December 16, 2011

Partners in Torah seeks mentors Page 3 My White House visit Page 4 Shoah survivor reunited with his rescuer Page 10 A creative spin on Chanukah Page 15

THE JEWISH

STAR

VOL 10, NO 48 ■ DECEMBER 16, 2011 / 20 KISLEV, 5772

WWW.THEJEWISHSTAR.COM

YIW launches shidduch initiative

By Shlomo Sprung

Photos by Susan Grieco

Honorees Leibel and Myrna Zisman, above, and members of their mischpacha enjoy the celebration. Below, Rabbi Zalman Wolowik and Cedarhurst Mayor Andrew J. Parise reminisce about their beginnings in Cedarhurst.

Chabad 5T: 17 years strong

By Karen C. Green A crowd of 600 guests representing a broad spectrum of the Five Towns community gave their support to Chabad of the Five Towns at its annual dinner on Dec. 11 at The Sephardic Temple in Cedarhurst. Billed as “Chabad Magnified,” the event took a closer look at the local Chabad’s accomplishments over the last 17 years; and to focus on the future, with a vision of growth.

“Baruch Hashem I am grateful to the community for being so supportive,” Chabad director Rabbi Zalman Wolowik said. “In this economy when it’s such a struggle, the honorees graciously accepted the responsibility to do the job and the community responded.”

Five local couples were honored for their unique commitment to Chabad, Leibel and Myrna Zisman, Aryeh and Brocha Continued on page 7

Everyone has an approach towards shidduchim, and on Motzei Shabbat Dec. 10, Young Israel of Woodmere members gathered to share perspectives on helping local singles find their mates. Their newly-formed ongoing initiative, It Takes A Shul To Make A Match, brought over 200 members for the evening’s program.

The programming began with short presentations from the shul’s four rebbetzins, covering a wide variety of topics related to helping and supporting those in need of a shidduch, and what the Young Israel plans to do to lend a hand. The program ended with a networking session in the gym with refreshments and different booths containing information on the services the shul will provide for singles in the future. Pink and blue index cards were even handed out for the audience to suggest names to each other and jumpstart the matchmaking process.

An online database of single shul members, gathered through an email “census” of sorts, will be created and various brainstorming and networking events are being planned. Future events include various intershul shabbatons and social gatherings anticipated for the spring, including having shul members house singles from out of town to meet locals in need of a shidduch. The Young Israel also announced it would join the Shuls Share program that exchanges names of singles with other shuls in the New York area and sends representatives to find the right pairings.

“We’re here tonight as a shul to begin a conversation,” said Assistant Rabbi Shalom Axelrod. He said that the project drew “a lot of interest from a lot of people in different spectrums,” from people going on dates based on Facebook profiles as well as shidduch resumes. He said it was unfortunate Continued on page 3

Shabbat Candlelighting: 4:10 p.m. Shabbat ends 5:15 p.m. 72 minute zman 5:52 p.m. Torah Reading Parshat Vayeshev Erev Chanukah is Tuesday

Stay up to date with The Jewish Star Receive our weekly newsletter. Sign up at newsroom@ thejewishstar.com

Like us on Facebook The Jewish Star newspaper (Long Island, NY)

Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/ JewishStarNY

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

Visit us on the web at www. thejewishstar.com

By Zechariah Mehler When I attended college, I clearly remember that if you had done something shameful, you had the good sense to feel ashamed of the act committed. That being said, I never did anything as dumb, as farcical, or as mind numbingly harebrained as the Stern College for Women student who anonymously wrote about losing her virginity in a Manhattan hotel.

Inside

The Jewish Star Ask Aviva Classified Ads From the Heart of Jerusalem Hebrew Only Please!

Kosher Bookworm Letters to the Editor Mensch on the Street On the Calendar Parsha Politico to Go Schools Sports How to reach us:

18 21 8 6 11 4 9 20 6 5 19 22

Our offices at 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday, with early closing as necessary on Erev Shabbat. Contact us via e-mail or telephone as listed below.

Advertising newsroom@thejewishstar.com Nassau County hparsons@thejewishstar.com 516-569-4000 extension 290 Manhattan & Queens rglickman@thejewishstar.com 516-569-4000 extension 250 Classified ereynolds@thejewishstar.com Community Calendar items jscalendar@thejewishstar.com Letters to the Editor letters@thejewishstar.com News and Sports items newsroom@thejewishstar.com Press Releases pressreleases@thejewishstar.com Publisher and Editor in Chief kgreen@thejewishstar.com 516-632-5205 extension 4

Facsimile: The Star prefers e-mail, but we are equipped to accept your letters, releases, etc. by FAX. Please dial 516-569-4942.

To subscribe: The Star is available free of charge in many kosher food establishments, other stores, synagogues and street-side news boxes in Nassau County and New York City. To have The Star mailed to your home or office each week call our circulation department at 516-622-7461, extension 7. You may charge your subscription to VISA, Mastercard or American Express. Subscriptions in Nassau County or Far Rockaway are $9 per quarter, charged to your credit card, or $48 per year by cash or check. Elsewhere in New York, New Jersey or around the United States, they are $15 per quarter on your credit card or $72 per year. Please allow four weeks to begin delivery.

To place a display ad: Reservations, art and copy for display advertising in the general news sections of The Star must be in our office by Tuesday at 1 p.m. for publication that week. An advertising representative will gladly assist you in preparing your message. Please e-mail or call for an appointment.

To place a classified ad:

Please call 516-622-7461 during regular business hours and ask for The Star classified department. All classified ads are payable in advance. We accept all major credit cards.

News and Calendar Items: News releases of general interest must be in our office by Friday at noon to be considered for publication the following week.

Releases for our On the Calendar section must be in our office by Wednesday at 5 p.m. to be considered for publication the following week. To report a breaking news story or for further information call 516-622-7461 ext. 291 or e-mail newsroom@thejewishstar.com.

Letters to the editor: The Star provides an open forum for opinions and welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should be e-mailed, must be signed, and should be accompanied by an address and daytime phone number for verification. You may offer longer submissions for inclusion on our Opinion pages. Letters and Opinion articles must be in our office by noon Friday to be considered for publication the following week.

They are subject to editing for length and clarity.

*CRRKN[ 'XGT *#(64 *#(64 0QV [QWT V[RKECN QRGP JQWUG $WV VJGP CICKP YGÄ&#x;TG PQV [QWT V[RKECN ;GUJKXC I

*#(64

'CTN[ %JKNFJQQF .QYGT 5EJQQN '

72%1/+0) &#6'5 'CTN[ %JKNFJQQF -KPFGTICTVGP 1RGP *QWUG 9GFPGUFC[ &GEGODGT VJ CO

'CTN[ %JKNFJQQF .QYGT 5EJQQN 6QWT 9GFPGUFC[ ,CPWCT[ VJ CO 9GFPGUFC[ ,CPWCT[ VJ CO

518980

A Beacon of shame

Her article titled “How Do I Even Begin To Explain This� is a first hand account of how she met her boorish Stella Artois-swilling boyfriend at a hot sheet hotel for a late night tryst. The body of the article can best be described as the dirtiest PG account of a sexual encounter ever published.

Though it refrains from anything that is overly graphic, it uses a cadence and language that just makes the reader feel uncomfortable. The fallout from this 700-word literary atrocity has been truly something to behold.

Throughout the fallout, the article’s publisher, a student-run blog, known as the YU Beacon, has stood by the content, even to the point of losing the funding they had been given by the YU student government. The Beacon, which is just under a year old, is the self proclaimed “Official Voice of the Yeshiva University Student Body� and they have never been overly burdened by such things as facts or journalistic integrity. In this matter however, the Beacons editorial staff felt that removing the article at the behest of student leaders and a majority of students would betray the rights given to us by the First Amendment, and so they bravely decided to ignore the voice that they claim to represent.

As a result of this debacle, news agencies like Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The New York Times have all picked up the story and run articles with titles like “Jewish University, School Newspaper Cut Ties Over Controversial Sex Column� or “Yeshiva University Stunned By Tale of Tryst.�

For the first time, I find myself awed by the perception of wrongdoing laid at the feet of the University, as if they have been maliciously issuing gag orders on their students.

In fact, the administration had nothing to do with the cutoff in funds to the Beacon. “It’s a case of democracy in action,� said Mayer Fertig, head of Yeshiva University’s Media Relations. “The student government decided that it no longer wished to fund the Beacon once an overwhelming majority of the student body had an objection the Beacon’s content.�

During my time as a YU student, I was the Associate Station Manager of the student-run campus radio WYUR. The administration was nothing but supportive of our choices of topics for broadcast, even when they were on the controversial side. They encouraged that we use the outlets provided to interact with the student body in order to discuss issues that we felt were important.

The difference was that we went to great lengths to uphold a code of conduct that we believed to be in line with the morals that Yeshiva University stood for. And it is not that the topic of “How Do I Even Begin to Explain This� that I and many alumni and current students find objectionable. After all, the harsh reality is that there are some students who have strayed from Orthodox standards of shomer negiah, and pretending that is not the truth does no one any favors.

It was simply the manner in which it was addressed in the Beacon, with a coarse salaciousness that betrayed the bigger picture of a girl who crossed an amazing emotional and physical milestone that went against her core beliefs. With no one of real substance to turn to so she could better understand what she had just given up, and how to appropriately cope, she decided instead to write a thoroughly terrible article about it and invite the world to read it. Even worse is the nonchalance with which the article was written.

Perhaps this is thanks to the overabundance of blogs, tweets, and status updates, and the ease at which “publication� can be achieved. This oneclick solution to the dissemination of work has caused people to become desensitized to how personal writing can be, and so the act of writing is done with little to no forethought of the way that a written piece can have a deep connection with it’s author and resonate with its audience.

And so, Anonymous Stern Girl has laid bare for the world a deeply intimate and personal part of her life, and because once you put something up on the internet it never goes away, means that for the second time Anonymous Stern Girl has blithely lost her virginity, but this time she did it in front of an audience.

Sometimes I wonder what ever happened to shame.

Zechariah Mehler is a 2004 graduate of Yeshiva College.

6Q 4582 RNGCUG ECNN .GUNKG )CPI &KTGEVQT QH #FOKUUKQPU %QOOWPKECVKQPU GZV NGICPI"JCHVT QTI

It’s Holiday Time at Educational & Brand Name Toys www.latoysetc.com

E FRE F GI TING PP WRA

SHOP LOCAL!

F PARREE KIN G

GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

82 Columbia Ave., Cedarhurst • 569 - 1112

$5 OFF

ANY PURCHASE OF $35 OR MORE one coupon per visit excludes sale items W/COUPON • EXP 12/31/11 • NOT COMBINABLE

LA TOYS ETCETERA 82 COLUMBIA AVE. • CEDARHURST, NY 11516 (516) 569-1112

518981

December 16, 2011 • 20 KISLEV, 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

2

3

Continued from page 1 that other shuls have not addressed this issue.

Jewish life is “a kid and family centered atmosphere which marginalizes young singles,” said Rebbetzin Rookie Billet, who urged the attendees to not be discouraged that a friend or loved one is still single. She said it only takes meeting one special person to create a good shidduch. “Love is about developing the capacity for love,” she said. “Investments need to be patiently nurtured.” A good tip Billet gave was to always give a date a second opportunity. “Unless it’s a disaster, set up a second date. First dates are always awkward.”

How young singles are supposed to meet after college was a question posed by Rebbetzin Margie Glatt, who works with Yeshiva University’s dating initiative YU Connects. “We don’t have Grossingers anymore,” she said, playing to an audience of mostly parents and grandparents.

Glatt said that finding a shidduch was a lot like searching for a job, and that if a resume or dating profile was going to be made on one of the many Jewish dating web sites, “you should put in the work and effort and be realistic.” She emphasized that putting up a quality and presentable picture was crucial because images make a good first impression, especially on a dating sites like Gateways or Saw You At Sinai.

Program attendee Carin Greenberg, who met her husband on the Jewish singles site JDate, said she “found out about a lot of different organizations tonight and it pushed me a little bit to find someone for my step-daughter.” Greenberg also said that having the shul organize a shidduch initiative gives people more urgency to actually help local singles out. “People usually put off things, but someone could meet through this,” she said.

“Very often, expectations hinder reality and what’s really important. You can’t go with a checklist and expect everything to be there,” said Rebbetzin Ruchie Axelrod. Rebbetzin Glatt added that singles needed to keep an open mind and the worst words in the entire process are “not for you.”

Another important topic talked about was how proactive everyone needs to be to make shidduchim work; singles and their loved ones alike. Rebbetzin Adina Wolf, who said that the shul would also be helping the older singles, divorcees and widows, implored the crowd to have a constant dialogue about who is single and how matches could be made. “Sharing equals caring,” she said. “You should seem interested in singles’ lives even though you’re in different situations.”

Singles should attend various social events and not be embarrassed by it, Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt said. Rebbetzin Rookie Billet said it was important for singles to “go beyond their comfort zone” and go to social and chessed events. Billet also made the point of saying there should be mixed singles tables at weddings, which drew applause from the crowd.

Rabbi Glatt said that if a wedding already had mixed seating, it would only make sense to have mixed singles tables as well. “The usual way would be to have mixed seating weddings, but separate singles tables. It should be mixed.”

Photos by Janette Pellegrini

Rebbetzin Rookie Billet (top left), Rebbetzin Ruchi Axelrod (top right), Rebbetzin Margie Glatt (left) and Rebbetzin Adina Wolf (right) Rabbi Glatt qualified this statement by saying if the wedding planned on having separate seating, they should stay separate so no one gets uncomfortable.

A necessary partner

By Karen C. Green If someone had said to me that two weeks ago that I’d be speaking in shul on Shabbos, between mincha and maariv, I’d respond, “not a chance.” But as the years pass, day to day life continues to confirm the presence of Hashgacha Pratis (Divine Providence).

I approached a table in the lobby of Young Israel of Woodmere two weeks ago, curious about the two men standing alongside Rabbi Aaron Glatt and the product they were pitching. My facial expression immediately changed from wonder to glee when I saw their glossy literature promoting Partners In Torah. “There’s happy and then there’s ‘Ihave-my-very-own-Partner-in-Torah’ happy,” the card said.

I relayed my story to Chairman of the Board Steve Savitsky and Program Director Rabbi Eli Gewirtz about how the kiruv program had a profound impact on my life 16 years ago. I was then a mother of a first grader at Yeshivah of Flatbush, anxious to fully absorb what my firstborn Rebecca was

learning, but frustrated by a lack of formal yeshiva education. They then added me to their panel of speakers for that afternoon.

From a traditional affiliated Jewish background, laws of kashrut, Shabbat, etc., passed down by my mother, and a Talmud Torah education, it was my lack of formal yeshiva education coupled with the rigors of the Ivrit B’Ivrit programming at my daughter’s yeshiva, that made me want and need more. I felt that as a parent with limited technical knowledge, I was precluded from fully absorbing what my daughter was learning and also what she would continue to learn going forward.

In a sense, I felt that it put her at a deficit. I wanted her education to yield a more meaningful experience when she brought her work home. I yearned for more.

A glossy yellow post card arrived in the mail, once again, Hashgacha Pratis, saying “Everyone wants their child growing up knowing more than them, but not by the time they’re eight.” It resonated with me.

For three years, the last year I commuted

“We’re here tonight as a shul to begin a conversation,” said Rabbi Axelrod, “we need to try to make things easier to facilitate coupling and bring people together.”

to Brooklyn from Woodmere, as we moved, I had a weekly session with my mentor at Young Israel of Bedford Bay, where Rabbi Heshy Blumstein, who is now Rabbi of Young Israel of Hewlett, was the assistant rabbi.

Woodmere resident and YIW member Jeff Resnick, who brought Partners in Torah to Young Israel of Bedford Bay as its president, was similarly moved by the same postcard.

Originally coming from a Conservative background, he participated in the program as a student and reaped the rewards as I did.

Partners in Torah, whose mission aims to connect Jewish people together... those who can learn, those who want to learn, breaking barriers of level of religious observance, affiliated, non affiliated is in its 20th year.

At the helm since 2010 is Savitsky, former President of the Orthodox Union, who is very proud and quick to mention the introduction of teaching guides over the last two years, making it easier than ever to mentor a partner.

Across North America, 5,000 people a week mentor 5,000 students. As numbers have risen over the years, the greatest challenge is to keep the balance of mentors and students the same. Savitsky attributes the surge in interest in Partners in Torah to an overall real yearning for spirituality. “Ka-

ballah, meditation, yoga, people are trying to find a deeper meaning to life, and exploring it,” Savitsky said.

With an ambitious, but attainable goal of doubling the program in the next few years, Savitsky, along with Program Director Eli Gewirtz latest campaign have taken them to affiliated neighborhoods like The Five Towns.

Speaking at various shuls along with a panel, consisting of both mentors and students, who speak of their life changing and rewarding experiences, they seek out mentors to commit to teaching.

“There are tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews. Its time for them to give back,” Savitsky exclaimed.

Rabbi Gewirtz looks forward to upcoming promotional panel events at shuls. Jan. 6 in Teaneck, Jan. 13 in Englewood, and they hope to speak in Great Neck in the spring.

Gewirtz estimates that of the students, 12 to 15 percent become more observant.

Of mentors, he notes, “100 percent become more observant.”

The beauty of the Torah is that you can always learn, you can constantly be challenged.

For more information on Partners in Torah, visit www.partnersintorah.org

THE JEWISH STAR December 16, 2011 • 20 KISLEV, 5772

Shidduch initiative: Takes a shul to make a match

December 16, 2011 • 20 KISLEV, 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

4

Opinion An Evening at The White House

O

n Dec. 8 at the White House, politics came to stand still for one brief, shining moment as a cross section of Jews from across the United States came to celebrate Chanukah and perhaps more than just that. I decided to share with The Jewish Star readership the extraordinary feeling of inclusion as I entered the South West gates of the White House.

Indeed for those of us who appreciate history, entering the White House to the singing of traditional Chanukah melodies is an acknowledgment of how far our community has come from the dark days of the Holocaust when our rabbis were not allowed anywhere near the White House to plead on behalf of our forefathers who were being killed by the millions. To those of you who know to what I am referring to, you what I am talking about.

To those that don’t know, it is important for you to find out.

Symbolism is important--in many ways that is the message of Chanukah when we display our symbols for the world to see!

There are many ways to be a host and many ways to be a guest. Thursday night at the White House I saw an exEzra Friedlander traordinary display of unity… a night bereft of politics, partisanship, or division. Jews of all stripes, Republicans, Democrats and Independents and indeed of all levels of observance, all gathered together to acknowledge that we are all Jews who are grateful to these United States for the privilege of practicing our religion.

Yes, indeed, that was what the evening represented. A White House that hosted an evening Glatt Kosher L’mehadrin is a testament and a strong statement that we, the Jewish people, can observe unhindered, but even more so--we can contribute to our Nation without conflicts.

So it wasn’t just the opportunity to eat on White House china and utensils kashered under the supervision of Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Executive VP of American Friends of Lubavitch in Washington, DC, whose emphasis on Pas Yisroel and chasidish shicihta indicated that the cuisine was permitted, but it is sending us a message that we can prosper in these United States and conduct ourselves in the same fashion as individuals whose observance is the centrality of our lives.

So when President Obama welcomed us to the White House, I sensed not only the aura of being regaled but the awesome responsibility that comes along with it. Perhaps my appreciation of history caused my emotions to overtake my. Either way, I

was standing in line to greet the President of the United States--a man whose decisions effect mankind can cause one to feel in awe.

What I did not expect was what the Military Social Aide asked my wife and I, as we were approaching the receiving line: “are you shomer negiah?” explaining that if so our photo takings would be handshaking with the President and First Lady respectively. To be honest, I did not expect this level of courtesy. This level of detail reflected something very unusual but very positive: that we as Orthodox Jews have not only the right to be fully observant but indeed are obligated to do so.

The President and First Lady could not have been more gracious or welcoming. In the few seconds that we all got to share private time with the President, we had the opportunity to tell him whatever was on our mind. I thought long and hard about what to say, realizing that it is extremely difficult and perhaps inappropriate to address a particular issue or advocate for something in particular. Having discussed this with my father, the Liska Rov Shlita, I decided to convey a brocha for “divine inspiration as he leads our Nation and is confronted with decisions that impact humanity.” The President was introspective, listened to me and then thanked me and asked me “where I’m from” and wished me a Happy Holiday.

Upon taking leave of the President we returned upstairs to the State Dining Room mingling with the guests. Vice President Joe Biden was also the gracious host that greeted everyone warmly and spent an inordinate amount of time making everyone feeling “literally” at home. We had many opportunities to schmooze that night. In light of my conscience telling me that I too have a responsibility to use this opportunity to advocate for a pressing issue, I decided to respectfully mention Jonathan Pollard. I excused myself saying this is perhaps not the venue but I just wanted to remember him tonight. To be respectful of the Vice President’s agreeing to speak with me, I will only say that I walked away with a positive feeling.

Again, I want to stress that I was conflicted on whether to raise the issue and the reason that put it over the top is the knowledge that officials keep track of conversations and the pulse of the community and an event that included a cross section of our community’s leadership should include mentioning of his name which I thought is an obligation upon me and perhaps even allowed within the spirit of addressing our nation’s leadership with what is on our minds.

All in all, it was a sobering experience that imparted an important lesson to me: be proud of who you are and try to be a better Jew. It demonstrated that Jarrod Bernstein, the White House Director of Jewish Outreach ‘gets it’ and knows how to advocate

THE JEWISH

STAR

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 Publisher and Editor Assistant Editor Account Executive Contributors

Editorial Designer Photo Editor

Karen C. Green Sergey Kadinsky Helene Parsons Miriam Bradman Abrahams Rabbi Avi Billet Jeff Dunetz Rabbi Binny Freedman Brigitte Fixler Rabbi Noam Himelstein Alan Jay Gerber Zechariah Mehler Aviva Rizel Ariel Rosenbloom Shlomo Sprung Alyson Goodman Christina Daly

2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530 Phone: 516-622-7461, Fax: 516-569-4942 E-mail: newsroom@thejewishstar.com The Jewish Star is published weekly by The Jewish Star LLC, 2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530.

Subscription rates: $9 per quarter on a credit card in Nassau and Far Rockaway, or $48 a year. Elsewhere in the US, $15 per quarter or $72 a year.

Newsstand Price: $1.

Copyright © 2011 The Jewish Star LLC. All rights reserved.

for the community---a very burdening task to represent the President of the United States. In 1944, we didn’t have a President who initiated his remarks with acknowledging his director of Jewish Outreach; in 2011 we have the President of the United States acknowledging Jarrod Bernstein as the new director of Jewish Outreach at the White House.

Though the world stood still for me while in the White House, I am under no allusions that the overwhelming challenges facing our community and the world still very much exist. But as someone who would consider himself a student of history, this was an evening of reflection and not just an opportunity

to eat Glatt Kosher lamb chops in the East Room of the White House.

For others it might have meant something else, but for me it was an evening to thank the President of the United States for recognizing our Jewish heritage and for that we have to be eternally grateful.

Ezra Friedlander, is CEO of The Friedlander Group a NYC and Washington-based public affairs consulting group which is now spearheading the effort to award Raoul Wallenberg with a Congressional Gold Medal in light of his upcoming centennial in 2012, recognizing his heroism in saving over 100,000 Jews in the waning days of the Holocaust.

Letters to the editor treatment on Tuesday, DecemWelcome from Darcy cell ber 13. After he receives the cheTo the Editor: Since its first edition, the Jewish Star has made wonderful contributions to the expanse of Jewish news coverage of the Five Towns and surrounding Jewish communities throughout the Town of Hempstead.

Allow me to welcome and extend congratulations to Karen Green on becoming the new Editor-in-Chief and publisher of the Jewish Star. I wish Ms. Green much luck and continued success in her new role, as well as to all the contributors and advertisers of the Jewish Star.

James Darcy Councilman Town of Hempstead

Greetings from Kopel To the Editor: I’m writing to convey personal best wishes to Ms. Karen CohenGreen on her recent appointment as editor-in-chief of the Jewish Star.

At the helm of the Jewish Star, I am confident Ms. Green will sustain the continuing value and utility of this valuable community resource. From her first issue, it is clear the paper is in able hands. I look forward to many years of quality local coverage to come.

Howard J. Kopel Legislator – 7th District Nassau County

Blood donor needed To the Editor: Moshe Hefetz is beginning stem

Correction

motherapy drugs, the doctors will put back his stem cells that have already been harvested by the medical team at North Shore University Hospital. During the following few weeks, he will probably need blood transfusions for red blood cells and platelets. Although the hospital has a blood bank with enough blood, any blood donation to replenish the blood bank would be greatly appreciated. Moshe’s blood type is B+ and the match is important for the red blood cells. However, anyone with any blood type can donate for their platelets. The platelets can only be kept for 5 days.

Please call North Shore University Hospital at: 516-562-4204 (Blood Donor Room) where they will answer any questions you may have and make an appointment for you if you decide to donate blood.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

The Hefetz Family

Off on the right foot To the Editor: Kudos to Karen Green, the Jewish Star’s new editor- in- chief and publisher, for stepping up to the plate and righting a wrong, when it wasn’t at all her responsibility to do so (her public apology to Off the Grill) It is so refreshing to see that a person in her position is caring enough and willing to address people’s sensitivities. She is off to a great start and I wish her continued success.

Shari Shapiro Lawrence

In our Dec. 9 edition, we erroneously reported that “Hanc tops Rambam” at their hockey match. The opposite is true, Rambam won the game 3 to 1.

We regret the error.

5

Gingrich’s Palestinian comment is true. But is he just pandering?

N

ewt Gingrich made headlines this week with his comment made on The Jewish Channel, “We have had an invented Palestinian people who are in fact Arabs,” His statement was criticized by fellow candidate Mitt Romney, by the Palestinians and by many in the mainstream media.

Gingrich’s statement was refreshing; it seemed to cast aside the phony political corPOLITICO rectness about the PalTO GO estinian issue that the Western world has been promoting for three decades.

On the other hand almost everybody campaigns on being a friend of Israel and most of the time they don’t mean it.

Jimmy Carter certainly didn’t mean it, neither did George H. W. Bush, and certainly the latest occupant of 1600 PennJeff Dunetz sylvania Avenue did not turn out to be the great friend of Israel as promised by Ed Koch and Abe Foxman.

Newt’s “invented people” comment may be more dramatic than most candidates but the real question is “does he mean it?”

The Gingrich comments were not meant to

argue against a two-state solution but to create a dialog based on the truth. Gingrich supports the idea of two states, just like every Israeli Prime Minister since Yitzhak Rabin.

Before the debate on Saturday, Gingrich told a veterans’ forum he supports a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians that includes two separate states but; “The burden to show a willingness to reach a peace accord with the Israelis lies squarely with the Palestinians,” he said. “When the president keeps talking about a peace process while Hamas keeps firing missiles into Israel, if we had a country next to us firing missiles, how eager would we be to sit down and negotiate?”

During the debate he defended the “invented people” statement. “Is what I said factually true? Yes, Somebody ought to have the courage to tell the truth. These people are terrorists,” he said. “It’s fundamentally time for somebody to have the guts to stand up and say, ‘Enough lying about the Middle East.’”

Gingrich’s statements indicate that should he be elected to the presidency, at least on the issue of Israel he may be a welcome change.

And unlike Barack Obama in 2008, Gingrich’s record indicates that he may indeed believe what he is saying.

In a private memo he sent to then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld in 2003, titled “Seven Strategic Necessities.” Gingrich wrote, “Palestine may present us with the challenge of trying to win a total war against an enemy hid-

ing among civilians… Hamas leaders talk about driving the Jews out of Israel,” he wrote, calling that a “declaration of total war.”

“However America does not have a doctrine for total war against an enemy who is hiding behind a civilian population,” Gingrich continued.

“Furthermore that civilian population is likely to be terrorized by the forces of total war and so simply appealing to their better interests is useless.”

Gingrich ends the memo with: “The goal is to give the President the instruments he needs to be able to win if the forces of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, AI Fatah, etc insist on total war.”

In other words he recognizes that not only is Hamas a terrorist group but so is the Fatah party run by the supposedly moderate President Abbas.

The most believable part of Gingrich’s comments in that memo is they were made in private, not made as public political stance.

Gingrich’s public comments seem to be consistent with his present stance also, four years ago he said Israel was being threatened especially by Iran “Israel is in the greatest danger it has been in since 1967. Prior to ‘67, many wondered if Israel would survive. After ‘67, Israel seemed military dominant, despite the ‘73 war. I would say we are (now) back to question of survival,” In 1998 we see that Gingrich applied logic instead of political correctness to his Middle East positions. In the weeks prior to his Israel

visit that year, Gingrich emphasized Congress’ broad support for moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem and opposition to US pressure on Israel on the Oslo redeployment issue. At a Capitol Hill rally on May 19, Gingrich compared the administration’s approach on the peace process to an Israeli diplomat telling the US how to defend Texas, suggesting the problem may be that American diplomats have “been in fancy hotels too long and [are] out of touch with reality”.

(Jerusalem Post, May 20, 1998) During last week’s forum with the RJC the former speaker promised to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem, which echoes his his 1995 interview on Israeli television expressing support for moving the US embassy to Jerusalem.

So it seems as Newt Gingrich may actually believe what he says about Israel and the Middle East. And as to the “invented people” controversy, Gingrich is being both historically accurate and honest about his position about Israel.

Keep in mind that Gingrich is not the only GOP candidate supportive of Israel; Perry, Santorum, Romney, and Bachmann also have a strong track record of supporting Israel (Bachmann even lived in Israel for a summer as a teen).

While support of Israel should by no means be the only reason to select one candidate over another it is reassuring that those most likely to get the GOP nomination will not promote an anti-Israel policy as does Barack Obama.

T

Celebrating Our 24th Year Style for your windows, savings for you. With their beautiful colors, fabrics and designs, Hunter Douglas window fashions are always a smart choice for creating inviting, attractive spaces. And now through December 12, mail-in rebates let you enjoy select styles at a savings of $25 to $300 per unit.* Purchase and install their energyefficient Duette® Architella® Honeycomb Shades before the end of this year, and you may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $500.** Ask us for details.

Serving the Five Towns & Surrounding Areas

Lenny Koegel 516-594-6010

Clockwise from top left: Silhouette ® Window Shadings, Luminette® Privacy Sheers, Duette ® Architella® Honeycomb Shades, Skyline® Gliding Window Panels

WE DO REPAIRS

*Manufacturer’s rebate offer valid for purchases made 9/13/11 – 12/12/11. Rebate offers may not be combined; there is a limit of one rebate per qualifying unit. For each qualifying unit purchased, the higher applicable rebate amount will apply. Other limitations and restrictions apply. All rebates will be issued in U.S. dollars, in the form of an American Express® Prepaid Reward Card. **For tax credit details and restrictions and a list of qualifying products, ask a salesperson or visit hunterdouglas.com/taxcredit. Hunter Douglas and its dealers are not tax advisors. The tax credit for 2011 is subject to a limitation based in part on the amount of Section 25C credits taken in prior years. It is recommended that you consult your tax advisor regarding your individual tax situation and your ability to claim this tax credit. ©2011 Hunter Douglas. ® and TM are trademarks of Hunter Douglas.

518982

www.distinctivewindowfashions.com

THE JEWISH STAR December 16, 2011 • 20 KISLEV, 5772

Opinion

Parshat Vayeshev

Right, wrong, and moral justifications A

poignant Midrash in Ruth Rabba (5:6) argues that had Reuven, Aharon and Boaz known that certain minor kindnesses they performed would be recorded in the Bible for posterity, they might have done things differently.

Instead of “planning� to save Yosef, Reuven would have carried Yosef home on his shoulders. Instead of coming alone to greet Moshe on his return from Midian, Aharon would have greeted him with a band. Instead of feeding Ruth enough [grain] until she was satisfied, Boaz would Rabbi Avi Billet have fed her fattened calves.

Perhaps we can argue that had Yehuda and King David been aware that their bedroom faux-pas would be recorded for posterity, they would have been more discreet and might not have even succumbed to the evil temptation that caused them to sin.

Yehuda’s (unbeknownst) rendezvous with his daughter-in-law Tamar (Chapter 38) is such a scandal on so many levels, yet there is

nonetheless a significant attempt by Chazal (the Rabbis of yesteryear) to whitewash it.

The Artscroll Chumash commentary, for example, begins this section with the title, “The moral basis for the story of the union of Tamar and Yehuda.�

Suffice it to say, objectively the only moral basis can be found in Kabbalistic works. In many respects, Tamar’s role, unseemly as it looks, is given a lot more credit than Yehuda’s role. Yehuda only emerges positively at the end, when he admits Tamar’s righteousness, and his own error which caused her to pursue her desperate measures.

Long term, the Tanakh vindicates the downsides of the story. Yehuda achieves kingship for his tribe, as the older child born of his union with Tamar, Peretz, continues the line to King David, the eternal father of the royal family, and of the Messiah.

Why does the Torah tell us this story, then, if it takes hundreds of years for us, the readers, to see that everything, in the long term, is really OK? Because there is a difference between destiny and the here and now. Because there is a difference between right and wrong. And because the Torah does not hide from the truth – sometimes the truth teaches us a model lesson, and sometimes the truth teaches us what not to do.

Hebrew only please!

The story of the deaths of Yehuda’s sons, while tragic, informs us that the patriarchs knew of the concept of yibum (the levirate marriage). That Yehuda withheld his third son, Shelah, from wedding Tamar, may reflect negatively or positively on Yehuda, depending on one’s perspective. That Tamar felt the need to have Yehuda perform the yibum may also reflect negatively or positively on her, depending on one’s perspective.

Las week, a student publication at Yeshiva University posted a short story online that caused quite a stir. As the plot of the story did not jive with the values of the institution, many found it offensive and wrong to appear under the name of Yeshiva University. Some argued that “freedom of expression� should allow for objectionable content to appear.

I am of the opinion that students can write what they want, but should find different venues to print particular pieces that might reflect poorly on the institution – we are, after all, referring to a Yeshiva, and an institution that represents Torah and a commitment to halakhic Judaism.

One comment on the online posting of the story in question said, “I don’t understand why people are so upset. I can find much more graphic sexual activity in the tanach and that may I remind you was written by G-d.�

This is the problem. Because “G-d wrote about it,� means everyone has a free pass to write about these kinds of outside-of-mar-

riage encounters? “G-d writing about it,� so to speak, is an example of the Divine using unique judgment to share what we need to know about, and to avoid sharing the stories we need not know about.

The difference between the Torah’s tales and creative writing is that the human heroes of the Bible recognized their errors, felt shame even before they were caught, and even admitted their mistakes in a public forum.

People today who engage in the sins of this variety may or may not recognize their errors, or feel shame before being caught, and rarely admit publicly that they made a mistake (the author of the story in question is “Anonymous�) Even if they personally feel they’ve made a mistake, they might keep it between themselves and G-d for the rest of their lives.

Yehuda didn’t excuse his behavior either, neither blaming it on his society, culture, or even the fact that he felt lonely after the death of his wife.

Without going through moral justifications, some of the lessons that come out of the story include: the need to be truthful, to follow up on a promise, not to embarrass someone (Bava Metzia 59a), to look out for yourself, to create your own destiny, to admit your mistakes. You hope G-d will justify your choices in good time, but in the here and now, we must make every effort to do what’s right the first 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.

Chanukah in Bergen Belsen

$EUDPV )HQVWHUPDQ UHFRJQL]HV WKDW HDFK FOLHQW KDV XQLTXH

By Rabbi Noam Himelstein

SURIHVVLRQDO DQG SHUVRQDO OHJDO QHHGV WKDW FKDQJH RYHU WLPH DQG UHTXLUH WKH GHGLFDWHG SHUVRQDO DWWHQWLRQ RI H[SHULHQFHG DWWRUQH\V $V D IXOO VHUYLFH ODZ ILUP $EUDPV )HQVWHUPDQ LV FRPPLWWHG WR UHVXOWV IHDWXULQJ FOLHQW FHQWHUHG SUDFWLFH DUHDV VSHFLILFDOO\ GHVLJQHG WR DGGUHVV GLYHUVH DQG RYHUODSSLQJ OHJDO LVVXHV

b

b

The Power of Expertise

‡ $66(7 3527(&7,21

‡ *8$5',$16+,3 /$:

Â&#x2021; %$1.5837&< /$:

Â&#x2021; +($/7+ &$5( &2//(&7,21

Â&#x2021; &(0(7(5< /$:

Â&#x2021; +($/7+ /$:

Â&#x2021; &,9,/ /,7,*$7,21 $33($/6

Â&#x2021; +263,7$/6 1856,1* +20(6

Â&#x2021; &203/,$1&( 352*5$06

Â&#x2021; ,00,*5$7,21 1$7,21$/,7< /$:

Â&#x2021; &25325$7( 75$16$&7,21$/ /$:

Â&#x2021; ,1685$1&( $8',76

Â&#x2021; &5,0,1$/ /$:

Â&#x2021; ,17(//(&78$/ 3523(57<

Â&#x2021; ',925&( )$0,/< /$:

Â&#x2021; 0(',&$/ 0$/35$&7,&( '()(16(

Â&#x2021; (/'(5 /$:

Â&#x2021; 0(17$/ +($/7+ /$:

Â&#x2021; (03/2<0(17 /$:

Â&#x2021; 1(*/,*(1&( 3(5621$/ ,1-85<

Â&#x2021; (17(57$,10(17 /$:

Â&#x2021; 127 )25 352),7 &25325$7,216

Â&#x2021; (67$7( 3/$11,1* /,7,*$7,21

Â&#x2021; 352)(66,21$/ ',6&,3/,1(

Â&#x2021; )5$1&+,6( /$:

Â&#x2021; 5($/ (67$7( /$:

Â&#x2021; *29(510(17 ,19(67,*$7,216

Â&#x2021; 7(&+12/2*< $1' ,17(51(7 /$:

Â&#x2021; *29(510(17 5(/$7,216

Â&#x2021; :+,7( &2//$5 &5,0,1$/ /,7,*$7,21

TM

1111 Marcus Avenue, Suite 107, Lake Success, New York 11042 Phone 516-328-2300 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax 516-328-6638 630 Third Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, New York 10017 Phone 212-279-9200 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax 212-279-0600 9306 Flatlands Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11236 Phone 718- 272-6040 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax 347-750-8344 500 Linden Oaks, Suite 110, Rochester, New York 14625 Phone 585-218-9999 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax 585-218-0562

This weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story is on Rabbi Israel Spira of Bluzhov, who was able to produce Chanukah candles using shoe polish as oil, and clothing fragments as wicks, proving the Jewish will to observe mitzvot under the most difficult conditions. Rabbi Himelstein is a Gemara instructor at Yeshivat Orayta in Jerusalem, and lives with his wife and their six children in Neve Daniel, Gush Etzion.

Visit us on the web at www.abramslaw.com

518639

December 16, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ 20 KISLEV, 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

6

7

the shul and organization-sponsored bigname author signing events. These evenings gather like-minded bibliophiles to have their personal opinion heard or to simply listen to what others have to say about an assigned read.

Moderators study the book and prepare to get an interesting discussion rolling. I have noticed that when everyone likes a book there isn’t much to talk about, but diverse opinions instigate a great conversation.

Book reviews could inspire you to continue with the book or keep you from wasting your time, just make sure there are no spoilers! I’ve been amazed that someone can hate a book that I love, and then I remember the Hebrew saying “al taam v’rayach ain lhitvakayach” - literally, let’s not argue about taste and smell, or let’s agree to disagree! I generally keep quiet; just hearing intelligent book talk makes me feel smarter than I am.

I’ve gotten myself involved with author events and am in awe of the authors. Scouting out authors from the Jewish Book Council for Hadassah has me in close contact with some incredible writers in the Jewish book world. I love chatting with them after their talk and selling copies while they sign their names for buyers. I geekily admit that I’d rather stalk star-scribblers than Hollywood stars. I dream of one day completing the manuscript I’ve barely begun and call myself an author, holding my own published work.

Now let’s discuss the elephant on this page… the e-reader. I must disclose that I don’t have one…yet. Hearing the satisfying swish as the pages turn cannot be faithfully virtually replicated on any device. The tactile, sensual joy of opening a book, whether brand new with its tightly closed spine and fresh paper scent, or a used one with a previous owner’s inscribed name, foodsplattered pages, underlined sentences and musty smell, is age-old.

I am told that book sized e-readers are a wonderful invention with changeable font sizes, the ability to hold hundreds, or thousands of books, and back saving portability.

Some of them even read to you! They keep getting cheaper and are ubiquitous. But thus far they cannot be signed by the author and are useless on Shabbat.

I often take multiple books with me on vacation, never knowing which one I’ll be in the mood for. They weigh down my suitcase and take up precious space needed in this one-free-bag-per-person era. I’m sure I’ll give in at some point but for now I’ll continue to sacrifice an extra pair of shoes for books and be grateful for the wheels on my carry-on. I enjoy the weight of a hardcover resting on my chest when I fall asleep mid-sentence. I get pleasure out of sharing my books (though I panic when I can’t remember who has it.) I occasionally donate some titles, but have a hard time parting with most. The teetering piles by my bedside are hazardous when I trip over them in the dark. That problem can be easily solved by a neat little e-reader, but I’m not ready to upgrade the colorful décor in our house, which is literally literature.

I am a proud library-card-carrying-member of The People of the Book. Long may we have the luxury of time to read.

Miriam Bradman Abrahams is Cubanborn, Brooklyn-bred and lives in Woodmere.

She organizes author events for Hadassah, reviews books for Jewish Book World and is very slowly writing her father’s immigrant memoirs. She is teaching yoga at the local orthodox-friendly yoga studio.

Chabad Annual Dinner Continued from page 1 Blumenthal, Dovi and Tzipi Faivish, Mitchell and Stacey Teller; and Gan Chamesh Parents of the Year Dr. Mendel and Faigie Warshawsky.

The festive mood of the evening flowed simultaneously as lavish buffets graced two ballrooms at the event. “Chabad is who we are, it is our essence. We both grew up Chabad in different parts of the world,” said Woodmere resident Chanie Begun. “Being here 15 years, Chabad has evolved in a major way. We like to say, join Chabad and see the world”.

Rabbis from neighboring congregations and community leaders were on hand to honor Chabad’s long list of programs, including, but not limited to, care for special needs children, a preschool, Smile on Seniors, Friendship Circle, and the Levi Yitzchak Library on Central Avenue, which opened a year ago. Bezrat Hashem they look forward to making their 12th annual Mission to Israel in January.

Cedarhurst Mayor Andrew Parise got a bit nostalgic in recalling how he and Rabbi Wolowik took on their leadership roles in the community. “17 years ago, we started off the same year,” Parise said. “We grew together.

We became friends and partners. I’m not sure where he gets his strength. This is an unbelievable showing. “ ” Referring to the rabbi and Rebbetzin Chanie Wolowik, he added, “They are such good people, whatever is required, we’ve been working together in cooperation with the village. We have a great relationship.” Looking ahead to Chanukah, Parise added, “ I became mayor, he started

NO NEED TO GO ANYWHERE ELSE!

the Chabad. Working together, it was the first time a menorah was allowed in Cedarhurst Park.”

As part of the program, a creatively produced video gave guests a closer look at the evening’s honorees. Myrna Zisman, and her husband Leibel are proud sponsors of the new Zisman Library Wing at the Chabad House, which Leibel designed and constructed 18 months ago in response to the need for more space. The library is used as a second place to daven on Shabbat and as the venue for JLI classes during the week. “Leibel is a seventh generation Chabadnik,” Myrna said.

In the video, she spoke of their move from Brooklyn to the Five Towns 15 years ago live closer to their three daughters. “It had to be close to our daughters and their families and it had to be a few blocks within Chabad,” Myrna said. The Zismans enjoy a 50-foot walk from their home to Chabad.

Mitchell Teller, who serves as the director of the Woodmere Rehabilitation Center, recalled how he first met Rabbi Wolowik 16 years ago. “It impressed me how the rabbi was so welcoming and open to everyone at our facility, both Jew and non-Jew. He included everyone in the programs he offered.

He gave residents hope and good spirit” Prior to guests concluding their evening enjoying many treats amidst a lovely dessert display, Rabbi Wolowik offered thanks to the guests, and honorees.

Drawing an analogy with the upcoming holiday, Rabbi Wolowik reminded us that like the kindling of the Chanukah menorah “we can constantly illuminate the world around us.”

V

ARIETY

connection

1 SHOPPING STOP

For All Things Chanukah!

F

450 Central Avenue • Cedarhurst • (516) 374-9546 Sun. 10-5; Mon. & Tues. 9-6; Wed. & Thurs. 9-7; Fri. 9-3

518986

A

s a practicing Jewess and yogini I am grateful for the most basic gift of all, the breath, which is the essence of life. As it is quoted on the carton of Rashi brand wine, ”everything else is commentary.” As a daughter, wife and mom, I’m thankful for the people who are most dear to me, my children, husband, parents, extended family and friends. Next comes the material stuff we’re fortunate to have: our home, car (lately giving way more trouble than it’s worth…which makes me way less appreciative), warm clothes, and most of all delicious, nutritious food (and the occasional Haagen Dazs treat; food being a favored topic for another column!)

And without negating all that I just praised, I declare deep gratitude for my books, at times possibly above all else. Like the breath, reading brings me focus and calm, Like my nearest and dearest, books are MIRIAM’S MUSINGS beloved to me. And like the material things, a great book ranks on top, as a useful, collectible object that brings me joy.

From my childhood days, when I read in the dark after bedtime, or in the early days of motherhood, when I pined for the kids’ naptime so I could squeeze in a few chapters, or Miriam Bradman when my insomnia or Abrahams an illness is relieved by reading, books have filled my spirit with so much, it’s ironically hard to describe in words. Books keep me company when I’m lonely, provide adventure when I’m cautious. A witty line gets me to chuckle out loud when I’m feeling down while sweet sentimental stuff always brings a lump to my throat. Though I could never remember important dates in school, I easily devour and retain engaging history lessons when I read the fictionalized version. I emulate Miss Marple and Sherlock by solving inscrutable crimes while losing myself in mysteries or detective novels. Reading calms my nerves allowing me to escape within the pages of my book.

I guess you can say my husband and I force fed our kids our favorite children’s stories until they were literate enough to “choose their own adventures” (a book fair bestseller). Dr. Seuss, Eric Carle and Leo Leoni, we practically recited by heart. Chanukah and birthday gifts always include books and we spend lots of vacation time perusing the stacks at independent new and used bookshops. My kids were stuck with me as a fixture in their school’s book fairs for years on end, and endured my pushing books to their friends and teachers.

I made reading suggestions but didn’t flinch when my sons went through the comic book/graphic novel phase (they continue to read Calvin and Hobbes for relaxation), and my daughter read magazines. As long as they were engaged in reading, I didn’t mind the form. There’s a no reading rule at our Shabbat table - only conversing allowed, but the moment we race for the best spot on the sofas, it’s each to his and her book.

Reading seems solitary but is also communal and sociable. It’s a selfish pursuit that increases knowledge and inspires creativity.

But reading the paper gives you topics to discuss with family and friends. Book clubs have turned reading into the reason for a social gathering. We have so many groups in our own Five Towns community, from the sisterhood and JCC intimate roundtables to

THE JEWISH STAR December 16, 2011 • 20 KISLEV, 5772

Reading Rules!

December 16, 2011 • 20 KISLEV, 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

8

Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel...

This top is tops, as art or a delightful dessert Every year since she began teaching at Salanter Akiba Riverdale Academy’s early childhood center, Susan Rosh has been teaching students as young as 4 how to make their own Chanukah dreidels.

One of her specialties is an art project; the other makes for a delightful desert.

“The dreidel is just the fun part of the holiday,” Mr. Wilhelm said.

So much fun, it could make your head spin.

Dreidel as art You will need: Petite-sized tissue box Cardboard toilet paper tube Tinfoil roaster cover Glue Paint Decorative material (e.g. felt, yarn, tissue paper, foam) Take the tissue box and glue toilet paper tube to one side of the box.

Cut the tinfoil roaster cover

in half and shape into a cone.

Glue to the to other side.

When glue is dry, paint the dreidel.

Allow paint to dry and use glue to write the Hebrew letters used for the game (nun, gimmel, hey and shin) onto the four sides.

Cover glue in your choice of decorative material.

Courtesy of Susan Rosh

Dreidel as dessert You will need: Regular-sized marshmallows 1-inch-sized red licorice Marshmallow fluff Chocolate kisses Make a hole in the top of a marshmallow.

Stick a piece of the licorice inside.

Spread the marshmallow fluff to the bottom of the marshmallow. Use the fluff to affix a chocolate kiss, point side down.

Enjoy!

Photos by Mekea Fishlin

At left, Oliver Fishlin, 5, can’t resist giving his marshmallow dreidel a spin.

His mom, Mekea, substituted pretzels for the floppy licorice in Ms. Rosh’s recipe. In top photo, Violet Fishlin, 2, gives her dreidel at taste. In bottom right photo, artistically painted dreidels at SAR Academy dry on the rack.

The story of Joseph: lesson for today’s struggle with strife and terror

V

ery few stories in the Torah are more tragic than the story of Joseph and his brothers.

It begins, seemingly, with an innocent gift, a demonstration of a father’s love for his beloved child. But when Yaakov bestows the magnificent striped coat on his son Joseph, the ten brothers aren’t so filled with love. FaFROM THE HEART voritism, jealousy, beOF JERUSALEM haviors far from ideal are brewing, resulting in a moment of tragedy 4,000 years ago that the Jewish people are still struggling to undo.

Joseph is looking for his brothers, who are shepherding the flocks in the distant fields of Dothan. Sent by his father to discover their welfare, he arrives, perhaps excited to be ‘with Rabbi Binny the guys’ out in the Freedman field, wearing his colorful coat no less. The brothers, seeing the infamous coat, are filled with anger, and in a moment of rage, conspire to kill their brother, throwing him in a pit while they sit down to eat lunch.

What is going on? What happened to the ethical dream of the grandfather Abraham, to become a light unto the nations? Where did ethical monotheism, which came on to the world scene amidst a sea of pagan idolatry, get lost?

Obviously, if ten brothers can sit down to eat lunch while their brother lies abandoned

and forlorn in the pit below, something is dreadfully wrong. The dream of a Jewish people dedicated to being an example of what the world could be, has clearly gone astray. It will take 200 years of bitter exile in Egypt for the Jewish people to rediscover what it means to truly be sensitive to another’s pain, so that the Jewish people can finally be born.

A close examination of the verses seems to suggest that the plot against Joseph was really not a moment of pure passion; the result of a rage which caused them to lose all reason.

The brothers seem to debate what to do, sitting down to eat lunch while Joseph remains trapped in the pit; almost as though they are contemplating the best solution to a problem they need to solve. Perhaps, according to the midrash, the brothers understood that Joseph was really a threat to everything they were trying to create.

The family’s history actually puts this story in an entirely different light. Abraham, the founder of this new movement, has two sons, Yitzchak and Yishmael. But only one of them really remains in the fold. Yishmael will ultimately find a rather different stream: the twelve tribes of the Arab nations.

So Yitzchak alone carries on the dream of the Jewish people yet to be born. And he too, has two sons, Yaakov and Eisav, one who remains in the fold, but the other who does not. Eisav takes the radically different path, ultimately siring a grandson, Amalek, who will come to represent everything the Jewish people is struggling against in this world.

So again, Yaakov alone carries on the dream. Which begs the question: How do the brothers, sons of Yaakov and heirs to this legacy, interpret these series of events? What if their assumption is that there can be only one

inheritor, which really means only one world view that will carry on?

Indeed, Joseph shares with his brothers his dreams which depict the brothers eventually bowing to his rule, and the Torah takes the time to point out that Joseph is the talebearer, sharing the mistakes of the brothers with their father Yaakov. Is that how old, great-uncle Yishmael got left out in the cold?

Did Yitzchak, or perhaps Sarah, Yitzchak’s mother, influence the thinking of their grandfather, Abraham, perhaps even to the point of being forced to take radical action?

Ultimately, Abraham sends Yishmael out into the desert with only a canteen of water, and the brothers may wonder: is this what father Yaakov has in store for them? After all, only Joseph receives the Technicolor coat, a likely symbol of future leadership!

Perhaps in order to defend their way of life; their ‘truth’, they need to destroy the path that opposes them. Kill him! That, after all, is the only way to be sure my truth; the only truth, triumphs: We need to get rid of Joseph, so that our way of life will survive.

If this is Judaism, and if this is the beginning of the tribes that will result in the realization of the dream of a Jewish people, then the dream is dead before it even begins.

Magnificently, however, the Torah does not paint this moment as the triumph that will allow for the creation of the Jewish people. This is actually the Jewish people’s nadir.

Ultimately, both Joseph and his brothers will suffer different kinds of exile. And they will learn, that we all have something to offer, that each one of us, is a part of every one of us. Eventually, when the brothers, some 20 years later arrive in Egypt seeking food, and recognized by Joseph, they are not punished

or destroyed.

Rather, Joseph teaches them to accept each other with all of their mistakes and faults. Ultimately, Joseph has to educate the brothers to a different type of behavior. And G-d demonstrates that the Jewish people will only be born when we learn to live together, to accept each other with all our differences, in perception, as well as in character.

Interestingly, this is really the only solution to the war of terror our world faces today.

Make no mistake about it; you can’t negotiate with terror. And every time you try, sending a message that terror can achieve anything, you pay a price for it. Every Osama Bin Laden needs to be destroyed, as does any person or organization that promotes, disseminates, or even advocates terror.

But that will not solve the problem. The root of the problem, and its inherent solution, lies in the realm of education. If four yearold-children in the Palestinian Authority are taught that terror is a viable vehicle to achieve an ideology, then we have lost the possibility to make peace for another generation. We need to educate children to want peace.

And this is our dream: that one day, we will succeed in putting aside our differences, so that we can build one world community and as such, finally learn to live and let live.

May we learn Joseph’s lesson of acceptance.

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

9 THE JEWISH STAR December 16, 2011 • 20 KISLEV, 5772

Mensch on the street

By Ariel Rosenbloom

What would be the perfect miracle for you?

YOSAIF KROHN Owner “Le Chocolat” Cedarhurst

“I think it would be marvelous if people can approach situations with a sense of calm, rather than let their anxieties drive them.

YOSEF BROWN Graphic designer Far Rockaway

“I would change my left-handedness and become righthanded. Being a lefty has always had its difficulties in a right-hand dominated world.”

“No more double parking on Central Avenue.”

CHARLES SLAMOWITZ Pre-Law Student West Hempstead

ATARA AND ERIC MACCABI Graduate students Woodmere

Mazel Tov Eric Meer, son of Smadar and Jonah Meer of Brooklyn to Melanie Glickman, daughter of Susan and Ronnie Glickman of Hewlett announce their engagement. We wish them mazel tov!

Stay up to date with The Jewish Star. Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Send us an e-mail with "sign me up" in the subject line to newsroom@thejewishstar.com

518984

If this year, physical trainers would finally endorse healthy eating, which would include Belgian Waffles.

December 16, 2011 • 20 KISLEV, 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

10

A chance encounter

Serendipity reunites local Holocaust survivor and one of his liberators The second time that Maurice Vegh met a member of the 87th Infantry Division, it was at a Bristal Assisted Living Community in North Woodmere at a barbecue in September when he ran into Harold “Hank” Rosen.

Bristal was hosting the barbecue and had invited the Jewish War Veterans of Oceanside Chwatsky Farber Post 717, of which Vegh is a member. Rosen, who lives nearby, was invited by a friend and was there with his wife, Joyce.

With a tray of food in his hands, Vegh sat down at Rosen’s table and, being the sociable person he is, started up a conversation with Rosen. Through their conversation, Vegh learned that Rosen had fought in Europe during World War II. And that’s when the two learned the first time Vegh had encountered someone from the 87th Infantry.

It was 66 years earlier, on April 11, 1945. That day, the 87th Infantry Division marched into the Buchenwald concentration camp, where a 15-year-old Vegh was a prisoner, and liberated it from Nazi control.

down, taking off his uniform on the way.

“By the time he got down below, he was in his underwear,” said Vegh. “And I said, ‘That’s strange. Something is happening.’ What happened was he put a stripped uniform on. He tried to make believe he was a prisoner instead of a guard.”

It was then that the American tanks, from the 761st Tank Combat Group, plowed through the fences at the front of the camp.

“And we saw the hatch open up, and we saw soldiers sticking out their heads. At first, we thought they were Germans and they came to blow up the camp or whatever,” said Vegh. “But then when they got out, we saw [they weren’t wearing] German uniforms. And so we slowly ventured out of the barracks. And behind them, there were foot soldiers coming in. And then lots of soldiers started coming in. And it was pandemonium.

“One minute, you face death, and the next minute you see angels,” Vegh recounted, close to tears. “Angels from heaven, coming to liberate you. It was an unbelievable day.”

Life in Hell

The other side of the fence

Vegh grew up in the small town of Rachova in Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic). In 1941, Czechoslovakia was invaded and occupied

by Hungary, and Vegh’s town became Raho and he started going to a Hungarian school.

In 1943, when Vegh was just 13 years old, Vegh, his parents and his 11-year-old sister were rounded up and taken to Auschwitz. Within four hours of their arrival, Vegh’s mother and sister were killed in the gas chambers because his mother would not give her up. He was separated from his father and never saw him again.

“Every day I woke up starving and I went to bed starving,” Vegh recounted. “We marched four miles to the coal mine, we worked 10 hours in the mine, and then came back. Got another piece of black bread and coffee and went to bed hungry.

In the morning, we got another black coffee and a piece of black bread, and we marched to the coal mine again. Week after week, until we went on the death march.”

The death march came in 1945, after Vegh had spent nearly two years in Auschwitz. With the Allied forces pressing in, Nazi soldiers rounded up the prisoners of Auschwitz, in Poland, and started marching them more than 400 miles to the Buchenwald concentration camp, outside of Weinmar, Germany.

“On that death march, maybe half of us survived,” Vegh said. “The others were shot on the way. And then you got rest periods, so you were frozen to the snow. When they said, ‘Let’s get up and continue,’ half of them couldn’t get up because they were frozen there to the snow.”

Vegh survived the march, he said, on a fistful of snow. “I just sucked on the snow all along,” he said. “I survived, somehow.”

When the Vegh and the other surviving prisoners finally made it to Buchenwald, he was assigned to a children’s barracks. Instead of working in a coal mine, he was given a new task: dragging a wagon around the camp, collecting corpses and staking them like planks of wood in the crematorium. But that all ended on April 11.

Rosen was not with the rest of his unit that day. But he knows what happened.

The 87th Infantry Division, accompanied by some tanks from the 761st Tank Combat Group (which had been attached to the 87th Infantry), were marching through Germany. “This was a month before the war in Europe ended,” Rosen said. “We were racing across central Germany.”

It was during this trek across Germany, just three miles outside of the sizeable town of Weimar, that the American soldiers found the camp.

“I tend to doubt [that the soldiers knew the camp was there],” Rosen said. “I don’t imagine that was their mission. If that was their mission, there would have been a much larger force. I think they just happened to encounter it.”

Rosen arrived the day after the camp was liberated. He knew what the place was and stayed on the edge of the camp. “I was able to speak to some of these inmates in their stripped uniforms,” he said. “The ones that came from eastern Eu-

By Alex Costello

‘An unbelievable day’ Vegh vividly remembers the day the Americans arrived, but not the date. By his account, it was “in April or May.” Just before the soldiers arrived, one of the SS officers came into Vegh’s barrack and began selecting children to be brought out into the forest and executed. But in the middle of the selection, the camp’s air raid siren started going off. The SS officers ran out of the barrack, and all of the prisoners ran back in.

Standing by the window, Vegh saw a German soldier in one of the guard towers start to run

Photo by Alex Costello

Maurice Vegh was imprisoned in concentration camps for nearly two years. rope spoke Yiddish, which I was able to speak to them in. And they asked me for food.

“I didn’t want to see any of the horrors of the place,” said Rosen, who was in his very early 20s at the time. “But I do remember seeing the barracks in which they lived — these stacked bunks with perhaps 12 or 18 inches between levels.”

But some were forced to see. The occupying Allied soldiers rounded up the entire town of Weimar and marched them to Buchenwald.

“Because [the residents] all said they didn’t know what was going on three miles away from their homes,” Vegh said. “And when they saw all those dead bodies in the gas chambers and the crematorium, they were screaming and crying and fainting. And they said they didn’t know.

They all knew then, because [the soldiers] made them come and face us. We were on one side, and there was a little yellow band, and they were on the other side. The entire town of Weimar.”

Life after Hell Vegh spent another six weeks in Buchenwald being nursed back to health. When the soldiers first arrived, he was only 68 pounds and too frail to be moved anywhere. But when he was health-

ier, the people overseeing the recovery of the inmates of the camp asked him where he would like to go. They offered to bring him to Switzerland or America, or any other country he chose.

“So I said, ‘I would like to. But if I don’t go back home and see who’s alive and who’s not alive, I would wonder for the rest of my life somewhere in another world not knowing if the rest of my family is alive,’” said Vegh. “So they took me to Prague. If anyone was alive, they would be in Prague, no matter what town they came from.

Nobody went back to their towns.”

His first day in Prague, Vegh met a man who was with his father in Auschwitz. The man said he was with Vegh’s father until the march out of the camp began.

“He said, ‘We went on the forced march running from the Russians deeper into Germany with the German soldiers, and he couldn’t run fast enough. So they told him to fall back and there were trucks, and the trucks would pick him up. So he went to the truck, and in the trucks were machine guns mounted. And they shot him,’” Vegh somberly recounted. “And he said they kicked his body in the snow in the gutter.”

Vegh eventually accepted an invitation from the English government to finish his schooling there. While there, he met Phyllis, his future wife.

After their schooling was finished, the two made their way to America, where they were married.

He was drafted into the Army in the 1950s, during the Korean War. After what he had been through, Vegh said that boot camp was almost like a camping trip. “I was very proud to be an American soldier wearing an American uniform, because it was the American troops that liberated me in Buchenwald,” he said.

Kismet on the menu On Sept. 18, Vegh and Rosen both found themselves at the barbecue at the Bristal. “This was a chance meeting,” said Rosen. “He was sitting opposite me.”

Rosen had never thought he would ever meet one of the people that his unit helped save. And Vegh never thought he’d get another chance to meet one of the people that helped save his life.

FIND A SUMMER CAMP

CAMP ferrals Freee Advice & Re

Y, LLC CHEMISndTinR g A Great Camp TThhee Solutition To Fi

Find The ill Work With You To W f af St rt pe Ex r Of...

Ou ve Been Dreaming Ha u Yo p m Ca ay Sleepaw 518643

www.CampChemistry.com • 203-588-9397

11

Season For Miracles and Learning and perhaps especially, against defilement.

They fought for purity of the soul of the entire Jewish collective, and were successful in that struggle as in their political battles. They proved that aside from defeating an enemy on the battlefield, they could purify the spiritual defilement of a whole population – one which has sunk deeply into impurity of the soul and contamination of the spirit.”

The spiritual theme of this teaching taken from the Rav’s writings on Chanukah,”Days of Deliverance”, [Ktav Publishers, Toras HaRav Foundation, 2007] is further elaborated upon by the Rav wherein he states that , “the victory did not consist so much in the political achievements as in religious freedom, in the purification of the Temple and re-kindling the eternal Jewish light.

“It is true that political freedom was also achieved, but that was not the major point.

The political holiday was the temporary Chanukah; the Chanukah for generations is a holiday of purifying the temple and of lighting candles.”

On this same subject the Rav further reinforces the message by stating that, “This miracle – the miracle of the victory over defilement – has eternal value. Since the Hasmonean period, the recovery of purity has remained the cornerstone of our faith. We have had any number of sects, apostates, and converts out of the faith, but the people as a whole were not defiled. The miracle of the Hasmonean period was the miracle of purification, which continues in our days.”

This is both the history and the spiritual lesson of Chanukah as seen through the text

of the Al Hanissim prayer.

In his work “The Commentators’ Al Hanissim” [Feldheim, 2000] Rabbi Yitzchak Sender goes into some detail as to both structure and reasoning for the recitation of this prayer.

Among the major points made by Rabbi Sender is that “The prayer of Al Hanissim is part of the Hoda’a, thanksgiving prayer at the end of the Amidah. This thanksgiving prayer is recited whenever Jews receive divine protection and kindness…..which requires us to recite the blessing of Al Hanissim.”

Also given prominence in this classic work are the opinions of the Rambam, Rashi and Rav Elchanan Wasserman, hy”d, whose holy teachings are detailed in the following segment.

Commenting upon the verse from Al Hanissim, “And to cause them to stray from the laws of your will….” Rabbi Sender notes the following teaching by this martyred leader of our people. Please read this carefully.

“The simple explanation of these words would be that the Syrian Greeks sought to distract the Jews from the study of Torah and the practice of mitzvoth. Yet we might suggest that the words, “laws of your will” have a deeper meaning as well.

“HaRav Elchanan Wasserman, explains that there are three levels of commandments which we are obligated to observe: Tzivui – a commandment given by G-d to man.

Dibur – a commandment which was commanded to man by the prophets.

Ritzon Haboreh – The will of G-d. Although these commandments were not com-

mitted to writing in the holy writ, yet the sages informed us of the will of G-d.

“All three of the above categories of mitzvoth are alluded to in Jeremiah: “And they shall build high places of the Baal, to burn their sons in fire as burnt offerings to the Baal, which I never commanded nor spoke of, nor even considered in my heart.”

“And the Targum here translates this as: “This was never commanded in the Torah, nor sent by any messenger, nor was it ever my will.”

“Thus, we might say that what is being alluded to here in the phrase, “And to cause them to stray from the laws of your will” – is that not only did the Syrian Greeks attack the Torah itself, but they attacked even the teachings of the Sages which reveal to us the Will of G-d.”

Considering the fate of Rav Wasserman, these words should be read, learned and taught with deep devotion.

I conclude this week’s essay with the verse, “demanding that they abandon Your Torah.” Rabbi Reuven Hammer’s comments on this verse: “The right to observe the Torah was at the core of the rebellion. Many perished when they defied the decrees against its observance, and were executed for this.

This was the first time that religious martyrdom entered Jewish history. Unfortunately, it was not the last.” [Ohr Chadash] For the most comprehensive Chanukah archive, check out The Chanukah Journal of Yeshivat Har Etzion at: www.vbm.org/chanuka. htm

518985

O

ne unique liturgical feature of this holiday is the recitation within the Amidah, and Birkat Hamazon of Al Hanissim acknowledging the miracles of that long ago era, of history’s first open conflict , the struggle for freedom of religion between pagan domination and monotheism; Greek culture versus Judaism.

According to Rabbi Elie Munk in his classic commentary on the siddur, “The World of Prayer” [Feldheim, 2007] “The earliest source containing the text of Al Hanissim is tractate Soferim 20, but the Geonim and later authorities have handed down versions varying slightly from this original.” Rabbi Munk goes on to further detail the variant texts of this prayer and of the responsa of several authorities on the content and word use contained in the reAlan Jay Gerber ceived text.

Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik in his commentary on Al Hanissim in the recently published “The Koren Mesorat Harav Siddur” [Koren Publishers, OU Press, 2011] makes the following observation concerning the concept of ritual purity in the liturgy as recited in Al Hanissim.

“The impure into the hands of the pure” “The Hasmoneans fought not only against enslavement to an imperial power, but also,

THE JEWISH STAR December 16, 2011 • 20 KISLEV, 5772

The Kosher Bookworm

520032

December 16, 2011 • 20 KISLEV, 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

12

THE JEWISH STAR December 16, 2011 • 20 KISLEV, 5772

520033

13

GUARANTEED TO STOP PESTS

Voted

New York Magazine’s Best Pest Control in New York

M R E XT

E Rats Slugs Roaches Fleas

Ticks Earwigs Spiders Silverfish

T G N A N I R E T T A N PE IN G U CAR B D & BE LISTS A I C E SP

Termites Bed Bugs Waterbugs Carpet Beetles

Prompt Service by N.Y. State Certified Technicians

House untreatable for Termites?

Satisfaction Guaranteed or your money Back* *Residential Jobs

Call Arrow for the newest techniques!

Arrow Exterminating is a LOCAL NASSAU COUNTY COMPANY

Senior Citizen Discount

593-7770 Free Telephone Consultation with our Staff Entomoligist! www.arrowexterminating.com “A Local 2nd Generation Family Run Business For Over 60 years”

521738

December 16, 2011 • 20 KISLEV, 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

14

15

Putting a creative spin on Chanukah As long as I can remember, I’ve always loved to be creative When I was younger and played with play dough, I didn’t just mold the dough into shapes of cakes and cookies; instead, I placed them on my kitchen window and my “bakery” was open for business.

When I grew older and book reports were required, it seemed as if I spent half an hour on the and hours on the cover. For example, when a beach scene was needed, crayons just wouldn’t do. I painted blue edible gel as the ocean, and then glued brown sugar on as the sand. Big gumballs cut in half with striped drawn on them, became beach balls.

This year while contemplating what Judy Joszef I would be serving at our Chanukah gathering, I decided to forgo the usual fried doughnuts, and create a treat that would be appreciated by both adults and children, and satisfy my love for creativity.

What I came up with, is a decadent chocolate brownie, baked in a lollipop mold, double dipped in white chocolate , drizzled with dark chocolate and adorned with a chocolate dreidel. The recipe is a simple one, but with a few added steps, I can turn a regular brownie into a creative dessert.

Ingredients: 5 oz. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped ■ 2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped ■ 8 tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into quarters ■ 3 tbsp. cocoa powder ■ 3 large eggs ■ 1¼ cups sugar ■ 2 tsp. vanilla extract ■ ½ tsp. salt ■ 1 cup all-purpose flour ■

Decoration ingredients: ■ 20 ounces white chocolate (I prefer Wiltons brand, as it is already tempered and will retain it’s shine and texture after being melted and let to harden) ■ 12 ounces tempered chocolate. I buy chocolate in bulk, but it can be purchased in supermarkets in the area. Shufra is a brand that is readily available.

■ Silicone lollipop baking dish (I find these the easiest to unmold after brownies are baked ■ Plastic mold with Chanukah shapes ■ Silver dust ■ Lollipop sticks

Place an oven rack in lower-middle position and preheat the oven to 350° F. Spray the baking dish with non stick spray and set aside In a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, melt the choco-

late and butter, stirring occasionally until smooth. Whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. Set aside to cool.

In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, vanilla and salt; whisk until combined, about 15 seconds. Whisk in the warm chocolate mixture until incorporated. Then stir in the flour with a wooden spoon until just combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread with a spatula to make an even layer. Bake until slightly puffed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a small amount of sticky crumbs clinging to it, 35-40 minutes.

When the brownies are cool, pop them out of the mold. Put the 12 ounces chocolate into a microwavable container and melt for about 50 seconds, stir and return to microwave at 10-second intervals until chocolate in totally melted and smooth.

Dip a lollipop stick into some of the melted chocolate and insert 3/4 into the pop.

Wait a few minutes till the chocolate is set.

Melt the white chocolate the same as you did the dark chocolate.

Insert the lollipop into the melted white chocolate, and be sure to cover the entire pop. Let the chocolate harden and repeat.

Pour the dark chocolate into the Chanukah mold and let harden in the refrigerator Meanwhile, dip a fork into the dark chocolate and shake it back and forth over the brownie pop, so that you create an abstract design with the chocolate.

SOX WORLD PLUS Where You Get The Most For Your Money

Furs by Laurette

HOLIDAY SALE SALE %

25 OFF Mfg. Sugg.

Retail

SALE 25 OFF %

Danskin, City Lights, & Hue Ladies Exercise Wear

Mfg. Sugg. Retail

MENS & LADIES UNDERWEAR

SALE NOW THROUGH 12/30/11.

NOT TO BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER SPECIAL OFFERS.

SALE NOW THROUGH 12/30/11.

NOT TO BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER SPECIAL OFFERS.

SALE %

Additional

SALE 25% OFF

Serving the 5 Towns for 60 Years

Mfg. Sugg. Retail

Open Sunday 11-5

DKNY & HUE TIGHTS

The Latest in European Styles

SALE NOW THROUGH 12/30/11.

NOT TO BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER SPECIAL OFFERS.

- MINK - SHEARED BEAVER - LYNX - SHEARLING - SHEARED MINK

SALE SALE 25 OFF 25% OFF 25% OFF Additional

Mfg. Sugg. Retail

GIRLS & LADIES HAIR ACCESSORIES • Pre-tied Bandanas • Snoods

Final Sale

(Mens & Ladies)

SALE NOW THROUGH 12/30/11. NOT TO BECOMBINED WITH ANY OTHER SPECIAL OFFERS.

SALE NOW THROUGH 12/30/11.

NOT TO BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER SPECIAL OFFERS.

SALE NOW THROUGH 12/30/11.

NOT TO BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER SPECIAL OFFERS.

Polo

Calvin Klein

MENS SOCKS

MENS UNDERWEAR, SLEEPWEAR & SOCKS

MENS UNDERWEAR & SOCKS

25% OFF 25% OFF Mfg. Sugg. Retail

Mfg. Sugg. Retail

ALL WINTER HATS • GLOVES • SCARVES FOWNES LEATHER GLOVES

- Repairs - Cleanings - Glazing - Remodeling - Cold Storage

SALE

TRIMFIT Complete Line of SOCKS, TIGHTS & PANTYHOSE

25% OFF

1005 Broadway, Woodmere 516-374-4500

Mfg. Sugg. Retail

SALE NOW THROUGH 12/30/11. NOT TO BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER SPECIAL OFFERS.

SALE NOW THROUGH 12/30/11. NOT TO BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER SPECIAL OFFERS.

SALE NOW THROUGH 12/30/11.

NOT TO BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER SPECIAL OFFERS.

516-295-4404

Open Mon. - Fri. 9:30-5:30 • Sun. 10-5

519181

120 Cedarhurst Avenue. • Cedarhurst

Open Monday-Saturday 10am to 6pm 519839

Photo by Jeremy Pollack

If you want to skip this step, you can.

When dark chocolate is set pop out the Chanukah shapes and brush some melted chocolate on the back of the shape and attach it to the front of the pop.(I brushed a bit of silver dust on the “shin” of the dreidel, for an added touch, but it’s not necessary.

Tie a ribbon or a piece of white tulle into a bow toward the bottom of the stick Recipe yields about 16-18 brownie pops.

Enjoy!

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

THE JEWISH STAR December 16, 2011 • 20 KISLEV, 5772

Who’s in the kitchen

Local family runs for Chai Lifeline

By Sergey Kadinsky A Cedarhurst family continues to run, picking up more family members in its expression of gratitude to Chai Lifeline.

On Jan. 29, nursery school director Tova Plaut will be running for the fourth time in the ING Miami Marathon, joining some 200 runners on the Chai Lifeline team. “We have one of the largest teams in the marathon. It’s an incredible event,” Plaut said.

Their connection to the nonprofit, which provided treatment and a summer camp for seriously ill children in the Jewish community, goes back 15 years, when Danny and Tova had their third child Jake, who was diagnosed with a rare childhood illness. “A parent with a similar situation told us about Chai Lifeline,” Plaut said. “They provided Jake with Camp Simcha, which he attended form ages eight to thirteen.”

Seeking to give back to the camp, Jake asked his mother about running in the marathon. “At age 12, he wanted to run, but I did not want him to run alone, so I joined him in training and soon after, our daughter Raquel also ran with us,” Plaut said.

The Plauts received marathon training from Tova’s cousin, Rabbi Chaim Liebman, who is known as the “running rabbi of Bet Shemesh.” In addition, Chai Lifeline provides its own trainers, Mikael Hanson and Toby Tanser, both professional marathon runners with their own history of supporting good causes and promoting the sport of running.

Tanser’s own nonprofit, Shoe4Africa, provides running shoes to Kenyan youths, who live in a culture famous for producing running champs. “Tanser sends us weekly emails with advice and sets up training programs ahead of the run,” Plaut said.

Another Long Island runner inspired by children is Rebecca Kirschenbaum, who will be running on the Emunah team, representing the religious women’s Zionist organization. The Plainview resident, who is currently a sophomore at Stern

Photo courtesy of Tova Plaut

Tova Plaut ran last year for Chai Lifeline in Miami with her children Raquel, Jake and Sammy.

College, spent the past three summers working as a counselor at the Bet Elazraki Children’s Home in Netanya, which is run

by Emunah. “They have their own mini-marathon in Israel, and the winner gets to run in Miami,” Kirchenbaum said. “I am very attached to these children and I want to run with them.”

This year, Plaut will be running with her sons Jake and Sammy, with Raquel studying in Israel. Her husband will be cheering with their youngest child Nina, 4, on the sidelines.

In preparation for the run, Plaut can be found running nearly 18 miles each week around her neighborhood. “The staff of Chai Lifeline managed to bring joy where there was illness and smiles when he had pain,” Plaut said. “We cannot thank them enough for all they have done for Jake and our family in our time of need.”

Last year, the Plaut family raised nearly $13,000 in their run. To contribute, visit the Team Plaut web page at www. teamlifeline.org/mypage.php?myid=57738

Chanukah Celebated at

Woodmere Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center Best Wishes for a Happy Chanukah from the Administration and Staff of

WOODMEREREHABILITATION

& HEALTH CARE CENTER

121 Franklin Place, Woodmere (516) 374-9300

515146

December 16, 2011 • 20 KISLEV, 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

16

By Sergey Kadinsky

THE JEWISH STAR December 16, 2011 • 20 KISLEV, 5772

Wishing Everyone A Happy Chanukah

Kiruv in the office building

Photo by Sergey Kadinsky

CFR founder Rabbi Avrohom Dov Kahn and Exec. Director Rabbi Akiva Schutz.

A Happy and Healthy Chanukah to All Our Friends and Clients

VIPROPERTIES 1208 Broadway, Hewlett, 516.791.1313

Best Wishes For a Happy & Healthy Chanukah!

Dean Skelos

9th Senatorial District

520069

and Staff

NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE www.nassaucountyny.gov

Blessings be with you this Festival of Lights and always...

Happy Hanukkah!

514708

Senator

Karen C. Green Publisher and Editor

516794

Kahn for providing morale to her family during that time. “He said that ultimately they will respect and emulate you.”

Sure enough, their eldest son Alex proved the point. When faced between acceptance to the prestigious Bronx High School of Science and the Yeshiva University High School for Boys, he chose the latter. “It was a hard choice for my parents, considering the tuition, I felt guilty,” Alex Likhtenstein said.

Receiving an academic scholarship to the school, he described his experience as “fulfilling,” following it up with a year of study in Israel.

Another honoree at the dinner was legal secretary Frank Ross, who brought the Kahns to his office at Rockefeller Center. “It was a great source of Torah learning for my colleagues. No one reaches out to secular working Jews like CFR,” Ross said. Part of its approach is a rotating list of speakers, who arrive in the cafeterias and boardrooms with a variety of topics. As its support builds, so is the list of locations, including the offices of Google, Barclays, Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, American Express, Bank of America and Credit Suisse. “It wasn’t fair to send my daughter to Hebrew school and not know what she was learning,” Ross said. “I wanted to know as much as my daughter would know.”

514834

When the clock hits noon, hundreds of thousands of workers in Manhattan take the elevators down, lining up at the food carts and coffee shops for their lunch breaks. At the same time, Rabbi Avrohom Dov Kahn hits the “up” button, carrying food and literature for lunch and learn sessions, which he has been running in classrooms, private homes and workplaces for 30 years. “One out of every 26 Jews in the world can be found in Manhattan on a weekday,” Rabbi Kahn said.

“This is an ideal opportunity to educate so many Jews in one place.”

Through his group, Center for Return, Rabbi Kahn and his wife Miriam, have brought some 500 individuals towards Torah observance, inviting them to their Kew Gardens home, in a non-judgmental approach that has endeared them to supporters. “He is turning the tide of assimilation,” said Lawrence resident Dov Wolowitz. “He totally gives himself to the Jewish people, and shows a loving side of Judaism.” A longtime supporter of Center for Return, Wolowitz connected the Kahns with Sh’or Yoshuv founder Rabbi Shlomo Freifeld, who offered to have his students host Center for Return clients at their Far Rockaway homes. Their stories were shared publicly at the White Shul on Dec. 10, at Center for Return’s annual dinner.

Among the visitors were the Brooklyn couple Marat and Yelena Likhtenstein, who arrived from Odessa in 1987. Their decision to live an observant lifestyle encountered hostility from family members, who viewed an Orthodox lifestyle through commonly held stereotypes. “They advised us to bring our own food, as they said that the Orthodox have such large families, that there may not be enough food for us,” said Yelena Likhtenstein.

By then, not only was the couple convinced that Orthodoxy is “normal,” but they took a number of steps demonstrating commitment. “Our extended family was not happy because we were not answering their calls on Shabbat,” Likhtenstein said. “They thought we were crazy.” She credited Rabbi

17

A Peaceful & Joyous Chanukah and Happy Holidays To All

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m pretty disappointed with a lot of people. I was raised in a Zionistic family, attended Zionist schools and have actually practiced what they all preached. I made aliyah two years ago after completing Shana Bet here in Israel. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m here because I was taught that this is where a Jew belongs. I am making sacrifices to be here. None of my American teachers whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve instilled these values in me have moved here, and my family has yet to emigrate. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m happy to be living here, but at the same time Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really mad at the hypocrisy that I was exposed to.

â&#x20AC;˘ Tutoring In All Subjects & Regents â&#x20AC;˘ PSATs, SATs, SAT IIs â&#x20AC;˘ ACTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Established 1863 x Member FDIC www.applebank.com

518590

Diana Resnick Nahoum, BA, MS

(516) 374-5998 what? Let the parents teach them that we make sacrifices for Israel.â&#x20AC;? Well, I can tell you that things are not that simple. If we want to impart love for Israel in children, we must first teach them what love is. One cannot love another until she loves herself. We must make sure that they are loving themselves by helping them succeed. For many families, turning a child into an immigrant during formative years can really cripple a kid emotionally. Therefore, many families who have tweens and teens opt to wait it out until the kids are basically up to your stage of life.

But Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m concerned that while you are loving your new life, you are stewing over your old one. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good for you, so letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work on some reframing. How about the idea that you are actually living out the dream of your mentorsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the dream that they likely wanted for themselves, but were unable to make happen now. They are likely envious of youâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that your life stage affords this transition and that you have the guts to make it happen. They can vicariously be there through you until they are able to physically be there with you. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a real source of satisfaction for those who have taught you the importance of Yishuv Haâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;aretz. It is inspirational and motivating for your guides to see you living what they have taught. You are keeping their dream alive while they eagerly await their propitious Nefesh Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Nefesh flight.

Instead of thinking of them as hypocrites who stayed behind, think of yourself as a leader for those left behind. And go kiss the Kotel for them while youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at it!

-Aviva Aviva Rizel is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in Lawrence.

She can be reached at 347-292-8482 or AvivaRizel.MFT@gmail.com.

â&#x20AC;Ś LHUSY NJX RK[EY NJ Y]Y LQ]F RYY RKQKF XEK XFWN KDJD

Happy Chanukah Wishing All Our Friends

115 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, 516-295-2698 Stephen Hauff, Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager Michael Lukin, Vice President, Business Development

The Young Israel Of Oceanside

And Clients A Healthy, Happy & Peaceful Chanukah

Wishes All of Our Friends A

Happy Chanukah Your Agent For Life & Health Warren Kalmenson

(516) 505-7008

150 Waukena Avenue Oceanside, New York 11572 (516) 764-1099 - www.yioceanside.org 517149

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve acclimated so fastâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;have you really been a citizen for only two years? Because your passion is soâ&#x20AC;Śsoâ&#x20AC;Ś Israeli!

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean to poke fun at you by pointing out your Sabrahood, I am actually trying to make a point. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a walk in the park to adjust to Israeli life. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not something that just anybody could do. You know, Sinatra was actually a few thousand miles off when he crooned, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If I can make it there, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make it anywhere.â&#x20AC;? You must be a very strong person to be such a trailblazer. You sound like you have convictions made of steel.

So therefore, it may be difficult for you to understand this, but there are people whose convictions are a bit more mercurial. Or maybe letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be nicer. Maybe they have two branches of convictionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;one stemming from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;In a Perfect Worldâ&#x20AC;? side of the tree, and one stemming from â&#x20AC;&#x153;In my Current World.â&#x20AC;?

It may be that all who have espoused to you the virtues of Aliyah truly believed what they gave over. It could be that there are other factors keeping them from uprooting themselves. Parnassah used to be the easiest excuse for Americans, but these days with our low employment rates and high tuition, it may actually be sweeter on the wallet over by the milk and honey.

Something that is a very important factor is the adjustment that a family with kids would have to make. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to look far to find American kids who never properly acclimated and are now at-risk. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sad thing to have to report, but it is very difficult to have a smooth transition with a child who is approaching adolescence. One reason for this may be due to the critical period of language acquisition closing around early adolescence. I know someone in your stage of life, with your fervor may say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;So

â&#x20AC;˘ Speed Reading â&#x20AC;˘ Diagnostic Testing â&#x20AC;˘ Gifted & Slow Learners

RESNICK READING CENTER

-Mad Migrant

Dear Mad Migrant,

â&#x20AC;˘ Reading, Writing & Math Enrichment â&#x20AC;˘ GED, GREs, NTEs â&#x20AC;˘ MCATs, LSATs, RCTs

:LVKLQJ DOO D +DSS\ DQG -R\RXV &KDQXNDK

514480

Dear Aviva,

Rabbi Jonathan Muskat Leon Winchel, President

515951

Follow me to Israel!

Happy Chanukah

Happy Chanukah To All Our Friends & Neighbors â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;

Furniture Restoration â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026; Long Island Exchange

Best Wishes For A Happy Chanukah

Over 30 Years Experience

Excellent Quality Work At Affordable Prices Bedrooms â&#x20AC;˘ Dining Rooms â&#x20AC;˘ Pianos â&#x20AC;˘ More the-Art State-of- op rk Wo sh

CAHAL The Community-Wide Special Education Program

Hand Refinis hing

Call For Free Estimate â&#x20AC;˘ 516-432-7550 4338 Austin Blvd. â&#x20AC;˘ Island Park, NY 11558 www.longislandantiques.com

540-A Willow Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516 (516) 295-3666 www.cahal.org

514481

Ask Aviva

519029

KEY FOOD MARKET PLACE Wishes Everyone in the Five Towns A Happy and Healthy Chanukah FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED â&#x20AC;˘ HOME SHOPPING AVAILABLE, PHONE OR FAX YOUR ORDER FOR PROMPT SERVICE

Happy Chanukah to All! CONGREGATION Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;NAI SHOLOM-BETH DAVID +HPSVWHDG $YHQXH 5RFNYLOOH &HQWUH 1< 7HO )D[ ZZZ EQDLVKRORP RUJ

+RZDUG 'LDPRQG 5DEEL %RULV 3HYVQHU &DQWRU 5LFKDUG 3HUOELQGHU 5LWXDO 'LUHFWRU ,UD 0 6DOZHQ 3UHVLGHQW 519840

1030 RAILROAD AVE. WOODMERE STORE HOURS: MON-SAT 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM SUNDAY 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Tel: 516-295-3800 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax: 516-374-0565

519125

December 16, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ 20 KISLEV, 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

18

19

What’s happening at DRS

HAFTR highlights

If you walked into DRS this past week, you would have noticed Chanukah preparations in full swing. Exciting flyers detail all of the exciting student activities that are scheduled to take place over Chanukah. These events include a toy drive for Ohel families, nursing home visits, raffles for the Ossie Schoenfeld Memorial Fund, a Chinese auction to benefit Od Yosef Chai, and a Chanukah party for local public school kids. Of all of these important chesed projects, the annual toy drive marks its 15th year. This year the students of DRS are setting to break their previous goal of 250 gifts and have already come strikingly close. To up the stakes, the students have been offered incentives for the shiur that brings in the most gifts and the competition has been heated, with shiur representatives all vying for the top prize, a trip to bring the gifts to children in the hospital.

The DRS community wishes everyone a Chag Sameach full of mitzvos and joy.

Successful Blood Drive This past Wednesday, DRS ran its annual blood drive. The drive was completely organized by DRS students Jacob Klar, Yoshi Block, Avrumi Blisko, and Meir Cohen, and it was a huge success. With help from students, faculty, and parents, DRS donated a

Ensign Laurence D. Solowey Post 652

David S. Zwerin Commander (516) 868-1393

514626

Best Wishes For A Joyous Chanukah

www.distinctivewindowfashions.com

207 Grove Ave., Cedarhurst 516-569-6733 Find Us On www.fivetownsjcc.org

516174

Supervisor Kate Murray Town of Hempstead

515939

Dimplesshop@AOL.com

514623

554 Central Avenue Cedarhurst 516.792.3290

Dr. Kenneth Berman Rina Shkolnik Executive Director President

Serving the Five Towns and surrounding areas since 1988

Happy Chanukah from the HAFTR Family

Happy Chanukah Wishing You and Yours A Happy, Healthy & Bright Holiday

Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy Chanukah

Last Wednesday, DRS had the privilege of hosting Mrs. Kimmarie Victoria from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Mrs. Victoria made an eye opening and informative multimedia presentation on internet safety to the entire DRS freshman class. At the workshop, the students learned about the many dangers posed on the internet and how to use the internet in the safest way possible. They were also taught about the severity of bullying on the internet. Mrs. Victoria also made a presentation to the 9th grade parents at SKA, our sister school.

Lenny Koegel 516-594-6010

Clothes and Gifts that Make Children Smile

Wishing Our Families, Friends and Customers A Healthy & Happy Chanukah

Internet Safety Awareness

DISTINCTIVE WINDOW FASHIONS

132 Spruce Street,

516-791-8200

whopping total of 102 pints of blood! Special thanks to the New York Blood Center and Rabbi Eli Brazil for coordinating the event.

Wishing all our friends & customers a Happy Chanukah

The HALB family would like to wish all of our friends here and in Israel a Happy Chanukah Cedarhurst

Photo courtesy of Natan Farber

Students gaining valuable information concerning internet safety.

514624

Jewish War Veterans of The United States of America

516795

Chanukah Chesed

515588

A Happy & Healthy Chanukah

in March.

The College Bowl team, of which I am also a member, recently participated in a Yeshiva League meet at Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central). At the event, both the Varsity and Junior Varsity teams did extremely well, winning two of three and three of three of their matches. The victories place both teams in great positions in their divisions. The College Bowl Team will participate in a Regional Quiz Bowl event on December 14. Another trivia team available to students at HAFTR, the Torah Bowl Team, recently participated in an event at Yeshiva of Flatbush.

Students can also participate in the newly created Business club, in which a professional with corporate experience will speak to members about the prospect of a business career. The first speaker, Gary Kaufman, discussed his process of securing career success.

Students can also get involved in the Stock Market club, engaging in a simulated stock market. The club teaches students the “ins and outs” of investing by providing opportunities to invest in the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ. In today’s economic climate, it is necessary that students gain the skills needed to be successful. HAFTR’s extracurriculars provide the experience for future careers.

515147

HAFTR offers over 50 student clubs, sports teams and publications that help members develop interests in various fields that could serve as their future careers.

This week alone, HAFTR students participated in a debate at North Shore Hebrew Academy, in which Captain Hillel Friedman took home a Third Place Speaker Award.

The participants in the debate, of which I am a member, learn valuable skills in public speaking and the ability to think on one’s feet.

Students also participated in a Mock Trial event at Ezra Academy in Queens, and boys Avery Feit basketball Varsity and Junior Varsity against North Shore Hebrew Academy.

Currently, HAFTR students are preparing for future events including the Science Institute, lead by Mr. Stanley Blumenstein.

Student members of the Science Institute are currently conducting research; the results of these experiments will eventually be presented at the Long Island Science Congress

By Natan Farber

THE JEWISH STAR December 16, 2011 • 20 KISLEV, 5772

Schools

Dec. 17 Shulamith Annual Dinner BNOT SHULAMITH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS is holding its annual dinner at the Caesars Club at Citi Field, located at 12301 Roosevelt Avenue in Flushing.

The event honors parents David & Jane Seidemann, and Nechemia & Chanie Ginsburg. His year’s educator of the year is Mindy Futersak.

The event begins at 7:30 p.m. and costs $600 per couple. For information and sponsorships, contact Mrs. Zimmerman at 516-569-1713.

Agudah 5T Auction AGUDATH ISRAEL OF THE FIVE TOWNS, located at 508 Peninsula Boulevard in Cedarhurst, is holding its Chinese Auction at 8:30 p.m. Grand prize includes a Kosherica cruise. A dessert buffet will be served. Admission is $18 per person, which includes two raffle tickets. To pre-order online, the items can be found on www.aiftauction.webs. com. Fro more information, contact Mrs. Ackerman at domitzvos@yahoo.com

HANC Chinese Auction HEBREW ACADEMY OF NASSAU COUNTY, located at 215 Oak Street in Uniondale, is holding its Sixth Annual Chinese Auction to benefit programs at the school. Prize items include vacations to Israel, Florida and Mexico; jewelry, and electronics. The event begins at 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.hancauction.org or call 516-565-5640 ext. 227.

speaker event, featuring Mayim Bialik, is sold out. As part of the event, the YIWH sisterhood is holding a children’s book drive for pediatric emergency rooms in the community. For more information on this cause, contact Sari Kahn at 516-662-6095.

ON THE

Calendar

Dec. 20

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

Deadline is Wednesday of the week prior to publication.

Hewlett public menorah CHABAD OF HEWLETT is holding a first night public menorah lighting on the corner of Broadway and East Rockaway Road, in the Merrill Lynch parking lot. The event begins at 5:15 p.m. and features live Chanukah music and holiday food.

For more information, contact 516-295-3413.

Chanukah Telethon

Dec. 18 Kulanu Scholarship Dinner KULANU, the local nonprofit serving specialneeds children, is holding its annual scholarship dinner honoring the Glaubach family, Jonathan Cooper and Rachel Schreiber. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at The Sands, located at 1395 Beech Street in Atlantic Beach. For reservations and sponsorships, contact 516-569-3083 ext. 106.

Pre-Chanukah show AGUDATH ISRAEL OF THE FIVE TOWNS, located at 508 Peninsula Boulevard in Cedarhurst, is holding its second annual pre-Chanukah extravaganza for children, featuring a “mad science” show, candle making and donut decorating. The event costs $36 per family, taking place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact 516-374-5364.

NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR FURTHERANCE OF JEWISH EDUCATION, together with Chabad of Mineola, is holding its annual Chanukah Telethon on WLNY TV10/55, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

This year’s performers include the Yitzie Bald Children’s Choir, the DRS High School Boys Choir, Yehuda Green, and Dovid Gabay, among others.

For sponsorships and more information, contact 516-739-3636.

Dec. 21 Concert for women

Bikur Cholim brunch

EZER MIZION, the nonprofit that coordinates bone marrow donations in the Jewish community is holding Light The Night to Save A Life: A Chanukah Concert Extravaganza for women starring Bracha Jaffe with Shira Charles and Danielle Jacobs. This event benefits Ezer Mizion’s International Jewish Bone Marrow Registry for Cancer Patients. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at Lawrence High School, located at 2 Reilly Road in Cedarhurst. Tickets can be purchased at Judaica Plus in Cedarhurst or by calling 718 853 8400. For more information and sponsorships, visit, www. ezermizion.org

BIKUR CHOLIM OF FAR ROCKAWAY AND THE FIVE TOWNS, is holding its annual brunch at the White Shul, located at 728 Empire Avenue in Far Rockaway. Rebbetzin Yael Kaisman will be the guest speaker at this women-only event. The event begins at 10 a.m. Babysitting will be provided on location by the ”compassionate clowns” of Lev Leytzan. For more information, contact 718-3275989.

Mayim Bialik: sold out!

YOUNG ISRAEL OF WEST HEMPSTEAD wishes to inform the readership that its upcoming sisterhood

Photos by Carlos Varon

Great Neck Synagogue 60th Annual Dinner Ron and Jill Swartz, top left; Cathy and Arnie Flatow, bottom left; Jonathan Ohebshalom; Didi and Adam Hutt, top middle; and honorees Ed and Anida Rosman, Vivian Kron, Rona and Myles Mittleman, top right. Everyone enjoyed a festive evening with friends.

STRICKOFF FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC 5 H J L V W H U H G , Q Y H V W P H Q W $ G Y L V H U

Reporter/Assistant Editor or

%XVLQHVV . DQG 3HQVLRQ 3ODQV 3HUVRQDO 3RUWIROLR DQG ,QYHVWPHQW 0DQDJHPHQW . DQG ,5$ UROORYHUV /LIH / 7 &DUH ,QVXUDQFH

The Star reaches more than 10,000 Orthodox Jewish households ds in the Five Towns, Great Neck, and Brooklyn with breaking news, featured stories and more. Check out the website at www.TheJewishStar.com. You will seek out story ideas, write pieces, edit others’ work, oversee the website. Must be familiar with the Five Towns and neighboring Jewish communities, have an understanding of Torah Judaism, issues and current events within the larger Orthodox world.

Financial Adviser

516-623-1800

www.strickoff.com

212-521-4100

Securities offered through 1st Global Capital Corp., Member FINRA/SIPC SFS, LLC is not affiliated with 1st Global Capital Corp.

518988

Richner Communications offers a friendly informal environment in our state of the art offices in Garden City, salary, paid time off, excellent health plan and 401(K). Please send resume, cover letter and salary requirements to: KGreen@TheJewishstar.com

Kive I. Strickoff, CPA

519714

December 16, 2011 • 20 KISLEV, 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

20

21

The place to be this Saturday night, Dec 17th.

No plans this Motzei Shabbos, no good movie to see, not a problem. HANC is the place to be.

This Saturday night, Dec 17th, HANC is proud to host its 6th Annual Gala Chinese Auction at itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Uniondale Campus located at 215 Oak Street.

The auction , chaired since 2006

by Simeon and Beth Chiger, Sharon and Billy Lowy, and Dovid and Adina Frankel is slated to be even bigger, and better than the previous successful events., which have been attended by upwards of 450 people.

In addition to the Chairpersons of the event, a large volunteer base, comprised of parents and senior class representatives join together with business office staff in a comprehensive and closely coordinated manner to ensure a fabulous night. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the past, the auction has been a great opportunity for parents, to spend a festive evening with community friends, school friends, parents of their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friendsâ&#x20AC;Ś Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a FEEL GOOD night â&#x20AC;&#x153;, says

Chairperson Simeon Chiger.

In a social setting, with no pressures of school ,the event unites parents, teachers and administration of HANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three campuses and is OPEN TO ALL .It can be considered a mid year celebration of the successes of the school , already in its 58th year.

Ticket packages are available for pre-purchase, but anyone can purchase admission at the door, for $18 per person.

The $18 pp entry fee includes a sumptuous dinner and dessert buffet, catered

by Celebration by Mauzone, a $15 raffle ticket, and free valet parking.

Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Guests can view merchandise between the hours of 8:30 and 10:30 pm and enter a chance to win a multitude of prizes, including, a trip to Israel, trips to Florida and Mexico, electronics, clothing, jewelry, artwork and sports tickets. Concurrently there is a Silent auction that offers opportunity to win unique sports memorabilia.

For more information and online reservations, visit www.hancauction.org

KIDS GO FREE!

To Advertise In This Section, Call 516-632-5205 REAL ESTATE

MERCHANDISE MART

Employment/Information

SELLING YOUR HOUSE?

PLACE YOUR AD

PAID IN ADVANCE!â&#x20AC; Make $1000 Weekly Mailing Brochures from Home. Income is guaranteed! No experience required.â&#x20AC; Enroll Today! www.national-mailers.net

Run Your Ad in

The Jewish Star Just Call Our Classified Department at 516-632-5205

Miscellaneous For Sale

Real Estate

DISH NETWORK. STARTING at $19.99/month PLUS 30 Premium Movie Channels FREE for 3 Months! SAVE! & Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL 877-992-1237

AT&T U-VERSE FOR just $29.99/mo!â&#x20AC; SAVE when you bundle Internet+Phone+TV and get up to $300 BACK! (Select plans).â&#x20AC; Limited Time Call NOW! 1-866-944-0810

CoOps & Condos/Sale BANK FORECLOSURE! BRAND New WATERFRONT CONDO Only $199,900.

(Similar unit sold for $399,900) Upscale 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,675sf condo. Luxury amenities, prime location on the water! Call now for special holiday incentives 1-877-888-7571, x 83

HEWLETT "1ST SHOWING" Mint- 2 BR, 2 Bath, Co-op. New State-ofthe-art kitchen. Stainless steel appliances, large LR, DR. w/d, 9 closets, CAC, hardwood floors, terrace, corner apt. garden views. parking available, Walk to all. MUST SEE! $249K by owner: 516-238-2527

* with the purchase of one full-price adult ticket.

Land For Sale 100 ACRE LAND SALE near Growing El Paso, Texas. Was $64,500, Now $19,500.

Almost 70% Discount! $0 down, No Credit Checks! Beautiful views, owner financing.

FREE color brochure. 1-800-343-9444

Apartments For Rent

The musical comedy sensation

CEDARHURST NO FEE Modern 1BR, 2BR & 3BR. CAC, W/D, Storage, Private Entrance, Indoor Parking, Near All. Starting At $1450.

(516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

Timeshares ASK YOURSELF, WHAT is your TIMESHARE worth? We will find a buyer/renter for CA$H. NO GIMMICKS- JUST RESULTS! www.BuyATimeshare.com (888)879-7165

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SELL YOUR CAR

i'".*-: '3*&/%-: '6/

Just Call Our Classified Department at 516-632-5205

The kids will have a blast as well as the adults!â&#x20AC;?

- Broadway World

*Offer is valid for select performances from 9/6/11 to 10/30/11. Tickets must be purchased by 10/30/11.

May not be combined with any other offer or discount. Offer may be revoked at any time. Some restrictions apply.

Adoption 512338

#SPBEXBZ0ò FST DPN t DPEF 71,(' Westside Theatre, 407 W 43rd St. 7PDB1FPQMF/:$ DPN

Just Call Our Classified Department at 516-632-5205

A LOVING alternative to unplanned pregnancy. You choose the family for your child. Receive pictures/info of waiting/ approved couples. Living expense assistance. 1-866-236-7638

HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED OR SETTLED? Contact Woodford Brothers Inc, for straightening, leveling, foundation and wood frame repairs at 1-800-OLDBARN. www.woodfordbros.com. Suffolk Cty~ License #41959-H Nassau Cty~ License #H18G7160000

PROFLOWERS- LOOKING FOR a Holiday Gift that will really impress? SPECIAL OFFER 20 percent off qualifying gifts over $29 from ProFlowers!

Offer ONLY available at www.proflowers.com/fresh or call 1-866-684-6172

READERS & MUSIC LOVERS. 100 Greatest Novels (audio books) ONLY $99.00 (plus s h.) Includes MP3 Player & Accessories. BONUS: 50 Classical Music Works & Money Back Guarantee. Call Today! 1-888-799-345

Business/Opportunities HELP WANTED!!! MAKE $1000 a Week processing our mail! FREE Supplies! Helping Home-Workers since 2001! Genuine Opportunity! No experience required. Start Immediately! www.national-mailers.net

MAKE UP TO $2,000.00+ Per Week! New Credit Card Ready Drink-Snack Vending Machines. Minimum $3K to $30K+ Investment Required. Locations Available. BBB Accredited Business. (800) 962-9189

SERVICES

1MWGIPPERISYW DISH NETWORK LOWEST nationwide price $19.99 a month.â&#x20AC; FREE HBO/Cinemax/Starz FREE Blockbuster FREE HDDVR and install.â&#x20AC; Next day install 1-800-379-2246

EARN $1000 A week Mailing Brochures from Home. Free Supplies! Guaranteed Income!â&#x20AC; No experience required. Start Today. www.national-mailers.net

Wanted To Buy BUYING COINS- GOLD, Silver & ALL Coins, Stamp, Paper Money, Entire Collections worth $5,000 or more. Travel to your home.

Cash paid.

Call Marc 1-800-488-4175

WANTED YOUR DIABETES TEST STRIPS. Unexpired .We buy Any Kind/Brand. Pay up to $22.00 per box.â&#x20AC; Shipping Paid. Hablamos espanol. Call 1-800-267-9895â&#x20AC; www.SellDiabeticstrips.com

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted AIRLINES ARE HIRING- Train for hands on Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified- Job Placement Assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866)296-7093

INSURANCE INSPECTOR: WORK independently in the field to verify measurements and conditions of homes for insurance companies. No sales. Computer experience, digital camera, car, cell phone required. Knowledge of home construction and customer service experience a plus.

Paid Training. Paid per assignment or minimum $15.00/ hr. Apply at www.mueller-inc.com Ref #16150 REPORTER/ ASSISTANT EDITOR The Star reaches more than 10,000 Orthodox Jewish households in the Five Towns, Great neck, and Brooklyn with breaking news, featured stories and more. Check out the website at www.TheJewishStar.com. You will seek out story ideas, write pieces, edit others' work, oversee the website. Must be familiar with the Five Towns and neighboring Jewish communities, have an understanding of Torah Judaism, issues and current events within the larger Orthodox world.

Richner Communications offers a friendly informal environment in our state of the art offices in Garden City, salary, paid time off, excellent health plan and 401(K). Please send resume, cover letter and salary requirements to: KGreen@TheJewishstar.com

EARN COLLEGE ONLINE. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified Call 888-201-8657 www.CenturaOnline.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Careers/Training ALLIED HEALTH CAREER TRAININGAttend college 100% online. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified.

Call 800-481-9409 www.CenturaOnline.com

Education AIRLINES ARE HIRING- Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified- Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (877)818-0783

EARN COLLEGE DEGREE ONLINE. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available.

Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified.

Call 800-488-0386 www.CenturaOnline.com

Health & Fitness ATTENTION DIABETICS WITH Medicare. Get a FREE Talking Meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888-903-6658

ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA SUFFERERS with Medicare. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 866-993-5043

THE JEWISH STAR December 16, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ 20 KISLEV, 5772

CLASSIFIEDS

HANC Chinese auction

Sports

Photo by Janette Pellegrini

Two-for-two as North Shore tops DRS This past Saturday night at DRS the NSHA high school stars defeated DRS in a basketball double-header. The junior varsity game was a comfortable win as the team surged ahead in the fourth quarter to take a commanding lead and defeated DRS by 16 points. The NSHA high school junior varsity was lead by Cody Cohen and Michael Zborowski.

The varsity boys game turned out to be a thriller. NSHA high school led the entire game and was up twelve points with 1:40 to go in the game. DRS made a great comeback and cut the lead to three points with twenty seconds to go and the ball. Their comeback was haulted as NSHA high school held on for the victory. Jeremy Zborowski led NSHA high school with 26 points.

Above, Jeremy Zborowski of NSHAHS drives to hoop.

Goldfeder honors Chaverim State Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder of Far Rockaway honored the local Chaverim at their Third Annual Dinner, praising Binyamin Lipsky and Rabbi Meir Kramer for their work in providing emergency roadside assistance in the Far Rockaway and Five Towns community. “Chaverim is a tremendous organization that provides essential service’s to those who are in need,” Goldfeder said. For more information on Chaverim, contact 718 337-1800 or visit http://chaverim5t.org.

518983

December 16, 2011 • 20 KISLEV, 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

22

THE JEWISH STAR December 16, 2011 • 20 KISLEV, 5772 517906

23

Liquor & Wine WITH Kosher Wine & Single Malt Tasting THIS A D O Every Thursday: 4-8 p.m. Friday: 2-5 p.m. NLY

Bartenura Moscato

Johnnie Walker BLACK LABEL

9.99 750ML

$

$

9.49

Bartenura Moscato Rose

19.99

60.99

w/coupon exp. 12/31/11 not to be combined w/other offers

13.99

w/coupon exp.12/31/11 not to be combined w/other offers

Bartenura Asti

1.75L $

$

29.99

w/coupon exp. 12/31/11 not to be combined w/other offers

15

16.99

49.99

42.99

$

w/coupon exp.12/31/11 not to be combined w/other offers

w/coupon exp. 12/31/11 not to be combined w/other offers

Glenrothes 1991

Peraj Petita 750ML

750ML $

750ML

Capcanes

Glenrothes

750ml

17.99

$

*

69.99*

$

14.99 by the Case

$ *limit 2 bottles

w/coupon exp. 12/31/11 not to be combined w/other offers

Glenlivet

1.75L

750 ml

16.99

w/coupon exp. 12/31/11 not to be combined w/other offers

Ruskova Vodka

Alba Reserve

$

7.99

$

w/coupon exp. 12/31/11 not to be combined w/other offers

750ML

$

Sparkling Moscato 750ML

$

$

Absolut Vodka

Teal Lake

.375ML

1.75L

by the Case w/coupon exp. 12/31/11 not to be combined w/other offers

Patron

w/coupon exp. 12/31/11 not to be combined w/other offers

*limit 2 bottles

w/coupon exp. 12/31/11 not to be combined w/other offers

w/coupon exp.12/31/11 not to be combined w/other offers

New York’s Finest and Largest Selection of Kosher Wines & Spirits SSA UE

XP

RES

RD. BY RUG

KING

ST.

RD. GH OU OR RLB MA

RD.

PRICE

HAM

Hours: Mon-Wed 10 am-8 pm • Thurs-Sat 10 am-9 pm • Sun 12 pm-7 pm

RD.

RD. YLE ARG

D FOR OX

D. BLV BAY

BUC

343 Rockaway Tpke. Lawrence, NY 11559 Tel: (516) 371-1133

BLV

RD. TER INS STM WE

PIKE URN AY T KAW ROC

Prices Valid Thru 12/31/11

SW AY

D.

ULA

INS

PEN

518987

CHANUKAH SPECIALS

NA

December 16, 2011 • 20 KISLEV, 5772 THE JEWISH STAR

24