$1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM HAPPY PURIM! VOL. 7 NO. 22 12 ADAR 5767 vum, ,arp MARCH 2, 2007

INSIDE FROM THE PURIM PRESS SERVICE RAV AVROHOM BLUMENKRANTZ vfrck ehsm rfz MindBiz COMPILED BY LARRY GORDON Esther Mann, LMSW 28 THE LOSS OF A TORAH GIANT Orthomom To Run For School Board The Best Purim Hannah Reich Berman 30 As a reaction to District 15 This was a difficult and Lawrence school-board mem- important decision for the Taxi! Taxi! ber Pamela Greenbaum’s controversial Jewish blogger, Larry Gordon 62 request that Google identify for a number of reasons. First, the person whom she per- and most importantly, the Ultimate Commuter ceives as her Internet nemesis, issue of protecting her identity Danny Block 64 known as Orthomom, the needed to be dealt with and, blogger has announced that after rather long and laborious Our Aliyah Chronicle she has decided to run against negotiations, it has been Shmuel Katz 77 Ms. Greenbaum in the spring reported unofficially that a election. Ms. Greenbaum’s deal has been struck. seat on the board, as well as According to sources privy to those of board president Dr. the discussions, Orthomom Asher Mansdorf and Dr. David Sussman, is up for election. Continued on Page 13 THE HALF SHEKEL BY IRWIN H. BENJAMIN the Jews, Haman offered to Although it was only a buy them for 10,000 pieces of Chabad of the Five Towns dream, it was horrifying. It silver. That 10,000 number Annual Dinner. shook me to the very core. Even was considered an enormous See Page 38 now, as I think of it, I shudder. amount of money, something But I know it was merely a that would have certainly dream. Here is how it began. caught the attention of most of Several years ago I had the the country. No doubt it would good fortune of hearing a have made front-page head- BY RABBI YAIR HOFFMAN ing of Rav Avrohom Purim shiur given by Rav lines. The rav pointed out that Blumenkrantz, z’l, at age 62. , shlita, the that aspect, the making of Last week, both the Five “Whoever has not seen Rav distinguished rav of Aish headlines, has been Haman’s Towns/Far Rockaway commu- Avrohom Blumenkrantz, z’l, Kodesh in Woodmere. The rav (Amalek’s) modus operandi nity and the greater Jewish has never seen true human revealed an incredible insight from time immemorial, and community throughout the warmth in his life,” said some- into the Purim story. He men- world suffered an irreparable tioned that in order to destroy Continued on Page 23 loss, with the untimely pass- Continued on Page 19

DRS February concert. See Page 57 HAFTR 29th Annual Dinner Experiencing THE LAWRENCE Simcha In DISTRICT Difficult Times MEGILLAH BY RAV ARYEH ZEV BY DR. ASHER GINZBERG MANSDORF CHOFETZ CHAIM TORAH CENTER Most readers of the Our Chazal require us to be Megillah, from schoolchildren filled with joy during the to scholars, cast the story as month of Adar. We are that of Esther, the queen. instructed clearly that Arguably, however, the true Steve Brown honored. “mishenichnas Adar marbim essence of the Purim story is See Page 58 b’simcha”—when the month not Esther, the queen, but The Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway held its 29th of Adar begins, we must Mordechai, the governor. The Annual dinner this past Saturday night at the Brooklyn Marriott. increase the simcha in our story of the Megillah, though CANDLE LIGHTING Above (L–R), HAFTR President Steven Myers with guests of honor lives. This seems relatively traditionally understood as Mar. 2 – 5:29 PM Dr. Jack and Mrs. Naomi Levenbrown. Dr. Levenbrown is the mayor simple, an easy mitzvah to ful- the story of how the Jews were Mar. 9 – 5:36 PM of the Village of Lawrence and Mrs. Levenbrown is the associate principal of the HAFTR Upper School. See Page 59 Continued on Page 4 Continued on Page 17 2 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 3 Simcha In Difficult Times Continued from Front Cover

fill. Or is it? We live in difficult times. A strong country with millions of its citizens bent on the destruction of Eretz Yisrael is led by a madman who has seemingly nothing else on his mind except the Jews. His country is moving ahead, despite objections from the world com- munity, with a nuclear program—a nuclear program that will find all its warheads directed at Eretz Yisrael. Closer to home, in our very own backyard, Hamas has assumed control and, despite urgings from the civilized world, they refuse to recognize Israel’s right to exist. In civilized France, young Jews are kidnapped and tortured. And thousands of Jews, former residents of Gush Katif, find themselves penniless, jobless, homeless, and without any prospects for the future. With all this and more, how do we reconcile in ourselves that we are sup- posed to be in a “simcha” frame of mind for the duration of the month? Maybe if we reflect a little more deeply upon the significance of what this month of Adar truly represents, we will be able to find in ourselves the strength and conviction for a true and deep sense of simcha. Our Chazal teach us that each of the 12 months of the year corre- sponds to a different sheivet (tribe) of Klal Yisrael. The last month of the calendar year, or rather what the Torah refers to as the 12th month, the month of Adar, corresponds to the sheivet of Yosef. That’s why during a leap year, when we have to add a 13th month, we do so in Adar, for Yosef had two sons, Efrayim and Menashe, and each one represents one of the two months of Adar. What is it that is unique about this month, that we are taught that this is the one month of the year that can and will bring the downfall of the descen- dants of Esav and Amalek at the hands of Bnei Yisrael? Why specifically in the month of Adar? The Midrash provides the under- standing of the nature of the month of Adar. It says that there’s a tradition handed down to us from generation to generation that Esav will only be destroyed by the hands of the children of Rochel Imeinu. What is special about Rochel, that only her children will merit to be the future victors in the battle between the evil of Esav and the kedushah of Yaakov? The Gemara in Megillah tells us that the unique quality of Rochel was her ability to keep silent. When her older sister Leah was to be her replacement in marriage to Yaakov, Rochel could have told him, but she kept her silence. This took great courage and strength. This midah was transmitted through the generations to her descendant Shaul HaMelech and then later to Esther HaMalkah. The Megillah praises her silence as she didn’t share with the king her ori- gin and her people, just as Mordechai had instructed. This great character trait of shetikah, silence, gave her and her

Continued on Page 8 4 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 5 P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 516-984-0079 [email protected] [email protected] LARRY GORDON Publisher/Editor ESTA J. GORDON Managing Editor YOSSI GORDON Director of Sales CHANA ROCHEL ROSS Editorial Assistant SIDI BARON, YAKOV SERLE, JERRY MARKOVITZ Sales Representatives SHMUEL GERBER Chief Copy Editor MICHELE JUSTIC Copy Editor CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Howard M. Adelsberg, Esq., Irwin Benjamin Hannah Reich Berman, Jamie Geller Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg, Yochanan Gordon Michele Herenstein, Rabbi Yair Hoffman Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Esther Mann, Rochelle Miller Naomi Ross, Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, Eli Shapiro YOSEF BROWN, MICHAL WEINSTEIN Staff Graphic Artists IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS Staff Photographers FRANKEL & CO., CREATIVE DESIGN LLC Design & Production TALIYE CORLEY Art Director SUZETTE LEE Assistant Art Director

The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly news- paper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times.

And that they bring to you pure olive oil... to raise an ever- lasting lamp... from evening to morning (Sh’mos 27:20-21)

These verses contain a paradox: "everlasting flame" implies a state of perptuality and changelessness; "from evening to morning" implies fluctuating conditions of lesser and greater luminance. For such is our mission in life: to impart the eternity and perfection of the Divine to a temporal world, and to do so not by annihilating or overwhelming the world's temporality and diversity, but by illuminating its every state and condition--from "evening" to "morning"-- with the divine light. (The Lubavitcher Rebbe)

6 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 7 Simcha In Difficult Times who live completely in the physical Continued from Page 4 and external world. Yosef, the Torah tells us, is com- One For The Books descendants the singular z’chus to pared to dagim (fish), which is the overcome and finally remove Amalek mazal of Adar. Fish are hidden from BY MICHELE HERENSTEIN tion, they told me they couldn’t help from the face of the earth. the eye, they are not external, but me, and then they hung up. Feeling What is so special about this midah internal (deep in the water) and, like I planned to start this article as the beginnings of serious stress, I of silence, that it warrants such a Yosef, their strength and life-force is in such: “Thursday, February 15—from made some calls until I was able to great reward? The Maharal explains the hidden and in the internal. early morning till way into the middle locate a car to take me to the airport. that the source of this Midrash is This is the strength and the promise of the night—was an absolute night- After an hour (Manhattan to JFK in rooted in the midah of tzeni‘us.For of the month of Adar—the month that mare.” But then I stopped to consider, traffic and icy roads, to boot), I decid- tzeni‘us is the realization and appreci- is represented by Rochel Imeinu and and I realized that, although I did ed to call Delta to see if the flight was ation that what is hidden should by Yosef; the month when the hidden indeed have a most dreadful, awful, further delayed. I got an automated remain hidden and is more valuable strength and beauty of Klal Yisrael will horrible, hideous day, there are so message telling me my flight was…no! then what is revealed. become the dominant force over the many worse things people go through I didn’t believe it. It was cancelled. It The Torah refers to “Yadayim yedei external evil of Esav and his descen- all the time. So I’d like to say with all couldn’t be true. The skies were blue, Esav” (the hands are Esav’s hands). dant, Amalek. sincerity that barring any comparisons there wasn’t a flurry to be seen, I was Hands are the most external of a per- It is a month of hope, filled with prom- with disease, divorce, terrorism, and only five minutes from the Delta ter- son’s organs. Esav was completely ise of the glorious future and strength of other sad and bad situations, my day minal, yet for some unknown reason, I external; everything was on the out- Klal Yisrael. It is a month when we can was truly one for the books. no longer had a flight to Florida. At side. He would trick his father as to look beyond all the forces of hatred and I woke up Thursday morning excited that point, it was too late to turn his righteousness and piety by asking evil directed at our people in these diffi- about going to see my aunt and uncle, around, so we proceeded to the termi- how to take ma‘aser from salt. He did- cult days, and look ahead to the promise whom I visit each winter in Florida. I nal, where I was dropped off with my n’t marry the b’nos Cana‘an until he of our tradition that Esav will fall into the dressed, davened, ate, finished pack- luggage. I went into the terminal, was 40 years old, in order to show his hands of the children of Rochel. ing, and was waiting impatiently for dropped my bags at my feet, and just loyalty to his father. Yet internally he Such promise and such possibility, the car service to arrive at 10 a.m., stared. Hundreds if not thousands of was Esav HaRasha, an idol-worship- even during these trying times, should when I received a call from Delta people were standing on various lines, ping murderer without regard for G-d truly elevate us to not just feelings of Airlines. I answered the phone, know- lying on the filthy floor (my use of the or man. hope and anticipation, but of genuine ing that a call from the airline could word filthy is being kind), trying in To bring down such a treacherous simcha, as well. not be good news. An automated mes- vain to get the attention of the very few and deceitful enemy, you need an sage relayed that my 12:45 flight was Delta workers, or yelling at the limited opposite force, someone like Rochel, Have a freilechen Purim! ❖ delayed an hour. I proceeded to call staff. I was traveling alone and there- who had complete righteousness deep the car service and asked them to fore couldn’t leave my luggage to go inside her soul. She kept the best of WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? come at 11 a.m. At 11 o’clock—edgy, speak to a representative. I was stuck her qualities hidden. She kept silent eager, and more than ready to head out just standing in the terminal, looking when it was nearly impossible to do so. WE WANT TO KNOW! the door—I got a call from the car like a deer caught in the headlights. Yet her tzeni‘us, her hidden character, service telling me they couldn’t take After five minutes of absolute inde- burned brightly inside her soul. E-MAIL US AT me to the airport. After my protesta- cision, I called my brother to ask his Only a person who lives internally tions and exclamations of how I made advice. He told me to stay put with perfection can bring the downfall [email protected] the appointment a week in advance of a force of evil like Esav and Amalek, and I had no other mode of transporta- Continued on Page 11

8 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 9 10 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES One For The Books thing at that point, as I had no access for me. She told me she’d do her best CALENDAR Continued from Page 8 to radio or TV, so please, cut me some to get my bags on the flight and secure slack. a boarding pass for me, but I couldn’t LUACH (although be ready to move on short I “taxied” my way over to JetBlue, go with her, because people would get notice) while he tried to find out if and if I thought the Delta terminal was angry if they saw her helping me out. there were any other flights leaving scary, JetBlue was even scarier. There So I had to eagerly await Bernadette’s March 1-March 11 JFK for Florida, and if so, if there were were more people, more lines, and return while I stood in the middle of available seats. The news wasn’t good. more confusion. My brother had got- the terminal, watching people yell, ZIP Code: 11516 Hundreds of flights were canceled, ten me on, as a last-minute addition, have breakdowns, and cry. 11 Adar – Thursday hundreds more delayed (soon to be to a flight leaving JFK at 4 p.m. (yeah, Bernadette came through for me. I canceled), and my chances of getting right!). The problem was that it was know she went above and beyond and March 1 Ta‘anis Esther to Florida on this day were slim to already 3:00, and the lines to get a I tried to compensate her but she Z’manim*: none. My brother and I texted back boarding pass and to check in luggage wouldn’t hear of it. My plan is to write Dawn: 5:08 am and forth while he researched flights were two to three hours long, so I’d a letter to JetBlue praising Bernadette Fast ends: 6:16 / 6:20 / 6:27 pm for me. Finally he told me to get on a never make my flight. I tried to get (of no last name??) because on this 12 Adar – Erev Shabbos taxi line and get over to JetBlue, assistance from the many workers crazy, manic day, she stayed calm and Friday, March 2 because there were flights leaving walking around the terminal with clip- was able to get me to security by 3:30 : Megillah 23 from there. I know, I know, you’re all boards, looking like the walking dead. p.m., which meant I could make my Earliest tallis/tefillin: 5:34 am thinking, JetBlue? Why in the world Finally, I got really lucky and met a flight—if it wasn’t cancelled, which Sunrise: 6:28 am would she take that airline? How could woman named Bernadette. She was a very big if. Latest Shema: she not know how disastrous it was worked for JetBlue and when I told her M. Av. 8:41 am there? But I didn’t know much of any- my story, I guess she felt compassion Continued on Page 12 Gr’a 9:17 am Candle Lighting: 5:29 pm 13 Adar – Shabbos Saturday, March 3 Shabbos Parashas Tetzaveh Parashas Zachor Shabbos Ends**: 6:29 pm 72 min. 7:01 pm Saturday night – Purim: 1st Megillah reading 14 Adar – Purim Sunday, March 4 Sunset: 5:49 pm 15 Adar – Shushan Purim Monday, March 5 19 Adar – Erev Shabbos Friday, March 9 Daf yomi: Megillah 30 Earliest tallis/tefillin: 5:24 am Sunrise: 6:17 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 8:35 am Gr’a 9:11 am Candle Lighting: 5:36 pm 20 Adar – Shabbos Saturday, March 10 Shabbos Parashas Ki-Sissa Parashas Parah Shabbos Ends**: 6:37 pm 72 min. 7:08 pm

* from MyZmanim.com ** add a few minutes for tosefos Shabbos according to your minhag Municipal Calendar For 5 Towns and NYC Saturday night–Sunday, March 11 Daylight-Saving Time begins at 2:00 a.m.; move clock forward one hour.

Crushed for the light (Sh’mos 27:20)

When one speaks crushing words of rebuke, it must be with the sole purpose of enlightening, illuminating and uplifting one's fellow. Never, G-d forbid, to humiliate and break him.

(Chassidic saying)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 11 One For The Books hungrily as people gobbled down their There were so many groups of people coming through, but, for the most part, it Continued from Page 11 meals. As time wore on, people began together: siblings, spouses, parents with wasn’t from my flight. It soon came to complaining that they should be given their kids, friends with friends, girl- light that our luggage wasn’t sent through I went through security feeling free food and drinks. I suppose JetBlue friends and boyfriends, etc. I so much with our flight. I believe I was too tired some vestige of hope, thinking that agreed, because at about 7 p.m., work- wanted to have someone to talk to that I and discouraged at this point to even cry. once I had given my bags in, and once ers brought over boxes and boxes of even went to use a payphone, which I I got to the house in Boynton Beach I had my boarding pass, and once I was chips, animal crackers, cookies, and haven’t done in many, many years, I’m at 3:45 a.m., and all I had on me was through security, chances were I would water bottles (most of the snacks were embarrassed to admit. Of course I didn’t my pocketbook and a carry-on filled make my flight. Wishful thinking, but not kosher). This was something to see, have enough quarters for the phone, so with some books, magazines, and make- hey, I was allowed. The second floor of and I very much wanted to take a pic- other than speaking to a couple of up. No clothing. No toiletries. I went to the terminal was strewn with bodies. ture with my camera to share this with strangers now and again, I was very sleep, and the next day I went shopping Yes, they were live bodies, but you you, but my cameraphone was on the much alone and feeling a tad bit sorry for the bare necessities. It was too cold wouldn’t know it unless you looked verge of death. You would have thought for myself (don’t worry, I got over it). to sit outside, anyway, the weather quite closely. Some people had been these people had never eaten before. No one was happier than I when they being only in the 50s. The weekend I go waiting for over a day, others for many People were grabbing food from the finally announced our gate and the to Florida, they experience a cold spell. hours, and flights were being canceled boxes and hoarding more than they boarding began. Between the refueling Just my luck. At this point, nothing all the time. I tried to find my gate, but could possibly eat. All of the people who and the de-icing, we were on the runway would have surprised me. a gate hadn’t even been posted for my had previously been playing dead were for well over an hour. At a little after 10 Okay, the good news: I spent time with flight at that point, because there were now alive again—and eating. p.m., we finally took off, and I heaved a my aunt, uncle, and cousins, which is too many other flights which were My cell phone was dying and my sigh of relief thinking that, yes, I’d had a always great. The bad news: everything backed up and took precedence. charger was packed in my luggage. Since bad day, but things were going to be good else. My luggage didn’t come until an It was now past 4:00 p.m., and it was I needed use of the phone when (and if) from here on in. I would arrive at the air- hour before I was set to leave for the air- obvious that my flight wouldn’t be tak- I got to Florida to be in touch with a car port late, grab my luggage off the port for my flight back to JFK on Sunday. ing off on time. I went to the newsstand service, I had to leave the phone off carousel, and take a car service to my I did get home safely, although there to grab something to eat (a Hershey’s except for emergencies. I have traveled aunt and uncle’s house. Well, you know was so much ice on the runway that brownie and a soda). Other people were alone numerous times before, but never what they say about the best-laid plans. they had to attach a tug to the airplane enjoying meals from the many restau- where I had to spend more than 10 When we finally landed and were waiting to bring us to the gate. But of course rants in the terminal. I just looked on hours in the airport. I was very lonely. at the luggage carousel, luggage began that didn’t go smoothly—the captain announced that the tug was broken, and we had to wait for another one. The second tug did the trick, and we bounced and bumped over snow and ice. And I should add, if you ever want to try a roller coaster without actually going on one, try flying into with unusually strong turbulence. The only thing the plane didn’t actually do was fly upside down. Lucky us. I was told by several people that I was a real trouper. I don’t think of myself that way. I didn’t really have many choices on that Thursday. I couldn’t break down and cry (although I really felt like doing that at times) because being that I was alone, I had to take care of things, and I honestly had no time to freak out. But I think the next time I fly alone, I might first put an ad in the paper looking for a companion to keep me company while I wait in the airport. Just because I made it through a bad situation once doesn’t mean I want to go through it again, alone. The message I want to leave you with is to appreciate the people you’re with all the time, but especially at the airport. Always be thankful that you have some- one to fly with. You may get on each other’s nerves, but at least you are togeth- er. Please don’t ever underestimate being with other people and having other peo- ple to spend time with, laugh with, joke with, and even cry with, if need be. I hope everyone who got to go away had a good experience, and if not, you arrived back safely to tell your tale. Now that I’ve shared mine, I feel a teensy bit better. Thanks for listening! ❖

Michele Herenstein is a freelance journalist who lives and works in . She can be reached at [email protected].

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

12 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES FROM THE PURIM PRESS Continued from Front Cover will be able to maintain her anonymity s”xc and, at the same time, have her moniker on the ballot this May. According to the source, while Orthomom will be required to appear in public at campaign forums and debates and at school-board meetings, the district powers-that-be will, in the spirit of Purim, allow her to wear a mask when appearing in public. As to whether Orthomom (whose actual exis- tence may be questioned in the first place) will also wear this mask in exec- utive session remains to be determined. Talks over the issue almost broke down at the eleventh hour, until a bril- liant compromise solution was reached, with the assistance of the copy editors and proofreaders of the Five Towns Jewish Times and Abel Feldhamer’s wife, Miri, who has sacrificed a great deal over the last few years allowing Abel to attend all those meetings and write those strategic position papers. Several incumbent school-board mem- bers expressed the feeling that having one potential school-board member sit at public meetings while masked would be unfair to the other trustees. As a

From now on, all members of the school board will wear masks at meetings. result, the editors, along with Mrs. Feldhamer (with Abel’s able assistance, no doubt) came up with the idea that, from now on, all members of the school board will wear masks at regularly scheduled meetings. The breakthrough proposal, once implemented, will potentially bring a new harmonious air to the inner workings of the very diverse school board. This innovation will allow Orthomom to continue to operate in anonymity, and could hopefully also solve many of the problems that have plagued the board in the past. “Our hope is that, with all the school-board members wearing masks at the meetings, tensions will be reduced, as the differences between the members will be de-emphasized,” said the 5TJT’s chief copy editor, Shmuel Gerber, who also assured the board that there is nothing in Robert’s Rules of Order or the district’s bylaws that would prohibit the wearing of masks at board meetings, provided that no proxies are involved. No sooner had the proposal been made than the additional issue arose regarding which types of masks would be suitable—and which types of masks would be available at an afford- able price, considering that the school district is on an austerity budget. One school volunteer mentioned that Judaica Plus in Cedarhurst has several Bill Clinton masks in stock from a few years ago, and that the store should be pleased to sell them at a reduced priced. With Hillary on the rise, howev- er, there were some reservations by the

Continued on Page 14 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 13 FROM THE PURIM PRESS gerous. All kinds of volunteer organiza- chips are just the accouterments to the receiving world-class services, parents Continued from Page 13 tions and well-meaning, do-gooding many displays of shalach manos so feel that services are not meeting their individuals began to speak up about beautifully presented and generating so children’s needs. I am a firm believer in store owners, who believe that the Bill how Purim is our ruination. Well, not much good will. But although they are the phrase “act locally, think globally.” It Clinton mask may regain some value if Purim itself, really, but rather the fash- not even the main part of those pack- is this very belief that has drawn me to Hillary becomes president. ion in which our dumbed-down socie- ages, you may be unaware of how many the conclusion that the entire special- Another sentiment expressed was ty, even among the Jewish community, countless chips you are popping into education industry is riddled with prob- that with the board members all wear- began to distort both the spirit and the your mouth, causing untold damage. lems that negatively affect the entire ing masks, and with no nameplates to spirits of this great and unique Yom That’s where Calorie-1 comes into economic and social fabric of our soci- identify them, there would most likely Tov. The number-one culprit had been the picture. Sure, those addictive, ety. It is with this in mind that I make be less hostility displayed by audiences identified: the drinking—sometimes can’t-just-have-one potato chips may the following proposal. at the meetings. “If they don’t know the excessive consumption of—alcohol only be a relatively small part of the It is of utmost importance that we who is saying what (as opposed to the that is identified with Purim. problem. There’s also all that super- eradicate all special-education servic- trustees not knowing what they are say- But now, and just in time for this deep-fried stuff, like the always-popu- es. Send home the OT’s PT’s, resource ing, which is an old story), then it’s Purim, a new, perhaps even more dan- lar French fries, rapidly becoming room teachers, psychologists, social more difficult to be critical.” The gerous, culprit has been identified—one known as “man’s worst friend.” Then workers, SEITS, nurses, speech-lan- Orthomom Solution, as it is being that is just as closely identified with the there are the egg rolls, the doughnuts, guage specialists, reading specialists, called, could conceivably bring an observance of Purim as wine and spirits. and all those other staples of the mod- audiologists, behavior modification- unprecedented level of peace and civil- But a new Jewish organization has been ern diets of so many. Luckily, the ists, and, most importantly, the evalua- ity to district proceedings in the future. founded to deal with this scourge: Calorie-1 organization is now here to tors who perpetuate this disservice in In order to get Orthomom to run for Calorie-1 is moving in, and it is fully pre- fight for us, keeping our arteries our communities. There are three pri- office, she had to receive ironclad pared to take on the battle of the bulge. clear—and as a result, perhaps our mary reasons and justifications for this assurances that her identity would That’s right: this new organization will thinking will improve, as well. approach. remain absolutely secret. “I understand be taking aim at all of that unhealthy So watch what you eat this Purim, Firstly, the cost of special education that she’s terrified at the prospect of food—especially the newest enemy of and remember that, just like the booze, is astronomical. According to many being exposed, because she may have humanity, those really good-tasting all of that food is going somewhere professional jobs websites, the service said some things or covered some trans-fats that have probably been hurt- inside of you. And be sure to look for fields related to education specialties issues that some may consider risqué,” ing almost as many as, if not more than, invitations in the mail for the first annu- have the highest-paying jobs in rela- said a board insider. So long as the those who imbibe excessively. al Calorie-1 fundraising dinner. I can’t tion to training requirements. All you mask policy is kept in place—and the Obviously, Purim is the perfect time wait to see the menu. Happy Purim. need is 30 graduate credits, and you’re masks are kept on—this could herald a for Calorie-1’s “Don’t Eat Yourself to a Master of Something and can new Purim era in school-district rela- Death” campaign. Face it: even if you Repairing Special Education: demand salaries that rival professions tions. We’ll have to watch the develop- usually eat in a relatively healthful way, A Modest Proposal like law and medicine. An evaluator ments closely. (But not too closely.) how are you going to resist all those By Yonatan Mahir can be paid upward of $200 for an unhealthy goodies that your neighbors As a resident of District 14, it has hour of work to assess if a child needs Purim May Be Hazardous To Your and friends will be sending into your become very clear to me that many of services. Additionally, the very people Health home and that, after Purim, your wife the issues between the public and pri- who determine the need for services Purim used to be simply one of the is going to send with you to take to the vate schools revolve around special- are paid very well to provide it. high points on our calendar—some- office? And don’t be fooled by the most education services. While district offi- According to research by a recent fed- thing to look forward to with giddy blatant offenders—potato chips, the cials will claim that residents, including anticipation. But then it became dan- quintessential trans-fat vehicle. Those those that attend private schools, are Continued on Page 16

14 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 15 FROM THE PURIM PRESS services to a community, namely the staying at a Disney certified resort for finance the educational needs of the Continued from Page 14 jobs that no one else wanted. Today, mid-winter break, you will know that few. To quote General Jona Swift at with the success of special education, special ed is to blame. Valley Forge, “Let no man talk to me of eral study, nearly 85 percent of chil- it is becoming very difficult to fill these Speaking of minimum wage, anoth- other expedients: of taxing our absen- dren today diagnosed as “learning dis- positions. When you go to your favorite er economic result is that in order to tees…” Taxation without representa- abled” are actually not. coffee shop and you are demeaned into fill these position, our federal govern- tion is the foundation and cornerstone Eliminating special-education serv- clearing your own tray and cleaning ment, with new Democratic leader- of our capitalist democracy, and it is ices from the schools budget would your own table, know that it is because ship, will raise the minimum wage and the only way to ensure the economic save the average Nassau County tax- suddenly there is no one willing to do require small-business owners to pro- survival of our nation. payer nearly $2,000 a year. That is this job, because we have provided peo- vide health insurance to hourly We need all kinds of Americans to money that could be spent on more ple with higher aspirations. When you employees. This will drastically make our country work. We need suc- important quality-of-life expenses, order your latte and have to wait in line increase expenses for business owners, cessful people and unsuccessful peo- such as home gyms, in-ground pools, behind five other people because the and will ultimately force us, the hard- ple. We need people to represent us and high-definition televisions—all of barista is busy washing the dishes, working professionals, to pay more. legally and we need people to clean the which contribute to individual physical bathrooms of our skybox seats at and mental health, ultimately bringing Madison Square Garden. With special down the cost of health care. (The education today, we are cutting out a HDTV best contributes to health when Students who would have been our future lifelong day very important segment of our work- coupled with a Nintendo Wii.) This force, and ultimately we will find that would yield both short-term and long- laborers, dishwashers, bus boys, janitors, shelf stockers, the quality of life we have come to term financial gains. know and expect will cease to exist. ❖ Another issue is the effectiveness of etc., are now looking to go to college and acquire high- special-education services. The prob- paying professional careers. lem is that the services provided are And you shall make very effective in assisting children to succeed who would otherwise fail. the Sash, embroi- Students who would have been our know that this is because we have pro- Don’t be fooled, because whether dered work future lifelong day laborers, dishwash- vided other career options for people. If these payments will come in the form ers, bus boys, janitors, shelf stockers, time is money, how much more money of higher taxes or higher costs of goods (Sh’mos 28:39) etc., are now looking to go to college will be lost because the more important and services, it will come out of my The Sash was 32 cubits and acquire high-paying professional members of our socioeconomic system pocket and yours. (approximately 48 feet) careers, perhaps even in special ed— need to wait in lines and clear their Finally, this is America, and, as a only to perpetuate the problem. own tables? proud and patriotic American, I believe long (Midrash; Maimonides). “What’s wrong with this?” you ask. The If you have been fortunate enough that opportunities are created by indi- It was wound 32 times problem is that we now have a signifi- to have been spared the indignity of viduals. When this country was found- around the waist (Tosafot). cant shortage of individuals willing to clearing your own table, it is because ed, it was not due to the British identi- Other say that it was 36 do manual labor at a minimum wage, you are paying more for the product, fying our deficiencies to help us revolt once again affecting the bottom line so the store can pay someone well against them. No, it was self-determi- cubits long (Midrash). It was for the average family. above minimum wage. There is no nation harnessed to the motivation to 2, 3 or 4 fingers wide Historically, those who failed in doubt that these extra costs add up; achieve a desired result. It is not the (Maimonides; Kadmoniyot). school would provide much-needed when you have to think twice about responsibility of the majority to

16 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Lawrence Megillah plan that underlay the Purim story, he Continued from Front Cover was also clearly the religious inspira- tion behind the sequence of events saved from Haman by Queen Esther, portrayed in the Megillah. Neither with the urging and assistance of her hero could have succeeded alone. The uncle, Mordechai, does not in fact end story of the Megillah teaches us that with the physical rescue of the Jewish true political success in a hostile envi- people by the queen. In fact, the final ronment requires a combination of phrases of the Megillah focus on commitment to Jewish identity, com- Mordechai’s appointment to a secular mitment to the greater good of the government post, and his astounding community, and the wisdom to be able success in that role. Mordechai’s abili- to serve one’s constituents with ty to rise to a position as a Persian gov- integrity and humility. As an elected ernment official in an extremely hos- official in our local community, I strug- tile environment is perhaps the most gle on a daily basis to ensure that each crucial point of the entire Megillah. and every action that I take is informed The animosity between the Jews of by a general sense of integrity. I believe Persia and their gentile neighbors is that is rooted, in many respects, in the clear at the very outset of the Megillah. rich history of the political struggles of Achashverosh’s initial celebration is the Jewish people. meant, according to many sources, to Unfortunately, while much has profane the holy vessels taken from the changed in many ways since the time of Beit Hamikdash. Esther feared for her the Megillah, sadly, certain aspects of life if the king were to discover her ori- the story tend to repeat themselves in gins. Ironically, within a year’s time, many areas, including our own school the highest-ranking government offi- district. Not unlike Mordechai in cial was a religious Jew. What sort of ancient Persia, observant Jews on the social metamorphosis was required to political scene are often greeted with bring about this astonishing scenario, signs of outright hostility, as irrational which may, in fact, be the true miracle and destructive as the plans of the of the Purim story? ancient Persians. A recent school board The story of Purim revolves around meeting provides a perfect illustration. a plan that Mordechai devised while On Tuesday evening, the Board of playing by the rules. Esther did not Education ratified an agreement with deny her . Nor, however, did the parents of several children who she put it at the forefront of her every attend Kulanu Torah Academy at a move. She waited, quietly and patient- total cost of $135,000. To preserve the ly, for the appropriate time to reveal dignity of the families involved, and to her true self to the king. Mordechai, by protect the identity of the children, the contrast, wore his Judaism on his sleeve. Though he devised the entire Continued on Page 18

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 17 Lawrence Megillah positive academic experience. dure that was within their sort of situation? I think the noise abatement repairs to Continued from Page 17 This settlement is in con- purview. Parents of special answer to this, too, is in the the high school and to the trast to last year when the needs children filed a form Megillah. Ultimately, Esther NYS Power Authority to assist agreements are negotiated out BOE authorized expenditures requesting “due process” and did not condemn Haman. in the placement of solar pan- of the public eye. In an exceeding $350,000 to litigate our special education coordina- Haman condemned himself. els. Additionally, individual attempt to reach an agree- against children who contest- tor entered into a resolution Esther simply laid out the board members are taking ment on student services and ed their special education phase. This process is practiced ultimate result of Haman’s responsibility for insuring placement without the need placements. That expenditure by many school districts in plan for the king. She pointed that proper financial proce- for litigation, the school attor- was in addition to over order to avoid litigation and to out that in destroying the dures are followed. No longer ney and the director of special $200,000 in settlements. alleviate the stress on the fami- Jews of the kingdom, he was will we hear that a slate roof education met with the stu- When the BOE decides to lies of special needs children. permitting his subject to kill was placed on the middle dents’ advocates in a resolu- contest a unilateral place- The BOE, in an executive the queen and her relative, school less than ten years ago tion session. The BOE direct- ment, the toll on the family, session, discussed the process Mordechai, who had in fact and that it has been leaking ed the administration to do the school, and the child is at length. Mr. Kopilow recently been credited with for eight years. Board mem- their very best to resolve the not purely financial. However, revealed at the open session saving the king’s life. In sav- bers do not travel at taxpay- issue, and they did so success- the process for each impartial Tuesday that in a 5-2 vote the ing the Jewish people, Esther ers’ expense and enjoy free fully. The benefit is self-evi- hearing can exceed $18,000 BOE agreed to allow the dis- stuck to the facts. meals while needed repairs dent. The children are receiv- per student. trict to attempt to settle the So, taking a page from the are ignored. ing an appropriate education This year, instead of pro- cases out of court. He wanted Megillah, perhaps we should In a financially responsible in an environment that both ceeding to full-blown court bat- to go on record publicly stat- do the same. The facts are as way, we will propose the addi- their parents and educational tles, the BOE decided to ing that he disagreed with the follows: the current BOE has tion of Pre-K bussing for the mentors feel will result is a attempt an alternative proce- settlement. Stan Kopilow and moved forward on several entire community and move Pamela Greenbaum voiced fronts to restore funds result- toward free building usage. concern over setting a prece- ing from cuts to educational These facts have no religion, dent in settling with a non- programs and community no level of observance, and state approved institution. services instituted by previous no racial identity. They are What they both neglected to boards. Once again the stu- clear and irrefutable. They say was that on the same dents have homework cen- point to a situation wherein agenda the BOE settled a ters, weekend academy, addi- otherwise intelligent individ- similar claim for a special tional math and reading spe- uals who are absolutely education public school stu- cialists, a repaired auditorium blinded by hatred have dent to attend a non-state ceiling, bussing for an area of allowed their emotions to approved institution. They Inwood (previously denied cloud their judgment. Until leave the impression that bussing for years), the repair that cloud clears, we will monies are simply being of a neglected phone system, stick to the facts and, ulti- siphoned from the public sec- the replacement of an outdat- mately, those facts will bene- tor to the private one. ed computer system—all fit the greater community Members of the audience within the framework of the and hopefully have historical echoed that false impression current budget. consequences. ❖ during public comment. We have reached out to the Dr. Asher Mansdorf is president of the How best to deal with this Port Authority to assist in Lawrence District School Board.

18 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Rav Blumenkrantz Continued from Front Cover one who attended the levayah of Rav Blumenkrantz on Friday. As anyone who had come in contact with him could attest to, this is hardly an exag- geration. Rav Blumenkrantz was born to a prominent family in British Mandate- era Eretz Yisrael in 1944. His mother’s family emigrated from Europe to Yerushalayim in the early 1900s. His father, Rav Chaim, known as one of the biggest masmidim in Warsaw, was a product of many European yeshivos, including Novardik, Emek Halacha under Rav Nosson Shpiegelblatt in Warsaw as well as by the author of Chovas HaTalmidim, the Eish Kodesh. He was also extremely close to the Chortkover Rebbe, zt’l. HaRav Chaim Blumenkrantz was abroad when war broke out in 1948. Reb Chaim had lost most of his family in the churban of Europe; he did not wish to see his family in further tur- moil. A four-year-old Avrohom Blumenkrantz, his younger brother, Yaakov Yoseph, and his mother were placed on a boat headed West. He stayed in the same cabin with another famous personage, Rav Aharon Kotler’s rebbetzin. In the early ’50s, the family settled in Bogota, Columbia, where there were many Jews but few places for reli- gious growth. Rav Chaim served as the chief rav. The Blumenkrantz family stayed in a spiritual wilderness for the sole purpose of serving Klal Yisrael. Arriving in America from Bogota as a young yeshiva student, Rav Avrohom Blumenkrantz eventually went to the gadol ha’dor, Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt’l, to study Torah under him at Tiferes Yerushalayim (MTJ) on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. His father moved to Far Rockaway and was a practicing rav in the Far Rockaway community. At age 17, Rav Blumenkrantz served Rav Moshe and learned prodigiously under him. Visitors knew that a good way to access the gadol ha’dor was through the young Rav Blumenkrantz. His rebbi muvhak, Rav Moshe, zt’l, was a tremendous oheiv Yisrael. Rav Blumenkrantz absorbed this midah from his rebbi, as well. At that time, Rav Blumenkrantz was placed in charge of the English-language com- munications of Rav Moshe, poseik ha’- dor. Callers who could not communi- cate with Rav Moshe in English posed their questions to Rav Blumenkrantz, who posed them to Rav Moshe and then communicated his response. “From 1969 to 1971, Rav Blumenkrantz gave the Yoreh Deah semichah shiur in Rav Moshe’s yeshi- va,” recalled Rabbi Yaakov Ehrenreich, one of the talmidim of MTJ. He was 25 years old. “It was at this time that he came out with the early version of his English-language niddah sefer.” His first chinuch position was in the Bais Yaakov on the Lower East Side. Rav Moshe, zt’l, asked him to be the ninth- grade rebbi at the Yeshiva of Staten Island, a division of MTJ. To this day, Rav Blumenkrantz’s talmidim remem-

Continued on Page 20 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 19 Rav Blumenkrantz minutiae of production technology was Continued from Page 19 extraordinary. A perusal of his Pesach guide demonstrates a remarkable ber his loving, patient hand, guiding understanding of manufacturing them through the words of the Gemara. processes as well as ingredients. Indeed, He soon changed jobs, to teach girls even at the end of his life, he would look both at the high-school and seminary at the pills prescribed for him and pick levels. As a halachah teacher in Yeshiva out the ones that he felt he should not of Prospect Park for over 30 years, he take. Someone asked him why he did taught more than three generations of not wish to take a particular pill. women halachah as well as a lifelong He answered, “This pill has milk love and devotion to it. How does one and meat inside it.” teach love of Torah? One can only teach “How can you tell?” by example. Rav Blumenkrantz was, first With his prodigious memory, and in and foremost, a teacher in Klal Yisrael. a very weakened state, he began to rat- His students from Prospect Park tle off every ingredient in the pill. The High School recall him as one of the nurses witnessing this stood literally most sincere people they had ever met. jaws agape in their amazement. One Prospect graduate vividly recalls While still a kollel yungerman trav- how it hurt him so much when people eling to Manhattan each day from kvetched about Pesach. It pained him Borough Park, he was asked to be the to the very core when he heard that rav of the Agudah of Long Island. Until people actually complained about that time, no Agudah shul in the Hashem’s mitzvos. “How could anyone United States had a mara d’asra; Rav complain about this when Hashem Blumenkrantz was the first rav of an does so much for us?” Years ago, there Agudah in the United States. Two was a song that depicted Pesach prepa- years later, he switched to the shul that rations somewhat pejoratively. Rav he would head for the rest of his life. Blumenkrantz literally could not Rav Blumenkrantz was a pioneer in understand how the song could ever writing critically needed halachic have been written. works for an English-speaking Torah- “We did not treat him with the observant community. His The Laws of kavod that such a gadol baTorah and Pesach: A Digest was a first, as well. such a tzaddik deserved,” said one stu- Trailblazing in both scope and vision, dent, “yet he never ever showed any Rav Blumenkrantz’s Pesach guide was ka‘as [anger] toward us.” Even then, the must-have guide to Pesach for the students observed his tireless grandmothers, mothers, new kallahs— efforts on behalf of Klal Yisrael—he even rabbanim. The guide is complete, would field she’eilos at all hours of the from halachos, to advice, to kashrus night and day. and sha‘atnez issues, to recipes and Rav Blumenkrantz’s grasp of the medical remedies. The guide propelled

20 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Pesach observance to a new level. projects for the betterment of the klal. Now, in large part due to the influence Before his most recent hospitalization, of his publication, the bar has been he was attempting to bring back raised. Consumer awareness has together a chasan and kallah who had, grown, and an entire generation of unfortunately, broken up; he was try- religious Jews would no longer accept ing to place a girl in a high school; and mediocrity in Pesach kashrus—or, by he was collecting money for some extension, in overall kashrus obser- needy families. Unfortunately, his ill- vance. The book is replete with Torah ness cut these projects short. lessons, and Torah values permeate its It was amazing how Rav pages. The Laws of Pesach: A Digest Blumenkrantz combined an extraordi- was a first; many other organizations nary zehirus in mitzvos with an even followed with their own guides and more remarkable ahavas haberiyos,a

Rav Blumenkrantz refused the money, saying, “I have many kallos that cannot afford a nice sheitel; let me give them your number and you can take care of them.” lists of products. Rav Blumenkrantz love for everyone whom he encoun- was not upset. He had started a Torah tered. He was available to answer she’ei- and kashrus revolution. los 24 hours a day, and he fielded she’ei- Admittedly, some of his halachic los from across the globe. One congre- positions were, at first glance, contro- gant was in the rav’s home at 11:00 versial. One rav, concerned that some p.m., and he observed that the phone people would avoid necessary medi- rang for the next two hours, as though cines on account of some of Rav it were the middle of the afternoon. Blumenkrantz’s positions, approached As a rav, Rav Blumenkrantz literally Rav Elyashiv about it. Rav Elyashiv’s internalized everyone’s tza‘ar. One of response was to let the rav continue: his many areas of expertise involved although some of his positions were advising married couple along the del- controversial, Pesach chumros are icate path of halachic observance and good for Klal Yisrael. fertility issues. His advice and patience Even toward the end of his life, Rav Blumenkrantz was working on various Continued on Page 22

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 21 Rav Blumenkrantz those who needed them. tax return, with full emes.” Continued from Page 21 His own shul was in desperate need Rav Blumenkrantz’s unique person- HaRav Avrohom of funds, but he placed the needs of ality—his remarkable selflessness, his resulted in the birth of a multitude of the community above those of his own prodigious grasp of the most intricate Blumenkrantz children in Klal Yisrael. and above those of his shul. He raised complexities of production and con- At the height of the Indian-Hair funds for the local mikveh, so that the temporary halachah—has impacted BY DR. MOSHE LAZAR Sheitel Controversy of ’05, many sheit- women would feel comfortable with it hundreds of thousands of Jews. May On Thursday of last week, Klal Yisrael el machers came to Rav Blumenkrantz aesthetically. he be a meilitz yosher for us all. ❖ lost a giant, HaRav Avrohom Blumen- so that he could research the propriety The vacuum left by Rav krantz, zt’l. of their sheitels and provide them with Blumenkrantz’s petirah is felt by his He was a leader in the field of a letter of certification. Some of these family as well as by his congregants For the next issue, halachah, especially hilchos Pesach, nid- sheitel machers left money along with and by all of Klal Yisrael. “He placed dah, and kashrus. Rav Blumenkrantz was the sheitels. Rav Blumenkrantz refused the level of bein adam l’chaveiro as that deadline for reserving the manhig of our kehillah, Bais Medrash the money, saying, “If you do not take of bein adam l’Makom.” “At neilas ad space is Ateres Yisroel, and a pioneer of this money back right away, I will take ha’chag each year, he was crying. Yiddishkeit in the Five Towns area. He your name off of the approved list!” When he left the sukkah he would kiss Monday, March 5 also taught thousands of young women “But, rebbi, we wish to show our all the walls. It was all real, genuine.” at 5:00 P.M. over the years in high school and semi- hakaras ha’tov!” “His expertise in medical issues was nary. Many of these women commented “I have many kallos that cannot mind-boggling,” said a prominent that Rav Blumenkrantz had changed afford a nice sheitel; let me give them Williamsburg physician. “Many times I All graphics for ads their lives. And his greatest role was as a your number and you can take care of discussed intricate medical issues with must be in by husband and father. His world-famous them,” was the rav’s reply. him. He knew the details perfectly.” hilchos Pesach sefer has adorned Pesach His prodigious research enabled “He taught us, his mispallelim, how Tuesday, March 6 sedarim for the past 15 years. Countless him to figure out a means to obtain oat to be good husbands and good fathers, at 5:00 P.M. times we would get calls in our office, matzos for Pesach for the benefit of and how to act as true and complete checking the kashrus of certain drugs for those few Jews who needed it. He paid mechanchim to our children,” said Pesach. Rav Blumenkrantz taught hilchos large sums of money for these Allen Rekant, a local real-estate bro- Call 516-984-0079 niddah in the ’70s, when the subject of matzos—and then gave them away to ker. “He taught us how to approach a taharas ha’mishpachah was barely a blip on the radar screen. This culminated with his book on the subject, Gefen Poriah. He was the warmest person I ever knew; he was able to be all things to everyone, yet when he spoke to you, or when you had a she’eilah, you felt as though you were the most important person in the world to him. He felt his whole purpose in life was to serve Klal Yisrael, and he did this with one thing in mind: ahavas Yisrael. I remember many Simchas Torahs when “other boys” would come to our hakafos in shul. Rav Blumenkrantz would grab their hand and dance with them and the Torah, showing his love to every sin- gle Jew. When a child would get his first aliyah on Simchas Torah, Rav Blumen- krantz would call over to the ezras nashim to make sure the mother and grandmoth- er were able to witness this momentous event. He was like our zaidy. His service to Klal Yisrael was leg- endary. I remember selling my chametz the night before Pesach at his home at 1:00 a.m. The phones were ringing off the hooks as if it were 1:00 in the after- noon. That was how great his mesirus nefesh was—and it extended to his fam- ily, with every one of them being involved in his avodas ha’kodesh. Even from his hospital bed, over the objection of his family and his doctors, he made himself available to answer any she’eilah that came before him. I would like to leave you with one vision that has always remained with me. One night, while out on Caffrey Avenue, I saw a car pull up to the home of Rav Blumenkrantz. A figure came out of the car. It was the rav, himself, his face glowing like an angel’s in the light of the moon. He had just returned from a two-week trip to Australia to raise funds for his kollel. His children were lined up to greet him. I marveled at the scene, with tears in my eyes: instead of a group hug, the rav patiently took each child into his arms, kissed and hugged them, and gave them berachos. Now it is clear to me: this is how he made each child feel spe- cial. He made us all feel special. May he be a meilitz yosher for his reb- betzin and family, and for all of Klal Yisrael. ❖ 22 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES The Half Shekel ries. The darkness was thick, damp, I knew by heart. I said them a hundred But the heat was too powerful. I was Continued from Front Cover and palpable. Chains clanged loudly times, over and over again. I thought of overcome by it. Delirium set in. I and banged against my small, tin my life; the happy parts, the regrets. And attempted to counter the intense heat one of the major weapons he uses prison wall, causing a thunderous hol- then the heavy metal chains again by thinking of the beautiful cold win- against the Yidden. low echo and ear-shattering reverbera- thumped against my prison walls; deaf- ters we used to have. The clean, white Amalek tries to farfeer the Yidden by tions. I couldn’t remember the last ening, intimidating, terrifying, shocking. snow on the ground. The snowball baiting them, enticing them, encourag- time I ate or drank. My tongue felt like My life passed by like a slide show of fights with my friends. The fun we had ing them to do mitzvos in a big way; to building snowmen. I remembered the aspire for the spectacular; to do things town shnorrer, old Reb Chaim Pinchas, on a grand scale. Finish the whole of sleeping in the snow, like a heap of Bavli in one year; next year, the whole With all the great z’chuyos that I felt I did in my humanity piled on the street. No one of Yerushalmi. Give a lot of tzedakah so would touch him. He never bathed, that you have a chance of getting your lifetime, I would have thought that one of them, and was full of lice. I remembered that, name on the front-door plaque of a something, would have come to my defense. while coming home from shul late one yeshiva or to be made guest of honor. night, I almost tripped over poor Reb That was Haman’s weapon against But that did not happen. Chaim Pinchas. He looked frozen. But the Yidden; go ahead and do mitzvos, even in the cold, I was able to see the but do it on a grandiose scale, be glam- lice crawling all over him. I quickly orous, and make sure there are superla- walked past him and went home. tive descriptions attached to them. it was plasterboard, and my shirt clung family portraits: visions of my children’s Then, for some unexplainable rea- The Jewish response to Amalek, said to me like tissue paper. I hadn’t been laughter; my wife; our young years. son, I turned back. I walked back up Rav Weinberger, was the machatzis able to swallow for several hours. I was Well, at least I did some good things the block to where Reb Chaim Pinchas ha’shekel, the half coin. Not even a whole in my dank, dark hole of a prison, while I was alive: Although it was not a lay huddled against a tree, a frozen pile shekel, but a puny half coin. That’s how while my captors above gleefully plot- great deal, I gave tzedakah to aniyim,to of rags, and asked him to come and the Jew will win his fight with Amalek. ted my torture and planned my demise. , to kollelim. I did what I could spend the night in my house. The Jew will win not by setting up It was the end. I knew there was no to support many of the shuls in my Reb Chaim Pinchas looked at me impossible goals for himself or by doing escape. There was nothing I could do neighborhood. Yes, baruch Hashem,I things only when publicly acknowl- but wait. I had already said every tefillah tried to accomplish whatever I could. Continued on Page 26 edged or lauded, but by doing the small things, little deeds, quietly. Learn ten blatt Gemara this year, but learn it well. Granted, it’s not a great deal, and granted, no one will open their eyes wide in admiration and give you a “groisen yasher ” for that, but that small, little achievement is something for which you are sure to gain eternity. When speaking on the phone and the urge possesses you to say a tiny bit of lashon ha’ra, and you catch yourself, and you leave that little part out, you have soundly beaten Amalek. The withholding of that little bit of news was like an F-16 fighter plane firing a missile squarely on the head of Amalek. The machatzis ha’shekel, the small things. No bells and whistles. No one will ever know that you resisted a burning temptation by omitting that juicy bit of news. But that’s real gadlus. The power of the machatzis ha’shekel becomes strikingly apparent in Parashas Ki Sisa, where it states that the machatzis ha’shekel was kofer nefesh. It saved one’s life. In other words, the small mitzvos, the “machatzis ha’shekel mitzvos” are the mitzvos that save lives. I experienced the truth of that on one recent Yom Kippur. On Yom Kippur evening, as I left Sh’or Yoshuv and commenced my long walk back home, my mind was filled with all the things I am sure all Jews worry and wonder about on the eve of Yom Kippur. What will the new year bring? Happiness or sadness, sickness or health, life or the opposite, chas v’shalom? I was very hot and tired when I walked upstairs to my bedroom. Unfortunately, we had forgotten to turn the air conditioner on, and my bedroom was like an oven. I opened the windows, sat on the edge of my bed, took off my socks and sneakers, and got into my pajamas. I put my head on my pillow and closed my eyes. And I had a dream. Author’s note: The Gemara in Nedarim, daf ches, states that all dreams are a combination of some real- ity and some fantasy. Unbearable; the heat was oppres- sive. But that was the least of my wor- 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 23 24 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 25 The Half Shekel men with black uniforms. They pulled less. He couldn’t help me. He was I would have thought that one of them, Continued from Page 23 me to my feet, dragging me along the blocked behind barbed wire. On the something, would have come to my stone stairs, scraping my legs and other side of the road I saw crowds of defense. But that did not happen. like I was crazy. “Are you sure?” he knees on the jagged surface. My head yeshiva boys and poor people whom I Instead, what saved my life was a little asked incredulously, as he lifted his smashed against the low concrete ceil- had learned with and tried to help over branch that came out of nowhere. But head from between his knees. ing of the prison. Warm blood trickled the years. “Someone help me!” I as I got a closer look at the life-saving “I am very sure,” I said, hoping down my face, dripping into my eyes. screamed. But no one came to my aid. branch, what I saw struck me, hitting against hope that my wife and children Although bloodied, bruised, and They only stood by, helpless. They too, me like a ton of bricks. It was then that were asleep upstairs. aching all over, I was out of the dun- were blocked by heavy barbed wire. My I finally appreciated the full impact of I took him in and made warm milk geon, breathing in fresh air and stand- own children watched, as well. I the miracle of Purim, the greatness of for the both of us. We shared a piece of ing on solid ground. I tried to stand up screamed for them to help me. the machatzis ha’shekel, and the awe- a Zomnick’s brownie. Reb Chaim as straight as I could. Although they cried bitterly, they, too, some power of small mitzvos. Pinchas’s long arms were covered with Their fury, however, did not abate. were powerless to help. Because what was sticking out of curly red hair, the lice clearly visible. They looked like thwarted attack dogs, Finally, disheartened, discouraged, the mountain was not a tree limb, but Reb Chaim Pinchas told me that when held back on choke chains, faces dark and exhausted, I gave up and stopped a long, bare arm, covered with curly, he was young, they called him Pinky, with unspent rage, eyes hot with vio- running. The truth is, I had no place to red hair. ❖ because of his red hair. I showed Reb lent passion that would not cool until go. I had reached the edge of a bottom- Chaim Pinchas to the downstairs guest they had been allowed to bite. My tor- less pit. I could either stay and face the Irwin Benjamin can be reached at room and he went to sleep. mentors were lined up, each with his torture, or jump into the abyss and [email protected]. They would be coming for me any own evil device designed to inflict the into the inevitable. It was an easy deci- minute now, so I tried to hark back to maximum pain and torture. sion. I jumped. happier times, and think of any I knew then it was now or never. As I plunged headlong through the z’chuyos I may have had that would Mustering up all the strength I had left cavernous hole in the earth, jagged For the next issue, somehow come to my defense. I in me, I swung with a fury at my near- black rocks shot out on all sides, infi- learned Torah as often as I could. I est tormentor, knocking him to the nite darkness below. The walls of irreg- deadline for reserving sent all of my children to yeshivas, ground. I turned and ran like I had ular stone kept screaming in frenzy, ad space is trying to raise them as b’nei Torah. never run before in my life. I anticipat- screeching at me like sharp beaks and What a z’chus, I thought. Let them ed any minute my back being riddled raised claws lunging at my flesh. Monday, March 5 come. I tried to support talmidei with bullets, but, instead, a worse As my arms flayed in the air, I went at 5:00 P.M. chachamim. I did what I had to do, nightmare: ferocious dogs were let down at breakneck speed. But then, and I have no regrets. loose, the men screaming, urging them miracle of miracles, something hooked The heavy, thick steel doors opened on as the dogs chased me, barking on to the back of my shirt, abruptly All graphics for ads with a bang. Bright light flooded my incessantly, vicious, relentless. I blind- catching me and stopping my free fall. must be in by cell with a fury. After the blinding ly ran as dizzying shapes seemed to rise Apparently, the back of my shirt had white flash, my vision was blurred, and from the road itself, as if from some caught onto an errant limb or root of a Tuesday, March 6 all I could hear was the thunderous mythical dragon’s teeth. Shadows tree protruding from the rocks. As at 5:00 P.M. pulse of blood as it rushed in and out encircled me. unbelievable as it was, my life had of my eardrums. As I ran for my life, I looked to been saved. It was going to happen soon. I just either side of me. I saw my rebbi, and As I dangled in the air, I pondered Call 516-984-0079 hoped it would be over quickly. I could I screamed “Rebbi, help me. Please the irony of it all. With all the great hardly make out the two big, burly help me!” But my rebbi stood motion- z’chuyos that I felt I did in my lifetime,

26 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 27 way of life. When this happens, it’s a out to accommodate their child’s win/win situation for everyone involved. needs, but they are also not judgmen- How amazing and wonderful it is when tal. “Live and let live” is the credo they one child can affect an entire family— live by. And though religion isn’t a and subsequent generations. Obviously, topic necessarily open for discussion, the scenario is what is hoped for and it is also not considered a “hot button” certainly is as good as it gets. or something to be avoided at all costs. In the second scenario, though the And most important, the level of con- Dear Esther, Yes, they will give them birthday pres- parents have no immediate interest in nectedness and closeness with the My husband, “Roy,” grew up in a ents and such, but there is a certain making changes in their own lifestyle, child is not impeded. non-Orthodox home. He is one of three warmth that is missing. They have kept they take an interest in the choice that Then we come to your struggle: par- brothers. Early on, he got involved in the relationship quite formal and stiff. their child has made, try to educate ents reacting in a negative way to their NCSY and, as teenagers, the two of us I stopped asking them years ago to themselves regarding the restrictions child’s religious growth and, as a met through that organization. We attend Siddur parties and the like. It’s that will now be a part of their child’s result, distancing themselves. Though dated on and off for a couple of years, just “not their thing.” life, and act respectfully when around for all practical purposes they are nice and we eventually married. Roy is a Roy and I are always very careful not the child. The relationship does not and polite and do the very basic stuff very nice and respectful man. to do or say anything that might be change, and parents and child can that we expect from grandparents, they We now have four children of our construed as judgmental in any way. remain as close as ever. These parents have created a wall around themselves. own and we don’t live too far away We’re careful not to throw our reli- try their hardest to accommodate their You can’t see it or touch it, but it is from my in-laws. My oldest child will gious lifestyles in their faces. And yet surely there. You ask why this is hap- be a bar mitzvah soon, and he is start- we still can’t seem to get close to them. pening. My guess would be because ing to realize that something is terribly I can’t imagine what we are doing They may be more they have taken Roy’s frumkeit as a wrong. So here is the problem and wrong, but if you can think of any- personal attack on themselves and question. Though my in-laws always thing, I’d love to hear about it. Also, comfortable being their lifestyles. They’ve made Roy’s behave politely—I would even say might you have any suggestions for us choice about themselves, rather than kindly—when we see them, we unfor- to help bridge that gap, which seems to around family members about Roy. tunately don’t see them very often. And be getting wider all the time? who don’t challenge the The logic goes something like this: although they spend a great deal of Thanks, “Roy must feel that there is something time with my two brothers-in-law and C.M. lifestyle they’ve chosen intrinsically wrong with us and our their families, they choose to not Dear C.M., lifestyle if he chooses to discard it for an spend anywhere nearly as much time When children decide to embrace a for themselves. entirely different way of life. What’s with us. In fact, this past December frum way of life, as your husband did wrong with us? Why does he feel that they went on a trip to Acapulco with so many years ago, despite their par- our way of life lacks authenticity? Does their two other sons and their families, ents’ being in a very different place child’s needs, be it by making sure that he think he’s better than us?” And so on. and they didn’t even invite us. I’m not spiritually, parents can react in basical- their home is “kosher friendly” when What can make this insecure way of saying that we would have gone along, ly one of four ways. their child comes for a visit or by doing thinking even more powerful is if but to not be asked hurt Roy and me One reaction goes like this: The par- whatever else is entailed to make the either of Roy’s parents actually grew very deeply. We felt rejected. ents take an active interest in what is relationship possible. The level of love up in an Orthodox home that they As our children are getting older, I happening with their child, ask ques- and respect does not falter. chose to rebel against and reject. If feel bad for them. It’s like they don’t tions, educate themselves, and ulti- In the third case, parents stay very that is the case, then there may also be really have grandparents on Roy’s side. mately jump on board with this new neutral. They may not put themselves feelings of unresolved guilt that have

28 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES been ignited once more. have good taste? Could you ask her to Though I believe you when you say help you shop for a suit for your son’s that you and Roy are very careful not to upcoming bar mitzvah? Are you doing put out any negative comments or judg- any purchases for your home? Maybe ment toward your in-laws, many of us she can help you choose a new couch. tend to judge ourselves pretty harshly, Or, even better, ask her some child- and we often project those feelings onto rearing questions. For example, “The another person, who we assume is youngest isn’t sleeping through the thinking similar thoughts about us. For night. Any suggestions?” that reason, it may just be more com- The sooner your in-laws are made to fortable for your in-laws to be around believe that you respect them for who family members who don’t challenge they are, the sooner they will feel com- (in any way, shape, or form), the fortable embracing their rightful roles lifestyle they’ve chosen for themselves. as parents and grandparents. Let me Perhaps this explanation has helped reiterate, I understand that it’s not that you understand why your in-laws have you and Roy don’t already feel that distanced themselves from you. But it way; the key is enabling your in-laws to still doesn’t give you any ideas regarding believe you feel that way. It’s all about a way to lessen the gap. It sounds as correcting their faulty perceptions. though you and Roy are both very anx- I wish you luck and commend you ious to make that happen, both for your and Roy on your wonderful choices. own sake and that of your children. Esther I would stay away from any and all psychobabble with them. They won’t Esther Mann, LMSW, has a private practice in Lawrence. She can be reached at 516-314-2295 want to hear it from you. However, if or [email protected]. She works with you are truly motivated, I would sug- individuals, couples, and families. gest you work extra hard at finding safe ways to spend time together. And it will be up to the two of you to go the extra mile. For instance, if you go on a fam- ily vacation, take the initiative of invit- ing your in-laws to join you. If you go WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? out to a restaurant, invite them along. If Roy, your son, and your father-in-law WE WANT TO KNOW! enjoy baseball, suggest that Roy buy tickets for games and invite your E-MAIL US AT father-in-law along. Enjoy happy [email protected] times; create happy memories. Try to turn to your in-laws for advice. Make them feel appreciated and valued. Does your mother-in-law

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 29 stomach is not in knots for at least one Pesach, when Purim hasn’t even month before Pesach, she’s not doing arrived yet, let me explain: Last week, things according to Hoyle, or, in this when I asked a supermarket clerk for a case, halachah. certain box of crackers, I was told that The knotted-stomach condition it was out of stock and not being starts as soon as those five-pound reordered until after Pesach. Yikes! boxes of matzah go up in front of one That did it. supermarket aisle and dozens of jars of But, getting back to the holiday at The Best Purim gefilte fish are stacked in front of the hand, and as I stated at the outset, next. The blue-and-white-crepe-paper some days of the week make the cele- displays that decorate these “Passover bration of Purim easier. And this year There is no such thing as a bad day That isn’t to say that most people aisles,” as they are called, do nothing is absolutely the best of days, because for a holiday—any holiday. But let’s don’t find their way into a to to relax me. Quite the opposite; they Purim is Saturday night and Sunday! face facts: some days are better than do some heavy-duty praying on Rosh reminder me of the work that’s to This eliminates certain problems others. On Purim, after the shalach Hashanah; but davening is something come, and that only adds to the ten- because, on Shabbos, everyone is manos packages are prepared, there’s that folks do, not something they discuss. sion. already home. So there will be none of little to do but sit back and enjoy the Ergo, the talk always revolves around the Given the fact that I haven’t “made the usual worries associated with hav- Megillah reading and the seudah ing to leave work early and hurry to (feast) to follow—unless, of course, shul the hear the Megillah. To be sure, you happen to be the one making the most shuls have a later reading for the suedah; then it’s not quite so relaxing. convenience of people who can’t make For weeks leading up to the holiday, the regular one. But most dads, as well families are deciding who should host There’s nothing better than a as working moms, prefer to be at the that year’s seudah. It’s similar to what first reading so they can be with their goes on in the weeks before Rosh Sunday for Purim. little ones and do the annual “ohhs and Hashanah, but it’s on a smaller scale, ahhs” routine over the kids’ costumes. because, while nearly every Jew And there’s nothing better than a observes Rosh Hashanah in some fash- Sunday for Purim. It means that after ion, not everyone observes the mitzvos hearing the Megillah, people can give of Purim. There is a perception that if gastronomic part of the holiday. Pesach” in several years, there is out shalach manos and then sit down a holiday is of a joyous nature, there The same holds true for Passover. In absolutely no justification for my stress, to the seudah at a more leisurely pace are no mitzvos associated with it. The non-observant circles, females are pre- but I experience it anyhow. That’s just than they do on a weekday. That’s Rosh Hashanah debate among female occupied with where the Seders will be the way it is. Presumably it’s a holdover because most people don’t work on members of the tribe starts in late held, but as a rule they don’t talk about from my younger years, when I was the Sunday. So there will be no negotiating August and continues through early the big switcheroo, known among one who did all the work. Then, too, it’s about what time the seudah will start. September: “Are you doing the holi- Orthodox housewives as turning over possible that my angst stems from my Every year most families have the same days this year?” Some people are more the house. There are, of course, childhood, when my mother pulled her conversations, make the same pleas, concerned with what they will eat on Conservative and Reform Jews who hair out (one hair at a time) as she pre- and give the same rebuttals. It goes Rosh Hashanah, and where they will make changes for Passover, but they pared for Pesach. something like this: eat it, than they are about going to don’t discuss it. And my own personal Lest anyone wonder why I’m already shul to daven. rule of thumb is that if a housewife’s working up a full head of steam about Continued on Page 32

30 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 31 THAT’S THE WAY IT IS! two-ounce bar of cream cheese, a Continued from Page 30 small package of lox, and two bagels. That was the shalach manos, and it was Male Family Member: “Can’t we great. The only thing left for us to do start at 3:00 instead of 2:00, so I can was boil water for the coffee. get to the seudah on time without What I’m thinking now is that since killing myself in the process?” this Purim will be on Sunday, a shalach Female Family Member: “Why manos package of the breakfast-theme As Purim approaches, writing a ing loan through Misrad HaK’litah should everyone have to rush through variety would be perfect. The only serious article seemed out of place (Ministry of Absorption). the meal? Just be here by 2:00 p.m.” problem is that the “themesters,” as I for my column for this week, so This problem was passed on from Women inevitably win this debate, call them, don’t like to repeat them- here are a couple of mini-spiels biblical times all through the genera- since common sense dictates that selves. But we can always hope that (source unknown) that I have saved tions. Even with all our problems, we the meal will start when the hostess some newcomer to the idea of “shalach over the years. says it will! manos with a motif” will come up with (For those readers who don’t under- a breakfast package, without realizing Editorial From The Housing stand the reason for the typical mini- that it has been done before. Of Minister Of Israel Wasn’t Herzl conflict described above, and to pre- course, this is relevant to us only if It often amuses me to hear people vent anyone from asking me about this hubby and I happen to be on her sha- describe the housing problem in Israel virtually pummeled at a later time, here is the explanation: lach manos list. as a “recent development.” Housing the seudah has to be held on Purim, Happy Purim to all! ❖ problems have been a tradition in because he couldn’t and since the Jewish day starts in the Judaism throughout the ages. Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a evening, the seudah must be well under licensed real-estate broker associated with As far back as the dawn of man, get good housing in way before sundown, at which point Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at Adam and Eve lost their lease on a very [email protected] or 516-902-3733. the day after Purim already begins.) choice piece of property. From then the Holy Land and While I described a handful of on, the curse of housing problems has today’s theme-oriented shalach manos accompanied us. Since the early days opted for cheap co- packages in last week’s column, I left Pure olive oil, of the ancient Hebrews, when our out a real winner that we received a ancestors were forced to live in sukkot few years back. It was a shalach manos crushed for the light while wandering through the desert, ops in Uganda? with a “Sunday breakfast” theme, and (Sh’mos 27:20) housing problems have been part and it was truly a work of art. parcel of Israeli life. Unfortunately, Purim was on a Just as the olive yields light Even when Hashem spoke of His still won’t settle for less. Wasn’t Herzl Thursday that year. Nevertheless, wait- only when it is pounded, so love for the Jewish people, and His virtually pummeled because he could- ing for us when we returned home desire to be with them, it was not n’t get good housing in the Holy Land from shul that morning was a plastic- are man's greatest without a stipulation. Hashem’s wish- and opted for cheap co-ops in Uganda, foam sectioned plate, on which sat the potentials realized only es were clearly stated: “And you shall which even then was a miserable following: two hot cups, two individual under the pressure of build Me a house that I may dwell neighborhood? packets of instant coffee, two packets adversity. among them.” Our Sages were puz- Today, as more Jews leave their each of sugar and artificial sweetener, zled by this request, as it is a well- condos in the West and seek free- two mini-containers of coffee lightener (The Talmud) known fact that Hashem was entitled dom from anti-Semitic lands, the (the type served at some restaurants), a to both rental assistance and a hous- housing problem is worse than ever

32 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES before. But you can rest assured vacation and are spending our Saturday that we at the Ministry of Housing night driving around in the dark to are working even harder than our checkpoints to deliver pizza, they are forefathers to solve the problem, incredulous and then appreciative. with our plans for Israeli branches “We linger after the last slice has of Trump and Lefrak and Mitchell- been finished off. It is 11:30 p.m., but Lama housing, we will be ready for we don’t want to leave. We are like a the great influx when the Mashiach An Unforgettable Experience With pulls into the first of several check- family meeting for the first time, and (bimhera b’yameinu) arrives. Israel’s Soldiers points, opens up the trailer attached to now we don’t want to leave them. We The members of the Goldman fami- his pickup, and fires up the oven. In want to take them home with us, tell Yeshiva Boy Suffocates In ly, of New Jersey, were in Israel a few moments we are bringing delicious hot them peace has arrived and there are Polyester Suit weeks ago, where they joined Standing pizza, with soda, to soldiers who are at no more checkpoints to guard. We take Fifteen-year-old Sholom Azel of Together (www.stogether.org) for an first stunned and then entirely grateful. photos and finally bid everyone Williamsburg was hospitalized last unforgettable experience. “We do this several times, eventually ‘shalom,’ and realize that this evening night for near suffocation after Devorah Goldman reports on her wearing his weekday polyester suit family’s visit: for three consecutive days. Azel “We are in Israel for winter break began to feel stiffness around the and we’ve seen the most beautiful shoulders and neckline. He attrib- sights from north to south, eaten the uted that to a pull in the material most delicious food, visited with caused by swaying during davening, friends and relatives, and basked in the friends say. glow of Jerusalem’s golden light. What That the cause was more serious else is left to do? Plenty, I assured my became clear when Azel recited skeptical family, as we cut a dinner Shemoneh Esreih. As he bent his short with friends on the Saturday knees in prayer, his body jerked for- night before our departure. ward and his arms froze in out- “Instead of trolling the shops on Ben stretched supplication. Azel Yehuda and drinking latte in a warm remained in that position until after Jerusalem café, I tuck my husband Maariv that evening, when friends (Edward) and my teenage daughters realized something was wrong. Elisheva and Hadassah into David Azel’s condition is described as Landau’s truck. Before you know it, we fanatic. ❖ are driving on those very dark (and chilly) highways out of Jerusalem— Devorah, Elisheva, and Hadassah Goldman with soldiers and Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a roads that lead to checkpoints with sol- Standing Together founder David Landau. licensed real estate broker (Anessa V Cohen diers standing, guarding, checking, all ending up on an army base, where a has been the absolute highlight of our Realty) and a licensed N.Y.S. mortgage broker night long, keeping our country safe. group of young soldiers comes out to entire 12 days. Thank you, Gadi, Zev, (A.C. Action Mortgage Corp.) with over 20 years of experience, offering full-service residential and Funny, with all of our travels we never greet us and munch pizza. We simply Nate, and the others; back here in commercial real estate services and mortgage really noticed these soldiers before, tell them, ‘Thank you for all that you do New Jersey, we are thinking of you and services. She can be reached at 516-569-5007. Readers are encouraged to send any questions or how young they are, how sweet—how for us’—and they cannot believe their scenarios to [email protected]. cold it is, and how dark. Now, David ears. When they find out we are on Continued on Page 34

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 33 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 33 praying for peace.” The Goldmans were part of Standing Together’s “24/7 for 2007” campaign, which encourages organiza- tions, schools, and individuals to per- sonally meet soldiers. They call on you all to follow their lead! Standing Together was founded in 2003 to provide a framework that would allow and encourage Jews throughout the world to show direct support for Israel’s fighting soldiers. During the second Lebanon war, in the summer of 2006, Standing Together forged a partnership with Friends of the IDF in Israel. Its projects to date have included distribution of clothing, toiletries, and food directly to fighting units on the front; the construction of a mobile cell phone charging unit; assisting wounded soldiers in hospitals with gifts and food; donations of microwaves and refrigerators; a highly successful Rosh Hashanah gift card campaign; National Donut Week; and The Coffee Mobile. If you would like more information about this project, or to be involved with Standing Together, please call David Landau at 972-50-558-0822 or e-mail David at [email protected]. ❖

Dirshu Kinyan Halachah Meets Great Success In First Year By Avrohom Rubin Two days after Sukkos (25 Tishrei/ October 17, 2006) marked a great moment in the history of halachah learning. After six months of intense learning and chazarah, 89 avreichim took the first kinyan halachah test, covering the intricate halachos pertaining to cooking and leaving food on the fire on Shabbos, as well as the halachos of carrying, cleaning soiled clothing, and what manner of speech is permitted on Shabbos. The 89 avreichim, who are in addition to the many hundreds of Dirshu kinyan halachah participants in Eretz Yisrael and Europe, were handpicked from among many applicants throughout the United States and Canada who sought to participate in this exclusive program. This unique program will provide the Torah community with a new gen-

34 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES eration of qualified poskim. This is a critical necessity to meet the growing needs of our tzibur. Two of the most prominent American poskim, HaGaon HaRav Dovid Feinstein and HaGaon HaRav Michel Steinmetz, the Skverer Dayan of Boro Park, have become enthusias- tic supporters of Dirshu kinyan halachah. They see the tremendous necessity for qualified poskim to meet the mounting needs of the American community. The Dirshu kinyan halachah program represents a signifi- cant step toward achieving that goal. This past Sukkos, Dirshu’s kinyan halachah program embarked upon its second six-month segment, and today, the participants are deeply involved in learning the halachos of muktzeh. They are now nearing the second test b’H, this Pesach, bein ha’zemanim. Since its inception, the kinyan halachah program has met with phe- nomenal success. Some avreichim have scored nearly perfectly on a test covering massive amounts of material and numerous details. It therefore required intense dedication and time to ensure retention. One enthusiastic avreich remarked, “I simply had no idea that I was capable of learning so much in such a relatively short time span. It took intensity and concentra- tion to be able to retain and know it!” “The exhilaration associated with being part of a structured program that will, b’ezras Hashem, enable me, with- in five and a half years, to have a mas- tery of the main body of practical halachah that most rabbanim deal with on a daily basis is simply indescribable. Understanding that knowledge of such a large, integral body of halachah is within reach, makes the intense learn- ing schedule an adventure to which I look forward every day.” Kinyan halachah is a structured limud halachah program through which avreichim have the opportunity to learn all the major common halachic areas associated with semi- chah, while receiving continuous prac- tical guidance from prominent poskim. The kinyan halachah five-and-a-half- year program is devoted to thorough study of the most common areas of practical halachah. The seder ha’limud begins with the Tur and Shulchan Aruch (Mishnah Berurah where appli- cable) up to and including contempo- rary p’sak halachah. The hanhalah of Dirshu has spent extensive time and effort in consultation with gedolei ha’poskim to formulate the kinyan halachah program. The program was designed by the well-known posek HaGaon HaRav Moshe Shaul Klein, a senior member of the beis din of HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Wosner, shlita. As in all other Dirshu programs, a hand- some stipend is awarded based on test results. In the case of kinyan halachah, it is a particularly substantial one. The program’s phenomenal success, combined with the tremendous expressed interest in joining the exist- ing program, has spurred Dirshu to open registration for the upcoming second year of the program that will begin after Pesach. Avreichim seeking to join will be able to do so in the mid-

Continued on Page 36 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 35 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS applicable to practical, every- Kloynimus Zev Gross, author molds such as Stachybotrys or including allergies (hypersensi- Continued from Page 35 day terms and examples. of the four-volume sefer on Chaetomium, they could suffer tivity after initial toxicity) and In Lakewood, shiurim were hilchos Shabbos, P’ri Ha’gan. from a myriad of serious symp- excessive bruising—usually can dle of hilchos Shabbos and given by HaRav Shmuel Overflow crowds attended toms and illnesses, such as be treated and reduced after continue with the existing Felder and HaRav Osher these shiurim. Being that these chronic bronchitis, learning dis- people leave their contaminated program. They will be able to Chaim Lieberman, two shiurim were not exclusively abilities, mental deficiencies, environment. Medication, diet, complete the five-and-a-half prominent dayanim in the for kinyan halachah partici- heart problems, cancer, multi- and other treatment protocols year program during the first Lakewood yeshiva who them- pants, these unique and engag- ple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, are often necessary. But other year of the second cycle, b’H. selves field hundred of she’ei- ing shiurim attracted many lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid health problems may remain One of the most successful los weekly. The dayanim gave non-participants. Because of arthritis, multiple chemical sen- permanently, such as brain dam- aspects of the program has background detail regarding this interest, Dirshu has sitivity, bleeding lungs, and age or weakened immune sys- been the periodic shiurim interesting and common opened limited enrollment for much more. tems. Disturbances to eyesight, given by prominent poskim on applications of the halachos of those wishing to join the pro- Unfortunately, the govern- memory, coordination/balance, the areas of halachos being cooking. It served as a revela- gram for its second year. ment has failed to establish and hearing are generally the If you wish to enroll or learn indoor air quality standards, most common residual effects more about Dirshu’s kinyan making it impossible for thou- that often do not improve after halachah program, contact the sands of sick people to obtain treatment. Dirshu office at 888-5- help during this looming Molds can be found wher- DIRSHU (888-534-7748) for national health crisis. This is ever there is moisture, oxygen, your free application. ❖ the main reason why so many and something to feed on. In people are confused about the the fall, they grow on rotting The Mold Epidemic Of The damage mold can cause. As logs and fallen leaves, espe- 21st Century most know, many molds pro- cially in moist, shady areas. In Mold has certainly made its duce allergens that can affect gardens, they can be found in way into people’s homes—as some of the population, but compost piles and on certain well as the headlines—recently. some molds can also produce grasses and weeds. Molds Many people still don’t fully toxins, which can affect every- grow in our homes in moist, understand the health hazards one, depending on the length warm areas, like damp base- of fungal exposure. Airborne of exposure. Approximately 25 ments, closets, and bath- mycotoxins from mold can million Americans suffer from rooms, and they continue to destroy one’s health. Some- allergic reactions to molds, yet grow even after the moisture times, people are unaware that most don’t even realize that has dried up. Also, molds can they are breathing mold spores fungi have caused their sneez- grow in places where fresh Rav Shaul Klien and Rav Karelitz. and mycotoxins until they are ing and sniffling. food is stored, refrigerator very sick. Certain people have The molds that produce air- drip trays, houseplants, learned. The prominent tion as to what is entailed to minor allergic reactions to the borne toxins can cause serious humidifiers, garbage pails, dayanim who give the shiurim pasken such common she’ei- non-toxic mold, but after leav- symptoms, such as breathing mattresses, upholstered furni- have the advantage of fielding los. Shiurim were also deliv- ing the affected area, they most difficulties, memory and hearing ture, or foam rubber pillows. practical questions on a regu- ered by HaRav Avrohom likely recover with few serious loss, dizziness, flu-like symp- Molds grow mostly inside the lar basis and can demonstrate Spitzer, Skverer Dayan of side effects. However, if they toms, and acid reflux. Common how the material learned is Lakewood, and HaRav have been exposed to dangerous ailments from toxigenic mold— Continued on Page 38

36 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 37 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS glass insulation products. Mold also option and at the end of most articles halachic equation.” Continued from Page 36 grows on wood, fabric, leather, gypsum, under the Meet Jamie menu-bar This session will be followed by fiberboard, drywall, stucco, and the option), as well as other yummy Cantor Joseph Malovany, who will wall cavities and flooring of our fibrous materials found in many types of morsels of information and helpful present “Praising G-d Through Song homes—wherever there may be cellu- insulation. All molds require some form links. Also be sure to check out the and Poem: A study of Hallel and Yom lose materials they can feed on, such of moisture to grow; however, the amount newsletter and enter your recipe in the Tov piyutim.” Cantor Malovany is the as wood, ceiling tiles, or plasterboard, of moisture varies for different species. Guest Chef Recipe contest. Most cantor at New York’s Fifth Avenue even if they are not visible, and they Some are xerophillic (colonize under very importantly, Jamie invites everyone to Synagogue and is a distinguished pro- have sustained water damage at one dry conditions) some are xerotolerant fill out the contact form under fessor of liturgical music at Yeshiva time or another. This is very common (colonize under a wide range of moisture “Contact Jamie” to be on the mailing University’s Belz School of Jewish if there has been a plumbing leak or an levels) and some are hydrophilic (colonize list and receive the latest cookbook Music and an honorary CCA president. inadequate roof. at high moisture levels). It does not have updates as well as information about Lunch, catered by Noah’s Ark, will Many people are either unaware, to be a leak—humidity or moisture con- special discounts and promotional complete the day’s program. Advance ignorant, or in denial about the severe tent of the substrate can often be suffi- offers. (To view the website, the Adobe registration is required. Admission is health hazards involved with some cient (a relative humidity of 50 percent Flash Player plug-in must be installed.) $25 for students, $35 for others. types of indoor household molds. starts becoming problematic in many Quick & Kosher: Recipes From the Please call 212-960-5353 or e-mail Spores, when inhaled, can begin to col- indoor cases). It can spread very easily Bride Who Knew Nothing, published [email protected] for reservations. ❖ onize in the sinuses and throughout the through any HVAC system. by Feldheim, will be in a store near you body, including the brain, lung, and gut Mold exposure has reached epidemic this summer, G-d willing. ❖ Chabad Of The Five Towns Annual after a period of time. proportions at a national level in the Dinner, March 11 The disturbing factor about airborne United States due to defective construc- Cantorial Conference To Be Held In In September 1995, Rabbi S. mycotoxins is that it is impossible to know tion, lack of regular maintenance, shoddy Teaneck Zalman Wolowik and his wife, Chanie, how much damage they have caused to one’s and inappropriate building materials, igno- The Cantorial Council of America arrived in the Five Towns with one goal health until it is too late. Therefore, it is rance, and lack of government involve- plans to hold its annual mid-winter in mind: to establish a Chabad Center imperative to not knowingly expose oneself ment—all or in part due to the high costs conference on Sunday, March 18. This to serve the Five Towns and surround- even for brief periods of time in any place that of standard and substandard remediation. year’s event will be hosted by ing communities. Little did they know smells moldy or has an appearance of mold or For more information about how to Congregation Rinat Yisrael at 389 W. their vision and efforts would have mildew. If you suspect that the air quality in properly assess and remedy any mold Englewood Avenue in Teaneck, N.J. such far-reaching impact. Starting out your home is being compromised by mold problem you may have, or to schedule Three outstanding presentations as little more than a shul in a small spores you can have the air tested, but it can an appointment or for a free quote, will highlight the program. Maestro storefront, Chabad of the Five Towns be quite expensive in some instances. It’s visit www.FiveBoroMoldSpecialist.com Elli Jaffe, conductor of the Jerusalem quickly developed into a full-service worth it if it helps save your health. or call 718-854-MOLD. ❖ Great Synagogue Choir, will present community center offering a host of Mold also needs an organic source of the opening session, “Musical and programs for families, young adults, food. People might be confused how Quick And Kosher Interpretive Lessons in Comparative and children of all ages. mold can grow on glass, tile, stainless Jamie Geller, a contributing editor Nusach,” at 11:00 a.m. Twelve years later, Chabad of the Five steel, cookware, etc., but it is generally for the Five Towns Jewish Times, has a Following refreshments and greet- Towns is an established presence in the feeding off of some organic source new website to feature her culinary ings by CCA President Joel Kaplan, community, recognized as a center of deposited on this material (oils, film, dirt, expertise—www.quickandkosher.com. Rabbi Yosef Adler, rav of the host syna- activity infusing Jewish life with meaning skin cells, etc.). Mold grows on the organ- The website includes free recipes gogue, will speak on “S’michut geulah ic debris that becomes trapped in fiber- (under the “Spring Recipes” menu-bar l’tefillah: Prayer and redemption, an Continued on Page 40

38 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 39 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 38

and joy. Rabbi Wolowik, direc- tor and spiritual leader of the Jean Fischman Chabad Center of the Five Towns, gratefully remarks that his greatest chal- lenge is to keep up with the growth of the Chabad Center and its activities. To help support its contin- ued good work and expansion, Rabbi Wolowik invites every- one to join in the annual din- ner to be held on Sunday, March 11. He explains, “While we look with pride at the many accomplishments we have experienced in the past, we focus on the future with a vision of growth.” Chabad credits its honorees with help- ing it flourish and will be pay- ing tribute to them at the din- ner, whose theme will be “Illuminating our Community.” The feeling is mutual, as the dinner honorees can attest: Moshe and Elyse Amos applaud the work Rabbi Meir and Rebbetzin Hadassah Geisinsky, the youth directors for Chabad of the Five Towns, who play an important role in the Jewish education of their sons, Natan and Isaac. Moshe, a businessman, can truly appreciate Chabad’s hard work while Elyse, a teacher in the Hempstead Public Schools, can understand the long-lasting effects of their efforts on all of the students in Hebrew school. Yet, Natan, a volunteer at the school and Isaac, a student there, are probably the Geisinsky’s biggest fans. The Amoses ensured Chabad would have an even larger impact on their family by having Natan’s bar mitzvah at the shul. They see the shul’s current building expansion plans as a natural result of the successful out- reach that the “down to earth” Wolowiks and Geisinskys do on a regular basis. Dr. and Mrs. Judah and Ashley Charnoff also have their hearts in the right place. Judah, a cardiologist in private practice and at Cross County Medical, and Ashley, a former lawyer for the New York Housing Authority and current early- childhood educator at HAFTR, make time for various commu- nal organizations, including . They credit their par- ents with providing an example of Jewish action and now pass that legacy on to their chil- dren—Atara, Russell, and Michelle (HAFTR students), and Robby (a YU honors stu- dent). They became involved with Chabad because of its “terrific programming and its ability to reach many different sectors of the community.” The children have participated in the Bat Mitzvah Club and 40 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES attend Chabad’s Purim, Lag B’Omer, and Chanukah extrav- aganzas. Judah and Ashley enjoy their time with Chabad, at stirring farbrengens and through action-packed sight- seeing in Israel. Shalom and Sheri Hammer help create a better environ- ment, both in their profession- al and personal lives. Shalom practices environmental law in New York City. Sheri helps in Gan Chamesh’s PTA while also cultivating her own “gan”— garden—at home, instilling seeds of fine character traits into their children, Aharon, Tova (a Bat Mitzvah Club member), Eliana, and Michal (a student at Gan Chamesh). In addition, Marc Israel, a real-estate attorney, and owner of a title insurance company and Lesha, a former title broker, are “excited and thrilled with the growth that Chabad of the Five Towns has experienced and strongly believe that Chabad needs to expand its physical location in order to keep up with the tremendous growth and to continue to offer more, and even better, services to the com- munity.” Their children, Hillel (one of Rabbi Meir’s proud “Mitzvah Men”), Ariella (a stu- dent at Gan Chamesh), Aviva (an adorable “Bagel Baby”), and Atara (an aspiring Chabadnik), enjoy Chabad’s many programs for children. The Israels also provide the perfect location for one of Rabbi Wolowik’s weekly Torah classes—their beautiful Woodmere home. Finally, Jonathan and Rosalie Shatzman have seen Chabad of the Five Towns develop from the tiny storefront to a vibrant communal center under the leadership of the Wolowiks. Jonathan owns and serves as president of M & R Con- struction, a general contracting firm specializing in custom home building. Rosalie is a manager of WeightNoMore Diet Center, a local weight loss center. Jonathan and Rosalie have helped with Chabad’s Mishloach Manot Campaign, Shavuot Tea, and other fundraising events. Jonathan helped start a daily minyan and Rosalie taught at Gan Chamesh when it first opened. They are proud of their children—Aviva, Daniella, Haysha, and Miri— who have all benefited from Chabad’s youth activities including Chai Five Club, Youth Zone, and the Bat Mitzvah Club. The Shatzmans credit Gan Chamesh for giving Miri “a warm and nurturing introduc- tion into Torah education.” Honorary chairmen Dr. Binyomin and Mrs. Leah Muller and Yosef and Peninah Batsheva Popack, and co-chair- men Dov and Ronit Lederer,

Continued on Page 43 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 41 ber of people who will take it as a carte which has helped our families greatly. blanche for immodest drinking, carous- We were surprised by the quantity ing, and dangerous “fun,” which can be and quality of the clothes, and set out supposedly explained away with “It’s immediately to hold a “giant sale.” Purim!” Therefore, what? The other We arranged the clothing according rules of the rest of the year still apply, and to age in separate piles for boys’ and the consequences of a chillul Hashem girls’, women’s and men’s wear, and are just as grievous. If one must drink or invited the women of our yishuv, Kfar Dear Editor, unassuming and unsuspecting celebrate excessively—because “it is, you Darom to take, each family as need- Readers of the Five Towns Jewish humans. Children’s movies portraying know, a mitzvah”—then I say this: Stay in ed. We made a point of inviting the Times may recall my letter of animals as friendly and lovable charac- your house. Lock every door and window more-needy families first and only November 2004, in which I alerted the ters only create a false sense of securi- if necessary. later the rest. public to the dangers of undomesticat- ty. The depiction of animals in adult We live in a country where, probably The women were excited because of ed ducks. At the time, I had retreated movies such as Jaws is closer to the for the first time in history, we can act the good quality of the clothes, some to the mountains for some needed truth and more factually realistic. like meshugoim in the street on Purim. of which were put away for Pesach or respite. While walking toward a nearby In my opinion, to secure the future But that doesn’t make it right. It was Shabbos use, while other clothes were lake, my chosen route was obstructed safety of our children, I would like to this sort of revelry that enabled Haman chosen for everyday use. by an approaching duck. Startled at propose the following idea: Every ani- to come very close—too close—to We have a number of families who the animal’s lack of fear, I began to mal-friendly movie our children watch killing us all to begin with. For the love are new olim, among whom are fami- retrace my steps, only to witness the should be accompanied by a short clip of G-d (literally), obscene behavior lies from Ethiopia who were very duck’s pursuit gaining momentum. of animals in their actual habitat, dis- should not be rationalized with a holy happy. One woman was just about to Weaving in and out of the homes that playing their harmful abilities. For day. That was not the premise of the give birth and took clothes and blan- line the lake, I managed to lose it. I example, after watching The Lion rabbanim who institutionalized it, and kets for the baby, saying that she could had emerged unscathed. King, a short clip of lions chasing, we are smearing their names in the now give birth with no worry! My most recent near-fatal encounter attacking, and devouring a zebra process, by proving that we cannot dis- We are grateful not only for the with a feral animal occurred last week, should be shown. tinguish between the acceptable and clothes, but also for the care and the while I was walking along a residential Although this won’t prevent attacks the unsuitable. Celebrate responsibly, great effort in collecting the clothes street in Lakewood, N.J. I peripherally by animals in the manner in which they as we have always been required to and the monetary contribution. noticed a large, swiftly moving mass occurred to me, it is my hope that it throughout the centuries. A great “Yasher koach” to those who heading in my direction. Looking to the will prevent tragedies that occur when Sincerely, organized the donations and those who right, I beheld a deer—sporting large we, or our children, approach them. Lea Weiss carried six pieces of luggage filled with antlers—emerging from behind a back- Azriel L. Radifker, clothing. It may be said of you, “Ish et yard fence. I froze, not unlike a deer New York City re’ehu ya’azoro ule’achiv yomar chazak” caught in the headlights, and watched Dear Editor, and that it is upon gemilus chasadim as the animal speedily passed not more Dear Editor, To our esteemed friends of the Five that the world stands. than two feet in front of me. I wish to support Mr. Goldstein’s let- Towns and Far Rockaway communi- Hoping to see us all next year Through personal experiences such ter, published last week in this paper, that ties: We would like to thank you and to biYerushalayim ha’benuyah, bimheirah as these, I have come to the realization pleaded with the community to cease the express our deepest gratitude for the beyameinu, amen. that animals—however small or bad behavior that usually takes place on loving hand that you have extended, for The Shreiber Family large—though they may seem harm- Purim. For years now, I have dreaded this the clothes that you have sent us last and the Kfar Darom Community, less, are in fact a great danger to us holiday, knowing the overwhelming num- Purim, and the monetary contribution temporarily in Ashkelon

42 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Countless families struggle with ill- Continued from Page 41 nesses and the resultant loss of income and increase in expenses. These fami- Uri and Wendy Ottensoser, and Jeffrey lies need help to get them through and Nicole Spivak will surely outdo their most difficult times. Ezras Yisroel themselves in creating an exceptional is preparing to help thousands of fam- dinner yet again. In addition, the journal ilies with its annual matanos l’evyonim provides another way to participate. This campaign. Widows and orphans, the labor of love by Steven and Fran sick, and others are expecting assis- Hoffman and Larry and Susan Sachs tance this year and are looking forward allows anyone to show their support for to the relief it will grant them. the shul and/or the honorees. The grand Ezras Yisroel has received hundreds raffle, organized by Danny and Bina of letters from poor people, who thank Englander, Jeremy and Elizabeth Kahn, the organization and its supporters for and Jonathan and Esther Liederman, getting them through tough times. offers everyone the opportunity to poten- One letter, from a mother whose child tially win extravagant prizes for tickets as has leukemia, thanked Ezras Yisroel low as $25. for paying the insurance bills so that Spring ahead to the Grand Ballroom her son’s coverage would not be termi- of the Sephardic Temple, 775 Branch nated. Another letter, from a woman Boulevard in Cedarhurst, on March 11 whose husband was killed in an acci- beginning at 6:00 p.m. To learn more, dent, thanked Ezras Yisroel for helping RSVP, or purchase tickets for the grand the family through the critical first raffle, please visit www.chabad5towns months. Hundreds of others also .com or call 516-295-2478.❖ expressed their thanks and wrote that Ezras Yisroel’s matanos l’evyonim saved Matanos L’evyonim Campaign them from hunger, eviction, medical Expected To Help Thousands bills, wedding expenses, and more. “There is a tremendous need in our This year, Ezras Yisroel’s matanos communities to help widows, the poor, l’evyonim campaign needs to reach and the sick,” says Rabbi Baruch more people than ever. The rabbanim Diamond of Ezras Yisroel. The cost of of Ezras Yisroel stress that contributing living has escalated at a time when so to this campaign ensures full compli- many families in our midst have little ance with hilchos matanos l’evyonim. or no income. The families, including All of the recipients of Ezras Yisroel many b’nei Torah, suffer from poverty, matanos l’evyonim are truly poor and illness, unemployment, underemploy- are eligible to accept the money. Every ment, and other insufficiencies. case is screened by Ezras Yisroel’s rab- Many of the suffering are almonos binical board, comprised of gedolei and yesomim, who must adjust to poverty along with their grief. Continued on Page 44

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 43 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS who is involved in this worthy cause. clemency to Mr. Jonathan Pollard, who ment with the Pollard case go back Continued from Page 43 To become an Ezras Yisroel volun- has been incarcerated for more than about one year. Rabbi Lerner— teer, please call 718-871-4644. To 20 years…” through his personal and professional Yisrael and other rabbanim. send your matanos l’evyonim to Ezras This historic letter, in Hebrew and in relationship with Rav Yosef Efrati, con- Additionally, all funds are distributed Yisroel, please mail your donation to English, was sent to President Bush via fidant of Rav Elyashiv, shlita, and with bo bayom, on the day of Purim, as stat- Ezras Yisroel, 4415 14th Avenue; Mr. Jeremy Katz, special assistant to Rabbi Chaim Schor, an associate of ed in halachah. The money is given in Brooklyn, NY 11219; or donate by the president and liaison to the Jewish Rav Efrati—met with Rav Elyashiv, an extremely discreet manner, so that credit card, using their 24-hour phone community, and others in the White shlita, and with Rav Efrati, at Rav nobody is shamed—often, recipients hotline at 800-601-4644 or their fax House. Copies of the letters were also Elyashiv’s home in Jerusalem, to dis- wonder how the envelope got into line, 866-871-4104. Visit www.ezras sent to various Jewish communal lead- cuss the Pollard situation. Rav their mailboxes or pockets. yisroel.org or e-mail donations@ezras ers and activists, asking them to use Elyashiv was briefed on Pollard’s histo- Ezras Yisroel is run by volunteers, yisroel.org. ❖ their relationships to have the letters ry, his health condition, and his and all administrative costs are paid presented to President Bush. mesirus nefesh (self-sacrifice) to keep for by private donors. Pollard Campaign Continues The involvement of the Torah sages the mitzvos in prison. At that time, Rav The rabbanim stress that, according In the continued efforts to include was requested and initiated by Rabbi Elyashiv told Rabbi Lerner that Pollard to the Rambam in Megillah, it is better all of Klal Yisrael in the endeavors to Pesach Lerner, executive vice-presi- was a case of a Jew in trouble, a case to spend more on gifts to the poor than free Jonathan Pollard from his dent of the National Council of Young of pidyon shvuyim, and that Rabbi on the Purim meal or on mishloach American life-sentence prison term, Israel. The sages decided to address Lerner and the National Council of manos. The Rambam says that there is Torah Judaism’s leading sages, Maran their request directly to the American Young Israel should do everything pos- no greater joy than the joy of gladden- HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, shlita, president, and the letters were given to sible to give support to Pollard and to ing the hearts of the poor, the of Jerusalem, and Maran HaRav Aron Rabbi Lerner during his most recent facilitate his release. orphaned, the widowed, and the con- Leib Shteinman, shlita, of Bnei Brak, visit to Israel. Rabbi Lerner forwarded It was the kol koreh declaration in verts, for he who gladdens their hearts recently wrote a letter to the President the letters to various contacts in the support of Jonathan Pollard, signed by is likened to the Shechinah. of the United States asking for White House and numerous politically 27 rashei yeshiva, avos beis din, and Certainly, the Shechinah looks with clemency for Mr. Pollard. “We appeal connected Jewish activists in the effort rebbeim, issued more than 13 years ago pride upon the good Jews who help to you as President of the greatest to have the letters delivered to the (for a copy, contact National Council of their less fortunate brethren. And cer- power on earth, the epitome of com- president. Young Israel); the continued involve- tainly, Hashem will reward everyone passion and generosity, to grant The origins of the sages’ involve- ment of Rav Mordechai Eliahu, former Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel and the rabbi of Jonathan Pollard; and the more recent directive of Rav Elyashiv that have motivated National Council of Young Israel’s continued efforts on behalf of Pollard. In addition, at the request of Rabbi Lerner on behalf of the National Council of Young Israel, the Moetzes Gedolei haTorah and the Nesius Presidium of Agudath Israel of America recently met, deliberated, and issued a “Declaration Regarding Jonathan Pollard.” In early January 2007, Rabbi Lerner called upon a friend and colleague, Rabbi Yitzchok Rosengarten, a confi- dant of Rav Shteinman, and asked him to arrange an appointment for Rabbi Lerner, with Rav Shteinman, specifical- ly to discuss the Pollard case. The meet- ing was arranged, and Rabbi Lerner met with Rav Shteinman in the rav’s modest apartment in Bnei Brak. Participating in that meeting were Rav Rosengarten and Rav Yisrael Friedman, confidant of Rav Shteinman, a commu- nity activist who is also a reporter for numerous Torah publications. It was quite obvious from the interaction at the meeting that Rav Shteinman was most concerned about Pollard’s situa- tion and that Rabbi Friedman had thor- oughly researched the case. Rav Shteinman inquired into Pollard’s health, the physical conditions of the prison, and his ability to keep Shabbos and fulfill various mitzvos, in addition to asking questions about the documents that Pollard gave to Israel and the com- parative sentences for others convicted of similar crimes. At a meeting the following day, at the home of Rav Shteinman, Rav Yaakov Perlow, shlita, the Novominsker Rebbe and leader of Agudath Israel of America—who was in Israel as part of the Agudah’s annual Yarchei Kallah— shared with Rav Shteinman the recent decision of the Moetzes Gedolei Torah of Agudath Israel of America to become more involved in the Pollard case. At the request of Rav Shteinman, Rabbi Friedman contacted Rav Efrati to request the opinion and participa-

Continued on Page 46 44 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 45 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS should be written to President ued activities of Klal Yisrael on onment, many of which were about the Jonathan Pollard Continued from Page 44 Bush. It was understood that behalf of Jonathan Pollard, led under very difficult condi- cause, or to print out the cam- such a letter would also signal by these two great Torah sages, tions, for the crime of giving paign ad, please visit tion of Rav Elyashiv, in a joint to Torah Jewry the sages’ con- and in the z’chus of our efforts classified information to a www.jonathanpollard.org or letter or declaration. During cern for Mr. Pollard and pro- on behalf of the great mitzvah friendly nation and ally, Israel. www.youngisrael.org. the next few weeks, discus- vide encouragement, if not of pidyon shvuyim that Others who committed similar For additional information sions took place between Rav impose an obligation, that Jonathan Pollard, Yehonoson or even more serious crimes about the nationwide White Shteinman and Rav Elyashiv, every Torah Jew do what he or ben Malkah, will soon be freed have received more lenient House call-in campaign, please through their appointed emis- she can for Mr. Pollard. and will, as he so strongly sentences and treatment. contact Rabbi Pesach Lerner, saries, as to the proper format To our knowledge, this let- wishes, be able to join his wife In reference to Pollard’s life executive vice-president of their involvement should take. ter is historic. These sages and friends in Jerusalem, bim- sentence, Federal Judge National Council of Young In addition, each of the sages have never written to an ihera biyameinu. Stephen Williams of the U.S. Israel at 212-929-1525 or continued his independent American president, and espe- Nationwide White House Court of Appeals for the District [email protected]. ❖ research into the Pollard situ- cially not under these circum- call-in for Jonathan Pollard. of Columbia declared, “The ation. It was decided that a stances, with such a request. It A nationwide 60-day call-in government’s breach of the plea ‘Purim In Peking’ With The simple and concise letter is our tefillah that the contin- to the White House campaign agreement was a fundamental BACH Jewish Center has begun and will continue miscarriage of justice.” “Purim in Peking” is the through the holiday of Rudolph Giuliani, former BACH Jewish Center’s creative Pesach—the holiday of free- Mayor of New York City and a twist this year on its traditional dom—to call to the attention former federal prosecutor, has Purim party, expected to attract of President George W. Bush said that “given comparative crowds of men, women, and the continued unfair incarcer- sentences, [Jonathan children who come to the ation of Jonathan Pollard. Pollard’s] sentence—this I BACH for the annual Purim Organizers of the campaign happen to know because I celebration. “It combines remind the community that have seen the documents—is Jewish traditions with an imag- the White House counts and way beyond the sentences inative international twist,” tallies all in-coming calls, so served by other people that said Rabbi Eli Goodman, edu- every single phone call makes have been convicted of the cational director of the BACH a difference. The White same offense.” Jewish Center. House phone number is 202- In a letter to the President, The BACH will once again 456-1414. Callers are asked to the Conference of Presidents provide first-class family enter- call daily between the hours of of Major American Jewish tainment for Purim. Those 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Organizations wrote, “While attending this year’s party will (Eastern Time) and to encour- they represent a broad spec- have the opportunity to cele- age their family members and trum of views, the 54 member brate Purim with a taste of the friends to do the same. Callers organizations unanimously Orient. Participants who mas- are reminded to expect the authorized us to communicate querade in Oriental attire will lines to be busy and to keep this appeal that you grant receive prizes. Parents and calling until they get through. clemency to Mr. Pollard… Mr. children will enjoy being Jonathan Pollard is current- Pollard has paid for his crime.” taught the art of paper-folding ly in his 22nd year of impris- For additional information using authentic origami tech-

46 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES niques. There will also be a special regation Kehilath Jeshurun (125 E. demonstration of an expert shodo callig- 85th Street in Manhattan). raphy artist who will draw participants’ Obsession uses images from Arab TV names as in the beautiful drawings seen rarely seen in the West and reveals an in Times Square and Chinatown. “insider’s view” of the hatred the radi- Adults will enjoy sipping sake together cals are teaching, their incitement of with a mouth-watering Chinese menu global jihad, and their goal of world including Szechuan chicken, won ton domination. With the help of experts, soup, moshi beef, Shanghai spring rolls, including firsthand accounts from a sushi, and more. former PLO terrorist, a Nazi youth “Since Purim this year falls on a commander, and the daughter of a Sunday when families are together, we slain guerilla leader, the film shows, wanted to do something really different clearly, that the threat is real. and exciting,” Rabbi Goodman said, “so “The documentary sheds light on the we combined the festive spirit of the threat radical Islam presents in today’s Orient with our annual Purim party.” society,” declared Frank Buchweitz, The event will take place on Sunday, OU’s national director of community March 4 starting at 4:00 p.m., at the services and special projects. “It is a rel- BACH Jewish Center (210 Edwards evant subject for the entire Jewish com- Boulevard in Long Beach). Ticket munity. Singles will enjoy discussing this prices are $18 per adult, $10 per child, film and putting forth their own unique or $50 for the whole family, but no one perspectives on the issue,” he said. will be turned away for lack of funds. The film has received praise from For more information on the Jews and non-Jews alike. Mary BACH’s Purim festivities or on the Matalin, former assistant to the presi- holiday of Purim and its observances, dent, counselor to the vice-president, contact the BACH Jewish Center at and political strategist and commenta- 516-897-2473 or log on to www tor, stated, “Obsession is a superbly .BachYouth.com. ❖ made documentary that should propel every American into action. For those OU Singles Connection Presents people who don’t understand the threat Film Screening, March 15 posed by radical Islam—and especially The Singles for those people who do understand Connection and Congregation the threat—Obsession demonstrates in Kehilath Jeshurun has scheduled a the clearest possible terms that we screening of Obsession: Radical Islam’s must stand up and defend our way of War Against the West, a documentary life. Obsession is a landmark film that on the nature of radical Islam. The impacts in a way that speech, books, event, which is open to singles of all and editorials are just not breaking ages, is to take place on Thursday, March 15, at 7:00 p.m. at Cong- Continued on Page 48

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 47 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 47

through to a nation in denial.” The admission is $10. For more information and to register, call 212- 613-8300. ❖

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 Autistic Children And Their Families. Monthly social skills groups for children of all ages on the ASD spectrum. Monthly support groups for parents/grandparents with children on the ASD spectrum. A sibling support group for children who have an autis- tic sibling meets once a week on Wednesdays, 5:30–6:30 p.m. Recreational programs for children on the ASD spectrum (music, art, physi- cal education) meets once a week, Wednesdays 5:30–6:30 p.m. Ongoing mentoring programs for children on the ASD spectrum. For more informa- tion, call Gilda Tesser. Come Alive Social Day Care At Congregation Sons of Israel. The pro- gram takes place on Mondays and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; the fee is $40. This is a social day program for homebound, physically challenged older adults. It includes door-to-door transportation, kosher lunch, and activities. Pre-registration is required; call Mary or Linda. Enrichment Program For Holocaust Survivors. Meets every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Call Lisa Barnett. L’chaim Club At Temple Gates Of Zion. The program for older adults meets once a week on Wednesday at 322 N. Corona Avenue in Valley Stream, 1:00–3:00 p.m. It features exercise, lunch, and refreshments for older adults; call Linda. Multiple Sclerosis Exercise Program. The program features yoga, tai chi, and exercise to music for those with MS. It meets every Monday, 1:00–2:00 p.m. For more information, call Cathy. Ongoing Phase I/Bereavement Support Group. The initial stages of bereavement can be a painful and lonely time. You may feel sad, aban- doned, angry, confused, or uncertain. Grief is both an emotional and a phys- ical reaction. You are not alone in cop- ing with your grief. For further infor- mation, please contact Lisa Stern. Parkinson’s Support Group. A week- ly group takes place on Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.; call Cathy. Scrabble Players Club. A weekly group takes place on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. Fee $5; call Sheryl Wyszkowski. Shalom Club At Temple Hillel. The program for older adults meets once a week on Monday at 1000 Rosedale Road, North Woodmere, 10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. It features exercise, 48 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES lunch, and a lecture for older adults; DRS Tops First Invitational call Lisa Stern for dates. Basketball Tournament Traumatic Brain Injury Program. By Ari Mirzoeff (Class of ’08) Promotes wellness and friendships Last weekend, three teams joined while managing the difficult symptoms DRS for its first-ever basketball invita- of TBI. Meets once a week on tional tournament. In a weekend full Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., at of great basketball, sportsmanship, Sons of Israel. Pre-registration required; learning, and new friendships, DRS call Chana Pfeifer or Lisa Barnett. competed with the Weinbuam Yeshiva Education High School of Boca Raton, Florida, Beginners Israeli Dance Class. the Cooper Yeshiva High School of Meets once a week, Wednesday morn- Memphis, Tennessee, and the Rav ings, 9:30–10:15 a.m. For further Teitz Mesivta Academy of Elizabeth, information or to register, please call New Jersey. Thursday night and Friday Sheryl Wyszkowski. morning were dominated by the open- Bo Nedaber—Let’s Talk. Meets once ing rounds, as DRS defeated WYHS a week, Tuesdays 10:30–11:45 a.m. and then lost a heartbreaker in over- Join a circle of friends for lively time to RTMA. During these games, Hebrew discussion about current the crowd got a chance to see some events, Israeli culture, recipes, litera- spectacular ballplaying by eventual all- ture, and much more. For further tournament players Kyle Delmoor of information, please contact Dee. Cooper and Anosh Zaghi of WYHS. Cake Decorating By Gitti Allman. Thursday night activities were particu- Wednesday, March 14: Pesach delights; larly special, as the teams were treated Tuesday, May 1: springtime entertain- to two basketball games and an incred- ing. Cake decorating classes are $36. ible Shlomo and Eitan Katz concert All classes offered 10:00 a.m. and 7:30 event in between. It was truly a night p.m. For further information or to reg- to remember. ister, please call Sheryl Wyszkowski. The tournament shabbaton took Cooking Classes By Naomi place at the DRS campus and began Nachman. Monday, March 12: Pesach with a bang, as all of the team members cooking; Monday, April 23: fantastic joined DRS students and faculty for an fish; Monday, May 7: chicken, seven incredible kaballas Shabbos. Later that ways; Monday, May 14: dairy delights; evening, the players and students met Monday, June 4: super summer salads. at DRS Menhael Rabbi Kaminetsky’s Cooking classes are $45. All classes home for a great tisch. The rest of the offered 10:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. For shabbaton was just as spiritually uplift- further information or to register, ing, and included lunch at the local please call Sheryl Wyszkowski. ❖ hosts’ homes and a beautiful seudah

Continued on Page 50

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 49 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS fourth quarter to tie the game with no towards getting to the tournament and the fig distillate is then distilled a sec- Continued from Page 49 time remaining. competing at the highest levels of both ond time with fresh botanicals. The In overtime, DRS put the game sport and midos, and looks forward to botanicals are placed by hand in cheese shelishis back at yeshiva. away, beating the RTMA Thunder welcoming its guests back next year. ❖ cloths and soaked in the fig distillate. Then it was time for ball. Saturday 48–42. Maslow was named the tour- The final distillation process is done night’s match-ups saw DRS take on a nament’s MVP for helping his team Awakening A Sleeping Giant: Arak with the master distiller standing over Single-malt scotch, tequila, and rum the pot and continuously smelling and are all old favorites, trending in and tasting the distillate in order to separate out of a continuously changing market the foreshots (heads) and pull off only place. What’s the next hot trend? premium potable spirits. Atlantic Bottling, a small distillery The small batches are then filtered in Ocean, N.J., has awakened the bottled and packed by hand. It may sleeping giant of the beverage known take time, but it is the care and atten- as arak, producing Zachlawi Fig Arak. tion given to each bottle that makes Atlantic Bottling is attempting to res- Zachlawi a masterpiece. urrect this ancient spirit by making Arak is known by many names and this carefully crafted variety. This aro- embraced by nations. Known as the “‘the matic liquor is distilled from figs and milk of lions” in the Middle East, arak is flavored with a bouquet of botanicals the national alcoholic beverage of including aniseed, star anise, and fen- Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. It is given nel. The rich, golden hue of Zachlawi this nickname because of its highly Fig Arak is enticing, but for those tra- potent, powerful character. The aniseed- ditionalists used to a centuries-old for- flavored colorless spirit turns to a milky- mula, the clear Zachlawi Traditional white liquid after water or ice is added. Arak is produced, as well. Each of Catching the trend or creating it? these delicious potables is made the Niche marketing and identifying the old-fashioned way: by hand younger generation’s desire to identify with The team poses with the tournament champion trophy. A micro-distillery on the Jersey their heritage is the basis for the “sleeping Shore—from sea to shining Sea. It all giant” strategy. Instead of working to pene- never-say-die Cooper team from win the first-ever DRS basketball invi- starts at the Mediterranean, where the trate a saturated market of giants (e.g., Memphis. After winning that game, it tational. The tournament concluded ancient recipes begin, and reaches cul- scotches, tequilas) within a category, was on to the championship on with an awards ceremony, with awards mination less than two miles from the Atlantic Bottling has taken a sleeping cat- Sunday, where DRS took on RTMA given to the teams, three-point Atlantic Ocean, on the Jersey Shore egory (arak) and is building it into a top again, seeking to make up for Friday’s shootout champions, and the All where Zachlawi is produced. The small brand. There are over two million people loss. But RTMA refused to go away, Tournament team. In addition to batch process is done from beginning to of Mediterranean descent in the tri-state and the teams traded buckets through Delmoor and Zaghi, the all-star squad end with a staff of two people and a sin- area alone that will identify with the cate- the first half, which ended in a 22–22 was rounded out by Leor Friedman, gle copper pot still. The figs are trans- gory of arak and will recognize the hand- tie. In the second half, RTMA began to Tzvi Goder, and Mike Rosenzweig of ported to the distillery from sunny made high quality product as “the real pull away, but then DRS Senior Josh RTMA, and Mordy Ogorek, point California in drums, where they are del- thing.” Others who know nothing of arak’s Maslow took over and helped the guard for DRS. DRS appreciates the icately fermented to about ten percent Wildcats overcome a deficit in the effort that all the teams put into alcohol. Once the alcohol is stripped, Continued on Page 56

50 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 51 important meeting, for example, it makes attitude of a Jew, one of awareness of him feel good; there is an inner feeling of Hashem’s constant presence and our confidence, an air of being dignified. special mission. The Megillah relates how Achash- I came across a story which struck me veirosh had Mordechai dressed in as a perfect illustration of the message expensive royal garments when Haman of the bigdei kehunah: There was a rabbi led him around the city, for he under- who, in his younger years, had not been stood the power and importance of so religious and had in fact been some- clothing in adding to the feeling of what rebellious. He would frequently You Are What You Wear honor and respect. We wear yarmulkes dress in what would be considered less- to maintain a constant awareness of the than-dignified clothing. Eventually, he One above. We have laws of tzeni‘us to made his way back on the derech.He BY RABBI YONI POSNICK kohanim noticed the clothing they maintain our inner awareness of what is relates this anecdote: “I lived in Eretz were wearing, this reinforced the truly important and also to be aware Yisrael and traveled in for a talmid’s This week’s parashah, Tetzavveh, con- importance of what they were doing that we are different than the general wedding. The Shabbos before the wed- tinues Hashem’s instructions to Moshe and Whom they were serving. population. We must always remember ding was spent in a neighborhood that concerning the Mishkan, and focuses Whether we wish to admit it or not, that just as the kohen represented the had very few religious Jews. A number of mainly on the bigdei kehunah, the four our clothes have a great influence on how Jewish people to Hashem, we represent young men and I were walking through special garments of the regular kohan- we behave. Teenagers do not like formal Hashem to those around us. In that the streets on the way back from a im and the eight special garments of the attire, because it “restricts” their ability to respect, we are all kohanim—a “mam- Shabbos meal. I was dressed in a dark Kohen Gadol worn when performing suit and a hat, and my tzitzis were hang- the avodah in the Mishkan. As we men- ing out. Some of the guys with me were tioned last week, it sometimes seems in suits, some were in dress slacks, and easy to skip over these parashios, mere- With every step, bells are ringing some in casual pants. One of the boys ly according them a cursory glance. who was no longer religious turned to However, as with the keilim, each of the above, causing unfathomable me and said, “Rabbi, do you realize just bigdei kehunah contains powerful and how ridiculously out of place you are practical messages for our lives. over here?! Don’t you see how everybody The Sefer HaChinuch writes of the consequences and setting into motion is staring at you?!” importance and meaning of the bigdei “I’ll tell you the truth,” I said to him, kehunah and the Torah’s requirement an entire course of events. “I am dressed in a way that really that they be beautiful, thereby giving stands out, but I don’t feel the least bit us a foundation of Torah psychology. A uncomfortable, because I am comfort- person is influenced by his acts and the express themselves. Actors are better able leches kohanim.” We must always able with who I am. You hardly stick external environment in which he finds to act during a dress rehearsal because remember to dress in accordance with out at all, yet you feel so uncomfort- himself. The clothes one wears have an they can feel the part they are playing. the dignity our role demands. Just as able and you perceive every glance as a impact on his inner attitude, and there- One who walks into shul wearing shorts the kohanim performed their avodah in stare because you are so uncomfort- fore, the kohanim serving in the and a beach shirt simply does not have the Mishkan, we too perform avodas able with yourself…” This is the lesson Mishkan, in the presence of Hashem’s the same inner attitude and kavanah as Hashem, by fulfilling Torah and mitzvos. of the bigdei kehunah, the lesson of Shechinah, had to wear clothes of one dressed in dignified attire. When one The clothes we wear should make us “honor and splendor.” Whenever the wears nice clothes, to a wedding or feel like a Jew and thereby act with the Continued on Page 54

52 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 53 INSIGHTS ON THE TORAH ringer. Whenever the Kohen Gadol mimcha”—“Know that what is above— teach that even though it was in the Continued from Page 52 walked, the bells jingled, thereby is from you!” The Nefesh HaChayim Ohel Moed, out of public view, its light announcing his arrival in the Mishkan explains that for every action we take, reached out and brightened up every our clothing. The manner in which we and later, after the completion of the either positive or negative, mitzvah or dark alley and corner, indeed all of dress should call out to those who see avodah, his departure. aveirah, there are awesome results and Yerushalayim. Particularly when it us, “Jew!” “Eved Hashem!” “I am a HaRav Mordechai Gifter, zt’l, learns a changes that take place in Shamayim. comes to our own avodah, our Torah and kohen performing Hashem’s avodah!” striking message from the bells of the We must be aware of this; we must mitzvos, we must always bear in mind The rabbi concluded his story with the me‘il. Whenever the Kohen Gadol know that what is above is from us—it our incredible spiritual influence. wish, “May we be comfortable with walked, the bells made noise. Even is as a result of our actions. We have This powerful message is reflected ourselves, and dress in a way that is though it was only a very gentle jingling, the power to cause and produce far- in another one of the Kohen Gadol’s consistent with who we are inside!” with every step the ring was there. This reaching results! begadim—the tzitz, the band that the May we merit to once again see the was a powerful living reminder of the At the end of the parashah, the Torah Kohen Gadol wore across his forehead. kohanim and Kohen Gadol attired in reality that every action produces tells us that Aharon would burn ketores Engraved into this band, pressed in their glory and splendor, performing results, even if only seemingly minute. daily on the mizbeiach at the same time from the back so as to appear as if the avodah of the Mikdash! No action goes to waste; there is always as he would go to clean and light the coming out from the band, were the an outcome and an effect. It is our job menorah. HaRav Moshe Feinstein, zt’l, words “Kodesh LaHashem,” “Holy to Footprints In The Snow to make sure it is a positive one! This is commented that the ketores was brought Hashem.” Chazal in the Talmud One of the eight special begadim of especially true in spiritual terms. For on the inner mizbeiach, in private, out of explain that each of the begadim of the the Kohen Gadol was the me‘il. In the every mitzvah-action one does, even if the public eye. But the Gemara in Yoma kohen brought kaparah for specific Gemara (Zevachim), Chazal tell us that seemingly small, there are unimaginable teaches that the incredibly fragrant odor aveiros. The tzitz atoned for azus panim the me‘il was a long robe that went from results and outcomes. of the ketores spread throughout (literally, “boldness of face”)—brazen- the neck to the ground, made of stun- One of my rebbeim used to quote the Yerushalayim and could be smelled from ness, chutzpah; sinning in an obvious, ning techeiles (turquoise wool), which Nefesh HaChayim on the mishnah in as far as Yericho. This was another living blunt, brazen way. We ask, what is the reminded the Kohen Gadol and whoev- Avos which says, “Da mah l’maalah reminder of this message that every connection between the tzitz and azus er saw it of Heaven and Hashem’s mimcha,” which translates simply as action, even in private, has far-reaching panim? How exactly did it effect a Heavenly throne. The Torah tells us “Know what is above you.” By putting a effects. This explains, taught Rav kaparah for the aveirah of chutzpah? that hanging from the me‘il’s hem all pause before the last word, however, Moshe, the connection of the ketores to The meforshim explain that anyone around were golden bells, each with a the message becomes “Da mah l’maala, the menorah, about which Chazal also who saw the tzitz could no longer be brazen. One who saw it would think, “The Kohen Gadol is wearing ‘Holy to Hashem’ on his forehead. What shows on my forehead? My brazenness and chutzpah?” The tzitz was a visual metaphor. It was the living reality that with each action, one leaves a mark, so to speak—the imprint shows on his forehead. Even though we can’t see it, it is, like the tzitz, there as a sign testifying before Hashem regarding our actions and attitudes. Truly, how could one act with chutzpah towards the Ribbono shel Olam with this awareness in mind? In this way, the tzitz atoned for this aveirah. The message is clear: every action, every step, produces a reaction and result. A mark is always left. A result is always produced. Da mah l’maalah mim- cha—Know what goes on above is from you! What a penetrating message indeed! Nowhere was this reality more clear than in the story of Purim. It was as a direct result of the Jews’ sins at the royal party that the decree of destruc- tion was issued against them, and a direct result of their tefillah and teshu- vah that they had salvation and ulti- mate rejoicing. Furthermore, we know that Haman was only in existence because Shaul had not fully fulfilled Hashem’s command to destroy Amalek, leaving alive King Agag, who would ultimately produce the wicked Haman. And it was as a result of Shaul’s righteous descendants, Morde- chai and Esther (who were from Shaul’s own shevet of Binyamin) that the entire Jewish nation, all of Klal Yisrael, was saved, and the eternal Yom Tov of Purim was created. Perhaps the reason why, unlike the other Yomim Tovim, Purim will never be abolished and will be celebrated forever, is to impress upon us the effect every individual can have. All of the events took place b’nistar, in pri- vate, out of the public eye, through seemingly normal conversations and events. The Megillah reads like a nor- mal story, simply made up of regular people and occurrences. Chazal show us, however, how everyone involved, every action taken, had a pervasive

Continued on Page 56 54 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 55 INSIGHTS ON THE TORAH AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 54 Continued from Page 50

effect on the story producing the neis history will try it as a novelty, perhaps, and of Purim and creating an impact that embrace this satisfying beverage, making it lasts until today—and that will forever! a staple of the home bar. Did Shaul ever imagine that his sim- Arak sales today are not even on the ple action would produce a Haman, putting literally the entire Jewish nation in jeopardy? When Mordechai took in his niece after she lost both of her parents, did he think that because of his chinuch this girl would become the conduit through which the entire nation would be saved? Did any of the Purim personalities fathom that their “simple” actions would end in an eter- nal Yom Tov (indeed the only eternal Yom Tov) of Purim? The impact of their deeds was everlasting! Every action, whether good or chas v’shalom not so good, has results and effects. With every move the Kohen Gadol made, a sound would be produced. It is comparable to a person stepping in a puddle of water and then walking down the block—with each step, he leaves a footprint on the sidewalk. When one walks on snow, he leaves a print which Zachlawi is distilled twice. The first run strips changes the whole landscape. the alcohol from the wort. In the second We must realize that with every distillation, fresh botanicals are added to the still. A master distiller then carefully removes step, bells are ringing above, causing the foreshots and selects only the finest spirits. unfathomable consequences and set- ting into motion an entire course of charts. Most of today’s mass-produced events. Let us always make sure to pro- araks are made from molasses and fla- duce positive outcomes and results vored artificially. People have a desire that bring light and fragrance to all for a good-quality spirit—and are will- corners of the earth and to the One ing to pay the price for it. So add Above! ❖ Zachlawi to the premium list: 100% agave tequila… single-malt scotch… Comments and feedback for the author are welcome at [email protected]. and now Zachlawi Fig Arak! ❖

56 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Zachlawi is made in small batches. California mission figs are delicately fermented to enhance and maximize the flavor congeners in the distillate.

Katz Concert At DRS In what is becoming an annual February tradition, this past Thursday night DRS hosted “the best concert ever.” For two rocking hours, DRS cel- ebrated Adar with Shlomo and Eitan Katz, the dynamic duo that have been adopted as the “official musicians” of the yeshiva. The concert was open to DRS students and families, as well as prospective eighth grade students and their parents and began with a father- son learning event. The concert began early, as the eager DRS menahel Rabbi Yisroel Kaminetsky DRS students began singing some of dances with Eitan Katz. the Katz brothers’ greatest hits on their own, and the band soon joined in. The much was taking place at DRS, as this prospective members of the class of event was just one of several taking 2011 and their parents were blown place in the DRS building that evening. away by the performance as well as the (See additional photo, Page 60.) ❖ enthusiasm of the DRS students. The visitors were most impressed with how Continued on Page 58

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 57 cut-up vegetables and nuts. It is bet- AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS ter to use low-fat salad dressing Continued from Page 57 rather than fat-free. Salad is full of fat-soluble vitamins that will not be Purim In The Palace! absorbed if there is no fat. This is Chabad of Far Rockaway invites the true for any age. You will maximize entire community to its first-ever your vitamin absorption with a little Purim arts-and-crafts fair and magic low-fat dressing—and it will taste show! This event is designed for the Low-Fat Diets Do Not Suit All can switch to low-fat products. This better, as well. entire family, and will take place at the If you decide to place the adults means low-fat—not fat-free! In an Even if you give your children a TAG elementary school auditorium, and even the teens in your family on effort to prevent obesity or over- daily multivitamin, keep in mind that a 444 Beach 6th Street (corner of a low-fat diet, that might be a good weight, people sometimes go over- supplement does not replace the origi- Meehan Avenue, in Far Rockaway), choice. However, it may not be the board and go to the opposite nal foods, which are the best source after Megillah reading on motzaei best idea for everyone in your family extreme. This can affect your child’s for providing you with many vitamins, to be on a low-fat diet. I am referring vitamin intake. Childhood is a criti- minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. to small children. At every stage of cal time for growth and development. Your children are never too young the life cycle, one needs different If you are monitoring your child’s to start learning healthy eating habits. nutrients. As an adult, you don’t weight, reduce the amount of sweet- Rather than eliminating foods, try need too much fat, but it would be a ened juices, sodas, and high-calorie increasing your consumption of huge mistake if you let your toddlers snacks, rather than cutting out fat. healthy foods. You want to make sure follow the same regimen. When the Make sure that the calories you are that your children are getting all the whole family is following a low-fat cutting from their diet are not the necessary building blocks to help menu, you can be depriving young ones that are providing them with them grow into healthy adults. The children of important vitamins nec- vitamins, minerals, and nutrients right fats, whole grains, fruits, and essary for their health. that they need. A diet very low in fat vegetables are all necessary parts of Several studies have found that up is associated with a low intake of that equation. As your children get to two-thirds of preschool children vitamin E. used to eating healthy, well-balanced may not be getting enough vitamin E Many people would be shocked to meals, they will be less likely to and one-third may be not getting think that their child may be defi- overindulge in the junk-food depart- enough vitamin C. This may be due cient in certain vitamins. People ment. Good habits, once learned, will to their family diet. If parents are think, “How this can be, when there last a lifetime. ❖ eating a lot of non-fat products, is so much food available?” However, chances are that they are giving the deficiencies do exist. In households Shani (Susan) Goldner, MS, is a registered same foods to their children. where the parents may not be eating dietitian (American Dietetic Association), New Children under the age of two years carbohydrates, their children may be York State certified dietitian-nutritionist, and certified fitness instructor. At her private Legislator Jeff Toback presenting a Nassau should be drinking regular milk and deficient in many of the B vitamins. nutrition practice (a participating Oxford Health County Citation to Steve Brown of eating regular foods, not low-fat or If you are concerned with your Plans provider), she counsels children, adolescents, and adults regarding weight loss, Cedarhurst, the guest of honor at the 37th reduced-fat ones. This is necessary child’s health, you can cut out some diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular health, Anniversary Dinner for Bais Medrash of for your child’s development of of the unhealthy snacks, but not all and cancer-related nutrition. She can be reached Cedarhurst, held in Kneseth Israel. at 718-854-5784; phone consults are available. important hormones at this stage of of them. You can replace them with Please send questions or comments to their life. After the age of two, they low-fat milk, colorful sweet fruits, [email protected]. Continued on Page 60

58 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HAFTR Celebrates 29th Annual Dinner Photos By Jerry Meyer Studios

The 29th Annual HAFTR Dinner took place last Saturday night, February 24, at the Brooklyn Marriott. At right, Yachad awardees Stacey and Charles Zrihen, pictured with their children. At left, some of the very spirited dancing that is the hallmark of the HAFTR dinners.

And you shall command... (Sh’mos 27:20)

Tetzaveh is the only parashah in the Torah since Moshe’s birth in which Moshe’s name does not appear (with the exception of Sefer Devarim, which consists wholly of a first-person narrative spoken by Moshe). The reason for this is that, [when the people of Israel sinned with the Golden Calf,] Moshe said to G-d:“If You do not [forgive them,] erase me from the book that You have written” (Sh’mos 32:31).This was realized in Parashas Tetzaveh, since the censure of a righteous person, even if made conditional on an unfulfilled stipulation, always has some effect.

(Baal HaTurim)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 59 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS show for the whole family starring the Continued from Page 58 famous juggler and magician Sam

Shlomo and Eitan Katz in concert See article on Page 57.

Shabbos, March 3. Jacobs, and there will be refreshments, There will be arts-and-crafts proj- music, and a free raffle with exciting ects for the children and a live magic prizes for the children. Megillah reading is at 7:15 p.m. sharp, to be followed by havdalah and then the program. So bring the entire family and all your friends for a most memorable family-oriented Purim experience!! No alcohol permitted on premises. ❖

And the breastplate shall not budge from the efod (Sh’mos 28:28)

The efod was worn in back and below the waist; the breastplate, on the front and upper part of the wearer.Thus, the deeper significance of the commandment "And the breastplate shall not budge from the efod"(which ranks as one of the 365 prohibitions of the Torah) is that there must be no "gap" between the upper and lower aspects of life, or between its forward and backward elements.True, the human being consists of both the sensitive heart and the functional foot; true, life is composed of sublimely spiritual moments as well as the daily tending to one's material needs. But the "efod" must be securely bound to the "choshen". The upper must permeate the lower, and the external must never lose sight of its inner essence and purpose.

(The Lubavitcher Rebbe)

60 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 61 about their personalities, their values, bers of Jerusalem’s local police force and feelings in a fleeting few minutes. waved him to the side to conduct a spot When an American gets into a taxi in check of his license and registration, or Israel, the drivers usually see it as a maybe his insurance card, if they have potential business opportunity. They those things. One of the officers want to know if you are from New glanced in the back seat to see what the York—that’s usually one of the first passengers look like. I noticed that as questions—then they fumble for a card soon as the cops waved him aside, he Taxi!! Taxi!! with their cell-phone number on it, and pressed his finger to the always and offer to take you anywhere in the coun- quickly running meter, placing its try while they wait for you in the car for movement on hold. It was clear to him In New York, taxis and car services of the yellow motor vehicle in order to as long as you’d like to stay. You have to that though his time was precious, and are just a necessary mode of transporta- get their attention, hoping that they understand that these are encounters every few minutes meant a few more tion. In Israel, I’ve come to realize, they notice you and stop to pick you up. In with total strangers, often from alien shekels, if he was not going to be mov- are an essential part of the culture of Israel, I have seen and felt drivers being cultures, that have a way of making an ing and it was no fault of ours, he was the country. Ever since I stepped foot able to read your eyes and your facial impact on you for a lifetime. During my not going to allow us to be charged. I for the first time in the Land of Israel, features and being able to conclude that recent week in Israel, though I did rent don’t recall ever seeing that before. I’ve always cherished the experience of you are a candidate for a cab ride. I can a car to drive around in, I felt that in Then there are the drivers who love being in the back (and very frequently in sense a lot about the taxi drivers, but I central Jerusalem I was not up to cir- talking about the trip they took to some the front) seat of those cabs. Somehow have a feeling they can figure out every- cling the jammed up blocks filled with place in the U.S. in which they have rel- you get a better sense of all that’s good, thing about me quicker than I can get a cars searching for parking spaces for atives. One early-morning driver told me and not so good, in the country by sit- handle on what they’re about. As with all extended periods of the day. As a result, that he had visited California recently ting with those monit drivers for those drivers in this business, some are quiet we frequently ended up in a cab. and how much he loved that state. He few precious moments it takes to get and some cannot stop talking so long as In Israel, unlike in the U.S., there added that he was particularly fond of from one part of town to the other. that meter is running—that is, if it is really isn’t a prototypical taxi driver. the female population in the Golden Hailing a cab in New York very often running at all. It’s fascinating how, from They come in all shapes and sizes and State and how he thought that because means almost throwing yourself in front behind, you can usually tell so much from all walks of life. A few of the situ- of that he would never be able to pull ations that I will probably always himself away and leave to go back to remember occurred just several weeks Israel. He told me this in his very broken ago as we navigated our way through English while I responded in my equal- seven days and nights in Eretz Yisrael. It ly broken Hebrew. I said he was talking was one of our first nights there, and we nonsense and that most of what he had grabbed a cab for a late-night Maariv at seen was probably a mirage. He was sin- the Western Wall. The driver had a gle and dating, and he said that it was long, black beard with streaks of gray just not the same in Israel, that there slowly encroaching on its impressive was more of a toughness in Israel then fullness. He wore a large knitted white he had found in the U.S. when it came yarmulke and didn’t say a word. We to dating. This guy was talkative, maybe stepped in somewhere on Jaffa Street even a little too talkative. and asked to be taken to the Old City. Sometimes the cab drivers in Israel As he crossed the Jaffa Gate, two mem- portray a sensitivity seemingly unchar-

62 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES acteristic of those in the profession. I Israel’s cities, the streets would be observed this after returning from the nearly empty. It’s either that everyone mall in Jerusalem on a late Saturday is a cab driver, or that the others have night. The driver was a tall Ethiopian cars but don’t spend much time driv- immigrant who already had a fare sitting ing, or they just don’t have cars. in the back, so my wife got into the back And there are the little things that with this other young lady while I slid happen that make you feel that even into the front seat. These cars are usual- though on the map Israel is such a tiny ly so tiny, which brings everyone kind of place, it also looms very large. One close to one another, so it’s additionally night I was in a taxi and I had to give difficult (for some) not to at least make the driver directions to Har Nof some small talk. My guess by looking at because he was from Rehovot and did him was that he was from Ethiopia, but not know his way around. As a person I started out anyway by asking where that pops into Israel every now and then he’s from, to which he responded Addis (though not often enough), I’ve long Ababa, the capital of that country. He felt that as spread-out and diverse as seemed receptive to talking, so I asked the country is, its core remains in when he arrived in Israel (1994), Jerusalem. I mean, who doesn’t know whether he was in the army (he was), Jerusalem and the center of the city? why he became a cab driver (independ- But I guess it’s somewhat naive and pre- ence, though he’s in school studying sumptuous to think that just because something else), and so on. one drives a cab that he has the map of He then said to me, as we climbed Israel committed to memory. Azza Street, that when he first began Similarly, I was walking one night driving, he didn’t understand why peo- near the hotel when a taxi pulled up ple, particularly tourists, asked so many alongside me. The driver stuck his questions. He then said in somewhat of head out the window and asked in an apologetic way that I have to under- Hebrew if I could tell him where King stand that where he comes from, in George Street and Ben Yehuda are Ethiopia, if someone is asking these located. At first I thought he might be types of questions they are usually joking. I mean, who doesn’t know that, attached to the police department or I thought. I pointed him in the right some kind of secret intelligence agency. direction and told him where to turn. He said that now he not only under- If I’m giving directions in Israel to stands where people are coming from, Israelis, then we’ve really come a very but he even appreciates the inquiries long way. In fact, I didn’t realize until because it has demonstrated to him afterward that this was something I that people ask because people gen- had always wanted to do. ❖ uinely care. I’ve often thought that if there Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at weren’t so many taxis on the streets of [email protected].

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 63 different: there is an appetizer, a main few points. The upgrades are offered to wonderful experiences that are available The Ultimate course (choice of beef, chicken, or fish), those who travel most often. I am gain- to be enjoyed living here, and in the Commuter: and a dessert. They even put a tablecloth ing seniority quickly, because I fly every course of these articles I will try to men- on your tray table for you! It’s like dining week. However there are other ultimate tion them. However sometimes it is the From Israel To New York in a restaurant. Flying in business class is commuters who have been traveling little, everyday items that I revel in. Like And Back, Part 2 much more enjoyable and relaxing. That weekly much longer than I have. the Shanah Tovah sign at the airport BY DANNY BLOCK is why the last-minute upgrade is so All of the ultimate commuters are very around Rosh Hashanah, or the ability to revered by all types of commuters. friendly (as are the other types of com- buy kosher wine and meat at your local Yes! I have just been informed that I The flip side of this experience is “busi- muters), but when I see certain of the supermarket, or even that they under- have received the coveted upgrade to busi- ness envy” or “I may not get the upgrade ultimate commuters I realize that my stand the question when you ask them ness class! It is a great moment for every anxiety.” When you travel twice a week, as chances of getting the upgrade are what hashgachah (kosher supervision) or “ultimate commuter” (or any commuter) the ultimate commuters do, traveling diminished. It is a friendly sort of compe- type of teudah (kosher certification) they when they receive the much-sought-after business-class makes it more bearable tition. We are all still happy to see each have. Yesterday I went with my wife to upgrade to business class. This was a ter- and even relaxing. You can imagine that other at the airport. Seeing each other Ikea to make some kniot (purchases) and rific surprise for me, because I did not flying business is a habit that is very easy reminds us that there are other “nuts” liv- we were actually able to have something think I had a chance, since the earlier to get used to. Once you have flown this ing the ultimate commuting lifestyle, and to eat (they have a teudah). I have always flight this evening was canceled. The seat way, you want to keep on doing so. there is comfort in that knowledge. wanted to try the cinnamon buns when I is wider in business class, and it reclines Buying a business-class ticket is rather On this last time through Ben Gurion shopped Ikea on Long Island. Actually further. You have room for you arms. You expensive, and becomes prohibitive when airport, someone from the staff actually they smell better than they taste. But I do not have to engage in the ongoing one considers the cost of buying 40 to 50 recognized me. Although in JFK I have got a kick out of eating them anyway. struggle for armrest position. If you are sit- of these in the span of one year. Therefore become friendly with some of the El Al On a more spiritual level, I am writing ting next to a rather large person—even most commuters (if not all those that I staff, in Israel I still feel kind of anony- this during the week of Tu B’Shvat, and someone who weighs 300 pounds (I won- have encountered) buy a full-fare coach mous. But last night one of the govern- my family ate some of the types of fruits der what that is in kilos)—it doesn’t mat- ticket and hope to get the last-minute ment staff people showed me a glimmer of from Israel that we ate in the U.S. last ter; there’s plenty of room. The flight upgrade to business. The longing for the recognition. She took my passport and said year—but this time we ate them here at attendants are courteous and try to help business-class upgrade is what I refer to with a smile she thinks she remembers the source. Last Tuesday, my daughter, you in ways that coach-class passengers as “business envy,” or the “I hope I get the stamping my passport before. She took the Miriam, went out with her B’nei Akiva can only imagine. They help you find a upgrade to business-class” anxiety. time to look through it (to the dismay of group to plant trees. It’s an incredible place for your bag and take your coat for So, how does one get the upgrade to those waiting behind me), and found her feeling: instead of sitting in a classroom you. They give you a bottle of water as you business class? First, you have to be a previous stamp. It always feels good to be discussing what they do in Israel, my take your seat. You receive a small cosmet- Matmid (El Al frequent flier) member. remembered. That is, until she told me daughter (and my whole family) is living ics bag containing a toothbrush, tooth- Then the class of the ticket has to be a that it was my middle name, “Clifford” that it. I must also add that having my daugh- paste, earplugs, socks (my son Jordan likes certain level. An economy ticket or a she remembered because after I left the ter plant trees in Israel with her own these), lip balm (my wife appreciates this), bonus ticket (free) cannot be upgraded. previous time she had a good laugh. hands beats her coming home from and a sleeping mask (for me). Then, there have to be available seats in This was a “long” weekend for me. I school with some buxer (carob) and a Before takeoff, they ask you very business class. If the first two criteria stayed from Thursday to Sunday. When I lima bean planted in a used milk contain- politely if you wouldn’t mind belting your- have been met, then El Al will give out am in Israel, I thoroughly enjoy being er. What a country! ❖ self in and raising your seatback. Once business-class upgrades for a cost of 100 home and with my family. As a dentist I the plane is in the air, they offer you a points (well worth the points) on a sen- can’t exactly take my work home with Danny Block, a dentist from Cedarhurst, moved to Israel last year and commutes weekly from his much wider choice of beverages, hard iority basis. As you can imagine, the ulti- me, so it leaves me free to enjoy my fam- family’s home there to his office in Forest Hills. and soft. The food service is completely mate commuters tend to have quite a ily and living in Israel. There are a lot of He can be reached at [email protected].

64 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES The Four Parashios

BY RABBI NOSSON DOVID nated as “Simchas Torah”), in Eretz RABINOWIC Yisrael there never was a designated day for the Torah’s completion. This As with all four special Shabbosos, wider timeframe enabled the suspen- there is a special maftir for Parashas sion of regular sedarim on certain Zachor. In Parashas Zachor we read Shabbosos. (The interesting question Devarim 4:17–19. The Gemara in remains as to what the custom in Eretz Megillah (30), however, records an Yisrael was on Shabbos rosh chodesh or interesting dispute as to whether on Shabbos Chanukah. This question the four special Shabbosos we only must be addressed to Rav Ami in read a haftarah relevant to the special Megillah 30b, the author of the opin- portion instead of the regular weekly ion that the regular Torah readings are haftarah, or whether we suspend the suspended, regardless of the validity of regular weekly Torah portion itself and our thesis distinguishing between read only the special Torah portion rel- Eretz Yisrael and Babylonia and the evant to that Shabbos. insertion of the special readings.) I would speculate that the dispute The question that must be asked reflects two existing customs prevalent concerning the custom to replace the in Am Yisrael. In Babylonia, where the parashah by special readings is, what yearly cycle of Torah reading was the was done in the case of special read- norm, only the haftarah reading was ings that had fewer than the minimum switched on the special Shabbosos, 21 verses needed for the Shabbos since there was a limited timeframe in aliyos? We have evidence from the which to complete the entire Torah. In Cairo Genizah (E.Fleisher, Eretz Israel Eretz Yisrael, however, where the trien- Prayer and Prayer Rituals as Portrayed nial cycle was the accepted custom in the Genizah Documents [Hebrew], (Megillah 29b; this is the only mention Jerusalem, 1988, page 304) that on of it in the entire Talmud!) the Torah Shabbos HaChodesh 29 verses were was divided into over 150 sedarim, read, Sh’mos 12:1–29 (not the first 20 whose reading was completed every verses as is our custom for maftir, fol- three and a half years. (The Gemara lowing the Babylonian tradition). mentions three years, but later Geonic The first 20 verses that we read for sources explicitly discuss three and a maftir would have been insufficient to half years.) provide three verses for each of the Unlike the Babylonian custom, seven aliyos. What did they do for where the Torah was completed on the maftir? Here, we find an interesting second day of Shemini Atzeres (later, sometime in the Geonic Period, desig- Continued on Page 66

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 65 Four Parashios From this we learn an interesting cus- concluded with verse 21 of chapter 20. chutz l’aretz, they are very infrequent. Continued from Page 65 tom that was prevalent in Eretz Yisrael: (We already confronted a similar situa- they preferred to conclude the reading tion, in an article in 5766 in connec- Yotzros In Musaf? Yes And No custom but one that has a precedent in at the end of a seder. tion with the Torah reading of the first On Parashas Zachor we only recite the Talmud Bavli (see Abbaye’s solu- (There are essentially four different day of Rosh Hashanah. The parashah yotzer by Shacharis and not by Musaf. tion in Megillah, ibid., for our maftir traditions as to exactly how many describing how Sarah gave birth to The same is true for Shabbos Parashas custom when Ki Sissa is the parashah sedarim there were in the Torah and as Yitzchak, which has exactly 21 verses, Parah. Yet on the other two special of Shabbos Shekalim. The Eretz Yisrael to the exact number of verses they should have been the appropriate read- Shabbosos, Shabbos Shekalim and custom, as reflected in the Genizah each included. Most of our chumashim ing even if the first day of Rosh Shabbos HaChodesh, we say yotzer documents, would simply follow that that include the sedarim, as, for exam- Hashanah fell on Shabbos. We, howev- both during Shacharis and Musaf. precedent). They would read the first ple, the Koren Bible, have the seder er, read another 13 verses and com- Why the difference? Perhaps the five verses from the beginning of the concluding at 20:14, not 20:21. The plete chapter 21. Why is that? Again, answer is that the last two Shabbosos parashah: Sh’mos 12:1–5, in order to number of sedarim of each chumash because we want to be consistent with mentioned have a direct connection emphasize and publicize the motif of can usually be found at the end of the ancient sedarim division, and the with the Musaf amidah. One of the seder ends at the end of those 13 vers- purposes of the shekalim was to pur- es. We therefore read the section about chase the communal mizbeach offer- Avraham’s dealings with Avimelech ings of each year, including the addi- The Christians were not interested in even though it does not seem to be tional offerings sacrificed on the vari- related in any way to the previous ous holidays throughout the year the sedarim, the “Jewish” parashah or to Rosh Hashanah.) (Rashi on Sh’mos 30:15). For maftir of Parashas Parah, too, (Indeed, in a very popular respon- division of the Torah. although there is no documentation sum, HaGaon Rabbi Akiva Eiger [Vol. for this in the Genizah fragments, we 1, No. 19], suggests that women can assume the maftir read the same should be exempt from the Musaf 22 verses as is our maftir custom. prayer since they are were exempt the day, the underlying ideas behind Parashas Vayechi in most chumashim, What about Parashas Shekalim and from donating shekalim; see Rambam, the rosh chodesh holiday. although they were intentionally omit- Parashas Zachor? For them we have no Hilchos Shekalim 1, 7). On Parashas Parah, too, there should ted from the actual text [in which they Genizah evidence, either for their Torah The Musaf Amidah was instituted in not have been a problem, because the appear in all Torah manuscripts prior or their haftarah readings. However, tak- lieu of those additional sacrifices reading we use for our maftir consists to the printing of books] by a Christian ing a cue from the above, one may (Berachos 26b). Shabbos HaChodesh of 22 verses (Bamidbar 19:1–22), publisher, Daniel Bomberg, who made strongly speculate that the reading essentially commemorates the holiday which is sufficient for seven aliyos and the first printed chumash in 1516 in began at the new seder, which begins of rosh chodesh, and the extra sacri- which concludes at the end of a sec- Venice. The Christians were not inter- Devarim 24:19 and continued until the fices brought on that day (Bamidbar tion/parashah. Interestingly, however, ested in the sedarim, the “Jewish” divi- end of the seder, concluding with the 28:11–15) were among the most that same Genizah document which sion of the Torah, but in the chapters, section about Amalek, a total of 23 vers- important aspects of rosh chodesh. includes instructions for the readings the church’s 13th-century division of es. If our thesis is correct, then we do Therefore, it is appropriate that the of various Shabbosos gives the specific the Torah. Unfortunately, all subse- not have to accept the solution of the commemorations on these two instruction that the reading should quent chumashim have blindly fol- Turei Even in his novellae to Megilla Shabbosos include special mention in continue until 20:21! Why was it nec- lowed the lead of this Christian, 30b that the three verses of the Zachor the Musaf amidah, as well. essary to add these 21 verses, especial- Daniel Bomberg.) reading were repeated eight times! ly since they have absolutely nothing to And the tradition of the author of Although we do find repeat readings do with the parah adumah sacrifice? these instructions was that the seder even today, in both Eretz Yisrael and Continued on Page 75

66 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 67 The queen is on our side. Surely, she of envy; by only inviting Haman and can stop the decree.” Now that the Achashverosh, she was in effect equat- Jewish people saw that she was show- ing the two men. Achashverosh would Daf Yomi Insights ing preferential treatment to Haman, be upset that someone else is receiving they would say that she is a traitor and honor that should be reserved for him BY RABBI AVROHOM SEBROW Hashem, “Look, here I and the rest of has abandoned them. alone. Further, the other nobles would the Jewish people have been fasting for R’ Yose answered that she invited be jealous that the queen is specifical- Last week I noted what a spectacle three days, and these wicked people Haman to the party because she was ly singling out Haman for honor. The it would be if Superman pranced are partying.” She was hoping that the hoping to cause him to stumble in nobles would therefore ostracize around Radin. On that thought, I contrast would hasten the Divine retri- some way before Achashverosh, who Haman and perhaps the king’s wrath recall that on one Purim in Eretz bution for the wicked. would also be in attendance (Rashi). R’ would be kindled against him, as well. Yisrael, my yeshiva organized a Maariv R’ Meir answered that she invited Shimon ben Menasya answered that Rabbah explained that Esther rea- minyan after the Purim seudah. Sure Haman so that he would not take by showing honor to Haman by invit- soned that when Haman reached the enough, one bachur—dressed as counsel and rebel against the king. ing him, she would arouse Heavenly pinnacle of his honor, his downfall Superman—desired to daven at the The Maharal explains that she wanted anger for the fact that a wicked person would be soon in coming. She amud. Due to his state of inebriation, Haman to be around so that if is being accorded so much honor assumed that Hashem wanted to make the mashgiach firmly refused permis- Achashverosh acceded to her request (Maharal). Alternatively, she was hop- a public display of the demise of Klal sion and appointed an apparently to annul the evil decree, Haman would ing that Hashem would be merciful Yisrael’s nemesis. Perhaps Hashem sober individual in his place. not be able to gather an army and when He sees how much she has to was waiting until Haman was as high- Superman would not give in, though. orchestrate a coup. R’ Yehuda demean herself by flattering a rasha ly respected as he could be. That He insisted on standing next to the answered that she invited Haman, the (Rashi). R’ Yehoshua ben Karchah said would make the miraculous salvation chazan and leading the tefillos simulta- nemesis of the Jewish people, to that Esther planned on smiling at of the Jewish people even greater in neously. The mashgiach motioned to demonstrate to Achashverosh that she Haman at the party. Achashverosh the eyes of the populace. She afforded several bochurim to get him to move. did not sympathize with the Jewish would therefore assume that they had Haman the extra honor of being the But true to his moniker, the Man of nation. She was hoping that keeping developed a close relationship and only one invited to the party besides Steel could not be budged. her true intentions hidden would give have them both killed. Rashi notes the king, so that he could reach the One of the reasons that we have a her more clout when the proper time that the law in Persia was that if a sup- apex of his perceived nobility, thereby Purim seudah is to commemorate the came to execute her plan. This was porter of a decree dies, then the decree ensuring his swift ruination (Iyei parties that Esther made, to which she reminiscent of Calev, who hid the fact dies with him. Esther was willing to Hayam quoted in Tehillah LeYonah). invited Achashverosh and Haman. that he was not in agreement with the sacrifice her own life to save the Abbayei and Rava explained that While the need for Achashverosh at other spies, to ensure himself an Jewish people from the terrible decree. Esther observed that Belshazzar’s end those parties is clear, the Gemara opportunity to be heard later (as Rabban Gamliel explained that came after he feasted. She reasoned questions why Esther invited Haman explained by Sifsei Chachomim). Esther knew that Achashverosh was a that the feasts of the wicked lead to (Megillah 15b). (To those who didn’t R’ Nechemiah answered that she fickle-minded king. If she succeeded their retribution. She wanted Haman do the daf, make yourselves comfort- invited Haman to the party to feign in maligning Haman, she wanted the at the party so that his Divine reckon- able—there are a lot of answers!) R’ solidarity with him. She was afraid that king to be able to execute him immedi- ing, like Belshazzar’s, would come Eliezer answered that Esther invited the Jewish people would not feel the ately, before he changed his mind. To soon after a feast. Haman to ensnare him. The Sifsei need to daven to Hashem to save them ensure that Haman would be nearby, The Gemara concludes that Rabbah Chachamim explains that she wanted from the terrible decree. Instead, they she invited him to the party. R’ Eliezer bar Avuha met Eliyahu HaNavi and to arouse Heavenly anger at Haman. would say to themselves, “Nothing bad Hamodai answered that she invited asked him: Of all the aforementioned She wanted to demonstrate to will befall us. We have connections. Haman to cause him to be the object reasons, which was the one that actu-

68 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ally prompted Esther to invite Haman enough to ensure Haman’s execution. The Gemara notes, however, that all ounce of devotion in prayer makes a to the party? Eliyahu answered that When he returned to his palace, he the reasons given above are in fact cor- difference. The Maharal notes that Esther was influenced by all of them. found Haman on Esther’s couch. An rect. So why would a Jewish person Esther knew that the salvation of the In fact, R’ Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev angel had pushed Haman down in assume that Esther is inviting Haman Jewish people depended ultimately on states that there were other reasons, as order that Achashverosh would think to the party because she is a traitor? their prayers. She knew that if she well, that are not listed in the Gemara. that Haman was attempting to assault Maybe she is inviting Haman to the could cause the Jewish people to even Eliyahu HaNavi was implying that she his queen. Only then, on the advice of party for one of the other myriad rea- be slightly less reliant on her, the ram- was motivated by even more reasons, Charvonah, did he agree to hang sons given. Esther was a prophetess. ifications could be enormous. Each which will be revealed later in time; Haman. In fact, the Midrash says that She achieved the pinnacle of spiritual- added drop of heartfelt feeling to their the Vilna Gaon, for example provides, Charvonah was in reality Eliyahu ity. If there are so many reasonable prayers might be the difference in his own answer (Sifsei Chachamim). HaNavi in disguise. Many miracles explanations as to why she invited ensuring their acceptance. True, her R’ Nechemiah’s answer (she wanted were required. It would hardly seem Haman to the party, why should the ruse might only make a small differ- to seem to be a traitor), though, seems ence. But when it comes to tefillah,no hard to understand, especially in light difference is too small. of the Gemara’s conclusion. Was it Tefillah is called avodah shebileiv— really reasonable for Esther to assume service of the heart. The highest form that the Jewish people wouldn’t daven If there was any hope of salvation through of tefillah is when one puts his whole because they had connections? There heart into it. Our Chazal tell us that was a decree that the entire Jewish the best form of tefillah is one that people should be annihilated: men, Esther, their prayers would lose some of comes out of desperation. Someone women, and children. Would they real- may be the biggest tzaddik and not ly pin all their hopes on Esther? Look have a care in the world and daven what happened to the previous queen, their sense of urgency. exclusively for altruistic reasons. Vashti. Furthermore, the Gemara indi- However, even his prayers would be cates that many miracles were needed better if he would be in a state of dis- to ensure Esther’s success. First, there tress. Esther knew this secret of were three angels sent to make sure logical to assume that prayers were not Jewish people assume the worst about tefillah. She did everything in her that Achashverosh agreed to talk with needed because of Esther’s placement a tzadeikes? power to give Klal Yisrael a little more Esther. One of those angels was sent to in the palace. We can learn a profound lesson motivation to daven, to encourage endow Esther with irresistible charm The Gemara must mean that the from this. Faced with annihilation, the them to pray with a little more emo- (Megillah 15b). Second, after Esther Jewish people would in fact pray in any Jewish people were going to pour out tion, thereby possibly ensuring the told Achashverosh that Haman was case. However, if there was any hope their hearts to Hashem in any case. acceptance of their prayers. planning to destroy her nation, of salvation through Esther, their They weren’t going to rely on Esther. The Mishnah Berurah (693:6) Achashverosh went out to his garden. prayers would lose some of their sense The extent to which they relied on notes that the custom is to daven There, he found angels sent by of urgency. The Maharal seems to Esther in their minds would, in some early on Purim morning. (This may Hashem who appeared like men understand the Gemara this way; he small way, be affected by Esther’s ruse. come as a surprise to those who insist uprooting his trees. He asked them, writes, “She suspected they would There would be some form of lingering on drinking themselves into a stupor “Under whose orders are you doing lessen their requests for mercy” (Ohr suspicions over her actions. Still, there on Purim night!) The reason offered this?” They answered, “Haman.” This Chadash, p. 166). To maximize the were plenty of plausible positive inter- by the Machatzis HaShekel is that caused Achashverosh to be incensed Jewish people’s sense of desperation, pretations of her actions. Yet, Esther further. However, even that was not she behaved like a traitor. knew the secret of prayer. Every extra Continued on Page 70

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 69 Daf Yomi Insights gives him.” The Segulas Yisrael is telling Continued from Page 69 us that the reason to arise early on Purim is to ensure we have enough there is so much to do on Purim day. time to pour out our hearts in tefillah Davening is long because of the on this auspicious day. Photo Prose Megillah. Money must be distributed Hashem should help us all realize the to poor people to fulfill matanos l’evy- power of heartfelt tefillah, and may He BY GARY RABENKO far, or too few, ahh! If only I told the onim (unless taken care of before.) answers all our prayers in a good way. photographer this, or if only I did not Mishloach manos need to be sent out. P.S.: I was wondering if I should put We all know what the photograph- tell her that. The kids have to get dressed up in more jokes in my Purim article. However, er’s job is. Or do we? If we believe that there is such a costumes. The main course of the my wife told me that all my articles are in After the wedding, we insist we thing as great photography, we can see Purim meal must be served on Purim fact Purim articles. So I wanted to fulfill know more than before. We think we a difference between powerful, flatter- day, not Shushan Purim night (Rema “V’nahaphoch Hu” and make my Purim are an expert on what to do next time. ing, interesting, emotional images, and 695:2). To ensure that all the mitzvos article a little more serious. I know pros who have done thousands. the rest. Then measuring, judging, and are attended to properly, one should A Freilechen Purim. ❖ But someone shoots a wedding or two, advising, is much more involved. daven early on Purim. and suddenly he is an expert! Each event is different. If you or the Rabbi Sebrow delivers a nightly shiur on the daf However, another reason is offered yomi at Priority-1. He can be contacted at Often the problem at the wedding is photographer merely has learned from in the Sefer Segulas Yisrael (66): “It is a [email protected]. the expert who has not shot any! Or the last event, then no doubt that les- tradition from the students of the Baal the expert who has seen many photog- son does not serve well this time Shem Tov that it is a segulah to arise raphers “all do the same thing” Or the around. It is for this reason I define tal- early on Purim to offer many prayers WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? expert who could easily do it. Or the ent as the uncanny knack of selecting for everything a person needs: children, expert whose eight-year-old just loves the appropriate technique at just the life, livelihood, and other things. It is WE WANT TO KNOW! “taking pictures” or the caterer, who right time. With the best of intentions, similar to Yom Kippur, a day of prayers. suggests that the photographer…. things can easily go awry on the big day. So, too, Purim is a very auspicious time E-MAIL US AT If the photos are dark or light, we Whose fault might it be? The photogra- for prayers. Regarding this, the Talmud think we know what the photographer pher or the client? I think it has to do Yerushalmi states, “Whoever stretches [email protected] should have done. If the photos are too with communication and understand- out their hand [in prayer, Hashem] stiff, or too casual, too formal, or too ing. Doing a Hollywood production in one take is simply not possible if every- one is not on the same page. Here then are a few random glimpses into the wild and wacky world of wedding photography. If you have a situation that you would like explained, or need advice for the future, please do not hesitate to write to me. Scene 1—The couple has not seen each other prior to the chupah for pic- tures. There are two photographers, an artsy bride wearing a unique gown and a perfect lobby setting for both the gown and the bride. The bride is not ready. The sun com- ing through the window is quickly fading. Just before sunset, the bride is ready! Should the photographer do artsy but soft and blurred images due to no light, or skip that and be criticized for none, rather than for beautiful soft imagery, that is not sharp, nor needs to be. Scene 2—The client prefers fewer photos (800) paper proofed, instead of 2,500 on CD, to pick her 500 favorites. The professional spends two days editing everything down to 800. The hysterical bride calls from Chicago; “the most important picture is missing! How is it possible?!?, I can- not believe it….. (30 minutes later)…I just cannot understand…Every album I have ever seen has that shot! What am I gonna do?!?” The “missing” shot was of the moth- ers breaking the plate. There were five shots, all had their hair in front of their faces except at the end, when the plate broke, they looked up. That great close up had no plate and was in their col- lection of proofs. But they did not rec- ognize the plate, nor use that great shot in the album. Scene 3—At a bat mitzvah, great fun and excitement was had, but not enough for the DJ who, as the mother dances with her daughter, has to fan the excitement from inches away, and makes seeing both the other important women impossible. But she won’t budge even when asked. Scene 4—The photographer is doing great, taking many exciting and mean- ingful photos after only 30 minutes

Continued on Page 72 70 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 71 Photo Prose photographer understands that the girl four of my six children, my husband is booked his third son’s wedding. “The Continued from Page 70 is not seeing how it will look later, and in Israel, but I am the groom’s aunt most important thing are my grand- that most photographers could not and I came late, so take our pictures.” children. Get plenty of pictures of into a three hour session. But the pull it off right, but he can. So will he Firstly, what kind of family portrait them. I do not need the mechutan’s mother of the bride is getting uptight. be “difficult” and do the best shot of would it be? How much use would it grandkids, but mine!” I always try to be Her married daughter has not been in her life, or be a nice guy, and do pho- have without those others? But if I fair to both sides. Certainly I would enough photos with the bride (the tography that is “not special”? take a quick sloppy snapshot, “Who not shoot less of the groom’s side, poor father is still waiting for pictures Scene 6—After the chupah, the was the photographer?” and if I do it right? When the bride’s nephews with his girls) “C’mon, do them now!” walked down the aisle, I got great Those photos need different light, shots. The aisle was clear. As the lens, angles, or maybe just a different groom’s nephews marched, their par- mindset. The photographer was on a “These are four of my six children, my ents stood up and out, in the aisle, tak- roll. (Yes, even digitally we should be ing pictures to the last moment, effec- on a roll!) So, what to do? Explain? No tively blocking me, unless I was to one wants to listen. Change course? husband is in Israel, but I am the groom’s move right and block my video camera. Bad for the photo shoot. Continue on I still got a shot of each child. Later, course? Seem rude and inflexible. But aunt and I came late, so take our pictures.” my client appeared in my studio, and when changing course, important pho- alternating between intense anger, and tos that the photographer was plan- painful pleadings, wanted to under- ning next can easily be forgotten. stand how it was possible that after all Scene 5—The photographer has a photographer is setting lights, pre- right, I will not be prepared for the he said, there were so many great pho- heavyset woman shift her weight for- visualizing his plans for the couple, couple! What could be more impor- tos of those unimportant kids, and so ward to leave the body, the chin, etc, directing his crew by phone on ball- tant? Of course, if I say politely, “I am few of his. He went so far as to wave in back and present her flattering face to room lighting, and mentally rebooting, sorry, not now, later between dance my face some snapshots that did not just the right lens and set lighting. Her after hours of work while prepping for sets,” then I am being difficult—or am look half bad, as if to say, the photos high-school daughter says “Ma, what the most intense 30 minutes of the I being “professional,” giving profes- his sons took were better than mine. are you doing!?! Sit up! So she feels day. An older demonstrative woman sional guidance. He yelled at me for an hour. It both- that she must look awkward. The good appears: “Photographer! These are Scene 7—A proud grandfather ered me for months. How could such a huge fan of mine, sound like this? A few months later, up I jumped from deep sleep. Clear as crystal, I saw those photos he waved, heard his com- ment “his sons took,” and all at once realized why of course, there are more photos of the bride’s side. To this day, he still cannot understand! ❖

Gary Gershon Rabenko may be reached at [email protected]. Questions regarding photographic philosophies are welcome. Rabenko Photography & Video Artists is located at 1001 Broadway in Woodmere.

And they shall make the efod... It shall have its two shoul- der-pieces joined at its two edges... And the finely wrought girdle of the efod, which is upon it, shall be of the same (Sh’mos 28:6-8) I haven't heard nor have I found in the Talmud an explanation of [the Efod's] form. My heart tells me that it is tied on the back, its width the width of a person's back, its form like the apron worn by princesses when they ride horses... (Rashi)

72 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES physically destroy every Jewish man, idea that one has passed beyond the woman, and child in the Persian realm of motive and reason. A lottery is The Pur Of Purim empire. Purim is thus celebrated by resorted to when there is no reason to lavishing money on the poor, sending choose one option over the other, so For Haman the son of Hamdasa the of the body of the Jew. There are festi- gifts of food to friends, eating a sump- that the matter must be surrendered to Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had vals (such as Chanukah) that remem- tuous meal, and becoming drunk. forces that are beyond one’s control schemed against the Jews to destroy ber a time when the Jewish soul was On Yom Kippur we fast and pray; on and comprehension. them, and had cast a pur—that is, the threatened, when our enemies strove Purim we party. Yet the Zohar sees the Therein lies the significance of the lot—to consume them, and to destroy to uproot our faith and profane the two days as intrinsically similar, going lots cast by the Kohen Gadol on Yom them… Therefore they called these days sanctity of our lives; these are accord- so far as to interpret the name Yom Kippur. After all is said and done, “Purim” after the pur… ingly marked with “spiritual” obser- HaKippurim (as the Torah calls Yom implied the lots, no man is worthy in the —Esther 9:24–26 vances (e.g., lighting the menorah, Kippur) to mean that it is “a day like eyes of G-d. We all stand before Him Many developments contributed to reciting Hallel). On Purim, on the Purim” (yom k’Purim)! with our faults and iniquities, and by all the salvation of the Jewish people from other hand, it was the Jewish body that rational criteria, should be found lacking Haman’s decree: Esther’s replacement was saved—Haman did not plot to Reason And Lots of Vashti as queen; Mordechai’s rous- assimilate or paganize the Jews, but to The casting of lots expresses the Continued on Page 74 ing the Jews of Shushan to repentance and prayer; Achashveirosh’s sleepless night, in which he is reminded that Mordechai had saved his life and com- mands Haman to lead Mordechai in a hero’s parade through the streets of Shushan; Esther’s petition to the king and her confrontation with Haman; the hanging of Haman; the great war between the Jews and their enemies on the 13th of Adar. Each of these events played a major role in the miracle of Purim. And yet, the name of the festival—the one word chosen to express its essence—refers to a seemingly minor detail: the fact that Haman selected the date of his proposed annihilation of the Jews by casting lots (pur is Persian for lot). Obviously, the significance of the lot lies at the very heart of what Purim is all about. Why, indeed, did Haman cast lots? Why didn’t he simply chose the first convenient day or days on which to carry out his evil decree?

The Angel And The Drunk There is another day on the Jewish calendar associated with the casting of lots: Yom Kippur. In one of the most dramatic moments of the Yom Kippur service in the Holy Temple, the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) stood between two goats and cast lots to determine which should be offered to G-d and which should carry off the sins of Israel to the desert. It would seem that one could hardly find two more dissimilar days in the Jewish calendar. Yom Kippur is the most solemn day of the year. It is a day of soul-searching and repentance; a day on which we connect with the invi- olable core of purity within us—with the self that remains forever unsullied by our failings and transgressions—to draw from it atonement for the past and resolve for the future. So it is only natural that Yom Kippur should be a day of unfettered spirituality, a day on which we transcend our very physical- ity in order to commune with our spir- itual essence. The Torah commands us to “afflict ourselves” on Yom Kippur— to deprive the body of food and drink and all physical pleasures. Yom Kippur is the day on which terrestrial man most resembles the celestial angel. Purim, on the other hand, is the most physical day of the year. It is a day of feasting and drinking—the Talmud goes so far as to state that “a person is obligated to drink on Purim until he does not know the difference between ‘cursed be Haman’ and ‘blessed be Mordechai.’” As our Sages explain, Purim celebrates the salvation 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 73 The Pur Of Purim caprice running in my direction. (Indeed, the Talmud relates that reason story of Purim, but the single event that Continued from Page 73 As the Talmud relates, “When the Haman was given license to threaten most expresses what Purim represents. lot [cast by Haman] fell on the month the Jewish people in the first place was in His judgment. So we impel ourselves of Adar, he greatly rejoiced, saying: that they had bowed to Does Matter Matter? beyond the realm of nature and reason, ‘The lot has fallen for me upon the Nebuchadnezzar’s image and had par- Yom Kippur is indeed “a day like beyond the pale of merit and fault. We month of Moshe’s death.’” ticipated in the banquet given by Purim”: both are points in physical time disavow all the accouterments of physi- “This is what I’ve been saying all Achashveirosh to celebrate the destruc- that transcend the very laws of physical cal identity—food and drink, earthly along,” exulted Haman. “Moshe might tion of the Holy Temple.) On this level existence, points at which we rise above pleasures, and our very sense of reason have given Israel the Torah, the docu- of reality, Moshe might even “die.” But the rational structure of reality and and priority. We cast our lot with G-d, ment that so endears them to G-d, but G-d’s relationship with His people tran- affirm our supra-rational bond with confident that He will respond in kind Moshe, too, is mortal. Moshe, too, is scends the fluctuations of the terrestrial G-d—a bond not touched by the limita- and relate to us in terms of our quintes- part of the physical, rational reality—a reality. On the level on which, as the tions of mortal life, as free of cause and sential bond to Him rather than by the reality transcended by the ‘lot’ reality I Psalmist states, “darkness is as light” motive as the free-falling lot. existential scales of pro and con. have accessed. My lots indicate that I and “good” and “evil” are equally But there is also a significant differ- Haman’s lot-casting was his attempt have superseded Moshe—superseded insignificant before Him, G-d choos- ence between these two days. On Yom to exploit the supra-reality of the Israel’s merit in the eyes of G-d.” es—for no reason save that such is His Kippur, our transcendence is expressed Divine, to an opposite end. The Jewish What Haman failed to realize, adds choice—the nation of Israel. by our disavowal of all trappings of people, said Haman, might be the pur- the Talmud, was that while Adar was the In the words of the prophet (Malachi physical life. But the very fact that suers of G-d’s wisdom on earth and the month of Moshe’s passing, it was also 1:2), “Is not Esav a brother to Yaakov? these would “interfere” with the supra- implementers of His will, thus merit- the month of Moshe’s birth. In the final says G-d. But I love Yaakov.” Even when existential nature of the day indicates ing His favor and protection. But sure- analysis, the import of Haman’s lots was reality seems as “arbitrary” as a throw of that we are not utterly free of them. ly G-d, in essence, is above it all— the very opposite of what he had under- dice—for the righteous Yaakov is no more Thus Yom Kippur is only “a day like above our earthly reason and its stood. On the physical-existential plane, worthy (for “worthiness” is a moot point) Purim” (k’Purim), for it achieves only a notions of “virtue” and “deservedness,” the lots were saying, there might be vari- than the wicked Esav—the Divine lot semblance of the essence of Purim. beyond such concepts as “good” or ations and fluctuations in G-d’s relation- invariably falls with His chosen people. The ultimate mark of transcendence “evil.” Ultimately, the Divine will is as ship with His people. At times, they Thus, the festival of Purim derives its is that the transcended state is not arbitrary as a roll of dice. Why not give might be more deserving of His protec- name from the lots cast by Haman. For vanquished or suppressed, but that it it a shot? I might just catch a supernal tion and blessing; at times, less so. this is not some incidental detail in the itself serves the transcendent end. The miracle of Purim was G-d’s assertion of His supra-existential choice of Israel, yet it was a miracle wholly garbed in nature. Everything happened quite naturally: Esther’s beauty pleased Achashveirosh, and he made her his queen; Mordechai happened to over- hear a plot to kill Achashveirosh, and years later the event was remembered by the king on a sleepless night; Esther contrived Haman’s fall from grace in the royal court, had him hanged, and maneuvered Mordechai into his vacat- ed position; and so on. But it is for this very reason that Purim is the greatest of miracles—a miracle in which the natural order is not merely circum- vented or superseded, but in which nature itself becomes the instrument of the miraculous. The same is true on the individual level: the ultimate transcendence of materiality is achieved not by depriving the body and suppressing the physical self, but by transforming the physical into an instrument of the Divine will. So “Purim” is the day on which we are our most physical, and at the same time exhibit a self-abnegation to G-d that transcends all dictates and perimeters of the physical-rational state—tran- scending even the axioms “cursed be Haman” and “blessed be Mordechai.” Yom Kippur is the day that empow- ers the Jew to rise above the con- straints of physicality and rationality. Purim is the day that empowers the Jew to live a physical life that is the vehicle for a supra-physical, supra- rational commitment to G-d. ❖

Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe; adapted by Yanki Tauber. Courtesy of MeaningfulLife.com.

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

74 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Four Parashios Eliezer Ha’Kalir, for each of was deemed inappropriate to Continued from Page 66 the blessings of the amidah, incorporate a commemorative except for one blessing, “The Purim piyut in a blessing Yotzros Offspring of your Servant beseeching Hashem to make Another interesting observa- Dovid.” the House of David, the “com- tion about yotzer is that all the Why is that? Perhaps, since petition” of Shaul, flourish. ❖ yotzros of Shacharis begin with the miracle of Purim came This article was written in the merit the introductory prayer Mi’sod: about through Mordechai and of my dear father, Rav Yehuda Leib ben Moreinu HaRav Nosson Dovid, of “Based on the tradition of Esther, descendants of Shaul blessed memory, whose yahrtzeit is 3 our wise and discerning teach- from the tribe of Binyamin, it Adar. ers and the teaching derived from the knowledge of the dis- cerning, I open my mouth….” Yet we do not find the prayer with any of the Musaf yotzros or with the Shacharis yotzer of Purim. Why? It would seem that the introduction of Mi’sod, invok- ing a very powerful tradition, serves as a bakashas reshus,a request that Hashem accept the piyutim in the middle of the first three blessings of the amidah, even before the holy prayer of Kedushah, as part of our prayers, inclusions which are usually frowned upon (cf. Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, 68 and 112, and com- mentaries.) This being its purpose, we can now appreciate why Mi’sod does not appear before the Musaf yotzros. The piyutim in those yotzros are spread throughout the amidah and not bunched together in the middle of the first three very crucial blessings before the very holy Kedushah prayer. This same explanation is also valid for the yotzer of Purim. Another small insight is appropriate for the yotzer of Purim. A paragraph of piyut has been designated by the dean of paytanim, Rebbe

The efod atoned for idolatry, as it is said, "Without efod or teraphim" (Hosheah 3:4).

The cloak atoned for slander—let an article of sound (i.e., the bells on the cloak's hem) atone for an offence of sound. The crown, worn on the forehead, atoned for brazenness… as it is written,“Yet you have a harlot's forehead” (Yirmiyah 3:3).

(Talmud, Zevachim 88b)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 75 76 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES that morning that she felt uncomfort- Shabbat needs. able and she really had a tough time My sister and brother and their Home, Sweet Home? standing up. Apparently, even though spouses call on a regular basis and the spinal tap had been done two days visit, as well. They have more experi- By Tuesday, the doctors decided that before, the side effects only began to ence “in country” and a better under- Our Aliyah Chronicle, Part 41 there was no immediate cause for con- occur on Tuesday, and since then she standing of the healthcare system, and BY SHMUEL KATZ cern and that her symptoms would has been unable to even sit up for any- their assistance (and their availability most likely disappear over time. Since thing more than a minute or two. to sit with Goldie at home, which We started the week very hopeful that they felt that she was past the “getting I said it last week, but I have to allowed me to get in a few additional things were coming to a head. The doc- worse” stage they told us that if she note once again how helpful the two hours at the office) has been invalu- tors had decided to let Goldie’s various chose to, Goldie could go home— oldest kids have been. They have kept able, especially in helping us to calm symptoms develop, to help them con- which she wanted very badly to do. the younger kids organized and taken nervous parents who are six thousand firm an accurate diagnosis, and she was Being discharged from the hospital care of. I cannot imagine how much miles away. scheduled for a whole barrage of tests to took about five hours. Paperwork had more difficult this would have been This whole episode has been slight- begin Sunday morning. One of those to be written up and processed, orders had we not had teenage kids at home ly terrifying. We don’t speak the lan- tests was a lumbar puncture (more com- had to be entered into the computer, to help out. guage very well. We have no idea how monly known as a spinal tap). the whole bureaucracy works here The news we were hearing was regarding insurance, medical care, good, yet frustrating. Each set of tests dealing with the various departments, came back negative, one after another. We are uncomfortable with the amount and making sure the right things get Since none of the things they were done. Even when we ask questions, we testing for was something anyone are often confused by technical would actually want to have, we were of help we are already getting, but we answers given in rapid-fire Hebrew pleased with the initial results. and need to ask for repetitions and fur- However, as they went down the list to would not be able to cope without it. ther explanations. the less serious illnesses, we were Even with all the help and support, impatient to get down to the “getting the sense of being alone is very strong. better” part of being in the hospital, At the end of the day, everyone still and the lack of a diagnosis was making and we could not leave without our Our community has also been won- has to head back to their own families us crazy. written discharge letter, which appar- derful. Josh and Daniella Rudoff and their own lives, and it really does We spent the next couple of days ently we need to take with us for all arranged for meals to be delivered to rest upon us to work out things for waiting for answers. There were test follow-ups to make life easier for our the house and to keep in touch with ours as well. We are uncomfortable results to come in and they wanted to future medical needs (until this entire us daily to see how things are doing. with the amount of help we are keep Goldie in for continued observa- episode ends). Yaffa Greenzweig, a fellow student already getting; although we would tion to ensure that her condition did We decided to surprise the kids and from Goldie’s ulpan (who lives across not be able to cope without it, we not get worse. I actually had a chance not tell them that Goldie was coming the street from us) contacted the would prefer not to need it and cannot to get to my office for the first time in home. By the time we got home late neighborhood gemillas chesed commit- wait to be back on our own. three weeks (following my two-week that afternoon, we were happy to be tee, who called to make sure that Goldie herself has been quite frus- trip to the U.S. and one week in the done with the hospital and get a everything was taken care of and that trated. She has been unable to help hospital with Goldie) and catch up on chance to settle back to normal. we would be home for Shabbat, since some work for a few hours. Goldie had been complaining since they were taking care of all our Continued on Page 78

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 77 Aliyah Chronicle Now, it appears that we will be alone Continued from Page 77 for Pesach. We have been alone before; I would The Count Of Dorton out at home, and being confined to guess that we have been alone for bed for essentially 12 days in a row has Pesach three times in 16 years. BY RABBI MORDECHAI admit, however, that some of his begun to drive her crazy. She can’t However, this will be our first Pesach KAMENETZKY Yiddish words we knew. Most of our work, she can’t dress the kids or do in Israel, and the kids haven’t seen parents were Holocaust survivors who homework with them—she really is these grandparents since July, so we It is erev Purim and I’d like to share used Yiddish as the secret language to just stuck. For a woman like Goldie, were really looking forward to this a Purim story with the readers of the talk about life’s mysteries. But as we who is always busy with a dozen things chag. On the heels of Goldie’s illness, Five Towns Jewish Times. This narra- aged into adolescence, and the myster- at once, this inactivity is very difficult. this is a disappointment as well, but tive is not my story. It is, however, based ies of life were unraveled far from the (Although I usually write the col- there is nothing we can do about it, so on the truth. It happened with some- shelter of our homes, we reconstructed umn in summary of the week through we will just have to live with it—and one who is today a prestigious leader. conversations and began putting mean- Shabbat, it is a pleasure to inform you look forward to the next trip. But as I transcribed it a number of ing to a tongue we thought was lost in that on Sunday Goldie underwent a With the proximity to Purim, we years back, I Purimed it up a bit— the ashes of European destruction. procedure that allowed her to sit up, have been very hard-pressed to prepare changing names and places in order to So, though his aphorisms and anec- stand, and even walk comfortably. anything for the chag. We will be host- preserve the dignity of the protagonist, dotes were not totally lost on our ears, Hopefully her recuperation will con- ed for the seudah by the Brodericks, and thus lessen that of the writer. A the Talmud class fared worst. In addi- tinue and she will have a complete fellow olim, which removes some of Freilichin Purim. Like they say on the tion to the confusion of Talmudic pas- recovery very soon.) the stress. Yet there are still costumes CDs, please do not read this article sages discussing cows goring each Here is a major plus. To the best of to organize, mishloach manot to pre- outside the month of Adar. other with their horns and people gor- my understanding, all the tests and pare, and arrangements for matanot When I went to school back in the ing one another with their words, we scans have had a co-pay equivalent to l’evyonim to make. We feel tremen- early ’70s, I felt that I was in no-man’s also had to contend with the confusing approximately $5.50 (I think). We may dously behind in our preparations. land. My teacher was a rabbi who foreign words that were supposed to have to have some more tests in the By the time you read this, it will be seemed to come not only from a differ- explain everything. But we enjoyed the next few weeks, so the cost may esca- erev Purim. On behalf of Goldie and ent country, but a different planet. His intensity and enthusiasm that leaped late a few hundred percent, but I am our entire family, we want to wish you ideals were as foreign as his accent. from the ancient pages of his frayed sure it will still be manageable. a Purim sameach. It is our fervent wish His vision of the world was so starkly volume of the Talmud. that you all join us next year for Purim, different from mine. The classroom became the court- Holiday Preparations preferably in a rebuilt Yerushalayim I felt that the desk that divided us room, in which the litigants battled in We found out on erev Shabbat that (with the coming of Mashiach), but in was like the divider at Korea’s 38th the ancient tongues of Aramaic, the Goldie’s parents will not be able to join any case as residents of our holy land, parallel, or Vietnam’s DMZ, as two dif- smattering of Yiddish, and the poor us for Pesach as they had originally and the holiest of cities, for a Shushan ferent worlds converged in the class- attempts at English. The only problem planned. One of Goldie’s cousins is Purim to remember. ❖ room, each facing the other with a was that we were supposed to under- celebrating his bar mitzvah on chol Shmuel Katz is the director of Yeshivat Eretz mysterious curiosity that was coupled stand it all! Our rebbi loved one word ha’moed, and my in-laws had planned HaTzvi in the Katamon neighborhood in with apprehension. in particular. His broad knowledge of to join us for the Yom Tov and “kill two Jerusalem. Shmuel and his wife, Goldie (the If the spicy Yiddish with which he tomes of Talmud would send his mind telecommuting controller at Bnos Bais Yaakov of birds with one stone.” Knowing that Far Rockaway), and their six children made peppered his lectures were true to its scurrying across the minefields of we had planned to be with Goldie’s aliyah on July 5. Prior to his aliyah, Shmuel was metaphor, then our entire class would intricate and intellectually precarious the executive director of the Yeshiva of South side for Pesach, my parents made Shore in Hewlett. Please feel free to contact him have needed jugs of water to quench Talmudic complexities. plans to be with my youngest brother. at [email protected]. the heat of our confusion. I must And he would refer to the distant

78 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES lands of Talmudic territories that famous antecedent—dorton. There where near Scranton, came to visit our Rashi dortons. span some 20 volumes and 7,000 was a story dorton in Megillah, a ques- home. He made the mistake of asking Weaving a web through no less pages with the same words that tion dorton in Sanhedrin, and an what part of the Talmud I was study- than 15 folios of Talmudic and George M. Cohan used to tell us answer dorton in Kiddushin. For the ing, and I was dumb enough to answer. halachic literature, the dortons quick- where our boys were during the war. first two days, no one won the dorton After my dismal showing, he smiled ly began to amass. One half-hour into “Oh, the Talmud talks about that count. The dortons far surpassed any- and told me that the next portion was the class, and Rebbi had already said ‘over there.’” In Yiddish, “over there” one’s expectations. I had bet on 12; the one of the most exciting pieces of the 20 dortons! The only bettors left were was a staple of the Talmudic vernacu- highest bet was 16. But Rebbi said no Talmud. He also told me that it was me and Ansel. lar. The word that sent us to the dis- less than 23 dortons. It soon became a one of the most referred to. The pas- “So, boyez,” Rebbi looked up from tant territories was dorton. He used it his large volume. “You understand how early and often. the Gemara dorton in Kesubos helps us With a perfect twang, it sounded understand our sugya?” Pencils much like the last name of a ballplayer He analyzed the Talmudic passage that scratched furiously. Number 37. or the first name of a comedian. Fifteen minutes left. Ansel was nerv- Dorton. The words snapped from him we were supposed to study that ous. Finkelstein interrupted with a sly with an excitement as he would smile. He stared deviously at Ansel. explain a Talmudic passage with morning and conjectured as to the “Where are those two Gemaras, another one that lay—dorton! It rebbi?” “Dorton in Kesubos and dorton sounded so cute and colloquial that we approximate amount of dortons that in Bava Kama! You see…” I didn’t care. would often prod him to say what we I winked at Finkelstein. There were called the dorton-word and chuckle dortons number 38 and 39. with glee. Within a few weeks, his the passage would produce. Ansel let out an audible groan. He habit became our obsession. We would was history. All eyes focused on me. I mark the number of times that he needed to take control. I had to wrap would say dorton. Then we would com- science. Hymie Cohen, who spoke sages of Monday’s class were quoted this up. Rebbi looked at Ansel, “What’s pare notes. But one fateful Thursday Yiddish fluently and whose father was throughout the Talmud’s entire 7,000 d’metter, Dovid?” he asked. “You don’t morning, Moshe Appel, a stockbroker’s a rabbi, was the oddsmaker. He ana- pages. I felt like I had gotten a hot tip understand? You see dorton in Kesubos, son, called the class together. It was a lyzed the Talmudic passage that we from an experienced broker. And I was the Tosefos argues on the Rashi.” day that I will never forget. “OK, guys!” were supposed to study that morning ready to bet big. That Monday, staring Number 40. Now it was my turn to he began, “This is how it goes. Every and conjectured as to the approximate at a pot nearing $375, we placed our slow Rebbi down. I had to get him to day we all put one buck in the pot. amount of dortons that the passage bets. I waited to be the last, but David focus on the page in front of us. Then we bet on the dortons. If you go would produce. But then Rebbi’s pat- Ansel, a banker’s son, knew I had Somehow I’d have to limit him to only over you are out. The closest number tern changed abruptly: there were days something up my sleeve. I placed $2 two dortons in the next five minutes! gets half the pot. If you hit it exactly, he would only say one or two dortons. on 42 dortons. This was 15 more than “Rebbi,” I shouted in despair, “I’m you keep the pot.” And so the dorton The whole class was betting way over the previous highest bid. Ansel was not interested in Kesubos! Don’t talk to count began. the mark, and the pot grew. suspicious. But he did not dare risk me about the Tosefos in Kesubos! I don’t The average bet was about 10 dor- In fact, a week went by with an aver- such an outrageous gamble. He bet on understand the Gemara over here!” tons. But Rebbi blew us all away, citing age of 7 dortons while no one in class 38 dortons. Class started fast and furi- Rebbi began to review our portion. He passages from all over the Talmud: had bet on less than 10. The pot grew ously. The dortons were flying back did not mention anything off the page. Sanhedrin and Megillah and to nearly $300. That’s when my Uncle and forth. There were Rambam dor- Kiddushin, all accompanied by the Shmuel, a dean in a yeshiva some- tons, Gemara dortons, and Tosefos and Continued on Page 84

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 79 Knesset Votes In Favor Cabinet Extends Tal Of Bills Granting Right Law On Army Service To Shoot Intruders For Yeshiva Students BY GIDEON ALON AND Party). The bills’ authors explained BY SHAHAR ILAN AND The cabinet also approved the cre- YUVAL YOAZ that while the current law does protect AMIRAM BARKAT ation of a body to oversee a national serv- people who act in self-defense, it con- ice program for ultra-Orthodox men and The Knesset plenum passed three ditions that protection on the circum- The cabinet voted to extend the Tal for Arabs, in accordance with the recom- bills that define firing on burglars as stances of the incident, the nature of Law on military service for the ultra- mendations of the Ivri Commission. self-defense in preliminary readings. the reaction, and its consequences. Orthodox by another five years in a In February 2004, the panel recom- The bills were presented in the wake The bills do not require property 21–0 vote, with Justice Minister mended creating a framework under of the trial of Negev farmer Shai Dromi owners to justify the proportionality Daniel Friedmann the lone abstention. which haredi men and Arabs could vol- for manslaughter, in connection with the of their response to the burglary, in Friedmann criticized the law, which unteer for national service. The service shooting death of a burglar on his farm. order to deter burglars. Friedmann enables yeshiva students to postpone would entitle them to the same bene- The bills, which were passed by a told the Ministerial Committee on their military service, saying “there is fits given to women who complete large majority, will now be trans- Legislation that the bills are far too national service and to soldiers in ferred to the Knesset Constitution, sweeping, and would allow property home-front assignments. Law, and Justice Committee in order owners to shoot and kill intruders, Friedmann also criticized this deci- to be prepared for a first reading in even if the latter entered the proper- Those who do national sion, saying that “the system of national the plenum. ty by accident and broke their leg. service constitute a service should be rejected because it Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann Friedmann requested the debate harms the labor market. Those who do opposes the language of the bills, say- on the bills be delayed by three cheap work force. national service constitute a cheap work ing they are too general. According to weeks, in order to allow him to for- force that could harm low-wage employ- the bills, “A person will not be held mulate a toned-down version of the ees. The existence of such a service criminally responsible for an act that bill along with the Justice Ministry’s intolerable discrimination between could jeopardize the superiority of mili- was necessary to prevent a break-in legislative department, but the bills’ those who serve and those that don’t. tary service by drawing military service or entrance into private property with authors turned him down. (Haaretz) ❖ It is possible to deal with this discrim- candidates into national service.” the intent to commit a crime.” The ination by tasking those who don’t The cabinet’s decision to move for- bills state that such actions will be serve, but we must also significantly ward on expanding national service considered self-defense “regardless of improve the salaries of soldiers in com- may be aimed at showing the court the results of the act.” WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? pulsory service.” that it is behaving in good faith on the The bills were authored by Yitzhak WE WANT TO KNOW! Last year, the High Court of Justice issue of military service for yeshiva stu- Aharonovitch (Yisrael Beiteinu), E-MAIL US AT [email protected] criticized the failure to implement the dents and alternative service for popu- Yisrael Katz (Likud), and Zvi Hendel Tal Law, which was passed in 2002 but lations that generally do not serve in (National Union-National Religious never applied. the army. (Haaretz) ❖

80 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES What to Do About Iran? BY AMIL IMANI

There is no shortage of pro- posals regarding what to do about the present Iran conun- drum. Some proposals are authored by experts such as Henry Kissinger, while others are put forward by a variety of lesser luminaries. I am one of the lesser lumi- naries. I have been observing and worrying about my coun- try of birth, Iran, ever since a gang of murderous mullahs and their functionaries assumed power. To my infinite regret and the regret of mil- lions of Iranians, the situation in Iran under the fascist rule of mullahs is rapidly deterio- rating in every respect. The Iranians, historically

The lion of the meadow of Mazandaran can be captured by no other than a Mazandarani warrior. among the most civilized and tolerant of mankind, are now viewed as the base recruits of a primitive seventh-century barbaric campaign of Islamofascism. Iran, under the stranglehold and machi- nations of the mullahs, has been transformed, in less than three decades, to the lead per- petrator of all that is abhor- rent to humanity. The “Iran Problem” is now a world problem. The ques- tion is: What to do about Iran? Pivotal to the success of any solution is the realization that Islam is a religion of death and misery. A few facts are present- ed below to support this asser- tion. • The Quran itself repeated- ly glorifies death, killing, and dying for Islam. It promises the faithful infinite rewards for his Jihad in Allah’s paradise. • Nearly all Islamic holy days, particularly those of the Shiite sect, are observances and re-enactments associated with death. • The Palestinian territory is festooned with huge por- traits of the “martyrs,” the sui- cide bombers whom the rest of the world calls what they are.

Continued on Page 82 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 81 What To Do About Iran? abroad. They supply weapons, provide Islamist, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, as every other Islamic land. Continued from Page 81 funds, and train any and all takers who the president of the country. This man, The most promising solution is in share their interest in a wanton cam- called by many Iranians “The the free world’s united support of • Streets, parks, and all manner of paign of terrorism anywhere in the world. Monkey,” is now alarming the world by Iranian groups opposed to the rule public places in the Islamic Republic Dissatisfaction with the rule of the being at the controls of the of the mullahs. The Iranian people of Iran are named after “martyrs” of mullahs is widespread. Students, tradi- Islamofascist train and throttling it full themselves are fully capable and are various sorts. tionally the vanguard of political and speed ahead for a cataclysmic colli- determined to remove the cancer of • Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, the social reform in Iran, continue their sion. Ahmadinejad and his gang are Islamism from their country. The leader of Hezbollah in Lebanon and valiant struggle in the face of torture, loading their guns and doing all they United States, Israel, and other the pawn of Iran’s mullahs, assured the imprisonment, and death. Labor unions, can to obtain the bomb, to bring about democracies have a huge stake in world of Hezbollah’s victory over Israel although tightly controlled, are in a con- the biggest and most dreadful death, the success of the Iranian people in by proudly announcing: “We will pre- stant state of rebellion against the inhu- which would usher in the Mahdi, their ridding themselves of the Islamic vail, because the Israelis want to live, mane treatment by the state. Ethnic and savior-ruler of the world. tyranny. and we relish death.” religious minorities suffering under What can the world do? That is the As I have briefly outlined above, the The litany of Islamic death-based ruthless Islamic injustice and pogrom- huge question. Some advocate military mullahs are highly vulnerable. A compre- beliefs and actions is long indeed. It is, like measures are ripe for mass eruption. solutions of various types, ranging hensive political, moral, and economic therefore, understandable that Iran’s The lifeblood of Iran’s economy is oil from surgical bombings of Iran’s measure by the United States and others mullahs are obsessed agents of death. and natural gas. The criminal neglect and nuclear facilities, to military occupa- offers the best chance of ending the mul- Islam, the mullahs and their fanatic squandering of these vital and irreplace- tion of its oil-producing regions along lah’s reign of terror and diffusing the exis- followers’ system of belief denigrates able resources holds a future of even the Persian Gulf, to a full occupation tential threat they pose to the world. life and glorifies death. To these peo- more severe hardship for the Iranian peo- of the country. Each and every one of When it comes to doing something ple, death is not death. It is martyr- ple. Impartial expert studies show that these trigger-happy solutions is the prudent way, it is good to follow the dom, a sure passage to the unimagin- Iran’s oil production, at the present rate doomed to failure, since they will play advice of the ancient Persians: “The ably magnificent eternal paradise of exploitation and absence of mainte- directly into the hands of the mullahs. lion of the meadow of Mazandaran can promised in the Quran. nance, will decline by nearly ten percent Any military action against Iran will be captured by no other than a Under the rule of these adherents of per year, hitting zero by 2015. encounter Iranians’ fierce sense of Mazandarani warrior.” The best match death, everything in Iran is deteriorat- Corruption and mismanagement, national pride, which would rally the for the ruthless mullahs and their hired ing and dying. In spite of huge oil rev- combined with the huge allocation of people to support the regime. Military Islamic storm troopers are the Iranian enues, the per capita income of the resources to acquire nuclear weapons, actions would compound the problem warriors themselves. The people of Iran Iranians is now about one third of are bound to burden the country’s by creating a greater worldwide themselves are the best solution for the what it was before the Islamic badly ailing economy. That will likely Islamic solidarity against the perceived present Iranian conundrum. The Revolution of 1979. Every form of mis- bury the mullahs in the rubble of their “Crusaders-Zionist conspiracy.” valiant Iranians need a bit of help. And ery has also skyrocketed. Drug addic- own making and grant them their There are those who see the solution the last thing they need is appeasing tion, prostitution, and suicide have death wish. Regrettably, these purvey- in negotiation with the mullahs. These negotiators to give the mullahs a new gone through the roof. The young and ors of death aim to hurt and kill many people are either naive or dishonest. lease on life, or invasion by the the educated continue deserting Iran innocent people along the way to their The mullahs’ negotiation is Islamic to Marines and a shower of bombs from and family, fleeing to the four corners inevitable looming graves. the core. They take all and you give all, the skies. (Arutz Sheva) ❖ of the earth in search of a decent life. Over the years, much of the world since you, according to Islamic fiat, are Amil Imani is an Iranian-born American citizen To make matters worse, the agents of has been preoccupied with its own not entitled to anything. One can see and pro-democracy activist residing in the death, the mullahs, divert the funds sore- problems and showed little concern for how Muslims negotiate, even among United States of America. Imani is a columnist, literary translator, novelist, and an essayist who ly needed at home to sponsor and sup- the plight of the Iranian people, until themselves, in places like Iraq, the has been writing and speaking out for the port adventurous Islamic trouble-making the mullahs installed a firebrand Palestinian Authority, Pakistan, and struggling people of his native land, Iran.

82 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES and poor, each contributing his tal- G-d, and the end product might not be ents, resources and expertise. as “polished” or overwhelming, but its The Self-Made Child This human participation is what effect can, in many ways, be more caused the material objects with which valuable and enduring—precisely BY CHANA WEISBERG Similarly, soon after the spiritually we built the Sanctuary to become per- because it is our own contribution. inspired nation had experienced the meated with enduring holiness. This is The challenge and achievement of My daughter is always complaining awesome revelation of G-d, they also why the Torah devotes so many actualizing our own abilities and creat- that “all the other mothers” always do stooped to serve a golden calf. chapters to the building of the ing something with our own talents their children’s projects and homework Unlike the Sinai experience, the Sanctuary. results in something that is far more for them. While I will help her with Sanctuary did not miraculously The overwhelming emphasis on its cherished than something that is pre- the research, explain to her anything descend upon the Jewish people—they construction teaches us that there is sented to us on a golden platter. It she doesn’t understand, share ideas, helps us to grow as individuals, fine- and generally guide her along, I like tunes our skills, and stretches our the actual work to be her own. How capabilities, in ways that being passive else will she learn to express her own recipients can not. thoughts and creativity? Thirteen chapters are devoted to Perhaps there is a message here for My daughter, on the other hand, us as parents. Help, guide, instruct complains that her projects are just and brainstorm with your children. not as glamorous, her essays don’t have describing how the Jewish people But remember that the greatest learn- the “fancy” words, and her homework ing experience comes when you help doesn’t look as polished as her friends’. were to fashion this edifice. your children actualize their own abil- She hints to me, too, how all the ities, to create their own edifices. other mothers prepare their daughter’s (Chabad.org) ❖ lunches, tidy up their children’s rooms, Chana Weisberg is the author of Divine make their beds and take care of a host had to build it themselves, with their something very valuable about us Whispers: Stories that Speak to the Heart and of such tasks. I feel that she’s at the age own materials, with their own hands using our own personal resources and Soul and three other books. Weisberg is a noted educator and columnist and lectures worldwide where she’s old enough to assume some and sweat. Everyone took part in the creativity. It might not be as earth- on issues relating to women, faith, relationships, of these responsibilities for herself. undertaking, men and women, rich shattering an event as the revelation of and the Jewish soul. Am I being a rotten parent in not catering to her, or are these other par- ents missing the point? In the Torah reading of Parashas Terumah (Sh’mos 25:1-27:19)—as well as a sizable portion of the book of Sh’mos—is devoted to the construction of the Sanctuary (Mishkan), built by the children of Israel in the desert. The Torah, which is usually very sparing with words, is uncharacteristi- cally elaborate when it comes to describing the Sanctuary. All the mate- rials used in the construction, the components and furnishings of the Sanctuary, as well as every minute detail of the actual construction—is listed and described, sometimes, numerous times. All in all, 13 chapters are devoted to describing how the Jewish people were to fashion this edifice. In contrast, the Torah devotes only one chapter to the creation of the universe! Only three chapters, are devoted to the descrip- tion of the awe-inspiring and monu- mental event of the revelation of G-d at Mt. Sinai. Moreover, the Sanctuary was only a “tent,” a temporary dwelling serving as the religious focal point in the desert. Once the Jewish people entered the Land of Israel the Sanctuary was replaced by the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Why, then, does the Torah describe the Sanctuary at such great length, while almost glossing over the creation of our world and giving a relatively short account of the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai? Is there per- haps a lesson for us as parents to guide us in the education or our children? At Sinai (and certainly at the creation of the world) we were passive partici- pants. G-d descended in all His glory and majesty accompanied by breathtak- ing sounds and sights of grand thunder and lightening, while the Jewish people merely observed and heard. In fact, because of the non-partici- patory nature of the Sinai experience, the impression of the holiness wasn’t permanent. After the Divine presence departed from the mountain, it revert- ed to its former non-holy status.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 83 The Count Of Dorton buzzer! Rebbi joined in. “You like the Continued from Page 79 p’shat?” He asked in a mystified stupor. Court Orders Settlers To Leave “You takeh like it?” The clock was ticking. There were He had never seen a class appreci- Building In East Jerusalem two minutes left. I had to squeeze out ate his teachings with such enthusi- two dortons in two minutes and sweep asm. BY MERON RAPOPORT ever issued for the building. The the pot. I also had to ensure that he As for me, I was in another world. I Jewish families moved in, under police would not go dorton-wild, squeezing me was not in my seat on Nostrand The Ateret Cohanim association guard, in April 2004, after the out of the pot. Avenue. must give up one its major strongholds Palestinian family that had been living But Rebbi did not budge. For the I was dorton. ❖ in East Jerusalem, after a court ordered there was evicted. The eight Jewish next 90 seconds, he would not let his it to seal up a seven-story building it families turned the building into one eyes or mind leave the page that we erected in Kfar Silwan and evict its of the largest concentrations of Jews in were studying. And you shall Jewish residents. This is the first time East Jerusalem. Each family paid $250 I went for the kill! “Oh, I get it!” I settlers will be forced to evacuate a per month to the Committee for the shouted. “And you can apply this to command the building in East Jerusalem since the Renewal of Jewish Settlement in the Gemara—where, rebbi? Where, association began its settlement activi- Silwan, which is associated with Ateret rebbi?” “Please,” I thought, thinking of Children of Israel ties there after the 1967 Six-Day War. Cohanim. the pot—$375 resting on two dortons. Judge Eliahu Zimra, of the After City Council member Yosef “Say it.” I thought “Please.” “Where (Shmos 27:20) Jerusalem Court of Municipal Affairs, Papa Alalu (Meretz) contacted the is the other Gemara?” ruled that the eight families living in municipality’s legal adviser, the city Rebbi looked puzzled. “I told you, The word tetzaveh,“to the building must leave within two initiated legal action against the fami- d… he began. But then his tongue left command,” also means “to months, after which all the building’s lies living in the building. The story of the back of his teeth, and his lips openings must be sealed with concrete the building was also widely covered in pursed to blast the words, “Bava connect” and “to bond.” blocks. Each defendant was also Haaretz. Since the construction viola- Kamma! He answered sans-dorton. Thus the verse can also be ordered to pay a fine of NIS 3,500. If tion was discovered after the building Thirty clock-staring faces groaned. the building is not sealed by April 15, was completed, an administrative dem- Ten seconds. read as G-d saying to the district planning committee will olition order could not be issued. The A puzzled silence clouded the class- Moshe:“And you shall bond carry out the task and charge the fam- families were charged with using a room. Nervous anticipation. The clock ilies for the work. The Supreme Court building without a permit. was ticking. Six seconds. He repeated with the Children of Israel.” rejected the families’ request for an Municipal legal adviser Yossi the words slowly. “Yes, Bava Kama. For every Jewish soul has at extension of the deadline. Havilio attempted to force the families Dorton on daf 63 and the other Palestinian residents of Silwan to leave and ordered water and elec- Gemara…” A pregnant pause. Three its core a spark of the soul expressed great satisfaction with the tricity supplies to the building be dis- seconds left. of Moshe. ruling, which is likely to deal a hard connected, but his directives were not “Dorton in Kesubos!” The shrieks of blow to the settlers’ effort to expand carried out. He also asked the joy overpowered the sharp ringing of their foothold in the eastern part of the Housing Ministry to stop funding its the bell! The whoops emanating from city. 24-hour guarding of the building, on our classroom shook the halls of the (Ohr HaChaim) The original idea was for Jewish the grounds that it amounted to facil- entire building. Guys were pounding families to live in the area, in which itating violation of the law, but the me on the back in a frenzy! Yessss! 42 Jews from Yemen had lived until the ministry has continued to pay for the dortons! A half-court swish at the 1930s. No construction permit was security detail. (Haaretz) ❖

84 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES recting any biomechanical problems of exposed, causing pain (osteoarthritis). Knee Pain, Arthritis, And OMT the feet. Craniosacral techniques are These processes are not that different also used to decompress any previous from a tooth wearing down, causing BY DR. ALLA BOOHOFF and ultrasound therapy to reduce trauma sustained. pain when the nerve is exposed. inflammation and promote recovery. Many people with knee pain will not Mild and moderate osteoarthritis Editor’s note: Dr. Boohoff has been Muscular stretching deep soft-tissue need surgery, because proper osteo- can be helped by osteopathic treat- providing a series of articles related to release and craniosacral treatments pathic management can prevent recur- ment. Mechanical analysis of the various medical conditions and their can be used to release and improve rences and long-term discomfort. pelvis and lower leg can help manage respective treatment by an osteopathic previously sustained stress and strains. Tendon or ligament strains. Pain the problem by realigning imbalances doctor. Osteopathic physicians (D.O.’s) Meniscus problems. Meniscus is felt at the sides of the knee or just in the foot, ankle, knee, and hip. can diagnose and treat all conditions, commonly known as the “cartilage” below the kneecap tends to be from a Osteopathic manipulations help to perform surgery, and prescribe all med- that tends to get damaged during strained ligament or a pulled tendon. release stiff joints, stretch tight mus- ications, but they are additionally heavy landing on your feet along with Ligaments are not elastic like muscles, cles, and soften tense muscles as cor- trained in osteopathic manipulative a twisting motion. There are actually and will usually be a cause of pain rective measures to reduce further medicine. The goal of the D.O. is to two in each knee that ordinarily absorb from direct injuries like football, rac- strain to the knee. assist the body’s natural ability to heal shock and frequent strain, e.g., during quet ball, tennis, running, or mechan- Swelling and pain are the two most itself with all of the accepted medical racquet ball, tennis, or running. ical problems. Dropped foot arch and common symptoms reported by treatments, including the hands-on It is important to get a complete pic- arthritic hip can cause secondary patients. Most people will ignore these approach, which is called osteopathic ture of the stress and strains that are strain on the knee joint. Certain yoga symptoms until they get worse. The manipulative treatment (OMT). imposed on the knee. Osteopaths are positions can also cause ligamentous osteopath will be able to alleviate these In this article, the final in this able to evaluate your knee mechanics to strain on the knees. symptoms, but prevention is better than series, I will review a few knee condi- reduce further injuries to the knee joint. The osteopath may use local deep cure. See the osteopath for a through tions that I commonly deal with in my Osteopathic treatment of mild or friction to reduce adhesion and pro- assessment before your pain gets worse. practice. They are kneecap degenera- minor meniscal tear may provide pain mote healing, followed by ultrasound Osteopaths are quite good at analyz- tion (wearing down of the lining under relief once the knee has been examined therapy to reduce inflammation and ing knee problems, because we take the kneecap), meniscal tear, in relation to the low back, hip, and pain. Osteopaths often treat other areas into consideration mechanical prob- tendon/ligament strains, and arthritis. foot. Additional stress on your knee can of the body to correct the mechanical lems elsewhere in the body that have Kneecap degeneration. Kneecap come from limping due to back pain or imbalance. In some cases, treating the direct and indirect connections with degeneration can be caused by, among a strained ankle. The osteopath can hip helps heal the knee. Giving arch the knee. We also work with podiatrists other things, frequent falls compress- assess how you have been overloading supports can also reduce knee pain. (foot specialists) when further analysis ing the kneecap against the underlying your knee and mechanically wearing Osteopaths do not just treat the site of is required for foot-related problems. bone, causing wear and tear of the car- down your meniscus. Osteopathic the pain, but will look at other areas Dr. Alla Boohoff is a fully licensed and board- tilage lining, shortening of one side of assessment will be the basis for long- that may be contributing to the pain. certified physician with more than 15 years of the knee muscles causing misalign- term pain relief. Don’t forget, damaged Arthritis. It is a common mistake to experience in health enhancement and disease prevention as well as acute, chronic, and ment of the kneecap, compensatory meniscus will not repair itself. think that only aged people can suffer terminal health conditions. She believes that we strain of the knee from lower-back Therefore, it is important to find the from arthritis. Degeneration or wear all have natural healing tendencies and that her training and experience can enhance and help injuries, or limping from foot problems. reason for your problem. and tear of the joint lining (cartilage) guide us to heal ourselves. She is among the few Treatment may include a complete Minor meniscal irritations can be can occur from excessive sports, repeti- physicians board-certified in osteopathic mechanical analysis of the knee and relieved with osteopathic treatment by tive twisting of the joint, and heavy falls. manipulative medicine. Dr. Boohoff’s offices are located at 650 Central Avenue in Cedarhurst other joints, balancing ligaments that correcting imbalances in muscles, bal- When the lining on the bones begins to (516-295-1924) and at 2951 Ocean Avenue (at are strained with local deep friction, ancing strained ligaments, and cor- wear down, the underlying nerves are Avenue Z) in Brooklyn (718-554-6071). ❖

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 85 Brandeis University, and from campus If only (by the way) we had a real The Hilarious Jewish Lobby to campus speakers like Daniel Pipes Jewish Lobby 60-70 years ago, maybe a get roughed up and drowned out by few more of us could have been saved. BY JACK ENGELHARD not the time to jump on Israel. If there hecklers. (What other country gets Yes, there were Jewish lobbies then, too, were 22 Jewish countries, as there are 22 “debated” as often as Israel?) but as they dithered in their If only we had a real Jewish Lobby. Arab countries, sure, go, knock yourself About Israel’s “right to exist”—I’ve (Manhattan) tents, the ovens kept smok- If the American Jewish Lobby is so out. But there is only one Jewish state, heard this before, and even before ing. Back then, we had Ben Hecht (bless powerful, how come Israel keeps where five and a half million Jews are Israel existed. What’s changed since his name), the Kook-Bergson Group and shrinking? Gaza is gone; Sinai, (internationally) adrift without a paddle. 1933? Nothing. Except that now, a few others (G-d bless Frank Sinatra, as Hebron, Judea, Samaria—all are com- What’s the problem? There’s not today, some Jews have joined the party. well) who rallied against the Holocaust pletely or partially chopped up, and all enough criticism of Israel? We live in a They celebrate themselves for ganging- and in favor of Israel, but nothing like a of this as the so-called powerful Jewish world where the leader of Iran openly up, piling on and hazing the only coun- “Powerful Jewish Lobby.” Lobby stood by and watched. calls for Israel’s destruction, where the try in the Middle East that does not What’s the problem? There’s not Likewise, according to a U.S. United Nations condemns Israel every practice apartheid. enough criticism of Israel? assessment, international charitable Monday and Thursday, where thou- I’m not taking a scholarly approach The people who are all in knots over contributions to the (terrorist) this Powerful Jewish Lobby are, of Palestinian Authority, instead of being course, standard issue and street-corner eliminated as advertised, actually dou- anti-Semites, but also “leading Jews with- bled in 2006 from $350 million to What’s changed since 1933? Nothing. in the academic community.” Such as? $700 million. No other people on Such as the comedy team of earth get this kind of babysitting to Mearsheimer and Walt, two Jewish pro- hush their tantrums. Except that now, today, some Jews have fessors (Harvard and the University of What “Jewish Lobby”? Chicago, respectively) who published a But the debate over whether the hilarious paper in reproach of the Jewish Lobby is too powerful is only part joined the party. Powerful American Jewish Lobby. This of the discussion that’s heating up made headlines. And we dare not dispute between Jewish liberals and conserva- these jokers, otherwise we “stifle debate.” tives. The New York Times provided an sands of British academics persist in on this, merely instinctive and emo- What, the Arabs have no lobby? Who, overview of this tempest in a January 31 boycotting Israel, where cries of jihad tional. So, let me say it again. Jews then, got into those hundreds of photos analysis titled “Essay Linking Liberal against Jews (yes, against Christians, who blast Israel at this time and place with President George W. Bush? That Jews and Anti-Semitism Sparks a Furor.” as well) echo from Riyadh to are anti-Semitic. Does this include wasn’t Abe Foxman in a keffiyeh. In a nutshell, are conservative Jews Dearborn, Michigan—and into all this Tony Kushner and Tony Judt? What For argument’s sake, let us assume trying to muzzle leftist co-religionists we need an “Amen” chorus of Jews? about the British husband and wife that there is no Arab Lobby. All right, who denounce Israel, and is it fair to Jimmy Carter isn’t enough? I give tag-team of Steven and Hillary Rose, then, the Jews have the lobby, the term these Israel-scoffers as anti- you, then, James Baker and his prede- two Jewish professors who won’t stop Arabs have the oil. Semites? The answer to part one is, I cessors and successors, plus the bombs until Israel is utterly isolated? What As for me, you keep the lobby, I’ll don’t know. The answer to part two is, of Hamas and Hezbollah, as criticism about Harold Pinter? take the oil. (Arutz Sheva) ❖ yes. Jews who yell fire in a world crowd- enough for any one nation. Let us, say Is this Jewish anti-Semitism? Well, ed with Israel-bashers are anti-Semites. the critics, have an “open debate” about you must remember this, a kiss is still Jack Engelhard is the author of the novel Indecent Proposal and the award-winning As for me, I take it from King Solomon Israel. Translation: let’s not. Carter a kiss, a sigh is still a sigh, and a curse memoir of his experiences as a Jewish refugee that there is a time for everything. This is refused to debate Alan Dershowitz at is still a curse, as time goes by. from Europe, Escape From Mount Moriah.

86 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Demonstrators Succeeded In Infiltrating Rice’s Hotel Floor

BY ITAMAR EICHNER, TZVI SINGER, DANI ABAVA

Some 20 activists on behalf of the Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard decided to demonstrate against the American refusal to free him, and succeeded February 19 in sneaking up to the floor of the hotel where Condoleezza Rice is staying at David’s Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem, shouting, “Free Pollard now!” The activists encountered hotel secu- rity guards and the Jerusalem police who arrested them and removed them from the hotel. Three of the demonstra- tors were detained for questioning. The police insist that entry to the hotel is open to the public, and that the demonstrators only reached the other side of the floor where Condoleezza Rice is staying, where they encountered the security personnel. A spokesperson for the activists, Eliana Silverman, said: “Condoleezza Rice comes here to preach to us to free terrorists who have murdered Israeli citi- zens, whereas Pollard worked only to save Israeli lives, yet America continues to hold him prisoner even after 22 years. His health is poor and continues to dete- riorate; the Prime Minister must demand Pollard’s release before it is too late!” She reported that the activists had succeeded in penetrating David’s Citadel Hotel and had made it up to the floor where Condoleezza Rice is staying, shouting “Free Pollard!” until the security people evacuated them. After the arrest of the activists, Yediot Achronot learned that a group of young people organized the demon- stration spontaneously, and that it was not connected to The Committee to Bring Jonathan Pollard home, a group that is recognized and well known. Medina Perl, the hotel’s public rela- tions person claimed that the demon- strators never succeeded in entering the hotel and that they were arrested at the door of the hotel. (Yediot Achronot, Translated to English by J4JP) ❖

For more on Justice For Jonathan Pollard visit www.JonathanPollard.org.

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

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 87 88 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 89 SERVICES SERVICES PROVIDED PROVIDED

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 91 CLASSIFIED ADS REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Continued from Page 91 FOR RENT FOR RENT FOR RENT

Far Rockaway – Lg. Hse Rental: Apt for rent in Israel. Available Far Rockaway—Legal 2 Family, REAL ESTATE 4br, 2bth, bsmt., Hi ceil’g, NU bths, March 22-April 14. Stunning spa- 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Lr, Dr, FOR SALE W\D. Call 516-322-3555. cious 3 br. 1.5 bth, DSL,1/2 flight EIK, laundry room, hardwood floors. down. Ideal for Pesach. $1000- Lori & Associates 516-791-8300. Bayswater—"Forget Far Rockaway". $3000. 845-364-7164 Move to this cozy Bayswater 1 BR Far Rockaway — 2 Huge Office Kings Point Delray Beach condo apartment. Furnished or unfurnished, private entrance, washer and dryer. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Spaces. 6,000 and 2,500 Sq Ft. 2nd for sale 1100 sq. feet. 2 BR, 2 bths, Call 516-374-3635. Law/Inwd: MUST SELL. Lease / Floor. Near Subway & LIRR. Build to new European kitchen and appli- Sale. Great Location. Suit. Can Be Divided. ances, updated bath, new carpets, 24- Cedarhurst—House Rental; Lr/FDR, Owner 917-359-9776. Cedarhurst — House Rental hour guarded community. Golf, den, 3br., 2.5 bth. Fin. bsmt.$2300. Call 516-322-3555 LR/FDR, den, 3br, 2.5bth, Fin. Bsmt. Lawrence — 2 Br, LR, 1 Bth, all nu theater, library. $199,999. $2,300. Call 516-322-3555. apt., own heat. 917-757-9351. Call 631-664-0075. Cedarhurst—House Rental; kit, den, 3br., 2.5 bth. bsmt.$2500 Commercial Building For Sale in 5 Town Homes 516-569-5710 Lynbrook— 36,000 SF. Office and manufacturing use. Amazing location Hewlett— House for Rent for 1 Year on Broadway. $3,000,000 516-792- Only. 3 Br, 1.5 Bath, Hardwood 9888. EquiShares Real Estate floors. Unfurnished, freshly painted, with appliances. $2500/month. Deadline for classified Woodmere— Prime location. First Call 516-239-1802 floor. 2 BR, 1.5 bths, oversized LR, walk to shul and RR, owner. $349K Woodmere. Elevator building. Close 516 295-3857 to train and houses of worship. Kesef advertising in the next issue is Holdings. Call Sonya 516-284-0262 REAL ESTATE Warehouse Space in Woodmere/Hewlett— 1150 Monday, March 5 FOR RENT Broadway. 5,000-30,000 avail. Will divide. 516-792-9444. Lawrence, 2-3 bedroom, 2 bath, EquiShares Real Estate quaint carriage house, private yard, at 5:00 P.M. long driveway, walk to all, possible Private office space in mother-daughter. $1800/ month Hewlett/Woodmere— All utilities Call 917-642-4308. included, Conference room, On-site Cedarhurst — House Rental FDR, parking, 24/7 Access. $600 P/M. Call 516-569-0502 den, 3br, 2.5bth,Bsmt. $2,500. 516-792-9444 EquiShares Real Call 516-322-3555. Estate

92 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 93 94 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 2, 2007 95 96 March 2, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES