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See Pages 3-5 Serving Nassau County, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Bronx, and Staten Island DECEMBER 20, 2013 פרשת שמות WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 14 NO. 15 17 TEVES 5774 $1.00 Israel Emerges From Record Snowfall FROM THE EDITOR

See Pages 46-47 BY LARRY GORDON The Ramallah Hilton There are many indica- tions that this nine-month American invention of Isra- See Page 75 el-Palestinian talks are an evolving failure. But the most overt sign was last week’s snowstorm in Israel and the impact it had on the

An unusual winter snowstorm paralyzed much of Israel last week. See Pages 70, 82 Continued on Page 6 See Page 19 What I Did With HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE My Shidduch List BY LARRY GORDON Shopping In Israel BY GOLDY KRANTZ I hoped would become “Mr. GRUBER Krantz.” But that was never the When it fi nally became a lit- See Page 9 case. tle cool and rainy at night in Many know me as Goldy So I turned my true dat- Israel—this was before last Krantz, the funny satirical ing experiences into a book, week—the choices were to stay writer of dates gone bad/awry. which I hoped would at home or to go out and join That’s true. But I was still Goldy everyone in the shidduch the maddening crowds at one Krantz, the 33-year-old woman parashah to laugh instead of of the always very busy indoor who had been in the shid- moping about the situation malls in . There is an duch parashah for more than a they were in. Thankfully, excitement, or perhaps it is a See Page 29 decade. I went out with count- less young and older men who Continued on Page 20 Continued on Page 16 Kal Garin Garin Kal Yehudit DEALING WITH IRAQI JUDAICA BY THE RIVERS OF SCARVES AND BABYLON WE SAT HALACHAH Halachic Musings See Page 48 AND WEPT BY DAVID J. BY YAIR SEIDEMANN, ESQ. HOFFMAN

There I stood, fi rst next to It is cold-weather season, the Iraqi ambassador, and and the coats, gloves, and then next to the Iraqi foreign scarves are coming out. Scarves minister. A blistery cold wind are defi nitely “in,” and consti- swept past us and through us tute a billion-dollar indus- last Sunday in a most ironic try with such top designers L-R: 5TJT columnist David Seidemann and Iraqi Ambassador to the United States Lukman Faily at Sunday’s burial ceremony for Judaic items found in Iraq. Continued on Page 22 Continued on Page 12

December 20 – 4:12 PM December 27 – 4:16 PM See Luach, Page 11

Features Index, See Page 10 2 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 3 4 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 5 FROM THE EDITOR But that’s not the point. Last Thurs- Hotel have a private bathroom with Continued from Front Cover day, snow was in the forecast for the bathrobes and free toiletries. A free buf- Jerusalem area, which includes the fet breakfast is available for guests at silly charade of talks currently taking current Palestinian ghetto capital of the restaurant, which also serves à la place. Ramallah. When Kerry arrived at Abbas’ carte meals. Room service is also avail- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry offi ces, it was already snowing outside, able on request. The Royal Court offers arrived in the region last Thursday eve- and the forecast called for more. As a a range of facilities from the 24-hour ning, and his motorcade of bulletproof result, Mr. Kerry and his entourage only front desk, including tour booking vehicles drove straight to Ramallah for stayed 30 minutes before getting into information, airport shuttles, and car a meeting with Palestinian Authority their vehicles and high-tailing it to the rentals. Free parking is also available. President Mahmoud Abbas. The Pales- safe, warm, and luxurious confi nes of “Activities in the area include the tinian Arabs are only in this shadow the King David Hotel in Jerusalem. Hotel Crown Royal Crown Hotel British Council [editor’s note: for quick boxing of a negotiation process because Kerry and Abbas had plenty to talk escape] and a range of bars and cafés the U.S. wrangled a concession from about. After all, due to Mr. Abbas’s which are all within 10 minutes’ walk of Israel that will ultimately result in the intransigence and refusal to recognize the hotel. release of 104 convicted terrorist mur- Israel as a Jewish state, zero progress “The Royal Court Hotel is just 5 min- derers from Israeli jails. So far, 52 of has been made in fi ve months of back- utes’ walk from the centre of Ramallah these characters have been released. and-forth talks. So what if the weather and just under 40 minutes’ drive from Abbas and his associates have plainly was bad—it is Middle Eastern peace Jerusalem.” From the photo, you can see said that the only reason they are con- that hangs in the balance here and, as important as these talks between for yourself how nice the place is. tinuing the game is so that the other 52 according to the Obama administra- the parties. And here’s something else posted on can gain their freedom. tion, there are few things in the world A cursory glance online shows that that same travel website: a travel advi- there are no less than 10 hotels in sory. Ramallah, and some of them look fairly “Safety and security concerns from nice and suitable for Mr. Kerry and the U.S. State Department: his entourage of diplomats to stay the “The security environment remains night to discuss these urgent matters in complex in Israel and the West Bank, the same fashion as he does in Jerusa- and U.S. citizens need to be aware of lem, sometimes sitting and talking with the continuing risks of travel to these Prime Minister Netanyahu until 3:00 or areas, particularly to areas described in 4:00 a.m. this Travel Warning, where there are The nicest-looking hotel where I heightened tensions and security risks. believe Mr. Kerry could have stayed is The Department of State strongly warns the Royal Court. This is what Bookings. U.S. citizens against travel to the Gaza com has to say about this particular Strip. Furthermore, it cautions them venue. “Centrally located in the heart of that, with the exception of Jericho and Ramallah, this hotel is 10 minutes’ walk Bethlehem, personal travel to the West from the Khalil Sakakini Cultural Cen- Bank by U.S. government employees is ter. The spacious rooms and suites all prohibited . . .” have a balcony and a fl at-screen TV. “All of the rooms at the Royal Court Continued on Page 11

6 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 7 P.O. BOX 690 • LAWRENCE, NY 11559 [email protected] ads@5T JT.com 516-569-0502

LARRY GORDON ESTA J. GORDON Publisher/Editor Managing Editor YOSSY GORDON • YOCHANAN GORDON • DOVI GORDON Sales Managers CHANA ROCHEL ROSS Assistant Editor SIDI BARON • DAVID FOX • YAAKOV SERLE Sales Representatives SHMUEL GERBER MICHELE JUSTIC Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Hannah Reich Berman • Anessa V. Cohen Rabbi Yitzchok D. Frankel • Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg Yoni Glatt • Rabbi Yossy Goldman • Toby Klein Greenwald Rabbi Yair Hoff man • Ron Jager • Doni Joszef Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky • Dr. Bernie Kastner Shmuel Katz • Rabbi Mordechai Kruger • Phyllis J. Lubin Esther Mann • Rochelle M. Miller • Rabbi Meir Orlian Elke Probkevitz • Dr. Rachael Schindler Mordechai Schmutter • Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow Baila Sebrow • David J. Seidemann • Rabbi Avi Shafran Samuel Sokol • Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum • Chanita Teitz ELISHEVA ELEFANT IVAN NORMAN Gr aphic Artist IRA THOMAS Photographers Design by DESIGN2PRO.COM Design & Production MICHAEL KUROV – Art Director 5TJT.com site by DAVID HAIRONSON of NDH Web Design © 2013 by the Five Towns Jewish Times The Five T owns Jewish Times is an independen t weekly newspaper. Opinions expressed by other writers in these pages are not necessarily those of the publisher. The 5TJT is not r esponsible for the kashrus of an y advertised or featured product or establishment. All submissions bec ome the pr operty of the 5TJT and may be edit ed for publica tion. Pictures may be modifi ed (such as by cropping or fi lling) at our discretion to conform to standards of modesty in dress. READ THIS WEEK’S ISSUE ONLINE AT 5TJT.COM!

8 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 9 FEATURES Chronicle Shmuel Katz 70 All in the Angle R’ Avi Shafran 81 Auto Section 30 Classified Ads 76 A Clever Title Goes Here Mordechai Schmutter 84 Community News Around The Five Towns 62 Around The World 72 Insights R’ Avrohom Sebrow 28 Dating Forum Baila Sebrow 55 Deficit of Attention Doni Joszef, LMSW 83 The Dish Elke Probkevitz 31 Halachic Musings R’ Yair Hoffman 1, 30 Insights on the Five Towns Marriage Initiative 35 R’ Yossy Goldman 49 The Job Hunter R’ Mordechai Kruger 25 Letters to the Editor 60 Luach/Calendar 11 Machberes R’ Gershon Tannenbaum 50 MindBiz Esther Mann, LCSW 42 News from the Hills Chanita Teitz 24 Photo Prose Gary Rabenko 40 Puzzle Yoni Glatt 52, 59 Real Estate Anessa V. Cohen 44 Simcha Darchei Torah 50 Tzivia Ross 86 That’s The Way It Is! Hannah Reich Berman 48 Travel Section 62 Year In Israel Max Fruchter 82

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10 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES FROM THE EDITOR know the answer to that is a resound- that exists between the U.S. and Israel. CALENDAR Continued from Page 6 ing no. Even if most of their business Neither can they desist from refer- is about being in Ramallah to help the ring to the unique security dynamic This particular warning does not men- poor, victimized-by-their-own-leader- that exists between our two countries, LUACH tion Ramallah specifi cally, but it seems ship Palestinian people, each night of which do indeed have so much in com- that the warning does apply to that city, their visit they are hosted at the King mon. This idea of attempting to create so I suppose the regulation that does David or the David Citadel Hotel, where some kind of parity between the situ- DecemberJuly 20–December 1–July 9 28 not allow U.S. government employees there is plenty of upscale shopping at ation on the Israel side and the condi- ZIP Code: 11516 to travel to the West Bank only allows the nearby Mamilla Mall. tions that exist on the Arab side so that Mr. Kerry to be there on offi cial busi- I believe that when Mr. Obama feels there seems to be some kind of balance 17 Teves – Erev Shabbos ness, and mostly during the day. that it is safe enough for Mr. Kerry to is an indulgence in fantasy that is coun- Friday, December 20 Okay, so here’s the point. So long as spend a few nights in Ramallah or, per- terproductive to the process, or what- Daf yomi: Yoma 42 places like Ramallah and the rest of haps at some later point, in Gaza, where ever it is proper to call that which is cur- Z’manim*: the West Bank are considered danger- several luxury hotels have been built rently taking place between the parties. Earliest tallis/: 6:16 am ous for U.S. citizens, and our Secretary (even though the people there are pur- John Kerry’s safety is no different than Sunrise: 7:15 am of State is considered endangered if he ported to be starving), then we will be that of any Israeli man, woman, or child. Latest Shema: spends the night there, I think it is safe dealing with a sure sign that an era of I just returned from two weeks in Israel M. Av. 8:57 am to say that those folks are not ready for genuine peace may have arrived. So and while in Gush Etzyon (otherwise Gr’a 9:33 am peace with anyone, least of all . long as our secretary of state has to known as the West Bank) drove up to the P’lag ha’minchah: 3:32 pm This, amongst other things, should be make a beeline out of Ramallah for his entrance of several so-called Palestinian Candle Lighting 4:12 pm the litmus test, not just for the Ameri- safe and secure quarters in Jerusalem, cities. Not only are there several mem- 18 Teves – Shabbos cans involved in the process, but the there is no quid pro quo here. We are bers of the IDF at each entrance to these Saturday, December 21 Europeans and others as well. Do you not dealing with an even playing fi eld cities, but visitors are advised by a large, Parashas Sh’mos Shabbos ends**: think that Britain’s Prime Minister David by far, and it was way premature to impossible-to-miss red sign that it is not 5:22 pm Cameron, the European Union’s Cather- even talk about any kind of realistic or only illegal for to enter these 72 min. 5:49 pm ine Ashton, or the United Nations Secre- sustainable agreement. areas, but that it is dangerous as well. 24 Teves – Erev Shabbos tary General Ban ki-Moon, when visiting Obama and Kerry never fail to point Friday, December 27 Mr. Abbas, stay in the Royal Court? You to the so-called “unshakeable bond” Continued on Page 12 Daf yomi: Yoma 49 Earliest tallis/tefillin: 6:19 am Sunrise: 7:18 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 9:00 am Gr’a 9:36 am P’lag ha’minchah: 3:36 pm Candle Lighting 4:16 pm 25 Teves – Shabbos Saturday, December 28 Parashas Va’eira Blessing of Chodesh Shevat Shabbos ends**: 5:26 pm 72 min. 5:53 pm * All times from MyZmanim.com ** includes 5 minutes for tosefes Shabbos

General Calendar Wednesday, December 25. Major legal holiday. Look for the next issue of the 5TJT on newsstands Thursday, December 26

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 11 FROM THE EDITOR sprawling building. HALACHIC MUSINGS stein (1895-1986), zt’l, proposes an Continued from Page 11 I understand that this is the Middle Continued from Front Cover ammah of 21.25 inches; and the Chazon East, but this is the center of the most Ish (1878-1953), zt’l, proposes almost 23 And what exactly is the nature of that upscale area of Jerusalem, barely two as Burberry, Prada, Missoni, Alexander inches. danger? Well, apparently it has been blocks from the Prime Minister’s resi- McQueen, Cole Haan, Chanel, Etro, Lan- The Beis Yoseph (OC 10:11) writes: “A determined and proven that if you are dence. Why can’t this edifi ce be guarded vin, Hermès, Nicole Miller, Ferragamo, kerchief that is placed around the neck, an Israeli or a who steps beyond by U.N. personnel from say, the Philip- Emilio Pucci, Dior, Fendi, and Louis it would appear that if it has the min- this warning sign, there is a good chance pines or South Africa? Not good enough Vuitton. These designers manufacture imum size, it would be obligated in that someone over there allegedly look- or safe enough for the American person- square scarves (mostly for women), tri- tzitzis. Even though he only covers ing to live side-by-side and in peace nel? If that is the determination that angular scarves, and, the most common, his neck with it, it is still called, ‘asher with you is going to kill you. has been made by the security experts, rectangular scarves. techase bo,’ that you cover yourself It is said that the scarf originated in with. The verse does not state, ‘that you ancient Rome, where it was called the cover your entire body with.’” The Beis If you are an Israeli or a Jew who steps “sudarium”—perhaps the origin of the Yoseph continues, “And I have already Talmudic term “sudar.” seen of those who are careful in mitzvos beyond this warning sign, there is a good chance that someone over there In our times, people wear scarves allegedly looking to live side-by-side and for protection from the cold and do in peace with you is going to kill you. not wear them solely for “kavod.”

Scarf lengths and widths vary greatly. who would place tzitzis on them, but in And you don’t have to venture into then that assessment applies to every- Most scarves are over fi ve feet long and all of Egypt they do not do so.” Palestinian territory to begin feeling one. often are very wide. And while there The Beis Yoseph lists three possible that fuzzy feeling about our cousins, So you know when there will be a is no question that our practice is not reasons why the custom outside of who President Obama says want to live breakthrough that heralds an era of to wear tzitzis on a scarf, the question Israel has evolved not to place tzitzis on free and coexist with us. A simple walk peace between Arabs and Jews? No, not arises as to why exactly we don’t. a scarf. down Gershon Agron Street in the cen- when an agreement is forced based on The Berurah (16:4) rules 1) Because the only item that is hala- ter of Jerusalem is indicative of some- Barack Obama’s crazy fantasy agenda. that the minimum for a garment chically termed a garment is some- thing going on along these very same The necessary breakthrough will be at to be obligated in tzitzis is a length of thing that someone wears or one wraps lines. Every time we walk by the U.S. hand when John Kerry can relax, dine, three-quarters of an ammah in length himself in—a scarf is only considered Consulate building—the building diag- and sleep at the Royal Court Hotel in and half an ammah in width. There are “ha’alah,” arisen upon him. onally across the street from the park Ramallah.  various halachic opinions about the 2) The main purpose of kerchiefs is to behind the Leonardo Plaza Hotel—you ammah, too. Rav Chaim Noeh (1890- wrap them around the head to protect get a close look at the well-armed beefy Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at 1954), zt’l, posits an ammah of slightly American security detail that guards the [email protected]. more than 18 inches; Rav Moshe Fein- Continued on Page 15

12 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 13 14 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HALACHIC MUSINGS Continued from Page 12 from cold weather or to create shade during heat; therefore, they are considered garments of the head and not garments of the body. 3) The main purpose of wear- ing kerchiefs is to use them for other purposes such as to wrap up money, to carry fruits, to wipe off sweat, to gird one- self when doing labor, to wipe one’s hands, etc. The Chofetz Chaim writes in his Biur Halacha (siman 10, “Sudar”) that both the Magen Avraham and the Vilna Gaon seem to rule like the last expla- nation in the Beis Yoseph, as that this is the reason they quote in their restatement of his view. Accordingly, he writes, our mod- ern-day scarves fi t none of the above explanations. He thus concludes that a G-d-fearing individual should round off a corner of the scarf to ensure that it not be obligated in tzitzis. The Magen Avraham explains the need for exemption based upon the idea that the garment is more for “kavod” than actual protection from the cold. How- ever, in our times, people wear scarves for protection from the cold and do not wear them solely for “kavod.” This author would suggest that those who wish to fol- low the view of the Biur Hala- cha here would only have to do so if the scarf were close to nine inches wide. Most woven scarves do not meet this width. It is clear, however, that most Bnei Torah do not follow the view of the Mishnah Berurah in rounding off one of the corners. As far as the other two rea- sons cited in the Beis Yoseph, it could be that the Vilna Gaon and Magen Avraham rejected the fi rst idea of ha’alah being an exempt type of wearing from the words of Tosfos in Menachos 41a “Tcheiles.” Tos- fos writes that this would also necessitate the wearing of tzitzis. As far as the second rea- son, that the scarf is considered a head garment not a body gar- ment, in the more northern countries, where it is rather cold, we do actually use it on the neck and not on the head. There may be another ratio- nale to be lenient, and not round off a corner as the Chofetz Chaim seems to rec- ommend. When one does wear a scarf that is more than nine inches wide, the scarf is often folded in half—width-wise. If that is the case, there may be another reason to be lenient, because it could be that the minimum requirement neces- sitates that the garment be worn that way as well. 

The author can be reached at [email protected]. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 15 BAGEL STORE the shopping frenzy and the toting dabbled in some men’s clothing on ferences between malls here in New Continued from Front Cover of multiple tightly packed shopping their racks. I believe those were added York and over there in Israel. First bags, there is a peacefulness and a just to distract some of the male shop- and foremost, there are metal detec- rhythm, to shopping in Israel. The malls nonchalance in the mall as another pers and give them something to do tors that you have to pass through in are fi lled with energetic young people international and quite understand- to pass the time while the women Israel in order to gain entry. How is who seem to love to shop almost end- able language is being spoken—that zealously did their thing. someone supposed to try on a sport lessly. is, shopping. I do recall something else about the coat or sweater with a pistol bulging And the mix of people rushing their I will go out on a limb here and say Duryea Place Loehmann’s, and that is from their belt? “Here, can you hold way through the malls, shops, and that stores throughout the world can the benches they had in front of the this please?” stores is truly something to behold. be put into two categories. The good store so that people—almost exclu- Passing through metal detectors, There is a theory that peace between stores are the ones where there is a sively men—could sit while their com- especially in Israel, has become a rou- Arabs and Jews can be achieved on an place to sit down. The not-so-good panions did their shopping. I recall a tine matter these days. Apparently, economic plain more expeditiously ones are the shops that do not pro- sad collection of men sitting there, there are different types of detectors than in any of the ways that have vide a place to sit and relax while your either staring off into a distant noth- with varying levels of sensitivity to been tried and have apparently not metal objects. For example, at both succeeded. Somehow, even though JFK and Ben Gurion Airport, the metal people fi nd it impossible to respect or detectors are extremely sensitive to even hear one another, when it comes The good stores are the ones where all kinds of metal objects. And that’s to the international language—that is, aside from the need to remove your money—everyone’s ears perk up and there is a place to sit down. shoes and jacket, unpack your lap- they are capable of paying attention. top computers, and sometimes even Not to wander too far off topic, but remove your belt. Not to mention the United States has promised the your earrings, bracelets, necklaces, Palestinians a $4 billion aid package wife or children are working their way ingness or sitting with their shoulders watches, hairpins, and so on. if they successfully navigate their way through the racks or shelves. sloped and heads hanging somewhere At the Malcha Mall these days, they through the peace negotiation process I read some shocking news a few between semi-conscious wakefulness are just looking for guns and explo- with Israel. The Palestinian leadership days ago. That is that Loehmann’s and a midday nap. I never wanted to sives, so maybe that allows you to has blown through many billions of has fi led for bankruptcy and might be in that picture, and I don’t think I keep your belt on. I have found that dollars over the last few decades in be closing many if not all their stores. am. I just don’t want to have to stand the situation when you enter through exchange for not much, so the inter- That’s too bad but, as one blogger all the time. the detectors at the Kotel is similar to national community is encounter- wrote upon learning of the sad news, Anyway, there is no place to nap that at the mall. It is like the machine ing some diffi culty in getting them to “If we survived the closing of Daffy’s or even daydream in Israel’s malls, at has been calibrated to know what it’s cooperate this time around. But they we will most likely survive this clos- least not the ones that I have visited looking for. are trying. ing too.” in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. (They have So once you traverse the line to I raise this issue because of the way The good news is that in Israel— these comfortable-looking reclin- enter the mall, you are free to shop Arab women, and sometimes couples, as far as I know—there was never a ers that give you an electronic mes- until either you drop or you cannot saunter around the Malcha Mall in Daffy’s nor is there currently a Loeh- sage for a few shekels but that’s an manage to carry any more bags. And Jerusalem on most nights. Granted, mann’s. I do remember the Loeh- attraction, not a place to just sit.) The the checkout lines are long and the the overwhelming number of people mann’s store on Duryea Place off Flat- mall—especially on Saturday night— cashiers are always busy. I know you there are Israelis, plus there are a good bush Avenue in Brooklyn. This was is a happening place, where people number of visitors like us, but despite the old Loehmann’s, long before they gather by the thousands. There are dif- Continued on Page 19

16 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 17 18 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES BAGEL STORE Continued from Page 16 thought that people in Israel do not have that much discretionary income. A study released this week said that 1.7 million Israelis are living below the poverty line. But I suppose these were not the people we saw at the mall. Okay, so let’s look inside some of the stores and see whether there is a place to sit and relax, or not, or just shop. Zara is a European-based cloth- ing store with shops all over the globe, including here in New York. The store in the Malcha Mall is a hub of activ- ity, with young girls and women in high swirly turbans and mov- ing in and out of the dressing room at breakneck speed. It looks like some- one pressed fast-forward and every- one is just scurrying around chock full of shopping energy. There’s no place to sit in Zara unless you are buying a pair of women’s shoes and, believe me, if you are not you don’t want to be sitting there. This year, I discovered a bench outside the store. I had my iPad with me, and had pretty good Wi-Fi service as well, so I did not mind sitting there for a while. Just a few feet away from where I was sitting, there was a Café Hillel conces- sion with delicious coffee and cap- puccino, as well as an assortment of doughnuts specially decorated to cel- ebrate the Chanukah season. Then there is a big H&M. No place to really sit there, either. Renuar is a store with a fairly decent men’s department. I bought two sweaters (I don’t carry a gun, just some credit cards) and my sons bought outerwear jackets. It was supposed to get cool and rainy outside for our last few days in Israel and these purchases would allow us to better defend our- selves against the elements. Let me say something about the Cas- tro store in the Mamilla Mall. I think this is my favorite place to shop; they have nothing for me but two very comfortable deep worn leather chairs in their shoe department, where I have rarely seen anyone buying shoes. You can sit there, read your computer screen, or watch the world go by—it’s your choice. Then there is the famous pedes- trian mall on Ben Yehuda Street. It’s a lovely hilly cobblestoned street where you can take in an exciting part of Israel. There are street musicians, ped- dlers, people selling their home-pro- duced art, and a table at which several Chabad men are busy putting tefi llin on people passing through. There are some lovely jewelry stores down here, another Castro shop, sev- eral fi ne gift shops, and just a place to spend money or do your part to sup- port the thriving Jerusalem economy. All in all, it’s a totally satisfying and enjoyable experience. Whether you are shopping in Tel Aviv, in the Mal- cha Mall, or on Jaffa Road, the way I see it, we are supporting the people of Israel. And that’s the great part of all this. A couple of more chairs or a couch in the right stores and this would just be perfect. 

Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at [email protected]. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 19 SHIDDUCH LIST me strength before and you give Continued from Front Cover me hope now.” I don’t think what I have to say is brilliant—to me, it was many did laugh after purchasing my common sechel (sense)—but I have a book, Best of My Worst (which is no yearning and maybe even an obliga- longer for sale). Many e-mailed me tion to the rest of the Yidden in the and came out to speaking engage- shidduch parashah to share with you ments where I was the guest speaker. what happened to me in order for I can fill another five books with me to stand under the chupah with everyone’s experiences! my chassan, Yeshaya Yehuda. Baruch Hashem, I became a kallah Very simply put: I threw away my and have wed, but just because I am list of prerequisites. I was looking newly married doesn’t mean I’ve for- for a working professional, someone gotten what I and thousands of oth- with a wonderful sense of humor ers went through, or are currently and an outgoing personality, some-

Had I not known my husband from work, I never ever would have dated him.

going through. I still have very close one a bit older than I was, someone friends and cousins in the shidduch who had a a few times a parashah. One of the important night . . . I dated fellows who were tafkids I have now is trying to match missing one or two of the prerequi- them up with appropriate shiddu- sites, but I basically stuck to my list. chim—not just pairing up a male and If I had never compromised, I would a female, because I remember how still be dating. that feels. I met my husband through work, What I offer now is not a good and we became very casual friends. laugh or another dating “horror” Yes, it is true—we did attend the story, but some advice. Take it or same Shabbaton together, but it don’t take it, the choice is yours. But took my husband a year and a half I would be remiss if I don’t pass it on to ask me out after that Shabbaton. because, as family and people in shul The first date wasn’t a great one have pointed out to me, “You gave and I decided that we should “stay

friends.” After that date, my sister what counts in the long run—that became sick and recovered, but I the person that you marry is a good was out of the shidduch parashah for person and will put family first? almost a year while helping my fam- Forget about what color the Shab- ily. When I began dating again, there bos tablecloth is, or which seminary my friend Yeshaya Yehuda was. We the girl graduated from (c’mon, she started dating very slowly; a dinner is 26 and went to seminary seven here, a movie there . . . And before I years ago!) Forget the fact that the knew it, I felt very comfortable with girl is a bit older—does that really him, and my list went out the win- matter when the baby cries at 2:00 dow. a.m.? “Honey you are older, go get My husband works hard at his job, the baby.” Let these sh’tusim (non- but is not the doctor or lawyer type sensical things) go! Concentrate on that I’d always dated. He is a bit on one question: “How badly do I want the quiet side, not as outgoing as my to get married?” You may just open list demanded. He smokes. I never your eyes and mind to many pos- wanted a smoker! But I don’t really sibilities that you passed by in the mind it now. He doesn’t have a reg- past. ular chavrusa, but learns when he is Do I guarantee my advice? Will I able to. To top it off, while my hus- give money back if it doesn’t work? band no longer wears the chassidish No! But as the old adage goes, “Noth- l’vush, he is from a chassidish family, ing ventured, nothing gained.” If you with many siblings, and his brothers date the younger smoker from the and father wear bekishes and shtre- chassidish family and don’t end up imels. Goldy Krantz is part of a chas- marrying him or her, then at least sidish family! My friends and family you can say that you tried it. couldn’t get over how well the shtre- I gave my husband a chance and imels, black hats, and serugas look where it got me—it got me mar- blended at my chassunah. ried. Throw out your lists! You are Had I not known my husband from not dating lists! You are dating peo- work, I never ever would have dated ple with feelings, experiences, opin- him. A smoker without a regular ions, and so on. If you want to marry chavrusa, who is two years younger a specific type, fine, but no one is than me, from a chassidish family! going to fit your cookie-cutter mold. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I just hope time doesn’t pass by until I am two years older than my hus- you learn this lesson the hard way— band. But I got to know my husband, like I almost did.  and I genuinely like the person he Goldy Krantz Gruber is a licensed MSW. She is. He cares for me and puts me first is the author of The Best of My Worst and has and I can tell from all of his actions had several articles published on the topic of that he is a good person. Isn’t that shidduch dating. 20 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 21 OTHER SIDE OF THE BENCH Jew can live in exile—until approxi- Continued from Front Cover mately 1963. It was then that a sweep- ing new set of conduct was instituted, setting: New Montefi ore cemetery in which deprived Jews of their rights and West Babylon, Long Island. We were possessions and reminded them clearly gathered to bury relics of the past from what exile really means. what once was a bastion of Jewish life, In response to the Israelis’ miraculous ancient Babylonia. victory in the 1967 war, the noose was A crowd of about 200 people tightened even more. People in atten- showed up, including the Iraqi gov- dance last Sunday remembered the ernmental offi cials, members of the looting of the and schools U.S. State Department, and repre- and the loss of holy Torah scrolls and sentatives of the National Archives manuscripts. and antiquities department. But the In 2003, American soldiers discovered majority of the attendees were ref- a treasure trove of Jewish manuscripts,

I mourned a history robbed from the Iraqi Jews and from Jews in every exile. An offi cial from the Iraqi foreign ministry with David Seidemann But what happens afterwards is any- fl ed the persecution and left those one’s guess. Will the remnants of Jew- scrolls and a way of life behind. Hav- ugees from Iraq now living in New totaling 2,700 pieces or so, in the base- ish Babylonia return to a country that is ing to lose them a second time was too York, and one 95-year-old man who ment of Saddam Hussein’s compound. Judenrein, or will they be turned over to much for him to bear. came in from Connecticut to see his Even Saddam Hussein knew these were their rightful owners? I photographed some of the rem- past come to life in burnt and charred something to save. The Iraqi government has sent repre- nants. A section of the Megillah parchment. And so the battle began. The refugees sentatives to Washington to be trained and a portion of the Ten Command- Those profi cient in of a once proud and vibrant Jewish com- in the preservation of these manu- ments, and then a portion of my bar know ancient Babylonia as the home of munity recognized those , megil- scripts and scrolls. Two of those train- reading from the Book of Num- the Babylonian , source of Jew- lahs, and original manuscripts of sages ees were in attendance on Sunday, bers, the portion of the priestly bless- ish law and scholarship, and the site of as their own. The Iraqi government young women dressed in traditional ings bestowed upon the Jewish people. our early national exile. It was home maintains that the scrolls and manu- Muslim garb, complete with head cov- With the cooperation of the United to prophets, Tannaim, Amoraim, sages, scripts are the property of the Iraqi gov- ering. Could they really perceive the States government and the Iraqi govern- Gaonim, and saintly commentators like ernment, and so the battle continues. signifi cance of what they were being ment, one casket full of scrolls that had the Ben Ish Chai. The artifacts are on display in Wash- entrusted to keep and preserve? been too charred and damaged to be In modern times, Jews lived there ington D.C. now and soon might be And behind them, wiping tears from repaired were turned over for burial— comfortably—or as comfortably as a headed to New York for public viewing. his face, was the 95-year-old man who fi rst from the Iraqi government to the

22 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES United States government, and then from our government to the represen- tatives of the Iraqi Jews who fl ed the country and now live here. I was invited to attend the burial, not of a person, but of a culture. I saw parch- ment and I saw pain. I saw ashes and I saw tears. I saw years of pain etched into the brows of men and women who, as happy as they were here in America, longed for the traditions they once enjoyed in “Babylonia.” Their feet were in West Babylon, but their hearts were in Babylonia. They came not to bury their past but to recon- nect with their past. The Iraqi offi cials, I must admit, were most respectful and stood silently with heads bowed as the entire group— yes, the entire group—said for Torah scrolls, Torah scholarship, and Torah traditions lost to the dictates of a ruthless dictator. I stood next to the Iraqi ambassador as the casket fi lled with our history was lowered into the ground. I mourned a history robbed from the Iraqi Jews and from Jews in every exile. And I thanked G-d for a and understood more than ever why our future is in Israel and only in Israel. There will come a day when we won’t have to bury Torah scrolls and we won’t have to bury Israeli soldiers because of evil minds that seek to deny us our past and our future. And until that day we will say Kaddish, for lives lost and a way of life lost. 

David Seidemann is a partner with the law fi rm of Seidemann and Mermelstein and serves as a professor of business law at Touro College. He can be reached at 718-692-1013 or ds@lawoffi cesm.com. WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? E-MAIL US AT [email protected] 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 23 News From The Hills

BY CHANITA TEITZ are encouraged to come and bring friends! Location: Beth Gavriel Com- A couple of weeks ago, a newly munity Center, 66-35 108th St. Forest elected city councilwoman from Hills NY 11375. For more information, Crown Heights made a comment call 917-617-3636, e-mail Info@Chazaq. about the knockout crimes targeted org, or visit www.CHAZAQ.org. against Jews. She says that black On Wednesday, December 25, 7:30 teens can’t relate to Jewish success p.m., Yossi Klein Halevi will be speak- and she understands their anger and ing about his new book, Like Dream- why they would specifically target ers: The Story of the Israeli Para- Jews. troopers Who Reunited Jerusalem and Instead of the black community Divided a Nation and other contem- leaders and the liberal whites who porary topics at the Young Israel of support them telling the youth to Hillcrest. shape up, stop blaming others for Community wide event for women, their failures and start putting them- l’zechus refuah sheleimah for Zelda selves on their own track to success, Brocha bas Chava Rochel. they encourage this kind of foolish, Please join an evening of power racist nonsense. and strength, of inspiration through To take this a bit further, let’s take Tehillim and song. Come hear Hadas- a look at Israel, where Jews from all sah Davids, composer and singer, as over the world, from all different cul- she reveals the incredible story of tures and racial backgrounds, live her life, from being born the daugh- together. Sure there are problems, ter of a Christian minister to becom- but the Ethiopians, for example, have ing a Jew. Monday, December in one generation become a part of 30, Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, Israeli society. Arabs in Israel work in 150-05 70th Road, 8:30 p.m. promptly. every profession together with Jews. From Midreshet Adina: Rabbi There will always be the complain- , “Adversity Busters,” ers, the blamers, and those who call Rosh Chodesh Shevat, Thursday, Jan- Israel an apartheid state. So, whether uary 2, 11:00 a.m. Speaker promptly here or there, people like to complain 11:15 a.m., at the home of Hindy and use race as their trump card. Amsel, 138-50 78th Drive. Getting back to Israel, the snow Please join Keren Hachesed for an was crippling. Our kids had intermit- evening of learning and and tent electricity over Shabbos and no remembering the women in our lives cooking gas on erev Shabbos, so my at the annual Tu B’Shevat yahrtz- daughter-in-law had to finish cook- eit shiur for women on Wednesday, ing at a neighbor who did have gas. January 15, 7:30 p.m. at Congrega- I don’t know why these utilities were tion Degel Israel, Main St. and 68th on and off intermittently. Our kids Drive in Kew Gardens Hills. The guest did have some electricity, so they had speaker will be the noted one heater working. In other places, Yael Marcus of Kehillas Ishei Yisrael. people were completely in the dark Her topic will be “Tu B’Shvat: Appreci- with no heat. Many travelers were ating the Process.” The shiur is spon- stranded. I was told that Hatzalah got sored by Rivkie Leiman, Pearl Marko- about 11,000 calls for help. vitz, and Evelyn Ocken, in memory of A little bit of snow in Israel is their mothers Sarah bas Harav Avra- always unique and fun, but this ham, a’h, Tzivia bas , a’h, and much snow was something they hav- Devorah bas Mordechai, a’h. If you en’t experienced before and they are would like to cosponsor this event poorly equipped to deal with it. One in memory of your mother, grand- benefit of all the snow is that I read mother, or any female relative, that they received 50% of their water please call Evelyn Ocken at 718-268- needs for the year. I wonder if the 0439, Pearl Markovitz at 201-836-4309, melting snow is causing flooding. or Rivkie Leiman at 718-793-4644, or They’ve had their taste of a snow- e-mail [email protected] or pearl- storm and I hope that the rest of the [email protected]. All proceeds winter will be mild and pleasant. will go to the Keren Hachesed fund of Congregation Degel Israel/Ohel Upcoming Events Rachel, which provides for needy The Queens Jewish Center will families in Israel. Please make checks be hosting a and evening of payable to Cong. Ohel Rachel, with a tribute marking the shloshim of its note for the Keren Hachesed. esteemed rabbi emeritus and mara d’asra, Rabbi Joseph Grunblatt, a’h, Happenings on Sunday evening, December 22, On Main Street 8:00 p.m. 66-05 108th Street, Forest A Dunkin’ Donuts is coming to Hills. Hadran will be given by Rabbi Main Street on the block of Season’s. Akiva Grunblatt. Guest speakers will Rumor has it that it will be kosher. be Rabbi Menachem Genack and Does anyone have any more informa- Rabbi Doniel Lander. Light refresh- tion? ments will be served after the pro- Also, an urgent-care facility is gram. opening just north of Jewel Avenue. CHAZAQ and Irgun Shiurei Torah, This should be good for the commu- in conjunction with Beth Gavriel, nity and convenient, too.  proudly present Rav Shmuel Dishon, live in Queens! This Sunday night, Chanita Teitz is a real-estate broker at Astor Brokerage in Kew Gardens Hills, serving the December 22. Refreshments at 8:00 entire Queens vicinity. For all your real-estate p.m. Lecture on “Enhancing Your needs, call her at 718-263-4500 or e-mail Life” at 8:30 p.m. Admission free! All [email protected]. 24 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Choose Your Weapon, Part II The Job Hunter BY RABBI MORDECHAI KRUGER

We established in the last article that This effort, which narrows the job our imaginary job hunter, Beryl Klein, search to a specifi c job description, seems to have some skills that could be is a critical step, and one that is often used in sales, and he is defi nitely willing skipped in the rush to fi nd “something, to pursue sales as a career. At this point, just anything!” Hunting for jobs with- most job counselors would advise Beryl out focus is like hunting for ducks by to get a good résumé, possibly by hiring aiming a shotgun toward the nearest a professional résumé writer. Then they lake. You might hit something. But the would teach him how to search want odds are that it won’t be a duck, and ads, perhaps with some introduction to certainly not a duck you want to bring social media like Facebook or LinkedIn. home. As Jim Hopkinson writes at Sal- If he lands an interview, some prepara- ary.com, “When it comes to job hunt- tion might be in order. In our previous ing, you can’t use a shotgun. You need articles we have explored the chances a sniper rifl e.” of fi nding a job this way, and they’re not For those who are not NRA members, encouraging. let me explain the metaphor. Shotguns

He needs to carefully defi ne his job, and then build a target list of organizations where people do that job.

A job-search coach would tell Beryl fi re a lot of bullets at once, which all go that “sales” is way too broad a category. generally in the right direction. Most of It could include everything from sell- the bullets won’t hit anything, but the ing hats in a small retail store to selling chances are that at least one might. A high-tech medical equipment. Which sniper rifl e is a precision instrument, type of sales position is right for Beryl used by a highly trained expert who sys- can depend on many things, including tematically searches for the right oppor- the work environment, the level of tech- tunity, takes one carefully aimed shot, nical knowledge needed, and the extent and accomplishes his mission. to which the customer expects to have A job hunter should do the same. He a personal relationship with his ven- needs to carefully defi ne his job, and dor. It is also critical to consider issues then build a target list of organizations like the amount of travel that might be where people do that job. The compa- required, and the impact of Beryl’s Jew- nies on that target list should be places ish values. Beryl needs to consider all of where Beryl would really like to work. these factors and use his conclusions to They should be places whose values create a job description. Then he will and approaches are in line with Beryl’s focus his search so that he can locate beliefs, and where he feels that he can that job and get himself hired. grow. And then, like our sniper, Beryl is Before Beryl can write his job descrip- going to take a really good, well-planned tion, he needs to learn more about the shot at getting that job. world of sales. The most effective way Studies show that this kind of job to proceed is by conducting informa- search has a success rate above 90%. So tional interviews. Beryl should make a now that Beryl has the right weapon, list of 10-15 people he knows who work we’ll teach him how to fi nd the right in sales, in as many different areas as target.  possible. He will ask each one several questions so he can understand the Rabbi Mordechai Kruger is the founder nuances of each position: what do you and director of Pathways to Parnassa, an organization providing job-search and career sell, and which activities consume most coaching to our community. He can be reached of your time? Who are your custom- at [email protected]. ers and what does your product do for them? What are the key skills you use and how did you learn them? Do you enjoy your work and why? WHAT’S There are two questions that Beryl (or anyone else) should not ask. Even if well-meaning people want to give their opinions about these things (and they YOUR will), Beryl should not listen. He should not ask about job prospects in this fi eld. No one has prophecy, and people tend OPINION? to be pessimistic about their own fi elds. And Beryl should defi nitely not ask if it’s a good fi eld for him. Only Beryl can E-MAIL US AT decide on the fi eld that’s right for him, and how hard he’s willing to work to fi nd the right position. [email protected] 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 25 What Mandela’s Legacy Mandela to the likes of Yasser Arafat and don’t like everything he said. Colonel Gaddafi in the fi rst place. The Instead, we must honestly and openly Can Teach Us About answer will be uncomfortable for many ask why such a man—the hero of the Afri- supporters of Israel to hear, but it must can liberation movement— would side BY ARI SOFFER And if any more proof were needed of be said, because it exposes precisely how with the enemies of Zionism, the Jewish his moral failure when it came to the Mid- anti-Israel groups have succeeded in liberation movement? Because we let it In just the few days since the passing of dle East, there was his friendship with manipulating the discourse to their advan- happen. Nelson Mandela, as South Africans begin former Libyan dictator Muammar Gadd- tage and in gaining so many fellow travel- Because of successive Israeli govern- a 10-day mourning period for their elder afi , which he once defended by proclaim- ers. And, more appropriately for this period ments whose national policies are so statesman, a slew of articles have been ing that “Those who feel irritated by our of refl ection so soon after his passing, the deeply rooted in all the insecurities and written about his stance regarding the friendship with President Gaddafi can go answer to that question will help us learn paranoia of the 2,000-year exile that they Arab-Israeli confl ict. Of particular interest jump in the pool.” something from the life of such an undeni- rushed to abandon the revolutionary ide- have been his sympathies towards the Pal- Again, the irony of that relationship was ably remarkable man. als of Zionism for the peace and quiet of estine Liberation Organization (PLO) and not simply that Gaddafi was a monstrous For although Mandela was no Middle “normalcy,” even as they moved tantaliz- its head, Yasser Arafat. violator of human rights, but more specif- East expert, he understood well the dis- ingly close to completing the liberation of While anti-Israel types fawn over Man- ically that he too was a key fi gure in the course of “resistance”—a discourse which the Jewish homeland in 1967. dela’s legacy and point towards his sup- Arab colonialist project, who systemati- the proponents of Arab imperialism have Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, the port for the PLO and his relative antipathy cally sought to wipe out the Amazigh (Ber- so successfully, and so perversely, man- very embodiment of such a mentality, who towards the Jewish state as proof of the ber) people who are indigenous to north- aged to co-opt for their own benefi t: from advocates that Israel become America’s righteousness of their cause, supporters ern Africa, and who ethnically cleansed the PLO to Gaddafi , and from the geno- vassal state, said it best when he explained of Israel seem to be divided. While some the entire Jewish population of Libya. cidal Hamas to the bloodthirsty Assad— why Israel “desperately needed” the 2005 scramble to salvage some “brownie points,” Mandela was far from the infallible, uni- who continues preaching “resistance” “disengagement” from Gaza. Speaking in by pointing out that “Madiba’s” support for versal icon of human rights he has been even as he butchers his own people, and New York shortly before the deportation the PLO did not extend to negating Israel’s portrayed as. But instead of attacking him who issued a statement mourning the of 9,000 Jews and the destruction of their right to exist (which is apparently how low or seeking to deny the facts, we should ask anti-apartheid hero even as he fi ghts to communities, he told the audience at the the bar has sunk these days), others lazily ourselves two questions. preserve minority Alawite rule in Syria. Israel Policy Forum that “We are tired of write him off as an anti-Israel “Marxist,” Firstly: why do we care? Mandela fought Mandela had the courage to sacrifi ce fi ghting, we are tired of being courageous, and end it at that. Both are wrong. a just war against the forces of apartheid, everything to challenge a powerful system we are tired of winning, we are tired of Was Mandela close to the PLO, a terror- but that did not make him infallible, nor of oppression and injustice which was defeating our enemies, we want that we ist group sworn to the destruction of the did it somehow confer upon him the kind determined to crush him. His moral clar- will be able to live in an entirely different State of Israel, which has been responsible of demigod status which so many acco- ity in the fi ght against apartheid gave him environment of relations with our ene- for the cold-blooded murder of countless lades attributed to him. He was a man. And the strength to sit in jail for a quarter of mies. We want them to be our friends, our Israeli civilians? Yes, he was. Whereas Man- men get things wrong. He fought for Afri- a century without compromising his prin- partners, our good neighbors.” dela fought for the rights of the indigenous can rights in Africa, but what did he really ciples one iota. But more astonishingly, it How should a man like Mandela look people of South Africa, when it came to know about the Middle East? His silence enabled him to emerge from his imprison- upon such a political establishment? With the Middle East, he sided with one of the regarding the ongoing slavery of black Afri- ment without bitterness, but with a deep- scorn at best and antipathy at worst. For groups which has always stood at the fore- cans in Arab states, and the deeply-embed- seated and genuine will to continue to the lack of resolve over the Jewish own- front of the push for Arab colonization, the ded racism within Arab society at large, change the world—this time through rec- ership of Judea and Samaria (and Gaza) Arabization of other indigenous nations, indicated that he knew precious little onciliation as well as justice. exhibited by almost every Israeli govern- and the eradication or appropriation of about the region. Such a moral and ideological giant can- ment since 1967 can only be understood the legacies of non-Arab peoples. But secondly, we must ask what drew not be conveniently dismissed because we in one of two ways: either they lack the

26 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES moral fi ber to sacrifi ce for what ister to “mend relations” (read: friends is worse than having and cannot withstand the iron calls for Israel to cede Judea and is rightfully theirs, or it is not grovel) with the Turkish regime, none at all. Backing the Kurdish will of a just cause. Samaria, and were completely theirs at all. which supports none other than liberation movement once again Zionism is the national lib- misguided in viewing the PLO’s And it is that same raft of inse- Hamas—a group which is ded- over the AKP (Turkey’s answer to eration movement of the Jew- cause as a just one. curities which is to blame for the icated to committing a second the Muslim Brotherhood) would ish people, and it is just for one But if we do not say so, loudly, other reason for Nelson Mande- holocaust? But from a wider both send a clear message of defi - reason and one reason only: fi rmly, and with courage, how la’s less-than-warm embrace of perspective, building a relation- ance to the proponents of Isla- because this land is Jewish, and can we expect them to know? Israel: Jerusalem’s engagement ship with a Turkish government mism, as well as putting Israel on has been so for 3,500 years. We (Arutz Sheva)  with apartheid South Africa. which is responsible for attempt- the right side of history, regard- are in the right because justice is Prior to 1967, Israel was a harsh ing a cultural genocide against less of Erdogan’s hissy fi ts. on our side. The “settlements” are Ari Soffer is the managing editor of critic and staunch opponent of the Kurdish people, and which Nelson Mandela’s legacy is one just because Judea and Samaria Arutz Sheva/Israel National News. He was born in London, UK, and Pretoria, but a sense of isolation continues to provide active sup- of courage, perseverance, and the are Jewish lands—a fact which prior to his aliyah in 2013 was active following the Six Day War trig- port to Islamist groups in Syria willingness to stand for what even the Arab conquests of the in a variety of pro-Israel and anti- gered a shameful about-turn in which seek the annihilation of you know to be right. It is the 7th century could not alter. extremism organizations, including relations between the two coun- the Kurdish nation, is morally wisdom to understand that all Mandela was wrong to sup- the British Israel Coalition, which he tries, and the formation of an alli- wrong. the injustices which exist today, port Arafat, Gaddafi , and all cofounded in 2011. Today, he lives in the Jewish community of Shiloh in ance which was morally wrong, If “a bad deal is worse than no matter how set-in-stone they the rest of them. He and others Samaria, Israel. even repugnant. no deal,” then surely having evil seem to be, are never permanent, were wrong to join the chorus of The fact that the success of the militant left in isolating Israel from much of Africa and the rest of the so-called “Third World” could result in such an aston- ishingly quick decision to aban- don ideology in favor of the crassest of pragmatism is a testa- ment to the insecurities picked up by the Jewish exiles, scat- tered as minorities and huddled in ghettos desperate for anyone to throw us a rope. As the saying goes: it is harder to take the galut out of the Jews than it is to take the Jews out of the galut. And yet we seem continually blind to the lessons of history, even as our Prime Minister sends his heartfelt condolences to the people of South Africa. How else can we explain the deci- sion to send a government min-

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 27 The rejects this proof, how- ing circumstances, teachers may print ever. Instead, the Gemara suggests that worksheets and write selected pesukim DAF YOMI perhaps, after three words from a par- on the board due to extenuating cir- ticular verse were written on the tab- cumstances. The Shach says that the INSIGHTS let, the remainder of the verse was writ- widespread custom is to follow the ten in shorthand. Perhaps it would be Rif and to permit writing individual By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow forbidden to ever write any complete pesukim from the Torah for the sake of verse of the Torah (or Neviim) if it is not learning. intended to be part of an entire Chu- However, this may not be a carte Chapter And Verse mash. The Gemara concedes that one blanche permit. The Mishnah Ber- may write up to three words of the urah (638:24) writes that one may not The best defense students have he may inadvertently come to write. Torah for whatever reason. write the verse of “basukos tashvu against being forced to learn is to try The mashgiach considered the point This very question was asked by shivas yamim” on Sukkos decora- to use halacha against their teachers. and consequently sent the query to a Abaye to his , Rabba, in Masechta tions. Although, the leniency to write For example, there is a dispute whether renowned posek. The posek concurred Gittin (60a). “May one write a scroll pesukim is widespread, it was only for all parts of Torah may be learned on with the logic in general, but said that containing only one parashah from the the permit of teaching Torah or learn- erev Tishah B’Av afternoon or only top- the yeshiva can be lenient for a mitz- Torah for the purpose of teaching chil- ing Torah. There is no heter to write ics relevant to Tishah B’Av and mourn- vah purpose. Since attendance at seder dren?” Rabba answered that it is for- verses from the Torah simply for the ing. I remember in camp the stringent improves when there is a record, this bidden. One is not allowed to write purpose of decorating. This is true even was adopted by many camp- was deemed a mitzvah purpose. verses from the Torah except as part of if one is decorating a sukkah! How- ers. If the group one was in was learn- Perhaps, from the daf, one can fi nd an entire Chumash. The Rambam codi- ever, Rav Elyashiv, zt’l, said that one ing their regular studies on that after- another excuse not to learn in class. fi es Rabba’s response as practical hala- may purchase decorations that have noon, the student would say “Rebbe, it’s Suppose the morah or Rebbe wrote cha. The ramifi cations of this ruling are the pesukim already printed on them. my minhag not to learn this now!” The some pesukim from the Torah on the potentially enormous. May one include The restriction is only against writing Rebbe would counter, “How long have board; the student can argue, “I am not kriyas Shma in a ? The three par- the verses out of context not against you had this minhag for?” The student allowed to read them!” shiyos of Shma are verses from the purchasing an item with the verses on would respond, “I just adopted it.” The Mishnah in Yoma (37a) records Torah. According to the Rambam, one it. The reader may ask, but isn’t it clear As a bachur, I tried to convince my that Hilney the Queen donated a golden may not write verses from the Torah from the Gemara in Gittin, that where mashgiach that he wasn’t allowed to tablet to the Beis Hamikdash that had unless they are part of an entire Chu- the verses may not be written, they may take attendance on Shabbos. Typically, parashas Sotah written on it. If a Kohen mash. The Rambam himself wrote in not be read either? In our situation, it during the week, there was a list with needed to write the parashas sotah, he a teshuvah that it is a violation of this is permissible regardless. If one doesn’t the names of all the bachurim. If he was now no longer needed to bring a sefer halacha to have verses from the Torah read the words on the sukkah decora- present at seder, a dot was placed next Torah for this purpose. He could sim- embroidered on a tallis bag. tion all is fi ne and well. If one does read to his name. On Shabbos, the bachurim ply copy it from the tablet. The Gemara Can this indeed be an excuse for a the words then he is learning! Nowa- who were present at afternoon seder attempted to prove from this Mishnah student not to read the pesukim his days, we permit writing verses for the (on long Shabbosim) had their names that one is permitted to transcribe one Rebbe wrote on the board? The rebbe purpose of learning. covered with a bobby pin. I argued that portion of the Torah on an individual isn’t allowed to write those pesukim on There is the opinion of the Tashbetz this was forbidden. Since the normal piece of paper if necessary. One does the board to begin with! One may argue that is worth noting. He concludes that way to take attendance was with writ- not need to write an entire Chumash that perhaps the halacha is only against the only prohibition is against writing ing, one should not be allowed to take just for the purpose of the few pesukim writing the pesukim, but reading them pesukim in ksav ashuris, in script that attendance with a bobby pin, because that are needed. after they were already written is not is valid in a . If his opinion an issue. However, the Gemara in Git- were followed, this discussion wouldn’t tin discusses a “Sefer Haftaros,” a sefer be that relevant. However, there is a that did not have the entire Neviim, custom that is growing in popularity to but simply the haftaros that were read read the parashah of Ketores every day after Torah leining during the course from a parchment written in ksav ashu- of a year. The Gemara says that the cre- ris. This would potentially be a prob- ation of this sefer is a violation of the lem even according to the Tashbetz. aforementioned halacha against selec- However, the Tashbetz himself holds of tively writing verses from Tanach. Fur- the permit of “eis la’asos,” so he would thermore, the Gemara suggests that permit this practice, since the purpose this sefer is muktzeh on Shabbos since of composing the klaf is for reading/ it cannot be read from! It is apparent learning Torah. that if one is not allowed to write the A friend of mine says that the reason verses from the Torah, one may not for the minhag is that it is a segulah to read them even after they were written. become rich. Therefore, some people Indeed, if the student follows the Ram- spend hundreds of dollars to purchase bam’s opinion on everything else, per- beautiful Ketores parchments. A Judaica haps he may have a point in refusing to dealer told me, “I’m not sure if the seg- read the pesukim. ulah works for others, but it has defi - The Gemara concludes, however, nitely worked for my business!”  that the Sefer Haftaros may indeed be used because of “Eis lasos LaHashem.” Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow leads a daf yomi Since it was diffi cult for every congre- chaburah at Eitz Chayim of Dogwood Park in West Hempstead and is a rebbi at Mesivta gation in the times of the Talmud to Kesser Yisroel of Willowbrook. He can be obtain a complete set of Nevi’im, a spe- contacted at [email protected]. cial dispensation was instituted to per- mit them to use this sefer. (The Magen Avraham suggests that perhaps now- adays this leniency may no longer be Remember employed since it is certainly within the means of every congregation to purchase a printed volume of the entire that article? Neviim.) The Beis Yosef says that the Rif uses Visit our archive section the Gemara’s conclusion to argue on the Rambam. The Rif says that individ- and find any issue of the ual verses may be written for the sake of learning. It is too diffi cult for us to 5 Towns Jewish Times require a Rebbe or morah to write an entire Chumash on the board, in order online @ to teach a single pasuk! Therefore, just as the Gemara permitted synagogues www.5TJT.com to use a sefer Haftoras due to extenuat- 28 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 29 Swarthmore Hillel standing the availability of downloadable bond with them to perform that outreach. sessions, participation in such a confer- Readers may also recall a certain outreach And The Limmud Conference ence of 2,500 people can infl uence mil- leader who actually hugged and kissed lions of people, there is no question that those whom he worked with (including A Response a Jewish and democratic state with secure Rabbi Lipman’s sentiments for outreach women), with the rationale that he should To MK Dov Lipman and recognized borders, (b) delegitimize, are certainly in the right place. There is not be so aloof. demonize, or apply a double standard to nothing quite as rewarding as outreach The reader may distinguish between BY RABBI YAIR HOFFMAN Israel, or (c) support the “boycott, divest- and bringing Jews to their birthright and activities that the outreach leader actually ments, sanctions” movement against the heritage of Sinai. And there is no ques- performs, and questions as to who else is Last week, the 5TJT published MK State of Israel. tion that Rabbi Lipman’s life is dedicated in attendance at a particular conference. Rabbi Dov Lipman’s response to an arti- The Swarthmore College Hillel House toward these goals. This distinction may very well be valid. cle by Rabbi Jonathan Rosenblum regard- has blown off the guidelines set by Hillel The words that follow, therefore, are However, one can ask, where do we draw ing Orthodox attending the annual International and is actively cosponsoring written with tremendous respect. This the line? Let’s say the organizers of the con- Limmud conference on , to be and pursuing programming with anti-Is- author has spent many hours with Rabbi ference also allowed members of the Jews held this year in England, December 22–26. rael organizations. Lipman and has seen him in action. for J organization to participate? And let’s Rabbi Rosenblum’s rationale against Getting back to the Limmud conference, But there may be something quite not say that the Jews for J organization was attending the conference was that the Rabbi Lipman argues that the conference right when a conference features a pro- given more time, or was allowed to play a venue provides equal standing to the off- presents an unprecedented opportunity gram called “A Queer Re-reading of Genesis” very emotional video at the convention? shoots of Judaism, and provides forums to to allow millions of Jews to fi nd their way by David Lazar, a proponent of the “anti-Le- Would Rabbi Lipman draw the line there? anti-Israel presenters as well. into Torah-true Judaism. Rabbi Lipman viticus” crowd, and that program has equal What if a conference extended an invi- The argument between Rabbi Lipman relates a remarkable experience where billing with genuine Torah lessons. tation to Holocaust deniers and those who and Rabbi Rosenblum is very similar to he had spent Shabbos at the home of an Doesn’t Rabbi Lipman understand that are virulently anti-Semitic or anti-Israel? another argument that has been in the Orthodox rabbi in New York who had also there very well may be a vast difference We all have friends and relatives who sur- headlines of late—between the Swarth- hosted two Reform rabbis, one of whom between inviting a Reform rabbi and his vived the Nazi Holocaust. Wouldn’t these more College Hillel, in Delaware County, brought along his wife and children. family to a Shabbos table and attending a friends and relatives be deeply offended Pennsylvania, and Hillel International. Hil- Rabbi Lipman asked whether there conference where that Reform rabbi, who if we were to attend such a conference— lel Houses cater to the spiritual needs of really is “no theological common ground actively performs at an intermarriage cer- even for the lofty goal of outreach? Jewish students studying in universities or meeting point” among those who emony and denies the validity of Torah This author has family members who and colleges away from home. Hillel Inter- gained so much from this -meal MiSinai, is receiving equal billing with the fought and died so that the State of Israel national is the umbrella organization for experience. Orthodox rabbi? could exist and continue to exist. In the all the Hillel Houses across the U.S., as well Rabbi Lipman characterizes Rabbi Rosen- The greatest sages of Israel have, in eyes of so many of us, what Swarthmore as in Canada and throughout the world. blum’s view as a “holier-than-thou philos- fact, made that very distinction way back Hillel is doing is deeply offensive. In the A few years ago, the Hillel International ophy” masked as some sort of important in 1956, in regard to another matter—the eyes of the vast majority of those who care organization developed guidelines as to and traditional ideology. Rabbi Lipman participation of rabbis in interdenomina- about Israel, Hillel International’s guide- what organizations each individual college then provides two emotional appeals. He tional organizations. lines are correct, notwithstanding the very Hillel may partner up with in developing explains that the Jews were encamped On March 1, 1956, a group of eleven illus- same arguments and emotional appeals programming. around Mount Sinai “like one person with trious roshei yeshiva, among whom were that Rabbi Lipman may be marshaling to The guidelines placed prohibitions one heart.” But then, as they traveled from Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt’l, Rav Yaakov Kame- argue for participation in Limmud. on partnering with or hosting groups or Sinai, the Bible describes how each tribe netsky, zt’l, Rav Yaakov Ruderman, zt’l, and True, outreach is a value—a strong speakers that as a matter of policy or prac- had its own fl ag and special place to camp. Rav Aharon Kotler, zt’l, signed a ban on par- value—but there are so many other ways tice: (a) deny the right of Israel to exist as While one may question how, notwith- ticipating in either rabbinic or communal to reach out to others without giving away interdenominational organizations: the farm. For a Hillel organization, any Hil- “We have been asked by a number of rab- lel organization, to cosponsor an event bis in the country and by alumni and rab- with an organization that denies the right binical graduates of yeshivos if it is permis- of Israel to exist is wrong, plain and simple. sible to participate with and be a member The leading sages of Israel have likewise of the New York Board of Rabbis and simi- created guidelines, no different than Hillel lar groups in other communities, which are International did, as to what types of orga- composed of Reform and Conservative ‘rab- nizations one may participate with in a bis.’ conference. Pretty much everyone would “Having gathered together to clarify this agree that the Jews for J organization is matter, it has been ruled by the undersigned out. Why should we not count among this that it is forbidden by the law of our sacred list those who are virulently anti-Israel and Torah to be a member of and to participate those who virulently deny the Sinaitic rev- in such an organization. elation? “We have also been asked if it is permissi- It could very well be that there is noth- ble to participate with and to be a member ing objectionable in participating in such a of the Council of America, which conference. It could be that Rabbi Lipman is also composed of Reform and Conserva- is correct. But the more fundamental ques- tive organizations. tion is, who should be making this deter- “We have ruled that it is forbidden by the mination? Is it the newspaper publishers law of our sacred Torah to participate with and newspaper columnists, the Knesset them either as an individual or as an orga- members and Jewish elected politicians, or nized communal body. the recognized sages of Israel? “May the Al-mighty have mercy on His One can lobby, one may argue, but ulti- people and close the breaches in Torah life, mately the decision on such weighty and and may we be worthy of the elevation of lofty issues should be made by leading the glory of our sacred Torah and our peo- Torah and rabbinic fi gures. ple Israel.” One last point: When these issues do There is thus a fundamental question come up for discussion and debate, it is that all people involved in outreach must always important to maintain a tone of ask themselves: Who is to determine the civility and respect. Arguments, especially fi ne lines and parameters of activities that in regard to weighty theological issues, one involved in outreach should take part can quite easily devolve into name-call- in? ing and other abusive forms of communi- Should the choice be up to each individ- cation. Shlomo HaMelech tells us in Sefer ual involved? Or should it be the tradition- Koheles (9:17), “Divrei chachamim b’nachas ally recognized religious leaders of Juda- nishmayim miza’akas moshel bak’silim— ism, as in the case mentioned above? the words of the wise heard in quiet are Some of the older readers may recall better than the shouting of a ruler among from years ago a very bright and promising fools.”  rabbi who rationalized joining in the recre- ational use of marijuana with those whom The author can be reached at yairhoffman2@ he engaged in outreach, in order to better gmail.com. 30 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES AUTO SECTION towels. Season the cavity with salt and about 1 Tbsp salt and pepper. Place in pepper. Using kitchen twine, truss the a roasting pan and roast for 50-60 min- THE DISH chicken as follows: utes, no need to fl ip or baste until done. Lay chicken on cutting board, breast Add thyme to pan and baste chicken By Elke Probkevitz side up with legs facing away. Put center with pan juices. Let rest 15 minutes

If you want to change it up, replace How To Make the traditional lemon, fresh herbs, and The Best Roast Chicken garlic with other ingredients like spice Nothing says simple home cook- ing like roasting a whole chicken for rubs with dried herbs. dinner. It’s succulent, juicy, and full of flavor. Although it is hard to mess up, there are ways to change it up and make it even better. Try out dif- of a long piece of twine under the tail before removing twine. Carve chicken ferent techniques and flavor profiles end and grab legs of drumsticks with and serve with simple salad. until you find the one you like best. the string as you pull. Cross and loop Simple. Simply dry the chicken twine under opposite legs, then pull Want to learn how to cook delicious gourmet well, season generously with salt to tighten and bring legs together. Flip meals right in your own kitchen? Take one-on-one cooking lessons or give a gift to and pepper, truss it, and roast in a Directions chicken over and bring twine around an aspiring cook that you know. For more very hot oven. If you do not dry the Let your chicken come to room tem- sides, tucking wings in. Tie twine tightly information, contact Take Home Chef personal chicken thoroughly, it will cause perature for about 45 minutes. Preheat in a knot at the neck to secure wings. chef services by calling 516-508-3663, writing steam, which can dry out the meat oven to 450 degrees. Pat the chicken dry Flip chicken back over when fi nished. to [email protected], or visiting and not allow the skin to get crispy. inside and out thoroughly with paper Season outside chicken all over with www.TakeHomeChef.net. Classic Rustic. For a beautiful, rus- tic presentation, stuff the bird with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, lemon and garlic. Truss the bird and roast on a bed of roughly chopped chunks of vegetables. Serve chicken with vegetables on the side. The Fussy Chicken. Coming from classic French cooking techniques, the fussy chicken has more steps and ingredients. Vegetables need to be prepped and cooked before stuffing inside and the chicken, which needs to be basted a couple times, but the skin will be crispy and the meat will be savory and full of flavor. Butterflied. To prevent the breast meat, which is leaner than the dark, from drying out, butterfly a whole chicken by cutting out the backbone and laying it flat. This can help the meat cook at the same rate. I like this technique for grilling a whole chicken. Extra Crispy. Place herbs under the skin, season liberally all over with salt, then let it sit in the fridge for at least 24 hours. Cook in a very hot cast-iron skillet in the oven on a high temperature to get a very crispy skin. Extra Flavor. If you want to change it up, replace the traditional lemon, fresh herbs, and garlic with other ingredients like spice rubs with dried herbs and paprika or za’atar, bread stuffings with mushrooms or sausage, or glaze with honey mus- tard or maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. The All-In-One. Fill the cavity of the chicken with herbs, lemon, and garlic, spread butter substitute or olive oil all over the skin to get it crispy, and roast on a bed of veggies or onions instead of a roasting rack. Make sure to grease the pan gener- ously with oil before placing onions on top to prevent them from burning during roasting. Simple Roast Chicken Ingredients 2-3 lb whole chicken, cleaned Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tsp minced fresh thyme AUTO SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 31 Striking The Perfect Match: Facilitating The Rabbinic Placement Process

BY ROCHELLE MARUCH MILLER

That RIETS/Yeshiva University’s we do screen, meaning that we do musmachim are hired in communi- have conversations with the rabbis ties throughout the nation—indeed, we send out, and try to make them the world over—attests to the ven- understand whether this is going to erable institution and its time-hon- be a good date or a bad date. We try ored Torah legacy. RIETS has trained to discourage candidates from going over 2,700 of the world’s most distin- to bad dates. However, when a rabbi guished Orthodox rabbis, scholars, tells us that he is interested [in a and teachers. With their rich ground- position], even though we don’t think ing in the full spectrum of our hal- it’s the best shidduch in the world, we lowed tradition, graduates assume a send a résumé and follow our process broad range of leadership roles in the of being open and transparent.” community while ensuring the per- “But, in general, placement is about petuation of Jewish scholarship. trust,” Rabbi Schwarzberg explains. Firmly set in its emphasis on Tal- “And one of the things we try to do mud and halacha, RIETS has devel- is visit every community that we oped programs to meet the com- are working with, because you don’t munal and personal needs of our really develop trust over a phone. contemporary world—for example, And when you sit with a search com- business ethics, bioethics, technol- mittee, and they get to see who our ogy—with the unique ambiance of office staff is, and can put a face to it, intellectual and spiritual exploration then, when you have subsequent con- that has always characterized the versations with them, it just makes great academics of Jewish learning in everything fall into place. So you the past. build relationships by shaking hands The Morris and Gertrude Bienen- and sitting for a few hours in a shul feld Department of Jewish Career with a search committee and by get- Development and Placement is part ting to know the people. And when of Yeshiva University’s Center for the you go to meet a search committee Jewish Future (CJF). The department at night, I can spend the day going to represents the three major Orthodox the day schools and the other insti- communal institutions that broadly tutions that are in the community in share a similar worldview and vision, order to get a feel of that community. serving a common population and This enables us to better understand goals: Rabbi Elchanan Theolog- the larger community with a much ical Seminary/Yeshiva University, the better perspective.” , and the Rabbinical Finding the ideal candidate to lead Council of America. Congregations a congregation is a herculean task; who contact RIETS/YU, the OU, or the a lengthy process involving months RCA seeking rabbis, Jewish educators, and months of meetings, interviews, and Jewish communal professionals and decisions. It takes a congrega- are referred to their office. tion to hire a rabbi; indeed, Rabbi CJF serves as the community-ser- Schwarzberg posits the critical steps vice arm of RIETS. It continues the that should be taken prior to embark- work of the Max Stern Division of ing upon the search. “It is always best Community Services, which was one to develop a mission statement and of the premier service agencies of the goals for your congregation prior to Jewish community for over 60 years. beginning a formal search for a rabbi. As a communal-service entity, CJF While the planning process may is eager to serve those congregations, appear to be highly ambitious, we schools, organizations, and commu- are here to help you with this. It is nities who turn to them. The net- a highly critical and thoughtful com- work of rabbis whom they serve are ponent for a thoughtful, systematic, musmachim of RIETS and/or mem- and methodical search for your new bers of the RCA. rabbi. At this time you should ensure Rabbi Kenneth Brander serves as that your synagogue by-laws have director of the CJF and Rabbi Ron- a clearly defined process and lines ald Schwarzberg serves as director of authority for hiring a rabbi. We of the Department of Jewish Career strongly recommend that the entire Development and Placement. Prior synagogue membership—not just the to assuming his position in July 2005, board—be given the privilege to vote Rabbi Schwarzberg served as senior for the candidate recommended by rabbi at Congregation Ahavas Achim the search committee. in Highland Park, NJ. Before that, he “I worry about the expectations served as educational director and that many 21st-Century congregations the assistant rabbi of the Hebrew have of their rabbis. Many suggest Institute of Riverdale. that the rabbi is the CEO of his con- “What we do is a very open, trans- gregation. Most CEOs have many lev- parent process,” Rabbi Schwarzberg els of management that oversee var- explained. “There are no favorite ious divisions and operations under sons and no favorite positions. Every- their charge. Most Orthodox rabbis thing is completely open to all rabbis, are fortunate if they have a part-time and everybody can apply to any posi- secretary, youth director, and a cus- tion they are interested in. The com- todian. Other than some larger syna- munity would like us to screen, and gogues, there are very few with exec- 32 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES AUTO SECTION utive directors. How do we define a The Downward Spiral Of Golus: accepted the testimony of the dead gener- CEO who has no directors? What is ation of “old-timers” who had known the the role of lay leaders and how can Part II truth,9 that it was Egypt’s own national they partner with the rabbi to help moral failings that had forced these him succeed? This is the question BY ELIE POLLACK Riding this wave of discontent, the “side-effects” upon them. The discontent that each congregation must ask revisionist historians played a game of against the monarchy and “its Jews” grew, themselves. This question becomes (Continued from last week) connect-the-dots and came to their own fi nally resulting in revolution. very important as a congregation The events of the famine slowly picture. Yosef was seen as an opportun- If our understanding is correct, then embarks on choosing new rabbinic receded from people’s memories into ist who had admittedly saved the country we can understand Rashi’s comment leadership. history. Simultaneously, the ever-ex- with his foresight, but who had used this tracing the inception of the subjugation “Striking the ‘perfect match’ and panding Jewish ghetto in Goshen national calamity as a means to enrich in Egypt back to Yaakov’s death in the engaging the right rabbi requires an became less rigid, with Jews moving himself, his family, and the royal elite, following manner. It appears that Yaa- intense and dedicated process. It will out to other parts of the country. Social- at the public’s expense. The “facts” about kov had earned the respect of the gen- only succeed when the search com- ization and intermingling became more how Yosef had supported his family for tile world around him to an astonish- mittee connects with and gathers common, and Jews started to go to bars free, but “forcibly” bought off the rest of ing degree. The Torah records that the input from their fellow congregants. and casinos6 with the Egyptians. They Egypt bolstered their conclusions. Egyptian nation cried for 70 days!10 Even This will establish credibility and a were no longer seen as a moral elite; Accordingly, “A new king arose upon after this period had elapsed, and Yaa- respect for the process. Despite the when people are viewed as “pals,” the Egypt who did not know Yosef” (Sh’mos kov’s body was taken to its fi nal resting urge to do so, do not become a mem- viewer assumes that they possess the 1:8) might mean he did not know the place in Cana’an, the Egyptian delegation ber of a rabbinic search committee same moral failings. true character of Yosef. Yosef’s exemplary mourned so intensely that the Canaanite unless you are process oriented and As the generation of the famine died conduct and the justice of his actions observers named the locality “Evel Mitz- willing to dedicate hundreds of hours out, the discontent against the govern- had been forgotten. Such things do not rayim, The Mourning of Egypt,” in awe of over the course of 10-12 months. A seri- ment rose. The new generation did not go into the history books, unlike laws, this event (Bereishis 50:11). ous, thoughtful process takes time. appreciate their inability to own prop- transactions, and national catastrophes.8 Accordingly, we can posit that as long “Finding the type of rabbi your erty and their servile status to Pharaoh.7 This, coupled with the fact that the Egyp- as Yaakov was alive, even the lowest research and review process has indi- They came to distrust the upper class, tian people no longer viewed the Jews member of the Egyptian underworld cated is probably the single most and to believe that their subjugation as moral elites, made it impossible for important decision that the congre- was an injustice. the populace to believe those who still Continued on Page 34 gation will face for a number of years, and, hopefully, if the search commit- tee has done its work well, will not have to face for a significant number of years in the future,” Rabbi Schwarz- berg explained. “There is a cadence to the rabbinic search and timetable. Rabbinic con- tracts usually commence in the sum- mer of year one, and conclude two, three, five, or seven years later. We recommend a minimum two-year first initial contract, and, by mutual agreement, possibly a three-year ini- tial contract—but not shorter or lon- ger.” He adds, “Rabbinic contracts gener- ally end in the summer of any given year. The standard cycle for a rabbinic job search commences in October/ November and hopefully culminates in the rabbi’s selection by Pesach. Transitioning into the new posi- tion does not take place until sum- mer. The congregation should aspire to have its rabbi appointed between Purim and Pesach, with the expecta- tion that he will move into the com- munity and assume his new responsi- bilities over the following summer.” What should a rabbi’s balance be in advocating for change within his community when he deems such change necessary or accepting his community on its present level? “A rabbi first has to build trust in his community before he can make any changes,” Rabbi Schwarzberg explained. “When a rabbi builds trust between himself and the con- gregation and establishes a relation- ship, then he can begin to elevate his community in ways that he feels are appropriate for them. I think that all of us who are bright, thinking peo- ple do not believe you should remain stagnant; we have to continue to grow. And that’s what a rabbi’s job is—to inspire growth, not force it, not demand it. The rabbi needs to live a life where he, through his own behavior and actions and family life, is inspiring, and collaboratively builds his institution in an inspi- rational way that will make people want to grow.”  AUTO SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 33 DOWNWARD SPIRAL who might have ensured that its uniform during times of war, other more basic sta- had not been “theirs” in any national Continued from Page 33 distinctiveness would remain unequivo- ples during times of peace, and the funds legal manner. They also forcibly expelled cal; accordingly, the respect that the com- that are integral for both. hundreds of thousands of non-combat- admired and respected his family. At the munity had commanded could begin to This brought some degree of fi nancial ant Jewish civilians from their homes same time, he served as a powerful force erode. success to the Jews involved and, unfor- throughout Arab lands, which should giving instructions to all of his children This pattern has recurred through- tunately, this aroused envy from many of have created a serious refugee issue. The and grandchildren about how to deal— out Jewish history. For example, medie- their counterparts, who could not Arab armies lost the war and, as a result, and not deal—with the outside world. val Europe lacked a strong unifi ed judi- supply goods with the ease and effective- the territory called Palestine became a But after Yaakov died, all of that ceased cial system, which made it crippled with ness of the Jews. It was possible for unin- Jewish state. A comparable number of to be. There were no public moves regard to commerce. Those with capi- formed people to see the Jews succeeding Arabs who had fl ed their homes to avoid made against the Jews. Yosef’s forces tal were hesitant to lend to or invest in where their own efforts had failed, and the crossfi res of the war also became dis- would have crushed any such activity. others. They had good reason to fear the come to the conclusion that the Jews had placed. But behind closed doors, late at night, losses that would occur if the other party somehow “cheated,” using any technique In theory, at least two solutions could anti-Jewish activity began. Somebody disappeared with the goods in an area from bribery to sorcery. Not realizing that have been implemented which could started printing up “The Protocols Of The where he was on good terms with the their problems were largely self-infl icted, have been deemed “fair.” A. The Arabs Elders Of Goshen.” Perhaps some shuls local authorities, or where the local laws they came to hate and persecute those could have been accepted into the Arab were the subject of smear-painting by would place the burden of proof strongly whose presence actually caused them states and the Jews could have been unidentifi ed persons. At this point, it was against them. much good. accepted by the Jewish state. B. All the merely rogue elements, but the resent- These problems could have caused This phenomenon is alive and well refugees could have been allowed back to ment which eventually snowballed into Europe much more economic suffering today. It manifests itself in the form of their own homes, where they had lived slavery and subjugation was already pres- had they not been transcended by the people who object to the Israeli presence and owned property for ages. However, ent. Jews, who were unifi ed by their adher- on lands that were owned by Arabs prior the Arabs refused to acknowledge respon- While Yosef was surely more than capa- ence to the Talmudic legal system and to 1948. In some cases, these “occupiers” sibility for either the war or the groups of ble of keeping such activity in check, he by their trust in the integrity of the rab- are labeled as criminals for their “ruthless stateless people created in its wake. could not remove it. At the same time, binical infrastructure, which enforced strong-arming” of property from these As a result, the Jewish state was left neither he nor any of his brothers was Jewish law wherever a Jewish commu- unfortunate, helpless victims. with a choice. Either it could accept viewed as an all-encompassing rabbini- nity existed. It was due to this anomaly The Arabs started the war in 1948 by try- the Jewish refugees, and hope that the cal overseer whose guidance was abso- that Europe was able to be supplied with ing to take land which had been under Arabs could fi gure out what to do with lutely binding on the entire community, important goods, including armaments Turkish and then British control, and their own refugees, or it could reaccept the Arabs who had lived there previ- ously. This was not really a choice at all. As unfortunate as the plight of the Arab refugees has been, the condition of Jew- ish refugees in the post-1948 Arab world would have been exponentially more horrifi c. Would they even have survived to complain about being stuck in camps for three generations? Additionally, the Jewish state had been created specifi cally due to the global (post-Holocaust) recognition of the need for a place to absorb Jewish refugees, should another political upheaval create an unwieldy number of stateless Jews. The Jewish state took in thousands of expelled Jews, and hoped the Arabs could come up with a solution for their own brethren. They never did. But now, nearly 70 years later, as those who experienced the realities of 1948 have almost all passed on, it has become possible for a new group of students and “scholars” to assume that since there had been Arabs there before who now cannot return to this territory, it must be that the heartless Israeli “occupiers” are bandits who have no qualms about stripping an entire people of their most elementary possessions and living off of them . . . as their victims languish with little prospect of ever receiving a home. By playing the game of connect-the- dots, they construct a picture which fails to recognize the root of the problem as the Arab nations’ irresponsibility and apa- thy toward their own brothers. At times, this philosophy can be taken to such ends as to justify bombings and violence that deliberately target children as a legit- imate, desperate act of defense by a peo- ple with no other recourse to protect their property rights from the next gener- ation of invaders who threaten it. In so doing, they follow the lead of Pharaoh, who was unwilling and unable to see his country’s problems as being a result of its own shortcomings and, in turn, instigated this kind of “free- dom-fi ghting” against newborn infants, as it is written, “if it is a son you shall kill it,” (Sh’mos 1:16) and “any son who is born, you shall throw it into the Nile.”11 May all of us, and our children, be pro- tected from the espousers of these histo- 34 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES AUTO SECTION riographies with all of their implications, are focused not only on the big things and may this be the last iteration in the insights on that are their responsibilities, but also terrible cycle of golus.  on the little details that show caring, it builds the relationship in a tremendous Ellie Pollack is a rabbinical student in THE TORAH way. Torah V’daas. He encourages feedback Hashem should help us to emulate on this piece, and may be contacted at [email protected]. Yocheved and Miriam and achieve great- ness in marriage and in life, by not only NOTES focusing on the big things but remem- It’s The Little Things bering to add in the nice little details 6. in the opening section in too. May we merit the beautiful shalom Sh’mos (commenting on Sh’mos 1:7, “The Earth BY FIVE TOWNS He explains that the reason for calling bayis that comes when two partners was full of them”) interprets, “the theaters and circuses were full of them.” MARRIAGE INITIATIVE them by these actions is that someone express their caring for each other on a who not only performs big acts of great- constant basis.  7. At the very least, they resented these In this week’s parashah, Pharaoh calls ness, but also remembers all the little strictures being imposed on them and not on the Jewish midwives and commands details, displays an even higher level of Five Towns Marriage Initiative provides the Jews, and wished that the Jews would be them to kill the Jewish baby boys as they greatness. educational programs, workshops, and referrals subjugated to the crown as well. See Bechor to top marriage therapists. FTMI will help are being born. “Vayomer melech Mitz- Often, in marriage, the great spouse Shor to Sh’mos 1:11. offset counseling costs when necessary and also rayim lamiyaldot haivriyos asher shem is not the one who surprises their part- runs an anonymous shalom bayis hotline for 8. See, for instance, the comment of Sforno to h’achat Shifra v’sheim hasheinet Puah” ner with a million-dollar birthday gift, the entire community Sunday, Tuesday, and Sh’mos 1:8 who also assumes that is impossible (Sh’mos 1:15): The king of Egypt said to but the one who constantly is giving on Thursday evenings, 10:00–11:00 p.m. For the to say that Yosef’s legal accomplishments the Hebrew midwives—the name of the a daily basis. It’s the little things that hotline or for more information, call 516-430- 5280 or e-mail [email protected]. in restructuring the country were forgotten. fi rst was Shifra and the name of the sec- make a person great, and it’s the back- Nevertheless, our interpretation is probably not in exact accord with his understanding. ond was Puah . . . Rashi explains that and-forth of little things that make a Shifra and Puah were in fact Yocheved, marital relationship wonderful. It’s 9. Sh’mos 1:6 says, “Yosef, his brothers, and that the mother of Moshe, and Miriam, the the cup of tea, the phone call to check entire generation died.” Ibn Ezra understands sister of Moshe. Rashi further explains in, the danish, the milk picked up, the Remember that the phrase “that entire generation” refers that Yocheved was called Shifra because fl owers for Shabbos, the favorite supper to the Egyptians who had known Yosef and that “shemishaperes es havlad,” she beauti- prepared, the compliment, the encour- this verse is an introduction to the rise of the that article? “New Pharaoh who did not know Yosef” in 1:8. fi es the baby at birth, and Miriam was agement . . . these are the things that called Puah “shemidaberes v’hogah lav- build a great relationship. While each 10. Bereishis 50:3. Rashi appears to interpret the lad,” because she cries and speaks and on its own seems like a little thing, it’s Visit our archive section crying as merely 30 days, yet even this is still coos to the baby. the consistency that causes them to add incredible. Also see Sifsei Chachamim. By way Rav Shimshon Pinkus explains that up to be big. and find any issue of the of comparison, even Moshe (Devarim 34:8) and Yocheved and Miriam displayed tre- Each of us has our own role in the Aharon (Bamidbar 20:29) were cried over (i.e. mourned) for only 30 days by their own people. mendous sacrifi ce in risking their lives relationship. Yet, when we fi nd the 5 Towns Jewish Times by defying Pharaoh’s wishes, in order time to add in little nice touches, it’s 11. Sh’mos 1:22. It may be argued that they are to save Jewish babies. Yet they are a sign of greatness. When we add that online @ even worse than Pharaoh since “Pharaoh only referred to by names that describe the cup of tea to the supper or bring that decreed [death] upon the males . . .” (Hagadah far less signifi cant actions of beautify- small gift in addition to the paycheck, www.5TJT.com Shel Pesach) ing and cooing to the baby after birth. it shows greatness. When both partners

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 35 36 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 37 Touro News And Events Educational Forum: Early Detection of Pulmonary Hypertension. Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (Touro- COM) in Harlem hosted “Sus- pecting Pulmonary Hyperten- sion in the Dyspneic Patient: Who, When, and How,” draw- ing leaders in medical educa- tion and practitioners from schools, hospitals, private practice, community clinics, and other settings. The “dys- pneic” patient is one who is short of breath; often patients with pulmonary hypertension have unexplained shortness of breath. In addition to TouroCOM, participants included health care professionals from New York Medical College, Colum- bia University, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital (Newburg, N.Y.), and several other institutions. “The forum was organized to discuss the latest advances in pulmonary hypertension diag- nosis and treatment,” said Dr. Kenneth Steier, clinical dean at TouroCOM, who spearheaded the gathering. “We need to raise awareness and promote early detection about pulmo- nary hypertension, a disease that is widely-spread but not widely-recognized.” The keynote speaker was Dr. Arunabh Talwar, an inter- national expert on the dis- ease, who is the director of advanced lung disease and pul- monary hypertension inter- stitial lung disease at North Shore University Hospital on Long Island. Dr. Talwar, who has written widely on the sub- ject, provided the audience with groundbreaking informa- tion on early detection, such as the viability of using early ultrasound. Echoing Dr. Talwar’s remarks, Dr. Rajamma Mathew of New York Medical College and Maria Fareri Children’s Hos- pital called pulmonary hyper- tension an “orphan” disease, because often the diagnosis is made almost two years after the fi rst symptoms appear. This underscores the need for early detection. TouroCOM instructor Dr. Melvin E. Anthony, who was Dr. Talwar’s coauthor on a study, stressed the need to edu- cate medical students on the subject. As a follow-up to the forum, TouroCOM’s Department of Clinical Education scheduled a forum on the screening, diag- nosis, and treatment of pulmo- nary arterial hypertension for medical students at the col- lege’s Harlem campus. 38 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ally literate” even if they never plan to leave New York City, and outlined three essential components for attain- ing global literacy: global awareness, versatility with language, and “cultural humility.” Dr. Godenzi urged students to read a variety of media sources, in different languages, including media that portray non-Western perspectives, in order to see different points of view. He stressed that cultural humility for a social worker was most important. Touro MSW student Veronica Oli- vares—who traveled to Colombia last summer to assist kids ranging in age from 10 to 21—shared her experiences working with a nonprofi t theater group, ImaginAction, which runs innovative workshops to promote healing in com- munities affected by violence. She par- Arunabh Talwar, Grace Vasconez-Pereira, and Kenneth Steier Author Monty Noam Penkower ticipated in a 10-day program, with the help of Touro, in the small town of Pal- Organized by Remi Odunsi, director At Community Day, a myriad of his- human rights, human traffi cking, tor- omino. of continuing education at TouroCOM, torical connections, case studies, and ture, and the global agenda. According to ImaginAction, the local the forum was jointly sponsored by facts were presented, many troubling, Keynote speaker Alberto Godenzi, communities at Palomino have long Washington University School of Medi- which forced the audience to ponder Ph.D., dean of Boston College Gradu- suffered from armed confl ict, and con- cine and the national Pulmonary Hyper- weighty issues facing the community, ate School of Social Work, addressed tension Association (PHA). such as international child protection, why social workers needed to be “glob- Continued on Page 40 Discussing the Swastika’s Dark Shadow. The Touro College Graduate School of Jewish Studies invited author and histo- rian Monty Noam Penkower to discuss his new book, The Swastika’s Darken- ing Shadow: Voices before . Using a wide variety of sources, includ- ing newspapers, diaries, diplomatic cor- respondence, and organizational reports, Penkower paints a picture of European Jews going about their daily lives while trying to get the word out about the growing anti-Semitism that would ulti- mately lead to their doom. Penkower is a professor emeritus of Jewish history at the Machon Lander Graduate School of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem and a former professor of his- tory at Touro. His other books include The Jews Were Expendable: Free World Diplomacy and the Holocaust, The Emer- gence of Zionist Thought, The Holocaust and Israel Reborn: From Catastrophe to Sovereignty, and Twentieth Century Jews: Forging Identity in the Land of Promise and in the Promised Land. Community Day. A 40-second clip from Rescue in the Philippines, made for public television, depicted a rescue mission of 1,200 European Jews in 1939 by Philippine President Manuel Quezon. The moving clip was then followed by a recent NBC Nightly News segment showing the Israel Defense Force working to save lives at an emergency hospital the IDF repaired in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, which has left thousands of people dead, dis- placed, and missing. “This is international social work at its best,” said Steven Huberman, Ph.D., dean of the Touro College Graduate School of Social Work, as he opened the school’s Fall 2013 Community Day, “Challenges and Critical Issues Facing the International Social Work Commu- nity.” “That’s what this year’s Commu- nity Day is all about—rescue and relief for the world’s most-at-risk popula- tions,” Dr. Huberman said. The 1939 rescue mission by President Quezon was the subject of a full-length feature documentary that was shown at the United Nations just hours before Haiyan arrived, the dean told the audi- ence of approximately 200 social work students, faculty and staff. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 39 Touro News about?’ They were super-aware. They Selfish Photographers Continued from Page 39 wanted to talk about the lack of doc- tors, the poor education system, and Photo Prose The mainstream media is making tinue to endure a human rights crisis, the river contamination. They said, much of a new word: selfi es. with regularly confronting forced dis- ‘Water gives us life.’” BY GARY RABENKO Every professional and amateur pho- placement, loss of cultural identity, Other speakers at Community Day tographer has made a self-portrait at racial discrimination, lack of environ- included Davis, Ph.D., direc- The public feels that photographers some point. It comes with the territory, mental protection, and abandonment tor, Center of International Social Work are selfi sh. We can be distracting, we and is often an educational assignment. by institutions of government. Studies, Rutgers University School of cost more, and we take too long. Some Following notorious selfi es made at In her presentation, Ms. Olivares Social Work, who spoke on “Strength- photographers have an attitude, miss bridge-jumping attempts and by failed described how she and her colleagues ening Child Protection Systems in the most important shots, want to mayoral candidates, and culminating participated in a skit produced and Sub-Saharan Africa”; Susan Mapp, Ph.D., directed by the children about their feel- chair, Department of Social Work, Eliz- ings towards their river, which they felt abethtown College, who spoke on was being ruined by garbage and con- “International Child Traffi cking”; Lisa I am arranging the group, but each tamination by a local company, making Matos, M.A., project director, Health- it impossible for them to drink from the Right International Human Rights parent is holding out, each wanting river or play in it. Clinic, who addressed “What you Need Ms. Olivares said she plans to return to Know about Working with Victims to Colombia in January to visit the chil- of Torture Seeking Asylum”; and Robin to be the last into the group, so as dren, who, she said, are cognizant of the Mama, Ph.D., dean, Monmouth Uni- serious problems surrounding them. versity School of Social Work, who to get his or her own shot. “The political problems trickle down. addressed “The Global Agenda & Social [There are] issues with abuse. A lot of Work Day at the United Nations.” The people don’t have work. This directly event was organized by Allison Bobick, affects the children. They’re very much MSW, LCSW, assistant professor and charge for each shot after “being paid this past week with Obama at the Man- aware of the effect these kinds of big- director of student advancement at the for the whole job,” and so on. Many dela memorial, these snapshots of one- ger issues have on them,” she said. “We Touro College Graduate School of Social more accusations are made, with vari- self, usually made with smartphones, asked them, ‘What do you want to talk Work.  ous degrees of truth to them. are getting media criticism for being selfi sh acts. Taking a selfi e is considered a con- ceited, self-absorbed, egotistical action that inserts oneself into history, or attempts to make history. The nega- tive response to this practice is interest- ing, because photographers have to deal with selfi shness by people who have an uncontrollable need to snapshot what we pros are doing. It must be a compul- sion similar to nail-biting. And it is far more selfi sh than any professional pho- tographer could be. We strive to please the client. They constantly undermine us and so hurt the client. Photographic budgets keep drop- ping. Photographers know less and less, and keep taking the easiest path; it is a race to the bottom where client expectations are low from the price to the fi nal product. So what happens when someone cares, and hires a pro like me? What happens when the pho- tographer is asked to do a large out- door four-generation family portrait of 40 persons? The grandparents did the hiring. But the married children all come armed with smartphones. They each want to make their own photographs. And who is to stop them? The grandparents care about the shot, wanting large, small, and varied prints. I am arranging the group, but each parent is holding out, each wanting to be the last into the group, so as to get his or her own shot. Is that not selfi sh? How am I sup- posed to design the composition? The nanny and housekeeper are trying to juggle phones while squeezing off some shots before mine and between mine. Where do you think everyone is look- ing? The right thing to do is for the pho- tographer to make an announcement that they may take their photos after the photographer has left, packed up, and broken down, but that they should please not do so during the shoot. But that is futile. My interest is doing a great job. I want every face to be visible. I want each expression to be meaningful. We are working outdoors. Members of the public just push a button. The pro is 40 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES concerned with a result that shows depth and character in the shot, requiring several lights to be carefully positioned, aimed, metered, and con- tinually adjusted as the clouds move. What is the single most signifi cant factor that will affect how the pho- tograph appears later? Like all things in life, it is attitude. What should my attitude be? I am there for the client. I respect this beautiful moment and how much the gathering will mean down the road. I am there to shoot a complete group, with photographs of the grand- parents and all their children, the grandchildren as a group, and each of the individual families. There are many more shots I can do, and I want to do them. But a good photographer does not work off a list. A good pho- tographer works from one shot to the next according to what he sees and what he feels. A good photogra- pher does not get subject reaction by counting “one, two, three,” or by tell- ing jokes. He gets reactions by talking to the subjects. That is the best way. And this involves thinking and react- ing to what he is seeing. Did I make a mistake by not insist- ing that all leave their phones inside? Who would have listened? A phone, today, represents a vault of personal data and unlocks codes to the whole world’s secrets. It is not easily set aside. But using it during a professional photo shoot is selfi sh, and no less self- ish than the examples found in the news. The grandparents have no cam- eras in hand. They cannot know how much it affects the results for which they are paying. And photographers don’t know what to do other than bite their tongue. Being distracted so many times by persons behind me, or to my side—what’s the use! Doing a large group means operat- ing from a distance. Projecting a sweet friendly voice above the birds and the wind is enough of a challenge. A good speaker will wait till he gets every- one’s attention. But waiting only leads to more phone photos and subjects’ growing impatience. People have only a certain atten- tion span. The fi rst reaction is fun, but soon it becomes work. It is not fair to the client when guests and family are selfi sh. The client ordered a lot of photos. No one was upset by my meek attempt at control. But when I insist phones be put down, everyone gets upset. I do not want to be the bad guy. People think that if they take their photos after mine, it is somehow O.K. No! It is still a distraction. It still affects my whole tempo and concen- tration. It reminds everyone of the cameras, when my whole style is to have people forget them. And if they will be buying my photos, then why undermine the product I work to make for them? If they will not, then what could be more selfi sh to those who are paying? How do you feel about this? I would love to share your opinions, sugges- tions, and questions with other read- ers in the future. Please write me.

Gary Rabenko can be reached at gary@rabenko. com. Rabenko Photography & Video Artists is located at 1001 Broadway in Woodmere. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 41 ken engagement, it’s all landing in Chanukah is over, but maybe there is my lap. Everything that went wrong still one miracle left for me, because it MINDBIZ between them is my fault. Her list of would take nothing short of a miracle my bad advice and actions is very long. to change the way everyone in my fam- By Esther Mann, LCSW I’m just so tired of being the one ily sees me and treats me. dumped on. I’ve taken it for so long Schmata that I feel as though I want to just Dear Schmata, run away from everyone and be alone Let’s fi rst look at a few facts. When somewhere, where no one will blame every single person in your family Dear Esther, ant issues going on that I get blamed me for anything and I won’t have to treats you the same way, there is a I’m always asking myself why I’m the for. For instance, if one of our chil- apologize constantly for things I didn’t clear pattern emerging and it’s not just one who is always saying “I’m sorry.” dren makes life choices that are what even do wrong. a coincidence. Clearly, (and I’m sorry to Why is everything always my fault? I’m we consider horrible, and both of us I don’t know how things got this sound as though I’ve joined the group 60 years old, and I still feel the need to are devastated, it usually boils down to bad to begin with. How I became the of people who feels comfortable blam- answer for everything. It’s gotten to the something I did wrong as a mother. punching bag, the dumping ground, ing you for everything), there must be point where if it’s snowing outside and And when we get into a disagree- a family member’s plans are ruined, I ment, if I don’t ultimately apologize, feel responsible and fi nd myself say- the argument never ends. Even if I ing, “I’m so sorry it’s snowing.” Is this know 100% that I did nothing wrong, I That knee-jerk reaction to point crazy or what? have to say I’m sorry, because it seems I’d like to give you some examples Moishe can go on forever not talking a fi nger and blame is ugly and of what some of my relationships to me, if it would mean he has to apol- look like. My husband Moishe is prob- ogize. I can’t stand it when we are not ably considered a decent guy. He sup- talking, so eventually I say I’m sorry. often meaningless, since often ports his family, doesn’t have any terri- Recently, my daughter’s engage- ble habits that I know of, and basically ment was broken off. She was blind- there is no guilty party. does what he feels a father and hus- sided and did not see it coming. She band should do. But whenever any- is quite depressed at the moment and thing goes wrong, it’s always my fault. says she’ll never get past this devas- If the new refrigerator is acting up tating occurrence. I feel terrible for the schmata! But I feel as though no something in your behavior and atti- after three weeks, it’s my fault because how much she is hurting. But she has one in my family can ever see me any tude that allows for this disrespectful I selected the wrong appliance, I had decided that it’s all my fault. Every- other way and there is no going back and inappropriate behavior. From the the wrong people install it, or I slam thing has always been my fault. If her to a normal place. And I think it’s tak- get-go, you not only gave family mem- the door shut too hard and that’s why haircut is bad, it’s my fault, because I ing a toll on my health. Yes, I’m getting bers permission to dump on you, but it’s now making funny noises. What- recommended a place for her to go. If older, but suddenly I’m just not feel- you actually taught them how to treat ever happens, small or large, important she feels her dress doesn’t look good ing very strong or healthy anymore. you. And they were quick learners. or unimportant, his fi rst reaction is to on her, it’s my fault for allowing her So many things bother me and I often Another fact, which is a consequence point to me and come up with a reason to wear it. If she does poorly on a test, think there is a connection between of the fi rst fact, is that some people are why I did something wrong to create it’s my fault because I didn’t force her my health issues and how I’m being trained to blame. When something the problem. to study more. She’s 22 years old, for treated. goes wrong, there has to be someone There are often much more import- goodness’ sake! So now, with this bro- Do you feel my situation is hopeless? who did something wrong, thereby

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42 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES creating the problem. For the irresponsible, and he there- is actually quite damaging for more to you than anyone else. healthier individual, when fore never has to take own- them. Holding all that in can defi - something goes wrong—say, a ership of his mistakes. How So the real question here is nitely take its toll and ulti- new refrigerator starts sound- then is Moishe supposed to how you turn this situation mately play out as physical ail- ing funky—it doesn’t turn grow as an individual? Learn around. I can assure you, it ments. into a question of who did to be a better man? Develop won’t be easy. First you’ll have Turning this around will be something wrong and is there- kindness and compassion? to deal with your own need very hard and at times totally fore responsible. Maybe, the The second issue, closely to please and avoid confl ict, draining on you. But you refrigerator is just a lemon— tied in with the fi rst one but which has gotten you into this can do it and, ultimately, the end of story. No one needs to not exactly the same, has mess to begin with. Secondly, rewards will make it all worth- hold the blame. But that knee- to do with your ability to you will have to learn how while. jerk reaction to point a fi nger assume blame for whatever to tolerate your own discom- Esther and blame is ugly and often goes wrong in your family’s fort while your husband or meaningless, since often there world. Again, everyone has other family members “pun- Esther Mann, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in Lawrence. is no guilty party. been trained to believe there ish you” by not talking to you. Esther works with individuals and Now that we understand always has to be a guilty party, You’ve never learned how to couples. She can be reached at some of the facts, let’s look at and that you’ll happily assume tolerate this discomfort, but [email protected] or 516-314-2295. the emotions involved. There that role, thereby enabling that doesn’t mean that you are two issues here. One has everyone else to avoid look- can’t create a shift in your to do with your inability to ing inward and determining abilities, as you begin to turn handle someone being angry what role they played in the your heart inward and focus at you. You don’t do fi ghting problem. Again, this allows for on your own wellbeing. And well. You seem to be caught stunted development within thirdly, your family will all up in your own fears and con- both your husband and your have to go through their own ditioning to the point where children. No one has to look detox-like programs, while you can’t tolerate your hus- any further than you in order they get used to a different band and probably anyone for the show to go on. And kind of wife/mother. else for that matter, being what a show it is! In the cen- Will it take a miracle for all angry at you and ignoring you. ter we have a very sad-looking of this to happen? It might And because that reality is so clown! feel like a miracle, but actu- disturbing to you, you always No doubt, your intentions ally the miracle lies within cave in and apologize, even are and always have been you, should you choose to do when you are the hurt party. good. You’re trying to rescue the necessary work. But it can Yes, hopefully your apology everyone from any uncom- be done. And it must be done. ends the fi ght and you and fortable feelings. But it is I happen to agree that there is your husband or whomever, through these uncomfort- a very close body/mind con- can go on with your regular able feelings that we are often nection. You’ve held in so lives, but I’m not sure you’ve able to grow into better peo- much sadness, anger, and dis- done anyone any good. In ple. Therefore, what probably appointment related to your Moishe’s case, you’ve allowed feels in the moment as a kind- treatment by the people in him to be unaccountable and ness toward family members your life who probably mean

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 43 disclosure form is signed by the poten- lently change the spelling of their real estate & tial borrower, allowing the lender to names, enter bogus addresses, and even check the tax returns submitted against put in different credit accounts that mortgage financing the tax returns listed in the IRS database were not really their own accounts in to really and truly make sure they match. an attempt to manipulate the credit-re- By Anessa V. Cohen Not to be outdone, Homeland Secu- porting data and throw a wrench into rity gets into the act of the mortgage the credit-scoring system. In an attempt application as well, to make sure no to stem this practice, certain practices terrorists or “undesirables” (I love this have been introduced into the credit Reams Of Paper term, since no one has really given review process to discover inconsisten- an accurate description as to what or cies and address them from the outset. If ever I were contemplating taking far the Feds have veered away from No who makes up an “undesirable”) gets To this end, an explanation letter is out stock in the paper industry, now Income Mortgages, one of the disclo- through the Homeland Security net and required from each borrower explain- would be the time to buy in. Applying sures that must be signed today when gets a mortgage in America. A Patriot Act ing all addresses that appear on their for a mortgage these days requires more applying for a new mortgage is a disclo- disclosure must also be signed by each credit report, no matter how old, even paper than ever, and probably even two sure that the borrower signs promising would-be borrower, and a government if it seems as if they were inserted in pens to sign everything, as opposed not to commit mortgage fraud. picture ID (usually a driver’s license or error. Explanations are also required for to the one black pen that used to be Loan originators are peppered with passport) must be submitted with the all inquiries that appear in a borrow- shared by everyone at the table. Con- disclosures, reminding them that they application by each borrower, so they er’s credit report, together with a decla- sider all the forms and disclosures that must provide proof that the borrower can be checked against a database on ration as to whether or not new credit you must review and read before sign- that they are assisting in obtaining the Homeland Security network. was undertaken as a result of each ing and applying for a mortgage—either inquiry listed. for a refi nance of an existing mortgage, Although all of this has evolved into or for a new mortgage, perhaps while reams of paper needed for the actual purchasing a new house. Not to be outdone, Homeland mortgage application process, I do not There was a time when, along with see any slowing in the requirements advertising a competitive rate, it was Security gets into the act. for more and more disclosures in the not unusual to see banks advertising, future, as the Feds attempt to freeze out “Come in and apply with us—Reduced fraud of all kinds in the mortgage pro- Paperwork!” I laugh when I think of cess.  those ads. Today, if any bank advertised fi nancing has the ability to repay that Another disclosure form is meant to “reduced paperwork,” probably they mortgage (something that previously deter mortgage fraud, which played a Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a would be cited for RESPA violations and was not a burden of proof), and must large role back before the meltdown licensed real-estate broker and a licensed N.Y.S. mortgage originator with over 20 fi ned for even attempting to reduce the in addition take all kinds of signed dis- years. Together with this disclosure, years of experience, offering full-service paperwork required by Dodd-Frank of closures and back up documentation credit reports must be scrupulously residential, commercial, and management real- all lenders offering fi nancing. showing the capacity of the borrower’s reviewed to check for inconsistencies estate services (Anessa V Cohen Realty) and Reduced paperwork has gone with income to carry the mortgage. They must in names and addresses, even in credit mortgaging services (First Meridian Mortgage) the wind, together with No Income also verify income with paystubs, W-2’s, accounts that may or may not belong to in the Five Towns and throughout the tri-state area. She can be reached at 516-569-5007 or via Mortgages (although a few of those have and tax returns submitted by the poten- the borrower applying for a mortgage. her website, www.AVCrealty.com. Readers are survived in private bank portfolios) and tial borrowers, and then re-verify that In the past, there have been cases where encouraged to send questions or comments to Stated Income Mortgages. To show how everything is really correct after another would-be borrowers would fraudu- [email protected].

44 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 45 46 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 47 off of those pads (should I accidentally It is possible that crickets might not step on one), the crickets certainly don’t be all that fast. Maybe they’re just the that’s the stand a chance. best jumpers. They jump so high and so Several weeks back, I spotted a large quickly that some people refer to them WAY IT IS cricket just inside my front door. As is as jumping spiders. But, whether they’re my usual custom, I attempted to step crickets or jumping spiders, who cares? A By Hannah Reich Berman on it. But crickets also have customs. rose by any other name would smell as And their usual custom is to get away sweet. And a cricket, by any other name, from me. And they are nothing if not if found indoors, would be just as revolt- Talking To Whom? quick! I’d always thought that noth- ing. ing was faster than the jaguar and the Just one day after I tried to step on The older I get, the more I discover because, at any given time, there might impala—the animals, not the cars by this ugly thing in my front hall, and after that just about everything my mother be fi ve or more sticky pads scattered the same name. But to me it seems it hopped (or jumped) out of the way ever told me was true. I have yet to dis- around the fl oor. For those who are not that not one of G-d’s creatures is faster of my shoe, I spied it again. This time I cover much that she said that wasn’t. in the know, these sticky pads have a Mom often said, “You know you’re get- peanut-butter aroma that attracts the ting older when you begin talking to crickets. Thanks to that smell, they yourself.” She was right about that. But mosey on over to the pad and, once they I don’t like losing, especially when there were some vital pieces of info step on it, their days are numbered. To that she left out. I offer as an exam- be more specifi c, their hours are num- I’m doing battle with a critter. ple the fact that, lately, I not only talk bered. They can’t possibly get off it, to myself, but I go so far as to speak because their skinny little tentacles are to dead or inanimate objects. I’m not stuck for all eternity. (Some might refer sure that this falls into the category of to the things they walk on as legs, but I than the cricket. I’m just not sure why went for my trusty fl y swatter. After all, talking to myself. I am actually talking fi nd them so gross that I defi ne them as G-d bothered to create them in the fi rst I thought, if a swatter is good enough to critters; crickets, to be more specifi c. tentacles.) Whatever one chooses to call place. But, as with all things that mys- for a fl y, it should be good enough for a In my house, one has to move with those things they walk on, they’re very tify me, I assume there must be a pur- cricket. I was wrong. It didn’t work any caution. I warn people to step gingerly skinny and, if I can’t get my large hoof pose. better than my foot had. Just when I was sure he hadn’t noticed the swatter, and as I went to slam it down on him, he deftly hopped (or jumped) out of range. (Just for the record, I think of all bugs and crit- ters as “he.” There’s nothing biased in my thinking. If men can refer to their cars as “she,” there should be no reason why a critter can’t be considered a “he.”) Frustrated, I went to my supply of sticky pads, grabbed one off the shelf, and carefully peeled off the backing. Then—holding it by the edges, so as not to get my fi ngers stuck—I placed the pad on the fl oor. I took care to put it in the corner, so it would be behind the front door when it was opened. That way, nobody would be likely to accidentally step on it. That pad remained in place for two full weeks, but the cricket never showed again. After 14 days, convinced that he had left for parts unknown, I picked up the pad (again, very carefully) and tossed it out. But he was one smart cricket because, less than a day later, I spotted him again. That was when determination set in— my determination, not the cricket’s. I just had to get him! I don’t like losing, espe- cially when I’m doing battle with a crit- ter. My reasoning was that, since I was bigger, I must be smarter. Surely a human being can outsmart a critter. So I decided to try again. I was determined to out- smart that thing. I went for a second sticky pad but this time, after peeling off the backing, I didn’t put it on the fl oor of the hallway. Instead, I placed the pad on the fl oor of the coat closet and shut the door tightly. My reasoning was that crickets seem to love the dark, so this little guy, in the darkness, might feel safe to mean- der around the fl oor. I checked that pad every day, but it was always empty. It took time. But it eventually happened. One week later, I opened the closet door, looked down and, sure enough, there he was! “Gotcha, ya little creep!” I yelled. It may have sounded like I was talking to myself. I wasn’t! I was talking to him. My mother never told me I’d be doing that. But that’s the way it is.  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. 48 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES nation, and it would all begin with The Almighty’s confi dence proved jus- the impending Exodus. tifi ed. The man went on to deepen his insights on What a powerful message for all personal spiritual commitments and of us. Sometimes, the kindness G-d also made most meaningful contribu- THE TORAH does for us is not because we’ve tions to Jewish life in our community. been good, but rather to enable us So should any of us be the benefi cia- to become good. It’s not for what we ries of a special blessing from Above, have already done, but for what we instead of patting ourselves on the still will do. back and concluding that we must Sh’mos: Great Expectations I know a man who in midlife expe- have done something wonderful to be From Where I Stand rienced a near-fatal coronary. He col- thus rewarded, let us rather ask our- lapsed one day while cycling with his selves what G-d might be expecting us BY RABBI YOSSY GOLDMAN friends. Fortunately, his life was saved to do with this particular blessing in the by the prompt medical intervention future. How can we use it to further His When you take the people out of Egypt, Here it is that we find a fascinating of paramedics and surgeons. When work on earth? Special blessings always you will serve G-d on this mountain. insight into the intriguingly infinite I visited him in the hospital, he was carry with them special responsibilities. —Sh’mos (3:12) ways of Providence. G-d was saying overwhelmed by one idea: his indebt- May each of us successfully develop all We never really know why things that He was not necessarily ready to edness to G-d, the Healer of all fl esh. the potential G-d sees in us and use it happen. Do we always deserve every- redeem the Jewish people for what “Rabbi,” he said, “I was a goner. What for our own moral development and to thing life throws at us, good and bad? they had done in the past, but rather did I do to deserve this gift of life?” somehow better the world around us.  Allow me to share a message from this for what He anticipated from them So I shared with him the Rashi men- Rabbi Yossy Goldman was born in Brooklyn and week’s parashah that may shed a little in the future. On this very mountain tioned above and told him it might not was sent in 1976 by the Lubavitcher Rebbe as light on the mysteries of life and our they would receive His Torah; they be something he had done in the past an emissary to serve the Jewish community of higher destinies. would become His chosen messen- but something he would still do in the Johannesburg, South Africa. He is Senior Rabbi This week is the beginning of bondage gers to be a light unto the nations; future. Perhaps G-d gave him a new of the Sydenham Shul and president of the for the Jewish people in Egypt. Moshe they would be the moral standard lease on life for a reason. Not only to South African Rabbinical Association. His sefer “From Where I Stand: Life Messages from the experiences his fi rst offi cial Divine rev- bearers for the entire world. Never enjoy more years with his family but to Weekly ” was published by Ktav elation at the Burning Bush. There, he mind what they did or didn’t do in do something signifi cant for G-d, for His and is available at Jewish book shops or online is charged with the formidable mission the past. G-d had big plans for this people, for the world. at www.ktav.com. to confront Pharaoh and demand that he “Let my people go.” Moshe is full of questions and repeatedly seeks G-d’s reassurances. In one exchange at the Bush, Moshe asks, “Who am I that I should go to Pha- raoh and that I should take the Children of Israel out of Egypt?” Rashi interprets the fi rst part of the question as Moshe doubting his own qualifi cations to sud- denly become a player in the king’s court. In his typical humble way, Moshe didn’t see himself worthy of challeng- ing the mighty monarch of Egypt. The second part of the verse is explained by Rashi to be questioning the worthiness of the Jewish People. What have they actually done to deserve such a miracu- lous redemption? To which the Almighty answers, fi rstly, “Have no fear and have no doubts; I will be with you.” And sec- ondly, “This is your sign that I have sent you: when you take the people out of Egypt, you will serve G-d on this moun- tain.” Now it’s very nice to know that this mountain was, in fact, Mount Sinai and that the Burning Bush encounter occurred on that very same mountain. But wherein lies G-d’s answer to Moshe’s second question? He asked “Who am I?” So G-d replied to the point and said don’t worry: “I will be with you.” But to the question of by what merit did Israel deserve redemption, we don’t see any answer. That they will serve G-d on this mountain doesn’t seem relevant to the discussion at all.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 49 Ripping The Chadera Yeshiva Mazel Tov, Avrumi! Apart Machberes: Inside The Chassidish And World

BY RABBI GERSHON TANNENBAUM

Established in 1891 as a farming col- ony by members of Chovevei Zion, the Zionist group from Lithuania and Lat- via, the city of Chadera, located in the Haifa District on the Mediterranean Sea coastal plain, is approximately mid- way between Tel Aviv and Haifa. The city today has a population of almost 95,000.

Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach, shlita

Courtesy of Yeshiva Darchei Torah Darchei Yeshiva Darchei Torah of Courtesy of Yeshiva post of 10 families with 4 armed secu- rity guards. The swamps were drained with the aid of Egyptian laborers sent to them and paid by the leg- The Far Rockaway community recently gath- endary Zionist philanthropist Baron Edmond de Rothschild, z’l, (1845-1934). ered to celebrate the bar mitzvah of Avrumi Ver- Old tombstones in the local cemetery shubsky, an eighth-grade talmid in Yeshiva Darchei Rabbi Aharon Leib Shteinman, shlita reveal that out of a population of 540, 210 died of malaria. Torah. Many rebbeim and friends of the bar mitz- Although the land was of poor qual- Chadera’s population began to grow ity and mostly swampland, it was the dramatically after Israeli indepen- vah boy gathered at the Agudas Yisroel of West Law- largest single purchase of land in Pal- dence in 1948, as immigrants fl ocked estine by a Zionist group. The fi rst to the country. Chadera is the loca- rence to celebrate this special milestone. settlers lived in a house known as the tion of the world’s largest desalina- Khan near Chadera’s main synagogue. tion plant, as well as Israel’s largest Initially, Chadera was a lonely out- power station.

50 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES In 1986, Yeshiva Knesset Yitzchok was established in Bnei Brak by Rabbi Elazar Menachem Mann Shach, zt’l, (1894-2001), revered Ponovez rosh yeshiva in Bnei Brak and founder of the Degel HaTorah political party. Rabbi Shach was the undisputed leader of the Lithuanian Yeshivish community. Rabbi Gershon Ehrenberg was appointed rosh hayeshiva and Rabbi Ezra Novick, zt’l, was appointed mashgiach. The yeshiva began with 12 students and 3 members. Rabbi Shach, then 92 years old, personally delivered the fi rst shiur on the day the yeshiva opened. At the direction of Rabbi Shach, the yeshiva moved to Chadera in the summer of 1989. Rabbi Novick wished to remain in Bnei Brak and his son, Rabbi Tovia, assumed the position of mashgiach. Upon the death of Rabbi Moshe Gefen, zt’l (1957-2011) in a tragic car accident, his son, Rabbi Raphael, succeeded him as a rosh yeshiva in the yeshiva. Rabbi Elazar Dovid Epstein is also a rosh yeshiva in the yeshiva. Rabbi Epstein is a son-in-law of Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky; son of Rabbi Yaakov Yisroel Kanievsky, zt’l (1899- 1985), Steipler Rav and revered author of Kehilas Yaakov. The Kehilas Yaakov was a brother-in-law of Rabbi Avro- hom Yeshaya Karelitz, zt’l (1878-1953), revered author of Chazon Ish and leader of the Lithuanian Yeshivish community. Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky is the son- in-law of Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, zt’l (1910-2012), late leader of the Lith- uanian Yeshivish community. Rabbi Kanievsky and Rabbi Aharon Leib Shteinman, rosh yeshiva Gaon Yaakov in Bnei Brak, together lead the Degel HaTorah party which claims today’s Lithuanian Yeshiva leadership. The yeshiva in Chadera developed into one of the leading Lithuanian that follow the teachings of the Chazon Ish. At the beginning of this year’s Elul zman (school semes- ter), the yeshiva had more than 600 students and 50 kollel members enrolled. The yeshiva is (or was?) greatly respected as a citadel of Torah scholarship. Right before Chanukah, Rabbi Kanievsky and Rabbi Shteinman declared that the Torah perspec- tive and methodology of study at the yeshiva is defective because the Chadera roshei yeshiva are support- ers of Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach, rosh yeshiva Maalot Hatorah in Jerusalem and leader of the B’nei Torah party, which is challenging the Degel HaTo- rah party for Lithuanian Yeshiva lead- ership. Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach is the son of Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auer- bach, zt’l (1919-1998), revered rosh yeshiva Kol Torah in Jerusalem. Rabbi Shlomo Zalman was greatly respected as a leading Posek and full partner of Rabbi Elyashiv in the guidance of Lithuanian Yeshiva leadership. The main transgression, according to Rabbi Kanievsky and Rabbi Shtein- man, was the specifi c recommenda- tion by Rabbi Tovia Novick, yeshiva mashgiach, that eligible students cast their votes for the B’nei Torah party in recent elections. Though Rabbi Ehren-

Continued on Page 53 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 51 1234 5678 9 10111213

5TJT Puzzle: 14 15 16 The Price Is Right 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 BY YONI GLATT 66. Warm month 24 25 26 Across 67. Incite 1. Say lashon ha’ra 68. Dublin’s home 27 28 29 30 31 5. Circle parts 69. Related on the mother’s side 9. Give the heave-ho 70. Brings to a close 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 14. Cold capital 71. Limitless quantities 15. Break a commandment 39 40 41 16. Drive Down 17. Shut (up) 1. Haifa has them 18. Juice berry 2. Speck in the ocean 42 43 44 45 46 19. AT&T bill item 3. 10-Down, once 20. 100 shekels of silver 4. ___ Bound 47 48 49 23. “If all ___ fails . . .” 5. It happened on 60-Across, with “The” 24. Made chulent, perhaps 6. Teen actor Rodriguez 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 25. Groom 7. Fastener 27. Santa ___ 8. More artful 57 58 59 60 61 28. 1943 Bogart fi lm 9. Outback runner 32. One might cost a bowl of stew 10. 20 shekels of silver 62 63 64 65 38. Canyon feature 11. And others, for short 39. Produce protection 12. Gear teeth 66 67 68 40. Tea server 13. Arborist’s concern 41. Harker of literature 21. It’s overhead 69 70 71 42. Notable Ezra 22. Porgy and bass 43. With 48-Down, 400 shekels of silver 26. “Welcome” site 47. Concern 29. Seed cover 37. Letters for vitamins 54. High nest: Var. 49. 2002 British Open champion 30. Song girl? 41. E-mails, e.g. 55. Crown 50. National competitor 31. It’s about half a yard 43. Evil sci-fi computer 56. Eye woes 53. Turns back, perhaps 32. Like 28-Across 44. Nursemaid 57. Detective’s assignment 57. Last of the Mohicans girl 33. First name in Israel, for short 45. Some papers 58. Notable Hopkins role 60. 50 shekels of silver 34. Lodges 46. Commoner 59. It’s near 60-Across 62. Be nuts about 35. Coke’s partner, at a simcha perhaps 48. See 43-Across 61. Top 64. Cambodian currency 36. Jewish name that’s also a Jewish 51. One of the Simpsons 63. Dir. of 60-Across from 43-Across with 65. Overcast name backwards 52. Heavenly hunter 48-Down

52 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Machberes Rabbi Yitzchok Zev Soloveitchik, zt’l Continued from Page 51 (1886-1959), revered Brisker Rav, spoke to his students on Thursday, Decem- berg, the rosh yeshiva, did not make ber 12, telling them that the Chadera that recommendation, he did not ver- Yeshiva is a holy citadel to which bally oppose it. The Degel HaTorah he has sent some of his grandsons. faction issued a call for students to Rabbi Avrohom Yehoshua Soloveit- leave the yeshiva. A new yeshiva was chik, Brisker rosh yeshiva and grand- immediately established in Ashdod, son of the Brisker Rav, on December less than one hour south of Chadera, 11, in the middle of his shiur, called in called Torah Bitefarto. his sons and all the yeshiva students The tearing apart of the Chadera and cried out loud that one must not Yeshiva has discomforted many roshei destroy a yeshiva. yeshiva in Israel. They have invested Rabbi Avrohom Yehoshua told of time and energy in trying to accom- the time that Rabbi Naftali Zvi Yehu- plish a compromise. Representatives dah Berlin, zt’l (1816-1893), Volozhiner of Rabbi Shteinman, however, infl exi- rosh yeshiva known as the Netziv, bly insist that all Chadera Yeshiva stu- faced the 1892 demand of the Russian dents must cancel their subscriptions government to have mandatory sec- to Hapeles, the B’nei Torah newspaper ular studies in the Yeshiva, then the published in Israel. largest in the world. The Netziv con-

In his letter, dated December 9, he equated damaging the yeshiva with burning a sefer Torah.

The compromise attempts were sulted with the Gedolim of the time unsuccessful. More than 100 students and in tears decided to close the left the Chadera Yeshiva and joined yeshiva. “Now we see the destruc- the new Ashdod Yeshiva. They were tion of a yeshiva for the sake of cheap accompanied by half of the Chadera political victory, G-d forbid,” cried Yeshiva’s staff, including roshei Rabbi Avrohom Yehoshua. yeshiva Rabbi Elazar Dovid Epstein, A meeting had been called for all Rabbi Ephraim Noach Rothcild, and Lithuanian roshei yeshiva to gather Rabbi Avraham Yeshaya Sokolovsky at the home of Rabbi Shteinman on (a brother-in-law of Rabbi Novick); Sunday, December 15, wherein two and Rabbi Raphael Gefen, mashgiach. important problems were to be dis- Amongst the roshei yeshiva who have cussed: the problem of politics inter- remained in Chadera are Rabbi Yaa- fering in yeshivas, and the drafting kov Dovid Ilan, Rabbi Yaakov Karp, of yeshiva students. Many denounce and Rabbi Eliezer Gotsganda. the equating of the two. Rabbi Shtein- The machlokes (controversy) has man has directed yeshiva students spread to several other yeshivas in to respond to draft notices, but to Israel. A rosh yeshiva in Tifrach, a fol- not sign any forms. Rabbi Auerbach lower of Rabbi Auerbach, received a directs his students not to respond to letter denouncing him and declaring draft notices at all. Rabbi Shteinman that students may not learn Torah has stated that students who are not from a teacher who is defective in his seriously learning Torah should join Torah perspective. As the machlokes the Israeli Defense Forces, whereas spreads, Rabbi Moshe Shternbuch, Rabbi Auerbach is adamant in that no rosh of the Aidah Hachare- student should serve in the army. dis of Yerushalayim who is decid- The stated purpose of the meeting edly non-political and anti-politi- is to give support to Rabbi Shteinman cal, has issued a directive forbidding and reinforce the call for students to any student from leaving the Chadera leave the Chadera Yeshiva. The opposi- Yeshiva. Doing so, Rabbi Shternbuch tion avers that such an agenda under- asserts, will destroy a Torah institu- mines the unity of Torah Jews in the tion. In his letter, dated December 9, face of current serious challenges and he equated damaging the yeshiva with leaves yeshiva students vulnerable to burning a sefer Torah. The machlokes the campaign to draft them into the must be stopped, both in Eretz Yisrael military.  as well as abroad. Leaving the yeshiva makes one a partner in destroying Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum is the Rav of Torah. B’nai Israel of Linden Heights in Boro Park and Director of the Rabbinical Alliance of Rabbi Meshulem Dovid Soloveit- America. Rabbi Tannenbaum can be contacted chik, Brisker rosh yeshiva and son of at [email protected]. Remember that article? Visit our archive section and find any issue of the 5 Towns Jewish Times online @ www.5TJT.com

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 53 54 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES the typical excuse for abusers to con- trol and high criticism. Not only did trol their victims and still come out this boy change your daughter’s style of looking good. These types of people dressing, he also succeeded in isolating will convince their victims that their her from her friends. friends are bad infl uences on them Your daughter seems happy because, and, therefore, must be dropped. They right now, this boy is all she has in her will very often quote halachic sources life. She has no one else to confi de in. on the importance in having frummer Her friends are gone, and I would not friends. be surprised if he has spoken against Question Response Furthermore, they will use the mitz- you and your wife. Your daughter, at My daughter is dating a guy she met By Baila Sebrow vah of tzniyus and frighten their vic- this point, is emotionally dependent at a kiruv Shabbaton where they were It is understandable that you and tims regarding the consequences of on the guy she is dating. both advisors. They were still too your wife feel concern about the rela- going against Torah requirements. I generally give the benefi t of the young to date offi cially until recently. tionship your daughter is having with However, they were in constant touch this boy. You are seeing big fl ashing red with other, via phone and text. signals that something is wrong. That When I fi rst met this boy, my wife should never be undermined by any- Very often, an abuser will use and I did not have a good feeling one’s opinion that you are overreact- about him. However, we dismissed it ing. Nor should anyone frighten you in frumkeit as the foundation because we saw how happy she was believing that your daughter is doomed with him. As time went on and their to the torment of the shidduch system. for control. relationship progressed more seri- While it is true that many singles are ously, we became alarmed. First he having a diffi cult time in fi nding their started criticizing her friends by say- bashert, the tradeoff is not for anyone, ing they aren’t frum enough, until girl or boy, to remain in a destructive Many of these women are not doing doubt to the person being complained she fi nally dropped them. Then it and dangerous relationship just to be anything wrong in the eyes of the soci- about. However, in this case, it is best progressed to this boy complaining married. That’s absurd. ety they are living in. But telling that to follow the route of being safe rather about the way our daughter dresses. It sounds like your daughter is accept- to a controlling person is like talking to than sorry. This boy seems to be fol- She even changed her way of dressing. ing of this boy’s controlling behavior of the walls. The bottom line is that this lowing a pattern of coercive behavior My wife and I believe that they are her. The question is whether the man- relationship does not appear healthy. before he is even engaged. Now it is going to get engaged soon. But we ner in the way he is treating her is You and your wife are astute in rec- emotional domination; later it can, G-d really want our daughter to break up based on him being very frum and thus, ognizing that an ordinary couple dat- forbid, become physical. with this boy. We’ve discussed this trying to change her into becoming ing does not have such issues. If the Getting your daughter to break up with other family members, who say more makpid on matters of frumkeit, guy is not happy with ways that feel with this guy will not be an easy feat, that we are overreacting, and that we or whether this could be a sign of early more modern to him, he will not con- and it is best that you get professional are lucky that our daughter found a abusive behavior. Or, very possibly, tinue the relationship, and will cite guidance. You must also understand guy and will not have to go through whether both issues are intertwined. that as the reason they are not shayach that your daughter may view you as the shidduch system. Very often, an abuser will use frum- for each other. But this situation is dif- the enemy, and she may likely accuse Are we wrong? And, if not, how can keit as the foundation for control. In ferent. He realizes that your daughter is you of being jealous that she is happy. we break them up without breaking the frum society, abuse of this nature probably too modern for him, but con- our daughter’s heart? is very common and is actually used as tinues the relationship by exerting con- Continued on Page 57

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 55 56 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES DATING FORUM Continued from Page 55

That is because, at this juncture in her life, she actually believes herself to be happy. You and your wife need to arrange a private time to talk with your daugh- ter. Allow the conversation and mood to be free-fl owing initially. Bring up anecdotes from her childhood. Proceed to ask her about the guy she is dating and how things are progressing in their relationship. Remind her of how much you both love her and want to see noth- ing other than her happiness. At this point, share your concerns with her by naming them. Your daughter will likely become defensive. Do not allow this conver- sation to become a battle in where you and your wife are the accusers, while she is the boy’s defense attorney. Rather, build up her self-esteem. Very likely, this boy may have caused her to feel less of herself with regards to intelligence and decision making. Tell her you understand how she feels, and praise her on her strengths and fun- damental values as a person. Remind her of previous wise decisions, and of times she may have cleverly advised a friend or family member. Using that train of logic, confi de (even if it’s not so) that there was a time when you and your wife reached out to a therapist for guidance involving whatever situation may have occurred in your family. Stress that nowadays it is very common for people to go for counseling while still only in the dat- ing stage of their relationship. Tell her that people even in good relationships retain the services of a therapist in order to learn how to improve on their relationship to make it a happier one. Offer to go with her, if that would make her feel more comfortable. Otherwise, it would probably be better if she goes alone, at least in the beginning. Make sure that you and your wife do thorough homework by checking that the therapist you are sending your daughter to is not only qualifi ed, but has expertise in such matters. May this therapist be the right shaliach in get- ting your daughter to recognize the truth and reality of the situation she is in. Baila Sebrow is president of Neshoma Advocates, communications and recruit- ment liaison for Sovri-Beth Israel, exec- utive director of Teach Our Children, and a shadchanis. She can be reached at [email protected]. 

Questions and comments can be submitted to [email protected]. WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? E-MAIL US AT [email protected] 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 57 Worldwide Celebration: Dirshu Daf Hayomi B’halacha Completes Chelek Hey Of Mishnah Berurah

BY CHAIM GOLD olises such as Brooklyn, Lakewood, Yerushalayim, and Bnei Brak, to less Dirshu’s daf hayomi b’halacha pro- travelled Jewish destinations like Kiev, gram of daily Mishnah Berurah learning Berlin, Portland, and Buenos Aires, daf is completing chelek hey of the Mish- hayomi b’halacha has been taking Klal nah Berurah, the volume dealing with Yisrael by storm. The daily halacha pro- the laws of Pesach and the laws of yom gram has been ensuring that Jews world tov. This milestone marks the beginning over are cognizant of Hashem in every of chelek vav, the fi nal volume of the action done throughout the day to Mishnah Berurah—propelling daf hay- make sure that it is in consonance with omi b’halacha to its fi rst siyum on the halacha, thereby arousing the incompa- entire Mishnah Berurah. rable berachah of Chazal that teaches, In the six years since its inception, “He who learns halachos every day is daf hayomi b’halacha has evolved into assured a place in olam ha’ba.” Rav Akiva Schlesinger, shlita a worldwide program, in which thou- Dirshu and daf hayomi b’halacha sands of individuals throughout six span the entire world. Last year, Dirshu to the accomplishments of lomdei Dir- from France, Belgium, and Switzerland. continents are bringing halacha learn- celebrated its world siyum haShas in shu, particularly those participating in The celebration will be attended by ing into their daily lives and taking tests Yerushalayim and, recently, Dirshu cel- the daf hayomi b’halacha program. The numerous gedolei rabbanim represent- on it to ensure accountability. ebrated its Shabbos kinnus olam haTo- siyum is scheduled for December 23 at ing the entire cross-section of the com- Daf hayomi b’halacha has spawned rah for the American Dirshu commu- the Finchley Synagogue in London, and munity and will also be graced by some hundreds of daily shiurim in cities and nity. Now Europe, too, is having a major promises to bring together the Torah 15 daf hayomi b’halacha maggidei shiur communities in both mainstream and event—a large-scale siyum on chelek communities of London, Manchester, from London, Manchester, Gateshead, exotic locales. From Jewish metrop- hey of Mishnah Berurah to pay tribute and Gateshead, as well as contingents Paris, and Antwerp. The keynote address will be given by Rav Shmuel Akiva Schlesinger, shlita, rav of the City of Strasbourg, France, and a powerful, eloquent speaker whose inspiring derashos leave an indel- ible impact on his listeners.

Rabbi Paysach Krohn, shlita The well-known maggid Rav Paysach J. Krohn is fl ying in for this event, and will give a major address. Rav Dovid Hofstedter, the of Dirshu, will also be participating. Hundreds of Dirshu participants throughout Europe take monthly tests, in addition to the few hundred partici- pants in Dirshu’s numerous daf hayomi b’halacha shiurim. They have joined together with thousands of others amongst Klal Yisrael in bringing practi- cal halacha into their lives. The host city for the siyum, London, is no stranger to Dirshu celebrations. A number of years ago, a massive Dir- shu siyum was held at the Yesodei HaTo- rah Hall there and was addressed by Rav Ephraim Padwa, shlita, Rav of the Charedi Kehilla; Dayan Aharon Dovid Dunner, shlita; and the special guest speaker from Eretz Yisrael, Rav Asher Weiss, shlita, rosh kollel of Machon Minchas Osher L’Torah V’Horaah. At that time, Dayan Dunner passion- ately addressed how vitally important 58 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Solution To Previous 5TJT Puzzle: Mystical Creatures 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 L I L A C F L A G S A R T 14 15 16 A MORA L IVRE L AO 17 18 19 V ALOR E MEER A SK 20 21 22 S HAM I RWORM A CHE 23 24 25 A BO S LIFK I N 26 27 28 29 30 31 E S P O BS I NT 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Rav Dovid Hofstedter, shlita C HERUB I M N EEDL E it is for each individual to have a seder deals with the halachos of bedikas cha- 39 40 41 42 hayom, a daily learning schedule, that metz and biur chametz, and then skip H ATH Z IZ R EAL enables him to maximize his time and over to the Seder night, thus missing 43 44 45 46 47 48 his sipuk hanefesh, his spiritual satis- numerous vital halachos. There are the T HEYVE N EPH ILIM halachos taaruvos chametz hala- faction from learning, and how Dir- of , the 49 50 51 shu’s programs are tailor-made to aid chos of what one must do if, G-d for- T IN E LI I RS in reaching this vital goal. bid, he fi nds chametz in his house on Rabbi Avigdor Berenstein, a senior Pesach; there are the halachos of kash- 52 53 54 55 56 57 member of Dirshu’s hanhalah, ering keilim, baking matzos and the list T A C HASH E TS explained, “Chelek hey in the Mish- goes on . . . The halachos of yom tov are 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 nah Berurah is a section of which lom- also among the most intricate hala- H ARM L EV I ATHON S dei halacha with limited time often chos, especially the numerous fi ne dif- 65 66 67 choose to learn only the seemingly ferences between the halachos of yom I RA S AXON E RGOT more relevant halachos. Many of the tov and Shabbos. 68 69 70 important simanim which, on the sur- “What has happened is a revolution. N OV O VERT R EESE face, seem to either be very intricate or The thousands of Dirshu daf hayomi not as relevant to our times, have until b’halacha participants didn’t just learn 71 72 73 now been neglected by many. Count- these areas perfunctorily. They learned E NE P ESTO S WEE T less individuals suffi ce with learning Puzzle appeared on Page 50 of the December 13 issue. the beginning of chelek hey, which Continued on Page 60

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 59 Dirshu Rav Mordechai Gifter, zt’l, the leg- Continued from Page 59 endary rosh yeshiva of Telshe Yeshiva, grew up in America of the early 20th letters to them and reviewed them together Century. While many were running with the Dirshu biurim u’musafi m that away from Yiddishkeit, he embraced depicts hundreds of modern-day scenar- limud haTorah and went on to become THE EDITOR ios that emanate from these halachos a gadol hador. As a young bachur, he and they were tested on all of them! decorated both the left and right sides They have brought so much more hala- of his yeshiva dormitory room walls cha into their lives. They have brought with pictures of Gedolei Yisrael with Hashem in, invited Hashem, as it were, handwritten captions underneath Supporting Agunot Hashem can also end poverty and cure into their yom tov, into their Pesach in the names. In the middle, he left an Dear Editor, cancer, but for those affected, life isn’t an unprecedented way.” empty space with the telling caption, Aliza BasMenachem’s December 6 arti- exactly a picnic. Or her suggestion that Several years ago, the Posek Hador, “Why not you?” This pushed him to cle on agunot (“The Get Obsession”) is this is an “opportunity to grow her char- Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, zt’l, encour- learn with hasmadah, to review and to as off-base as it is offensive, suggesting acter.” So is leprosy. Gam zu l’tovah! aged the hanhalah of Dirshu to cre- know. agunot are dramatic and self-absorbed. Beyond the insensitivity, the col- ate halacha programs whereby lom- Those who have not yet joined daf Her “suck it up, others have it worse” umn completely misses the main issue, dei Torah would be encouraged to hayomi b’halacha have the opportunity, message is particularly galling. Would which is that our community needs to learn, understand, and know halacha with as minimal an investment as a half anyone say such a thing to a widow, a do more to prevent vindictive husbands l’ma’aseh, practical halacha. Over the hour a day, to join the movement that person with a serious illness, or a par- from abusing the system in order to course of the past six years, lomdei Dir- is transforming the lives of Yidden the ent with a sick child? It is more than abuse their wives. Since our poskim have shu in its kinyan halacha and daf hay- world over. We can quote Rav Gifter and insulting to say that agunot shouldn’t been unable to identify a halachic way omi b’halacha programs have followed ask the resounding question, “Why not be “obsessed” with remarrying because to level the playing fi eld, the onus is on through on Rav Elyashiv’s guidance you?” “there are so many opportunities for our community institutions and lead- and have wrought a transformation in To join daf hayomi b’halacha’s daily women in today’s society.” (Take up a ers to support agunot, prevent the cri- the Torah world. Before long, Klal Yis- learning of one amud a day of Mishnah hobby. Rainbow Loom looks like fun.) sis from worsening, and pressure recal- rael will be enriched with thousands of Berurah, and to receive calendars and/or Or her comment that “if Hashem has a citrant husbands. new beki’im in all six volumes of Mish- shiurim locations, please call 888-5-Dirshu bashert for her, then Hashem has ways of While the Rabbinical Council of Amer- nah Berurah! or e-mail [email protected].  making her available so they can marry.” ica supports the concept of prenuptial agreements that impose a fi nancial pen- alty on the husband if he fails to provide a get, much of the Orthodox commu- nity, including Agudath Israel of Amer- ica, does not. More troubling is that these husbands seem to have no diffi - culty fi nding acceptance in their syna- gogues and communities. In the highly publicized Dodelson case, the husband is himself from a prominent rabbinic family that continues to support his position. And the venerable ArtScroll publishing house continued to employ members of the husband’s family who aggressively defended him until they temporarily resigned following a recent public outcry. One wonders if the callousness towards agunot expressed by Ms. BasMe- nachem isn’t what underlies the tepid organizational efforts we have seen so far. Instead of telling agunot to make lemonade, we should be putting the squeeze on get-withholding husbands. Joshua Schein

Dear Editor, I will pray that Aliza BasMenachem is never an , nor her children or grandchildren. It is not Hashem’s plan for any woman to be held captive by a husband who refuses a get, just as it is not Hashem’s plan for a man to beat his wife or per- form any other act of emotional or phys- ical harm. The author’s lack of sympa- thy for a woman who is a victim of an abuse of halachah is alarming. Has she no empathy for her fellow women? Has she ever met an agunah? Does she know one story? Could she put herself in the shoes of an agunah for a moment, a day, or a year? I have had the honor of meeting agunot over the years, and their courage and faith is astonishing. They are not asking for a get to be able to remarry—as sug- gested in the article—nor are they unap- preciative to Hashem for the love and health of their children and family. The agunot are asking for a get to be free— free from a relationship with a man who does not love them or treat them with

Continued on Page 62 60 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 61 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR enough to marry, and sincerely who have found themselves in I wish that Aliza BasMen- ters, and daughters who have Continued from Page 60 loves his kallah, he will not pro- the horrifi c position of being achem could have met another been and continue to be held hibit this act of protection. Jew- agunot, chained women. I have young woman I know, who hostage to a man’s will. Refus- kindness or respect in the man- ish men and women, here and also attended many meetings was abused both emotion- ing to give a get is an abuse of ner in which all human beings elsewhere, can change the sta- and other events to raise aware- ally and physically by her hus- halachah and should not be deserve to be treated. tus quo and make the world a ness of the issue and to support band throughout their mar- tolerated. At all. No human Their struggle is one I would better place for their sons and the Organization for the Resolu- riage, and whose husband then being should hold another never wish on my friend or foe. daughters. Before the , tion of Agunot. I recently went disappeared one night along human being captive. The For this reason, I strongly sup- ask to meet with the rabbi to to a parlor meeting for ORA that with all their life savings and suggestion that this is Hash- port the work of ORA (Orga- sign a prenuptial agreement, or was attended by many promi- still refuses to give her a get em’s plan and that Hashem nization for the Resolution of visit www.getora.org and print nent members of our commu- “because he can.” This young, can choose when to make her Agunot) and will continue to the prenuptial agreement and nity who recognize the travesty penniless mother, who has suf- “available” is absurd. Hashem support the RCA (Rabbinical have it notarized. of withholding a get. I wish that fered more than I would wish does not “force” any man to Council of America) approved Alissa Hersh, MD Aliza BasMenachem could have upon anyone, is not, as the withhold a get, just as I do prenuptial agreement and post- attended that evening to hear author says, “obsessing about not believe Hashem “forces” a nuptial agreement forms to Dear Editor, directly from an agunah whose her desire to remarry” or hav- man to beat his wife; free will reduce the number of casualties I think I speak on behalf of husband has withheld her get ing her children “witness their enables every man to make affl icted by men who behave many 5TJT readers when I say for more than six years. Hers is mother as a victim who is suf- those despicable choices for like indolent, spoiled children. that I was appalled at Aliza not the story of a woman who fering.” To the contrary, she has himself. Our shuls and community BasMenachem’s article “The focuses on her wish to be free chosen to take her challenges The author ends her arti- should stand up against men Get Obsession.” I am almost to remarry, nor a woman who and channel them into being a cle with the suggestion that who withhold the get as a tool as appalled that the 5TJT pub- has lost faith in Hashem, or stronger woman and a fantastic women want a get because they for manipulating divorce pro- lished it. I am curious to know fails to recognize the blessing mother, and to encourage other are “obsessed with remarriage.” ceedings or extorting money. what her base of knowledge is of healthy family or children. victims of abuse to keep their I think that there is an obses- This affects all Jewish women on the topic of Jewish marriage She is a woman who wakes up emunah in Hashem. sion, but it is not an obsession and should not be tolerated. and divorce, and specifi cally every morning, puts her best Unfortunately, I could go on to remarry—it is an obsession Refusal [to give] a get is a chil- the state of mind of an agunah, face forward, and is a success- and on about the many agunot for freedom. Would she deny lul Hashem. that makes her feel she is an ful businesswoman and a lov- I have been privileged to know that right to any person? What I strongly recommend that expert on the topic. The painful ing mother. But she lives in a or come in contact with who does that say about her charac- each member of our com- issue of agunot and get-refusal community where she feels the are truly inspirational, and who ter? munity act to prevent fur- is not one to be taken lightly or stigma of being an agunah, and have more strength in one pin- May Hashem never “choose” ther cases of agunot and only to be written about fl ippantly. where she is judged daily, and kie than most of us have in our for the author or her loved ones accept a marriage where hus- I personally know many unfairly, by a community that entire bodies. to know the grief and pain that band and wife sign a prenuptial women—amazing, courageous, knows nothing of her pain and I found the article to be agunot face each day. agreement. If a man is mature strong, G-d-fearing women— suffering. insulting to our mothers, sis- Naomi Maryles AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS

Shalhevet Addresses learn about the dangers that Internet Dangers the Internet possesses. Mid- With the advance of tech- reshet Shalhevet would like nology, use of the Internet is to thank Offi cer Galvin for at an all-time high. People of imparting this crucial lesson to all ages are using the Internet them.  for business, school, and per- sonal use. However, the Inter- YOSS Motzaei net possesses many dangers Shabbos Learning as well. Midreshet Shalhe- Program Inducts vet hosted Police Offi cer Gal- More Than 60 Esser vin, who works in the Com- Club Members munity Affairs department, to This past Motzaei Shabbos, speak with the students about more than 60 boys became the dangers of the Internet and Esser club members. This num- how to protect themselves. ber is unprecedented since Offi cer Galvin explained that the yeshiva began its Motzaei once something is posted on Shabbos Learning Program 15 the Internet, it can never be years ago. To be an Esser club fully erased. Even if a picture member, a boy needs to come is private, there are ways to to learn 10 Saturday nights. fi nd it. She also stressed how Being that last week was the important it is to stay away 10th week, these 60 boys came from strangers. Many people 10 weeks in a row! Each boy pose as others on the Inter- who joins the club will receive net, tricking you into believing a beautiful Chamisha Chum- they are somebody else. shei Torah with Tefi llas Shab- Offi cer Galvin also spoke bos. This is a very appropriate about cyberbullying and how and beautiful gift which will it is destroying the lives of undoubtedly be used for many teenagers and children all over years to come. The following is the world. Offi cer Galvin noted the list of the boys: that if someone feels they Yonatan Aharon, Gavriel are being cyberbullied, they Y. Aharon, Yehoshua Aharon, should not be scared to speak Yedidya Aharon, Meir Bahn, up and get help. Moshe Blumstein, Yosef Bluth, The Shalhevet students Yisroel Aryeh Bluth, Baruch walked away from the presen- Bluth, Johnathan Boxer, Marky tation with a whole new out- Breuer, Chaim Tzvi Bugayer, look on the Internet. They Yosale Deutsch, Aharon Dimen- felt it was very eye-opening to schstein, Nathan Dimen- 62 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION schstein, Rafi Farbman, Yosef Farbman, with more than 300 boys coming to Avi Feldman, Akiva Feldman, Yehuda learn each Saturday night. Just a few Fiber, Chaim Friedman, Shmaryahu weeks ago on Motzaei Shabbos Cha- Friedman, Dovie Gladstone, Moshe nukah, the boys from all the locations Goldberg, Yehoshua Goldberg, Moshie converged at the yeshiva for an unfor- Hirsch, Avi Hirsch, Hoodie Hirsch, Yosef gettable evening of learning and Cha- Horowitz, Michael Horowitz, Benji nukah entertainment. After 45 minutes Kloc, Menachem Kunin, Ariel Kunin, of learning, the boys were enthralled Avi Levine, Dani Lieberman, Pinchas by Rabbi Knowles Kosher Laughs Pup- Lipsky, Emanuel Medows, Yehuda Meis- pet Theater. The puppet show was hilar- els, Yoni Meisels, Yosef Menashy, Avi ious and educational at the same time. Mandel, Yoseph Miller, Binyamin Meir Chanukah refreshments of jelly donuts, Montaine, Yonatan Zechariah Mos- chocolate coins and ices were gener- kowtiz, Eliyahu Simcha Moskowitz, ously sponsored by Gourmet Glatt of Chaim Yosef Neuman, Shmuely Pak, Cedarhurst. With more than 10 weeks Yoni Schonbrun, Avraham Safdieh, Mor- left to the program, the Yeshiva antic- dechai Simentov, Tzvi Singer, Aryeh ipates well over 200 more Esser club Scheinenger, Av Soffer, Sholom Tra- members. What a nachas! Kein yirbu.  punsky, Eli Trapunsky, Yehuda Trapun- sky, Shlomo Weinreb, Yosef Weisfeld, Achiezer Holds Post-Sandy Yerachmiel Dov Weisfeld, Yosef Weiss, Meeting With Homeland Shmuel Weiss, Tzvi Weiss, Yehuda Weis, Security Naftali Goldgrab and Yeshiva Yeshiva and Goldgrab and Yeshiva Goldgrab Naftali Torah Darchei Torah

Mordechai Yudin, Yosef Yudin, Moshe Jerome Hauer, commissioner of the Zern, Yaakov Tzvi Zerykier, Nachum NY State Division of Homeland Secu- Zerykier, Moshe Zinn, and Ezra Zucker. rity and Emergency Services, recently The program has grown much over visited and met with Achiezer staff the years that the yeshiva now has four satellite locations in the Five Towns, Continued on Page 64

TRAVEL SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 63 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Individually and as a group, the post- the evening, each organization will have Rochel, Madraigos, Ohel, She’efa, The Continued from Page 63 high-school contingent is an incredi- a chance to briefl y present itself and Friendship Circle, and Tova. ble reservoir of talent, skills, and heart. outline the various volunteer opportu- If you are a post-high-school/sem- members and members of the exec- Often, the only thing holding a girl back nities that are available. There will also inary girl, we are turning to you. We utive board as a follow-up to his ini- from maximizing that talent is the sim- be short presentations from two organi- know that you are busy; between work, tial involvement with our community ple fact that she has no idea where to zations that offer shiurim and personal school, family life, and friends, you during Hurricane Sandy. The commis- utilize it. enrichment exclusively for post-high- may not have much time to spare. But sioner was presented with a token of Just a short while ago, Achiezer had school girls, as well as the unveiling of whether you’re available for an hour a appreciation from Achiezer in recog- the privilege of being approached by Achiezer’s new fi nancial-planning class, day, an hour a week, or an hour a month, nition of critical emergency services a particularly special young woman, also geared specifi cally to this group. you owe it to yourself to see what there that he was able to provide for the Five Faige Fried. Given her experience as After the presentations, the girls will is out there for you. Because, some- Towns and Rockaway community. chesed coordinator at Tichon Meir have the opportunity to meet repre- times, all it takes is a minute to change The commissioner and his colleagues Moshe, Faige knew many, many girls sentatives of each organization, ask a life forever. discussed various ways in which they who would jump at the opportunity to questions, and sign up for whichever And often—when you reach out and will collaborate with and support our reach out and give to others—if they options appeal to them. There will also give—the life you impact most is your community, so that we can be better only knew to whom to give. Faige had be light refreshments, and time to just own.  prepared in the event of a disaster or cri- the simple but ingenious idea of con- relax and socialize. sis. During his visit to Yeshiva Darchei tacting the numerous community orga- The organizations that will be repre- YOSS Preschoolers Torah, the commissioner made several nizations who rely on volunteer work, sented include (in alphabetical order): Celebrate Bereishis recommendations, and plans to follow and giving them the chance to present Achiezer, , I-Shine, Kulanu, The Hollander ECC at YOSS hosted up with ideas that will strengthen the themselves—along with the opportuni- Levi Yitzchak Library, Machon Basya Avraham Avinu, Yosef Hatzadik, many safety and security of the schools in our ties for chesed that they offered—to her community.  friends and others like them. The staff at Achiezer was tremen- Achiezer To Host Historic dously impressed and excited by the Evening For Post-High- idea. The beauty of the project is that it School/Seminary Girls helps everyone—the organizations, the When you’re in the post-high-school, community, and the girls themselves. pre-marriage stage, you know that As Mrs. Esther Novak, project coordina- sometimes all it takes is one minute to tor at Achiezer, put it, “When I have a change a life forever. family with a more complex situation, I One comment that points you in the can’t send a high-school girl to help out. direction of the perfect career choice. There are things that post-high-school One tip about an open job. girls can do that nobody else can.” One call with the right shidduch. As Esther got busy contacting the var- Sometimes, all it takes is one person ious organizations, the response was to change a life forever. overwhelming. The result of Faige and Sometimes, that one person is you. Esther’s combined efforts is a magnifi - It’s no secret that the single popula- cent evening of information, slated to tion accounts for an enormous amount take place at the Achiezer offi ce on Sun- of the chesed performed on a daily basis. day, December 22, 7:00-9:00 p.m. During Morah Betty’s class at the siyum on Sefer Bereishis

64 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION Shevatim, and various parts of ma’aseh Bereishis, who had all joined the Sefer Bereishis siyum. The moros and children worked together to create posters of each parashah, followed by songs from the parshiyos and of course Chazak Chazak Vnischazek. The pre-1A boys enjoyed an offi cial siyum with parashah questions, and with singing and dancing led by Rebbe Eli Herzberg.  SKA Joins YU Mission To Washington By Talia Ginsberg, 11th grade Several students from the Stella K. High School for Girls partici- pated in the annual Yeshiva University mission to Washington, D.C. Juniors Yehudis Ash, Miriam Boim, Naomi Eis- ner, Alissa Fagin, Talia Ginsberg, and Ahuva Ross; senior Tova Fertig; and their chaperone, alumna Miriam Khu- khashvili, had the opportunity to lobby members of Congress on issues relating to Israel. The event began on Sunday, Decem- ber 8, at Stern College for Women where the SKA girls, along with many other students from schools across the New York and New Jersey area, met to learn about various lobbying techniques. They enjoyed a delicious lunch and worked together in groups discussing the many confl icts Israel faces.

The next morning, the girls woke up bright and early to meet up with the rest of the schools at Yeshiva Univer- sity, to depart on their trip to Wash- ington, D.C. After a long bus ride, they arrived at the Israeli Embassy, where they heard from the coun- selor of congressional affairs. Follow- ing their visit to the embassy, they headed to their meeting with one of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s aides to discuss Israel’s relationship with America and the potential threat that a nuclear Iran poses to both America and Israel. Going on this lobbying trip was an important way to be a voice for Israel!  Rambam Toy Drive Success The Rambam Mesivta Chesed Soci- ety/Drive Committee has once again led a successful student-run toy drive to benefi t Chai Lifeline. Under the cap- tainship of juniors Hudi Rosenfeld and Shlomo Sandler, with guidance from history teacher, Mr. Ariel Jerushalmy, it was the goal of the drive to have 100% student participation.

Continued on Page 66 TRAVEL SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 65 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS ing of toys, sent out e-mail remind- Goldman. “It is another thing to have Continued from Page 65 ers, and even had “call squads.” A num- it run by the students, so that they can ber of talmidim took time out from hone the skills they will need to run a The Chesed Society/Drive Commit- their lunch periods to go to Amazing shul, hospital, or business.” tee worked around the clock to ensure Savings and purchase the toys them- Rambam Mesivta is committed to that the drive reached its potential. selves. empowering the talmidim of today so They arranged for class captains to “It is one thing to have a toy drive,” they can become the leaders of tomor- assist in the collecting and catalog- explained Assistant Principal Hillel row. It is a school that fosters responsi- bility and takes theoretical thought and puts it into the reality of action. It is a school where a toy drive is not just a toy drive but an opportunity to give back, give of oneself, and grow . . . one toy at a time.  Central Galleries Is Moving On Up Mayor Andrew J. Parise with Jeff Beja Central Galleries, a full service fi ne art gallery in the Village of Cedarhurst, Cedarhurst, is an entrenched and inte- celebrated the offi cial grand opening gral part of the village. of their new location Saturday evening Mayor Andrew J. Parise, along with among family, friends, and village offi - the Board of Trustees, would like to cials. congratulate Central Galleries on their Founded in 1985, Central Galleries outstanding vision and commitment to provides the fi nest selection of fi ne art the arts.  available by the world’s leading artists. Their beautiful establishment, which HANC High School’s is now located at 116 Spruce Street in Mishmar On The Road On Thursday evening, December 12, HANC high school and middle school parents, students, and alumni gathered at the West Hempstead campus for their fi rst-ever “Mishmar on the Road” program. This new program allows

members of different communities the opportunity to learn Torah with HANC administrators, teachers, and alumni outside of the school setting. All in attendance were treated to uplifting and inspiring words of Torah by HANC High School Menahel Rabbi Shlomo Adelman, Rabbi Sam Rudansky, and alumnus Mr. Michael Hurtes. In addition, they enjoyed a pizza dinner. Keep an eye out for when “Mishmar on the Road” will be coming to a town near you!  Ohel To Host Bi-Weekly Family Caregiver Support Group Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millen- nials, Sandwich Generation, whatever labels you want to use, there is an entire generation of people who are relied upon as caregivers, both to their chil- dren, as well as to their aging parents. It can be a confusing and overwhelm- ing landscape to navigate on one’s own. Therefore, Ohel has created its family caregiver support group, to help caregiv- ers who are going through similar situa- tions share tips, stories, and advice with each other, and to show people that they are not alone. Harriet Blank, Ohel’s geriatric direc- tor, says about the new program, “Care- giving is a universal responsibility 66 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION which no one can escape, but being able to share experiences can lessen stress, give you ways to better cope, and help you do the job you do best: caring for and loving your family.” Join Ohel’s new family caregiver sup- port group; learn about new training ideas, techniques, and tips; and secure your own piece of mind. The Ohel care- giver support groups are led by an Ohel geriatric specialist, and fellow care- givers provide input on how best to address the challenges that we all face. The Ohel family caregiver support group runs on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month, and there is both a 1:00 p.m. session and a 7:00 p.m. session. The fi rst session will be taking place this Wednesday, December 25, at 125B Spruce Street, in Cedarhurst. For more information about Ohel’s family caregiver support group, please contact Harriet Blank at Harriet_ [email protected], 718-686-3120, or visit www.ohelfamily.org.  DRS Mandarin Class Turns Cho-Sen Island Into Its Classroom For the second year in a row, DRS has offered its students a course in Man- darin—a language used throughout most of northern and southwestern China. As more U.S. businesses become involved and associated with busi- nesses in China, many in the business world fi nd it benefi cial to learn this Chi- nese language to better converse with their overseas partners. As many DRS students display interest in the fi eld of business, DRS thought it was important to offer this course, which has proven to be successful and enjoyable.

This week, Ms. Sissy Yan, DRS’s Man- darin teacher, took her students to din- ner at Cho-Sen Island, the longtime Five Towns Chinese restaurant. How- ever, this meal was probably unlike most meals you have had there. Ms. Yan instructed the waiters and managers of Cho-Sen Island to speak only in Manda- rin to the students. This was an exam- ple of experiential learning at its best. This is just one of example of DRS’s commitment to broadening its secular curriculum, and creating courses that best fi t our students’ needs and interests.  Sh’or Yoshuv 47th Annual Dinner A Resounding Success Oh, what a night! Despite inclem- ent weather, the 47th Annual Dinner of Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv was well attended and a huge success. More than 500 guests gathered at the Sands of Atlan- tic Beach to show gratitude to Sh’or Yoshuv, meet old and new friends, and pay tribute to three outstanding fam- ilies: Rabbi and Mrs. Zev Freundlich,

Continued on Page 69 TRAVEL SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 67 68 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 67 recipients of the Reb Shlomo Freif- WHAT’S eld Memorial Award; Marc and Sha- ron Friedman, recipients of the Kesser Shem Tov Award; and Pesach and Matty Sod, the recipients of the Community Service Award. YOUR Highlights from this year’s dinner included warm words of inspiration from the rosh hayeshiva, Rabbi Naftali Jaeger, and the menahel, Rabbi Avro- OPINION? hom Halpern; the video award presen- tations to the well-deserving awardees; and an informative video about the yeshiva and all of its accomplishments. E-MAIL US AT The success of the annual dinner, and the yeshiva as a whole, is due to the unwavering support of the extended [email protected] Sh’or Yoshuv community.  Rabbi Naftali Jaeger, Rabbi Avrohom Halpern, and Pesach and Matty Sod

Rabbi Yeruchom Shapiro, Moish Friedman, Sharon and Marc Friedman, Rabbi Avrohom Rabbi and Mrs. Zev Freundlich, Rabbi Avrohom Halpern, and Rabbi Naftali Jaeger Halpern, Rabbi Naftali Jaeger, Yale Fishman, and Pesach Sod

TRAVEL SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 69 the road had frozen beneath his tires, Our Chaya had shifts in the hospital OUR ALIYAH and he was stranded with his 12-year- over the weekend. Instead of risking old son. They eventually got home— being snowed out, she made plans to CHRONICLE almost 15 hours later, after the army spend Shabbat locally. Good planning came and evacuated them. on her part. She told us that no nurses/ By Shmuel Katz Rambam Mesivta had scheduled an doctors could get into the city and the alumni Shabbaton in Yeshivat Gush hospital staff was working non-stop, Etzion, which was cancelled on Fri- rotating for sleep breaks in order to day. As their backup, our three Ram- keep everyone fresh and make sure all The Snowpocalypse bam guys (Ezra Pinsky, Dovid Cohen, the patients were cared for. and Ari Roth) got on the train to come Sadly, many farmers lost huge You have seen the pictures. They to Bet Shemesh. The trip is normally amounts of crops in the fi elds, as well say it was a once-in-a-century storm. 90 minutes. Their trip took almost as a lot of the crops that they had har- It is Tuesday, and Yerushalayim is still three hours, once the trains shut down vested and were storing for future use. shut down from night till mid-morn- because of fl ooding. Luckily, they were We may see a rise in the costs of fruits ing (as melting snow turns to ice and able to exit the train in Tel Aviv and and vegetables over the next year. the roads become impassable). Yishu- catch the next to last bus from there A storm also means that there is pre- vim in Gush Etzion, some of whom to Bet Shemesh. cipitation. With the chagim and calen- had over three feet of snowfall, have About 20 minutes before Friday Min- dar skewing so early in relation to the no school. People are stranded in their chah, I got a call from another one of solar calendar, we had started saying homes—some of them without elec- our students, Avi Cohen. Two friends an special additional tefi llah in Shem- tricity since last week. The train tracks dorm for home at 8:30 a.m. in order to of his from Detroit (where he lives) oneh Esreh for rain (even though the from Modiin to Tel Aviv have been beat the storm. By the time she got to were stranded in Bet Shemesh. Could signifi cant rains don’t usually come fl ooded out for days. Throughout areas the Bet Shemesh bus stop (almost two I fi nd them somewhere to stay for until mid to late December). Even of higher elevation here, the snow hours later), all transportation in and Shabbat? Apparently, these two girls though most of the rain went into sat- stuck and is (unbelievably) still here. out of the city was totally shut down had managed to get on the train from urating the ground and only a portion As survivors of Sandy, you prob- and she was stranded. Thankfully, Yerushalayim (the only form of trans- of it went to our reserves, most shuls ably laugh at this. But, as I said, this a guard called to her from a nearby portation in and out of that city on stopped saying the tefi llah. was also a once-in-a-century storm (it offi ce building to come get warm and Friday), only to be stranded in Bet Interestingly, this storm began on snowed in Egypt for the fi rst time in have a hot drink. Shemesh. Originally scheduled to go the day after you folks in chutz la’aretz 100+ years) and, in a place without any She then went to the Central Bus to Chashmonaim, I sped to the train to started saying “Tal Umattar,” so thanks capacity to cope with lasting snow Station, where she found thousands bring them home. for all the kavanah—we really appre- accumulations, the aftermath is sur- of other stranded people. At around The train station is not in a resi- ciate it.  prising. It is also surprising to see how 2:30, with the snow in a brief lull, she dential area. Had Avi not been able to quickly the country shut down from and a couple of girlfriends wandered reach me, they could very well have Shmuel Katz is the executive director of the storm. out and were lucky enough to catch a been stranded there with no clue of Yeshivat Migdal HaTorah (www.migdalhatorah. org), a new gap-year yeshiva. Shmuel, his wife The snow began in Jerusalem early cab to Bet Shemesh. Not everyone was which direction to go. Thank G-d, he Goldie, and their six children made aliyah in Thursday morning. Both Chaya (nurs- so lucky. A neighbor of ours stopped did reach me and we had a very full July of 2006. Before making aliyah, he was ing school dorm) and Aliza (sherut his car to help some stranded people. house for Shabbat. (And, because of the executive director of the Yeshiva of South leumi apartment) sent us photos and He was a 20-minute drive from home. the weather, they did not make it back Shore in Hewlett. You can contact him at videos of the snow falling. Aliza left her By the time he got back to his car, to Yerushalayim until late Sunday.) [email protected].

70 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION News From Israel

Breaking The Language tures, physicians at Rambam are skilled Barrier: Israeli Physicians at addressing health-care issues across Introduce Simultaneous diverse populations. Language fl uency Translation Tool is a particular challenge, especially Imagine being a new immigrant in with the large number of immigrants Israel and needing to go through a in Israel from various countries. Accord- major surgery at the local hospital. You ing to government statistics, about 15% might need to rely on a family mem- of Israel’s population speaks and under- ber to translate for you, or hope that stand Hebrew at an intermediate level you somehow can get your message and about 7% of the population has a across. But now, thanks to a newly acti- weak or minimal grasp of the language. vated simultaneous translation device, Thus, lack of language profi ciency can patients at Rambam Health Care Cam- cause many immigrants to forgo med- pus in Haifa can request to use a phone- ical care. like tool that translates conversations “It is important that the communi- with medical staff in real time. The tool cation between the patient and the connects to a trained medical interpret- medical practitioner take place contin- ing staff working around the clock at uously, and that the language be under- and bat . This year’s ceremony tion for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired the Ministry of Health. stood by both parties, in order that the took place at the elegant Beit Yaakov to provide services and activities partic- The patient speaks to an operator, patient gets the best and right treat- Synagogue in Jerusalem’s Ramat Eshkol ularly suited towards this extraordinary who translates what the patient is say- ment,” said Kobi Shir Moskowitz, the neighborhood. The atmosphere was a group of youngsters. The Judaic Heri- ing to the doctor, and translates back project’s coordinator, “With this service, lively combination of excited exclama- tage Program has even had to invent from the physician—as if the translator we come today to a population that was tions and equally animated signing, as new signs for Jewish terms, including were in the patient room and convers- previously only reached through casual the children, some with hearing aids, those in the blessings for Shabbat can- ing normally with the patient and med- interpreters, which were not always some with cochlear implants, others dle lighting and Kiddush, for use by Isra- ical staff. All conversations are recorded available immediately. Now, when you with no visible signs of the challenges el’s deaf community. and saved as part of the patient’s medi- can talk to the patient in his own lan- they face, fi lled the seats of the sanctu- But the highlight of the year is always cal records. guage and they can express themselves ary. the day when dozens of these young The translation services are available freely, we see the differences and the IYIM–Israel, in partnership with the people, primarily from traditional and 24 hours each day, except on Shabbat. meaning for all parties.”  Jewish Agency for Israel, is the primary secular homes, join together, along Arabic, Russian, and Amharic speakers organization in Israel providing Jewish with their parents, siblings, and grand- can use the program at no cost. In the Saying Mazal Tov identity programming and Torah educa- parents, to celebrate the fact that they fi rst week that the system was opera- In Sign Language tion for the state’s hard-of-hearing youth too can play integral roles as committed tional, there were 84 Russian calls, 22 On December 9, 63 deaf or hearing population. The Movement’s Judaic Her- adults in the Jewish nation. in Amharic, and 3 in Arabic, according impaired boys and girls from all over itage Program for the Deaf and Hearing The ceremony was opened by Rabbi to the Health Ministry. Most of the calls Israel gathered under the auspices of Impaired, directed by Rabbi Chanoch Chaim Wasserman (President, CYIR), were made by elderly patients. the International Young Israel Move- Yeres and Daniel M. Meyer, works in Because Israel is a melting pot of cul- ment (IYIM)–Israel to celebrate their bar partnership with the National Associa- Continued on Page 72

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Plan-It Israel’s dedicated staff consists of consummate professionals, every one of whom is committed to making your visit to Israel a dream come true—cre- ating beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. Immediately upon receipt of confi rmation of your trip, the staff will begin working, with meticulous atten- tion to every detail, to ensure a seam- less, stress-free, and highly enjoyable stay in Israel. They will book a highly experienced and reputable driver who is well-versed in Israel’s history and geography. Upon request, a luxury car will be provided. Ensuring the com- fort of every client is a top priority of Plan-It Israel; to that end, you will be accommodated in a luxury apartment with amenities, or, upon request, hotel accommodations will be provided. Plan-It Israel affords clients the opportunity to customize their travel plans with delicious and satisfying Shabbos and daily meals—an excel- lent option for maintaining optimum health even while on the go. “We take care of you from the moment you land in Israel,” says Mr. Landau. “Every detail of your trip is customized to your spe- cifi c needs and our highly professional and courteous staff is fi rmly commit- ted to providing you with our signature service throughout your entire stay in Israel. We provide VIP service and have a huge database of hotels, and deal with the best hotels in the country. We are an American-based company. We under- stand your needs because we are you!” From meals and accommodations to rentals, unlimited phone plans to advanced trips around the country to luxury transportation, Plan-It Israel con- siders every detail of your trip, planning it as if you were a member of their fam- ily. They specialize in planning accord- ing to every client’s needs and requests. And if you are planning a simcha in Israel, Plan-It Israel will masterfully plan a beautiful and elegant event, fi nding the perfect hall, hiring a world-class caterer, 72 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION and arranging for the photog- ical examiner’s offi ce responsi- not permitted by Jewish law. Sign On To Save approval for this treatment rapher, band, and fl owers upon ble for Brooklyn. Dr. Milewski, Working with Misaskim, med- A Young Boy’s Life in 2012 pending further clin- request. Plan-It Israel special- who served as the chief of the ical examiners often engage The Cohen family, of Hous- ical trials. They are told that izes in bar mitzvah trips; they medical examiner’s offi ce in in less invasive procedures in ton, TX, is facing a battle the FDA is nearing approval are the defi nitive source! With Suffolk County for nearly 12 compliance with Jewish law. In none of us should have to to resume this treatment, but Plan-It Israel at the helm, you years, is extremely familiar addition, the medical examin- go through—aggressive brain Refael Elisha does not have are assured of an extraordinary with the many Jewish customs ers are sensitive to issues like cancer in their six-year-old time to wait. special event. Just relax, leave and laws that relate to her Shabbos and the importance of son Refael Elisha (Refael Eli- The FDA has the power to the details and the planning to offi ce. Misaskim offi cials said burial as soon as possible. sha Meir ben Devorah). Hav- approve a “compassionate use them and enjoy your simcha. that she had worked closely Misaskim revealed that it has ing recently received the dev- exemption” so Refael Elisha May you be zocheh to a lifetime with Jewish leaders in Suffolk been working with the offi ce astating news from their can undergo this therapy to of nachas from your children. County and surrounding areas. of the chief medical examiner doctors that “there is nothing try and save his life. They are “The most rewarding aspect Prior to her post in Suffolk in recent weeks to establish more we can do for him,” the asking the FDA to grant this of my business,” says Mr. Lan- County, she served as a medi- protocols with respect to Jew- Cohens are turning to a last exemption so they can con- dau, “is receiving an e-mail cal examiner in the New York ish burial procedures. “The fact resort—antineoplaston her- tinue to fi ght for his life. from a client expressing their Medical Examiner’s Offi ce. that the new appointees of the apy at the Burzynski Clinic. appreciation for a beautiful In welcoming Dr. Milewski, offi ce of the medical examiner However, the FDA pulled its Continued on Page 74 simcha: ‘Thank you so much. Misaskim also congratulated have been exposed to some of We couldn’t have done it with- the outgoing Brooklyn dep- our concerns in the past, and out you.’ or for planning a uty chief, Dr. Stephen DeR- have demonstrated an unusual highly memorable vacation: oux, who was named to head sensitivity, is welcome news to ‘Words cannot adequately the Staten Island offi ce. Mis- our community,” the spokes- Glatt Kosher B&B express our appreciation to askim leaders were ecstatic man concluded. you and your wonderful staff that two seasoned profession- Misaskim is well-known at Hunter Mountain for planning our amazing vaca- als who “had demonstrated for its program of prepared- tion in Israel.” extreme sensitivity to fami- ness for any eventuality in the You are invited to experi- lies of all faiths, including Jew- Jewish community. It is most ence the Plan-It Israel differ- ish concerns in the past” were widely recognized for its ser- ence and begin planning your now responsible for key medi- vices to shivah homes, han- amazing Israel travel experi- cal examiner offi ces in the city. dling mesei mitzvah, providing ence today.  “We have absolute confi dence generators in times of crisis, in Dr. Milewski’s responsive- providing logistical support Misaskim Welcomes ness to Jewish concerns, par- at large gatherings, its emer- (ARRISS(APPY(UNTER(IDEAWAY New Head Of ticularly in the largest Jewish gency command center, and SERVESTHREEMEALSADAYUNDER Medical Examiner’s community outside of Israel,” its strong relationships with /RTHODOX2ABBINICSUPERVISION Office In Brooklyn a Misaskim spokesman said. numerous law enforcement Leaders of the Misaskim The role of the medical exam- agencies. Misaskim is also the organization warmly wel- iner is particularly important organizer of the large Tehil- #HECKOURWEBSITEAT comed the appointment of in cases where the cause of lim assembly on Aseres Yimei WWWHARRISHUNTERCOMORCALLUS Dr. Yvonne Milewski as the death is not clear and where an Teshuvah and special yesomim AT  FORMOREINFORMATION new deputy chief of the med- autopsy may be warranted but outings on Chol Hamoed. 

TRAVEL SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 73 Community News needs, such as building schools, play- was directly responsible for saving the Showing Solidarity Continued from Page 73 grounds, yeshivot, synagogues, mik- lives of over ten people. This was sim- With Jews Of Bet El vaot, and community centers to keep ply because many of the other ambu- At Annual Manhattan Gala 100,000 signatures are needed in them strong while providing subsidies lances in and around Jerusalem could By Daniel Perez order for the White House to consider for those in need. not make it through the snow.’ He The ballroom of the Marriott Mar- this. You may sign the petition at https:// Sometimes, equipment which is called and asked me to ‘thank each and quis in Times Square was packed wall- petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/ supplied for one purpose ultimately every supporter of One Israel Fund for to-wall on December 8, as over 1,000 authorize-fda-grant-compassionate-use- is used for totally unforeseen circum- having the foresight to provide the people came out in support of the small exemption-refael-elisha-cohen- stances. During the storm, the Megil- equipment needed to save lives and but vibrant Jewish community of Bet El, antineoplaston-therapy/BVSP1ZkW.  lot Search and Rescue Team, which for doing it before the need arises.’” located in the Judea and Samaria region had just recently returned from a res- Other One Israel Fund security of Israel, more commonly referred to in Proactive Planning Helps cue mission in the Philippines after equipment such as tactical search- the media as the West Bank. Save Lives During Blizzard its massive storm, was pushed into lights and our TacSight Portable Ther- Roughly 1,300 families strong, Bet El By Scott M. Feltman action. This award-winning team of mal Cameras—equipment which has is home to the Israel Defense Forces Executive Director, One Israel Fund fi rst responders, located in the Jor- been predominantly used in thwart- Preparatory Academy, which grooms Last week Israel was bombarded dan Valley, is a highly trained team of ing terrorist attacks—were also instru- socioeconomically disadvantaged by one of the worst snowstorms on experts in the fi eld of disaster rescues. mental in permitting fi rst responders youth for success in their army service record. Over 20 inches of snow fell As the storm raged, the team responded to locate and rescue stranded motor- and beyond. Other Bet El institutions over a four-day period—an enormous in their newly refurbished 4x4 ambu- ists whose cars careened off the roads. include an internationally renowned amount for any community, but all lance. It had been refi tted with all-ter- The Civilian Emergency Response yeshiva, and Arutz Sheva (Channel 7), the more so for a country which views rain tires and other enhancements a Teams (CERT) throughout Judea and one of Israel’s leading news outlets, any snow as an anomaly. week earlier through One Israel Fund’s Samaria are commonly thrust into which covers current events from a Reli- Motorists were stranded in cars; Ambulance Refurbishing Project. This action to stave off attacks and save gious Zionist perspective. homes were without water, electric- was done to help them respond to lives. This time, the attack was not Serving as the evening’s master of cer- ity, and phone service; and roads were the constant terror attacks through- due to Arab incursions but to a win- emonies was New York City Assembly- completely closed. While the pictures out the region, as much of the terrain try blast the likes of which Israelis had man Michael Simanowitz (D-Queens). of Israel were beautiful, covered in a is impassable by normal vehicles. Lit- never seen. We at One Israel Fund are The evening’s honorees included blanket of white, the reality was quite tle did we know that this refurbish- proud to fortify these teams and give Elchanan and Aliza Romanoff, recipi- the opposite for thousands. Some ment would become one of incredi- them the equipment and training nec- ents of the Young Leadership Award; people sought shelter and weren’t ble importance during the storm one essary so they are always prepared for Joshua and Rachel Goldsmith, who reunited with loved ones for as many week later. whatever is needed. received the Shomer Bet El Award; Syl- as four days. As Marc Prowisor, director of secu- One Israel Fund is proud to serve via Freyer, who was honored with the One Israel Fund is predominantly rity projects, described the situation as the premier organization in the Aishet Chayil Award; and Dr. David known for its work in supporting the in an e-mail to supporters of One U.S. which provides for the needs of and Barbara Bortniker, who received communities throughout Judea and Israel Fund, “Yesterday, I received a those living throughout the entirety of the Shomer Yisrael Award. All the hon- Samaria. This includes highly sophis- call from the Megillot Search and Res- Israel—with a specifi c emphasis on fi ll- orees have made noteworthy contri- ticated preventive security equipment cue Team’s representative, Gabi Bar- ing the gaps which are conspicuously butions to Jewish and Zionist causes to prevent terror attacks and emer- Sheshis, telling me proudly how ‘due lacking in the Biblical Heartland Com- either tangentially, or in many cases, gency medical equipment to save to the recent refi tting of their ambu- munities of Judea and Samaria. To learn directly related to Bet El Institutions. In lives in the event of such an occur- lance for tough terrain, their ambu- more, visit www.oneisraelfund.org or rence. It also helps with communal lance was called into Jerusalem and contact [email protected].  Continued on Page 80

74 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 75 SERVICES SERVICES PROVIDED PROVIDED

Cleaning Service — Too busy or too tired to clean your Menadvim — Furniture and Appliances. Like new to home? Residential cleaning, home, apartments, and offi ces. Donate and Receive. Call 718-MEN-ADVIm Free estimate. Saenz Cleaning Corp. (718-636-2384) We deliver. Call Maria 516-448-8796 Boro Park Ladies Hat Gemach accepting your gently Experienced Rebbe available to learn any limudei kodesh subject with you or your son. References available. used weekday and Shabbos hats. Woodmere and Kew 917-842-2587, [email protected] Gardens Hills drop-off s. 718-972-3211 Gemach special for simcha. We provide for you excellent speaker plus MP3 full of , plus excellent mike system. Call 718-600-4559 HELP WANTED Beautiful business-size cards with Kiruv websites, are available for free (to give to not-yet-Frum people). Please text or call 718-501-2110 Bayswater — Sales Associate. Experienced in “Used or Abused” Before you buy a used car, come in restaurant equipment and supplies for health care and other for a free frame (structural) check. Precision Auto Body 691 institutions. Must have car. Salary and profi t sharing. 40 years Burnside Ave, Lawrence. 516-371-1137. in business. Many proprietary products. Please send resumes Friends don’t let friends drive junk! to: [email protected] Boro Park Ladies & Children Coat Gemach accepting Full time cashier for Shomer Shabbos Bogo Pizza in gently used coats in excellent condition. Woodmere drop-off . Cedarhurst and Brooklyn, self-motivated, great customer 718-972-3699 service. Contact Zvi 917-690-1992, Simchas Naava Share your simcha fl owers! Be zvibenyoseff @gmail.com m’sameach other simchas! Donate your fresh fl ower arrangements! We will match your simcha date with simchas following yours or deliver them to nursing home residents. To REAL ESTATE donate or obtain fl ower arrangements call 516-239-6066 FOR SALE In memory of a special friend, Naava Wassner Katlowitz Small beginners Siddurim, and Shabbos 5 Towns Jan Kalman Rlty guidebooks, both in Russian, are available for you to Open Houses, Dec. 22nd distribute. Wdm. 921 Midway (12-1) Excl 1st Show! 5BR, 2.5Bth Please call Tashbar Publications Spl. Den ...... $529K at 718-438-9025 (leave message with address, IY”H we Wdm 1074 Roselle Pl. Pristine 3BR Col. 1.5Bth. FDR, will mail them to you for free.) EIK, Den ...... $465K New Table and Chair Gemach for shortterm Wdm 1077 E. B’way Mint 3BR, 2Bth Col. Nu EIK, Lg simchas. 740 Mador Ct., Far Rockaway. prop...... $487K Call 718-471-0368 Wdm 977 E. B’way. 3BR, 2.5Bth C/H Col. Lg Updt skylit EIK ...... $525K G’Mach Chasdei Yisroel — Lending money to people Wdsb 847 Ivy Hill Rd. Eleg 6BR, 3Bth Res. Fab country in Klei Kodesh & for Klei Kodesh purposes. In the Far Rockaway-Five $729K Towns area. setting ...... Please call 917-822-9910 for more info. JanKalman.com 516-569-5651 Or email [email protected]. Hewlett. Hew/Wdmr border 5BR, 3bth, granite kitchen, In Memory of R’ Yisroel Ben Binyamin, a”h. large offi ce separate entrance. Large property. Quiet block. Personal Chavrusa available for learning and growing Great location. Sandy dry ...... $749K understanding the beauty of our Torah. Experience of many years Owner 516-359-6470 in delivering shiurim to Baalei Batim and all those interested in learning. Reasonable hourly rate. This is a project of Kollel Tiferes Far Rockaway— Open House Avos. Call 718- 316-3874 Charming 5BR Tudor, oversized property ...... $825K or call Rabbi Dov Bressler 718- 327-8903. (Payments are New to market 4BR home on perfect cul-de-sac . . .$900’s tax deductible.) Young and spacious S/H col. 5BR, 1 level, oversized property ...... $849K Retired public school teacher available to tutor men and boys in Hebrew, English, and/or in the 5 Towns. For Rent. New construction 3BR, 2bth apts, immediate Recession buster. Call 718-552-5525 occupancy Woodmere/Hewlett Study with Steve. One-on-one tutoring. SAT Math prep, Split col. 4MBR, + 1 level, lg EIK, den ...... $500’s regents, high school and elementary math, high school physics. Renovated 3BR col. new EIK, bths ...... $415K Call 516-371-5522 Lawrence SBG Moving — Prompt, professional, and reliable Mint Contemporary c/h col. with pond views ...... $1M+ moving service available for local & long distance Magnifi cent contemporary col. 10BR, 1.3 acre park-like moves. Lowest rates between NY and Lakewood. Small jobs property, IGP, in front Lawrence ...... POR welcome! We are insured! 347-276-7422 Milky Forst Properties 516-239-0306

76 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE

Lawrence — Open House 12/22 By appointment Woodmere — 4BR Charming Home, Very Well Lawrence — 1BR, 2 Full Baths, Elevator Bldg, 24Hr Lawrence — 1BR, 1.5 Bath Condo, Doorman, Elevator 92 Meadow Lane Maintained, New Kitchen, Cabinets + Appliances, Lr W/Fpl, Doorman, Terrace, Renovated Kitchen & Bathrooms $329K Bldg, Washer/Dryer In Apt ...... $279K Palatial 3-story CH. 9BR, Banquet LR, DR, den. Guesthouse, .5 Full Fin Bsmt, Great Backyard, Close To All ...... $429K Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Or Rent ...... $2150/mo acre. Key here ...... $1,299M Open House 12/22/13 By Appt. 227 Hickox Ave. Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Woodmere — Mayfair. BOM For Rent. Beautiful, big 2BR Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] apt, granite EIK, large foyer. Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] Lawrence — Co-op 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath, Updated Kitchen Esther Walfi sh, Jessica Silver Realty & Bathroom ...... $199K Far Rockaway — Beautiful Mint Condition 4BR, 3.5bths, Hewlett 516-476-7764 — Mint 1BR, New EIK, Appliances, Cabinets, Close Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Jacuzzi, Hardwood Floors, Granite EIK, S/Steel Appliances, To All ...... $139K Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] Garage+ additional room with private entrance, 2-zone HVAC, Woodmere — 2BR, 2 Bath Co-op, Elevator Bldg, 9ft Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Deck, Low Taxes Far Rockaway — Just Listed! 3BR Ranch With Full Ceilings, Many Closets, Close To All ...... $169K Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] ...... $465K purchase or $2,650 rent $POR Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Basement, CAC, Large Property, Prime Location . . . . . 718-551-1232 Cedarhurst — 2BR, 2 Bath Co-op Mint, Terrace, Close To Mark Lipner 516-298-8457 Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] Call Direct Pugatch All, Expanded Kitchen, Updated Bathrooms ...... $245K Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] Lawrence — New To Mkt., Exclusive Area, Fully North Woodmere — 4BR, 3 Bath Expanded Splanch Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Renovated, 5BR, 4Bths, 2 Dens, 2 Decks. all systems, large Woodmere — Just Listed! 3BR Ranch With Full On Quiet Residential St, Many Built-Ins, 4BR On One Level Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] Prop., Playrm. Mint, Call: 516-322-4360 Basement On Cul-De-Sac, CAC, Best Buy ...... $499K ...... $679K Woodmere — 4BR, 3.5 Bath Split Level, 2 Master Open House 12/22/13 2:30-4 12 South End Ct. Open House 12/22/13 By Appt. 750 Daniel St. Woodmere— Open House Bedrooms, CAC, IGS, Quiet Residential Street ...... $540K Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch By appointment. Ours alone, split level, LR, FDR, EIK Open House 12/22/13 By Appt. 635 Church Ave Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] with skylights, 4BR, den, SD#14, prime location. Walk all Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch $479K Woodmere — Ours Alone! 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bath Ranch, ...... Cedarhurst — 4BR, 4 Bath Split Level, New Fridge, Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] 516-569-5710 Totally Renovated, CAC, Vaulted Ceilings In Bedrooms, Den 5 Towns Homes Realty or call Joan Dishwasher, Garage Door, Lg Bedrm On Top Flr Leading Out To 516-319-4482 Lawrence — Exp-Ranch, Prime Location, MBR Suite On With Fireplace ...... $549K Deck, Close To All ...... $399K 1st Floor, Gourmet Kitchen, Totally Renovated, Lot Size 70 x Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Lawrence — Co-op. First fl oor. Beautiful, spacious, light Open House 12/22/13 By Appt. 150 ...... $875K Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] and bright 2BR, 2bth (1 Jacuzzi), new kosher granite kitchen, 563 Albemarle Pl. Open House 12/22/13 12-1:30pm 78 Margaret Ave. FDR, sunken LR, high ceilings, in prestigious elevator building. Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Woodmere — 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Bath, Exp-Ranch, Low maintenance, walk all ...... $379K Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] Bright & Spacious, All Updated, Master BR Suite, Den, Room To Expand ...... $559K 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Cedarhurst — 4BR, 3 Bath Splanch, Quiet St, IGP, Large Cedarhurst — Raised Ranch, 4 Bedrooms, Move Right In, Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Flatbush in the mid 30s Bedrooms, CAC, MBR W/Jacuzzi Tub ...... $619K Cul-De-Sac ...... $399K — 1-family, semi-attached, Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] , FDR, fi Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Open House 12/22/13 By Appt. 555 Bayview Ave. 3BR, 1.5bths, large EIK nished basement, private drive/ Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Lawrence — 1BR, 1 Bath, Oversized Rooms, Elevator garage, large nice backyard, price reduced! Call Yehuda Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] Bldg, HW Floors, 1st Flr ...... $109K 718-501-4003 Hewlett — 4 BR, 2 Bath Cape with Full Bsmt, Updated Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch $475K Cedarhurst — New construction. First show. Col. 9’ Bathrooms + Kitchen ...... Hewlett — 5BR, 3 Bath CH Colonial, All Bedrooms On One Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] Rent ...... $3200/Mo Level, 2 Zone CAC, 4 Zone Heat, Fin Bsmt, 2 Car Garage ceilings, 5BR, 2.5bths, full basement, on quiet tree-lined street. Call Open House 12/22/13 By Appt...... $589K Lawrence — Condo 1BR, 1.5 Bath, Elev Bldg, Doorman, for details ...... $950K 1614 Hewlett Ave. Open House 12/22/13 By Appt. 319 Mill Rd. Terrace ...... $319K 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Mark Lipner 516-298-8457 Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Call Direct Pugatch Lawrence/Far Rockaway — Co-op Freshly painted large Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] Realty Corp. E-mail: 2BR, 2bth, kosher kitchen, LR, FDR, terrace, 24-hour doorman, Shabbos Woodmere — 2BR, 1 Bath Co-op, Elevator Bldg, Eik, W/D Hewlett — Mint 1BR, 1 Bath, High Ceilings, Elevator, CAC, Cedarhurst — 2BR, 2 Bath, Terrace, Elevator Bldg elevator. Walk all...... $329K In Apt, 10ft Ceilings, Beautiful & Spacious ...... $279K One Parking Spot ...... $110K ...... $289K 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] Continued on Page 78

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 77 CLASSIFIED ADS Continued from Page 77 REAL ESTATE FOR SALE FOR RENT FOR RENT REAL ESTATE Woodmere/Cedarhurst Oppty! 12,000 sq. ft. approx. Bayswater — 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathroom apt. Belle Harbor — Beach 136th Street— 4BR, 2bth, 90’x150’, Colonial, 17 rooms, full bsmt. with hi ceilings, clean 2 car garage Only $1,600 including heat. No commission. Sept.-June. Unfurnished or furnished. Ideal for family that goes FOR SALE plus storage, 6 space parking, 2 family, professional use, accountant, Joe Hersh, Noam Realty 212-431-1234 to Mountains for summer. $2,000 plus utilities, negotiable. Esq., medical and/or educational and religious uses. Grand colonial with 917-749-9060 charm and great possibilities. Available at once . $875K Negotiable. Far Rockaway — New to market, 4BR (1 level), 2bths, Old Woodmere — Open House by Owner 516-322-3555 totally renovated in 2-family house. Lawrence/FR border — Large 3BR Apt available for appointment Classic 3BR CH col. on huge country-like Call Joan 516-319-4482, 5 Towns Homes Realty rent, 1st FL Private entrance in 2Fam house, Separate large LR property. Exquisite custom kitchen, oversized den. Great Lawrence/Far Rockaway — 833 Central Ave. Spacious 1 516-569-5710 and DR, Prime location, Excellent condition. open fl ow. Walk to all. Must see. present all off ers! No fl ood! BR, light and bright, doorman/elevator building, walk all. Price reduced Please call 516-322-3555 $179K Far Rockaway — New to market, spacious 4BR duplex, Reduced to ...... $599K ...... 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 all new, 2.5bths, call for details. Old Woodmere — Grand 5 bedroom expanded ranch Call Joan 516-319-4482, 5 Towns Homes Realty on cul-de-sac with huge basement. Oversized double lot, must Far Rockaway — 2 Family. All NU, 3 over 1 Bdrm, 3 full baths. 516-569-5710 see ...... $800’s Great Location ...... $599K Call 516-322-3555 Hewlett — First show, split level LR, FDR, EIK, 3BR, 2bths, VACATION RENTAL Woodmere — Open House by appointment CA/C, basement, , SD#14, walk all ...... $2850 Traditional all brick CH col. 4BR on 1 level. LR with Fpl.Formal Call Joan 516-319-4482, 5 Towns Homes Realty DR. Large EIK. Full fi nished basement. Across the street from 516-569-5710 Miami Beach, Florida — 2BR, 2bth, in Alexander Aish. No fl ood! ...... $649K FOR RENT Hotel features open balcony with amazing ocean views, Woodmere —Walk To Irving Place Hewlett — First show, spacious 2BR apt, LR with fi replace, electricity, c/ac, 2 swimming pools and gym, long/short term $1875 New Construction. Walk to all. Classic custom built CH col. EIK/DR, in private house, separate entrance, SD#14. rental. 917-558-5458 Call Joan 516-319-4482, 5 Towns Homes Realty Grand two-story entry foyer. 5BR, 4.5Bths. 9’ ceilings. Huge Far Rockaway — 3BR, second fl oor, 2-family home, 516-569-5710 Shaarei Chessed, Jerusalem open fl ow. Full Basement. Too much to mention. See Caff rey Ave. near Darchei Torah, private entrance, fenced-in — huge Villa in Wolfson Towers short-term rental. 4BR, 3.5bths, overlooking the plans & specifi cations. If you are dreaming of the perfect backyard, washer/dryer hookup. Call 718-471-3608 Lawrence — Freshly painted. Large 1BR, garden apt on home, call Susan for all the possibilities. fi rst fl oor, new kitchen, bth, LR/ DR, parking, heat & storage Knesset. EIK, large DR, LR, and Sukkah porch. Central location. Lawrence No Academy area, Woodmere — New Construction. — 1BR, 1 Bath, Renovated Apt, 1st Floor, included. Prime location, walk all ...... $1450 Contact: yhsokoloff @aol.com, 516-204-1982 Fee $1500/mo Classic 7BR, 4.5Bth. CH col. Fabulous entry foyer. 9’ ceilings. LR ...... 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Alexander Hotel, Miami Beach — Recently with fi replace. Large FDR. Huge Kosher EIK. Top-of-the-line. Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] Kew Gardens — Furnished apt. 2.5 rooms in private updated. 2BR apt. Breathtaking views, 2bths, southern 2-car garage. Huge oversized property. Walk to Young Israel house, private entrance. E & F trains & LIRR, Suitable for single, exposure, 10th fl oor. 516-581-2058, ome view the plans and specifi and Aish. C cations. Woodmere — 3BR, 2 Baths, Move Right In, Freshly references required ...... $1100 w/utilities. 516-374-4001 South Shore Estates 516-569-4980 Painted ...... $3500/mo 718-846-2957 Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457 Pugatch Far Rockaway: Coop, 3Br, 1Bth Lr/Dr, Walk to All ...... $179K Realty Corp. E-mail: [email protected] Far Rockaway — Newly renovated apts in 2-family Call 516-322-3555 houses, 2BR & 3BR apts. Call for details. 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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 79 Community News essays on a variety of topics relating to Continued from Page 74 Jewish philosophical thought. The volume, sponsored by the a particularly noteworthy example, the Michael Scharf Publication Trust of Goldsmiths have taken a proactive role Yeshiva University Press, is sched- in expanding Bet El’s social media pres- uled for release by Maggid Books, an ence, including the founding of Israel imprint of Koren Publishers Jerusalem, Empowered (IsraelEmpowered.org), a on December 16, 2013. nonprofi t that mobilizes young pro- In the author’s preface, Rabbi Ble- fessionals from Israel and around the ich, who serves as a rosh yeshiva and world in support of Bet El’s numerous the rosh kollel le-hora’ah at RIETS, pro- institutions. fessor of law at the Benjamin N. Car- Danny Danon, a member of the Israeli dozo School of Law, and Herbert and Knesset and the country’s deputy minis- Florence Tenzer Professor of Law and ter of defense, and foreign affairs expert Ethics at YU, explains that the essays Lt. Col. Ralph Peters (U.S. Army, ret.), run the gamut, highlighting the dif- shared their foreign affairs expertise vis- ferent value-driven principles of faith

à-vis the threats posed to Israel by Pales- [email protected] - Blachman Eli Blachman - [email protected] that defi ne the essence of Jewish belief, tinian terrorist groups and the Iranian philosophical concepts refl ected in the regime. MK Danon expressed his con- halachic system, Jewish responsibilities cern over U.S. Secretary of State John Sylvia Freyer, Talya Danon, Danny Danon, honorary chairman Eugen Gluck, in a non-Jewish society, and ethical val- Kerry’s assertion that he will have suc- Dr. Joseph Frager, and Dr. Paul Brody ues as they relate to resolution of socie- cessfully brought the Israeli-Palestinian gathered for their assistance. “Today, president has failed to do. tal problems. confl ict to a “conclusion” by sometime you are the real pioneers of Israel,” he Lt. Col. Peters chose to speak of Bet “Rabbi Bleich is recognized as an next year. He also drew attention to the said of Bet El’s residents and their sup- El not in terms of security or a “stra- international authority in both Jewish recent lifting of sanctions against Iran, porters. tegic high ground,” but rather as the law and Jewish thought, and our stu- which, he said, allows the rogue state The integrity of Israel’s capital was “moral high ground.” He characterized dents are privileged to be the benefi cia- to continue its pursuit of nuclear weap- also a popular topic of discussion. it, and other Israeli settlements, as out- ries of his wisdom and erudition,” said ons with impunity. Despite all this, says Watch mogul and Bet El benefactor posts of “our civilization.” Responding Rabbi Yona Reiss, a RIETS rosh yeshiva Danon, “We are prepared.” Eugen Gluck expressed his hope that to the perception by those on the polit- and the director of the RIETS Press. Danon referenced recent joint mil- the Israeli government would learn ical Left that Peters and those sharing “We are exceedingly grateful to Rabbi itary exercises as an example of Isra- the lessons of Gaza, and not compro- his views are bigoted, he stated, “I come Bleich for sharing his fi rst-rate schol- el’s readiness, and noted the various mise Israel’s security any further by, before you as a person fi lled with preju- arship in with the instruments of defense at the Jewish for instance, dividing Jerusalem. Lt. dice! I am prejudiced in favor of civiliza- broader community. It is our hope that state’s disposal. The Israeli Air Force, Col Ralph Peters expressed a similar tion, I am prejudiced in favor of the rule his clear and cogent manner of presen- the Iron Dome missile defense sys- sentiment, telling an anecdote where, of law, in favor of justice, in favor of the tation will edify scholars and laypeople tem, and “above all, we have Hakadosh when asked what his fi rst act would equitable treatment of women, in favor alike.” Baruch Hu protecting us.” Danon also be if he were ever elected president, of science and progress and education, The RIETS Hashkafah Series will emphasized the importance of stand- he responded as saying that he would and therefore I am prejudiced in favor include several volumes authored by ing behind the Jewish communities of offi cially recognize Jerusalem as Isra- of Israel.” RIETS roshei yeshiva that will present Judea and Samaria, and praised those el’s capital—something that every past While Peters, during his public detailed and sophisticated analysis and address and in a private interview, elucidation of the principles of Jewish referred to Israel’s enemies as “bar- belief. baric,” he made it clear that his bias “The practice of Judaism is premised wasn’t directed towards Arabs as a race. upon its foundational creeds, and the Rather, the culture that persists among belief system of Judaism is given an the Arab states (and the Palestinians in audible voice through the observance particular), which glorifi es mass murder of the commandments of the Torah. It and thwarts any prospects for political is a fi tting expression of YU’s mission or economic progress, or peace between that, with the inauguration of this new Israel and her neighbors, was the pri- series, we now present multi-volume mary target of Peters’ invective. expressions of studies of both realms One of the dinner’s associate chair- in tandem,” added Rabbi Daniel Z. Feld- persons, Dr. Joseph Frager, described man, executive editor of the RIETS the Annual Bet El Gala as the “pre- Press. miere event” for American supporters The RIETS Hashkafah Series is the of the Jewish communities of Judea and newest addition to the growing list of Samaria. He also expressed profound innovative and substantial joint projects admiration for those who have dedi- undertaken by YU and Koren Publishers cated themselves to the cause. “Eugen Jerusalem. Over the last three years, the Gluck is just phenomenal,” said Frager partnership has released a 20th anni- in an interview, “and of course Sylvia versary edition of Rabbi Dr. Norman Freyer, who helped start Arutz Sheva; Lamm’s masterwork, Torah Umadda; and what Arutz Sheva has done to the fi rst volume of Rabbi Lamm’s Der- change the world for the better. It’s all ashot LeDorot series; a multi-volume set emanating from Bet El. We all have to on topics of contemporary Jewish law, do our share by supporting Bet El . . . authored by YU’s roshei yeshiva; and and I think need to do two volumes of the Mitokh Ha-Ohel more. Now is not the time to hide; it’s series, a collection of original essays on the time to come out of the woodwork the parashiyot and haftarot authored by and help!”  rabbis and professors from every divi- sion of YU. The Philosophical Quest: The next volume of the contempo- Inaugural Volume Of The rary Jewish law series is due out in early English-Language RIETS 2014, and additional volumes of the Hashkafah Series RIETS Hashkafah Series are scheduled Yeshiva University affi liate Rabbi to follow in late 2014.  Isaac Elchanan Rabbinical Theologi- cal Seminary (RIETS) will be launching YU Receives $100,000 its English-language hashkafah (Jew- Grant For Zionism And ish philosophy) series with the publica- Begin Legacy Programming tion of Rabbi J. David Bleich’s work The Yeshiva University’s Zahava and Philosophical Quest: Of Philosophy, Eth- Moshael Straus Center for Torah and ics, Law, and Halakhah, a collection of Western Thought received a $100,000 80 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES grant from the Menachem Begin Her- one like it?”), and too often are just pur- itage Center in Jerusalem to sponsor Too Little Information loined from pundits who make us feel a series of programs on Zionism and BY RABBI AVI SHAFRAN I smiled broadly inside (and probably righteous, fearful, or angry—the strange the Begin Legacy in honor of the for- outside too). If only, I mused, more of us preferences of some. mer prime minister’s 100th birthday, At the sheva berachos festivities this were so thoughtful. Instead, our times Worse still is opting for “selective which was commemorated in August. past summer for the marriage of our seem to foster a diametrically opposed information.” Few if any important Hart Hasten, president of U.S. youngest daughter, my wife and I heard approach, that all of us must have opin- political or social topics lack two sides. Friends of the Menachem Begin Her- many wonderful things about our new- ions, with or without the assistance of Listening to only one of them because itage Foundation was instrumental in est son-in-law. Friends and relatives facts. Call it a contemporary command- it’s where one has decided beforehand securing the grant for YU. Phil Rosen, spoke about his impressive Torah schol- ment: Thou shalt leave no issue uncom- he’d like to land may be enticing, but vice chairman of the Yeshiva College arship, his modesty, his sterling char- mented upon. it’s irresponsible. Shutting oneself in Board, and Hasten’s son Bernard, a acter. We had already known all that, And so, opine we merrily do, with the echo chamber of (take your pick) member of the Yeshiva College Board, although it was good to hear all the or without the requisite information, “conservative,” “liberal,” Democratic, or also played signifi cant roles. same. One testimonial, though, partic- the clay of which cogent opinions are Republican (or Jewish or non-Jewish) “Menachem Begin became my hero ularly impressed me; it was offered by molded, or objectivity, the furnace that commentary is a recipe for intoxica- and my mentor, a role model, and an one of the new husband’s brothers-in- forges them. tion, not enlightenment. icon. His honesty and integrity were law, who, in a short speech, recounted Whether the topic is gun control, Please don’t misunderstand. We are unbelievable. He was a great states- a long-ago lively Shabbos table discus- the Affordable Care Act, immigra- entitled to have and voice opinions, to man, always yearning for peace,” said sion at his in-laws’ home. tion reform, Afghanistan, or the agree- take sides. (Some of us do it profession- Hasten. He and his wife, Simona, were Each member of the family had vocif- ment with Iran, we must speak up; full ally.) But thoughtful judgment begins close friends of Begin for 25 years. erously put forth his or her perspective knowledge, let alone comprehension, with seriously considering all sides of an “He took everything he did very seri- on some now-forgotten topic. Except, of all the pertinent details is no require- issue. And yet, while it’s not exactly hard ously, but looked at himself with great the speaker recounted, for our new son- ment. (Mindless animus for the current these days to fi nd different perspectives humility. He was the complete intel- in-law. When asked by one of the others occupant of the White House is much on any topic, too many of us purpose- lectual, but by the same token he was for his opinion on the matter, the reti- preferred—but that’s a different essay.) fully avoid the marketplace of ideas (or very unassuming. There have been cent family member’s simple response Opinions have become something limit ourselves to one stall). “Oh, I don’t some outstanding Israeli leaders, but was: “I don’t have enough information like fashion accessories (“Oh, what a no one comes close to his talent for to have one.” nice opinion you have! Where can I get Continued on Page 82 leadership.” A Holocaust survivor who arrived penniless to the United States, Hasten rose to the top levels of fi nance and industry, and today he is a success- ful businessman, Jewish leader, and philanthropist residing in Indianapo- lis, Indiana. In 2002, Hasten authored a memoir, I Shall Not Die, an account of his escape and rescue from Nazi-oc- cupied Poland, his formative years in Europe’s displaced-persons camps, and his personal relationship with Begin. “To celebrate the centennial, we wanted to do something special,” said Hasten, who dedicates much of his time and resources to supporting Jew- ish causes and spreading Begin’s mes- sage of Zionism around the world. After meeting Rabbi Dr. Meir Solove- ichik, director of the Straus Cen- ter, Hasten felt that he would be the best person to lead the project. Rabbi Soloveichik himself feels an emo- tional connection to Begin, with a shared heritage of both their families originating from the community of Brest-Litovsk, or Brisk. “I realized that to truly honor him, we needed to somehow demonstrate to people what Begin’s vision was and how that vision was manifested in different parts of his life,” said Rabbi Soloveichik. “That involves educating students and the wider Jewish community. What I want to do is expose his phil- osophical, intellectual, and religious vision and what that can teach us as religious Zionists and Jews in today’s world. That’s what I believe would truly honor Menachem Begin.” The Straus Center has a host of activ- ities planned for the upcoming year, with guest speakers including Yehuda Avner, author of The Prime Ministers, and Dr. Daniel Gordis, author of a new biography on Menachem Begin to be published in the spring of 2014. Rabbi Soloveichik is leading a RIETS seminar this semester and will teach an under- graduate course on Begin and Zion- ism in the spring. A day-long academic conference and a published volume of essays is in the works as well.  5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 81 Too Little Information other would-be criminals, and can pro- Continued from Page 81 vide victims’ families a measure of solace. A Historic Snowstorm And yet, there’s another hand. Killing read that,” we glibly say, or “I never pay a human being is a grave deed, not to be In Jerusalem attention to him”—simply because the undertaken lightly. And people, at least “that” and the “him” represent points of some of them, can change. And mis- The Year In Israel ing cover behind large trees and mon- view at odds with the speaker’s gut feel- taken convictions have sent innocent strous SUVs, I couldn’t help but laugh ings. What somehow gets lost is the rec- people to their deaths. BY MAX FRUCHTER when hitting a completely unaware ognition that there’s great gain in con- It’s easy to just dismiss the fi rst set of friend, at least not until I felt the fronting a different point of view—and points as callous, or the second as weak- I remember the shock I felt when harsh sting of cold snow trickle down none at all in just having one’s unin- willed. What’s hard is weighing the I first saw the picture of a snow- my neck and realized that I was just formed feelings seconded. two sides against each other. But that’s flake on my iPod designated for the as oblivious. upcoming Thursday and Friday. This All of this jovial play in the snow tiny image on the Apple weather app almost took our minds off of the rea- indicated an early snowfall in Jeru- son for the cancellation of classes: the Too many of us purposefully avoid salem, a prospect which put me in a rebbeim and administrators—a major- nostalgic state of mind, imagining all ity of whom live in Beit Shemesh— the marketplace of ideas of the past snowball fights and sled- reached as far as Mevaseret Zion ding competitions I’d taken part in, when the treacherous driving condi- (or limit ourselves to one stall). which I never expected to witness in tions left them no choice but to turn Israel. around and return home. Thankfully, I must admit that I, along with each faculty member reached their many others, had fallen for a widely family safely, and surely enjoyed a A little experiment: Write down the what’s necessary, in the end, to reach an held misconception. The many times classic snow day, as I know all of us names of the media or pundits you informed, intelligent opinion. I had been to Israel in the past (in did. make a point of reading. Now, examine And if the weighing is inconclusive— your list to see if they are homogeneous which happens more than seldom— or represent a broad variety of attitudes and leaves an informed, intelligent per- or perspectives. If the former’s the case, son ambivalent, well, then, maybe he you’re cheating yourself. should just acknowledge the fact. Needless to say, there are ideas from What? And remain opinionless? which we observant Jews rightly insu- Heavens! late ourselves. But political and social Sometimes, though, that’s necessary. issues don’t usually entail heresy or And, as our son-in-law understood— licentiousness. What they do entail, and all of us should—there’s no shame and require, is complete information, in that.  true objectivity, and long, hard thought. Consider, for example, the death pen- © 2013 Rabbi Avi Shafran. alty. On the one hand, why should taxpay- “It’s All in the Angle” (Torah Temimah ers be burdened with housing and feeding Publications), a collection of selected essays by bad people? Executions, moreover, deter Rabbi Shafran, is available from Judaica Press. Schreiber Zal Schreiber

the summer and early fall) caused me Curious as to what equipment a to believe that winter was somehow country that does not anticipate such absent, or only mild, in comparison threatening winters has access to, I with New York. That, in some strange asked the Israeli security guard in our way, Israel only experienced long school about the protocol. Although springs, even longer summers, and a the country does not possess an short fall, but certainly no 30-degree, impressive number of snowplows, snowy winters. I have since learned tractors, or other clearing vehicles, through experience that many parts hundreds of municipality workers of Israel, like America, undergo bitter were sent to salt roads, remove aban- winters with freezing temperatures. doned vehicles, and dispose of dan- With roads closed off, stores shut gerous live wires and collapsed trees. down, and nearly half of the city left Moshe told me that the bulk of cars without power, it’s no wonder the in Israel are not equipped with all- record snowfall of 18 inches set Jeru- wheel drive, and therefore cause a salem in a state of confusion and stag- high number of accidents on the nation. The air, which at one point road. Many cars are left on highways held joy and excitement in anticipa- and streets, only to be towed by the tion of an early snow, was now filled government employees responsible with concern and trepidation in for clearing roads and opening them thinking of how a school-wide Shab- to the public. baton (scheduled to be in yeshiva, As much as I wish this carefree, located in Jerusalem) would be fea- enjoyable atmosphere had held up sible. With roads absolutely inacces- through the weekend, such was not sible, how would food be delivered? the case. Each of us in school were Furthermore, in what setting could in for a shock, as weather reports a group of 130 people eat and daven, predicted a record accumulation of when the building had no light or 18-20 inches of snow. The crushed heat? trees, trapped cars, and fallen tele- Fortunately, winter has many phone wires were all testament to the upsides, many of which I was privi- strength of this severe snowstorm. leged to take part in this past week. Half of Jerusalem reportedly lost all I relish nature in its purest state. The power, posing a great difficulty in sight of trees and fields totally envel- preparing for Shabbos without essen- oped in a powder-like snow was noth- tial utilities such as heat, light, and ing short of a postcard bearing the hot water. picturesque scene of another winter In yeshiva, the fast day only in Canada or Colorado. increased in bleakness with a power This past Thursday, upon hear- outage beginning around eight in the ing that we had a “snow day,” my morning. Shortly thereafter, adminis- friends and I knew a snowball fight trators could be heard on the phone was a must, for old times’ sake. Tak- passionately requesting that our 82 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES etable stand directly across from the supermarket was open, and I was able Picture Perfect to purchase some apples and bananas. As the day progressed and power BY DONI JOSZEF overly glittery and glamorous to a more restoration seemed less and less realistic perspective. likely, my friends and I began prepar- Another day, another scroll through For a long time, we blamed Holly- ing in every way we could for a Shab- the captured moments and glorious wood for painting an unrealistic, overly bos without power. Close to 130 boys going-ons of others. A glitzy . An romantic portrait of the “picture-per- in yeshiva lit candles throughout the exotic resort. A family outing. A drunken fect life.” But today we’re often guilty dorms, left flashlights on, and shut all “selfi e.” These are the scenes and snip- of doing just that with our own lives; the windows and doors in an attempt pets which decorate our screens. We we edit, fi lter, and screen the scenes and to maintain heat. love sharing the hits and highlights of scenarios until we capture the perfect Zal Schreiber Zal Schreiber Immediately before Shabbos, as I our lives (and stalking those of others). angle by which to portray ourselves and relayed the day’s events to my mother We have no intention of arousing jeal- the trappings of our lives. But there’s caterer have the Shabbos food deliv- and father over the phone, the power ousy or feelings of “fear of missing out” always more to the picture than meets ered despite the closed roads. Can- miraculously came back. That phone in our beholders. It’s just one of those the eye, and it’s helpful to remember dles were lit along tables in the din- conversation left me with a shortage inevitable casualties of cyber life. But that when you’re sitting alone in your ing room and across staircases, in of words, as I could not express to their jealousy is their problem, not ours. room, wishing you were engaged, or hope of providing enough light to my parents the unbelievably oppor- Right? Our job is to collect memorable giggling with your child, or partying in ensure that no one would slip or fall tune timing of the power coming moments and let the world know about Malibu, or framing your PhD. in the darkness. Everyone was doing back on. Something tells me, how- it as we do. Right? Don’t get me wrong; I’m as guilty as something, big or small, to make this ever, that such loving and caring par- The problem is, what you see is usu- the next guy when it comes to sharing weekend a successful one. ents shared in the same relief I expe- ally only one piece of the puzzle. It’s just the “greatest hits” and “favorite high- I awoke that Friday in a cold, rienced, knowing that their son was a tiny sliver of a larger reality, which lights” of my life. But I think it’s got- dark room, not knowing when my safe and that all had worked out. is often, if not always, less glamorous ten to a point where we feel inadequate dead iPod would have the ability to From that moment onward, we than it looks on Instagram. and incomplete if we don’t always have recharge, or if the milk in our fridge only went on an upward slope toward What we see: The cute couple, just something to show for ourselves. would spoil. I decided to take a short a warm and pleasant Shabbos: plenty engaged. The adorable toddler taking So consider this a friendly reminder walk to a nearby supermarket to pur- of food, which now could be heated his fi rst steps. The wild party on the that pictures may be perfect, but life is chase some food before Shabbos. As up, was delivered to school; all of Malibu beach. The proud graduate in never perfect. Life is frustrating. Life is I trudged through a foot and a half the rooms and hallways were beam- his cap and gown. diffi cult. Life is challenging. And while of snow, hoping my Adidas sneakers ing with light; and the entire yeshiva What we don’t see: The cute couple these frustrations, diffi culties, and chal- would survive the frigid slush, I took was filled with positivity and happi- arguing about wedding dates. The ador- lenges may not make it onto our Insta- a second to absorb the magnificent ness. Despite the bitter cold weather, able toddler throwing a tantrum in the gram feeds, they’re usually what make sight before me and capture the still- that Shabbos turned out to be one of toy store. The wild hangover in the Mal- life most meaningful in the long run.  ness of the moment with the cam- the warmest and sweetest I have ever ibu beach house. The proud graduate era I had brought along. I continued experienced.  and his leftover student loans. Doni Joszef, LMSW, works in private practice down the road only to see a dark and My goal here is not to focus on the with adolescents and young adults in Max Fruchter, a recent graduate of DRS Lawrence. He blogs at Defi citOfAttention.com deserted supermarket with the word dark side and discount the joys and and is pursuing a Ph.D. in media psychology. “SAGUR” (closed) hung on the front Yeshiva High School in the Five Towns, is now celebrations of life. I’m simply trying attending yeshiva in Jerusalem. For more information, call 516-316-2247 or visit door. Luckily, the small fruit and veg- to level the scales of perception from DoniJoszef.Com.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 83 ones that don’t are not houses that Everyone makes a list. But in gen- Close Quarters are safe to step into. Maybe we should eral, most people’s lists are really have thought of this back when we based on what they do and don’t have BY MORDECHAI SCHMUTTER bought such a little house in the fi rst now. Our agent looked at it and said, place. We were just happy to get it “Who puts ‘coat closet’ on a list?” We’re in the market for a new house. we had the windows open, and we because it was bigger than our apart- We do. We’re sick of people seeing It doesn’t actually have to be new, just were woken up early in the morning ment, which was two rooms, only one our coats. And we’d like to have some- new to us. Our current house isn’t by the sounds of our next-door neigh- of which was a bedroom. The other where to put a vacuum cleaner on the tiny, but our kids keep getting bigger, bor washing her dishes . . . only we room was our kitchen / living room ground fl oor, considering that’s where and our house does not. didn’t know that’s who it was, and we / dining room / foyer / pantry / base- our kids do most of their spilling. That Right now, we have something were lying there in a panic, thinking, ment / family room / study / library we know of. called a “starter house.” No one dies “Who’s in our kitchen?” Our contrac- / playroom / home offi ce / multi-pur- But the things that you have, you in a starter house (baruch Hashem). tor still had our house key, so we were pose room / guest room. That room don’t think to ask for. We’re going to A starter house is a small home with wondering if it was him, and why he’d also had the one window, so in the end up moving into a house without just enough bedrooms for all of the be doing dishes. bedroom, it was always night, which bathrooms, or with no indoor kitchen, major genders, which a young cou- and when we ask, our agent will say, ple buys when they need to get out “Well, you didn’t mention it.” of their one-bedroom apartment, so (If you think there are no houses they can stop putting guests on the I think she’s afraid that I’m like that, you don’t know Passaic.) living-room fl oor. The couple plans to And then, the next time we’re in the move out eventually, once they’re no purposely going to buy a house market for a new house, our agent will longer young, so the next young cou- ask, “Who writes ‘Must have indoor ple can come in and wonder what on kitchen’?” earth they were thinking with some that has things wrong with it, just The things you don’t have are what of those home “improvements” they you ask for. When we were mov- didn’t bother hiring contractors for. so I can write about them. ing out of our apartment, our list Sure, there are a lot of good things said things like, “Living room, dining about our house. For example, it’s so room, kitchen, offi ce, guest room, and old that when the power goes off, the playroom should not all be the same heat does not. Also, there’s an outlet We changed our locks that after- was not very helpful in waking up for room,” and “Entrance in front,” and in the fi replace, which means that noon. Shacharis, although it was great for “More than one bedroom,” and “Don’t if we ever have to plug in a vacuum So we’re looking for a house, the getting the kids to sleep. And yes, we have to cut through bedroom to get cleaner or something, there’s always plan being that we’re going to sell our had two kids in there. It was very cozy. to the bathroom,” and “Windows in a free outlet, if we’re willing to crawl old house to pay for the new house, And by cozy, I mean that you had to say bedroom,” and “No upstairs neighbor in. Also, we get nice cross ventilation, although Hashem only knows where “excuse me” a lot. The centerpiece of with twin infants who love playing even with the doors closed. And sev- we’re going to live in between. We the apartment, left over from the pre- with their twin Bumble Balls (which eral members of Hatzolah already hope it all goes down on the same day. vious tenants (and I’m pretty sure the is a toy where you turn it on, and the know where it is. And here’s something we learned so people before them), was our sefarim people who live below you think the On top of that, we’re also close with far: It turns out that a bigger house shrank / bookshelf / toy closet / enter- house is falling down).” our neighbors. Really close. The very is going to cost more money than we tainment center / breakfront / supply We’re taking our time. We know fi rst night that we slept in the house, can get for our little house. And the cabinet, which had glass shelves that this house and its problems, and we broke on our very fi rst day, when we don’t want to move into another I put my Shas on them. By the time house with a whole new set of prob- we moved out, the apartment was lems right after we get out of this so densely packed that when we fi n- one. I’ve learned all the tricks of our ished unpacking in our current house current house, such as how to tell (this took about a year), we found that whether my kids’ bedroom light is the house was full. The stuff from our on after their bedtimes based on the two-room apartment had fi lled up the shadow arrangement at the top of entire house. the stairs, in case for some reason We also kept the mentality of that I’ve gone deaf and can’t tell because apartment when we moved, which is of the stomping and shrieking. I’ve why I put my home offi ce in the living learned that I can’t keep the bathmat room. I also keep it that way so I can flat and get the bathroom door open, watch the kids while I work, which and that it’s easier to slam a door has worked out pretty well, at least in when the windows are open. I know terms of watching the kids. The work that the light for the upstairs stairs doesn’t really happen. So it’s really so works when either switch is flipped, I can watch the kids while I ask them but the one for the basement stairs to keep it down so I can work. works only when both are flipped. So we’ve been looking for houses. And I almost never bump my head on We made a list of what we want, we the way down to the basement any- got an agent, and occasionally my more, unless I’m carrying something wife asks her to show us a specifi c big and heavy. house. My wife is in charge of this But we can say we’re looking. You project, because she has more things can ask us, “Why do you want the next that she’s looking for, and also I think house to be perfect?” It doesn’t have she’s afraid that I’m purposely going to be, but it’s a house. We don’t want to buy a house that has things wrong to move, spend a year unpacking our with it, just so I can write about them. stuff, and then realize that the house But now that we have a list, it’s is not really better than what we have. harder to fi nd something we like. It’s not like buying a pair of pants, For example, my wife doesn’t want a where you can return it. street with a lot of cars, but when we “Yeah, all my stuff doesn’t fi t in the looked on a street that didn’t have a pockets.” lot of cars, we found out that all the “Oh. Well, what was wrong with neighborhood kids hang out on it your old pants?” because there aren’t a lot of cars. We “Too many windows.”  want a driveway where we can park between the houses and still get our Mordechai Schmutter is a weekly humor doors open. And we don’t want too columnist for Hamodia and is the author of four books, published by Israel Book Shop. He many steps going up to the front door, also does freelance writing for hire. You can because apparently, we schlep a lot of send any questions, comments, or ideas to stuff into our house. [email protected]. 84 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 85 A Five Towns Simcha Portraits Of Survival At The JCC PHOTO BY TZIVIA ROSS

On Thursday, December 5, dozens of Holocaust survi- vors and their families were honored at a luncheon fea- turing an exhibit of survivors’ portraits by famed photog- rapher and artist George Bogart, himself from a family of many Holocaust victims and survivors. Above: George Bogart joins Lee Litchman, Eva Singer, Laura Greenbaum, and Renee Levy and daughter Max- ine Spitalewitz—subjects of his exhibit, “The Miracles of Life”—and Cathy Byrne of the JCC of the Greater Five Mazal tov to Nathan Goltsman of Phoenix, Arizona, and Chava Ross of Woodmere Towns in Cedarhurst. on their engagement!

86 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 87 cles, documentary fi lms, and other pro- work of accomplished Sephardic schol- Congress Honors grams for Sephardic communities around ars and educators to produce a corpus of the world. To that end, it seeks to pool quality literature covering a spectrum of Sephardic Jewry intellectual resources by building a net- topics relevant to Sephardic Jewry.

BY EZRA FRIEDLANDER

On November 20, Congress celebrated over 360 years of Sephardic Jewry in America, paying tribute to the contri- butions of the Sephardic community to the United States and . This historic event brought together Sephardic leaders and was coordinated by The Friedlander Group. Yehuda Azou- lay was the initiator for this momentous occasion, bringing together Sephardic Jews of all backgrounds—representing 25 cities and over 30 Sephardic orga- nizations—for a united gathering for the fi rst time in the U.S. Capitol. As the young innovator concluded in his speech, “The idea is to unite a Sephar- dic voice for the benefi t and future of Sephardic Jewry.” Yehuda Azoulay’s Sephardic Institute aspires to become the future home of pub- Yehuda Azoulay, Representative Michele Bachmann, Maurice Shohet, Rabbi Dr. Elie Abadie, Raymond Saka, lications, networking, lecture series, arti- Abecassis, Daniel Harari, and Ezra Friedlander

The fi rst Jews to arrive to the United States of America were Sephardim, Jews of Spanish and Portuguese descent, many of whom made their journey in order to escape forced conversion in their native lands around 1550. By 1776 and the War of Independence, around 2,000 Jews lived in America, most of them Sephardic of Spanish and Portuguese origin. They played a signif- icant role in the struggle for indepen- dence, including fi ghting the British (with Francis Salvador being the fi rst Jew to die in the war), and playing a key role in fi nancing the revolution, the most important of the fi nanciers being Haym Solomon. An array of members of Congress joined the participants to show biparti- san support of the legacy and contribu- tion of Sephardic Jewry. Senator Mike Lee of Utah applauded the Sephardic Jewish community, which contributed to the nation from the very onset of the Republic. Honoree Jacob Abecassis highlighted the fact that the Sephardic heritage is singularly unique and wor- thy of preservation, and that it does not belong only to history books or muse- ums, but is very much alive and thriv- ing. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida quoted Emma Lazarus, whose famous poem “The New Colossus” can be seen today on a bronze plaque of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. “Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Hon- oree Rabbi Elie Abadie also referred to Emma Lazarus, a Sephardic Jew, whose life and contributions were highlighted at the luncheon. Honoree Daniel Harari praised America where we have rights to assemble, rights to own property, rights to fi ght for the country. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas compared his family’s experience to that of the Sephardic community, how his family faced oppression in Cuba and how they achieved freedom in America. Congress- woman Michele Bachmann of Minne- sota praised the ideals of being priv- ileged to have a voice to stand up for Israel. Congresswoman Grace Meng of New York underlined the fact that coming to a new world is not easy, and 88 December 20, 2013 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES that the early Sephardic Jewish immi- 7:10 am @ Agudah of Bayswater grants paved the way the tolerant, open DAFYOMISHIURIM @ Mesivta Ateres Yaakov, 131 Washington Avenue 7:15 am and pluralistic society we all cherish. @ Aish Kodesh – Sunday ONLY In the 5 Towns Far Rockaway Area @ Kehillas Bais Yehudah Tzvi (the Red Shul) Congressman Louie Gohmert of Texas 4:30 am @ Chabad – Maple Avenue, Cedarhurst @ Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv – Mishnah Berurah: Rabbi Shmuel Grossman 7:30 am @ Agudah of L.I. (Rabbi Reisman) In Library – Magidei Shiur: focused on the unique friendship of the 5:00 am @ Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Shmuel Grossman Rabbis S. Kohn, N. Schweid, R. Flegman US and Israel. 5:15 am @ Y.I. of Woodmere – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Rafael Fink @ Congregation Heichal Dovid – Sunday ONLY 5:30 am Senator Chuck Schumer of New York @ Chofetz Chaim Torah Center – Cedarhurst 7:35 am @ Y.I. of Woodmere – Sunday ONLY – Magid Shiur: Rabbi R. Fink spoke emotionally about his personal @ Rabbi Neiman’s Shul – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Yossi Schonkopf 7:45 am @ Kehillas Bais Yehudah Tzvi (the Red Shul) – Sunday ONLY 5:45 am connection to the Sephardic commu- @ Agudah of L.I. (Rabbi Reisman) – Magid Shiur: Rav Shmuel Witkin @ Beth Sholom – Sunday ONLY – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Yale Fishman @ Kehillas Bais Yehudah Tzvi (the Red Shul) @ Rabbi Blumenkrantz’s shul - Shabbos ONLY nity and reiterated his family’s expe- 6:00 am @ Agudah of L.I – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Dr. Mermelstein 7:50 am @ Far Rockaway LIRR front section of the last car – Direct to Penn Station rience arriving to the shore of Ellis @ Aish Kodesh – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Sholom Fried, Rabbi Daniel Fink 7:55 am @ Lawrence LIRR – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Pesach Lerner 8:00 am Island. Representative Frank Pallone @ Rabbi Blumenkrantz’s shul @ Shaaray Tefila – Sunday ONLY – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Kalish @ CBEY- Island Ave., Woodmere – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Shalom Rosner @ Agudas Yisroel of Long Island – Sunday ONLY – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Tzvi Flaum of New Jersey, whose district includes @ Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Dovid Greenblatt @ Mesivta Ateres Yaakov, 131 Washington Avenue (Shabbos Only) Deal, praised the Sephardic community 6:10 am @ Beis Medrash of Cedarhurst – Rabbi Spiegel 8:10 am @ LIRR Far Rockaway Branch, in the last car of the train, which makes stops at for its role in the development of the 6:15 am @ Cong. Beis Avraham – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Henoch Grumet Inwood, Lawrence, Cedarhurst and Woodmere at 8:22 am Deal economy. Others who participated @ Beis Haknesses of North Woodmere Magid Shiur: Rabbi Menachem Adler 6:30 am @ Agudah of West Lawrence – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Moshe Brown 8:15 am @ Beth Sholom – Shabbos ONLY – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Yale Fishman were Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska @ Young Israel of Law./Cedar. Maggid Shiur: Yale Fishman/Yaakov Shalev 8:45 am @ Agudah of L.I. – Sunday ONLY in library and Congressman Bill Cassidy of Loui- @ Y.I. of Oceanside @ Sunday mornings at Beis Tefilah – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Shaya Richmond 10:15 am @ siana. @ Rabbi Katz's Shul in Far Rockaway – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Pinchas Birnhack The White Shul – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Matt Cohen 6:40 am @ Y.I. of Woodmere – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Aron Glatt 12:50 pm @ Cedarhurst Center – Ground Floor Conf. Room – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Lichtenstein @ Congregation Beth Shalom – Maggid Shiur: Rabbi Yechiel Weberman 8:00 pm @ Agudah of L.I. – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Nochum Katz 6:45 am @ Shaaray Tefila – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Kalish @ Aish Kodesh – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Simcha Weingott @ The White Shul – Magidei Shiur: Rabbi Kanner @ Y.I. of Far Rockaway – Magid Shiur: R’ Daniel Martin and R’ Avraham Bachrach Senator Chuck @ Agudah of the Five Towns – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Ephraim Edelstein 8:15 pm @ Cong. Beis Medrash of Cedarhurst – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Dovid Spiegel @ Agudas Yisroel of Long Island – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Tzvi Flaum 8:30 pm @ Y.I. of Oceanside 7:00 am @ Agudah of L.I. – Sunday ONLY – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Dr. Mermelstein @ Congregation Heichal Dovid Schumer of @ Congregation Beth Avraham – Sunday ONLY 8:45 pm @ Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Dovid Metz @ Yeshiva Gedolah of 5 Towns – Magid Shiur: Rav Yitzchok Knobel @ Rabbi Blumenkrantz – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Yosef Friedler @ Young Israel of Law./Ced. – Sunday ONLY – Magid Shiur: Rabbi Yale Fishman 9:00 pm @ Agudah of L.I. – Magid Shiurim: Rabbi Lichtenstein/Rotating Chaburah New York spoke 7:09 am @ Far Rockaway LIRR 3rd car from the end – Direct to Penn Station @ Agudah of West Lawrence – Rabbi Brown’s Shul Magid Shiur: Rabbi Kodesh @ Agudah of Bayswater emotionally @ Beis Tefilah – (Tues.– Thurs.) Maggid Shiur: Rabbi Ephraim Edelstein about his personal connection to the Sephardic community.

Maurice Shohet, president of the World Organization of the Jews from Iraq stressed the importance of saving the Iraqi Jewish Archives. Rabbi Shimon Alouf, renowned student of Chacham Ovadia Yosef, Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel who just passed away a few weeks ago, highlighted the legacy of his men- tor. Honoree Raymond Saka, cofounder of the Saka Edition of Yalkut Yosef, laid out the plans to publish 34 books in the next 15 years to spread the teachings of Chacham Ovadia Yosef. Rabbi Joshua Maroof spoke about the desire to be open, and praised the universalistic atti- tude of Sephardic Jewry, who look for things that we have in common. Yehuda Azoulay emphasized the mes- sage, “join the revolution and unite as one” to preserve Sephardic heritage, and thanked the members of Congress for carving out time from their busy sched- ules to celebrate together.  Remember that article? Visit our archive section and find any issue of the 5 Towns Jewish Times online @ www.5TJT.com

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 20, 2013 89 Bikur Cholim Of Far Rockaway leads us to geulah. We should realize who nd they are and what they stand for.” And The Five Towns Holds 32 Annual Brunch Previous featured keynote speakers at past brunches have been Rabbi Pay- BY LIBA LIEBERMAN many treatments take place. the standing-room-only crowd of com- sach Krohn; Rabbi Yissocher Frand; Rabbi Cooking for families who are experienc- munity women. “They look at what Abraham Twerski; and Rav Shlomo Freif- The long and impressive history of ing medical challenges is another ongoing this community is doing. It is a kiddush eld, zt’l. the Bikur Cholim of Far Rockaway and service that volunteers undertake, often Hashem, a great thing. Our Jewish com- This community’s Bikur Cholim was the Five Towns is honored every year as making the difference between coping munity sets an example.” founded by Mrs. Hinda Carmel, a’h; Mrs. women from a broad spectrum of the Jew- and despair in the lives of these families. Dr. Sheldon Markowitz, Chief of Med- Rozi Eichen; the Sulitza Rebbetzin, Reb- ish communities it serves come together Visiting or calling shut-ins is an area in icine at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, betzin Rubin, a’h; Mrs. Selma Weinberg, also spoke, noting that the hospital is a’h; and Mrs. Esther Zomick, a’h, among “in awe of the tremendous dedication of many other dedicated compassionate the women in the community.” He noted women of the community. that St. John’s has a kosher kitchen and Many thanks were expressed to the a Shabbos elevator, and is soon opening chairpersons of the brunch, Mrs. Tzippy an offi ce on Rockaway Turnpike that will David, Mrs. Esther Feigenbaum, and Mrs. feature Orthodox doctors, specifi cally a Marilyn Wolowitz. Other acknowledge- pediatrician and an OB/GYN. ments of gratitude and thanks went to Mr. Ivan H Norman H Ivan H Norman

Dr. Markowitz of St. John’s Hospital in an atmosphere of fervent support and which Bikur Cholim volunteers shine. A Ivan H Norman H Ivan H Norman commitment at the organization’s annual phone call once a week, or a stop by with a brunch, traditionally held in Decem- smile and basic food shopping, can mean ber. This year, the 32nd annual brunch a world of difference to someone trapped Rabbi Daniel Coleman, Marilyn Wolowitz, and Tzippy David was held on Sunday morning, 12 Teves/ indoors due to a medical condition. December 15, once again in the ballroom Since the beautiful oceanfront Mr. Charlie Harary began his presenta- and Mrs. Tzvi Perl for donating the beau- of Congregation Kneseth Yisroel. The properties of Far Rockaway are home tion by noting the recent Shabbos snow- tiful door prizes, Rabbi Yaakov Kranz for storm. He then spoke about the recent setting up the microphone system, Jeru- fast day, Asarah B’Teves, and how Chazal salem Florist for donating the beautiful explained that this fast cannot be post- centerpieces, Judy Silverman and Shani poned if it falls out on Erev Shabbos, Traube for sending Chanukah packages to because it relates to future events. “If G-d hospitals and nursing homes, and Dr. Neil Goldberg and the Lev Leytzan clowns for entertaining the children. The current presidium members of Bikur Cholim of Far Rockaway and the Five Towns are Mrs. Marilyn Wolowitz, Mrs. Tzippy David, and Mrs. Esther Ruzor- horsky. Pushkas are available, as are zmana- gram cards, which can be utilized for sim- chos, Purim, or personal use. Both can be purchased by calling the Bikur Cho- lim hotline at 718-327-5989 or 516-371-9662. Contributions can be mailed to Bikur Cholim of the Five Towns, P.O. Box 294,

Ivan H Norman H Ivan H Norman Lawrence, New York, 11559.  Charlie Harary, Guest Speaker Reprinted with permission from Yated Ne’eman. guest speaker was Charlie Harary, Esq., the to numerous nursing homes, visiting world-renowned inspirational speaker, nursing home residents is another ser- who is a resident of the Five Towns. Rabbi vice this Bikur Cholim provides. A spe- Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder Daniel Coleman, chaplain at North Shore cial committee for medical equipment University Hospital, and Mrs. Lisa Reich maintains a varied stock of appliances decides to bring Tisha B’Av this year, it is were the Tehillim Recipients. and aides for the sick and elderly. decided on Asarah B’Teves,” he continued. The Bikur Cholim of Far Rockaway and Bikur Cholim of Far Rockaway and the “We need to remove boundaries in our the Five Towns developed according to Five Towns also services a hospitality heads that block us from us,” he explained. the suburban nature of its location, in room in North Shore University Hos- “Our challenge in life is to live life without response to the needs of Jewish residents pital that is fully stocked with kosher walls that stop us. Asarah B’Teves is also who required transportation to hospitals food. the anniversary of the sale of Yosef, which and doctors’ offi ces. Thirty years ago, con- Before the keynote address by this reminds us that it is wrong not to accept cerned community members rose to the year’s guest speaker, Charlie Harary, someone because they are different. task. Although visiting patients in local Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder spoke “We all fear being alone. Being alone is hospitals remains the gold standard for about the role model that Bikur Cho- also a wall that kills. When someone gets all Bikur Cholim volunteers, the organi- lim and other organizations presented sick, they feel alone. If someone can’t pay zation offers fi nancial assistance in a dis- to other communities after Superstorm a bill to take care of their health, they feel creet manner for many health concerns. Sandy. He explained that nearby areas alone. One is living in a tiny siege if no Additionally, it offers transportation to that were devastated by the storm one is there during such times. Bikur Cho- the infi rm and weakened to medical cen- looked at Far Rockaway’s example. lim breaks the walls, takes over the siege, ters as far away as New York City, where “People are always watching,” he told and says, ‘You are not alone.’ Bikur Cholim

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LB $ 99 ¢LB 3/99¢ EA 59¢ 89¢LB 1 LB 2/$3 2/$3 39 99¢ BAKERYRYY SPECIALS

COKE – SPRITE – PURE BITES AMNON’S FLAKEY KITOV MULTIGRAIN BREAKSTONE WESSON DR PEPPER – CORN POPS ORIGINAL 1/2 OZ BAG POP CAKES WHIPPED BUTTER OIL RUGELACH FRESCA 2.64 OZ PKG ORIGINAL OR WHOLE WHEAT SLICED PIZZA 8 OZ CONT SALT OR SWEET GALLON; CORN – VEGETABLE – CANOLA 2 LITER BTL 36 OZ PKG $ 99 99 49 99 3 PKG 99¢ 3/99¢ 2/$5 $6 $1 $6

BARILLA GENERAL MILLS GOLD MEDAL NESTLES DOMINO LASAGNE – DOMINO HEINZ KIX, CINNAMON SNAPPLE DR BROWNS HERR’S MANICOTTI – GRANULATED RICH MILK SUGAR TOAST CRUNCH 1 LB PKG CONFECTIONERS, LIGHT SNACKS FLOUR HOT COCOA KETCHUP 1 OZ BAG 5 LB BAG, ALL PURPOSE, JUMBO SHELLS SUGAR 4.27 OZ PKG 6 CT OR DARK BROWN 38 OZ BTL OR CHEERIOS TEA64 OZ BTL SODA2 LITER BTL UNBLEACHED, OR SELF RISING 8 TO 16 OZ PKG 4LB BAG 16.2 TO 18 OZ PKG $169 2/$3 $179 69¢ 89¢ $199 2/$7 3/$5 99¢ 5/$1 GEFEN GEFEN JASON GEFEN PASKESZ GEFEN KVUZAT YAVNE TELMA GLICK’S GLICKS CHIPS A PLENTY GREEN INSTANT BREAD CHOCOLATE RAMEN CUCUMBERS KARIOT NOUGAT CANDLE CHICKPEAS NOODLES CHOCOLATE PITTED CUP A SOUP CRUMBS CHIPS 16 OZ CAN IN BRINE 2.3 OZ CUP CHICKEN – TOMATO – FILLED CEREAL 15 OZ CONT PLAIN – 3 OZ PKG CHICKEN OR CHIP COOKIES 13.2 OZ BOX HOLDERS 10 OZ BAGS 13.72-14 OZ PKG 19 OZ CAN 7-9 SIZE OLIVES VEGETABLE; CASE OF 12 $8.99 50 CT BOX SEASONED – PANKO VEGETABLES 19 OZ CAN $199 3/$5 99¢ 2/99¢ $299 2/$3 $199 89¢ $399 $129 DOVE LENDERS UNGER’S BOUNTY SUPER A MACABEE DR PRAEGER’S SPRING VALLEY HAAGEN DAZ NESTLES NEW YORK WHITE PAPER ICE CREAM VEGETABLES PIZZA GEFILTE BREADED BEEF ICE CREAM BARS DRUMSTICKS 32 OZ BAG CUT OKRA – PAS – STYLE BAGELS FISH TOWELS 14. OZ CONT ASST 4 CT PKG CORN – MIXED – PEAS & 16.5 OZ PKG EGG – PLAIN – BAGELS 22 OZ LOAF REGULAR OR TILAPIA FILLET KREPLACH 15 ROLL BUNDLE 8.67 OZ PKG 12.5 OZ PKG 11 OZ PKG CARROTS ONION – CINNAMON NO SUGAR 8 OZ PKG $12 99 $299 $349 $349 $199 3/$5 $299 2/$10 $449 $399 FRIENDSHIP SAY CHEESE TROPICANA PHILADELPHIA SOLOMON’S HOD TAM SOLOMON’S ORANGE JUICE CREAM FARMS CREAMERY LA YOGURT SLICED TURKEY SLICED CORNED OR GRAPEFRUIT SOUR CHEESE BULLET CHEESE MARGARINE YOGURTS BREAST BEEF OR JUICE 8 OZ PKG ORIGINAL 1 LB PKG SALTED OR UNSALTED 6 OZ CUP ASST CREAM CAKE SOLOMI 6 OZ PKG GOURMET – PASTRAMI 59 OZ CONT ASST OR 1/3 LESS FAT 16 OZ CONT ORIGINAL OR LIGHT 2.5 OZ PKG ASST 2 LB PKG HONEY – MEXICAN 6 OZ PKG $299 2/$3 89¢ 2/$1 $199 2/$5 $999 $399 $499 SEAFOOD APPY COUNTER PARVE VEGETABLE SALMON TILAPIA BREADED BEER OVEN SMOKED OLIVES WHOLE EGG ROLLS DRY BLACK TROUT STUFFED W/ TILAPIA BATTERED AMERICAN STUFFED FILLET SALMON BRONZINI POLLOCK THURSDAY & FRIDAY ONLY OLIVES WITH GARLIC $ 99 $ 99 $ 99 $ 99 $ 99 $ 99 1/2LB $ 99 $ 99 LB 5 LB $ 75 5 6 LB 10 LB 9 5 LB 1 EA 6 LB 7 LB FAMILY PACK 0 SHOULDER STEAK FAMILY PACK WHOLE MINUTE FAMILY PACK STORE HOURS: LONDON BROIL CHICKEN Sunday 7am-8pm ( FILLET STEAK STEAK ROAST GROUND CHUCK Monday & Tuesday 7am-9pm CUTTLETS Wednesday 7am-10pm $ Thursday 7am-12midnight $ 99 $ 99 $ 79 $ 99 $ 49 Friday 7am-5:00pm 7 6 LB 6 LB 3 LB 7 LB 3 LB GOOD FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY ' RUSSIAN ROASTED ( COLE SLAW ARTICHOKE DIP POTATOES HARD SALAMI KUFTA KEBOBS / $ 99 $ 49 $ 99 $ 99 $ 99 , 3 LB 3 EA 3 LB 14 LB 5 LB Valid Through 12/22/13-12/27/13

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