Week of December 15 – 22, 2017 • 27 Kislev – 4 Tevet, 5778

Vol. 11 • Issue 6 SERVING THE ENTIRE JEWISH COMMUNITY

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RABBI DAVID YOSEF VISITS BUKHARIAN COMMUNITY 37 600,000 attend the Levaya of Harav Aharon Leib Shteinman, zt”l, who passed away at the age of 104. SEE PICTURES ON PAGE 38 Europe Violently Protests Changes As Netanyahu Visits The Continent ADAM ABRAMS Anti- and anti-Semitic demon- European political establishment may The French demonstrators also called MAYOR BLOOMBERG BEING HONORED strations pervaded Europe last weekend serve to deepen the chasm between Israel for Palestinian terrorists Hassan Ham- as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Ne- and Europe. ouri and Marwan Barghouti to be freed tanyahu visited the continent days after Hundreds of anti-Israel protesters from Israeli prisons. IN THIS the Trump administration’s Dec. 6 recog- convened at the Place de la République Anti-Israel protests also occurred ISSUE nition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. in central Paris Saturday ahead of Netan- in Sweden, Italy, Austria and Germany. The civilian protests as well as wide- yahu’s arrival in the French capital; they Demonstrations in southern Sweden Just A Thought on Divine spread opposition to the White House’s chanted “Netanyahu war criminal” and turned violent when a group of men Compromise Jerusalem policy changes within the called for the prime minister’s arrest. Dr. Aharon E. Wexler...... 3 CONT. ON P4 How to Pick the Best Produce at the Grocery Trump made ‘yuge’ changes on Thank You President Trump Dr. Joseph Mercola...... 6 Jerusalem. What do the city’s RONN TOROSSIAN Yosef and Chanukah ADAM ABRAMS Roy Neuberger...... 8 residents think about it? The words every supporter of Israel must say today to Miracles ELIANA RUDEE the President of the United States, is Thank Rabbi Eliyahu Safran...... 14 You. Thank You President Trump for your announcement CONT.ONMy Magic P39 Cookie Bars Jerusalemite opinions about President Donald Trump’s recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Thank you Levana...... 22 landmark policy changes on their city run the gamut, re- for doing the right thing in announcing that the U.S. Em- flecting the diversity of the Israeli capital itself. bassy will – as it should be – relocated to Jerusalem. JNS NEWS...... 30 In an effort to take the pulse of the holy city’s mood Thank you for saying as you did that “After more than following U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital two decades of waivers, we are no closer to a lasting peace as well as Trump’s announcement of plans to move the agreement between Israel and the . It would be CONT. ON P5 CONT. ON P16

,urb ,eksv 5 Questions to Ask for 5 Ways to Stop Your Kids Getting w a Happy Marriage Spoiled this Chanukah 27 KISLEV • ukxf z f Five conversations that should take place over the Ensuring Jewish values don’t get lost amidst all Parashat course of dating and even within marriage itself. the presents and parties. Mikeitz RABBI EFREM GOLDBERG RABBI ANTHONY KNOPF 4:10 P.M. FIVE TOWNS 4:12 P.M. STATEN ISLAND What are the critical things to look for in dating to Chanukah is a highlight of the year for the Jewish fam- 4:12 P.M. determine if someone is suitable for marriage? ily! Delicious latkes, beautiful songs and unforgettable fam- 4:11 P.M. TEANECK, NJ Drs. John and Julie Gottman have been scientifically ily experiences. 5:14 P.M. MIAMI BEACH, FLA. studying healthy relationships for four decades and have But for most of us, these aren’t the only memories we 3:57 P.M. JERUSALEM CONT. ON P35 CONT. ON P14 12/15/17

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aimed too low, the Torah would us to bask in it daily.’ By constantly Just a Thought On the have failed to elevate us. G-d there- responding to the exigencies of the Divine Compromise fore precisely chose the exact words, time through regular system updates, stories and laws in order to best give they made Torah as relevant as the RABBI DR. AHARON E. WEXLER over the Divine directive. day it was given. But there is an inevitable prob- If there were even one generation As we read through the stories of and sought fellowship. Yes, “more lem. By taking the timeless eternal for whom the Torah was irrelevant Bereishis it would be wise to remem- than the calf wants to suckle, the cow word of God and inserting it into or ceased to speak to them, then the ber what it is we are experiencing. wants to nurse” (TB Pesachim 112a). the temporal confining language of Torah would have not been passed The Torah is not history, nor is it sci- G-d could not remain silent no Man, G-d froze the Torah into the to the next generation and would ence. The Torah is one thing and one more. Risking total failure, G-d broke set patriarchal, agrarian and primi- have been forgotten. The harsh price thing only; theology. into human history, appearing at tive language of the time. While it required to remain Jewish required Theology is a fancy word for how Sinai and introduced Himself to the is meaningful to those who stood at every generation to believe with all its we relate to G-d and how G-d relates only receptive audience He could the mount, it risks being irrelevant to heart and soul that the Torah was the to us. It is a theology that takes the find. It was a downtrodden rabble future generations. most important thing in the world. form of law, lore, narrative, history of former slaves, the very descend- To avoid this God gave the Oral The Jews had to believe that and poetry, but those genres are just ants of his old friend Abraham, who Law to accompany the frozen written it was their very life-blood. They the vehicle to convey eternal truths proved themselves not just worthy, one. Only the two together, working also needed to acutely feel that the about God. but eager to receive the Divine word. in tandem to complement each other, personal responsibility of transmit- At Mount Sinai, G-d had a By translating the Divine mes- yields a that has survived till ting the Torah fell upon their very choice. He could remain silent and sage into ideas that humans could this day. “Two are better than one, shoulders. Failure to give over the paralyzed by the prospect of commu- understand, G-d needed to speak because they have a good reward for Torah to the next generation meant nicating the sum total of all his glory Hebrew – the language His audience their labor. For if they fall, the one an irreparable severance of the chain and greatness to the minds of mere spoke. This was not an easy task. will lift up his fellow” (Ecc. 4:9-10). that linked us all the way to that mortal men, or He could compro- G-d needed to at once speak of the To understand this symbiotic re- encounter at Sinai. mise Himself and try to translate into loftiest of ideas, but use the patriar- lationship, think of the written Torah At the synagogue we gather to the roughest of terms His message chal, agrarian language of time to be as a great piece of hardware and the pray and talk to G-d. The centerpiece into words, ideas, images, stories, understood. Oral Law as the constant system up- of our experience during the service and laws to teach us about Him and G-d needed to strike a balance dates allowing the hardware to keep is the Torah reading. In other words, the relationship we should be having between communicating His message up with the times. we pause from talking to God in together. and not having that message lost in The Mishna, Talmud, and rab- order to hear what G-d has to say to This was not an easy choice for the noise of the primitive world that binic responsa served throughout us. With this better understanding of G-d. He waited millions of years till the Israelites lived in. If G-d aimed the millennia as the means with what Torah is, let’s try to pay better we evolved enough to even attempt too high, the Torah would have been which the Torah remained ‘our life attention to what it is that G-d is try- such a thing. But G-d was lonely irrelevant and meaningless. If G-d and the length of our days, allowing ing to say.

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ABRAMS Last Thursday, the European gression are to be commended.” meeting,” Netanyahu noted, adding CONT. FROM P1 Union’s (EU) diplomatic chief, Fed- The Israeli leader acknowledged that he ascribes “great importance to hurled firebombs at a synagogue erica Mogherini, said the Jerusalem that he and Macron don’t “agree on Europe” but will not accept the con- in Gothenburg. Pro-Palestinian policy changes might push the Mid- everything,” but are “working on it.” tinent’s “double standard” on Israel. protesters in Sweden chanted anti- dle East “backwards to even darker Last week, Macron called Trump’s “I hear voices from there con- Semitic slogans encouraging the times than the ones we’re already Jerusalem policy changes “regretta- demning President Trump’s his- murder of Jews. living in.” ble” and said the city’s status should toric statement but I have not heard “We have announced the in- “The European establishment be determined through negotiations. condemnations of the rockets fired tifada from Malmö. We want our sees in Israel and to a lesser extent Macron has also agreed to at Israel or the terrible incitement freedom back and we will shoot the United States all that it has left work with Turkish President Recep against it,” Netanyahu said, adding, the Jews,” demonstrators chanted, behind in its pursuit of Kantian per- Tayyip Erdogan to pressure the U.S. “I am not prepared to accept this reported Sweden’s Sveriges Radio. petual peace, so it responds furiously to reassess its recognition of Jerusa- hypocrisy, and as usual at this im- In Vienna, a violent anti-Jewish to their cooperation,” Daniel Pipes, lem. portant forum, I will present Israel’s mob marched down the city’s streets president of the Middle East Forum “Paris is the capital of France. truth without fear and with head screaming in Arabic, “Jews, remem- think tank, told JNS. Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. It’s held high.” ber Khaybar, the army of Muham- Netanyahu to France: Jerusalem been the capital of Israel for 3,000 Pipes said that European gov- mad is returning,” referencing the recognition gives ‘peace a chance’ years. It’s been the capital of the ernments “would love to tear into 7th century massacre of Jewish During a joint press conference Jewish state for 70 years. We respect Israel for the embassy move. Trou- tribes in the town of Khaybar, in on Sunday with French President your history and your choices, and ble is, Israel had little to do with this what is now Saudi Arabia. Emmanuel Macron, Netanyahu said we know that as friends, you respect event, so there’s not much they can Italian anti-Israel protesters Israel “has provided valuable intel- ours,” Netanyahu told the French do except bluster in impotent rage.” marched with Palestinian flags and ligence to many countries in Europe president, adding that “we should On Monday, Netanyahu said held signs calling Jerusalem “the and many countries outside Europe, give peace a chance, by bringing during a joint appearance with the eternal capital of the State of Pales- that has prevented dozens of hor- things to their historical truth, by EU’s Mogherini, “I believe that all or tine.” rible terrorist attacks, some of which opening up the possibility of re- most of the European countries will In addition to the violent unfortunately [the French people] newed negotiations.” move their embassies to Jerusalem, protests in Europe, the continent’s have suffered.” Israel rejects Europe’s ‘double recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capi- political leaders roundly opposed “We fight together in this fight standard’ tal, and engage robustly with us for President Donald Trump’s recent against barbarism, and you’re a Following his stop in France, security, prosperity and peace.” moves on Jerusalem, including his principle leader in that fight,” he Netanyahu visited Brussels for a Official European support for recognition of the city as the Israeli told Macron. “Across the Middle meeting with all 28 foreign ministers BDS capital and his expression of plans to East as well, your efforts in Lebanon of EU member states. Several weeks before the events move the U.S. embassy there from are to be commended; your efforts “It has been 22 years since an Is- surrounding Jerusalem and Europe’s . to prevent the spread of Iranian ag- raeli prime minister has held such a CONT.ON P11

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RUDEE while strengthening Washington’s that at this time, given the inter- waiting for a U.S. president to de- CONT. FROM P1 position in the region.” national dispute regarding Israel’s clare Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. American embassy there, JNS Adam Berkowitz, an author control over a reunified Jerusalem I was waiting for an alternative spoke with various Jerusalemites and journalist, said it is “unde- since the Six-Day War, a Jerusa- solution to lifting a few million from east to west and from natives niable that Jerusalem is Israel’s lem embassy should be located in people, from poverty, who are to immigrants. eternal capital, but when Trump pre-1967 Jerusalem. my neighbors,” said a Jerusalem Some of the civilians inter- recognized our national will, it “Just as it is obvious that resident who preferred to remain viewed in this article requested was empowering. We are the only Jerusalem is Israel’s capital, it is completely anonymous. that only their first names be used country in the world for which equally obvious that “I was waiting and waiting to due to concern of being associated there is an international discussion and the Old City remain disputed hear how we can have security and with the opinions they expressed. about our choice in capitals. And territories,” he said. “Hence, if it let live—move freely, have rights Enthusiastically supportive America is finally aligned with us were up to me, I would be recog- to land, not live under military “Jerusalem is our capital and in that.” nizing the western part of Jerusa- law,” added the resident. “I was we shouldn’t allow any nation to Rabbi Danny Schiff, 57, the lem as Israel’s capital, and mov- waiting to hear how we could stop have an embassy anywhere in our Jerusalem-based Foundation ing the embassy there— without sending our children to the army country other than Jerusalem,” Scholar for the Jewish Federation delay. Plainly, the status of the rest to spend three years of their most said Yehuda. “This should have of Greater Pittsburgh, is in favor of Jerusalem will remain uncer- formative years not in school like been our policy for 70 years.” of moving the U.S. embassy to tain until some type of peace deal the rest of the world. I was wait- He added, “Jerusalem only Jerusalem “forthwith,” although becomes a possibility. But there is ing to hear about how we can seems a major point of conten- Trump’s announcement repre- no reason that an embassy move decrease the cost of living here… tion between Jews and Palestinians sented the start of preparations should be held up until peace ar- But instead I got a statement that within the context of a ‘two-state for the relocation rather than an rives.” changed nothing in reality and solution’—a failed Western frame- immediate move. Focused on domestic issues brought us into a deeper despair, work for achieving peace. Trump’s “Threats of violence should Despite the excitement over knowing our politicians are just recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s not prevent the United States from America’s Jerusalem announce- playing their roles…we forgot capital came within this two-state doing the right thing,” Schiff said. ment, some prefer to about important domestic issues context and is therefore perceived “And the right thing is to allow maintain their focus on domestic that affect our day-to-day living, by both peoples here as an Israeli any country—Israel included—to affairs. quality of life, cost of living, cost of victory over Palestinians, feeding determine its capital, and to have “Can we all please pause for a education, and healthcare.” into an unhealthy ‘either/or’ ap- that capital recognized by the in- moment and notice all the im- Concerned about security proach to the conflict. At the end ternational community via the ap- portant domestic issues and news “Rash decisions can have of the day, this feels like an Ameri- propriate location of the embassy.” we’re not speaking about any- deadly effects, I just hope this one can move that forces Israelis and Schiff’s support of a swift -em more?” said Rosie. doesn’t inspire too much vio- Palestinians further into conflict bassy move comes with a caveat— “I wasn’t at the edge of my seat lence,” said Andrew Pico, 26, a CONT.ON P11

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glyphosate. Examples best avoided duce: Dr. Joseph Mercola include Arctic apples, engineered to The ‘A’s’ Have It: How to Buy resist browning when cut. These Fruits and Veggies Shipping and Shelf Life Impact • Apples should be smooth, firm How to Pick the Best Produce Quality and heavy for their size without Produce at the Grocery Store One reason appearance isn’t a bruising (they bruise easily), nicks good way to figure out what pro- in the flesh, wormholes or brown duce is best is that over decades, streaks. The smaller they are, the If you’ve ever been to a grocery few Americans eat the recommend- some fruits and vegetables, like Red more flavorful they’ll be. Peak sea- store and picked up produce, you’ve ed amount of fruits and vegetables Delicious apples, for instance, were son is September to May. Place them more than likely opened a package every day, putting them at risk for bred to be beautiful rather than in your fridge’s crisper drawer in a or two and found yourself stuck chronic diseases like diabetes and have a pleasing flavor and consist- brown paper bag away from vegeta- with rubbery carrots, mealy ap- heart disease. As a result, we’re ency, and the result became a mealy, bles to keep several weeks. ples or muskmelon that was either missing out on the essential vita- tasteless, altogether disappointing • Artichokes aren’t typically the mushy or hard as a rock. Fruits mins, minerals, and fiber that fruits piece of fruit. most sought-after produce, perhaps and vegetables that and vegetables When choosing fruits and veg- because consumers are unsure what disappoint once you provide.” etables, such as pears, strawberries, to look for. They should have tightly get them home may How to Pick the squash or sweet potatoes, picking closed leaves when ripe, have deep have something Ripest Fruit and the it up and considering its weight green color, feel heavy and show to do with the fact Freshest Veggies may help you pick the best as well no mars in the flesh. Peak season is that, more often You’ve heard it as its fragrance. Today notes three March to May. Refrigerate up to five than not, it’s not before: “What you reasons why shopping for produce days in a brown paper bag. kids who have to be see is what you get.” that’s in season (and avoiding the • Avocados are unique and prodded to eat their That’s not neces- ones that aren’t) is wise: as such are some of the trickiest fruits and veg- sarily true with “In the Golden Age of the produce to pick in terms of peak etables, it’s adults produce, though. American supermarket, Chilean ripeness, but the color and “feel” (and if adults don’t In fact, researchers tomatoes and South African aspara- usually tell the story. They should be think it’s important, have discovered a gus are an arm’s length away when firm to the touch, not soft and with chances are they fairly predictable our soil is blanketed in snow. Sure, no mushy spots. The color will be aren’t influencing their kids to do reason why Americans, especially, sometimes you just need a tomato, medium to dark green. Don’t choose so). tend to reach for something other but there are three persuasive rea- if you detect a “rattle” inside, as the In fact, a recent report from the than the healthy, plant-based foods sons to shop in season: it’s cheaper, pit has pulled away from the flesh. Centers for Disease Control and they know they should eat. it’s better and it’s better for you.” Avocados, which are technically Prevention (CDC) reveals that only The reason, the study at the Here are some helpful sugges- a fruit, are in season all year. Take 1 in 10 adults eats the fruits and University of Florida Institute of tions for how to select high-quality care how you handle them as they veggies they need. The CDC recom- Food and Agricultural Sciences produce. You could call these direc- bruise easily. Kept in cold storage, mends adults eat at least 1 1/2 cups discovered, is simply that people tives the “ABCs” of picking pro- CONT.ON P7 to 2 cups of fruit per day, and 2 to aren’t exactly sure how to pick 3 cups of vegetables. While most what’s good and what might not Moshe’s By people definitely need to eat this be best in the flavor, freshness and Yochai Ben amount (or more) of vegetables, the texture categories when they find CROSSWORD Yitzchak Dov 80 percent of the population who themselves standing in front of a are insulin resistant should not eat produce table. that much fruit. Researchers perused the sur- Remember, fruit tends to be veys that 1,200 study consumers high in fructose, and if you’re in- filled out regarding what generally sulin resistant, you’ll want to limit caused them to choose six different your total fructose to 15 grams a types of produce, and found that day until you’ve regained your appearance and aroma are the two metabolic flexibility and are able to most common determining factors. burn fat for fuel. Once you can do But when they use that model and that, you can add a bit more fruit, choose a good one, it’s just chance, but be sure to monitor your sugar the scientists say. level to confirm you’re still in a Men’s Fitness explains that healthy range. besides looking the produce over, The report notes that in 2015, using your nose is a better gauge only 9 percent of adults in the U.S. for peak ripeness and taste. Today 41) Religious images 11) Johann Sebastian ____ Across 43) Unit of weight 17) Slow moving mammal 1) Prickly plants 45) Hen’s mate 19) Ralph ____ of fashion got an adequate amount of vegeta- suggests three rules that will help 6) Above, in verse 48) Allowable 21) Circle segments 9) Josh you pick the tastiest tomatoes and 52) Classified _____ 22) Steak, e.g. bles, and an average of 12 percent 12) Foreign 53) Birthday count 23) Horse breed 13) “The Matrix” hero perfectly ripened pears: 54) Overact 25) Self-respect of adults ate enough fruit. Study 14) Pitching stat 55) Watery expanse 26) Eat 15) Comes closer results also showed that the lowest Beautiful doesn’t always mean it 56) Lawn material 29) Big cat 16) Rubber band 57) Famous 30) Graceful trees 18) Director ___ Brooks averages for produce consumption will taste good 32) Foretelling signs 20) Cut roughly 36) Macaroni and spaghetti 21) Doctors org. Down were among men, young adults Use your hands to help deter- 1) Is able 37) Taken illegaly 24) ___ Hill (Congress locale) 2) Pub beverage 41) Retirement accounts mine freshness 27) Agent (abbr.) and adults living in poverty. Lead 3) Spy org. (abbr.) 28) Subway gate e.g. 4) Duration 42) Morse or zip study author Seung Hee Lee-Kwan, Shop for produce that’s cur- 31) Guitarist’s aid 5) Butterfly e.g. 44) Disney fish 33) 18-wheeler 6) First number 46) Self-esteem Ph.D., of CDC’s division of nutri- rently in season 34) Ice pellets 7) Conger 47) Primary color 35) Sudden rushes of cattle 8) Uses the oven 49) Procured tion, physical activity and obesity, Also, beware of genetically 38) Male cat 9) Get even 50) Dined 39) Thinnest engineered fruits and vegetables, 10) Showy flower 51) Showed the way commented: 40) Naval off. “This report highlights that very which tend to be more heavily con- ANSWER TO THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD ON PAGE 25 taminated with pesticides such as 6 To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 12/5/17

MERCOLA part vinegar, The Penny Hoarder CONT. FROM P6 advises. Swish them around for a they’ll last for up to a week. To minute or so, drain, rinse well and speed up the ripening process, place spread them in a single layer on GET YOUR COPY OF OUR them in a paper bag with an apple at paper towels, patting and rolling room temperature for a day or two. them gently. BLOCKBUSTER BESTSELLER Ethylene gas makes the avocado Let them air dry for a while for ripen faster. good measure. To store, keep them * Don’t ‘B’ Missing Out on These dry by lining a perforated container FOR ONLY $3 • Bananas are sometimes a mat- with a paper towel, and do not seal ter of taste in regard to how yellow it. Excess moisture will be able to they are, but they’re sweetest when evaporate; change the paper towels they’re speckled with small brown once they become damp. Discard spots. If they’re streaked with brown any moldy berries. and the spots are large, pass them You’ll ‘C’ Peak Season Freshness by. Never refrigerate them; store Pays Off in Flavor them at room temperature on the • Cantaloupes are a little tricky counter. These also are in season to pick, but here’s a trick: Besides year-round, and can be “bagged” to having a smooth indentation on the speed up ripening. stem end, when pressing it firmly • Beets are gaining in popular- with your thumb, it should give just ity, but don’t have to be the tennis slightly. That tells you where it is in ball-sized nuggets some believe are the ripening process. If it’s soft any- best. Even large beets can be firm where, it’s too ripe and will probably and delicious if they’re stored prop- be mushy. It should also be pleas- erly. They should be unblemished, antly fragrant. To keep cantaloupes firm and deep red that doesn’t yield from losing their flavor, store them when pressed with your thumb. The in the refrigerator until you’re ready leaves should be vibrant, not wilted. to eat them — up to five days. Peak season for beets is June • Carrots should be smooth and to October. Remove the leaves, but bright orange (or one of the other leave about 4 inches of the stems vibrant colors they come in) and so so the beets will retain their deeper firm they threaten to snap rather when cooked. Store them than bend. Your best bet, year- in the refrigerator in a brown paper round, is to select carrots with their bag for no more than two days or green, feathery leaves still attached. the crisper for up to two weeks; oth- Remove the greens before storing erwise they become rubbery. them in a bag in your crisper drawer “Lieberman’s scholarship is extraordinary, both in Jewish sources and • Broccoli should be firm, not for up to three weeks. with regard to contemporary findings in the fields of psychology and sociology… He does not preach, but delivers concrete suggestions [to rubbery, with tightly packed clusters • Cauliflower is exploding in alter] our behavior.” that are deep green or with a purple popularity since people have discov- tinge, but not yellow. Peak season is ered it can be an excellent stand-in — Jewish Action, the Magazine of the Orthodox Union from October to May. Place them in for pizza crust and even mashed a bag to store in the fridge for up to potatoes. When shopping for this Enjoy a crystal-clear understanding of the interlacing forces that a week. white veggie, male sure you don’t operate in creation—such as Divine providence, mazal, and Brussels sprouts are somewhat see little black flecks, and that the prayer—and gain the near-magical ability to rapidly remake like mini cabbages, only milder. stems and florets are firm, not rub- yourself and your relationships. In just hours you can begin to: They should be a vibrant green, bery. At their peak, from Septem- ✓ Harness willpower firm and compact. They’re easiest ber to November, refrigerate them ✓ Increase self-esteem and confidence to cook if you choose heads that are unwashed in a plastic bag for up to ✓ Conquer anxiety, insecurity, and fear of similar size, but note that smaller a week. If light brown or black spots ✓ Enjoy unshakable, emunah and bitachon ones have a sweeter flavor. These are form, shave them off with a sharp ✓ Overcome destructive habits and addiction best around October and Novem- knife. ✓ Eliminate childhood issues and trauma ber. To keep water from damaging If you’re in doubt about what’s their freshness, don’t wash them in season, then, check out season- before storing them in a paper bag alfoodguide.org. Simply select your “Dr. Lieberman offers practical skills and strategies to help us grow and in your refrigerator, where they will state from the dropdown menu and realize our full potential.” keep for up to two weeks. the month in question to get a list of – HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky, Shlit’’a • Berries can be a challenge. fruits and veggies that are in season in your local area. Gathering your “I humbly recommend this book to scholar and layman alike. It is vital Even when refrigerated they may and urgent reading.” produce for soups, stir-fries, fruit go bad within a day or two. One of – HaRav Naftali Jaeger, Shlit’’a, and veggie trays and just for good, the key strategies is to make sure the Rosh Yeshiva, Sh’or Yoshov berries, whether they’re blueberries, fresh eating, buying foods when raspberries or strawberries, are dry they’re in season ensures the best when you buy them. When they’re flavor, best texture and also the best wet, they can deteriorate and mold in all the vitamins, minerals and seemingly overnight. multiple phytonutrients fruits and Alleviate this problem by soak- vegetables offer. Watch live lectures based on the Dr. Mercola is the founder of the book, only at TorahAnytime.com ing them in a vinegar and water world’s most visited natural health web *5,000 copy print run. No rainchecks. solution — four parts water and one site, Mercola.com To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 7 12/15/17

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Hashem 4305 18th Ave. Brooklyn, Ny 11218 because we will apply the per- seemed to be telling us that, if we (718) 972-8085 • (718) 972-8086 spective of eternity rather than bring light to the earth, He will Fax: (718) 972-8061 the confusion of the moment. save us with light from Shomay- We say every day, “shelo asani im. oved.” If we bind ourselves to the My friends, we are now Master of the Universe, we can crushed in darkness. But there is NEW KOSHER SPECIAL never be enslaved by anything in a way out! Hashem is really going DELICIOUS KOSHER CHINESE FOOD TO TAKE OUT this temporal world. to rescue us! We have to light the WE DO CATERING FOR ALL OCCASSIONS Which brings us to the theme light and challenge the darkness. 13 Ea Aee Eae of both this week’s Parsha and We have to imitate the integrity Under strict supervision of Rabbi Elazar M. Teitz the Yom Tov of Chanukah. and anivus of Yosef ha Tzaddik. Tel: 908) 353-1818 • Fax: (908) 353-2288 NEW KOSHER CHINESE In this week’s Parsha, Yosef Yosef said, “That is beyond SUN-THURS 11:30AM - 9:30PM We deliver to Staten Island $40 minimum order Friday/Day 11am - 1 Hour Before Candle Light is locked in a dungeon, sold by me. It is G-d Who will respond Please order by phone. It will be ready when you arrive Saturday/Night - 1 Hour After Shabbat - 12am his brothers, lost in an alien land. with Paro’s welfare!” (Beraishis But the yeshua never comes the 41:10) Can we comprehend way you expect it. “How great the courage it took to say these they felt helpless and hopeless. Nation in mourning should be are Your deeds, Hashem! Your words before the man who They heard that the Belzer Rebbe, able to sing Shira to Hashem? thoughts are exceedingly pro- believed himself to be a divinity who himself had lost almost his How can one person, let alone an found. A boor cannot know, and seemed to hold Yosef’s life entire family in the war, was in entire nation, be transformed in nor can a fool understand this!” in his hands? Yosef did not bow Tel Aviv, and decided to go to one moment from availus to the (Tehillim 93) to the sheker. If we refuse to bow him for chizzuk. highest level of simcha? The an- “The sar hamashkim spoke to the current world of sheker, swer is that, at that very moment, up before Paro … ‘There, with us Hashem will also save us! This is what he told them: the concept of techias hamaisim [in prison] was a Hebrew youth, Every week, there is a dark “Do you know where in the To- was revealed to them! Those who a slave ... and he interpreted our moment: Motzae Shabbos, when rah we find a reference to techias had left them would come back!” dreams.’” Observe how the Ri- the neshoma yesaira has depart- hamaisim? Our found a “Ele v’rechev … Some with bono shel Olam “raises the needy ed. We celebrate a meal at that hint in the Song that the Chil- chariots and some with horses, from the trash heaps” (Tehillim time called Melave Malka. At this dren of Israel sang at the Red Sea. but we, in the Name of Hashem, 113) in the blink of an eye. “They seuda we nourish the “luz” bone, The words ‘oz yoshir Moshe’ im- our G-d, call out! They slumped rushed [Yosef] from the dungeon from which we will be recreated ply a future redemption after our and fell, but we arose and were … and he came to Paro….” (Be- at techias hamaisim. (See Mishna final escape from our enemies invigorated! Hashem save! May raishis 41:12ff) In a microsecond Berurah 300:1) at the end of history. In other the King answer us on the day we he is lifted from the dungeon to Redemption emanates from words, Moshe ‘will’ sing a song in call!” (Tehillim 20) the throne! darkness. Rabbi Naftali Jaeger the future in addition to the song A lichtige Chanukah to Klal Shlita”h, Rosh Hayeshiva of Sh’or he sang at the Red Sea. Yisroel! WHAT IS THE CONNECTION Yoshuv, explained, in the name “But why did the Torah insert WITH CHANUKAH? of the Sefas Emes, that possuk the hint at this particular place? Roy Neuberger’s latest book is WORKING 24:16 in Mishlei – “Ki sheva yipol It could have been anywhere. TOWARD MOSHIACH. During Chanukah, we sit in tsaddik v’kam” – should be un- “The Children of Israel had His book 2020 VISION is available in ENGLISH, darkness. It is deep winter. The derstood “because” the righteous HEBREW, SPANISH, FRENCH, RUSSIAN & just emerged from Mitzraim. GEORGIAN. land is frozen and dead. The man falls, he will arise. It is not During the Makah of Choshech, Roy is also the author of nights are long and black. The “in spite of” the fact that we fall (at least) four-fifths of Am Yis- FROM CENTRAL PARK TO SINAI: moon wanes and then disap- but because we fall! How can we How I Found My Jewish Soul, roel had died, apparently because available in pears (unlike any other Yom arise unless we realize how low they were reluctant to follow ENGLISH, HEBREW, RUSSIAN & GEORGIAN, Tov). During the original Cha- we are? Moshe Rabbeinu. Imagine! Every and WORLDSTORM: nukah, not only the armies but I heard an amazing story. A person was mourning! All of Finding Meaning & Direction Amidst Today’s few years after the Holocaust, a World Crisis. the ideas of Greece all but ruled them had lost close family mem- ROY AND HIS WIFE LEAH SPEAK PUBLICLY ON Am Yisroel. It seemed that the bedraggled group of survivors bers! And then they arrived at TOPICS RELATED TO HIS BOOKS AND ARTICLES. legacy of the Avos and Imahos from Europe arrived in Israel Yam Suf and sang shira! Email: [email protected]. Website: www.2020vision.co.il. was crushed, with no hope of by ship. Having lost everything, “How is it possible that a 8 To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 12/5/17

phone poles are neatly arranged mostly hollow space with electrons “THE SHMUZ” along each street, and the school spinning around in high velocity yards are all bedecked with swings orbits, particles in constant mo- Rabbi Ben Tzion Shafier and slides. The only thing absent tion. is any living creature. Because, ex- Chazal tell us that no parti- Chanukah – The Power posure to the amount of radiation cle of physicality exists without still present, is lethal. a spiritual counterpart keeping Given to Man Modern man has discovered it in existence. While the human that there are powerful forces eye sees rocks, stones and trees, Chanukah the Jewish nation that seem far in nature, forces that can power underneath the surface are pow- “The main reason for the de- more serious. Amongst our rank neighborhoods, forces that when erful spiritual elements keeping cree against the Jewish people was and file were many Misyavnim – released can blow up entire cities. the physical in existence. Those because the Kohanim became lazy Hellenist Jews – who wished to be Yet the human eye doesn’t see underpinnings need a constant in their service.” more Greek than the Greeks. They them. The unschooled mind isn’t infusion of energy. When HASH- – Bach, Tur Shulchan Aruch 670 viewed the Greek/Syrian culture even aware of them. When look- EM put man into this world, He as progressive and adopted it as ing at a rock, you and I see an made him the steward of Creation. Almost every yom tov has a their way of life. But even more inert object, but a scientist sees CONT. ON P13 festive meal associated with it; threatening was that they did ev- Chanukah does not. The Bach erything in their power to advance explains that Chazal established the Greek ways into the Jewish these days as a time of “praise and nation, in direct battle against To- thanksgiving,” purely a spiritual rah values. These individuals were celebration without the normal so committed to idol worship and Baron Hirsch Cemetery Association, Inc. physical festivities mixed in. foreign beliefs that according to 1126 Richmond Avenue • Staten Island, New York 10314 He explains that HASHEM some, they opened the gates of (718) 698-0162 sent the Yivanim because the Ko- Yerushalayim to welcome in their [email protected]@aol.com hanim were lackadaisical in their savior, the “great” king Antiochus. service in the Bais HaMikdash. Since the issue that we are 10% DISCOUNT The solution came about when the dealing with is the existence of the WITH THIS AD Jewish people showed a willing- Jewish nation, and the presence ness to sacrifice their lives to bring of so many enemies within our Individual plots and family plots available back the Avodah. HASHEM then own people seems such an obvi- $2500-­‐$5500, Credit Cards Accepted saved them through the Chash- ous cause, how can the Bach say Please call for more information monayim who were Kohanim. that the cause of the decree was Since the underlying problem was the Kohanim being lazy in the purely spiritual (the way in which Avodah? the Kohanim performed in the The answer to this question Bais HaMikdash), and the cure can best be understood from a was spiritual (the willingness of different perspective. the Jewish people to sacrifice for A city devoid of people it), Chazal felt it fitting to institute There is city in Europe that days of spiritual celebration, of currently has a population of — “singing Hallel and thanksgiving.” zero. No one lives there. Not a This Bach is very difficult soul. Amazingly, it is a modern to understand for two reasons. city, adorned with highways, The first is that while the origi- factories, school buildings. . . The nal decrees of the Yivanim were only thing missing is people. The against Shabbos, Rosh Chodesh name of the city is Chernobyl, and milah, it certainly didn’t and the reason it is desolate is that stop there. Within a short time in 1986, it became the site of the of Antiochus’ armies entering worst nuclear accident in history. our cities, any vestige of Jewish On April 28th of that year, practice was outlawed. Any form the nuclear power plant became of Torah learning, any mitzvah a unstable. Radiation began leaking Jew performed, was punished by out, and despite the best effort of death. The Ramban in Chumash international teams of experts, explains to us that if it weren’t for the entire area quickly became the Chashmonayim, Torah would uninhabitable. A 19-mile area have been forgotten from Yisrael surrounding the city had to be – the result being the end of the evacuated and is still considered a Jewish people and the demise of death zone. The Ukraine Ministry mankind. Is it possible that this of Health estimates that well over severe a consequence could be 125,000 people have died from ra- brought about by something as in- diation exposure from that single significant as the Kohanim being incident. lazy in the Avodah? What makes this even more Yet if you look at pictures of difficult to understand is that the city, nothing is unusual. The there were other problems within streets are nicely laid out, the tele-

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Chanukah miracle. Amongst the lenistic ilk was not one of personal Jewish ranks at that time were Hel- loathing. Rather, their hatred was lenists, people who were enamored directed at their religious breth- with Hellenistic (Greek) culture and ren, who they felt an obligation ideology and sought to integrate to enlighten to the ways of Greek such thinking and practice through- thought, mannerisms and practice. out the Jewish homeland. Things In some basic ways they suc- came to a head in 174 BCE, when ceeded, at least at first. There is no the Seleucid monarch Antiochus IV question that Antiochus was bent accepted a sizable bribe from Jason, on promoting increased Helleniza- the Hellenized brother of the high tion amongst his Jewish citizens. priest Onias III, and proclaimed However, he never would have him the new high priest in Judah. attempted such a sweeping and tor- Jason’s ultimate intention was turous campaign against the Jewish to convert Jerusalem into a Greek religion. Only after witnessing the polis, to be named Antioch. This strong assimilatory interests of Ja- required that Greek political and son and his cohorts did he shift his cultural institutions be introduced Hellenizing efforts into high gear. into the city. He had a gymnasium The reason that we celebrate erected near the Temple Mount in Chanukah is because a small band Jerusalem, within direct sight of of fiercely loyal, committed and the Temple itself. This gymnasium satisfied Jews rose up in opposition would serve as a center of Hellen- to the Hellenists and the Seleucid istic education and athletics, where occupiers. Though small in number, nudity and immoral behavior was they understood that they must en- the norm. Pagan statues and altars gage in a winner-takes-all battle for were present as well; sacrifices were the preservation of their Torah and offered to Greek gods prior to the its eternal values. commencement of sporting events. Self-hatred speaks to an inner These changes attracted many dissatisfaction with one’s nation and Jews, particularly Jewish youth. its values. Combating such thinking Many priests were also influenced and action requires self-affection, a by this new culture, neglecting their deep sense of appreciation for one’s sacrificial duties in favor of these calling, purpose and uniqueness. new centers of diversion. It demands a connection that is so Jason had no intention of fundamental that one would be will- financing his position from his own ing to give his life for it. In the end, Rabbi Naphtali Hoff personal funds. Taxes were collected it was this commitment that carried at an even higher rate to help pay the day and delivered “the mighty Shining the Light on for the high costs of Hellenization, into the hands of the weak, the not to mention the king’s military many into the hands of the few, the “Self-hating” Jews campaigns. Jason and other Hel- impure into the hands of the pure, lenists thus became identified not the wicked into the hands of the Throughout the recent explo- deeply conflicted by and largely only for their political and cultural righteous, and the wanton sinners sion of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic troubled with their Jewish identity. changes, but for increased taxation into the hands of those who occupy rhetoric all around the world, the They are not at peace with them- as well. themselves with Your Torah.” (Al Jewish people have felt particularly selves as members of the Abrahamic In an almost humorous twist, Hanisim) vulnerable, isolated and hurt. Eve- progeny and seek to unshackle their certain Hellenists accused Jason of This Chanukah let us remember ryone of significance, it seemed, was burdens of Jewish lineage by acting not taking his reforms far enough. that our success in combating self- against us. Countless politicians, in a manner that is hurtful to their Three years after replacing Onias, hatred and anti-Semitism has never UN delegates, celebrities, business brethren. in 171 BCE, he would also be emerged from our ability to win the magnates, academicians and many Leaving aside the terminology removed from office. Menelaus, a political battles or convince oth- others lined up to censure Israel for for now (it seems strange that we non-priest, offered an even larger ers to our way of thinking. Rather, its many grave injustices and alleged call such people “self-hating;” if bribe to Antiochus, and had himself we are at our best when we hunker crimes against humanity. anything, they may be religion or appointed as the new high priest. In down and reaffirm our own com- Yet, I suspect that the individu- nation hating), it is clear that “self- order to pay the enormous sum, he mitment to the identity, beliefs and als whose anti-Israel stance bothers hating” Jews like these have existed and his brother Lysimachus robbed values that we cherish and would the Jewish people most are not those throughout our nation’s history. the Temple and sold off many of give everything to maintain. Let listed above. They are people like Whether they attempted to mislead its golden vessels. Onias was mur- us hope that at this time of great Gerald Kaufman, a British Labour their brethren with false ideologies dered when he protested this greedy national celebration and joy that the Party politician who continually and a new moral standard or simply behavior. Scores of Jews were killed true light of truth and freedom will lambasts Israel for its Nazi-like (!) looked to ingratiate themselves in Jerusalem when Lysimachus and shine brightly throughout the world treatment of the Palestinian people, with their antagonistic overlords by his soldiers, fearing an anticipated in a way that even our greatest en- or Jon Stewart, the popular (former) acting as informers and offering up revolt, fell upon the people. Lysima- emies will be forced to acknowledge political comedian who routinely their brethren instead, these Jews chus died in battle, but Menelaus it. blasts Israel for its harsh policies (to have been a collective thorn in our was able to maintain his standing, Rabbi Naphtali Hoff, PsyD, is President the point where even Hillary Clin- side for millennia. which he used to further Hellenize of Impactful Coaching and Consulting. He can be reached at (212) 470-6139 or ton had to rush to its defense). One historical chapter cap- the Jewish people. at [email protected]. Buy Such people, we say, are “self- tures this tension particularly well. The “self-hatred” demonstrated his new leadership book, “Becoming the New Boss”, on Amazon or at Becomingth- hating Jews,” individuals who are It is the period that witnessed the by Jason, Menelaus and their Hel- eNewBoss.com/order. 10 To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 12/5/17

RUDEE ment was made, the Jerusalem CONT. FROM P5 issue is “not about what I think, Antecedents to POTUS’ student and peace activist. it’s about what I feel.” Monumental Declaration of On Friday, thousands of Pal- “I am at this point unable to estinians rioted in Jerusalem, the think rationally about my deepest Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel West Bank and Gaza during a “day greatest love, Jerusalem,” she said. DR. FRAGER of rage” in response to Trump’s “My heart hurts and the tears well announcement. up just thinking about it. [Trump] The President of the United States disappointment from the PA. Abbas “We’re all on the same side might end up being responsible made one of the all-time greatest continued to incite terror and pay the here,” Pico said. “We’re all victims for the heart of our nation finally moves by any President since Harry S. families of the Terrorists. Since May of leaders who seek to create divi- being recognized as such, and Truman recognized Israel’s Statehood 2017 the following horrific Terrorist sion and hatred, who don’t have then there is the hope. That small 70 years ago. In President Trump’s incidents have occurred: On June 16th our success and happiness in their spark of hope that refuses to be own words, “After more than two Staff Sgt. Hadas Malka was killed by hearts—just their own egos and extinguished, the vision of my city, decades of waivers, we are no closer three terrorists in Jerusalem. On July hunger for power. Words of lead- our heart, the center of the world, to a lasting peace agreement between 14th two Israeli Druze policemen were ers don’t reflect or alter the real- taking up its mantle as a shining Israel and the Palestinians. It would be killed near the Temple Mount. On July ity on the ground, and shouldn’t beacon of peace and tolerance. All folly to assume that repeating the exact 21, Elad Salomon, Haya Salomon and demotivate us to desire and act of this is very mixed up in emo- same formula would now produce a Yosef Salomon were stabbed to death towards a more promising future.” tions for me as a Jerusalemite, as a different or better result. Therefore, while eating their Friday night Sabbath Moriyah believes Trump “is lover of Jerusalem, as a mother in I have determined that it is time to meal in Halamish. On Sept. 26th first playing with our lives” by altering Jerusalem.” officially recognize Jerusalem as the Sgt. Salomon Gabariya, Yussef Utman, U.S. policy on Jerusalem. Naava added, “Why do we capital of Israel.” With those words, and Or Arish were killed in Har Adar. “He’s trying to look like a need others’ recognition, other President Trump wrote himself into Abbas supposedly condemned the lat- tough guy without thinking of the than the fact that it has been de- the History Books next to Balfour, ter murder after intense pressure from consequences for the people who nied for too long? Am I prepared Churchill, and Truman. All contribut- the US but called the terrorist a martyr actually live in this country,” she to very possibly sacrifice my safety ed immensely to the State of Israel. on his website and paid (in US terms) said. “Jerusalem is such a special, and that of my children for this Clearly, the President’s patience $203,000 per year tax free for life to the complicated city. It is intensely recognition? But of course, we was running thin with Mahmoud family of the murderer. important for so many. I feel like need it. This would be the world Abbas and his shenanigans. Many On October 17th Abbas signed a I’m living in a tapestry of people finally admitting, ‘You are not had hoped the President was going reconciliation agreement with and cultures.” just another country. You have a to make the same pronouncement in which further compounded a deterio- Emotional 3,000-year-old legacy, and your May 2017 when he visited Israel in rating situation. This may actually have For Naava, who spoke with capital, your heart, is your des- honor of the 50th Anniversary of the been the last straw for the President. JNS before Trump’s announce- tiny.’” Reunification of Jerusalem. I know Then a number of positive events that Governor Mike Huckabee who I took place that boosted the President was sitting next to at the Israel Muse- including the ZOA Dinner on Nov. um Speech of POTUS (a great speech 12th which honored and featured VOLUNTEER TUTORS NEEDED overall) was noticeably upset that the Ambassador Friedman. Amb. Fried- President did not make the declaration man spoke glowingly of the President’s FOR ZICHRON ETEL there and then. The President did say accomplishments and reiterated that VOLUNTEER TUTORS NEEDED FOR ZICHRON ETEL - that the Jewish People had an eternal he believed the President would fulfill bond to Jerusalem. I imagine other his campaign promise to move the AN ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES FREE TUTORING TO Evangelicals felt the same way as the embassy to Jerusalem. Amb. Friedman CHILDREN WHO CANNOT AFFORD IT. NOW IN BROOK- Governor. Gov. Huckabee is close with remained in Washington for almost LYN & THE FIVE TOWNS!! REGENT SUBJECT DESPER- the President. I imagine he might have two weeks after the Dinner discussing mentioned this to him. all aspects of the peace process and ATELY NEEDED! ALSO LOOKING FOR TUTORS TO LEARN The President was biding his fulfillment of the President’s campaign WITH ELEMENTARY AND HS AGED BOYS time in the hopes of a breakthrough promise. Prior to the ZOA Dinner with Abbas. Instead he got constant CONT.ON P16 www.zichronetel.com

ABRAMS Breaking rank with Europe’s CONT. FROM P4 broad condemnation of America’s reaction, Israel said it would bar the moves on Jerusalem, the Czech Experienced & Caring 5 Towns entry of seven European officials due Republic on Dec. 6 recognized to their efforts to promote boycotts the western part of the city—areas Tutor with M.S. in Spec. Ed. of the Jewish state. controlled by Israel before the 1967 The officials, who are all French, Six-Day War—as the Israeli capital. (Gr. 1-12) Available To Help Your were part of a larger delegation of On Saturday, Czech President 20 European dignitaries scheduled Milos Zeman doubled down on the Child In All Subjects to visit Israel and the disputed ter- move, accusing EU member states of ritories from Nov. 19-23. They had being “cowards” for not supporting Specializing in Science Regents Prep, announced that one of the primary U.S. recognition of Jerusalem. goals of the trip was to meet Barg- Barring a shift in the European Math & Hebrew • References Available houti, the high-profile Palestinian political landscape, such as anti-im- terrorist serving five life sentences in migration parties coming to power, Israeli prison, as well as to offer sup- Pipes believes Israel-Europe rela- Call Ron at 718-288-5580 port for other Palestinian prisoners. tions “will continue to deteriorate.” Czech support for Jerusalem JNS.org

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ity—via proper teshuvah: (a) our “Let us slay him, and cast him into ego shrinks and our perspective some pit, and we will say, ‘An evil widens, and when we see clearly, beast has devoured him’; and we reality is no longer blunted and shall see what will become of his CHAPTER 39 the circumstance reveals reality; or dreams. . . .” Reuben said to them, (b) due to retroactive causality the ‘Shed no blood! Throw him into Illumination Of Countenance shift in our perspective gives rise this pit in the wilderness, but lay to reality. no hand upon him.’ [He said this] In the previous installment we not- and effect are interchangeable and Albert Einstein famously said, intending to rescue him from their ed that nature is designed to reveal time is completely mutable. “The distinction between the past, hand and return him to his father. . Hashem’s Presence to those who Due to this phenomenon, the present and future is only a stub- . . Then they took him and cast him have the ability to see it (leading future can influence the past as bornly persistent illusion.” Both into the pit.” to he’aras panim—“illumination the present influences the future. positions and realities—unceasing Earlier in the parsha (“Torah por- of countenance”), and, at the same It may be correct to say, then, that Divine providence and our be- tion”), Joseph said to his brothers, time, nature is designed to mask events do not appear random but ing subject to circumstances—are “’Listen to this dream I had: We Hashem’s presence from those become so. While in the desert, simultaneous truths. Indeed, there were binding sheaves of grain out who cannot see Hashem fed the is no word in Lashon HaKodesh in the field when suddenly my beyond them- Jewish people for “history.” The idea of a fixed, sheaf rose and stood upright, while selves (trig- “manna from unchanging reality does not exist. your sheaves gathered around gering hester heaven.” But they The present gives shape to the past mine and bowed down to it.’ His panim—“the decried it: “Who as the future gives meaning to the brothers said to him, ‘Do you concealing will feed us meat? present. Chazal state that if the end intend to reign over us? Will you of Hashem’s We remember is good, then all is good—spawn- actually rule us?’” ways”). Other the fish that we ing the common aphorism “All’s The dreams exacerbated their authorities ate in Egypt . . . well that ends well.” animosity because they believed push past this but now . . . we Chapter 20: The Nature of Chance them to be the product of fantasy, view and ex- have nothing . . . Even when a situation loses its not of prophecy. Hence: “. . . . plain that the but the manna.” rich surface design, the underly- and we shall see what will become inability to see Commentators ing purpose of life’s travails is of his dreams.” In other words, the hand of note that the Jew- always and forever geared toward killing Joseph would confirm Hashem does ish people could our greatest good, as will now be that his dreams were not pro- more than have survived explained as we shift from the phetic, because they would not be obscure the without food or realm of nature into man versus fulfilled—a dead man cannot rule meaning—it drink. They com- man. In the Torah we find Joseph over anyone. Reuben argued that changes the plained about the at the mercy of his brothers, who this thinking was flawed because meaning. food and then they were hungry. conspire to kill him, save for one Hashem may allow their free will brother who objects: Recall from the previous chapter If they hadn’t voiced their objec- CONT.ON P13 that perspective endows reality. A tion, Hashem would have sus- deeper look at the phenomenon pended these physical needs (just reveals a related principle called as He did for Moses on Har Sinai). retroactive causality, where there is Their complaint was the cause of not only a blurring between cause their affliction, not the other way and effect, but rather the effect can around. Sudoku be—and thus can predate—the Everything Hashem does is with a cause. This is nothing new. More purpose. If we do not perceive the than two thousand years earlier, message, then there is no reason Puzzle the Gemara first taught us that for it. The Artist does not make Complete the grid so that every row, column and Hashem creates the cure before the use of colors for the color blind. 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively. disease. Therefore, if one’s ego so distorts Returning to the field of quantum reality that, regardless of the cir- 9 8 physics, Dr. John Wheeler, one of cumstance, he will not discern the 2 the leading theoretical physicists meaning, then the necessity for a 5 2 demonstrated that, an observation clearly defined message becomes 6 4 now can cause retroactively the irrelevant. At the same time, emergence into reality of an event though, we can never claim that 1 3 which occurred in the past—re- anything in creation is arbitrary or gardless of whether the outcome haphazard. In the upcoming chap- 9 8 should logically have been deter- ters, we will explore the intricate mined long ago. Another promi- workings of providence within the 8 2 nent researcher explains: “The pre- context of randomness and negli- cise nature of reality has to await gence. 7 3 1 the participation of a conscious Suffice it to say, whether perspec- observer. In this way, mind can be tive determines our reality or our 9 8 4 made responsible for the retro- experience of reality, it is nonethe- active creation of reality. “ The less our reality. When we fail to 7 1 2 famous Nobel Laureate Dr. Rich- discern meaning within a situa- ard Feynman writes that, “all the tion, the situation appears (or be- 6 fundamental laws of physics are comes) meaningless. But if at any reversible.” This is because on the point we awaken from our spiritu- ANSWER TO THIS WEEK’S SUDOKU ON PAGE 36 atomic and subatomic scales, cause al slumber and accept responsibil- 12 To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 12/5/17

LIEBERMAN If we truly have free will, then ing change to a known future becomes fulfillment of Hashem’s covenant with CONT. FROM P12 slightly more digestible. Abraham). we should be able to act against Numbers 11:4–6, 10. The manna itself is Genesis 37:20. another person, even if it is not described differently in various places Ibid., 37:22, 24. to prevail—even if the dreams were in the Talmud. Variances in description Ibid., 37:5–8. prophetic and Joseph not deserv- Divinely ordained, but in doing so, were due to the fact that it tasted dif- Rashi (ibid.) comments: “The pit was we might cause something to hap- ferent depending on who ate it, tasting empty of water, but there were snakes ing of death. (The upcoming like honey for small children, like bread and scorpions in it.” Chazal draw a dis- subchapter “Blood from a Stone” pen that is not “supposed to hap- for youths, and like oil for the elderly tinction between killing Joseph directly pen.” Then perhaps we would say (Yoma 75b). and causing his (seemingly inevitable) addresses the contrasting position: Rav , ad loc. death through snakes and scorpions. absent a Divine decree a person that regardless of our intent and Many commentators note that the See the Mar’eh Kohen in Shabbos 22a, efforts, we are not truly free to act brothers believed their actions to be quoting the Zohar, Vayeishev 185a. is unable to cause the death of halachically justified, in that they ate On Parashas Yayeishev. Reuben rea- another.) and only believe ourselves to be. a meal, at peace with themselves and soned that while Joseph might be Both scenarios are troubling: either their decision. The Torah recounts killed unjustifiably at the hands of their Based on this exchange, the Zohar (Genesis 37:25–27): “And they took him, brothers, snakes and scorpions, who are states, “If a man is righteous, the free will is an illusion or Hashem is and cast him into a pit. . . . And they sat subject to Hashem’s will, would not kill not in ultimate control. down to eat bread.” The Zohar (1:184a) Joseph if he was not deserving of death Holy One, blessed be He, will do a further exonerates the brothers. It ( Igros Kodesh 1:94., vol. 9). Alternative- miracle for him or sometimes he In the next installment, we will states that they would not have sold ly, the Ramban (Genesis 37:22) writes delve deeper into the fascinating Joseph despite their feelings of animos- that Reuben and his brothers thought is saved by the merit of his fathers; ity, if not for Divine intervention which that the pit was completely empty. however, once a person is in the inner-workings of free will and dis- guided their reasoning (as to begin the II Samuel 24:14. hands of his enemies there are very cover how and when it intersects few who will escape.” with the natural world. This is because every creature Special note: I now have an Instagram acts in accordance with its nature page for exciting new videos and up- and the will of Hashem, except for dates. Follow me @Dr_Lieberman man. King David cries out, “Let us Megillah 13b. fall into Hashem’s hands for His These findings were established us- ing the delayed choice experiment, a mercies are abundant, but let me variation on the standard “double-slit” not fall into human hands.” Thus, experiment. See Avi Rabinowitz, “The Retroactive Universe: Quantum Kab- there is quite a difference in an balistic Cosmology the Meaning and instance where we are “left to na- Purpose of Life Mind, Free Will & the Garden of Eden.” ture” and one where our own will See P. C. Davies, Hashem and the New lies in direct conflict with another Physics (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1983), 111. Cited in ibid. person’s will. Although man’s free Volume I: Lecture 46, “Ratchet and will cannot affect a completely Pawl”; section 46-5, “Order and entro- py,” 46. righteous person, it does affect This principle is significant to our discus- the rest of us—and this presents a sion in the previous chapter. If a free will act in the present can redefine the quandary. past, then the paradox of man affect-

SHMUZ If the Kohanim were lazy with the CONT. FROM P9 Avodah, they couldn’t have possi- Everything is dependent upon bly understood the gravity of their him. If man uses the world for its actions. They failed to understand intended purpose, it is energized the underpinnings of all of Cre- and given the power to exist. If ation, and they weren’t operating man uses the world inappropriate- the power generator properly. ly, he robs existence of its energy Because of that, the Jewish nation force. itself didn’t function on the level it should have. The result was that The Medrash teaches that some became so weakened that when HASHEM created Adom, they joined the enemy, and the He showed him the beauty of Gan situation was so desperate that it Eden and said, “Pay attention potentially spelled the doom of that you don’t destroy My world.” mankind. The spiritual nourish- The keys of Creation were given ment of all of Creation was lack- to man. While man cannot crush ing. stones with his bare hands, the spiritual maintenance of every- This concept is very applicable thing physical was put into his to us in two areas. The first is that control so that all of Creation is much to our despair, there still is dependent upon him. no Bais HaMikdash in our days. Bais Ha’Mikdash – Energy However, there are still power source of Creation plants providing the spiritual en- This seems to be the answer to ergy for all of Creation today: our the Bach. There are certain pow- yeshivas. While to the unschooled erhouses that HASHEM created eye they may appear as mere to nourish the planet. One such buildings with regular people dynamo was the Bais HaMikdash: sitting over Gemaras, they are ac- a powerful, nuclear reactor surg- tually nuclear dynamos pumping ing forth spiritual energy to all of out high dosages of spiritual en- Creation. However, for the system ergy. If we had eyes with which to to work, it must be used properly. CONT.ON P14

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Clary. To have such a miracle in my to spin. A great miracle happens po Miracles life! And for the miracles to contin- – a great miracle happens here. Over ue! Now, our collection is said to be and over and over again. They Spin and Spin All Around among the world’s largest and finest. It is so for individuals and it is so RABBI ELIYAHU SAFRAN But why dreidels – and why so for us as a People. Is there a greater many? miracle we can point to in our time For me, dreidels are personal. dreidels seen by millions of people! For me, dreidels – simple or than the rebirth of the State of Israel In years gone by, I have been a Even a non-Jewish repairman elaborate, silver, wooden, ceramic, and then again, in 1967, when in six rabbi, a teacher, a principal, a rebbi, who came to the house exclaimed, or mortar shell – speak not only of days, miracles were evident in Jeru- I have been a lecturer, a communica- “I saw you on TV with those miracle miracles but, most importantly, of salem, Beit Lechem, Chevron, Beit tor. I have been many things. Look- toys!” the presence of miracles all around El, Itmar – names synonymous with ing back at my life is sometimes like Miracles, yes. Toys? No. They us. Every day. Everywhere. our People in ancient times, po, and looking through an old photograph are real. Whether small and simple Is there a soul alive who is not then again before our very eyes. album. There are times I hardly or large and elaborate, they are very, surrounded by miracles from the As I get older, and the pages of recognize the man in the photographs very real and they speak to the es- moment he opens his eyes in the those “photograph albums” of my as me. But there is one “photograph”, sence of our lives. morning until he closes them again life grow in number, I feel sadness one image of me that I continue to If only we allow ourselves to at night? Indeed, isn’t our awakening for those unable to appreciate the embrace, one title that I still carry and listen. each morning a miracle in and of it- miracles all around them. I value likely will until the end of my days. I self, repeated over and over and over and embrace those who see what I am still the “Dreidel Rabbi”. * * * again, so that our lives can continue CONT.ON P21 Dreidel Rabbi? Yes, that’s me. I might walk into the lobby of one of It’s a curious thing, my being the Jerusalem’s most prominent hotels Dreidel Rabbi. I rarely spin a drei- KNOPF how what we do influences who only to have a stranger approach del. I never play with one. Never CONT. FROM P1 we are. If Chanukah is a festival me and ask, “Aren’t you the Dreidel did. I cannot recall even having a have. Many of us have seen our of taking, our kids become ma- Rabbi?” I can be walking along the dreidel as a child. Never sat in a cir- kids show more interest in their terialistic and feel entitled. But it street and someone is sure to ask me cle, spinning the delightful dreidel, presents than in the family cel- doesn’t have to be that way! Have about my dreidels. Seven or eight hoping to land on a gimmel so that I ebration. Siblings fight over gifts your kids put money in a tzedakah years ago, my photograph graced the could collect some gelt. and donuts and before we know it box each evening before opening cover of Mishpacha – my photograph My dreidel collection is relatively our beautiful holiday devolves into presents. If they receive Chanukah with a giant, wooden hand-carved Pe- new, only sixteen years old. Start- an exercise in self-indulgence. gelt, teach them to give 10% of it ruvian dreidel. Two years ago, CBS’s ing it, and appreciating the fullness How do we ensure that Juda- to charity. “Sunday Morning” came to our home of what a miracle might be, with a ism’s beautiful values are not lost There are other ways of giving to showcase my dreidels. Countless single dreidel when I met my wife, amidst our Chanukah celebra- over Chanukah. If you are in the tions? northern hemisphere then Cha- 1. Appreciate the Givers nukah falls in the Winter. This is a Help your kids to appreciate time when clothing is particularly the people who bought them gifts. needed by those who are homeless. MAZE Encourage them to text or email Socks are the most needed (and of- a photo of them using the present ten least donated) item of clothing. they received, together with a per- Go with your children to a shop sonalised thank you message. and pick out one or more pairs to 2. Donate donate. Jewish teaching and psycho- 3. Spread the Joy of Chanukah logical research both emphasise CONT.ON P15

SHMUZ consequences of our deeds with all CONT. FROM P13 the respect due to a maintainer of see, we would witness the constant worlds. flow of high levels of spiritual As long as we remain locked energy – the power source of all of in our physical bodies, we will Creation. And so for our good, as never perceive the true impact of well as for the good of the world, our actions. However, when we it is incumbent upon us to do ev- read Chazal describing the effect erything in our power to maintain of the Kohanim not fulfilling the these sources of spiritual power. Avodah properly, we get a glimpse The second area is far more into the effects of our actions and personal. The Nefesh HaChaim the power given to man. teaches us that each individual is For more on this topic please listen a maintainer of worlds. HASHEM to Shmuz #155 - Chanukah – Flexidox created many, many upper worlds, Judaism Rabbi Shafier is the founder of the and each Jew is the spiritual power Shmuz.com – The Shmuz is an engag- source for some of those worlds. ing, motivating shiur that deals with real life issues. While my eye may not see the All of the Shmuzin are available results of my actions, part of the free of charge at www.theShmuz. com or on the Shmuz App for iphone upper worlds either thrives or is or Android. Simply text the word weakened by my actions. And so “TheShmuz” to the number 313131 and a link will be sent to your phone to ANSWERS ON PAGE 32 we must treat ourselves and the download the App.

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recommends completing mercury you’ll feel everything! Of course, TRUE HEALTH | YAEL TUSK and root canal removal within a you can and should take vitamin thirty day time-period whenever C after the procedure is complete. How to Remove Mercury possible. Leave at least two days This is merely a summary of some between appointments. They also of the main precautions. Not all Fillings Safely caution: Never cross the midline biological dentists are equal, so during the same appointment. feel free to have a conversation In Israel, where I live, dental inhaled by all present. There are Meaning, if you replace an amal- with potential candidates to find care for children is covered by two safety precautions which are gam filling on the right side of our which precautions they take; most insurance plans. Inexplica- nonnegotiable, and must be taken your mouth, you should not have the more, the better. bly, they offer silver mercury fill- when removing amalgams. Do a filling on your left side replaced Once the amalgam is re- ings for free, but charge a consid- not remove mercury from your that day. moved, be aware that mercury erable fee for white fillings. I was mouth without them: does not easily re- particularly upset when I learned Mercury removal should be A minority of lease itself from the of this, and wondered why they conducted in a well-ventilated biological dentists use brain. Therefore, if were being so generous with such room with an oxygen mask placed general anesthesia (se- there is a chronic an extremely toxic substance... over the patient’s nose to reduce dation), in which case illness or any Naturally, being ignorant of the inhalation of mercury fumes. they may be able to re- symptoms possibly dangers of mercury, most people A rubber dam is placed move all amalgams and related to mercury accept the free fillings. I assure around the tooth, covering the root canals in a single toxicity, find a ho- you, nothing in life is free, and rest of the mouth to prevent the appointment. (I have listic-minded heavy the price for amalgam fillings is mercury from being swallowed or my reservations about metal toxicologist higher than you can imagine. otherwise absorbed. the safety of general to assist you in the A rubber dam looks like this anesthesia, so its neces- detoxification pro- What should I do if my kids There are sity should be weighed cess. Your biologi- already have mercury fillings in other impor- carefully.) cal dentist may be able to recom- their teeth? tant safety Oral vitamin C is a powerful mend someone to you. If the fillings are in baby teeth, precautions detoxifier. If you would like to experience local anesthesia dur- Yael Tusk, MSOM is a practitioner of it may be best to leave well enough to consider. Chinese Medicine in Jerusalem. For over a decade, she has been treating alone and wait until the teeth fall These are ing dental work, on the day of your appointment, do not take patients and researching healthcare. out, since removal of amalgam generally She is also trained in designing and evaluating scientific research. Look fillings can release a lot of mercury practiced by biological dentists vitamin C prior to treatment. It can detoxify the body of Novo- out for her upcoming book, “Health: A vapor all at once. This also has its since they have had extensive Natural Approach”. Visit her website: Yaeltusk.com risks. training in the area of safe amal- cain within 15 minutes, and then gam removal, and are particularly If the child has symptoms aware of the seriousness of mer- that may be due to mercury cury toxicity. poisoning, such as tics, seizures, Particular caution is warrant- visual deterioration or cognitive ed in the case of a chronic illness developmental delay, it is best that may be related to mercury to discuss the situation with an ex- poisoning (such as multiple scle- GET YOURS TODAY! pert holistic/biological dentist to rosis, arthritis etc). Unsafe remov- decide whether removing mercury al of amalgam fillings can increase “Naphtali Hoff has achieved the implausible: a new management book that is fresh, is a better choice than waiting for the body’s mercury burden and novel, and highly-readable. Dr. Hoff draws on current industry trends and his own the teeth to fall out. If you wonder potentially worsen symptoms, or rich leadership expertise to deliver a book that has actionable insights and strategies if an illness is related to mercury even trigger new autoimmune for organizational leaders. While marketed to “the new boss,” I believe that this book is equally valuable for veteran and aspiring leaders, too.” toxicity, testing for heavy metal disease. Therefore, biological den- poisoning followed by detoxifica- tists generally take the following — RABBI HERSHEL LUTCH, MBA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MEOR tion will most likely be necessary additional precautions: if one hopes to reverse the condi- Ideally, the mercury should be tion. More on this later. removed in a particular order. Us- BECAUSE EVERY NEW ing the protocol of Dr. Hal Hug- LEADER DESERVES TO HIT What if there is mercury in gins, dentists test the electric po- THE GROUND RUNNING permanent teeth? tential of each tooth, and remove AND ENJOY SUSTAINED Because of the incredible fillings in quadrants starting from SUCCESS toxicity of mercury, removing the tooth with the most negative mercury fillings is not without electrical current and finishing 1. Achieve immediate, risks. Drilling into amalgam fill- with the quadrant with the tooth sustainable success ings releases huge amounts of that is most positive. 2. Manage effective change The Huggins protocol also toxic mercury vapor which can be 3. Provide clear, useful feedback 4. Connect with your team dential home to celebrate with the KNOPF 5. Maintain work-life balance residents. You can check out this CONT. FROM P14 And so much more! excellent page which gives ideas Chanukah can be a very sad for doing it in the most meaning- time for those living on their own ful way. or away from their families. Make Or take latkes or donuts to a Available on Amazon and at other fine online retailers. some Chanukah cards and then go sick or lonely neighbour. on a family visit to a Jewish resi- BecomingtheNewBoss.com CONT.ON P16 To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 15 12/15/17 Relocating US Embassy to FRAGER that the President was going to fulfill CONT. FROM P11 his promise to move the embassy. Jerusalem – US interest! on Nov. 10th the National Security The President knew that VP Pence Subcommittee of the US House of Ambassador (ret.) Yoram Ettinger would be going to Israel in Decem- Representatives Oversight Committee ber. The President also knew the chaired by Rep. Ron DeSantis featuring 1. Recognizing Jerusalem as and the 2005 Israel’s uprooting of story of Chanukah and wanted to Jews from Gaza. On the other hand, Amb. John Bolton, Amb. Dore Gold emulate the Hasmoneans. On Dec. Israel’s capital, and relocating and Mort Klein held a special session. the US Embassy to Jerusalem - as the 2011 US veto of a UN Security 3rd at the Bet El Dinner attended Council condemnation of Israel’s Congressman DeSantis said, “Jerusa- by over 1000 people, Amb. John prescribed by the 1995 Jerusalem lem has been the capital of the Jewish Embassy Act - represent President settlements policy was not followed Bolton, Fox and Friends anchor Pete by anti-US terrorism, contrary to People for thousands of years and is Hegseth, Minister of Justice Ayelet Trump’s resolve to focus on US the beating heart of modern Israel.” interests, defy Arab pressure/threats, assessments made by the State De- Shaked, Congressmen Ron DeSantis, partment. Then came the Anthony Scaramuc- Lee Zeldin and Dan Donovan all and overrule the politically-correct ci trip to Israel. The President was bureaucracy of the State Depart- 5. The non-implementation of called for the President to go forward the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act has genuinely taken by this trip and indeed on reports that he was going to make ment. communicated this to his old friend. 2. Relocating the US Embas- not advanced the peace process, but an announcement on moving the sy to Jerusalem underscores the radicalized Arab expectations, forc- embassy later in the week. ing them to outflank the US from Once the Tax Cut Bill was passed All told, the President made resurrection of the US independent by the Senate the President felt he unilateral – rather than multina- the maximalist side. It has under- good on his campaign promise. My mined the US posture of deterrence, could turn his attention from domestic hope is that he will not only move tional – action. It distinguishes the matters to foreign policy. On Novem- US President, Congress and most which is critical for the US national the Embassy but declare Israel’s security and global sanity. ber 28th at the Celebration of 70 years sovereignty over all of Judea and Americans from the US foreign poli- since the UN voted for Israel’s State- cy establishment, the UN worldview, 6. Relocating the US Embassy to Samaria-the Heartland and Biblical Jerusalem is consistent with the US hood at the Queens Museum, Vice foundation of the State of Israel. That and Europe’s vacillation and cave-in. President Pence stated unequivocally 3. It signals a determination to ethos from the early Pilgrims and would be something. Stay tuned. resurrect the US posture of deter- the US Founding Fathers until to- rence, reflecting the realization day. It is reflected by the 18 Jerusa- that succumbing to Arab pressure/ lems and 32 Salems (Shalem was the KNOPF screaming and rude behaviour. CONT. FROM P15 threats fuels violence, while defiance original name of Jerusalem) in the This also applies to your toddler – of pressure/threats deters rogue US, and by the spelling of JerUSA- 4. Set Limits don’t wait until they are five before elements and advances security, and lem. Whether it’s the number of you teach them how to behave! therefore advances the prospects of 7. Relocating the US Embassy to latkes or the amount of time play- peace. Jerusalem reflects a determination to ing on the iPod during school 5. Setting the Example 4. Palestinian terrorism and avoid repeated errors, thus bolster- vacation, teach your child bounda- The most important rule – hate-education were fueled by the ing the US posture of deterrence, ries. While it’s not good to be what you do matters more than December 1988 US recognition of while complying with the US law of overly strict, it’s important that what you say! Set the example by the PLO, the 1993 Oslo Accord Is- the land, and embracing the state- sometimes the answer they hear talking openly about the things raeli concessions to the Palestinians, of-mind of most Americans. is ‘no’. Teach them to realise that you appreciate this Chanukah. they won’t get their way through Chanukah Sameach!

TOROSSIAN how Jews who care about the State CONT. FROM P1 of Israel can back the Democratic folly to assume that repeating the Party, which over the last 50 years exact same formula would now has been so clearly anti-Israel, so produce a different or better re- clearly anti-Jewish Israel. From sult. This is a long overdue step to the disastrous Oslo peace accords advance the peace process and to to the Iran deal, the Democrats work towards a lasting agreement. are wrong on Israel. Israel is a sovereign nation, with the right - like every other sover- Notably, many leading Demo- eign nation, to determine its own crats condemned the President’s capital. Acknowledging this as a decision, including Sen. Dianne fact is a necessary condition for Feinstein, D-California who achieving peace. Today, Jerusalem claimed “The future of Jerusalem is the seat of the modern Israeli is an issue that should be decided government. It is the home of the by Israel and the Palestinians, not Israeli parliament, the , as unilaterally by the United States.” well as the Israeli Supreme Court. When it comes to Israel sim- It is the location of the official ply, standing with the Republican residences of the Prime Minister Party in the best interests of the and the President. It is the head- Jewish community. And today quarters of many government all those who care about the state ministries.” of Israel need to stand up and say Jerusalem is Israel’s capital “Thank You President Trump.”

and like every other nation in the Ronn Torossian is a New York- world has the right to choose her based public relations executive. He is a leader of the Republican Jewish Coali- own capital. This was a decision tion, serving on the Vice Chairman’s that was long overdue. At the Council, although he wrote the above same time, one must also question article in a personal capacity. 16 To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 12/5/17

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me and Yaakov internationally Mr. Yonasan Schwartz of Chaz- REVIEWS | Daniel Keren syndicated Torah cartoonists.] ak Entertainment Distributors For a short while, the cartoon who not only saw the value in Colorful Torah Cartoon Book was translated into Yiddish and preserving them for posterity published in a magazine in Wil- but beyond the call of duty to Offers Eternal Lessons of Greatness liamsburg and another publica- superbly supervise the transfer tion in Upstate Kiryat Yoel. of the cartoon stories into book Most importantly for format. The beautifully format- “Lessons of Greatness: A not family members or close ted book is a testimony to his Compilation of Cartoon Sto- friends have over the years told long-time readers of The Jewish Connection, most of the stories dedication and excellent profes- ries about Gedolim as well as me just how much they have en- sional skills. “Regular” People with Timely joyed reading these cartoon-style in the newly published in time Lessons Sure to Inspire Chil- Torah stories. Usually I am at a for Chanukah collection titled Some of the stories were dren and Adults Over and chasanah, Torah lecture or other “Lessons of Greatness” original- found from articles on promi- Over” written by Daniel Keren, similar public gathering and ly appeared on page 37. nent Jewish personalities, or lec- directed by Yonasan Schwartz some stranger hears my name It is tures I heard and illustrated by Yishaya Su- being mentioned by someone not a simple from Rabbi val & Tzai R. Pensky, 2017, 35 I know and that triggers the feat to take Moshe Meir pages, Chazak Distribution.) question, “Are you the one who a nice story Weiss, Rab- writes those cartoon stories?” that you read bi Yissochar This is not one of my reg- Frand, Rab- ular book reviews or analyses for And upon confessing to the in a Rabbi deed, they respond by saying Paysach Kro- bi Ephraim The Jewish Connection. At the Shapiro, outset, I must disclose the fact that they or their child or their hn collection family have been enjoying the of Maggid Rabbi Yaakov that I cannot at all be objective Zev Smith, since I wrote 24 of the 27 short cartoon Torah stories for years. stories or heard at a Rabbi Fischel stories that were rendered in The project was initiated Schachter, cartoon style for a new book ti- by my friend Yaakov Herskov- Rabbi Yis- roel Reis- Rabbi Moshe tled “Lessons of Greatness.” The ich more than five years ago for Bryski, and other three stories were created a monthly Jewish magazine in man Motzei Shabbos Navi Rabbi Yisroel by Yaakov Herskovich the editor Marine Park and has since been Reisman. and conceiver of the cartoon published by other Jewish publi- Shiur and series concept. cations simultaneously in Lake- condense it The book into an eight is graced by On the other hand many wood, Monsey, Toronto and London [which I guess made panel cartoon a foreward dozens of individuals who are feature. And by the world being that some of the publi- renowned Maggid Shiur and cations that carried the Torah popular writer – Rabbi Dovid cartoon strip were coming out Goldwasser who writes: weekly, there was a bi-weekly “It was with great plea- deadline to come up with a new sure that I perused the galleys story concept that of course had of R’Daniel Keren and R’ Tzai to pass mustard with Yaakov. Pensky’s newest endeavor. The Each concept was usually a two- concept of a Torah cartoon book parter that continued from one is one that has definitely come of week to the next. age, as we constantly seek ways to relate to the younger gen- While Yaakov may have eration – to inspire and uplift been thinking of the cartoon them – during these challenging strip as a product for children times…Great thought and much or mature juvenile readers, I effort has been expended to pro- myself wrote the story concepts duce this wonderful book. with the goal of satisfying my- self and any other adult reader “R’ Daniel and R’ Tzai who wasn’t embarrassed to read have utilized their considerable a Torah cartoon strip. The end gifts and talents to make Torah result is that I think the stories hashkafah and ideology come which were excellently illus- alive for readers of all ages. The trated by Tzai R. Pensky and morals and lessons to be gained Yishaya Suval gave pleasure and from the vignettes presented in chizuk to juvenile readers “of all this publication will create an in- ages.” delible impression on the hearts and minds of the reader.” Many but certainly not most readers of The Jewish Con- Copies of “Lessons of nection may have cut out the Greatness: A Compilation of pages with the Torah cartoon Cartoon Stories about Gedolim strips and occasionally re-read as well as “Regular People’” can these Torah stories. But eventu- be found in select bookstores or ally they would be forgotten and by contacting the publisher by lost to future generations if not calling (347) 831-4561 or email- for the timely intervention of ing [email protected]

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The English edition of Dorash Dovid on Moadim, features TIMELY MAAMORIM ON CHANUKA AS WELL AS OTHER YOMIM TOVIM. FLORENCE, ITALY FIUGGI (ROME), ITALY RYE BROOK, NEW YORK

Why of all the miracles The moadim, the Jewish Four Seasons Grand Hotel Hilton holidays, are the highlights that have happened, of the Jewish year. Florence Palazzo Westchester

did chazal choose In this unique work, Della Fonte to institute an eternal Rav Dovid Hofstedter, nasi of the internationally acclaimed commemoration of the Dirshu Torah organization, miracle of the flask of oil? analyzes Chanukah, the opportune times of Elul and the Yamim Noraim, the How was Aharon Hakohen joyous holidays of Sukkos, comforted by being told Shemini Atzeres and Purim, and presents in-depth lessons about the mitzvah of the on Tu B’Shevat and the Chanukah menorah? Four Parshiyos. Entire La Villa building Kosher for • Entire Hotel Kosher for Pesach • Entire hotel Kosher for Pesach Pesach • Luxury 5-star resort • Hotel set • Member of the Leading Hotels Of The OTHER SEFORIM BY RAV DOVID HOFSTEDTER: • Only 30 minutes from New York City amidst a 350,000 sq.ft. botanical World • Haute Italian Cuisine • Beautiful • Hotel beautifully renovated garden • Gourmet cuisine by Michelen spa, indoor & outdoor pools • Free daily • Spectacular lineup of Scholars-in- rated Four Seasons chefs • Daily shuttle to Rome • Daily services, Residence • Fantastic entertainment & services, outstanding lectures & outstanding lectures & children’s daily activities • Professional day camp children’s program • Glatt Kosher program • Glatt Kosher Supervision by • Exceptional cuisine by Prestige Supervision by Rabbi G.M. Garelik Rabbi G.M. Garelik of Milan Caterers • ORB Glatt Kosher Supervision LEISURE TIME TOURS חידושים וביאורים vol. slipcase set on French Edition 2 ג' כרכים על ב' כרכים על www.leisuretimetours.com בעניני המועדים the entire Chumash, 2 vol. set on the חמשה חומשי תורה המועדים בעומק העיון ובהיקף רב in English entire Chumash Available in Judaica stores nationwide or direct from 718-528-0700 the distributor, Israel Book Shop 888-536-7427

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Hashem. ing Kinyan Chochma) to combine FILLING THE MUSSAR VOID In Dirshu’s Sefer Chizuk, pub- within their programs, knowledge Gedolei Yisroel Urge Daily Mussar Study as lished in honor of Dirshu’s 10th An- of Torah, knowledge of halacha and niversary, the Mashgiach Rav Dov knowledge of mussar… a person Dirshu Kinyan Chochma Program Embarks Yaffe, wrote about this very matter. can therefore attain sheleimus, com- on Masechta Avos He wrote, “A person must remem- pleteness, in his avodas Hashem and ber that the yetzer hara always tries be able to fulfill the Torah dictates CHAIM GOLD to minimize the importance in a coupled with middos tovos…” The passing of the elder Mash- hara. person’s own eyes, of inner avodah, “How Worthy it is to Learn giach of our generation, HaGaon “The Yetzer Hara Always Tries of working on oneself and improv- Masechta Avos With Rabbeinu HaTzadik, Rav Dov Yaffe, zt”l, to Minimize the Importance of In- ing one’s middos. Often the yetzer Yonah” Mashgiach of Yeshivas Knesses Beis ner Avodah” hara magnifies the importance in Chizkiyahu has left a great void in Mussar is one of those things one’s eyes of things that are not di- The Kinyan Chochma program the mussar world. For over sixty that most people realize that we rectly related to one’s inner avodah, was established almost a year ago at years, Rav Yaffe, whose sheloshim need, but somehow it gets pushed to such as assisting others or reaching Dirshu’s International Convention was recently marked, served as the side because usually there is no out to estranged Jews. These are all that celebrated the 20th Anniversary a mashgiach leaving an indelible scheduled time and specific limud important but the daily inner work of Dirshu’s founding. The program positive impact on generations of for it. Over the past year, thousands of avodas Hashem is the primary was established at the behest of talmidim though his shmuessen, his of partici- task that each the leading Gedolim who felt that sefarim and his personal guidance. pants in person has and chizuk was needed in daily mus- The Mashgiach always spoke Dirshu’s that is why the sar learning. As in all of Dirshu’s about the importance of learning Daf yetzer hara programs, tests are given on the mussar. He understood how the HaYomi always tries to material and a stipend is awarded yetzer hara always finds ways to B’Halacha minimize its for excellent results. discourage a person from learning program importance In his warm letter praising the mussar. have and convince a Kinyan Chochma program, the Rav Dov and numerous other added person not to Mashigach of Lakewood, HaGaon Roshei Yeshiva and Mashgichim Dirshu’s engage in learn- HaRav Matisyahu Salomon, shlita, urged their talmidim to carve out Kinyan HaRav Dov Yaffe, zt’l, attending ing Torah and writes, “The obligation to learn a daily seder in limud hammusar Chochma a Dirshu Chizuk event mussar… (Sefer mussar daily is well known, as Rav so that not a day will go by without mussar program to their daily learn- Chizuk Chapter 7)”. Yisrael Salanter explains at length having the elixir of limud hamussar ing regimen. This daily, scheduled Rav Mishkovsky: Knowledge of in his sefer Ohr Yisrael, in the name to enable a person to combat the immersion in mussar has resulted in Torah, Knowledge of Halacha and of the poskim. It does not require a constant enticements of the yetzer tremendous benefit in their avodas Knowledge of Mussar Bring Shelei- haskama. Nevertheless, because of mus its great benefit, the yetzer hara tries Recently, the Dirshu Kinyan to find all kinds of excuses to deter a Chochma program began learn- person from learning mussar. ing Masechta Avos with the com- “Therefore, how great is the mentary of Rabbeinu Yonah. In joy that the Dirshu organization conjunction with the beginning has added a mussar program to its of this foundational mussar work, existing programs to encourage and numerous Gedolei Yisroel put out a make it easier to learn mussar every call for even more people to join the day…” Kinyan Chochma program that will facilitate their sustained growth in HaGaon HaRav Moshe Wolf- avodas Hashem and avodas ham- son, shlita, Mashigach of Yeshiva musar. Torah Vodaas and Rav of Beis Me- The Rosh Yeshiva of the Chev- drash Emunas Yisroel wrote about ron Yeshiva, HaGaon HaRav Dovid Kinyan Chochma: “The importance Cohen, shlita, said, “In our genera- that our earlier sages attached to tion it is impossible to maintain and learning works of yiras shomayim sustain one’s spiritual achievements and mussar is well known. Never- with Torah learning alone. One theless, the yetzer hara tries to get needs to combine Torah learning us to neglect learning mussar, to the with mussar learning. Masechta extent that even bnei Torah over- Avos contains the mussar lessons look it. that Chazal have taught us and “We must therefore feel indebt- thus learning them brings tremen- ed to Dirshu for encouraging Jews dous benefit. In the commentary the world over to strengthen them- of Rabbeinu Yonah there are many selves in this…” foundational mussar lessons that Hagaon HaRav Chaim Walkin, strengthen a person in his avodas shlita, Mashgiach of Yeshiva Ateres hammusar.” Yisrael wrote, “How worthy and Furthermore, the well-known fitting it is to set aside even a small Mashgiach of Yeshiva Orchos amount of time every day to learn Torah, HaGaon HaRav Chizki- Masechta Avos with the commen- yahu Mishkovsky, shlita, a talmid tary of Rabbeinu Yonah. Rabbeinu muvhak of HaGaon HaRav Aha- Yonah was one of the towering ron Leib Shteinman, shlita, said Rishonim, from whose words and that Dirshu saw fit (by establish- CONT.ON P23

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To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] A3 12/15/17 sacrifice for Jews everywhere in the from the Pfeiffer residence to the CLOSE TO 500 PEOPLE ATTEND world. Three of the parents – two Yeshiva building was the emotional HACHNOSAS SEFER TORAH fathers and one mother – spoke to highpoint of the proceeding. The the gathering. They showed pictures band on the Torah truck played A magnificent celebration took Israeli soldiers, most of them very inspirational music. place this past Sunday, Dec. 10th, young, were killed. This loss inflict- Close to 500 hundred in the Willowbrook community of ed a terrible pain not only on the marchers, young and Staten Island. A new Sefer Torah families of those heroic soldiers but old and many in be- was dedicated to the recently relocat- on the entire Jewish world. What tween, sang & danced ed Chofetz Chaim Yeshiva (Yeshiva could one do to deal with this terri- through the streets Zichron Paltiel) by members of the ble grief, especially far away in the of Willowbrook. The comfortable envi- NYC Police Dept. ronment of Staten controlled, stopped & Island, thousands redirected traffic to -ac of miles removed L-R Rabbi Katzman and Rabbi Yaakov Lehrfield dancing commodate the proces- from the conflict sion. People came out and the grieving of their sons, and described them of their houses to cheer and to join families. with great feeling. They thanked the the march. The weather that was Milton and community and though some of the frigid the day before, turned pleasant Fran Pfeiffer, families are not religious, they all for the occasion as even the Powers long-time resi- expressed deep appreciation for the Above wished to ensure the success dents and found- connection that was now established of the day. There was also appetizing community. There is a beautiful and ers of a very active with Torah Judaism. Brochures food, provided by “Essen on Coney” heart-warming story behind this neighborhood Chesed organization were given out with event. Nachas Unlimited, which provides numerous thank you We all remember the tragedy of medical funds to children in the letters from the families the three Israeli teenagers kidnapped USA and Israel proposed the writing that could not attend and brutally murdered by Arab ter- of a Sefer Torah dedicated to the the ceremony. Rabbi rorists in the Summer of 2015. We memory of the fallen heroes. They Lehrfield of the Young also remember the follow-up to that enlisted sixty-nine volunteers who Israel of S.I. spoke of cruel deed that shook the conscience paid for the privilege to write one the unity of the Jew- letter each in memory ish people & that the of each of the soldiers 600,000 letters of the and to contribute to the Sefer Torah remind Mr. Milton Pfeiffer ushering The Torah to The Yeshiva expenses of this project. us and command us to This past Sunday care for each other irrespective of at the Yeshiva. A number of videos the celebration/com- what type of Jews we are. Dr. Moshe captured the joyous scenes. Some of memoration took place. Schwartz, a veteran of the wars of Is- them were promptly forwarded to Rachelit & Elazar Re- rael, spoke of his personal experienc- families and friends in Israel as well ichman made sure that es and the loss of close friends and as army bases in Israel who could every detail of the day’s colleagues in those conflicts At the not believe what took place on the events was properly end of his presentation he saluted streets of far away Willowbrook, prepared. To the great the Israeli families and the 69 brave Staten Island. Many participants L-R Rabbi Joshua Sturm and Milton Pfeiffer surprise of the Wil- soldiers. Rabbi Ettinger the Rosh including most of the prominent of Klal Yisrael. “Operation Protec- lowbrook community, nine family Yeshiva of Chofetz Chaim reminded Rabbis from the community attend- tive Edge”, the attack and invasion members and friends of the martyrs all that what kept the Jewish people ed and had the opportunity to carry of Hamas controlled Gaza was the traveled to Staten Island to partici- intact through many centuries of and dance with the Torah under response of the government of Israel. pate in the ceremony. They repeat- oppression and persecution was our the mobile Chupa. It was a Kiddish The invasion was partially success- edly expressed their overwhelming commitment to our Torah and how Hashem. It was a magnificent sight, ful; terrorist tunnels were destroyed appreciation for this communal appropriate it is that this Sefer Torah a sight to behold, a sight to remem- and once again a fragile peace was recognition. They were touched by will be placed in an institution dedi- ber. secured. However, a terrible price the giving spirit of their hosts while cated to Torah learning, AM YISROEL CHAI. was paid for this partial victory. 69 the hosts felt humbled by their great The procession taking the Torah

in Mitzrayim he was rewarded that deeper here. The Chasam Sofer ex- a Ea specifically his descendents should plains that only public offerings are brought on Shabbos and not private From the Kli Yakar and the Drashos of Rav Moshe Feinstein, Zt’l bring sacrifices to dedicate the Mishkan on Shabbos. In Bamidbar offerings. So how were these offer- Yosef’s Shabbos in Mitzrayim Earned him 7:48 we are told that the Prince of ings at the time of the dedication of his Dedication of the Mishkan On Shabbos the Tribe of Ephraim, Elishama Ben the mishkan brought every day for Amihud, brought his offerings on twelve days with no break for Shab- In Bereishis 43:16 we read specifically refers to preparations for the seventh day of the dedications, bos? The Chasam Sofer explains that that when Yosef hear that all of Shabbos. This was no small thing which according to our mesorah was since each tribe was a kahal, con- his brothers had come to him he in Mitzrayim. Even though he was Shabbos. gregation as we are told in Bereishis ordered that food be prepared that Viceroy and perhaps we could say The Chasam Sofer asks on 35:11, regarding the birth of Bin- they should eat with him the af- he had the flexibility to keep Shab- the above what really is the rele- yamin, it comes out that each kahal ternoon meal. More specifically, it bos unlike when he was a slave, vance of Yosef keeping Shabbos in could bring its respective offerings states that animals should be slaugh- nevertheless, he did not have to. Mitzrayim to the sacrifices brought on Shabbos.But in the end, Yosef got tered and prepared. In Bamidbar He chose to keep Shabbos. Because at the dedication of the Mishkan? to offer a special set of dedicational Rabbah we are told that this verse Yosef prepared for and kept Shabbos It seems there has to be something korbonos on Shabbos. A4 To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 12/5/17

SAFRAN the blessing and curse. The pome- this dreidel’s open window; she has Batya is the unique artist who CONT. FROM P14 granate tree symbolizes the physical created a dreidel which attests to the can transform the accessibility of see in the spinning dreidels – the blessings of abundance and fruitful- truth of continuing daily miracles. miracle and make it a concrete truth of miracles all around us. ness renewed in this This dreidel, object. Reach out to her (erdstein6@ area. The goats like so many oth- gmail.com). She welcomes your * * * show the revival ers, spins and in its questions, your visits, your willing- Basic to Judaism is that the most of agriculture and spinning, cries out ness to embrace the possibility of important elements of our belief farming that prove the powerful mes- miracle. Visit her website to see system require concrete expressions. Jewish existence re- sage, open your eyes so many other beautiful things she So many of the mitzvot we observe turning after a long and you will soon makes (www.israelceramics.com). are concrete manifestations of that exile. discover the miracles Perhaps she will make for you a which is the fabric of our faith. Tef- In this marve- all around you! unique and precious product born of illin, mezuzah, the sukkah, matzah lous creation, she Yes, miracles are miracles, as she did for me. … all give us something that we can has formed for me a otherworldly and In the meantime, always re- touch that speaks to the miraculous brilliant expression awe inspiring. They member neis gadol haya po/sham. in our lives. of the miracle she are also less than an A great miracle happened there. A But it is hard for us to conceive and her neighbors arm’s length away. great miracle happens here. Every of the miracle of Sinai, Esther’s are witness to each day when they They are personal. They are real. day. intercession, the freeing from look out their windows, exhibited by * * * bondage, the Hand of God reaching out to us. How can we ever embrace that miracles are all around us? What better way than a spinning top? God is here. Miracles are here.

* * * There are others who know that miracles are all around us. Batya Erdstein is one such person. She is a ceramic artist and, curi- ously, the sister to Tally, a daughter-in-law (such “Jew- ish geography” is another kind of miracle!) And she sees the miracle all around her as she looks out the window of her home in Ita- mar, Israel. She has created a dreidel for me that speaks to these miracles. Batya lives on the mountains around Itamar with her husband, Baruch, and their six children. This dreidel rests in a stand she formed featuring the topography of the Shomron, overlooking Shechem and the Tomb of Joseph. This dreidel celebrates the opti- mism of Jewish independ- ence both during the days of the Maccabees as well as in our own times. The Torah portion telling the story of Joseph is usually read during the Hanukah season attesting to the spiritual power of Joseph, a shining example of holiness overcoming spiritual darkness. The dreidel sits in the center of three mountains, Har Bracha, Itamar and Har Eival. The mountains of To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 21 12/15/17

the cookie sheet. Bake 17 to 20 turned off, and let them get crisp- MY MAGIC COOKIE BARS minutes. er. Levana While the mixture is still warm, Allow the bars to cool before cut it into bars, approximately 1” storing them in an air-tight glass This fact alone place them in an 2 cups old-fashioned oats x 3”. You will get about 15 bars. jar or tin. ideally enviable position, both as 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded If you like them crunchy, return Magic Health Bars freeze very a healthy dessert and as a healthy coconut them to a hot oven with the heat well. small meal: Hence the Magic in ½ cup coarsely ground almond or their name. The other part of the other nuts (nut-free: pumpkin or magic is, well, my Magic Cookie sunflower seeds) GLUTEN-FREE BANANA BREAD Bars live up to their healthy name, 1 medium carrot, shredded (about plus they are fabulous, vegan, 1 cup) Levana gluten-free, nut-free-adaptable, 1/2 cup California Gourmet 51% INGREDIENTS 4 very ripe bananas soy-free, crunchy and very mod- mini chocolate chips 2 cups old fashioned oats 1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional erately sweet. Instructions 2 cups ground flax Ingredients Preheat the oven to 350°F 2 cups almond meal, not blanched INSTRUCTIONS 1 very ripe ba- Grease a 11” x 14” (If you can’t have nuts, substitute Preheat the oven to 350*F nana (settle for cookie sheet with more flax meal and more oats, in Mix all ingredients by hand 2/3 cup un- sides. equal parts) thoroughly in a bowl, sweetened apple Mix the first set 1/2 cup pure maple breaking up the sauce) of ingredients in syrup bananas as you go to 1 teaspoon va- a bowl, mashing 1/2 cup almond or co- blend them in. Mix nilla extract with a fork as you conut milk only until com- 1/2 cup almond go to incorporate 2 teaspoons baking bined. or other nut the ingredients powder Pour the batter into butter (nut- evenly and get a 2 teaspoons baking soda two greased loaf free: Substitute smooth the mix- 1 teaspoon sea salt pans. Bake for 1 pumpkin or soy ture. 1 cup coconut oil hour. butter) Combine the second set of ingre- 1 cup unsweetened shredded Muffins: Pour the batter into 2 ½ cup maple syrup dients in a second bowl. coconut dozen muffin molds, and bake at 2 tablespoons water Combine both mixtures thor- 1/4 cup pure cocoa powder, op- 350*F for about 40 minutes, or a 1 teaspoon cinnamon oughly by hand. tional little longer, until the tops spring ½ teaspoon salt Press the final mixture firmly into 4 eggs back when pressed.

2 tablespoon lemon juice 3. In a small bowl, combine yogurt, ZUCCHINI LATKES WITH 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt dill, cucumber, lemon juice and salt TZATZIKI SAUCE and stir. Serve Tzatziki alongside PREPARATION Latkes. Jamie Geller 1. In a large bowl, combine zucchi- Makes 8 servings Instead of potatoes try zucchini in 1 small onion, shredded ni, onions, eggs, matzo meal and your next latke and serve them with 2 large eggs, beaten salt and stir to combine. a Greek cucumber yogurt dip, very 1 cup matzo meal 2. Heat ¼-inch oil in a large sauté similar to traditional Greek zucchini 1 teaspoon kosher salt pan over medium high heat. Drop fritters. Extra virgin olive oil, such as Co- by 2 tablespoons full and lightly lavita, for frying press down to flatten. Fry for about INGREDIENTS 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 4 to 6 minutes per side or until 2 large zucchini (about 1-pound), 2 tablespoon chopped dill nicely browned. Remove and drain shredded 1/4 cup diced cucumber on paper towels. Continue with remaining batter.

skills and use social skills to improve series includes titles such as When I STRATEGIES | Rifka Schonfeld reading? The wonderful news: you Feel Afraid, Share and Take Turns, can! Listen and Learn, Join in and Play, Director of S.O.S. (Strategies For Optimum Success) Understand and Care, Talk and Reading Facilitates Social Skills Work it Out, Cool Down and Work Raising Your There are many ways that reading Through Anger, and Be Polite and can help improve the way that your Kind. The eight book series is in- Social IQ child interacts with others. structive without being preachy and A popular quote from the But, ask them to introduce you to speaks in a language that kindergar- early twentieth century declares, a friend, and they fall apart. On the Books that Teach Social Skills: teners through second graders can “The wise man reads both books other hand, there are people who are Aside from the bonding experi- easily understand. and life itself.” People always talk street-savvy. When they walk into a ence of reading books with your What’s the best way to help about “book-smarts” and “street- room, people are drawn to them – child, there are several books specifi- your child gain these skills through smarts” – the two are not neces- they are the life of any party. How- cally designed to teach social skills in reading? Set aside between 10 to sarily connected. Some people, like ever, if you ask them an academic a non-judgmental and open man- 30 minutes of quiet time with your Einstein, are geniuses when it comes question, they freeze. ner. One series that is particularly child and select five books that you to book-smarts. They can solve What if book-smarts and street- good at helping instill and reinforce feel would be appropriate for the complex mathematical equations smarts could be combined? What if social skills is The Learning to Get skill you want to develop. Then, let without writing anything down. you could use reading to gain social Along Series, by Cheri Meiners. This CONT.ON P28 22 To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 12/5/17

DIRSHU ‘This was not any sort of miracle. FAIGIE HIRSCH CONT. FROM P20 The reason he was blessed was that Nutritionist,C.N.C. mussar we continue to derive life…” when a person undertakes a good A New Kabbalah, a New Per- kabbalah, he becomes akin to a new son… A New Decree! person. Even if a decree of childless- Getting It Together The well-known Chassidishe ness was decreed on the old person Mashpia, HaRav Elimelech Bider- that decree will not apply to the man, shlita, asked, “Why did Chazal I often find that when I am in our hearts and soul. All our ‘new person’!’” place Masechta having a hard time getting my- lives we have been taught that If a Avos which is self together and being produc- we are created in the image of person wants all about middos tive, my overall eating habits Hashem, and that each of us to bring tovos in the order and general state of health seem have that special spark within us, pnimiyus of Nezikin? The to be on the brink of impend- therefore it is imperative that we into his life, answer,” he said, ing doom. I find that when we all treat our bodies with utmost if he wants to “is that anyone do not sustain our bodies with respect and see to it that we become the who doesn’t work proper sources of fuel, we tend maintain its kedusha by sustain- proverbial on his middos to just fall apart both mentally ing it with things that will not ‘new person’ is the greatest and physically. For instance, cause it any harm. now is the mazik!” I realize that after most hol- HaRav Matisyahu Salomon speaking at time to join Rav Bider- Dirshu’s 10th Anniversary iday seasons there seems to I challenge each one of you Dirshu’s man continued with the following be this “Post Holiday Depres- to find a way to improve your Kinyan Chochma Program. “Learn- fascinating story that transpired sion” which now as I think of health, each week try to find ing Avos with Rabbeinu Yonah,” with Rav Yechezkel Levenstein, it is probably just our body and something else to work on. this explained HaGaon HaRav Shimon the famed Mashgiach of Mir and minds rebelling against the lack can be something like skipping Galei, shlita, “brings much light Ponovezh. “A person who had been of sleep and poor nutrition it has the chocolate ice cream at the into a person’s life. Dirshu has done married for a long time and had been subjected to. shabbos dessert or making sure a great thing by promoting this not yet been blessed with children As we now start our New you incorporate a 15 minute limud. Dirshu has always promoted came to Rav Yechezkel for a bracha. year, the one where we asked walk into your daily routine. Torah, now they are culminating Rav Levenstein advised him to ac- God for a year of health of both Nothing big was ever accom- their work by promoting derech cept upon himself to learn mussar mind, body and soul let us find plished in one breath, it even eretz that is kadmah, that comes every day for just ten minutes. The our ways to taking care of our took Hashem to create the world before Torah!” person agreed and within a short bodies, which will in turn have in 7 days..if you want to get it To join Kinyan Chochma please time thereafter he was blessed with an impact on our mind which right do it one step at a time.. call, 888-5-Dirshu or e-mail, info@ a child. Rav Yechezkel explained, will help us find a happier place but most of all.. Do it for you. kolleldirshu.org.

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while holding the door open. “How was overly accommodative world that I your evening? Hope you did not get found distressing. It wasn’t that I didn’t The Sentimental Side caught in the rain.” Out to take a walk, enjoy it, but it was certainly unsettling Elizabeth Weintraub, L.M.S.W. door held open by a smiling valet. Back that the extent of the the formality in to get a sweater two minutes later, could feel so much like genuine care. IT WASN’T NATURAL door held open by smiling valet. Out to That’s not to say that they weren’t car- run to the drugstore, door held open by ing and kind people. As they certainly considered a “Social Science” disci- “Hmmmm. I don’t like it. It’s too smiling valet. Return to drop off a few could be. But they were maybe just a pline), what I found most intriguing sweet” I overheard my mother say to things in the room before dinner, door little bit too caring! Is that possible? as I observed my own experience in her good friend, critiquing some kind held open by smiling valet. “Welcome Getting ready for check-out the this luxury, was my reaction to the of food item during one of our many back.” Running out for dinner five morning of our departure, I casu- staff. Waiting to check in, I noticed the shopping excursions. (Both home with minutes later, door held open by smil- ally observed two associates behind laughter of one of the front desk attend- with young children, the two moms ing valet. “Drive carefully, now!” ...It the front desk chatting politely in that ants in response to some utterance of would often shop and lunch together, was like an alternate universe where overly dignified manner I had always a joke by one of the hotel guests. They bringing us along.) Only about five sadness didn’t exist, where shame or stereotypically equated with such a appeared as if they had been friends or six years old at the time, and fairly fear didn’t exist, where every question posh establishment. Another associ- for years. As I stepped up to check in obsessed with candy, as many young or comment I had was always received ate came out from the back room, two with the next associate, she seemed so children can be, the very idea that with gleaming appreciation. Where of them went in the back once again, thrilled to see me as she asked me how anyone could complain about anything any time I needed even the slightest returning a few seconds later. I won- my trip was, I actually began to tell her being “too sweet” sounded absolutely bit of help, no matter how trivial or dered what it was like in the back room. everything about it, all while quietly absurd to me. “Mommy, sweet is a silly, someone was there instantly. And Do they interact the same way back (and sadly) pondering when the last good thing. How is it possible for some- always smiling. Every single person. there? Does it ever get casual anywhere time someone took so much interest in thing to be too sweet?” She glanced at Returning from the last outing of around here? Ever? “It’s always so what I had to say. I felt so important. her friend briefly, with a little smile that the day, as graduation festivities came tranquil and peaceful out here” I say to The grand lobby, doubling as a tea in hindsight must have been amuse- to a close, walking toward the build- one of the associates. “Do you guys ever room, was full of staff just waiting and ment, and looked back at me “ Right ing, gazing upon its mighty structure, yell at each other in the back room?” eager to tend to any possible request. now, you may think that, but you’ll see it was interesting to take it all in as we Puzzled, he looked over with a smile “Would you like some tea?” “Do you when you get older. Grown-ups don’t approached this cushioned cocoon and said “I’m sorry. I’m not sure what have Earl Grey?” “Absolutely!” “Do you always like things as sweet as kids do.” of a world glistening in the night, just you mean, mam.” have soda?” “Absolutely!” “Can we get she explained. “It’s not natural.” waiting for our arrival. As we walked Really? Well, I suppose there may a few more napkins?” “Absolutely!” Though it had nothing to do with up to the entrance, yet another similng be more than one way to interpret what I doubted there could be anything we candy, those very sentiments were valet joyfully held the door open. The my mother had said about something could have asked for that would not paralleled by a recent stay at a posh next morning we would leave this being “too sweet”. But her comment have gotten the response of “Abso- hotel. Having difficulty thinking ahead wonderland and plunge back into real- crept into my mind. “It wasn’t natural.” lutely!” ity. I didn’t want to leave. “Of course it Elizabeth Weintraub, LMSW, is a Social early in the year, we were not sure if Worker with extensive background in prac- The smiles were relentless. tice areas counseling survivors of violence, we would be able to make it, but last isn’t real” I think to myself. After all, if Walking by the front desk…. Big smiles I stayed and spent every last cent and trauma and abuse. She is also the NY Region- spring, as my sister’s graduation drew al Director of “CE You!” Continuing Educa- from the clerks in their crisp and rich tion seminars for Social Workers and other closer, we began to make our best effort maxed out every last credit card, even- uniforms “How are you doing mam? Is tually these smiling faces would hold mental health professionals. Comments, to get to St. Louis to enjoy the festivities suggestions and questions are always warm- there anything you need?” Walking out ly welcomed via email: [email protected]. with her. Disregarding the warnings of the door one last time as they kicked the front door… “Wait mam, let me get me right out. Yet the atmosphere they To join one of the upcoming seminars or live other family members that we had bet- webinars please visit www.ceyou.org; call that for you!” Walking back into the 929-352-3968 or 443-278-3907. ter make our reservations early because had created was so convincing. How- hotel… “Good evening mam!” smiling © Elizabeth Weintraub 2017 the hotels surrounding the university ever, there was something about this were sure to fill up over graduation weekend, in our last minute planning haste, we found just that. All the hotels were booked. Well, all but one. And it was fancy. When we learned the price, it was easy to see why they still had space available. (Who in their right mind would pay that?) But despera- tion set in, and we booked the room, (thankfully along with the help of some accumulated travelers miles) The interior was lavish. A fragrant “old world” style lobby showcased luxurious furniture framed in deep shiny wood, suitable for their legendary afternoon tea. It would later turn into a nightclub on the weekends, guests taking to the dance floor. The rooms came furnished with robes and slip- pers; the beds featured fluffy comforters over featherbed topped mattresses that seemed to hug and cradle me no matter which way I turned, bringing about some of the most restful and comfort- able sleep I’ve ever experienced. But as a Social Worker, (eg some- NEAL L. MITNICK, D.D.S. one deeply rooted in what is certainly 24 To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 12/5/17

CROSSWORDFROM PAGE ANSWER6 Waxing Poetic on Natural Wax Redux

Dear Readers, wow, you are in luck! Luxe vegan Chag Chanukah Sameach! Do skincare cosmetics are becoming you light your chanukiah with oil very popular, turning Candelilla, or wax? As we’ve discussed, both a common shrub byproduct into have a place in kindling the lights boutique find! of Chanukah AND in what we put on our largest organ, our beauti- Rice Bran Wax: It’s Not Just ful birthday suit! Last we met, we for Breakfast! Whenever I see bran, were waxing our way through the I immediately think of a certain ce- exciting world of natural wax and real with raisins I ate growing up. it’s role in natural skincare prod- However, that ubiquitous cereal is ucts. We examined wax from bees, made from wheat, not rice bran. sunflower, and a plant called Car- Unlike it’s wheaty cousin, rice bran nauba. But wait! There are even wax is extracted from rice bran oil. more types of waxes that you may It is edible, so it meets the Dr. P come across in your adventures in “if you can’t eat it, don’t put it on natural skincare! your skin” test! This pale colored wax takes the place of carnauba Wax from Flowers Give You (which we met last time) in many Super Powers! Well, that’s not cosmetics. In addition to giving exactly true, but flower wax IS body and sheen to products, it also quite luscious. While flower wax is an emollient, so it will help draw is technically a ‘psuedo wax,’ wax moisture to the skin when used in from posies such as rose, jasmine, moisturizing potions! Look for lotus, or any other bloom too it in beeswax free lip balms and delicate to be steam distilled (more lipsticks. It is also used in candle on that in another column!) can wax! One recent reader told me be refined into a fragrant flower about a skincare product that is lit waxes to wax on about. We’ve health, and smooth skin! Remem- wax. As you might imagine, this like a candle, blown out, then used had a great time discussing natu- ber, if you can’t eat it, don’t put it type of wax can be used in solid as a warm wax for moisture. While ral waxes and their place in the on your skin! perfumes, lip balms and lipsticks, this sounds like it could contain world of natural skincare. If your minhag is to use oil to kindle the and any other product that needs rice bran wax, I worry about safety Hadassah Chaya Davies Pardo, Ph.D. is to smell scrumptious—I use it in when using something on the skin Chanukah lights, you are in luck! Chief Lotionist and owner of Hope Solid We will examine the oily world Lotion. She has 35 years’ experience in body balms. A little goes a long that was recently on fire. cosmetology and skin care. Email your way! You can find this type of of cosmetic oil in an upcoming questions to: hopesolidlotion@gmail. column of Ask Dr. P! Until then, I com. Hope Solid Lotion can be found at natural wax on eBay or Etsy from Well, Dear Readers, there you hopesolidlotion.com. Copyright 2017. reputable dealers. Melt a tiny have three more natural, vegan wish you a Happy Chanukah, good All Rights Reserved. amount into cocoa butter and you have a delicious smelling skin treat! However, wax flower super powers are not something that comes cheap! These types of waxes tend to be extremely pricey, so they are usually used in very sparing amounts.

Candelilla Wax So Bees Relax: Candelilla is another plant wax, de- rived from a Mexican shrub. It is most often used to replace natural beeswax, giving those hard workers a well needed day off. People who are allergic to bees or bee products (honey, pollen, royal jelly) can usu- ally use candelilla without a prob- lem, but please, ask your medical doctor before using a new product if you have allergies! You might find this lovely named ingredient in beauty balms such as lipstick or hair wax, because it gives a glossy glow. For my vegan readers, To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 25 12/15/17

26 To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 12/5/17

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SCHONFELD Stresses for Children with ADHD CONT. FROM P22 Children with Attention Deficit your child choose. This will make Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz him feel in control. As you read, ask often struggle with reading. While “The Observant Jew questions that relate the book to his their attention seems unfocused, it own experiences. is multi-focused. Their mind takes in multiple stimuli at once, making Light through the Forest Reading Books Can Promote Em- it hard to engage in one activity for pathy long periods of time. For this reason, I glanced out the window as was the fact that since Shabbos Researchers have found that reading through traditional methods we began Maariv after Shabbos was concluding, the sky should people who frequently read fiction can be frustrating. one evening and something curi- have been completely dark. So I are more skilled at reading social The frustration that a child with ous caught my eye. Through the stared longer. cues and are more likely to empa- ADHD feels when he cannot at- trees out the westerly window, I It didn’t make sense. I recog- thize with others. Reading books tend to the activities going on the saw the pinkish-gray tint of the nized the coloration but some- that spark the imagination and classroom often results in negative sky as I’d seen it so many times in thing was wrong. Then it hit me. are focused on other people’s lives behavior on the part of the child. In the past. What struck me, though, CONT.ON P29 makes both children and adults turn, his classmates might become more sensitive to the feelings of angry – after all – he keeps disrupt- those around them. ing their classroom activities. Be- Social Skills Facilitate Reading dren that your child enjoys playing Scientists believes that because cause of peer rejection and isolation, Now that we understand how with can help him gain communica- literature exposes readers to the way many children with ADHD have low “book-smarts” can improve “street- tion skills – and in the long run – people behave socially, they have self-esteem. smarts,” let’s take a look at the other help him academically. more practice dealing with those It’s sounds a bit funny, but side of the equation. How can social social situations. Therefore, they will assisting children with ADHD get skills help raise reading scores? Social skill development starts be better equipped in the future. In up to their reading grade level can What social skills should you from birth – infants smile because addition, using reading techniques facilitate friendships. Consider this: focus on that help promote academ- they understand that this elicits such as foreshadowing and predict- if the child with ADHD learns how ic development? Studies show that smiles from others. As children ing force readers to look for clues to read the way his classmates do, he the most important skill to learn in grow, they continue to utilize so- about characters’ actions. This can will be less disruptive in class. If his order to facilitate learning are the cial skills to navigate the complex reflect positively in real life when behavior is less aggressive, his peers four Cs: world of human interaction. For children look for “clues” about an- will be more accepting. With this Confidence: One important a young child, play is important other person’s behavior. newfound acceptance, he will gain skill is the development of self-con- work. Through play, a child grows, self-esteem. Friendships will follow. fidence or self-esteem. This means learns, and investigates the world. Improved Reading Reduces Social that the child learns to feel good Dress-up, house, puzzles, and blocks about who he is, both as an indi- invite him to think, problem-solve, vidual and in relation to others. This and participate in fantasy. So, don’t is a lifelong skill that will continue to fret if your child is only “playing” help your child pursue learning, take in school. In reality, he is building a calculated risks, and make friends. foundation for future learning. The Cooperation: Empathy, or un- four Cs – confidence, cooperation, derstanding what others are feeling, curiosity, and communication – is an extremely important skill that help him discover that learning can children need to learn in order to include other people. With a little cooperate and also make inferences encouragement, he will be on his about material presented. Games, way towards becoming a passionate stories, and songs help children participant in his own education. learn how to work with others and further understand their motiva- Having it All tions and emotions. While nobody’s perfect, the better Curiosity: If children ask ques- your child’s social skills, the more tions and want to learn more about likely he will be to succeed in school. the world around them, they will And the more confident he is about be more likely to pursue education. his reading, the more friendships he They will also be less likely to give up will pursue. After all, the wise child in the face of adversity. Developing “reads both books and life itself.” a child’s thirst for learning through An acclaimed educator and education con- a variety of interesting materials and sultant, Mrs. Rifka Schonfeld has served activities will engage your child’s the Jewish community for close to thirty years. She founded and directs the widely natural curiosity. acclaimed educational program, SOS, Communication: Reading, servicing all grade levels in secular as well as Hebrew studies. A kriah and reading writing, math, and science skills specialist, she has given dynamic work- all rest on a foundation of express- shops and has set up reading labs in many schools. In addition, she offers evalu- ing oneself and representing ideas, ations G.E.D. preparation,, social skills feelings, and knowledge. Creating training and shidduch coaching, focusing on building self-esteem and self-aware- conversation and helping your child ness. She can be reached at 718-382-5437 articulate himself topics as mundane or at [email protected] . You can visit us on the web at as what he ate for lunch or who he rifkaschonfeldsos.com played with during recess can help Register now for a anger management workshop by Dr. Ross Greene on Novem- him learn how to express himself. ber 14, 2017. Please call Mrs. Schonfeld at Even setting up playdates with chil- 718-382-5437 for more information.

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electric menorah in 20 years!” matter now. Aa ag “Oh well,” I said. “I thought it I focused on the menorah with was worth a try.” I turned to leave the shames and the seven lit bulbs. and was halfway out when he I hoped that the old bulbs would called me back. still work. I took out the first and The Last Bulb “We used to have an electric me- screwed it in. No light, but I had Edited by Miriam Greenwald norah… I could check if there are eight more. I screwed in the next still bulbs.” one, the next and the one after… “Thank you so much!” I said, nothing. My stomach began to feel If I hung in long enough at work, I had to turn a small piece of relieved at the idea that this night queasy. I took a deep breath and I’d make it to Friday. There was orange glass about an inch clock- could have a successful outcome screwed in the next three bulbs. little to break the monotony, but a wise before I left the impersonal after all. He lifted up a floorboard Nothing. few years ago, something different newness of New York to the warm in the lobby. Had all this been a fool’s errand? happened. embrace of family in Philadelphia. “It’s down here,” he said, hand- When I picked up the next-to-last It was the 8th night of Chanukah, Each night the bulbs had worked ing me a flashlight, and climbed bulb, I psyched myself up to be- although it wouldn’t make much perfectly, but perhaps I needed to down a rickety ladder to a dark- lieve that it would work. I screwed difference to the 80 Jewish resi- learn never to take anything for ened storage area. I implored him it in and…nothing. I laughed at dents at the Manhattan nursing granted. to be careful. “Don’t worry,” he myself. My brain was insisting home where I was a recreation A drama instructor would have said. “Shine the light here…I just that the last bulb wouldn’t work, therapist. The overwhelmingly admired my reaction of “stunned have to move some boxes...wait a but part of me believed that it non-Jewish residents celebrated disbelief” as I turned the eighth minute…I think this is it. Wow! I would light. What happened next with trees, special programs, and bulb of the menorah. Why now haven’t seen this in 20 years!” was one of the most beautiful greetings relating to their holiday. was it not working? I had given “Can you get a bulb from it?” I things I have ever seen. When I I made a Chanukah party which my all for the week’s work—l asked. screwed in that last bulb, I was was heartening for those who didn’t have time for this—I want- “I can do better than that,” he overjoyed that I hadn’t given up. attended, but afterwards they were ed to go home! said, as he climbed up the steps The Chanukah story had come left with only one small electric I fidgeted with the bulb, to no and handed a dusty bag to me. alive. The few (that part of me menorah to celebrate the momen- avail. I had gone beyond the call “There are nine bulbs in here. that persevered) had defeated the tous events culminating in Chanu- of duty. No other Jewish employee We don’t need them. I don’t even many (my inclination to surren- kah. The Administration had no had taken an interest in this me- know if any of them work.” der) when that last bulb came interest in publicizing the holiday, norah…why should I? I thanked him profusely. Feeling alive. IT LIT UP! but I could at least try to bring its No matter- I knew that I would that something good was about to My people would see clearly that light there, making sure that the delay my trip home to look for happen, I drove back to the rehab it was the 8th day of Chanukah, lone menorah would reflect each a replacement bulb. I recalled a center. I gave the surprised guard and I could see clearly that there is night of Chanukah. Before leaving hardware store five blocks away, a brief hello and sped down the something even greater than mir- every day, I turned the bulbs to but when I got there the clerk hall, arriving at the Recreation acles–the determination NEVER the right number for that evening. there had no such bulbs. I tried Room while the residents were at TO GIVE UP. It pained me that the Jews there, another place with no better luck. dinner. Hmm…I had forgotten The drive home to Philadelphia who had lost so much of their Chilled to the bone, I began to about that for myself, but it didn’t was sweet. physical and cognitive health, also head back when I remembered a had their spirituality ignored. small shul nearby. As I pulled up The days of Chanukah went by to it, the men were leaving. My GEWIRTZ shades of color in the sunsets as CONT. FROM P28 routinely, except for when I sang a silent prayer that the door not be the street in front of my home few holiday songs for the five Jews locked was answered. I entered, The sky I recognized wasn’t there. slopes downward, giving us an in my group. At least I lit a little dismayed that the room seemed It was a scene I’d taken in near my expansive view, it told me this was spark when turning the next bulb empty. home, not from where I was stand- the same thing I’d seen before. before leaving, bringing more “Hello,” I called; why was the ing now, and my brain was telling It amazed me how easily I was light into the recreation room. door open if nobody was there? me it was the same thing - but it fooled. I actually looked back That Sunday afternoon I anticipat- “Is that you Alan?” wasn’t. several times to recognize the ed driving to Philadelphia to join I turned to see an elderly man What I actually saw that night phenomenon and commit it to my family for the last candle. whom I knew fairly well. “Louis, was the artificial light of a street memory. It was cold and raw outside, and it’s great to see you,” I said. lamp reflecting off the leaves that Another time, while contem- the Home’s residents reflected the “What brings you out on such a were blocking any possible view plating this concept for this very dismal weather. At 4:30, I headed night?” he asked. “I was just about of said sky. Because my brain had article, I walked past two mirrors. down the long hallway to light the to leave.” been accustomed to viewing (with I caught sight of myself peripher- 8th “candle.” Our people deserved When I told him what I needed, awe, I might add) the beautiful CONT.ON P32 to have the holiday publicized! he laughed. “We haven’t used an

T.A.N.I. By: Leil Shishi & Emunah Publishing

Wow, I Sir, the workers Certainly didn’t know you could Sir. get promoted for doing in your division weren’t I love this job. given any work yet nothing. Just yesterday I was a Thank you, today. nobody, struggling to put bread that will do. on my table, and now I’m an Can executive with my own you put office! together some to-do-lists for them?

To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 29 12/15/17 JNS.ORG: FULL NEWS COVERAGE Israeli archaeologists well as European weather models— prehended, while the security guard rabbi to his final resting place, but reveal Hanukkah-related comes as the Sea of Galilee (also remains in serious condition. “10 people at my funeral would be discoveries on eve of known as the Kinneret), Israel’s larg- enough,” Shteinman had written in holiday: est freshwater lake and primary wa- Hundreds of thousands his will, which was read aloud by ter source, approaches a historically attend funeral of haredi one of his students at the funeral. low water level. Based upon weather spiritual leader: models used by the European Center Hundreds of thousands of people Hamas vows attacks in ‘coming days’ after for Medium-Range Weather Fore- gathered in the Israeli city of Bnei Brak on Tuesday for the funeral of rocket fire into Israel, IDF casts, the Jewish state has a 64.7-per- retaliation: cent chance of insufficient rainfall Rabbi Aharon Yehuda Leib Shtein- The IDF attacked several of the during the country’s primary rainy man, a spiritual leader of the haredi Hamas terror group’s positions in season of December through Febru- Jewish community, who passed away the northern on Monday ary. Israel’s Water Authority warned earlier in the day at age 104. Shtein- night, after several rockets were in October that the Sea of Galilee is man was regarded by many Jews On the eve of Hanukkah, the Israel Antiq- launched from the territory at the critically low and in danger of reach- as the “gadol hador”—the leader of uities Authority revealed the discovery southern Israeli city of . of the pictured clay lamp that dates back ing its “lowest level ever recorded.” the generation—and was famous 2,200 years, to the time when Judah The IDF tweeted that it “holds the As of that month, the sea was 703 for his rabbinic scholarship and Maccabee fought the Greek ruler Antio- Hamas terror organization account- chus Epiphanes. Credit: Israel Antiquities feet below sea level, just a few feet exceedingly modest lifestyle. He also Authority. able for this hostile act originating above the historical low of 705 below served as the spiritual leader of the Degel Hatorah faction of Israel’s in the Gaza Strip.” Following the Two archaeological discoveries with sea level measured in 2001—beneath United Torah Judaism political retaliatory Israeli strikes, Hamas highly symbolic value dating back the water source’s so-called “black party. The rabbi died Tuesday of warned that “the enemy must be to the ancient Jewish kingdoms of line.” When water levels in the Sea cardiac arrest in Mayanei Hayeshua afraid and know it will pay a price Israel have been revealed on the eve of Galilee cross below the black line, Medical Center after being hospital- for breaking the rules of engage- of Hanukkah. Israeli archaeologists severe ecological complications ized several weeks earlier. “With the ment with the Gaza resistance.” this week disclosed the discovery of can irreversibly contaminate the death of Rav Steinman, the Jew- “The coming days will prove the an ancient inscription of a seven- water and disrupt the lake’s fragile ish people lost a central beacon of enormity of the enemy’s mistake branched menorah on a large stone ecosystem. The situation in the Sea spirituality, heritage and ethics,” and miscalculation as to the resist- slab in the northern Israeli city of of Galilee has deteriorated in re- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin ance’s willpower,” the Gaza-ruling Tiberias. According to archaeolo- cent years as Israel’s north faces an Netanyahu said. “His memory will terror group threatened. The rockets gists, the basalt block that features ongoing drought. Israel has invested forever remain in the pages of our from Gaza were fired over Ashkelon the engraving was originally used substantially in water conservation, nation’s heritage.”Shteinman “car- around midnight and set off Code as a door to a Jewish tomb between reclamation and desalination tech- ried on his shoulders the existential Red sirens in the city as well as in the 2nd and 4th centuries B.C. The nologies, allowing the Jewish state to weight of the Jewish people,” said Is- several other Israeli communities in menorah-engraved stone was later significantly reduce its use of water raeli President Reuven Rivlin. Israel the vicinity of Gaza, including Be- used as the foundation for a pillar from the Sea of Galilee. Radio reported that 600,000 mourn- rekhya, Hodaya, Mash’en, Nir Yis- in a mosque, and then as a step in Israel arrests latest knife- ers were expected to accompany the a Crusader-era sugar refinery. “The CONT.ON P31 wielding Palestinian DOVIE’S stone is engraved in splendor with a terrorist at Cave of the seven-branched menorah,” said Dr. Patriarchs: Katia Cytryn-Silverman of Hebrew A 17-year-old Palestinian terrorist University of Jerusalem’s Institute was arrested by the Israeli Border EA of Archaeology, who oversaw the How to solve a search and Find Puzzle TFhe wordsRUITY can be located in the diagram by reading forward, backward, up , down Police on Tuesday in possession excavation. Additionally, the Israel and diagonally. All words will be found in a straight line with no letters being of a knife at the entrance to He- skipped. As you find each word, circle it in the diagram and cross it o the word Antiquities Authority this week bron’s Cave of the Patriarchs—one list. Letters may be used more than once and words will often overlap. All the revealed the discovery of an ancient letters in the diagram may not be used. of the holiest sites in Judaism—in clay lamp dating back 2,200 years, the fourth such incident since to the time when Judah Maccabee early November. After the terror- fought the Greek ruler Antiochus ist attempted to enter the holy site Epiphanes. A mother and her through a security checkpoint, police 7-year-old daughter found the lamp discovered that he was concealing during a hike in Israel’s Beit She’an a box cutter and detained him for Valley. According to archaeolo- further questioning. On Nov. 27, gists, the lamp’s discovery proves a 16-year-old Palestinian terrorist the existence of the valley during the was arrested outside the Cave of the Hellenistic period. Patriarchs in possession of a knife. Israel expects insufficient Days before that incident, a 17-year- winter rainfall as Sea of old Palestinian terrorist attempted to Galilee nears historically enter the site with a knife hidden in low level: his shirt. A similar incident occurred Israel’s Meteorological Service has on Nov. 9. The latest instance of at- forecasted that the country should tempted terrorism at the Cave of the anticipate insufficient rainfall this Patriarchs came after a Palestinian winter. The Israeli prediction— terrorist stabbed an Israeli security which is based upon assessments guard in the heart at the entrance to the Jerusalem Central Bus Station of December’s weather forecast as on Sunday. The terrorist was ap- ANSWERS ON PAGE 36

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JNS set by the Trump administra- for the most part, been solved and security footage of the incident CONT. FROM P30 tion’s policy changes on Jerusalem. solved spectacularly,” Putin said, shows the 24-year-old terrorist, Yas- rael, Beit Shikma, , Ge’a, “I believe that all or most of the commending the troops for ostensi- sin Abu al-Qur’a, removing his coat , , and . European countries will move their bly defeating the Islamic State terror at the station’s entrance and then One of the rockets was intercepted embassies to Jerusalem, recognize group. Putin also reportedly stated suddenly drawing a large knife and by the Israel’s missile Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and that the Hmeymim air base and a plunging it directly into 46-year-old defense system. Explosions were engage robustly with us for security, Russian naval facility at the Syrian security guard Asher Elmaliach’s heard in the area, but no injuries prosperity and peace,” Netanyahu port of Tartous would remain in the heart. After attempting to flee the or damage were reported. Monday said in Brussels ahead of a meet- country. The Russian president’s scene, the terrorist was quickly ap- night’s rocket fire from Gaza fol- ing with all 28 foreign ministers unannounced visit to Syria came as prehended, while the security guard lowed a similar incident early Mon- of European Union (EU) member he was traveling through the region was evacuated to Jerusalem’s Shaarei day morning in which a rocket fired states. The EU’s foreign policy chief, to meet with the presidents of Egypt Tzedek Hospital in serious condi- from the territory exploded in an Federica Mogherini, reiterated the and Turkey on Monday, accord- tion. Doctors were able to stabilize open area in Israel’s Eshkol Regional bloc’s policy of only recognizing the ing to the Kremlin. Russia initially the condition of Elmaliach. Accord- Council. Last week, Hamas called status of Jerusalem following the entered the Syrian Civil War in the ing to the hospital, had he “come in for a violent uprising in response to outcome of direct Israeli-Palestinian fall of 2015, working closely with two minutes later there would have President Donald Trump’s recogni- negotiations. “The only realistic so- Iran and Hezbollah in support of been nothing we could do. That’s all tion of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. lution to the conflict between Israel Assad. In October, Russian Defense that separated life from death. Hours and Palestine is based on two states Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Israel before the attack, the terrorist wrote with Jerusalem as the capital of for discussions on Iran and security on Facebook, “Please let our blood White House: Palestinians both,” said Mogherini. “We believe coordination in Syria. Israeli Prime be spilled—for it is of little matter to ‘walking away’ from peace it is in Israel’s interest, especially its Minister told spill one’s blood for our homeland, talks by snubbing Pence: security interest, to find a sustain- Shoigu that the Jewish state “will not for Jerusalem, and for the Al Aqsa The Trump administration said Sun- able and comprehensible solution allow” an Iranian military buildup Mosque.” The attack came after the day that the Palestinian Authority to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. in Syria. Gaza-ruling Palestinian terror group (PA) is “walking away” from peace This is why the European Union will Hamas last week called for a violent talks after PA President Mahmoud increase its work…to relaunch the Palestinian terrorist stabs uprising in response to President Abbas declined to meet with Vice peace process, even if it seems [that security guard in the heart Donald Trump’s recognition of Je- at Jerusalem bus station: President Mike Pence during his these are] difficult times,” she said. rusalem as Israel’s capital. Al-Qur’a upcoming Middle East visit this Before traveling to Brussels, Net- An Israeli security guard is in seri- is reportedly the son of a retired month. “It’s unfortunate that the anyahu met with French President ous condition after a Palestinian Palestinian Authority (PA) general, Palestinian Authority is walking Emmanuel Macron on Sunday. The terrorist stabbed him in the heart on Yousef al-Qur’a. Several al-Qur’a away again from an opportunity to Israeli leader acknowledged that he Sunday at the entrance to the Jeru- family members hold high-level po- discuss the future of the region,” and Macron don’t “agree on every- salem Central Bus Station. Graphic sitions in the PA security forces. stated Jarrod Agen, Pence’s deputy thing,” but are “working on it.” Ma- chief of staff. The Trump adminis- cron had called America’s Jerusalem tration “remains undeterred in its policy changes “regrettable” and said efforts to help achieve peace between the city’s status should be deter- Israelis and Palestinians and our mined through negotiations. peace team remains hard at work putting together a plan,” Agen said. Putin announces The PA’s move came in response to withdrawal of Russian WHEREVER YOU GO... President Donald Trump’s recogni- troops from Syria: tion of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital as well as his expression of plans to move the U.S. embassy to that AMIGO! city. Abbas’s meeting with Pence was cancelled “because the U.S. has crossed red lines” on Jerusalem, Abbas’s diplomatic adviser Majdi Khaldi said last Saturday. In his announcement of the U.S. policy changes last week, Trump empha- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (left) and sized that he was not defining the Russian President Vladimir Putin meet in borders of Jerusalem nor altering October 2015. Credit: Kremlin.ru via Wiki- the status quo at the city’s holy sites. media Commons. Sim Cards & Cell Phone Rentals During his visit to the region, Pence During a surprise visit to Syria will meet with Israeli Prime Minister on Monday, Russian President For International Travel Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem Vladimir Putin ordered Moscow’s and with Egyptian President Abdel troops to begin withdrawing from Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo. the war-torn nation. Putin made the announcement from Russia’s Hmey- mim air base in Syria’s Latakia Prov- Netanyahu: most European ince, officially concluding Moscow’s countries will follow US two-year military campaign in sup- precedent on Jerusalem: port of President Bashar al-Assad’s Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin regime.“The task of fighting armed Netanyahu on Monday expressed bandits here in Syria, a task that it confidence that most European was essential to solve with the help countries will follow the precedent of extensive use of armed force, has 888.AMIGO.US | WWW.AMIGO-US.COM

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punishable by death. When soldiers term Goshna. This is a very signifi- The Dreidel’s Message approached their hiding places, se- cant match, since the purpose of RABBI DOVID STIMLER farim were hidden, and the dreidels going to Goshen was to establish a began to spin. Could such a toy Bais Medrash. Nothing in Judaism is trivial, no we wear and other practices. have deep significance? Its associa- Rashi elsewhere explains that matter how apparently minor. But what about a game such as tion with Chanukah portends that the last letter of the word, hei, A Torah Jew believes that every the Chanukah dreidel? Yes, even it cannot be arbitrary. Let’s examine performs the job of a lamed at the element of the Torah is laden with that has profound meaning. this spinning top and see what we beginning of a word; therefore, significance beyond our under- Playing with a dreidel on Cha- can expound. “Goshna” means “L’Goshen”, to standing. A letter in the sefer Torah, nukah is a well-known tradition. The four letters on the dreidel Goshen. Combining the two ver- a mitzva, laws enacted by our Rab- The dreidel has actually become a are found in only one word in the sions, the written and implied, bis; a lifetime of study will not be symbol for Chanukah and even Ju- entire Torah, in Bereshith 46:28, yields us “L’Goshana”. With this, we enough to reveal all of their mean- daism. It reminds us of how Yidden in the Torah reading that almost have the letter lamed in two forms: ings. Our customs are also signifi- had to hide their Torah learning always follows Chanukah, Parshas an actual one at the beginning of cant, with multiple explanations for from the Greek soldiers thousands Vayigash. There it states that Ye- the word and a symbolic one at its many of the foods we eat, clothing of years ago, when Torah study was huda went “to Goshen,” using the CONT.ON P33

GEWIRTZ and chips. Our brains, of course, perspective as a medium of ap- CONT. FROM P29 It seems to drag on for some trying to be true to our memories, preciating HaShem and furthering ally as I passed. Suddenly, I looked time even though it was just a tell us that this is exactly what our relationship with Him. taller and larger. I did a double- single “ding” before. Except that it we’re hearing. take. A quick look confirmed that wasn’t. The iPhone ding is actu- Alas, even though the official though the two mirrors were next ally a long sound that gets slightly With Chanuka upon us, this exile of Yavan is gone, we still to each other, one was angled lower and fainter as it continues message struck home with me. suffer in a world that puts high down and changed my appear- so it mimics the sound of a metal Yavan, the Greek Empire that value on how things look rather ance. gong or tuning fork being struck idolized beauty and form, tried than what they are in essence. Once again, an artificial view and creating diminishing sounds to replace the light of Torah with Now, make-up is important, don’t made me think something was - as it resonates. the light of human intellect. They get me wrong. Cosmetics even when it wasn’t. But it’s not only denied our One G-d, replacing fell with the Mon in the desert so sight. Hearing can do the same Essentially, the sound is trying Him with a panoply of gods who women could feel their best by thing. Have you ever heard an Ap- to fool your brain into hearing a had plenty of human failings and looking their best. But the painted ple iPhone “ding”? Let me correct true metallic sound rather than just some cool superpowers. They lips must be combined with a that, it’s more of a: diiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii one synthesized by some wires wanted us to accept Hellenism genuine smile of warmth and ing{gggggggggg}. and feel that it was the same G-d kindness - NOT a duck face - for construct we’d been used to, just the true beauty to emerge. this one was updated. The world today still tries to ply its values on us, ones of ac- They admired the superiority ceptance (when they choose) of form over substance, and while and tolerance (to the chosen they appreciated the variety of ones), based on human logic and things which offered beauty, they philosophy. Without being con- did not appreciate people having a nected to the true source of light, different set of values. They want- however, they end up creating ed everyone, including Jews, to more darkness in the world and buy into their version of beauty; to more chances for evil to dress up participate in their events on their as good on the surface and fool terms, and to drive away the true everyone. light which would cast their ersatz replacement in eternal shadow. On Chanuka, we light the Me- The Torah was an obstacle to norah and choose lights that will their world-view. Just as one has burn straight and pure, without no need for a candle when the flickering and casting deceptive sun is shining, the truth of Torah shadows. We stare at the flames and HaShem would obliterate and see beyond their appearance the artificial light of their beauty to their essence – the connection with its brightness and show how to HaShem and our dedication to inconsequential it was when not always seeking out the true light. connected to anything deeper. Remembering to be guided That’s not to say there is no by the eternal light of the Torah place for appreciation of beauty. and know that we are not accept- Indeed there is, as I mentioned ing a poor imitation is a fantastic that I marveled at the sunset or Chanuka gift – to ourselves and the changing leaves, and beautiful Klal Yisrael. things can make us feel uplifted. © 2017 – All Rights Reserved We are supposed to beautify our Feedback is welcome and appreci- mitzvos with a nice esrog, a nice ated. E-mail info@JewishSpeechWriter. com to share your thoughts. Life is full talis, and so on. The beauty, how- of inspiration, just waiting for us to ever, must be put in the proper find it. It’s a treasure hunt and the re- wards are greater than we can imagine.

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STIMLER letters in “ L’Goshana”, we can see is. Yes, even in this form, it yields Even the game’s omission CONT. FROM P32 that the dreidel game and its rules rich rewards. The ‘nun’, neighbor to speaks volumes! end. Now, the very name of this connote exquisite depth. The letter the hei, cannot expect very much. It There is still one point to clarify. letter means learning, so we seem gimel, positioned next to the lamed, is enough that he is protected from Where on the dreidel can the lamed to be looking at two kinds of learn- the true talmid chochom, is sure loss. The ‘shin’ is neither learning, be found? How was he left off, when ing, one more real than the other. to benefit thereby. Perhaps it even nor close to one who is. His fate is all the other letters are prominently Their placement reminds us of our indicates that the gimel, cognate therefore clear; he must lose. displayed? His reward may be be- sages’ reference to those who learn to gomel (to give), is also support- One may object. The hei sym- yond description, but why don’t we Torah. Those who do so with proper ing Torah learning. In any case, it bolizes one who is actually learning at least see him?! intentions are considered to be is easy to see why he is a winner. Torah, albeit without the best of In actuality, it is not his absence, approaching Torah from the right. The hei however, being involved in intentions. The gimel is merely next but rather our nearsightedness that This is in contrast to those who lower-class learning, takes only half. to one who learns. Shouldn’t the hei should confound us. Upon inspec- learn for personal gain, who are said This clarifies the inadequacy of his win more? The answer is revealed tion, a dreidel actually resembles to be approaching from the left. efforts, while at the same time shows in a Mishna. In Pirkei Avos (4:1) we two lameds opposing each other As we refer to the order of the how amazing Torah learning truly are taught: Better to be a tail of lion (). So in reality, the entire dreidel than the head of a fox. is composed of many lameds, each Unequivocally, the primacy of facing the center. Wonder of won- FLATBUSH BASKETBALL LEAGUE learning Torah is displayed! ders; the letter we couldn’t find is But what about the winnings of all over! Moreover, it occupies three WEEK #2 & 3 RECAP the lamed? How did something that dimensions, not like the puny flat ought to be the biggest winner of surfaces that show each of the other all wind up with nothing? True, the four. The entire dreidel is composed gimel already gets everything, so it of lameds! might be hard to reward the lamed There’s more. As the game is adequately. Nevertheless he should played and the dreidel spins, the somehow get more; perhaps this letters are obscured; except for the pot and the next. But the answer is lameds. Still it goes unnoticed. All obvious, revealing the undisputed wait impatiently for the twirling to truth. Nothing is assigned to the stop, so that they can see the letter lamed, because there is no way to that counts. Then a flurry of activity express, in earthly terms, the reward ensues – which letter? Who spun reserved for the true Torah student. it? Take, pay! As for the lamed? He No mortal can perceive it; only carries the letters, does all the work, HaShem alone. CONT.ON P39

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engages in discharge and operates to FAMILY MATTERS | Dr. Ari Korenblit produce the deactivation of certain the unconscious. The cerebral cortex, nervous system patterns and the acti- where language resides, essentially Therapy Matters: The Talking Cure vation and discharge of new patterns.” converts primitive instincts pulsing This idea as well as Freud’s writings in less sophisticated regions to a more have foreshadowed recent advances cerebral arena. Therein, powerful While we live in an age of stagger- ing the material which will put us on in neuroscientific research. Using instinctive feelings can be verbalized ing choice, in supermarket products, the track of repressed complexes.” advanced technology to map the cent- without the necessity for immediate entertainment venues, travel options, ers in the brain and their responses discharge. Essentially, the “talking and medical approaches, nothing In the analytic setting saying to stimuli, a more profound under- cure” not only changes behavior, but seems to match the veritable cornu- everything is “safe” and you only have standing of the human brain and the the very configuration of the brain. copia of cures for that which ails us your unconscious blocks/resistances association to talking has resulted. mentally. Mental health and self-help to moving forward and achieving Dr. Ari Korenblit is a licensed psychothera- Consider that when one speaks the pist and marriage counselor working with books proliferate, and the amount of success to lose. Outside the office, patent converts into language power- children, adolescents, singles and couples new-fangled cures abound. One can saying everything can cost you your with offices in Brooklyn and Manhattan. ful electrical impulses stemming from Phone consultations are also available. 718- virtually subscribe to a cure-a-day life, job, business, and relationships. 258-3735 [email protected] program and be bombarded with of- Often, patients attempt to use the time fers. Nevertheless, the time-honored to understand themselves, rather than New Yad L’Achim Film: “talking cure” still has currency relax and speak freely. It is very rare among those practitioners who are that a patient accomplishes change in Assimilation Means Losing Your Identity true students of psychology and give behavior and feelings via understand- credibility to the vast literature and ing alone. Actually, the more a patient Yad L’Achim released a film clip Thursday as part of its don’t bow on the alter of the latest fad focuses on understanding, the more efforts to prevent assimilation in Israel. The film, distrib- and trend which sometimes vanishes confused and emotionally withdrawn uted in the social media, opens with a shot of a Shabbos more rapidly than the latest fashion. he/she becomes. table, with a haunting Shalom Aleichem being sung in the The phrase “the talking cure” was Many theorists have indicated background – in Arabic. Little by little, Jewish elements like coined by a patient of Sigmund Freud, that words bridge the gap between Shabbos candles and challos are taken away. In the final Anna O. Dr. Freud insisted that the the body and the mind, between the scene, we see a woman sitting at the table, confused and patient “must say whatever comes neurological and psychological. Dr. torn at the disappearance of symbols that were once part of into his heads, even if he considers it Hyman Spotnitz, an apostle of the her. incorrect or nonsensical, and above therapist’s instructing every patient “It was important to us to emphasize the confusion that all, if he finds it disagreeable to let to “say everything” explained in his a Jewish woman who has married a non-Jew feels as regards himself think about what has occurred seminal work Modern Psychoanalysis her identity,” explained a Yad L’Achim official. “We wanted to him. So long as this ordinance is of the Schizophrenic Patient (Hu- to get this across in a gentle way, because that’s our way.” carried out, we are certain of obtain- man Science Press, 1989) “the patient CONT.ON P35

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GOLDBERG versations that I submit should vacy and personal space within sides thinking this will be the time CONT. FROM P1 take place over the course of dat- marriage? Do you expect to have I convince the other that my way emerged as authorities on the fac- ing and courtship and even within access to all of my passwords, ac- is right, though it never happens. tors that contribute to a successful marriage itself, if they didn’t occur counts and spend most free time Gottman says that with every marriage to the point that they sooner: together or do you prefer having fight there was a conversation that can predict with greater than 90% 1. How did your family fight? personal space and sometimes do- needed to take place, but a fight accuracy if a couple they observe Disagreements are inevitable ing things apart? happened instead. Rather than will still be married in five years. in marriage. How those differ- In large part there are no right revisit the same fights over and Their research shows that ences are navigated is the driver or wrong answers to these five over, we can eliminate almost 70% kindness is not only an admi- of the success of the marriage. questions and they are certainly of the conflict in marriage, by sim- rable trait, but it glues couples Did your family put things on the not a comprehensive list of the ply identifying our fundamental together. In fact, it is the most table, have it out, did they sweep type of issues that truly make or differences and devising a strat- important predictor of satisfac- them under the carpet, or did they break a marriage. Nevertheless, egy of how we will navigate them tion and stability in a marriage. silently shut down when issues they are a sample of the types of with the spirit of compromise and Kindness makes each partner arose? ways I believe we should be think- partnership. feel cared for, understood, and 2. Affection ing about evaluating a prospective Rabbi Chaim Vital said: validated, all which combine to Did your family prioritize and mate and focusing on the critical “A person’s character traits are feeling loved. Kindness is not only show verbal and physical affec- things in marriage. primarily measured based upon practiced during good times, but tion with one another or was it Gottman’s research has shown how they are to their spouse.” If happy marriages practice kindness assumed and not expressly pro- that 69% of relationship conflict we learn to ask the right ques- even in the way a couple fights vided? How often do your family is about perpetual problems. All tions and emphasize the most by making sure that communica- members say “I love you” or offer couples have them – the problems important things, perhaps we can tion never includes condescen- praise? that are grounded in the funda- improve the process of finding a sion, aggression, or name-calling 3. Articulated Roles mental differences that any two mate, as well as the health of our and focuses only on the issue that Do you have a more tradition- people face. They are the issues marriages themselves. needs to be resolved. al outlook on gender roles and re- that create the fights that happen Aish.com Kindness and compassion sponsibilities regarding children, over and over again with both are indispensable in marriage income and caring for the house, and should be qualities we are or is there an expectation of shar- YAD L’ACHIM CONT. FROM P34 unwilling to compromise on for ing all responsibilities equally? The official added that the idea for the film clip came ourselves or our children. But 4. Money from “thousands of conversations with women and girls there are other factors which can Did your family spend money whom we’ve helped. When they assimilate and get involved make or break a marriage and freely or are they more calculated in mixed relationships, they always experience a sense that while some answers to questions and frugal? Do you like high end they have lost the Jewish part of themselves.” are not objectively right or wrong, brand name clothing, furniture Added Rabbi Shmuel Lifschitz, one of the leaders of Yad discussing them and understand- and cars or are you satisfied with L’Achim: “It is clear that many in the media will accuse us ing the different approaches to inexpensive or generic alterna- of incitement and racism. But whoever thinks that taking them, will go a long way to make a tives? action to prevent intermarriage is racism is opposed to our happy marriage. 5. Transparency CONT.ON P36 Here are five examples of con- How do you feel about pri-

Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg REDEDICATION : THE MESSAGE OF CHANUKAH

There have been many at- era fought valiantly to survive and tempts to physically annihilate drove the Syrian Greeks out of the the Jewish people most notably Temple. They then rededicated that of the Nazis in the 1940s and the Temple, found oil for the Holy that of Haman in Persia some two Menorah and therefore we have thousand plus years ago. All those the festival of Chanukah. attempts thank G-d have failed. Chanukah on the other hand has Chanukah means rededication a different message of survival. as they rededicated the Temple The Chanukah story takes place in at that time. We face a different Israel approximately 2,000 years threat today and that is voluntary ago. The Syrian Greeks controlled self destruction. The assimilation that part of the world at that rate here in America is frighten- time. They were not interested in ing. The inter-marriage rate is annihilating the Jews as Haman frightening. We are threatening and Hitler were but rather caus- to destroy ourselves. Let us use ing them to totally assimilate and this Chanukah season not only to leave the Jewish faith. This is just sing songs, eat latkes and light the as dangerous or almost as danger- Menorah but rededicate ourselves ous a threat. For if we do not sur- to the real message of Chanukah: vive as Jews then what value does the survival of the spiritual aspect Judaism have?! The Jews of that of the Jewish faith.

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ra responds, no! We are not refer- Rabbi Yehudah HaLevi (1075- Rabbi Aharon Ziegler ring to an animal of his. We refer 1141) noted that all Israel can to an animal in “his community” be compared to a human body. PARASHAT MIKETZ and but since Rabbi Elazar did not When one limb hurts, the entire object, we hold him responsible! body is affected. All Jews are one Shabbos Chanukah 2017 Our obligation to our fellow body. When one Jew is in pain, Jew is unique. As we are more Jews everywhere feel that pain. We Jews are referred to as guarantees collateral, the collateral connected to our inner family And when a Jew dances and “Yehudim”, because most of comes from a third party, other with whom we share a common experiences joy, we all dance and us come from Shevet (tribe of) than the debtor himself. Here, tradition, history and destiny, so feel the joy. We pray that our Yehudah. This is the most com- Yehudah takes his obligation to too concerning our larger fam- community will be full of joy and mon reason given for our name, a higher level. Yehudah himself ily-the people of Israel-hence, S’machot. even though there are numerous is both the one who makes the we are called Yehudim, as we Shabbat Shalom and Cha- other names that our people and commitment as well as the guar- are named after the person who nukah Sa’mei’ach, from sunny religion could go by. Yet, there antor. This indicates how seriously so intensely exemplified Ahavat Florida. is glaring reason for that choice Yehudah takes the pledge or the Yisrael. Rabbi Aharon Ziegler of our name, which I heard from AREIVUT he is offering. Rabbi Weiss based on our para- According to Rav Solove- sha. itchik, AREIVUT means more In the narrative, Yosef takes than just another concern for a YAD L’ACHIM CONT. FROM P35 Shimon as hostage and demands fellow Jew. It means that I am a basic values as a Jewish nation and those things that have pre- that the brothers bring Binyam- surety-each and every Jew is a served us throughout the generations. We invite them to turn in to Mitzrayim (Egypt), as a surety for every other Jew. Just as to the government of Israel and the Jewish Agency, which in- precondition for both Shimon’s a surety is held responsible as if he vests significant resources on the very same subject among the release and then he will provide had been the debtor, so also, every Jews in the Diaspora. more food for Ya’akov’s family. Jew is a surety for all the spiritual “We have files of more than 7,000 women and girls in Israel, Ya’akov Avinu is understand- obligations of every other Jew. The sometimes with their children, who turned to us for help in the ably hesitant. Having already lost Mishnah in Shabbat (54b) states wake of their marriage to a minority member, here in Israel.” Yosef, his favorite, he fears losing that a Jew in not permitted to have “It is important to us to get a public dialogue going on the Binyamin his only remaining son his animal work or carry things subject and to sharpen the message among women and girls from his beloved wife Rachel. It on Shabbat. However, the cow of that they not get themselves into this situation, as well as to the is here that Yehudah bravely rises Rabbi Elazar ben Azarya did go government of Israel that it should start acting. Because assimi- to the occasion to declare that he out in public carrying a ribbon on lation isn’t just taking place in the United States and Europe, it would act as an “OREV” a surety, its horns, (which the other Rabbis is also here, in ever-growing numbers.” a guarantor for Binyamin. “If I disapproved). Then the Gemara For more information visit www.yadlachim.org or info@yadla- don’t return him”, he says to his asks, “what do you mean by the chim.org. father Ya’akov, “I will bear the sin “cow of Rabbi Elazar ben Azarya, Yad L’Achim: 4018 18th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11218. forever” (Bereishit 43:9). did he have only one cow that you Tel: 1-866-923-5224 (1-866-YAD-LACH) Fax: (718)633-0235. Yehuda’s pledge is highly identify it with him”? “He had Video Link https://youtu.be/C45UW_PsZVc unusual. Normally when a debtor over 120,000 animals!”. So Gema-

evening be- gan with a LEAH VIP reception where guests Michael Douglas had a chance to meet Douglas Honored at ICRF Gala followed by a buffet din- The Israel Cancer Research gala and other honorees Dean ner, sit-down Fund honored actor/producer Blumenthal with the Lifetime program and Michael Douglas at its Tower of Achievement in Business Award dessert buf- Hope Gala held at the Ziegfeld and Dr. Morton Coleman with the fet reception. Ballroom in New York City. Lifetime Achievement in Medi- Michael Doug- L-R Honoree Michael Douglas, MC Benjamin Brafman cine Award. las thanked the tionwide charitable organization Master of ceremonies Ben- Close to 400 people at- guests and other honorees at the in North America solely devoted jamin Brafman presented the tended the gala and raised nearly Gala and noted he was a cancer to supporting cancer research in Lifetime Achievement in the Arts $700,000 to support lifesaving survivor. The ICRF, a 501(c)(3) Israel. Award to Douglas at its annual cancer research in Israel. The organization, is the largest na-

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively. 2 3 6 9 4 7 1 5 8 ANSWERS 5 8 9 6 1 2 7 4 3 4 1 7 8 5 3 2 6 9 TO THIS 9 7 3 1 6 5 8 2 4 1 4 8 2 3 9 6 7 5 WEEK’S 6 2 5 4 7 8 9 3 1 3 9 2 5 8 6 4 1 7 PUZZLES! 7 6 1 3 9 4 5 8 2 8 5 4 7 2 1 3 9 6 Sudoku Puzzle

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Continued from last Issue Oh that, He He He! That happened last Um, I told New Story by Friday night, before Mincha. We had a contest her that I R’ Fischel who could kick our shoes higher in the air. stepped into Schachter a huge mud & Yonasan I won the contest!...... But I lost my shoeS. Schwartz! puddle, and And what did you I couldn’t tell your mother get my feet Friday night when out! I had to Shlep and you came home Shlep until without your shoes? finally my feet came out, without the shoes! Yonasan SchwartzYonasan & And your mother believed that?

Well, she believed me until she came to shul R’ FischelR’ Schachter

My Name is EMES My the next morning and By R. Pensky Tzai by & Illustrated print for Adapted happened to notice a familiar looking pair of shoes dangling from the telephone wires...

Continued next issue IY”H

Rav David Yosef visits RJJ BOYS’ SCHOOL, STATEN ISLAND PrintingBukharian community My Flyer For Rates and additional information Email: [email protected] The second grade is learning how to write instructions. Print flyers and posters at unbeatable prices! They follow the instructions to see how it turns out. They were so Flyer printing starting as low as 21¢ per print! excited to make play dough. Free shipping anywhere in the USA\

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AT AMERICA-ISRAEL FRIENDSHIP LEAGUE PARTNERS FOR DEMOCRACY AWARDS DINNER L to R Honorees Mayor Michael Bloomberg; Mayor Nir Barkat, Mayor of Jerusalem PHOTO CREDIT LORI YOFFE;

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ABOVE: Chazaq board members and elected officials LEFT: Chief Rabbi Rav Yitzchak Yisraeli ABOVE MIDDLE: Mendy J ABOVE RIGHT: Mordechai Shapiro RIGHT: Panoramic view

Harav Shteinman zt”l

ABOVE: Speaking at Dirshu’s World Siyum

BELOW: The Belzer Rebbe greeting Harav Shteiman, zt”l, at the Dirshu’ 10th Anniver- sary in Yad Eliyahu

ABOVE: Harav Hofstedter ABOVE: Harav Shteinman, at the home of Harav zt”l, with harav Ezriel Shteinman, zt”l. Auerbach

38 To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 12/5/17

STIMLER learned and kept until now, and CONT. FROM P33 what the needs for its continuation runs the whole show… but literally dictate. The ultimate factor guiding no one knows he exists. Interesting, world events is the learning that is isn’t it? for the sake of HaShem, performed by the true talmid chochom, unno- Dear reader, it is not just inter- ticed as he may be. esting. It’s a parable to nothing less May all readers merit to im- than the world itself. Ask anyone, prove their Avodas HaShem, and • “Who is important? Who or what TUES DEC 26 thus raise the level of spirituality makes things go?” The answer will of their families and communities. be, “Those who have made it big 2PM & 7PM And may we all merit to understand financially, politically, or socially, of the lesson of the dreidel, and to see course!” Ask further, “What about “The raising of the glory of Torah, those who study Torah?” the answer speedily and in our days.” may range from, “What? Those parasites?” to “Well, we need them, Rabbi Dovid Stimler too.” Brooklyn, NY The world was created for To- Shoel U’Meishiv, Kollel Ohel rah. Everything that goes on here is Shlomo determined by how Torah has been

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