nights to bake cookies with the boys in the Home. Although Eli is non-verbal, by the smiles on his face whenever I visit, I can ensure that he is happy in his home and being well cared for.

As a family, we can live our daily lives with ease knowing that Eli lives just a few short blocks away, and is part of the extended OHEL Bais Ezra family.

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THE JEWISH STAR June 10, 2011 • 8 SIVAN, 5771

Meet my brothers and my OHEL Bais Ezra Family

Long Island children are hungry, and the need is critical.

Photo of the Week

Even a small gift can make a large difference to a hungry family.

Now, more than ever, your fellow Long Islanders are in need of help from their neighbors. Lost jobs, closed businesses, down sizing, foreclosures — all have led to more people, adults and children, with empty plates on their tables.

Your donation, even as little as $10, can feed a hungry child for a week.

Mrs. Sherman Legacy Fund awards Rebecca Tanzer, scholarship to Israel

Look inside this paper for your Island Harvest remittance envelope

On Thursday, June 2nd, Marylin Sherman of Oceanside hosted NCSY/ JSU teens at her home marking the 2011-2012 JSU Israeli Culture Club elections for Oceanside High School. This end-of-the-year celebration highlighted the achievements of the students and awarded Rebecca Tanzer, a senior at Oceanside and the President of the JSU club, with a $1,800 scholarship to Israel for the following year.

Rabbi Aryeh Lightstone, Regional Director of New York NCSY, Adam Jerozolim, Director of South Shore NCSY, and Aryeh Smith, Director of Mid-Island NCSY, presented the check. This scholarship was provided by the Mrs. Sherman Legacy Fund and honored Rebecca for her commitment Judaism and Jewish values, as well as her continuing education in Israel.

For NCSY or JSU info, call (516) 569-6279 or email nyinfo@ncsy.org.

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Pledge your support by visiting: www.islandharvest.org/donate.

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Mail your gift to: Island Harvest, 199 Second Street, Mineola, NY 11501.

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Call: (516) 294-8528 to make a donation.

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If you have a photograph with a description, from local or afar, please submit to: newsroom@thejewishstar.com

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June 10, 2011 • 8 SIVAN, 5771 THE JEWISH STAR

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THE JEWISH STAR June 10, 2011 • 8 SIVAN, 5771

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June 10, 2011 • 8 SIVAN, 5771 THE JEWISH STAR

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I marched IN LIVING COLOR, ISRAEL CELEBRATES with HANC

By Brigitte Fixler Attendees from numerous synagogues, schools, youth groups and organizations commemorated the 63rd anniversary of Israeli independence. The march was led by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator Charles Schumer, and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, among other elected officials.

For the first time, the world’s largest proIsrael event in the diaspora was broadcast on live television through WWOR-TV. As an alumna, I marched with Hebrew Academy of Nassau County, which stepped up some two hours after the parade commenced. Many HANC rabbis and teachers brought their families and marched together with the students.

The students came from all three HANC campuses- the Plainview elementary school, the West Hempstead elementary school, and the Uniondale middle/ high school- everyone marching together, having a great time with their fellow students and teachers.

The sea of the school’s red t-shirts was certainly hard to miss. In keeping with the parade’s theme, “In Tune With Israel,” the students loudly sang “Am Yisrael Chai” as they marched up Fifth Avenue, waving flags and student-made banners. The fourth to sixth grade girls wore colorful streamers on their wrists and performed a special dance along the route.

Michelle Teitelbaum, a 10th grader at HANC, remarked that this year’s parade felt shorter than usual. Indeed, the 2011 parade route only ran from 57th St. to 74th St. In the past, the parade had stretched up to 79th Street.

As they passed the ‘protester box,’ many HANC students noticed that it seemed very empty, with only a small handful of anti-Zionists holding signs and thumbing down the parade.

The weather held up very nicely this year, and the slight breeze made walking very comfortable.

Following the parade was the Israel Day Concert/Rally at the Central Park Summer Stage. Avraham Fried reiterated the message of keeping Jerusalem united as he belted out his most popular hits. Among the speakers, David F. Nesenoff distributed his speech to the audience and they read it together.

The event was organized by Dr. Joseph Frager of Jamaica Estates, and Dr. Paul and Drora Brody of Great Neck. The concert and the Nesenoff speech were dedicated to the release of Jonathan Pollard and Gilat Shalit.

Chai Riders motorcycle club roared up Fifth Avenue in full patriotic display.

The Brandeis School of Lawrence honors the 63rd year of the Jewish state with a song-theme banner focused on unity.

Above, Gorsky-Kavkazi Jews from Brooklyn marched with an ensemble of young performers in traditional outfits from the Caucasus, while Yuli Edelstein, the Israeli Minister of Information and Diaspora, struts through a throng of media and police. Below left, SKA banner announces a song of praise for Israel. On the right, the Queens-based Bukharian Jewish Congress danced with joma-clad shashmakom musicians led by Yakov Barayev.

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Dr. Paul Brody and his son Joey sing with Avraham Fried. Joey is wearing a shirt designed by his school.

Jonathan Daniels, policy advisor to MK Danny Danon; radio talk show host Nachum Segal; concert organizer Dr. Joseph Frager, Danny Danon, and Dr. Paul and Drora Brody cheer for Israel on stage.

THE JEWISH STAR June 10, 2011 • 8 SIVAN, 5771

ON FIFTH AVENUE AND CENTRAL PARK

Yitzy Bald’s New York Boys Choir lit up the concert stage with their synchronized voices and dance moves

Israeli youths celebrate their homeland at the concert.

Sergey Kadinsky, in orange, with the informal Facebook group Exotic Jews, which celebrates the unity of Jews from different backgrounds. This group includes converts, and Jews of Moroccan, Persian, Yemenite, Caucasian, and other backgrounds.

David F. Nesenoff chatted with hasidic sensation Avraham Fried.

Alongside flags, a Zionist-themed keffiyah design was also popular among concert goers.

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June 10, 2011 • 8 SIVAN, 5771 THE JEWISH STAR

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By Ariel Rosenbloom

What’s your favorite memory from school? “I’m a musician in my own right, but what really appeals to me is the davening and Torah environment my school provides for me.�

DONIEL ZOLDAN 3-year old nursery student at JCC, Woodmere

“It was around the time of the Vietnam War, and we decided none of us were gonna go to class because we wanted to protest the Vietnam War. The truth was, we just didn’t want to go to class. “ JOYCE LEDERSTEIN teacher, Woodmere

“When my teacher went for a week to the Lubavitcher Rebbe and came back with a lot of happiness, and power and a real will to educate the kids.�

“I remember my high school senior trip.

HAFTR took us to Toronto and we went paint balling, and to Canada’s Wonderland.�

RABBI YANKEE DEUTCH runs teenager-at-risk program, Cedarhurst

SAMANTHA GREENBAUM Stern College graduate, Oceanside

“My sister, Aliza, and I went to the Museum of Natural History and met my class there.�

KATIE FRIEDMAN 3rd grade at HAFTR, Woodsburgh “I was just very very loud. You could always hear me down the halls.�

CHAYALA KESSLER proud babysitter, Cedarhurst

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THE JEWISH STAR June 10, 2011 • 8 SIVAN, 5771

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June 10, 2011 • 8 SIVAN, 5771 THE JEWISH STAR

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The Kosher Bookworm

A picture’s worth... a good Father’s Day gift

F

or many years I found that the time honored adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words” to be a fascinating concept that accurately reflects the eloquent and effective expression of the imagery that could only help in the effective teaching of the history of our people. In the book, “A Timeless People: Photo Albums of American Jewish Life” [Gefen Publishing House, 2011] by Saul Landa, we have in one volume a photo essay of American Alan Jay Gerber Jewish history that brings to reality an accurate portrayal of the above cited adage.

Designed by one of Israel’s most talented graphic designers S. Kim Glassman, we find in this work over a thousand pictures, each representing over a thousand words and ideas reflecting a photographic history of 18 metropolitan areas spanning from time immemorial unto this day.

This unique photo essay album

of most major American metropolitan areas from coast to coast reflects an American Jewish religious-centered history that goes right to the heart of what has become of American Jewry through the eyes of the original talented photo lens and mind’s eye of both Dr. Landa’s and Ms. Glassman’s choice of pictures.

