The 5 Towns Jewish Times Should Be Moved to Jerusalem

$1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 8 NO. 38 10 SIVAN 5768 l,ukgvc ,arp JUNE 13, 2008

INSIDE FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK REMEMBERING ARI BLOCK, a’h

The Peres Conference BY LARRY GORDON Toby Klein Greenwald 20 Helping Out Hannah Reich Berman 29 Undivided Jerusalem MindBiz Political pundits, editorial- Obama who are in the busi- Esther Mann, LMSW 31 ists, columnists, and other ness of politics are wont to do, political observers seem to the next day his spokespeople Nutrition Counts! just be missing the point. “clarified” his statement and Miriam Horowitz, RD 37 Democratic party nominee placed it in the proper and Senator Barack Obama was more understandable context. Wild West Of Wikipedia right on the mark last week In brief, while he did say Gilead Ini 75 when he declared his support unequivocally that Jerusalem for a unified or united must remain united and the At the dedication in Lawrence on Sunday, June 1, of a Sefer Torah written in Jerusalem, or whatever else capital of Israel, he did not memory of R’ Ari Block, a’h, a young member of the Sh’or Yoshuv kollel who passed away one year ago. L–R: Dr. Robert Block (Ari’s father); R’ Naftali you would like to call it that really intend that specific Zeigermann (Ari’s grandfather); R’ Naftali Jaeger (rosh yeshiva of Sh’or serves its momentary purpose. Yoshuv); and R’ Chanoch Ludmir (Ari’s father-in-law), holding Avrohom Of course, as people like Continued on Page 4 Yeshaya Block (Ari’s son). See Page 54 Letters to the Editor HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE In Praise Of The Rubashkins the kindness and selfless con- Night Moves Dear Editor, cern that the Rubashkin fam- As the media (including ily, led by Reb Sholom BY LARRY GORDON On the other hand, you many Jewish outlets) continue Mordechai Rubashkin, shows could say that there is indeed Wedding of Eli Haller and Kimmy Tau. See Page 74 to report as fact many base- for thousands of communi- It’s a bit unnatural—a something unique inherent in less rumors and every negative ties, families, and individuals struggle, but also satisfying the observance of Shavuos allegation they can find around the world. We live in and rewarding. That is, the that is really not shared with regarding the Agriprocessors areas with a minuscule kosher arrival of this 48-hour yom many of our other observanc- plant in Iowa, we feel com- clientele, where kosher meat tov, Shavuos, sans the usual es. Arguably that item, that pelled to bring to light some and poultry is difficult to find. accouterments of our holi- intangible thing, is the night qualities of the Rubashkin Knowing the importance of days, things like lulav, esrog, itself, as thousands around family which the media fails the mitzvah of kashrus, and sukkah, matzah, and so on. the Jewish world make their to report. appreciating its fundamental Suddenly here we are alone— way through that first night of We serve as Jewish leaders place in Jewish life, as empha- just us and the holiday, with yom tov, caffeine-filled, wide- in our respective communities no “props” to use that might and are firsthand witnesses of Continued on Page 19 intervene or distract. Continued on Page 12

Ezer Mizion Belle Harbor Event. From S’derot To The 5 Towns Democrats THE NEW See Page 71 For McCain ANTI-SEMITISM B Y HILLEL FENDEL BY RABBI Y Y Senator John McCain, the RUBINSTEIN Republican presidential candidate, is attracting the support The UK has an organiza- of Jewish Democratic donors, tion called the Council of a popular daily Congressional Christians and Jews. It newspaper reported this week. recently organized a confer- In an article in The Hill, the ence together with another author wrote that in addition organization called the to the support of Independent/ Christian Muslim Forum here First Anniversary of i-Shine. Democratic Senator Joe in Manchester. The theme See Page 58 Lieberman, Mr. McCain has was “Conflict Resolution on received money and backing Campus,” and chaplains of CANDLE LIGHTING from elite Jewish Democratic several faiths, from all over June 13 – 8:08 PM Rabbi Simcha HaKohen Kook, who is scheduled to visit the Five Towns in donors such as Florida devel- the country, were invited to June 20 – 8:11 PM the coming days, on a visit to S’derot before Shavuot providing inspirational support for the soldiers. See Page 52 Continued on Page 14 Continued on Page 10 2 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 3 FROM THE EDITOR by barbed wire and checkpoints as it FEATURES Continued from Front Cover was in 1948–1967.” Today Israel only uses barbed wire meaning to flow from the stringing as a security device to protect school Around The Five Towns 42 P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 together of those specific words. yards and perhaps the parking lots 516-984-0079 Israeli political leaders and hopeful where they tow cars to for being ille- [email protected] Ask The Sensei [email protected] future political leaders do the same gally parked. Mr. Obama and his asso- Warren Levi 53 thing all the time. Today they would ciates know that Israel does not utilize LARRY GORDON ESTA J. GORDON Publisher/Editor Managing Editor like us, the consumers of these decla- barbed wire anymore. To provide secu- Classified Ads 68 YOSSI GORDON, YOCHANAN GORDON rations, to think that there is no longer rity for Israeli population centers, the Sales Managers such a thing as a mistruth or being choice of barrier—since the failure of Daf Yomi Insights CHANA ROCHEL ROSS misled. There are no longer contradic- the breakthrough Oslo peace Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow 22 Editorial Assistant tory statements or ones that just have accords—is 30-foot-high cement walls SIDI BARON no basis in reality. If a statement seems that cannot be scaled or circumvented. Five Towns Simcha YAKOV SERLE to contradict a previous statement, So, yes, Mr. Obama was at least par- OnlySimchas! 74 JERRY MARKOVITZ then you, the listener, most likely mis- tially on the mark, but his statement Sales Representatives understood or misheard one of those (as interpreted by his campaign after Hock Of The Rock SHMUEL GERBER MICHELE JUSTIC statements. The Israeli government the fact) was more of a technological Eli Shapiro 34 Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor does it often, by insisting that they nature than a political one— CONTRIBUTING EDITORS have a commitment to a two-state “Jerusalem will not be divided by Irwin H. Benjamin, Hannah Reich Berman Insights On The Torah Anessa V. Cohen, Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg solution, which apparently isn’t so. barbed wire.” Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah 26 And the Palestinians are of course And he also could have possibly Toby Klein Greenwald, Michele Herenstein Rabbi Yanki Tauber 39 Rabbi Yair Hoffman, Miriam Horowitz guilty of the same thing, saying they meant that the new future Jerusalem Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky are also committed to a two-state solu- should be united as one capital of both Shmuel Katz, Phyllis J. Lubin, Esther Mann Luach 11 Rochelle Miller, Martin Mushell, Naomi Ross tion, so long as the borders of the new countries, Israel and “Palestine.” That Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, Eli Shapiro, Ari Sher country eclipse all of those of the cur- would make one very tidy and long MindBiz MICHAL WEINSTEIN, BINYAMIN RHODES rent State of Israel. sought after solution to a problem that Esther Mann, LMSW 31 DOV GORDON So what did Mr. Obama actually say seems to drag on without an end in Staff Graphic Artists at the AIPAC conference, and what did sight. The almost comical irony of this Nutrition Counts! IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS he really mean? This is what he said: situation is that though representatives Miriam Horowitz, RD, CDE 37 Staff Photographers “Jerusalem will remain the capital of of both the Israelis and the FRANKEL & CO. Israel, and it must remain undivided.” Palestinians have agreed that ultimate- One Mother’s Musings Design & Production The next day, one of Obama’s handlers ly they may have no choice but for Phyllis J. Lubin 32 TALIYE CORLEY and explainers said that while this is Jerusalem to be the capital of two Art Director Mr. Obama’s position, the final status countries, no one involved sees that as Real Estate SUZETTE LEE of Jerusalem is something that must be practical or workable. That doesn’t Anessa V. Cohen 16 Assistant Art Director negotiated with a solution arrived at mean that this option cannot continue The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly news- between the two parties, Israelis and to be pursued. That’s The Way It Is! paper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not Palestinians. The spokesman further For a man who claims to be com- necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not Hannah Reich Berman 29 responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or stated, “Jerusalem remains Israel’s establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times. capital and it’s not going to be divided Continued on Page 6

4 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 5 FROM THE EDITOR then you have to ask him to define Continued from Page 4 what he sees as the Jerusalem of the future. The Jerusalem that Obama mitted to changing things dramatical- wants to see remain united may be ly and who insists that his vision can nothing more than a ten-square-block change the world as we know it, area of western Jerusalem. It just Barack Obama seems to be unable to might be that even the Palestinians change anything more than the words will at the end of the process begrudg- he uses to express the same old tired ingly accede to this idea. So is this a ideas, especially when it comes to little closer to Obama’s undivided Middle East issues. Jerusalem is the Jerusalem? most difficult issue that Israeli and Palestinian negotiators have been dealing with for years. Both sides of late have tried to finesse the issue, The Jerusalem that feigning compromise solutions where there aren’t any. The Palestinian side Obama wants to see wants Israel tucked back into its pre- 1967 borders, but Israeli law, passed remain united may be by the Knesset decades ago, states nothing more than a ten- that it is illegal for any official or negotiator to tamper with the current square-block area of borders of Jerusalem. So what are they trying to do? western Jerusalem. This is not about acknowledging that Jerusalem or other parts of the country are in fact occupied territory and that new Israeli leadership has The same frustrating and meaning- come to grips with the need to surren- less exercises are played out every day der this territory. It’s more about trying on the issue of so-called Palestinian to demonstrate that a substantive refugees and the Arabs’ demand that accomplishment has been achieved— they be allowed to return to their but without actually surrendering or homes—or wherever they say they forfeiting anything. And that is what once had homes—in Israel. No right- the concept of dividing or not dividing minded person believes that Jews in Jerusalem is really all about. That is Israel will, as part of any process or what Obama was trying to do last week agreement, be handing over their when he told AIPAC that Jerusalem homes or fields to people whom we must remain undivided. are supposed to believe were once So maybe he does believe that “Jerusalem” should not be divided. But Continued on Page 8

6 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 7 FROM THE EDITOR and spiritual capital of all Jews every- Continued from Page 6 where in the world. Fortunately we do not need this fact affirmed for us by Palestinians forced to flee by ruthless any past or future leader of the U.S., Israeli fighters. Those who once did the UN, the Palestinian Authority, the live in Israel proper and who did European Union, or any other entity leave in 1948 were asked to do so by dedicated to defining in what fashion Arab leaders so that they would not Jews in Israel will be allowed to exist. get in the way of what the Arab mili- It was nice to hear, albeit for only taries at the time believed would be one day, that Obama believes that an additional slaughter of large num- Jerusalem should remain unified and bers of Jews. under Israeli sovereignty, at least par- tially—maybe. There are no major shifts in policy coming down the pike from anyone running for office (or There are no major from office) anytime soon. In today’s political process there is, as you can shifts in policy coming see, an abundance of verbosity, but that’s nothing new. What is lacking is down the pike from political courage, and of course we anyone running for could also use some leadership. O Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at office (or from office). [email protected].

Submit your photo to the So last week’s message by Obama was nothing more than a routine polit- 5 Towns Jewish Times! ical flip-flop. Nothing to get excited about here—unless you get enthusiastic about being momentarily patron- You can upload your ized or emotionally exploited by candidates for President of the United digital photos and see them States. You may have also heard Senator John McCain say last week printed in the weekly edition that the American embassy in Israel of the 5 Towns Jewish Times should be moved to Jerusalem. This, too—after all these years—is as emotional an issue as it is a meaningless one. Yes, Jerusalem is the capital of www.5tjt.com/sendphotos Israel, and in fact is the geographical

8 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 9 New Anti-Semitism was polite all the same. The delegates listened impassively, out one person for criticism and disap- Continued from Front Cover That was the problem I faced. I had and I continued: proval while ignoring the exact same been asked to talk on the topic of the “But let me here be frank. Since the faults in others is bigotry and preju- attend. I was invited to be one of the “New Anti-Semitism.” Seeing all these founding of the State in 1948, it has dice. Against Jews it has historically keynote lecturers. friendly, nice faces in a setting where created untold suffering. It has been been called anti-Semitism, and that is Most of the chaplains were from the everyone was striving to be as very nice responsible for a massive transfer of exactly what it is today.” Greater Manchester area, with the as possible, would my lecture hit the population and a huge refugee prob- There was now no trace of the majority being Christian. But there jarring note? lem. It was carved out of an existing “English tea party on the lawn” atmos- were quite a few Muslims, Buddhists, I thought about improvising some- state and was set up specifically to be phere that had existed before. I cited and others. thing far less hard-hitting than the words the home of one religious group. It is one of my literary heroes, George Like most gatherings of this sort, I had prepared, but perhaps because the nuclear-armed and has been the cause Orwell, who wrote in a 1945 essay, the atmosphere was kindly and benign. topic was too important and the situation of several wars with its neighbors, any “Anti-Semitism in Britain,” After all, most of the people attending so grave I kept it as it was. one of which could have escalated and “I defy any modern intellectual to subscribe, to a greater or lesser degree, I began: dragged the world into a third world look closely and honestly into his own to the concept of a multicultural mind without coming upon national- Britain and tolerant co-existence. istic loyalties and hatreds of one kind The first of the three speakers was or another. It is the fact that he can the senior chaplain to the Royal Navy. I feel the emotional tug of such things, must admit that I could not quite see They never admit to there being and yet see them dispassionately for how, despite the obvious importance of what they are, that gives him his sta- his role, how this was relevant to the an “Israel” and only speak in self- tus as an intellectual. It will be seen, topic of the day. At gatherings like therefore, that the starting point for these where, as the old song goes, “sel- any investigation of anti-Semitism dom is heard a discouraging word,” it is righteous tones of “Palestine”. should not be ‘Why does this obvious- simply not done to question such dis- ly irrational belief appeal to other crepancies. people?’ but ‘Why does anti-Semitism There was, though, just a hint of appeal to me?’” disharmony when he pointed out (rather “The new anti-Semitism is in reality war. Its politicians and government are When it came time for questions, a unnecessarily) that Her Majesty’s armed the old anti-Semitism. When I walk in generally believed to be corrupt. But Buddhist monk wanted to know exact- forces are at present engaged in two con- the street or campus and someone personally…I wish Pakistan and its ly how the new/old anti-Semitism flicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. shouts ‘Jew’ or ‘Palestine’ at me, they people well.” manifested itself on campuses. The Some of the delegates seemed to have not asked me whether or not I am This time, there was no mistaking the answer in Manchester over the last stiffen at that. There was even an an Israeli or a Zionist; they simply see reaction of my listeners. Some furrowed year is that it has emerged in several almost audible intake of breath when a Jew, and one Jew is guilty of the brows, some shifted in their chairs, and guises. One or two students have been someone rather sheepishly asked the crimes or perceived crimes of all the some repeated their reaction to hearing elbowed or shouldered in corridors as sailor if he could perhaps find some- Jews… In medieval Europe, I killed that the Royal Navy was at present sail- they moved to and from lectures. Two thing from his enlightening half-hour Jesus. In the new anti-Semitism, I am ing near Afghanistan and Iraq. girls came to see me in some consider- presentation of the work of chaplains guilty of every alleged crime of Israel, Then I posed a challenge to my able distress because they were intimi- on the high seas to apply to the theme although I have never oppressed a audience: “Now if you thought I was dated by their lecturer. This individual of the conference. Sadly, he did not Palestinian or a Muslim in my talking about Israel, that’s because you had selected a course book written by live up to the challenge…but everyone life…and that is anti-Semitism.” suffer from anti-Semitism. To single a Palestinian on the conflict from his

10 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES people’s point of view. The book spoke of the conflict between Arab and Jew, not Arab and Israeli. The lecturer could never bring herself to use the word “Israel,” only “Palestine.” (By the way, that is how you know someone is one of the new anti-Semites: they never admit to there being an “Israel” and only speak in self-righteous tones of “Palestine.”) Once again, I have been watching one crucial school in Manchester where the evidence mounts that Jewish students with superb grades and brilliant references routinely fail to get a place at the “interview” stage. I could not have known when I spoke that, just a few days later, the University and College Union agreed in Manchester to sever links with Israeli academics and institutions. This body, as its Web page boasts, is the largest trade union and professional association for academics, lecturers, trainers, researchers, and academic-related staff working in further and higher education throughout the

Continued on Page 13 CALENDAR LUACH June 13–June 21 ZIP Code: 11516

10 Sivan – Erev Shabbos Friday, June 13 Daf yomi: Sotah 20 Z’manim*: Earliest tallis/tefillin: 4:16 am Sunrise: 5:24 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 8:33 am Gr’a 9:09 am Candle Lighting: 8:08 pm 11 Sivan – Shabbos Saturday, June 14 Shabbos Parashas Beha‘alosecha Avos: Ch. 1 Shabbos ends**: 9:18 pm 72 min. 9:40 pm 17 Sivan – Erev Shabbos Friday, June 20 Daf yomi: Sotah 27 Earliest tallis/tefillin: 4:16 am Sunrise: 5:24 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 8:34 am Gr’a 9:10 am Candle Lighting: 8:11 pm 18 Sivan – Shabbos Saturday, June 21 Shabbos Parashas Sh’lach Avos: Ch. 2 Shabbos ends**: 9:20 pm 72 min. 9:42 pm * from MyZmanim.com ** add a few minutes for tosefos Shabbos according to your minhag Municipal Calendar For 5 Towns and NYC Sunday, June 15 Father’s Day Tuesday,June 17– Thursday, June 26 NYS Regents Exams 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 11 HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE and complicated. A few stand out, Far Rockaway, Yeshiva Darchei Torah, A few nights ago, on Shavuos of this Continued from Front Cover like the years in yeshiva where those the HALB or HAFTR beis midrash, or year, I joined my sons at Sh’or Yoshuv nights seemed endless. Then there Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv. All of these and for the first time on Shavuos since they eyed, and often part of a crowd that are the nights spent in a small neigh- more locales of year-round education moved into the new building in defies nature and convention, cele- borhood shul where you opt for the and Torah study are found in quiet Lawrence some years ago. Stepping brating the receiving of the Torah by stillness of the night accompanied by spots in their individual neighbor- inside the beis midrash,I could Am Yisrael by staying up and studying instantly discern the difference. Yes, it through the night. it’s nice to pass this special night It’s a struggle that some of us man- studying quietly with friends in one of age to navigate through while others It was like the curtain had gone up at a the small shuls you frequent through- either make a best effort or just dis- out the year. It’s a whole other experi- miss the idea out of hand. The night Broadway spectacular. There may have ence inside one of these immense is as quiet and as mysterious as ever. echo-filled study halls. I suppose it’s It is a kind of time-out or rest period like the difference between swimming for nature, when at least in certain been six hundred or more of us, all on in a backyard swimming pool and locations in the world you can sit spending your time hunkered down back, relax, and breathe a little easi- center stage. waiting to catch a wave in the ocean. er. Shavuos night, though, is not your In your pool or your friend’s pool, you typical night. are easily distracted by all the sur- In our neighborhoods, the usually rounding noises. You can even hear empty streets are busier. There’s a a page or two of Talmud or related hoods. But that’s only on the outside. when your neighbor pulls his car into hustle and a bustle and even a pulse commentaries. And there is the big I haven’t been in all of them on the driveway, shuts the engine, and at a time ordinarily reserved for yeshiva scene, where there’s a little Shavuos night, but judging from what walks to his side door. In the ocean you everything associated with quiet. I’ve bit of everything, all attached in some I have observed over the last few hear nothing but the great sound of spent my Shavuos nights over the way to the magic and the energy of years, once you step inside they are the crashing waves and observe noth- years in a number of places and in a the night. all majestically lit up and alive with ing else but the enormousness of the number of circumstances. Some were Around here, it could be in Yeshiva the sounds of Torah echoing through deep blue sea. simple, others a bit more challenging Gedola of the Five Towns, Yeshiva of the hallways. That’s what it was like in Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv the other night. It was an ocean of Torah study. Outside in the parking lot there was quiet and soli- tude, with a few people walking to and fro. Inside it was like the curtain had gone up at a Broadway spectacular. There may have been six hundred or more of us, all on center stage. As much as I would have liked to stay all night and watch the first traces of morning light head in our direction from the distant rising sun, I opted to leave close to 3 a.m., head home, and go to shul later, at 9 a.m. I think it worked out well, mixing a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I’ve spent at least one Shavuos night out, but not exactly in shul or a beis midrash.I was in a Manhattan hospital on the first night of Shavuos. It was a Saturday night— the eve of the proverbial three-day yom tov—and we were undeniably in labor and it was time to go to have a baby. We knew the drill. Send the other kids to our neighbor, call the car service, and so on. So there I was in the back seat of a car, my wife next to me. I’m smiling, she’s grimacing, the streets are teeming with people, and we’re stopping at stop signs and traffic lights with nothing to do but wave to the people we know out there on the street. It was a long night, and in the morning my wife gave birth to a baby boy. Everything was right and good with the world. Baby and mother were resting comfortably, it was the first day of Shavuos, and I had two days to figure out what to do in the big town. It was hot outside, not unlike the type of weather we experienced on the yom tov that just passed. I walked around the hospital and finally got the key to the bikur cholim apartment. I opened the door and peeked inside. It was nice and neat— and very hot. It was a ground-floor apartment, and it seemed that the windows were nailed shut for security reasons. The air conditioning was- n’t on, either, and there was no one around on an early Sunday morning

Continued on Page 15 12 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES New Anti-Semitism s”xc Continued from Page 11

UK. It represents a huge proportion of the lecturers that Jewish students will meet while studying in this country. There is a certain irony that Manchester, which played such a significant role historically in giving form and substance to the Zionist project, should be the location of a vote to give so much form and substance to the new anti-Semitism. And about that there really is no debate. To single out one person for criticism and disapproval while ignoring the exact same faults in others is bigotry and prejudice. Against Jews it has historically been called anti-Semitism, and that is exactly what it is today. To single out one state for criticism and disapproval while ignoring the exact same faults in others is bigotry and prejudice. Against Jews it has historically been called anti- Semitism, and against the Jewish State that is exactly what it is, too. Perhaps there are some who will reflect on the words of George Orwell mentioned above. I doubt it, though. For if there is really any discernible difference between the “old” anti-Semitism and the “new,” it is that its practitioners still like to pretend to others—and to themselves, too—that they are not after all affected by this age-old disease. The previous chief rabbi, Lord Jacobowitz, often said that you can be anti-Zionist without necessarily being anti-Semitic. I would be loath to argue with someone as clever and wise as he was. I will say, though, that in my long experience in this arena, I have never come across anyone who claimed to be anti-Zionist who was not anti-Semitic, or at the very least “suffering” from anti-Semitism. I have a close non-Jewish friend called Ray Hill. He is an ex-Nazi and an ex-founder of one of Britain’s Nazi parties (there are several!). He reformed many decades ago, and he and his wife, Glyn, have since dedicated themselves (despite attempts on his life) to combat- ing far-right activity in the UK. We have spoken together on campus over many years. Ray Hill says that he agrees with Lord Jacobowitz’s analysis. But he adds the caveat that “for every one person who holds anti-Zionist views without being anti-Semitic, there are another nine who are old-fashioned, dyed-in- the-wool, Jew haters.” As the new anti-Semitism continues to grow in this city, across the UK, throughout Europe, and, most worry- ingly of all, in the U.S., it is becoming more and more indistinguishable from the old anti-Semitism. Perhaps I’ll leave the last word once again to George Orwell as he wrote at the conclusion of Animal Farm: “The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.” O

Rabbi Yehudah Yonah Rubinstein is a regular broadcaster for BBC radio and television and is the author of the book Dancing Through Time (Targum/Feldheim). His new book, That’s Life!, is due for release in August 2008. He teaches at the Beis Yakov girls’ school in Manchester and is a senior lecturer for the Gateways organization in the U.S. His main position is as campus rabbi for the northwest of England, serving over 2,000 Jewish students. For more about Rabbi Rubinstein, please visit his website at www.rabbiyy.com. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 13 Democrats For McCain [Democratic candidate Barack] U.S. Jews for several reasons, not least vice-presidential candidate just eight Continued from Front Cover Obama’s stance with regards to Israel of all because he attended a church for years ago, has come out strongly in and regards to Cuba… Democrats who 20 years where the bulletin carried favor of McCain. Lieberman has even oper Stephen Muss. are traditional large Democratic givers Hamas-supportive essays. He told a launched a grassroots group, Citizens “Many Jewish Democrats are sens- are coming over to our side.” cheering AIPAC crowd a week ago that for McCain, which he describes as “an ing there is such an existential threat Florida is considered a key state, Jerusalem must remain undivided— organization…for people who put to Israel that you have to vote for an both electorally and for fundraising. and then backtracked the next day. He country before political party and sup- individual who strongly supports the port the candidate for president who U.S.–Israel relationship,” Represent- has a proven record of bipartisanship.” ative Eric Cantor (R-Va.), chairman of This past March, Lieberman accom- the GOP’s Jewish Victory Coalition, panied McCain on a visit to Israel, told The Hill. Democrats are more than a little concerned about including stops at the Western Wall Stephen Muss is the biggest and S’derot. Lieberman explained his Democratic donor and fundraiser to the fact that Senator Lieberman, the Democrats’ backing for McCain by saying they pledge his support for McCain and the “agreed almost totally” on national Republican National Committee, but vice-presidential candidate just eight years ago, has security issues such as the war in Iraq, there are others; and Muss, who gave and noting that McCain was better $80,000 to the Democratic National come out strongly in favor of McCain. able than Obama to work across party Committee in 2000, is expected to lines to get things done. help bring even more. Lieberman served as Senate men- Brian Ballard, a prominent and tor for Obama, his junior party col- dynamic Florida lobbyist and McCain Its Jewish vote makes up some five is famous for advocating negotiations league, when the latter was first fundraiser, said that several major percent of the state’s electorate. The with Iran and Syria, and told a crowd elected to the Senate in 2004. The Jewish Democratic donors have said narrow final outcome of Florida’s vote of activists last year, “Nobody is suffer- U.S. press noted with amusement they will join McCain’s camp. He in 2000 gave Bush–Cheney a ing more than the Palestinian people.” that when Obama and Lieberman specifically referred to people who had Republican Presidential victory over Politically, Democrats are more than met on the Senate floor this week, been supporters of Hillary Clinton, as Gore–Lieberman. a little concerned about the fact that Obama took Lieberman aside for a well as those who are “not happy with Obama is cause for concern among Senator Lieberman, the Democrats’ few minutes and, if his body language was any indication, spent the time expressing his animated unhappiness with Lieberman’s pro-McCain stance. (Arutz Sheva) O

And the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting … “Who shall give us meat to eat?”

(Bamidbar 11:4) Shall we say that they asked for the flesh of animals? But surely the manna changed in their mouth into any taste they desired; as it says,“And He gave them their request” (Tehillim 106:15),“And He gave them that which they craved” (ibid., 78:29). Shall we say that they had no oxen or cattle? But surely, it is already written,“And a mixed multitude went up also with them; also flocks and herds” (Sh’mos 12:38). Shall we assume that they had eaten them up in the wilderness? But surely, it is written (on the eve of their entry into the Land of Israel forty years later), “Now the children of Reuben…had a very great multitude of cattle” (Bamidbar 32:1). Hence, they were only looking for an excuse to complain. (Rashi; Midrash Rabbah)

14 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE Continued from Page 12 to be asked to put it on. I was supposed to be exhausted, so I tried lying down and closing my eyes, but nothing was happening. After about an hour I gave up, went back to the hospital, and told my wife that there was no way I could stay in that apartment; it was just too hot. My plan B was to walk down to the Fifth Avenue Synagogue for Minchah and Maariv. It was about 15 blocks from the hospital. I told my wife that if I didn’t come back that night, it’s because I had found a place to stay and she should not to be concerned. I remember sauntering down Fifth Avenue and being awestruck that the security gates in front of Temple Emanu-El (a Reform synagogue) were closed and locked. It did not look like it was Shavuos there. I slid into a bench in the back of the Fifth Avenue shul and davened along with the minyan.I really didn’t see anyone I know, though I recognized Elie Wiesel and Abe Hirschfeld from the distance. I had met the cantor, Joseph Malovany, on several occasions over the years and, thankfully, he noticed an out-of-place person loiter- ing in the back of the shul after services. He came over, greeted me, and asked what I was doing there. I explained to him about the birth. He immediately insisted that I come to eat with his family that night and that I stay over the next two nights until yom tov was over. I tried to look appre- hensive, but I don’t think I did such a good job. I ate like a king and slept like a baby that night, went to shul in the morning, and then scooted out of shul early and back up to the hospital to be with the mother and new baby. Before it got dark, I was back on my way to shul for Minchah and then back to the Malovanys for the seudah and a night’s rest. “I could get used to this,” I was thinking at the time. The next morning, the second day of yom tov,I heard the most stirring Yizkor service, led by Cantor Malovany. It had been just a few years since my father passed away, and I could not recall being so moved by a prayer service as when Yossi Malovany moved a congregation on that hot sunny morning in early June. A few days later that year, we would name the new baby after my father. Today, that Yizkor plays itself out in my head every year on Shavuos. I try to remember to call Cantor Malovany every year before Shavuos just to thank him, but I haven’t been too good at remembering lately. It was both an adventurous and a wonderful yom tov. I’m still up on most Shavuos nights, but these days those former baby boys are sitting across from me reciting Tikun Chatzos or studying some of their Gemara. I suppose you’re only as good as your last Shavuos. And this year’s Shavuos night in Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv was up there as one of the great ones. O

Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at [email protected]. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 15 own swimming pool or a trip to someone The Home Safety Council encour- else’s swimming pool. ages basic safety precautions to avoid According to the 2004 “State of injuries in and around a pool or spa at Home Safety in America” report, home: drowning is the fifth-leading cause of • Learn to swim if you do not know unintentional injury-related death, and how. many of these incidents involve swim- • Always have adult supervision ming pools and spas, or even large around any body of water. Older chil- Swimming Pool Safety buckets. Store large buckets turned dren should not be left in charge of over, so water cannot collect inside younger children in the pool area. With the hot weather upon us, every- tant it is to have safety measures in place them. Accidents can happen in small Don’t ask children to babysit younger one has their own place they like to go to at all times to keep those swims enjoy- portable swimming pools as well as children around water. Adults should take a dip, whether at the beach or in a able. I am including below some safety large ones. Never leave a swimming keep their eyes on children every sec- swimming pool. As beautiful and enjoy- guides as given by the Home Safety pool without safeguards to prevent ond they are near water—accidents able as those swims are, I want to take a Council and urge everyone to take them children from entering them on their happen even in very shallow water. moment to remind everyone how impor- into consideration when preparing their own when no one is around. • Install four-sided fencing that blocks direct access to the pool from the home. Four-sided pool fencing with self-latching and self-locking gates is proven to be an effective drowning prevention intervention. • Pool fencing should be at least five feet high and have self-locking and self-closing gates. • Position gate latches out of the reach of young children. • Never prop the gate open or dis- able the latch. • Do not leave furniture near the fence that would enable a child to climb over it. • Clear debris, clutter, and pool toys from the pool deck and adjoining pathways to prevent falls. • Keep a cordless, water-resistant telephone with emergency numbers posted in the pool area. • Keep poolside rescue equipment close by. Equipment should include a sturdy, lightweight pole measuring at least 10–12 feet and a ring buoy with line. Do not permit children to play with these tools. • Keep a life vest approved by the U.S. Coast Guard on hand. Poor and inexpe- rienced swimmers should be required to wear a life vest while swimming. • Use plasticware instead of glass- ware in the pool area. • As a supplemental safety precau- tion, consider using a pool alarm to alert you if someone falls into the pool. Recent studies show that subsurface pool alarms are most effective. These alarms are not substitutes for adult supervision of children. • Keep spa and hot-tub covers locked when not in use. • Remove excess water from pool and spa covers. • Always completely remove pool covers before swimming. • Chlorine-based pool-care products could be explosive and can easily com- bust if not handled correctly. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions when using pool chemicals and store chemicals in a dry place away from heat sources. • Lock all pool chemicals in a secure cabinet out of children’s reach. • Have CPR instructions posted by the pool. Let’s all make sure that this swimming season starts off and ends up as a safe as well as enjoyable season for everyone. 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]. 16 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 17 P’eylim/Lev L’Achim Parlor Meeting Photos By Ivan H. Norman

A parlor meeting for P’eylim/Lev L’achim was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Avi Lazar in Lawrence. The guest speaker was Rabbi Yissocher Frand (at right). Avi Lazar is pictured with Rabbi Nachum Barnetsky, head of P’eylim, and Natan Hefetz, executive director of P’eylim in Israel.

I will depart to my own land, and to my kindred (Bamidbar 10:30) This is in keeping with the common saying: Use your local grain for sowing, even if of a lesser quality.

(Midrash HaGadol)

18 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Continued from Front Cover sized by our mentor the Lubavitcher Rebbe, zechuso yagein aleinu, the Rubashkin family always goes out of its way to ensure that the Jewish families in our outlying and far-flung communities receive the quality service and fresh products that we so greatly need. They don’t do this for PR; our towns don’t give them much. They don’t to it for profits; in many instances there is actually a financial loss. They do it because they are caring Jews devoted to the welfare of their brethren. They live up to their family reputation, which goes back for generations, to help Jews anywhere, anytime, no questions asked, no strings attached. The chesed (kindheartedness) and hachnasas orchim (hospitality) of this family are legendary. No one is ever turned down at a Rubashkin home, not in Iowa, Boro Park, or Crown Heights. We are all familiar with the saying “charity begins at home,” yet their kindness extends well beyond the Jewish community. We are stunned at how Jewish leaders and media outlets are ready to print and say things that hurt this wonderful family, by engaging in outright motzi sheim ra (spreading of malicious unsubstantiated rumors) without clearly establishing the facts of the cases in question! PETA and DHS notwithstanding, we have come to know the Rubashkins, and they are the exact opposite of the “monsters” the media portrays them to be. May Hashem continue to bless them, for their success is the success of many Jewish communities. Sincerely, Rabbi Chaim Bruk (Bozeman, Montana), Rabbi Berl Goldman (Gainesville, Florida), Rabbi Ovadia Goldman (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), Rabbi Mendy Goldstein (Naperville, Illinois), Rabbi Mendel Lifshitz (Boise, Idaho), Rabbi Zalman Mendelsohn (Jackson, Wyoming), Rabbi Mendy Weinberg (Overland Park, Kansas)

And the fire of G-d burned among them, and consumed those who were in the edge of the camp

(Bamidbar 11:1) “The edge of the camp” are the lowly fringe, the “mixed multitude.” Rabbi Shimon ben Menassia says: the officers and leaders.

(Rashi; Midrash Tanchuma)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 19

Behind The Scenes At The President’s Conference

BY TOBY KLEIN signed letter from Gilbert. “The entire hotel was trans- Natalia, got very emotional, and said, GREENWALD Henry Kissinger’s presence was formed,” says Odes. “We had special ‘Because of Gorbachev, I’m here today. especially felt. “He walked through arrangements and offices for the He let the Jews leave.’ One of the Although a joyous family occasion the lobby, gracious to everyone and police and for the Foreign Office.” favorite photo-ops was of Kissinger prevented me from attending the very pleasant. He met with the Naturally there were last minute and Gorbachev hugging each other in President’s Conference “facing groups of prisoners of war from the changes and logistics had to be con- the lobby. I was honored to meet Tomorrow” that took place in Yom Kippur War of 1973, whose stantly updated. them. These were people who had Jerusalem on May 12-14, I was curi- release he had helped facilitate.” The Inbal received the request to changed history.” ous about what went on “off camera.” Odes said she did not see family hold the conference on their premis- Gorbachev definitely became the Joanne Odes, Marcom and E-com- members of the kidnapped Israeli sol- es five or six months ago, and that’s darling of the media and the hotel merce manager of the Inbal Hotel, staff. “On his first night in the restau- that hosted the conference, had been rant,” says Odes, “Gorbachev trying for several months to get me requested to be photographed with up to the new executive lounge on our head chef—Itzik Mizrachi.” the 9th floor of the Inbal for coffee. I One of the favorite photo-ops was Another chef mentioned, in a TV took the opportunity of the aftermath interview, that the President of of the conference to hear the stories Rwanda brought his own chef (who that went on behind the scenes. (For of Kissinger and Gorbachev just watched, didn’t touch). information regarding the confer- “It was very exciting to walk into ence, one can visit the website of the the dining room in the morning and conference’s organizers, the Jewish hugging each other in the lobby. see the Presidents of Mongolia, People Policy Planning Institute, at Croatia, and Latvia chatting together www.jpppi.org.il.) over breakfast. Or Dennis Ross, who “It was a week to remember forev- would graciously chat with the regu- er,” says Joanne. “The days were very diers currently being held by the how long it was in the planning. lar hotel guests who approached him busy. Fifteen heads of state arrived— Hezbollah and Hamas. There was a rumor that Barbra while he was getting his breakfast eight of those on one day—so there The many film and TV crews, jour- Streisand was coming. She didn’t. from the hotel buffet.” Upstairs, she was high security. Everyone of that nalist and regular guests had free However, Mikhail Gorbachev, said, the President of Slovenia, level who came necessitated a care- access to everywhere in the hotel, Martin Indyk, Dennis Ross, Irwin Danilo Turk, who dined alone, asked ful security operation and as each except for the 9th floor, which was Cotler, Dan Kurtzer, Alan for humus. one entered, we had him sign a “sterile” and had heavy security, as a Dershowitz,—oh, and President The security was so tight that even guestbook and gave him The Story of number of heads of state were stay- Bush—did, along with many other when Rodney Sanders, general manag- Israel by Sir Martin Gilbert.” The ing there. Even the elevator did not impressive personalities. er of the hotel, went for a bike ride, book includes excellent facsimiles of go up there except with special iden- “When Gorbachev arrived,” says and returned with his riding clothes official documents that are inserted tification and permission, which Odes, “one of our senior staff, who and helmet, police would not let him into special pockets in the book. made it challenging for the hotel spoke Russian, also greeted him. back in, until someone on the hotel Each book included a personally staff, as well. Another Russian born employee, staff recognized him.

20 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES There were many little meetings in Odes. “And close to 300 staff were on man had to drag bags of laundry back Milo. Mega-businessman Yitzhak the course of the two-three days that call. There was a feeling of elation and forth along the street, because Teshuva was there as well. people were there. One TV report among them.” the police wouldn’t let his van get As we finished our coffee, Bruno caught the foreign minister of Spain Bruno also told a story about the close to the hotel. said that they were about to start waiting 30 minutes for Ehud Barak, president of Albania, “who request- On the last night of the confer- another lively week. They were having and Tzipi Livni—sleepy-eyed— ed—ten minutes before a meeting ence there was a huge barbeque at an exercise with international experts signed bilateral cooperation agree- with the president of Georgia—that the hotel and everyone—heads of on Homeland Security, including from ments with the President of we press two of his suits. Even our state, visitors, and hotel guests— France, the U.S., Germany, and else- Mongolia. express dry cleaning takes one-two joined in. Jon Voigt was also in the where. I guess they wouldn’t need I was curious about who received hours.” But they did it. Security was country, so he came. So did politi- heavy security people to take care of the one presidential suite. so high that the outsourced laundry cians such as Eli Yishai and Roni those guests. O “Mongolia,” says Odes. “We told the Foreign Office that they would have to make that decision!” There were 26 suites to begin with, but the hotel had to build seven more, which still wasn’t enough. They also had to add and rearrange furniture. “It was a huge effort, but it was worth it.” The actual presidential suite, which Joanne gave me a tour of, is predictably luxurious, but I was most impressed with the magnificent view of Jerusalem from its balcony. Bruno de Schuyster also spoke with us. He is in charge of operations and assisted in the personal security for high-ranking officials and delega- tions. “We stretched the limits of what we thought was possible,” he said. Security people came through a separate entrance. One security man would let them know that a head of state (or equivalent) had arrived and they would go to welcome him. But when Ilan Brenner went to welcome the President of Georgia, he was so quick that, although everyone met at the elevator, he disappeared and went up to his room alone. “The hotel staff is very loyal,” says

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 21 Whereupon his wife angrily retorted, There is a question of ona’ah here. “I will not remain married to a man Are you indeed allowed to charge some- Daf Yomi Insights without a share in the World to Come. one more just because it is worth more You get back your share, or I’m leav- to him? However, I want to focus on a ing!” He went back to the inn, found different issue. Is the sale of one’s share Reward For Sale rubles. What should I do?” The rebbe the chassid, and said that he wanted in the World to Come a valid sale? B Y RABBI advised him to buy in to the first invest- out of the deal. The chassid said, “The The Gemara says in Sotah (21a): AVROHOM SEBROW ment opportunity offered to him and deal cannot be undone. It was signed “What is the meaning of ‘boz yavuzu everything would turn out all right. and sealed. Nevertheless, I will gladly lo–they would surely scorn him’ (Shir Growing up, I consumed a healthy On his way home he stopped at an sell you back your share in the World HaShirim 8,7)? Ulla said, ‘Not like dose of chassidic stories. Not that my inn. One of the Jewish locals there to Come for 2,000 rubles!” The local Shimon the brother of Azariah, and not parents are chassidish, but English liter- asked him where he was coming from replied, “That’s highway robbery! I sold like R’ Yochanan of the Nasi’s house, ature that was written for Jewish youth and what brought him there. The chas- it to you for 100!” The chassid refused but rather like Hillel and Shevna.’ ” was very limited back then. I read what- sid related that he was returning from to negotiate. They agreed to go to the Rashi explains that Shimon and ever I could get my hands on. One story his rebbe. He further informed the rebbe to resolve their dispute. The Azariah had a partnership. Shimon that I read popped into my mind recent- learned Torah exclusively while Azariah ly while I was learning the daf. also engaged in business to support his What should be one’s approach to brother. They both shared the merit of chassidishe stories? I once heard the fol- Shimon’s Torah study. Likewise, R’ lowing quote: “If you believe every chas- Since you facilitated his learning, you Yochanan was able to learn Torah sidishe story you are a fool. If you don’t because he was supported by the Nasi’s believe any, you are an apikores.” Of get a share in the merit of the Torah household. Ulla was saying that these course, if you are chassidish, then you two arrangements of sharing in Torah probably have a different point of view. I merit are perfectly acceptable; indeed once heard in the name of Rabbi that was learned. they are noble and praiseworthy. Twerski that all chassidishe stories are The circumstances with Shevna and true—some of them just haven’t hap- Hillel, though, are different. Hillel was pened yet. forced to learn Torah in abject poverty. With that in mind, let me relate a local of his sad plight and the rebbe’s rebbe said to the local, “When you sold The measures he undertook to learn chassidishe story. Some of you reading advice. The local promptly offered to your share in the World to Come is was Torah are indeed well known and serve this article will probably know more sell him his share in the World to only worth 100 rubles to you. Now as a lesson for the ages. When he was specific details, such as which rebbe Come for 100 rubles. The chassid that you need it to keep your marriage already a venerated scholar, his wealthy was involved in the story; I am just agreed to the deal, as this was the first together it is much more valuable. The brother, Shevna, offered him funds in relying on my memory. Nevertheless, I investment opportunity that was chassid is within his rights to demand a exchange for a share in his Torah schol- am pretty sure that the basic plot of offered to him, and he had implicit larger sum.” With no alternative, the arship. Whereupon, a Heavenly voice the story is an accurate portrayal of faith in his rebbe. A contract was local paid the chassid the entire sum. proclaimed, “Were a man to offer all what I read. drawn up and the chassid paid the man The chassid became a little richer. The the treasures of his home for love, they There was a poor chassid who need- 100 rubles. The local came home and local became a little wiser; he learned would surely scorn him.” ed funds to marry off his daughter. With with a hearty laugh related the night’s never to do anything without asking What exactly was wrong with a heavy heart he approached his rebbe episode to his wife. “That was the eas- his wife for permission first. And every- Shevna’s offer? Further, is the Gemara to seek his counsel. “I only have 100 iest 100 rubles I ever made.” one lived happily ever after. saying that it is improper for Hillel to

22 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES accept the offer, or is the offer invalid mitzvos . Yet Hashem lovingly gives us for love, they would surely scorn him.” to our reward; hence it cannot be sold. regardless? reward in His great munificence. How does love represent the idea of When the Gemara writes that a deal in The Rema writes (Y.D. 246:1) “And a R’ Shlomo Kluger uses this to reward? Our reward for mitzvos is only advance is valid, that is because you man is able to stipulate that his fellow explain the above verse. “Were a man out of love! should learn Torah and he will support to offer all the treasures of his home We do not have a legal right or claim Continued on Page 25 him and they will divide the reward [for the Torah learning.] However, if he already learned Torah, he is not able to sell his portion for the money that will be given to him.” The Vilna Gaon writes that the source for this halachah is our Gemara. It appears that an arrangement to have a share in Torah scholarship must be made before the Torah is studied. An offer to purchase a portion of the merit for Torah that was already learned is indeed invalid. Even if theoretically Hillel had agreed to Shevna’s proposal, the deal would be null and void. This halachah would seem to indicate that a sale of one’s portion in the World to Come is indeed worthless. How was the chassid able to buy the local’s share in the World to Come? The local had already earned it! A deal cannot me made after the fact. But perhaps one can argue that he was not in fact buying the local’s past reward but his future reward. The wife’s position would be then that she doesn’t want to be married to a husband who won’t be earning any future reward. This too is questionable. The Mahram Alshkar (response 101) dis- cusses the following incident. A man paid someone a gold coin to learn Torah on the condition that he (the payer) receive the reward for the Torah learning. The Mahram writes that such a sale is “hevel”—worthless. He appears to be arguing with the Rema. The Rema wrote that a sale in advance is valid. Not so, says the Shaarei Sotah. All agree that no sale of merit is ever valid. R’ Shlomo Kluger explains that one’s future reward is not his to sell. Our reward is not a debt that can be sold. Hashem does not in fact actually owe us anything for the mitzvos we have done. The Midrash Rabba writes regarding reward: “A man puts up a mezuzah; I already gave him a house!” Any mitzvah we are able to do is with the life and tools Hashem gave us. We are eternally indebted to Hashem for the life and all the gifts he presented to us in this world. Doing mitzvos can never pay back even a fraction of that debt. We don’t deserve further reward for doing

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 23 sake it to the hands of the Waqf, then Halachic Decree: we began to cede parts of Israel. We wept by the Western Wall, but we Olmert Must Quit ignored the holiest of holies and left there instead the abominations. We have fallen into the hands of rulers B Y EFRAT WEISS who are corrupt and dangerous. We see S’derot on fire, and the North on “The people of Israel must rise as fire and he is also guilty of the expul- one and purge from within these sion from Gush Katif and now he leaders, and therefore in accordance (Olmert) is about to set to torch with Torah law, anyone with informa- Tiberius and Tsfat and Nahariya. The tion regarding, or who himself is people must decide if it wants leaders involved in, bribing the prime minis- like that in its midst.” ter—and there are many of those in The justice system, said the rabbi, is Jerusalem and throughout the coun- working towards rooting out the ver- try—it is a mizvah to share this infor- min but Olmert, he warned, can hold mation with the police authorities,” out for a long time. “What Olmert did said Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, a founding for the people of Israel as mayor (of member of the ‘Temple Institute’ and Jerusalem), he will be rewarded for. one of Religious Zionism’s most But today, when he threatens the prominent leaders, following the cor- cohesion of the Israeli public and the ruption allegations against Prime country itself and its very morals— Minister Ehud Olmert. don’t start making calculations, and he “He who does not inform the police who does not step forward and go to is part of the crime and strengthens the the police is committing a transgres- hands of felons,” says Rabbi Ariel in an sion, for ‘if a soul sin, and hear the interview with the Eretz Israel Shelanu voice of swearing, and is a witness, (Our Land of Israel) newsletter, which whether he hath seen or known of it; if is distributed in synagogues on week- he do not utter it, then he shall bear ends. “In retrospect,” Ariel is asked by his iniquity.’ (Vayikra 5:1)” the interviewer, “when we see there is Rabbi Ariel further called for rabbis about to be a fire sale of the land of of all Jewish sects to come together to Israel, including Jerusalem, can we bring down the prime minister. “A ask—how has this happened to us?” leader of Israel who has committed a Ariel, who served as chief rabbi of crime, it is our duty to stand up and the settlement of Yamit prior to its testify against him. We must sit by the evacuation, answered: “When the peo- prime minister’s residence until he ple of Israel rise it is to the stars, and resigns. We must bring an end to our the fall is into the abyss…when we ran internal division and unite.” away from the Temple Mount and for- (YNetNews.com) O

24 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Daf Yomi Insights Continued from Page 23 are enabling the person to learn more. The scholar can now devote his time exclusively to Torah without worrying about earning a living. Since you facilitated his learning, you get a share in the merit of the Torah that was learned. The Mahram’s scenario is when the person would have learned without the money. It was just a straight-up one time sale of the reward for profit. That sale is not valid. There may be other mitzvos involved. It may fall under the category of tzedakah or sup- porting talmidiei chachamim, which is a mitzvah., However the sale of reward itself is not legal, whether made before or after the mitzvah was performed. The truth is that I have not differentiated in this article between the merit of Torah study and merit for other mitzvos. Perhaps one can still argue that the Gemara was only referring to the sale of the merit for Torah study. The sale of one’s reward for other mitzvos may be valid. However, as I explained above, R’ Shlomo Kluger’s understanding is that no reward for mitzvos may be sold. There is no basis to differentiate between the reward for Torah study and other mitzvos. In fact, in the city of Satnov a man sold a quarter of his share in the World to Come. He later regretted it and wanted to undo the deal. The pur- chaser demurred. The rabbanim in the city asked R’ Shlomo Kluger his opinion if the sale was valid. He said no, and offered our Gemara as proof! If the local in the story I began with had come to Rabbi Shlomo Kluger, he would have saved himself a lot of money! Rabbi Kluger would have told him that his initial sale was invalid. Perhaps, though, his wife’s parents were chassidish, and she would not have accepted a Litvishe p’sak! O

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 25 A haron’s Praise these steps in order to prepare the After delineating Hashem’s instruc- Menorah (for the kindling service).” tion to Aharon to light the Menorah in According to the Bartenura, the the Mikdash, the pasuk tells us steps provided the kohein with the nec- (Bamidbar 8:3) that Aharon indeed essary height to comfortably officiate at fulfilled the command. Commenting the Menorah, which stood three cubits on the need for an explicit verse testi- high. (A cubit is more than a foot.) fying to Aharon’s compliance, Rashi The Maharil Diskin provides us with quotes from Chazal: “The pasuk is two pieces of information which seem Mishnas Chayim On The Parashah relating the praise of Aharon; it tells us to eliminate the need for Aharon to that he did not deviate whatsoever employ this “booster”: from Hashem’s directive.” 1) The Levi’im were rather tall peo- Miracle Grow However, the Maharil Diskin is still ple. The implication of the Gemara in (initially) unsatisfied with this explana- Shabbos (92a) is that they were each tion. He asks (in paraphrased form): 10 cubits tall. When it comes to dialogue, people of Levi before You!” Frankly, what’s the big deal that 2) When David was preparing to tend to appreciate equilibrium; the On the surface, Moshe Rabbeinu’s Aharon didn’t institute any changes fight the wicked Golyas, he donned reaction of one party should be propor- reaction appears a bit disproportionate. from what he was told? Shouldn’t it be King Shaul’s personal coat of armor, tionate to the statements of the other. Apparently, he asked a technical question expected that a person (especially of which fit him (Shmuel 1, 17:38), For example, if you tell someone that and received a practical answer. What Aharon’s stature) would follow despite the fact that Shaul was the you had meatballs for supper last tallest member of the Jewish nation night, and he replies, “Oh,” that is gen- (ibid., 9:2). How was this youth able to erally perceived as an acceptable fit into garments which were size XXL? response. However, if someone, upon There would be no way to fit the new From here, the Midrash (Vayikra being informed that you ate meatballs Rabbah 27:9) concludes that the she- last night, responds, “Wow! That is just Kohein Gadol into the Mishkan without men ha’mishchah—with which David soooo nifty!” he may be greeted by haMelech was anointed—possessed a looks of perplexity. resorting to a suspension of the truly amazing quality: any individual Nevertheless, the Midrash relates a upon whom the oil was applied would conversation between Hashem and instantly increase in height. Moshe Rabbeinu which, at first conventional laws of physics. Given these two factors, Aharon glance, appears no less puzzling. must have been really tall. He hailed Hashem instructs Moshe to choose a from the tribe of Levi, and he had been Kohein Gadol from the tribe of Levi. In was so earth-shattering about this infor- Hashem’s instructions? anointed with the shemen ha’mishchah. response to Moshe’s query as to the mation that caused Moshe Rabbeinu The Maharil Diskin prefaces his Surely, for Aharon, the steps leading up exact nature of the procedure, such intense joy and amazement? explanation with a Mishnah from to the Menorah were unnecessary. Hashem instructs him to use the she- We may be able to achieve some Tamid (3:9), which deals with some The Maharil Diskin therefore under- men ha’mishchah (anointing oil). clarity by first examining an aspect in particulars of the Menorah’s accou- stands the aforementioned Rashi based Moshe’s response to this directive is this week’s parashah, which touches trements: “There was a three-step stair- upon these factors. Indeed, Aharon did somewhat baffling. He declares in upon a very interesting characteristic case in front of the Menorah, fashioned not need to ascend steps in order to wonderment, “How beloved is the tribe of the shemen ha’mishchah. from stone. The kohein would ascend reach the Menorah. In fact, he was

26 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES technically exempt from this part of the on the ceiling? any physical space whatsoever.) nevertheless intent on picking a candi- Menorah-lighting process (Derech R’ Yonasan Eybeschutz (Nefesh Why was Moshe Rabbeinu so amazed date specifically from the tribe of Levi, Sichah, p. 417). Nevertheless, to avoid Yehonasan, Parashas Tetzavveh) explains upon learning that he should anoint the regardless of the constant miracle that differentiating himself, he adhered to that, given these dynamics, it must be Kohein Gadol with the shemen it would entail, Moshe realized that the regular procedure of using the that the accommodation of the Kohein ha’mishchah ? R’ Eybeschutz explains that the tribe of Levi must be especially staircase, and for this he was praised. Gadol in the Mishkan was nothing Moshe was well aware of the elongating beloved to Hashem. Hence the amazed short of miraculous, defying the laws of properties of the shemen ha’mishchah. exclamation: “How beloved is the tribe Heads Up physics. (The Beis HaMikdash exhibited When he heard that the Kohein Gadol of Levi before You!” O These factors present a patent diffi- similar phenomenal accommodations. was to be selected from amongst the culty regarding the serving of the For example, the Gemara in Megillah jumbo-sized Levi’im—and that he was to Kindly take a moment to study Mishnas Chayim in the merit of Yosef ben Aharon, a’h, a fellow Kohein Gadol in the Mishkan. The 10b delineates the dimensions associat- be anointed with the shemen Jew who passed away with no relatives to arrange Mishkan’s height was 10 cubits. The ed with the placement of the Aron ha’mishchah—Moshe immediately iden- Torah study on behalf of his neshamah. Mishnas Chayim is brought to you by Chevrah Kohein Gadol—a member of the tribe haKodesh in the Holy of Holies. On tified the inherent difficulty: as an already Lomdei Mishnah, a network of Torah scholars of Levi—was 10 cubits high; he would whichever side one would measure, tall Levi, the use of the special quick- dedicated to bringing the merits of Mishnah just barely fit. However, he was anoint- there would be 10 cubits between the growth oil meant that there would be no study to the greater Jewish public. Encompassing Mishnah, Gemara, and a variety of other serviced with the shemen ha’mishchah, caus- Aron and the wall, despite the fact that way to fit the new Kohein Gadol into the es, Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah primarily assists ing him to grow even taller. How, then, the entire width and length of that Mishkan without resorting to a suspen- mourners interested in acquiring the merit of Torah study for their loved ones. They can be could any Kohein Gadol officiate in the room was 20 cubits by 20 cubits. Rashi sion of the conventional laws of physics. contacted at 732–364–7029 or at www.society Mishkan ? Wouldn’t he bump his head explains that the Aron did not take up Given the fact that Hashem was formishnahstudy.org.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 27 Many With Heart Disease Don’t Know Signs of Heart Attack

Almost half the patients with a histo- heart attack or an invasive cardiac pro- percent of women. efforts during medical office visits to ry of heart disease are unfamiliar with cedure. These patients were asked to Dracup’s group noted that emotional review symptoms of acute myocardial the symptoms of a heart attack and identify the symptoms of a heart attack and cognitive factors play a part in infarction and to learn the appropriate don’t see themselves being at increased and respond to questions about heart whether patients seek immediate help actions to take in the face of new symp- risk for one, a new study finds. disease. In addition, they were asked if for heart attacks. Patients who do not toms of acute coronary syndromes,” The research flies in the face of the they thought they were more or less know the symptoms of a heart attack, the researchers concluded. known facts about heart attacks: People likely than people their age to have a which can include nausea and pain in One expert thinks that doctors need to with heart disease face five to seven heart attack in the next five years. the jaw, chest or left arm, won’t recog- find ways to better educate patients times the risk of having a heart attack or Even though these people had a his- nize the need for treatment. Moreover, about their risk for heart attack. “This dying, compared with the general popu- tory of heart disease, 44 percent didn’t patients with heart disease who don’t see study suggests that healthcare providers lation. Survival depends on how quickly can do a much better job of providing treatment begins, with your chances continued education on risk status, car- improving if that treatment starts within diac symptoms, and the need for early an hour after the symptoms begin. Yet assessment and treatment in patients most heart attack patients are generally Half of the patients who have had with known ischemic heart disease,” said admitted to a hospital more than two Dr. Gregg C. Fonarow, the director of the hours after symptoms start. either a heart attack or an invasive car- Ahmanson-UCLA Cardiomyopathy “The most striking finding of this Center at the University of California, study is that about half of the patients Los Angeles. “However, further study is who have had either a heart attack or an diac procedure still don’t know the needed to identify the most efficient and invasive cardiac procedure still don’t effective methods to provide this educa- know the early warning signs for disease early warning signs. tion and determine if better patient recurrence, even though they are at very knowledge will translate into better qual- high risk,” said Dr. Byron Lee, an asso- ity of life and clinical outcomes,” ciate professor of cardiology at the Fonarow added. O University of California, San Francisco, know much about heart disease or their themselves as being at higher risk for who was not involved in the study. “It is risk for heart attack. Women, people heart attack will look to other reasons for (American Heart Association/National Health Information Center as quoted in Yeshiva hard to know who is at fault, doctors or with higher education levels, those who these symptoms, Dracup’s team said. World News) patients,” Lee added. “However, the bot- had undergone cardiac rehabilitation, Based on these findings, the team tom line is that we have to do a better younger patients and those under the noted that heart patients need contin- job because lives are being lost.” care of a cardiologist, rather than a ued education about symptoms of Deadline for Advertising The report is published in the May family doctor, tended to know more, the heart attack and the benefits of early 26 issue of the Archives of Internal researchers found. While these people treatment and their increased risk. in the Next Issue is Medicine. In the study, Kathleen are at higher risk for heart attack, 43 “Our findings suggest that men, elder- Tuesday, June 17 Dracup, from the School of Nursing at percent said their risk was lower or the ly individuals, those with low levels of at 5:00 P.M. the University of California, San same as other people their age. Among education, and those who have not Francisco, and colleagues collected men, 47 percent thought they were at attended a cardiac rehabilitation pro- Call 516 -984-0079 data on 3,522 patients with a history of lower risk for a heart attack, as did 36 gram are more likely to require special

28 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Helping Out

In approximately two weeks, school impatience, as those same moms start will be over. And the only person happi- schlepping the kids from store to store, er about that than the kids and the day in and day out, to get them camp- teachers, is moi. It’s true! ready. Shopping always starts in earnest Mothers certainly aren’t overjoyed, within days after the school doors close because the novelty and the thrill of for the summer. being free from school will have worn Fathers aren’t affected, because off by day three (if it even takes that they’ve been at work most of the day long), and then the kids will be whining while their progeny were in school any- about being bored. From boredom it will segue into downright irritation and Continued on Page 30

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 29

THAT’S THE WAY IT IS! mentary-school homework. It’s just pos- daven. But that’s about it. When it with arrogance at the ads for Evelyn Continued from Page 29 sible that I am the only 65-year-old comes to any practical applications of Wood’s speed-reading courses, which woman in North America who has trou- my (former) knowledge in the home- were all the rage back then. And now how, and that doesn’t change when ble with second-grade homework. I work department, I’m useless. here I am, many years later, still reading school lets out. Most men have little or make this claim without embarrass- If only that were the end of it. But it’s fast enough, but not understanding a nothing to do with shopping for the chil- ment, and I make no apologies. That’s not. There’s no point in misleading any- single word of instructions that are dren. The only change for them during the way it is. one. I don’t believe in deception, so I geared for seven-year-olds. this time period is that they have to hear The bad news is that if I’m called may as well confess here and now that, Maybe that’s the answer! Maybe their wives kvetch about how difficult upon to help with the Hebrew home- after the first-grade level, I don’t have adults aren’t supposed to comprehend each day was, or hear their wives worry- work, I’m often in trouble. The good instructions meant for young minds. ing aloud about how difficult the next news is that the trouble doesn’t last Doing the arithmetic is simple enough; day will probably be. In cases where the long, because my granddaughter usually figuring out what they want is the prob- wife is a verbal type, it will be both! looks at me, with pity written all over “Never mind, lem. It’s a reading comprehension issue. For me, there is a change—and it’s her beautiful little face, and says, Adults—at least this adult—read too definitely for the better. Not all grand- “Never mind, Savta; I’ll do it later with Savta; I’ll do it later much into each question, whereas a mothers are shoppers. My children have Mommy when she gets home.” That’s child understands it in its simplicity. It’s long understood that shopping isn’t my my cue, and I grab it. I take in a deep, with Mommy when no wonder my granddaughter gradually thing. So, since I have zero responsibility grateful, breath and (trying to keep the stopped asking me for help with her in getting the kids ready for camp, I nor- ecstasy and relief out of my voice), I say, homework when I’m babysitting! She’s mally wouldn’t care one way or another “Okay, sweetheart, that’s a good idea.” she gets home.” probably happier to do it by herself, or whether school is in session or is closed And I say it quickly, lest she change her to ask her mother, who is still able to for vacation. My happiness about school mind and insist upon doing it right that help, because she hasn’t yet reached the being over is for a different reason. minute, which has been known to hap- much success with the secular home- age where she thinks in such a convo- During the school year, if my daugh- pen now and then. work, either. I’m okay with “Bob has a luted manner. Apparently, the older we ters can’t be home between the hours of But there’s something wrong with the dog. His name is Spot. See Spot run.” get, the more we tend to complicate four and six, I occasionally help out with picture. I had the benefit of a day-school And I’m good to go with “two plus two matters. the grandchildren. Most of the kids are education that has stood me in good equals four” or “three plus one equals But summer is here, and school is old enough now to stay alone, so it’s stead my entire life. At least I thought it four.” But after that, all bets are off. nearly over, so for the next few months, only occasionally that my assistance is did. I was once able to read and trans- Apparently I have a problem with if I happen to be called upon to babysit, requested. Thank goodness for that, late Rashi.I proudly understood Pirkei reading comprehension, because I I won’t need to concern myself with because “helping out” after school often Avos (Ethics of our Fathers), which rarely understand directions in a math anyone’s homework. My grandchildren means helping with homework. deals with business dealings. And I dav- workbook. After about ten minutes of and I might talk, sing, dance, play Schoolwork is no longer my strong ened from my siddur and read and trans- pure frustration, the seven-year-old I’m games, or watch television together. And suit. I’m not good at it. Understand that lated from my Chumash with the best of supposed to be helping usually explains I’ll have a respite from the questionable we’re not talking calculus here, or even them—the best in my class, that is. But the questions to me! And it’s not just glances that sometimes come my way algebra or geometry. By the time my it’s patently obvious that today I remem- math. What about the rest of the secu- when I admit that I’m stumped by a sec- grandchildren are old enough to be tak- ber little of what I once knew in the lar education I received? I learned histo- ond-grader’s homework question. O ing courses such as those, they’ve classroom. I know the laws, because one ry, geography, and science, and I was a reached the age of maturity and no has to know them to observe them, and fair—if somewhat reluctant—student. Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a licensed real-estate broker associated with longer need help. What I’m referring to, I’m good for a smattering of conversa- Reading speed and comprehension were Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at and what is problematic for me, is ele- tional Hebrew. Of course, I can still never problems for me. I used to sneer [email protected] or 516-902-3733.

30 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES your brother met the woman he would events. Certainly, there are things you soon marry, being that you had your can try. Your level of success will suspicions regarding her character depend on how determined you are to from the get-go. Not only do you feel rectify the situation. By the way, my as though you’ve lost your one and guess is that your brother is feeling the only brother, but you feel as though loss just as deeply as you are and you’ve lost your very best friend, who would welcome an intervention on has been there for you your entire life. your part and a healthy solution. Dear Esther, woman who is such a bad fit for your That must be creating an enormous Hopefully, most of us treasure the I’m very upset over a situation that sister-in-law is understandably devas- void in your life. many relationships in our lives that we has developed between my brother may be blessed with—as a spouse, and me. We’ll call him Yank. The two parent, sibling, child, or friend. Life is of us were always extremely close— more interesting and fulfilling when because we were the only two chil- we can engage in various alliances, dren born to our parents, because When a person has to decide each offering different forms of fulfill- we’re only two years apart, and ment. However, we risk getting into because we really have a great deal in serious trouble when we are forced to common. We’ve always been the best between loyalty toward a parent and prioritize those relationships. When a of friends. When we were boys, if you person has to decide between loyalty were my friend, you were automati- a spouse, or a sibling and a child, toward a parent and a spouse, or a sib- cally Yank’s friend, and vice versa. We ling and a child, any combination can were very happy to hang out together, be explosive. And so we never want to even if no one else was around. I any combination can be explosive. be put in such a position where we are always felt as though Yank was watch- forced to ask ourselves who must ing my back and I know that I always come first. There is no good ending to watched his back. We had something this predicament. very unusual going on and it was very tating for you. It sounds like this situ- You wonder if there is anything you special to both of us. ation began to slowly develop the day can do to salvage this ill-fated turn of Continued on Page 33 Yank is older than I am, and three years ago he married someone I’ll call Evelyn. They didn’t date for all that long, but I think that Yank was very attracted to Evelyn and I also think that Evelyn forced things to move along quickly, until they got engaged— after only two months of dating. I never really understood (aside from her looks) what Yank saw in Evelyn. She always seemed to me to be con- trolling and kind of sneaky. Yank is as straight as an arrow, and it bothered me to see Evelyn manipulating him. But somehow he appeared blind to what was happening to him. I once tried to talk to him about my suspicions. But since their relationship took off so fast, he was already head-over- heels crazy about her. When I said something to him, he immediately got very defensive of her and angry at me. I quickly backed off and never brought it up again. I got married six months ago to a wonderful woman we’ll call Suzie. Thank G-d we’re very happy together and everything is great with our marriage. However, as much as I’ve never cared for Evelyn, Suzie absolutely despises her. The two women could not be more different, and to say that they don’t get along is an understate- ment. They’ve gotten into arguments in front of other family members and really prefer to never be together in the same room. This has a tremendous impact on my relationship with my brother. We are both defensive of our wives, and it’s gotten to the point where it affects our relationship with each other. I’m mis- erable about the loss of his friendship. Even when our wives are not around, there is an awkward feeling between us. It’s really very sad. Do you think we should talk to our wives and demand that they get along and be friends? Holidays, especially, are disasters, and I really hate living this way. I feel like I’ve lost my brother. Brotherless

Dear Brotherless, The enormous sense of loss you are experiencing now that you’ve married a 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 31 soon and see what looks good. my boss happens to be reading this One Mother’s Musings 11:03 a.m.—Have fun. article, this never happens with work. 11:05 a.m.—I always do. Somehow if I need to get a job done at I always seem to be either shopping work, it gets done. Isn’t that always the My hubby and I e-mail each other or preparing to shop. I must visit at case? We can get behind on our laun- We’re All Connected throughout the day. Much easier and least three supermarkets daily, because dry, or getting a haircut, or anything quicker than the phone, since we can there is always something I or a family else personal, but if it’s something an BY PHYLLIS J. LUBIN actually accomplish some work in member must have at various times “outsider” depends on us for, we some- between our computer “conversations.” throughout the day, or just because I how manage to get the job done pron- Technology is a wonderful thing—it 9:42 a.m.—Whatever you make will have a need to see what bargains are to. I think if I treated my personal life keeps everyone connected. be fine. available. And, as many of my readers like a job assignment or homework, I’d I take that back. Technology is not Of course, a number of things come know, shopping is a common after- get a lot more done. always a wonderful thing—it keeps up at work during our conversations, school “therapy” for my son Yussie. 1:52 p.m.—I got chicken for supper, everyone connected! but we can usually keep a handle on it. 12:02 p.m.—What did you get? and I splurged and bought diet Russian In the “old days,” when I was in 10:04 a.m.—I was thinking about fish. 12:04 p.m.—What do you mean? coleslaw from Chap a Nosh. school, something had to be really I need a personal chef. I think that Was I supposed to get something? 2:18 p.m.—Sounds good. Whatever important for you to call home about you make is fine. it—after all, you had to invest a dime (I I am always changing my mind. am dating myself here) and wait on That’s one of our women’s rights, is it line at the pay phone during recess to Now, with the click of a few buttons on your not? I guess that’s the negative side of beg your Mom to schlep to school with this new technology. Once we text your forgotten homework, etc. Now, someone or click the “Send” button on with the click of a few buttons on your child’s cell phone, she can let you know the e-mail, we can’t take it back. Well, child’s cell phone, she can let you we can, but it makes it more difficult. know immediately that she forgot her immediately that she forgot her glasses at home. The kids, hubby, or even a client has glasses at home and must have them, written proof that you “said” such and because, after all she can’t see without such. So we have to be more careful. them—all this without having to hear 4:28 p.m. (text from Rochel)— your annoyed response, since she is would make my life a whole lot easier. 12:08 p.m.—At Gourmet Glatt? What’s for dinner? not actually talking to you, but “tex- She could tell me what to buy every What kind of fish did you get? 4:32 p.m.—Chicken. ting” you. (I’m to blame, I guess—the day (I don’t mind the shopping, I mind 12:12 p.m.—Oh yeah, I didn’t get a 4:34 p.m.—Not chicken again! “unlimited texting” option was too the decisions of what to shop for), and chance to go yet… I had to bring Rochel In our busy, complicated world, it is much of a “bargain” not to get!) she could whip up something amazing her glasses at school—I guess I got side- sometimes comforting that we can And for those of us who are “too every night that each member of my tracked. I’ll go out shortly. reach someone at the click of a button. busy” to text, there is e-mail. We can household would love! 12:15 p.m.—Have fun. But sometimes I wish we could just do our work while staying connected. I 10:23 a.m.—Things that swim 12:18 p.m.—I always do. turn it all off. O log on to my computer every morning sounds good. What about a side dish? I am constantly getting sidetracked. Phyllis Joy Lubin is an attorney with Rosenfeld & and I immediately check in with my The key to my husband’s enjoyment That’s the story of my life. I will get Maidenbaum, LLP, who resides in Cedarhurst usual greeting to my husband: of a meal is a good side dish. very involved with a certain matter, and with her husband Leonard and six children: Naftali, Shoshana, Rivka, Rochel, Yosef, and 9:04 a.m.—Greetings. What do you 11:02 a.m.—Maybe rice or pasta? I then I’m thrown a curve ball and I don’t Lea. She welcomes your questions and comments want for dinner? think I’ll wander over to Gourmet Glatt complete my original task. Of course, if at [email protected].

32 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES MINDBIZ acknowledging the situation openly Continued from Page 31 and honestly with one another and attempted to figure out a strategy for Unfortunately, that is exactly what staying close and connected, despite has happened to both you and your having married such different types brother. Clearly it has boiled down to of women? Obviously, such a conver- whom you both feel compelled to sup- sation must be totally free of finger- port—your spouse or your brother. pointing and criticism. Instead, work Most people would make the same up some ideas for ways that just the choice that the two of you have made. two of you can be together like the After all, you live with your spouse, good old days, without any talk of day in day out. You are part of a fami- your wives entering the picture. ly unit with your spouse. She is the Figure out a way to engage in the type person you come home to every day. of activities that the two of you used Surely this is the relationship that to enjoy together in the past. After requires optimum nurturing and all, considering how much the two of enormous loyalty. you have in common, it shouldn’t be You ask whether you should speak too difficult finding special activities to your wife and “demand” that she that you can once again enjoy togeth- get along with Evelyn and become er. Baseball games? Shooting some her friend. I don’t know that this is a hoops? Going out for a meal? realistic expectation. No one can Though you and Yank can’t demand really be forced to be friends with that your wives adore each other, you anyone else, particularly if they are can insist on dignified behavior and like fire and ice. You would probably that they support you two while you have more success if you didn’t enjoy special time together. Your rela- demand anything, but rather attempt- tionship with your brother is too ed to help Suzie understand how important to let it slip away. Family much you love your brother and how dynamics are usually complicated, and much pain you are feeling due to the navigating through them often loss of that relationship. Perhaps you involves keeping many balls in the air can ask Suzie for advice regarding at once, without dropping any. That is how the four of you can bring some your challenge. Stay focused and sense of civility into your relation- determined, and make it work. ships. She may feel somewhat Esther empowered by being put into a position of problem-solver, and, of Esther Mann, LMSW, has a private practice in course, she will feel less threatened. Lawrence. Esther is a psychotherapist and life You haven’t mentioned whether coach and can be reached at 516-314-2295 or [email protected]. you’ve tried talking to your brother She works with individuals, couples, premarital directly. Have the two of you tried couples, and families.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 33 The High Price Of Coffee And Other Fuels

While I am not immune to the diffi- cow, processing the milk, and bottling culties created by the ever-increasing it is far less expensive than the drilling cost of gasoline, I have to question and processing of crude oil. those who viciously attack the oil com- • Orange juice: $4.50 a gallon. panies as being unfair, unreasonable, Ouch. That is more expensive than and downright criminal. I believe that gasoline. if one conducted a fair analysis of the Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer reviewing a petition for her run for Queens Borough President with Far Rockaway resident Shlomo Zalmen Gutfreund. cost of gas, we would conclude that although it is significantly higher than a year or two ago, gas prices are actu- I assure you sider foaming up milk to be equal to pump, while 10 percent is for refine- ally quite reasonable—especially when refining oil into gasoline. ment, 6 percent for transporting/mar- compared with the cost of gas in other Starbucks is making • Tide laundry detergent: $15.99 a keting, and 11 percent for taxes. With countries (in Israel, for example, gas is gallon. a barrel of oil only being able to pro- nearly $7.50 a gallon) and when com- more on a gallon of And the list goes on. duce 23 gallons of gasoline, they are pared with other liquids that con- Don’t get me wrong. I realize that making about $2 per gallon. I assure sumers demand. coffee than the oil we use more gasoline than orange you Starbucks is making more on a Here are some other commonly used juice, but should that be the problem gallon of coffee than the oil compa- liquids and their prices per gallon. companies are of the oil companies? Let’s look at the nies are making on a gallon of gas. So • Bottled water: $1.00 a gallon. making on a expenses that our poor friends at the why are we not outraged at the coffee Sounds reasonable enough. I would oil companies have to endure. It costs companies? imagine that more goes into converting gallon of gas. about $1 per barrel for oil that is near N NN crude oil to gasoline than bottling the surface and $70 per barrel for oil In local news, I would like to per- water. deeper in the earth. BP has reported sonally applaud our borough presi- • Apple juice: $2.00 a gallon (okay, that in 2007 it was paid $67 per barrel dent, Helen Marshall. In addition to $1.50 at Brach’s). • Starbucks 20-ounce coffee: sold, while it cost them $20 per barrel. allocating $1.2 million for the recon- • Milk: $3.80 a gallon. Now we are around $2.00. At that price, a gallon of According to the U.S. Department of struction of Lanett Playground, approaching current gas prices. I think coffee would be $12.80—double that Energy, the barrels of crude account everyone could agree that milking a if you want a latte. And I hardly con- for 73 percent of our cost at the Continued on Page 36

34 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 35 THE HOCK OF THE ROCK Cedarhurst will be selling barbecued Continued from Page 34 food on site, and a host of other ven- dors and sponsors will be on hand to according to The Wave, she has also make the event even more spectacular announced that she is “allocating $19 than previous years’. Rumor has it that million for the construction of a new Mister Music himself will be raffling library in Far Rockaway.” Over the off a brand-new guitar autographed by years many people have asked me Chaim Dovid and Aryeh Kunstler. when and if the library would get a The event is scheduled to take place makeover. About two years ago, a cost on Monday, June 23 on Reads Lane in analysis was conducted and the astro- Far Rockaway, between Elvira and nomical cost made such a project seem Cedar Hill. The free rides begin at well out of reach. However, with 4:00 p.m. and the concert starts at Borough President Marshall’s vision 6:30. Once again the event is being for improving the Rockaways, we are sponsored by the Jewish Community now the beneficiaries of over $20 mil- Council of the Rockaway Peninsula as lion. Although no timeline has been well as Assemblywoman Audrey set for either project, city agencies are Pheffer. For more information or to very motivated to work on both proj- become an event sponsor, please call ects as expeditiously as possible. The the JCCRP at 718-327-7755 or look plan for the Far Rockaway library is to for the group “Live from Reads Lane” demolish the current building and Judge Martin Schulman addressing the audience at the Harry S. Truman Democratic Club. at Facebook.com. replace it with a state-of-the-art facili- Standing at right is Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer. I look forward to seeing you there. ty with more than double the amount Until next time, stay safe. O of square footage. Eli Shapiro can be reached at his group “I love I believe this is an important mes- judge Martin Schulman was also at the role in the legal process. Hock of the Rock” at Facebook.com. sage about the power of the often- meeting. As his 14-year term comes to NNN overlooked office of borough presi- an end, he is reaching out to local con- Finally, I am pleased to report that dent. Speaking of which, Helen stituents to vote him in for another the finishing touches for the annual Marshall’s term is up in 2009 and our term. In his speech, he explained to JCCRP Reads Lane community street Remember that article? very own Assemblywoman Audrey the audience the significant role of his fair and concert are being put in place. Pheffer will be running for the posi- office in providing law, order, and, ulti- This year we are pleased to announce Visit our archive section tion. At a meeting of the Harry S. mately, safety within the neighbor- that our featured performing artist will Truman Democratic Club, Ms. Pheffer hoods. He works closely with our local be international superstar Chaim and find any issue of the discussed some current events in poli- politicians to ensure continuity Dovid and his band. We are also 5 Towns Jewish Times tics as well as her upcoming campaign. between those who create the laws in pleased to have local Rockaway resi- To volunteer as an Election Day work- Albany and those who interpret the dent Aryeh Kunstler performing. In online @ er or to get involved or show support law from the bench. He further addition to the concert, there will be for her campaign for borough presi- explained the important role of resi- free rides for the kids, including inflat- www.5TJT.com dent, please call 718-945-9550. dents in making sure that a judge with able slides, bounce houses, and more. Local resident and Supreme Court his experience continues to fulfill that King David’s Delicatessen of

36 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES prevention of colon cancer. plus their age (e.g., a 5-year- intake of vitamins, minerals, Nutrition Counts! There are many foods that old should consume 10 grams and antioxidants. The best contain both soluble and insol- of fiber per day). These are fiber choices are those that uble fiber, especially fruits and general guidelines and may are naturally occurring—fresh Fiber Mania ble fiber include cholesterol- vegetables with skin. need to be adjusted on an indi- fruits and vegetables, whole lowering effects, improved To reap these benefits, it is vidual basis. It is important to grains, beans, and lentils. And blood-sugar control, and an necessary to include adequate note that adequate water such foods meet the recom- BY MIRIAM increased sense of satiety. amounts of fiber in your daily intake is essential when mended guidelines for healthy HOROWITZ, RD, CDE Insoluble fiber is found in diet. Adults should consume increasing fiber intake. Fiber eating in general, not just for whole grains, bran, leafy veg- 25–30 grams of fiber per day. absorbs a lot of water; without purposes of fiber intake. Fiber-rich cereals, crackers, etables, nuts, and seeds. Five to seven servings of fruits adequate water intake, Does the fiber in these bread, pasta, and even cottage Health benefits associated and vegetables and three serv- increasing fiber intake can cre- foods provide all the health cheese are among the hot with this type of fiber include ings of whole grains should ate intestinal discomfort. benefits above, or is it the foods on the market today. increased transit time through meet these fiber recommenda- By eating more foods rich combination of all the nutri- Along with the push for whole the colon (which can prevent tions. The general rule of in fiber, you will most likely grains comes the heightened or relieve constipation) and thumb for children is 5 grams also increase your overall Continued on Page 38 awareness and publicity surrounding fiber. This fiber awareness works to our benefit, promoting healthier eating and influencing manufactur- ers to creatively include fiber sources in packaged food. Fiber is the portion of plant food that is not digested. Often referred to as “roughage,” it is most commonly known for its benefits for colon health. When fermented in the colon, fiber creates short-chain fatty acids, which are beneficial to the cells in the colon. In addition, fiber promotes regularity, which helps remove toxins and waste products efficiently. There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber is found mostly in fruits, vegetables, dry beans, soy- beans, and oat bran. Health benefits associated with solu-

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 37

NUTRITION COUNTS! fiber supplements, inspect the product Continued from Page 37 for the type of fiber as well as the actual dose provided. Note that multiple pills ents that these foods contain? As with may be required for a decent dose. most purported health benefits of Increased water intake is a necessity, food, it is not possible to tease out the especially with supplementation. Fiber benefits of just fiber without the nutri- from food sources is the first choice. ents that come along with it. Therefore, the overall focus should be on the benefits of whole foods. The health benefits of Should high-fiber cereals, tortilla chips, waffles, and crackers replace the fiber are mostly typical products? Carefully inspect packaged products that make high-fiber long-term, so make claims. Most of them offer superior products, utilizing whole wheat, oat lasting choices. bran, soy fiber, or flaxseed. Beware of the fat and simple sugar content in the products to make sure they are not On average, the typical American diet excessive. A high-fat tortilla chip with is poor in fiber. The push for inclusion of flaxseed is not a great choice; a low-fat fiber in packaged goods is a step in the baked tortilla chip topped with chopped right direction. However, fiber found in vegetables is a better choice. nature, as detailed above, is the best Some new dairy products on the choice. It takes time to adjust to high- market include fiber and claim to fiber diets, both physiologically and habit- improve digestive health. The fiber in ually. Increase your fiber intake gradually these products (mostly cottage cheese) so it will be better tolerated. Choosing is typically inulin. Although these prod- foods that you enjoy will promote a last- ucts are pricier, they may be beneficial ing effect on your diet (instead of choos- in that they offer some fiber where ing foods that are just fiber rich that you there is a void (dairy products do not can merely tolerate for a few days and contain fiber). This may be helpful to then drop altogether). Remember, the those who find it difficult to meet their health benefits of fiber are mostly long- daily fiber requirements and can utilize term, so make lasting choices. O these products as a “supplement.” Fiber supplements are not a new con- Miriam Horowitz is a registered dietitian cept. Many have been around for years. (American Dietetic Association) and a certified diabetes educator (National Certification Board Countless fiber supplements are avail- for Diabetes Educators) with a private practice able in different forms: drinkable, tablet, for adults, adolescents, and children focusing on weight loss, health management, and preventative or capsule. Each product offers different care. She can be reached at types of fiber. When choosing to utilize [email protected] or 917-774-3253.

38 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES From The Chassidic Masters Rush And Return

The Anatomy Of A Flame my of the human soul. The following is Though it occupies only three vers- based on Rabbi Schneur Zalman’s es in the beginning of the parashah, analysis and subsequent discourses the mitzvah of lighting the Menorah penned by the later rebbes of Chabad. gives the whole of Beha‘alosecha (“When you raise light”) its name. The Flame: Antipodal Strivings The lamps of the Menorah are seen as The flame surges upwards, as if to representing the souls of Israel, and tear free from the wick and lose itself the various laws governing the in the great expanses of energy that Menorah’s construction and the light- gird the heavens. But even as it ing of its lamps are explained by the strains heavenward, it is already Chassidic masters as instructive of pulling back, tightening its grip on the the nature and structure of the wick and drinking thirstily of the oil People of Israel, the manner in which in the lamp—oil that sustains its con- the potential of the soul of man is to tinued existence as an individual be ignited, the duties of the “lamp- flame. And it is this tension of con- lighter,” and numerous other insights flicting energies, this vacillation from into the spiritual art of lamplighting. being to dissolution and back again, The foundation of the Menorah– that produces light. soul equation is Shlomo haMelech’s The soul, too, yearns for transcen- declaration in Mishlei: “A lamp of G-d, dence, yearns to tear free of the the soul of man.” The founder of entanglements of material life and Chabad Chassidism, Rabbi Schneur achieve a self-nullifying reunion with Zalman of Liadi, delves into this its Creator and Source. At the same metaphor, finding in the components of the physical lamp a detailed anato- Continued on Page 40

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 39

FROM THE CHASSIDIC MASTERS manifest in our world, there must be (the “wick”) with the Divine ideas represents a person’s moments of self- Continued from Page 39 physical minds that study it and com- and deeds of Torah (the “oil”). When transcendence, deeds which a person prehend it, physical mouths that the wick is saturated with oil and does—as Rambam writes—“not for time, however, it is also driven by a debate it and teach it, and physical feeds its spiritual yearnings with a any reason in the world: not out of will to be—a will to live a physical life media that publish it and disseminate steady supply of the same, the result- fear of evil or out of a desire to obtain and make its mark upon a physical it. The mitzvos are the Divine will; ant flame is both luminous and sus- the good; rather, he does the truth world. In the “lamp of G-d” that is but for the Divine will to be manifest tainable, preserving the existence and because it is true.” man, these polar drives converge in a in our world, there must be physical productivity of the wick and illumi- Both these aspects of a person’s flame that illuminates its surround- hands that actualize it and physical nating the corner of the world in life are reflected in his relationship ings with a G-dly light. materials (animal hide for tefillin, which it has been placed. with G-d. The mitzvos come not only wool for tzitzis, money for charity) to bind his altruistic “G-dly soul” to The Ingredients the Al-mighty, but also to involve his How is a flame generated and sus- ego-dominated “animal soul” in the tained? By means of a lamp, consisting fulfillment of the Divine will. This is of oil, a wick, and a vessel containing achieved when a person understands them so that the oil is fed through the A life without Torah and mitzvos, however that he should “love the L-rd your wick to a burning flame. G-d…for He is your life” (Devarim Oil and wick are both combustible 30:20). By recognizing that G-d is the substances. But neither could pro- aflame with the desire to come close to source and sustainer of his very duce light on its own with the effi- being, the very same ego which earli- ciency and stability of the lamp. The er craved the most material of pleas- wick, if ignited, would flare briefly G-d, is incapable of sustaining its flame. ures is now drawn to attach itself to and die, utterly consumed. As for the the Al-mighty, out of the realization oil, one would find it extremely diffi- that there is no possible greater ful- cult to ignite at all. But when wick fillment of self. and oil are brought together in the with which it is actualized. Hues Of Light lamp, they produce a controlled and And just as the Divine oil cannot The flame itself is a multicolored Rush And Return steady light. produce light without a material affair, alluding to the many levels on Thus the “wick” is both prison and The soul of man is a lamp of G-d wick, neither can a wick without oil. which man relates to the Creator liberator for the flame, both tether and whose purpose in life is to illuminate A life without Torah and mitzvos, through his observance of the lifeline. It holds the soul in its distinc- the world with Divine light. G-d pro- however aflame with the desire to mitzvos. Generally speaking, there is tiveness from the Divine whole, in its vided us with the “fuel” that gener- come close to G-d, is incapable of the lower and darker area of the apartness from its Creator. And yet it is ates His light—the Torah and its sustaining its flame. It might gener- flame which adjoins the wick, and its this distinctiveness and apartness, this mitzvos, which embody His wisdom ate flashes of ecstatic spiritual experi- upper and brighter part. incarnation in a physical life, which and will and convey His luminous ence, but, lacking oil of genuine The darker segment of the flame allows us to connect to G-d in the truth. Divine substance, these quickly die represents those aspects of a person’s deepest and most meaningful way—by The Divine oil requires a “wick”—a out and fail to introduce any endur- service of G-d which are colored by fulfilling His will. physical body—to channel its sub- ing light into the world. their association with the physicality So when Divine command, physi- stance and convert it into an illumi- To realize its role as a “lamp of of the “wick”—that is, mitzvos which cal body, and human life come nating flame. The Torah is the Divine G-d,” a human life must be a lamp are motivated by self-interest. The together as oil, wick, and lamp, the wisdom; but for Divine wisdom to be that combines a physical existence higher and purer part of the flame result is a flame: a relationship with

40 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES G-d that is characterized by Divine will, our lives are ren- mitzvos of kindling the Shab- two conflicting drives, by a dered into burning lamps, bos and Chanukah lights) not yearning to come close cou- alight with flames that vacil- only transform us into pled with a commitment to late from heaven to earth and metaphorical lamps, but also draw back. The materiality of back again and illuminate assume the actual form of a life evokes in the soul a the world in the process. physical lamp—physical oil, a desire to tear free of it and Therein lies the specialty physical wick, and a physical fuse with the Divine. But the of the mitzvah of kindling the flame that produces light. O closer the soul is drawn to lamps of the Menorah in the G-d, all the more does it rec- Holy Temple. Every mitzvah Based on the writings of Rabbi ognize that it can fulfill His generates light—whether it Schneur Zalman of Liadi will only as a distinct and involves giving a coin to char- (1745–1812), Rabbi DovBer of Lubavitch (1773–1827), and the physical being. So while the ity, binding tefillin on our Lubavitcher Rebbe; adaptation by corporeality of the wick trig- arms and heads, or eating Yanki Tauber. Reprinted with permission from Chabad.org. Find Torah gers the flame’s upward matzah on Passover. But this articles for the entire family at surge, the Divine will implic- mitzvah (and the related www.chabad.org/Parshah. it in the oil sustains its commitment to existence and life. Every mitzvah is oil for the soul: with every act that con- stitutes a fulfillment of the

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 41 experts to schools, synagogues, and attention off the road. Most of the time campuses to share their knowledge of you’re using two thumbs, plus you’re Jewish law and food technology. It looking at the screen,” said Senator also features the “Kosher Tidbits” Marcellino. “And if you’re driving, that Web series, consisting of more than fraction of a second that you take your 100 short seminars on innumerable eye off the road can be the difference aspects of kashrus and available on between an accident or not.” Nothing Fishy Here! OU Releases his tackle box, Rabbi Goldberg returns w ww.ouradio.org. The “Kosher Kidz” “It is vitally important that drivers ‘The Kosher Fish Primer’ DVD to Brooklyn, where he resides with his video has been sent to yeshivos and remain focused and attentive while they What makes a fish kosher, you ask? wife and three children (but, as he day schools throughout North are behind the wheel,” said Senate Fins and scales. Everyone knows that. states, “no fish tank, yet”). America to provide a basic under- Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno. “This But very few people know that some The DVD covers the textbook defini- standing of what makes food kosher, bill will force drivers to think twice scaled fish are as non-kosher as lob- tion of kosher fish; preempting some with the production of kosher ice before reaching for their cell phones ster! (See below to find out why.) potential misunderstandings about cream as the example. and give law enforcement officials OU Kosher, as part of its ever- kosher fish (why one cannot rely on Now, about that non-kosher fish across our state the tools necessary to widening program of kashrus educa- fish lists or other identifications of fish with scales. Some fish are born with keep our roads that much safer.” tion, has announced the release of a by common name); the potential Torah scales but lose them as they grow In July 2007, five high-school gradu- new 30-minute DVD, “The Kosher and rabbinic prohibitions relating to older. These fish are not kosher, as ates were killed in an automobile acci- Fish Primer—The Secrets Revealed,” fish; an explanation of how to identify a Rabbi Goldberg explains. dent in upstate New York. According to featuring Rabbi Chaim Goldberg, an kosher fish; a hands-on demonstration The video can be obtained from OU police, text messages were sent and OU Kosher rabbinic coordinator who of how to identify a kosher fish your- Kosher by contacting Rabbi Eliyahu received on the 17-year-old driver’s cell travels the world certifying fish as self; and a quick tutorial on how to buy Safran, OU Kosher senior rabbinic phone moments before her SUV kosher. In his engaging manner, Rabbi kosher fish from any fish store—even if coordinator and vice-president of com- slammed head on into a truck. Goldberg will delight audiences from it is not certified kosher. munications and marketing, at “Text messaging is second nature to young elementary school children to “The presentation is titled ‘The [email protected]. O young people. They do it all the time. adults, as he explores the various Kosher Fish Primer’ to indicate that we However, there are times when the issues the kosher consumer must con- are in no way claiming to have covered N.Y. Senate Passes Bill To consequences of texting can be deadly. sider when buying fish. Rabbi Gold- every topic worth teaching about kosher Ban Texting While Driving The tragic and untimely deaths of berg doesn’t perform alone—fish are fish, but rather as a thorough introduc- The New York State Senate recently these five young women are a terrible featured in the DVD as well. The tion to more advanced study, depending passed legislation that would prohibit and shocking illustration of that dan- recording is excellent for classroom on the level of the students,” Rabbi drivers from sending text messages ger,” said Senator Marcellino. and synagogue presentations. Goldberg explained. “We hope that while driving. The bill (S.3195-C), A recent survey conducted by the Rabbi Goldberg, who received rab- after viewing this DVD, the viewer will sponsored by Senator Carl Marcellino Nationwide Mutual Insurance Com- binical ordination at Yeshivas be a properly informed fish consumer, (R-Syosset), amends previous legisla- pany found that one in five drivers is Rabbeinu Chaim Berlin in Brooklyn, who will be able to buy fish wherever in tion banning cell phone use while texting while behind the wheel. The has directed the kosher-fish desk at the the world one travels.” driving by prohibiting drivers from same survey found that the figure rises OU for six years. Rabbi Goldberg’s The new DVD is the latest in a writing, sending, or reading text mes- to one in three for drivers aged 18–34. “fish-finding missions” for the OU series of initiatives of OU Kosher’s sages on a mobile telephone or any A 2007 Harris Interactive poll found have taken him to Alaska, Chile, educational outreach. This outreach other mobile device. that 91 percent of Americans think British Columbia, Peru, Colombia, includes programs such as “OU “Text messaging is the ultimate dis- driving while texting is as dangerous as Trinidad, and Iceland. When he closes Kosher Coming,” which sends OU traction, taking any and all focus and drunk driving and 89 percent of those

42 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES polled support a ban. W hy Israel Needs “This legislation would build upon Rapid Response Teams the current state ban on the use of By Helen Freedman handheld phones by prohibiting the Israel is reputed to have one of the use of handheld communication best armies in the world. The army, devices to send text messages, e-mail, navy, and air force of the IDF have been etc. while operating a motor vehicle. victorious in many miraculous defen- Clearly, such conduct while driving sive wars. Noting that, one would ask represents behavior that is more dan- why it is necessary for Israel to have gerous than using handheld phones rapid response teams made up of mem- and should be prohibited,” said bers of the individual communities in Antoanela Vaccaro, manager of gov- which they live. IDF spokesperson, ernment affairs for AAA New York. Rabbi Moshe Hager-Lau, a reserve The bill adds texting to the language colonel who serves as assistant division of the state’s current law that bans talk- commander for reserve forces in Judea ing on a cell phone while driving. It also and Samaria says, “It takes at least ten requires that at least one question on minutes for the IDF to respond when the NYS DMV licensing written exami- an infiltration incident occurs. An nation relates to cell phone safety and armed terrorist can kill a whole lot of calls for the DMV Commissioner to people in ten minutes.” provide for the additional training of What happens in the time it takes for pre-licensing course instructors to the IDF to appear on the scene of a ter- ensure competency in cell phone safety rorist attack? If the community is lucky, instruction. The educational compo- and the men have been trained by nent of the bill will help teach and Mishmeret Yesha’s crack trainers, the inform drivers that texting while driving rapid response team drawn from the is against the law. residents of the community will identify The penalty for driving while texting the terrorists and subdue them. In situ- would be a $100 fine, the same as the ations where such teams don’t exist, original cell phone ban. The original horrific murders have taken place. cell phone language did not cover tex- It has been my privilege to enlist the ting because the language of the bill services of Israel Danziger as a tour was specific to making a voice call. guide for the chizuk (encouragement) “We must continue to do everything missions conducted semi-annually by in our power to make our roads safer. Americans For a Safe Israel (AFSI). I Now is the time to end texting while and the members of the group are con- driving before more of our young people, tinuously amazed at the depth of or anyone else for that matter, become Danziger’s knowledge about the land victims,” said Senator Marcellino. of Israel. Wherever we travel, he The bill was sent to the Assembly. (Yeshiva World News) O Continued on Page 44

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 43 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS needs of the soldiers. Of course, there tions into yeshivas throughout Israel, be in addition to the guards who are Continued from Page 43 is a sleeve for the bulletproof shield. such as the Mekor Haim high-school typically posted at all urban public When Danziger took us to the tar- yeshiva in Kibbutz Kfar Etzion, in buildings and businesses. knows the hills, the communities, the get practice field where the 12 man Atzmona (before it was destroyed), in I asked Israel Danziger, “Who pays farms, the vineyards, the people, and team from Yitzhar was being trained, Otniel, and at Jerusalem’s Mercaz for all of this?” How can enough money the trees. Mishmeret Yesha and their I was moved to tears. Here were Jews HaRav Yeshiva on March 6, 2008, possibly be raised to cover the expens- groups have planted thousands of practicing with the M-16 rifles sup- where eight students were murdered es of the training, the vests, the night these trees and vineyards. It is his con- plied by the IDF, so that they could and nine were seriously wounded, vision scopes, the communications viction that this is one way of holding protect the lives of their families and Mishmeret Yesha has been called upon equipment, the tree plantings, and all onto the land of Israel. We’ve stopped friends. Their instructors were driv- to train rapid response teams in the the many activities in which the organ- at some of the rocky hillside areas that ing them hard, and they were training schools. The organization is ready to ization is engaged? It costs $18,000 a Danziger has found for us, and with hard. Life and death matters were at do this, but there is one stipulation. year just to train one 12 man team. rudimentary tools, we’ve dug away at hand, and they were taking it all very There cannot be any Arabs working in Mishmeret Yesha now trains 30 teams, the hard soil, planting our saplings. seriously. the schools—or for that matter in any at a cost of over $500,000. That does- We’ve also admired the huge fields of The Mishmeret Yesha training is pri- of the communities—in which training n’t include all the other costs, and the vineyards planted by Mishmeret Yesha. marily for the threatened communities will be supplied. There is the belief demand for more training, more equip- We look forward to drinking the wine in Judea, Samaria, Hebron hills, and that Arabs will either participate in ter- ment, is increasing. from those grapes, and seeing it the former Gush Katif. Here there are rorist attacks themselves, as in the Organizations like Friends of the exported to the U.S. communities that are small and large- case of the Arab driver who worked for IDF do not contribute to the rapid Danziger has also taken us to the ly unprotected by the IDF. Over 100 the Jerusalem yeshiva, or they will sup- response program of Mishmeret Yesha, “factory” in Beth-El where he person- settlements like Shavei Shomron, Kfar ply information to others, thereby and neither does the IDF, except to ally has designed the bulletproof vests Tapuach, Adei Ad, Shvut Rahel, Bat enabling successful attacks. supply the M-16’s for training. At pres- that are provided to the reservists Ayin, Yitzhar, Itamar, Otniel, Esh Another outgrowth of the success of ent, the burden of payment is on the called to active duty. His expert work- Kodesh, Sde Boaz, and more, are Mishmeret Yesha is a plan to arm shoulders of the organization. Anyone ers—six work full-time—carefully cut forced to deal with the constant young men who have completed their wishing to share in this burden is out the patterns and sewed up the threats from Arab terrorism that con- army work with M-16’s and handguns encouraged to do so. Send your tax- vests which contain pockets and belts front them daily. in order to neutralize terrorists who deductible contribution to Mishmeret and loops of all kinds, anticipating the Today, as a result of terrorist infiltra- infiltrate urban facilities. This would Yesha, 1412 Avenue M, Suite 2363, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11230. Those wishing to contact Israel Danziger directly can reach him at [email protected] or 011-972-52-468-9991. Kol hakovod to those who respond to this need. O

St. John’s Diabetes Group Talks Nutrition, June 23 Daniel Buff, M.D., chief of nutrition at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, will speak at the Diabetes Education Support Group that will meet Monday, June 23, 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, at 327 Beach 19th Street in Far Rockaway. Understanding the nutritional guidelines for healthy eating for those with diabetes can be challenging.

Daniel Buff, M.D.

Losing weight while maintaining such a diet can be even more challenging. Dr. Buff will provide an overview of the diet for those with diabetes as well as tips for those who would like to shed some pounds and choose the right diet. The Diabetes Education Support Group meets monthly at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital. Guest lectures are given on a wide range of topics. For more information about the Group please contact 718-869-7116. 44 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES The Diabetes Education another 38, and edited 91, his many achievements is the Abraham Klepfish from Lander and associate degrees. Support Group is a free com- including the monumental securing of $154 million from College for Men. • Graduate School of munity service. 73-volume Schottenstein edi- the New York Voucher Fund Other commencement cer- Social Work, June 11, to con- tion of the Talmud. for 28 yeshivos. emonies that will or have fer 50 master’s degrees. 700 Touro Students Yehoshua Balkany, an emi- Valedictories were presented taken place in New York • Graduate School of Awarded Degrees At nent leader in Jewish educa- by four students: Judy Eichorn- include the following: Education and Psychology, 34th Commencement tion and a tenacious advocate Edelstein, from the women’s • The Jacob D. Fuchsberg June 12, awarding of 2,400 Seven hundred Touro for Jews and Israel, received an division of the Lander College Law Center awarded 211 stu- master’s degrees. College students were award- honorary Doctor of Humane for Arts & Sciences-Flatbush; dents juris doctor and master’s •Touro University Nevada ed baccalaureate, master’s Letters. Founder and dean of Matthew Schneeweiss from degrees on May 25. on May 18 awarded 76 doctor and associate degrees at the Bais Yaakov of Brooklyn, where men’s division of the Lander • School of Career and of osteopathic medicine College’s 34th annual com- he has served for the past 37 College for Arts & Sciences- Applied Studies, June 12. degrees, and 54 master’s mencement exercises Sunday years, Rabbi Balkany recently Flatbush; Malka Salhanick Awarding of 721 bachelor’s degrees in education, nursing, evening, May 25. completed a five-volume com- from the Lander College for and associate degrees. School occupational therapy and The ceremonies, held at mentary on the Chumash, to Women-The Anna Ruth and of General Studies: June 15. Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher be published next year. Among Mark Hasten School; and Awarding of 495 bachelor’s Continued on Page 46 Hall, recognized candidates for 582 bachelor’s, seven master’s and 110 associate degrees. The graduates receiving degrees were from several schools at Touro that are dedicated to perpetuating the Jewish heritage: Lander College of Arts and Sciences in Flatbush; Lander College for Men in Queens; Lander College for Women-The Anna Ruth and Mark Hasten School in Manhattan; the School for Lifelong Educa- tion; Machon L’Parnasa; and the Graduate School of Jewish Studies. Rabbi Nosson Scherman, co-founder and general editor of Artscroll-Mesorah Publi- cations delivered the keynote address. A prolific author, Rabbi Scherman has written 17 books, collaborated on

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 45 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 45

physician assistant studies. • Touro University California (Vallejo) on June 1 awarded 127 doctor of osteopathic medicine and 72 master’s degrees in education, physician assistant studies, and public health. • Touro College Berlin on June 24 is expected to present candidates for 25 baccalaureate degrees in business management. • Lander Institute Moscow will present candidates for 16 baccalaureate degrees.

YUHS Dinner To Honor Dr. Edward Berliner, June 23 Yeshiva University High Schools (YUHS), comprising the Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy/Yeshiva Uni- versity High School for Boys (YUHSB) and the Samuel H. Wang/Yeshiva

Dr. Edward Berliner

University High School for Girls (YUHSG), will bestow Dr. Edward Berliner with the Faculty Member of the Year award. Dr. Berliner is to be honored at the YUHS Annual Dinner of Tribute on Monday, June 23, at 6:00 p.m. at the New York Marriott Marquis. Prominent members of the West Orange community, Dr. Berliner and his wife, Debbie, are proud parents of three YUHSB alumni: Avi, ’99; Josh, ’01; and Jon, ’04. Since joining the YUHS faculty in 2002, Dr. Berliner has enriched the lives of his students and colleagues both academically and personally. In addition to teaching AP calculus and AP physics at YUHSB, Dr. Berliner serves as the executive director of sci-

46 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ence management and clinical profes- ingenuity,” says Dr. Berliner. sor of physics at Yeshiva University and “Because of them, I come into school played an integral role in the construc- each day looking forward to learning tion of YUHSG’s science lab. something new.” Dr. Berliner is also director of the For further information about the newly formed YUHSB Honors College, YUHS Annual Dinner of Tribute, a program that offers select students please contact Mindy Schachtman at an enriching cultural, educational, and 212-960-5279 or religious experience. [email protected]. “It is a privilege to be honoring Dr. The educational mission of the Edward Berliner,” said Miriam Yeshiva University High Schools is to Goldberg, chairman of the YUHS teach and perpetuate the values of Board of Trustees. “He is a wonderful Torah U’madda, the synthesis of Jewish example of a committed faculty mem- law and life and Western civilization. ber who perpetuates our high stan- The YU High Schools provide a plat- dards and encourages our students to form for Jewish leadership through a reach their greatest potential.” challenging academic program in an Both students and Dr. Berliner are atmosphere that encourages adherence appreciative of their time in the to the traditional beliefs and practices of classroom together. “I learn so much Modern Orthodoxy. from all of the students and am constantly amazed at their insights and Continued on Page 51

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 47 48 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 49 50 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS ends and beginnings are all connected. Continued from Page 47 Indeed, the creation of the world began with chesed: Hashem provided clothing Lovesh Tzedakos Inaugural for Adam and Chava to spare them Five Towns Breakfast from humiliation. Now, at the end of By Malky Weinstock time, we too close the period of galus Sunday, May 25 got off to an inspi- with the identical chesed, clothing chil- rational start in Cedarhurst, with dren and sparing them from humilia- Lovesh Tzedakos’ first annual Five tion. And owing to today’s emphasis on Towns Benefit Breakfast held at the outward appearance and the resulting home of Mr. and Mrs. Yanki Muller. pressure it creates, “Clothing children The inaugural event, dedicated to is the most basic chesed,” Rav clothing children in our community, Weinberger concluded. “The way a was graced with the presence of child looks determines how he feels HaRav Moshe Weinberger, shlita, mara and how he identifies himself.” d’asra of Aish Kodesh of Woodmere, as well as Rabbi Feitman, rav of Kehillas Caring For Loved Ones While Bais Yehuda Tzvi, both of whom Caring For Ourselves expressed their full support for this Within our community we have noble cause to the large turnout. HaRav Moshe Weinberger, shlita, of Aish Kodesh addressing the audience many families that share the responsi- in behalf of Lovesh Tzedakos. Lovesh Tzedakos restores pride, dig- bilities of caregiving for families and nity, shalom bayis and most important- friends. While being a caregiver for a ly oneg Shabbos and simchas yom tov to loved one when illness strikes, the bur- financially challenged families in and the only leg that the world remains Avraham Avinu,“B’cha chosmin,” that den on self and family may increase around our community, by providing standing on and the chief merit that Avraham’s legacy of chesed will ulti- dramatically. Learning how to care for beautiful, brand new, current style will bring Mashiach.” mately bring the redemption at the end oneself while caring for others Shabbos clothing to their children in a He further explained the reference of days. An important rule of creation is maximally dignified and discreet man- to this in Hashem’s promise to that the creation is a circle, where the Continued on Page 52 ner. Endorsed by, and under the aus- pices of leading rabbanim and gedolim, Lovesh Tzedakos is staffed by a dedicated team of volunteers who, for the last five years, have seen to it that needy boys and girls in our community are outfitted with seasonal Shabbos and holiday clothing. To date, Lovesh Tzedakos, which was founded in the memory of R’ Baruch Yitzchok Berger a”h, has brought clothes and the happiness it generates to some 4,500 children in our neighborhood. This year’s budget exceeded $110,000. With the steadily rising cost of living, the need—and the budget to match that need—only escalates. What is the response of the recipi- ents? Anonymous notes of thanks regularly pour into Lovesh Tzedakos’ mail- box. The volunteers report the palpable joy they encounter. “After the door closes, I very often hear the children jumping for joy,” says one. “Just to see the way a mother’s face lights up—it is well worth it,” asserts another. “Upon being introduced to this organization, I was immediately taken by the idea,” began Rav Weinberger in his address. “I have an unbelievable appreciation for the fact that there are Jews of the world who think not just what they can do professionally, but what they can do to help the Ribono Shel Olam’s children.” He then quoted from the Modzitzer Rebbe, expounding on the concept of olam chesed yiboneh. “The world, we know, stands on the three pillars of Torah, avodah, and gemilus chassadim. With the passing of the generations, each of these pillars has progressively been weakened. Until the time of the Baal Shem Tov, the pillar most responsible for sustaining creation was the first pillar, amud HaTorah. As that was weakened, the Baal Shem Tov brought the amud ha’avodah to the fore, with his chassidic teachings of drawing closer to Hashem through d’veikus and tefillah. Now, during the ikvisa d’mshicha, the days preceding the coming of Mashiach, the amud ha’avodah has also weakened, and thus, the amud of gemilus chassadim is literally 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 51 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS one’s emunah during a health crisis. Continued from Page 51 Rabbi Jay Yaacov Schwartz discussed the importance of emotional and spiri- becomes a primary challenge. Knowing tual support for family and patient and how to get help when needed most and how halachic pathways can bring com- learning from the experience of others fort when serious illness strikes. Rabbi can help restore the balance that can Aaron Glatt, M.D., spoke about bikur easily slip away in times of need. cholim and how to perform this impor- Recently, an outstanding program tant mitzvah in an appropriate manner on the topic of finding this balance both from a both a medical and a when caring for loved ones was held at halachic perspective. A very lively ques- the Young Israel of Lawrence/ PhotoByLebaS tion-and-answer period followed. Cedarhurst. This program was spon- For information regarding future

sored by Woodmere Rehabilitation onneber programs of this nature, please contact

and Health Care Center and g Leba Sonneberg of Woodmere Metropolitan Jewish Health System. (L–R): Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz, Rabbi Jonathan Rietti, Rabbi Jay Yaacov Schwartz, Rehabilitation and Health Care Those who attended expressed great Mr. Michael Krengel (standing), and Mr. Mitchell Teller. Center at 516-374-9300 ext. 125 or appreciation for the information that Toby Weiss of Metropolitan Jewish was presented that evening. The coor- Health System at 718-759-4342. O dinators, Leba Sonneberg of Woodmere Rehabilitation and Health Leadership Where It Counts: Rav Care Center and Toby Weiss and Kook’s Visit, June 15–18 Rabbi Yeruchim Silber of Who today is on the spot to Metropolitan Jewish Health System, strengthen the Mercaz HaRav yeshiva are planning to repeat this inspiring students following the murder of their and educational program for the ben- friends? Who is still there to comfort efit of the many individuals in the and guide the beleaguered S’derot res- community who were unable to attend idents or the Gush Katif evacuees, and have expressed an interest in the long forgotten by the media? Who subject matter. PhotoByLebaS today is capable of building bridges in The keynote speaker for the evening, the factious Israeli society? Rabbi Jonathan Rietti, spoke about Rabbi Simcha HaKohen Kook, onneber “The Art of Healthy Living” based on beloved by religious and secular alike, the teachings of Maimonides g is, as always, ready to meet the ever- (Rambam). After Rabbi Rietti’s speech, (L–R): Rabbi Aaron Glatt, M.D., Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz, Rabbi Jay Yaacov Schwartz (standing), growing needs of the Jews he loves. Mr. Michael Krengel (moderator), Mr. Mitchell Teller, Dr. Paulina Kim, and Faith Ann, R.N. a panel of professionals addressed dif- Like his great uncle, the revered Rabbi ferent aspects of navigating assistance Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook, he during a health crisis. Dr. Paulina Kim access them when needed. Mr. benefits of short-term rehabilitation manages to stand up for his principles spoke about the benefits of hospice Mitchell Teller discussed the many after a hospital stay. Rabbi Simcha without antagonizing others. care and palliative care, the differences services available in today’s nursing Lefkowitz spoke about maintaining a between these two services, and how to homes/rehabilitation centers and the positive perspective on life and keeping Continued on Page 54

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52 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES circumstances: dations by your doctor or physical • If you are a beginner to exercise. A therapist. personal trainer will teach you to In selecting a personal trainer, it is understand the basics of each exercise, essential that you select an instructor the correct technique to do it safely, who has the correct qualifications in AskBY WARREN The LEVISensei and how to modify your program as human movement and has had exten- your body responds and adapts to the sive teaching experience in the indus- exercise to enable you to work out on try, as well as exposure to exercise. The Q. Is it necessary to have a personal overdo it? your own at an intensity which will personal trainer should make you trainer to obtain the best results? • Will you be committed enough not ensure an effective workout. aware of his/her services, fees, and A. It is not essential to have a per- to miss doing your exercise routine on • If you enjoy working out on your cancellation policy. sonal trainer to achieve your desired days when you “just don’t feel like own, but require a structured, person- Note these wise words of Zig Ziglar level of fitness. The key to adhering to exercising” or are “too busy to exer- alized workout program tailored to about achieving excellence: “It was an exercise program and ensuring that cise”? Once you hire a personal trainer achieve your goals and/or to climb out character that got us out of bed, com- you achieve maximum effective results or, alternatively, take out a fitness-cen- of plateaus. mitment that moved us into action, is to determine the answers to the fol- ter membership, you make a commit- • If you have a specific medical and discipline that enabled us to following questions: ment to achieving workout goals. problem or injury. A personal trainer low through.” O will ensure that you do not aggravate your injury and will also select appro- Contact Sensei Warren Levi at 516-569-0808 to priate exercises to rehabilitate your set up a free consultation to discuss your health and fitness needs. You may alternatively visit injury. The personal trainer can also www.warrenlevikarate.com or e-mail your health Are you more motivated to exercise work in conjunction with recommen- concerns to [email protected]. when you are in a group with others or on your own at home?

• Are you more motivated to exer- • Will it be cost-effective for you? In cise when you are in a group with oth- taking this into consideration, it must ers or on your own at home? Or do you be borne in mind that spending money prefer individualized instruction under on a fitness-center membership or a the guidance of a personal instructor? personal trainer is an investment in • Can you be objective about the your health. It makes you feel better, strengths and limitations of your assists in slowing down the aging body, and are you able to select safe, process, and helps with depression. appropriate, and productive exercises It is, however, recommended that to challenge yourself past your com- the services of a professional person- fort level, but at the same time not to al trainer are utilized in the following

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 53 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS rabbi’s self-effacing manner. Continued from Page 52 “Every Jew has the spark of our fore- father Avraham—no matter what polit- Arriving in Lawrence this weekend, ical party they belong to whether it’s Rabbi Kook, who serves as Chief Rabbi Meretz or Agudah,” says Rav Kook. of Rehovot and av beit din, has a phone Anyone seeing the relaxed secular and that never stops ringing and a door that religious crowd sitting in Rabbi Kook’s is always open. He gives shiurim to the incredibly big sukkah on Sukkot can secular municipality, invites the police see living proof of this. force for regular get-togethers, and gives Rabbi Kook is scheduled to be in inspirational talks at army bases around town from Sunday, June 15, through the country. It isn’t surprising that his Wednesday, June 18, and will be host- myriad involvements have earned him ed by David and Barbara Martin. O the name of an influential leader with a gentle modest manner that can win over Hachnasas Sefer Torah At Sh’or youth and adults alike. Yoshuv In Memory Of Ari Block, a’h In Rehovot, Rabbi Kook once actual- A memorable hachnasas sefer Torah ly entered a local disco one Friday took place at Sh’or Yoshuv on Sunday, night and had the manager quite flus- 27 Iyar (June 1). The yungerleit of Kollel tered when he sat down at a table and Mekor Baruch, Sh’or Yoshuv’s kollel, Ari’s brother Yoshi writing the last letter of the Sefer Torah with Rabbi Heshy Pincus. started talking to a group of teens organized the affair to express their there. It wasn’t long before the same hakaras ha’tov to the yeshiva, fulfilling kids followed him out the door to his their desire that the yeshiva should have In his short 24 years, Ari’s impact on and was able to build relationships house, where they had in-depth discus- another sefer Torah of its own and as a the world was profound. Ari’s parents with peers, yungerleit, local families, sions on Judaism—an experience that result of their strong feelings of the loss now live in Lawrence but raised their and rebbeim. these kids had never had. The youths of one of their members. family in Phoenix, Arizona, in a home Ari and his kallah, tblch’t, Faigy (née left in the wee hours of the morning, The first yahrtzeit of R’ Ari Block, of chesed and Torah values. From a Ludmir), built a home that was a model but instead of returning to the disco a’h, was on the previous erev Shabbos, young age Ari displayed a strong desire for others. As his father, Dr. Robert the next week, they went to learn more 25 Iyar. A year ago, the news of his to refine himself and commit himself Block, expressed, they shared the same from the rabbi. Soon the disco closed petirah, 29 days after the birth of his to serving Hashem. His hard work paid dreams and goals and were always so down, and eventually many boys from firstborn son, shocked the yeshiva and off in his relations with others and in considerate of each other. Ari had the that group became religious and joined the community. Following the hesped- his avodas Hashem. All throughout his yashrus, ehrlichkeit, and clear-sighted- respected communities. im, the talmidim went to the beis life Ari’s peers were drawn to him and ness which was the result of learning Rabbi Kook’s involvement is great ha’chayim and from there the family looked up to him as a role model. Torah with a desire to see the clarity in initiatives such as Shuvu education went home to sit shivah, which was After two years in Eretz Yisrael, R’ that Hashem hides in the world. for Russian immigrants, Ayelet delayed by the pidyon ha’ben of R’ Ari’s Ari went to Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv, the The rosh yeshiva, Rav Naftali Jaeger, Hashachar kiruv programs, rebuilding son. All were moved by the young place he would call home. All who expressed at the seudah following the the Churva synagogue, and the almanah, talking to her baby son about came in contact with him were aston- hachnasas sefer Torah his feelings of Nefesh B’Nefesh aliyah project. Many simchas ha’mitzvah and simchas ished at his growth and toil in Torah how R’ Ari left a big void in the kollel other activities are done far from the ha’chayim just moments after burying and Yiddishkeit. He maintained an and in the yeshiva similar to a sefer limelight of the media, typical of the her husband, the baby’s father. unusual balance in his development Torah that is missing a portion. The

54 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES display of affection and connection to him that motivated the writing of a s efer Torah l’iluy nishmaso is proof that emulating him and learning from him can help fill that gap. At the hachnasas sefer Torah the streets were filled with the men, women, and children of the yeshiva and the community. All came to participate in kavod haTorah and in honor of their dear friend who always hid from any type of honor. In his last hours, Reb Ari had expressed his anticipation for Shavuos, of kabalas haTorah, and his excitement of sharing simchas haTorah with his family in yeshiva. With this sefer Torah, his fervor, his simcha, are now a part of the beis midrash. May Reb Ari be a meilitz yosher in front of the Kisei neighboring public schools in Jewish and haKavod for his yasom, his almanah, secular studies. This took careful plan- their families, our kehillah, and all of ning, fundraising, and research. With K’lal Yisrael. O Hashem’s assistance and their persever- ance, JASC opened in East Northport in W here Blue Ribbon Meets Black 2004. It attracts students from different Hat: JASC Gala Dinner, June 30 religious and socioeconomic levels and By Michele Justic from as far away as the Hamptons. Rabbi When buying a home, parents often Teldon explained, “Ninety percent of our seek the best educational environment student body is unaffiliated. To lure them possible. For the non-observant, that in, we need to be 10 times better than usually means locating a good public- Students at the Jewish Academy of Suffolk County enjoy the fun activities, state-of-the-art the surrounding schools.” He feels this is school district. So how do you con- computer lab, and lush campus in East Northport. a “model for the whole country to bring vince parents in a Blue Ribbon district, in the unaffiliated.” among the top 10 percent in the state, parents and children to a unique 21st- 100,000 Jews without any viable As executive director and associate to pay for yeshiva tuition? Only by century educational environment. Mrs. Orthodox Jewish education. Rabbi head, Rabbi and Mrs. Teldon choose making it the best possible option for Kaufman approached Rabbi Tuvia and Teldon notes, “This would be a disaster only the finest and most qualified staff their children’s educational future. Mrs. Chaya Teldon, known for their ded- for the Jewish community of Suffolk to create this unique learning environ- The brainchild of Mrs. Anita icated efforts to bring Yiddishkeit to County. We can’t take that risk.” ment. All involved have years of experi- Kaufman, the Jewish Academy of Suffolk Suffolk County for decades. The closing The Teldons and Mrs. Kaufman ence and a strong educational back- County (JASC) strives to create a Jewish of HASC a few years ago left a scary sit- mapped out their vision: to create a day- community in Suffolk County by luring uation in its stead: a population of school education that surpasses the Continued on Page 56

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 55 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 55

ground to prepare them to teach children using such a personal approach. The teachers at JASC inspire children to be creative and moral individuals who can think out of the box. They have 32 people on staff, at least two teachers per classroom, and others who specialize in library science, physical education, art, and music. With only 7–12 students in each class, the children can get the individualized attention they need. The teachers continue to receive professional development regularly. They love the children and strive to teach each child according to his or her needs. The school describes its practices on its website: “Teachers and parents estab- lish specific educational goals for each child. Social skills are taught alongside social studies, business ethics alongside math. Lessons in kindness are discussed, acts of kindness are performed. The Jewish Academy merges academic excellence with vibrant Jewish learning in a warm, inclusive school community. Each student is known and recognized in an atmosphere where trial and error are part of the creative learning process. Differences are acknowledged, prudent risk-taking is encouraged, youthful curiosity is celebrat- ed, and a lifelong love of learning is fostered.” All this amid the lush environs of a 15-acre campus, newly renovated building, full indoor and outdoor playgrounds, and state-of-the-art technology. JASC now features an excellent program for children in nursery through second grade, with plans to grow by adding each successive grade one year at a time. To celebrate the soaring spirits of those involved with the school, JASC will hold its gala annual dinner at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, on Monday, June 30. Among other things, JASC hopes to expand its scholarship program so that no child need be turned away due to financial considerations. At the dinner, they will honor Arnold Marcus, whose father built the HASC building some 35 years ago, with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Rita and Dr. Lewis Gordonson have been supportive friends of the Teldons for many years and will be honored with the Com- munity Leadership Award. The always popular Thomas P. DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller, will present the

Continued on Page 58 56 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 57 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS volunteer drivers rearrange their sched- dream a reality,” remarked Rabbi Continued from Page 56 ules and plan their own children’s activ- Simcha Scholar, executive vice presi- ities around their i-Shine responsibili- dent, Chai Lifeline. awards. To learn more or to reserve or ties. Counselors have enriched chil- “Additionally, i-Shine and Chai sponsor an ad, please contact Liz Alberti dren’s lives by generously giving up their Lifeline owe Rabbi David Leibtag, at 631-368-2600 or lalberti@thejewish free time to bring friendship and struc- HAFTR’s head of school, N-8, and academy.com or visit www.thejewish ture into the lives of children reeling HAFTR’s entire administration a spe- academy.com. O from the effects of illness or loss. cial thank you, for giving the program Many of the year’s special programs and its children an after-school home,” Chai Lifeline’s i-Shine: were made possible through the con- remarked Andy Lauber, LMSW, a Chai After-School Program tributions of community members. Lifeline social worker and i-Shine Completes First Full Year; Among the activities enjoyed by coordinator. Thank-You Event, June 14 i-Shine youngsters were blowout The community is gathering to sup- It’s a club that no kid should have Chanukah and Purim parties, relay port Chai Lifeline and i-Shine and to to join: to participate in i-Shine, Chai races, a magic show, pizza lessons at thank the young adult volunteers who Lifeline’s after-school program creat- Jerusalem Pizza, fun workouts at give their all to the program with a ed by Deena Intrator, Annette Fitwize 4 Kids, a scavenger hunt, fundraiser planned by Mrs. Intrator, Kaufman, and Stacey Zrihen, children Israeli dance classes, and a workshop Mrs. Kaufman, Mrs. Zrihen, and the have to be living with illness or loss in on writing sifrei Torah. Chai Society of the Five Towns/ their home. But for the first- to i-Shine brings fun, smiles, and friendship Many business owners who have Rockaway to be held this Saturday to participants with twice-weekly eighth-graders who attend the twice after-school sessions. donated to the program feel they have night, June 14, at 10:30 p.m. The weekly sessions, i-Shine is making it received much more than they gave. interactive and informal event, to be easier to cope with the illness or “Before Shavuot, Rabbi Oppen taught housed in a spacious tent, promises to death of a sibling or parent. This June the program reaches a i-Shiners about the process of making a be an enjoyable evening, with virtual i-Shine provides a warm, structured major milestone when it completes its Torah. Afterwards, we went to a restau- reality games, a basketball booth, foot- environment where children can make first full year of operations. Thanks to rant for dinner. When the owner asked ball pop-a-shot, air hockey, foosball, friends with other children living with the drive and energy of Mrs. Kaufman, us about the program, he insisted on carnival snacks, catering by Tea for similar challenges and find emotional Zrihen, and Intrator, i-Shine is truly a donating that evening’s meal. He said, Two, and much more. The event is support from loving counselors and grassroots, community-wide project. ‘My father died from cancer when I was being held at the home of Aroni and supervising teachers and social work- The three mothers have devoted them- young. Had I had an i-Shine to go to, I Chani Parnes, 373 Kenridge Road in ers. Each i-Shine session includes selves to the program, recruiting vol- would be a different person than I am Lawrence, and is open to all. Walk-ins homework help, fun and games, arts unteer counselors and drivers, and today. I needed i-Shine.’ are welcome. Admission is $180 per and crafts, a snack and dinner. working directly with the children. “We are indebted to Deena Intrator, couple; sponsorship opportunities are “We love i-Shine,” remarked Sara, a Their enthusiasm has infected count- Annette Kaufman, and Stacey Zrihen. available. For more information and to Five Towns mother who has three chil- less individuals and businesses. They saw the impact of serious illness make reservations for Saturday night’s dren enrolled in the program. “My “i-Shine has shown us that one per- on the lives of young children and event, call 212-699-6620 or e-mail children have benefited tremendously. son can make a world of difference in a wanted to help. They envisioned a pro- [email protected]. O We have a lot to manage at home child’s life. It is like throwing a stone in gram that would inject vital support because of my son’s illness—they real- a pond, the ripple effect goes on and on into young lives marked by illness and Arista Induction And Awards ly need this structured ‘chill out’ time like the waves of the ocean,” said Mrs. loss, and the entire Five Towns com- Ceremony At Mesivta Ateres Yaakov that i-Shine brings them.” Kaufman. She noted that many of the munity has come together to make this On Wednesday evening, May 28,

58 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Mesivta Ateres Yaakov students receiving academic and midos awards.

experience in the yeshiva. Following gathering was treated to a violin as the Nassau County champions, limudei kodesh awards—which com- musical selection provided by fresh- defeating 44 other schools in the prised Excellence in Torah Studies, man Shlomo Feit. process. Mr. Arthur Caul, curriculum Excellence in Midos, Excellence in After greeting the assemblage, coordinator, then announced and Tefillah, and Outstanding Progress— Rabbi Rudansky distributed awards read from the essays of the winners the Torah Bowl team was recognized in all areas of general studies, recog- of the Lehmann Family Foundation for winning the division with a per- nizing the talent and industry dis- Spring Essay Contest. Also, senior fect 17–0 record. Rabbi Sam played by the students in their gener- Yehuda Feit was recognized as a Rudansky, general studies principal, al studies. A highlight of the evening finalist in the National Merit then introduced the Lev Tov Award, was the recognition given to the Scholarship Competition, placing presented in memory of Rabbi Yaffe’s Mock Trial team and their coach, him among the top 15,000 students father. This award is given to the Yehoshua Sladowsky, who emerged in the United States. talmid who most epitomizes a caring from the Nassau County Bar and giving nature. Subsequently, the Association sponsored competition Continued on Page 60

Student government president, Effie Allman.

Mr. Arthur Caul, College and Curriculum Advisor.

Mesivta Ateres Yaakov held its annual Arista Society installation and awards ceremony. This beautiful affair provided an opportunity to showcase the achievements of the talmidim. Included in the program were opening exercises, a tribute to our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisrael, and a moving message from the menahel, Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe, Ph.D. This was followed by the installation of the new student government, which is very active both in student activities and innovative projects designed to enhance each talmid’s 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 59 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS addition to the scholastic tional young men. O Continued from Page 59 prerequisites, each student was obligated to undertake Book Review— The wonderful evening an extensive chesed project ‘Reb Shlomo: concluded with the installa- completed over the course of The Life and Legacy of tion of this year’s inductees this past year. Rabbi Shlomo Freifeld’ into the Arista National The evening was filled with Reviewed By Rabbi Honor Society, for which 62 a tremendous sense of excite- Binyomin Sussman students met the rigorous ment and pride at the accom- When a baby boy enters requirements to qualify. In plishments of so many excep- into the b’ris of Avraham Avinu, all those present pro- claim with joy and hope—“zeh hakatan gadol yihyeh—this small child should grow into a gadol.” Although a familiar chant, we sometimes lose sight of the fact that this idea is not merely a berachah to a baby and his parents, but rather it is the way the Ribbono shel Olam has pro- grammed His b’riyah (creation)—greatness is always the outgrowth of something that starts off small. Large kehillos and communities have always had humble beginnings, and great people are the sum total of all of the small achievements and strides in their lives. In his new book, Reb Shlomo: The Life and Legacy of Rabbi Shlomo Freifeld (published by Judaica Press, with a foreword by Benjie Brecher), Rabbi Yisroel Besser has presented K’lal Yisrael with a marginisa, a precious jewel, by collecting the inspiring rays of light that was the life of our rebbi, HaRav Shlomo Freifeld, zt’l, the founder of Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv, and showing how it all added up in this great gadol and in the kehillah that he built. Through extensive research and interviews with many of the people whose lives were touched by Reb Shlomo, Rabbi Besser has managed to shine some of that light on us as we read through 344 pages of nothing less than pure, refreshing inspiration. Those who never knew him will gain a glimpse into Reb Shlomo’s life and the lives he touched. Those who were zocheh to know him will be taken back once again into the glow of his bright light and bask in its warmth. His faith and trust in the human spirit and his belief in every individual will encour- age you. His zest for life and its contagion to those around him will delight you. His love for Torah and his belief in its power of improving the human spirit will inspire you. You will be refreshed by his perspective on chinuch and his mantra of quality over quantity. You will be gladdened by his keen sense of humor and his koach (strength) of lifting up those who were down. You will be awed by his reverence for his rebbi, Rav Hutner, as well as other great 60 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

the beis midrash to the whole mesivta. simply said ‘na’aseh’ (we will do) with- As in the past, Rav Feinstein’s visit His drashah focused on the impor- out even asking for nishmah (we will left the boys feeling very inspired, tance of every individual having one understand)”? He answered in the with a new perspective to incorporate rebbe to go to with his questions and name of his father, Rav Moshe into their lives. As Michael Miller, a for guidance in life. This rebbe should Feinstein, zt”l, that na’aseh v’nishmah, Rambam senior, put it, “His deep wis- be someone the individual respects is in fact superior, because nishmah dom in every topic left me speechless. and holds in high regard. In addition, means that you will listen to the way It was such an honor to be in front of the individual needs to be willing to your rebbe interprets the Torah and fol- him.” Rabbi Friedman, the rosh listen to the rebbe, even if the deci- low his guidance. In effect, our na’aseh, mesivta, said “when we started the sion is not what the person was hoping deeds, is based upon nishmah, that mesivta 17 years ago, we went to Rav for. Rav Feinstein said that nowadays, which our rebbe teaches us to do. Reuven Feinstein for divrei chizuk. It because talmidim often attend many The event concluded with an open is always wonderful to have him join yeshivos—one for high school, one in question-answer forum, giving students us at Rambam and we look forward to Eretz Yisrael, and one post Eretz an opportunity to ask Rav Feinstein any his next visit.” O Yisrael—it diminishes the likelihood Torah question on his mind. One of having a main rebbe. However, he response from Rav Feinstein taught said that this is something of extreme that we must seek out the way to use importance, since it is one of the vital everything we learn in our everyday life. Deadline for Advertising parts of being a ben Torah. He said that there is a misconception Rav Feinstein expounded on this by whereby people believe that there are in the Next Issue is people from whom he gleaned Torah explaining a well known pasuk in the certain parts of the Torah which are and Yiddishkeit throughout his life. Torah. We all know that Klal Yisrael outdated and that we should only learn Tuesday, June 17 Reb Freifeld had a deep understand- was commended for saying “na’aseh the relevant topics. Rav Feinstein ing of the frailty of a person on one v’nishmah.” Many understand this to stressed the idea that every single word at 5:00 P.M. hand, and an optimistic belief in the mean that the Jews agreed to accept of the Torah is applicable in modern heights man can strive for, on the the Torah before they understood what times and it is essential for every person Call 516-984-0079 other. He endured much pain and suf- it was about. Rav Feinstein asked, to realize how all aspects of life are fering near the end of his life, all the “Why weren’t they praised when they guided by the Torah. while lifting himself and those near him higher and higher. He held a con- viction that there are different paths into each individual’s heart, and, as varied as they may be, they all lead to that same pintele Yid inside. He had a piercing midah of emes and a relentless pursuit of being honest with oneself. A spouse will find the confidence to improve his/her shalom bayis, a parent will find the courage to be a better role model, and a rebbi will find the spirit to realize how much his talmidim depend on him. Most of all, any Yid who reads this book will find the strength to be a better Yid. One man armed with the impres- sions of Rav Hutner, the Chazon Ish, the Satmar Rav, and many others was able—with Siyatta D’Shmaya (the help of Hashem)—to build and to grow. Through this great man, the talmidim, the yeshiva, and the kehillah we see today took form, little by little, and was zocheh to the berachah of “Zeh hakatan gadol yihyeh.” Yehi zichro baruch. O

Ra v Reuven Feinstein Visits Rambam Mesivta Rambam Mesivta once again had the zechus of hosting Rav Reuven Feinstein, shlita, on Tuesday, May 27. Rav Feinstein’s visits are especially inspiring because of his unique ability to communicate and relate to each talmid on his level. The visit started off with talmidim from Rav Yosef Ziskind’s afternoon double beis midrash shiur presenting sugyas to Rav Feinstein, which included Gemara, rishonim, and achronim, as well as their chidushim.Topics presented included YaKNaHaZ—the procedure of making Kiddush when yom tov falls immediately after Shabbos; chavilos—circumstances under which one may use the same cup of wine for multiple mitzvos; and the prohibition of eating non-shmurah matzah on erev Pesach. Rav Feinstein enlightened the students with his insights on the sugyas, asked questions to stimulate deeper thought, and answered questions that the boys raised. Next, Rav Feinstein gave a shmuz in 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 61 62 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

91% Of West Bank In New Offer

Palestinian officials close to peace Jerusalem, where Israel has built a talks said that Israel has offered a West string of Jewish neighborhoods it Bank withdrawal map that leaves about intends to keep. Israel wants to put 8.5 percent of the territory in Israeli off dealing with Jerusalem until the hands, less than a previous plan but still end of the process. more than the Palestinians are ready to Abbas indicated skepticism about accept. Palestinian negotiator Saeb the prospects of the renewed talks. Erekat and other PA officials, however, “Nothing has been achieved in the said that the report is unsubstantiated. negotiations with Israel yet,” Abbas Palestinian Authority President told a meeting of the Fatah Mahmoud Abbas was quoted as Revolutionary Council, according to a telling backers that the negotiations report in the Fatah-associated al- have achieved no progress since Ayyam daily and confirmed by meeting they were restarted last November participants. with a pledge to President George Domestic issues in both Israel and W. Bush to try for a full peace treaty the U.S. are diverting attention from by the end of the year. peacemaking, Abbas told Fatah lead- The last map Israel offered had 12 ers. “I fear the (corruption) probe percent of the West Bank remaining in against Olmert and the American Israel. Israel wants to keep West Bank preoccupation with the (presidential) land with its main settlement blocs, elections will negatively affect the offering land inside Israel in exchange. negotiations,” Abbas said, according The land would be between Hevron in to a member of the council, Salah the southern West Bank and Gaza—at Taameri. (JPost.com and AP) O least part of a route through Israel to link the two territories. Khaled Abu Toameh contributed to this report. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because the negotiations are being conducted behind closed doors, said Palestinians were Deadline for Advertising ready to trade only 1.8% of the West in the Next Issue is Bank for Israeli land. Israeli officials refused to comment. Tuesday, June 17 One of the Palestinian officials at 5:00 P.M. said the 8.5% figure of West Bank Call 516-984-0079 land Israel would retain with its new map does not include east

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 63 64 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 65 66 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Your Ad Could Be Here.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 67 AUTOS SERVICES FOR SALE PROVIDED

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Classified Ads are Continued on the Next Page. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 69 CLASSIFIED ADS Continued from Page 69 FOR RENT FOR RENT FOR RENT REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Far Rockaway — 2 Huge Office Spaces. Office for rent on Central Ave. Cedarhurst — House Rental; kit, den, 6,000 and 2,500 Sq Ft. 2nd Floor. Near 2 rooms, prime location, ca/ch, reason- 3br., 2.5 bth. bsmt ...... $2,400 Subway & LIRR. Build to Suit. Can Be able rent. Call 917-417-5725 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Divided. Owner 917-359-9776 Far Rockaway — House For Sale Far Rockaway — Beach 9th 3 Bdrm, 2 Bath plus guest room. Miami Alexander Hotel — Short or long 4 room apartment, 2 bedrooms, EIK, Renovated w/New Kitchen, New term rental. 2 BR, 2 bths, luxury, Living/Dining Room, Screened Porch. MISCELLANEOUS Bathrooms. Huge Master Bedroom. Shabbos elevator, swimming pool, bal- Near synagogues, schools, and trans- Price...... $499K cony, parking, beachfront. portation. Call 718-471-6535 Call Zeev Kolman 212-245-1715 Call Owner 917-836-6838 or 917-287-5858 Cedarhurst — House Rental LR/FDR, Ocean Corp. Houston, Texas. Train for den, 3br, 2.5bth, Fin. Bsmt . . . . . $2,300 New Career. Underwater Welder, Woodmere— Brand new construction on Office space for rent. Call 516-322-3555 Commercial Diver, NDT/Weld Inspector. Clubhouse Road in the heart of Central Avenue. Includes utilities, AC, Job placement and financial aid for those who qualify, 1-800-321-0298. Woodmere Park. Contemporary style alarm, internet. Woodmere/Cedarhurst — 1 and 2 BR Call 516-569-4949 x104 home. 6 BR, 4 Bths, Radiant Heat, available. Secure buildings, updated EIK, Shabbos elevator close to all and DIRECTV Free 4 Room System! 265+ Alarms, Camera equipped, 85X100. Ced. — 3+ br apt, 1.5 bth, lg FDR, new train station. Call Sherri 516-297-7995 Channels! Starts $29.99 Free HBO + Buyer has ability to customize interior EIK, on quiet street, walk to all . . $2,200 Showtime + Starz! Free DVR/HD Far Rockaway — 1 BR and 2 BR before completion ...... $1.899M N Wdm. — house rental. Hi-ranch in Receiver! 95 HD Channels! No Start Up apartments. some balconies. New MIC. 4 br, CAC, den, on quiet street. Call Avi 917-512-5442 Costs! Hurry, Ends Soon! We're Local 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 kitchens, lots of closets, 24 hr doorman, Installers! 1-800-973-9027 Woodmere Park— Brand new security cameras. Close to White Shul, Mediterranean style construction. 6 BR, Shor Yoshuv and train. Large, bright and beautiful office avail- Free DIRECTV 4 Room System! 265+ Call Sherri 516-297-7995 3 Full Bths, 91X100, Radiant heat, able with parking in Cedarhurst. Shared Channels! Starts $29.99 Free HBO + Alarms , Camera equipped. Buyer has waiting area. Available immediately. Weissman Realty Group, LLC Showtime + Starz! Free DVR/HD $800 /month. Call 800-388-9299 516-791-6100 ability to customize interior before com- Receiver! 95 HD Channels! No Start Up Costs! Hurry, Ends Soon! We're Local pletion...... $1.899M Far Rockaway— House for rent. Far Rockaway — Lg. Hse Rental: 4br, Installers! 1-800-306-1953 Call Avi 917-512-5442 Annapolis St. (b/w Beck & Almont Rd) 2bth, bsmt., hi-ceilings, NU bths, W\D. Hewlett—Brand new construction, 5 Prime loc— beautiful block full of Call 516-322-3555 bedrms, 2.5 baths, office, wood flrs, young families with kids. 1 block from Agudah, Shor Yoshuv and White Shul. 2- Far Rockaway — Apartment available. CAC, Laundry room on 2nd flr..... $699K 3 bedrooms on 2nd floor, 1 bedroom 1st Brand new construction. Furnished or Call Jackie 516-526-8841 floor, playroom & bedroom with bath- unfurnished. 3 BR, 2bths. Cleaning and For the next issue, Woodmere—Sprawling ranch on deep room in basement. Call Owner at laundry services available. Perfect for property 4 bedrms, 3 baths, Master 917-617-0768 the elderly. Call Sherri 516-569-5450 deadline suite, walk to all...... $1.250M Far Rockaway/ West Lawrence — Far Rockaway — Walk-in Apt on Beach Call Jackie 516-526-8841 for placing a House for Rent. 3+BR, 2 new bths, fin. 9. Newly renovated. Close to syna- Weissman Realty Group, LLC bsmt, w/d, back porch, near shuls and gogues ...... $675 including all 516-791-6100 RR. $2,500. Call 718-327-5986 Call 646-342-4030 or 718-350-6303 classified ad is M onday, June 16 at 5:00 P.M. Call 516-569-0502

We remember the fish which we ate in Egypt

(Bamidbar 11:5) Rav and Shmuel differed as to the meaning of this. One says it means fish.The other says it is a idiom for forbidden sexual relations… This is also the meaning of what is says further on,“And Moshe heard the people weeping throughout their families”—they were weeping over the incestuous relations that were now forbidden them.

(Talmud,Yoma 75a)

70 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Ezer Mizion In Belle Harbor

Irv Hackel, Mira Nakash

An open roof under a starry sky, waves from the beautiful Rockaway Beach seen through the picture win- dow…the lovely home of Mira Nakash was creatively decorated in blue and white, celebrating Israel At 60 on behalf of Ezer Mizion’s International Jewish Bone Marrow Registry for Cancer Patients. Irv Hackel, Ezer Mizion’s executive director, spoke eloquently about the needs of the registry. “Jewish cancer patients are told that only a bone marrow transplant can save their lives and it is up to us to raise the money for genet- ic testing which will ensure the success of the transplant. I am proud, and you should be also, that Belle Harbor, this little community, has raised funds in the past five years that has saved the lives of four Jews. Your hands have reached across the ocean to Italy, Argentina, and Israel to save the lives of your brethren. Mr. Hackel pleaded with the guests to take an envelope to give to a friend, a neighbor, or a business associate and make them aware of Ezer Mizion’s humanitarian work. Rosalyn Brown, a resident of Belle Harbor, spoke of her recent trip to Israel with her elderly parents to celebrate a simcha. Her father, unfortunately, suf- fered a stroke while there. Her mother, a cancer survivor, was unable to handle the myriad of details. The family needed help badly until Ezer Mizion stepped in. “With my broken Hebrew and Yiddish and their broken English and a diction- ary in between, those wonderful Ezer Mizion volunteers managed to convey such warmth and support and provided us with meals and all the practical details so much needed. They were there morning, noon, and night, a pillar of kindhearted assistance.” As each guest left, they smilingly accepted additional envelopes to be given to friends and a lovely gift package for themselves, their faces truly reflecting the beauty of ‘Hinei ma tov uma nayim shevat achim gam yachad—How good and pleasant it is to sit together with friends” in a wonderful, inspirational evening of chesed for Ezer Mizion. O 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 71 Picture This: The Gold Standard Of Creative Children’s Portraiture

BY ROCHELLE MARUCH Using their artistic and photographic portrait. “It” may be the twist of the itely detailed and perfectly orchestrated. MILLER skills, the Picture This team of profes- head, a strand of hair or the expression Clearly the standard bearer of custom sionals is peerless in creating lasting of the eyes. Simply stated, “It” is the children’s portraiture, Picture This cre- If a picture is worth a thousand memories; truly the stuff of which essence of your child, and is difficult for ates photographic masterpieces. They words, a custom portrait by Picture capture the moment, bringing the indi- This is priceless. Conveniently located vidual elements of every subject to every on Central Avenue in Cedarhurst, this frame. Every photo is breathtaking and state-of-the-art photo studio creates lovely to view. photographic art, inspired by your Picture This plans on offering custom Which is precisely why Picture This child’s personality. At Picture This, is our family’s photography studio of photography is not merely a technical choice. As a very proud Bubby (AKA craft for documentation. Rather, it is child photography at Cedarhurst Park, “Bubs”), I cherish every one of my pre- an emotionally responsive medium cious grandchildren and try to spend which allows their gifted photogra- as much time as I can with my treas- phers to capture and communicate the Central Park, as well as other venues. ures. Enhancing my home with their personality, emotions, and expression photographs and carrying pictures of of their precious subjects. them in my wallet is something that I Because children are so naturally enjoy. So when my daughter and son- spontaneous and genuine, these lifetime memories are made. What most photographers to capture in one in-law, Ahava and Moshe, decided that artists create an environment that artwork could add more warmth to sitting. At Picture This “it” most it was time to have professional photos allows their subjects to be themselves, your home than portraits inspired by assuredly comes through. Each portrait taken of their five-month-old baby thereby providing the best and most your own children? is as unique and enchanting as its sub- Rikki, they called Yoni Rennert, the creative photographic opportunities. Not everyone can achieve ‘it” in a ject. Every photo is a work of art, exquis- congenial customer service manager of Picture This, to book the sitting. The appointment was for a weekday morning several days later. Because Moshe was at work and I begin teaching at noon, the children asked me to come to the sitting. Adorable and sweet-dis- positioned as Rikki is, I was concerned about how she would react to posing and being photographed by someone who was a stranger to her. I needn’t have worried. Picture This is every child’s (and parent and grandparent’s) dream come true! There are stuffed animals, puppets, toys, and props aplenty to enchant and entertain. With 15 years of experience as a photogra- pher par excellence, Glenny is a con- summate professional. She has infinite patience and truly loves children— characteristics that are evident in the superb quality of her work. Glenny is an absolute pleasure to deal with and she is unsurpassed in capturing the beautiful images of your child’s fleet- ing wonder years. Using a variety of creative concepts and backgrounds, Glenny created a plethora of magical settings, always concerned and respectful of her tiny subject. Suffice it to say that Rikki loved every moment of her Picture This experience, as evi- denced by her smiles, giggles, and the fabulous photos that capture Rikki’s beauty and personality plus! Trained by internationally acclaimed photographers in Greece, Scott brings her 35 years of experience in photographic art to the Picture This team. With her signature smile and amiable personality, Scott is an integral member of the Picture This team. Her creativity and photographic artistry make every portrait as extraor- dinary as the subject. With Yoni at the helm, Picture This is truly a class act. Ever attuned to the needs of every client, he and his staff provide high quality, professional, and courteous service in a warm and wel- coming setting. Picture This plans on offering custom child photography at Cedarhurst Park, Central Park, as well as other venues. Treasure your child’s special moments forever with custom photographic art by Picture This. It is the perfect gift for every occasion. O 72 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Rambam Mesivta HS Receives Grant

Rambam Mesivta High School recently was a recipient of a $1,000 Allstate Safe Teen Driving grant to put toward activism that encourages responsible and smart driving by teens. Allstate’s Safe Teen Drive LI program is aiming to significantly reduce teen crashes in Nassau and Suffolk counties. “We believe activism projects and events in every high school on Long Island will increase public awareness on this social epidemic and, perhaps, act as the reminder or light-bulb for a young driver who may be about to make a bad decision behind the wheel,” says Krista Conte, Allstate Spokesperson. Pictured in photo (L-R): Allstate Agent Monte Rosenzweig; Rabbi Peretz Hochbaum, principal of the Rambam Mesivta High School; Jeffrey Ganeles, administrator of Rambam Mesivta High School; and Robert Zeitz who works with Hatzolah.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 73 5 Towns Jewish Times Presents

The Bar Mitzvah of Daniel Ash of Cedarhurst took place on May 29. The wedding of Eli Haller of Highland Park, NJ to Kimmy Tau of Mazel Tov! Woodmere took place on June 2. Mazel Tov!

74 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES bar such unverifiable and dubious speculation. And never mind that it’s The Wild West Of Wikipedia not just many Israelis, but also the U.S., E.U., Canada, and others, who label Hamas and other Intifada protag- B Y GILEAD INI a notice to our members calling for vol- with friends. Also anonymous, they onists as terrorists. unteers to learn about and edit often edit as problematically as other Other articles similarly misinform— “ Part anarchy, part mob rule” might Wikipedia’s often-skewed entries about editors, or worse.) Tellingly, it was later there is “some very, very bad stuff,” says seem like a description of the the Middle East. revealed that one of the Wikipedia edi- a former editor in chief of Encyclopedia American frontier in the days of the Dozens of volunteers responded, as tors who led the attack is actually an Britannica—because Wikipedia is, Wild West, but it’s actually a reference did, it turns out, a friend of the anti- employee of Electronic Intifada. unfortunately, an anarchic battle- to today’s internet frontier. It’s how Israel activist website Electronic Nonetheless, many editors who ground on which the only real casual- Larry Sanger describes Wikipedia, the Intifada, who subsequently charged a hoped to ensure accuracy and balance ties are unsuspecting readers looking hugely popular online encyclopedia conspiracy was afoot to “rewrite on Wikipedia are now banned. Partisan for a credible encyclopedia. O that, to the dismay of teachers every- Palestinian history.” editors, meanwhile, continue to freely Gilead Ini is a Senior Research Analyst at CAM- where, is used as an educational tool This faux expose set some Wikipedia manipulate Wikipedia articles to their ERA. For more, visit www.camera.org. by millions worldwide. “editors,” a number of whom have a liking. To cite just one example: An arti- Sanger isn’t just a casual observer. clear history of pro-Palestinian editing, cle about the Second Intifada—the He was a co-founder of Wikipedia, on a rampage of denunciation. In a recent years of Palestinian suicide making him perhaps the best authority witch-hunt like atmosphere, they bombings and other attacks against WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? on the website and its shortcomings. attacked anyone they thought was Israeli men, women, and children— He explains that in the world of involved in the group—now referred to tells readers that “most people of the WE WANT TO KNOW! Wikipedia, “the people with the most as a “cabal”—and Wikipedia “adminis- world” regard the violence as a “war of influence in the community are the trators” banned a number of editors. national liberation against foreign E-MAIL US AT ones who have the most time on their (Wikipedia has very little central occupation,” while the view of the hands—not necessarily the most authority, meaning administrators— Intifada as a terrorist war is held only [email protected] knowledgeable—and who manipulate people elected to a position of power by “many Israelis.” Never mind that Wikipedia’s eminently gameable sys- on Wikipedia—are basically editors Wikipedia’s shoddily-enforced “rules” tem.” He eventually left the project, blaming its “poisonous social or political atmosphere.” The theory underpinning Wikipedia, as most know, is that anyone can be an “editor,” and add to articles whatever information (or misinformation) they want. Less well-known is that contrib- utors can make changes anonymously, thus shielding them from any real consequences. This acceptance—or even embrace—of anonymity makes Wikipedia wilder than the west ever was, and ensures that it will probably never be as reliable as mainstream news sources. Anonymity and accountability are simply not compatible. Disgraced New York Times reporter Jayson Blair, who brazenly violated the ethical principles of journalism by fabricating stories, has been held accountable. He will never work for a newspaper again. Other journalists know this, and so even those less committed to the canons of journalism tend to follow the rules to avoid such a fate. Anonymous editors of Wikipedia articles have no such concerns. Their jobs and reputations are secure, regardless of how much inaccurate information they add to the encyclopedia, or how much they skew an article. Even less understood about Wikipedia are the contentious behind- the-scenes arguments that help determine what information ends up in a Wikipedia entry, and what is excluded. Editors with the most time and allies often dominate these discussions and create the impression of “consensus,” which Wikipedia holds sacred as a way to reach decisions about an article. Wikipedia entries about the Middle East are among those most affected by anarchy, mob rule, and back-room bick- ering. Indeed, it’s in this setting that I, and my colleagues at the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting (CAMERA), set off a firestorm of dis- cussion, accusation, and recrimination centered around how the encyclopedia works. Convinced that directing more well-intentioned individuals to participate in the Wikipedia experiment could help offset the site’s problems, we sent 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 13, 2008 75 76 June 13, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES