See Pages 3, 4, 5 See Page XX $1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 10 NO. 18 14 SHEVAT 5770 jkac ,arp JANUARY 29, 2010

INSIDE FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK NETANYAHU: REMEMBER AMALEK

MindBiz BY LARRY GORDON Esther Mann, LMSW 30 What A World Let My People Go Hannah Reich Berman 34 Has there ever been a more the has believed Jewish Vienna elongated or frustrating peace that he would be the fortunate Irene Shaland 35 process than the one obsessive- one who would be able to pre- The Earth Trembles ly taking place between side over a definitive and perma- Rabbi Avi Shafran 52 and her Arab neighbors, which nent agreement that would seems to continuously make usher in a state of peace around Delivery From Darkness sharp turns to nowhere? I seri- the world.

ously doubt it. Enter Barack Obama, who a R

Reviewed by Fern Sidman 74 e u t e r There are certainly conflicts little more than a year ago s around the world that have believed that only he had the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the International Holocaust dragged on longer, but none formula that would shake Remembrance Day in on Wednesday. The prime minister addressed world leaders on the lessons of Auschwitz and the existential have been in the international things up and turn them around threats faced today in the Middle East. L–R: President Kaczynski of spotlight like this one. And Poland; PM Netanyahu; his wife, Sara; PM Donald Tusk of Poland; and every one of our leaders here in Continued on Page 5 Jerzy Buzek, president of the EU Parliament. See Page 25 THE KOSHER SIDE OF A PIG HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE

B Y YOCHANAN its cud) as well as on the outside Sisterly Love GORDON (having split hooves). Our sages have pointed out, “Any Torah BY LARRY GORDON The founders of and man- There is nothing to get too scholar whose outer facade agers of the Sister to Sister NYMohel.com. excited about; pigs are still not does not reflect his core essence It’s difficult to know whether organization make it clear that See Page 70 kosher for consumption. But is not a Torah scholar.” It seems, the hundreds of divorced young their group does not revolve the truth is that we have a les- then, that the kosher require- Orthodox women gathered for a around any type of feminist phi- son to learn regarding the split ments for animals are relevant Shabbos weekend in the losophy. They do not encourage hooves that a pig possesses. on a greater scale. Catskills represent an unfortu- their members to position The Torah clearly states that Split hooves and chewed cud nate but predictable statistic in themselves in further adversari- the requirements for animals to represent the universal signs our community or a symptom al postures when it comes to be fit to eat are having split indicating a truly kosher indi- of something gone terribly their former husbands. hooves and chewing their cud. vidual who is wholesome on wrong. Whatever precipitated “We are a mentoring group It’s kind of interesting that the inside and the outside. such a situation, the reality is looking to assist and restore dig- necessary signs have to be pres- that it is here and needs to be ent both on the inside (chewing Continued on Page 18 dealt with. Continued on Page 12 Israel MK Meets NCYI Rav Dunner THE GREAT Gloria and Harvey Kaylie, Ohel Guests of Honor. See Page 55 Responds To ESCAPE EJF Attack Another Mother’s Musings In the January 15 issue of the BY PHYLLIS J. LUBIN Five Towns Jewish Times, we published an interview with It is 9:00 a.m. and we are Rabbi Aba Dunner, the executive finally in. Yussie has been up director of the Conference of since before 7, and from that European Rabbis (CER), which time he’s been eagerly waiting has condemned the activities for the indoor water park to MK Danny Danon met recently with the leadership of the National and sponsorship of EJF Inter- open. He has made it into the Council of Young Israel. Items discussed included the building freeze in national (Eternal Jewish Family), basketball area and is diligently Yehudah and Shomron and its political and financial consequences, the as well as EJF’s response. We now making baskets while gliding U.S.-sponsored Mitchell peace initiatives, and the relationship between Israel and the United States. L–R: Yosef Poplack, Dr. Chanania Gang, publish Rabbi Dunner’s very can- through the water. Rabbi Pesach Lerner, MK Danny Danon, Shlomo Mostofsky, Eli Bobov Kollel Breakfast. Dworetsky, David Love, and Rabbi Chaim Komendant. Continued on Page 15 Continued on Page 14 See Page 76

CANDLE LIGHTING Jan. 29 – 4:51 PM Feb. 5 – 4:59 PM 2 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 3 FEATURES

Around The Five Towns 53 P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 516-984-0079 [email protected] Aliyah Chronicle [email protected] Shmuel Katz 22 LARRY GORDON ESTA J. GORDON Publisher/Editor Managing Editor Book Review YOSSI GORDON, YOCHANAN GORDON Sales Managers Fern Sidman 74 CHANA ROCHEL ROSS Editorial Assistant Classified Ads 66 SIDI BARON YAKOV SERLE The Dish Sales Representatives Elke Probkevitz 47 SHMUEL GERBER MICHELE JUSTIC Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor Health 54 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Hannah Reich Berman, Anessa V. Cohen, Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg, Toby Klein Greenwald, Insights On The Torah Rabbi Yair Hoffman, Miriam Horowitz, R’ Ben Tzion Shafier 46 Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Shmuel Katz, Phyllis J. Lubin, Esther Mann, Rochelle Miller, Martin Mushell, Elke Probkevitz, Naomi Ross, Luach 21 Rachael Schindler, Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, Rabbi Avi Shafran, Eli Shapiro, Ari Sher, Samuel Sokol MindBiz DOV GORDON, ELISHEVA ELEFANT Esther Mann, LMSW 30 Staff Graphic Artists IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS Puzzle Staff Photographers Yoni Glatt 73 FRANKEL & CO. Design & Production Real Estate TALIYE CORLEY Anessa V. Cohen 48 Art Director SARAH GREENBAUM Assistant Art Director That’s The Way It Is!

The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly news- Hannah Reich Berman 34 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 Travel 35 establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times.

4 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES FROM THE EDITOR ever skillful, cannot always be trusted. He Continued from Front Cover is creating a credibility gap for himself, and if it widens much more he won’t be in the Middle East. The odd thing is that able to close it.” many of us had an inkling that his Mr. Herbert writes that Mr. Obama is approach was wrong. Now it seems that the man who came after the banks and he has come to that realization as well. Wall Street, but all of his key Treasury Obama’s presidency through his first people are from the financial industry’s year has been anything but Kennedy- biggest and most influential Wall Street esque, as he had hoped it would be. As he firms. Herbert says that at the same time enters his second year, it seems that the as Obama keeps talking about ending the new keyword for his administration is war and the American presence in Iraq, disenchantment more than anything he is revving up the action with a large else. Even Obama’s ardent supporters are troop increase in Afghanistan.

Middle East peace was going to be one of the easy things that Obama would be able to accomplish. But he seems to have misjudged that too.

having second thoughts. And if that’s the There is one of two things at play here case, what should his critics and detrac- with President Obama. Either he serious- tors say? ly misjudged the pressures inside the oval No one in all of the print media has office, or he is a great campaigner for the been more pro-Obama than presidency but not such a great president. Times columnist Bob Herbert. The Mr. Herbert seems to agree. He wrote: twice-weekly columnist was Obama’s “Mr. Obama promised during the cam- greatest cheerleader, but his full sup- paign that he would be a different kind of port and defense of the president seems president, one who would preside over a to have changed, based on his Tuesday more open, more high-minded adminis- op-ed piece: tration that would be far more in touch “Mr. Obama is in danger of being per- ceived as someone whose rhetoric, how- Continued on Page 8

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 5 6 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 7 FROM THE EDITOR Continued from Page 5 with the economic needs of ordinary working Americans.” All he has given them so far through a year in office is high unemployment and stunning budget deficits that may take generations to pay down. I know that, like Mr. Obama, Bob Herbert is concerned that minorities be lifted up in this country, that illegal aliens be afforded health coverage regard- less of the expense, and who will get stuck with the bill. The other matters that they are both concerned about are that the Guantánamo Bay prison in Cuba be closed and that the nation of Palestine be estab- lished with Jerusalem as its cap- ital. Despite the great number of areas in this country as well as around the world that need seri- ous work and attention, it is this administration’s opinion and obsession that all would be well with the world if Israel would just back off and give in. This is just one more area where Obama policy seems to be failing. Last week Obama said one of the most inane things a president ever said when Time Magazine interviewed him: “I’ll be honest with you, this is just really hard. This is as intractable a problem as you get… We over- estimated our ability to per- suade them… If we had antici- pated some of these problems, we might not have raised expec- tations as high.” Middle East peace was going to be one of the easy things that Obama would be able to accomplish. But he seems to have misjudged that too, as indicated by his statement. He really did not misjudge the issues as much as his slam- dunk idea just refuses to come to fruition. His plan was to steamroll Israel with warnings and political intimidation. Obama’s approach to Israel and peace making was to be perceived as one of the most pro-Israel in history since the creation of the state. Not unlike Pharaoh, the goal was to deal with them wisely and expeditiously, that is before anyone had a chance to really understand what was going on. After all, Barack Obama in a contemporary sense had already enslaved many Jews by mesmerizing so many of them with his rhetoric (78% of voted for Mr. Obama) and Hollywood-like dazzle. He believed—at the outset anyway—that he could do no wrong. He was prepared for the usual American-Jewish reaction. Inevitably, in these hard-nosed peace-seeking situations, it’s Israel that has to back off, make

Continued on Page 11 8 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 9 10 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES FROM THE EDITOR “one-term Obama.” For us it looks like the Continued from Page 8 Israel-Arab peace that the president was once so certain of achieving is being concessions, concede land, and still be placed on the back burner. That, of diplomatically brutalized in international course, can change at any time as trou- arenas. When that happens, the bled administrations in Washington usu- American-Jewish organizations usually ally turn to leaning on Israel in order to speak up and try to come to Israel’s aid. In achieve something or anything in the for- our scenario, Obama had a tailor-made eign policy arena. “pro-Israel” group almost custom-made As Obama deals with all the problems for him in the now infamous . he’s created, it looks like we can gen- It’s the J Street slogan that says it all uinely hope that in the aftermath of his about the Obama plan and why it is not State of the Union address, as he scam- working out and will most likely not pers into campaign mode, for now he work out in the future. J Street says they will Let Our People Alone. O are “pro-Israel and pro-peace.” Volumes Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at can be written analyzing those five little [email protected]. words. The fundamental question that Mr. Obama was going to quickly and forcefully address was what does “Israel” mean and what is the appropriate transla- tion of “peace.” To Obama and his senior aides, David Axelrod and Rahm Emanuel, WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? both Jews, (which made the team a popu- lar favorite here) a smaller and weakened WE WANT TO KNOW! Israel was the way to achieve peace. But now, heading into the mid-term elections campaign where the prospects E-MAIL US AT look bleak for the fleetingly powerful Democrats in Congress, it looks like Obama will have to place pressuring [email protected] Israel on the back burner. For now, not unlike Pharaoh, he has to deal with the OR UPLOAD political plagues that include jobs, health- care, the economy, the war on terror, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and main- YOUR COMMENTS AT taining a majority in Congress in the upcoming 2010 elections. www.5tjt.com Times columnist Maureen Dowd— also once one of the president’s great sup- porters—has begun referring to him as

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 11

BAGEL STORE experiences, we had a chance to casually Continued from Front Cover converse with some of them in the course of the day. One’s head could virtu- nity to a family that has been broken ally explode from simply listening to apart and is in crisis as a result of what some of these young ladies have divorce,” said Yehudis Robinson, one of endured and how they are dealing with the organization’s directors, who works the sometimes-disastrous aftermath. out of her home in Lakewood, New The Shabbos weekend and the sessions Jersey. She, along with Shaindy Shain of do not get bogged down in what has hap- Midwood (Flatbush) and the organiza- pened to these women, how it happened, tion’s founder, Chaya Neuberger of or whose fault it was. More than anything Baltimore, direct day-to-day operations else, Sister to Sister seems to be about for some 500 women who have reached picking up the shattered pieces and, to out to them for assistance. whatever extent possible, putting it all It’s important to momentarily digress back together again—for the benefit of and explain how it came to be that my the mostly very young women involved wife and I spent last Shabbos with this and, to a greater extent, for their children. group at the Hudson Valley Resort near To that end, Mrs. Robinson and Mrs. Ellenville, New York, attending some of Shain point out that among the many the sessions (some of which only my wife services the organization provides to the was allowed to be at). We were there, first women, the prime functions are to pro- and foremost, to file this report and bring vide them with mentors to help them to our readership the growing reality of navigate their way through extremely dif- this situation and the many things that ficult times both on an emotional and can be done to contain the collateral material level. The group can also send damage to a family after a husband and a people into the home to help the chil- wife determine that, sometimes even dren with their schoolwork. And then with a house full of children, they cannot there is the all-important matter of help- continue to live together. ing the women to complete their educa- The existence of this group was tion so they can ultimately become self- brought to our attention by Rabbi Dovid sufficient, at least financially. Greenblatt of Lawrence. He and his wife, “Our goal is to heighten awareness in Debbie, are a chesed powerhouse whose our communities about the fact that next charitable reach extends in a multiplicity door or in your neighborhood there is a of directions. frum divorcée and children who need Rabbi Greenblatt urged us to come for assistance,” says Yehudis Robinson. “We’d Shabbos to the retreat, promising us that like neighbors to get involved, to invite it would make an impression that would the family for a Shabbos meal, and find not soon be forgotten. And he was right an interested neighbor who can take the on the mark. Aside from the sessions and young boys in the family with them to the opportunity for the women to share shul on Shabbos,” she says.

12 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES For Debbie and Dovid Greenblatt, last trip. The “other woman” was also frum and and new ones purchased. We drive a car her to come. We don’t want her to see week’s third annual Shabbos retreat was married. Without warning, they both told for two years and then it’s considered old women who have their divorces behind about giving the mothers a break and their spouses that they wanted divorces so and it’s on to the next one. It looks like them supporting and helping one another. pampering them a little. In the course of that they could marry one another. too many people take a similar approach We’d prefer to save the marriage,” she said. the weekend, the women were presented It’s a sad but true story, but both these to their spouses, as well.” Sister to Sister is an important and with jewelry as a gift from a donor, and women were sitting there in the lobby of The Shabbos weekend was underwrit- impressive organization. It’s frightening earlier in the year Rabbi Greenblatt the hotel on Shabbos, talking briefly ten in part by the Leon Leif Foundation. to think how many young families might arranged for new sheitels for them at $150 about what had been and looking for- Mr. Leif was the father of popular Five today be on the verge of disintegration a piece, also heavily financed by a donor. ward to a good and productive future. Towns pediatrician Dr. Debbie Dienstag, had this group not been formed just a “Most of the women here over The strength, encouragement, and even who addressed the women on a number few years ago. The organization is con- Shabbos,” Dovid Greenblatt said, “pretty of pertinent issues. She told us that the stantly training women to be mentors much stay to themselves, struggling quiet- causes of the breakups of these families and advocates for women in the group. ly. When they come to a Shabbos like this, are indeed tragic and painful. She said it Women traveled from as far away as they get the opportunity to meet with The women were is in part quite possible that this prolifer- Cleveland, St. Louis, and Montreal to be at other women in their same situation and ation of divorces is related to the shid- the weekend. There were also a good num- create friendships that endure beyond presented with jewelry duch crisis currently plaguing frum com- ber of divorcées from Williamsburg, this once-a-year Shabbos encounter.” munities around the world. “Young peo- Monsey, and Monroe. In addition to chap- And the personal life stories indeed run as a gift from a donor, ple are not focused on the right issues ters of Sister to Sister in those communi- the gamut. For example, we met two when dating,” she said, adding, “It could ties, there are groups in Flatbush, Passaic, friends who were married nine years ago, a and earlier in the year very well be that young people feel Lakewood, the Five Towns, and Baltimore. week apart from one another, and got immense pressure to get married because Observing these women leads to con- divorced three weeks apart from one Rabbi Greenblatt of the crisis and really should be dating flicting emotions. They were having an another this past summer. They each have arranged for new longer before deciding to marry.” enjoyable Shabbos, talking and laughing four children. It’s not that these two life- “K’lal Yisrael has an amazing ability for with one another, and later singing and long friends just love to do everything sheitels for them. self-repair,” says Rabbi Greenblatt. “Until being entertained. It’s not easy to project together. The timing was unusual, but that’s we can solve this problem in a compre- just a day ahead when they will have to where the similarities end. hensive way, we have to do our best to return home, many to unsettled lives, try- In this case, one of the young ladies said reduce the suffering.” ing to recover from a tough experience that her marriage could not end a minute inspiration they receive from Sister to Sister to Sister refers sensitive issue to a and smile through the pain for the bene- too soon. She said that she realized two Sister, they say, is beyond their ability to rabbinic board that is headed by Rabbi fit of the children. weeks after she was married that some- appropriately measure. Pinchas Breuer, formerly the rav of the It’s harrowing and worrisome thinking thing was wrong. She said that her hus- “The secular society has a definition for Agudas Yisrael on Avenue L in Brooklyn. about what they will have to endure— band was verbally and emotionally abu- romance and marriage that is different Yehudis Robinson, who works closely often alone—in the days ahead. But it’s sive, and at times his behavior spilled over than the Torah and which often, unfortu- with the women and the rabbis, says that also important to note that as they walk into physical violence. Her friend has a nately, fails" says Rabbi Greenblatt. every effort is made to solve the marital away from the Sister to Sister weekend, completely different story. “I don’t know,” Beyond that sad reality, he adds, is the fact problems and keep the family—including they know they have a friend who is she says. “I was happily married and I that issues relating to marriage are not the husband and wife, of course—togeth- there for them. They are strengthened thought we were the happiest couple well addressed by our parenting and edu- er. She said that she was dealing with a and confident; we are sad but also uplift- around.” Then her husband, who traveled cational systems. He further opined, “We woman last week who is separated from ed by their courage. O extensively for the company he worked live in a time when kitchens are regularly her husband and wanted to come for the Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at for, met another woman on an out-of-state redone, with old appliances thrown out weekend to the retreat. “We didn’t allow [email protected].

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 13 Mother’s Musings game until everyone is sound asleep.) and Rochel nestled in the last row, and Lea Naftali was expertly maneuvering Continued from Front Cover “No, Yuss; we’ll do that at night.” and me in the middle row poised to watch through the rain. The Grand Central to “Why?” Bee Movie,I had not a care in the world . . the Triboro to the George Washington Every day for the past week, Yussie “Because we are swimming now. ‘Deal . until Yussie inevitably took off his seat- Bridge—all, I might add, without the aid has been waiting with anticipation for or No Deal’ is only open at night.” belt and announced, “I’m so ’ungry!” of his trusty mechanical navigator. our vacation. So I just told him a little white lie. I’m It was just shy of 9:30, and I passed him Somehow, because of my strict start-off “’Otel today?” Yussie asks with his sure the arcade is open now, but I’m cer- a bag of chips on condition that he rebelt time, he didn’t have an opportunity to cockney accent—we have been working tainly not starting that spend-the-token- himself. And so the games began; Lea’s properly program the trip, so with the aid on the “h” sound for years, and in isola- of MapQuest (with Lenny’s keen adjust- tion he can make the actual “hu” sound, ments) and Naftali’s inner driving and but pair it with a word and it inevitably directional savvy, we made it to the Great becomes “otel.” “Is it my fault if I’m just scared?” I Wolf Lodge (GWL) in under three hours. “Yes, Yuss; today we are going to the Yussie and Lea just came out of the hot hotel (I exaggerate the “h” sound, since tub—yes, GWL actually has a hot tub for almost every moment is an opportunity explained to Rivka as she attempted kids! Ten to fifteen minutes at a time, and for speech therapy). the kids are refreshed for more activity! It’s Here comes Lea; maybe she’ll play to convince me to go on one of the wave-pool time. As we walked the few steps with Yuss. The difficulty at this point in over to that area, Yussie asked, “Pizza now?” their growth is that although Yussie, now twisty slides. “Pizza is for lunch, silly—it’s only ten 9, is two years older than Lea, she towers o’clock in the morning!” over him. She is just about too big for the And so I actually sat on a lounge chair, kiddy pool area, and Yussie is too small as Yussie and Lea frolicked in the waves. for the deeper waters. money activity so early in the morning. belt was suddenly “so uncomfortable It’s surely good that we got here at 9, or “Mommy, play ‘Deal or No Deal’ now?” Our trip began Monday morning Mommy. I don’t feel well . . .” Oy, don’t the lounge chairs would have all been Yussie asks, as he takes me out of my brief promptly at 9 o’clock (well, just about) say that, Lea! Somehow with a bag of taken. It’s booming here this vacation reverie. (I’m always a bit on the tired side amidst the torrential rains that plummet- Nacho Twisters, her discomfort miracu- week! There was actually a Ma’ariv min- when traveling with the kids; at night- ed the area all that day. With Naftali in the lously subsided. yan at 9:30 last night, and Naftali had a time, we usually play the “rotating beds” driver’s seat, Rivka sitting shotgun, Yussie At the front of the van, somehow pick for Shacharis this morning at 7:15 or 8:15! He reported that there were more than 20 people at the 7:15 minyan. Thus far this has been a fun-filled trip. Our accommodations in the Majestic Bear Suite are magnificent. With a refrig- erator and a microwave and seating for six, it served our purposes perfectly! Unfortunately, by the end of the “rotating beds” game last night, Naftali ended up sharing the pull-out couch with Yussie— not a great choice. Yussie needs his space at night and was rolling around, forcing Naftali onto a chair midway through the night. Hopefully we will rearrange for tonight so that they both get a better night’s sleep. Somehow, through it all, I slept straight from 11:30 until 5:30—pretty good for me, considering we were not in our own Cedarhurst abode! I managed to get myself over to the exercise room by 6:00 for some climbing on the elliptical—not my choice of machines, but the treadmills were all occupied. It’s fun to ride, but not for out- of-shape me; I lasted almost one mile and then opted to walk the halls for my remaining 25-minute “workout.” N NN Rochel, Naftali, and Rivka have arrived. Rivka is off to the slides with her friends Jacqui and Heather, and Rochel and Naftali have brought Yussie all the way into the wave pool, while Lea keeps me company. At its deepest, the pool is five feet, so I feel extra confident with Naftali and Rochel keeping a close watchful eye along with the trusty GWL lifeguards. Being a lifeguard at a water park is a dif- ficult job. There are so many different safety concerns than at a typical pool. It is very comforting to see the lifeguards alert at all moments while on the job. Safety and cleanliness are a top priority at GWL. Everywhere I turned, there was a lifeguard keeping the children (and adults) safe, while there were constant cleanup crews on deck to make sure no one slipped, and the rest rooms were incredibly clean! “Is it my fault if I’m just scared?” I explained to Rivka as she attempted to con- vince me to go on one of the twisty slides. “There is no drop on this one. It’s just a slide!” Please don’t try the “it’s ‘just’ a slide” trick. I wasn’t born yesterday. Nor was I fond of the scary rides as a youth. Rivka is 14 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES our daredevil. She enjoys the high roller Dunner Response coasters and, of course, no water ride is Continued from Front Cover too over-the-top for her. I actually went all the way into the wave did reply. —Ed. pool. Rochel advised that I shouldn’t do It is a long-established pattern of the laps, but I couldn’t help myself. As the hired cheerleaders of the EJF to attempt to waves circulated, I was able to mimic blacken the name of anyone who criti- Kulanu’s endless “swimming in place” pool. cizes its activities in any way. The pot of As Yussie and Lea became more com- gold that the EJF has found is worth $25 fortable in the water park, my job of million and counting, and who wants to keeping track of them became less sim- lose out on that? But it is clear who the ple. Thank goodness for Rochel and real ganef is in this sad story: it is anyone Naftali’s able assistance in making this who associates themselves with this job manageable. organization, whose sole function is to As I write my “words of wisdom,” leech as much money as possible out of Naftali and Rochel are entertaining them Mr. Kaplan (Tom Kaplan, chairman of EJF). in the game room, as Rivka is bonding The feeble attempts to publish “fact with her friends before they check out sheets” in the Jewish media demonstrates this afternoon. what and who they are; no serious or well- The kids are back in the room. Five meaning organization finds it necessary to dollars in the game room doesn’t last print fact sheets stating that they are not too long. I’m signing off to return to an low-lives, not ganovim, etc. This is usually afternoon of fun at the water park. a given in any mosad, and if they have to There is so much to do at Great Wolf publish something of this nature it can Lodge—once finished with the water only be that they are and always have park last night, we ate supper and been goneiv da’as ha’brios on a giant scale. joined the myriad of other children in Some real facts: the lobby for the kids’ show and story EJF is an organization entirely funded by time. Tonight we hope to check out the a (well-meaning) secular Jew whose inter- Magiquest, where every child becomes a ests are the preservation of wildcats that are “wizard” for a day or two. We’ll also try endangered by encroaching civilization to squeeze in the DJ party in the lobby and the preservation of Jewry, which is after supper. endangered by intermarriage. His solution And so, as I close for today, I ponder: for the latter is to encourage the non-Jewish maybe I will try out one of the calmer partner to convert—the same approach slides with Rivka. Maybe. . . O taken by the Reform and, more recently, the Conservatives. The EJF has a Rolodex con- Phyllis Joy Lubin is an attorney with Rosenfeld & Maidenbaum, LLP, who resides in Cedarhurst taining batei din across the USA to which it with her husband Leonard and six children: refers potential converts whom it claims to Naftali, Shoshana, Rivka, Rochel, Yosef, and Lea. She welcomes your questions and comments at [email protected]. Continued on Page 16

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 15 Response to EJF ous individuals who attempt to surround dards of giyur and their qualifications to attend their seminars—not (only) couples Continued from Page 15 the gedolim. By the steady drip-feeding of solve the problem. Many attendees enjoyed where the Jewish half was moving a few thousand here and there to help being flown to Washington or The David towards Yiddishkeit; any intermarried have selected and vetted. with a chasunah or pay off some chovos Citadel or The Kibbutz Lavi, all expenses couples would do. They were also hiring Many of those batei din have expressed or support a pet project, Tropper man- paid, but were surprised to be invited, see- field workers to go and find intermarried surprise that potential geirim were being aged to buy his way in and then parade ing as they were largely not involved in couples—a sort of giyur bounty hunt. referred to them—small and relatively his ability to get photo-ops, as if that giyur . Very few of the participants were top- And they were offering organizations inexperienced batei din—instead of being made him a ne’eman of the gedolim. ranking poskim with expertise in the sub- money—which, to their credit, many sent to the big established batei din in the The story that he was telling was that ject, and while they were often high-level refused—to allocate staff to this very major centers of Yiddishkeit. The reason is all batei din and mekarvim in the USA talmidei chachamim and roshei , dubious purpose, about which it is simply that the EJF refers cases that it were not to be trusted with the future of they would not necessarily be consulted (as unlikely they were telling the gedolim! claims are ready for giyur to a small beis K’lal Yisrael and only someone with his a regular matter) on this topic. Additionally, they were trying to break din that will accept their recommenda- dikduk b’mitzvos, particularly in the area However, given that the names of the into the European market, where strin- tion when a larger more established beis gent standards were already in place din would not consider the case in any through the efforts of the CER over the way suitable. (Additionally, the EJF previous ten years. If they could buy their besmirches the name of batei din with way in there, they would be able to add track records measured in decades and Tropper managed to buy his way in and the number of geirim being processed whose credentials are impeccable but around to their bottom line and who have the temerity to question their then parade his ability to get photo-ops, as justify the millions that they were milking judgment and qualifications.) from Mr. Kaplan. The problem was that Rabbanim from small towns across the Tropper’s personality is so obnoxious, USA were continually surprised over the if that made him a ne’eman of the gedolim. that when he showed up to address a last few years that intermarried couples European rabbinic convention, he yelled whom they reckoned were unready for at the assembled (very bemused) rabban- giyur—even though they might qualify im that they were all frauds and charla- with a year or two of work—were leaving of kiruv, was in a position to handle it world’s preeminent gedolim were being tans and that only he knew the real path town and returning a month or two later, properly. This from a man whose person- thrown around as if they had personally to kiruv . He had a hissy fit and stormed having been converted through an EJF al habits until this time had been a mat- checked and verified the activities of the out of the room when one of the rabbon- recommendation and officially having ter of concern to all who knew the facts EJF, and because so many other promi- im had the cheek to ask him a question. been mentored successfully by the EJF. In and whose yeshiva had not managed nent roshei yeshiva were present, most To keep this happening while divert- many of these instances, the levels of more than a minyan of ba’alei teshuvah at relied on it all being real. Meanwhile, in ing attention away from the real activi- observance were insufficient to start with any given time. In the kiruv world he was the field, the real agenda was Mr. ties and towards the chareidi image being and diminished subsequently, with many not regarded as even a sideshow, particu- Kaplan’s—which is to get the largest projected, the Lubicom PR agency, head- ending up only nominally practicing Jews. larly because of his habit of telling any- number possible to become Jewish—and ed by Mr. Menachem Lubinsky, was run- To burnish their credentials as the only one who would listen that only he knew therefore batei din were encouraged to ning a big-time campaign to keep the chareidi purveyors of geirus, the game about kiruv and that everyone else convert people shipped halfway across operation going. The seminars and the plan was to present themselves as the attempting it was a charlatan. the country and cleared by the EJF. venues, the speakers and the message, most chareidi organization out there, by The EJF then went about organizing con- To find the customers, the EJF offered were all coordinated by Lubicom—which buying their way into the chatzer of the ventions of rabbanim and roshei yeshiva in money to local rabbanim and mekarvim apparently billed around $500,000 last gedolim by giving kickbacks to the vari- the USA, again trumpeting the terrible stan- to find them intermarried couples to year for their efforts. It must be noted,

16 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES however, that they do a great job, as they gedolim . He is, however, nothing more of the offending material certain provid- field of outreach, which is much more have successfully managed to position than a straw man for Lubinsky, et al., who ed them with a fast-track to remove him acceptable to the frum world?) EJF as a mainstream and serious organiza- wish to steer clear of the limelight. from the organization entirely. Tropper is a fraud. The organization he tion and create an image in the mind of Interestingly enough, in the weeks pre- Another interesting twist is that sud- created is in his image, and it is therefore unsuspecting gedolim and the public. ceding the eruption of the scandal, denly EJF purports to be a player in the a fraud too. The creators of that image are They have also done a wonderful job, Lubinsky and Yisrael Freedman were kiruv field—is this a way of buying them- fraudsters and hucksters who are trying post-Tropper-fiasco, of fighting a rear- attempting to ease Tropper out of the dri- selves a new place at the table now that desperately to keep the line to Mr. guard action with limited weaponry and ver’s seat into a more nominal role. Did giyur seems to be turning toxic in the Kaplan’s millions open. The chareidi under very adverse conditions. They pro- they know something was wrong? Did chareidi world? Do they think that per- world feels diminished and tainted and duced some gloriously meaningless press they just feel that Tropper was losing haps they can buy off some kiruv profes- wishes they would go away and the releases designed to say nothing at all credibility? In any event, the publication sionals and become man de’omrim in the chillul Hashem would stop. O while the damage assessment was under way. They were all over the blogs with whole-hearted defenses of the defense- less that could not be attributed to them. The Rabbi Wachtfogel press release plain- ly was not cleared by him, and his subse- quent disavowal of it shows that they are happy to publish letters in other people’s names without consent. They spread the usual quarter-truths and innuendos, mixed in with a good dosage of plain old-fashioned sheker— the prime example of which is the mealy- mouthed puff-piece mentioned above that most frum news outlets were paid kesef malei to run. (Some were honest enough and brave enough not to run it and were subjected to a barrage of abuse by Lubicom/EJF.) Rabbi Blum, who apparently heads the organization after the Tropper scandal and Rabbi Wachtfogel’s refusal, is a nice young man who until now was an office manager on a regular secretary/PA salary. He has suddenly been promoted to the top of the organization, apparently Tropper’s replacement, on the basis of this paltry experience. He is the man who is now going to be the recognized scourge of bad geirus and mouthpiece of the

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 17 Kosher Side required is staying out of trouble as well tomed nussach Ari to Sefard or Ashkenaz, ple, they are quick to label the suspect as Continued from Front Cover as acting as a conduit to spread the light which would now seem to be more pre- a rabbi, causing a larger desecration of of Torah and mitzvos to a world which is cise. However, after some more thought, G-d’s name in the world. While it’s true I remember a number of years back very much in need of its light. it seems that the addition of “and in pub- that even the common Jew amongst us (something tells me that it has not There is an interesting nuance lic” is unnecessary in light of the next few has to follow Torah and mitzvos and lead changed since then) when news began between the nuschaos of Ashkenaz, words in the prayer, which read, “and an exemplary life, acting as a role model circulating that a slew of cardinals and Sefard, and nussach Ari. In the Tefillas agrees to the truth and speaks truthful- to those who he or she comes in contact priests were guilty of engaging in Hashachar of the nuschaos of Ashkenaz ness in his heart.” One who is truthful with, still, a rabbi flies the flag of right- promiscuous conduct. At the time we and Sefard it says, “A person always has to with him or herself would not portray eousness and therefore carries a much proudly said to ourselves, “See, this will fear G-d in private and in public,” where- himself in the public eye in a manner greater responsibility and is looked at show the world who really upholds the as in nussach Ari it says, “A person always that does not represent who he is—for with a more discerning eye. beacon of ethics and morality in this has to fear G-d in private.” The reason, I better or for worse. There has forever been controversy depraved world!” We did not just look always felt, for the omission of “public” in The Gemara in Bava Basra states, “[G-d regarding the role of men and women in on as outside observers, rather we felt a Jewish life and observance. Recent times collective feeling of victory and satisfac- have brought women’s quorums for tion that it was they who got busted, and prayer, Torah reading, and deciders of the truth of our righteousness would A rabbi flies the flag of righteousness and Torah law for those who feel more com- soon be revealed. fortable sharing their predicaments with Then I learned a Gemara in Megilla people of the same gender. The problem which elucidates on the verse, “Do not therefore carries a much greater with all this is that at the dawn of cre- rejoice as a result of your enemies’ ation, when G-d said, “Let us make man,” downfall.” What is so terrible about feel- responsibility and is looked at with a more we were given partnership rights towards ing a sense of pride knowing that the perfecting a world but not amending or world will soon realize the innocence discerning eye. modifying the Torah. No religion or way and eternity of the Jewish people and of life respects women and their role in realize the double standard of these society more than the Torah. A woman non-Jewish so-called teachers of morali- who decides that she could be more con- ty and religious ethics? The answer, I nussach Ari was because people in public said]: I see that the righteous are scarce so structive assuming the role of the man believe, lies in the fact that we, as ser- never have a hard time projecting an I stood up and planted them throughout does not value the role of women more vants of G-d, cannot point to our right- image of righteousness, whereas in the every generation.” Torah is also known as than someone who contends that it is eousness as a result of the sinful actions confines of their own private domain, Toras Emes since it is eternally truthful prohibited! To the contrary, her very of the world around us. True righteous- where their reputation is not on the line, and relevant. That being the case, the actions imply that the man is superior, ness requires executing the positive they may compromise or cut corners. But righteous, or rabbanim, are few and far and thus she has decided to henceforth while abstaining from the negative. it recently dawned on me that someone between. Yet it seems that there are more assume the more superior role of man- Someone who just sleeps through the who just portrays himself as something and more people professing to be rabbis hood. There is nothing healthier towards twenty-five hours of Shabbos is not that he essentially is not, is in all honesty or leaders than there really are. This sub- living a successful life than knowing who shomer Shabbos just because the fooling himself as well as everyone sequently lowers the standard within the you are, what you are capable of, and the Shabbos was safeguarded by not doing around him (like the pig that possesses global Jewish community. As a result of purpose that you were brought here for. A an action. Staying out of trouble in split hooves but is not kosher). this, if the media gets hold of a story woman who attempts to assume the role does not make someone a Having stated this, it would make involving dishonesty or unethical con- righteous person; rather, what is sense for me to deviate from my accus- duct in someone among the Jewish peo- Continued on Page 20

18 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 19 Kosher Side tion, the rav reiterated that he was not Rabbeinu.” Obviously, the purpose in a few million prime ministers!” Continued from Page 18 coming on his own behalf but rather quoting this is to infuse the realization In order to maintain order and func- that others had sent him. Giving him that everyone on his level has the abili- tion, a system of checks and balances of a man, and the layman who attempts the respect that he deserved, the Rebbe ty to reach greatness. At the same time, needs to be maintained. In a society to assume the role of a rabbi is not con- said, “It is no wonder to me that peo- however, it is important to stress that where people do not realize their tributing more, rather detracting from ple who get involved in discord and what is great for one person may not be strengths and weaknesses or do not himself, the Torah, and society around dichotomy exist; what surprises me is all that great for another, depending on agree to look up to true leaders, dys- him. To this end our rabbis have ruled, that someone of your stature would each one’s disposition. Secondly, the function will prevail. We need to look “kol hamosif gorei’a.” agree to get involved.” Rambam is clearly referring to a level of no further than the dispute between The Gemara relates the incident of The rosh yeshiva continued to state righteousness as opposed to leadership Moshe Rabbeinu and Korach. Korach Ben Azzai, Ben Zoma, Acher, and Rabbi that these were bnei Torah who were qualities. Becoming a rebbe or a rosh felt that everyone was created equal, Akiva who entered the mystical realm of seeking to resolve something that yeshiva does not make one a leader of and there was no need for a leader of existence; only one of them entered and seemed to them a weakness in the over- K’lal Yisrael. Success and achievement the people. We all know the end of that emerged peacefully. Ben Azzai expired, all observance of Torah and mitzvos. can only come once we know who we incident and would hope that it never Ben Zoma left the path of normalcy, Immediately the Rebbe fired back, are and what is expected of us. be repeated. Acher left the path of Torah and mitzvos, “They are not bnei Torah! Someone who There is a famous story of Reb Zishe The mere fact that we were created and the last one, Rabbi Akiva, entered causes disunity within the unified from Anipoli. He was found in a very gives us importance. If we would focus and emerged unscathed. What’s interest- Jewish people is not a ben Torah!” worried state, lamenting over his fate on our lot and our purpose instead of ing is that the Gemara says regarding Someone who chooses to start up with when he would be confronted by the looking at the seemingly greener pastures Rabbi Akiva that he entered as well as the Alter Rebbe, his son the Mitteler heavenly tribunal. He said, “I’m not wor- on the other side, we would become sat- emerged peacefully. It would have been Rebbe, and the following Rebbes who ried that they’ll ask me why I wasn’t like isfied with our purpose individually and enough for the Gemara to say that he, as all enjoyed congenial relationships with Avraham Avinu, or Moshe Rabbeinu;I am realize its importance collectively. opposed to the others, emerged peace- the various other leaders of their day concerned that they will rebuke me for Having just commemorated the fully. Why the addition of the word and age, does not represent Torah. More not having been the best Zishe that I yahrtzeit of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak “entered”? The answer is that had the accurately, it represents those who learn could have been. While this story is usu- Schneerson, zt’l, the sixth Lubavitcher three of them entered peacefully, they in order to boost their own image, with ally reserved for children who don’t fully Rebbe, I will conclude with a story that too would have emerged peacefully. insincerity, not for the sake of G-d and appreciate the profundity contained I recently heard about him. As a man in Their unfortunate outcome is reflective the Jewish people. therein, we could all benefit by review- his mid sixties, the Rebbe was seen of the state in which they approached Rabble-rousers perpetuate the call ing it every once in a while to make sure walking the streets in the pouring rain the divine. of the Midianites, about whom the we are following the path that was laid without the protection of an umbrella. This article was inspired by a video I Torah says, “Milchemes Hashem out for us. A chassid who saw this approached the saw in which an esteemed rosh yeshiva B’Midian.” The Rebbe asked, Why does Golda Meir was once in the White Rebbe and kindly asked, “Why is the approached the late Lubavitcher Rebbe it say, ‘Milchemes Hashem B’Midian’ House lamenting to President Richard Rebbe not using an umbrella?” To which to ask him about the minhag in and not ‘Milchemes Yisrael B’Midian’? Nixon about her experiences as prime the Rebbe replied, “When was the last Chabad of not sleeping in the sukkah. Because a rav who paskens a halacha minister of Israel. Nixon turned to her time you saw a soldier go to war holding He portrayed himself as a messenger of but himself does not uphold the sancti- asking, “I am the president of two-hun- an umbrella?” his students or colleagues who had ty and oneness of Torah values is enter- dred million Americans, while you are There is a famous adage used by the sent him to demand a reason for this ing into a war with G-d Himself. the prime minister of just a few million U.S. Army which states, “Be all that you seeming deviation from the law as Many a rosh yeshiva has quoted the Israelis. What could be so terrible?” can be, in the army.” We are all soldiers in stated in the Shulchan Aruch.A num- Rambam which says, “Everyone has the Prime Minister Meir responded, “Yes, Mr. G-d’s army; first and foremost we have to ber of times throughout the conversa- ability to become a tzaddik like Moshe President, but I am the prime minister of be all that we can be. O

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 21 affirm that she is religious and is utilizing Chaya has decided that she wants to her option for national service. (Aliza has work with the elderly. She has visited sen- been talking about doing actual army ior centers as part of her school activities service in a religious unit—don’t ask.) She and she enjoys the interaction. Since this then filed her approval for the program is not one of the more sought-after jobs, with the army. Throughout 12th grade, the competition is much less fierce and her school has had seminars and work- she will likely get to choose from several shops to prepare the girls for the sherut positions offered to her. (Aliza—if she leumi year. doesn’t go to the army—has announced Should they live at home, or in an her desire to work with orphans or foster apartment? (Many of the programs main- children, very competitive tracks.) Company Policy tain apartments for the girls or shared Chaya came back from the interview apartments with girls from several pro- very excited. She is pretty definite that grams). What part of the country should she does not want that specific job, but Finally. After all my kvetching, we final- Even if we have above-average rainfall they be in? Are they looking for experi- they liked her enough to ask her back to ly seem to be having a normal winter. It this year, we will still be in a critical situ- ence that may lead to a career, or just a interview for a different job in the organ- rains on and off for several days in a row ation as far as our water reserves are con- positive experience in helping others ization. And she is refining her concept of before returning to sunny and warm. I cerned. We will still need a couple more before they begin developing a career what she is looking for. saw an article in the Jerusalem Post that good years to get to a point that would be track? And many other issues. This is all very nerve-racking for her announced that all the streams in north- considered normal. And of course, I still At some point, the girls register their parents. Neither of us has any experience ern Israel are flowing fully for the first cannot report the actual results of all the details on the sherut leumi website, with this, and we are both incredibly anx- time in seven years! rain on the water supply. The water work- including a picture and other biographi- ious that things work for her. Knowing We had floods in the south (I also read ers are still on strike and refuse to meas- cal information. I think that the schools that she wants to live away from home that in three days last week they got half ure the water levels. also enter information (including recom- causes us even more anxiety. their normal annual rainfall, and that the I know that it seems like I am in a “water mendations) via the site. I am not sure how long the process southern reservoirs and aquifers are already rut” and cannot get off the subject. For peo- Then comes the big day—when the takes (I admit I was playing games on my full). It is truly satisfying to realize that we ple who do not live here, I don’t think it’s girls can register to interview for the vari- phone during the amazingly long and bor- will probably have less stress about rain possible to explain how visceral the water ous openings. The more popular pro- ing parents’ orientation), but at some this year. Which is a relative statement. issue becomes and how exuberant people grams fill up quickly, so the girls are all at point soon offers will be made and the Here is a benefit that I hadn’t known can get over a couple of weeks of rain. their computers, searching, identifying, girls will choose. And the parents will cry about. When the streams are flowing, the Winter also brings new and exciting and registering. The program coordina- when they see (i) how big their little girl is, streambeds are flushed of all the accumu- experiences in Chaya’s search for a sherut tors sometimes reject specific applica- (ii) how far they have come in such a short lated waste and other materials that build leumi (national service) program for next tions, resulting in open slots for their pro- time, and (iii) that it really is happening. up over time. In many places, this year. Many of her old friends are busy grams, so it pays to keep checking. N NN process, which is essential for the ecology evaluating seminaries and other programs Otherwise, a personal site visit (usually as I haven’t shared any “only in Israel” of the area, has not happened for several to participate in next year; for many it will part of a group) is scheduled. moments in a while (the water authority years. It also provides a healthier chemi- be their first experience in Israel. Chaya went on her first site visit/inter- being on strike doesn’t count). A few cal balance to the reservoirs and aquifers, Sherut leumi is run by the army and is view last week. Thank goodness it is final- weeks before we made aliyah, Yehuda which may have had higher concentra- surprisingly well organized. In order to ly over. Getting that first one done is such Daphna commented to me, “I would warn tions of bacteria and other contaminants qualify, Chaya had to appear before a a relief, since it removes uncertainty as their water levels lowered. rabbi from the Jerusalem rabbanut and about what to do and expect. Continued on Page 24

22 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 23 Aliyah Chronicle when I travel I have tremendous everything and can monitor pair of scissors. She asked me why ded their heads and said OK. She Continued from Page 22 difficulty getting a full night’s everything from his computer. I needed the scissors, and I told pushed a few buttons on her sleep away from home and I will The card is therefore your life- her that I was going to cut the card keyboard and poof—my free you to be careful about Israelis. be traveling for three out of the line to services, and if it isn’t work- in half, since the last time my card replacement card was ordered. You need to push there to get next four weeks (yes, I am writ- ing, it is a real pain. If you lose needed replacing was when it No need to call someone for an what you want.” He added, “But ing this on my cell phone at your card, they charge you for the split in half—and that time it was override or get the supervisor to I am not worried about you; you 30,000 feet—baruch Hashem for replacement. I think it costs $8 to free. She repeated that the damage approve. She had the ability to know how to push,” which I the QWERTY keypad). replace. However, if the card isn’t was obviously my fault and there do it the entire time. think was a compliment. I was When I filled the first pre- working (they are really cheap and was no way they should be This morning, as I did online reminded of this comment sev- scription at the kupat cholim sometimes they peel or otherwise responsible for my negligence. check-in, I wanted to move from eral times in the last week. (HMO) pharmacy, the pharma- stop working), the replacement is So I took every single one of a middle seat to a window (I like In America, when someone cist told me that I needed to supposed to be free. my credit, debit, ID, and mem- to sleep against the wall). For would say, “Our policy is . . .” it replace my membership card, On my next visit to the med- bership cards out of my wallet— some reason the computer would mean that the actual since the magnetic strip wasn’t ical building, I stopped at the anything with a magnetic stripe wouldn’t register the change, so company policy was about to be working properly. This card is receptionist to order a new card. on it. I showed her how all the I called El Al. stated and would be adhered to. part of the incredibly well-com- She took a look at the card and other cards were fine and point- The agent assured me that In Israel, not so much. I don’t puterized system. Every time I told me that they would be charg- ed out that only my kupah card once I was in check-in, she mean to say that that is neces- do anything in the kupah—see a ing me for the new card, since I was affected. I said that I should- could not process my record sarily bad, just that the cultural doctor, get a shot, buy medicine, obviously rubbed out the mag- n’t be held responsible for the and I would need to complete signals are different. get a blood test, or whatever— netic strip by not keeping it in a fact that they use cheap cards. the process myself. I explained I visited the doctor last week. they swipe my card and every- safe place. And she said the magic She thought about that for a that I did not want her to Nothing major. He decided to thing is automatically entered words, “It is company policy.” second, she turned to the other process my check-in, only to prescribe some sleeping pills for into my file. My doctor sees I objected and asked her for a receptionist, and they both nod- move my seat. She kept telling me that they do not have access to check-in. After a couple of go- rounds, she suddenly said, “Hold on; let me see what I can do.” After two minutes on hold, she came back and asked me what seat I wanted. Another 90 sec- onds, and voilà—I had my seat! Culturally, we have learned that “It is company policy” or “I am not authorized” or even sometimes a simple “no” are just attempts at getting you to go away. If you accept the denial, they can move on to the next person. It isn’t laziness; it is sim- ply the first line of defense. When we really don’t care too much about the outcome, we accept the “no” and go on to something else. Yet persistence often does work. People do want to help; they just need to know that it is important to you. Some people think scream- ing or belligerence works. Often it does. But I prefer to be firm yet polite. (Usually.) I think that the other person appreciates the lack of screaming, and I find that even if I don’t get what I want, I am usually less upset than if I had lost my temper. After I had finished writing this column, the flight atten- dants came by and asked if I would fill out a customer survey. She then gave me the Hebrew version to fill out. I still get a kick out of the fact that they have an innate sense that—as American as I think I appear—they can communicate with me just as easily in Hebrew. NNN For the second time in four years, I will be in the USA for Tu B’Shvat. The first time, I brought Israeli fruits to eat. This time I forgot. Let’s hope that next year’s fruits will be the fruits of terumah that I (as a kohein) will have been given in a rebuilt Eretz Yisrael. O

Shmuel Katz works at Machon Puah. Shmuel, his wife Goldie, and their six children made aliyah in July of 2006. Prior to his aliyah, Shmuel was the executive director of the in Hewlett. You can contact him at [email protected]. 24 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Netanyahu In Auschwitz: Remember Amalek And Trust In IDF

B Y GIL RONEN

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu gave a forceful speech interlaced with biblical quotations at the International Holocaust Remembrance Day at Auschwitz Wednesday afternoon, and sent a message to Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmedinejad as well. After a short introduction in English, Netanyahu switched over to Hebrew. He began his speech with the Aramaic words that open the Kaddish prayer: “Yitgadal veyitkadash Shmeh Raba—May the name of G-d grow great and be sanc- tified,” and said that the last words of many of the Jews who were murdered at Auschwitz was the call of “Shema Yisrael—Hear O Israel.” He then said that many of the slain must also have uttered another verse before their death: “Remember what Amalek did to you—Do not forget.” “I came here from Jerusalem to tell you that we will never forget,” he said. “We will always remember what the Nazi Amalek did to us, and we will not forget to be alert and ready when a new Amalek appears on the stage of history and threatens to destroy the Jews once again. And we will not make that mistake again, of taking the matter lightly and thinking that the threats are empty, or that the Holocaust denials are empty words. We will not forget and we will always remember to stand guard. “The lesson of the Holocaust is that murderous evil must be stopped as early as possible when it is still in its early phases and cannot yet realize its inten- tions,” Netanyahu said, in a clear allu- sion to Iran’s nuclear threats. “This les- son must be internalized by all the world’s enlightened nations. We, the Jewish people, internalized it well, after losing one third of our nation on the blood-soaked earth of Europe. We learned that we must be prepared to defend ourselves. We have learned that the only guarantee for the survival of our nation is a strong Israel and its army—the Israel Defense Force. We learned that we must alert the nations of the world and be prepared to defend ourselves. “From this place I vow, as the head of the State of the Jews: Never again will we let the machine of evil cut off the life of our nation. Never again.” There was some clapping of hands after the more forceful parts of Netanyahu’s speech. As the television camera panned across the dignitaries’ seats, Netanyahu’s wife, Sarah, could be seen, stern-faced and nodding in emphat- ic agreement with the speech. While never mentioning Iran, Netanyahu’s speech was undoubtedly meant to be understood as a vow that Israel would use force if it had to, to pre- vent Iran from building a nuclear weapon. (Arutz Sheva) O 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 25 26 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 27 years prior is unbelievable. It is an archi- tect’s dream. WUJS Internship Program When I spent two wonderful years studying in Yeshivat Kol Torah in Jerusalem after high school, I left with BY ELLIOT LAZARUS ends we sometimes fantasized about cre- purity of Jerusalem’s light. It makes the the impression that Jerusalem was the ating a less harried, more meaningful life white architecture, often ancient, appear place to nurture the spirit, but not much My arrival in Israel came about together—but that was all forgotten crisp and fresh against a deep blue sky. else. Coming back here to work has negat- through an ironic convergence of diffi- come Monday. The composition is punctuated with ed that preconception. Every day, I work cult circumstances and fantasy. After Then the recession hit. Architects feel bold, dark-green Mediterranean cypress- on cutting-edge projects alongside highly losing my job at an architectural firm in the effects of recessions immediately, es. One would think that building an professional, talented people from all Manhattan, my wife and I decided to because the first thing to go is future entire city of the same stone would get over the world. participate in the MASA Israel Journey planning. Design commissions were monotonous. Instead, it makes the eye Right now, I’m involved with a light- WUJS internship program in Jerusalem. scarce last year and then construction more sensitive to nuance. There is a sub- rail project that runs just outside the Old While pursuing continued professional came to a grinding halt. Rather than wait- tle interplay of stone textures and a myr- City. Once completed, it will resolve the growth, we have appreciated the pause ing around for the markets to turn, we iad of ways to make an opening in a wall. congestion problems of a city whose in the midst of our rushed New York decided to take advantage of this slow While walking in Jerusalem—and I streets were designed long before auto- City life. time by fulfilling our weekend dreams. walk a lot—I pay close attention to the mobiles, and will make a significant Since graduating from the New York We chose to participate in the WUJS articulation of window and door open- dent in air pollution. It is a privilege to Institute of Technology five years ago, I Internship program, which would place ings in the ubiquitous limestone walls. assist in weaving such a piece of moder- had been working as an architect in me in an architecture firm in Jerusalem My commute to work is a far cry from nity through an ancient urban fabric in a Manhattan. While we were both very for six months. the frantic, overcrowded subway ride, way that is both efficient and contextu- busy professionally, my wife, Michal, and Anyone in a creative profession can on so many levels. ally sensitive. I fell in love and married. Though we felt benefit greatly from spending some time Jerusalem’s tremendous historical and While on WUJS, I had the opportunity enslaved by the daily grind, we never real- abroad. It opens the mind and heightens religious significance is a constant pres- to attend the Israeli Presidential ly had a chance to step away from it all the senses. As an architect in Jerusalem, I ence as I work now. To be designing a Conference, through MASA’s Activities for and think about how we wanted to struc- am keenly aware of these effects. project alongside the site where King Participants (MAP). Bringing together ture our lives going forward. On week- Visually, there is something about the Solomon built his Temple almost 3,000 some of the world’s greatest minds in var- ious disciplines to discuss Israel’s future, including Tony Blair, Ray Kurzweil, James Wolfensohn, Jimmy Wales, and Josh Silverman, it was a huge accomplishment for the tiny Middle Eastern country. Speaker after speaker discussed Israel’s pivotal role in the technological, scientif- ic, economic, and political future of our changing world. But my exposure to the modern, pro- fessional side of Israel is only a small part of the overall MASA experience. I’m also making great friends. The WUJS pro- gram has brought together a colorful cross section of Jews from all over the world. Growing up in a strongly Orthodox Jewish community in Far Rockaway, “diversity” meant different (but only slightly so) yarmulke styles. I attended yeshiva for both elementary and high school and had a rather homo- geneous group of friends. Spending qual- ity time with Jewish people from so many different backgrounds has made me feel more connected to the Jewish nation as a whole. Our commonalities are so much greater than our small, mostly superficial differences. When we sit around the dinner table on Friday nights, we are just one ancient family that has come home for Shabbat. I do not know too many people who can say that job loss led to further career development and life enrichment. Three months in, I can confidently say that, aside from marrying my wife, participat- ing in WUJS’s internship program has been the best decision I’ve ever made. O

To learn more, visit www.wujsisrael.org.

28 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 29 of our lives together without any chil- What are your thoughts? dren at home. My husband and I get Worried along beautifully, and we don’t feel lone- Dear Worried, ly or needy. Our lives together have never I can certainly understand why you felt this relaxed and comfortable. and your husband are feeling so torn. So, on the one hand I do feel for Adina Whichever way you turn can leave you and agree that if she were given the feeling guilty or resentful. What’s a moth- opportunity to make something of her- er (and father) to do? Dear Esther, closed on. My husband and I can certain- self, she and her children would all ulti- If you decide to invite Adina and her My 34-year-old daughter, “Adina,” ly afford to give her money every month mately benefit. Our large house is mostly children to live with you, it will boil recently got divorced. She had been mar- to pay all her bills, but we feel as though empty, and the added expenses wouldn’t down to boundaries, boundaries, bound- ried for 14 years and has four children. My that would be helping out Joe, which we really be an issue for us. aries. Before anyone shows up with their husband and I were never for this mar- don’t want to do. On the other hand, I remember only first suitcase, you need to sit down with riage in the first place. We felt that her ex A few weeks ago, Adina came over to too well what it was like having Adina liv- Adina and go through every possible sce- is a nasty person. We never liked seeing us with a plan. She would like to move ing at home, before she got married. nario that could lead to problems. Let’s go how he treated her, and we felt that she into our home with her four children. There was often a great deal of fighting, through a few potential minefields. If could do much better being married to That way, according to Adina, she could door-slamming, and yelling; our home your daughter goes back to school, is someone else. But Adina has always been there an assumption that you will be stubborn. I know that some parents can responsible for babysitting? Or even if tell their children what to do and the chil- she just wants to run out with a friend for dren listen, but somehow my husband coffee, will she just naturally expect you and I were never so lucky. We could tell We’re so afraid of giving up our or your husband to be in charge of her her what we believed in and why, but children? You may want to do some that didn’t mean that she would listen to babysitting or you may not want to, and us. And so, when we repeatedly told peace and happiness and taking a all of that has to be very carefully ironed Adina that we were not supportive of her out and resolved up front. marrying “Joe,” she nevertheless went for- chance on turmoil. What about housekeeping? Let’s face it: ward with her plans. four normal, healthy children can create In hindsight, maybe my husband and I quite a mess. Will Adina be on top of it, or shouldn’t have been involved in making will she assume that since it’s your house, and paying for the wedding. But that’s all you’ll keep things organized? How about in the past, and it doesn’t really make a go back to school and make something of was not a happy place. Yes, Adina is a lot laundry, dishwashing, and bathroom difference for now. We are where we are, herself so that she could eventually be older now and has gone through some maintenance? How much of that will you and there are newer and bigger problems independent. We are empty-nesters, and very tough experiences that have, hope- want to take on and how much of that do to deal with. there is plenty of room for all of them. fully, helped her grow up and be more you not want to have anything to do with? Joe, true to his character, is playing all Without the pressure of bills and being a thoughtful. But she is still Adina. How about a safe zone? You men- sorts of games and not giving Adina the single parent on her own, everyone could We’re so afraid of giving up our peace tioned that you and your husband enjoy child support and alimony that she be happier. and happiness and taking a chance on quiet time alone. Is there an area in your deserves. She’s behind in her mortgage Though the idea actually made sense turmoil. But it also feels as though we home that can be reserved for just the payments and all her other bills. It’s just a to my husband and me, I have to honest- would be turning our backs on our matter of time until their house is fore- ly say that we’ve come to love the quality daughter and sweet grandchildren. Continued on Page 33

30 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 31 32 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

MINDBIZ encouraged economic growth in the Continued from Page 30 Groundbreaking For A New PA City Palestinian Authority, but government spokesmen did not reply to reporters’ two of you, so that if you want to sit questions concerning the building of an down in the evening to talk or watch a BY TZVI BEN GEDALYAHU communities in the area. The PA has access road. The Jewish National Fund movie together, you can have peace and demanded that the area, as well as the has contributed thousands of trees for quiet—or will that treat be lost to you? A Qatar investment firm has broken rest of Judea and Samaria, be included in green areas in and around the city. And what about Adina’s tendency ground for a new modern Palestinian the country it wants to establish. Some Arab skeptics question whether toward door-slamming and yelling? Maybe Authority city, located next to Ramallah, PA Arabs can make the change from vil- she’s grown out of that stage, but maybe north of Jerusalem and near several lage life to a planned suburb, but Rawabi not. Can you see yourself living with that— Jewish communities. The $500 million It will be an instrumental is expected to attract middle-class resi- especially now that you’ve come to enjoy project is planned to house 40,000 peo- dents wanting to move away from crowd- such lovely peace and quiet? ple and look like a modern Western-style development in placing ed villages and cities. It is crucial for you to work out every suburb, overlooking nearby Jewish possible issue before anyone moves in. towns. The government’s 10-month build- “facts on the ground” No Cooperation With Preempting a catastrophe is always the ing freeze preventing new construction that may threaten the Jewish Settlers best way to go, rather than trying to clean for Jews in Judea and Samaria does not Palestinian Authority businessman up an irreparable mess. I would even go so affect Arabs. existence of Jewish Bashar Masri helped launch the project far as to suggest that you write up a con- The U.S. Overseas Private Investment and noted that it will generate thousands tract, stating the rules up front, so that Corporation, an investment arm of the communities in the area. of jobs for Arabs. Masri also said that there are no misunderstandings later on. American government, will help PA Arab cooperation with Israel will not include Another possible solution is to consid- families purchase homes by providing Jews living in Judea and Samaria. “We will er whether you and your husband might funds through a mortgage aid program. The city, funded in part by the Qatari not deal with settlements,” he told The be willing to lend or give Adina enough The city is to be called Rawabi, Arabic Real Estate Development Investment Media Line. “Hopefully, [the] settlements money for a new apartment, etc., to carry for “hills.” It will require a new access Company, is designed to include a hotel, will one day be a suburb of Rawabi and her and her children during the time she road and will be an instrumental develop- movie theater, conference center, shop- will be inhabited by Palestinians and will works toward attaining a career. Adina ment in placing “facts on the ground” ping centers and offices as well as homes. be welcome to Jews who want to live in a has a solid premise; women need to be that may threaten the existence of Jewish The Netanyahu government has Palestinian state.” (IsraelNN.com) O independent, particularly after a nasty divorce. Rather than spending her life in court, fighting for what is rightfully hers, Adina is much better off getting on her own two feet and moving forward. If you and your husband are financially able to help her fulfill this dream, it could very possibly be one of the best investments you ever make. In the meantime, despite the mistakes that Adina has made, I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that she still needs your love and support, as do her children. They are lucky to have grandparents around who have the wherewithal to enable them to get back on their feet. It doesn’t mean that you have to seriously compromise the life you’ve come to enjoy so much with your husband, but it should mean that you are willing to watch her back, help her grow, and be the rock that she most definitely needs right now. Esther

Esther Mann, LMSW, is a therapist and life coach in Lawrence. Esther can be reached at 516-314- 2295 or [email protected]. She works with individuals, couples, and families.

And the Children of Israel went out ‘chamushim’ from the land of Egypt (Sh’mos 13:18)

“Chamushim” means “armed”… Another inter- pretation: One in five (chamesh) among the Children of Israel came out of Egypt; four-fifths died during the three days of darkness [because they did not want to leave Egypt].

(Rashi)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 33 if that’s what it takes to keep us safe, I’m week when the plane made an “emer- all for it. And no one was any the worse gency landing” was what transpired on for the experience. December 25 aboard Flight 253, flying In hindsight, why would a terrorist aim from Amsterdam to Detroit. A young for anything less than a fully packed jumbo man, now known as the Underwear jet? One can’t be too careful in these terror- Bomber, really did have a plan. But his ist times, but committing suicide to take plan had nothing at all to do with tefillin out not more than 15 people is somewhat or any other prayer accouterments, unlikely. That’s a little crazy, even for a ter- because the guy had nothing with him. rorist. And we all know that terrorists have That’s correct: the only items he carried What A World cornered the market on crazy. What type of on board were plastic explosives, and reward would await someone for killing 15 those were sewn into his underwear. people? And from all we’ve been told, The young fellow’s father, a well- It’s a comfort to know that we, the ever clapped eyes on them before then. reward is what it’s all about. respected Nigerian businessman, had American public, are safe. That is to say, The entire episode would be laughable if Those of us who value life find it hard to called the U.S. embassy in to noti- we’re safe in the event that anyone has would-be bombers weren’t such a serious understand how some people are so fy them that his son was flying to the intentions of blowing up a plane by using threat to our well-being. enthralled with the idea of death. If only United States with a one-way ticket and his tefillin to take out 15 innocent souls. Then too, why would anyone think these crazies would ask me. I’m just rife no luggage. But that call obviously went That was how many passengers there that a true suicide bomber would visibly with ideas for them and, being the good to the wrong person—a person who did- were aboard last week’s Chautauqua n’t give all the details as he passed the Airlines flight from New York to Kentucky information on to a more senior member that was diverted to Philadelphia. at the embassy. When the plane touched down in Now I’ve heard that some folks like to Philly, the “terror suspect,” a 17-year-old Here this guy was flying clear travel light, but that was ridiculous. This male, and his 16-year-old sister, were met should have been a dead (forgive the use by Homeland Security, the Philadelphia of that word) giveaway. I don’t even trav- Police bomb squad, and ultimately the across the Atlantic without as el from Long Island to Manhattan, a trip F.B.I. Those two kids must have been that takes no more than 40 minutes, scared out of their minds. much as a toothbrush? without a bit of luggage. Okay, so my lug- In this day and age, no one in his right gage doubles as a pocketbook, but what I mind can blame the members of the have in there could sustain me if I were flight crew for acting on their suspicions. to get lost for three days! And here this But some questions do come to mind. guy was flying clear across the Atlantic Since this flight originated in New York— display wires wrapped around his arm? sharer that I am, I would be more than will- without as much as a toothbrush? And no at LaGuardia Airport in Queens, to be spe- Wouldn’t a real bomber try to keep the ing to give them a number of suggestions one at the airport in the cific—and not in the Ozarks, it’s hard to wires hidden? Yet the crewmember in how they might achieve that end without found that to be suspicious? understand that none of the players here question said she thought the leather going through the trouble of training. To Additionally, in the same phone call, had ever seen phylacteries before that straps were indeed wires. And one can’t them, death means paradise, so who the father said that his son had been seri- day. And, even if the stewardess was see- fault her for being cautious. She was just wouldn’t be willing to help them get there? ously radicalized by extremist Muslims ing them for the first time, it’s a bit of a doing her job and she was doing it well. On the opposite end of the spectrum surprise that no one else involved had True, it turned out to be a false alarm; but from the scenario that played out last Continued on Page 42

34 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Stones Fill The Void: Visiting Jewish Vienna

BY IRENE SHALAND Following The Stones Don’t look for the Steine Der Memory is the keyword which combines Erinnerung in your guidebook: the mur- past and present, past and future. dered Jews of Austria have neither a Rick —Elie Wiesel Steves nor a Frommer. And Vienna, bask- We are in the city of the dead. On a ing in its Baroque and Art Nouveau splen- sunny April day surrounded by noise of dor, would rather have you waltzing from the big city—cars speeding, trams clunk- Schönbrunn to Sachertorte’s shops, not ing, people hurrying about their mid-day searching out the shops and business—we are talking to ghosts, of long-gone Jews. some 65,000 of them, the murdered Jews I believe that the Holocaust victims’ of Austria. This is Leopoldstadt, Vienna’s destiny was, for the most part, deter- Second District, and we are following mined by three factors: the degree of con- the Steine Der Erinnerung or Stones of trol the Nazis had in the region, the histo- Remembrance. These are brass plaques, ry of Jews there, and the actions of the 3 3/4" by 3 3/4," placed either on buildings locals. The latter is where the Viennese or on the ground, often in blocks of four, truly excelled: their inventiveness and often with an adjacent explanation viciousness turned the city of Mahler and plaque, and always with names. Each Freud into the city of “Hitler’s willing exe- name is accompanied by a date of birth cutioners.”1 and a date of deportation. One explana- tion plaque reads: “For the many people A No-Entry Land who were murdered whom nobody Until recently, for me, Vienna was a remembers.” “no entry” land. My husband and I, world Without remembrance, Italian author travelers and art lovers, could describe and Auschwitz survivor Primo Levi says, every Titian and Brueghel in the there is no future. In Leopoldstadt, the vic- Kunsthistorische Museum and the loca- tims are remembered. They have their tion of every Klimt in the city, but for a names back. They talk to us once again, as long time an invisible barrier stopped us the stones fill the void. We must simply fol- low their path and listen to their stories. Continued on Page 36

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION January 29, 2010 35 Jewish Vienna because Austria had no Nuremberg-like Continued from Page 35 trials for crimes against humanity.

The Survivors from seeking out real Vienna. At the cen- The rebuilt Jewish community of ter of my mental Vienna, the embodi- Vienna is small and for the most part con- ment of refinement and sophistication, sists of Eastern European immigrants. there was always the image of a 1938 pho- Austrian officials were not interested in tograph I saw, in the US Holocaust inviting survivors to return. Their shops Museum, of an elderly Jewish man, beard- and businesses had changed owners, uni- ed and bespectacled, crouching in the versity chairs and medical practices had street scrubbing the pavement with a been taken and, as some admit today, toothbrush. The crowd around him was many a Vienna apartment still has furni- laughing. ture and art objects “borrowed” from Vienna is by no means the only Jewish neighbors. So why bother? European city where the “final solution” And the Austrians didn’t, until July of was successfully carried out. However, 1991, when the Austrian government the delight the Viennese took in humiliat- issued a statement acknowledging that ing, torturing, and killing their Jewish Austria had taken part in the atrocities neighbors surprised even the Germans. committed by the Nazis. To showcase its The people in that laughing crowd—or regret, the government even reconstruct- their parents—voted the rabidly anti- ed a in Innsbruck (1993) and a Semitic Karl Lueger mayor of Vienna five Jewish library in Vienna (1994)—both had times between 1897 and 1910 and Hitler been burned in 1938. Unlike Germany, credited him as a major influence on which continues its “journey of con- shaping his views on race. science” into the painful past, Austria’s The flourishing Jewish community of half-hearted efforts in reconciling its his- Austria2 was all but obliterated during toric accounts continue to overshadow World War II. At first, Austrian Jews were the Jewish history a visitor might want to lucky: unlike Germany, Austria had exit explore. avenues open for a while and almost two If you follow the tourist route of thirds of the country’s Jews left. Those Jewish Vienna, you’ll probably start with who stayed died wretched deaths at the Monument against War and Fascism places like Theresienstadt and Auschwitz. at Albertinaplatz. The monument’s four One Vienna resident, Sigmund Freud, free-standing sculptures are meant to be went to with his family; his two thought-provoking, but without an expla- elderly sisters stayed and perished. nation their symbolism can be difficult to After the war, Austria’s official position decipher. One statue, with its head buried was that the country was the very first in the stone, is a metaphor of either victim of the Nazis’ aggression. One rea- son this fiction went unchallenged was Continued on Page 38

36 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION January 29, 2010 37 Jewish Vienna Gates of Violence, is dedicated to all vic- Continued from Page 36 tims of violence. The murdered Jews of Austria are commemorated by a bulky, entering the underworld, like Orpheus, or hunched-over figure, which, as you might of hiding away from reality. Another is a see when you hunch over it, is a bearded declaration of human rights etched in man with a toothbrush. A piece of barbed stone. The split sculpture, called the wire, stretched across his back, is not

Vienna Holocaust Memorial on Judenplatz symbolizes a dead library: Stop #1 on the Path of Remembrance: Plaques at the Leopoldstadt Temple site, destroyed the doors are locked and the books face inward. in 1938, commemorate “all Jewish people for whom Leopoldstadt used to be home.”

Monument against War and Fascism: One of its four free-standing sculptures commemorates the Jewish victims of Nazi atrocities.

At the Judisches Museum, Jewish religious objects scorched by fire during Kristallnacht.

Deadline for Advertising in the Next Issue is Tuesday, February 2 at 5:00 P.M. Call 516-984-0079

38 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION meant to remind you of exter- mination camps: it’s to warn you or your dog against using this kneeling Jew as a bench or toilet. Even when I found out that this monument was literally built on top of human bones— beneath it is a cellar used as a bomb-shelter where everyone was killed during the Allied bombing—its emotional impact was still lost on me. The “tourist’s” exploration of Jewish Vienna usually contin- ues to the Jüdisches Museum in the Palais Eskeles, near the Mozarthaus. Founded in 1896— which makes it the oldest insti- tution of its kind in the world— the Jüdisches Museum is dedi- cated to the contributions the Jews of Vienna made to the arts, science, medicine, philosophy, politics, and music.3 “Remove the Jews from Vienna’s history,” writes Hellmut Andics, “and what is left is a torso.”4 The museum’s Max Berger Judaica collection is certainly worth see- ing, as is the museum’s take on history, through multiple holo- grams that provide insights and comments. While the museum’s intent isn’t to focus on the trag- ic end of this brilliant communi- ty during the Holocaust, if you wend your way up to the top floor’s viewable storage area, you will see objects, scorched by fire and broken (some showing the footprint of a boot). These objects weren’t collected; they were brutally torn from their synagogues and households— all destroyed—in 1938. The Jüdisches Museum has a partner, the Museum Juden- platz. A faceless modern build- ing with bunker-style narrow corridors, this museum exhibits the excavated ruins of the city’s 13th-century synagogue and focuses on the medieval Jewry. Opened in 2000, on one of the most charming squares in today’s central Vienna, it’s where a medieval Jewish ghetto used to be. There, the first Jewish community of Vienna, regarded as the leading and most learned among German- speaking Jewry, was annihilat- ed: burned at the stake, tortured, expelled. The few who barricad- ed themselves and their families in the synagogue were burned alive. The year was 1421 and Archduke of Austria Albert the Fifth needed money. A 15th-cen- tury plaque praises this “great pogrom.” The Jews murdered in the 20th-century are also commem- orated on Judenplatz by the first and only Holocaust Memorial in Austria. Inaugurated the same year as the museum, the memo- rial was built by (non-Jewish) British artist Rachel Whiteread and is a reinforced concrete cube that symbolizes a library

Continued on Page 40 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION January 29, 2010 39 Jewish Vienna From the Judenplatz one can follow on a main thoroughfare. So in November has lived since the 15th-century, and go Continued from Page 39 the Seitenstettengasse to the of 1938, the Nazis did not burn the across the river to Leopoldstadt. In this Stadttempel, the only Viennese syna- Stadttempel out of fear that the entire Viennese suburb, Theodor Herzl lived, turned upside down: the doors are locked gogue not destroyed during Kristallnacht. block would go up in flames. In 2002, the Sigmund Freud spent his youth, and com- and the books’ spines face inward. posers Arnold Schonberg and Oscar Around the memorial’s base are the Strauss were born. Leopoldstadt was a names of the concentration camps to Central European stronghold of Zionism which the 65,000 Jews who were unable and Chassidism where Viennese Jewry to leave Austria were deported. I understood the idea behind the created a vibrant, cultured life. The Nazis As I stood there, the memory of anoth- turned it into a ghetto from whence the er memorial, the memorial to the Jews of Austria were sent to concentra- Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin, came “dead” library—the books cannot tion camps and death. to mind. There, hundreds of black con- In today’s Leopoldstadt, their lives, cul- crete slabs, varying in height, on the slop- ture, and suffering are recognized, ing field, created the uneasy, troubling be read because the People of the acknowledged, and made visible through experience of going through a surreal the efforts of the Path of Remembrance necropolis that had lost touch with Book are dead. Society, founded by Dr. Elizabeth Ben humanity. David-Hindler in 2006. Throughout the There in Vienna, I understood the idea neighborhood the society has placed behind the “dead” library—the books can- brass plaques called the Stones of not be read because the People of the Remembrance, that contain information Book are dead—but I didn’t feel the emo- The reason it still stands goes back to the Stadttempel unveiled its own memorial about Jewish institutions, organizations, tional impact I’d experienced in Berlin. year 1781. In that year, Emperor Joseph II with victims’ names engraved on rotating and individuals who were victims of the (Ironically, a statue of Gotthold Lessing, issued his Edict of Tolerance. The edict slate tablets. Holocaust. the 18th-century writer and philosopher, allowed Jews to build synagogues in Says the chairwoman of the society, stands nearby, a reminder of the enlight- Vienna, but it prohibited them from Across The River Dr. Ben David-Hindler: “Our wish is to enment and humanism of Germanic cul- being free-standing, from looking like a To truly experience victims’ stories you keep alive…the memory of Jewish ture.) synagogue, and from having an entrance have to leave Judenplatz, where no Jew life…as well as to give back—symbolical- ly—a place in the home city to those who were expelled and murdered.” (Dr. Ben David-Hindler’s project was inspired by “stumbling stones,” Stolpersteine, a project originated in Germany by artist Gunter Demnig to commemorate the individuals deported and killed by the Nazis.) With a map sent by the society, you too can follow the Path of Remembrance. Most people begin at the place where Leopoldstadt Synagogue was and then stroll the neighborhood’s streets search- ing for places where Jewish theaters, charity organizations, social clubs, and coffee houses—the world of Jewish intel- lectuals and artists, shopkeepers, and politicians—once stood. In the middle of busy Nestroyplatz a plaque commemorates Bernard and Adele Sachs. The building they once lived in no longer exists, but the couple were passionate theater lovers and they used to cross the square on their frequent trips to the theater. Kurt Sachs, their surviving son, placed the plaque where he knew his parents walked often, happy and young and full of life. The Path of Remembrance is the only true memorial that attempts to bring clo- sure to the painful memories of the Holocaust in Austria. The society’s hope, notes Dr. Ben David-Hindler, is “to con- tribute to the healing of a deep wound.” To become part of that healing process, when you plan a visit to Austria, request the society’s map and brochure (www.SteineDerErinnerung.net) or con- tact Dr. Ben David-Hindler at info@ steinedererinnerung.net. O

NOTES: 1. Daniel Goldhagen’s controversial book, Hitler’s Willing Executioners (Alfred Knopf, 1996) explores, what he calls, the virulent “eliminationist anti-Semitism,” as part of a German/Austrian identity that made mass persecutions and murder of Jews a national pastime. 2. According to the Austrian Jewish Community statistics, in 1938, 206,000 persons of Jewish extractions had been living in the Austrian capital; one out of ten people was Jewish. Less than 2,000 survived the camps. Practically no one returned. 3. The museum was closed of course in 1938 and not reopened until 1989. 4. Hellmut Andics, a journalist and a writer (1922- 1998) wrote his Die Juden in Wien (The Jews in Vienna) in 1988. 40 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 41 THAT’S THE WAY IT IS! Continued from Page 34

while living in Yemen. Unfortunately, the man who took that call at the embassy wasn’t exactly a Rhodes scholar, as he passed on none of this information. He seems to have done his own editing. Abdul Mutallab—the would- be bomber, who had a multiple- entry visa to the United States— was simply added to a watch list of 550,000 potential terrorist threats after this edited informa- tion provided by his father was forwarded to the National Counterterrorism Center. And the information that did get through was not deemed specif- ic enough for anyone to pull his visa or put him on a no-fly list. The only resultant action was that his visa was coded so that, had he attempted to renew it when it expired in June, it would have triggered an in- depth review of his application. That must be a tremendous comfort to the 289 people who were on that plane with him. They should feel a lot better now knowing that someone “may have” stopped him from board- ing a plane six months later! Those two innocent teens who were detained in Philly were handcuffed and then inter- viewed and questioned within an inch of their sanity, but they took it well. Their parents— who spent some anxious moments worried about their children and who were kept in the dark for quite a while— patiently accepted the explana- tion they received, and they refrained from expressing out- rage, as others might have. By now they may have received an apology from the airline, or maybe not; but they didn’t demand it. And they stood up to angry criticism from people who said that their son should have known better than to call attention to himself by putting on tefillin while on the plane. Even the worried grandmother in Kentucky managed a smile, shrugged her shoulders, and appeared to put the entire episode into perspective. It should be noted that, as of this writing, we haven’t heard about the ACLU getting into the act. And since this is right up their alley, it’s likely that if any- one had called them, those clowns would have been all over this story. And nobody has kvetched about racial (or reli- gious) profiling, either. The les- son here may be that those who do all the protesting about loss of rights are the ones that we need to be most concerned about. O

Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a licensed real-estate broker associated with Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at [email protected] or 516-902-3733. 42 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION January 29, 2010 43 The Flip Side Of Shidduchim

B Y “DANIEL SCHWARTZ”

In sharing my experience with you, I hope others will find a friend in their troubled world. Being a newlywed has not turned out as I expected. I am so trapped. I am lost. I am too ashamed to discuss my situation with anyone, so I have chosen this anonymous forum. Let me begin with my dating experi- ence. After graduating from a prominent local yeshiva high school, I proceeded to learn and go to college. Our home was always a socially comfortable place to be, so I never thought I would be uncomfort- able on a date. Our Shabbos meal guests always brought along their daughters. Conversation at the meals seemed so easy and congenial. But little did I know that joining in a table conversation that was laid out by adults would not be the same as going on a date. So I began my dating experience. You know that most guys have no trouble get- ting dates. As soon as people knew I was “in the parashah,” my calendar was filled. Most of the dates were OK, but I was so nervous. Usually I just prayed that the girl would not hear how loudly my heart was beating or see the sweat pouring down from under the band of my black hat. Before I started to date, I had many discus- sions with my parents about where to go on the date, what to ask, and what to talk about. My mom volunteered some princi- ples of etiquette that I needed to master, such as opening the door for the girl and being a polite listener. I tried to do my homework so I would not look like a fool. Most of the girls came close to what I was looking for. But let’s face reality: I was really a novice. I asked a lot of ques- tions about her family, where she went to camp, what she wanted to do after she was married (work or stay home), her education, where she wanted to live, whether she expected parents to help financially, etc. I was quite curious about her view of not-frum people because we have some really nice family members who are not observant. The questions would flow, but sometimes the responses were just monosyllabic, and that threw the ball back in my court. If there wasn’t a lot of “give and take” conversation, I couldn’t tell if the girl was just nervous, or not interested in me. I finally found a girl who made me laugh a little, which took the edge off the whole dating experience. The laughter put me at ease. My whole outlook on dat- ing was beginning to change. I started to think, “This might me the girl for me.” But in hindsight, levity is no reason to marry. I had so little experience. We dated many times over the weeks. My parents were very respectful to keep their distance so as to give us time and space to get to know each other. At that time, I didn’t observe that she didn’t really interact with my parents. Even when we ate dinner with my family, she conversed nicely, but didn’t offer to help clear the dishes and didn’t compliment my mom on the great meal she prepared. In hindsight, that might have been a warning sign, but I was inexperienced with the “proper” requirements. How was 44 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION

I expected to make a life-altering decision mean I was cut off from my friends? It was had money for our wedding, so we could- bilities, she works and is loved by her neigh- with so little experience? Growing up not this way in my home. My folks enjoyed n’t ask them for money to buy a home. bors. But privately she has us all in a tizzy. took me 21 years, but I had only a few each other’s company, but gave each other I am overburdened, lost, and frustrat- Some of my friends tell me they are in weeks to decide on a bride. space to seek their own individual inter- ed. Perhaps the frum community should therapy also, so I know my situation is So we became engaged and the wed- ests that they brought back to the marriage. allow a little time for couples to get to not unique. Let me tell you, to the out- ding planning began. I wanted everything My dad liked to hear about my mom’s out- know each other before babies start arriv- side world my married friends look to go smoothly (whatever that means). I side tzedakah projects, and my mom liked ing. Maybe if we had gotten to know each happy. But behind the new sheitels and gave up all rights and privileges to my to hear about my dad’s hobbies. other as married people before the kids yarmulkes, people are suffering. I am sure kallah and her parents to plan the wed- I loved going to shul because it gave started to arrive, we could have ironed many mental-health professionals who ding of her dreams within the budget my me a little freedom and some male con- out some of these issues. It seems like we read this article will have loads of advice folks would allot. The wishes of my versation. My job is great and it gives me just returned from sheva berachos and for me and my fellow “prisoners.” We all kallah were uppermost in my mind. I was a lot of pride and challenges. When I before I knew it we were going to be par- know what we should do, but we are so to be her hero and give her happiness— come home from work, I don’t mind ents. Would we be forgiven if we had busy running to minyan, being on time every Jewish man’s job. helping like I saw in my own home. But waited a little while to have kids? for work (and having a clear enough head The plans went along OK. So our “15 min- this apartment is completely different— Many out there might be saying that I to perform at work), helping our wives do utes of fame” were set in motion: engage- it is dirty. I am expected to go shopping am a baby or don’t have control of the sit- grocery shopping, getting up with the ment, wedding, sheva brachos, reality! with my new wife, help her cook, etc. uation. Maybe I don’t, but things looked a kids at night to help out our wives, and NNN Can’t she do a few things by herself? lot different in my parents’ relationship. attending a shiur. We don’t know when As soon as I broke the glass, everything When I come home from a busy work- My young wife just wants to hold onto we will have time to fit it in. This prob- changed. I don’t know if I didn’t see this day, I have bills to pay, shul, learning . . . me. I am not going anywhere—I just lem is as serious as a medical issue. coming, or if the signs were hidden. I There should be times to do things need a little space to be me. I need a little I could go on and on…but the main rea- don’t want this article to be lashon ha’ra, together and times to be separate. time to seek a comfort zone in the space son I am writing this is to promote dia- but I want others to know some of what We newlywed young men don’t really between being a kid in my parents’ home logue. Young husbands: let us hear from I overlooked. understand. We need a “Bill of Rights for and being a grownup in the real world. you. How are you coping? Send in your After the wedding, my new wife did Newlywed Men.” Many of us don’t have I have tried to get her to seek counsel- responses and comments to this paper. not want to know my family. We were any rights. One tear from our kallah and ing. She has as many excuses as the hairs How have you tried to resolve these types invited many times to my folks for we defer to her. We are losing our rights on her sheitel. The apologies I have used of concerns? What has worked for you? Shabbos, yom tov, Chanukah, etc. She but we don’t know where to begin to gain for her behavior to my family and friends You are not alone! O never wanted to go. A cake was sent as a our ground. are wearing thin. If my parents had any gift from Aunt Rivkah for our second I was beginning to become isolated. I idea what servitude I live under, they Shabbos, and my kallah didn’t even want loved my new wife and our little baby, would flip. Telling my folks how bad to call her. I understand we are two differ- but I also had dreams of married life that things are would be tantamount to admit- At 5TJT.com ent people coming from different places, included going to my parents for Shabbos ting I failed at the one big adult thing I you can enjoy articles but where is the blending of our values, once in a while and maybe even seeing ever did. All of us guys are ashamed. To our home traditions, or our families? This some of my friends (married or single). those who have risen above the embar- in 3 ways: was only the beginning . . . Our finances were tight. Owning a rassment and gotten help, I salute you! Since we went only where she wanted home was a dream I always had. After All of this aside, my wife is a caring wife 1. Read to go, I missed my old friends. One night only a short time, we are a family of three and mother. In our community, my wife is 2. Print the guys wanted to meet and go bowling and our expenses are rising. That home queen. Everyone knows they can call upon like old times. That was vetoed, but I didn’t purchase would remain a dream. Our par- her for any mitzvah, shiur, or charity. I am 3. Email want to make a fuss. Did getting married ents are only working people who barely proud of her. In spite of her home responsi-

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 45 on a natural cause—“It’s just the wind, that which is good and proper and avoid- nothing more.” ing that which is wrong and evil. By mak- The Mitzrim were intelligent, thinking ing these choices, man has the ability to people. They, as everyone else, clearly form himself. understood that it couldn’t possibly be a To give man an even playing field, natural occurrence. How is it possible Hashem took the seichel—that pure, bril- that they accepted this sham—that the liant part of a person—and inserted it into wind split the sea? a body filled with drives, passions, and Understanding free will. The answer is hungers. Now the two parts are integrated. The Shmuz On predicated upon the concept of free will. I don’t want only what is good and proper Free will doesn’t mean a theoretical abili- and noble; I also desire and hunger for ty to do good or bad. It is the practical many other things. My choice of doing ability where either side is possible. only good is no longer so simple. The Parashah When a person can just as easily turn to However, if Hashem created man only the bad as to the good, then it is his deci- out of these two parts—the seichel and the People Believe What no place to move, it seemed certain that sion to choose. guf—the purpose of creation would never They Want To Believe the Mitzrim would recapture them. At that have been met. The wisdom of man is so BY R’ BEN TZION SHAFIER moment, the pillar of fire that led the Jews great that it would be almost impossible through the desert moved to the back of for him to sin. Since every sin damages me And Moshe stretched out his hand over the the camp and stopped the Mitzrim from If man wishes to turn to and every mitzvah makes me into a bigger, sea, and Hashem moved the sea with a strong advancing. That entire night, both camps evil, he can create better person, my natural intelligence eastern wind all the night, and He turned the stood in their places, separated by the wouldn’t allow me to sin, no matter how sea to damp land and the water split. Clouds of Glory. rationales to make these tempted I might be. I would clearly recog- —Sh’mos 14:21 The wind that split the sea. The Ramban nize it as damaging to me. Much like put- Mitzrayim, the nation that bragged tells us that during the night, an eastern ways sound noble and ting my hand into a fire, in theory I would that no slave had ever escaped from its wind began to blow. This was the wind have free will to do it, but on a practical land, stood by helplessly as the Chosen that split the sea. At first, it made small proper—at least enough level, I wouldn’t. Nation triumphantly left. The Jewish peo- indentations in the sea, but as the night to fool himself. Imagination: its role and function. ple, now some three million strong, wore on, the wind became stronger, and Therefore, Hashem added one more com- marched through the desert protected by those small indentations grew in size and ponent to the human: imagination. a pillar of clouds by day and led by a pil- depth until the sea itself was split into 12 Imagination is the creative ability to form a lar of fire that lit up the night. distinct pathways—ready for each of the 12 As an illustration, do you have free will mental picture and sense it so vividly, so Yet even at that moment, Pharaoh sent shevatim to cross in its own channel. to put your hand in a fire? In theory, you graphically, it is as if it is real. Ask anyone spies along to follow them. After three The Ramban explains that Hashem do. But you never would. It is damaging. It who has ever cried while reading a novel days, his agents reported that the Jews split the sea specifically with an eastern is foolish. So, while in theory you have free whether imagination isn’t a powerful force. had veered off course. Pharaoh called out wind “so that it would appear as if the will to do it, on a practical level, you don’t. Now armed with this force, man can to his people, “Let us reclaim that which wind split the sea into partitions.” Even Creating man. Chazal tell us that create fanciful worlds at his will and actu- is ours,” and he led them in pursuit. though the wind can’t possibly split the Hashem created man to give him the ally believe them. If man wishes to turn When the Mitzrim arrived on the scene, sea, much less split it into 12 partitions, opportunity to shape himself into what to evil, he can create rationales to make the Jews were camped out against the Yam nevertheless, because of their great desire he would be for eternity. That molding of Suf. With their backs against the sea and to harm the Jews, the Mitzrim pegged it the person is accomplished by choosing Continued on Page 50

46 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES recipe, always prepare baking pans as Invert the baking pan and tap the bot- instructed in the recipe. tom gently to remove excess flour. When greasing a baking pan, use a When a recipe for chocolate cake calls pastry brush, paper towel, waxed paper, for greasing and flouring the baking or fingertips to apply a thin, even layer pan, use cocoa powder instead of flour, of butter or margarine to bottom and and you will have no more white spots sides of the baking pan, as directed. As on the surface of the baked cake! an alternative, coat the baking pan with Measuring the ingredients. Make non-stick cooking spray. When the sure to measure all ingredients careful- recipe calls for greasing and flouring a ly and accurately. To measure flour, A Piece Of Cake baking pan, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of spoon it lightly into a dry measuring flour to each baking pan and tilt the cup and level it off with a straight- When it comes to desserts, nothing baking pan, and some call for using baking pan slightly. Gently tap and edged metal spatula. Do not shake it beats the tantalizing aroma and delec- parchment or waxed paper. To ensure rotate the pan until the bottom and table flavor of a home-baked cake. the best results from every baking sides are evenly coated with flour. Continued on Page 49 Whether you’re making an angel food cake or a pound cake, it helps to remember that baking is both an art and a science. Success with any recipe depends on carefully following the instructions and using the right equip- ment. With any kind of cake, many of the preparation principles remain the same. The following information is sure to provide you with everything you’ll need to make all kinds of cake recipes and win rave reviews. Butter cakes vs. sponge cakes. Cake recipes are divided into two categories, according to what makes the cake rise. Butter cakes rely primarily on baking powder or baking soda for height, while sponge cakes depend on the air trapped in the eggs during beating. Butter cakes include pound cakes and the yellow, white, spice, and chocolate cakes used in everything from towering wedding cakes to tradi- tional layered birthday cakes. These cakes use butter, shortening, or oil for moistness and richness and are leav- ened with baking powder and/or bak- ing soda. Before mixing the cake batter, soften the butter so that it mixes easily with the sugar. Sponge cakes achieve their high vol- ume from beaten eggs rather than a leavening agent like baking powder. Sponge cakes do not contain butter, shortening, or oil. Angel food cakes are the most popular and are completely fat-free since they use only egg whites, not egg yolks. Yellow sponge cakes are prepared with whole eggs. Chiffon cakes are also lightened with beaten eggs, but they are not true sponge cakes, because they contain vegetable oil. Choosing and preparing the baking pan. Always use the baking pan size specified in each recipe. The wrong size baking pan may cause your cake to overflow, burn around the edges and bottom, or sink in the middle. Read the recipe carefully to make sure you have the type of baking pan that is called for. You also should be aware of the baking pan material, because it can affect the outcome. In general, glass baking dishes require a 25-degree reduction in oven temperature. Some cakes require greasing and flouring the

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 47 meaningful manner I still wait to see. After ing pool by reinitiating the old “no- all, if people are unemployed or unable to income, no-asset” loans, but with one make mortgage payments no matter how major caveat. We used to underwrite much you reduce the terms of the mort- such loans with low interest rates, the gage, what chance is there of success— same as for full-documentation loans, unless the government just decides to when we had borrowers with high credit make the mortgage payments for all these scores, solid asset credentials, and down homeowners that are sitting in more payments of at least 20 percent. These house than they can afford! And if this is loans, together with these borrowers, The ‘Making Home Affordable’ the option they choose, isn’t it just a new have essentially been dumped like yester- form of welfare added on to already day’s garbage. But I do not believe that Program: Bust Or Boom? bulging taxpayer rolls? these loans are high risk; they don’t have Instead of underwriting and financing as high an incidence of foreclosure as all I don’t know how many of you have la based on roughly 31 percent of a home- homeowners who would normally have the homeowners eligible for the $75 bil- noticed or read some of the business owner’s income, to be used as a ceiling difficulty getting mortgages even in sec- lion “Making Home Affordable” program updates on the $75 billion “Making Home for any reformulated mortgage payments. ondary markets, why not look for a more do, and financing their home purchases Affordable” program that the Treasury Unfortunately, a variety of issues and refinances would ultimately cost the Department has promoted over the last caused this program to tailspin. First, the government much less money, and pro- year. But now that the Obama administra- banks (as holders of the individual mort- vide greater stability. tion has decided to come down hard on gages) were entrusted with administering What chance is there of Promoting this loan program would the banking industry, this quiet disap- the program, and they created a bureau- create more solid buyers going out there pointment that used to earn a small men- cratic nightmare of paperwork and fol- success—unless the and buying up more housing inventory. tion at the back of the business section of low-through that disposed of all but the And if this was limited to just primary the newspaper is making a comeback to hardiest of troubled borrowers looking government just decides home buyers, it would also limit the risk page one—front and center—with feroci- for relief. Even for those who were associated with so-called “liar loans”. On ty, as the administration gears up for a approved on probation for a period, to make the mortgage the other hand, given what the adminis- revamping of the program to make it allowing them to show good faith by tration seems poised to do for homeown- more homeowner friendly, as opposed to making their payments in a timely man- payments for all these ers who are already in foreclosure, who the pitiful failure that presently exists. ner, the program did not always succeed, have already shown not to have the abili- The Making Home Affordable program since a large percentage of them couldn’t homeowners! ty to repay their mortgages, and who are was ushered in as a crutch to assist home- make their newly formed mortgage pay- already hanging on by a thread, isn’t that owners facing foreclosure with a second ments and they never made it past that a form of “liar loan” as well? O chance at keeping their homes and rein- probation period. stating their financial responsibility with Even with all that data showing the fail- solid success story of loans available to Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a a streamlined version of their original ure of this program, the Obama adminis- potential homeowners and borrowers licensed real-estate broker and a licensed N.Y.S. mortgage broker with over 20 years of experience, mortgage terms revamped into affordable tration has decided they will not let this with excellent credit and asset credentials? offering full-service residential and commercial payments designed to keep them current program fall by the wayside as something Based on all the documentation that real-estate services (Anessa V Cohen Realty) and mortgaging services (First Meridian Mortgage) in and out of foreclosure. At the time it was that just would not work. They now have the banks have started to require on all the Five Towns and throughout the tri-state area. initiated, there were high hopes of reduc- decided to start doing less for the banks new mortgage applications, it seems like She can be reached at 516-569-5007 or via her website, www.AVCrealty.com. Readers are ing the numbers of foreclosures with this and more for struggling homeowners. a long shot, but my solution would be for encouraged to send questions or comments to new approach, which employed a formu- How they are going to achieve this in a the administration to create a larger buy- [email protected].

48 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

THE DISH Continued from Page 47 down or tap it on the counter. Beating the eggs. When preparing sponge cakes, be sure to beat the eggs properly, without overbeating or underbeating. Eggs separate more easi- ly when cold, but egg whites reach their fullest volume if allowed to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before beating. When beating egg whites, use a cop- per, stainless-steel, or glass bowl. Check to make sure the bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry. Beat the whites slowly until they are foamy, and then increase the speed. Do not over- beat, or they will become dry and clump together. If the recipe instructs you to beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, you can test by lifting the beaters straight up from the egg whites. Peaks should remain on top of the egg whites, and when the bowl is tilted the mixture should not slide around. If you are adding to another mixture, immediately fold beaten egg whites gen- tly into the mixture so volume is not lost; never beat or stir. Baking the cake. Preheating the oven is very important for getting the best baking results. Place the baking pans in the center of a preheated oven. If two racks are used, arrange them so they divide the oven into thirds, and then stagger the baking pans so they are not directly over each other. A but- ter cake is done when it begins to pull away from the sides of the baking pan, the top springs back when lightly touched, and a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean and dry. A sponge cake is done when it is delicate- ly browned and the top springs back when lightly touched. Oven tempera- tures may vary depending on the oven brand and model, so watch your cake carefully during baking. Removing it from the pan. The steps you take after you bake your cake can affect the ultimate outcome just as much as the ingredients you use. Removing a cake from the pan too soon or too late can drastically change the appearance and texture of your cake. After removing a butter cake from the oven, let it stand in its baking pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen it from the sides of the baking pan. Using oven mitts, place a wire cooling rack on top of the cake and baking pan, and turn the cake over so the rack is on the bottom. Gently shake the cake to release it from the baking pan. Turn the cake right side up onto a second rack to finish cooling. For a sponge cake, baked in a tube pan, invert it onto a heatproof funnel or bottle immediately after removing it from the oven. If it is cooled topside up, it will fall. Do not remove a sponge cake from its baking pan until it is complete- ly cooled. Decorate and serve! Once you have baked, cooled, and removed your cake from the pan according to the scientif- ic rules of baking, you are ready to frost and decorate your cake with as much creativity as you can muster.

Continued on Page 50 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION January 29, 2010 49 THE DISH Butter (using some butter sub- To assemble the cake: Cut the Continued from Page 49 stitute) an 8-inch round cake cake in half horizontally with a pan, line it with parchment serrated knife. Place the bottom Strawberry Shortcake paper, butter the paper, and layer, cut side up, on a cake Ingredients: dust the pan lightly with flour. stand or serving plate. Drizzle for the cake: Whisk the flour with the granu- the juices from the sliced 1 cup all-purpose flour lated sugar, baking powder, and berries over the cut sides of 3/4 cup granulated sugar salt in a medium bowl. Lightly both halves. Fold a couple table- 1 tsp. baking powder whisk in the 4 tablespoons but- spoons of the whipped cream 1/2 tsp. fine salt ter substitute, egg, soy milk, into the sliced berries and 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter and vanilla extract, just until spread over the bottom layer. substitute, melted smooth. Pour the batter into Top with the other piece of 1 large egg, beaten the prepared cake pan and bake cake, cut side down. Spread the 1/2 cup soy milk until a toothpick inserted in remaining whipped cream on 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract the center comes out clean, the top of the cake and top the for the cream and topping: about 25 minutes. Cool on a cake with the whole berries. 2 pints strawberries rack for 10 minutes, then turn it Eating quality, delicious meals is easy 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar out of the pan, flip upright, and when all the work is done for you. Hire a personal chef to prepare your 1 cup whipping cream cool completely on the rack. dinners, Shabbos meals, or small 1 Tbsp. confectioners’ sugar For the strawberries and parties. For more information, contact 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract cream: Set aside 1 pint of the ly slice the rest of the berries with the confectioners’ sugar Take Home Chef personal chef services by calling 516-596-8865, writing to Directions: best-looking whole berries for and toss with the granulated and vanilla to soft peaks. [email protected], or visiting Preheat the oven to 375°F. topping the cake. Hull and thin- sugar. Set aside. Whip the cream Refrigerate until ready to use. www.TakeHomeChef.net.

THE SHMUZ Continued from Page 46

these ways sound noble and proper—at least enough to fool himself. Armed with imagina- tion, man truly has free will. If he wishes, he can do what is right; or if he wishes, he can turn to wickedness. Even his brilliant intellect won’t prevent him. With imagination, he is capable of creating entire philosophies to explain how the behavior he desires is righteous, correct, and appropriate. Now man has free will. People believe what they want to believe. The reality is that people don’t necessarily believe that which is factual, proven, and true; they believe what they want to believe. And while there are countless exam- ples of this, one of the greatest manifestations is the Mitzrim following the Jews into the Yam. Despite living through the makkos, despite seeing the Yam split into sections, they didn’t believe it was a miracle. They attributed it to the wind, because that is what they want- ed to believe. Understanding this can help us comprehend how people can stare at things so obvious and true and yet deny their very existence. There are many reasons why a person might not want to accept what his mind tells him is true. He has to be able to put away all other issues and focus on this one question: what do I think is the truth? Forget the consequences. Forget my agenda. Is there a Creator of this world? Logic will bring him then to see the hand of G-d. However, if he isn’t honest, then nothing in the world will convince him—not even the splitting of the Yam Suf itself. O

The Shmuz, an engaging and motivating Torah lecture that deals with real-life issues, is available free at www.TheShmuz.com. The Shmuz on the Parsha book, a compilation on all of Chumash, is now available for purchase in your local sefarim store and at TheShmuz.com. 50 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION January 29, 2010 51 “acts of G-d.” For Jews, the phrase with an outpouring of aid, as at this time of year in “guarding The Earth Trembles is apt, and every such lamentable have countless individual citi- one’s speech”—avoiding the event demands a personal zens, including Jewish ones. expression of ill will, slander, and response. From a truly Jewish perspective, the like. That, Rabbi Steinman BY RABBI AVI Rabbi Yisroel Meir Kagan, the It is, to be sure, a very particu- though, there is more that we added, is a merit especially SHAFRAN sainted Jewish scholar renowned larist idea, placing Jews at the must do in the wake of a disas- urgent “in these days, when the around the world even then for center of humankind. But, while ter as terrible as the recent one evil inclination puts all its ener- To any early-20th-century his scholarship, honesty, and Judaism considers all of human- in Haiti. We must introspect and gies into entrapping people in Polish Jew, Japan could as well modest life. ity to possess seeds of holiness, make changes in our behavior. this sin . . . [when] it is almost have been Neptune. The distance Informed of the mass deaths Judaism does in fact cast Jews as The 2004 tsunami in Asia impossible to find someone who between the shtetl and the Far in Japan, the 85-year-old rab- a people chosen—to embrace occurred during the same period hasn’t fallen into the ‘mud.’” East was measurable not merely binic leader was visibly shaken; special laws, to be aware of and of the Jewish year’s Torah-reading No prophet or wise man— in physical miles but in cultural he immediately undertook to serve G-d constantly, and, amid cycle as the recent Haitian disas- only our own eyes and ears—are and religious distance no less. Yet fast, and insisted that the news much else, to perceive Divine ter, a period known as “Shovavim necessary to recognize that the when on September 1, 1923 a should spur all Jews to repen- messages in humankind’s trials. Tat,” an acrostic of the initials of Jewish world today is rife with powerful earthquake hit Japan’s tance. Trials like the Haitian earth- the weeks’ Torah portions. It is a “evil speech,” the speaking and Kanto Plain—laying waste Yes, Jews to repentance. Jewish quake now feared to have time considered particularly ripe writing ill of others (whether the Tokyo, Yokohama, and surround- religious sources maintain that brought about the deaths of for repentance. After that cata- words are true, false, or—so ing cities and killing well over catastrophes, even when they do twice the number of human clysm, a revered contemporary often the case—some toxic mix- 100,000 people—news of the dis- not directly affect Jews, are never- beings who perished in the 1923 Jewish sage in Israel, Rabbi ture of the two) and with the aster reached even the Polish theless messages for them, wake- Japanese quake. Aharon Leib Steinman, pointed hatred that breeds such sins. The town of Radin. That was the up calls to change for the better. Our government and, promi- out that the revered Gaon of Jewish media are filled with home of the Chofetz Chaim, Insurers call such occurrences nently, Israel’s have responded Vilna identified a powerful merit accusations and “scoops”; they compete gleefully to find the vilest examples of crimes to report, to do the most attention- grabbing job of reporting them, and to be the first to do so. The very week of the recent catastrophe in Haiti, a national Jewish newspaper published a comic strip featuring grotesque depictions of religious Jews, aimed at disparaging Jewish out- reach to other Jews. And another Jewish newspaper ran an editori- al placing the alleged ugly sins of an individual at the feet of Jewish rabbinic leaders, simply because the presumed sinner, before he was exposed, had arranged for several respected rabbis to deliver lectures and had encouraged peo- ple to make donations to their institutions. Having thus “estab- lished” guilt by that association, the editorialist demanded that every Orthodox organization and rabbinic leader publicly con- demn the alleged sinner or be smeared themselves with sin. Then he mocked rabbinic author- ities as a group for, instead of issuing condemnations of sin- ners, rendering decisions on social and halachic matters, as if that were not precisely what rab- bis are for. Those are examples of anti- Orthodox invective. But ill will and its expression, tragically, know no communal bounds— in fact, the offensive comic strip seized upon intemperate state- ments made by Orthodox Jews about others. Jews can take positions. Indeed we are charged with standing up for Jewish princi- ples. But personalizing disagree- ments or slandering individuals is—or should be—beyond the pale. If only we had eyes like the Chofetz Chaim’s, we would dis- cern the fact that hatred and the misuse of the holy power of speech are not small evils. We would understand that they shake the very earth under our feet. O

© 2010 Am Echad Resources. Rabbi Shafran is director of public affairs for Agudath Israel of America. 52 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION

JCC January Events information and/or to register please call The JCC of the Greater Five Towns has a ext. 213. This program is funded by Connect central location in Cedarhurst at 207 to Care, a UJA-Federation of NY initiative. Grove Avenue and several satellite loca- Winter Camp. Monday, February tions around the community. The central 15–Friday, February 19. For further infor- phone number is 516-569-6733. mation please call ext. 218. O Ongoing Events Cards and Friendship Group. Come The Jerry Meyer Studio Raffle alone or bring a friend for a fun after- Since its move to Cedarhurst almost two noon at the JCC. Enjoy meeting new peo- years ago, The Jerry Meyer Studio has been ple, good conversation, and challenging running a Super Simcha Raffle. The grand games. Every Wednesday, 1:00–3:00 p.m. prize was a photography package for any Mayor Andrew Parise of Cedarhurst drawing a winning ticket for the Jerry Meyer Studio super simcha raffle. For further information, please call Lisa simcha, including one 50-picture album Stern (ext. 209). and an edited video. As the drawing drew to Come Alive Program at Sons of Israel in a close, there was much hype and excite- Woodmere. This program provides an ment as to who would win. Entries came in Salvatore Evola, village clerk and treasurer, Ostreicher of Woodmere, who won a free opportunity for homebound older adults from all over the NY/NJ metropolitan area. came by to officially draw the winning raf- studio sitting with a 20" x 24" digitally to participate in social, recreational, and Last week, the mayor of Cedarhurst, the fle entry. Congratulations to the winner, enhanced portrait. The third place winner intellectual activities. Kosher lunch will honorable Andrew J. Parise, accompanied Esti Wechter of Lawrence. be provided and door-to-door transporta- by Ronald Lanzilotta, Sr., village trustee, and The second place winner is Sandra Continued on Page 54 tion is available on a limited basis. For further information, please call Mary Sheffield (ext. 219) or Linda Balch (ext. 211). Parkinson’s Support Group. The pur- pose of this group is to bring together Parkinsonians and their spouses and fam- ilies, to help them better understand the nature of the condition, gain confidence, and join in community activities. For fur- ther information, please contact Cathy Byrne (ext. 220). Remember When. This program is espe- cially designed for memory enhancement and socialization. The cost includes a full range of therapeutic activities, morning beverage, dessert, and kosher lunch. Round-trip, door-to-door, handicapped- accessible transportation is available on a limited basis. Registration is limited, on a first-come, first-served basis. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) group at Sons of Israel in Woodmere. The goal is to offer a safe haven where clients and fami- ly members feel accepted for who they are. Takes place on Wednesdays. For fur- ther information, please contact Lisa Barnett (ext. 210) or Chana Pfeifer (ext. 213). Upcoming Events Art and Leisure Classes. Learning a new language, jewelry making, gourmet cook- ing, and exercises for the body and mind. Registration is now open. For a complete list of classes offered, visit www.fivetown- sjcc.org and click on spring catalogue or call. New Bereavement Support Group. Scheduled for eight consecutive Mondays, 11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m., starting February 1. Sessions will be held at Temple Israel, 140 Central Avenue in Lawrence. The fee is $50. Pre-registration is required. For fur- ther information and/or to register, please call ext. 209. Senior Choir. Meets Tuesdays, September–June, 11:00 a.m., with Choir Master Zvi Klein. Songs are in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish. Men and women over age 60 are invited to participate. For further information and/or to arrange an audition please call ext. 222. This program is funded in part by the William Petschek Fund through the UJA Federation of NY. Single and Strong. A support group for women who are divorced or separated going through tough economic times. The group meets Thursdays 10:00-11:00 a.m. Pre-registration is required. For further 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 53 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS JUMP delivers a chance for stu- pitality, but treated us as family. Continued from Page 53 dents to learn and practice dif- Rabbi and Mrs. Alter welcomed ferent leadership skills and tech- us into their house and made us is Chaya Sarah Stark of Brooklyn, niques. Our JUMP club, run out feel right at home. A member of who won a free studio sitting of Yeshiva University High the community was happy to with a 16" x 20" portrait. School for Girls, decided to volunteer her car for our use Come visit The Jerry Meyer organize and run a Shabbaton in throughout the weekend. The Studio in Cedarhurst at 84 Denver, Colorado where Jewish families we met were very invit- Columbia Avenue or call 1-888- kids from Denver could meet, ing and opened their homes to MEYER-10 to reserve them for interact, and connect with us for Shabbat. your next simcha. Who knows, Jewish high school students Friday morning we went to you might win the next raffle! O from New York. the modern local elementary On Thursday night, Dec- school, Denver Academy of JUMP With NCSY ember 3, three Central students, Torah or DAT, where we ran pro- By Talia Kugelman Daniela Bitton, Adina Burstein, grams for the kids we had What do chesed, fun, and and I, flew to Denver with our planned in our JUMP clubs. Our Denver have in common? JUMP, JUMP advisor, Ms. Miriam first program was with the 7th an NCSY-run leadership training Borenstein. From the minute and 8th grade boys and girls. We fellowship. JUMP clubs can be we arrived, we felt a sense of were running a few minutes late found in high schools around warmth (even in the cold, so I was a little nervous about the New York area, giving stu- snowy weather of Denver!). The what the feedback would be. As dents an opportunity to plan Some of the young women of JUMP. Jewish community there did we walked into the library unique programs and trips. not just treat us with great hos- where the kids were waiting, I was truly amazed. Every single 7th and 8th grade boy and girl stood up and started clapping and cheering for us with big smiles on their faces. They were so excited for the program, and that was when I realized how special the kids were. We con- tinued on with our day, running programs with the younger stu- dents, teaching parashah and making skits with them based on what they learned. After that we baked challah with the 7th and 8th grade girls, whom we would be spending our Shabbat with. From there we decided to drive around and explore the Denver community. We stopped by the local nursing home, Shalom Park, where we visited and played games with the resi- dents. Our packed day of chesed energized us as we started Shabbat with a sense of passion and excitement. Shabbat was incredibly fun and uplifting. We bonded with the 7th and 8th grade girls through zemirot, games, and divrei Torah. After Shabbat we went back to the Alters for din- ner. We said our goodbyes to the girls that we had bonded with throughout the weekend. It was amazing how quickly we got to know each other and how close we became. On Sunday morn- ing, we decided to go hiking through the incredible moun- tains of Colorado. We had quite a journey through the snow. While driving, we were able to see the great wonders of Hashem. The beautiful view of the mountain range was breath- taking. It was amazing to see the different gifts of G-d. Looking back on that week- end, I was exposed to one of the many incredible wonders of Judaism. On Friday, Ms. Borenstein pointed out some- thing that I will never forget. She noted how amazing it was that even though we were strangers from across the coun- try and had never met these people before, they opened up their homes to us, gave us the codes to their houses, and lent 54 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HEALTH SECTION us their car. It’s incredible how Judaism Schreibers live in Teaneck, NJ with their works. I remembered then, the famous three children. Jewish quote of “Chaveirim Kol Yisrael”— Hy Hetherington, Corporate Man of the All of Israel are friends. That weekend I Year. Mr. Hetherington is chief executive actually felt it for the first time. I wit- officer of SuperiorGlacier and managing nessed the real sense of trust and brother- partner and founder of HLP Integration. hood we have. At the end of the day, that SuperiorGlacier is a litigation support is what made our trip truly special. O company with offices in New York, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington, DC. Mr. Ohel 40th Anniversary Annual Hetherington has had the opportunity to Dinner, February 21 work on some of the highest profile legal The annual dinner of Ohel Children’s matters in the United States. He is a deter- Home and Family Services will be held mined and visionary supporter who on Sunday, February 21, 5:30 p.m. recep- understands, on the deepest level, the tion, 6:30 p.m. dinner, at the New York Burt and Suri Fried Leon and Adriyana Hofman ways in which Ohel has elevated the lives Hilton. The gala event celebrates the of children and adults with disabilities. agency’s milestone 40th year anniversary. The Bert Fried and Leon Hofman For four decades, Ohel has elevated the Gloria and Harvey Kaylie, Guests of A.J. and Leah Schreiber, Community Families, Community Partnership Award lives of thousands of individuals and fam- Honor. The Kaylies’ dedication to Ohel’s Leadership Award. Mr. Schreiber is a long- in Mental Health. The Fried and Hofman ilies with a compassionate vision, unwa- clients is legendary. They have made a spe- time friend and devoted board member families are pioneers in the mental health vering dedication, and impeccable profes- cial commitment to helping individuals in with a history of family involvement in care industry. Widely admired as exem- sionalism. Ohel’s fresh new logo and slo- the community with developmental dis- Ohel. His parents, Barry and Batsheva plary advocates, caregivers, and protec- gan, “Elevating Lives Every Day,” abilities and those that struggle with men- Schreiber, are loyal Ohel supporters and tors of people living with mental disabili- describes the continued vibrancy of its tal illness, from volunteering at Ohel to former annual dinner honorees. His ties, the Fried and Hofman families have commitment to every member of the sponsoring trips for children with disabili- father was an Ohel board member while created warm and loving homes for many community that needs its help. ties. They are benefactors of the Marvin his mother was a founding member of disabled members of our community. Ohel is proud to share this special Kaylie Center at Tikvah in Brooklyn. The Ohel’s medical department. Mr. Schreiber Both families came to the United States evening with deserving honorees. The Kaylies’ gifts of time and resources to ele- is president and CEO of Health over 40 years ago to build a life filled with Hon. Andrew Cuomo, Attorney General vate the lives of adults and children in Management Strategies, a care manage- chesed and Yiddishkeit. Ohel is proud to of New York State, will be the keynote need are a powerful reminder that our ment technology solutions provider. A.J. recognize their accomplishments and speaker. The Hon. Sheldon Silver is to community always will come together to also serves as the CTO of its parent com- invaluable work in the field of mental be honorary chairman. More than 1,300 help those in need. Mr. Kaylie is founder pany, Healthcare Innovations. Leah hails health. people are expected to attend this and CEO of Mini Circuits. The Kaylies from St. Louis, Missouri and A.J. is origi- year’s dinner. reside in Kings Point, NY. nally from Highland Park, NJ. The Continued on Page 56

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HEALTH SECTION January 29, 2010 55

AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Friedman and Chaim Kaminetzky. They Women With Cancer, February 2 “Shuvu children.” He dedicated the first Continued from Page 55 are joined by Joey Bodner, Efroim Fasten, Bikur Cholim of Boro Park, in partner- Shuvu school in Ashkelon which today Zvi Gurevich, Elly Kleinman, Russel Lake, ship with Sharsheret and CancerCare, has over 600 students. ties, the Fried and Hofman families have Chaim Marcovici, Dr. Stephen Rosenfeld, hosts monthly friendship gatherings for The Chadera campus is one of Shuvu’s created warm and loving homes for many MD FACC, Bennett Schachter, and Y. frum women who are in treatment for or largest and most successful schools, with disabled members of our community. David Scharf, Esq. The journal chairper- have been in treatment for cancer. The 60% of its student body among the poor- Both families came to the United States sons are Miriam Lubling, Jay next confidential meeting will take place est in the country. Shuvu teachers in over 40 years ago to build a life filled with Kestenbaum, Martin Hofman, Daniel on Tuesday, February 2, 11:00-12:30, in Chadera are continuously called upon to chesed and Yiddishkeit. Ohel is proud to Lifschutz, and Dr. Dov Zeidman. Moishe Bikur Cholim of Boro Park, at 5216 11th provide their students with basic necessi- recognize their accomplishments and Hellman serves as president of Ohel Bais Avenue, and will be free of charge. Come ties like food, clothing, and shoes. invaluable work in the field of mental Ezra, and Ronny Hersh is president of the hear interesting guest speakers and have Mr. Rieder and, lehavdil ben chayim health. Rose and Maurice Halpern Lifetime Care opportunities to meet others who under- l’chayim, his eishes chayil, Mrs. Edith Jona and Rachel Rechnitz, Young Foundation for the Jewish Disabled. stand, while enjoying a light, healthy Rieder, n’y, never lost sight of the impor- Leadership Honorees. The Rechnitzes The annual dinner is Ohel’s most snack. For more information, please leave tance of helping Torah insitutions, widows were involved in the development of important fundraising event of the year, a message for Yafa at 718-438-2020, ext. and orphans, the neighbor who needed a Ohel’s Young Leadership division. Mr. securing essential funds to support Ohel’s 7451, and tell her the most private way to loan, and the sick or lonely. This commit- Rechnitz was a founding member of operational budget. Said Mr. Hellman, reach you. This project is sponsored by ment to helping others is deeply Ohel’s Swish-A-Thon. He also served as an “Many key services and programs provid- the Caring Commission of the UJA entrenched in the Rieder sons: R’ Yussi, advisor to the 2006 Ohel benefit concert ed by Ohel are not covered by govern- Federation of Greater NY. O R’Shmuel, and R’ Avrumy, all outstanding dedicated to Holocaust survivors and ment programs—the special personal- bnei Torah and ba’alei chesed. The dedica- their families, and, as an avid devotee of ized care Ohel provides to every client Mesiras Nefesh At The Heart Of tion of Chadera is a fitting tribute to their Jewish music, he also has produced other places a significant financial burden on Shuvu’s Success, Dinner February 7 father and husband. concerts. For the past three years Jona has the agency and makes the dollars raised by Nini Rubin The Shuvu special education program served as director of acquisitions and dis- for operational support through the At the Shuvu Annual Dinner, Sunday, dedication, l’iluy nishmas Mrs. Brocha position at Africa–Israel, controlled by its annual dinner all the more critical.” February 7, a special memorial tribute Biderman, a’h, touches close to home. chairman, Mr. Lev Leviev. He recently “Please partner with us in making this acknowledging the role of Reb Appointed by the rosh yeshiva as co-chair- started his own new venture, JSR Capital, year’s dinner a milestone success,” he Mordechai Yosef ben Shlomo Hakohen man the day he founded Shuvu, R’ a real estate investment, development, continued. “And please join us in recog- Knopf, z’l, (Mr. Max Knopf) and the dedi- Avrohom has worked continuously for and management company located in nizing the achievements and efforts of cation of the Shuvu Chadera campus, the past 19 years to sustain his revered NYC. Jona is a native of Los Angeles and our honorees as you support the children l’iluy nishmas Reb Shlomo ben Reb Rebbe’s life’s dream. After his mother’s Rachel is from Teaneck, NJ. They live in and families of Ohel. We celebrate this Shmuel Yosef Rieder, z’l, will be highlights petirah, Reb Avrohom and his family took Manhattan with their two sons. special 40th anniversary during times of the event. upon themselves to dedicate Shuvu’s spe- A matching gift program will again be that are especially challenging for so Mr. Knopf, Shuvu’s co-chairman, cial education program as an aliyah for instituted this year in conjunction with many. Our clients need us—and we need helped create one of the most unique and her neshamah. the annual dinner. An anonymous donor you—now more than ever before.” massive kiruv school systems in the The Safier and Friedman families will will contribute $1 for every $2 con- For annual dinner reservations, to world where 15,000 children are enrolled dedicate the Tel Aviv kindergarten l’iluy tributed to the Mel and Phyllis Zachter place a journal ad, or to learn more about in 68 schools, including elementary and nishmas their father, Aron Meir ben Ohel Endowment Fund up to $500,000. the event, please call 718-972-9338 or visit high schools. There is a yeshiva gedolah, Pinchos, z’l. Mr. Safier, a quiet and modest The fund serves to help secure Ohel’s www.Oheldinner.org. O beis medrash, and kollel, and Torah homes man with deep roots in “der Heim,” was future. are established each year. Over 50,000 born in the illustrious city of Lizhensk, This year’s dinner co-chairs are Saul N. Friendship Gathering For Frum Russian Jewish children can be called, Poland, birthplace of the Noam

56 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HEALTH SECTION Elimelech. He and his wife, Frieda, raised Rubin, zt’l, who was known as the Joan and Naftali have four wonderful and its experts are here to guide them. a daughter, Shifra Friedman, and two “Yiddishe Mora Derech” and then led by children, Riva Pesa, Joshua Meyer, Efrat With the expansion of its National sons, Pinchos and Yaakov Safier, to his late father, HaRav Kalman Gershon Josepha, and Aharon Benjamin. They Educational Resource Center, headed by embody the qualities of Torah and chesed. Hakohen Neumann, zt’l, a well-known recently moved from Riverdale to the Dr. Joel Dickstein and Dr. Judah Weller, Yaakov is the son-in-law of Mr. Zev and respected communal leader, for 49 Five Towns. P’TACH is also proud to be associated Wolfson, Shuvu’s largest benefactor. years until his petirah. Currently Joan is in private practice in with the Schools Attuned staff develop- This year’s dinner chairman, Elly He is married to Joan Altman- the Five Towns at Women’s Health ment programs. In a few short years, hun- Kleinman, gives considerably of his time Neumann, MD who is a respected Medical, PC. She is especially interested dreds of educators and kochos to many Torah and chesed OB/GYN who works with rabbinical lead- in other causes that aid children like in have taken part in this innovative causes. Mr. Kleinman’s Shuvu connection ership in hilchos niddah, his home is P’TACH, Just One Life, Bonei Olam, and method of understanding how children dates back many years and is rooted in available at all hours to maintain the nec- Kulanu. Her love of children comes from learn. his close relationship to Rav Pam, zt’l. Mr. essary atmosphere for taharas hamish- her parents, Rose and Fred, who strongly For further information or to make Kleinman credits his financial success to pachah and sholom bayis under halachic believed that every child is a special gift reservations, call 718-854-8600 or e-mail Rav Pam’s encouragement in choosing his guidance. from Hashem. [email protected]. O career path, which enables him to per- Dr. Joan Altman-Neumann grew up in From its inception as a grassroots sup- form chesed. He and his wife, Brochie, Boro Park where she attended Shulamith port group for parents in need of infor- Jewish Mother, Four Children, dedicated the Lod campus seven years Elementary School and Yeshiva mation to help their children, P’TACH has Rescued From Gaza ago, one of Shuvu’s most stellar schools, University High School for Girls-Central, created a movement spreading its mes- Yad L’Achim, in coordination with gov- educationally, and last Sukkos they dedi- Brooklyn. While at New York University sage of providing individualized, special ernment officials, arranged the dramatic cated the new Shuvu girls’ high school in her family moved to Teaneck, . education programs in regular Jewish day escape of a Jewish woman married to an Petach Tikva. She subsequently attended the schools for all children. These programs, Arab and living in Gaza. She returned to The Rav Pam Legacy Award recipient is University of Medicine and Dentistry under the guidance and expertise of the Israel through the Erez border crossing Harav Zev Smith, shlita. Rav Smith is a (UMDNJ). After completing residency in most dedicated and qualified profession- with her four children, culminating two renowned magid shiur in some of the obstetrics and gynecology at Long Island als, have become renowned not only in weeks of intense planning by Yad most prestigious mosdei Torah in New Jewish Medical Center (now North Shore- the local metropolitan and surrounding L’Achim. The story began when Yad York. He is marbitz Torah through his LIJ), she was on staff for several years at areas, but across the country and overseas L’Achim’s hotline received a call from a tapes and shiurim to tens of thousands of Queens Hospital Center. During this time, as well. Educators, professionals, parents, people all over the world. Rav Smith was she met and married Naftali. and students look to P’TACH for answers, Continued on Page 58 one of the rosh yeshiva’s closest talmidim and is a stellar example of the gadol’s enduring influence. This year’s journal chairman, Yisroel Blumenfrucht, was a close talmid of Rav Pam’s. Yisroel and his wife, Chanee, have hosted Shuvu parlor meetings in their home in Kew Gardens Hills. The Blumenfrucht family dedicated a room in the Shuvu school in Yerushalayim l’iluy nishmas Rav Pam, zt’l. This year’s distinguished roster of hon- orees, people who recognize the value of Shuvu’s work and have stepped forward even in these extraordinarily difficult times, is a sign of the enduring impor- tance of a cause that has touched and continues to touch thousands of individ- ual lives, as it helps safeguard the future of a Torahdike Eretz Yisrael—a result that is universally vital to each and every member of Klal Yisrael. O

Dr. Joan And Rabbi Naftali Neumann, P’TACH Chesed Awardees, Dinner February 21 P’TACH’s Chesed Award recipient at their annual dinner on February 21 at the Grand Hyatt will be Dr. Joan and Rabbi Naftali Neumann. Naftali hails from Second Avenue on the old East Side and attended Rabbi Jacob Joseph School before going to Ner Yisroel in Baltimore. After a zman in Chaim Berlin and Brooklyn College, he transferred to Yeshiva University where he received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history and Jewish history. Naftali began a career with the New York State Department of Mental Hygiene and transferred to the newly-created OMRDD (Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities) where he served in various positions, including assistant director to the late Dr. Ruth Bogarsky, ob’m (an early P’TACH board member.) Concurrently, he served as rabbi in Greenwich Village where he led successful kiruv programs. After taking early retirement from New York State, he now serves as menahel of the Agudas Anshei Mamod U’Beis Va’ad Lachachomim (The House of Sages), a venerable institution founded by his late grandfather, HaRav Shmuel Aharon 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HEALTH SECTION January 29, 2010 57 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS store to buy them candy. She later related waiting for her at Erez. Then one of the write to Yad L’Achim, 4018 18th Avenue, Continued from Page 57 to Yad L’Achim officials that as she left the guards suddenly screamed, “Send her Brooklyn, NY, 11218; call 718-633-0776; or house she made a pledge to HaKadosh back to Gaza!” fax 718-633-0235. O woman who tearfully reported that her Baruch Hu that if He helped her make it “I thought that’s it. This is the last day younger sister, A., was being held in Gaza to Israel with her children, she would of my life,” she recalls. “But another clerk Agudath Israel Calls For Better against her will. A. was in an abusive mar- light Shabbos candles every Friday and told me, ‘You can go.’ I went through the Training, Greater Understanding, riage and desperate to return to Israel and fully observe Shabbos. revolving gate and started to run. I was After Plane Diversion start life anew, her sister added. “Except for one bag I didn’t take any- afraid they would catch me.” After a U.S. Airways Express flight from Yad L’Achim’s investigation confirmed thing,” she said. “I hid my passports in the Eight hundred meters separated the New York to Louisville was diverted that A. was Jewish, born in Ashdod some diapers of my little daughter. I went out final Palestinian roadblock from the because an Orthodox Jewish 17-year-old 27 years ago. She married an Israeli Arab with the children to the street and Israeli border crossing. A. and her four wore his tefillin on the plane, prompting named Abdullah, who took her to live in stopped the first cab that passed by. I children hurried across the no-man’s- concern among crew memebers who El-Arish in Egypt. When he suspected that asked the driver, ‘How much to the Erez land, as Israeli sharpshooters followed were unfamiliar with this practice, she was getting tired of the beatings and junction?’ He said NIS 70 and I said ‘Take their progress. Agudath Israel of America issued the fol- contemplating escape, he decided to NIS 100 and step on it.’ Throughout the tense mission, Rabbi lowing statement to the general media: move the family to Gaza, under the pre- “On the way, we passed Hamas- Lipschitz was in his office receiving For several years, Agudath Israel of tense of admitting her to a private hospi- manned roadblocks; I covered my face updates. He instructed Yad L’Achim America has worked closely with TSA to tal to treat an illness. with a veil and tried to talk as little Arabic activists around the country to stop their sensitize the agency to the various reli- When they crossed the border from as possible so they wouldn’t notice my regular activities and recite Tehillim for gious objects and practices of Orthodox Egypt, instead of heading to the promised accent. It was frightening. I thought that the success of the mission. Jews; this effort has been led by Rabbi hospital, they went to his parents’ home, at any second they would shoot me and Members of the General Security Abba Cohen, Esq., Agudath Israel’s in the heart of Gaza, where escape would my children.” Service were waiting at Erez junction to Washington Director and Counsel. be impossible. The driver grew suspicious but she question her, before turning her over to Agudath Israel has also reached out to air- Yad L’Achim learned that Abdullah, told him, in keeping with her instruc- her sister and Yad L’Achim staffers. lines in America and throughout the who has a criminal record, was serving tions from Yad L’Achim, that her father The sister burst into tears on seeing A. world to promote a greater understand- time in an Egyptian prison and was due was very sick and waiting for her at the and the four children. Even the toughest ing of Jewish prayer rituals. Agudath to be released shortly. Understanding junction. When the driver arrived at the of the IDF soldiers present couldn’t hide Israel has advocated for, and continues to that time was of the essence, it contacted Palestinian customs station on the Gaza their tears at the emotional reunion. “I’ve support, enhanced training for flight the woman via her cell phone, and border, A.’s cell phone rang. She shook heard of Yad L’Achim and I contribute reg- attendants. instructed her step-by-step on how to get with fear; on the line was Abdullah’s ularly,” said one officer. “But I had no idea “To facilitate training and awareness, out of Gaza. brother. that you conducted such intricate mis- we recently created a brochure explaining At the same time, Yad L’Achim “Where are you,” he demanded. sions. I feel like a partner in this rescue.” Orthodox customs for individual airlines, Chairman Harav Shalom Dov Lipschitz When she said she was taking the chil- Yad L’Achim brought A. and her children and are happy to share this brochure with contacted Interior Minister Eli Yishai, dren for a walk, he screamed: “You’re to a furnished safe house, where they will other airlines,” said Rabbi A. D. Motzen, who arranged the paperwork for her lying! Get back here now! I’m going to be able to begin their rehabilitation. Yad Agudath Israel’s Ohio regional director, return and coordinated between Yad catch you and kill you.” L’Achim stressed that some details of the who oversaw that project. L’Achim and the Defense Ministry. She hung up on him, determined to operation cannot be publicized and that “At the same time,” said Rabbi Mark Abdullah’s parents left the house, plac- continue. many security factors were taken into Kalish, national director of government ing A. and the children in the care of a At the customs station, the Palestinian account before attempting the rescue. affairs for Agudath Israel of America, “we niece. A. told the niece that she wanted to clerk asked her where she was going and For more information visit www.yad have also cautioned members of our own take the children downstairs to the local she told the story of her ailing father lachim.org; e-mail [email protected]; community to understand that many citi-

58 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HEALTH SECTION zens may not be familiar with Jewish prayer rituals, and that they might consid- er explaining the practice to individuals in authority before boarding planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transit.” Agudath Israel of America is fully aware of the challenges we face as a nation regarding the need to prevent ter- rorism and exercise extreme caution, but we hope that this incident will raise awareness among airline leaders, the trav- eling public, and members of our own community about the need for greater training and a higher level of understand- ing of Orthodox practices. An educated public, truly, is a safer public. O

Project Inspire Shabbaton Brings Unprecedented Kiruv Experience To Flatbush Community By Boruch Shubert In an event that can be genuinely described as an unprecedented display of achdus between the established frum community and fellow Jews who are still searching for their heritage, Project Inspire combined forces with a dedicated group of local women to create a kiruv- inspired Shabbaton on Shabbos Parashas Sh’mos that is still reverberating among the hundreds who attended at multiple locations in the heart of Flatbush. With its combination of fervent tefillos, emo- tionally charged singing and dancing, inspirational talks, and festive seudos, the Shabbaton vividly demonstrated the importance of outreach and motivated many of its “not-yet-frum” participants to strive for greater affiliation with Torah and mitzvos. The planning for this unique event began with a large group of women who meet twice a week in Flatbush to learn about the importance of ahavas Yisrael. Motivated by a similar Shabbaton that had been organized by Project Inspire in conjunction with the Five Towns–Far Rockaway frum community, a nucleus of five women from the group—Etty Poznanski, Liba Schwebel, Shulamis Zakutinsky, Rekki Elbogen, and Miriam Gross—coordinated with the leadership of Project Inspire to present an experi- ence wherein 100 people of secular back- ground—students of Aish HaTorah Philadelphia and the Aish Center New York, along with individuals connected with frum Project Inspire activists— would share a Shabbos in Flatbush with local frum residents. This grassroots-led effort, with 45 homes taking in guests and local balabustes preparing the communal meals entirely on their own, featured numerous highlights. There was Carlebach-style Friday night davening at the Poznanski home followed by an oneg Shabbos with Rabbi Yaakov Salomon speaking on “How To Get Your Prayers Answered,” and a tish featuring Rav Twersky, both at the home of Avi and Riki Hager. Shabbos morning tefillah took place at Rav Goldwasser’s shul. A Shabbos afternoon shiur was given by Rabbi Yerachmiel Milstein on “Jewish Unity.” There was a simultaneous men’s shalosh seudos at Rav Twersky’s shul and women’s seudah at the Zakutinsky home featuring popular speaker Mrs. Rochel Chafetz. A gala melaveh malkah took place at the Poznanski home and there was a Sunday morning breakfast with guest speaker Charles Harary.

Continued on Page 60 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 59 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS tears of joy from his new “friend” and Continued from Page 59 deeply touched everyone present. “We had so much good energy going on the “I can tell you that the guests whom whole time,” Mrs. Zakutinsky states Aish HaTorah brought in were totally proudly, “that none of us wanted it to blown away by the spirit of this end. And in fact, it really has not ended, as Shabbaton,” enthuses Mrs. Poznanski. many of us are continuing to keep in “We had planned to have about 80 guests touch with our guests. We’re even hear- on Friday night, but there was such an ing about the different mitzvos and Torah amazing response from the community learning opportunities some of them are that we ended up with more than 200 getting into as a result of their experience people in our house. The dancing that here.” went on by Kabbalas Shabbos was so “This event was a kiddush Hashem of intense. It was something that you would the highest order,” asserts Rabbi experience at the Kosel.” Mrs. Poznanski Salomon. “It gave the frum people of notes with even greater incredulity that Brooklyn, who often do not get to spend well over 300 people attended the time with secular Jews, the chance to be melaveh malkah, where they all sat rivet- involved with them and engage together ed as the special guest speaker, Rebbetzin in meaningful Torah-based activities. And Esther Jungreis, spoke movingly about the non-frum visitors saw that we’re real- the importance of seeing Hashem’s guid- ly not so different from them, except that ing hand in our daily lives, as well as we live with a bedrock of Torah values.” about the responsibility every Jew must The positive ramifications of this feel for the welfare of K’lal Yisrael. The Shabbaton were apparent to others who evening also featured a spirited kumsitz took part as well. “We were quite pleas- with live music provided by Rabbis antly surprised to see how open the Salomon and Milstein. Flatbush community is to doing out- “There was such a diverse level of reli- reach,” relates Rabbi Yakov Couzens, gious observance among the guests,” Mrs. director of Aish HaTorah Philadelphia. Schwebel marvels, “but they all saw that And Mrs. Poznanski’s husband, Avrohom, we really care about them. And the truth commented at the end of the weekend, is that, as much as they learned from us, “The funny thing is that the Aish HaTorah we were the ones who benefited from Philadelphia group actually has their seeing their excitement and desire for own community, which brought our authentic Yiddishkeit.” According to Mrs. Flatbush community together.” Zakutinsky, there was a “magical atmos- According to Rabbi Chaim Sampson, phere” throughout the weekend, pointing director of Project Inspire, the Shabbaton in particular to a special moment at the epitomized the true meaning of ahavas tish when Rabbi Twersky’s loving Yisrael by enabling those who are not yet embrace of a decidedly secular-looking frum to feel like they are part of the fam- young man seated next to him elicited ily of Torah-observant Jewry. “I truly

60 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES believe that the ahavas Yisrael and achdus (AIAC) called upon Hillel: The Foundation dent and imported anti-Semites. The generated in these Shabbatons between for Jewish Campus Life to rescind an invi- American-Israelis believe that it is incon- all elements of our people are surely tation extended to Jeremy Ben Ami, exec- ceivable that Hillel—with its venerable rebuilding the Beis HaMikdash,” he utive director of J Street, to speak at the history of defending Jewish interests on For the next issue, declares. Rabbi Sampson notes that a sim- University of Pennsylvania campus on campus—will collaborate with the ene- ilar event is being planned in Flatbush in February 4. mies of Israel and the Jewish people.” deadline for reserving the near future, “to offer this experience AIAC is a non-partisan, non-political, Aaron Tirschwell, AIAC’s executive ad space is to more of the frum community and issue-oriented NGO whose purpose is to director, stated that “the American Israelis share the beauty of Shabbos with more of represent the united voice of the more believe that Hillel should recognize J Monday, February 1 our less-affiliated ‘family’.” Additionally, than 250,000 Americans living in Israel Street for what it really is. Rather, it Project Inspire is planning other such on issues that affect Israel, Israel-U.S. rela- should encourage its followers on cam- at 5:00 P.M. events in Woodmere, Cedarhurst, and tions, and the Jewish people worldwide. pus to unite with groups already on cam- Monsey, b’ezras Hashem. O AIAC Chairman Harvey Schwartz stat- pus which promote pro-Israel, pro- ed: “Although J Street describes itself as a Zionist messages. This is not a question Assemblywoman Pheffer ‘pro-Israel’ ‘pro-peace’ organization, the of non-censorship or academic freedom. All graphics for ads Announces Energy STAR American-Israeli community is well aware Rather, it is a question of rather Hillel Appliance Rebates, February 12–21 of the truth: that J Street is a far left, radi- should be giving a platform to Israel- and must be in by Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer (D- cal, anti-Israel group, funded by Arab and Jew-haters to spout their venomous falsi- Queens) is pleased to announce that New radical, far left sources, whose purpose is ties, without an opposing speaker to be Tuesday, February 2 York’s Great Appliance Swap Out Program to undermine the safety, security, and present at the same time.” will take place during President’s Week, continued vitality of the State of Israel.” AIAC is devoted to effectively recruiting at 5:00 P.M. February 12–21. “There is no room for more anti-Israel and activating the more than 250,000 expa- “In these tough economic times, ener- propaganda on campus,” he continued. triate American citizens in Israel in order to gy cost can become a heavy burden. It is “Hillel has for many years done a wonder- create a united voice that will be heard by vital that we work to provide incentives ful job in promoting Zionism and pro- the governments and people of the United Call 516-984-0079 that will allow New Yorkers to help pro- Israel attitudes on the nation’s campuses. States and Israel on issues that pertain to tect our environment and conserve our There is more than enough Israel- and the continued safety and security of Israel natural resources, while at the same time Jew-bashing on today’s campuses by resi- and the Jewish people worldwide. O reducing their energy cost,” said Pheffer. Funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the Great Appliance Swap Out Program provides New Yorkers with rebates on energy-saving (Energy STAR-rated) appli- ances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, freezers, and clothes-washers. The pro- gram is open to all New York State resi- dents. Under this program, New Yorkers may receive the following rebates for their purchase of energy-efficient appliances: • Refrigerators: $75 ($105 with docu- mented recycling) • Clothes washers: $75 ($100 with doc- umented recycling) • Freezers: $50 ($75 with documented recycling) • Dishwashers: Rebates are only avail- able for dishwashers when they are pur- chased as part of a three-appliance pack- age of CEE-rated appliances. These will qualify for a $500 rebate ($550 with docu- mented recycling). Additional rebates for recycling are provided by the New York Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). To participate, New York State resi- dents must do the following: • Purchase an appliance (a list of eligi- ble appliances can be found on www.nyapplianceswapout.com) during President’s Week. • Fill out the rebate application (avail- able on www.nyapplianceswapout.com) or call the help desk at 1-877-NYSMART for assistance. This is a first-come, first-served program. Once program funding is depleted, applications will no longer be accepted. • Return the application with any required receipts for processing. Applications must be postmarked by March 15, 2010. For further information, rebate instructions, and to find Energy-STAR Retailers near you, please visit www.GetEnergySmart.org, www.nyappli- anceswapout.com or call NYSERDA’s hot- line (1-877-NY-SMART). O

American Israelis Call Upon Hillel To Rescind Invitation To J Street To Speak On College Campus The American Israeli Action Coalition 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 61 Tensions On Northern Border

B Y SAMUEL SOKOL Hezbollah has entered into a Lebanese border, according to a ISRAEL CORRESPONDENT state of alert along the Israeli- report in Asharq Al-Awsat. A spokesman for the militia, con- sidered a terror organization by Israel and the United States, allegedly told the pan-Arabic newspaper that “Israel has accustomed us to aggression and we are used to being vigi- lant and on the lookout all the time.” Sheikh Naim Kassem, the deputy Secretary-General of Hezbollah, said regarding Israel, Hezbollah rockets “Let them know that any attack would have a heavy price, regard- less of the justifications—we know that Israel does not need to be justified if it is to trans- gress—but when you know that the price is high I think that it would consider a lot.” Kassem further stated that “the resist- ance is forever at work making preparations to face such possi- bility [of Israeli aggression].” Asharq Al-Awsat has also reported that Syria has activated troops from its fourth reserve, which includes residents of Lebanon. These actions are said to be in response to recent IDF maneu- vers in northern Israel. In light of these moves, Minister without portfolio Yossi Peled, the former commanding officer of IDF Northern Command, stated, “We are heading for another round in the north. No one knows when, but it’s clear that it will happen.” However, other Israeli leaders have downplayed the chances of a conflict erupting. Maj.-Gen. Gadi Eizenkot, the current commander of the Northern Command, which includes the border with Lebanon and Syria, called reports of tension in the region “a virtual reality” with no basis in fact. Eizenkot also reportedly threat- ened the use of disproportionate force in the event of renewed aggression from Hezbollah. The Prime Minister’s Office was also quick to dismiss Peled’s words, issuing a statement that Israel “is not looking for any confrontation with anyone. Israel is interested in peace.” Hezbollah has been rearming at a furious pace since its 2006 war against Israel, in which it launched missile barrages against civilian population centers, forc- ing residents of the north to live for extended periods in bomb shelters. The United Nations maintains a peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon. However, the UN’s UNIFIL force does not have the authority to enter Lebanese villages uninvited. In 2009, IDF chief of staff Lt. Gen Gabi Ashkenazi announced that the Iranian-backed terror 62 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES organization has acquired missiles with an revealed. Hezbollah has spread its rocket effective range of 300 kilometers (185 forces throughout northern Lebanon and miles). While such missiles make up only the Bekaa Valley. This means that a future a small fraction of the Hezbollah’s arsenal, conflict would not be confined to the they do give the Islamist militia the ability border zone, but would extend through- to strike targets in the Jerusalem area. out the country, possibly bringing the reg- At the Galilee Conference in October, ular Lebanese army into the fray. President Shimon Peres declared, Hezbollah is a major player in Lebanese “Hezbollah has turned Lebanon into a politics and controls a significant number powder keg.” Peres went on to state, “It is of seats in the Lebanese parliament. Hezbollah which is endangering Lebanon, Hezbollah and its allies maintain a veto not Israel, just as it is Hamas which is power, with control of 11 out of 30 seats in endangering the Palestinian people.” the cabinet. In December, the parliament Peres’s statement was in response to approved a measure to allow Hezbollah to footage filmed by an IAF unmanned keep their weapons, indicating an drone in which Hezbollah operatives increased accommodation of Hezbollah were seen removing weapons from the within the Lebanese power structure. southern Lebanese village of Dir Kanun A- Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon Nahar, following an explosion in a met with the United Nations special coor- weapons depot situated there. dinator in Lebanon, Michael Williams, on According to the IDF spokesman’s Sunday to discuss Hezbollah rearmament. office, “The possession of weaponry by The DFM told Williams that Hezbollah is Hezbollah in the southern Lebanon, in testing anti-aircraft missiles, while the area south of the Litani River, is a Williams expressed concerns over IAF fly- severe violation of the UN Security overs of Lebanese airspace in violation of Council Resolution 1701, which ended the UN resolutions. Second Lebanon War in 2006.” They also discussed the withdrawal of Earlier this month, a joint search oper- Israeli soldiers from the town of Ghajar, ation between the Lebanese army and which straddles the Israel-Lebanon bor- UNIFIL uncovered 300 kilograms (660 der. UN troops are expected to take over pounds) of explosives cached only one security in the northern half of the town kilometer from the border. together with Lebanese soldiers, over Between Hamas’s Kassam rockets in opposition from local residents who hold Gaza and long-range missiles from south- Israeli citizenship. The village’s mukhtar ern Lebanon, a significant percentage of (leader) stated that his community “will Israel’s population is now vulnerable to fight for the unity of the village until rocket strikes should armed conflict death,” as they do not want to become erupt. An additional worry for Israelis is part of Lebanon or Hezbollah’s proxy state the recent report in the Washington Post in the southern regions of the country. in which the new dispositions of There have been no reports of Hezbollah missile-launching sites are reservists being called up in Israel. O

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 63 64 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 65 SERVICES SERVICES PROVIDED PROVIDED

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West Lawrence/ Far Rockaway — by Lawrence — Large house on deep prop- Lawrence/ Far Rockaway Co-op — Far Rockaway: 2 Fam. All NU appt erty. 5BR, 4 bths, high ceilings, LR, DR, New to market. Jr. 4, spacious, light 3 over 3 Br. 4Fbth, Dr, Full bsmt Contemporary c/h col. high ceilings, office/ den, hardwood floors throughout, and bright, doorman/ elevator building. All features ...... $779K skylights, fpl ...... $859K prime location, close to all. Reduced! ...... $239K Call 516-263-6417 Brick Dramatic Young 5 BR Col cul-de- ...... $699K 5 Towns Home Realty 516-569-5710 sac MIC ...... $900’s. Far Rockaway — 2 houses New to mar- Cedarhurst: 1st Show ket! Brand new construction. 1st FLR, FDR, 2BR. 2BTHS Terrace. Spacious California ranch, huge finished Woodmere — Academy area. February Detached 1 family house, 3 BR, 2.5 bths, Views of Gdns, W/D basement ...... $900’s only: Don’t miss Low price! Brick beautiful kosher kitchen, private drive- Lo maint, Grt. loca’n, Walk all. . $319K Open House Sunday 11-12 p.m. Tudor. 5 BR, 3 bth, MIC, no brokers. way, full basement, porch +2 balconies, 146 B9 and 156 B9 condos new construc- Owner 516-312-6645, leave name and 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 convenient location. Priced to sell. . . . tion for sale or rent telephone number...... $479K Far Rockaway — Quiet Cul-de-sac off 1250 B12th St. 3 BR, 2 bths 2 family 3/3, 4.5 bths, beautiful kosher Reads Ln. 5 BR 3 Baths New Kitchen & For Rent Oceanside — Brand new construction. kitchens, parking, full basement. Only Beautiful CH col. Large 4 BR (1 level), Baths. Opt. apt rental. 516-650-6005 304 Atlantic Ave. Ced. mint . . . . $3000 ...... $599K 2.5 bths, granite EIK, FDR, den with fp, Hewlett/ Woodmere border — 3 BR (4th 1047 Magnolia Pl. Wdmr ...... $3600 Cedarhurst — 4 BR, 2.5 bth colonial. full bsmt, in cul-de-sac, walk all, best Milky Forst Properties Inc. 516-239-0306 Bank owned, great value. BR or den), 2 full bths, LR w/ fireplace, price ...... $675K Hewlett/Old Woodmere — Large unique DR, finished basement, lots of storage, 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 charming home. 7 BRs 4 Bths. Heart of near LIRR. $489K 917-783-4873 Hewlett. Immaculate condition. . $950K Ranchleigh, Baltimore, MD — 5 BR, 3 Call Shira at Weissman Realty Woodmere Park Showcase Home full bths, separate dinette and kosher 516-410-5505 Spacious home with designer finishes. 6 kitchen, hardwood floors, on the block Weissman Realty Group, LLC 516-791-6100 BRs (2 MBRs)/ 3 full bathrms. Stainless Your Real of main shul, driveway, great block, steel + granite kosher EIK. Perfect for Hewlett — Open House Sunday, 1/31 12-1:30 new heating and AC. Asking $415K For entertaining w/ huge LR w/ WBF and 1411 Penninsula Blvd. New to market. more information, call Faige Estate, Service, ground floor guest suite. Custom mold- Beautiful 5 BR, 3 bths, split. All updat- 443-929-1352 ings and finishes throughout. Oversized ed, in SD#14. Separate entrance can be Lawrence: OURS ONLY!! or M/D with proper permits. Owner moti- corner prop. Most exclus neighborhood BRICK, C/H COL, Stately BRICK, w/old vated, present all offers...... $550K in Wdmr $975K. By Owner— world charm, Hi ceilings, 6Br, 4.5 5 Towns Home Realty 516-569-5710 516-710-7493 Help Wanted Ad BTHS, Kosher Eik, Lg. FDR, Library, Far Rockaway: Coop, 3Br, 1Bth Fin. Bsmt., Lg Prop., WALK ALL. Here Every Lr/Dr, Walk to All ...... $179K ...... $995K COMMERCIAL REAL Call 516-322-3555 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 ESTATE FOR RENT Thursday Law: Hi Ranch. Must see, 4br, 2.5bth, North Woodmere — Open House Sun fam rm, CAC, 2 car garage, large 1/31 BA. 732 University Street. First Cedarhurst: Office rental: Executive 2 prop ...... $800sK show! Decorator’s dream. Beautiful bi- 100,000 readers Bths, Fully Web wired, 1,250 sq. ft., Ced: Nu2Mkt, 2Fam, 3br/3br, 2fpl, level, large granite kosher EIK, FDR, CAC. 5TGR 516-322-3555 look forward to deck, all new, grt loc, full bsmt large LR, den, 4 BR, waterview, all sys- ...... $795K tems, walk all shuls...... $679K what’s happening 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Rockville Centre — 3,500 sq ft, fully Hewlett — Col. MIC, 4br, 2bth, 2fpl, full wired for Web, partitioned, will divide. Lawrence — Wonderful c/h col. house in the 5 Towns deck, wood flr, Lg. den. Walk to all. Call 516-322-3555 on the nicest cul-de-sac there is. Brand ...... $729K by reading new kitchen, finished basement. Asking Far Rockaway — 2 Huge Office Spaces. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-322-3555 $875K Call 516-902-0936 6,000 and 2,500 Sq Ft. 2nd Floor. Near Subway & LIRR. Build to Suit. Can be The Five Towns Cedahurst — Motivated seller. Tudor 5 Town Homes 516-569-5712 divided. Owner 917-359-9776 oversized rooms, great street, ready to Cedarhurst: NU 2 Mkt. Lg LR, DR, Jewish Times. deal ...... $455K EIK, Den, 5BR, 3bth, Skilits, Cabana, Woodmere — Incredible C.H. col. Lg prop, IGPool, Walk to all . . . $659K Totally Redone, 6 BR, 3 bths, Designer FOR RENT Far Rockaway: 2 Family. All NU, Magazine kitchen, 1-of-a-kind, . . $1.1M Deadline is Monday 3 over 1 Bdrm, 3 full baths. Great Old Woodmere — 8-year-old Col. 6 BR, Location ...... $599K 4.5 bths, High ceilings, ...... $1.29M Cedarhurst — Beautiful totally renovat- at 5:00 p.m. Call 516-322-3555 Levine Realty Group 516-295-4700 ed 3 BR, 2.5 bths, side-hall col. finished basement, CAC, kosher EIK, wood 1 Week ...... $35 Woodmere/Cedarhurst Oppty! House for sale by owner, on a very cute block in Cedarhurst, 3 BR, 1 1/2 Bath, floors, MIC. Owner, no fee. . . . . $2600/ 12,000 sq. ft. approx. 90’x150’, Colonial, EIK, LR/DR and Finished Basement. month. 516-889-0041, 732-364-4754 17 rooms, full bsmt. with hi ceilings, 2 Weeks ....$60 Priced to sell. For more info please call clean 2 car garage plus storage, 6 space Lawrence — Coop Rental. 1BR. 1NU 516-569-1685 (leave a message if no parking, 2 family, professional use, Bth, LR, DR, EIK...... $1,300 4 Weeks ....$100 answer). accountant, Esq., medical and/or educa- 5Town Homes ** 516-569-5710 tional and religious uses. Grand colonial 5 Towns Smolinsky Properties 516-295- Cedarhurst — Nu House CH Col. LR, Weekly Ads of up to with charm and great possibilities. 4444 FDR, Kosher EIK, Den, 4BR, 3BTHS. Available at once . . . $875K Negotiable Woodmere — Open House Sun 1/24 12-2 25 words Bsmt. For Rent ...... $2,500 Owner 516-322-3555 1025 Dartmouth Ln. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 SD#14. Quiet street. MIC $520K neg Delray Beach, FL King’s Point — 55+ Woodmere — Exclus. Young brite spa- Bayswater — 3 BR apt for rent, second Call: 516-569-0502 condo. 1/1.5 choice location, second cious 4BR col...... $725K floor. EIK, LR, DR, backyard, great floor. overlooks lake, screened porch, Woodmere — Exclus 3BR ranch. Mint location. Asking $1,375 Call 917-709-2564 Fax: 516-977-0608 fully tiled, updated bths, new w/d, newly Lo tax ...... $449K painted, FSBO priced to sell . . . $35,995 Far Rockaway — Lg. Hse Rental: 4br, Lawrence — Exclus. 40 Lismore Rd. Or E-mail ads to: 561-637-7386 2bth, bsmt., hi-ceilings, NU bths, W\D. desirable 5BR 3.5bth col Call 516-322-3555 Bayswater: Great houses- from Woodsburgh — Exclus. Mint col. 6BR [email protected] $399,000- low NYC real estate taxes- 7bth Walk to all ...... $1.7M interest rates rising- “$8,000 income tax Lawrence — Exclus. Deal down. Huge Include payment info. credit” ends April 30th. Call now, don’t Carlyle condo...... $550K Classified Ads are wait until spring. It’s later than you Atlantic Beach rental exclus 3BR 2bth Continued on the Next Page. think! ranch ...... $2700/mo Joe Hersh, Noam Realty 212-431-1234 Smolinsky Properties 516-295-4444 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 67 CLASSIFIED ADS Continued from Page 67 FOR RENT MISCELLANEOUS And the sea returned

FOR RENT Lawrence — 18 Berkley Place Ocean Corp. Houston, Texas. Train for to its strength Center hall col., 4 BR, 3 bths, stunning New Career. Underwater Welder, cul-de-sac, best location . . $4K monthly Commercial Diver, NDT/Weld Inspector. (Sh’mos 14:27) Call Irene 516-652-7099 Job placement and financial aid for Cedarhurst — NU House, CH Col., LR, those who qualify, 1-800-321-0298 On the third day of FDR, Kosher EIK, Den, 5BR., 3BTHS., Flatbush — AveN/E4 Newly renovated, creation, when G-d made Full Bsmt., Lg Bkyd...... $3,200 4BR, 2Bath, LR, DR, EIK, W/D, ter- the dry land emerge from 5 TOWN HOMES BUSINESS race, in pvt house. Walk to all. 516-569-5710 OPPORTUNITY the waters and caused the Call 718-253-1142 waters to be gathered Cedarhurst — All updated charming Far Rockaway — Large One Bedroom together into one place, Col. New granite EIK, FDR, LR with Apartment for rent. Beautiful elevator Become an Acai Berry Juice distribu- fireplace, 4+ BR, CAC, in the heart of forming from them the sea, bldg. Nice tenancy. Great location at tor and earn commission immediately. Cedarhurst. Walk all. He stipulated with the sea Neilson and Cornaga, near Shor Yoshuv, Online trainer, work from home, no Call 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 investment, e-mail [email protected] transportation, and shopping. that it should split to allow Lawrence/Far Rockaway — 833 Central Asking $1,100. Call 718-692-2525 ext. 180 the Israelites to pass Ave. Jr 4 (2 BR) Spacious doorman/ ele- through it on dry land and North Wdm. — house rental. Hi-ranch vator building, walk all ...... $1,500 then overwhelm the in MIC. 4 br, CAC, den, on quiet street. 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Deadline for 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Egyptians.Thus it is written, “and the sea returned to its Valley Stream — All new beautiful large Cedarhurst — Garden apt. Nu 2 Mkt. 2 BR, EIK – FDR, upper of 2 family 2BR. 2Bth, Mint, 1st Flr, heat & prk Classified Advertising strength (l’eisano) when the house, quiet residential street, includes incld ...... $2,300 morning appeared.” The heat and parking...... $1,700 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 in next week’s issue is word “l’eisano” (“to its 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 strength”), by a Far Rockaway — Beautiful 6.5 rooms, 3 Valley Stream — First show! Lovely 4 BR, 2 baths, new kitchen, separate transposition of letters, can BR, 2 bths, in SD#14, LR, DR, den, on entrance, own thermostat. Best block in Monday, February 1 be read lisna’o (“to its large property, walk all, ...... $2,350 Far Rockaway. 718-868-1153 stipulation”). 5 Towns Home Realty 516-569-5710 Cedarhurst — All new, bright 3 BR, 1.5 5:00 P.M. (Zohar; Mechilta) Far Rockaway — 3 BR house, 2.5 bths, bths, ground floor apt in 2-family house, EIK, deck, backyard, driveway, w/d LR, FDR, EIK/ w new appliances, new hookup. Beach 6 and Jarvis (across carpet, w/d included, yard and parking. Call 516-569-0502 from TAG Elementary School) available Walk all ...... $2,150 as of 1/25/10. 516-643-9204 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710

68 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Store held a press conference with the PA Holds Diplomatic Event In Jerusalem PA dignitary, complete with a podium and Norwegian and Palestinian Authority B Y SAMUEL SOKOL banned by Israeli law from engaging in Norwegians Deny Meeting With flags. Speaking to reporters, with the ISRAEL CORRESPONDENT official activities within the municipal Senior Officials Gush Etzion city of Maaleh Adumim boundaries of Jerusalem. When asked if was aware that behind him, the foreign minister Last Monday, Norwegian foreign min- The Knesset passed the Law official meetings with Palestinian announced that Mahmoud Abbas’s goal is ister Jonas Gahr Store held official diplo- Implementing the Agreement on the Authority figures are forbidden within a peaceful and negotiated settlement of matic talks with Ahmed a-Rawidi, the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area Jerusalem, the Norwegian Embassy mis- the Middle East conflict. Palestinian Authority minister for (Restriction of Activity) in 1995, which leadingly stated that the country’s However, Abbas stands accused of Jerusalem, and Rafik Husseini, the chief states that the Palestinian Authority ambassador was not present at the inciting terrorism by Israeli Prime of staff to PA President Mahmoud Abbas, “shall not hold a meeting in the area of Augusta Victoria hospital and referred to Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. The The Palestinian Authority president meeting was the first that the Palestinian was quoted in Al-Hayat Al-Jadida on Authority has held in Israel’s capital for January 17 defending his government’s almost a decade. “Norway considers the Israeli presence in East decision to name a square in Ramallah In 2001, then Prime Minister Ariel after Dalal Mughrabi, a terrorist guilty of Sharon closed down the PA’s Jerusalem 37 counts of murder. headquarters, located in the Orient Jerusalem to be in violation of international “Norway considers the Israeli presence House, as a response to the Second in East Jerusalem to be in violation of Intifada. It is Israeli policy to prevent PA law, as does the entire international international law, as does the entire inter- events and institutions from operating in national community,” Store told the eastern half of the city. community,” Store told reporters. reporters. Recently the and the The minister has come under intense Russian Federation have requested that criticism from Israeli politicians due to Israel reopen the Orient house. his endorsement of the book Eyes In During a joint press conference with the State of Israel unless written permis- a press release from the foreign ministry Gaza, which describes Israel’s Cast Lead Store last Sunday, when asked by Israel’s sion for this has been given by the State stating that the minister visited East operation as a “monstrous, systematically Channel 10 regarding the reopening of of Israel or by someone authorized by it Jerusalem, without any mention of Rafik implemented, and comprehensive mas- the Orient House, Foreign Minister to do so.” The Palestinian Authority is Husseini—effectively denying that the sacre.” Lieberman stated, “There will be no more defined as “any person acting on its meeting took place. Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny gestures. There is simply no room to talk behalf or under its auspices or using its Further queries only resulted in Ayalon described the book as “outra- about opening Orient House, freezing the name” for the purposes of this ban. Annika Evensen, the embassy’s first secre- geous” and said that it “borders on incite- construction in Jerusalem, or any addi- According to the agreement referred to tary, saying that she had “nothing to add ment made up of fabrication and lies.” tional gestures. Now is the time for a ges- in the Israeli legislation, the Palestinian to what is in the press release.” A spokesman for the Israeli Ministry of ture from the Palestinians.” Authority’s jurisdiction does not apply According to Norwegian journalist Foreign Affairs told the Five Towns Jewish Dr. Aaron Lerner, the director of IMRA outside of the Jericho area territory and Vidar Norberg, Store was welcomed to Times that the Norwegian government (Independent Media Review and the Gaza Strip. “Israel [did not] enter into the hospital by Husseini, who compared did not coordinate the meeting with Analysis), told the 5TJT that the any written understanding with the PLO Israeli policies to those of apartheid Israeli authorities and that “senior level Palestine Liberation Organization and as a result of Oslo that abrogated that South Africa and called for an interna- officials in the MFA expressed regret and the PLO-run Palestinian Authority are law,” Lerner said. tional boycott of Israel goods. discontent to Norway.” O

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 69

cision is beneficial in two ways. The Anesthesia For A B’ris? obvious and primary advantage is indeed to minimize the levels of pain to the child undergoing the procedure. BY RABBI MOSHE CHAIM irritable afterwards. Another equally important purpose is to FRIEDMAN In recent years, the use of anesthetics reduce the stress levels and anxiety of has increased. It has become so common- the parents. Neonatal circumcision (the operation place that in a recent medical article on As a practicing mohel, I must admit used in a b’ris milah) is one of the oldest the subject, the writers described circum- that caring for the baby is the easy part. A and most frequently performed surgical cision without pain relief as “barbaric.” much more involved and difficult task is procedures in the United States. Most parents elect to circumcise their sons for religious or cultural reasons. In light of the growing evidence that newborns The mere knowledge that the baby experience pain, many practitioners, including traditional mohalim, are mak- will be “treated” to minimize his ing use of anesthetics that are available today to minimize the child’s pain during the circumcision. discomfort can help put the stressed Prior to the mid-1980s, anesthesia was Rabbi Moshe Chaim Friedman not used, because the medical commu- parents at ease. nity denied that the infant felt any pain. That belief has changed among many physicians, because recent studies have ents. I patiently listen to their concerns found that in instances where anesthe- Another physician wrote that subjecting to contend with some of the really nerv- and do my best to assure them that their sia was used, the babies were found to an adult to the same practice would be ous parents. I spend a great deal of time child will be well taken care of. cry less, maintain a more normal heart “unfathomable.” (and gladly so) in playing the role of psy- To relieve some of their anxiety, I jok- rate during the procedure, and be less The use of anesthesia during circum- chiatrist to many young first-time par- ingly tell them about the mohel who had the perfect solution for treating the baby’s pain: both the mother and the father should drink a full glass of vodka before the b’ris, and the baby would not feel any pain at all. The use of an anesthetic is a great psy- chological advantage for the parents. The mere knowledge that the baby will be “treated” to minimize his discomfort can help put the stressed parents at ease. That in itself is a valid and justifiable reason for its use. Various factors contribute to the nega- tive reaction of the baby to the b’ris, including the technique and the instru- ments used by the mohel. Parents should make sure that the mohel they choose does not use any clamping devices for the circumcision. Clamps (Mogen, Gomco) are torturous devices designed to assist the operator such as the doctor or mohel (many who are inexperienced) in performing the circumcision. In fact, they were originally invented to be used by inexperienced doctors and were designed to minimize the amount of postoperative bleeding. Unfortunately, they are used by many practitioners today. Additionally, its use has been for- bidden according to halachah. There are a few types of anesthetics typically used for circumcision. Some are topical, meaning that it is applied only onto the surface of the skin; it is not injected into the body. This is certainly the least invasive method of anesthesia, and it is the one that I use. Another method, called “local anesthe- sia” or “ring block,” is far more invasive— and completely unnecessary. It is admin- istered by injecting the anesthesia with a needle deep into the skin, close to where the incision will be made. I believe that giving the injection to the child involves much more pain and trauma than the actual b’ris itself. General anesthesia, which is putting the baby to sleep for the b’ris, is simply not done, because virtually all practition- ers would agree that it is not worth taking the greater risk of general anesthesia for such a simple procedure. In addition, there are halachic issues regarding a b’ris performed under general anesthesia. A common objection to the use of anesthetics is the concern for safety. 70 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES However, over the years many studies have been conducted, and the accepted conclusion reported in medical literature is that topical anesthetics for circumci- sion are safe. Parents can feel comfort- able with the knowledge that it is only used as a temporary means to alleviate pain and does not have any long-term negative effects on the child. In a study (“The Safety of Topical Anesthetics for Neonatal Circumcision”) conducted by a group of doctors from the University of Kansas Children’s Center and published in the Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics, the doctors con- cluded that the topical application of a 30 percent Lidocaine cream may be a safe and effective anesthetic for circumcision. In addition, there was no reported signif- icance of absorption of the Lidocaine as measured in the serum. As a mohel, my personal preference is to prep the baby before the b’ris with a topical anesthetic gel (20 percent Benzocaine) to numb the area. Because the actual b’ris takes place a few minutes later, the anesthesia has sufficient time to take its desired effect prior to the circum- cision procedure. As an additional step to assure long-lasting effects of the anesthe- sia, at the b’ris I also apply a bandage dressing to the wound that is treated with a mild 5 percent Lidocaine topical anesthetic. In my experience, this method results in a calm baby and, yes, calm parents. O

Rabbi Moshe Chaim Friedman is a certified and expert mohel based in Brooklyn, NY. He travels extensively within the tri-state area to perform b’ris milah. For more information, visit his website at www.NYmohel.com or call him at 347-992-0306.

“Why do you cry to Me? (Sh’mos 14:15) “When Pharaoh drew near…the Children of Israel cried out to G-d” (14:10). Upon which, Moshe also began to pray to G-d. Said G-d to Moshe:“Why do you cry to Me?” My chil- dren have already prayed and I have heard their prayer. (Midrash Rabbah) G-d said to Moshe:“Moshe! My children are in dire straits, the sea is closing in on them and the enemy pursues, and you stand and pray at length? Why do you cry to Me? There are times when that calls for lengthy prayers, and times when one must pray shortly…” (Mechilta; Rashi)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 71 72 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5TJT Puzzle: Around the Five Towns

BY YONI GLATT

Across 26. ___ Land (California tourist attrac- 1. Get ready tion) 5. Rascal 27. Off’s opposite followed by its 10. Israeli city East of Be’er Sheva reverse 14. Ancient European alphabet 28. “Star Wars” Darth 15. Show respect 30. Army rnk. 16. The way many in the Five Towns 32. Whale food get to work 33. Dashboard letters 17. Capable 36. Common title beginner 18. Colored linen tape 38. Cedarhurst to Lawrence direction 19. Tons 40. Green gamma ray hero 20. Jewish rock band from the Five 41. Kind of code Towns 42. Fat 23. And so on… (abbrv.) 43. ‘Twould 24. 19th letter of the alphabet in Greece 44. Pants type 25. Second half of a Five Towns shul 45. ___ HaSharon, Israel 29. Carry out, to Shakespeare 50. Drop kicked the ball 57. Blues go-with See solution in next week’s paper. 31. Sacrificial animal 51. Five Towns girls’ school 59. Grandson of Terach 66. Kinds of cables 34. Laughing k9 53. Five Towns pizzaria 61. Internet money 67. First part of a Five Town 35. Divorce in Judaism 55. Two edged knife 64. Smear 68. Tokyo, once 37. Pre CDs 56. Real, non-government agent 65. Glow 69. Past time referral 39. African antelope 40. Central Avenue staple 46. Internet link letters 47. Airport lttrs. 48. Me in Hebrew? 49. Jumps 52. ___ Moines 54. One who lazes about 58. Japanese theatre 60. Rooster mate 62. 9 Av element 63. Where to find the Five Towns 67. Wade’s team 70. Bird’s wing joint (aka spurious wing) 71. Jazz vocal improv 72. Where some people live, on the __ 73. Halos 74. First half of 25 Across 75. Building material 76. Best Picture of 2005 77. Flower part

Down 1. What one may have done at Aish Kodesh 2. Tempo ___ 3. Tie on ice skates 4. Glance 5. Post levayah time 6. Agree 7. Egyptian symbol 8. Burrowing quadruped 9. Media 10. How long we fast on Yom Kippur 11. 2012 Olympic locale 12. “A Starry Night,” e.g. 13. Five Towns boys’ school 21. Aquatic mammal 22. Conversation filler

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 73 urgency and alacrity to those suffering. Delivery From Darkness Mothers often experience daily bouts of anger, irritability, melancholia, and moodiness, and often feel terribly fright- BOOK REVIEW The taboo surrounding this most enig- ened, agitated, and distraught. An intense BY FERN SIDMAN matic of ailments often causes families a fear of death, and a feeling of going crazy great deal of shame and guilt. In the fore- and loss of control, combined with suici- As far as Jewish lifecycle events go, the word to this book, renowned psychiatrist dal ideations are also prevalent in some birth of a child is undoubtedly the ulti- and author Rabbi Avraham Twerski says, cases, as the feelings of helplessness and mate simcha that a woman and her fami- “Because the symptoms of postpartum hopelessness are all-encompassing. ly can ever experience. A new Jewish life depression are behavioral, many people In salient detail, the authors describe has entered this world through the kind- think of them as being due to a mental the origins of hormonal shifts in pregnan- ness of Hashem, and with great excite- abnormality. Given the stigma that this cy and the postpartum period, while also ment and awe we revel in this incredible carries, the symptoms are often over- emphasizing environmental causes, such miracle. For some women, however, the looked or explained away.” as social stresses. In some cases, medical days, weeks, and months following child- The authors explain that while there treatments such as the use of antidepres- birth can be a painful and daunting time, are psychosocial components that make sants have proven effective along with as they fall victim to unyielding hormon- some women genetically predisposed to therapy, but the authors don’t stop there. al upheavals that result in “the baby PPD, the major culprits are hormonal They courageously suggest holistic blues,” postpartum depression, or, in changes that occur during pregnancy, as approaches as well, including traditional of Tehillim will resonate in the hearts of some rare cases, postpartum psychosis. well as both a thyroid and adrenal link. Chinese medicine, the use of herbs, vita- women as we learn that the very same In the recently published book Delivery Family and communal support, along mins, and minerals, and establishing a feelings of joy, sorrow, frustration, humil- From Darkness: A Jewish guide to preven- with compassionate and educated regime of proper nutrition and exercise. iation, anger, sadness, and regret were also tion and treatment of postpartum depres- health-care professionals, can make all We are consistently reminded by the part and parcel of the life of the sweet sion (Feldheim Publishers 2009), the the difference in the world in helping a authors that, throughout this often ardu- singer of Israel, King David, who penned Jerusalem-based authors Rabbi Baruch woman and her family recognize that ous journey to recovery from PPD, a the words that we find there. Consulting Finkelstein and his wife, Michal PPD is not an insurmountable obstacle woman’s connection to Hashem must be rabbinic and halachic authorities on such Finkelstein, RN, CNM, along with therapist on the road to recovery. encouraged and bolstered, as the most issues as choosing the right therapist are Doreen Winter, MSW, present a most sen- Addressing the issues of turmoil and conducive trajectory to complete healing earnestly discussed, as well as sensitive sitive yet pragmatic guide on the modali- pain that husbands often experience as a lies within a healthy spiritual mindset. issues such as the use of birth control. ties of prevention and treatment of post- result of their spouse’s PPD, this book Mothers are advised, “Talk to Hashem out The reader will be left with an opti- partum depression (PPD). Integrating both allows them to tell their stories in their loud. Find time every day to talk to mistic conclusion as the authors offer the halachic and medical concepts, the own words, giving a personal face to the Hashem as if you were talking to a friend. sagacious wisdom of Rabbi Nachman of authors make it abundantly clear that PPD potential tragedy that can result if PPD is Hashem listens. Tell Hashem everything. Breslov, who viewed depression as “very and its related disorders are in no way left untreated. Tell Him how you feel about yourself, damaging” but also acknowledged depres- reflective of a mother’s general mental With 80 percent of all new mothers your family, your relationship with Him. sion as a “growth stage.” He said, “Know state, nor does it serve as an ominous indi- experiencing the baby blues, 15 to 20 per- Tell Hashem about your day, your plans, that all of the descents, breakdowns, and cation of her abilities to nurture her child. cent beset with PPD, and 1 in 1,000 getting your moods. Tell Hashem your deepest confusion are required in order to enter Rather, they offer evidence that PPD a diagnosis of postpartum psychosis, the fears and desires. This will be an enlight- the Gates of Holiness, and all the great needs to be cogently understood and authors sound a clarion call to the ening and rejuvenating experience.” tzaddikim went through them . . . All falls addressed with concrete intervention. Orthodox Jewish world to reach out with The cathartic benefits of the recitation are necessary for the ascent.” O

74 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 75 Bobov Kollel Breakfast

Earlier this month, Rav Avrohom Schorr (standing at right), Rav of Khal Tiferes Yaakov, spoke at a breakfast benefiting the Bobov Kollel in Boro Park. The event took place at the home of R’ Getzel Segal, son of the world-renowned rosh yeshiva, Reb Zev Segal, zt’l, of the Manchester Yeshiva. The Bobover Rebbe (seated, center) attended the event as well. One hundred twenty yungeleit learn at the Bobov Kollel.

76 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 77 Brokers And Shadchanim: Spotlight On Business Halacha

“Business transactions can be struc- lapse of time between the first broker’s tured according to halacha. The key is to initiative and the second broker’s know how,” states Rav Chaim Kohn, attempt? Can one replace a broker or founder and dean of the Business shadchan in the middle of negotiations if Halacha Institute. Each week since he/she is being unresponsive? November 2008, right here in the Five The Business Halacha Institute (BHI), a Towns, approximately 40 lawyers, profes- project of Machon L’Choshen Mishpat, sionals, and businessmen have been find- organizes weekly learning groups—free ing out just how. of charge—for Jewish communities A new two-Sunday series on the topic across the U.S. and Canada. The mission At the weekly Choshen Mishpat chabura in West Lawrence. of shadchanim and brokers begins this of BHI is to make the observant public Sunday, January 31. Questions that will be aware of the applicability of halacha to cious hospitality of its current host, Rabbi tary breakfast is served as well. The prepa- discussed include the following: If the everyday business matters and to better Brown and Agudas Yisroel of West ration shiur is given by Rabbi Ari Bergman broker/shadchan was not officially hired understand how the modern corporate Lawrence at 631 Lanett Avenue. from 9:45 to 10:45, and Rav Moshe and a fee was never discussed, what are world and halacha can and should suc- At 9:45 a.m. every Sunday, the group Kaufman gives the in-depth and practical the laws regarding payment? How is the cessfully coexist. This year, the Five meets at the shul to study the intricacies halacha shiur from 10:45 to 11:15. fee divided between multiple brokers or Towns/Far Rockaway community has of specific topics in Choshen Mishpat and Feedback from the attendees confirms shadchanim, especially when there was a been fortunate to benefit from the gra- their relevance to real life. A complimen- the serious appreciation for the chaburos and the positive impact it has made in their lives. The trickle effect is encourag- ing, as more and more people in the com- munity are being educated about busi- ness halacha issues and the benefits of being knowledgeable in them. For exam- ple, the recent series on wills and inheri- tance prompted many participants to add halachic riders to their secular will docu- ments, making them halachically compli- ant so that their final wishes would be adhered to and not easily challenged or overturned in either a beis din or secular court. Rav Dovid Weinberger, who—together with Rabbi Ari Bergman—was instrumen- tal in bringing the learning sessions to the Five Towns/Far Rockaway area, stress- es the fact that there is a greater sensitiv- ity on behalf of participants in business relationships, saying that there is no doubt that people are more aware of inyanim of Choshen Mishpat. This has led to greater harmony between and among businessmen and in the community at large. O

For more information, please e-mail [email protected] or visit www.businesshalacha.com.

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78 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES January 29, 2010 79 80 January 29, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES