The Jewish Star

D

AN

The JEWISH

STAR

L

G

IS

N

LO

7KH-HZLVK6WDU FRP

Shabbos Naso • June 17, 2016 • 11 Sivan 5776 • Candlelighting 8:10 pm, Havdalah 9:19 pm (Luach page 19) • Vol 15, No 24

The Newspaper of our Orthodox communities

*RXUPHW *ODWW LQ WDONV WR EX\ %UDFK·V 'HDO ZLWK %URRNO\Q·V .50 ¶NROOHO· GLVFRXQW VXSHUPDUNHW IDOOV WKUX store would not be acquired by KRM/Moisha’s and that he was “close to a deal” with another purchaser. He said that he would “leave it to them” to make any announcement.

Several sources said that the buyer-in-waiting was Gourmet Glatt, the Cedarhurst-based supermarket that recently opened a second Five Towns store at the site of a former Key

Food in Woodmere. Gourmet Glatt, which also has outlets in Boro Park and Lakewood, did not respond to requests for comment.

News that Brach’s deal with KRM — also known as the “kollel” supermarket — had fallen through, and that Gourmet Glatt was stepping in, was first reported by the Kosher Guru blog.

“As elections evolve, people become increasingly committed to one side or another — if they’re paying attention. And one thing we know about Jewish voters: they pay attention to politics and to presidential campaigns,” Dr. Steven M. Cohen, a research professor of Jewish social policy at Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR), told JNS.org.

“Jews are hyper-involved as donors, writers, technicians, journalists, and even academics.

They contribute more than others to campaigns, and they vote more than others,” he said.

Will conflicted Jewish voters choose Clinton or Trump?

The Pew Research Center’s 2013 “Portrait Continued on page 18

The Orthodox Union and the Rabbinical Council of America strongly condemned Sunday’s terrorist attack at a nightclub in Orlando. At least 49 people were killed and 53 injured, several very seriously, during gunfire that erupted around 2 am on the first morning of Shavuot.

In a conversation with a 9-11 operator during his rampage, the killer pledged allegiance to ISIS. In separate statements on Tuesday, after the holi- 7KLV .HYODU KHOPHW VDYHG WKH OLIH RI DQ 2UODQGR SROLFH RI¿FHU day, each group said it was ZKR FRQIURQWHG WKH QLJKWFOXE JXQPDQ 23' YLD :LNL&RPPRQV not acceptable to attack people because of their affiliations. The murdered and grievously injured were club catered to a gay clientele, and news targeted because of their identification reports suggested that that orientation with the LGBT community. All people of played a role in its selection as a target good will must condemn such violence.

“No American should be assailed due by the terrorist.

“No individual or group should be to his or her personal identity.

“All acts of terrorism against any singled out in such a nefarious way,” the RCA said. “No American should be group must be vigorously defended assailed due to his or her personal iden- against and thwarted.

“The Orthodox Union expresses its tity,” said the OU. Israeli officials and secular Jewish sincere condolences to the families of leaders in the United States also con- those who perished and prays for the full recovery of those injured. We supdemned the attack.

In a statement attributed to Nathan port the work of law enforcement to fulDiament, its executive director for pub- ly investigate this terrible incident and bring to justice anyone who supported lic policy, the OU said: “The Orthodox Union strongly con- the perpetrator.” demns the violent attack perpetrated The RCA, in a statement attributed this past weekend in Orlando, Florida. to President Shalom Baum, said: “While all the facts surrounding the “Murderous attacks in the name of terrible crime are yet to be revealed, religion are anathema. We condemn the it is clear that those people who were Continued on page 15

843403

3KRWRV E\ *DJH 6NLGPRUH YLD :LNLPHGLD &RPPRQV

-HZV ZHLJK FKRLFH RI 7UXPS RU &OLQWRQ With a matchup between former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and businessman Donald Trump all but assured. a question asked over many Shavuot tables was what does this mean for American voters — particularly, for Jewish voters.

Analysis by Alina Dain Sharon Although Jews represent just two percent of the U.S. population, surveys indicate that more than 90 percent of Jews who are registered to vote make it to the polls, compared to only 74 percent of all Americans, a JNS.org study found, meaning the Jewish vote could matter more than the casual observer might think.

Roughly six out of 10 Americans dislike both candidates to some degree, according to a poll conducted last month for NBC News.

Brach’s closing strengthened Gourmet Glatt’s dominance in the Five Towns and Far Rockaway area, where the Season’s chain, with a supermarket in Lawrence and an “express” location near the Inwood LIRR station, also competes. In Far Rockaway, a Williamsburg grocer recently took over Kosher World on Cornaga Avenue and renamed it Frankel’s.

28 DQG 5&$ ULS 2UODQGR WHUURU

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID GARDEN CITY, NY 11530 PERMIT NO 301

Plans by Brooklyn’s KRM/Moisha’s discount supermarket to buy the shuttered Brach’s store in Lawrence have collapsed, and now Gourmet Glatt is in the market for the expansive space — formerly a bowling alley — at 11 Lawrence Lane. Brach’s closed after Pesach.

Jack Brach confirmed this week that the

847734

June 17, 2016 • 11 Sivan 5776 THE JEWISH STAR

2

3 THE JEWISH STAR June 17, 2016 • 11 Sivan 5776

From left, standing: IDF Sgt. Karen; FIDF Tri-State Executive Director Galit Brichta; FIDF Long Island Director Liron Kreitman; Miriam Peretz; Rabbi Yisroel Freedman, Rabbi Zalman Wolowik; Assistant Defense Attache at the Israeli Embassy in the U.S. Maj. Shlomi Weizman; IDF Cpl. Zalman; IDF Staff Sgt. Chanan; IDF Staff Sgt.

(Res.) Sahar; IDF 1st Lt. Daniel; Rabbi Elliot Skiddell; Rabbi Bruce Ginsburg; Rabbi Sholom Stern; Rabbi Kenneth Hain, IDF Sgt. (Res.) Shai; and Rabbi Yaakov Trump. From left, sitting: Rabbi Hershel Billet; Rabbi Zev Freidman, Rabbi Arnold Marans; Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum; Rabbi Ira Ebbin; and Rabbi Heshy Blumstein.

Aron Michael

400 raise 315K at Five Towns benefit for FIDF

$WWRUQH\ %HQ %UDIPDQ

6WDII 6JW &KDQDQ

during a firefight with terrorists on the Gaza border in 2010. All four of Peretz’s sons, including those who were killed, served as officers in the Golani Brigade’s special operations battalion.

“I would like to tell you how grateful I am, and how grateful the soldiers and all the people of Israel are, for all that you do for us,” said Miriam Peretz. “We, the Jewish people, and all those who support the State of Israel, are in this together. I find comfort in knowing that my sons have fallen so that you may live peacefully and always have a home in Israel.”

The event honored Lone Soldiers — those

who immigrate to Israel with no immediate family to serve in the IDF — from the Five Towns and Greater South Shore community.

Several active-duty and former Lone Soldiers, and their parents, were in attendance, including Staff Sgt. Chanan, a Lone Soldier originally from West Hempstead who serves as a designated marksman and combat medic in the Golani Brigade’s special operations battalion.

“After graduating from high school I decided to make aliyah and join the Israeli army,” said Chanan, who attended RamContinued on page 18

847572

More than 400 community leaders gathered last Wednesday at the Sephardic Temple in Cedarhurst for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Five Towns and Greater South Shore Fifth Annual Community Event, raising some $315,000 to support educational and well-being programs for the brave men and women of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The evening, which is one of the Long Island Jewish community’s largest events, featured keynote speaker Miriam Peretz, the mother of two fallen IDF soldiers. First Lt. Uriel Peretz Z”L was killed in Lebanon in 1998 and Maj. Eliraz Peretz Z”L was killed

Terror attack in Tel Aviv attack shatters 5 myths STEPHEN M. FLATOW Commentary by Stephen M. Flatow he June 8 terrorist massacre in Tel Aviv exposed all five of the major myths that cloud discussions of Israel and the Palestinians.

Myth #1: “The problem is the settlements” This was not a massacre of “settlers.” The attack did not take place in some disputed territory. Nobody can claim that the victims “provoked” the violence by living in some predomi-

T

nantly Arab area. These were people drinking coffee in the heart of Tel Aviv.

Myth #2: “It was a reaction to the occupation” The attackers are residents of the village of Yatta. The Israeli occupation of Yatta ended when Israeli troops withdrew from the territories where 98 percent of the Palestinians reside in late 1995. Yatta has been under the rule of the Palestinian Authority for nearly 21 years.

Although Israel’s critics continue to falsely claim that the Palestinians live under “Israeli occupation,” the Israeli public knows better.

The Israel Democracy Institute/Tel Aviv University monthly Peace Index survey for May 2016 found 71.7 percent of Israeli Jews say it is wrong to categorize Israel’s status in the ter-

ritories (it rules the areas where Jews reside) as “occupation.”

Myth #3: “The Palestinian Authority condemned the attack” The Palestinian Authority (PA) never calls such attacks “terrorism,” and always brackets the attacks on Israelis together with Israeli actions against terrorists, thereby justifying the attacks on Israelis. Its response to the Tel Aviv massacre was no different. It declared: “We condemn violence and attacks against civilians on both sides, whatever the justification.”

The PA “not only condemned the attack in south Tel Aviv early on Monday morning, but also the recent Israel Defense Forces strikes on Gaza, and attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank and in Jerusalem,” according to Israel’s Channel 10 television network.

You Can Beat Prostate Cancer The Center for Prostate Health at South Nassau Communities Hospital offers innovative prostate cancer treatments and technologies — all under one roof. From diagnosis through treatment, we’re here with you every step of the way.

GET EXPERT CARE, RIGHT HERE AT SOUTH NASSAU.

Michael P. Herman, MD Director Urologic Oncology

Edward E. Mullen Jr., MD Director Radiation Oncology

Leester D. Wu, MD Associate Director Radiation Oncology

• Individualized, advanced treatment for patients with all stages of prostate cancer • State-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including advanced imaging and laboratory testing • The latest surgical and radiation techniques and therapies, including da Vinci® robotic-assisted surgery and the Novalis Tx™ Radiosurgery System • Options for patients for whom other therapies have failed

One Healthy Way at Merrick Road in Oceanside.

Call 877-SOUTH-NASSAU or visit southnassau.org.

CENTER FOR PROSTATE HEALTH

Fatah, which is chaired by PA President Mahmoud Abbas, explicitly defended the massacre. According to the Palestinian news agency Ma’an, Fatah issued a statement calling the attack “a natural response” to Israeli actions.

Fatah media committee head Munir al-Jaghoub explained, “Israel must realize the consequences of its persistence to push violence, house demolition policies, forced displacement of Palestinians, raids by Israeli settlers to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, and the coldblooded killing of Palestinians at checkpoints.”

That’s the equivalent of the Democratic Party defending the San Bernardino massacre of 2015. Imagine U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-Fla.), head of the Democratic National Committee, saying the killings in southern California were the “consequences” of President Barack Obama sending drones to carry out the “cold-blooded killing” of alQaeda members.

Myth #4: “Ordinary Palestinians are against terrorism” Israel Hayom reports that, “In Ramallah, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Jenin, and other cities, people danced in the streets, set off fireworks, and handed out treats while praising the attacks.”

When the PA’s schools, newspapers, television stations constantly praise terrorists as “heroes” and “martyrs,” it is no wonder ordinary Palestinians have come to feel the same way.

The cities where the celebrations took place would be the heart of a future Palestinian state. They are just a few miles down the road from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Can those who celebrate massacres be trusted with a sovereign, independent state next door to Israel?

Myth #5: “The major American news outlets are staffed by objective, professionally trained journalists; if their coverage of Israel is unflattering, that’s because of Israel’s own policies, not because of media bias” CNN’s Twitter announcement of the attack put the word “terrorists” in quotation marks, stating, “Two ‘terrorists’ captured after Tel Aviv attack, Israeli police spokesman tweets.”

The Washington Post’s correspondents in Israel, William Booth and Ruth Eglash, exhibited the same bias.

They described the terrorists as “gunmen,” “assailants,” and “attackers”—but never as terrorists, and only indirectly as Palestinians. And the headline-writers at Washington Post headquarters came up with this gem: “4 Killed in Tel Aviv Market Shooting that Officials Labeled Terrorist Attack.”

Perhaps copies of the Washington Post should bear labels of their own: “Warning: The reporting in this newspaper may be hazardous to the truth. It is often slanted for the purpose of protecting the Palestinian cause against criticism.”

Attorney Stephen M. Flatow is the father of Alisa Flatow, who was murdered in an Iraniansponsored Palestinian terrorist attack in 1995.

Missionaries working here

OUR COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES INCLUDE:

846581

June 17, 2016 • 11 Sivan 5776 THE JEWISH STAR

4

The White Shul issued the following alert on Wednesday afternoon: Missionaries from the Israel Restoraton Ministries are going door to door this afternoon in Far Rockaway and Lawrence. These are not from Jews for J. They are very nice, clean cut, well-mannered Baptist young people who have volunteered for this work to “save Jewish souls.”

Please do not engage them in conversation.

Please refuse their literature. If left on your door, please discard it.

JUDY JOSZEF WHO’S IN THE KITCHEN

W

hen my son was married last year, and I went through all the planning stages, and I promised myself that I would never attend another wedding without realizing all the work that goes into its planning.

Now I’m going renew that vow as I enter the ďŹ nal two weeks before my daughter’s wedding.

I feel awful when I think of all the times, over the past three decades, that I’ve attended weddings and not given any thought to the time, effort, worrying about the weather, anxiety, decision-making, second-guessing, picking just the right venue and orchestra, checking the extended weather forecast starting two months out, choosing the perfect gown, the most creative orist, indoor chuppah or outdoor chuppah, and the fact that although the venue is not around he corner or in the next town over, there might actually be a good reason it was chosen.

Anyone who has made a wedding — you know what I’m talking about. From the time of the engagement, there are countless decisions to be made. And while, at the time they are being decided upon, each one seems to be of the upmost importance, I know that in the end each will just be part of a much larger picture, and probably won’t be noticed at all.

If I were to ask a man, any man, to describe the owers on the table, at which he was sitting the night before at a wedding, chances are he would be clueless. Color scheme? Chuppah owers? How many pieces in the band? Which songs did the bride and groom and all the attendants march down to?

Most probably would not have clue. Granted they can tell you how far they drove, if there was internet service (should, a playoff game, G-d forbid, be underway during he wedding) and what they ate.

My husband, being the stepfather, pretty much stayed out of the planning stage. He will make it up dancing (if you can call it that) and being genuinely happy for the couple.

Women, of course would notice more, and might even be impressed, but that’s just until the next wedding comes around a week or two later, and then you’re old news. So why do I care so much about each and every detail? I’m not sure. Sure I want everything perfect for my child’s wedding, but she is marrying the perfect guy, so that should be all that matters.

That and the weather, for he outdoor chuppah. hen I got married in 1983, there weren’t as many choices. You picked a color and everyone wore it. I didn’t say everyone liked it, but they wore it. Flowers? You picked a color and done. The orist made a sample in your price range and you liked it. Seriously, what did we know. Today it’s a whole different ballgame. You can have the same centrepiece on every table or you can

W

alternate with two or three others. There are high, low and medium choices with delicate, exotic or wild owers, tree-like, branchy, willowy or elegant. The list goes on.

Menu? The caterer gave you the menu and aside from adding one or two things to smorgasbord you were done. Who knew from sushi? Or wafes and fried chicken. I’m actually still trying to comprehend that one, but no worries for the young folk, it will be there.

For dinner there was chicken or mushroom in puffed pastry with mushroom sauce over it. And a fruit cup. After that, soup, salad and main — which was was a choice of chicken or meat. Today the ďŹ rst threes course are combined into one for the most part with dinner either a mixed grill or a choice of a few options with ďŹ sh and vegetarian always a choice.

People seem to be much more health conscious these days — until the dessert comes or the hot cookies catch your attention on the way out. A snack for the ride home just I case you haven’t.

So with about two weeks left I will probably be spending a lot of time on those very details that I make fun of, because, hey, it’s my child and it’s her special day. That said, let me make it very clear, that I am so far two for two in the lucky department when it comes to the spouse that my children chose. And also lucky in that I have such wonderful mechatanim. I’m beyond thrilled.

And while I’m being honest, there are tears running down my cheeks, as I realize there are only about two weeks left till we walk our baby down the aisle, and she embarks on the next chapter of her life together with her wonderful husband. While I’m excited for all the new milestones she will reach, there is a part of me that will always see Jordana as that sweet little 5-year-old girl dressed in her brother’s hand-me-down sports jerseys, baseball cap and always with a ball in her hand (she was never into clothes like all the other little girls). I used to ask, “Why don’t you want to wear a beautiful dress and look like a princess?� I believe that day is about to arrive.

Since I have to ďŹ t into a gown in two weeks and I promised you last week a low cal recipe after the decadent Shavuot desserts, here’s a simple and delicious refreshing smoothie.

6XPPHU 6PRRWKLH

Ingredients: 1 1/4 cup frozen raspberries 1 large ripe, sliced and frozen banana 1/2 cup pomegranate juice 3/4 cup orange juice 3/4 cup Plain Unsweetened Almond Breeze Almond Milk Instructions: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until creamy and smooth, scraping down sides as needed.

Taste and adjust avor as needed. Add more milk or fruit juice if too thick. Add more frozen banana if not sweet enough. Add some raspberries or half slice of orange to decorate if you like Serve immediately. Freezes well in cups or popsicles.

Columnist@TheJewishStar.com

+ 1'-* F!$ * 1 '* $ * +- ++J

THE JEWISH STAR June 17, 2016 • 11 Sivan 5776

,V WKLV WKH OLWWOH JLUO , FDUULHG LV WKLV WKH OLWWOH ER\ DW SOD\"

5

June 17, 2016 • 11 Sivan 5776 THE JEWISH STAR

6

TheJewishStar.com

THE JEWISH STAR The newspaper of our Orthodox communities

ESTABLISHED 2002 Proudly produced and printed on Long Island by The Jewish Star LLC 2 Endo Blvd, Garden City NY 11530 516-622-7461 Publisher & Editor: Ed Weintrob EWeintrob@TheJewishStar.com 516-622-7461 x291 • cell 718-908-5555 Advertising Director: Celia Weintrob CWeintrob@TheJewishStar.com 516-622-7461 x241 • cell 917-723-4500 Contributing writers: Rabbi Avi Billet, Jeff Dunetz, Rabbi Binny Freedman, Alan Gerber, Judy Joszef Editorial Designer: Stacey Simmons.

Photo Editor: Christina Daly.

Send us your news: General news, Newsroom@TheJewishStar.com.

Calendar@TheJewishStar.com by noon Friday.

Schools@TheJewishStar.com by noon Monday.

Health@TheJewishStar.com Comments to Letters@TheJewishStar.com.

Send photos as high resolution JPEGs.

Robert Wistrich is required reading BEN COHEN VIEWPOINT

A

year ago, the world of Jewish academia suffered an irreplaceable loss with the passing of Prof. Robert Wistrich, the head of the Vidal Sassoon International Center for the Study of Antisemitism at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Wistrich died in Rome on May 19, 2015, shortly after arriving in the Italian capital to deliver a lecture on anti-Semitism.

Many of his friends, colleagues, and admirers—myself included—took this tragedy as a sign of Wistrich’s dedication to his mission to examine, expose, and combat the world’s “longest hatred,” one that he pursued until his last breath. After all, as his wife Danielle reminded the audience at a recent memorial event in Germany organized by the Berlin International Center for the Study of Antisemitism, “In academia, some subjects are taboo, and Robert had the courage to bring them to light.”

Few subjects these days have the aura of a taboo as does anti-Semitism. That’s not to say it isn’t researched and studied in academe— there are fine institutions doing just that at American universities like Yale and Indiana, as well as at Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University in Israel. If anything, serious academic study of anti-Semitism, in significant part because of the efforts of Robert Wistrich himself, is a growing and welcome trend. It is a fascinating subject because deciphering its ugliness involves so many disciplines, among them history, sociology, philosophy and psychology, and so many globally critical historical epi-

Kashrut: The Jewish Star is not responsible for the kashrut of any product or establishment featured in its pages. If you have questions regarding any establishment or product, including its supervision, please consult your rabbi for guidance.

Opinions: Views expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the position of the Publisher.

Submissions: All submissions become the property of The Jewish Star and may be edited and used by the Publisher, its licensees and affiliates, in print, on the web and/or in any media that now exists or will exist in the future in any form, including derivative works, throughout the world in perpetuity, without additional authorization or compensation. The individual or entity submitting material affirms that it holds the copyright or otherwise has the right to authorize its use in accordance with The Jewish Star’s terms for submissions.

Distribution: The Jewish Star is available free in kosher food establishments, stores, synagogues, and curb-side news boxes on Long Island, in New York City and elsewhere. To request free delivery to your location, write EWeintrob@TheJewishStar.com, with the word Distribution in the subject line.

Subscriptions: To receive The Jewish Star by standard mail in the continental United States, send $36 for one year, prepaid. Faster First Class subscriptions in the continental United States are $150 for one year, prepaid.

Employment opportunities: Visit TheJewishStar.com to view job and internship opportunities. Click “Star Jobs” at top right of the homepage.

Member American Jewish Press Association and New York Press Association.

This newspaper contains words of Torah; please dispose of properly.

Copyright 2016 The Jewish Star LLC.

TEHILLA R. GOLDBERG VIEW FROM CENTRAL PARK Tehilla’s column was filed before Shavuot, before the Orlando massacre. was in a taxicab in Israel around the time of the second intifada and the driver was talking about the political situation. Since it seems that Israeli taxi drivers are often prophets in disguise, when they start sharing their minds, I pay attention. This one was commenting about a new government decision that he deemed a grave mistake. “Watch and see, before you know it, it will be Arabs on one side of the street, and Israelis on the other, shooting at each other. It will be like Bosnia.”

How many times have those words come to pass in the years since? Tragically, too many.

Whenever I hear the shattering news of a pigu’a or a terror attack in Israel, I cannot silence the sounds in my mind. The convoys of shrieking ambulances; I can never forget that sound. Living and working near and in the center of Jerusalem, where many of the bombs exploded, I usually knew one had just exploded from the endless, wailing sirens.

How ironic that in the week we were poised to celebrate the holiday of Shavuot, when the Jewish people became a nation — bringing the loftiness of Shabbat to the world, and codifying morality so as to foster the existence of a better world where murder is wrong — the Muslim community is also poised to travel a holy month, the month of Ramadan, yet it has been commenced in bloodshed.

I

account of the Soviet campaign against Zionism and Judaism, as well as the New Left’s adoption of anti-Semitic tropes as part of its support for the violent Palestinian struggle against Israel.

Both these milieus influenced Livingstone and his cohorts and explain why he, and they, continue to trade in abject falsehoods.

The lie that Israel is an apartheid state, the lie that a Jewish sense of “chosenness” underlies Zionism, the lie that the Zionist movement collaborated with the Nazis during the Holocaust—all of these were being actively circulated in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, whether by the Soviet diplomatic mission at the United Nations, or by Trotskyists on provincial university campuses in the United Kingdom.

I have many friends and colleagues who have told me, wistfully, that Wistrich’s loss has deprived us of the most cogent analyst of anti-Semitism then and now. And I agree with them—as I said earlier, Wistrich is irreplaceable. But that doesn’t mean we can’t take advantage of his prolific writings when it comes to informing our response to both anti-Semitism and the denial of anti-Semitism.

Look, for example, at the next two years.

In June 2017, Israel will mark the 50th anniversary of its triumph in the Six-Day War. In November 2017, the centenary of the Balfour Declaration will fall. In May 2018, Israel will mark the 70th anniversary of its creation as a sovereign state.

All these occasions will be cause for celebration, but it also doesn’t take a mystic to foresee that Israel’s foes will use each of them as a platform to level their standard accusations—and perhaps some new ones?—and call for a boycott. All of us can counter that offensive by educating ourselves. hat’s why I want to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Wistrich’s passing with a plea to my own readers to read his books. If you want to understand the relationship between the Jews and the left, read “From Ambivalence to Betrayal.” If you want understand the epic historical sweep of antiSemitism, get a copy of “A Lethal Obsession”— if its size is daunting, you can read individual chapters rewardingly. And if you just want to learn why Wistrich was such a good historian, read “Fate of a Revolutionary,” his study of the Bolshevik leader Leon Trotsky.

I issue that plea not from a feeling of anxiety, but from one of confidence. After all, more and more good scholarship on anti-Semitism is coming to the fore, at the same time as important political and moral victories over the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign are being won. In that sense, the Jewish community owes an important debt to Wistrich in getting us to where we are now.

And if that doesn’t inspire you, let me end by explaining how Wistrich’s center at Hebrew University came to be named after Vidal Sassoon. The celebrity who daringly transformed women’s hairstyles and created a line of beauty products came from humble beginnings, a Jewish boy growing up in a one-parent home in London. In his teenage years after the Second World War, Sassoon regularly battled with the fascists who had returned to the streets, recounting how he would turn up for work with bruises and a black eye. That experience led him to fight for Israel during its War of Independence. Sassoon’s abiding belief that anti-Semitism had to be studied properly if it was ever to be expunged brought him together with Wistrich.

The importance of that connection, and its legacy to our generation, can’t be overstated.

Ben Cohen is senior editor of TheTower.org.

Distributed by JNS.org.

Now, only a zombified white guy in a Nazi uniform is deemed a Jew-hater.

A

‘Make them feel it’

Content: The Publisher endeavors to insure that editorial content is within the bounds of normative halachah and hashkafah. A reader who feels anything we publish may be inappropriate in this regard is urged to bring the item in question to the attention of the Publisher.

Advertising is accepted at the sole discretion of the Publisher. The Publisher expects all advertising to conform to standards of content appropriate for distribution in an Orthodox community.

sodes, such as the Dreyfus trial and the ethnic cleansing of the Jews of the Arab world—both subjects close to Wistrich’s heart.

The problem emerges, however, when it comes to contemporary anti-Semitism. There are plenty of academics and activists out there who view the entire subject through the prism of “solidarity” with the Palestinians, and who therefore dismiss any identification of a person or a statement as anti-Semitic as an attempt to prevent— as former London mayor Ken Livingstone has repeatedly charged—“criticism of Israel.”

There lies the rub: While the definition of what constitutes anti-Semitism is, in the hands of Zionism’s adversaries, continually squeezed so that only a zombified white guy in a Nazi uniform can be deemed a Jew-hater, their parameters for what constitutes “criticism of Israel” are far more generous. Is expressing the fabricated claim that “Hitler was a Zionist” merely criticism of Israel? ccording to Livingstone, who has repeatedly stated this falsehood, it is. To those who continue to protest that the claim is, in fact, a virulent example of anti-Semitism, Livingstone’s response is to talk about unnamed “Jews in the street” who have apparently approached him offering encouragement. (Which doesn’t sound, shall we say, hugely plausible.)

There were few people more qualified than Wistrich to comment on events like the latest Livingstone scandal, because of the weight of historical knowledge that he brought to bear.

Thanks to Wistrich and the scholars with whom he worked, we have a comprehensive historical

Again, another holiday is marked by bloodshed.

Unlike Shavuot, the Jewish holiday whose centerpiece is literally the Ten Commandments which delineate fundamental truths that must be the bedrock of any moral society, the Muslim holy days are marked by marauding murderers who are trumpeted as heroes. he other day, I clicked on a YouTube video of a Palestinian kindergarten graduation. The program designed by the school for these five year olds involved playing “kill the Jew.” Then I watched Ami Horowitz’s social experiment. On the campus of Portland State University, he posed the following question to students: “Can you help raise funds for American Friends of Hamas?”

He casually plugged his request with statements like, “This is a fundraising operation against Israel, involving types of attacks like cafes, schools, hospitals … soft targets, civilian populations … we want to make them feel it … suicide bombs is all we’ve got … we are looking to destroy Israel … with a “thanks for your time” flourish following his little pitch.

The response? Bone chilling.

“I like the sound of what you are doing” and “I’m totally against the Israeli genocide.”

Etcetera.

I am shaking listening to these voices.

Right now they are all mixed up together.

An eerie cacophony. That prophet of doom, that taxi driver. These ignorant hateful college nitwits.

But mostly, the sounds of those sirens.

My profound condolences to the bereaved families. It’s just heartbreaking.

Copyright 2016 Intermountain Jewish News

T

T

Yes, everyone has a story, and everyone can make a difference I

recently heard a wonderful story by a flight attendant who, after being throttled by one too many rude comments, was starting to think she needed to change careers. Then a passenger had a heart attack and was lying in the aisle.

His shirt had been opened and she was holding the oxygen bottle while a doctor on the flight worked the defibrillator and they desperately tried to resuscitate him. A passenger was tugging at her sleeve and saying “excuse me!” The flight attendant asked her to wait a minute, they were trying to save this man’s life. But the passenger kept tugging and the flight attendant realized this passenger might also be having an emergency. So she turned around to see what the problem was, at which point the irate passenger held up her coffee cup and said: “This coffee is cold.”

Can you imagine? Can a person be that cold?

A few weeks later, she saw a man get on the plane holding a black garbage bag, which is apparently a flight attendant pet peeve (“Seriously? Get a real carry-on bag!”), but apparently, people will sometimes just throw things into a garbage bag. This was in late September 2001, not long after 9-11, so flight attendants were particularly nervous about strange characters onboard airplanes, but she held back and did not say anything. She noticed him standing with the overhead bin open, guarding it with his hand and mentally labeled him as a “character” she would have to keep an eye on.

A short while later he got up when the seat belt sign was on and stood in the rear of the airplane waiting for the bathroom. She was struggling with the urge to tell him to sit down — after all, if the seat belt sign is illuminated there is usually a reason; the captain knows something we don’t, right?

Finally she said, “Sir, the seat belt sign is on!” But he responded: “I know, but I really have to go.” So she let it go.

She was sitting on the jump seat next to the bathroom, and with him standing so close felt like she should make conversation, so she asked: “Are you traveling for business or pleasure?”

“Neither,” he responded, “I came to New York because my son was a first responder at ground zero and he died there. I just picked up his uniform which is all I have left of him. It’s in a bag in the overhead bin.”

And then she remembered why she had become a flight attendant in the first place and what life is really all about. Everybody has a story, and everyone flies for a reason. And for a short amount of time she realized she could make a difference, however small, in their lives. his week outside of Israel we will read the portion of Naso, which among other things lists the offerings brought by the princes of the tribes when the Mishkan was dedicated a year after the Jews left Egypt. All the commentaries note that each offering, basically identical to the others, is repeated in its entirety, and special mention is made of each

Some people need no introduction; they walk amongst us without a lot of fanfare and noise and make a difference by who they are as much as by what they do.

T

PIROUETTE® WINDOW SHADINGS

APRIL 12—JUNE 27, 2016

From glare to glow.

Sunlight, beautifully transformed with Hunter Douglas window fashions.

Enhance the beauty of your décor with light-transforming Hunter Douglas window fashions. Soften, shift, and refine the natural light that enters your home. Ask for details about valuable rebate savings.

100 REBATE*

$

ON ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PURCHASES:

1 Luminette® Privacy Sheer

(PLUS $100 REBATE EACH ADDITIONAL UNIT)

2 Pirouette® Window Shadings (PLUS $50 REBATE EACH ADDITIONAL UNIT)

2 Silhouette® Window Shadings (PLUS $50 REBATE EACH ADDITIONAL UNIT)

T

Lenny Koegel • 516-594-6010 DistinctiveWindowFashions.com Serving 5 Towns & surrounding areas since 1988 *Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 4/12/16 – 6/27/16 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. A qualifying purchase is defined as a purchase of any of the product models set forth above in the quantities set forth above. If you purchase less than the specified quantity, you will not be entitled to a rebate.

Offer excludes Nantucket™ Window Shadings, a collection of Silhouette® Window Shadings. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 7 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. © 2016 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.

843472

THE HEART OF JERUSALEM

THE JEWISH STAR June 17, 2016 • 11 Sivan 5776

RABBI BINNY FREEDMAN

prince from each tribe, despite the fact that it could simply have listed the offerings once and said that this was what each prince brought.

When two individuals bring an identical offering it really isn’t the same offering because the two individuals are different, and that makes all the difference in the world. But it is also worth noting that all the princes are introduced by their title: Nasi: A Prince of Israel.

All except one: Nachschon ben Aminadav, the first prince to offer up his offerings, from the Tribe of Judah. He is just described as “Nachshon Ben Aminadav from the tribe of Judah” (Bamidbar 7; 12). Why are we not told that he is a prince of Israel?

Rav Shlomo Gantzfried, author of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, quoted by Rav Frand, suggests that Nachshon did not need the title; everyone knew who he was; after all, according to Jewish tradition, it was his brave leap into the raging sea that actually allowed for the sea to split and save the Jewish people when they left Egypt; he was a hero, and so needed no introduction.

Some people need no introduction; they walk amongst us without a lot of fanfare and noise, often carrying a black garbage bag or the like, and make a difference by who they are as much as by what they do. his year, we lost a special Jewish hero, of whom we have written in the past: Yanosh ben Gal: commander of the seventh brigade in the Yom Kippur who was one of those rare individuals who Hashem placed in the right place at the right time. I met him briefly once at a military graduation ceremony of the armored corps; he was not speaking — he was there because his grandson was a graduate and he was sitting in the audience in civilian clothes and we only noticed him when the announcer made a point of welcoming him and asked him to stand for a moment to honor those with whom he had fought. A moment earlier he had been just another guy. He was always simply called “Yanosh,” the name he was given as a baby by his parents who were murdered in the Holocaust when he was a child, whom he could not even properly remember.

It is interesting to note (ibid. 7; 10) that although the princes’ offerings are to celebrate the dedication of the Mishkan, the Torah actually describes it as the dedication of the altar (the Mizbeach). Perhaps because the altar represents our ability to offer up, to make a difference. And it is in how we contribute that we demonstrate how we matter most.

This article is shared in memory of Sam Fischer, who was laid to rest this week in Boston amongst the friends and family who loved him so. Sam was one of those special people who, without a lot of noise, knew how to make a difference, both by who he was and by all he did.

He was a student of ours at Orayta in our third year (2010–11), later going on to Harvard and becoming president of the Harvard Hillel until his graduation and move to work in New York City.

We will miss his special soul and the enormous contributions he would have made to the Jewish people and the world.

May his memory be a blessing for us all and may his family be comforted amongst the mourners of Zion and Yerushalayim.

Columnist@TheJewishStar.com

7

Sale Dates: June 19th - 24th 2016

4 # Felippo Berio Rockland Bakery Hot Dog & Burger Buns Olive Oil

Arizona Iced Tea Gallon

12 Pack

4

2/$

2/$

......................................................

.................................................

5

12 oz

Green Giant Whole Kernal Corn

99¢

99¢

Gulden’s Mustard

15.25 oz

......................................................

General Mills 12 oz Cheerios; 10.7 ozTrix; 11.2 oz Cookie Crisp; 13 oz Reese’s Peanut Butter Puffs

5

Wesson Oil Canola, Corn, Vegetable - 48 oz

......................................................

10

10/$

.................................................

3

2/$

Haddar Tirosh Cookies Snack Factory Pretzel 7 oz Crisps 10 Pack 2/$ $ 99

3

4

Gefen Cholent Mix

Dubble Bubble Fizzers Bubble Gum

Shibolim K’nockers

Gourmet Glatt Natural Mango Cheeks

16 oz

1

$ 39

9.5 oz

Unsalted, Sesame, Everything 6 oz

6 oz

4

$ 99

2/$

$

.................................................

.................................................

.................................................

.................................................

Arizona Lemon or Green Iced Tea

Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce

Mike & Ike Zours Zombies

Tootsie Fruit Rolls

18 oz

3.6 oz

$

1

3

399

37 oz

499

$

2/$

79¢

.................................................

.................................................

.................................................

.................................................

Gefen Cup-a-Soup

Heinz Original or chup p Simply Ketchup

Taster’s Choice Coffee

26 oz

3

2/$

48 Count $ 99

All Flavors - 16.9 ozz

3/$

5 .................................................

5.5 oz

.................................................

Frescorti Marinara Sauce

Gefen Ice Cream Cones or Cups

Sparkling Ice e

4.5 oz - 5.4 oz

.................................................

249

349

.................................................

Wacky Mac Mac & Cheese

.................................................

10 Pack

$

1199

$

Betty Crocker Fruit Roll-ups, Gushers, Fruit by the Foot

.................................................

2/$

......................................................

Extra Virgin, Extra Light, Pure - 50 oz

2

Except Fat-Free & Whole Wheat 12 Pack - 2.3 oz

899

$

House Blend Only 12 oz

31 oz/38 oz

1099

$

299

$

E\ WKH FDVH RQO\

Axelrod Sour Cream

Givat Cream Cheese

Assorted - 16 oz

8 oz Cups

5

2/$

1

$ 49 ......................................................

Tropicana Orange Juice Assorted 59 oz

2

$

Ha’olam Shredded Cheese Except Reduced Fat - 8 oz

5

2/$

......................................................

Sabra Hummus

Assorted - 5.3 oz

International Delight Coffee Creamer Assorted - 32 oz

299

10/$

$

.......................................

10 0

.......................................

.......................................

.......................................

Turkey Hill Iced Tea

Reddi Wip Topping

All Flavors Gallon

KozyShack Pudding Friendship Cottage Assorted Cheese

$

Assorted - 6.5 oz

249

5

2/$

All Varieties - 10 oz

99

Chobani Greek Yogurt

22 oz

5

2/$

Assorted 16 oz

5

2/$

5

2/$

McCain French Fries Assorted - 20 oz - 32 oz

5

2/$

Fresh & Frozen Gefilte Fish

Eggo Mini Waffles

20 oz

2/$

4

$

.........................................................

12 oz

5

99

Edy’s Ice Cream All Flavors - 48 oz

99 . . .2 ......................................................

$

4

$

99

.......................................

.......................................

Popsicle Ice Pops

Dr. Praeger Minced Fish Sticks

Luigi’s Italian Ices

24 oz

2/$

3

$

16 oz

24 oz

.......................................

All Varieties 18 Count - 20 Count

Chef-a-Yam Tilapia

B’gan Mini Cauliflower

99

5

$

99

All Flavors - 6 Cups

5

Hoffman’s Pizza Snaps 20 oz

599

$

.......................................

MorningStar Chick’n Nuggets & Wings 10 oz

399

$

399

$

+ ! & 1 4 :

Many Different Varieties

12: ORFDWLRQV

Cedarhurst

137 Spruce Street

STORE HOURS

SUN -TUE: 7 AM-9 PM WED: 7 AM-11 PM THURS: 7 AM-12 AM

(516) 569-2662

FRIDAY 6:30 AM-2 HRS. BEFORE CANDLE LIGHTING

FHGDUKXUVW ORFDWLRQ

EDNHG IUHVK GDLO\

Woodmere

1030 Railroad Avenue

STORE HOURS

SUN - THURS: 7 AM-9 PM

(516) 295-6901

FRIDAY 7 AM UNTIL 2 HRS. BEFORE CANDLE LIGHTING

838733

June 17, 2016 • 11 Sivan 5776 THE JEWISH STAR

8

9 THE JEWISH STAR June 17, 2016 • 11 Sivan 5776

Sale Dates: June 19th - 24th 2016

0 Neck & Skirt

9

$

49

Cut-Up $239 lb. $ 49 479 lb. Ground Chicken 5 lb. Broilers

$

Super Family Pack

Family Pack

...................

lb.

Beef Stew

99

...................

Turkey Roast

2 Pack

...................

...................

5

$

Family Pack

MEATY BONES

Whole or

White Meat

Ground Beef

BONELESS VEAL SHOULDER ROAST

599 lb.

QHZ LWHP JUHDW FKROHQW PHDW

5

2/$

Untrimmed

Square Cut Chicken $379 lb. lb. French $ 49 lb.

9 Cutlets Roast ...................

Super Family Pack

...................

3 649 lb. Turkey Drumsticks $

49

lb. Chicken Stuffed with White Meat ................... ...................

Kishka & UHDG\ WR EDNH Frozen Pastrami $ 99 Corned $ 99 lb. $ 99 Beef lb. Beef lb. or Ground Deckel Patties Veal

$

Kellogg’s 12 oz Rice Krispies or 13.7 oz Raisin Bran

$

8

8

4

......................................................

Crystal Geyser Sports Cap Water 8 Pack - 8 oz

4

2/$

......................................................

Hellmann’s Mayonnaise 32 oz

2

$ 99 Sliced Mushrooms

99¢ lb.

Medium $ 49 Green 2 lb. Red Asparagus Onions

Bosc Pears

Persian $ 59 1 lb. Red Cucumbers Radishes

Hass Avocado

99¢ ea.

79¢ lb.

..........................

..........................

..........................

69¢ ea.

Bunch ..........................

..........................

Southern 89¢ lb. Peaches

Green Squash

1

2/$

2/$4

..........................

99¢ lb.

YoCrunch Yogurt All Flavors - 6 oz

2/$3

2/$4 Golden Delicious Apples

Grape Tomatoes

Yukon Potatoes $349 ea.

......................................................

5 lb Bag

Original Only - 36 oz

..........................

$

Red Potatoes

69¢ lb.

11

$

Coconut Chicken Fingers

99 lb.

399ea.

Pulled Beef Eggrolls

$

Moroccan Beef Cigars

$

79¢ lb.

Spaghetti Squash

69¢ lb.

Spring Harvest Wild Rice Blend

99 lb.

Tilapia Family Pack $ 99 lb.

2 lb Container

Salad Nicoise

99

Bell Cakes

7

$

99 ea.

Mini Cymbidium Sprays Stem

Dendrobium Orchids

1

9 1499

99 Pave Orchid Bouquets

$

............................

............................

Alaska Roll

American Dream Roll $ 95

4

Matbucha

Orchid Arrangements

1

$ 49 ea.

24 $ 3499 & Up

$

99

Bunch

order@gourmetglatt.com

Crunchy Dragon Roll 95 $

10

550

11

$

/gourmetglatt

Pre-Packaged

Diet Spinach Kugel Hearts of Palm

QHZ

Pre-Packaged

Pre-Packaged

Diet Fruit Soup $ 49 ea.

$

............................

Crunchy Pickle Dip

Italian Bread

Russian Health Bread

595

QRZ DYDLODEOH IXŹ OLQH RI JOXWHQ IUŸ SURGXFWV

3

8

450

$

Mango Avocado Crunch $ 95 Roll

99

Spicy Mayo $ 99 ea.

Spicy Tuna Avocado $ Roll

............................

9

$

Baby Chicken with 2 Side Dishes

Wild Salmon Trout $ 99 lb.

5

Bunch

7 $ 99 7 $

Penne a la Vodka

Aliza Beer Nutritional Meals 99 ea. 24 VARIETIES! SPECIAL OF THE WEEK:

4

$

RUGHU \RXU VKDEERV SODWWHUV HDUO\ Cucumber Roll

7

Package of 6

699

..........................

L 1

/

Amnon’s Pizza

Pre-Packaged

Pre-Packaged

Diet Red & White Cabbage Slaw At the Counter

299ea. $ 99 2 ea. $ 99 6 ea. $ 49 5 ea. $ 99 3 ea. $

799lb.

$

We reserve the right to limit quantities. No rain checks. Not responsible for typographical errors.

838738

Sweet Cantaloupe

......................................................

June 17, 2016 • 11 Sivan 5776 THE JEWISH STAR

10

)LYH 7RZQV &RPPXQLW\ &ROODERUDWLYH &RQIHUHQFH

[ -XQH 6LYDQ DW 7KH <RXQJ ,VUDHO RI :RRGPHUH DWW 7 7KH < K < UH \ $LVK .RGHVK $WHUHV <DDNRY %HWK 6KRORP %$ %.1: &HQWUDO '56 +$)75 +$/% +DNRWHO $WHUHV <DDNRY %H DK 0LFKODODK 0

+$1& +D5RYD .D\OLH .QHVHWK ,VUDHO .XODQX /DQGHUV 0HVRUDK 0LFKODODK 0 %DV\D 5RFKHO 0¶ /LQGHQEDXP 00< 0RUDVKD 0RVKDYD , 2

\

YHW 6K HHID

6.$

M

079$ 1&6< 2KU <HUXVKDOD\LP 28 ± -/,& 5DPEDP 6KDOKHYHW 6K HHID 6.$ 6): 3URMHFW <(6 <,/& <,: <,:+ <HVKLYD 8QLY <266

6KDFKDULW .H\QRWH 5DEEL <DDNRY %HQGHU 6KOLW D ± &KLQXFK LQ 7XPXOWXRXV 7LPHV %UHDNIDVW <HVKLYRW DQG 6SHDNHUV 6SHDNHUV 6KXO 5DEERQLP +LJK 6FKRROV 6SHDNHUV :RPHQ

6HPLQDULHV 5DEEL $U\HK

5DEEL <HKXGD /HERZLW] .HOHPHU 5DEEL 5HXYHQ 0UV 0LFKDO +RURZLW] 0UV (VWKHU :HLQ 5DEEL <LVURHO 0DQ :RPDQ 7KH 6XSHU %ULJKW 7 + , 1 . ± $Q 7KH 3URSHU $WWLWXGHV 7DUDJLQ .DPLQHWVN\ 6XSHU 4XLHW 7KH 7RUDK¶V $FURQ\P IRU 6XFFHVVIXO 6QDNH DQG 7UHH $ RI 2XU &RPPXQLW\ 7HQ 7RUDK 6HFUHWV WR /RRN ,QWR WKH 6WXGHQW :K\ 'R 6ROXWLRQ WR ,QWHUDFWLRQ DQG DQG 2XU &KLOGUHQ D 6WURQJ 0DUULDJH +XPDQ 3V\FKH 2XU <HVKLYDV 6LEOLQJ 5LYDOU\ 5HDFWLRQ 7RZDUG *HGROHL ,JQRUH +LP" <LVUDHO 5DEEL 0RVKH 7HLWHOEDXP 1R &KLOG /HIW %HKLQG ± WKH -HZLVK :D\ +RZ WR (GXFDWH $OO 2XU &KLOGUHQ

5DEEL 0RUGHFKDL .DPLQHW]N\ :KHQ ,OOQHVV 6WULNHV ± 0DLQWDLQLQJ 6WURQJ )DPLOLHV WKURXJK 0HGLFDO &ULVLV

5DEEL 6KDORP 5RVQHU 6KDORP %D\LV <RXU 0RVW ,PSRUWDQW 5HODWLRQVKLS

5DEEL 'U (GZDUG 5HLFKPDQ %XLOGLQJ D ³+HDOWK\´ -HZLVK )DPLO\ :KDW <RX 1HHG WR .QRZ LQ WKH VW &HQWXU\ 5DEEL 7VYL 6HOHQJXW 'RQ¶W )ULHQG 0H -XVW %H 0\ )ULHQG )RVWHULQJ 7RUDK 5HODWLRQVKLSV LQ WKH $JH RI 6RFLDO 0HGLD

0UV 'HEELH *UHHQEODWW 7%$

5DEEL 'RYLG )RKUPDQ ,QWHOOLJHQFH &UHDWLYLW\ DQG WKH $UW RI /LVWHQLQJ

5DEEL ,VDDF 5LFH 7KH 5ROH RI 6HIRULP LQ (GXFDWLQJ 2XU &KLOGUHQ DQG 2XUVHOYHV

'U %HWK 5DVNLQ ³, 'RQ¶W .QRZ :KHUH 0\ +RPHZRUN ,V ´ 'RQ¶W %ODPH WKH &KLOG %ODPH WKH %UDLQ

0U 'DYLG 6DFKV 8WLOL]LQJ <RXU 6WUHQJWKV 7KH 6WRU\ RI +RZ D )LUVW 7LPH /HDUQHU &DPH WR 3XEOLVK D 7DOPXGLF 5HIHUHQFH

5DEEL 5REE\ &KDUQRII )URP 'DWLQJ WR 0DUULDJH $ 3DUHQW¶V *XLGH WR D &KLOG¶V 6XFFHVVIXO -RXUQH\

5DEEL *HGDOLDK 2SSHQ )LYH .H\V WR %XLOGLQJ DQ (YHUODVWLQJ %RQG :LWK <RXU &KLOGUHQ

5HEEHW]LQ 6KDQL 7DUDJLQ 7KH 3ULQFHVV DQG WKH 3HD DQG WKH 3URSKHWV

5HEEHW]LQ /LVD 6HSWLPXV ,I , DP 0DUULHG :K\ 'R , )HHO $ORQH"

5DEEL .HQQHWK +DLQ 7%$

5DEEL =HY 0HLU )ULHGPDQ /DVKRQ +DUD ± &DXVHV DQG &XUHV

5HEEHW]LQ $YLYD )HLQHU +RZ WR 7HDFK &KLOGUHQ WR 0RXUQ IRU <HUXVKDOD\LP 7KRXJK 1RW 3DUW RI WKH 6FKRRO <HDU

'U 5RQD 1RYLFN 7UDLQLQJ <RXU %UDLQ +RZ 3DUHQWV DQG &KLOGUHQ &DQ 8QGHUVWDQG DQG +DUQHVV WKH 3RZHU RI 7KHLU 7KLQNLQJ

5DEEL (\WDQ )HLQHU 7KH +XVEDQG :LIH '\QDPLF 'XR %HVW RI ³)ULHQGV´ )RUHYHU

0UV & % 1HXJURVFKO .DEEDODW +D7RUDK DV 3HU 0RVKH 5DEEHLQX 5DEEL $NLYD DQG 5DY &KL\D

5DEEL 6KPXHO 0DUFXV &RQYH\LQJ &RQILGHQFH LQ 6HOI 3ULGH LQ 'LVWLQFWLRQ

5DEEL <RQL /HYLQ +HOSLQJ 2XU &KLOGUHQ 6HW *RDOV 5HDFK )RU WKH 6WDUV %XW $OZD\V 5HPDLQ *URXQGHG

0UV (OLVKHYD .DPLQHWVN\ ʭʬʥʲʤ ʠʸʡʰ ʩʬʩʡʹʡ 8QGHUVWDQGLQJ 2XU 8QLTXH 0LVVLRQ

'U 'DYLG 3HOFRYLW] 7%$

.H\QRWH 5DEEL 0RUGHFKDL :LOOLJ 6KOLW D ± 7KUHH 0RGHOV RI &KLQXFK 0LQFKD

7+( (9(17 ,6 )5(( 2) &+$5*( 6WHHULQJ &RPPLWWHH 6KHUL +DPPHU 'RED ,VDDFV 1DRPL .DV]RYLW] 6\PD 6KXOPDQ /HYLQH -D\ /HUPDQ 6KDQL /HUPDQ -RHO 6WHLQPHW]

843855

7R FRQWLQXH UHFHLYLQJ LQIRUPDWLRQ RU WR VSRQVRU WKH HYHQW SOHDVH FRQWDFW RIILFH#KDNRWHO RUJ LO )ROORZ WKH HYHQW RQOLQH DW )DFHERRN 7RZQV(GXFDWLRQ&RQIHUHQFH 7ZLWWHU #)7('8&21)

11

Send news and photos to: Schools@TheJewishStar.com

June 17, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ 11 Sivan 5776

A weekly section of The Jewish Star. In print, and online at TheJewishStar.com

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Girls Who Codeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at North Shore bridge tech gap Woodmere resident Arielle Rothman and Shani Kahan of Great Neck, juniors at North Shore Hebrew Academy High School, helped to establish the Girls Who Code Club at the Great Neck school this year, and 17 students were the ďŹ rst to complete the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curriculum on June 9. They received a completion certiďŹ cate and a small gift.

Girls Who Code is a national organization whose mission is to close the gender gap in technology. They offer curriculum for clubs during the year as well as a seven-week summer immersion program.

At the beginning of the school year, Rothman and Kahan asked Director of Educational Technology Robin Wilensky if she would be the

$ULHOOH 5RWKPDQ OHIW DQG 6KDQL .DKDQ ERWK MXQLRUV DW 1RUWK 6KRUH +HEUHZ $FDG HP\ +LJK 6FKRRO LQ *UHDW 1HFN IRXQGHG WKH VFKRROÂśV *LUOV :KR &RGH &OXE

clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adviser/instructor. Wilensky already runs Females in Computer Science and Information Technology, and she readily agreed.

The young women got the ball rolling and recruited students from all grade levels, two dozen students in all. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am really pleased with how successful the program is,â&#x20AC;? Wilensky said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The girls come at their lunch hour and work at home to complete tasks and they are extremely dedicated and motivated to succeed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Girls Who Code program has added signiďŹ cantly to our extensive computer science curriculum at the school.â&#x20AC;?

North Shore is one of only a handful of schools on Long Island

offering this program. Rothman and Kahan also mentor the younger students as they progress through the course.

The girls in the program learn Python programming in the ďŹ rst year and continue to learn more complex technologies as they continue through high school.

With 75 percent of the students completing the course and the rest pledging to do so over the summer, the school considers this program to be a huge success. In addition it has proven to be a great feeder program for the higher level courses that the school offers including Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science A and the brand new AP Computer Science Principles course.

History comes alive for HANCsters at wax museum Third Graders in Mrs. Lehmannâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class at HANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Samuel & Elizabeth Bass Golding Elementary School, in West Hempstead, completed their unit on Biographies with a fantastic Wax Museum.

The students each read a biography about a famous person they were interested in learning more about. The students chose from a wide range of inventors, explorers, world leaders, sport stars and scientists. After completing their books and research, the students compiled a video presentation about their person â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who they then brought to life at the Wax Museum.

At the Wax Museum the students proudly dressed up as their characters and displayed creative poster boards which showcased everything they learned about their famous person.

The students did a wonderful job on their projects and the family members and HANC students who came to visit the Wax Museum all agreed that it was a real treat to meet Jane Goodall, Ilan Ramon, Albert Einsetin, Elvis, JK Rowling, David Wright, Princess Kate, Milton Hershey and George Lucas.

HALB bake honors Gilad Shaer SHARE THE NEWS! FOLLOW THE JEWISH STAR ON

*LUOV DW WKH +HEUHZ $FDGHP\ RI /RQJ %HDFK EDNHG JRRGLHV WR KLJKOLJKW WKH LPSRUWDQFH RI WKH PLW] YDK RI ORYLQJ RXU QHLJKERUV DV RXUVHOYHV *LODG 6KDHU RQH RI WKUHH NLGQDSSHG ER\V KDG D SDVVLRQ IRU EDNLQJ DQG KLV PRWKHU VKDUHG WKH ³&KRFRODWH 0XG %DOO´ UHFLSH WR EDNH DQG VHUYH LQ KLV PHPRU\

FACEBOOK.COM/THEJEWISH STAR

TWITTER.COM/JEWISHSTARNY

THE JEWISH STAR June 17, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ 11 Sivan 5776

JEWISH STAR SCHOOLS

June 17, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ 11 Sivan 5776 THE JEWISH STAR

12

JEWISH STAR SCHOOLS

HAFTR haircuts aid Israelis with cancer Last Thursday afternoon, after a year of letting their hair down, a number of HAFTR Middle School students joined with the Zichron Menachem Hair4Wigs project to donate their long tresses to Israeli children with cancer.

Mrs. Yehudeet Gore, HAFTRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ChesedU coordinator, inspired local vendors to donate their services, including Cravingz for

the cake, Paper Place for the paper goods, Janine and Cal Nathan for donating the balloons, Shani Hair Salon for the hairstylists.

Faculty, students and family members of the Middle School donated their hair.

HAFTR student Isabella Baruch wrote: â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a seventh grade student at HAFTR, we learn daily about doing mitzvot ben adam lechavero. There are so many different ways to go about doing acts kindness. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This week some students donated their hair to Zichron Menachem, an organization that supplies wigs to children with cancer. It was a truly beautiful mitzvah. While not all students were able to donate their hair, there are still other ways in which both boys and girls can take part in this mitzvah. We can collectively start a fund to raise money that would directly go to purchasing wigs for children with cancer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The more we give, the more wigs we can buy!â&#x20AC;?

