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Vol. III No. 12 (#61) May 8, 2014 • 8 Iyar 5774 Free ‘We’re Climbing Up A Mountain’: Mrs. Zehava Somerstein, Manhigut Yehudit Annual Gala Commemorates Limudei Kodesh Principal Yom HaZikaron & Celebrates Yom HaAtzmaut In Queens Of Bais Yaakov Of Queens, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, MK Moshe Feiglin address enthusiastic crowd Retiring

SEE P. 56-57 SEE P. 38

Shabbos Inbox A Newlywed’s Thoughts The Sefer Torah A Shabbat Thought For What It’s Worth You Misuse That Bridges Peaceful Not A Sterling Didn’t Plant That Of History Between Interludes Moment The Three “Yoms” By Eytan Kobre By Sergey Kadinsky By Rabbi David Algaze By Warren S. Hecht By Jacques R. Rothschild ho can forget Ba- he month of Iyar is he Torah aspires to unity lthough there has been rack Obama’s 2012 one of conflicts, where e are currently in rather than separation in a lot of discussion about Wcampaign remarks, Tmourning is interrupted the midst of the Tall matters. The ideal na- Athe comments that “If you’ve been successful, you by celebrations followed by Wthree Yoms that de- tion is a holy nation, as G-d tells the LA Clippers owner Donald didn’t get there on your own… more mourning, depending fine the remarkable trajectory us, “You shall be unto Me a king- Sterling said, some aspects of If you’ve got a business – you on one’s hashkafah. If Pesach of our nation over the past dom of ministers (priests) and a the incident have received lit- didn’t build that. Somebody causes a stir on the subjects of 70 years. The firstYom, Yom holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). Are tle discussion. What has been

CONTINUED ON P. 13 CONTINUED ON P. 27 CONTINUED ON P. 29 CONTINUED ON P. 16 CONTINUED ON P. 26

, Stay Tuned To Best of ‘Late Night Community Events See Page 68 See ad on p. 23 See See calendar on page 45 2 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 3 4 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 5 6 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 7 PUBLISHED BY Queens Jewish Link, LLC 8-Day RABBINIC CONSULTANT Forecast Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld FRI • MAY 9 SAT • MAY 10 MANAGING EDITOR 64° 72° Contents Naftali Szrolovits 56° 59° Regular Features SENIOR CONSULTANTS Cloudy Isolated T-Storms Advertiser Spotlight – Shira Diamond . . . 65 Eliezer Szrolovits SUN • MAY 11 MON • MAY 12 As I see it – Cynthia Zalisky ...... 24 Yaniv Meirov 72° 72° Beauty briefs – Risselle Naimark ...... 66 Cynthia Zalisky Blue and white – Shmuel Sackett ...... 31 56° 56° Helen Hoffman Classifieds ...... 54 Isolated Jennifer Jaffe T-Storms Partly Cloudy Community calendar – Rebecca Wittert . . . 45 TUE • MAY 13 WED • MAY 14 Community corner – ADVERTISING MANAGER Susie Garber, Jennifer Jaffe ...... 38 65° 68° Yaakov Serle Community snapshots – Yaakov Katz . . . 37 55° 55° Delectable dishes – Estee Kafka ...... 59 COPY EDITOR Cloudy Rain Feelin’ funny – Mordechai Schmutter . . . . 52 Financially forward – Gerald Harris . . . . 53 R’ Yisroel Benedek THU • MAY 15 FRI • MAY 16 For what it’s worth – Warren Hecht . . . . . 1 STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER 68° 66° Frontlines – Dr . Joseph Frager ...... 51 Yaakov Katz 52° 53° The fun side – QJL Staff ...... 68/69 A healthy outlook – Dr . Bo Rosenblatt . . . . 30 T-Storms Cloudy Heartwarming headlines – QJL Staff . . . 22 Home health care corner – IMPORTANT NUMBERS Tania Hammer ...... 50 Chaveirim — providing Mikvah Israel/ KGH Hooked on healing – Caroline Schumsky . . 25 roadside assistance Mikvah, Flushing 718-441-0505 718-268-6500 House and home – Hatzolah Toby Pelman Mikvah/ R’ Gedalia and Sarah Newcomb ...... 46 147-24 69th Road 718-387-1750 JCC of Hillcrest 718-969-4937 A Newlywed’s thoughts – Flushing, New York 11367 Chevra Kaddisha Sergey Kadinsky ...... 1 718-849-9700 Mikvah of Beth Israel of Spinka, Rego Park Parenting simply – Adina Soclof ...... 49 [email protected] Eruv Hotline 718-592-9786 (Forest Hills) Relationships/Marriage – 917.549.6145 Erna Lindenfeld 718-544-6898 Hachnossas R’ Rafael and Adina Ribacoff ...... 64 www.QueensJewishLink.com Eruv Hotline (Kew Kallah Fund A Shabbat thought – R’ David Algaze . . . . 1 Gardens Hills) 718-591-9599 Shabbos inbox – Eytan Kobre ...... 1 Design by Design2pro.com • Design & Production 718-263-3921 Baby Equipment The Shmuz – R’ Benzion Shafier ...... 11 MICHAEL KUROV • Art Director Bikur Cholim Gemach: Tzivia Dietch Distributed by Prime Media Distribution of Queens: 718-275-5287 Snippets of strange – QJL Staff . . . . 19-21 718-380-7433 Shaindel Ruchel Socially savvy – Esti Berkowitz ...... 48 Baby Food Gemach Kol Halashon Stories of greatness – R’ Dovid Hoffman . . . 9 718-395-2440 347-416-3672 Table & Chair Style myths debunked – Vaad HaRabonim Gemach KGH Meira Schneider-Atik ...... 63 of Queens 917-882-1414 Disclaimer 718-520-9060 Modest Hospital Gown While we make every ef- Tomchei Shabbos Gemach of Queens Special Articles fort to publish articles that are 718-850-8070 917-859-8177 within the bounds of norma- Manhigut Yehudit Queens gala – tive halachah and hashkaf- Cong. Mikvah Israel Queens Jewish Jared Feldschrieber ...... 56/57 ah, we cannot take responsibility for every article of Forest Hills Community Council written. If you feel that anything you read is objec- 718-897-9370 718-544-9033 The Sefer Torah that bridges – tionable, please write a letter to the editor and, if Mikvah of Queens/ Avigdor’s Helping Hand Jacques R .Rothschild ...... 1 appropriate, it will be published. Forest Hills Mikvah 718-568-9720 Additionally, the views expressed in any political Shabbos vs Yom Kippur – 718-261-6380 Chickens for Shabbos article appearing in this publication are those of the Moshe Travitsky ...... 28 Kew Gardens Mikvah, 718-261-9723 author and do not necessarily reflect the position – Joseph Schranz ...... 47 or policy of the Queens Jewish Link. The Queens Jew- Richmond Hill Queens Kallah Gown NORPAC

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8 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 Stories Of Greatness R’ Dovid Hoffman Feeling Their Pain

“If two (people) are traveling on a journey Land of Israel through a circuitous route was very little that the rabbanim and re- Kahaneman zt”l, refused to sit by and let (far from civilization) and one has a pitcher that took them through Tehran, the capi- ligious organizations in Israel and abroad these children wallow. With cunning of water: If both drink, they will (both) die, tal of Iran, had spent three years running could do. The Jewish Agency controlled ingenuity, he managed to whisk thirty but if only one drinks he can reach civiliza- from the dreaded Nazis, wandering from the money and the resources needed to children away from Atlit, and in a further tion. The son of Peturah taught, ‘It is better place to place, leaving behind warm and house, clothe, and feed the children, and display of his organizational creativity, he that both should drink and die, rather than safe homes, parents, and siblings, and en- although they did so in a most arrogant managed to house them in a makeshift one should behold his companion’s death.’ shack on the outskirts of Bnei Brak. Until Rabbi Akiva came and taught: ‘That With what little money he had, he your brother may live with you’ Nobody made a pitch better than the Ponovezher Rav! set up a small kitchen and bought metal (“Chayecha kodmin”) – bed frames for the beds. There was just one problem: What good are metal bed Your life takes precedence over the life of frames without mattresses, blankets, your neighbor.” during hunger, deprivation, and unbear- and heartless manner – forcing children and pillows? For these items, he knew (Bava M’tzia 62) able conditions. Now, as they finally ar- who had seen their parents killed in front he was going to have to come onto the rived in the Holy Land, the Jewish Agency of them to renounce the values their par- kind donations of his fellow Jews – and n the transit camp known as Atlit, subjected them to ideological brainwash- ents held so dear – they had the final say nobody made a pitch better than the near Haifa, groups of young children, ing. Those in control of the transit camps and the decision-making authority. Ponovezher Rav! Iorphaned survivors of the Holocaust were intent on using any method neces- One man, however, sprang into action. and Communist Russia, were brought un- sary to destroy all vestiges of Yiddishkeit The Ponovezher Rav, Rav Yosef Shlomo CONTINUED ON P. 54 der the auspices of the Jewish Agency (a from these poor souls; it was their belief non-religious organization bent on assim- that there was no place for religious ob- Rabbi Dovid Hoffman is the author of the popular “Torah Tavlin” book series, filled ilating religious youth who had grown up servance in a land that required much with stories, wit and hundreds of divrei Torah, including the brand new “Torah Tavlin in a Torah environment) with the inten- work and sweat, and they had no qualms Yamim Noraim” in stores everywhere. You’ll love this popular series. Also look for his tion of transferring them to other camps about ripping away Torah u’mitzvos from book, “Heroes of Spirit,” containing one hundred fascinating stories on the Holocaust. and ultimately to permanent homes. the minds and hearts of these unfortunate They are fantastic gifts, available in all Judaica bookstores and online at http://israel- These children, known as the “Yaldei Teh- and innocent children. bookshoppublications.com. To receive Rabbi Hoffman’s weekly “Torah Tavlin” sheet ran” due to the fact that they arrived in the In terms of a practical response, there on the parsha, e-mail [email protected]

8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 9 10 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 The Shmuz On The Parshah R’ Benzion Shafier S’firas HaOmer: Why We Count, What We Count

“And you shall count for yourselves from Waking in the early morning to the risk of life and limb, the Jew was oppressed more desirable to the Jews than freedom? the day after the rest day, from the day when crack of the Mitzri’s whip, the Jews were with a demon-like fury. A beast of burden How could it be that anything, even some- you bring the Omer of the waving – seven pushed to the limit of human endurance is treated wisely to ensure its well-being, thing as great as receiving the Torah, could weeks, they shall be complete.” till late at night when they fell asleep in but not the Jew. He was pushed beyond all mean more to them than being redeemed – VaYikra 23:15 the fields. Without rest, without breaks, limits. Finally, when Pharaoh was asked to from slavery? the Jews lugged heavy loads and lifted huge let the Jewish people go, he increased their efer HaChinuch: The Torah com- rocks. Sweat, tears, and bloodshed were load, taking it from the impossible to the What The Jews Experienced By Living mands us to count the Omer so we their lot. In the heat of the sweltering sun unimaginable. Scan relive the Exodus from Mitzrayim. and in the cold of the desert night, at the How could anything in the world be CONTINUED ON P. 54 Just as the Jews back then anxiously antici- pated the great day when they were to receive the Torah, so too we count the days till Shavuos, the Yom Tov that commemorates the giving of the Torah. To the Jews then, accepting the Torah on Har Sinai was even greater than their redemption from slavery. So we count each day to bring ourselves to that sense of great enthusiasm, as if to say, “When will that day come?” With these words the Sefer HaChinuch

How could anything in the world be more desirable to the Jews than freedom?

defines the mitzvah of S’firas HaOmer. The difficulty with this is the statement that “to the Jews then, receiving of the Torah was even greater than being freed from slavery.” It seems hard to imagine that anything would be greater to a slave than being freed. This concept is even more perplex- ing when we envision what it was like to be a slave in Mitzrayim.

A Life Of Suffering And Bloodshed The life of a Jew in Mitzrayim was one of misery and suffering. They had no rights. They had no life. They couldn’t own property, choose their own destiny, or protect their own children. They didn’t even have the right to their own time. A Mitzri could at any moment demand a Jew’s utter and complete compliance to do his bidding. If a Jew walked in the streets, it was every Mitzri’s right to whisk him away, without question and without recourse, and force him into slave labor for whatever he saw fit.

Born and bred in Kew Gardens Hills, R’ Benzion Shafier joined the Choftez Chaim Yeshiva after high school. Short- ly thereafter he got married and moved with his new family to Rochester, where he remained in for 12 years. R’ Shafier then moved to Monsey, NY, where he was a Rebbe in the new Chofetz Chaim branch there for three years. Upon the Rosh Yeshiva’s request, he stopped teaching to devote his time to running Tiferes Bnei Torah. R” Shafier, a happily married father of six children, currently resides in Monsey.

8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 11 12 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 Shabbos Inbox Eytan Kobre You Didn’t Plant That

CONTINUED FROM P. 1 out a daily allowance, the king had occasion to see his son every day. To remind else made that happen”? us of Hashem’s desire to maintain a con- Of course, Mr. Obama meant that suc- stant relationship with us, a jug of manna cess belongs not to the business owner was preserved for future generations to- who invested money and sweat equity gether with the Holy Ark (see Sh’mos 17:32 and took risks (a preposterous idea!); in- and Rashi ad loc.; Kli Yakar op. cit.). stead, success belongs to government and, The Jew’s penchant for acknowledging by extension, perhaps Mr. Obama himself Hashem as the source of all material suc- (query: why?). cess, says the Gerrer Rebbe (Beis Yisrael), But, no doubt unwittingly, Mr. Obama is embodied in Yitzchak’s blessings to may have been onto something. After all, Yaakov and Eisav. When Yitzchak blessed how much, if at all, can one take credit for Yaakov, he was clear that “Hashem should life’s successes? give to you” (B’reishis 27:28). The blessings That is precisely the question answered given to Eisav contained no such refer- by the mitzvah of Sh’mitah, the biblical ence to the Almighty. commandment to leave fields fallow eve- This also explains the curse given to ry seventh year. According to the Kli Ya- the primordial snake that its progeny kar, Sh’mitah demonstrates that Hashem would eat the dust of the earth (B’reishis alone is the source of material success 3:14), which appears to be a boon – there is (VaYikra 25:2 and Kli Yakar ad loc.). In a a ceaseless amount of dust and it is found typical agrarian society, fields are worked be said to Yankel, “Tell me exactly what Surely the latter would have been more ef- everywhere – but is anything but. For the for two consecutive years and then left happened to you tonight.” ficient, like stocking up at Costco. R’ Shi- snake develops no reliance upon and re- fallow for the third so as to preserve and Yankel started from the beginning… mon bar Yochai likened the situation to a sulting relationship with Hashem. It need enhance the soil’s vitality. Sh’mitah de- “I am in the textile business, but I king with an only child. If the king gave not bend its neck to look upward to the clares that no such system is necessary. have difficulties making ends meet. his son a yearly allowance, the king would Fields can be worked for six straight years, One day, a high ranking army officer see his son only once per year. By doling CONTINUED ON P. 43 not only maintaining vitality but tripling commissioned a large quantity of work its output to provide for years six, seven, from me. Finally, I would have finan- Eytan Kobre is a lecturer, writer, and attorney, residing in Kew Gardens Hills with his and eight in the cycle. No plan is a substi- cial security. A short while later, how- wife and children. He can be contacted at [email protected]. tute for trust in Hashem. ever, the officer canceled half his order. Every Torah-true Jew knows that the key to sustenance is held by Hashem “I said to Hashem, ‘You took away half alone (Taanis 2b; B’reishis Rabah 20:22). my parnasah! From now on, I’m doing We know that our year’s livelihood is set half the mitzvos!’ And so I did. I put on on Rosh HaShanah (Beitzah 15a). And we one of the t’filin in the morning. I davened know that one person’s livelihood does half the words. I washed one hand. And not impinge one iota on that of another then the officer again cut his order in half. (Yoma 38b). “So I said to Hashem. ‘Okay. Now I’m We know. But do we feel? going to do even less.’ And so I did. The visceral feeling that Hashem is the “After a while, I realized where this was source of success can result only from headed. So I said, ‘Hashem, let’s make up. maintaining a “real” relationship with the I’ll start doing all the mitzvos again, and Creator. This sort of “real” relationship is you give me my full parnasah.’ precisely what the Belzer Rebbe relished “And then I did as all friends do when in the following anecdote. they make amends: I made a l’chayim. I It was the first night of S’lichos and sat down and poured two shots. ‘To a all the Belzer chasidim were packed into long and loving relationship, Hashem! shul. The Belzer Rebbe walked in and L’chayim!’ But Hashem didn’t drink His looked around. “Where is Yankel the tai- shot, so I drank it for Him. And one lor?” he asked. l’chayim certainly is not enough for the The chasidim next to him responded, King of Kings! So I poured one l’chayim “We don’t know. He’s not here.” after another until the bottle was empty. “Go get him,” the Rebbe replied. “We’re And that’s why I was lying on the floor not starting without him.” drunk tonight. “But Rebbe,” the chasidim pleaded, When Yankel finished, the Belzer Reb- “there are hundreds of people waiting to be hugged him. “You, holy Yid, are stand- start. We can’t hold up everyone for a sim- ing next to me tonight because you have ple tailor.” a relationship with Hashem. You talk to But the Rebbe was adamant, so the cha- Him. You love Him. He is real to you.” sidim went to Yankel’s house where they Yankel may have had a simpleton’s rela- found him sprawled out on the floor in a tionship with Hashem, but at least it was drunken stupor. real. This is precisely the sort of relation- “Yankel, the Rebbe is waiting for you. ship Hashem desires. Come to shul.” R’ Shimon bar Yochai was asked why “But I’m drunk! I can’t go to S’lichos the manna in the desert fell every day like this.” providing a day’s worth of food rather The chasidim ultimately prevailed than falling once per year and providing upon Yankel. When they arrived, the Reb- a year’s worth of sustenance (Yoma 76a).

8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 13 14 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 15 A Shabbat Thought R’ David Algaze Peaceful Interludes

a nation where the holiness affects and “…And the Earth shall rest a Sabbath to molds the national realm. the L-rd…And the land shall not be sold in This idea has its most illustrious ex- perpetuity, for the Earth is Mine and you pression in the institution of the Sabbati- are but strangers and sojourners with Me.” cal Year (shemitta). No other concept has (Leviticus 25: 2 and 23) raised so many questions as this strange request that the earth be not cultivated CONTINUED FROM P. 1 or taken care of for an entire year. This is an unheard of concept in the history these ideas of nation and holiness com- of mankind and a mind-boggling concept patible and associated? In fact, the sepa- to the untrained mind. A whole year ration of Church and State is axiomatic in when the farmer abandons his field, nei- democratic countries, and it stems from ther harvests, nor plants, allows animals the desire to prevent any religion or reli- and strangers to enter his field without gious authority to supersede the will of permission, and the rich landowner be- the people, which is the real sovereign of comes essentially one with the poor and the nation. Its origins in the French Rev- the dispossessed. What is the underlying olution point also to the special animus idea of this strangest of laws? that modern societies have displayed The answer lies in the way in which towards religion in general. Thus, many the year is described, namely the seventh vehement proponents of this policy may year, the year of the Sabbath for the land. at times use it to reject religion in the The fundamental notion and purpose public sphere completely. On the other of the Sabbath, by having Man cease his

No other concept has raised so many questions as this strange request that the earth be not cultivated or taken care of for an entire year

side, there are societies where a specific work for the day, was to inculcate in Man religion wields supreme authority in the the fact that he is not the creator of the nation and its priests are regarded as the world, but rather that there is a G-d Who ultimate decisors in all matters. These created and continues to maintain and so called “theocratic” societies reject all support the world’s existence. In our other religions and often ban the prac- case too, when the landowner ceases to tice of any other religion. This extreme act as the owner, he fixes in his mind that position is not in the spirit of the Torah, the world was created by G-d and there- whose ways are “ways of pleasantness fore learns that the land does not belong and all its trails are paths of peace.” More to him. As the Torah explicitly states, poignantly, however, Judaism rejects the “For the Earth is Mine”(ib. 23), we learn concept that national conscience and re- during this year that we are not perpetual ligious tradition need to be divorced from owners, that property, riches, and even each other, especially in the case of Israel. comfort, are not ours forever, and that The Torah calls Israel, “a nation of we need to experience the sense of be- priests and a holy nation.” The juxtaposi- ing landless and without property. This tion of the concepts of nation and priests experience places all people, the rich and and of nation and holiness is indicative the poor, on the same level, withhold- of a unique characteristic of the Jewish ing from the wealthy even the privilege people. We are not to be a nation ruled of being generous, as the fields are not by priests but a “nation of priests,” mean- even his during this year. The Earth is not ing that every individual can and should Man’s; the Earth is the L-rd’s. rise to the level of “priesthood” or spir- Thus, the concern for the poor is one itual and moral exaltation. The two con- of the predominant designs of the Sab- cepts should not be separated. National batical year, and it joins myriads of laws aspirations of creating a society with in the Torah commanding us to seek jus- economic and material vigor need not tice and protection for the underprivi- be detached from the moral imperatives leged, the alien, the widow, and the or- and spiritual calling that emanate from phan. Maimonides explains the shemitta its history and tradition. It is not to be “a nation of the holy people” but rather CONTINUED ON P. 22

Rabbi David Algaze is the founder and Rav of Havurat Yisrael, Forest Hills. He is a noted public speaker and author and is the President of the international Committee for the Land of Israel.

16 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 17 18 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 Snippets Of Strange

Landmark Block-Long Sinkhole Psychiatrist Wen Chao, believes this of a person from a millennium ago, and cabbage therapy can be helpful, but investigating the site for archaeological Urethane Igloo Devours Cars warns that cabbage confidantes should clues after ninth-grader Ali Erturk’s dis- not replace actual human contact. covery earlier in the week. Can Be Yours In Baltimore “At the end of the day someone real to A forensic anthropologist will analyze For $300,000 the remains to try to learn more, including the person’s sex and cultural affilia- tion. A report will go to the state Division of Indian Affairs, which will try to determine whether the remains are linked to current tribes. A tribe may claim the remains and perform interment rites. Other private property has occasion- ally yielded Native American graves. The department typically receives about six reports of ancient remains statewide each year. Erturk said he had been working on the trout pond for a couple of weeks until he discovered what he initially thought was just an animal bone. “When I saw it looked like a human skull, then it definitely was a bit creepy,” he embodiment of an Alaska fficials say a block-long sinkhole talk to is much healthier,” Chao said. he said. “I really do think there’s other cliché is for sale. opened up in a residential neigh- Fresh cabbages can last for one to two bones nearby, and I don’t think that it’s T The massive urethane igloo Oborhood in northeast Baltimore, weeks in the refrigerator. Although it’s that unlikely or that lucky that I stum- that’s a must-stop for summer tour- sucking in several cars and forcing the unclear how routinely taking a cabbage bled across this.” ists heading up the Parks Highway en evacuation of several houses. out and dragging it around the sidewalk route to Denali National Park and Pre- The fire department tweeted on its can affect spoilage, it’ll probably render serve can be had for $300,000. official Twitter account that a sinkhole the vegetable inedible pretty quickly. The 80-foot high structure was erect- opened up last Wednesday afternoon in ed more than four decades ago over a the first block of 26th Street. The sink- shell of plywood and two-by-sixes, and hole opened next to railroad tracks. Say Cheese! was never completed on a 38-acre site, The block of rowhouses was being which is part of the sales package. The evacuated and a building inspector has ‘Awkward Family’ igloo, which shows its age, has never been called. The fire department said no been anything more than a magnet injuries had been reported. Photo Exhibit for cameras and vandals, who set off According to one witness, the site Opens In California firecrackers in its cavernous interior looks like a landslide happened. before it was boarded up. Rain has drenched central Maryland The public was urged to contact law But for someone with lots of money for more than 24 hours. enforcement authorities if human re- to spare, property owner Brad Fisher mains are unearthed so they can be re- sees great possibilities for the pictur- moved professionally and respectfully. esque location in Alaska’s interior. The Teens Are So Lonely, Erturk’s father notified Salt Lake City po- site, 20 miles from the nearest com- lice after his son’s discovery. munity, is prime snowmobiling coun- They’re Taking try in winter and hiking in summer, a land of rolling hills and willows sur- Cabbages On Leashes Ship That Sank rounded by mountains and splendid For Walks views. ig through your old photo al- In 1888 Found Near The owner envisions the igloo as his is the pet for you if you want bums and you may find some San Francisco’s an eye-catching seasonal restaurant to get a head. D“Awkward Family” gems just and hotel run on green power. How- T Teenagers in China are taking like the ones on display at the California Golden Gate Bridge ever, there is no available electricity leashed cabbages on “walks” as a means Heritage Museum in Santa Monica. The around, which demands additional to cope with loneliness and depression. exhibit includes countless awkward life costs. According to an estimate 15 “I feel I can transfer my negative moments. From hilarious high school years ago, putting in a utility substa- thoughts about myself to the cabbage, go photos to pet photos, these viral snaps tion would cost $1.3 million. Fisher for a walk with it and come home feeling are guaranteed to make you laugh out thinks powering it with such innova- better about myself,” said one 17 year old. loud. tions as solar panels and windmills is Another 17-year-old, “I have more inter- the more affordable way to go. est for my cabbage than I do my parents. It sure would be a shame to see the I feel it understands me.” Boy Digging Trout Pond igloo go to waste, he said. “If you had the money to get it go- Finds 1,000-Year-Old he wreckage of a passenger steam- ing, I have no doubt that you could Remains ship that sank in the 19th century make money there just because of Tafter a collision in the San Fran- where it is,” he said. “I mean, every- 14-year-old boy digging a trout cisco Bay has been found near the Gold- body stops and looks at it.” pond in the backyard of his fa- en Gate Bridge, officials said. The steam- The property has been for sale off Ather’s home stumbled across a sur- ship City of Chester was discovered by and on for six years. If Fisher has no prise: the remains of an American Indian researchers using sonar in waters about takers this time around, there are no who lived about 1,000 years ago. 216 feet deep. It was encased in mud. plans to demolish it. In fact, at some Experts from the Utah Department “The ship is very much intact,” said point, he said he would like to recoat of Heritage and Arts spent last Friday director of Maritime Heritage at the Na- it for weatherproofing. removing the remains, which were con- “It’s just there to stay,” he said. firmed by medical examiners as those CONTINUED ON P. 20

8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 19 Snippets Of Strange

CONTINUED FROM P. 19 Chester is important because it is a re- The International Union for Conserva- minder of discoveries yet to be made in tion of Nature lists the Cotton-top Tama- tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin- “the world’s largest museum.” rins as a critically endangered species istration (NOAA), who has investigated with a worldwide population estimated other shipwrecks. at about 6,000. A boat equipped with sonar scanners Europe-Wide Hunt Police suspect the monkeys, which captured the first underwater images of require specialist care, were specifically the City of Chester last May. It took NOAA After Rare Monkeys targeted and their details have been cir- researchers nine months to review the culated to ports and airports in case the data and reconstruct images of the ship, Stolen From thieves try to take them abroad. which came to rest upright at the edge of British Zoo “There is definitely a market for these a sandbank. monkeys and we are making enquiries High-resolution sonar imagery iden- across Europe in a bid to try and trace tified the hull of the ship rising 18 feet them,” said an Investigations Officer at from the sea floor and a large gash on the National Wildlife Crime Unit. the vessel’s left side. The 202-foot long City of Chester, which was heading up the California coast to the city of Eureka, Woman Takes was nearly cut in half by the steamer Oce- anic in August 1888. Sixteen people were $10K Necklace In diamond and platinum necklace needed killed. its chain repaired, she decided to return NOAA’s predecessor, the U.S. Coast and For Repairs, to Jewelry Arts. However, that might have Geodetic Survey, located the sunken ship Says Jewelry Store been a mistake. by dragging a wire from a tugboat and Her necklace, one she claims is worth snagging it. The last reported sighting ritish police launched a Europe- Gave Her A $50 $10,000, was never returned to her and was by a diver in 1889. wide hunt last Friday after five that Jewelry Arts gave her back a cheap, There are no plans to raise the City of Bmonkeys, including three of a Knockoff Back $50 necklace instead. She’s distraught Chester, which likely is a tomb for some critically endangered species, were stolen awn Corlew of Missouri has, over the matter, “I have been so sick, it’s of its passengers. NOAA is building a web- from a zoo in northern England. from time to time, needed re- really hard for me to talk about. So sick site to tell the story of the City of Chester Thieves took the monkeys - two fe- Dpairs done on various pieces of over this, I’ve had this necklace for a long and is planning a San Francisco exhibit male and a baby Cotton-top Tamarins jewelry she owns. A few years ago, she time, you know, it just means a lot to me. of sonar images and historic photos of and two Emperor Tamarins - from their brought a piece into Jewelry Arts, a jew- It’s very beautiful.” the ship later this year. enclosures after cutting a hole in the pe- elry store in Kansas, and had a favorable Jewelry Arts denies the claims, going Delgado said the tale of the City of rimeter fence of Blackpool zoo. experience there. When she saw that her as far as to say she’s lying. The store’s

20 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 Snippets Of Strange owner, Mark Newman, said he has rules with the rumble of nearby traffic have about any prescription medication she in place to prevent this kind of thing apparently taken a toll on the statue. had taken, Weyker told the deputy that from happening, including taking pic- The relatively poor quality of the mar- she last took Vicodin the previous week tures of the jewelry when it’s brought in. ble used to sculpt David is thought to when she had her wisdom teeth pulled. Ms. Corlew, however, thinks that picture have played a part in its present troubles. Her injuries were too severe for offic- is “worthless,” and that if she doesn’t get For hundreds of years it was displayed ers to issue a field sobriety test and even her necklace back, she will take Jewelry outdoors, sometimes at a slight angle. get a breath sample. However, she was Arts to small claims court. Experts do not believe the statue is in arrested anyway on five charges includ- A jeweler gave advice on how people any immediate danger of falling over, but ing, “drunk driving causing injury.” Tests can prevent something like this from a strong earthquake could potentially fell would later prove her innocence finding happening to them. He recommends the marble King. no trace of alcohol or drugs in her system. having an appraisal done for your piece, “Micro-fractures are visible in the left Her lawyer said that the arrest was taking photographs of it, and that one ankle and the carved tree stump (that surprising because the authorities had should consider engraving their initials bears some of David’s weight), threaten- virtually no evidence she was drunk. He in the jewelry as well. ing the stability of the sculpture,” the said, “I can’t say it is necessarily a cover National Research Council warned in a up, but it is suspicious.” A drunk driving statement. defense expert, told the station that the Hundreds Of Birds Fly The cracks in the sculpture have been only cause to arrest her would have been known to experts for some time. In the if Deputy Quiles pointed the finger at her. Into Woman’s Home Journal of Cultural Heritage, a researcher “I think he was trying to protect himself at the council’s Institute of Geosciences and his department. and Earth Resources, wrote that the In Deputy Quiles’ original report, he cracks “were first detected between 1852 claimed that he came to a full stop at the and 1872 and nowadays they are more ex- stop sign and never saw her headlights tensive than in 1872.” (the car’s headlights were automatic). In 1991, a man broke the statue’s toe However, airport surveillance footage with a hammer, claiming a Venetian surfaced two days after the crash and climbed under his shirt and hung onto painter’s model from the 16th century refuted Quiles’ first account, showing his back before scampering out. had ordered him to. him rolling through the stop sign. Even “He was just in that spot where my though this evidence showed Quiles was hirley Brown came home last Fri- arm can’t reach him,” Genest said. “I at fault, Weyker was still sent threatening day night to quite the scene. Birds threw myself on the ground, and that Sober Driver Arrested letters by the county saying legal action Swere everywhere in her home. The scared him off.” would be taken if she didn’t pay for the California resident said, “I mean, they His mother snapped and posted pho- For Drunk Driving damages. come out of nowhere, and then they’re tos of the incident, along with his selfie. Ten months after the accident, after here. And there’s like, 200 or 300 of them... He had approached the squirrel making After Deputy Crashes a Sheriff’s Office internal investigation, yeah, I screamed a couple of times.” clicking sounds with his tongue to get Into Her Car Quiles admitted that his first statements Hundreds of birds inside a home can closer. His mother said the spectacle Sat- were wrong and that he was at fault for lead to one heck of a mess, especially if urday taught him a lesson. the accident. Quiles was suspended for they’re freaking out, “I think the most “I think he got a little lesson from the nine days for the accident, but never pun- horrifying was how they got in and the squirrel that he’s not really its buddy,” ished for his false report, despite, “a previ- mess that they were making while they she said. She said neither her son nor the ous history of discipline for filing reports were here because birds are scared and squirrel was harmed. written by someone else.” they are pooping.” She wanted to clean Even though Quiles has admitted fault up, and got out her vacuum cleaner. That and the district attorney has decided to was a mistake, “when I did that, I scared Michelangelo’s David not file charges against Weyker, she is them, obviously and they were flying still waiting for the county to pay her out of the chimney…and so, we were just In Danger Of Collapsing mounting medical bills, which her attor- chasing birds all for about an hour. It was ney says could top one million dollars. nuts.” Due To ‘Weak Ankles’ anya Weyker of Wisconsin has Ms. Weyker has filed a complaint against So, what kind of birds are they? They talian researchers are worried that been fighting for over a year to the arresting deputy and may file a civil are Black Swifts, a species with a global Michelangelo’s statue of David may Tclear her name and get her medi- rights lawsuit against the county. population of approximately 150,000 Ibe in danger of collapsing due to cal bills paid following a serious car ac- that can be found in Central America, weakened ankles. cident with a Milwaukee County Sher- the West Indies, and the western half of Experts have long been concerned iff’s Deputy. It all started on the night of Police Looking For North America. that the marble statue, which is roughly February 20, 2013, when Deputy Joseph 500 years old and has long stood as one Quiles, with the airport division of the Man Who Had Temper of history’s most triumphant achieve- Sheriff’s Office, T-boned Weyker’s Camry, Squirrel Goes Nuts ments in art, may have suffered struc- sending it spinning into a tree. It would Tantrum After tural damage. be discovered later that Weyker broke He Got To Pizza Store On Maine Teenager Thousands of people visit the statue her neck in four places. She told the sta- every day and over the course of hun- tion, “It was a miracle I wasn’t paralyzed.” Minutes After It Closed Taking Selfie dreds of years, their footsteps combined After the accident, police and sheriff’s photo op with a squirrel that went deputies interviewed those on the scene. n April 25 at 1:13 a.m., a NJ man awry has left a teenager flustered “One deputy asked if I had anything to had a violent outburst and Abut unhurt. drink that night and I told him how I just Okicked the bottom of a door, Seventeen-year-old Brian Genest said had a few sips of a friend’s drink.” The causing glass to break, after learning he he saw what appeared to be a friendly deputy noted that she had a light odor had arrived to a Papa John’s just minutes squirrel on a handrail while walking of alcohol on her breath and that her after it had closed. through a park in Florida. He was on a speech was slurred. Another note said her Police have no suspects at the time trip looking at colleges. eyes looked red and glassy. But Weyker, a and only described the person as being He took a selfie of himself and the 25-year-old with a spotless record said, “I a white male wearing a backwards hat squirrel. But the flash and noises from his explained to him my eyes were red and camera phone scared the squirrel, which glassy because I was crying.” When asked CONTINUED ON P. PB

8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 21 Heartwarming Headlines

Family Who Lost Dog chipped. faithfully attends church. He’s the kind could not have been more polite. Every- The family is living in a hotel while of youngster who says “yes sir” and “yes one got an A+.” During Sandy their storm-damaged home is repaired. ma’am.” He’s the kind of young man who And her date? Well, she declared, “He This weekend, the family went on a respects his elders. was a perfect gentleman. He was every- Finds It At Pound camping trip with Reckless to celebrate Still, the proposal took Delores by sur- thing you would expect of a young man.” the dog’s return. prise. It’s not every day your great-grandson asks you out to prom. “He was so sweet and adamant about Hero Cats Save Teen Takes it,” Delores told me. “I asked him, ‘But are you sure that you wouldn’t like to take Their Owners’ Lives Great-Grandmother one of the young ladies who could get out there and do everything with you?’ To Prom He said no. ‘I want you.’” elores Dennison never went to Austin drew his inspiration from his her high school prom. Times economics teacher. The teacher’s older New Jersey family whose terrier- Dwere tough. Money was scarce brother had taken his grandmother to pit bull mix escaped from their -- just enough for the necessities. But if prom. Austin remembered that his own Abackyard during Superstorm she had gone to the prom, Delores might Granny DD had never been – so he picked Sandy went to an animal shelter this have imagined wearing a lovely dress and up the phone and made the call. week to adopt a new pet and came home promenading through a sea of balloons “I couldn’t disappoint him – if I had to with their old dog. and dancing with a handsome young go on my hands and knees,” Delores said. The family searched for the brown- man on a crisp April evening. She might “At first she was a bit resistant,” Austin and-white dog named Reckless for have imagined the band playing. said. “I assured her I was serious and she months after the October 2012 storm be- But the days of promenades have long finally said yes. It was my privilege to fore finally giving up hope. passed for Delores, now 89-years-old. take her.” arly last month, a woman said “We reported him missing and called Youth and vigor have given way to heart But there was much, much work to be her cat saved her life when a fire the shelters periodically, just hoping they trouble and a stroke. And the handsome done. The first item of business was find- Ebroke out in her mobile home. had him,” said owner. “We always kept young man who became the love of her ing a suitable dress for the big night. The brave kitty meowed until the wom- our hopes up, but eventually it’s time to life passed away many years ago. “That was an adventure,” Delores said. an woke up and realized her home was move on.” “We were looking at the young girls ablaze. She and the kitten made it out The James family had planned in re- dresses. None of those dresses would be safely. cent weeks to get a new dog as a 10th OK for me.” In another cat story, the Internet went birthday surprise for their eldest daugh- Let’s just say young ladies don’t dress crazy for rescue cat Pretty Pippa, who has ter. But when the family of five went to like they did back in the 1930s. saved her young owner Mia’s life more the SPCA to adopt a new animal, James Eventually she settled on a pretty blue than 20 times. Ever since Pretty Pippa and his wife approached the first cage dress and a clutch purse. was rescued, she’s been waking 8-year-old and saw a familiar face inside. The night of the prom was magical. Mia up when her blood sugar gets dan- “He was a little bigger than I remem- Austin serenaded his great-grandmother gerously low. Mia, who suffers from dia- bered because they had fed him well,” with a special song and presented her betes, has avoided several hypoglycemic James joked. “But then he was laying on A few months back, Delores received with a pearl necklace. episodes thanks to Pretty Pippa. my wife’s feet, and I knew it was him. ... I a telephone call from her great-grandson, His father chauffeured them to an el- Late last year, Missouri resident Erna was in disbelief. I know this dog is meant Austin from Ohio. And he had a very im- egant dinner at the local Bob Evans. Pratt started having stroke symptoms. to be with our family.” portant question for his “Granny DD.” Afterwards, it was off to the high She called out to her daughter, but her When SPCA officials asked if they “I asked her if she would be my prom school where Austin and his lovely date daughter was asleep. So she asked her could prove the animal was their dog, a date,” Austin told me. “How cool would were introduced at the promenade. 13-year-old cat Trigger to wake her daugh- friend sent over a picture showing the it be to take my great-grandmother to “We got a standing ovation,” he said. ter up. Trigger did exactly that, and Pratt’s family with their dog before Sandy hit prom?” “But we had to cut across the dance floor daughter was able to call 911 just in time. the Jersey shore. Now, Austin is the kind of fellow who because she didn’t have enough energy.” And, of course, we can’t do a hero “We’re all so happy to have him back,” looks like he just stepped out of central Delores managed to get a few laughs cat story without mentioning Pudding James said. “Thank G-d for no-kill shelters casting. He’s the sort of kid a dad hopes as she hit the balloons with her cane. who, just hours after adoption, saved her because every time they kill an animal, his daughter would marry. “It was wonderful and I just loved all owner’s life by nipping at her to wake her it’s somebody’s friend who might be lost. He’s an Eagle Scout who plays for the the girls in their fancy gowns and the from a diabetic seizure. It worked, and SPCA officials say Reckless was picked school’s football, baseball and basketball gentlemen in their tuxedos. It was quite her owner regained consciousness just up as a stray and has now been micro- teams. He plays in the school band and a night,” she said. “Everyone there just long enough to call for help.

the direction of justice and equality, and the classes return to their original bases. Peaceful Interludes ultimately to let a Divine harmony and However, the lessons gathered during peace prevail over the world. that year persist in the mind of all, and CONTINUED FROM P. 16 implanted in it, the life molded by the It should be noted that these ideals the kindness absorbed does not vanish ideals of equity and justice, the seren- of equality do not negate the basic con- from the Jewish soul. as “apt to instill loving-kindness in peo- ity and tranquility, the gracefulness and cepts of private property and ownership A lesson for our modern society is ple and afford an opportunity to all for vigor which are enshrined in the soul of that are at the root of Jewish law. The To- that we all need breaks and pauses in sharing in the profits” (Guide 3:39). the nation – all these cannot be realized rah does not order a totally equal society, our daily and annual routines to reflect Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, in the fully in the gray workaday life…The ha- as in some Communist circles or other on ideas that are obscured during our preface to his book “The Sabbath of bitual turbulence of life routine ought to cults, and it recognizes that ingenuity, gray workaday lives. We all, as individu- the Land,” makes a very profound con- be broken by periods of rest and restora- hard work, and investments ought to be als, community, and nation, need certain nection between the weekly Sabbath tion…” Rabbi Kook concludes that the rewarded. The poor need to be supported periods of time when we experience and the Sabbatical. The first affords a Sabbatical year, with its rest and release by the munificence of the rich, who have new situations, are exposed to new con- needed repose to the individual, the lat- from pressures and obligations, affords amassed their wealth, but not by dispos- cepts, and can enjoy interludes of peace ter a repose and reprieve for the nation the Jewish people the opportunity to re- sessing the rich of their hard-earned for- and serenity to restore our souls and al- as a whole. In his beautiful words, “The store the nation to its proper moral and tune through force. The Sabbatical year low the Divine rays of light to enter our nation’s character, the Divine goodness spiritual level, to expand their souls in is, after all, only one year, and afterwards, tired and dulled spirits.

22 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 23 As I See It Cynthia Zalisky Mahmoud Abbas’s Birthday Present To Israel

do not think that the State of Israel Mazen to seek this pact with a group that has the guts to cry foul. The PLO has rejected Israeli peace offer- could have received a better present he has been at odds with for years, on the To placate the Americans and ensure ings four times in the last 15 years. His from Palestinian President Mahmoud eve of the April 29 deadline? It is obvious that the financial support continues, personal embrace of terrorist murder- I th Abbas (Abu Mazen) for its 66 birthday that this whole brouhaha is due to the Abu Mazen claims the new government ers who shed Jewish blood, and elevat- than the announcement two weeks ago fact that Fatah could not get what they will recognize Israel and honor previous ing their status as heroes, is testament of plans for a unity agreement between wanted through the peace negotiations, agreements. Zahar dismisses this as a of his true nature. Furthermore, Hamas Fatah and Hamas after a seven-year rift and so they pulled this stunt to take the hollow gesture: “Abbas is not telling the has no intention of rescinding its raison between the rival factions. It is a wake- true onus off them. The truth is that the truth and he is marketing this to maxi- d’être for existence – the extermination up call for Israel to stop cow-tailing to the Palestinians never wanted peace with Is- mize the pressure.” Zahar went on to say, of Israel. Hamas‘s charter calls for the de- Americans on the false premise that the rael. They have only one aspiration and “Abbas is very weak.” Yasser Abed Rabbo, struction of Israel and for the slaughter Palestinians sincerely want peace, and that is the destruction of the Jewish state. a top aide to Abbas, even said, “The path of its Jewish population. Ghazi Hamad, to resolve to annex all lands that were That is the only thing that binds the PLO is full of mines and any mine could de- the deputy foreign minister of the Ha- militarily won fairly and squarely in 1967 and Hamas together. It is incredulous to stroy the whole process.” mas government in Gaza, confirmed this as part of the Jewish State. Enough with by saying, “It is enough that the Palestine placating and capitulating every time the Liberation Organization – the representa- US government puts the squeeze on Is- Who is he kidding? tive of the Palestinian people – recogniz- rael, while the Palestinians make no such es the State of Israel” (translated means gestures or have any expectations. This Sixty-six years of history has proven him wrong that it is enough for the PLO to recognize “historic” announcement came amid a Israel but Hamas doesn’t have to). Anti- deterioration of the brokered peace talks Semitism is alive and well in the Arab between the Palestinians and Israel. believe that after seven years of tension The new deal calls for the coalition world. Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Net- and strife between these two Palestinian to be formed within five weeks and for Abbas knew that his disingenuous anyahu reacted strongly to the develop- factions, they could come to an amicable presidential, parliamentary, and local comments would resonate with the in- ment, saying, “Palestinian Authority Pres- agreement in just two days. They have elections to be held within six months ternational liberal media and fools like ident Mahmoud Abbas tends to choose an agenda and that is to rid the world of of the coalition taking effect. Although Rabbi Marc Schneier, who met with Abu between peace with Israel and an agree- Israel and the Jews who live in it. there was dancing in the street in Gaza Mazen and cajoled him to make a statement with Hamas. Whoever chooses Ha- There is already mistrust, skepticism, after the announcement, the Palestinians ment denouncing the Holocaust before mas does not want peace.” and lack of credulity in the Palestinian should look back at their own history. the Yom HaShoah Commemoration in Is- Mark Regev, spokesman for the Israeli world over this latest situation. Veteran This is not the first time that a unity gov- rael, who would fall for Abbas’ duplicity. government, said, “Hamas is stuck in a Hamas strategist Mahmud Al-Zahar told ernment has been announced between The Palestinian president called the very extremist terrorist mode, and, as a Reuters that the group running the Gaza these two divisive groups. On several Holocaust the “ugliest crime humanity result, if Hamas is now part of the Pal- Strip was waiting for Abbas to form a previous occasions, attempts to form has known in modern history.” He said estinian government, we will not talk to unity government, but said the Pales- a united government have collapsed. the day (Yom HaShoah) is an, “incred- people who say the State of Israel must tinian leader was “taking his time in an Samir Awad, a professor of political sci- ibly sad commemoration and that he be destroyed.” effort to overcome US and Israeli oppo- ence at Birzeit University in the West sympathized with the victims and their After the reconciliation was an- sition.” Zahar, one of Hamas’s most in- Bank, commented, “People have heard families.” This is coming from the person nounced, Netanyahu suspended the fluential voices, said Abbas only decided the same thing over and over again, and who suggested in his 1982 doctoral thesis peace talks that were scheduled to recon- to seek the coalition because the “peace each time the agreement has been bro- that the number of Jews killed during the vene that very evening. Both sides faced negotiations were leading nowhere,” but ken by either Fatah or Hamas.” Analyst Shoah might be less than a million and an April 29 deadline to agree to a frame- predicted that the Palestinian President Hani al Masri believes the reconciliation asserted that the Zionist leadership col- work for a comprehensive peace, but they would take his time trying to assemble could collapse at any time and had “hard- laborated with the Nazis to encourage are obviously far apart. Foreign Minister “a government of technocrats.” Abbas ly any substance on the ground.” He con- immigration to what later would become Avigdor Lieberman said that this signing is scheming, using the unity deal to put tinued, “Reconciliation and negotiations Israel. Abbas wrote, the Holocaust “was a “is the end of negotiations between Israel pressure on Israel, but it may backfire be- are now just tactics – each side has its Zionist fantasy, the fantastic lie that six and the Palestinian Authority.” cause hundreds of millions of dollars in own calculations.” million Jews were killed.” So why now? What is propelling Abu vital aid could be in jeopardy if the US Let’s face it: Mahmoud Abbas is a What is especially egregious is that liar. His own people know that, and it this Holocaust denier drew a parallel is about time that the world realized his between the atrocities that befell our fabrications. Abbas has been playing k’doshim and the Palestinians, who “suf- “goodie-goodie” to fool the Left of his ac- fer from oppression and injustice.” tual inclinations by stating at a meeting Netanyahu, recognizing the hypocrisy, of the Central Council of the Palestine noted that “Mr. Abbas’ words were dam- Liberation Organization, ”I recognize Is- age control. I think that President Abbas rael and it (the new government) will rec- is trying to placate Western public opin- ognize Israel.” He continued by reaffirm- ion that understands that he delivered ing, “I reject violence and terrorism and a terrible blow to the peace process by the government will also reject violence embracing these Hamas terrorists.” He and terrorism.” went on to state that Hamas is “a terror Who is he kidding? Sixty-six years of organization that calls for the destruc- history has proven him wrong. Abbas tion of Israel and denies the Holocaust. is another example of a wolf in sheep’s I will not negotiate with those who seek clothing. He has never been a moderate and his new partners are certainly not. CONTINUED ON P. 28

Cynthia Zalisky is the Executive Director of the Queens Jewish Community. She can be contacted at [email protected]

24 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 Hooked On Healing Caroline Schumsky, LCSW, MS Why I Would Dump “Should” For Good

osh. I really should spend more time learning. ful, even jealous of a sister, brother, father, mother, or It’s astounding how steadily negative feelings sub- I shouldn’t talk in shul. best friend at times. side when we fill up the holes in our own hearts. G I should call my mom more often (yes in- “But I shouldn’t feel these things!” Rubbish. It was once said: “Too many people undervalue what deedy). As I am prone to say: Feelings aren’t right or wrong. they are, and overvalue what they’re not.” “You certainly should spend more time with your They just are. So….don’t “should.” Understood? children, ya know.” Ask yourself: I wonder why I feel this way now? Feel Please try it, sweet friends, and don’t hesitate to let Admit it. Do you catch yourself playing the “You free to speculate and meditate on your own needs and me know how it turned out. could be good if you would…so you really should...” underlying voids. game? I know, I know. We are all trying to motivate ourselves to be better and we are only trying to help those we love, right?

“Too many people undervalue what they are, and overvalue what they’re not.”

Question: Are you and your close friends and family free to do as they please as long as they are not hurting themselves or others? If so, are we truly respecting someone’s ability to make his own choices when we “should” on them? Are we giving ourselves positive, inspiring messages when we say, “Ugh. I really should go to the gym more often… But…I don’t.” If you should, then odds are you don’t. So what in- variably follows is the “But I don’t. But I can’t seem to. But I’m too lazy, stupid, fat” …fill in your own blanks, sweet friends. You know what they are. How does the “But, I don’t” part feel? Do you feel “less than,” guilty, or bad about yourself? So let’s see. How can we amp it up without causing the “baddoes” to set in, crushing our self-worth or those Let them all win the around us? ‘Who Had the Busiest Day’ game. Spin the “How does it feel wheel” How about we contemplate how good we Yours will be the calmest 1. feel when we do what we think we “should”? “I feel closer to my Mom when I call her during the week to chat.” (uh huh) “I feel more spiritual when I learn more, and talk less during davening.” “I feel like a better friend when I listen non-judgmen- tally without always giving unsolicited advice.” Positive impetus equals positive feelings. After all, who doesn’t want to feel better? Clues to my values Instead, concentrate on how important it 2. may be to you and your core beliefs. Let’s say you wanted to do more chesed. Instead of internally clubbing yourself with, “I should volunteer more at the nursing home,” focus on how consistent that is with your belief system as a spiritually growing person. Do an action out of principle instead of guilt. Feel the burden lifting already? And remember sweet friends: Shake off the tough and rough stuff Do not be so harsh on yourself or others. 3. Accept that you may feel infuriated, resent- Caroline is a licensed psychotherapist, crisis counselor, writer, and dance instructor. She has worked exten- sively with Jewish outreach, as well as an individual psychotherapist. She can be reached at 917-717-1775 or at [email protected]

8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 25 For What It’s Worth Warren S. Hecht Not A Sterling Moment

CONTINUED FROM P. 1 the tabloids. of business because of similar conduct? friend” claims that Mr. Sterling knew Many of us have said things in private Furthermore, if making an improper about the recording and agreed to it. It discussed are the comments themselves, that we would be embarrassed about if it comment in private mandates perma- is hard to believe that Mr. Sterling would which are not defensible. However, that reached the light of day. Are we now go- nent banishment, then one who engag- make such comments if he knew that he is not the end of the story. The coming to have such a high standard to pro- es in illegal conduct should clearly be was being recorded. If this is true, it is ments were made during a private con- hibit comments, even made in private, barred for life. Last year in the NFL, there the most foolish recording since former servation between Mr. Sterling and his president Richard Nixon taped conversa- girlfriend that was recorded. tions in the Oval Office. Mr. Sterling has been married for 57 We have become so desensitized In the legal field there is a famous ex- years. Meanwhile, he is going around in pression: “Bad cases make bad law.” This the open with a woman less than half his to the idea of a private conversation. is a bad case. Nevertheless, people need age. What does this say about the state of Everything is out in the open with Facebook, Twitter, to reflect and think about the ramifica- marriage in this country, when a person and other forms of social media tions of their position instead of having a will act in such a manner and there is no gut reaction. We have come a long way in negative reaction? The wife is referred this country from the days when a rabid to as “estranged” to justify such conduct. anti-Semite, Henry Ford, was one of the The woman is referred to as his “girl- which cause people to be forced to sell were so many players arrested for com- heroes of industry and was able to spew friend.” We used to refer to people who their businesses and be banished? Are the mitting crimes that the National Football his hate in public without any repercus- are with married men as mistresses. Are Clippers players going to take the same League was referred as the National Fel- sions. However, we have to be careful to we becoming like France, where having a position when it is one of their own who ons’ League, yet no one is claiming that be sure that we do not overreach where mistress is a badge of honor? makes an improper comment and ban- any player should be barred for life for the punishment will set a bad precedent. Secondly, there has been little discus- ish that person from the league? Is this committing a crime. This applies to whether Jews are subject sion that this was a private conversation. now going to be the standard in the work- It’s important to remember that the to such comments or the comments are We have become so desensitized to the place? Mr. Sterling is a billionaire, and if conversation was recorded. The “girl- directed at another group. idea of a private conversation. Every- forced to sell, he will do all right in any thing is out in the open with Facebook, sale. However, is a small business person Warren S. Hecht is President of the Queens Jewish Community Council and a local Twitter, other forms of social media, and going to lose his license and be forced out attorney. He can be reached at [email protected].

26 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 A Newlywed’s Thoughts Sergey Kadinsky Misuse Of History

CONTINUED FROM P. 1 The current unrest in Ukraine follows communities combated the libel of dis- out one town at a time. In this century, two conflicting narratives. The Kiev gov- loyalty by volunteering to fight in num- the Jews of Russia and Ukraine have the kitniyos and gebrokts, in Iyar our kahal is ernment argues that theirs is a fight for bers that greatly exceeded their percent- option of aliyah or immigration to the split on whether to recite Hallel on Yom complete independence from Russia, fol- age of a country’s population. A century United States. They no longer have to HaAtzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim. When lowing the overthrow of the pro-Russian ago this summer, hundreds of thousands choose a side in conflicts involving other a shul holds a Yom HaShoah commemora- President Viktor Yanukovych. Their vi- of Jews enlisted to fight in the First World nationalities and religions. In the past tion, we look in curiosity at fellow audi- century, miraculous events have given us ence members hoping that the crowd is the opportunity to offer gratitude. We sizable enough to demonstrate support With the number of Second World War veterans dwindling, have our own flag, anthem, and prayers for the moadim of the modern times. I fear that their memory is being desecrated to offer. Across the ocean, the evening of Par- Victory Day was once our holiday, shas B’Har coincides this year with Vic- not only by the passage of time equally shared by all Soviet ethnic groups tory Day, the May 9 celebration observed but also by the misuse of their cause that fought against fascism, including the in the former Soviet states as the official Jews. With the Russians appropriating end of the Second World War. Growing the holiday towards the current conflict up, this holiday meant watching veterans sion for Ukraine leans towards the West. War. Within a generation in some coun- and unrest in many Ukrainian cities, one marching in parade formation, handing In Crimea and Donetsk, pro-Russian dem- tries, their patriotism became worthless should expect provocations alongside them carnations, and wearing a lapel pin onstrators have a competing narrative, as they received new marching orders to parades. As one ribbon lies trampled in of the Georgian Stripes – the alternating defending their homes against the West- board the cattle cars that took them to the unrest, we should remain thankful to orange and black colors that symbolized ern Ukrainian fascists. Because theirs is their deaths. have our own, one that has risen higher the Soviet triumph over fascism. Like the a struggle against “fascists,” they adopted In contrast to the Russian takeover of in its 66 years as a national emblem, em- holidays commemorating the independ- the Georgian Stripes as a defining sym- Crimea, the struggle over eastern Ukraine braced by a wide cross-section of world- ence of Israel and the liberation of Jeru- bol of their cause. The colors that once will be long and drawn out, playing itself wide Jewry. salem, Victory Day usually occurs during symbolized the veterans have now been S’firas HaOmer. appropriated by Russia and its supporters. Sergey Kadinsky is a former editor of The Jewish Star. His articles have appeared in In some ways the struggle in Ukraine The Jewish Press, Daily News, New York Post, and Queens Chronicle. He is a political reminds me of Latvia 20 years ago, a new- consultant and adjunct professor of history at Touro College. ly independent democracy where Jewish schools were reopening, in an atmos- phere of optimism following a half century of communist persecution. At the same time, nationalists and SS veterans held their parades on nearby streets. Ukraine today has parties that regard Cossack leader Bohdan Khmelnytski and Nazi collabo- rator Stepan Bandera as national heroes, neglecting the anti-Semitic aspects of their biographies while celebrating their respective struggles for independence against the Poles and Russians. Ukraine today has a Jewish member of So if military marching tunes, dancing, parliament, two Jewish provincial gover- and fireworks are out of the question, it nors, and the mayor of Kharkiv, Gennady was enough for me to attend a commemo- Kernes, who was shot in the back by gun- rative lunch, pin on the lapel, hear a few men on April 28 and is currently being speeches, raise a toast, and recite Kaddish. treated in Israel. Following the passing of my grandfather I am personally undecided on which two years ago, I’ve kept his Georgian side to support. Both Russia and Ukraine Stripes hanging above my car’s dashboard have their share of reopened yeshivos as a sign that the direction in which I drive and synagogues, Jewish politicians, busi- is one that he would have taken. ness leaders, cultural figures, and official With the number of Second World denunciations of anti-Semitism by the War veterans dwindling, I fear that their opposing sides. I am a Jew and neither memory is being desecrated not only by nation is my homeland. Throughout his- the passage of time but also by the misuse tory, when a war broke out, Jews were of their cause. The same Georgian Stripes forced to take sides. During the colonial that my grandfather wore on May 9 are period, Jews in New York supported the also being worn by pro-Russian masked crown. When the United States declared gunmen who, as of this time, have taken independence, these Jews joined the pa- over nearly a dozen administrative build- triot cause. In the American Civil War, ings across eastern Ukraine in their battle Jews in the north fought for the Union against the pro-Western provisional gov- cause, while those in the South fought in ernment in Kiev. To see the same colors the gray uniforms of the Confederacy. worn by my veteran grandparents makes Throughout history, Jewish commu- me wonder whether they would have nities across the globe have faced accu- approved of this misappropriation of a sations of disloyalty because Jews have cause. family ties that transcend borders. The

8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 27 Shabbos vs. Yom Kippur In An American Suburb by Rabbi Moshe Travitsky currence, the first Saturday of Oc- discussing the crisis. spend with the family, with a day to tober coincides with Yom Kippur. The township committee meet- shut off from the mundane world his week we read Parshas When it was found out that the ing took place, but the protests and connect with your Creator! Emor. In Parshas Emor, the township festival would be on Yom didn’t stop. Apparently, to some Then, after you have the weekly TTorah tells us of the obliga- Kippur, several Jewish residents Jews, Shabbos just didn’t have any bond that will make you a Jew who tion to observe all the holidays. were up in arms. They called upon relevance. As long as the festival is is connected to the Almighty, then However, when the Torah intro- the Mayor to change the date of the not on Yom Kippur, they feel free to proceed and mark special addition- duces the holidays, it proceeds to event to another Saturday – at all attend. And if the township would al days to deepen that relationship tell us about them with a strange cost. When he apologized for the not understand their feelings, several times a year. line: “Tell the Jewish people: These oversight (It is very rare for Yom Kip- whether or not they had any valid- Perhaps there is relevance here for are the holidays of Hashem. Six pur to come out on the first Shab- ity in Jewish law, the township was the connection of the concept of kid- days you should work, and on the bos of October) but explained that being insensitive, not respecting dush Hashem – sanctifying Hashem’s seventh day you shall rest…” (Le- at this point it would cost the town- their Jewish “religion” and should name, and chilul Hashem – desecrat- viticus 23:3). The obvious question ship thousands of dollars to make not be allowed to proceed. ing His name. When we stick to real is: Why would the Torah introduce a change, he was accused of being When the Torah introduced the Judaism, do what is really right, keep telling us of the holidays by telling an anti-Semite, and subjected to all festivals to the Jewish people, per- the Shabbos as we should, and the us about the Shabbos first? Isn’t the sorts of pressure. haps it first talked about Shabbos festivals as we should, we sanctify topic of Shabbos a separate topic, to Hashem’s name. We show the world be discussed in its time and place? a People that is dedicated to doing Why would it be spoken about now, To some Jews, Shabbos just didn’t have any relevance. the will of its Creator – throughout as the holidays are to be discussed? As long as the festival is not on Yom Kippur, the year. We show the world a Peo- We also find in this week’s parshah ple that adjusts its life to live the the prohibition of Chilul Hashem, they feel free to attend way Hashem has told us to. Howev- of doing things that desecrate the er, when we don’t want to keep the honor of Hashem. This is situated Shabbos, we only want to do some right before the commandment of Of course, our Roman Catholic just to try to prevent such a terrible rituals that show our Jewish iden- Shabbos, always suggesting to us mayor of Italian descent, Joe DiGi- attitude. Many Jews identify with tity, but we blatantly transgress the some connection between the two rolamo, reached out to us, the Or- the holidays. They will get matzah most basic commandments of Juda- commandments. thodox part of Bensalem, being the for Pesach, find an esrog or sukkah ism, we show the world that Judaism The commentaries offer various most noticeably Jewish residents of for Sukkos, and try to hear a shofar has no more relevance to us than be- explanations. I would like to offer the town. I assured the mayor that on Rosh HaShanah. They will cer- ing a social way of life. As long as a simple thought, based on an inci- it was irrelevant to any Jew whether tainly make it to synagogue on Yom we have bagels and cream cheese, dent that just occurred here in Ben- the festival was on the first Satur- Kippur. These few times a year, and go to synagogue on Yom Kippur, salem, Pennsylvania. Every year, day in October, the last Saturday in their Jewish identity comes out we are good Jews. This is a desecra- our township celebrates a very large September, or a different Saturday in a beautiful and commendable tion of Hashem’s name. This makes fall festival, the Bensalem Town- in October. The reality is that Sat- way. But somehow Shabbos, which a mockery of any real commitment ship Fall Festival (formerly called urday always comes out on Shab- comes every week, which has been to Hashem. Bensalem Pride Day), on the first bos. This has been the case since the badge of honor and glory of the It is this attitude that is being Saturday of October. This is a large the first week of Creation, and will Jewish people throughout our his- picked up in the recent Pew report. festival, described by the township be so until the end of time. To any tory, which is precious enough to be It is this attitude that thousands and in the following words: “Bensalem Jew, participating in any festival called the sign of the relationship even millions of Jewish kids pick up Fall Festival is considered one of on the Sabbath would be unthink- between G-d and the Jewish people and reject when they decide that the ‘Best of Bucks’ community cel- able, unless they break the Shabbos, – somehow Shabbos just gets lost. there is no reason for them to avoid ebrations, in which we host all-day which is even more severe a prohi- The Torah precedes the festivals by intermarriage – after all, they are entertainment on the TD Bank Am- bition than breaking Yom Kippur. instructing about the Shabbos – to not committed to a “Jewish social phitheater Stage and our beautiful There was (and still is) no reason tell us that it’s not enough to just club.” Hopefully, it is this attitude Central Park grounds, along with for the township to change the date be Jews on the festivals! Keep the that we will overcome as more Jews amusements, food vendors, street of the festival. No good purpose of Shabbos! Mark this special day of discover true Judaism and make it vendors, and car show. The day observing Jewish law could come rest with holiness, with a day to really become part of their lives. ends with a fabulous concert and out of such a change. I even wrote then some of the best fireworks on a letter to this effect to the mayor, Rabbi Moshe Travitsky is the founder of the Bensalem Jewish Outreach Center out- the East Coast.” which was read out loud at a town- side Philadelphia and the Rosh Kollel of the Bensalem Community Kollel. For more This year, of course, in a rare oc- ship committee meeting that was information, please visit www.BensalemOutreach.org.

sions that derailed the peace talks. But until then, as Abba Eban once Mahmoud Abbas’s Birthday Present To Israel Israel said it would respond to this said about the Palestinians: ”They decision with “a series of steps” that never cease to miss an opportunity CONTINUED FROM P. 24 in schools in the Gaza Strip, in stark usually include financial sanctions to miss an opportunity.” As long as contrast to violence against Israel that against the Palestinians. I am remind- Abbas and his ilk do not wish to rec- to exterminate my country.” is being taught to children as early as ed of the plight of the Egyptians in ognize Israel as a Jewish state, none I am personally offended, as a child kindergarten. the Pesach story. They allowed their of his phony rhetoric has any mean- of Holocaust survivors, that Abu Ma- Collaborating with Hamas is not ruler, Pharaoh, to cause them to suffer ing. We do not need his crocodile-tear zen chooses to use the Shoah for his the only initiative that Abbas is cur- without objection. It is time to stop condolences of the murder of our six nefarious purposes. The Holocaust rently busy with. A PLO spokesman bemoaning the poor Palestinians and million k’doshim. We need to protect is a contentious subject among Pales- said it would continue its bid to gain how terrible their plight is. All their the nearly eight million living in Is- tinians. Many view it (including Ab- recognition of an independent Pales- woes are due to the irresponsible ac- rael today from him and his new part- bas himself) as the cause of their dis- tinian state by joining more interna- tions by the PLO leadership. If they ners. We beseech Hashem to bring the placement and exile in 1948. Attempts tional organizations. Abu Mazen has truly want change, they should de- g’ulah as soon as possible so that we to deny or minimize the Holocaust already signed on to an initial slate of mand it of their elected officials. Is- can really have everlasting shalom. are common in the Arab world. The 15 conventions and treaties in defiance rael wants to make peace but it must Happy Birthday, Israel. Many hap- subject is blocked from being taught of Israel as part of an escalation of ten- be a genuine effort. py returns!

28 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 The Sefer Torah That Bridges Between The Three “Yoms” HaShoah, commemorates the atroci- most creative and emotional inscrip- ties of the Shoah when our nation was tion (Please see attached photo). stateless and totally helpless – deci- It is curious why my grandfather’s mated in numbers, but alive in spirit. sefer is written in a non-typical Ash- Entire communities were burned to kenazi calligraphy. There are two pos- the ground, and countries in which sible answers. There was a large and Jews used to live in for years became well-respected Sephardic community Judenrein. in Hamburg before the war, and it is be- A week later we reflect on Yom lieved that my great-grandfather either HaZikaron, the day on which we re- purchased the sifrei Torah from some- member those who have given their one local and was limited to what was all so that we and our children can available. Or, it is possible that noth- peacefully live our way of life and en- ing was available locally, and the only sure that the butchery remembered a option was to procure the two sifrei week earlier never repeats itself. On Torah from Palestine, which was done this official day of remembrance, we with the help of someone from the Se- think back to those who died al kiddu- phardic community in Hamburg. sh Hashem. Firstly, our respects must Over the last 25 years or so, my be paid to the fighters in the pre-State grandfather’s sefer was kept and oc- underground para-military forces, who casionally used in the Spanish-Portu- were instrumental in driving the Brit- guese synagogue in downtown Ant- ish out of our land – a tiny fractured werp. group of young people without an or- Torah as a thanksgiving to Hashem, in grandparents to follow the youths Approximately one year ago, when ganized and trained army were able to the event they returned alive from the they helped reach Palestine, sadly, on a brief visit in Antwerp, I inquired drive out an empiric force! war. their plan did not work out. My grand- about the sefer Torah and I concluded Secondly, we remember all those My grandfather and his brother re- father was active until the last pos- that it was kept in the Spanish-Portu- who fell defending the newly-estab- turned unharmed from the war. My sible moment to help youth flee Eu- guese shul in Antwerp in the frame- lished State and throughout its de- great-grandfather celebrated their rope. When World War II broke out, work of shomer chinam. No formal fensive wars and military campaigns. survival by fulfilling his neder; he ac- and traveling became more arduous, documents existed that confirmed They mostly fell wearing the same quired a sefer Torah for each one of his my dear grandfather disappeared from that this sefer belonged to our family, uniform as being part of the IDF fam- sons. one day to the next. The Germans nor did any document stipulate what ily, the venerated and moral army of In the years after the war, my grand- were after him; he was an officer in the shul could or could not do with it. the Jewish people. I personally reflect father married and built a family. The their army who turned very active for Over the years, the rabbi and promi- on those I knew and knew of, who fell thirties approached, and Hitler’s dark the cause of a Jewish Homeland. After nent members who were there in the so that we can keep our heads high, clouds menaced the Jews in Europe. the war, several survivors reported to ‘80s and ‘90s were long gone, and the wherever we go. My grandfather played a critical role in have seen him in Auschwitz. current rabbi did not know my father, Finally, we light a candle for those the Hachsharah and Chalutzim move- Throughout the war his sefer Torah nor did my father know him person- people who perished in acts of barbar- ments, working tirelessly to help thou- was hidden by my grandmother zt”l, ally. ian terror committed by those who sands of youths escape from Germany while she also entrusted it to non-Jews With the significant wave of aliyah haven’t given up the idea to destroy us. and other European countries to a safe who hid it for her. from Belgium in recent years, in addi- As sad and emotional as Yom HaZi- haven in Palestine, in a simultaneous After the war, my grandmother re- tion to the fact that the Spanish-Portu- karon is, it is immediately followed effort to settle the Land of Israel. One trieved the sefer and for a while kept it guese shul in Antwerp was the subject by the third Yom: Yom HaAtzma’ut, of a deadly terrorist attack in the ‘80s, the day of national joy in which we I wanted to avoid leaving this sefer To- praise and thank Hashem for bringing Eerily, my grandfather’s brother survived the war, rah behind for too long. us from “yagon l’simchah” – from an- I longed to give it a so much de- guish to joyfulness. It is upon us to but his sefer Torah was lost served redemption, especially in light understand that this abrupt transition of the fact that my grandfather has no reflects the extent of the spirituality of kever (burial place). the sacrifices made by these holy souls of the young men he befriended dur- in her apartment, as well as in one of Over the last year my father and I on the altar of Hashem and making G- ing those years was Max Bennett (Bi- the shuls in Antwerp. Eerily, my grand- worked intensely to better understand d’s Name holy. neth). Max Bineth left Germany in father’s brother survived the war, but the condition of the sefer Torah and to The story I would like to share is the 1935 and immigrated to Palestine. He his sefer Torah was lost. coordinate its final journey. Our goal one of the sefer Torah of my paternal fought in the War of Independence As a young child growing up in Ant- was to bring it to Israel, where it could grandfather, which weaves through- and subsequently became an officer werp, I vividly remember how, around be used on a weekly basis. out the three Yoms. in the Mossad. He was arrested in my bar mitzvah, my father spent a We found the perfect venue: the My paternal grandfather, Yaakov Egypt in 1954 on what became his last great deal of time, energy, and money base of an IDF combat unit. The Torah Reuven Rothschild, was born a few mission for the Jewish people. Max to bring the sefer back to a condition would further be offered in the frame- years before the turn of the previous was interrogated and tortured to the that would render it wholly kosher. work of the Safra V’Sayfa (Book and century in Hamburg, Germany. In 1914, point he committed suicide the day It was challenging because this sefer Sword) project, which was established he was drafted into the German army, before his trial. He preferred to take is written in the k’sav of the AriZal, in memory of my dear friend Lt. Col. which was mandatory. He served on his own life than to give the Egyptians which is unseen in the Ashkenazi Emmanuel Moreno hy”d. various battlefields and fronts during the pleasure of hanging him in public. world and requires a different level of A few months ago, the Torah was World War I. His brother too served, From his prison cell he wrote a letter expertise. The Ashkenazi shuls, out of transported to Israel b’heref ayin – in though they were not together. to my grandmother who lived in Bel- painful narrow-mindedness, refused the blink of an eye, for which I express During the course of this First World gium at the time. Despite the suffer- to read from it. deep gratitude to the Rav of the Span- War, his parents and younger siblings ing he went through while in captiv- My father also arranged for a new did not know their fate. Their father, ity, he thanked her for everything my mantel for the Torah, which carries a CONTINUED ON P. 46 my great-grandfather Kalman Moshe grandfather did for saving him from Rothschild zt”l, who at the time held being a sheep brought to slaughter in Jacques R. Rothschild was born in Belgium and served as a unit commander in the the position of master teacher of Tal- Nazi Germany and aiding him to reach IDF paratroopers. He graduated in Mathematics, Statistics, and International Affairs mud in the Rabbinic Seminary of Ham- the Holy Land. I remember seeing that from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and lives currently with his family in New burg, made a neder. He committed to letter. York City where he works as an Investment Banker. He also writes and speaks pub- gift to each one of his two sons a sefer While it was the intention of my licly about current affairs and causes for which he cares deeply.

8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 29 A Healthy Outlook Get FITT Fast: Dr. Bo’s 4 Elements for Fitness

up about 20% of the weight-loss equa- Rate, which counterbalances the effect challenges. For example, if you are jog- tion, with the other 80% falling square- aging has on weight management. ging, set your sights on a stop sign ahead By Dr. Bo Rosenblat, ly on your diet. So unless you are an Frequency: Refers to how often or the second hand of the clock and run Chief Physician for Dr. Bo’s Diet Olympic athlete, without overhauling you exercise. Setting realistic goals until you get to that point. Each time your eating habits, the time you spend on the number of days per week that you push yourself and work out a little at the gym will bear little effect on the you exercise is key. If you exercise harder, you realize that you can do a lit- o you need to lose weight and scale. In fact, most people overestimate only once or twice a week, then your tle more than you thought. you feel overwhelmed by the the amount of calories they burn in a body will never adjust to the consist- Type: Refers to the type of activity Sprocess? It’s much more of a given workout and loosen the reins on ency that is required to meet our long- you are doing. There are two types of common feeling than you think. For physical activity: resistance and cardio- most people, weight loss is not so sim- vascular. Try to keep your exercise in ple. Many people want to lose their Exercise is not an all or none endeavor. a 2:1 ratio with 2 parts being resistance excess pounds but don’t for one simple and 1 part cardiovascular. reason: They are unsure about where to Keep in mind that a little is better than none Resistance: Includes any exercise start. where you’re using some type of re- Weight loss can be a frustrating en- sistance (bands, dumbbells, machines, deavor if you take what you think are their diet, which can leave them even term goals. I recommend starting off body weight, etc.) to build your lean all the right measures but don’t see worse off calorically. with three days per week, with a day muscle mass. any movement on the scale. It is un- The calories burned off through ex- off in between. Whichever days you Cardiovascular: Includes any activity derstandable that when you work hard ercise, combined with an appropriate choose as work out days is up to you. that really gets your heart rate up like and feel deprived but bear no result you diet plan, will help to create a calorie The most important thing is that you taking a run, going for a ride on your will soon give up. So what might you deficit necessary for weight loss. But make a commitment to yourself that bike, using an elliptical, etc. be doing wrong? how much, how often, and what type you will stick to, without any devia- Start with reasonable goals. Don’t One common misconception is the of exercise is appropriate? FITT is a tion, even if the length of time that set out to start a rigorous regimen from role that diet and exercise play in your simple acronym we use to focus on you dedicate to each routine is mini- the beginning. Instead, start exercis- weight. Regular physical activity is im- the four main principles of exercise: mal. Bo’s Tip: Schedule your workouts portant for overall good health, and is Frequency, Intensity, Type, and Time like you would a meeting or an ap- especially important if you’re trying to (FITT). In trying to maintain weight, pointment. If you wouldn’t stand up lose or maintain a healthy weight. That exercise helps to build lean muscle your boss for a meeting or a friend for being said, physical activity only makes mass and increase your Basal Metabolic lunch, then there is no excuse to miss a workout. Intensity: Refers to how hard you work during your exercise. A walk around the block is a good way to stretch your legs and get fresh air into your lungs, but it is not considered exercise. The reason is simply because the physical exertion or intensity of that walk around the block is not high enough. When you are exercising, make sure that you are breaking a sweat, that your heart rate is elevated, and that you feel the burn! A good gauge to ensure that you’re exerting enough energy is trying to maintain 75% of your maximum heart rate. Bo’s Tip: Figure out ing at a reasonable pace and increase your maximum heart rate using the fol- as soon as you stop feeling challenged. lowing calculation: Subtract your age If you are new to exercise, try starting from the number 220. If you are 45 years off with just 15 minutes, three times a old, then your maximum heart rate is week, and build from there. 175 beats per minute (220 – 45 = 175). Exercise is not an all or none en- “Intensity” at a good level is building to deavor. Keep in mind that a little is bet- at least 75% of your maximum heart rate ter than none. Your exercise program during your routine. So, for a 45 year old, doesn’t need to be elaborate. It doesn’t 75% of maximum heart rate is 131 beats require you to join a gym or sweat for per minute. an hour every day. Find something that Time: Refers to how long you are works for you, whether it is using a bike able to maintain your exercise routine. to commute to work, going for a jog in If you are new to exercise, work on the morning, joining a sports league, building up the length of your work- exercising with resistance bands while outs. Today you may only be able to jog watching television, or something simi- for a few seconds at a time, but if you lar. There are so many options and continue to challenge yourself each sometimes we don’t realize how life session, you will begin to build up your provides many opportunities to be ac- duration. Bo’s Tip: Give yourself small tive – we just have to recognize them.

Dr. Bo Rosenblat is a board-certified medical doctor and Chief Physician of Dr. Bo’s Diet Center, with office locations in Hewlett & Manhasset. For more information about Dr. Bo’s Diet program, please call 516-284-8248 or visit www.DrBosDiet.com.

30 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 31 32 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 33 34 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 35 36 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 Community Snapshots Photo Credits: Yaakov Katz Skulener Rebbe Visits Queens

Rabbi Ephraim Wachsman Rabbi Dovid Kurz, left, with his father Shloimie

The Skulener Rebbe Partial views of the audience Partial views of the audience Rabbi Mordechai Becher Lecture in Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills

Rabbi Fabien Schonfeld speaking about Eve Spett a’’h

Rabbi Mordechai Becher speaks on the topic of “Dignity, Honor and the Nature of the Soul,” a lecture sponsored in View of the attendees memory of Eve Spett a”h Mock Beis Din in Lander College

Eitan Schneier of T.A.B.C presents his case to his opponents of Rambam Me- sivta at the Lander College Mock Beis Din this past Sunday Rebbiem Of Lander College, the judges, listen to Ben Silverman of Rambam Mesivta present his argument

Yaakov Katz is a Queens-based photographer specializing in bar mitzvahs, bris milahs, family portraits, and corporate dinners. Yaakov is an on-location photographer, who works in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Five Towns. He can be reached at [email protected] or through his website www.yaakovkatzstudios.com.

8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 37 Community Corner • Recent Happenings Mrs. Zehava Somerstein, Limudei Kodesh Principal Of Bais Yaakov Of Queens, Retiring feld shlita. Then I taught at Bais Yaakov ences at Kristallnacht, as a young child chological services to help us deal with of Queens. Some of my past students in Germany. A local public school used the whole child and her needs. are now working under me as limudei to send students to wish him the best kodesh teachers. as he would speak at their school about QJL: What is your advice for young Kristallnacht, as well. people considering chinuch as a career? QJL: What is your general philosophy Rabbi Neuman taught me that there is ZS: It is the most important job any on chinuch? nothing you cannot do for the students young person can undertake. Though ZS: My goal at Bais Yaakov is to teach and the school. Shlepping milk, picking not recompensed financially, it plays a the students to become true bnos Yisrael up papers, and wiping girls’ noses were major role on the education of our chil- with good midos, the correct hashkafos all in the line of duty. To this day, the dren for future generations. You must go and a broad knowledge base, as well as school carries on Rabbi Neuman’s legacy into this field with dedication and devo- a strong work ethic. Students are not as a large school with a small school tion to your students and to klal Yisrael. expected to be perfect; however, I want mentality, where we strive to meet the them to try their best and feel proud of needs of every student. With the strong QJL: What are you future plans, now their efforts. leadership of Rabbi Mordechai Gewirtz that you are retiring from Bais Yaakov? (Dean), Mrs. Sarah Bergman (English ZS: I am looking forward to new chal- QJL: Tell us about your early days at Principal), and Mrs. Karen Reisbaum (As- lenges in chinuch. By Susie Garber Bais Yaakov of Queens. sistant English Principal), this legacy will ZS: I worked for 46 years under the live on. QJL: What are some of the special any mothers of daughters in guidance of Rabbi Moshe Neuman, Dean memories you will treasure? our community owe Mrs. Za- Emeritus, who headed the school for 49 QJL: What changes and new challeng- ZS: I will always treasure the pride I Mhava Somerstein a tremendous years. Under his guidance, I became as- es have you seen since the early days? feel when I see former students at sim- hakaras ha’tov for all her dedicated and sistant English principal in 1972. Some ZS: The school is growing and flourish- chos or lectures who are now mothers devoted years of work on behalf of our of my early memories are of coming to ing. The community is made up of a di- and grandmothers building their own children. “Thank you” cannot express school at the end of the summer and Dan verse population, and the school tries to bayis ne’eman. our extreme gratitude. The following is Sukenik a”h, who was then the treasurer meet each community member’s needs. I will also treasure the wonderful rela- an exclusive interview with Mrs. Somer- of the school and later the president, and Bais Yaakov of Queens is inclusive of girls tionship I have established with teachers, stein on the occasion of her retirement Rabbi Moshe Neuman would be stuffing from all backgrounds. past and present. Many former teachers, from Bais Yaakov Academy of Queens. and stamping envelopes for registration. There are many challenges today. administrators, and office staff members I chipped right in to help. Some of those include parnasah issues, have become an extended family to me QJL: When did you begin your career I recall Rabbi Neuman’s songs for Tu family dynamics, and using technology with whom I keep in touch on a regular in chinuch? BiSh’vat and his blowing of the shofar in a positive way within the parameters basis. ZS: Fifty-two years ago. I was a teacher for the students. I especially remember of halachah. The school takes into con- We wish Mrs. Somerstein continued at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills his unforgettable and moving speech sideration these challenges and provides good health and success in all her endeav- Talmud Torah under Rabbi Fabian Schon- when he shared his personal experi- excellent teachers, support staff, and psy- ors. Rebbetzin Chana Bracha Siegelbaum Speaks In Kew Gardens by Susie Garber same. Women especially have the ability to welcome differences. Through s always, our community looks righteous women, the g’ulah will come. forward to a visit from Rebbetz- Mashiach benYosef gathers everyone in, Ain Chana Bracha Siegelbaum, di- and Mashiach ben David is the conduit rector and founder of Midreshet B’erot to bring them to Hashem. Bat Ayin in Bat Ayin, Israel, who brings Midreshet B’erot Bat Ayin in Israel a breath of fresh air straight from the offers a unique spiritual program for Judean Hills. Queens is a special place women. It combines agricultural work- to her, as she lived in Kew Gardens Hills shops and Torah classes on nutrition for a short time many years ago and and healing plants, and it works on has many old friends, former students, character development. The goal of the and supporters of her seminary residing program is for women to gain self-confi- here. Rebbetzin Siegelbaum and shiur participants dence and to grow spiritually – to bring On Sunday morning, April 27, Reb- out their own unique creative potential. betzin Siegelbaum presented a beauti- that Mashiach ben Yosef prepares the did specifically for her. Leah thanked The rebbetzin shared that several ful shiur on achdus at Tiferes Shmuel, way for Mashiach ben David. Today, Hashem for the suffering that then led hundred beautiful married families Rabbi Shmuel Ashkenazi’s shul in Kew in fact, there are more Jews living in her to giving birth to Yehudah. We can came from her seminary. It’s a place Gardens. She spoke about the need to Eretz Yisrael than outside of the land. learn this powerful idea of gratitude for women searching for meaning and connect the children of Rachel and of Yosef brings the beauty of the physical from Leah Imeinu. truth in their lives. She encourages Leah in order to bring the g’ulah, the and connects it to the spiritual. Leah’s Rebbetzin Siegelbaum concluded them to “come take a year and learn in redemption. She delved into various power is thankfulness, hodaah, which with the idea that redemption depends Midreshet.” Torah sources, explaining the midos and means admitting or recognizing that on repairing the schism between Ra- Anyone interested in donating or find- characteristics of the sons of Rachel and we owe gratitude. Leah’s thankfulness, chel’s children and Leah’s children. ing out more information can visit www. Leah. She explained how Yosef was the when she gave birth to Yehudah, was We can do this through acceptance of berotbatayin.org or e-mail info@berot- gatherer, and quoting the Vilna Gaon, praise and thanks for what Hashem each other. We don’t all have to be the batayin.org.

38 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 Community Corner • Recent Happenings Rozic Launches Contest To Honor Local Jewish Women Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month in the 25th Assembly District n celebration of Jewish American paign led by Representative Debbie and nominations can be submitted Heritage Month, Assemblywoman Wasserman Schultz, and it continues via email to [email protected]. INily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) to honor the rich history of distin- ny.us. Nominees must be females who announced that she will launch a local guished women whose accomplish- have demonstrated contributions to contest to honor a Jewish woman of ments have helped shaped our culture. our community. Submissions must distinction. As Mother’s Day approaches, Ro- include name of the nominee, reason “Women who proudly represent our zic’s office will be taking input from they are deserving of the award, and heritage and whose achievements--big constituents who can submit nomi- contact information of the nominator. or small--contribute to the betterment nations of amazing women Jewish The deadline for submission is May 23, of our community deserve to be cel- game-changers who helped shape our 2014. The honoree will be presented ebrated,” said Assemblywoman Rozic. culture today. with the “Jewish American Heritage In 2006, Jewish American Heritage The contest is open to all constitu- Community Leadership Award” from Month was established after a cam- Assemblywoman Nily Rozic ents of the 25th Assembly District Assemblywoman Rozic. Poignant Yom Hashoah Gathering Held At Young Israel Of Forest Hills by Susie Garber

n Sunday evening, April 27, many community Omembers gathered at the Young Israel of Forest Hills for a Holocaust remembrance event. There is no way to truly comprehend or imagine the horrific events of the Holocaust. This program, orchestrated by Mr. Philip Belkin, was a memo- Congresswoman Grace Meng addressing the audience rial full of pathos that reminded everyone of the importance of Hills. He quoted Eli Weisel, “… in Yerushalayim. At his Shiv’ah, Rabbi Oppenheimer then recited kinos, elegies. After the never ever forgetting. The pro- have faith in life. Above all have a stranger came and shared the shared an anecdote from Out of kinos, the Judy and Ruby Gruen- gram reflected hope and deep faith.” He also reminded us of Mr. following story: When he was 16 the Depths by Chief Rabbi Israel baum Memorial Lecture was de- emunah, trust in Hashem. Two Weisel’s powerful words, that, “… during the Holocaust and search- Meir Lau. When Rav Lau met livered by Mr. Aaron Kaplowitz, plaques, with proclamations of we are all brothers and we are ing the garbage for a scrap of with former Mayor Ed Koch, Mr. former director of Communica- remembrance, were presented all suffering the same fate. Help food, R’ Yisroel Klein, who was Koch informed him, “I’m also tions, Embassy of Israel, Wash- to the shul by local politicians, one another. It is the only way a few years older, came over to a survivor.” He explained that ington, DC. He then shared his Linda Sun as representative for to survive.” He pointed out that him and said, “I’m looking for Hitler had a globe on his desk impressions of the March for the Governor Cuomo and Congress- we must live exemplary lives as a food too.” Then he embraced marked with how many Jews Living in Poland, where he went woman Grace Meng. Meng quot- tribute to the k’doshim who were this man and told him, “This is were in each country. America last year as a representative of ed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., murdered. all I can give you, an embrace, was marked with six million. If the Israeli government. who stated, “Injustice anywhere Afterwards, Rabbi Yehuda because you are a fellow Jew and the allies had not stopped him, A moving rendition of Gam is a threat to justice everywhere.” Oppenheimer, mara d’asra of fellow human being. I know G-d then he would have destroyed ki Eileich, was performed by Mr. A rededication of the Young Is- the Young Israel of Forest Hills, loves us and we cannot lose our the Jews in America as well. Rab- Harry Askenazi, followed by sur- rael of Forest Hills’ menoros, me- shared a d’var Torah from par- humanity. That is what I can give bi Oppenheimer then used this vivors and second- and third-gen- morializing the six million souls shas K’doshim, telling two mov- to you.” This man told Mr. Klein’s opportunity to renew the com- eration relatives lighting candles who perished in the Holocaust, ing stories that exemplified the children, “it was because of your munity eruv that he said should in memoriam. This part of the took place, followed by a speech points in the d’var Torah. One father that I remained religious. be a symbol of our achdus, unity. ceremony brought tears to many. given by Mr. Eli Chomsky, presi- story was about R’ Yisroel Klein, I always remembered that warm As part of the process of annually The candle lighting ceremony by dent of the Young Israel of Forest the baal k’riah of the Belzer Shul embrace and his words.” confirming the (re)establishment generations, along with the stir- of the community eruv, a box of ring melody sung by a young per- matzos is used. Rabbi Oppenhe- son, reminded everyone that this imer proceeded to hand a box of dark period in our history will matzos to Rabbi Yossi Mendel- never be forgotten. son, the mara d’asra of Congre- T’hilim were recited by Rabbi gation Machane Chodesh, who Manfred Gans, Senior Rabbi of accepted it on behalf of the com- Congregation Machane Cho- munity. Rabbi Oppenheimer ex- dosh, and Rabbi Simcha Hop- plained that an eruv symbolizes kovitz, mara d’asra of the Queens a boundary of one large private Jewish Center. The event came domain belonging to all of us to- to a close with Mr. Ashkenazi gether. singing the Keil Malei Rachamim, Rabbi Yossi Mendelson Mr. Aaron Kaplowitz, former director Rabbi Yehuda Oppenheimer Then, Rabbi Yossi Mendelson, the entire congregation reciting of Communications, Embassy of followed by Rabbi David Algaze, Kaddish, and Rabbi Oppenheim- Israel, Washington, DC mara d’asra of Havurat Yisrael, er leading the Ani Maamin. 8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 39 Community Corner • Recent Happenings Skulener Rebbe Visits Queens by Susie Garber Zeidy to all. The numbers of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren hevra Bais Dovid, Rabbi Naftali reaches into the hundreds. The Rebbe’s Rubin’s shul in Kew Gardens father’s heart was filled with ahavas Yis- CHills, was filled with awe and rael. His heart was so big that he always gratitude as the community received a had room for one more orphan. The al- tzadik in our midst. On Monday even- ter rebbe’s sefer, Noam Eliezer, on t’filah, ing, April 29, at a reception for Chesed expounds on the strength of a tzadik L’Avraham, the Skulener Rebbe shlita, who is able to create an opening in the Rabbi Yisroel Avrohom Portugal, Grand gates of mercy. That opening allows Rebbe of Skulen, sat at a table in front the t’filos of other Jews to enter, even of the beis midrash. The chairmen of though they are not on the same level. the event included Mr. Eli Glaser, Mr. A tzadik wants Hashem to receive eve- Shragie Aranoff, Mr. Yitzchok Dykman, ryone’s t’filos and hopes Hashem will and Rabbi Dovid Kurz. Skulener Rebbe Rabbi Ephraim Wachsman fulfill all of their wishes. His job is to First the guest speaker, Rabbi Ephraim elevate the generation. Wachsman, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva it was an emergency and the operation Rabbi Wachsman detailed the tre- The Skulener Rebbe is an individual Me’or Yitzchok in Monsey, spoke pas- had to take place immediately. Rabbi mendous work of Chesed L’Avraham, who lives and breathes Torah. Rabbi sionately about the Rebbe’s holiness and Wachsman called the Rebbe back three which rescues children who are in ter- Wachsman taught that just being in his holy work in Chesed L’Avraham. He times and each time the Rebbe advised rible or unsafe situations and assumes proximity to such a tzadik gives each began with a riveting personal story: him to take her by helicopter to Westch- parental responsibilities. The organiza- of us merit to true brachah. He pointed When his daughter was around 11 years ester. In the end, the hospital told Rabbi tion takes care of the children’s physical out that this is the time to help support old, she was emptying a kiddie pool and Wachsman he would have to wheel his and emotional needs and teaches them the Rebbe’s organization, as we are pre- accidently fell from a high porch onto daughter out on a stretcher himself, as about Yiddishkeit. The Rebbe’s father, paring to receive the Torah now. He im- concrete. He recounted how the hospi- they did not want any responsibility Rabbi Eliezer Zusia Portugal, estab- parted that we each have a tzadik inside tal wanted to operate on her for internal for his taking her away. He took her by lished the organization to help orphans. of us; we just have to wipe away the dirt bleeding and how he called the Skulener helicopter, and there the doctors advised The Skulener Rebbe’s father, the al- to reveal the beautiful diamond inside. Rebbe for advice. The Rebbe instructed to wait and not operate. In the end, she ter Skulener Rebbe zt”l, was the av of Donations to Chesed L’Avraham can him to take her by helicopter to Westch- never needed surgery and she recovered orphans. He literally raised them as be sent to 131 Keap Street, Brooklyn, NY ester. The doctors in the hospital insisted completely. his own children, becoming Tatty and 11211.

40 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 Community Corner • Recent Happenings Bais Yaakov Of Queens Takes Trip To Washington ast Wednesday, the graduating they gained a special appreciation for class of the Bais Yaakov Academy Daniel’s Story at the USHM museum. Lof Queens ventured to Washing- They then headed to the Smithsonian ton, DC. The Eighth Grade girls met their Museums to explore. The Natural Histo- chaperones, Mrs. Bergman, Mrs. Reis- ry and American History Museums were baum, and Mrs. Acker at 6:45 a.m. in Kew filled with wonders as the girls realized Gardens Hills. Their first activity was at how fun learning could be. “I loved the the Herr’s Factory. The rain did not de- gem exhibits,” said one student. “The ter the fun-spirited group! After learning animals were the best,” said another. The about the community-minded company American History Museum was such an and the environmentally friendly ways amazing way for American History to they produce many different kinds of come alive! snacks, the girls were treated to warm, After lunch they toured around the fresh potato chips. Capitol and the White House. At the Their next stop was Washington, 3-D IMAX they viewed. After a delicious the hotel, they went for a private swim. end of an invigorating, yet exhausting DC. At the Smithsonian Air and Space dinner, they visited the Lincoln, Vietnam, The next morning, they were up early, trip, they enjoyed the last meal of their Museum, the girls had a blast explor- Korean, Jefferson, and FDR memorials. davened, and sang Hallel together in their trip in Baltimore. What a way to culmi- ing the many ways humans take flight. Splashing in the rain and the overflow- private convention room. nate the BYQ experience. How gratifying They were in and out of the planes and ing Reflecting Pool added great fun to The weather was perfect for Thurs- it is to see the graduates accomplishing spaceships, making lasting memories. At their day. The beauty and the meaning day’s touring! The precision of the the vision of education combined with the Natural History Museum, they were behind the design of the memorials im- Changing of the Guard amazed the girls! fun, shared by the entire Bais Yaakov of awed at the beauty of butterflies in the pacted each of them. After checking into Through their studies of the Holocaust, Queens! Official Approval Bestowed On B’Kavod As Social Adult Day Program by Susie Garber munity, our frum elders. Your parents focuses primarily on Orthodox Jewish er, program founder, “ to see a Talmudist deserve this!” clientele. As its name suggests, the goal participate in group exercises who know- e are fortunate in our commu- As a social adult program, its aim is to is to honor and show respect to elders ingly in any other environment would nity to boast a beautiful and provide structured activities to frail sen- in our community. It has brought many refrain from doing so; or a Holocaust sur- Wmeaningful adult program. iors who have mobility limitations and/ chashuva rabbanim such as Rabbi Noach vivor who initially resisted attendance B’Kavod, a unique social adult day pro- or the beginnings of cognitive impair- Isaac Oelbaum shlita, to deliver shiurim and now makes certain that her family gram in our community, has received ment. Ideal beneficiaries may also be to the participants. has arranged for her transport.” official approval. “This is a project that elders who had once been active in shul Centrally located in Kew Gardens B’Kavod is dedicated to bringing de- not just identifies a need, but is doing and communal activities and no longer Hills, B’Kavod promises to improve the served joy and comfort to Queens com- something about it,” stated Rechel Sch- or rarely participate. Many such pro- physical and mental health of these munity elders. It is a member of the Cen- oenfeld, LMSW, at B’Kavod’s inaugural grams are in operation throughout the frail seniors, ease the burden to family terLight Health System and Fidelis Care event. “It is beautiful,” noted Rabbi Ar- metropolitan area. It is extremely diffi- caregivers, an1d reduce and/or delay the network. For additional information, yeh Sokoloff, “designed specifically to cult to get approval at this time. B’Kavod need for institutional long-term care. “It call 646-543-9818 or e-mail bkavod@gmail. provide meaningful activity for our com- is the only one in Queens County that is heart warming,” observes Rabbi Beck- com. TD Bank Affinity Program Benefits Rabbinical Councilman Lancman Visits Daycare Seminary Of America

ernard Dolington, Vice Presi- of the Rabbinical Seminary of Amer- dent and Manager of TD ica, as part of the bank’s partnership ouncil Member Rory Lanc- Estates and entertains the children BBank in Kew Gardens Hills, with the Seminary via its Affinity man visits the All My Chil- with the story, It’s Raining, read on presents a check to Rabbi Hayim Membership Program for non-profit dren Day Care & Nursery one of the rainiest days in New York C th Schwartz, Executive Vice President organizations. School on 188 Street in Jamaica City history, April 30.

8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 41 Community Corner • Recent Happenings Names, Not Numbers – A Documented Commemoration Of The Shoah by Jennifer Jaffe is the last generation privileged to hear survivors’ testimonies, lmost seventy years ago, and therefore it is an obligation one of the greatest atroci- to keep future generations from Aties finally came to an forgetting. Names, Not Numbers end. Or did it? For those who is a step in reminding the world lived through the Holocaust, that “we are still here.” Fred the horror continued to haunt Friedman, who survived the war them through their lifetime. under false Aryan documents, Survivors were forever scarred reminded the audience that “we and plagued by nightmares, fear, are more than just numbers; we anger, and loss. The world saw have names, we have stories, we this atrocity and wondered how have lives.” they could move on, yet, that is When asked about her experi- just what most did. They rebuilt ence participating in this project, families, obtained educations, YCQ eighth-grade student Avigail gained employment, and many Winokur noted the importance clung to their faith. Their heal- of a project like this: “It is one ing began with retelling their thing to hear their stories; it is an tragedies through stories passed entirely other thing to be trans- on to their children, written lit- ported back in time with them erature, and, with the new age of as they relay the horrific events.” technology, filmed documented And despite our enemies’ contin- histories. on film for future generations to won and they lost.” to the war, during their fight for ued attempts to annihilate the With seventy years passed, see and learn from. YCQ’s 2014 As part of the program, the survival in the Camps and while Jewish people, we will survive. the vital importance of hear- Names, Not Numbers film, com- YCQ students were taught the hiding, their liberation, and, fi- Mrs. Rosenberg is a true hero ing these stories from survivors mitted to the four pillars of re- history of the war though Web- nally, their road to recovery and to the Jewish people. Through themselves has become even membrance – commemoration, based research and interviewing rebirth, preserving this experi- her work with this project, more imperative. Last week, documentation, research, and skills, taught by Jaqueline Rivkin, ence on videotape and DVD pro- she is creating personal con- to commemorate the Shoah, a education – will be available journalist for Newsday and pro- duced by the YCQ students. nections while keeping “the group of eighth-grade students in the Yad Vashem Museum’s fessor of journalism at McCau- Following a relaxing din- heart and spirit of individual from the Yeshiva of Central archives in Jerusalem, Israel, ley Honors College, and video- ner, the program was opened eyewitnesses” alive. She is tak- Queens, along with Holocaust for future generations to view. recording and editing, taught by by poignant words from Rabbi ing a front-line role in teaching survivors, presented a video doc- Mrs. Rosenberg has made it her professional filmmaker Saul Su- Mark Landsman, principal of future generations to combat umentary. The program Names, passion to document and retell din of JewishArtNow. Students YCQ. The families of survivors anti-Semitism. Through her Not Numbers is an intergenera- these stories so that “no one were then placed in groups and and students, as well as attending program, Names, Not Numbers, tional oral history film project, could say that it didn’t happen.” paired with a survivor. During staff members, were held spell- a lesson is being taught and will created by Mrs. Tova Fish-Rosen- The message that she wants to their time together, they got bound as they listened to the continue to be taught to the berg to inspire survivors to tell get across is how important it to know each other intimately heartfelt words of Mrs. Rosen- world, that it is our turn now their stories to the students and is that “we do not forget to tell through detailed interviews, fol- berg, followed by the viewing “to live, to remember, and to tell have those stories documented the children that, in the end, we lowing their experiences prior of the documentary video. This the world.” Yeshiva Sha’arei Zion Collects Maot Chitim 359 of Maot Chitim funds were collected by $Yeshiva Sha’arei Zion students and were used to dis- tribute “Shmura Matzot” before Pesach. HaRav Noach Isaac Oelbaum speaking at the recent Hachnasat Sefer Torah for the r’fuah sh’leimah of Rabbi Yigal Haimoff

Left to right: R’ Oelbaum, R’ Haimoff and R’ Mordechai Aderet

42 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 Community Corner • Recent Happenings “Stand Up And Speak Up” 92nd Anniversary Dinner to Focus on the Essential Mission of Agudath Israel he upcoming 92nd Anniversary to protect and preserve Sh’chitah and Bris be, the results-oriented advocate and lenges of today as well as the future. Dinner of Agudath Israel of Amer- Milah... The details, names, and faces of effective representative on behalf of its When there is a need to stand up and Tica will celebrate and reflect on the issues are constantly changing, but constituents. Agudath Israel packs the speak up to uphold the mesorah of klal the unique role and vital mission that has at its core, the matter remains the same: organizational strength, the political Yisrael, to articulate the daas Torah of always been Agudath Israel’s raison d’être: The voice of the lone individual would currency, and clout, the professional the G’dolei Yisrael, and to combat those to stand up and speak up for Torah Juda- be an inaudible whisper. Without a uni- expertise, which has been painstak- who falsify Torah values, Agudath Israel ism and Torah Jewry. fied, strong, and consistent voice to stand ingly built and maintained over many stands up and speaks up – for the honor Whether it’s ensuring a hard-working up and speak up on their behalf, both the years, to stand up and speak up and pull of Hashem, for the integrity of Torah, for Orthodox employee retain his job with- individual as well as the greater Orthodox the necessary diplomatic levers to get the purity of our mesorah. out having to work on Yom Tov...obtaining Jewish community would find their needs things done. And when there is a need to stand up hundreds of millions of dollars in services and way of life challenged. Agudath Israel’s growing nationwide and speak up to the secular world, wheth- and funding for yeshivos... facilitating and In situations as those described network and its driven team of talented er it is the American government, foreign arranging events on the scale of the recent above, as well as countless other mat- and dedicated professionals and askanim, governments, the media, or secular/corpo- Siyum HaShas or the Atzeres HaT’filah on ters, both large and small, Agudath Is- who work under the counsel and close rate institutions, Agudath Israel stands up behalf of Yidden in Eretz Yisrael... fighting rael has always been, and continues to guidance of our G’dolim, are up to the chal- and speaks up. Young Israel Launches “Gabbai2gabbai” Initiative s part of its continuing vision to share best practices with their colleagues.” Heber were “Mourners and Yahrzeits – rabbi’s ‘voice’ in communicating syna- inspire and enable synagogue The monthly conference call with gab- Who has preference? Determining Yah- gogue protocol directly to the congrega- Aleadership, the National Council baim from across the United States ad- rzeit Dates”; “Z’manim – Daily and Year- tion in ‘real time,’” said Rabbi Hammer. of Young Israel (NCYI) has created “Gab- dresses important issues and challenges Round Issues”; “Tachanun – Yes or No?; “The National Council of Young Israel bai2Gabbai,” a forum for professional that synagogue gabbaim face on a regular and “K’rias HaTorah and Aliyos Issues – recognizes this essential relationship be- development for the synagogue’s unsung basis. What to Read and Whom to Call Up.” tween rabbi and gabbai and is providing heroes – the gabbaim (sextons). The inaugural Gabbai2Gabbai confer- “All About Kohanim” was the focus of programming directly to the gabbai as a “The gabbai is essentially a ‘first re- ence call was led by Rabbi Dovid Heber of April’s conference call featuring Rabbi way for us to express our hakaras ha’tov sponder’ in synagogue services,” said NCYI Baltimore, Maryland. Originally a mem- Moshe Taub of the Young Israel of Greater to their professional and invaluable stew- Director of Rabbinic Services Rabbi Biny- ber of the Young Israel of St. Louis, Mis- Buffalo, New York. Rabbi Taub, who is a ardship of their respective Young Israel amin Hammer. “Whether it is recognizing souri, Rabbi Heber is the Director of the kohen and a gabbai, is the Rav HaMachshir branch.” and addressing calendar issues or dealing STAR-K computer department and over- of the Buffalo Vaad HaKashrus and the The calls are open to gabbaim of with congregants and guests in the con- sees its kashrus database and automation rabbinic editor for Ami Magazine. all synagogues. For more information text of the services, halachah and dignity and is the rabbi of a synagogue. He is re- Rabbi Taub’s presentation reviewed the about the Gabbai2Gabbai initiative, are at the crossroads of what a gabbai’s life spected as a foremost expert in the field laws of Birkas Kohanim, being called for contact Young Israel’s Director of Rab- is. The enlightening discourse on the Gab- of kosher pharmaceuticals, nutriceuticals, an aliyah, and the unique halachic situa- binic Services Rabbi Binyamin Hammer bai2Gabbai conference calls enables these and medications. tions that face kohanim. at 212-929-1525 (x-104) or via e-mail at unsung synagogue heroes to learn and Among the topics discussed by Rabbi “The gabbai has traditionally been the [email protected].

(D’varim 8:17; Midrash Rabah, Rus 1:4). Whom wealth and property belongs” (Kid- You Didn’t Plant That It is all too easy to mistake effort for dushin 82a). Go ahead and prepare your outcome. The old quip tells of a man children to make the necessary efforts. CONTINUED FROM P. 13 “Who said you will continue to live?” who desperately beseeches G-d to open a But don’t forget to pray to Hashem since inquired R’ Elya. parking spot for him on a crowded street. He (and not your work) is the source of One Above; it need only look down and The young man was taken aback. When a spot opens suddenly before his material success. continue to slurp the dust of the earth, “Hashem gives everyone life. Why would eyes, the man looks heavenward and an- * * * failing all the while to cultivate any rela- I be any different?” nounces, “Never mind, I got one.” So in some limited and unintended tionship with its Maker. “And who said you will get married?” R’ Our efforts notwithstanding, success sense, Mr. Obama was right. We didn’t If it is difficult to achieve that “real” re- Elya pressed. is a gift from Hashem. Indeed, “a person build that. We didn’t plant that. We didn’t lationship with Hashem, it is because of The surprised young man again an- should teach his son a clean and easy earn that. But neither did he. cognitive dissonance. swered that Hashem helps everyone find trade, and he should pray to the One to It is all a gift from Above. For example, there once was a kohen his match, and that he likely would be no who had difficulty making ends meet, so different. he proposed to venture overseas to earn a “And who said you will have children?” SEEKING living. His wife pointed out the obvious: asked R’ Elya. “If Hashem provides sustenance for every As with the other questions, the young living hair to grow, surely for you, an en- man responded that Hashem would bless tire human being with children, Hashem him with children as He blesses others F/T secraterial / will provide ample sustenance.” And she with children. did not let him leave (Tanchuma, Tazria Now R’ Elya would make his point. 6). Likewise, we are told that “the same “So you trust in Hashem to give you life, Hashem that created Day [also] created a wife, and children, but you don’t trust purchasing Dept sustenance” (Mechilta, B’Shalach 15). If we Him to give you the sustenance necessary trust that Hashem created Day, shouldn’t to support them?” for busy office we also trust Him to get us through the Of course, one may – and perhaps must day? – put in some effort to attain material suc- Lots of growth potentials, More recently, a student of R’ Elya Lo- cess (see e.g. B’rachos 8a; Rambam, Talmud pian zt”l decided to leave the yeshivah so Torah 3:9). Yet one is not permitted to Located in metropolitan/Queens area that he might prepare to earn a living, get believe that “my strength and the might Please e-mail Resume [email protected] married, and raise a family. of my hand made me all this wealth”

8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 43 Community Corner Yom HaZikaron At YHT

n Monday, May 5, the middle Mr. Avner Hazan, a YHT parent, addressed school students at Yeshiva Har the students, sharing his experiences dur- OTorah attended an assembly to ing the Lebanon War. Mr. Hazan was an mourn the more than 23,000 lives that officer in the paratroopers and had many have been lost in Israel through wars and moving and vivid stories of his time spent terrorism. The program began with the in Lebanon. Mr. Hazan spoke of the sac- menahel, Rabbi Menchel, addressing the rifice his friends made in protecting Eretz students and discussing the importance Yisrael, as well as his numerous encoun- of acknowledging the sacrifice of our ters with life and death, each of them people in protecting Eretz Yisrael. Rabbi ending with a miraculous event. Mr. Haz- Menchel asked the students to rise and an stressed the importance of recognizing take a moment of silence, mourning and G-d’s hand in saving him and his soldiers remembering all those who have fallen in many times. YHT was privileged to have wars and through terrorism. Afterwards, such an amazing hero address the school.

OU Advocacy-Teach NYS And Partners Meet With Mayor De Blasio’s Office To Discuss Yeshivah Applications To UPK; Request For Proposals Released oday, the Orthodox Union for the full-day UPK program is Fri- Advocacy Center-Teach NYS, day, May 16, 2014. Talong with partner organiza- OU Advocacy-Teach NYS has been tions, including Agudath Israel of involved in the fight to obtain UPK America, Board of Jewish Education, services for all children since it was Central UTA, and United Jewish Or- first proposed by Mayor de Blasio. ganizations (UJO) of Williamsburg, During the New York State budget met with New York City Mayor Bill negotiations, OU Advocacy-Teach de Blasio’s office and the NYC De- NYS facilitated a rally calling for in- partment of Education (DOE) to clusion of all private schools in UPK. discuss the mitigation of obstacles “We strongly encourage all yeshi- currently facing yeshivos and Jewish vos and day schools interested in day schools that wish to implement implementing a UPK program to re- a Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) spond to the DOE’s RFP. While some program. details about the regulations are not A Request for Proposals (RFP) for yet finalized, any school that does schools and community-based or- not submit a proposal will not be ganizations to participate in full-day eligible to receive funding,” said Jeff UPK was released today. Schools Leb, Director of OU Advocacy-Teach that participate in the full-day UPK NYS. “We applaud Mayor de Blasio program – which is six hours and 20 and the DOE for working together minutes – will receive $10,000 per with our community to make the child enrolled in the program. The UPK program as successful as possi- deadline for submission of the RFP ble for all New York City children.”

44 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 TO ADD YOUR EVENT TO OUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR, PLEASE EMAIL THE EVENT, DATE/TIME, PLACE, AND A BRIEF DESCRIPTION TO: [email protected]

est Hills. For more information, please of the Heritage Capital Group building in Friday- MAY call 646-541-6833. Newark, New Jersey. For more information Saturday 30-31 or to register, visit www.oheldoyoudare.org Shabbos Parshas At 6:00 p.m., the At 6:45 p.m., Bais or contact Laurie at Laurie_Szenicer@ohel- Naso will be the Yaakov Academy of Friday Young Israel of Kew family.org or call 718-686-3316. Annual Kew Gar- Gardens Hills will Queens will hold its 30 dens Hills Shabbos host a talk by Dr. 55th Anniversary Shuvu will hold its annual dinner. De- for Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim of

Tuesday Tuesday of Chizuk Saturday Saturday Shmuel Schneider Dinner at Eden Pal- tails to follow. Queens/Rabbinical Seminary of Ameri- 10 on the topic “Reli- 13 ace, 420 Flushing At 8:00 p.m., Kimpatorin Aid will hold ca. Shuls in the community will unite to gion and Politics in Israel.” In the Beis Avenue, Brooklyn. Honoring Mrs. Zahava a tea in the home of Hennie Kenigsberg, th support the Yeshiva’s work and will fea- Midrash, 150-05 70 Road, Kew Gardens Somerstein, Rabbi Yigal & Veeta Abram- th 72-15 137 Street, Kew Gardens Hills. The ture guest speakers from the Yeshiva. Hills. All men and women are invited to chik, Sruly & Rochel Leah Neuman, and speaker will be Rebbetzin Yael Marcus of attend. This is the first talk in the Spring/ the Class of 1974. Couvert $500 per couple. Kehilas Ishei Yisrael. Summer 2014 Shabbos Afternoon Lecture For more information, please call 718-847- Series, organized by the YIKGH Women’s 5352 or contact [email protected]. At 5:00 p.m., the League and the Education Committee. Young Israel of Kew JUNE At 7:30 p.m., The Task Force on Children Gardens Hills Wom- At 8:45 a.m., Yeshiva Yeshiva Kesser To- & Families at Risk and OHEL Children’s en’s League will Chofetz Chaim of rah will hold a Home & Family Services will present a Saturday hold its monthly program on “Protecting Our Families 24 Shabbos M’varchim Queens/Rabbinical breakfast at the Ye- from Forces that Threaten,” with talks class for women featuring a talk by Perrie Seminary of Ameri- shiva of Central Sunday

Sunday ca will hold its an- Queens. Details to by Rabbi Eli J. Mansour and Dr. Yitzchok Nordlicht. In the Beis Midrash of the YIK- th 1 nual Community 11 follow. Shindler. At The Edmund J. Safra Syna- GH, 150-05 70 Road, Kew Gardens Hills. gogue, 1801 Ocean Parkway (corner of Ave. Breakfast at the Young Israel of Kew Gar- From 11a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a R), Brooklyn. The Young Israel of dens Hills, 150-05 70th Road, Kew Gardens reception at the home of the Kaminetz- Jamaica Estates will Hills. th ky family in honor of the dedication of From 7:00 to 9:00 hold its 13 Annual p.m., Ohel Chil- 5K Run Walk for Is-

a Sefer Torah for Priority-1, in memo- Sunday At 6:30 p.m., EMET, ry of Mr. Chaim Kaminetzky. At 71-41 171st dren’s Home and rael in the Cunning- the Queens-based Family Services will 25 ham Park area. Pro- Street, Flushing. Light refreshments will outreach organiza- hold a parenting ceeds to benefit victims of terror. Register be served. Wednesday tion with programs 14 class of particular online at run.yije.org or in person that on ten campuses At 6:15 p.m., Yeshiva Sha’arei Zion will interest for people raising a foster child, morning between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. at the Wednesday 18 throughout the New hold its 3rd Annual Dinner at the Illagio, adopted child, or stepchild, or acting as Young Israel of Jamaica Estates, 188th York area, will hold its first Annual Dinner 79-17 Albion Avenue, Elmhurst. Honoring guardian for a child. The topic will be Street off Midland Parkway. For more in- at Illagio, 79-17 Albion Avenue, Elmhurst. Rabbi & Mrs. Ephraim Ben-Mordechai, Mr. “Matched and Mis-matched: Tempera- formation, please call 718-479-7500. Couvert $180 per person. For reservations & Mrs. Eddie Yakubov, Mr. & Mrs. Yekutiel ment and Disposition.” At the Elly & Bro- At 6:30 p.m., Mesivta Davidov, Rabbi & Mrs. Yisroel Nissim, and chie Kleinman OHEL Regional Family or more information, please call 718-820- Chofetz Chaim will Mr. & Mrs. David Avezov. For reservations Center, 156 B. 9th St., Far Rockaway. RSVP 9010. Reservation deadline is June 1. hold its 58th Anni- or more information, please call 718-268- required. Please call 718-972-9338, contact versary Dinner at 3444, ext 1 (evenings: call ext. 8), or contact [email protected], or go online Congregation Knes- [email protected]. at www.ohelfamily.org. Wednesday 28 eth Israel (the JULY The Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills YESS!/Yeshivah Education for Special White Shul). Honorees are Mr. and Mrs. will hold its 63rd Annual Dinner at the Students will hold its annual dinner at Eric Zaiman, Rabbi and Mrs. Yisroel Friday-Sunday 11-14 White Shul in Far Rockaway. The hon- Beth Sholom of Roslyn. Details to follow. Perkal, and Mr. and Mrs. Yisroel Husarsky. The Orthodox Union will hold a orees will be David & Hedda England- To place an ad in the journal or to make Marriage Enrichment Retreat at the er, Allan Shedlo, Valerie Olsen, and Da- At 7:30 p.m., Midrash Ben Ish Hai, in reservations, please call 718-263-1445 or Woodcliff Lake Hilton in New Jer- vid & Meredith Akerman, and featuring a conjunction with Edmond J. Safra Con- contact [email protected]. sey. $750 per couple (includes room, special dedication of the Alex and Agnes gregation, will hold a lecture by Rabbi meals, workshops, and tips for wait Lowinger Library. For more information Ya’aqob Menashe on the topic, “What on Shuvu will hold its staff). To reserve, call 212.613.8300. and reservations, please call 718-261-9723 Earth Are We Doing Here?!” Men, wom- annual Queens re- For more information, please call or contact [email protected]. en, singles, and teens welcome. Admis- ception. Details to Hannah Farkas, Program Manager, sion is free. At Congregation Edmond J. follow. rd at 212-613-8351, or contact her at han-

At 8:30 p.m., Chazaq will hold a lecture Safra, 11 E. 63 St., New York, NY. For more Thursday [email protected]. by Rabbi Paysach Krohn. Men and wom- information, please call 212-754-9555 or 29 en are welcome. Refreshments at 8:00 contact www.midrash.org p.m. At Congregation Beit Eliyahu, 71-52 172nd Street, Fresh Meadows. Bnos Malka Academy will hold its 18th An- At 8:30 p.m., P’eylim nual Dinner at Con- /Lev L’Achim will gregation Kneseth Is- hold a Kew Gardens Tuesday rael (“The White Hills community re- 20 Shul”), 728 Empire Monday Monday ception at the home Avenue, Far Rockaway. Honoring Menahel 12 of the Fried family, Rabbi Michael Weichselbaum. For more in- 72-23 139th Street, Kew Gardens Hills. With formation, please call 718-268-2667. To make special guest Rabbi Uri Zohar. For more a dinner reservation or to place an ad in the information, please call 718-258-7760. journal, visit www.bnosmalka.org. At 8:30 p.m., the Chazaq Women’s Divi- OHEL Children’s Home & Family Ser- sion & EMET, in conjunction with Beth vices will hold an exhilarating “Over the Gavriel, will hold a lecture by Dr. Tamar Edge” event in which friends and support- Perlman on the topic “Good fights and ers of OHEL have the chance to display their bad fights: 5 ways to tell the difference.” commitment and dedication to OHEL, and For women only. Admission is free. At display some courage by raising money to Beth Gavriel Center, 66-35 108th Street, For- rappel more than 20 stories down the side

8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 45 House & Home Rabbi Gedaliah and Sarah Newcomb

Lessons Learned This Week In Real Estate: “Learn From Everyone”

eal estate activity has been on those we serve. Some people are not The landlord told me that they are so in came a woman I have known for overdrive since Pesach, and in able to be satisfied, though, and in happy with the new tenant and they many years. This woman is a friendly Rtrying to keep up with the de- those cases it is unfortunate. feel it happened for them in the z’chus and kind person and the kind of per- mands, much has been learned along Lessons learned: Try to notice before of the chesed they did just before. son who makes people feel good, be- the way. Some good. Some bad. All beginning a relationship with a client Lessons learned: While I did indeed cause she always has something nice growth experiences. where there may be signs of trouble notice that, and try to take nothing for to say. I watched her as she greeted There was a seller who presented worth avoiding. Never treat anyone granted, I decided to remind myself this one and that one… then my turn… himself in an upright fashion. A then greeted another with a friend- transaction was put together and the ly smile and a kind word. It is peo- seller was very fortunate with the Try to notice before beginning a relationship with a client ple like this who make the world go terms of the deal. He got 10% over around – seemingly average folks who the market value for his house and where there may be signs of trouble worth avoiding are spirited and able to give and con- the buyers were very easy to deal nect with others. with. The transaction was seemingly Lessons learned: From her I realized stress-free. Until the end. Literally else in a way that made us feel bad of this constantly, for my own sake that my goal of building and maintain- just before closing, like a day or two, or unappreciated. Judge people fa- and to remain aware that Hashem is ing relationships, both in my personal the seller decides that due to some- vorably wherever possible, while still the boss. Hashem has His timeline of and in my professional life, is entire- thing he feels made him unhappy – protecting ourselves from harm simul- when things are supposed to happen ly within reach, and by being one of according to the LIBOR Realtor board taneously. And, of course: Hashem is and why. As the landlord also said to those people who are “givers,” by us- unjustifiably so – that a reduction the boss! me, “Hashem knew all along that this ing our words and our koach to build is due in the amount he contractu- There was a landlord who was in a tenant would come to us at this time; people, instead of gossiping, which ally agreed to compensate the realtor. precarious situation because his prior it’s just that we didn’t know it.” In- destroys, we can grow, ourselves, and Fortunately the realtor was protected tenant left abruptly, without giving deed. it is absolutely contagious, baruch by the written contract as far as the the proper amount of notice needed Today I was in a bagel store and Hashem. compensation went. But the damage in order to fill the vacancy. The unit to the relationship was done. Some was difficult to rent, because one of Rabbi Gedaliah and Sarah Newcomb are NY State Licensed Realtors for over 13 people just do not think ahead. They the rooms was smaller than average, years. While specializing in Kew Gardens Hills where they are long-time community think of what they want at that mo- and the apartment ended up uninhab- members, they serve all areas in the Five Boros and Long Island. They hold several ment, which in this case, of course, ited for many months. Someone was specialty certifications and are members of the Long Island Board of Realtors and was money from the seller’s perspec- in need of space in order to sit Shiv’ah the Multiple Listing Service of Queens and Long Island. Rabbi Newcomb is a beloved tive, and instead of being thrilled and the landlord gladly offered this Rebbe at Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe. Sarah Newcomb has won multiple awards from RE/ and grateful at what he had gained, unit to the aveil. Immediately af- MAX NY and RE/MAX International. They, along with their family, make their home he was focused elsewhere. Our goal ter that chesed was done, the perfect in and are proud members of the Kew Gardens Hills community. You may contact in all transactions is always to please match for the apartment came along. them at [email protected], Queensrealtorteam.com or at 9174597549.

Earlier this week, I had the honor ment of Israel confirmed that all its The Sefer Torah That Bridges to pay tribute to Lt. Col. Emmanuel soldiers had left Lebanese soil. Moreno in delivering the keynote ad- Emmanuel’s service details are fun- dress for Yom HaZikaron at the Ramaz damentally clandestine – so much so Between The Three “Yoms” Upper School in Manhattan. I high- that the IDF has not, to this day, re- lighted his incredible journey from leased his photo to the public for rea- CONTINUED FROM P. 29 tion so that it can withstand outdoor being born in France to becoming the sons of national security. The events conditions when in the field with the greatest soldier to have come forth in surrounding his military career, in- ish-Portuguese Synagogue in Antwerp, soldiers. In the process of restoring our time. cluding the circumstances of his Rav Yosef Chaim Trab HaKohen. To it, which is taking place in a sophisti- Emmanuel was a man of truth and death, are shrouded in secrecy. paraphrase his own words, “I am re- cated atelier, it was also determined modesty, a man of many deeds and We will never know the extent of quired to help you bring g’ulah to this that the sefer likely originated from few words, a true friend and human Emmanuel’s actions, as his record will precious sefer Torah and its history.” Bavel (Baghdad). being, a man of faith tied to the peo- remain classified for years. Nor will Rav Trab HaKohen personally trav- This sefer is a golden thread that ple of Israel and Torah of Israel in we ever be able to quantify how many elled to Israel on extremely short no- connects the three Yoms. It is a most all its layers and complexities. This lives were saved by his actions. In the tice, and brought the sefer Torah to Is- treasured remnant from the ashes of greatness was acquired from the ex- meantime, it is our responsibility to rael and handed it over to Emmanuel’s the Shoah, to be dedicated in memory ceptional harmony he held between a continue in his path of ahavas Yisrael brother, Rav Shmuel Moreno, who is of two people who died sacrificing life of action and deeds, and a life of by sanctifying Hashem’s name in life. in charge of the project. They met at their lived for the Jewish future, while spirituality. And to you, Israel, happy birthday! midnight at the airport where the de- receiving a permanent place of dwell- Lt. Colonel Emmanuel Yehuda May your next birthdays come with- livery of the sefer Torah took place. ing in the Holy Land with the mission Moreno fell in combat in the Ba’albek out additional sacrifices, only with The sefer Torah, which is now in a of accompanying those going into Valley of Lebanon, at the end of the our numbers growing and our people location facing Har HaBayis, is under- battle to ensure our permanence as a Second Lebanon War in 2006, but af- strengthening their unity. going a full inspection and restora- nation on its soil. ter the cease-fire, and after the govern- Am Yisrael Chai!

46 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 One Thousand Advocates Participate In The NORPAC Pro-Israel Mission To Washington 2014

With Congresswoman Grace Meng by Josef Schranz that promotes terrorism worldwide. Thirty-three new co-sponsors signed n Wednesday, April 30, a thou- on to this bill on the day of the Mis- sand people went down to sion. OWashington, DC, to participate The last talking point calls for Con- in NORPAC’s Mission to Washington. gressional condemnation of the BDS NORPAC is America’s largest Political movement, which has spread over Action Committee (PAC) supporting numerous college campuses across the US-Israel relationship. The Mission America and has been a growing trend is an annual event in which partici- in Europe. BDS targets Israeli goods pants meet in the offices of most of the and academia by calling for their re- members of the US Senate and House moval from international markets and Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) addresses a thousand Mission attendees at the Plenary of Representatives to discuss a set list universities. While there is no specif- Session of talking points related to Israel and ic bill connected to this talking point, Middle East relations. movement. Talking points were deliv- ment with Tehran, and new Senate leg- NORPAC members requested that Twenty-four buses departed from ered in a manual to all who attended, islation – called the Nuclear Weapon Members of Congress evaluate the po- fourteen different locations in the which broke down each point’s core Free Iran Act (S. 1881) – which calls for sition of this movement and call it out New York-New Jersey metro area car- aspects in a simple manner and then toughening sanctions on Iran’s global for being discrimination and existing rying citizen advocates to come down expanded on them. financial network if talks do not reach solely to delegitimize the State of Isra- to Washington. At the Capitol, attend- The first talking point dealt with a satisfactory conclusion. Legislation el. This issue proved to be a new topic ees listened to a distinguished panel America’s aid to Israel in the form of that passed in the House of Represent- in many Congressional offices, with of speakers discussing the importance Foreign Aid and the US-Israel Joint Mis- atives last year called for even harsher several staff aides and members not of the US-Israel relationship, including sile Program funding. This point called sanctions on Iran if they continued even knowing what the movement Senate Foreign Relations Committee for the continued support of $3.1 bil- getting closer to producing nuclear stood for. Chairman Robert Menendez, Senator lion in security assistance to Israel, and weapons. NORPAC’s Mission 2013 ad- At the end of the day, 97 Senators and Ben Cardin, Senator Ted Cruz, House renewing funding for the Joint Missile vocated on this House-side legislation, most of the House of Representatives Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Program, which was allocated $504.1 which passed by an overwhelming were visited by NORPAC members. Par- Member Eliot Engel, and New Jersey million in 2014. This includes $44.4 vote of 400 – 20. ticipants were bused home from the State Senate Majority Leader Loretta million to Arrow II, $74.7 million to Ar- This year, NORPAC was the first Washington Convention Center and Weinberg. row III, $149.7 million to David’s Sling pro-Israel advocacy group to organize were encouraged to follow up with the Participants of the NORPAC Mission and $235.3 million to Iron Dome. The a mission promoting the new House Congressional offices in which they went down to cover four key talking Congressional response to continuing Bill, H.R. 4411 – the Hezbollah Interna- met in order to foster a relationship points this year, each pertaining to these programs and foreign aid was tional Financial Prevention Act. This and gain key sponsorship on the leg- America’s close relationship with Israel overall positive. bill curtails Hezbollah’s funding by islation that they discussed that day. and broader security issues in the Mid- Next on the agenda was the issue sanctioning foreign banks that con- NORPAC continues to advocate for a dle East. Key issues covered during the of the current talks between the P5+1 duct business with the US-designated stronger US-Israel relationship with Mission were: aid to Israel, Iran sanc- and Iran over their nuclear enrichment terrorist organization. It also seeks to Members of Congress throughout the tions and negotiations, sanctioning program. Group members advocated stem their international influence by year, and the organization’s next Mis- Hezbollah, and condemning the Boy- for the continued roll of Congress in hitting satellite providers who air al- sion is set for a tentative date of May cott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) overseeing an acceptable final agree- Manar – Hezbollah’s television station 13, 2015.

The Kew Gardens Hills contingent

8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 47 Socially Savvy Esti Berkowitz My Afternoon Of Art And Beauty With Vive At The Children’s Museum Of Arts love covering interesting events with my kids in tow. Last Sunday, I had Ithe opportunity to share an experience of both art and beauty in Manhat- tan with my daughters. Since this was a beauty event, I went with my girls while my husband had special time with my son at home. So, I headed into Man- hattan via the F train to West 4th Street. While we really prefer the Express Bus, we decided on this mode of transporta- tion because the subway stop was within close proximity of our destination that afternoon: the Children’s Museum of Arts. As soon as we walked in, I noticed an Orthodox family walking out and they looked very happy. I asked them if they had enjoyed the museum and they smiled even more. I could tell by the design of the building and interior that this would be a fantastic museum for both kids and Ball pond Mask and rachel at vive adults. On our way to the room where the event was taking place, we saw an where kids can paint, draw, sculpt, or after the event with Vive. we were invited to a very special part array of displays and colors that drew us sew an original masterpiece. We hadn’t Vive has a very interesting mission: of the museum; The Ball Pond. It was in ever more. We couldn’t help but walk even made it to the beauty part of the They are an in-home salon service for a good thing the museum was closing into the Fine Arts Studio – an open area day, nor did we know what was in store the entire family. Whether it is a special soon or else the kids would have stayed up-do for a simchah, or a much-needed in there for hours. Imagine an oversized haircut and a shave for men, Vive is a ballroom and you’ve got The Ball Pond. service that will bring the salon to where The kids really loved walking up the you are. That is exactly what they did shrinking hallway to get there. that afternoon. While the mommies If you need to get a lot of beauty ser- spoke to the owners of the company, the vices done for a lot of people at once kids made some really fun art projects, (wedding season is soon approaching), like puppets and masks. I actually sat you may want to consider a service like with the makeup artist as she applied Vive. For more information on the Chil- a fresh coat of makeup to my face. In dren’s Museum of Arts, call 212-274-0986. between art projects, one daughter had On Thursdays, between 4 p.m. and 6 her hair braided and the other had her p.m., you can enter and pay as much hair straightened. We all couldn’t help or as little as you want for the admis- but feel like princesses for the day. Just sion fee. I know that we will be visiting before we were about to leave the event, again this summer.

Esti Berkowitz blogs about how she found kosher food, a husband, and had kids after 35 at www.primetimeparenting.com.

48 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 Parenting Simply Adina Soclof

May Is “Better Speech And Hearing Month”

Guest Article (stuttering) by Odette Hankins, • Repeats words or parts of words MS, CCC-SLP (stuttering) Coordinator of Speech-Language • Says words in the wrong order Pathology Services, (expressive aphasia) A+ Solutions • Struggles with using words and understanding others (global aphasia) hen most people think • Has difficulty imitating speech about the month of May, sounds (apraxia) Wthey think about sunshine, • Speaks at a slow rate (apraxia) flowers, and being outdoors. I, on • Produces slurred speech (dysar- the other hand, think about an an- thria) nual event started by the American Speech-Language- For more signs, treatment informa- Hearing Association tion, and other resources, visit identi- (ASHA) in 1927. Each fythesigns.org. May, Better Hear- ing and Speech consequences Adina Soclof, a certified Speech Pathologist, worked as a Speech Pathologist in pre- Month (BHSM) is of parents and schools for the developmentally disabled in the New York area. She then worked as celebrated to raise others waiting a Parent Educator for Bellefaire Jewish Children’s Bureau facilitating workshops. awareness of com- too long to seek She has been featured at numerous non-profit organizations and private schools in munication disorders, in- treatment – Cleveland. Adina developed TEAM Communication Ventures and conducts parenting cluding, but not limited to, disorders which is why and teacher workshops via telephone nationwide. For more information, visit parent- of speech sound production, lan- the Identify the Signs campaign ingsimply.com. guage, voice, and fluency (www.asha. is so important.” org/bhsm). With such a high preva- “While it is certainly never too late lence of communication disorders in to seek help, treatment is most suc- the United States (HealthyPeople.gov cessful, less expensive, and takes the reports that “at least 1 in 6 Americans shortest amount of time when a par- currently has a sensory or commu- ent or loved one is able to pick up on nication impairment or disorder”), the earliest signs of these disorders. it is vital that people become aware As May is Better Hearing and Speech of the disorders that may affect not Month, it is suggested that all parents only themselves but their family familiarize themselves with these members, friends, and co-workers. signs at IdentifytheSigns.org and In order to increase awareness, seek an assessment from a certified speech-language pathologists are en- speech-language pathologist if they couraging parents to educate them- have any questions. One should not selves through the Identify the Signs assume a child will ‘outgrow’ speech campaign, a national effort of ASHA. or language difficulties. There is nev- The campaign is designed to combat er harm in seeking an assessment, an overall lack of awareness about whether it results in putting a par- communication disorders – a major ent’s mind at ease or identifying a barrier to treatment for the more potential issue in a child that can be than 40 million total Americans who treated.” suffer. In children, parents should watch Speech, language, and hearing for the following signs of speech and disorders are among the most com- language disorders: mon disabilities in the United States. • Does not interact socially (infan- However, unlike many other disabili- cy and older) ties, these disorders often are revers- • Does not follow or understand ible and even preventable with early what you say (starting at 1 year) intervention. Unfortunately, many • Says only a few sounds or words parents do not recognize the first or makes only a few gestures (18 signs of these disorders. In young months to 2 years) children, early treatment can help • Says words that are not easily un- prevent them from falling behind derstood (18 months to 2 years) academically, socially, and in other • Does not combine words (start- key areas at a critical time in their de- ing at 2 years) velopment. • Struggles to say sounds or words “As an ASHA member and certified (3 to 4 years) speech-language pathologist, I see In adults, signs of speech and lan- the benefits of early intervention eve- guage disorders include: ry day. Unfortunately, I also see the • Struggles to say sounds or words

8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 49 Home Health Care Corner Tania Hammer at Caring Professionals How Can We Make Sure Families Are At The Forefront Of Medical Decisions?

icture this: A Family mem- of most illnesses, but this is invalu- pital, to visit patients as part of the nuanced customs relating to each ber, Moshe, is admitted to able as the family learns what’s medical team, to help the patient race and religion. All institutions Pthe hospital. The diagnosis wrong with their loved one and can see the other side of the story – that want to respect their patients, and is Type II diabetes, and there is no contribute positively to the treat- recovery is not only possible but there is no room for mistakes as family history. A team of doctors, ment process. Most misunderstand- probable and very doable. everything is only a click away. If nurses, and support staff are del- ings regarding the treatment process In our community there is an a doctor and his/her medical team egated to deal with the treatment occur because no one has explained added dimension, something we members were inappropriate in any and care of Moshe, and the family is the procedures to the family. Then have mentioned before but bears way, it would seem untoward for left out of the process. doctors find themselves in deep wa- repeating: a foreign language. A lot the patient to accept the treatment How can you as a family member ter as they try to get the family to of this readership is Russian and protocol. The term “when in Rome, be sure that the care and treatment cooperate but sometimes it’s too Yiddish, among other languages, do as the Romans do” doesn’t apply of Moshe is superior and something late and the family members are up- which adds more confusion to the to new immigrants requiring medi- you agree with, if you have no im- set. initial diagnosis in the emergency cal attention. mediate concept of Type II Diabe- With all these latent modalities, tes? Even if you Googled “Type II healing a patient becomes much Diabetes” right there in the hospital, Hospitals around the world are realizing more of a team project than just the got several pages of information, doctor-patient partnership. When and wanted to discuss this with the that patients get better sooner families are involved, everyone ben- doctor, there is no way you could when they include families in the treatment process efits. be educated enough in this area, to What does a patient do when make sense of what the doctor is there is no family? This is a sad situ- telling you. The general idea is to collabo- room, when the patient is admitted, ation, but, baruch Hashem, there are Most hospitals have information rate and engage on most levels of while he/she is in the hospital, and always solutions for these sorts of packages regarding diagnoses and treatment. Collaboration requires the discharge process. It is vital that problems. A patient can call Satmar treatments, and perhaps the team the medical team and the patient’s the patient and family know about Bikur Cholim at 718-387-7749, for ex- will briefly sit with you to help you family to relay all pertinent details what’s happening in a familiar lan- ample, and someone will come to be understand the illness and its treat- about the illness and diagnosis. The guage. Most New York City hospi- with the patient, give him/her fresh- ment. However, you don’t have time team would explain how the illness tals are aware of language barriers ly cooked food, and make sure other to read through the package imme- might have been contracted, how and provide interpreters if there needs are taken care of. There are diately. Filling out paperwork takes they will treat it, and what the long- are no family members that speak special organizations that arrange time and studying a booklet is prob- term prognosis might be. English, or a doctor who is bi- or tri- for visiting the sick. However, a ably furthest on your mind. All of Engagement is involving the lingual. When this happens, part of doctor must provide the same treat- you are left with so many questions family in all the steps needed to the medical team includes someone ment to everyone, no matter who and not enough answers. You are discharge the patient. This is also who speaks the patient’s language. the patient is or what family he/she feeling left out while the team deals a time to utilize family to help in Cultural sensitivity classes and has. By reading “The Patient’s Bill of with healing Moshe, and not giving the treatment process, which can applications have gained momen- Rights” you will also acquire a bet- you a dissertation about his illness include such things as teaching the tum lately, as there are so many ter understanding of what patients because time is of the essence. family how certain treatments are immigrants from different coun- are entitled to. It turns out that hospitals around performed and ensuring that they tries representing a host of differ- May it be G-d’s will that there be the world are realizing that patients are done right. ent religions. Every hospital and no need for medical intervention get better sooner when they include Another critical part of this pa- health care facility is appraised of very soon! families in the treatment process. It tient-centered outcome strategy is might take time for the doctors to to involve “survivors” of the specific Tania Hammer is a social networker for Caring Professionals. She can be reached at explain the diagnosis and treatment illness to collaborate with the hos- [email protected].

50 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 Frontlines Joseph M. Frager No More Free Passes For Abbas’ Bad Behavior

Camp David Peace Talks with President whose lot he has only made worse. All bas that he only reserves for the State of Bill Clinton and started the Intifada of the while, John Kerry did not say one Israel. This is far from a new phenom- 2000. His remarks, on the heels of his negative word about Abbas’ pact with enon. Abbas has gotten a free pass since pact with Hamas, on the heinous nature Hamas. He did not call it a pact with President Obama stepped into the White of the Holocaust, was a ploy to down- the devil, even though that is precisely House. When Abbas did an “end around” play the criticism he was getting for his what it is, and he certainly did not use Hamas Agreement (which in essence the type of negative language against Ab- CONTINUED ON P. 54 calls for Israel’s annihilation) and to gain sympathy for the plight of his people Joseph M. Frager is a physician and lifelong activist.

If Abbas continues to get a free pass, he will indeed go all the way to the Hague to bring accusations of war crimes against every Israeli uch has been made of Secretary of State John Kerry’s insulting Mand hurtful comments regarding Israel. First he blamed Israel for the failure of negotiations by using “poof” to describe how an ill-conceived, pie-in- the-sky peace plan fell apart. Second, he used the anathema “apartheid” word to condemn Israel. Secretary of State Kerry is however only one of Israel’s problems. Israel’s main problem is Mahmoud Abbas and his continuous shenanigans. He has acted, as many had predicted, as Yasser Arafat with an Yves St. Laurent tie and a Brooks Brothers suit. Peace is furthest from his mind and recognition of Israel as a Jewish State is even further from his mind. His recognition of the Holocaust as a “heinous crime,” despite his PhD thesis minimizing the degree of how heinous a crime it was, fits well with his Machiavellian, conniving, and devilish ways. He knows well how to behave like a diplomat when the time calls for it, but this hides his more sinister and overarch- ing evil self. People forget he was Arafat’s second in command. The world forgets he financed all of Arafat’s terrorist actions, including the Munich Massacre. He was the “brains” behind Arafat. He has played America like an easy fiddle, raising hundreds of millions of dollars of American taxpayer money to finance his own lavish lifestyle and continued terrorism. His latest pact with the world-ac- knowledged terrorist organization “Ha- mas” gives one a glimpse of how conniving this man is. This was his answer to President Obama and John Kerry for all of their efforts to make Peace. He poured gasoline upon the flames just as Arafat did after he bolted from the

8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 51 Feelin’ Funny Mordechai Schmutter There’s No Winning

would have to say that Chinese lem? So I bought some tickets. auctions are, hands-down, the best Now I know that you think that my Itype of auction. Unless you count putting in tickets lowers everyone else’s those car auctions that people are al- chances of winning, but it doesn’t. I ways walking away from, saying, “You never win anything, unless it’s some- see the car I bought? Five dollars! All thing that I really really don’t want. I it needs are seats!” actually did win a prize at a Chinese It’s definitely more exciting than just Auction once: It was a year-long gym buying things from a store. Going to membership. I didn’t even want to put the store is kind of boring, actually. You in for it, and I had that argument with give the store money, and you basically my wife beforehand, of course. always get something for that money. “A year-long gym membership?” I There’s no excitement, no suspense. gasped. “I have to work out for a year?” So Chinese auctions are definitely the And then she pointed out that this way to go. In fact, I think we should was a ridiculous argument to have sell aliyos via Chinese auctions, rather before we’d even won anything. And than the way we do it now, which is a then after we won it, she pointed out system where everyone sits there while that it was too late to argue about it. the gabbai yells out numbers, and peo- So I was stuck with a yearlong gym ple indicate that they’d like him to yell Someone representing a school in Cin- kids?” membership, lo aleinu. out higher numbers by doing things cinnati (R.I.T.S.S., which stands for the “Who needs a generator? When do In the end, I barely used the mem- such as tugging their ears and beeping Regional Institute of Torah Something we ever have a blackout?” bership, although my wife did, because their noses. And if no one does that for Something… Social Studies? I don’t “We already have a Kiddush cup. she has a husband who’s home most of a while, the gabbai counts to three, like know.) called me out of the blue one What would we use a second one for? the time, so even if the alternative is he’s a parent trying to get his kids to pick evening in October, during a blackout, Bentching?” to schlep out and do endless cycles of up their toys, and just like the kids, no and I said I’d think about it. So she And eventually, you realize, “It’s hard labor with no visible reward, then one bids higher until the gabbai gets to said, “Can you write down my informa- been two hours, and everyone’s still so be it. I did go a few times, but in gen- two-and-a-half. And meanwhile you’re tion? Or do you have it on caller ID?” putting in tickets. Did I buy enough?” eral I find that the thing keeping most sitting there, afraid to scratch your ear And I said, “Neither. You called me in So you buy some more. So I guess the people going to the gym is the thought because the gabbai is going to think middle of a power outage, it’s pitch idea is that if I’m there, making jokes, that, “I’m paying; I might as well go.” you’re bidding. And if he does mistake black, I had to race upstairs in the dark everyone will stick around until the But I wasn’t paying. Also, I was scared your scratching for bidding, you have to answer my one corded landline, I end, and they’ll keep putting in more of the trainer. (Don’t ask.) Also, I found to go into a mad frenzy of waving your stubbed my knee getting here, I think tickets. that it took me such a long time to get arms and hope he doesn’t think that ready to go, drive over there, change means you’re bidding even higher. So into my workout clothes, clean myself my thought is that we should sell aliyos I never win anything, unless it’s something up afterward, and drive back that I was via Chinese auctions. There should be literally not in good enough shape to a separate pot for each aliyah, and peo- that I really really don’t want spend enough time actually working ple can put their tickets in, and the gab- out to make that worth it. Also, some bai will pull out names. Or you could of the “Men-only” times were very input in for the “jackpot” prize, and that I knocked over one of my kids, and I The auction had pretty good odds, convenient. Did I want to go swim- way you can win several random aliyos: didn’t think, before I ran up the stairs, though, because of the amount of ming at 5 in the morning? I did not. “Maftir! Shlishi! Kohen! Oh boy.” (Or: to feel around for a pen and paper so I families involved. So I was thinking of I tell you, I was full of excuses. “Hagbah AND gelilah? How am I going could write your phone number in the putting in for some prizes myself -- just But there were no gym member- to pull that off?”) dark. Is there any way you could call blowing my whole fee on raffle tickets. ships in this Chinese auction, so I Also, in a Chinese auction, there are back another time?” And she said, “I’m My wife would be thrilled about that. didn’t win anything. If there’d been a lots of exciting prizes to win. Though sorry. Did I just call in middle of a hu- “No, honey, it said that if I paid $500, gym membership, that’s what I would actually, most Chinese auctions, I mor column?” I could get $800 worth of tickets!” have won, and if you think it’s a pain to think, are legally required to offer the I personally didn’t understand how But then I thought, what if I win? get out to a local gym, imagine a gym following prizes or some variation my being there would make them Am I going to stand up there and say, that requires a two-hour flight to get thereof: Two tickets to Israel, at least money, but I didn’t ask, because I didn’t “And the winner is… me! Thanks for in- there. So my point is that my chances 2 sheitels (His and hers?), a laptop, a want to rock the boat. After all, there viting me!” And how am I going to get of winning were so low that my buy- coffee maker, portable DVD players are 150 frum families in Cincinnati. this stuff back on the plane, anyway? ing tickets actually improved everyone for the car (though how I’m supposed Who else are they convincing to come? What if I win the Children’s Furniture else’s chances of winning. I mean it. to drive and watch DVDs at the same Maybe the idea is that normally, some Package? Or the swingset, assembly Somebody won every single prize that time I’ll never know), a GPS (for when people just buy tickets in advance and included? Or the gas grill, sponsored was there. you’re driving and watching DVDs), a don’t bother showing up, but if people by anonymous? That’ll get through air- You know who won? Several people digital camera, a pile of random books actually have a reason to come in, they port security. whose names I couldn’t pronounce. In (some of which are. Say, Volume 3 of a might impulsively buy even more tick- “Sir, who gave you this gas grill?” a town of 150 families, I was the only set), and one free week at a two-month ets, because it’s a 3-hour event, and it “Anonymous!” person there who didn’t know every- camp. takes like 5 minutes to put in all your And then I thought, wouldn’t it be body. I recently went to a Chinese auc- tickets, after which you spend the rest funny if I actually did have this prob- Their names were all Chinese to me. tion. I hosted it, actually. You know of the evening sitting around watching the guy who announces the winners everyone else putting in tickets and ar- Mordechai Schmutter is a weekly humor columnist for Hamodia, a monthly humor and makes corny jokes about the priz- guing about them: columnist for The Jewish Press, and has written three books, all published by Israel es? I was that guy. “Okay, but if we win the trip to Book Shop. He also does freelance writing for hire. You can send any questions, com- I didn’t volunteer to be that guy. Switzerland, who’s going to watch the ments, or ideas to [email protected]

52 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 Financially Forward Gerald Harris Phone Wars

Chinese company called Xiaomi China. Moreover, the Mi3 is said to be could soon shake up the entire a better phone because it has a sharper Asmart phone market. It could also camera and a larger screen. “It’s what send shivers through the market leaders, you would buy unless you insist on own- Apple and Samsung. ing an Apple,” Gordon Chang writes in That’s because Xiaomi is selling smart Forbes. phones faster than Joey Chestnut can “The next half billion smart phone down hot dogs. Although relatively new, customers will increasingly come mainly the company has already become one of from poorer, emerging markets, notably the industry leaders in Mainland China India and Africa,” according to IDC, an and has set its sights on becoming a lead- analytics firm. Xiaomi’s lower-priced but er in all of East Asia, and over the longer high-on-features products will undoubt- term, they want to build on their success- edly prove to be strong selling points in es and expand beyond this region. those regions. emerging regions. If successful, the com- 351 million of them were sold there just Xiaomi’s market strategy – selling prod- Price and features are important sell- pany could achieve economies of scale in the last year, more than a third of the ucts with advanced features at razor thin ing points in every market, but Xiaomi that would enable it also to target devel- world’s total. But sales slowed last quar- profits – has struck a chord with consum- just pulled another ace from out of its oped countries, where it would undersell ter and now companies may have to fight ers. According to research firm Canalys, sleeve. They lured Hugo Barra, the for- Apple and Samsung. In other words, it even harder for sales. the company sold 7.3 million phones in mer head of product management at will use the profits that are made in un- No one can be certain who will be left China in the fourth quarter of last year, Google’s Android mobile unit, to take derdeveloped countries to attack the standing at the end of the day, but one ranking it in fifth place in that country. over all of their global expansion efforts. market leaders in Western Europe and thing is very likely: The real winner could By comparison, Apple sold seven million Barra recently said that Xiaomi will the US and grab a share of those markets be the consumer. phones and finished in sixth place. use the same pricing strategy that has as well. Smartphones have proved to be amaz- sources: Allthings.com; ingly popular in China. According to IDC, Gordon Chang, Forbes.com Apple and Samsung, which are used to earning hefty profit margins, Gerald Harris is a financial and feature writer. Gerald can be reached at geraldhrs@ yahoo.com can’t be happy about the news that Xiaomi plans to compete on price around the world

Now Xiaomi (pronounced shau me) made it so successful to date when it en- has set its sights on a much more ambi- ters new markets. Apple and Samsung, tious goal: Next year it hopes to sell 100 which are used to earning hefty profit million phones. margins, can’t be happy about the news The only way this could be accom- that Xiaomi plans to compete on price plished is by entering new markets. Cur- around the world. rently the company does business in “The market leaders, who were used Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, to fat profit margins, are going to be and Taiwan. But a recent announcement stunned,” says Chang. “This is the busi- said that next year they will enter ten ad- ness equivalent of Mao Tse Tung taking ditional countries, and that could pose the cities by surrounding the country- quite a challenge for the market leaders. side,” a strategy that proved to be very For example, the least expensive of Ap- successful in the Chinese civil war during ple’s smartphones is the 5c. But Xiaomi’s the 1940s. least expensive product, the Mi3, sells for There could also be a part two to Xi- less than half of what the 5c sells for in aomi’s strategy of expanding into new,

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Full Time preferred. 917-742-8909 EEO/AA M/F/D/V. continued education, new college gradu- byqapplicants@ Please email resume to: and email resume to Email Resume to ates. Excellent working environment, sup- gmail.com [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] portive administration, competitive pay. Minimum requirement provisional NYS Teaching Certification. Permanent certification preferred. Contact [email protected] S’firas HaOmer: Why We Count, What We Count CONTINUED FROM P. 11 point so vividly, to them the greatest good SERVICES possible was the receiving of the Torah – G- Young man with car available for couri- Through The Makos d’s word, the ultimate spiritual experience. er work and light deliveries. The answer to this question lies in un- And so, while they anxiously anticipat- Contact Elliott at 718-427-0180. derstanding the great level of clarity that ed the redemption from slavery as a great the Jews reached by living through the Ma- good that would free them from physical kos and the splitting of the sea. oppression, they valued the reason they For ten months, each Jew saw with ev- were being freed even more. They were to er-increasing clarity that Hashem created, receive the Torah. Feeling Their Pain maintains, and orchestrates this world. With absolute certainty, they experienced Davening is I talking to Hashem; CONTINUED FROM P. 9 bed, all the while knowing that his serv- Hashem’s presence in their lives. This un- learning is Hashem talking to me. ant has nothing to sleep on, he will suffer derstanding brought them to recognize cer- This concept has great relevance in our The following Shabbos – one day be- such a deep emptiness within him that he tain core cognitions. lives, as we have the ability to tap into this fore the thirty children were set to arrive is not at all fulfilling Chayecha kodmin! Every human has inborn understand- instinctive knowledge of the importance of – the Ponovezher Rav got up to speak in After all, he is in pain! On the other hand, ings. Oftentimes they are masked and learning. When a person gets caught up in the Beis Midrash HaGadol. “Rabbosai, if he gives away his very last pillow so subdued. Whether by environment or by the temporal nature of this world, the cur- there is a halachah that states that when another Jew can be comfortable, he is so desire, the human spends much of his life rency with which he rates things changes. a man purchases a servant, an eved Ivri, full of joy that he has literally given prec- running from the truths that he deeply The value system now becomes honor, he must see to the needs of the servant edence to his own personal need to help knows. When the Jews in Mitzrayim ex- power, career, or creature comforts. That before his own. If he has only one pillow, another Jew!” perienced Hashem’s power and goodness, is what he views as good, and that is what he must give that pillow to his servantt The Ponovezher Rav raised up his voice they understood the purpose of Creation. he desires. The more a person involves and he must sleep without a pillow. The now and cried, “My dear merciful Jews, if They knew that we are creations, put on himself in these, the more important they question that is asked is what about the you want to sleep peacefully in your beds this planet for a reason. We were given a become, and the less precious the Torah be- rule of Chayecha kodmin – in which the at night, I will tell you how. Give your great opportunity to grow, to accomplish, comes. Our natural appreciation of Torah owner’s own needs should take prece- cushions, pillows, and blankets to the and to mold ourselves into who we will becomes clouded over by other desires and dence? Why must he give away what he poor and unfortunate ‘Yaldei Tehran’ and be for eternity. We have a few short, pre- an ever-changing value system. needs for his own existence, so that his then you will feel such a gratifying feeling cious years here, and then forever we will However, the more a person focuses on servant should be comfortable? of fulfillment, that you will experience enjoy that which we have accomplished. his purpose in the world, the more he val- “The answer, my friends, is that the To- Chayecha kodmin first-hand!” Because they so clearly experienced ues the Torah. He recognizes it as the for- rah understands the inner workings of a The next morning, he had all the bed- Hashem, their view of existence was mula for human perfection. He now sees Jew. If a Jewish owner will sleep in his ding that he needed in place! changed. They “got it.” the Torah as the ultimate gift given to man Because of this, the currency with which because it is both the guide and the fuel to they measured all good changed. They propel his growth. With this changed per- No More Free Passes recognized that the greatest good ever be- spective, the very value system with which stowed upon man is the ability to change, he measures things changes, and now his to mold himself into something different appreciation, love, and desire to learn in- For Abbas’ Bad Behavior so that he will merit to cling to Hashem. crease until finally he becomes aligned CONTINUED FROM P. 51 begin with. A true leader would have They recognized that everything that we with that which Hashem created him for – stopped giving Abbas any more American humans value as important pales in com- perfection and closeness to Hashem. maneuver against the president by going Taxpayer money. A true leader would not parison to the opportunity to grow close to the UN to obtain UN Observer Status, have given him and will not give him any to Hashem. Because they understood this despite the president’s objections and more free passes. apparent frustration, the PA was never Israel, for its part, has to renew its “punished” for this very “bad behavior.” time-tested ways of retaliating against Abbas knows full well that the president every terrorist incident that occurs as Apology and his secretary of state do little to re- they did years ago. The PA and Abbas strict him and do nothing to punish him. have to know that there is a price to pay In my recent article titled “The Law Of The Letter,” I made reference If Abbas continues to get a free pass, he for continued terrorism. Forty Israelis to a particular organization (not named in the article) as one that is will indeed go all the way to the Hague have been murdered by terrorists in the to bring accusations of war crimes past year and not one has been answered struggling to make itself felt to the masses. As that reference borders against every Israeli. For the record it adequately. Israel releases terrorists from on Lashon Ha’ra, I wish to apologize for that remark. Such criticism was never Israel that failed to negotiate its jails at the request of Abbas and Kerry, was unwarranted. in good faith, it was Abbas all along, but and Israel pays a very heavy price. What not a peep out of the White House. He price has Abbas paid for his conniving I am in fact a member of that organization and am familiar with the always planned to go to the UN and to and devilish tactics? many good works it does on behalf of Klal Yisrael, despite sometimes The Hague. It is high time for Abbas to finally hear being in disagreement with its policies. A true leader would have made Abbas from America, and Israel, too: No more - Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld pay for going around him to the UN to free passes!

54 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 55 “We’re Climbing Up A Mountain:” Manhigut Yehudit Annual Gala . Commemorates Yom HaZikaron & Celebrates Yom HaAtzmaut In Queens Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, MK Moshe Feiglin address enthusiastic crowd

Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld, YIKGH, at right, greets MK Moshe Congresswoman Bachmann Feiglin while Shmuel Sackett, International Director and Co- Congresswoman Michele Bachmann & MK MK Feiglin and Shmuel Sackett listen intently speaks to the crowd Founder Manhigut Yehudit, looks on Fieglin to Congresswoman Bachmann by Jared Feldschreiber Queens Jewish Link before the festivities point that he’s at right now, a very effec- those who don’t, generally don’t last,” Dr. began. “Our expectations are for people tive spokesman for the Jewish people. I Frager added. hmuel Sackett, the Religious Zion- to learn about the organization, what we hope he will inspire us and we will inspire Congresswoman Michele Bachmann ist who co-founded the Zo Artzeinu had done in the past, what we will do in him. Moshe has stuck to his guns, and was introduced by Sackett as the US Con- Sand Manhigut Yehudit political the future, and to get excited about being he’s risen. I think he has to make certain gress’ greatest defender of Israel. movements in Israel, passionately wel- a part of it.” moves that will enable him to rise even “Israel is forced to jump over hurdles, comed about 450 people to commemo- Sackett went on to say that he and further. He’s young. He’s got a great future and go through hoops, and do everything rate Yom HaZikaron and celebrate Yom Moshe Feiglin co-founded Zo Artzeinu ahead of him and we wish him the best.” needed to contort itself for peace, while HaAtzmaut at a star-studded fundraiser together in 1993; five years later, they co- Dr. Frager also had a unique perspec- [the Palestinians] do just the opposite,” on Monday evening. Held at the luxuri- founded Manhigut Yehudit. tive as to what role Religious Zionism Bachmann told Queens Jewish Link before ous ballroom at the Terrace on the Park Feiglin, the Haifa-born Israeli politician serves with guiding Israeli policy. her speech. The Congresswoman said in Flushing Meadows, the evening’s gala who won a seat in the Israel Knesset in Jan- Dr. Frager feels that it plays an indis- that the Obama administration should featured impassioned Zionist speeches uary 2013, has been depicted as a rising star pensable one. not punish Israel and reward its hostile by Deputy Knesset Speaker and Manhigut among Religious Zionists both in Israel “Religious Zionism is going to continue enemies, quoting the oft-repeated adage Yehudit co-founder Moshe Feiglin, as well and the US. Sackett even introduced him to ascend because Zionism is based on from Genesis: “And I will bless those who as Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. as the “future Prime Minister of Israel.” As religious principles. Anyone who thinks bless you, and the one who curses you I will The evening infused a heavy political dose part of his political platform, Feiglin said that Zionism can exist without religion is curse. And in you all the families of the alongside hearty cuisine at the highly- three guiding principles ought to guide the mistaken, totally mistaken. Zionism lasts earth will be blessed.” touted Queens banquet hall, in a memora- Jewish State: liberty, Jewish identity, and for a short time if you don’t have religion, “I just want to say how grateful I am to ble event that began as remembrance but restoring meaning within Israeli life. but once you add religion, it’ll last for eter- all of you,” said the Minnesota Congress- gave way to celebration to mark Israel’s Like Sackett, Feiglin has been a vehe- nity,” Dr. Frager said. woman as she began an impassioned de- 66th year of independence. ment opponent of the Oslo Peace Ac- Do Religious Zionists serve as the van- fense of the Biblical and modern state of “Welcome to the 11th Annual Dinner cords. On August 8, 1995, 80 intersections guard for the Israeli people? Israel, reiterating that the country must of Manhigut Yehudit,” said Sackett, said throughout Israel were blocked as part of “They are the future of Israel. Zionism be deemed the Jewish State for eternity. Sackett, who grew up in Kew Gardens the party’s civil disobedience against the needs religion to make it go forward, to “Israel is made up of contiguous land Hills and presently works as Manhigut’s government’s actions. As a result, Feiglin make it prosper and succeed,” Dr. Frager that includes Judea and Samaria. This is International Director. was sentenced by Israel’s Supreme Court responded. a fact. That East Jerusalem is in fact Israel. “For the next hour and a half, since it is to six months in prison for sedition. “If you don’t have religion, you’re in a That Israel is not an occupier, Israel is an still Yom HaZikaron, the memorial day in One of Feiglin’s biggest supporters is twilight zone. Zionism is good, but with- owner,” Bachmann said to thunderous ap- Israel for the fallen Israeli soldiers... We Dr. Joseph Frager, a perennial powerhouse out children knowing how good it is, plause. will not have any live music at all until for Jewish politics in Queens. without children seeing the love of the “There’s no question that… if Israel gave after davening. Then we will switch to a “I helped Moshe out since the early land, and the love of education and Torah 40% of her land, we would not have a more festive time because it will be Yom days. I was the first chairman of their principles, and the history of our people, guarantee of peace, we would have a guar- HaAtzmaut,” he added. first dinner,” Dr. Frager told Queens Jewish you don’t have people who will want it antee of war. It is no doubt in my mind “It’s our annual fundraising campaign Link. to continue. Politicians who are sticking that the Temple will be reconstituted on for Manhigut Yehudit,” Sackett told “I’ve seen him grow and get to the to Torah principles are going to last, and the Temple Mount,” she said, evoking Bib-

Rob Muchnick & Congresswoman Bach- mann 56 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 “We’re Climbing Up A Mountain:” Manhigut Yehudit Annual Gala . Commemorates Yom HaZikaron & Celebrates Yom HaAtzmaut In Queens Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, MK Moshe Feiglin address enthusiastic crowd

lical prophecy. Bachmann also said that of Israel’s Basic Law. The government Jonathan Pollard, the Israeli spy who has passed legislation that compelled young served in an American prison for over two chareidi men, who for years had received decades, ought to be released. exemptions for Torah study, to enlist or Bachmann also recalled her first trip to face sanctions that included prison time. Israel just a day after graduating from high Known as the Equal Service Bill, the law school, 40 years ago: set targets for enlisting yeshivah students. “I spent the summer picking weeds Large demonstrations soon ensued in in a cotton field at Kibbutz Be’eri in Beer Jerusalem, as close to 500,000 ultra-Ortho- Sheva, and at that time you couldn’t find dox Jews clogged the Israeli city’s streets. an ice cube in Israel. It was a very, very, For Feiglin, the existential importance different world… I have been there multi- of Jewish identity remains paramount ple times since… Look at the miracle that within Israeli society. has happened… people have come from Feiglin also said that Israel has been all over the world,” Bachmann said. treated unfairly when it comes to bound- In answering some of Israel’s vile de- ary disputes. tractors who have used the boycott, di- “The Land of Israel belongs to the peo- vestment, and sanctions (BDS) campaign ple of Israel, not to the State of Israel... We in order to castigate the Jewish state for encourage [all] Jews to come to Israel.” its policies, Bachmann said that after con- Jews living in the Diaspora would find An emotional moment, as Cantor Ira Hel- ferring with Israeli politicians on a recent it in their best interests to move to Israel, ler speaks about his late father, esteemed trip, she is preparing legislation to “boy- especially as anti-Semitism remains ram- attorney Jacob Heller z’l, in whose cott the boycott….” pant throughout the world. Rosalie & Sanford Goldstein, Lifetime Jewish memory the dinner was dedicated, stand- “Wherever I can, I will stand with Is- “We see what’s happening in Ukraine, Activism Awardees, with MK Feiglin ing with Moshe Feiglin. rael – even if I have to stand against my we see what’s happening in France. Don’t president,” she said in a harsh rebuke of think that the floors here are not shaking President Barack Obama and Secretary of – they are,” Feiglin warned the American State John Kerry, two men she believes are audience. not friends of Israel. “The first one who should come home Congresswoman Bachmann also told is our brother, Jonathan Pollard. I call on Queens Jewish Link that she has viewed the US to release Pollard. I call on all Jews US foreign policy in the past six years un- to come back to our homeland. We are der the Obama administration as “living going back to ourselves. We are going to in a fantasy world.” have a proud Jewish tradition. We are Moshe Feiglin’s keynote speech, mean- going to have a prideful, peaceful Israel,” (L-R) Debby & Brian Glick, Aliyah Awardees, MK Feiglin, US Director Rob Muchnick and MK while, blended in his hawkish and lib- concluded Feiglin. Shmuel Sackett, Guest of Honor Dr. Shlomo Kalish Feiglin ertarian political views. Despite being The evening also included a speech against the peace process, for instance, by Dr. Shlomo Kalish, a former Israeli Feiglin is also a proponent of medicinal Air Force pilot, who honored Feiglin. He and recreational use of marijuana. This wished him continued success as a Knes- was presented during a 20-minute film, set Member. The program concluded which preceded his speech. with a concert by Israeli musician Yehuda In recent years, Feiglin founded a cau- Green. During the evening, Chazan Ira cus in the Knesset that has dealt with try- Heller sang Hatikvah and the Star Span- ing to replace the current conscription gled Banner. model with a paid volunteer force. Feiglin Despite considerable criticism by Isra- Ira Heller with wife Alysia, MK Feiglin, Tamir & Jeff Cohen argued that there is no military or strate- el’s media and left-wing political parties, gic reason to have a standing army of Manhigut Yehudit has garnered a devoted around 100,000 young men and women following in recent years, both in Israel under arms. and abroad. Manhigut Yehudit: “Mandatory conscription has nothing But Sackett has underscored that Man- to do with security. On the contrary, it higut Yehudit is a peaceful political move- Turning the state of Jews into the Jewish State: is detrimental to security. But in a state ment. Manhigut support- founded on the security ethos, the power “[Manhigut Yehudit] is a lot stronger ers get into the spirit to forcibly conscript or excuse from con- than it used to be, and not as strong as it of Yom Ha’Atzmaut with Deputy Knesset scription is the power to determine who needs to be. We’re on our way. As Moshe Speaker MK Moshe is the insider and who is the outsider,” Fei- [said recently] ‘We’re climbing up a moun- Feiglin, co-Founder glin wrote in a 2012 article. tain; there’s fog at the top… not sure how of Manhigut Yehu- Israel’s Supreme Court issued a sweep- far we have to go yet, but when I look be- dit. The Israeli flag is ing ruling two years ago that found broad hind, I’ll see how far I’ve come.’ proudly displayed by exemptions from mandatory military “So, we’ve still got a long way to go, Dr. Paul Brody. service for ultra-Orthodox men to be dis- but we’re on our way,” Sackett reminded criminatory against those who were not Queens Jewish Link. Photograph by: Ivan H. Norman exempt and therefore was a violation Photo credits: Yaakov Katz/QJL

8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 57 58 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 Delectable Dishes Estee Kafra, kosherscoop.com Post-Pesach Diet Help

Colorful Green Bean Salad With Creamy Garlic Dressing he colors in this salad add Vinegar elegance to any sweet table 2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard California Salad Tor dinner table. If the al- 3 Tbsp Honey monds sit too long in the dressing, Kosher Salt - to taste mitation crab, or surimi, is 1 Tbsp lemon juice they turn a bit soft, so if you do a product popularly used 2 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste) make this salad in advance, add al- Instructions: Iin sushi, especially Califor- ½ tsp sugar monds just before serving. I have 1. Bring a large pot of salted wa- nia rolls. It can be found in the 1 Tbsp water one friend who told me she makes ter to a boil. Cook green beans for freezer section of most kosher this salad so often she could prob- about 5 to 7 minutes; drain. Run supermarkets and fish stores. It Instructions: ably make it in her sleep! ice-cold water over the green beans is sold both as small pieces or 1. Dice the peppers and the Yield: 6 immediately to make sure they longer sticks. For this salad, I imitation crab into small, equally stop cooking. Drain again. prefer the sticks. sized cubes. (The actual size does Ingredients: 2. Meanwhile, place all the Yield: 8 not matter, as long as you remain 2 lbs., trimmed Green Beans dressing ingredients in a food pro- Ingredients: consistent. I prefer the size to be 1 large, peeled, dried Mango, cut cessor fitted with the steel blade Salad: very small because I think it looks into chunks attachment. Process on high for 4 large bell peppers in 4 differ- nice.) 1 cup dried Cranberries about one minute. ent colors 1 cup whole salted, roasted Al- 3. When ready to serve, place 10 sticks surimi seafood sticks 2. Place all salad ingredients monds (slivered almonds also green beans, mango, dried cran- (approximately) into a bowl and sprinkle very work well) berries, and almonds in a large 2 whole scallions, chopped lightly with kosher salt. bowl; drizzle dressing over and kosher salt Dressing: toss well. 3. Mix the dressing ingredients 2 tsp Olive Oil Spicy Mayo Dressing: in a bowl, pour over the salad, and ½ cup Mayonnaise NOTE: This dressing can be 1⁄3 cup low-fat mayonnaise mix until evenly coated. 8 cloves Garlic made ahead of time and kept in 3 chopped Scallions an airtight container in the refrig- Estee Kafra, author of three best-selling cookbooks, runs KosherScoop.com, an interactive A bit less than ¼ cup Balsamic erator. website with all the latest and greatest in kosher cooking, featuring over 1,000 recipes.

8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 59 60 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 61 62 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 The Informed Woman • Style Myths Debunked Meira E. Schneider-Atik

Myth: If you don’t like your arms, you need to cover them with big sleeves.

Truth: Instead of hiding your arms, you can camouflage them, and you’ll look so much better.

’m odd in many ways. One of Back to layering: If you’re going those weird things about me is to wear an overtop over a long- Ithat I love my arms. I’ve been sleeved shell, it’s best if the over- exercising regularly since high top is sleeveless. Yes, you read that school, and my arms are strong and correctly. Short sleeves that fall healthy. Most women, even if they above the elbow cut right into the are healthy, do not like their arms. upper arm, which is usually wider They might think their arms are too than the lower arm. That empha- big, too short, too long, etc. sizes the larger part. Cap sleeves are In most cases, the real problem the worst because they cut into the is what these women do about widest part of the upper arm. Ironi- it. They try to hide their arms un- cally, sleeveless tops are flattering der big wide sleeves. Granted, bell because they do not draw attention sleeves and billowy sleeves can fit to the arms. into a “romantic” or “feminine” per- Speaking of sleeve length, we sonal style. But they’re not flatter- concern ourselves with ¾ sleeves, ing, and they don’t really hide all bracelet sleeves (which fall just that much. above the wrists), and long sleeves. From me, you get the truth. As long as the sleeves are fitted, the As a general rule, fitted clothes length is mainly a matter of person- that show that you have a figure are al choice. I avoid bracelet sleeves better than larger clothes, which because they emphasize my bony only make people think that you wrists and hands. I prefer ¾ sleeves have a larger body that you’re try- in general, because they’re flattering to hide. The same goes for the ing while staying out of my way. smaller detail of the arms. Long sleeves are a second choice for Most women are careful about me. But it really is up to you. Again, not wearing skin-tight sleeves that as long as the sleeves are fitted, you show every bump and bulge, and just need to choose the length you that’s good. But they often forget like best. about that, when they are going for Another great way to flatter your layered looks with shorter sleeves. arms is to wear bracelets. They’ll If you’re wearing a shorter-sleeved draw the eye to your wrists, which or sleeveless overtop with a long- are the slimmest parts of your arms. sleeved shell, you need to make sure Be aware of your bone structure. the longer sleeves are fitted but not Smaller wrists need more delicate skin-tight because the bumps and bracelets while larger wrists can bulges will show. wear bigger ones. A pile of small Having said that, most women do bracelets worn together looks great make the mistake of thinking that if on pretty much everyone. they wear larger sleeves, it will hide Keep in mind that your arms do their arms. But it doesn’t work. a lot for you, so it really doesn’t pay Larger sleeves only make people to dislike them. Just exercise them think that you have larger arms that and keep them in good shape, and you’re trying to hide. Fitted sleeves you’ll look great. that show the shape of your arm without overdoing it will camou- Dear readers: If you have any fash- flage whatever you don’t like about ion or style questions, general or spe- your arms. If you put your hand on cific, I would love to do a Q & A col- your hip or waist, with your elbow umn, so now’s the time to ask. Contact bent, you should be able to see a me at [email protected]. Don’t wor- nice big triangle of dead space be- ry: I won’t use names or any personal tween your arm and your torso. information.

Meira E. Schneider-Atik is a wardrobe organizer and personal shopper. She helps women weed out their wardrobes, shop smartly, put together outfits, and save time, effort, and money, all within tz’nius. Her writing on fashion and style within tz’nius has been published both in print and online. She is also a jewelry designer and co-founder of RenaMei Jewelry – Designed Just for You. Her pieces can be seen on www.etsy.com (just look up RenaMei). She can be reached at 718-644-6135 or at [email protected].

8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 63 Relationships/Marriage Rabbi Refael & Mrs. Adina Ribacoff Marriage Myth & Reality – Part II

MYTH: Expecting your spouse to spouse or the other makes a mountain it does mean that more effort will be re- Danish in the morning, and going out meet all your deepest needs out of a molehill. This may not always be quired. to the Table for Two couples’ event. You REALITY: It is important to under- the case. It is a way of telling the spouse Most couples ignore their relationship want a great relationship and great ro- stand that a person who totally depends that something is wrong and telling him problems, hoping they will go away on mance? It’s all in the yardstick that you on a spouse for need satisfaction is actu- or her to address an unfulfilled need. their own, or they make up but never use to measure. ally saying: “I’m assuming you have com- We ask for trouble if we ignore differ- discuss what happened or find ways to plete power to make me happy.” In most ences of viewpoint; this avoidance may prevent them, which is why many cou- MYTH: Believing that a peaceful re- cases this is an unrealistic assumption. become a major problem in our relation- ples suffer from similar problems over lationship is a good one In most relationships a spouse may ship. and over again. REALITY: Many people worry that not be able to meet all of the deepest There are consequences in assuming Some problems will be easier to han- arguing is a sign of trouble. But it’s nei- needs of his or her partner. Nevertheless, that the best approach to a problem is dle than others, and there are times ther good nor bad. What counts is the it is the responsibility of both persons to to ignore it. when professional relationship advice is way you express your disagreement and work at meeting the needs of the other. The problem gets worse. the answer. how you deal with the argument once Being selfless is the key, not an easy True emotions are avoided. It is unrealistic to think that a relation- it has run its course. If you pursue a task but a necessary component to the Resentments increase. ship is going to be great all the time. This take-no-prisoners approach, obviously success of any marriage. up and down is a normal part of relation- arguments are going to be destructive. Put the other person first. When dat- Instead of avoiding fights, just avoid ing, a couple often defers to each other; making them too personal. Learn how once they are in a committed relation- You want a great relationship and great romance? to argue properly. ship, however, they may be less likely to do so. Yet, when you ask a longtime It’s all in the yardstick that you use to measure MYTH: Believing that there is a right couple why their relationship has suc- and wrong way to make your relation- ceeded, they often report that what they ship great gave – rather than what they expected – MYTH: Thinking that time and love ships. REALITY: What’s important is that brought satisfaction and growth. will resolve all problems you find ways of being together that MYTH: Assuming that problems are REALITY: Whether you like it or not, MYTH: Believing that you and your work for both of you. Finding a stand- best handled by ignoring them problems will come along. Having a re- spouse always need to agree ard in a book or article, or conforming REALITY: It is true that some marriag- lationship problem does not necessarily REALITY: You and your partner are to what your parents think you ought es are unnecessarily tense because one mean that a relationship is doomed, but different – genetically, physically, physi- to do, should not be the measure you ologically, psychologically, and histori- use to define your relationship. Use the cally. You are not always going to see Torah as your guide and ask the rabbis things the same way. That’s okay! It’s for advice and wisdom. One answer for far more enjoyable when you are with one couple is not always the answer for someone who enriches your life – and another. not simply reflects it. Good marriages don’t just happen. MYTH: Believing that the ecstatic They are the result of a determination emotion you felt when you first met is to overcome the false assumptions, mis- real love – and then judging your rela- communication, disappointments, and tionship by that early sizzle, unfairly heartaches that inhibit the relationship. labeling a genuine quality marriage as Good marriages do exist, but they exist substandard only when people recognize the real is- REALITY: This is real life. A great sues and deal with them in a construc- romance can be as simple as sharing a tive manner.

Rabbi Refael & Mrs. Adina Ribacoff have been teaching chasan and kallah classes for over 18 years. They are available for lectures and workshops on various topics, including relationships, dating, and parenting. Rabbi and Mrs. Ribacoff can be contacted at [email protected] or [email protected].

64 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 Advertiser Spotlight: Know Your Local Business Shira Diamond Mark Plaine Divorce Attorney At Plaine & Katz process before moving forward. Studies differ in statistical findings, but all come Although family and friends close to the conclusion that 50% of all marriages end provide moral support, they also in divorce. With this unfortunate reality, divorce have a tendency to offer advice lawyers have their work cut out for them. Being a that is counterproductive, if not completely wrong. If the cou- divorce lawyer requires great emotional stability, ple has children, they need to because animosity, custody battles, and asset wars put their best interests ahead of are all part of a day on the job. We spoke with Mark their own. Plaine, a divorce lawyer at Plaine & Katz located in Kew Gardens, to find out how he handles the ins QJL: How has this line of and outs of the job. work impacted your life? MP: By handling all these QJL: Hi, Mark, can you tell MP: For College, the Univer- cases I have learned to have us a little bit about yourself? sity of Maryland, after which I great patience with people go- Where did you grow up and attended the Law School at Syr- ing through difficult times. I where do you live now? acuse University. have met many people, from MP: I grew up in upstate many parts of the world, with New York, near Albany. I moved QJL: There are so many areas different backgrounds and in- to New York City after marriage. of law one can practice. What is time consuming, emotional, QJL: What is the most impor- terests. This has helped me to My wife is from New York by made you decide to go into di- and stressful, the other lawyers tant piece of advice you can give be more understanding of my way of the Soviet Union. vorce law? ran away from these cases. I a couple contemplating divorce? community. MP: Early in my professional started doing them years ago, MP: The best advice to pro- QJL: Which college did you career, I worked at various law and have built up expertise in spective divorce litigants would Mark can be reached at attend and what law school did firms that accepted divorce cas- the area after about 26 years of be to make sure that they are 718-268-0279, or visit www. you go to? es. Because this area of the law practice. ready to go through with the plainekatz.com.

8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 65 The Informed Woman • Beauty Briefs Risselle Naimark Are You Out Of Line?

rawing the right lines can make all the differ- then apply a light lipstick and add a glossy finish. ence when you need a bit of extra help. The Did you go too far over the outside of the lip? Con- Dfollowing tips are designed to help save the cealer pencils clean up sloppy edges. day. To keep lip color from bleeding, apply a dry conceal- To minimize large lips, outline inside of the edge of er pencil to the inside edge of the lips. Then blot with the lips with a natural colored lip liner. Then follow up translucent powder on a puff. Define your lip contours with a neutral or dark lipstick. with a pencil matching your lips or lipstick, blending to- To plump up thin lips, very carefully outline just out- ward the middle to make the liners more discreet. Pow- side the edge of the lips with a flesh toned pencil and der lightly again, then add lipstick, avoiding the edges.

Blot with a tissue. Reapply lip color just inside the line. Please note that dry cracked lips can help contribute to color migrations, so taking good care of your lips is the key. To help lipstick from getting on the teeth, apply color with a brush instead of straight from the tube. Also avoid getting lipstick inside the lip where it’s wet. Blot thoroughly (including corners) with a tissue. Please note that capped teeth are also more likely to stick to lipstick.

Risselle Naimark is a Professional Freelance Makeup Artist and Skincare Consultant. She carries an exten- sive line of personalized skincare, cosmetics, and anti- aging products. Risselle is also available for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, makeup lessons, and all of your beauty needs. She can be reached at 718 263-5517.

66 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 67 The Fun Side

Side Splitting Stand Up “Donald Sterling’s girlfriend “Tomorrow night, reporters and said she’s “going to be president celebrities will attend the White “For someone of the United States” one day. House Correspondents Dinner.” Of Yeah, like we’re going to elect course, it’ll be awkward when the who doesn’t want to someone who secretly records reporters from CNN spend all night associate with black people, people’s private phone calls and just trying to find their table.” - Jimmy Fallon conversations.” owning an NBA franchise is like a vegan - Jimmy Fallon “Sterling is not allowed to have buying a steakhouse.” any contact with any professional “Heisman Trophy-winner Jam- basketball whatsoever. It’s like he’s –Jimmy Kimmel eis Winston is in the news after an honorary L.A. Laker.” he shoplifted $32 worth of crab –Craig Ferguson legs from a Florida grocery store. Experts say if he doesn’t clean up has been banned from the league his act and stop breaking the law, “Dallas Mavericks owner for life. Great, just where Sterling he could end up in the NFL.” wanted to end up – the blacklist” Mark Cuban said he doesn’t think –Jimmy Fallon - Jimmy Fallon Donald Sterling should be kicked out “The NBA has banned Don- “The Royal Court of Saudi Ara- of the league for comments ald Sterling for life for his racist bia has launched a website that made in private conversation. comments. If Sterling has a prob- will accept complaints against the After hearing this Sterling said, ‘Wow, this is lem with black people, maybe he government and send them direct- the first time I’ve liked a Cuban.’” should think about owning a hock- ly to the king. You can even submit ey team.” a second complaint if you want — –Jimmy Fallon –Jimmy Fallon using your remaining hand.” - Seth Myers “Jamaica is reportedly close to passing a measure that would le- galize marijuana. Yeah, in Jamaica. “President Obama “NBA players had threatened to Political analysts are calling it a is out of the country. Vice President boycott if Donald Sterling wasn’t bold move that could change noth- Joe Biden is out of the country. banned for life. In fact, the Lakers ing.” And you know what happens then. They turn over are so upset they decided not to –Jimmy Fallon play for the rest of the season.” “They fined Sterling $2.5 million. nuclear launch codes to Oprah.” –Jimmy Fallon At a typical NBA game, $2.5 million –David Letterman “L.A. Clippers owner Donald is what you pay for those big foam Sterling was recorded on tape fingers.” making racist comments. He now –Craig Ferguson

“I am happy to be here, even though I am a little jet-lagged from my trip to Malaysia. The President Obama’s Five Best Jokes lengths we have to go to get CNN coverage these days. I From The White House Correspondents’ Dinner think they’re still searching “It’s great to be back. What “Of course, we rolled out “Let’s face it, Fox [News], for their table.” a year, huh? I usually start healthcare.gov. That could you’ll miss me when I’m gone. these dinners with a few self- have gone better. In 2008 my It will be harder to convince “MSNBC is here. They’re a deprecating jokes. After my slogan was, ‘Yes We Can.’ In the American people that little overwhelmed. They’ve stellar 2013, what could I pos- 2013 my slogan was, ‘Control- Hillary [Clinton] was born in never seen an audience this sibly talk about?” Alt-Delete.’” Kenya.” big before.”

68 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 Side

Crossword Puzzle

Across Down SOLUTION WILL APPEAR IN NEXT ISSUE. 1. Mode (7) 1. Bird of prey (6) 4. Pole tossed in the Highlands (5) 2. Meaning (5) Solutions to last issue’s puzzles 7. Relating to the moon (5) 3. Country (6) 9. Diplomatic (7) 4. Desert plants (5) 10. Aromatic herb (7) 5. Perplexed (7) 11. Cove (5) 6. Connect (6) 12. Main artery (5) 8. Respond (5) 14. Sturdy (5) 13. Forbidding (7) 19. Relinquish (5) 15. Let in (5) 21. Burrowing rodent (7) 16. Veer (6) 23. Four-sided parallelogram (7) 17. Dissertation (6) 24. Stories (5) 18. Rubbed out (6) 25. Abated (5) 20. Flowed back (5) 26. Despised (7) 22. Claw (5) SOLUTION WILL APPEAR IN NEXT ISSUE. Signs That Aren’t Doing Their Jobs Right

This Wi-Fi pregnancy

This one-stop This super-fun shop This less-than- playground effective warning

8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 69 70 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014 8 Iyar 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 71 72 917.549.6145 • [email protected] May 8, 2014