The result is a work that graphically demonstrates what truly involved the reality of the many experiences of millions of Jews who had arrived upon these blessed shores at great personal peril fleeing both religious hatred and economic deprivation only to face a fearful uncertainty half way around the world.

By just looking intently at the pictures of these people as portrayed herein I see their fears and hopes which no verse or prose can accurately express. These pictures are framed by the clothing styles and physical surroundings of that era thus giving a further dimension to these people’s total experiences.

When I look at the picture of each person I look deep into each one of their eyes. The eyes tell me lot; they define all the emotion that further defines their frame of mind.

Eyes reflect the soul and the wordless passion that lay hidden behind the blank stare of a facial

mask’s expression. This was truly a most haunting, as well as chastening, experience.

In the years to come no effective teaching of American Jewish history will be taught effectively without referencing this valued work. The haunting and inspiring pictures contained herein will give that history a needed extra dimension to both the personalities and events that came to define our own destiny today within the context of our own experience in America.

Next Sunday is fathers’ day. If you were to choose a book to present to your father, father-in-law, grandfather or greatgrandfather this coming fathers’ day this book would be my choice for this year.

In addition, might I suggest that you purchase copies for yourself and for your shul’s library. From personal experience I can state that this will be appreciated by all.

Opinion Rav Binny’s lesson in overcoming hate

I

magine if you could destroy all the feelings of hatred in your life. Imagine if the next time that guy you can’t stand walked into the room, you could somehow be spared the pains of loathing. Imagine not having a single enemy in the world. Wouldn’t life just be more pleasant?

Seems like a pretty lofty goal. How can we possibly control our FROM THE HEART emotional and instincOF JERUSALEM tive reactions especially when we feel mistreated? And yet that is exactly what the Torah demands: “Do not hate your brother in your heart.”

(Vayikra 19:17) The text doesn’t just discourage hatred or describe the dangers of hatred. It goes so far as to outlaw it. In this article, I would like to share Samuel Fisher an approach to this halacha that I learned from my Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Binny Freedman, an approach that changed my life. I have come to see just how possible it is to follow such a command. Even if we define hatred as any degree of contempt whatsoever, I believe

that this uncomfortable and counterproductive emotion can be conquered.

First we must understand the source and nature of hatred, even in its mildest forms.

Let’s start with a fairly common example. A person is driving his car and somebody cuts him off. Without question, such episodes would evoke in me feelings of contempt directed at the assailant. Many might even start honking and cursing at the perpetrator.

I would argue that the frustration that comes with being cut-off is actually not a result of having to slow down and wait in traffic. My proof—imagine a second case in which the driver renounces his right-of-way on his own by waving the other driver by. I would expect that this time, even though the driver once again loses time, he would actually feel pleased especially when he sees the recipient’s thankful nod.

While these two scenarios are practically identical, they involve opposite emotions. It seems, therefore, that the root of the hatred is not the technical circumstances (having to wait) but rather the relationships involved.

Both cases represent a loss on the part of the waiting driver. In the second case, the loss takes the form of a gift, a sacrifice by choice that only brings the two drivers closer. But in the first case, the loss takes the form of a seizure by force, what seems to be the embodiment of injustice. It is not the loss itself

but this sense of injustice that is hatred’s ultimate fuel.

This idea lends an explanation for how the Torah expects a person to control and eventually eradicate the destructive emotion. If hatred is rooted in the impression that someone has unjustly taken, it is also rooted in a sense of entitlement to whatever was taken. The angry person feels that he deserves what he had but was unfairly stripped of his earnings. But that is a fallacy. Even putting G-d aside, no one deserves that which he happens to possess. What I mean is that while a person’s situation may have risen out of effort, it is most essentially a product of his accidental circumstances.

For instance, a student may feel like he deserves a good grade because he studied hard. But for what reason did he deserve a mind conducive to study? And for what reason did he deserve a family to instill in him his work-ethic? So, counter-intuitive as it sounds, a good student does not deserve good grades.

Losing something can certainly feel disappointing. But even the one who suffers a loss is not actually a victim of injustice.

He has merely lost through chance what he acquired through chance. And there is no reason to believe he is any more entitled to the object than the one who took it from him. With this in mind, it makes no sense to hate the one who took from you what you never deserved in the first place.

Don’t misunderstand—you can combat the action that causes you a loss. But why resent the person himself?

Who says you deserve any better than him?

So maybe that is what the Torah means— realize that everything you have is no more than an unmerited gift so that you can part with it in peace. Such a mindset should not dissuade a person from optimizing his productive capacity. Clearly our achievements depend on our efforts as well. But if we understand that our blessings are just as undeserved as our losses often seem, I think we will see that we are actually very fortunate.

One who suffers a loss is not actually a victim of injustice

Samuel Fisher grew up in Newton, Massachusetts and graduated from Maimonides School in 2010. He is spending the year studying in Yeshivat Orayta in the Old City of Jerusalem after which he will attend Harvard College.

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collected from events like weddings and corporate gatherings. Leket Israel stood to make $250,000 from last Thursday night’s party.

The tables were covered in burlap accented with wheatgrass and signs were made from treated plywood and spray paint. This blended artfully with the industrial feel of the room. The highlight of the evening was the impeccable wine selection put together by wine blogger Yossie Horwitz. It was a selection that featured wines not available yet available in the states. Of these my favorite was Psagot’s Shiraz that was woody with a good deal of spice blended together by a tart pomegranate flavor. The catering was put together by Heshy Jay, a Brooklyn-based boutique catering company. His menu for Sensi6 was bold, elegant, and ambitious. It unabashedly reached longingly for the stars. But it fell to the ground just after hitting the inner atmosphere. This was because each table had several varieties of whatever he was presenting. For instance his risotto table had three different risottos and one server frantically trying to keep up with the rush of the crowd.

Each table seemed to be equally understaffed for very labor intensive food. There was an exception here. I had a veal burger with deep fried leaks and a wasabi mayo that was out of this world.

The one thing that did irk me was the art auction. The attendees appeared less than enthused. Garnering their attention proved exceedingly and getting their bids seemed an even greater task. It seemed like this wonderful concept had been put together by these very talented and dedicated young women who then used their talent and dedication to benefit one of the most worthy charities on

:KDW :H 2IIHU

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Photo by Zechariah Mehler

Sensi6 attendees sample wine, food and art, all for the Leket Israel charity. the planet and yet people seemed more interested in hobnobbing, or trolling for someone of the opposite sex.

But that distaste comes down to the fact that I am a culinary journalist not a socialite and though I attend many food gatherings I do not find myself at many benefit galas. In the end I feel that Sensi6 is like a good cabernet sauvignon complex and brilliant but with a mild tannic bite that takes some getting used to. And though I have yet to learn to

fully appreciate the subtle, shall we say cultural notes of an event like Sensi6, I greatly applaud those who were involved in its creation and execution. My hope is that one day their spirit of giving will greatly influence Sensi6’s vintage.

Zechariah Mehler is a widely published food writer and expert in social marketing. Follow him on Twitter @thekoshercritic

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By appointment, you’re welcome to come in and sit with us for a while.

We’ll ask you to outline your financial goals – what your investment portfolio is intended to do for you. Then we’ll review the portfolio for and with you.

If we think your investments continue to be well-suited to your longterm goals, we’ll gladly tell you so, and send you on your way. If, on the other hand, we think some of your investments no longer fit with your goals, we’ll explain why, in plain English. And, if you like, we’ll recommend some alternatives.

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As a food writer, I find myself attending a lot of food events in the city. The more of these events that you are present at the more you pick up on subtle nuances within the gathering like the curt professionalism of the wait staff or the diversity of vendors. These are the little things that set each event apart from the other making some extraordinary and some simply adequate.

All of which is a long way of saying that over THE KOSHER time you develop a palCRITIC ate for events the same way you do for food or wine. Kosherfest will be a big bold display of both the refined and the rudimentary, while Kosher Food and Wine Experience will be more delicate, focusing on the gourmet end of things. An event that is new and unique for me was Sensi6 on June 2, which covered both of Zechariah Mehler those bases.

The brainchild of Maya Cohen Abitbol, Nicole Katz Kavana and Daniella Kahane Levy, Sensi6 is a buffet dinner, wine tasting, art gallery and auction all set to music by a progressive yet sensible DJ. For the past number of years, Sensi6 has benefited a number of very worthy charities. This year’s charity was Leket Israel, the universal food pantry, an organization that helps feed 40,000 hungry Israelis. Leket Israel’s efforts are enabled by donations and leftover food

THE JEWISH STAR June 10, 2011 • 8 SIVAN, 5771

Sensi6 gala bite and spirit

June 10, 2011 • 8 SIVAN, 5771 THE JEWISH STAR

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June 11

On common ground

KULANU, located at 620 Central Avenue in Cedarhurst, is hosting TaShma Orchestra for its Saturday night teenage gathering. The $15 admission includes refreshments. For more information, contact Jonathan at 516-569-3083 ext. 135.

June 12

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.

JCC director Skolnick honored with business award

Annual Siyum

YESHIVA OF FAR ROCKAWAY, located at 802 Hicksville Road in Far Rockaway, is holding its Seventeenth Annual Siyum, honoring the 109 talmidim who will complete tractate Kiddushin.

The event begins at noon. Rabbi Aharon Kahn of Knesses Bais Avigdor in Brooklyn will be the guest speaker. For more information, contact 718-327-7600 or www.yofr.org

Rina Skolnick was honored last month by the Long Island Business News as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business. Skolnick, who became executive director of the JCC of the Greater Five Towns in 2002, was awarded in recognition of her ability to triple the budget and expand programs across the age spectrum in a time when many nonprofits are experiencing budget cuts. This JCC serves around 16,000 individuals through 18 sites throughout the community. For more information, visit www.fivetownsjcc.org.

Kulanu Annual Fair

KULANU is holding its annual fair at Cedarhurst Park in Cedarhurst. The event begins at 12 p.m. and includes game booths, refreshments, pony rides, and prizes. The Jewish Star is a sponsor, and its editorial staff will be present at the event.

Proceeds from the sponsorships will directly go to year-round programs for local families with special-needs children. For more information, call 516-569-3083.

Three Cantors perform

SUBURBAN PARK JEWISH CENTER, located at 400 Old Westbury Road in East Meadow, is holding a concert featuring cantors Eitan Binet, David Krasner, and Steve Shor, who will perform cantorial, Israeli, hasidic, and popular songs. The general admission is $18. The event begins at 7 p.m. For sponsorship and information, call 516-520-5733 or visit www.suburbanparklevtorah.com

June 13

Keeping our children safe GREAT NECK SYNAGOGUE, located at 26 Old Mill Road in Great Neck is sponsoring a lecture by Barry Horowitz, coordinator of Ohel’s Long Island Adolescent Leadership Program. The topic will be “Summer vacation and beyond: minimizing the risks of child abuse.” The event is co-sponsored

by Young Israel of Great Neck, Cherry Lane Minyan, NSHA, and Yeshiva Har Torah. The event begins at 8 p.m. For more information, contact 516-487-6100.

Agudah of Bayswater dinner

AGUDATH ISRAEL OF BAYSWATER is holding its annual dinner at Ateres Nachama Lieba Simcha Hall, located at 613 Beach 9th Street in Far Rockaway. Mr. and Mrs. Levi Scharf will be awarded for their hospitality. Rabbis Yosef Goldberg, Mordechai Sitorsky, Yekusiel Dembitzer, Moshe Dovid Goodman, Yossi Korngold, and Nachum Shapiro, will be honored for delivering weekly shiurim over the past year. The event begins at 6 p.m. For more information, call Jeff Waldman at 917-428-1165

June 15

Cantorial concert at Beth Sholom CONGREGATION BETH SHOLOM, located at 390 Broadway in Lawrence, is holding its annual Cantorial Concert featuring cantors Yitzchak Meir Helfgot, Binyamin Muller, David Berson, Joel Kaplan, Daniel Gildar, and the Beth Sholom Choir.

Cantor Eric Freeman will conduct, accompanied by Mimi (Kaplan) Levison. The concert is sponsored by Lynda and Benjamin Brafman, and Sherry and Joel Wiener in memory of their parents. The event begins at 7:45 p.m. Tickets priced at $36 and $50 are on a first-come basis, and may be purchased online at http://bethsholom. us/cantorialconcert2011.html. For more information, call 516-569-3600

June 16

Valley Stream Chabad dinner

CHABAD OUTREACH CENTER is holding its annual Hand in Hand dinner, honoring its supporters on the center’s 17th year in Valley Stream. The dinner chairmen are Nassau County legislator Francis X. Becker and local Republican district leader John DeGrace. The dinner will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Colbeh at Temple Israel, located at 54-27 Little Neck Parkway in Little Neck. For more information, contact 516-825-5566.

Cholent Bowl III for Camp Nageela

JEP/CAMP NAGEELA is holding a Cholent Bowl fundraiser to benefit the scholarship fund of Camp Nageela in Lawrence. The four competing cholents are Hadar Guela of boro Park, Kold Kuts of Flatbus, Mr. Broadway of Manhattan, Aron’s Kissena Farms of Queens, and Gottlieb’s of Williamsburg. The men’s only event will begin at 8:45 p.m. at the home of Drs. Ari and Suri Wein-

reb, located at 310 Eastwood Road in Woodmere.

The minimum donation per person is $50. For more information, contact 516-374-1528 or visit www.cholentbowl.com

June 19 Memorial hockey tournament

YESHIVA HAR TORAH, located at 250-10 Grand Central Parkway in Bellerose, will host the 2011 Martin Weiselberg Memorial Junior High Hockey Tournament. The tournament is dedicated in memory of Marty Weiselberg, father of HANC Junior High Hockey coach, Elliot Weiselberg. Six local school teams will play, including Yeshiva Har Torah, HANC. NSHA, and Yeshiva of Central Queens. The free event begins at 9:15 a.m. and runs to 5:30 p.m. For more information, contact Elliot Weiselberg at emw13@aol.com.

June 20

Ask Aviva speaks in KGH

YESHIVA OHEL SIMCHAH, located at 141-41 72 Avenue in Kew Gardens Hills, is hosting a Neve Ohr lecture with The Jewish Star columnist Aviva Rizel and her husband Meir. They will speak on the topic of “Finding the Right One without Losing Yourself.” The free women-only lecture begins at 9 p.m. For more information, contact AvivaRizelMFT@gmail.com

June 21

YILB Annual Dinner

YOUNG ISRAEL OF LONG BEACH is holding its annual dinner honoring members Chaim and Linda Neuman, and Charles Kindler. The dinner celebrates the history and members of this synagogue. The event begins 6:30 p.m. at White Shul, located at 728 Empire Avenue in Far Rockaway.

For more information, contact 516-431-2404.

June 26

Machane Chodosh anniversary banquet

CONGREGATION MACHANE CHODOSH of Forest Hills is holding its 72nd Anniversary Banquet at Rockwood Park Jewish Center, located at 156-45 84th Street in Howard Beach. The event will honor longtime member Jane Stiefel and Talmud Torah director Ricky Schneider on his efforts to provide free weekly Bar Mitzvah and Hebrew classes to public school students, resulting in hundreds of bnei mitzvah since his arrival in 1997. Schneider also lains the weekly parsha at the synagogue.

For more information and sponsorships, contact 718-793-5656

Ongoing

Pictures of partisan resistance exhibit

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL AND TOLERANCE CENTER OF NASSAU COUNTY, located at 100 Crescent Beach Road in Glen Cove, is hosting “Pictures of Resistance. The exhibit runs through July 15.

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Suggested donation is $10.00 for adults, and $5 for students and seniors. For information and directions call 516 571-8040 ext.

100 or visit www.holocaust-nassau.org.

Community Bais Medrash

YOUNG ISRAEL OF QUEENS VALLEY, located at 141-55 77 Avenue in Kew Gardens Hills is hosting a weekly Torah learning event for men, where participants may learn on any Torah topic of choice with a kollel member of Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim.

The learning takes place every Wednesday from 8:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. For more information, contact Rabbi Noach Rabovsky at 561-702-9351 or noach.rabovsky@gmail.com

Sfas Emes on the parsha

SH’OR YOSHUV INSTITUTE, located at One Cedar Lawn Avenue in Lawrence is holding weekly lectures on the Sfas Emes commentary on the weekly parsha by Rabbi Naftali Jaeger in the Bais Medrash of the yeshiva. Rabbi Jaeger is the Rosh Yeshiva at Sh’or Yoshuv. The lecture takes place 20 minutes before mincha services every Friday. For more information on shiurim, contact Yitzchok Halpern at 516-239-9002 ext. 113 or yhalpern@shoryoshuv.org

Support group

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.

The friend of my friend is my what?

Dear Aviva,

I am very good friends with Rachel, who is very good friends with Tamara. Tamara and I don’t get along. We are all aware of the dynamic, and until now, we would be respectful towards each other. Recently Tamara has been making very biting comments to me. I never bite back, but I do tear up very often. I was wondering what you thought about me approaching Rachel and asking her to say something to Tamara.

-Bawling Buddy

Dear Bawling Buddy,

This doesn’t sound like a good scenario, but the good news is that you do have some choices. I’ll lay them out for you and you decide what works best.

First, observe how Tamara speaks to Rachel. Is she insidious with her too? If so, it may be more difficult to make direct behavioral changes with Tamara. This just may be how Tamara treats everyone and you are someone who has a thinner skin. In that case, don’t try to change anything except the frequency of your exposure to her. It’s not like you guys have a deep friendship that would make it worth it to try to make major personality changes here.

If Tamara treats Rachel well and uses you as her whipping girl, approach Tamara yourself. Email her or text her and tell her you’d like to speak to her about something.

Ask her to call you back when it’s convenient for her. If she calls you, tell her that you’d like to know if you did anything to offend her, because you’ve noticed that she seems upset with you. If she denies anything, just tell her that she’s been making hurtful comments, and give her an example or two. Tell her you’d appreciate if she speaks diffrently with you. If she doesn’t even call you, try calling her yourself. I know this method is very gutsy. It’s difficult to do, but you will feel very empowered afterwards, even if she doesn’t react the way you would like. (Being proactive is a lot like a drug. You can get high off of it, and it’s actually non-toxic. But it’s not regulated by the FDA, so don’t quote me on that.) If Tamara really treats Rachel more respectfully, then try observing them. When Rachel tells

Tamara, “Don’t even think of stepping on me,” what is she doing?

Another choice you have is speaking to Rachel but not about what you asked me about. I don’t like the idea of asking Rachel to say something to Tamara because I am not an advocate of indirect communication. It just muddles things and becomes a petri-dish for unhealthy collusions and misunderstandings. So what do I think you should say to Rachel? A simple request: Please don’t encourage Tamara when she makes insulting comments to me. No laughing at jokes, no continuing the sarcasm, not a snicker. That is the only power that Rachel has here. You have the power to address Tamara directly, and Rachel has the power to be a non-encouraging (maybe even disapproving) bystander.

My husband recently did a program in Washington Heights about domestic abuse.

At the end of the program, Rebbetzin Schwartz spoke. She said that she is qualified to speak at the event even though she is not in the field of domestic abuse. Instead, she deals with schools. When there’s a bully in school, research shows that empowering the victim is not as effective as making the bystander disapproving. So Rachel may be the bystander who is unintentionally politely encouraging Tamara.

Of course, you cannot rely on Rachel to do this, as it is not her responsibility to fight your battles for you. She may not even want to have the conversation with you because she may not want to be involved. So if you tried addressing it directly with Tamara and things aren’t changing, you may want to strategize a bit more. Figure out how you can hang out with Rachel without Tamara.

So that’s the logistics of it. But I wouldn’t mind seeing you snap a spontaneous “Please don’t talk to me that way,” next time Tamara’s tongue gets the best of her.

That’s authentic, open, honest communication.

-Aviva Aviva Rizel is a Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice who can be reached at AvivaRizel.MFT@gmail.com.

