See Page 43

See Pages 3, 4 & 5 $1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 10 NO. 34 22 SIVAN 5770 jka ,arp JUNE 4, 2010

INSIDE FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK RALLY AT TURKISH CONSULATE

MindBiz BY LARRY GORDON Esther Mann, LMSW 30 ACE Jewish Education A PR Headache Gavriel Horan 34 Something very odd hap- executive in their enterprise Cold Calls, Warm Calls pened while the Israeli navy was purged from the earth by a Hannah Reich Berman 37 (the news media calls them U.S. predator drone which took Decisions, Decisions commandos because that him out somewhere in the Talmid X 66 sounds more vicious) was mountains between Afghan- boarding those ships headed to istan and Pakistan. Machon Basya Rochel Gaza filled with peace activists Mustafa al-Yazid, who Al 77 with terror in their hearts and Qaeda admits was their chief on their collective minds. At executive and direct conduit that same time, the not-such- from the terrorists on the Protesters on Tuesday took to the streets of Manhattan in front of the good folks at Al Qaeda were ground to Osama bin Laden— Turkish consulate to express their support for ’s interception of the Gaza flotilla that turned violent as hundreds of anti-Israel passengers on releasing the information that, either in his cave in Pakistan or the boats sought to break the three-year blockade of the . perhaps as far back as March, Above center: Helen Friedman of Americans for a Safe Israel the number-three corporate Continued on Page 8 joins the demonstrators. See Page 24 A SEAT DISPUTE IN SHUL HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE

Halachic Musings Shimon that the seat was actual- How Jewish Is The IDF? B Y YAIR ly Reuven’s. Shimon responds HOFFMAN with a nursery-school variant of BY LARRY GORDON Lichtman-Mase wedding. an old legal principle—specifi- See Page 72 This past Shabbos in shul there cally, he says, “Finders keepers, When it comes to the young were a number of simchos being losers weepers.” men and women of the Israel celebrated. Understandably, there Somewhat stunned at Defense Forces, there is virtual- were a number of extra people. Shimon’s answer, I responded ly unanimous support from “Reuven,” an irregular guest, was softly that, in fact, Reuven had friends of Israel and from sitting next to me. asked me to save him the seat. everywhere. After all, how can Because it was so crowded, Shimon in turn answered that you argue with the fact that Reuven informed me that he he was not moving. After a these young men and women was just going to check on his minute of silence, I somewhat are protecting the borders of children—a good father. Two sarcastically told him that I Israel or actively fighting for minutes later, “Shimon” takes Reuven’s seat. I gently inform Continued on Page 20 Continued on Page 11 Colonel Geva Rapp Celebrating Jewish Heritage Couture for a Cause. CELEBRATING See Page 63 Dirt KINDNESS BY RABBI AVI SHAFRAN Another Mother’s Musings BY PHYLLIS J. LUBIN With all the hyped-up head- lines, the old joke practically Chesed (acts of kindness) P h o t o

C insists on being dusted off. The comes from all sorts of places o u r t e s y

o one about the group of scien- and all sorts of people: The bank f C h a b

a tists who inform G-d that His teller who tells you to have a d . o r g a n

d services are no longer needed, good day when you are down; C a h b a

d that their knowledge of the uni- the friend who offers you a ride o f M o n

t verse now allows them to run it home from the supermarket a n a just fine themselves, thank You. when you bought way too Elena Kagan, recently nominated for a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court, with Rabbi Chaim Bruk, emissary in Bozeman, Montana, at the “Can you create life like I much to walk home; the col- Ateret Cohanim annual dinner. White House last Thursday night, where President Obama hosted a See Page 58 reception to mark Jewish Heritage Month. Continued on Page 14 Continued on Page 16

CANDLE LIGHTING June 4 – 8:03 PM June 11 – 8:07 PM 2 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 3 FEATURES

Around The Five Towns 44 P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 516-984-0079 [email protected] Chronicle [email protected] Shmuel Katz 18 LARRY GORDON ESTA J. GORDON Publisher/Editor Managing Editor YOSSI GORDON, YOCHANAN GORDON Classified Ads 68 Sales Managers CHANA ROCHEL ROSS The Dish Editorial Assistant SIDI BARON Elke Probkevitz 32 YAKOV SERLE Sales Representatives Five Towns Simcha SHMUEL GERBER MICHELE JUSTIC Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor Ira Thomas Creations 72 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Hannah Reich Berman, Anessa V. Cohen, Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg, Toby Klein Greenwald, Insights On The Rabbi Yair Hoffman, Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Shmuel Katz, R’ Ben Tzion Shafier 42 Phyllis J. Lubin, Esther Mann, Rochelle Miller, Elke Probkevitz, Naomi Ross, Luach 10 Dr. Rachael Schindler, Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, Rabbi Avi Shafran, Eli Shapiro, Ari Sher, Samuel Sokol MindBiz DOV GORDON, ELISHEVA ELEFANT Staff Graphic Artists Esther Mann, LMSW 30 IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS Staff Photographers Puzzle FRANKEL & CO. Design & Production Yoni Glatt 45 TALIYE CORLEY Art Director Real Estate SARAH GREENBAUM Anessa V. Cohen 36 Assistant Art Director

The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly news- paper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not That’s The Way It Is! necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or Hannah Reich Berman 37 establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times.

4 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 5 6 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 7 FROM THE EDITOR because of Defense Minister Ehud Barak’s morning with one very large public rela- effectively enough. Newscasters on all Continued from Front Cover political considerations, the soldiers who tions headache. But you know what? the networks—including Fox News (you took part in stopping the flotilla were not This may be a momentary crisis that is know, fair and balanced)—continue to at a 5-star hotel in Iran—was eliminated. properly armed. nothing more than a slightly amplified ask their correspondents the same The real news, however, is not that Mr. al- In his phone conversation with Prime version of the usual problem that the redundant question: was the Israeli Yazid is no more; it is that President Minister Netanyahu on Monday, State of Israel faces. action legal? Obama considered his assassination so President Obama told Mr. Netanyahu Today, as in the past, Israel’s weak- Here is some information about the urgent that the CIA (which operates the that it is vitally important that the facts ness is her inability to lay out the facts so-called peace flotilla that has also so far drones out of Langley, Virginia) was given of what happened on the high seas the for the world. It’s odd how a country not been effectively publicized. There the okay to kill al-Yazid’s wife, three other day be gathered and immediately composed of so many brilliant minds may have been as many as fifty members daughters, grand-daughter, and a host of made public. While that’s the right thing and the creators of such a vast number of Al Qaeda on board. Some of the passen- other men and women who lived nearby. to do, what about the U.S. taking the of technological and other innovations gers had in their possession night vision On display here for all to see and lead and doing the same thing? How cannot successfully protect its own equipment and ceramic vests. And Israeli absorb is the fashion in which two about releasing the information about image. There is no question that Israel is sources also reported that more than $1 countries—the U.S. and Israel—battle million in cash was confiscated from the those who seek to harm them. Our beef boat where all the action took place. and struggle with terror and terrorists It’s been additionally pointed out here in the United States is no different that most of the items being transport- than what Israel has been dealing with Israeli officials noted that most of ed on the boats were things of which for decades. there is no shortage in Gaza. Also, Israeli Statistics furnished by the Israeli officials noted that most of the medica- army indicate that at present one the medications on the ships were tions on the ships were outdated and Palestinian civilian is unfortunately not useable. It’s little tidbits of informa- killed for every 29 terrorists that are outdated and not useable. tion like these that lead one to believe eliminated. At present, the same report that the true purpose of the mission (in of May 28, 2010) was to once again place Israel in a posi- says that the U.S. approach to eliminat- tion where the country has to defend ing terrorists by drone attacks results in itself against a world of critics pouncing 30 civilians killed for each individual the decision-making process involved in militarily strong, but when it comes to upon it. Thus, while the boats did not terrorist taken out. killing al-Yazid’s wife, daughters, grand- the arena of public relations, where so break through the blockade, their mis- While it seems that the Israeli navy child, and neighbors? Is the danger to many Jewish personalities also excel, sion was still successful. In fact, last assault on the Gaza flotilla was some- Americans posed by Al Qaeda executives Israel is left babbling and wandering week /Gaza President Ismal what sloppy and drew international con- in Afghanistan and Pakistan really any around in circles as the world has its Haniyeh said of the flotilla: “If the boats demnation, according to the above statis- different than the murderous designs way with her. get through it is a victory, and if they are tics it was nevertheless effective, and it that Hamas has for Israel and in fact for Israeli legal experts have said that stopped it is a victory too.” successfully accomplished its objec- Jews everywhere? according to their interpretation and So while the world ponders how the tive—to maintain the blockade of The good news is that the blockade is analysis of international law, Israel was professed peace-loving Jews can Hamas-ruled Gaza. intact, and leftist activists—regardless of within her right to intercept and board mount such an audacious and vicious If there is fault in the execution of the their motives, some of which may have these boats outside the perimeter of attack against “peace activists,” I can’t plan, it largely lies with the Israel defense been genuinely honorable—have been Israeli waters. The Israeli spokespeople establishment. The sad news is that stopped. Still, Israel woke up on Tuesday have said as much, but apparently not Continued on Page 10

8 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 9 FROM THE EDITOR So what if Israel would send one of its crisis in Gaza. Each week Israel ships over Mohammad Abbas can accuse Israel of Continued from Page 8 pilotless drones up over Gaza and elimi- fifteen tons of goods into the Gaza Strip. indulging in “state terror” and the next day nate the terrorist Mr. Haniyeh, or over The objective of the “peace activists” here readjust their tie and talk long-term peace help but wonder about the drone Damascus and do likewise to Mr. was to incite active world opinion against with Ambassador Mitchell and Israel. strike that killed the late Al Qaeda sen- Meshaal? Somehow, I don’t believe Israel Israel. Hatred for Jews and Israel is like a The other day, Secretary of State ior director Mustafa al-Yazid, his fami- would have as easy a time getting away sleeping giant. All that one needs to do is Hillary Clinton was thrown before the ly members, and an as- yet-unknown with that as the way no one seems to care slightly nudge it and it jumps into action. press at the State Department to mumble number of his neighbors. a few words. As the world condemned Was Mr. al-Yazid a murderer? Chances Israel, and as it continues to pressure the are that, just like Osama bin Laden, he U.S. to do likewise, all Clinton could do never killed anyone with his own hands, was talk about waiting for a full and so in a literal sense he may be considered While the boats did not break complete investigation and refuse to to not be a murderer. Who knows if the condemn Israel’s action in the continu- U.S. would have been able to convict him ing war on terror that the U.S. is so much in a court of law. Yet there is little doubt through the blockade, their a part of. She essentially said nothing that he was in the murder business and definitive, but you could see what she encouraged and helped train and support mission was still successful. was thinking. The look in her eyes said, those actually committing the murder of “Mid-term elections,” and “Heavy as many innocents as possible in the Democratic losses.” O name of his twisted form of Islam. Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at If that’s the case, how is he different [email protected]. from Ismal Haniyeh of Hamas who hid in that the al-Yazid family has been not-so- But as with all situations that pertain to a hospital during Operation Cast Lead last pinpointedly eliminated. the , there is also a silver lin- year while he encouraged others to go out Everyone around the world is up in ing. The flotilla incident has for now and die? Mustafa al-Yazid is also no differ- arms because Israel took bold steps to pro- thrown the limping-forward march of the CALENDAR ent than Khaled Meshaal, the Hamas polit- tect herself. The blockade is not a semi-seri- proximity peace talks between Israel and ical leader who hides out in Damascus pro- ous matter. Israel has demonstrated count- the off stride. It’s unlikely that tected by the Syrian dictator. less times that there is no humanitarian leaders of the Arab cause like President LUACH June 4-June 13 ZIP Code: 11516

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BAGEL STORE New York. He added that most of the Continued from Front Cover young people in Israel’s high schools and those entering their years of army service her defense? are at a loss to understand what is so spe- Israel cannot simply be considered cial and sacred about the Jewish people some distant geographic location for or the land. us, that is being protected by a mili- He was joined in our meeting by tary force just like the defense forces Rabbi Zev Karov, the head of the boys’ of any other country. When Israeli high school in the settlement communi- troops are guarding and protecting Israel’s borders, they are protecting every Jew in the world, regardless of where we may reside. There was one high There is a real concern out there, however, that there has been a transfor- school in Tel Aviv that mation in the ranks of Israeli youth that has resulted in a disconnect and refused entry to the confusion regarding what serving in the IDF and defending the State of Israel is IDF because they really all about. That is where we fortunately get intro- considered the army duced to Geva Rapp, a colonel in the IDF reserves with over 25 years of service. much too bent on Rapp is a levelheaded and serious-mind- ed soldier who cares deeply about the violence for their taste. character and the future of the youth of Israel (and even those who are older) and the nature of the relationship between their Jewishness and its impact on Israel’s future. ty of Karnei Shomron. Rabbi Karov’s About four years ago, Col. Rapp—who son, Aron, made headlines around Israel was called up to serve as battleground and indeed around the world last year coordinator in the 2009 Cast Lead opera- when, the day after his wedding, he tion in Gaza—founded Panim el Panim rejoined his combat unit, which was (“Face to Face”). “We in the IDF have fighting Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Young become increasingly aware that the Aron Karov, 22, was caught in a booby- youth in our schools and those entering trapped building that exploded while he the army to defend the country simply was in it. The blast set off a series of do not know anything about the nation other bombs placed around the building or the people of Israel,” Rapp said in our meeting this past Saturday night here in Continued on Page 12

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 11 BAGEL STORE in the basic knowledge that is the foun- Continued from Page 11 dation of Jewish life. The Chai Roi program is named after that resulted in Aron’s sustaining over another hero of the IDF, Major Roi 500 shrapnel wounds. Half his face was Klein. He died in August 2006, during ripped off by the blast, he lost his nose, the Second Lebanon War. The circum- and when he was evacuated, those mov- stances of his death left him a hero in ing him out by helicopter believed him Israel. A hand grenade was rolled into a to be dead. building where Klein and the men from It was only once onboard the evacua- his unit were stationed. According to tion helicopter that one of the medics the men whose lives he saved by sacri- thought he heard a sound emanating ficing his own, he declared: “Report that from Aron Karov. It was at that point I have been killed.” He then recited the that they started to work on resuscita- pasuk of Shema Yisrael and threw his tion, did a quick tracheotomy, and got body on the grenade, saving the other him back breathing. It’s been over a men in his unit. Roi Klein was 31 years year, and Karov is mostly recovered, his old and left behind a wife and three father says, but there are still a host of small children. residual problems as a result of being so Col. Rapp says that while in badly injured. Manhattan last week he was in a taxi The story dominated the Israeli press Rabbi Zev Karov Dov Goldman, director of American that was caught in agonizingly slow traf- as a young newlywed took the coura- Friends of Panim el Panim. fic. He engaged the cab driver in some geous step and joined his unit in battle. casual chitchat and discovered that the Having just gotten married he was not Karov says. “Something is going on; there driver was from Ghana. Geva asked him required to go, Rabbi Karov says, but he is a hunger and a desire to know more Tel Aviv. The program’s name emanates about his country, and the taxi driver vol- felt he had to be with the men in his unit. than what young people were satisfied from two sources. One is the fact that a unteered that what all these underdevel- “As big a miracle as it is that Aron Karov with in the past,” Col. Rapp adds. questionnaire distributed in the Tel Aviv oped and very poor countries have in is alive,” says Col. Rapp, “you can consid- “We are teaching the young people schools asked students to complete the common is that the leaders and rulers er it a small miracle compared to what is about Jewish values, fundamentals of following sentence: “Shema Yisrael, base their power on their personal con- happening today with Panim el Panim Jewish life that they never heard of Hashem Elokeinu ______.” trol over the resources, weapons, and being invited into high schools and onto before,” Col. Rapp said. He said that look- Astonishingly, over 80 percent of the money, as well as all the country’s vital army bases to teach the young people ing at the faces of some of the students as students could not fill in the last two institutions. what it means to be a Jew protecting well as those in uniform, you can see they words of the sentence that has been the He asked Geva his take on that obser- Eretz Yisrael.” are hearing things that are making them bedrock of Jewish life from the time the vation, and Col. Rapp said that he was Both Rabbi Karov and Col. Rapp agree light up with new ideas along with a Jews became a nation after departing from a country that is run by leaders that their success—perhaps we can even deeper understanding about the relation- from over 3,300 years ago. There with values and an army that is directed call it popularity—is taking place in the ship of a Jew to the . is no question that there have been gen- by principles of morality. He said his context of something very new and dif- While Panim el Panim works the erations in between that lived under country is run by leaders who have a ferent. “I don’t believe this kind of lectur- army bases, Midreshet Lahav and the oppression and were frequently on the vision of the future and who care about ing to our forces could have happened Shema Yisroel Chai Roi program works run, but never before has there been a ten years ago or even five years ago,” Rav the high schools mostly in and around generation of Jews so empty and lacking Continued on Page 15

12 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 13 Dirt Switzerland, notes, “chimeric organisms Professor Fussenegger notes further, rep- come, and a single set of chromosomes, Continued from Front Cover have long been created through breeding resents “a technical advance, not a con- rather than the usual pair from two par- and, more recently, through the transfer ceptual one”—but rather life itself, the ents, had to be convinced to do the job. did?” asks the Creator. of native genomes into denucleated tar- wonder of a living cell. But it was still, in the end, essentially a “No problem,” they reply as they confi- get cells.” In other words, mules and tan- The celebrated Jewish thinker Rabbi E. E. miracle that takes place millions of times dently gather some dirt and fiddle with the gelos and genetically modified foods are Dessler (1892–1953) wrote that there really is in hundreds of thousands of species settings on their shiny biologocyclotron. nothing terribly new. no inherent difference between nature and every day without capturing most peo- “Excuse me,” interrupts the heavenly The scale of the recent laboratory suc- what we call the miraculous. We simply use ple’s attention. voice. “Get your own dirt.” cess, to be sure, was impressive. An entire the word “nature” for the miracles to which And forty-odd years ago, heart trans- The breathless reports about J. Craig genome took up residence and func- we are accustomed, and “miracles” for plants, too, were flabbergasting. But, at Venter’s modestly named J. Craig Venter tioned in a host cell. But the host, all said those we haven’t previously experienced. least to thoughtful men and women, they Institute’s recent biochemical feat weren’t and done (and hyped), was an already-liv- All there is, in the end, is G-d’s will. were never remotely as amazing as hearts. just tabloid titillation either. The ing cell, denuded though it was of its When a sheep was first successfully So we cheat ourselves if we let the media respectable Christian Science Monitor her- focus our attention on what humans have alded the “creation” of the “first synthetic accomplished here, impressive though it is. life form.” The venerated journal Science The miracle is Divine, even if its ubiquity referred to the crafting of a “synthetic usually keeps it under our radars. cell.” At least Scientific American remained It was still essentially a miracle that Well, actually, there is something won- sufficiently sober to add a question mark drous about what the scientists did here after the phrase “Life From Scratch.” too. Because what might be the greatest To be sure, the technological feat was takes place millions of times in miracle of Creation is that, above and impressive, even astounding. Scientists at beyond all other life on earth, we humans the institute constructed an entire hundreds of thousands of species have been granted the astonishing ability genome (the chromosomes that code for to think and discover, to analyze and cre- the inheritable traits of an organism) of atively utilize the rest of nature. What a one bacterium from commercially manu- every day without capturing most wondrous gift. factured units of DNA and transplanted it Like the dirt. O into a cell of a different bacterium that people’s attention. © 2010 Am Echad Resources. Rabbi Shafran is had been emptied of its own genetic director of public affairs for Agudath Israel of material. And the Frankengerm began to America. function as if it were a full-fledged mem- ber of the first microbe’s family. Some, including some who invoked genetic material, not a plastic bag. So, cloned 14 years ago, we were all rightly Remember that article? religion, have objected to such biological despite all the headline-hoopla, life was amazed. But the more perceptive among tinkering. Whether there is any authenti- not engendered; it was manipulated. Or us realized that the source of the amaze- Visit our archive section cally Jewish objection to genetic transfer in the words of Caltech geneticist David ment was the coaxing of genetic material research, or if Jewish law prohibits Jews , “[Venter] has not created life, to do precisely what it does all the time and find any issue of the from engaging in it, are questions for only mimicked it.” “naturally”: code for traits, replicate, and 5 Towns Jewish Times halachic experts, not me. But, as Dr. There is a miracle here but, to put it direct protein synthesis. Dolly’s produc- Martin Fussenegger, a professor of starkly, it is being misidentified. The mar- tion, to be sure, was a major accomplish- online @ www.5TJT.com biotechnology and bioengineering in vel isn’t the scientists’ feat—which, ment; myriad obstacles had to be over-

14 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES BAGEL STORE Continued from Page 12 improving the life of the common man. s”xc The driver turned to Geva and incredu- lously asked: “Is there really such a country in the world?” Col. Rapp said that yes, there exists such a country— and it is Israel. Geva Rapp and Rabbi Zev Karov are discovering that they may have arrived on the scene not a minute too soon. “There was one high school in Tel Aviv that refused entry to a spokesperson from the IDF because they considered the army much too bent on violence for their taste,” said Col. Rapp. He adds that another time he heard that a soldier once referred to the Palestinians as “the enemy,” to which his commander objected, saying, “How can you call them enemies if the government is talking with them and is hoping to reach agreements with them?” They had to find some other way to characterize the people they were being trained to fight against—anything but “enemy.” Col. Rapp adds that a CIA study on Israel that was done a few years ago con- cluded that it’s possible there will be an end to the State of Israel. They based that conclusion on what they called the coun- try’s “lack of spirit.” “We are at a juncture where the nation is studying and looking inside at itself,” says Rabbi Karov. He says that Israel as a nation is discovering that too many of its people are spiritually empty and that something is needed to keep them vigorous and energized as a people and a nation. The men explained that for decades the Israeli army operated with precisely the opposite philosophy—that nothing but one’s own personal power and ability are needed to overcome and to succeed. Col. Rapp’s idea to teach Jewish values, history, and Torah to Israel’s young peo- ple is already having a dramatic impact on the IDF. He described how one unit com- mander was skeptical when he explained what he wanted to talk to the young men and women about. When the commander attended the class, he decided that as a first step it would be best if Rapp did not address all the sol- diers on the base. He insisted that Col. Rapp first meet and teach a class to all the other commanders. One high-school principal recently wrote to Col. Rapp. She said, “For the first time, I felt that I was part of a nation, a society, a culture with its very own pur- pose and vision. I would like to thank you from the depth of my heart for your time and amazing personality.” The projects run by Rapp and Karov are being funded in part by Israel’s Defense Ministry and Ministry of Education. The institution of the IDF is slowly coming around to dealing with the necessity of such instruction for the young troops. Panim el Panim is cur- rently raising money for their efforts here in the U.S. so they can expand their valuable services while they wait for the Israeli government to view them as an indispensable dimension of the educa- tion of Israel’s youth—young people like Aron Karov and his wife, who are expecting their first child in July. O Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at [email protected]. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 15 MOTHER’S MUSINGS these noble students, we were hon- Continued from Front Cover ored to hear words of chizuk and inspiration from Rabbi Hain, the league who entertains Yussie on his mara d’asra of Congregation Beth motorcycle as you pick up some neces- Shalom of Lawrence. He mentioned sary paperwork (thank you Eli!); volun- the following story: teers that offer their services while asking A known ganif (burglar) in a town nothing in return. These are just a few of once went to the home of the rabbi to the sources that I have found while being return a wallet filled with money that on the receiving end of chesed. he had found in the street. The rabbi I was fortunate last week to be the was very impressed and thanked the proud parent of two daughters who man profusely (perhaps, he thought, the became inducted into the Chesed known burglar had turned over a new Honor Society at HAFTR high school. leaf) and explained to him how impor- tant it was according to Torah Law to return an item that was lost. After the ganif left the rabbi’s home, the rabbi While appreciating the looked down and noticed that his watch was missing. He ran out of his house Chesed Awards at HAFTR. Pictured (L-R): Leor Bareli, Robyn Steinerman, Rivka Lubin, chesed we have and caught the ganif as he was walking Shani Weisberg and Stephanie Stein down the street. After it was established received over the years that the man had indeed stolen the rabbi’s watch, he said to him, “I don’t Appreciation. Both my husband and the Friendship Circle at a special pre- from this community, understand—did you really do such a myself were there both as parents of a Shavuot party at her home the previous chesed by returning something that was Friendship Circle volunteer (Rochel) and Shabbos afternoon! Channah always they have offered their lost and then turn around and steal my on the receiving end of the many mar- has a smiling face which inspires every- watch?” The professional thief respond- velous volunteers from the Friendship one around her. services to others. ed, “Why yes, Rabbi. You see, returning Circle who assist both Yussie and Lea We are so proud of our daughter the lost wallet was Torah Law; stealing when they attend the wonderful Rochel for her work not only in the the watch, that was business!” Friendship Circle programs. Much home, but for her tireless efforts almost How often, Rabbi Hain pointed out, thanks to Racquel Glickman for always every Shabbos afternoon visiting her Rivka and Rochel, while appreciating do we find people who are confused or encouraging Yussie to have fun at the young friend Eliana and her work at the the chesed we have received over the not consistent in their actions. They monthly Sunday events, to Sivie Nathan monthly Sunday Circle activities. years from this community, have might be precise when it comes to for the times you helped Lea as a volun- Both my husband and I were so offered their services to others above learning Torah, but might not be truly teer homework helper, and to Channah proud to be a part of the Friendship and beyond the call of duty. I am very people of chesed. True Torah Jews must Daphna, who on a weekly basis at the Circle Volunteer Appreciation evening proud of them and of their fellow high inculcate acts of kindness into their Judaica Circle, volunteered her time at the Chabad of the Five Towns. We are school students who have realized how lives every day. assisting Yussie and other children who so grateful to both Rabbi and Rebbetzin important acts of kindness are to anoth- That same evening I was again proud are not fortunate enough to have a Wolowik for all their kind work for our er human being. as we paid homage to the Friendship education in their Torah learn- family and the community as a whole. At the breakfast in honor of Circle volunteers in an Evening of ing endeavors. Channah even hosted Thank you a million times to Mrs.

16 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Batsheva Borenstein for her continued is truly commendable. devotion to the children of the At the Friendship Circle Evening of Friendship Circle, and for making all the Appreciation, not only were we enter- amazing programs a reality. In addition, tained by the famous singer Ira Heller, we I would like to show appreciation to were also inspired by the film “Mindsets.” Miss Chaya Chein for her teaching Please visit http://www.fcnj.com/tem- expertise each and every Tuesday night plates/articlecco_cdo/aid/1150810/jew- at the Judaica Circle and for all she adds ish/Mindsets-2010-FC-Banquet- to all the wonderful programs of the Presentation.htm to view the video. I Friendship Circle. think it brought tears to most in the audi- Both Rivka and Rochel have been an ence. It tried to encourage youths to not enormous help as my dedicated assis- be so me-oriented. I think it is something tants at the Sunday Swim Program at we should all learn from. It only takes Kulanu. Their attention to the young four minutes out of your day to watch, swimmers almost every Sunday morn- but after you do you will be truly ing is very praiseworthy. Through my inspired! work with Kulanu on a weekly basis I And so we should celebrate every act have been witness to the marvelous of kindness that is offered to us each and work of many of the shadows through- every day, and in response, let’s try to do out the year. Their patience with our acts of kindness for our fellow human community children with special needs beings whenever we can! O

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 17 honor, and care for them. This is a Attend a b’rit milah in Israel and you tremendous lesson that my family gets to will be inspired. Yes, the circumcision is learn all the time. Yours should too. no different, but the “ritual” is so much 9. A three-day chag is extremely different. From the moment the baby is rare—This is a bit of a repeat. I have brought in and the father and attendees talked about having only one day of chag begin singing the pesukim of Shema and in a previous list and touched upon the Ana Hashem, everyone is immediately fact that only Rosh Hashanah can be part thrust into the role as participant instead of a three-day chag here. Then I took a of attendee. Spying Out The Land look at the calendar. Bar celebrations at the Kotel Have you looked at the yom tov calen- (either putting on tefillin the first time or Part 3 another being drafted in a year, this is the dar for the next ten years or so (through the actual day of the bar mitzvah) are I have written a special column for longest gap our family will have with no 2020)? If not, let me be the first to tell events you can participate in, simply by Parashat Shelach for each of the one in the military for the next 20 years you: You had better get used to the three- going to the Kotel. Enjoy a Sephardi fam- past two years.1 or so. So my siblings and I are certainly day yom tov, because you are going to be ily singing and dancing their way from I was originally inspired to write the very aware of who is keeping us all safe. seeing a lot of it. There is not a single year outside the Old City walls all the way to first column by Nefesh B’Nefesh. They We have tremendous pride in our sol- of the next ten that does not have at least the Kotel every day if you want. had a program in which they encouraged diers. I have written about giving one three day yom tov. Years 2010, 2011, Even weddings are different—especially their olim to e-mail a top-twelve list of mishloach manot to them on Purim, our 2013, 2014, and 2017 are all ones during the Religious Zionist Israeli weddings. the reasons to make aliyah to twelve trips to bring presents to them on their which you will get a triple dose of Rosh Things are so informal. I have been to out- friends in chutz la’aretz in the week of bases, and how much love and concern Hashanah, , and Simchat Torah door chupot where the crowd sang, danced, Parashat Shelach. we have for them. Yet it is their inner joy three-day chagim. Out of the next 22 and clapped along with an acoustic band I thought differently. While there may and love for us which is most overwhelm- times there will be a three-day chag, only who played through every pause in the cer- have been twelve meraglim who spied ing. The excitement and pride they feel in 5 of them will be held in Israel. All the emony. Every occasion is filled with a com- out the land in biblical times, I have no themselves is truly inspirational. housewives out there should be putting munal joy that is unique here. problems with two of the twelve. So I There is no doubt that being in the mil- down the paper and starting to make 7. Barack Obama is not our presi- decided to write ten reasons instead of itary is an incredibly maturing part of the plans for the move here right now! dent—Enough said. twelve, corresponding to the ten spies lives of our youth, religious or not. It As a postscript to this, I should add 6. Israeli politics—Politics here who influenced the Jews to not enter instills discipline and pride in them and that no one here counts a yom tov day as reminds me of the reputation of Chicago Israel. And instead of sending it to twelve can be an incredible bonding experience. a vacation or personal day. You just get in the times of the original Mayor Daley. friends, I address it to the nearly 200,000 All too often, they also learn about loss, as the day off, with no repercussions (unless You know what I mean. The days when readers of this paper. my nephew did when his buddy was you are an hourly employee). Some com- people knew to “vote early . . . and vote Here, then, is the third installment of killed on erev Shabbat HaGadol. panies don’t even count chol ha’moed often.” The days when voter registration another ten reasons (in no apparent Yet, as I tell my children with a senti- days against you, while others do, and yet drives consisted of a few volunteers tak- order) you should be joining us in making ment that is shared throughout our land, others take a novel approach and only ing names and birthdates off the tomb- aliyah (please note that I expect the geu- everyone has a time that is their time. calculate them as half a day off. stones in a local cemetery. lah at any time now, so the following rea- What a great kavod that his time came 8. The semachot—I don’t mean to say I didn’t like Olmert or Livni. You sons apply only on the off chance that while defending our country instead of in that a simcha outside Israel is not joyous might not like Bibi. I personally feel they the geulah has not yet come): a meaningless car crash or other accident. or meaningful (and fun to be a part of). are all a bunch of crooks looking for a 10. The soldiers—With one nephew Each one of them knows what they Yet there is something about the way we way to line their pockets. Yet it is so completing his military service and face. Yet they also know that we love, celebrate life here that is simply different. entertaining to see another round of

18 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES indictments and realize that we have each year. In these trying financial times, you as part of your next paycheck. What other and make a contribution. Hundreds bad sides as well as good sides. you could provide much-needed relief to could be simpler? of thousands of Russians made aliyah in The one difference for us is the pas- the entire city of New York. Our tax rates are very high, as is the the most recent wave of immigration sion with which politics is discussed and 3. Tuition—You knew this was com- mandatory payment for medical cover- (one of them being my nephew’s afore- voted upon here. In the USA, we never ing. The only item to appear on each of age. Yet the record-keeping is pretty sim- mentioned buddy who was killed in felt passionate about an election for one the three lists is the incredibly low cost of ple. I might not understand the basic action earlier this year), and the country candidate or another. Well, maybe the tuition here. Have you gotten your regis- form, but I know that it truly is basic and is different because of them. Joining with school board and tax/budget elections, tration forms for next year in yeshiva yet? is evidence of a simple tax system. the thousands of English-speaking olim but nothing else. Here in Israel, the elec- Ha-Ha-Ha! We pay about $300 a year for 1. Achdut—This one is a bit of a who have made aliyah, you can help us tions carry so much weight in determin- preschool for Moshe, and half of that reversal for me. I have bemoaned the make Israel better for all of us. ing who will build what and where, amount is a voluntary surcharge we lack of achdut between the different Occasionally, I will use the last para- which groups get more funds and which agreed to in order to hire a rebbi to come segments of our community. This is def- graphs at the end of my column to wish a get less, that the passions can sometimes in for a few hours each week. Even high- initely a problem here and is a serious mazal tov to friends or relatives here or be overwhelming. We feel like we make a school tuition is only a few hundred dol- concern. The fact that huge groups of overseas. This week’s mazal tov is a little difference much more here. lars each month—for two kids! Jews not only don’t get along, but actu- closer to home. 5. No separation of church and Building fund? Why? The city builds ally despise each other, is troubling. I When we are at a bar mitzvah or other state—Public funding does not apply all the school buildings and even pays for definitely feel that this is less of a prob- celebration, Goldie and I often comment solely to parks and community centers. maintenance! The money that the lottery lem outside of Israel. to each other how uncomfortable we are Mikvaot are municipally funded as well. makes actually does go to education here. However, the longer we live here and when the husband or wife publicly con- Shuls often get siddurim, chumashim, Classes are crowded, and the quality of bond with our neighbors, the greater our fesses their undying love for their spouse. and other necessary supplies as well. instruction sometimes suffers because of sense of community becomes. While we The proclamations seem a bit much to us Organizations such as Puah and other that. However, even including the private cannot seem to make friends with the and more appropriate for a private con- religious charities serving the public get tutors that we hire to supplement the chareidim, we have friends from many versation. So I want to simply wish a funds from the government, because we kids’ education, the costs are so much cultures and backgrounds. Earlier this mazal tov to Goldie on our 20th anniver- provide vitally needed services. There is lower here that it is astonishing. week, Chaya had a friend over for a day of sary this Friday. (I might also wish her a recognition that the state must support 2. No tax returns to file—We do have studying. All our kids came and went yasher koach, since living with me is no social services not just for physical different tax rates based upon income, throughout the day and barely noticed picnic.) As for all the rest, she knows what needs, but also for religious needs. etc. However, since there are very few them. The fact that this friend is I have to say without my having to spell 4. Help New York City balance its deductions, there is no reason to file. Ethiopian registered more deeply for it out here. O budget—I read the other day that over Only people who are self-employed or Goldie and me than for the kids. They Shmuel Katz works at Machon Puah, a non-profit one million people attended the Salute to have unique situations to report have to simply don’t care. fertility organization that provides worldwide free Israel Parade in each of the last two years. file a return (if you are entitled to a Our shul is a mishmash of olim (all halachic and medical counseling, independent supervision of fertility treatments, and A million people create a lot of garbage refund for some reason or perhaps have Ashkenazi) and Israeli-born (mostly educational programming. Shmuel, his wife and require a lot of police protection. The overseas income to declare). Everyone Sephardi) families. Yet we try as hard as Goldie, and their six children made aliyah in July of 2006. Prior to his aliyah, Shmuel was the overtime for the security and cleanup of else has their taxes paid via withholding, we can to make everyone feel included executive director of the Yeshiva of South Shore in the parade is enormous. and the government gets the accounting and part of the community. The only bar- Hewlett. You can contact him at Imagine if only 10 percent of those for it directly from the employer. riers are language barriers. The other bar- [email protected]. people made aliyah. A crowd of 900,000 Even getting a deduction for some- riers are falling. I think this is great. NOTES: people is still significant enough to make thing like a charitable contribution is The more we can integrate and be 1. The previous two articles are available at https://5tjt.com/featured-news/2931-spying-out- an impression of support, yet the city simple. The receipt is given to the payroll viewed as part of the tapestry of Israel, the-land.html and https://5tjt.com/featured- would save tens of thousands of dollars administrator and the credit is given to the more we are able to bond with each news/4747-spying-out-the-land-again.html.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 19 Halachic Musings I further explained that Rav Aharon (siman 50), the laws of “bar metzra” often difficult to achieve. Continued from Front Cover Kotler, zt’l held (Osef Chidushei Torah, No. (neighbors having the first right of pur- Later on, however, I did see that the 4) that the underlying legal concept chase) also apply to seats in shul. Nesivos HaMishpat (C.M. 192:6) discussed could cite a proof to the legitimacy of his behind this disparity in the halachah is In Shimon’s defense, however, it could the fact that a claim upon a actions from a Mechaber [Rav Yosef Karo], that the lulav is officially given the term a reasonably be argued that those halachos seat is only akin to having a shibud—a a Magein Avraham, and a once given “stolen item,” and that is from where the were referring to a time when people “sitting lien” upon a particular spot, but by Rav , zt’l. invalidation actually stems. Our sukkah actually owned and inherited their the spot actually belongs to the tzibbur, This piqued his curiosity. case—even though the Rambam (Hilchos seats—at least to a greater extent than the community. The Chasam Sofer, in a I explained that the Shulchan Aruch, in Gezeilah 7:11) holds that there is an act of they do now. Our case involves a mere 40- responsum (O.C. 29) regarding a shul that the beginning of Orach Chayim 649 dis- theft in hasagas g’vul (encroachment)— minute claim to the seat. was destroyed and was being rebuilt, cusses a case of one who stole a lulav and cannot be termed a “stolen sukkah.” Nor The question arises, however, about does rule that the ownership of a seat uses it on Sukkos. This is considered a can another case of lulav mentioned by Reuven’s chair. In other words, Shimon extends all the way down to the mitzvah habaah b’aveirah, a mitzvah that the Magein Avraham, where the lulav was did not just steal Reuven’s spot in shul— ground—so the matter does seem to be comes about directly through a sin. Not up for debate. There does seem room to only does he not get credit for the mitz- distinguish between those cases, and vah, but even to recite a berachah on the cases where one haphazardly takes a seat lulav is considered a berachah l’vatalah— in shul on one particular day. The moral a blessing in vain. The seat in shul cannot be issues, however, are certainly factors to If, however, someone went into some- contend with. one else’s sukkah and literally threw him considered stolen, because it is The incident and the negative reflec- out of the sukkah and then sat down in tion that such behavior has upon us was his stead, the law would be different. personally a bit disturbing, until some- Although he did a terrible avlah, a horrif- also karka. one explained that it is not a negative ic deed, he still has fulfilled the mitzvah reflection upon K’lal Yisrael at all. “Look of sukkah, according to the Gemara around us,” he remarked. “Who are the (Sukkah 31b). people that actually fight over seats and The reason for this discrepancy is that chairs? Only brothers and sisters at a “karka eina nigzeles”—technically, land taken and physically changed in a man- he also stole his chair. To that, Shimon Shabbos table.” It was, actually, quite a cannot be considered to be stolen. ner unrelated to the performance of the responded, “Yes, but there are plenty of nechamah. O Although there is a debate about it in the mitzvah. Those cases certainly involved chairs; he can always get another one.” (I The author can be reached at Gemara in Bava Kamma 117b, the final theft, but the theft did not leave its decided to scrap further discussion about [email protected]. halachah is that land cannot be consid- imprint upon the actual item. the topic, but did ask him if he minded if ered stolen. Land is not moved to the One can certainly extrapolate from the I penned an article about the issue. He thief’s property and it always remains case of sukkah to our case of a “stolen answered that he did not mind at all.) where it was. The newcomer may per- seat” in shul. The seat in shul cannot be Does this happen often? Should the haps be a morally deficient individual, considered stolen, because it is also shomer—the hapless guardian chosen to WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? but his sitting in the sukkah would not be karka. Indeed, the Rosh in the first chap- watch over the seat—be a more vigorous E-MAIL US AT considered a mitzvah habaah b’aveirah. ter of Bava Basra makes the connection defender of his first neighbor’s rights? Or Rather, we look at it like a borrowed between a seat in shul and the general should discretion be the better part of [email protected] sukkah—although, admittedly, it was status of land that is discussed in the valor here? This may be the $64,000 ques- criminally borrowed. Gemara. According to the Mahari B’Rav tion, but moral clarity in these issues is

20 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Israel Stands Firm Amidst International Condemnation

BY SAMUEL SOKOL ISRAEL CORRESPONDENT

Amidst widespread condemnation and calls by various governments and the ’ Security Council for an investigation, Israeli leaders are vigorous- ly defending the IDF’s actions in stopping an international Gaza-bound flotilla. On Monday morning, the six-ship flotilla was stopped on its way to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. When IDF naval commandos boarded one of the ships, activists bearing weapons beat the soldiers, throwing one off the ship’s deck. In response to what Israel is calling an attempted lynching, and following gun- shots at Israeli servicemen on one of the boats, IDF forces opened fire, killing nine of the attacking passengers. The other five ships did not resist Israeli forces and were brought unharmed into the port of Ashdod, north of Gaza. Hamas claims that over twenty people were killed and that Israeli forces used “war jets” to fire on the ships. Senior Hamas member Ismail Radwan called the firefight “state-sponsored organized terror,” and requested that the international community “do some- thing,” and called on Israeli Arabs to riot in response to the firefight. “These are crimes against humanity and against our Palestinian people. We call on all mem- bers of the Arab and Muslim people to launch protests of rage in solidarity.” In response, Israeli-Arabs rioted in sev- eral villages and cities around the country. According to Israeli intelligence sources as well as the IHH (Insani Yardim Vakfi), a Turkish organization with close ties to Hamas which was one of the pri- mary organizers of the flotilla, the opera- tion was organized in part by Hamas activist Mohammad Sawalha in London. The organizers of the flotilla have publi- cally endorsed terrorism and violence, as previously reported by the 5 Towns Jewish Times. According to the IDF, weapons had been prepared beforehand in order to attack IDF troops. Among the flotilla’s passengers was the former Melkite Greek archbishop of Jerusalem, Father Hilarion Capucci, who was arrested by Israeli authorities in 1974 for using his priestly limousine to smug- gle explosives, firearms, and katyusha rockets into Israel for the PLO. Capucci was later freed after an appeal from the Vatican. It is not yet known if Cappuci had a role in bringing aboard the weapons used against the Israeli sailors. Israel began expelling the passengers of the Gaza-bound ships Wednesday. According to news reports, former American diplomat Edward Peck is among those already repatriated. member Hanin Zoabi, who enjoys immunity from prosecution as a parliamentarian, was taken into custody and later released. Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke with President Barack Obama, and the two agreed to postpone their upcoming meet- ing in light of the latest events. According to the White House, the president

Continued on Page 26 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 21 22 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 23 Angry Demonstrators Rally At The Turkish Consulate

B Y FERN SIDMAN that they inflicted on the clubs, and knives. Several pistols were sulate stood Turkish nationals and mem- Armenian population.” stolen from the commandos and shots bers of the vehemently anti-Israel Neturei As the world continues to demonize Just several blocks away, in front of were fired as one commando was Karta movement who continued to Israel for her role in defending her citi- the Israeli Consulate, several thousand thrown overboard. berate Israel while leveling epithets laced zens in the Gaza flotilla debacle, livid pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas demon- “It’s really pretty simple. At one time with hatred at members of the pro-Israel Jewish demonstrators pushed back strators gathered for their own raucous such terrorist groups as Hamas and contingent. “Murderers, occupiers, and against the onslaught of invectives being demonstration in which they spewed Hezbollah believed that the best way to pirates” they shouted, while calling for hurled at the Jewish state in a rally that forth their own inimitable brand of vitri- destroy Israel was to murder our citi- the annihilation of Israel. “Israel should was staged on Tuesday evening, June 1 in ol against Israel. “The are murder- zens either through conventional war- not exist because it is a racist state, and front of the Turkish Consulate on East ers and pirates and they should be tried fare or through suicidal terrorist attacks. we oppose the Jewish character of the 46th Street and First Avenue, near the for war crimes and genocide of the They woke up and came to the conclu- state. Why should the Jews have their United Nations. Organized by the organi- Palestinian people in Gaza” said Ahmed sion that such actions only garner sym- own country, when the land that they zation called RAJE, the Russian American Wahad of the organization Al-Awda. pathy for Israel. Now, they are keenly live on was stolen from the Palestinians. Jewish Experience, over 300 rally atten- Insisting that the mission of the flotilla cognizant of the fact that the war they A country composed of Jews cannot be a dees took to the streets in defense of activists was purely a humanitarian one, are fighting is through the media and true democracy,” said Fagria Behar, a Israel. Holding aloft such signs that read he denied allegations that the people on world opinion, so the best way to Turkish national. “Israel: We Stand With You,” “Gaza Peace the Mavi Marmara brutally assaulted destroy us is to force us into a position The defiant pro-Israel faction contin- Activists Don’t Use Clubs or Knives” and Israeli commandos as they descended to kill them,” said Meir Epstein, 52, of ued to shout, “Am Yisroel Chai,” (the “Peace Activists Should Not Support onto the ship. “Look, the people in Gaza Monsey who traveled down to attend people of Israel live) and “We have the Hamas,” the demonstrators held both are suffering due to the inhumane Israeli the pro-Israel rally. right to self-defense,” while police kept Israeli and American flags and called for blockade of food, medicine, and other Across the street from the Turkish con- both sides separated behind barricades. an end to Hamas terrorism. essential supplies, and these people on “The fact that the UN saw fit to hold an Dovid Ha’Ivri, of the Shromron the boat were victimized by the savage emergency Security Council session to Liaison office and a resident of the Israeli occupiers,” he continued. condemn Israel is nothing new,” said of Tapuach, said, “Any Members of the anti-Israel contin- Ronn Torrosian, a renowned New York country in the world has a right to gent began marching down East 42nd publicist and a board member of RAJE. defend itself and Israel is no different. Street towards Times Square shouting, “It is a cesspool of Jew hatred and what Clearly, this purportedly “Free Gaza” “From the river to the sea, Palestine will these so-called peace activists on the flotilla was filled with Hamas support- be free” and “No more U.S. tax dollars Turkish vessel pulled off was nothing ers who refused to cooperate with the for Israel,” as they called for the end of short of a cleverly devised anti-Semitic Israeli military. They had their own the “occupation” of , Afghanistan, lynching,” he added. nefarious agenda, and it’s just too bad and Palestine. What best summed up the collective that the lives of our commandos were Video evidence of the incident thoughts of the pro-Israel rally-goers put in jeopardy. Orders should have reveals quite clearly that the Israeli was a sign featuring an Israeli flag and been given that the Mavi Marmara be commandos came aboard the boat the words under it: “It’s better to have sunk. Israel has nothing to apologize to peacefully, without the intention to a Jewish State that’s hated by the the world for and certainly has inflict harm, when they were set upon (L-R): Rabbi Tokarsky, whole world than an Auschwitz that’s no right to pass judgment on Israel after by passengers wielding metal pipes, Ronn Torossian, and David HaIvri. loved by it.” O

24 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES motivated the 9/11 terrorists.” She added, directed at members of HRCARI and oth- Tensions Build At Meeting “In Islam there is a history of placing ers who held aloft signs condemning the mosques over the cherished sites of con- decision of the board to support this On Ground Zero Mosque quered people: the Temple Mount in endeavor. According to a 1991 article in Jerusalem, where the Dome of the Rock The City Journal, author Richard Opposition Rally Place, the site of a four-story edifice built now stands, and the conversion of the Brookhiser revealed Ms. Chin’s political Scheduled For June 6 in 1857 that was a Burlington Coat retail Hagia Sophia cathedral in Constantinople agenda. He states, “For Ms. Chin had risen BY FERN SIDMAN store until 9/11, when part of the plane’s into a mosque are two of the most to prominence by way of the Communist landing gear crashed through the roof. famous examples, but there are thou- Workers Party, a Maoist sect that decided A palpable tension filled the air on The building, which currently houses a sands of others. In the Islamic world a several years ago to begin infiltrating Greenwich Street in lower Manhattan on mosque, will be razed to make room for mosque at Ground Zero would be no less mainstream politics.” Tuesday evening, May 25, as an emotion- the new structure. The New York City unmistakably a sign of Islamic triumphal- Satya Dosapati, a leader of the Hindu ally charged meeting was held by Landmarks Preservation Commission ism and supremacism.” Human Rights Watch and an active mem- Manhattan’s Community Board 1 over the could conceivably thwart the intended Before the vote, Manhattan Borough ber of HRCARI, said that people are wak- proposed construction of a 13-story project if they determine that the build- President Scott Stringer said that he ing up to the very real threat Islamic rad- mosque and cultural center just blocks ing has historic status, thus rendering it a understood the sensitivities of the fami- icalism represents. Mr. Dosapati is work- away from Ground Zero, the site of the landmark. Elisabeth de Bourbon, a lies of the 9/11 victims. “I don’t think any- ing on mobilizing the large Hindu popu- Twin Towers terror attacks on 9/11. spokeswoman for the Landmarks body wants to do anything to disrespect lation in central New Jersey and is After four hours of rancorous public Commission, said a hearing is scheduled those families. They made the ultimate arranging buses to the rally on June 6. debate, hostilities reached a zenith when to take place on that very subject. sacrifice. At the same time, we have to “We need exceptionally large numbers of members of the board voted 29–1 (with 10 Project opponents jeered at the speak- balance diversity and look for opportuni- people to attend this rally if we want our abstentions) in support of the plan. ers and yelled comments such as “You’re ties to bring different groups together.” voices to be heard. We are assembling at Several board members proposed a post- building over a cemetery!” while holding Stringer released a statement on behalf of 12 noon on June 6 at Zucotti Park on the ponement of the vote until the next signs that read “Show respect for the the community board saying that sup- corner of Church and Liberty Streets, and meeting in order to obtain more detailed 3,000.” Among the groups standing in port of the construction of the mosque we beseech all those who are concerned information about funding of the project opposition to the proposed mosque are “sent a clear message that our city is one about the future of democracy, liberty, and the organizations sponsoring it, but the Families of the 9/11 Victims, the Tea that promotes diversity and tolerance.” and freedom to come out.” the motion failed. Party activists of Staten Island and Stringer has been the target of dis- Imam Rauf insists that the $150 million The Cordoba Initiative, headed by , Stop the Islamization of paraging remarks by Tea Party activist project is meant to heal the wounds of Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, is the chief spon- America (SIOA), Jihad Watch, and the Mark Williams, who has called the pro- 9/11. “We’ve approached the community sor of the project, which is to be called Human Rights Coalition Against Radical posed center a monument to the terror because we want this to be an example of the Cordoba House, a name that refers to Islam (HRCARI). attacks. Stringer has defended his posi- how we are cooperating with the mem- the city in Spain which, in the Middle , executive director of tion in support of the plans to build the bers of the community, not only to pro- Ages, was a center of Islamic culture and SIOA, an organization that is spearhead- mosque and has denounced what he per- vide services but also to build a discourse learning. Cordoba was also the seat of an ing a June 6 rally to protest the proposed ceives to be offensive speech directed at on how Muslims and non-Muslims can Islamic caliphate in which Jews and mosque, blasted the Cordoba Initiative him or at Muslims. cooperate together to push back against Christians suffered under second-class and its leader, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, Councilmember Margaret Chin said the voice of extremism,” he said. dhimmi status. It was the site of a large- saying the project is “an insult to the peo- early in the meeting that those who Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, president of the scale pogrom, perpetrated by Muslims, in ple who were murdered there on 9/11 to assume a posture of strong resistance to American Islamic Forum for Democracy, the year 1011. build a mosque that will teach the same the plans for the proposed mosque are The mosque will be built at 45 Park holy book, the same belief system, that “haters and bigots.” The reference was Continued on Page 27

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 25 Israel Stands Firm Israel Stands Firm to Gaza by governments and groups that blockade has largely been portrayed in Continued from Page 21 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin wish to do so.” the media and by foreign politicians as Netanyahu stated that Israel has no argu- catastrophic for the people of Gaza. “expressed the importance of learning all ment with the population of Gaza, and Blockade A Legal Measure Two other ships are reported to be on the facts and circumstances around that any humanitarian aid can enter if Israel’s foreign ministry stated that their way to Gaza. [these] tragic events as soon as possible.” passed through Israeli channels. “maritime blockades are a legitimate and Netanyahu stressed, however, that given recognized measure under international Attacks By Ship And By Diplomat IDF Ultimatum Hamas’ attempts to smuggle arms and the law,” and that Israel is currently in a state A diplomatic backlash against Israel Israeli authorities had earlier offered organization’s history of launching rock- of armed conflict with the Hamas regime was quick in coming, with the European the flotilla organizers the option of ets at Israeli targets, Israel’s blockade is that controls Gaza. Union, NATO, and United Nations con- unloading their cargo of humanitarian justified. The Prime Minister also reaf- According to Hebrew University inter- demning Israel’s actions and calling for an supplies in Israel for transfer to the Gaza firmed his support for the IDF’s actions. national legal scholar Dr. Robbie Sabel, “a independent investigation of the matter. Strip. However, Greta Berlin, of the Free “Israel would not allow its soldiers to be state, in a time of conflict, can impose an The UNSC issued a statement saying Gaza Movement, responded to the Israeli lynched and neither would any other self- embargo, and while it cannot carry out that it “condemns those acts which offer by stating that the activists’ purpose respecting country,” he stated. embargo activities in the territorial waters resulted in the loss of at least ten civil- was to roll back Israeli control over the Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon of a third party, it can carry out embargo ians,” and called for “the immediate Hamas-controlled coastal territory. Israel echoed Netanyahu’s sentiments in a activities in international waters.” release of the ships as well as the civilians passes an estimated fifteen thousand speech given to a gathering of Israel sup- Israel’s right to monitor and patrol the held by Israel.” The United Nations tons of humanitarian supplies to Gaza on porters from around the world. “We do waters off Gaza was codified in the Gaza- expressed its condolences to the families a weekly basis through land crossings in not need to apologize for defending our- Jericho agreement between Israel and the of those killed and wounded. the western Negev. selves,” Ayalon said. “The armada of hate PLO. “As part of Israel’s responsibilities The United Nations reiterated “its Defense Minister Ehud Barak noted and violence is merely one manifestation for safety and security within the three grave concern at the humanitarian situa- that “Israel appealed to the flotilla organ- of the constant provocation Israel faces.” Maritime Activity Zones, Israel Navy ves- tion in Gaza, and stresses the need for izers prior to it sailing and also upon its “The organizers are well-known for sels may sail throughout these zones, as sustained and regular flow of goods and approach to Gaza, in warning and invit- their ties to Global Jihad, Al-Qaeda, and necessary and without limitations, and people to Gaza as well as unimpeded pro- ing the flotilla to dock at the Ashdod har- Hamas,” he stated. may take any measures necessary against vision and distribution of humanitarian bor, and offering to transfer the aid cargo State Department spokesman P.J. vessels suspected of being used for terror- assistance throughout Gaza.” to Gaza after having it undergo security Crowley said that Israel has “legitimate ist activities or for smuggling arms, In response to calls for an independent examinations. All of these appeals—prior security concerns.” He cited “Hamas’ ammunition, drugs, goods, or for any investigation of the incident, American to the flotilla setting sail and after- interference with international assis- other illegal activity,” the treaty reads. Ambassador to the UN Alejandro Wolff wards—were refused.” tance shipments, and its use and endorse- stated that the United States “support[s] “We are distressed by all cases of ment of violence [which] complicates Worthless Supplies an Israeli investigation” into the matter. injury, but the responsibility lies upon efforts in Gaza.” Israel has begun the process of trans- The UN High Commissioner for Human the organizers of the flotilla,” he said. Crowley may have been referring to the ferring the flotilla’s cargo to the Gaza Right, Navi Pilay, condemned the Israeli The IDF published pictures and videos Israeli embargo on certain dual-use types Strip. According to the IDF, which interception and what she called a “dispro- of metal rods, slingshots, knives, and of construction supplies in the wake of checked and sorted the cargo, much of portionate use of force.” She urged Israel other arms used by flotilla passengers to Hamas’ appropriation of concrete intend- what was brought was worthless, such as to heed the “almost unanimous interna- wound several IDF servicemen, some crit- ed for reconstruction in order to build for- expired medication. tional view that the continued blockade of ically. Among the weapons found was a tified military outposts and bunkers. While Israel supplies Gaza with fuel Gaza is both inhumane and illegal.” slingshot with the name of the Hezbollah He noted that “mechanisms exist for and electricity as well as hundreds of tons The British government has also come militia written on it. the transfer of humanitarian assistance of humanitarian supplies daily, the Israeli out against Israel’s closure of the Strip.

26 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Foreign Secretary William Hague told der to terror, to the same anarchist groups Israel’s foreign ministry, told reporters that whether that money is coming from a reporters in London that Israel must “act that incite controversy and war, support the current crisis could potentially engen- domestic source or not; and if it’s com- with restraint” and “in line with their Hamas and other terrorist organizations der a complete breakdown of already ing from foreign interests we need to international obligations.” Hague stated throughout the world.” strained Ankara-Jerusalem relations. know, because I think that’s a liability, that Israel’s response to violence from Some Israelis are putting the blame for and it shows that there is another agen- flotilla activists was “an overreaction.” Jerusalem-Ankara Rift Widening the violence squarely on Turkey’s shoulders. da rather than domestic security and After calling on Israel to allow “unfet- Four of those killed were Turkish citi- Dr. Aaron Lerner of the Israeli news site tranquility.” tered access for aid to Gaza because of a zens, and Israeli-Turkish relations have IMRA said that the Turkish government lied Robert Spencer, director of Jihad serious humanitarian [crisis],” Hague said been hit hard by the incident. The when it claimed that all passengers aboard Watch (a program of the David Horowitz that “there will be enormous international Turkish organization IHH was one of the the ships were screened for weapons. The Freedom Center) and the author of ten pressure on Israel.” The Foreign Secretary primary organizers of the flotilla. Turks are in large part responsible for yester- books on the nature of Islam, expressed also called for an end to Hamas rocket fire. Turkey has recalled its ambassador to day’s violence in light of the weapons later doubts about the purportedly benign Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Israel in the wake of the violence, while found on the ships, he said. views of Imam Rauf. “After the 9/11 Lieberman has been in touch with his Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Egypt has also condemned Israel and attacks, Imam Rauf was quoted on the European counterparts and is currently Erdogan called the boarding operation has stated that it will open border cross- CBS 60 Minutes program of September trying to manage the diplomatic fallout. “inhuman state terrorism,” and Foreign ings between Gaza and the Sinai 30, 2001 as saying, ‘U.S. policies were an Lieberman told European leaders that Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told reporters in Peninsula in the coming days. Egypt is accessory to the 9/11 crime. In the most the Israelis “expect a balanced, responsi- Washington that he wants a clear condem- currently building a steel wall between direct sense Osama bin Laden was made ble reaction, and not a reaction which is nation of Israel from the United States. its territory and Gaza. O in the USA.’ It is clear from the language actually surrender to extremists, a surren- Alon Liel, the former director-general of See related stories, Pages 74, 76 that Imam Rauf uses now as opposed to back in 2001 that he is a prototypical dis- sembler, as he boldly insinuated that Ground Zero Mosque American foreign policy was to blame for protesters were sent to the lower deck Continued from Page 25 the heinous atrocities that took the lives Security Cabinet: during the Israeli naval interception of of close to 3,000 people on 9/11.” the ship, the group divided into cells says there are more productive ways to “Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf is an open 40 Passengers Were and remained on the upper deck in fight Islamic extremism and has ques- proponent of sharia, which institution- order to attack the soldiers. tions about the financing. According to alizes discrimination against Jews, Al-Qaeda Mercs Once the activists left the ship, secu- reports, the building that occupies the Christians, women, and others, and rity forces began a thorough search site was purchased last year for $4.85 denies freedom of speech and freedom Israel’s security cabinet met Tuesday and found a supply of weapons, million in cash by Soho Properties, a of conscience,” said Pamela Geller of night and announced that approximate- including knives, Molotov cocktails, real-estate company run by Muslims. SIOA. Her sober warning was crystal ly 40 people on board the Mavi detonators, wood and metal clubs, Imam Rauf, who is also the founder of clear: “If we do not confront this threat Marmara were “mercenaries belonging slingshots and rocks, large hammers the American Society for Muslim now, then in the future we will see to the Al Qaeda terror organization.” and sharp metal objects. In addition, Advancement, was an investor in that increasing assertiveness from Islamic According to intelligence disclosed gas masks were found, pointing to the transaction. supremacists in this country, demand- during that meeting, the terrorists wore prior intention of the ship’s passengers Dr. Jasser said that with such a finan- ing that we accept elements of Islamic bullet-proof vests, and carried with to use violence against IDF soldiers cial commitment, there needs to be full law, and increasing conflict as free them night-vision goggles, weapons, who would then be forced to use riot disclosure about where the money is Americans see their rights being and a package of cash. While the civilian dispersal methods. O coming from. “There should be trans- abridged and Muslims set up as a privi- parency about who those investors are; leged class here.” O

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 27 28 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 29 Not because I don’t love her anymore—I addict—a food addict. Not so different from do. But because it’s just so depressing to be the alcoholic who hides his liquor bottles in around her and watch her deteriorate some remote kitchen cabinet, so too does physically and emotionally. This problem Barbara hide her stash of goodies, so that has put a huge wedge between us and late- she can partake in her addiction when need- ly we don’t even laugh together anymore. ed. Barbara has a serious issue with food There is just so much anger between us. that has far-reaching ripple effects. I’m angry at her for not getting her act Getting angry with her, or even prom- Dear Esther, even an occasional hike in the springtime. together, and she is angry at me for being ising her rewards for losing weight, miss- I love my wife. We’ve been married We used to have so much fun together, judgmental and not being accepting of her es the entire story. Barbara needs help nearly 30 years. When I married “Barbara,” just enjoying being outdoors and simple weight. I just don’t get how a person can battling her addiction. She should proba- she was just the cutest thing. Great smile, pleasures. Now, not only can’t we enjoy keep shoving food in their mouth when it’s bly be in therapy, in order to explore pos- bubbly personality, and such a warm and any of these activities anymore, we can’t so harmful in every way. sible reasons why she is using food as a engaging person. Even back then she was- even take a walk together. She gets wind- What can I do to finally get through crutch and to such an extreme level. She n’t exactly thin, but that didn’t detract ed very easily and moves very slowly. to her? How can I make her understand might also find help from Overeaters from her general attractiveness, and I was In so many ways, I feel as though I lost that I badger her about her weight Anonymous, which, like other support very drawn to her. the wife I married. I look at her and don’t because I love her and want her to be groups for addictions, focuses on a 12-step At this point in our marriage, Barbara even recognize her anymore. Barbara tells healthy and happy? How do I deal with program that some people have a great has become very, very heavy. She claims me that she tries to lose weight, and then the reality of her situation? deal of success with. that each pregnancy added to her weight I’ll find a box of cookies hidden somewhere Fed Up Though going to a gym or a nutrition- problem, but I see many women around in a kitchen cabinet. Or I’ll suddenly notice Dear Fed Up, ist is always a great thing to do, at this who look just fine after having many chil- a chocolate bar stashed away in a kitchen I can certainly understand how frus- stage I think you should be encouraging dren. I, on the other hand, have always drawer where we keep papers and pens. trating it must be for you to find yourself her to look deeper within herself, which been able to stay trim and fit. To look at When that happens, I go ballistic. I just can’t in a marriage to a person whom you don’t is almost impossible to do on one’s own. the two of us together, one might be sur- understand why she is so self-destructive. understand or relate to anymore, when it But you’re not the guy who can fix this prised to learn that we are a married cou- I have offered her so many incentives comes to discipline and lifestyle choices. I problem. You’re probably the last person ple. We look different, we move different- to lose weight. I’ve offered to pay for a also hear your fear concerning Barbara’s she wants to listen to when it comes to ly, and at this point Barbara could easily diet doctor, a gym, hypnosis—anything health issues, which appear to be self- diet tips or exercise programs. You are, pass for someone at least ten years older to help her out. I’ve promised her a dia- inflicted and therefore, in your mind, however, the guy who can try his best to than me. Though I try to talk to her about mond necklace if she can get back to her avoidable. And finally, I certainly appreci- be supportive and loving. The less portion control and regular exercise, I normal weight. Nothing seems to help. ate your sadness over no longer having a Barbara feels judged by you, the better don’t think she listens to a word I say. I am truly worried about her. I worry wife who is able to partake in activities her chances for recovery. Besides the fact that she has physically that something terrible will happen to with you that were once a source of great I know that this is asking a lot from you, let herself go so badly, Barbara also suffers her, and I feel sorry for her, because the joy for the two of you. These add up to because you are upset that Barbara has from numerous health issues as a result. quality of her life is so compromised. But many serious losses within your marriage, changed so much from the woman you She has diabetes, high blood pressure, and I also feel sorry for myself. I’m not proud which is understandably a cause for disap- married years ago. But, if you can, try to dig gout. She is a walking time bomb. I serious- to be seen with her. I can’t enjoy any of pointment and anguish. very deep and uncover the bubbly Barbara ly worry about her health and can’t under- the activities with her that we used to Though you say that you love your wife that is still lying somewhere inside of her, stand how she doesn’t seem to care. enjoy so much together. And that happy, and have compassion for her, I don’t think though no doubt covered up by years of When we were first married, we used bubbly person is nowhere to be found. you really understand what is happening to enjoy taking bike rides together, and I sometimes fantasize about leaving her. here. It sounds as though Barbara is an Continued on Page 43

30 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 31 Easy Summer Entertaining

To kick off the summer entertaining cook, will have a great time. season, Memorial Day weekend sees the Making your party a no-stress affair is first of many backyard barbecues and actually pretty easy. You want your party warm-weather get-togethers. These par- to be simple but chic, casual yet fun, so ties are a great time to spend with that your guests will be impressed by friends and family, enjoy the weather, your flair for entertaining and still feel and get that grill fired up. For the host, comfortable to kick up their heels. To make your get-together a little more spe- cial than the everyday impromptu BBQ, it’s all in the details. From the décor to Tomatoes, corn, the food, here are some tips on how to berries, and other capture the essence of summer and keep it stress-free. colorful fruits and Time-savers. Serving dishes that can be prepared in advance will help ensure you vegetables that are at are not too busy to enjoy the company. flavor will make your guests return for meats or grilled vegetables such as porto- Marinate chicken and meat the night seconds and thirds. Using ingredients bellos or asparagus. their peak will before to save you time the day of the that are fresh and in-season will ensure Style and presentation. Buffet-style steal the show in party and impart maximum flavor. Shuck that the flavors shine. Tomatoes, corn, parties save the hostess the effort of corn and cut up vegetables in advance, or berries, and other colorful fruits and veg- serving and add to the laid-back feel of any recipe. wrap them in foil so they are ready to etables that are at their peak will steal your party. You can make a beautiful dis- throw on the grill. Prepare undressed sal- the show in any recipe. Although ham- play using bright colors and ordinary ads ahead of time and dress them right burgers and hot dogs are always great on household objects. Use old lunchboxes before serving. Potato and pasta salads or the grill, you don’t need to stick to the lined with napkins instead of an ordi- however, it can be stressful and over- coleslaw can be made a day or two in conventional BBQ fare. Add some punch nary platter for chicken or hamburgers. whelming. You want to entertain as well advance. Anything that can be done to the usual, like lime-cilantro flavored Put crudités (cut up vegetables for dip- as enjoy the company, but doing both before the day of the party will make you (pareve) butter on corn on the cob, or a ping into dressing) in different size mar- can be difficult with all the details more relaxed and give you more time to new spice rub with a kick for your ribs tini glasses arranged on a tray or cake involved. With a little planning, you can enjoy your party. and steaks. You can also add an unexpect- stand. Serve skewers in a narrow vase for guarantee that everyone, including the The menu. Serving dishes with lots of ed dish to your BBQ menu like skewered a beautiful presentation.

32 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

The key to throwing any party is planning and organiz- ing. Making sure that everything is set up ahead of time, includ- ing servingware, napkins, and condiments, ensures the host won’t be running around during the party.

Garlic Mustard Beef Skewers Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless rib-eye, trimmed 12 six-inch wooden skewers, soaked in cold water for 30 minutes for the glaze: 1/4 cup whole-grain mustard 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 Tbsp. white-wine vinegar 1 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce 1 Tbsp. honey 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves 2 tsp. paprika 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper Directions: Whisk together all of the ingredients for the glaze in a small bowl. Cover, and let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours before using. Heat your grill to high. Slice the beef into very thin strips—1 1/2 inches in length, 3/4 inch in width, and as close to 1/4 inch thick as you can get. Thread two strips of beef onto each skewer, keeping them together at one end of the skew- er so they’ll be easier to eat. Place the skewers in a baking dish or on a baking sheet, pour half of the glaze over the meat, and turn to coat. Grill the meat, turning once and brushing with the remain- ing glaze, for 4 to 6 minutes until golden brown, slightly charred, and cooked to medium- rare (or longer till desired done- ness). Transfer the skewers to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Place the skewers on a platter and serve hot or at room temperature. Eating quality, delicious meals is easy when all the work is done for you. Hire a personal chef to prepare your dinners, Shabbos meals, or small parties. For more information, contact Take Home Chef personal chef services by calling 516-858-0215, writing to [email protected], or visiting www.TakeHomeChef.net.

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 33 ACE: Pushing Jewish Education To The Limits

BY GAVRIEL HORAN

Many people are already aware of the value of wilderness experiential educa- tion with so called “kids at risk.” Nonetheless, until now it has been basi- cally relegated to the realm of summer camps. Adventure Challenge Education is one of the first year-round educational facilities catering to boys who have not “made it” in the regular yeshiva system, that uses the therapeutic effect of hiking and other positive hands-on experiences together with a serious Torah education to produce a revolutionary transforma- tion in their students. ACE is like no other yeshiva high school I have ever visited—a family is probably a more accurate description than yeshiva. The boys that I spoke with are happier at ACE than they’ve been anywhere else in years. For many of them it’s the first place that they’ve felt they can really be themselves. “The school is giving me something no school has ever given me,” one of the boys said. “It’s given me life! It’s amazing. In my few months here, I’ve learned more than I’ve ever learned in my life! ACE has given me meaning for the first time in my life.” The students’ full schedule begins at 7:15 in the morning and ends late at night. The day starts with davening followed by serious classes in Gemara and hashkafah. Throughout the day the boys partake in various hands-on instructional classes such as martial arts, carpentry, photogra- phy, and music, while simultaneously completing their GED’s. There are two exciting weekly trips: a strenuous hike in the pristine Israeli wilderness and another educational or inspirational trip. When the boys arrived the first day they were each shown to their dorm rooms, bare of everything but a mattress. “If you want a bed, you have to make it yourself,” the pro- gram director, Rabbi Ariel Fishman, told them. “We take the phrase ‘you make the bed you sleep in’ literally. It’s like a bank account—whatever they put in, is what they get back. It’s all about the effort.” The students gave me a tour of the yeshiva facility and proudly pointed out all of their handiwork—from designer solid wood bunk beds to bookshelves, shtenders and guitar stands! I was in awe at the quality of their work—all in two months! A number of have opened up over the past few years to respond to the crisis of so many teenagers who aren’t motivated to learn to prevent them from continuing to fall through the cracks. “Many yeshivas acknowledge that these kids aren’t capable of learning a full day so they give them a few hours of learning and the rest is free time,” Rabbi Fishman said. “They don’t realize that these boys are not failing because they are incapable of learn- ing—they’re failing because they have too much energy to sit in one place all day. They need to learn hands-on in more spe- cific situations. We’ve created a scenario where the whole day is structured with productive activities. Not only do they par- take in a serious morning seder that sets the tone for the entire day, but as they are doing wilderness adventures and building their carpentry, they are also learning very 34 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES important life skills and character traits that will help them along the way.” and Rabbi Chaim Soloveichik, the son of the , Rav Aaron Soloveichik, zt’l, of Chicago, tries to make his shiurim relevant to the students’ lives, teaching topics that interest them in a down-to-earth manner. He starts off each shiur with questions and answers. “They want answers to the ques- tions they’ve had all their lives but were always afraid to ask. We build up their self esteem through Torah,” he said. As an emotional challenge, the stu- dents recently visited the oncology ward of a major hospital and went from room to room playing guitar and singing for people on their deathbeds. “They’re used to running away from reality to drown the pain,” Rabbi Fishman said. “At the hospital there’s no place to run.” The result was that the students overcame their fears and just started singing and dancing until they really got into it. Elderly patients were crying from joy, giv- ing out heartfelt brachos to the boys as if they were their own sons. The executive director, Rabbi Alter Klein, explained that every activity is selected with care. “Every single second is accounted for—building self esteem, rela- tionship with Hashem, and group dynam- ic—there’s no empty filler time. It’s an educational process. The boys wake up early and fall asleep by eleven, exhausted but fulfilled.” Parents frequently call Rabbi Fishman and say that they don’t understand how he was so successful with their sons. “It’s not me,” he tells them. “All I did was give them the oppor- tunity to be themselves. Any success is because of their own efforts.” Regarding why the boys rebelled in the first place, Rabbi Fishman explains, “Every boy’s situation is different. Each one could be a book. The common denominator is that they’re not getting any satisfaction from the traditional yeshiva system at all. The expectations were set for them without taking into account any of their personal strengths or weaknesses. The current system may work for the masses, but it doesn’t always work for each individual. These are the casualties.” He feels that the main lack in the yeshiva system today is that there’s no middle ground for a boy who wants to do good, but isn’t cut out for full time learning. “Once you wear the label of someone who didn’t make it in yeshiva, there’s no stop along the way short of being mechalel Shabbos. These kids don’t want to be rebellious; they’ve just never been given a fair chance to succeed. We need a whole new niche in the educa- tional system. No one has defined a mid- dle level. There’s either one extreme or the other: you are either a successful yeshiva guy, or you leave it completely. These guys are not at risk. When you get them to feel good about themselves they’re more joyful, more sensitive, and kinder than anyone out there. Dr. Gil Elmaleh, the dean of students at Yeshivas Toras Shraga and a behavioral cognitive therapist, meets with the boys on a weekly basis to discuss personal issues. “We try to give them the skills and coping mechanisms to deal with issues today so that they can succeed. They’ve experienced one failure after another from getting kicked out of schools, shuls,

Continued on Page 39 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 35 amazed that people would live there, Of course, some of these beautiful with ceilings falling down, rain coming in homes were, unfortunately, beyond recla- through unmaintained roofs, once-beau- mation due to their extreme deteriora- tiful moldings and crafted details now tion and had to be knocked down. But either rotted or full of mold. Some of the buyers with a lot of imagination and cre- people owning these homes back then ativity built new homes with much of the actually only lived in a select few rooms old elegance and style of their predeces- of these homes, rooms maintained while sors on those streets, and today the “tree the rest of these grand homes were left to streets” area has become one of the most Phase In, Phase Out the elements. desirable, elegant, and scenic areas of the Today, it is hard to imagine that this Five Towns. Like everything else in life, styles come modern standards. area, which has made a complete I began this with the story of the tree and go. Cycles of what is in and what is Back then, even if you did a total gut return to its former grandeur, was ever streets, since I believe that the restoration out change like the wind. Real-estate pat- job, the value of the property would still in that condition. Savvy buyers since of many of those homes led to the style terns work in the same way. One year be half of what it cost you to do the job, that time, seeing the future potential and phase of new homes being built on everyone is anxious to find one type of which is why many of them sat empty for and the original construction and other lots in various other areas of the home, only for that to become passé and so long. Astoundingly, there were still details that these homes contained, Five Towns, re-creating much of the a new variety of home style becomes the some that had homeowners living in took on the project of rehabilitating detailing featured in these old homes. It rage of what “everyone wants.” only shows you that even with the desire I was thinking back to nearly 20 years for new homes, the desire for old detail- ago, when all of those large homes seen ing never phases out. O on the “tree streets” in Woodmere (on and off Central Avenue) were selling in Most of those homes had never Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a licensed real-estate broker and a licensed N.Y.S. the range of $100–$150 thousand, and mortgage broker with over 20 years of experience, even at those prices it was hard to find been updated and stood in their offering full-service residential and commercial anyone who would take on the project of real-estate services (Anessa V Cohen Realty) and mortgaging services (First Meridian Mortgage) in purchasing these elegant old homes, the Five Towns and throughout the tri-state area. because of the major amount of renova- original condition—majestic on She can be reached at 516-569-5007 or via her website, www.AVCrealty.com. Readers are tions required to bring them up to snuff. encouraged to send questions or comments to Back then, most of those homes, [email protected]. which were built between the turn of the the outside, disasters on the inside. Century through the 1920s, had never been updated and stood in their original condition—majestic on the outside, dis- You can now upload asters on the inside from lack of mainte- them, some of them children and grand- many of these grand homes. And when nance. In the real-estate world, we all children of the original owners, who had these first few pioneers purchased and your display ad directly referred to them as “white elephants” lived there for many years amongst the succeeded in their rehabilitation, many because of the major amounts of funds ruins (I have no other way of describing others, seeing how beautiful they were via our website at and construction necessary to make this). When we (brokers) would be invited when finished, also wanted to get into www.5tjt.com them livable again—and forget about the in to see these homes prior to them put- the act and started purchasing and amount required to upgrade them to ting them on the market, we were rehabilitating others.

36 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Cold Calls, Warm Calls

It still gives me a jolt when I answer because I did know of Hubby’s interest the phone and hear a voice on the other in the stock market. I just didn’t know end ask, “May I speak to Arnold, please.” how deep his interest went. I thought I Since everyone in my world knows that was the main interest in his life. Now Hubby is no longer here, I am immediate- I’m not so sure. ly aware that the voice belongs to a stranger. Another clue to the identity of the caller is that Hubby was always known as Arnie. “Arnold” was reserved The responses go from strictly for his driver’s license, insurance forms, and tax bills. sincere condolences When the caller is unknown to me, I with a promise to usually sense that this stranger is a stock- broker. And it inevitably is! My, my, but remove Hubby’s name Hubby was busy. Who knew he was so actively making telephone inquiries from their list, all the regarding stock purchases? Not I. But upon further reflection, it occurs way down to sudden to me that perhaps not all of these calls hang-ups. are from brokers that Hubby did busi- ness with. The likelihood is that these are “cold calls” from brokers who want his business, and they have this phone The only facet of Arnie’s fascination number because Arnie’s name is on with the market that affected me on a some brokerage firm’s list (or many bro- daily basis was that we could never eat kerage firms’ lists) thanks to his past dinner at 6:30 p.m., because that was inquiries. when his favorite television program Confession is cleansing, so I will aired. The program is known as the cleanse here! I will admit that my claim of surprise is somewhat disingenuous, Continued on Page 38

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 37 THAT’S THE WAY IT IS! Nevertheless, in spite of my theatrics, my heard him making comments out loud I’ll never know, since, for a variety of rea- Continued from Page 37 presence in the room gave Hubby a great even when he was alone. He would talk sons, I don’t plan to watch it again. It deal of pleasure, because it afforded him to the narrator much as a sports fan would likely still bore me to tears, and Nightly Business Report, and Hubby just the opportunity to make comments shouts at a television screen during a ball without Arnie’s commentary and his loved it. Whether he was heavily invest- about what was happening in the market game. And, even when the program explanations it would be meaningless to ed, minimally invested, or not invested at and to educate me by providing informa- ended, he still didn’t always come direct- me. It might also be painful. all (an unlikely scenario, based on the tion about some of the companies that ly to the dinner table, because he often This is occurring to me now because, number of calls that have come in for were mentioned. Under Hubby’s tutelage, called his friend with an update, just in while there have been sporadic phone him), he always watched that program. It I became familiar with phrases such as case the pal hadn’t caught the program. calls for Arnie over the past few months, frustrated me because it meant that din- IPO’s, mergers, acquisitions, third-quarter It very recently occurred to me that I recently there have been many more. ner had to wait. But that’s the way it was. losses, downsizing, and a host of other haven’t seen or heard the Nightly Thanks to a shaky economy, business And since Arnie watched it, I often sat terms that I didn’t normally hear. Business Report since my love passed must be off, so brokers are hunting for down beside him and watched too. Of course I knew that Arnie didn’t real- away. This awakening has come to me customers. Last week alone I received Since I found the program boring, I ly need me—or anyone else, for that mat- rather late—a clear indication that I don’t three calls. Oddly, sometimes the calls would sometimes roll my eyes and heave ter—to be in the room when he watched miss the program. I assume it still airs on are a comfort because for a brief a deep sigh as I waited for it to end. the program. I knew this because I often the same channel at the same hour, but moment in time I pretend that Arnie is still here—but only for a brief moment of course. My imagination is good, but not that good. At other times the calls are upsetting, as they force me to tell someone, yet again, that Arnie passed away. It’s still dif- ficult to articulate that fact. Some brokers are kind, others are not. The responses go from sincere condolences with a promise to remove Hubby’s name from their list all the way down to sudden hang-ups without a single word being uttered. At first I thought that the hang-up types were unkind and insensitive, but over time I’ve softened my stance. I now realize that those who abruptly hang up are probably people who don’t yet know how to handle an uncomfortable situa- tion. They’re neither mature nor sophisti- cated enough to say the appropriate thing by simply offering a kind word. Although the hang-ups are irritating, I feel sorry for the callers—almost. They need to grow up. I already have. But it’s a two-way street. Initially I did- n’t behave that much better, because I didn’t respond kindly to these callers. When my loss was so painfully fresh and the situation so very new to me, I undoubtedly took a harsh tone with these callers. It’s no wonder they hung up in a hurry. But, eventually, as I learned how to deal with calls such as these, I took a more gentle approach. And I know that Hubby, who never uttered a harsh word in his life, would be proud of me. As usual, his was the better way after all. Now that my response is softer, so too are the callers’ responses when I tell them that I’ve lost my husband and they’ve lost a potential client. Most of them say the appropriate thing. Life is funny. At first the calls irritated me and then they didn’t. I came to accept them. But, those calls will even- tually cease, and something tells me that when they do, I may miss them. That’s the way it is. O

Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a licensed real-estate broker associated with Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at [email protected] or 516-902-3733.

38 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ACE Continued from Page 35 and parks their whole lives; their self image is in the garbage and they feel broken. At the end of the day, everyone has the power to succeed, we just need to pinpoint their specific strengths and retrain them to think positively. ACE develops individual character within the context of the group. They gain a positive view of themselves and they can give back to the community.” “In a positive environment the neshamah is nourished,” ACE dean, Rabbi Yechiel Weisz said. “It’s like polishing an old tarnished candlestick. Before you can start polishing it, you have to remove the rough dirt. Then they can really shine. Each of these kids has tremen- dous potential. The yeshiva’s goal is to make each of them into ovdei Hashem in their own way.” One time Rabbi Weisz asked one of the boys why he doesn’t like to daven. “Nothing I davened for in life ever came true,” he said. “You came to ACE,” Rabbi Weisz responded. The boy instantly broke out in a big smile. One of the major ingredi- ents for success at ACE is the small size and personal atten- tion, insuring that no boy has a chance to get lost. Nonetheless, they already have plans to open up another three pro- grams next year that will share staff members and communal space, but will run independ- ently. “We are ready to open 50 groups like this,” Rabbi Klein said. “We have the patented formula; we have the staff and space. The only thing lacking is the funds.” They’re looking for motivated and positive kids, 16 to 17 years old, who want to change, but just need a sup- portive environment to help them do it. Next year ACE is also starting a post high school beis medrash program for seri- ous guys who want to build their life skills together with their Torah learning. They will partake in rigorous morning and evening sedarim providing a strong derech halimud togeth- er with alternative skill build- ing activities in the afternoon such as craftsmanship and hik- ing. The goal of everything is to build themselves into responsi- ble, healthy adults. “We’re creating people,” Rabbi Weisz said. “We plan on having a 100% success rate. If one boy falls through the cracks that’s a failure. There’s some- thing for everyone here.” For more information about ACE yeshiva, visit www.aceis- rael.com. For more informa- tion about Rabbi Fishman’s wilderness camp, Ramote Expeditions, please visit www.ramote.org. O 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 39 40 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES COLOR

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 41 to bring us into the land, what they then getting smashed, and really getting hurt. spoke wasn’t lashon ha’ra at all. In their cal- The joke is no longer funny. culation, they were saving the Jewish peo- The Chofetz Chaim points out to us ple from utter destruction, in which case it that the Torah reserves a curse for one wasn’t forbidden speech; it was a mitzvah. who “hits his neighbor while hiding.” Why does the Torah forbid lashon explain that this refers to some- ha’ra? The Rambam defines lashon ha’ra one who speaks lashon ha’ra about his as words that hurt, words that damage. friend. Why am I so cavalier about what I Whether they cause a person embarrass- say about him? Because he isn’t here. If The Shmuz On ment or loss of income, or sully his repu- he were standing right nearby, I would tation, the very definition of lashon ha’ra never say what I said. I say it only because is words that cause harm. That is the rea- he isn’t around. And in that sense I am son the Torah forbids us to speak it—not hitting him while hiding. The Parashah because the Torah is so strict, but because One of the reasons that we have difficul- words can have such a harmful effect. ty controlling our speech is that we don’t The Power Of The Spoken Word their negative report about the land. To appreciate the damage that words see it as truly damaging. “What is the big BY R’ BEN TZION SHAFIER However, says Rashi, “These wicked peo- can cause, imagine that I discover a cloak deal if I tell an interesting story or two?” we ple saw what happened and didn’t learn of invisibility. When I put this cape on, I say. While I would never dream of physical- Send forth men, if you please, and let from it.” can walk around freely without anyone ly harming you, when it comes to ruining them spy out the land of Canaan that I The meraglim’s sin wasn’t lashon seeing me. Imagine for a moment that your reputation, damaging your business, give to the Children of Israel. ha’ra. The problem with this Rashi is that after I find this cloak, I decide to have or causing you harm in the way that people —Bamidbar 13:2 the meraglim’s sin had nothing to do with some fun. As I walk around the beis perceive you—then I am much less con- Timeline of the meraglim. The lashon ha’ra—it emanated from a lack of midrash, I take a sefer from one fellow cerned. The Torah is teaching us that lashon parashah of Sh’lach opens with the story trust in Hashem. When they entered the and turn it upside down. Oh, his reaction ha’ra is forbidden because of the power of of the meraglim. Rashi notes that the pre- land, they saw giants occupying fortified when he sees it! Then I walk over to the words and the damage they can cause. vious parashah ended with the story of cities. They witnessed people dying left, another fellow and close his Gemara. That is why they are forbidden. Miriam getting tzara’as and being sent right, and center. In their minds, if the “Hey! What happened?” Next, I see a pair The power of speech. The answer to this out of the camp because she spoke lashon Jewish nation attempted to conquer this of chavrusahs who are standing up for a question on the meraglim seems to be that ha’ra about Moshe. Since this parashah land, they would be slaughtered whole- moment. I walk over and put both of they should have seen what happened to begins with the meraglim, it implies that sale—man, woman, and child. their Gemaras back on the shelf. Miriam and learned one lesson from it— these two events are connected. But Clearly, they were lacking in bitachon. I am having a jolly time! the power of speech. They should have Rashi is bothered by the fact that they did Their faith in Hashem was deficient. But After a while, I get a bit bolder. As thought to themselves, “If such a tzadeikes not happen in chronological proximity; they weren’t guilty of speaking lashon someone is walking by, I leave my foot in said something only slightly questionable the events of the Korach rebellion were ha’ra. First off, there is no prohibition the aisle. “Heyyyy!” he yells as he falls to about her brother, whom she loved and sandwiched in between. against speaking lashon ha’ra about land. the floor with a crash. revered, and had to be sent out of the Rashi explains that the Torah took Land is inanimate. We are forbidden “This is fun,” I think to myself. And encampment for seven days to suffer these two events and juxtaposed them to from derogatory speech about people— now I really start to get into it. embarrassment and public humiliation, teach us a lesson: Had the meraglim not not rocks. As a fellow walks by, I give him a what does that tell us about the impact of been so wicked, they would have learned Of even greater significance, once the punch in the stomach. “Ohhhh!” The next her words? Why did Hashem act so harsh- from what happened to Miriam, and that meraglim made their mistake and conclud- guy, I smash in the back. “Aggggh!” And ly with her? It must be that what she did would have prevented them from giving ed that Hashem wasn’t powerful enough before you know it, there are guys falling, was far more egregious than we realized. It

42 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES must be that her words—while merely speech—are a powerful force.” Had the meraglim learned this lesson, they would have been far more careful in their speech. They would have thought many times about the consequences of their words, and that would have made them stop and think to themselves, “Before we bring back this report, are we sure? Are we a hundred percent certain that the Jewish people will die trying to conquer this land? Didn’t Hashem bring us out of Mitzrayim? Didn’t Hashem split the sea for us?” Understanding the power of speech would have caused them to think about the consequences, and the results might well have been very different. This concept has great relevance in our lives. Most of the damage that we do through speech isn’t malicious or with bad intent. We speak without thinking about the consequences, without contemplating the results. The Torah is teaching us the power of those words and how careful we have to be with what we say, not because the Torah is machmir when it comes to sins of speech, but because of the effect that speech has to help or to harm—because of the power of the spoken word. O

The Shmuz, a life-changing mussar shiur, is available online at www.TheShmuz.com or on Kol HaLashon at 718-906-6400 (press 1,4,1).

MINDBIZ Continued from Page 30 failure and defeat. Look for the “warm and engaging person” who once stole your heart. Unconditional love is exactly what she needs now, more than ever. In the meantime, figure out some activities for the two of you to participate in, in place of the more active ones that she cannot presently enjoy, such as going to a movie or a concert together. This way, not only will you show Barbara that you still love her and care about being with her, but you will also breathe new life into your rela- tionship, which sounds as though it’s been comatose for some time now. We marry one person, and then life happens. For better or for worse. We have no way of knowing in advance where our challenges will take us. Sometimes people find themselves in the middle of physical, emotional, or spiritual upheavals. Knowing that our spouses are willing to stand by our sides, literally through thick and thin, accepting and encouraging us as we battle to work through our issues, is the ultimate blessing and act of love between a husband and wife. For Barbara’s sake, I hope that you can change your per- ception regarding her struggles and view her with empathy and support, rather than judgment and disgust. Again, she has a serious problem, but because you are her husband, it is your problem as well. She has much work to do, but so do you. If you need help dealing with your own sense of anger and loss, seek out therapeutic help; you also deserve sup- port. But it sounds as though there is much to fight for in this marriage. The woman you once married is still there. Once she reemerges, your marriage will be stronger and happier than ever. Esther

Esther Mann, LMSW, is a psychotherapist in Lawrence. Esther can be reached at 516-314-2295 or [email protected]. She works with individuals, couples, and families. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 43 Iran, , and the Palestinians. New York State Society of CPAs is again “In addition to falling in line with the hosting “The Ellen Gordon CPAs 4 (a) rest of the Democratic Party as they got Cause 5K” run/walk to be held on Sunday, drunk on spending and failed to secure June 13, at 9:00 a.m. at Wantagh Park, our borders, Mr. Meeks has used his office Wantagh, NY. Proceeds from the charity to enrich himself and his friends. He has event will benefit Island Harvest, Long been subpoenaed by the US Attorney’s Island’s largest hunger relief organization. office for accepting improper gifts and Over 283,700 Long Islanders, including Cedarhurst Sidewalk Sale, June 6 of Rabbi Aaron Brafman, was administered for ‘losing’ tens of thousands of dollars 110,000 children, face the risk of going The Cedarhurst Business Improve- this year by two beis medrash bachurim— given to his ‘charity’ that is allegedly used hungry each day. The prolonged econom- ment District is pleased to announce that Dovid Gewirtz and Yoseph Ullman. to help the disadvantaged in his district. ic downturn has greatly affected many there will be a street fair held on Central The grand raffle was held Monday “It’s time for change. It’s time for the Long Island families’ ability to put food Avenue on Sunday, June 6, 1:00–5:00 p.m. night. Winners of the bikes were Yisrael Queens community to have a voice in on the table. For example, a working-class (Rain date is Sunday, June 13 from Bachrach and Asher Engel. The winners Congress that will refuse to spend money family of seven who, after paying all their 1:00–5:00 p.m.). There will be free inflat- of the Shas were Yekusiel Werner and we don’t have. It’s time for a voice in bills, had no money left at the end of the able rides, a stilt walker, and a magician— Shimon Goykadosh. Winners of other Congress that believes the best way to month and was forced to turn to a local fun for the entire family! O sefarim were Yitzchok Stein, Chesky help people is to help themselves, not cre- food pantry for help. Or the elderly cou- Kahan, and Dovid Munk. All other partic- ate failed social programs that get people ple who were once food donors to local YFR Hasmoda Program ipants received sefarim. O stuck in their own cycle of helplessness. charities, now finding themselves asking The Yeshiva of Far Rockaway’s 19th “And most importantly, it’s time for the for help. Each week, nearly 65,000 indi- annual hasmoda program which runs Asher Taub: Jewish community to have a voice in viduals are seeking emergency food assis- between Pesach and Shavuos, ended on Candidate For Congress Congress that can articulate our values; tance in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, but Monday night May 17, the last night of sefi- After receiving the nomination of the these values that once upon a time coin- in many cases, it’s not nearly enough. rah. Over 60 boys from all the local yeshiv- Republican Party, Asher Taub, a Jewish cided with American values, but sadly Fortunately, the Nassau Chapter of the os participated in the learning program. attorney from Queens (R-Queens), the that is no longer the case. New York State Society of CPAs has been The program was originally started in candidate for New York’s 6th congression- “Israel must be protected, not attacked. sponsoring the 5K run/walk to benefit memory of Rav Yisroel Meir Heiman, zt’l. al district challenging Gregory Meeks, Iran must be stopped, not coddled. Our Island Harvest for the past eight years. Since then several new names have been released the following statement: economy needs to compete in a new Funds raised by this popular event go added so that their neshamos have an “I am running for United States global market, which means private directly to supporting the emergency aliyah as well—Rochel Brafman, Meir Congress as a Republican against an enterprise should be encouraged, not food needs of over 570 soup kitchens, Aryeh Blum, Binyomin Tzvi Berger, and opponent who embodies everything that demonized. food pantries, and emergency food pro- Aaron Moshe Schreiber, zt’l. This enabled is wrong with America. Gregory Meeks “I can barely recognize this great coun- grams served by Island Harvest. the program to offer more sefarim, prizes, has taken his 12 years in Congress and try anymore. I, Asher Taub, am running for Runners and walkers interested in par- and incentives. spent this country into the ground while Congress and am going to Washington to ticipating in The Ellen Gordon CPAs 4 (a) The program, though under the guidance making it less safe by being too soft on begin turning that around.” O Cause 5K run/walk can download a regis- tration form at www.active.com or Help Run Hunger Off Long Island, www.islandharvest.org. Trophies will be June 13 awarded for top finishers and there will Attention runners and walkers: get on be post-race food, refreshments, prizes, your mark, get set, and go run hunger off Long Island! The Nassau Chapter of the Continued on Page 46

44 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

5TJT Puzzle Page: A Boy’s Life

B Y YONI GLATT

Across 61. Big kiruv name 1. Fence twining 65. ___ away 5. ___phobic (stays in a lot) 66. Rob 10. Nudges 67. Where to get an unassembled table 14. Where Israel is 68. The Philistines after David killed 15. Lake or tribe Golias did this 16. Leaves off 69. Third (hour) 17. Marvel film of 2011 70. Contact item 18. Where to see an eel in Israel Down 19. Y-chromosome bearer 1. Mammal in the news of late 20. First event of a boy’s life 2. Wood option 23. Black ____ 3. Notable Grande 26. Exile locale 4. Pull-up items 27. It might be toxic 5. Straight ___ 28. Steam 6. Skillful deceit 30. Var. 7. Crease-resident fabric 31. After 55-Across his next big moment 8. Wander might be ______9. Animated Allen film 36. Former sports org. 10. Male feline Solution to appear next week. 39. House for Moshe 11. Torah lengths 40. Young’s partner 12. First episode 34. Vacation letters 50. What many a beach does 41. It might cause a lightbulb to go on 13. Unit of volume equal to 35. Juda or Marx ending 51. Soda measurement 42. Kosher animal of Yellowstone one cubic meter 36. Popular pain pill 52. Blind prophet 43. Last event in a boy’s life 21. Not that guys 37. Baked sidedish 53. Plank for a chattan 45. View 22. Hole-making tool 38. Oohed follower 56. Sierra ___ 47. Ken with beer? 23. Cheer 41. Colon and woman ending that 57. Riley of the Flyers 48. An energy source 24. Discussion or judges changes their meaning 58. Basic tool necessity 51. Lavan e.g. 25. Attitude 44. By way of, to the bard 62. A Jewish Met 54. Dangerous drug 29. Choose 45. Like Kever Rochel 63. Former title for Clinton (abbr.) 55. After 20-Across he’ll get a ____ 30. Against 46. Big Aussie bird 64. Owns 59. Smell 32. Where could ______? 48. Show derision 60. Bits 33. Pitchers stat. 49. Kind of pool

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 45 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS going on a Kosherica cruise is to experi- Continued from Page 44 ence a five star luxury vacation that has world class glatt kosher gourmet cuisine, and entertainment. Perhaps the biggest which is very rare. Additionally, Kosherica prize will be the satisfaction in knowing cruise passengers can travel and see the that you are helping to make a difference world in style, rather than staying station- in addressing the critical problem of ary their whole vacation. Finally, consid- hunger on Long Island. ering the all-inclusive price that covers Fighting hunger and touching lives, amazing luxury ocean-liner accommoda- Island Harvest serves as the bridge tions, strictly kosher food, and entertain- between those who have surplus food and ment, it’s really one of the most afford- those who need it, supplying hundreds of able ways to take a vacation.” community-based nonprofit organizations The Celebrity cruise ship features a on Long Island with critical food support to conservatory by a world-renowned help stem the advancing tide of hunger in designer; an impressive aqua spa and lux- our communities. Island Harvest has deliv- urious therapeutic pool; steam rooms ered more than 60 million pounds of food, The Friendship Circle at Chabad of the Five Towns. and saunas; and fully-equipped gyms supplementing nearly 47 million meals, with the latest exercise equipment and since its inception in 1992. Island Harvest classes offered every hour on the hour. is a member of Feeding America (formerly [email protected] or 516-295- Kosherica, a family-run organization, is Children will experience hours of fun at America’s Second Harvest). For more infor- 2478, ext. 13. O the leader of glatt kosher cruises since The Fun Factory Club, a supervised area mation visit www.islandharvest.org or 1992, with family members on every outfitted with a jogging track, video call 516-294-8528. O Kosherica’s Jewish Music Festival cruise to ensure the best and signature arcade, and hours of activities. At Sea, August 1–8 Kosherica quality possible. Rabbi Weil, the OU’s executive vice Friendship Circle Dinner Summer signals a time to relax; to take Those who book passage on Kosherica’s president, is a gifted and prominent lec- Over 100 outstanding volunteers were a break from the fast-paced cycle of work, Jewish music festival at sea will be experi- turer. Before arriving at the OU, he was honored at the Friendship Circle Dinner, carpooling, and homework help; and to encing world-class luxurious accommoda- the rabbi of the Young Israel of Oak Park, which was held on Monday night, May 24 reward hard work year-round with a well- tions; daily minyanim and shiurim by Michigan, and of Beth Jacob at the Jean Fischman Chabad Center of earned vacation. This summer, from Rabbi Steven Weil and Stephen J. Savitsky Congregation in Beverly Hills, CA. Mr. the Five Towns. The Friendship Circle is a August 1–8, Kosherica invites you to come of the Orthodox Union; incredible gour- Savitsky, the OU’s president since 2004, unique organization with a refreshing aboard the luxurious celebrity cruise line met food that is alternatively glatt kosher travels widely to Jewish communities approach to helping families of children to celebrate the best musicians of Jewish and chalav Yisrael, supervised by expert around North America and Israel, bring- with special needs and involving them in music for its Jewish music festival at sea. mashgichim; and all with incredible live ing the OU’s message with him. Both men Jewish experiences. Thanks to all who The all-inclusive package will travel concerts featuring the best in Jewish will be bringing their unique pulse on the helped with the planning, showed their the waters of the Atlantic Ocean to music, with world-class entertainers from Jewish community and world issues in support, and paid tribute to the volun- Canada and New England, with ports of a variety of music genres that run the their lectures throughout the week. teers in recognition of the huge difference call in Maine and Nova Scotia. For the gamut of Jewish music, including Dudu Kosherica’s food, as always, will be they make in the lives of our children first time, Kosherica (not the ship) will Fisher, , Yitzchak Helfgot, top-notch, carefully prepared to the with special needs and their families. leave and return to port in Bayonne, New and . highest caliber by culinary teams trained For more information about the Jersey, allowing tri-state area residents Offy Schiffman, Kosherica’s culinary by Chef Arik Porat of the Dan Arcadia in Friendship Circle, please contact the convenience of a local port of call. director, stated, “The whole point of Israel. Dishes will span international cui-

46 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES sine and include grilled rib-eye steak, To Save A Life: SOVRI Helpline rack of veal, duck l’orange, eggplant Finds The Path To Healing gratin, moussaka, risotto, and vegetarian By Rochelle Maruch Miller paella. There will be fish and vegetarian Sexual abuse and assault is devastating options for the entrée at every meal for for victims and communities and often those who do not eat red meat, and spe- causes long-term psychological and emo- cial requests—such as no salt or low tional effects. Survivors of rape and incest fat—will be honored. often have very few places where they can As for the cruise’s main attraction, reach out for help in dealing with the Jewish music will permeate the air at physical and emotional toll of the crimes every turn, with concerts by Fisher, Fried, committed against them. Traditional gen- and Schmeltzer, all veteran performers der roles and values often reinforce the who engage the audience and ensure a ideas that sexual abuse could not happen rousing time is had by all. Davening will and that a survivor is powerless to seek be led by world-renowned cantors justice. Therefore, many family members Yitzchak Meir Helfgot, , often don’t believe survivors; yet going and Daniel Gildar, who will add an ele- outside the family is taboo, so survivors of ment of awe-inspiring liturgical music rape and incest tend to suffer in silence. into the cruise as well. The SOVRI (Support for Orthodox Finally, as if that wasn’t enough to Victims of Rape and Incest) Helpline is an satisfy the most demanding vacationer, anonymous and confidential helpline the ship will make stops in Portland and dedicated to providing culturally sensi- Bar Harbor, Maine the Bay of Fundy at tive outreach and support to the New Brunswick, and Halifax, Nova Orthodox Jewish community on issues Scotia. All sites are rich with history, related to sexual abuse and molestation. replete with museums, lighthouses, art The Helpline’s mission is to lessen isola- galleries, and the rustic beauty of nature tion and provide support and access to at its finest. Exploring these seaside vil- services for those affected by gender and lages offers an extraordinary experience sexual violence. on land, which is perfect to comple- We spoke with Cheryl Friedman, ment the adventures at sea. LMSW, an Orthodox social worker in the Passengers from the previous emergency department and victims inter- Kosherica Jewish music cruise called it vention program in Beth Israel Medical “the best vacation of my life”; “like a five- Center in New York. As one of SOVRI’s star Jewish version of Woodstock”; “on a three coordinators, Cheryl has a great scale of one to ten, ten being the best, this deal of experience treating survivors of vacation was a ten-plus.” rape and incest and, together with her Kosherica’s Jewish music festival at sea colleagues, saw the demand for a confi- is the perfect getaway for groups, couples dential and anonymous helpline dealing or families. For more information, visit www.kosherica.com or call 877-724-5567. O Continued on Page 48

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 47 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS ropolitan hospital. Our goals have in turn often creates an intergenerational ly, offer a safe environment to talk, pro- Continued from Page 47 remained the same as the original helpline transmission of abuse. vide guidance and support, and let the which is to reach as many people within 5TJT: How can victims of abuse be caller know there is hope to heal from with these issues. the Orthodox community who could ben- encouraged to call the SOVRI Helpline? the abuse, no matter how long ago it 5TJT: Why was SOVRI established? efit from all that SOVRI has to offer. CF: It is our hope that by educating the occurred. CF: To fill a need in the Orthodox com- 5TJT: Does SOVRI have rabbinical community through outreach, small fire- 5TJT: How do volunteers counsel munity where the issue of sexual abuse endorsement? side chats, and through articles such as callers who have been severely trauma- has been and remains a taboo subject. CF: We don't have anyone we call this, people will feel a greater sense of tized and require extensive therapy? The helpline provides an avenue for sur- "our Rav," however, we do take our own responsibility to encourage their friends, CF: The extensive 40-hour training vivors and people with questions to have specific shailos to Rabbi David Cohen. relatives, or known victims to contact the prepares volunteers to evaluate in a a place to call to get culturally sensitive We have a list of several rabbanim that SOVRI Helpline at 888-613-1613. The SOVRI non-threatening, sensitive manner how support, information, and appropriate we have spoken to that are on our Helpline is confidential, anonymous, and to respond to a caller who may be dis- referrals. The goal is to help lessen the resource list, so if a caller calls and without caller ID. Calling SOVRI is the closing something painful, perhaps for isolation, guilt, and shame and to help wants to speak with a rav sensitive to first step in breaking the silence and get- the very first time. No matter the indi- survivors find their voice and a path to the subject matter, we will refer appro- ting victims the help that they need. vidual circumstances, the volunteers healing from this devastating abuse. priately, depending on the caller's reli- 5TJT: What qualifications are you seek- provide support, validation; they let the 5TJT: Who are SOVRI’s coordinators gious preference. ing in volunteers? callers know it is not their fault and that and what are their credentials? 5TJT: How prevalent is sexual abuse CF: We are looking for Orthodox they are not alone. Victims often experi- CF: Currently, SOVRI is under the aus- and incest in the Orthodox community? women who are compassionate and car- ence a feeling if they had done “x” or “y” pices of the Beth Israel Victim Services CF: The prevalence in numbers is not ing individuals and who really want to it would not have happened, so SOVRI program run by Carole Sher, LCSW, a accurately known because of the taboo make a difference in someone’s life, emphasizes that no one had the right to social worker with over 30 years of expe- nature of the issue. However, the high Women comfortable with the subject take advantage of them in any way for rience in the field of sexual abuse and incidence of cases being treated in men- matter will be trained to offer a non-judg- any reason. Volunteers will answer domestic violence. Co-coordinators of tal-health clinics and private practice set- mental and supportive ear that can be questions that arise and if indicated, SOVRI are Chaya Mermerstein LCSW, out- tings with large Orthodox clientele has very empowering and life-changing to will give them information and patient clinical social worker and family revealed a far greater problem than ini- someone who has suffered silently from resources on where to get further help therapist in the outpatient child and ado- tially believed. sexual abuse. and in-person counseling. lescent psychiatry clinic at Beth Israel, 5TJT: What are some of the long-term 5TJT: What does the training entail? 5TJT: What message would you like to and myself. SOVRI’s founder is Bassya psychological and emotional effects of CF: The training entails 40 hours of convey to our readers? Littman, a mental-health case coordina- sexual abuse? varied programming, including interac- CF: That sexual abuse is a tragic reality tor, who recognized the need for such a CF: Clinical depression, suicidality, eat- tive lectures and role playing. The train- in the Orthodox community and in socie- helpline 30 years ago. She began the pro- ing disorders, anxiety, sexual dysfunc- ing is conducted in a small group and cov- ty-at-large, and by educating ourselves gram with several social workers. tion, including sexual addictions, person- ers many aspects of sexual abuse, such as about it as parents and as responsible 5TJT: How does the reinstated helpline ality disorders, substance abuse, rejection the dynamics of sexual abuse, the psycho- members of this community, we take the differ from the original one? of religion—particularly if perpetrated by logical impact on an individual and the first step in reducing the harm that it CF: The current helpline differs in sever- a trusted person, many medical and psy- family, medical information, legal and causes to individuals and families. SOVRI al ways. First, we have instituted a 40 hour chosomatic illnesses, marital discord, and police issues, domestic violence, etc. The welcomes your participation by calling us intensive training program modeled after post-traumatic stress disorder. Most volunteers are trained in how to assess to ask about volunteering, holding a fire- the NYS Dept. of Health Advocate training importantly, without treatment, the sta- for suicidality, flashbacks, and panic side chat, or finding out how you can get program. We are now under the auspices tistics indicate that one-third of abused attacks. The training teaches how to lis- involved and help eliminate this blight in of Beth Israel Medical Center, a major met- people will become perpetrators, which ten non-judgmentally and empathetical- our community. O

48 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Bat Mitzvah Club Finale The Bat Mitzvah Club finale, held this past Wednesday, May 26 at Chabad of the Five Towns, was a big hit. Mothers and daughters were greeted with a beautifully decorated room which set the backdrop for an elegant evening. The Bat Mitzvah Club Finale celebrated the lessons learned from Jewish women in Tanach throughout the generations. Each young woman dressed up as a different important woman from Tanach and passed a torch to each other to symbolize the passing of the light of Torah. The Bat Mitzvah Club focused on lessons learned from these Jewish women and how they apply to our lives today. Each girl presented a rose to her mother as a thank you for all their hard work in raising them as Jewish women. The dance presentation, choir, slide show, and dessert buffet were enjoyed by all. O

HASC Center Opens NY’s First Frum Respite Home For Special-Needs Children In our high tech world, it gets harder and harder to impress people with new gadgets, pro- found ideas, and fresh concepts. Yet, recently in Brooklyn, a low tech initiative has created a spec- tacular benchmark for chesed. At the grand opening for HASC Center’s Lev Tova, New York’s only frum overnight respite home for children with special needs, there were par- ents, neighbors, volunteers, friends, and government offi- cials who came to learn about this remarkable new service to our community. But, even with the clowns, the cotton candy, the face painting, and the carni- val atmosphere, they didn’t get to see the real story. That took place to the sound of giggles, singing, and full blown laughter last Shabbos when seven fami- lies turned to HASC Center for the specialized care and love that has been its trademark for nearly five decades. Just a few weeks ago, Chaim’s parents would have had no options for the first Shabbos with their new twin boys. Preparations for a shalom zachor, a double bris, and accommodat- ing visiting relatives as Chaim’s mother recovered from a difficult birth, created a level of excite- ment and activity which Chaim would have found difficult to cope with. Lev Tova’s expert staff made it possible for Chaim to cel- ebrate Shabbos in a safe and warm environment as they helped him adjust to the new sit- uation he would find at home. It’s a measure of the value of this pioneering service that an array of agencies were represent- ed at the grand opening with the expectation that the children

Continued on Page 50 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 49 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS patients, their families, and staff, Rabbi Continued from Page 49 Greenberg prided himself as a multi-faith chaplain,” he said. they serve will have the opportunity to Rabbi Jacob Hoenig, who recently benefit from Lev Tova’s respite program. joined Beth Israel, recounted knowing Not only the professionals, but parents of the rebbe as a Talmudic student of his children with special needs toured the father, Rabbi Sidney Hoenig, dean of grad- home, spoke to the nurse, and met the staff uate studies at Yeshiva University. that would be caring for their children. Yehuda Memorial Center founder Lev Tova’s living and dining rooms are Miriam Alexander recalled the warm wel- spacious and welcoming. With six large come Rabbi Greenberg extended when bedrooms, up to eight children can be she opened the Yehuda Jewish hospitality accommodated at a time. Lev Tova even suite in a house across the street from the provides a state of the art Snoezelen hospital. Room which offers a wide range of senso- Regaling the audience with his remark- ry experiences for the children to enjoy. able wit and good humor, Rabbi Many parents commented on the range Greenberg announced he was “tiring, not of features intended to meet the highest retiring.” He served as KHD rabbinic chap- standards of safety. lain for almost eight years, and plans to As she reserved a place at Lev Tova for continue as a hospital volunteer—visit- Beth Israel Medical Center–Kings Highway Division staff, volunteers, and visitors an upcoming Shabbos, one mother ing patients and singing merrily as he gathered to recognize and thank Rabbi Jacob Greenberg and Miriam Savitz and the expressed her gratitude; “…Finally, there’s goes about his rounds. Bikur Cholim volunteers. (L–R): Mrs. Savitz; Yehuda Memorial Center founder Miriam a place to send our children for Shabbos “You always knew when Rabbi Alexander; VP for administration Rhona Hetsrony; Rabbi Jacob Hoenig; Rabbi Greenberg; where Shabbos is an adventure for them Greenberg is in the vicinity because his Rabbi Sheldon Goldsmith; Chaplain Elaine Chan; volunteer coordinator and a respite for us.” O singing would precede him—we called Maia Makharadze; and Malka Greenberg, Rabbi Greenberg’s wife. him ‘The Singing Rabbi’,” said security Beth Israel Says Thanks director Charles Angel. To A Rabbi And Bikur Cholim “He often could be heard singing Also recognized were Miriam Savitz heal,” said Rhona Hetsrony, KHD VP for Well-wishers crowded the conference Hebrew songs to patients,” said KHD and her bikur cholim volunteers who administration. “We are extremely grate- room at Beth Israel Medical Center-Kings chaplain Elaine Chan. “He is also very offer a host of services to patients—from ful for their service to Beth Israel.” O Highway Division (KHD) as staff, volun- kind and thoughtful, going out of his way distribution of Shabbos lights and read- teers, and visitors expressed heartfelt to help everybody. If a patient wanted a ing materials, to assisting patients after Providing Hope For Families thanks to Rabbi Jacob Greenberg and certain prayer book, he would get one they leave the hospital—arranging home With Cystic Fibrosis bikur cholim volunteers led by Mrs. from his shul or if a patient asked for a visits, food delivery, and transportation On May 11, members of the Far Miriam Savitz. particular newspaper, Rabbi Greenberg for medical follow up. Every Friday, they Rockaway/Five Towns community gath- Rabbi Sheldon Goldsmith, assistant would go out of his way to obtain a copy.” give out soup, challah, and grape juice ered in the home of Yoily and Shaindy director, pastoral care and education, was KHD medical director Chaim Bernstein, from Rachel’s kitchen. Edelstein in Lawrence for an event that first among many to acknowledge the MD, referred to Rabbi Greenberg as a “Rabbi Greenberg, Mrs. Savitz, and was co-hosted by Shabse and Tova good work and contributions of Rabbi “semi-doctor, who made regular rounds in bikur cholim and Mrs. Alexander all keep Fuchs and Gadi and Aliza Fuchs to sup- Greenberg. “Although his primary respon- the intensive care unit to comfort all our patients connected to their commu- port the Child Life Society. The crowd sibility was to minister to Jewish patients, regardless of religion.” nities as our doctors and staff help them was addressed by R’ Chaim Wolkenfeld,

50 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES founder and director of the Child Life Society, who dis- cussed the mission and issues facing the organization, and by Mr. Bert Zakroff, who educated everyone about raising a child with cystic fibrosis. The objec- tive of this event was to raise the necessary funds to estab- lish a respite home in Key West, Florida. The Child Life Society is the leading organization dedicated to helping Jewish families in America and Canada who are afflicted with cystic fibrosis. The Child Life Society provides ther- apeutic respite, nutritional sup- plements, home-care assistance, and emotional support. Visit www.childlifesociety.org or call 718-853-7123 to learn more. O

Five Towns JCC Kosher Food Bank Bins Are Now Located At Beth Sholom Beth Sholom members and neighbors can now donate food to the Five Towns JCC Kosher Food Bank. Please bring to shul any unopened, unexpired, kosher packages of cereal, peanut butter, jelly, canned goods, paper goods, cake mixes, condiments, pas- tas, tuna, salmon, snacks, etc. Bins are now available down- stairs outside the shul office. Please contribute generously to this worthy cause! Congregation Beth Sholom is located at 390 Broadway in Lawrence. O

It’s Google For Girls At AMIT In Israel Girls rule, at least at the Dina and Dyckman Ulpanat AMIT in Beersheva, where many major in computer sciences. And in an effort to encourage students to seek careers in this highly competitive field, the school arranged recently for a group to visit the Google Israel offices in Tel Aviv. At Google Israel, the AMIT students met with three women engineers who explained how the popular search engine works. They emphasized that many women work in the field of computers and high tech, even though it is often viewed as a men’s profession. The Dyckman Ulpanat AMIT enrolls 500 students and offers courses of study in general tech- nology, physics, chemistry, and biology, in addition to comput- er science. In 2001 the school was awarded the Teachers Union Education Prize for out- standing achievement in pro- moting tolerance and under- standing between religious and secular students. Consistently, 90 percent or more of eligible students graduate with a bagrut (fully matriculated) diploma, which allows them to go on to higher education. O

Continued on Page 54 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 51 52 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 53 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS stellar record of achievement, we are the City College of New York. For many Continued from Page 51 highly confident that he will ensure a years he has served as an adjunct profes- strong development program for Touro.” sor in Yeshiva’s graduate schools of social News From Touro College Prior to joining Touro, Dr. Levine was work and education. Eric Levine Named Vice President For senior vice president for development at Dr. Levine edits a professional journal Institutional Advancement At Touro The Jewish Federations of North America, and has authored approximately 60 arti- College. Dr. Alan Kadish, president and where he directed a national develop- cles, book chapters, and papers on a wide CEO of Touro College announced the ment department that supported, advised, range of communal, academic, and pro- appointment of Eric Levine, DSW to the and mentored a Jewish federation fessional subjects. He is also a trainer and position of vice president for institution- fundraising enterprise totaling approxi- consultant in financial resource develop- al advancement. The appointment of Dr. mately $3.5 billion annually. He has ment, philanthropy, strategic planning, Levine will help sustain Touro’s future demonstrated significant leadership in and management, and is a frequent and the pursuit of its mission by enabling the non-profit sector and has held several speaker and educator on Jewish commu- the creation and implementation of a senior-level management positions in nity and identity. robust and comprehensive development leading organizations including the UJA- A member of a number of professional program that supports the college’s strate- Federation of New York. His experience and academic organizations, Dr. Levine is gic priorities and direction. also includes directing community-based a vice president of the Association of “Dr. Levine brings to Touro a wealth of social service agencies, and researching Jewish Community Organization successful experience in fundraising and and evaluating federal and New York City- Professionals and serves on the board of management in non-profit organiza- funded anti-poverty programs. the World Council of Jewish Communal tions,” said Dr. Kadish. “Given his dedica- “The mission and vision for Touro are Service. He has also served on the boards tion to Touro’s ideals, coupled with his Eric Levine at once compelling and impressive,” said of many non-sectarian and Jewish not- Dr. Levine. “Like Touro, I believe we create for-profit organizations, including the a better society and world by making Harold Grinspoon Foundation and the quality education available to all. The Hillels of Westchester. fundraising mandate is critical to achiev- Touro is a system of Jewish-sponsored ing this higher purpose. I am also strongly non-profit institutions of higher and pro- committed to Touro’s mission to preserve fessional education. For further informa- and perpetuate the Jewish heritage.” tion on Touro College, visit www.touro.edu. “Dr. Levine’s interests align directly Robert Bielsky Guest Speaker At Touro with Touro’s goals,” said Rabbi Moshe College. Robert Bielsky, son of Tuvia Krupka, senior vice president for college Bielski, who co-founded the Bielski affairs at Touro. “His experience in the Partisans, a group of Jewish partisans fields of social work and education, as who rescued 1,200 Jews from extermina- well as his work in the Jewish communi- tion and fought against Nazi occupiers ty, demonstrate his commitment to and their collaborators during WWII, Touro’s values.” spoke at Touro College on Tuesday, May Dr. Levine holds the Doctor of Social 11. He discussed the Bielski partisans with Welfare (DSW) and Master of Social Work two classes on the history of the (MSW) degrees from Yeshiva University. Holocaust, which are taught by Dr. Lester He earned a B.A. in Jewish Studies from Eckman, a distinguished professor at

54 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Touro. Dr. Eckman is a Holocaust survivor and befriended the Bielski brothers more than 40 years ago. Robert’s son, Taylor, is a sophomore at Touro College and a stu- dent of Dr. Eckman. Bill de Blasio Calls Social Workers “The Conscience Of Society.” Bill de Blasio, Public Advocate for the City of New York, spoke recently to an impres- sive standing-room-only crowd of more than 100 MSW candidates and faculty members from Touro College’s Graduate School of Social Work at Congregation Adereth El in Manhattan about “Navigating the Social Work Politics of New York City.” De Blasio offered high praise for social workers, who he said remain at the front lines of an ongoing battle, especially in these economically disadvantaged times. He said that social workers should continue to take a broad- er, more aggressive role in helping insti- tute changes to public policy, adding that in tough times, it is important for social workers to always remember their com- mitment to act as advocates for at-risk individuals and people in need. O

Kulanu Students Spring Arts Festival, June 7 The festival will showcase artistic and photographic works and will include live and videoed dramatic presentations. Students’ work was produced with the Manhattan New Music Project. The pub- lic is welcome. Monday, June 7, 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. at 620 Central Avenue in Cedarhurst. O

Croton Softball League, Week Four Team W L PCT GB Hitmen 3 1 0.750 – Meridian/ 2 1 0.666 0.5 TripleNet 5TLobos 2 2 0.500 1 Sunday Crew 1 4 0.200 2.5 Visit Crotonsoftball.com for more infor- mation. O

My Journey To My Inner Clown At Lev Leytzan By Aviva Mansbach, 11th-grader, SKA This past year I joined a unique pro- gram called Lev Leytzan, a non-profit organization that teaches teenagers how to be medical clowns. After about three months of training, the clowns visit local hospitals to work with sick patients, their families, and medical professionals. Since I’m normally a shy and quiet teenager, the idea of becoming a clown seemed beyond my reach. Yet something deep within urged me to join Lev Leytzan. I sensed the need to step outside of myself in order to find my inner clown and allow it to bring joy to people who

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 55 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS that room, three in that room.” I just Monday, June 7. The event will take place on the feet of 60,000 children. The organ- Continued from Page 55 stood there. It was my first day of school at the magnificent all-new Tiferes Rivka ization also revolutionized tzedakah giv- all over again, in a circle of strangers, Ballroom, at 1257 38th Street, in Boro Park, ing, by focusing on the dignity of recipi- most needed to play. being asked to pick up a bunch of shoes. Brooklyn. The dinner is dedicated in mem- ents. They expend great effort to allow The process of learning how to be a It was upsetting. I had been preparing for ory of the unforgettable Mrs. Esty Paskesz, the poor to feel respectable and normal, clown was amazing. On the first day, the months for this moment and I just stood a’h, who epitomized chesed and tzedakah. despite the circumstances that force teacher asked us to sit in a circle and to there. It took me a few moments, but I Heartstrings promises to be an excep- them to accept charity. throw all of our shoes into the middle. soon remembered that I was supposed to tional event. The guest speaker, Rebbetzin One example of their focus on dignity Then he said, “Now one of you stand up be a clown, and I became one. I am so F. Teitelbaum, wife of Hakadosh R’ Aryeh is the Mesamche Lev Card—a magnetic and pick up all of the shoes at the same glad I did. I can’t imagine how different Leibush Teitelbaum, zt’l, Hy’d, who per- strip card that the organization distributes time.” There were a lot of shoes! I did not my life would be if I were not a clown. ished al kiddush Hashem in Mumbai, widely before yomim tovim. Each card is stand up. To be in a circle with 20 girls I Lev Leytzan gives me perspective. It India, will inspire the audience with her pre-loaded with a specific amount that don’t know, and to just stand up and try allows me to see that there are people story, “From Tragedy to Triumph.” There families can then use to obtain groceries, to pick up all of their shoes, making a fool worse off than I am. I realize how lucky I will also be a special musical presenta- meat, fish, matzah, wine, shoes, shirts, of myself in the process, was scary for me. am, having the ability to make their lives tion, a lavish dinner, and much more. The and more. The cards allow families the For the next few classes, I felt the same. I better and happier. Every week I learn evening will culminate with the live freedom to shop in regular stores, and was always embarrassed to act a little more and more about my “inner clown” Heartstrings auction drawing. choose the items they want and need, just goofy, and I never volunteered for any- and the importance of making people The community’s reaction to like everyone else. This lets recipients feel thing. Eventually, we had a class on how smile! Thank you Lev Leytzan! Heartstrings has been remarkable. The “regular,” and goes a long way towards to apply clown make-up. The make-up I hope that you’ll join Lev Leytzan for auction booklet, a magnificent work of maintaining their dignity and pride. did not just change how I looked on the our annual comedy benefit on Sunday, art, has caught the attention of promi- Mesamche Lev’s massive Pesach distri- outside; it also drastically changed how I June 6 at 6:00 p.m. This event supports all nent businesspeople, politicians, and bution has garnered much media atten- felt on the inside. I felt like I could do the work that we do locally during the housewives alike—some of whom report tion. Newspapers in Eretz Yisrael and anything, absolutely anything at all. After year. We have an amazing line-up of that they spent hours perusing its pages. abroad report on the thousands of people all, I’m a clown! It was fun and exciting to comedians, Joel Chasanoff and Steve Their respect for Heartstrings went from all over the country who stream see the goofy things we had learned Marshall through Kenny Gluck’s Kosher beyond their appreciation for the never- into the organization’s massive tent, exit- about put into practice. After that class I Komedy, and a gourmet barbeque. The before-seen auction prizes and booklet. It ing with everything they need for yom volunteered for everything. event is graciously being hosted by Lev reflected their appreciation of Mesamche tov. What is less reported is the organiza- Finally we were ready to go to the hos- Leytzan parents Batsheva and Shaul Katz Lev and its remarkable work. tion’s major efforts on behalf of widows pital, or so we thought. Doing rounds in who have opened their home and hearts Although Heartstrings is a new, if not and orphans. Mesamche Lev is a bastion South Nassau Hospital was an eye-open- to us clowns to make the evening a ton of revolutionary, concept in auctions, of support for this vulnerable population, ing experience. We were in a hospital fun. Their address is 50 Margaret Avenue Mesamche Lev is a long-established and expends much effort in easing their with sick people, some too sick to talk, in Lawrence. Please call 516-612-3264 for organization. It was founded in 1971 by plight, through direct cash assistance, the and I realized that Lev Leytzan is not just additional information. O the renowned Rabbi Zalman Ashkenazi, Yad Esther Rivka Orphan Bride Fund, and about “clowning around” with my shlita, of Williamsburg; to help widows, other programs. friends. It’s about making people smile, Heartstrings Dinner And Auction, orphans, and needy people in Eretz The organization is also unique in that individuals who may not have much to June 7 Yisrael. The organization’s innovative it distributes all donations to the poor. smile about at that moment. Initially, it By Frimet Blum streak is evident in its many programs. Administrative costs, including the costs was a little overwhelming. Anticipation is building over Mesamche Lev is known throughout associated with the Heartstrings auction The most challenging moment was Heartstrings, the Mesamche Lev auction Eretz Yisrael for its massive shoe distribu- and dinner, are covered by private donors. when the teacher said, “Two people in and dinner that will take place on tion, which puts new, high-quality shoes The Heartstrings auction and dinner

56 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES allows the Jewish community 100th Anniversary Chai members and their families. a collection of the Torah writings time of historic dedications. The in America to join forces with Dinner For Congregation This year’s dinner will be hon- of his esteemed late father-in- sefer Torah will also serve as an Mesamche Lev and make a big Shaaray Tefila oring Rabbi Dovid and Rebbetzin law, Hagaon Harav Nissan Alpert, eternal memorial to those holy difference to our less fortunate Shaaray Tefila is extremely Adina Weinberger, the revered z’l. Most recently, he authored neshamos who perished al kid- brethren in Eretz Yisrael. It also excited about its upcoming cen- mara d’asra and rebbitzen of the Siddur Ohel Rachel, the women’s dush Hashem during the Shoah. offers a chance to participate in tennial dinner marking 100 congregation. Rabbi Dovid siddur for Artscroll. Rebbitzen The anniversary dinner the first-ever 13th Avenue years of devotion and dedica- Weinberger studied many years Adina Weinberger, daughter of evokes the rich and distinctly Auction, where winners receive tion to our community and to in Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim and Harav Alpert, and granddaughter American history of the shul. gift certificates at every partici- Klal Yisrael at large. It is impossi- received semichah Yodin Yodin of Hagaon Harav Pinchas Begun in the year 1910, the first pating store on the block. Prizes ble to chronicle the specific from Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt’l. Scheinberg, shlita, is a well services were held in the are worth thousands of dollars. activities and myriad acts of He is the co-author of Siddur known high school mechaneches Masonic Temple on Mott Avenue There are also magnificent chesed and tzedakah that this Nechomas Yisroel for the beis at Torah Academy for Girls. in Far Rockaway. By 1914, the bonus prizes for those who pur- shul has been involved with ovel, published by the OU and Each member of the congre- membership was incorporated chase ticket packages starting at over the past century. These Artscroll, as well as numerous gation is being encouraged to under the name “Congregation just $39. Bonus prizes include a deeds and activities are etched other sefarim. He has also edited write an os in the sefer Torah, as $10,000 shopping spree down and carved in the hearts of its five volumes of Limudei Nissan, a display of achdus during this Continued on Page 58 Boro Park’s 16th and 18th Avenues; a $13,000 Mesamche Lev Replica Package, which pays all yom tov expenses for a full year; and a $15,000 mega cash giveaway. The auction is open to all. Winners who do not reside in Boro Park and its immediate environs will receive a free car service and a free night in the Avenue Plaza Hotel, located on Thirteenth Avenue in Boro Park, so that they can shop in comfort. Mesamche Lev is endorsed by leading rabbonim from the entire spectrum of Torah Jewry. The rabbonim encourage the community to participate in Heartstrings. To order Heartstrings auction entries, or to learn more about Heart- strings, call 877-686-1313; or visit HeartstringsAuction.org. O

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 57 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS mately involved with the pressing con- The highlight of the anniversary celebra- Citing the plethora of misinformation Continued from Page 57 cerns currently facing Klal Yisrael. The list tion will be the Sunday morning and misimpressions that swirl around of shiurim presented, often by Rabbi hachnosas sefer Torah. Every member and the status of Jerusalem and its surround- Gates of Prayer of Far Rockaway.” The Weinberger himself, range from shid- friend of the rabbi and rebbitzen, and of ing settlements, Ambassador Bolton name of the congregation was suggested duchim to a series on chinuch habanim for the congregation, are invited to unite made several oblique references to the by Dr. Frederick Mendes, a relative of Dr. men and tznius for women. There are with the Shaaray Tefila family in recog- current strain in U.S.-Israeli relations and Perera Mendes, rabbi of the Spanish scholar-in-residence programs on a regular nizing the historic significance of this chastised the Obama administration for Portuguese Synagogue of New York. That basis, as well as Gemara shiurim, daf yomi, special centennial dinner and celebration pressuring Israel to cease construction of same year, a building committee was Mishnah yomis, medical halachah shiurim, of Torah for the Far Rockaway and Five new homes for Jewish residents in East established, as well as an afternoon daily morning , outreach programs, Towns communities. O Jerusalem. “People should be able to buy Hebrew School with Rabbi Benjamin Wednesday morning women’s shiur, and and sell property in Jerusalem, as in any Lichter (from the Touro Synagogue in yomei iyun. Sisterhood activities offer Hon. John Bolton Keynotes At other country, and clearly peace in the Newport Rhode Island), rabbi of the con- many events and enjoyable activities. The JRP/Ateret Cohanim Dinner region is not dependent on Israel making gregation, also serving as principal. shul youth program includes a junior min- By Fern Sidman territorial concessions,” he intoned. Congregation Shaaray Tefila was con- yan, a yeshiva , oneg groups, chol Warning of the existential perils to Referring to the chilly reception and structed on the corner of Central Avenue hamoed trips, and sports leagues. Shaaray Israel, the United States, and the entire humiliating treatment that was accorded and Neilson Avenue in Far Rockaway. Tefila is at the cutting edge of the Torah Western world that a nuclear empowered to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin On January 3, 1969, a disastrous fire world, constantly bringing in guest speak- Iran represents, the Honorable John Netanyahu on his most recent visit to destroyed the shul building and precipi- ers and live broadcasts to its congregants Bolton, former U.S. ambassador to the Washington, Ambassador Bolton said, tated a change of location. Under the and the community at large. United Nations, delivered a powerful “Today, Afghan president Hamid Karzai chairmanship of Mr. Harry Walker, zt’l, The 100th anniversary celebration will address as keynote speaker at the 2010 was treated to a gala lunch at the White the fundraising committee was formed. begin with the dinner, and continue with Jerusalem Reclamation Project/Ateret House and shown the kind of respect that In four months, the committee raised its a Shabbos of achdus, featuring a scholar Cohanim dinner on Thursday evening, we display to our allies. Lest we forget that campaign pledge of $1 million. For the in residence Parashas Chukas, June 18–19. May 13, at Terrace on the Park. Israel is our staunchest ally in the Middle next six years, however, the congregation encountered many problems in its quest for an appropriate site in the Village of Lawrence. Finally, on November 18, 1976, the congregation was issued a building permit by the Village of Lawrence to con- struct and erect a synagogue on Central Avenue between Lord and Andover Lane. It took four more years, until March 1980, for the new shul to be completed. Congregation Shaaray Tefila today offers a vast array of spiritual, educational, and social opportunities to its congrega- tion, as well as to the communities of Far Rockaway and the Five Towns. Its lecture Standing at the dais as “Hatikva” is sung by Dr. Paul Brody at the JRP/Ateret Cohanim dinner (L–R): Shani Hikind, Moe Tawil, Mark series has featured prominent rabbanim, and Galina Moerdler, Ambassador John Bolton, Dr. Joseph Frager, Mati Dan, Ilan Levtov, D. Bernard Hoenig, Daniel Luria, Mel Wadler, as well as those individuals who are inti- and Joseph and Helen Mermelstein.

58 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES East and as such the prime minister of ing Rabbi David Algaze of the Chavurat Israel should receive the same respect.” Yisrael synagogue in Forest Hills. New Debunking the ubiquitous myth that York State Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D), peace in the Middle East will be achieved representing the 48th Assembly District in by settling the intractable Israeli- Boro Park since 1982 and husband of Palestinian conflict, Ambassador Bolton Shani Hikind of the JRP, said of the bur- opined, “The Palestinians are being geoning Iranian nuclear threat, “As exploited by their own leaders, and the Ambassador Bolton suggested in his U.S. should not force either proximity or speech, Israel may have no choice but to direct negotiations between Israel and make the first move against Iran for self- the Palestinians, because there is no legit- preservation reasons and not to take imate Palestinian entity to negotiate action may prove to be worse later on.” O with. The U.S. needs to stop digging the hole that they’re in because undertaking Ateres Yaakov’s Mr. and Mrs. Yehuda Daphna, Rabbi Yaffe presents the binyan haTorah this huge diplomatic task that will result Seventh Annual Dinner MAY Parents of the Year. award to Rabbi Binyomin Kamenetsky. in failed negotiations will leave the U.S. Mesivta Ateres Yaakov celebrated its in a much weaker position.” seventh annual dinner this past week Calling Iran the “cradle of terrorism,” with a program that encapsulated the Towns and Rockaways, ready to move shem Shamayim in everything they do, Ambassador Bolton said, “Iran has been special attributes that make the yeshiva into its new home in the heart of who will become bnei Torah who are good developing nuclear weapons for the last so effective. Lawrence/Cedarhurst. husbands, good fathers, good providers, 20 years and neither diplomacy nor eco- This year’s dinner marked the ten year During his video presentation, Rabbi and ehrlich members of Klal Yisrael.” nomic sanctions will be effective deter- anniversary of Rabbi Yaffe’s tenure as Yaffe explained the educational philoso- The Yaffe presentation also included rents against them. Iran has been hiding menahel—seven of which he led the phy he has worked to inculcate into the testimonials from parents, alumni, and from IAEA inspectors, concealing data mesivta as an institution independent of fabric of the mesivta, and which has alumni parents, all of whom extolled the and destroying concrete proof of nuclear Yeshiva of South Shore. That decade was become its hallmark: Developing true bnei education and care provided by the mesiv- facilities.” He also provided evidence of one of tremendous accomplishment dur- Torah through the context of sincere and ta under Rabbi Yaffe’s leadership. In addi- Iran’s nuclear ties to the rogue country of ing which the mesivta came into its own meaningful relationships. “Our goal is to North Korea, whose nuclear power plant as one of the premier yeshivas in the Five produce talmidim that will be mekadesh Continued on Page 60 in Syria was destroyed in a 2007 attack by Israel and spoke of Iran’s financing of such terrorist groups as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Taliban. “Because of the ethnic dissatisfaction in Iran, a regime change is warranted and the oust- ing of the Islamic revolutionary regime that came to power there in 1979,” he said to rousing applause. Until that time, he said, “Iran cannot be contained or deterred” and suggested that Israel might be put in a position to launch a preemp- tive strike while there are no clear indica- tions from Washington that it will sup- port such a venture. The ambassador concluded by thanking the members of the JRP/Ateret Cohanim for their unflinching devotion to building Jerusalem and for their tireless efforts on its behalf of its people. The Jerusalem Reclamation Project and Ateret Cohanim are organizations predicated on fulfilling a generations-old dream of rebuilding and securing a united Jerusalem, strengthening Jewish roots, and reestablishing thriving Jewish communities. Activities include establishing educational centers, helping to renovate old buildings, installing and maintaining security systems, and initiat- ing other Jewish educational projects in an effort to revitalize this important area and have a greater Jewish presence in and around the Old City. The guests of honor at this year’s din- ner were Dr. Joseph Frager and Mr. Mel Wadler. Dr. Frager, a renowned gastroen- terologist, is the chairman of the board of JRP. Mr. Wadler is one of the founding members of American Friends of Ateret Cohanim and established its first office in his home back in 1984. Philanthropists Joseph and Helen Mermelstein were this year’s recipients of the Jerusalem Chai award and were hailed for their “tireless work on behalf of Jews around the world.” Credited with securing the release of former Soviet prisoner of conscience Anatoly (Natan) Sharansky, the Mermelsteins are also active in helping the settlements in Judea and Samaria by donating swimming pools, basketball courts, and day-care centers. The Bonei Yerushalayim honorees of 2010 included Mark and Galina Moerdler and Mr. Moe Tawil. Other Jewish luminar- ies were also present at the dinner, includ- 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 59 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS and its expanded future. Many such sup- Continued from Page 59 porters were recognized; the dinner chair- man, Mr. Maurice Bortz, devoted an excep- tion, Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky and tional amount of time and energy in Rabbi Chanina Herzberg of Yeshiva of ensuring the dinner’s success. The “gradu- South Shore both described the special ating” women’s league presidium, Mrs. qualities that make him a mechanech par Margie Glatt, Dr. Elise Kadish, and Mrs. excellence. Finally, Rabbi Aryeh Zev Karen Portal, whose creative programs and Ginzberg, rav of the Chofetz Chaim Torah dedicated service helped enrich the educa- Center, praised Rabbi Yaffe’s contribution tion and student experience of Mesivta’s to the community. That role will continue students for over four years, were recog- to expand as Ateres Yaakov moves to its nized with special gifts. new campus on Washington Avenue, and Dinner guests were impressed by the continues to develop its educational pro- Mark Gold presenting the Guest of Honor warmth and sincerity of the program and gram to include not only its own students, award to Rabbi Yaffe. the hanhalah. They complimented the but also its alumni, and the surrounding yeshiva’s unique derech in chinuch and in community, with its growing beis medrash building relationships with each talmid. program, nightly shiurim and Shabbos da’as Torah that his father exemplified, As one of the honorees rhetorically asked: Mrs. Zipora Antman, SKA Chairman of minyanim. As Rabbi Yaffe said, “We want and the mesivta promised to continue How can one mesivta cater to so many dif- the Department and to be a place where men and their sons that legacy. Rav Kamenetzky’s beaming ferent types of young men with so much Grinspoon-Steinhardt Awardee for gravitate to learn at night, on Shabbos and acceptance speech, and his sincere bro- success? How do their graduates succeed Excellence in Jewish Education. yom tov. We want to create a makom Torah chos for the mesivta’s continued success so well in so many different types of Israel that our talmidim help establish and in in its new home and with its expanded yeshivas? All agreed that the secret was which they have pride.” programs, were gratifying and poignant. the mesivta’s ability, under Rabbi Yaffe’s 2009-2010 recipients of the Grinspoon- A special hakaras hatov was given to The evening included recognition of leadership, to inculcate its messages of Steinhardt Awards for Excellence in the mesivta’s original founder, Rav three outstanding mesivta families: Mr. Torah, midos, and yiras Shamayim in each Jewish Education. Mrs. Antman now joins Binyomin Kamenetzky, shlita. The binyan and Mrs. Yehuda Daphna (parents of the talmid on his own level in a warm person- five of her SKA colleagues as awardees of haTorah award, not only recognized Rav year), Dr. and Mrs. Tzvi Rubin (keser shem al fashion such that he becomes a talmid this prestigious honor. Kamenetzky’s vision in creating Mesivta tov) and Dr. and Mrs. Jerald Korman (The for life, ready for a productive life in klei “Morah Antman,” her students say, “is a Ateres Yaakov over two decades ago in & Phyllis Korman, a’h, memori- kodesh or secular professions. wonderful role model who teaches us 1987, but also his founding role in so al dedication). Each spoke in glowing This year’s dinner elegantly blended not to be afraid of being an individual. many Torah mosdos in our community terms of how the mesivta has been the an appreciation of the past and recogni- She conveys the importance of the lan- dating back to the 1950’s when he first ideal choice for their sons and each tion of the present with anticipation for guage and land of Israel and keeps us arrived in the community. Ateres Yaakov expressed their unique hakaras hatov the future. O informed of current events. She’s funny, made clear that the now independent to Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe (menahel) kind, and a great teacher!” Twenty years institution would forever value its roots and Rabbi Sam Rudansky (general stud- 2009–2010 Grinspoon-Steinhardt chutz l’aretz is a long time, especially with and its founding principles, which are ies principal) for the attention and Award To SKA’s Mrs. Zipora Antman so much family in Israel. Doesn’t she miss epitomized by its namesake, HaRav direction they had given their sons The Stella K. Abraham High School for her native land? “I really feel that I’m HaGaon Rav Yaakov Kamenetzky, zt’l. Rav through the years. Girls is proud to announce that Mrs. needed here,” Mrs. Antman relates. “I Binyomin Kamenetzky infused Ateres The mesivta parent body has demon- Zipora Antman, chairman of the Ivrit believe that I’m making a significant con- Yaakov with the middos and respect for strated passionate support for the mesivta department, has been chosen as one of the tribution to the school and the communi-

60 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ty. Knowing the Hebrew lan- warm learning atmosphere of interested in joining either the scores are never an option. subject and Regents examina- guage in depth helps girls to Gan Eden. In response to requests camp or the Gan Eden pre- Every one of the courses offered tion material he or she teaches. truly understand their tefilot from the parent body, a summer school experience should please features six hours of intensive Prior to teaching their respec- and limudei kodesh; I feel that I program called Camp Gan Eden call 516-295-0067 (day) or 516-295- topic-by-topic review with an tive courses, all of our teachers have a mission to fulfill.” began that first summer. 7644 (evening). O emphasis on key questions. spend months of prep time “Chaval al haz’man,” as her With small groups, two kid- Regents Success provides stu- familiarizing themselves with students know, is Mrs. Antman’s die pools, an air conditioned Grade Expectations: dents with a comprehensive the details and intricacies of the favorite phrase and she never play area, pizza day, and music Regents Success review of all topics, as well as most recent Regents exams. All wastes a minute! SKA joins the interplay by Risa Sonnenblick, By Rochelle Maruch Miller test-taking strategies to help stu- of our teachers return year after New York Metropolitan Area the camp became an instant hit That Regents Success is the dents maximize their scores. year and each one is an integral Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award with reservations pouring in prep program of choice of high- To fully prepare students for part of the Regents Success Partners in congratulating this well before the summer season school students and their par- each of the three New York State team, working in tandem to exceptional educator on a began. The camp director is the ents is not surprising. Regents examinations in mathe- maximize every student’s score. remarkable accomplishment. O seasoned and veteran preschool Coordinated by Eddie Martin, matics, Regents Success offers Two of the math Regents curric- educator Morah Marni Polatoff an educator par excellence who six-hour prep courses in inte- ula have recently undergone Camp Gan Eden To Begin who carefully selects the staff of established the program 18 years grated algebra, geometry, and drastic changes; our teachers Ninth Season counselors and junior coun- ago, Regents Success has helped math b. The living environment, have written the Regents exams This July, Camp Gan Eden of selors. It is also under the direc- thousands of high-school stu- chemistry, earth science, and and are eminently qualified to Cedarhurst is to begin its 9th year tion of the rav of the Chofetz dents throughout the Five physics courses are outstanding prepare our students for of special programming for Chaim Torah Center, Rav Aryeh Towns and Brooklyn prepare for in scope, as are those offered in Regents success. In addition to preschoolers servicing the entire Z. Ginzberg. The current loca- and score high on the New York global history, geography, U.S. teaching their respective topics Five Towns community. In tion of the camp and preschool State Regents Exams. history and geography, as well and test sophistication skills, January 2002 the Chofetz Chaim is in the heart of the So successful is this superb as English. our teachers infuse their stu- Torah Center of Cedarhurst, a Cedarhurst/Woodmere commu- program that Mr. Martin begins “Every one of our teachers is dents with a sense of confi- newly opened shul and learning nity. This year additional activi- receiving inquiries regarding New York State licensed and cer- dence and truly prepare them center for the community, ties are being added. There are registration for the courses tified,” Mr. Martin said. Each for Regents success.” expanded its programming to only several spots left for the offered as early as in November. teacher is a consummate profes- service the preschool-age children summer of 2010 and anyone At Regents Success, mediocre sional and is an expert in the Continued on Page 62 of the community. With an emphasis on small teacher/child ratio and the creation of a truly unique warm atmosphere with a very talented staff of dedicated and loving moros, the Gan Eden Preschool opened its doors to an extremely receptive community. From the very beginning, chil- dren came from throughout the Five Towns area, including Far Rockaway and some from as far as Great Neck to experience the

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 61 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS original goal of YCL was to give boys lack- The “secret” to Chanoch Lenaar’s suc- and attentive dormitory counselors who Continued from Page 61 ing a formal Jewish education an oppor- cess lies in its constructive and innova- supervise and mentor the boys. During tunity to learn about their rich heritage. It tive approach. Hebrew department class- breaks and evenings, indoor and outdoor Regents Success prep courses are given was committed to accepting boys from es are divided according to levels rather recreational facilities are available, offer- at HAFTR High School and at their diverse backgrounds and providing them than grades. Beginners learn the funda- ing students a much-needed outlet to Brooklyn center at Yeshiva of Flatbush with an authentic yeshiva experience in mentals of Hebrew reading and prayer, channel their energies appropriately. Elementary School. Advance registration a wholesome Jewish environment. By while students on the more advanced lev- Registration for grades 8–12 is now in is requested and advised; walk-ins are radiating warmth and acceptance, the els study Gemara with commentaries. full swing for the upcoming school year. accepted. To register for Regents Success, administration and staff instilled in the Small classes and an experienced staff of For more information or to schedule an please call Mr. Eddie Martin at 516-568- boys a desire to learn and a love of dedicated educators allow each student interview, please visit www.yeshiva.org or 7996. Please see their ad on page 12 for Yiddishkeit. With its devotion, caring, to achieve his full potential. call Rabbi Yaakov Bryski at 718-774–8456. O course dates. O and innovative methods, the yeshiva was Administration and faculty members are blessed with great success over the available and on hand at all times, provid- Ohr Meir Disney Cruise Sets Sail Yeshiva Chanoch Lenaar course of its first decade. It was an idea ing the necessary support system for stu- This week, the Ohr Meir Foundation Yeshiva Chanoch Lenaar, unlike other whose time had come. dents as they develop and expand their embarked on a brand new Disney adven- yeshivas designed for boys outside the Soon Rabbi Yaakov Bryski, dean of commitment to Torah observance. At the ture. The group of girls, ages 8-19, who mainstream or those who need more per- Chanoch Lenaar, began receiving calls same time, students have an opportunity have been in remission from cancer for at sonalized attention, has a tried and true from parents of boys from observant to complete the N.Y.S. high school cur- least six months, were spirited away for a record of educational success unmatched homes. For various reasons, a growing riculum and earn a Regents diploma at spectacular Disney cruise. For four days by others. number of these children were not suc- the end of 12th grade. they tasted the sweetness of a carefree Created with the individual boy in ceeding in regular yeshivas. Parents com- Chanoch Lenaar’s unique point-rating childhood that had been taken from them mind, Chanoch Lenaar’s unique structure plained that standard programs were system is a tremendous motivational tool when they were diagnosed. Together with rewards not only academic accomplish- overly intense, with excessive pressure which helps students establish and Ohr Meir staff, they flew to Port Canaveral ments, but fosters social and emotional and too many students crammed into achieve their goals. Each boy receives in Florida, where they boarded the Disney growth in a warm and supportive atmos- each classroom. Expanding on his com- points based on his own efforts in daven- Wonder cruise ship for a trip they will phere. At a time when some yeshivas are mitment to make a yeshiva education ing, class work, and social behavior. As relive and relish for a lifetime. experiencing difficulties combating nega- available to as many Jewish teens as pos- merits are earned for non-scholastic Aboard the ship, the girls enjoyed glatt tive outside influences, Chanoch Lenaar sible, Rabbi Bryski gradually began accept- achievements, all students begin on an kosher/chalav Yisrael meals and exclusive continues to defy the odds through its ing these boys we well. equal footing and are judged according to VIP treatment. Ohr Meir’s special relation- innovative educational approach. In its third decade, the yeshiva began their specific potential. The system also ship with Disney during the past two This unique school produces young to include boys who were “at risk.” These provides continuous positive reinforce- decades assured a magical experience at men who are enthusiastic about boys had already dropped out of school ment. This enables students to identify sea. The children were entertained by the Yiddishkeit and Chassidus, while steadily or were on the verge of doing so. When clear goals and allows parents and staff to many thrills that only Disney can deliver: intensifying their commitment to Torah other yeshivas refused to contend with accurately gauge each child’s progress. themed presentations, personal meet- and mitzvos. To the yeshiva’s credit, its stu- these boys, YCL responded to the com- The yeshiva’s diverse student body and-greets with their favorite Disney dents are exerting a positive impact on munity’s need by accepting those who comes from around the United States and characters, and magnificent Disney their extended families, as well as the had made a serious commitment to pos- the world. Since 1976, YCL has taken its shows each evening. The ship made two Jewish community at large. itive change. Baruch Hashem, YCL has role as surrogate parent seriously, caring amazing stops along the way: first in Founded in 1976 in response to the been successful with these boys too, for boys far from home. Chanoch Lenaar Nassau, Bahamas and then in Castaway Lubavitcher Rebbe’s declaration of “Shnas with many going on to study in main- provides a comfortable and inviting dor- Cay. While in Nassau, the girls enjoyed a Hachinuch” (Year of Torah Education), the stream yeshivas. mitory facility, tasty, nourishing meals, surprise visit to the world famous

62 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Atlantis resort—the recently built city of Ari Scharf and Shmayie Friedman were daily companion. They find true friends raffles: hand-painted furniture, custom- water wonder—and had a blast with a the Ohr Meir coordinators of the cruise, in their fellow campers and forge lasting designed interiors, art lessons, glorious, variety of rides and activities. The second both working diligently on the extensive bonds with the entire staff of Ohr Meir, sun-drenched days at the beach club, an i- port of call was Castaway Cay, Disney’s planning and implementation to make establishing an invaluable support sys- Pad and Mac AirBook, the Nintendo Wii, private island, where the girls spent sure the cruise would be the success it tem for the road ahead. The Friedmans a semester of gymnastics, SAT tutoring, Tuesday enjoying a barbecue lunch while was. From the moment the idea for such view this renewed energy as the greatest and much more. taking in the breathtaking beachfront a cruise was first conceived last year by gift that the trip provides. “When we see Orchestrated to perfection by Michal views. There they were engaged in a host Ari Scharf, the Ohr Meir team worked for the twinkle return to a child’s eye, we and Esther, this special event raised of different activities, including volley- months on fine tuning and perfecting know that a reinvigorated spirit is more money to benefit Shlomzion, an exem- ball, biking, boating, swimming, and every aspect of this trip. When asked powerful than any medicine or treat- plary Israel-based tzedakah dedicated to snorkeling with sting rays. about the trip, Ari Scharf said, “The ment,” Ari Friedman says with quiet helping orphans and widows in The “Ohr Meir Cruizers” were the talk Disney Cruise staff loved having our pride. “A bright smile is the greatest Jerusalem. 100% of the benefit’s proceeds of the Disney Wonder cruise ship, and group aboard and smiled whenever they reward for our efforts.” O come from all those donating raffles, as their green shirts became synonymous saw the Ohr Meir green shirts throughout well as the delicious desserts graciously with fun! After all these kids went the ship.” Ray Smale, cruise director for Couture For A Cause Gala donated by Le Chocolat. Couture for a through, they knew how to celebrate life the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship, added, Raises $30,000 For Charity Cause is truly a community effort; all as no one else. To enable the families of “We had so much fun and can’t wait to By Rochelle Maruch Miller costs are covered by the generous women these children to follow along every step have the Ohr Meir Cruisers again!” Not even the indigo skies and torrential of our community who are involved in of the way, Ohr Meir provided them with Founded in 1993, The Ohr Meir rain that heralded the sudden late spring this noble endeavor. live detailed reports at www.ohrmeir.org Foundation is the brainchild of Ari and storm could deter the steady stream of We spoke to Michal and Esther about and hundreds of pictures were uploaded Idy Friedman, who lost their ten-year-old guests. Within the gorgeous environs of the inception and development of throughout every day. son Meir after a seven year battle with Esther Silber’s Hewlett Bay Park home, Couture for a Cause, and how it has Two of the counselors on the trip were leukemia. In his memory, the Friedman the excitement was infectious, the mood impacted upon their respective lives. giving back the joy they got from Ohr Meir family hoped to establish a foundation celebratory, for this much-anticipated 5TJT: What inspired you to create an in years past. As children, they had cancer that would capture Meir’s indomitable event—the Couture for a Cause third endeavor for the greater good? and they themselves were participants on spirit and infectious smile. The Ohr Meir annual fashion show and raffle. MW: Our good friend from high an Ohr Meir Disney World Trip. The Ohr Foundation has no overhead or adminis- In 2007, good friends Esther Silber and school, Sara Melman, made aliyah a few Meir Foundation has long been synony- trative costs; every penny raised is spent Michal Weinstein, both of whom are years back and asked if we could help her mous with Disney and making dreams to benefit the children and their families. devoted moms with successful careers, raise money in New York for a charity she come true; for 17 years, they have been Ohr Meir’s staff is comprised entirely of started Couture for a Cause “on a whim.” started that helps the widows and bringing sun-kissed smiles to those who volunteers who generously donate their Charismatic and indefatigable, the dynam- orphans in her community. My father need it most. Each year, they whisk away time and expertise. ic duo put together a fashion show/raffle passed away when I was ten, so aside for children with cancer for an all-expense- Over 600 cancer patients have partici- event in just three weeks that raised wanting to help my friend, as a child who paid Disney World/Universal/SeaWorld pated in Ohr Meir’s various trips and $20,000. Not content to rest on their lau- grew up with a widowed mother and adventure, a magical trip that is a colorful adventures during the past 17 years. The rels, they set the bar still higher the follow- who experienced firsthand how hard life whirlwind of fun and surprise. This past annual Disney World Trips, Freedom ing year, putting on an even more success- can be with only a single parent, I felt a December, 46 children left behind their Trips, and the newly added Disney Cruise ful event and raising $30,000. connection to the cause. treatments and lengthy hospital stays to trips are truly magical. With a low ratio Surpassing all expectations, this year’s ES: I saw my father being very philan- laugh their way through four spectacular of counselor to child, the children are event, Couture for a Cause Kids, featured thropic. His philosophy is, “If you have days of memorable magic only Disney and free to be children again, without the an enchanting children-modeled runway the Orlando theme parks can provide. cloud of worry that has become their show and a fabulous array of kid-related Continued on Page 64

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 63 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 63 then give” and I’ve adopted that same mentality. 5TJT: What should our readers know about you? MW: I grew up in Far Rockaway and now live in Woodmere. I have four beau- tiful children who attend HALB. I started my own freelance graphic design busi- P h ness seven years ago and am, thank G-d, o t o B y very busy with that. I also have helped P o r t r a i put together two successful autumn sam- t s B y J

pler taster events for Chai Lifeline and a s o n

Puah that raised tens of thousands of dol- M i c h a e lars for those causes. I used to do PR for l Tahari and have a passion for market- The committee members, led by co-chairs Michal Weinstein and Esther Silber, each contributed to the success of Couture for a Cause’s ing/PR and the Internet. third annual fashion show, which this year raised money for Sholmzion. ES: I am the true definition of a mom- preneur, which is a woman who is both a mom and entrepreneur. My role as a for less fortunate people. Plus, pulling MW: It is an organization in MW: Anyone can make a difference. mother is first but I have taken my cre- off an event such as the ones we do for Jerusalem that helps the poorest widows Anyone can get involved. You may not ative abilities and drive for success and couture really is a lot of fun. and orphans, whether for medicine, have the time or energy to run an event, recently turned them into a well-estab- 5TJT: What response has this elicited electricity, or for an orphan who is get- but every single person who participat- lished marketing and PR company called from your family and friends? ting married and has no money for a ed, from the woman whose father-in- Esther Inc. MW: My family and friends are very simple wedding. Our friend Sara law donated the printing for our invites, 5TJT: How has Couture for a Cause proud and always so supportive. They Melman started this charity and I have to the woman who talked to her boss impacted upon your life? always come and generously give. They seen firsthand the people she has about donating a semester at a kids’ MW: I find that when you come donate towards our raffles. They tell their helped, in our visits to Israel. Couture for mommy-and-me class, to the girl who together for a greater cause you form friends to come. And this year, because it a Cause, however, does not only raise got us a few goodies for the swag bags; incredible bonds and develop incredi- was a children’s fashion show, I was very money for Shlomzion. Last year, because every person helped make this event a ble respect for the people you work excited to have my own children partici- of the economy, we opted to give our success. So don’t shy away from getting with. The past few years have not only pate. I want them to understand that we proceeds to the Eliezer Project. involved just because you are busy. given me a feeling of accomplishment are doing this to help the poor. My eight- 5TJT: How do you contact the celebri- Even a few minutes of your time can and satisfaction every time we pull off year-old planned on spending her tooth ties who grace your events? make all the difference. a successful, talked-about event, but it fairy money towards the i-Touch raffle, ES: Because of the business that I am in, ES: I fell in love with this quote and it has also given me lifelong friendships knowing that whether she’d win or not, it celebrities have not only become clients, describes perfectly how I feel about giv- with very special individuals who are would go to tzedakah. but personal friends of mine, as well. ing charity: “We make a living by what we willing to put themselves out there 5TJT: What can you tell our readers 5TJT: What parting thoughts would get, but we make a life by what we give.” with their time, money, and creativity about Shlomzion? you like to share? Words to live by.

64 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES For further information about Couture the Far Rockaway/Five Towns commu- are available to visit individuals in through a camera (endoscopic rhizoto- for a Cause, please visit www. nity. In recent years, two younger alum- their homes. my) that could increase the accuracy and Coutureforacause.com. To learn more ni, Rabbi Eytan Feiner and Rabbi JASA, the Jewish Association for Services duration of pain relief,” said Mehrdad about Shlomzion, please visit Yonosan Shippel, have joined Rabbi for the Aged, provides a continuum of serv- Hedayatnia, M.D., another pain manage- www.Shlomzion.com. O Binyomin Kamenetsky and Rabbi ices that help 55,000 seniors of many back- ment specialist at NYM. Moshe Brown and others in the ranks grounds live safe and full lives. JASA is affil- Pain relief from RF can last from six to Rabbi To Speak At of Ner Yisroel alumni in communal iated with UJA-Federation of New York. O twelve months and in some cases it can Ner Yisroel Breakfast, June 13 leadership positions. last for years. More than 70 percent of On Sunday June 13, Ephram and Ilana Just before Shavuos, the yeshiva NYM Offers A Minimally Invasive patients treated with RF experience pain Ostreicher will host the annual Far reopened its renovated and greatly Solution To Back Pain relief. In addition, the risk of complica- Rockaway/Five Towns breakfast for expanded Mechinas Ner Yisroel/ Israel Patients with low back pain may find tions associated with the procedure is low. Henry Beren High School Beis relief through a minimally invasive pro- “There is no surgery to relieve facet Hamedrash. The new, larger, beautiful cedure offered at New York Methodist joint pain,” said Chaim Mandelbaum, facility has already had a strong and posi- Hospital (NYM). Performed by pain man- M.D., co-director of NYM’s pain manage- tive effect on its talmidim for the space agement specialists at the hospital, ment center. “RF decreases the chances of and beauty it provides for strong limud radiofrequency ablation (RF) is a non- reoccurrence.” haTorah. In addition, offices, coatrooms, surgical therapeutic procedure designed The lower back—which carries most and facilities were expanded. Many alum- to decrease and/or eliminate pain symp- of the body’s weight—is the site of most ni in the area are graduates of the mechi- toms arising from degenerative facet back pain. Low back pain is often caused nah. The Ner Yisroel Breakfast will begin joints within the spine. “The procedure by overuse, strain, or injury. Aging also at 10:00 a.m., June 13, at the home of involves treating the nerves that cause sometimes plays a part in causing back Ephram and Ilana Ostreicher, 175 pain in the facet joints with localized pain. As people age, the disks that act as Harborview North in Lawrence. The com- heat generated with radiofrequency,” cushions between the vertebrae become munity is invited to attend. O said Gary Thomas, M.D., co-director of flatter and less flexible. Without the cush- NYM’s pain management center. “When ioning that these disks normally provide, JASA Offers Case Management a nerve is treated, it no longer sends the joints (facets) between vertebrae may Services To Older Adults In The pain signals.” press tightly against each other, causing Rockaways During RF, a physician uses x-ray guid- back pain and stiffness. This is known as Rockaways Case Management ance to direct a special (radiofrequency) facet joint syndrome. (RCM), a JASA program funded by the needle alongside the targeted nerve. A Symptoms of facet joint syndrome in New York City Department for the small amount of electrical current is care- the lower back include pain or tender- Aging, offers free assistance for indi- fully released through the tip of the nee- ness in the lower back, pain that Rabbi Yissocher Frand viduals age 60 and older to help them dle to assure that it is precisely next to increases with twisting or arching the secure benefits/entitlements, home the target nerve, not any of the other, larg- body, pain that moves to the buttocks or delivered meals, home care, and trans- er nerves. The entire procedure takes the back of the thighs, and/or stiffness Yeshivas Ner Yisroel of Baltimore. The portation. RCM is located at 131 Beach about 30 to 90 minutes and is performed or difficulty with certain movements, guest speaker will be Rabbi Yissocher 19th Street and is open Monday under local anesthesia. Improvement is such as standing up straight or getting Frand, magid shiur in the yeshiva. through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. usually noticed two to three weeks after up out of a chair. The yeshiva is proud that many of its Information and referrals can also be the procedure. For more information, contact NYM’s alumni serve with distinction in rab- obtained by calling 718-471-6677. JASA’s “New techniques allow us to perform pain management center at 718-832-0885 binic and lay leadership positions in professionally trained social workers this procedure under direct visualization, or 718-780-5607. O

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 65 and fro in a desperate attempt to sound ‘aleph’?”) to reading unpracticed Decisions, Decisions laid-back enough to be considered Rishonim (“Nu? So what’s the Maharsha’s “chilled,” yet serious enough to rank as p’shat in Tosefos?”). The other part of an productive. For example, how does one average interview consists of schmoozing The Year In Israel, Part 2 about the post-high-school scene are properly answer the question “Do you about the kid’s hopes and goals for the BY TALMID X quickly filled in about the most common allow the guys to go out to town at following year, past summer experiences, stereotypes for each of the yeshivas. night?” If yes, then we’ll think your insti- and the expectations the yeshiva will The anxiety of choosing which post- As winter sets in and Chanukah tution is filled with party animals and have for accepted students. high-school yeshiva to attend for the year approaches, the Israeli schools begin drinkers. If not, then you’re too overbear- I’m normally not the type of guy who can be compared, in a sense, to the pres- sending in their best and brightest in an ing. Therefore, interestingly, the most gets nervous before undergoing a stressful sure inherent in the modern shidduch attempt to prove their standing amongst impressive presenters were those that meeting, but my interview was anything process. Or so I have been told. We find their peers. These representatives are either blew away the talmidim with but normal. I never got a chance to read ourselves placed on an unwelcome often young and dynamic, else the expansive and analytical shiurim, or my selected piece. For the first 35 minutes schedule, racing against the clock to “impressionable young seniors” (us) those that spoke with an honest convic- of the discussion we talked about me, and locate our perfect matches before it’s too might determine that the said yeshiva is tion that they were working for the true the last 10 were reserved for my accept- late. There are awkward initial meetings, ance test. The bechinah was intense and and strong first impressions are made. included perusing a random selection of There are deep discussions with close Gemara with Rishonim. Thank G-d I did friends, and intense screaming bouts well, but the experience was as unnerving with one’s parents. Gossip and word-of- Promises are made, exciting as it was unexpected. Point is, don’t mouth can make or break a suggested expect a “walk in the park” for your inter- pairing. And there is always the sense of view, even if you feel ready. dread that we alone won’t find our part- pictures are painted, and curfews The actual decision-making happens ner while all of our friends seem to van- throughout the next month or so. I chose ish from our lives. are repealed “just for you guys!” nice and early, but I pretty much always OK. So I might be over-dramatizing the saw myself going to this place. Once I situation. And I personally had a relatively investigated more and saw that others easy time finding my “bashert” (I hope!). agreed, there wasn’t much of a decision However, for the majority of my friends, it left. Of course, there are the indecisive was a grueling process. Therefore, I figure too “cold” and “out of it.” Promises are betterment of their students. Gimmicks and the stragglers that don’t make up their that I’ll briefly lay out the standard made, exciting pictures are painted, and earned disdain, not approval. minds until they’re on the plane in timetable before I go into how my own curfews are repealed “just for you guys!” Interviews begin during the first few August, but for the most part people know decision was reached, and what impor- Most times, a short d’var Torah will begin weeks of January and last through mid- who’s going where by the end of March. tant tips I picked up along the way. the presentation, and brief one-on-one February. On a typical bechinah, the rep- The process occasionally includes mid- First off, as the 12th-grade school year introductory meetings will follow it. resentative rabbi of the yeshiva will winter trips to Israel to “scout out” poten- begins, the Israel buzz starts becoming Basic info is jotted down, and within the expect the talmid to have prepared some tial targets, but rarely have I come across audible. People are already looking into week the e-mails should start piling in. piece of Gemara ahead of time. an idea as imprudent and misguided. the places that they know all about, since But we teens are not so easily fooled. Depending on the level of the testing Besides spending a few extra thousands, their cousin’s best friend’s neighbor once Some of the questions my friends asked school’s standards, the 12th-grader would besides wasting a bit of extra class time, visited there. Vast generalizations are these young rebbeim kept them on their then be quizzed on anything from basic made, and those previously clueless toes the entire time, as they skirted to yediyos k’laliyos (“What comes after Continued on Page 73

66 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 67 SERVICES SERVICES PROVIDED PROVIDED

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All inquiries Cedarhurst — New construction. First 2 family 3/3, 4.5bths, beautiful kosher Mitzvah, Sheva Brachos, or benefit. strictly confidential. Please call show. Col. 9’ ceilings, 5BR, 2.5bths, full kitchens, parking, full basement. Very reasonable cost. Call Esther 718- Sherri at Weissman Realty Group basement, on quiet tree-lined street...... Only $599K 327-2643, [email protected] 516-791-6100 Call for details ...... $799K Far Rockaway — New to Market. 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 HK Ilanas Agency — Provide you with REAL ESTATE Spacious Newly Constructed Town screened, Experienced Nanny, House, 3 Floors, master bedroom suite Cedarhurst: 1st Show Housekeepers, Aids, Companion to the FOR SALE w/ Jacuzzi tub. 5BR 3.5bath, Stainless 1st FLR, FDR, 2BR. 2BTHS Terrace. Elderly. 21 years in the Industry. Steel kosher kitchen, Den, lots of closets Views of Gdns, W/D, Lo maint, Grt. Licensed and bonded. and storage, high ceilings and skylights. loca’n, Walk all ...... $319K Far Rockaway — 2 Family. All NU, Call 718-575-1700 or 718-575-0887 Private beach rights ...... $650K 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 3 over 1 Bdrm, 3 full baths. Great Far Rockaway/Lawrence — 833 Central Location ...... $599K 1BR co-op, huge LR/DR, updated Lawrence/ Far Rockaway — 833 Call 516-322-3555 kitchen, 24-hour doorman, Shabbos ele- Central Ave. New to market. Spacious 1 HELP WANTED vator, low maintenance. BR, light and bright, doorman/ elevator Far Rockaway — Quiet Cul-de-sac off building, walk all...... $210K Lawrence — 1 Roslyn Place — 1 BR Reads Ln. 5 BR 3 Baths New Kitchen & 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Baths. Opt. apt rental. Reduced. Price apt, 1 bth, LR/DR with terrace over- Cash Fast!! to sell ...... $799K 516-650-6005 looking Central Ave. Low maintenance, House for sale by owner, on a very cute $1,000+ Per day possibility of two parking spots. block in Cedarhurst, 3 BR, 1 1/2 Bath, EIK, Bayswater — AAA location. By owner. Simply returning phone calls Asking price ...... $199K LR/DR and Finished Basement. Priced to No selling 4BR, 3bth, detached, large prop. brand Please call Ari 516-521-8870 sell. For more info please call 516-569-1685 Tax codes approved by the IRS new EIK, finished basement, tons of Weissman Realty Group, LLC 516-791-6100 (leave a message if no answer). "My first 72 hours brought me storage, 8 years old. 718-337-2991 $11,000 and I just started" LeeAnn, North Woodmere — By App’t. Woodmere — Saddle Ridge Estates. Hewlett — Col. MIC, 4br, 2bth, 2fpl, full Housewife, CT Decorator’s dream. Beautiful bi-level, deck, wood flr, Lg. den. Walk to all. (888)202-8851 www.getcashtoday.me Waterfront property. 5 BR, 3 full mod- large granite kosher EIK, FDR, large ...... $729K ern bths, modern kitchen, brand new LR, den, 4BR, waterview, all systems, 5 TOWN HOMES 516-322-3555 wood floors, new stucco, near shuls, walk all shuls. Owner motivated. asking ...... $825K Present all offers. Kew Garden Hills — 3 bed 2.5 bath, lot 917-575-2213 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 size 55X100, 1 car garage attached, full finished basement, EIK, Formal Din. Cedarhust — New house Young contem- ...... $879K very negotiable porary col. high ceilings, large win- Open House this Sunday, April 25th dows, bright and light, 4 BR (1 level) Please contact Jonathan 917-566-1225 LR, FDR, large EIK, den, full finished basement, large fenced yard. Walk all. Classic New construction — prices ...... $3,000 from $995K Five Towns Realty 516-569-5710 Lawrence/Cedarhurst — New Construction. Grand entry foyer Hewlett — New to market. Beautiful 5 6BR, C/H colonial. w/bsmt. Too much to BR, 3 bths, split. All updated, in SD#14. mention ...... $1.450M Separate entrance can be M/D with proper permits. Owner motivated, pres- Cedarhurst — New Construction ent all offers...... $550K 5BR colonial w/bsmt on 175’ deep 5 Towns Home Realty 516-569-5710 property ...... $995K Woodmere — 2 New Constructions Cedahurst — Motivated Seller. Tudor w/ Classic 5BR C/H colonial. Large West Lawrence/Far Rockaway — by Oversized Rooms, Great Street, Walk to property. Walk to YI of Woodmere. Teachers — Boys Yeshiva High School, appt. Shuls, Ready to Deal ...... $455K Hewlett Neck — Half acre 5 Towns Area. Afternoon classes— Spacious California ranch, huge finished Woodmere — Incredible C.H. col. New Construction. Spectacular 6BR, 2- English, Social Studies, & Math. Fax basement ...... $900’s Totally Redone, 6 BR, 3 bths, Designer story entry foyer, 9’ ceilings . . . $1.75M resume 516-374-1834 or e-mail Contemporary Col. with traditional feel Magazine Kitchen, Walk to Shuls, 1-of-a- Open Houses — 6/6 [email protected] 4+BR den ...... $810K kind ...... $1.1M *539 Derby Ave. — Woodmere — Lawrence — by appt. Old Woodmere — 8-year-old Col. 6 BR, 4.5 bths, High ceilings, Walk to Shuls 11-1pm Totally renovated 3BR ranch, Medical supply co. in Lawrence seeks 136 Monroe St. — Mint bi-level lg prop- ...... $1.29M great yard, walk to all ...... $599K organized and responsible person for erty ...... $845K Levine Realty Group 516-295-4700 Cedarhurst/Woodmere — Open Houses customer service position. Medical sup- 124 Broadway — Grand col 5 BR+ — BA ply experience plus. Female Preferred...... $1.195M Far Rockaway: Coop, 3Br, 1Bth *787 West Broadway — Brick 4BR S/H F/T. 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Stock/cashier/deli Woodmere/Cedarhurst Oppty! and Reduced to ...... $539K 1476 Hewlett Ave. — Charming col. new 12,000 sq. ft. approx. 90’x150’, Colonial, counter. Need valid driver’s license. Cedarhurst — 2 BR, 2bth. Ground floor Kitchen, bths...... $449K 17 rooms, full bsmt. with hi ceilings, Shomer Shabbos. Fax 516-280-4122 Apt for rent. Call for details. Milky Forst Properties Inc 516-239-0306 clean 2 car garage plus storage, 6 space South Shore Estates 516-569-4980 parking, 2 family, professional use, 5 Towns Yeshiva seeking secretary. Lido Beach — Lg 4 BR, 2.5 Bth, LR, accountant, Esq., medical and/or educa- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office FDR, EIK, Den, Fin Bsmt, Prvt Drv, tional and religious uses. Grand colonial Classified Ads are and able to type Hebrew. Good working CAC, Front & Backyard, Seconds to with charm and great possibilities. environment and competitive pay. Shuls. Call Nevin Diamond 516-860-4007, Available at once . . . $875K Negotiable Continued on the Next Page. E-mail resume to [email protected] Broker Owner 516-322-3555 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 69 CLASSIFIED ADS REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL REAL Continued from Page 69 FOR SALE ESTATE FOR SALE FOR RENT REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Law: Hi Ranch. Must see, 4br, 2.5bth, Cedarhurst — Central Ave. corner 1 Lawrence — 18 Berkley Place fam rm, CAC, 2 car garage, large story retail building for sale. 1100 sq. ft. Center hall col., 4 BR, 3 bths, stunning prop ...... $800sK Great location...... $469K cul-de-sac, best location . . $4K monthly Call 917-704-2950 Call Irene 516-652-7099 Far Rockaway — Co-op for sale. Ced: Nu2Mkt, 2Fam, 3br/3br, 2fpl, deck, all new, grt loc, full bsmt 833 Central Ave. 1 BR, balcony, kosher Cedarhurst — Garden apt. Nu 2 Mkt...... $795K EIK, 24-hour doorman, Shabbos eleva- COMMERCIAL REAL 2BR. 2Bth, Mint, 1st Flr, heat & prk 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 tor, walking distance LIRR, shuls. ESTATE FOR RENT incld ...... $2,300 347-525-4225, 646-577-4265, 718-253-0360, 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Bayswater — Ranch — Large corner 201-618-8578 prop. Cedarhurst — Office rental: Executive Valley Stream — All new beautiful large Woodsburgh/Woodmere — Exquisite 3BR, 2Fbths, LR, DR, EIK, wood flrs, 2 Bths, Fully Web wired, 1,250 sq. ft., 2 BR, EIK – FDR, upper of 2 family Co-op. A room for every occasion. closed porch, Huge heated fin. bsmt CAC. 5TGR 516-322-3555 house, quiet residential street, includes Huge DR, library, EIK, huge LR, 3 BR, w/many closets, sep. laundry room, heat and parking...... $1,700 Glendale/Ridgewood, NY — 5,500 sq. 3 bths. For the discerning buyer. garage, alarm, walk all. 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Motivated. Esther Walfish 516-476-7764 Broker: 516-374-9555 ...... $539,900K ft. available for immediate. High ceil- ings $5.50/sq. ft. Call 917-841-1580 Red...... $465K Open House — 6/6 — 2:30-4:30 or by appt. Beautiful Block Island Kosher Vacation Rockville Centre — 3,500 sq. ft., fully Rental:Only 2 vacation weeks left for 5 Town Homes 516-569-5712 Open Houses 6/6 wired for Web, partitioned, will divide. summer 2010. New Home and family Cedarhurst: NU 2 Mkt. Lg LR, DR, Woodmere — 336 Midwood Road. Call 516-322-3555 EIK, Den, 5BR, 3bth, Skilits, Cabana, compound. For information: 12-1:30. Large C/H col. Huge den, fin- Lg prop, IGPool, Walk to all . . . $659K Far Rockaway — 2 Huge Office Spaces. Kosherblockisland.com ished basement, best location . . . $629K 6,000 and 2,500 Sq Ft. 2nd Floor. Near Cedarhurst — All new, bright 3 BR, 1.5 Lawrence — Ours Alone!! North Woodmere — 825 Flanders Drive. Subway & LIRR. Build to Suit. Can be bths, ground floor apt in 2-family house, Brick, C/H COL, Stately brick, w/old 12:30-2. Reduced! 3BR, 2.5bth, split, divided. Owner 917-359-9776 LR, FDR, EIK/ w new appliances, new world charm, Hi ceilings, 6Br, 4.5 bths, entertaining deck...... $519K Tired of traveling? Spruce Street base- carpet, w/d included, yard and parking. Kosher EIK, Lg. FDR, Library, Fin. Woodmere — New price, 3BR, 2bth ment office. 4-office suite. Immediate Walk all ...... $2,150 Bsmt., Lg Prop., walk all. ranch, enormous den ...... $529K occupancy. For more information, call 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Co-ops BA Susan 516-410-5928 Cedarhurst — First floor. Open and Cedarhurst — All updated charming Far Rockaway: 2 Fam. All NU 3 over 3 Br. 4Fbth, Dr, Full bsmt airy. 2BR, 2bth, FDR, Florida room, Col. New granite EIK, FDR, LR with All features ...... $779K w/d, near all ...... $275K FOR RENT fireplace, 4+ BR, CAC, in the heart of Call 516-263-6417 Cedarhurst — Large 2BR, 1bth, new Cedarhurst. Walk all. Call 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 EIK, large rooms ...... $239K Cedarhurst — 4BR, 2Bths, 2-car gar, Woodmere — Low, low price! Huge new granite kitchen, new boiler, new Lawrence — Coop Rental. 1BR. 1NU Valley Stream — Ranch house. 3BR, A/C, large deck, quiet area . . . . $569K 2BR, elevator building ...... $218,500 Bth, LR, DR, EIK...... $1,300 new EIK, quiet street, SD24, walk all. Call 347-251-3984 Owner. Sue Schachter Realty 516-295-1860 5Town Homes ** 516-569-5710 $2250 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710

70 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES FOR RENT FOR RENT MISCELLANEOUS Deadline

Home By Owner Cedarhurst — $2750 — Nicest house rental in Far Rockaway. The Ocean Corp. 10840 Rockley Road, for 4BR /2.5Bth. near all. huge EIK. lg DR Beautiful, Ready to move in, 5 BR Houston, Texas 77099. Train for a New & LR. open flrpln. deck & bckyrd. gas house on excellent block in Far Career. *Underwater Welder. Commercial Diver. *NDT/Weld ht. must see! Roman 917-309-7529 Rockaway. Brand new kitchen and very Classified Inspector. Job Placement Assistance. spacious backyard. Far Rockaway — Large One Bedroom Financial Aid available for those who Call owner 917-617-0768 Apartment for rent. Beautiful elevator qualify. 1-800-321-0298 Advertising bldg. Nice tenancy. Great location at Flatbush AveN/E4 — Newly renovated, Neilson and Cornaga, near Shor Yoshuv, 4BR, 1Bath, LR, DR, EIK, W/D, in pvt BUSINESS transportation, and shopping. house. Near all. Call 917-929-3118 in next Asking $1,100. Call 718-692-2525 ext. 180 OPPORTUNITY

Lawrence/Far Rockaway — 833 Central Far Rockaway rentals: week’s 1 and 2 BR apartments. some bal- Ave. Jr 4 (2 BR) Spacious doorman/ ele- Gorgeous home decorating business for conies. New kitchens, lots of closets, 24 vator building, walk all ...... $1,500 sale. Gorgeous, fabulous inventory: hr doorman, security cameras. Close to 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 granite, fabulous tiles, exotic bath- issue is White Shul, Shor Yoshuv and train. rooms, unique kitchens, colorful doors, North Wdm. — house rental. Hi-ranch in Call Sherri 516-297-7995 and beautiful chandeliers. MIC. 4 br, CAC, den, on quiet street. Weissman Realty Group, LLC Judy 917-703-7255. Monday, 516-791-6100 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Viewing: http://www.obeo.com/570956

Special Prices At Sand Castle For Far Rockaway — Beautiful 6.5 rooms, 3 Become an Acai Berry Juice distribu- 5TJT Readers — Studios for. . . . . $895 June 7 BR, 2 baths, new kitchen, separate tor and earn commission immediately. Includes utilities. No brokers’ fee! HW floors, big windows, fully-equipped entrance, own thermostat. Best block in Online trainer, work from home, no kitchens, cable and internet connectivi- Far Rockaway. 718-868-1153 investment, e-mail [email protected] at ty, closets. Gym, gourmet market, phar- macy, Rabbi Korn's shul, and laundry Cedarhurst — Nu House CH Col. LR, facilities in BLDG. 711 Seagirt Ave. on FDR, Kosher EIK, Den, 4BR, 3BTHS. CARS FOR SALE 5:00 P.M. the beach - convenient to subway, LIRR, Bsmt. For Rent ...... $2,500 and Q113 bus. www.sandcastleny.com 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Weissman Realty Group, LLC Call 2009 Pontiac G6 — V6 engine, 7K miles, 718-471-2593 Valley Stream — First show! Lovely 4 blue, black cloth interior, CD player, Far Rockaway — Lg. Hse Rental: 4br, BR, 2 bths, in SD#14, LR, DR, den, on Satelite radio capable, power windows 516-569-0502 2bth, bsmt., hi-ceilings, NU bths, W\D. large property, walk all, ...... $2,350 and door locks ...... $13K Call 516-322-3555 5 Towns Home Realty 516-569-5710 Call Rob 516-317-4217

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 71 A Five Towns Simcha Photos By Ira Thomas Creations

Esti Lichtman, daughter of Rochel and Shimon Lichtman of Far Rockaway, married Moshe Mase, son of Dana and Barry Mase of Monsey, at The Sands on Tuesday, May 25. Music was by the Orchestra and catering by Michael Schick Caterers. Suri Brody of NY Party Central handled all the arrangements.

72 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Decisions, Decisions Continued from Page 66 the trip itself often warps one’s perception in a terrible manner. The average family doesn’t want to spend a full day in a yeshiva. They’ll pop in by lunch, see whether the rations appear edi- ble, and then proceed to check out the dorms. Perhaps they’ll stop a bunch of passing students for a quick rundown of the daily goings-on, and then leave to speak to a rabbi or two. Unfortunately, such a cursory examination can cause more harm than gain. Let’s say the yeshiva isn’t serving their best meals that day, or the boys were especially tired from a late night of learning. Does that mean that the food is consistently awful and the students are lazy and unmotivated? Not to the ration- ally thinking individual; but, scarily, to some parents it does. You might think I’m only against this practice because I never did it, but you’d be mistak- en; I went this past winter, and while, yes, I had an excellent experience visiting my chosen school, imagine if I had not. I likely would not have left that day feeling certain I wished to attend that specific institution, and who knows which less-per- fect-for-me yeshiva I might cur- rently be enrolled in! Forget the scouting expedi- tion. Here’s what is essential to picking the right place: When considering your options for the post-high-school year in Israel, try to block out the many stereo- types thrown at you by society, and attempt to do an intensive study into the prospective selec- tions. (I only heard good things about my prospective yeshiva, but I bore in mind that there’s more to it than gossip). Speak to your parents (if you want your tuition paid, that is), and be sure to communicate with a close rebbi who knows not only you and your situation well, but also the various yeshivas. If no such Israel guidance counselor can be found—and even if one can—next you should turn to your closest friends. Consider and discuss your options with them, but do not be afraid to choose a place where you might be forced to make new pals. If you happen to visit the yeshiva beforehand, please make every effort to understand that all you’re seeing is a tiny fraction of a very com- plex device. And remember— just as you wouldn’t rule out a potential shidduch before really meeting the girl, don’t judge a yeshiva before you truly under- stand what it’s all about. O

“Talmid X” is preparing for graduation from a high school in the Five Towns/Far Rockaway community and is enrolled in a well-known yeshiva for the 2010–2011 academic year. Comments and questions for him are welcome at [email protected]. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 73 Israel Mum On London-Based Hamas Leader

BY SAMUEL SOKOL ISRAEL CORRESPONDENT

One of the primary organizers of this week’s Gaza-bound flotilla has been revealed to be London-based Hamas activist Mohhamad Sawalha. According to Israel’s Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, Sawalha worked together with Turkish group Insani Yardim Vakfi (IHH) as a representative of the Gaza- based Popular Committee against the Siege. The IHH confirmed knowing Sawalha, giving the 5 Towns Jewish Times his cellular phone number. Sawalha was involved in launching the previous Lifeline 3 flotilla and told Hezbollah web- site Al-Intiqad in January that next time “the confrontation will be directly with the Zionist enemy itself on the high seas.” Sawalha currently heads the London- based British Muslim Initiative (BMI). A former operational commander in the West Bank and an important Hamas fundraiser, he fled Israel during the early 1990s for fear of arrest. He was “given indefinite leave to remain” according to the Sunday Times. According to the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, Sawalha was “involved in establishing Hamas’s Judea and Samaria headquarters at the end of 1989-beginning of 1990, and had connections with Hamas headquarters in the Gaza Strip.” The think tank, which enjoys close ties to Israeli intelligence agencies, also report- ed that Sawalha “instructed regional Hamas commanders to set up military net- works. When his Hamas military-terrorist infrastructure in Judea and Samaria was exposed, he was declared a wanted opera- tive by the Israeli security forces.” Although Israeli authorities refused to comment on his current legal status in Israel, there is no indication that he has received any pardon for his previous activities. The British embassy in Tel-Aviv refused to comment on Sawalha’s specific case. However, embassy spokesperson Karen Kaufman did say that if British authorities “were presented with enough evidence of wrongdoing, the relevant UK authorities would be able to take action.” When asked if Israel has requested Sawalha’s extradition, Kaufman declined comment. “We do not discuss private contacts between our governments,” she stated. Britain defines raising funds for a terror- ist organization as a criminal offense. According to the embassy, only “Hamas’ military wing…is proscribed under the law.” Israel’s foreign ministry, disagrees with the British decision to distinguish between the different branches of terror groups. “Distinguishing between a mili- tary branch and a ‘political’ or ‘charitable’ branch of a terror group is like distin- guishing between the two hands of a con- victed murderer,” said ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor. “This approach is, of course, grotesque, and governments who adopt it are simply trying to turn their head and pretend they don’t see.” Deputy spokesman Andy David said 74 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES that while “Sawalha is well known to us” and is the “public face of Hamas in the UK,” he was unable to comment on the “content of exchange between Israel’s and the UK’s security services. When asked about Sawalha’s history as a terror operative, the ministry referred the question to the IDF spokesperson’s office and the ministry of justice, both of which declined to comment. The prime minister’s office and the Israeli police likewise would not discuss Sawalha and his criminal record, or say if he is still con- sidered a wanted fugitive.

“Distinguishing between a military branch and a ‘political’ or ‘charitable’ branch of a terror group is like distinguishing between the two hands of a convicted murderer”

Sawalha “masterminded much of Hamas’ political and military strategy,” according to Panorama, a 2006 BBC docu- mentary on terrorist fundraising in England, one of the primary centers of such activity in Europe. The program discussed allega- tions that while in London, Sawalha “direct- ed funds, both for Hamas’ armed wing, and for spreading its missionary dawah.” Reuven Paz, former head of the Israel’s General Security Services’ research divi- sion, told the BBC, “Sawalha was one of the senior activists in the dawah portals of Hamas. He was involved, let’s say, with the background of the finance, the logis- tic assistance.” Underscoring Sawalha’s importance, Paz stated, “In London, I would say, he became more important for Hamas than during the period he was in the territories.” According to the 2004 U.S. indictment of Mohammad Salah, Sawalha was in charge of Hamas terrorist operations within the West Bank. The indictment detailed meetings between Salah and Sawalha in London in 1992 and 1993 dur- ing which Sawalha issued instructions “regarding particular Hamas-related activ- ities [that Salah was] to carry out while in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.” Recent efforts to have senior Israeli officials arrested under England’s univer- sal jurisdiction laws can be traced back to Sawalha, according to an Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center report. Dr. Mordechai Kedar, a reserve intelli- gence officer and a researcher at the Begin-Sadat Center, posed two possible reasons for Sawalha’s continued freedom to operate. Sawalha may be operating unmolested because British authorities “do not consider Hamas’ social activity as terror,” he said. Kedar also suggested, “Israel and the UK let him operate freely while listening to all his phone-calls, e- mails, faxes etc., in order to trace other activists, and finally pin him as well.” Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum told the 5 Towns Jewish Times that he was aware of Sawalha, but that there was no connection between the London-based Islamist and Hamas. Sawalha did not answer phone calls for comment. O 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 75 American Israelis Appalled By World Attack On Israel’s Defensive Action

The American Israeli Action Coalition al law,” continued Chairman Schwartz. international norms, the Soviets did not “The world condemnation should (AIAC) expressed its outrage at the seem- “Its imposition and parameters were fully attempt to run the blockade. have been properly focused on the flotil- ingly coordinated world attack upon Israel disclosed in accordance with such law. “In this case, Israel was following the la’s leaders and international sponsors for its defensive action in trying to prevent Such blockades are not uncommon. precedent established by the U.S. in whose refusal to adhere to international the “flotilla” terrorist attempt to breach Perhaps the most famous one was the declaring a maritime blockade in the face law and Israel’s numerous warnings was Israel’s legitimate anti-terrorist defenses. 1962 United States blockade of Cuba, after of potential attack. International law the direct cause of the unnecessary loss AIAC is a non-partisan, non-political, of life and serious injuries suffered by the issue-oriented NGO whose purpose is to Israeli military. represent a united voice of the more than “Clearly, the flotilla’s intentions were 250,000 Americans living in Israel on Israel was following the precedent not ‘humanitarian.’ Had their sole pur- issues which affect Israel, Israel-U.S. rela- pose been to see to it that ‘humanitarian tions, and the Jewish people worldwide. aid’ was delivered to the Gaza residents, “The flotilla’s attempt to aggressively established by the U.S. in declaring a they would have followed well-estab- breach Israel’s legally-declared and main- lished procedures to achieve that goal. tained maritime blockade against the maritime blockade in the face of For example, they could have shipped the Hamas terrorist-controlled Gaza Strip was goods to Gaza through the Egyptian bor- intended as a direct attack upon Israel and potential attack. der. Alternatively, they could, and should, its citizens,” stated AIAC Chairman Harvey have followed Israel’s offer to deliver the Schwartz. “The American Israelis condemn materials to Gaza after passing inspection those who have heavily criticized Israel for that none of the goods were prohibited taking the steps necessary to defend its cit- discovering that the Communist Cuban requires respect for a legitimately contraband, such as missiles or other mil- izens from this outrageous attack.” government was cooperating with the imposed and maintained maritime block- itary supplies which Hamas has used to “The Israeli maritime blockade of the then Communist Soviet Union regime to ade (such as Israel’s) and permits the attack Israel’s civilian population. Israel terrorist-controlled Gaza Strip was fully construct a missile base in Cuba aimed at declaring country to use force to prevent already transfers more than 1 million tons in accord with maritime and internation- the U.S. In accordance with accepted an offender from breaking the blockade. annually of humanitarian aid materials to Gaza. That the flotilla’s leaders and international sponsors refused to take any of these approaches proves beyond any doubt that their purpose was not ‘humanitarian’ but, rather, to directly attack Israel’s vital interests. “The international community’s record- breaking rush to condemn Israel—rather than placing the blame where it truly belongs—has greatly shaken the Israeli people. When coupled with the numerous anti-Israel actions, such as (i) taking no action against Iran’s nuclear threat to Israel’s existence, (ii) remaining silent in the face of Hezbollah’s and Hamas’s flout- ing of UN Security Council resolutions by massively re-arming, (iii) directly attacking Israel through the recently-enacted NPT resolution while remaining silent about Iran’s aggressive nuclear program, (iv) encouraging anti-Israel delegitimizing activities, and (v) silence in the face of Hamas’s blatant violations of basic human rights by refusing any visits by the International Red Cross to the illegally captured prisoner Gilad Shalit, the only logical conclusion that can be drawn is that they are motivated solely by the vile scourge of anti-Semitism.” Aaron Tirschwell, AIAC’s executive director, called upon the world’s Jewish population—as well as all people of good will—to support the truth. “Israel is the victim, not the aggressor,” Tirschwell stat- ed. “The world can no longer permit anti- Semitism to motivate its actions.” (AIAC) O

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76 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Machon Basya Rochel: Solution To Last Week’s 5TJT Puzzle: Far Rockaway’s New Seminary For Young Women The Jewish Works Of John Steinbeck What is the seminary experience and minds of each student. “I think the today? For many, it is defined as attending same Chumash, the same Navi, that once an institute of higher learning in Eretz might have been uninspiring, can be seen Yisrael. That opportunity, however—both with a new outlook with the right teacher,” financially and experientially—has Rebbetzin Feiner explains. “The Torah is become something not within reach of alive, it sells itself.” many high-school graduates and their fam- As the news keeps reaching more and ilies. The reasons range from personal dis- more families, even adult women want comfort with living abroad to the grim to participate in this new venture. “I had reality of the current worldwide economy. founded a women’s seminary in Shaarei A contingent of concerned local parents Chessed, where we lived in Eretz Yisrael. and neighborhood members have long Now, I also find that many women want been pondering this dilemma, which faces to attend classes in Machon Basya every frum family who has daughters. As Rochel. At this point, I have to tell them of this coming September, those pioneer- no—I can’t see teenagers wanting to ing individuals have come upon a solu- attend classes with their mothers sitting tion, to be realized through the dynamic on the other side of the classroom! We do and inspiring personality of Rebbetzin plan, however, to schedule mini-series Aviva Feiner, who with her husband, Rabbi and special lectures that will be open to Eytan Feiner, mara d’asra of Far all the women in the Far Rockaway and Rockaway’s Congregation Kneseth Israel, Five Towns communities.” have infused that kehillah with a transfor- Machon Basya Rochel is named after mative spirit of challenge and growth. the mother of Lawrence community “I spent ten years teaching in the sem- member Alex Edelman. A woman of inaries in Eretz Yisrael,” begins Rebbetzin uncommon courage, she was known to Feiner, menaheles. “I know what it takes have saved many lives during her time in to talk to the girls, to talk to their hearts. concentration camps. She never forgot The seminary aims to provide academi- those years, and used the number burned cally challenging courses that will bring into her arm as the code to her home. Torah to life for these girls, encouraging Rebbetzen Feiner taught for many years them to continue on the path of spiritu- at Bnot Torah Institute, and until recently al growth. Each girl will be helped to was a popular teacher and mechanechet at understand herself, and maximize who Tomer Devorah Seminary in Eretz Yisrael. she is as a bas Yisrael. I want to include in She also had various teaching experiences this seminary what I saw taking place in at Bnos Chava, Darchei Bina, Michlelet Puzzle appeared on page 35. Eretz Yisrael.” Esther, and Tikva seminaries, and was also Machon Basya Rochel will be located the co-founder of the highly successful in the classrooms of Congregation (post-seminary) Chochmas Nashim learn- Kneseth Israel, and will be aimed to serve ing program in Jerusalem, where she lec- the immediate community, although tured weekly on Tanach. dorming arrangements can be arranged. In addition to the endless stream of peo- Students should be girls who already ple she tends to as rebbetzin of respect da’as Torah and have a serious Congregation Kneseth Israel (the White commitment to mitzvos and halachah. A Shul), Rebbetzin Feiner is also a weekly lec- morning program, the seminary will be turer for She’efa Seminary (based in the Five giving classes for girls right out of high Towns); lectures frequently in schools and school and girls who want to continue to to diverse audiences throughout New York; learn for shanah beis. and is a kallah teacher, helps organize com- How can any local seminary compete munity events, and cooks sumptuous meals with the opportunities found in Eretz for a constant flow of Shabbos and yom tov Yisrael? “There’s an element of Eretz guests. She earned her B.A. in psychology Yisrael that inspires by itself,” continues from Queens College and a master’s degree Rebbetzin Feiner. “We can’t have that. But in special education from Johns Hopkins the Torah that inspires in Eretz Yisrael is University, and she studied in Bnos Chava the same here. I believe learning that Seminary in Israel. relates to each person is also inspiring, “Parents don’t have to kill themselves especially when it answers your personal to send their daughters to Eretz Yisrael,” questions. Your relationship to she concludes. “The adult Jewish women Yiddishkeit becomes stronger, more that their daughters will become will not rewarding. We want the students to be shortchanged. I am confident that the know why they are frum, and teach them end product, the girls who leave this sem- how to make Yidddishkeit their own.” inary, will be people that every parent can Pulling from the vast array of local be proud of. mechanchim, Rebbetzin Feiner has “ I understand the needs of girls com- secured nationally hailed teachers and ing back. They were inspired and are ter- educators as her immediate staff. Included rified of losing that inspiration; they on that list is her husband, Rabbi Eytan want to continue learning. We are com- Feiner; Rabbi Dovid Weinberger, mara d’as- mitted to provide learning opportunities ra of Congregation Shaaray Tefilah; at levels that will allow these girls to keep Rebbetzin Bryna Bender; Rebbetzin Tehila on growing. And, of course, we are deter- Jaeger; Mrs. Debbie Greenblatt; Mrs. mined to give the girls coming out of Elisheva Liss; Mrs. Yocheved Shonek; and, high school a challenging and spiritual of course, the rebbetzin herself. Guest opportunity, complete with academic speakers will be scheduled throughout the and personal advancement. This will be a year, as well as trips to different communi- place for each student close to home, ties ranging from a kiruv community to which each girl will also call home. This New Square. will be their time, their moment, to make Classes will be aimed to reach the hearts Yiddishkeit their own.” O 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 77 78 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 4, 2010 79 80 June 4, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES