The 5 Towns Jewish Times

$1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 7 NO. 19 21 SHEVAT 5767 ur,h ,arp FEBRUARY 9, 2007 INSIDE FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK HALB GOES TO ISRAEL Daf Yomi Insights BY LARRY GORDON Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow 17 MindBiz Torah And Poverty Esther Mann, LMSW 32 The Yo-Yo Effect The Israeli parliament, the Karen Kahn, RD 38 Knesset, is a world of its own within the world it represents The 15-Minute Chef to the outside, the State of Jamie Geller 40 Israel. I spent a few hours in the Knesset on Tuesday, Why Do They Do It? ostensibly to meet and talk Hannah Reich Berman 50 with MK Avraham Ravitz, a member of the Degel HaTorah faction of United Torah Judaism, the party that MK Rabbi Avraham Ravitz represents chareidi interests The Eighth Annual HALB Mission to Israel was deemed a smashing in the Knesset. Continued on Page 14 success, as its 140 participants spent ten days in the Holy Land. HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE Mored B’Malchus Jerusalem Diary BY RABBI YAIR first Gulf War. Iraq had invad- Important mission to Israel. HOFFMAN ed Kuwait. The United States, BY LARRY GORDON and stand in prayer facing See Page 41 under the first President Jerusalem. Part of the unique- Events often happen in the Bush, carefully put together a It’s always that first time, ness of this first-morning world around us that cause us coalition of forces dedicated over and over again. It always experience is that I am here, to wonder what the halachic to pushing Iraq out of Kuwait happens that first morning in standing in the very midst of ramifications would be if such by force. To accomplish this, Jerusalem: I open my eyes, this city that I am usually con- an event were to take place in the president had to lobby look around, and, in less than tent to simply face toward the Jewish world. A case in members of the United a fraction of a second, come from so many miles away. point is the activity of Jimmy Nations Security Council. In to the realization that I am One of the magical things Carter—former president of November 1990, he worked here in Jerusalem and that about this city is that whether the United States, recipient of diligently for just such a dec- this is unlike any other morn- you’re here every few months, the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, laration from the Security ing. On all the other mornings once a year, or, like some, and general “do-gooder.” of the year, the objective is to Let’s go back a little, to the Continued on Page 4 awake, don tallis and tefillin, Continued on Page 16

YI Hewlett dinner honorees Mindy and Steven Einhorn. See Page 46 Winter Coats For Kids The ON THE ROAD Individuality Factor AGAIN Our Aliyah Chronicle, Part 39 BY RABBI NOAM BY SHMUEL KATZ WEINBERG After a travel-free couple of The yeshiva experience months that saw our family prides itself on inculcating in begin to settle into a routine its students the components and continue our adjustment necessary for them to become to living in a foreign land, it functioning members of the was time to pack my bags NCYI campaign for the release Orthodox Jewish community. again for a trip overseas. With of Jonathan Pollard. It is, however, fraught with responsibilities for fundrais- See Page 44 much uncertainty as of late. ing and public relations as Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby collected children’s winter coats and brought Successful Jewish education well as coordination of alumni CANDLE LIGHTING them to Arthur Epstein, owner of Randi’s Cleaners in Mineola, to be cleaned involves many integral ingre- activities, my job requires reg- Feb. 9 – 5:04 PM and distributed to children in need. The councilwoman presented dients, and one would be pre- ular travel overseas. This was Feb. 16 – 5:12 PM Mr. Epstein with a certificate of recognition from the Town of Hempstead for his contribution to this worthy cause. Continued on Page 8 Continued on Page 11 2 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 3 Mored B’Malchus The Logan Act, a U.S. federal law, than three years, or both.” against Yehoshua, a mored b’malchus. Continued from Front Cover states: “Any citizen of the United Were Carter’s actions a violation of Regarding a true mored b’malchus of States, wherever he may be, who, with- the Logan Act? In all probability, yes. a king in Israel, the Rambam in Hilchos Council, sanctioning U.S. action in out authority of the United States, From a halachic perspective, if we Melachim (3:8) writes: “If anyone rebels the matter. directly or indirectly commences or car- were talking about a Torah govern- against a king of Israel, the king has per- Ex-president Carter felt differently. ries on any correspondence or inter- ment, it might also be considered a mission to impose capital punishment He thought that the Arab nations should course with any foreign government or violation of the concept known as on him. Even if he merely decreed that be left to handle it on their own. Having a citizen travel to a certain place, and he neither his own ambassadors nor his did not; or if he commanded him to stay own State Department, he sent letters to under house arrest, and he left, he the members of the Security Council So here we have a citizen of the United States, who, incurs the death penalty. If he wishes to asking them to reject the U.S. request kill him, he may do so, as it says, ‘Any for an ultimatum to Iraq. He urged them without the authority of the United States, directly man who rebels against your word.’” instead to embrace the efforts proposed commenced a correspondence with foreign The source for the capital punish- by the Arab League. The letters only ment incurred by the mored b’malchus is came to the attention of the Bush governments with the intent to defeat the measures fascinating. According to many authori- Administration when Canadian Prime ties (Maharatz Chiyus, Toras Neviim Minister Brian Mulroney forwarded of the United States. 47:1; 48:1; Shoel U’Meishiv IV, 1:42) it them to President Bush. comes from the fact that the perpetrator So here we have a citizen of the is considered a rodef [pursuer] against United States, who, without the author- any officer or agent thereof, with intent mored b’malchus—rebelling against the general welfare of the nation. ity of the United States, directly com- to influence the measures or conduct of the government. Rambam distinguishes between the menced a correspondence with foreign any foreign government or of any offi- Indeed, the Chasam Sofer (Responsa, death penalty for one who rebels against governments (the members of the cer or agent thereof, in relation to any O.C. 208) applies the notion to a gentile the government and other types of United Nations Security Council) with disputes or controversies with the government, as well. We also see from death penalties that the Torah discuss- the intent to influence the measures and United States, or to defeat the meas- this responsum that malchus is not lim- es. Here, the king determines whether conduct of these governments to defeat ures of the United States, shall be fined ited to a monarchy, since the Chasam to pursue the death penalty or not. the measures of the United States. under this title or imprisoned not more Sofer considers Achan, who rebelled Regarding the Logan Act, federal prose- cutors decide whether to pursue charges or not. The issue as to whether to forgo the pursuit of charges in a case may depend upon a number of factors. Politically, it may not be appropriate to prosecute a former president. There are also issues of limited resources. And finally, there is the issue of justice even beyond what the law actually states. The issue of whether or not charges should be pursued might also depend upon how we understand a certain mitzvah. The Torah (Devarim 13:6) commands us to rid ourselves of the evil within our midst—“u’viarta ha’ra mi’kirbecha.” The explanation of this mitzvah (Sanhedrin 78a) is that if we are aware of a criminal within our midst, we are obligated to bring the matter before a beis din, a court of law. Does this mitzvah also apply to the issue of mored b’malchus? Since there seems to be a distinction between this type of crime and other crimes, perhaps the mitzvah of ridding the evil within our midst would not apply. On the one hand, mored b’malchus is a very stringent area in Jewish law, where it seems that many “civil rights” are set aside. The RaDaK writes that even if one were to merely call a king by his first name, he is considered a mored b’malchus. All other capital crimes in the Torah require hasra’ah—a warning issued by someone before the crime is actually committed. A mored b’malchus does not need a warning. In fact, the Gemara also tells us that a mored b’malchus does not require a court ruling on his case—justice may be dispensed immediately. Although this is rather perplexing—since such harshness is not demanded even for violations of Hashem’s laws—all these distinctions seem to point to a firm desire on the Torah’s part to quickly dispense with those who undermine the government. On the other hand, the Rambam’s language seems to be more tolerant. Indeed, the position of Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt’l, (Igros Moshe YD II #60) is that there is no

Continued on Page 7 4 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 5 6 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Mored B’Malchus was then referred to the UN tion opted to confine his Continued from Page 4 Security Council. North Korea actions by positioning him as a announced that any UN sanc- message-carrier and fact-finder. mitzvah of “ridding ourselves of tions would be considered an Carter could not resist. In his the evil within our midst” act of war. own mind’s eye, he pictured regarding a mored b’malchus. As president, Jimmy Carter himself the omniscient mediator This position may not be so attempted to leave South who knew North Korea’s needs clear-cut, however. The Sefer Korea in the lurch and vulner- better than Washington did. He HaMitzvos (Mitzvah 173) able to attacks from North negotiated a deal and then writes that it is proper and Korea by unilaterally withdraw- announced it on CNN, putting permitted for the king to pur- ing U.S. forces stationed there. the Clinton administration in a sue the issue. If it is proper for After Carter was no longer in real bind. If they didn’t back it, the king to do so, it may still office, Kim Il Sung, seeing a America would look bad. If they fall within the parameters of potential friend, extended did back Carter’s misguided pro- the mitzvah of u’viarta ha’ra Jimmy Carter numerous invita- posal, they risked a North Korea mi’kirbecha. tions to visit North Korea. with a future nuclear arsenal. If the answer to this ques- Each American president that The Clinton administration tion is that the mitzvah still followed did not want Carter to reluctantly backed the Carter applies to a mored b’malchus, visit North Korea. initiative. And today, there is a then it would seem that one No matter. Carter resolved to full-blown crisis in North Korea. might be obligated to take go to North Korea whether This essay started off with steps to ensure that the Logan Washington liked it or not. the thought that there are Act be enforced in regard to a President Clinton’s administra- events that happen in the situation like that caused by Mr. Carter. Even according to Rav Moshe Feinstein’s position, perhaps in this case, the

In his own mind’s eye, he pictured himself the omniscient mediator who knew North Korea’s needs better than Washington did.

Logan Act should be enforced, since there is a strong likeli- hood that the person might act again. After his appeal in November 1990, only two of the twelve member states, Cuba and Yemen, heeded Carter’s request. No matter; Carter then wrote to Egypt, Syria, and Saudia Arabia, urg- ing them to break with Washington. But it happened yet a third time. As Joshua Muravchik points out in Commentary magazine (February 2007) the current crisis in North Korea is directly a result of Carter’s over-meddling without our government’s permission— indeed even against the government’s desire. North Korea signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1985. After this, they hemmed and hawed about their disclosure and inspection obligations. In 1993, Pyong- yang announced that it was withdrawing from the treaty. The next move was the North Koreans’ declaration that they were removing fuel rods from their reactor, making possible the creation of weapons-grade nuclear material. The matter

Continued on Page 8 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 7 Mored B’Malchus The Individuality Factor associate with like-minded peer groups Continued from Page 7 Continued from Front Cover of similar religious background. While this dynamic creates a certain beneficial world around us that cause us to think sumptuous to say that there is a sure- social comfort, it also deprives children of the halachic ramifications of similar fire recipe to guarantee the desired of learning essential social skills, not to P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 hypothetical events in the Jewish world. outcome of “frum” and mainstream mention the repressing of one’s sense of 516-984-0079 [email protected] Sometimes, contemporary issues can b’nei or b’nos Torah. One must believe, self. Lacking a clear sense of self is, in [email protected] also help give us clarity as to some of the however, that more than just strong my opinion, even more detrimental to LARRY GORDON underlying issues behind mitzvos. curricula and decorum in the hallways healthy religious development than lack Publisher/Editor In light of this recent example of Mr. are needed to see every Jewish educa- of social skills, because that sense of self ESTA J. GORDON Carter, it may now be understood why tor’s goal come to fruition. Focusing on is ultimately the foundation on which Managing Editor there is so much less regard in the individual and accentuating the all else can be built. YOSSI GORDON halachah for the “civil rights” of a uniqueness in each student need to Championing individuality is of Director of Sales mored b’malchus than of someone who supersede much of the hackneyed and prime importance in today’s day and CHANA ROCHEL ROSS violates one of Hashem’s command- outdated educational dynamics cur- age. Contemporary culture has detract- Editorial Assistant ments, as the damage to the nation can rently accepted. ed from the spiritual fortitude educators SIDI BARON, YAKOV SERLE, JERRY MARKOVITZ be most severe. ❖ When I think about life in the small so earnestly attempt to create for today’s Sales Representatives New England community in which I youth, and marketing ploys and the SHMUEL GERBER The author of this article can be reached at [email protected]. grew up, I think about the students who social environment have dulled the Chief Copy Editor graduated from elementary school with moral senses and diminished the indi- MICHELE JUSTIC me. I have come to recognize the glaring viduality among today’s youth. Copy Editor lack of individuality that exists among so Research suggests that involved par- CONTRIBUTING EDITORS many of our youth, as opposed to my ents who model appropriate behavior Howard M. Adelsberg, Esq., Irwin Benjamin And Moshe’s father- Hannah Reich Berman, Jamie Geller own educational experience. (This is not and religious structure in the home and Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg, Yochanan Gordon in-law said to him… meant to encourage or discourage out- throughout family life may aptly be con- Michele Herenstein, Rabbi Yair Hoffman of-town life; I am merely commenting sidered a substantial variable in ensur- Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Esther Mann, Rochelle Miller “Hearken now to my on the phenomenon as it appears to ing positive religious development Naomi Ross, Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, Eli Shapiro voice, I will give you me). One difference is simply that in among adolescents. But it is not only YOSEF BROWN, MICHAL WEINSTEIN communities where students are forced family influence that plays a role in this Staff Graphic Artists counsel” by circumstance to be friends with development. School hours account for IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS Staff Photographers (Sh’mos 18:17–19) everyone, they learn to appreciate the the majority of our children’s conscious differences among themselves. Central and productive time per week. It would FRANKEL & CO., CREATIVE DESIGN LLC Design & Production Why was Yisro called to getting along with people and devel- stand to reason, then, that school oping appropriate social skills are should be the prime factor in positive TALIYE CORLEY Art Director (in Sh’mos 4:18) Yeser? understanding and appreciating our dif- religious development among school- Because he added (yiseir)a ferences. In order to do that, one must age children. Individuality as a learned SUZETTE LEE Assistant Art Director chapter to the Torah. have a sense of self-awareness—this is component of each person’s character the “individuality factor” which appears is something that in part should be The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly newspaper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not (Rashi) to be so wanting in many of today’s given over in school, with strong follow- necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not youth. responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times. In large communities, students often Continued on Page 10

8 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES CALENDAR s”xc LUACH Feb. 9 – Feb. 17 ZIP Code: 11516

21 Shevat – Erev Shabbos Friday, February 9 Daf yomi: Megillah 2 Z’manim*: Earliest tallis/tefillin: 6:02 am Sunrise: 6:57 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 8:56 am Gr’a 9:32 am Candle Lighting: 5:04 pm 22 Shevat – Shabbos Saturday, February 10 Shabbos Parashas Yisro Shabbos Ends**: 6:06 pm 72 min. 6:36 pm 28 Shevat – Erev Shabbos Friday, February 16 Daf yomi: Megillah 9 Earliest tallis/tefillin: 5:54 am Sunrise: 6:48 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 8:52 am Gr’a 9:28 am Candle Lighting: 5:12 pm 29 Shevat – Shabbos Saturday, February 17 Shabbos Parashas Mishpatim Parashas Shekalim Blessing of Chodesh Adar Shabbos Ends**: 6:14 pm 72 min. 6:44 pm * from MyZmanim.com ** add a few minutes for tosefos Shabbos according to your minhag Municipal Calendar For 5 Towns and NYC Monday, February 12 Lincoln’s Birthday: NYS Banking Holiday. No garbage collection. NYC alternate-side parking regulations sus- pended. Post offices and public schools remain open. Regular transit schedule.

And Yisro, the priest of Midyan, the father-in-law of Moshe, heard of all that G-d did for Moshe and His people Israel; that G-d had taken Israel out of Egypt (Sh’mos 18:1) Of what did he hear that he came? Of the splitting of the Red Sea and the war against Amalek. (Rashi)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 9 The Individuality Factor they have been received by educators experience should be reconstituted, as It is also incumbent upon Jewish edu- Continued from Page 8 and learners, they deal primarily with well. Students should have journal- cators to realize that there is no such how to appropriately illustrate the learn- writing time prior to davening, in which thing as a bad child, and that every child up by parents. er’s knowledge in a venue that is com- they can focus on personally meaning- is sweet and special, full of hope, poten- Why isn’t the greater educational fortable and nurturing. ful ideas and concepts; this can center tial, and promise. There is a beautiful community engaging this topic, and As a worthy initiative, pushing the and focus them during davening as analogy that Rabbi Kolonymus Kalman what steps should be followed to begin individuality factor requires that we opposed to getting lost in thought Shapira writes in his masterly work to rectify this pervasive issue? invest serious time and resources. It because they do not understand what is Chovas HaTalmidim. A parent or educa- This evokes the famous Winston also forces the Jewish community to being said. tor who sees a child as bad, bland, or Churchill quote, “Kites rise highest fight against its own recalcitrance to Done in the right environment, dull is like the fool who hears wonderful against the wind—not with it.” Jewish change. Requiring students to perform schools can utilize these and other things about the taste and sweetness of education must remain steadfast in its 18 hours of community service from options as catalysts to inculcate feelings the esrog. The fool takes a big bite out of resolve to do what is ultimately best for 7th grade until 12th gives students the of self-worth and individuality. one, only to spit it out through lips our children, even if it means standing necessary feeling of self-worth, and it Some may raise the valid point that it puckered by the bitter taste. Angrily, he up against critics who may erroneously throws it down and pronounces it dis- oppose critical educational reforms. gusting, having believed the esrog would Resistance to change is something that be sweet. Yes, the esrog can be sweet and the yeshiva system has had to deal with One must have a sense of self-awareness— delicious. But in order to achieve this, since its inception as a formal move- one must cook the esrog, add some ment in the first half of the 20th centu- sugar, let it simmer, and stir occasional- ry. For some reason, “thinking out of this is the “individuality factor” which appears ly. In the same way, it is incumbent the box” is a strategy shunned as a lia- upon us to make the necessary restruc- bility as opposed to being viewed as an turing in the current Jewish educational asset. It is time for Jewish education to to be so wanting in many of today’s youth. system as a means to realizing a more move forward and do what is right for effective recipe. the children. We must recognize that our children Many schools do embrace current will only meet our high expectations if educational theories, some with high gives them a bailus, or ownership, of is not fair to give students more pres- educators and parents work together to implementation success rates and oth- something important. sure. I would suggest that in lieu of one add the right ingredients and prepare ers with lower rates. This is certainly Mandating that students be mem- class period a day, these and other cre- them in a way that focuses on the child’s commendable; however, these theories bers of clubs, starting in junior high ative options could be substituted, from heart, mind, and neshamah. It is the generally deal with curriculum imple- school, allows them to explore areas middle school through high school. uniqueness of each child, as a whole mentation and differentiated learning. that interest them. Woodworking, art, We have to decide what our priorities person and an individual, that forms the These theories are important compo- music, intramural sports, journalism, are (in consultation with Torah leaders), crucial foundation for success. As David nents to successful learning; however, debate, mock trial, and chesed are and education must be of prime impor- Bohm, the famous American physicist, they deal with teaching the individual sound examples of activities that stu- tance. And education needs to be so eloquently said, “Individuality is only child but neglect dealing with the indi- dents gravitate towards, helping individ- approached as educating the whole possible if it unfolds from wholeness.” viduality of the learner. Truth be told, uals develop a deeper understanding of child, not just his or her intellect. This L’hagdil Torah u’lhadirah. ❖ methods such as alternative assess- their likes and dislikes; these may segue means teaching students to celebrate Rabbi Noam Weinberg is the assistant principal ments have made their way into the into building up a sense of self, self their uniqueness, alongside things like of the HALB elementary school. He can be yeshiva system slowly, and inasmuch as image, and individuality. The davening intellectual and spiritual development. reached anytime at [email protected].

10 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Aliyah Chronicle For those who are not up on what is replace all the damaged municipal prop- leads me to fault the entire community. Continued from Front Cover happening in Israeli society, there is a erty or having no garbage dumpsters), If one of my neighbors were throwing battle going on regarding the buses in they would think twice about it. Yet, we rocks at cars or trying to burn a dump- something I had specifically looked for Beit Shemesh. The charedi population foolishly paid for them to have new ster in protest, I would hope that I and when interviewing, yet it can be diffi- in Ramat Beit Shemesh Bet or “RBSB” dumpsters to dump into the middle of our other neighbors would do our cult on Goldie and the kids. (located between our neighborhood in the road as part of their ongoing hooli- utmost to stop him and make sure that This will be a unique trip. As many Beit Shemesh and Ramat Beit ganism. So I guess some of the problem he does not cause harm to others. The people know, I am a huge Chicago Shemesh Aleph) object to the fact that is our fault, as enablers. general charedi public’s inaction con- Bears fan, and the Bears played in the the public buses are not segregated by The victims, of course, are none demns them (in my opinion) as equally Super Bowl this year. My brother Ozer, gender. They actually have a private other than the regular religious public. guilty with those who are actually caus- who is a Chicago Bears season-ticket charedi bus line that is segregated, yet Our children (both from Beit Shemesh ing the direct harm. holder, won a raffle for the right to they still want to have the Egged buses and Ramat Beit Shemesh Aleph) have to The flight was mostly uneventful. As purchase two seats to the game, and segregated, as well. take the public (and school) buses I continue to fly back and forth, I am had offered me the chance to go to the beginning to get more comfortable with game with him. my preparations for the flight. No more My initial reaction was to let him sell getting to the plane more than three the ticket for a major profit, but when If one of my neighbors were throwing rocks at cars hours before departure time. I prefer my father said that if I didn’t go to the daytime flights, so I can pack my tallis game he would be going in my place, so or trying to burn a dumpster in protest, I would hope and tefillin instead of schlepping them my brother wouldn’t have a chance to that I and our other neighbors would do our utmost in my carry-on, and I can try to keep to sell the extra ticket in any case, I decid- an almost-regular pattern of sleep. ed to go to the game. (Sorry to disap- to stop him and make sure that he does not cause My first stop was to visit my father-in- point you, Dad—again.) Had I not been law as he recuperated from a minor sur- already planning a trip to the U.S., harm to others. gical procedure. I know that Goldie was there is no way I would have considered regretting her decision not to come see going to the game, but it worked out, him, and it made her feel comforted and I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportu- In order to make their point, some through the charedi areas. With either somewhat to get a firsthand report from nity that I could not turn down. have decided to be violently disruptive no buses running because they cannot me. It is hard to judge which things are Of course, this made me a hero with to the public. This means throwing get through the streets or the kids being important enough to warrant a ticket to not only the American students in our stones at buses that drive through the terrorized by mobs of chassidim throw- the U.S. (plus all the arrangements for yeshiva, but also with the teenage pop- neighborhood and overturning garbage ing stones at their buses, these kids have our kids) and which we can let slide, ulation of Beit Shemesh (at least the dumpsters in the middle of the street so a terrible experience on their way to and and we might have missed one here. Americans). Chaim was incredibly dis- that the buses can’t even get through. I from school. After a night’s catching up on some appointed not to be going (he offered don’t even know why they have garbage You may think that I am being undu- sleep, I headed off to Boston on the to pay for his flight in) but is still dumpsters. After all, a few months ago ly harsh to the chassidim/charedi public. shuttle. On my last trip, I found myself incredibly excited that “his team” was they set fire to dumpsters in protest of In fact, some of you may even identify marked for special security screening on in the championships. Ironically, the the parade happening in Yerushalayim. closely with members of those commu- domestic flights. I didn’t think anything last time the Bears were in the Super That the city replaced all the burned- nities. In truth, it is really only the fringe of it initially, since I assumed that most Bowl I was in Israel as well, as a post- out dumpsters is outrageous. Perhaps if that is causing the trouble. However, it people get screened. However, I ended high-school student studying in yeshi- there were consequences to their offen- is the main group’s lack of action in va for the year. sive behavior (like having to pay to reigning in these troublemakers that Continued on Page 12

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 11 Aliyah Chronicle our rashei yeshiva in town to interview Schwartz, on a tiyul to a home directly Continued from Page 11 12th-grade students as applicants for the outside of Kever Rachel to plant trees And it came to pass upcoming academic year) we are having on the grounds. They were very excited up being screened both ways on my our first Alumni USA Shabbat, on the to go, and were really looking forward to on the morrow, that Boston flights and it has become obvi- Yeshiva University campus. taking advantage of being Israeli and ous that the U.S. thinks that I must be We recently had a terrific visit by 15 contributing to the continued develop- Moshe sat to judge some kind of security threat. of our alumni, who took their winter ment of our land. I understand what is happening. I fly break time to return and rejoin the As it turns out, this land was pur- the people…from the in from the Middle East. Since the U.S. yeshiva for a brief period. One of the chased recently by a group of is firmly concerned about potential vio- special things about our yeshiva is that Americans who want to turn the main morning to the lations of civil liberties, the security the guys are entitled to a free plane tick- house into a simcha hall and continue forces cannot profile certain racial et back to the yeshiva once during their Jewish development in the area around evening groups (such as, say…Arabs) as poten- college years, and are always welcome to Kever Rachel. Unfortunately, for rea- (Sh’mos 18:13) tial security risks. However, they also join us at any time in the future, as well. sons they would not disclose (they cannot let these people pass through The Shabbaton and additional shi- claimed it was for undefined “security security without significant additional urim that our rebbeim will conduct on concerns”), the army would not let the Every judge who judges screening for explosives and other haz- various college campuses for our participants go outside the house to do with utter truthfulness even ardous items. alumni throughout the year are other any planting. They had to be satisfied Accordingly, they try to isolate some ways that we can continue to strength- with a tour of the house and a ceremo- for a single hour, the Torah common fact that these potential terror- en our connection with our alumni, nial planting of a potted tree, which will ists have and then screen every person whom we consider to always be a part eventually be moved outside when they regards it as though he had who fits that profile instead of just their of our family. are allowed to plant on the grounds. become a partner with G-d target group. Therefore, as not only a Keeping in touch also allows us to They did, however, enjoy a “Tu resident of a Middle Eastern country see how they are doing and try to rein- B’Shevat seudah” (the first for Goldie in the work of creation. For but also someone who has flown from force their commitment to making and Chaia) while on the tiyul, as part of the Middle East to the U.S. in recent Torah a part of their lives every day, no the tour that was coordinated for them. here it is written,“And the days, my file raises a significant flag in matter where they are or what they may So while they were disappointed and people stood by Moshe their computers and I get screened. be doing. a little upset that they were not I personally think this is an incredible I missed Tu B’Shevat in Israel to be at informed in advance about the restric- from the morning to the waste of time and resources. After all, I am the Shabbaton. I did bring in some spe- tions, they still had a terrific time, and not only Jewish, I am also American and cial Israeli dried fruits with me (don’t I am sure they will continue to look for evening,” and [regarding Israeli. I am everything these people hate tell customs) so that I could enjoy them. other opportunities to be a part of our G-d’s creation of the world] and want to destroy. This is who you select Goldie told me that the kids all made new homeland. ❖ for security screening? What a joke! special Tu B’Shevat projects to bring it is written,“And there My trip this time serves a dual purpose. home and that people told her it was a Shmuel Katz is the director of Yeshivat Eretz As always, I am responsible for a certain shame that our first Tu B’Shevat fell out HaTzvi in the Katamon neighborhood in was evening, and there was amount of fundraising activities in the on Shabbat and that we should look for- Jerusalem. Shmuel and his wife, Goldie (the telecommuting controller at Bnos Bais Yaakov of morning, one day.” U.S., and this visit will allow me to meet ward to a lot more in future years. Far Rockaway), and their six children (ages 1 to with people personally to tell them about As part of her week, Goldie went with 15) made aliyah in July of 2006. Prior to his aliyah, Shmuel was the executive director of the (Talmud, Shabbos 10a) the yeshiva and our programs. However, I two of her girlfriends (and former Five Yeshiva of South Shore in Hewlett. You can am also the director of alumni and (with Towners), Chaia Broderick and Naomi contact him at [email protected].

12 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 13 FROM THE EDITOR question: Why don’t many of these ily situation enough. It’s important to by the performance so far on many lev- Continued from Front Cover people who need to provide for their note, he says, that this group is dom- els of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. As families change course, secure jobs, inated by people so dedicated to a life for the prospect that Olmert can turn The reason for the meeting was and go out to work? That’s a question of full-time Torah study that living things around and set things in the right partly preparation for MK Ravitz’s that has even more profound impact poorly does not matter that much to direction, Ravitz said he doesn’t see it. week long trip to New York, which will on Jewish communities in the New them. The objective of the fundrais- He says that Olmert “is too involved begin next Tuesday and will take him York area where, the number of people ing effort by MK Ravitz is to bring with himself to get anything done,” to meetings with communal leaders visiting shuls and knocking on the economic dignity to their lives. meaning that there are a swirl of inves- and philanthropists throughout the doors of homes soliciting contributions Rabbi Ravitz pointed out that in tigations with legal ramifications going New York area. The agenda of his has grown dramatically over the last Israel, the official poverty level is an on that keep the prime minister distract- meetings with these leaders will basi- several years. income of 3,500 shekel per month. He ed from his job. cally revolve around one central Rabbi Ravitz seems to be a thought- then asks why the current government Ravitz says he does recall a time issue—poverty in the Torah communi- ful and contemplative individual. He should not see to it that those willing to when Olmert and his wife, along with ty of Israel. says he knows that this is the impor- sacrifice and live poorly at least live at other government people as well as Rabbi Ravitz, a former minister in tant question, and he responds accord- this most minimum level. From his some journalists, used to attend weekly the government of Ariel Sharon, spoke ingly. He explains that in reality there extensive experience in Israeli govern- Torah classes in the Ravitz home. Ravitz with us on a number of topics of has been a major shift in attitude in ments, he feels that if the government says that Olmert “knows much more pressing interest to Jews around the the yeshiva world since the large-fami- sees interest from the worldwide than he lets on,” and that Olmert’s world. Our conversation, however, ly subsidies were cut under the admin- Jewish community, then it, too, will be friendship with former MK Tommy kept gravitating to the problem of sup- istration of Benjamin Netanyahu some more responsive. Lapid turned Olmert completely port for poor families in Israel, many years ago. Ravitz explains that the To that end, MK Ravitz is embarking around on a number of issues vital to of whom live significantly beneath the Israeli economy was in a stranglehold on his journey, first to London for a day Israel’s religious communities. poverty line. “Today there are 35,000 and that these subsidies were growing and then on to new York for a week of As for the future leaders, Ravitz sees frum families, many with eight to ten almost uncontrollably with each ensu- meetings with community leaders and the possibility of a government led by children and more, trying to exist on ing year. As a result, the onus for these government officials. He says that to Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni or the 2,000 shekel a month,” MK Ravitz families was placed on the yeshivas alleviate the current dire need he would return of Mr. Netanyahu. “We have to says. He points out that this amount they are affiliated with and on mem- need to raise over $500 million, but he hope that Bibi has learned from his past of government assistance translates to bers of the family to earn a living wage. knows that it will take long to achieve mistakes,” Ravitz says. less than $500 a month. Obviously it’s “Let me make it clear,” Rav Ravitz that difficult objective. Along with his For now, however, he is focused on impossible for many of these families says, “that these are not parasites or need for large sums of money is his goal his trip abroad and the need to fulfill the to function under these economic cir- people looking for a free ride, and to impart to us the message that the directives of Rav Shteinman and Rav cumstances, and even those who do that it is a mistake to assume so.” He level of Torah scholarship in these com- Elyashiv to organize and rally the still suffer greatly from extreme pover- says that the 35,000 families at pres- munities in Israel represents an impor- Diaspora communities to strengthen ty. ent represent a deep cut in what the tant asset to Klal Yisrael—one that we as Torah while bringing dignity to many of For many of these families, MK numbers used to be, and indeed there a people responsible for one another Israel’s poorest families. It’s a daunting Ravitz points out, there are additional may have been abuse of the system in should not take lightly. and difficult task, but one that he is subsidies provided to them by their the past. He adds that in many fami- At present, Rav Ravitz and his party, optimistic will be successful as we fol- yeshivas based on what their rashei lies some of the women and many of Degel HaTorah/UTJ, are not members low his progress here over the next sev- yeshiva and other community leaders the men have gone out to work, but of the governing coalition, but are serv- eral weeks. ❖ can go out into the Jewish world to that in many cases the entry-level ing in the opposition to the government. Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at raise. All this leads to the obvious salaries in Israel do not help the fam- He is not very supportive or encouraged [email protected].

14 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 15 HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE so many of us step up to this symbol of able sect. And then there are the there is a way to see His infinite ways, Continued from Front Cover holiness, it is her size that allows us to yarmulkes. There are the ones that to look and behold one object and, at begin the process of letting go and strip- grip entire heads alongside those the same time, all of Jewish history and every week, there is always something ping away all that hubris we arrive with small—even tiny—knitted kipot that the future of our people, then this is it. eye-opening and exciting going on. For and all that we believe we are and have dangle from a shock of strong, usually So what’s all the excitement about this reporter, it all starts on that first become while trying to exist in a world youthful, hair. There are black hats on this Friday night in Jerusalem, any- morning at the Western Wall—I’ve that is so wildly material. and fur hats; shtreimels that feature a way? It’s about the arrival of been inculcated with, since childhood, That first morning at the Kotel for me broad width and those that shoot Shabbos—a day on the surface like all an understanding of its reverence and is a cleansing process and a throwback straight up like an English bobbie. others as the sun sets and rises on it, position in the lives of all of us as Jews. to a time when it was okay to talk to a And there are the coats—the the winds blow and sometimes the Today, though, for many it is a mere wall instead of a bluetooth. It’s a time to kapotes, the long coats, the Prince rains fall. But this is Shabbos, tourist attraction. To those with an both remember and imagine that we can Alberts, the coats with fur collars, the Hashem’s voice message to the world attachment to Eretz Yisrael attained remember so much that has occurred in short coats, the raincoats, and those to emanating from a source that is other- through the route of Toras Yisrael, this place and because of this place. A keep away the slight chill of a Middle wise so painfully quiet. And standing there is an awesome realization—espe- mind needs to adjust itself and focus on Eastern winter. The point is that it is there and dancing in a circle to wel- cially on that first day—that this is the fact that here is where the rest of this all here—it’s kol Yisrael: all Jews, for come the glory of Shabbos into indeed a homecoming of sorts. very world sprang into existence. one all-too-brief moment, get together Jerusalem, I know that I’ve seen and I last laid eyes upon this wall and And it’s important to note that the to welcome and celebrate the Shabbos experienced this before. But then a reached out to touch her cool stones Western Wall in Jerusalem stands as both together in a unique, long predicted quick glance at the tall and immensely with a warm hand a little over a year an agent of intrigue and a unifier of Jews but still unusually fleeting unity. strong wall that stands stoic, never ago. At first, I just stood there and (and, to an extent, many peoples of the And at the center of attention are all betraying any emotion, and I know started trying to acclimate myself to world). It unifies in the obvious way that that these immense and impressive that it’s not the same; that with every the realization that I have finally there is absolutely no restriction or stones represent to so many spread far simple dance step we are moving clos- waded my way through my crazy guideline as to the type or level of Jewish and wide around the world. Up close with er to the Yom Shekulo Shabbos—a life schedule and mundane distractions observance that one need adhere to in your forehead pressed up against them, in which every day will be filled with and hopped a ride to our city, to our order to pray at and be inspired by the or as you run a hand along the aged but the knowledge of G-d along with the homeland that we so covet but just Kotel. And while that fact may not be solid contour, you become acquainted contemplation of His goal to merge don’t seem to have ample time for. that visible on an early weekday morning, with a new meaning of the words so often our mundane physicality with the It’s the early morning, and I am just it blossoms to its fullest extent once the uttered in prayer making reference to beautiful serenity of Shabbos, all here looking up and contemplating this sun sets on a late Friday afternoon. “our Rock and our redeemer.” in the city of Jerusalem. ❖ wall’s enormity and the vision of both On Friday evening, as the sun disap- These stones say a lot though they sadness and strength that it seems to pears beyond the hills that surround never utter a word. If they could talk, Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at simultaneously exude. And it occurs Jerusalem, this place takes on an exu- however, it’s clear that they would have [email protected]. that of course this wall—which berance beyond its usual liveliness. It’s a great story to tell. For many of us, the enclosed the outer courtyard of what on this night as darkness sets in that Kotel is the physical manifestation of WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? was once the Holy Temple in streams of people begin to come what it means to be comforted by Zion Jerusalem—has to be this big and so together from all directions. There are and Jerusalem. Standing here with eyes WE WANT TO KNOW! much larger than life itself. After all, if tour groups, schools, and yeshivas. open you can see and even feel the E-MAIL US AT the wall were small—at our own height There are backpackers and new mili- Tzion—that is the sign and the physical or something that we could look down tary inductees. There are hundreds of presence of Hashem in this, the world [email protected] upon—it would just not be the same. As Chassidim representing every conceiv- of gashmius that He created for us. If

16 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Daf Yomi Insights

BY RABBI AVROHOM SEBROW ents of silver—72,000 silver dinars— would be equivalent to $3.25 million The following story is mentioned in nowadays. This guesstimate is based Ta‘anis (19b–20a): upon the current price of a loaf of Once it happened when all Israel bread, an inexpensive fruit, and the came up on pilgrimage (oleh regel)to average wage of a day laborer.) Jerusalem that there was no water When the time came for repayment available for drinking. Thereupon and no rain had yet fallen, the lord Nakdimon ben Gurion approached a sent a message to Nakdimon in the certain lord and said to him: “Loan me morning: “Send me either the water or 12 wells of water for the pilgrims, and the money of mine that you have.” I will repay you 12 wells of water; and Nakdimon replied, “I still have time;

If the loan was not due until sunset, why did he make a demand for payment in the morning?

if I do not, I will give you instead 12 all day, in its entirety, is mine.” At mid- talents of silver.” The lord agreed, and day the lord again sent him a message: they set a date for (re)payment. “Send me either the water or the (Rashi comments that Nakdimon money of mine that you have.” was very wealthy; the lord was there- Nakdimon replied, “I still have time fore assured of his ability to pay the sil- left today.” ver in case of default on the water Late in the afternoon, the lord again loan. My brother, Rabbi Yosef Sebrow, figures that the buying power of 12 tal- Continued on Page 18

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 17 Daf Yomi Insights cast with clouds and there was a down- still due].” Nakdimon thereupon reen- Continued from Page 17 pour of rain until the 12 wells were tered the Beis HaMikdash, wrapped filled with water to a level higher than himself, and stood in prayer: “Master sent him the message demanding pay- they were the year before. As the lord of the Universe! Make it known that ment of the water or the money. came out of the baths, Nakdimon ben You have beloved ones in Your world.” Nakdimon again replied, “I still have Gurion came out from the Beis The clouds then immediately dis- time left today.” Thereupon the lord HaMikdash. The two met, and persed, and the sun broke through. sneeringly said, “The whole year has Nakdimon said to the lord, “Give me After the story, the Gemara reports a passed and rain has not fallen; now [in the money for the additional water of b’raiysa: His name was not really the short time remaining] rain will mine that you have.” Nakdimon; it was Boni. He was called fall?” Thereupon he repaired in a happy The latter replied, “I know that the ‘Nakdimon’ because the sun had bro- mood to the baths. (The Maharsha Holy One, blessed be He, disturbed ken through (nikdera) on his behalf. explains that his intent was possibly to the world only for your sake, yet my Nakdimon is grouped with Moshe and ridicule Nakdimon and the Jewish people, as if to say, “You don’t even have enough water to drink, and I have plen- ty—enough even to bathe in.”) To include the minute of 9:00 a.m. would mean Meanwhile, while the lord had gone gleefully to the baths, Nakdimon entered the Beis HaMikdash sadly. He that the enforcement period is 61 minutes, not wrapped himself and stood in prayer: “Master of the Universe! It is revealed the “one-hour period” stated in the ordinance. and known before You that I have not done this for my honor nor for the honor of my father’s house, but for Your honor have I done this, in order that claim against you for the money still Yehoshua as the only three for whom Sanitation violaion issued at 9:00 a.m. and water be available for the pilgrims.” overturned holds, for the sun had already set—the Hashem altered the sun’s natural Immediately, the sky became over- rain that fell is mine [and your debt is course through the sky. The simple understanding of this Gemara is that the sun stood still for a while. (Indeed, some commentators seem to explain it this way.) The Gevuras Ari, however, explains that the sun had in fact set, but Hashem performed a miracle and brought the sun back out (for those scientifically inclined, perhaps it can be said that Hashem rotated the earth backwards to “unset” the sun). The Maharsha raises the issue of the lord’s insistence on immediate payment. If the loan was not due until sunset, why did he make a demand for payment in the morning? To shed light on this issue, we should look at a recent legal decision, reported in the New York Post last December. A New York City ordinance makes every homeowner legally responsible for the cleanliness of the sidewalk in front of his property. It used to be that a person could receive a ticket at any hour of the day if his sidewalk was deemed unclean. A law sponsored in 2004 by City Councilman Simcha Felder (D-Brooklyn) changed that, and the law now permits the Sanitation Department to hand out summonses for dirty sidewalks at residential prem- ises “only during … two one-hour periods each day…: 8 a.m.–9 a.m., 12 noon–1 p.m.” On July 19, 2005, a Sanitation Department enforcement officer issued a $100 summons to David Rubin of Boro Park for not removing a Styrofoam plate and cup, a candy wrapper, and a water bottle at the curb in front of his home; the time was exactly 9:00 a.m. Mr. Rubin argued before an admin- istrative law judge at the Environmental Control Board that tickets can only be written for violations occurring until 9:00 a.m., not exactly at 9:00 a.m. The judge dis- agreed and upheld the penalty. But Rubin appealed the decision, and the appeals officers agreed with him: “[The city’s] position that residential routing hours commence at and include 8:00 a.m. … and end at and include 9:00 a.m. … would define pre- 18 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES determined periods in excess that this was the difference tion, and compromise on pay- who was gathering barley- will keep your money is by giv- of one hour each.” In other of opinion between the lord ment by noon. Nakdimon’s corns from the dung-drop- ing your money to charity!’” words, to include the minute and Nakdimon ben Gurion. response was that he did not pings left by the animals of [But Nakdimon ben Gurion of 9:00 a.m. would mean that The date for repayment was need to compromise, because Arabs. When this impover- did not disburse charity prop- the enforcement period is 61 set. However, was the proper the burden of proof is on the ished young woman saw the erly and therefore he lost all of minutes, not the “one-hour time for payment only up claimant. Consequently, he great sage, she respectfully his money.] The Talmud con- period” stated in the ordi- until that day, or inclusive of still had the entire day to covered her face with her hair cludes: How can anyone say nance. So, in this case, “8 that day? The lord reasoned repay his debt. At late after- and approached him with a that Nakdimon ben Gurion a.m.–9 a.m.” means a time that payment should be made noon, the lord again sent a plea, “O rabbi, please sustain did not give any charity? Have period starting at exactly 8:00 before the day in question. messenger demanding pay- me!” we not learned: “They would a.m. and ending at, but not Consequently, on the morn- ment because he deemed it Rabban Yochanan asked say about Nakdimon ben including, 9:00 a.m. ing of that day, he considered impossible that rain would her, “My daughter, who are Gurion that when he walked This logic is referred to in the payment as past due. fall in such a short span after you?” She replied, “I am the from his residence to the the Gemara as “ad v’lo ad Nakidimon’s response was a year-long drought. daughter of Nakdimon ben house of study they would roll bichlal.” For instance, R’ that he was entitled to pay his As for the fate of Nakdimon Gurion.” The rabbi continued out an exquisite silk runner Yehudah makes a statement debt any time during the day ben Gurion, the following to inquire, “My daughter, the before him and he would (Berachos 26a) that one is that was set for repayment. Gemara (Kesubos 66b) is wealth of your father—where allow the poor to walk behind allowed to recite his morning The lord sent a messenger apropos: Once Rabban has it gone?” She responded, and pick up the expensive prayers until the fourth hour again at noon demanding Yochanan ben Zakkai was rid- “Rabbi, do they not say this material for themselves.” The of the day. The Gemara (26b) payment. He reasoned that ing on a donkey, leaving the proverb in Jerusalem: ‘The Gemara offers two answers. questions whether R’ Yehudah since they differ in opinion as city of Jerusalem, and his stu- only way to salt [i.e., preserve] One is that he gave tzedakah, meant that one may pray until to the exact terms, they dents were walking behind money is to give it away? The but not including the fourth should split the time in ques- him. He saw a young woman only way to guarantee that you Continued on Page 20 hour, or perhaps he meant that one can pray until the end of the fourth hour—“Ad v’ad bichlal o ad v’lo ad bichlal?” The Maharsha explains

Moshe speaks, and G-d answers him by a voice (Sh’mos 19:19) “The voice of G-d is in power” (Tehillim 29:4). If it would have said,“The voice of G-d is in His power,” the world could not survive it; rather it says,“The voice of G-d is in power”—in accordance to the individual strength of each and every one of them.To the old according to their strength, and to the young according to theirs; to the children, to the babes, and to the women according to their strength; and even to Moshe according to his strength, as it is said:“Moshe spoke, and G-d answered him by a voice.” (Midrash Rabbah)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 19 Daf Yomi Insights They will not be saved from the pun- Gemara quoted earlier from Ta‘anis. have kept the 12 talents of silver, and Continued from Page 19 ishment of thievery.” The Chasam When the sun miraculously reap- he distributed these very same funds Sofer wonders where the Maharsha peared, Nakdimon ben Gurion did not to tzedakah for his own honor. but his primary motivation was for his give the lord the 12 talents of silver. Someone who achieves success own honor. The second answer is that Perhaps he should have. True, Hashem using less-than-honest methods may although he gave an enormous amount miraculously brought the sun back out, momentarily seem to benefit. of tzedakah, a man of his means was but the day was already over, and the However, the Maharsha provides a expected to give even more. As a general rule, money was already past due. Perhaps powerful lesson to us regarding what The commentators question the according to the strict letter of the law, the end results might be. Hashem first answer. Isn’t charity given for righteous people Nakdimon was allowed to keep the should help us all achieve a proper and ulterior motives also a mitzvah? They money. (Maybe actual nightfall, not honest parnasah. Good Shabbos. ❖ explain that charity given to further a sunset, should be the determinant— prefer not to have Rabbi Sebrow delivers a nightly shiur on the daf personal agenda is a mitzvah. Iyun Yaakov.) Someone of his stature, yomi at Priority-1. He can be contacted at However, that type of charity does though, is expected to act according to [email protected]. not afford the protection of one’s any benefit from the highest levels of honesty and wealth; only the merit of charity integrity. given for the proper reasons has the miracles. The Chasam Sofer explains that the special fringe benefit of safeguarding value of the 12 talents of silver was one’s assets from loss. presumably distributed to charity. (As The Maharsha’s commentary on a general rule, righteous people prefer Do not murder this episode is somewhat enigmatic. sees this lesson in the aforemen- not to have any benefit from mira- He writes, “From here we learn a les- tioned Gemara. True, the Gemara cles.) Since the charity was given for (Sh’mos 20:13) son regarding those people who discusses the giving of charity for the his honor, he was punished by the loss become wealthy with money that is purpose of receiving accolades, but of his wealth. According to this expla- How were the Ten not justly acquired. These people use nowhere does it discuss the means by nation, the Maharsha holds it was the Commandments given? their ill-gotten gains to pledge large which one attained his affluence. combination of both factors that sums of money during a Mi The Chasam Sofer suggests that per- brought about the demise of Five on one Tablet and Shebeirach for their honor and glory. haps the Maharsha’s source is the Nakdimon’s fortune: He should not five on a second Tablet. This means that “Do not murder” corresponds to “I am the L-rd your G-d.” The Torah is telling us that when one sheds blood, it is as if he has reduced the image of the King.

What is this analogous to? To a king of flesh and blood who entered a country and put up portraits of himself, and made statues of himself, and minted coins with his image.After a while, the people of the country overturned his portraits, broke his statues, and invalidated his coins, thereby reducing the image of the king. So, too, one who sheds blood reduces the image of the King, as it is written (Bereishis 9:6):“One who spills a man’s blood… for in the image of G-d He made man.”

(Mechilta)

20 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES As 2008 Race Gets Under Way, Clinton Touts Israel Credentials

BY JACOB BERKMAN unequivocal: We cannot, we should but at least such a dialogue would give Hezbollah must give up terrorism and not, we must not permit Iran to build the United States more information accept Israel as a reality. She called on In her first address to a Jewish or acquire nuclear weapons,” Clinton about its adversary, possibly provide both groups to return three captured group since announcing her candidacy said. “As I have said for a long time, no some leverage and—if military force Israeli soldiers without condition. for president, U.S. Senator Hillary option should be taken off the table” in ultimately is necessary—show the Clinton, who lobbied for the Clinton tried to convince doubters that International Red Cross to accept she’ll stand by Israel in time of peril. Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency Speaking Febrary 1 at a dinner for the response organization, said she had American Israel Public Affairs “At this stage of the game, there’s going to sent a letter to IRC President Jacob Committee’s Northeast region, the Kellenberger asking the Red Cross to New York Democrat sought to answer be no clear preference in the Jewish make sure the captured soldiers are several of the questions Jewish voters safe and are released. Two are being will be asking of presidential candi- community for any of the candidates— held in Lebanon and one in Gaza. dates over the next year and a half. Clinton also said she would do “an Clinton, 59, was tough on Hamas event” in the Senate to highlight the and Hezbollah, said Iran must not be except, obviously, their pro-Israel anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli rhetoric allowed to become a nuclear power, that remains part of the Palestinian and declared her unequivocal support credentials will have to be very solid.” educational curriculum. for the Jewish state. “I have been, I am Though AIPAC does not support now and I always will be proud to political candidates, some of the stand with all of you as a strong sup- dealing with this threat. But, she said, world that other options had been group’s supporters said before the porter of Israel,” the former first lady the United States should first try to exhausted first. speech that they were curious to hear said. “We believe that Israelis have the engage Iran in dialogue. In a speech in which she sentimen- what Clinton had to say. “I think she is right to live in their country without “I’m not sure anything positive tally recalled several trips to Israel, the constant threat of terrorism, war would come out of it,” Clinton said, Clinton also said Hamas and Continued on Page 22 and rocket fire.” Though it’s too early to predict who will take the Jewish vote in the 2008, candidates are expected to woo Jewish voters based on their traditionally strong support for Democrats and their deep pockets as political contributors. Observers say Clinton has made strides as a vocal supporter of Israel during her six years as a New York senator, even though she still may be a tough sell to those who have not for- given her embrace and kiss with Suha Arafat at a November 1999 event in Gaza—just after Mrs. Arafat had accused Israel of poisoning Palestinian babies. (Clinton claimed Arafat’s comments hadn’t been translated correctly and she became aware of the allegations only after the event.) Still, her supporters say that those who bring up that incident now, after Clinton has consistently supported legislation in support of Israel, are grasping at straws. Speaking before a crowd of 1,700 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, Clinton described the “unbreakable bond between Israel and the United States based on shared interests and rooted in strength.” Israel, she said, is a beacon of democracy in a tyrannical neighborhood, and the threats it faces from Hezbollah and Iran are threats not just to Israel but to the entire Middle East, the United States, and the rest of the world. Clinton berated Iran and the Holocaust-denial conference in December hosted by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Tehran, though she didn’t mention Ahmadinejad’s name. The conference “was beyond the pale of international discourse and acceptable behavior,” Clinton said, calling it an insult to survivors and Allied soldiers who bore witness to Nazi atrocities. “To deny the Holocaust places Iran’s leadership in the company of the most despicable bigots and historical revisionists.” She said the conference only added urgency to the need to deal with Iran. “U.S. policy must be clear and 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 21 2008 Race hasn’t even been any debate,” he said. Continued from Page 21 “It’s the earliest we have ever had a presidential campaign start. The only The Burning Bush going to answer a lot of the questions,” thing you can say about the Jewish Gail Levine, a Clinton supporter from vote now is that it’s heavily Greenwich, Conn., said as she walked Democratic.” BY MOSHE KEMPINSKI department are all under threats of into the banquet hall. Still, debate already has begun removal from office. The Tax Authority Some, like Jules Spotts, a clinical among political pundits, said Betsy Over 200 years of exile and slavery is being investigated for corruption psychologist from New Canaan, Sheerr, past president of JACPAC, a in Egypt almost destroyed the Jewish and there are persistent rumors of mis- Conn., were not yet sold on Clinton. political action committee that sup- people. What has 2,000 years of exile dealing in the Ministry of Justice and He said he was skeptical because ports congressional candidates who are wrought? the Supreme Court. The rot is spread- Clinton had been a supporter of the both pro-Israel and pro-choice. While Dealing with the daily challenges ing quickly. arch-conservative Republican Barry Clinton may be leading in polls now, and traumas of life in exile has lowered Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook pre- Goldwater in the 1960s. “That is a early frontrunners often fade and dark the eyesight of a people who have been dicted that if secular Zionism becomes long time to go back, but it is a large horses can gain momentum later in the called to keep their eyes focused on a disconnected from Judaism’s eternal shift from where she was then to race. Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign much higher purpose and directed vision, then it would crumble and dis- where she is now,” Spotts said before offers a perfect example of a candidate towards a much loftier vision. It has integrate. The shell of this protective the speech. who seemingly came out of nowhere to made many of them feel unworthy of acorn would be destined to decom- After Clinton’s address (many said it win the presidency, Sheerr said. anything other than exile. pose. Yet, its disintegration would went on a little too long and she lacked “At this stage of the game, there are As is the case around the world, release the healthy seed to take root her husband’s rhetorical flair) the a lot of wait-and-see attitudes and Israel is experiencing a deep and trau- and begin to blossom and flourish. debate over her candidacy was still there’s going to be no clear preference matic crisis in leadership and direc- The darkness seems to be creep- open for some. But it’s much too early in the Jewish community for any of the tion. One has lost count of the number ing into every corner of this land, to predict how Clinton will fare with candidates—except, obviously, their of cases involving corruption and and a sense of morose and hopeless- Jewish voters in November 2008, said pro-Israel credentials will have to be wrongdoing that Prime Minister Ehud ness seems to be gripping every Morris Amitay, a former AIPAC head very solid,” Sheerr said. “I think people Olmert’s name has been linked to. The heart. Throughout the land there is a and co-founder of the Jewish Institute are looking to see that they can back a minister of defense, the IDF Chief of foreboding sense that this people for National Security Affairs. “There winner.” (JTA) ❖ Staff and the heads of the police has lost the strength to surge forward through history. That perception is utterly mistaken. Over 3,000 years ago, a young Moshe ventures out of Pharaoh’s palace to explore the state of his people. He sees a Hebrew slave being beaten almost to death. After looking around and seeing that “there was no man around”(Sh’mos 2:12), he inter- venes and kills the assailant. Later, he encounters two Hebrew slaves fighting each other. When he tries again to intervene, he is chastised by one of them and reference is made to the killing of the Egyptian slave-master. Moshe escapes to Midyan when he realizes that “the thing is known.” (Sh’mos 2:14) Our sages explain that “the thing” that became known was not just the fact of the dead Egyptian, but also an answer to a question that was perplexing Moshe for a very long time. How low had this people sunk? Were they incapable of raising themselves to achieve liberation? After seeing that there was no man who would be “man enough” to stop the murderous beating of a fellow Hebrew, and that two Hebrew men would refuse to be recon- ciled, he began to believe that this people was beyond salvage. So, Moses escapes to Midyan and he is not heard from for over 60 years. In his despondency, he escapes into anonymity. It is only after the age of 80 that he is confronted with the burning bush on Horev, the mountain of G-d. Moshe makes a determined decision to investigate this mystery (Sh’mos 3:3): “And Moshe said: ‘I will turn aside now, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.’” With that determined step out of anonymity, Moshe receives a clear message that just as this small burning bush was not to be consumed, the people of Israel, his people, were not to be consumed by the fires of slavery, either. Moshe is clearly being told not to lose faith in his people. They are capable of, and destined for, greater things. In the midst of the darkness that has permeated sectors of this land, I have been looking for hints of the burning 22 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 23 Burning Bush Young Judea, B’nei Akiva and many Pre-IDF Training Program For Religious Women Continued from Page 22 others. In a most dramatic way, we were able to discern the flames of that Against the background of Kassam munity near the center on Kibbutz Ein bush around us. To my great relief, burning bush in almost every one of missiles fired by Hamas terrorists into Tzurim. Twenty women constitute the these hints are everywhere to be those young people’s eyes. Another Israel’s southern development town first class of students. found. This week, I attended the wed- confirmation that the exile may have S’derot and surrounding farming com- The program explores and clarifies ding of Yoni and Bat-Ami. Many of the dimmed the fires, but it would not and munities, Tzahali, the first pre-army essential issues connected with the important rabbis of the religious- could not extinguish that eternal preparatory course for religious service of religious women in the army Zionist public were in attendance; yet, flame. women in Israel, is busy preparing in a diversified instructional program the main focus of all who attended was Throughout the country, the Bayit young religious women for the August that includes classes, paired study “the burning bush” in the middle of Yehudi centers run by Ma’ayanot 2007 Israel Defense Forces induction. (chevruta), creative experiential work- the hall. HaYeshuah and the OU Israel Center This new and precedent-setting pro- shops, group encounter sessions, field The circles within circles of dancers have been inundated by calls and gram is geared to young observant trips, and volunteer social-work activi- were filled with a frenetic energy that requests from Israelis from all walks of women who have chosen, unlike most ties in the region. There are four main would not be extinguished. The band life yearning to discover more ways to stopped playing, yet the dancing con- express the Jewish flame burning in tinued. The food was served and their soul. Again, these are sparks from removed, and still the dancing contin- that unquenchable burning bush. ued. That dancing was celebrating the All these are mere sparks, but “I cannot stand by idly and allow new couple, yet it was also a reaffirma- together they become the flame of tion of faith and determination, an that burning bush. In the cold eyes of antidote to the darkness in the air. the cynical and the doomsayers, such them to enlist without helping them Every individual in the hall could not a flame will only be smothered by the help but be drawn to the warmth and heavy blanket of the forces of medi- prepare themselves both spiritually healing power of this fire that would ocrity .Yet, history has proven time seemingly not be extinguished. It was and again that the direction of histo- an assurance that the vision of this ry and destiny is determined by the and psychologically.” people has not died. While in the cor- few with passion and vision, not by ridors of power this vision may have the many who may have lost their been clouded over by the enticements sense of direction. of position and prestige, the healthy Israel’s battered and faltering lead- of their peers, to serve in the IDF but areas of study: “My Way to Judaism,” heart of Israel is still beating. ership will continue to sputter and wish to first devote a year to their spir- “Getting to Know Israeli Society,” These last couple of weeks, the Old spew pronouncements, but the healthy itual and intellectual development. “Women’s Leadership,” and “Serving City of Jerusalem has been inundated part of this country is reaching and Similar institutes for men from nation- in Israel Defense Forces.” with hundreds of young participants of yearning for much more. The burning al-religious backgrounds have existed Ultimately, the goal is to prepare a the Birthright program, many of them bush is indeed eternal. (Arutz Sheva) v for a number of years. The program is cadre of women for future leadership visiting Israel for the first time. There the initiative of the Yaacov Herzog in society, based on pluralistic dialogue were groups organized by the Moshe Kempinski, author of The Teacher and Center for Jewish Studies, which is and a Jewishly-informed commitment Orthodox NCSY movement, the the Preacher, is the editor of the Jerusalem sponsored by the religious kibbutz to a shared national life between reli- Insights weekly e-mail journal and co-owner of Reform Kesher organization, the Shorashim, a biblical shop and learning center movement and is situated in Masu’ot gious and secular Jews. Michal Nagen, Conservative movement, Chabad, in the Old City of Jerusalem. Yitzchak, a religious cooperative com- a resident of the Southern Hebron

24 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Hills community of Otniel and a for- well those girls who wish to join the mer IDF education officer, heads the pre-military academies and afterwards institute. Nagen, who taught for 10 to do full service in the IDF.” years in Jerusalem at the liberal The Yaacov Herzog Center for Orthodox high school Pelech, and who Jewish Studies has been working for also works as a birthing assistant, says over 17 years to promote meaningful that there is a genuine need for a pro- Jewish dialogue throughout all sectors gram like Tzahali. “I am personally of Israeli society. Through classroom acquainted with the problems faced by teaching, special seminars and educa- religious women who join the IDF tional encounter groups, the center without any prior preparation,” says strengthens the common cultural lan- Nagen. guage of the Jewish people and of Tzahali has been criticized among Israeli society in all their diversity: reli- those religious Zionist rabbis and edu- gious and secular, women and men, cators who forbid all women’s army young and old, native-born Israelis and service for promoting enlistment new immigrants. ❖ among Orthodox girls. In response to this charge, Nagen says that the likeli- hood that the existence of Tzahali encourages religious females to enlist Six days shall you should be less of a concern than the danger posed by the fact that increas- labor… ing numbers of religious girls are going off to the army without any grounding (Sh’mos 20:9) or orientation. “I’ve been all over the country pro- This, too, is a Divine moting Tzahali,” says Nagen, “and I’ve met dozens of girls who, contrary to decree. Just as the people the wishes of their parents and their schools, enlist in the IDF instead of of Israel were commanded joining National Service. I cannot stand by idly and allow them to enlist to rest on Shabbos, so, too, without helping them prepare them- were they commanded to selves both spiritually and psychologically.” work on the other days of According to the army, “In recent years there has been a rise in the num- the week. ber of religious girls that enlist in the (Mechilta D’Rashbi) IDF. They serve full, meaningful army service and are an integral and important part of the army. The IDF wishes

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 25 Israel, He rescinded His original ed to the limits of its potential, but it decree, and declared: “The lower could not transcend its inherent realms may ascend to the higher coarseness and subjectivity. realms, and the higher realms may At Sinai, G-d revoked the decree descend to the lower realms. And I, which had confined matter and spirit Myself, will begin”—as it is written, to two distinct realms. G-d came down “And G-d descended on Mount Sinai,” on Mount Sinai, bringing the spiritual- and then it says, “And to Moshe He ity of the heavens down to earth. He said: Go up to G-d” (Midrash summoned Moshe to the top of the Tanchuma, Vaeira 15; Midrash mountain, empowering man to raise From The Chassidic Masters Rabbah, Sh’mos 12:4). his physical self and world to a higher For the first 25 centuries of history, state of existence. The Torah could there existed a gezeirah—a decree and now sanctify physical life. The Breakthrough schism—which split reality into two This encounter between G-d and

And it came to pass on the third day, “the time of the giving of our Torah.” when morning came, that there was But the Torah we received at Sinai thunder and lightning, and a thick had already been in our possession for It would seem that Avraham had no cloud upon the mountain, and the many generations. Our ancestors had sound of the shofar exceedingly loud; studied and fulfilled the entire Torah and the entire people within the camp even before it was given, observing its shortage of sacred objects available to trembled. And Moshe brought the peo- every law and ordinance—including ple out of the camp to meet with G-d, the obligation to make an eiruv him. Why, then, did he have Eliezer place and they stood at the foot of the moun- tavshilin when a festival falls on the tain… And G-d came down upon eve of Shabbos (Yoma 28b). No new Mount Sinai, on the top of the moun- document was unveiled at Sinai, and his hand under his thigh? tain. And G-d called Moshe to the top no hitherto unknown code of behav- of the mountain, and Moshe ascended. ior was commanded there. What, —Sh’mos 19:16–20 then, was given to us at “the giving of hermetic worlds: the spiritual and the man at Sinai introduced a new phe- The most momentous event in his- our Torah”? physical. The spiritual could not be nomenon: the cheftzah shel kedushah, tory took place on Shabbos, the sixth The Midrash explains the signifi- truly brought down to earth, nor could or holy object. After Sinai, when phys- day of the month of Sivan, in the year cance of the event with the following the physical be made transcendent and ical man takes a physical coin, earned 2448 from creation (1313 BCE). On parable: Once there was a king who divine. So Torah, the Divine wisdom by his physical toil and talents, and that day, the entire People of Israel— decreed that the people of Rome are and will, could have no real effect gives it to charity; or when he bakes more than two million men, women forbidden to go down to Syria, and the upon the physical world. It was a whol- flour and water as matzah and eats it and children1, as well as the souls of people of Syria are forbidden to go up ly spiritual manifesto, pertaining to the on the first night of Passover; or when all future generations of Jews—gath- to Rome. Likewise, when G-d created soul of man and to the spiritual reality he forms a piece of leather to a speci- ered at the foot of Mount Sinai to the world, He decreed and said: “The of the heavens. While its concepts fied shape and dimensions, inserts into receive the Torah from G-d. Ever heavens are G-d’s, and the earth is could, and were, applied to physical it parchment scrolls inscribed with since, the event has been marked on given to man” (Tehillim 115:16). But life, physical life could not be elevat- our calendar as the festival of Shavuos, when He wished to give the Torah to ed—it could be improved and perfect- Continued on Page 28

26 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 27 INSIGHTS ON THE TORAH under my thigh” [Bereishis 24:2; Continued from Page 26 Yaakov administered a similar oath to Yosef, Bereishis 47:29]. An oath is specified words, and binds them to his taken while holding a sacred object head and arm as tefillin, the object such as a Torah scroll or tefillin; here with which he has performed his mitz- Avraham is telling Eliezer to swear on vah is transformed. A finite, physical the part of his own body sanctified by thing becomes holy, as its substance the mitzvah of circumcision. But and form come to embody the realiza- since Avraham “observed the entire tion of a Divine desire and command. Torah even before it was given”—i.e., The mitzvos could have been, and he studied Torah, put on tefillin, were, performed before the revelation affixed a mezuzah on his doorpost—it at Sinai. But because they had not yet would seem that he had no shortage been commanded by G-d, they lacked of sacred objects available to him. Why, then, did he have Eliezer place his hand under his thigh, contrary to all common standards of modesty and At Sinai, however, propriety? But as we said, the effects of Avraham’s pre-Sinai mitzvos were of G-d rescinded the a wholly spiritual nature. Since G-d had not commanded him to do them, decree which had they remained subject to the law that separated the heavenly from the material; while they had a profound severed the heavens effect on his own soul, the souls of his descendants, and the spiritual from the earth. essence of creation, they had no impact on the material substance of the universe. The single exception the power to bridge the great divide was the mitzvah of circumcision, between matter and spirit. Only as a which G-d did command to Avraham, command of G-d, creator and delin- imparting to this mitzvah something eator of both the spiritual and the of the nature of the post-Siniatic physical, could the mitzvah supersede commandments of the Torah.2 the natural definitions of these two realms. Only after Sinai could the An Absorbent World mitzvah actualize the spiritual and Therein lies the significance of a sanctify the material. curious detail related by our sages (Thus we find that when Avraham regarding the revelation at Sinai. required his servant Eliezer to take an oath, he told him, “Place your hand Continued on Page 30

28 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 29 INSIGHTS ON THE TORAH ness of Torah. But what is “great and The Empowering Precedent made consistent with, and wholly Continued from Page 28 unceasing” about a voice that has no Therein lies an important lesson to receptive to, the goodness and per- echo? Why should the Divine voice at us as we pursue our mission in life to fection which G-d desires of it. ❖ The Torah tells us that G-d spoke Sinai have been distinguished in this implement the ethos and ideals of the Ten Commandments in “a great manner from all other sounds? Torah in our world. Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher voice, which did not cease” (Devarim In truth, however, the echoless At Sinai we were charged to serve as Rebbe; adapted by Yanki Tauber. Courtesy of 5:19). The Midrash offers a number nature of the Divine communication “a light unto the nations”—to actualize MeaningfulLife.com. Notes: of interpretations for this description conveys the very essence of what took in our own lives, and to teach all of 1. A census taken 11 months later counted of the Divine voice. One interpreta- place at Sinai. An echo is created humanity, that no matter what the con- 603,550 males between the ages of 20 and 60 (excluding the tribe of Levi). tion is that the Divine did not confine when a sound meets with a substance ditions of a particular time, place, or 2. Nevertheless, Avraham’s mitzvah of itself to Lashon HaKodesh, but rever- which resists it: instead of absorbing society may be, there is an unequivo- circumcision was only a precedent for the berated in mankind’s 70 languages. A its waves, the substance bounces them cal, Divinely ordained truth and moral Divine commandments issued at Sinai, and not a full revocation of the decree severing heaven second meaning is that the voice did away. Prior to Sinai, the voice of Torah code of behavior to which to adhere. from earth; it was the closest thing he had to an not cease on that particular Shabbos had an echo. Belonging to the spiritu- At times, we might be confronted object of holiness, but not a complete sanctification of the physical, which became morning some 3,300 years ago: ality of the heavens, it could not truly with a seemingly unresponsive and possible only after Sinai. Thus, Rambam writes, throughout the generations, all the penetrate the physicality of the earth. even resisting world. It may appear “Pay attention to the major principle expressed by [the words] ‘It was said at Sinai’… For prophets and sages who prophesied, The world might hear of Torah and be that one or another of the Torah’s everything from which we refrain or which we taught, and expounded upon the wis- affected by it, but there remained a precepts does not fit in with the do today, we do only because of G-d’s command dom of the Torah are the extension of certain degree of resistance, as the prevalent reality. So the Torah tells to Moshe at Sinai, not because of any communication by G-d to earlier prophets. For that very voice, for they added noth- Torah and the physical world each us that the voice which sounded example, that which we do not eat a limb from a ing that was not already inherent in remained defined by their respective G-d’s message to the world had no live animal is not because G-d forbade this to Noach, but because Moshe forbade it to us by the Ten Commandments. Finally, the “higher” and “lower” realms. At Sinai, echo. The voice of the Ten commanding at Sinai that the prohibition of Midrash offers a third explanation of however, G-d rescinded the decree Commandments permeated every eating a limb from a live animal should remain the voice’s “unceasing” nature: the which had severed the heavens from object and reality in the universe. So in force. Similarly, we do not circumcise ourselves because our father Avraham Divine voice at Sinai was unique in the earth. The world could now fully any resistance we may possibly meet circumcised himself and the members of his that it had no echo. absorb the Divine voice, and a physi- in implementing them is superficial household, but because G-d commanded us through Moshe that we should circumcise The first two interpretations obvious- cal object could become one with its and temporary. For at Sinai, the ourselves as did Avraham” (Rambam’s ly point to the universality and timeless- mission and role. essence of every created being was Commentary on the Mishnah, Chullin 7:6).

Yisro took Tzipporah, Moshe’s wife, after he had sent her back (Sh’mos 18:2)

When G-d said to Moshe in Midyan,“Go, return to Egypt” (Sh’mos 4:19), “Moshe took his wife and sons…” (v. 20).When Aharon later met with him “at the mountain of G-d” (v. 27), he said to him: “Who are these?” Said Moshe:“This is my wife whom I married in Midyan and these are my children.” “Where are you taking them?” asked Aharon.“To Egypt,” said Moshe. Said Aharon to Moshe:“We are grieving over the ones already in Egypt, and you propose to add to their number!” So Moshe said to Tzipporah,“Return to your father’s house,” and she took her two sons and went away. (Mechilta; Rashi)

30 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES echad b’lev echad,”—at Har Sinai the This does not mean that one must be Jews encamped “as one man with one totally “complete” in all aspects; one is heart,” totally united without any not required or expected to be a tzaddik machlokes. Chazal interpret from the or to perfect his every midah before language of the pasuk,“Vayichan coming close to Hashem or initiating a sham—they encamped there,” that only relationship with others. Rather, as the this time—only “there,” by Har Sinai— Maharal explains, “sheleimus” means a was there no machlokes, but by other rock-solid sense of self-esteem and an encampments there were indeed argu- accurate, healthy sense of self. The Building Process ments and quarrels. Machlokes occurs It was only at that time—when when there is a lack of sheleimus—com- each Jew and the nation as a whole pleteness—inside of a Jew. The root of fully focused on how far they had BY RABBI YONI POSNICK with the negative aspects. argument and quarrel is an incomplete come and the sublime closeness they Both of these processes are crucial or unsteady sense of self, causing stress had reached—that the nation “came The Torah tells us that B’nei Yisrael for success; one should begin the and frustration which boils over into to Midbar Sinai,” that they were came to Har Sinai on Rosh Chodesh climb, however, not with the murky fighting and machlokes. “ke’ish echad b’lev echad,” at total Sivan: “In the third month after they past which will only weigh him down, The Maharal writes that for a Jew to peace and sheleimus, both within and left Mitzrayim, on this day they came but rather with the positive accom- be at the highest level of his avodas without, personal and national. to Midbar Sinai” (Sh’mos 19:1). The plishments of the present, only later Hashem, he must be shaleim, com- Because they had reached the heights very next pasuk says, “And they traveled going back to correct the past. This is plete, with himself, complete with His of their own self-esteem and sense of from Refidim and they came to Midbar the formula for personal success, as Creator, and complete in his relation- self in regard to themselves and their Sinai.” This seems very strange; why the second pasuk reiterates, “They ships. If a Jew is not shaleim with him- Creator, they also reached this mile- does the Torah seem to backtrack, traveled from Refidim, and they came self—meaning he does not have a stone in their relationships with each telling us that B’nei Yisrael came from to Midbar Sinai,” to the place of strong and steady sense of self, of his other. This mindset was unparalleled Refidim to Sinai, after already telling Hashem’s Shechinah. hashkafos ha’chayim, of his values and in the rest of their journeys, and this us that they reached Sinai? This, concludes the Nesivos Shalom, priorities—then by definition he is thinking put them in the proper state The Nesivos Shalom suggests an is the meaning behind the famous lacking and cannot be shaleim with his answer to this question, giving us words of Chazal, cited by Rashi, “Ke’ish Creator and in his relationships. Continued on Page 32 insight into the process of transfor- mation that the Jewish nation under- went at that time and the practical application it has for our own lives. He explains that even though, over the course of the previous seven weeks, the Jewish people had worked hard to raise themselves to a high level of kedushah, they couldn’t help but look back and realize how low they had been, sunk into the 49th level of spiritual impurity. They kept

The root of argument and quarrel is an incomplete or unsteady sense of self. looking back at the state they were in by Refidim, the place where Amalek attacked them (Sh’mos 17:8) because, as Chazal say, “rafu yedeihem”—their hands grew weak in their grip of Torah, mitzvos, and spirituality. So they recognized just how low they had been and this gave them a feeling of discouragement. Therefore, they specifically focused on “Midbar Sinai,” the fact that they had come so far and made it to the foot of Har Sinai, ready to accept the Torah. This teaches us, continues the Slonimer Rebbe, that when striving to pick oneself up and come close to Hashem, one must make his primary focus the good—how far he has made it and the challenges he has overcome to reach the state he is presently in (repre- sented by Har Sinai). One must build up his positive profile and self-esteem. Only then, as the pesukim backtrack, can one fight his yetzer ha’ra, weeding out his bad points, dealing with his past shame and guilt, and setting out to correct his midos and what is lacking in his avodas Hashem (“in Refidim”). One who starts this process without first building himself up is doomed to failure and discouragement. One must first have a positive, steady, and strong sense of self, and only then set out to deal 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 31 INSIGHTS ON THE TORAH into my house at this point. There are Continued from Page 31 stacks of papers everywhere and I often can’t find important papers. I have long fit to receive the Torah, the biggest lists of phone calls that I need to make self-esteem builder of all, that which and don’t want to make. My children gives our whole existence a sense of complain because their favorite articles holy purpose and fulfillment. of clothing haven’t been washed, and Certainly we can apply this great often when they get home from school psychological insight to our own rela- Dear Esther, children, or he’ll run to a shiur or even I haven’t even figured out yet what I’m tionships. The way you view yourself I’ve never been the most organized take in a sporting event. So everything serving for dinner. creates you and your reality. A person person in the world. School never came else is really on my shoulders. My husband’s always been pretty with solid self-esteem and a healthy easy to me. I remember studying for I take care of the bills, locate a understanding of my weaknesses, but I sense of self will live a joyous life, free finals and having a hard time staying plumber when needed, talk to the chil- think even he is getting pretty fed up from emotional intimidation by any focused on one subject at a time. I did- dren’s teachers, handle our social life with me lately. And I don’t blame him. other person or a need to build his n’t do particularly well, though I always and try to stay on top of our obligations I know that running the home and fam- own ego up at the expense of others. felt that it wasn’t because I was dumb. in general, plan vacations, do all the ily is my job. He does his job very well, Such an individual feels good about As my life progressed, I jumped errands, and so on. I know that I’m not but I’m not doing my job well at all. himself and will therefore seek to around from job to job. They weren’t too different from many of the women Life just keeps getting more compli- bring happiness and good feelings to important jobs, and something more I know, who also have incredibly busy cated, and, as I said before, out of con- all of his relationships. A limiting self- interesting always managed to come husbands. In fact, some friends of trol. Help! image or one focused on the past will Embarrassed negatively impact all of a person’s rela- Dear Embarrassed, tionships. By building ourselves up I get the picture loud and clear. I can and taking care to focus on the posi- Depending on the budget and how imagine your frustration, and I’m sure tive in ourselves before working on the many readers are picturing the situation negative (which as we said is an equal- desperate the situation, some women I in their own minds, as well. In fact, ly crucial step in the process), we can many of the readers are probably totally enhance our relationships with our- know have hired secretaries. relating to your story, as it is not unique. selves (who we always have to live This may not make it any more tolerable with), as well as our marriages, friend- for you, but your situation is one that ships, and, most importantly, our rela- many individuals live with daily. tionship with our Creator, Who holds along. It didn’t really matter; I was just mine not only do what I do, but also Though it would be unfair of me us in the highest esteem! biding my time until I met Mr. Right. work outside the home, either full- or and even silly to make a diagnosis May we merit to conduct all of our Anyway, to bring you up to date, I’m part-time. I have no idea how, but they based on a short letter, I do suspect relationships with positivity and com- now married (to Mr. Right, of course), manage to do it all. that you most probably have ADD and pleteness and merit sheleimus in our have three wonderful children, and I am in awe of these women, and I have been dealing with it and trying to avodas Hashem, with a feeling of con- feel like my life is spinning out of con- can’t for the life of me figure out how compensate for it your entire life. All stant closeness to Hashem, Yisbarach, trol. I’m just not keeping up. My hus- they manage to keep their lives afloat of the telltale signs are there: difficul- Who gave us His precious Torah! ❖ band works long hours and is success- rather than drown under all of the ty focusing in school, unable to stay ful at his profession. When he has a paperwork. I’m drowning. with one job for very long, and the The author can be reached at [email protected]. little free time, he spends it with the I’m embarrassed to have people walk ongoing struggle to stay on top of life’s

32 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES many obligations and responsibilities. to smaller, more tolerable jobs. Life is complicated. And even for the Simplify your life. Maybe you don’t most organized and efficient individu- need to attend every simcha and din- als, it presents a never-ending chal- ner, if you find that you’re leaving your lenge just to “stay afloat,” as you say. home too often during the week and The myriad of details we all face can neglecting your children and their sometimes cause the most relaxed needs—or your own needs, for that among us to break out in a sweat. And matter. Seek out shortcuts. For it never ends. If you take your eye off instance, banking online can shave the ball for a day or two, the stacks of huge chunks of time from your week. papers start mounting. For someone Shop for groceries once a week, rather with ADD, the stakes are much greater. than running into the supermarket I applaud you for showing so much daily. There are so many ways to pare understanding toward your husband. down your schedule, but it takes fore- It sounds as though he works extreme- thought and organizational skills. For ly long and hard, and is, hopefully, people with ADD, these are not skills properly remunerated for his efforts. If that come naturally. Additional much- that’s the case, and he absolutely is needed help can come in the form of a unable to take on any of the household therapist, a coach, and/or medication. responsibilities, it’s time to hire help. Try not to despair. Your life can feel Help comes in all shapes and sizes. a lot easier than it feels right now. It There is cleaning help, so that you will never be simple, because unless don’t, for instance, have to worry about you choose to live on an island some- white shirts and blouses showing up where, all alone, it just isn’t. And your regularly in your children’s closets. friends who appear to be gliding Some women hire housekeepers who through it all are probably very good at are as adept at cooking dinner as they putting on a happy face. It’s not totally are at cleaning the bathrooms. There easy for them, either. There is no way are organizers for hire—someone who around it: it takes a lot of work to get comes into your home and sets up through the day. But with the proper “systems” for you. “Files” become a intervention and help, you don’t have beautiful word in your new vocabulary. to always feel as though you are swim- Depending on the budget and how ming against the tide. Seek out the desperate the situation, some women I help you need…before one of your know have hired secretaries. children gets lost under a stack of On a personal level, there are tricks papers! of the trade that you can be taught to Esther help you stay more focused. First and foremost is keeping lists: begin your Esther Mann, LMSW, has a private practice in Lawrence. She works with individuals, couples, days with lists and end your days with and families, and can be reached at 516-314- lists. Also, break down daunting tasks 2295 or [email protected].

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 33 President Carter writes that there was tion of Clinton’s proposal.” Fact: There “a surprising exodus of Christians from were no maps at Camp David. The map the Holy Land.” Fact: Israel is one of the President Carter labeled as Israel’s inter- only Middle Eastern nations where the pretation is a copy of a map that was cre- Christian community has grown in the ated later by Dennis Ross for his book, last half century. But Christian commu- The Missing Peace. Ambassador Ross’s nities and other faith communities like map is a representation of an offer agreed Baha’is have dropped in size in many to by Prime Minister Barak and rejected An open letter to Congressman Mark book, I have become a critic and today Muslim nations. by Arafat. President Carter violated Kirk, Representative for the 10th will only correct the facts that he purports Error number four: On page 152, Ambassador Ross’s copyright of the map. Congressional District of Illinois: in his book. Regarding our policy towards President Carter writes, “It was later Error six: On page 197, President Dear Congressman Kirk, Israel, there is little room for mistakes, let claimed that the Palestinians rejected a Carter writes, “Confessions extracted It is with much respect and thanks alone outright misstatements of fact. ‘generous offer’ put forward by Prime through torture are admissible in Israeli that I address this letter to you. Former For that reason, I want to present to Minister Barak, with Israel only keep- courts.” Fact: The Israeli Supreme President Jimmy Carter’s book the House eight factual inaccuracies ing 5 percent of the West Bank. The Court banned the use of torture in inter- Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, has found in President Carter’s book. Error fact is no such offers were made.” Fact: rogations in a decision handed down by caused much anguish and protest in number one: On page 62, President the court on September 6, 1999, by the Jewish community. The book is full Carter quotes Yasser Arafat as telling Supreme Court President Barak. of misinformation and has an obvious him, “The Palestinian Liberation President Carter is Error number seven: On page 188, anti-Israel slant, yet until now I have Organization has never advocated the President Carter writes, “Kadima had not heard anyone in the public arena annihilation of Israel.” No evidence is entitled to his own been expected to gain 43 seats based on disagree with or condemn its “facts.” provided, and the book does not contain its pledge of a unilateral expansion of Not everyone has the courage to ques- a single footnote. Fact check: Article 22 opinions, but not to his the ‘great wall.’” Fact: Israel’s Kadima tion a book written by so prestigious an of the PLO’s charter states, “The libera- own facts. Party ran on Prime Minister Sharon’s author as a former president. Most tion of Palestine will destroy the Zionist platform of disengagement, a pledge to people will unfortunately accept what- and imperialist presence.” Yasser Arafat dismantle settlements and unilaterally ever Mr. Carter wrote as truth. supported this charter, and he directly According to President Clinton’s lead withdraw from territory. Therefore, I was very happy to lied to President Carter. negotiator, Ambassador Dennis Ross, Error number eight: On page 215, receive the in-depth information Error number two: On page 57, Prime Minister Barak accepted President Carter writes that the one option below, detailing how you, President Carter writes, “The 1949 President Clinton’s proposal, offering to for Israel is “withdrawal from the 1967 Congressman Kirk, have registered armistice demarcation lines became withdraw from 97 percent of the West border as specified in UN Resolution your protest to the former president’s the borders of the new nation of Israel, Bank, to dismantle isolated settlements, 242.” Fact: The UN Security Council book in a place no less prestigious than and were accepted by Israel and the and to accept the Palestinian state with Resolution 242 does not define a border. the Congressional Record of January United States, and recognized official- Jerusalem as its capital. Arafat rejected …These errors, in fact, diminish the 18, 2007, in which you say: ly by the United Nations.” Fact: The this proposal, and a quick call between credibility of President Carter’s book. In today’s Washington Post, former 1949 armistice lines were never President Carter and President Clinton President Carter is entitled to his own President Jimmy Carter defended his accepted as the official borders by would have corrected this error. opinions, but not to his own facts. The book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid. Israel, the United States, or the United Error number five: On page 148, errors I present here are only a sampling President Carter wrote, “…most critics Nations. The error reflects a very poor President Carter presents two maps he of the other errors included in his book. have not seriously disputed or even men- attention to detail in the book. claims were considered at Camp David, tioned the facts…” But after reading the Error number three: On page 127, one of them labeled “Israel’s interpreta- Continued on Page 36

34 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 35 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, Rav Yosef Dov Halevi Soloveitchik, Who am I to stack my opinion Continued from Page 34 The fact is that the term and the zt’l, was considered a gadol in the against the 81 gedolim? I am by no concept of da‘as Torah is not found in early 1940s, when he was vice-presi- means a gadol, but I have never Now, in the twilight of his career, with the Gemara, Rishonim, or the earlier dent of Agudah, but when he left banned a book written in a language many at the Carter Center resigning Acharonim. It originated at the very Agudah to head the RZA, he lost all that I cannot read. Remember, when from their posts, President Carter should end of the 19th century, became popu- status and was scoffed at. Of course, Jabotinsky traveled all across Europe recall the book and hire competent assis- lar as a political slogan that Agudas now that he is no longer with us, his before WW II, begging the Jews to get tants to assure that his future work does Yisrael used when it campaigned in status and prestige have gone up out while they could, it was the not reflect such poor scholarship. elections in Poland, and was not used again, and his words are used in ways gedolim of that generation who insist- I want to thank, especially, Dr. on a regular basis until after WW II. that he would not accept were he ed that the Jews should stay put. When Mitchell Bard and the Committee for For a further discussion on the able to protest. Rabbi Hildesheimer wanted to relo- Accuracy in the Middle East Reporting development of da‘as Torah, please see cate his famous seminary to in America for helping compile this list the article by Dr. Lawrence Kaplan Yerushalayim, he bowed to the opinion of errors. that appears in the book Rabbinic of Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinsky, who Recently, former President Carter Authority and Personal Autonomy, com- “Emunas insisted he stay put. It seems that his- spoke at Brandeis University and apol- missioned by the Orthodox Forum of chachamim,” which tory has issued a verdict on the wisdom ogized for one sentence in the book Yeshiva University. of da‘as Torah. that seems to condone terrorist vio- Also, “emunas chachamim,” which does appear in Pirkei There is a rule in rabbinic interpre- lence. That apology is not enough, as it does appear in Pirkei Avos, can in no tation: “Chas HaKadosh Baruch Hu al only addresses one of the errors in the grammatical way be translated as Avos, can in no mamonam shel Yisrael,” G-d values and book, not all. Professor Alan “faith in the chachamim”; it means the worries about the financial status of Dershowitz has challenged the former faith of the chachamim, a sophisticat- grammatical way be the Jews. Had the boycott been president to debate him on the “facts” ed belief system including awareness declared for future purchases, exempt- written in the book, but Mr. Carter has of the problems that are raised by Iyov, translated as “faith in ing tickets already paid for, I would avoided such a debate with numerous and not the childish beliefs of simple have accepted the boycott as a legiti- excuses. Apparently Mr. Carter cannot people who believe that G-d has a body the chachamim.” mate tool of leadership, even if I dis- publicly defend his own book! and limbs. agree with its long-term implications. Congressman Kirk, taking all of this Those are facts; now my opinion: But to cause the massive financial loss into account makes your public Eighty-one gedolim signed the letter to If it led to further antagonism incurred by people who paid for their acknowledgement of the fallacies in boycott El Al. What about all those between the dati community and the tickets in advance—who lost their own Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid all the who did not sign? Does the fact that average secular Israeli, then the boy- money, without any loss suffered by El more special. On behalf of American they did not sign automatically dis- cott was a chillul Hashem. We are not Al—was an act of theft against the Jewry, I thank you. It is so gratifying qualify them from the ranks of in an era when we can stone people for Jewish community. They should be that a congressman in the U.S. House gedolim? And how does one become a chillul Shabbos, as much as some peo- ashamed of themselves. of Representatives should not only gadol? It seems to me that you can be ple might want to. It is our job to lead These opinions are my own and in have the courage to point out the errors born to the right set of parents, marry people to Torah and mitzvos. no way are associated with my cousin, on the part of a former president, but into the right family, or, like the Israeli “Deracheha darchei noam”—the who has the same name and is a rebbi do so on public record, as well. Supreme Court, be chosen by those Torah’s ways are ways of pleasantness. in the Five Towns. who are already in. We are defeating our own purpose if Rabbi Shea Hecht Of course, if you step out of line, we bluster and bully. Even if we win in Rabbi David Alan Willig Brooklyn, NY you can lose your status as a gadol. the short term, we lose in the long run. Bayside Jewish Center

36 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Dear Editor, I was disturbed by the article “Stop Picking on Neturei Karta” in last week’s Five Towns Jewish Times.I would like to make clear that I do not identify myself with their beliefs, nor do I condone their actions. However, in my opinion, the core problem with the Neturei Karta is a danger which is found in the article, as well. As frum Jews, we all must acknowl- edge the importance of da‘as Torah. The chinuch we give our children is that before anything goes into their mouths, they must look for a hechsher; if there is no hechsher, it is considered “treif.” Although this is not always the case, this is our way of being mechanech our children—to know that everything must be approved by da‘as Torah. Similarly, in everyday life, no matter how important or worthy a cause is, da‘as Torah must approve. If da‘as Torah does not approve, it is considered “treif.” This is the danger with the Neturei Karta. They are an organization with no backing of da‘as Torah of any sort. Just like the Eiruv Rav, they are a group who, without da‘as Torah, hold views and make decisions. This danger is what da‘as Torah was addressing, by stating that they don’t support this organization, thus rendering it “treif.” Questioning this response by da‘as Torah is in essence becoming like the enemy. (I am having difficulty, as well, in understanding the comparison to the State of Israel. We all know that Israel is a secular state. This is clear to anyone who opens their eyes. The government is completely secular, with no respect for da‘as Torah. They, too, pose a similar danger due to this, but it is clear who they are and what their actions are based upon.) Yonah Danzig

And all the people answered together, and said: “All that G-d has spoken we will do” (Sh’mos 19:8) Said G-d to them:“I require guarantors.” Said the people of Israel: “The heaven and the earth shall be our guarantors.” Said G-d:“They won’t last forever.” Said they:“Our fathers will guarantee it.” Said He:“They are busy.” Said they:“Our children will guarantee it.” Said He:“These are excellent guarantors.” (Mechilta D’Rashbi)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 37 The Yo-Yo Effect: When Fad Diets Happen To Good People

BY KAREN KAHN, RD market of consumers who have unsuc- shock you: No diet works. As long as a diet tion with dieting, this is most likely cessfully attempted to lose weight and is perceived as a temporary measure, it another contributing factor to our Ironically, despite our society’s keep it off by cutting calories and will not yield positive long-term results. A weight problem. obsession with weight, exercise, and increasing energy expenditure—an new way of life—a lifelong commitment As a dietetic practitioner, I strive to diet, obesity is on the rise. Shouldn’t arduous task indeed! to changing habits and making conscious provide individuals with the tools to make there be a symbiotic relationship On the other hand, fad diets offer choices—really works. Does that mean the right choices—to educate the public between the two? A society that has instant results—if the dieter adheres depriving yourself of anything but broccoli that there is no such thing as “good” or generated a multi-million-dollar mar- to a highly specific diet plan. The diets and boiled chicken for the rest of your “bad” foods, just good or bad choices. Any ket for weight-loss diets, books, snacks, vary tremendously in premise. Some existence? On the contrary, it means bal- food can be incorporated into any diet and the like should at least boast statis- promote high protein and low carbohy- ancing caloric intake and energy expendi- plan. Portion control, exercise, and calo- tics of declining waistlines! But studies drate intake, while others discourage rie modification are essential to a healthy suggest that obesity, both in children intake of various food groups together and nutritious lifestyle. Has it ever and adults, is on the rise. How can a or restrict consumption to specific occurred to you that Americans are more society infatuated with appearance and times. These diets are so abundant Americans are more overweight than their European counter- weight be equally obsessed with food that it is difficult to keep track of parts, despite the high-fat diet typical of and its consumption? It is evident that them. A look at the health section at overweight than their the latter? (Think French croissants, there exists a paradoxical relationship the bookstore—as well as a look at the Dutch cheeses, and Belgian and Swiss between the two. bargain section—quickly reveals that European counterparts, chocolates.) The reason for this has Notwithstanding all the knowledge the options abound and that yester- despite the high-fat diet much to do with portion sizes. Most and breakthroughs, there still remains day’s fad turns into today’s fat. Americans are clueless as to what is truly much to be learned in the ever-evolving The appeal of instant weight loss typical of the latter. an appropriate portion size. We are under field of nutrition. The mass media pres- makes these diets irresistible for many. the misconception that “the bigger the ents the public with a barrage of infor- In an age of instant messaging, E-Z better” applies all around (think Big mation about diet, nutrition, health, Pass, and drive-through dining and Gulps, Venti Frappuccinos…get the pic- and exercise. Much of the information banking, the overweight clearly want ture. Once that balance is achieved, you ture?). So, we continue to get bigger—but is conflicting and causes confusion for instant gratification and easy solutions. can enjoy food—and eating. clearly not better. the consumer. Still, Americans contin- Not surprisingly, there is a tremendous Much research on dieters’ behavior Then—as if portion control and ue to strive to achieve the unrealistic market and following for various diets. suggests that highly restrictive diets broccoli weren’t enough to contend goals set by fashion magazines, televi- Remember when the term yo-yo was often lead to preoccupation—and even with—we need to exercise. But, the old sion, and the like. And even if they associated with a fun child’s toy? Not any- obsession—with food and eating, due adage “no pain, no gain” is simply not could avoid the mass-media onslaught, more! The pattern of yo-yo dieting follows to the feeling of deprivation associated true. An exercise regimen should be most still have to shop. Supermarkets a typical scenario: The dieter attempts a with dieting. Dieters also sometimes realistic and cater to an individual’s cater to their most successful suppli- diet and possibly some weight loss, and end up bingeing, which can signifi- lifestyle and personal needs. ers, and these manufacturers encour- then goes off the diet and regains the cantly contribute to weight gain, espe- Then there is the water. Adequate fluid age consumption of high-fat and calo- weight—and more. So, once again the cially if it occurs regularly. These intake is essential for many reasons, par- rie-dense foods. search for the “miracle” solution begins, results have been found to be consis- ticularly its role in flushing fat out of the So, fad diets continue to emerge. only to end in frustration and heartbreak. tent in children, adolescents, and These diets are aimed at the enormous What diet works? The answer may adults alike. Considering our infatua- Continued on Page 39

38 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES requirements of that crucial third such, it is very important that, however party included in 99 percent of all your property is priced, the price be sales transactions—namely, the based on actual closed sales and exist- “bank.” ing market conditions, not on “he said, Since most buyers need a mortgage she said” unsubstantiated sales pricing. to complete their purchase, the bank In addition, the broker must work with the bank appraiser to assist in Once you decide that it’s time to sell on your lawn is like going to the casi- providing as much data as necessary to your home, your next decision is which no, throwing the dice, and hoping for arrive at the sales price required for a real-estate broker should take care of the best. You would never think of tak- It is very important that, trouble-free appraisal. the project of selling it. ing such a chance in choosing a doctor Real-estate brokers already have their Why do I refer to the broker’s work or a school, so why would you consid- however your property is own pool of ready, willing, and able buy- in preparing to sell your home as a er such a thing for selling your most ers from which you can benefit, in addi- “project,” rather than simply the “mar- precious financial asset—your home? priced, the price be tion to new marketing which they will keting” of your home? A good real-estate broker takes the customize based on your personal needs. Because a real-estate broker should time to accurately compile data to based on actual closed As one who assumes the responsi- not be a person who just “markets” your assist you in determining the best way sales and existing market bility for the successful marketing of home; a real-estate broker should be to price your property, based on evi- your property, a good real-estate broker someone who takes on the entire scope dence and current market conditions. conditions. is an invaluable tool to getting the best of presenting, selling your property and Monitoring and evaluating the mar- price in the fastest time as well as a finding a ready, willing, and able buyer. ket response to your home and the smooth, trouble-free transition. ❖ To do this properly, the real-estate sales price you have chosen is another Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a broker must function as a project man- function a broker should be responsi- has a priority interest in the property it licensed real estate broker (Anessa V Cohen ager; good marketing is but a part of ble for, together with providing you has been asked to give a mortgage on, Realty) and a licensed N.Y.S. mortgage broker (A.C. Action Mortgage Corp.) with over 20 years the functions required to make the with the means to make informed deci- and will require a bank appraisal with of experience, offering full-service residential and sale of your home a success. sions on the direction you wish to con- three or four closed sales to substanti- commercial real estate services and mortgage services. She can be reached at 516-569-5007. Throwing a “for sale” ad in the tinue in promoting your property. This ate the purchase price of whatever deal Readers are encouraged to send any questions or newspaper or sticking a “for sale” sign is especially important in meeting the the buyer and seller have proposed. As scenarios to [email protected].

Yo-Yo Effect Continued from Page 38 body. This is important when weight loss is the goal. A minimum of eight glasses of water should be consumed daily. Adequate fiber intake is also essential for its role in providing satiety. Dietary fiber delays the feeling of hunger, resulting in decreased appetite and intake of calories. So read labels and choose foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Now with all this information at your fingertips, should I share the bad news or the good news first? We’ll start with the latter. Results are attainable and within your reach. Simple changes in habits can yield very favorable results. The bad news is it requires commitment, willpower, and discipline. However, once desirable weight loss has been achieved, it will be well worth your time and effort. There is nothing more gratifying than having the energy and the stamina that results from a healthi- er lifestyle. Your mind will work better, your body will feel better—and think how great you’ll look in your clothes. So the next time you reach for that cookie, stop and ask yourself, “Is it really worth it?” If the answer is yes, then go ahead and have it, but remember that you’ll have to compensate by cutting out some other calories or burning it up when you exercise. And remember to stop at that, because moderation and discipline is the key to success. All this being said, we are cognizant of those people who have—despite commitment, willpower, and discipline—not been able to achieve their goals. Be on the lookout for a future article discussing the role of nutrition and medical/surgical intervention. Until then stay well, do your best, and “Healthy appetite!” ❖

Karen Kahn is a registered dietitian with diverse experience in the field of nutrition. She has a strong background in clinical nutrition and is currently working at a weight-loss center in Port Washington. Karen frequently writes and speaks on nutrition and health topics. If you have questions or comments, please e-mail [email protected]. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 39 Secrets Of The 15-Minute Chef Hubby and I often find it hard to eat cles and showcase both my skills and the than pleasing those closest to you. When at the same restaurant. He prefers pizza recipes in my repertoire. Quite frankly, I Hubby loves dinner, I feel like a suc- Success and fries to almost anything else, and I am still very stunned that I can actually cess—even if it is the same dinner over want a salad bar. When we go for sushi, cook, which may be why I feel the need to and over and over again. I guess I should BY JAMIE GELLER we can’t share, because I love vegetable prove (to myself) that although I have just count myself lucky. Once my kids are rolls wrapped in rice paper, and he store-bought gefilte (on occasion) and old enough to have an opinion, then their So what makes someone a success? wants the real deal—raw fish. When we steamed string beans, I deserve to be the preferences will count just as much; but Who are judge and jury when it comes go to a steakhouse, I order Dover sole. author of a cookbook. As a result, I cook till then, they are happy with whatever I to your cooking? Your parenting? Your And sometimes, in the winter, I’ll make two meals—one for Hubby and one for put on their high chairs or in their bottles. work? If you are juggling it all—head two different kinds of soup for dinner— guests. Shabbos at my house goes a little But since all agree that the brisket is just barely above water—have you and he’s wondering where the meal is. something like this: yummy, I’ll give you this winner recipe made it? If your kids run to you with a If I’m going to cook, I want to exper- Gefilte for him, lemon-and-dill salmon in the hopes that it’s as big a success in smile and cry when you leave—are you iment and try new things, but Hubby with scallion sauce for them. Chicken your house as it is in mine. their Number One? And if your hus- wants the same menu every Shabbos: soup for all. Potato kugel for him, and band loves your cooking, is that gefilte (the only fish he’ll eat outside of wild mushroom and herb rice pilaf for Brisket In Wine Sauce enough—or do all the guests have to a tuna sandwich and his sushi), chick- them. Steamed string beans for him, and Prep time: 9 minutes love it, too? en soup (even in the summer), duck- Italian zucchini for them. Plain tossed Cook time: 3 hours After I married, I realized that not sauce chicken, potato kugel, and salad with bottled dressing on the side for Chill time: none everyone has the same taste—or my steamed string beans or broccoli. him, and California avocado salad for Yields: 8 servings taste, for that matter. Before then, I did- When he’s feeling wild and crazy, we do them. Israeli cabbage salad for him, and Ingredients: n’t know there was any dispute on what’s steamed broccoli mixed with cauli- multicolored tomato salad for them. And 1 beef brisket (4 lbs.), thick-cut best, most delish, and preferred. It was flower (which he still devours hungrily then dishes that everyone agrees are 1 Tbsp. paprika 1 then that I realized not everyone agrees even after I’ve overcooked them!). yummy—carrot muffins, broccoli mush- ⁄2 tsp. basil that avocados and chocolate are two of When I have guests for Shabbos, I room pie, and the main dishes: duck- 1 tsp. salt G-d’s gifts to this world. And there are cook way too much. Yes, I have, embed- sauce chicken and brisket in wine sauce! 1 tsp. pepper actually people out there who can live ded in my DNA, that “Jewish mother” So, in the end, it always feels good to 3 medium onions, sliced without tomatoes, eggplant, mush- worry of not having enough food; but I impress your guests and please the mass- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and halved 1 rooms, and cookie-dough ice cream. also have a desire to flex my creative mus- es, but there is no greater satisfaction 1 ⁄2 cups ketchup 1 1 ⁄2 cups dry red wine 1 1 ⁄2 cups water Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 325°F. 2. Rinse brisket and place in roast- ing pan. 3. Rub paprika, basil, salt, and pepper into meat. 4. Scatter onions and garlic over meat. 5. In a medium bowl, mix ketchup, wine, and water; pour over brisket. 6. Cover pan tightly with aluminum foil, tenting so that foil does not touch meat. 7. Bake, at 325° for 3 hours, or until a digital instant-read thermome- ter inserted into the center of the brisket reads 190° for well done. 8. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes before slicing diagonally, against the grain. Serve warm, and pass pan juices in a sauce boat. Tip: The meat gets even more tender the longer the slices sit in the sauce. Feel free to make it and slice it the night before. Then reheat it for about 15 minutes or until warm just before serving. Suggested wine: Hagafen 2001 Estate Bottled Napa Valley Syrah. The leather and licorice of the 2001 Syrah will match beautifully with the spicy yet sweet ketchup, the basil, and the paprika in this sauce.

Jamie Geller is an NYU graduate and former senior writer/producer for HBO. She quit her job to be a stay-at-home mom, publish a quick- recipe cookbook, write newspaper and magazine articles, host and produce a kosher food TV pilot, teach dance classes at the local gym, and care for her family in Far Rockaway. Jamie’s cookbook, Quick & Kosher: Recipes from the Bride Who Knew Nothing, is slated to be released by Feldheim in the spring of 2007. You can contact her at [email protected].

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

40 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES submit material should contact me already be in place for your viewing at [email protected]. Students in pleasure. The Big Show will feature any grade from fifth to twelfth may “oversized” works of art—six feet or also do so directly. Along with the more in dimension—and will run from writing contest, four editors and one April 21 to May 20. agent who plan to attend have indi- So with panel discussions, authors’ cated a willingness to meet briefly readings and signings, film previews, A Literary Festival In Rockaway about getting published in today’s mar- with prospective writers to give them the opportunity to meet local and not- By Stuart W. Mirsky ket. Joining them will be the CEO of an opportunity to pitch their work so-local writers, and the chance for The Rockaway Music and Arts the largest online self-publishing com- for possible publication. The editors new writers to connect with some of Council, in conjunction with two local pany in the country, iUniverse, to offer and the agent have a variety of inter- those who might be able to make their arts groups—the Rockaway Artists’ her own unique perspective on why ests, so please let us know in dreams a reality, we see this as a great Alliance and the Rockaway Theatre new writers no longer have to wait to advance so we can match you up new opportunity to add a further cul- Company—will sponsor and host a be “discovered.” with those who are suitable. Local tural dimension to the peninsula. But Literary Arts Festival in the buildings All the local schools, from Breezy authors should also let us know if you don’t have to be a Rockawayite to which are home to the Artists Alliance Point to the Five Towns, and all young they would like to be included in any attend. Tell your friends and family, and the Theatre Company, located in people with an interest in writing, are aspect of the day’s activities, includ- too—no matter where they live. ❖ Fort Tilden in the Gateway National invited to send in some of their work. ing the sale of their works at the fes- Recreation area. The event is sched- The work will be reviewed and the best tival bookstore. Bat Mitzvah With Emunah In Israel uled for Sunday, April 22. of it selected for inclusion in a special All in all, this event promises to be a By Chloe Rudensky The idea is to help new writers on volume to commemorate our first big one, and we hope the folks of This winter vacation, I went on the peninsula, both young and old, annual Literary Arts Festival. The Rockaway will want to come by and the HAFTR mission to Israel meet and talk with others who love judges are interested in poetry, short take a look. Since many of the activi- through Emunah. The highlight of the written word, including other fiction, and personal or journalistic ties will be in the gallery buildings of my trip was celebrating my bat mitz- writers and those who actually pub- essays. Top entrants in each category the Rockaway Artists’ Alliance, you get vah with the girls and boys of Bet lish the stuff. Begun as a writers’ con- will be recognized at the event. a twofer, as the sculptures and paint- Elazraki in Netanya. Bet Elazraki is a fab, the event has blossomed into a Teachers and school administra- ings on display for the gallery’s opening full-blown festival that could some tors interested in having students reception the following weekend will Continued on Page 42 day rival the RMAC’s other major annual event, the end-of-summer festival and crafts fair held every September. So what’s so great about this Literary Arts Festival? Aside from the fun it promises for writers and writer wannabes, it will give the rest of us a chance to hobnob with many established authors and hear them talk about their books, and what moved the authors to write them. We don’t have any bookstores in Rockaway (the nearest being the Borders Express in Cedarhurst), so for many of us who just love to browse and buy books, this will remedy that—at least for a day. Some 30 authors have so far answered the call to attend, including novelists, memoirists, and screenwriters. Their published works will be on sale at the festival store, and the writers will be available to auto- graph the books. Planned activities include several authors’ panels, dealing with suspense fiction, historicals, women’s literature, children’s literature, coming-of-age themes and, of course, Rockaway itself. One speaker is an expert on the unique language of 17th-century pirates and on the rumors that the infamous Captain Kidd may have actually buried his treasure right here in Jamaica Bay before being apprehended and hanged by the authorities. Successful local writers will also be highlighted, including Rockaway- based Thomas O’Callaghan, author of Bone Thief, a thriller about a serial killer. Thomas tells us he has another book due out this spring. But there’s more to writing than just books, as those of us who are attuned to this modern age will know. So there will also be a panel of screenwriters and filmmakers who plan to show some of their work and discuss the unique demands writing for the big screen places on the creative mind. Three of the promised film clips are from projects focusing on (guess where!) Rockaway. For those who just want to know more about what it takes to break into this rather difficult business, there will also be a panel of editors who will talk 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 41 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS ing this project. Please bring or send schools, and they also elaborated on doctor. Osteopathic physicians (D.O.’s) Continued from Page 41 your donation (anything will be great!) the philosophy behind the project as can diagnose and treat all conditions, in an envelope, marked “Bet Elazraki articulated by the gedolim. perform surgery, and prescribe all med- children’s home for boys and girls Purim Project,” to Chloe Rudensky c/o Many questions and issues were ications, but they are additionally from three months to eighteen years HAFTR Middle School, 44 Frost Lane, raised and discussed, but on one point trained in osteopathic manipulative old. These children come from Lawrence, NY 11559. Thank you! everyone was in agreement: The study medicine. The goal of the D.O. is to Chloe Rudensky is a seventh grader of the taryag mitzvos at a young age is assist the body’s natural ability to heal at HAFTR Middle School. ❖ providing a tremendous enrichment to itself with all of the accepted medical talmidim by giving them a broad treatments, including the hands-on Torah Umesorah Leadership Visits knowledge in all aspects of the Torah approach, which is called osteopathic Taryag In Eretz Yisrael and a deep appreciation of mitzvah manipulative treatment (OMT). The leaders and administrators of observance. As one of the speakers More than 90 percent of episodes of Torah Umesorah, the umbrella organi- remarked, “The Taryag Mitzvah lower-back pain are of mechanical ori- zation of the Torah school system in America, recently traveled to Eretz Yisrael, where they met with many gedolim, rabbanim, and mechanchim and engaged in important discussions and conferences regarding critical issues in the world of chinuch today. One of the highlights of their tour was a meaningful encounter with the direc- tors and staff members of the Taryag Mitzvah Project in Eretz Yisrael. Chloe Rudensky (left) First, they visited the editorial severely broken homes. Some chil- offices of the project and spoke with dren have been abused; others have the researchers, writers, and editors parents who are on drugs or alcohol. doing the monumental work of organ- This Emunah home rescues children izing the vast material into a form that from difficult situations and pro- is accessible to a general readership vides them with a loving, caring and a curriculum for the schools. Project is a holy institution that will gin, and most resolve spontaneously environment. The children also Afterward, they participated in a major undoubtedly play an important role in within one to two weeks. In about 30 receive therapeutic support to cope conference with the vaad ha’chinuch bringing the geulah to ‘Klal Yisrael percent of patients, episodes can last with their family situations. of the project. Rav Ezriel Auerbach, bim’heirah b’yameinu, amen.” ❖ as long as a month, but chronic lower- As my chesed project, I am collecting one of the heads of the vaad and the back pain of more than three months’ money to buy each of the 186 children son-in-law of Rav Yosef Sholom Lower Back Pain And OMT duration accounts for less than 3 per- mishloach manot filled with candy for Elyashiv, addressed the gathering at By Dr. Alla Boohoff cent of all cases. Purim. The names of all sponsors will length. The members of the vaad Editor’s note: Dr. Boohoff has been Mechanical lower-back pain is par- be included in the packages. Any extra shared their experiences in the process providing a series of articles related to ticularly associated with occupations funds will be donated to Bet Elazraki. I of implementing the integration of the various medical conditions and their that involve heavy lifting, bending, or hope that you will join me in sponsor- taryag mitzvos into the programs of the respective treatment by an osteopathic twisting, such as manual labor or nurs-

42 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ing, but people whose jobs involve awkward static pos- ture or prolonged driving are also at increased risk. Episodes of occupational- related lower-back pain are twice as common in adults over the age of 40 years. The overall prevalence is similar in both sexes, but recurrences are more common in men. The underlying cause for the problem can vary from disk damage, spinal instability, nerve compression, or muscle injury to ligament damage. It is not uncommon for people to have more then one damaged structure. Muscle spasms accompany all types of back pain. Muscle contraction (spasm) is one of the body’s protective mecha- nisms when your back is injured. Pain at the sides of your spine indicates associated muscle cramps that can be relieved with osteopathic soft- tissue manipulation. Osteopaths will use therapeutic massage, strain/coun- terstrain techniques to rebal- ance the muscle groups, deep inhibition to reduce adhe- sions, muscle energy techniques to lengthen and stabi- lize muscle contraction, and muscle rehabilitation to strengthen muscle groups. All these techniques are available to the osteopath. The most important benefit when seeing an osteopath is the evaluation and diagnosis process that looks at every patient and plans the treatment program specific to them. Osteopaths are renowned for their ability to use their hands to resolve a person’s problem, also known as “hands on” treatment. Osteopathic manipulation is proving to be particularly effective in treating lower- back pain. Several studies claim that manipulation may shorten the duration of painful symptoms. In one 2000 study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association,95 patients receiving manipulation with soft-tissue massage treatments had significantly more improvement in symptoms even though they reported their pain as being “severe” or “very severe.” There is even more recent evidence that supports osteopathic treatment for lower- back pain. A study published in the November 4, 2004 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine concludes that patients with chronic lower-back pain can be treated effectively with manipulation. The study found manipulation to be more effective— and lower in cost—than other

Continued on Page 44 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 43 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS possible for 10 minutes to reduce Continued from Page 43 inflammation. Take a break for 10 minutes, and repeat three times. This treatments for lower-back pain. can be done every 2 to 3 hours for the During the 12-week study, patients first one to two days. were treated with a variety of accepted • If the pain is severe, make an treatments for lower-back pain, such as appointment with the osteopath. pain medicine, anti-inflammatory med- • If the pain persists after two days, ication, active physical therapy, transcu- see the osteopath. Take note that your taneous electric nerve stimulation (a body takes longer to recover if you device that provides a slight electrical delay your treatment. current to an affected area using adhe- • If in doubt, call the osteopath for sive pads), and hot/cold packs. All of advice. these forms of treatment, including In my next article, I will cover tech- manipulation, were shown to be effec- niques used in osteopathic manipulative for treating lower-back pain. tive medicine to help women during However, manipulation was associated and after pregnancy. with lower costs and less medication. Marilyn Wagner is one patient who Dr. Alla Boohoff is a fully licensed and board- certified physician with more than 15 years of didn’t need a peer-reviewed study to experience in health enhancement and disease know that osteopathy works. The 63- prevention as well as acute, chronic, and terminal health conditions. She believes that we year-old Cedarhurst woman has a life- all have natural healing tendencies and that her long history of asthma and back prob- training and experience can enhance and help guide us to heal ourselves. She is among the few lems from severe scoliosis (curvature physicians board-certified in osteopathic of the spine). “When I got up in the manipulative medicine. Dr. Boohoff’s offices are morning, I would be bent double,” located at 650 Central Avenue in Cedarhurst (516-295-1924) and at 2951 Ocean Avenue (at Wagner says. “It would take a couple Avenue Z) in Brooklyn (718-554-6071). ❖ of hours before I straightened up.” She had been to numerous medical doctors Nationwide White House Call-In for her respiratory and back problems For Jonathan Pollard and had seen a chiropractor for her A nationwide 60-day call-in to the back, without lasting effect. White House campaign has begun and Then she started getting osteopathic will continue through Pesach, the hol- manipulative treatment. Now she can iday of freedom, to call President stand up straight first thing in the morn- George W. Bush’s attention to the con- ing, and she’s eliminated at least half tinued unfair incarceration of the asthma medicine she was taking. Jonathan Pollard. “All I know is that it works,” she says. Organizers of the campaign remind Here are a few simple suggestions the community that the White House for “first aid” for lower back pain: counts and tallies all incoming calls, so • Use an ice compress as soon as every single phone call makes a differ-

44 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ence. The White House phone num- his father, Jacob; the Talmud also indi- James Woolsey, who reviewed the It is now the time to call upon the pres- ber is 202-456-1414. Callers are asked cates that during the 22nd year of an entire classified Pollard file as former ident to release Mr. Pollard. Every phone to call daily between the hours of unresolved matter there is Heavenly director of the CIA under President call is important. Everyone is encouraged 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (Eastern intervention” (Tractate Kesubos, 42b; Clinton, favors releasing him. Woolsey to start calling the White House at 202- Time) and to encourage their family see commentary of Rashi). said, “Now that he has served 20 years 456-1414, and to call daily. members and friends to do the same. In reference to Pollard’s life sen- of a prison sentence, my view is that a For additional information about Callers are reminded to expect the tence, Federal Judge Stephen Williams 20-year sentence is enough and I think the Jonathan Pollard cause, or to print lines to be busy and to keep calling of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the the close relationship between the out the campaign ad, please visit until they get through. District of Columbia declared “…the United States and Israel as fellow www.jonathanpollard.org. For addi- The call-in project is a nationwide government’s breach of the plea agree- democracies is also a consideration.” tional information about the nation- initiative spearheaded by the National ment was a fundamental miscarriage Former U.S. Ambassador Dennis wide White House call-in campaign, Council of Young Israel, with the par- of justice…” Ross, who for more than 12 years ticipation of national and regional Rudolph Giuliani, former mayor of played the leading role in shaping U.S. Jewish organizations, in conjunction New York City and a former federal involvement in the Middle East peace with the Rabbi Leib Geliebter prosecutor, has said that “given com- process, under the administrations of Memorial Foundation and sponsored parative sentences, [Jonathan President George Bush and President by Comprehensive Network, Inc. The Pollard’s] sentence—this I happen to Bill Clinton, has also publicly senior rabbinic leadership of Agudath know because I have seen the docu- announced that Pollard’s sentence is Israel of America has recently reiterat- ments—is way beyond the sentences excessive and that he should be ed its support and signed a declaration, served by other people that have been released, adding that “Pollard has been once again adding their names to the convicted of the same offense.” in jail for so long that whatever facts list of rabbis and community leaders “Against all reason,” says Rabbi he might know would have little if any calling upon all Jews to convey the Pesach Lerner, executive vice-presi- effect on national security today.” message to President Bush that Mr. dent of the National Council of Young Dennis DeConcini, U.S. Senator Pollard has served long enough and Israel, and one who has championed (Arizona, retired) and former chairman that the time has come to free him. the Pollard cause, “all regular channels of the Senate Select Intelligence Jonathan Pollard is currently in his for Mr. Pollard to have his sentence Committee (responsible for overseeing 22nd year of imprisonment, many of reconsidered have failed. Despite the federal intelligence activities) agrees which were under very difficult condi- intensive efforts of Jonathan’s out- that Pollard should be released, and Johnathan Pollard tions, for the crime of giving classified standing pro-bono attorneys, all legal has written, “I am convinced that Mr. information to a friendly nation and avenues of appeal have been stymied Pollard has expressed the appropriate please contact Rabbi Pesach Lerner, ally, Israel. Others who committed by a justice system unwilling or unable remorse and served adequate time.” Executive Vice-President, National similar or even more serious crimes to correct itself. Only the President of In a letter to the president, the Council of Young Israel, at 212-929- have received more lenient sentences the United States, by granting Mr. Conference of Presidents of Major 1525 or [email protected]. ❖ and treatment. Pollard executive clemency, can pre- American Jewish Organizations wrote, “The 22-year time period is signifi- vent Mr. Pollard from languishing in “While they represent a broad spec- Touro College 36th Anniversary cant,” says Dr. Joseph Geliebter, direc- prison for the rest of his life. We need trum of views, the 54 member organi- Dinner, April 29 tor of the Rabbi Leib Geliebter to convey the message to President zations unanimously authorized us to Touro College has announced plans Memorial Foundation. “In Jewish Bush that Mr. Pollard has served an communicate this appeal that you for a gala 36th anniversary dinner to Biblical tradition, 22 years was the unusually long sentence and the time grant clemency to Mr. Pollard… Mr. period that Joseph was separated from has come to free him.” Pollard has paid for his crime.” Continued on Page 46

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 45 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS founding of its fourth medical school, has been a partner in the incredible and Charles Feigenblatt, a’h, and Isaac Continued from Page 45 to be located in New Jersey. Students growth and success of Touro College. Einhorn, a’h, and Bette Einhorn. are enjoying their first full semester in The Hastens, of Indianapolis, Indiana, Mindy received her Jewish educa- be held on Sunday evening, April 29, the new campus of the Lander College will be honored for their leadership gift tion from the Bialik School and at the Sheraton New York Hotel and for Women on Amsterdam Avenue and to Touro College. Yeshiva of Flatbush High School. Towers in Manhattan. Dr. Bernard 60th Street on the Upper West Side of Tribute committees are currently in Mindy is a lifetime member of Lander and Dr. Mark and Anna Ruth Manhattan. And just last month, class- formation. For more information, Hadassah and has served as the chair- Hasten will be honored that evening. es began at the new campus of Touro please contact David A. Moss, vice- person of numerous committees for In 1971, Touro College started with College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law president for institutional advance- 35 men in a rented space in midtown Center in Central Islip. ment, at 212-463-0400 ext. 430 or Manhattan. Today, more than 23,000 Dr. Bernard Lander, president and [email protected]. ❖ students are enrolled in Touro College’s founder of Touro College, will be hon- various undergraduate, graduate, and ored at the dinner for his phenomenal Young Israel Of Hewlett professional programs at more than 29 leadership and vision, for his remark- Dinner Honorees campus locations throughout New York able and historic role in the advance- On Sunday, March 18, the Young and in California, Florida, and Nevada. ment of education in the United States Israel of Hewlett will be honoring a Internationally, Touro College is educat- and abroad, and for his remarkable most deserving couple, Mindy and ing students in Jerusalem and Moscow. contributions to the building of Steven Einhorn. The congregation is Touro’s educational programs, in New Yiddishkeit and the Jewish people. Dr. grateful for the dedication by Mindy York and elsewhere, provide young men Lander has, with boundless energy and and Steven, role models who are well and women with quality educational passion, developed the college into the deserving of this honor. opportunities and strengthen the com- successful and important international Mindy and Steven, both of whom munities where they are located. educational institution that it is today. were born and bred in Brooklyn, have Touro recently announced the open- Dr. Mark and Mrs. Anna Ruth been married for 32 years. Mindy and ing of the Touro College of Osteopathic Hasten will also be honored at the 36th Steven were raised in homes in which Medicine in Harlem, New York’s first anniversary dinner. Dr. Hasten has a strong sense of Jewish pride and new medical school in nearly 30 years, served as the chairman of Touro’s board commitment to religious observance and is making preparations for the of trustees and board of overseers and were exhibited by their parents, Rose Mindy and Steven Einhorn. the PTA of the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway, where she has served on the board. Steven received his Jewish education from Yeshiva Ohel Moshe. Mindy and Steven have each distinguished themselves, assuming leadership roles in various shul projects and programs. Mindy has successfully co- chaired the Sisterhood’s annual Purim shalach manos fundraiser for many years. Mindy has also co-chaired the annual shul dinner for many years and recently has served as Sisterhood co- president for two years. Steven is currently a member of the board of direc- tors of the Young Israel of Hewlett and has been actively involved with both the House Committee and the Rabbi Committee. Together, Mindy and Steven successfully co-chaired a schol- ar-in-residence program for Shabbos. Mindy and Steven are the proud parents of David, Isaac, and Joshua. All three sons have attended the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway. For more information about the dinner or to find out more about the Young Israel Of Hewlett, please contact the shul’s office at 516-295-2282. ❖

JCC Events And Programs The JCC of the Greater Five Towns announces the following programs. Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at 207 Grove Avenue in Cedarhurst. For more information or to register for any of these programs, please call the JCC at 516-569-6733. To speak to Cathy Byrne, dial ext. 220; Chana Pfeifer, ext. 213; Dee, ext. 203; Linda Balch, ext. 211; Lisa Barnett, ext. 210; Lisa Stern, ext. 209; Mary Sheffield, ext. 219; Gilda Tesser, ext. 212; or Sheryl Wyszkowski, ext. 222. Meetings And Groups Adults Singles With Disabilities.On Monday, February 12 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. join your buddies to play games together. Prizes are provided as well as hot cocoa and light refreshments. Bring your favorite games!! Fee $4. On

Continued on Page 48 46 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 47 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS L’chaim Club At Temple Gates Of Pfeifer or Lisa Barnett. Pesach cooking; Monday, April 23: Continued from Page 46 Zion. The program for older adults Education fantastic fish; Monday, May 7: chick- meets once a week on Wednesday at Beginners Israeli Dance Class. Meets en, seven ways; Monday, May 14: dairy Sunday, February 18 from 12:00-2:00 322 N. Corona Avenue in Valley once a week, Wednesday mornings, delights; Monday, June 4: super sum- p.m. meet at Traditions restaurant to Stream, 1:00–3:00 p.m. It features 9:30–10:15 a.m. For further informa- mer salads. Cooking classes are $45. enjoy an afternoon at a popular kosher exercise, lunch, and refreshments for tion or to register, please call Sheryl All classes offered 10:00 a.m and 7:30 deli. Pre registered dues are $10, same- older adults; call Linda. Wyszkowski. p.m. For further information or to reg- day registration is $13. Call Chana Multiple Sclerosis Exercise Program. Bo Nedaber—Let’s Talk. Meets once ister, please call Sheryl Wyszkowski. Pfeifer with questions or to register. The program features yoga, tai chi and a week, Tuesdays 10:30–11:45 a.m. KAPAP With Brett Halem. Autistic Children And Their Families. exercise to music for those with MS. It Join a circle of friends for lively (Defensive Tactics Systems) The pro- Monthly social skills groups for children meets every Monday, 1:00–2:00 p.m. Hebrew discussion, about current gram will begin on February 6, Women of all ages on the ASD spectrum. For more information, call Cathy. events, Israeli culture, recipes, litera- 7:00–8:00 p.m. six sessions for a fee of Monthly support groups for parents/ Ongoing Phase I/Bereavement Sup- ture, and much more. For further $75. Men eight classes, 8:10– grandparents with children on the ASD port Group. The initial stages of information, please contact Dee. 9:10 p.m. for a fee of $100. For further spectrum. A sibling support group for bereavement can be a painful and Cake Decorating By Gitti Allman. information or to register, please call children who have an autistic sibling lonely time. You may feel sad, aban- Wednesday, February 28: Purim enter- Sheryl Wyszkowski. meets once a week on Wednesdays, doned, angry, confused, or uncertain. taining; Wednesday, March 14: Pesach Lunch & Learn at Beth Shalom.Fee 5:30–6:30 p.m. Recreational programs Grief is both an emotional and a phys- delights; Tuesday, May 1: springtime $2. For further information or to regis- for children on the ASD spectrum ical reaction. You are not alone in cop- entertaining. Cake decorating classes are ter, please call Sheryl Wyszkowski. (music, art, physical education) meets ing with your grief. For further infor- $36. All classes offered 10:00 a.m. and SAT Kaplan Test Prep. Classes take once a week, Wednesdays 5:30– mation, please contact Lisa Stern. 7:30 p.m. For further information or to place once a week on Sundays, began 6:30 p.m. Ongoing mentoring programs Parkinson’s Support Group. A week- register, please call Sheryl Wyszkowski. on January 21 at 5:00 p.m. and for children on the ASD spectrum. On ly group takes place on Tuesdays, Computer for Beginners. Five Tuesday–Thursday starting January 23 Sunday, February 18 at 11:00 a.m. see 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.; call Cathy. Mondays beginning on February 12 at at 6:00 p.m. “Seussical, The Musical” at The Stage Scrabble Players Club. A weekly 10:00 a.m. The fee is $125. For fur- Sewing Class For Beginners. Classes in Merrick, NY. Pre-registration is group takes place on Mondays at ther information or to register, please will take place once a week on Tuesday required. For more information, call 7:30 p.m. The fee is $5; call Sheryl call Sheryl Wyszkowski. morning beginning on February 20 at Gilda Tesser. Wyszkowski. Conversational Hebrew Ulpan. New 10:00 a.m. and will continue for a total Come Alive Social Day Care At Shalom Club At Temple Hillel. The classes will start in February. Each class of four two-hour lessons. The fee is Congregation Sons of Israel. The pro- program for older adults meets once a will have ten sessions for a fee of $180. $125. Bring your own machine. For gram takes place on Mondays and week on Monday at 1000 Rosedale The beginner’s class will begin on further information or to register, Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; the Road, North Woodmere, Monday, February 19 at 7:30 p.m. The please call Sheryl Wyszkowski. ❖ fee is $40. This is a social day program 10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. It features exer- intermediate class will begin on Monday, for homebound, physically challenged cise, lunch, and a lecture for older March 6 at 7:30 p.m. The advanced class Ezer Mizion Needs Your Help older adults. It includes door-to-door adults; call Lisa Stern for dates. will begin on Monday, February 19 at Simcha Ideas—You’re planning a transportation, kosher lunch, and Traumatic Brain Injury Program. 7:30 p.m. For further information or to party and looking for the perfect theme? activities. Pre-registration is required; Promotes wellness and friendships while register, please call Sheryl Wyszkowski. You want to enhance the spirituality of call Mary or Linda. managing the difficult symptoms of TBI. Cooking Classes By Naomi the affair? As your guests partake of the Enrichment Program For Holocaust Meets once a week on Wednesdays, Nachman. Monday, February 12: delicious food served, offer them the Survivors. Meets every Thursday at 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., at Sons of Israel. souper soups; Monday, February 26: opportunity to augment the sanctity of 10:30 a.m. Call Lisa Barnett Pre-registration required; call Chana Purim seudah; Monday, March 12: your event by joining Ezer Mizion in its

48 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Urgent Blood Drive—Somebody is office is thick. All ways and means to His greatness was already noticeable waiting for you. An eight-year-old child is obtain funding are pursued. The staff in his youth. In Talmud Torah Yesodei trusting you. He is depending on you and can only think of this small child… HaTorah in Tel Aviv, he skipped two Jews everywhere to help save his life. and his future children…and their grades, and his rebbis took note of his D.L. was diagnosed with leukemia two future children….infinite generations sharp mind, quick grasp, and insight. weeks before his birthday. While other dependent on the compassion of fel- At the age of 11, he was already learn- boys dreamed of a bike or a computer low Jews throughout the world. Jews ing in Yeshivas Ponevezh L’Tze’irim, game, D.L. asked only that he be allowed everywhere are being asked to con- whose rosh yeshiva was then HaGaon to live to celebrate more birthdays. A tribute so that testing can be done and HaRav Aryeh Leib Steinman, shlita. bone-marrow transplant can save his life, the life of D.L. and others like him be Later on, he attended the renowned the doctors say, but it has to be a good saved…so that the transplant be done Ponevezh Yeshiva, under the founding genetic match. On February 14, Ezer before it’s too late. For further infor- rosh yeshiva, HaGaon HaRav Shlomo Mizion, the largest Jewish Bone Marrow mation contact Ezer Mizion at 1281 Yosef Kahaneman, zt’l, who guided his Registry, is holding a drive to test poten- 49th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11219, or learning personally, calling him “my tial donors at dozens of testing stations in call 718-853-8400 or visit www.ezer missile.” After a short while in the Israel. “We expect about 20,000,” says mizion.org. ❖ yeshiva, he became a talmid of Rabbi Chollak, founder of Ezer Mizion, HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Rozovsky zt’l, but tissue typing is expensive and fund- The Modzitzer Rebbe, Shlita: A who became his rebbi muvhak in Torah ing is urgently needed to test the sam- Brief Biographical Overview and halachah. Eight-year-old waiting for a match for a bone- ples. Sandra, D.L.’s mother, sat in Ezer Moreinu verabbeinu Rebbe Chaim After the passing of Rav Rozovsky, the marrow transplant Mizion’s office and cried and cried, “I lost Shaul Taub, the Modzitzer Rebbe, shli- Rebbe, shlita, learned from the rosh yeshi- my mother and grandmother through ta, was born on 13 Adar 5711. He is va, HaRav David Povarsky, zt’l, (who hap- efforts to assist many Jews undergoing leukemia. Please, G-d, I do not want to the son of the previous Modzitzer pened to also be the rosh yeshiva of his crises, sending them beautifully pre- lose my son.” Currently Ezer Mizion is Rebbe, Rebbe Yisrael Dan, the father, the Nachalas Dan, when he pared food packages via its food distribu- able to match 40 percent of the requests Nachalas Dan zt’l, and tlch’t, his moth- learned in Yeshivas Beis HaTalmud in Tel tion program. The cancer patient who is received. More funding will result in an er, the daughter of Rebbe Shmuel Aviv). Rav Povarsky also gave semichah to unable to provide regular meals for her enlarged registry so that figure can grow. Aharon Shitzdrovitsky, zt’l,of family smiles in joy as an Ezer Mizion The tension at the Ezer Mizion Bialystok. Continued on Page 55 “angel” brings food daily, providing the much-needed nutritional and emotional support: a hot meal, practical assistance, and a shoulder to cry on. An elderly parent is suddenly hospitalized with a stroke. The family gathers around their loved one 24/7. They’re worn out but don’t want to leave. Along comes a sym- pathetic Ezer Mizion volunteer with hot meals for everyone. They feel rejuvenat- ed and offer their heartfelt blessings to her and those that support the program … like you and those attending your simcha. Your guests will feel elevated dining on sesame chicken and knowing that their contribution has helped another Jew in his hour of need. Your seating plan is working fine. Your guests are enjoying themselves. Conversation is flowing nicely. Perhaps you’d like to remind them that there are Jews out there who cannot enjoy the simple pleasure of a talk with a friend. Due to congenital defects or sudden illness, they are unable to speak. But, being warm human beings like all of us, they have so much to say. In this technological age, there exist state-of-the art machines that allow the speech-impaired to communicate effectively. They are no longer locked in a world of loneliness. They can voice their thoughts and feelings. The machines are expensive and only a limited number are available. You may wish to have two children play a game of charades. Ask your guests to imagine what it would be like to always have to mime thoughts. As the jokes are passed around the table, invite your guests to contribute to Ezer Mizion’s VOCA Division and give a voice to those that cannot speak. Other ideas: A Purim seudah— destroy Amalek with a Jewish act of chesed. A wedding—enclose an insert with your invitation inviting your guests to enhance the spirituality of your wedding by making a donation in lieu of a gift. A bas/bar mitzvah: elicit your child’s ideas for raising money for tzedakah, thus educating him on this special day to be a responsible Jew. The theme: Looking outward to help another. The reward: A profusion of blessings from the Creator of us all. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 49 the foreseeable future, we can expect pared to deal with it. to see all manner of voting records Even more wearying is the knowl- splashed across television screens and edge that, once in office, the winner on the front pages of newspapers. can expect to face many more such Campaign ads will be nonstop and, challenges, usually for the duration of given that dirty politics is a fact of life, his term. So why do so many people do each ad will contradict the opposing it? Why do they run? It’s hard to candidate’s claims. The sad thing is believe that altruism has much to do Why Do They Do It? that it’s the schmutz, rather than the with wanting to become president of issues of a campaign, on which most this great nation. Personally I think it’s people focus. more likely to be vanity, the desire for Are all these people crazy, or what? finance laws, but there is some ques- John Q. Public may not understand power, and a form of exhibitionism. In recent weeks, not a single day has tion as to the constitutionality of these much about a candidate’s platforms Still, how does the glory of being passed when I haven’t opened up a limitations. Confusing? You bet it is! and policies, but he sits up and pays addressed as “Mister President” (or newspaper or turned on the television The issue is complicated, and what to learn that yet another “hopeful” is constitutes too much spending, and by announcing his candidacy for whom, is always up for discussion. President. With everyone throwing his Sometimes a candidate receives (or her) hat into the ring, there will be donations from a crook or from an As soon as he’s out of office, this guy who a lot of bare heads out there this winter. organization with questionable creden- In the early 19th century, when box- tials. If the word gets out, the candi- couldn’t do anything right suddenly becomes ing was extremely popular, anyone date usually claims not to have known wanting to challenge a boxer would lit- a thing about it. In his defense, he’s erally rip his hat off his head and toss most likely telling the truth, since an elder statesman. it into the ring. This is where the campaign managers and other assorted expression originated, but it has long underlings involved in the campaign since ceased to mean any such thing. effort don’t necessarily brief the office- Today, if one is said to be tossing his hat seeker on where all the money comes attention when someone is accused of “Madam President”) outweigh the in the ring, it signifies that he’s offer- from. How could they? He never stays wrongdoing. Accusations of tainted grief? One thing is certain: the job is ing a political challenge. Chances are in one place long enough. money, past associations with undesir- not for the faint of heart. the hat-thrower would suffer less The very essence of a well-run cam- ables, and marital infidelity are only Most of a president’s nachas proba- bruising if he actually stepped onto the paign dictates that a presidential hope- the tip of the proverbial iceberg when bly comes from knowing that, for bet- mat with a boxer, because declaring ful is constantly on the road, usually it comes to smearing a candidate. ter or worse, his name will be in the oneself to be a presidential candidate schlepping his wife and children (and, Other waterloos include children who history books. That has to be the ulti- is nothing short of issuing an invitation in some cases, the family dog) along get into trouble with the law, brothers- mate jewel in the crown. Still, first the to one and all that says “abuse me.” for the ride. And all the while he has to in-law who shoot their mouths off, and guy has to be able to live though his Additionally, a declaration of one’s hope and pray that no one will uncov- any hint of racism, either by the candi- term. Presidents have to have a very candidacy indicates a willingness to er any dirt about him, or anyone con- date himself or by anyone he has ever thick skin, because those “job approval spend big bucks on the campaign—his nected to him—now or in the past. associated with. The list of accusations rating” announcements alone could bucks and anyone else’s. Candidates What a life! is endless, and the determined soul unhinge a person. Take the annual are obligated to observe campaign- The election is a long way off, so, for who seeks public office must be pre- State of the Union speeches, for

50 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES instance. How does the most recogniz- president’s staunchest critics, those able man in America face the cameras who delighted in tearing the guy with a smile plastered across his kisser apart when he was in office, now and then go on to make a speech, all defer to his knowledge and expertise. the while knowing that the minute the The only thing a former commander- speech ends every pundit and journal- in-chief has to do is lie low, and he ist out there will be screaming about can expect to be treated like royalty. the fact that his approval rating has That’s his reward for having endured fallen to an all-time low? arduous campaigning, having spent But the State of the Union speech huge amounts of money, and ulti- occurs only once a year. Press confer- mately having lived with criticism ences are even more challenging, during his tenure. because the president has to hold Currently, however, there is an them throughout the course of the exception. Perceived to be the least presidency. As soon as the president sensitive of all recent presidents to schedules a press conference, he may the security needs of Israel, Jimmy demand that all questions be submit- Carter pushed the envelope too far ted to him in advance. While this with his new book. Maybe he got sounds like a jolly good idea, it doesn’t bored and yearned for the excitement always solve the problem, because one of some controversy. Who knows what or two questions might slip by unde- prompted him? But his views should- tected. That’s when the president’s n’t be all that much of a surprise, staff members really have their work since this is the same man who once cut out for them. First, they have him said, “Israel is the problem towards rehearse stock answers to “likely” peace.” This time, the peanut farmer questions, and then they hold a mock from Plains, Georgia, finally shoved press conference. No wonder it’s said his foot so deep into his mouth that it that politicians are great performers. went halfway down his throat. I won- The only things missing are a director, der if it feels something like gagging a producer, a deep but modest bow, on a peanut. and a bouquet of roses. Either way, Carter—who had nothing Although the president is usually more to do than to keep a low profile in for a rough ride both before and and occasionally flash his toothy grin— during the presidency, as soon as he’s went ahead and spoiled the best part of out of office, this guy who couldn’t do the job. He just reminded his enemies anything right suddenly becomes an to regroup and to remain vigilant. He elder statesman. Now he gets great should have stuck with farming. ❖ press. Journalists can afford to be kind to a former president, because Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a licensed real-estate broker associated with they have the current occupant of the Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at Oval Office to badger. Even the ex- [email protected] or 516-902-3733.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 51 it… When you hire a photographer you The public is fragmented in its per- discuss the tangibles. Later you judge ception of what is and what makes a the results. If not too dark or light, not Photo Prose photographer. Many instinctively know off center, too close, or too far, is it that being a photographer is much more good? But these goals alone are not Transition Period It is now possible for everyone to than being a picture-taker. They say, what the photographer was going for. BY GARY RABENKO take pictures. If everyone is a photog- “Oh, anyone can take a picture.” That He should have used skills and talents rapher, then no one is a photographer! does not make them a photographer. to make a statement, to make one Note to my readers: Please send the It used to be that understanding how Or, “I love taking pictures!” or “That think, to create a mood, a feeling. publisher an e-mail to let him know the process worked, and being able to camera takes wonderful pictures.” Some of the nicest images could be that you enjoy (or hate!) this column. shoot for it, made the photograph bet- It seems that over the years, while a dark and highly contrasted, making Please send me your comments, ques- ter. Wanting to be better, of course, few good photographers were trying to them more powerful. Or they could be tions, or suggestions on future topics made the photographer better, and emphasize the intangible, the meta- very light and ethereal, or soft and gen- (see contact information at the end of earning the respect and rewards that physical, and the emotional, manufac- tle, or they could be bold and saturat- this article). Your ideas and visions are only the few can, motivated them to be turers were emphasizing just the oppo- ed, or shot off center, at an angle, or important to me, and I would love to their best. site. So today, if you are one who really blurred in motion. Deciding on what, address them. which, and when, is what being an We are in a state of flux—a transi- artist is all about. tion stage. The first photograph was Great photography requires deci- made about 180 years ago. The digital sions made at that instant by the pho- revolution slowly began about ten tographer. Great photography involves years ago, but practically speaking the If everyone is a photographer, overriding automatic camera settings last three years have seen manufactur- and choosing one’s f-stops and shutter ers catching up with its potential and then no one is a photographer! speeds. Great photography, first and making digital image acquisition an foremost, requires both the photogra- easy reality for everyone. pher and the client to know they both At this moment, many photogra- want great photography, and they want phers are not sure what their role is or the photographer to make decisions. should be. The public is not sure what Being a photographer then had a values emotion, expression, and feel- Snapshots, on the other hand, are makes photographers different. New certain aura of magic. Good photogra- ing, you can have a hard time finding flat, with directionless light, and little picture-takers are turning pro and rep- phers did not work by habit, using the right photographer. Since much of drama and mood. They make people resenting themselves as experts. Good shortcuts learned in seminars, but the public has bought into the idea that look heavier, have less character, and photographers are asked to do what really knew theory, had heart, and the camera makes the photographer, appear two-dimensional. If the photog- lesser ones who are not skilled are expressed that heart in their skilled they are happy with snapshots. And rapher is being judged by snapshot doing—just to cut costs. Party plan- photos. Pre-visualization played a huge while we realized that the pen does not standards, or if the client has been ners, caterers, and friends, who are not role in developing their skills and their make the writer, or the scalpel the sur- convinced such photography is the trained to judge photography, recom- success, and was a word that entire geon, since just getting an image goal, then not only will the client not mend those who produce only “accept- courses were based on. seemed the goal in the past, now that be happy with photography done by a able” results. Today, pre-visualization is all but anyone can get an image, many have skilled professional, but the photogra- What is acceptable, and what is forgotten. The screen is too dark? You lost sight of the fact that this is not all pher will not feel sufficient motivation, great? adjust it lighter. Too light? Darken there could be or ever was! financial and otherwise, to bother

52 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES doing what most do not. Yet those who go to photographers are often critical And they stood of the fake, unemotional, “standard” looking photos. So on the one hand under the mountain you want an artist, and on the other (Sh’mos 19:17) hand you are judging the results as a snapshooter. This teaches that G-d over- You do not want someone who is experimenting or practicing on you. turned the mountain upon You do not want someone who believes them like an [inverted] that being different is being better. You want someone who knows what to do, cask, and said to them:“If and does it. But that means hiring an you accept the Torah, fine; if experienced expert, who will not be not, there shall be your judged by amateur standards nor have amateur pricing. burial.” The question is, when will things level off? Photographers should feel that Rabbi Acha ben Yaakov their work is valued, in this age of every- observed:This resulted in a one being a photographer. That affects one’s choice to become a photographer. strong legal contest against Only if it is valued will they have the the Torah (since it was a motivation to be better. When will the public be able to feel confident that the contract entered into under pro they choose is in fact more than just duress). Said Raba: But they a paid snapshooter? And when will the re-accepted it (out of their many snapshooters who think they are doing the public a service with low pric- own, uncompelled choice) ing and farmed out services realize that in the days of what they do is not elevating the profession and not helping the public get pho- Achashveirosh, as it is writ- tography that means the most? ten (Esther 9:27):“The Jews Next week, I will cite examples of situations where there could be a dis- confirmed, and accepted”— connect between the pro’s goals and on that occasion they con- ❖ the public’s expectations. firmed what they had Gary Gershon Rabenko may be reached at [email protected]. Questions regarding accepted long before. photographic philosophies are welcome. Rabenko Photography & Video Artists (Talmud, Shabbos 88a) (www.rabenko.com, 516-593-9760) is located at 1001 Broadway in Woodmere.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 53 54 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Rebbe’s life. His warmth and love for matter with his father and would bring shul; the lady you carpool with on Continued from Page 49 each and every talmid gave them the him an answer upon leaving the hospi- Sundays; the kid who sits next to yours feeling of being a special “only son.” tal. Those who accompanied the Rebbe in yeshiva…? More than 160 families the Rebbe, shlita, and noted in his letter He also concerned himself with their on his visits to the hospital later testified in our own neighborhood are unem- that “fortunate is the kahal who will have shidduchim, and even helped many of that indeed he went out of the car and ployed, alone, or elderly, struggling to him as their leader.” them with financial problems. Chesed into the hospital, but often did not go up make ends meet. What will they put on After his marriage to the daughter of for others has always been very impor- to his father’s room, but rather turned their Shabbos tables? the Rebbe Avraham Menachem tant to the Rebbe, even though it around and came back to the car with You can be part of this tremendous Danziger, Alexander Rebbe, ztk’l, the increases the struggle to maintain and the answer to the particular problem. mitzvah by purchasing Purim cards Rebbe learned in Kollel Kaplan in Tel develop his Torah scholarship. He The Rebbe’s mother related that on from Tomchei Shabbos Yad Yeshaya. Aviv, headed by HaGaon HaRav managed to do this in a very humble the Shabbos that the Rebbe suffered When discussing the mitzvos connect- Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz, shlita. His manner, out of deep respect for his his illness from which he never recov- ed to Purim, the Rambam says (2:17): rebbeim noted his depth of Torah father, to whom he related as a servant ered, the Nachalas Dan told her that “One should spend on matonos l’evyon- learning, his diligence, and his great to his master. she should see to it that their son, the im more than on mishloach manos or analytic ability to learn a sugya aliba In all public matters, the Rebbe helped Rebbe, should take hold of the reins of the Purim seudah. By gladdening the d’hilchesah (according to the final to explain the lofty ideas of his father. In leadership. A similar message was poor, one emulates Hashem.” Purim halachic outcome). fact, one couldn’t determine the Rebbe’s transmitted to the Rebbe’s gabbaim cards are a simple way to spend more At the same time, the Rebbe shlita own opinion on most matters; he was so and those of his inner circle. on tzedakah on Purim. was called upon to serve in the chief totally supportive of his father. At the funeral of the Nachalas Dan, Every Thursday night of the year, rabbinate of Tel Aviv. In the tradition of The Rebbe reflects lucidly one of ztk’l, one of the elder chassidim and every erev Yom Tov, a dedicated Modzitz, the rebbe served as a rav— the pillars of Modzitz Chassidus—the announced that the Rebbe would suc- group of teenage girls busily packs involved in p’sak halachah and hora’ah ready and warm acceptance of any and ceed his father as the Rebbe for all the food into boxes—all the ingredients of long before becoming a Rebbe, and every Jew. Expressing some of the chassidim, both in Israel and abroad, to a tasty Shabbos meal. Under cover of was appointed rav of the Tiferes Shaul themes that date back to the beis continue the Modzitz dynasty. Without darkness, with the utmost discretion, shul of his grandfather, the Imrei Eish, midrash of the Chozeh of Lublin, the exception, the chassidim accepted the volunteer drivers deliver those boxes to zt’l, on Rechov Dizengoff in Tel Aviv. Rebbe has the uncanny ability to hide declaration, adding that the Nachalas the doorsteps of carefully screened Simultaneously, he was a member of his gadlus and to help one feel totally Dan had indeed left us our consolation. recipients. the rabbinical offices in Tel Aviv in comfortable. And as his father’s right- It is our fervent tefillah that the There are many Jewish neighbor- matters of marriage and Shabbos. hand man for so many years, he also Rebbe shlita should have a long reign hoods that have tomchei Shabbos pro- The Rebbe shlita was his father’s became deeply aware and concerned to lead his flock of chassidim, as was grams, but Tomchei Shabbos Yad “right-hand man.” When the Imrei Shaul with issues of both individuals and of the wish of his forebears—and with Yeshaya is the only organization pro- Yeshiva L’Tzeirim and the Imrei Eish Klal Yisroel, offering sagacious advice him we should greet Mashiach viding food here in the Five Towns and Yeshiva were established, he was appoint- to young and old, reflecting both his Tzidkeinu. ❖ Rockaways, as well as in Long Beach. ed rosh yeshiva and he gave shiurim to the z’chus avos and years of experience. It all started several years ago in a talmidim. He was responsible for their There are many stories relating to the Purim Cards From Tomchei trailer. Despite the affluence for which physical and spiritual welfare, making Rebbe’s advice to others during his Shabbos Yad Yeshaya our community is known, some people numerous fundraising trips to maintain father’s final illness. It became readily Food for Shabbos is something in Far Rockaway and the Five Towns the Torah learning and the growth of apparent that the Rebbe had passed on many of us take for granted. But in could not afford the basic staples nec- Modzitz Chassidus via the yeshiva. to him all details concerning each one of these hard times, do you ever think essary for Shabbos and Yom Tov. The yeshiva, with its talmidim, was his chassidim. Often the Rebbe told a about some of your neighbors—the a very important chapter in the chassid that he was going to discuss the man who sits two rows behind you in Continued on Page 56

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 55 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS must be recommended by a sponsor, Machon HaTorah cooperative agree- others. Continued from Page 55 usually a local rabbi or community ment, a parallel trip was added for stu- Rabbi Zev Friedman met the stu- activist familiar with the case. Since dents at HAFTR. The program featured dents in Yerushalayim and noted, “This Packages of food were assembled by Tomchei Shabbos Yad Yeshaya is a balance between learning and helping program is unique in that it combines volunteers and sent out with volunteer staffed exclusively by volunteers and residents of northern Israel rebuild learning and chesed. The students not drivers. As word of the program spread, has no paid employees, all the funds their shuls, homes, and bomb shelters. only learn Torah but put into practice it outgrew the trailer and several other raised go directly towards purchasing According to Rabbi Yotav Eliach, the ideals of Torah, helping people locations, and is currently based at the the food. who traveled with the students, “the they don’t even know.” Torah Academy for Girls (TAG) in Far Watch your mail for our annual fact that so many of our students were One of the highlights of the trip was Rockaway. breakfast in February! willing to give up their winter vacation the special program at the Kings Packages are grouped in five sizes to “Aniyei ircha kodmim”—the poor of to participate in this very educational Hotel. Parents from the HAFTR divi- accommodate everyone from a senior our own neighborhood are a priority and meaningful program speaks vol- sion of Machon HaTorah had gener- living alone to a family with many chil- when it comes to allocating our umes about their wonderful midot and ously donated thousands of dollars to dren. A typical Shabbos package tzedakah. You, too, can have a share in ahavat Yisrael.” equip a unit of soldiers guarding the includes challah, grape juice, chicken, this vital mitzvah. Students saw firsthand the extensive Abu Dis checkpoint into Yerushalyim gefilte fish, eggs, cake, apples, pota- For more information or to make a damage suffered by their brethren in with winter fleece jackets. The group toes, and juice. Cooked food is sent to contribution, please contact Tomchei communities such as Tsfat, Nahariya, commander was on hand with soldiers those who are disabled and cannot Shabbos Yad Yeshaya of the Five Towns and Kiryat Shmoneh. They cleared to thank the students. Rabbi Zev prepare the food themselves. and Rockaway at 634 Oak Drive, Far rubble, painted walls, and provided Friedman expressed the sentiment of Sometimes food companies donate Rockaway, NY 11691 or 718-327- great chizuk to residents of these the students and said, “It is we who additional items, which are used to 7283. cities. According to senior Noah must thank you for risking your lives supplement the regular packages. Attractive, full-color simcha or Moskowitz, “The trip was an important on a daily basis to make Yerushalayim Packages are sent out every sympathy cards announcing your lesson in achdut, and as Jews we stand safe.” Students heard about the many Thursday night for Shabbos, and there donation to Tomchei Shabbos Yad united no matter which country we challenges the soldiers face and are additional deliveries before every Yeshaya can be ordered year round come from.” A special program was learned that approximately five terror- holiday. A catered meal is provided for from Mrs. Vivienne Frank at 718-327- held by the Livnot U’Lihibanot organi- ist infiltrations a week are stopped at the Purim seudah, and many cases of 3038. Purim cards are available in zation to thank the student volunteers. the checkpoint. The unit commander basic food needs are delivered to each convenient packages of 10, 36, 50, In addition to the various daily shi- gave carefully guarded details of vari- recipient family before Pesach. and 200 from the following persons: urim the students heard, they were ous raids his men conducted and The delivery routes are carefully In Cedarhurst, Marilyn Nussbaum able to spend the last few days of the allowed pictures to be taken with the planned to assure the kavod of the (516-569-0451); in Far Rockaway, trip in Yerushalayim, where they had understanding that their faces not be recipients. For example, Woodmere Shira Beer (718-471-1455); in the opportunity to visit various post- shown. volunteer drivers deliver in Far Lawrence, Joy Paley (516-792-1800); high-school learning programs. When not visiting yeshivos in Rockaway, while volunteers from Far and in Woodmere, Marilyn Blau (516- The girls, or mitnadvot, stayed at the Yerushalayim, students had the oppor- Rockaway are sent to Lawrence and 295-1175). ❖ Kings Hotel and visited Shalavim, tunity to take in some special experi- Cedarhurst. The drivers generally do MMY, Bravender’s, and Midreshet ences. The girls went to Martef not know to whom they are delivering. Rambam Mesivta And HAFTR In Israel Moriah, among others. HaShoah, and heard from Rav Mutti The deliveries are done carefully, so as For the sixth consecutive year, stu- The boys were stationed at the Ariel Dan, head of Ateret Cohanim, as well not to embarrass anyone. dents from Rambam Mesivta spent two Hotel and heard shiurim at Yeshivat as Rebbetzin Heller. Each family that receives packages weeks learning and volunteering in HaKotel, Mevaseret, Shevelei The close of Shabbos was also very from Tomchei Shabbos Yad Yeshaya Israel. This year, as a result of the HaTorah, and Torat Shraga among memorable, with the boys being hosted

56 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES by Yeshivat HaKotel for shalosh Yisrolik—remembered by con- David Wroe conducted the Wallenberg Foundation said, Melaveh Malkah At seudos after davening Minchah centration camp and ghetto Westfield Symphony Orchestra “Our vision for this event is Sephardic Congregation Of at the Kosel. survivors as anthems of resist- and Pro Arte Chorale. David intergenerational and experien- Long Beach The girls were treated to a ance, hope, and deep convic- Broza closed the concert with a tial. In an audience filled with On February 10, at 7:00 special shalosh seudos at the tion. Sheila Abranches, grand- rousing rendition of Yiheye Tov young people, survivors will p.m., join the Sephardic house of the legendary daughter of Portuguese Consul “There Will Be Goodness.” see, firsthand, that their story Congregation of Long Beach Chaim Dovid, marking the Aristides de Sousa Mendes, More than 60 years after has been told to a youthful gen- for an educational night end of an exhilarating two- who issued 30,000 visas saving liberation, survivors have vis- eration that will have the facts with Dr. David Pelcovitz, week experience. ❖ as many lives from persecu- ceral memories of the concen- and feelings to bear witness. Straus Professor of tion, and Solomon Asser, tration camps. They remem- Working together, we can fulfill Psychology and Education Partners Of Hope At President of the American ber a bleak existence with the important commitment at Yeshiva University. The Carnegie Hall Friends of the Jewish Museum indistinct boundaries between promised by so many survivors, topic will be “Psychological The International Raoul Wal- of Greece, whose mother was a life and death, when the even as they stood at death’s and Jewish insight in dealing lenberg Foundation received a hidden child in occupied whims of evil swept away their door: We must never forget.” with stress and loss.” The gift from The Goldwasser Greece, recounted their per- siblings, families, communi- Partners of Hope was pre- event will take place at the Plutzik Family Foundation sonal stories of rescue from the ties, and an entire way of life. sented by the International Sephardic Congregation of allowing them to provide free Holocaust. The event also fea- But at the same time, they Raoul Wallenberg Foundation, Long Beach, 161 Lafayette and reduced-price tickets to tured the premier of a major also remember the courage of and co-sponsored by regional Boulevard (corner of W. Holocaust survivors, students, orchestral/choral work by com- rescuers whose tremendous humanitarian foundations and Penn). For more informa- and teachers for “Partners Of poser Robert Cohen, based on bravery ensured they would organizations. The subsidy tion, please call 516-431- Hope: Honoring Bravery and the poetry of World War II survive against great odds to program was privately funded 3847. ❖ Humanitarianism—Stories of Veteran and Jewish-American live full and beautiful lives. by The Goldwasser Plutzik Rescue During the Holocaust,” poet Hyam Plutzik. Maestro Abigail Tenembaum of the Family Foundation. ❖ Continued on Page58 at Carnegie Hall’s Isaac Stern Auditorium on February 5 at 8 p.m. The program, an evening of music and oral presentations in connection with the United Nations commemoration of the Holocaust, featured Israeli singer/musician David Broza, award-winning actress Eleanor Reissa, and emerging Bulgarian opera star Anna Veleva. The grant enabled survivors and rescuers and their families, and middle- and high-school students and their teachers, to receive free tickets; survivor groups of at least 30 persons to receive transport; and college students to purchase seats at a subsidized rate of $10. Also on the Carnegie Hall agenda was United Nations Under-Secretary-General Shashi Tharoor and United Nations Israeli Ambassador Dan Gillerman. The program featured Shoah songs—Ani Ma’Amin and

Now I know that G-d is greater than all gods (Sh’mos 18:11) This tells us that he had full knowledge of every idol in the world, for he had worshipped them all. (Mechilta; Rashi) The Torah could not be given to Israel until Yisro, the great and supreme priest of the all-pagan world, confessed his faith in the Holy One, saying,“Now I know that G-d is greater than all the gods.” (Zohar)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 57 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS garnered a stellar reputation in Israel Continued from Page 57 and North America for offering a variety of outreach services to many reli- Puah Institute Conference gious and secular families who seek Tackles Critical Issues professional advice on medical issues By Steve K. Walz where a halachic dynamic could be Nearly 2,000 people from across the involved. entire Orthodox spectrum in Israel Some of the biggest names in the jammed into a hotel ballroom on medical and rabbinical communities January 10 to gather information from actively participated in the conference a variety of health, medical, and rab- discussions, which ranged the gamut binical experts who tackled many criti- from the dangers of smoking to b’rit cal issues relevant to the topic of milah, marriage issues, fertility prob- “Men’s health: From birth to old age” lems, parental challenges, and once at the daylong Seventh Puah Institute taboo subjects such as contraception, Conference. The Puah Institute has AIDS, and illicit relationships.

58 February 9, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Halperin, the well.) I’ve seen and heard young men and family. And by the way, smoking also head of the Israel-based Schlesinger Rabbi Gideon Weitzman, the ami- women say, ‘Okay, now I want to be has a direct influence on fertility.” married and this is how many kids I want to have.’ Couples feel pressure to Special thanks to The Jewish Press, where this article was first published. ❖ do certain things before they are ready. Which is also why the conference addressed issues for men and young US Home Remodeling Builds parents,” said Rabbi Weitzman. “At Relationships Puah, we actually give chasan and U.S. Home Remodeling Corp. has kallah lessons that train people how to been servicing homeowners in the deal with important issues. Many cou- community for over 25 years. Under ples often have an unrealistic the supervision and care of its owner, approach to starting a family. Getting Warren Glick, U.S. Home Remodeling married doesn’t mean ‘just getting has proven to be a highly skilled con- married.’ It’s about having a life. We struction company that has an impec- live in a pressured society to begin cable record for meeting deadlines on with, fiscally and emotionally. What time and within budget. we offer is the mitzvah of educating U.S. Home Remodeling is a third- young people, not just the mitzvah of generation family-owned renovation ‘be fruitful and multiply.’ Many cou- and construction business; its goals ples, because of these pressures, sometimes actually have trouble starting a Continued on Page 61

Rabbi Israel Meir Lau and Rabbi Sinai Halberstam.

Institute, opened the conference by able English-language spokesperson offering both a medical and halachic for the institute, emphasized that perspective on smoking. Rabbi Dr. Puah plays a vital role in communities Halperin, through a series of visual throughout Eretz Yisrael. “We are a aids which clearly showed the “before” proactive organization that provides and “after” affects of cigarette smok- important medical advice. For many ing, warned, “Smoking is a form of couples we are literally a free second self-terrorism. Nearly 2,000 people a opinion. Nearly a quarter of our clien- year in Israel die from complications tele are not religious. But we’ve found associated with cigarette smoking. Just that many couples who might not eat imagine what would happen to the kosher still want ‘kosher’ children.” country if 2,000 people died every year Rabbi Weitzman plays another from terrorism. The country would important role at Puah. He advises probably come apart at the seams. This young men and women who are about is a silent killer.” (He pointed out that to get married or were recently mar- smoking is dangerous for women, as ried. “We live in an instant generation.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2006 59 60 February 9, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS a vision to be different than other Warren and his family maintain time and talent each Shabbos. Where Continued from Page 57 home improvement companies. close ties to the community. U.S. do these high school leaders get ideas Harold hated the stigma attached to Home Remodeling has sponsored little for creating a special Shabbos atmos- have remained the same as when the the construction industry. He was league teams for years. His wife, Elyse, phere for their groups? What keeps company was first founded—to satisfy determined to be different. He was works as the nurse at Chatterton them motivated during snow, sleet and customers at every level of their remod- determined that no one would ever tell Elementary School in Merrick. They rain? How do they constantly create eling project. They focus on building him that his company left a project have lived and supported the commu- innovative programs? relationships with their clients and incomplete, went over a budget, or nity for the past ten years. U.S. Home To this end, an annual Bnos Leaders view each project as a partnership. It is charged inflated prices for “additional Remodeling is a licensed contractor in Convention is conducted annually, this thinking that sets Warren Glick work” to the original contract. Nassau County, Suffolk County, and hosted each year in a different city. and U.S. Home Remodeling Corp. Warren, like his father, continues to New York City and is a member of the This year, TAG’s Bnos branch in Far apart from their competitors. prove that not all remodeling organiza- Better Business Bureau, National Rockaway hosted the convention on Warren says the company’s core val- tions are the same. He encourages Association of Home Builders, and the Shabbos Parshas Bo. ues were established by his father, prospective clients to do their home- Remodelers Council of New York. ❖ Under the able coordination of Mrs. Harold Glick. “Any contractor could work. He gives seminars on the subject Breindy Judowitz, TAG High School’s remodel a home, renovate a bathroom, of how to deal with home improve- Far Rockaway Hosts chesed coordinator, and Mrs. Batya or build a new kitchen.” He said. ment contractors, and what you Bnos Convention Krasnow of TAG Elementary School, “However, forming the relationship, should be thinking about when you are Every Shabbos afternoon, across the Bnos Leadership swung into gaining their trust, and fully under- planning your renovation project. He North America, hundreds of girls excit- action. The Bnos branch leaders, standing what the client's needs are, is has conducted his “Six Secrets to edly gather to participate in Bnos Chani Braun, Adina Friedler, and what is important to me. I make prom- Smart Home Remodeling” seminars groups and hear Shabbos stories. ises to my clients and I will keep them. for eight years at the Home Show at All the group leaders volunteer their Continued on Page 63 It is my name behind this business, and the Nassau Coliseum as well as at it is my father’s ethics and values that Queens College and other venues. inspired the goals and values of U.S. Although a full service renovation Home Remodeling Corp. That philoso- and remodeling company, U.S. Home phy is the primary factor that has made Remodeling Corp. especially enjoys this company successful. I intend to the challenge of creating beautiful continue to partner with my clients and kitchens and bathrooms for its clients. complete projects to their complete U.S. Home Remodeling partners with satisfaction—within their time con- various suppliers and tradespeople to straints and within their budget.” ensure a stress-free project that Although very aggressive and cre- exceeds even the clients’ expectations. ative in the advertising and marketing Whether it's a new addition, exten- of their residential remodeling busi- sions, dormers, siding, windows, or a ness, 60% of the business is actually new roof—U.S. Remodeling Corp. has repeat business or business generated the expertise to complete any type of by referrals from past clients. That says remodeling project. Their experience a lot for the construction company and proven track record will make your whose residential remodeling division project less of a “hassle” than you was founded in 1981 with a desire and would have thought.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2006 61 62 February 9, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Shabbos for girls in pre-war Europe, Caterers. The TAG High School audi- breakfast. Following breakfast, they Continued from Page 57 and a meaningful Shabbos is just as torium was transformed by beautiful were kept spellbound by the captivating critical for our girls today. decorations reflecting the conven- words of Rabbi Moshe Bak, mechanech Elisheva Young, spearheaded the After days and weeks of planning, tion’s theme. par excellence, publisher of Raa’yonos organizing committee. Convention shopping, painting, packaging, sched- Mrs. Batya Krasnow welcomed Educators magazine, who spoke to the committee heads Bracha Carrey, Baila uling, practicing and organizing, everyone and led the girls in Tehillim. girls about group dynamics. The girls were honored to hear Rabbi The delegates then loaded buses to Yehoshua Kurland of Yeshiva Sh’or Hot Skates in Lynbrook where they Yoshuv who eloquently spoke about enjoyed a wonderful skating session. The their role as leaders to young Bnos girls got a chance to meet one another, Yisrael. The TAG High School juniors over a pizza lunch, and out-of-towners got presented their magnificent accapella to taste zeppalis for the very first time! choir, ending with their rendition of Kabbolas Shabbos took place at TAG the convention theme song, written by H.S. Two TAG students, Rachel Reich Chaya Basya Brown and Adina and Rachel Axelrod, led the tefila. The Friedler. Rabbi Aron Goldman, beloved delicious seuda was served by the H.S. Rebbi at Mesivta Chaim Shlomo, famous Silver Creek Chef, Mrs. Chaya enthralled the girls with his wonderful Bracha Goldfein, and wonderful TAG style, modeling how to tell a story. waitresses were overseen by kitchen Early Friday morning the delegates coordinator Feige Fried. davened at the TAG Elementary auditorium, and they enjoyed a delicious Continued on Page 64

Delegates enjoyed an innovative game designed for Bnos groups.

Safier, Gila Selevan, Chaya Basya Thursday, January 25 finally arrived! Brown, and Miriam Hecht worked The bitter cold winds didn’t deter tirelessly alongside the branch leaders the warm welcome the delegates to create a truly inspiring convention. received as they arrived at the TAG The theme “The Presents of High School building. Delegates Shabbos—Matanah Tova Yesh Li B’vais hailed from Toronto, Chicago, Boca Genazay V’Shabbos Shemah” was Raton, Miami, Monsey, Pittsburgh, selected. It so aptly echoed an impor- Passaic, Cleveland, Queens, St. Louis, tant component of Bnos Shabbos Brooklyn, Baltimore, Lakewood, groups—to bring the passion back into Denver and Philadelphia.. our children’s Shabbosos. Bnos groups The program began with a delicious were established to bring meaning to buffet supper catered by Silver Creek

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2006 63 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS School’s very own school sec- Mrs. Batya Krasnow mod- Continued from Page 57 retary, who shared with the erated a symposium, “What It convention her unique per- Means To Be A Bnos Leader,” Zemiros were led by Mrs. spective on “Appreciating the with five outstanding pan- Gitty Judowitz and a dvar Beauty of Shabbos.” After elists: Mrs. Shuly Zeiger, TAG Torah was presented by Rivka bentching, the Rav of Agudas H.S. mechaneches; Mrs. Kalos of Bnos Miami. Yisrael of West Lawrence, Naomi Miszonick, TAG H.S. The seuda’s highlight was an Rabbi Moshe Brown, shared mechaneches; Mrs. Nechama inspiring address by Mrs. his divrei hisorirus on the Kahan, former Bnos head Chava Amar, TAG High importance of Shabbos. leader and TAG Kindergarten teacher; Mrs. Miriam Rosenberg, an active TAG parent; Mrs. Henny Bender, a former Bnos Head Leader and Bnos Bais Yaakov teacher. The panelists shared memories and insights into their The TAG choir presented the convention theme song. role as group leaders and how it impacted them in their roles and inspired. powerful dvar Torah was given as teachers, wives, mothers, After davening at their by Matty Gewirtz of Passiac and community leaders. The host’s shuls, the girls recon- Bnos. The delicious meal was girls left TAG into the bitter vened at TAG H.S. for the graced by Agudas Yisroel’s cold streets, happy, animated Shabbos morning seudah.A executive vice president, Rabbi Shmuel Bloom, who shared with the delegates the unique role they play as Bnos Agudas Yisroel leaders. After zemiros and dessert, Mrs. Aleeza Berkowitz, Limudei Kodesh Principal of TAG H.S., had the entire room mesmerized as she eloquently expounded on “The Gift of Shabbos.” The adorable “Bnosers” of the Far Rockaway branch joined the convention and sang and performed a choir to the delegates’ enjoyment. The delegates then bentched and made their way to TAG’s second floor classrooms for workshops led by many talent- ed women: Mrs. Sari Fried; Mrs. Gitty Judowitz; Mrs. Chaya Frishman; Mrs. Naomi Misozhnik; Miss Chanie Lieberman; Miss Sara Bluma Kruger; Miss Avigayil Brown; Mrs. Leah Zeigelbaum, National Director of Bnos Agudas Yisroel, led an animated session for the leaders that would have gone on all afternoon if the custodian who wanted to lock up would have allowed it. On Motzei Shabbos, the girls returned to TAG Elementary School with their luggage. The diverse group of girls from all over North America were now one happy group of friends, busily snap- ping pictures of one another. A tasty buffet was followed by words of tzeischem l’sholom by Rabbi Aron Brafman, menahel of Yeshiva Derech Ayson. He spoke about his memories as a Pirchei leader and told powerful stories of gedolim of today and yesteryear. The climax of the convention was a much awaited concert by the gifted singer Mrs. Malky Giniger. The excitement and spirited singing and dancing were electric. Amidst hugs and final snapshots, the delegates left inspired and motivated to continue their Bnos work with pride. ❖

64 February 9, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Sandy Berger And Jonathan Pollard: American Justice? BY JEFF BALLABON cess in executing the horrible tragedy Berger’s perfidy already dwarf the wide scale, not political playbooks; etc. of 9/11—perhaps even worse, the doc- totality of Watergate: using his status As Ronald Cass sums it up: The grassroots movement around uments he stole and destroyed may and security clearance, Berger repeat- “According to reports from the freeing convicted spy Jonathan Pollard have contained information which edly broke into the National Archives, Inspector General of the National generates lots of heat about purported would help protect Americans in the not a political party’s offices; Berger Archives and the staff of the House of injustice and anti-Semitism, but little future from terrorism. And he is serv- stole documents pertaining to the Representatives’ Government Oper- light about what damage Pollard really ing no time at all. security of our nation at a time of war did to America and why he continues The few facts known about Sandy and imminent threat to civilians on a Continued on Page 66 to languish. I have argued against the political efforts of freeing Pollard, although I am fully supportive of pursuing any and all legal recourse. The lack of actual information of what damage (if any) Pollard actually caused has always given me pause about the fervor of the “Free Pollard” activists, and it remains hard for me to imagine that it is anti- Semitism at work. However, that it is a relative injustice in a system that prides itself on striving for parity in federal sentencing, can no longer be doubted—in light of the system’s treatment of Sandy Berger. Pollard was a relatively low level civilian intelligence analyst while Berger was our nation’s National Security Advisor. Pollard pleaded guilty to spying for an ally (which actually is a lesser crime) and his actions have not publicly been linked to any specific damage to America or her citizens. Recently, even former CIA director Jim Woolsey said Pollard has already served enough time. In contrast, Berger’s actions or inactions as National Security Advisor may have been linked directly to Al Qaeda’s suc-

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2006 65 American Justice Continued from Page 65

ations Committee, Mr. Berger, while acting as former President Clinton’s designated representative to the com- mission investigating the attacks of September 11, 2001, illegally took confidential documents from the Archives on more than one occasion. He folded documents in his clothes, snuck them out of the Archives building, and stashed them under a construction trailer nearby until he could return, retrieve them, and later cut them up. After he was caught, he lied to the investigators and tried to shift blame to Archive employees.” Cass’s article touches on the media’s own perfidy in all but yawning about Berger’s actions. The upshot is that Berger remains a free man who is making millions. He paid a fine and has to do community service. It is a travesty. If Pollard, who has been in maxi- mum security in North Carolina for 22 years and appears to be stuck there for the rest of his natural life, can be said to have been dealt with appropriately, then Berger should be in Gitmo undergoing interrogation (maybe that way we’d get more information about what he actually stole and destroyed and why he did it). In any case, if Sandy Berger is a free man, there is no justification for Pollard to be behind bars. (PoliticalMavens.com) ❖

Jeff Ballabon is a graduate of Ner Israel Rabbinical College, Yeshiva University, and Yale Law School. He practiced law in New York before going to Washington, DC, where he served as legislative counsel to Senator John Danforth (R-MO) and Republican counsel to the Consumer Affairs and Product Safety Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. No Release, No Peace BY BRUCE S. TICKER

Gilad Shalit’s great-grandfather (his father’s paternal grandfather) was murdered by the Nazis and his paternal grandmother survived the war in Vichy France, as The New York Times reports. His uncle, Yoel Shalit, died defending Israel during the 1973 Yom Kippur war. For more than six months, Shalit has been held captive by Arab terrorists in the Gaza Strip. Two fellow soldiers, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, remain hostages of Hezbollah in Lebanon, if they are still alive. All three were seized by terrorists in brazen acts of war. Shalit was kidnapped in a raid in Israel on June 25. Goldwasser and Regev were snared last July 12. Four weeks of warfare ensued. Shalit is believed to be alive, but there is nothing clear about the other two. It is hard to believe that more than six months have passed. I read of Regev and Goldwasser’s capture while checking the news on July 12 before leaving for a train trip to Boston. The next afternoon, news of rocket shellings upon a number of Israeli towns was broadcast on a television set at an Israeli bookstore in Brookline. It turned out that one Israeli 66 February 9, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES civilian was killed in Nahariya and 11 imprisonment of our soldiers is barely were wounded in Tsfat. It is incredible that the continued Continued on Page 69

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2006 67 68 February 9, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES No Release, No Peace news conference in Scotch Plains, Adi Segal, a high school senior in Continued from Page 67 N.J., along with Jewish leaders. State Teaneck said, “I felt I had to do some- Six days shall you Senator Tom Kean, a Livingston thing about it. We are showing the labor, and do all your on the radar screen. Jewish newspapers Republican, said he will press for a res- world American Jews stand by Israel are stuffed with letters about Mel olution to this effect. Good idea: Such in solidarity.” work Gibson and Jimmy Carter, but concern a measure need not be limited to the And U.S. Rep. Michael A. Ferguson (Sh’mos 20:9) expressed for the plight of the three sol- New Jersey legislature. stated, “We cannot and will not forget diers has been limited. It is not like this Speakers quoted in the Jewish News these people and the people who are Is it then possible for a is a matter of debate. A life-and-death said it all: working to find these men and bring person to do “all his work” crisis for three young Jews has been “For the world community not to do them home safely.” largely overlooked by the general public. something, gives the terrorists the feeling If we as Americans, especially in six days? But rest on The captivity of our three MIAs sym- they got what they wanted out of their American Jews, do not show we care, Shabbos as if all your work bolize Israel’s relationship with Lebanon actions,” said Lori Price Abrams, director why should anyone else? No release, is done. and the Palestinian Authority. Their cap- of the MetroWest Jewish Community no peace. (Arutz Sheva) ❖ ture set off this two-front war, and the Relations Committee. “There would be (Mechilta) Bruce S. Ticker of Philadelphia is publisher of soldiers remain prisoners of Israel’s ene- nothing to stop them from doing it again.” CRISIS: ISRAEL. mies. The Lebanese government and the PA are fully responsible for controlling these terrorists, and therefore Israel has every right to re-engage in warfare to secure their release. It is fundamentally humane for citizens to speak out in support of the three soldiers. We cannot be under the delu- sion that a public outcry will produce their release, but it is crucial that Americans, especially American Jews, tell

The Lebanese government and the PA are fully responsible for controlling these terrorists.

the world to care about these soldiers. Thankfully, a nationwide campaign is underway to lobby for their release. Among other actions, several major Jewish organizations are seeking a million signatures on a petition to be presented to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon demanding their release. The petition can be accessed at Freethesoldiers.org, which is operated by United Jewish Communities, the umbrella organization for Jewish Federations throughout the United States. Several members of Congress and the New Jersey legislature of both political parties urged the release of the three soldiers during a Dec. 20

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2006 69 Rabbi Yosef Sheinberger Dies At 87 BY MATTHEW WAGNER The passing of Rabbi Yosef Sheinberger, the political leader of the anti-Zionist Edah Haredit, marks a new era of rudderless haredi zealotry, Yehuda Meshi-Zahav, Chairman of ZAKA (Disaster Victims Identification), said. Rabbi Sheinberger was 87. “Sheinberger never allowed the more extreme elements in the Edah to run the show,” said Meshi-Zahav, who is Sheinberger’s grandson. “He knew how to walk between the raindrops. Throughout the 60 years during which he formulated the Edah Haredit’s ide- ological line, he never broke ties with Agudah,” said Meshi-Zahav. “But today we are witness to small extremist groups commandeering the Edah.” One recent example Meshi-Zahav pointed to was the bodysnatching of a Beit Shemesh woman. The body was reportedly held overnight in a slaughter- house refrigerator by the more zealous members of the Edah Haredit, who feared a state autopsy. Meshi-Zahav also pointed to the appearance of a fringe group within Neturei Karta at the recent Holocaust denial conference in Iran as a sign of a weak leadership. Israeli ultra-Orthodoxy is split into two major political camps: Agudah, which is considered more pragmatic and in many ways pro-Zionist (two of its members signed Israel’s Declaration of Independence) and the Edah Haredit, which saw the establishment of the state of Israel as a rebellion against G-d. Sheinberger fostered ties between the two camps and was a lifelong friend of Menachem Porush, one of Agudah’s leading politicians. “Yosef Sheinberger was the Edah Haredit and the Edah Haredit was Sheinberger,” said Shmuel Popen- heim, editor of Ha’edah, the official weekly. “He was the one who enlisted the rabbis, he was the one who led the struggles against Shabbat desecration and immodesty, he was the one who did the fundraising abroad.” Yitzhak Weiss, a reporter for Der Yid, Satmar hassidism’s Yiddish-language mouthpiece in the U.S., said that Sheinberger’s passing leaves a vacuum. “Rabbi Sheinberger was a creative strategist who transformed the Edah Haredit into a major force in haredi Jewry,” said Weiss. “Today there is no single ideologue who comes anywhere near to Sheinberger.” Sheinberger was the mastermind behind a number of pivotal and sometimes controversial decisions during his 60 years at the helm. He organized massive welcoming ceremonies for the Satmar Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum. In 1979 he brought Rabbi Yitzhak Ya’acov Weiss, a major halachic authority, to the Edah Haredit from Manchester, despite opposition to his appointment by zealots who claimed Weiss was pro- Zionist. In 1981 he issued a decree that all educational institutions that accept state funding were off limits for children of the Edah Haredit. Sheinberger’s family was directly related to the Sanz Hassidic dynasty. (JPost.com) ❖ 70 February 9, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 71 In the third month…that same day they came into the wilderness of Sinai (Sh’mos 19:1) On the first of the month [of Sivan] they arrived in the Sinai…and on that day Moshe did not say anything at all to them, on account of their exhaustion from the journey. On the second day, he said to them,“And you shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests…” On the third day, he informed them of G-d’s command to set boundaries [around Mount Sinai]… On the fourth day, he commanded them to “Sanctify” [“yourselves today and tomorrow” (Sh’mos 19:10); following which the Torah was given on the sixth day of Sivan]. Rabbi Yose says that the Torah was given on the seventh day of the month…Moshe having added a third day of sanctification out of his own understanding. All agree that the Torah was given on Shabbos.They differ only in that Rabbi Yose says that the first of the month was a Sunday, while the other rabbis hold that the first of the month was a Monday. (Talmud, Shabbos 86b)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 72 The Rebbe And The Rocket Scientist

BY YOCHEVED MIRIAM patients were dying. And I was the only spread across the U.S. “Hard to say it, and moved back to Minneapolis.” RUSSO bacteriologist within a hundred miles.” but the Public Health Service wasn’t NASA was next. Greene was called in to advise. “I interested until the disease began to In 1961, Congress practically gave My life is a series of footnotes,” says wasn’t a physician, but they asked for spread to ‘real’ people in the north, not the National Aeronautic and Space Velvl Greene, 78, now retired as pro- help so I advocated a return to the old Cajun blacks in the south. Then they Administration a blank check to imple- fessor emeritus from both the protocols of Semmelweis and panicked and began throwing money ment President John F. Kennedy’s University of Minnesota and Ben- pledge to put a man on the moon before Gurion University of the Negev. “I was the end of the decade. “Maybe 10 peo- at the right place at the right time. Big ple in the U.S. knew anything about things were happening, and I took I had no idea what I was going to do, but I knew space,” Greene says. “All our rocket sci- advantage to be involved.” entists were German emigrants, after Greene, a biologist, earned his first I could find microbes on earth, so maybe I could the war. They started with basic ques- national reputation under fire when a tions—what is the moon made of? Is devastating outbreak of Staphylococcus there life? The concern was that ‘life’ in took place in Louisiana, where he was find them in space. space might be dangerous microbes teaching. He earned his second reputa- we’d bring back to earth, so NASA tion as a principal scientist for NASA in came to me with a proposal. Would I the ‘man on the moon’ project. Today, he Nightingale: wash your hands, wear at it, hoping for a solution. At the time, head up a project to see if there were travels internationally to speak on the gowns, and isolate patients. It worked, I was a 28-year-old kid, but I had expe- microbes in the stratosphere? I had no topic of science and religion, a career so we published a paper on how we’d rience no one else had. When the idea what I was going to do, but I knew that began when he became a close handled the crisis.” University of Minnesota got a million I could find microbes on earth, so associate and emissary for Rabbi While initially the Staph outbreak dollars for research, I got a job offer to Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the occurred in Louisiana, it quickly come back as a professor. We accepted Continued on Page 74 Lubavitcher Rebbe. Greene was born into a secular but staunchly Zionist family in Winnipeg, Canada. “I went to a Jewish day school—$3 a month, which was hard for my parents to raise,” he says. “I learned Yiddish, not Hebrew—Hebrew was for davening, which we didn’t do. We studied Jewish holidays, but only in modern terms—Pesach was a festival of Jewish liberation. But the overriding goal for us as kids was to move to Israel. So I studied agriculture when I enrolled at the University of Manitoba. That would be useful in Israel.” Greene earned a masters degree in dairy science and bacteriology, then joined the flow of Manitoba students to Minnesota for his doctorate. “The joke was, we were going to Minnesota to get warm,” he says. The first footnote appears in 1956. “The president of a small college in Louisiana called, saying he was looking for professors. Gail and I were newly- weds and I’d just received my PhD. There was a crisis at the college—the courts had just ordered it desegregated, and half of the faculty resigned. I was young, idealistic, Jewish, and qualified, so we decided to go. We drove to Lafayette, and I began teaching bacteriology to students with little academic background, and all of whom—black and white—spoke Cajun French.” Greene also became the ‘rabbi’ of the small Jewish community. “I didn’t know how to read Hebrew, I didn’t know much about kashrus or Shabbos. I couldn’t read the Torah. But I was the only one who knew the Hebrew alphabet and I had an academic gown. That was enough.” The next footnote appears in 1957, with Lafayette’s deadly outbreak of Staphylococcus infection. “Staph infections were almost a thing of the past,” Greene recalls. “After the development of penicillin, most infections could be wiped out with an injection. But then the bacteria began to be resistant to penicillin—before, 100 units would stop an infection, then it took a thousand, then a million wasn’t enough. Infectious diseases of all kinds were taking a toll—babies and surgical 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 73 Rocket Scientist were a thousand Chassidim, working debris the main streets had run and the Chassidic principle of Hashgocha Continued from Page 73 guys, just like me. But for them, everywhere the Umschlagplatz had been. protis—Divine Providence: Everything thing the Rebbe said had critical When she came back to the hotel, she that a person sees or hears is designed maybe I could find them in space. importance for their lives today.” sobbed uncontrollably. ‘I don’t care by G-d to bring us closer to Him. I did- NASA set up a lab in Minneapolis and As the Rebbe spoke, Greene what you say, Velvl,’ she said. ‘When n’t quite believe that, but the Rebbe from there we began launching bal- recalled a Bialik poem he’d memorized we get home, I’m going to have a said that for me, it was especially loons, sampling air from miles up. as a child. “In one of his poems, Bialik kosher kitchen!’” important. ‘You work in the space pro- Other projects followed—Mars, then wrote about standing on the threshold Greene was not enthusiastic. “No gram,’ he said. ‘You’re a professor in a the Apollo and Viking missions.” of existence, looking into the depth of one had kept kosher in my family, but medical school. You travel, see, and Outer space may have been Green’s the Jewish soul. That’s what I did at she insisted. ‘If we don’t have a kosher hear things most people don’t experi- profession, but his own inner space that farbrengen. It was my epiphany.” kitchen, our kids won’t grow up to be ence. Why don’t you keep a journal, was evolving, too. “Gail insisted on a Nothing changed quickly. “I was Jewish, and we’re the last ones left. This just a few notes at the end of the day, solid Jewish education for our kids, so still Velvl, working at NASA. Gail was was the center of Jewish life before, and and see if you can find the Divine mes- we found a very small Torah day school sage. If you need help, bring it to me.’” in Minneapolis. It was a great school, With that began the decades-long so it wasn’t long before the kids knew friendship between the Rebbe and the more about Judaism than we did. They rocket scientist, one that lasted until were pulling us along. That’s when we That was the tension in our lives: the Rebbe’s passing in 1994. In time, met Rabbi Moshe Feller, the Chabad Greene became an emissary for the shaliach for Minneapolis. Everything Rebbe, traveling to Russia, ferrying in else began with him.” We wanted both the Rebbe’s dangerous contraband in the form of Greene and Rabbi Feller became religious books and objects. The fast friends. “Rabbi Feller challenged teaching and the shrimp. Greenes sought the Rebbe’s advice on me personally and I was curious. I every issue that arose, including aliyah. wanted to explore all aspects of They had longed to make aliyah Judaism,” says Greene. since the 1960s. “The time was never His first sight of the Rebbe was at a still singing opera. We were still now it’s graves and ashes. Our kids will right for us,” Greene says, “Every year farbrengen, a lively chasidic event shrimp eaters, because in Louisiana grow up in a kosher kitchen.’” we’d write the Rebbe, asking, but the where the Rebbe would speak. “I was we’d learned to love shrimp and craw- “So we flew back, exhausted and jet Rebbe’s response was always the same: in New York on business and Rabbi fish. That was the tension in our lives: lagged, but before we even unpacked, ‘I need you here,’ he’d say. ‘The work Feller called to say a farbrengen would We wanted both the Rebbe’s teaching Gail phoned Rabbi Feller. We got a you do here is important. At NASA and be held at Chabad headquarters. He and the shrimp.” kosher kitchen—but I still ate lunch at with your students, you show both Jews said I should go, so I did. The Rebbe A NASA conference was scheduled the campus club. It was a slow process.” and non-Jews a scientist who wears a spoke in Yiddish, so I understood the for Warsaw, Poland. Velvl met with the Greene’s first personal audience kippah, who observes Shabbos. In words, but I didn’t have enough Jewish Russians. Gail set out as a tourist. with the Rebbe took place in 1963. Israel, it will take years to learn the lan- knowledge to comprehend most of it. “Gail wanted to see the old ghetto but “My appointment was for 10:00 p.m. I guage and acclimatize yourself, and The whole event amazed me: There found nothing but rubble, beams and wasn’t nervous, more awed. The Rebbe even then you’ll be looked on as an was the Rebbe—educated in math and concrete. There was no map, but she was so warm and welcoming he American living in Israel, not taken science himself—who spoke of the had a copy of Mila 18 that had a street seemed more like a loving uncle than seriously. Here, you’ll be missed.’” ‘soul’ as something real, not just an diagram in front. So using the book, the spiritual leader of the Jewish idea. And listening to his every word she could see where among the piles of world. He asked if I was familiar with Continued on Page 77

74 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 75 Kosher Grocer, Eatery Revolve Around Family Life

BY JOANNE BOECKMAN out and eat. Mayeer: When we talked half as many items at first. Mayeer: Malka, and Bracha, who is 9 and about the store, we talked about how Most people, when they think kosher, sometimes helps with busing. Aaron: Mayeer Schwarzbaum, 19, kicked nice it would be to not have to order think of corned beef sandwiches. This has become a real family affair, around an idea with friends of having a cases of food and store it. Also, cleanliness is a top priority. although he reminds us he’s the boss. grocery store in the Des Moines area Why did you choose this location? We’re always washing our hands and What’s your personal favorite menu that would specialize in kosher foods. Mayeer: It chose me. Originally, I was making sure things are organized. My item, Mayeer? The pizza. It’s thin Not long after that conversation, he going to use another building in Des mother, Janice, who helps, is clean- crust and all made in house. was the owner of not just a small gro- Moines. Then this was available. (It ing up all the time. Together, we Where did you learn to cook? cery, but a kosher restaurant as well. is the former location of Pique’s, make a good team. Mayeer: Originally, I had a chef Kosher Express Restaurant & Grocery which has a brightly painted interior.) working here, but he had to leave, so opened Oct. 31 at 2687 N.W. 86th St. in It was a dessert bar and grocery store, I do all the cooking with my mother. Urbandale, behind Vision Park. so this was perfect. I added tables—it I’ve spent most of my life cooking for Schwarzbaum’s father is Rabbi seats 48, although it has capacity for people. Aaron: We’ve had thousands Aaron Schwarzbaum of Beth El Jacob 70. I put in two satellite TVs. The I’m probably going of guests staying over at our house. Synagogue in Des Moines. The kitchen was fully installed by me. It to have some lunch- All seven of my children are involved Schwarzbaums are Orthodox Jews and also has a couch area where people in helping with guests. He’s known they do not mix dairy and meat prod- can sit and relax, or come in and have and-learns. I’ll give a for some of his dishes, like the matzo ucts in preparation or in eating. a meeting. They can just order coffee ball soup. Entrees range from $5.50 for maca- or another drink. We will also have a class and people can Any other plans for Kosher Express? roni and cheese to $12.95 for salmon. wireless Internet connection, Aaron: I’m probably going to have No meat is cooked in the restaurant, although it’s not up and running yet. eat. some lunch-and- learns. I’ll give a although it serves fish and soy meat It will be set up soon. class and people can eat. We might products in its pepper steak dish, soy What on the menu is most popular? have a discussion on the Middle East, burgers and soy pepperoni and Mayeer: Pizza. We sell a lot of salads, or the Jewish approach to human sausage on the pizza. The grocery sells eggplant parmesan and pepper steak, What was your purpose with this, adjustment (anger, love, etc.), inter- kosher meats and other certified too. The fish is well-liked and the pota- Mayeer? My goal is to provide a serv- personal relationships and so on. kosher products. to knish is an ethnic food. It’s similar ice for the Jewish community, but What’s something interesting about to a potato puff—it’s potato with also to the non-Jewish who are curi- the grocery? Mayeer: My idea was to An Interview With Mayeer onions, seasoned, wrapped in dough, ous about kosher food. put in kosher products you can’t get Schwarzbaum And Aaron and baked. It’s $2.25 for one large one So if someone comes in with ques- anywhere else. We have gummy candy Schwarzbaum about four inches round. tions about the food, you’re willing to made with gelatin made from fish. I Where did you buy kosher food How would you describe the restau- talk to them about it? Mayeer: If my can’t go just anywhere and buy gummy before? Mayeer: The synagogue rant? Mayeer: It’s family oriented. father is here, he’s always friendly. If products. They’re made from gelatin ordered it from Minneapolis. Aaron: I Aaron: Most of the business so far I’m not busy, I will come out. My made from meat (that is not kosher). have two sons in Chicago and we has been repeat, so that’s good. The mother and my sisters who help here, This just makes it convenient for those would bring back food from there, too. menu was recently expanded for the too, can answer questions. There are who want kosher food. It’s wonderful now to just be able to go grand opening (Jan. 9). It had only my oldest sister Rivka, Chanee, (DesMoinesRegister.com) ❖

76 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Rocket Scientist Continued from Page 74

From 1976 on, each annual request was met with a shorter reply: “My answer is the same as before.” Then in 1986, something different happened: They received no answer at all. “It seemed like the right time for us,” Greene says. “Gail’s elderly father had passed away. Our three daughters were already married and living here. We had a great offer to buy our house, and I’d been offered the directorship of a new medical ethics program at Ben- Gurion University of the Negev. But in 1986, the Rebbe didn’t answer. We wrote again, still no answer. So we packed up and made aliyah.” Two weeks after arriving in Israel, the Rebbe’s letter arrived, having followed them around the world. “The Rebbe apologized for his secretariat, saying that his original response had been returned, after having been misad- dressed several times. Then he said his answer was the same as before. ‘If you think it over, you’ll see that I am right.’” But the Greenes were already living in Israel. “I immediately phoned New York and explained to the Rebbe’s assistant what had happened. ‘What should we do now?’ The next day, Rabbi Groner called me back. ‘The Rebbe says: If you’re already in Israel, then you must stay. But you should visit America frequently. It may be that your influence in America will be even greater as a visiting professor from Israel.’ Then he gave us his blessing.” In retrospect, Greene says, the Rebbe was right. “We live in Israel, we love it here, it’s our home. But in my heart of hearts, I know we shouldn’t have come. The Rebbe was right—my effectiveness here in Israel has been negligible. It may be true, however, that in the U.S. and Europe my reputation is enhanced by my living in Israel. But the Rebbe was entirely right.” Today, Gail and Velvl Greene live in Beersheba and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. “In Israel we have three daughters and 20 grandchildren. Both our sons are Chabad shlichim in the U.S., with more grandchildren there. We’re a very close family. My most lasting memory of the Rebbe was on our 10th anniversary in 1966, when we went for his blessing. ‘My brachah, blessing, for you,’ the Rebbe said, ‘is to remember that there’s an old man in Brooklyn who thinks about you and invites you to come back on your 20th anniversary for another brachah.’” “That was the Rebbe,” Greene says. “He cared deeply for us, as he did for everyone. But for us, he was the old man in Brooklyn who thought about us.” (JPost.com) ❖

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

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 77 Anti-Semitic Acts Across Europe Rose 10 Percent In 2006

BY AMIRAM BARKAT

The number of anti-Semitic incidents rose significantly in Europe last year, according to a joint study released by the Jewish Agency’s Forum for the Coordination of the Struggle Against Anti-Semitism, the Foreign Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office. Figures for anti-Semitic acts in Germany, Austria, and the Scandinavian countries increased by 10 percent in 2006, the study said. The Lebanon war produced a wave of criticism against Israel, it said, and comparisons of its actions to those of Nazi Germany. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said in August that the Israeli offensive in Lebanon “is reminiscent of the Fascist nature of Hitler.” Likewise, the mayor of Montreal said in August that “the Israelis are the modern Nazis.” Also, a caricature in a Norwegian newspaper showed Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as the sadistic SS officer portrayed in the film Schindler’s List. Studies were released in various European Union countries throughout the year testifying to the breadth and severity of the phenomenon. A report released by the British parliament indicated that Islamist and radical leftist sources were responsible for the heightened anti-Semitism in the United Kingdom. A German study pointed to the widespread use of anti-Semitic slurs in schools, particularly by Muslim students. A study conducted in Ukraine revealed that a third of the country’s residents had negative opinions of Jews. The study indicated that 360 incidents were registered in France in 2006 (compared to 300 in 2005), 312 in Britain (compared to 321), some 300 in Russia (250), 83 in Austria (50), and 53 in Scandinavia (35). The study shows an increase of 60% in anti-Semitic incidents in the Berlin area, though figures were not provided for Germany as a whole. The authors of the document stressed the difficulties in determining whether an incident can indeed be defined as anti-Semitic, but said the paper reflects a broad trend of growing anti-Semitism in the countries polled. (Haaretz) ❖

78 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES tion still doesn’t recognize Israel’s right three millennia? Hey Borat…Guess What? to exist, no matter what their world- Can Condi’s boss say that about his wide whitewashers say—are the Jews’ ranch in Texas? Ask the Mexicans… State Department-designated “peace” Where’s the Israeli leader who will BY GERALD A. HONIGMAN Sunni have repeatedly done after the (of the grave) partners. tell its best friend, America, that if it can Islamic Republic of (Arab) Iraq is set State—with approval from the have national security interests which Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice up upon America‘s withdrawal. Just White House—has repeatedly pres- necessitate that it acquire territories, met with Arafat’s slicker Fatah comrade, look to the east. Kurds have repeatedly sured Israel to unilaterally cave in to topple governments, and meddle thou- President Mahmoud Abbas, on January been massacred there in the name of Arab demands. sands of miles away from home, then it 14 and promised that she has heard Shi’a Iranian nationalism. And Arabs Not long before Prime Minister Ariel needs to understand that a miniscule Arab demands for a stronger American see most, if not all, of this region as Sharon had his horrendous stroke, as Israel needs something more to increase hand to guide peace efforts with Israel. “purely Arab patrimony.” just one of many earlier examples, its own security than empty promises An Associated Press report quoted her Many others have already comment- reports told of Condi screaming at and unfulfilled obligations from Arabs on January 15 as stating, “I have heard ed on Abbas’s recent statements calling Israeli officials at Sharon’s ranch. Such still sworn to its destruction? loud and clear…You will have my com- on Hamas and Fatah to stop killing things as removing checkpoints (that America would not yield to such an mitment to do precisely that.” each other and to turn their guns once America now finds necessary itself in enemy under such circumstances, In other words, it’s “throw the Jew again on Jews. And Condi and the Iraq to cut down on terror); the Jews, and it is 3,000 miles wide, has most- down the well” time again. Foggy Folks act as if they’re deaf, dumb, themselves, supplying Arab disembow- ly friendly neighbors (despite con- Think about it… and blind. Indeed, she’s now planning elers of their kids with arms; returning quering massive territories from at What people or nation would be to supply additional scores of millions to the 1949 suicidal armistice lines; least one), has two oceans helping to pressured to negotiate with enemies of dollars in arms to her buddy Abbas. making Judea Judenrein; etc. and so act as a buffer, has three hundred still dedicated to their destruction? But, fear not…there will be “assur- forth are usually high on such agendas. million people, and is the most pow- Not many, right? Although Kurds ances.” Like those she gave on televi- The title of that January 15 article erful nation on Earth. come to mind also. sion about Hezbollah being disarmed mentioned above read, “Secretary of Israel must find leaders willing to Condi’s crew now expects Kurds— in Lebanon last summer, during State Says She’s Heard Abbas’s Demand.” take a cut in American aid and such, who have been subjugated and murdered “phase two” of the cease fire. Where are the leaders who will put if the price is a Munich-style “peace” by the hundreds of thousands by Arabs Right…And I’m the Passover Bunny. forth Israel’s demands? with Jews as the sacrificial offering. over the last century—to supply fighters Recall that Abbas won his own Who will unabashedly state to And until that time, Israel should not to help keep Arabs of different stripes “moderate” presidency running on a Abbas that Israel will not negotiate agree to attend any proposed new from blowing each other apart to the platform calling for Israel’s destruction with any enemy until it openly Road Map summit like the one now south in the name of the artificial, failed, (but by more acceptable means), and acknowledges to the world and to its being planned. Yugoslavian-type state known as Iraq. all his government agencies, maps, own people in their own language that It will only wind up being “throw the Jew It makes no difference that neither schools, media, etc. and so forth depict it accepts Israel’s right to exist? down the well” time again. (Arutz Sheva) ❖ variation of Arabs—in their own words— the Arabs’ 22nd state, “Palestine,” tak- Who will look the Arabs in their eyes have any intention to treat fellow Muslim ing the place of—not living side-by- and state that if they can have some Gerald A. Honigman is a Florida educator who has done extensive doctoral studies in Middle but non-Arab Kurds as equals. side with—Israel. All of this and more two dozen states created by the con- Eastern Affairs. He has created and conducted Arab nationalism has, and always are well known. At least Hamas is hon- quest and forced Arabization of mostly informational programs for college youth, has lectured on numerous campuses and other will win out over an inherently flawed, est about its murderous, rejectionist other non-Arab peoples’ lands, then platforms, and has publicly debated many Arab synthetic Iraqi nationalism, and if the intentions. Jews can have a resurrected state in spokesmen. His articles and op-eds have been published in dozens of newspapers, magazines, Kurds don’t play ball, the Shi’a in Iraq But, never mind… the land where their ancestors have academic journals, and websites all around the will eventually do to them what the Abbas and Fatah—whose constitu- had a continuous existence for over world.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 79 80 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 81 SERVICES SERVICES PROVIDED PROVIDED

Simchas Naava Too Much to Type? Too Much to Do? Share your simcha flowers! Be College Reports, Simcha Lists, m’sameach other simchas! Donate Secretarial Support. Call Gold Star your fresh flower arrangements! We Typing Service for help. Reasonable will match your simcha date with rates. Call 718-471-9712. simchas following yours or deliver them to nursing home residents. To Master Teacher Tutors donate or obtain flower arrangements, Limudei Kodesh/Secular Subjects call 516-239-6066. Specialize grades 1-8. Adults; In memory of a special friend, Boys; Girls. Call 718-868-3968. Naava Wassner Katlowitz Study with Steve. One-on-one Plumbing and Heating: Sundial tutoring. SAT Math prep, regents, Plumbing. Boilers/water heaters high school and elementary math, serviced and installed. All leaks fixed. high school physics. Call 516-371-5522. Bathrooms, kitchens, basements. No job too big or small. 718-252-1234. Handyman Joe painting specialist, tile work and grout, all installations, New Table and Chair Gemach all plumbing needs, free estimates, 740 Mador Ct. Far Rockaway. reasonable rates. Licensed and Call 718-471-0368. insured. Shomer Shabbos "Maid 4 You Agency" We can help. Call 718-907-0618 or 917-865-5033. Call and you'll have a maid. We provide full / part-time or temporary help. Housekeepers / Babysitters / SITUATION Day Workers / Elder care WANTED Call 917-574-2306 Located in the 5 Towns. Competent CNA with excellent ref- The Computer Place — erences. Seeks job to take care of Computer Consultants, Technical your loved ones. Live in/out. Over 10- Support, Network, Internet Solutions. years experience. Call Claudette Call 800-613-2634. 718-206-1937 or 347-489-0223.

82 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES AUTOS REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE

Cars are 4-Door and automatic shift 5 TOWN HOMES Cedarhurst Deals 5 Towns Jan Kalman Realty unless specified. Most cars have a 1- 516-569-5710 Beautifully renovated colonial 3+1 Open Houses, Feb. 11th bdrms. Fin bsmnt...... $629K year bumper to bumper warranty. VALLEY STREAM: OPEN HOUSE SH Col.,spacious eik, 5 bdrms+ Fin 2006 Nissan Sentra—white, 9K 557 Central Ave. Ced (11:30-1:00) 202 Hollywd Ave,(12-1:30 pm)(2-4) bsmnt. Great loc...... $800'sK factory warrenty, mint condition Apt.8A Lg 1BR. 1st Flr.2 Terr.$225K Cape, brick, MIC, 3Br, NU Eik Call us for more houses! ...... $11,900 95 Washington Ave, Law (1-4:00) ...... $499K ANESSA V COHEN updated 5BR, 4.5bth Res. 2 Dens. 516-569-5007 2004 Ford Taurus—silver, 20k OCEANSIDE: 2 OPEN HOUSES ...... $1.25M power everything...... $7,900 204 Allen Av.,(2-3:30 pm)(2-4) 812 Glen Dr, Wdm (11-12:30) Beautiful Belle Harbor prime loca- 2003 Infiniti I35—39k miles, pearl Col: 3 + Br, Fin.Bsmt...... $469K Best Offer over...... $600K tion corner property 75x100 5 BR white leather,sunroof,power..$12,900 Custom reblt 4BR. Also Rent wood burning fireplace 2 car garage near shuls. $1.5 Sale by owner. 2001 Chevy Lumina—38K miles, Cedarhurst Fab 5BR Col. All redone CEDARHURST: OPEN HOUSES 718-634-6969, 718-431-3728. white, ABS traction power..... $5,500 in & out. O/S kosher EIK, lg FDR. 11-1 p.m. 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix—57k Steps to all...... $749K 321 Peninsula Blvd - All renov., 4 Br, Oceanside estate sale. Open House miles, brown, power everything, alloy Hew Hbr Eleg totally updated C/H 2 Bth, Lg Prop...... $469K 4001 Judith Lane 2/11 1-4. Custom home on two lots. Water views. 5 BR, wheels...... $5,500 Col. 1.3Ac. 8BR, 7.5 bths, IGP / By Appt. Only 3.5 bths $700'sK 2000 Honda Civic—54K miles, Tennis Ct...... $2.48M 363 Marlboro - Drastic REDUC’n, 516-459-3103. green LX, power windows...... $5,500 WDM Acad Loc. Stately 7BR Tudor. NU Renovt’d, S/h Col., 5 Br, 3 Bth, 2 Diamond Cond. Hi ceils, Lg Rms. Open house by owner Sunday 2- 1999 Ford Contour—46K miles, Dens...... $700sK 11-07 12-2 pm 2 ...... $1.085M red, 4 cylinder power, excellent condi- 359 Marlboro - C/h Col., 7 Br, 4.5 61 Central Ave #F2 Lawrence, first WDM (Old) Income Producer. Bth, Lg EIK, Prime Loc...... $1.250K floor garden apr 2br, nr all, tion...... $4,300 2 Fam (2 bldgs) Updated...... $675K 516-220-8863 1999 Ford Taurus—53k miles, WOODMERE: OPEN HOUSE silver, sunroof, power all...... $4,800 JanKalman.com Cedarhurst/Lawrence border — 1:30-3 p.m. All new, 5 BR, 2.5 bths, kosher 1999 Ford Taurus—43k miles, 516-569-5651 729 W. Broadway - Lg. 5 Br, 3 Bth, kitchen with granite, central a/c and blue, CD changer, power everything heat, near all. $749K. With All, Den...... $699K ...... $4,700 Call 516-852-5445. CEDRHRST: Ranch: Renov’d, 3 Br, 1999 Mercury Sable—52K miles, Lawrence Bay Park — Totally Your Real Estate, 2Bth, Lg prop. PRICED TO blue, leather, sunroof, power every- redone. Beautiful, sunny splanch, 4 Service, SELL...... $519K large BR, 2.5 bths, LR, FDR, large thing...... $4,900 or Help Wanted Ad den, oversized property. New wood 2002 Mitsubishi Galant GTZ— Here Every LAWRNCE: Hi Ranch, MUST SEE, floors, bathrooms, carpeting, roof, 47K miles, white, leather, sunroof, 4Br, 2.5 Bth, Fam. Rm., CAC, 2 gar., landscaping. Move right in. Price Thursday Lg. Prop...... $800sK reduction! $1.150 mil. Call Miriam V6, side airbags...... $7,900 at Pugatch Realty 516-902-3802. LAWRNCE: NU Construc’n, 6Br, 1996 Nissan Altima—80K miles, 100,000 readers look 5Bth, Lg. prop, Walk all, With all 1Bed Coop for Sale - Large- Din black, power windows...... $2,500 forward to what’s goodies. Plans can be seen in office. Room Great Location - New Granite Automaven 516-996-5555 happening in the Kit- New Carpet - Porch 5 Towns by reading CEDRHRST: Col. Mic, Granite Partially furnished - $199,000 The Five Towns kosher EIK, Lg Fdr, Lr, 3+bed, den neg - 917-340-5869. HELP and skilit, CAC, Lg Prop, Fin bsmt. WANTED Jewish Times...... $669K BUSINESS FOR Deadline is Monday CEDRHRST: 2Fam, 3Br/3Br, 2Fpl, SALE Looking for part time driver. Daily at 5:00 p.m. Deck. All Nu, Great location, run Bayswater to Brooklyn and back. 1 Week ...... $35 Full bsmt...... Bring Offers Cedarhurst Jewelry Store. Best Van supplied. Call after 5 PM 2 Weeks ...... $60 Intersection. Corner. Turn key. N. WDMR: HiRanch, 4br, 2.5bth, nu 917-662-0892. $75K. Ask for Rick 4 Weeks...... $100 kit, lg den, deck, over lg prop...$679K Jan Kalman Rlty 516-569-5651 Teacher's assistant for boy's yeshiva Weekly Ads of up to 25 words WOODMERE: REDUCED Ranch, preschool in the 5 Towns. 516-374- 3br, 3bth, lg prop, great loc., walk REAL ESTATE 7363 ext. 123 Call: 516-569-0502 all...... $749K FOR RENT Full-time Youth Services and Fax: 516-977-0608 WOODMERE: HiRanch, 4br, 3bth, Summer Camp Director. Entry- Or E-mail ads to: NU Kit, Lg. Den, 2 gar. Lg Lawrence — 2 Br, LR, 1 Bth, all nu level position. Must be highly organ- [email protected] Prop...... $689K apt., own heat. 917-757-9351. ized and personable. Please e-mail Include payment info. Classified Ads are resume to [email protected]. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Continued on the Next Page.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 83 CLASSIFIED ADS REAL ESTATE Continued from Page 83 FOR RENT

Apt for rent in Israel. Available REAL ESTATE March 22-April 14. Stunning spa- FOR RENT cious 3 br. 1.5 bth, DSL,1/2 flight down. Ideal for Pesach. $1000- $3000. 845-364-7164 Cedarhurst — House Rental FDR, den, 3br, 2.5bth,Bsmt. $2,500. Far Rockaway—Legal 2 Family, Call 516-322-3555. 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Lr, Dr, EIK, laundry room, hardwood floors. Cedarhurst — House Rental Lori & Associates 516-791-8300. LR/FDR, den, 3br, 2.5bth, Fin. Bsmt. Woodmere — Apt for rent near rail- $2,300. Call 516-322-3555. road and houses of worship. Kesef Holding Call Sonya 516-284-0262. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Law/Inwd: MUST SELL. Estab. Far Rockaway – Lg. Hse Rental: Gift, Lotto and Cell Store. Invent., 4br, 2bth, bsmt., Hi ceil’g, NU bths, W\D. Call 516-322-3555. fixt’s, avail., long lease. Bring Offers. Newly renovated 3 bedroom 2 bath- 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 room plus study in Far Rockaway Law/Inwd: MUST SELL. Lease / for rent. Prime location. Please call 646 732 7397 and leave Sale. Great Location. message. Store for rent — Cedarhurst 1200 Bayswater—"Forget Far Rockaway". Sq. Ft. Prime loc. Busy Shopping Move to this cozy Bayswater 1 BR apartment. Furnished or unfurnished, Strip. 5 Yr lease w/5 Yr. option. $2700. private entrance, washer and dryer. Jan Kalman Rlty 516-569-5651 Call 516-374-3635.

Deadline for classified advertising in the next issue is Monday, February 12 at 5:00 P.M. Call 516-984-0079

84 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 85 86 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 9, 2007 87 88 February 9, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES