An Eiruv in the Big City

$1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 7 NO. 31 23 IYAR 5767 h,ejc-rvc MAY 11, 2007 INSIDE HONOR, ETHICS, AND THE SCHOOL BOARD Daf Yomi Insights Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow 20 BY LARRY GORDON Jerusalem And Hebron Yossi Baumol 25 This is not about the issues The Animals Win to be decided in the upcoming Hannah Reich Berman 30 school-board election out here in the Five Towns, which MindBiz we have discussed at length in Esther Mann, LMSW 33 these pages. This is about the sociopsychological aspect of Letters To The Editor what has made this election Our Readers 44 campaign what it is—an opportunity to freely pursue another agenda under the Sol Blisko, David Sussman, and Nachum Marcus (pictured above, L–R) are three of the candidates for the guise of a tough and impor- Board of Education of the Lawrence school district. The election is to be held on Tuesday, May 15, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Opposing the three are candidates Maribel Cancillere, Andrew Levey, and Pamela Greenbaum. Continued on Page 26 AN EIRUV IN THE BIG CITY HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE Cheesecake, Soufflé, Blintzes, BY RABBI The roadway is 68 feet wide, YAIR HOFFMAN and there is a 6-foot walkway And Kugel At Mount Sinai Rabbi Henoch Leibowitz, DIRECTOR, TIFERET CHAYA for pedestrians. shlita, coming to the PROGRAM FOR GIRLS There is also one other fact BY LARRY GORDON ous enslavement in Egypt, Five Towns. See Page 50 that we should know: the prepared themselves very The Atlantic Beach Bridge Atlantic Beach Bridge has no It’s almost Shavuos. That expeditiously—in just forty- is 1,173 feet long. It opened eiruv. To repeat that thought means it will soon be time to nine days (including week- on May 10, 1952, having been again, there is no eiruv. None. make those cheese dishes. ends)—to receive the Torah constructed at a cost of $9.5 Nada. Efes. Nytsto. The beach Everyone knows what hap- from Hashem at Sinai. million. The bridge has a ver- and boardwalk on Atlantic pened on Shavuos—the Jews What a time that must have tical clearance of 33 feet for Beach do not have an eiruv, were commanded to eat been to be alive. My good- smaller boats to pass under. If either. These are rather cru- cheese. Right? Not exactly. As ness—the sense of triumph a larger boat wishes to pass, cial bits of information, you know, of course, Shavuos and accomplishment must the two leaves of the span are because there are a huge is that beautiful Yom Tov that have been overwhelming. opened up, allowing for a hor- marks the day on which the izontal clearance of 133 feet. Continued on Page 17 Jewish people, after a tortur- Continued on Page 14

The first yahrtzeit of Zev Friedman, obm. At The Israel Day Parade See Page 62 Flames ‘ME’DAYS AT Of Joy THE OFFICE The Ultimate Commuter, BY MICHELE Part 9 HERENSTEIN BY DANNY BLOCK Now that I took a week and I am usually pleased when a half off for Pesach, and I’m someone at the airport, either planning to take a week and a in New York or Tel Aviv, recog- half off for Sukkot, I don’t nizes me as I fly weekly have any vacation days left to Sheloshim commemoration for between the two. The recogni- actually…well…vacation. I’m Naomi Levenbrown, a’h. tion shows itself by a pleasant not complaining that I have See Page 47 word or a smile and makes my Jewish holidays to celebrate, Over 700 students from the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and entire experience at the airport which by definition means CANDLE LIGHTING Rockaway lower, middle, and upper schools marched down more enjoyable. Sometimes, missing work, but it is tough May 11 – 7:42 PM Fifth Avenue in the Salute to Israel Parade with much spirit and however, it is not so great to be to not be able to use my vaca- May 18 – 7:49 PM enthusiasm. The parade took place Sunday, May 6, with over 100,000 spectators and participants. Continued on Page 10 Continued on Page 6 2 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 3 4 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 5 ‘Me’ Days relationship before moving on. I believe wouldn’t it be great if you could have this is psychologically appropriate. When some “me” days set aside? They would- Continued from Front Cover I suggested this idea to the general office n’t be vacation days, they wouldn’t be tion days toward going away on trips population, it was embraced wholeheart- sick days, and they wouldn’t be P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 unrelated to the Jewish holidays. edly. Most of us have been dumped at American holidays. They would be days 516-984-0079 The Europeans definitely have it least once in our lifetimes and had to where you could say, “This day is about [email protected] [email protected] better than we do. My colleague told struggle to keep the tears in check the me and I’m going to take care of me that her counterparts in Europe next day at the office (OK; maybe the myself.” And hopefully (for your sake LARRY GORDON ESTA J. GORDON Publisher/Editor Managing Editor have up to eight weeks of vacation. guys acted like they couldn’t care less, and the company’s sake) your productiv- YOSSI GORDON Most people that I know (Americans, but we girls knew better). ity at work would improve accordingly. Director of Sales of course) have only two to four weeks, Another colleague thought of a America is so gung-ho about her CHANA ROCHEL ROSS and we all know how quickly that goes moving day: a day off when you need national holidays. But I’m guessing Editorial Assistant by (especially when most are used to move your furniture and clothing many people have forgotten what the SIDI BARON toward the Jewish holidays). When my from your old home/apartment to a holidays are really about, anyhow. How YAKOV SERLE colleague was asked for ideas of how to new one. Many apartment buildings many of us really understand the signif- JERRY MARKOVITZ enhance the company culture, she only let move-ins (and -outs) occur on icance of Memorial Day? Maybe we Sales Representatives asked some of us around the office to a weekday, so it would be most helpful understand it, but I can say with some SHMUEL GERBER MICHELE JUSTIC chime in with our thoughts. I thought to use this day accordingly, and not certainty that most people I know cele- Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor of several must-have days off that have to dip into the vacation days. And brate the day like a vacation, and not CONTRIBUTING EDITORS employees should be entitled to, in a most important day off would be a like a memorial day. Maybe on July Howard M. Adelsberg, Irwin H. Benjamin Hannah Reich Berman, Anessa V. Cohen addition to our paltry vacation days. snow day. It’s hard to leave all of our Fourth we go to see fireworks, but is it Jamie Geller, Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg It’s nice that we have a day or two off childhood behind, even as adults, so really because we’re celebrating becom- Shani Goldner, Yochanan Gordon to give thanks on Thanksgiving, and with this special day off you could ing an independent country? Maybe, Michele Herenstein, Rabbi Yair Hoffman that we have off for Presidents Day reenact your childhood by waking up but I think not. It’s just plain fun to Karen Kahn, Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky Shmuel Katz, Esther Mann, Rochelle Miller (when I’m sure very few of us actually early one winter’s day, looking out the have a picnic and sit outdoors in the Rabbi Yoni Posnick, Gary Rabenko, Naomi Ross think about the presidents’ birthdays), window (or in my case turning on the summer watching the beauty of the Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow and that we have off Labor Day to news, because I overlook a courtyard fireworks popping in the sky. YOSEF BROWN, MICHAL WEINSTEIN spend one last day at the beach, or and can never tell how much snow Recently, Pesach came out at rough- Staff Graphic Artists whatever it is most of us do to cele- we’ve gotten in the city), and realizing ly the same time as some of the IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS brate/mourn the end of the summer. that it will be very difficult and treach- Christian holidays. The company didn’t Staff Photographers But honestly, most of the American hol- erous to travel to work. Therefore, give off for any of these holidays. One FRANKEL & CO., CREATIVE DESIGN LLC idays are meaningless to many of us, after logging on to the Internet and of my coworkers was adamant that we Design & Production except as a day off when we can sleep sending out an e-mail to your boss and should all have had a day off for TALIYE CORLEY in, go to the movies, and have a barbe- coworkers, you snuggle up under the whichever holiday we followed. I have Art Director cue with our families and friends. covers and go back to sleep. to agree with that. Most of us kept SUZETTE LEE So what about days off that mean You may be laughing and thinking, either Passover or Easter, so why make Assistant Art Director something? Like, how about a breakup OK, this is cute, but not realistic. us take it as vacation when that would The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly news- day: if someone breaks up with you (or However, wouldn’t it be nice if some- cut into our few vacation days? paper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not you break up with them but still feel times life were a bit less serious, a bit Depending on the job, many workers responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or sad)—or “dumps” you—there’s a definite less realistic? We all have responsibili- establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times. need to spend the next day mourning the ties, and life can be tough at times; so Continued on Page 8

6 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 7 ‘Me’ Days Continued from Page 6

spend a major part of their life at the office. For some, home is a place only for sleeping. I believe it should be a place for living, too. I can’t change that, however (not yet, anyway). But making the office a more com- fortable and pleasant place to spend the time you are there should be an important focus. Whether it’s more days off to improve the quality of the days you are in, free lunch once a week (even if it’s just a pizza pie), or more money toward the company holiday get-together, uplifting workers’ spirits will probably enhance the quality and quantity of their work. And I should think that would be the goal of a company—any company: keep the workers as content as possible so the out- put will be as good as it can be. Maybe it will take time to change. Most things do. But let’s keep our minds open to new ideas and ways of going to work and having it be a positive experience. Any interesting “day off” ideas? I would love to hear them. Any ideas of how to make being at work less stressful and more productive? Love to hear those, too. So next time you’re feeling blue because your pet died, or your boyfriend wants space, or your lease is being increased by 40 percent (not unusual in Manhattan right now) and you must go search for a new apartment ASAP, maybe you’ll be able to call your company and say, “I’m taking a ‘me’ day.” And it will be okay. Because after a day of taking care of yourself and your needs, you’ll arrive back to work the next day fresher than ever, and more geared up to work. And that will most assuredly be appreciated by your bosses. So good luck to all in advancing change at the office. It’s often slow to happen, but like with everything else, you’ll welcome it all the more when it does. ❖

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

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8 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 9 Ultimate Commuter without an appointment and speak to Continued from Front Cover the menahelet (supervisor). The Misrad HaPnim in Yerushalayim recognized. A few months ago, one of is not a particularly impressive struc- the officers at passport control in Israel ture. From the outside there is no large noticed by looking at my passport that I sign indicating its presence, and it does seemed to enter and leave the country not look different or more official than with greater frequency than most other any of the other buildings on its block. people who cross his path. He ques- There is a small plaque on the wall that tioned me as to my status. indicates its importance and two Israeli The discussion usually takes about plainclothes policemen in front. The five minutes and is a minor nuisance. plainclothes police blend into the After that first encounter, I called to crowd until one attempts to approach make an appointment and, after multi- the building. Inside, it looks like an old ple attempts, was given an appoint- New York City public-school building. I ment for three months later. That found the right office. The building appointment was cancelled when, on opens at 8:00 a.m. I was there at 8:05 the day of the appointment, there was and there were approximately ten peo- a shevitah (strike). I then called again ple there waiting before me. The mena- and was given another appointment. helet did not open her office door until This time the appointment was for 8:55. At that time she asked each per- only two months later. As time passed son what his or her problem was, and before my would-be appointment, disposed of seven of them immediately. every time I flew I had a discussion The man in front of me was a priest in with the people at passport control. long robes. He showed the menahelet One officer told me on my way in to his expired German passport and visa. Israel that she would not allow me to She asked when he would be leaving come back into the country the next Israel. He did not respond. When she time I returned. I explained that I had asked what he does in Israel he was an appointment that was cancelled confused; after a pause, he finally said, due to the shevitah, and that I had “I pray.” The menahelet’s response was, another appointment coming up. She “You know, you can pray at home.” told me she understood, but that I Luckily for him, he did not seem to would not be let back into the country understand either Hebrew or English. unless I took care of this problem She sent him away to return with a before I left Israel. translator. I left the airport thinking, “So now I did not have to wait very long for what?” I called Misrad HaPnim on my my turn to enter the menahelet’s office cell phone as I was leaving the airport. and tell my story. She listened atten- They told me that I would have to come in to the office in Yerushalayim Continued on Page 12

10 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 11 Ultimate Commuter Starting two weeks ago, every child on Continued from Page 10 our yishuv—and, for that matter, everywhere in Israel—was collecting tively for about a minute and then wood and hiding it, so as to not to lose repeated the facts back to me. Her first it to another collector. Dead trees, response was to say that my situation construction scraps, old furniture, and was rather strange and to ask me why I almost any piece of wood that wasn’t didn’t just make aliyah. I told her that nailed to something too large to move my family was here on a trial basis and was eagerly snatched up. On Saturday we did not know how long we would night, all that wood was burnt at remain in Israel. I said that we did not midurot (bonfires). wish to go through the process and For our yishuv, the miracle of Lag take the money (it’s not very much) B’Omer was that the entire place did that Israel gives to new olim if we did not go up in flames. There must have not know how long we would be stay- been twenty or more bonfires on our ing. I told her that if we made aliyah yishuv alone. Some were at people’s and then went home, I would feel that homes. Each grade in the yeshiva had I collected money on false pretenses one, and each Bnei Akiva group had its Danny Block at a Lag B’Omer bonfire on the yishuv in Chashmonaim. and would then have to go about figur- own. The children had incredible fun ing out how to return it. This was my and there was some supervision for the honest response to a question I have younger kids. The level of supervision gested that, before the evening, every- what follows is my subjective opinion. answered many times since arriving in was not what one would expect in the one make sure all of their windows and The quality of life that my children are Israel. The menahelet loved that U.S., but the next morning everyone doors were securely closed. I now experiencing in Israel is much better answer and said that I was correct was safe. I, of course, ran from the understand why. After a while on than that which they were experienc- mei’ah achuz! (100 percent). She said medurah (fire) my daughter Miriam Saturday night you could see ash ing in New York. They have greater that the officers at the airport were (age 10) was at, where she was baking falling from the sky. It was a beautiful, independence, more freedom, and incorrect in their assessment of my pita bread and potatoes over an open clear night, with the sky full of stars. more responsibility. The results of this entering and exiting the country as flame, to the medurah of my son By 11:00 p.m., you could not see a sin- are that they have become more confi- often as I do, that there was no prob- Jordan (age 12), where he was cooking gle star. It smelled as though all of dent and self-sufficient. lem involved, and she would correct hot dogs and kebobs for just about Israel was having a barbecue. The next They watch television less and play things in the computer so that I would everyone. The children did not have morning the entire yishuv smelled outside more. When I cannot see not be bothered again. I made a friend. school the next day, so I just kept from burnt wood. It was like the smell them, I am not worried about where This week, I flew out on Sunday extending their curfews. I couldn’t see the morning after a fireplace fire if the they are. They spend less time playing night (no upgrade). I had my pulling them away. We also attended flue was not completely opened. All video games and more time playing “American Jew/Israeli Jew culture several other family medurot. Everyone the above notwithstanding, a wonder- with friends. They also spend less time shock” on Saturday night, Lag B’Omer. had an incredible time. There was also ful time was had by everyone. on schoolwork. They have less school- In the U.S., Lag B’Omer is a happy “that feeling,” which I have described Last week I began to share our deci- work now, but if we stay, their school- day. It ends the mourning involved in these articles before, of the entire sion-making process to determine our work will increase because they are with the counting of the omer, and country celebrating. future plans and living arrangements. I currently exempt from certain classes children either have a day off from The day before Lag B’Omer, the posed many questions and offered no yeshiva or a sports day in yeshiva. media and other venues strongly sug- answers. I will at this point repeat that Continued on Page 18

12 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 13 HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE it, the fact that we are so obsessed and seems that in those olden days G-d gave Korach, and you know how that story Continued from Front Cover determined to consume the finest in to the Jews a lot. They would com- ended. cheese blintzes and kugels on Shavuos plain about water, and instantly get In any event, Moshe was the author- What a privilege it must have been to is great proof that Torah is Divine (if you water; they wanted meat, G-d sent them ity, and there was no need for anyone be chosen as the generation that need proof). After all, how do we know quail to satisfy their culinary desires; else, as Moshe was in direct communi- receives the Torah from G-d at Har that this event—the giving of the Torah and so on. cation with Hashem. So there they Sinai. The only possible thing close to to Am Yisrael at Sinai—actually took So, we received the Torah, and one of were: It was summer in the desert, and that is to live in the generation that sees place when we say it did? I mean, look, the things relevant to our eating habits they were on a spiritual high, having just the arrival of Mashiach, for which we it was a pretty long time ago. The cheese governed by Torah is the fashion in received the Torah. They couldn’t ritual- are very much in the running. There is the clincher. Our sages tell us that ly slaughter their animals, because they are, of course, those who maintain that “minhag Yisrael Torah hi”—a custom or were not yet familiar with the intricacies living through the times of Mashiach a tradition of the Jewish people is con- of the law. So they played it safe and ate can be wrought with great travail. But in sidered as if it were actually Torah. So In the desert, if you only dairy products. I know; you’re won- the aftermath of the Holocaust and the don’t take this cheese thing too lightly. dering whether everything was chalav generally painful past of the Jewish peo- (Though you can use light cheese to ful- decided you were in the Yisrael, and I would speculate that, yes, ple, it just might be that on that count fill the requirements of the custom.) it was all chalav Yisrael. I mean, there we are in a fairly good position. To grasp the concept of the minhag to mood for steak, you had was no Nestlé or Hershey yet, and Oreo So the Jewish people were encamped consume cheese products on Shavuos, to go out and chase a cookies would not get an O-U certifica- at Har Sinai ready to receive the Torah. one must place oneself in the shoes of tion for a few thousand years. And if This took place over 3,300 years ago. the Jews who just exited Egypt (provid- cow around. every Jew milked his or her own cow, We know as a result of our mesorah that ing you can imagine that they had then it was all chalav Yisrael. Oh, what the Torah came from Sinai. But where shoes. And that they only had one pair brilliant simplicity! did the first cheesecake come from (not of shoes each): The Jews are gathered at So the Jews played it safe, and decid- to mention all that lasagna)? A casual Har Sinai; they are there for the cere- which meat must be slaughtered and ed on this first Yom Tov of Shavuos to and unthinking observer can easily con- mony that will surround their receiving prepared. Considering that the Torah consume dairy products. They ate clude that eating cheese dishes is the of the Torah. Mind you that one of the was just given a few hours or a few days cheese and milk and things of that focal point of the holiday. In the food early complaints of the Jewish people prior, and that Moshe did not yet have nature. But did they have cheesecake stores on Central Avenue they are gear- after being miraculously liberated from the opportunity to teach all the laws to there? And what about cheese blintzes? ing up for the run on cheese dishes at a their oppressors in Egypt was that they everyone in a comprehensive fashion, For the purpose of this essay, it is impor- pace matched only by the demand for did not like the menu they had to the Jews had a problem: How do they tant to assume that they did indeed have shemurah matzah before Pesach. endure during the journey. slaughter (or shecht) meat to comply cheesecake and blintzes on that first The question remains: Is “Thou shall Remember that they would frequent- with the requirements of halachah as Shavuos. It is additionally important to eat cheese” one of the commandments? ly ask Moshe Rabbeinu why he took dictated by the newly introduced Jewish note and observe the way in which a Well, it’s not among the first Ten, and them out of Egypt, and they would con- law? Jewish custom gets started, and the I’m fairly certain that it is not included sistently pose this inquiry in a rather Mind you that there was not yet any beautiful way in which it is able to among any other of the 613, either. The facetious and sarcastic context. “What’s organized rabbinate, there was no time endure thousands of years of exile, pain, Torah mostly lets you eat whatever you the matter,” they would say, “weren’t yet to enter into contract negotiations and uncertainty and for the minhag to want, as long as it’s kosher and so on. So there enough graves in Egypt?” In other with rabbis, and there was no recog- emerge intact. where and how did this whole cheese words, “Did you take us out of nized va’ad. Later, when there was a And how does that wonderful and, thing get started? Mitzrayim just to have us buried out functioning va’ad, an opposition to that Actually now that I’m thinking about here in the desert?” I don’t know, but it va’ad developed under the leadership of Continued on Page 16

14 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES CALENDAR LUACH May 11-May 19 ZIP Code: 11516

23 Iyar – Erev Shabbos Friday, May 11 Daf yomi: Yevamos 8 Omer: 38 Z’manim*: Earliest tefillin: 4:41 am Sunrise: 5:43 am latest Shema: M. Av. 8:40 am Gr’a 9:16 am Candle Lighting: 7:42 pm 24 Iyar – Shabbos Saturday, May 12 Shabbos Parashas Behar-Bechukkosai Blessing of Chodesh Sivan Pirkei Avos: Ch. 5 Shabbos ends**: 8:49 pm 72 min. 9:14 pm 28 Iyar – Yom Yerushalayim Wednesday, May 16 1 Sivan – Erev Shabbos Friday, May 18 Rosh Chodesh Sivan Daf yomi: Yevamos 15 Omer: 45 Earliest tefillin: 4:33 am Sunrise: 5:36 am latest Shema: M. Av. 8:37 am Gr’a 9:13 am Candle Lighting: 7:49 pm 2 Sivan – Shabbos Saturday, May 19 Shabbos Parashas Bamidbar Yom HaMeyuchos Pirkei Avos: Ch. 6 Shabbos ends**: 8:56 pm 72 min. 9:21 pm * from MyZmanim.com ** add a few minutes for tosefos Shabbos according to your minhag Municipal Calendar For 5 Towns and NYC Sunday, May 13 Mother’s Day Monday, May 14 New U.S. Postal Service rates go into effect Tuesday, May 15 School District 15 elections and budget vote Thursday, May 17 NYC alternate-side parking regulations suspended

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 15 HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE a remote chance that some people Midrash states that the Jews slept so est level possible. But this was not G-d’s Continued from Page 14 would not accord Matan Torah the soundly and so peacefully on the morn- purpose of creation. Hashem created us attention it should be accorded. Not ing of that first Shavuos that not even a and gave us Torah and mitzvos so that okay, cheesy tradition manifest itself in that Torah needs cheesecake to make it fly was allowed to disturb them. So the we can perform them here with our these modern times? Well here in our more palatable. Torah, for those who question is, if Hashem was not happy bodies in a physical world, thereby area, a careful survey of the tradition understand, is the key to life’s ultimate with the fact that the Jews had slept late, transforming mundane physicality into has resulted in finding that thousands of desire—and that is eternity. I think why did he not allow the flies to disturb great and high holiness. Our function as cheese blintzes are sold here in every thinking organism inherently them? Those menacing desert flies could flesh-and-blood humans is to take the Cedarhurst for Shavuos. That’s a stag- desires to be eternal; eternal without the have been used to wake up those lazy physical things that this world has to gering amount of cheese and dough. burdens, obstacles, and troubles that sleeping Jews. But no, Hashem allowed offer and turn them against their (Did I mention the dough?) accompany a physical existence. But we them to sleep undisturbed. nature, making them holy and fulfilling So the Jews, being the resourceful are finite, being in this beautiful and Chassidic thought explains that the Hashem’s intent of creating a lower people they are, figured that with all the intriguing materialistic and physical Jews’ oversleeping on Shavuos morning worldly environment suitable for not yet fully understood detailed laws of world. For some, that’s very frustrating was not because their alarm clocks did- Hashem to dwell in and amongst us, shechitah, they were better off with sim- and even disturbing. n’t ring or the roosters didn’t cock-a- which was the intent at Creation. ple dairy meals. Except that if you ask But not for the Jew—a Jew with doodle-do. The Jews slept because they Which oddly enough brings us back the women and men who prepare Yom Torah. Torah is the key to eternity. When understood that they were souls in phys- to cheesecake. And the question as to Tov meals, they will tell you that it is the Jews received the Torah at Har Sinai, ical bodies and that the soul in this whether your neshamah is capable of more difficult to prepare milchig meals we accepted an invitation to forever— world is restricted by being enclosed in appreciating a really good piece of than the more straightforward meat just like G-d Himself. Of course it’s not a finite body. To receive Torah, they cheesecake from Mom’s Pastries or one meals. Of course, that’s nowadays, that simple, because before we get there wanted to have their souls—which of those Schwartz’s blintzes. There are when you can go into Supersol and the we have to experience and endure a life ascend to Heaven during sleep— some cheesecakes out there that are cow is already slaughtered and cut up of physical and emotional travail and receive the Torah unencumbered. indeed heavenly, or at least they taste into little pieces and shrink-wrapped sometimes torment (make that often tor- We have learned many times that like it. So maybe, just maybe, it’s those and vacuum-packed with a little price ment). But get yourself lost in the study some of our greatest tzadikim through- carefully prepared sweet cheese dishes tag glued to it. Unwrap the package, pop of Torah, and you can taste the G-dliness out the ages have had high aspects of which are the bridge between the good the flanken into the oven, and you have that is eternal. Torah revealed to them while they were taste of the physical and the sweetness a meal (I think). Any gourmet baalabus- Which brings us to the next unusual asleep. Our forefather Yaakov saw the of the spiritual. ta will tell you that dairy meals are far thing about observing Shavuos. And that entire future of the Jewish people, from Whether you eat cheese on Shavuos more difficult. is the custom to stay up all night on that beginning until the coming of because you are reminded of how the But don’t forget, in the desert if you first night of Yom Tov studying Torah. As Mashiach—but only when he was ancient Jewish people denied them- decided you were in the mood for steak you know, the origin of this minhag is to asleep. And this is what the Jews desired selves flanken and steak due to their you had to go out and chase a cow provide a tikun, a rectification, for the in unity as they slept so soundly on the uncertainty regarding proper shechitah, around. Same if you wanted lamb fact that the Jews at Sinai overslept on morning of Matan Torah. or you consume dairy on Yom Tov to chops. If you wanted sweet breads— the morning of Matan Torah. Can you So if that’s the case and if this is such honor the land of milk and honey, your good luck. Dairy, in those days, was imagine that? The Jews are about to get a beautiful thing, why do we in this day cheesecake, your blintz, your soufflé, or much easier. I guess that’s just one of the Torah from the King of all Kings and age have to rectify this alleged faux your kugel is connecting you to the those things that fits into the category of Himself, and they can’t wake up, like a pas by desisting from sleep on Shavuos depth and thoughtfulness of your ances- “nothing is the way it used to be.” teenager struggling to make it to yeshiva night? And the answer is that Hashem tors—the Jews at Sinai. ❖ I think the point is that without for Sunday-morning minyan. admired the beauty of the Jewish intent Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at cheese blintzes and cheesecake, there is Interestingly enough, however, the to receive Torah from Him at the high- [email protected].

16 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES The Eiruv ferent category than either Brooklyn or Continued from Front Cover Manhattan. Queens is considered a carmelis, and thus carrying is only number of otherwise Torah-observant restricted by rabbinic decree. The Five people who inadvertently carry things Towns is also considered a carmelis. on Shabbos across this bridge and on What we can do in Queens and the the beachfront that it leads to. Five Towns, therefore, is to enclose the There are actually two prohibitions carmelis-type areas of Queens and the involved in carrying on Shabbos, both Five Towns with a series of doorways. of which are violated when one carries Thus every area’s eiruv is actually a across the bridge. The prohibitions are series of minimally construed door- defined in terms of the four categories ways known as a tzuras ha’pesach. They of domains in hilchos Shabbos: appear as two poles and a fishing wire • Reshus ha’rabbim—a public across it. (The Far Rockaway eiruv domain fishing line is generously supplied by • Reshus ha’yachid—a private the Jaroslawicz family.) domain It should be noted that an eiruv can- • Carmelis—no man’s land (this is not be constructed in a public domain. actually the category that most places Thus, in creating the eiruvin in Far fall into) Rockaway and the Five Towns, we are • Makom p’tur—a place of exemption relying on the opinion that large streets One prohibition is carrying an item in alone do not automatically make a place a non-private-property domain for more a reshus ha’rabbim. This is actually a than four amos. (According to Rav debatable point, since the Rambam and Moshe Feinstein, zt’l, four amos is a good percentage of other Rishonim say equivalent to seven feet.) The Torah for- that large streets automatically make a bids us from carrying an item for four reshus ha’rabbim, regardless of the num- amos in any area defined as a public ber of people there. Other Rishonim, domain (reshus ha’rabbim) on Shabbos. and these are the ones that we rely This prohibition was extended by the upon, hold that there are two require- Sages to include any unenclosed area, ments to make a reshus ha’rabbim: even a carmelis or a reshus ha’yachid. • The streets must be large—16 The second prohibition of carrying amos wide (28 feet, four inches, accord- involves transferring an item from one ing to Rav Moshe Feinstein), and type of domain to another, except that • There must be 600,000 people there is no prohibition with regard to a passing there. makom p’tur. Since there are not 600,000 people passing in our streets, we may con- Our Local Eiruvs struct an eiruv here in Far Rockaway According to Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, zt’l, the borough of Queens is in a dif- Continued on Page 18

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 17 The Eiruv bies in Borough Park who peer out contained this number of people. 600,000 pass through in one day. Continued from Page 17 through their windows tearfully watch- What would be a Litvak poseik’s One might pose the question that ing what in their perception is outright response to this statement? True, Queens also may have 600,000 people and the Five Towns. chillul Shabbos.) Jerusalem was full of miracles, but outside in its streets at any given time. Rav Moshe Feinstein understands Rav Yisroel Belsky, shlita, in a shiur when these miracles happened, the This question was actually posed to this second requirement as not passing on eiruvim, explained that Rav Rav Moshe Feinstein at a meeting of through the street itself, but rather it Feinstein’s position fits quite well the Queens rabbis many decades ago means if there are 600,000 people out- with the Gemara that states that were by Rav Shlomo Teitelbaum, shlita, the side in the streets of the city at any it not for the walls of Jerusalem, In Queens we say, rav of the Adas Yereim synagogue in given time. Jerusalem would have been consid- Kew Gardens. Rav Moshe responded ered a reshus ha’rabbim. How could “I live in Far Rockaway” that Queens is not conceptualized Those Other Eiruvs this be? There was not a street in from a halachic perspective as one city, Brooklyn and Manhattan certainly do Jerusalem where 600,000 people or “I live in Forest Hills.” whereas Brooklyn and Manhattan are. have 600,000 people in the streets at any passed through in one day. (The The distinction between these two given time, and therefore Rav Moshe archaeological record certainly con- In Brooklyn, varying conceptualizations can be seen Feinstein ruled that an eiruv in either of firms this.) The conclusion must be both by the postal code system as well those boroughs would be invalid. that when the criterion of 600,000 people tend to say, as in the manner in which people refer Many Chassidic rabbis disagreed people passing is employed, it refers to where they are from. with Rav Feinstein, and felt that when to the idea that they are in the city “I’m from Brooklyn.” The Postal Service generally asks that the Shulchan Aruch writes that there outside their homes at the same time; mail to Brooklyn be addressed to are 600,000 people passing on the it does not refer to the street itself. “Brooklyn, NY,” whether the mail is street, it means on a particular street How would the rabbinic promulga- going to Flatbush, Canarsie, or Borough itself, and not the streets of the city as in tors of the Brooklyn eiruv respond to Gemara explicitly described it. This Park. In Queens, particular “cities” are the expression “I grew up on the street.” this proof? One response told to me was halachah is a general eiruv halachah, identified: Far Rockaway, Kew Gardens, The issue, of course, is enormously that one cannot cite a proof from and it would be rather strange to state Forest Hills, Flushing, etc. controversial and has generally broken Jerusalem. Jerusalem was filled with nis- a halachah that has no practical conse- Also, in Queens we say, “I live in Far up along Chassidic/Litvak lines. sim and nifla’os, miracles and extraordi- quence since there is virtually no street Rockaway” or “I live in Forest Hills.” (There are many non-Chassidic bub- nary events. The city streets swelled and or promenade in the world where (The old Pabst beer commercials also specifically identified “Forest Hills” as opposed to “Queens,” although I doubt that Rav Moshe quoted this particular example to Rav Teitelbaum in that meeting). In Brooklyn, people tend to say, “I’m from Brooklyn.” Even though these issues are mired in controversy, all agree on one essential point. It pays to immerse ourselves in the study of the halachos of eiruvim as well as to be involved in understanding the parameters and issues relating to our own eiruvim. Otherwise, fuhgeddaboudit! ❖ The author can be reached at [email protected].

Ultimate Commuter Continued from Page 12

so they can attend ulpan (a crash course in Hebrew). Even so, they will not have the amount of homework here that they did in the U.S. In Israel, school is not the center of their lives. In certain areas, their current schools are lacking as compared to their schools in New York, but in some ways they are superior. They are generally happy in Israel. They were also happy in the U.S., but they are much more relaxed here. Their interpersonal relationships are different in Israel. My youngest son, Eli, put it well. He said that in Israel you don’t need to have a “play date”; you just knock on the door and see if your friend is home. He is correct, and I will add that if his friend is not at home, a parent will generally tell him where the friend is and Eli will go there and they will play together with whoever is present. Eli told me that he feels bad for me because I have to fly a lot. I was concerned with his statement and asked him why. He responded that people throw up on planes a lot. On that note I will sign off, as usual, by saying: This week I fly home on Wednesday, and I hope I get the upgrade!” ❖

Danny Block, a dentist from Cedarhurst, moved to Israel last year and commutes weekly from his family’s home there to his office in Forest Hills. He can be reached at [email protected]. 18 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 19 Daf Yomi Insights

BY RABBI Sadly, we no longer have techeiles, AVROHOM SEBROW thus we are unable to completely fulfill the mitzvah of tzitzis. Consequently, I hope you all enjoyed your Lag the Shulchan Aruch rules that we may B’Omer celebrations this past Sunday. no longer violate the prohibition of My preschooler’s morah wanted to see sha‘atnez to fulfill the mitzvah of tzitzis. if any of her talmidos knew about Lag If one has a four-cornered garment

Aharon Drebin inspecting material for sha‘atnez testing.

B’Omer. So on Friday she asked them made out of linen, he should attach if they knew what was so special about linen tzitzis strings to it. (Our tzitzis the upcoming Sunday. They all strings are generally wool.) answered in unison, “It’s Estie’s birth- Rabbi Akiva Eiger raised an interest- day party!” Happy Birthday, Estie! There is a custom on Lag B’Omer to make bonfires. The Chikrei Lev (Y.D. 11) writes he heard that in Tzfas there If even one linen is a custom to throw expensive clothing into the Lag B’Omer bonfire. He further writes that it appears to him thread is sewed that this custom violates the prohibition against purposeless destruction. together with a In an attempt to segue from Lag B’Omer to our daf, I would like to wool garment, it is point out that if the expensive clothing that was being burned contained sha‘atnez. sha‘atnez, their burning would serve a beneficial purpose of preventing people from wearing it. The Gemara (Yevamos 4a) mentions ing question. Back in the days of the Biblical prohibition against wearing techeiles, if one had a four-cornered a garment that contains a mixture of wool-and-linen garment, would he be wool and linen. The Torah clearly able to put tzitzis on it and wear it? The states, “Do not wear sha‘atnez” Gemara only discussed putting wool (Devarim 22:11). The very next verse strings on a linen garment or linen discusses the mitzvah of tzitzis. The strings on a wool garment, but the Gemara derives from the juxtaposition Gemara did not discuss the fabric con- of the two verses that one may violate tent of the garment itself. Rabbi Akiva the biblical prohibition of sha‘atnez in Eiger explained that even then order to fulfill the mitzvah of tzitzis.So sha‘atnez was not permitted in the gar- in the Mishnaic era, if someone had a ment itself. There is a “lumdishe” order four-cornered linen garment, he would of operations for tzitzis. The mitzvah of be permitted to put wool tzitzis strings tzitzis is technically to attach tzitzis on it. In fact, the Gemara points out strings to the garment. (Still, if they later, he would have no choice but to were already attached before the gar- do so. There is a mitzvah to place tzitzis ment was put on, that is also fine.) So strings colored with techeiles together step number one is to put on a four- with the white strings on the corners. corned garment. Step two, which fol- These blue-colored strings had to be lows immediately, is to attach tzitzis.In made out of wool. Accordingly, the only Talmudic times, if one needed to vio- way to completely fulfill the mitzvah of late the prohibition of sha‘atnez to ful- tzitzis with a linen garment would be to fill step two he was permitted to do so. place wool strings dyed with techeiles However, if the garment itself contains on the corners (in addition to the oblig- wool and linen, there is no license to atory white strings). put on the garment in the first place. 20 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Step two, the mitzvah of tzitzis, only comes after the garment is already being worn. So, the mitzvah of tzitzis can’t help with the initial wearing of the wool and linen garment. Speaking of wool and linen garments, I spoke to Mrs. Tzippy David, a local sha‘atnez checker, about finding sha‘atnez. I asked her about her most recent experience in finding sha‘atnez in women’s clothing. She said that someone brought in some clothing to be checked without looking at the label. The label clearly said that the fabric is part linen and part wool! Of course labels aren’t always accurate and one cannot necessarily rely on the claims of a label that the fabric content is 100 percent wool. In the NCSTAR sha‘atnez lab in Brooklyn, there is a children’s outfit on display. The label said that the content was 55 percent cotton and 45 percent linen. Yet in actuality, there was significant wool content as well. Besides, even if the label was totally accurate, it only refers to the body of the garment, not the accessories. Again, in the NCSTAR sha‘atnez lab there was a display of a “100 percent wool” sweater that had linen pockets sewed onto it. We have to remember that if even one linen thread is sewed together with a wool garment, it is sha‘atnez. This shouldn’t be news to anyone who buys finer men’s suits. There are some brands of suits that are virtually always sha‘atnez. I was visiting the Brooklyn lab when a customer walked in holding two suits. Aharon Drebin, who was running the lab at the time, looked at the first one and said “Versace—it’s sha‘atnez.” The second suit was a Hickey Freeman. Once again, Aharon said, “It’s sha‘atnez, but I’ll check just to be sure.” He opened up the collar on the spot and there was a cloth that made the collar stiff. It was linen. Aharon explained to me that even cheaper brands of men’s suits have linen collar- stiffeners. Most recently he found sha‘atnez in suits from Hugo Boss, Canali, Ted Baker, and Banana Republic, among others. He was very reluctant to start listing brand names because he might inadvertently leave one brand out and someone would assume it’s not sha‘atnez. Every suit must be checked for sha‘atnez. Besides, it is clear from Igros Moshe (Y.D. 72) that even if there is just a 5 percent chance that a suit has sha‘atnez, it must be checked anyway. Some people order custom- made suits and rely on the assurances of the tailor that

Continued on Page 22 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 21 Daf Yomi Insights Continued from Page 21

there won’t be any linen used in the suits. A lawyer who frequently makes trips to Hong Kong had over time purchased ten custom-made suits. He ini- tially relied on the assurances of the tailor and the local pop- ulace that the suits contained no linen. He later became wary and brought them into the lab. All ten suits were sha‘atnez. True, the main fabric itself was not sha‘atnez, but the collar and shoulder supports were. Thinking like a lawyer, he kept all his receipts for the checking and removal of sha‘atnez. He further kept his receipts for the tailoring necessary to mend the suit. The bills came out to around $750. On his next trip to Hong Kong he presented his tailor with the bills and demanded reimburse- ment. The tailor demurred, but offered two new suits to the attorney. The offer was accepted on condition that these two new suits were absolutely free of linen. The tailor promised and gave his assurances that there would be no linen used in these new suits. Upon his return to America, the suits were brought straight to the sha‘atnez lab and they were both sha‘atnez. Aharon explained to me that most of the time these “custom handmade” suits are in fact made in factories with the fabric requests and meas- urements taken by a tailor. The tailors have absolutely no control over what is used in the collars and shoulder pads. Often the shoulder pads are made out of pieces of material left over from runs of other suits. In some cases the shoulder pad itself is composed of wool and linen because there were scraps left over from a linen and wool suit run. A friend of mine who was a sha‘atnez tester had an older chavrusah who was a practic- ing doctor. At some point they starting discussing sha‘atnez, and the doctor admitted that he never had his suits tested for sha‘atnez. He didn’t think it was a problem. It turned out that all of his suits were sha‘atnez. One thing that I discov- ered while talking to these sha‘atnez testers is that they are all dedicated to their work. Mrs. Tzippy David commented that she is not getting rich by testing for sha‘atnez. Besides, if it were just for money, which bala- buste in her right mind would take a job whose busiest time is erev Yom Tov? Everyone has to get their newly acquired Yom Tov clothing

Continued on Page 24 22 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 23 Daf Yomi Insights Continued from Page 22

tested in time for Pesach or whichever other holiday. (Next time you grow impatient on erev Yom Tov with a delay in the testing of your clothes, consider the tester who is also making Yom Tov!) So I asked her why she does it. At the time she began testing there were no other testers in the area. She wanted to provide a community service. She says she views herself as a doctor helping the spiri- tually needy. She is a surgeon who carefully removes cancer from Yiddishe clothing. Similarly, my initial conversation with Rabbi Yosef Sayagh (Lakewood sha‘atnez lab) took place late at night, though he had a 4:30 a.m. flight the

following morning. He was very interested in people becoming more aware about the pitfalls of sha‘atnez in clothing. I asked him for some specific pointers and he said that since summertime is coming, people need to realize that all linen clothing must be checked. Whether the garment is

a woman’s jacket, a man’s shirt, or a child’s dress, they all need to be checked. Many times the appliqué on children’s clothing is not made out of the same material as the foundation and causes sha‘atnez problems. He mentioned also that some people don’t realize that men’s ties could be a problem. Any tie that is made of wool or linen needs to be checked, as very often the stiffener inside the tie is wool or linen. He recently found sha‘atnez in two linen ties, one made

Continued on Page 28 24 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ing, described in Parashas Lech Lecha, brought in the Gemara—“the times of The Days Of Jerusalem And Hebron down until the recent purchase of “Beit Mashiach are 40 years.” HaShalom,” featured on the front page For 40 years, Hashem has been show- BY YOSSI BAUMOL sion has two basic stages: of the Sunday New York Times, Hebron ering us with blessings—the burgeoning EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE HEBRON FUND 1) Become a great nation. is where we must go to build our nation. Israeli economy, the growth of Torah, 2) Only as a great nation can we It is no accident that the landmark the aliyah movements, the teshuvah “When G-d restored the return to Zion, serve as a model and the conduit of events of nation-building, in 1948 and movements; all these blessings stem we thought we were dreaming” (Tehillim blessings for the entire world. again in 1967, took place in the month from the land and from its restoration to 126). It seems like a dream today, but peo- Jerusalem represents stage two— of Iyar. Rabbi Chaim Falagi, a great us 40 years ago. For 40 years, a “nation ple tend to forget the unbelievable power when all nations will unite in praise of 19th-century Kabbalist, wrote in his of confused hearts” refuses to see this of the events of 40 years ago. Hashem. Hebron represents stage one— commentary on Ethics of Our Fathers: and tries to give away the source of all On Israel Independence Day, 1967, the stage of nation-building! This is “It is suitable that we read Pirkei Avos our blessings. Let us hope and pray that weeks before the war broke out, Rabbi where our founding fathers and mothers during Iyar, because the letters of Iyar this stage will soon be over, that the les- Tzvi Yehuda Kook gave his historic made their homes and chose to be stand for our avos—Avraham, Yitzchak, sons of Hebron will be learned, and that speech in the Merkaz HaRav Yeshiva: buried; where Chushim, the son of Dan, Yaakov, and Rochel… We should make we will succeed in building our nation as “Where is our Hebron, where is our got the courage to stop Eisav and chop every effort to give tzedakah during the it should be, so that we can move on to Shechem?” Also that night, at the Israeli off his head at the entrance to the Mearat month of Iyar to the kupah of Hebron the next stage, showering bounty and Song Festival, an unknown singer HaMachpelah; where Calev went to draw and Rochel’s Tomb.” blessings on all the nations of the named Shuli Natan sang for the first the strength to overpower the ten spies Every Friday night in Lechu world—from the Temple Mount in time what would later become Israel’s who turned their backs on Eretz Yisrael; N’rannena, we quote G-d, who says: Jerusalem. ❖ all-time favorite song—Naomi Shemer’s where King David went for the first seven “For 40 years will I struggle with that The Hebron Fund is hosting Nachum Segal and “Jerusalem of Gold—Yerushalayim Shel and a half years of his reign over the land; generation and I will say, ‘They are a JM in the AM for a live broadcast from the Zahav,” which stirred the hearts of an where the settlement movement was nation of confused hearts and knew not Machpela Cave’s Gutnick Center on Thursday, entire country with longings to return to born after the Six Day War; and where my ways.’” Although this passage in May 17, celebrating the 40th annual Hebron Liberation Day. If you are in Israel, join Yossi Jerusalem’s Old City and the Temple the struggle for Eretz Yisrael is fought day Tehillim 95 seems to refer to the Jews Baumol and Simcha Hochbaum for a special tour Mount. Just three weeks later, Hebron, in and day out with unending self-sacri- who left Egypt, it is interesting to note which will join Nachum for the broadcast. If not, tune in to JM in the AM: the fun begins at 6:00 the Old City, and the heartland of fice and determination. that it is written in the future tense. a.m. Eastern Time. For more information, call Biblical Eretz Yisrael were suddenly and From the days of Avraham’s first call- Perhaps this is connected to the opinion 718-677-6886 or e-mail [email protected]. miraculously restored to an incredulous Jewish people. The miracles didn’t stop there. In the years that followed, the aftershocks of the war shook the very foundations of the Jewish people throughout the world, bringing about a phenomenal rebirth of Jewish pride, faith, and confidence. Economically speaking, Israel went from being a poor backwater in constant recession, to today’s economic power- house. (President Bush recently asked PM Olmert for advice on how to cut the national deficit!) In Devarim 30, the prophecies of our return to the land and our return to our faith are intermingled, literally sentence by sentence. The mass aliyah movements—in the U.S., but even more so, in the Soviet Union—were born as a result of the Six Day War. The teshuvah movement, basically non-existent in Israel and in the Diaspora until then, flowered and grew at the same time. Suddenly, Jews in Israel and the Diaspora were exhibiting unbelievable pride and self-sacrifice for the land and for the Torah. Orthodox Jewry in Israel, which until that time was divided between the faithful ultra-Orthodox who shunned public involvement and the National-Religious camp which served as the non-committed “caboose” of the Zionist Labor movement, under- went a deep and crucial transformation. G-d’s promise to Rachel Imeinu, “And the sons shall return to their borders,” came true along that very same road connecting Jerusalem and Hebron. Kfar Etzion and Hebron spearheaded the settlement movement. The initial Jewish settlement of Hebron at the Park Hotel became the settlement movement’s Mayflower. Anyone who wanted to be counted as a settlement leader claimed to have spent that first Pesach in Hebron with Rabbi Levinger. Why did the return to Jerusalem and Hebron have such a profound effect on the Jewish people? More than anyone else, Rabbi A. Y. Kook sought to teach us the religious significance of the land. His most basic teaching relates to the “mission statement” for all Jews, handed down to Avraham at the beginning of Lech Lecha. He explained that this mis- 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 25 HONOR AND ETHICS ent than any other growing community been accepted as part of the everyday Continued from Front Cover that, as it grows, defines itself on a scenery here in New York. Our wives and myriad of levels. daughters may dress a little more mod- tant democratic election. This community of doctors, lawyers, estly, as required, and they may be seen People are indignant and beside accountants, and businessmen and dressed in well-tailored suits and possi- themselves with the fashion in which the women are Jews who identify themselves bly even hats on Saturday morning or Advocates for Lawrence Public Schools as Orthodox. This means that we are midday even when the temperatures (ALPS), with the cooperation of some of religiously observant and, more impor- reach 90 degrees or more outside. the local press, is creating a potentially tant, have managed to successfully take That we are Orthodox Jews and live incendiary situation as we head in to that religious observance and integrate it this type of lifestyle does not mean that Tuesday’s election. into our lives and the lives of our spous- we cannot use our talents and energies Their agenda apparently is to take a es and children. We do it in such a way to contribute to the growth and develop- broad swipe at and besmirch the name that we have created a balance between ment of our communities on all levels. of a community in a style that smacks of That we are observant Jews does not the worst kind of prejudice that can be interfere with our decision-making dredged up when two factions are in process as community members, though Dr. John Fitzsimons. conflict with each other. And there’s no The animosity is about unfortunately radical elements that question that we have a conflict here. the resentment of a share our community have been trying actively involved in this attempted deni- The dispute is over money—big desperately to paint us into precisely that gration of the Orthodox Jewish commu- money—and how those funds should be lifestyle that was type of corner. nity have an ulterior motive for their disbursed. But it’s also more than that: It’s not destructive as much as it is involvement in this process. They may it’s about a way of life, values, and prior- supposed to somehow annoying. They are not going to change be teachers or administrators themselves ities. It’s an outgrowth of animosities anything about our community other in the local system. More likely, they over these issues that are not new but disappear years ago but than to strengthen and unify it. This have spouses, children, or other relatives are crawling to the surface with renewed did not. exercise is meant to convince their rank who work in the system, either as teach- vigor in this debate. and file, who are not as involved in the ers or in some other capacity. Perhaps What we are faced with is not sim- process as their small leadership is, that the best thing would be if anyone with ply two different attitudes or two types they are dealing with an implacable, relatives working in the system were to of people who just happen to disagree a higher quality material life that is com- one-issue-oriented element that poses a be disqualified from serving on the about the issues. In my estimation, the patible with a better and more meaning- threat to life in the district as they have board, or at least not be eligible to vote animosity is about the resentment of a ful spiritual lifestyle. known it for as long as they have been on matters that may closely affect them lifestyle and a way of life that was sup- We endeavor to have beautiful homes, living here. or their family members. posed to dissolve or disintegrate or expansive backyards, impressive land- And this, of course, is not true, nor But these are civilized decisions that somehow disappear years ago but did scaping, and more. We want synagogues does it resemble anything like the can be made by the board in a calm and not. We are a community of Orthodox near our homes, kosher food stores, truth. It is a desperate ploy by a small thoughtful atmosphere in the near Jews whose population has gravitated yeshivas, and other religious institutions group of people who want to have a future. For now, the interesting issue to this area in significant numbers over that we can utilize as our families grow majority on the board (as they did for and point of contention is that the the last decade. This migration is large- and develop. Our religious life really many years in the past) so that they can majority of the school board is populated ly composed of professionals seeking a doesn’t distinguish us in any real dis- continue to control the large sums of by Orthodox Jews who send their chil- more suburban environment for their cernible way. The male adults and chil- money that the board disburses. families. In that way we are not differ- dren wear yarmulkes, but that has long As it turns out, many of the people Continued on Page 29

26 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 27 Daf Yomi Insights to me that before Purim peo- sha‘atnez tester, received a check the tuxedo and it’s fine. Stories From Continued from Page 24 ple need to realize that cos- frantic phone call one night. A There are no spots… I don’t tumes have to be checked as man was marrying off his son know what I saw before…” The Front Lines by Zegna, the other by well. Russian hats and uni- the next day and needed five Let me conclude with this Brioni. Ties made in Spain forms frequently contain tuxedos tested immediately. quote from Rabbi Avrom Hatzolah’s phone num- need to be checked, as well. sha‘atnez, but he has found When they were brought over, Pollack at the Star-K: ber on “sha‘atnez-free” My neighbor purchased a sha‘atnez in American Navy Mrs. Chatzinoff dropped When we speak of wool, we label saves seizure victim. Spanish “100 percent silk” uniforms as well. Of course, everything that she was doing are only referring to wool A number of sha‘atnez lab- tie made by Richel, and sure tuxedos (whether purchased and proceeded to test them. obtained from sheep or lambs. oratories include the local enough the lining was com- or rented) also pose serious Four of them had no problems. Other materials, such as Hatzolah phone number on posed of wool and linen. sha‘atnez problems. The fifth was a different story; camel’s wool, mohair, angora, their “sha‘atnez-free” Rabbi Sayagh mentioned Mrs. Chatzinoff, a retired it turned out that the fifth cashmere, alpaca wool, or labels. When a certain man tuxedo belonged to the father vicuna, present no sha‘atnez looked at the newly of the chasan. Mrs. Chatzinoff problems. Similarly, linen attached label in his jacket told the man that while she refers only to fibers derived at the Flatbush sha‘atnez can’t conclusively say that it is from the flax plant, whereas laboratory and saw the sha‘atnez, she has serious other bast fibers, such as Hatzolah number, he reservations and it should not ramie, hemp, or jute, may be laughed at the idea and be worn. The next day the man combined with wool. With made fun of the label. called back and started yelling respect to ramie, one should that she ruined his tuxedo. be aware that it is difficult to The very next day, this “There are spots all over it and distinguish this material from man was walking on a one- it can’t be worn! What am I linen even with the use of a way street in Far supposed to wear tonight?” microscope. Since clothing Rockaway as a car was Mrs. Chatzinoff politely manufacturers, particularly pulling out. Suddenly the explained that she carefully those from abroad, are guilty driver had a seizure! handled all the tuxedos the of mislabeling the fabric con- People standing around same way and tested them all tents, clothing containing wool called out for the Hatzolah in the same place and there’s and ramie should not be worn phone number. This man no way that she ruined it. unless an expert in the field of remembered laughing at During sheva berachos, Mrs. sha‘atnez has verified that the the phone number on the Chatzinoff received confirma- fabric contains no linen. ❖ label just the night before! tion that the tuxedo was He was able to quickly indeed sha‘atnez and contacted Rabbi Sebrow delivers a nightly refer to his sha‘atnez label; Gemara shiur at Priority-1. He can be the father to let him know. The contacted at [email protected]. he called the number, man wasn’t really interested Mrs. David can be contacted at 718- summoning immediate since the tuxedo was ruined 327-0537. The sha‘atnez lab in help for the victim! Flatbush can be reached at 718-421- anyway. Later that day, the 6795. The author thanks Rabbi father called and apologized Chatzinoff, Rabbi Sayagh, Mrs. (The Shatnez Newsletter, Jan. 2007) David, and Aharon Drebin for their profusely. “I’m so terribly sorry. time and patience, and Rabbi Avi I just zipped open the bag to Taub for his constant inspiration.

28 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HONOR AND ETHICS But not only did we not Island that encompasses parts group has been put in charge the district. That step, though, Continued from Page 26 assimilate or get lost in the of the Five Towns along with by the masses that made their would most likely require new masses that surround us, on the Atlantic Beach, is just one man- selections in a shining example leadership on the other side, as dren to private schools at pres- contrary, following the lead of ifestation of such a sentiment. of democracy—free elections. those currently in charge seem ent. The side opposed to the the past generation or two we But calling us names is not An opposition with selfish incapable of any movement in current board touts in their turned the negative prognosti- going to put a damper on our designs is experiencing its last a direction that could benefit screaming ads that their goal is cations about Jewish obser- proud accomplishments. Our gasp, and that seems clear by everyone. to “return ethics and honor” to vance on its head. Our legions leaders are not so shortsighted the unpleasant and rather That’s why it’s so important the school board. This is quite are replete with successful and and incapable as to not have the angry slogans they’ve chosen to that you go out to vote on an indictment against the mem- accomplished people who lead vision and ability to do what is resort to these last few weeks. May 15 and that you vote for bers of the current board, clear- by example. They are outstand- best for everyone in their It is only a symptom of their Nachum Marcus, Sol Blisko, ly implying that it lacks both. ing professionals and captains charge, and that includes the weakness, and one suspects and David Sussman. It is addi- I’d like to suggest that this is of industry. They are humble good of the public school popu- that they know that. It’s too tionally important that you vote not about ethics or honor, of people who have achieved lation. The notion that a pri- bad that they did not come to “yes” on the schools budget and which there is ample supply in greatness and managed to vate-school parent cannot relate this realization sooner. What is the library budget, and in favor the majority of the current maintain their humility. to the needs of a public-school unique about the current of Pre-K busing. It’s the only board. This board’s accomplish- This does not sit well with child or a public school system majority on the board is that way for the district to continue ments to date put previous people who made the error of is nothing but a symptom of a any time the other side decides progressing in a positive direc- boards to shame with what they believing that things were going chant of desperation at losing a to turn around and offer to tion with the ability to go in the have managed to do for all the to cut the other way for our peo- handle on what many thought work together, that offer will no coming year from strength to children of the district. ple. Our school board here, in was going to be the enjoyable doubt be accepted, and hope- greater strength. ❖ The board has restored our not-so-little school district free ride of unlimited taxation. fully harmony can be restored Comments for Larry Gordon are integrity to the district and on the south shore of Long A dynamic and very capable to the political functioning of welcome at [email protected]. accountability to the voters— things that previously were sorely lacking. For four years voters en masse told this board that they do not trust their decision-making abilities, by reject- ing their proposed budgets at the polls on voting day. This year’s proposed budget, as set out by the board and schools superintendent Dr. John Fitzsimons, has a great chance of being passed by a large mar- gin, as it features a less than 1 percent increase and virtually no increase in our school taxes, and it does not call for the cut- ting of any school programs. What can be dishonorable or unethical about that? It seems that what is at play here is a resentment that has very little to do with school- board economics. For a long time what has been going on around here has been about the growth of the Orthodox community, the continuous expan- sion of our yeshivas, and the proliferation of shuls and houses of study where Torah is learned way into the night. This is more than just a lifestyle, it’s a commitment to a way of life that many of our less observant co-religionists were convinced that by this point in the history of the Jewish people would be long obsolete. The commitment to the strict observance of the Sabbath, the adherence to a higher level of kosher con- sumerism, the holidays, the praying with a minyan three times a day and, of course, the Torah education for our children were all things that were supposed to fade away in the melting pot of America. And indeed there were periods over the last 50 years or so that things looked less encour- aging and even bleak for Jews in New York and around the country. Life was difficult for our parents and grandparents, but their strength and perseverance in the face of obstacles and adversity kept them going and would be an inspiration to future generations. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 29 ator would sneak in and whisk the kid the door would slam shut behind the away. But once I had spied the squir- little creature, trapping him. The store rel, it put an end to any thought of clerk explained that the best way to leaving my children unattended. In entice the little fellow into the trap was fact I didn’t let them outside at all, to place a sizable mound of peanut because, even with me present, there butter in the center of the cage. Hey— was a danger of the little ones getting for peanut butter I would have gone bitten by the fast-moving, sharp- inside myself! The Animals Win toothed rodent. This was the perfect solution for I wasn’t about to keep the kids Arnie. All he had to do was leave the inside forever, so I did what any self- peanut butter in the cage, wait for the Last week, I was on the phone with but if I had to hazard a guess I’d say respecting wife and mother would animal to take the bait (and for the a friend when suddenly she began to they didn’t feel all that threatened by have done: I asked my husband Arnie door to come down), and take the laugh maniacally. I hadn’t said any- the sight of a 66-year-old man chas- to get rid of the animal. Never one to caged squirrel away in his car. Arnie thing even remotely funny, so I knew ing after them. In fact, chances are shirk responsibility of any kind, hubby would then drive to a wooded area a she wasn’t laughing at any of my that they were laughing too hard to got right on the job. It’s important to few miles from our home, set the cage usual chuchmas (nonsense). When get themselves airborne. note that there is no one on this earth down, open the door, and wait for the she was able to catch her breath, she Before my friend and I ended our who is kinder, softer, or gentler than squirrel to escape. It worked like a said, “You wouldn’t believe what I just call, she reminded me of what my my husband. And because of that, he charm. And Arnie was so proud saw.” According to the rendition she because he’d gotten rid of our squirrel gave me, she was looking out the win- so effectively. But within two or three dow as we chatted when she saw her days, we had another one to contend husband arrive home from work and with. So, once again, hubby schlepped park his car in the driveway. But, as Next time the geese wandered onto the out the Have a Heart Trap, dug further he headed toward the house, he spot- into our jar of peanut butter, and ted two geese on their front lawn. grass, they took one whiff of the stuff and repeated the process. Having recently planted flowers, the But less than a week later, we had a last thing in the world that he wanted third squirrel in our back yard. And, a to see was two birds chomping away walked off within seconds. few days later, a fourth! I found this at the new additions to his garden. So somewhat odd, since in all the previ- he decided to shoo the unsuspecting ous years we had never seen more than animals away. one or two squirrels per season, and He immediately dropped his brief- own husband had done, many years didn’t want to, G-d forbid, destroy the now suddenly they were invading. case on the ground and then, waving earlier, with our gang of squirrels. I squirrel; he only wanted to get it to Arnie and I both realized that some- his arms like a lunatic, he stamped couldn’t believe I had forgotten leave. So Arnie managed to come up thing wasn’t quite right, so he visited a his feet and shrieked, “Shoo, get out about it. with a plan. veterinarian’s office a few blocks from of here, go away!” While it’s doubtful It was in 1975 when I noticed that He visited every hardware store in our home to ask why we were sudden- that the geese actually understood his we had a resident squirrel. Back in town until he found something called ly being inundated with squirrels. words, apparently they got the point those days, it was considered totally the Have a Heart Trap. The contrap- Immediately, the good doctor set my because they both scooted away—on safe to leave a child out in the back tion, a small cage, was constructed so husband straight. “Arnie, it’s entirely foot. Why they didn’t fly is uncertain, yard without fearing that some pred- that once an animal wandered inside, possible that you’ve been dealing with

30 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES the same squirrel all along.” “But how you’d like. Honest!” could he possibly have found his way In any case, hubby never used the back to our place from so long a dis- Have a Heart Trap again. He retired tance?” Arnie wanted to know. “Well, the little contraption and instead, the thing is, squirrels are known to whenever we saw a squirrel, we made have a fairly strong homing instinct. So do with jumping up and down, waving a few miles one way or another is noth- our hands, and screaming, “Shoo, go ing for a squirrel,” the veterinarian away!” before giving chase. Now that informed hubby. I think about it, we pretty much did We had our answer. I briefly won- with the squirrel (or squirrels) what dered exactly why the squirrel felt so my friend’s husband did last week much at home at our place, and then with his geese. I realized it was probably the peanut But there is a difference, because butter that clinched it. But whatever our friend got lucky: He visited the the reason for the rodent’s affinity for same veterinarian and was informed our estate, in all likelihood Arnie had that geese are known to have a strong been schlepping the same squirrel to aversion to grape Kool-Aid (no other the woods over and over again. flavor will do). So he bought as much Bummer! of the stuff as he could get his hands Of course there was another possi- on, sprinkled the powdered confection bility. Let’s face it: all squirrels look all over his lawn, and waited. Sure pretty much the same, so maybe enough, the next time the geese wan- there actually were multiple squir- dered onto the grass, they took one rels. Possibly the first squirrel told all whiff of the stuff and walked off with- his little friends about the nice guy in in seconds. Woodmere. I can hear it now (in We, on the other hand, never had squirrel-talk, of course): “Hey guys, such an option. Squirrels don’t seem go on over to the white house on to have an aversion to anything. So Church Avenue. There’s this nice guy back then, Arnie simply gave up, who sets out a tub of peanut butter acknowledging that it was a losing every evening in a comfy cage. The battle. There was some good news, door slams shut once you’re inside, however; although we still had to but not to worry; all you gotta do is lie stomp, scream, and wave squirrels down and take a snooze, and in the away from time to time, once Arnie morning you’ll go for a ride. stopped setting out that trap over and Eventually the man lets you out, and over again, our peanut-butter bill you’re none the worse for the experi- went down. ❖ ence. And, wherever you are, whenever you get hungry, you can always go Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a licensed real-estate broker associated with back there again. And the best news Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at is that you can do this as often as [email protected] or 516-902-3733.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 31 32 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES duty; that because I encouraged her to large family. Wonderful. But you also have a large family, it’s now my respon- taught her that you were at her beck sibility to help whenever necessary. and call, 24/7. Not so wonderful. So My husband is getting increasingly you can’t really blame her for calling more angry at me because he feels I you without hesitation and expecting put him third, after my daughter and my grandchildren. And he’s right; I have been doing that. But how can I Dear Esther, But things are getting more compli- suddenly change the rules with my Your husband is I am in my late fifties; I have one cated now, and I don’t know how to daughter? What will she do without married daughter and six wonderful handle it. Thank G-d, my husband, my constant help? I’m afraid she would sounding the wake-up grandchildren, thank G-d. Fertility was who is in his late sixties, is slowing resent me for leaving her in the lurch always a painful issue for me, and I down at work. He suddenly has a lot of now with a big family. I feel confused call, reminding you was finally blessed with a child after time on his hands and wants me to be and torn. much intervention and heartache. I his companion. He wants us to start Is there a way out? that it’s time to start think that as mothers, we all plant cer- traveling together, something we really Torn tain ideas in our children’s heads from have done very little of our entire lives. Dear Torn, living your life an early age. I know that I did. And the He wants to go for walks in the You know what they say: be careful most important idea to me was the evening or eat out. Yet I hesitate to what you wish for. Though wishing for once again. importance of having a large family. commit to anything, in case Becky a large family is something you will From the time Becky, my daughter, might need me in some way. never regret, and I’m so thrilled that was very young, I kept emphasizing the What’s become very clear to me is your dream did come true, the details necessity of having many children— that I haven’t really had much of a life, of your wish were perhaps a bit over you to jump, because you haven’t that nothing is more important, on and outside of my daughter and her chil- the top and not fine-tuned. You failed taught her differently. on and on. I so desperately wanted a dren. If I’m being honest with myself, to take into account your own needs, Where is your life in all of this? large family, and she was my only hope I’ll admit that I’ve been “on call” most your husband’s needs, and some basic Have you made time for your own for getting one. of the time, neglecting my own stuff notions about boundaries and limits. So here we are, about 30 years later, just in case she called. I feel it’s my You taught your daughter to want a Continued on Page 34 and my wish has come true. I love and enjoy my grandchildren more than words can say. But there is a downside to my blessings, and I don’t know how to handle it. I guess the message I gave Becky from the start was that I would always happily be available to pinch-hit for her whenever she needed help with the children. She knew that she could count on me to baby-sit for short stretches of time so she could run out of the house for a few hours, or even for very long periods of time, when she and her husband would take a ten-day vacation. In fact, she wouldn’t even ask me, but rather tell me, assuming that I would drop everything and jump for joy at the opportunity. I did and I sometimes do jump for joy; I love helping her and love being with my grandchildren.

And G-d spoke to Moshe on Mount Sinai, saying... (Vayikra 25:1) What has the sabbatical year to do with Mount Sinai? Were not all commandments given on Sinai? But the verse wishes to tell us: just as with the Sabbatical year both its general principle and its minute details were ordained on Mount Sinai, so, too, was it with all the commandments—their general principles as well as their minute details were ordained on Mount Sinai.

(Toras Kohanim; Rashi)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 33 MINDBIZ more daunting, is that Becky will be Continued from Page 33 angry at you. And once you start to feel threatened like this and allow such friendships, passions, goals, relax- fearful thinking to flow freely, the next ation? I wonder how much you may thought might be that she will stop lov- have lost yourself over the past 30 ing you, followed by faulty thinking years. It sounds as though your hus- that your grandchildren might stop band is sounding the wake-up call, loving you, and then your worst possi- reminding you that it’s time to start liv- ble fear—you will be alone, without a ing your life once again. family. It’s called “connect the dots,” I’m getting the sense that there are and we’re all guilty of sometimes going two fears holding you back. The first down that road. is that your daughter won’t be able to Maybe you need to have a bit manage without your constant aid. Is more faith in your daughter. She got there something wrong with your a terrific run out of you. And I’m not daughter that you failed to mention? suggesting that you never baby-sit Women can often manage with six, for her again, but I am suggesting seven, or even more children. No one that your husband is right: your loy- said it’s easy, but they get through it. alty should be first for him. And if They have hard days, harder days, you explain to Becky how your new and, maybe sometimes, easier days. stage of life is changing the land- But they manage. Some have parents scape of your free time and availabil- who help a lot, some have parents ity, I would hope that she can under- who help a little, and some don’t even stand why priority should now be have parents who live in the same given to her father’s needs—and country. Yet they figure out a way to your needs, as well. manage. In this regard, Becky has not Your family, G-d willing, is here to been forced to juggle very much, stay. I’m sure you’ve forged magnifi- knowing that you were there to take cent relationships with your six grand- over at any time. And she’s been very children, and of course, with your fortunate to have such a giving moth- daughter. That experience is not going er for all of these years. anywhere. Now is the time to build on OK. But now the rules must change. that, and to add other fulfilling dimen- It will be hard for Becky to readjust, sions to your life. It sounds to me that but people tend to rise to the occasion, if you play your cards right, the best is and I’m sure she will figure out ways to yet to come. navigate a busy house with six chil- Esther dren. It will take time to find baby-sit- Esther Mann, LMSW, has a private practice in ters and other support people when Lawrence. She can be reached at 516-314-2295 necessary, but she’ll manage. or [email protected]. She works with Your second fear, which is probably individuals, couples, and families.

34 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 35 seventh year and the land’s produce is and developing the physical world, by a declared free for the taking for all. Also seventh millennium in which the sole suspended on the shemittah year are all occupation of the entire world will be private debts and the terms of servitude the knowledge of G-d. of indentured servants. The Torah’s word for “holiness,” Finally, our Sages describe the kedushah, literally means removed and whole of human history as a seven-mil- apart. The Torah’s names for the sev- lennium week, consisting of 6,000 enth day, Shabbos, and for the seventh years of human labor in developing year, shemittah, respectively mean “ces- From The Chassidic Masters G-d’s world and a seventh millennium sation” and “suspension.” For holiness that is “wholly Shabbos and rest, for requires complete disengagement from life everlasting”—the era of Mashiach. all material involvement. In order to The Fiftieth Year The Kabbalists explain that the experience the holiness and spirituality seven days of creation embody the of Shabbos, we must cease all material seven sefiros (Divine attributes) which labor; in order to touch base with the Six years you shall sow your field, and observances are seven-day affairs. Two G-d emanated from Himself to define holiness of the land in the shemittah six years you shall prune your vineyard seven-day festivals frame our year— and characterize His relationship with year, we must suspend all physical and gather its fruit. And the seventh Pesach, which runs from the 15th to our existence. So, seven is not only the work upon its soil and all claims of year shall be a sabbath of rest for the the 21st of Nissan, and Sukkos, occur- elemental number of time, but of every ownership on its produce; in order to land, a sabbath for G-d… ring exactly six months later, on 15–21 created thing and of the created reali- experience the Divine goodness and And you shall count for yourselves Tishrei. A marriage is celebrated for a ty as a whole. This is especially true of perfection of our world in the age of seven sabbaths of years, seven times full week of sheva berachos (“seven the human being, who was created in Mashiach, we must first achieve a state seven years…a total of forty-nine blessings”), and the death of a loved the “image of G-d”: the human charac- in which there is “no jealousy and no years… And you shall sanctify the fifti- one, G-d forbid, is mourned for seven ter comprises seven drives (love, competition” over its material wealth. eth year, and proclaim liberty through- days (shivah). There are the seven restraint, harmony, ambition, devotion, (This is not to say that Shabbos has out the land and to all its inhabitants… clean days of the niddah; the seven-day connection, and receptiveness), mir- no effect upon the rest of the week, —Vayikra 25:3–10 training period before the Mikdash roring the seven attributes which G-d that the shemittah year does not pro- The number seven figures promi- was inaugurated (shivas yemei mil- assumed as Creator of the universe. foundly influence the farmer’s rela- nently in our reckoning and experience lu’im), the seven-day purification peri- tionship with his land during the other of time. Most familiar, of course, is the od from ritual impurity, and numerous Matter And Spirit six years of the cycle, or that the age of seven-day work/rest cycle that com- other “sevens.” Thus the freedom of Each of the seven units of time Mashiach is divorced from the work- prises our week, a reenactment of the Pesach, the joy of Sukkos, the bond of embodies the particular characteristics day generations of history. On the con- original seven days of creation when marriage, the coming to terms with of its respective sefirah. But in more trary: the primary function of these “in six days, G-d made the heavens and loss, and all these other features of general terms, the cycle consists of two sabbaths is to provide spiritual vision, the earth…and on the seventh day He Jewish life are assimilated in all seven primary phases: mundanity (chol) and fortitude, and purpose to the mundane rested.” Each Shabbos thus completes dimensions of created time. holiness (kedushah). Six days of mun- periods of their cycle. But in order to a full revolution of the original cycle, Our years, too, follow the cycle of dane labor are followed by a day of do so, they must be kept distinct and following which we start anew from creation: six workday years are succeed- spiritual rest; six years of working the apart. It is only when the boundaries “the first day”—Yom Rishon, as Sunday ed by a sabbatical year of shemittah earth, by a year of suspension and lack between the holy and the mundane are is called in Lashon HaKodesh. (“suspension”). In the Land of Israel, all of involvement from the material; six This is why many Jewish lifecycle agricultural work is suspended on the millennia devoted to struggling with Continued on Page 38

36 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 37 INSIGHTS ON THE TORAH verse, which reads: “And He rested on tions at all: it transcends and pervades, For example, the two seven-day fes- Continued from Page 36 the seventh day from all the work that beyond nature yet also fully present tivals, Sukkos and Pesach, each culmi- He had done.” If the work of creation within it, equally beyond matter and nate in an atzeres—a one-day festival strictly enforced that we can experi- was concluded on the seventh day, spirit and equally within them. of “retention” whose function is to ence holiness in our lives, and then then the seventh day was one of the So the covenant of circumcision, internalize the festival’s achievements. extend its vision and influence to our days of creation; but if the seventh day which binds the Jew to G-d in a bond But while the atzeres of Sukkos imme- mundane endeavors.) is the day on which G-d rested from all that supersedes all nature and conven- diately follows the festival, in effect Yet despite their transcendent the work that He had done, there were tion even as it pervades every nook and constituting its eighth day, the atzeres nature, the seventh day, year, and mil- only six days of creation and a seventh cranny of life, is entered into on the of Pesach is the festival of Shavuos, lennium are constituent parts of the day of Shabbos—cessation from work. eighth day of life. The Mishkan, whose observed fifty days after Pesach, culmi- cycles of creation. Materiality and spir- Our Sages explain: “What was the role was to make the infinite reality of nating a forty-nine-day (seven times ituality might differ greatly—to the world lacking? Rest. When Shabbos G-d an indwelling presence in the phys- seven) counting of the Omer. point, even, of mutual exclusivity—yet came, rest came.” Rest—transcen- ical world, was inaugurated on the Each of the seven components of both are part of nature: both are gov- dence and spirituality—is itself a cre- eighth day following a seven-day train- the natural system has a natural sys- erned by the framework of laws which ation. Though removed from the ing period. The festival of Shemini tem of its own—its own seven-phased define the created reality. nature of the material, it is part of a Atzeres (“Eighth Day of Retention”), cycle of immanence and transcen- Indeed, the very fact that holiness greater nature—the nature of the cre- whose function is to internalize the dence, making a total of forty-nine ele- demands the cessation and suspension ated reality, which includes the realm transcendent encompassing light of the ments and phases in the cycle of of all things mundane indicates that it, of the spiritual as well as the realm of sukkah, occurs on the eighth day that nature. Fifty is an “eight” which fol- too, has its limits. It means that just as the material. follows the seven days of Sukkos. Seven lows a thoroughly detailed develop- there exists a physical nature which shemittah cycles are followed by a ment of the seven dimensions of defines and delimits the scope of phys- Eight jubilee year characterized by liberty (i.e., nature in all its forty-nine sub-dimen- ical things and forces, so, too, does the If the number seven defines the natu- freedom from all bounds) rather than sions. Shavuos, the atzeres of Pesach, realm of the spiritual have its ral reality, eight represents that which is just suspension. And the messianic sev- is such an eight: our exodus from “nature”—its own set of laws which higher than nature, the circumference enth millennium of history will be fol- Egypt marked the onset of a forty- define what it is and what it is not, that encompasses the circle of creation. lowed by the supra-historical “World to nine-day process in which we refined where it can exist and where it cannot, Seven includes both matter and spir- Come” (Olam HaBa), in which the and perfected the forty-nine drives and and how and in what manner it can it—both mundanity and holiness, both Divine reality will unite with the created impulses of our souls, thereby liberat- make itself felt beyond its inviolate involvement and transcendence—but reality in ways that we cannot even ing ourselves from the forty-nine gates boundaries. So while the concept of as separate, distinct components of the speculate upon in a world in which of impurity into which we had sunk in transcendence seems the antithesis of cycle of creation; the seventh dimen- finite and infinite are mutually exclu- the course of our enslavement to the definition, transcendence is itself a sion will exert its influence on the other sive. In the words of the Talmud, “All most debased society in the history of definition, for it defines (and thus con- six, but only in a transcendent way: as a prophets prophesied only regarding the mankind and entering into the forty- fines) itself as beyond and distinct spiritual, other-worldly reality that will days of Mashiach; regarding the World nine gates of understanding of aware- from the material. never be truly internalized and integrat- to Come, ‘No eye can behold it, O G-d, ness of and commitment to G-d. This This offers insight into a key passage ed within the system. In contrast, eight save Yours’” (Yeshayah 64:3; Talmud, forty-nine-day process (re-experienced in the Torah’s account of creation. In represents the introduction of a reality Berachos 34b). each year with our seven-week count- Bereishis 2:2 we read: “And G-d con- that is beyond all nature and definition, ing of the Omer) culminated in the cluded on the seventh day the work including the definition “transcen- Fifty revelation at Sinai on Shavuos, when that He had done.” This seems to con- dence.” This eighth dimension (if we The eights in our lives come in two we were granted the Torah—the tradict the second part of that very can call it a “dimension”) has no limita- forms: eight and fifty. Divine fiftieth dimension which super-

38 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES sedes and integrates all forty-nine dimensions of creation. Another fifty is yovel, the jubilee year. Seven seven-year shemittah cycles, each culminating in a year of suspension and transcendence of the material, are followed by a fiftieth year of liberty in which all servants, including those who had sold themselves for lifetime labor, were set free, and all ancestral lands that had been sold reverted to their original owners. The jubilee year represents a state of true freedom in which, rather than just suspending the earthliness of the land, we free it of all the restraints of materiality. In other words, our experience of time (which defines practically everything we do and achieve) comes in various forms and configurations. There are times and situations in which we live our lives completely within the natural cycle of seven. There are times and circumstances in which we relate to the supra-natural eighth dimension, but only in a general, abstract way. Finally, there are times and circumstances in which we access an eight that is a fifty—an eight that is experienced in all particulars and sub-particulars of our existence.

Three States Of Jubilee The shemittah/yovel cycle itself comes in three different forms, as dictated by the variant spiritual climates of different epochs in our history. The Torah instructs that the jubilee year is to be “proclaimed throughout the land and to all inhabitants there- of.” The Talmud interprets this as a stipulation that the special laws of the fiftieth year are enacted only when the land of Israel is fully populated by the Jewish people. The only period in our history when this was the case was from the year 2503 from creation (1258 BCE), when the Jewish people under Yehoshua completed their con- quest and settlement of the Holy Land, until they were driven from it by Babylon’s armies 836 years later with the destruction of the First Temple in the year 3339 (422 BCE). Seventy-six years later, with the partial return of the Jewish people to their land under Ezra (six years after the building of the Second Temple) the yovel count resumed—but this time only for the sake of calculating and implementing the sabbatical year seven times in each fifty-year period. Since much of the Holy Land was not resettled, and a large part of the Jewish nation remained in exile, the jubilee year could not be observed. Nevertheless, a fiftieth year was counted following each seven shemittah- cycles so that the sabbatical years would fall at their proper times. In other words, after the seventh sabbatical year on year forty-nine of Ezra’s count, the next seven-year cycle could not begin until after a theoretical “jubilee” was proclaimed; thus, the next sabbatical year came eight years later (on year fifty-seven), not seven years later (on year fifty-six). When the Second Temple was destroyed in the year 3829 from creation (69 CE) this yovel count also ceased. The sabbatical year continues

Continued on Page 40 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 39 INSIGHTS ON THE TORAH Thus, the shemittah-cycles were not of Continued from Page 39 the caliber to produce a full-fledged liberation. Nevertheless, they were perme- to be observed every seventh year (the ated by the vision of perfection that the most recent shemittah year was 5761 jubilee year represents, as expressed by on the Jewish calendar, 2000– the fact that while the yovel was not 2001 CE), but because we are in a actually observed, it set and defined the state of galus, deprived of the Divine shemittah-cycles. presence that manifested itself in the But in the more than nineteen cen- Holy Temple, we lack even the theoret- turies since the destruction of the Beis ical jubilee of the Second Temple Era. HaMikdash, we have been fully Today (as was the case in the period engulfed in galus: ours is an existence between the two Temples) our seven- that obscures all but the faintest glim- year cycles run consecutively, without mer of purpose and direction. Our the half-century landmark of yovel. lives are, by and large, consumed by Applied to the miniature universe the struggle with evil. Not only are our that is man and the forty-nine cham- efforts at self-improvement confined bers of his soul, these three eras repre- to the narrow, seven-phased cycle of sent three levels in our quest towards nature, but we lack even the vision to self-refinement and self-perfection. see and appreciate their place within The ideal model, which defined the the context of a liberating jubilee. lives of our ancestors in the First Today, our lives are a seemingly end- Temple Era, is one of seven shemittah- less chain of shemittah-cycles, with cycles which yield a fiftieth jubilee nary a jubilee in sight. Yet this “blind” year. On the individual level, this struggle will yield the final and ulti- means that a person’s struggles to sus- mate redemption, when, as Rambam pend and transcend the negative in writes, “Mashiach will arise and himself are experienced as stages in restore the sovereignty of David to it the process of the complete transfor- former glory and power, build the Beis mation and liberation of his soul. HaMikdash and gather the dispersed A lesser state was that of the Second of Israel. In his days, all the laws will Temple Era, which represented an be restored: we will offer the sacrifices, intermediate state between galus and and enact the sabbatical and jubilee redemption. While a large segment of years as commanded by the Torah.” the Jewish people lived in the Holy Then, our cycles of seven will yield the Land, for much of these 420 years they ultimate eight—the all-embracing per- were under the dominion of other fection of the World to Come. ❖ nations. And while the Beis HaMikdash facilitated G-d’s presence in their lives, Based on Likkutei Sichos of the Lubavitcher Rebber, Vol. VII, pp. 170–174; Sefer HaSichos it was a lesser expression of the Divine 5751, p. 437 ff.; et al. Adapted by Yanki Tauber; reality than the First Beis HaMikdash. courtesy of MeaningfulLife.com.

40 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Yeshiva Sha‘alvim’s Annual Dinner

The annual dinner of Yeshiva Sha‘alvim took place recently at the New York Marriott Marquis. The guests of honor were Mr. and Mrs. Kal Renov, pictured above with Mrs. Renov’s parents, Mordy and Rozy Davis.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 41 Mazel Tov!

How does a seller figure out what gains from the sale without having to their tax situation is when they sell pay any taxes? their home? This problem has as many Here comes the problem! In the case solutions as a Rubik’s Cube. of sellers who have owned their houses Individuals selling their principal res- for many years, the difference between idences can exclude the first $250,000 what they bought the house for and in profits from capital-gains taxes; mar- what they are realizing from the sale of ried couples filing jointly, $500,000. their home usually goes way beyond To qualify, a taxpayer must have the $250,000/$500,000 exclusion. owned their home for at least two For instance, 30 years ago Mr. and years and used it as a principal resi- Mrs. Homeowner bought a house for dence for two out of five years before $100,000. Today, their beautiful home they decided to sell. A taxpayer could has received an offer for $800,000. Yep, theoretically sell a principal residence that’s great—except $800,000 minus once every two years, without having $100,000 equals $700,000 in capital to pay a tax on capital gains. gains. They subtract the $500,000 This sounds wonderful and exciting exclusion from the capital gains, but are Mazel Tov to Meira and Zachary Wunsch of Far Rockaway on the birth of in theory—where can you find as great still left with capital gains of $200,000. their daughter, Chava Bayla, born on April 7. a return, with prices going up, as with Figuring that the capital-gains tax right Shown with Chava is her older sister, Shoshana Malka, whose newborn selling and buying a principal resi- now is 15%, it seems that they would be picture appeared in our paper last year. dence, each time banking the capital liable for taxes of $30,000. Mr. and Mrs. Homeowner would prefer to find a way to keep this money in their pocket, so they take the next step. Out of storage come all of their records and receipts for various kinds of stuff paid for over the years to improve their home. They also take out all of the closing documents and receipts that they put away from the original purchase of their home. These are strategies that can assist a seller in mitigating their capital-gains tax liability. Selling costs, including real- estate commissions, legal fees, title fees, money spent preparing the house for sale, etc., are among the items that can be deducted. In addition, costs associated with the original purchase of the house, including title costs, recording fees, attorney fees, inspection fees, survey fees, etc., may also be deducted. Major improvements made over the time of ownership of your home to increase its value, such as finishing a basement, upgrading the plumbing and electric, putting on a new roof, adding a deck, constructing additional room(s), etc., may also be eligible for deduction. Records are needed to utilize these deductions, so it is always advisable to maintain expense records and receipts to substantiate all costs. Of course, all of these calculations should be done in consultation with your tax adviser, who can advise you of the best way to go about making any tax- related decisions about your home. ❖ Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a licensed real estate broker (Anessa V Cohen Realty) and a licensed N.Y.S. mortgage broker (A.C. Action Mortgage Corp.) with over 20 years of experience, offering full-service residential and commercial real estate services and mortgage services. She can be reached at 516-569-5007. Readers are encouraged to send any questions or scenarios to [email protected].

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

42 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES We Can’t Repeat Mistakes Of Lebanon War In Gaza BY BARAK RAVID

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni cautioned against a hasty decision to invade Gaza over the resumption of rocket strikes, saying the government must not repeat mistakes of the Second Lebanon War. Livni requested that the military

“The time has come to change...the relationship between the military and diplomatic echelons.” echelons present its plans, as well as a number of alternative options, and that the Foreign Ministry be involved in any decision on how to proceed. “I think that the time has come to change the way of working, both in the government and in the relationship between the military and diplomatic echelons,” she told a joint press conference Monday following a meeting with her German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier. “As a member of the cabinet, I expect that there will be a debate during which the military echelon will present its plans,” she said. “The situation in Gaza is complicated, and the government must hold a comprehensive and considered decision- making session.” The foreign minister also touched on the partial report released last week by the Winograd Committee, saying that in light of the panel’s findings, she expects a change in the decision-making processes. “These decisions are only apparently security related. The Foreign Ministry must be party to them,” she said. “I expect to be given alternatives and discuss [them] in depth so that a decision can be made on the matter.” Steinmeier met separately with Livni and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Jerusalem on Monday to discuss the peace process and the Winograd report. The German foreign minister, whose government currently holds the presidency of the European Union, invited Livni to discuss the Middle East peace process at an upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers. “I told Tzipi today that I’d like the Israeli foreign minister to seize the opportunity, to present her views to the European foreign ministers one more time,” he said. The Palestinian foreign minister, Ziad Abu Amr, is scheduled to address the next meeting of foreign ministers. Livni would attend the following session, Steinmeier said. (Haaretz) ❖ 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 43 she might go about improving district Her inability to show any creativity or test scores her answer was that “plans imagination on behalf of the children are in place…um…plans are in place.” of our district cannot. Sadly, Ms. Greenbaum’s only “plan” Rachel Laufer, for improving our schools became Lawrence abundantly clear over the course of the debate: more money. Although Dear Editor, she kept insisting that our children In response to your article Dear Editor, robust political debate is not protected “aren’t numbers,” Ms. Greenbaum’s “Campaign of Deception” (From the Although I view S.D. 15 board mem- speech under our Constitution. singular focus on increased funding Editor’s Desk, April 20), I couldn’t agree ber Pam Greenbaum’s lawsuit against What I cannot overlook is her disap- as the cure for all ills suggested the more with your description. As a public- her critics as a direct assault on the pointing performance at the “Meet the opposite. No bold new ideas like tying school parent (and private-school), nat- First Amendment, I was willing to chalk Candidates” night at the Lawrence teachers’ salaries to performance— urally I am concerned with the welfare it up to an ill-advised election-year ploy. Middle School. After proudly proclaim- just more money. of the public schools. However, I was It is hard to believe that a public official ing “education” as her top priority, Greenbaum’s thin skin and bad also raised to be an educated consumer, in our democracy can truly think that when it came to actually explaining how political judgment can be forgiven. always working to discern fact from fic- tion. And I believe that the public- school population is being fed lies about the school board’s intentions. It is outrageous that we are being encouraged to vote no on the first fis- cally responsible budget that has been presented to us in years. Finally, our chance to escape—from working on an austerity budget that limits us, to one that would enable more programs for my children—and “our own” Pam Greenbaum turns it down. What angers me most is the lack of political correctness used in our news- papers when referring to the current school board. The board is constantly being referred to as the “Orthodox board.” When discussing political figures, is it appropriate to label them by their religious affiliation or race? The hatred that has emerged from Greenbaum and others and is being dis- seminated throughout the public schools is a message that I would prefer to shield my children from. I hope we can serve all our children and teach them the message of love over hatred. Lisa Loew

Dear Editor, As a resident of School District 15, the aggressive campaigning and heated rhetoric that I’m seeing in advance of the May 15 school-board elections is no surprise. What is surprising are the brazen violations of ethics and fair play by the Advocates for Lawrence Public Schools (ALPS) and the candidates they support. First, there was a defamation lawsuit brought by board member Pamela Greenbaum against critics of her poli- cies. Then there was an unprecedented breach of confidentiality when Ms. Greenbaum and her colleague Stanley Kopilow publicly described the terms of a settlement between the board and parents of special-needs children reached in executive session. Most recently, there are reports of members of ALPS appropriating photos from a high-school yearbook in Brooklyn for use in a mis- leading ad designed to raise hysteria rather than inform the public. The first maxim of education is that the best way to teach is by example. How can we teach our children to be tolerant and value free speech when our first reaction to criticism is to file a lawsuit? How can we teach our children to be ethical, moral, and honest when we are prepared to violate the privacy of schoolchildren to make cheap and deceptive political points? Abe Avezov, Cedarhurst

Continued on Page 46 44 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 45 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ents are anti-public-schools. Dear Editor, Dear Editor, Continued from Page 44 “Take back our schools,” you say. Although I am now married, I find OK, now I have to respectfully They are all our schools. Please be Michele Herenstein’s articles enjoy- disagree with Michele Herenstein courteous to each other; all the resi- able. As far as the breaking up issue (“Breaking Up”). Why, especially Dear Editor, dents of District 15 deserve this— (“Breaking Up,” front cover, April 27), after one date, should a guy have to I feel compelled to write in to try to especially our children. when I was single I adopted the fol- call specifically to say that he’s not help avert bad feelings in our humble Paula Friedman lowing policy, which I think minimizes going to call again? Isn’t that obvi- town. Yes, we live in a lovely town and hurt: Even if you know right away that ous if after a few days the second we have wonderful children whose Dear Editor, somebody is not for you (and often call doesn’t come? I think it’s insult- lives should be all of our concerns. I am writing in response to the full- you can tell in five minutes), always ing to call and say, “Don’t expect Remember “It takes a village”? Well, page ad on the back cover of a recent give them a second date if they another call from me.” (I’d hope he’d here in District 15 we must remember Nassau Herald. There are two glaring request it. To refuse a second date say it nicer than that, but still.) If that when it comes to the education of facts that need to be pointed out to the means that the person being turned there were several dates, then I can our children—all the children of general public. First, the National down may feel that he or she is so understand a phone call to say, District 15—we are trying to make School Boards Association is a private unattractive, undesirable, or whatever “Thanks, but this is not going to go sure that the public schools are well organization located in Alexandria, that they feel crushed. any further.” But after one date, I run and cared for institutions. Virginia, and its “code of ethics,” It is also arrogant to be so abrupt. think it’s better to just let things die Everyone who I have ever spoken to endorsed by that organization’s leader- After two times, if one tells somebody on their own. only wants our public schools to be the ship as a model for use by various state that it is not working out, they at least My two cents! best possible. The nonsensical belief associations, is nothing more than a list feel that they had enough going for Teaneck that parents who send their children to of suggested pledges for those who wish them that they were given another yeshivas don’t care about the public to adopt them. But the ad says, “The chance. There is still not yet really any Dear Editor, schools is untrue! I am very proud of my ethical standard required of all public emotional attachment at this early I liked Michele Herenstein’s arti- dear neighbors’ children who have school board members is set by the stage. To continue past the two-date cle. My position is that if after the grown up to be wonderful young people, National School Board Association stage would not be doing a favor to the first date no phone call is given, just and they did it in our public school. As Code of Ethics: ‘Remember always that other party, since it might cause them write it off. If they decide to send an for the misconceptions that because we our first and greatest concern must be to start building up feelings and hopes e-mail, that’s OK with me also. send our children to private school, we educational welfare of the students that will be dashed. When you are dating past two or must all be very wealthy, this could not attending public schools.’ ” So in summary, to continue for too three dates, you have to say some- be further from the truth! Secondly, the remarks reprinted from long is hurtful, but too short is even thing face-to-face. You need to show Yes, there are those who can easily the April 12 edition of the Nassau more hurtful, especially if that person some decency. pay their tuitions, but, more often than Herald about Dr. Blisko and Mr. Marcus might often get rejected after one date. I, personally, would not want to not, it is a constant struggle for parents is not an actual quotation. Rather, this I think the best compromise and least know why. It would kill me to hear to afford tuition. We don’t drive fancy was an individual reporter’s characteri- painful is two dates. If the other party bad criticism about myself and I cars or live in fancy homes or wear zation of their views. is only lukewarm (which you can find would lose confidence in dating after fancy clothes, because our children’s It is shameful for ALPS to suggest, out from the shadchan) then obviously someone told me a criticism. If a girl daily education in the ways of our based on alleged violations of “ethics stan- there is no need to push for a second is told she isn’t yeshivish enough, she beliefs is most important. We don’t dards” that are inapplicable, that current date, but when the other party is real- might turn down a setup based on one want to tell anyone how to educate our Orthodox board members lack ethics. ly hoping for a second date, then for person’s opinion if the setup is with a children any more than the public- Steven Schechter, the sake of chesed, give it another time. yeshivish guy. school parents think that yeshiva par- Woodmere Far Rockaway Teaneck

46 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES her sincerity, her directness, and her unwillingness to take no for an answer. She was always rooting for each of us to succeed. She was the face of composure and was a person of compassion, honesty, and humility—qualities which were The Sheloshim Of Jordanna Birnbaum in Jerusalem obvious to anyone who had the honor of Mrs. Naomi Levenbrown (HAFTR High School graduating class knowing her. On April 8, the Machon HaTorah of 2006), who conveyed the feelings of Mrs. Levenbrown was a woman of and HAFTR families suffered a the recent graduates: truth and integrity. A person can only be tremendous loss with the untimely Mrs. Levenbrown was the epitome of a true teacher and a leader if they pos- death of the longtime associate princi- what a teacher and principal should be. sess purity and honesty. Mrs. Naomi pal, Mrs. Naomi Levenbrown. Since Her very personality left an indelible Levenbrown embodied these qualities. I then, her family and the yeshiva have impression on everyone who met her. It hope that the lessons I learned from her received hundreds of e-mails and let- is impossible to fully describe the and the lessons of the way she lived per- ters from alumni, students, and friends breadth of Mrs. Levenbrown’s impact meate the halls of HAFTR and the heart relating anecdotes and experiences that on the thousands of students who passed and soul of the community for genera- spoke of Mrs. Levenbrown’s kindness, through HAFTR High school… She tions to come. caring, professionalism, and other had impeccable midot—and all we can Because Mrs. Levenbrown’s funeral incredible attributes that made her the try to do and hope to do is to raise our- took place over the Pesach vacation Mrs. Naomi Levenbrown, of blessed memory. wonderful woman that she was. selves up to the high bar which she has period and many were unable to attend, During the past month, current stu- set in order to pay homage to her. a decision was made to hold a commu- dents of HAFTR High School have Mrs. Levenbrown was a wellspring of nity-wide observance of her sheloshim by Rabbi Eliach, Mr. Blumenstein, and committed themselves to learning and advice and the mediator of any issue in (the 30th day of mourning). On Sunday Mrs. Kadosh—all principals at chesed projects in memory of their school… She was the go-to person for evening, May 6, more than 750 people HAFTR—who echoed the sentiments beloved associate principal, teacher, anything that needed to be done. gathered at Congregation Beth Sholom expressed throughout the month by so mentor, confidante, and friend. Many Mrs. Levenbrown was the glue that to pay their respects to Mrs. many who described Mrs. Leven- of last year’s graduates, who are spend- held the school together. She mediated Levenbrown. It was an emotionally brown’s wonderful character. ing the current year studying in Israel, between the students, the faculty, and moving, stirring program that was digni- Jaclyn Bernstein, a current student have dedicated their learning to Mrs. the administration. She took the differ- fied and respectful. Rabbi Zev Meir at HAFTR, described the students’ Levenbrown’s memory. In addition, ent departments and disciplines and Friedman, rosh yeshiva of Machon feelings and detailed the wonderful they have sent many poignant letters transformed them into one. Whether it HaTorah and HAFTR High School, charitable projects and specific learn- and e-mails describing the effect Mrs. was a rally for Israel or Darfur, or visit- used his opening remarks to detail some ing projects that have been undertaken Levenbrown had on their lives and ing a nursing home, Mrs. Levenbrown of the wonderful attributes that marked in Mrs. Levenbrown’s memory. Adam how much she will be missed. A collec- made it happen. Mrs. Levenbrown’s personality. Hanau, a HAFTR student, conducted tion of these notes and e-mails were More than anything else, Mrs. Rabbi Hain, the rabbi of a siyum of the mishnayos of Seder gathered in a pamphlet that was dis- Levenbrown was a trustworthy and lov- Congregation Beth Sholom and the Mo‘ed, whose study the boys had tributed at the sheloshim commemora- ing friend. Everyone knew that any- Levenbrowns’ rabbi for many years, undertaken to commemorate the tion which took place on Sunday thing discussed with her would be kept described Mrs. Levenbrown’s courage evening. One such e-mail came from confidential. The students appreciated and integrity. He was followed in kind Continued on Page 48

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 47 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 47

memory of their adored principal. Rabbi Oppen recited the Kaddish at the end of the siyum. Perhaps the most moving speaker, in an evening filled with emotion, was Mrs. Ilana Wernick-Berenson, a student of Mrs. Levenbrown from nearly 20 years ago. She described with great fondness Mrs. Levenbrown’s role as teacher, role model, and trust- ed friend. Mrs. Levenbrown’s sister spoke of how thankful she was to see that so many recognized her sister’s inner and outer beauty. Dr. Jack Levenbrown, the mayor of Lawrence and, for 38 years, the husband of Mrs. Leven- brown, pointed out that Naomi would be happy to see her students there in number and would urge all of them, as she always had, to reach for the stars and to achieve their goals. Dr. Levenbrown also announced the creation of the Naomi Levenbrown Memorial Scholarship, which will col- lect funds to support academic and merit scholarships as well as provide funding for activities that will lead to student growth. Dr. and Mrs. Levenbrown were the Guests of Honor at this year’s HAFTR dinner, and the evening closed with the showing of Mrs. Leven- brown’s taped message to the assembled guests that evening. She ended with the following thought: “One should always aspire to inspire before they expire!” In Mrs. Naomi Levenbrown’s case, that mission was absolutely accomplished. The overwhelming feeling of those who attended the dig- nified service as they exited was that each person, the yeshiva, and the community as a whole had lost an invaluable member of its family. She was loved by all and will be sorely missed. ❖

Sixth N. American Tour For South African Synagogue Choir And Cantor The internationally ac- claimed Sydenham Syna- gogue choir with Cantor Oshy Tugendhaft is scheduled to perform their hit musical Celebration 3 at the Montclair University auditorium on Sunday, June 10 and at the Hofstra University playhouse on Monday, June 11. The audio-visual spectacular will celebrate many aspects of Jewish life with amazing vibrancy. Book tickets by calling 800-494-8497 or online at www.boxofficetickets.com/ sydenhamchoir. 48 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Ticket prices in New Jer- sey are $36; at the Hofstra playhouse general seating is $15, $24, or $50 until May 28, then $20, $32, or $50. Premium seating is $100 or $75. ❖

JCC Dinner With Friends The JCC of the Greater Five Towns plans to host a “Dinner with Friends” program for wid- ows and widowers 55 years and older on Wednesday, May 16, at 7:00 p.m. The JCC is located at 207 Grove Avenue in Cedarhurst. The program includes dinner and dancing to the music of Rick Shaw (formerly of The Impalas). The fee is $18. Registration is a must; call Lisa Stern, LCSW-R at 516-569-6733 ext. 209. ❖

An Ounce Of Prevention: Empowering Your Child’s Transition To Adulthood In the supercharged 21st century, risky and anti-social behaviors are glamorized by the media, and neither parents nor schools can completely protect and nurture today’s children. Three local organizations—IncludeEd Educational Services, Bechirot, and the Bridges for Children Center— serve as crucial resources in the effort to prevent inappro- priate behaviors and strengthen families. On Sunday, April 29, parents and professionals gathered at Lander College for Men in Kew Gardens Hills for a symposium entitled “An Ounce of Prevention: Em- powering your child’s transition to adulthood.” The keynote speaker, Shlomo Lie- berman, the clinical director of Bechirot, gave a sensitive pres- entation stressing the importance of prevention for families and schools. Then, each of the three organizations led a work- shop providing insights into their missions and programs. Mr. Lieberman of Bechirot demonstrated what is important to children, illustrated differences in thinking between adults and children, and discussed the need for healthy choices. Rabbi David Plotkin, boys’ program director at the Bridges for Children Center, helped the audience define their parental goals and priori- ties, focusing on choices which are often obscured by the pressures of our multifac- eted lives. Mrs. Toby Teichman of IncludEd Educational Services addressed the devel- opmental milestones of pre- schoolers and presented a complete parent manual for attaining services through the Board of Education. City Councilmember James Gennaro offered his warm

Continued on Page 50 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 49 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS “When we think of the tremendous Continued from Page 49 impact that your talmidim have made—the growth of the Five Towns support for the efforts of the presen- community over the last 20 years—it is ters and spoke of his devotion to edu- easy to say that the yeshiva is a ‘Five cation in our community. Towns yeshiva’ in the fullest sense!” This forum was made possible by The distinguished chairman of the the office of Assemblywoman Nettie reception and evening of chizuk is Rav Meyersohn, F.E.G.S. Behavioral Wolowitz; the reception is co-chaired Health Services System, IncludEd by the distinguished group of Rabbi Educational Services, and the JCCA of Amos Bunim, Irving Langer, and Queens, all of whom appreciate what Aaron Wolfson, all of whom are devot- prevention services can do for the ed friends and admirers of the rosh community at large. yeshiva and the yeshiva. Concerned parents must work with The reception and pre-Shavuos schools and parent-teacher organiza- evening of chizuk will iy’H take place tions to respond to today’s challenges. on Sunday, May 20 at 8:30 p.m. at the To find out more, contact IncludeEd home of Rabbi and Mrs. Aryeh Z. Educational Services at 718-263- Ginzberg at 568 Kensington Place KIDS, the Bridges for Children Center Rav Aryeh Z. Ginzberg of the Chofetz Chaim Torah Center of Cedarhurst with (corner Oakland Avenue) in at [email protected] or 718- HaRav Henoch Leibowitz, shlita, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim in Queens. Cedarhurst. There will be a delicious 575-2170, or Bechirot at bechirot@ buffet and plenty of seating for every- gmail.com. ❖ one. For more information regarding Queens and founder of its internation- Gershon Kramer, and Rabbi Heshy this important event, please call the Five Towns Greeting HaRav al network of yeshivos for over 66 years. Glass, are talmidim of the rosh yeshiva. Ginzberg home at 516-295-7644. ❖ Henoch Leibowitz, Shlita, May 20 He has developed talmidim who have Another talmid who practically grew Jews have performed the mitzvah of distinguished themselves in opening up in the rosh yeshiva’s home is the Lido Beach Synagogue being mekabel panim—to offer greet- their own yeshivos throughout the host of this event, Rabbi Aryeh Zev Mission To Israel ings to one’s rebbi or teacher during country and in Eretz Yisrael. Ginzberg, the rav of the Chofetz Rabbi Daniel H. Mehlman, mara d’as- the days of Yom Tov—for thousands of This past year alone, new yeshivos Chaim Torah Center in Cedarhurst. ra of the Lido Beach Synagogue is proud years. Often that becomes difficult to opened in St. Louis, Vancouver, Boca Last year’s event, held days before to announce the Lido Beach Synagogue do, so many people travel in the days Raton, Staten Island, and Ramat Beit Chanukah, brought together many Mission to Israel. Rabbi Mehlman and before the regel to offer words of Shemesh. There is also not a yeshiva or talmidim and friends of the yeshiva, all the participants are planning to travel greetings and receive berachos from institution in the Five Towns that does along with many people in the commu- to the Holy Land to give chizuk to our gedolei Yisrael. not feature prominently amongst its nity who just wanted to meet and brothers and sisters there. The Torah community in the Five staff former talmidim of the yeshiva receive a berachah from such a The highlight of this mission will be Towns will be truly privileged to have and of the rosh yeshiva. renowned Torah sage and scholar. At the dedication of a Magen Dovid this opportunity just days before Several distinguished rabbanim that event, one of the prominent rab- Adom ambulance, made possible by Shavuos. HaRav Henoch Leibowitz, throughout the Five Towns, such as banim from the community who the outpouring of donations from the shlita, has been the rosh yeshiva of the Rabbi Dovid Weinberger, Rabbi Shaya attended the kabbalas panim expressed illustrious Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim of Richmond, Rabbi Shaya Cohen, Rabbi in his greetings to the rosh hayeshiva, Continued on Page 52

50 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 51 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 50

members and friends of the shul. The celebration is scheduled to take place on Thursday morning, May 31 in Tzfat. An invitation is extended to everyone who will be in Israel to join in the festivities. Call 516-889-0382 for more information. ❖

Rambam Leads The Parade! The Five Towns community was honored to have one of its own—the Rambam Mesivta division of Machon HaTorah—as the first school to march in this year’s Israel Day Parade on Sunday. Rambam’s exuberance brought great cheers from the crowd and inspired the mayor of Jerusalem, Gavriel Novick (freshman) of Rambam Uri Lupolianski, to join the Rambam Mesivta at the Israel Day Parade last Sunday. chevrah singing and dancing their way down Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Local news stations featured the recognition of the significance of Rambam marchers as part of the Israel to all Jews is evident in the parade coverage. many programs of activism, including Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, the rosh the rallies, protests, lobbying, and let- yeshiva, was greeted warmly by digni- ter-writing campaigns that Rambam taries and politicians, among them students participate in. Moreover, the Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Dan history, political, and social structure Gillerman, and Congressman Anthony of the State of Israel and its place in a Weiner, who have worked with Torah framework is a core element in Rambam on a variety of projects and Rambam’s curriculum and is en- causes. “The Israel Day Parade is a hanced by special programs and visit- fantastic opportunity to join with our ing lecturers. “Rambam has always fellow Jews and do something that instilled in its talmidim a deep and sends a clear message of support for abiding love and appreciation for the Jewish homeland,” said associate Medinat Yisrael,” said Rabbi Yotav principal Rabbi Peretz Hochbaum. Eliach, the school’s principal. “But It is a stance Rambam students are classroom learning is not enough. We familiar with. Ahavat Eretz Yisrael and also teach our talmidim the impor-

52 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Cavaliers, a 7th- and 8th-grade hockey semifinalist Moriah of Englewood, and team in the Metropolitan Yeshiva a new entrant to the league, YNJ of Junior High Hockey League. Marty River Edge. For the MYJHHL, semifi- passed away at the age of 47 after suc- nalist Har Torah, quarterfinalist cumbing to a blood clot. Marty, a lov- HAFTR of Lawrence, and league run- ing father, son, and husband, believed ner-up HANC (the host school) will in the values of sports, the importance contend. The tournament is scheduled of life, and the enjoyment of all that it to begin at 9:45 a.m. and last until encompassed. Most importantly, around 7:00 p.m. Admission is free. Marty was a supporter of the children. For more information about the For almost 17 years, Marty served as tournament, Hatzolah, or to make a treasurer on the board of Yeshiva donation or be a sponsor, please con- Derech HaTorah in Brooklyn. tact Elliot Weiselberg at talk@ Throughout those 17 years, he did his ylsradio.com. ❖ best to ensure that nearly 1,000 chil- Rabbi Zev Friedman with NYC Police …and with Israel’s ambassador to the United dren would receive only the best that Community Service Award For Commissioner Ray Kelly at the parade… Nations, Dan Gillerman. could be offered so that they would, HAFTR one day, make a difference toward the On May 15, the Hebrew Academy of advancement of Klal Yisrael. the Five Towns and Rockaway is tance of Jewish activism and the Said Rabbi Friedman, “During these Last year, the tournament was held scheduled to be presented with the imperative of showing achdut with our difficult and challenging times, it is in late June in Yeshiva Har Torah in Community Service Award at the sev- fellow Jews in concerted efforts that crucial that all Jews unite and mobilize Bellerose. In that tournament, three enth annual Partners for Life Gala of benefit all of Klal Yisrael.” support for our brethren in Medinat teams participated (all of whom will the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Rambam’s Mitnadvim program, Yisrael. As Rav Henkin, zt”l, said (siman also be in this year’s tournament), with Foundation. which was created by Rabbi Eliach, 110), ‘When Jews are in danger we Yavneh of Paramus walking away with In 2002, families of HAFTR became offers students the unique opportuni- should join with all—Jews and non- the championship over HANC. involved in a special mission to save a ty to travel to Israel during winter Jews alike—to help save lives.’ ” ❖ Once again, the tournament will life. Together with Gift of Life, break, where they spend their morn- also serve the dual purpose of being a HAFTR parents organized a recruit- ings learning in yeshiva and their Hockey Tournament At HANC charity fundraiser. All proceeds from ment campaign to find a genetically afternoons working alongside Israelis. On Sunday, May 20, the 2007 the event will go to a branch of matched bone marrow donor for Dr. This year’s group spent their after- Martin Weiselberg Memorial Hockey Hatzolah in Brooklyn. Last year, the Barry Mishkin, z’l, who was suffering noons in northern Israel, where they Tournament is scheduled to take place tournament raised over $2,000 for this from leukemia. Not surprisingly, the helped rebuild, paint, and remove rub- at the Hebrew Academy of Nassau worthy cause, in the hopes that it HAFTR and surrounding Five Towns ble from the areas destroyed in the County in Uniondale. The tournament, would help preserve Jewish life within community enthusiastically embraced war against Lebanon. in its second year, will feature the best the area. the unique opportunity to try to save a The annual parade draws thousands up-and-coming hockey players from Both leagues in the tri-state area, life. The campaign, spearheaded by of marchers and spectators from across the two junior-high hockey leagues. the MYJHHL and HAYMISH, will be Jonathan Nierenberg (Dr. Mishkin’s the country and Rambam was thrilled The tournament is dedicated in lov- represented by four teams. brother-in-law and a HAFTR parent to kick off this year’s event. Lending ing memory of Marty Weiselberg, Representing HAYMISH, the New and board member), resulted in the political support to Israel is a corner- father of Elliot Weiselberg, who is the Jersey league, are league champions stone of what the parade is all about. assistant coach of the HANC SAR of Riverdale, runners-up Yavneh, Continued on Page 54

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 53 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Belle Harbor donor pool. The Talmud landmarks in Jewish history. Yom Continued from Page 53 teaches us that “one who saves one life HaShoah was observed with Mr. is considered as having saved an entire Laibel Zisman’s account of his strug- addition of nearly 2,500 new donors to world.” The Belle Harbor community gles in Auschwitz and eventual libera- Gift of Life’s registry in just a few days. has had the enormous merit of saving tion. Rambam’s “Yom HaZikaron” Sadly, Dr. Mishkin did not survive three “entire worlds”! assembly offered talmidim the vivid his illness, but the effort to save him To participate, come to the fifth story of Michael Levin, an American was not in vain. From just one donor annual Belle Harbor Yom Yerushalayim oleh who joined the IDF and was killed drive held at HAFTR, an incredible 15 evening of chesed and song, featuring while fighting in the war against donors have gone on to give their bone Dovid Gabay in a concert under the Lebanon in the summer of 2006, while marrow and facilitate life-saving trans- stars on Wednesday, May 16, at 7:30 Yom HaAtzmaut offered the inspiring plants for other patients in similar p.m. at the home of Mira Nakash. stories of modern-day olim. need around the world. The special Limited space is available. Call 718- “It’s amazing to think that 40 years community has continued to support 853-8400 for tickets. ago, we were fighting for our lives, for Gift of Life’s mission, as more donors For more information or to send a the very existence of the Jewish peo- step forward to save lives. ❖ contribution, contact Ezer Mizion at ple,” said rosh yeshiva Rabbi Zev Meir 1281 49th St., Brooklyn NY 11219, 718- Friedman. “We cannot take for granted Ezer Mizion 853-8400, or www.ezermizion.org. ❖ the incredible events that brought us to It’s hard to imagine a more gratify- where we are today. On these occasions ing act than saving a person’s life! Ezer Yom Yerushalayim we have the opportunity to refocus our Mizion opened its bone marrow reg- At Rambam Mesivta Rav Simcha HaKohen Kook, shlita. thoughts and take the time to appreci- istry in 1998. For many cancer This Sunday, May 13, Rambam ate and thank Hashem for delivering us patients around the globe, a bone mar- Mesivta plans to commemorate the from the hands of our enemies.” ❖ row transplant is their only chance of 40th anniversary of the Six Day War inspired followers in the generations survival. To assure a successful trans- with a special program open to the since. Rav Kook’s devotion to Medinat Whatever Your Heart Desires plant, the donor and recipient must be entire community. The Yom Yisrael and ahavat chinam made him a By Rochel Weinfeld a genetic match. Ezer Mizion makes Yerushalayim program will feature shi- beloved and highly respected figure Fifth Avenue in Manhattan was great efforts to incorporate donors urim by the chief rabbi of Rehovot, and rebbi to people of all denomina- closed off this Sunday—Lag B’Omer— from all Jewish ethnic affiliations in its Rav Simcha HaCohen Kook, grandson tions and religious affiliations. The as schools and organizations marched registry. Recently Ezer Mizion has of Rav Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen yeshiva he began in 1924, Merkaz with Israeli flags waving high, demon- partnered with the Israel Defense Kook, and by Rabbi Kenneth Hain of HaRav, continues his teachings today strating solidarity with Israel. There Forces, and each new recruit is genet- Beth Shalom. and is one of the few yeshivot whose was even a band of African-Americans. ically tested upon induction, thus Yom Yerushalayim commemorates talmidim serve in Israel’s army. What dealt the final blow to my over- allowing a vast array of ethnic groups our liberation of Jerusalem and victory Rambam Mesivta welcomes all whelming emotion were what I call to be represented and greatly increas- in the Six Day War. As the first members of the community to come “the Jewish Harleys.” Having lived in ing the chances of finding a match for Ashkenazic chief rabbi of modern on Sunday at 10:45 to 15 Frost Lane Wisconsin for six years, the birthplace Jews in need. Eretz Yisrael, Rav Kook was at the fore- in Lawrence. For more information, of the Harley Davidson Motorcycle To date, Ezer Mizion facilitated over front of that struggle, and his dedica- call 516-371-5824. The Yom Company and host to annual confer- 250 transplants throughout the world. tion to the Religious Zionist move- Yerushalayim event is just one of the ences when they block off the freeway The testing for eight matches resulting ment, combining a devotion to many programs undertaken by for the bikers, this evoked such a cock- in three transplants was funded by the Orthodoxy with political Zionism, Rambam to commemorate important tail of reactions. While we had been to

54 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES the museum and we had never had any scooter race, balance beam, and bas- With the recent addition of Mrs. ed runs on Broadway to critical and trouble with the bikers on their annu- ketball. For art therapy, they made Batsheva Borenstein, FC can achieve popular acclaim. To watch this spec- al visit, we always felt hesitancy photo frames, key chains, and paddle even greater success. Borenstein tacular show, bid on your favorite towards this group, who struck me as balls. At the Jewish library, volunteers worked with the Friendship Circle in celebrity’s doodles, honor FC volun- rough and tough. Now as I saw a seg- read softly to their friends. Finally, a Detroit, Mich., for almost four years teers, and enjoy a terrific dinner by ment of them, Israeli flags draped over sensory experience included Play-Doh, before joining Chabad of the Five Prestige Caterers, please call 516-295- their bikes or held by the riders, I was bubbles, foam, sand sculptures from Towns. She enthuses, “Sunday Circle 2478 or visit www.chabad5towns.com. struck by their sweet and soft dedica- delta sand, water buckets, and a rice was my first program here and I’m It all takes place at the Grand tion to Israel and our people. This was table with balloons completed the fun, really looking forward to working with Ballroom of Congregation Sons of their offering to our nation. enriching program. this community and bringing Israel. Admission is $50 for Marc’s I am reminded of the building of the As part of the Friendship Circle, Friendship Circle to the next level.” show or $75 for the show and buffet. Mishkan, where all of Israel were invit- teenage volunteers are paired with The Friendship Circle has now grown Sponsorship opportunities are avail- ed to donate—“kol asher yidvenu children with special needs and visit to include more than 50 teenage vol- able for $125, $180, $360, and libo”—whatever your heart desires to in their homes and other locales unteers and children, and it will cer- include VIP seating and a Viennese contribute. Imagine the trinkets and once a week for about an hour. They tainly require Batsheva’s full attention. dessert reception with Marc Salem. ❖ carved menageries that showed up in play and interact with the child, thus If anyone wants to volunteer or knows the hands of the eager Jews! G-d giving the parents much-needed someone who could benefit from their Tim Russert To Address YU 76th accepted each contribution and it was respite. Hadassah Geisinsky, the services, please call Batsheva at 516- Commencement blessed in His eyes, enough to form the Chabad of the Five Towns youth 295-2478 ext.13. Tim Russert, award-winning televi- walls or poles of the Mishkan. G-d’s director, brought the program here Help support this innovative pro- sion journalist, author, and moderator of Divine presence emanated and many two years ago and now felt ready to gram at the first Friendship Circle the influential Sunday-morning talk miracles took place there. A piece of launch Sunday Circle, where parents fundraiser on Sunday, May 13. The show Meet the Press, is scheduled to every Jewish heart that contributed was can drop off their children once a exciting night includes a buffet dinner address Yeshiva University’s graduating etched into that structure. Hands that month. The children are in the best at 6:00 p.m., followed at 7:30 by a classes at Radio City Music Hall in New leaned on the walls during prayer, of hands as specially trained high celebrity doodle auction, a show by York City on May 17 at 11:00 a.m. beseeching their Creator, were touched school volunteers engage them in mentalist Marc Salem, and an awards Mr. Russert, who will also receive by these generous hearts and their pure one-on-one fashion and therapists ceremony for the volunteers. Marc’s expression of desire to give to G-d’s guide the children in activities. “Mind Games” concluded two extend- Continued on Page 57 resting place on earth. Earlier this week I had a conversation with a friend of mine, Carolyn from Maryland. Her son is suffering from cancer. We speak often and try to make sense of life, Judaism, Jews, etc. We came across a discussion of recent events in Maryland, where a principal behaved inappropriately with his students. Carolyn said to me, “G-d must be eating his heart out with all of this going on.” I was so struck by how she could step out of her being a child of G-d to seeing G-d’s pain in “raising” His children. Many times in my life, I knew in my tears and anguish that G-d cried with me and felt my pain. But I had never stepped out of my existence as a child of G-d and taken on feeling the pain G-d feels as a parent to His other children. Taking all of these experiences together, I was so happy for G-d at the Israeli Day Parade and concert, that He enjoyed this pure expression of solidarity with Israel. The “Jewish Harleys”—all outfitted in their motorcycle gear, with T-shirts speaking of support for Israel—gave, in their avenue of expression. A great Harley hum was heard all through Manhattan singing support for Israel! May we all access our unique self-expression, creativity, and the generosity in our heart of hearts to speak in simple praise for our Creator! ❖

Another Exciting Sunday Circle Event On Sunday, April 29, over 30 children with special needs and 35 volunteers gathered at the Jean Fischman Chabad Center of the Five Towns to take part in the new Sunday Circle component of the ongoing Friendship Circle program. The event featured pet therapy with an animal farm. Children fed llamas, held a bunny, and watched a one- week-old baby goat nurse from its mother. They also pet the animals and learned about them. Thanks to the generous support of herecomesfun .com, the children also enjoyed a moon bounce and inflatable slide. An indoor gym included an obstacle course, 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 55 56 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 55 s”xc an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from YU president Richard M. Joel, will speak about “Lessons and Values for Life.” More than 2,000 graduate students in the fields of law, medicine, social work, education, Jewish studies, and psychology, as well as undergraduate students from Yeshiva College, Stern College for Women, and Sy Syms School of Business, will be awarded degrees. President Joel will also confer honorary degrees on philanthropist Michael Steinhardt, chairman of the boards of the Jewish Life Network and Birthright Israel; Jacob Birnbaum, founder of the Student Struggle for Soviet Jewry; and philanthropist Stanley Silverstein, founder and chairman of Nina Footwear. This year’s Presidential Medallion will be awarded to YU coach Stanley Watson. Mr. Watson has been a member of YU’s athletic staff for over 20 years. His uncompromising dedication to the students as a teacher, coach, and coun- selor has earned him campus-wide respect and affection. Jacob Birnbaum is founder and director of the Student Struggle for Soviet Jewry (SSSJ), the Center for Russian and East European Jewry, and other Soviet Jewry groups. Mr. Birnbaum is a Jewish activist, who, in the 1960s, at a time when students all over the world were protesting injus- tice of all kinds, initiated a grass roots struggle for Soviet Jewry in New York City. It laid the groundwork for a movement that energized an entire generation of Jewish activists. He is the grandson of Nathan Birnbaum, a Jewish student activist in the mid 19th century, and secretary-general of the first Zionist Congress in 1897. Jacob Birnbaum was born in Germany in 1926. He was raised, educated, and spent his early working life in England before he came to the United States. Stanley Silverstein is the chairman of Nina Footwear, a manufacturer of shoes, handbags, and accessories, and a director of the Children’s Place chain of retail stores. Born in Vilna, Lithuania, his family immigrated to Cuba, where Mr. Silverstein was educated and where his father established a shoe company. After coming to the United States and serving in the U.S. Army, Mr. Silverstein founded Nina Footwear, now one of the few privately owned companies in the shoe business. One of the founders of Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of Business, Mr. Silverstein, along with his wife, Raine, are active in Jewish education and philanthropy. Michael Steinhardt is known for his philanthropy and also for his passion for art and antiquities. Once a prominent hedge-fund manager, he retired from asset management and in 1994 founded the Jewish Life Network “to strengthen and transform American Jewish life so that it may flourish in a fully integrated, free society.” Birthright Israel, a program of the Jewish Life Network, was started by Mr. Steinhardt and others in 1999 to

Continued on Page 58 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 57 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS College of New York. Between high at Aish HaTorah. After six years of Continued from Page 57 school and college Mr. Watson served intense learning, Glaser received semi- as a medical corpsman with the U.S. chah and began educating and, most enhance Jewish identity and create a Army and the U.S. Army Reserve. He importantly, inspiring others. central place for Israel among young joined the faculty of YU while pursuing His unique effervescent personality Jews in the Diaspora. The program his studies at CCNY. Mr. Watson is a inspires others with his relentless affords every Jew, age 18–26, the much-loved and respected member of energy. Featured in the internationally opportunity to spend time living and the YU community. distributed film Inspired, Rabbi learning in Israel by giving him or her a YU’s several graduate schools will Glaser’s message appeals to all, and we free round-trip ticket and ten days of hold commencement ceremonies at in the Five Towns will be able to bene- intensive Jewish educational experi- other venues on May 16, May 21, May fit from him personally. ences in Israel. Mr. Steinhardt is a grad- 29, June 6, and June 8. ❖ On Thursday evening, May 17, the uate of the University of Pennsylvania’s PTA of Yeshiva of South Shore will Wharton School of Business. Surfing Champ Rabbi To Make host Rabbi Glaser for a pre-Shavuos Stanley Watson is Yeshiva College’s Waves At South Shore! talk on “How to Infuse Spirituality assistant athletic director and director “Dynamic!” “Awsome!” “Inspiring!” Into Your Home, Family, and Self.” of intramural athletics, a position he These are just some of the expres- This dynamic lecture is open to men, has held since 1986. Born in sions of the thousands who have truly women, and young adults, and like the Woodruff, South Carolina, Mr. Watson been inspired by Rabbi Yom Tov wonderful film in which he is so pow- was raised and educated in New York Glaser, a former West Coast Surf erfully portrayed, Rabbi Glaser is guar- City and received an A.A. degree in Champ who has become an interna- Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser, the “surfing rabbi.” anteed to inspire! There is no admis- physical education from the City tionally known dynamic mashpia. sion fee. If you would like to be part of this important event by becoming a Yom Tov Glaser was born in sponsor, please contact Suri Lewis at Hollywood, California, and grew up at 516-317-7323. ❖ the foot of the mountains, with the Pacific Ocean nearby. He began surf- Bikur Cholim Luncheon ing at a young age, and as the son of a The Annual Spring Luncheon of the surf-wear manufacturer, Yom Tov grew Rivkah Laufer Bikur Cholim is set to to be a champ, traveling around the take place on Tuesday, June 12 at world on surfing expeditions. 11:45 a.m. at Terrace on the Park. Yom Tov’s talents transcended the Tobi Rubinstein Schneier, a ba’alas water. A lover of music, Rabbi Glaser chesed who enjoys an illustrious career has been playing music professionally in the fashion industry as president for over two decades—in Europe he was and partner at Fashion Globalization, once known as “the Jewish Bob Marley.” is the Guest of Honor. Tobi is married But in the late 1980s, R’ Yom Tov to Rabbi Marc Schneier, founding realized that there was a force more rabbi of the Hampton Synagogue and powerful than the ocean. He moved to New York Synagogue. Her involvement Israel in 1991, where he began to explore his Jewish origins by studying Continued on Page 60

58 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 59 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS children a legacy of love for Torah and Teen Boutique, in Boro Park. Ahuva their child is finished with school. It’s Continued from Page 58 charitable deeds. He was a devoted and Menachem Bobker are the proud that simple. Under the program, husband to Melanie, always supportive parents of four children and many Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance in many institutions and charitable of her generosity and concern for grandchildren. Sarah is married to Company (MassMutual) will issue a fundraising events is truly extraordi- those in need. The Bergers were active Shlomo Yavne, and they are blessed $50,000 life insurance policy at no cost nary. Tobi Rubinstein Schneier is the members of Kew Gardens Synagogue with six children and one grandchild. to you for a period of 10 years. proud mother of 13-year-old Lola Adath Yeshurun. The mitzvah of bikur cholim is one MassMutual pays the premiums. Rubinstein, a student at Ramaz The prestigious Physician of the of the most important acts of kindness If the policyholders should die with- Middle School. Dudu Fisher, interna- Year Award will be presented to that one can offer. The sick and needy in that time period, chas v’shalom, the tionally renowned cantor of the Dr. Joseph B. Felder, a gastroenterolo- in America and in Israel continue to $50,000 is used to cover the educa- Hampton and New York Synagogues, gist attending at Lenox Hill Hospital. look to the Rivkah Laufer Bikur tional expenses of their children. They will perform at the luncheon. Besides his teaching and academic Cholim for assistance. Many have lost have 10 years after the death or until The Woman of the Year Award will responsibilities, he has a private prac- jobs and health insurance. The organi- age 35 (whichever is later) to use this be presented to Elana Fox Kermaier. tice on the Upper East Side of zation’s services are administered by $50,000 educational benefit. The Rebbetzin Kermaier, a graduate of Manhattan. He is co-chair of the med- volunteers so that donations go exclu- $50,000 benefit is paid to a trust, to be Barnard College, received her mas- ical advisory board for the Crohn’s and sively to fund patient benefits. ❖ used solely for educational expenses. ter’s degree from Bernard Revel Collitis Foundation of America. His The trust pays benefits directly to the Graduate School and a law degree wife Jenny, and children, Jillian, Nina, Free Life-Insurance Program schools attended by eligible children. from NYU School of Law. Presently Ethan, and Jesse, are a constant sup- For Parents The money can be used to pay for she works as an attorney for a private port to him. If you think you can’t get anything for tuition, fees, books, campus room and foundation. She and her husband, The Kesser Shem Tov Awardees are free in this world, you’ll want to learn board, and other educational expenses. Rabbi Yaakov Kermaier of the Fifth mother and daughter Ahuva Bobker more about a free life-insurance pro- Preschool, private school, trade school Avenue Synagogue, are the parents of and Sarah Yavne. They are a shining gram designed for parents. Yes, free. or colleges, and universities all qualify. four children. example of chesed and devotion to The philanthropic LifeBridge Free “We’re trying to ensure that access to There will be a memorial tribute to numerous religious institutions. They Life Insurance program is designed to educational opportunities exists for Joseph Berger, z’l, a devoted and well- are noted for having an “open door pol- help protect a family’s dream of provid- children of working families,” said respected man who left his children, icy.” They are women of modesty as ing an education for their children Matt Winter, executive-vice president grandchildren and five great-grand- well as active in their own business, should anything happen to them before of MassMutual. To be eligible to apply for the program, you must be between the ages of 19 and 42, the parent or legal guardian of one or more dependent children under age 18, and a permanent legal resident of the U.S. currently employed full or part time with a total family income not less than $10,000 or more than $40,000 annually, the only member of your household who has applied for LifeBridge Free Life Insurance program, and in good health. For more information on this program, visit www.massmutual.com/ lifebridge. If you think that you meet the eligibility requirements, please contact Harvey Gordon, executive director of JCCRP no later than Friday, June 1 at 718-327-7755 ext. 11 or hgordon@ jccrp.org. ❖

OU 109th Anniversary National Dinner Marvin and Renee Herskowitz of Far Rockaway and Rabbi Dale Polakoff of the Great Neck Synagogue are to be honored at the Orthodox Union’s 109th Anniversary National Dinner on Sunday, May 20 at the Hilton New York. The event is held to pay tribute to distinguished honorees and to celebrate the full range of OU programs. The Herskowitzes will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. They have rendered invaluable service to the OU over many years, in senior positions, as chairs, and as members of committees; Rabbi Polakoff will receive the National Distinguished Rabbinic Leadership Award. He is an OU board member and is currently president of the Rabbinical Council of America, where he works with many of the rabbis who lead OU congregations. Terry Augenbraun of Fairfield, Conn., is the dinner chairman. John Cowles, president of George Weston Bakeries, will receive the National Kashrut Leadership Award. The George Weston Bakeries connection to the OU Kosher goes back many years. The company produces some of the most delicious baked goods on the market, including Thomas’ English Muffins, Arnold and Freihofer’s bread, and Entenmann’s pastries. 60 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Leora and Martin F. Fineberg of ular Israelis; Yachad/National Jewish Teaneck will receive the Distinguished Council for Disabilities, enriching lives Community Service Award. They have of young Jews with special needs; worked tirelessly for a variety of Jewish Institute for Public Affairs, advancing causes, including those at the OU, and protecting the interests of the where Martin is national secretary. Sari Jewish people in the political arena and and Jason Ciment of Los Angeles will the public square; Joseph K. Miller receive the NCSY National Leadership Kharkov (Ukraine) Torah Center, Award. They have been deeply involved relighting the spark of Jewish obser- in the growth of the Jewish Student vance and knowledge in what was once Union, an offshoot of NCSY for high- the heartland of Judaism; Heshe and school teens with little or no Jewish Harriet Seif Jewish Learning Initiative background. Dassi and Ari Fuchs of on Campus, bolstering the observance Bergenfield will receive the Young of Orthodox college students and offer- Leadership Distinguished Service ing Torah knowledge to all Jews on 13 Award for their dedication to young peo- major campuses nationwide; and the ple. They have recently hosted a OU website and publications, reaching fundraising event for an OU film on eat- the hearts and minds of the Jewish ing disorders in the Jewish community. public with resources that inform, “Countless individuals benefit from instruct, and inspire. the work of the Orthodox Union world- For more information concerning wide. This year’s national dinner will the OU’s 109th national dinner, please embrace the OU’s leadership in all contact Malka Laks at 212-613-8144 areas of its programming and service,” or [email protected]. ❖ said OU president Stephen J. Savitsky. OU programs include the Pepa and UJO Of Williamsburg Breakfast Joseph Karasick Synagogue Services On Sunday, May 13, the United Department, strengthening the com- Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg’s munity and enhancing synagogue life Annual Legislative Breakfast is sched- everywhere; community services uled to take place at the Imperial department, creating educational and Ballroom in Williamsburg. The goal of inspiring programming for families and the legislative breakfast is to bring individuals; OU Kosher, making it eas- together a distinguished array of com- ier to live an observant Jewish life in an munal, religious, political, governmen- increasingly sophisticated technologi- tal, and civic leaders to express support cal age; NCSY, which is renowned for of the thriving Williamsburg communi- its outreach and “inreach” among ty and especially the crucial role UJO young people; Seymour J. Abrams has played in facilitating this growth Israel Center, providing a myriad of and success. This year’s breakfast will educational and social activities for Western olim and reaching out to sec- Continued on Page 62

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 61 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Shindler, with the Hakoras HaTov both the residents and elected officials his beautiful spirit. Continued from Page 61 Appreciation Award for the incredible of Williamsburg, and has been success- Zev had a smile that was captivating. accomplishments, sensitivity, and com- ful in obtaining vitally needed govern- When Zev smiled, the world smiled be dedicated to the theme of religious passion this organization displays daily ment assistance. with him. Whether it was sitting freedom and the importance of the in the field of mental health to the The UJO works closely with almost around the house eating his favorite Religious Freedom Restoration Act greater Williamsburg and Chassidic 150 organizations and civic associa- schnitzel and chocolate-chip cookies, (RFRA) and ensuring that this legisla- communities of New York City. tions by connecting those they repre- or going snowboarding in Vermont, tion is passed in New York State to pro- The breakfast will also honor Ira sent with information and services when you were with Zev, you always tect the unique customs and traditions Forman, executive director of the these institutions provide, such as had a great time. His family, friends, of the Orthodox and Chassidic Jewish National Jewish Democratic Council health insurance, career training, cri- and community will never be the same communities. with the National Jewish Leadership sis care, legal assistance, Head Start The United Jewish Organizations, Award, Assemblyman Vito Lopez with programs, and numerous other vital under the able leadership of its dynam- the Legislative Leadership Award, programs. The UJO also formulates a ic president, Rabbi David Niederman, Commissioner of the NYC Office of consensus on policy matters pertain- work vigilantly representing the inter- Emergency Management Joseph ing to neighborhood concerns and ests of the community concerning this Bruno with the City Leadership has been at the forefront advocating issue by working closely with govern- Award; Ari Noe, CEO, OTR Media for the rights of the Williamsburg ment to ensure that these fundamental Group with the Corporate Leadership community in its interaction with the liberties are protected in every facet of Award; and Jonathan Zalisky of Health local, city, state, and federal levels of daily life. Nat Lewan, regarded as one Plus with the Community Tribute government. of America’s foremost experts on Award. Remarks will be delivered by The Friedlander Group is coordi- Constitutional law and a passionate breakfast chairman William Rapfogel, nating this breakfast. For more info, advocate of the Jewish community on CEO of the Metropolitan Council on please contact them at 718-436- issues pertaining to religious liberties, Jewish Poverty; JCRC associate execu- 5555 or via e-mail at info@ will deliver the keynote speech. tive director David Pollack; Thomas FriedlanderGroupPR.com. ❖ The legislative breakfast is being Early, CEO of Health Plus; and Rabbi sponsored by Health Plus, which has David Niederman, the dedicated pres- Ner Zev: Program Named In earned a reputation as an innovative ident of UJO. Memory Of The Sweetest Kid not-for-profit health-care plan com- The United Jewish Organizations was One year ago today, May 11, the mitted to quality health care and dedi- established in 1966 to serve as an community grieved the loss of the cated to the health and well-being of umbrella organization to provide and sweetest kid, Zev Friedman. Zev was a our culturally diverse communities. coordinate a vast range of social, educa- friend to everyone and was loved by us Zev Friedman, of blessed memory. Other sponsors include Yeled v’Yalda, tional, health, and housing services for all. Everyone who met him was auto- OTR Media, and Con Edison. the rapidly growing Chassidic commu- matically drawn to his charismatic per- The breakfast will pay tribute to Lt.- nity of greater Williamsburg. The UJO sonality. He was the most fulfilled, without Zev Friedman, nor will he be Governor David A. Paterson with the serves as the voice of all the various helpful, thoughtful, giving, loving, and forgotten. As his mother said, “Never State Leadership Award, which will be kehillos and community-based organiza- warm teenage boy that you could wanting anyone to suffer what I have presented by State Senator Jeff Klein. tions. Since its establishment 40 years meet. Being involved in his peers’ well- suffered, I have directed my energy UJO will pay tribute to Pesach ago, and throughout the last 17 years being, always having a smile on his into developing a unique program to Tikvah, under the able leadership of its with Rabbi David Niederman at the face and lighting up everybody’s day executive director Dr. Yitzchok helm, UJO has earned the respect of with a good joke only barely describes Continued on Page 64

62 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 63 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS keep his name alive, and for Ner Zev emulates the essence individual.” Long Island NCSY Alumnus Continued from Page 62 an aliyah for his neshamah. of Zev: giving to others, …to This program will be In Israel Baseball League Therefore, the befitting name make people happy, and unveiled in honor of Zev’s When Leon Feingold was commemorate his memory, to of this program is ‘Ner Zev.’ bringing out the best in every first yahrtzeit. The program is active in the NCSY chapter at a novel way of thinking for a the Hewlett-East Rockaway new generation. It is a high- Jewish Center on Long Island school equivalency program some 15-plus years ago, his dedicated to saving “sweet fellow teens looked up to him, kids” at risk. This program is which is natural because he altogether different than any was six feet, six inches tall, other program. It is a self- and weighed more than 225 contained community, where pounds. To baseball fans in the students and dedicated the youth program, he looked faculty live together on the like the prototypical fastball same campus. pitcher, the guy who can fire a In addition to the academ- baseball at 90 m.p.h. and dare ics required for a high- the batter to hit it. school equivalency degree, Now at the age of 33, Leon karate, outdoor wilderness, still looks like the prototype of Israeli Army training, and a fastball pitcher, a hard- much more will be offered. throwing right-hander— These activities will capti- which, in fact, is what he is. vate the students and redi- (His e-mail address begins rect their energy into having “BringHeat.”) This summer, a positive and rewarding hitters will have a chance to experience. Zev would have take a swing at his pitches on loved this program. the baseball diamonds of Ner Zev is the American Israel, as Leon will be partici- subdivision of Eitan, an Israeli pating in the inaugural season program that shares the of the Israel Baseball League philosophies of Ner Zev. Eitan (IBL), where play gets under has recently acquired the way June 24. approved teudah from the Leon was chosen at tryouts Israeli Ministry of Education held at a baseball academy in and b’ezras Hashem will be Massachusetts. A former opening its doors this Sept- Cleveland Indians farmhand ember. If you know anyone in whose career was cut short by need of this program, please injuries, he will have a chance contact Robin Brandes (Fried- to face hitters who also played man) at 1-877-2NerZev or professional baseball, perhaps [email protected]. ❖ even in the major leagues, and

64 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES to be managed by Art community. Not surprisingly, sibly will have a new genera- Shamsky, who played for the as a former NCSYer he loves tion of NCSYers to look up to Mets; or perhaps Ron Israel and looks forward to him, as he is open to attend- Blomberg, who played for the playing on its ball fields—just ing events to talk about play- Yankees and was the first as he looked forward to playing baseball in Israel. That Designated Hitter in the his- ing on the diamonds of would be welcomed by Rabbi tory of the game; or by Ken Watertown, New York; Butte, Felsenthal, the alumni direc- Holtzman, the winningest Montana; and Burlington, tor: “It is always a pleasure to Jewish pitcher in major league North Carolina, in the hear the stories of what our baseball history, with six more Indians’ farm system, before a alumni have done after victories than Sandy Koufax. succession of shoulder NCSY.” In his appearances, The IBL is holding a live injuries culminating in a torn Leon can discuss his experi- draft on the evening of labrum ended his career. ences as a pioneer (perhaps Thursday, April 26 at the Leon looks forward to even a Petach Tikva Pioneer), Benjamin Cardozo School of meeting with NCSYers who helping to get the new venture Law in Manhattan, at which will be in Israel during the of the IBL under way. But he time Leon will learn to which season and will do his best to has been a pioneer before— of the six IBL teams he will be arrange special seating for Butte is in the Class A assigned. Possibilities include anyone who wants to buy Pioneer League, where as a the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox, tickets to a game. former NCSYer from Long Modi’in Miracle, Netanya When Leon returns from Island, he chased his big- Tigers, Petach Tikva Pioneers, Israel around the time of the league dreams under the Ra’anana Express, and Tel High Holy Days, he quite pos- Montana sky. ❖ Aviv Lightning. “All the players will be headquartered just north of Tel Aviv, so playing for the Lightning might be nice,” Leon says. “But I’m just happy to be there and looking forward to whatever experiences await with whatever team I play for!” It’s not necessary to be Jewish to play in the IBL, but certainly an NCSY background can’t hurt. “I can never remember a time when NCSY wasn’t part of my life,” Leon recalls fondly. He still stays in touch by reading the alumni newsletter mailed to him by Rabbi David Felsenthal, NCSY director of alumni, and carefully follows developments in the Jewish

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 65 66 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 67 Scores Spend First Shabbos Back In Homesh BY EZRA HALEVI buses rented to take us back from ning last year on Chanukah, contining ment of lives involved and the army More than 100 Jews succeeded in Homesh on Independence Day to before Passover and, most recently, on should therefore not evict anyone returning to the destroyed Jewish mean they want us to stay here,” the Israel Independence Day. from Homesh over Shabbos.” town of Homesh on Friday, April 27, activist said. “And then the brutal The seven activists who were arrest- MK Aryeh Eldad (National Union- and 70 managed to stay for Shabbos forced removal suddenly ended with ed were forced to enter jeeps and be NRP), not an identifiably observant despite a violent attempt to remove the arrival of Shabbos, obviously due driven to the nearby community of Jew, said that a government that would the activists Friday afternoon. to an order from above.” Shavei Shomron at around 8:00 p.m., order the violation of Shabbos regula- More than 100 Jews reached In total, 70 activists spent Shabbos at after Shabbos had begun. tions in place for the security forces Homesh Friday afternoon, through the the destroyed community, the first time Israel’s security forces are not per- for political reasons must be brought paths and valleys activists have come Jews have celebrated the day of rest at mitted to engage in activities that vio- down immediately. to recognize after three increasingly the site since Shabbos prior to its dem- late Shabbos unless they are related Peace Now issued a statement say- large organized returns and several olition, in August 2005. Activists report- to security. ing that the IDF’s failure to prevent quieter pilgrimages. Jews from reaching Homesh is clear- Police and Yassam riot police were ing the way for Homesh to be reset- deployed to remove the group, which tled. “We should not allow them to said it intended to stay in Homesh for create a precedent and spend the Shabbos. The forced evacuation Israel’s security forces are not Shabbat in the area,” the statement began, “using particularly violent said. “The settlers’ arrival is a result of means,” according to the “Homesh permitted to engage in activities that the soft policy which has allowed First” organization. But aside from them to return to Homesh in breach seven activists that were arrested, of the law.” The anti-settlement group others ran in all directions to neigh- violate Shabbos unless they are called on Attorney-General Mena- boring hills and valleys, as well as chem Mazuz to open an investigation caves and crevices around the promi- into Homesh First, claiming the group nent Samarian hilltop. As the sun set related to security. was “abetting criminal behavior by and Shabbos began, activists said it calling on settlers to violate the law became clear that security forces had and resettle Homesh.” received the order to allow them to Homesh First responded to Peace stay, and all returned to the destroyed ed a particularly emotional and enjoy- MK Uri Ariel (National Union- Now’s statement: “After the resound- community. able Sabbath, despite the outdoor con- NRP) warned the IDF Friday “not to ing failures of every program espoused The IDF had indeed backed down ditions and cold climate. repeat the mistakes of Havat Gilad by Peace Now, from the Oslo Accords and said it would allow them to remain The Disengagement Law, which [Gilad Farm, a hilltop outpost ordered to the Disengagement, we would until Saturday night, when they would came into effect months before demolished by then-Prime Minister expect them to hide their heads in be removed by force. Homesh was destroyed, makes it ille- Ehud Barak, for which troops, some embarrassment. One would expect One activist described the decision gal for Israeli citizens to enter the area. of them religious, were brought in on them to be at the head of those seek- to ascend to Homesh: “We took the Thousands have done so, however, in Shabbos to take part in the demoli- ing to rectify their errors and establish fact that the IDF would not allow the massive pilgrimages to the site begin- tion]. There is no issue of endanger- Homesh anew.” (Arutz Sheva) ❖

68 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES “Mark My Words: A Personal History” By Mark Hasten

BOOK REVIEW decide what torture to perform next. that took him to Israel was named example, Mark recalls how his teacher BY ARI SHER Mark was not in a mood to wait; he Altalena (Italian for “see-saw”) makes tried day in and day out to eradicate quickly jumped through the bath- Mark a personal witness to one of the any trace of religion from her students. If you keep getting “heads” after house window to safety. Upon reach- most vexing situations in the history of One fine day, Mark had had enough of tossing a coin ten times in a row, you ing home, he reflected that here he modern Israel—one that truly has this and placed some heavy-duty nails might begin to think that you have a was, a seasoned Polish combat veter- repercussions to the present day. under her seat (thumb tacks, applied special coin in your hands. That is the an, yet, simply because of his Jewish Mark’s observations as well as his thor- the previous day, had elicited absolute- impression I had reading Mark heritage, he was not even safe in the ough analysis of this sad saga in Jewish ly no response whatsoever). This time Hasten’s thrilling autobiography, Mark country that he had bravely defend- history are well worth reading. In brief, it worked. The teacher jumped up and My Words: A Personal History (as told ed. He resolved then and there to he throws out suspicions that Ben shouted, “Oh my Lord!” to Peter Weisz, Philadelphia: Brotchin leave Poland but never to abandon Gurion had a deeper—and darker—set Mark Hasten tells a compelling Books, 2003). In this case, however, his Judaism. of motivations. story not just of Jewish survival instead of a loaded coin the reader is against all odds, but of the constant offered a delightful glimpse of a rather invention and reinvention required, charmed life. both on a personal level as well as on Surviving the trials and tribula- “While I made a conscious effort to burn a national level, to keep it going. tions of life as a Jewish soldier in the Mark, in his memoirs, resolved to Polish army, as a Holocaust survivor away my old European persona, I never leave the Old World without abandon- fighting the invading Arab nations in ing his roots. It is a lesson that many Israel’s War of Independence, and of us have yet to learn. ❖ last but not least as an economic sur- gave up my identity as a Jew.” vivor in the battle to build and maintain a successful and viable family life in the U.S., Mark Hasten demon- For the next issue, strates, above all else, the ability to As Mark writes, “I had made up my When Mark reached the U.S., he deadline for reserving constantly reinvent himself and to mind when I crossed the Atlantic to reinvented himself several times. First think quickly on his feet. make a new home in North America, he became a successful engineer and ad space is A turning point in Mark’s Jewish that I would torch all of my Old World inventor working for General Mills. Monday, May 14 identity occurred in a Polish bath- memories until all that was left was a During this period he also dabbled in at 5:00 P.M. house immediately after WWII. smoldering black hole. I felt as though real estate. Finally, together with his Outside the bathhouse Mark easily I must be born again as an American brother and business partner, Hart, he All graphics for ads passed as a non-Jew. This, however and become completely American- managed to parlay his business and must be in by was impossible once inside. Some ized… While I made a conscious effort inventive skills to become a successful drunk locals undertook their self- to burn away my old European persona, business owner and manager of nurs- Tuesday, May 15 appointed task as members of a lat- I never gave up my identity as a Jew.” ing homes and banks. at 5:00 P.M. ter-day Inquisition, first by forcibly The next chapter of Mark’s life took But there is more to this book than holding his head under water, then by him to Israel as a fighter for the new all work and survival and no play. As a Call 516-984-0079 blocking his exit until they could Jewish state. The fact that the boat student in a Stalin-era school, for

