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INSIDE FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK CLERGY SECURITY COALITION Private Pathways BY LARRY GORDON Avrohom Sebrow 20 Fattening Friends Missing Ehud Olmert Rachael Schindler, MS 24 Former Prime Minister Ehud had Palestinian leader The Noachide Laws Olmert is starring in the latest Mahmoud Abbas eating out of Rabbi Yair Hoffman 28 international version of Court the former prime minister’s MindBiz TV. The former top dog of hands every two weeks at a Esther Mann, LMSW 32 is some piece of work, a cool meeting in his government cucumber, and quite an opera- office in ? Why was Even After tor. The question is whether Olmert able to continue to Hannah Reich Berman 37 Israelis will see another such expand and build settlements, octopus-like politician—one leave so-called illegal outposts with many hands in just about intact, watch communities nat- everyone’s pockets—anytime urally grow, and still Mr. Abbas soon. And even more so, can did not object to carrying on contemporary Israel survive negotiations over peace some- A group of New York clergy have formed a coalition to provide security without the likes of Mr. Olmert? training for synagogue members and leaders in the New York area in What was it about him that Continued on Page 8 advance of the upcoming holidays. See Page 73 ELUL IN HASHEM’S GARDEN HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE

BY ARYEH Z. is an extremely difficult task. School Opens For All Rabbi Weinreb GINZBERG More than 20 years ago, as a at Young Israel of Woodmere. CHOFETZ CHAIM CENTER young rav of wonderful ba’alei B Y LARRY GORDON sacks, interestingly covered See Page 63 batim in Hillcrest, Queens, I notebooks, pen-and-pencil sets, I’ve always felt that the most once shared my frustration with This week marks the tradi- and so on. difficult challenge facing a rav my great rebbi, the rosh hayeshi- tional time of year when once For many others, the new in relation to inspiring his flock va of Chofetz Chaim, again school is open. It’s been a school year is fraught with a comes in the month of Elul. Rav Henoch Leibowitz, zt’l. long time for everyone anxious combination of important and Most people become motivated I told him that while I felt to get back into the swing of sometimes conflicting deci- and inspired during the Yomim somewhat accomplished in things—including, of course, sions. Rarely in the past has Nora’im, Sukkos, or Pesach. being able to capture the inten- the students and teachers. As there been such an assortment To inspire a large or small sity of a Yom Kippur davening as usual, for many the beginning of specialized schools or yeshiv- group in the middle of the lazy, was done in our yeshiva and of the school year means new as that can effectively address hazy days of summer—to make outfits, crisp white shirts, fresh- them realize that Elul is here— Continued on Page 10 ly pressed slacks, new knap- Continued on Page 13 Israel Building Boom Huckabee in Jerusalem. Jimmy A HAND See Page 77 Buffett Comes To IN NEED Rebuilding Shattered Lives Key Tavo B Y ROCHELLE MARUCH MILLER BY THE LEGENDARY D ANNY O’DOUL Above all else, Avigdor Glaser, P h

o z’l, was the essence of a true ben t o B y T

z The reading of this week’s Torah. Adored by his wife, v i B e n parashah, Ki Tavo, is one of Frumi, and their three children G e d a l y

a those weighty life events like and beloved by his parents and h u the Tishah B’Av fast, Yom Kippur siblings, he was a devoted fami- Rabbi Dr. Ephraim Isaac Nofit Damri (left) and Ranana Meir, of Otniel, unfurl flags at the dedication for the new headquarters of the Southern Hebron Regional prayers, or a law-school educa- ly man. Blessed with the ability in Long Beach. Council this week. Despite the supposed construction freeze in Judea and See Page 60 Samaria, when it comes to business, building is booming. See Page 31 Continued on Page 16 Continued on Page 12

CANDLE LIGHTING Sept. 4 – 7:03 PM Sept. 11 – 6:52 PM 2 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 3 P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 516-984-0079 [email protected] [email protected] LARRY GORDON ESTA J. GORDON Publisher/Editor Managing Editor YOSSI GORDON, YOCHANAN GORDON Sales Managers CHANA ROCHEL ROSS Editorial Assistant SIDI BARON YAKOV SERLE Sales Representatives SHMUEL GERBER MICHELE JUSTIC Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Hannah Reich Berman, Anessa V. Cohen, Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg, Toby Klein Greenwald, Rabbi Yair Hoffman, Miriam Horowitz, Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Shmuel Katz, Phyllis J. Lubin, Esther Mann, Rochelle Miller, Martin Mushell, Elke Probkevitz, Naomi Ross, Rachael Schindler, Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, Eli Shapiro, Ari Sher DOV GORDON, ELISHEVA ELEFANT Staff Graphic Artists IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS Staff Photographers FRANKEL & CO. Design & Production TALIYE CORLEY Art Director SARAH GREENBAUM Assistant Art Director

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Around The Five Towns 53 Ask The Sensei Warren Levi 26 Book Review Ari Sher 45 Classified Ads 70 Cooking Concepts Naomi Ross 25 Daf Yomi Insights Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow 20 The Dish Elke Probkevitz 42 Five Towns Simcha Jeff Neckonoff 74 Halachic Musings Rabbi Yair Hoffman 28 Insights On The Torah R’ Ben Tzion Shafier 38 Letters To The Editor 51 Luach 8 MindBiz Esther Mann, LMSW 32 Mother’s Musings Phyllis J. Lubin 18 Real Estate Anessa V. Cohen 46 That’s The Way It Is! Hannah Reich Berman 37 Travel 48

4 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 5 6 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 7 FROM THE EDITOR Continued from Front Cover

time in the imminent but very distant future? It has to be that Olmert was just plain good, and even though he hasn’t been convicted of anything yet or carted off to prison (which is unlikely anyway), Israel misses him already. Certainly Bibi Netanyahu is much more eloquent and CALENDAR LUACH Sept. 4 – Sept. 13 ZIP Code: 11516

15 Elul Friday, September 4 Daf yomi: Bava Basra 14 Z’manim*: Earliest tallis/tefillin: 5:30 am Sunrise: 6:26 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 9:03 am Gr’a 9:39 am P’lag ha’minchah: 6:00 pm Candle Lighting: 7:03 pm 16 Elul – Shabbos Saturday, September 5 Shabbos Parashas Ki Savo Avos: Ch. 3–4 Shabbos ends**: 8:04 pm 72 min. 8:34 pm 22 Elul Friday, September 11 Daf yomi: Bava Basra 21 Earliest tallis/tefillin: 5:38 am Sunrise: 6:32 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 9:05 am Gr’a 9:41 am P’lag ha’minchah: 5:51 pm Candle Lighting: 6:52 pm 23 Elul – Shabbos Saturday, September 12 Shabbos Parashas Nitzavim-Vayeilech Avos: Ch. 5–6 Shabbos ends**: 7:50 pm 72 min. 8:21 pm 24 Elul – Motzaei Shabbos Saturday night–Sunday, September 13 Selichos begins (Ashkenazim) * from MyZmanim.com ** add a few minutes for tosefos Shabbos according to your minhag Municipal Calendar For 5 Towns and NYC Friday, September 4 Holiday weekend: Extra LIRR Far Rockaway train from Penn Station at 3:48 p.m. Monday, September 7 Labor Day: NYS banking holiday; local post offices closed; no regular mail delivery; no garbage collection; public transit on Sunday schedule; NYC park- ing regulations suspended except where normally in effect seven days a week. Tuesday, September 8 Classes begin at Lawrence and Hewlett- Woodmere public schools. Wednesday, September 9 Classes begin at NYC public schools. 8 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES glib. He’s American-educated and a deep, he could have dreamed of. wisdom and get those envelopes as with Barrack Obama. Both share this abil- analytical thinker, but somehow he just Then there’s Olmert looking at how stuffed as a turkey on Thanksgiving. ity to express themselves in complete cannot play political poker with the hand Jewish charity organizations are falling As wild and crazy as this all is, one has earnestness but then doing a deft soft that Mr. Olmert was able to play the over themselves trying to get his attention to wonder whether or not we would have shoe, rearranging the words of a state- game. as well as his attaching his name and very been better off having Ehud Olmert han- ment and saying that they really meant Someday we will probably be studying person to their cause. Olmert, who appar- dle Barrack Obama and his tilted demands the exact opposite of what you thought how it was that Olmert became the Prime ently couldn’t care less about these causes that are reserved exclusively for Israel. The they originally intended to mean. Minister of Israel rather than a mayor in or organizations, took them for all he U.S. wants a freeze; Olmert would have So Olmert got his political brains New Jersey. It seems almost unfair to the could get. And he received quite a bit con- given them one. They want Jerusalem bashed in during the Second Lebanon worldwide Jewish community that he sidering that his office invoiced four or included in the no construction promise; War in 2006? So he went into Gaza for was not featured in that early July perp- five different charity groups in the U.S. to hey, no problem there either. The U.S. and three weeks last winter, flattened the walk that was spread across the front pay for his airfare and accommodations. the Palestinians want Jerusalem as a capi- joint, but still came out without one of pages of newspapers around the world. Once you’re the head of state, an old tal? Really, no problem. They want a half a the reasons they went in—to rescue Somehow it would have been more fit- experienced attorney, and one of the rec- million Jews extricated from their homes Gilad Shalit? I guess you can’t always ting and appropriate for someone with ognized leaders of the always excessively and resettled near Haifa? Olmert would accomplish all your objectives all the his global larcenous reach to be right criticized Jewish people, what’s the big not have said no to any of this, but he was- time. Ask any lawyer and they’ll tell you there at the head of the line. deal about accepting cash bribes or even n’t exactly saying yes either. the most you can do is your level-headed Somehow Ehud Olmert was able to do entering into negotiations that make And that’s what I miss about Ehud best, but there are no guarantees. Besides, it all. There he was giving away over 90% Jerusalem the capital of anyway? Olmert more than anything. As slick as war or things of a military nature were of Judea and Samaria while at the same You will recall that even though the Bibi is, we just do not get any slickness not Olmert’s strong point. Given another time continuing to build settler homes religious Shas party was a member of the from him. Ehud Olmert did not want and chance, however, he would probably do and communities. He repeatedly crooked Olmert’s governing coalition, the did not plan to award an independent much better when it comes to pulveriz- announced after meeting with Abbas that pledge not to negotiate the future status state to the Palestinians under anything ing Israel’s enemies. we were drawing closer to a peace deal— of Jerusalem was not really violated. As resembling the current conditions in the So you see, even though he’s up to his which was only technically true as long you will most likely recall if you are a region. Netanyahu feels the same way but eyebrows in hot water and either still as we were not moving further away consumer of the nuance of news, Olmert somehow quickly got maneuvered into does or at least used to have lots of cash from concluding any agreement. That is, and his colleagues repeatedly assured declaring and conceding that he supports laying around, the Jewish people can still the day of peace was indeed drawing clos- everyone that a discussion about two states even though he was elected use some of Mr. Talent. You see, when Bibi er than moving further away as time has Jerusalem was “not on the table.” And he precisely because he does not support the Netanyahu says he’s for two states you a habit of reflexively and naturally mov- was absolutely right. The future status of so-called two state solution. just know it’s not true. Olmert can tell you ing forward rather than in the reverse. Jerusalem was being discussed with the With Olmert you knew you were get- with a smile that he too is for two states, If the charges brought against Olmert Palestinian leadership “under” or “off” the ting absolutely nothing but somehow but you’d have to ask him which two earlier this week can be proven, we will table but never specifically “on it.” you felt good about it anyway. And that’s states and in which part of the world he come to the realization that he was not Olmert was always a man of precision what Israel needs, particularly in these would suggest this other state be located. just an inadequate prime minister, but and it was probably not his fault that any difficult and trying times. If he was any- In I guess you would call Mr. one that was also in business for himself. of his not so straight shooting buddies thing, Ehud Olmert was the master of the Olmert a “dree kup,” a person that keeps Here he is exploiting a New Yorker, hun- tried to stuff more cash into an envelope biggest, most exaggerated promises deliv- your head spinning. It may be odd but gry for attention and international than can actually fit. Perhaps that takes ered with full sincerity and genuineness that’s exactly what we need. Where have intrigue masquerading around the Jewish training and practice too, even though and at the same time delivering an even you gone, Ehud? O world as a philanthropist. With Ehud there must have been tremendous zeal bigger zero. Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at Olmert he got both plus much more than and enthusiasm to show off some illicit But Olmert would have gotten along [email protected].

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 9 Hashem’s Garden fortune of being rav, I have always determined to see it through. some places you don’t look up to the Continued from Front Cover taken my vacation in July, making sure As I now sit here in Vail, Colorado on clouds, but down at them. You look at to be back for Elul, where the focus of Rosh Chodesh Elul, after spending the hills, meadows, rivers, and canyons that even to capture a somewhat real Simchas several shiurim is always about the sig- last six days sightseeing the different have not been altered by humans since Torah experience, trying to capture the nificance of Elul for each of us. Even if sights of the Colorado Rockies, I can say the beginning of creation. “Elul experience” that is found in yeshiv- I could not bring Elul into reality for I may have never been so prepared for The names of the attractions do not os is impossible to replicate. The rosh others, at least it would do it for me. Elul as I am this year. For years I had do justice to their pristine beauty— yeshiva just smiled and said, “Maybe that This year, for the first time in my rab- heard about the breathtaking scenery Maroon Bells, Seven Falls, Mount Evans, is the most important responsibility of a binic career, circumstances forced me and spectacular views of the Colorado and many more. Each time we came to rav, and you have to keep at it to the best to be away on vacation for Rosh Mountains and the Arkansas River, but another breathtaking scenic spot, my of your ability.” Chodesh Elul; and in a real sense it may how does one go without compromis- wife would immediately ask me, I have tried but have not succeeded. have been the most inspiring Elul of ing the simple daily requirements of a “Should we make the berachah of oseh Yeshivos throughout the ages and my life. ma’aseh bereishis?” I told her that many throughout the world always start their Permit me to explain. Several months poskim hold that this berachah should new zeman on Rosh Chodesh Elul. The ago, the KMR tour group who run a ten not be said more than once in 30 days. strong sense of purpose and seriousness day summer retreat in Vail, Colorado If a person truly feels However, HaGaon Rav Chaim Kanievsky, that permeates the atmosphere during asked if I would join them in August as a shlita, writes that if a person truly feels Elul in the is unmatched scholar-in-residence and provide some overwhelmed by the overwhelmed by the sights and it brings throughout the rest of the year. There are shiurim for their group. Having heard for a greater appreciation of the beauty of mussar talks, or shmuzen as they are several years about the beautiful and pro- sights he or she sees, HaKadosh Baruch Hu’s world, one can called, that bring the important and time- fessionally run program of the Werner one can make this make this berachah again and again. And ly message of Elul to the young hearts Brothers; who combine a high quality so we did. and minds of the yeshiva bachurim. They program that is also inspiring in its ruch- berachah again and One of the wonderful new friends are told the timeless stories of the famed niyus atmosphere of quality learning and that we met at this program asked me prime disciple of Rav Yisroel Salanter, zt’l, davening, I agreed to join them. again. what kavanos one should have when Rav Itzele Peteberger, zt’l, who fainted At that time, I had only focused on the seeing these wondrous niflaos haBorei. from awe and trepidation when the chaz- secular date and had not checked to see I shared with him a mussar shmuz that an called out “Chodesh Elul” on Shabbos the dates on the . In the I heard more than 30 years ago from Mevarchim, or of the Chofetz Chaim, zt’l, beginning of August, I sat down to make Torah Jew? The Werner Brothers provid- the great mussar giant from Novardok whose talmidim related that his entire up the shul schedule for the month, and I ed a beautiful setting along with daily in Yerushalayim, HaGaon Rav Ben demeanor changed during the month of was taken aback. The very week that I minyanim, a daf yomi, inspiring shiurim, Tzion Bruk, zt’l. Elul. There is a real sense of purpose, and was to be away would be Rosh Chodesh an uplifting Shabbos atmosphere where The Gemara in Berachos (48b) com- reflection and change are the challenges Elul; how could that have happened? Jews from all walks of life (Lubavitch, ments on the Torah’s requirement to of the hour. I have not been very effective How could I be on vacation on Rosh Satmar, Bobov, Modern Orthodox, bentch after eating. What is the seder of at instilling that feeling outside the yeshi- Chodesh Elul? The sefarim teach us the yeshivish, Sephardim, and Ashkenazim) Birkas Hamazon? The first berachah is va walls, when the warm weather still days of Elul are equal in potential to Yom all sit together as one harmonious Ha’aretz (on the land) and the second is beckons and nightly barbecue gatherings Kippur itself! How could I do this to Elul group; and even a minyan for Yom Hamazon (on the food). Rav Ben Zion and weekend trips to the Catskills are still and what about my obligation to bring Kippur Katan on erev Rosh Chodesh. asked, when Reuvein invites his friend on the schedule. the significance and meaning of Elul to The breathtaking scenery that is hard Shimon over for a meal, it’s only proper This has not been for lack of trying. others in my charge? I was disappointed, to capture in writing—driving or hiking In all my years of having had the good but I had made a commitment and was up to elevations of 14,000 feet, where in Continued on Page 15

10 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 11 A Hand In Need fered the tragic loss of the wage-earning Avigdor’s Helping Hand is a disaster established a committee to evaluate each Continued from Front Cover husband or wife, leaving the surviving relief fund; its essence is to be there applicant with the utmost degree of con- spouse and their children bereft and in immediately—during those first fidentiality and sensitivity. We step in to excel in all of his endeavors, Avigdor unbearable pain. These are people, just like moments, rendering succor and support, immediately with a cash stipend to pro- was a warm, compassionate, and truly us, who have led normal lives until tragedy both emotional and financial. Through vide the spouse and children with finan- extraordinary young man who touched struck, wreaking havoc on their lives. its Wedding Program Fund, the organiza- cial and emotional support. We usually the lives of all who knew him. The effects of such a loss are devastat- tion provides much needed financial expect to be involved with each case for After studying in Merkaz HaTorah in ing; children without their precious par- assistance for orphans who are approach- about six months. After the first month, Eretz Yisrael, he pursued his undergradu- ents, wives without their beloved hus- ing the major positive event of getting we issue a second stipend to cover the ate studies at Queens College, and then bands, and husbands without their cher- married. But this joyous occasion is often next two months, followed by a third went on to Fordham Law School, where ished wives. Their suffering is too great to marred by poverty; with the absence of stipend that will cover the fourth, fifth, he graduated at the top of his class. bear even before the economic impact one or more parents, this poverty is com- and sixth months. While we hope that Brilliant, gifted, yet unassuming and per- begins to engulf them. pounded. Avigdor’s Helping Hand pro- the family can ‘stand on their own’ after sonable, Avigdor was a successful bank- Even in cases where benefits, such as vides funds to qualified orphans, thereby six months, in the event that they cannot, ruptcy attorney at a prestigious down- insurance or governmental assistance, relieving the unfortunate stress that can we will coordinate with community town Manhattan firm. are available, it may take weeks or disrupt their happy lives. organizations which can provide longer- Avigdor was just 30 years old when he months for those benefits to be “We are considered to be possibly the term assistance for these families. For tragically passed away on September 29, processed and made accessible to the largest hachnosas kallah organization,” those families who have reestablished 2005, leaving a terrible void in the com- family. Avigdor’s Helping Hand seeks to Mr. Glaser explained. “We dispense large themselves financially, and wish to use munity. Immediately, his family and provide immediate, emergency, and amounts of money to those in need, all the stipends as a short-term loan, we will friends sought to create a charity that short-term relief, both financial and throughout the .” recycle the funds and disburse them to would memorialize Avigdor’s precious non-financial, to the families in our True to its mission of picking up the other families who are in need.” life and be a treasured legacy for this communities who have sustained the pieces of shattered lives and rebuilding Unique in its noble mission, Avigdor’s exemplary ba’al . recent loss of their primary breadwin- the future, Avigdor’s Helping Hand has, Helping Hand serves as a beacon of At the time, Frumi knew of three other ner. They are the first call that a family since its inception, distributed $1.2 mil- hope amid a sea of despair, a veritable families who were in situations similar to makes when tragedy strikes, r’l—often lion to 61 families that have suffered the lifeline for families bereft of their loved her own. Each of the families had suf- prior to making funeral and burial loss of a spouse. To date, this outstanding ones. The money distributed is discre- fered the loss of a husband and father, arrangements. From Satmar to Belz to organization has provided $800,000 to tionary and may be used to offset any and was overwhelmed with grief and Alexander and all throughout the yeshiv- widows and widowers, and has made expense, such as food, housing costs, chaos. Through her tears, one young ishe community, Avigdor’s Helping Hand over 180 weddings for orphans for a total mortgage payments, childcare, utility widow who was devastated by the recent is recognized and endorsed by all of the of $400,000. bills, etc. Non-financial assistance pro- loss of her 21-year-old husband told Frumi Gedolim. “Everything is done according Each applicant is required to submit vides for such services as paying for that she did not even have money to buy to da’as Torah,” Eli Glaser, Avigdor’s two letters with his or her application; grief and bereavement counselors to challahs for Shabbos. father told the Five Towns Jewish Times. one from their rabbi, the second from a provide their services to the families; Frumi felt that the most fitting legacy “Among the esteemed rabbanim who are chesed organization. With meticulous making volunteers available to help the to memorialize her beloved husband our rabbinical advisors are Rabbi Noach attention to every detail, the application families in any way possible, including would be an organization that would Isaac Oelbaum, Rabbi Dovid Weinberger, is carefully reviewed; and other ref- assisting in organizing finances. This offer comfort to grieving families during Rabbi Peretz Steinberg, Rabbi Yisroel erences are called. includes guiding the surviving spouse in a time of chaos and intense pain. Thus Reisman, and Rabbi Henach Savitsky. We “Every application involves a very the basic concepts of how to make pay- was Avigdor’s Helping Hand founded. consult with them whenever there is intense due diligence process,” explains We each know of families that have suf- any sheilah.” Eli Glaser, Avigdor’s father. “We have Continued on Page 27

12 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES BAGEL STORE Continued from Front Cover the specific needs of children in our student population. The realization that a young- ster may just not have his or her best interests served in a con- ventional classroom setting and the decisions that accompany it require courage and forthright- ness. And the needs of these children literally run the gamut. Last week, for example, Rina Shkolnik, the executive director of the JCC of the Five Towns, invited me to experience the Snoezelen Room located in one of the spacious buildings of Temple Israel on Central Avenue in Lawrence. Snoezelen, or con- trolled multisensory stimula- tion, is used for people with mental disabilities, and involves exposing them to a soothing and stimulating environment, the “Snoezelen Room.” These rooms are specially designed to deliver stimuli to various senses, using lighting effects, color, sounds, music, scents, etc. The combination of different mate- rials on a wall may be explored using tactile senses, and the floor may be adjusted to stimu- late the sense of balance. For the last year or so, the Snoezelen Room has mostly been used by young people with various degrees of autism as well as the elderly experi- encing forms of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Gail Fremet, director of the program, explains that the typical user is placed in the comfortable confines of the room for about a half hour several times per week with very encouraging and positive results. “Typically when the individ- ual adult or child exits the room he or she seems calmer, less animated, and more in touch with their feelings,” says Ms. Fremet. She explains that young children dealing with Attention Deficit Hyper- activity Disorder (ADHD) have also effectively utilized the room. “They emerge with a calmness and are less likely to act up and are more coopera- tive as a result of the experi- ence,” she said. Today more than ever, our yeshivas are being forced to con- front the reality of ADHD and how to deal with it. The experts are not certain if the increase in diagnosing ADHD and ADD is due to social, genetic, or environ- mental conditions, though some suggest it is a combination of the three. What they do definitively know is that this population is increasing and the usual class- room setting in your typical yeshiva may not be addressing the situation successfully. This is specifically why a

Continued on Page 14 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 13 BAGEL STORE at and that they tend to shy away from tion, their students have, over a relative- for their child’s future and did not want Continued from Page 13 those things that they have difficulty ly short term, been able to master their to consider public school as many do. with. “If a young student is hyperactive reading and comprehension skills and As for enrolling the youngest pre-1A or small group of young parents have gotten and the behavior is hindering his or then mainstream back into the conven- first grade students in such a program, together to form two classes—Nursery her ability to learn, the sad fact is that tional schools they came from. this parent said that at that point par- and Kindergarten—that will begin next they will come up with all kinds of rea- “These are top-of-the-line intelligent ents tend to wait to see how their kids week on September 10 for children diag- sons not to do schoolwork, which will kids anywhere from ages seven to four- are going to do in the regular school set- nosed as ADHD. The program goes by the ultimately become a problem,” teen,” says Ms. David. “We are a recog- ting prior to making a decision or a name, “The Diamond Program,” and is an Feintuch said. “We call it ‘cognitive nized yeshiva with a full Hebrew and move. extension of a program that has been suc- shifting,’ that means simply teaching English curriculum with the goal of Locally here in the Five Towns, the cessfully running during the summer as a kids how to pay attention to one thing having our students back in a regular CAHAL program that is set inside the part of Simcha Day Camp. at a time,” he says. yeshiva within two or three years after schools does extraordinary work The director, Yossi Feintuch, says that The new year-round Diamond we begin working with them,” she said. with youngsters dealing with learn- he feels that the benefits these young Program has the endorsement of Rabbi HaLimud has done remarkable ing disabilities. CAHAL has achieved children can derive from a classroom set- Dovid Feinstein and Rabbi Dovid work over the last few years with great things over the years for chil- ting devised and constructed around Weinberger. In addition, the group is young girls who otherwise may have dren who otherwise would not have their needs is immense. consulting with Leah Steinberg of been dismissed as “unable to learn” or had a place to learn. The key to the “It’s called the Diamond Program Project Learn of Agudath Israel of labeled “problem children” under dif- process in all the programs is firstly because given the opportunity these America. Ms. Steinberg is assisting the ferent circumstances. identifying the type of issue that kids can shine,” said Mr. Feintuch, a group on governmental tuition reim- “We get calls all the time from parents exists and then placing the child in a social worker who is also the principal bursement for the students. Tuition who are not certain whether their child productive as well as comfortable of the Priority-1 high school in runs in the $20,000 range for the year. fits in or not,” says Ms. David. “One thing learning environment. Cedarhurst. As to the difference Additionally the group is consulting is definitely certain,” she says, “No child Another school year is upon us but between ADD and ADHD, Mr. Feintuch with psychiatrists Dr. Barry Holczer that comes to us is left without a school it’s certainly not the same for every says that today all diagnoses of this and Dr. Glenn Hirsch and with pedi- once the school year starts.” The Ohr child or parent. There are challenges sort are categorized ADHD. “There is atric neurologist Dr. Freddie Marton on HaLimud annual tuition is $30,000 and that need to be dealt with and parents ‘inattentive’ ADHD where it seems that the program. Ms. David runs an afterschool learning who need both vision and courage to the student’s mind is just wandering For Leah David of , the found- center for students who need her assis- step back and break out of the routine and then there is the type where it ing of Yeshiva Ohr HaLimud seven years tance but who cannot afford the tuition. or the mold if that’s what is in the best seems the student is simply jumpy and ago came about as a result of personal cir- There are 19 girls enrolled in the school interest of the child. Taking these steps cannot focus,” he said. cumstances. The issue was dyslexia and for the new term. and considering one of these very The new classes will be renting space the obstacle it posed to the learning There are indeed numerous alterna- diverse programs can help avert prob- from Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island in process. She watched as her very young tives to the usual everyday school set- lems in the future for students and par- Inwood but are operating separately and child was falling increasingly behind in ting that have been perfected with each ents alike. There’s nothing like watching apart from the yeshiva. “These kids are her studies at a local yeshiva. playing a special role in the educational a child absorb information the way a very bright and many have higher than Today Ohr HaLimud is recognized as a process of the Jewish community. One sponge soaks in water, especially when average IQ’s,” Mr. Feintuch said. “It’s just Bais Yakov school for girls and has done parent whose child is enrolled in the learning was once a serious problem the classroom setting that needs to be remarkable work in dealing with the Diamond Program for the coming with no clear answer. O adjusted so that they can perform.” reading problems of students enrolled in school year said that the decision was a He explains that all people like to her school. By applying the Orton- tough one but at the same time they Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at do things that they customarily excel Gillingham method of language recogni- wanted to do what was good and right [email protected].

14 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Hashem’s Garden beauty in front of us. We should ignore of beauty in a real sense, in Hashem’s gar- ing and breathtaking beauty and know- Continued from Page 10 the hundreds of other people standing den, where the Shechinah comes to dwell ing that it was all created for you, and around us looking at the same scenery during these important days. How unfortu- only you, that brings a person to a level that he thank him for the meal that he and say to Hakadosh Baruch Hu “Bishvili nate it would be to be with Hashem in his of deep connection to the Borei Olam received. But what if Shimon begins to nivra haolam.” All this majestic and garden on Rosh Chodesh Elul and not truly that even Rav Hirsch felt he had missed thank Reuvein for the house that he had uplifting beauty was all created for me, grow from that experience? and would be called to task for. the meal in, the table that he ate from, to instill in me a greater sense of the Just maybe this is what the great This week marked the shloshim com- the chair that he sat in, etc.; it would not niflaos haBorei and how much closer I leader of German Jewry, Rav Shimshon memoration for one of my greatest be just odd, it would be inappropriate; feel to the Borei Olam for all He does for Raphael Hirsch, zt’l, meant (as is often rebbeim who had a profound influence because the house, table, and chair were me. Indeed, the heart swells with the repeated) when he was very troubled in upon my life in my younger years— all there before and will be there after- berachah of “oseh ma’aseh bereishis.” the days before his passing and one of Hagaon Rav Moshe Chait, zt’l, of wards. All he received for himself was a When I shared with my colleague Rav his students said to him, “, you Yerushalayim. Of the many lifelong les- meal. If so, asks Rav Ben Zion, why do we sons that I learned from him regarding include in Birkas Hamazon, the berachah what it means to grow as a Torah Jew, the for the “land,” that is not specifically for most important lesson of all was that he him? “What will I answer the introduced to us the concept of “Elul.” He The great Novordok rosh yeshiva was an eloquent and accomplished ora- explained this with a different parable. tor and speaker, and when he gave a Let’s imagine a person stranded on a Heavenly court when I will be shmuz, his words entered your heart and desert with no food or drink. All of a sud- never left. He was the first one to speak to den, just moments before he is about to asked, ‘Shimshon, did you see my a group of 17- and 18-year-olds in the mid collapse, a plane lands in front of him 70’s, who had just arrived for a year of and gives him some shade from the sun, study in Yerushalayim, eager to explore a chair to sit on, a table to eat from, and a Swiss Alps?’” the new world we had just entered. Rav hearty meal. Wouldn’t the person be obli- Chait expanded that world for us, and gated to thank his savior for every aspect brought us into his world, the world of of his generosity, the table, chair, etc., Elul. It is now more than 30 years later, which were all extended specifically for , shlita, of Aish Kodesh have so many zechusim to take with you and his voice saying “Elul” still rings in him? So too, Rav Ben Zion explained, we in Woodmere, my thoughts on the ability in your journey to Olam Ha’ba, including my ears each and every year. say every day that Hakadosh Baruch Hu is to feel such closeness with Hakadosh preserving Yiddishkeit for so many thou- And so I hope and pray that with the “mechadesh betuvo bechol yom ma’asei Baruch Hu here in this beautiful place sands of people.” Rav Hirsch responded, lessons that I absorbed in my youth from bereishis.” Each and every day, the world and how appropriate these thoughts are “Yes, maybe that I do have, but what will Rav Moshe Chait, zt’l. about the signifi- is created anew for each person. “Bishvili for Elul, he responded, that this is really I answer the Heavenly court when I will cance of Elul, the inspiration I received nivra ha’olam,” the world was created just found in the words of the Baal HaTanya, be asked, ‘Shimshon, did you see my from seeing up close some of the wonders for me. The entire land where your food who explains that in the month of Elul, Swiss Alps?’” of niflaos HaBorei on the Colorado moun- came from is all for you and therefore it Hakadosh Baruch Hu goes out into his Maybe what Rav Hirsch, zt’l, was say- tains, that even if I did not merit to inspire warrants a specific berachah of gratitude “ginah” (garden) and one has an ability to ing was that there is a level of connec- others with the importance of Elul, at least to Hakadosh Baruch Hu. easily connect with him while he is out tion to Hakadosh Baruch Hu that only it has had some profound effect upon me. I suggested to my new friend that this of the “palace” into which one needs spe- comes from an overwhelming appreci- For without it, how does one even begin is what we should be thinking about cial zechusim to enter. ation of his beautiful world. Only by to approach the Yemei Hadin? O when we come upon such breathtaking Here we are in Elul, in the majestic place seeing with your own eyes that inspir-

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 15 Danny O’Doul Continued from Front Cover

tion—it is only as hard as you want to make it. Sure, the Torah’s Epic Curse con- tained in the Tochechah of Ki Tavo is, on the face of it, the biblical equivalent of Iron Man (lehavdil)—the quintessential heavy-metal rock-and-roll anthem by the genre’s “gadol ha’dor,” Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath—awe-inspiring, regal, and foreboding. However, we all know that this portion of the Torah is a worst-case scenario, and that if we follow in Hashem’s pleasant ways and cling to His Torah, we can avert the catastrophes cau- tioned against therein. Don’t make it hard; just take it easy and play by the rules—a similar strategy to sleeping until 1 p.m. on Tishah B’Av, or skipping most of Minchah on Yom Kippur to extend the natural and essential post- Mussaf afternoon nap and returning to shul during Maftir Yonah. What about law school, you ask? Well, that’s obvious—just ask any Cardozo School of Law graduate how many pens he or she used during three years of legal studies and whether such student actually read the case law or just Blackstone’s crib note compendiums of famous legal decisions. I personally know several graduates of this fine academy of legal studies who knew more about which bars offered the finest beer at the best prices or poured the strongest margaritas (with such a liberal free hand as to make Jimmy Buffett him- self proud) than whether a contract met the “offer, acceptance, and terms” test taught to newbies in Contracts I. Well, the Tochechah is kind of like that—you know it’s there, but you try your best to avoid its terms and condi- tions being enforced, and you definitely try not to ponder the possible punish- ment on a daily basis. However, the Tochechah does not con- jure up some great memories from my youth. When I was a strapping young kohein back in the Bronx, fresh off my bar mitz- vah year, I remember being called out of the regular upstairs minyan and beck- oned to come quickly to the Greek min- yan comprising assorted Sephardim, mostly emanating from the Greek town of Yanina. When I got there, I learned that I would be the “guest kohein” for the first aliyah because it contained the Tochechah, in which the Torah states in no uncertain terms the penalties for non- compliance with the Biblical command- ments. The funny thing is that I really believed that these Sephardim thought they were putting something over on me, like “just sign right here and we will include free undercarriage rustproofing spray coat and throw in LoJack.” However, I was hip to their game, as my bar mitzvah party took place on the previ- ous Labor Day, and the Monday-morning reading was the very same tochechah of Ki Tavo! After having leined Ki Teitzei (which is kind of like the 747 jumbo jet of parash- iot) the prior Shabbos , the Tochechah of Ki Tavo was nothing unmanageable. When you look at the reading as purely a technical exercise, it is not very daunting. But when you start to think about what you are reading, then you can run into problems. The weighty and stern warn- ings are better left to perfecting the glib 16 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES understanding level of knowledge usual- “scofflaw-ed” The Legendary Danny the Feds should make the Tochechah apply and I will have Chazer Hymowitz, private ly reserved for those preparing for a stint O’Doul, seeking hardball retribution for a to states to ensure fiscal responsibility, pru- investigator, look into these reports early on Jeopardy or taking a bar exam. stack of alleged bona fide and unpaid dent spending, and adherence to and pro- next week. Just knowing that these terrible things parking tickets—some as old as the motion of social morality. While I am mentioning Chazer could occur if you do not behave like a Tochechah itself. Such strong-arm tactics However, it’s hard for the state of Hymowitz, I can tell you that there is some good boy or girl is enough thinking for do not go over well with me. And anyway, California to even consider the Tochechah recent confusion brewing among the resi- me. Furthermore, as a community and as I doubt they could sell my Mercury Grand when about half of its population is cur- dent gourmets of the Five Towns concern- a nation, we must understand that our Marquis Ultra-Rare Park Lane Edition for rently carrying a doctor’s prescription for ing the upcoming pending opening of responsibility is to strive to succeed in anywhere near the $4,500 the govern- an ounce of medical marijuana. Perhaps Kalman’s of Korea, the glatt kosher Korean adhering to the commandments we were ment would have granted under the now the Governator ought to run the barbecue joint coming to the old Tea For instructed to keep in the Torah. I think defunct “Cash for Clunkers” program. Tochechah as Proposition 18 on the Two location. You see, it is difficult to the Greek Sephardic Jews from Yanina Especially in light of my recent affixing of upcoming California ballot! obtain the required fire permits when fea- understood this and were just hedging to enough stickers on my car’s rear bumper And, speaking of the upcoming elec- turing individual tabletop barbecues on ensure that in the event some of those which patrons can crisp their own meats Ashkenazic boys started acting like hood- and poultry over an open fire with their lums, then one of “our own” would get it! choice of authentic Korean sauces. The concept of “one of our own” getting This is precisely why the close-to-the- it is clearly what the Tochechah is address- Perhaps the Governator ought to run vest cabal of owners has called in Chazer ing: If you foul up the nation with your Hymowitz to investigate the source of the misdeeds, disrespect, and arrogance, then delay within the Village and to do his job it is we as a nation that wind up “getting it” the Tochechah as Proposition 18 on and expedite the permit-approval process. with a significant punishment and Meanwhile, there has been talk that extreme results. the upcoming California ballot! Dougie’s world-famous glatt kosher barbe- Our “getting it” is precisely something cue is moving in on the trophy location, we wish to avoid at all costs, so let’s just leaving many in the local gourmet com- make a gentleman’s agreement to behave munity mystified and puzzled. Perhaps nicely—or as close to nicely as a frequent- Hymowitz’s progress will yield some ly pompous, self-centered, and luck-push- to cause my dear Italian-American neigh- tion, things are looking up for the cam- answers by press time of next week. ing group of children (of Abraham) can bor to affectionately dub me “the paign of my dear friend Michael Wildes, Regardless, there is little doubt that the come to acting. Orthodox Jewish Redneck.” Scofflaw mayor of Englewood, New Jersey, to next gastronomical genre to grace the We can observe the commandments away, you heathen municipalities, for I become the next New Jersey member of space will give tribute to the art of barbe- better than we can observe the no-cell- will donate my classic automotive arti- Congress from his region. Wildes just suc- cue. phone-while-driving-laws and the no- fact to the First Museum of the Orthodox ceeded in shooing off the Colonel This is The Legendary Danny O’Doul walking-across-the-LIRR-platform-when- Jewish Redneck before I let you get your (Muammar Abu Minyar al-Kaddafi) from signing off and wishing you a Great Good the-flashing-red-light-bar-is-in-the-down- dirty mitts on it. his palatial estate in Englewood, right Shabbos—one in which your only brush position rule. The ramifications of our When American municipalities like between the Moriah School and the with the Tochechah will be during k’riyat communal non-compliance can certainly California get into trouble, they merely go home of Michael Jackson’s former rabbi. haTorah—and may your only exposure to as serious, and even more. bankrupt, default, and ultimately get bailed Perhaps now the Colonel will attempt to incendiary wrath be that experienced by While I’m on the subject of fines, the out by big business, the federal govern- sneak into Back Lawrence and covertly your hot dogs, burgers, steaks, and chops Village of Cedarhurst and that awful ville ment, or both. When the Nation of Israel occupy his Italianate villa somewhere at your backyard barbecue this upcoming known as Valley Stream have just goes astray, we get the Tochechah. Maybe near the Rockaway Hunt Club. I hope not, Labor Day! O

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 17 Blue Fringe. Very good driving music! Rosenfeld & Maidenbaum, “Lunch So far we had spotted at least eight today?” As much as I would kvetch about packed cars driving back to school. This doing much of the sponsoring for these was getting exciting! Somehow we had lunch outings, they will be sorely missed. inspired our daughter to streamline her Just picked up some relatively inex- stuff and we can actually see out of the pensive gas ($2.63/gallon) in Clark rear window this year. As a veteran sopho- Summit, Pennsylvania—one of the few more our beloved daughter realizes that perks of driving a few hours out of the she just might not need to bring every out- Five Towns area. An hour after the gas fill- fit and every pair of shoes she owns. This up we made it to campus! We have found On The Road Again were zipping! No Whitestone Bridge for year will be a new experience: no typical the Susquehanna Community, picked up Our trip this past Thursday morning him (my usual route as per MapQuest). dormitory room, rather an on campus her keys, and I have settled into the apart- began rather smoothly. The college girl According to my expert there would be apartment to be shared with two other ment, while Lenny and our college girl and I were in the bagel bakery by 6:15 a.m. too much traffic (I happen to love traf- nice girls met through the Binghamton moved the van up a narrow winding road ordering our sustenance for the trip fic—no one honking me for driving last year. They will have their own (I was happy to sit that one out) to get (bagels, lox, and cream cheese, of course) under the speed limit). We took the kitchenette (full size refrigerator, yet we closer to the apartment to unload. and we even purchased a dozen extra Triboro to the G.W. (That’s how we drivers are still shlepping the mini-fridge in the Let me point out: closer than before. It bagels for the troops we were leaving refer to the George Washington Bridge) so trunk), living room area, and bathroom was still a nice trek up a hill, back and behind (I guess they do need some food). forth to the van. Thankfully Lenny con- Less than two hours later, we had fin- vinced our darling daughter that the mini- ished packing up the car, given the last fridge in an apartment with a full size one instructions to our designated supervisor, was not necessary, so that remained in the Naftali, (the location of Yussie and Lea’s Just passed a sign on the road: trunk. Following dining on our lavish lunches for Chabad Friendship Circle lunch of bagels, lox, and cream cheese Camp, etc.), said our final goodbyes, and purchased from the “alter heim,” and after we were on our way. Be Prepared To Stop. I guess that is Mommy (yes, that would be me) setting By 9:00 we got our first check-in call up her eldest daughter’s bed (quilt cover from my Mom: Yussie and Lea were firm- a good lesson in general. and all), we decided to take a tour cross ly ensconced eating breakfast at the bagel campus to possibly set her up with a meal store (bagel and cream cheese for Yussie plan. The short walk (as per our daughter’s and a cheese omelet and hot chocolate description) was turning into a hike, and for Lea). By 10:00 a.m. my Mom was when we were nearing the halfway point, scheduled to drop off Yussie and Lea at that we would totally avoid the Cross (which they need to keep clean all on their I decided that our young lady was fully Chabad and retrieve them by 3. Bronx Expressway. Even with normal own—that should be a fun time for all). capable of handling this task on her own “Are you at the [George] Washington morning traffic we made the trip to that This past summer break has gone by the next day. Please keep in mind that this Bridge yet?” Lea asked knowledgeably. point in an even 40 minutes! swiftly. I had gotten accustomed to hav- half marathon was entirely downhill, My kids are already familiar with the We were truly zipping until the end of ing a partner at work for my daily trips to which meant that the trip back to the Binghamton route. I-80 when roadwork ensued. Somehow Toddy’s and Gourmet Glatt. During the apartment (and of course the car) was “We just went over the bridge.” I though, the road construction slowed us eight weeks of my morning camp job, I completely uphill. I have decided that I answered. down by a mere 15 minutes. Back to zip- would have the standard text from my am not good on inclines! With husband Lenny at the helm we ping while listening to our latest C.D. of eldest daughter, hard at work at When we finally made it back

18 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES uptown, we decided to take a trip to the two lanes to merge into one for no is a good lesson in general, no matter into school as the rest of her siblings Giant Supermarket for some emergency apparent reason that we could see (in how simple things seem to be going, were safe at home and the house staples that we seemed to have forgot- other words, preparation for some future and how smooth the traffic seems to remained in one piece. ten (plasticware, cups, paper goods, etc., roadwork I guess). be in your future, be prepared to stop Have a great week and a very happy and of course some bargain treats that We just passed a truck that had a for any bumps in the road of life. first day of school to all the college stu- we could not pass up). About 20 min- sign posted on it, Construction Vehicle As I sit here this morning typing dents out there (and their parents)! O utes later we were back on campus and Keep Alert For Sudden Stops And Turns. (does one say typing anymore, or is key- Phyllis Joy Lubin is an attorney with Rosenfeld & unloading yet again (this time we did Good to know, plus good that Lenny is boarding more proper?) this week’s col- Maidenbaum, LLP, who resides in Cedarhurst not drive up the winding road and just in the driver’s seat and was able to pass umn into the computer, I am happy in with her husband Leonard and six children: Naftali, Shoshana, Rivka, Rochel, Yosef, and Lea. had a bit more practice walking uphill). that truck! Just passed a sign on the the knowledge that we have successful- She welcomes your questions and comments at At this point we decided that it was road: Be Prepared To Stop. I guess that ly moved our college daughter back [email protected]. time to say so long. Our daughter had made contact with her friends and our company was no longer necessary (sob, sob). We said our goodbyes and somehow figured out how to get off campus and back on the highway all by ourselves. Again we were zipping along on I-81 until somehow we weren’t (somewhat reminiscent of my winter trip to Binghamton). A mere 40 minutes later we were moving again with no greater expla- nation other than that roadwork caused

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 19 chos apply equally to all courtyards permit. If one does park his car there regardless of their width. without a permit, the car may be booted, An interesting application of these with the violator paying a $150 fee to halachos may be Forest Hills Gardens. remove the boot. The streets, though pri- Forest Hills Gardens is one of the most vate, are open to public traffic. In fact one beautiful neighborhoods in all of Queens. of the streets is an important thorough- The area, which is distinct from Forest fare. 71st Street, also known as Hills, is a private community with no Continental Avenue, connects gates, but with private roads, green Metropolitan Avenue with Austin Street Private Pathways is evident from the Rambam that the spaces, and even private sewers. and Queens Boulevard. The street passes Virtually all neighborhoods have aforementioned halachos only apply to Developed in 1910, the neighborhood, of through a section of Forest Hills Gardens. them: backyard shortcuts. You cut public thoroughfares that are at least 16 roughly 4,500 residents, is one of the May Forest Hills Gardens Corporation through two backyards and you get to a amos wide (not less than 24 feet). In fact, most exclusive areas in the borough. The curtail public use of their roads? different street and save a minute or two the Be’er Hagoleh wonders why the neighborhood started out with the pur- First from a legal standpoint: The short off your walking commute. If one day the did not quote this opin- chase of 142 acres. On these acres archi- answer is yes. However, they are required property owner suddenly decides that he ion as practical halachah. This would pre- tect Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr. planned to close the streets once a year to ward off no longer wishes to allow people to cut claims of adverse possession by the city through his yard, may he put an end to and its residents. People familiar with the the use of the path? neighborhood know that they have large The Gemara (Bava Basra 12a) quotes a So it would seem that the public is still brick edifices with chains attached to statement made by Rav Yehuda in the them at the entrances to the neighbor- name of Rav: “A tract of land that has subject to the whims of the Forest Hills hood. These chains are used once a year been put to use by the public may not be to close off the streets. ruined.” The situation in our Gemara is From a halachic standpoint it may be that there is a privately owned courtyard Gardens Corporation if they decide to curtail somewhat different. One issue which (mavuy) that strangers walk through to needs to be resolved is under what cir- get to a city. The owner is not allowed to public use of their roads. cumstances the public has a right to a curtail the public use of his own private thoroughfare they have been using. The property. The Perisha (C.M. 162:6) says that Rashbam (Bava Basra 100a) seems to indi- this is only true if the route through his cate that the right is only enforceable courtyard is the shortest one available. If clude any such right being applied to the a community after the style of the when the public fixed up the path. If they the public has a better option, however, backyard shortcuts as they are never 16 English “garden cities” of the time. The smoothed a path to make it level, then the owner may insist on them using that amos wide. The P’nei Yehoshua disagrees plan included a central square with a that guarantees them the right to contin- public route. The Ritva disagrees and and says that even narrow routes are sub- green, a railroad station, an inn, and 1,500 ue to make use of the formerly private states that even if the route through his ject to the aforementioned halachos. One houses designed by architect Grosvenor path. Just walking on a path affords no courtyard is less desirable, he may not of his proofs is that the Gemara applied Atterbury. The railroad station is still in such right. Therefore, in the case of Forest curtail its use. With our shortcut, the these halachos to a path through a court- use today as the Forest Hills LIRR station. Hills Gardens, the public would never route through the backyard is usually the yard. Many courtyards are not 16 amos Till today, the neighborhood remains pri- have a claim. The city never fixes those shortest one anyway. So this dispute wide and yet the Gemara did not differen- vate. It is owned by the Forest Hills private roads. They are paved and main- wouldn’t be a factor. tiate between different courtyards. It Gardens Corporation. A non-resident may tained by the corporation. The public’s The Maharshdam (CM 238) says that it seems that the Gemara felt that the hala- not park his car on their streets without a only basis for a claim is that they travel

20 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES year to demonstrate this. They clearly the roads even according to halachah. never relinquished their rights. So it However, if your car is booted by the cor- would seem that according to Tosfos and poration while parked on their streets, Rashbam, the public is still subject to the you might try telling them that you hold whims of the Forest Hills Gardens like . Please let me know if it works! Corporation if they decide to curtail pub- O lic use of their roads. The in the Be’er HaGra (CM Rabbi Sebrow leads a daf yomi chaburah at Eitz Chayim of Dogwood Park in West Hempstead 377:2) states that Rashi is of the opinion and is an outreach professional at JEP of LI. He that the public has a right to “grab” use of can be contacted at [email protected]. a path. Regardless of whether the owner consents or not, the public has a right to utilize a path that they have been using. Since the roads of Forest Hills Gardens You can now upload are used daily by non-residents, it would seem that the public has already estab- your display ad directly lished a right to use the roads and it can- not be curtailed. However, the Vilna Gaon via our website at himself rejects Rashi’s opinion and the A house in the style and architecture typical of Forest Hills Gardens. practical halachah is in accordance with www.5tjt/com/ad the other opinions. So Forest Hills Gardens indeed maintains their right to on those roads and the Rashbam seem- from Tosfos (here in Bava Basra) that the ingly deems that insufficient to substanti- owner gave the public the right. Rav ate a claim. (This would usually also pre- Yehuda quoting Rav simply stated that clude this right from being applied to once an owner gave permission to the backyard shortcuts.) public to use his private property, he may The Chut Hameshulash says that the never revoke that right. There is no Rambam and Shulchan Aruch disagree innate public right to take over property. with the Rashbam. They hold that sim- Their right can only have started with a ply walking or riding on a road is grant from the owner. The Rashbam takes enough to establish a public right to that this one step further. Even if an owner road. (The practical halachah is some- simply stands idly by as the public uses what unclear.) According to the Chut his property, he forfeits his right to Hameshulash, does the public have a object. His silence is tantamount to right, which cannot be curtailed, to use explicit permission. As with Tosfos, once the Forest Hills Gardens streets? the right is given, it can never be revoked. There is another issue that needs to be In Forest Hills Gardens, it is clear that the resolved. On what basis is the public right corporation wants to maintain their pri- formed? Why should the public have any vate ownership with all the accompany- rights to private property? It seems clear ing rights. They close the streets once a

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 21 does. I am out of it and no matter where A Day In The Life Of A Professional Stock Trader the market goes from here, no one can take that profit away from me, because I B Y DAVID RAKHSHA make money based on my 12 years of brief the other traders on developing sto- don’t have any more open positions. This experience. With a couple of keystrokes I ries and give them a game plan. is why I love this job. It is 5:30 a.m. on a Monday morning buy and sell stocks and options and sever- It’s 9:30 a.m. and the New York Stock It’s 11:00 a.m. and I hold a training class and I wake up to the sound of my alarm. al seconds later I can sell them for a quick Exchange bell is ringing; the market is for our 15 junior traders. I discuss their I turn on my laptop which is lying next profit. I keep my position anywhere from officially open. Prices move up and down tactics and review their individual trades. to my bed. I check CNBC.com for the 30 seconds to several minutes. 3 minutes and the positions I bought on Friday Each one asks questions and we analyze pre-market indicators of how the U.S. is an eternity for me. I use different meth- afternoon keep going higher and I am their decisions. We talk about what they market is going to open and immediate- ods to pick the stocks, and depending on well in profit. The phone rings. It’s my could have done to avoid a loss or what ly I feel a warm rush. U.S. markets are my time frame I can make anywhere from friend. He’s happy because he got in the they should have done to profit more. indicating a strong open and there’s a big a couple of hundred to several thousand same positions on Friday on my advice 2: 00 p.m. and I go back to my seat and chance that the stock and option posi- dollars per day per position. and is calling to thank me. I shout at him look at my scanner. A scanner is an appli- tions that I bought right before the mar- What I do is related to Wall Street but “This is not the time to call! How many cation that shows which stocks to trade ket closed on Friday afternoon will I don’t work on Wall Street and I don’t times have I told you don’t call in the based on predetermined criteria which I make me a lot of money, more than have programmed. most people make in 6 months. After several minutes I notice an With a smile on my face I quickly take unusual activity on a stock; it’s making a a shower; I know I will have a very busy new high. I look at the chart and I realize day. This is the beginning of the week and I’m up more than $23,000, and that there were strong buyers throughout the unlike most other people I’m so excited day and now the stock is heading higher. it’s Monday and I can go back to work. I buy 500 shares of the stock to test the I arrive at work at 8 a.m. There are no profit is locked. Now I don’t care water. The stock is moving higher and I managers to answer to and no clock to see buyers step in. I add 4,500 shares, and punch. I don’t produce anything and I what the market does. now I have 5,000 shares. I don’t have a don’t call anyone to sell anything. I problem buying more shares because our don’t have a salary and there’s no limit broker-dealer allocates my company to how much I can make. I make money more than enough leverage to buy shares based on my talent, performance, and and positions in order to make a hefty experience. have a seat on the New York Stock morning when the market opens. Each profit in a few seconds. All of a sudden I turn on my computer and with a cou- Exchange. Instead I work for my own minute can cost me $1,000s!” I hang up. the stocks start to push higher and I am ple of keystrokes I log in to cyberspace company, Star Alliance Capital Partners The market continues rising. It’s 9:50 selling into the strength. In less than 30 and start my stressful, exciting, but prof- from my own trading floor in NYC next to a.m. Based on my indicators, I feel the seconds I purchased and sold 5,000 itable job which I wouldn’t change for other traders, some professional and market has reached the point that I shares of the stock and I made more than any other job in the world. Many people some novice. should get out, so I start to sell my posi- $500 in profits. don’t understand what I do; some think It’s now 9:15 a.m. and all the traders are tions, and in seconds I liquidate most of I didn’t notice how the day sped by. It’s it’s gambling, but I don’t agree. now in front of their computers monitor- my profitable positions. I look at my almost 4:00 p.m. The Audio News I’m a professional stock trader and I’m ing the pre-market activity and discussing screen. I’m up more than $23,000, and announces 10 seconds until the market proud of it. I trade stocks and options their trading plan. that profit is locked since I sold my posi- closes, then the NYSE bell rings and the daily, and I teach other people how to At 9:20 a.m., before the market opens, I tions. Now I don’t care what the market market shuts for the day. O

22 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 23 with company (as an activity)? Some people relying on the food itself for salvation. wind up eating more than they wanted to Don’t overorder. Share a main and dessert, Fattening Friends just because they “had to order something,” or order just a few appetizers to pick at. or, “I couldn’t resist. It just looked good.” Eat slowly and savor your food, stopping They let go because they see that their as soon as you start to feel full. (Take the BY RACHAEL E. SCHINDLER, chocolate concoction. As they put it, friends are and it feels like they have permis- rest home with you for another meal.) In MA, MS, CAI, CPT “Chocolate makes everything better.” Or sion to do so in a group setting because the addition, you can limit nights like this to say, “It’s ok, you NEED it to calm down and atmosphere is festive. Perhaps you are out to once a week, and enjoy it within reason As both an exercise and scuba diving unwind.” Studies have shown that when dinner with friends and you wind up eating by ordering one yummy dish instead of enthusiast, one thing rings true for both: men are depressed they are more likely to dessert even though you were full and really an appetizer, main and dessert. Buddies make it better! As with many have drinking mates and women are more didn’t want to. What if a buddy, spouse, or relative other things in life, friends can help you likely to have eating buddies who enable So what can you do? Drink, and drink constantly offers you food? (This by the along in a variety of ways. I know that for them to eat more and more. some more! Water that is. Fill up, eat a way is so Jewish.) Subconsciously many years the Lucille Roberts fitness So what should you do? Don’t just graze salad, or change seats! That’s right! Move he/she may want you to fail your chain would advertise, “Join with a friend ‘n gripe! At least, graze, gripe, ‘n walk! That’s yourself or the food away from you. Go to healthy eating efforts because he/she for less,” since studies show that a person right! Exercise not just your mouths but the bathroom, or distract yourself and wait may be envious of your weight loss is more likely to continue with an exercise your bodies. Many studies have shown for the food to settle in your stomach. My efforts—especially if he/she needs to program when doing so with a partner or how mild to moderate exercise a couple of favorite thing to do is chew gum or have a lose weight himself/herself. companion. Even with scuba diving, PADI, times a week dramatically reduces symp- sucking candy handy, (or two or three), so So what can you do? Be open and hon- a certifying agency, promotes it as a fun, toms of depression and keeps it at bay. My you are less likely to graze. Gum and candy est with your pal, tell her you are trying to buddy sport! Eating (another one of my own extensive dissertation concluded that also change my palate so I feel like my meal watch what you eat, and if she persists favorite pastimes) is a major social experi- mild to moderate exercise, 4 times a week is over. In addition, I like something sweet more than three times, question how good ence as well. We eat with our families and for about a half hour, was optimal at not at the end of my meal and gum or candy a friend she is and whether she is trying to friends, even just as an activity. But are only reducing depression and anxiety but really does the trick! (My friends already sabotage yours diet or her own. Try to keep there times where friends can thwart your in raising the perceived quality of life of know I bring gum and candy so they also get-togethers food free. Be strong (yet nice) health goals, especially with eating? You the person. Exercise not only did not make expect me to have enough for everyone!) and they will get the message you mean say to yourself, ”I had to make all those you feel as depressed by giving you a, “run- What if you are the type of person who business. You are worth it! heavy, rich dishes since I’m having compa- ner’s high,” it also made you feel good and doesn’t eat much during the day because Finally, help both your waistline and ny on Shabbat,” or, “That’s what we do on more optimistic and positive about life in you are too stressed, only to make up for your wallet by making expensive restau- Saturday night. We eat, with friends. Again. general. One way is through the “Mastery it and more by pigging out at night with rant meals an occasional indulgence. At night.” Recent research has shown that Hypothesis,” where you do something friends? Studies have shown that overeat- Instead, make a buffet-style meal (kid- you consume 35% more calories eating repeatedly, master it, and feel proud of ing and overdrinking are common ways dush?) or supper club once a month where with a friend than eating solo. What can yourself. Or, where you feel good about to cope and blow off steam, especially in everyone brings a healthy dish, so you can you do if your friends are making you fat? being in control of yourself and doing groups. taste all the food and have good company (By the way, this condition is even worse if something just for you, including giving So what can you do? Arrive at the without all the guilt (and work!) O the friend/friends that are making you fat yourself some time (to think or not think) restaurant hungry but not famished. are skinny.) which can help alleviate whatever the situ- Snack on a mix of carbs and protein, like Rachael E. Schindler has over 18 years of experience in exercise physiology, Pilates, nutritional counseling, and Let’s say you are depressed about some- ation is. So take your drama to the board- a piece of cheese and an apple, an hour teaching, as well as multiple degrees in forensic and thing, or angry, or hurt and you call up a walk and get it all out while you sweat! before to keep the edge off. You can fill up developmental psychology. She specializes in food and behavioral issues in children and adultsInsurance is friend or two and they come right over or What if you are the type of person who fast with soup or fiber and look to enjoy accepted. She can be reached at [email protected] or meet you at the ice cream store for some likes to eat just about everything in groups or your friends’ company to relax instead of 917-690-5097.

24 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES cede to take up that mantle, I’ll be holding on a plate alongside a generous helping of out with some delicious alternatives like fennel-orange relish (recipe below). Drizzle the following flavorful dish, highly recom- a few drops of olive oil reserved from the mended for your Rosh Hashanah menu. bottom of the baking dish over the top of And while we’re on the subject, if you are each piece of fish. Garnish with a fresh looking for some inspiration for your Rosh lemon slice. Hashanah cooking, I’ll be teaching a new class in time for the holidays at the Five Fennel-Orange Relish On Culinary Repentance know. I know. It’s heresy. Towns JCC’s Kosher Culinary Institute on Ingredients: I have never been much for “Jewish guilt.” First comes the rationalization: perhaps Wednesday, September 9, at 10:00 a.m. For 2 large (or 3 small) navel oranges But as the days of summer wind down and if fresh halibut or Chilean sea bass were more information, please contact Sheryl 1 large fennel bulb, trimmed Rosh Hashanah comes ever closer, I always available or even remotely affordable way Wyszkowski at 516-569-6733, ext.222. 1/2 large (or 1 small) red onion feel a sense of foreboding, knowing that my in back in Poland or , it would have This refreshing fish dish can be served as 3 Tbsp. finely chopped flat-leaf parsley tormented relationship with gefilte fish will given gefilte fish a run for its money! You a cold appetizer or as a hot entrée—for extra-virgin olive oil be revisited. Allow me to elaborate. never know. Or even more compelling: if I Rosh Hashanah or anytime of the year! Directions: Being one who is always enamored by “season to taste” that raw fish, I could get Cut off the polar ends of the oranges culinary traditions, I relish new kitchen worms. It’s a medical hazard, you know! Roasted Halibut with Orange with a sharp serrated knife. Then slice the adventures—upon meeting a friend in the Then comes admission: maybe it’s a men- Gremolata peel from the sides. Trim away the white supermarket, she remarked “Oh that’s right, tal block. Maybe it’s the fish heads looking A gremolata is traditionally a garnish pith. you’re the one who likes to patchke in the back at me. I make hullapshas (stuffed cab- made of minced parsley, lemon peel, and With a gentle sawing motion, cut kitchen.” Ok, if the oven mitt fits… There has bage) with passion, potato kugel with pride. garlic. This recipe uses orange peel instead along each membrane and release the however, been one glaring exception. My hus- With each babke I place in the oven, I to complement the accompanying salad. orange sections into a large mixing bowl. band’s family has been making homemade delight in the intoxicating aroma emanat- Serves 2-4 as an entree, 4-6 as an appetizer. You will be left with an empty mass of gefilte fish for Rosh Hashanah and Pesach for ing from my oven. But gefilte fish just Ingredients: membranes—squeeze the membranes to at least five generations. Gefilte fish was comes a little harder for me. Maybe I’m just 3 Tbsp. olive oil extract more juice (you should have derived in the tradition of eating foods that deficient in the Ashkenazic gefilte fish gene. 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley about 3 tablespoons of juice).* were created to comply with halachah. Onwards to repentance: I did not make the 1 Tbsp. finely grated orange peel Using a mandoline or a very sharp Having all bones removed, it was the perfect family’s gefilte fish this year. I want to make 2 large (or 3 small) garlic cloves, minced knife, thinly slice the fennel and onion Shabbos fish as it circumvented the need for the family’s gefilte fish in the coming year 4 6-oz. halibut fillets (about 1 inch thick) (almost like shavings). Toss together the borer (selecting). What’s more, because several (barring fish eyes, worms, or good sales on hal- Directions: fennel, onion, orange sections, and pars- other, less expensive ingredients were added, ibut). Oh, Lord, please open this fish-loving Preheat oven to 450°F. Brush large ley in a medium bowl and drizzle with the recipe enabled families on a modest foodie’s heart to the ways of the real gefilte! rimmed baking sheet with 1 tablespoon oil. olive oil and freshly-squeezed orange income to partake of fish on Shabbos. Nevertheless, in a few weeks when we Mix parsley, peel, and garlic in small bowl juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. And now it seems that I am the chosen are called upon to stand before our King in for gremolata. Place fish on baking sheet *If oranges are not so juicy and don’t produce steward of this culinary legacy; no pressure Judgment, I’ll be standing before the in- and generously sprinkle fish with salt and juice when squeezed, use regular orange juice or anything. But as I wasn’t there to experi- laws in familial Jewish guilt when they pepper. Brush fish with remaining 2 table- instead. ence the carp in the bathtub, didn’t watch remind me, “You know, you really have to spoons oil. Sprinkle each fillet with a table- Naomi Ross teaches Cooking Concepts, courses on my grandmother hand-grind the fish and learn how to make the family’s gefilte fish.” spoon of gremolata. cooking skills and kitchen management for the onions, and grew up eating Mrs. Adlers Gulp. And I, slowly slumping down in my Roast fish until just opaque in center, Jewish home. For more information, visit her website at www.JewishCookingConcepts.com. straight out of the jar, I just don’t have that chair, will reply “pass the horseradish, about 8-10 minutes. (If serving cold, let fish Naomi can be reached at nostalgic “lovin’ feeling” for the g-fish. I please.” Until the time comes that I con- cool and then refrigerate). Place each fillet [email protected].

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 25 instilling the following valuable life Quitting lessons in your child: 1. The importance of setting goals and meeting them. To do this, encour- Dear Sensei Warren, age your child to carry on with karate Q. I am a 3rd degree Black Belt. My until he attains the next rank. This will nine-year-old son started karate classes motivate your child to achieve a goal. If and in a short period of time I have he still wishes to quit once he has already noticed a vast improvement in attained the next rank, he will be quit- his concentration and his ability to ting at a point when he is confident and focus. My son now wants to quit. I am has a sense of achievement; disappointed. I had also wanted to quit 2. To be committed to see tasks on a few occasions in the past, but am through; glad that I persevered. Do I allow him 3. To not quit when he is not winning; to quit? 4. Patience to accomplish goals; A. If you are of the opinion that 5. An ability to believe in himself this is a temporary phase that your and to turn a goal into a reality. child is going through, you should These life lessons will benefit your delay your child quitting karate. It is child in the future—whether it is to not uncommon for students to meet the challenge of obtaining a high- become temporarily discouraged er rank belt, to pursue an academic when they have to meet the challenge achievement, or to overcome a difficult of the increased focus, discipline, and challenge in life. O concentration required in order to learn new skills to acquire a higher Sensei Warren Levi has been teaching martial arts to children and adults for over 15 years belt ranking. Karate provides a sys- and holds a fifth-degree black belt in shotokan tematic method for students to karate. He has a bachelor’s degree in physical acquire the ability to meet these chal- education/exercise physiology. Sensei Warren has held many seminars on subjects such as lenges. If you are able to encourage self-esteem in children and teens, behavior and and motivate your child to persevere, discipline, praise vs. punishment, career motivation, goal-setting, and self-defense. He not only will your child benefit phys- can be reached at ically and mentally, but you will be [email protected] or 516-569-0808.

26 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES A Hand In Need s”xc Continued from Page 12 ments, balance checkbooks, conversing with banks to restructure debt and assisting with children’s homework. As well, AHH communicates with the myr- iad community organizations that need to be involved with the families for their needs on a long-term basis. And by educating the public on the importance of purchasing and maintaining life- insurance policies and other instru- ments that are vital to serving family members, Avigdor’s Helping Hand pro- motes the need for long-term planning. “We also work with social workers and psychologists, all of whom volunteer their services,” says Mr. Glaser. Indeed, Avigdor’s Helping Hand is a tzedakah like no other, operating with no staff and no overhead. For the 25 vol- unteers who give selflessly of them- selves, AHH is truly a labor of love. “The devotion of these young people, who are starting out in their careers, is immeasurable,” Eli tells us. “They are doctors, lawyers, hedge fund managers, and working long hours, with young families to support. Each volunteer has a unique job to perform, which is done with such dedication. They tell us how their lives have changed and of the tremendous chizuk that they are getting. Each and every one of these wonderful young people is our partner. They are the reason, b’ezras Hashem, that we are successful. Every cent of your donation goes directly to help the widows and orphans. We have no overhead; every- thing is done by volunteers—even the stamps on our Labor Day Barbeque invi- tations were paid for privately. Once again, the Moradi family is graciously hosting our event in their beautiful home—we are honored and fortunate that this exemplary family is such an integral part of Avigdor’s Helping Hand. We are looking for people to contact us if they know of a relative, friend, or neighbor who is in need of Avigdor’s Helping Hand. Everything is done with the utmost discretion and the highest level of tznius. We are getting tremen- dous accolades every day. We’ve been guided by da’as Torah since the very beginning.” Avigdor’s Helping Hand has secured a matching funds commitment, whereby all funds donated to AHH will be matched. For example, your donation of $500 will allow AHH to provide $1,000 in financial assistance. You are cordially invited to enjoy an elegant evening of fine cuisine and relaxing music at the Fourth Annual Labor Day Barbeque for Avigdor’s Helping Hand. Catered by the inimitable Michael Schick and featuring the Neginah Symphony Orchestra playing medleys from Carlebach, Dvekus, and Regesh, the event will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 7 at the Moradi residence, 72 Muriel Drive in Lawrence. Please join AHH in their noble mission of rebuilding the future…hand in hand by showing your support on this very special evening. To help Avigdor’s Helping Hand in any capacity, or to make reservations or obtain additional information about this exceptional tzedakah, please visit www.avigdorshelpinghand.org or call 347- 424-4926. Tizku l’mitzvos! O 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 27 happened until the Sinaitic revelation achieve meaning in this world, and 3,300 years ago? Where was the commu- achieve the ultimate reward. The reward is The Noachide Laws: nication? earned after living up to the proper moral The Oral Tradition plays a key role in code. The reward is not given by merely this explanation. The sages record a tradi- believing in something or someone. A Prescription For The World tion that there was a Divine communica- Where are these laws found? Is there a tion to Adam, and it was modified to record of these laws anywhere in the his- Noah about what was expected of torical record aside from the Jewish B Y RABBI YAIR HOFFMAN the yardstick by which man was ultimate- mankind. This communication asserts texts? Can the influence of the Noachide ly judged was unattainable and complete- that there are certain values and behav- code be detected in ancient civilizations The Oral Law contains within it a tra- ly beyond his reach. Such a G-d would not ioral norms that G-d demands of all of and societies? dition about G-d and mankind. A loving, have confined His creation automatically mankind. Yes. In the Sumerian city of Ur, Ur- kind, and ethical G-d concerned for His to a state of punishment with no hope It was a fair and merit-based system of Nammu the king (circa 2050 BCE) estab- moral laws. The communication boils lished a moral and legal code that con- down to seven laws. writes tained within it most of these laws. [1] that being a good person and adhering to One hundred and twenty five years later, The Noachide code remains there these seven rules guarantees one’s share we find many of these laws within the in ultimate reward. The seven rules are: code of Bilalama, king of the Amorite city • Believe in the One G-d. of Eshnunna (1925 BCE). Sixty five years within the words of the Mishnah, • Do not curse G-d. later, we see them in the laws of Lipit- • Do not murder. Ishtar, ruler of Isin (1860 BCE). We see quietly, softly, wielding its influence. • Do not steal. their influence on the code of • Do not engage in forbidden sexual Hammurabi of Babylonia (1700 BCE) and unions. in the Assyrian laws in the city of Assur • Do not eat the limb of a live animal. (1350 BCE). creations would not have created a world for salvation. • Create a system of laws where decen- We can further observe the influence where man would have no direction. He Somehow, a loving G-d would inform cy can thrive. of these laws in Egyptian didactic litera- would not have created a world where man of what is required of him. So what With these laws, man can improve, ture, especially the Book of the Dead wherein the “negative confession” is stat- ed: “In the presence of Osiris and his court convened in the “Hall of Two Truths” the dead man professes, “I have not done evil… I have not blasphemed a god… I have not killed… I have not stolen… I have not committed adultery.” When the allies conquered the Nazis at the end of the Second World War, the question of a trial arose. The allies wished to show the horrific crimes that the Nazis had perpetrated to the world, and the Nuremburg Trials were held. There was one question, however, which gnawed at a number of people. By what right may the Nazi villains be tried? It is almost a universal principle in law that one cannot create a law and then place someone on trial for that law ex post facto. If the Nazis legalized murder, then on what basis could they be tried? This legal dilemma was answered with the notion of a universal human code against cold-blooded murder. The oral tra- ditions of the Jews, the veracity of which we have established to all those that believe in the Bible, tell us of how this universal code started. It may have been lost in the dustbin of history, but not to the Jewish people. The Noachide code remains there within the words of the Mishnah in Tractate [2], quiet- ly, softly, wielding its influence. The seven laws are not just laws, they are seven categories. Thus the belief in the One G-d deals with knowing the nature of G-d and emulating Him. The prohibition against forbidden sexual unions encompasses prohibitions against incest, adultery, and homosexuality. The prohibition against stealing would involve robbery, theft, and the stealing of intellectual property. In conclusion, the Noachide laws pro- vide society and civilization with a strong foundation and structure for moral growth as well as a fair, merit-based sim- ple manner in which mankind can earn eternal reward. O

The author can be reached at [email protected]. NOTES 1. For an excellent study of these texts see J. Pritchard, Ancient Near East Texts, Princeton, 1955 pp. 159-198; 412-430. 2. Tractate Sanhedrin 56a; See also Tosefta Avodah Zarah 9:4 and in some editions 8:4. 28 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 29 30 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Yesha Building Freeze: Busting The Myth

B Y TZVI BEN GEDALYAHU

The Netanyahu-Barak coali- tion government’s de facto freeze on building for Jews in Judea and Samaria affects schools and homes but not busi- nesses, Southern Hebron Hills officials said. While Defense Minister Ehud Barak is not signing any papers that would alleviate overcrowded schools and a lack of housing throughout Judea and Samaria, building for facto- ries and business continues as usual, explained Miki Mark, chairman of the Southern Hebron Hills Regional Develop- ment Company. Its new headquarters opened its doors Sunday night in a developing industrial complex in the Hebron Hills, several miles northeast of Be’er Sheva. “We have two factories, one from Be’er Sheva and from the center of the country, which are planning to build here in the next six months,” Mark said during the dedication of the new edifice of the develop- ment company owned by the area’s regional council and Jewish communities. The development company’s modern facility houses its offices, a transportation divi- sion that includes 50 vehicles, and an agency promoting tourism. The company also operates a small solar energy station, with a larger one under development. The area’s first store, featuring toys, opened up Sunday night in the industrial center, adjacent to an existing factory producing body creams, and an oil recovery company which is part of the Delek Group headed by industri- alist Yitzchak Tshuva. Infrastructures Minister Uzi Landau (Yisrael Beiteinu) noted at the dedication ceremony that the new building was built with all of the necessary legal approvals, including that of Defense Minister Barak. Earlier in the evening, Minister Landau visited the hill- top community of Avigail, which is on the government’s chopping block. He said that while Barak currently does not sign approvals to build homes in Judea and Samaria, “Bedouins continue to steal water and receive hook-ups for water and electricity.” Citing the portion of the Torah that was read last Shabbos commanding ethical business practices, the minister said that the government is not applying the law equally to Jews and non-Jews. (Arutz Sheva) O 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 31

ing for the first year, and other hardships more money. I’m wondering whether I that we had to endure because we had have a right to tell my parents that I know nowhere to turn for help. My parents about their small fortune, (really not so could have made the experience so much small), and ask them to either gift or loan more normal, maybe even pleasant. some money. I’ve never asked for any- Instead, like the rest of my life, it was thing before, and the thought of asking filled with anxiety. now makes my heart race. There have been some other events in My husband is actually a very proud Dear Esther, make a few bucks, and we had to take our lives that were scary that my parents and honest man. He still hasn’t gotten over Your column from last week brought out student loans for college and gradu- knew about. Again, had they offered us the fact that I peaked at the statement and up some very painful feelings for me on ate school. some financial help, we might have saved doesn’t feel I should mention anything. a similar matter, though in some ways I was recently visiting my parents ourselves enormous pain, suffering, and But let’s face it, they can’t take it with very different. But it also involves par- (who still live in that old, creepy apart- anxiety. them. And right now, my sister and I could ents and money. ment I grew up in), when I noticed a use some of their money for so many I am now in my forties. I grew up with bank statement on their kitchen table. I worthwhile things. What do you think? two very hard-working parents. My moth- don’t know what possessed me, and I Broke er worked in a bakery and my father know it was wrong, but when I was Don’t all parents Dear Broke, worked for a small company for as far alone in the kitchen, I took the state- First let’s see if we can speculate on back as I can remember. They both ment out of the envelope and almost fell want to see their some reasons to explain or justify your worked long hours and I don’t remember off my chair when I saw how much parents’ behavior, which clearly seems so them doing very much else other than money they had saved up. Without men- bizarre to you. Off the cuff, several ideas working. We lived in an apartment in the tioning details, they seemed to have children have it a come to mind. You did not provide me Bronx and always felt kind of poor. amassed a small fortune. with their ages or birth origins, so I don’t I have so many memories of a general After the shock wore off, I found little easier? know whether their life experiences have sense of having to struggle. My father myself going through different emo- a great deal to do with their miserly used to cut paper napkins in half to save tions—none of them very good. First, I behavior. It’s very possible that they both money. My mother would sew much of felt really angry at them. How did they grew up feeling extremely poor and inse- my sister’s and my clothing. Socks were allow my sister and me to grow up feeling Aside from anger, I’m totally confused. I cure for good reason and never quite got darned over and over again. We never got so frightened about every penny we can’t understand what all this saving is all over their feelings of apprehensiveness allowance, never spent money on frivo- spent? I remember feeling sick to my about. They obviously have never learned toward spending money. In fact, it sounds lous items, never ate out, and of course stomach when I had to tell my parents how to enjoy the fruits of their labor. I’m as though they put away the first dollar never went to camp or took vacations. that I needed an extra few dollars for a sure that they love me and my sister, and they ever made. A serious lack of money My sister and I naturally felt different school trip or some other unexpected it’s so hard to believe that they wouldn’t during one’s youth can seriously trauma- from most of our friends, except for a cou- expense. There was always a sense of anx- want to see their children live better lives. tize a person, so that may be one answer. ple here and there who were truly poor iety in my house—and for what? We’ve always worked so hard to fend for Then there is the obsessive-compul- and were in very desperate situations, When my husband and I decided that ourselves. Don’t all parents want to see sive nature of their behavior. It almost either because their fathers died young or it would be wise to buy a house, it their children have it a little easier? sounds a little like hoarding—their some issue with divorce or illness. became a major ordeal, trying to scrape To bring you up to the present, I inability to give away, hand over, relin- My sister and I worked hard for every- together a down payment, having to set- recently lost my job. We are planning a quish, etc. People who “hold on,” when it thing and anything we ever wanted. We tle for one of the most neglected homes wedding for our oldest daughter and the doesn’t really make much sense to do so, took advantage of every opportunity to in the area, living without air condition- only way to pay for it would be to borrow often feel they can’t control their behav-

32 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ior. Perhaps there is a piece of this dynamic going on as well. Another thought is that there are those individuals who believe that if their chil- dren are forced to make it entirely on their own, it will build character within them. It does seem as though you figured out how to get an education, get married, and buy a home without any help from anyone. Though I’m sure you feel proud of your accomplishments, I do understand that there was an emotional price that you had to pay and can understand you question- ing whether it was worth all the anxiety that you’ve lived with all of your life. Considering these possibilities and possibly others, I hope that you can shift from a place of anger toward your par- ents to a place of acceptance. Acceptance doesn’t mean that you believe they han- dled their doling out of money in an intelligent or caring fashion. It just means that you accept the fact that they most likely believed it was the responsible way to live their lives and the best way to par- ent. After all, not only did you and your sister miss out on an easier and more relaxed way of living, but they did as well. It doesn’t sound as though they were hav- ing too much fun either. So now we come to the question of what to do at this point—knowing what you know. I agree with your husband that you had no right opening their personal mail. And you certainly shouldn’t discuss your blunder with them or anyone else for that matter. If you feel you need to come clean with them, I believe they would take your indiscretion as a very personal affront to their sensibilities. For them, money may symbolize so much more than you’ll ever know. I don’t think you want to go there. However, there is nothing wrong with asking them for a loan or for help with your upcoming simchah. From their per- spective you are clueless regarding their financial situation. As far as they are con- cerned, for all you know, they could have $10 in the bank or $10 million. But there is no danger in asking. Well, there is one danger, which you need to be prepared for. That danger is that they might come back to you with an answer like, “We’d love to help you, but we simply can’t. We don’t have that kind of money.” Therefore, you need to think long and hard about how you would handle an answer that you know is not truthful. How will it affect your relationship with your parents going forward? Will you ever be able to view them in the same way, chalking it up to a further manifesta- tion of their “money issues?” Or will it make matters even more strained between the two of you? Never ask ques- tions that you aren’t totally prepared to hear the answers to. In conclusion, I agree with you. The way they’ve always behaved toward money and continue to behave doesn’t make a lot of sense. But it is their right. They worked hard for every penny. They didn’t steal it from anyone. It is their choice to sit on it or not. But as you men- tioned, they can’t take it with them! Let’s just hope that they’ve attended to a will, and that might be a conversation that they are willing to have with you. Esther

Esther Mann, LMSW, is a therapist and life coach in Lawrence. Esther can be reached at 516-314- 2295 or [email protected]. She works with individuals, couples, and families. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 33 ing in the wrong place for the solution. recalled that he had once witnessed This is certainly not the first collective someone denigrate a Torah scholar and Chareidi Riots display of Shabbos desecration in our his- he did not protest in the scholar’s honor, tory! How did Jews of note react to simi- and a talmid chacham is called “Shabbos.” lar scenarios in the past? For one, the Baal So indeed on some level, albeit a deep BY YOCHANAN GORDON achieving the result they are supposedly Shem Tov of saintly memory once wit- one, he had compromised the sanctity of hoping to accomplish. nessed a Jew openly desecrate Shabbos at Shabbos. If there was any semblance of sinceri- This actually reminds me of a famous which point he confined himself to his Earlier this year there were reports of ty or holiness regarding the chareidi story involving the ‘wise men’ of Chelm. room and began to cry. He was distraught an organized protest in a different Torah protesting in honor of Shabbos, some- One day, Yankel, a long-time respected and at the same time perplexed why G-d community in reaction to a report that thing tells me that the world’s reaction resident of the famed town, was seen pac- had caused him to witness such a disturb- their local JCC was going to open its would be much different. There is a fine ing back and forth around the vicinity of ing sight. The Besht, as he was known, doors for the first time on Shabbos. Not line between holiness and extremism. his home. Moishe, a friend and neighbor through his lifetime had revealed a deep- long before this report, I had heard first- For the same reason, unless someone of Yankel’s, asked him, “What is going on er, more profound, understanding into hand from eyewitnesses of a public dis- served time in prison and converted to that you’re pacing back and forth like the Divine Providence of G-d. He said that play of disrespect towards one of the Islam in search for a new path in life, the this?” “I lost the keys to my house,” was everything a person sees or hears during most influential leaders in the past centu- thought of Islamic extremist fundamen- ry, this coming from a community which talism or any extremism for that matter is on various levels has been responsible for detestable and intolerable, as the conse- similar acts without ever expressing quences are at times irreparable. remorse or regret for the disparaging Watching the news and the video clips He thought about what he could remarks coming from their direction. It is of the violence being employed hiding not about who we feel is righteous and behind the façade of holiness as an whether or not we follow their lead or excuse to flair tempers makes us sit and have done to deserve to witness not, rather it’s about a commandment of wonder where all this comes from. I the Torah to abnegate ourselves before think it catches our attention because someone desecrate Shabbos. the righteous who serve as our spring- violence has rarely been the Jewish reac- board towards cleaving to G-d. tion to any situation. It is no coincidence So you see, things do not happen by that the Jewish nation has always been themselves. It could very well be that known as the people of the book. Even Israel is filled with Shabbos desecration. Meir Kahane, z’l, who formed and led a Yankel’s reply. “Well, where did you lose the course of any given day had been pre- And as sad as it may be, until it became Jewish action extremist group for the them?” asked Moishe. “A few blocks destined for a specific purpose from public knowledge and done in a manner sake of Jewish pride and security, was away,” answered Yankel. Quite perplexed, above. As such, he thought about what he to spite or arouse the fury of the chareidi more justified in his approach as his was Moishe asked, “Why then are you looking could have done to deserve to witness community no one ever said boo or dared a reaction to a very physical onslaught here if they were clearly lost someplace someone desecrate Shabbos. As soon as lift a finger. While there have always been against the Jewish people which triggered else?” “Simple,” answered Yankel, “here he regained his composure, he began to rock throwers as an expression of individ- a physical response to arouse the fear of it’s light and there it’s dark.” No one is say- review his actions from the time of his ual objection, which in and of itself is a our antagonists. But to resort to violence ing that the desecration going on in Israel birth until that very moment and had desecration of Shabbos, there has never as a response to a spiritual desecration of is not a problem—it certainly is and it is confirmed that never had he in the slight- been this sort of organized, premeditated Shabbos is, in my opinion, completely disturbing on all accounts—but it seems est manner compromised the sanctity of attacking so-called in the honor of unfounded and inconsistent towards that the extremists among us are search- Shabbos. At that moment however, he Shabbos. But if these supposed chareidim

34 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES had holy and pure intentions they would do some introspec- tion or soul searching, especially in these days of Elul, to unearth the real root of the problem. The public nature of this desecration could be a direct result of some- thing they may or may have not done. In fact, since the first rash of violence with some of the leaders in and around the Meah Shearim community forbidding participation in riots or public demonstrations of any sort, it seems that the readiness of peo- ple to act of their own accord in outright disregard for and con- travention to the leaders amongst them can itself serve as a facilitator of the rampant disre- gard of the secular Israelis of Torah and mitzvos. While this article is my demonstration against the extreme chareidi response to the events going on in Israel, we in America who are far removed from the war zone can take a valuable lesson in this auspi- cious Elul season in preparation for the Yomim Noraim. While there is a commandment in the Torah to reprimand a wrongdo- er, it seems that the manner in which people usually do this is more destructive than construc- tive. It is said in the name of the Chazon Ish, zt’l that unless someone knows the proper way to chastise, it absolutely should not be done because the conse- quences could be life-altering. The quotes the words of our sages that he who has the ability to protest a wrongdoing and neglects doing so is called a rasha. Yet he would agree that if the manner in which it would be done would end up destroy- ing a soul, it should not be done. The Torah, its students, and scholars are supposed to bring an atmosphere of peace into the world and if that is not the out- come of the protest, then that is not a fulfillment of the mitzvah. I feel that one of the most mis- understood episodes in the Torah is the incident where Pinchas killed Zimri. If you con- sider yourself a kanoi then this is probably your favorite event throughout the Torah and chances are it is a result of your misunderstanding the entire nar- rative. Pinchas, as a result of his status of “ish asher bo,” was qualified to take vengeance on behalf of G-d. Pinchas did not kill Zimri as a result of his personal anger or objection. Pinchas was one with G-d, as is demonstrated in the manner in which he, in the guise of Elijah the prophet, ascended to Heaven alive never having tasted death. Perhaps as proof to Pinchas’s righteousness and the manner in which he acted was his emerging from the saga unscathed. If in fact he would have been killed or injured in the act, halachah dic-

Continued on Page 36 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 35 Riots Continued from Page 35

tates that his perpetrator would have been acquitted of the crime. His escaping unharmed clearly indicates that his reaction was vindicated. The Gemara relates another episode which seems to suggest that my approach in this sce- nario is correct. Rav Shimon Bar Yochai and his esteemed son Elazar, having spent 12 full years isolated in a cave completely detached from the physical world, had finally decided to rejoin the civilized world. It seemed however, that as a result of their aloofness they had grown intolerant of the vanities of mankind. Each place they would set their sights on would burn in an instant. This repeated itself a number of times until a Heavenly voice proclaimed, “Cease destroying the world that G-d created and return at once to the cave.” They returned to the cave for another 12 months until they were ready to emerge. This time, they only saw the virtues of mankind. G-d enjoined us on the sixth day of creation to be his partner in building the world—not destroying it. Holiness is not an excuse to destroy the world of G-d. It is clear from this incident that the holier we are, the more tolerant and accepting we become. In these last couple of weeks, before the world sits in judgment before G-d Al-mighty, let us look to find the virtue as opposed to vice, look to build rather than destroy, and to accept rather than reject. As a result, we will find favor in the eyes of G-d and merit a year of happiness and bountiful bless- ing culminating with the com- ing of Moshiach speedily in our days and an era of peace and euphoria for all time to come. O

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36 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Keeping all that in mind, and knowing totaled. At that time he immediately pur- the pride Arnie took in servicing his cus- chased this truck and then quickly rented tomers, we had to make arrangements to another truck until this new one could be keep the business up and running, even outfitted with a refrigeration unit. This during our time of overwhelming grief. took place in 2004, so it wasn’t hard to Unable to function, much less make a deduce that the truck we were discussing business decision, I remained silent. But, was now five years old. with our longtime friend, Irwin Haims, by Suddenly the room got quiet. All dis- our side to help us, within hours my chil- cussion stopped and an odd silence pre- dren made the decision to hand the busi- vailed. Then one of my daughters broke Even After ness over to a trusted friend and colleague the news to me. “Mom, it’s not five years of Arnie’s. Next there followed a discussion old, it’s a fairly new truck,” she said softly. about whether to include the truck as part “What are you talking about?” I asked. “I Shortly after my beloved husband, replied that he couldn’t. Some folks took of the business or to sell it separately. know exactly when Daddy had his acci- Arnie, passed away so suddenly a few it a step further, first asking how he was dent so I know that truck is five years weeks ago, he still managed to make me able to tolerate not taking vacation time old.” Undeterred, she continued, “I can laugh. and then wanting to know if he was never “Daddy really wanted to prove to you that it isn’t. He bought it in Because Hubby operated a one-man sorely tempted to just pick up and leave 2007. It’s two years old.” business, it was necessary for me and the for a while. Without missing a beat, Arnie get one in a different I knew that grief can do weird things to children to immediately consider the would give the following answer. “It’s people but I had a hard time believing practicality of continuing the business or easy. Whenever I get the urge to get away color, but he knew that that I could be mistaken about the date of disposing of it immediately. Arnie was a I call Vacations Anonymous and they talk an accident that had caused so much smoked fish supplier and, smoked fish me out of it!” That was the cheerful he couldn’t do that upheaval in our lives. At the time of that being a perishable item, he always had to upbeat man that I was married to for 47 without tipping you off.” accident, Arnie neglected to tell the ambu- keep things moving. He didn’t have the years. Thank goodness he was shomer lance driver who appeared on the scene luxury of keeping a large inventory. Shabbos or he would probably have that he took Coumadin on a daily basis. As Everything had to be fresh, always. And worked seven days a week instead of six. a result of Hubby’s oversight in not men- Hubby took pride in the knowledge that This background information explains And now I did voice an opinion. tioning that fact, he developed a slow, his fish was absolutely the best. why, within a few hours of learning that “Listen. I don’t know much about cars or silent but very serious bleed into his brain We understood this and we knew he we had lost this most precious man, my trucks, but Daddy always said that the and several weeks after the accident he was right. We also understood that there children and I had to decide what to do. minute you drive a vehicle out of the was rushed into surgery to repair what the could be no interruption of service. It was If customers aren’t serviced, they simply showroom, it depreciates dramatically doctors called a subdural hematoma. We for this reason that he rarely took any time move on to another supplier and we and that it further depreciates every year.” were lucky not to have lost him then. off. When we would encourage him to take weren’t about to let Arnie down—not I then went on to remind my offspring One doesn’t forget these things. I sure a vacation he would say “I can’t get away. now. If he wasn’t here to carry on the that the truck was now five years old and didn’t. Nor does one forget the dates on My customers won’t wait until I return to route, we would see to it that someone probably not worth very much. “Maybe which they occur and that’s how I knew get their merchandise and even if they else did, because that’s what he would we should just give it away to Daddy’s for- for certain that his truck was purchased would be willing to wait, the fish won’t.” have wanted! He often repeated a line mer worker,” I suggested. in 2004. So I stood my ground. And then That was always the end of the discussion. that was well known in the fish industry, I knew exactly how old this truck was my world was further rocked. “Mom,” my When non-family members asked him “You’re only as good as your last delivery.” because years earlier Arnie had a serious why he never took time off, he simply We remembered that. accident while driving and that truck was Continued on Page 40

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 37

reasons. One of its functions is to make a in a very real way. He has already been scene, a time, or an event real. It can bring there and done that. me to a different time, to a land I never The results of using visualizations are saw, to an experience that I never had, powerful. Studies show that not only do and yet it is me right there. I feel it. I expe- athletes who use them improve, so do rience it. And in my mind’s eye, those many other people whose activities events are actually happening to me. I require peak performance. From a sales- may even have physiological reactions to man going on a new call to a surgeon per- the event; my heart rate will quicken, my forming a difficult operation, perform- The Shmuz On The Parashah blood pressure will increase, and my ance can be greatly enhanced by seeing palms will begin sweating as I live that the event happen successfully. Using Visualizations any less, but that certain crisp newness is experience. If you have ever cried when This seems to be the answer for this BY R’ BEN TZION SHAFIER gone. That is a reality of life. So how can you read a book even though you knew Rashi. The Torah is telling us that a person the Torah expect the Jewish people to the events in it never happened, it is a can and should view the mitzvos as if they “Today Hashem has commanded you to look at old mitzvos as if they were given classic example of this phenomenon. are brand new, as if I heard about them for fulfill all of the statutes and laws. . .’ that day, when it just isn’t so? And how the very first time today. In my mind, I can —Devarim 26:16 can the Torah expect me today, thou- feel that newness if I use this technique to Rashi is troubled by Moshe’s use of the sands of years after the mitzvos were visualize that I have first heard about them word “today,” implying that Hashem first given, to view each mitzvah as if this is Every time that I open a today. And this can bring freshness and a commanded the Jews to do the mitzvos the very first time that I am fulfilling it? new energy to the manner in which I per- that day when in reality, Hashem gave the The power of imagination. If you sefer to learn or daven form these mitzvos. Jewish people the mitzvos almost 40 remember reading a well-written novel as This concept is something that is very years earlier. a child, you may have found yourself some- appropriately, I am useful in our avodas Hashem. Rashi answers this question by where you had never been before. You depositing another More precious than fine gold. Dovid explaining that Moshe was telling them might have been brought to the 17th centu- HaMelech describes that, “The Torah is that, “Every day, in your eyes, it should be ry as a pirate sailing the seven seas. There precious stone in my more precious to me than fine gold.” as if you were commanded in them you were, out on the ocean with the buck Chazal tell us that “a mere whiff of the today.” In other words, there should be an and the sway of the waves, fighting off storehouse of fine gems. World to Come is more pleasurable than excitement with which we do the your enemy as he tried to board your ship. all of the enjoyments of this world.” mitzvos, a freshness and new energy, as if The sun glinting in your eyes, you pulled Could you imagine the impact it would this was the first time that we are hearing your sword from its scabbard, prepared for have on your life if you actually felt that about them. the battle. The enemy boarded your vessel; Using visualizations. Imagination is way? Could you imagine the effect it How can the Torah expect it to still be you dug your feet into the deck, tightening also a tool that can help a person achieve would have on your enthusiasm for the new? This Rashi is difficult to understand your fist on your sword, ready to pounce. success. Olympic athletes are trained to mitzvos if for one minute you sensed because we know that for every experi- And suddenly, your mother called you to use what are known as visualizations. A that? The change in your life would be ence, there is a first time. The first time dinner. Gone was the pirate ship, gone was diver will see himself standing high on enormous. may be the best time, but there is only the scabbard and sword, and rudely you the platform, the water glistening below. The problem is that we don’t feel that one first time. When something is new, it were pulled back to reality. He is there in the stadium with the crowd way. It’s not that we don’t want to; We is original, exciting, and fresh, but that That is an example of imagination at cheering as he flawlessly performs his just don’t. Granted, mitzvos are impor- newness quickly fades; the excitement work. Imagination is a powerful tool that dive. He is living that experience in his wanes. The value of the experience isn’t Hashem put into a person for a number of mind, and it affects his performance later Continued on Page 40

38 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 39 THAT’S THE WAY IT IS! Continued from Page 37

daughter said, “Daddy never wanted you to know this but . . . he had another acci- dent in 2007 and he was afraid to tell you because he knew you would get hysteri- cal. He knew you would insist that he stop driving and demand that he not buy another truck.” I looked at her as though she had lost her marbles. “What are you talking about?” I asked, astonished. And sure enough I got my answer when a slow smile crept over everyone’s face. “Yes, the truck sitting in the driveway is only two years old. Daddy really wanted to get one in a different color, but he knew that he couldn’t do that without tipping you off. So his only option was to get the exact same truck in the exact same color so that you wouldn’t notice it was new. And he made us promise not to tell you.” I felt my jaw drop. “You’re kidding,” I said. But in my heart I knew that she was- n’t. “Who else knew this?” I asked. “Aside from Irwin and us, only Norman Weisman and Alan Ehrenberg were privy to the secret. But he may have told oth- ers.” This revelation was my second shock of the day but in my grief-stricken state I couldn’t fully absorb it until a few days later. And that’s when I laughed. What determination Hubby had, in all areas of his life! I was always the loud one while Arnie used the calm or the silent approach, often making me think he had acquiesced when in fact he had not. He had to do what was right for him and this apparently was one of those times. But the end result was the same; once again, Hubby made me laugh. And I know he always will! O

Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a licensed real-estate broker associated with Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at [email protected] or 516-902-3733.

THE SHMUZ Continued from Page 38

tant, and we recognize their place; but to actually feel that they are more precious than gold and silver just isn’t real. But it can become real if we close our eyes and imagine a king’s treasure room, filled with chests and chests of gold coins, dia- monds, sapphires, and pearls. . . and then we imagine that every time that we open a sefer to learn or daven appropriately, we are depositing another precious stone in our storehouse of fine gems. The Torah is teaching us that visualiza- tions work, and we can use them. The reality is that we experience them all the time. Our imagination is vivid and power- ful. The key is to use it without letting it control us. Motivation is essential for success in any endeavor in life. A person can have all the talent in the world, but if he isn’t driven to succeed, he won’t. Successful athletes, entrepreneurs, and world leaders often use visualization to motivate themselves—see- ing the event, living it, and experiencing it all by using their imagination. For this reason Hashem has given us the power of imagination as a tool to be used to aid us in reaching our own poten- tial greatness. O

The Shmuz on the Parsha, a compilation on all of Chumash, is iy’H coming out in time for this Rosh Hashanah! For more information please visit theShmuz.com or your local sefarim store. 40 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 41 ly a nut at all so they are safe for those with nut allergies. A sandwich consisting of whole wheat bread, soy nut butter, and all-natural jam or preserves provides your child with a well-balanced lunch to get her through the day. You can also replace the jam with sliced bananas for an unex- pected twist. Another idea is to fill a pita with moz- Healthy School Lunches And Snacks zarella cheese and tomato sauce to make a pizza pocket. Most kids love pizza and It’s that time of year again when par- them even when they are at school and this is a more portable version of the pop- ents must start getting their kids ready for will help them look forward to opening ular slice. If you can sneak in some school—supplies, uniforms, catching their lunch box. cooked veggies in there that is always an buses, and the dreaded question of what Super subs are a great idea for a quick- added bonus. Simply slice the pita and to send for lunch. What parents may per- to-prepare lunch that allows your child to fill, then wrap in aluminum foil and bake ceive as a delicious, well-balanced lunch add her favorite fixings—sliced onions, 10 minutes until the cheese melts. box full of goodies may seem unappetiz- red or green peppers, pitted black olives, Tuck these in a lunch box for extra ing to kids. Kids have a way of dealing or sweet pickles. They can be involved in nutrition without the added sugar: with lunches they don’t like, and they piling up the sandwich with ingredients • Celery sticks filled with cream cheese or Banana bread don’t always end up in their tummies. they choose and you can make sure they soy nut butter and raisins The challenge for us is to create lunches are getting protein from smoked or regu- • Cheese sticks that are reasonably healthful as well as lar turkey breast or lean roast beef plus • Crackers—plain or with soy nut butter have a couple of extra ripe bananas on extremely palatable. plenty of vegetables, like lettuce, toma- or cheese hand, double the recipe and freeze one The place to begin is at the grocery toes, or avocado. Just stay away from the • Dried fruit and nuts loaf to have handy for future sandwiches store, where you can involve your kids in processed luncheon meats such as • Fortune cookies or breakfast treats. food selection, a process that may require bologna, which have unhealthy additives. • Fresh fruit Ingredients: a little compromise. Allow your kids to Whole-wheat hero rolls are the best • Fruit yogurt or pudding 2 cups all-purpose flour (or a mix of choose from a selection of items that you choice, and scooping out some of the • Graham crackers whole-wheat and regular flour) approve of so that they are more willing bread inside will make it less caloric if • Granola bars 1 tsp. baking powder to eat what you bring home. At home, try you are trying to watch the calories. • Pretzels or small bags of popcorn 1/2 tsp. baking soda brainstorming a rough list of lunches that Most kids like peanut butter and jelly • Tortilla chips with a small jar of salsa 1/2 tsp. salt you both agree on, and don’t forget to sandwiches but these days with the • Vegetable sticks with a small container 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened include a few fun items that your kids awareness of nut allergies, most schools of salad dressing or hummus for dip- 3/4 cup granulated sugar can help prepare. After all, if your kids forbid any nut butters. One solution that ping. 2 large eggs have a little time invested in their lunch- I’ve come across is replacing the peanut 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large es, they may be less likely to reject them. butter with soy nut butter. It is very simi- Homemade Banana Bread bananas) Once in a while, be sure to pack a lunch lar to peanut butter and in a sandwich it Spread a couple of slices of homemade 1/4 cup milk box surprise, such as a note, a sticker, or a is almost completely undistinguishable. banana bread with soy or peanut butter, 2 tsp. vanilla extract lollipop. It’s a simple gesture that will let Soy nuts are toasted soybeans, which are and you create a nutritious sandwich that your kids know your thoughts are with part of the legume family and not actual- has the sweet flavor of a dessert. If you Continued on Page 44

42 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 43

THE DISH Continued from Page 42

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350° and butter a 4" x 8" loaf pan. Lightly dust the pan with additional flour and tap out the excess. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, use a wooden spoon to blend together the butter and sugar. One at a time, add the eggs, beating well with a fork after each addition. Stir in the bananas, milk, and vanilla extract until combined. Stir in the flour mixture until it is just blended. Scrape the batter into the loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Remove the pan to a wire rack. Cool for at least 10 minutes before removing the bread from the pan and letting it finish cooling on the rack. Store the completely cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room tempera- ture. Makes 1 loaf or about 12 slices.

Eating quality, delicious meals is easy when all the work is done for you. Hire a personal chef to prepare your dinners, Shabbos meals, or small parties. For more information, contact Take Home Chef personal chef services by calling 516-596- 8865, writing to [email protected], or visiting www.TakeHomeChef.net.

You shall take of the first of all the fruit of the land… (Devarim 26:2)

Everything that is for the sake of G-d should be of the best and most beautiful.When one builds a house of prayer, it should be more beautiful than his own dwelling.When one feeds the hungry, he should feed him of the best and sweetest of his table. When one clothes the naked, he should clothe him with the finest of his clothes.Whenever one designates something for a holy purpose, he should sanctify the finest of his possessions; as it is written (Vayikra 3:16),“The choicest to G-d.”

(Rambam) The rule,“the choicest to G-d,” applies in all areas of life. If the school day must include both sacred and secular studies, the former should be scheduled for the morning hours when the mind is at its freshest and most receptive. If one’s talents are to be divided between two occupations, one whose primary function is to pay the bills and a second which benefits his fellow man, he should devote his keenest abilities to the latter. In devoting the “first-ripened fruits” of his life to G-d, a person, in effect, is saying:“Here lies the focus of my existence. Quantitatively, this may represent but a small part of what I am and have; but the purpose of everything else I do and possess is to enable this percentile of spirit to rise above my matter-clogged life.”

(The Lubavitcher Rebbe)

44 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES vation of health, repairing the damage done by most of man’s bad habits. The Life-Transforming Diet “The third class of evils….originate from excessive desire for eating and drinking….or an improper manner of eat- BOOK REVIEW into a heart-preserving low fat diet. The language, the author presents us with a ing bad food….This brings disease upon BY ARI SHER Mediterranean diet ushers a life-pre- clear and direct presentation which the body and soul.” serving high olive oil (and moderate makes these fundamental ideas accessi- During Rambam’s time, people did not As King famously said so fat) way of life. Who are we to follow? ble to a more general audience. have a well funded and highly developed many generations ago, there is nothing (This reviewer is not disparaging any of Yes, there is essentially nothing funda- research and development food industry new under the sun. Since then, diet these dietary approaches, particularly mentally new under the sun. Yet the dedicated to making desirable foods even advice, diet plans, as well as diet books the latter two which seem to have a small variations can make things interest- more desirable. —all in the name of have proliferated. Yet the advice does firm scientific basis.) ing and challenging at the same time. In increasing food sales by making food not necessarily get any better or more As the author explains: “Conflicting the Rambam’s time, for example, most of both irresistible as well as, in some cases, effective. The Life-Transforming Diet by nutritional reports from the biggest the food industry was engaged in what addictive. The unfortunate consequence David Zulberg, presents us with a step- news agencies in the world are an every- we would term today as “organic” produc- of this modern R&D is to increase average by-step guide to healthy living based on junk food sales as well as median waist the wisdom of Maimonides (Rambam) and hip girths. and other classical Jewish sources. For Here too, David Zulberg comes to the Zulberg, writing the book was much Modern food technology has rescue with the Rambam’s approach to more than an intellectual exercise. Born forming new habits based on a gradual in South Africa and now living in New system of behavior modification and York, the author lost almost 40 pounds succeeded in piling in huge habit formation. All too many diet sys- while working on the book while rely- tems concentrate on the food itself ing on the Rambam’s advice that “one of with emphasis on external results the most powerful forces of human amounts of salt, sugar, and fat into while the critical internal processes are nature is habit, irrespective of whether ignored. Yet, according to the Rambam, these are actions or preconceived per- the average person’s diet. our external habits are merely the phys- ceptions… for instance, a person might ical manifestations of our internal choose bad foods to which he is not motivations (here too, the Rambam was accustomed over good foods to which ahead of his time). he is not accustomed.” day occurrence. For instance most of us tion. Yet this did not prevent the Rambam Therefore, in order to achieve optimal And let us not forget that even with are convinced that chocolate and coffee from pointing out the negative effects health and weight management, it is nec- the current proliferation of research and are very unhealthy. Yet I read one article caused by overconsumption and lack of essary to understand how our minds are advice in the area of healthy living and that suggested that eating dark choco- exercise (almost a millennia prior to the involved in the processes of habit forma- nutrition, there remains a wide range of late could help control diabetes and invention of remote control garage open- tion. Once the principles of habit forma- approaches that are presented before us blood pressure.” ers). As the Rambam states: tion are understood, then we can begin to on a daily basis. Here the Rambam’s genius can help us “Overeating is like poison to the body… create and to cultivate the positive Dr. Atkins presents a high fat and to emerge from this dietary confusion. In most illnesses are caused by… gorging one- lifestyle habits that we need to succeed. O high protein nirvana. Dr. Ornish offers presenting the Rambam’s principles of self and overeating even healthy foods.” Ari Sher may be contacted via e-mail at a way to opt out of the high fat diet healthy living in a clear as well as concise “Exercise is a cornerstone in the preser- [email protected].

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 45 • Insulating hot water pipes. This is an heat to lower temperatures while you are oldie but goodie! Years ago this was com- away during the day (or high tempera- monly done with asbestos. This got us tures in the case of air conditioning) and into trouble since we now know that then having the flexibility of the desired asbestos is dangerous for your health and temperature kicking on just before you must be removed. But, after removing the come home gives you the ability to con- asbestos, instead of re-insulating those trol those temperature levels and then pipes with an environmentally friendly forget about them. material, most people leave those pipes • Aerators on faucets. These screw-on bare. Today we know that insulating mesh screens break up water droplets, so Going Green those hot water pipes with available rub- you use less water but get just as much ber or polyethylene foam tubes (those rinsing power. tubes come with a slit in the middle so • Refrigerator coils. Once coated with “Going green” has become the new ways of building “green” homes, because that they easily pop right over the pipes) dust, refrigerator coils can’t transfer heat movement by environmentalists, energy there are so many ways that it is difficult can save up to 50% of the heat loss in efficiently so it takes more energy to cool specialists, and organizations through- to summarize them in a single article. I those pipes. your food. Get at them (they are usually out the United States interested in edu- would like to share with you some sim- found underneath or at the back) with a cating people on taking responsibility for ple projects that save between 20-30% of long-handled brush or vacuum with the creating a better living environment on energy costs. Some of them you may long nozzle. planet Earth. want to implement and some just may Once coated with dust, I have touched on but a few simple The reason for building “green” homes give you food for thought. refrigerator coils can’t items which can save on energy and are is really quite simple. By learning to live • Clotheslines . Yes, it has come down to therefore considered “green.” Today you in ways that impact less on the physical this! Admittedly we are not ready to hang transfer heat efficiently can attain many levels of “going green” environment of our planet, we are mak- all of our wet clothes on the clothesline including building entire homes with green ing an investment in the viability and again, but certainly a portion of things so it takes more energy friendly materials as well as solar heating health of its future. can be dried on a clothesline and you can apparatus which are only now starting to How we build our homes, both in save a bundle on energy costs, just by not to cool your food. come into the marketplace at better pricing design and choice of materials, is one of using your clothes dryer. than in years before. The main point in the most significant ways that we can • Tube skylights. This is a tube which “going green” is really just taking the time to affect our future. This means using mate- lets you bring in the sun’s rays to dark • Trees. If you plant shade trees on the consider even small things that you can do rials as well as building applications, that spaces, such as a hall or staircase without southern exposure side of your house that make a difference and then try to put are more environmentally friendly as building a skylight. These “sun tunnels” now, they can grow enough in five years them into practice. O well as energy efficient—which means capture light through a plastic lens to provide sufficient shade to allow you that by utilizing these methods, we are mounted on the roof, bounce it down to run air conditioning less and save you Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a licensed real-estate broker and a licensed N.Y.S. cutting back on our energy use (and through the attic inside a reflective tube as much as 40% on your air conditioning mortgage broker with over 20 years of experience, thereby our dependency on oil) by signif- that then beams it through a plastic dif- costs. offering full-service residential and commercial icant amounts—as well as being more fuser in the ceiling. These create light in • Programmable thermostats. Installing real-estate services (Anessa V Cohen Realty) and mortgaging services (First Meridian Mortgage) in creative with building materials that are those dark windowless areas. It saves you programmable thermostats for both your the Five Towns and throughout the tri-state area. naturally degradable and not problematic the energy and expense of the constant heating and air conditioning tempera- She can be reached at 516-569-5007 or via her website, www.AVCrealty.com. Readers are regarding disposal. use of electric light in those areas during tures can save large percentages on your encouraged to send questions or comments to I am not going to get into the many daytime hours. energy bills. Being able to program the [email protected].

46 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 47 ple on earth whose sons are so emotion- elite and media adore Jews and Israelis Sol Stern, a former editor of the New When Israelis ally twisted that they consider every- who are highly critical of Israel. A num- Left Ramparts magazine, adds that this thing their nation does despicable and ber of marginal Jews, who are not assumes both sides act rationally. hateful, while every murder, rape, and known in Israel, are presented as part of According to this scenario, when Israel’s Denounce Israel: robbery committed by their enemies the Israeli mainstream.6 concessions are considered equitable, fills their hearts with admiration and Israelis’ condemnation of their coun- amity will compensate for any remaining Legitimate Criticism Or awe? As long as a Jewish child…can come try is a result of living under “a state of differences. Didn’t the enmity between to the , and here catch the chronic siege,” posits Kenneth Levin, a the U.S. and the former Soviet Union end Arrogant Self-Delusion? virus of self-hate…let not our conscience in détente? Hadn’t President Richard be still.”2 Nixon gone to China? Aren’t “the Arabs BY DR. ALEX GROBMAN For Katznelson this was aberrant rational” people?8 behavior, not the norm. Today, criti- To suggest there might Any “peace process” is intrinsically Critics of Israel abound. Some are anti- cism of Israel has become ubiquitous be “something superior to war. Regardless of all previ- Semites who seek the demise of the among a significant portion of Israeli ously failed attempts, isn’t another Jewish state. Others have legitimate con- intellectuals.3 inherently violent and peace overture worth trying? To suggest cerns about particular Israeli policies. In the 1950s, psychologist Gordon there might be “something inherently Among the most vocal are a number of Allport explained that Jewish self-hate is unreasonable in Arab violent and unreasonable in Arab Israeli intellectuals who challenge the the process in which the victim identifies Muslim political culture” could be inter- country’s raison d’être. with his aggressor and “sees his own Muslim political preted as racist.9 Instead, Israeli intellec- In an August 20, 2009 editorial in the group through their eyes.” The Jew “may culture” could be tuals began disparaging their own cul- Los Angeles Times, Neve Gordon, a profes- hate his historic religion…or he may ture and rewriting their country’s histo- sor of political science at Ben-Gurion blame one class of Jews…or he may hate interpreted as racist. ry. When they concluded that the Arabs University, accused Israel of being an the Yiddish language. Since he cannot had legitimate grievances, they decided apartheid state. He said a two-state solu- escape his own group, he does in a real “it was time to try again to split the dif- tion was the “more realistic” way to end sense hate himself—or at least the part of ference.”10 this inequity. Since only “massive interna- himself that is Jewish.”4 historian and psychiatrist. Israelis have In the 1980s and 1990s two different tional pressure,” will bring about this Self-hating Jews play a significant been abused for so long, that they escape Israeli administrations offered “land for state and thus save Israel, Gordon recent- role in anti-Israel campaigns of the their pain by espousing anti-Israel senti- peace’ to Syria, but were rebuffed. Under ly joined the Arab sponsored Boycott, Western media. Historian Robert ments. Appeasing the terrorists, they terms of the 1993 Oslo Accords, the Divestment and Sanctions movement Wistrich noted that Jews highly critical believe, will end hostilities. Israel only Israeli government permitted terrorist founded in July 2005.1 of Israel are featured in the British has to acquiesce to Arab demands, cease organizations to return to the West Bank Vilification of Israel by Jews is not a media.5 obsessing about defensible borders and and Gaza and gave tens of thousands of new phenomenon. As early as May 1, Manfred Gerstenfeld, chairman of the other strategic issues, and peace would weapons to Yasser Arafat’s security serv- 1936, Labor Zionist leader Berl Board of Fellows of the Jerusalem Center ensue and such concerns would become ices, before he signed a peace treaty or Katznelson asked: “Is there another peo- for Public Affairs, found that the French irrelevant.7 an irrefutable security agreement. Arab

48 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES failure to rescind the Palestine National Covenant’s demand for Israel’s demise and replace- ment by a Palestinian state was either ignored or minimized.11 “No nation in the world has taken so many mortal risks for a putative peace with its most implacable enemies,” Stern observes. Even after the Oslo Accords were shattered when the Arabs began blowing up civilians in pizza shops and on buses, Ehud Barak offered another proposal at Camp David. Instead of accepting this offer, Arafat unleashed “yet another savage wave of extermi- nation against Israel’s civilian population” with weapons Israel had provided him. Stern credits neoconserva- tives with understanding that Israel’s right to exist as a demo- cratic Jewish state has always been the main problem for the Arabs, not the “disputed territo- ries.” Arab attempts to bring their case to the attention of the world are not arbitrary. Suicide bombings are a cleverly planned strategy that has pro- duced considerable advantages.

Continued on Page 50

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 49 After the first series of attacks against In the same way, some Israelis are delu- Israeli supermarkets, cafés, malls, and sional when they assume they can control buses, the Arab cause was championed Arab behavior. O by European governments and on American campuses.12 Israeli victims Dr. Alex Grobman is a Hebrew University-trained receive little sympathy, Tony Judt, a his- historian. His is the author of a number of books, including Nations United: How The U.N. torian and severe critic of Israel, claims, Undermines Israel and The West, Denying because they are not seen as victims of History: Who Says The Holocaust Never Happened and Why Do They Say It? and a terror but as “collateral damage of their forthcoming book on Israel’s moral and legal right own government’s mistaken policies.”13 to exist as a Jewish State. Israeli offers to exchange land for NOTES peace have not succeeded. Appeasement 1. Neve Gordon, “Boycott Israel: An Israeli comes has only increased hatred of Israel. Yet to the painful conclusion that it’s the only way to save his country,” latimes.com (August 20, Israel is continually pressured to make 2009). concessions. The reason, Stern believes, is 2. Edward Alexander, “Israelis Against Themselves.” In The Jewish Divide Over Israel: that progressive critics cannot acknowl- Accusers and Defenders. Edward Alexander and edge a fundamental truth: “that there can Paul Bogdanor, Eds. (New Brunswick, New be political movements, like Islamic ter- Jersey: Transaction Publishers, 2006), 35. 3. Ibid., 35-36. rorism—in which the jihad and the 4. Manfred Gerstenfeld, “Jews Against Israel,” intifada merge—that are so pathological Post-Holocaust and Anti-Semitism Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs No.30 (March 1, 2005). in their hatreds that we can solve the 5. Ibid. problems they purport to care about only 6. Manfred Gerstenfeld, “European-Israeli after they are defeated.”14 Relations: Between Confusion and Change? An American Watching Anti-Israeli Bias in France, Levin sees an element of arrogance in Interview with Nidra Poller.” Jerusalem Center “this self-delusion” by Israelis who believe for Public Affairs (September 2006). 7. Kenneth Levin, The Oslo Syndrome: Delusions they can affect change. Jews assume a of a People Under Siege (Hanover, New responsibility for something over which Hampshire: Smith and Kraus Global, 2005), vii- viii, xv, xix-xx. they have no control, to ward off despair. 8. Sol Stern, “Israel Without Apology.” City This is similar to an abused child who Journal. (Summer 2003), Online. feels responsible for his plight and views 9. Ibid. 10. Ibid. himself as “bad.” The child maintains, “the 11. Ibid. fantasy that if he becomes good enough,” 12. Ibid. 13. Tony Judt, “The Country That Wouldn’t Grow his father will stop hitting him, his moth- Up.” Haaretz. (May 5, 2006), Online. er will give him attention and whatever 14. Stern, op.cit. other form of abuse he suffered will end. 15. Levin, op.cit. xvi-xx.

50 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES been so outspoken during his presidential ous and slice Israel in two. Where was campaign when he had the national, and Rev. Huckabee then? indeed international, spotlight. But it seems for Rev. Huckabee, politics And it would have been even nicer if he trumps his concern for Israel. had been so outspoken during the eight I am also intrigued by Rev. Huckabee’s years his fellow Republican, President response to a question about pro-Israel George W. Bush, was repeatedly stating that support in America continuing. He the “world needs a Palestinian state,” and answered, “I’m not 100 percent sure. Ode To senator from New York State made a that it must be “contiguous.” [www.tele Otherwise I would have been in a very Shenker, Sasson, And Gordon speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate coin- graph.co.uk/news/1431849/The-world-needs- different position right now.” Dear Editor, ing an axiomatic phrase, “To the victors a-Palestinian-state-says-Bush.html] Is Rev. Huckabee implying that John This past Monday morning in shul, a fel- belong the spoils of the enemy.” Israel has After a meeting with the Holocaust McCain won Republican primaries low mispallel came over to me after daven- been successful in all the wars forced upon denier/terrorist Abbas on January 10, because he was not as supportive of Israel ing. He had the Five Towns Jewish Times in it and has suffered tragic loss of life as a 2008, President Bush made a statement as Huckabee? This is an odd implication, his hand and pointed to the Table of byproduct. It is irrational that relinquish- which included these stunning attacks as I certainly remember Sen. McCain as a Contents on the cover, “Ode to the ing land should be on the agenda. Let us upon Israel. He called for “an end to the strong supporter of Israel well before I Palisades” on page 58, and told me to read it. stop this charade and let Israel live with occupation that began in 1967,” gave ever heard of Mike Huckabee. I took it home and started reading it the peace and security it so richly deserves. equality to a “Palestinian” homeland as Carl Maltzman and I was pleasantly surprised to be put Milton M. Adler the same as Israel as the Jewish home- North Woodmere on a pedestal with none other than Cherry Hill, NJ land, and ordered that Israel must “ensure Luciano Pavarotti. It was only then that I that the state of Palestine is viable, con- Changes In PowerOf Attorney looked back to see who the author of this Support For Israel, tiguous, sovereign, and independent.” Dear Editor, article was. I would like to express my Or Politics As Usual? Thus in one statement, President Bush On September 1, a new law went into thanks to Chana Sasson for the wonderful Dear Editor, moved Israel’s borders, established a effect that should be of extreme concern PR, which I know came from the heart. It’s nice to see that Mike Huckabee has moral equivalency between Israel as the for your readers. This law impacts upon Incidentally, I was a very close friend of become outspoken in his support for (ancient) Jewish homeland and Palestine the use of powers of attorney in New York Larry Gordon’s father, Reb Nison Gordon, Israel (“Huckabee in Jerusalem,” August 21). as a “Palestinian” homeland, and ordered a’h, who was a very fine gentleman and an It would have been nice, too, if he had that his beloved “Palestine” be contigu- Continued on Page 52 excellent journalist. Sincerely, Ben Zion Shenker

The Shenker Connection Dear Editor, There is a very interesting background to the article about my brother, Ben Zion, which I would like to share. Chana Sasson, who had for so many years been enrap- tured by Ben Zion’s music, had never met him or even heard him in person. The one who made the connection was Claudette, the Shenkers’ Carribean- American housekeeper. One time Ben Zion was singing his famous Mizmor LeDovid. When Claudette heard it she exclaimed, “I know that song! I love it! I always play it at home.” With some amazement he asked her, “How is that?” (He knew that the Calypso version hadn’t been released yet.) She explained that her previous employ- er, Chana, always played it and she, Claudette, bought the disk herself in Boro Park. Ben Zion then told her that he had composed the “song.” She was so excited that she called Chana to tell her for whom she was working. The next thing you know, there was a meeting in the Shenker house- hold between Claudette, Chana, and Ben Zion. The rest is history. Chana had something when she com- pared Ben Zion to Pavarotti, the opera singer.You see, way back in his youth, Ben Zion succeeded another future opera singer, “Ruby,” a.k.a. Richard Tucker, as lead soloist in the choir of Yehoshua Weiser, a’h. Chaim B. Shenker

Speaking Out for Israel Dear Editor, I fervently agree in calling for town meetings vis–à–vis the current fashion- able leaning on Israel. [“Town Hall Meeting,” From The Editor’s Desk, August 21] This political climate should be explored by town meeting as was Obamacare. The inertia and slumber of our community is totally unacceptable. Where is the courage of Entebbe and the Six Day War? It is most important to hold our representatives accountable for any negative views of Israel. Oddly enough, the president’s Cairo speech was not chal- lenged for misstatements of fact. In 1832, a 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 51 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Continued from Page 51

and creates a new statutory short form incorporating various changes: I. To be valid, a power of attorney (POA) must contain the acknowledged signa- tures of both principal and agent. II. An agent’s authority to make gifts must be granted through a separate statu- tory major gifts rider and executed in the same manner as a will (i.e., two witnesses required). III. The statutory gifting provision amount stated in the major gifts rider is increased to that of the annual exclusion amount under the Internal Revenue Code. IV. Unless otherwise specified, execution of the POA revokes all prior POA forms. V. Unless otherwise specified, where more than one agent is designated, they must act together. VI. The principal can appoint someone to monitor the agent’s actions. Such des- ignated “monitor” will have the authority to request records reflecting transactions entered into on behalf of the principal. VII. Principal’s rights are stated on page one in simplified language. VIII. Agent’s role, fiduciary obligations, and legal limitations are explained. Agent’s signature at end of document con- stitutes an acknowledgment of his or her fiduciary responsibility. IX. No deviation from the statutory short form is permitted. Your readers should not be concerned if they already have powers of attorney. POAs created prior to the effective date of September 1, 2009 will continue to be valid, provided they were valid under the laws in effect at the time of their creation. Howard M. Adelsberg, Esq. 516-569-6930 or [email protected]

Appreciating The Daf Dear Editor, Great article! (“Exercise and Davening,” Daf Yomi Insights, August 21) Please ask Rabbi Sebrow to write more often; I gain so much from his column, as I’m sure many others do. His style is reminiscent of another highly esteemed rav, Rabbi Dovid Orlofsky. Funny, while at the same time very informative. Thanks, Yaakov Laska

Shuvu Is Saved! Dear Friends, Mi k’amcha Yisrael! There are no words that can convey my emotions. On behalf of the children of Shuvu, their families, and our amazing, dedicated staff, thank you for helping save the six Shuvu schools that were threatened with closure. Baruch Hashem, thanks to your unbeliev- able response, all of our schools were able to open regularly on September 1. Indeed, had any schools closed, it would have shaken the integrity of our entire network of 67 mosdos and impacted all our work. Through your selfless generosity, thou- sands of children are receiving a Torah chinuch this year and our work contin- ues. In the words of Moreinu Harav Avrohom Pam, zt’l, we are “bringing Hashem’s children back to Him.” In the z’chus of your concern for these children, may you and yours be blessed with brachah v’hatzlachah and a kesivah vachasimah tovah. Chaim Michoel Gutterman Director, Shuvu Israel 52 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

most innovative Sunday school for girls September 24, 8:15 p.m. Commemorating and boys ages 5–13. Pre-registration the yahrtzeit of Rebbetzin Chana, the required. For more information, visit mother of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, ob’m. www.fivetownshebrewschool.comor call Yom Kippur. September 28. Come to at ext. 19. Chabad and pick up your Holiday Guide. Sofer-Scribe In Residence. Sept- Services will be held at HAFTR High ember 13, 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Bring your School, 685 Central Avenue in Cedarhurst. mezuzahs and tefillin to be checked by a For a complete schedule and times of serv- reputable sofer. ices please refer to the Holiday Guide. A Spiritual ‘Staycation’: revealed the mystical aspects of Torah. Friendship Circle Holiday Program. Programs to sign up for at Chabad. Labor Day Weekend Celebrate “Chai Elul” with a September 13, 1:30 p.m. Holiday program The highly popular Gan Chamesh pro- With Chabad Of The Five Towns dinner with guest speaker Rabbi Leibel for our special needs children and their vides a top-notch preschool experience Whether you traveled the globe, Altein, director of Heichel Menachem families. Reservations required. For more for the entire Jewish community, relaxed at the local park or beach, or con- and noted lecturer and educator. The lec- information, call Batsheva at ext. 13 or e- regardless of background or affiliation. ducted business as usual at your office, ture is open to men and women and the mail [email protected]. At Youth Zone, children ages 3–6 can Chabad has the ideal way to say goodbye event is sponsored by the Pewzner fami- Food For The Body And Soul. spend Sunday the fun way—with fun to summer—or at least, “See ya next year!” ly in memory of R’ Hillel ben R’ Dovid, September 16, 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Join and interactive activities that promote The weekend begins with Chabad’s father of Faivish Pewzner. Chabad’s group of devoted women who Jewish values and friendship. usual meaningful services. On Friday On Monday, September 7, 5:00 p.m.– gather together each week to learn about Cheder Menachem Mendel features night, September 4, candle lighting is at 7:00 p.m, join in a Welcome Back family the and time-relat- evening classes for kids in an interac- 7:03 p.m. and September 5 morning BBQ and clubs signup party. See the ed events with Rebbetzin Rivkah tive-style Cheder where the students services begin at 9:00 a.m. Let the exciting programs Chabad has and sign Kotlarsky. learn basic Yiddish, Chabad Chassidus skilled youth group facilitators enter- up for any that pique your child’s inter- Chesed Night For Children In Grades customs, philosophy, history, and her- tain and educate the children while est (see partial listing below). 3–6. September 16, 6:00–7:15 p.m. Children itage, for boys and girls, grades K–7. adults are welcome to explore Chassidic All weekend, and all year long, the in grades 3-6 come to Chabad and prepare In Middos Mentchen, young tunes, Torah commentary, and styles of fun is at Chabad, 74 Maple Avenue in for Rosh Hashanah by helping others. mentchen join other Jewish boys their prayer. Kiddush is always a favorite and Cedarhurst. Call 516-295-2478 or visit Rosh Hashanah. September 19–20. age once a month to focus on the impor- everyone is welcome back for classes www.chabad5towns.com for more Come to Chabad and pick up your tance of middos and strengthen their throughout the day. information. Holiday Guide. Services will be held at understanding of mitzvos. On Sunday, September 6, at 8:15 p.m. Additional September events at HAFTR High School, 685 Central Avenue Rabbi and The Mitzvah Men meets join in an extraordinary birthday party Chabad of the Five Towns. Birthday in Cedarhurst. For a complete schedule once a month. Young men grades 5–6 for two of the greatest leaders in Jewish Shabbat for children who celebrate their and times of services please refer to the take part in an extraordinary endeavor, history. Rabbi Israel Tov, the birthday in Tishrei. September 12, after Holiday Guide. accompanying the rabbi to perform a founder of Chassidism, taught about the morning services. Meet at Chabad to cel- Women’s Circle. September 22, 8:00 hands-on mitzvah in a Jewish home. spark of G-dliness that is to be found in ebrate your special day with friends, fam- p.m. “My Mumbai Experience.” Hear When boys step up to B.A.T.T.—Boys every creation, and about the great love ily, and cake. Hillary Lewin’s firsthand account of life Accepting Torah Treasures for boys in that G-d has for each and every one of Selichot Services. September 12, 11:00 in Mumbai with Rabbi Gavriel and Rivky grade 7—amazing things happen. The His children. He emphasized the impor- p.m. and 1:00 a.m. Holtzberg, Hy”d. The event will take place Bat Mitzvah club provides an opportu- tance of joy and simple faith in serving Hebrew School Begins. September 13, at the home of Batsheva Meadows, 28 nity to appreciate what it means to be G-d. Rabbi Shneur Zalman of , the 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Be a champ! Join Lotus Street in Cedarhurst. Baal HaTanya, was a beacon who Chabad’s Hebrew School of Champions, a Farbrengen for men: 6th of Tishrei. Continued on Page 54

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 53 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 53 a bat mitzvah. CTeens is a program for young teens ages 13–15 that offers a boys division and girls division sepa- rately. It includes community service activities, debate sessions, trips, and Shabbatons. O

The Annual Barbecue At Woodmere Rehab by Leba Sonneberg On Tuesday evening August 25, Woodmere Rehabilitation and Health Care Center held its annual “Resident/ Family Barbecue.” The residents were invited with their family members to enjoy a sumptuous meal which was prepared by the dietary staff on the Bertha Spielman (seated in center) and her extended family. Judah and Raye Gottesman.

grill in the outdoor patio area. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, steak shish kabobs, and sausages were served together with a large assortment of sal- ads and side dishes. Watermelon, sher- bet, and fruit were offered for dessert. The administrator, Mitchell Teller, together with many staff members, greet- ed each resident and family member. Musical entertainment kept the mood festive and a great time was had by all who attended. About 200 people were present to enjoy this event. O

JCC September Events The JCC of the Greater Five Towns has a central location in Cedarhurst at 207 Helene Greenstein, Morris Greenstein Grove Avenue and several satellite loca- (seated), and nephew Irving Schwartz. Staff members who served at the barbecue. tions around the community. The central

54 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES phone number is 516-569-6733. First meeting will be held September 9. Ongoing Events For further information, please contact Cards and Friendship Group. Come Lisa Barnett (ext. 210) or Chana Pfeifer alone or bring a friend for a fun after- (ext. 213). noon at the JCC. Enjoy meeting new peo- Upcoming Events ple, good conversation, and challenging Choir. This program is for men and games. Every Wednesday, 1:00–3:00 p.m. women 60 years and older. Auditions For further information, please call Lisa begin September 15, by appointment Stern (ext. 209). only. Songs will be in English and Come Alive Program at Sons of Israel in Hebrew. For choir membership, fee infor- Woodmere. This program provides an mation, and/or to make an audition opportunity for homebound older adults appointment please call. to participate in social, recreational, and Rainbow School. Wednesday, Sept- intellectual activities. Kosher lunch will ember 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel, be provided and door-to-door transporta- 140 Central Avenue in Lawrence. An after- tion is available on a limited basis. For school enrichment program for children further information, please call Mary from Russian families. For further infor- Sheffield (ext. 219) or Linda Balch (ext. 211). mation, call ext. 214. Parkinson’s Support Group. The pur- LIFE Members Bingo Night. Glueck Center for Jewish Study. pose of this group is to bring together September 21, 7:00-9:00 p.m. The fee is $5. Parkinsonians, spouses, and their fami- Refreshments will be served. Pre-registra- lies in order to help them better under- tion is required. For further information 185th St. between Audubon and enable rabbinic students at the Rabbi stand the nature of the condition, gain and/or to register please call ext. 211. Amsterdam Avenues. Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary confidence, and join in community activ- Kosher Culinary Institute. Sunday, The dedication ceremonies will (RIETS) to observe and learn Jewish legal ities. For further information, please con- September 9, 10:00 a.m. Preregistration include the participation of New York proceedings in the presence of dayanim, tact Cathy Byrne (ext. 220). required. O State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a and to be trained to serve as dayanim Remember When. This program is espe- YU alumnus, and other NYC and State dig- themselves. cially designed for memory enhancement Dedication of YU Glueck Center nitaries. Connected to YU’s Mendel “The inauguration of this facility will and socialization. The cost includes a full For Jewish Study, September 13 Gottesman Library, the Glueck Center refocus the world on the light that range of therapeutic activities, morning As Yeshiva University embarks on its features a two-story beit seating emanates from Yeshiva University, the beverage, dessert, and a kosher lunch. Fall 2009 semester, it is opening the first more than 500 people, two state-of-the- learning that generates that light, our Round-trip, door-to-door, handicapped- new building on its Wilf Campus, its art lecture halls featuring stadium-style commitment to an integrated life based accessible transportation is available on a main campus in the Washington Heights seating, 11 classrooms, 50 faculty offices, on a Torah that elevates all our studies, limited basis. Registration is limited, on a section of Manhattan, in 20 years. The faculty and student lounges, and a dean’s and how we ultimately apply that study first-come, first-served basis. Glueck Center for Jewish Study, a 60,000 suite. In addition, the building will to the improvement of civilization,” said Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) group at square foot, modern, glass and stone include a high-density, temperature and President Richard M. Joel. Temple Hillel n North Woodmere. 1000 multi-use facility that will serve as a new humidity controlled storage space where This significant building, which con- Rosedale Road. The goal is to offer a safe intellectual hub for students and faculty, the library’s archives will be relocated nects to the Mendel Gottesman Library haven where clients and family members will be officially dedicated in cere- and a satellite courtroom for the Beth Din via the Jack and Gitta Nagel Family feel accepted for who they are. Takes monies on Sunday, September 13, begin- of America, the country’s largest rabbini- place Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. ning at 9:30 a.m. on the Wilf Campus, cal court. The presence of the beit din will Continued on Page 56

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 55 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS cient design features, including large win- A Warm Welcome By Rav Ovadia Pupok, of Upper Nazareth. “Acheinu kol Continued from Page 55 dows on both the north and south Yosef For Children Rescued From Beis Yisrael hanesunim b’tzarah u’vishiv- facades to create an abundance of light. Arab Villages ya,” they cried out, as the tearful mothers Atrium and Student Commons, was An insulated glass curtain wall along the The home of HaGaon HaRav Ovadia repeated after them, word by word. made possible through the generosity of exterior of the beit midrash creates priva- Yosef, shlita, which is visited by thousands From Kever Rachel, the buses made Jacob Glueck, who built Citromax S.A.C.I. cy from the street and reduces the heat of people from all walks of life, has known their way to 45 Rechov Hakablan in Har into one of the country’s foremost sup- load, while two columns of frosted glass many moving moments. But it’s doubtful Nof, Jerusalem, to the home of HaRav pliers of flavorings for the food and bev- at either end of the building allow light to that any could match the recent visit by Yosef. The women and children crowded erage industries. Glueck is a Holocaust stream in to the stairwells inside. The three busloads of Jewish women and their into the beis medrash that is attached to survivor who came to the United States center was also built with a LEED-certi- children, who were rescued from Arab vil- the living quarters, together with the virtually penniless. Through his business fied air-conditioning system. lages and are now leading full, Jewish lives. social workers who accompanied them success, Glueck and his late wife, The Glueck Center creates new places It was erev Rosh Chodesh Elul, a special on Yad L’Achim’s behalf. Dreizel, became major philanthropists for study and socializing at the time of mercy and Selichos, and these sur- Heading the delegation was Rav in the U.S. and Israel. In 1998, RIETS Gottesman Library. From inside the vivors were being taken on an unforget- Shalom Dov Lipschitz; HaRav Yisrael awarded Glueck its Eitz Chaim Award, Nagel Family Atrium, visitors can enter table trip organized by their rescuers Lipschitz, shlita, one of Yad L’Achim’s the highest honor it bestows for the the Glueck Center and access the from Yad L’Achim, led by HaRav Shalom leaders; and HaRav Yosef Ganz, shlita, its advancement of Jewish scholarship. library’s first floor via an elegant new Dov Lipschitz, shlita, the organization’s director general. The children were greet- Vivian Glueck Rosenberg, his daughter, stairway or continue on to the library’s founding chairman. ed by Shas head Interior Minister Eli is a YU trustee and member of the board ground floor, where the Nagel Family The first stop was Kever Rachel in Beit Yishai and Housing Minister Arial Attias. of directors of Stern College for Women, Student Commons offers students a Lechem. The holy site was unusually When Rav Ovadia entered, everyone as well as co-founder of the Dreizel bright, modern space to unwind, eat a crowded due to a hachnassas sefer Torah rose. The Rishon Letzion looked into the Glueck Bikur Cholim Foundation. She snack from the “Nagel’s Bagels” food ceremony being held for a Torah that had eyes of his visitors as Yad L’Achim’s chair- and her husband, Henry Rosenberg, con- kiosk, or access the Internet using Wi-Fi. been written for captive IDF soldier Gilad man, Rav Lipschitz, explained that the tinue her father’s example of leadership The Yad Norman Lamm, a permanent Shalit and the fact that it was erev Rosh children had recently been rescued from in the Jewish community. exhibit recognizing Chancellor Lamm’s Chodesh Elul. Many people were turned hostile Arab villages and today were tak- The striking stone and glass Glueck lasting contributions to the university away due to the limited capacity. ing their first steps in the world of Torah Center was designed by HOK Architects, with a display of pictures, documents, But the IDF allowed in Yad L’Achim’s . which most recently designed Citi Field and memorabilia will be located off the buses, and soldiers at the site were given “Righteous women,” Rav Yosef began, and Yankee Stadium, the stunning new Nagel Commons. express orders to allow the visitors to in an emotional voice. “You have merited homes of the New York Mets and New The center will also house the admin- spend as much time as they needed in to be the daughters of our holy fathers York Yankees baseball teams. The build- istrative offices of Rabbi Yona Reiss, the prayer. These broken women, who had Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov, daughters ing materials were carefully chosen to Max and Marion Grill Dean of RIETS. been through so much, poured out their of our holy mothers, Sarah, Rivka, Rachel, reflect the university’s identity as an insti- Moreover, for the first time, all of the hearts to Mama Rachel. It was as if, at and Leah. You are heroes.” tution rooted in ancient tradition and administrative offices from each of the long last, they had found someone who He lauded them for taking the impor- looking toward the future. Stone is a tra- university’s four men’s undergraduate could truly understand their worries for tant step of giving their children a Torah ditional material that represents stability Jewish studies programs will call the the welfare of their children. education, bederech Yisrael Saba. His and permanence, while glass is a more Glueck Center home, fostering an But the emotional high point came uplifting words were peppered with a modern material that transmits and enhanced degree of coordination and when three brothers uttered a tefillah for personal note, when he said: “Even reflects light. communication among them. three of their siblings who are trapped in though you now welcome the Shabbat Careful attention was paid to the con- For further information, please visit Gaza, with an Arab grandfather who refus- servation of energy by incorporating effi- www.yu.edu/glueck. O es to release them to their mother, Galit Continued on Page 58

56 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 57 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS The theme of this year’s Big Apple Bash Continued from Page 56 7 is The Jazz Bar and will feature exciting entertainment and cuisine. Raffle tickets Queen into your homes alone, know that will be sold for gifts including $500 gift the heavenly angels accompany every certificates to JetBlue Airways, the Apple Jew when he leaves the beit haknesset on Store, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Shabbat night. They come to your homes Goodman and more. and shower you with an abundance of The leading sponsors for the Big Apple blessing, parnassah, nachat, happiness, Bash are V Corp Services, Augenstein & and wealth.” Schwartz, P.C., DEC Contractors LLC, and When he finished speaking, the chil- Apple Bank for Savings. dren approached him individually for a The evening will be chaired by Dana berachah and to receive a copy of the and Marc Gibber, Esty Ottensoser, Ari Yechaveh Da’at with his signature Pelcovitz, and Hadassa Rubinstein. The and dedication. He warmly blessed each chairs are joined by other involved Bash child, “You should grow in Torah, to chup- committee members who are working pah, and in ma’asim tovim.” As he uttered together to ensure a great evening! the blessing, he stroked the cheek of Proceeds of the evening benefit the each child. children and families of To learn A particularly powerful moment was HaRav Ovadia Yosef gives a berachah to one of the children, more about Ohel’s Young Leadership, or when a three-year-old who had just had as Yad L’Achim chairman HaRav Shalom Dov Lipschitz looks on. to sponsor or participate in this event, his hair cut, leaving long, curly payos, please contact Ohel at 718-972-9338 or eb@ approached the Rav. His hair had just ohelfamily.org, or visit www.ohelfamily been cut by Rav Lipschitz, under the Rav Lipschitz and ordered the ministers tion was also felt by Maran who has ded- .org/applebash. watchful eye of the mother, who refused to do everything to help Yad L’Achim icated his life to Jewish education for Ohel Bais Ezra is a pioneering social to allow him to trim the payos. achieve its exalted aims, chief among every Jewish child. How great is his joy in services agency that delivers a breadth of After all the children had received a them advancing an amendment to the seeing Jewish children who were seem- innovative programs and services for berachah, Rav Ovadia got up to return to missionary law that would give it teeth. ingly lost, now growing and being educat- individuals and families at risk, and indi- his residential quarters. Appearing to Rav Ovadia was clearly moved by his ed as faithful Jews.” O viduals with developmental or psychi- have a difficult time parting from the encounter with these children, wearing atric disabilities, in both residential and mothers, he turned and gave them yet kippahs and tzitzis, who only a short Ohel Young Leadership Big Apple out-patient settings. O another berachah: “You should be blessed while ago were being educated as Arabs. Bash, September 10 from Hashem,” he said, pausing. “May Speaking after the meeting, Interior Ohel invites you to join hundreds of The Beautiful Eden Palace Hashem fulfill the wishes of your hearts Minister Eli Yishai said: “Previously, I only young professionals for an evening filled While Williamsburg has become the for good.” And then: “You shouldn’t know knew of Yad L’Achim’s intensive pidyon with fun, food, and music at the Seventh home base for so many simchas—espe- sorrow and pain.” To which the women shvuyim activities through the regular Annual Young Leadership’s Big Apple cially weddings—over the last few years, tearfully answered, “Amen!” reports I received from Rav Lipschitz, the Bash on September 10. The event will Eden Palace seems to be leading the pack As the Rav entered his study, accompa- head of this important organization. once again be held at the beautiful land- when it comes to style and service. It’s a nied by the senior Yad L’Achim delegation “But this evening, chills ran down my mark Apple Bank for Savings at Broadway magnificent and extravagant structure and Shas ministers, he was extremely spine when I saw the faces behind the and 73rd Street on the Upper West Side of that dominates the neighborhood and is generous in his praise and blessings for names and stories. This powerful emo- Manhattan. the focal point of so many celebrations of

58 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES An outside view of the Eden Palace. How sweet it is.

very happy events. Nassau Social Services Worker Once inside Eden Palace you are over- Accused Of Stealing $11,000 whelmed with its grand style and From Immigrant Couple panache. The food service is also some- Nassau County District Attorney thing special with the most tasteful and Kathleen Rice announced recently that a generous dishes that titillate the taste Nassau County employee in the buds and please all the guests all the time. Department of Social Services has been Under the management of the Roth fam- arrested and charged with grand larceny ily from its inception, Eden Palace features after promising a Hempstead couple that that warm personal family touch. Mendel she would use her position in county gov- Roth is on top of every event, personally ernment to bypass immigration proceed- involved and overseeing every detail of ings and bring the couple’s three Peruvian every simcha. For a virtual tour, to check children to the United States. After more dates, or for more information, and to book than a year of promises and payments, an event visit www.TheEdenPalace.com. To the couple realized that they had been speak to the caterer directly, call Mr. Roth at Ballroom. 718-522-0600. O Continued on Page 60

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 59 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Services since 2000, had no authority to $3,000 upfront and $500 per month until couple that she would file the required Continued from Page 59 help with federal immigration issues. they paid off the final $15,000. As a condi- marriage paperwork in New York. She Baffi knew the couple because the tion of this arrangement, the couple also never did. swindled by the employee, Tula Baffi, 42, wife had worked part-time cleaning had to move into Baffi’s basement and In July 2007, the couple moved out of of Floral Park. Baffi’s house from 2002-2004. Baffi is also pay her an additional $500 per month in Baffi’s house and terminated their rela- Baffi has been charged with Grand of Peruvian descent. rent. The couple agreed to this arrange- tionship with her. On August 4, 2007, Larceny in the Third and Fourth Degree. The couple share one common son, 9, ment and from July 2006 to July 2007 Baffi agreed to pay the couple back the She was arrested by District Attorney and the father has a 13-year-old son and paid her a total of $11,500. $11,500 she had taken from them. She Investigators while driving to work. Baffi the wife a 12-year-old son, both from prior In July 2006, Baffi traveled to Peru at made one payment of $500. was scheduled to be arraigned in First relationships. All three children live in the couple’s expense and explained that Handling the case for the DA’s office is District Court, Hempstead. She faces up Lima, Peru. she would need to spend time with the Assistant District Attorney Karen Bennett, to seven years in prison if convicted of Initially, Baffi suggested marrying the children on this trip before she could Deputy Bureau Chief of the DA’s Public the charges. husband in exchange for $18,000, claim- bring them back to New York on a subse- Corruption Bureau. The defendant is rep- “This woman exploited a hardworking ing that she would then use her status as quent trip. While staying with the wife’s resented by Steven Gaitman, Esq. O couple’s desire to give their children a bet- a U.S. citizen to travel to Peru to retrieve family in Peru, Baffi insisted the family ter life,” said Rice. “She preyed on them the children. The couple rejected this install hot water for her and act as tour YI Of Long Beach Summer Finale, because she believed they would not idea as it would leave one of the children, guides at their expense. When Baffi September 5 have the courage to come forward and from the wife’s previous marriage, behind returned to New York, she told the couple The Labor Day weekend brings to a turn her in. She was wrong.” in Peru. Baffi then suggested that, for the that she would return to Peru in conclusion the Young Israel of Long Rice said that in April 2006, Baffi told $18,000 plus traveling expenses, she December 2006 to get the children. Beach’s summer lecture series, which was the common-law married couple, who would go to Peru representing herself as As December approached, however, a huge success and featured prominent came to the United States from Peru in the children’s godmother and take the Baffi changed the plan and stated that speakers from all walks of Jewish life. On 2001, that she had a government job in children with her to Disney World. Baffi she would go to Peru to marry the wife’s Saturday, September 5, at 5:00 p.m., Dr. which she helped people with immigra- convinced the couple that her govern- brother in the hopes that she could then Ephraim Isaac is scheduled to speak on tion issues. Baffi offered to help the cou- ment job would ensure the process return with the children, who were living his vast experiences on Ethiopia, having ple bring their three children to the U.S. would go smoothly. with the brother at the time. Baffi and her just returned from a peace mission to from Peru. Baffi, a case worker for the Baffi set up a payment plan with the son traveled to Peru, but Baffi never filed that country. Nassau County Department of Social couple whereby they would pay her any marriage paperwork, later telling the

Dr. Ephraim Isaac

Dr. Ephraim Isaac, B.D. (Harvard Divinity School ’63), Ph.D. (Harvard University ’69), is a founder and the first professor of Afro-American Studies at Harvard University and the author of numerous scholarly works about the late Second Temple period and classical

Zev Brenner

Yemenite Jewish and Ethiopic religious literature. He is currently Director of the Institute of Semitic Studies, in Princeton, N.J.; chair of the board of the Horn of 60 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Africa Peace and Development Com- Kosher.com And Jamie Geller Cook busy individuals and families throughout kosher food online, Kosher.com provides mittee, and chairman of the the National Up A Recipe To Bring Kosher Home Manhattan, Riverdale, parts of the Bronx shoppers the extreme benefits of virtual Coalition of Ethiopian Elders. He has Jamie Geller, the “Bride Who Knew and Yonkers, and sections of Brooklyn shopping complemented with carefully taught at Princeton University, Hebrew Nothing” and Kosher.com, the online gro- and Bergen County. The company will created articles, recipes, videos, and meal University, University of Pennsylvania, cer with a full line of everything kosher, continue to expand its local delivery ideas developed specifically for the and Bard College. launched a partnership and the regions. Boasting a wide selection of kosher consumer. Geller has also intro- On Saturday night at midnight, there www.kosher.com website this week. The basic groceries as well as unique and duced a heavy dose of social media to will be a live broadcast of Talkline With new site aims to bring “kosher” home in hard-to-find gourmet items, Kosher.com online kosher cooking and will regularly Zev Brenner, which will be a town hall a convenient and meaningful way for also features a broad showcase selection engage with and feature advice from meeting where everyone is invited to busy consumers with discerning palates. of kosher meats certified by the Vaad of experts, chefs, and nutritionists online, come and participate in the show. This Geller, author of the critically-acclaimed the Five Towns. offering insightful cooking tips, cooking annual broadcast always draws a large Quick and Kosher: Recipes from the Bride “I am extremely thrilled to be a part of videos, and special promotions through crowd from the Long Island community Who Knew Nothing (Feldheim Publishers, this groundbreaking offering for the Kosher.com’s blogs, as well as through and beyond. The proceedings will be live 2007) and a former award-winning HBO kosher consumer,” said Geller, after Twitter and Facebook. on WMCA 570 AM as well as on the inter- producer, moved into the Kosher.com accepting the position of Chief Foodie Kosher.com has a long history of mak- net at www.talklinecommunications.com. kitchen earlier this year to oversee the and VP of Content and Marketing for ing all the kosher food staples available to The Young Israel of Long Beach is creation of comprehensive, interactive Kosher.com. “Kosher.com has set out to individuals residing outside of major located at 120 Long Beach Boulevard in content for the site. She brings to create a website inspired by the likes of Jewish centers like New York and Los Long Beach. For more information, visit Kosher.com over a decade of experience Fresh Direct and Every Day with Rachael Angeles, where over 45% of kosher con- www.yilb.org. O as a TV producer and marketing execu- Ray, but with added features custom- sumers live. The Kosher.com virtual tive. She will ensure that content is fresh, made for this specific audience. The site shelves are stocked with everyday essen- Professor Efraim Inbar To Visit innovative, and most importantly, practi- offers the highest quality food and the tials, a vast selection of kosher meats, and New York, September 12–14 cal. As the only online grocer of its kind, most comprehensive content all in one coveted specialty items ranging from Professor Efraim Inbar is an interna- Kosher.com boasts more than 15,000 food place. The kosher consumer is a more dis- organic meats to pre-seasoned steaks, tionally respected scholar and director of items available for delivery anywhere in cerning individual, searching for items fish, and beef. Online customers, nation- the Begin-Sadat (BESA) Center for the U.S. that come with the highest form of prod- wide, have direct access to famous bou- Strategic Studies at Bar-Ilan University, The site offers free delivery to the New uct control and oversight.” Professor Inbar oversees the work of the York Metro region, providing relief for By bringing consumers the best of Continued on Page 62 BESA Center, Israel’s preeminent security think tank that gained global attention in June when it hosted Prime Minister Netanyahu for his major diplomatic address (in which he outlined his now- famous five red lines for peace and the establishment of a Palestinian state). Speaking Engagements At Local Shuls. Professor Inbar will speak at the Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst, Congre- gation Beth Sholom in Lawrence, and Young Israel of Woodmere on Shabbos, September 12. The “Iranian Nuclear Challenge” will be the focus of Professor Inbar’s Shabbat morning talk at the Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst. Professor Inbar will assess the strategic repercussions of an ascendant nuclear Iran at his talk, which is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. At the 6:30 p.m. seudah at Beth Sholom, Professor Inbar will analyze the two-state solution idea and its “obsolete” status during his lecture on “The Rise and Demise of the Two-State Solution.” He will examine Israel’s strategic posi- tion among its immediate neighbors, the Greater Middle East, and internationally during his talk on “Israel’s Strategic Environment” at the Young Israel of Woodmere. This talk will take place prior to Selichot at 9:45 p.m. The Inbar lectures in the Five Towns are sponsored by the BESA Center of Bar- Ilan University and the American Friends of Bar-Ilan University, which supports Israel’s fastest growing univer- sity that fuses cutting edge science and Jewish heritage into a culture of excel- lence. For more information call Gary Baskind, New York Regional Director of AFBIU, at 212-906-3904 or e-mail [email protected]. YU–BIU Conference. Professor Inbar will speak at an international conference being presented by Yeshiva University and Bar-Ilan University to examine “U.S.–Israel Relations: In the Era of Obama and Netanyahu.” This one-day conference will take place on Monday, September 14, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at YU’s Geraldine Schottenstein Cultural Center, 239 East 34th Street in midtown Manhattan. To learn more about this con- ference, visit www.yu.edu/cis or call 212- 960-0189. O 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 61 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS a wide selection of more than 15,000 food it made?” Stylish women are often asked For this there’s Malky Grunberger of Continued from Page 61 items available for delivery in the U.S. questions such as these while out and Paris Fashions on Central Avenue. For the (free delivery in NY Metro region); shop- about. It could be at a family or friend’s last ten years Malky has been selling sim- tique kosher brands including Simply ping cart integration (the ability to auto- simcha, an organizational function, or cha and eveningwear out of her house in Sushi, Schwartz’s Appetizers, Chap a Nosh matically add the ingredients of a recipe just casually walking up and down the Lawrence until recently opening a store prepared food, Ossie’s Fish, and the to your virtual shopping cart); video con- avenue. But the real question is, are you on Central Avenue. There, she hopes to famous Zomick’s Gourmet Bakery. tent (webisodes hosted by Jamie Geller confident with your response? apply her expertise on more people look- “Close to 11 million kosher consumers featuring clearly-demonstrated recipes); The word on the street is, it’s not what ing for the look that fits their personality. in the U.S., which is nearly four percent of and columns and features (original con- you know it’s who you know. Following “It’s a shopping experience that you’ll the American population, now have the tent including recipes, cooking tips, arti- this line of thought takes us to, “It’s not never forget.” “Malky and her staff take option to conduct all of their food shop- cles, interactive features, and blogs). what you wear, it’s who made what you custom to a new level.” This is the word ping online. Pair that with helpful recipes “Kosher.com is the Web’s long-awaited are wearing.” around town since Paris Fashions has and nutritional advice from experts, and answer for all things related to kosher, People spend so much valuable time moved onto the avenue. When I met you get the complete kosher package,” since everything can be found in one des- shopping around for the best buys to with Malky and her staff, they stressed said Menachem Lubinsky, president and tination,” added Geller. “For me, the make them look good. Some who don’t the personal attention that they give to CEO of Lubicom Marketing Consulting, beauty is in making it all simple and have the time or patience to do all the every prospective client. For Malky and which is considered the leading market- offering practical solutions. You should shopping themselves sometimes hire a her staff “it’s not so much about the sale ing firm for the kosher food industry. He not have to stress out in the kitchen. It personal shopper or consultant to perfect as it is the relationship.” explained that “many consumers looking should be fun and you should have con- their look and define their signature Best of all, Malky has been born into for kosher certified products are not nec- venient and quick access to all the ingre- style. this business. Here’s a trivia tidbit: When essarily kosher observant, since research dients you need.” However, the number of people who the Barry Sisters, a popular singing group shows that over 55% of kosher consumers Kosher.com also recently announced would have opted to pay for a consultant in the 50s, appeared on the Ed Sullivan buy these products for health reasons.” the appointment of Aaron Dobrinsky as or personal shopper, thereby adding to Show, their outfits were created by This makes Kosher.com’s new features, Chief Executive Officer. O the cost of the clothing, has dropped sig- Malky’s mother. such as adults’ and kids’ nutritional cor- nificantly in this struggling economy. At the age of 14, Malky’s mother, during ners, incredible assets in a comprehen- Paris Fashions Today people are looking for the quick the prewar years, was commissioned by sive kosher destination. By 5TJT Staff ‘affordable’ fix as opposed to the quick fix the Muncazer Rebbe to sew a wedding Some key Kosher.com features include “Such a chic dress. Where did you have at any rate as long as it’s fixed. gown for his daughter’s wedding ceremo- ny. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Malky Grunberger has established a for- mal outfitter fashion-forward enough for the Barry Sisters and modest enough for the Rebbe’s daughter. Something tells me that she can satisfy your distinctive fash- ion style as well. Treat yourself to a wonderful and per- sonalized shopping experience! Call 516- 371-3164 or visit their boutique at 440 Central Avenue in Cedarhurst. O

Camp Extreme Draws To A Close The summer programs of Project Extreme, Camp Extreme for Girls, and Camp Extreme for Boys, have ended, and the subtle yet significant changes that usually take place after the summer’s experiences have, thankfully, occurred once again. The summer program for girls took place during the first half of the summer in Edmonton, Alberta, while the boys’ program was held in Nevada during the month of August. The outdoor, recre- ational, skill-building program included amazing trips every day, interspersed with a large dose of relevant group ses- sions in a warm and nurturing atmos- phere with qualified and caring profes- sionals. In these group sessions, the teens were encouraged to share their own feel- ings and experiences, often resulting in a powerful display of support from peers, and contributing to a sincere trust in the guidance of the counselors. The thrilling trips included rock climb- ing, horseback riding (in the pouring rain!), whitewater rafting, biking, and an exciting and innovative scavenger hunt. Besides the raw fun and the appreciation of the stunning scenic views, each trip was designed to train the participants in peer cooperation, overcoming fears, and finding inner strength, resulting in a tremendous boost in self-esteem and a newfound confidence. The trained and dedicated staff were experts at finding the strong points of each teen and focusing in on them. Leora, the head counselor of the girls’ program for the past three summers, explained how Sara (name changed for purpose of anonymity), was repeatedly asked to per- form specific tasks that were needed for the group. Through these assignments, 62 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Sara was able to realize her Red Sox to not conflict with Yom request of ESPN, who planned Rabbi Weinreb Weinreb will be speaking strengths and potential, and gain Kippur, Representative Anthony on broadcasting the game dur- At Young Israel Of between Minchah and Ma’ariv self-confidence through her Weiner (D-Brooklyn and Queens) ing Sunday Night Baseball. By Woodmere on teshuvah. Prior to Selichos on accomplishments. Sometimes at praised the decision. rescheduling the game to take Noted Torah personality, Saturday night September 12, home or school, these talents lay “As a Mets fan, it’s hard for me place after sundown on the Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, for- Rabbi Weinreb will lecture on, dormant, not noticed, and not to celebrate any victory for the eve of Yom Kippur, observant mer longtime executive vice- “Teshuvah Means Change.” On appreciated. It takes the expert- Yankees, but ESPN and the Jews who purchased tickets president of the Orthodox Sunday, September 13, Rabbi ise of the staff to realize the hid- Commissioner of Major League would not have been able to Union is serving as interim Weinreb will be leading a tour of den talent of each teen and try Baseball did the right thing. attend the game or watch it on rabbi at the Young Israel of kivrei tzadikim in the New York to find opportunities to develop New York is home to the largest television. Woodmere for the Yomim area including chassidic rebbeim, them further. Jewish population in the coun- Congressman Weiner wrote a Tovim. A scholar, teacher, and roshei yeshiva, and rabbanim. The girls were very fortunate try and practicing your religion letter to Baseball Commissioner orator, Rabbi Weinreb brings Throughout the coming to have the Ghermezian family shouldn’t conflict with rooting Selig and ESPN President with him a distinct and month, the Young Israel will nearby, hosting them, as they do for your home team. I’m pleased Bodenheimer requesting that refreshing approach in his pre- feature a host of fascinating every summer, with superb with ESPN’s decision to move the New York Jewish communi- sentations as well as creative and inspiring lectures by hachnasas orchim. In addition to the game to a time when Jews ty not be punished with a last insight that keeps audiences Rabbi Hershel Billet, Rabbi the delicious and heartwarming can attend and watch,” minute scheduling swap and spellbound. Weinreb, Rabbi Dr. Aaron meals, the Ghermezian family’s Congressman Weiner said. that the game should be Between now and the end of Glatt, assistant to the rabbi, unusual devotion and caring The September 27 game returned to its originally sched- the yomim tovim Rabbi Weinreb and Rabbi Eliahu Wolf, rab- was obvious as Don and Marina between the Yankees and the uled time. He also asked that will be sharing his approach to binic associate. For more spent their Shabbos afternoons Red Sox was originally sched- they show greater sensitivity the Elul season with his congre- information about the sched- playing games with the girls and uled to take place at 1 p.m., but when making scheduling deci- gation as well as the larger com- ule of programs and lectures, relating personal stories. After a was moved to 8 p.m. at the sions in the future. O munity. This Shabbos, Rabbi call 516-295-0150. O story-sharing event, one of the girls enthusiastically remarked that it was worth it to attend Camp Extreme just to hear the inspiring stories. The boys went on similar excursions, and enjoyed the camping-out in exquisitely sce- nic spots, including Lake Tahoe and San Rafael. Their group ses- sions, led by Rabbi A.Y. Weinberg, founder and director of Project Extreme, were graced by professionals such as Dr. Jerry Lob of Chicago, Chaim Winter of New York, and Jordan Most of Monsey, who have joined the summer programs in previous years and have been genuinely impressed with the innovative programs and worth- while accomplishments. As the program drew to a close, one of the boys confided to Rabbi Weinberg: “Thank you for making Shabbos ‘geshmak’ (awesome, truly enjoyable) again.” As the parting banquet was ending, one teen summa- rized the goals of the program when he pronounced, “I finally felt like a somebody.” O

Weiner Lauds Rescheduling Of Yankees Game From Yom Kippur Upon confirming that ESPN will reschedule the September 27 game between the Yankees and

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 63 This lessened her accusatory approach and opened her to a more giving posture. A View From The Coach Debbie commented that she gained more in eight sessions of life coaching than she did in years of therapy. Part 3: Anger, Patience, more clearly how her behavior was affect- ing the other person as a worthy human Yaffa had five children at home and And Life Coaching ing others in her life. She knew it, but did- being with feelings. The life coach was always dreamed of being an eishes chay- BY HINDY LIEBERMAN n’t really see it. That is, she didn’t really able to point this out to her, and through il. She was in school full time, and as a know what she was doing wrong. She a series of sessions help her internalize result spent a great deal of time outside “All my life I’ve had these outbursts of knew she shouldn’t be getting angry and this, and begin to change her thought pat- the home. She wanted to be more organ- anger. I’ve tried therapy but it didn’t help. ized and more patient. She thought that I’m a practical person, and I know what’s if she organized her time and her home wrong, I just don’t know how to fix it.” better, she would have more patience for Debbie was married with three children her children and her husband. We spent and just moved to a new neighborhood. She understood compassion for time on organization, with Yaffa leading, Finances were tight, and one of her chil- as to the type of organization that works dren was having trouble making friends in best for her. She met her challenge in one school. All this added to an already trou- the elderly and the poor—but for session. bled marriage, and as Debbie put it, her But the issues of patience kept coming constant battle with angry outbursts. herself she never thought of it. up. Together we saw that Yaffa didn’t have The coach asked Debbie what she patience for herself. And that the quali- thought she needed to look at. Debbie ties she wanted her children to demon- said she’d first like to explore why she strate towards her, i.e. patience and prop- gets angry. We talked about wanting to er behavior, would first have to be inter- be in control, thinking you are right, it was ruining her relationships with fam- terns. She also began to look at her hus- nalized in her own behavior toward oth- wanting things done her way, wanting ily and Hashem and so she wanted to band’s reasons for acting the way he does, ers. As a mother, she learned that she respect, and more. change it. What she really didn’t see was which helped her understand why he needed to be a role model for the quali- Debbie needed to understand much that when she got angry, she was not see- chose certain responses and behaviors. ties she wanted her children to demon- strate towards her. We spoke a lot about how having com- passion for others engenders an ability to be patient with them. Yaffa understood the value of compassion, as she was a very caring, selfless mother. She com- mented that she understood compassion for the elderly, the poor, and children and friends—but for herself she never thought of it. Together we saw how one can foster the deepest kinds of compas- sion for others, only by first having com- passion for oneself. This also became a springboard for work that she needed to do in her relationship with her husband. Yaffa said that she never realized how valuable coaching could be for her, and that just by allowing her to have a sound- ing board to figure out her feelings and thoughts, together with the coach’s spe- cial skills, she gained so much. O

Hindy Lieberman, M.S. Sp. Ed., is a professional life coach who works with women seeking to make changes and achieve their goals through a process of self-discovery, collaboration, and taking action. She can be reached at 516-569-8074 or [email protected]. Special consideration is given to those who have lost their jobs.

… Because you did not serve G-d with happiness and with gladness of heart, in abundance of everything; there- fore, you shall serve your enemies… (Devarim 28:47–48)

Because you did not serve G-d when you enjoyed hap- piness and the abundance of all good things, you shall now suffer want.

(Rashi)

64 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Chareidim And Homophobia

BY JONATHAN headlines identifying the principal ROSENBLUM assailants as Arabs. Yet after the attack on the teen center, the media engaged in August 24—Chareidim think that the wild speculation about the religious iden- media show a persistent and blatant bias tity of those responsible, even before any in their coverage of the community. And culprit was caught. they are right. For proof, one need look Even those who did not jump to the no further than the coverage of the grisly conclusion that the murderer in the August 1 attack on a counseling center for counseling-center incident himself was teenage homosexuals in Tel Aviv, which chareidi were quick to assign blame to left two dead and more than a dozen oth- chareidi politicians for “incitement” ers wounded, three critically. against homosexuals. Just hours after the Before the blood had even been wiped shooting, homosexual activist Danny Zak from the floor, the media were rife with declared, “The Shas party has the blood of the presumption of chareidi culpability. two innocent kids on their hands.” Some were quick to assume that the per- Rachel Metz wrote in the Jerusalem Post, petrator was himself chareidi. A moment’s “Regardless of who the killer turns out to reflection should have made clear how be…such violence was a perhaps unlikely that was. For one thing, the inevitable response to the incitement by venue of the counseling center was not several chareidi leaders over the years.” public knowledge. Second, despite the Meretz MK Nitzan Horowitz, the country’s large Orthodox population, Knesset’s only openly homosexual mem- there is no history of religious Jews seek- ber, attributed the murders “to the incite- ing out homosexuals and attacking them. ment of entire communities against us.” Western media in general, and the Again, such accusations are logically Israeli media in particular, avoid pegging absurd. Until the identity of the murderer ethnic labels on the perpetrators of is known, how is it possible to attribute crimes—unless, of course, they are charei- his motivation to the remarks, no matter dim or settlers. how ugly or stupid, of any politician? How After 9/11, for instance, U.S. Secretary of much more so if he was an “insider” at the State Colin Powell was quick to admon- counseling center, as now appears likely. ish against identifying the hijackers as The loose charges of “incitement” Muslims, rather than by the generic term brought us back to the worst days after “terrorists.” Consider this absurdity, then: the assassination of Prime Minister even after the arrest of 10 suspects for the Yitzhak Rabin, when “incitement” was August 15 brutal lynching of 59-year-old brandished as a tool to delegitimize the Leonard (Arik) Karp, the Israeli press and radio scrupulously refrained from blaring Continued on Page 66

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 65 Chareidim his movie Fitna, based primarily on Psychiatric Association (APA) removed and immutable—and that it is wrong to Continued from Page 65 Koranic quotes. An Australian human- homosexuality from its classification of counsel those seeking to overcome same- rights commission fined two Christian mental disorders in 1973, its decision had sex attractions. As therapist Adam Jessel entire national religious community and preachers for quoting from the Koran. nothing to do with new scientific or men- writes, “[I]f Bill tells me that he is attracted silence all critics of the Oslo process. Homophobia is used in the same fash- tal-health evidence. The letter to mem- to his neighbor Fred’s young child and he In screaming “homophobia,” activists ion. One Christian preacher in western bers urging support for the board’s deci- wants to reduce those attractions, I…can have lifted a tactic from the Islamists’ Canada was banned by a provincial sion was written and paid for by the try to help him. If Bill has an unwanted playbook. The latter have demonstrated human-rights commission for quoting the National Gay Task Force. attraction to Fred’s wife, this too I am per- just how effective a tool the charge of Bible’s characterization of male homosex- And the APA’s recent advisory to thera- mitted to help him with. But if Bill has an “Islamophobia” can be. Public officials ual acts as “an abomination.” And quoting pists not to tell clients that it is possible to unwanted attraction to Fred, then it’s are intimidated from mentioning perti- the biblical prohibition can run one afoul change their orientation through therapy regarded as unethical for me to help.” nent facts that relate to the threat of rad- of many university speech codes. was not based on evidence that such ther- Each element of the homosexual ical Islam. After Scotland Yard uncovered Homosexual activists have not yet apy does not work, only the absence of activists’ catechism can and should be a plot to blow up 10 planes over the resorted to the threat of murderous vio- proof that it does. Not one therapist who debated before society puts its impri- Atlantic, it announced only that the plot- matur on homosexual behavior as being ters were of southeastern Asian ancestry no different than heterosexual. There is and English-born, but not their jihadist no “homosexual gene”—at most a predis- motivation. And when Canadian They described the plotters as position. Even in identical twins, raised Mounties arrested a group planning to in the same environment and sharing the bomb Parliament and behead the prime same genes, in half the cases where one minister, they described the plotters as drawn from a broad cross-section twin is homosexual, the other is not. drawn from a broad cross-section of soci- Many highly motivated individuals, ety, while neglecting to mention they of society, while neglecting to including some religious Jews, who strug- were all Muslims. gle with same-sex attractions have over- Human-rights commissions in Canada come them—often with therapy—to and elsewhere have taken on the man- mention they were all Muslims. form loving, happy marriages. date of censoring anything any Muslim Even if they still experience some finds to be offensive. Author Mark Steyn same-sex attraction, does that mean they and his publisher, MacCleans, were are less fulfilled for overcoming them? dragged before the Ontario Human lence against those who challenge their practices reorientation therapy was on Don’t we all experience unbidden sexual Rights Commission and found to be views, but they can get pretty nasty. After the panel, whose advisory flew in the face impulses from time to time? And don’t “racist Islamophobes” for an article by a teenage beauty contestant in California of a 2001 study of 200 men and women most of us rejoice when we control Steyn detailing the Muslim demographic expressed the unremarkable view that conducted by Columbia professor of psy- them? The contemporary world has takeover of . Yet no Muslim cleric marriage should be limited to a man and chiatry Dr. Robert Spitzer, which showed degraded the very definition of humanity in Canada has been convicted by the a woman, she was not only publicly that “contrary to conventional wisdom, by urging upon us fulfillment in the form same commissions for calling for the humiliated by one of the judges but sub- some highly motivated individuals…can of submission to every desire. The murder and subjugation of Jews and jected to weeks of vituperation. make substantial change in multiple indi- ancients had it right in teaching that we other “infidels.” Ubiquitous charges of “homophobia” cators of sexual orientation.” most fully realize ourselves as human Even quoting from the Koran can land are too often used to stifle public debate. Homosexual activists would have us beings by giving conscious shape to our you in hot water, as Dutch politician And political correctness masquerades as believe that homosexual orientation is lives, by choosing to do certain acts and Geert Wilders found out after screening science. When the board of the American inevitable—i.e., genetically determined to refrain from others. (Jpost.com) O

66 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Alon Nil recently came up Florida Governor Credits Prayer with the idea that enables peo- At Kotel For No Hurricanes ple to send notes through Twitter, from where he writes them down and places them BY TZVI BEN physically in there.” at the Western Wall. He began GEDALYAHU Jews have a centuries-old the service free of charge, but custom of placing notes in the after having been swamped Florida Governor Charlie crevices in the ancient wall, with prayers, he has asked for Crist said his written prayers which was part of the wall sur- donations to cover his time. that were placed at the rounding the Holy Temples “I’m swamped. I can’t keep up Western Wall (Kotel) have pre- before their destruction. with all the tweets,” he said. “I vented hurricanes from strik- Politicians from around the can’t keep maintaining it by ing the state the past two years. world routinely visit the holy myself. But I’m determined to Crist, a Methodist, told real site to leave a prayer. not lose even one prayer.” estate agents that during a Israeli economics student (Arutz Sheva) O trade mission to Israel in 2007, he went to the Western Wall and placed a note that said, “Dear , please protect our Florida from storms and other difficulties. Charlie.” Crist noted that the state, often devastated by hurricanes, was hit eight times in 2004 and 2005 but has been spared since his prayer. Last year, he wrote the same prayer on a second note that was placed for him by legislator Nan Rich when she traveled to the Holy Land. A third note was placed this year for him by a friend. He said he is not taking the credit from the Al-mighty for the lack of deadly storms in Florida. The governor, touted as a candidate for the U.S. Senate, said he could send prayers through the Internet but would “rather have it

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 67 68 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 69 SERVICES SERVICES PROVIDED PROVIDED

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70 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE HELP WANTED FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE

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Motiv! $549K Weissman Realty Group 516-791-6100 Service, or lvl home ...... $3,200 Wdm — 654 Derby (BA) Lakefrnt For Sale — Nu 5 bdrm Contemporary Beauty. 4BR, 3.5Bth...... $654K Help Wanted Ad Col, vaulted ceilings, skylights, fpl and Hew Nk (Old Wdm vic) — Ours alone! FOR RENT more ...... $800’s Eleg 5BR, 3.5Bth C/H Col. Prklike prop Here Milky Forst Properties Inc 516-239-0306 ...... $1.475M Lawr. Just listed! Grand C/H Col. New Every Thursday Lawrence: OURS ONLY!! EIK/Bths. 6BR, 4Bth. Great prop . . . . Woodmere — For rent by owner. 2 bed- BRICK, C/H COL, Stately BRICK, w/old room, 1 bathroom, eat-in-kitchen, living 100,000 readers ...... $1.1+M world charm, Hi ceilings, 6Br, 4.5 room/dining room, private entrance. Lawr (Back) — Wdsbgh vic. One acre look forward to BTHS, Kosher Eik, Lg. FDR, Library, Minutes from all shuls. $1,600+utilities. bldg lot...... $1M what’s happening Fin. Bsmt., Lg Prop., WALK ALL. Call 917-327-1291 Wdm(Old) — Lg Col. 4BRs up, 2.5Bth, in the ...... $995K 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 o/s EIK, skylit den. Deep prop. . $765K Lawrence — Coop Rental. 1BR. 1NU 5 Towns by reading Wdm — Sdl Rdg. Beaut renov Rnch. Bth, LR, DR, EIK...... $1,300 The Five Towns Hewlett — Col. MIC, 4br, 2bth, 2fpl, full 4BR, 2.5Bth, Den, h/w flrs, vltd ceil, 5Town Homes ** 516-569-5710 deck, wood flr, Lg. den. Walk to all. deck ...... $639K Jewish Times...... $729K Visit www.JanKalman.com 516-569-5651 Cedarhurst — All new, bright 3 BR, 1.5 5 TOWN HOMES 516-322-3555 bths, ground floor apt in 2-family house, Cedarhurst— Young and spacious s/h Deadline is Monday LR, FDR, EIK/ w new appliances, new Valley Stream: Nu 2 Mkt. Brick ranch, col. EIK, main-level den, 4 BR on one carpet, w/d included, yard and parking. at 5:00 p.m. great condition, quiet street. Nu EIK, level, 2.5 bths, large property. Rivki Walk all ...... $2,250 LR, Den, Lg Prop ...... $409K Bortz at Milky Forst 516-375-4767 1 Week ...... $35 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 For Rent ...... $2,500 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Kew Garden Hills — Beautiful fully 2 Weeks...... $60 Cedarhurst — Nu House CH Col. LR, renovated 1 family, detached home. 4Br, 4 Weeks ...... $100 Woodmere — Renovated Jr.4 co-op, lg. FDR, Kosher EIK, Den, 4BR, 3BTHS. 2.5 bath, finished basement, backyard, Fyr, ss/granite, lots of storage, elevator Bsmt. For Rent ...... $2,500 Weekly Ads of up to patio, driveway ...... $770K bldg. ID/OD prkg avail, Near All. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Call Tomer 646-671-0510 25 words Owner 917-402-6630 Hillel Realty Group Cedarhurst — NU House, CH Col., LR, FDR, Kosher EIK, Den, 4BR., 3BTHS. Call: 516-569-0502 Lawrence — 4BR, 3bth col. walk-up Far Rockaway: Coop, 3Br, 1Bth Bsmt ...... $3,200 attic, finished basement. Low . . $8’sK Lr/Dr, Walk to All ...... $179K Fax: 516-977-0608 5 TOWN HOMES Woodmere — Mint 3BR ranch. Low . . Call 516-322-3555 Or E-mail ads to: ...... $400’sK 516-569-5710 Woodmere — Mint 4BR, 2.5bth col. . . Lawrence — Oversized garden apart- [email protected] ...... $699K ment. 1,000 square feet, 2 BR, 1 BTH, Classified Ads are Include payment info. Hewlett Harbor — Large 4BR col. . . . LR, DR, many closets, hardwood floors, ...... $800’sK well-lit, quiet, great location, price Continued on the Next Page. Smolinsky Properties 516-295-4444 negotiable $219K Call 201-417-6197 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 71 CLASSIFIED ADS COMMERCIAL REAL Continued from Page 71 FOR RENT ESTATE FOR RENT PERSONAL

FOR RENT Cedarhurst — House Rental LR/FDR, Far Rockaway — 2 Huge Office Spaces. Single professional Jewish male, 59, den, 3br, 2.5bth, Fin. Bsmt . . . . . $2,300 6,000 and 2,500 Sq Ft. 2nd Floor. Near N/R seeks his bride. Must be honest, Call 516-322-3555 Subway & LIRR. Build to Suit. Can be sincere, and friendly. No snobs, please. Lawrence — Home on Broadway, close divided. Owner 917-359-9776 Mike: 718-442-3566, call after 8 PM Far Rockaway — Lg. Hse Rental: 4br, to Far Rockaway. 5 BR, 3.5 Bath, Excellent Condition, By Owner. 2bth, bsmt., hi-ceilings, NU bths, W\D. Call 516-322-3555 COMMERCIAL REAL MISCELLANEOUS Reasonable Rent. 516-302-7394. ESTATE FOR SALE Room to rent Woodmere — Cable, Cedarhurst: Office rental: Executive 2 internet, w/d, close to everything. Great Bths, Fully Web wired, 1,250 sq. ft., Free DIRECTV 5 months! Includes area. 516-374-1346 CAC. 5TGR 516-322-3555 Beautiful 12 family apt. building, in the 265+ Digital Channels and Movies! Ask heart of Far Rockaway, stable tenancy, How! NFL Sunday Ticket is here. No North Woodmere — split-ranch 5 BR income producing. Call start costs. Free DVR/HD receiver. 3bth. top-rated schools. LR, FDR, EIK, FOR SALE Weissman Realty Group 516-791-6100. bar, playroom/ den, CAC, all appliances, Packages start $29.99. DirectStarTV. near synagogue. $2,500 per month. 1-800-306-1953 Owner 516-792-6555 Beautiful, original oil paintings of LOST AND FOUND DIRECTV Free 5 months! Includes North Wdm. — house rental. Hi-ranch Gedolim for sale. Framed, reasonably 265+ Digital Channels and Movies! Ask How! NFL Sunday Ticket is here. No in MIC. 4 br, CAC, den, on quiet street. priced. Jewish illustrations also available. start costs. Free DVR/HD receiver. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 If interested, please call 646-710-0595 Found gold bracelet on Broadway in Packages start $29.99. DirectStarTV. 1-800-973-9027 Lawrence — 18 Berkley Place Lawrence. Please call 516-569-0526 Center hall col., 4 BR, 3 bths, stunning COMMERCIAL REAL cul-de-sac, best location . . $4K monthly ESTATE FOR RENT Call Irene 516-652-7099 Deadline for Advertising

Cedarhurst — Garden apt. Nu 2 Mkt. Rockville Centre — 3,500 sq ft, fully 2BR. 2Bth, Mint, 1st Flr, heat & prk wired for Web, partitioned, will divide. in the Classifieds for the Next Issue is incld ...... $2,500 Call 516-322-3555 5Town Homes 516-569-5710 Monday, September 7 Far Rockaway commercial space. Far Rockaway — Large One Bedroom Brand new construction. Ideally suited Apartment for rent. Beautiful elevator for medical professional offices or com- 5:00 P.M. bldg. Nice tenancy. Great location at munity facility. High ceilings. Very Neilson and Cornaga, near Shor Yoshuv, bright and airy. Many amenities, ocean Call 516-569-0502 transportation, and shopping. views, reasonable rent. Call Weissman Asking $1,100. Call 718-692-2525 ext. 180 Realty Group, LLC 516-791-6100

72 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Don’t Talk, Just Daven

A group of dedicated clergymen and laypersons are participating in a 100-hour-long course coordinated by the International Security Coalition of Clergy of the not-for-profit Tzedek Task Force on Counter Terrorism to learn to be effective first responders to protect their congregations. Above (L-R): Rabbi David Algaze, rabbi of Havurat Israel Synagogue in Queens; Pastor Ken Pagano, a church leader from Kentucky and a former marine and NRA handgun instructor; rabbinic intern Shimon Rosenberg of Nefesh Breeah Synagogue of NJ/PA; electronic security expert David Goldenberg; and former NYC police officer and weapons and martial arts instructor Rabbi Gary Moskowitz.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 73 A Simcha Snapshot Photos By Jeff Neckonoff

Dena Schwartz of Queens, a student of Bnos Malka, celebrated her Bat Mitzvah at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills. Entertainment was provided by Azamra.

74 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 75 76 September 4, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Reclaiming Jerusalem

Former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee was in Israel last week, where he met with officials and had a firsthand look at the security situation in and around Jerusalem. Mr. Huckabee was the guest of the Jerusalem Reclamation Project. Above (L–R): Dr. Paul Brody, member of the Board of Governors of the American Friends of JRP; Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat; Mr. Huckabee; and Dr. Joe Frager, Chairman of the Board of JRP. During the mission, Huckabee declared that it would be “impractical and unrealistic” to have two governments try to run two sovereign states in one small land, and that the Jewish people should be allowed to live anywhere in their land without outside pressures.

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES September 4, 2009 77 A Sefer Torah Dedication In Brooklyn Photos By Kalman Zeines/Elite Photography

Rabbi Avraham Berkowitz, resident sofer at Five Towns Judaica in Lawrence, completing a sefer Torah for Rav Feivel Cohen’s shul in Flatbush. Also present as the last words of the sefer were inscribed this past June was Rav Aharon Schechter of Yeshiva Chaim Berlin.

The following shall stand upon Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon… (Devarim 27:12) Six tribes ascended to the top of Mount Gerizim, and six to the top of Mount Ebal; the Kohanim, the Levites and the Ark stood below in the valley. The Levites turned their faces towards Mount Gerizim and began with the blessing:“Blessed be the man who does not make a graven or molten image,” and both the tribes on Mount Gerizim the the tribes on Mount Ebal] answered “Amen!” Then the Levites turned their faces towards Mount Ebal and began with the curse, saying:“Cursed be the man who makes any graven [or molten] image,” and both groups of tribes responded “Amen!”… Thus it continued in this manner for all of the blessings and curses, until the very last curse, namely (verse 26):“Cursed be the one who does not uphold [the words of this Torah]….”

(, Sotah 32a)

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