$1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 7 NO. 21 5 ADAR 5767 vnur, ,arp FEBRUARY 23, 2007 INSIDE FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK YOUR CHILD IN MindBiz BY LARRY GORDON Esther Mann, LMSW 36 Out Of Purim Space Orthomom And Apple Pie Hannah Reich Berman 43 Jewish writers, manufactur- County court seeking to have NCSY in New Orleans ers of opinion pieces, rabbis, Google, the hosting company, Rabbi Dov Emerson 48 and molders of public opinion identify the Internet blogger in general frequently differ in known as Orthomom. It seems Our Aliyah Chronicle their positions about any num- that Ms. Greenbaum believes Shmuel Katz 62 ber of issues. Every once in a that she has been maligned while, however, an issue arises and libeled by Orthomom, Insights that seems to bring everyone saying she has been called a Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow 77 together and all lined up on bigot and an anti-Semite on the same side. One of those some of the blog postings. issues came to the fore this Blogs have evolved over the Students from several in Israel shared their experiences during the week, when Lawrence School last several years into forums Melava Malkah at the Priority-1 conference on the challenges and benefits District trustee Pamela Green- facing our children studying in Israel. The conference took place during the baum filed papers in Nassau Continued on Page 16 recent intersession week in Israel. See Story, Page 24 RABBIS: A HALACHIC VIEW HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE

BY RABBI YAIR posed the question as to Another Story HOFFMAN whether they could discontin- Bini Bornstein & Adam Dachs DEAN, TIFERET CHAYA–THE CAROL ue this practice. Rav Moshe BY LARRY GORDON See Page 27 TEPLER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS responded with a letter to the president of the shul: They After Shacharis in Bnei Brak Rav , zt’l, may certainly not discontinue on a Sunday morning about was once asked the following the practice. The honor ac- three weeks ago, a rather question: At a certain shul on corded the rav is, in fact, part unusual but interesting thing Long Island, the custom was of his compensation. Halting occurred. I was standing on the that anyone called up for an the practice of shaking his street (which I described last aliyah to the would hand after each aliyah would week) adjacent to the shake hands with the rabbi constitute theft. Lederman Shul, noticing the after leaving the bima. A num- The story illuminates some car that brought us to Bnei ber of people in the shul felt unfortunate aspects of contem- Brak parked down the block. that the rav was too lenient in halachah, and they did not Continued on Page 18 Continued on Page 7 At the UJA-Federation wish to shake his hand. They excellence-in-service awards. See Page 81 The Ultimate FollowYour Dreams 5TJT Team In Play-offs Commuter: Or: ‘Freezing In Israel To New February’ York And Back BY MICHELE HERENSTEIN

BY DANNY BLOCK I’m being chased and harassed by the Weather. No, I am sitting in the business I am not hallucinating. I am section of an El Al 777, about not going mad. And I am not an hour before landing. It is imagining it. Wherever I go, The 2nd annual Lander College usually a good time for a little the cold weather follows. Battle of the Bands included reflection. I have already Faithfully. Loyally. If I stay in groups from DRS, Lander, and eaten and had my usual six , it’s freezing; we’ve Sh’or Yoshuv. See Page 87 hours of sleep (in this case, recently had the coldest two chemically enhanced). There weeks on record, or close to it. CANDLE LIGHTING is nothing particularly unusu- So I went to Los Angeles a Feb. 23 – 5:21 PM Dani Gottlieb (No. 7) and Reuven Davies (No. 1) of the 5 Towns al about this flight or its tim- month ago, and the cold Jewish Times-sponsored Mercaz HaTorah Mar. 2 – 5:29 PM AFI (American Football in Israel) team. See Page 71 Continued on Page 12 Continued on Page 11 2 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 3 4 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 5 6 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE way to ingratiate oneself with strangers. still waiting for my wife to emerge from looks at me like I’m crazy for even Continued from Front Cover But I don’t take him seriously. I believe the Lederman Shul, which she does repeating the offer to her, never mind in my heart that, while he is perhaps shortly after this episode. seriously considering it. In the mean- The driver we had hired for the day, being courteous and even generous, he As I see her down the block, walking time, he disappears somewhere (maybe Ofer Zecharia, is a fine young veteran of really doesn’t need us up in his apart- with Rebbitzen Kanievsky, I walk along- to tell his wife he’s bringing in guests). the IDF trying to make his way in ment at this hour of the morning, inter- side her and say something like, “You My wife and I into the car, ready to Israel’s tourist trade. I noticed that he fering with his family’s preparations for see that guy down the block near the move on to our next stop in Netanya. As had his passenger-side window rolled a school day. So I thank him and com- car? He wants us to come up to his we’re sitting in the car, he comes out of down and he was talking to a young red- ment that it is a very nice gesture and a home for breakfast.” We can both use a the building with a look of surprise on haired chassid who obviously had a generous offer, but we have a long day cup of coffee as we were up most of the his face. He says in a mixed English, question or two for Ofer. ahead of us and we have to move on. I’m night and were still fasting. My wife Waiting for my wife to emerge from Continued on Page 8 the women’s section of the shul, I thought I should walk over to see what the two of them were conferring about. At the same time, I noticed a little gro- cery store down the same street and thought that it might be possible to buy a cup of coffee and something to eat. But it was only 7:30 a.m., and the store (which probably didn’t sell coffee, any- way) was still closed. So I show up in the middle of this conversation with Ofer, and the chassid turns to me to say shalom aleichem. Before I could say anything, he says that he sees that I’m from the U.S. and that he travels to the U.S. regularly to raise funds for a he is involved with in Bnei Brak. He doesn’t ask me for money, yet. He takes a different approach, and tells me that he is treated so nicely and kindly in so many commu- nities that he travels to and that he is looking for the opportunity to recipro- cate. To that end, he says he wants my wife and me to come up to his apart- ment, in a building nearby to join him for breakfast. I’m thinking to myself that this is a nice move—a nice and even innovative

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 7 HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE 6,000 miles apart, the water in Bnei Brak old, Nachum, is a genius who already Continued from Page 7 tastes just like the water in Lawrence. knows scores of pages of mishnayos by But what can I say that would not make heart. He stood at the table and recited a Yiddish, and Hebrew that he insists that me sound like an American spoiled brat? few for us with ease. His father, Reb we come up to join him for at least cof- That I didn’t like the water? Matisyahu, said he doesn’t know where P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 fee and a bite to eat. I look at Esta and I couldn’t insult my host in that way, his son received that talent, and that he 516-984-0079 [email protected] I say, “Look, if nothing else, it’ll be a cup so I added a little extra sweetener, himself does not have that ability. [email protected] of coffee and a good story.” She agrees focused on the fact that it was a nice, hot He asked where we were from, and we LARRY GORDON that it will be a good story. cup of coffee on a cool, damp morning tried to explain a little about the Five Publisher/Editor He introduces himself as Matisyahu and all was well with the world. With the Towns. Throughout my brief explanation ESTA J. GORDON Lessin and leads us up five flights of coffee and the cake behind us (or actual- to a foreigner in his dining room, he was Managing Editor stairs (no elevator here) to the top-floor nodding his head. Then he asked: “Do YOSSI GORDON apartment. It’s a relatively nice apart- you know Rabbi Yakov Nayman?” I was a Director of Sales ment. We walk in and he invites us into little stunned for the moment, as I CHANA ROCHEL ROSS the dining room, which is in a room that There he was, our host explained to Rabbi Lessin that I daven Editorial Assistant leads out onto a porch with a nice over- almost every morning at Rabbi Nayman’s SIDI BARON, YAKOV SERLE, JERRY MARKOVITZ look and view of at least part of Bnei for coffee on a Sunday shul in Lawrence and very often on Sales Representatives Brak. While the sunshine is trying to Shabbos, too. His eyes widened in disbe- SHMUEL GERBER break through a sky crowded with puffy morning in Bnei Brak, in lief as he called his wife, still holding the Chief Copy Editor clouds, it is still windy and somewhat wet baby, into the room. He explained that MICHELE JUSTIC after raining most of the night. The doors pictures with about a half his father, Rav Nachum Lessin, had been Copy Editor leading to the porch are closed and it is in Shanghai with Rabbi Nayman and CONTRIBUTING EDITORS comfortable in the apartment. The chil- indeed that they had learned together. Howard M. Adelsberg, Esq., Irwin Benjamin dozen of our neighbors. Hannah Reich Berman, Jamie Geller dren are curious about the strangers that He then began to explain that he had Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg, Yochanan Gordon their father brought into their home. been in America recently, at a meeting of Michele Herenstein, Rabbi Yair Hoffman First three little girls walk in, then two rabbis and laypersons of the frum com- Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Esther Mann, Rochelle Miller boys together, then another boy with red ly, partly consumed on the table in front munity, and that he had learned so much Naomi Ross, Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, Eli Shapiro hair, and then still another boy with black of us), it was time to deal with the over- from them. A slight further probe YOSEF BROWN, MICHAL WEINSTEIN hair. There is a toddler in a nearby riding and pressing question—what were revealed that the conclave he was Staff Graphic Artists playpen, and then our hostess walks in we doing there? describing was the annual convention of IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS with an infant in her hands. I think I saw Rabbi Matisyahu Lessin is a very the Agudath Israel of America that took Staff Photographers seven or eight children, the oldest of charismatic fellow—an animated conver- place over Thanksgiving weekend in FRANKEL & CO., CREATIVE DESIGN LLC whom is 10 or maybe 11 years old. sationalist and a man with zeal and Connecticut. “That’s interesting,” I said. Design & Production We insisted that they not prepare enthusiasm in his eyes. At first I thought “We were there, too.” His eyes widened TALIYE CORLEY Art Director breakfast for us; coffee would be more his invitation was just an act of simple again. He went on to explain that on than enough, we said. Mrs. Lessin chesed doubling as an opportunity to Shabbos he wasn’t at the main minyan SUZETTE LEE Assistant Art Director brought out two piping hot cups of coffee solicit a contribution for his yeshiva. We but was drafted for a separate minyan with a piece of apple cake or apple pie for spent about a half hour up there on top that needed a ba‘al k’riah—someone who The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly news- paper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not each of us. We made berachos and tasted of Bnei Brak, and we got to know one could read the for necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not the cake, then sipped the coffee. I another a little. We met most of the kids. responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times. instantly learned that although almost As it turns out, the red-headed 10-year- Continued on Page 10

8 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 9 HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE already behind schedule, with people rest of the week in Israel. We didn’t Continued from Page 8 waiting for us in Netanya. As we stood up always need it, but we always had it near- CALENDAR to leave, we could hear the pitter-patter by, as the weather was very changeable the minyan. of a steady rain on the skylight of the and it came in handy at times. We LUACH I asked what kind of separate minyan apartment. We shook hands and told one became attached to that umbrella and he was talking about, and he said that another how nice it was to meet and I marveled how, unlike other umbrellas there was a sheva berachos at the con- thanked him for that all-important cup of that we usually take and easily forget in February 23 -March 4 vention. “That’s even more interesting,” I morning coffee and the snack. He said places, this one managed to stick with us. said to Rav Matisyahu, “because we he was sorry that we could not stay That was, until we tried to take it ZIP Code: 11516 were at that minyan, too.” In fact, I longer for a full breakfast. aboard our flight back to New York that 5 Adar – Erev Shabbos explained we were at the convention to We were going to have to make a dash Thursday. We couldn’t take it on the Friday, February 23 attend the sheva berachos. At that point, for the car, as it was already pouring out- plane with us and had to leave it in a pile Z’manim*: he got up and went into a side room for side—the blessing of rain on the holy of baby carriages to get loaded onto the Daf yomi: Megillah 16 a moment and emerged with a bunch of earth of Eretz Yisrael. As we got down to plane separately. Being one of the first off Earliest tallis/: 5:45 am pictures that he had taken at the con- the bottom floor and exited the building the plane when we landed in New York, Sunrise: 6:39 am vention. He spread them on the dining- toward the canopy at the entrance, I we would have to wait a little while until Latest Shema: room table and there he was, our host heard running footsteps behind us. It the carriages and the umbrella made it M. Av. 8:47 am for coffee on a Sunday morning in Bnei was 10-year-old red-headed Nachum up from the belly of the plane. We were Gr’a 9:23 am Brak, in pictures with about a half dozen Lessin, in his hands an oversized umbrel- anxious to get home, so we didn’t wait; Candle Lighting: 5:21 pm of our neighbors who had also been at la. A few steps behind him was his father. we left the umbrella there. Our tangible 6 Adar – Shabbos the convention. I told little Nachum to come walk with us souvenir of our coffee in Bnei Brak Saturday, February 24 It was an unusual but also a refreshing under the umbrella to the car and I would be just a memory. The encounter Shabbos Parashas Terumah experience. I gave Rabbi Lessin my card would give him the umbrella back. His itself was etched in our memories, and Shabbos Ends**: and my cell-phone number, and asked father, standing behind him, said that we we cherish it and will indeed continue to 6:22 pm that he at least allow us to serve him cof- should keep it, that we would need it the do so. That is, until we meet again. ❖ 72 min. 6:53 pm fee and cake next time he comes to New rest of the day—and he was right. We 11 Adar – Thursday March 1 York. The car and driver we came with thanked him profusely and moved on. Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at was waiting down the block; we were That umbrella stayed with us for the [email protected]. Ta‘anis Esther Dawn: 5:08 am Fast ends: 6:16 / 6:20 / 6:27 pm 12 Adar – Erev Shabbos Friday, March 2 Daf yomi: Megillah 23 Earliest tallis/tefillin: 5:34 am Sunrise: 6:28 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 8:41 am Gr’a 9:17 am Candle Lighting: 5:29 pm 13 Adar – Shabbos Saturday, March 3 Shabbos Parashas Tetzaveh Parashas Zachor Shabbos Ends**: 6:29 pm 72 min. 7:01 pm Saturday night – Purim: 1st Megillah reading 14 Adar – Purim Sunday, March 4 Sunset: 5:49 pm

* from MyZmanim.com ** add a few minutes for tosefos Shabbos according to your

They shall make for Me a sanctuary, and I will dwell amidst them (Sh’mos 25:8) G-d desired a dwelling place in the lower realms. (Midrash Tanchuma, Naso 16) This is what man is all about; this is the purpose of his creation and of the creation of all the worlds, higher and lower—that there be made for G-d a dwelling in the lower realms. (Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi)

10 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Follow Your Dreams going on outside and how to stay always wanted to be or do but never therapist. I just dole out advice to Continued from Front Cover warm in the winter or cool in the actually made the time for. I love lis- friends who ask for it (always easier to summer. If it was going to be sunny, tening to my friends and giving advice give it than to get it). weather followed me there. It was bit- I’d wear a light colored flowing skirt if I feel I have a solid understanding of Another dream of mine has always terly cold in L.A.; my hands were dry with flip flops, to show the public the situation. Several friends have told been to be a novelist. Ever since I was and I felt chilled to the bone. Now I’m what to wear that day. So I’d be the me that I’d make a good therapist. old enough to write, I’ve been writing all set to leave tomorrow for Florida, weather girl who would not only dis- After college I was “scared off” of get- stories and poems and, most especial- and I hear that in Boynton Beach (my cuss the weather, but who would also ting a master’s, because a friend at ly, writing in my diary. I have more destination) this weekend it’s supposed than 20 diaries sitting on a shelf in to be cold—in the 50s. For Florida in my bedroom in my parents’ house February, that’s freezing. And I was all (their house is impenetrable and you set and excited to pack summer cloth- If it was going to be sunny, I’d wear a light will not be able to access my deepest ing. I suppose sweaters will now have darkest thoughts). In my teens, I to fill my sad and frowning suitcase. I started writing letters to the editor, tried to lift my suitcase’s spirits, but it colored flowing skirt with flip flops, to show which were the easiest thing at that didn’t work. Nor can I lift my own. time to get published. Years passed I know that good weather isn’t before I thought about writing for the important in the long run, or even in the public what to wear that day. public again. I haven’t published a the short run. I have my priorities. I novel yet, although I have written a know what’s important. But is there children’s story. But getting a book anything wrong with wanting to get dress accordingly so everyone watch- College told me that in order published, as I have learned, is an away and enjoy some warm weather? ing would know how to dress them- to get her master’s, she had to turn in extremely difficult feat. But my I’m going to Florida to visit my aunt selves and their families simply by a paper a week. I figured getting a dream of writing did come true, as I and uncle, so whether it’s cold or hot watching me. Ph.D. would be even worse. As much am writing for the Five Towns Jewish won’t make a major difference; I’m Obviously my dream of being a as I love working with people, and as Times, and I love it. psyched up to see them and I know I weather girl never happened, although much as I love to write, I didn’t love Can I do all the things I want? Can will have a good time. But it would be I’m still fascinated by the weather. But school, or taking tests, or writing nice if I could go with my aunt and there are several other things that I scholarly papers. So, alas, I’m not a Continued on Page 12 uncle to the clubhouse and sit by the pool, soaking up the suns rays and just feel my bones warm up again. Maybe I’m not supposed to enjoy warm weather this winter. It would certainly seem that way. And as I sit in my office the day before I leave for Florida, I’m in the process of reserv- ing a flight to Florida for chol ha’moed Pesach. I feel a little hesitant in doing so. Pesach is early this year—the very beginning of April—and I suppose there’s a chance that Miami could be cool. I know it’s not probable, but with my luck, you never know. It could rain, it could be chilly, and it could be my third getaway in a row where the weather is cold and I feel cheated out of my warm-weather-out- of-New-York downtime. Speaking of the weather, I always wanted to be a meteorologist. Okay, I should be more honest. I wanted, and still want, to be a weather girl (no technological terms for me!). From the time I was a little girl, I would keep the radio on all winter, with my nose pressed to the window pane, lis- tening and looking to see or hear if there would be snow—or a snow day from school. The meteorologists would talk about tracking the storm and I would get all excited. I would jump on the couch and give my family a running commentary on the odds that the schools would close. You’d think this fascination with the weath- er might have gone away with my graduation from school, but it didn’t. The dream remains to this day that I could be this girl on TV discussing the weather, school closings, and what to look for on the roads. I didn’t just want to be any weather girl. I wanted to be a weather girl who dressed according to the weather. If it was going to rain, I’d dress in a cute yellow raincoat with a yellow-and- white hood pulled fashionably over my head in just the right style. I’d hold an adorable polka-dotted umbrella and, in an upbeat voice, dis- cuss the weather as if I were living it indoors. I had no interest in using technological terms; I just wanted to give my own version of what was 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 11 Follow Your Dreams will get a sense of satisfaction from Ultimate Commuter “American hours,” approximately 3 or Continued from Page 11 something, then you most definitely Continued from Front Cover 4 p.m. to midnight or 1 a.m. Israeli should go for it. As for me, I will con- time. The hours vary greatly. Aside any of us? I’m sure I could have chased tinue to write, continue to figure out ing, unless one considers the fact that from getting to stay in Israel for greater the dream of becoming a therapist, how to sell my children’s novel, and I will be landing at Ben Gurion airport lengths of time, a lot of these telecom- which would have put a different spin continue to give advice to friends when in Tel-Aviv, Israel, and that I landed in muters get a precious perk that most on my life. I think being a weather girl asked. Will I get a master’s degree? New York three days ago. Even that is people in Israel never even imagine: would have been out of my reach, Probably not, but what is important is not extraordinary, unless one considers Sunday! In Israel, people usually work although I think I would have been fun that I know that I could if I so chose, the additional fact that four days prior six days a week, unlike in America, to watch (really, you must hear me dis- and the choice is mine to make. to my landing at Kennedy airport in where five days is the normal work cuss the weather; I make it sound While I have no control over the New York, I had landed at Ben Gurion. week. Of course this is of limited quite exciting). weather in Florida, California, or New Indeed, if one were to examine my value, because their children are in Everyone has dreams, and some York, I do have control over what direc- passport one would discover that I fly school on Sunday, and their spouses (if people follow their dreams and tion I want my life to take. As do each back and forth between Israel and they also are employed) undoubtedly become the person they want to of you. So make it happen. And be New York once a week. I am a com- have to work on Sunday. become, while others leave their happy with your decisions. There’s “Ultimate commuter” is the term I dreams behind and take a different nothing more important than that. ❖ use to refer to a commuter who makes direction in life. As I’m always told by the trip once per week. I am not Michele Herenstein is a freelance journalist who The separation those wiser than me, it’s never too late lives and works in New York. She can be reached unique in this category of commuting. to go for something you always at [email protected]. between work and There are other ultimate commuters. I dreamed about. My mom went back to have been part of this group for about school to get her accounting degree family time is now six months and have begun to recog- when I was in high school and my nize others who fall into this strange brothers were in college. Lucky for my quite stark. category. Before I embarked on this family that she did, because she now lifestyle, I was friendly with some of does our taxes (well, some of them, them and, as I travel back and forth anyway). But seriously, she loved math WHAT’S YOUR muter, and I am not alone. I am part of every week, I have become familiar and went back to work after getting a growing group of people who live in with most of the group. Before I con- her accounting degree. So she fol- OPINION? Israel and work in the United States. I sidered this lifestyle, I knew these peo- lowed her dream of raising her kids commute from Israel to the U.S. once ple existed and generally considered and being a stay-at-home mom, and a week. I am an ultimate commuter. them to be “nuts.” I thought it was an then decided to follow her own person- WE WANT TO KNOW! There are other groups of com- insane lifestyle for anybody, especially al dream of getting another degree. muters, as well, who commute to other anyone with a family. Now that I am Kudos to my mom. E-MAIL US AT parts of the world from Israel. one of “them” I can’t honestly say that In fact, kudos to all of you who have However, I believe the group that com- I completely disagree with my original followed your dream(s). It doesn’t [email protected] mutes to the U.S. is the largest. They assessment, but I certainly understand much matter if your dream is big or commute with varying frequency. it better. Being an ultimate commuter small; it’s yours and it’s something that Some go once a month for a week; is not for everyone, but it is a manage- will make you happy or content. For some commute less frequently, and able lifestyle that many (including those who are still wavering, take telecommute the rest of the time. myself) consider worth leading, in action. You only live once, and if you Some of these telecommuters work spite of the inconveniences.

12 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES There are many issues con- we would decide if we were al. It is purely entertainment— ble so I can land in the best Then I kiss my wife, Laura, nected to the commuting going to make aliyah, go back a window into my life as a possible condition to start my good-bye, and tell her I love lifestyle. It is a sub-culture of to the U.S., or stay for another bicoastal being and the life of work day. First, I dress for suc- her. She is generally in bed sorts, and within it I believe year. In our eyes, this would an “ultimate commuter.” cess—I wear my “flight suit.” I before I leave for the airport. the ultimate commuters are a either be a permanent change fly in sweat pants, a long-sleeve Before they go to sleep, I kiss distinct subset. The obvious of address to the place all Jews Part 1 pullover shirt, and some form each of my three children question is, why would a per- belong, or the experience of a It is now 10:05 p.m. on of comfortable, easily remov- good-bye and tell them I love son, or a family, choose such a lifetime for our entire family. motzaei (Saturday able footwear (like naot, the them and when I will return. lifestyle? This plan, of experimenta- night), and I am preparing to Israeli backless shoe). It’s Jordan is my oldest child. He is I can only answer for tion before committing, pre- be picked up by my driver and about as close as I can come to 12 years old and is known as myself. I have a wonderful wife sented several challenges, not brought to the airport. This flying in pajamas. The pants Yeeshai here in Israel (he did- (obviously quite understand- the least of which was how to was a short weekend for me, have many pockets (like cargo n’t want to deal with the ing) and three adorable chil- earn a living and how to keep as I arrived in Israel on pants) to hold the items I need strange Hebrew spelling of the dren. (I even have a dog.) We my practice—the fruit of 14 Thursday afternoon. I have on hand in the airport and dur- “j” sound). Miriam is my were leading a happy life in years of investment and longer and shorter weekends ing the flight. In my pockets I daughter. She is 10 years old, Cedarhurst, New York. My labor—running. The answer in Israel. There are times carry my wallet, passport, read- and, as the only girl, every bit children were in yeshiva, my for my family was for me to when I leave Israel on ing glasses, a book, money my little princess. Eli is my wife was a homemaker, and I become an ultimate com- Saturday night and times (shekels in the left pocket, dol- youngest. He is 6 years old and was working as a dentist in my muter. I knew others had when I leave on Sunday night. lars in the right), and of course the one who always asks exact- practice in Forest Hills. We done it, which in my eyes I generally return on my Ambien (for those of you ly how long I will be gone and had lots of friends and family meant it was possible. Wednesday night. I usually who like to pretend you don’t if I can stay home an extra day. close by. We were able to pay So here I am, six months take the 1:00 a.m. flight on El know, that’s a popular prescrip- By the time I’m ready to our tuition bills, mortgage, and into my commuterhood, hav- Al, which gets to the U.S. tion sleep aid). leave, I usually wait alone for living expenses, and even had ing unwittingly become a part between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m., The next item in my routine my monit (cab) for about a half money left over at the end of of a 21st-century phenomenon and I am then in my office, is to make sure I am packed. I hour. Sometimes our dog Yogi the month. Life was good. My and a growing subculture— seeing my first patients, at prefer to only take carry-on comes downstairs for a final wife and I had considered liv- and about to share it all with 8:00 a.m. (I will return to my luggage in which I place some walk before I go. That half hour ing in Israel, but were not sure you. I will in subsequent arti- work schedule a bit later on.) more flight essentials, among that I wait to leave is the hard- if, as a family, we would be cles retell all the challenges As an ultimate commuter, I other items. These flight est time of my commute due to able to adjust. There were, and and rewards. So far, I consider have a very specific pre-flight essentials are my laptop, iPod, the anticipation of leaving my are, many unknowns. So we the experience well worth it. routine. I am not sure that all neck pillow, and my noise- family for three or four days. It decided to come to live in Please understand that the of the ultimate commuters reduction headphones (the is the one thing I have not been Eretz Yisrael for a year as a trial purpose of my writing should have them. Mine is designed to plane, and my fellow passen- period. At the end of that time, not be considered instruction- make my flight as easy as possi- gers, can be rather noisy). Continued on Page 14

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 13 Ultimate Commuter Continued from Page 13

able to get used to. Compared to this, my flight and work schedules are pieces of cake. When I assess the amount of time that I now spend with my family, it turns out that I now have more total time with them. When we all lived in Cedarhurst together, there were days when I left the house before all of my children were awake and returned after some of them had gone to sleep. Even though I now spend more time with all of them than I did in the past, it is not easy. There is a surprising dichotomy that has developed (which I actually enjoy). The separation between work and family time is now quite stark. When I am home, it is family time (no work at all) and that is what we concentrate on. When I am in the U.S. it is “all work.” I work three 12- hour days, with the occasion- al 8-hour Sunday thrown in. I speak to my family every day. Sometimes we do this by videoconference over the Internet. My friend Arthur Carp is setting up a much more elegant system for videoconferencing through our televisions. We have used it before, and it’s really the next best thing to being there. The reason my wife and I decided to embark on this lifestyle was that we felt that Israel is the place that we, as Jews, belong. What we discov- ered along the way is that the lifestyle (ultimate commuting aside) has many advantages for us and our children. We live in Chashmonaim, a religious yishuv (settlement). It is con- sidered “dati leumi,” which means that it is an observant Zionistic community. It is a gated community where no driving is permitted on Shabbat. One of the advan- tages of this is that on Shabbat the children walk freely all over the yishuv. They come and go to their friends’ houses freely. We don’t always know where our children are, but we are very secure in the knowledge they are safe on the yishuv.We have the same secure feeling about our children every day on the yishuv. We know that if they are on the yishuv, they are safe. As a consequence of this, they have all become more independent and confident. I have completed this entry in the air. I did not get my business-class upgrade this flight, even though I did not see many of the other ulti- mate commuters on this flight. This is due to its coin- ciding with the end of the American yeshiva break. I am

Continued on Page 19 14 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 15 FROM THE EDITOR unmasked someday, which she they are forced to take positions on gets done aside from the constant Continued from Front Cover believes would be her undoing. And educational issues in the community name-calling and bickering. For those Ms. Greenbaum obviously knows that. that grate on the nerves of many mem- who have followed the history of this that allow views to be exchanged on Apparently the large number of peo- bers of the Five Towns and surround- board over the last decade, you know sometimes controversial issues, with ple who visit Orthomom’s and others’ ing community, the majority of whom that the board members—like some the blog hosts along with many of those blogspots has finally gotten to Ms. now send their children to private bloggers—counted on the fact that they commenting upon the issues they raise Greenbaum, as her neighbors and col- schools, mostly yeshivas. could practice their craft in virtual doing so behind the opaque veil of secrecy in a community becoming rap- anonymity. Blogs have served to facili- idly populated by people who gladly paid tate in-depth discussion on some diffi- their property taxes while just as gladly cult subjects, and some rabbis and sending their children to private schools community leaders have gone so far as In the meantime, Orthomom has and not being involved in the district’s to say that Jewish blogs are severely educational or budgetary process. About undermining the foundation of today’s had more hits on her website since seven years ago, all that changed, and Jewish community. things have never been the same for the In Orthomom’s case, Ms. Green- this story broke than in the last school district or the board. Except for baum apparently senses, as many oth- those receiving special-education servic- ers do, that the only way to stop three months combined. es, students who attend yeshivas have Orthomom’s rising popularity is to not received enough of their fair share reveal her identity, which would most of access to educational tools and facil- likely put an end to her well-written ities that should be available to all dis- and carefully-thought-out daily blog leagues seem to use the sentiment As a result of this demographic reali- trict children, regardless of what school presentations. While some bloggers expressed on that blog as a barometer ty, Ms. Greenbaum and Mr. Kopilow they attend. cannot wait to be identified and others of Jewish community opinion, particu- find themselves consistently at odds At the same time, district spending offer their names and contact informa- larly here in the Five Towns. Needless with the majority of the board. So was excessive and employee contracts tion as a matter of course, that’s not to say, by virtue of the constituency bizarre have the machinations of the were beyond generous—while class the case with Orthomom. She lives in Ms. Greenbaum and her colleague on school board become that the point has size was shrinking annually. Reducing a little bit of fear that she may be the board, Stanley Kopilow, represent, been reached where barely anything expenditures voluntarily would have been the prudent thing to do. Instead, the old board went looking for a scape- goat for the district’s financial woes, accusing Orthodox Jewish families of usurping district funds through elabo- rate bussing schedules, special-educa- tion services, and other state-mandat- ed services. The old board worked hard to create the impression that students who live in the district but who attend yeshivas are creatures from another planet and should be treated as such. There wasn’t anything—the lack of teachers’ or administrators’ contracts, low test scores, fewer students gradu- ating or attending college, etc.—that took place in the district that wasn’t blamed on an influx of yeshiva fami- lies. To remedy these perceived woes, the board tried for more than two years to pass a local law that would not allow buses to run past 5:30 p.m.—an attempt to leave Orthodox high-school students reliant on car pools or some other way to get home from classes that routinely finish at a late hour. The great shame was that those who carried those attitudes and worked relentlessly at creating this false reality did not see that they would soon be a minority in the dis- trict and ultimately a minority on the education board. If only they would have been more accommodating, friendly, and facilitating, this could have been one of the greatest school districts in New York State. It could have been an example of great unity and harmony for the sake of the chil- dren, instead of the opposite. As a result of this type of behavior, as well as irresponsible spending, the dis- trict’s budget has been rejected by the voters four consecutive times. What’s going to happen this year? Will there be a meeting of the minds prior to this year’s election, or will it be more of the same antagonism and verbal swipes at one another while the budg- et goes down to defeat? The members of the board who rep- resent the numeric minority in the dis- trict should come to grips with this real- ity and deal with it legally, properly, and professionally. Filing a frivolous lawsuit against a blogger because you don’t like 16 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES the sentiments expressed on the blog is s”xc not the way to go. The Internet is a free- wheeling forum and an outstanding example of the fashion in which free speech functions. It’s as American as motherhood and apple pie. And one of the great things about our country is that free speech is for everyone—all of the people, all of the time. I know that it troubles some of the board members when they are heck- led and lectured to in harsh and con- descending language at the public comment portions of the board meet- ings. Many of them, including the board president, Dr. Asher Mansdorf, continue to sacrifice much in attempting to deal with the concerns of all students and their parents. But despite a great effort, he can’t seem to catch a break with the public-school constituency. As far as they are con- cerned, he can do nothing right or good. Earlier this year, someone wrote a letter to another newspaper, wishing that “Dr. Mansdof be replaced on the board by a human being.” Not a nice thing to write—or to publish—despite the fact that uttering or writing those words are protected in this country by our right to freedom of expression. Orthomom, whoever she is, did not call Pam Greenbaum a bigot or an anti-Semite. In fact, she has so far been unable to locate comments using those words by any of the thou- sands of visitors who have left com- ments on her site during the last year. It’s important to note that even if those words are found in reference to Ms. Greenbaum, they are nothing more than hyperbole. Pam Greenbaum is definitely neither a bigot nor an anti-Semite. She’s just in a tough, frustrating position as a member of a volatile and highly charged board that has to deal with a very unusual situation—a school dis- trict where the majority of the chil- dren attend non-public schools. As far as Orthomom is concerned, she is in an odd situation, too. She very much wants to defend herself against this type of attack while main- taining her much-prized anonymity. Ms. Greenbaum knows that because of this preference, Orthomom is at a disadvantage. Attorneys consulted on this matter have expressed the opinion that Ms. Greenbam’s charges are baseless and will most likely be thrown out of court. Earlier this year, in the aftermath of death threats received by several board members, Dr. Mansdorf insti- tuted a system at meetings where those who wanted to attend had to sign in and present photo identifica- tion. Both Ms. Greenbaum and Mr. Kopilow were indignant, saying that people who want to express their feel- ings at meetings would feel somewhat intimidated and be less likely to express themselves freely. They both insisted several times that the new policy would accomplish only one thing—what they referred to as “chill- ing free speech.” What the ID system did accomplish, if anything, was greater safety for everyone present and a little bit less of the inflammatory and ridiculous comments from the public.

Continued on Page 24 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 17 Rabbis “ben Amram,” often accompa- rav—make for yourself a rabbi. there is still a mitzvah involved far the boundaries of kavod Continued from Front Cover nying the term with negative The Rambam comments: if (Magen Avraham 554:12). ha’rav extend. He warns that thought processes: necessary, even from one who Indeed, the Yerushalmi (Eiruvin those who oppose the rabbi of porary Jewish-American society. “He came out late because is not at the proper level. 5:1) says that when one does so, a kehillah will have to, in the Kavod ha’rabbanus is, at times, he is having shalom bayis The Gemara (Rosh it is as if he has visited with the future, give an account and sorely lacking. There is often a problems!” Hashanah 16b) tells us that a Shechinah itself. reckoning—even if they are denigration, where members “He came out early because person is obligated to visit his An incident is cited where greater Torah authorities than look upon their religious leaders he is planning nefarious activ- rebbi on Yom Tov (see also the Vilna Gaon was visiting the rav. By opposing the rav, as mere employees. ities against us!” Magen Avraham 301:7). This another town and, somehow, they are causing pain and The tendency to denigrate “He’s not bringing us into halachah is derived from the both the Vilna Gaon and the trouble to the community, and the motivations of our Torah Eretz Yisrael—because he husband’s response to the town’s rav had issued opposite it is wrong. leaders can be seen even way can’t! He’s just making up woman who wished to visit her rulings on the kashrus of a The penalty for displaying back in the times of the excuses!” rabbi, the prophet Elisha. He chicken: the Vilna Gaon for- disrespect to a rav is most Midbar. Rashi tells us that All these remarks can be asked her, “Why are you going bade eating it, while the rav severe. Issuing a ruling in some people attributed found in the first chapter of to him today? It is neither rosh permitted it. We might be front of one’s rabbi is extreme- Pinchas’s action of killing Rashi’s commentary on chodesh nor Shabbos.” shocked to learn that the Zimri to the avodah zarah back- Devarim. The obligation is not one Vilna Gaon deferred to the ground of one of his ancestors. It would therefore behoove specifically pertaining to honor- halachic position of the town’s Hashem made it clear that that us to review some of what ing Yom Tov; it stems from the rav, and was willing to eat No one could was a misconception. Chazal tell us about how to honor that one must accord from the chicken. serve with the We note that some mem- treat our Torah leaders. There one’s rabbi. This is clearly seen The Chasam Sopher writes bers of Klal Yisrael pejoratively is, of course, the maxim in from the fact that even if one a fascinating responsum (O.C. Yerushalayim referred to Moshe Rabbeinu as Pirkei Avos (1:6): Asseih lecha makes the visit during the week, No. 12) in which we see how burial society who did not attend a regular Torah under the guidance of a rav.

ly disrespectful. The Yerushalmi (Shvi‘is 6:1) states that one who does so incurs the death penalty. The Yerushalmi (Kiddushin 4:12) also quotes a ruling from Rav that it is forbidden to dwell in a city that has no doc- tor, no beis din, or no bath- house. One of the Acharonim comments that the term “doc- tor” refers to both a person who heals physical maladies and a person who heals spiri- tual maladies—i.e., a rav. The great Rabbi Akiva and the great Rabbi Yehoshua were greater in Torah learning than the 18-year-old Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah. Yet, as clearly seen from the Gemara in Berachos, they fully accepted upon themselves his leader- ship as president of the acade- my. We see from their actions the absolute necessity of plac- ing oneself under the guid- ance and direction of a leader. Traditionally, the chevrah kaddisha (burial society) was manned by the holiest persons in town. In Yerushalayim dur- ing Rav Diskin’s era, there was a special takkanah (enact- ment) regarding the chevrah kaddisha: no one could serve with the Yerushalayim burial society who did not attend a regular Torah shiur under the guidance of a rav. The Chasam Sopher (Derashos, Vol. I, p. 30) describes the remarkable effect that the very prepara- tion of oneself to hear the rav has. When someone places effort to hear the words of his rabbi, a Divine shefa (abun- dance) is gained by the rav. Wellsprings of wisdom and knowledge are Divinely 18 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES opened for him, from which the rav Ultimate Commuter draws wisdom and Torah knowledge for Continued from Page 14 all who listen. The result is that when people lend their ears to hear the words very pleased that so many people of their rav, it influences the holy decided to come to Israel for the vaca- spheres, both in Heaven and on earth. tion, even if it means I have to sit in Likewise, there may be room to argue coach. We will land in about an hour, that a wider community needs leader- and in my mind it has been a success- ship, as well. When a community lacks ful flight. I will grant that any flight leadership, it is comparable to a pot on that starts at the departure point and a fire that belongs to partners (kedeirah lands at its destination is a success; de’bei shutfi; see Eiruvin, Ch. 1)—the however, the criteria as judged by the pot will never get warm. In a communi- ultimate commuter are a bit more ty where rabbis do not get together to complicated. I have met most of my act in unison and represent a Torah flight goals. I have slept in excess of six voice, community problems that may hours, thanks to the good folks who need to be addressed are not dealt with. produce Ambien. I have had a relaxing True, at times newer problems are cre- flight, despite being sandwiched ated by attempts at collaboration, but between two other passengers (who usually the benefits outweigh the were very pleasant). One of these was deficits. Issues such as food kashrus, a young man by the name of Avi Block wholly inappropriate mingling, and the (same last name, no relation); the kashrus of various communal institu- other was an older gentleman who did tions are at stake, and a lack of effective not have much to say. In coach, you leadership can create sakanos (dan- tend to meet the passenger next to you gers)—both physically and spiritually. ❖ and find out something about them, whereas in business class, people stay The author can be reached at more to themselves. That being said, [email protected]. given the choice, business class is the way to go! Getting the upgrade to busi- ness class is a major goal of all types of commuters, but it has many subtleties; WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? I think I will leave it for my next entry. The plane is on its approach, which WE WANT TO KNOW! means I have to put away my laptop and start my work day. This week, I work E-MAIL US AT from Sunday to Wednesday and I will be back on the plane Wednesday night. [email protected] I hope I get an upgrade. ❖

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 19 The conference resulted in three follow the highly successful semi- primary proposals: The first nar model that Priority-1 has for- Your Child In Israel involved all-important teacher mulated and presented in cities training. Teachers at Israeli schools across the United States, including for Americans will be involved in New York, Chicago, Miami, and While many in the U.S. were vaca- as part of Priority-1’s International ongoing seminars to address the tioning, during the recent “yeshiva Conference of Mechanchim. At the emotional, social, and psychological week” the heads of many prominent conference, which was cosponsored issues that students face. Priority-1 Israeli yeshivas, along with principals by National Council of Young Israel, will facilitate these seminars, the of American yeshiva high schools and more than 50 participants attended first of which will be held this sum- , were meeting in , each of the sessions. mer in Jerusalem. This program will

Rabbi Shaya Cohen at the Priority-1 conference in Jerusalem.

Silver Spring. Secondly, they agreed upon the formation of a council of principals that will meet periodically to discuss issues, share new educational opportunities, and strategize. Finally, all in attendance recognized the need for a comprehensive direc- tory of resources available to English-speaking schools, including educational, mental-health, and physical-health resources. “I am gratified that concrete steps

Continued on Page 24

20 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 21 22 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 23 Your Child In Israel school principals and principals of FROM THE EDITOR They Seek Her Here Continued from Page 20 Israeli yeshivas and seminaries Continued from Page 17 A Song By Mark Choizek resulted in the resolutions men- (a pseudonym, of course) will be taken to protect our kids dur- tioned above. Another important In the meantime, Orthomom has ing this pivotal year in Israel,” said issue that surfaced during the three- had more hits on her website since They seek her here, they seek her there Rabbi Shaya Cohen, founder of day conference involved communi- this story broke than in the last That Greenbaum seeks her everywhere Priority-1 and Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva cations. Many of the educators pres- three months combined. Talk about Zichron Aryeh. “After successful con- ent agreed that there needs to be a strategy backfiring. This is an Will she succeed? Or will she bomb? ferences two years in a row, there’s no better communication on many important free-speech issue that That elusive, blogging, Orthomom! turning back,” he added. “We will fronts—between parents and their needs to be dealt with, but, once She meddles with the school-board muster the talents and experience of children in Israel, between the again, at the expense of other meetings Priority-1 and all the participating Israeli yeshivas and the parents, and important school-district issues. Blogging in and out each week schools to implement practical solu- between the American high schools Additionally, it should not be lost on Spoiling every lovely legislation tions in service to Klal Yisrael.” that the students are coming from anyone that it is at this time—on the La, what cheek! The first session featured noted and the Israeli yeshivas that they are threshold of the holiday of Purim— psychologist Dr. David Pelcovitz, attending. that forces are at work seeking to They seek her here, they seek her there who met with more than 75 mentors. The conference ended with an inspir- unmask Orthomom, a popular well- That Greenbaum seeks her everywhere More and more schools are recogniz- ing melaveh malkah and a revealing ses- read blogger. The story will probably Oh, Orthy, how Greenbaum does ing the importance of matching up sion featuring past and present students. eventually just float away into a implore you incoming students with mentors who Their valuable input helped shape the place where all stories that lose Simply to stay home in bed can counsel and inspire them important proposals that emerged from their zip seem to go. And that’s With all your freedom of speech throughout their stay in Israel. Dr. this lively and productive conference. because the entire episode is noth- It’s a chore to chop a head! Pelcovitz stressed that the A special publication from the con- ing more than a little steam that mentor–student relationship is per- ference, Ten Points Every Parent Must gets generated at our regularly They seek her here, they seek her there haps the most important bond that Know Before Sending Their Child to scheduled school-board meetings. ❖ District Five seeks her everywhere! can be formed during the year. Israel, is available by contacting She gives Greenbaum nothing but Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at The second and primary forum Priority-1 at 800-33-FOREVER or [email protected]. frustration between American yeshiva high- [email protected]. ❖ Sink me! She’s a spoilsport Each and every attempted legislation She cuts short

They seek her here, they seek her there That Greenbaum seeks her everywhere Will she succeed? Or will she bomb?? That elusive, blogging, Orthomom!

And you shall make a covering… of tachash skins above (Sh’mos 26:14) The tachash was a multi- colored animal, which was created specifically for the Tabernacle and existed only at that time. Rabbi Hoshaya taught that it was a one-horned animal. (Jerusalem Talmud) In truth,“Everything that G-d created, He created solely for His glory” (Ethics of the Fathers 6:11). It is only that, in our material world, a thing’s exterior face often belies its intrinsic purpose. But there was one creature, the tachash, which existed only in the time and place it was needed for the making of a “dwelling for G-d.” Thus the tachash expressed the true nature of every creation: that it exists to the sole end of serving and revealing the divine essence implicit within it. (The Lubavitcher Rebbe)

24 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 25 Five Towns Simcha Gallery Photos By Ira Thomas Creations Mordy Dachs, son of Rabbi Shimon and Mrs. Chani Dachs, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on Wednesday, February 7, with a beautiful seudah catered by Chap-a- Nosh of Cedarhurst at Ateres Nechama Liba Hall. Centerpieces were by Flowers by Debbie, and the friends and family rocked the halls to tunes performed by Yitzi Bald. Mordy is a 7th grader at Darchei Torah.

Aliza Duftler, daughter of Brian and Sharon Duftler of Cedarhurst, celebrated her Bat Mitzvah at the Hofstra University Mack Student Union Center on Sunday, January 14. Music and dancing was handled by Malkah and her Malkettes. Catering was by Mauzone Caterers. Aliza is a 6th grader at HALB.

26 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Bornstein-Dachs Wedding Photos By Ira Thomas Creations Bini Bornstein of Chicago, daughter of Rosi and George Bornstein, was wedded to Adam Dachs of Woodsburgh, son of Shelley and Harvey Dachs, at the Chicago Hilton on Sunday, February 18. Avraham Fried, Ophi Nat and Dov Levine joined with the Neshoma Orchestra led by Eli Zomich to treat the guests to a memorable evening of music and dance. 190 out-of-town guests from New York and Israel attended, despite the ice storm and zero-degree weather, to partake in a spectacular Shabbos aufruf, where they were left spellbound by the magnificent voice and tunes of the Shabbos singer/chazan, Shlomo Simcha.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 27 to all things material, it is their intrin- Every time we take a material object sic egocentrism—their placement of or resource and enlist it in the service the self as the foundation and purpose of G-d, we are effecting such a trans- of existence. With every iota of its formation. When we take some leather mass, the stone proclaims, “I am.” In and make a pair of tefillin out of it; the tree and in the animal, the preser- when we take a dollar bill and give it to vation and propagation of the self is charity; when we employ our minds to the focus of every instinct and the aim study a chapter of Torah, we are effect- of every achievement. And who more ing such a transformation. In its initial than the human being has elevated state, the leather proclaimed, “I exist”; From The Chassidic Masters ambition to an art, and self-advance- now it says, “I exist to serve my ment to an all-consuming ideal? Creator.” A dollar in the pocket says, The World A Home The only thing wrong with all this “Greed is good”; in the charity box it selfishness is that it blurs the truth of says, “The purpose of life is not to what lies behind it: the truth that cre- receive, but to give.” The human brain Why are we here? creation, as expressed in the various says, “Enrich yourself”; the brain This, the mother of all questions, is worlds, or realms, of G-d’s creation. studying Torah says, “Know your G-d.” addressed in turn by the various Chassidism also offers its own formula- streams of Torah thought, each after tion of this Divine desire: that we make The Frontier Of Self its own style. a home for G-d in the material world. In its initial state, the There are two basic steps to the The Talmud states, simply and suc- leather proclaimed, endeavor of making our world a home cinctly, “I was created to serve my A Home For G-d for G-d. The first step involves priming Creator.” The moralistic-oriented What does it mean to make our “I exist”; now it says, the material resource as a “vessel for works of mussar describe the purpose world a “home for G-d”? G-dliness”: shaping the leather into of life as the refinement of one’s char- A basic tenet of our faith is that “the “I exist to serve my tefillin, donating the money to charity, acter traits. The Zohar says that G-d entire world is filled with His pres- scheduling time for . The created us “in order that His creations ence” and “there is no place void of Creator.” second step is the actual employment should know Him.” Master Kabbalist Him.” So it’s not that we have to bring of these “vessels” to serve the Divine Rabbi Isaac Luria offered the follow- G-d into the material world—He is Will: binding the tefillin on the arm ing reason for creation: G-d is the already there. But G-d can be in the and head, using the donated money to essence of good, and the nature of world without being at home in it. ation is not an end in itself, but a prod- feed the hungry, studying Torah, etc. good is to bestow goodness. But good- Being “at home” means being in a uct of and vehicle for its Creator. And At first glance, it would seem that ness cannot be bestowed when there is place that is receptive to your pres- this selfishness is not an incidental or the second step is the more significant no one to receive it. To this end, G-d ence, a place devoted to serving your secondary characteristic of our world, one, while the first step is merely an created our world—so that there needs and desires. It means being in a but its most basic feature. So to make enabler of the second, a means to its should be recipients of His goodness. place where you are your true, private, our world a “home” for G-d we must end. But the Torah’s account of the Chassidic teaching explains that self—as opposed to the public self you transform its very nature. We must first home for G-d that was built in these reasons, as well as the reasons assume in other environments. recast the very foundations of its iden- our world places the greater emphasis given by other Kabbalistic and philo- The material world, in its natural tity from a self-oriented entity into on the construction of the “home,” sophical works, are but the various state, is not an environment hospitable something that exists for a purpose faces of a singular Divine “desire” for to G-d. If there is one common feature that is greater than itself. Continued on Page 30

28 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 29 INSIGHTS ON THE TORAH dedicated to the service of G-d and the Continued from Page 28 training of the kohanim who were to officiate there. (In contrast, the Torah rather than its actual employment as a devotes one chapter to its account of Divine dwelling. the creation of the universe, three A sizable portion of Sefer Sh’mos is chapters to its description of the reve- devoted to the construction of the lation at Mount Sinai, and eleven Mishkan (Sanctuary) built by the chapters to the story of the Exodus.) Children of Israel in the desert. The The Mishkan is the model and proto- Torah, which is usually so sparing with type for all subsequent homes for G-d words that many of its laws are con- constructed on this physical earth. So tained within a single word or letter, is the overwhelming emphasis on its con-

You must first make them receptive to G-dliness and to a life of intimacy with the Divine.

uncharacteristically elaborate. The 15 struction stage (as opposed to the materials used in the Mishkan’s con- implementation stage) implies that in struction are listed no less than three our lives, too, there is something very times; the components and furnishings special about forging our personal of the Mishkan are listed eight times; resources into things that have the and every minute detail of the potential to serve G-d. Making our- Mishkan’s construction, down to the selves “vessels” for G-dliness is, in a dimensions of every wall-panel and pil- certain sense, a greater feat than actu- lar and the colors in every tapestry, is ally bringing G-dliness into our lives. spelled out not once, but twice—in the For this is where the true point of account of G-d’s instructions to transformation lies—the transforma- Moshe, and again in the account of tion from a self-oriented object to a the Mishkan’s construction. thing committed to something greater All in all, 13 chapters are devoted to than itself. If G-d had merely desired a describing how certain physical mate- hospitable environment, He need not rials were fashioned into an edifice have bothered with a material world; a

30 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES spiritual world could just as easily have open to you and what you represent. been enlisted to serve Him. What G-d Ostensibly, you haven’t “done” any- desired was the transformation itself: thing. But in essence, a most profound the challenge and achievement of self- and radical transformation has taken hood transcended and materiality place. The person has become a vessel redefined. This transformation and for G-dliness. redefinition occurs in the first stage, Of course, the purpose of a vessel is when something material is forged into that it be filled with content; the pur- an instrument of the Divine. The sec- pose of a home is that it be inhabited. ond stage is only a matter of actualiz- The Mishkan was built to house the ing an already established potential, of presence of G-d. But it is the making putting a thing to its now natural use. of vessels for G-dliness that is life’s greatest challenge and its most revolu- Making Vessels tionary achievement. ❖ You meet people who have yet to Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher invite G-d into their lives; whose Rebbe; adapted by Yanki Tauber. Courtesy of endeavors and accomplishments—no MeaningfulLife.com. matter how successful and laudable— have yet to transcend the self and self- oriented goals. You wish to expand their horizons— to show them beyond the strictures of And you shall make self. You wish to help him put on tefill- an Altar… and you in, or to share with her the Divine wis- dom of Torah. shall overlay it with But they’re not ready yet. You know copper that the concept of serving G-d is still alien to a life trained and conditioned (Sh’mos 27:1–2) to view everything through the lens of self. You know that before you can Why copper? Just like introduce them to the world of Torah copper tarnishes and then and mitzvos, you must first make them receptive to G-dliness and to a life of can be scrubbed clean, so intimacy with the Divine. the people of Israel, So when you meet them on the street, you simply smile and say, “Good although they sin, they morning!” You invite them to your repent and are forgiven. home for a cup of coffee or a Shabbos dinner. You make small talk. You don’t, (Midrash HaGadol) at this point, suggest any changes in lifestyle. You just want them to become

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 31 Kodesh, where the Luchos rested, and The story is told that one morning from where the d’var Hashem emanat- after Shacharis in the Yerushalayim ed! When approaching Torah and avo- shul that Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer, das Hashem, we must have a childlike zt’l, used to daven at, a young boy of mentality—we must be “kids at heart” about five or six was jumping from and in attitude. We must always con- bench to bench, making a lot of noise. tinue to grow higher and deeper into After a few minutes, Rav Isser Zalman Torah, always seeking to gain new approached him and, in a gentle voice insights and ideas. We can never tire or said, “My child, why don’t you go to be satisfied with where we are; we school?” In typical fashion, the boy must strive to have a fresh and responded to the elderly rosh yeshiva, Kids At Heart unquenchable drive to learn more of “Why don’t you go to school!” Rav Isser the d’var Hashem. Zalman paused for a moment before A Torah scholar is always called a saying, “The boy is right. I should go BY RABBI YONI POSNICK with children is their constant motiva- “talmid chacham”—literally, “the stu- back to school to study. When some- tion to question. Everyone has had the dent of a wise man,”—for no matter one gets older he forgets some of the The Torah tells us that two Keruvim experience of being in the car or going how much one knows, there is always things he learned when he was young, were to be fashioned with the Aron on an outing with children, constantly more to learn. When it comes to or fails to increase his understanding Kodesh, the holiest k’li of the Mishkan, facing a barrage of questions about Torah, how true is the statement, “The of those fundamental matters. There is which would reside in the Kodesh what they see or hear. They have an more you know, the more you know so much yet to learn!” HaKadashim and in which the Luchos In similar fashion, HaRav Yaakov would be placed. Chazal learn these Kamenetzky, zt’l, used to relate a two Keruvim had the faces of children. favorite mashal to illustrate this crucial The Keruvim rested atop the Aron idea: There was a boy who had just Kodesh; the Torah tells us that when Do we still make berachos and say turned three years of age, and his Hashem spoke to Moshe, His voice father bought a tallis kattan with tzitzis would emanate from between the Shema with the level of understanding for him. It looked very cute on the Keruvim. child, and one could not help smile Why were children’s faces, of all we had when we were three? when looking at the boy and his tzitzis. possible things, chosen to rest atop the When the boy turned five, the tallis holiest spot on earth, the place from kattan was starting to become quite which Hashem’s voice emanated? small for him; he still fit into them, but What message is there for us in this? unquenchable thirst to learn new you don’t know.” One can always find not by much. If the boy were still wear- We can suggest that the Keruvim, things—to pick up some new fact or new and fresh insight and depth in ing that same tallis kattan at the age of and the faces of children they dis- piece of information, to gain new Torah. Our whole lives we are all 13, he would not look cute anymore, played, teach us the proper attitude insight, or to go deeper and grow just a talmidim, for Torah is endless and but he’d look quite ridiculous. and mind-set one should have when little bit more. immeasurably deep. This is the mes- Rav Yaakov concludes: As we listen approaching Torah and avodas Children never tire of learning new sage of the Keruvim; they are a to this mashal, we nod our heads in Hashem, as represented by the Aron things; they thrive on it and demand reminder of the attitude we must agreement. We may even chuckle as which contained the Luchos. One of more. How truly fitting, then, to have always take in our approach to Torah we picture the sight of a 13-year-old the characteristics that we associate the faces of children atop the Aron and avodas Hashem. wearing the tzitzis of a 3-year-old. But

32 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES now, let us look at ourselves. mitzvos that we can fulfill dom to find them. words, “V’yikchu li: Osi atem moving away. He approached Are we really any different? nowadays. So we come to shul The B’nei Yisrael now had lok’chim”—“Take for Me: It is his future son-in-law and said We learned how to daven and and hear the pesukim being the Torah. Hashem had Me you are taking.” By build- to him, “I have given you my make berachos when we were read, and that’s it. revealed Himself to the entire ing a Mishkan, Klal Yisrael only child, but I am simply very young. We learned How sad indeed! We must nation and proclaimed His would “take Hashem”—into unable to part with her. Chumash and basic mishnayos realize that while we don’t have commandments in awesome their midst, closer to them. It Although I cannot prevent you as children. As we grew up, a Mishkan in our time, we fashion. Hashem now tells would not merely be a building from taking her, I merely did we take the time to go should not just skim over these Moshe to command the nation full of holy vessels or grand request that wherever you back and deepen our under- parashios without gleaning the to build a Mishkan, a house for korbanos, but rather a means choose to live, build a room for standing of them? Or do we important and powerful les- the Shechinah to reside in through which to bring me to come and stay in, so I still make berachos and say sons they contain. In every among Klal Yisrael. Hashem HaKadosh Baruch Hu, His can see her and not be separat- Shema with the level of pasuk relating to the Mishkan tells Moshe to speak to Bnei Holy Shechinah, closer to each ed from her.” The Midrash understanding we had when and its construction—every Yisrael and, “V’yikchu Li and every Jew. concludes, “In the same man- we were three? When we curtain, vessel, and garment— terumah”—“Let them take for The Midrash explains these ner, Hashem told Klal Yisrael, ‘I learn Chumash today, do we there are practical and pene- Me terumah.” Klal Yisrael striking words with a mashal: have given you My precious learn it no more thoroughly trating messages for our lives. would donate the materials to There once lived a king whose Torah and am unable to part than we did when we were The Torah’s messages are as be used to fashion and con- only daughter became engaged with her. Please, therefore, five? Have we truly grown up pivotal today as they were at struct the various utensils, gar- to a prince from a distant land. build Me a Mishkan, a few and elevated our understand- the time of the Mishkan. Torah ments, and edifice of the The king was very close to his rooms, so I may dwell among ing of our avodas Hashem,or is timeless, and one who truly Mishkan. daughter, and while glad she you and be close once again.’” are we still wearing the same seeks its beautiful applications In the Vayikra Rabbah, had found her soul mate, he tiny pair of tzitzis? for our lives is given the wis- Chazal expound on Hashem’s was deeply saddened by her Continued on Page 34 We must remain children at heart, while constantly grow- ing up in mind. This is the crucial balance and attitude one needs for success in all of his service to G-d. Part of the beauty of Torah is that there is always more; one can always delve deeper and gain new insight and understanding. One can find beauty even in the seemingly elementary, and often funda- mental, concepts we have already learned once, twice, or even a hundred times before. Chazal say, “One can- not compare he who learns something one hundred times to he who has learned it one hundred and one times.” Part of the explanation is that there are always new and deeper ideas and insights to pick up. May our approach and perspective to Torah always be like that of the Keruvim, as children—always seeking just a little bit more, always looking to grow. In this merit, may we be zocheh to once again have a Mishkan,a Beis HaMikdash, from where the d’var Hashem will emanate clearly once again, so we may grow even higher and higher, with the coming of Mashiach Tzidkeinu, bimheirah b’yameinu!

If You Build It, He Will Come This week’s parashah, and the subsequent parashios of Sefer Sh’mos, deal with the Mishkan. Hashem, in His great love for Klal Yisrael, gave us the mitzvah to create a place where He would rest His Shechinah in our midst and be close to us. There is a tendency to read these parashios in a perfuncto- ry manner, practically skipping over them without taking the time to truly look into them. After all, we don’t have the Mishkan or Mikdash nowadays, and these parashios don’t con- tain the grand stories of the Avos or yetzias Mitzrayim. They don’t even possess many 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 33 INSIGHTS ON THE TORAH Presence in our lives. Because Shechinah to live in? Would He want Continued from Page 33 Hashem wishes to be close to us, to be to live within me?” Every day of our Washington in the heart of each and every Jew, He lives, every action should be undertak- At first glance, this Midrash seems cannot bear to be apart from that en with this striving and goal in our puzzling. Certainly, a king of flesh and which enables this to take place—His minds and hearts—of Hashem’s voice Area Dunkin’ blood is subject to emotions and can precious Torah Ha’Kedoshah. constantly calling out to us, “Ve’asu li miss his child, but how can we say that The Gemara propounds that the Mikdash v’shochanti b’socham”—Build Hashem “could not bear” to bring word “Anochi”—Hashem’s first word for Me, turn yourself into, a Mishkan, Donuts Drops Himself to be separated from the Torah? to Klal Yisrael at Mattan Torah—is an and I will come. Realize that by doing How are we to understand this? acronym for “Ana Nafshi kesivas so and living your life through Torah, Kashrus Furthermore, perhaps even more per- yehavis—I have placed My Soul in the “Osi atem lokchim—You are taking plexing, we ask, what exactly is the writing.” Hashem is an inseparable Me!” ❖ The doughnuts will still be made mashal? Hashem certainly does not part of Torah, for His very Neshamah, Comments and feedback for the author are with kosher ingredients, but, as of next need the Torah. After all, He Himself as it were, is contained in the Torah. welcome at [email protected]. week, the Washington area will have created it, and even more so, He decid- This is because the Torah is His fewer Dunkin’ Donut franchises certi- ed to give it to us! What is the meaning instruction book for living, and fied as kosher. of this Midrash? Hashem gave us these instructions to With the corporation’s push to HaRav , zt’l, enable us to make ourselves into a And the remnant expand its menu offerings, Jim explains that certainly the Midrash is Mishkan for His presence. Willard, who owns five franchises in not telling us that Hashem cannot be What a powerful self-esteem boost- that remains of the the area, says he has received a letter separated from Torah. Hashem existed er and chizuk this should be! Hashem sheets of the tent, from the corporation saying he could long before the Torah was even creat- so desires to be close to us—His great- no longer make menu modifications in ed and, as we said, He decided to give est desire is to be in the “heart of each the half curtain that his stores. That, in effect, means he it to us. Rather, this mashal teaches us one”—and He therefore gave us His must sell nonkosher food products. the fundamental idea that Hashem is most precious possession, His only remains, shall trail The Cabin John location in Potomac an intrinsic and inseparable part of child—the Torah—only so that we use behind the back of and the Rockville Metro Pike Plaza store Torah. The very goal of Torah is to it to build and create in ourselves a fit- near White Flint will no longer be certi- imbue creation with kedushah, bring- ting home for the Shechinah to reside the Tabernacle fied by the Vaad Harabanim of Greater ing Hashem’s presence to all facets of within. Washington kosher supervising agency. our lives and the world. By fulfilling Every time we learn Torah, fulfill a (Sh’mos 26:12) Two other Rockville locations, at Torah and its mitzvos, and living a mitzvah, or are engaged in our avodas the of Torah-true lifestyle, we build a house Hashem, we add a little piece, perhaps The Mishkan thus Greater Washington and Veirs Mill for the Shechinah—our own personal one more brick, toward making our resembled a lady strolling Road in Twinbrook, will remain living Mishkan for Hashem’s presence Mishkan—the Mishkan of our hearts kosher, as will, for just a short time, to dwell in. As the Midrash tells us, the and very lives—that much more beau- through the market with the Gaithersburg location. pasuk does not say “Build Me a tiful a place for the Ribbono Shel Olam the hems of her dress With three years remaining on his Mishkan so I may dwell in it,” but to live within. Truly, we must only real- 10-year contract with the JCCGW, rather “so I may dwell in them”—in the ize this is His greatest nachas and trailing behind her. Willard said that Dunkin’ Donuts cor- heart of each one. Hashem gave us the desire. This is the question which poration “will not put us in default.” As (Talmud, Shabbos 98b) Torah as the means to bring Him to us, defines our lives: we must always ask a result, the Twinbrook shop, where so that we make a house for His ourselves, “Am I a fitting place for the the baking takes place for the JCCGW

34 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES location, also will remain kosher. With renovations planned for the kitchen at Twinbrook, the Gaither- sburg store will handle the baking for a short time. Once renovations are com- pleted, the Gaithersburg store will also begin to sell nonkosher products. That’s expected to happen sometime in the spring, Willard said. A spokesperson for Dunkin’ Donuts’ corporate office did not know how many franchises are certified as kosher. The regional manager did not respond to phone messages, nor would Willard provide a copy of the letter from Dunkin’ Donuts. Clifford Snapper has been a regular at the Potomac location for about 10 years. He spends most mornings there—with his cup of Joe and a bagel, doughnut or muffin—pouring over Gemara and Mishnah, among other Jewish texts. “It was a nice routine,” said Snapper, a professor at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda. “It’s very hard when you’re kosher to find a place,” said Snapper, quipping that “Dunkin’ Donuts should provide free counseling for a month.” Rabbi Binyamin Sanders, who had overseen the kashering of the stores on behalf of the Vaad Harabanim of Greater Washington, said he was sad- dened by the decision. “I’m hoping we can work with Dunkin’ Donuts to broad- en the program once again,” he said. Willard, who is not Jewish, said it’s unclear how the changes will affect his business. On the one hand, he said, people who eat only in certified shops might simply take their business to one of the remaining kosher locations. Willard said he also might gain busi- ness once the other stores add new menu items. He noted that customers seeking something they’ve seen nation- ally advertised—for instance, a recent- ly introduced breakfast sandwich with sausage—sometimes get angry when a shop doesn’t carry the item. The Twinbrook and Cabin John locations have been kosher for about a decade. “We were getting requests from the community,” Willard said, explaining why he took that step some two years after opening the franchises. He noted, however, that when he dropped the kosher certification about two years ago at his shop in Rockville’s Wintergreen Shopping Center, business wasn’t affected. That shop had been kosher for two years. (VOS IZ NEIAS) ❖

They shall make for Me a sanctuary, and I will dwell amidst them (Sh’mos 25:8) The verse does not say, “and I will dwell within it,” but “and I will dwell within them”—within each and every one of them. (Shelah)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 35 I find myself angry much of the time vidual divvies up his or her time— at both Yank and my mother-in-law. I something that most people these days don’t say anything to my mother-in- seem very short of. Basically, it is law, but I do complain a lot to Yank. He incumbent upon each of us to deter- tells me that he feels sorry for his mine how we split our time between mother, who is not an independent parents, spouse, and children. And woman like me. In all fairness, I that’s not to mention the various other should say that though my father-in- obligations we all have—toward work, Dear Esther, years, and Yank is at his mother’s beck law is alive, he is not a well man. My organizations, household duties, etc. When I started dating, someone and call. She has no problem calling own father is no longer alive, yet my Probably every family unit is unique in told me to observe how a man treats him for the slightest thing. It’s ridicu- mother seems to manage very well on this regard. The key, of course, is to his mother, and that will give me help- lous! We live an hour away from her, so her own. She doesn’t ask for favors make it work. And what might work for ful insight as to how he could someday when he has to run over, we’re not constantly, and if she can’t manage one household will not necessarily treat me. So when I started dating talking about a five-minute job. He’s something on her own, she’ll hire a work for another. “Yank,” I was impressed with the rela- usually gone for hours. handyman. My mother-in-law could Clearly, Yank has allocated his time tionship he had with his mother. He We have two children of our own, well afford a handyman to help out. in a way that has always worked, and talked about her often and lovingly. I and I work full time. In the evenings, I Am I wrong to believe that Yank’s continues to work, for his mother— knew that he was very attentive toward really appreciate having Yank home as loyalties to our home should be first, and, on some level, probably for him, her, and he often told me about vari- much as possible. Between his work and that his wife’s and children’s needs as well. But it’s not working for you or ous favors he was constantly doing for and other obligations, it’s never as should come before his mother’s? And your children. To begin with, Yank felt her. Though Yank was not an only son, much as I or the children would like. if I’m right, how do I get Yank to see it the need to be “the good son.” How I never got the feeling that his three But on top of that, to have to share him this way? and why this happened, considering siblings were as involved as he was. It with his mother seems unreasonable. Neglected there are other siblings in the picture, just seemed as though whenever I don’t understand why his siblings I have no way of knowing. But it seems something had to be taken care of, don’t pitch in very much, if at all. I also Dear Neglected, that he took on the role of the caretak- Yank got the call. don’t understand how his mother can It’s difficult for me to state, er. Growing up, I would imagine he Anyway, to make a long story short, feel comfortable calling Yank and tak- unequivocally, what is right and what gained enormous satisfaction from we’ve been married for more than five ing him away from his family. is wrong when it comes to how an indi- being kind and giving toward his moth- er. And very possibly, his mother took full advantage of his goodness and milked it for everything it was worth. Someone forgot to inform Yank that, after marriage, things change. Maybe because he picked up on how impressed you were with his devo-

Someone forgot to inform him that, after marriage, things change.

tion to his mother while you were dating, he figured it was a good thing—a trait you admire and some- thing to be perpetuated. The biggest problem now is how does one pull away from another per- son, no less a mother, who has come to depend on him so enormously? Especially since that other person isn’t “independent, like you”? We’re talking heavy-duty guilt here. And guilt doesn’t feel very good. It sounds as though you’ve voiced your complaints to Yank to no avail. I suspect that voicing your complaints to your mother-in-law would be a dis- aster. I think the next step might be calling for a family meeting with Yank and his siblings. Assuming they all live within the general region, get them all together for a family powwow. It seems that they’ve had it pretty easy for a long time, but now it’s time for all of the them to step up to the plate and assume equal responsibility for their mother. Perhaps you can even arrange a schedule—each child can be on call for one week out of the month. So when your mother-in-law calls Yank, the issue/problem/need for attention is passed on to the appropriate sibling. If they are reasonable and sensitive to your plight, I would think that you should be able to deal with seeing less 36 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES of Yank for one week out of the month. day when you will be able to get to If they aren’t reasonable, you may have them? It is time to sort through them to delve deeper into the problem. or pack them away for that free day in “Deeper” usually means seeing a the new house. There is nothing that therapist together with Yank for a few takes away more from the way a house sessions. Hopefully the right therapist is viewed by prospective buyers than will help Yank see how he can still be a having too much stuff or clutter taking good son without always being at his Getting The Most ly the way a prospective buyer viewing up space throughout the house. mother’s beck and call. A therapist From The Sale Of Your House your home expects it to be when he or What about your adult children’s could also help Yank figure out why his Prospective sellers often do not real- she walks in. rooms? Are they loaded with all the mother seems to need so much atten- ize that their primary job before put- How do you stage a home? Start by kids stuff since they left for college or tion—and why he feels the need to pro- ting their house on the market is to throwing away, giving away, or packing got married, still waiting for that elu- vide that attention—and subsequently eliminate any potential obstacles that sive day when they will come back to help him come up with strategies that would keep a buyer from making an clean or pack them up? Now is the will enable him to make his mother feel offer. When your home is competitive- time to tell them to come and take loved and cared for, without having to ly priced and its physical condition Now is the time to their stuff so you can show those constantly run over and “help.” exceeds a buyer’s expectations, you’ll rooms off at their best and most spa- Once this happens, the advice you get the best offer possible. tell them to come and cious. once received should hold true, and As soon as you decide you are ready For those of you who have pets, you will find yourself with a spouse to to consider putting your house on the take their stuff. although we all love animals, a home be envied! market to sell, the first order of busi- with pets requires a little extra TLC Esther ness should be to get your home into when preparing it for sale. If you have “selling shape.” What do I mean by cats, make sure the kitty litter box is Esther Mann, LMSW, has a private practice in Lawrence. She can be reached at 516-314-2295 “selling shape”? Getting a home into away anything you haven’t used in the always clean and fresh and in an or [email protected]. She works with selling shape is quite different from last couple of years or more. Do you inconspicuous place. Take some time individuals, couples, and families. having a clean, beautiful home. You have miscellaneous newspapers, maga- to do a very thorough vacuuming need to “stage” your home, which zines, paperwork, books, etc., piled up means you have to make it look exact- in various areas waiting for that free Continued on Page 38 Make for it a rim of gold round about (Sh’mos 25:24) There were three crowns: that of the Altar, that of the Ark, and that of the Table. The one of the Altar (representing the priesthood),Aaron deserved and he received it.The one of the Table (representing the wealth of royalty), David deserved and received.The one of the Ark (representing the Torah) is still available, and whosoever wants to take it, may come and take it.

(Talmud,Yoma 72b)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 37 WORLD OF REAL ESTATE begin any of this staging process with- Continued from Page 37 out a little assistance, the best method is to call in the real-estate broker you under, over, and around all furniture, plan to use and ask her to assist you in carpeting, and miscellaneous items preparing a list of what items you and places around the house that should tackle in preparing your home might have accumulated dog or cat for sale. Presenting your home in the hair. You may not have noticed it in best possible manner will assure you of these places during everyday living, getting the best possible offer. ❖ but it might put off a prospective buyer Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a when your home is being shown. And licensed real estate broker (Anessa V Cohen make it a practice to continue to keep Realty) and a licensed N.Y.S. mortgage broker (A.C. Action Mortgage Corp.) with over 20 years it clean throughout the time needed to of experience, offering full-service residential and show and market your home. commercial real estate services and mortgage services. She can be reached at 516-569-5007. To those of us who love animals, we Readers are encouraged to send any questions or don’t think twice when we enter a scenarios to [email protected]. home and the dogs and cats are part of the family, but some people may be allergic or even fearful of animals, and a plan should be made regarding where the animals can be comfortably And you shall overlay placed during a house showing, in the event a prospective buyer requests that [the Ark] with pure they not be there. Your next part of the staging process gold, inside and out- should be making note of any mainte- nance problems that should be addressed prior to presenting your side (Sh’mos 25:11) house for sale. Do you have any peel- ing paint or cracks in the walls or ceil- Any Torah scholar whose ings that should be addressed? When was the last time you cleaned out your interior is not like his gutters and leaders? Are there any drippy faucets or clogged drains that exterior is no Torah should be fixed now? How does your landscaping present itself? Whatever scholar. maintenance projects you decide to tackle prior to selling your home, make (Talmud,Yoma 72b) sure you finish them prior to showing your house for sale. If you are not sure where or how to

38 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 39 (HALB). Arrowsmith is a program ognizing the need for Arrowsmith and that has been utilized in Canada for being innovative enough to house the over 25 years to strengthen learning program. The administration should capacities. Through various cognitive also be commended for its continuous exercises, the weak areas are brought accessibility and dedication, which up to average functioning. Based on ensure that the program operates prop- reading I had done, I knew that a erly. To them, I say: “Thank you for giv- learning disability is a discrepancy ing my child the ability to achieve his Dear Editor, having difficulties. I hired a tutor. In between potential and performance. I potential. Thank you for giving Naftali a Many of us have children who we math, I observed that Naftali was slow to recognized Naftali as a candidate for happy beginning to the rest of his life.” believe are not living up to their poten- catch on to basic concepts. I spent hours this program. Immediately, I called Sincerely, tial. I am the parent of such a child. quizzing him on basic math principles. HALB and arranged for Naftali to be Naftali’s Mom Despite effort, they need extra help, In addition to these academic chal- enrolled in the program. He began the and tutors are hired to help the child lenges, I noticed that Naftali’s speech program that September. From day Dear Editor, through difficult patches. However, the pattern was redundant and often one, I was impressed with the dedica- The cheit ha’meraglim was one of underlying difficulties remain. The focused on trivial thoughts. His thought tion of the teachers who administer the most devastating events in the his- child continuously struggles. patterns seemed to be repetitive and the program. They carefully monitor tory of the Jewish people. Chazal tell us Sometimes the academic weaknesses simplistic. While I tried not to, I could- the child’s progress and provide an that its catastrophic consequences are lead to feelings of insecurity and exces- n’t help but to compare my older child’s atmosphere where the children are still being felt today. Unfortunately, sive stress in the home environment. academic achievements to Naftali’s. My happy and motivated. while we should do whatever we can to The parents worry about the child’s older child spent about 15 minutes a After a mere four months in the pro- rectify the damage caused by that trag- future. They search out alternatives. night on homework and received high gram, I am amazed at the progress ic event, often we find it repeated again They continuously hope that eventually marks. Naftali spent an hour on the Naftali has made. I have witnessed and again. Knowingly or not, when we the child will catch up. Sometimes same material and only squeaked by. extraordinary changes in my child. relate negative information about Eretz hearing about solutions that were As the years went by, I became more Naftali can now tie his shoes; homework Yisrael—G-d’s chosen land of supreme found for another child’s obstacles gives and more concerned that at some point is done quickly and accurately; his kedushah and the ultimate destiny of a parent hope and ultimately a solution I would be unable to reteach Naftali the speech is no longer redundant; he under- all Jews—we are, indeed, stoking the to their own situation. This is why I am material he was supposed to be learning stands new math concepts faster than flames of prosecution against Klal sharing Naftali’s story with you. in school, and I feared that at some before; he can put his thoughts down on Yisrael and doing much more harm I have two children who have the point the work would be too much for paper; and even his handwriting has than any good that could be accom- same IQ score. It would follow that they him. Naftali often talked of his desire to improved. I recognize that Naftali still plished by our ill-advised words. would be equally intelligent and would be an engineer. It saddened me to think has weaknesses, but I am confident that Undoubtedly, moving to Eretz achieve equally in academics, but this that this probably would not be a reali- by the completion of the program he no Yisrael is one of the best forms of was not the case. The older child pro- ty. I worried that these limitations longer will. I am now confident that if he teshuvah for the cheit hameraglim. gressed through preschool without would not only affect Naftali’s entire chooses a career other than engineering, However, making aliyah does not give event. Naftali, the younger child, was academic career, but also his future it will be his choice and not one which he one carte blanche to say whatever one identified as having extremely immature happiness as a human being. is forced into. wishes about our homeland—especial- fine-motor skills. At the age of eight, One spring day, I read an article in Naftali is not alone. I’m sure there ly when the message being relayed Naftali was still unable to tie his shoes or the Five Towns Jewish Times featuring are many children who could benefit paints a dim and dark picture of Eretz write a legible sentence. When Naftali the Arrowsmith program housed at from the Arrowsmith program. I think Yisrael and the Jews living there (no was taught to read, I noted that he was the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach HALB should be commended for rec- matter how much more or less “reli-

40 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES gious” than us they may be). Without cally wrong and dangerous. even getting into the extremely serious For the record, I live there. I drive issues of lashon ha’ra that are clearly through Ramat Beit Shemesh Bet. implicated in such storytelling (even if Before I had a car, I walked there and the author considers it so important was given rides by many people who that it simply must be shared with you may now think are uncaring and many, many people—something to blameworthy for a few nut jobs. I am consider, very seriously, before one not denying that those people should puts pen to paper or clicks “send” on be taken to task, nor am I sticking my one’s e-mail), it behooves us to be, at head in the sand to say the world is the very least, uncomfortable and dis- perfect. But that is not the issue. I turbed when such defamatory words question how the author knows about are written about our Holy Land. any of the efforts being made by the For this reason, I was extremely residents of Bet. Believe me, I am not bothered by the most recent “Our saying that I know either, but why cast Aliyah Chronicle” column (Five Towns accusations for—let’s be honest—no Jewish Times, February 9). I must good reason?! Is it our job to highlight admit that I do not read the piece these happenings to our brothers and often. However, someone pointed out sisters in chutz la’aretz? Were we given to me what was written about the chas- the ultimate z’chus of living in Eretz sidim who live in Ramat Beit Shemesh Yisrael to dredge up the fatal short- Bet. Since I live in Ramat Beit coming of the meraglim? Is it our role Shemesh Alef, I wanted to see what as b’nei aliyah to give more fodder to could have motivated the author to the naysayers, who can now add choose to write about the topic. another reason to tell their friends, Unfortunately, after finding the depic- “Who needs to live in a place like tion of “what is happening in Israeli that?!” Of course not! We live in a society” (mind you, please explain to wondrous time of kibutz galiyos.We me how “only the fringe that is causing must do our utmost to help that hap- the trouble” fairly reflects “Israeli soci- pen to its fullest, not hinder it. ety”) sandwiched between the author’s I sincerely hope this gives the author glee of being able to attend the Super pause to heavily weigh the words he Bowl and reporting on an uneventful writes about aliyah, Eretz Yisrael, and flight, I have come to the conclusion the Jews living here. They should only that I have no idea what motivated this elevate and uplift those who read them. piece of information being awkwardly While you may think that I am being stuck in his article. There is no mes- unduly harsh to the author (and, in fact, sage. There is no to’eles. If it is simply some of you may identify with him— to let other people know about it, there sound familiar?), please believe that I is no justification for any word written. In fact, such a motivation is unequivo- Continued on Page 42

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 41 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR is something to the analogy. Continued from Page 41 Purim is the quintessential “people” holiday. The mitzvos of the day are sup- am motivated by pure and emesdik rea- posed to connect us with our neighbors: sons. You see, if one of my neighbors mishloach manos, matanos la’evyonim, was throwing rocks at cars (or harmful and the festive se‘udah. While at the words at Eretz Yisrael or fellow Jews, for se‘udah we are encouraged to drink alco- that matter) or trying to burn a dump- holic beverages. This minor element has ster in protest (or adding fuel to the fire been magnified in some circles, to the of sinas chinam and perpetuating this point where the holiday has become an long and bitter galus), I would hope that all-night, all-day excuse to drink. I or our other neighbors would do our Sadly, this inebriation results in a utmost to stop him and make sure he perversion of Purim’s purpose. Love does not cause harm to others. for one another is supplanted by Well, I don’t know about my other images of kids (and sometimes adults) neighbor, but I, for one, must do some- yelling at passersby and stepping dan- thing to stop him from harming others. gerously in front of cars (or worse, May the author continue to have a driving them). It is no secret that successful and inspiring aliyah, and Purim is Hatzolah’s busiest day. may words of sweetness and kindness What are our non-Jewish neighbors flow from his mouth (as I am told they to think when they see our teens (and often do), and all our mouths, like milk sometimes adults) carousing? And and honey. May the great z’chus of what of those of us who are unable to spreading the beauty and holiness of sleep because of the elevated noise Eretz Yisrael to our brethren hasten level well past midnight? Yes, the the gathering of all of us into her bor- drinkers argue that they are fulfilling a ders, with the darkness of galus finally mitzvah. Putting aside the fact that being replaced by the brilliant light of there is no mitzvah to drink on Purim our long-awaited geulah. The Land night, our Sages never envisioned the awaits your arrival. sort of mindless exercise to which we Sincerely, sadly are witness. In addition, when A Ben Aliyah Chazal instituted the rule of becoming drunk on Purim, automobiles had not Dear Editor, been invented. I am willing to wager It is that time of year again, the holi- that they would not have included day my non-Jewish friends know as the drinking among the Purim rituals had “Jewish Halloween.” I used to scoff at the they known that one day lives would be association of Purim with a pagan holi- endangered by it. day. However, the annual chillul Hashem One would hope that yeshivos would that takes place in many of our neighbor- hoods makes me wonder whether there Continued on Page 46

42 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Running Out Of Purim Space Everyone has something he has such a mundane and uninspiring done in the past that he would like to package—I can only say that that’s forget—and, more to the point, that just the way it was done back then. he’d like others to forget. Usually the The proof of this is that mine was not regret is about something he did when the only modest little parcel to appear he was young and didn’t know better. on someone’s doorstep. Most young Oh, the folly of youth! hausfraus prepared a similar type of It could be about anything. For exam- shalach manos. In fact, some offerings ple: I confess that, to my eternal shame, were worse than mine. I used to give shalach manos (a.k.a. For instance, a few gals were clue- mishloach manot) on flimsy white paper less enough to dump the aforemen- plates! Not firm paper plates with a pret- tioned goodies into a small brown ty design, mind you; just plain, thin, paper lunch bag. It shouldn’t take white paper ones. Horrors! much smarts to know that baked goods This was the routine: First I would placed in such a bag will most assured- place three of my homemade haman- ly get crushed and ultimately wind up taschen in the center of the plate, and as crumbs (which is precisely what make certain that each one had a dif- happened). And—as if that were not ferent filling. Mohn, prune, and fruit bad enough—whatever shortening was preserves (usually apricot or a berry of used in the baked confections would some sort) are the gold standard of leave grease stains on the bag. It was hamantaschen fillings. Around those not a pretty sight. triangular delicacies I placed an But not everyone went the white- assortment of goodies: a fresh apple, a paper-plate or the brown-bag route. handful of Hershey’s Kisses, a lollipop, That’s because in every generation a mini-bag of potato chips, and that there are a few creative souls, and old standby, the little red box of raisins. imaginative types typically take proj- I then covered my offering with foil or ects to a higher madregah (level). So with plastic wrap, taped a label on top, the more artistic among us made up and I was done. packages that were far more appealing. In my defense—if there could pos- sibly be a defense for handing out Continued on Page 44

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 43 THAT’S THE WAY IT IS! shalach manos in more permanent way it is today. its theme. That’s how I happen to Continued from Page 43 containers, ranging in size from cof- A gingerbread-scented candle, a have the banana holder. The holder fee mugs to serving trays and every- stand that holds bananas, and an came with a bunch of bananas hang- This doesn’t mean that the food offer- thing in between: pretty bowls, authentic-looking red-and-white- ing from it, and a small toy monkey ings were of superior quality; we’re planters, footed cake-plates, and striped ceramic popcorn box are sitting on top. There was also a deli- talking strictly packaging here. Thus, stainless-steel baskets are just some just some of the pieces that have cious little home-baked banana bread even back in the ’60s and ’70s, which of the items that make the rounds found their way into my home in inside. It was cute. Irrelevant to is the time period I’m referring to, each Purim. the name of shalach manos. That’s Purim—but cute. some shalach manos did go out on Initially I found the offerings because a few years ago the latest And I can’t forget the shalach manos fancy plates or in designer paper bags. impressive, but now I’ve had enough. gimmick in shalach manos presenta- that had a “kitchen” theme, which is Some girls went so far as to put the Frankly, I would prefer a return to sim- tions was that they had to have a how the aforementioned gingerbread- booty into pretty little cake boxes to pler times. Disposable bags and plates theme. Honest! I have no idea who scented candle came into my posses- ensure that the baked goods would would be fine with me, because, while came up with this meshugas, but it’s sion. That particular shalach manos arrive intact. I appreciate the creativity, I just don’t a fact. And I have enough of these also contained a pot holder, a handful Eventually, everyone else caught have the space for all the tchotchkes cutesy little gift items scattered of gingersnaps and two packets of on. White paper plates and brown yeast, all of which arrived in a canister paper bags became obsolete, and we marked “FLOUR.” If not for the gin- availed ourselves of plastic-coated gersnaps, there wouldn’t have been plates, boxes, and bags that were This doesn’t mean that the food offerings one edible in the entire package. It’s thicker, sturdier, and prettier than hard to believe, but today some sha- what came before. About that time, lach manos packages don’t contain a people began to include a small bot- were of superior quality; we’re talking single hamantasch. tle of grape juice in their shalach It sometimes takes a little guesswork manos packages. Those mini bottles on the part of the recipient to figure are labeled “kosher for ,” but, strictly packaging here. out exactly what the theme is supposed having decided that the bottles might to be. Fortunately, only the younger have chametzdike crumbs affixed to creative types are into themes. We old- them, I considered washing the bot- that have been accumulating here for throughout my house to prove it. timers, even the imaginative ones tles off first. Then I discarded the the past few years. If I called in a cura- The theme might be anything at all, among us, don’t take our creativity that idea entirely, and figured it would be tor I might discover that my collection and often it has little or nothing to far. Our shalach manos theme is the best not to use that grape juice for is worthy of a museum exhibit. with Purim. One year someone sent same each year—and, since the pack- the week of Pesach. Chances are the The problem is that not only are the me shalach manos that had a age always contains hamantaschen, crumbs are only in my mind; Pesach containers reusable, but offerings “movies” theme, which is how I there’s no guesswork involved. It’s is a holiday that has a tendency to inside often include reusable (non- acquired the ceramic popcorn bag— obvious: the theme is Purim. It’s heighten my imagination. food) items—in other words, more inside of which was a bag of appropriate. Possibly quaint—but As the years passed, a few people tchotchkes. Who needs them? The sha- unpopped popcorn kernels, a candy appropriate. ❖ considered even those updated sha- lach manos packages that we prepared, bar typically found at movie-theater lach manos containers to be passé. back in the dark ages, contained food counters, and a can of soda. It was Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a There are some gals who eschew items only. We either ate the stuff, or adorable. Unusual—but adorable. licensed real-estate broker associated with anything so disposable as a paper or we gave it away, and that was that. It Another creative shalach manos Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at plastic plate or bag. So they prepare was gone. Finito! But that’s not the that I once received had “bananas” as [email protected] or 516-902-3733.

44 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Cooking Concepts

The Perfect Gift: A Mishloach spaghetti and a jar of marinara sauce Manot Primer is cute, but not valid). BY NAOMI ROSS • People often don’t go through their mishloach manot until late in the Gift bags, cellophane, tissue paper, day. If you choose to make mishloach and sweets are starting to fill Jewish manot with highly perishable contents, homes everywhere… It’s beginning to either deliver it directly in person so look a lot like Purim! If there is any that you can tell the recipients not to one holiday that represents the “sea- leave it out, or label accordingly so that son for giving” in , Purim they know to refrigerate it. Discovering (rather than Chanukah) fits the bill. a rancid container of meatballs or a One of the four mitzvos of day, the spoiled package of cheese is not only obligation to give mishloach manot unpleasant, but a waste of all your (gifts of food) was instituted by Queen hard work. Esther and Mordechai in order to •Label, label, label!! Not only improve relations among fellow Jews. should recipients know from whom By creating the need to give, we have their package has come (again, build- each received a unique opportunity to ing warm feelings between friends), make amends and create loving feel- but it is also important to label the ings among friends and family. An kashrus status of all baked goods exercise in giving forces a shift in a (parve, baked in a meat oven, dairy, person’s awareness to become a more etc.) in addition to any pertinent aller- chesed-oriented individual. gy info—e.g., “contains nuts.” With that in mind, here are a few • Gussy it up! A little bit of ribbon goes items to remember when making your a long way, and good packaging always mishloach manot. makes food more appealing to the eye. • Mishloach manot are specifically Purim is never Purim without food items (it should be at least two hamantaschen, and there is nothing different kinds of food) in order to like home-baked hamantaschen. And enhance and add to one’s special yet, even the best bakers can mess up Purim seudah later in the day. a batch now and then. In an effort to Therefore, according to Jewish law, discover the tricks to making a great one should only give foods that are hamantasch, I consulted with expert readily edible (e.g., an “Italian” theme with a box of uncooked Continued on Page 46

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 45 3 COOKING CONCEPTS ⁄4-teaspoon of filling. If using ing in the oven. and vanilla until well blend- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Continued from Page 45 a jam or jelly that is thinner in • Roll dough very thin: ed. In a separate large bowl, Continued from Page 42 1 1 consistency, fill with only ⁄8"– ⁄4" thick. sift together the flour, baking 1 hamantaschen baker Amy ⁄4-teaspoon. Thinner jellies • Work in batches of dough powder, and salt. Slowly add take control of the situation; Jacobs of Cookie Comfort melt during baking and will so it’s easier to manage. the flour mixture to the bat- unfortunately, much of the (www.cookiecomfort.com). overflow if overstuffed, caus- • Allow hamantaschen to ter, a little at a time, mixing drinking originates at yeshiva- Amy expects to bake over 800 ing the hamantaschen to open cool before moving, to prevent just until the dough comes sponsored celebrations. Last hamantaschen this year for during baking. cracking or breakage. away from the sides of the year at a yeshiva, when I told a her clients (orders can be • After placing the filling in • Hamantaschen freeze bowl and forms into a ball. young man that he was causing placed online or by calling the center of the rounds, use wonderfully. For best success, Refrigerate for at least 2 a chillul Hashem, he said to me 866-787-8237). Here are a wet fingertip or pastry brush wrap in parchment and alu- hours. in all seriousness, “I think I Amy’s tips and secrets for suc- to moisten the perimeter of minum foil, and store in a zip- Preheat oven to 350°F. know what you mean.” This cessful baking: the round before closing, in pered plastic freezer bag (e.g., Working in batches, roll out from one of the top boys in a • Don’t overstuff! For order to create a better seal. Ziploc) for 1–2 months. the dough on a lightly floured local yeshiva! 1 rounds of 3"–3 ⁄2" in diameter, • Pinch twice: once initial- Happy baking, and a very board (it helps to flour your Part of the problem involves never fill with more than ly, and once right before plac- happy Purim! rolling pin, as well), until it is boys who go collecting for 1 1 very thin—about ⁄8"– ⁄4" thick. at various homes, Hamantaschen Using a cookie cutter, or glass, where they are given wine or 1 Yields: 6 dozen. with a diameter of 3"–3 ⁄2", cut liquor to drink, despite the fact Ingredients: circles in the dough. Place that this is illegal. What right 3 1 cup shortening ⁄4 tsp. of filling in the center of does one have to offer hard or margarine* each circle. Shape into a trian- drinks to youths who cannot 1 cup sugar gle by folding two sides of the be expected to act responsibly 3 eggs circle to the center and pinch while under the influence? 1 ⁄3 cup orange juice together at the sides. Fold The time has come for or pineapple juice remaining side up to the cen- meaningful change. I ask 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract ter and pinch together at the rashei yeshivah, rabbeim, and 1 4 ⁄2 cups flour sides. Some of the filling parents alike: How long will 1 4 ⁄2 tsp. baking powder should be visible in the center. we continue to permit the 1 ⁄4 tsp. salt Place hamantaschen 1 inch chillul Hashem that goes on Assorted pie fillings or pre- apart on a greased baking during Purim? I think that serves: apricot, raspberry, sheet. Bake for 13–15 min- greater supervision of youths prune, lekvar (poppy) utes, until light golden brown. by adults would help alleviate Be careful not to overcook. the drinking problem on *(now available trans fat-free by Earth Balance) Purim. I pray that yeshivos and Naomi Ross teaches Cooking parents will devise strategies, Directions: Concepts, courses on cooking skills such as increased supervision and kitchen management for the Cream the shortening and Jewish woman. For more information, by chaperones, to help con- sugar together in a large mix- visit her website at tain Purim drinking. jewishcookingconcepts.com. Naomi ing bowl until a grainy paste can be reached at Avi Goldstein, forms. Beat in eggs, juice, [email protected]. Far Rockaway

46 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Rambam And HAFTR Students hide physical scars, and lie to others— Learn That ‘Silence is Deadly’ and even herself. The boys at Rambam sat mesmer- The message of the program was ized for an hour and a half as Naomi driven home during a question-and- Ackerman, of Israel, spoke with them answer period, during which Ms. about spousal abuse. “It is imperative Ackerman asked the boys to share that we discuss the various challenges their thoughts and feelings about what that are out there with our students in they had just witnessed. “I was so a very open and mature fashion, and angry at the husband; I couldn’t under- not sweep critical issues like spousal stand how he could do this,” said one abuse under the carpet just because as Rambam senior. “What do you need to a community we are embarrassed to build a good relationship?” she asked discuss them,” says Rabbi Zev Meir the boys. Still startled, they shyly Friedman of Machon HaTorah. offered their ideas. “Honesty.” “Trust.” Students of both divisions of the “Respect.” “Communication.” Machon welcomed Mrs. Ackerman to Created originally for the Ministry their schools on Tuesday, February 13, of Welfare for a social workers’ confer- to hear her message of shalom bayis. ence in Jerusalem, Ackerman’s mono- During the early afternoon she present- logue addresses the problem of domes- ed her powerful one-woman fictional tic violence. Written, produced, and monologue on violence and spousal performed by Ackerman, the play tells abuse to the students of HAFTR’s sen- the story of a young woman from an ior class, and later that day to the upper-middle-class family who finds young men at Rambam . herself in an abusive relationship—a She depicts an idyllic relationship situation that affects women every- with her “dream husband” who on the where, from all cultures and from one hand displayed love and affection every level of society. “When did I while simultaneously being abusive both become so useless?” Ackerman’s char- verbally and physically. She poignantly acter, Michelle, asks towards the end portrayed the pain and shame that she of the play. “Me, who comes from such felt, often blaming herself for her hus- a good family, such a respected fami- band’s abuse. She explained that verbal ly… I have turned into nothing.” abuse is more painful than physical abuse and that often an abused wife can Continued on Page 48

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 47 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 47

The monologue is based originally on material Ackerman gathered through personal interviews with bat- tered women in shelters in Jerusalem and from her own experience. Much has been added from all the discus- sions she has held with her audiences, which follow each performance. “We owe it to our children and to their futures as Jewish men and women to bring this topic to their awareness,” says Rabbi Yotav Eliach. “I hope they carry Mrs. Ackerman’s mes- sage of respect and kindness with them as they continue to grow and envision themselves as our next gener- ation of Jewish husbands and wives.” When she is not performing her one-woman show, Ackerman, who now lives in Los Angeles with her family, is part of Viewpoints, an improvisation group supported by the Peres Center for Peace, which teaches coexistence, dialogue, and conflict-resolution through acting and theater. Her per- formance has received wide acclaim in , New Zealand, and across the United States. “It is our responsibility as a school to bring important messages like those in today’s program to our students. Too many topics go un-discussed with our children because we think the kids are too young or too immature, or that the topics are not relevant, or that some- one else or some other program will address it. We have an obligation to be honest and open with kids,” said Rabbi Friedman. “From the reaction of our students we see that they are ready to hear and feel the message in a mean- ingful way.” ❖

DRS–HALB, NCSY On The Ground In New Orleans: Hope Amidst The Destruction By Rabbi Dov Emerson As an educator, there are few sweet- er rewards than witnessing the “ah- ha!” moment. When you can observe the exact point that your students achieve the flash of clarity—the look on their face that indicates that they truly know and appreciate the lesson you are trying to impart—it makes it all worth it. But there are also situations where your students “get it” to such a degree that they go above and beyond anything you could have imagined in turning the potential into the actual. I had the privilege of experiencing such a priceless moment this past weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana, amidst the still overwhelming wreckage of Hurricane Katrina. Along with the Long Island NCSY director of programs, Yudi Hochheiser, I was a leader of a group of nine 11th- grade students at the DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys of the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach. We had come here under the leadership of Long Island NCSY and its pilot program, Friday Night Lights, due to the gen- erosity and foresight of the , the Rabbinical Council of America, and and its Center for the Jewish Future. Our students had been selected from a deep pool of applicants at DRS and, as part of NCSY’s first program on the 48 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ground in New Orleans, had two dif- came back showed so much determina- ages. We learned about the dedication mean, we do this every Shabbat; it’s ferent but critical goals: We had come tion and kindness…they wanted to start of Mrs. Jackie Gothard, a lifelong resi- routine. But for them it was so unique, here, firstly, to show our commitment the community again. But as opposed dent of New Orleans and the president and we so often take it for granted. I to the rebuilding and constant support to our larger communities, here every- of the , who has worked tire- learned so much from them.” of the Jewish community in New one had to play their role. Sometimes lessly to preserve the congregation and On Sunday, we returned to the Orleans; and secondly, to show the there are only ten Jews available for a is actively seeking out new initiatives Ninth Ward to help provide relief to New Orleans general community that, minyan. No one could take a break.” that will allow the Orthodox communi- the larger New Orleans community. We in the spirit of tikkun olam, we have The Shabbat experience was truly ty to emerge even stronger. Evan Seltzer coordinated with Common Ground, an not forgotten about them and we were amazing, as both hosts and guest summed up all of our feelings: “What organization that began shortly after there to help in any way possible. inspired each other, singing, schmooz- surprised me the most was that we can Katrina, dedicated to providing relief In order to achieve these goals, ing, and learning Torah together. come down here for a Shabbat, and you and aid to citizens of New Orleans who Long Island NCSY’s FNL has part- We were truly touched by the go into the community and give a d’var could not provide for themselves. Our nered with the above organizations tremendous “Southern hospitality” and Torah or sing some zemirot, and the students threw themselves into the and has committed to providing a pres- appreciation extended by the Beth people are like ‘Wow! Stay in the guest work, cleaning, painting, and relocat- ence in New Orleans every single Israel community. We spent two won- house as long as you need; do whatever Shabbat until such time as the com- derful meals meeting members of all you want.’ They were so appreciative. I Continued on Page 50 munity decides that it is once again self-sufficient. The truth is, we really didn’t know what to expect. We had joined the rest of the country in watching the events unfold in the Gulf Region with a mix- ture of horror and empathy, but we were unsure about where the commu- nity was holding, both physically and psychologically. As Burry Klein of Lawrence, one of the DRS students on the trip, remarked, “I thought there would be a lot of anger, a lot of bitter- ness shown by the residents of New Orleans.” What we found was love and appreciation. We heard it on the streets of the French Quarter, as the locals thanked us “New York boys for coming down here to help rebuild our city.” We saw it at the local bowling alley, where the blues band that was playing onstage dedicated a song to us and our relief efforts, as the members of the audience responded with a standing ovation. We got our first real sense of the devastation on Friday, as we took a tour of the Lower Ninth Ward. We drove through the area in stunned silence, watching row after row of empty lots. “It looks like a house ceme- tery,” one of our students remarked, referring to the eerie sight of three or four front steps leading to nowhere, the only indication that a house had once stood there. “The emptiness was powerful,” observed Sam Schertz of Lawrence. “It was mind-boggling to think about all of the homes, the lives, the businesses…gone.” All of us could- n’t help but think about the loss endured by the residents of this proud city. Evan Seltzer of Lawrence put it in more personal terms: “I couldn’t even imagine if my house was blown away…I’ve never even had a window broken. It really reminds you to be so thankful about what you have. Seeing mile after mile of destroyed homes, it really wakes you up.” That night, we walked over to the transplanted location of Congregation Beth Israel, the Orthodox congregation of New Orleans. While we had been prepared to lead the entire Shabbat services, we were taken aback at the small size of the congregation, holding services in the side room of the Reform temple. Yet our surprise very quickly gave way to admiration and respect, as we met the various members who made up the core of the community. Burry Klein reflected on meeting these heroic Jews: “We spent time with them and learned about the history of the com- munity and about Katrina’s effect. They lost so many people who moved away to other cities, and the small core that 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 49 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS with despair, sadness, and anger. Continued from Page 49 However, we took comfort in all that we accomplished—and, more impor- ing an entire kitchen for the Common tantly, in the knowledge that we were Ground headquarters. We also went coming back. And that gave us the one through several of the homes that had thing that has kept the community been gutted by volunteers and were alive here during these arduous 18 awaiting reconstruction. months: hope. While we definitely worked hard and Long Island NCSY and Friday Night accomplished a great deal for Common Lights will be running three additional Ground, our group walked away the extensive high school weekends in New true beneficiaries. “When we first Orleans before June. If you are interested walked over to the small blue building,” in attending or contributing to this won- commented Seltzer, “you think there are derful program, please contact Rabbi one or two people. But then you go into Aryeh Lightstone at 516-569-6279. their larger headquarters; you see hun- Rabbi Dov Emerson is the Director of dreds of people, volunteers, who have Student Programs at the Davis Renov been here for months at a time from all Stahler Yeshiva High School for Boys, of over the country. These are students, the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach. ❖ people who have jobs, and even fami- lies…they just saw this and came , A Tzedakah here—because they felt it was the right Priority: Annual Breakfast, thing to do, to help these people, to help February 25 this community. That was so special.” By Vivienne Frank and Ellen Blonder We brought our whirlwind trip to an When it comes to tzedakah, priori- end on Monday by putting together an ties are a must. The halachah is clear: inspiring informal education program “Aniyei ircha kodem”—the struggling for the New Orleans Jewish Day families in our own community must School. Before we went, I spoke to our be our first priority. Even in an affluent students about the importance of area like ours, more people than you “teaching what you know,” of the probably realize cannot afford the tremendous impact each and every one basic food necessities to feed their of us can have on fellow Jews, no mat- families. Imagine having to worry that ter what our level of Jewish knowledge your child will go to sleep hungry. may be. This was a wonderful opportu- Imagine not being able to put chicken nity to give back on a spiritual level fol- on your table in honor of Shabbos. It is lowing all of our physical exertion. our first responsibility to ensure that Right before heading to the airport, we no family in our neighborhood lacks were given a guided tour of the these basics. destroyed Beth Israel synagogue. Truly a churbah in our time, we were filled Continued on Page 52

50 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 51 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS many dedicated drivers who show up come and show your support. Bank is located at the corner of Central Continued from Page 50 weekly in all kinds of weather to get Purim Cards Avenue and Cedarhurst Avenue. the packages out. Additionally, Tomchei Shabbos/Yad Anyone can bring in change and Tomchei Shabbos/Yad Yeshaya pro- The recipients of packages from Yad Yeshaya is selling Purim cards, which are easily pour it into a machine located in vides Shabbos food for 160 families Yeshaya range from the unemployed to available for pickup at the following four the front of the bank lobby. The weekly, all over Far Rockaway and the single parents and the elderly. Every locations: machine will automatically count the Five Towns. This is our local branch of Thursday night they receive a package Cedarhurst: Marilyn Nussbaum, 516- change, and you simply hand a teller Tomchei Shabbos. It raises its funding that consists of chicken, challah, grape 569-0451; Far Rockaway: Shira Beer, the receipt and tell her that it is for locally, and spends every dollar on juice, potatoes, and other basics so 718-471-1455; Lawrence: Joy Paley, 516- Tomchei Shabbos. All proceeds go food. Other neighborhoods have that they no longer have to worry 792-1800; and Woodmere: Marilyn Blau, directly to Tomchei Shabbbos and you Tomchei Shabbos branches, as well, about how they will feed their families 516-295-1175. will receive the merit of feeding a hun- but are not monetarily affiliated with on Shabbos. Tomchei Shabbos/Yad The Purim cards are a beautiful way gry family for Shabbos. the local organization. Our Tomchei Yeshaya struggles to meet its annual to feed the hungry in the true spirit of The next time you open a drawer Shabbos is named for Yeshaya Alpert, budget of $250,000 so as not to disap- shalach manos. full of change, think of all the chickens z’l, and is staffed by volunteers who point these families. A Time For Change it can buy for someone’s Shabbos run the organization, pack and deliver Most of its budget is raised at the A new and easy way to help Yad table. That bowl in which your hus- the boxes, and raise the funds. Among annual breakfast. This year’s breakfast is Yeshaya, year-round, has now been set band drops his spare change every these wonderful volunteers are TAG coming up very soon—Sunday, February up. “A Time for Change” with night can turn into challah and grape girls who pack boxes every week (even 25, at the home of Eliot and Marilyn Commerce Bank gives you an opportuni- juice for someone’s Shabbos table. during school vacations); Ari Lauer (240 Briarwood Crossing, in ty to do a great mitzvah while getting rid Now all of those jars, cups, and draw- Schonbrun and the Katz family, who Lawrence). Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum of the loose change you probably have ers full of coins that have been sitting do a huge distribution for Pesach; and with be speaking, and you are urged to lying around your house. Commerce in your house for years can be put to good use. Small children (and maybe some adults, too) will delight in dump- ing the change in a machine and see- ing its surprising value. As you clean for Pesach, you can clean up those coins and put them to good use. If we all unite as a community to help our struggling neighbors, together we can try to bring good mazel, which is desperately needed, to us all. ❖

Ayelet Hashachar: Sharing Judaism By D. Mishory “It’s not my Torah; it’s our Torah, and I am just returning something that is theirs.” It is this belief that propels Mrs. Tzila Schneider, the director and driving force behind the Ayelet Hashachar “telephone ” pro- gram, to fulfill her dream of bringing Israelis closer to Judaism. Under the auspices of Rabbi Shlomo Raanan’s Ayelet Hashachar organization, the telephone chavrusa program pairs a Torah-observant Israeli with a secular counterpart for a one-hour phone con- versation once a week. The two study together—any topic of Jewish law or thought they choose— using books generously provided by the program. The goal of the partnership is for the Torah-observant chavrusa to warmly reach out and help quench the thirst that the secular chavrusa has for truth and fulfillment in life. The growing desire for spirituality within the secular community is quite revolutionary. Twenty years ago, the attitude of secular Israelis towards practicing Jews was one of marked ani- mosity. The secular community gener- ally viewed Torah observance as an ancient and outmoded set of rules, fig- uring that the people observing them would eventually expire. On the other hand, the religious Jews in Israel want- ed to protect their families from out- side influences, and attempted to iso- late themselves from society at large. As the years passed, a large number of secular Israelis began to see a severe deterioration in secular society and in their family lives, while the religious communities not only remained alive, but flourished and grew. Today, literal- ly tens of thousands of secular Israelis realize the essential emptiness that accompanies a life without Torah Judaism, and are desperately searching for, and hoping to find, meaning and truth. In response to their cry for help, many religious people have begun to 52 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES look beyond the confines of their own bring more meaning into their lives. chavrusa, but that at her age there was no Shearim almost every week to experi- religious communities and are reach- Many of the secular partners are so way that she would change. Through the ence Shabbos with her chavrusa and ing out to bring Torah to others. Ayelet happy with their chavrusas that they weekly phone conversations, she became her family. Other partners forge such Hashachar’s telephone chavrusa pro- encourage their friends and family extremely close to her chavrusa, and six close relationships that they come to gram is a highly successful medium members to join the program. One sec- months later, to everyone’s surprise, she view each other less as chavrusasor that brings these two groups together. ular woman, to the astonishment of her started to keep Shabbos. As Mrs. friends and more as family members. Since the beginning of the program hairdresser, ran out in the middle of a Schneider, the telephone program’s direc- As one middle-aged chavrusa speaks one and a half years ago, 2,500 secular hairdressing appointment to be home tor, succinctly put it, “There is nothing about her younger, now fully-observant women and men are studying with reli- on time for her weekly session. When better than a warm heart.” chavrusa, “she is my daughter, and her gious partners. Out of 1,000 individu- the hairdresser found out what caused The relationship between the two children will be my grandchildren.” als who have been with the program her client to leave in such a hurry, she, chavrusas often goes far beyond the The growing desire of so many sec- for more than six months, 200 are now too, wanted a phone chavrusa. telephone. A large majority of partners ular Israelis for truth and meaning is fully-observant Torah Jews, and anoth- For many of the chavrusas, a warm want to meet each other and deepen matched by the caring of thousands of er 200 have started keeping Shabbos. friendship quickly develops through the the friendship after only two months of religious men and women who yearn The other 600 have decided to take learning—and, with it, a sense of trust in learning together. Shabbosos are often to help their Jewish brothers and sis- upon themselves something new, the Torah-observant partner. Because of spent together, and the secular ters grow in Judaism. The tremendous either in Jewish law or Jewish thought. this trust, the religious chavrusa is able to chavrusa is able to experience the energy and love that continually pours The success of this program is gently guide his or her partner to change beauty of a true Shabbos spent in a into Ayelet Hashachar’s telephone astounding and unprecedented, since and grow in Judaism. One 82-year-old religious home. One secular woman, chavrusa program keeps this incredible there is no other program that has pro- woman, a professor of Bible study at an the daughter of an Arab father, became program alive and flourishing, giving it duced such incredible results. The Israeli university, joined the program. She extremely close to her Chassidishe secret behind the success of the pro- claimed that she wanted to learn with a chavrusa and now goes to Meah Continued on Page 54 gram is its ability to reach large amounts of people without sacrificing the individual attention of one-on-one chavrusa learning, as well as the con- tinual follow-up by the chavrusas, who maintain a personal interest in the success of their partners. Some of the advantages of the tele- phone chavrusa program are the mini- mum commitment it requires and the ease of learning in the privacy of one’s own home. The weekly phone call is scheduled for a mutually convenient time, with the Torah-observant partner making the call. Both chavrusas eager- ly await their phone time together, knowing that the learning session will bring them closer to each other and

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 53 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS will be discussions of enhancing and Continued from Page 53 fine-tuning the already highly success- ful midrashiyot for youth that have the potential for far-reaching and sprung up in many cities across Eretz never-ending growth. Yisrael. Midrashiyot is a form of kiruv To receive more information about rechokim that caters to 14- to 18-year- Ayelet Hashachar’s telephone chavrusa old boys. It aims to appeal to students program, please e-mail yyehrman@ who have grown up completely secular gmail.com or call 011-972-2-586-9281 or in Israeli society. Kiruv experts have 011-972-52-743-4743. ❖ realized the need to provide these teenage boys with pnimius, a thirst for Acheinu Kiruv Conference the true spiritual succor that will give In Bnei Brak them a feeling of fulfillment. By Avrohom Rubin Midrashiyot, neighborhood spiritual Acheinu, the highly successful out- centers where teenage boys can come reach organization in Eretz Yisrael, is after school to hear lectures from young set to hold a major international kiruv HaRav Aharon Leib Shteinman, shlita. religious teachers and talk and interact conference. On 17 Adar/March 7, about matters of spirit, have opened in some of the greatest kiruv personali- In addition, speeches will be given genarian and octogenarian gedolim have numerous cities across the country. The ties, led by the venerated senior gedolei by directors of kiruv organizations taken the time and effort from their busy success with which the midrashiyot have Yisrael of our times, will gather in Bnei such as HaGaon HaRav Chizkiyahu schedules to attend and address the met is reflected in the constant requests Brak to share and learn methodology Mishkovsky, a member of the presidi- international kiruv conference attests to for new ones to be opened in neighbor- that is sure to have a great effect on um of Lev L’Achim, and Rabbi Yossi the importance that they attach to it. hoods and cities where the name of G-d maximizing efforts in kiruv rechokim Valis, the head of Arachim. There will also be a special session was seldom, if ever, mentioned. (Jewish outreach) for years to come. One of the highlights of the confer- devoted to issues related to service in There are thousands of boys, from One important kiruv personality in ence will be a fascinating panel discus- the IDF and how it pertains to ba‘alei cities such as Be’er Sheva, Dimona, Eretz Yisrael described it as “the most sion. During that discussion, Acheinu teshuvah. Experts in both army issues North , and Ashkelon, who have important kiruv gathering in history.” representatives will share their suc- and Israeli law will participate in the come close to Yiddishkeit and who have Well-known kiruv personalities such cessful three-step approach—mentor- critically important issue of how felt true spiritual fulfillment in their as, Rav Aryeh Deri, Rav Bezalel ing, enrollment, and continued follow- recent young ba‘alei teshuvah should interaction with the young kiruv profes- Edelstein, Rav Avraham Greenbaum of up—that has the power to revolution- deal with their army service. sionals running the midrashiyot. Keren Wolfson, Rav Aba Swiaticky, and ize kiruv in Eretz Yisrael today. The issue of bagrut, the Israeli But what do the midrashiyot do many others will gather under one roof Perhaps the most inspiring segment equivalent of a high-school diploma, is when a boy is ready for more than his and consolidate their many successful of the conference will be the final ses- another important issue that will be weekly spiritual interaction at the approaches to kiruv, in order to maxi- sion. The respected senior gedolei tackled in a special session. One of the midrashiyot? Is he sent to yeshiva? mize the efforts of each individual Yisrael, led by Acheinu’s nassi, Maran formidable roadblocks on the aspiring Which yeshiva? How will a completely organization. HaRav Reuven Elbaz, HaGaon HaRav Michel Yehuda ba‘al teshuvah’s path is the perception secular boy be able to blend into a former Shas leader and a legend of Lefkowitz, Maran HaGaon HaRav that going to yeshiva will prevent him yeshiva? That is where Acheinu comes kiruv, and Rav Dovid Hofstedter, the Aharon Leib Shteinman, and HaGaon from receiving his bagrut. Experts will in. Acheinu has formulated the most founder and patron of Acheinu, will HaRav Gershon Edelstein will attend point out the many solutions available. share their visions, as well. this assembly. The fact that these nona- Another major focus of the event Continued on Page 55

54 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES successful approach to enrolling and practice on Madison Avenue and one of retaining former secular students into the founders of Sephardic American yeshivas. If Acheinu and the midrashiy- Medical Society is to receive the ot join and work together, so many Humanitarian Award. Amy Solomon, an more neshamos could be enriched! executive in production and develop- The kiruv conference has been met ment at America Online, is to receive the with unbridled enthusiasm by virtually Young Leadership Award. And Michael every major kiruv organization in Eretz Fragin, vice-president of strategic plan- Yisrael. The panel discussions, work- ning at the Battery Park City Authority is shops, lectures, and demonstrations in to receive the Public Service Award. which the luminaries of Israeli kiruv Dinner chairman Lyon Roth is first vice- will participate promise to be a vital president within the Merrill Lynch step in the fulfillment of the words of Private Banking and Investment Group. the Gemara (Yevamos, 62): “Mashiach, Rotem Rosen, CEO of Africa-Israel, ben David, will not come until all of the USA, is to be the guest speaker, on the far-flung neshamos will be returned.” subject of American-Israeli economic May it be speedily in our days! ❖ ties. Africa-Israel USA, a division of Africa Israel Investments LTD, is an U.S. Senator Norm Coleman To international holding and investment Address Beitar Dinner, March 15 company led by its new president and United States Senator Norm CEO, Mr. Erez Meltzer. The company Coleman of Minnesota will be the is controlled by world-renowned busi- keynote speaker at the upcoming nessman Mr. Lev Leviev. Africa Israel is Beitar Chai Celebration Dinner on extremely active in an extensive range Thursday, March 15, at the Broad of investments in Israel and abroad. Street Ballroom, 41 Broad Street, New Yitzchak Pindrus, the mayor of York City. Dinner chairman Lyon Beitar, stated, “On behalf of the (Lenny) Roth announced that the City 35,000 residents in Beitar, I would like of Beitar and the Beitar Foundation to express my gratitude to all our hon- plans to honor the following persons: orees for their dedication to the people Joseph B. Stamm, president and CEO and land of Israel and their support for of MedReview, Inc., a highly regarded the humanitarian projects that are now healthcare utilization review company in under way to develop our young and New York, is to receive the HaTov beautiful city, which is now celebrating U’Meitiv Man of the Year Award. its 18th year since its establishment.” Kenneth S. Abramowitz, managing gen- Proceeds of the dinner will facilitate eral partner and co-founder of NGN the foundation’s vital ongoing mission Capital, is to receive the Zev Jabotinsky of raising much-needed funds for cap- Defender of Israel Award. Dr. Daniel ital projects to expand development in Roshan, a board certified ob-gyn, mater- nal-fetal medicine specialist with a large Continued on Page 56

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 55 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS “school” in caravans—and the creation bers of the Young Israel of Wavecrest Shabbos Chanukah, and with Rabbi Continued from Page 55 of two industrial parks. and Bayswater decided to celebrate Joseph Grunblatt, rabbi emeritus of In 1990, the city of Beitar was found- their shul’s 50th anniversary not with the Queens Jewish Center, on Shabbos ed by several families. Located 15 min- one celebration, but with a full series Parashas Shekalim. utes from Jerusalem, Beitar now boasts a of diversified and entertaining events. On the YIWB Lecture Circuit, the population of almost 35,000, and is on To create this wide-ranging array of kehillah was privileged to hear from track to grow to 100,000 in a decade. events, the members of the kehillah Nechama Cohen, author of EnLITEned Hundreds of Beitar residents hail from formed a multi-tiered 50th anniversary Jewish Cooking. Other speakers will be the United States, and they have been committee to provide events that would scheduled throughout the year. instrumental in the development of this appeal to the many member families of For entertainment, the YIWB recently rapidly growing beautiful city. Beitar is YIWB. The members of the Far held a successful Tu B’Shevat melaveh synonymous with Jewish history: 2,000 years ago, Beitar was the final chapter after the destruction of the Second Temple, when Israel fell under Roman rule. This rebellion was led by Shimon bar Kochva. As a result of this heroic effort, Beitar became a hallmark of Jewish pride and tenacity to this very day. The evening of March 15 promises to be a memorable one, as it will fea- ture U.S. Senator Norm Coleman, a native of . He is currently a U.S. Senator Norm Coleman of Minnesota member of the Homeland Security and Beitar Illit. The foundation currently Government Affairs Committee, as awaits the final stages of construction well as the prestigious Senate Foreign Rabbi Eliezer Feuer and Joe Cohen at the Young Israel of Wavecrest and Bayswater kumsitz. of its new Beitar Illit Emergency Relations Committee, where he Medical Center, which will provide 24- strongly advocates on behalf of the Rockaway/Five Towns Jewish commu- malkah and kumsitz, which included an hour medical care to residents of Israel-United States relationship. nities, as well as families in other com- electrifying musical performance by Beitar and surrounding communities. To make your reservations for the munities, are also invited to attend Yitzie Bald, Yaakov Kreindler, and Avi The foundation is also focusing on the Beitar Chai Celebration Dinner, please these events. The committees believe Lipman. On Purim night, the YIWB “prize jewel of Beitar”—its newly contact the event’s coordinator, the that the success of these events would plans to hold a Shlock Rock concert, established vocational centers which Friedlander Group, the U.S. represen- represent the cooperation and friend- which will also include a hot buffet from will boost the city’s economy while tative of the Beitar Foundation, at ship that has been the hallmark of the K Roasters restaurant of Cedarhurst. On training Beitar residents in viable 718-436-5555 or RSVP@Friedlander YIWB for the last 50 years. Shabbos, Parashas Vayakheil-Pekudei, careers from accounting and architec- GroupPR.com. ❖ The committee has developed a full March 17, the members will enjoy a ture to graphic design and engineer- year of Scholar-in-Residence Shab- Carlbach Kabbalas Shabbos and will ing. Also on the horizon are plans to YIWB Celebrates 50th Anniversary bosos. So far, the YIWB has been hon- have the a cappella group Kol Ish serving build more permanent school build- By Harvey Rosenfeld ored to spend Shabbos with Rabbi as its chazan and choir for Shacharis on ings—which are sorely needed, as The 50th anniversary of a kehillah Avraham Chaim Feuer, mara d’asra of Shabbos morning. many of Beitar’s children still attend calls for a major celebration. The mem- Kehillas Bais Avaraham of Monsey, on A gala 50th anniversary dinner is

56 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES scheduled for May, and many special YIWB is seeking former members session devoted to the genocide in western region has killed over 400,000 events are scheduled on Shabbos and their children to join in these Darfur at the upcoming annual plenary people, driven 2.5 million civilians Nachamu, the actual 50th anniversary events and at the Anniversary Dinner. of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs from their homes, and left more than 3 of the opening of the shul. If you were ever a member of the (JCPA), the national umbrella for million individuals reliant on interna- In 1956, six Orthodox Jewish families YIWB kehillah, or if you grew up in American Jewish public policy advoca- tional humanitarian aid. who lived in Wavecrest met to plan the Wavecrest or Bayswater, please send a cy. The special session on Darfur is “Touro’s sponsorship of the special creation of their own local shul. They note to the e-mail address above. ❖ scheduled for Sunday, February 25 at session on Darfur at the annual meet- wanted an Orthodox shul that would the plenum at the Omni Shoreham ing of the JCPA reflects its long tradi- serve the spiritual and social needs of Session On Darfur Genocide At Hotel in Washington, DC. tion of concern for the general commu- their families and of other Orthodox JCPA Policy Plenary According to the JCPA, the govern- nity and the world,” said Dr. Bernard Jewish families who were moving to Touro College will sponsor a special ment-sponsored genocide in Sudan’s Wavecrest and Bayswater. Working with Continued on Page 58 the National Council of Young Israel, these six families began the Young Israel of Wavecrest and Bayswater. The YIWB’s first home was a convert- ed storefront under the elevated subway near Beach 25th Street. The shul first officially opened its doors on Shabbos Nachamu of 5717 (August 10, 1957). As the kehillah grew, the members of the YIWB built a new shul building and relocated to 2360 Brookhaven Avenue in Wavecrest. Eleven years ago, the YIWB moved to its current location, 2716 Healy Avenue. Over the last 50 years, the Young Israel of Wavecrest and Bayswater has been the focal point of the Bayswater Orthodox community. It has provided not only a place for Jewish families to daven, learn, and attend shiurim, but also a place for all families to grow in Yiddishkeit and mitzvos and to create lifelong friendships. If you would like to receive notices of future events, please send your full address as well as your e-mail address to [email protected]. All upcom- ing events are posted on the YIWB website, www.yiwb.org.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 57 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS tion to detail and involvement in all tribute to the yeshiva and the honorees Continued from Page 57 financial and administrative matters, by attending the dinner and submit- large and small, Rabbi Lonner further ting journal ads. The committee can be Lander, founder and president of Touro distinguishes himself in the children’s reached at 718-793-8500 or College. “As Jews committed to the chinuch, from the fine example he [email protected]. ❖ Jewish tradition and to its interaction sets for the children to the weekly with the world at large, we cannot hashkafah shiur he gives in the mish- Blue Fringe NCSY Benefit Concert, remain silent in the face of the mass mar program. Rabbi Lonner could not March 10 killing that continues in Darfur.” devote the time and energy he does to Teens in the Five Towns, West YCQ without the support and encour- Hempstead, and Queens and beyond agement of his wife, Simi, an accom- are eagerly anticipating the March 10 plished and respected mechaneches in performance of the popular Jewish her own right. rock band known as Blue Fringe. What This year’s Parents of the Year, makes this performance even more Amanda Minkoff Fran and Peter Kohn, have earned exciting is that proceeds will go plenum is not limited to its sponsor- the yeshiva’s admiration as outstand- ship of the Darfur session. Two Touro ing role models and dedicated volun- students, Molly Brock and Amanda teers. They have single-handedly Minkoff, are participating as full dele- assumed responsibility for YCQ’s gates to the plenum. “We are training Israel Day Parade effort with a level the next generation of Jewish leaders,” of enthusiasm and professionalism said Dr. David Luchins, chair of that has earned the yeshiva recogni- Touro’s Department of Political tion year after year. Fran is an active Science. “The proud involvement of member of the Parents Association, Molly Brock these students reflects Touro College’s and she serves on its board. Peter is commitment to help forge a generation a dedicated member of Hatzolah and Rabbi Moshe D. Krupka, Touro’s of Jewish leaders comfortable in the a board member of the Young Israel senior vice-president for college affairs, Jewish tradition and committed to of Hillcrest. will help lead the special program on helping the world around them.” ❖ YCQ’s Aishet Chayil Award will be Darfur. The session will include a con- presented to Mrs. Frances Steinberg, the cert performed by Vincent YCQ’s 66th Anniversary Dinner yeshiva’s beloved chef. For over 20 years, Nsgeniyumva and the Vanga Inanga The 66th Anniversary Dinner of Mrs. Steinberg has provided balanced Blue Fringe in performance. Cultural Troupe, which was founded Yeshiva of Central Queens will take and nutritious meals to thousands of after the Rwandan genocide. The per- place b’H on Sunday, March 11, at students and has acted as the children’s towards a most worthy organization, formance will be followed by a screen- the Sands at Atlantic Beach. Rabbi “grandmother away from home.” NCSY: the National Council of ing of Darfur Diaries, a documentary and Mrs. Yaakov Lonner have been The dinner committee, led by Mrs. Synagogue Youth. produced by a team of independent chosen as this year’s Guests of Honor. Reize Sipzner and Mrs. Pearl Cohen, Blue Fringe will be performing at filmmakers who wanted to expose the Rabbi Lonner has served the yeshiva has been finalizing all the arrange- the JCC of West Hempstead, 711 world to the deteriorating political and for the past 16 years, first as adminis- ments for the dinner and journal. YCQ Dogwood Avenue, on Saturday night, humanitarian crisis in Darfur. trator and currently as executive President Dr. Joel Cohen has asked all March 10 at 8:00 p.m. Doors open at Touro’s involvement with the director. Beyond his legendary atten- parents, friends, and alumni to pay 7:30 p.m. There is no need to buy tick-

58 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ets in advance. Tickets will be sold at the door for $20. Refreshments and Blue Fringe T-shirts and CD’s— including their third and latest release, The Whole World Lit Up—will be available for purchase. Blue Fringe will also be donating a portion of these proceeds back to NCSY. For further information, contact the NCSY Long Island office at 516-569- NCSY(6279) or visit Blue Fringe at www.bluefringe.com. ❖

Parents: Talk To Your Children About Dangers Of Drinking Once again this year, as part of the Orthodox Union’s “Safe Schools, Safe Shuls, Safe Homes” initiative, OU executive vice-president Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb is calling on par- ents in advance of Purim festivities to alert their children to the dangers of drinking. His message is as follows: Celebrating the miracle of Purim is a most enjoyable time for our commu- nity. It is a time to celebrate our deliv- erance from the danger of extinction as a people. Unfortunately, however, the Orthodox community has experienced tragedy as a result of accidents related to excessive drinking. Excessive drink- ing poses serious health risks for the inebriated as well as those around them. Purim simcha is appropriate, but the kind of reckless drinking that takes place in many circles is not in the spirit of Yahadut. In today’s climate, where youngsters have increased access to all types of excesses, having too many drinks on Purim leads to future problems. Many teens who have fallen away from a sta- ble life situation point to a drink at a ‘Kiddush Club,’ a drink on Purim, or a smoke at a Purim party as the starting point for their addiction. We are therefore asking parents to join together and carefully monitor their children over Purim. It is impor- tant to know where and with whom your teens will be throughout the hol- iday. Please talk to your children about the dangers of drinking. In this way, we can ensure that we all experience a Purim filled with orah v’simcha v’sas- son v’ykar (light, gladness, rejoicing,

Continued on Page 61

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 59 60 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS cake to celebrate the mitzvah. The Far Rockaway Jewish commu- Continued from Page 59 nity is very excited about the new and splendor). ❖ kosher pizza store, which is under the supervision of the Vaad of the Five Nitra Rav Affixes At K4 Towns and Rabbi Yaakov Reisman. It At last the Nitra Rav arrived from is located at 1858 Cornaga Avenue. Westchester. The customers rose to The store is open for breakfast, lunch their feet. The doorpost of K4 and dinner throughout the week, rejoiced, for it would no longer be including motzaei Shabbos. K4 Pizza without a mezuzah. K4 Pizza had been is named after the city in Eretz Yisrael open for business the past few weeks called Kiryat Arba. and customers continually asked, “Where is the mezuzah?” The manager Purim In The Palace! replied, “As soon as Rabbi Unger, the Chabad of Far Rockaway invites the entire community to its first-ever Purim arts-and-crafts fair and magic show! This event is designed for the entire family, and will take place at the TAG elementary school auditorium, 444 Beach 6th Street (corner of Meehan Avenue, in Far Rockaway), after Megillah reading on motzaei Shabbos, March 3. There will be arts-and-crafts projects for the children and a live magic show for the whole family starring the famous juggler and magician Sam Jacobs, and there will be refreshments, music, and a free raffle with exciting prizes for the children. Megillah reading is at 7:15 p.m. sharp, to be followed by havdalah and then the program. So bring the Rabbi Unger, the Nitra Rav entire family and all your friends for Nitra Rav returns from Miami Beach a most memorable family-oriented Florida, there will be a mezuzah!” Purim experience!! (See the ad on One could see the happiness in the page 26.) rebbe’s eyes as he recited the blessing of No alcohol permitted on premises. ❖ affixing a mezuzah. Afterwards, there was a l’chayim with schnaaps and chocolate Continued on Page 80

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 61 Get Well Soon Our Aliyah Chronicle, Part 40 see a friendly face and Eli really made BY SHMUEL KATZ things happen for us in a positive way. After Shabbat I enjoyed visiting the Sigh. YU sefarim sale and finding out that Where to start? there isn’t a kosher cookbook that I missed writing last week because I Goldie doesn’t already own. One of our was traveling back home from New alumni asked me why I was buying York. At least that is what we told you. sefarim when I live in Israel, the cheap However, I was very busy with other sefer capital of the world. I showed him things as well, which kept me too the two English books I was buying occupied to write. and explained that English books are I can now tell you a lot more about not so cheap—nor were those two vol- how the healthcare system works (and umes easy to find in Israel. sometimes also doesn’t work) here. On Sunday morning I flew down to Some things are easier than we would Miami and joined my brother for the have expected while others, not so Super Bowl. As a season ticket holder much, but we really felt the concern of of the Chicago Bears, he had won a all the professionals we dealt with raffle entitling him to purchase two (even the obnoxious Israelis). But I am seats for face value and he invited me getting way ahead of myself. to join him for the game. I had spent a great Shabbat in We had a really great time. The Yeshiva University with our rashei atmosphere was electric and the pre- yeshiva and alumni from various uni- game hoopla was really entertaining versities throughout the East Coast. It (and a lot of stuff was free—so it was was another opportunity for me to get Jew heaven). Then it started to rain. to know them better (since I was not in Yes, we took ponchos. Ponchos are the yeshiva when they were) and for not meant for continual rain, nor for the rashei yeshiva to catch up with how the constant getting up out of our they are doing in their studies (both seats and then sitting back down on religious and secular). them after they had been rained on The YU staff was great in helping while we were standing. make the arrangements, especially Eli The game could have been better, Hagler (son of Richie and Sherri), who but we had a great experience. I doubt is a recent YU graduate and a I will have the ability to do it again Presidential Fellow in the Student (certainly not if I had to pay ticket bro- Affairs office this year. It was a treat to ker prices), but it was cool being in the

62 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES stadium for the game. tinue his recovery at home, so I was The worst part was walking a mile or able to bring him home on Tuesday so back to our car. We had lost the afternoon, which was great for Goldie. game, were totally drenched and we Not just that he was improving, but squished and clomped the entire way also that I (and through me, she) was in the cold driving rain. Yuck. able to be a part of the recovery By the time I got back it was freez- process even though she was so far ing in New York. Subzero wind-chill away. factors. Freezing winds. I was so At home, Goldie was reporting con- unused to the cold that it really got to tinued progress with the kids. Both me. I might have originally lived in Chaya (Grade 10) and Batya (Grade 2) Chicago and been used to that type of had come home one day excited that weather in the past, but that was then they had understood all the materials and this is now. covered in school that day. She herself My father in law had thankfully got an excellent grade on an oral ulpan recovered from his surgery to the point where they were allowing him to con- Continued on Page 64

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 63 Aliyah Chronicle Shabbat was a real thrill, though, since two countries. In Israel, the media at the airport the next day, since it was Continued from Page 63 I spent it in the Five Towns with many spent the end of the week focusing on really difficult for her to drive. She of our friends. the potential Hamas/Fatah coalition as seemed pretty confident that every- exam and things were going well. I had arranged to speak at a couple well as the various corruption scan- thing would be okay and I was relieved At two weeks, this trip will be my of local Five Towns Shuls (the Red dals. In America? The drug overdose of that she had decided to get medical longest away from home and family in Shul and Edward Avenue) on Shabbat, a “celebrity.” I cannot tell you how glad care so quickly (she usually ignores quite some time. The kids were very talking about our experiences and how I am that I did not have to have an things when she feels sick). antsy (as was I) and at about ten days it has affected our and bita- answer ready for my kids. When I arrived home, I was greet- into the trip, things got difficult for chon. So I had the opportunity to be in After Shabbat, I was preparing my ed by the entire family. After two them. They didn’t sleep well and were Woodmere and see some of our old schedule for the last two days of the weeks, they were thrilled to have me constantly calling me to ask when I friends and neighbors as well. trip when I got a call from Goldie who home and I was thrilled to be there. would be coming home. Even Moshe If you remember, a couple of had spent a really tough Shabbat in Moshe (age 2) grabbed me in a bear (2 years old—I missed his birthday, months ago we had a photographer Israel. Apparently, she had a problem hug and wouldn’t let go of me for fif- which fell out during this trip) would by the house to take some pictures of with her vision that was making it dif- teen minutes. walk around the house calling, us for Nefesh B’Nefesh’s new ficult to drive late in the day and at As we unpacked my bags (with the “Aaaaaaabba—Aaaaaaaabba.” brochure, “Letters from Home.” We night. She had scheduled the earliest kids on a treasure hunt), Goldie Goldie definitely did not have an were to be one of four families from available appointment with an eye doc- recounted her day. Her doctor had sent easy task of keeping them all organized the Five Towns being featured in the tor for Monday morning to find out in the paperwork for the MRI and and composed. Especially since it is brochure. I don’t believe (anymore) what it could be. there should be an approval within a not so easy for us as well as the kids. in coincidences, but—coincidentally, On Monday morning I awoke to her week or so and an MRI appointment a She has a really full schedule and with the brochure just happened to be call informing me that the eye doctor few weeks later. Having taken a look at the additional emotional load (as well released in the Five Towns during had definitely noticed something Goldie and recognizing that she was as the lack of my miniscule amount of that very Shabbat, adding just a little wrong physically and referred her to a displaying several symptoms, I realized help) the weeks passed by very slowly. bit more to my being in the neighbor- specialist and that she had an appoint- that I would need to push the process I would say that I plan on trips no hood that week. ment that evening. She wasn’t sure if forward, and was prepared to show up longer than 9 or 10 days in the future. Intriguingly, one of the points I she should go to the appointment, at the doctor’s office and demand an It is just too difficult to spend that sec- noted during this trip was how differ- since we were pretty sure it wouldn’t approval for the MRI that day. ond weekend overseas. The second ent the values/focus is between the be covered by our health plan, but I I called the private doctor and dis- told her that it was better to go and cussed matters with him and he spend the money than have to wait a advised us to go to the hospital for week to see a doctor in our plan. In evaluation, since her vision and other hindsight, that was a great decision. issues seemed to be problematic, and By the time I boarded the plane, she possibly worsening. had gone to the appointment and We ran off to Hadassah Ein Kerem reported that there was a definite and that has been where we have spent problem with her vision and other the last week or so. She has endured an symptoms. She needed to go the next endless barrage of tests and scans, each day to her regular physician, so that he one eliminating a different possible ill- could order an MRI. ness. The doctors are actually very happy She also told me that she didn’t think she would be able to pick me up Continued on Page 66

64 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 65 Aliyah Chronicle brother for Shabbat. All we heard was Continued from Page 64 how wonderfully Chaim took charge of the littler kids and what a great kid he with the process of elimination, as the was. He wakes them up each day and worst possible things have been ruled gets them breakfast as well. He puts out already and now we are on the more them to bed at night and reads books to manageable and treatable possibilities. the boys. The two of them have really Yes, I am definitely omitting a lot of stepped up when we couldn’t. details here. There is a limit to how far Aliza, being the fiercely independ- even I am willing to go in detailing our ent child that she is, goes out and gets personal lives. the job done for herself. Schoolwork, I can tell you that she doesn’t feel homework, and any other subject mat- “sick” other than the various symptoms ter are all getting done without she has displayed. prompting and she always tries not to I can tell you that we are concerned, be a burden upon anyone. but not overly concerned, since our Batya and Mordechai are having a doctors have told us that the worst harder time. Even though they all vis- possibilities have been ruled out. ited her on Friday, they really miss I can tell you that it is very tough Goldie tremendously. Their routine not having a diagnosis, since there is a has been totally devastated and I can sense of comfort and control in know- see that they walk around feeling out ing what you have and then treating it of sorts. Simple things, like my missing to the best of your abilities. Every neg- putting them to sleep, reduce them to ative result means that something has tears. Coming on the heels of my being been ruled out, but we are eager to missing for two weeks overseas, it has know what is going on here and for a been very stressful for them. treatment to be identified. While the particulars of Goldie’s I can tell you that this is hard on the case are not relevant here, I can offer kids (strangely, we both feel that this some interesting observations about experience has brought us much clos- the health care system here. We have er as a couple). The older kids have some pretty darn good doctors here. been totally awesome! Babysitting. We are very pleased with the degree of Packing lunches. Helping with home- knowledge and credentials of all our work. Laying out clothes. Being home doctors. It is only their bedside man- and feeding everyone dinner… I have ner which we find lacking. to give credit to Chaya for being a lit- We had a CT scan and and MRI tle mommy while Goldie hasn’t been within 30 hours of admission (instead able to be the big one. of weeks later) and more tests almost Chaim has also been unbelievable. every day. Part of the reason the tests Chaya went away for a class Shabbaton happened quickly was that I was per- and the rest of the kids were with my sistent in getting things moving. I liter-

66 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ally walked the MRI paper- bachurim) who come to be a adds to the disturbances with work to the administrative part of the Shabbat experi- lights, televisions, and phones offices for their signatures and ence. Any guest who needs all being turned on and off then to the MRI center rather arrangements just shows up at throughout the night. than leaving it for the hospital minyan and they take care of Since we would already be staff to take their time in him—sleeping arrangements, taking a room, I spoke with doing. I was not shy about meals, whatever you need. the doctors about Goldie’s grabbing a doctor if I thought There is also a hotel (that possibly being allowed to something needed doing and opened last August) directly sleep in the hotel room and even though they acted on the grounds of the hospital. get some rest. Surprisingly offended, they all know that It is especially set up for out- they allowed this. This would this is the only way to get patients and newly discharged never happen in America. things done here. patients who do not want to go Here, it was no big deal. As a teaching hospital, we home. Visiting family mem- We both needed the sleep. have a lot of professors and bers often stay there as well, Goldie had been having a ter- students who come by to see and I made arrangements to rible time sleeping in the hos- the lady with the “mystery ill- stay there for Shabbat. pital and I figured out that ness.” The entire department As anyone who has been in between traveling, running she is in is focused on her as the hospital will verify, it is back and forth from the hos- well. All the doctors come in really hard to actually sleep in pital to the kids and every- regularly to check on her and the hospital. There is a ton of thing—I had only slept ten find further developments. noise and activity, and having Each person wants to be “the up to four roommates only Continued on Page 68 one” to find the solution to the unsolvable problem. Yet, with all the attention, getting them to give us any information is impossible. I am constantly fighting with the doctor to give us test results and inform us in advance why and what they are doing. He understands that we need to know, but we are so unlike the standard Israeli patient that it definitely bothers him. His attitude is, “trust me, if some- thing comes up—that is when I will tell you, otherwise assume all is well.” Being in the hospital here is a very interesting experience. The kitchen here is Kosher Mehadrin (at least during the week—on Shabbat there are bishul issues). There is no need for TV dinners or airline foods. There are essentially only Jews and Arabs here. Lots of Arabs (Goldie has an Arab woman in her room). There are also Arabs on staff. With all the time we spend in Beit Shemesh, we really have very little exposure to our distant cousins here in our land. So it is eye opening to see them here. The volunteer bikur cholim people are constantly in the room. Coffee or tea? Need a sandwich? Can we give you a snack and a juice? They are incredibly attentive and so kind. Random people (often Chassidim) knock on the door just to come in to the room and wish us refuah sheleimah. The sense of Jews worrying about other Jews just because they are Jews is so uplifting. When we realized that Goldie was going to be in the hospital for Shabbat, we made arrangements for the kids (who went to my brother) and I inquired about Shabbat arrangements for myself and walked away impressed. There is a society that makes all the Shabbat food and minyan arrangements (there is a rav of the hospital). It is staffed by volunteers (many of them yeshiva 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 67 Aliyah Chronicle at the hotel, we went back to sleep for Continued from Page 67 another couple of hours. Nothing like eleven hours of sleep to get things back hours the entire week. I was so tired to normal. that I fell asleep during minyan for a The rest of Shabbat was more of the minute on Friday night. same. Private meals in her hospital Minyan was amazing. There had to be room. Hanging out and waiting. a hundred people at the tefillot Friday We have done a lot of hanging out night. Patients, doctors, visitors, and of and waiting this week. Waiting for tests. course the volunteers who run the Waiting for results. Waiting for doctors. Shabbat program. Because the minyan Chasing after doctors. Throwing a fit in was so large, we did not daven in the order to get the doctors to show up. And main shul, but rather in the “chapel” that of course, waiting some more. houses the famous Chagall windows. Although they have not yet confirmed I felt a little uncomfortable davening a diagnosis, we have a sense of comfort there. There is so much hoopla sur- in knowing that our doctors are consid- rounding the artwork and the artist. It ered the best in the country and are distracted me and I had to really con- highly regarded internationally (we centrate on davening properly and not checked them out). We also have focusing on the artwork instead of G-d. friends and relatives who have been Twenty minutes after davening they supportive and doing their best to make opened the doors for the seudat sure that we get the best care. Shabbat. The room was set nicely, with Hopefully, we will have a diagnosis and separate seating for men and women treatment defined this week and we can as if we were at a very religious wed- get out of here and back home, where ding. When we asked to sit together, all recuperation really happens. ❖ even on the side, we were told that Editor’s note: Shmuel Katz has con- they prefer only separate seating in the tacted us to say that Goldie has been main room. However, in order to released from the hospital and is recu- accommodate those people who pre- perating at home. He would like to ferred (either by necessity or desire) to thank all those who called or e-mailed eat in their rooms, they had prepack- with their thoughts, good wishes, and aged “doggie bags” with the entire encouragement, as well as all those who meal (all food still hot). We took our davened for Goldie. food with us to Goldie’s room. Shmuel Katz is the director of Yeshivat Eretz So we enjoyed a nice private meal HaTzvi in the Katamon neighborhood in (Goldie’s roommate was out of the Jerusalem. Shmuel and his wife, Goldie (the telecommuting controller at Bnos Bais Yaakov of room) and then we went to the hotel to Far Rockaway), and their six children (ages 1 to go to sleep. And sleep. Nine hours later 15) made aliyah in July of 2006. Prior to his aliyah, Shmuel was the executive director of the I woke up for the neitz (sunrise) minyan in Hewlett. You can and after Kiddush and a light breakfast contact him at [email protected].

68 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 69 70 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Five Towns Football Team In Israel Finds Itself In Play-offs BY DANI GOTTLIEB WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF REUVEN DAVIES

Early October, 2006, Jerusalem, Israel—All they needed now was a spon- sor. They had come to the realization long ago that motzaei Shabbos for yeshi- va guys learning in Israel had the poten- tial of being a dangerous time period, and now, through much determination, they had a plan to combat the problem. The bachurim at Yeshiva Mercaz Hatorah, and other yeshivos all over Israel, diligently learn Torah all week long. However, when motzaei Shabbos rolls around, most guys have that time to themselves. Unfortunately, some make use of this time period for the wrong purposes and counteract the growth they made all week. Fortunately however, this particular group of bachurim had no interest in partaking in such doings and needed an alternate activity to fill their time. That’s when they had a brainstorm of an idea, they would fill their free time with a fun and constructive activity—they would play football in the AFI. The AFI (American Football in Israel) is a league which allows students and residents alike to play flag football in the Holy Land. Football allows yeshiva guys to get fresh air, play in a competitive atmosphere, and get the exercise they so crucially need. The games take place on Friday and motzaei Shabbos, making it very easy for yeshiva students to partake in the league, and the benefits it has to offer. The games are held at the beauti- ful fields at Kraft Stadium in Jerusalem, and are proctored by trained referees. The league has flourished over the years, and now stands at an astounding 57 teams. With all this in mind, all the guys needed to do was join the league, and that required a team and a sponsor. Compiling a team was the easy part; it would consist of guys who would concen- trate more on having fun than on win- ning. In light of that, the team was affec- tionately dubbed ‘Mercaz One and a Half’ by the premier Mercaz team, Mercaz One. The not-so-easy part came when it was time to find a sponsor. Team founders Dani Gottlieb and Reuven Davies, both of Lawrence, had exhausted their list of potential sponsors and were

Continued on Page 72

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 71 Five Towns Team and wind definitely compounded their Dragon) Davies and Amram (Amtrak) rest was up to the defensive corners Yitzy probleoms. The plan was simple: in Elmaleh, who attacked the quarterback, (The Flag Grabbing King) Lebovits, Continued from Page 71 such weather, keep the ball on the not allowing him to get a proper throw Avroham (I’m Not Sorry) Rossio, and close to conceding when they decided to ground and move forward. The game off, that ultimately allowed the team to safety Akiva (Robo Arm) Westreich, and make one last phone call. They called Mr. was as tense as it gets. The team was secure a nail-biting 13-12 victory. they did a superb job keeping the Shelly Larry Gordon of the Five Towns Jewish down by six with time running out, and The team was joyous over their victory boys to just 14 points. The team was now Times, and hoped for the best. Upon they knew they had to buckle down. and ready for their next game versus 2-0 in the post-season and had to thaw hearing the request of the bachurim,Mr. out to prepare for the remaining games. Gordon graciously offered to help the The next two games blew by with 5T- guys out in any way possible. At about the JT/Elgo playing superbly. In fact, the same time, community member Mr. Eli team was now a menacing opponent in Gottlieb of Elgo Diamonds Int. (and the eyes of the opposition. With players father of team member Dani) also heard as skilled as linemen Yitzy (The Beast) of the boys’ plight. Immediately jumping Becker, Tzvi (FRO) Frohlinger, Kivi at a chance to do a chesed, he joined (Blitz Blocker) Attar, and Yisroel (It’s Just forces with Mr. Gordon and together they like Rugby) Scherer, it’s no wonder other sponsored the entire cost of the team. teams feared the good old yeshiva boys With the sponsorship secure and the from Talpiot. The clincher came when guys ready to go, the newly named the formidable Hadassah Lions forfeited 5TJT/Elgo team hit the field. The regu- their game verses Five Towns, presum- lar season cruised along without much ably out of sheer intimidation. At the grandeur as the team continued to hone conclusion of round robins, the once their skills while enjoying themselves. feeble team found itself the champions As the regular season drew to its conclu- of its bracket, and sitting in the semi- sion, the team found itself just slipping The team after a victory. finals. If that wasn’t prestigious enough, by, and being propelled into the play- the originally nicknamed ‘Mercaz One offs on a euphoric high. The team was and a Half’ name was cast aside, as ready to raise the bar and sacrifice their With an extraordinary drive of determi- Tivuch Shelly. However their joy was 5TJT/Elgo inherited the coveted ‘Mercaz very being to win. nation, the offense led by quarterbacks short-lived. The inclement weather at the One’ spot, when the former was knocked What was particular about this bunch Moshe (The Bomb) Kleinman and Dani last game was child’s play compared to out of play-off contention in their tier. of guys was that as other teams would (Cougar) Cohen drove down field two this dreadful night. The torrential rain With only a few games left to the cham- talk and fret during the week about consecutive times, scoring twice to take was just the beginning; the bone-chilling pionship, who knows what to expect games played and games to come, these a 13-6 lead. With only a few seconds temperature turned the rain into a steady from this amazing ‘Cinderella’ team? guys just sat and learned as if it didn’t left, the plumbers struck back closing to hail—effectively turning the field into an It’s known everybody will be rooting for exist. But when motzaei Shabbos rolled within one, and decided to gamble and ice skating rink. But this spirited bunch this amazing bunch of guys, but they con- around, you could feel the excitement go for a daring two point conversion to wouldn’t be deterred. tinue learning as usual, that is of course pulsate through every team member. take the win. The balance of the game Receivers Effie (Lighting Bolt) until motzaei Shabbos rolls around. In the The first play-off game found now laid in the hands of the defense, Stolboch, Shimmy (Slickster) Lasker, meantime, the team would like to thank 5TJT/Elgo pitted against the favored controlled by linebacker Avi (Quick and Dani (Captain Dan) Gottlieb, com- its wonderful sponsors and of course, the Mishaan Plumbers. If that wasn’t a fret- Flick) Friedman. But it was the heroics bined for an impressive 34 points while unwavering fans who always knew the ful enough scenario, the driving rain of defensive linemen Reuven (Shwarma obliterating the opposition’s defense. The team had it in them. ❖

72 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Helping To Win The War Against ‘Fat’

BY KAREN KAHN, RD

A casual stroll through the streets of would confirm that America is definitely a food-oriented society. Restaurants of diverse ethnic and cultural origin, coffee bars, health-food stores and even sidewalk food vendors line the city streets. The fact is that Americans like to eat well. The paradox lies in the infatuation Americans have with being thin. In this culture that dictates the “thin is in” principle, Americans strive to attain this glorified goal. Health clubs and fitness centers are becoming increasingly popular. Exercise regi- mens are incorporated into daily schedules as a vehicle to attain weight loss and to promote general good health. Fad diets promising to take off unwanted pounds have resulted in a multimillion-dollar industry. With obesity on the rise, many peo- ple are desperately seeking an instant solution to the “battle of the bulge.” As a result, the fat-free frenzy has emerged and has given a new face to supermarket shelves. New items claiming to be “fat-free,” “light,” “low- calorie,” or “reduced fat” continue to entice the consumer by promising to satisfy the palate without increasing the waistline. Americans, however, are still heavier for their respective age groups than they were in previous decades. This realization encourages one to seek the truth about fat and to look beyond the hysteria. What qualities does this mys- terious nutrient possess that has pro- pelled it to the center of attention in recent years, and what is its role in promoting weight loss? Fat gets its bad reputation due to its caloric density. Fat has 9 calories per gram, whereas carbohydrate and pro- tein, equally important macronutri- ents, provide only 4 calories per gram. Therefore, it is calorically sensible to choose food items that are high in pro- tein or carbohydrate rather than fat. In some cases, society has taken this notion to the extreme by assuming that one may liberally consume unlimited quantities of fat-free food items. Yet, fat-free diets that provide an overabun- dance of calories from protein and car- bohydrate sources will not result in weight reduction. The emphasis should be placed on caloric intake and portion sizes, in addition to monitoring fat intake. Individuals should be aware of calories per serving as indicated on a product’s nutrition panel. A label stating that a food item is fat-free is not a license to eat the entire package. Individuals opting to lose weight must be aware of appropriate portion sizes, and commit to an exercise pro- gram that they find appealing. In addi- tion, following the recommendations that less than 30 percent of one’s daily caloric intake should come from fat will yield positive results. The bad

Continued on Page 76 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 73 74 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 75 Win The War Against ‘Fat’ Continued from Page 73

news is that no quick and easy solution to this battle exists. A sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits must be corrected before suc- cess can be achieved. Nutritional guidelines emphasize the importance of consuming a well- balanced diet. Research continues to confirm the significance of proper nutrient intake in the prevention and treatment of various disease states, including cancer, diabetes, and cardio- vascular disease, to name a few. Fat is a macronutrient that is an essential component of the well-bal- anced diet. Perhaps all the negative publicity associated with fat has undermined the necessity of it in the diet. The body stores fat to provide energy for daily tasks. In addition, fat provides the body with the essential fatty acid, it serves as insulation and protection of the body and various organs, and transports fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K throughout the body. Will the bene- fits of fat be rediscovered in a society increasingly becoming more health- and diet-conscious? That question has yet to be answered. In the meantime, it is essential that the health-conscious public recognize that, in moderation, fat has its bene- fits. The key word is moderation. ❖

Karen Kahn is a registered dietitian with diverse experience in the field of nutrition. She has a strong background in clinical nutrition and is currently working at a weight-loss center in Port Washington. Karen frequently writes and speaks on nutrition and health topics. If you have questions or comments, please e-mail [email protected].

And you shall make boards for the Tabernacle of shittim wood (Sh’mos 26:15) Why of shittim wood? G-d set an example for all time, that when a man is about to build his house from a fruit-producing tree, he should be reminded: If, when the supreme King of kings commanded the Sanctuary to be erected, He instructed to use only such trees as are not fruit- bearing, though all things belong to Him, how much more should this be so in your case? (Midrash Rabbah)

76 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES request.” This is based on the follow- answer, we will turn to Julius ing Pesukim in Tehillim (2:7–8): “You Schwartz. He worked at DC comics for are my son, I have begotten you on this 42 years and was the editor of the Daf Yomi Insights day. Ask of Me and I will give…” Superman comics from 1971 to 1985. However, he goes on to write that per- He wrote that Superman’s birthday BY RABBI AVROHOM SEBROW are publicizing the miracle that both haps only someone of an accomplished was February 29. Interestingly, Clark the mother and child survived child- spiritual stature can make those birth- Kent, Superman’s alter ego, has a dif- At some point towards the end of birth. (According to this explanation, day requests. ferent birthday: According to my elementary-school years, I stopped the kiddush that is made for the birth For those of Sepharadic persuasion, Superman #263 (1973), Kent’s birth- celebrating my birthday. Beginning my of a girl is for the very same reason. the Ben Ish Chai (Parashas Re’eh 17) day is June 18. This apparent difficul- rebellious adolescent years, I deemed The shalom zachar is on Friday night writes, “There are those who have the ty can be resolved as follows: it too childish, just like going along due to other reasons. See Ta‘amei custom of turning every birthday into a Superman was born on Krypton on with one’s family on a chol ha’moed HaMinhagim.) My rebbi didn’t mean joyous occasion. It is a good sign and February 29, but arrived on Earth on trip to the zoo. Interestingly enough, it to actually imply that one has an obli- that is the custom in my house.” June 18th. The persona of Clark Kent wasn’t until my beis midrash years in gation to make a birthday party; he was However, there were many gedolim which was invented on Earth follows Eretz Yisrael that I had my next birth- just saying that he saw some positive who said that there is no basis for mak- the arrival date as his birthday (J. day party. One bachur’s mother sent aspects to one. ing a birthday party. See Sefer Zichron Perez). (There are numerous other money to the yeshiva to buy his son a However, we do find references to Shlomo for a full discussion of these inconsistencies in the comics regard- birthday cake, and a trend was started. birthdays in the earlier generations. In issues. ing Superman’s birthday, but who real- For some reason, once you pass the the Sefer Minhagei Chasam Sopher,it At the levayah for R’ Moredechai ly cares?) adolescent years it’s not childish any- states that every year the Chasam Gifter, zt’l, at Darchei Torah, one The chances of being born on more. That also explains why during Sopher would complete the Chumash speaker noted that every erev Yom February 29 are (very to close to) 1 in bein ha’zemanim that year, many with his students on the seventh of Kippur there was a beautiful bouquet 1461. That does make leap-year babies bachurim went on a trip to the zoo! Tishrei, which was his birthday. of flowers on his dining-room table. somewhat rare. When do people born One day, back in America, I noticed Afterwards, he would distribute four Rav Gifter used to take the time from on February 29 celebrate their birth- a rebbi of mine entering yeshiva with a coins to each of his students to enable his busy schedule to personally stop by day? The strict Februarians celebrate cake box from Zomick’s. He explained them to purchase fresh milchig rolls. the florist and buy flowers for his reb- their birthday on February 28. Others to me that it was for his child’s eighth In the introduction to K’sav Sopher al betzin, whose birthday is on erev Yom celebrate their birthday on March 1. birthday. Looking for an insight, I chal- HaTorah, R’ Shlomo Sopher, the K’sav Kippur. I once heard from Rebbetzin According to Wikipedia, in the United lenged him and said, “The only person Sopher’s son, writes that his father Pesha Leibowitz, a’h (granddaughter of Kingdom those born before noon on we find in the Torah who celebrated used to complete a mesechta every year R’ Naftali Trop), that she remembers February 29 have their birth certificate his birthday was Pharaoh!” He replied on his birthday. that in Radin some parents would cel- dated the 28; those born after noon are that Chazal tell us that one should For those of Chassidishe persua- ebrate their children’s birthdays by dis- dated March 1. The other option for make a se‘udas hoda’ah, a feast of sion, HaRav Aharon Menachem bursing treats. Of course, they didn’t those Leapers is just to celebrate their thanksgiving, on the date that a mira- Mendel of Radzimin said that the invite Mickey Mouse, Winnie the birthday once every four years. So on cle occurred to him. The survival of a Rebbe from Chartkov used to make a Pooh, or Superman to those parties. their 5th birthday, they are already able child during childbirth is likewise a party every year on his birthday and it (Can you imagine a person dressed up to drive a car. While this discussion momentous occasion to be remem- is a segulah to do so. In Militzei Eish it in a Superman costume walking may be somewhat nonsensical and bered. In fact, Tosefos in Bava Basra is written, “Every year on a birthday, a through the streets of Radin?) academic, the ramifications of a indicate that this is the reason behind person can ask something from Speaking of Superman… When is making a shalom zachar; the parents Hashem and He will fulfill the Superman’s own birthday? For the Continued on Page 78

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 77 Daf Yomi Insights become bar mitzvah—on the 5th of during Adar Rishon (568:7). However, method of divination) to determine the Continued from Page 77 Adar Rishon or the 5th of Adar Sheni? the Rema continues and says that there date on which to destroy the Jewish The Rema (O.C. 55:10) writes that he are those who are stringent and observe nation. His lottery came up with the Jewish leap year are profound. When becomes bar mitzvah on the 5th of both days. It seems from the Mishnah 13th day of Adar, whereupon, the should a boy who was born on Adar Adar Sheni. In other words, on the 5th Berurah that initially one should follow Gemara says (Megillah 13b), seeing Rishon celebrate his bar mitzvah, if his of Adar Sheni he may be counted this opinion and observe both days. that the lot fell on the month of Adar, bar mitzvah year is not a leap year? Is towards a minyan. However, HaRav However, he adds that one cannot Haman rejoiced greatly, saying, “The his bar mitzvah in Shevat or Adar? Sholom Eliezer Roter wrote in the claim that he is a chiyuv on both days lot fell on the month in which Moshe Should we just give the bar mitzvah name of HaRav Elyashiv, shlita, that and thereby usurp someone else’s mitz- died.” He felt that Adar was an unlucky boy his choice? Does it depend on one must consider the boy to be bar vah. (One should ask his rav for practi- month for the Jewish people, because whether the halls are booked or not? mitzvah on the 5th of Adar Rishon for cal guidance.) Sepharadim generally that is when their greatest leader died. The answer will tell us when the bar all stringencies. If this boy’s family had follow the ruling of the However, he did not realize that while mitzvah boy can be counted toward a tradition to only put on tefillin start- and would therefore only observe the Moshe Rabbeinu died on the 7th of the quorum of ten men needed to Adar, he was also born on the 7th of form a minyan to say and Adar. Moshe Rabbeinu’s birth com- Kedushah (Ishei Yisrael 15:7). The pensated for the negative aspect of halachah is that a boy born during a Why, if Haman was studious enough to discover Adar being the month of his death. leap year, whether in Adar Rishon or While visiting a friend in Natick, Adar Sheni, whose bar mitzvah year is Massachusetts, I noticed he had not a leap year, will celebrate his bar the date of Moshe Rabbeinu’s passing, could he acquired a new sefer called Derushim mitzvah on the same date in Adar. For V’Aggados Chasam Sopher. This sefer example, a boy born on the 10th of not discover the date of Moshe Rabbeinu’s birth? contains material from previously Adar Rishon will become bar mitzvah unpublished manuscripts that were on the 10th of Adar. A boy born on the handwritten by the Chasam Sopher 10th of Adar Sheni will also become himself. Intrigued, I began to read bar mitzvah on the very same day, the ing from his bar mitzvah, he must start yahrtzeit in the second Adar. one section. In it, the Chasam Sopher 10th of Adar. This can lead to an on the 5th of Adar Rishon. However, Why are leap years necessary? The quoted the aforementioned passage intriguing situation: One boy is born he will not be counted towards a min- Jewish calendar year is based on 12 of Gemara. He notes that the date of on the 29th day of Adar Rishon; anoth- yan until the 5th of Adar Sheni. This is lunar cycles—that is, each month is Moshe Rabbeinu’s passing is not writ- er boy is born two days later, on the because there is some element of based on the interval, about 29 or 30 ten explicitly in the Torah. It may be 1st day of Adar Sheni. If their bar doubt as to the correct month that he days, from new moon to new moon. So deduced by a close examination of mitzvah year is not a leap year, then is actually bar mitzvah in. So we are after 12 cycles, it’s short by about 11 the relevant passages in the Torah the boy who was born first will machmir both ways (Mevakashei Torah days from the solar year. To ensure the and Sefer Yehoshua (based on become bar mitzvah on the 29th of 8:39, p. 12). festivals occur in their proper seasons, Kedushin 38a). He questioned why, if Adar, while the boy who was born two If a person passed away (R’l) in the the calendar is adjusted by adding a Haman was studious enough to dis- days later will become bar mitzvah month of Adar during a non-leap year, whole month about every three years cover the date of Moshe Rabbeinu’s much earlier, on the 1st of Adar! when should his yahrtzeit be observed (actually, 7 times in 19 years). The cal- passing, could he not discover the What about the reverse situation? A during a leap year? The Shulchan culations are precise but complicated. date of Moshe Rabbeinu’s birth? The boy is born on the 5th of Adar during a Aruch rules it should be observed dur- How does all this relate to the daf? date of his birth may also be deter- non-leap year, but his bar mitzvah ing Adar Sheni. The Rema rules that [Good question.—Ed.] mined by a careful reading of the rel- occurs in a leap year. When does he the custom is that it should be observed Haman conducted a lottery (a evant passages. In fact, it would seem

78 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES to be the easier of the two dates to with R’ Elyashiv’s ruling.) So the month figure out. of Adar Sheni would be a month with a In Loving Memory Of Furthermore, in a point seemingly negative aura. Adar Rishon would have unrelated to the Gemara, he notes the positive attribute of having Moshe that Haman conducted his lottery in Rabbeinu’s birthday in it. Carol Kestenbaum And the month of Nissan. Why does the Haman performed his divination Megillah make a point of telling us and was happy when the lottery this seemingly unimportant fact? The selected the perfect month for the Nicole Schiffman Chasam Sopher answers that Haman demise of the Jewish people: Adar BY RABBI ANCHELLE PERL and as I have fulfilled it, my life has not certainly knew that Moshe Rabbeinu Sheni. Haman didn’t know that CONG. BETH SHOLOM–CHABAD OF MINEOLA been wasted. What greater privilege is was born on the 7th of Adar. However, Hashem guarantees tzaddikim not there than to adorn a bride’s way to her Moshe was not born in a leap year (or, only complete lunar years, but even Childhood friends Carol Kestenbaum, beloved, what greater privilege than to if he was, he was born in Adar Rishon, complete solar years. The correct 20, of Bellmore, and Nicole Schiffman, help glorify the moment when a bride and certainly not Adar Sheni). The year date to celebrate Moshe Rabbeinu’s 19, of Merrick, were slain by a friend’s groom seal their faith in each other by that Moshe Rabbeinu passed away birthday during a leap year is in fact troubled boyfriend, who afterwards turned entering the covenant of marriage?” was likewise not a leap year. However, Adar Sheni. The extra month of Adar the gun on himself, taking his own life. The little flower paused for a the year of the Purim miracle was a makes up for the days that the lunar Good people, though taken from us moment to watch the man’s face and leap year. There must be a certain calendar-year “lost.” Since the added too soon, will rest in peace. For honor then continued her discourse. number of leap years to keep the cal- month is to rectify the shortage of in old age, does not come from length “Roses are like people. They live in endar in sync (7 out of 19 years). days that already occurred, they of life. A blameless life is ripeness of deeds, not in time. My glory was brief, Haman waited until Nissan to per- belong to the previous year. So, age. Perfection in limited years is like only an hour, but you should have seen form his lottery because he knew that Moshe Rabbeinu’s birthday (possibly living for many years. So good persons, the joy in the bride’s face. I like to believe since a leap year had not been unlike other people’s birthdays) though taken from us too soon, will that I had something to do with it by cre- declared the previous month, the should be celebrated in Adar Sheni. rest in peace. (Wisdom of Solomon 4) ating a suitable setting for the moment coming year would almost certainly (Perhaps, additionally, the Chasam of her happiness. So don’t grieve for me. be a leap year. He knew that the Sopher reasoned that since Hashem The Rose That Talked Back My life has been worthwhile.” Jewish people could not wait any guarantees a complete year, Moshe The man sweeping the synagogue Having made her statement, the longer to declare a leap year. Rabbeinu’s birthday and yahrtzeit are paused for a moment. He looked at the rose was once more silent. The atten- So, given that the coming year would indivisible and perforce must occur flowers lying about in disorder. “What dant, startled from his reverie and a lit- be a leap year, he [being a great lam- on the same day.) waste!” he said to himself. Those roses tle wiser, pushed the sweeper again dan—Ed.], reasoned as follows: Moshe Now, if you can’t fully comprehend had adorned the pulpit at a wedding an and continued with his work. Rabbeinu’s yahrtzeit will be observed this last part, don’t worry—Haman hour before. Now all was over and they This short story reminds us all that during Adar Sheni, as the Shulchan didn’t, either. (I’m not so sure that I were waiting to be discarded. it may not be the length of life that a Aruch rules. (This would comply with understand it myself!) On Purim day at The attendant leaning on his sweep- person enjoys that counts in this the dictum of the Sages that, given a the se‘udah, have a drink or two and er was lost in thought when suddenly world. Rather, real worth is measured choice, we would rather delay sad com- see if it makes more sense to you then! he heard a strange sound. One of the in the amount of joy given to another memorations.) However, Moshe Good Shabbos. ❖ roses replied to him. person even through a brief life. Rabbeinu’s birthday would be observed “Do you call this a waste?” the flower May Hashem comfort the in Adar Rishon. (Given a choice, we protested. “What is life anyway, yours or Kestenbaum and Schiffman families, Rabbi Sebrow delivers a nightly shiur on the daf would rather have happy commemora- yomi at Priority-1. He can be contacted at mine, but a means of service? My mission among the other mourners of Zion and tions earlier. This will fit somewhat [email protected]. was to create some fragrance and beauty, Jerusalem. ❖

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 79 located at 650 Central Avenue in Cedarhurst AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS pain, sciatica from nerve pressure, through the birth canal. (516-295-1924) and at 2951 Ocean Avenue (at ❖ Continued from Page 61 pubic symphysis or sacroiliac joint pain Osteopathic treatment helps to Avenue Z) in Brooklyn (718-554-6071). from instability, scoliosis, and accentu- restore balance and improve quality of Pregnancy And OMT ation of the normal back curves. movements of the whole pelvic girdle, Manhigut Yehudit USA Annual By Dr. Alla Boohoff Where does osteopathy fit into the promoting hormonal and neurological Dinner, March 5 Editor’s note: Dr. Boohoff has been picture? The philosophy of osteopathy feedback, which in turn allows stimu- Manhigut Yehudit, the Jewish providing a series of articles related to teaches that the body structure and its lation of the uterine contraction. Leadership Movement, will be holding various medical conditions and their function are closely related and interde- Should I still see an osteopath its Fifth Annual Journal Dinner on respective treatment by an osteopathic pendent. This distinctive way of thinking after the birth of my baby? Yes, for a Shushan Purim (Monday, March 5) at doctor. Osteopathic physicians (D.O.’s) applies to treatment of almost any injury, whole range of reasons. Some start to The Sands at Atlantic Beach. The can diagnose and treat all conditions, condition, or change in state of health. experience constant back problems or keynote address will be given by Yishai perform surgery, and prescribe all med- Pregnancy is no exception. To accom- period pain only after the birth. This and Malka Fleisher of Israel National ications, but they are additionally modate for the growing fetus, the body can be caused by weakened ligaments Radio (Arutz Sheva). Guest speakers trained in osteopathic manipulative undergoes tremendous changes. Some and lack of muscle strength, thereby will be Moshe Feiglin, candidate for medicine. The goal of the D.O. is to are visually obvious; others are subtler as weakening the whole structure. Prime Minister of Israel, and Shmuel assist the body’s natural ability to heal hormonal releases affect the anatomy, While mothers are breast-feeding, it Sackett, international director of itself with all of the accepted medical physiology, and biology of most systems. can be common for them to experience Manhigut Yehudit. This year’s dinner is treatments, including the hands-on The goal of osteopathic treatment is postural strain and pain in the mid to in tribute to the memory of Ted approach, which is called osteopathic to assist this natural process, maximiz- upper spine. Osteopathic treatment to Langer. The guests of honor are Rob manipulative treatment (OMT). ing the body’s ability to adjust and to this region can help ease this discomfort and Laurence Muchnick. The Eishet Pregnancy can be remembered as a compensate for the changes as effi- as well as promote better blood flow and Chayil Award will be presented to joyful and exciting time, but for some ciently as possible in support of moth- lymphatic drainage to the breast area. Esther Weber, and the Eretz Yisrael women, pain, discomfort, or illness er and baby with a minimum of pain Your osteopath can also provide you Award will be presented to Jack and can darken this picture. Osteopaths and discomfort. with advice on posture for breast-feed- Anna Berger. A special tribute will be can assess and treat many of the com- Is it safe to have osteopathic treat- ing position, sleep, and daily activities, given to the late Rose Mattus for her plaints associated with pregnancy. ment during pregnancy? Osteopathy as well as exercises to strengthen dedication and tireless efforts on What are the most common com- has one of the best safety records of any abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor. behalf of a strong and proud Jewish plaints associated with pregnancy? medical profession. The techniques Osteopathic treatment after delivery State. Advance reservations are The most common complaints are used during pregnancy are carefully provides restoration of the normal required. Please call 516-295-3222 or lower or middle back pain, sciatica (leg selected in order to minimize the risk. mechanics of the back and pelvis, opti- go to www.jewishisrael.org. pain), and neck and shoulder pain. These techniques are gentle, and the mizing the body for an active life. Manhigut Yehudit is the largest fac- Early stages of pregnancy are often comfort of the mother is always assured. In my next article: Techniques tion inside the Likud party, and strives associated with symptoms such as nau- Can osteopathy influence the birth used in osteopathic manipulative med- to turn the State of the Jews into the sea, morning sickness, headache, of my baby? The descent of the baby icine to help patients with asthma. Jewish State. ❖ fatigue, and dizziness. As the pregnan- through the pelvis is determined by Dr. Alla Boohoff is a fully licensed and board- cy progresses, the extra weight creates factors such as ligament laxity, hor- certified physician with more than 15 years of UJA-Federation Excellence In a shift in the body’s center of gravity; monal control, uterine contraction, experience in health enhancement and disease Service Awards prevention as well as acute, chronic, and this combines with a softening of mus- gravity, and the position of the baby. If terminal health conditions. She believes that we At the Long Island Legislative cles and supporting ligaments. This the mother’s pelvis is mechanically all have natural healing tendencies and that her Reception on Friday, February 9, state training and experience can enhance and help added mechanical stress can cause unstable or is lacking mobility, it may guide us to heal ourselves. She is among the few and local officials joined UJA-Federation symptoms such as generalized back interfere with the baby’s passage physicians board-certified in osteopathic of New York in acknowledging the out- manipulative medicine. Dr. Boohoff’s offices are

80 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES standing programs and services for Long ed by New York State Assemblyman Islanders with developmental disabilities. Charles Lavine. Assemblyman Lavine During the program, New York State said, “We salute the Sid Jacobson JCC’s Senator Dean G. Skelos was recognized After-School Enrichment Program for as Legislator of the Year, and Lawrence Children with Special Needs at C. Levy, senior editorial writer for Herricks Public Schools. At this pro- Newsday, delivered the keynote address. gram, children with special needs are “UJA-Federation recognizes the col- provided the necessary activities lective Jewish responsibility to care for designed to empower them to succeed.” those in need and supports its network The award to the Suffolk Y Jewish of agencies,” said Al Berg, chair of the Community Center was presented by UJA-Federation steering committee for Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy. Long Island. “All of us in this room “As Suffolk county executive, one of should be proud of what we provide. my most important responsibilities is On Long Island, UJA-Federation’s 23 to enhance the quality of life of our agencies have stellar reputations and PhotoBygenelesserson citizens, especially those who are most work hand-in-hand with government to vulnerable,” said Mr. Levy, as he pre- ensure the needs of Long Islanders are sented the award to the Suffolk Y addressed at all stages of their lives.” Pictured above, UJA-Federation officers with New York State Senator Dean G. Skelos, UJA- Jewish Community Center. “We’re extraordinarily proud of all Federation’s Legislator of the Year. (L–R): Louise Greilsheimer, senior vice-president for agency and “Fortunately, our government has the top-notch services that are provid- external relations; Senator Skelos; Stuart Tauber, regional director for Long Island; and Lawrence many wonderful partners who work ed with dignity and compassion,” said C. Gottlieb, government-relations chair for Long Island. with us to help people overcome barri- Lawrence C. Gottlieb, UJA-Federation ers and fulfill their potentials.” government-relations chair for Long Federation and its network of agencies wife and I spent the day at Sunrise Day Prior to the reception, public offi- Island. “On behalf of UJA-Federation, to help transform and expand services Camp, we watched the children’s cials volunteered alongside develop- I’d like to thank all of our agency rep- for people with disabilities and their smiles, and it made our day,” said mentally disabled adults, who volun- resentatives for their ongoing success, families. This work is about bringing a Weisenberg. “I admire and respect teer each day to help prepare and our constituents for their ongoing gen- miracle into people’s lives. You touch people who care about people.” serve lunch for frail seniors at one of erosity, and our public officials for people and change their lives.” The award to F.E.G.S. Health and New York’s best community centers, their ongoing support.” Four UJA-Federation agencies were Human Services System was presented the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community During the program, the J.E. & Z.B. also recognized for excellence in serv- by New York State Senator John J. Center. Judaism teaches us that Butler Foundation received the ices for the developmentally disabled. Flanagan. “Today, we recognize F.E.G.S. every person is created in the image Foundation of Excellence Award, The award to the Barry and Florence Long Island’s Family Advocacy, of G-d and is to be honored,” said which was presented by Nassau Friedberg Jewish Community Center Informational, and Referral Program Stuart Tauber, UJA-Federation’s County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi. was presented by New York State (FAIR),” said Senator Flanagan. “It Long Island regional director. “We’re “It’s my honor to join UJA- Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg. identifies and acts on community needs incredibly proud of UJA-Federation’s Federation in recognizing the outstand- Presenting the award, Assemblyman by collaborating with other agencies and agencies that serve individuals with ing dedication and support of the J.E. Weisenberg recognized the outstand- organizations. They make a real differ- special needs. They have developed & Z.B. Butler Foundation,” said Mr. ing contribution of Sunrise Day Camp, ence for people every day.” an array of quality services, including Suozzi. “For more than a decade,” the the first day camp on the East Coast The award to the Sid Jacobson child day care, after-school learning, foundation “has worked with UJA- for children with cancer. “When my Jewish Community Center was present- Continued on Page 82

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 81 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS in Middle Eastern Studies at Johns information, e-mail [email protected] or Chabad’s Annual Dinner Celebration, ❖ Continued from Page 81 Hopkins University’s Paul H. Nitze call 212-960-5400 ext. 5869. “Illuminating our Community.” School of Advanced International On March 17, following morning camping, respite, recreation, and res- Studies. Mr. Makovsky will report on Chabad Of The Five Towns services, celebrate Birthday Shabbat idential, and case-management pro- his recent meetings with Israeli officials March Events for children celebrating their birthdays grams.” ❖ and Arab leaders in the Persian Gulf. Chabad of the Five Towns invites during the month of Nissan. Ms. Dergham is the senior diplomat- the community to the following events. On March 19 at 8:15 p.m., at the Lecture At Stern College, February ic correspondent for the London-based Unless otherwise noted, all events take home of Mrs. Janet Weiss (493 Oxford 26: ‘Does The Road To Peace In Al Hayat, the leading independent place at 74 Maple Avenue in Road in Cedarhurst), Chabad will hold Iraq Go Through Jerusalem?’ Arabic daily. Ms. Dergham is also a Cedarhurst. For more information, call its monthly Women’s Circle with Mrs. Are Israeli-Palestinian peace negoti- political analyst for MSNBC and NBC 516-295-2478 or visit www.chabad Nechama Heber. She will discuss ations a necessary component to find- News and a member of the Council on 5towns.com. “Beauty and Harmony in the Home.” ing a comprehensive solution to the Foreign Relations. She will present first- On March 3, come hear the Men are invited to a chassidic far- war in Iraq? David Makovsky and hand accounts of her meetings with Megillah at 7:00 p.m. (following brengen on March 21 at 8:15 p.m. Raghida Dergham, two experts on diplomats at the Davos World Economic evening services at 6:10 p.m.) Then All are invited to a “Passover Middle East issues, will discuss the Forum and how world leaders perceive join the Purim Bash, a multimedia Holiday Basics” class with Rabbi notion that the road to peace in Iraq future diplomacy on this issue. Megillah reading and entertainment. Wolowik on March 25, 10:30–11:15 goes through Jerusalem. The lecture is The Dr. Marcia Robbins-Wilf The following day, at 5:30 p.m., come a.m. Enjoy a last bit of chametz later in scheduled to take place on Monday, Scholar-in-Residence Program is spon- for an additional megillah reading and the day at 5:00 p.m. at the second February 26 at 8:00 p.m. at the soring the event. Dr. Robbins-Wilf, a enjoy “Purim in China,” a festive “Keep the Kitchen Clean–Family Pizza Schottenstein Cultural Center of founding member of the Stern College Purim celebration and dinner. Dinner with Entertainment” night. Yeshiva University’s Stern College for board of directors, established and On March 6 at 8:15 p.m., women On March 28 at 10:00 a.m., meet at Women (239 East 34th Street in funded the program, which brings top are invited to learn the Kaballah of the Chabad of the Five Towns for a com- ). scholars, authors, artists, and policy- Aleph Beis with Mrs. Chaya Franklin munity trip to the ohel, the resting Mr. Makovsky is a senior fellow at shapers to Stern College, offering stu- as part of the monthly series. place of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, o.b.m. and the director of the Washington dents unique perspectives on the On March 11 at 6:00 p.m., at the The next day at 8:15 p.m. there will be Institute’s Project on the Middle East world. Admission to the panel discus- Sephardic Temple (775 Branch a chassidic farbrengen for men at Ohel Peace Process and an adjunct lecturer sion is free with valid photo ID. For Boulevard in Cedarhurst), come to Chabad, 226-20 Francis Lewis Boulevard, Queens. ❖

The New Gourmet Glatt By Jacob Reisberg Unless you’ve been living on Mars over the last few months, it’s almost impossible to have stayed clear from the very public community controversy of the “Gourmet Glatt saga.” It was hard to find someone that was just indifferent. You were passionate either for one side or for the other. This story was not just limited to our community, for when I traveled to Florida to speak at a public function, I was besieged with questions and com- ments from all parts of the spectrum. The same happened on a recent trip to Eretz Yisrael, as well. The common denominator in all this was that none of these people really had a clue as to the true nature of the issue at hand. With all this behind us, baruch Hashem, I have no intention of rehash- ing yesterday’s news (nor should any- one else, for that matter). I would like to focus on the development of a truly special and unique food establishment called “the New Gourmet Glatt.” I’m not referring to the absolutely beautiful, clean, and modern facility, for that is obvious to anyone who enters the store. What I am referring to are the many additions and upgrades made to the store that are not as obvious to everyone, even to the most loyal customers. The new Gourmet Glatt is com- pletely owned and managed by frum, shomer-Shabbos Yidden, from both within and without the community. Besides a mashgiach temidi, it boasts an unparalleled kashrus standard in every area of production. Just recently, Gourmet Glatt added an expert menaker, Rabbi Berel Wolowik, who is acknowledged and approved by gedolei rabbanim and machshirim. What this means is that all fresh meat will be processed with melichah and nikkur by an acknowl- edged and respected menaker in the meat industry. With the addition of Zomick’s

Continued on Page 84 82 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 83 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS owners of the other wonderful stores in then you get a prize! Last year they deeply involved in community work, Continued from Page 82 our community, much hatzlachah and gave real rubber stamps. And this year fundraising and many other chesed success in all your endeavors. ❖ they say the mystery prize is gonna be projects. Trying to keep up with his Bakery and an upgraded deli depart- something even more special!” weekly schedule is like running after ment, as well as a planned mega- A Unique Purim Experience: I smile down at my eager son who is an express train going at full speed. Pesach store in the works, Gourmet Yeshivas Mordechai HaTzaddik bubbling over like a popcorn machine. Although learning with his sons is def- Glatt has brought kosher grocery shop- By Rivka Lock Thrilled that Shuey has taken an inter- initely a priority on my husband’s ping to a new level. The new owners Slam goes the front door! Boom est in some type of learning, I can only list–in theory–he just doesn’t seem to share a philosophy of customer service goes my son’s schoolbag as it lands on hope that my husband, Dov, will be ever get to that part of his list! that is unmatched. There are frum the floor. Shuey is home from school. equally receptive to the idea. “Abba,” Shuey pleaded, blinking back managers dispersed throughout the “Hi Ima!” In his hand he is clutch- “But, Abba, everyone’s gonna be the tears, “I was the only kid in my whole store in every department, with the sole ing a glossy leaflet. Groaning inwardly, there. How can I miss it?” class who didn’t get a rubber stamp set function of making your shopping I await the usual spiel: “Look at this From my seat in the next room, I last year, or the shtender the year before. experience a pleasant one. Even old- new …everyone’s buying it…” But I’m can hear Dov sighing as he formulates And besides, Chesky and Shaul and I are time Gourmet Glatt shoppers who have in for a surprise. his response. “Shuey, I was hoping to dressing up together this year as the now experienced the service of the old “Guess what? They gave out the have a chance to relax a bit on Purim. three Bobbas—Bobba Kama, Bobba familiar faces of the previous manage- Yeshivas Mordechai HaTzaddik pam- It’s my only free day the whole year. Metzia, and Bobba Basra. And they asked ment together with the new managers phlets today. I must get Abba to come And it’s not very free at that, either, that we all sit at the same table at YMH recently hired are raving about the with me this Purim; everyone in my what with shalach-manos delivering, so that everyone can tell what the cos- quality of the service at the store. class is going.” megilla reading, tzedaka giving, spieler tume is. I didn’t dare tell them that I To all the rabbanim and baalei batim Incredulous that my Shuey is get- dancing and seuda eating, I barely have might not even be there!” who spent much time and energy on ting so worked up about something a moment to breathe, let alone to “All right, Shuey. It’s good to see behalf of the community to help devel- other than the latest toy or gadget, I relax! When will I find a whole hour to you so eager to learn. I’ll try and make op a kind of place where the highest ask, “What is this Yeshivas go with you to learn?” it on Purim. We could go to the early quality of kashrus and service is avail- Mordechai?” “Go for it, Shuey. You can do it!” I minyan for megilla, I suppose. That’ll able, we, the community thank you. “Oh, don’t you know? It’s when all cheer him on silently. leave us with an extra hour.” To the new owners of Gourmet Glatt, the boys get together with their fathers My husband, Dov, is a busy man. Shuey came to supper with shining we wish you, as well as all the other on Purim to learn for one hour and Besides seeing to his business, he is eyes. He and his father kept winking at each other as though they shared some special secret. My heart was singing. I had done my homework by then and I knew all about this Purim Yeshiva. My friend Esther told me that ever since her husband and son had attended three years earlier, every year as Purim drew near, it was the hot topic in her household. “He says you walk in there and instantly feel as though you’re part of something special, something monu- mental. To sit there learning, knowing that at that moment well over 50,000 kids all over the world, from the USA to France, from Australia to Israel, and from South Africa to South America are all doing the same. She described to me his account of the electric atmosphere that pervades a YMH hall: Little heads bent over the gemoros alongside the older gray- ing and balding heads, the real rab- banim learning with the miniature “rabbanim,” their beards carefully glued on beforehand, pirates and clowns, Hamans and jumping jacks, all sitting together. I knew I wanted my Shuey to be a part of this special revolution. Who knows? Maybe this would be the impetus that we have been searching for to whet our son’s appetite for learning. Purim arrived. True to his word, Dov rushed out with Shuey in the early morning mist to the first minyan. And as the final soldiers and pirates sang their way out of our residence with their pockets and stomachs filled, father and son grabbed their sefarim and headed off hand in hand. And the results were simply unbe- lievable! My husband came home with his arm around Shuey, oozing with pure nachas. He sat down to speak to me as Shuey ran off to his

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? WE WANT TO KNOW! E-MAIL US AT [email protected]

84 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES room to safely stow away his precious An hour had barely passed when the Am Yisrael has proven once again doubt, the generous contribution given voucher that he received for learning phone rang in the F. household. It was that in times of hardship we pull to us by the Woodmere community that would bring him the promised Mrs. D. She sounded strange. together. Our strength, courage, and made it possible for us to save more reward. “Is everything OK, Mrs. D?” bravery are highlighted during times lives during these hard times.” “It was wonderful.” Dov said, his The words came with choked sobs. of crisis. If ever there was solace in There are those, I am sure, who eyes shining. You know, he really can “My Shimon was in a terrible car acci- war, especially considering the feel- wonder what happened to the equip- learn well, our Shuey. I know he’s not dent. The car was completely over- ing of defeat, ours would be that we ment purchased during the war. It usually interested in learning outside turned. At the time I was handing you united against a common enemy. continues to save lives! After the war, of school hours but this thing really my check, Shimon was miraculously Yehuda and Shomron, with the volunteers returned to their daily got him going. I don’t know whether it crawling out of the wreckage, com- the help of the Woodmere commu- routines, where they are on call 24 was because of the whole atmosphere pletely unscathed.” nity, played a significant role in the hours a day to help save lives should of everyone learning together or Another story: On Purim, the war effort and is an example of what the need arise. Be it a car accident, a whether it was because I, his busy Rachmistrivka beis medrash in Klal Yisrael can accomplish when we child swallowing a foreign object, or a father, was finally sitting down and Yerushalayim is humming with the pull together. terror attack, Hatzalah Yehuda and taking the time to learn with him. sounds of young and old voices learn- Hatzalah Yehuda and Shomron is a Shomron’s volunteers are at the site, Anyway, I decided to sign up with the ing Torah together in harmony. Reb volunteer humanitarian organization that putting their equipment to good use. weekly Avos Uvanim learning program Chaim, the YMH coordinator reaches provides emergency medical services and Their ability to arrive on the scene in the shul down the road.” into his pocket as he feels his cell support for security activities in areas of within minutes is often the difference The first YMH took place 2476 phone vibrating. conflict throughout Israel. Its main goal between life and death. The equip- years ago at the time of the Purim “What? Mazel Tov! Mazel Tov!” is to significantly reduce the response ment purchased with the help of the story in Shushan. When Hashem The steady hum in the hall is inter- times of emergency medical responders. Woodmere community has allowed looked down and saw Mordechai rupted by Reb Chaim’s unrestrained During the war, Hatzalah Yehuda Hatzalah Yehuda and Shomron not HaTzaddik sitting and learning with joyous cries. “Twins! The timing is and Shomron united volunteers from only to fill in missing equipment for 22,000 children, in sackcloth, all with- incredible! Baruch Hashem!” By now around the country and sent them up current volunteers but has also out food and drink, we are told that He everyone’s interest is aroused. Reb north. Hatzalah Yehuda and Shomron enabled it to equip new volunteers. tore up the terrible decree. Chaim is quick to offer an explana- equipped these remarkable men and For this and much more, Hatzalah The power of pure yiddishe neshamos tion for his outburst. women, who voluntarily left their Yehuda and Shomron thanks the com- learning Torah is just as great today! “The man whom I just spoke to,” he homes and families, and sent them as munity and prays that together we will Here are just two of the stories that tells his audience, “was married for reinforcements for the already overex- continue to save lives. took place in the zechus of YMH: seven years without being blessed with tended medical force stationed there. You can contact the U.S. office of Mrs. F., the wife of the head coordi- children. Last year he sponsored the In light of the situation and the dire Hatzalah Yehuda & Shomron at 866- nator of the YMH/Avos Ubanim in YMH in this beis medrash as a zechus need for funding and resources, 428-0310 or 130 Church Street #324, Monsey answered the door to a wor- for himself and his wife. Today, exactly Hatzalah Yehuda and Shomron active- New York, NY 10007. The e-mail ried-looking Mrs D. a year later, his wife gave birth to two ly pursued all help to fund the equip- address is [email protected] and you “I really hope I’m not too late to healthy baby boys!”❖ ment so desperately needed. can visit their website at www hand in my annual donation for YMH. One of the communities that quick- .hatzalah.org.il. I know it’s already after Purim.” Hatzalah Yehuda And Shomron ly and generously rallied to the cause Hatzalah Yehuda and Shomron was “Oh don’t worry.” Mrs. F. replied. The war up north tainted our past was the community of Woodmere. established in October 2000, following “It’s not too late. It will still go to the year with sadness, loss, and the Chanan Malka, director of Hatzalah same good cause.” scars left in its wake. Nevertheless, Yehuda and Shomron said, “Without a Continued on Page 87

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 85 Egyptian MP: Nothing Short Of Nuke Will ‘Work’ With Israel

A member of the Egyptian Parliament from President Hosni Mubarak’s ruling party said Monday that nothing short of a nuclear bomb would ‘work’ with Israel. “That cursed Israel is trying to destroy al-Aksa mosque,” Mohamed el-Katatny of Mubarak’s National Demo- cratic Party (NDP) told the Egyptian Parliament, adding “nothing will work with Israel except for a nuclear bomb that wipes it out of existence.” The harsh statement was uttered during a heated dis- cussion of Israel’s renovation of the Mughrabi walkway near the Temple Mount. Egyptian parliamentarians claimed that Israel was destroying the Al Aksa mosque. During the session some parliament members urged a cancellation of all agreements with Israel saying the war between Egypt and Israel was continuing even though treaties were signed. Israel and Egypt ended 30 years of war with an historic peace treaty in 1979 brokered by the United States between then Egyptian President Anwar al-Sadat and Prime Minister Menachem Begin. (JPost.com) ❖

And you shall join the tapestries with the clasps, that the Mishkan may be one (Sh’mos 26:6) As seen from the inside of the Sanctuary, the golden clasps imbedded in the tapestries were like stars glittering in the heavens. (Beraisas Meleches HaMishkan)

86 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS What did they bring in preparation for Continued from Page 85 the battle? Guitars, drums, and key- boards. The young men in question the outbreak of the intifada. The organi- were not fighting in military combat zation cooperates fully with the IDF, but were competing in Lander College MDA, security services, and civil repre- For Men’s Second Annual Battle Of sentatives. Hatzalah Yehuda and The Bands. Shomron can today call upon the services This exciting event that has the of approximately 700 professional volun- unique status of being both avant- teers, including doctors with trauma garde and an annual tradition, took expertise, nurses, paramedics, and senior place at / Beis medics. ❖ Medrash L’Talmud, 75-31 150th Street in Flushing, Queens. Though it Battle Of The Bands took place on motzaei Shabbos, By Michele Justic February 10, the bands prepared for The battlegrounds were set in months in advance. The stakes were

Pinny Farkas (right) of PHP receiving a $300 gift certificate to Safra Judaica from Lander College student president Seth Faigen (left).

tificate to Safra Judaica. song they composed and performed in Local event sponsors included dedication to their friend, Naftali ben Dougie’s Bar-B-Que & Grill, Chaim Shraga Feivel, z”l. Their rebbi, Neshoma Orchestra and Singers and Rav Aryeh Cohen, came to show his the Five Towns Jewish Times. A walk support as well. The Sefardi Party, a down Main Street in Kew Garden group from Lander College, won third Hills will give you a glimpse at the place for their performance of their other major sponsors: A Different hit song MiMitzrayim. Julian Tawil Twist Café (home of the most incred- played on guitar. PHP, a band who ible pretzels), Brach’s Glatt Kosher met in the study halls at Shor Yoshuv, Supermarket, and Safra Judaica (the won second place. STAM experts). The Sounds Of Of course, you really miss the Simcha Music Lessons Studio with mark reading about an event like this director Avi Lipman also sponsored that you should have been hearing the event. for yourselves. So, mark your calen- Mortar and Pestle, the DRS band, with their rebbi, Rav Aryeh Cohen. Mortar and Pestle composed The bandstand showcased some of dars and get ready for next year’s and performed a song entitled “A Beautiful Soul,” dedicated to their friend Naftali ben Chaim Shraga Feivel z’l. the many dimensions of modern event, to be announced later in the Jewish music. Mortar and Pestle, a year by Touro College Lander Queens, NY. The armies came pre- high: the grand prize was $1,000 cash group from DRS/HALB brought down College for Men. And bands, start pared for the battle of their lives. and another prize included a gift cer- the house with A Beautiful Soul,a practicing now! ❖

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 87 88 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 89 SERVICES SERVICES PROVIDED PROVIDED

Simchas Naava Too Much to Type? Too Much to Do? Share your simcha flowers! Be College Reports, Simcha Lists, m’sameach other simchas! Donate Secretarial Support. Call Gold Star your fresh flower arrangements! We Typing Service for help. Reasonable will match your simcha date with rates. Call 718-471-9712. simchas following yours or deliver them to nursing home residents. To Master Teacher Tutors donate or obtain flower arrangements, Limudei Kodesh/Secular Subjects call 516-239-6066. Specialize grades 1-8. Adults; In memory of a special friend, Boys; Girls. Call 718-868-3968. Naava Wassner Katlowitz Study with Steve. One-on-one Plumbing and Heating: Sundial tutoring. SAT Math prep, regents, Plumbing. Boilers/water heaters high school and elementary math, serviced and installed. All leaks fixed. high school physics. Call 516-371-5522. Bathrooms, kitchens, basements. No job too big or small. 718-252-1234. Golda E. Katz, MS — Certified and New Table and Chair Gemach for Experienced Teacher available to Tutor your child. Elementary/ H.S./ short-term simchas. 740 Mador Ct. Regents/ homework help/ study skills/ Far Rockaway. Call 718-471-0368. organizational skills Call 516-650-0758. "Maid 4 You Agency" We can help. Call and you'll have a maid. We pro- Handyman Service—Clean, quick, vide full / part-time or temporary and efficient service. No job too help. Housekeepers / Babysitters / small. Call Shua Fogel Day Workers / Elder care 917-583-4285. Call 917-574-2306 Located in the 5 Towns. Add murals to your world. Professional artist and painter. The Computer Place — Call 718-471-3258. Computer Consultants, Technical Support, Network, Internet Solutions. Call 800-613-2634. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Worry free, inc. Waiter service agency. We supply waiters for caterers and house parties. Outstanding service. Long Beach Busy Kosher Pizza From setup to cleanup. w/many established accounts. 2800 Rafi: 917-415-9666 sq. ft. Turnkey. $139K office: 347-809-9553 JanKalman.com 516-569-5651

90 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES AUTOS HELP REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE WANTED FOR SALE FOR SALE

Cars are 4-Door and automatic shift Editorial and design assistant for 5 TOWN HOMES Far Rockaway 215 Beach 14th unless specified. Most cars have a 1- newspaper. 5 Towns/ Cedarhurst 516-569-5710 Street. Two family, 3/3 4 full bath, location. Will train. Part time. full finished basement, needs TLC, year bumper to bumper warranty. good investment opportunity. Price Send resumes to VALLEY STREAM: OPEN HOUSE 2006 Nissan Sentra reduction $575K. —white, 9K [email protected] 202 Hollywd Ave,(12-1:30 pm)(2-4) Weissman Realty Group, LLC. factory warranty, mint condition Cape, brick, MIC, 3Br, NU Eik 718-327-5600 or 718-327-8743...... $499K ...... $11,900 Cedarhurst house 575 Oxford Road OCEANSIDE: OPEN HOUSE 2004 Ford Taurus—silver, 20k LOST AND FOUND 4 BR split + guest BR. Renovated, 204 Allen Av.,(12-1:30 pm)Col: 3 + kosher granite kitchen, FDR/LR, power everything...... $7,900 Br, Fin.Bsmt...... $469K den/family room, large backyard Price 2003 Infiniti I35—39k miles, pearl $635K Found gold bracelet on Broadway CEDARHURST: OPEN HOUSE Weissman Realty Group white leather,sunroof,power..$12,900 around Sukkos time. Please call 201- 718-327-5600, 718-327-8743. 11-1 p.m. 2001 Chevy Lumina—38K miles, 788-5601. 321 Peninsula Blvd - All renov., 4 Br, Lawrence, 2-3 bedroom, 2 bath, white, ABS traction power..... $5,500 2 Bth, Lg Prop...... $469K quaint carriage house, private yard, 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix—57k REAL ESTATE long driveway, walk to all, possible By Appt. Only mother-daughter. $1800/ month miles, brown, power everything, alloy FOR SALE Call 917-642-4308. 363 Marlboro - Drastic REDUC’n, wheels...... $5,500 NU Renovt’d, S/h Col., 5 Br, 3 Bth, 2 Hewlett move right in 4 BR, 2.5 2000 Honda Civic—54K miles, Lawrence Bay Park — Totally Dens...... $700sK bths, hardwood floors, new roof, new green LX, power windows...... $5,500 redone. Beautiful, sunny splanch, 4 359 Marlboro - C/h Col., 7 Br, 4.5 security, walk to YIH. $625K large BR, 2.5 bths, LR, FDR, large Bth, Lg EIK, Prime Loc...... $1.250K Weissman Realty Group 1999 Ford Contour—46K miles, 718-327-5600 or red, 4 cylinder, power, excellent den, oversized property. New wood 718-327-8743. floors, bathrooms, carpeting, roof, WOODMERE: OPEN HOUSE condition...... $4,300 1:30-3 p.m. landscaping. Move right in. Price 1999 Ford Taurus—53k miles, 729 W. Broadway - Lg. 5 Br, 3 Bth, reduction! $1.150 mil. Call Miriam 5 Towns Jan Kalman Realty silver, sunroof, power all...... $4,800 With All, Den...... $699K Open House Thurs 2/22, at Pugatch Realty 516-902-3802. CEDRHRST: Ranch: Renov’d, 3 Br, 1999 Ford Taurus—43k miles, (6:00-7:00PM)| 2Bth, Lg prop. PRICED TO 42 Carman Ave Ced. All redone 5BR blue, CD changer, power everything SELL...... $519K Col. 2.5 bths, h/w flrs, fpl, fin bsmt...... $4,700 Sys...... $749K 1999 Mercury Sable—52K miles, Your Real Estate, 5 TOWN HOMES Service, 516-569-5710 Open Houses, Sun.2/25 blue, leather, sunroof, power every- 42 Carman Ave, Ced. (11:30-1:00) thing...... $4,900 or Help Wanted Ad ...... $749K 2002 Mitsubishi Galant GTZ— Here Every 759 Sherwood, No. Wdm (1:30-3) FarRockaway: 2 Fam. All NU Lg updated Spl/Col. 4BRs up, 47K miles, white, leather, sunroof, Thursday 3over, 1 Br. 3Fbth, Grt 2.5bths, den, fin bsmt, IGP...... $7s V6, side airbags...... $7,900 100,000 readers look Location...... $599K 660 Nutley Pl. No. Wdm (12-2) Lg updated Spl. 4BRs up, 2.5bths, den, 1996 Nissan Altima—80K miles, Call 516-322-3555 forward to what’s fin bsmt, IGP. Sys...... $659K black, power windows...... $2,500 happening in the Cedarhurst Deals 812 Glen Dr. Wdm (11-12:30) Price Slashed! Must Sell! Custom reblt Automaven 516-996-5555 Beautifully renovated colonial 3+1 5 Towns by reading 4BR Res. $650K. Will also rent bdrms. Fin bsmnt...... $629K The Five Towns 1057 Quentin Pl, Wdm (11:30-1) HELP SH Col.,spacious eik, 5 bdrms+ Fin Fab 3+ BR Col. 2.5 bths, den, lg WANTED Jewish Times. bsmnt. Great loc...... $800'sK FDR, fin bsmt. Nu wndws..... $655K Deadline is Monday Call us for more houses! ANESSA V COHEN Cedarhurst at 5:00 p.m. 516-569-5007 1st Show. Mint 4BR Col. 3bth, skylit Nassau Queens border elementary 1 Week ...... $35 den, fin Bsmt. Rm to expand. $834K school teacher middle school, lan- For Property Lovers! 8BR Col. Over guage arts, and science. Afternoon 2 Weeks ...... $60 1/2 acre. A rare find. Steps all. Red! hours. Fax: 516-374-3625. 4 Weeks...... $100 ...... $7s New Constr. Ced. 2 Col's. 5BR, 4bths, lg rms, Bsmt. Plans in office Full-time Youth Services and Weekly Ads of up to 25 words ...... $1.35M Summer Camp Director. Entry- Call: 516-569-0502 level position. Must be highly organ- JanKalman.com 516-569-5651 ized and personable. Please e-mail Fax: 516-977-0608 resume to [email protected]. Or E-mail ads to: 1Bed Coop for Sale - Large- Din Volunteers needed to deliver Shlach [email protected] Room- Great Location - New Granite Manos to hospitals and nursing Include payment info. Kit- New Carpet - Porch homes on Purim day. Must have a Partially furnished - $199,000 car! Call Izzy 212-365-8892. neg - 917-340-5869.

Up and coming! Meadowmere Park — Totally renovated waterfront, Victorian style, 4 BR, 50' of bulkhead waiting for your boat. $499K. Asher Cohen Real Estate 516-569-5759.

5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Law/Inwd: MUST SELL. Estab. Gift, Lotto and Cell Store. Invent., fixt’s, avail., long lease. Bring Offers.

Classified Ads are Continued on the Next Page.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 91 CLASSIFIED ADS REAL ESTATE Continued from Page 91 FOR RENT

Apt for rent in Israel. Available REAL ESTATE March 22-April 14. Stunning spa- FOR RENT cious 3 br. 1.5 bth, DSL,1/2 flight down. Ideal for Pesach. $1000- $3000. 845-364-7164 Cedarhurst — House Rental FDR, den, 3br, 2.5bth,Bsmt. $2,500. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Call 516-322-3555. Law/Inwd: MUST SELL. Lease / Far Rockaway – Lg. Hse Rental: Sale. Great Location. 4br, 2bth, bsmt., Hi ceil’g, NU bths, W\D. Call 516-322-3555. Lawrence — 2 Br, LR, 1 Bth, all nu apt., own heat. 917-757-9351. Bayswater—"Forget Far Rockaway". Move to this cozy Bayswater 1 BR Cedarhurst — House Rental apartment. Furnished or unfurnished, private entrance, washer and dryer. LR/FDR, den, 3br, 2.5bth, Fin. Bsmt. Call 516-374-3635. $2,300. Call 516-322-3555.

Cedarhurst—House Rental; Lr/FDR, Far Rockaway—Legal 2 Family, den, 3br., 2.5 bth. Fin. bsmt.$2300. Call 516-322-3555 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Lr, Dr, EIK, laundry room, hardwood floors. Stores For Rent in Cedarhurst Lori & Associates 516-791-8300. 2800 sq. ft Hi vis. 5yr lease w/5yr option. $2700 Far Rockaway — 2 Huge Office 550 sq. ft. Great loc. Hi traffic. $1600 JanKalman.com 516-569-5651 Spaces. 6,000 and 2,500 Sq Ft. 2nd Floor. Near Subway & LIRR. Build to Cedarhurst—House Rental; kit, den, 3br., 2.5 bth. bsmt.$2500 Suit. Can Be Divided. 5 Town Homes 516-569-5710 Owner 917-359-9776.

Deadline for classified advertising in the next issue is Monday, February 26 at 5:00 P.M. Call 516-984-0079

92 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 93 94 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 23, 2007 95 96 February 23, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES