Bronx, Westchester & Connecticut

February 12, 2015 | Published Bi-Weekly | 23 Shevat, 5775 Issue #2

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JEWISH LINK February 13th - 24 Shevat Parshat Mishpatim CANDLE Light Candles: 5:10 PM BRONX, WESTCHESTERIssue & #61 CONNECTICUT LIGHTING Shabbat Ends: 6:19 PM OU/RCA Issues Statement Endorsing Childhood Vaccination

By Elizabeth Kratz vaccination once again to the pub- jority of poskim stand on the side lic sphere. of vaccination.” The Orthodox Union (OU) and “There’s been a lot of report- The OU and RCA also sought the Rabbinical Council of America ing to suggest that Orthodox to dispel the notion that anyone (RCA) issued a statement on Tues- Jews commonly don’t vaccinate, believes vaccinations are linked of misinformation could bear very See ad on Back Cover day strongly urging all parents to but that’s JLBWC not so,” an OU to autism, citing in the statement serious consequences, not only for vaccinate their healthy children spokesman told JLNJ. “In both the that the particular link between peoples’ own children but others’ on the timetable recommended Jewish and secular media, report- the two was published in a study too, especially those medically un- by their pediatrician. The state- ing on the measles outbreak could that was retracted and charac- able to be vaccinated. ment came in response to the on- lead people to believe that Ortho- terized as fraudulent, whose au- “Judaism places the highest val- creative photography and video going measles outbreak said to dox Jews don’t vaccinate, so this thor was stripped of his medical ue on preserving human life. It is have begun at California’s Disney- statement might help to set the re- license. The statement indicat- well known that those facing even land last month, which brought cord straight. It should also make ed that the ongoing measles out- the international debate regarding it perfectly clear that the vast ma- break demonstrates how this kind  CONTINUED ON P. 3 WDS Celebrates President Rivlin Visits the Bronx See ad on page 16 Its 67th Anniversary Dinner By JLBWC Staff Mamaroneck—Westchester which the honorees, in their own Riverdale— THIS SUNDAY @ YU Day School celebrated its 67th an- words, explained the importance Israeli President niversary dinner recently, and it of WDS in their lives and the lives Reuven Rivlin Taking Control: was the most successful dinner in of their children. Rabbi Joshua was welcomed Ethical and Halachic the school’s history. The dinner ap- Lookstein, Head of School, said as guest of hon- Implications plauded the involvement and com- of the honorees, “Our honorees or at the Bronx of BRCA Screening and mitment of Ellen and David Gold- are treasures of Gold, not just in Museum of the Elective Egg Freezing schmidt, Guests of Honor, Cheryl name, and together—as a group— Arts, where he and Daniel Gold, Young Leadership they are the form and substance of was hosted by awardees, and Laurie Popiel as the Westchester Day School, a house of Bronx Borough See ad on page 15 faculty honoree. Westchester Day God.” Guests were also entertained President Ru- Rabbi Levi Shemtov greets President Rivlin at The Bronx School parents, friends, alumni and by a school video reﬂ ecting the ben Diaz Jr. and Museum of Arts. (CREDIT: ARIEL NEHORAYOFF) current 8th graders ﬁ lled the room theme of the year, the 12 shevatim Consul General with warmth and good feeling. of Israel in New York, Ambassador Guests watched a video in  CONTINUED ON P. 3 Ido Aharoni. The event was attend-  CONTINUED ON P. 10

Passover A Frank Conversation on 20th Annual Henry SPORTS Sale begins February 6th Marriage in Israel With Witt enberg Wrestling See ad on Tzohar’s Rabbi David Stav Invitational Tournament page 18 By Jeffrey F. Barken/JNS.org By Jeremy Berger

I had hardly sat down for my re- On President’s cent meeting with Rabbi David Stav weekend Yeshi- at Manhattan’s Wolf & Lamb kosher va University will steakhouse when a stream of din- host the 20th an- ers, young and old, approached our nual Henry Wit- table. They introduced themselves tenberg Wrestling HOW CAN WE HELP and thanked the rabbi profusely for Invitational Tour- his leadership. Their praise was not nament. Yeshiva GROW YOUR BUSINESS? without reason. Stav was the driv- high school wres- ing force behind the Israeli Knes- tlers from across the Jeremy Berger (in yellow and black) set’s passage of the “Tzohar Law,” Rabbi David Stav visits the Western United States will (CREDIT: YESHIVA U.) See ad on page 32 Wall in Jerusalem on July 24, 2013. join together for the  CONTINUED ON P. 9 Credit: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90. four-day event. Wrestling begins at  CONTINUED ON P. 29 SPEAR TEAM 2015 TRANSACTION UPDATE

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2 February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM COMMUNITY NEWS

WDS Celebrates Its 67th The dinner also recognized the untime- novation Lab.” ry learning capacity. As Josh Trump, Presi- Anniversary Dinner ly passing of Shelley Lippman, WDS’ be- In addition, Westchester Day School dent of WDS, said at the dinner: “Shelley’s  CONTINUED FROM P. 1 loved science teacher for 40 years. With announced the establishment of the Shel- presence at WDS brought us to where we members of her family present, WDS paid ley Lippman Science and Innovation Fund are today and her incredible legacy will (tribes), featuring footage of WDS’ 2 year tribute to her by showing a brief retro- which will help update the lab and be serve as a springboard for advancing the olds through 8th grade, learning, playing spective and then announcing that with used to upgrade WDS’ hardware, software, WDS science program into future genera- on the beautiful campus, and celebrating the blessing of the Gruss Foundation, the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering tions.” together as individual grades and a school school will be renaming the Gruss Science and Math) curriculum and professional To learn more about Westchester Day as a whole. Lab, “The Shelley Lippman Science and In- development to expand WDS’ 21st centu- School visit www.westchesterday.org

Mothers of Kidnapped Boys Featured At OneFamily Event

By Oren Oppenheim

New York—OneFamily, an Is- raeli organization that aids victims of terrorist attacks, recently held an event in Manhattan to show solidarity with Israel. “Con- tinue the Unity” was hosted by Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, an Orthodox synagogue on the Upper East Side. In attendance were Rachelle Fraenkel and Iris Yi- frach, two of the mothers of the three Israeli teenagers who were kidnapped and murdered this past summer. Rabbi Gideon Black, the representative of the Jewish Learning (CREDIT: ONEFAMILY) (CREDIT: ONEFAMILY) Initiative at NYU, opened with why he had been chosen to lead in vain. And they are now in the the Earth as ancient and as large way that you began. They took Rabbi Black also asked her the program. Less than a year af- shrines of the Tzadikim… who as the family of the Jewish peo- your body, but they didn’t take about the challenges she faced in ter surviving an attack on Ben Ye- are guarding us throughout the ple.” your soul.” regards to helping her other chil- huda Street, Rabbi Black and his generations.” After a short ﬁ lm about the Rabbi Black then held a Q and dren cope with the crisis when cousin Yoni were travelling when Marc Belzberg, the founder organization and its accomplish- A session with Fraenkel. About it ﬁ rst began. “I think the biggest explosives were set off by a Ha- and chairman of OneFamily, ad- ments, Iris Yifrach and Rachelle how she has coped with the sor- challenge at the time was being mas terrorist on their bus. Yoni dressed the audience about the Fraenkel were introduced. Yi- row, she said, “We’re totally not optimistic and joking around was struck by a metal bolt and organization’s origins and its frach spoke from prepared re- alone… there’s so much support about how hilarious it was going passed away soon after. “Ripped guiding principles. The organiza- marks, thanking the audience for from day one” both from Isra- to be when Naftali comes back apart with grief over the loss of tion was begun when his daugh- their support and retelling the el and around the world. After and sees everything that’s going my best friend and cousin... I was ter Michal’s bat mitzvah plans story of how the world “united discussing the actions of oth- on,” and yet to still express to also aware of just how lucky I were derailed by a terrorist attack in praying for the return of the er families who are also coping them that “we don’t know how was to survive,” Rabbi Black said. on her twelfth birthday, and she boys.” Speaking of her son, she with bereavement, she said, “My this is going to turn out.” “Logic would dictate that he be decided that instead of having said, “His whole life, Eyal always choice is to feel sadness but not Alex Agus, a senior at Ramaz standing here today telling you a party, it was more important thought of others. He helped to become my sadness, to feel Upper School who attended, about me, not me telling you all to help the many victims. As for everywhere he could, and real- pain but not to become my pain, was amazed by “the way that about him.” OneFamily’s philosophy, it has to ly loved each and every person and to try to feel the whole spec- [Fraenkel] channeled all of her Ambassador Daniel Ayalon do with the concepts that Belz- with whom he connected. And trum.” Fraenkel doesn’t want any sorrow and despair into uniting addressed the crowd on behalf berg says make the Jewish nation Am Yisrael loved him in return.” one emotion or loss to complete- the Jewish nation around her of the state of Israel. About the unique. “We’re the only people in She closed with a heart-wrench- ly take over her life. “We have so and around… the three boys; it’s kidnapped teenagers, Ayalon the world that has a sense of obli- ing message to her son, about much blessing in our lives and amazing to me how she is able said, “The three boys… were all gation and responsibility, one for how much she misses him, and we try not to lose sight of that; to be so strong and not let what our boys, and they died on Kid- the other… We are a family. There promised him that “we will not to be happy when we’re happy should have gotten to her… get dush Hashem, and did not die is no other family on the face of give up; we will continue in the and to cry when we cry.” to her.”

Statement From The Orthodox statement said. illness and prevention. The statement Union And Rabbinical Council The spokesman discussed with JLNJ concludes that the consensus of major Send us your news, Of America On Vaccinations the very real halachic obligations JLB- poskim (halachic decisors) supports the  CONTINUED FROM P. 1 WC care for one’s own health as well as development of so-called herd immuni- events and photos! to take measures to prevent harm and ty, essentially the vaccination of children a potential life or death situation are in- illness to others, and indicated that Jew- to not only protect them from the dis- structed to set aside the Sabbath and other ish law defers to the consensus of medi- ease itself and to eradicate illness from Send to key tenets of halachic (Jewish law) obser- cal experts in determining and prescrib- the larger community, but also to protect [email protected] vance until the emergency has passed,” the ing appropriate medical responses to others who may be vulnerable.

718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 3 NEWS Iranian Nuclear Program Could Lead to Regional Arms Race

TIP—With an eye on Iran, Saudi Ara- has already sparked such a race. Last July, programs of their own in the interim. In er Arab states to invoke their own right to bia, UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey look to Former Secretary of State Hillary Clin- 2009, the late Saudi King Abdullah report- enrich uranium.” build their own nuclear programs, raising ton claimed that giving Iran “any enrich- edly told Ambassador Dennis Ross that “if He responded, “I think we should insist concerns that the failure to halt Iran’s nu- ment will trigger an arms race in the Mid- they get nuclear weapons, we will get nu- on having equal rights for everybody, this clear program could trigger a nuclear arms dle East.” clear weapons.” The Daily Beast report- is part of the (Non-Proliferation Treaty) ar- race in the Middle East. Today Egypt and In November 2013, the P5+1 global pow- ed a conversation between Senator Lind- rangement.” To gain access to U.S nuclear Russia announced a plan to build Egypt’s ers negotiated the Joint Plan of Action sey Graham and former intelligence chief technology and equipment for its nucle- fi rst nuclear power plant with four re- with Iran, which explicitly allows Iran to Saudi Prince Turki al Faisal. Graham asked ar facilities, the UAE agreed not to enrich actors. Egypt’s move to acquire a domes- enrich uranium up to fi ve percent. In re- the Prince, “If any fi nal agreement that al- uranium. However, an agreement with tic nuclear program underscores the posi- sponse to Iran’s nuclear program, states lowed Iran to maintain an enrichment ca- Iran may lead the UAE to demand to re- tion of some analysts that Iran’s program in the region have threatened to acquire pability would cause Saudi Arabia and oth- negotiate or abandon this agreement. Fur- thermore, last December Russia and Jor- dan signed an agreement to build the fi rst nuclear power plant in Jordan. Turkey, a ri- val that competes with Iran for infl uence in the Middle East, may also acquire nuclear weapons. In January 2014, Turkey and Japan Dreaming of a Home in Teaneck? signed a nuclear agreement that included a clause that allows Turkey to enrich uranium and extract plutonium, raising concerns about nuclear weapons proliferation. In 2009, a Turkish Foreign Ministry offi cial claimed that if Iran acquires nuclear weapons, Turkey will do the same. JEWISH LINK BRONX, WESTCHESTER & CONNECTICUT TABLE OF CONTENTS

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4 February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM Yeshiva University is proud to present Neal’s Fund A Social Entrepreneurial Fund

We congratulate the inaugural YU undergraduate recipients of Neal’s Fund grants, providing funds for their social entrepreneurial startups helping the Jewish and general community.

Enminutos is a website and Project RiseUp promotes high soon-to-be app for videos of school leadership by working Torah topics in Spanish, with students to create their created to motivate and engage own philanthropic programs people to learn Torah in an and raise money for charitable organizations. easy, quick and trendy way. Project TEACH is a joint enminutos.org. initiative of YU undergraduates Daniel Benchimol, ’14SSSB and students at Albert Einstein management major College of Medicine. Operating in eight hospitals in New York, more than 270 volunteers run The Counterpoint Israel informational and recreational RiseUp Program is a summer immer- activities based on science sive service-learning initiative and humanities for children that works with at-risk Israeli and their families. youth in impoverished towns www.projectteach.info in southern Israel. Yosefa Schoor, ’14S www.counterpointisrael.com Founder and Director, Neal Dublinsky, Esq., ’84YC, biology major who graduated with honors in humanities, was diagnosed with In today’s society, where tech- advanced stage cancer in 1987 nology plays an ever-increasing at the age of 24, just as he was role in school and the job market, beginning his legal career. Neal Tech4Life enables YU students fought his illness heroically and to work with people in impover- went on to live a meaningful life ished communities to achieve until succumbing in 2010. Neal’s computer literacy. Fund was established by his www.tech4lifeny.org family, friends and colleagues Gabriel Simkin, ’16SSSB to commemorate Neal’s Good St. is a website Co-Founder & Program Director, entrepreneurial spirit and sense community of hundreds of economics major, ﬁnance minor Started at YU and now run in of social responsibility. young people supporting and 23 educational institutions contributing to social causes in eight countries, Music Vs. in an affordable fashion. uses the universal language www.goodst.org. of music to facilitate inter- Joe Teplow, ’16YC generational conversations Co-founder, biology major and forge lasting relationships with the elderly and ill. www.musicvs.org Mark Weingarten, ’15YC Founder & Executive Director, history and biology major

For more information, visit www.yu.edu/cjf/neals-fund

718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 5 NEWS Bucking Stereotypes, Egypt’s El-Sisi Fights Terror and Seeks ‘Revolution’ in Islam

By Sean Savage/JNS.org coming the fi rst Egyptian president to ever attend a Christmas mass. He was pres- As the world continues to grapple with ent at the Christmas mass at Cairo’s Saint a new wave of Islamic extremism, Egyp- Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, where tian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has he visited with Coptic Pope Tawadros II emerged as an unlikely Middle East leader and gave a brief speech. willing to confront terrorism both militar- For the most part, Egypt’s sizable Chris- ily and ideologically. tian minority—making up around 10 per- In a Jan. 1 speech at Egypt’s historic Al- cent of Egypt’s 90 million people—has Azhar University, El-Sisi declared an ambi- strongly backed El-Sisi. Egyptian Chris- tious plan for a “revolution” in Islam, in or- tians have faced unrelenting attacks by der to reform the faith that he believes has Islamic extremists for years, including a made the Muslim world a source of “de- massive wave of Muslim Brotherhood vi- struction” that is “making enemies of the olence in August 2013. whole world.” “[El-Sisi’s] visit to the Coptic Cathedral “So 1.6 billion people [in the Muslim during the Christmas Liturgy was a very world] will kill the entire world of 7 bil- nice touch. I greatly appreciate it,” Halim lion? That’s impossible... We need a reli- Meawad—co-founder of Coptic Solidarity, gious revolution,” he said. a US-based international Coptic Christian El-Sisi’s vision includes purging Islam From left to right, former Egyptian defense minister Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, former US defense human rights organization—told JNS.org. of extremist intolerance and violence, ele- secretary Chuck Hagel, and former Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi meet in Cairo on Yet even with El-Sisi’s gestures, Egypt’s ments that terror groups like al-Qaeda and April 24, 2013. El-Sisi, who is now Egypt’s president, was instrumental in bringing about Morsi’s Christians still live under constant threat. the Islamic State use as recruitment tools. ouster in July 2013. CREDIT: ERIN A. KIRK-CUOMO VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS. Meawad said more needs to be done to re- “El-Sisi’s remarks have to be com- store dozens of Christian churches, build- mended. He delivered them at the center Egyptian president, Pipes commended terrorist organization in Egypt. ings, and homes that were destroyed of Egypt’s religious establishment,” Oren El-Sisi for speaking out against radical Is- At the same time, El-Sisi also targeted by the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafi Kessler, deputy director of research at the lam and believes that he will “do all that liberals, atheists, and homosexuals in his groups. Foundation for Defense of Democracies he can to crush his violent Islamist ene- political crackdown, leading to criticism “President El-Sisi promised that every (FDD), told JNS.org. “He went right into the mies.” from human rights groups and a troubled single [destroyed Christian structure] will belly of the beast and spoke to the clerics FDD’s Kessler does not necessarily view relationship with the United States. be reconstructed by the army at the gov- and sheikhs.” El-Sisi’s religious beliefs as problemat- The tumultuous ties with the US can ernment’s cost,” Meawad said. “The army The Egyptian president reiterated his ic, noting that former Egyptian President be traced to the February 2011 revolution actually started, reconstructed 10 build- message at the World Economic Forum in Anwar Sadat—who visited Jerusalem and that led to the ouster of former Egyptian ings, and stopped. The congregations are Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 22, saying the made peace with Israel, only to be assassi- president Hosni Mubarak. The US aban- holding their worship meetings in the world needs to unite against the global nated by the Muslim Brotherhood as a re- doned Mubarak’s regime against the wish- middle of the ruins and nobody knows threat of terrorism. sult—was also a devout Muslim. es of other regional allies, like Israel and whether the army will ever resume the Upon taking offi ce last spring, very lit- “He is representative of the Egyptian Saudi Arabia, in favor of pro-democracy construction work.” tle was known about El-Sisi’s personal and people as a whole,” Kessler said. “The Egyp- protesters. After elections in Egypt were Meawad acknowledged, however, that political beliefs. Coming from rather mod- tian people are very devout, both Muslims held, the Muslim Brotherhood rose to the Egyptian government has promised to est beginnings in a neighborhood in Cai- and Christians.” power, and the US supported the Broth- reform laws in a way that makes it easier ro, he spent most of his adult life in the “From the Israeli point of view, his mil- erhood as part of an attempt to foster de- for Christians to construct new churches Egyptian military. But a clue into El-Si- itary and intelligence services have coop- mocracy in the Middle East amid the so- or repair existing ones. si’s thinking can be seen in an essay he erated with Israel at unprecedented lev- called “Arab Spring.” “I realize the huge responsibilities this wrote in March 2006 while attending the els … I think, his private beliefs aside, he But the Muslim Brotherhood’s rule man (El-Sisi) shoulders and appreciate his US Army War College in Pennsylvania. In is a committed opponent of the Muslim was short, as the Egyptian people quick- courage, and that he risked his own life to the essay, he states that democracy in the Brotherhood and by extension of Hamas ly soured on Morsi over his authoritarian save his country from a dark and danger- Middle East must be adapted to Islam and and other Islamic extremists,” added Kes- stances and his push for an Islamist consti- ous future,” he said. “have its own shape or form coupled with sler. tution. El-Sisi, who served as defense min- El-Sisi has also taken steps to improve stronger religious ties.” Under El-Sisi’s watch, Egypt has quietly ister under Morsi, led the popular coup Egypt’s economy, which has been in free- Daniel Pipes, president of the Middle worked closely with Israel on combating that overthrew the president. fall since Mubarak’s ouster in 2011. East Forum think tank, said he sees El-Si- Islamic terrorist groups in the Sinai Penin- “The Obama administration has not “Economically, he has touched some si as a “cautious Islamist.” sula such as Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis (which gotten over the way he dispatched the sacred cows in Egypt, including reform- “It’s like holding fascistic or commu- recently declared allegiance to the Islam- so-called democratically elected Muslim ing subsidies, which for years observers nistic views,” Pipes told JNS.org regarding ic State terror group), in addition to crack- Brotherhood,” Middle East Forum’s Pipes said was a political death sentence,” Kes- El-Sisi’s outlook. “That said, there can the- ing down on Hamas, which draws support said. sler told JNS.org. oretically be a supremely mild form of it from Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood and Indeed, shortly after El-Sisi started his One of these reforms is a new “smart that we can live with.” uses the Sinai for smuggling weapons and term as president, the US suspended its $1 card” system to help distribute govern- Despite his reservations about the other goods. billion in annual military and economic ment-subsidized bread to millions of Egyp- El-Sisi has embarked on an ambitious aid to Egypt due to the coup. tians, enabling them to no longer wait in plan to destroy Hamas’s tunnel infrastruc- But while larger problems brew in the lines while also saving the government ture underneath the Egyptian-Gaza border. Middle East, particularly the emergence of hundreds of millions of dollars in waste. Egypt said it destroyed nearly 95 percent Islamic State, the US has changed its tone The political stability brought on by Send us of the Gaza tunnels last year, and more re- on Egypt and has signaled that it will re- El-Sisi has also boosted foreign investors’ cently has started work on building a Gaza store foreign aid to the country. Kessler and tourists’ confi dence in Egypt. The In- your shul buffer of between 1 and 1.25 miles to pre- said the Egypt approach of the Obama ad- ternational Monetary Fund predicts that vent cross-border weapons smuggling and ministration and Congress has now “be- the Egyptian economy will grow 3.5 per- and school terrorism. come more pragmatic” and boils down to cent this year. While El-Sisi has targeted terror groups the past priorities of “stability, protecting “We have already seen a number of notices, in the Sinai, he has also waged an unre- the Suez Canal, [the] peace treaty with Is- surprises with El-Sisi,” Kessler said. “The lenting crackdown on his top adversary— rael, and fi ghting Islamists.” speech at Al-Azhar University, the visit to the Muslim Brotherhood. As a military “El-Sisi provides all these things,” said the Coptic Christian cathedral on Christ- your press leader, El-Sisi was an instrumental part of Kessler. mas Eve, and of course his complete and the July 2013 overthrow of Muslim Broth- At the same time, El-Sisi has taken steps utter commitment to defeating jihadis in releases and erhood-affi liated president Mohammed to protect Egypt’s beleaguered Christian mi- the Sinai Peninsula and fi rm hand against Morsi. Once elected president, El-Sisi went nority at a time when Christians through- the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas … On news tips on an all-out offensive against the Broth- out the Middle East have been driven from economics, on combating terrorism and erhood, jailing thousands of its top lead- their ancient homelands and faced geno- extremism, he has certainly been surpris- [email protected] ers (including Morsi). The Muslim Broth- cide at the hands of Islamic State. ing, and I bet my money on more surpris- erhood is also now a state-designated On Jan. 6, El-Sisi made history by be- es to come,” Kessler said.

6 February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM NEWS Moderate Islam Pushes Back Extremism

By Ali Mamouri/www.al-monitor.com and authorities criticized the attack and ing the prophet. The demonstrations led in the region. Militant groups in Iran have Translator-Joe Abboud Shiite cleric Sayyed Hussein al-Sadr con- to clashes with the Hamas-affi liated po- apparently started to understand this and demned the behavior of militant groups lice and the arrest of some demonstra- deem it a kind of retreat from the prin- The militant activities of the Islamic that made the Prophet Muhammad ap- tors. The Salafi st movement supporting ciple of revolutionary Islam in Iran and State (IS) and its counterparts have con- pear as a “butcher.” the demonstration said that Hamas’ acts an inclination toward a secular approach. tributed to the rise of moderate Islam in Tehran’s substitute Friday prayer lead- go against the principle of loyalty to the The presence of a strong moderate the Islamic world. The fact is that it is er Ahmad Khatami condemned the at- prophet of Islam. movement in the Islamic world with atti- Muslims, of all sects, who have suffered tack, saying, “We fully condemn this ter- In Iran, the hard-line Ansar Hezbol- tudes very different from that of militant the most at the hands of these groups. rorist act and announce that Islam does lah group gave its blessing to the killing Islam has become increasingly apparent. A 2012 US National Counterterrorism not allow the killing of innocent peo- of Charlie Hebdo’s staff and deemed the The radical currents have waned in dif- Center report revealed: “In cases where ple.” This position is a radical change in attack a victory for the prophet of Islam. ferent regions of the Islamic world after the religious affi liation of terrorism casu- the policies of the Islamic Republic of In an article published in its newspaper, their initial expansion during the Arab alties could be determined, Muslims suf- Iran, whose founder’s fatwa calling for Yalasarat, the group pointed out that ear- Spring events and the accompanying fered between 82 and 97% of terrorism-re- the death of novelist Salman Rushdie had lier operations against Rushdie carried instability in the Middle East. lated fatalities over the past five years.” set a precedent for fatwas against those out by members loyal to Iran were similar This opportunity calls for wise po- The violence has created among Mus- insulting Islamic sanctities. to the Charlie Hebdo murders. The most sitions and smart moves on the part of lims a general feeling of solidarity with The Iraqi Foreign Ministry issued a prominent of these was the young Hez- Western countries, as any tension or the non-Muslim minorities in the Mid- statement fully denouncing the terrorist bollah-affi liated Lebanese Mustafa shock in the Muslim world risks promot- dle East and Westerners who fell prey to act and asserting, “Iraq stands at the fore- Mazeh, who attempted to kill Rushdie in ing the militants, offering them fertile these groups. front of countries supporting France and August 1989. The operation failed and led ground in their communities and weak- The recent killing of a number of jour- all the states affected by terrorism.” Popu- to the death of the young man himself. ening moderate Islam. nalists at the Charlie Hebdo newspaper lar demonstrations in the streets of Bagh- It is worth mentioning that some hard- The experiences of the past decades offices in Paris is no exception. Through dad have made many Iraqis’ position on line Iranian institutions still commem- have shown that what some describe as their target selection, extremists were the murders clear. orate Mazeh’s attempt on their offi cial the intrinsic hostility between the West- betting on the attack winning them wider This outpouring of sentiment has con- websites. ern and Islamic civilizations can be man- social support from Muslims, as the target cerned militant groups in the Muslim Remarkably, however, the offi cial Ira- aged and is not inevitable. was a sensitive and controversial subject world as they incur heavy losses in their nian discourse has completely shifted Read more: http://www.al-moni- among Muslims. Despite the many social bases. In efforts to control the dam- away from calling for violence in cases of tor.com/pulse/originals/2015/01/terror- Islamic objections to the Charlie Heb- age, they have arranged protests and con- “abuse” of Muslim sanctities. Iran has not ism-moderate-islam-iraq-iran-arab-world. do caricatures of Prophet Muhammad, demned the positions of moderate reli- issued any death fatwas ever since call- html?utm_source=Al-Monitor+News- the result was the opposite: The Muslim gious institutions for forsaking Islamic ing for the killing of Rushdie in Febru- letter+%5BEnglish%5D&utm_cam- world largely responded by denouncing principles and sanctities. ary 1989. Fatwas in general have not been paign=99c867dc03-February_2_2015&utm_ the terrorist act, not the cartoons. A pro-IS group organized protests emphasized in the past few years, mark- medium=email&utm_term=0_ Egypt’s Al-Azhar fully condemned in Gaza City against the Islamic silence ing a change in approach and a separa- 28264b27a0-99c867dc03-93120189#ix- the terrorist incident, while Iraqi clerics toward Charlie Hebdo’s crime of mock- tion from militant groups and countries zz3Qbz1J3jp

718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 7 EDITORIAL JEWISH LINK Make Your Voice Heard In Israel, BRONX, WESTCHESTER & CONNECTICUT Co-Founders/Co-Publishers Participate in WZO Elections David Winter Moshe Kinderlehrer Cast your ballots for VoteTorah.org Mark (Mendy) Schwartz Editor-in-Chief Dr. Chanania Gang • Cultural, spiritual and religious assis- the Board of the world Jewish Nation- Jeanette Friedman Vice President, Religious Zionists of America tance to the Diaspora communities, es- al Fund (KKL) Managing Editor Yonkers, NY pecially to Europe and South America The Center for Religious Affairs is in Adam Negnewitzky • Determine the planning of land devel- charge of the cultural, spiritual and re- Contributing Editors Once every four to eight years Jews in opment and settlement, new commu- ligious assistance to the Diaspora com- Phil Sieradski the Diaspora have the opportunity to vote nities, and infrastructure within and be- munities, especially to Europe and South Phil Jacobs for the future directions and programs of yond the 1967 borders America, The KKL (world JNF) is integral Elizabeth Kratz the World Zionist Organization (WZO) and • Another very critical activity of the Zi- part of the planning of land development the Jewish Agency. The WZO determines onist Congress and the Jewish Agency is and settlement, new communities, and Advertising Director the structure of the Jewish Agency, the ex- the planning, organization, and absorp- infrastructure within and beyond the 1967 Yaakov Serle ecutive governing body of the World Zi- tion of Aliya, immigration to Israel lines. Assistant Editor onist Organization. The guidelines for the The Religious Zionist delegations were In past congress elections we have been Avi Sheinfi l actual policies of the next four years are the only factions representing Torah Juda- quite successful, fi nishing in second posi- Offi ce Manager legislated by the World Zionist Congress ism at the last Congresses. Their presence tion. In the last two congressional elec- Jennifer Hoff er and executed by the Jewish Agency and its in the governing bodies of the Jewish Agen- tions the US Religious Zionist delegation Bookkeeper various departments. The Jewish Agency, cy have enabled our many achievements amounted to a full one third of the total Gila Negnewitzky in turn, works in cooperation with the Is- for the Jewish people.ie,: world religious Zionist representation, raeli government and with the local Jewish We have been able to carry out our thus clearly contributing to the successes Sales Development communities the world over. The Jewish agenda to strengthen Jewish awareness, of the Religious Zionist delegations. With Ken Goff stein Agency, therefore, is the actual coordinat- Torah education and the Jewish spirit in your help and vote in this election we will Sales Representatives ing body of large portions of overall Jewish the Diaspora, as well as Israel. We have be able to do even better and have a much Alex Itzkowitz governance in the world. sponsored initiatives to strengthen Jewish stronger presence and voice on the Jewish Risa Lefkowitz The World Zionist Congress will meet communities the world over, especially in scene. Lydia Sultanik in Jerusalem in October 2015. The US del- smaller and more isolated Jewish commu- By voting for Votetorah.org will vote for Simon Worman egation to the Congress will be chosen nities. Jewish education in Israel and the Diaspo- Database Coordinator democratically in an election to be held We have been successful in blocking ra, guarantee the religious status-quo in Is- Moishie Rosenberg in the months January-April 2015. The fu- most initiatives to allow Reform and Con- rael, prevent civil marriages between Jews Sports Editor ture of the World Zionist Movement is in servative Judaism to alter the religious sta- in Israel, vote for Torah and Torah values, Steve Gutlove our hands and dependent on our vote. The tus quo in Israel. We have been instrumen- and safeguard the sanctity of Eretz Yisrael American delegation to the Congress com- tal in formulating and pushing through and the continued Jewish presence in the Proofreader/Copy Editor Ruth Brody prises a total of 145 delegates, about 1/3 of the World Zionist Congress an operational Land. the total delegates at the Congress. This is and comprehensive Israeli settlement de- Your vote will guarantee that Torah Zi- Design why the US delegation is a primary factor velopment plan which is still in effect now onism will be the guiding principle for the design2pro.com in the governance of the WZO and the Jew- and has contributed to strengthening the future of Israel, and a major factor in the Contributors ish Agency. Yishuv in all parts of Eretz Yisrael. overall governance of the Jewish people. Rachel Berger • Shneur Garb • Josh Warhit • The Zionist Congress determines and In the present World Zionist Organi- The Religious Zionist Movement in vote on the budgets allocated to each of zation (WZO) and Jewish Agency the Reli- the US will compete in this election as the The Jewish Link of Bronx, Westchester the activities and programs adopted by gious Zionist group is represented as fol- only powerful religious group represent- & Connecticut the Congress, such as: lows: ing delegates from America’s foundation- PO Box 1207 • Cultural Jewish activities in Israel and • Avraham Duvdevani – chairman of the al religious Zionist organizations, includ- Bronx, NY 10471 the Diaspora executive of the WZO ing World Mizrachi, AMIT, Bnei Akiva, the Phone: 718-564-6710 Email: [email protected] • Youth and young adult activities, cam- • Rabbi Yechiel Wasserman – Head of the National Council of Young Israel, the Or- Advertising: [email protected] pus presence Center for Religious Affairs in the Dias- thodox Union, the Rabbinical Council of Subscriptions/Home Delivery: • Education, emissaries (shlichim) and pora America, Torah Mitzion, Touro College, and [email protected] teachers • Gael Grunewald – Vice Chairman of Yeshiva University. The Jewish Link of Bronx, Westchester & Connecticut, an independent publication, promotes honest and rigorous conversations about Juda- ism,Israel and issues aff ecting our community. The opinions refl ect- OP-ED ed in articles from our contributors do not necessarily refl ect JLBWC’s positions, and publishing them does not constitute an endorsement from JLBWC. We simply off er food for thought. We reserve the right to accept or refuse submissions and edit for content and length. We As California Goes... also reserve the right to refuse advertising that in our opinion does not refl ect the standards of the newspaper. We are not responsible for the kashrus of any product advertised in the Jewish Link of Bronx, West- chester & Connecticut. By Josh Warlit from 9,000 miles away. ing fashion to divest from Israel this past The pro-Israel community at UCSB November. Just last week, UC Davis voted I recently had the takes a positive initiative when it comes to divest from Israel, as many of those be- leaders and politically active citizens. If Is- upmost pleasure of to Israel on campus. While it prefers to hind the effort shouted “Allahu Akhbar” at rael-curious students on campus do not spending a few days at keep Israel out of campus politics, it does pro-Israel students present. see a determined and consistent pro-Isra- the University of Cal- not hesitate to establish relationships While most concerned supporters of el response, they may very well form an ifornia at Santa Bar- with members of the student government Israel know why these anti-Israel efforts opinion from an “apartheid wall” set up bara. Miserable weath- in order to counter the political activity of on campus are an affront to true liberal- on the quad. er in New York made a tremendous effort anti-Israel groups. ism, there are many who are not treat- There is no reason to wait for this to to keep me from fl ying to California, but While the situation at UCSB is encour- ing the current trend as a serious prob- become an existential threat. Several lead- somehow I made it to beautiful Isla Vista, aging, this is only because the larger pic- lem. Many continue to insist that the BDS ers of Jewish life on UC campuses have nestled between the beautiful Santa Ynez ture in California is much bleaker. In fact, movement is overrated and unorganized, informed me that approximately 30% of Mountains to the north and the Pacifi c with the single exception of Santa Barbara, and highlight that it is yet to do notice- students involved in Jewish life feel ex- Ocean to the south. a student government at every University able damage to the Israeli economy. But tremely intimidated, and are scared to let As a former soldier of the Israel De- of California school (undergraduate, grad- the last thing we should be worried about people know they are Jewish, let alone fense Forces, I wanted to aid the pro-Is- uate or both) has voted to divest from the is overestimating anti-Israel movements pro-Israel. As a result, many Jewish organ- rael student community in California State of Israel. The University of Califor- on American campuses. The fact that izations on campuses have reacted quite answer any questions students had con- nia has offi cially refused to boycott Israel, these efforts have a marginal effect today sheepishly at moments when the exact cerning Israel and its military, and encour- so the votes for divestment amongst stu- does not discount the possibility of hor- opposite kind of reaction is most need- age them to stand up for Israel on campus. dent governments are merely symbolic. rifi c long-term consequences, and the fact ed. We need to both encourage pro-Isra- I was happy to see a vibrant interest re- But symbols can be powerful. What began that California is a strong hub for the an- el students to stand up against BDS and garding Israel amongst students at UCSB, at lesser-known schools such as UC Irvine ti-Israel movement should concern us all. the like, and to provide them with all the and a general willingness by members of has come to affect world-famous institu- The state of California alone contains 12% tools necessary to do so. We need to nip Jewish organizations, like Hillel and Alpha tions such as UCLA, whose undergraduate of the U.S. population, and its universi- this problem in the bud, and confront it Epsilon Pi, to help the Jewish state, even if student government voted in overwhelm- ties host many of tomorrow’s prospective with everything we’ve got.

8 February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM ISRAEL Unpacking the ‘High Stakes Game’ of Netanyahu’s Congress Speech

By Alex Traiman/JNS.org until March 24 at the earliest—a portant to ensure that any deal week after Israel’s national elec- [with world powers] does not While Israeli Prime Minis- tions. Some prominent Amer- hand Tehran the prize they cov- ter Benjamin Netanyahu said ican Jewish leaders, including et: the ability to quickly assem- Monday that he remains “deter- Union for Reform Judaism Pres- ble a nuclear device, with an end mined” to give his March 3 ad- ident Rabbi Rick Jacobs and An- to sanctions,” Rabbi Abraham dress before a joint session of ti-Defamation League President Cooper, associate dean of the Congress on the dangers of a nu- Abraham Foxman, have called for Simon Wiesenthal Center, told clear Iran and radical Islam, the Netanyahu to cancel the speech. JNS.org. “We hope that steps will stakes surrounding the contro- The J Street lobby launched an be taken that will defuse the con- versial speech continue to rise. online petition headlined, “I’m troversy about the venue of the The speech, which has drawn a Jew. Bibi does NOT speak for speech, so that its message can sharp criticism from the Obama me!” be heard.” administration, has left Demo- On Monday, the Zionist Or- Critics of the speech say that cratic members of Congress and ganization of America responded if Netanyahu goes ahead with it, American Jewish leaders facing to Jewish-organizational critics he risks alienating Israel’s bipar- a diffi cult scenario: They can of the Netanyahu speech, call- tisan support in the American choose to support Netanyahu’s Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses voters from the ing out those organizations in legislature and will face inces- plans and by extension, Israel’s Russian-speaking community on Monday, Feb. 9. CREDIT: GILI YAARI/FLASH90. a press release and saying, “The sant attacks from his opposition use of any means at its dispos- United States Congress is dis- as well as the media in the run- al to prevent Iran from becom- World Jewish Congress, told JNS. hu’s address. At least a handful cussing the Iran situation now. up to elections. On the other ing a nuclear power, but doing so org. “They’re being forced to deal of Democratic lawmakers have Prime Minister Netanyahu must hand, if he cancels the speech, he would mean defying the White with the perceived problem of said that they will also skip the speak now. … By not supporting risks losing support from his tra- House. dual loyalty, and no Jewish Amer- speech, and others such as House Israel’s prime minister and Con- ditional voter base, a group that “American Jewish leaders ican ever wants to be in that po- Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi gress, we are sending a terrible is critical of the Obama adminis- are in a bind,” Dan Diker, sen- sition.” (D-Calif.) are mulling whether or message to Iran that we are not tration’s treatment of Israel. Can- ior Middle East analyst at the Is- Vice President Joe Biden’s of- not to attend. Leading Congres- unifi ed and strong in our resolve celing the address may also ne- rael-based International Insti- fi ce announced last week that sional advocates for increased against this deadly enemy.” gate an important opportunity tute for Counter-Terrorism and travel plans would preclude sanctions against Iran have de- “What Prime Minister Net- former secretary-general of the Biden from attending Netanya- layed a vote on new sanctions anyahu has to say is vitally im-  CONTINUED ON P. 17

A Frank Conversation on bling that any governing or religious entity cated a rapidly assimilating Jewish popula- never have imagined on my own: that of Marriage in Israel With would have the audacity to interfere with tion in the U.S., including a 58% intermar- a rabbi offi ciating at a marriage ceremony. Tzohar’s Rabbi David Stav matters of the heart, let alone force couples riage rate. “We don’t want to face the same “To me, a part of what makes a wedding  CONTINUED FROM P. 1 to pay for unwanted services. reality [in Israel],” Stav argued. “Israel has to ceremony beautiful and full of meaning is Stav is well aware of the strained emo- be a place where Jewish identity is intact. the fact that the couple is part of a contin- legislation named after the organization of tions and sense of injustice that exists. Otherwise, we face a divided society.” uum of people who have engaged in the 1,000 Orthodox rabbis who are seeking to “Most of the rabbis working in the system Such divisions would cripple the Israel same type of ceremony,” Glass explained. reform the country’s Chief Rabbinate. This have no cultural connection to the cou- Defense Forces, Stav warned, noting, “The “Every time I do a wedding I think of my controversial law allows Israeli Jews great- ples getting married,” he lamented. “For- highest motivation for Jewish soldiers is own. I draw on the spirit and joy and mean- er fl exibility in choosing a rabbi to offi ci- get the charges of corruption; I’m talking the notion of a Jewish homeland. I cannot ing of that occasion, I draw on all that has ate at their wedding and permits couples about a problem in the essence of the sys- imagine solidarity among soldiers who are sustained us through the years and it adds to register their marriage outside their city tem. We’re trying to create a friendlier al- Jewish and those who question their Jew- to the signifi cance of the moment.” or town of residence. “Marriage is a part of ternative.” ish identity.” Just as it may feel wrong for the Chief something much deeper,” Stav told me. “It’s Stav’s goal, he elaborated, is to make Faced with the unhappy image of disu- Rabbinate to impose religious rituals on a pain point that affects everything.” marriage more accessible and the rabbin- nity, Stav chooses reform as the best means congregants, I began to wonder, is it right Stav, who was a candidate for Ashkena- ate more welcoming to couples that might to bind the nation’s wounds and to steer for citizens to deprive rabbis of their zi chief rabbi of Israel in 2013 and was re- not necessarily fi t the bill for purity. the faith forward. time-honored role in Jewish society? cently appointed co-chancellor of Rabbi Indeed, there is little precedent in the Suddenly, we were running out of time. Glass conceded that, given that he isn’t Shlomo Riskin’s Ohr Torah Stone educa- history of Judaism for the kinds of reform Stav had another meeting to attend. “Why an Orthodox rabbi, he doesn’t expect to tional network, noted how the country’s Tzohar has already achieved. The organiza- not push for complete separation of reli- have the weddings he offi ciates “recog- current marriage laws prohibit intermar- tion has made signifi cant strides, extending gion and state?” I asked him. Stav’s answer nized by the state of Israel anytime soon,” riage and require extensive proof of Jewish rabbinical services to disenfranchised im- showed surprising compassion for oppo- a sign that the Tzohar Law still falls short heritage. He didn’t need to elaborate on the migrant families. The passage of the Tzohar nents of reform and a complex appraisal of of the kinds of inclusion and acceptance “pain” aspect. I’ve seen and heard many sto- Law sent shockwaves across Israel, prompt- what is at stake for Jewish culture amid the that many young Jewish couples seek. But ries on the issue during my travels in Isra- ing the country’s Economy and Trade Min- marriage debate. Glass’s affection for different parts of the el, and many of my secular friends abroad ister, Naftali Bennett, to remark, “The revo- “Religion pays a high price because Jewish wedding service, including the She- complain about the intrusiveness and rigid- lution in religious services has begun!” there is no separation,” he observed. “It’s va Brachot and the Bedeken, reveal the kind ity of a system that requires them to con- “I don’t always go to sleep carefree,” very sad that the seculars don’t want to in- of intimacy with the Torah and one’s con- form to Orthodox wedding rituals. Further, Stav said, acknowledging that the social-re- herit anything from the Torah and that Is- gregation that Stav and Tzohar are trying to they detest paying a rabbi, with whom they ligious revolution (as Bennett put it) that raelis want to distance themselves from be- restore in Israel. have no personal connection, to offi ciate. Tzohar initiated has also stirred signifi cant ing Jewish.” Stav went so far as to say that “The acts of espousal in the Jewish Tzohar, where Stav serves as chairman, opposition. he understands the “resentment” religious- [wedding] ceremony are as cold and busi- provides statistics confi rming a spiritual Stav vividly recalled the 1995 assassina- ly observant Jews feel toward secular Jews ness-like as the civil ceremony,” Glass said. and cultural crisis in Israel. “Over 700,000 tion of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin for abandoning and disregarding the laws “It’s the liturgy that has developed over the Jewish-born immigrants are legally prohibit- as a spiritual crossroads for the Jewish state. and rituals that defi ne their faith. years and the embellishments of each gen- ed by the Chief Rabbinate from marrying as “Society was collapsing,” he said. “What Unsure how to interpret Stav’s parting eration that have made it more emotion- Jews,” the organization states. “Twenty-four made me stay in the yeshiva and kept me remarks, I contacted my own rabbi, Scott ally satisfying and spiritually uplifting. Of percent of Israeli couples choose civil mar- from going into business was the under- Glass, the leader of Temple Beth El in Itha- course, if there’s a personal connection riage abroad. Their children will be consid- standing that we have a responsibility to ca, N.Y. I asked him why civil marriage isn’t between the [rabbi] and the couple, how ered non-Jews by the Chief Rabbinate.” unite Jews.” legal in Israel, and why the Israeli Chief much more beautiful!” “I have friends who were forced to An ardent Zionist, Stav is principally Rabbinate has the authority to dictate mar- Glass and Stav appear to agree that travel abroad to get married,” I explained concerned about the future security of Isra- riage rituals and defi ne Jewish identity. I what’s needed is more common sense, pa- to Stav, handing him a copy of my book. el and even the potential for civil war. questioned the signifi cance of what Stav tience, and tolerance on the part of the “Their plight inspired me to write a short “We all know what happened with the had labeled my “Jewish inheritance,” echo- Chief Rabbinate. By reforming Israeli law fi ction story about the situation.” I made Pew report,” he said, referencing the rat- ing the frustrations of secular Israelis. to be more inclusive and adaptable, doors my position clear to Stav: I’m for separa- tling 2013 analysis on American Jewry by Through our correspondence, Glass will open, leading to a more meaningful ap- tion of religion and state, and I fi nd it trou- the Pew Research Center. The report indi- gradually elucidated a perspective I could preciation of a shared Jewish history.

718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Rav Benny Lau Hebrew Free Burial Visits Riverdale Association Breakfast Rabbi Dr. Binyamin Lau, author, activ- Honors Locals ist, teacher, and Rabbi of Ramban Syna- gogue, Jerusalem will be in Riverdale on Riverdale Community Breakfast, an an- Shabbat Zachor, February 27, 28, 2015. He nual event to benefi t Hebrew Free Burial will be the Scholar-in-Resdience at Young Association will be held on Sunday, Mar. Israel Ohab Zedek. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Participat- On Friday evening following a coming synagogues include Chabad Lubavitch munity dinner Rav Lau will deliver the An- of Riverdale, Congregation Shaarei Sha- nual Lauterbach Memorial Israel Lecture lom, Conservative Synagogue Adath Isra- on “Esther & Mordechai—From Assimila- el of Riverdale, Hebrew Institute of River- tion to Identity A fresh reading of the Me- dale, Kingsbridge Center of Israel, Riverdale gillah.” He will speak in Hebrew at 8:30 Jewish Center, Young Israel Ohab Zedek of a.m. Shabbat morning on Amalek—A Re- North Riverdale and Yonkers, and Young Is- ality or an Idea and in English following rael of Riverdale. The event will honor Dr. Musaf (approximately 11am) on “The Text Rabbi Benny Lau Donald Liss and Beth and David Braun- within the Context A Historical Reading stein. HFBA Board member Robert Marcus Dr. Donald Liss of Megillat Esther” Rav Lau’s visit to River- ist who heads the Modern Orthodox Ram- is the event Chair. dale will also include lectures at Riverdale ban Synagogue in Jerusalem and serves as Founded in 1888 on Manhattan’s Lower religious affi liations, receives a dignifi ed, Jewish Center at Seudah Shlishit, Hebrew chair of the Human Rights and Judaism in East Side, Hebrew Free Burial Association is traditional Jewish funeral and burial. It is Institute of Riverdale on Sunday Night Action project of the Israel Democracy In- the only organization in the New York Met- the largest free burial society outside Isra- and SAR Academy and SAR High School stitute. A charismatic rabbi, social entre- ropolitan area dedicated to assuring that el, providing burials for nearly 400 indigent on Monday. For more information, spon- preneur, and media fi gure, he speaks out every Jew, regardless of fi nancial means or Jews each year and critical assistance and sorship opportunities and dinner reserva- clearly on current issues, focusing on the spiritual support to surviving tions please contact [email protected] humanistic values of Judaism and insist- family members and friends Rabbi Dr. Binyamin (Benny) Lau is an ing that tradition face the challenges of with nowhere else to turn. internationally known leader and activ- contemporary society. For reservations, please call (212) 239-1662 or reserve online at www.hebrewfreeburial.org/riverdale. Donations Affordable Genetic will be accepted at the event. It will be held at the Riverd- Testing Now Available for ale Jewish Center, 3700 Inde- pendence Avenue. For more information Ashkenazi Men and Women about the event, please contact Amy Koplow, Executive New York–Metro area Ashkenazi have a BRCA mutation—those with a Director, Hebrew Free Burial Jewish women and men aged 25 and signifi cant personal or family history Association, at (212) 239-1662 older can now opt to undergo testing of these cancers. However, individuals or akoplow@hebrewfree- for the three common Ashkenazi Jew- who are at “low risk” to have a BRCA burial.org. For more informa- ish BRCA founder mutations at a frac- mutation—those who do not have a tion about HFBA, please visit tion of the commercial price, thanks signifi cant personal or family history Beth and David Braunstein www.hebrewfreeburial.org. to a new, philanthropy-based initiative of cancer—along with those with no from the Program for Jewish Genetic health insurance, are faced with steep Health (PJGH), a not-for-profi t organiza- out-of-pocket costs. Testing for the President Rivlin Visits the Bronx tion affi liated with Yeshiva Universi- three common Ashkenazi Jewish BRCA  CONTINUED FROM P. 1 ty and Albert Einstein College of Med- founder mutations via the tradition- icine, in conjunction with Montefi ore al, commercial-based process can cost ed by several hundred Hispanic leaders Health System. This initiative, the fi rst more than $600 for these low risk and and community members. of its kind in the United States, makes uninsured individuals. The Program for Rivlin, who replaced Shimon Peres as this testing available to all Ashkenazi Jewish Genetic Health is now providing President of Israel, spoke about the im- Jewish individuals, regardless of their testing for $100, along with complimen- portance of cultural diversity in Israel. BRCA-related cancer histories or their tary pre-test genetic counseling courte- He said, “Israeli society is based on diver- insurance/fi nancial situations, both of sy of Montefi ore. sity—and is made up of a wide range of which have been barriers to date. According to the PJGH, one of the communities; Jews, Arabs, Muslims, Chris- Approximately 1 in 40 individuals of primary goals of the new initiative, tians, Ultra-Orthodox, Ethiopians, and Ashkenazi Jewish descent carries one of which also includes a research com- hundreds and thousands of immigrants three founder mutations in the BRCA1 ponent, is to identify new BRCA mu- from every possible country. I believe in or BRCA2 genes, a carrier rate tenfold tation carriers in this “low-risk” group fact, we owe our status as the ‘Start Up Na- higher than that of the general popula- who otherwise would have gone unde- tion’ to this diversity.” tion. Females carrying a BRCA mutation tected. Recent studies from Israel have Referring to the war in Gaza and the face a signifi cantly higher risk of devel- reaffi rmed that the 1 in 40 carrier rate terrorist attacks since then, he said, “Of- oping breast and ovarian cancer in their in Ashkenazi Jews also applies to these ten when people hear or read about Is- lifetime, while male BRCA mutation low risk individuals, and suggest that rael, they think we are at war with Islam. carriers are at higher risk of develop- the risks to develop cancer in BRCA car- We are not, and never have been, at war ing prostate and breast cancer, among riers coming from both “low risk” and with Islam. We, like many other countries other cancers. BRCA carriers also have “high risk” families may be more equiv- today, are at war with extremists. I believe a 50 percent chance of passing the al- alent than originally thought. that Jews and Arabs are not doomed to tered gene on to each of their offspring, Interested participants aged 25 and live together, but we are destined to live Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. who in turn will have an increased sus- older who self-identify as Ashkenazi together, and that the greatest challenge with President Rivlin (CREDIT: ARIEL NEHORAYOFF) ceptibility for these cancer types. Indi- Jewish will begin by visiting the PJGH’s is the establishment of trust, mutual re- viduals who fi nd out that they are BRCA BRCAcommunity Study website (http:// spect and understanding between Israel’s panic community. He commented, “The carriers through genetic testing have brcacommunitystudy.einstein.yu.edu/), Jewish and Arab, and between Israelis and strengthening of ties between our com- cancer risk-reducing and reproductive where they can learn more about BRCA Palestinians—a challenge which still lies munities is of great mutual benefi t.” The options. and the initiative, and then be direct- before us.” President thanked his hosts for their invi- Today, most health insurance poli- ed to complete a detailed demographic Rivlin spoke of the many shared expe- tation and said, “You are always welcome cies cover BRCA testing only for those form and personal/family history ques- riences and connections between the Jew- to visit Israel, and to the President’s Resi- who are considered at “high risk” to tionnaire. ish and Israeli communities, and the His- dence in particular.”

10 February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM FIRST PERSON CJF and Joint Distribution Committee Sends 15 YU Students to Haiti

By Michelle Levine with them despite the language barrier. is the epitome of a leader—she saw gaps chose Nigerian almond trees. Each day that Some of us learned Creole phrases from the in the system and issues within the coun- we were planting the trees, numerous Hai- Yeshiva University’s Center for the kids, while others taught English phrases to try and took action to combat those issues. tians would stop by to talk to us and help Jewish Future (CJF), partnered with the them in exchange. She told us, “If you kick me out the door, I’ll us pickaxe. In the afternoon, we did art American Jewish Joint Distribution Com- We spent a majority of our time at climb back in through the window.” projects with the fi rst-grade classes. We mittee (JDC) to bring a group of 15 stu- Zoranje, a model school founded by A group of students from Zoranje won also taught them the song “Head, Shoul- dents from Stern and Yeshiva Colleges to PRODEV (The Foundation for Progress and a national science contest and we were ders, Knees, and Toes,” in English, and then assist in Haiti since the devastating earth- Development, a Haitian organization also tasked with helping them plant new trees learned the same song with the words in quake in 2010 that affected more than 3.5 funded by the JDC). We met with one of the as a part of their project. We worked with Creole (tèt, zepòl, jenou, zòtèy). [ok to leave million people. Staffi ng the trip was CJF founders, Maryse Panette-Kedar, and were the students to pickaxe through the rocky accents in?] representative Gila Rockman, JDC fel- inspired by her determination and passion ground and dig 20 holes to plant the trees. The next day we continued our digging, for educating the youth in Haiti and im- They had researched the specifi c type of proving conditions in the country. Maryse tree that would grow best in that area and  CONTINUED ON P. 31

low, Jenette Axelrod, and Yeshiva College’s Dr. Aaron Koller. In the midst of the destruction that is still visible fi ve years later, Stern student and Teaneck native Mi- chelle Levine saw some heart-warming successes of local Haitian leaders. Here, she shares her experience. This trip was an incredibly eye-opening experience. I have never witnessed such poverty and destruction so prevalent throughout an entire country. However, in the midst of all of the fi lth and dilapida- tion, we met remarkable leaders who take action and create hope for underprivileged and abandoned children, while making signifi cant strides to improve the situation. There are now havens for abandoned children in Haiti, and because of that there are happy, enthusiastic, thriving children. On our second day in Haiti, we went to Zanmi Beni (meaning “Blessed Friends” in Kreyole/Haitian Creole), a children’s home established after the earthquake for children who were abused, orphaned, or disabled. It was funded by the JDC and founded by Zanmi Lasante (“Partners in Health”), a Haitian organization. We met with co-executive director, Loune Viaud, an incredible individual who saw kids without homes in the hospital and took it upon herself to provide care for each one. She took in 64 children, and some of the older boys and girls help as staff or teachers for the young- er children. Loune wanted us to understand that Zanmi Beni was not an orphanage. It was a family setting and a group home. That morning, we ran activities with children from ages 3–16, doing arts and crafts, playing dominoes and makeshift tennis, and dancing. It amazed us to be able to bond

718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 11 DVAR TORAH Five Rashis, Mishpatim: The Wheels of Justice Serving the InternaƟonall Jewish i hC Community for 27 Years Grind Slowly, But They

Grind Very Fine

Passover 2015 By Rabbi Gidon Rothstein falls into the agreement between us and is

A project in memory of Baruch Leib HaKohen not subject to my being obligated to repay

b. Mordechai Yidel ve-Dobba Chaya it should it break (of course I can repay it, and probably should, considering the favor A Luxurious My father, a”h, was fond of the quote I he was doing me). Why would that be? made my title this week, and it’s apropos To me, a possible answer makes a larg- of what I found in the ﬁ ve Rashis for this er point. In asking a person to work for us, OCEANFRONT LASKO week. halacha understood that to include all of What Comes Our Way that person’s possessions. When one per- 21;13 speaks of unintentional killing, son agrees to work for another, for pay or and refers to ve ha Elokim ana le yado, not, that person has agreed to become sub- Experience

that Hashem brought it his way. In the sec- ject, in this halachic sense, to that other

ond comment on those words, Rashi sees person. Since halacha assumes a person’s

this as the source verse for David haMel- objects are really extensions of him or her

ech’s claim, I Shmuel 24;13, that the mashal (that’s an important point I don’t want to

hakadmoni which Rashi reads as the prov- slide over—here and elsewhere, halacha

erbs of the Ancient One—had said “from sees our possessions as extensions of who evildoers will proceed evil.” we are), the agreement to become “owned” The Ocean at YOUR Feet In the example Rashi then gives, by the other subsumes the ﬁ rst person’s Hashem says that if two people got away possessions, with no provision for com- with murder, one deliberate and one not, pensation in the case of breakage. Fontainebleau Resort Hashem would maneuver them both to the I don’t pretend that wholly explains it. same inn where the unintentional murder- It was a Rashi that jumped out at me both er would fall off a ladder while the delib- because it’s an issue I’ve thought about sev- erate murderer was passing underneath. eral times and also because it captures an Miami Beach

Each murderer would then get what they element of Rashi’s commentary to Mishpa- already deserved, exile to a city of refuge tim that doesn’t seem to me as prominent for one, death for the other. in other areas of the Torah. Here in particu- Gourmet Cuisine by I like this Rashi because I found a way lar, in my experience, Rashi gives more of a to use it in Murderer in the Mikdash, my sense of technical halachic conversations, RAM Caterers mystery novel set in the time of a third Beit the ins and outs of how Jews know what to haMikdash in Jerusalem (available in pa- do, not just what we should do. ORB Glatt Kosher Supervision perback and for Kindle!). More than that, it Double Opportunity for Leniency קידצא אל יכ גרהת לא קידצו יקנו is a reminder (we’ll have another one, be- 23;7 warns us one who is innocent or righteous don’t ,עשר low) that the Torah doesn’t pretend we are meant to ensure that all outcomes are the kill, for I will not justify the wicked. Sine it’s right ones. We do our best. If we have wit- odd for the Torah to warn us against killing nesses to a crime, we prosecute it. If we someone innocent, tradition understands don’t, we recognize that Hashem has told the verse to be telling us that if someone us that if we do our part, Hashem will do claims to have exculpatory evidence, we His, as it were. have to bring him back the criminal to re- Internationally Acclaimed Resort & Spa The Loophole of Borrowing an Item view the new evidence (even if he was on ,יקנ with Its Owner his way to his death), since he might be OCEANFRONT and Directly On the Many of us know that halacha recogniz- clean or free of the death penalty. es different ways a person’s property can be At the same time, if the accused has al- righteous as far as ,קידצ legitimately) in another’s possession. Each ready been found) Miami Beach Boardwalk comes with different levels of responsibil- the court’s verdict (not guilty), we are not ality—if I watch your dog as a favor, I have lowed to kill him either. We know this as a x 3 to 10 Night Packages Available less responsibility than if I rent it from you, double jeopardy clause, that once a person for example. has been found not guilty, he or she can- x Sephardic and Ashkenaz Minyanim The highest level of responsibility de- not be tried for that crime again. The Torah x Room and Suite options offer views of the Atlantic Ocean and volves on the borrower, who is using some- adds what seems a crucial phrase, in Rashi’s one else’s property without the owner of reading ki lo etzadek rasha, for I will not Intracoastal Waterway the item receiving any compensation. Usu- justify the wicked, Rashi says, tells us that ally, the borrower is responsible for an- we don’t need to try this criminal again, be- x Lapis Spa with 30 treatment rooms, 100 plus lavish services ything that happens, even if it was com- cause if the damning evidence was accu-

pletely out of his control. One exception is rate, Hashem will take care of it. LASKO’s Exceptional Difference: if the item breaks down through ordinary Another reminder—and it’s a message use; if someone borrows a pen that runs that can be hard to absorb, so repeat re- x Live, Accredited CME Program out of ink through normal writing, that’s minders are not out of place—that Jews x Inspiring Scholars In Residence Program not the borrower’s problem. were never supposed to think they run the Another exception, 22;14, is Eem ba ay- world on their own. Rather, we do the best x Outstanding Day Camp/Infant Care Programs lav amo, if the owner was with it. As Rashi we can. We work not to kill the innocent, explains, “with it” doesn’t mean physically accepting evidence of innocence up until x Scrumptious Tea Room and Poolside Barbeque in attendance when the item broke. This the moment of death. But once we’ve de- x Exclusive Coach Yogev “Step It Up” Teen Program is a situation known as a sheyla bebaalim, clared someone innocent, we leave it to where the borrower has also secured the Hashem to clean up any errors. services of the item’s owner, whether as a Mentioning Other gods favor or by hiring him. And, Rashi adds, the 23;13 warns us not to mention the name Information and Reservations Call: owner doesn’t have to be “with him” at the of other gods, adding that they shouldn’t time the item broke, just at the time the be mentioned al picha, literally not to be 877.538.9948 or 954.251.1940 person borrowed it. heard on our lips. Rashi understands the [email protected] It’s a strange halacha—because you’ve ﬁ rst clause to prohibit setting up either agreed to work for me for a day, for pay or www.LASKOgetaways.com not, and I also borrow an item, that item  CONTINUED ON P. 13

12 February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM DVAR TORAH

Five Rashis, Mishpatim: The Mishkan to give Nadav and Avihu their Wheels of Justice Grind Slowly, due, and punished the rest of the elders lat- But They Grind Very Fine er in the Torah, Bamidbar 11;1. There are two  CONTINUED FROM P. 12 points here: ﬁ rst, that when Nadav and Avi- hu are killed for offering eish zera, foreign places or days of worshipping other gods ﬁ re, Rashi wouldn’t need to explain that Serving the InternaƟonal Jewish Community for 27 Years for a meeting. The second clause warns us sin as itself worthy of death. Since they’re not to be the cause of those other gods be- already deserving of death, all they need- ing mentioned by a non-Jew. Rashi’s exam- ed to do later was give Hashem an open- ple is entering a partnership with someone ing, a trigger, for an already-deserved pun- who worships another god; since, if any- ishment. thing goes wrong, that non-Jew will swear The second piece of that is that we by his god that he’s telling the truth, the sometimes react to what we see, without Jew will have unwittingly been the cause remembering that there might be a back- of this god’s name being mentioned. ground we don’t know. If someone violat- In between those two comments, Rashi ed prohibitions that make them liable for notes that the verse starts by warning us to death or karet, excision or early death, and be careful about everything Hashem told then leaves that behavior without repent- us, reading it as a reminder that worship- ing of it, they might die young for what ping other gods is considered equivalent to seem to us inexplicable reasons. violating the whole Torah. Except that this Imagine an educated Jew, who knows verse makes it more than that—not only better, who one Pesach eats chametz, or can’t we do it, we can’t let it be part of our eats on Yom Kippur, or lives with his or her world (I’ll meet you across the street from spouse without observing the laws of nid- that big place of worship, or on that holi- dah—each with no mitigating factors. It’s a day) and we can’t be the cause of others’ in- one-off transgression, but was done willful- voking it. ly and knowingly. Should Hashem decide We can’t be the reason, in other words, to end that person’s life early, those who this worship is used in everyday conversa- knew him or her would be shocked; but tion, is made a part of everyday life. it would only be the playing out of events Just You Wait from long ago. The end of the parashah gives what I had an elementary school principal who Rashi reads as a further narrative of events used to write our peccadilloes in his diary, leading up to the Giving of the Torah. 24;10 and then append notes to our report cards at mentions that the people who went up the end of each quarter. He would say, “You with Moshe and Aharon (Nadav, Avihu, and may forget; I may forget; buy my diary nev- the seventy elders) “saw the God of Israel,” er forgets.” That’s certainly true of Hashem, and ate and drank. Their lack of awe, their with the difference that Hashem accepts sin- ability to treat what they were seeing cas- cere repentance; barring that, though, peo- ually, to eat and drink as if nothing special ple may be getting what they deserve and we was occurring, rendered them already lia- wouldn’t know it to look at them. ble for death, Rashi says. Justice comes in many forms, but the But that would have marred the fes- underlying message of all of those forms is tivities at the Giving of the Torah. Instead, that it ultimately resides with Hashem, in Hashem waited for the dedication of the ways we do and do not understand. COMMUNITY NEWS Holocaust Scholar Coaches YUHS Seniors on “Names Not Numbers” Project By Malka Eisenberg

Acclaimed Holocaust scholar and award-winning fi lm producer Dr. Mi- chael Berenbaum returned to the Marsha Stern Tal- mudical Academy/Yeshiva University High School for Boys to instruct the seniors on technique and the grav- ity and privilege of inter- viewing and fi lming Hol- ocaust survivors as part of the “Names Not Numbers” program. “We are at a tran- Dr. Michael Berenbaum at YUHS sitional moment,” said Ber- enbaum. “You are of the last generation to and World War II veterans have participat- be in the presence of survivors. Cherish it ed in the program to date. “They had the and do something important with it.” courage to recreate life,” said Berenbaum Informationrm ti and Reservations Call: The program was developed in 2003 by of the Holocaust survivors and offered the Tova Rosenberg, director of Hebrew lan- students guidance as he has for the past six 877.538.9948 or 954.251.1940 guage studies at the Yeshiva University years. “Keep a sympathetic poker face,” he High Schools. Students learn skills to pro- stressed. “Figure out a question that elicits [email protected] duce videos of oral histories of Holocaust the experience. Ask about before, duringm www.LASKOgetaways.com survivors that are then compiled into a and after. Before they were victims they documentary fi lm to preserve their testi- were people.” @LASKOgetaways monies. Hundreds of students, survivors, He added, “Listen, listen, listen.”

718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 13 14 February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM COMMUNITY NEWS UJA-FedNY Discovers Non-Traditional Dues Work Better in 26 Shuls

UJA-Federation of New York has issued • 21 synagogues have fewer than 550 to the voluntary commitment model: • Oak Park Temple in Illinois has 70 per- a report that identifi es 26 synagogues na- members. • Temple Emanu-El in Providence, Rhode cent of its synagogue donating at or tionwide that have eliminated dues and • 16 synagogues are Reform, but none Island, saw overall membership grow 6 above the sustaining amount of $1,800, are allowing members to make voluntary were Orthodox. percent with 45 new families in the fi rst while Temple Beth El in Aptos, Califor- fi nancial commitments. This model is a rel- • Of the 21 synagogues in this study that year of its new system, after having aver- nia, has 25 percent donating at or above atively new trend, with 11 of the 26 syna- switched to voluntary commitment aged only 20 to 25 new members in each its sustaining amount of $2,800. gogues adopting the model between 2009 from a previous dues structure, 17 had of the previous few years. UJA-Federation does not endorse this and 2012, and 10 synagogues adopting it in had the same rabbi for at least fi ve years. • Temple Beth Tzedek, in Amherst, New funding model or any other model for the fi scal year 2013-14 alone. UJA-Federation • All synagogues had strong lay leadership York, reported an increase of $50,000 in synagogues. This guide was developed and contributors Beryl Chernov, Debbie Jo- with proven business and fi nancial acu- pledges above what they would normal- to be a resource for those considering al- seph, and Rabbi Dan Judson developed and men leading the change process. ly have expected in the fi rst six months ternatives to the traditional dues model. fi elded the research. • All synagogues were fi scally stable at the of adopting the model. Out of a total The full report is available for download In the voluntary dues model, mem- time of the change, but had growing fi - budget of approximately $800,000, this at http://www.ujafedny.org/what-we- bers and prospective members pledge a fi - nancial concerns. 5-percent increase represents a signifi - do/strengthen-organizations/volun- nancial commitment of their own choos- Specifi c synagogue results after moving cant impact. tary-dues-report/. ing (with guidance from the synagogue) as opposed to the traditional model of paying a set dues amount. Most of the 26 synagogues reported that they have been very The Yeshiva University Student Medical Ethics Society pleased with the results since switching to Yeshiva University’s Center for the Jewish Future a voluntary dues model, with an increase Abraham Arbesfeld Kollel Yom Rishon and Millie Arbesfeld Midreshet Yom Rishon present in average annual membership of 4 percent and average revenue increase of 4.4 percent. For the report, the researchers spoke Taking Control: Ethical and Halachic Implications to leadership at every synagogue that has adopted the model as of September 2014, and the fi ndings reveal why synagogue of BRCA Screening and Elective Egg Freezing leaders made the decision to switch to voluntary dues and how the model works, and offer data about how revenue, mem- Testing for Cancer Risk in the Jewish Community: bership, and giving patterns have changed Medical and Halachic Perspectives since switching. The report also includes Rabbi Edward Reichman, MD four in-depth case studies of specifi c syna- Professor of Emergency Medicine and Professor of Education and Bioethics, gogues. Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Medicine Among the 26 synagogues, researchers identifi ed six common factors: 1 PART Nicole Schreiber-Agus, PhD • 23 synagogues are in or around large cit- Director, Program for Jewish Genetic Health, Yeshiva University and ies. Albert Einstein College of Medicine 9:30-10:30 a.m.

YU’s Student Medical Oocyte Cryopreservation: Freezing Eggs, New Ethics Society Technologies to Help Single Women and Cancer Patients Introduction by Rabbi Dr. Zalman Levine On Sunday, February 15, YU’s Stu- Director, Fertility Institute of New Jersey and New York dent Medical Ethics Society, Center for Rabbi Kenneth Brander the Jewish Future, Abraham Arbesfeld 2 PART Kollel Yom Rishon and Millie Arbesfeld Vice President for University and Community Life, Yeshiva University Midreshet Yom Rishon will partner to 10:30-11:30 a.m. present a two-part program, “Taking Control: Ethical and Halachic Implica- tions of BRCA Screening and Elective Egg Freezing.” The ﬁ rst half of the program, “Testing for Cancer Risk in the Jewish Community: Medical and Hala- Sunday, February 15, 2015 chic Perspectives,” will be led by Dr. Yeshiva University’s Wilf Campus Edward Reichman, professor of emer- Schottenstein Center 560 West 185th Street New York, NY 10033 gency medicine and professor of edu- Open to students and the community • Complimentary parking cation and bioethics at YU’s Albert Ein- stein College of Medicine, and Dr. Nicole Register online at yu.convio.net/medicalethics Schreiber-Agus, director of the Program for Jewish Genetic Health. The second part of the program, “Oocyte Cryopres- ervation: Freezing Eggs, New Technolo- For more information, please contact: gies to Help Single Women and Cancer Rabbi Aryeh Czarka, Program Coordinator Patients,” will look at the painful ques- [email protected] • 212.960.5400, ext. 6826 tion of whether Orthodox Jewish wom- Yitzy Mayefsky, MES President [email protected] en who may not be able to have children Liat Weinstock, MES President [email protected] later in life—whether because of illness, future cancer treatments, or marriages The Medical Ethics Society is a project made possible due to the generous support of Rabbi David and Mrs. Anita Fuld and family close to or beyond menopause—should take advantage of a new medical tech- A conversation with nique called oocyte cryopreservation, SAVE THE DATE which enable women to freeze their Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks and Senator Joseph Lieberman eggs and maintain the potential for the Sunday, March 22 • 10 a.m. Moderated by Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik future conception of a child. The event Yeshiva University’s Wilf Campus The Haggada’s Politics: From 2,000 Years Ago until Today will take place at the Schottenstein Nathan Lamport Auditorium, Zysman Hall, Presented by Center for the Jewish Future in conjunction with the weekly Center on Yeshiva University’s Wilf Cam- 2540 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10033 Abraham Arbesfeld Kollel Yom Rishon & Millie Arbesfeld Midreshet Yom Rishon pus at 560 West 185th Street, New York, Generously sponsored by Robyn and Shukie Grossman and family NY, 10033, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Register online at www.yu.edu/haggada

718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 15 THE ARTS Riverdale Y’s New Jazz Concert Series Led by Ted Rosenthal

BRONX—His creative arrangements About Ted Rosenthal make familiar tunes seem new, and he has A native of Great Neck, NY, Ted Rosen- taken jazz to a whole new level. Now, quin- thal received his Bachelors and Masters de- tuple-threat Ted Rosenthal—performer, grees from the Manhattan School of Mu- composer, professor, music writer-editor, sic. In 1988, he won the Thelonious Monk and bandleader—will take the helm as the International Jazz Piano Competition, Riverdale Y’s new Artistic Director of Jazz launching his career. and headline a new series of jazz concerts Rosenthal has toured the world with beginning March 24. his trio and as a soloist. As a jazz pianist, Since the Riverdale YM-YWHA fi rst Rosenthal has performed with (to name opened its doors, its jewel box theatre has only a few) Gerry Mulligan, Art Farm- been a haven for the arts, both homegrown er, Wynton Marsalis, Barbara Cook, Ann and hosted, from Joseph Papp’s partnership Hampton Callaway, and the Boston Pops. with the Yiddish Folksbiene troupe to live His musical compositions have been per- jazz performed by the country’s top artists. formed by the Alvin Ailey American Dance “We hope the series is just the begin- Theater, the Manhattan Jazz Philharmon- ning of a longer and more comprehen- ic and NYC’s Park Avenue Chamber Sym- sive mutual relationship,” said Gerry Gold- phony. Along the way, he has also picked smith, a long-time board member of the up three grants from the National Endow- Riverdale Y and jazz afi cionado who was, ment for the Arts. well, instrumental in bringing Rosenthal Rosenthal is a renowned teacher as up to the North Bronx. Jazz at the Riverd- well. A faculty member of Manhattan ale Y will feature Rosenthal along with top School of Music and The Juilliard School, jazz artists from the NYC area. he also gives jazz workshops around the The Riverdale YM-YWHA will present world in conjunction with his touring. the fi rst of Ted Rosenthal’s jazz concerts Ted Rosenthal Rosenthal’s passion for jazz infuses his on March 24 at 7:30pm. Rhapsody in Ger- love for other musical genres, as evidenced shwin will feature fresh, creative takes on which will treat concertgoers to jazzy per- vis—drums. in some of his 15 CDs, where avid listen- Gershwin classics, including Ted’s jazz trio formances of the swing era, featuring Ken The Riverdale YM-YWHA is located at ers can fi nd discs devoted solely to his (with Martin Wind—bass, Tim Horner— Peplowski, Warren Vache, Nicki Parrott, 5625 Arlington Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471 unique jazz interpretations of George Ger- drums) rendition of Rhapsody in Blue, in and Alvester Garnett. and can be reached at (718) 548-8200. Tick- shwin (“Rhapsody in Gershwin”); holiday which Audiophile Magazine reviewed as “a The 3 Jazzy Tenors (June 16, 7:30pm) will ets for all three concerts are available on- music (“Wonderland”); the American Song- musical tour de force…an elegant and per- blow the roof off the joint with a hot, tenor line at www.riverdaley.org/jazz book (“Out of This World”); classical music ceptive tribute to one of America’s premier saxophone jam session, featuring Houston Sponsorships for the concert series are (“Impromptu”); and the beloved musical songwriters.” Person, Lew Tabackin, and Jerry Weldon, available, which will include A VIP Meet The King and I. There are also a number of Two additional concerts are: and accompanied by Ted Rosenthal—pi- the Artist reception following each con- solo CDs as well as orchestral discs. www. Swing into Spring (May 20, 7:30pm), ano, Noriko Ueda—bass, and Quincy Da- cert. tedrosenthal.com

16 February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM ISRAEL

Unpacking the ‘High Stakes Game’ Democrats would decide not to back a Netanyahu since the speech was fi rst an- tually incomprehensible for any foreign of Netanyahu’s Congress Speech sanctions bill against one of the most se- nounced and the diplomatic fallout be- leader to refuse an invitation from the  CONTINUED FROM P. 9 vere national security threats the world gan, but Barak said any electoral gains third-most powerful leader in the Ameri- has known in the past several decades, that the prime minister is recording may can governmental structure (Boehner).” for the prime minister to directly lobby that would be a very sad state of affairs,” not come without a price. Michele Bachmann, the former Min- Congress to pass tough sanctions legisla- Diker said. “I think the speech has already boo- nesota congresswoman and presidential tion against Iran. “If the prime minister is convinced meranged,” said Barak. “Netanyahu could candidate, believes Netanyahu’s speech is “It’s a high-stakes game,” Diker told that Israel, as the nation state of the Jew- have done this more wisely. The timing an unselfi sh move specifi cally because it JNS.org. ish people, is in mortal danger due to a was off.” comes during Israel’s election season. The latest reports indicate that instead historically disastrous deal between West- For instance, Barak suggested, Netan- “For Prime Minister Netanyahu to of addressing a nationally televised joint ern alliances and Iran, it is his sacred duty yahu “could have fi rst accepted an invita- come to the United States now, in the session of Congress, Netanyahu is con- to sound the alarm, and that alarm rings tion to speak at AIPAC, and then started midst of his election, demonstrates to sidering the possibility of either giving a most clearly in the American Congress, making meetings in Washington, starting me a personal sacrifi ce on his part,” Bach- closed-door session to members of Con- which is probably the most sympathetic by contacting the president, then the sec- mann told JNS.org. “This doesn’t represent gress, or only giving his other scheduled collective ear Israel has in the world,” add- retary of state, and then Congress. Then at all to me a self-aggrandizing move. I be- speech—at the annual American Israel ed Diker. there may not have been so much antag- lieve that this was a sacrifi ce on his part Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Policy While Netanyahu’s supporters argue onism.” to state to the world Israel’s vulnerabili- Conference, which is attended by about that the speech has everything to do with Barak explained that when a head ty and current situation of being under at- 15,000 Israel supporters, including numer- trying to prevent world powers, led by the of state visits Israel, or if a head of Isra- tack, particularly from Iran, with Iran at- ous members of the House of Representa- U.S., from signing a nuclear deal with Iran el visits another country, there is a com- tacking Israel through Hezbollah, through tive and the Senate. that could grant it the time it needs to mittee within the Prime Minister’s Offi ce, Hamas, through Bashar al-Assad from Syr- “The prime minister understands that cross the nuclear threshold, some in Isra- the President’s Offi ce, or the Foreign Min- ia.” there’s a price to pay for any high-stakes el and the U.S. are accusing the prime ministry that plans the entire trip in advance At the same time, while Congression- decision with regard to countering the Ira- ister of using the speech as a ploy to in- before announcing the visit. Announcing al Democrats question whether to sup- nian threat, and the price here could be crease his chances of being re-elected in the speech before gauging the reaction of port Israel at the risk of opposing the pres- steep, but it is ultimately up to the prime what polls currently show as a close race. Obama—whose administration has pro- ident, and vice versa, the conundrum for minister to make the calculation as to “I think this is more about getting ceeded to magnify the speech into a dip- American Jewish leaders runs deeper. how high a price Israel should be willing elected than anything else,” Israeli politi- lomatic incident—was both “a failure of “The dilemma facing American Jewish to pay to effectively warn the state of Isra- cal pollster Mitchell Barak, currently the diplomacy on the ground in Washing- leaders is a dilemma of identity and poli- el’s greatest ally on the dangers of a nucle- head of Keevoon Global Research and a ton and a failure of the diplomacy in the tics,” Diker said. “Can they accept the fact ar Iran,” Diker said. past spokesman for former Israeli pres- Prime Minister’s Offi ce,” Barak said. that the leader of the nation state of the Diker believes it is troubling that the ident Shimon Peres, told JNS.org. “But I “By accepting the invitation from Jewish people has to accept an invitation speech has turned into a partisan policy do think that the prime minister is deep- Speaker John Boehner, Bibi has driven a by their own Congress in order to sound debate. Israel has traditionally enjoyed ly committed to the Iranian issue. I think wedge in between Israel and supporters, the alarm of danger on Iran? Or do they bipartisan support, particularly on is- that is one of his most important issues, which is never a good thing,” he said. “Bid- support their own president, whose poli- sues that are critical to its security, such but I think that the timing and the way en’s statement that he will not attend Ne- cies stand in opposition to Israel—whose as funding for the Iron Dome missile de- this speech was conceived was to maxi- tanyahu’s speech reaffi rms that this is one founding raison d’être is to defend the fense system. mize the electoral and political gain dur- of the greatest diplomatic blunders the Jewish people from existential threats?” “If the prime minister’s opting to go ing the campaign.” prime minister has committed.” —With reporting ahead with the speech determines that Polls have shown modest gains for Diker, on the other hand, called it “vir- by Jacob Kamaras and Sean Savage

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 17 NEWS Views Differ on Neo-Chassidus Trend

By Phil Jacobs vealing. Chassidus is a small uncovering of some- and Shabbatons, a large percentage of attendees are thing deep within which is very natural to the Jew- actually (forgive me) FFBs of all stripes and colors. Yeshiva University will host its annual Ortho- ish soul.” Last year, I was asked to speak at such a conven- dox Forum next month, bringing together schol- Friedman was part of a group that explored tion and prepared a drasha geared for the uninitiat- arly rabbinic speakers and educators. This year’s with Rabbi Weinberger Chassidic texts ranging ed and newly observant. Upon arriving, it became topic: Neo-Chassidus. from Rabbi Nachman of Breslov’s “Likutei Moha- quite apparent to me that the great bulk of those Why should anyone be surprised? The topic ran and the writings of Chabad Chassidus, which attending were Chassidish, Yeshivish, Heimish of this trend within Modern Orthodoxy has creat- included the Tanya and many more scholars and and Modern Orthodox. Their common denomi- ed quite a favorable stir, as well as some opinions texts. nator? The intense longing they had to connect to not so supportive. “We kept to ourselves when I was at YU,” said Hashem and the sincere need they had to under- Also, Rabbi Moshe Weinberger, mashpia at Ye- Friedman. “We heard comments from people, but stand why they were keeping mitzvos and making shiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological we weren’t looking for trouble or to make trouble. sacrifices for Yiddishkeit. Seminary (RIETS) and the spiritual leader of Con- We were oblivious and tuned out commentary on “Many shared with me a sense of `lamah niga- gregation Aish Kodesh in Woodmere, N.Y. is seen as the outside. ra’—why should we be kept back and denied the a leading figure and inspiration connecting people “Chassidus isn’t about garments, it’s about es- rich spirituality and the open and honest discus- Rabbi Moshe Weinberger with the very spiritual vision of the Ba’al Shem Tov. sence,” he said. sions about emunah typically offered to our secular Several of those interviewed by the Jewish Friedman’s voice seemed joyful even over the brothers and sisters? Mind you, these were intelli- He also said that this trend still finds itself at Link say that they noticed a growing movement telephone when he said, “nothing was familiar at gent, observant individuals—most graduates of our an early stage. Rabbi Blau isn’t sure if this is a pass- towards Chassidus within the past 5-10 years. The first. We didn’t know where we were going. He finest yeshivos and seminaries. Why do so many ing fad or something that will really transform the joy of Torah, singing and dancing at a Kabbalat (Rabbi Weinberger) was learning, exploring the of our fold flock to Carlebach minyanim on Friday Modern Orthodox community. Shabbat and the learning from Chassidic masters similarities between the Nefesh HaChaim and the night, or try valiantly to introduce some of the song “People who live in Woodmere might put on a seem to colorize the black and white of learning, Tanya. We’re trying to find that oneness.” and spirit into their shul’s davening? And these are kapata on Shabbos, but during the week, they are some say. The young rabbi also credited YU Rabbi Her- not a fringe element of holy hippies. To dismiss the same people as before,” he said. Still others worry out loud, that while the emo- schel Reichman “who gave us strength through his or misinterpret these and many other phenome- Mutty Shur grew up around the sounds of tional side is important, one can never lose sight of minyan. He is the real seed of this at YU, and he de- na of this genre would be both wrong and danger- Carlebach and other well-known Jewish musicians. the deep-seated learning as part of Jewish educa- serves an honorable mention. There was tension ous. Jews—healthy, learned and sincere Jews—are Indeed, his father Moshe was a member of the Di- tion and tradition. Perhaps finding that comforta- at times between people. I’d be asked how many aching for meaning and inspiration. They are not, aspora Yeshiva Band. ble spot where both are included is what Modern hours I was learning. People gave me flack because God forbid, rejecting traditional Torah learning and “My father was very close with Carlebach,” said Orthodox Jews might be seeking, said one YU grad- I davened at a later minyan. Through Chassidus, halacha, nor do they seek to stir some revolution Shur, a Kew Garden Hills resident. “Carlebach’s way uate. he offered me something of quality you can’t ex- against the old guard. They are simply searching for was never to push something specific on anyone. Adam Friedman, 25, and a rabbinic intern at change for hours of learning.” the soul and light they are missing.” Some people look at Chassidus as a rebellion to for- Suburban Torah Center in Livingston, N.J. said Rabbi Weinberg wrote in 2012 in the online Buzzy Levine, the owner of Lark Street Music mal Judaism. that he was learning in yeshiva in Israel, and knew Klal Perspectives “We are all familiar with a num- in Teaneck attends a Carlebach minyan at Congre- “Basically what being a Neo-Chassid means is many people who were connecting to Chassidus. ber of wonderful kiruv initiatives that were initially gation Rinat Yisrael. He was friends with the late that if you are not learning in the beis medrash all “The idea of hours after Shabbos still being in established as a means of reaching out to the assim- Carlebach, who seems to be the more contempo- day you can still have a relationship with God with- Shabbos singing drew me back. It kind of took my ilated and unaffiliated. While these are still the pop- rary musical face of Chassidus. out losing touch with halacha. Look at Rabbi Wein- entire being and lifted it up to a new place. It is re- ulations officially being targeted by kiruv seminars “I see a lot of young people or people in gener- berger’s shul. He learns there every day at 6 a.m. I al flocking to Shlomo minyanim around town,” he don’t think learning is dismissed from Chassidus as said. “It’s been going on for a long time. I noticed people say it is.” there was one shul doing this, but now I’ve seen Former Teaneck resident Zev Weisinger, who other shuls who have maybe a monthly Shlomo now lives in Washington Heights does trace his minyan.” roots to a Chassidic dynasty, but he doesn’t con- Levine said if anything he sees himself as a be- sider himself a neo-Chassid. “My feeling is that as ginner at neo-Chassidus. He met Carlebach in the long as this is not against halacha, it’s fine,” he said. late 70s in Albany. His wife, Laya knew Carlebach I know a bunch of people who do partake in this even before then. “I like music, and I just think it neo-Chassidus idea. It’s a way for them to get closer really adds to the spirituality,” he said. “We’re sup- to Judaism and God, and as long as it’s not against posed to sing at services and that aspect is appeal- halacha, who am I to judge? I’m perfectly content ing.” where I am. Some guys need that mysticism and Rabbi Yosef Blau, the Masgiach ruchani at spirituality. If they get close this way, why make it RIETS dials down the conversation about the a problem? neo-Chassidus impact at YU. He said he thought Weisinger, 24, admits that he knows many who the interest in Chassidus came mostly from stu- came back to religious Judaism because of Chassi- dents who learned for a year or longer in Israel, dus. They had what he described as a “fiery love for where he said it is much more prominent. Judaism.” “Part of it reﬂ ects the unrealistic expectations “Look, they bring a sense of spirituality,” he of taking a boy out of high school, sending him to said. “It’s not for everybody. For me it’s too flowery, Israel and expecting him to study Gemara all day too fluffy, and I’m not a fluffy type of guy when it long,” he said. “They are looking for other things, comes to Judaism.” and in Israel there’s the Breslover phenomenon, Or as Rabbi Blau said, “They are looking for a Chassidic component of Rav Kook. It’s there in something more emotional, not dry and intellectu- the air. Boys and girls are looking for something al. These people have been in an educational sys- to enhance their experience in Israel. The intellec- tem over the years as part of the community and tual component can be too much and too over- they feel a lack, and this (Chassidus) gives them a whelming, so this (Chassidus) hits home. And spark. then they come home to America and they come “Still, I’m always concerned about superficiali- to Yeshiva University, which is both a yeshiva and ty and shallowness,” he added. “You can enjoy Sim- a university. This is an alternative for them. And chas Torah, but there’s also Tisha B’Av.” it is meeting apparently a real need, but it can be Rav Weinberger will be visiting Teaneck on shallow.” Sunday, February 22, to give a Shiur as part of Con- Rabbi Blau added that Rabbi Weinberger has gregation Bnai Yeshurun’s Beis Medrash program. touched “a chord for a lot of people who were His topic will be Mi’Shenichnas Adar: So What? brought up in Orthodox communities where Or- Bringing happiness and emunah into our lives. The thodoxy was basically routine. Chassidus gives program starts at 8 p.m. and men and women are Orthodoxy a certain life. It adds dimension. But a invited. word of caution, because Chassidus can be the easy For sponsorship opportunities contact Daniel part. Who doesn’t like to sing and dance? Gibber [[email protected]], Henry Orlin- “They talk about studying, but it’s not clear sky [[email protected]], Jackie Feigenbaum how many are really studying Chassidic works. The [[email protected]], Danny Saks [[email protected]], studying part is not so exciting,” continued Rabbi Zev Halstuch [[email protected]] or Steven Blau. “You have to plug away.” Becker [[email protected]]

18 February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM DVAR TORAH Mezuzah: A Response to Anti-Semitism

By Rabba Sara Hurwitz enslaved to our homes. It is also an em- one other symbolic meaning intrinsic to a promise that God will make sure that we blem that protects us by keeping us hid- mezuzah. will grow and fl ourish. The mezuzah then, A few weeks ago, den inside our homes. The blood on the mezuzoth, on the is a promise of our eternal survival—our I was part of a small This oxymoronic duality is confus- doorposts described in our parsha, ac- will to survive, and God’s promise to en- group of rabbis and ing—in order to feel safe and protect- cording to a midrash in Shemoth Rabba sure that we will survive. students went to stand ed, must we remain hidden? In order for (17:3) is a reference to the blood of Avra- This brings me comfort. In all the cha- for terrorists and ham’s circumcision. If we look closely at os of the world, with anti- Semitism on\ תיִחְׁשַמ in solidarity with the the destroyer, the Jews of Paris. The at- thugs to Passover us, must me be confi ned the pasukim in Bereishit (17:1-2) where God the rise, sometimes we must take off our tack on the Super Casher is just one of a to the safety of our own homes, never to wants to circumcise Avraham as a sign of symbolic identifi ers, and prioritize safe- string of anti-semitic attacks on world Jew- digress from the safe havens of our own God’s brit, God is described, for the fi rst ty. Sometimes Jews may choose to parade ry. I noted that the Jews in Paris vacillated communities? Or should we refuse to al- time as El shaddai—the same name that freely proudly displaying Jewish garb. But, between displaying their Judaism proud- low fear to enslave us, and walk freely we affi x onto our mezuzot. And God, the at the end of the day, I trust that God’s ly and hiding their Jewish markers out of and confi dently, in countries that are less Guardian, El-shaddai, promises to multiply promise to Avraham will prevail—we will fear. One family was considering removing friendly to Jews? the children of Israel. The Mezuzah then, not only survive, but thrive, and “grow ex- their mezuzah so that their home would I don’t have the answer—but there is is constant reminder of God’s brit, God’s ceedingly.” not be clearly identifi ed as Jewish. Indeed, the mitzvah of the mezuzah provides two seemingly opposing symbolic messages: a symbol of protection and a symbol of freedom. A few weeks ago we were introduced to the mitzvah of mezuzah in Parshat Bo (Shemoth 12:7) when God instructs the Jews to sprinkle blood on their mezuzot on the doorposts. The Mechilta explains that the doorposts are the source of the concept of the mezuzah. The mezuzah serves as a visible symbol of God’s protection over the house. The holy name of God, Shad-dai , is written on the back of the parchment. This name consists of three letters: Shin, Dalethand Yud, which comprise an acronym “Shomer De- lathoth Yisrael—Guardian of the Gates of Israel.” The mezuzah is a symbol of protection. Of keeping the people locked away, hidden, inside their homes, lest the angel of death fi nds and destroys them. But the mezuzah is also a symbol of freedom. In Parshat Mishpatim, there is another reference to these doorposts, these mezuzoth, with regards to a servants’ decision to remain in servitude. וְאִ ם-אָ מֹר יֹ ַ אמר, הָעֶבֶד, אָהַבְתִּ י אֶ ת-אֲדֹנִי, ...לֹא אֵצֵא, חָפְשִׁ י…. וְהִ גִּ ישׁוֹ אֶ ל-הַדֶּ לֶת, אוֹ אֶ ל-הַמְּ זוּזָה; .וְרָ צַע אֲדֹנָיו אֶ ת-אָזְ נוֹ בַּמַּרְ צֵעַ, וַעֲבָדוֹ לְעֹלָם if the servant shall plainly say: I love my master..I will not go out free; … and he shall bring him to the door, or unto the doorpost (mezuzah); and his master shall U bore his ear through with an awl; and he NOW shall serve forever (Exodus 21, 5-6) In other words, a slave who rejects his KOSHER! freedom is liable to have his ear pierced next to the mezuzah. Commenting on this verse, Rashi brings an exquisite Talmudic homilies. Rabbi Shimon bar Rebbi used to expound on this verse: The Holy One, Blessed be He said, “The door and doorpost (mezuzah), which were witnesses in Egypt when I passed over the lintel and the doorposts, and I said, ‘For unto me the children of Israel are servants’ (Leviticus 25, 55). They are My servants, and not servants to servants. And I OH YES, WE DID. brought them out from bondage to freedom, yet this man went and acquired a master for himself; let him be pierced in front of them (the door and the mezuzah-doorpost).” U By connecting the mezuzah of the eved THE ONLY MAINSTREAM STRING CHEESE BRAND CERTIFIED KOSHER BY THE . with the mezuzah in Egypt, Rashi is offering a critique of the servant’s decision to POLLY-O String Cheese is a wholesome snack, POLLY-O is 100% real cheese, made with no artificial remain a slave. God freed us from slavery ^dYngjkgjhj]k]jnYlan]k&Kgqgmdd^]]d_gg\YZgml_anaf_allgqgmj^Yeadq^gjYkfY[cgjgf%l`]%_glj]Yl& in Egypt, and the mezuzah then, is symbolic reminder of the freedom that we have Since POLLY-O`YkkgeYfq_j]YlnYja]la]klg[`ggk]^jge$qgmddZ]hmddaf_kljaf_kYdd\Yq achieved and have the right to maintain. The Mezuzah is both a symbol of free- © Kraft Foods dom and protection. On one hand, it in- vites people to be free, not confi ned and

718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 19 HEALTH AND FITNESS Herd Immunity and Measles: Why We Should Aim For 100% Vaccination Coverage

By Marcel Salathé Without vaccination, a disease the problem worse. When we ana- Assistant Professor of Biology and Adjunct like the measles can spread rapid- lyzed data from Twitter about sen- Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering ly, causing huge outbreaks.Marcel timents on the infl uenza H1N1 at Pennsylvania State University Salathé, Author provided vaccine during the swine fl u pan- In order to stop the growth in demic in 2009, we found that neg- The measles outbreak traced the number of transmissions, we ative sentiments were more con- back to Disneyland has spread to need to ensure that each individu- tagious than positive sentiments, eight states, with as many as 95 al case causes, on average, less than and that positive messages may cases reported by January 28. Me- one new infection. So, let’s say that even have back-fi red, triggering dia outlets are highlighting the rise one case leads on average to two more negative responses. of anti-vaccination sentiments. more infections, but instead we And in measles outbreak after Scientists are expressing their dis- want that number to be less than measles outbreak, we fi nd that the may at people who reject sound one. That means at least 50% of the vast majority of cases occurred in medical advice and put their fam- population needs to be immune, communities that had vaccination ilies and communities in harm’s so that at most, only one of the coverages that were way below av- way. two people who might have been erage. Measles was considered elimi- infected by an individual will be. The sad truth is this: as long as nated in the United States in 2000. How many people need to get there are communities that harbor But if the fi rst month of 2015 is vaccinated to achieve herd immu- strong negative views about vac- any indication, this year will easily nity? cination, there will be outbreaks beat the record number of measles So, how do we calculate what of vaccine-preventable diseases Without vaccination, a disease like the measles can spread rapidly, causing cases recorded in 2014. fraction of a population needs to in those communities. These out- huge outbreaks.Marcel Salathé, Author provided The narrative during this out- be immune to reach herd immu- breaks will happen even if the pop- break, or any measles outbreak nity? First, we need to know what ulation as a whole has achieved really, is that measles is a high- the reproduction number, or R, is. the vaccination coverage consid- ly transmissible disease. So trans- That’s how many new cases a sin- ered suffi cient for herd immunity. missible in fact that 90-95% of peo- gle case of an infection will cause. If negative vaccination senti- ple must be vaccinated in order to Imagine that you are infected ments become more popular in protect the entire population, or in a completely susceptible popu- the rest of the population as well, achieve what is called herd immu- lation, and you pass on the infec- we may start to see more sus- nity. tion to fi ve other people (ieR=5). tained transmission chains. Once That is partly true. Measles is In order to prevent an outbreak, at those chains are suffi ciently fre- highly transmissible, not least be- least four out of those fi ve people, quent to connect under-vaccinat- cause people can be contagious or 80% of the population in gener- ed communities, we may again be days before symptoms develop. al, should be immune. Put differ- in a situation of endemic measles. But there are three problems with ently, 20% of the population may The solution often proposed is this line of reasoning about vacci- remain individually susceptible, that we should do a better job of nation rates. but the population would still re- convincing people that vaccines First, the numbers are based on main protected. are safe. I’m all for it. But I would calculations that assume a world So if you can estimate the re- also suggest that we should stop of random mixing. Second, the production number for a given dis- basing our vaccination policies on vaccination coverage is not a per- ease, you can calculate the fraction models that made sense in a world fect measure of immunity in the of the population that needs to be of constrained vaccine supply, and population. Third, and most prob- immune in order to attain herd aim for 100% vaccination coverage When the vaccination coverage reaches a certain threshold, full herd lematic in my view, it gives people immunity. among those who can get vacci- immunity can be attained in principle. Marcel Salathé a seemingly scientifi c justifi cation For infl uenza and Ebola, the nated. for not getting vaccinated—after number R is about two. For polio This would also solve anoth- all, if not everyone needs to get and smallpox, it is around fi ve to er problem, often glanced over: vaccinated in order to attain herd eight. But for measles it is much There are many people who can- immunity, can it really be so bad if higher, somewhere between 10 not get vaccinated for medical rea- I opt out of it? and 20. And because of that, the sons, either because they are too What exactly is herd immuni- goal for measles vaccination cover- young, or because they have oth- ty? age is typically around 90-95% of a er conditions that prevent them Let’s look at the concept of population. from acquiring immunity through herd immunity fi rst. The basic But there’s a problem with this vaccination. idea is that a group (the “herd”) can calculation. Herd immunity against mea- avoid exposure to a disease by en- The population is not random sles requires that 90-95% of the suring that enough people are im- The assumption underlying entire population are immune, mune so that no sustained chains the calculation for herd immunity whereas vaccination coverage is of transmission can be estab- is that people are mixing random- measured as the percentage vacci- lished. This protects an entire pop- ly, and that vaccination is distribut- nated of the target population— ulation, especially those who are ed equally among the population. which only includes people who too young or too sickto be vacci- But that is not true. As the Disney- are eligible for vaccination. This nated. But how many people need land measles outbreak has demon- means that to achieve 95% immu- to be immune to achieve this? strated, there are communities nity in the population for measles, In order to calculate the num- whose members are much more vaccination coverage needs to be ber of people who need to be im- likely to refuse vaccination than higher than 95%. This is the scien- When vaccination is not equally distributed, but clustered in communities, mune for herd immunity to be others. tifi c argument for a public health large outbreaks are possible even when vaccination coverage in the overall effective, we need to know how Geographically, vaccination policy that aims at 100% vaccina- population is high. Marcel Salathé many people will get infected, on coverage is highly variable on tion coverage. average, by an infectious person. the level of states, counties, and More importantly, there is an Imagine that a newly infected even schools. We’re fairly certain ethical argument to be made for DISCLOSURE STATEMENT Marcel Salathé does not work for, person will on average pass on the that opinions and sentiments the goal of 100% vaccination cov- consult to, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organiza- disease to two other people. Those about vaccination can spread in erage. It sends the right message. tion that would benefi t from this article, and has no relevant affi liations. two will each infect another two communities, which may in turn Everyone who can get vaccinated, The Conversation is funded by Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, How- people, who will themselves pass lead to polarized communities should get vaccinated—not only ard Hughes Medical Institute, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Alfred P it on, and so on, resulting in the with respect to vaccination. to protect themselves, but to pro- Sloan Foundation and William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Our global classical pattern of an exponential- And media messages, especial- tect those who can’t, through herd publishing platform is funded by Commonwealth Bank of Australia. ly growing outbreak. ly from social media, may make immunity.

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 21 HEALTH AND FITNESS How to Beat Winter The Stresses and Weight Gain Strains of Backpacks By Shoshana Genack MS, RD LIGHTER COMFORT FOODS: Mac- By Wallace Greene compartments that help students stay or- aroni and cheese, meatloaf with gravy, ganized while they tote their books and pa- When we think of and French onion soup in a bread bowl To worried parents, pers from home to school and back again. snow days, we often im- all sound like delicious and satisfying they can look like pack Compared with shoulder bags, messenger agine curling up with dinners in the winter, but there are oth- mules on two legs— bags, or purses, backpacks are better be- hot cocoa, marshmal- er warm comfort foods that are not quite students who carry a cause the strongest muscles in the body— lows, and whipped cream, buttered pop- as hard on your waistline. Soups are ex- load on their minds the back and the abdominal muscles—sup- corn and chocolate chip cookies bak- cellent starters as they can be loaded with and a load on their port the weight of the packs. ing in the oven all while watching a DVD vegetables and really fi ll you up. Adding backs. A backpack loaded with books may When worn correctly, the weight in a in the living room. As cozy as this scene legumes such as split peas, black beans, cause strain rather than success. Many backpack is evenly distributed across the sounds, regularly consuming calorically and lentils adds fi ber, iron, and protein studies have shown that heavy backpacks body, and shoulder and neck injuries are dense foods in the winter can be a dieter’s and can turn your appetizer into a whole place signifi cant stress on children’s spines less common. Magnetic resonance imag- downfall. In fact, Dr. Lawrence Cheskin, meal. And if tempted to make a creami- and may lead to back pain. A recent study ing (MRI) scans of young students have founder and director of John Hopkins er soup, use soy milk or 2% milk instead by the American Academy of Orthopaedic documented compression of the spinal Weight Management Center says that sur- of cream. Including butternut squash or Surgeons said that 58 percent of orthope- discs and spinal curvature caused by a typi- veys have shown an average of fi ve to sev- caulifl ower puree into your macaroni and dists reported seeing children complaining cal school backpack load. Over 92% of chil- en pounds gained in the winter months. cheese adds vitamins and fi ber and may of back and shoulder pain caused by heavy dren in the United States carry backpacks Consuming comfort foods, reduced exer- help you stay satisfi ed with a smaller por- backpacks. that are typically loaded with 10% to 22% cise, and being able to hide weight gain tion. And while vanilla chai tea may not Book bags were never designed to carry of their body weight. Thirty-seven percent behind bulkier sweater may all be factors be hot chocolate, it can also warm you up such heavy loads, manufacturers say. Sev- of children aged 11 to 14 years report back of the weight gain. But now that we have on a cold winter night and give you lots of eral companies are now reinforcing them pain, the majority of whom attribute the identifi ed the problem, how can we solve antioxidants as well. with metal stays along the back, with ex- pain to wearing a school backpack. Heavier it? STOCK UP ON WINTER FRUITS: An- EXERCISE: When the snow is falling other common complaint is that it is so and its twenty degrees outside, a person much easier to snack on fruits in the sum- may longingly remember the hiking, bik- mer when peaches, plums, apricots, ber- ing, jogging, and swimming of the sum- ries, and watermelon are available in mer and wish that it were as easy to ex- abundance and are juicy and delicious. ercise in the winter. While getting out in While bananas and apples may not sound the cold always seems more challenging, as tempting, there are other ways to enjoy there are ways to work out in the winter. your fruit this winter. Starting a meal with A 160-pound person can burn around 500 a grapefruit or ending it with homemade calories ice skating for one hour, 450 calo- applesauce studded with pomegranate ries skiing downhill for one hour, and 600 seeds is one way to get your daily dose of calories cross-country skiing for one hour. fruits. Cutting up apples, pears, and grapes Having a regular exercise regimen or go- and threading them on a stick is a fun ac- ing to a steady class at the gym also helps tivity for children to do in the winter. And a person maintain his exercise routine in you can always take advantage of frozen the winter months. And if you don’t want berries and blend them with bananas and to leave the warmth of your home, you plain yogurt for a smoothie. can try a cardio-aerobic exercise video on No matter what you do, remember to YouTube or try a Wii fi tness game. stay warm and have fun.

BUSINESS PROFILE When Mishloach Manot Are More Than Just A Basket! Ordering a Purim basket to Israel is special, however, having your Mishloach Manot hand-delivered with love is unique. It is this special niche that Gail and David Ehrlich have carved out with their renowned “Gili’s Goodies.” From its modest beginnings in their Efrat home in 2001, the company has ex- panded to include everything from their sig- nature cookies to an entire birthday party in- a-box, and much more. But what sets Gili’s Goodies apart is not just the delectable va- riety for every budget, it is the warm, caring way in which each basket is hand-delivered. David Ehrlich and his wife Gail preparing “Purim is one of our busiest times of the Gili’s Goodies. tra cushioning in the shoulders and waist backpack loads were also associated with year,” says Ehrlich, co-owner with his wife belts. Also becoming more popular are increased curvature of the lower spine. Gail. “People send care packages to Israel all vice, bringing a smile to both recipients and backpacks on wheels, which children can Half of the children had a signiﬁ cant spi- year round, but to be able to send a person- senders. Says Ehrlich, “The smile we feel on pull as though they are rolling suitcases nal curve even with the 18-pound backpack. alized Mishlocah Manot across the miles the phone when a Mom says, ‘Thank you for through an airport. They are difﬁ cult on Most of the children had to adjust their to family and friends in Israel, that is truly making my son’s day special’ or ‘Thank you curbs and stairs and can create hazards in posture to adapt to the heaviest, 26-pound one-of-a-kind. We don’t just ‘put the box in for being there when I couldn’t be,’ that’s crowded hallways. And worse, according to backpack load. But most orthopedists and the mail.’ Each order receives our individu- what this business is all about.” the middle school set, they are not cool. physical therapists recommend that chil- al attention, allowing us to customize orders After well over a decade of running the Backpacks come in all sizes, colors, fab- dren carry no more than 10% of their body and attend to every aspect of the delivery.” business, Ehrlich is still amazed at the con- rics, and shapes and help children of all weight in their packs. Connecting families abroad to students, nectedness he feels with his customers. ages express their own personal sense of When a heavy weight is incorrectly grandparents, friends, and families who are style. When used properly, they’re incred- in Israel, Gili’s Goodies provides a vital ser-  CONTINUED ON P. 28 ibly handy. Many packs feature multiple  CONTINUED ON P. 23

22 February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM HEALTH AND FITNESS

The Stresses and Strains backpack that is no bigger than absolute- electronic products for educational use. types of educational software intended to of Backpacks ly necessary—the more room in the pack, Although not everyone endorses the make the iPad a fi xture in the classroom:  CONTINUED FROM P. 22 the more the child is likely to carry. A waist idea of moving from words printed on pa- an updated electronic bookstore called strap would be ideal, but it is doubtful that per to those delivered electronically, there iBooks 2 that allows students to download placed on the shoulders, the weight’s force many children would use it. Adjust the are certain undeniable advantages. Updates more interactive textbooks; iBooks Author, can pull a child backward. To compensate, shoulder straps so that the bottom of the to e-textbooks are relatively easy to make, a program for creating books; and iTunes U, a child may bend forward at the hips or pack when fi lled lands no lower than four learning would be more effi cient and inter- an app that instructors can use to produce arch the back, which can cause the spine to inches below the waist. Children should be active, and materials supplied by teachers digital curricula and share course materials compress unnaturally. Students who wear cautioned never to carry the pack on one could be tailored to better meet individual with students. their backpacks over just one shoulder—as shoulder. student needs. Costs aside, the educational A remaining impediment: Will e-text- many do, because they think it looks bet- The issue of overloaded backpacks advantages are perhaps limitless on devic- books permit students who once com- ter or just feels easier—may end up leaning could well become moot if President Oba- es that allow students to do research, check plained that “the dog ate my homework” to to one side to offset the extra weight. They ma and his education gurus have their way. their work and get feedback from teachers fi nd a new ream of excuses? might develop lower and upper back pain The president wants every student to be us- without leaving their classrooms or homes. “The battery died, and I couldn’t charge and strain their shoulders and neck. ing e-textbooks by 2017. Publishers and tab- Digital books can also provide interactive it.” “My iPad got wet in the rain/a puddle/ Improper backpack use can also lead let makers will be urged to work together, diagrams, audio, and video that are not pos- the bathtub.” to poor posture and backpacks with tight, and to lower costs, in order to supply the sible with traditional texts. Or even: “My little brother hammered it narrow straps that dig into the shoulders nation’s 50 million schoolchildren with Apple has already introduced three to death.” can interfere with circulation and nerves. These types of straps can contribute to tin- gling, numbness, and weakness in the arms and hands. Many children maintain that everything in their bags is essential. School administrators say they repeatedly remind children that they need not carry all that they do. The administrators say the problem is one of the quirks of being an adolescent— middle school children would usually rather spend time between classes to socialize than streamline their book bags. Some schools provide two sets of textbooks for students—one for the classroom and another for home. Schools also try to help students organize their time and be- longings. One principal advises parents “Take your child and your child’s backpack into the middle of the living room and empty the whole thing out and then put the backpack on a diet.’’ For children, it’s really an organizational issue. Their whole world is in their backpack, because they’re afraid they are going to forget something. Despite what one might expect in this digital era of blended learning, when at least some schoolwork can be done online, there has been no apparent decrease in the burden children tote around all day. If the child has to lean forward when walking with a loaded pack, it is too heavy. At the very least, it is a recipe for poor posture and chronically rounded shoulders. And if these forward-bending children must raise their heads to see where they are going, neck pain and pinched nerves can be the result. One startling study shows that a third of the parents had never checked the contents of the packs, and 96 percent had never weighed them. Parents should select a Send us your news, events and photos! Send to [email protected]

718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 23 THE DINNER LADY The Chicken Do-Over

By Rachel Berger eat that. I’ll be honest and admit no one sautéed an onion, threw in a frozen garlic would have eaten it Sunday night either. cube, added quinoa, water and simmered For us non-din- (Except that I would have… ’cuz I’m the until quinoa was tender. Then I added the ner-planners, the mom.) frozen veggies and cut up chicken. The sea- benefi ts of a well- What to do, what to do? Freezing it for soning already on the chicken gave it just stocked pantry can’t the next Shabbat was not even an option, enough fl avor. I gave it a stir, just as the kids be over-emphasized. It because defrosted leftover food is much, arrived home. “Is dinner ready?” they ask, makes throw-dinner- much worse than plain leftover food, i.e. it hopefully. I beam, and say “Yes, of course!” together-at-the-last-minute doable. It also will not get eaten. I tried to think of a way Once again, the Dinner Lady pulls it out of makes recycling leftovers possible, if not to repurpose, a/k/a disguise the chicken, the pot. easy! And since I consider myself a non-din- so that the family would eat it. If it looked ner-planner (even though I know planning different, no one would be the wiser. I Quinoa with Chicken and Vegetables is so very important) the very least I can do skinned, deboned and cut it into chunks, • 1 yellow onion, diced is stock my pantry, so I am prepared. Some- or whatever pieces I could salvage. Then I • 2 cloves minced garlic (I used frozen times I do overstock, but that’s okay. I have considered a classic: chicken pot pie. But cubes) pounds and pounds of quinoa in Cost- honestly, at that point even that felt like • 2 C. quinoa (rinsed and drained) co-sized bags. I know one day I will fi nd a too much work. (Don’t worry. I will still • 3 ¾ C. water (or broth from leftover need and use it. give you my take on the chicken pot pie in soup) minute, until heated through. Add water So last week, (okay, every week) I had a the future!) • 4 C. diced or shredded cooked chicken and bring to a boil. Then lower heat to sim- huge pan of roast chicken pieces left over I opened the pantry and saw my (skinned and deboned) mer for 10-12 minutes. I don’t like quinoa from Shabbat. By Tuesday I was thinking “I quinoa. Lots and lots of quinoa. And, I re- • 2 C. frozen mixed vegetables when it’s mushy, so taste it at this point and can’t believe I am going to have to throw minded myself, it is currently on the top • Salt and pepper, to taste see if it is to your liking. If it’s too dry, you out an entire pan of chicken.” How come, ten list of superfoods! I opened the freez- • Hot sauce (optional) may want to add a little more water. Add no matter how much I try to calculate exer and saw my ever-present bag of mixed Sauté the onion until softened. Add gar- vegetables and chicken, and heat through. actly what I need, there is always a pan left veggies (corn, peas, carrots, string beans). lic and stir for a minute. Add quinoa, and Season as desired with salt, pepper and hot over?? And, there is no way anyone would Aha! Almost too easy. So in a large pan I stir together with onion and garlic for a sauce. Enjoy! FOOD In a Hurry? Garbage Soup is the Best!

By Jeanette Friedman • 4 cloves of garlic crushed bottom of the pot. You can add any vegeta- • 1 quart of tomato juice bles you have in the fridge that are getting With a chill in the • ½ cup of olive oil tired—peas, corn niblets, diced red or yel- air, soup is always a • 1 or 2 bay leaves low peppers, beans, etc. and spice it up with delicious way to fi ll • 1 bunch of dill (chop some on the side your favorites—from a few pinches of pa- your belly and warm and reserve) prika and fresh cracked black pepper to ad- the cockles of your • 1 bunch parsley (chop some of it fi nely ditional garlic and onion powder—if it gets heart. A hearty, gesh- and reserve) too salty, because you are in love, just throw mack soup with sandwiches and salads on • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed in more water and potatoes! If you want the side would fi t the bill. You can order • 1 bunch of scallions, (chop and reserve) a Mediterranean fl avor add a teaspoon of them in from your favorite caterer or take • 4 cups of fi ltered water oregano or zatar and a handful of red lentils. out place, or take the time to prep your fa- Brown the onions, garlic, mushrooms And please don’t forget to fi sh out vorites. This recipe makes enough soup for and beef in the oil in a Dutch oven or the bay leaves before you serve the soup! a small army—you will need one of those • 1 turnip cubed heavy-bottomed frying pan on medium Sprinkle each bowl of soup with the fresh- huge stock pots, the kind you use for ko- • All the tired veggies in your fridge heat. When the onions are golden brown ly chopped dill, parsley and scallions, or shering for Pesach. • just dice ‘em slice ‘em and toss them in and the meat is fairly well browned, add pour the soup into a large tureen, sprin- Ingredients • 1 can of red kidney beans everything to your large pot, except the kle with the fresh herbs and scallions. Pile • 1 lb. of lean beef, cut into cubes *option- • 1 can of lima beans chopped parsley and dill. Toss in the toma- assortments of warm crisp mini rolls and al • 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to juice, the water, the soup base, the bay chunks of rye bread or marble bread in bas- • About 2 lbs. of cracked marrow bones • 1 cup of barley leaf (or two, depending on your taste), cov- kets and let people help themselves. A plat- *optional • 4 cups of chicken or beef broth base or er and bring to a boil—then lower the fl ame ter of sandwiches or a “make your own” bar • 3 onions, diced four cups of your favorite parve vegeta- to simmer and let the fl avors blend for at with cold cuts and condiments, would be • 1 cup of chopped celery ble stock least two hours. Skim the top, and stir of- perfect. Freeze the leftovers. • 1 chopped parsnip • 1 8 oz. can of crushed tomatoes ten to prevent barley from sticking to the FOOD & WINE The Beit El Winery

By JLBWC Staff acid, a balance that preserves the wine natu- the prohibition of killim, mixing crops. In ad- rally for years. dition, for the ﬁ rst three years, the fruit is or- When winemaker Hillel Manne moved But is winemaking here really new? lah and forbidden. to Beit El in 1996 he asked about agricultur- Hardly. The countryside here features hun- To make sure that the wine is kosher, only al land. He was told that the shallow Terra dreds of stone wine presses hewn in the religious Jews work at The Beit-El Winery. Al- Rosa soil on limestone, coupled with harsh Roman and Byzantine periods, the time of most all the pruning and harvesting at Israe- winters, made agriculture here unlikely. That the Second Temple (Talmudic-Gaonim). An- li wineries is done by non-Jews. Not so at the was when he got excited. With his experience cient winemakers poured their fermenting Beit-El Winery. Here, all the labor, including managing the vineyard at Israel’s Kibbutz grape juice into clay jugs and stored them planting, pruning, and harvesting, is done ex- Shaalavim and studying agriculture at the Uni- in the many caves around Beit El. As Hillel clusively by Jews. The winery is under the su- versity of California, he had a gut feeling that tells his guests, “We have an unsurpassed pervision of Rabbi Zalman Melamed, as well he was onto some excellent wine territory. tradition to live up to.” as the Orthodox Union and New Square. He was right. Israel’s warm climate ensures That tradition includes upholding a com- Just 45 minutes from Jerusalem, the wel- the right sugar level, and the cool evenings of plex of Jewish laws that ensure that the wine come sign is always out for visitors. Beit El (altitude: 2,854 feet) produce excellent is kosher. If Hillel and his workers ﬁ nd wheat E-mail: [email protected] Within acid retention. The result is grapes maturing growing between rows of grapes, then those Israel, call 02-997-1158 or 054-524-0936. From with the perfect balance between sugar and grapes must be uprooted and burned, under the US, call 972-2-997-1158 or 972-54-524-0936. Beit El Wines (CREDIT: BEIT EL WINERY)

24 February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM CHINUCH Torah She’ba’al Peh and Jewish Values

By Yair Daar I’d like to provide one exam- if this person is completely responsible? Teacher, SAR High School ple of how this came up in my However, if we take a values approach, we 9th-grade Torah She’ba’al Peh can make sense of Rabbah’s halacha. Eventually, every stu- class. Perhaps Rabbah is teaching us that there dent of the Talmud will At the end of the second is a Jewish value of avoiding looking for a (or at least should) ask chapter of Masechet Bava people to blame when disaster strikes. A so- himself, and others, the simple question, Kama, a number of halachic sce- ciety in which blame defi nes responsibili- “Why?” Why learn Gemara? What is the val- narios and rulings are provid- ty can become a society where there always ue in analyzing legal conversations that of- ed by Rabbah. In one of these must be “someone else” at fault. If so, we can ten contain rejected opinions and halachot situations, Rabbah provides a almost always point to one person or event that don’t apply to us today? Why can’t we puzzling ruling. Rabbah said: If and say “there is the cause!” when, in fact, just be told what to do? Many of those who someone throws an object (be- there may not be a true cause, or maybe the have sought answers to this question have longing to someone else) from fault lies in us. Halacha may require a strict- heard some or all of the following: the top of a roof while there er defi nition for responsibility due to this Gemara helps us appreciate where our were mattresses and cushions value, even at the expense of giving the one practices come from. There is no substitute underneath (for it to land on), responsible a way out in certain situations. for the sharpening of the mind that comes even if said mattresses or cush- Taking such an approach to this Gema- with learning Gemara. Gemara is the ulti- ions were removed by another ra helped many of my students (but not all) mate in Talmud Torah because it requires person (while the object was in come to grips with Rabbah’s diffi cult ruling. complete dedication of one’s time and in- the air), or even if [the one who This approach also facilitated a nice discus- tellect. It purifi es the mind and the soul be- had thrown it] removed [the sion about the importance of viewing hala- cause of the effort required to learn it…be- mattresses and cushions] him- cha as “Jewish values put into practice.” It cause that’s what we do. self, there is exemption from was interesting to see certain students re- And the list goes on. payment… act when faced with the possibility that One angle that I appreciate the more I Here, Rabbah rules that the halachic observance cannot be divorced learn and teach (and that is less commonly pared, contrasted, and questioned to de- one who damages is completely exempt from living with Jewish values. referenced) is that the Torah She’ba’al Peh termine proper halachic practice. The out- from payment because neither of his or Not every unit of thought or halacha is a conduit for teaching Jewish values. Our come is really the important goal, and how her actions can be defi ned as a “destructive mentioned in the Gemara is driven by an sages’ halachic thoughts and rulings were we get there almost seems unimportant in act.” The act of throwing the object from easily detectable value or set of values. not born in a legal vacuum, devoid of reli- the grand scheme. Even the halachot are the roof doesn’t meet the criteria because However, we owe it to ourselves, our stu- gious meaning. The Torah She’ba’al Peh is, commonly viewed from a practical stand- when the object was released, it was pro- dents, and our children to be on the look- by its very essence, driven by the will to ac- point; that they represent a way of uniting jected to land safely. The act of removing out for meaning in our religious learning tualize Jewish values. Jews through ritual, and that is all. Howev- the cushions is not an “act of damage” be- and rituals. This is a key component of the We don’t normally think about the To- er, if we view the process and halachot as cause it does not involve exerting any force Torah She’ba’al Peh and a crucial idea to rah She’ba’al Peh in this manner. To many, a way of transmitting Jewish values, study (direct or indirect) on the object itself. pass on to the next generation. the Torah She’ba’al Peh is a process in of the Torah She’ba’al Peh becomes a much At fi rst, this ruling seems absurd. How Originally posted on the SAR High School which Jewish sources are analyzed, com- more meaningful venture. can we exempt someone from damage Faculty Blog: sarhighschool.blogspot.com

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 25 SCHOOLS

SAR High School Students MTA Students Join YUPAC Hear from Yankee Mentors Lobby Mission in Washington By Michael Courtney descended upon Yankee Stadium for a New York Yankees Sports Management The Sport Management Mentoring Pro- Mentoring Program. The upperclassmen gram was implemented to expose local high had the privilege of hearing from ﬁ ve school students, ages 15-18, to various careers separate presenters from the organiza- associated with professional sports. On a tion who work in departments ranging monthly basis, the New York Yankees work from marketing to game-day operations in conjunction with various schools/organ- and offered insights to the SAR students

Every year, a group of MTA students In all, 11 MTA students joined over 100 joins Yeshiva University’s Political Ac- YU participants as they carried out their tion Committee (YUPAC) lobby mission important mission in the capital. The izations that identify approximately 25 stu- on how to make it in the sports industry. to Washington, DC, and this year was boys fi rst visited the AIPAC headquarters dents to attend an interactive discussion Following the two-hour program, the jun- no different. Participating students had and then proceeded to Capitol Hill, where with front offi ce personnel who share their iors and seniors were treated to a behind- to practice their advocacy skills in ad- they cogently made their points to con- career paths, position/day-to-day responsi- the-scenes stadium tour, which included vance, starting with a half-day training gressional aides and staffers. The trip con- bilities, how their work supports game-day stops in the dugout, the Yankee museum, session held on February 1st, at which cluded with an information session at the activities, and an overview of what takes Monument Park, and corporate suites and they prepared their talking points for nearby Israel Embassy. place off the fi eld. In addition, students are hospitality areas. this incredible opportunity. At the prep The MTA Hatzioni Club has conducted treated to lunch and a behind-the-scenes Ben Winter a junior at SAR HS said, “Al- session, the boys learned about pressing its own lobby mission, in which dozens tour of Yankee Stadium. though I am Mets fan this was a meaning- issues that they would address in Wash- of MTA students participate, each of the On February 3rd, 26 juniors and sen- ful, fun, anD educational visit to Yankee ington regarding American-Israeli rela- past two years; the third annual mission iors from SAR High School in Riverdale Stadium.” tions. is planned for late March. A Different Kind of Orthodox High School for Girls

By Nancy Norton, Ed.D clusivity for people with disabili- in action throughout the year, ties. it is evident the students use Sharon, Mass—My husband Students met communi- these essential “4Cs” in real-life and I chose The Binah School ty members with disabilities, meaningful ways. The skills and carefully for our daughter Cha- learned about the American Disa- knowledge they master in their na. We were impressed that the bilities Act, held a Skype interview project-based learning and dual co-founders of this new school re- with one of the founders of the curriculum of academic and Ju- alized their educational model is disability rights movement, stud- daic studies is preparing young ground-breaking, ran a pilot pro- ied universal design and adaptive women to attend seminary and gram before opening a year later technologies, and received sen- college, join the Israeli army, and as a full-time school in 2012. They sitivity training to learn how to enter the global marketplace. were successful at gaining the in- work with people with disabili- Many Binah students live lo- terest of one of the most notable ties from the New England Direc- cally, but its boarding program is Jewish philanthropies in America tor of Yachad. growing quickly. and Israel, the AVI CHAI Founda- Quickly gaining interest from Tucked away in a natural- tion, to fund their early years of other national supporters, The ly beautiful small New England operation. Binah students in front of their mural. Binah School received an arts town, with distance from the From Day One the school ex- and social justice grant from the cramped lifestyle and infl uences ceeded our admittedly high ex- insecurity, hunger and the mod- The heart of the Binah cur- prestigious Covenant Founda- of the urban city, The Binah School pectations and we knew we ern day gleaning movement. riculum is a project based learn- tion. This gave Binah students is a gem of a place for out of town were in for something special. “What’s my impact?” is the ing (PBL) approach to teaching. the opportunity to learn from a families to consider. We are over- Chana’s Torah learning grew in quintessential question at The Students are given an extended professional muralist and install joyed to have found this treasure depth and sophistication. Chana Binah School. Students work on period of time to investigate a the fi rst piece of public art in the and to be part of its growing suc- was challenged to think deeper independent and group projects complex problem and to present town of Sharon, that drew from cess. and explain her ideas more ful- in secular and Judaic classes and solutions to challenges. Problem the students’ Judaic studies and The Binah School, located in ly in both her kodesh and secu- are continually asked to question, solving, critical thinking skills, col- spread the message that inclusion Sharon, MA, is a boarding high lar classes. “What’s my impact on my work, laboration and communication is the key to our growth as a peo- school for Orthodox girls in grades Partway into her fi rst semester on my school, on my community strategies become as essential to ple and is essential to being part 8-12. In a warm and religious envi- at Binah, Chana asked if we could and on the world?” the learning as the content itself. of a community. ronment, girls connect Torah learn- have some family friends over for It is important to us that in our PBL allows students to guide their The Partnership for 21st Cen- ing and religious life with secular a Melava Malka to show them daughter’s school setting the prin- own learning with their teachers’ tury Skills (www.p21.org) address- subjects, arts and technology. The what she learned about Fibonacci ciples of ahavat yisroel, giving oth- guidance. Final work is always es the current gap between the Binah School is accepting applica- number sequences and video ed- ers the benefi t of the doubt and shared with an audience outside knowledge and skills most stu- tions for the 2015-16 school year. iting software. tikkun olam are woven into every the school community, a known dents learn in school and those To learn more, contact co-found- At our Shabbos table, Chana aspect of the learning. These val- motivator pushing students to needed in today’s local and glob- er Michal Oshman at moshman@ discussed what she and her class- ues are refl ected in the diversity strive for excellence. al workforces. Today’s students thebinahschool.org, go to www. mates explored in their year-long of Orthodox families who attend, In Binah’s second year, the stu- must gain mastery in the “4Cs”: thebinahschool.org and visit our theme and described how her the one-of-a-kind curriculum that dents’ project was centered on the critical thinking and problem Facebook page. school projects link Torah con- is hand-crafted around social jus- Torah concept of areyvut, or mu- solving, communication, collabo- cepts and the halacha of hunger, tice Torah themes, and the atmos- tual responsibility for the other. ration, and creativity and innova- Nancy Norton, Ed.D. is a psychologist and leket and peah, to present day phere of inclusivity among the Students connected text learning tion. educator, and the parent of a student at concerns of local and global food student body. about areyvut with the issue of in- Observing The Binah School The Binah School.

26 February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM CHINUCH Shabbos and Our Children

By Rabbi Yoseph Cherns tion that we have to do to conversation with our chil- Menahel, Stein Yeshiva bring down holiness into dren so that Shabbos is not a the day. There is no sho- series of things that we can’t Lincoln Park—T he far to be blown or lulav do, but rather a day that we mitzvah to observe the to shake. This is because do things in a special way Shabbos and keep it Shabbos has an intrinsic l’kovod Hashem. Everything holy is essential to the holiness of its own. It is should be presented in a pos- life of a Jew. It is the the day when everything itive way and the day should source of all blessing; a reality that was set stops and we are left be one that the children look in the world at the time of creation. Shab- standing alone with the forward to. bos observance defi nes us as individuals Borei Olam, without dis- It can be a challenge to and as a people. So intimate is the rela- traction, on His special include our children in the tionship between b’nei Yisroel and Shab- day. We do not have to Shabbos seuda in a mean- bos that Chzal say “more than the Jews generate the kedusha. It’s ingful way, and especial- have kept Shabbos, Shabbos has kept the a gift from Hashem, giv- ly when there are guests. A Jews.” But, how can we transmit the beauty en to everyone who de- simple answer: be creative. of Shabbos to our children, young and old? sires it. Use the children’s school par- Two major factors impact our children’s How can we, and our sha projects as center pieces understanding of Shabbos: Our own atti- children, feel the kedu- and to spark discussion. Use tude towards the day and what we do to sha of the day? The To- the menu. One of our alum- make it special for them. Children notice rah tells us to “Remember the day of Shab- thing special for us. It is important though na parents has a unique approach. Every everything a parent does—all of the time. bos” (Shemos 20:7) and to “Guard the day to express that all of this is l’kovod Shab- week she makes something that relates to Therefore, it is important that we review of Shabbos” (Devarim 5:11). Unlike any oth- bos. When we do the laundry it is l’kovod the parsha. She says that not only children, our own attitudes and consider the mes- er yom tov, we greet the Shabbos “Queen” Shabbos. We can buy and set aside special but adult guests enjoy trying to fi gure out sage we are sending to our children. Mod- and escort her out. In our preparations, we clothes l’kovod Shabbos. We can buy spe- the connection. Another family worked ern life is rushed with barely enough time emulate the Jews at Har Sinai who greet- cial foods and treats l’kovod Shabbos. Chil- through world cuisine by designating a to accomplish everything that we need to ed the Shechina in a way a king is received. dren can be included in our Shabbos prepa- certain country for that Shabbos. A prom- do. For many of us, Shabbos is a day when They were instructed to wash their clothes, rations. Even a young child can be given inent Rav said that in his family they put we can simply rest a little, connect with our be ready for the third day, and go out and a task to help prepare for Shabbos and it on parsha skits for his parents. It was ex- family and friends, and catch up on some meet Hakodosh Baruch Hu. One other in- could be something that is his/her specifi c pected, and even way beyond his bar mitz- much needed sleep. In our exhaustion, we struction we have is that “On the sixth day job to do—all l’kovod Shabbos. vah years, the siblings would plan all week are in effect accepting an amazing gift with- they prepared what they had brought.” We have intricate halochos for Shab- even making props for their plays. So, be out unwrapping it to see what is in the box. (Shemos 16:5) bos observance. Everywhere we turn we creative, the possibilities are endless! There is no other mitzvah that we live If Shabbos is on our minds during have to be aware of Hashem; when and It takes effort to make Shabbos mean- and experience like Shabbos which, after the week and we make our preparations how we make a salad, when we open the ingful, but if we are mindful of how we all, takes up one-seventh of our lives. Un- throughout the week, the children will see fridge, not to turn on a light when we en- spend the day, the kedusha will carry us all like the yomim tovim, there is no special ac- from our behavior that Shabbos is some- ter a room etc. But, we should rephrase the through the week.

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 27 SCHOOLS At MTA, Students and Teachers Stay Late for Study Night

What is the equivalent to a SAT prep terms. About 150 students stayed to study Once the program got started, there were fostered as senior and junior tutors engaged course for mid-term exams? At MTA, it is and prepare with the general study teachers, three individual study sessions, providing the with freshmen and sophomores. Emails called Study Night. In what has become an as well as Arista National Honor Society stu- students with the ability to study for multi- were exchanged for future questions. After MTA tradition, students and teachers stayed dents who were there to work with their fel- ple disciplines. Tutors also met with students, a very productive evening, students headed in school for three hours on the ﬁ nal night of low students. one on one, to provide assistance. The add- home on late buses that were provided to all classes in preparation for the upcoming mid- Pizza was served to kick-off the event. ed beneﬁ t, of course, was the relationships communities, well-equipped for their exams.

Koren Ani Tefi lla Educational- MTA Honors College Style Siddur Named National Students Visit the Met Jewish Book Award Winner by Ari Kimmelfeld (’18) nity to speak with one of the experienced conservationists about the museum’s The Koren Ani Tefi lla Siddur, the Hebrew/ The Koren Ani Tefi lla Siddur is an engag- On February 3rd, the 9th grade MTA preservation of various musical instru- English weekday prayer book with transla- ing and thought-provoking siddur for the Honors College students visited The Met- ments and the tools used to make these tion by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Kressel inquiring high school student and thought- ropolitan Museum of Art. The students en- instruments. and Ephrat Family University Professor of ful adult, conceived of by Rabbi Goldmintz, joyed learning Jewish Thought at Yeshiva University, and a well-respected Jewish educator and schol- about the funda- mental juxtapo- sitions between the Ancient Egyp- tians and the Bib- lical Jews who lived in Egypt at that time. With the help of Rab- bi Eli Cohen and Mr. Adam Do- brick, the trip to the museum emphasized to students the importance of knowing how their daily lives, which are affected by Another highlight of the trip was Mr. their Jewish history, relate to ancient his- Dobrick’s lecture on the painting “The tory. For example, the trip helped the stu- Death of Socrates” by Jacque-Louis David, dents understand that as Jews they should depicting the death of Socrates as told by differ from the Egyptian obsession with Plato in his Phaedo. One of the more pro- materialistic things by, instead, allowing found messages of this painting is that spirituality to guide their lives. it questions one’s social experiences and In addition to walking several regu- challenges one to refl ect on the way he or Rabbi Jay Goldmintz Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks lar sections of the museum, the students she views his/her life, or rather, “cup.” were taken on a special guided tour by Overall, this trip was as memorable commentary by Rabbi Dr. Jay Goldmintz, adar. It is designed to stimulate an intellec- Ms. Ashira Loike, who brought them to and exciting as it was informative. The junct professor at YU’s Azrieli Graduate School tual, visual, and emotional connection to the object conservation department. This trip taught students many educational of Jewish Education and Administration, has the prayers for every user. The unique, mul- taught the students some of the ethics in- and personal life lessons, and was enjoyed been named a Winner in the Jewish Book ti-tier commentary consists of four catego- volved in conserving antique artifacts and by all members of the 9th grade Honors Council’s 2014 National Jewish Book Awards. ries: Biur Tefi lla, Iyun Tefi lla, Hilkhot Tefi l- paintings. Students also had the opportu- College. la and Ani Tefi lla, each designed to enrich one’s understanding and connection to the prayers. Additional fea- When Mishloach Manot Are es, such as supporting the special needs chil- tures include three different layouts More Than Just A Basket! dren of Shalva and showing appreciation for for the amida (silent prayer) that al-  CONTINUED FROM P. 22 the young men and women serving in the low users to maximize their concen- IDF. During the recent war, when Gili’s Good- tration, inspiring narratives, a collec- “The Jewish world is very unique. It’s ies saw that the army was inundated with tion of “Frequently Asked Questions” amazing how many of our customers know cookies and food, they redirected their re- on prayer, tips on enhancing one’s ka- each other and know us, so the company resources to supply soldiers with basic necessi- vana, and more. ally feels like family. Many of our customers ties and additional combat gear. Ehrlich adds, The Koren Ani Tefi lla Siddur is part have become our close friends and often call “The opportunity to be in Israel and to be a of the Koren Magerman Educational just to ask for advice on Israeli issues, know- shaliach for others in showing their appreci- Siddur Series, published in coopera- ing that their ‘man on the ground’ is ready to ation for our soldiers, well, what can I say? tion with Yeshiva University. The se- help.” That is the source of my smile.” ries includes the Ani Tefi lla Shabbat Sending Purim baskets and year-round To order packages for family and friends in Siddur, the Koren Children’s Siddur treats to family and friends is not the only Israel for Purim or any other occasion, or to do- (grades K-2) and the Koren Youth Sid- service Gili’s Goodies provides. Signifi cant re- nate packages for IDF soldiers, go to www.gilis- dur (grades 3-5). sources are dedicated toward important caus- goodies.com, or call 1-866-721-7292.

28 February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM SPORTS YU Men’s Tennis Poised for a Repeat

Credit YUMACS onships on the women’s side. After last season’s 13-3 record that end- Yeshiva University men’s tennis team ed with a match at the NCAA Division III comes into the 2015 season looking for an tournament against Skidmore College, the encore of last season’s history making per- program is gearing toward another year of formance as the ﬁ rst Yeshiva team to repre- postseason tennis. With an abundance of sent the University in an NCAA Division III returning talent, along with highly skilled championship. newcomers, the Maccabees anticipate be- This season, new coach Jon Rubinstein ing at the top of the Skyline Conference takes the reins of a program that returns once again and making a dent in the NCAA numerous standouts from last season’s Division III Tournament. team. Rubinstein, for the previous 13 sea- “We plan on winning the conference sons, served as assistant men’s and wom- for the second season in a row,” said Ru- en’s tennis coach at Drew University, which binstein. “We hope to advance in the NCAA included 12 straight conference champion- tournament and get Yeshiva its ﬁ rst victory ships on the men’s side and three champi- YU Men’s Tennis Team in any sport.”

20th Annual Henry Wittenberg it not only involves body strength and Wrestling Invitational Tournament conditioning, but also requires speed,  CONTINUED FROM P. 1 agility, stamina, and fast-thinking strat- egy (and requires no bats, balls, gloves, YU’s Washington Heights Wilf Campus on etc.) During matches, points are as- Friday, February 13, followed by the annu- signed for multiple actions, including al wrestling Shabbaton. The Shabbaton is take-downs, reversals and, of course, an opportunity for the 200 wrestlers to be- pins (bringing the opponents shoul- come friends and bond, and this year, der blades to the mat). The wrestling will feature an inspirational talk from and scoring differs somewhat from fi ve-time track and fi eld Para-Olympian Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, Marlon Shirley. Wrestling matches take the international versions used in the place on Friday and Sunday, with the Olympic games, and it is certainly very winners proceeding to the fi nal rounds unrelated to pro-wrestling (i.e., WWE). on Championship Monday, at the YU High school and college level wres- Max Stern Athletic Center. tling competitions differ from most Fifteen schools from across the coun- sports because the wrestlers compete as try will participate, many from the tri- individuals while also earning points to- state area, as well as some from Califor- gether as one team. The matches are di- nia, Georgia, Massachusetts, Illinois, and vided into 14 weight classes from 106 lbs. Ohio. Torah Academy of Bergen County through 285 lbs. Competitors are seeded (TABC) is the two- time reigning cham- in brackets, based on their own previous whole team. So, in addition to having 14 in 1955. Wittenberg passed away in 2010 at pion, while SAR has placed second and performances. individual champions, the one school the age of 91. This year’s tournament prom- third in the last two years. This year also Throughout the competition, points team with the highest overall score is ises to be an exciting tribute to his legacy. hails the inaugural season for a new are assigned to winners in each weight deemed the winner as well. team from Westchester Hebrew High category based on the manner in which The tournament is named for Olympic Jeremy Berger is an SAR High School Junior, the 2014 School. a round was won (by points, by pin, medalist Henry Wittenberg, who founded Wittenberg Champion (113lbs.), and a captain of the Wrestling is a unique sport because etc.). These points are cumulative for the and coached YU’s wrestling team beginning SAR Sting Wrestling Team. MTA Lions Host Senior Night SPORTSHOT OF THE WEEK

In advance of their fi nal home game of The game marked the fi nal regular season the 2014-15 season against the Magen Da- game of Coach Gibber’s storied career; Gib- vid Warriors, MTA family and friends paid ber will be retiring after 17 incredible sea- tribute to the senior athletes on the team. sons coaching for MTA. His fi nal games will About ten minutes before tip-off, longtime take place at this year’s Yeshiva University Lions Head Coach Daniel Gibber stepped Red Sarachek Basketball Tournament. In onto half court of the famed Johnny Halp- the game itself, the Lions fought back in ert Court, home of the MTA Lions and YU the second half to overcome a double-dig- Maccabees, and called out each player who it defi cit to tie the score, but unfortunate- was then presented with a special plaque. ly fell just short. Frisch’s Yisroel Solomon challenges MTA defense. CREDIT LISA APPELBAUM, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER.

718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 29 SPORTS Business & Professional Metropolitan Yeshiva High School

Athletic League. MYHSAL as of 2/9/15 Business to Business Pesach Programs Boys Varsity Basketball Standings. Girls Varsity B Payment Services Eden Tours Pesach Eastern Division Western Division Basketball Standings Fidelity Payment Services www.edentourspesach.com Winning Winning [email protected] | (305) 731-1338 Team Wins Loss Winning Team Wins Loss Team Wins Loss www.fideli ypayment.com | (855) 794-7348 Percentage Percentage Percentage Point of Sale Lasko Kosher Getaways www.laskogetaways.com | (877) 538-9948 HAFTR 14 0 1.000 FRISCH 14 0 1.000 KA Sonics 12 0 1.000 HiFi POS Technologies Hawks Cougars www.hifipo .com | (844) HIFI-POS Mendy VIMs Holidays DRS Wildcats 11 3 .786 TABC Storm 10 4 .714 BRURIAH 10 2 .833 Website Design www.vimsholidays.com Lightning Myraj Media [email protected] | (718) 998-4447 NORTH 9 5 .643 HESCHEL SHORE Stars Heat 9 5 .643 ILAN 6 6 .500 www.myrajmedia.com | [email protected] Smilow Family Tours MAGEN (201) 645-4747 www.smilowfamilytours.com DAVID 9 5 .643 HILLEL Heat 9 5 .643 SHALHEVET 6 6 .500 [email protected] Warriors Fashion and Beauty (323) 275-1949 MAGEN YDE Thunder 8 6 .571 RAMAZ Rams 7 7 .500 VIP RAM Destinations DAVID 6 6 .500 Clothing- Women Warriors www.viprampassover.com HANC Hydrochic LLC Hurricanes 5 9 .357 JEC Thunder 7 7 .500 [email protected] SHAARE T. 2 10 .167 (516) 331-4000 FLATBUSH Stars www.hydrochic.com Falcons 4 10 .286 SAR Sting 5 9 .357 SHULAMITH 0 12 .000 Finance & Insurance Real Estate & Mortgages D. HATORAH 1 13 .071 MTA Lions 3 11 .214 Cyclones Accounting Real Estate Agencies RAMBAM KUSHNER 0 14 .000 Ravens 1 13 .071 Cobras Boys JV Hockey Paul Rolnick CPA, LLC Friedberg Properties & Associates Standings [email protected] | (201) 833 6220 Nicole Idler Boys JV Basketball Standings Eastern Conference Office: (201) 894-1234 Eastern Western Food & Dining Mobile: (201)-906-9338 Team Points Wins Loss OTL Ties www.friedbergproperties.com Team Wins Loss Winning Winning Restaurants Percentage Team Wins Loss Percentage RAMBAM Links Residential 20 10 0 0 0 Shalom Bombay FLATBUSH Ravens www.linksnj.com Falcons 10 0 1.000 SAR Sting 9 1 .900 www.shalombombay.com | (201) 530-5939 Links Residential- Teaneck DRS Wildcats 16 8 2 0 0 166 Cedar Lane, Teaneck (201) 992-3600 HAFTR Hawks 9 1 .900 FRISCH Cougars 8 2 .800 FLATBUSH Supermarkets 202 The Plaza, Teaneck NORTH SHORE Falcons 14 7 3 0 0 Stars 8 2 .800 MTA Lions 7 3 .700 Riverdale Kosher Market Links Residential- Maywood 946 Spring Valley Rd, Maywood DRS Wildcats 5 5 .500 HANC 11 5 4 1 0 www.riverdalekoshermarket.com RAMAZ Rams 5 5 .500 Hurricanes (718) 884-2222 | 5683 Riverdale Ave, Riverdale Russo Real Estate HANC Hurricanes 4 6 .400 www.russorealestate.com | (201) 837-8800 TABC Storm 5 5 .500 HAFTR Hawks 10 5 5 0 0 Wine The Spear Team RAMBAM Ravens 4 6 .400 NORTH Skyview Wine and Spirits HESCHEL Heat 4 6 .400 SHORE Stars 9 4 510 www.spearteamrealestate.com YDE Thunder 4 6 .400 www.skyviewwine.com (201) 259-5353 JEC Thunder 4 6 .400 MAGEN DAVID 5681 Riverdale Avenue, Riverdale SHAARE T. Stars 3 7 .300 Warriors 8 4 600 V&N Realty Group Health & Fithness www.vera-nechama.com | (201) 692-3700 MAGEN DAVID KUSHNER Cobras 3 7 .300 Warriors 3 7 .300 SHAARE T. 2 1 9 0 0 Dental Care EZRA 0 10 .000 HILLEL Heat 0 10 .000 YDE 2 1 9 0 0 Services Riverdale Pediatric Dentistry Girls Varsity A Basketball Standings Western Conference Liraz Spear, DDS, FAAPD Legal www.riverdalesmiles.com | (718) 725-8997 The Rothenberg Law Firm, LLP Eastern Division Western Division Team Points Wins Loss OTL Ties 611 West 239th St, Riverdale Personal Injury Law Firm Winning Team Wins Loss Team Wins Loss Winning Riverdale Dental Arts Marc Rothenberg & Ross Rothenberg Percentage Percentage SAR Sting 20 10 0 0 0 www.riverdalenydental.com | (718) 548-1148 545 W 236th Street, Riverdale www.injurylawyer.com | (800) 624-8888 RAMAZ Rams 11 1 .917 BRURIAH 10 2 .833 FRISCH Cougars 14 7 3 0 0 One University Plaza Drive, Suite 505, Hackensack Lightning Physical Therapy FLATBUSH 8 4 .667 450 7th Ave, 44th Fl, New York Falcons FRISCH Cougars 9 3 .750 TABC Storm 14 7 3 0 0 PMR – The Physical Medicine and HAFTR Hawks 7 5 .583 Rehabilitation Center Miscellaneous SAR Sting 9 3 .750 NORTH SHORE JEC Thunder 12 6 4 0 0 www.rehabmed.net | (718) 304-0596 5 7 .417 Credit Card Miles Stars HILLEL 5676 Riverdale Ave, Suite 103, Bronx 5 7 .417 Get Peyd HANC Hurricanes 3 8 .273 Hurricanes MTA Lions 10 5 5 0 0 Home Improvement Get Peyd MAAYANOT 5 7 .417 CENTRAL 1 10 .091 Rapids RAMAZ Rams 7 3 6 1 0 Interior Design www.getpeyd.com | (646) 801-7393 KUSHNER Funerals HESCHEL Heat 1 11 .083 Cobras 3 9 .250 HILLEL Heat 4 2 8 0 0 Pyramid Design Group www.pyramiddg.com | [email protected] Riverside Memorial Chapel WESTCHESTER (917) 496-5373 www.riversidememorialchapel.com Girls JV Basketball Standings Wolverines 0 0 10 0 0 Eastern Division Western Division (212) 362-6600 Party Planning 180 West 76th St, New York Winning Team Wins Loss Winning Team Wins Loss Girls Varsity A Percentage Percentage Volleyball Standings Birthday Parties Sofer MAAYANOT Ra Ra Riverdale Rabbi Yosef Lasdun FLATBUSH 8 2 .800 9 1 .900 Falcons Rapids Eastern Conference www.rarariverdale.com | [email protected] [email protected] | (212) 927-1655 NORTH SAR Sting 8 2 .800 Winning Teen-led birthday parties for kids 3-10 SHORE Stars 8 2 .800 Team Wins Loss Percentage FRISCH Party Rentals HAFTR 6 4 .600 CENTRAL 9 1 .900 Hawks 4 6 .400 Cougars Amazing Amusements NORTH SHORE KUSHNER 3 7 .300 9 1 .900 www.amazingamusementsonline.com CENTRAL 3 7 .300 Cobras Stars [email protected] WESTCHESTER RAMAZ Rams 1 9 .100 0 10 .000 HAFTR Hawks 5 5 .500 (866) PARTY-11 Wolverines Party rentals and entertainment for all occasions SKA Sonics 4 6 .400 Boys Varsity Hockey Standings Music/Orchestras FLATBUSH 3 7 .300 Aaron Teitelbaum Orchestra & Productions Eastern Conference Western Conference Falcons www.aaronteitelbaumproductions.com Team Points Wins Loss OTL Ties Team Points Wins Loss OTL Ties HANC Hurricanes 0 10 .000 [email protected] | (718) 256-7200 HAFTR Jeff Wilks Orchestra & DJ 24 11 1 1 1 TABC Storm 25 12 0 0 1 Hawks Western Conference (212) 840-5523 DRS Wildcats 23 11 2 0 1 SAR Sting 23 11 2 0 1 Winning Photography/Videography LIST YOUR Team Wins Loss Percentage Fox Video Productions HANC 18 7 3 2 2 KUSHNER Hurricanes Cobras 21 10 3 1 0 FRISCH Cougars 9 1 .900 www.fox-videoproductions.com (800) 771-8250 NORTH 13 6 7 0 1 SHORE Stars MTA Lions 16 8 6 0 0 RAMAZ Rams 7 3 .700 836 Palisade Ave, Teaneck BUSINESS IN RAMBAM 12 5 7 1 1 RAMAZ Rams 16 8 6 0 0 KUSHNER Cobras 5 5 .500 Simcha Connections Ravens www.simchaconnections.com | (973) 249-9905 FLATBUSH 10 4 8 1 1 FRISCH SAR Sting 5 5 .500 The Visual Image Falcons Cougars 11 4 6 2 1 www.visualimageny.com | (201) 836-1000 OUR DIRECTORY MAAYANOT SSLI 4 2 12 0 0 4 6 .400 JEC Thunder 8 4 10 0 0 Rapids 362 Cedar Lane, Suite 6, Teaneck MAGEN DAVID 4 2 12 0 0 BRURIAH To be featured in this directory, please email [email protected] Warriors HESCHEL 2 1 13 0 0 Lightning 0 10 .000 30 February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM FIRST PERSON

CJF and Joint Distribution quake. Some of the children walk up to turbing to see the widespread pov- Committee Sends 15 YU four hours a day in order to attend class- erty throughout the country, it was Students to Haiti es there. amazing to see the small, yet sig-  CONTINUED FROM P. 11 We spent a beautiful Shabbat on the niﬁ cant, progress in many parts of coast in the city of Jacmel, and then came Haiti. JDC has played an incredible and showed immense improvement in back to our lives in America, with a new role in facilitating that progress as our pickaxing skills. In the afternoon, we perspective on Haiti, as well as a shared part of their vision of Tikkun Olam, taught lessons we had prepared before the bond among all of the participants in our a value in Judaism of “repairing the trip to a few different classes. The groups group. world.” Haiti still has a long way provided a choice of bridge-making, home- Most of the leaders we met on this trip to go to improve daily life, clean made volcano experiments, and dancing. were women who had noticed certain is- the streets, raise the bar for educa- When we returned to the hotel, we met sues within Haiti (lack of proper care and tion, and enhance the overall state with Lucia DiPoi, a director from CHLE love for abandoned and disabled children, of the country, but hopefully, with (Centre Haitian du Leadership et de l’Excel- lack of proper childhood education, lim- continued awareness and fund- lence), a program also funded by the JDC. ited leadership or unawareness of leader- ing, leadership and progress in the She told us about average locals in Hai- ship, and limited job opportunities) and country will continue to develop Stern student Michelle Levine with fi rst graders in the ti who demonstrated extraordinary lead- took action to combat those issues, cre- step by step in a positive direction. Zoranje school in Haiti. ership skills and spearheaded projects in ating incredible change. While it was dis- their communities on their own initiative, using only resources that were locally available. CHLE recognizes these local leaders, organizes leadership programs, and tries to implement leadership training so that others will also step up to help. We also visited a designer handbag fac- tory own by Paula Coles. One day Coles noticed the enormous amount of T-shirt scraps that her husband’s business gener- ated and trashed and decided to repurpose them into handbags. In each handbag that she sells, she includes an ID card of a child. If the buyer goes on the company website and types in the ID number, it shows a picture of a speciﬁ c Haitian child, gives a short biography, and enumerates how many years of schooling he or she just received because of the handbag purchase. Coles demonstrated how one can make something out of nothing and have an incredible impact on one’s community. During our last day in Zoranje, we played duck, duck, goose with the children. To our surprise, almost 50 kids joined our circle as we kept moving back to make more room. I have never seen such joy from such a simple game. For our last stop in Port-au-Prince, we visited the General Hospital, which created a mind-numbing picture of the medical care challenges facing Haitian citizens. It was heart-wrenching to see patients ly- ing outside in the heat and hearing that there is not a single MR [ok? MRI?] in the entire country. As we moved on to the mountainous town of Fondwa, we visited the local school founded by Father Joseph B. Philippe and learned about the APF, the Peasant Association of Fondwa that he also helped establish. A group of local farmers in the community, recognizing there was limited government control in their area saw the desperate need for organization and pulled the locals together. The school they built is attended by over 600 children, and can withstand the impact of an earth- TECHNOLOGY Technion Prints Parts for Space Industry with Advanced 3D Metal Printer (Jerusalem Post) Haifa’s Technion-Isra- el Institute of Technology has installed a million-dollar 3D printer for printing out metal products such as titanium parts for the space industry, dental crowns and implants, bone replacements and more. The printer melts metal powder with electron beams and forms it into a customized sol- id. The printer has already been used to print a prototype of a satellite fuel contain- er. In the future, the engineers will print en- gine blades and metal implants for knees.

718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 31 ANALYSIS Are Crude Conspiracies Right? Research Shows Nations Really Do Go to War Over Oil

By Petros Sekeris, process of third-party countries in interfer- Principal Lecturer in Economics ing in civil wars and examine their econom- at University of Portsmouth ic motives. Our research builds on a near-ex- Shale gas should mean the US is becom- haustive sample of 69 countries that had a ing less energy dependent, whereas contin- and Vincenzo Bove, civil war between 1945 and 1999. About two- ued growth in China means the country Assistant Professor in Politics and Quantitative thirds of civil wars during the period saw will need energy imports more than ever. Methods at the University of Warwick third-party intervention either by another We’ll see some big changes in the specif- country or outside organization. ic states with the greatest incentives to in- The “thirst for oil” is often put forward as We found that the decision to interfere tervene. We may see in coming years the a near self-evident explanation behind mil- was dominated by the interveners’ need for fi rst Chinese military assistance infl uenced itary interventions in Libya, for instance, or oil—over and above historical, geograph- At the time the UK was one of the largest by oil security. These interventions should Sudan. Oil, or the lack of oil, is also said to ical, or ethnic ties. Military intervention is net oil importers in the world, as North in turn lead to stronger economic ties. Re- be behind the absence of intervention in expensive and risky. No country joins an- Sea oil production only started in 1975. The search we carried out with Leandro Elia, Syria now and in Rwanda in 1994. other country’s civil war without balancing country also had, via BP, a direct interest published in the Review of Internation- This of course clashes with the rheto- the cost against its own strategic interests in the stability of the region. It may seem al Economics, found strong empirical evi- ric around intervention, or its stated goal. and what possible benefi ts there are. tempting to attribute UK intervention in dence that US troop deployment and mil- No world leader stands before the UN and We found countries producing lots of Nigeria to ties to its former colony. Howev- itary aid provokes an expansion in bilateral says he’s sending in the tanks because his oil or those with higher reserves (and con- er, the UK did not intervene in civil wars in trade fl ows. country needs more oil. Such interven- siderable market power) were more likely other, less oil-rich, former colonies such as Many claims are very often simplistic tions are usually portrayed as serving di- to attract military support. Most often this Sierra Leone or Rhodesia (later Zimbabwe). and are based on limited factual evidence, rectly non-economic goals such as preserv- was to preserve oil prices on internation- On the fl ip side, oil independent nations yet challenging them is best done by more ing security, supporting democratic values, al markets. Indeed, there were on average don’t seem to do much intervening at all. rigorous and systematic analysis. Our work or more generally promoting human rights. more interventions in periods when there The military aid Saudi Arabia provided to provides strong evidence that military in- But this is often met with skepticism were only a few big oil producing countries royalists during the civil war in 1960s Yem- terventions are indeed economically moti- and media claims that economic incentives and thus reduced competition (and more en is almost unique among the top export- vated. played a key role. Was Iraq really “all about stable prices). Such interventions are more ing nations across the period we surveyed. DISCLOSURE STATEMENT oil?” It’s worth asking whether this view- likely to be operated by countries highly de- The other Gulf States and regional oil pow- Vincenzo Bove receives funding from point has some mileage, or if it is instead pendent on oil imports. The US is the ob- ers such as Mexico or Indonesia have re- the British Academy. Petros Sekeris does purely conspiracy theory. vious example, but the USSR also fi ts this frained from intervening in civil wars. not work for, consult to, own shares in or It’s a question we’ve addressed in our pattern—look at its intervention in oil-rich The enduring record of geopolitical in- receive funding from any company or or- research on the importance of oil produc- Indonesia in 1958, when Soviet oil produc- stability in oil-producing regions and the ganization that would benefi t from this ar- tion in attracting third-party military inter- tion was still in its infancy. likely increase in the global demand for ticle, and has no relevant affi liations. The ventions. In a new paper co-authored with Consider also the UK’s military interven- oil means we’ll see more of these interven- University of Warwick provides funding Kristian Gleditsch in the Journal of Confl ict tion in the Nigerian Civil War, also known tions in future. But there will be some dif- as a Founding Partner of The Conversation Resolution, we model the decision-making as the Biafran War, between 1967 and 1970. ferences. UK. warwick.ac.uk/

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32 February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM TECHNOLOGY Smartphone to Sniff Out Cancer

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UNTIL MARCH 22 Plains TUESDAY, Prince at 11am and 7:30pm. Dinner RSVP to Michael Feldstein at FEBRUARY 24 The Museum of the City of New Café Night featuring the Guthrie Call 472-3300 for details yisny.org michaelgfeldstein@gmail or call Brothers JCC of Mid-Westchester & 203-973-6279 York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd THURSDAY Doors open at 8:30pm, concert Westchester Jewish Council, Street, presents Letters to Afar: FEBRUARY 28 MARCH 19 at 9pm off ering a panel discussion APRIL 25 Installation by Peter Forgacs and At 8:30pm, Westchester Torah The Klezmatics, an immersive Tickets $25, BYOB entitled, “Leadership through National Yiddish Theatre 9AM. UJA-Federation of New York video art installation based on hiwp.org a Jewish Lens” with Rabbi Academy, 1000 Pinebrook Blvd., Folksbiene and Young Israel of Scarsdale home movies made by Jewish Menachem Genack, David Arnow New Rochelle will host a Comedy Presents From Rosenfeld to Campaign presents Shabbat SUNDAY, Ph.D and Martine Fleishman From Night, their annual scholarship Robeson Areyvut: A Shabbat of Communal immigrants who traveled from FEBRUARY 22 New York back to Poland during 7:30 to 9pm event featuring Joel Chasnoff . Starring Elmore James and Responsibility featuring Eric S. the 1920s and 30s on view until CAS Book Breakfast with Call 914-472-3300 to attend 999 Call 712- 6497 for details Zalmen Mlotek Goldstein, the new CEO of UJA- March 22. For more information, Rabbi Herbert Cohen Wilmot Rd, Scarsdale 7:30 PM at Temple Beth El, 350 Federation of New York at Young SUNDAY Roxbury Rd, Stamford, CT visit mcny.org Celebrating book launch of his WED, FEBRUARY 25 Israel of Scarsdale, 1313 Weaver new book - Kosher Movies: A Film MARCH 8TH WEDNESDAY, Street, Scarsdale. For additional Critic Discovers Life Lessons at the RJC Annual Chevra Kadisha Hebrew Free Burial MARCH 25 information or to join the event, FEBRUARY 5 Cinema. 9:30 AM Dinner Association Ohr Torah Stone Lunch -n- call 761-5100, ext. 120 or email - JUNE 11 http://www. (7 Adar) at 6 PM at RJC Riverdale Community Breakfast Learn at Soosh [email protected] On Thursdays, the JCC of Mid- congregationagudathsholom.org/ Guest Speaker: Rabbi Simcha www.hebrewfreeburial.org featuring Rabbi Menachem APRIL 29 Westchester, 999 Wilmot Road, Krauss Leibtag TUESDAY, YI New Rochelle 48th Annual Scarsdale will hold a 3 up 3 Down www.rjconline.org “TWO REASONS FOR MATZAH... The Annual Gala Dinner of the FEBRUARY 24 Dinner Baseball Clinic for ages 6 to 9 THURSDAY, Haina Just-Michael and Bernard OR ONE? American Friends of Migdal Ohr years old, February 5 – June 11 Mysteries of the Beit FEBRUARY 26TH Michael Guests of Honor. FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR THE (AFMO) is slated to take place on at 4pm. Hamikdash at CAS Aura and Daniel Lurie will receive SEDER” Wednesday, April 29, 6:00 p.m. Steven Frankel , Education Friday, February 27th 12 noon- 1:30PM at the IAC Building, 555 W. 18th Call 472-330, ext. 254 for more YIOZ Community Dinner with Rav the Young leadership Award. information Director YINR.org 2701 Summer Street, Stamford, Street, NYC. Temple Institute in Jerusalem Benny Lau CT 06901 For more information please MOTZEI SHABBAT, Tuesday February 24, 7:30 PM The JCC of Mid-Westchester, SUNDAY, Limited seating: Reservations call212.397.3700, or visit the FEBRUARY 21ST http://www. 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale will MARCH 15TH required by Monday, March 23, website at www.migdalohrusa. Hebrew Institute of White congregationagudathsholom.org/ screen the movie, The Green YI Scarsdale 43rd Anniversary 2015. org. List your events in our Community Calendar. Advertise your services in our growing Business Directory (see page 30)! email: [email protected]

RIVERDALE NEW ROCHELLE Cafeccino 269 West 230th Street Cong. Anshe Sholom 50 North Avenue HOW CAN I Carlos and Gabbys 5685 Riverdale Ave Eden Wok 1327 North Avenue Chabad 535 West 246th Street Heisler's Bakery 1321 North Avenue Conservative Synagogue 475 West 250th Street New Roc Glatt 77 Quaker Ridge Road GET A COPY Corner Café 3718 Riverdale Ave Westchester Torah Academy 1000 Pinebrook Blvd Geshmake Fish 513 W 236th St Young Israel of New Rochelle 1149 North Avenue OF THE Glatt Shop 3540 Johnson Avenue SCARSDALE Gruenebaums 5663 Riverdale Ave Jewish Community Center 999 Wilmot Rd Hamakolet 3714 Riverdale Ave Sammy's Bagels 1461 Weaver Street JEWISH LINK? Hebrew Home for the Aged 5901 Palisade Avenue Seasons 1066 Wilmot Rd Hebrew Institute of Riverdale 3700 Henry Hudson Parkway MAMARONECK Kingsbridge Center of Israel 3115 Corlear Avenue Westchester Day School 856 Orienta Avenue Signup for Kinneret Day School 2600 Netherland Avenue Young Israel of Scarsdale 1313 Weaver Street Mosthers Bakery 548 W 235th St HARRISON free home delivery Ohavei Torah 450 West 250th Street Young Israel of Harrison 91 Union Ave Pizza Block 5663 Riverdale Ave WHITE PLAINS at: www.jewishlinkbwc.com Pizza Plus 3718 Riverdale Ave Young Israel of White Plains 135 Old Mamaroneck Rd Riverdale Jewish Center 3700 Independence Avenue Hebrew Institute of White Plains 20 Greenridge Ave Riverdale Kosher Market 5683 Riverdale Ave MT KISCO Riverdale Y 5625 Arlington Avenue Mount Kisco Hebrew Congregation 15 Stewart Pl SAR Academy 655 West 254th Street GREENWHICH Pickup a copy at any Second Helping 3532 Johnson Avenue Carmel Academy 270 Lake Avenue Skyview Wines 5681 Riverdale Ave Chabad 75 Mason St Torah V'Chesed Nanash 629 West 239th Street STAMFORD of the following locations: Van Cort Jewish Center 3880 Sedgwick Avenue Bi-Cultural Day School 2186 High Ridge Rd. Yong Israel of Riverdale 4502 Henry Hudson Parkway Cong. Agudat Sholom 301 Strawberry Hill Ave Young Israel Ohab Zedek 6015 Riverdale Avenue Cafe Stam 1035 Newfield Ave EINSTEIN Fairway Market 699 Canal Street Albert Einstein Synagogue 1925 Eastchester Road Apt. 1B Six Thirteen 108 Prospect Street YONKERS Soosh 2701 Summer Street Lincoln Park Jewish Center/STEIN YESHIVA 287 Central Park Avenue Stamford Jewish Community Center 1035 Newfield Ave MT VERNON WASHINGTON HEIGHTS 69 Oaklawn Ave Fleetwood Synagogue 11 Broad Street Eeast Mt Sinai Congregation 135 Bennett Ave Yeshiva University 2501 Amsterdam Ave.

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36 February 12, 2015 • 23 Shevat, 5775 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM