The Sixth Annual Garden Barbecue Memorial Day at 6:00 pm See Page 5

$1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 8 NO. 35 18 IYAR 5768 h,ejc ,arp MAY 23, 2008

INSIDE FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GIVING BACK TO HATZALAH

B’rit Framed By History B Y LARRY GORDON Toby Klein Greenwald 14 Our Aliyah Chronicle Shmuel Katz 23 Obama And The Jews But I Just Saw Him! Looking back and, at the he was the nominee. Hannah Reich Berman 30 same time, slightly ahead, I On the other side of this

have to seriously ponder equation, the seemingly end- P h o t o

MindBiz B

whether there is anything less feature bout between y C a p

Esther Mann, LMSW 34 t

more than bluster about who Senators Obama and Clinton u r e d I the next president will be and apparently has not had an m a g e Letter Of The Law how that will have an impact ending scripted for it as of yet. s Marcel Weisman, Esq. 48 on the State of Israel. The My own feeling is simply that This past Sunday, May 18, marked the annual Five Towns–Far Rockaway right wing in the U.S. is hesi- the media in our country just Hatzalah BBQ at The Sands at Atlantic Beach. The community turned out tantly supporting Senator turned out to be more en masse to demonstrate both personal and material support for a special group of men who gallantly serve the community around the clock and around John McCain. Somehow— enthralled with the prospect the year with their life-saving emergency response. Pictured above, Hatzalah’s and no one seems sure how— rabbinical advisor, Rabbi Dovid Weinberger; Marvin Hershkowitz of Far we just woke up one day and Continued on Page 10 Rockaway; and the keynote speaker at the event, Rav Reuven Feinstein. THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE

B Y J. PHILIP ROSEN Routine Miracles In S’derot

Rav Shlomo Avaigdor Centuries ago, the Great BY LARRY GORDON Sha’alvim, during which time Faivelson. See Page 20 Rabbis decreed that a his relationship with and love berachah, a blessing, be recit- He’s an unusual man. He for Israel was solidified, and

ed when a Jew is in the pres- W sat on a couch in my den he became determined to h i t e

ence of a secular king. Some H recently, calmly discussing his make his home there. o u s e

say this includes a president P mission in life very simply and Moving to S’derot more h o t o

or prime minister. The ques- B in a matter-of-fact way. Rabbi than 14 years ago, Rabbi y J o y

tion is which berachah is c Dov Fendel lives and works in Fendel never imagined that e N . B

recited by a nation when that o S’derot. But he did not always this little city, home to large g h o s i

nation is in the presence of a a live there. He was born and numbers of working-class im- n president so devoted to the raised in West Hempstead and migrants from places like Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of Jewish people and Israel as is Israel and President George W. attended HANC (the Hebrew Tunisia, Algiers, and Morocco, Bush share a moment during their Academy of Nassau County). Continued on Page 12 tour of Masada. Later, he attended Yeshivat Continued on Page 6 Shaaray Tefila hockey: the winning team. ‘The Rule Of Law’ See Page 59 Partners For Life RABBIS MUST And Other Troubles GO TO COMBAT B Y MOSHE FEIGLIN BY HANAN For all of those waiting to GREENBERG see Ehud Olmert forced out of office, I suggest that you When Brigadier General don’t hold your breath. Avichai Ronsky decided to Olmert is a product of his accompany a combat unit to times and surroundings. His an operation in the Gaza Strip corruption is not a meteor on Shabbos three weeks ago, that exploded here with no he was accused of desecrating Yeshivas Ner Yisroel warning. It is more like the tip the Shabbos. General Ronsky Annual Five Towns Breakfast. of a very slippery iceberg that is Israel’s chief military rabbi. See Page 84 reaches into the depths and Rabbi Ronsky issued an cannot easily be removed and official letter responding to CANDLE LIGHTING forgotten. these allegations. In the letter, Richard Joel (front row, center), president of Yeshiva University, alongside Jay May 23 – 7:54 PM Feinberg, founder and executive director of Gift of Life, accepting the The corruption from which he states that “the military May 30 – 8:00 PM Partners for Life Award at the gala dinner, surrounded by YU students who ran two successful bone-marrow drives this year. See Page 53 Continued on Page 15 Continued on Page 19 2 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 3 4 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES s xc ROFEH CHOLIM CANCER SOCIETY ” The RCCS Five Towns Young Initiative Committee Presents:

The Sixth Annual RCCS Garden Barbecue Memorial Day – Monday, May 26, 2008 at 6:00pm

at the home of ARI & RUTHY JUNGREIS 515 Ocean Avenue, Lawrence

Guest Speaker: Rabbi Pinchas Chatzinoff (, Esq.) Mara D’Asra, Congregation Tifereth Zvi

Award Presenter: Dr. Shlomo Blisko

— Special Piano Performance — — Barbecue & Sushi Bar — — Wine Tasting Sponsored by Chateau de Vin —

EVENT COORDINATORS NAFTALI & BETH BENNETT YEHUDA & BUKIE COHEN ELI & CHAVA LOWY MOSHE & SHIRA MENDLOWITZ

THIS EVENT IS SPONSORED IN PART v”g khpte cegh ic ejmh b”gk

CHAIRMAN SHLOMO Z. WEISS

YOUNG INITIATIVE COMMITTEE

MR. & MRS. NAFTALI BENNETT MR. & MRS. JOHNATHAN HERSHEL MR. & MRS. ELI MOSKOWITZ MR. & MRS. GERSHON BERGER MR. & MRS. ARYEH HERSKOWITZ MR. & MRS. SHMULY NEUMAN DR. AND MRS. SHLOMO BLISKO MR. & MRS. YEHUDA HERSKOWITZ MR. & MRS. MENASH ORATZ MR. AND MRS. DOVID BRIER MR. & MRS. MENACHEM JACOBOWITZ MR. & MRS. AVI PIFKO MR. & MRS. WARREN CINAMON MR. & MRS. BEN KAMINETZKY MR. AND MRS. CHAIM PUDERBEUTEL MR. & MRS. YEHUDA COHEN MR. AND MRS. DOVID KIRSCHENBAUM MR. & MRS. MEIR RESNICK MR. & MRS. AVI DAVIES MR. AND MRS. USHI KLEIN MR. AND MRS. AVRUMY ROSENBERG MR. & MRS. AVI DREYFUSS MR. & MRS. MEIR KRENGLE MR. & MRS. SHMUEL SCHECHTER MR. & MRS. JOSHUA FARKAS MR. & MRS. CHAIM KURZ MR. & MRS. CHAIM SCHULHOF MR. & MRS. MOSHE FESSEL MR. & MRS. STEVE LANDAU DR. AND MRS. DAVID SIMAI MR. & MRS. MEIR FRANKEL MR. AND MRS. MENACHEM LANGER MR. & MRS. YOSSI SINENSKY MR. & MRS. JEREMY FRENKEL MR. & MRS. ELI LOWY MR. & MRS. SHMUEL STERN MR. & MRS. YOCHANAN FRISCH MR. & MRS. EPHRAIM LOWY MR. & MRS. YISROEL WASSER MR. & MRS. NACHUM FUTERSACK MR. AND MRS. MOSHE MALEK MR. & MRS. SHIMI WEINER MR. & MRS. MOSHE FUTERSACK MR. & MRS. MAYER MALTZ MR. & MRS. SRULY WEINSTEIN MR. & MRS. ELLIOT GLUCK MR. & MRS. DOVID MEISELS MR. & MRS. AHRON WEISS MR. & MRS. ISSACHER GOLDBERG MR. & MRS. MOSHE MENDLOWITZ MR. & MRS. DAVID WEISS MR. & MRS. YAKOV GOODSTEIN MR. AND MRS. NECHEMIA MORDOWITZ MR. & MRS. SHLOMO WEISS MR. & MRS. ELY GUTTMAN MR. AND MRS. HESHY ZWEIG

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 5 HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE a statement that expresses the extent are fired, the same statement is rolled both on Purim and Yom HaAtzma’ut, Continued from Front Cover to which they are losing their patience out saying that now the Israeli govern- the city government of S’derot with the continued attacks. Each time, ment “really, really” means what they allowed the yeshiva to sing, dance, would become the center for the strug- a different variety of a statement is are saying. And they say that an and celebrate in the center of town in gle of the future of Eretz Yisrael. issued. It usually says something along assault on the attackers is about to be a “yeshiva” fashion, prior to the city S’derot is today at the center of a rather the lines of “Israel will not tolerate mounted. But so far, that “one more organizers celebrating these obser- complex situation that in any other missile”—the proverbial straw that vances in, what we will call for our country of the world would be anything breaks the camel’s back—has not been purposes here, “their way.” but as complicated as it is. fired. Perhaps that will happen tomor- “This is the purest form of Religious Even Israel’s president, Shimon So far, that “one more row or the day after that, or maybe Zionism,” says Shlomo Gottesman, Peres, said to U.S. House Speaker next week or next month for sure. It’s president of American Friends of Nancy Pelosi (who was visiting Israel missile”—the proverbial certainly going to be any day now— S’derot. “The presence of the yeshiva over the weekend in George Bush’s you just wait and see. in S’derot in some way benefits every footsteps) that the situation in S’derot straw that breaks the These silly machinations mean next person in the city.” is comparable to having missiles fired camel’s back—has not to nothing for Rabbi Dov Fendel, his Sitting with Rabbi Fendel and Mr. from Tijuana, Mexico into San Diego, staff, and the nearly 500 young men Gottesman and having walked the California. For how many months, been fired. who study in the Hesder Yeshiva of weeks, or days would the U.S. tolerate S’derot. They are all, like their rabbi, Continued on Page 8 such activity? The residents of S’derot fearless and filled with the knowledge have been absorbing the missiles and that it is their study of Torah and their the deaths and injuries left in their these types of attacks and will serious- bringing a Torah presence to S’derot trail for over seven years. ly consider retaliating almost immedi- that protects this special city. The CALENDAR For about three years now, Israeli ately if not sooner.” yeshiva and its students bring a high leaders have been resorting to a policy The statement usually includes the and energetic spirit to the city that originally hatched by comedian Jackie warning that “if one more missile is has uplifted thousands of residents LUACH Mason. After each barrage of missiles, fired then all bets are off—Israel will who otherwise have little to be the prime minister, the defense minis- know what to do and that will be that.” pleased about. ter, or one of their spokespeople issues The problem is that each time missiles To this end, Rabbi Fendel says, May 23 – May 31 ZIP Code: 11516

18 Iyar – Erev Shabbos Friday, May 23 Daf yomi: Nazir 64 Omer: 33 / Lag BaOmer Z’manim*: Earliest tallis/tefillin: 4:27 am Sunrise: 5:32 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 8:35 am Gr’a 9:11 am Candle Lighting: 7:54 pm 19 Iyar – Shabbos Saturday, May 24 Shabbos Parashas Bechukkosai Chazak Avos: Ch. 4 Shabbos ends**: 9:02 pm 72 min. 9:26 pm 25 Iyar – Erev Shabbos Friday, May 30 Daf yomi: Sotah 6 Omer: 40 Earliest tallis/tefillin: 4:21 am Sunrise: 5:27 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 8:33 am Gr’a 9:09 am Candle Lighting: 8:00 pm 26 Iyar – Shabbos Saturday, May 31 Shabbos Parashas Bamidbar Blessing of Chodesh Sivan Avos: Ch. 5 Shabbos ends**: 9:09 pm 72 min. 9:32 pm * from MyZmanim.com ** add a few minutes for tosefos Shabbos according to your minhag Municipal Calendar For 5 Towns and NYC Friday, May 23 Memorial Day weekend. Hewlett- Woodmere and Lawrence public schools closed. LIRR: Extra train to Far Rockaway from Penn Station at 3:48 pm. Monday, May 26 Memorial Day. Public schools closed; NYS banking holiday; local post offices closed; no garbage collection. Transit: Sunday schedule. NYC parking regula- tions suspended except where in effect seven days a week. 6 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 7 HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE floor porch hanging laundry. The gans with little or no substance it at this time may be a mystery to Continued from Page 6 young man walking us through the behind them. They are the kinds of some, but not to him. “Let me tell town on my visit called out to her to statements that are usually issued by you,” he says, “the Palestinians can streets of S’derot earlier this year, I say hello and to ask how she was. She government officials or those running see from Khan Yunis in Gaza that we was able to picture and envision pre- said that all was OK—“Baruch for public office. are building and I’m sure they are cisely what they were describing. Hashem, hakol b’seder.” On June 4, though, we have the extremely puzzled. This is the time in S’derot is not some foreign planet. It’s Today’s S’derot is a paradox. The unique opportunity to turn out and which we are supposed to be packing a real city filled with Jews, many of people of course want desperately to visibly demonstrate our care and con- and running, but as you can see and whom can trace their roots to settling live and work in peace. However, the cern about the situation in S’derot as they can see, we are not.” in the city decades ago because their overall political needs of the current and the strength that city derives The confidence and faith displayed families were fleeing persecution government situation in Israel require today and in the future from this very by Rabbi Fendel is refreshing and one motivated by plain anti-Semitism in that the city absorb a constant barrage special yeshiva. And more than that is cannot help but admire his attitude other (usually Muslim) countries. of missiles. It’s a twisted way of reason- the opportunity to do more than and approach to the future of Torah Despite the constant threat of immi- ing and there probably isn’t a country “stand with them” or “feel their pain,” life in S’derot. Sure, it’s also hard to nent attack, life is lived there daily as in the world that thinks this way; but, but rather to help assuage some of the understand, because everything he is if nothing were amiss. Mothers push then again, who is like Israel anywhere aches and discomforts that come with doing and everything he is planning carriages along crosswalks of busy else in the world? being literally under siege. And that seems to fly in the face of conven- intersections, children are in school, June 4 at the Marriott Marquis is, of course, by providing them with tional wisdom. So I guess he’s just and people are in stores shopping. Hotel in New York will be a night material support in this, their very unconventional. Walking down the mostly quiet and dedicated to the celebration of and profound time of need. Perhaps we can better understand residential streets, it’s common to see solidarity with S’derot. Perhaps you The yeshiva in S’derot, under the what Rabbi Fendel is dealing with if homes that have been hit by rockets. know from reading these pages that direction of Dov Fendel, is now—yes, we analyze Eretz Yisrael’s experience Some of these homes have been at I’m not a big fan of “standing by” or during these almost impossible this year with Shemittah—the seventh least temporarily abandoned; others “standing with” or “expressing moral times—under construction and year in which Jewish law mandates are in the midst of being restored. At support” with groups of people or adding new study as well as dormitory that the land of Israel lie fallow and one such home, though half the roof organizations. The reason for that is facilities for the boys. And Rabbi unworked. One of the intriguing chal- was gone or in the process of being that these types of expressions are too Fendel is also building a home in lenges of Shemittah is the concern of replaced, a woman was on a second often nothing more than empty slo- S’derot for his family. How he can do how the people will eat if there is no farming in year seven, which will also obviously impact on a significant por- tion of year eight. Our commentators explain that some of the rationale behind the concept of Shemittah is that the land is tired after six years of repeatedly being planted and harvest- ed. They explain that a year off is good for the earth and that the layoff reju- venates its production potential. But what will the people eat? The Torah, in last week’s section, tells us that G-d will see to it that enough crops are produced by the fields in year number six for years six, seven, and eight. The question is asked, though, if the land is tired and in need of that Shemittah rest, then how is it possible that it will be able to produce food that will be needed for three years instead of the usual one year? Our commenta- tors suggest that it is the supra-ration- al faith of the Jew in a Source higher than himself or herself that makes it possible for a miracle of this magni- tude to occur. At the same time, the Talmud in Sanhedrin says that the six-year cycle and then the Shemittah year can be compared to the six thousand years of our world, with Shemittah being the seventh millennium and the era of redemption. Following this logic, it would seem that as the years spiral down through the sixth millennium, the people of the generation are weak and tired, with even our spirit beaten, just like the land as we head into Shemittah. It is therefore explained that the extraordinary faith of the Jew in these difficult times is precisely what propels us and will ultimately bring the redemption. And that is today’s S’derot—beaten and bloodied, down but by no means out. It’s the emunah of a burgeoning and growing yeshiva in the face of all odds and against every adversity that will ultimately bring victory and salva- tion. On June 4, here in New York, you have a chance to be part of all that. For more information contact the S’derot dinner office at 212-840-1166 or [email protected]. O Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at [email protected]. 8 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 9 FROM THE EDITOR ing way of doing things, along with the FEATURES Continued from Front Cover belief in unconditional concessions before the terrorism stops, that distin- Around The Five Towns 49 of an African-American president than guishes the Olmert government from P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 this country’s first female leader. President Bush. I am referring specifi- 516-984-0079 But this is all sideshow material. As cally to the positions held by President [email protected] Our Aliyah Chronicle [email protected] Thomas Friedman wrote last Sunday Bush and possibly Vice-President Shmuel Katz 23 in his column in the New York Times, Cheney, which may be significantly LARRY GORDON ESTA J. GORDON Publisher/Editor Managing Editor he, as an American Jew, votes first for different from those taken by the U.S. Classified Ads 80 YOSSI GORDON, YOCHANAN GORDON what is best for America and then State Department, headed by Sales Managers reviews and analyzes other related Secretary Rice. From the viewpoint of CHANA ROCHEL ROSS Hock Of The Rock issues. I have to agree with Mr. the latter, Israel is giving up security Editorial Assistant Eli Shapiro 25 Friedman about that. The U.S. at pres- checkpoints in the West Bank and SIDI BARON ent is facing difficult times for a great expressing the willingness to withdraw YAKOV SERLE Insights On The Torah many people. We need a strong presi- from parts of the ancient capital of JERRY MARKOVITZ dent to lead us in the next term and Jerusalem, and it can easily be pushed Sales Representatives Rabbi Yanki Tauber 40 one who can forcefully and successful- to make even grander and more dra- SHMUEL GERBER MICHELE JUSTIC Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah 44 ly focus on the many issues that need matic concessions to an enemy that Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor to be dealt with. will just not give in or give up. CONTRIBUTING EDITORS As usual, Israel is always one of The idea that there has been no Irwin H. Benjamin, Hannah Reich Berman The Keen Capitalist those key issues that any president will peace in the Middle East all these Anessa V. Cohen, Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg Martin Mushell 77 Toby Klein Greenwald, Michele Herenstein have to take a firm position on, and he decades because of Israeli intransi- Rabbi Yair Hoffman, Miriam Horowitz or she will be scrutinized and judged gence is a position that is subscribed to Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky Letters To The Editor 75 for the position taken. George Bush by an increasing number of leading Shmuel Katz, Phyllis J. Lubin, Esther Mann Rochelle Miller, Naomi Ross just came out of a momentous visit to and powerful Israeli leaders. Among Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, Eli Shapiro, Ari Sher Luach 6 Israel, marking the celebration of that them—aside from the prime minis- MICHAL WEINSTEIN, BINYAMIN RHODES state’s 60th anniversary. Bush, as you ter—are President Shimon Peres and a DOV GORDON MindBiz know, was counting on delivering number of Knesset members from the Staff Graphic Artists Esther Mann, LMSW 34 peace between Israelis and Palesti- Kadima and Labor parties. While the IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS nians as the showpiece of his presiden- theory it is based on is obviously Staff Photographers A Mother’s Musings cy. Judging by his remarks to the unworkable, that school of thought FRANKEL & CO. Knesset last week and at several other believes that now is the only chance Design & Production Phyllis J. Lubin 29 ceremonies marking the visit, it seems there will be for a long time to do any- TALIYE CORLEY that he is now prepared to forgo pres- thing or produce any diplomatic result Art Director Real Estate suring Israel once again into a that can be labeled as peace. SUZETTE LEE Anessa V. Cohen 36 peace/no peace corner. And that is the Israel that Barack Assistant Art Director The curious thing about the posi- Obama has been so passionate about, The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly news- That’s The Way It Is! tions presented by Mr. Bush is that saying he will support so wholeheart- paper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not they are more to the right on the issue edly over these last few weeks. To Mr. necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not Hannah Reich Berman 30 responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or of peace than that of the current Obama and possibly even to other establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times. Israeli government. It is this left-lean- Democrats like Hillary Clinton, the

10 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES vision of Israel’s future that Yossi adopt a pro-Likud position. Beilin or the Meretz party subscribes If there is only a small chance that to is just as valid as that of Bibi the terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan Netanyahu’s. This position grants as will let up in their fight if Israel gives legitimate the claim that Arabs were in, then from an American perspective unfairly thrown out of their homes in it is certainly worthwhile that Israel be Israel in 1948, and that Jerusalem coaxed to shrink its own size. If this should be divided and become an doesn’t work and the terrorism contin- international city with Israel stripped ues, then we can deal with that prob- of any exclusive sovereignty over it. lem at that point. For now, this may be This way of thinking also equates chil- good and prudent U.S. policy to pur-

Obama said it clearly—support for Israel does not mean that you have to adopt a pro-Likud position.

dren playing on swings in places like sue. This is particularly so when you Shiloh and Kiryat Arba with terrorists consider that a significant number of blowing themselves up on buses and Israelis are in favor of this type of pol- with the shooting of missiles into peo- icy and that there will not be all that ple’s homes and cars. much resistance from Israelis to Thanks to the political reversals of implementing such a policy. Yitzchak Rabin, Ariel Sharon, and, So you can be an ardent supporter more recently, Ehud Olmert, strong of Israel these days while at the same support of Israel can now mean calling time calling for the slow dismantling for her withdrawal to the pre-1967 of the country. It’s a great time to be borders, surrendering Jerusalem, and a candidate for president—especially clobbering settlers over their heads considering that support for Israel is until they “voluntarily” leave the so much of a hallmark of any race for homes they’ve lived in for 40 years. president in this country. You and I Obama said it clearly—support for Israel does not mean that you have to Continued on Page 17

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 11 Thank You, Mr. President told the world that he is a Zionist! to watch his momentous speech. As that it is here it is so great and wonderful Continued from Front Cover He arrived on Wednesday morning he strode the red carpet and reviewed that it surpasses human words.” and spent the day in meetings with the honor guard, if you listened care- And then he went further than any President George W. Bush. I am writ- Israel’s prime minister and its presi- fully you would have heard three voic- U.S. president in history in feeling ing this piece while still on a high from dent. He then made his way over to the es cheering “Four more years!” and Jewish pain: my days accompanying President Bush Peres Conference, where he (and we) seen the president pause for a second, The joy of independence was tem- and the First Lady as part of the hon- watched a tribute to Israel’s 60 years grimace, and then smile to the three pered by the outbreak of battle, a strug- orary presidential delegation to Israel and gave a magnificent speech about mouseketeers (me and my two gle that has continued for six decades. to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the friendship between the U.S. and friends). Yet in spite of the violence, in defiance Israel’s founding. Before I tell you Israel over the years. But, as we learned One other note before I get to the of the threats, Israel has built a thriving about what he did and said, I want to the next day, the Peres Conference speech. In his opening remarks to the democracy in the heart of the Holy talk about what he could have said. speech was just an appetizer; the main Peres Conference, President Peres told Land. You have welcomed immigrants When the president visited Israel last course was yet to come. He made spe- the gathering that it is time for Israel from the four corners of the Earth. You week, the picture could have looked cial mention of an Israeli hero who per- and the Jewish people to forget the have forged a free and modern society quite different from the one we saw. He ished arm-in-arm with his American past and history, forget the hardships based on the love of liberty, a passion for could have followed Secretary of State colleagues in the space shuttle disaster that happened to the Jewish people, justice, and a respect for human digni- Condoleezza Rice’s recent pronounce- several years ago, Ilan Ramon. put the Holocaust behind us, and look ty. You have worked tirelessly for peace. ments with a demand that Israel must NNN to the future. You have fought valiantly for freedom… be more conciliatory to the Palestinian To answer your obvious questions: Our president clearly disagreed. Earlier today, I visited Masada, an needs in order to reach a deal by year’s No, we did not travel on Air Force One President Bush began his remarks at inspiring monument to courage and end or before the president finishes his or Two or Ten or Fifty. We all found the Knesset by reminding the world sacrifice. At this historic site, Israeli sol- term. Or he could have come up with a our own ways to Israel. I flew El Al. that G-d gave the Land of Israel to the diers swear an oath: “Masada shall series of “even handed” pronounce- Second, we did not all stay in a room Jewish people, long before the Arabs never fall again.” Citizens of Israel: ments that both parties must do more or suite with the Prez and First Lady. existed. The president would not forget Masada shall never fall again, and to achieve an agreement. Or, having He and his political contingent stayed the past, especially the Holocaust: America will be at your side. just visited the Shimon Peres presiden- at the King David Hotel and took the Centuries of suffering and sacrifice He then brought our countries tial conference and seen (in the audi- entire hotel. Third, we did not travel in would pass before the dream was ful- together in an unmatchable way— ence of the star-studded affair) peace the motorcade—another bummer. filled. The Jewish People endured the This anniversary is a time to reflect process superstars like Dennis Ross and (Although I did get a lift from a motor- agony of the pogroms, the tragedy of the on the past. It’s also an opportunity to Daniel Kurtzer—i.e., those “advisors” cyclist around the city, which was pret- Great War, and the horror of the look to the future. As we go forward, our partially responsible for pushing Israel ty OK for me.) Holocaust—what Elie Wiesel called “the alliance will be guided by clear princi- to mistakes such as the Oslo Accords The president began Thursday with kingdom of the night.” Soulless men took ples—shared convictions rooted in and the Gaza Disengagement—he a trip to Masada. I don’t think any away lives and broke apart families. Yet moral clarity and unswayed by popular- could have come up with a dramatic world leader has ever been to the tri- they could not take away the spirit of the ity polls or the shifting opinions of inter- plea for Israel to take another once-in- fecta of the Western Wall, Yad Vashem, Jewish people, and they could not break national elites. a-lifetime risk for peace. and Masada. This should have given us the promise of God. When news of We believe in the matchless value of But he did not. Instead, George Bush an indication of what was yet to come. Israel’s freedom finally arrived, Golda every man, woman, and child. So we insist shook up the Middle East by taking the He arrived at the Knesset at 2:30 Meir, a fearless woman raised in that the people of Israel have the right to a America–Israel alliance and friendship on Thursday; although this was not an Wisconsin, could summon only tears. decent, normal, and peaceful life, just like to a level probably never seen before in “official delegation stop,” several of us She later said: “For two thousand years the citizens of every other nation. the league of nations. George W. Bush were honored to sit in the bleachers we have waited for our deliverance. Now He then expressed his disgust at the

12 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES world body that promotes anti- murder, inciting fear, and spreading lies. negotiate with the terrorists and radi- sented him with a short iron bar—the Semitism—the United Nations: This struggle is waged with the tech- cals, as if some ingenious argument will key to the Zion Gate—and said it was We believe that democracy is the only nology of the 21st century, but at its core persuade them they have been wrong all the first time in 18 centuries that a key way to ensure human rights. So we con- it is an ancient battle between good and along. We have heard this foolish delu- to the gates of Jerusalem had belonged sider it a source of shame that the evil. The killers claim the mantle of sion before. As Nazi tanks crossed into to a Jew. His hands trembling, the rabbi United Nations routinely passes more Islam, but they are not religious men. Poland in 1939, an American senator offered a prayer of thanksgiving to God, human-rights resolutions against the No one who prays to the God of declared: “Lord, if I could only have “Who had granted us life and permitted freest democracy in the Middle East Abraham could strap a suicide vest to an talked to Hitler, all this might have us to reach this day.” Then he turned to than any other nation in the world. innocent child, or blow up guiltless been avoided.” We have an obligation to the officer, and uttered the words Jews We believe that religious liberty is guests at a Passover Seder, or fly planes call this what it is—the false comfort of had awaited for so long: “I accept this fundamental to a civilized society. So we into office buildings filled with unsus- appeasement, which has been repeated- key in the name of my people.” condemn anti-Semitism in all forms— pecting workers. In truth, the men who ly discredited by history. Over the past six decades, the Jewish whether by those who openly question carry out these savage acts serve no high- Some people suggest if the United people have established a state that Israel’s right to exist, or by others who er goal than their own desire for power. States would just break ties with Israel, would make that humble rabbi proud. quietly excuse them. They accept no God before themselves. all our problems in the Middle East You have raised a modern society in the Finally, he tied the bonds of our two And they reserve a special hatred for the would go away. This is a tired argument Promised Land, a light unto the nations countries together tighter than any two most ardent defenders of liberty, includ- that buys into the propaganda of the that preserves the legacy of Abraham independent nations in history: ing Americans and Israelis. enemies of peace, and America utterly and Isaac and Jacob. And you have built We believe that free people should And that is why the founding charter rejects it. Israel’s population may be just a mighty democracy that will endure strive and sacrifice for peace. So we of Hamas calls for the “elimination” of over 7 million. But when you confront forever and can always count on the applaud the courageous choices Israel’s Israel. And that is why the followers of terror and evil, you are 307 million United States of America to be at your leaders have made. We also believe that Hezbollah chant “Death to Israel, strong, because the United States of side. God bless. nations have a right to defend them- Death to America!” That is why Osama America stands with you. NNN selves and that no nation should ever be bin Laden teaches that “the killing of America stands with you in breaking Later that day, we joined the presi- forced to negotiate with killers pledged Jews and Americans is one of the biggest up terrorist networks and denying the dent at the Israel Museum for a recep- to its destruction. duties.” And that is why the president of extremists sanctuary. America stands tion. In the bus on the way to the We believe that targeting innocent Iran dreams of returning the Middle with you in firmly opposing Iran’s museum, I sat next to a pilot-in-train- lives to achieve political objectives is East to the Middle Ages and calls for nuclear weapons ambitions. Permitting ing who looked very familiar. After always and everywhere wrong. So we Israel to be wiped off the map. the world’s leading sponsor of terror to speaking to him for a few minutes, I stand together against terror and There are good and decent people possess the world’s deadliest weapons asked him his name. The pilot’s name extremism, and we will never let down who cannot fathom the darkness in these would be an unforgivable betrayal for is Assaf Ramon, and he is the son of our guard or lose our resolve. men and try to explain away their words. future generations. For the sake of the hero-astronaut Ilan Ramon. What The fight against terror and extremism It’s natural, but it is deadly wrong. As peace, the world must not allow Iran to an honor I had sitting next to him. I is the defining challenge of our time. It is witnesses to evil in the past, we carry a have a nuclear weapon. listened to this young man tell me more than a clash of arms. It is a clash of solemn responsibility to take these words … about his dream coming true—follow- visions, a great ideological struggle. On seriously. Jews and Americans have seen Sixty years ago, on the eve of Israel’s ing in the footsteps of his father. the one side are those who defend the the consequences of disregarding the independence, the last British soldiers President Bush, thank you for ideals of justice and dignity with the words of leaders who espouse hatred. departing Jerusalem stopped at a build- allowing me to accompany you on this power of reason and truth. On the other And that is a mistake the world must not ing in the Jewish Quarter of the Old momentous trip. But more important- side are those who pursue a narrow vision repeat in the 21st century. City. An officer knocked on the door of cruelty and control by committing Some seem to believe that we should and met a senior rabbi. The officer pre- Continued on Page 18

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 13 19, one of the eight young students of Yeshivat Mercaz HaRav who was mur- A B’rit Framed By History dered on March 6 this year. The maternal grandfather of the newborn commented during the meal that the BY TOBY KLEIN which Jews live in Kfar HaTemanim, healed, he replied, “It still hurts a lit- mohel had gestured out a window and GREENWALD the Yemenite Village neighborhood, in tle, but that pales in comparison to the said to him, “The murderer of my son the village of Shiloach (Silwan). It was miracle that I survived. I feel like I was came from a village on that hill, oppo- Even in Israel, where almost every the first time a b’rit milah had been reborn. I now have two birthdays.” The site us.” It was painful to see the pen- event is laden with passion, history, performed in that neighborhood since event occurred, he said, on the 11th of sive expression on his face as he placed and synchronicity, it was special. Like 1938, when the British evicted the Adar, the date in 1920 that Joseph a piece of gauze dipped in wine in the a cinematic wonder, the timing, loca- Jews following Arab riots. Trumpeldor, who had said, “It is good mouth of the newborn after the b’rit, tion, and characters could not have Jews from Yemen had settled here in to die for one’s country,” fell in battle and recited the customary verse, from been more haunting and pregnant with the early 1880s, and eight yeshiva fam- with Arabs at Tel Hai. It is also the day the Book of Yehezkel, referring to what emotion and memory. ilies returned to the neighborhood in that Birya, near Tsfat, was reclaimed G-d said to the Children of Israel, I knew this would be the case when 2004. I had become intrigued with the from the British in 1946. when they suffered, “And when I we received the announcement of a passed by thee, and saw thee strug- new grandchild from Rabbi Yehezkel gling within thine own blood, I said Greenwald, my husband’s cousin. unto thee ‘In thy blood, live!’ And I said Rabbi Greenwald, 49, was in the news unto thee, ‘In thy blood, live!’” The when he was stabbed on March 18, “The murderer of my son came Sages relate this to the mitzvah of cir- after entering Sha’ar Shchem (Nablus cumcision, as if to say, “Even though Gate) on the way to Yeshivat Ateret from a village on that hill, you are currently bleeding, in the merit Cohanim in the Old City of Jerusalem, of this mitzvah, you will grow and live.” where he is a teacher. Rav Yehezkel’s father had escaped Miraculously, he survived. The opposite us.” Europe before the Holocaust, but attacker had stabbed him in the neck most of his family had perished there. and run away. Yehezkel managed to His mother’s brother had drowned on move his head till the knife fell out; he an “illegal” immigrant ship striving to began to move back toward Sha’ar Yemenite Village when I read Devora A maternal great-grandfather pres- reach Israel. Shchem, where he met two Jewish Waysman’s book, The Pomegranate ent at the b’rit, Professor Meir men who gave him first aid and called Pendant, a historical novel that Schwartz, a research biologist, had A Long, Winding Road for help. The doctors said later that describes the life of the Yemenite Jews been the Hagana commander of the The Yemenite Village in Shiloach had the knife been only a few centime- there more than a century ago. (A film ship Exodus—“the expulsion ship,” he consists of sloping hills and valleys and ters deeper or in another direction, he is being made of her book, in Israel, by calls it—after the British turned it is not easily reached on one’s own. We probably would have died. Praxis Films, with scriptwriter Robert away from Israel’s shores in 1947 and had gathered across the road from the On Monday, May 4, between Bleiweiss.) The village is located below it was sent back to France and then Mount Zion Hotel, and several vans, Holocaust Memorial Day and Israel’s and to the southeast of the Temple Germany. whose drivers were familiar with the Memorial Day and Independence Day, Mount, near the City of David. Rav Tzemach Hirshfeld, the mohel road, were hired to transport the his grandchild entered the covenant of When Rabbi Greenwald was asked, who performed the circumcision, was Abraham in one of the few buildings in before the b’rit, how his injury had the father of Yonadav Haim Hirshfeld, Continued on Page 18

14 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

‘The Rule Of Law’ means of the law. Our current prime much more serious robbery. has positioned Livni as the prime min- Continued from Front Cover minister is an average criminal. He just Livni was elected by the public to isterial hopeful. So please don’t tell me may manage to prove that he didn’t serve as a Knesset member in the that Livni is not corrupt. She may not Israel suffers is based on its culture of break the law, after all. Likud party and to expedite its policies. have “broken the law,” but from an “the rule of law.” The law should be What if Olmert steps down never- But to the cheers of the media, which ethical standpoint her actions are rep- nothing more than a tool, designed to theless? Who is the right candidate to took an active part in the vote heist rehensible. keep the peace and define the limits of replace him? Is there anybody in the arranged by Ariel Sharon, Livni took Be that as it may, Livni is not the what is permissible and what is prohib- Kadima party that is not corrupt? Tzipi the electoral check that she had problem. I do not think that she under- ited. The law is meant to reflect—not Livni? Tzipi Livni is a member of the received from the voters and, instead stands that she is corrupt. Why should shape—a national culture. It is meant big-time criminal party. In other of depositing it in the account to she? The Israeli public does not under- to direct our public lives according to words, she is a member of the party which it was sent, deposited it in the stand, either. (Arutz Sheva) O that commits its crimes by means of account of a different party. Moshe Feiglin is the head of the Manhigut Yehudit the law. I do not know of any money This successful political heist— faction of the Likud party and has been a candi- that Livni stole. But she is guilty of a more corrupt than a financial heist— date for prime minister in the Likud primaries. The “rule of law” idol was implanted in the brains of the soldiers who carried out the expulsion from Gush Katif.

the values dictated by our culture and traditions. In a normal situation, the law does not “rule.” What does rule is justice and morality. The law is designed to help society define its unique expression of justice and morality. In Israel, justice and morality have disappeared from our national lives. In their stead, we have the “rule of law.” The “rule of law” is abused to justify every abomination and to make every outrage legitimate. Because, after all, there is nothing worse than opposing “the law.” This is a unique strain of fascism— an odious form of idol worship. The “rule of law” idol was implanted in the brains of the soldiers who carried out the expulsion from Gush Katif. Their natural Jewish morals were neutral- ized by “the rule of law,” held in much higher esteem than any other values (obeying G-d’s commandments, for example). And who is the prime minister of the state of “the rule of law”? A sea- soned lawyer, of course. A small-time criminal acts against the law; an aver- age criminal evades the law; and a big- time criminal commits his crime by

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 15 16 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

FROM THE EDITOR Continued from Page 11 know, however, that any poli- cy that calls for the division of Jerusalem and the disman- tling of cities with tens of thousands of residents is silly, impractical, and proba- bly impossible to implement. Today it can be contorted into looking like support for Israel, but in reality it is the opposite. Had there not been a Gaza withdrawal in 2005, the Palestinians would not have the gumption to suggest or demand that Maale Adumim and similar large com- munities be closed down. Obama’s vision of a future, but as yet elusive, Middle East peace has more of a State Department orientation than that of almost any previ- ous White House position on the issue. If he becomes pres- ident, would he be able to introduce an Israel policy that would widely differ from current U.S. support of Israel? Once in the hot seat of the presidency, it’s doubt- ful that he would be able to implement any policy that would be drastically differ- ent. Bill Clinton tried desper- ately by humanizing Yasser Arafat by having him as a guest in the White House more frequently than any other foreign leader during his two terms. We’re all looking for a for- mula that can bring real peace to the region, a peace that would allow people to live serenely and securely. Obama sounds like someone who’d like to come to Washington and shake things up. It’s a lot easier to say you’re going to make drastic changes in U.S. policy than to actually do it. Who knows if we’ll ever see what an Obama presidency looks like? It’s pos- sible but doubtful. O Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at [email protected].

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 17 Framed By History Jerusalem, down through the valley of (where my husband fought in the Six wide enough for one car at a time, with Continued from Page 14 Gai Hinnom on the outskirts of the Old Day War, when it was the border—but only two or three “niches” into which a City walls, and to the right, with hills of I digress) and drops down into the val- car coming from the opposite direction guests. There are two ways to reach the olive trees bordering the road and the ley, it is like going back more than half can slip, to let another car go by. Both village, but one road was closed, so we Judean desert as a distant backdrop. a century in time. Jewish and Arab families live along this took a very steep and winding road lead- Once one leaves the mixed Jewish The road leading to the building that road, and they are courteous to each ing from the Abu Tor neighborhood of and Arab neighborhood of Abu Tor houses the young Jewish families is only other. There is no room to maneuver

The long road into the village. Rav Yehezkel Greenwald (holding cup) and the maternal grandfather (holding baby).

either a car or a driver’s temper. Nevertheless, security is tight. The synagogue-study hall shares the top floor with a preschool room; the floor above that has an open-air patio with a playground. Everywhere one turns from that rooftop playground, there is history. In one direction is the Temple Mount and the Mount of Olives; in another, the Hill of Evil Council near East Talpiot; and in a third direction are the hills beyond which lies modern Jerusalem. But within this village, among these mountains, is ancient history. The power of emotion and thanks- giving was in the air. The tables were set in blue and white, with little Israeli flags stuck in the rolls. And what name did they give this child, in this village, three days before Independence Day, up the road from the City of David? They named him “Israel David.” O

Thank You, Mr. President Continued from Page 13

ly, thank you for your love of and devo- tion to my people. Several years ago, when I first met the president, I had tears in my eye as I shook his hand. He noticed and asked me why. I told him they were tears of sadness and tears of happiness: Tears of happiness because of your devotion to my people. Tears of sadness because you are 65 years too late. Had you been the president 65 years ago my grand- parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins that perished in the Holocaust would never have died. O

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

18 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Rabbis In Combat Continued from Front Cover rabbi is an inseparable part of the com- bat unit, and just as the rabbi risks death in entering the battlefield together with the soldiers, it is a simple fact that if the unit leaves for an oper- ation on a Saturday, the rabbi must leave with it.”

The priest stood before the soldiers prior to their departure for battle and imbued them with the fighting spirit.

The rabbi’s actions were criticized in many Orthodox circles both inside and outside of the IDF. It began with Ronsky’s decision to accompany a combat unit into the Gaza Strip when P h o t o B y T s v i k a S c h i z l e r Chief Military Rabbi Avichai Ronsky the soldiers were called upon to exe- cute a military operation during the Saturday prior to Passover Eve. The criticism cited the fact that a military rabbi holds no combative office, and therefore it was unnecessary for him to desecrate the Shabbos by going with the unit. “The criticism derives from a basic misunderstanding of the rabbi’s posi- tion within his unit,” Ronsky said. “The military rabbi is known to us from days of yore, when he was a priest… This rabbi, the priest, stood before the soldiers prior to their depar- ture for battle and imbued them with the fighting spirit, and later even went with them to war.” In response to the criticism in the ultra-Orthodox press, he wrote: “The military rabbi’s main task is to fortify the soldiers. This fortification is neces- sary for battle, for it is known that the charging of an enemy at the risk of one’s life is not a natural human impulse, and certainly not for our young soldiers.” “A rabbi who is involved in his unit and accompanies them throughout their training and operations can assist the soldiers in overcoming the spiritu- al distress and crises they experience,” he concluded. (YnetNews.com) O 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 19 Who Is Rav Faivelson?

BY LARRY GORDON So how does a rosh yeshiva born in Rodin, a survivor of the Holocaust as Every year at about this time—a few a young boy and who is now an weeks prior to Shavuos—I see two Israeli, figure out that the best way to men walking around in various shuls support his yeshiva is to set up shop here in the Five Towns. They don’t live here in the Five Towns every spring? here, but they move in for a few weeks Well, just by scratching an inch and quickly become part of the daily beneath the surface it is suddenly not scene. I’ve seen them here for years such a mystery anymore. You see, Rav but never thought to say anything to Faivelson met and befriended Rav them, to ask them where they’re from Shlomo Freifeld when they were both or what they’re doing here. That is, students in the Mir Yeshiva in P h o t o

until last week, when I asked the Yerushalayim in 1950. (Rav Faivelson B y I v a

English-speaking half of the duo to was also a cousin to the previous reb- n H . N please come up to my office in betzin of Reb Henoch Leibowitz, zt’l, o r m a Cedarhurst so I could find out who of Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim. Mrs. n they are and share that information Leibowitz was also a granddaughter Pictured above (L–R): Rav Yaakov Feitman, Mr. Marty Oliner, and Rav Shlomo Avigdor with you, the readers. of Rav Tropp.) Failvelson. A parlor meeting is scheduled to be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Oliner on They are here to raise money for Following those years in yeshiva, at May 27 to raise funds for Rav Faivelson’s yeshiva in Tsfat. Rav Shlomo Avigdor Faivelson’s Rav Freifeld’s suggestion Rabbi yeshiva in Tsfat. It goes by the name Faivelson began coming to the Five of Yeshiva Nachlas Naftoli, named for Towns area every year to garner sup- resume his role of rosh yeshiva. There’s no doubt that our area can Rav Naftoli Tropp, the famed port for his institution. “When I came “Of course we miss not being be assessed as one of the capitals of European rosh yeshiva, who was to Tsfat in 1967, there was not even home,” says Menashe, “but this is the fundraising for mosdos and yeshivas in Rabbi Faivelson’s grandfather. Rav one Torah institution in the city,” the reality. We need to travel—today more Israel. Men and (sometimes) women, Faivelson travels with Rabbi Menashe rabbi says. “Today there are over 3,000 than ever—to support the over 40 fam- rebbes and rosh yeshivas, fundraisers Brysgal, who speaks and understands observant families and we even have a ilies attached to the kollel who have and executive directors come and go English well, even though he was mayor that is shomer Shabbat.” Today, given their lives to the study of Torah.” year round, all the time. However, Rav born and raised in Tel Aviv. Despite in a sense it is the Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv Menashe says that each of the kollel Faivelson’s approach is very different. being educated in Israeli schools, that is Rav Faivelson’s base. That is the families receives about $950 per He’s not here one or two days and then Menashe decided as a young man beis midrash where he and Menashe month and that the overall budget of gone. He’s here and then here again that he wanted to attend Yeshiva can be seen most mornings at the first the yeshiva and kollel is about a half and again. While the rav does not look University, and he did so for four minyan, which takes place at sunrise. million dollars a year. The kollel is at it as a fundraising strategy, essential- years immediately following high Following the davening, the rav prefers located in a building in Tsfat that was ly that’s what it is. school. When he’s not traveling with sitting in on some of the shiurim or sit- donated to Rav Faivelson by the well- “The support for the yeshiva from Rav Faivelson, he works as a tour ting with a chavrusah where he can, known philanthropic Ludmir family in guide in Israel. even if only for a few moments, Israel many years ago. Continued on Page 22

20 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 21 Rav Faivelson Continued from Page 20

people in the community is based on relationships,” says the rav, who is now 76 years old and travels around the States for the yeshiva about twelve weeks per year. “After all these years, the people know us,” says Menashe, “and the rav likes to sit and learn and shmooze with them. It’s that kind of rela- tionship,” he says. While Rav Faivelson is away from Tsfat, two of his sons are minding the yeshiva and trying to fill their father’s role as a looming figure in the community. While we were sitting and talking, the rav received a call from one of the kollel members in Israel. The issue was that a woman in the community was making a wedding for her daughter and, for economic reasons, was planning on a “poor chasunah” or a simple, bare- bones wedding. Rav Faivelson and some members of the kol- lel active in all facets of Jewish life in Tsfat felt that it was not becoming or respect- ful for a bride to have a wed- ding that was so simple—in this case, too simple. The total needed to make a “nice wedding” for about 150 guests, the rav explained, is about $3,000. To help support his kollel and community work, there will be an event to benefit the kollel on Tuesday night, May 27, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Oliner in Lawrence. The event is being held in memory of Mrs. Oliner’s mother, Malka Yita bas Tzvi Hersh, a’h. The scheduled guest speaker is Rav Naftali Jaeger, rosh yeshi- va of Sh’or Yoshuv. Shortly after that, the duo will depart from New York to be back in the kollel for Shavuos. After that, the traveling resumes—to Torah communities in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Lakewood. Some of the cities are grouped together in one trip. Unlike the time spent in the Five Towns—a total of three weeks a year— other communities just require that they be in town for a few days. Rabbi Faivelson is a warm and caring rosh yeshiva, and he and Menashe Brysgal— his associate on these trips and a former member of the kollel—are a bridge to a not- too-distant past but still a past in which were built the bedrock and foundation for future generations of Torah, both here and, of course, in Eretz Yisrael. O 22 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES son starts, it runs through June, and if the season runs for something like you were lucky enough to have no rain eight months! Since Friday is the only outs, you end up with two weeks of free day we have, it becomes an Odds and Ends playoffs. Most teams play ten or eleven incredible inconvenience. Additionally, games in a season, and it is essentially with a game each week (after the first Our Aliyah Chronicle, Part 84 a certain store there. It turns out that a spring event. month of practices), we play some- B Y SHMUEL KATZ her boss, wanting to help support the This year I was drafted (by Goldie) thing like 25 to 30 games a year, which merchants of S’derot, had asked her to is a lot when the team is mostly second Last Friday morning, Goldie and I start buying office supplies from a and third graders. went on our semi regular double date store there and she wanted to see if we For the little league coach (and/or for breakfast with Donny and Tzippy could find it. (We did.) Goldie men- The first storekeeper parent), the rainy season becomes very Lieberman. They last appeared in tioned that our yeshiva’s maintenance important. I think we had three rain- these pages almost two years ago, head had also started buying all of our mentioned how crazy the outs this year, and it was like getting having made aliyah on the same disposables from a vendor in S’derot as paroled from a prison sentence. This flight as us. They moved to Ramat well, for the same reason. day before had been and week they sent an e-mail that there Beit Shemesh Aleph. A few months As we begin to enter the doldrums effusively gushed his was going to be little league on Lag ago, Goldie got a call from Tzippy of summer days, where very little hap- BaOmer, and I know that all the inviting us to join them for Friday pens, I thought I would write about thanks to us for coming coaches collectively groaned. It just breakfast at a local café. That invita- some of the odds and ends that didn’t never ends. tion turned into a regular outing merit a special article in and of them- to his store. On a positive note, the length of the whenever both Donny and I are in selves but definitely are a part of our season gives us an opportunity to work town. (He travels much more than I Israel experience. on the kids’ skills a lot and help them do for work purposes.) Let’s talk little league. Having develop. We get to know the strengths A couple of weeks ago we were driv- coached little league in the USA for to resume coaching (or maybe I should and weaknesses of each player and the ing into Yerushalayim for a breakfast seven years (out of the eight years say co-coaching). Since the weather by team jells a lot better since they are on Ben Yehuda with his parents who Chaim played in the league), I have us is so nice year-round, the season together for so long. Also, even though had been in for Pesach and were due become used to the Five Towns version began some time after Sukkot and will to return to the USA the following of the season. Just after Purim the sea- end in the middle of June. That’s right, Continued on Page 24 week. I was telling them about our chol ha’moed trip with my in-laws to S’derot and how great it felt to help support the people there and provide them with income. (The article I wrote about chol ha’moed was submitted after deadline and didn’t make the paper, but can be read at www.aliyahchronicles.blogspot.com.) Donny and Tzippy had never been to S’derot, and we agreed that the next Friday outing (upon Donny’s return from overseas) would be breakfast and shopping in S’derot. On Tuesday there was a rocket that landed in Ashkelon, and with reports of other rockets in the area, Goldie and Tzippy both expressed their concern about heading there at this time and the initial plans were cancelled. On Friday morning, we were ready to head to Modiin when we all decid- ed to just go to S’derot and let Hashem take care of the details. On our way there, when Donny men- tioned that seven rockets had fallen in S’derot the day before, Goldie began to get apprehensive. Driving through S’derot is difficult. There are concrete bunkers every few blocks, bus stops have been converted to bomb shelters, and the construction of the ganim (preschools) are clearly different than the rest of the country in the way they are reinforced. When you think that S’derot is less than an hour’s drive from our home, it is also somewhat unsettling. We found a café and enjoyed a nice quiet breakfast, (although Donny visi- bly jumped at any loud noise that occurred) and then started to browse the shops. The first storekeeper men- tioned how crazy the day before had been, asked us where we were from, and then effusively gushed his thanks to us for coming to his store, saying that we were his first customers of the day. The entire morning was like that, and we really took pride in being there and helping support the people with- out their having to take a handout. My sister called to wish me “Shabbat shalom” while we were there and after her initial shock that we were actually in S’derot asked me to look for 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 23 Our Aliyah Chronicle write about are a small segment of the Continued from Page 23 chareidi community. Most of them are not violent, nor do they participate in Mordechai was officially not in the the rock throwing or harassment that league (he was a few months too does, unfortunately, happen. They young to sign up), he came to prac- don’t do anything to stop it, and I per- tices and the kids saw that he was a sonally believe that deep in their good player and agreed with us (the hearts they truly support these peo- coaches) when we snuck him into the ple—but the real crazies are definitely lineup on the days we were shorthand- only a minority. They are just more vis- ed. So he had a chance to play as well. ible because of their actions. (Don’t tell the commish.) Secondly, when I embarked upon Another thing—Shabbat meals out. this weekly journey with you, the goal It seems like there isn’t a Shabbat that was to write a diary of sorts and try to goes by when we do not either have have you feel as if you were standing company or are company for at least next to me as events unfolded. It is a one meal. With thousands of students very personal description of things that and tourists visiting the country for a happen to me and my family, here in week to a year, there are a lot of peo- Bet Shemesh. In Bet Shemesh (as in ple to visit with. Another factor is the some other places as well), there is a fact that the community is constantly very vocal minority group of chareidim growing and changing as new people that have an effect upon our lives. As move in, and we all are trying to get to such, I write about it. I am sure that if know one another. We do a lot less I lived in Ranaana, Efrat, or going out during the week than we Chashmonaim, I would write a lot less did, but our Shabbatot are much about chareidim and a lot more about more active. concerns specific to those areas. O One thing I did get this week was some feedback. I get a few e-mails Shmuel Katz is the director of Yeshivat Eretz HaTzvi in the Katamon neighborhood in each month from someone comment- Jerusalem. Shmuel, his wife Goldie, and their six ing on an article I wrote or point I children made aliyah in July of 2006. Prior to his aliyah, Shmuel was the executive director of made. Most of the e-mails are critical; the Yeshiva of South Shore in Hewlett. You can people who agree with me have no contact him at [email protected]. need to tell me so, but the detractors want to make their point. This person was concerned that I was giving WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? chareidim a bad rap and that most of WE WANT TO KNOW! you might get the wrong impression about them from my articles. So I E-MAIL US AT wanted to reiterate two points. [email protected] The first is that the chareidim I

24 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ter than the one I paid for. tonal qualities of the bean provide a sen- In other coffee news, Le Chocolat sory experience that can best be appre- of Cedarhurst, famous for its high-end ciated by cleansing the palate with a chocolates, has officially thrown its fresh piece of Aztec Crunch chocolate. hat into the high-end coffee ring. In any case, stop in for a try and let me Already known for great chocolate, know what you think. superb ice cream, and heavenly milk- shakes, it seemed to proprietor Yosaif Extra! Extra! Rockaway Rezoning Krohn that the move to quality yet Approved By Community Board 14 Coffee Conceits affordable coffee was the next logical Below is an excerpt from the step in the product line. Department of City Planning website: Of course, what kind of journalist The Department of City Planning has Well, here we are, approaching the spend the next half hour trying to get would I be if I didn’t actually try the cof- proposed a comprehensive rezoning strat- first anniversary of The Hock of the out of the parking lot. Well, I am here fee before reporting on it! I am pleased egy for 280 blocks of the Rockaway Rock. Yes, I know it comes as a sur- Peninsula extending more than six miles prise to many of you how time has in Queens Community District 14. crept up on us and that a full year, one Over the past century, the Rockaway spring to the next, has passed and we That nagging thought in the back of my Peninsula has evolved from a summer- find ourselves a year older—and per- time destination to a series of unique haps even a year wiser, based on the and varied oceanfront communities. In collection of important news and event mind compelled me to find out if the free the last several years, the neighborhoods clippings that is The Hock. of the Rockaways have witnessed a rapid I am well aware that there are editions version tasted any better. increase in new development, buoyed by of The Hock that find a permanent place the success of the Arverne-by-the-Sea in the hearts and minds of the readers of project and the desirability of living at this well-written and thoughtful column, or near the city’s oceanfront. Much of and do not think for a minute that the to report with certainty and conviction to say that the full-bodied blend I tried gravity and importance of the words that that the free iced coffee tasted no bet- makes a strong first impression and the Continued on Page 26 appear on this page are lost upon your humble correspondent. I am frequently approached by individuals who were so taken and moved by some of The Hock that it became necessary for them to express their satisfaction and, more fre- quently, their dissatisfaction when they see me in person. It therefore has become important to me to hear your ideas and impressions. If you would like to share some of your thoughts and feel- ings on any Hock of the Rock—past, present, or future—please feel free to send your letters to the editor. And now, on to something important. I admit it—I was taken in. Although I was able to hold myself back from attending free pizza day at K4 Pizza on Cornaga Avenue in Far Rockaway, on May 15 I found myself inside the Dunkin Donuts on Rockaway Turnpike and Burnside Avenue waiting for my free iced coffee. Of course, I was able to justify my presence there by chalking it up to my journalistic responsibility to my readers to report on such a newsworthy event. I had a lot of time to convince myself of this, since on a regular day it is an ordeal to get in and out of the parking lot, but on free iced coffee day it was an ordeal squared. I’m not even sure why I wanted their free iced coffee. In all honesty, it was not too long ago that I bought one of their iced coffees and was sorely disap- pointed. But that nagging thought in the back of my mind compelled me to find out if the free version tasted any better. The lines were long. The anticipation was great. I counted at least six people who wanted to know if they could take one or more coffees to their friends in some location that prevented them from participating in person. Many were dis- appointed that although the picture in the advertisement appeared to be a large iced coffee, they were in fact only giving out small iced coffees. By the time I got to the counter, the line was even longer, with what seemed like busloads of teenagers from surrounding schools. By this point, there were two things I was sure of: One, I would not be requesting an extra coffee for my co- worker who was back at the office. And two, I would take my small coffee and 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 25 THE HOCK OF THE ROCK Continued from Page 25 the development, however, has been out of context with the existing neighbor- hoods due to outdated zoning that is largely unchanged from 1961. As a result, the neighborhoods have been threatened by new developments which are inconsistent with the prevailing scale, density, and built character. The proposed contextual rezoning changes aim to reinforce and protect the special character of the five Rockaway neighborhoods: Rockaway Park, Rockaway Beach, Somerville, Edgemere, and Far Rockaway. The proposal would protect the low scale of the peninsula’s distinctive housing stock, including near- ly 200 of the Rockaway’s famed bunga- lows, as well as many blocks containing one- and two-family homes. The proposal would also provide for moderate retail and housing opportunities in select loca- tions near transit and establish new regu- lations to address parking demand gener- ated by new development.” Perhaps the most interesting part of Zoning map courtesy of Department of City Planning of New York.

all this is that there is a neighborhood on the Rockaway Peninsula called Somerville. I certainly had no idea and apparently many of the residents at the community board meeting who thought they lived in Arverne immediately raised the rates on their rentals after learning they lived in Somerville. The new zoning designation slated to go into effect in the next few months for the Far Rockaway area is R2X. This is not a familiar zoning designation for many, since there is only one other place in New York City that has that designation, and that is selected areas of Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn. The R2X zoning significantly increases the FAR (floor area ratio—the amount of living space in relation to the total size of the property) to 1.02 with an attic allowance. And with smaller side and backyard requirements, there is greater flexibility for residents who wish to increase their home size. The area affected by this rezone are “generally bounded by B. 9th Street, Empire Avenue, the Nassau County line, and Hicksville Road.” The ability to do more with properties located in this area should create a higher demand for properties and ultimately higher prop- erty values. Well, really that ultimately would lead to higher property taxes, but you get the point. In the nearly 6,000 property lots that are affected by this zoning peninsula- wide, there was one block that came under contention at the community board meeting, and that honor goes to Beach 116th Street. The debate as to whether upzoning to R7A would improve the neighborhood through increased development interest was fierce. Residents of the area and non-residents alike had very strong feelings about this issue, but with the motion for the penin- sula-wide zoning change being voted on and approved by the community board, any concerns about specific blocks should be addressed to the borough pres- ident and then on to the City Council. Well, that’s it for now. Stay safe, and we’ll be in touch… O Eli Shapiro can be reached at his group “I love Hock of The Rock” at facebook.com. 26 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 27 28 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

A Mother’s Musings

Much Thanks BY PHYLLIS J. L UBIN

As I sit before the comput- er screen, I find myself pon- dering life (more specifically, my own). A few interesting observations came up over the weekend that I think warrant sharing with you this week.

Our children have been exposed to, and have come to accept, those with limitations.

We celebrated another suc- cessful conclusion to Kulanu’s Sunday program yesterday with a “show” put on by the kids (including my own) and the shadows who diligently give of themselves each and every Sunday. It was, of course, wonderful to see the kids perform, but more impor- tantly it was moving to see the smiling faces of the shadows who work with them. These youngsters volunteer their time to help our children with special needs. I need to specifically thank Dani Davis, who has given so much to my son Yussie through both the Kulanu Sunday program and the Friendship Circle over the past few years! Who knew from such pro- grams when my friends and I were growing up? We were never exposed to these “spe- cial” children. They were a total mystery to us. Frankly, I must admit, as a youth, chil- dren with special needs scared me. We didn’t have the opportunity to know such children. Truth be told, even as a young married mother of four (life before Yussie), I did- n’t know how to cope when confronted with kids who looked “different.” But the world we live in today is not the same. Our children understand. Our children have been exposed to, and have come to accept, those with limitations. At the Annual Kulanu Fair

Continued on Page 39 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 29

But I Just Saw Him!

Ordinarily, most of us don’t take saying “Oh, how awful. I’m so sorry.” note of whom we last spoke to or People are sorry, of course, and they do where we were when we had the con- think it’s awful, certainly; but they versation. If we happen to hear of never leave it at that. Proclamations of someone who lost a dramatic amount horror are accompanied by a subcon- of weight, we respond with, “Wow, scious sense of wonderment: How is it that’s great. She must look terrific.” possible that I just saw him and now And that’s the end of it. We don’t feel he’s gone? a burning desire to state the time and A proclamation about the time and location when we saw her last. place of the last sighting is routinely But should someone, G-d forbid, followed with an observation. “He pass away—suddenly or otherwise— looked fine. He wasn’t sick or any- it’s another story. Everyone weighs in thing.” Or, “She looked a little pale, with a comment about the last time he but she said she was just tired. She saw the deceased. As soon we hear the seemed okay. We even chatted for terrible news, the first thing out of our quite a while.” mouths inevitably includes the word It’s as though we think that having just. I just saw him three weeks ago. I recently seen a person offers a guaran- met her shopping in the supermarket tee that he or she is in good health and just last Thursday. Just last Shabbos he will remain that way. Unfortunately, was in shul. A serious car accident, or that’s not the way it works. Meeting a bad fall with long-term conse- and speaking to someone offers no quences, also elicits the same type of promise that he will be around for observation. We can’t believe that if we another conversation. just saw a person, something bad could These same phenomena hold true have happened to him. even when the stricken party survives. No one ever keeps it simple. When When we learn that someone col- the tragedy is an untimely demise, the lapsed with a heart seizure or a stroke, sense of shock and despair are natural- there’s a universal response: “What? ly overwhelming. So no one stops after How could that be? She was so

30 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES healthy! She ate right, she exercised, ference? Who really cares if we just and she did all the right things.” This saw him? Unless this person recently is often followed by, “I just saw her at went into hibernation, a lot of people the gym.” As if anyone who goes to a just saw him. gym will not only live a long life, but It doesn’t end there. As soon as the will never have a sick day! There are no usual proclamations and observations guarantees. are exhausted, the questions begin. In We’re horrified by nasty surprises, cases where the victim wasn’t well and most people need to express that known to the person who is just learn- horror. Apparently, saying that we ing of the tragedy, the questions are were just with that person is the best always the same: How old was he?

Meeting and speaking to someone offers no promise that he will be around for another conversation.

way to do it. To some extent, we take How many children did he have? things for granted. We need to. Where did he live? In the media, this Because if we didn’t, we’d always be is referred to as “human interest.” waiting for the next disaster to befall And with good reason. We are, after us or someone we know. So we like to all, human, and we are most assured- think, “I’m fine, and you’re fine, and ly interested. But more importantly, since we met and we had a pleasant we care. And it’s for that reason that, chat, I assume that we’ll both be when we hear bad news that’s painful around to meet and greet again.” to process, we need to share our What’s really going on here is that thoughts. We share, and we vent. And everyone knows that if it can happen when there is more than one untime- to the other guy, it can happen to him. ly incident in a short period of time, It’s for this reason that the we wonder, “What’s going on?” response to bad news always starts The shul where Hubby and I daven with the inevitable “I just saw him” routine. The reality is, what’s the dif- Continued on Page 32

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 31 THAT’S THE WAY IT IS! them with a serious event. But Continued from Page 31 baruch Hashem both were treated in a timely fashion and are on the road has a telephone message system. Many to recovery. synagogues employ this system, as it Chances are that some people allows for maximum expediency in let- made the usual proclamations and ting members know about a funeral observations. They may even have they might wish to attend. asked the usual questions, but this Unfortunately, sometimes there is time we got lucky. Happily, we get to what we refer to as a cluster. And wish them both a sincere refuah recently, within a two-week span, in sheleimah, a complete recovery. And a our community there was exactly such speedy one! O a cluster. Hardly a day went by without a call from the telephone message sys- Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a licensed real-estate broker associated with tem informing us that someone had Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at passed away. It was discomforting, to [email protected] or 516-902-3733. say the least. As always, after I had listened to more than one message notifying me about a death, I was wary. I held my Submit your photo breath each time I picked up the phone and heard that recorded mes- to the sage that starts with “This is a mes- 5 Towns Jewish Times! sage from the Young Israel of Woodmere phone message system. Please wait a moment.” The announcement might be about any- You can upload thing at all—a guest speaker coming to town, the time and date of a shul your digital photos meeting for all members, or a Youth Department event. My hope was to and see them hear that the announcement was printed in the about any of the above. Just so long as it wasn’t from the chevrah kadisha! weekly edition of the Sadly, for the past two weeks, I was disappointed more often than not. 5 Towns Jewish Times Added to the inevitable, but still sad, news of the passing of elderly people, last week was a most unusual www.5tjt.com/sendphotos one. Within a 24-hour period, two young people were stricken, each of

32 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 33 Dear Esther, wouldn’t have it any other way. My My situation and my question are a husband is a successful professional. bit unusual, I think, but I want to hear I would say that we both work hard what you say about it. I am a married and play hard. Again, in this area we woman with much to be grateful for. I are quite blessed. have a wonderful marriage to a good Though my schedule doesn’t allow man. Though I see many of my family me a huge amount of time for social- members and friends still struggling izing with my friends, I have man- with their spouses, I think that my aged to stay close to a few friends

We need to remember that we are not our stories and our stories do not have to define who we are.

husband and I have figured out how to from childhood. We get together for not only get along, but to really appre- dinner every so often, and feel close ciate one another. So that’s a very enough to jump right in and share good thing. our feelings and are very supportive I also have a very high-level job in of one another. a corporation, which I am proud of Sounds like a pretty good life, don’t and find interesting and fulfilling. I you think? The problem is that I have have quite a few people reporting to two grown children, a son and a me, and I enjoy the challenge and daughter. If you had asked me some 20 responsibility. I work hard, but years ago how I envisioned they would

34 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES be as adults, my answer would not have resembled who they are today in the slightest. They’ve both chosen lifestyles unlike what they saw at home, and this reality causes my hus- band and me a tremendous amount of pain. They are not horrible people, just nothing like what we always hoped for and somehow naturally expected. I know that I have so much to be grateful for, and yet I seem to be unable to feel truly happy. It’s like there is always a pit in the bottom of my stomach that never goes away. Let’s take last Sunday, for instance. My husband and I had an amazing day planned. We spent the day in Manhattan, bike-riding in Central Park, visiting two museums, and hav- ing dinner at a wonderful restaurant. The company and conversation were great. And yet…there is always a sad- ness in me that I can’t seem to shake off. Even if I’m in the middle of an important meeting with my superior, a part of my brain is always pulled back to the situation with my children and the sadness that it provokes in me. I don’t seem to know how to just let go of the disappointment in my life and focus on all of the good stuff that I’ve been blessed with. I know that no one has everything, and I keep telling myself that Hashem has a plan and I need to just go with it. But of course, it’s easier said than done. I want to be happy, and I know that I would have more to give to everyone else in my life if I felt truly happy. Feeling so much sadness certainly isn’t helping anyone. How does one put aside this kind of pain and live a full life? Torn

Dear Torn, Thank you for your very honest depiction of how it feels to live in our society with children who have chosen to follow a different path than the one they were raised to embrace. How dis- appointing this must feel for you. But it is disturbing that this situation seems to overshadow the many won- derful blessings that your life contains, blocking you from feeling true happi- ness and contentment. It sounds as though you’ve become obsessed to some degree with this unfortunate part of your life. Why do you sound so helpless in your ability to get a handle on this obsession? I, for one, can think of some possible reasons why your children have become the primary focus of your life, as painful as that may be, over-

Continued on Page 37

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 35 Laundry rooms are taking different For those with large wonderful forms in newly constructed homes as basements and a desire to spread out well as existing homes where home- even more, all kinds of options are owners are using the space they have open to you, such as large laundry in creative ways to have more laundry centers with folding tables, extra- space. Some of the newer homes offer large machines, etc. full laundry rooms on the bedroom So, What’s With The Laundry Room? level—some of them the size of an additional bedroom, with room for the We are slowly leaving behind the gents, softeners, and other cleaning washer and dryer (and sometimes even Choose great cabinetry days of trekking down to the dark, items. Islands with fold-down tables for two washers and two dryers for con- dank basement with the overloaded extra space and even long counters on venience), as well as space for hanging that can do everything laundry basket. Today, new upbeat which to fold laundry. Even ergonomi- wet clothes, with ceramic floors with laundry rooms liven up the drudgery of cally correct ironing boards—some floor drains for excess water. Some are from hiding the detergent washing clothes. What better way to free-standing with smaller arms even set up as a combined laundry improve this monotonous chore and attached for shirtsleeves or hard-to- room/linen room, with floor-to-ceiling and fabric softener to save time and effort than to add some reach places, as well as fold-down iron- cabinets to hold linens, towels, and modern convenience to your home’s ing boards very much like Murphy beds other freshly laundered items. concealing clothes that laundry room! So many new ideas and which fold back into a cabinet, hidden Owners of homes without space formats are replacing the “washing from sight when not in use. Extra sinks available for bedroom-level laundry need to air dry. machine and dryer in the corner of the with countertops for stain removing rooms are availing themselves of the basement” mode. and soaking options, and free-standing next level of convenience, by merging The new laundry room (or even steamers for automatic wrinkle their laundry rooms with their first- laundry area) brings a little lavishness removal for people on the go. With fea- floor kitchen or mudroom areas so as Making your own creative laundry as well as convenience to the arduous tures like these, it’s easy to see why to have the convenience of throwing in room can be as expensive or inexpen- job of doing the laundry. Imagine ener- more and more homeowners are a wash or folding a load of clothes sive as you want it to be. You can make gy-efficient as well as attractive appli- demanding upscale laundry rooms for while cooking or watching the children this a do-it-yourself project, or you can ances. Cabinetry to hide the deter- their homes. play outdoors. hire an interior designer to make some dramatic changes. Whether a DIY project or a professional job, there are still some basics to creating a laundry room. First, start with the appliances and build around them. Go to the local home improvement store and peruse the washer/dryer section. Find the washer and dryer that have the fea- tures you need to clean your clothes, but also the look you want. Choose great cabinetry that can do everything from hiding the detergent and fabric softener to concealing clothes that need to air dry. Next, have some fun. Paint the walls an eye-catching color. Choose flooring that is unique—an unusual tile selec- tion, for example. And don’t forget the lighting. Instead of the standard fluo- rescent lighting, find some fun fixtures to add pizzazz to your laundry room. Add a TV—then ask the kids to help with the laundry. What a concept! O

Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a licensed real-estate broker (Anessa V Cohen Realty) and a licensed N.Y.S. mortgage broker (A.C. Action Mortgage Corp.) with over 20 years of experience, offering full-service residential and commercial real-estate services in the Five Towns and throughout the tri-state area. She can be reached at 516-569-5007 or via her website, www.AVCrealty.com. Readers are encouraged to send questions or comments to [email protected].

For the next issue, deadline for reserving ad space is Monday, May 26 at 5:00 P.M.

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36 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES MINDBIZ Continued from Page 35 shadowing the many gifts and accomplishments you’ve pointed out. Some of the reasons are external and some internal. But before I explore those ideas, I’d like you to ask yourself a few important questions: Is someone in your shoes allowed to be happy? Do you give your- self permission to be happy? Is the par- ent of disappointing children entitled to happiness? In other words, is this about guilt? Do you feel that had you parented your children differently, they would be “regulars,” as opposed to “irregulars”? And therefore, since you “blew it” as a parent, the price you must pay is a lifetime of unhappiness? Lots of questions…and we’ll get to some answers shortly. But first, let’s get to some of the external and internal stimuli that seem to constantly hijack your emotions just when you’re all set to relax and enjoy. Since you’re reading this paper, I’m going to make a few assumptions about you. I’m going to assume you live in the Five Towns or elsewhere in the New York area, and also that you fall somewhere on the spectrum of Jewish Orthodoxy. Let’s talk about what it’s like to live under these cir- cumstances as a mother. Though we women are all over the place—working, volunteering, study- ing, managing homes, and basically making the world a better place in so many fabulous ways—we are viewed by so many of our peers, first and fore- most, as mothers. Have you noticed how often you can bump into someone you haven’t seen in years and before they ask anything about you, they ask, “So—how are the kids?” or, “What are the kids up to?” Interesting questions, considering that often they don’t even know if you’re married, let alone if you have any kids. There seems to be an enormous interest and curiosity about “the kids.” (The “why” of this is for another column.) It’s hard to get away from these encounters. So, try as you might to focus on the parts of your life that give you satisfaction or fulfill- ment, it’s hard to disconnect from this pervasive fascination that so many people seem to engage in, which man- ages to catch you off guard and leave you feeling victimized in some convo- luted way. Next there is the internal stimulus. Though you sound like a very suc- cessful professional woman, I have no doubt that you tackled your job of being a mother with as much com- mitment, love, and joy as you did your 9-to-5 job. However, when it comes to parenting children, unlike moving up the corporate ladder, one plus one doesn’t always equal two. There are so many variables that go into the development of a human being. So much is out of our hands. And yet, it’s hard to accept the fact that it doesn’t add up. Dashed dreams, constantly replaying the tape to examine and re- examine where and when things went wrong, disappointment, anger—the list goes on. Another message that we are pro-

Continued on Page 38 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 37 MINDBIZ Continued from Page 37

grammed to internalize is that our children should turn out exactly like ourselves, but better. Competition is fierce, and expectations are ram- pant. Though your children do not resemble the image that you had for them, might there be qualities in them, though different from what you expected and perhaps are accustomed to seeing all around you, that are unique and worthy of your love and appreciation? Would it be helpful for you and your hus- band to redefine your expec- tations and open your hearts to a different type of child, surely possessing some admirable qualities just the same? All of us are made up of many stories. Some of our stories are quite beautiful and inspiring and some are downright ugly; some lack clarity and some are absolutely confounding. Yet we need to remember that we are not our stories and our stories do not have to define who we are. They are merely chapters in our lives that hopefully teach us valu- able lessons and enable us to grow. Where your children are holding today (and, not to sound too Pollyannaish, but you really never know where their futures lie) does not have to be the theme of your life. You’ve accom- plished a great deal, figured out how to love and be loved, and made an impressive life for yourself. It’s your choice to not allow others—and, more important, not allow yourself—to press your hot button. Yes, you are absolute- ly entitled to be happy and feel at peace, despite your disappointments. We are all ultimately responsible for our own happiness. It boils down to perspective and choice. Esther

Esther Mann, LMSW, has a private practice in Lawrence. Esther is a psychotherapist and life coach and can be reached at 516-314-2295 or [email protected]. She works with individuals, couples, premarital couples, and families.

At 5TJT.com you can enjoy articles in 3 ways: 1. Read 2. Print 3. Email

38 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES A Mother’s Musings Continued from Page 29 this week, we were fortunate to see the melding of the population. Our special children went on rides and played games alongside the other (typical) children of our community. Our spe- cial children were not shunned as in years past, and were accepted by their peers. Between the rain drops all the kids marveled at the magicians and laughed as they bounced on the pony rides. My thanks to all involved! My husband and I concluded our Sunday with a night out at an “Evening of Volunteer Recognition” at the Friendship Circle of the Chabad of the Five Towns. How privileged I was to be able to see so many volunteers who give up their valuable free time to visit our children’s homes every week or spend time with them at the monthly Sunday Circles sponsored by the Friendship Circle. Words cannot express how touched my family has been to have Deena Sturm and Batya Kupferstein visit our home every Wednesday night! But, alas, there is more work to be done. There are still people who stare in the supermarket, people who have not been taught how to react. But I pray that we are on the right track. Those people who don’t understand seem to be in the minority now. Slowly but surely everyone will come to love all our children and accept the impor- tant ingredient they add to our lives! O

Phyllis Joy Lubin is an attorney with Rosenfeld & Maidenbaum, LLP, who resides in Cedarhurst with her husband Leonard and six children: Naftali, Shoshana, Rivka, Rochel, Yosef, and Lea. She welcomes your questions and comments at [email protected].

If you walk in My statutes… I will give your rain in due season

(Vayikra 26:3) Doubtless the religions of those times—as do the religions of our times—all promised rewards destined for the soul after its departure from the body, so as to distance the proof of their claims. Because they are not in possession of the truth, they cannot promise an immanent and tangible sign… But our Torah makes promises that can be confirmed in the here and now—something that no other teaching can do.

(Ran)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 39 He demands of us? Is there any legal His commands.” basis to our petitions to G-d in our Others adopt the less apathetic atti- daily prayers for material life, health, tude of the employee. “I have a job to and sustenance? (For although G-d do,” is their approach, “and I’ll give it invented these laws, He too, by choice, my best effort. And has G-d not prom- is bound by them. In the words of the ised to reward my toil? True, our Sages Midrash, Sh’mos Rabbah 30:6, “G-d’s have established that ‘there is no way is not like the way of flesh and reward for mitzvos in this world’; but blood. The way of flesh and blood is certainly the eventual rewards of the From The Chassidic Masters that he instructs others to do, but does not do himself; G-d, however, what He Himself does, that is what He tells Eating On The Job Israel to do and observe.”) There are, in fact, To define G-d’s legal obligations to us, we first need to define our legal The Torah reading of Bechukkosai why does it speak of material rewards, relationship with Him. There are, in three models for this opens with G-d’s promise of material awarded in our physical lifetimes upon fact, three models for this relationship: prosperity for those who adhere to His earth? Wouldn’t spiritual blessings, the slave, the employee, and the part- relationship: the commandments: “If you walk in My awarded to the soul after it is freed ner. statutes and keep My commandments from the confines and limitations of Which of these models our individ- slave, the employee, and do them, I will give your rain in the body, more aptly reciprocate a ual life fits into is entirely up to us. due season, the land shall yield its pro- G-dly life? Indeed, the Talmud states The Talmud (Megillah 12b) states: “In duce, and the trees of the field shall so in so many words: “Today [i.e., in the manner in which man measures and the partner. yield their fruit…” The parashah goes this world], to do them [the mitzvos]; himself, so is meted out to him.” G-d on to list the multiple blessings that tomorow [i.e., in the World To Come], leaves it to us to define our vision of will flow when we faithfully carry out to receive reward.” The Talmud cites life and our relationship with Him, and the Divine plan for life on earth one authority who categorically states, then relates to us accordingly. So it is World to Come will more than com- (Vayikra 26:3–13). “There is no reward for mitzvos in this up to us whether to perceive—and pensate for my present-day labors.” Many of the commentaries struggle world” (Eruvin 22a, derived from thus define—the labor of life via the This vision of life—life as a job—is to explain this emphasis on material Devarim 7:11). mentality of the “slave,” the attitude of expressed by the talmudic sage Rabbi reward for the observance of the As we said, numerous commentaries the “employee,” or the perspective of Tarfon in the closing words of the sec- mitzvos. Did not our Sages (in Pirkei and scholars discuss this contradic- the “partner.” ond chapter of Avos: Avos 1:3) state the ideal: “Do not be as tion, seeking to reconcile the Torah’s Some are apt to see themselves as “The day is short, the work is much, servants who serve their master for the promises in Bechukkosai (and other slaves of an autocratic master. “I didn’t the workers are lazy, the reward is sake of receiving a reward, but rather places) with the principles cited above, ask to be born,” goes this line of think- great, and the Master is pressing… It be as servants who serve their master which are also rooted in Torah. In one ing, “nor was I consulted when the is not incumbent upon you to finish not for the sake of receiving a reward”? of his talks, the Lubavitcher Rebbe laws of life were formulated. All this the task, but neither are you free to Are we not enjoined, as Rambam puts approaches the issue from a legal was imposed on me. As it says in Avos, absolve yourself from it. If you have it, to “do the truth because it is true”? angle. Using Torah law as our criteri- ‘Against your will you are born, and learned much Torah, you will be great- And if the Torah does have its reasons on, what would G-d’s obligations against your will you die.’ My Master is to promise to reward a righteous life, toward us be when we fulfill the tasks all-powerful, so I had best carry out Continued on Page 41

40 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ly rewarded, and your not obligate Him toward us in must be paid only at the con- slave, acquires for himself a The employee. In Devarim Employer is trustworthy to any way, at least not regarding clusion of the employment” master…” (Mishneh Torah, 23:24–25 we read: “When pay you the reward of your our material needs and wants. (Talmud, Eruvin 22a). So Laws of Slaves 1:9; Talmud, labors. Know that the reward If we are His slaves, G-d when G-d tells us, “Today, is Kiddushin 20a). Continued on Page 42 of the righteous is in the already owns the product of the time to do; tomorrow, to World to Come.” our toil. On the other receive reward,” this is fully in Finally, there are those who extreme, if we are His part- keeping with the laws He experience life as a partner- ners, we are laboring for our- instituted to govern the ship. They, too, are “slaves” in selves as well as for Him: for employer-employee relation- the sense that they acknowl- the “partner”—to again quote ship: He owes us our wages edge G-d’s absolute mastery Avos—“The reward of a mitz- only upon the completion of over their lives; they, too are vah is the mitzvah itself.” the collective task for which “employees” in the sense that When the perfect world that He has “hired” us. He has defined their life’s is the aim of G-d and man’s assignment and has promised “joint venture” is complete, Get A Better Lawyer to reward them for their labor. this will itself yield the ulti- This is what a cursory look But they also believe that man mate spiritual and material at the law yields. But a more has been granted the ability to reward for man. “At that thorough examination reveals elevate life into a partnership time,” writes Rambam in the a series of laws that G-d com- with G-d. As G-d’s partners, closing words of his Mishneh manded in His Torah which they develop themselves and Torah, “There will be no would obligate Him to provide they develop their world in hunger or war, no jealousy or us with our daily needs in all accordance with the Divine rivalry. For the good will be three cases—whether we will—not only because they plentiful, and all delicacies define our duties toward Him must, nor merely to “do their available as dust… ‘For the as those of the slave, the job,” but as an intensely per- world shall be filled with the employee, or the partner. sonal enterprise. Life is their knowledge of G-d as the The slave. “A master is obli- joint venture with G-d—a ven- waters submerge the sea’ ” gated to make his Hebrew ture conceived and enabled by (Yeshayah 11:9). slave or Hebrew maid equal to Him, but fueled by their own The only one who might himself in food, drink, cloth- initiative and ambition. seem to have any legal claim ing, and dwelling. This is is the “employee.” Indeed, the derived from the verse ‘for it is The Initial Verdict Torah commands an employ- beneficial to him together with So, what does Torah law er, “Do not delay the wages of you’(Devarim 15:16.)—i.e., legislate in regard to these your employee overnight” you cannot eat fine bread and three models of the G-d–man (Vayikra 19:13). But this law feed him coarse bread; drink relationship? applies only to a day laborer, aged wine and have him drink At first glance, it would not to one who is hired for a new wine; sleep on soft fibers seem that however we define longer period or to accom- and have him sleep on our relationship with G-d, our plish a specific task. In such straw… Thus it has been said: life’s toil on His behalf does cases, the law is that “wages one who acquires a Hebrew

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 41 FROM THE CHASSIDIC MASTERS develop and perfect as a “profit shar- is written in it and knows it with a an employee, or merely the resigna- Continued from Page 41 ing” venture, Torah law mandates that complete knowledge merits thereby tion of a slave or beast of burden—He He also provide us with the daily the life of the World to Come… Yet will surely heed our requests and bless you enter your fellow’s vineyard (as an expenses our work entails. G-d also promised us in the Torah that us with a health, sustenance, and employee), you may eat your fill of This is the basis for Rambam’s if we observe it with joy…He will tranquility. O grapes, at your desire… When you explanation of the material, this- remove from us all things that may Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher enter the standing crop of your fellow, worldly rewards promised by the Torah prevent us from fulfilling it, such as ill- Rebbe; adapted by Yanki Tauber. Courtesy of you may pluck grain with your when the people of Israel fulfill the ness, war, hunger, etc., and He will MeaningfulLife.com. hands…” These verses are interpreted commandments of the Torah (Mishneh bestow upon us all blessings that bol- by our Sages to mean: “[Regarding] Torah, Laws of Repentance 9:1): ster our hand to observe the Torah, workers who are employed in process- “Since we know that the reward for such as abundant food, peace, and ing produce of the earth that has not Five of you shall yet reached its final desired state…the employer is commanded to allow them pursue a hundred, to eat from the produce they are work- and a hundred of you ing with.” This is quite apart from the wages owed to the employee upon When G-d gives us a world to develop shall put ten completion of the term of his employ- ment. This law applies to work animals and perfect as a “profit sharing” venture, thousand to flight as well; as the Torah (Devarim 25:4) commands, “Do not muzzle an ox (Vayikra 26:8) while it is threshing” (Rashi ad loc.; Torah law mandates that He also provide Mishneh Torah, Laws of Hire 12:1). But is this the right The partner. A law dealing with a us with the daily expenses. proportion? It should have partnership that parallels our own joint endeavor with the Al-mighty stated only “and a hundred reads: “If a person gives eggs to a of you shall pursue two chicken farmer so that he seat his chickens on them until they hatch and the mitzvos is…the life of the World to much gold and silver, so that we need thousand.” But the raise the chicks, with the understand- Come…why does it say throughout the not preoccupy ourselves all our days explanation is: a few who ing that the profit is to be divided Torah, ‘If you obey, you will receive with our material needs but be free to between them, he is obligated to also such and such; if you do not obey, it learn the wisdom and observe the com- fulfill the commandments of pay him his labor and feeding costs” shall happen to you such and such’— mandments by which we shall merit the Torah cannot compare (Mishneh Torah, Laws of Agents and all this, things that are of the present the life of the World to Come…” with the many who Partners 8:1; Talmud, Bava Metzia world, such as plenty and hunger, war So, concludes the Rebbe, when we 68b). To have the chicken farmer and peace, sovereignty and subjuga- approach G-d in prayer, we can do so fulfill the commandments of hatch the eggs and raise the chicks tion, inhabitancy of the land and exile, with the confidence that no matter the Torah. solely for the promise of profit would success and failure, etc.?… The expla- what level we have attained in identi- be a violation of the prohibition nation of this [apparent contradiction] fying with our life’s mission—whether (Toras Kohanim; Rashi) against usury (see Rashi on Talmud, is: G-d gave us this Torah; it is a Tree we have achieved the commitment of ibid.). So when G-d gives us a world to of Life, and whoever observes all that a partner, or only the responsibility of

42 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 43

Mishnah, he is not spared the penalty. From this pasuk we learn that the mil- Having cast his lot with the others, he itary prowess of a single Jewish soldier shares their fate. is 20-fold that of his opponents; On the flip side, the same is true of hence, 5 Jews can cause 100 enemy mitzvah-doers, as the Mishnah con- soldiers to flee. Applying this 1:20 cludes: “If the Torah punishes some- ratio, if 100 Jewish soldiers confront one who is inherently superfluous to a their counterparts, they should cause a crime, how much the more so will it flight of 2,000 combatants. Yet, the reward someone who participates— above verse concludes, “And 100 of albeit extraneously—in a mitzvah.” you shall pursue 10,000.” It would Mishnas Chayim On The Parashah This notion begs explanation. Why appear that something doesn’t add up. should the Torah reward someone Rashi, quoting Chazal, explains that whose participation in a mitzvah is the pasuk is imparting to us an impor- Joint Endeavors unnecessary for its fulfillment? tant concept: “A situation where a Perhaps the answer lies in an apparent small number of people fulfills the mathematical discrepancy that arises Torah is incomparable to a situation Consider the following scenario, group is held culpable, despite the fact in this week’s parashah. where a larger number participates.” which commonly occurs at a wedding: that some of them may have been When it comes to its fulfillment, the In the midst of jubilant simchas chasan totally extraneous. The Torah grants Strength In Numbers Torah places a premium on a large v’kallah, the chasan’s friends hoist him full credibility to a pair of witnesses; Before delineating the retributions turnout. Apparently, the benefits up on a chair. As the chasan is being even if 2 are pitted against 100, the of the tochachah (admonition), the increase exponentially. bounced up and down by his boister- case ends in a stalemate. Therefore, if Torah promises a wealth of blessing to ous buddies, along comes another fel- Chazak, Chazak, V’Nischazek low who tries to get in on the action. To illustrate this idea, Rav Boruch Reaching into the fray, he barely man- Sorotzkin (HaBinah v’haBerachah, p. ages to touch the chair, yet he contin- If one of them were to slack off in the 240) provides the example of learning ues to maintain his pinky-grip on it, as Torah. Suppose someone rises early to if his assistance is invaluable to the learn by himself; truly splendid. Yet, if entire endeavor. coming days, it would probably be only a two people decide to do the same, an Despite the apparent futility of this entirely new dynamic comes into play. fellow’s “assistance,” from Chazal’s matter of time before the other one Not only are they learning, but they point of view, it appears that this benefit from each other’s presence. If “helper” is rewarded for his efforts—as followed suit. one of them were to slack off in the much as those who are shouldering coming days, it would probably be only the bulk of the burden. a matter of time before the other one followed suit. Consequently, by merely A Fifth Wheel a group of 3, for example, testifies the Yidden if they will follow Hashem’s being there, each one provides auto- The Mishnah in Makkos 1:7 dis- falsely against someone, an argument laws. Included is a guarantee of fantas- matic chizuk for his friend’s learning. cusses the ramifications for false wit- could be made to acquit the third guy; tic victories over their enemies: In this way, each of them has a share nesses. When a group of witnesses is after all, his participation was super- “Five of you shall give chase to a exposed as false, every witness in the fluous. Nevertheless, according to the hundred of them…” (Vayikra 26:8). Continued on Page 46

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MISHNAS CHAYIM action. Who knows; without his pinky- Continued from Page 44 sized contribution, the other friends might have petered out and dropped in the other’s mitzvah, since the pres- the chair. That wouldn’t have made the ence of one facilitates the learning of chasan and kallah too happy! O the other. In other words, in a group setting, Kindly take a moment to study Mishnas Chayim in the merit of Soroh bas Avrohom a’h, a fellow the merit of the individual increases Jew who passed away with no relatives to arrange exponentially, because of his mere Torah study on behalf of her neshamah. Mishnas Chayim is brought to you by Chevrah presence. When 100 people learn Lomdei Mishnah, a network of Torah scholars Torah together, this endeavor contains dedicated to bringing the merits of Mishnah more than just 100 collective mitzvos. study to the greater Jewish public. Encompassing Mishnah, Gemara, and a variety of other Each individual is fulfilling his person- services, Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah primarily al mitzvah of talmud Torah; additional- assists mourners interested in acquiring the merit of Torah study for their loved ones. They can be ly, he is “causing” the fulfillment of the contacted at 732–364–7029 or at mitzvah by the other 99 participants. www.societyformishnahstudy.org. O This means that each individual is ful- filling 100 mitzvos apiece; the group is actually producing 10,000 (100 times 100) mitzvos. I have broken the Perhaps we can understand the Mishnah in Makkos in this vein, as bars of your yoke, well. The Mishnah had been referring and made you walk to a scenario where a mitzvah was car- ried out together with people whose upright participation was unnecessary; yet they are guaranteed equal reward. In (Vayikra 26:13) light of Rav Sorotzkin’s explanation, we can perceive a real benefit to their An animal walks with its involvement. True, without them, the face to the earth, for mitzvah could have been accom- plished. Yet, as we have seen, their very earthiness and materiality is presence lends encouragement to the all that it knows. Man walks endeavor. In this sense, they are “aid- ing and abetting” those whose actions upright, for man was born were truly essential for the project. As to gaze upon and aspire to such, they share a stake in the fulfill- the Heavens. ment of the mitzvah. So the next time you’re at a wed- (Rabbi DovBer of Mezerich) ding, don’t look askance at the guy who’s also trying to get a piece of the

46 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 47 last words she spoke. and in agony, but with no ability to She was awake at the outset of the move even her pinkie. Her son remem- Letter Of The Law procedure, but at some point bers the tears rolling down her cheeks, appeared to be in pain, so the PA sim- while he tried to hold her hand, not BY MARCEL WEISMAN, colonic stent (a tube) in order to ply gave her more sedative, and con- knowing that she was fully paralyzed. ESQ. relieve the obstruction caused by the tinued what he was doing without It was not until almost five hours later tumor. Once she was feeling better, looking at her face. Shortly thereafter, that a resident noticed that she was the surgeon would do surgery to try her oxygen saturation began to drop. awake but fully paralyzed and unable Tales Of Malpractice and remove the tumor, thereby giving The PA looked down—green vomitus to tell anyone of her exquisite suffer- What to do when the worst hap- her the best chance to continue to see was all over her mouth and coming ing. Finally, after all this time, she was pens. Sometimes even the family does- her children and grandchildren for as out of her nose. The PA panicked, but given a sedative and permitted to drift n’t know. Successful litigation of med- long as possible. The stent placement the physician continued. When a off into sleep. She died in the early ical malpractice cases entails intense could be done as an outpatient proce- patient vomits during such a proce- morning hours of the next day. scrutiny. Often, records are altered dure; they were told the entire proce- dure, there is a risk of aspiration, The appalling facts of this case and medical staff do everything possi- dure was expected to take no more where the vomit enters into the lung. were not fully discovered until the ble to hide the truth from unsuspect- than 30 minutes. This is a life-threatening condition, deposition of the PA who had deliv- ing family members. Mrs. X went across the street to the often causing death within 24 hours. ered the anesthesia. Cocky as well as The following story illustrates outpatient department, where she and The PA called his supervisor, who ignorant, he seemed unmoved by the events which can only be discovered her son met the nice, earnest young rushed in to help. Mrs. X was first put catastrophic nature of his own negli- well after the complaint is filed. Mrs. X gastroenterologist who would place on a breathing machine, but her lung gence. Frankly, he did not seem to was 57 years old when she developed her stent. She was happy he was so status remained unclear. X-rays care. More importantly, it became severe abdominal pain, nausea, and kind, and she looked forward to hav- showed fluid throughout both lungs; apparent that no one from the hospi- vomiting. After several days, when it ing the procedure done so she could the worst had occurred. Then the real tal ever dared tell the family members didn’t stop, her son took her to the stop the constant vomiting she was problem started. It seemed as though about the horrific way in which their local hospital, where she was diag- experiencing. the supervising doctor felt that Mrs. mother died. nosed as having a colon tumor. She was brought into the procedure X’s best chances were to wake her up, If any lesson can be taken from Wanting only the best for his loved room and was met by seemingly effi- take her off the breathing machine, these sad events, it is that family mem- one, Mrs. X’s son soon signed her out cient nurses and physician’s assis- and let her try to breathe on her own. bers have a right to know. You have a of the local hospital with the intention tants—except for one. The young Indeed they woke her up and sat by right to ask questions and get proper of having her treated at a world- physician’s assistant performing her watching for well over an hour while answers. If something goes wrong or renowned cancer hospital. His goal anesthesia seemed a bit too anxious she struggled to breathe, her face con- doesn’t feel correct, insist on speaking was simple: get Mom the best possible and was not answering her questions. torted in pain. But after an hour, panic to someone with knowledge and care and the best possible chance for But believing in the doctors and the again ensued—Mrs. X’s numbers were answers. Do not accept brush-offs or recovery. What they ended up with stellar reputation of the cancer hospi- getting worse. If something wasn’t excuses. Most of all, demand the truth. remains an ongoing nightmare for the tal, she willingly submitted to having done, she would quickly die. A deci- The life you save may be your own. O entire family. the procedure done. She remembers sion was made to once again put her Mrs. X was seen the very day her son that as she lay down, she was told that back on the breathing machine. The Law Offices of Marcel Weisman and Mark Weisman has been practicing personal-injury law brought her to the chair of the depart- she was only going to be made com- But in the ensuing panic, she was for over 40 years. The firm is located at 45 ment of colon surgery at the cancer fortable and would not be put entirely given a medication to paralyze her, but Broadway in New York City (Wall Street Area) and 335 Central Avenue in Lawrence. For a free hospital, who recommended that Mrs. to sleep. She thanked everyone for try- nothing for pain or sedation. consultation, please call 866-WEISMAN or X immediately undergo placement of a ing to help save her. Those were the Paralyzed, she lay there—awake, alert, 212-968-9607.

48 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

York; and Michael A. Rebell, professor begin with. Every black belt started off and executive director, Campaign for as a white belt. Educational Equity at Teachers • Bullies are inclined to taunt chil- College, Columbia University. A non- dren who are timid and unconfident. profit professional and academic asso- Karate develops awareness and ciation, AEFA’s mission is to promote encourages assertiveness. It empha- understanding of how resources are sizes the effectiveness of the correct Touro Professor Presents Paper At Sciences, 2001; Dennis Walcott, generated, distributed, and used to body language and eye contact to make Annual AEFA Conference deputy mayor, New York City; and enhance human learning. O a child appear to be self-assured. Dr. Osnat Zaken, associate profes- Seymour Lachman, professor at • Victimized children are often gen- sor of education at Touro College in Aldelphi University. Health And Fitness tle and sensitive and do not want to do New York, presented a paper on the The AEFA conference, held April By Sensei Warren Levi karate, as they perceive it as a “fight- funding of public education in New 10–12, brought together some of the Dear Sensei Warren, ing” sport. While karate, like any other York City and New York State at the My child is overweight and as a sport, can result in injury, it teaches 33rd Annual Conference of the result is targeted by bullies. I feel self-defense and discourages aggres- American Education Finance that the children would not torment sion that might in turn make children Association (AEFA) held last month in him if he did karate and fought become bullies themselves. Students Denver, Colorado. back, but he refuses, as he does not are taught that it is important to be Dr. Zaken’s paper, which she co- enjoy sports. respectful and to exercise self-control authored with Dr. Jeffrey Olson, asso- Children who are overweight are at all times. ciate provost for online learning and often the target of bullies. It is impor- • The timid child is usually anxious services at St. John’s University, pre- tant to encourage children to join and fearful of failing a grading (promo- sented the perspectives of a variety of activities that will result in their confi- tion test to a higher belt). While it is experts on the funding of public edu- dence being boosted. One such activi- always disappointing to not pass a grad- cation in New York through qualitative ty is karate, as the discipline required ing, it does not mean “failure.” It could methodology. instills a code of behavior that increas- be that a certain level of performance Entitled Experts’ Views on Revenue es self-esteem. An added benefit is has not yet been attained or that you did Options to Implement the Campaign increased physical ability and fitness. not display that level on that particular for Fiscal Equity Court Decision, the How does karate prepare your child day. Passing a grading is an attainable paper concluded that increasing for the school bully? achievement, even if it takes one person income taxes and reinstating com- • Overweight and/or victimized chil- longer than another. It is important for muter taxes are the most effective Dr. Osnat Zaken dren usually avoid activities where a child’s self-respect to know that he has means of raising funds for public edu- they could be ridiculed. Karate caters been awarded a higher belt for the cor- cation. In preparing the paper, Dr. most influential and respected leaders to all levels of physical ability. Most rect reasons. It takes character and Zaken interviewed prominent mem- in the fields of education and finance, people are not born “good at sports” mental toughness to try again, but ulti- bers of academia, government, and including James J. Heckman, Nobel and have to be disciplined in their mately it promotes increased self- business recognized for their in-depth laureate in Economic Sciences, 2000, training to do well in sports. Karate esteem and equips one to deal with fail- knowledge and experience in the fund- and professor at Harris School of instills the discipline required to per- ures. It is difficult for a tyrant to intimi- ing of education in New York. Those Public Policy Studies, University of fect a technique. Once a technique date a person with self-esteem. interviewed included Joseph E. Chicago; Randi Weingarten, president, has been perfected, it does not matter Stiglitz, Nobel laureate in Economic United Federation of Teachers in New if you were coordinated or awkward to Continued on Page 50

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 49 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS works, popular lecturer, and expert Mancha region, following the path highest minaret in the world! (King Continued from Page 49 Italian guide, is scheduled to serve as taken by Don Quixote de la Mancha, Ferdinand III did it by horse!). See rav and scholar-in-residence during Ciudad Real. A tour of Cordoba Gerona, the home of the rebirth of Call 516-569-0808 to set up a free Shavuos, as well as on the weekends of includes the old Jewish Quarter, the medieval Jewish mysticism and birth- trial lesson for yourself and your chil- July 18–20 and August 22–24. birthplace of Maimonides, and home place of the illustrious Nachmanides dren. Don’t forget that a family that The all-inclusive five-night, six-day also to R’ Abraham Ibn Ezra, R’ and Rabbeinu Yonah. Enjoy a lecture kicks together, sticks together. 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Also see the snow- tion at their unbelievable early-bird Facilities include a large indoor Inquisition; one of the oldest standing capped mountains of the Sierra rates: 888-253-9167 or 917-753-5178; heated pool, as well as two full-size synagogues in Spain (perhaps late Nevada. Enjoy the most popular beach www.ahavathtorah.com, or jhtours@ outdoor swimming pools and a kiddie 12th century!); and the amazing area in Spain: the Costa de Sol to the gmail.com. Space is very limited. O pool. The internationally acclaimed Roman aqueduct. Visit Toledo’s old bustling port city of Malaga. beauty center on premises offers cus- Jewish Quarter: Calle de la Juderia Visit with the statue of the famous June Events At tomers hydro massages, sauna, two Viejo and Calle de la Juderia Nueva. poet and paitan, R’ Solomon ibn The Young Israel Of Oceanside Turkish baths, and a selection of See the Santa la Blanca synagogue Gabirol. See Marbella, the most popu- The Young Israel of Oceanside is beauty and health treatments. A beau- inspired by Almohad art and design lar resort town in Spain and Gibraltar located at 150 Waukena Avenue. tiful synagogue and well-stocked beis and the 14th century El-Transito and the Rock. Visit Gibraltar’s St. Unless indicated otherwise, all events midrash is also available. Delicious Synagogue. Shop for Majorca pearls Michael Caves where hundreds of take place there. For more information glatt kosher (pas and chalav Yisrael) and Damascene jewelry. Visit the Barbary apes roam freely at the top of about any of the programs, please e- cuisine will be served thrice daily Prado Museum, Madrid’s old Jewish the Rock. Tour the quaint and charm- mail [email protected] or call the under the strict rabbinical supervision Quarter, and the elegantly colonnaded ing “Old Spanish Style” town of Ronda shul office at 516-764-1099. For more of the Milan rabbinate supervised by Plaza Major (the main site for the with the oldest bull ring in Spain and information about the Young Israel, Rav Yitzchak Belinow and his dedicat- Inquisition’s execution of Marranos as natural gorges. In Seville, the capital please visit www.yioceanside.org. ed staff of mashgichim. A wonderful late as 1692!) and Puerto del Sol, of Andalusia, the autonomous region Events tea room, Italian-style, will be avail- Plaza de Espana, and Alcala Archia. of Southern Spain, see the Alcazar Jerusalem: Who Chose It and When able 24/7. Enjoy a private visit with the Chief Palace, the Jewish Quarter known Was It Chosen? Yom Yerushalayim Rav Dr. Nosson Dovid Rabinowich, Rabbi of Madrid, Rabbi Moshe today as Santa Cruz, and the history- Lecture, June 2, 8:30 p.m. (following a leading talmid chacham, historian, Bendahan, shlita. See Toledo (the rich Calle Susanna. Ma’ariv), by Rabbi Muskat. prolific author of important scholarly “Jerusalem of Spain”) and the La Be brave and walk up the second Tikkun Leil Shavuos and Tikkun

50 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Yom Shavuos. June 8–9. children will be treated to an ice-cream The World of Chazal. Three ses- sundae. Morning services begin at 9:20 sions, seudah shelishis series for a.m. The reading of the Ten Command- women, June 14, 21, and 28 at 6:30 ments will take place at 10:30 a.m. p.m. by Rebbetzin Yael Muskat (at Shavuos Tea. June 10, 5:30 p.m. Muskat home). Join in for a family tea. Location to be Weekday Classes announced. Daf Yomi. Sundays at 7:45 a.m. and Birthday Shabbos. June 28. Birthday Monday–Friday at 7:00 a.m., present- celebration for children born in the ed by Chaim Maza; Monday– Hebrew month of Tammuz. Receive a Thursday, 8:30–9:30 p.m., presented gift and eat birthday cake after morn- by Rabbi Einhorn. ing services. Maseches Berachos. Mondays, 8:00– Farbrengen: 28th of Sivan. June 30, 9:00 p.m., presented by Michael 8:15 p.m. Commemorating the arrival Samter. of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, ob’m, to the Women’s Tefillah Class. Mondays, United States in 1941. O 8:00 p.m., presented by Rabbi Muskat, followed by recitation of Tehillim. Lawrence School District News Shabbos Classes Food Allergy Awareness Week. Tefillah mini-class. Following Elementary-school students at Kabbalas Shabbos, by Rabbi Muskat; Lawrence School Number Six Daf yomi: 8:00 a.m.; Rambam: Fol- observed Food Allergy Awareness Week lowing hashkamah minyan, by Dr. (FAAW) by participating in a variety of Alvin Greengart; Women’s parashah daily activities and assemblies class: about an hour before Minchah. designed to raise awareness about David Z. Herman Memorial Gemara what food-related allergies are and Shiur, Maseches Berachos: Approxi- how to keep people who suffer from mately 1 1/2 hours before Minchah, by them safe. Students learned that Chaim Maza and Baruch Cohen. approximately 2.2 million school-aged Maseches Beitzah: 45 minutes before children suffer from food allergies in Minchah, by Rabbi Muskat. American America and that the eight biggest Jewish History: During Seudah allergens in the United States are sh’lishis, by Rabbi Muskat. O dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts. Each day, the Ner Sarah Weekly Shiur children took part in a classroom activ- The Ner Sarah Torah and chesed ity or special program about this project has been established in loving important issue. memory of Shari Siman Tov, a’h. A The week’s agenda, organized by weekly shiur for men and women has reading teacher Lauren Becker, began been established to take place on with a visit from a Winthrop Hospital Sunday nights at Congregation Shaare representative who spoke on the topic. Emunah at 539 Oakland Ave in During the other days, students Cedarhurst. The shiur is scheduled for watched videos and attended question- 8:30, or following Maariv, until 9:15 and-answer sessions. A volunteer EMT p.m. This Sunday, May 25 Rabbi from the Woodmere Fire Department Dovid Weinberger, rav of Congregation spoke to the students and taught them Shaaray Tefila, will be speaking on the how to recognize the symptoms of an topic of “Hidur Mitzvah in Halachah allergic reaction, describing what and Hashkafah.” For more shiur sched- should be done in an emergency situa- ules, visit www.nersarahproject.com. O tion. He also demonstrated the proper use of an EpiPen. June Events At Students learned important safety Chabad Of The Five Towns precautions and received hands-on Chabad of the Five Towns is located prevention practice during PAL at 74 Maple Avenue in Cedarhurst. To (Protect A Life) Day. All classes read learn more or to register for an event, pamphlets and then brainstormed call 516-295-2478 or visit www.chabad ways to help keep fellow students with 5towns.com. allergies safe, including reading labels, Holiday Basics V: Open forum with washing their hands, and wiping down the rabbi. June 1, 10:30–11:15 a.m. desks and chairs after eating potential- Your personal roadmap to a meaning- ly dangerous foods. Students’ good ful Shavuos. Come in and also pick up behavior was recognized with a “PAL a Shavuos Guide. Hero Award” when a teacher saw them Mystical Insights with Mrs. Chaya carrying out those tasks. Franklin. June 2, 8:30 p.m. Discuss To conclude the events of the week, the Kabbalistic, mystical, and spiritual students observed an “allergy free” insights of Ruth. Friday, where everyone in the school Women’s Circle. June 3, 8:15 p.m. avoided all allergenic foods for the “The Power of Ten: An analysis of the entire day. Each student also partici- Ten Commandments with Kabbalistic pated in a letter-writing activity to and mystical insights” with Mrs. Governor Paterson urging him to offi- Shimona Tzukernik. Delicious dairy cially declare FAAW in New York delights will be served at the home of State. And, finally, an “allergy free” Mrs. Judy Susman, 609 Broadway in cookbook was prepared by and sold to Cedarhurst. the school’s parents, students, and Torah-thon: An all-night learning staff. The proceeds from the cookbook experience! June 8–10, Round-the- will be donated to the Food Allergy and clock classes beginning at midnight. Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), a non- Special women’s learning session June profit organization dedicated to 8–9, 11:30 p.m.–1:00 a.m. increasing public awareness of food Ten Commandments and ice-cream allergy and its consequences. party. June 9. Come to Chabad to hear Joining Together for Reading. the Ten Commandments read. After hearing the Ten Commandments, all Continued on Page 52 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 51 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS al celebration of reading. Continued from Page 51 Lawrence School Number Four held a number of activities focusing Kindergarten/Pre-K children and on the Week of the Young Child, with fourth and fifth graders within the this visit serving as the kickoff. The Lawrence School District joined to students from School Number Five share a common interest in literacy. were happy to share their reading The fourth and fifth graders, who skills with the younger children as attend Lawrence School Number part of their DEAR Day celebration. P h

Five, visited School Number Four o Fourth and fifth graders visited each t o B for the day to read to their younger y classroom of the Number Four School K a r i n peers. This activity also involved two a and were paired with one or more S t a b i l

important initiatives: the Week of e children to read to. It was a valuable , S y n the Young Child, an annual celebra- t experience, as the Number Five a x C o tion of children and their needs, m School students had the opportunity m u n i sponsored by the National c to learn and exercise reading skills a t i o Association for the Education of n while the Kindergarten and Pre-K Young Children, and DEAR (Drop Lawrence Number Five School student Jonathan Hernandez reads to Maclain Mawhinney and children received lessons from their Everything And Read) Day, a nation- Danny Reyes at the Number Four School during the DEAR Day/Week of the Young Child kickoff. older role models. O P h P o h t o o t o B y B y K a G r e i n r i a S S h t u a m b i e l e r , , S S y y n n t t a a x x C C o o m m m m u u n n i i c c a a t t i i o o n n

Volunteer EMT David Silversmith of the Woodmere Fire Department demonstrates how to use an Bailey Arbeiter, a student from the Lawrence Number Five School, EpiPen at a presentation given during Food and Allergy Week at Lawrence School Number Six. reads to younger peers Adam Tzach and Sabine Salnave.

52 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES A “Sunny” Day For HAFTR s”xc Monday, May 12 had all the makings of a rainout, since it was raining, windy, and cold. It was certainly not optimal conditions for a luxurious spa and day of golf. Well kudos to team HAFTR! They would not be defeated by the weather, and a spectacular day was had by all, regardless of the elements. Every year for the past three years, parents and guests of HAFTR have gathered together for a day of fun and sun on the golf course, with the past two years featuring a luxury day spa for women. This event is done as a charity fundraiser commemorating the yahrtzeit of Jacob Greenberg, a wonderful, vibrant young HAFTR student who passed away just over three years ago. This year the weather outlook was bleak. For days the event chairpersons watched the weather and news reports hoping they would not be met with unfortunate weather. The potential became a reality. 144 golfers, 21 spa participants and numerous staff and support members; clearly these were the ingredients for chaos. Well here is what happened. On Mother’s Day Sunday it was evident that the following day would be a washout. The golf club had to cancel the outing due to the forecast. At 3:00 p.m. Sunday a conference call for the event committee was scheduled. They had hoped to make definitive alterna- tive plans. Eight committee members located in three states called the link. Within minutes they had a clear, defined, organized plan of action. The golf day would be postponed to June 2 and the spa would be relocated to a der- matologist’s office on Irving Place in Woodmere. The food would be salvaged and an invitation would go out to the entire HAFTR parent body informing them and their guests of the changes and inviting all to a gala buffet com- memorating the day. The spa was a rav- ing success and the dinner attended by over 150 HAFTR rabbeim, administra- tion, parents, and guests was a wonder- ful culmination of effort, teamwork, and commitment on behalf of HAFTR. Jacob was an extraordinary young man who represented midos, family values, team spirit, and a commitment to Torah. He was and remains an inspi- ration to his family and friends. As his mom so eloquently mentioned at the dinner, “This year would have been Jacob’s graduation year. He will undoubtedly be there in spirit and memory walking down the aisle at graduation along with his classmates and we are proud of him.” O

Partners For Life: Eighth Annual Gift Of Life Gala Held May 15 For six families and 800 witnesses, the evening of May 15 is one they are not likely to soon forget. Three bone- marrow transplant survivors and their families were introduced to the heroes who saved their lives at the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation’s eighth annual “Partners for Life” gala at the New York Marriott Marquis. Tears of joy flowed as emotional transplant recipients expressed their gratitude to the selfless people who were a “match” and volunteered to save the lives of

Continued on Page 54 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 53 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 53

those who had little chance of survival without the transplant. Nearly 800 guests, including bone-marrow donors, recipients, volunteers, doctors, and financial supporters, looked on as the encounters took place on stage. Tony Award-winning actor Joel Grey, who served as the gala’s MC, applauded both donors and survivors. He praised the donors and recipients for sharing such a personal moment in their lives with all the guests. Ruth Madoff of the Madoff Family Foundation served as the event chairperson. Jill Goldsmith, a mother of three from Boca Raton, Florida, who first joined the Gift of Life registry in 2002, was introduced to her two-and-a-half- year-old recipient, Matthew Welling, a joyful and energetic boy who was totally preoccupied with a life-sized Elmo doll that was presented to him. Matthew’s parents, Michael and Susie Welling, choked up with emotion as they embraced and warmly thanked their son’s bone-marrow donor. Addressing his son’s donor, Mr. Welling said, “Your act of giving has shown us that life is a gift to be treasured.” Chammie Freedman, a Ph.D. stu- dent in psychology from Chicago who registered at a Gift of Life drive at the University of Maryland, met her recip- ient, Zalmen Fishman, rosh yeshiva of Yad Binyamin in Israel, in a taped video. Rabbi Fishman expressed his deepest gratitude to Chammie for sav- ing his life and concluded his message by asking the crowd to help him give his donor a standing ovation for her selfless deed. An enthusiastic crowd warmly complied with his request. Judah Schorr, who serves on the board of directors of IDT, met his recip- ient, Sarah Cohen (and her daughter), who flew in from Israel to meet their secret hero. Judah first joined the Gift of Life registry in 2002 at a bone-mar- row drive for Ruthie Spector and Barry Mishkin, z’l. The pair was introduced by Evie Goldfine, a Gift of Life bone- marrow transplant survivor and the vol- unteer courier who facilitated the trans- port of the bone marrow for this partic- ular transplant. Sarah Cohen thanked her donor for giving her the opportuni- ty to see her children and grandchildren grow up. In addition to the emotional pairing of the recipients and their donors, the evening also honored Yeshiva University with the Partners for Life Award. YU students who attended the gala wore distinctive badges to identify them as donors. YU students have facilitated more transplants than students of any other institution through Gift of Life’s campus recruitment program. To date, more than 2,500 students have regis- tered and 23 have already saved lives! This year alone, Yeshiva University’s Medical Ethics Society, led by Avi Amsalem, a senior at YU and a Gift of Life bone-marrow donor, recruited 500 potentially life-saving donors for Gift of Life’s registry. Accepting the award on behalf of YU’s students, Richard Joel, president of YU, said, “I am extremely thankful to Jay Feinberg for letting

Continued on Page 56 54 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 55 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS lives and also thanked Maimonides out North America, Gift of Life strives hosted by Teach NYS (The Education Medical Center and Boro Park to overcome the loss of bloodlines fol- Association for Children in New York Continued from Page 54 OBGYN for their aggressive cord- lowing the Holocaust, a consequence State), was a historic gathering that Yeshiva University share in this special blood program, which has in the last that has made the search for genetically drew prominent community leaders gift and proud of my students for few years registered 1,000 cord blood matched donors particularly difficult and key elected officials from through- demonstrating their dedication to help- units. Feinberg joked that unlike his for Jewish patients. O out New York. ing their community.” original bar mitzvah, he had not pre- The event featured a dialogue This year’s dinner also marked the pared for the haftarah. The Tuition Crisis: Hundreds between Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh “bar mitzvah year” of survival of Jay Gift of Life facilitates bone marrow, Gather At Teach NYS Dinner To Weinreb, the executive vice president Feinberg, founder and executive blood stem cell, and umbilical cord Discuss Solutions of the Orthodox Union, and Edward director of Gift of Life. Feinberg blood transplants for children and Nearly 500 people came to the Cardinal Egan, the archbishop of New expressed his gratitude to all the reg- adults suffering from life-threatening Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan on York. The discussion was moderated istrants, donors, and financial sup- illnesses around the world. Its services Wednesday night, May 14, to discuss by Richard Joel, the president of porters of Gift of Life. “It is your help include transplant coordination, donor solutions to the tuition crisis facing Yeshiva University. and support that ensures the success recruitment, patient advocacy, and pub- our community. The event, which was Teach NYS is a bipartisan coalition of our organization,” he said. He sin- lic education. Through targeted recruit- gled out all the donors who are saving ment in Jewish communities through-

Front row (L–R): Edward Egan, archbishop of New York; Richard Joel, president of YU; and Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, executive vice-president of the Orthodox Union. Back row (L–R): Ronald Tawil, chairman of the Sephardic Community Federation; Sam Sutton, vice-president of Teach NYS; David Greenfield, founding director of Teach NYS; Frank Caggiano, auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn; Rabbi Elie Abadie, M.D., rabbi of the Edmond J. Safra Synagogue; Rick Susie and Michael Welling (back), holding their son Matthew, with Matthew’s bone-marrow Barnes, executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference; and Elliot Gibber, donor, Jill Goldsmith (along with Elmo). president of Teach NYS.

56 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES of Jewish, Catholic, and inde- pendent school leaders. Teach NYS is the only organi- zation that is exclusively com- mitted to tackling the tuition crisis facing our community. The goal of Teach NYS is to secure government funding for non-public schools and to provide maximum relief for tuition-paying parents. “This groundbreaking event was historic in nature and united in purpose,” said David G. Greenfield, found- ing director of Teach NYS, and the executive vice presi- dent of the Sephardic Community Federation. “The rising cost of tuition is threatening to cripple the financial well-being of our community, and it is there- fore critical that we explore new ways to secure relief for yeshiva parents.” Greenfield, who served as MC for the evening, noted that the diverse crowd high- lighted the serious nature of the tuition crisis. “Every cor- ner of our community was represented at this event,” said Greenfield. “We had leaders from the Chassidishe, Ashkenaz, and Sephardic communities joining together to discuss a pervasive problem that affects every yeshiva par- ent, irrespective of where they live. The diverse composition of the crowd was a testament to our community and under- scores the importance of achieving achdus on an issue that touches each and every one of us.” According to Elliot Gibber, president of Teach NYS, New York State will spend nearly $20 billion this year to edu- cate 3.3 million schoolchild- ren. Although non-public- school students make up approximately 500,000 of them—more than 15 per- cent—they receive signifi- cantly less than 1 percent of the state budget. “This is about a sense of fairness and achieving a degree of equity for yeshiva students,” said Gibber, who is also senior vice president of the Orthodox Union and chair of the OU’s Tuition Initiative. “Our community needs to stand up and confront this issue head on by identifying viable opportunities that exist through state government and advocating to bring them to fruition.” Teach NYS has already made history by securing $600 million in annual per- petual tax credits for families with school-aged children. During the past two years, Teach NYS has also succeed- ed in increasing New York State’s annual allocation for

Continued on Page 58 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 57 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Forman And Mansdorf Elected To Lawrence Board Of Education; Continued from Page 57 Ballot Measures Approved non-public-school mandated services The results of the Lawrence school from $87.5 million to $142.4 mil- board election of last Tuesday have lion—a 63 percent increase. In addi- been reported as follows: tion, Teach NYS secured $6.2 million Asher Mansdorf, 2,375; Murray for computers for non-public-school Forman, 2,265; Pam Greenbaum, 113; children. Andrew Levy, 89; James McHugh, 4; “For many yeshiva parents, educat- Stanley Kopilow, 1; and Barry ing their children has unfortunately Ringelheim, 2 become a tremendous burden and the Additionally, all ballot measures situation has developed into a commu- were approved: nity-wide crisis,” said Sam Sutton, the School budget—Yes, 2,638; No, P vice president of Teach NYS and pres- 494. Capital project—Yes, 2,227; No, h o t o B ident of the Sephardic Community 576. Football field turf—Yes, 2,058; y A v i

O H Federation. “Many families are suffer- No, 952. a y o u ing from financial stress and falling n into debt due to the high cost of edu- Shimon Peres’s “Tomorrow” (L–R) Mikhail Gorbachev, former president of the USSR; Shimon Peres, president of Israel; and cating their children. What we are Conference Alfred Akirov, owner of the David Citadel Hotel. doing is not just acknowledging that They came from all over the globe there is a problem; rather, we are to partake in President Shimon actively seeking solutions to help the Peres’s “Facing Tomorrow” confer- Jewish community.” ence at the Jerusalem Convention Greenfield noted that Teach NYS is Center this past week. Presidents, currently working on a number of ini- prime ministers, former heads of tiatives, including full deductibility of state, global business tycoons, tuition expenses on state income tax Hollywood legends, and Jewish orga- returns, coupled with education tax nizational leaders flocked to credits for families that do not benefit Jerusalem’s posh David Citadel Hotel from deductions; state tax credits for to relax and participate in the confer- corporate and individual donations ence, which was designed to be one towards school scholarship and of the key highlights of Israel’s 60th endowment funds; full reimbursement anniversary celebrations. for mandates and participation in The hotel’s plush suites, hallways, P state programs; major funding for and executive lounge were trans- h o t o B teacher and student support services; formed into historical meeting and y A v i H and security funding to protect non- greeting venues, where some of the a y o u public-school students. For more world’s greatest talents were able to n information about Teach NYS, visit engage in small talk and exchange (L–R) Moshe Sand, general manager of the David Citadel Hotel; Las Vegas tycoon Sheldon www.teachnys.org. O big ideas. O Adelson; and Medina Pearl, PR director for the David Citadel Hotel.

58 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Shaaray Tefila/Lobos Mesivta Hockey League Ends Inaugural Season In a unique display of community achdus, Congregation Shaaray Tefila’s hockey league for mesivta boys concluded its first season this past Sunday. This unique program (known as the Mesivta Hockey League, or MHL) was designed to provide a healthy outlet for boys in mesivta high schools throughout the community to participate in competi- tive sports, while instilling in them proper midos, sportsmanship, and ahavas Yisrael. There were 72 boys from the Five Towns, Far Rockaway, Queens, and Brooklyn participating in the league. Founded by Kalman Laufer and a group of boys from Congregation Shaaray Tefila, including Moshe Marton and Meir Wittman, the league’s first season was a smashing success. With the help and patronage of the renowned Chaim “Lobos” Silber, the steadfast guidance of league commissioner Louis Greenspan, and the unwavering commitment of the Shaaray Tefila leadership, Sam Davies and David Malek, the MHL quickly established itself as an unparalleled community-wide program. The championship game between the Thunderducks and Rangers was played Sunday night at the Lawrence Middle School in front of an audience of over 150 fans, including fathers, friends, players from the league’s other teams, members of the commu- nity, and local rabbanim. Everyone was invited to participate in a sumptu- ous buffet dinner prepared by Silver Creek Caterers. The game was close all the way through three periods, with the Thunderducks scoring the tying goal with less than two minutes remain- ing in the game. With regular time expiring and the game tied, Commissioner Laufer explained the rules governing the sudden-death overtime period, which would turn out to be the last period of the sea- son. The Thunderducks managed to squeeze out the winning goal in over- time against the Rangers goalie, Yosef Friedman, later to be named Goalie of the Year. With that goal, the Thunderducks became the winners of the very first Shaaray Tefila/Lobos Cup for the year 2008. At the awards ceremony following

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 59 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS his own two-tiered trophy. The members Continued from Page 59 of the winning team were Azariah Martin (Co-Captain), Binyamin Martin the game, the league awarded trophies (Co-Captain), Yaakov Spirn, Eli Spirn, to the championship team and to indi- Avi Rubel, Shlomie Berkowitz, Ehud vidual players who stood out in their Kadry, Efraim Klesczyck, and Yechiel various positions. The trophies were Munk. awarded to the following players: All the speakers during the evening Goalie of the Year: Yosef Friedman; expressed hakaras ha’tov to the rashei P h o t o B y I r a T h o m a s C r e a t i o n s

The championship hockey team of the Mesivta Hockey League organized by Congregation Shaaray Tefila of Lawrence.

Forward of the Year: Adam Ofman; yeshiva who supported and encouraged Defenseman of the Year: Binny Lewis; this project. We can all be proud of the Sportsmanship Award: Motti Sturm; true kiddush Hashem in this important Most Valuable Player: Eliahu Schwed. community endeavor. O Each player on the winning Thunderducks team was presented with Continued on Page 63

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AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS ing a solution for his or her child. Continued from Page 60 They call because they are seeking answers, and they find them in the Breakfast For Rabenstein Learning warmth and support of the center’s Center And Weiss Vocational staff members. The center is run by Program, June 1 Rabbi Yitzchok Goldberg, whose The Rabenstein Learning Center and warmth and professionalism is a Weiss Vocational Program of Yeshiva source of inspiration to everyone at Darchei Torah are internationally rec- the yeshiva. Bearing the great heart of ognized for turning around youths who its founders, Rabbi Yaakov Bender and had been positioned for failure. Where Mr. Norman Rabenstein, the center is does one find these programs? committed to helping each child reach Although they are physically located on his full potential. The children are the main campus of the yeshiva, their helped through resource room assis- true heart lies in the students who, with tance as well as self-contained class- the help of dedicated rebbeim and room instruction. Teachers are wel- teachers, gain the necessary confidence come to confer regularly with the cen- to achieve academic success. A break- ter’s staff to help students succeed in fast reception in support of the modified learning programs created Rabenstein Learning Center and Weiss and monitored by outstanding profes- Vocational Program will, iy’H, be held sionals. Academic challenges are met at the home of Menash and Mimi Oratz and often overcome. (grandchildren of the center’s founder, The Weiss Vocational Program was Mr. Norman Rabenstein), at 427 founded by Rabbi Yaakov Bender and Church Avenue in Cedarhurst on combines an outstanding Hebrew edu- Sunday morning, June 1, at 9:30 a.m. cation with a well-rounded secular Rabbi Yaakov Bender, shlita, rosh program that also includes career-ori- hayeshiva, will offer divrei berachah, ented technical classes. The program and the guest speaker for the morning is named after Mor Weisz, the grandfa- will be Rabbi Yehudah Oelbaum. ther of the Lowinger family who was The Rabenstein Center’s ground- known as a great ba’al chesed until his breaking role in Jewish education for untimely petirah at the age of 52 in over 25 years has not only offered 1944. Besides his tremendous efforts countless opportunities to the chil- on behalf of individuals in need, he dren of our community, it has also established several charitable enter- become an invaluable resource for prises. One was a free kitchen for poor yeshivas and Jewish schools through- people, which began as a special out the country and throughout the Shabbos kitchen for those who had world. On any given day, a call will nowhere to go for their Shabbos meals. come in from Los Angeles or Eretz Yisrael, with a distraught parent seek- Continued on Page 64

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 63 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS puter graphics. Courses offered in con- firm of choice is not surprising. Having Continued from Page 63 junction with the mesivta’s general-stud- designed over 50 websites, the firm is ies program are photography, art, com- peerless in orchestrating creative mar- He also established two separate voca- puters, science, global studies, English, ket solutions and producing superior tional programs in Hungary addressing math, and business math. Classes are results. Headed by Bentsion the need for shomer Shabbos jobs. He kept small to maximize student involve- Janashvili, a gifted artist and a true ben personally housed young men to whom ment and accomplishment. Torah, Graphic IQ is a boutique web he taught his trade of baking in addi- The yeshiva cordially invites the and graphic design firm specializing in tion to other trades. He also placed all entire Far Rockaway/Five Towns com- brand identity. Featuring highly cus- these young men, once trained, by munities to join in this special oppor- tomized service, their team of creative contacting businesses to hire them. tunity to support the education of our specialists helps clients develop an How fitting that the yeshiva’s vocation- children—all our children—so that no interactive and visual experience that al program should bear his name. child is left behind. Toward that goal, communicates to consumers what the Housed on the Mesivta Chaim Yeshiva Darchei Torah is eternally essence of the client’s business is all Shlomo campus, the vocational pro- committed. For more information, about and what makes it unique. gram is a singular role model for other contact 718-868-2300 ext. 219. O Graphic IQ has worked extensively yeshivas throughout the country. with business-to-business, corporate Students are offered a variety of techni- Graphic IQ: clients, as well as numerous emerging cal courses as part of their general-stud- The New Pragmatism In Design consumer brands. ies program. Technical courses include By Rochelle Maruch Miller Graphic IQ’s team of professionals Bentsion Janashvili woodworking, construction, plumbing, That Graphic IQ is fast becoming are experts in a wide range of design dis- electrical work, culinary arts, and com- the premier web and graphic design ciplines and are experienced in numer- ous industries—technology, real estate, fied with the services of design firms, energy, healthcare, financial and busi- mainly because of bloated financial ness services, to name but a few. With cost structures, protracted project creativity, superlative service, and deadlines, and a culture of trendy integrity as its hallmark, Graphic IQ is intellection. Which is precisely why establishing itself as the industry’s gold Graphic IQ sets itself apart from the standard. Indeed, its diverse interna- competition with pragmatic counsel, tional clientele base spans over 20 lean cost structures, and speedy imple- countries and is ever expanding. And mentation. Theirs is a truly unique Graphic IQ is fluent in foreign lan- perspective. guages—Hebrew, Russian, Spanish, Graphic IQ’s broad-based experi- Persian, and Georgian. Every consultant ence in web and design technologies, is a consummate professional and holds as well as in the fine arts, gives them an advanced degree in fine arts, finance, the ability to offer clients a richer and business administration. sphere of reference than many of their Pragmatism, Low Costs, Fast peers and competitors. They offer Implementation: Many companies more seasoned judgments and solu- concerned about the return on their tions that are carefully calculated to investment feel increasingly dissatis- work across the different media and

64 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES audiences. From web market- tures, Graphic IQ also helps of the entire branding pro- ful print and web-based solu- Bentsion and his staff are ing to printing to advertising clients manage comprehen- gram, Graphic IQ first per- tions that capture every accommodating, attentive, to photography, Graphic IQ is sive online visibility strategies. forms a thorough analysis of client’s target market. They and an absolute pleasure to at the cutting edge of creativi- Through search engine opti- the client’s marketplace reali- love their work but they love it work with. They think about ty and design, on a par with mization, targeted advertising, ties and business objectives. even more when it works. every design with meticulous the leading secular agencies and interactive marketing, They identify brand attributes Their efficient and effective attention to every detail. “We but at a fraction of their fees. they help their clients reach and formulate key messages. campaigns help their clients even travel to see our clients,” From concept to execu- their online audiences cost- Next, the visual communica- reach and surpass their busi- Bentsion explains. “We just tion, Graphic IQ designs a effectively and reliably. tion strategy is executed using ness goals. They take celebrated our 50th website. wide range of materials that Corporate branding: a set of tools, such as web- immense pride in their work Our key is understanding the help their clients tell their Graphic IQ’s full-scale corpo- sites, collateral materials, and in their client relation- client’s business. We put them story with clarity, elegance, rate branding program offers multi-media packages, etc, ships. But what makes on the map. “Graphic IQ’s and precision. They help their clients a wide range of adviso- that constantly convey the Graphic IQ’s creative advisors approach is based on a more clients define key messages ry and execution services that company’s key messages and most proud are the successes collaborative and productive and apply them consistently cover traditional and digital brand qualities. they have helped every one of to all visual communications media. To form a foundation Graphic IQ delivers power- their clients achieve. Continued on Page 66 tools. All of their work is grounded in a thorough understanding of their clients’ business objectives and the information needs of their audiences. The communica- tions tools they design for their audiences include collat- eral materials (marketing brochures, fact sheets, direct- marketing materials), annual reports, print advertising, logos, and business cards. Web design: Graphic IQ employs state-of-art methods and technologies to help clients establish and continu- ally increase the value of their virtual real estate. Their web- sites feature compelling design and information archi- tecture that accommodates the unique interests of a wide variety of prospective visitors. Aside from site-specific fea-

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 65 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Cedarhurst Park on Sunday May 18. sultation, training, support, and advo- ther information on Kulanu programs Continued from Page 65 Approximately 2,000 people came cacy services in social, religious, and please visit their website at together for a truly enjoyable day. educational areas to individuals and approach with their clients to find the Dignitaries in attendance included families with special needs. For fur- Continued on Page 68 hidden potential of people, brands, State Senator Dean G. Skelos, and business. They believe that great Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, and ideas are generated by the ability to Comptroller Howard Weitzman. As respond creatively to keen insights. one of Kulanu’s major fundraising And because of their low overhead, events of the year, the fair featured their fees are remarkably affordable. major ride attractions, face painting, Among Graphic IQ’s international game booths with prizes, pony rides, roster of clients is The Jeff Group, live entertainment, crafts, and more. whose advertisement appears weekly Hundreds of volunteers, young and in the 5TJT. To view Graphic IQ’s port- old, donated their time and expertise folio of custom designs, visit their web- to raise awareness and funds despite site at graphicIQ.com. Call 718-569- the soggy conditions in the afternoon. 2317 and let them custom design your Proceeds from the fair directly support business to succeed. O Kulanu programs and services for chil- dren with special needs. Kulanu Annual Fair Kulanu is a local Jewish organiza- Brings Smiles Amidst The Rain tion open to all people with disabili- Kulanu held its Annual Fair in ties. Kulanu provides inclusion, con- L–R: Pamela Hershman, Karen Green, and Jordana Dumont.

L–R: Bryna Loewenstein, Yitzchak Rosengarten, and Mark Honigsfeld. Ari and Ruthy Jungreis and their children Yael and Michal enjoyed the fun-filled day.

66 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 67 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS fill in the final letters of a music, a parade with the Torah the entire Damatov family, were determined to explore all Continued from Page 66 brand new Sephardic Torah from the Damatov home in their close friends, and the means of getting their youngest Scroll being dedicated by Embassy Lakes to Chabad’s community. Everyone wanted son the healing he needed. www.kulanukids.org or call Shoshi and David Damatov of location on Stirling Road, plus to help, but how? They visited medical experts 516-569-3083. O Cooper City in honor of their dancing and a festive meal. The Damatovs are a around the world and tried all son Gabi for his complete Shoshi and David Damatov beloved and active family in sorts of medication, both Florida Chabad To Receive recovery and in honor of their of Cooper City, Florida, were at the community. Shoshi proud- homeopathic and conventional, Beautiful Torah, older sons, Eli and Daniel. wit’s end. Their son Gabi, now ly served on the board of and constantly adjusted the Sunday, June 8 The entire community is 17 and a junior at the David directors and volunteered her doses hoping the seizures On Sunday morning, June invited to partake in the special Posnack Hebrew Day School, time at the Posnack Day would cease. But as the 8, at 12 noon, Chabad of festivities and dedication cere- was diagnosed at a young age School. As a couple they are seizures continued, it seemed Southwest Broward plans to mony which will include live with a seizure disorder. Several pioneers and staunch sup- that their efforts were in vain. years ago, the seizures were porters of their synagogue; On the spiritual front, Gabi’s becoming more common; they indeed David and Shoshi are name was placed in the would happen at school, dur- recognized as president and Western Wall and sent to rab- ing carpool, at home and at first lady of Chabad of bis and Jewish communities synagogue. Ambulances and Southwest Broward. throughout the globe asking sirens make almost a daily In Bereishis, when Yaakov everyone to pray on his behalf, appearance. decides to return to his home- beseeching G-d for a complete Gabi’s young classmates land and face the wrath of his and speedy recovery. The and school faculty often wit- evil twin, Eisav, the Torah Damatovs traveled with Gabi nessed the seizures and describes how Yaakov did not to meet many famous rabbis showed tremendous compas- just rely on one avenue. He and even traveled to Jerusalem sion but like everyone else, brought gifts to appease his to meet with renowned kabbal- felt helpless for their ailing brother; he strategized in case ist Rav Yitzchak Kaduri—an friend. The plight of Gabi’s of war, and he prayed to G-d eminent Jewish mystical leader health was taking a big emo- for success and protection. and healer who died in January tional toll and deeply affecting Likewise, the Damatovs 2006 at an estimated age of 110—hoping their blessings and advice would merit the complete healing of their child. But the seizures still contin- ued. In desperation, tears flowing down her cheeks, Shoshi approached her spiritual leader, Rabbi Pinny Andrusier of Chabad of SW Broward offering G-d a deal he evident- ly could not refuse. “If Gabi goes two years without a

68 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES seizure,” Shoshi promised, “I will dedi- the keynote address at its upcoming Shimmy and Evy Stein of Bergenfield, cate a Torah scroll to the synagogue.” Yom Yerushalayim Gala Celebration N.J. JRP is proud to bestow the In fact, many miracles have been Dinner on Monday evening, June 2, at Rabbinic Leadership Award on Rabbi associated with the writing of a Torah the New York Marriott Marquis. This Dr. Daniel H. and Mrs. Mimi Mehlman scroll, the 613th commandment and year’s dinner is also a celebration of the of the Lido Beach Synagogue in Lido final mitzvah recorded for Jews in the 60th anniversary of Israeli independ- Beach. Visiting Israel as frequently as Torah. There are also many statements ence. Governor Huckabee has endeared possible, these four couples exemplify in throughout the Torah and its commen- himself to Jews throughout America word and deed commitment to strength- taries that allude to the Torah as a with his strong solidarity with the peo- ening Jewish life throughout Jerusalem. source of healing. The Talmud (Eiruvin ple of Israel coupled with his evident “When all of us strive to stand with 54a) states, “Torah is the life spring love for the Land of Israel. “Our dinner our brothers and sisters in Jerusalem, which invigorates the entire body.” will be enhanced by Governor we make a difference in the life of our Gabi would have a few more seizures, Huckabee’s presence,” stated Dr. Joseph beautiful Yerushalayim, and attending but thereafter, amazingly and miracu- Frager, JRP’s chairman of the board, our Yom Yerushalayim Dinner is a tan- lously, the seizures ceased. After the two “and it is an honor to have him with us.” gible way of expressing solidarity with year mark, in celebration of their son’s This year JRP is proud to honor four these courageous Jews living on the well-being and in fulfillment of their outstanding couples who over the years front lines,” said Shoshana Hikind, pledge, Shoshi and David commis- have exemplified dedication to keeping executive vice president of the sioned a scribe in Israel to write a Torah Jerusalem united with Jewish life. This Jerusalem Reclamation Project. “This scroll in Gabi’s honor. It took about a year’s guests of honor are Robert and will be a true celebration of the mira- year to complete and the Torah arrived Laurie Koppel of Woodmere; Josef and several months ago in Florida. Susan Levit of New York City; and Continued on Page 70 Years earlier. during their visit with Rav Kaduri, he cautioned Gabi to heed three things. While expecting the rabbi to encourage extra observance of cer- tain G-dly commandments, the saintly kabbalist surprised them by warning Gabi against smelling the frying of fish or the baking of a commercial bakery and witnessing the slaughter of ani- mals. Perplexed but in agreement, Gabi avoided the above. In February however, just five days short of the third anniversary, friends were coming over for Shabbat dinner and Gabi asked his mother to make his favorite Afghan fish. As has become cus- tomary whenever his mother prepared fish, Gabi had to stay with neighbors or friends. Due to a miscommunication and miscalculation of time, Gabi arrived early and entered the home while the strong smell of fried fish was in the air. Less than an hour later Gabi had his first seizure in three years. The Damatovs, who had been wait- ing to schedule the dedication ceremo- ny until the custom-made case for the Torah was completed, were advised by their rabbi to immediately schedule the dedication without further delay. Sunday, June 8 was chosen because that evening the Jewish community will celebrate the holiday of Shavuos, the 3,320th anniversary of G-d giving the Torah at Mt. Sinai. “What better way to celebrate the Jews receiving the Torah than us wel- coming into our community such a meaningful new Torah,” said Rabbi Andrusier. The Damatovs invite everyone to participate in their celebration and also welcome one and all to become a partner in their special mitzvah. Dedications are being made available for individuals to sponsor portions of the Torah. All proceeds will go to the Gabi Damatov Campaign of the Chabad Building Fund in Cooper City and all sponsors will be recognized with a beautiful new plaque displayed in the synagogue. Opportunities and details are available on Chabad’s web- site, www.ChabadTodayFlorida.com, or by calling 954-252-1770. O

Jerusalem Reclamation Project Yom Yerushalayim Celebration Dinner, June 2 The Jerusalem Reclamation Project (JRP) is delighted that the Honorable Governor Mike Huckabee will deliver 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 69 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 69

cle of 1948 and 1967. We have so much to be grateful for and so much work to do to make Israel and Jerusalem stronger and safer for gen- erations to come. Everyone can play a role in the continuing battle Am Yisrael faces holding on to our Israel and our Jerusalem.” Anyone who has walked with Mati Dan, founder and chairman of JRP, and Daniel Luria, executive director in Israel, knows what tremendous accom- plishments have taken place restoring Jewish life in the Old City. Participating in the Yom Yerushalayim dinner will increase JRP’s ability to further Jewish life through the pur- chases and renovations of additional buildings for more families to live in the heart of Jerusalem. To make a reservation and/or place a dinner jour- nal ad, please call the JRP at 212-216- 9270 or e-mail [email protected]. O

My Son’s Second Yahrzeit By Robin Brandes Friedman There is a saying that “time heals all wounds.” Two years after having lost my son Zev, a’h, I can attest to the fact that this is not true. The pain never leaves the aching heart of a mother whose child has left this world prema- turely. Zev Friedman was a sweet young man who was on loan to us from Hashem for only 16 years. He was a loyal friend, a respectful son, and a fun-loving human being whose smile was contagious. May 28 marks the second yahrzeit of my youngest child. Every minute of the day I think of him, wondering what he would look like, whose company he would prefer, what career he would choose had he been alive today. Every time I see a friend of his in a store, on the street, or paying me a visit at home, I imagine my Zev and feel his presence through them—and I am comforted. So many of Zev’s friends, our neighbors, community leaders, teachers, and family members have given me the strength to go on after the devastating loss I have suffered. I get chizuk from their encouraging and compassionate words and deeds. It is very important for me that Zev not be forgotten. After all, while he was alive he brought nothing but joy and happiness to everyone who knew him. The memory of this wonderful, sweet, fun-loving, selfless person must remain vivid in all of our minds if it is to be said that he fulfilled his purpose here on earth. In an effort to “keep his light burning,” an after-school karate pro- gram, called Ner Zev, has been created and has been active in Israel since Sukkot. The program is part of a famous karate school in Israel and Tel Aviv. This extracurricular activity serves not only as a memorial for my child, but as a sanctuary for kids at risk. It is a place where teenagers can release excess energy, relax, and feel confident and connected. A dream of mine, for the future, is to raise enough funding for the construction of a self-con- tained community where students and dedicated faculty can live on the same campus. This will be a safe haven 70 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

where kids at risk will learn how to redirect their energies so that all their experiences can be positive and rewarding ones. Kids at risk must not be shunned or ignored. With joint efforts to help these suffering youngsters form realis- tic goals, build self-esteem, learn to deal with disappointment, and control frustration, a repetition of my terrible experience can be avoided for other families.

Zev Friedman, a’h

Hashem nasan v’Hashem lakach. Hashem nasan. Hashem blessed me with a beautiful sweet boy, Zev, who I nurtured and loved. He gave this pre- cious gift to me for what I know is too short a time. Nonetheless, the wonder- ful memories and precious moments we shared will never die. They are ingrained in my mind, carved into my heart, and part of my soul. Zev is gone to Olam HaBa, a better place. Hashem lakach. Four months ago, my loving father, Reuven Moshe Brandes, was niftar. My only consola- tion is that now he has joined my dar- ling Zev. Together, I know with no doubt, they will watch over the rest of the family and everyone else they loved in Olam HaZeh. I hope and pray that all of our mitzvos, chasadim, and ma’asim tovim will bring about an aliyah for the neshamah of these two very special men in my life, Zev Friedman and Reuven Brandes, Thank you to every- one who has been so helpful to me during this most difficult time. In reward for your kindness, may Hashem grant you whatever you daven for. O

Continued on Page 75

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AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Michael Gerber To Share His out the world about how to build and more information, call 888-203-3411, Highly Acclaimed Business Growth Continued from Page 71 optimize their businesses while (gasp!) visit www.steadyelevation.net/mg or use Strategy, June 2 living and enjoying their lives. His latest your cell phone to text the word ‘steady’ Priority -1 Student Honors Have you ever wondered how it is that book release is titled Awakening the to 43704. The seminar will be conduct- Priority-1’s Torah Academy proudly ordinary people are sometimes extraordi- Entrepreneur Within, and on June 2 at ed entirely over the phone. You don’t celebrated last week as Yitzy Horowitz, narily successful in business, while some 8:00 p.m., he’ll be sharing his method of need to be physically present at a cen- a senior in the school, was honored in pretty talented and intelligent people doing exactly that. tral location, and no computer access is Teaneck, New Jersey. The ceremony seem to be hitting a brick wall? To sign up for the free teleseminar, required. A question-and-answer ses- was held in Teaneck’s city hall in the Unfortunately for some, IQ has very courtesy of Steady Elevation, or for sion with Mr. Gerber will follow. O presence of Mayor Eli Katz and little to do with business success. numerous city council members, Neither does a thorough, abiding where Yitzy was awarded with the knowledge of your “line.” Success in Meritorious Service Award for coura- business can be boiled down to a sys- geously saving someone’s life. tem which can actually be learned. Yitzy is a fine young man who set out For the first time ever, Michael several months ago with the ambitious Gerber will be conducting a teleseminar goal of becoming an emergency med- for the Jewish business community to ical technician. While taking the EMT dispel the E-Myth and give you a new course and attending school, he joined perspective that will transform the way were barren for decades. Certainly, they a volunteer ambulance corps, where he you run your business. The E-Myth Questionable Ethics In Advertising and their husbands—the Avos—prayed is still employed today. After months of (“Entrepreneurial Myth”) is the fatal Prayers to Hashem during those childless years. studying and hard work, he became cer- assumption that an individual who Dear Editor, But even their prayers could not pro- tified by the state of New Jersey. understands the technical work of a Last week, a friend showed me an ad duce results. And our Matriarchs and Soon after his introduction to the business can successfully run a business that offered prayers by gedolim on behalf Patriarchs were nevi’os and nevi’im, world of emergency response, Yitzy that does that kind of technical work. of those seeking shidduchim. However, prophetesses and prophets…on a much answered a routine call and found a About 88% of businesses fail in the there existed a qualification: one must higher level than any gadol today, since man’s life, literally, in his hands. He was first five years. Of those that survive, donate to their cause so as to be includ- the Gemara says nevuah has ceased. one of the first responders on the scene 80% will eventually fold. Why? Rather ed in the prayer on behalf of single Jews. Our great prophets did not claim their and provided BLS (Basic Life Support) than owning a business, many entre- There are at least two fundamental prayers would be effective. It is there- to the victim, and resuscitated him. preneurs own a job, and they find conflicts with Torah hashkafah that I fore misleading to take money in At the awards ceremony, Yitzy was themselves working for managers— see in this ad: exchange for empty promises, when no joined by his proud family and Torah themselves—who are completely clue- First, those who exclude anyone in guarantee exists that one’s prayer will Academy principal, Rabbi Yossi less about how to run a business. They need of assistance—for any reason— produce the claimed results. Feintuch, as the mayor presented him find themselves overworked, under- harbor favoritism, and perhaps sinas chi- I hope that as time marches on, more with the award in gratitude for his self- staffed, and without a clear direction. nam. But our Torah says, “Kol Yisrael and more Jews will not fall prey to empty less service to the community. Due to Michael Gerber has successfully areivim.” Money is not to be a dividing claims, regardless of the popularity of Yitzy’s heroic act, this person is now coached more than 50,000 small-busi- factor. Personally, I would, and do, pray movements or people’s reputations. We alive and on his way back to health. ness owners from around the world, and for all Jews, without qualification. are to follow Hashem’s word…exclusive- Priority -1 wishes Yitzy and his fam- his books have been read by millions. Second, there is no Torah basis to ly. And Torah disagrees with that ad. ily a mazel tov and much hatzlachah in Over the past two decades, he has been suggest that one’s prayer is [immediate- Sincerely, the future. O addressing business audiences through- ly] effective. For we see our Matriarchs Rabbi Marshall Gisser

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 75 Irena Sendler, Who Saved 2,500 Jews From Holocaust, Dies At 98 Irena Sendler, a Polish social worker chance of survival by living as Catholics. than to reveal our activity,” she was who helped save some 2,500 Jewish chil- Babies and small children were smug- quoted as saying in Anna Mieszkowska’s dren from the Nazis by smuggling them gled out in ambulances and in trams, biography, Mother of the Children of the out of the Warsaw Ghetto and giving sometimes wrapped up as packages. Holocaust: The Story of Irena Sendler. them false identities, has died. She was Teenagers escaped by joining teams of Zegota, an underground organization 98. Sendler died at a Warsaw hospital on workers forced to labor outside the ghet- helping Jews, for which she worked at Monday morning, her daughter, Janina to. They were placed in families, the time, paid a bribe to German guards Irena Krzyzanowska Sendler Zgrzembska, said. She had been hospital- orphanages, hospitals, or convents. to free her from the prison. Under a dif- ized since last month with pneumonia. In hopes of one day uniting the chil- ferent name, she continued her work. Sendler was serving as a social dren with their families—most of whom After World War II, Sendler worked as a from Uniontown, Kansas, who wrote a worker with the city’s welfare depart- perished in the Nazis’ death camps— social welfare official and director of short play about her bravery based on ment during World War II when she Sendler wrote the children’s real names vocational schools, continuing to assist historic records called Life in a Jar. It masterminded the risky rescue opera- on slips of paper that she kept at home. some of the children she rescued. went on to garner international atten- tions of Jewish children from the When German police came to arrest her Sendler’s daughter once said that during tion, and has been performed more Warsaw Ghetto during Nazi Germany’s in 1943, an assistant managed to hide her childhood, the family house was always than 200 times in the United States, brutal World War II occupation. the slips, which Sendler later buried in a full of people asking for help, chiefly look- Canada, and Poland. Records show that Sendler’s team of jar under an apple tree in an associate’s ing for their lost relatives. In 1965, Sendler Sendler, born Irena Krzyzanowska, was some 20 people saved nearly 2,500 yard. Some 2,500 names were recorded. became one of the first Righteous Gentiles 2 years old when her family moved from children from the Warsaw Ghetto “It took a true miracle to save a honored by the Yad Vashem Holocaust Warsaw to nearby Otwock, where her between October 1940 and April Jewish child,” Elzbieta Ficowska, who memorial in Jerusalem for wartime heroics. father, a doctor, directed a spa hospital. 1943, when the Nazis burned the was saved by Sendler’s team as a baby Poland’s communist leaders at that time He died of typhoid fever in 1917. Sendler ghetto, shooting the residents or send- in 1942, recalled in an interview in would not allow her to travel to Israel; she said she lived according to her father’s ing them to death camps. 2007. Mrs. Sendler saved not only us, collected the award in 1983. teachings, arguing that people can be “A great person has died—a person but also our children and grandchil- Despite the Yad Vashem honor, only divided into good or bad; their race, with a great heart, with great organiza- dren and the generations to come. Sendler was largely forgotten in her religion, nationality don’t matter. tional talents, a person who always Anyone caught helping Jews in Nazi- homeland. Only in her final years, con- Before the war, she married stood on the side of the weak,” Marek occupied Poland risked being summari- fined to a nursing home, did she final- Mieczyslaw Sendler, but they divorced Edelman, the last surviving leader of ly shot, along with family members—a ly become one of Poland’s most when the war was over. She then mar- the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto uprising, told fate Sendler only barely escaped herself respected figures, with President Lech ried another underground activist, TVN24 television. after the 1943 raid by the Gestapo. The Kaczynski and other politicians back- Stefan Zgrzembski, and they had two Under the pretext of inspecting the Nazis took her to the Pawiak prison, ing a campaign that put her name for- sons and a daughter. One of the boys ghetto’s sanitary conditions during a which few left alive. She was tortured ward for the Nobel Peace Prize. died a few days after birth. The second typhoid outbreak, Sendler and her assis- and was left with permanent scarring on That effort came after her name was son, Adam, died of heart failure in tants went inside in search of children her body—but she refused to betray her brought to the world’s attention in 1999. Sendler is survived by her who could be smuggled out and given a team. “I kept silent. I preferred to die 2000 by a group of U.S. schoolgirls daughter and a granddaughter. (AP) O

76 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES organizations helping young people company stock at a 15 percent dis- to take control of their finances is count, so long as they held it for two The Keen Capitalist feedthepig.org. The “pig” refers to our years. As long as the stock did not drop piggy banks, and the assertion is that from the level at which you made your BY MARTIN MUSHELL not be further from the truth. Once squirreling away even small change purchase, you were guaranteed a 15 we account for variables such as daily will eventually eliminate debt and, percent profit over those two years. expenses, home repairs, and tax effi- hopefully, lead to long-term wealth. During my time at the company their Maximize Your Potential ciency, among others, these two earn- A major hurdle in the face of saving stock doubled and employees saw Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (the ers may find themselves in complete- money is the tax code. A person can great returns. This was a rare opportu- Ramchal) writes in his introduction ly different financial situations. pay nearly half his or her salary in fed- nity. The company’s stock could have to Path of the Just, “I have written One of Benjamin Franklin’s great- eral, state, and local income and tumbled all the same, but a plan that this work not to teach men what they est maxims was “A penny saved is a property taxes. Fortunately, the gov- includes your employer contributing to do not know, but to remind them of penny earned.” I think it is fair to say ernment offers tax deductions to it is generally a good idea. what they already know…through that 200 years later, “a penny” can no encourage us to allocate our funds to Another important focus should be review and persistent study, by which longer be taken literally. However, different areas or causes. With item- feeding some sort of retirement plan, one is reminded of those things let’s use a small figure, such as 3 per- ized deductions like interest paid on such as the 401(k) or IRA. If your which by nature he is prone to for- cent of your disposable income. This your home, charity, paper losses on employer offers any kind of matching get, and through which he is caused is not an amount that most of us your investments, and funds allocated funds program, that should be to take to heart the duty that he would give great thought to initially, to education, you can significantly enough of an incentive to make tends to overlook.” but could become a substantial figure lower your tax burden. healthy contributions. However, even In a similar vein, I would like to five years down the line, factoring in Additionally, there are numerous if your employer does not match your present a few concepts that people interest and investments. As many benefit plans many employers offer contributions or you are self- are certainly familiar with, but clients have told me, they could not which should be taken full advantage employed, it is imperative to invest nonetheless tend to overlook. Our point to a one-time event that brought of. Apart from the usual medical consistently, even if only in small busy schedules consume much of our them to their fortunes or large portfo- insurance plan, many offer pre-tax amounts. Down the road your invest- time and energy, and many of us lose lios. Rather, they came as a result of programs such as TransitChek and ment will grow and you will be glad to focus of our long-term financial many years of hard work and careful flexible spending programs. have that cushion. goals. Although we would all like to planning. Consistently contributing Depending on the particular program, Many of you have already made earn more, there are simple ways to even small amounts toward building a one can allocate pre-tax dollars to pay your greatest investments in your organize your finances, get the most stock portfolio can prove very valu- for child care, medical costs outside spouses and families. Now you need out of your paycheck, and think like a able over time. of your insurance, etc. This is a pow- to protect your best assets by plan- true capitalist. But, according to studies, erful concept, since it allows the indi- ning and saving for the future. I hope First, we must understand that Americans have been doing quite the vidual to pay themselves first. In other that some of what is outlined above there is a significant difference opposite. Over the past few years, words, the money goes directly to helps you to meet your financial goals between how much you earn and how most of us have been spending more your needs before the government and be more prudent with your hard- much expendable income you have. than we make. Many have used cred- takes its share. earned money. O Take two people making the same it cards and home-equity loans to Another program I personally salary over five years. One may think cover the cost of their basic necessi- enjoyed while with a previous employ- Martin Mushell has seven years of valuation that at the end of that time frame, the ties. The U.S. savings rate is negative er was their employee stock purchase experience and currently manages personal port- folios of stocks, bonds, and retirement accounts two should have similar assets and and at the lowest level since the plan. The guidelines of the plan were for LPL Investments. He can be reached at cash equivalents. Of course, this can- Great Depression. Among many that the employees could purchase [email protected] or at 646-283-1685.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 77 78 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Your Ad Could Be Here.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 79 AUTOS SERVICES FOR SALE PROVIDED

Cars are 4-Door and automatic shift Study with Steve. One-on-one tutoring. unless specified. Most cars have a 1- SAT Math prep, regents, high school year bumper to bumper warranty. and elementary math, high school 2008 Pontiac G-6 GT 1,200 miles. ABS, physics. Call 516-371-5522 Onstar, black, 4-door, factory warranty ...... $15,999 Simchas Naava 2006 Buick Terazza luxury minivan. Share your simcha flowers! Be 12,000 miles. Factory warranty, leather, m’sameach other simchas! Donate your DVD, all-wheel drive. Loaded ...... fresh flower arrangements! We will ...... $13,999 match your simcha date with 2004 Hyundai XG-350L, Luxury Sedan, simchas following yours or deliver them leather, heated seats, sunroof, power to nursing home residents. everything, ABS, 16K...... $9,999 To donate or obtain flower 2004 Chevy Malibu, tan, 4-door, 25K, arrangements. Call 516-239-6066 power windows and locks, ABS, 4-cylin- In memory of a special friend, Naava Wassner der ...... $7,500 Katlowitz 2003 Mitsubishi Galant, silver, 4-door, 4-cylinder, power windows & locks. 23K Photography - Small Event Specialist ...... $7,500 Bar/Bat Mitzva - Bris - Yeshiva/Shul 2003 Pontiac Montana, minivan, power Functions - Family Portraits sliding door, power everything, 31K, Reasonable prices - Quality Work - Fast ABS ...... $7,999 Turnaround. 2003 Chevy Malibu, silver, 4-door, 47K, Call Eli - 516-319-7709 power windows and locks, ABS. . $6,300 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GT, 2-door, Let me help your children this summer. black, 48K, power everything ABS Learning with Love. 20 years teaching ...... $5,999 experience. Pre-K-5th. Math, Reading 2001 Chevy Camaro, 2-door coupe, readiness, homework without tears. t-tops, 80K, power everything, ABS Call Joyce 516-780-4633 ...... $5,999 2001 Ford Taurus, silver, 4-door, 27K, power everything, ABS ...... $5,999 Swimming lessons for all ages. The pool 2001 Ford Taurus, 4-door, red, sedan, is provided! Call Rachelli Cohen at power everything, leather, sunroof, 516-668-6108 ABS. 57K...... $5,500 2000 Hyundai Sonata, green, 4-door sedan, power windows, locks. 58K ...... $4,999 Your Real Estate, Many, many more—New arrivals daily! Automaven 516-996-5555 Service, or SERVICES Help Wanted Ad PROVIDED Here The Computer Place Computer Consultants, Technical Every Thursday Support, Network, Internet Solutions. Call 800-613-2634 100,000 readers look Thorough cleaning of houses or offices 3 times weekly; own transportation; forward to what’s great references; reasonable prices. Call Maria 516-208-9631 happening in the G'Mach Chasdei Yisroel — Lending money to people in Klei Kodesh & for 5 Towns by reading Klei Kodesh purposes. In the Far Rockaway-Five Towns area. Please call The Five Towns 917-822-9910 for more info. Or email [email protected]. In Memory of R' Yisroel Ben Binyamin, a"h. Jewish Times.

Kollel Yungerman available to learn with your son Gemora or Mishnayos. Deadline is Monday Review class material or undertake a challenging project. Available after Yeshiva and some hours during at 5:00 p.m. Yeshiva. Call 917-842-2587

Master Teacher Tutors 1 Week ...... $35 Limudei Kodesh/Secular Subjects Specialize grades 1-8. Adults; Boys; Girls. Call 718-868-3968 2 Weeks ...... $60

New Table and Chair Gemach for short-term simchas. 740 Mador Ct., Far 4 Weeks ...... $100 Rockaway. Call 718-471-0368

Wallpapering/Painting Weekly Ads of up to 25 words Every home needs a woman's touch. Consultations available. Wallpapers, paint- ing, and borders for any room of your Call: 516-569-0502 house. 20 years experience in the area. Call Sasha at 516-812-0089 Fax: 516-977-0608 Too Much to Type? Too Much to Do? College Reports, Simcha Lists, Secretarial Support. Call Gold Star Or E-mail ads to: Typing Service for help. Reasonable rates. Call 718-471-9712 [email protected] Plumbing and Heating: Sundial Plumbing. Boilers/water heaters serviced and installed. All leaks fixed. Bathrooms, Include payment info. kitchens, basements. No job too big or small. Call 718-252-1234 80 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HELP HELP HELP REAL ESTATE WANTED WANTED WANTED FOR SALE

College Instructors May 25th – July Local Yeshiva office A/R, deposits, bank Experienced secretary wanted for elec- Law: Hi Ranch. Must see, 4br, 2.5bth, 24th. Sundays and/or evenings in June, reconciliations. Proficiency in trical business in Hewlett area. F/T. fam rm, CAC, 2 car garage, large prop weekdays and/or evenings in July. Quickbooks and strong computer skills. Hebrew speaking a plus...... $800sK Fax resume to 516-812-7607 Education, Psychology (computer Flexible schedule. Position starts imme- Law: Nu Construc’n, 6br, 5bth, based), Music History, and Statistics. lg prop, walk all, with all goodies. Plans diately. E-mail resume to Brooklyn and Monsey locations. can be seen in office. [email protected] Email: [email protected] Ced: Nu2Mkt, 2Fam, 3br/3br, 2fpl, deck, Fax: 718-435-0115 all new, grt loc, full bsmt...... $795K New salon looking for experienced: hair Wdm: Reduced. Ranch, 3br, 3 bth, lg Administrative Assistant F/T for dresser/sheitel macher, make-up prop, grt loc, walk all ...... $749K Queens location, Mature, Detail-oriented artist, manicurist, masseuse in central Oceanside: Col, renov’d, lr, dr, nu EIK, and responsible. Office experience and Cedarhurst area. den, 3br, fin bsmt. Best Buy! . . . $439K Computer skills a +. Please call 516-791-2520 or 646-270-3381 Cedarhurst: CH col., new quality con- Fax resume 718-851-3392 struction. 7 bedroom, 4.5 bths, den, LR, DR, oversized gourmet, granite EIK, Professional child care for children 2-4 huge FDR, 9' ceiling, finished basement Service Coordinator F/T position avail- years of age in a loving heimishe envi- prime location. Asking ...... $1.25M able. Bil Hebrew, Spanish, or Russian a ronment is seeking loving and caring 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 plus. At Queens location. BA in Human teachers, teachers' assistants, and sub- Services or related field required. stitutes. Call 516-371-6858 LMSW preferred. Excellent benefits Teachers positions available, due to package. Fax resume: 718-851-3392 opening new classes. Bnos Bais Yaakov of Far Rockaway general studies department September '08, grades 1-4 and all Jr. high subjects, minimum 2 years experience a must. Teachers 5 Towns Yeshiva: F/T Admin Asst, Exp assistants positions also available Mon- Bkeeper, QuikBks a must. Strong writ- Thurs 12:20-4:30 PM. Transportation ing, phone skills. E-mail resume to: from Brooklyn available. [email protected] Fax resume to 718-337-9160 attn: Mrs. Katz or call 718-337-6000 ext. 320 Warm, enthusiastic boys' elementary yeshiva looking for secular studies Local yeshiva looking for elementary teachers for next year. Please call secular studies teachers for Sept '08. 917-742-8909 or 718-969-1000 or fax Please fax resume to 718-868-3003 or resume 718-969-9600 or e-mail e-mail [email protected] [email protected] Seeking experienced and qualified Far Rockaway: 2 Family. All NU, Jewish History teachers for Shevach 3 over 1 Bdrm, 3 full baths. Great High School for September 2008. Please BUSINESS Location ...... $599K fax resume to 718-263-3759, or e-mail Call 516-322-3555 [email protected] OPPORTUNITY Full Time Bookkeeper/Secretary for North Woodmere (Sale-Rent) Yeshiva in the Five Towns. Knowledge ELA Teacher for September '08, for (Extended Woodmere 400). Price drasti- of Quick Books, Excel, Word and basic Junior High School, hours 2-5:30 Mon- Highly profitable cookie route for sale. cally reduced! 7BR, 3FBA, Finished bookkeeping is required. Must be organ- Thurs. Excellent salary, 5 Towns area Call Matt 516-620-8918 or 917-295-8767. Basement, Lg property 84x100, Walking to 4 shuls...... $639K ized, team player, energetic. yeshiva. E-mail [email protected] Please see our website for product Call 917-238-0098 Please send resume to: email or fax 718-471-0925 details www.gourmetlite.com. [email protected] or fax. Excellent opportunity! Mashgiach needed in Long Beach. Hewlett — Col. MIC, 4br, 2bth, 2fpl, full Flexible hours. Call 516-359-3645 deck, wood flr, Lg. den. Walk to all. Bnos Malka Academy of Queens seeks ...... $729K Teachers to fill the following positions Are you looking for a job?! Stop it! Go Lawrence — NU 2 MKT. Legal 3FAM. for the 2008-2009 academic year. REAL ESTATE Lg. 3Br/2/2, Full FIN. bsmt., walk to all. to: www.thisisrealincome.com and call: Limudei Kodesh: 3rd grade and 7th NYU sep. mtr, htg & Wtr . . . . . $949K grade. Experience required. General 1-507-726-3831 See How I Fired My Boss FOR SALE 5 TOWN HOMES 516-322-3555 Studies: Pre1A and Middle School Science. Experience and State License Looking for a mature and responsible Ced: Nu 2 Mkt. Col, 4Br, 2.5bth, All NU, high school girl to be a mother's helper required. E-mail resume to Miami Beach — Tower 41. Ocean View. Den, Mrbl EIK, Full Fin. Bsmt, walk to [email protected] or for a frum family in Atlantic Beach this 1 bdrm, 17th floor. Stunning. all...... $799K fax 718-228-9159 summer. Call 516-695-9743 732-522-0813 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Luxurious apartments: Penthouse in Far Rockaway — House For Sale Bucman, Modiin. 5 BR, balconies, 3 Bdrm, 2 Bath plus guest room. Shabbos elevator, 2 sinks, 2.5 bths. Renovated w/New Kitchen, New ...... $350K Bathrooms. Huge Master Bedroom. Villa 6 BR, c/ac, parking, storage, back- Price...... $499K yard ...... $550K Call Owner 917-836-6838 Call 718-471-8888

Cedarhurst — 288 Leroy Avenue. Mint Woodmere — For sale by owner. condition, large center hall col., 5 BR, 3 5 BR, 2.5 bths, large LR, FDR, kosher bths, EIK, large den with built-ins, EIK, den, playroom. Near YI Woodmere FDR, finished basement, central AC, in- and Island ...... $765K ground sprinkler, huge outdoor porch, Call 516-295-6884 low taxes. $775K by owner. 551-206-1187 Looking for a Beautiful Home in a For sale by owner. Woodmere — GREAT Community? Look no further Beautiful & Bright 4BR, 2.5B, Split than Oceanside, NY. Call about the Level w/Den and Gunite IG Pool many next exciting "Come Home to built-ins and Hardwood Flrs . . . . $709K Oceanside" Shabbaton. Find out why A Must See! Call 516-569-4115 so many young frum families are moving to this warm and friendly community. Spacious and Extremely Cedarhurst — Lovely 2 flr stucco on Affordable Homes. Call Robert Manel 60X100. Prime loc., 4BR, 2bth, FDR, LR at 516-458-4847 Hal Knopf Realty w/fpl, updated EIK, lg den, deck, very [email protected]. Want to pvt back yard. Walk to all . . . . . $595K know how you can save $25K - $55K on No Bkrs. Owner 516-239-8873 the purchase of your new home? Call David C. Welner at 718-928-4775 Woodmere — 3 bedroom, DR, LR, den, [email protected] new kitchen, 60x100 lot, fenced yard Beit Shemesh Israel— Luxurious with deck, low taxes, walk to YI, priced duplex penthouse, magnificent view, 4 to sell, reduced ...... $499K porches, 3 bths, 5.5 BR, built-in mikveh Call 516-974-7795 in apt, central a/c, elevator, great location. 718-871-0494. West Hempstead — 5 BR, 2 full BTH, Cape, Fin Bsmnt, home office, 2 Classified Ads are garages, sunroom, close to Shuls & LIRR, Great Cond ...... $499K Continued on the Next Page. Call 646-287-5834 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 81 CLASSIFIED ADS REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Continued from Page 81 FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Kings Point Delray Beach condo for Bayswater House for sale— 100x110 cor- For Sale In Jerusalem sale 1,100 sq. feet. 2 BR, 2 bths, new ner lot, 3 BR, 2 Full Bthrms, L/R, D/R, BAKA - Penthouse! 150 sqm on 2 floors. European kitchen and appliances, EIK, closed porch/ bedroom, huge heat- Private Shabbat elevator! Separate updated bath, new carpets, 24-hour ed finished basement, laundry room. entrance, Parking, Sukkah Terraces. Cedarhurst — Nu 2 Mkt. Lg Lr, Dr, guarded community. Golf, theater, Designer extras. Near Shuls/Yeshiva Fabulous Views!! Shaarei Chesed— EIK, Den, 5 Br, 3bth, Skilits, Cabana, Adorable 2+ bedroom. Ground floor, Lg prop., IG pool, Walk to all. . . $699K library ...... $199,999 Asking $598,500K Owner: 917-434-2220 Sukkah patio, steps to the "Gra" Shul. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Call 631-664-0075 Cedarhurst — High rise, 3 BR, 2.5 bths, Distinctive Properties, +972-544-553- brand new appliances, central air, new 649, 1-516-620-0668 + 7 HOURS [email protected] roof, close to all shuls. Call 516-569-9243 Lawrence Open House Sun 5/18 12-2 Brand new construction on Clubhouse 110 Barrett Rd.— 4br 3ba ranch, pool, Road in the heart of Woodmere Park...... $1M+ Contemporary style home. 6 BR, 4 Bths, Condo— Lrg 1br 2ba $500sK Radiant Heat, Alarms, Camera Cedarhurst —3br colonial. Large rooms equipped, 85X100. Buyer has ability to ...... $499K customize interior before completion Woodmere— Colonial 4br 2.5ba.. $600sK ...... $1.899M All new 3br ranch...... $549K Call Avi 917-512-5442 Smolinsky Properties 516-295-4444 Woodmere Park — Brand new Mediterranean style construction. 6 BR, Woodmere— Lovely col. On dead end, 4 3 Full Bths, 91X100, Radiant heat, BR, 4 bths, large FDR, skylit den, huge Alarms , Camera equipped. Buyer has master, office, finished basement with ability to customize interior before com- wood built-ins, 60x100, close to shuls, pletion...... $1.899M train, mic. $679K Must see 516-569-2156 Call Avi 917-512-5442 Cedarhurst — New to the market. Won't Attention: Large property, corner Last! Beautiful 5 Bdrm Split located on Cedarhurst and Woodmere 150x100 apx. a Cul-De-Sac block. New roof, windows, 13 large rooms, 3 baths. Good for working fireplace, and a sunroom with kindergarten, elementary school, yeshi- a skylight off a spacious Eat-In Kitchen. va, synagogue, or other institution. Walk to all. Call Jackie 516-526-8841 Parking garage for 4 cars and 2 buses. Immediate. Reasonable. Hewlett — Brand new construction, 5 Owner 347-439-8234 bedrms, 2.5 baths, office, wood flrs, CAC, Laundry room on 2nd flr..... $699K Far Rockaway: 2 Fam. All NU Call Jackie 516-526-8841 3 over 3 Br. 4Fbth, Dr, Full bsmt Woodmere — Sprawling ranch on deep All features ...... $779K property 4 bedrms, 3 baths, Master Call 516-263-6417 suite, walk to all...... $1.250M Call Jackie 516-526-8841 Woodmere/Cedarhurst Oppty! Weissman Realty Group, LLC 12,000 sq. ft. approx. 90’x150’, Colonial, 17 rooms, full bsmt. with hi ceilings, 516-791-6100 clean 2 car garage plus storage, 6 space parking, 2 family, professional use, accountant, Esq., medical and/or educa- tional and religious uses. Grand colonial with charm and great possibilities. Available at once . . . $875K Negotiable Owner 516-322-3555

Far Rockaway/Lawrence: House For Sale 2 BR/ 2 BA, Newly Renovated, Dead-end street, Price ...... $539K Call Owner: 516-750-9257

N. Wdmr: HiRanch, 4Br, 2.5Bth, Nu Kit, Lg. Den, deck, Overlg Property. Reduced ...... $659K 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710

Atlantic Beach — Magnificent center hall colonial just few blocks from water! 8 BR, 2/5 bths, Jacuzzi, beautiful finished basement. Must see. Asking ...... $999K

The deadline for placing classified ads in the next issue of the 5TJT is Monday, May 26 at 5:00 P.M. Call 516-569-0502

82 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

FOR RENT

2-3 BR rental apt 2 family house 2 BR, lg LR, DR, EIK, den, quiet location...... $2,200 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710

Far Rockaway — 2 Huge Office Spaces. 6,000 and 2,500 Sq Ft. 2nd Floor. Near Subway & LIRR. Build to Suit. Can Be Divided. Owner 917-359-9776

Miami Alexander Hotel — Short or long term rental. 2 BR, 2 bths, luxury, Shabbos elevator, swimming pool, bal- cony, parking, beachfront. Call Zeev Kolman 212-245-1715 or 917-287-5858

Brooklyn — Office for rent. Windows to street, private entrance, private bath- room, carpets, a/c, intercom, 500 square feet. Call 917-721-3370 or 917-482-0057

Office space for rent. Central Avenue. Includes utilities, AC, alarm, internet. Call 516-569-4949 x104

Ced. — 3+ br apt, 1.5 bth, lg FDR, new EIK, on quiet street, walk to all . . $2,200 N Wdm. — house rental. Hi-ranch in MIC. 4 br, CAC, den, on quiet street. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710

Miami Beach-The Dalano Effect — Stunning millionaire's row, panoramic view, beach block, 2 BR, 3 bths, approx- imately 1,700 square feet, white porce- lain floors, vessel sink, gorgeous pool, state-of-the-art gym, valet parking. Rent $3,800, Sale $675K. Call 917-301-0104

Far Rockaway — Lg. Hse Rental: 4br, 2bth, bsmt., hi-ceilings, NU bths, W\D. Call 516-322-3555

Far Rockaway — Apartment available. Brand new construction. Furnished or unfurnished. 3 BR, 2bths. Cleaning and laundry services available. Perfect for the elderly. Call Sherri 516-569-5450

West Hempstead — Large apartment. Own thermostats, separate entrance, all included, pets ok, near shuls. 1 spacious bedroom and living room. Asking $1,400 Call 917-640-2890

Woodmere/Cedarhurst — 1 and 2 BR available. Secure buildings, updated EIK, Shabbos elevator close to all and train station. Call Sherri 516-297-7995 Far Rockaway — 1 BR and 2 BR apartments. some balconies. New kitchens, lots of closets, 24 hr doorman, security cameras. Close to White Shul, Shor Yoshuv and train. Call Sherri 516-297-7995 Weissman Realty Group, LLC 516-791-6100

Cedarhurst — House Rental LR/FDR, den, 3br, 2.5bth, Fin. Bsmt . . . . . $2,300 Call 516-322-3555

Cedarhurst — House Rental; kit, den, 3br., 2.5 bth. bsmt ...... $2,400 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710

Far Rockaway — Walk-in Apt on Beach 9. Newly renovated. Close to syna- gogues ...... $675 including all Call 646-342-4030 or 718-350-6303

Your Classified Ad Could Be Here.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 83

Ner Israel Breakfast Photo By Ivan H. Norman

The annual Five Towns breakfast to benefit the Ner Israel yeshiva of Baltimore was held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Geliebter on Sunday, May 18. Pictured above are Rabbi Tzvi Berkovitz, Dr. Geliebter, Rabbi Sheftal Neuberger, and Rabbi Shmuel Bloom.

For the next issue, deadline for reserving ad space is Monday, May 26 at 5:00 P.M. All graphics for ads must be in by Tuesday, May 27 at 5:00 P.M. Call 516-984-0079

84 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Your Event… Simply Spectacular

Carefully selected ingredients, Immaculate presentation, Attention to all details. This is what separates us

from the rest. lk

NEW STAR fine catered events lk T: 516 791.0100 T: 718 891.8100

CERTIFIED AND ENDORSED BY THE KEHILAH KASHRUS

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 85 86 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 23, 2008 87 88 May 23, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES