New cancer drug funded by local group Page 3 Rep. Steve’s Israel’s dubious donor Page 5 Second parsha column Page 11 Talmud’s ban on self-incrimination Page 16
THE JEWISH
STAR
VOL 10, NO 37 ■ SEPTEMBER 23, 2011 / 24 ELUL, 5771
WWW.THEJEWISHSTAR.COM
The Kosher Bookworm
Leading scholar says
Red tape may be best weapon vs. Abbas bid for statehood
Aish Kodesh rabbi translates Rav Kook’s seminal work
By Sergey Kadinsky
By Alan Jay Gerber
The Palestinian Authority’s move this week for a United Nations vote on statehood will not go far, it is simply a move to push Israel back towards negotiations on the topic, according to a leading scholar on the Israeli-Arab conflict. “I am not sure the script has been decided upon. There are procedural policies that could keep it bottled for months,” said David Makovsky, the director of the Project on the Middle East Peace Process at The Washington Institute. “It is possible that the U. S. does not want to exercise its veto power so soon. It would deescalate it through procedural moves.” Frustrated with an inability to achieve progress through negotiations, the Palestinian delegation is using the UN as a platform for a diplomatic upgrade, which stops short of full UN membership, but could cost Israel in other international venues. “The American legal interpretation is that an upgrade status is the ability to pursue war crimes charges in the International Criminal Court,” Makovsky said. “The court took the Palestinian application and is awaiting for a UN advisory view on their standing.” In 2009, a British court indicted former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni on war crimes charges. Although the case was withdrawn, it raised fears that Israeli military and political figures would be subject to arrest as a result of Palestinian membership in the ICC. Seeking to prevent a UN vote, Israel lobbied members of the Middle East Quartet to stand alongside the United States in preserving the policy of negotiations as the only path towards a Palestinian state. So far within the Security Council, only three of the 15 member states vow to oppose the Palestinian UN membership bid: the U.S., Germany and Colombia. Eight states are leaning towards endorsement,
In what will be one of this season’s most popular commentaries, Rabbi Moshe Weinberger of Congregation Aish Kodesh in Woodmere has written a translation of Rav Avraham Yitzchak Kook’s “Orot Teshuvah.” Entitled “Song of Teshuvah Volume One” [Penina – Urim Press, 2011] this new work is the result of over seven years of a shiur that Rabbi Weinberger gave on Friday mornings at his shul. “Our erev Shabbos adventure became the mikveh before the mikveh. Together — anywhere from forty to seventy individuals — we toveled in the stormy, yet soothing waters of Rav Kook’s seminal masterpiece,” Rabbi Weinberger said. “We marveled at how Rav Kook was able to lift Alan Jay Gerber us up from the weekday grind of New York life and carry us into the sweetness of Shabbos. In his light, we were able to catch a little glimpse of Yerushalayim.” To best appreciate the importance of this work, especially at this time of year, consider these words written by one of Rav Kook’s premier students, Rabbi Moshe Zvi Neria, of blessed memory. “It is pleasant and fitting for Rav Kook’s name and memory that these days of study should center round the subject of teshuvah,” Rabbi Neria wrote. “In my student years in his yeshiva, the Merkaz Continued on page 7
Photo illustration by Richard L. Stein/Jewish Star
Continued on page 3
Shabbat Candlelighting: 6:32 p.m. Shabbat ends 7:30 p.m. 72 minute zman 8:02 p.m. Torah Reading Parshat Nitzavim-Vayelech Selichot on motzei Shabbat
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Photo courtesy of Rabbi Nechem Tenenboim
Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim with his wife, Rivkie and two of their children.
No shul yet, but Chabad takes root in Hewlett
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By Sergey Kadinsky As the Oceanside Chabad celebrates ownership of its center, the nearby Chabad of Hewlett has begun its own search for a permanent center, as the year-old organization continues holding events around the community. “There is the Chabad of Five Towns and they’re doing a lot, they needed a branch in Hewlett,” said Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim. “They gave us a list of names and within a month, we met hundreds of families waiting for something fresh.” Raised in Kfar Chabad, Rabbi Tenenboim attended Chabad’s Morristown seminary, receiving his semicha from former Israeli Chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu. His training in shlichus includes lecturing at Chabad’s Midtown Kollel and the Ohel Chabad in Queens. His wife Rivkie attended teachers’ seminaries in Jerusalem and Vienna, before returning to New York to teach. Speaking in a strong Israeli accent, Rabbi Tenemboim views his Hebrew as a plus. “Americans who want to improve their Hebrew ask for me to speak to them in Hebrew.” The lack of a permanent center has not deterred his supporters — a recent Shavuot event drew 150 participants. In the couple’s house, numerous life cycle events have taken place, with their children as the stars. In July, their son Yossi had his ushering at their home, which brought in curious onlookers unfamiliar with the custom. “Some of the guests have never seen an ushering before, and they took turns cutting [Yossi’s] hair,” Rabbi Tenenboim said. Three weeks ago, the bris for their newborn Mordechai also attracted a diverse crowd. “So many different people who wouldn’t usually appear in the same place were brought together by this act,” Rabbi Tenenboim said. For Rosh Hashana, the Tenenboims promise an easy to follow service, with voluntary donations at a yet to be determined location. “We learned the history of Hewlett and fundraised from the start,” Rabbi Tenenboim said. “We offer Jewish services, arranging everything — mezuzot, tefilin, bris milah, challah baking.”
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September 23, 2011 • 24 ELUL, 5771 THE JEWISH STAR
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By Sergey Kadinsky Zev Wolff, 9, a Woodmere resident, was diagnosed at age 3 with neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. In addition to radiation and surgery, he was treated with multiple rounds of chemotherapy. After nine months of treatment he was put into remission. A year and a half later, however, he relapsed and once again had to be treated. When Zev’s body rejected the drug that was necessary to keep him in remission, his family and friends united to raise money for a new drug, one that he would be less likely to reject, to help combat the disease. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center recently announced that the Food and Drug Administration had approved initial clinical use of the humanized antibody referred to as Hu3F8. The clinical trial of the new drug began 3 weeks ago. It is currently being given to a majority number of children afflicted with neuroblastoma. Many children had developed a resistance to an earlier, “non humanized” version of the drug. Hu3F8 will be used as an adjunct to chemotherapy because chemotherapy alone doesn’t always destroy the cancer. Much of the funding for the development of the new drug came from Zev’s Fund, which was started in late 2007 by Rab-
bi Hershel Billet, Dr. Asher Mansdorf, Elliott Platt, Peter Steinerman and Joe Steinfeld. “The effort began when a group of twenty parents of children with neuroblastoma, desperate for more treatment options, decided that they would begin funding the research and development of a new drug.” said Dr. Ranan Wolff, Zev’s father, “We rose to the challenge to make this happen and with the help of the world wide community we funded $1.2 million of for the approximately $3 million needed to bring this new treatment to the clinic” The Wolffs viewed the fundraising challenge as a race against time. “Unfortunately, a number of children from the initial group of parents did not survive, but to those who still battle the disease this brings new hope and promise,” Wolff said. Another parent group, Band of Parents, made a sizeable contribution to this end. It was thanks to the Young Israel of Woodmere, which ran a Yom Iyun fundraiser (learning event) in 2007, that Zev’s Fund got off the ground and was able to raise the necessary funds. Dr. Nai-Kong Cheung, the head of the Neuroblastoma department at MSKCC Hopsital recently sent a letter of thanks to the representatives of Zev’s Fund. “I want to thank Zev’s Fund for its generous donation and
for the dedication to this enormous effort.” Dr. Chung, a Neuroblastoma researcher also wrote, “Hu3F8 (the humanized antibody) is one of the very few drugs specifically made for treating neuroblastoma patients and after overcoming many hurdles, we were able to administer the first ever humanized form of 3F8 to children this week.” While Zev’s parents urge the community to continue to daven for Zev Eliezer ben Chaya Sheindel, Zev has returned to a life of relative normalcy, starting fourth grade at Yeshiva of South Shore, where he is beginning to learn Mishnayos. “He’s doing well, but like all patients, he is presently experiencing some of the late effects of his treatment,” Wolff said. “Living in the Five Towns and receiving support from people who know us, and from many people who did not previously know us, was absolutely invaluable. It made an enormous difference to our entire family during a very trying period,” Wolff said. “The knowledge that so many people continue to pray every day for the continued refuah of our son, gives us tremendous strength.” For more information on Zev’s Fund, visit ZevsFund.org or email Peter Steinerman at prsteinerman@aol.com.
Red tape at U.N. may be best weapon vs. Abbas’ bid for a Palestinian state Continued from page 1 precondition for talks is the Palestinian recogleaving one swing vote in the balance for the nition of Israel as a “Jewish state,” while the two-thirds majority. Palestinian precondition remains a settlement Arriving in New York on Monday, Israeli freeze with the pre-1967 armistice line as a Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiter- starting point for negotiations. ated Israel’s goal of resuming talks, but his In the meantime, Makovsky does not exPalestinian counterpart was less pect day-to-day policies among optimistic. United States, Israel and the Pal“I will meet any Israeli offiestinians to change. cial any time,” Abbas said in a Makovsky does “There should not be an imFox News interview. “But there pact on security cooperation. It is no use if there is nothing tan- not expect dayhas been excellent for the past gible,” referring to the Israeli po- to-day policies four years. The worst nightmare sition of no preconditions ahead would be a third intifada,” Maamong the United of talks. kovsky said, crediting PalestinMakovsky said that Israel al- States, Israel and ian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad ready tried this with a ten-month the Palestinians to for changing the narrative and freeze on settlement building, an improving the would-be state’s opportunity for a change in poli- change. economy. “Fayyad changed the cy that was missed. Palestinian story from victimInstead of a renewed freeze, Israel’s current hood to accountability.”
Photo courtesy of the Wolff family
Zev Wolff is back home as his namesake fund continues to benefit other children.
From Elul to Tishrei, a poem By Dr. David B. Chideckel Sound of the Shofar Alerts congregants for a month Solemn ceremony reserved Partner calling the notes Count to one hundred Before blessing the wine Apples dipped in honey Age-old tradition alive Bread crumbs in a plastic bag Stroll like a river Arm of a pitcher On a primary school student Clucking chicken held by the feet Swung circles around a head Young children watching Forming questions in their minds
David Makovsky
GOP’s Rick Perry speaks on Israel, Iran and UN At a packed Manhattan news conference on Tuesday, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a leading Republican presidential candidate, stood alongside Israeli lawmakers Danny Danon of Likud and Nissim Ze’ev of Shas. Perry reiterated his support for a two-state solution, while vowing to cut off funding to the Palestinians if they receive UN statehood without negotiations. Perry also promised that under his administration, State Department employees working in Israel would be based in Jerusalem, a reference to moving the U.S. embassy to the Israeli capital city. Dr. Joseph Frager and Dr. Paul Brody, seen standing behind Perry, organized the conference. Photo b David Zviel
Dumplings for a pre-fast dinner Soft on the salt intake Fluidless hours Until the end of the fast Ram sacrificed its horns Clarion call to alert Foes in the distance Personal issues covered up Shower in preparation Ears cleansed with special care Deferring food and water Allowing time to purify a soul Before flight to libation Cookies calling your name Shake hands with your neighbor Sincere good wishes for a New Year Dr. Chideckel is a psychiatrist in private practice based in Woodmere.
THE JEWISH STAR September 23, 2011 • 24 ELUL, 5771
FDA approves trial of drug funded by Zev’s Fund
September 23, 2011 • 24 ELUL, 5771 THE JEWISH STAR
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Opinion Editorial
The pro-Israel checklist
P
resident Barack Obama wants the Jewish vote. Really, he needs it. After his party’s embarrassing defeat in the Ninth Congressional district to Republican citizen-candidate Bob Turner last week, the president has made some “painful concessions.” When the staff of the Israeli embassy in Cairo was besieged by a rampaging mob, the administration reached out to Egypt’s military rulers, who receive $1.3 billion in annual military aid from Washington. Following the phone call, Egyptian police rescued the trapped Israeli diplomats. At this week’s UN General Assembly, the president vowed to veto any possible vote for full Palestinian membership if it does not involve negotiations with Israel. The same president who reached out to the Arab masses at Cairo’s Al Azhar University in July 2009, now risks losing the pro-American goodwill that came with the Arab Spring, in order to stand by Israel. Obama deserves credit where it is due, but these actions are par for the course for an American president, and they will not stop the gradual Jewish departure from the Democratic Party. The president must make a gesture that would secure him forever in the annals of Jewish history, something far more memorable than this week’s New York Magazine cover lauding him as “The first Jewish president.” Among the presidents, George Washington stands out for his 1790 letter of tolerance addressed to the Jews of Newport, Rhode Island, outlining the newborn coun-
try’s vision of religious freedom. Abraham Lincoln is honored for rescinding General Ulysses Grant’s order forbidding Jewish merchants from trading in the South during the Civil War. Theodore Roosevelt is remembered for his forceful rebuke to the Russian czar after the 1903 pogrom in Kishinev. Above all, Harry Truman rebuffed his State Department advisors and signed off on the recognition of newborn Israel. Obama certainly has his options laid out. He can pardon Jonathan Pollard, gaining the gratitude of the community for a man who expressed his remorse numerous times during his 26 years in federal prison. He can move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people. He can recognize Menachem Zivotofsky’s request to stamp “Jerusalem, Israel” as the birthplace on his passport. We are not asking Obama to plant trees on a Samarian hilltop, nor to suspend funding for the Palestinian Authority, nor to stop routinely ignoring Saudi human rights violations. He does not even have to visit Israel. Sure, these gestures would be admirable, but we can’t ask Obama to be more Zionist than most American Jews. Recognizing the injustice of Pollard’s sentence, moving an embassy to a capital city, and acknowledging that city as the capital, these are gestures that would make American policy towards Israel as fair as towards any other nation. These simple acts can give Obama credibility as a friend to Israel and strengthen the partnership in peace, security, trade, and values that it we have always had.
THE JEWISH
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Independent and original reporting from the Orthodox communities of Long Island and New York City All opinions expressed are solely those of The Jewish Star’s editorial staff or contributing writers Acting Editor-in-Chief Account Executives Contributors
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Sergey Kadinsky Helene Parsons Sandi Stanger Rabbi Avi Billet Jeff Dunetz Rabbi David Etengoff Rabbi Binny Freedman Brigitte Fixler Rabbi Noam Himelstein Alan Jay Gerber Zechariah Mehler Aviva Rizel Ariel Rosenbloom Alyson Goodman Christina Daly
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Letters to the editor We have the special privilege of Five Towns undertaking this critical project as one that unites each and every famFar Rockaway ily from Bayswater to North Woodmere, with the active participation Mikvah Project of all the shuls and the guidance of Dear Members of Our Community: As we embark on this sacred season of the Yomim Noraim, and with deep gratitude to HaKadosh Baruch Hu, we are pleased to join in announcing plans for our community’s construction of a new community Mikvah. Chazal teach us that the establishment of a proper Mikvah is the primary responsibility of a Jewish community and its leadership. For decades, the Five Towns and Far Rockaway community has been served effectively and loyally by our two existing community Mikvah locations in Far Rockaway and Woodmere. As the community continues its unprecedented growth, Baruch Hashem, sustained overcrowding and strained resources at both existing facilities have become apparent. Our merit in witnessing our community’s expansive growth has brought with it a responsibility to build a third Mikvah facility to accommodate all our families. We are delighted that a centralized location on Spruce Street in Cedarhurst has been identified, and the properties there are being purchased for the Mikvah project. Moreover, through the hard work of lay volunteers, zoning approvals from the Village of Cedarhurst have been secured. Rabbinical experts in Mikvah construction have been consulted and have been engaged to supervise construction in accordance with the highest, universal standards. With these preparatory steps complete, we are now ready to launch this community-wide project to build a state-of-the-art, beautiful Mikvah commensurate with the sanctity of the mitzvah and the commitment of our Kehillah.
all the Rabbanim. In the days and weeks to come, you will be hearing and seeing more about our exciting new Mikvah plans and the ways in which everyone may play a role. May the Ribbono shel Olam bless with success both our efforts to enhance the purity and unity of Klal Yisroel, and those who merit joining in this holy work. With our profound brachah for a kesivah vechasimah tovah. Rabbi Yaakov Bender Rabbi Hershel Billet Rabbi Yissachar Blinder Rabbi Heshy Blumstein Rabbi Aaron Brafman Rabbi Dov Bressler Rabbi Pinchas Chatzinoff Rabbi Saul Chill Rabbi Eytan Feiner Rabbi Yaakov Feitman Rabbi Yitzchok Frankel Rabbi Aryeh Zev Ginsberg Rabbi Itzehek Goldshmid Rabbi Kenneth Hain Rabbi Yehoshua Kalish Rabbi Moshe Katzenstein Rabbi Samuel Klibanoff Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz Rabbi Simcha Lebowitz Rabbi Yechiel Perr Rabbi Zvi Ralbag Rabbi Yaakov Reisman Rabbi Shaya Richmond Rabbi Smelka Rubin Rabbi Pesach Schmerling Rabbi Yehuda Septimus Rabbi Mordekai Shapiro Rabbi Shmuel Spiegel Rabbi Asher Stern Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum Rabbi Nochem Teneboim Rabbi Dovid Weinberger Rabbi Moshe Weinberger Rabbi Shnueur Wolowik
Note from the Editorial Staff David F. Nesenoff is making aliyah this month, fulfilling a lifelong dream of living in Jerusalem. The Jewish Star staff wishes David a tzeitchem l’shalom and mazal at his new home in the ir hakodesh. We are accepting applications for the position of Publisher/Editor-in-Chief through JewishStarSearch@aol.com. All inquiries related to news content, community events, and letters should be sent to Acting Editor-in-Chief Sergey Kadinsky at newsroom@ thejewishstar.com
VOICE YOUR OPINION! E-mail letters to letters@ thejewishstar.com or fax to (516) 569-4942.
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Why Does Steve Israel accept donations from a man linked to Iran?
Y
ou can tell much about a politician from the donations he accepts. Where I live, my representative in Congress is Steve Israel. He is also the chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Mr. Israel accepts money from at least one donor who should POLITICO make people wonder TO GO about his support for his eponymous ancestral nation. The donor’s name is Parviz Lavi and according to campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission, Israel has received $6,500 from Lavi since 2006. Donating to your favorite candidate is fine, but in March 1998, Lavi Jeff Dunetz was arrested by federal agents (and pleaded guilty) for conspiring to illegally smuggle fighter jet engines and their parts to Iran. Owner of the Hicksville-based Omega Turbine Corporation, Lavi had been under investigation since 1991 by customs agents. According to court papers, Lavi had been wiretapped since 1992 discussing various
Congressman Steve Israel, left, claims to be a huge supporter of the state of Israel. His deeds however, do not back up his words. Not once has he stood up to President Obama to criticize his anti-Israel policies. schemes to sell the F-14 engines and their parts to Iran by shipping them first to associates in Holland. At one point, Lavi discussed paying between $125,000 and $150,000 for six of the TF-30 jet engines, the court papers said. The engine is used only on U.S. and Iranian F-14 fighters. The U.S. government sold 80 of the F-14s to the shah’s government before the revolution in Iran in 1979 but since then has barred the export of military equipment to Iran.” (“Man Held In Plot To Sell F-14 Parts,” Newsday, March 4, 1998) The New York Times corroborated the Newsday story and took it even further. “Undercover agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and businessmen involved in the arms trade who were cooperating with the Government agreed to sell him what he wanted: 500 metal vanes, or blades,
Celebrating Our 24th Year
for the powerful TF-30 engines on the F-14s. The sale price was $25,000, but the authorities said the value of the parts to Iran’s military was inestimable.”(“L.I. Man Is Seized in Scheme To Smuggle Jet Parts to Iran,” NY Times, March 5, 1998) After being indicted later that month, Lavi and some of his associates pleaded guilty to the charges. According to an April 1998 Virginian-Pilot article, “A former employee of the alleged mastermind of a plot to smuggle F-14 jet parts to Iran pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to helping negotiate the purchase and sale of the parts. In his plea agreement, Tony Zar agreed to testify against his old friend, Parviz Lavi — charged with heading a conspiracy to purchase and ship the American-built parts — and others allegedly involved in the scheme.
BEAUTY IN MOTION.
“Zar, also known as Mehrdad Zar, 38, told agents he knew of at least two shipments of jet parts sent to Iran after he began working at Lavi’s Long Island company, Omega Industries International, in 1992,” the VirginianPilot article stated. Congressman Israel claims to be a huge supporter of the state of Israel and other Jewish causes. His deeds however, do not back up his words. While he has signed letters with other Congressman, not once has he stood up publicly to President Obama to criticize the administration’s anti-Israel policies. When the President was trying to legitimize the anti-Israel group J Street, Steve Israel obeyed orders and lent his name to the organization so they could recruit more people to its convention. Now we learn that Congressman Israel is taking campaign donations from a man who was convicted of selling arms to a terroristsupporting regime whose goal is to destroy the Jewish State. It’s time for Israel to get beyond campaign mode and decide what side he is on. Would he support sympathizers of terrorist states, or does he support the right of the Jewish State of Israel to exist in peace? His words say one thing, but his actions say another. Jeff Dunetz is the Editor/Publisher of the political blog “The Lid” (www.jeffdunetz.com). Jeff lives on Long Island.
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THE JEWISH STAR September 23, 2011 • 24 ELUL, 5771
Opinion
September 23, 2011 • 24 ELUL, 5771 THE JEWISH STAR
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Parshiot Nitzavim-Vayelech
Hebrew only please!
Going When It’s Time
A Jewish newspaper should have a Hebrew column. So here it is. We will try to maintain a level of vocabulary so that it will be easy enough for students to read and interesting enough for those more fluent to enjoy.
M
oshe’s goodbye speech that is the book of Devarim contains a number of references to the fact that he will not accompany the people into the Promised Land. He talks about how he requested, knelt, pleaded before G-d to be given a chance to enter the land — if only for a short time — and how each request was summarily rejected. In the beginning of Devarim, Moshe pins the reason on the event of the spies (1:37). Sometimes, the reasoning becomes more of G-d’s design than a mundane punishment. The Or HaChaim (1:37) quotes a gemara (Sotah 9a) and the Midrash Tehillim (79) to explain how Moshe’s non-entry into the land was part of a plan that would ultimately save the Jewish people. Had Moshe entered the land, he would have Rabbi Avi Billet built the Temple, which G-d would never allow to be destroyed. G-d’s ensuing wrath over the people turning from Him was taken out on wood and stones (the destruction of the Temple), rather than against the Israelite nation. In his work Siftei Tzadikim, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Rimanov says that Moshe, the ultimate shepherd of Israel, fulfilled his destiny particularly in death, through granting Israel an everlasting chance at eternal survival. To bring the matter to an even more direct level, the Mareh Yechezkel (Rabbi Yechezkel Panet) gives two additional explanations for why Moshe needed to remain outside of the land: for the merit of those who perished in the wilderness, and to serve as a defense against the prosecution of Baal Peor, who would not be able to stand up against Moshe’s grave, which is in the mountains of Moav, overlooking the place where the negative incident of Bamidbar 25 took place. In our parsha, Moshe says “Today I am 120 years old and I can no longer come and go. G-d has [also] told me that I would not cross the Jordan.” (31:2) What does Moshe mean when he says “I can no longer come and go?” Is Moshe referring to his physical prowess? Is Moshe referring to the reality that the end of his life has arrived? Is Moshe saying that he can no longer argue the point with G-d because it is hopeless for him to enter the land?
Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Rimanov says that Moshe fulfilled his destiny in death, through granting Israel an everlasting chance at eternal survival. Ibn Ezra suggests Moshe could no longer lead the people in battle. Rashi rejects the idea that Moshe’s physical strength was ebbing, as he offers Moshe’s inability (permissionwise) to enter the land, and that Moshe was no longer capable of deep Torah thoughts. (Ramban prefers this latter interpretation.) Different Tosafists point to Moshe’s old age as his reason for not being able to continue – following the logical flow of the verse. The Sforno has echoes of Moshe’s destiny when he says “Even if I could physically make the trip (go and come), since G-d said I can not go, it will be better for you if I do, because this will allow you to pass over the Jordan River, to enter the promised land. There are no set rules for when the body begins to break down. Some people might begin experiencing debilitating ailments or conditions at an early age, some at a later stage, and some go through life as healthy as can be past becoming centenarians. The big challenge for many of us is how to deal with the cards we’re dealt. The Torah says Moshe did not lose his physical strength. But Moshe was no longer able to lead a battle, or to maintain his highest intellectual capacity — especially after he anointed Yehoshua his successor and gave Yehoshua some of his own “glory.” Moshe grew to accept his reality and to understand that some things, which are clearly part of G-d’s master plan, are what they are. No amount pleading could change his destiny once the decree was given. Does this mean Moshe did not possess free will? Of course not. Moshe demonstrated his free will many times in the Torah. But it also means Moshe was able to recognize when his time was up, so he could walk off into the sunset while still as close to the top of his game as he could possible be.
The Berdichever Rav and the prosecutor
By Rabbi Noam Himelstein
Rabbi Noam Himelstein studied in Yeshivat Har Etzion and served in the Tanks Corps of the IDF. He has taught in yeshiva high schools, post-high school women’s seminaries, and headed the Torah MiTzion Kollel in Melbourne, Australia. He currently teaches at Yeshivat Orayta in Jerusalem, and lives with his wife and six children in Neve Daniel, Gush Etzion.
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Continued from page 1 HaRav yeshiva, I was privileged to see him in the mornings of the month of Elul, after the morning service, striding up and down in the main room of his house, studying his own book, the Orot HaTeshuvah. “His words had been written not only for others but also for himself; and in the days set apart for teshuvah, he devoted himself to its cleansing and elevating content.” In the years to come, the need for an English translation became ever more urgent. Finally, in 1968, Rabbi Dr. Alter Metzger published an elegant and lucid translation of this otherwise daunting work. But as time passed, the need for a comprehensive commentary was deemed essential by most rabbis and educators. To this end Rabbi Weinberger’s efforts and skilled scholarship helped fill the void. The timeliness of this publication can best be demonstrated by the comments of the Ramat Gan Rosh Yeshiva Rav Yehoshua Shapiro. “Orot HaTeshuvah not only reveals the lights, ‘orot,’ of ‘teshuvah,’ repentance, it reveals that repentance itself is a great light.” Rav Kook’s view was to make teshuvah a positive spiritual experience. Also to be found in this commentary are
numerous sources from all the major teachings of our faith, further enhancing Rav Kook’s teachings to make them ever more relevant to the reader. This factor is what makes Rabbi Weinberger’s research all the more endearing to this writer. Examples of this can be seen threaded throughout this work. Even such an esoteric issue as evolution finds a place in Rav Kook’s teaching. Consider the following: “Rav Kook had the unique ability to find holiness in everything, to remove the barriers covering an idea and unveil its kernel of holiness. Therefore, he saw a remarkable seed hidden in evolution. For Rav Kook, this theory offered an insight into Jewish faith and showed a way to draw close to Hashem. According to Rav Kook, evolution is a spiritual process that takes place deep within each Jew. It is a movement propelling us forward, pushing us inevitably towards perfection, health and teshuvah.” The organic wholeness of our people is further explored by Rabbi Weinberger in Rav Kook’s ideological and practical involvement with Zionism. Rabbi Weinberger demonstrates to the reader that, “Ultimately, the source of Zion-
ism, of a Jew’s longing to return to Yerushalayim, is Hashem and the Torah, as expressed in G-d’s promise to Avraham that Eretz Yisrael belongs to us. For a few generations the idea persisted that the longing for Zion can exist without mitzvos. But secular Zionism has reached the point of exhaustion.” This spirited defense of Zionist ideology within the Jewish religious context marks the first time that a major American Jewish religious figure has stepped forward to explain in clear and concise language Rav Kook’s ideological formulations on this matter. While no ideological partisan argument is given primacy, the fairness and balance with which Rabbi Weinberger presents these issues is a welcome respite from those who seek only division, machlokes, in all Jewish religious matters. Prayer, tefillah, in the context of teshuvah is noted with great care and sensitivity. “And we thus see that the service of the entire Torah and all of its wisdom is the ongoing revelation of the concealed prayer of the soul,” Rav Kook wrote. “That is the refinement and pleasure, glory and beauty of prayer. It is like a rose that opens its beautiful petals to greet the dew or in the presence of the rays of the sun… Prayer is only rectified as a result of a person’s thought that in truth the soul is constantly praying,” he added. Within the context of prayer, Rabbi Weinberger skillfully brings together the teachings of such diverse personalities as the Chofetz Chaim, the Rebbe Rashab and Rav Shlomo Yosef Zevin to reinforce Rav Kook’s teachings on the integrity of Jewish prayer.
The Jewish Star file photo
Rabbi Moshe Weinberger of Woodmere
A Personal Note In a review essay published on Rabbi Metzger’s work a couple of years ago, I expressed my wish that a full commentary be published on Orot HaTeshuvah. I then suggested, “It is my opinion that either an additional forward or commentary be penned by one of the Rav’s foremost contemporary interpreters of Orot HaTeshuvah, Rav Moshe Weinberger of Cong. Aish Kodesh of Woodmere. It was he, through his popular shiur on Orot HaTeshuvah given every Friday morning at his Woodmere bais medrash that brought the practical importance and relevance of this work to my attention.” Sometimes it is said that you have to be careful about what you wish for. In this case, my wish has come true. For this I am extremely happy, and so will you be after reading and learning from the teachings of Rav Kook and Rabbi Weinberger especially at this sacred time of year.
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THE JEWISH STAR September 23, 2011 • 24 ELUL, 5771
New translation shines light on Rav Kook’s seminal work
Opinion The brilliance of victory can blind us to subsequent dangers Syrian troop buildups along the Suez Canal and in the Golan Heights, a great increase in Arab military radio traffic, and an unusual amount of activity in the Arab airfields. Two weeks before that fateful Yom Kippur, Yanosh became convinced the country was headed for war. He immediately went to the Central Command radio room and put in a call to his division commander, advising him of his opinion, and asking for a first-stage general call up of critical reserves, and the recall of all the troops that had been given leave that very afternoon. But that is a lot of work, and intelligence reports can be interpreted in different ways, so the Division Commander disagreed. Yanosh had somewhat of a reputation as an impulsive firebrand, and didn’t give up easily, convinced as he was that his country was in grave danger, and going over his commander’s head, he appealed to the Commander of central command, then the chief intelligence officer of the I.D.F., and finally the chief of general staff himself, commander of the entire Israeli army at the time, Dado Elazar. But no one wanted to listen; flushed with the success of the Six Day War, Israel could not imagine the same Arab armies poised ready to destroy the state of Israel, and so the phone calls were not made, the highways remained silent, and Israeli troops went on leave for the holidays.
I
n retrospect, one opinion in the intelligence community is that the Arabs wanted to see over the Rosh Hashanah holiday, whether a major troop buildup would cause the Israelis to keep more troops on alert. The results were the last stage of the Arab decision to go to war. And the Israelis were still sleeping. Yanosh finally concluded no one was listening, but the continued reports of major troop buildups would not allow him to let it go. Finally, he decided that at the very least he commanded his own brigade and that was better than nothing. The situation in the North, along the Golan Heights was in one respect, much more tenuous than in the south, as there was no buffer zone in the North. If Yanosh was right, and Egyptian troops came pouring across the Suez Canal, at least they would still have hundreds of kilometers of desert to negotiate
Tabledressings
before arriving at Israeli cities and towns. In the Golan, half an hour on tank treads from Tiberias, Israel had no such luxury. So Yanosh decided to rotate his brigade north to the Golan Heights, and eventually, figuring it would be easier for them, the high command acquiesced. Recalling an entire brigade, spread out on holiday leave all over the country, getting them all the way down to the southern tip of the Sinai, and then transferring an entire armored brigade the length of the country north up into the Golan heights was no easy task.
E
veryone thought Yanosh was mad, and this move did not bolster his image in the eyes of his men, who had just lost a week’s leave But this single Brigade Commander’s determination and conviction brought an entire brigade on line in the north, three days before the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War. And when 2,000 Syrian tanks poured across the border on the afternoon of Oct. 6, instead of 75 Israeli tanks, there were 150 on line, something that made all the difference. Hidden in the brilliance of the 1967 victory, was the spark that would blind so many to what was coming a short six years later. And, as well, the same character traits of pride and conviction, which blinded so many, were also the seeds of conviction that had one man in the right place, at the right time.
This week, Israel and the entire world will be watching events as they unfold in the United Nations, with much uncertainty. But often, what that we see in the moment is only a small part of the much larger picture. This week’s portion, Nitzavim, is viewed by many as the consolation of G-d for the difficult verses in last week’s portion, Ki Tavoh. After hearing all of the calamitous events (the “Tochacha” or curses”, see chapter 28 of Devarim) that will occur to the Jewish people in the event they stray from their mission, this week, Moshe comforts and assuages the pain of the Jewish people by telling them: “Atem Nitzavim HaYom Kulchem Lifnei’ Hashem Elokeichem….” “You are standing today, all of you, before the Lord your G-d….” (Deuteronomy (Devarim) 29:9) No matter what you will or may go through, and how you may disappoint G-d, He will always love you, and you will remain close to Him. It behooves us to recall, especially today, as a generation that has seen so many modern day miracles, that things are not always as they seem. Rav Binny Freedman, Rosh Yeshivat Orayta in Jerusalem’s Old City is a Company Commander in the IDF reserves, and lives in Efrat with his wife Doreet and their four children. His weekly Internet ‘Parsha Bytes’ can be found at www.orayta.org
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here is a mystical idea, which suggests, that hidden within every fire of destruction is the spark of redemption. Such, for example, was the case on Aug. 3, 1492, which was also the Ninth of Av, the anniversary of the destruction of both Temples in Jerusalem. On that day, the Inquisition was imposed on the 250,000 Spanish Jews, faced with the choice of expulsion, conversion or FROM THE HEART death. OF JERUSALEM On that fateful August morning in 1492, the very day 80,000 Jews followed Don Yitzchak Abarbanel across the border into Portugal, and thousands of boats filled the harbor setting sail with the better part of the Spanish Jewry — that same morning, Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria, sailed out of Rabbi Binny the harbor to discover Freedman a new world, which would one day save the remnants of the Jewish people from the Holocaust. And just as the fire of destruction hides within it the spark of redemption, so too, the fertile fields of victory hide within them the potential dust of defeat. Thus, it was the mood created by Israel’s lightning victory in the six-day war of 1967 that bred the overconfidence, which allowed for the debacle of the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Yanosh, and the story of the seventh brigade, is a case in point. As the summer of 1973 wound down, the seventh brigade, one of the Israeli armored corps units whose battles in 1948 are the stuff of legends, was stationed on the Bar Lev line, along the Suez Canal. On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the brigade was given a week’s leave for the holidays and a skeleton crew was left behind for guard duty. As the men headed off for R&R all over the country, Yanosh, the brigade commander, stopped off in the General Staff base in Tel Aviv on his way home. For Yanosh, a full bird colonel, it was an ingrained habit to keep abreast of intelligence reports. What he saw alarmed him: Egyptian and
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THE JEWISH STAR September 23, 2011 • 24 ELUL, 5771
Liquor & Wine
September 23, 2011 • 24 ELUL, 5771 THE JEWISH STAR
10
Mensch on the street
By Ariel Rosenbloom
What’s your favorite Jewish holiday? “Pesach because we only sell chametz here.”
“Chanukah. It’s my birthday, I get Chanukah presents and I like playing with the dreidel.”
“It has to be Purim because nobody screams at me when I get drunk.”
JON SHUSTERMAN Manager, “Q Cumbers” Cedarhurst
TEHILA RAHMANI 4th grade, Bnos Bais Yaakov Woodmere
YOEL FROMASHOEIN Chief shlepper, “A Shoe In” Cedarhurst
“Succot. We get to build a succah on the roof of our building in Manhattan, and enjoy long meals with family and friends.”
“Rosh Hashana because it’s a happy holiday.”
ANGELICA PINHASOV Owner, “Angelica’s Hair Studio and Spa” Cedarhurst
MITCH KREVAT, Owner, Burgers Bar Cedarhurst
5771: a good year for good eating A
s we approach Rosh Hashanah I think back to my time at Yeshivas Rabbeinu Yisrael Meir HaKohen. I remember our rebbeim putting a heavy emphasis on preparing ourselves for the coming Days of Awe by taking an introspective look back on our year and making amends with those whom we have wronged. I would like to start with the amends first. After carefully thinking about it, I realize that I am long overdue to apologize to a group that I have repeatedly offended. That group is the Kosher Vegans who have consistently raised objections THE KOSHER to my articles because of my implied CRITIC advocacy of a carnivorous lifestyle. I took their admonishment with a grain of salt. After perusing their comments and websites, it seemed to me that their arguments for veganism were grossly misinformed — with more emotion then intellect. But I realize now that I was very wrong and that these wonderful vegans were simply trying to impart to me their sense of moral justice and compassion. Admirably, they have decided to ignore the obvious health risks associated with veganism and stand for what they Zechariah Mehler believe is right no matter how deficient in B12 they may be. These beautiful souls have chosen to brave the reality that is iron and calcium deficiency and possible megaloblastic anemia because no matter how many volumes of halachic text there may be to support the eating of meat they will not bow to the pressures of self-preservation if it means hurting an animal. Taking a look back on the culinary year 5771, I have been fortunate enough to sample a few truly excellent dishes at a number of outstanding restaurants. After carefully considering everything I have tried in the course of my restaurant reviews I have come up with the top three dishes I have eaten this year:
PARDES — Napoli style beef cheek pizza with 24-hour roasted tomato and fresh basil: Unquestionably the Beef Cheek Pizza from Pardes is in my top five all time favorite foods and belongs as the front runner on this list. The pizza has a fantastic crunchy crust that goes amazingly with the fatty, saltiness of the beef cheek. Cutting through those flavors is the wonderfully earthy sweetness of the tomato that lends a slight acidity. The basil of course brightens the whole dish up making it just spectacular. ■
■ PRIME
KO — Gyu Kakuni a 12 Hour Sake braised short rib: Prime KO’s Gyu Kakuni may be one of the finest examples of a braised short rib available. It is served on a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes and covered in a sake and mushroom reduction. The short rib is beautifully tender with a mildly sweet earthy flavor that is enhanced by the addition of the sake reduction. Thanks to the mashed potatoes there is a pleasant balance to the dishes texture making this appetizer feels like a more substantial dish. It was because of the Gyu Kakuni that I began believing in umami.
■ LA MARAIS — Les Rillettes du Boucher Duck and Veal pate: Served with crostini and and thin slices of a home made veal sausage this dish is a rich and earthy. The pate is prepared perfectly and melts in the mouth. Paired with the sausage and crunchy bread this dish makes for one of the most flavorful offerings I have ever been served. Though it is far from the most creative thing I was given during a tasting it’s flavor and rarity make it a truly stand out dish in the kosher world.
If in the year 5771 you have not yet had the opportunity to try these kosher dishes at their respective restaurants then I hope that the year 5772 will provide you with ample time to try these and the many other wonder kosher options available throughout the New York area. Zechariah Mehler is a widely published food writer and expert in social marketing. Follow him on Twitter @thekoshercritic
“Definitely Pesach. Matzah-Pizza and Miami, what could be better?”
TALIA ROSENBLOOM Senior, HAFTR High School Lawrence
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We’re called upon to take a leap of faith
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nd now, my son, understand and observe that whoever feels that he is greater than others is rebelling against the Kingship of Hashem, because he is adorning himself with His garments, as it is written (Sefer Tehillim 93:1), “Hashem reigns, He wears clothes of pride.” Why should one feel proud? Is it because of wealth? Hashem makes one poor or rich (Sefer Shmuel I: 2:7). Is it because of honor? It belongs to Hashem, as we read (Sefer Divrei Hayamim I: 29:12), “Wealth and honor come from You…” One who is proud of his wisdom surely knows that Hashem “takes away the speech of assured men and reasoning from the sag-
Rabbi David Etengoff is the Director of Educational Technology at Magen David Yeshivah in Brooklyn and a resident of Cedarhurst. His previous parsha columns can be found at http://reparashathashavuah.weebly. com. Sign up for his weekly parsha email at rdbe718@gmail.com.
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es” (Sefer Iyov 12:20) So we see that everyone is the same before Hashem, since with His anger He lowers the proud and when He wishes He raises the low. So lower yourself and Hashem will lift you up! (Translation, http://www.pirchei.co.il/ specials/ramban/ramban.htm) Herein Nachmanides is teaching us that G-d alone has the right to act with greatness. The wealth, honor, and wisdom that He bestows are but a passing shadow. Arrogance drives a wedge between G-d and man, and prevents us from apprehending authentic Torah values. When we truly feel ourselves to be in G-d’s presence, we will naturally act with humility before Him and with restraint and dignity toward others. Rosh Hashanah is fast approaching, and with G-d’s help, may we have the wisdom and discernment to reject gaavah and embrace anavah. May we ever be ready to be spiritual Nachshons, to jump fearlessly into the whirlwind of confusion that is our lives and actively change them for the better. Kativah v’chatimah tovah and tizku l’shanim rabot
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Declare and confess (verbally) to Hashem to never be involved in this sin again (vidui devarim). As we can readily see, true teshuvah is an all-encompassing process. It incorporates a radical shift in the mind of the former sinner so that he will be able to return to the proper path of serving Hashem. It requires unflinching honesty and the strength to conquer the natural tendency to rationalize one’s actions and behaviors. Perhaps the single greatest barrier to genuine teshuvah is arrogance (gaavah). It blinds us to the ramifications of our behavior and makes us feel as if we are living on a higher plane of existence than the rest of mankind. Nachmanides, in his famous Igeret Haramban, warns us against this dangerous character trait:
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udaism is, first and foremost, a religion of action wherein the deed, in the form of the mitzvah, is the primary mode of connecting with the Almighty. Little wonder then, GUEST PARSHA that one of Judaism’s greatest heroes and spiritual giants was none other than Nachshon ben Aminadav, the first person to enter the Yam Suf (Sea of Reeds) in expectation of Hashem’s imminent salvation. Indeed, Midrash Bamidbar Rabbah 13:7 teaches us that his name foreshadowed Rabbi David the literal leap of faith Etengoff that will forever remain emblazoned in the memory of our people: “Why was he named Nachshon? This was because he was the first to go into the surging waves of the Sea (nachshol sheb’yam).
“The Holy One blessed be He said to Moshe: ‘He who has sanctified my name in the Sea will be he who will bring the first sacrifice [in the dedication of the altar in the dessert].’” Nachshon was a true hero who embraced action, driven by the noble spiritual desire to sanctify Hashem’s name. This week’s parshiot call upon us to symbolically emulate Nachshon, to jump into the Yam Suf of our lives and do teshuvah: “And it will be, when all these things come upon you the blessing and the curse which I have set before you that you will consider in your heart, among all the nations where the Lord your G-d has banished you, and you will return to the Lord, your G-d, with all your heart and with all your soul, and you will listen to His voice according to all that I am commanding you this day you and your children, then, the Lord, your G-d, will bring back your exiles, and He will have mercy upon you.” (Devarim 30:1-3) In order to do heartfelt and meaningful teshuvah, we need to know what its constitutive elements are. Maimonides devoted an entire section of his Mishneh Torah to this topic. Thus, in Sefer Madda, Hilchot Teshuvah (2:2), he asks, “What is teshuvah?” Summarized, it contains four key elements: Rejection of the sin: takes place in the present (azivat hacheit). Feel badly about what has been done: refers to past actions (charata al ha’avar). Resolve to change: refers to the future (kabbalah al he’atid).
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Editor’s note: With a double parsha this week and the calendar edging closer towards Rosh Hashana, we present a second Torah column. Rabbi Etengoff is dedicating the following dvar Torah in memory of his sister-inlaw, Ruchama Rivka Sondra, and the refuah shlaimah of Yosef Shmuel ben Miriam.
THE JEWISH STAR September 23, 2011 • 24 ELUL, 5771
Teshuvah:
September 23, 2011 • 24 ELUL, 5771 THE JEWISH STAR
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Two months wed, they already have a question! Dear Aviva, My husband and I have been married a couple months, and so far we think our marriage is great. But we’re a little nervous— how do we maintain a healthy, loving marriage for a lifetime? Do you have any pointers for cultivating a lasting, happy marriage? — Keeping the Bliss
Dear Keeping the Bliss, The first tip I have is to work on your marriage before it gets less-than-great. You and your spouse will be more willing and able to feed your marriage when you’re having a good day, or even a neutral day. Waiting until waters get choppy will drastically cut your chance of coming out unscathed. I know I’m using harsh metaphors when we are just talking about a relationship, but if you’ve ever seen a couple go through a rough time, or even a divorce-able time, you will be struck by how they look like they are fighting for their lives. That’s because, according to Dr. Sue Johnson, we need an emotionally close, supportive relationship with someone in order to live. So if we feel like we are losing that sort of relationship, it can feel like our air supply is cut off. The trick is to be able to balance the breathing with this other person without suffocating him/her. And from the other side, the trick is to let the other know when you are feeling suffo-
cated without rejecting the other. Enough abstract. Let’s concretize things. You are looking forward to a quiet Shabbos without guests. You prepare a modest meal for you and hubby and are looking forward to relaxing on the couch after with an easygoing game of Blokus. (Blokus is a really cool game. Check it out.) What happens? Everything goes as planned until after the soup. You and your spouse are bringing the main course to the table when you spill a little gravy on your skirt. You go change in your room and come out to a sleeping, snoring lump on the couch. “Sweetie?” Nothing. “Honey, I’m back.” A mere eye flutter. Hmm. Now you’re not covered in gravy—you are gravy.
He wakes up in the 73rd minute and is upset that he missed bentching, and is surprised to see you playing all four colors in Blokus. “What’s going on?” he squints. Now here is where you make things happen. Somewhere inside, you are feeling disappointment and even rejection. You are feeling slightly insignificant and sad. But, you cannot let on that you have such human characteristics! No, not you! It is clearly the time to take the holy high road of Distract and Protect. “What’s going on?! I’ll tell you what’s going on! You just totally blew your chance at bentching and now you got the BIGGEST aveira right before Rosh Hashana! I know that I did my part to wake you, so don’t try
to blame it on me!” Lady, he was so not looking to blame you. And talk about missing your chance—you just missed your chance at getting closer. Try this next time: “What’s going on? Well, I went to change my skirt and when I came back you were sleeping. I know you’re tired, but I tried to wake you because I was looking forward to hanging out. But when you didn’t wake up, it made me feel kinda lonely.” When you are hurt, it is much wiser to make yourself vulnerable than to try to protect yourself. If you have your shield up and your gun blazing, the average spouse will shoot back at you or flee (emotionally or physically). Then you will either try to win this battle with blame and criticism if he’s fighting back, or lasso him in with nags and whines if he withdraws. Instead of being needy, allow yourself to be “in need”. When you are sad, lonely, rejected, let down or upset, admit it to yourself. Don’t hide it behind a blank smile or anger. Admit it to yourself and then share it with your spouse in a detached sort of way. Be unemotional when describing these emotions. Then ask hubby to be there for you (specify how). Knowing your needs will increase the likelihood of having needs met. — Aviva Aviva Rizel is a Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice that can be reached at 347-292-8482 or AvivaRizel.MFT@gmail. com.
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THE JEWISH STAR September 23, 2011 • 24 ELUL, 5771
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Scholar in residence YOUNG ISRAEL OF LAWRENCE-CEDARHURST, located at 8 Spruce Street in Cedarhurst, is hosting noted lecturer Charlie Harary, who will be speaking on the topic “Teshuvah: genes, judgment and Judaism.” The Shabbat drasha will be “Our day in court: how to ensure a favorable judgment.” For seudat shlishit, he will speak on “Power genes: tapping into the greatness of our forefathers.” Prior to the midnight selichot service, his topic will be “Judaism’s Midnight Madness: how teshuva season can change your life.” Harary is a Woodmere resident and founder of Milvado Education, which promotes innovations in teaching spirituality. He is a senior lecturer at Orthodox Union, Aish Hatorah and NCSY. For more information, contact 516-569-3324
Submit your shul or organization’s events or shiurim to jscalendar@thejewishstar.com. Deadline is Wednesday of the week prior to publication.
Sefer Torah for Avinoam YESHIVA DARCHEI TORAH is holding a siyum on the completion of a sefer Torah in memory of alumnus Avinoam Grossman, a”h. The Torah dedication will take place at the home of his parents Shmuel & Rachel Grossman, at 56 Maple Avenue in Cedarhurst. The event begins at 9:30 p.m. Afterwards, the sefer Torah will be brought to Yeshiva Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway. For sponsorships and information, contact Rabbi Baruch Rothman at 718-868-2300 ext. 706.
Sept. 24-25 FIVE TOWNS COMMUNITY CHEST is holding its annual Fall Fair in Andrew J. Parise Cedarhurst Park. A movie will be presented on Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. with a full day of games,
TORAH CENTER OF HILLCREST, located at 171-05 Jewel Avenue in Hillcrest, is hosting noted lecturer Rabbi Paysach Krohn, who will be speaking on the topic “Introspection & Inspiration: An Approach to the Yimei Hadin.” The event begins at 8 p.m. and costs $12, with proceeds benefiting Nishei Yeshiva Madreigas Ha’adam. For more information, contact NsheiYmhad@aol.com.
Ongoing Evening Daf Yomi HANC students make their own shofars Sixth grade students at Hewbrew Academy of Nassau County made their own shofars, learning about the mitzvah and the process of creating the ram’s horn instrument. “In anticipation of Rosh Hashanah the students are delighted by the opportunity to have a hands-on experience with shofar making,” said Rabbi Michael Merril, the student programming director. “It will enhance their Rosh Hashanah experience.” rides and entertainment for families from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Jewish Star is a cosponsor of this free public event. For more information, visit www.fivetownscommunitychest.com.
p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The sale is sponsored by Shabtai Gourmet, Cinderella Sweets, and A Chocolate Experience. For more information, contact Rina Friedman at 516-295-5724.
Sept. 25-26
Sept. 26 Emunah Bake Sale
CAHAL, an organization serving local students with learning disabilities, is holding its third annual bake sale at the home of Jenny & Mordy Lent, located at 81 Washington Avenue South in Lawrence. The event will run on Sept. 25 from 2
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EMUNAH, the religious Zionist women’s organization, is holding its day-long Rosh Hashanah Bake Sale & Boutique at the home of Esther & Baruch Weinstein, located at 4 Iris Street in Cedarhurst. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Besides food, the event includes jewelry, giftware and flowers. For more information, contact Shari Shapiro at 516-413-6927.
SH’OR YOSHUV INSTITUTE, located at One Cedar Lawn Avenue in Lawrence holds weekly evening lectures on the Dar Yomi by Rabbi Yechiel Weberman in the upstairs beis medrash of the yeshiva. The lectures run Sundays through Thursdays from 8 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. For learning times on Fridays and Shabbat, call in advance to 347-210 0299.
Thursday night learning KEHILLAS BAIS YEHUDAH TZVI, located at 391 Oakland Avenue in Cedarhurst has a Thursday night learning program with video lectures by noted lecturers Rabbi Eli Mansour at 9 p.m. and Rabbi Yissocher Frand at 10:30 p.m. Hot chulent will be served, concluding with maariv services at 11:15 p.m. For more information, call 516-374-9293.
Parkinson’s group JCC OF THE GREATER FIVE TOWNS is sponsoring a support group for those affected by Parkinson’s. The group meets on Tuesday mornings at 11 a.m. at the JCC, located at 207 Grove Avenue in Cedarhurst. For more information call Cathy Byrne at 516-569-6733 ext. 220.
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CONGREGATION BETH SHOLOM, located at 390 Broadway in Lawrence, is hosting Rabbi Yehuda Septimus, who will be speaking on the topic “Reflections on teshuva: A pairing & sharing of religious leaders and thoughts.” Rabbi Septimus is the rav of Young Israel of North Woodmere. The event is sponsored by the Orthodox Union. For more information, contact Hannah Chornock at 212-613-8351.
Introspection & Inspiration
Cahal Bake Sale
Fall Fair
Reflections on teshuva
Oct. 4
Pre-Selichot Program CONGREGATION BETH SHOLOM, located at 390 Broadway in Lawrence is hosting Dr. Norman Blumenthal and Dr. Rona Novick for a preSelichot program. The speakers will address the topic “Making amends & making meaning: the importance of forgiveness & purpose.” Dr. Blumenthal is the director of bereavement and crisis intervention services at Chai Lifeline. Dr. Novick is the director of doctoral studies at YU’s Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education. The event begins at 10:30 p.m. followed by selichot by chazzan Joel Kaplan at midnight. For more information, contact 516-569-3600.
Oct. 2
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September 23, 2011 • 24 ELUL, 5771 THE JEWISH STAR
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15
By David Benkof
Across 1. A dirty person may draw one 5. “Peanuts” cry 10. “Naked Beneath My Clothes” writer Rudner 14. “HELLO!... Hello!... hello...” 15. Charlie Horse’s human friend 17. “___ Can’t Take That Away From Me” (Gershwin tune) 18. Hora music, maybe 19. Matriarchs, briefly 20. Interweaved 21. Airtight, as an alibi 26. Tax ID 27. Come through 28. Extras in Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey”
Last week’s answers
THE JEWISH STAR September 23, 2011 • 24 ELUL, 5771
The Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle 32. Protesting vigorously, perhaps 33. Son of Jacob 36. Bitterer-than-beer drink 37. ‘What Kind of Fool ___?’ (Sammy Davis Jr. song) 38. “What’ll ___?” (Irving Berlin song) 39. Alternative to Reuters 40. “West Side Story” gang member 41. Alarming letters 42. Follower of Marx? 43. Flash 45. Letters before “://” 47. The point of math class 48. Rabbi 51. Venomous swimmer 52. Howard Stern, at times 56. Looker’s leg 57. “Enemies: ___” (1989 Paul Mazursky film) 60. Google co-founder Larry 61. Yom Kippur prayer topic 62. Rosh Hashana pilgrimage site 63. Fires abruptly 64. Boroughs 65. Scout’s shelter
Down 1. Yeshiva study-center 2. Parsha that discusses Yom Kippur 3. 2009 movie with Robert Downey, Jr. 4. Spanish for ‘today’ 5. Like Jews from E. Europe 6. North Carolina Jewish boarding sch. 7. Wrote a four-star review 8. Bubbie 9. Tips 10. Mezzo-soprano Resnik 11. “It drops and then ___. Oh, dreidel...” 12. Mosaic square 13. “It’s ___ state of affairs!” 16. Commandments, e.g.
22. Baby buggy? 23. Year between the first and second great Jewish revolts 24. Emulates Shylock 25. Specialized vocabulary 29. With “The,” an Adler-Ross musical about workplace romance 30. Supreme onetime dean of Harvard Law School 31. Peace process topic of conversation 33. Maimonides’ “___ for the Perplexed” 34. Heavy snorer’s problem 35. Frisbees, say 44. ___ Pan Alley (term coined by Monroe Rosenfield)
46. Shows to be true 49. Yemenite city first mentioned in Ezekiel 50. Extensive view 51. Biblical weapon 52. Legal asst. 53. ___ Rieger (Judd Hirsch character on “Taxi”) 54. Hitchcock film based on the Leopold and Loeb case 55. The Jewish one has six points 58. Orthodox clergy grp. 59. Israeli cable company 60. Extinguish, with “out” Answers will appear next week
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ast week a witness refused to answer any questions that I was asking by pleading the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fifth Amendment.â&#x20AC;? Although the case was a civil matter, this witness was fully protected by the Bill of Rights, from responding for fear that his answers might later be used against him in a LAWYERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BRIEF criminal case. The theory of â&#x20AC;&#x153;pleading the Fifthâ&#x20AC;? is simple. In the past, governments have abused their citizens by obtaining forced confessions, often with the use of physical or emotional force. However, the United States Bill of Rights, prevents such abuse by guaranteeing that our Evan W. Klesztick government would not and could not force its citizens to testify. According to Wikipedia, the common manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s encyclopedia, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fifth amendmentâ&#x20AC;?, right to remain silent traces back to due process found in old English Common Law, and ultimately the Magna Carta of 1215. The truth is that Wikipedia is about 1000 years off. The Talmud, codified around the third century, specifically records that Jew-
ish law forbids self incriminating testimony. However, unlike the Fifth Amendment where one may voluntarily testify against oneself, Jewish Law forbids a witness in or out of court from offering any testimony which is incriminating, even voluntarily. There are two reasons for this. The first is to fully protect due process of law. All confessions have the â&#x20AC;&#x153;possibilityâ&#x20AC;? that they were obtained through force, and therefore do not contain the truth. The only way to ensure that truth prevails is for the court to rely only and solely on nonparty witnesses who have no interest in the outcome of the case. There is a second and equally compelling reason why confessions against ones interest are never accepted, even purely voluntary. The Talmud states that â&#x20AC;&#x153;a human being cannot/should not testify that he is evil.â&#x20AC;? Obviously this does not mean that we cannot physically testify against our interests, as we all know we can. It is done all the time. Just read the papers. What the Talmud means is that, in order to maintain our dignity as human beings, we can never let ourselves view ourselves as evil. For how we see ourselves is key to how we behave. It is a self fulfilling prophesy. This week I attended my sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pre-1A grade orientation. The Rabbi stressed how important it is for each childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self esteem that he be Continued on next page
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Continued from previous page and minds are in the right place. The truth is told how wonderful he is, how good he is, indeed central to Judaism, its teachings and etc... Children will often live up to how we overall philosophy. But we must always remember the story of Abraham view them. and Sara, and how he tried to This same idea is emhide the truth from his wife so bedded in the Jewish Fifth Rather than a “right” as to protect her dignity….you Amendment rule. Rather than see human dignity trumps… a “right” to remain silent, the to remain silent, the as we are all created in G-D’s Torah “demands” that we Torah “demands” that image, and that’s the greatest remain silent and thereby we remain silent and truth of all. preserve our human dignity in the face of the throes and thereby preserve our Evan W. Klestzick, Esq. is a battles of the courtroom. Sure human dignity in the Senior Partner at McDonnell we can and should admit to & Adels, PLLC, specializing in our mistakes. Sure we can and face of the throes insurance law. He has been a should confess our sins, but and battles of the guest lecturer at Manhattan only in the context of prayer, courtroom. College as well as CLE courses or as part of repentance, or in podcasts on the topic of insurshul, or better yet over a sacrifice in the Temple Mount, where our hearts ance fraud. He is a resident of Far Rockaway.
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right to live in peace, dignity, and freedom. Its Jewish people didn’t want to believe it.” Stein had begun writing a similar book The increasing pressure to delegitimize Israel, including this week’s move for Palesit- 40 years ago, and had nearly 350 pages completed before putting the nian statehood at the UN and project away. the Durban III conference He returned to it a couhave raised concerns about ple of years ago and put it renewed anti-Semitism in the through roughly 15 revisions, mainstream. mostly in response to news Taking a historical apevents that resonated with proach to a fictional place his story. in the future, West Hemp“I feel that reading the stead resident Michael Stein book will find that many of penned Decision 2030, a book the familiar problems with about a future generation of anti-Semitism will still take Jews suffering from physical place in the year 2030,” Stein and political attacks. said. The novel was published Stein shows numerous at the end of July. “[Anti-Seviewpoints in his book, with mitic events] have been hapcharacters from various relipening all over the US, and gious backgrounds and walks even in Norway,” Stein said. of life. The names of the two “In San Francisco they had on Photo by Sergey Kadinsky major Jewish communities— the ballot that they wanted to “Grayvelt” in America and outlaw circumcision.” Bitter history and “Kfar Afar” in Israel—illusIn Decision 2030, the fictrate the fact that things extional suburban community recent news ist not in black and white exof Grayvelt is torn in two dif- influenced Stein’s tremes, but rather in shades ferent directions. novel on the future. of gray. [“Grayvelt” means On the one hand, some in“gray world” in Yiddish, and dividuals choose to remain in the United States and to fight with the help “Kfar Afar” means “gray village” in Hebrew.] While Stein said that the heroes in his of civilian soldiers. Others decide to part with America moving to a new community of novel were not based off of real life people, he did say that there are “people in the story olim in northern Israel. “The seeds of hate for the Jew could nev- whose personalities are a little similar [to er be completely eradicated,” wrote Stein. real life people].” “[The character] Rabbi Weinhauser is a “America, land of the most expansive constitution to guarantee every freedom possible, little bit like Rabbi Kelemer in terms of his land of thirty amendments to promise every photographic memory,” he said. Though the future presented in Decision citizen that their rights would not be withdrawn, was now a place where one group was experiencing a serious curtailing of its Continued on next page By Brigitte Fixler
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September 23, 2011 • 24 ELUL, 5771 THE JEWISH STAR
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GRAPHIC ARTIST WANTED for IMMEDIATE Part-Time Ad Design Position. Must be skilled in: • Adobe Indesign CS4 • Adobe Photoshop CS4 • Adobe Acrobat • Mac OSX This is a part time position with reasonably flexible hours. Must be creative and have a good eye for design and detail. This position involves heavy customer contact, so candidate must be able to liaison with clients to collaborate on design. Must be able to work in a deadline driven environment. High end design experience required. Duties include, but are not limited to: ad design and layout, photo color correction and scanning. Please submit your resumé with salary requirements for immediate consideration to KMengel@liherald.com NO phone calls.
Continued from page 1 2030 may seem bleak, Stein, who taught history in the New York City public school system, sees it as realistic. “I really feel that the Jewish people are always going to be in trouble simply because we’re Jewish,” said Stein. “I just think it’s the old adage and it’s never going to change.” Stein majored in history at City University in Manhattan. He went on to teach in the
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EDITOR WANTED The Jewish Star is seeking a new editor to lead our team. The Star reaches more than 10,000 Orthodox Jewish households in the Five Towns, Great Neck and Brooklyn, with breaking news, feature stories, personality profiles and in-depth coverage of the community's yeshivas and shuls. You can check out our website at www.TheJewishStar.com. As editor, you will seek out story ideas, write and assign pieces, edit others' work, and oversee the website and the weekly layout and production of the paper. You should be familiar with the Five Towns and Brooklyn Orthodox communities, and have an understanding of Torah Judaism and issues and currents within the larger Orthodox world. The Star staff is a small and autonomous operation within a larger company. Richner Communications is a family-owned publisher of 28 weekly community newspapers and shopping guides. We offer a friendly informal environment in our stateof-the-art offices in Garden City, salary, paid time off, excellent health plan and 401(k). Please send resume with cover letter and salary requirements to: JewishStarSearch@ aol.com. 499526
Decision 2030 is available for p purchase at Long Island Judaica in i West Hempstead and at Amazon.com. It is also available from z the publisher, Xlibris, at www. t xlibris.com. x
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RECEPTIONIST FOR NEWSPAPER Publisher and Self-Store Facility in Garden City needed. The ideal candidate should have excellent communications and customer service skills, be professional, be reliable and dependable and have reliable transportation. Candidate should have computer knowledge and working knowledge of MS Office. Candidate MUST be able to work a schedule of some weekday evenings and every weekend. Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Answering phones and greeting customers, · Assisting new customers by showing store facility options and pricing, Collecting payments from customers, Contacting customers for late payments, Ensuring building and facility is locked and secured prior to leaving, General administrative responsibilities, Candidate MUST be able to work the following schedule and must be reliable and dependable. Schedule: Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM; Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM; Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 2 PM to 8 PM Qualified candidates should email their resume, cover letter and salary requirements to hramoo@liherald.com.
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New Ne York City Public School System te for 25 years. After working in sales for a number of years, he returned to teaching history, and re has spent the last three years h writing novels involving the hisw tory to of the last century.
THE JEWISH STAR September 23, 2011 • 24 ELUL, 5771
CLASSIFIEDS Author looks to the future and finds anti-semitism
September 23, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ 24 ELUL, 5771 THE JEWISH STAR
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