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Shavuot gift to reflect

By Dr. David B. Chideckel Moment to reflect on obligations Two stones with writing a heavenly gift Meant for a population to do and listed Gift of an Almighty Liberator of his congregants Cheese blintzes treat of the holiday Comfortable place to eat Full variety of foods available Overnight snacks prepared

Gift of parents celebrated Holiday Kiddush recited Responsibility to others in our domain Personal considerations respected Absent parades flags apples Torah selections carefully read Long afternoons of leisure Time to socialize New generations educated Was it a sunny day at Sinai Three days of preparation observed I hope mother purchased ice cream Surprise of a pizza home prepared

Help us help Mariela Mariela Levy-Bober, 31, is a cancer patient on the verge of death, chas veshalom. Born in Argentina, this Netanya resident has a threeyear-old daughter. Mariela was a successful PhD student at the Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center. On her 30th birthday, Mariela was diagnosed with cervical cancer. During the past five months, she has been treated with very strong chemotherapy treatments, causing weakness and fatigue. Her husband, Martin, is struggling to balance between his job and desire to take care of his wife and family. The doctors recommend her to have a Radiosurgery CyberKnife treatment at the University Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. This treatment is

her last hope! Even though she has medical insurance, the treatment is not covered at all.

Mariela and her family need your help. Any contribution would be appreciated!

Checks made payable to the name below can be mailed to: The Jewish Star 2 Endo Blvd Garden City NY 11530

THE JEWISH STAR June 10, 2011 • 8 SIVAN, 5771

Ask Aviva

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June 10, 2011 • 8 SIVAN, 5771 THE JEWISH STAR

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19 THE JEWISH STAR June 10, 2011 • 8 SIVAN, 5771

Reading Your Residential LIPA Bill LIPA follows all New York State regulations that dictate what must be on a utility bill so that you know exactly what makes up the cost of electric service. The front of your bill contains details about your account, balance, when your payment is due and LIPA contact information. On the reverse side (below) is a detailed breakdown of your current charges.

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LIPA ELECTRIC RATE: The rate you are currently billed under is listed here on your bill. For most residential customers, electricity rates are based on what is considered “general” use such as lighting and electric appliances. Some customers use electricity for home and/or water heating in addition to lighting and electrical appliances. If you have questions regarding the rate you are on please call Customer Service at 1-800-490-0025.

ELECTRIC USAGE: Your electric meter is where the electricity you use enters your home, and where we measure how much has been used. We measure electric use with meter readings either by a LIPA meter reader or by you. Your Electric Usage is the difference between the current reading and the last reading measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Your charges are calculated per kWh. A watt (W) is a measurement of power, and a Kilowatt-hour (kWh) is simply 1,000 watts used for one hour.

For example, ten 100-watt light bulbs used for one hour require 1 kWh (100 W x 10 = 1,000 watts).

USAGE GRAPH: The graph on the left of the page compares your electricity use for the current month with the same period last year.

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DELIVERY AND SYSTEM CHARGES are the costs to bring electricity to your home. Those poles and wires along the roadway near your home are supplying power 24/7 to run the refrigerator and the cable box. LIPA’s operating costs are reflected here. Your Basic Service Charge is a fixed daily charge for connection to the electric system.

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POWER SUPPLY CHARGES: Charges for costs associated with the purchase of fuel (e.g. oil and gas) used to produce electricity and for the purchase of power.

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EFFICIENCY & RENEWABLES CHARGE: The efficiency and renewables charge provides funding for the energy efficiency and renewable programs for our customers. This charge reflects LIPA’s on-going commitment to encourage energy efficiency.

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OTHER CHARGES: State and local government taxes or assessments that are on your bill and are passed directly to the taxing entity. LIPA is a non-profit municipal electric utility with no stock, shareholders or dividends. The Suffolk Property Tax Adjustment charge is directly passed to Suffolk County. This charge does not appear on Nassau County and Queens County LIPA bills.

Each year, LIPA sends out information on electric rates and rights to all customers. This information can also be accessed on the LIPA Web site at http://www.lipower.org/pdfs/account/rates_resi.pdf.

If you have any questions regarding your electric bill, including your rate classification, please call us at 1-800-490-0025.

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LIPA... working for you.

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June 10, 2011 • 8 SIVAN, 5771 THE JEWISH STAR

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