If you would like to participate in this direct initiative, please send a check or deliver cash to the middle school ofďŹ ce for Zichron Menachem (hair4wigs).

CAHALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class at HANC Learning comes ALIVE in the CAHAL kindergarten class at the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County.

In their science lessons about plant and animal life, the children not only learned so many new concepts and vocabulary words, but they also experienced the miracles of Hashem ďŹ rsthand.

The children planted lima bean seeds on paper towels in clear cups rather than in soil in order to be able to watch the germination process right before their eyes. After just three days the excitement began as the seeds shed their coats and roots began to grow.

The children watched daily and charted, in their science journals, their seedsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; progress as root hairs, stems and leaves all sprouted on the new seedlings. When the plants were ready for transplanting, the children decorated pretty pots which they then ďŹ lled with soil and took home to their families as a Shavuot present.

However, that is not all that is growing in this very unique classroom.

Four weeks ago, 12 tiny caterpillars arrived in clear plastic cups ďŹ lled with special food to nourish them.

The children watched with great anticipation as the caterpillars ate and ate and ate

Shulamaith announces 8th grade grad honors (OLDQD (LFKOHU 9DOHGLFWRULDQ Eliana resides in Cedarhurst and is the daughter of Aviva and Moshe Eichler. She is a bright and highly motivated student at the Shulamith School for Girls who works hard to achieve her goals. She excels in her studies and is always looking for ways to grow in areas of Torah, academics and midot.

Eliana has participated in both the Torah Bowl and Math Olympiad teams. She has been named winner of the school spelling bee three out of the last four years. Eliana was elected Vice President of the G.O. in seventh grade.

She used her senior year to work on chesed, including being a homework helper at the Levi Yitzchak Library and her weekly chavruta with an individual with special needs.

Outside of school, Eliana has been pursuing her love of dance. She has been taking dance classes and demonstrated her talents in the Shulamith production and in Harmony. She looks forward to her time in Camp Kaylie during the summer.

Elianae expresses her hakarat hatov to the teachers and administration at Shulamith for the education she has received. She also wishes a mazal tov to her fellow graduates, especially to her sister, Tzipori.

Eliana is looking forward to attending Stella K. Abraham High School in the fall.

9DOHGLFWRULDQ (OLDQD (LFKOHU

(VVLH $ELWWDQ 6DOXWDWRULDQ Essie resides with her parents, Dr. Chaim and Mrs. Lisa Abittan, and her siblings in Woodmere. She is honored to have been chosen to be salutatorian of her graduating class.

During her senior year at Shulamith, Essie served as co-editor in chief of her class yearbook. In addition, for the past two years she has participated in the Shulamith Torah bowl team, which won this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s championship.

Essie is proud of the fact that for the past eight years, she has delivered Tomchei Shabbat packages each month with her father and siblings. In addition, Essie spends time each week studying the laws of lashon harah with a chavruta who has special needs. In sixth grade, Essie was honored to have received the Keter Shem Tov award.

Essie has beneďŹ tted tremendously from the efforts of the teachers and administrators at Shulamith, and is grateful for their dedication to educating her and her classmates.

Essie will spend her fourth summer at Camp Raninu. She looks forward to attending Manhattan High School for Girls in the fall, and keeping in touch with the wonderful friends that she made at Shulamith.

6DOXWDWRULDQ (VVLH $ELWWDQ

<DHO 6WHUQ .HWHU 6KHP 7RY DZDUG

and grew for 10 days until they went into their chrysalises to do metamorphosis. What a thrill when the Painted Lady ButterďŹ&#x201A;ies emerged.

The children developed a strong sense of appreciation and value for Hashemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s miracles in life as well as much responsibility for their living things, remembering daily to water their plants and give their butterďŹ&#x201A;ies fruit and sugar water to simulate the nectar they drink in the outside world.

After enjoying the butterďŹ&#x201A;ies in their nets for a week, the children agreed that they would be happier if they could ďŹ&#x201A;y free. So 11 brave kindergartners sang â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shalom Parparimâ&#x20AC;? as they released their butterďŹ&#x201A;ies to the skies.

Yael, daughter of Yitzchak and Dahlia Stern, lives in Woodmere. Yaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s midot tovot earned her the the Keter Shem Tov award for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shulamith eighth grade graduating class.

Yael is creative, and loves drama, dance and ďŹ ne arts. She was on the business committee of the graduating classâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s yearbook and was a ďŹ rst place winner at the Inter-Yeshiva Science Fair. Yael has enjoyed her Judaic and secular studies as well as the chessed opportunities that have been afforded to her in Shulamith. In particular, she enjoys learning each week in a small group with an adult with special needs.

Yael is truly grateful to Shulamith for providing her with exceptional teachers and role models who embrace Torah and derech eretz.

Yael will be a member of the Class of 2020 at Torah Academy for Girls High School.

<DHO 6WHUQ .HWHU 6KHP 7RY DZDUG ZLQQHU

13 THE JEWISH STAR June 17, 2016 • 11 Sivan 5776

JEWISH STAR SCHOOLS

STEM’s in place for K-12 at HAFTR The Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway has adopted a technology initiative in its Early Childhood Center that will partner with the school’s K-12 STEM and Innovation initiative.

HAFTR’s goal is to teach basic technological skills to students at their earliest educational stages, when they easily adapt to educational related apps that help with reading, writing and arithmetic. The students will also be introduced to foundational methods of critical thinking to help prepare them for kindergarten, where they will start learning computer programming.

HAFTR’s Early Childhood Center recently

had a wonderful lesson with Morah Elaine.

Their little techies were surprised to see their new iPad minis.

They read The Monster at the End of this Book, starring lovable, furry old Grover, and then had to find the app on the iPads, and read the digital version of the same book.

Morah Elaine Gross said, “These students are beginning to understand that technology is being utilized as a tool and not a toy. We can teach them the proper way to physically handle technology while creating a feeling of excitement to learn in new and innovative ways.”

HAFTR partnered with CIJE and Jewish Education Project to create this curriculum.

‘Little’ HALB visits ‘Big’ HALB HALB kindergarten children excitedly boarded buses to visit the HALB Long Beach campus last Tuesday. This annual end-of-year visit enables the children to experience first-hand what it means to be a first grader.

The children had an opportunity to meet some of the HALB administrators, including their new principal, Mr. Richard Altabe, who entertained the kindergartners with an amusing story of his first day in HALB’s kindergarten when he was just about their age!

Each class enjoyed the opportunity to participate in one of the first grade specialties, either art, science, Ivrit or gym.

The high point of the visit was spending time with the first grade teachers, morah and rebbe, who shared highlights of what to expect in September in first grade.

Many of the kindergarten children got hugs and kisses from their older sisters, brothers, cousins, grandmothers and friends as well. They can’t wait to be in Kitah Aleph!

4 seek 2 Lawrence trustee seats 845967

)LYH 7RZQV &RPPXQLW\ &ROODERUDWLYH &RQIHUHQFH Full Schedule On Page 10

Commercial & Residential Licensed & Insured

855-I-KNOW-A-GUY 461 Central Ave Cedarhurst NY 11516 ,IC ( s .9# 4RACK '#

838746

www.iknowaguyinc.com

Plaza PAL Auto Leasing See Ad On Back Page

845969

the complacency of the current also believes in privaBy Jeffrey Bessen, Nassau Herald board and how issues are tabled tizing operations at the Residents of the Village of for weeks and months. Kevelson village-owned and opLawrence will elect a mayor and wants to create a revenue-generated Lawrence Yacht two trustees on Tuesday. & Country Club. erating rafďŹ&#x201A;e, where the winner Syma Diamond, Daniel Goldwouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to pay village tax8UL .DXIPDQ stein, Uri Kaufman and Rochelle es for that year. She also would served nine years on Stern Kevelson are running for like the village to create a place the Lawrence school Lawrence village trustee. It is an for seniors, widows and divorced board. He touts his at-large election. The two with people to meet and be involved in real-estate experience, the most votes win. Trustee Alex activities. and expertise with reEdelman is running unopposed In other Lawrence action, Vilmediating brownďŹ elds, for mayor.

SYMA DIAMOND as skills the village URI KAUFMAN lage Justice Donald Buchalter, 6\PD 'LDPRQG a matri79, is once again running unchalcould use regarding monial lawyer, has a vested interest in the community as the mother of the sewage plant property, nearly ďŹ ve acres lenged for a four-year term. He has served four children. She proposes to create more of land. Kaufman proposes a community cen- since 1987. Trustee C. Simon Felder is ending recreational space and wants Lawrence to ter with an indoor. The country club should his nearly 30 years of serving Lawrence. He have more family-oriented activities like Ce- be privatized, he said, because there are was on the zoning board, the village board darhurstâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concerts in the park. Diamond said some things that government does well, but and has been mayor and deputy mayor. ,Q RWKHU HOHFWLRQVÂŤ running a business is a contractor should be brought in not one of them. He Atlantic Beachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incumbent to spray the Back Lawrence area said he will never hide mayor, George Pappas, and sitfor mosquitoes in the warmer from raising taxes ting trustees Linda L. Bassler and months so residents can be more when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s necessary, Edward A. Sullivan, are running comfortable outside their homes. but points to his reunopposed. In Hewlett Bay Park, 'DQLHO *ROGVWHLQ a busicord on the Lawrence Mayor Steven Kaufman and Trustness partner of sitting Trustee Irboard, where taxes ees Gail Rubel and Joel Schneider ving Langer, who is not running were not raised sigare also unchallenged. for re-election, has political expeniďŹ cantly and services Mayor Mark Weiss and Trustees rience. Goldstein helped establish continued to be renTom Cohen and Ken Kornblau are the Finance Party in Israel with his dered. unopposed in Hewlett Harbor. In brother, Benny. The party didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t 5RFKHOOH 6WHUQ Hewlett Neck, Mayor Ross Epstein win any seats in the Knesset, but .HYHOVRQ a former and board members Steven HochGoldstein says it had an impact. ROCHELLE STERN DANIEL GOLDSTEIN president of the Lawberg and Aron Schnell are running He wants to simplify the Building KEVELSON rence Association, the without challengers. Woodsburgh Department process by eliminatvillageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s civic organization, is Trustees Carl Cayne and Barry Platnick are also ing the denial letter and just have residents apply for the requested variance the only one of the candidates who attends running unopposed.

In Lawrence, voting takes place in the Viland then a hearing. Running as a member board meeting. She has lived in Lawrence of the Unity Party, along with Kaufman and for 35 years. She has accumulated knowl- lage Hall at 196 Central Ave. from 7 am to presumptive mayor Alex Edelman, Goldstein edge about how the village works and noted 9 pm.

FRUM-EOLA Orthodox families in Mineola, Garden City and throughout Long Island have a newspaperâ&#x20AC;Ś

[f

#OMMERCIAL 2ESIDENTIAL s ,ICENSED )NSURED

855-I-KNOW-A-GUY #ENTRAL !VE #EDARHURST .9 ,IC ( s .9# 4RACK '#

837496

www.iknowaguyinc.com

,Q +RPH 3HGLFXORVLV /LFH 5HPRYDO Service 24 Hours / 7 Days â&#x20AC;˘ Natural, Organic, Guaranteed Enjoy the convenience and privacy of in-home lice removal. Why have a restless child spend hours in an unfamiliar lice salon when they can be treated in the comfort of their home? Home treatment also cuts the risk of spreading.

We come at your convenience anywhere in the New York City metropolitan area, parts of New Jersey and Long Island.

JEWISH STAR

The newspaper of Long Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Orthodox communities.

(For school-aged child, ask for Eliana)

E-mail: info@licetreatmentgroup.com

www.licetreatmentgroup.com

847075

842123

June 17, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ 11 Sivan 5776 THE JEWISH STAR

14

15

Â&#x2021; &$5((56 ,1 $9,$7,21

FEATURING â&#x20AC;˘ Blinds â&#x20AC;˘

Shades â&#x20AC;˘ Curtains â&#x20AC;˘ Shutters â&#x20AC;˘ Cornices â&#x20AC;˘ Austrian Shades â&#x20AC;˘ Roman Shades â&#x20AC;˘ Valances â&#x20AC;˘ Upholstery â&#x20AC;˘ Headboards â&#x20AC;˘ Tablecloths

FREE ESTIMATES

837520

352326$/ )/,*+7

777 "%34 0),/4 #/- \ s

Commercial & Residential #OMMERCIAL 2ESIDENTIAL s ,ICENSED )NSURED Licensed & Insured

855-I-KNOW-A-GUY 855-I-KNOW-A-GUY www.iknowaguyinc.com www.iknowaguyinc.com 461 Central Ave Cedarhurst NY 11516 #ENTRAL !VE #EDARHURST .9 ,IC ( s .9# 4RACK '# ,IC ( s .9# 4RACK '#

IN NEED OF A NEW WINDOW TREATMENT DESIGNER?

AUTHORIZED DEALER Hunter Douglas â&#x20AC;˘ Graber â&#x20AC;˘ Comfortex Lafayette â&#x20AC;˘ Kravet â&#x20AC;˘ Robert Allen

%,57+'$< 25 %$5 0,7=9$+ )/,*+7

Â&#x2021; 2%7$,1 3,/27 /,&(16( :,7+ +,*+(67 /(9(/ 2) )/,*+7 75$,1,1*

WINDOW TREATMENTS â&#x20AC;˘

SURPRISE YOUR KIDS!!

Â&#x2021; %(67 )/,*+7 ,16758&7256

838746 837496

terror and wish to express the Jewish peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solidarity with the victims and with the LGBT community.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are simply speechless in the face of such an act of pure evil and hatred,â&#x20AC;? said American Jewish Committee Executive Director David Harris.

Jewish Council for Public Affairs Director David Bernstein called the attack â&#x20AC;&#x153;an act of terrorism and a mass hate crime.â&#x20AC;?

Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said the attack had â&#x20AC;&#x153;all the markers of both an unconscionable hate crime and an act of terrorism on a scale we have not before witnessed in America,â&#x20AC;? and is â&#x20AC;&#x153;yet another reminder of the serious threat posed by the Islamic State terrorist group.â&#x20AC;?

Meanwhile, in the aftermath of Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s terror attack, details have emerged about the Palestinian roots of the killerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife. The killer was born in New York to parents who immigrated to the U.S. from Afganistan.

Facebook accounts belonging to relatives of the 30-year-old woman reportedly show that her family is of Palestinian origin and that her family had immigrated to the U.S. from the West Bank in the 1970s.

It was reported on Wedneday that she may face criminal charges for not warning authorities about her husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impending actions.

After the shooting, the gunmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife told the FBI that she was present when her husband bought ammunition and a holster, according to several ofďŹ cials familiar with the case. She also told the FBI that she once drove him to the Pulse nightclub so he could check it out, and that she tried to talk her husband out of his actions.

WE ARE HAPPY TO ACCOMMODATE!

CUSTOM TABLECLOTHS Faux leathers and velvets â&#x20AC;˘ Challah covers, too â&#x20AC;˘ Hundreds of materials to choose from â&#x20AC;˘

SOHO Window Fashion

581 WILLOW AVE, CEDARHURST IN MAPLE PLAZA, NEXT TO DAVIDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PIZZA

SohoBlinds.com â&#x20AC;˘ 516-341-7600

845923

Continued from page 1 philosophy and actions of radical Islamists which are the antithesis of personal responsibility, coexistence, and peace. We call on world leaders to continue the ďŹ ght to protect innocent people from the violence motivated

by ISIS and those sharing its cruel philosophy.â&#x20AC;?

RCA Vice President Elazar Muskin continued: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We categorically condemn the hatred and violence perpetrated against the patrons of the Pulse nightclub. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No individual or group should be singled out in such a nefarious way. Our deepest condolences are extended to all the bereaved families, their friends and community, in this time of pain. Our thoughts and prayers for a speedy and full recovery are with all the wounded.â&#x20AC;?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin also issued condemnations of the attack. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On behalf of the people and government of Israel, I extend our deepest condolences to the American people following last nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horriďŹ c attack on the LGBT community in Orlando,â&#x20AC;? Netanyahu said in a statement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Israel stands shoulder to shoulder with the United States at this moment of tragic loss.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;To @POTUS: The attack against the LGBT community in #Orlando is cowardly & abhorrent. #Israel stands w/America in the ďŹ ght against hatred,â&#x20AC;? Rivlin tweeted.

The city of Tel Aviv lit its municipal building in the colors of the LGBT and American ďŹ&#x201A;ags in solidarity with Orlando.

World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder said in a statement that â&#x20AC;&#x153;on behalf of world Jewry, I condemn this horriďŹ c act of

THE JEWISH STAR June 17, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ 11 Sivan 5776

Terror in Orlandoâ&#x20AC;Ś

Linda Baron-Katz brings a message of hope for those in the Orthodox community living with a mental illness

HEALTH, MIND & BODY 6HFWLRQ VSRQVRUHG E\ $OLQD %HUJDQ ''6 &HQWUDO $YH 6XLWH ) Â&#x2021; &HGDUKXUVW Â&#x2021;

Health confab in Israel eyes â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;state of the heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

A memoir of the heartbreak and challenge of growing up with a mental illness like bipolar disorder, its stigma and the hope for recovery

A childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book about two different mental illnesses â&#x20AC;&#x201D; depression and mania â&#x20AC;&#x201D; makes it easier for children to understand these mental conditions Visit our website:

www.surviving-mental-illness.com For more information, contact Linda at

718-261-3772

baronkatz@gmail.com

837515

HAIFA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Leading researchers, healthcare professionals and supporters gathered at the Rambam Health Care Campus for its annual healthcare summit recently where they showcased some of the most exciting innovations and solutions to the global strategic challenges facing cardiovascular innovations and digital health.

Prof. Yuval Noah Harari, the best-selling author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, spoke about the future of medicine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the cusp of perhaps the greatest change for the human race with what is happening in the biotech ďŹ eld, in artiďŹ cial intelligence,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Participants were shown cutting-edge technological capabilities such as a robotic cardiac surgery and optogenetic treatments of abnormal heartbeats. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore the Rambam facility, including a tour of the Sammy Ofer Underground FortiďŹ ed Emergency Hospital.

The conference culminated with a gala reception and ceremony where two leading researchers were recognized with The Rambam

Award, which recognizes remarkable individuals for their contributions to medicine, science and technology, as well as their passion and special generosity to the State of Israel. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recipients were: Prof. William Brody, former president of the Salk Institute who was recognized for innovations in the treatment of cardiovascular disease; Prof. Eric Topol of the Scripps Translational Institute, for his work on digitizing and democratizing medicine; and Sandor Frankel and the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. Professors Brody and Topol both delivered key lectures at the summit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rambamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doctors and researchers are doing exciting work that is at the forefront of the future of medicine,â&#x20AC;? Brody said.

Topol stated that â&#x20AC;&#x153;this is the most exciting time in the history of medicine. Before, when we saw the patient, we had very little data and only a limited view of each individual. Now, with digitization of the medical essence, physiology sensors, the analysis of the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DNA microbiome, and the widespread use of smartphones to diagnose, monitor and analyze his condition, it has all changed.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Rambam

Healthy Teeth & Gums From A New Patient Knowledgeable, Caring Dentist With Special!

Exceptional Skills And A Gentle Touch $'8/7 &OHDQLQJ ([DP DQG ; UD\V

â&#x20AC;˘ Friendly Doctor & Staff who listen to your concerns and clearly explain your treatment options â&#x20AC;˘ For your convenience, same day treatment available â&#x20AC;˘ EfďŹ cient ofďŹ ce with highest standards of cleanliness â&#x20AC;˘ Same day emergency appointments available â&#x20AC;˘ We see children starting at 2 years old

Only

$

99

5HJ

,Q DEVHQFH RI JXP GLVHDVH

&+,/' &OHDQLQJ ([DP ; UD\V DQG )OXRULGH

Only $

75

5HJ

&KLOGUHQ XS WR \HDUV ROG 2QH 7LPH 2IIHU ZLWK FRXSRQ ([S

Call For Your Appointment Now!

516-203-4556

0% Financing Available OPEN SUNDAYS Request Your Appointment Online

Alina Bergan D.D.S. 650 Central Ave., Suite F Cedarhurst, NY 11516 www.alinabergandds.com

63(&,$/ ,Q 2IĂ&#x20AC;FH 7HHWK :KLWHQLQJ

2QO\

Exp. 6/30/16

Reg. $500

844354

June 17, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ 11 Sivan 5776 THE JEWISH STAR

16

17 THE JEWISH STAR June 17, 2016 â&#x20AC;¢ 11 Sivan 5776

;) %6) 78 .3,2´7 ,)6) *36 =396 ,)%08,

+)2)6%0 796+)6= %8 78 .3,2´7 )4-7'34%0 ,374-8%0

Â&#x2021; +HDG DQG QHFN

8LI (ITEVXQIRX SJ 7YVKIV] EX 7X .SLR´W )TMWGSTEP ,SWTMXEP PIH F] -RXIVMQ 'LEMVQER .EZMIV %RHVEHI 1( *%'7 TVSZMHIW GSQTVILIRWMZI WYVKMGEP GEVI MRGPYHMRK QER] QMRMQEPP] MRZEWMZI TVSGIHYVIW JSV E [MHI VERKI SJ GSRHMXMSRW

Â&#x2021; 2WRODU\QJRORJ\ SV IEV RSWI XLVSEX )28

0LQLPDOO\ ,QYDVLYH 6XUJHU\ 9RHIV 'LMIJ SJ 1MRMQEPP] -RZEWMZI 7YVKIV] .EGOMI &EXXMWXE (3 14, XLI (ITEVXQIRX SJJIVW E [MHI VERKI SJ QMRMQEPP] ERH PIWW MRZEWMZI TVSGIHYVIW MRGPYHMRK XLSWI XLEX YWI PETEVSWGSTMG ERH IRHSWGSTMG XIGLRMUYIW 7YVKISRW YWI XLI WQEPPIWX MRGMWMSRW TSWWMFPI SV XLI FSH]´W REXYVEP STIRMRKW XS MRWIVX XLMR ¾I\MFPI MRWXVYQIRXW ERH XMR] GEQIVEW XS TIVJSVQ ZMHIS EWWMWXIH WYVKIV] 1MRMQEPP] MRZEWMZI WYVKIV] VIWYPXW MR JI[IV GSQTPMGEXMSRW WLSVXIV LSWTMXEP WXE]W UYMGOIV VIGSZIVMIW ERH PIWW WGEVVMRK

Â&#x2021; 2UWKRSHGLF VXUJHU\ MRGPYHMRK QMRMQEPP] MRZEWMZI NSMRX VITPEGIQIRX Â&#x2021; 3HGLDWULF VXUJHU\ Â&#x2021; 3ODVWLF DQG UHFRQVWUXFWLYH VXUJHU\ MRGPYHMRK JEGMEP WYVKIV] Â&#x2021; 6XUJLFDO RQFRORJ\ XLI WYVKMGEP ETTVSEGL XS XVIEXMRK ERH QEREKMRK GERGIVW Â&#x2021; 9DVFXODU ODERUDWRU\ [LMGL TVSZMHIW RSR MRZEWMZI XIWXMRK XS TMRTSMRX EVIEW SJ ZEWGYPEV FPSGOEKI ERH HMWIEWI Â&#x2021; :RXQG FDUH MRGPYHMRK L]TIVFEVMG XLIVET] MR [LMGL E TEXMIRX FVIEXLIW MR TYVI S\]KIR MR E TVIWWYVM^IH GLEQFIV ,]TIVFEVMG XLIVET] MW E YWIJYP ETTVSEGL XS XVIEXMRK WIVMSYW MRJIGXMSRW ERH [SYRHW XLEX EVIR´X LIEPMRK [IPP *SV QSVI MRJSVQEXMSR SR 7YVKIV] EX 7X .SLR´W )TMWGSTEP ,SWTMXEP GEPP

6XUJLFDO 6XEVSHFLDOWLHV -R EHHMXMSR XS KIRIVEP WYVKIV] XLI (ITEVXQIRX SJ 7YVKIV] EX 7X .SLR´W )TMWGSTEP ,SWTMXEP SJJIVW I\TIVXMWI MR XLI JSPPS[MRK WYVKMGEP WYFWTIGMEPXMIW Â&#x2021; %UHDVW VXUJHU\ WYTTSVXIH F] ER EGXMZI FVIEWX GPMRMG ERH MRGPYHMRK WXIVISXEGXMG ERH WIRXMRIP RSHI GETEFMPMX]

ST. JOHNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EPISCOPAL HOSPITAL ( 3 , 6 & 2 3$ / + ( $ /7 + 6 ( 5 9 , & ( 6 , 1 &

_ ::: (+6 25* 847577

Â&#x2021; &DUGLRWKRUDFLF VXUJHU\ [LMGL XVIEXW GSRHMXMSRW MR XLI GLIWX PYRKW ERH LIEVX ERH MRGPYHIW XLI PIWW MRZEWMZI ZMHIS EWWMWXIH XLSVEGMG WYVKIV]

Jews weigh choiceâ&#x20AC;Ś

+HPSVWHDG &RXQFLOPHQ %UXFH %ODNHPDQ DQG $QWKRQ\ 'Âś(VSRVLWR JUHHWLQJ ,VUDHOLV VROLGLHUV DW WKH ),') )LYH 7RZQV HYHQW )URP OHIW IDF Staff Sgt. (Res.) Sahar 'Âś(VSRVLWR IDF Cpl. Zalman, %ODNHPDQ DQG IDF Sgt. Karen.

400 raised for FIDFâ&#x20AC;Ś Continued from page 3 bam Mesivta in Lawrence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was determined to join Golaniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special operations unit, and through 16 life-changing months of intense training, FIDF was there for me and my squad. When we were about to succumb to hypothermia, we put on thermals donated by FIDF. When I ďŹ nally had the chance to visit my parents, it was FIDF that booked my ďŹ&#x201A;ight home.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Serving as a Lone Soldier in the IDF is a very hard job; being removed from family and friends makes it even harder,â&#x20AC;? said FIDF Long Island Director Liron Kreitman, who was, herself, a Lone Soldier in the IDF. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The support among the Five Towns and Greater South Shore community is incredible and inspiring, and it is my honor to work on behalf of these brave soldiers.â&#x20AC;?

Presiding as the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s master of ceremo-

nies was criminal defense attorney Ben Brafman, Esq. Attending were other IDF soldiers, including Staff Sgt. (Res.) Sahar, who was awarded a Chief of General Staff Citation for his outstanding gallantry during Operation Protective Edge in 2014; and Cpl. Zalman, an IDF Lone Soldier from California serving in the KďŹ r Brigadeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Netzah Yehuda Battalion, which FIDFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Long Island Chapter adopted as part of the FIDF Adopt-A-Battalion Program.

Distinguished guests included state Sen. Todd Kaminsky, D-Long Beach; Hempstead Town Councilmen Bruce A. Blakeman and Anthony P. Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Esposito; and FIDF Tri-State Executive Director Galit Brichta.

Funds raised at this event will go toward FIDF well-being and educational programs for IDF soldiers. Pledges were made using Text-to-Pledge and are still being accepted at 646-887-3433. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;FIDF

Continued from page 1 of Jewish Americansâ&#x20AC;? survey showed that 70 percent of Jewish voters were Democrats, compared to 49 percent of the general American public. But some Jewish voters do not have a speciďŹ c partisan afďŹ liation, and even for some of those who do register with a particular party, the choice between Clinton and Trump may not fall along those partisan lines.

Liran Kapoano, a registered Republican who has worked for a number of pro-Israel organizations and supports the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Never Trump movement,â&#x20AC;? has founded the website GOPWithHer.com for Republicans who support Hillary Clinton because they do not want to see Donald Trump in the White House. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not enough to vote for a third party, or not to vote, because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only half of the job.

It needs to be an anti-Trump and pro-Hillary movement,â&#x20AC;? Kapoano told JNS.org. (To date, the most prominent known third-party option for Novemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general election is Libertarian Gary Johnson.) â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are a lot of Republicans who are very offended, upset, and frankly scared by the potential for a Trump presidency,â&#x20AC;? said Kapoano, who conďŹ rmed that Trump alienates those who should be his allies while emboldening those who should be his enemies. apoano also questions Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record on Israel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know a lot of people who are very pro-Israel and want to vote for Trump,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are allowing themselves to be convinced by someone who has no intention of doing what he says.â&#x20AC;?

When it comes to Hillary Clinton, Kapoano calls the former ďŹ rst ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support for Israel â&#x20AC;&#x153;genuine though misguided,â&#x20AC;? and while he does agree with some aspects of Clintonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foreign policy, in his view she does not take those views far enough. On social issues, Kapoano calls himself â&#x20AC;&#x153;fairly liberal,â&#x20AC;? but laments that like President Barack Obama, Clintonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention â&#x20AC;&#x153;is on things that are less importantâ&#x20AC;? than issues like foreign policy or the national debt.

Despite his mixed feelings about Clinton, Kapoano believes the Democratic candidate is the lesser of two evils. A fan of Major League Baseballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New York Yankees, he said that Clinton â&#x20AC;&#x153;is like the [Yankeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; arch rival the Boston] Red Sox, and Trump is like the Soviets playing against the Red Sox. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not even a comparison for me.â&#x20AC;?

On the other side of the political spectrum lies Samuel Fein, a Democratic-Jewish regional lawmaker for the 6th Legislative District of Albany County, NY. While he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily dislike Clinton, he is a supporter of Clintonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opponent in the primaries, Sen. Bernie Sanders.

As a Jewish voter, â&#x20AC;&#x153;one of the things that is important to me is the idea of social justice, tikkun olam,â&#x20AC;? Fein said, a commitment he sees in Sanders.

But in a Clinton-versus-Trump election he plans to vote for Clinton. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think [Trump] is using racism to gain support,â&#x20AC;? Fein said, citing Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comments about banning Muslims from the U.S., his remarks on Mexicans, and more.

While Clinton is â&#x20AC;&#x153;not going to be anything different than what we had in the past,â&#x20AC;? Trump is â&#x20AC;&#x153;the exact opposite of what we need right now,â&#x20AC;? he said. ack on the political right, RepublicanJewish columnist Bethany Mandel of New Jersey may also end up reluctantly voting for Clinton. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unless my state is close [in the general election], I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t plan to cast a vote for the president. I might vote for Gary Johnson, I need to make that decision. If my state does turn out to be close, I will vote for Hillary Clinton with a stiff drink in hand,â&#x20AC;? she told JNS. org. (New Jersey has traditionally gone strongly Democrat in presidential elections.)

Mandel calls Clinton a â&#x20AC;&#x153;criminal,â&#x20AC;? but does not believe she would â&#x20AC;&#x153;destroy the fabric of the American Republic in the same way that Trump would with his disregard for the First Amendment, race baiting, etc.â&#x20AC;?

Nir Moriah, a Jewish martial arts instructor from Houston who did not identify with either major American political party when speaking with JNS.org, said that both Clinton and

K

B

836630

June 17, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ 11 Sivan 5776 THE JEWISH STAR

18

Trump are â&#x20AC;&#x153;horrible options.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure there are better people that we can come up with in the U.S,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Moriah said he typically chooses who to vote for by seeking out potential leaders, regardless of party afďŹ liation, who view themselves as public servants, have a clear belief system and vision for the country, and are consistent in what they believe, say and do. Applying these conditions to Trump and Clinton, Moriah believes both candidates seem to be running for themselves. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think either of the candidates are there to serve us,â&#x20AC;? he said. Clinton â&#x20AC;&#x153;will say anything to get electedâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;pretends to be there for everyone and is really there for no one,â&#x20AC;? while Trump â&#x20AC;&#x153;doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pretend to be there for anyone other than himself,â&#x20AC;? said Moriah. et unlike the aforementioned Jewish voters, Moriah ultimately plans to vote for Trump due to his belief that the biggest global threat is radical Muslim terrorism. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the Muslim world is presenting an extreme threat that we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand or donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t address because of political correctness.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rather err on the side of voting for the person who recognizes this,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Moriah also disagrees with the perception that Trump is racist against Muslims. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When someone tells you theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to kill you and are determined to destroy your way of life, believe them. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Muslim or green Martian. Does that mean that every Muslim is a terrorist? No. Does that mean I should address the threat? Yes. It would suicide to do otherwise,â&#x20AC;? he said, adding, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to err on the side of the one who might have no plan of action, but at least recognizes the threat.

Back on the political left is Iris Richman of New York City, a Conservative spiritual leader who founded the Sanders-supporting group Rabbis for Bernie, is hanging on to the small possibility that Sanders could still win the Democratic nomination.

But if Clinton is the nominee, Richman said that the next six months must resolve several unknowns that she needs answered in order decide who to vote for in the fall, including whether or not Clinton gets indicted by the FBI over her email scandal, who each candidate will choose as their running mate, and whether Clinton will evolve into a more progressive candidate or remain a moderate Democrat. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Clinton says a number of things that I agree with,â&#x20AC;? but tends to backtrack, so â&#x20AC;&#x153;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to know where Hillary Clinton stands,â&#x20AC;?

Richman told JNS.org. With Trump, â&#x20AC;&#x153;what you see is what you get,â&#x20AC;? but it is also â&#x20AC;&#x153;not entirely clear where Trump stands on everything either,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think either of them will be materially different in terms of their policy on Israel,â&#x20AC;?

Richman added, citing her belief in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;safe and secure Israel,â&#x20AC;? the need for the U.S. and Israel to be closer allies, and a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conďŹ&#x201A;ict. s not voting an option? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a strong believer that you should always vote,â&#x20AC;? said Democrat Samuel Fein, arguing that those who cannot vote for either Clinton or Trump should â&#x20AC;&#x153;at least go out and vote for a third-party candidate.â&#x20AC;? Those who do not vote cannot complain afterward about government policies they disagree with, he said.

Moriah, too, believes in voting no matter what. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People have laid their lives down so that I could exercise my right to express my opinion in a democratic system,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everyone voting also means a better picture of what the country wants, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the only way I know how to affect the process.â&#x20AC;?

But Richman said she understands the impulse on the part of some disillusioned voters to stay away from the polls, citing major ďŹ&#x201A;aws in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;democracy weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been presentedâ&#x20AC;? during the current election campaign.

HUC-JIRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cohen said he is â&#x20AC;&#x153;very committed to the idea that voters should choose the best of the available options. Life is full of choices between bad and worse. It is better to choose â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;badâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; than to allow â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;worseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to triumph.â&#x20AC;?

Disributed by JNS.org

Y

I

RABBI AVI BILLET PARSHA OF THE WEEK

O

ne of the laws discussed in Parshat Naso concerns the Nazir â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a person, man or woman, who chooses to remove himself or herself from society to a limited degree, through not consuming wine and grape products, refraining from cutting hair, and avoiding becoming tameh through contact with a dead body.

Much has been written as to why a person would want to take on these borderline ascetic practices, and those answers are beyond the scope of this essay. SufďŹ ce it to say, Seforno reminds even those who will take on ascetic practices that there is a realm of asceticism that the Torah supports (although perhaps begrudgingly), and there is a level that is â&#x20AC;&#x153;too far,â&#x20AC;? that puts the ascetic at risk. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t torture himself with fasting â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which takes him away from serving G-d, and he should not ďŹ&#x201A;og himself or torment his body â&#x20AC;&#x201D; as is the way of ascetics in other religions. He must merely separate himself from wine, which otherwise leads to licentiousness. This way, he will not weaken himself (through denial of necessary food).â&#x20AC;?

Getting back to the Nazir, what is a little troubling is the prohibition on grape products other than wine.

A restriction on wine is completely understandable. We all know what a little too much wine can do to the mind, to reason, and to oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to think and act rationally. But grapes? Raisins? You can eat as many of these as you want and never even get close

to drunkenness, because without fermentation, there will be no alcohol! So why doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the Torah give allowance for eating raw and unprocessed grapes, while disallowing the Nazir from imbibing in wine?

The simple answers that are offered by some of the commentaries seem intuitive.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fence to prevent a slippery slope â&#x20AC;&#x201C; consuming grapes will lead to consuming wine (Ibn Ezra).

Grapes are what produce wine, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one step removed. (Alshikh) Alshikh goes on to say that â&#x20AC;&#x153;anyone who distances oneself from sin, and from that which causes sin â&#x20AC;Ś there is no doubt that he will be considered holy.â&#x20AC;? e see that even the Torah sets up the concept of a fence, of a slippery slope, of a need to take on restrictions that go beyond the level of the law, just to preserve the law.

How often are we willing to do this? I recently ďŹ nished reading an OTD memoir, written by someone who is no longer part of the observant community. Reading about the community of Jews who have abandoned all forms of observance to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;freed of the shackles of Judaismâ&#x20AC;? and in order to â&#x20AC;&#x153;be the true me,â&#x20AC;? one tends to wonder how much a slippery slope played into the choices that were made. It is hard to know how many people could ďŹ nd fulďŹ llment in a different â&#x20AC;&#x153;streamâ&#x20AC;? of Orthodoxy than the kind they reject if they only saw the options available to them.

At the same time, a â&#x20AC;&#x153;crisis of faith,â&#x20AC;? or

W

even just a â&#x20AC;&#x153;breaking of the bondsâ&#x20AC;? may be the end result of a circumstance, situation and process that is impossible to summarize in a very short essay.

One question that stuck out at me from this memoir went something like this: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been born into this religion, would I choose it on my own?

Would this particular brand of living we live have had any appeal whatsoever?â&#x20AC;?

The author didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t satisfactorily give an answer.

But I will take a simple stab at it. Every person in the world, upon reaching adulthood, has the opportunity to ask real questions, take long looks in the mirror and ask â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;is this who I am?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; A friend of mine who works on a college campus once told me that he gets several inquiries a week from students who are looking to explore Judaism (most are not serious, they are just experimenting college kids looking for their ďŹ&#x201A;avor of the week).

But I look at the great rabbis of old, and of our own times. I see their brilliance, I read of their scholarship and their dedication to ďŹ nd answers to some of the most difďŹ cult moral and ethical dilemmas humans can face, and how they scour all of rabbinic literature to come to their fantastic and inspirational conclusions.

Are they perfect humans? Never. But are they tremendous sources of inspiration? Yes. And did they ďŹ nd the truth in the Judaism

They chose to accept that when wine is forbidden, grapes are forbidden â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even though grapes, in and of themselves, are harmless.

they knew and draw out incredible lives from it? Absolutely. look at the righteous converts to Judaism.

Those who â&#x20AC;&#x153;had it all.â&#x20AC;? They were â&#x20AC;&#x153;free of the shackles of Judaism.â&#x20AC;? They could go where they wanted, eat what they wanted, do whatever they wanted. But they found their lives to be missing something â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and whatever that something was, they found it in observant Judaism.

And I am inspired. Because they chose to put up fences. They chose to accept that when wine is forbidden, grapes are forbidden â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even though grapes, in and of themselves, are harmless and will never do what wine does to a person.

Is everything about Judaism perfect?

Surely not. To bring one silly example â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I would love to get to an airport three hours before my ďŹ&#x201A;ight, and sit down to have lunch at an airport restaurant. Right now, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only in the cards to do this at Ben Gurion airport, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OK. For this life that we choose to be meaningful, we must jump into it fully, accept that it is imperfect, and be comfortable living with questions. And, as the grape and raisin prohibition for the Nazir teaches us, we need to see that even in an effort to make Judaism more deeply meaningful, there are still fences and boundaries, to make sure we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go too far in any direction â&#x20AC;&#x201D; not too far that we damage ourselves and our health, and not too far that we lose sight of what our observant life is supposed to do for us in giving us a meaningful existence.

May we all be blessed to ďŹ nd the right kind of balance and continue to enhance our relationship with the G-d we know is One, Whom we serve with all our hearts and souls.

Columnist@TheJewishStar.com

I

On Parasha Naso: Understanding Birkat Kohanim RABBI DAVID ETENGOFF

O

ne of the best-known passages in our parsha, and the entire Torah, is that of Birkat Kohanim: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The L-rd spoke to Moses saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying: This is how you shall bless the children of Israel, saying to them: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;May the L-rd bless you and watch over you. May the L-rd cause His countenance to shine to you and favor you. May the L-rd raise His countenance toward you and grant you peace.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; They shall bestow My Name upon the children of Israel, so that I will bless them.â&#x20AC;? (Bamidbar 6:22-27) The kohanimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recitation of this three-fold bracha is simultaneously a holy, dramatic and auspicious moment within the cycle of the teďŹ lot hayom (prayers of the day). In nearly all cases, adults suddenly become quiet and intensely focused upon what is to transpire, while young children run to their fathers to ďŹ nd temporary shelter under their prayer shawls - for even they sense that something quite special is about to take place. These behaviors naturally lead us to ask, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is the true nature of Birkat Kohanim?â&#x20AC;?

My rebbe and mentor, Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik zatzal, known as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ravâ&#x20AC;? by his followers and disciples, discussed our question in one of his weekly drashot. He noted that the commandment of Birkat Kohanim entails two separate aspects: â&#x20AC;&#x153;the transmission of a direct blessing from G-d and

hashraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;at ha-Shechinah (the manifestation of Hashemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presence).â&#x20AC;? Moreover, the Rav stated that Birkat Kohanim â&#x20AC;&#x153;is a direct meeting with the Shechinah that presents us with an intimate encounter in which we come [so to speak] face to face with G-d.â&#x20AC;? (These, and all following quotations of the Rav, are from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, Darosh Darash Yosef: Discourses of Rav Yosef Dov Halevi Soloveitchik on the Weekly Parashah,â&#x20AC;? Rabbi Avishai C. David, editor, pages 290-296, brackets my own.) f, as the Rav maintains, Birkat Kohanim is preeminently a time wherein we experience hashraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;at ha-Shechinah, how is it possible that nearly any kohen may participate in this mitzvah? After all, it seems logic would dictate that only very holy and righteous kohanim should give this bracha. Fortunately, the Rambam (Maimonides, 1135-1204) directly addressed this issue in the Mishneh Torah: Do not wonder: â&#x20AC;&#x153;What good will come from the blessing of this simple person?â&#x20AC;? for the reception of the blessings is not dependent on the priests, but on the Holy One, blessed be He, as the Torah states: â&#x20AC;&#x153;They shall bestow My Name upon the children of Israel, so that I will bless them.â&#x20AC;? The priests perform the mitzvah with which they were commanded, and G-d, in His mercies, will bless Israel, as He desires. (Hilchot

I

TeďŹ lah 15:7, translation, Rabbi Eliyahu Touger with my underlining and emendations.)

Let us brieďŹ&#x201A;y review the salient points that are found in this passage: Almost any kohen is ďŹ tting to fulďŹ ll the mitzvah of Birkat Kohanim, since â&#x20AC;&#x153;the reception of the blessings is not dependent on the priests, but on the Holy One, blessed be He.â&#x20AC;?

Moreover, and of singular import, the Rambam stresses that the kohanim bestow Hashemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name upon the Jewish people, i.e. they serve as the viaduct through which the Almightyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blessing ďŹ&#x201A;ows, but it is â&#x20AC;&#x153;G-d, in His mercies, [who] will bless Israel, as He desires.â&#x20AC;?

Based upon a careful reading of our passage, we ďŹ nd that this concept is clearly found in the verse wherein it states: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I [G-d] will bless them.â&#x20AC;?

While the Rambam speciďŹ cally addressed the question of â&#x20AC;&#x153;What good will come from the blessing of this simple person?â&#x20AC;? his response strongly buttresses the Ravâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assertion that Birkat Kohanim is the time of hashraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;at ha-Shechinah â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for it is G-d, not man, who actually gives the blessing. Therefore, Rav Soloveitchik maintained: Here the Rambam states clearly that the blessing in Birkat Kohanim comes not from the kohen but directly from G-d. This is why the kohen who recites the blessing does not require any special level of sanctityâ&#x20AC;Ś Contrary to ap-

May He cause His countenance to shine upon us and favor us â&#x20AC;Ś and grant peace to all His people.

pearances, Birkat Kohanim is not only a relaying of the heavenly blessing, but also a direct enactment of hashraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;at haShechinah. Nesiat kapayim (the â&#x20AC;&#x153;raising of the hands,â&#x20AC;? as in the priestly blessing) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a face-to-face encounter between G-d and the Jewish people â&#x20AC;&#x201C; leads to hashraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;at ha-Shechinah. It reďŹ&#x201A;ects G-dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s act of extending kindness. (Underlining my own.)

May it be Hashemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desire that He will ever extend kindness and mercy to the entire Jewish people, and bless and watch over us.

May He cause His countenance to shine upon us and favor us. May the L-rd raise His countenance toward us and grant peace to all of His people. Vâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;chane yihi ratzon.

Columnist@TheJewishStar.com

/XDFK

)UL -XQH Â&#x2021; 6LYDQ 3DUVKD 1DVVR

&DQGOHOLJKWLQJ SP +DYGDODK SP

)UL -XQH Â&#x2021; 6LYDQ 3DUVKD %HKDÂśDORVFKD &DQGOHOLJKWLQJ SP +DYGDODK SP

7KLV ZHHNÂśV OXDFK LV DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH :KLWH 6KXO )DU 5RFNDZD\

THE JEWISH STAR June 17, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ 11 Sivan 5776

Putting up fences, and barring juice with wine

19

LONG ISLANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE This page reaches 80,000 LI homes thru The Jewish Star and Herald newspapers. To advertise, call 516-569-4000 x286.

L

â&#x20AC;˘ Tree Removal

516-377-8311 â&#x20AC;˘ jandairrigation.com

SYSTEM INSTALLATION PLUS GET A FREE RAIN SENSOR AND VALVE BOX Expires 6/30/16

SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNTS

ANY REPAIR

Licensed and Insured

Must present at time of purchase Expires 6/30/16

â&#x20AC;˘ Land Clearing

â&#x20AC;˘ Stumps

â&#x20AC;˘ Fertilization â&#x20AC;˘ Topping

15 OFF

$

Commercial & Residential â&#x20AC;˘ Licensed & Insured

855-I-KNOW-A-GUY

FREE ESTIMATES

www.iknowaguyinc.com

Lic# H206773000

OfďŹ ce: 516-546-4971 Cell: 516-852-5415 461 Central Ave Cedarhurst NY 11516 Lic #H04398900 â&#x20AC;˘ NYC Track #GC611686

FRANCISCOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LANDSCAPING

Surf Glass Corp.

RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL WINDOW / SCREENS REPAIRED & REPLACED â&#x20AC;˘ MIRRORS â&#x20AC;˘ TABLE TOPS â&#x20AC;˘ SHOWER DOORS

19 Years Serving Your Area WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED!

No Fee To Employer

www.familyfence.net

HOWARD'S

Visit us at MollyMaid.com to learn more.

Fully Lic. N:H2043320000 S:54356-H & Insured

Full Service Home Improvements

TREE SERVICE, INC

792237

Howard Duryea, Owner On Job

Kitchens & Baths Our Specialty We Also Sell Cabinets At Wholesale & Retail Prices

FREE Estimates â&#x20AC;˘ Licensed/Insured Nassau H18H2130000 â&#x20AC;˘ Suffolk 45624-H

516-766-0042 or 516-486-2336

â&#x20AC;˘

FREE ESTIMATES

GET

25 OFF

Any Demolition, Cleanout, or Dumpster Rental

â&#x20AC;˘ Installations/ Renovations â&#x20AC;˘ Service â&#x20AC;˘ Repairs

Discount may not be combined with any other offer.

Coupon must be submitted at time of service.

â&#x20AC;˘A

841103

516-541-1557 1-866-935-8654 www.1866wejunkit.com Apa â&#x20AC;˘W

Spring Turn-Ons

$

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

839127

Central Air Conditioning, Gas Heating, Major Appliances

770517

Universal Services of L.I. 800-430-1410

www.howardstreeservice.com

SAME DAY SERVICE

Residential & Commercial

Demolition Rubbish Removal Cleanups Cleanouts Dumpster Rentals

Fully Licensed & Insured: Nassau H3900100000 â&#x20AC;˘ Suffolk 45336-H

Licensed Master Plumber Owner â&#x20AC;˘ Operator All Work Guaranteed

Quality Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Cost - It Pays!

Prompt Reliable Service At Competitive Prices

National Grid Oil To Gas Conversion

INSTALLATIONS â&#x20AC;˘ REPAIRS REFINISHING LIC/INS â&#x20AC;˘ Family Owned/Operated

516-647-3422 Servicing Nassau & Suffolk County 24/ Hour Service â&#x20AC;˘ Free Estimates

841121

Repairs â&#x20AC;˘ Service / Installation On All Plumbing & Heating Needs Gas â&#x20AC;˘ OIl â&#x20AC;˘ Heat & Hot Water â&#x20AC;˘ Radiant Heating Expert & A/C

Free Estimates â&#x20AC;˘ Dustless Machines

CertiďŹ ed BackďŹ&#x201A;ow Tester Free Estimates Licensed and Insured

Joe Barbato 516-826-7700

::D HDME:AF? @=9LAF? KH=;A9DAKL$ AF;&

HARD WOOD FLOOR SPECIALIST

GOLDâ&#x153;­STAR FLOORS

839022

516.783.4904

Licensed & Insured #H1303610000

REM

TOLL FREE: 866-846-FLRS â&#x20AC;˘ 516-593-0215

Š2015 Molly Maid, Inc. Each franchise independently owned and operated.

2207 Newbridge Rd. â&#x20AC;˘ Bellmore

In Business Since 1952. Call For A Free Estimate Year Round

Evons Services 516-505-5510

24 hour/ Same Day Service Ask About Our 1 Year Guarantee on Prices

516-308-7100 000-000-0000

LI Herald

LET OUR We Do All Phases of CERTIFIED ABORIST Tree Work & Storm Damage EVALUATE YOUR Tree Removal â&#x20AC;˘ Pruning â&#x20AC;˘ Topping TREE BEFORE Stump Grinding â&#x20AC;˘ Land Clearing A STORM HITS! Full cleanup on completion of every job

Elderly Childcare Housekeeping Day Workers & Laborers

516-223-1990 516-897-0919

Call for a free, in-home consultation and estimate.

838986

839194

/21* %($&+ %28/(9$5' /21* %($&+ 1<

SUB ZERO EXPERTS

150 OFF

Min. Purchase $1,500 Must Be Presented At Signing Of Contract.

Not To Be Combined. Exp. 6/15/16

Showroom Located at

431-5224

THE MOST TRUSTED AND RELIABLE TEAM IN HOUSE CLEANING.

$

â&#x20AC;˘ Pergolas/Arbors â&#x20AC;˘ Awnings â&#x20AC;˘ Trex & Wood Decks

â&#x20AC;˘ All types of Railings, including: Iron, PVC, Aluminum, Glass, and S.S. Cable Railings

â&#x20AC;˘ Custom Wood â&#x20AC;˘ PVC â&#x20AC;˘ Chain Link â&#x20AC;˘ Ornamental Aluminum â&#x20AC;˘ Pool Fences

At one time we were the only game in town.

After 64 years we are still the best team in town.

431-5220

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE MAID FOR THIS.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your Neighborhood Fence Companyâ&#x20AC;?

Installation & Repair RESIDENTIALâ&#x20AC;˘ COMMERCIAL â&#x20AC;˘ INDUSTRIAL

832926

150 OFF NEW SPRINKLER

$

Owner Operated â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Beat Any Written Estimate

837452

â&#x20AC;˘ Installation â&#x20AC;˘ 24 Hour Phone Service â&#x20AC;˘ Service/Repairs â&#x20AC;˘ 2 Yr. Guarantee â&#x20AC;˘ Renovations â&#x20AC;˘ Free Estimates â&#x20AC;&#x201C; No Obligation

â&#x20AC;˘ Planting

MY TIME COMMERCIAL CLEANING LLC OfďŹ ce, Medical Building, Schools Carpet Cleaning â&#x20AC;˘ Tile & Grout Window Cleaning/Commercial Floor Care (Waxing, BufďŹ ng, Etc) â&#x20AC;˘ Janitorial

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATES Competitive Hourly Rates Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly

(347) 791-9800

841815

CIA

837434

42 YEARS IN BUSINESS

841853

ER

838818

J&A IRRIGATION

SID

RE

CO

MM

TREE SERVICE & LANDSCAPING

841056

SPRINKLERS!

IAL

T EN

766675

June 17, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ 11 Sivan 5776 THE JEWISH STAR

20

3KRWR FRYHUDJH FRQWLQXHV IURP ODVW ZHHN·V HGLWLRQ 7KH -HZLVK 6WDU SKRWRV E\ -RVHSK $EDWH

Rain was no barrier to the sons and daughters of Israel on Sunday, June 5, and the Celebrate Israel Parade along Fifth Avenue kicked off as planned. Long Island’s turnout was impressive, and marchers also came not throughout the NYC region — and from such far afield locales as Philadelphia and Boca Roton. HAFTR was well represented (top two rows of photos), along with girls from Camp Kayle (second from left above).

The Hebrew Academy of Nassau County Plainview Elementary School was on the march.

Girls from the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, in River Edge, were properly dressed for the rain.

A youngster from Merrick Bellmore showed his colors, and Shalhevet marchers defied the weather.

Israel’s colors didn’t run in the rain, as YU HS for Girls (Central, Queens) displayed their pride in Israel.

THE JEWISH STAR June 17, 2016 • 11 Sivan 5776

&HOHEUDWH ,VUDHO 3DUDGH

21

June 17, 2016 • 11 Sivan 5776 THE JEWISH STAR

22

Long Island’s a big place, with many Jewish communities, and Shelter Rock is part of it.

The Russians are coming! (From the Russian American Jewish Experience.)

Students from the North Shore Hebrew Academy in Great Neck prepare to kick off.

The Huntington Jewish Center joined the parade…

Shalhevet girls are happy to be on Fifth, as Guardian Angel’s Curtis Sliwa and Shulamith girls (in yellow) line up.

… along with the Midway Jewish Center from Syosset.

Now, THAT’S a long way to march! A yeshiva in Boca Raton, Florida, sent a contingent.

What’s a parade without cellphones to record every moment? From Queens to Suffolk, L.I. came out strong.

23 THE JEWISH STAR June 17, 2016 • 11 Sivan 5776

Always joyful for Israel, marchers from the Yeshiva University colleges and high schools helped wrap up the parade. They were among the day’s final marchers.

The Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central, Queens) were on the march…

…with boys from the Yeshiva of Central Queens on the avenue as well.

Students from Teaneck’s Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls loudly sounded their pride in Israel during the Celebrate Israel Parade. At right, a delegation from Kulanu, in Cedarhurst.

The Brandeis School of Lawrence joined a wide-range of Long Island schools and communities to participate in the Celebrate Israel Parade along Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue, on Sunday, June 5.

BSâ&#x20AC;?D

Plaza PAL Auto Leasing

CALL 718-975-9000 1RVWUDQG $YH &RUQHU RI $YH 1 %URRNO\Q 1<

WE SELL, LEASE & FINANCE

ALL MAKES AND MODELS www.PlazaAutoLeasing.com

:+(1 <28 1((' $ 9(+,&/( )25 <285 %86,1(66 3/$=$ $872 /($6,1* ,6 7+( $16:(5 ,1752'8&,1* 3/$=$ $872 /($6,1*¡6

&200(5&,$/ ',9,6,21

...of NYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s #1 Shomer Shabbos Car Leasing Company Plaza PAL Auto L Le eas asin ing Leasing

:+(7+(5 ,7¡6 25 9(+,&/(6 3/$=$ $872 /($6,1* *(76 7+( -2% '21( 6 Â&#x20AC; # 6 | # 6 I Â&#x2019; (

# 6 ~ I

Â&#x160; ~ Â&#x2018;

Â&#x17D; Â&#x201D; Â&#x201A;

&$// H[W 72 *(7 7+( &$5 25 758&. <28 1((' 72 *(7 <285 %86,1(66 52//,1*

838729

June 17, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ 11 Sivan 5776 THE JEWISH STAR

24