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 69 way we can come to the appropriate there. When I am here talking with fear and love of the Al-mighty. This you, how can you allow the ring to being the case, why does the Mishnah distract you?” It’s much like the moth- discourage this activity? Not only er who responded to an admiring that, but the Mishnah considers it “as compliment of “What a cute baby!” by if he bears guilt for his soul”! saying, “If you think the baby’s cute, ◆◆◆ you should see the pictures!” A chasan and kallah were once ◆◆◆ schmoozing on the phone when the The Mishnah describes someone The Chasan Or The Ring? chasan sensed his kallah was no who interrupts the process of his longer there listening. He became learning Torah to declare his admira- alarmed, wondering what had hap- tion for the beautiful creations of Torah lesson and he interrupts his BY RABBI YONI POSNICK pened to her. After many minutes, she Hashem. In the process of Torah review and exclaims, ‘How beautiful apologetically returned to the “dan- learning, we are actually listening to The berachos in Parashas is this tree! How beautiful is this gling” conversation. Assuring her hus- and actively engaged in a conversa- Bechukkosai begin, “If you will go in plowed field!’ Scripture considers it band-to-be that she was safe, she tion with the Al-mighty. The stunning My statutes, and My commandments as if he bears guilt for his soul.” explained that she had been staring at quality of the creation is like that dia- you will keep and you will perform the diamond in her engagement ring mond ring that serves to awaken them, then I will give your rain in their How are we to approach this and that she had become so bedazzled within us a sense of love and awe. We time, and the earth will give its pro- understand that beauty is a stimu- duce and the tree of the field will give lant, not a substitute for the essential its fruit.” What does it mean to “go in relationship. There is nothing that My statutes?” Rashi explains “that you “My learning here in Volozhin allows us to come as close to Hashem should toil in Torah study.” The kelalos as learning Torah. Torah is literally begin, “But if you do not listen to me Hashem’s thoughts and wisdom. One and you do not perform all these com- prevents the Jews in Paris and Berlin who taps into these thoughts and this mandments…” What does it mean wisdom, thereby forging an active “not to listen to Me?” Rashi again relationship with G-d, ensures the explains, “to toil in Torah study.” from being lost!” greatest blessings for himself. We see from here that toiling in However, one who fails to learn what Torah, or not, is what makes us or the Torah has to say cannot help but live breaks us. If we study Torah, we receive a life of kelalah and emptiness, far away all manner of blessings; if we do not, Mishnah? What’s the great crime by its beauty that she just let the from the One Who so wishes to bless we incur all manner of terrible curses. involved with taking the time to phone go. The chasan expressed his him. Torah allows us to bring down Why the emphasis on Torah study? admire the great works of the deep disappointment. Yet she couldn’t Hashem’s berachos; it is the guide which Why indeed does berachah and kelalah Creator? The Chovos HaLevavos imagine what she had done so wrong. tells us how to live a life of true berachah. seem to hinge on limud Torah? devotes a large segment of his classic This was the ring that he had given It is the key that opens the Heavenly There is a perplexing Mishnah we work on the need to research the her; she assumed he would be flat- doors of blessing, for by learning and learn in Pirkei Avos: workings of the world to appreciate tered. He explained, “The ring I gave coming close to Torah, we learn more Rabbi Yaakov said, “One who the kindliness and the genius of the you is to remind you of me, as a sym- about and come close to the Source of all walks on the road while reviewing a Creator. The Rambam says that is the bol of my love for you when I am not berachah, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.

70 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES As we approach Kabbalas HaTorah, truth and reality of this principle: immediate retort. may this thought deepen our apprecia- A visitor once came to the Rav Yisrael answered sharply, “If PM Has Asked tion for this most precious gift and key Volozhiner Yeshiva and sat in on the your shemiras Shabbos would be more to an ever growing relationship with shiur of Rav Chaim Soloveitchik. Rav meticulous, if your observance of the our Creator. Chaim always presented incredible holiness of Shabbos Kodesh was For Plan To logic, and as usual he brilliantly tied stronger, chillul Shabbos would never Direct Influence everything together, making the sugya have taken place in that town. You One of the bitter kelalos of the clear as day. Afterward, the visitor must realize that you are responsible Evacuate All Tochachah is “v’kashlu ish b’achiv— approached Rav Chaim and remarked, for all of Yiddishkeit. If someone in they will stumble over one another.” “It is truly regrettable that you live in Paris becomes an apostate, it is Rashi explains that the enemies of the Volozhin. Your talmidim will study because our spiritual level has waned Illegal Outposts Jewish nation would rise up and attack regardless and yes, perhaps they would somewhat. Every Jew has a direct influ- the Jewish People, and the Jews would be missing one more p’shat on the ence upon all of the Jews in the world, BY YUVAL YOAZ become so fearful of the enemy that Rambam, but nu—they would still for the positive and the negative!” they will flee in demoralization, not learn. If you would live in Paris or Certainly this is food for thought. The state told Israel’s High Court even caring or seeing where they are Berlin, you would no doubt be able to When we are meticulous in our per- of Justice last week that Prime going or who is around, stumbling over affect the spiritual lives of many Jews formance of mitzvos, in our davening, Minister Ehud Olmert has instructed one another. The Gemara provides a and might even succeed in stemming in our learning, in our midos, we not Defense Minister Amir Peretz to draw deeper meaning of this pasuk, explain- the rising tide of assimilation.” Rav only elevate ourselves, but we have up a plan for the evacuation of all ille- ing that the stumbling is a reference to Chaim looked at the visitor and major influence on all of Yiddishkeit. gal outposts. sin and the curse is that “they will unequivocally responded, “I’m sorry, Conversely, we must realize that when The announcement was made dur- become entrapped and stumble over but you are mistaken. In fact, my learn- we fall and sin, we not only cause dam- ing a hearing on a “Peace Now” court each other’s aveiros.” We all know of ing here in Volozhin prevents the Jews age to ourselves and our own petition regarding the evacuation of the principle of kol Yisrael araivim zeh in Paris and Berlin from being lost!” neshamos, but to the souls of Jews who the Migron outpost. bazeh, all Jews are responsible for one Rav Yisrael Salanter, who began and may be hanging on by a thread and to “The plan drawn up by Olmert sug- another. Because of this inherent con- ran a kollel of Torah and mussar in the fabric of all of Klal Yisrael. Could gests starting with the easiest outposts to nection and responsibility, one Jew will Kovno, once heard that a Jew in a there be a worse kelalah than this? evacuate and moving on to the most dif- be held accountable and be the recipi- small town far away had committed a May we see the day when instead of ficult, based on parameters such as the ent of terrible curses because of the blatant act of chillul Shabbos.He “stumbling over one another,” each Jew outpost population and the anticipated aveiros his friend committed. immediately gathered all of the people will be mechazeik the next and enjoy resistance,” said state prosecutors. This is truly a frightening thought! in the kollel, including many who wonderful berachos in his friends’ In December 2006, the state But it is also a heartening one. The were, or were to become, gedolim, and merit. On this Shabbos Chazak, may informed the High Court that Peretz fact is that we are all responsible for delivered a heated lecture on kavod we find chizuk in HaKadosh Baruch had instructed Israel Defense Forces each and other—for better or, chas Shabbos. After the shiur, one of the Hu’s constant love and desire to send officials to negotiate the evacuation v’shalom, for worse. All Jews have an kollel members asked what the reason us berachos, and may we merit the ful- of the illegal outposts with the set- unbreakable bond, and our actions, for the rebuke was and why it was fillment of all of His wonderful bera- tlers, in the hope that they would therefore, have definite impact and delivered so passionately. Rav Salanter chos for ourselves, our familes, and all leave voluntarily. influence on other Jews and all of Klal responded that he had heard that Jews, wherever they may be. Peretz had delivered a six-month Yisrael. The following two stories, told Shabbos had been desecrated in a Chazak, chazak, v’nischazeik! ❖ deadline for those negotiations, after by Rabbi Leib Scheinbaum in his town far from them. “Rebbe, what Comments for the author can be sent to which he would instruct the forcible Peninim al HaTorah, illustrate the does this have to do with us?” was the [email protected]. evacuation of the outposts. (Haaretz) ❖

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 71 Journalists Rally For Kidnapped Colleague

BY DINA KRAFT ed that the risks of reporting from that McGregor-Wood chairs, not one Ellingwood said the world misses out Gaza were keeping them—and the hand went up when members were on having the situation in Gaza “Free Alan!” journalists chanted on world—from closely covering a major asked if they were still traveling to Gaza. described through the trained eyes of both sides of the Gaza Strip border conflict zone. “It means we as foreign correspondents journalists who know the area. “The more than a month after BBC reporter “We need to go to Gaza,” said Simon are no longer seeing for ourselves what is Alan Johnston was kidnapped by gun- McGregor-Wood, ABC’s Jerusalem going on there,” McGregor-Wood said. men on a Gaza street. He has not been bureau chief. “We need to be able to The few journalists who still might heard from since. Since that time, most cover this important story, to under- venture in are reporting under “The Palestinians foreign reporters have refrained from stand what’s going on and to tell its peo- Palestinian police protection. But most entering Gaza, fearful of meeting a ple’s stories. We need the kidnappings to are relying on second-hand reports similar fate. stop. But first we must have Alan back, from Palestinian journalists who live in really lose out As foreign correspondents stood, on safe and sound, today.” Gaza. Even as coverage drops, Gaza April 25, protesting along the Israeli At a recent meeting of the Foreign continues to slide into chaos. Its politi- side of the sandswept border in the Press Association, the organization of cal landscape is increasingly fractured, because they want name of their colleague, many lament- locally based foreign correspondents with violent rivalries spreading not just between traditional adversaries but also within existing factions of the present their story to be told.” and past ruling parties themselves, Hamas and Fatah. “The thing about Gaza is that Palestinians really lose out because they whatever is going on there, you can want their story to be told and often view see it,” said Ken Ellingwood, a Los as their best weapons the world’s atten- Angeles Times reporter who has cov- tion to their problems—and now the ered the region for three-and-a-half world cannot see as much,” he said. years. “Whether it’s which factions Johnston, 44, was the only foreign are out there with their guns, they’re correspondent living full-time in Gaza, visible. You can feel the increase in and was nearing the end of a three-year militancy. When the government is assignment there when he was kid- collapsing or failing, you can see the napped March 12. Contradictory trash piling up. rumors have circulated since, some

PhotoByRinaCastelnuovo “During times of Israeli incursions claiming that he is fine and others that you could go and talk to people, go he has been killed. Who is holding and watch it,” he said. “One of the ter- Johnston and what their demands are rible results of this now is that it is remain unclear. “Now Alan’s reporting much more difficult to come and voice has been silenced. Everyone suf- Journalists demonstrate on the Israeli side of the Gaza crossing, calling for the release of kidnapped spend time doing the poking around fers for that,” Jonathan Baker, deputy BBC reporter Alan Johnston. that you need.” head of news gathering for BBC News,

72 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES said during the demonstration. Like other media executives, Baker said no Sandy Koufax Drafted To Israel Baseball League BBC staff was being sent into Gaza since Johnston’s kidnapping. BY EZRA HALEVI playing in the league are the Beit In a statement to the media, Baker Shemesh Blue Sox, the Modiin addressed Johnston’s captors, telling Israel’s baseball league has made Miracle, the Netanya Tigers, the them to set him free immediately. “His international headlines after symboli- Petach Tikva Pioneers, the Raanana only offense was to expose himself to cally drafting famed Jewish pitcher Express, and the Tel Aviv Lightning. personal danger because of a strong Sandy Koufax for the inaugural sea- Players hail from nine different coun- desire to bring the story of Gaza to the son. Koufax joins the Modiin Miracle tries, with about a dozen native Israelis outside world,” he said. team, one of six clubs playing in the and a majority of Jews. It is assumed More than a dozen foreign journalists brand-new league. that players will relocate to Israel, at and aid workers have been abducted in Koufax, 71, is famed for opting out least for the season, though it is uncer- Gaza in the past year, but all were tain whether Sandy Koufax and others released unharmed, usually within hours will be officially making aliyah. The or days. Kidnappers reportedly demand- league hopes to be made up of at least ed jobs or money for releasing their cap- “If he’s rested and ready 25 percent Israelis by its fifth year. tives. The journalists kept longest were a In addition to the Israel Baseball Fox News reporter and cameraman who to take the mound again, League (IBL), the league’s officials are were held for two weeks in August. we want him on our establishing a baseball academy in the

Gaza, which is small and compact, can country to offer training to beginners PhotoByJamesDrake be especially treacherous terrain for for- team.” as well as advanced skills enhance- eign correspondents now that militant ment courses. groups reportedly are on the lookout for Organizers say that in addition to sta- foreign captives. There is only one road in dium seating, Israeli ballparks will have Thanks to his legendary curveball and pinpoint and one road out, and foreigners frequent of a World Series game scheduled for picnic areas, combining the Israeli control, Koufax threw no-hitters in four a mere handful of hotels. Yom Kippur. He was inducted into the national “sport” of mangal (barbecue) consecutive seasons, topped off by a perfect Add to that, word travels fast of a for- Hall of Fame after his retirement 41 with the American pastime. “There will game against the Chicago Cubs in 1965. eigner’s whereabouts. years ago. During his career he threw be space to spread out blankets and sta- Tim Butcher, the Daily Telegraph’s four no-hitters and a perfect game. tions to set up barbecues, all with beau- “Our games are seven innings in dura- Middle East correspondent, said that Koufax was the final draft pick of man- tiful views of the Israeli landscape in the tion, with several rules meant to speed before the kidnapping he would come to ager Dan Duquette, formerly General background,” a statement from the IBL up the tempo. We use a modified des- Gaza about twice a month—and some- Manager of the Boston Red Sox. says. “Healthier food items are also ignated hitter (DH) rule, where a DH times more often, depending on the “It’s been 41 years between starts offered, as is a wider array of desserts. can be used only twice per game for news. He has not returned since for him,” Miracle manager and former The reason for this is that baseball in one designated player, adding to the Johnston was captured. “The risks out- major league player Art Shamsky told Israel is truly meant to be a family affair, strategic use of the DH.” weigh the benefits,” he said. “It’s sad reporters. “If he’s rested and ready to and that includes Mom. Dinner at the The rule adjustment that promises how our coverage will be affected, but it take the mound again, we want him ballpark is part of the experience, and to add the most suspense is that if makes more sense to be working and on our team.” part of the fun.” games are tied after seven innings, safe in Jerusalem than kidnapped and Opening Day is scheduled for The rules of the IBL are different they are decided by a home-run derby. not able to work in Gaza.” (JTA) ❖ June 24. The six teams that will be than that of America’s baseball league. (Arutz Sheva) ❖

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 73 Jews Wonder: Is It 1938 Again? BY BEN HARRIS failure to appreciate the depth of ly accepted; and a greater assertiveness da in 2000. Yet insofar as the specter of Hitler’s ambitions. by Jews, as demonstrated by the very a new 1938 was debated at all, the con- With threats to the Jewish people Presenters noted instead the obvious fact of a conference convened to ference concerned its utility as a frame- emanating from so many directions—a differences today, including the exis- address the threats to Jewish survival. work for thinking about a Jewish nuclear Iran, the demographic chal- tence of a Jewish state with a strong Nevertheless, the question of how response and, to a lesser extent, about lenges of American Jewry, the rise in what that response should be. At best, it anti-Semitic attacks around the was suggested, 1938 is useful for focus- world—a succession of leaders has ing Jewish attention and energy, and warned that Jews face as much peril spurring action. At worst it can become today as on the eve of the Holocaust. Fein cautioned that a fixation on a dangerous obsession with the past that But when the Center for Jewish creates unwarranted pessimism and Studies at Queens College in New York the past blinds Jewish people to obscures today’s opportunities. City convened a conference this week “Calling the conference ‘Is it 1938 on the state of world Jewry—ominous- again?’ was intended to provoke debate ly titled “Is it 1938 again?” —the con- opportunities today. about the dangers facing Jewry today,” sensus was a resounding “No.” said William Helmreich, a sociology Virtually every presenter at the gath- professor and director of the Center ering on April 22-23 noted the limits of for Jewish Studies. “It was a paradigm any analogy to 1938. That was the year army; the power and wealth of Jews in concerned Jews should be has been rather than a literal comparison.” That of Kristallnacht and the surrender of the West, particularly in the United raised with increasing frequency in the question was raised at all reflects the Sudetenland to Nazi Germany in a States; society’s general intolerance of recent years, particularly since the col- the unease in certain sectors of the policy now known disparagingly as brazen anti-Semitism, even if the more lapse of the Oslo peace process and the Jewish community. appeasement, symbolizing Europe’s subtle anti-Zionist variety is increasing- outbreak of the violent Palestinian intifa- Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, captured that feeling in an address at the opening session. In a speech that even Leonard Fein, the author and professor who was chosen to respond to Hoenlein, described as “extraordinary,” the veteran Jewish activist tore through a litany of threats to the Jews, his pitch rising in indigna- tion as he jabbed the air for emphasis. Hoenlein invoked not only the obvious threat to Israel posed by a nuclear

And if you sell aught to your fellow, or buy aught of your fellow’s hand, you shall not defraud one another (Vayikra 25:14)

And you shall not defraud one another; but you shall fear your G-d (Vayikra 25:17) The first verse refers to financial fraud.The second verse forbids verbal fraud-- speaking hurtful words or giving bad advice.That is why the second verse adds, “but you shall fear your G-d,” lest a person say: Who will know that my intention was to do him evil? (Torat Kohanim; Rashi)

74 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Iran but the danger of European anti- and journalistic imagination.” Semitism, the tendency to appease While Eckstein offered a possible Israel’s enemies and the attempts to solution, David Pryce-Jones, the soft- silence Jews with charges—increasing- spoken Oxford University professor ly visible in mainstream media—that a and senior editor of the National pro-Israel conspiracy controls policy in Review, presented perhaps the gloomi- Washington. He warned that the est prognosis at the conference. “British model,” in which anti-Israel Pryce-Jones described the threat to feeling among the elites begins to Europe and its Jews from a large, alien- “trickle down” to the masses, is taking ated and unassimilated Muslim minor- root in America. The point was not ity that he warned would increasingly that catastrophe is upon the Jewish Photo Courtesy of National Archives and Records Administrant, USHMM turn the continent toward fascism. people but that it could be, absent res- Asked why Europe seemed so com- olute action. “I think that for the placent in the face of threats to its Jewish community, this is a time we identity and culture, the normally are being tested,” Hoenlein said. witty and articulate Pryce-Jones could Fein didn’t dispute Hoenlein’s only stammer in response. “If push description but challenged his level of comes to shove, we’re in for tremen- emotion, suggesting that comparisons dous bloodshed,” he said. (JTA) ❖ to 1938 don’t help in formulating a response to the threats. “Those obsessed by history are as likely to repeat it as those who forget it,” Fein For the next issue, said. “The mantrification of 1938 is November 10, 1938: Germans pass by the broken shop window of a Jewish-owned business deadline for reserving hardly a policy.” destroyed during Kristallnacht. Fein cautioned that a fixation on the ad space is past blinds Jewish people to opportuni- The limits of the 1938 analogy were that in the long run he believes are Monday, May 14 ties today, particularly what he called a even more evident in considering greater than the military ones. “breathtaking” Arab peace proposal Jewish demography, where warnings Bucking the consensus against a at 5:00 P.M. offering Israel normalized relations about intermarriage and assimilation 1938 parallel, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, with the Arab world in exchange for have been a staple of communal dis- president of the International withdrawal to Israel’s pre-1967 bound- course for nearly two decades, and the Fellowship of Christians and Jews, All graphics for ads aries and a vague acceptance of the growing gulf between Israeli and answered the conference question Palestinian demand for a refugee American Jews. with an “emphatic yes.” Eckstein must be in by “right of return”—which some warn is But when applied to the risk of called for a strategic alliance with Tuesday, May 15 tantamount to demographic suicide. physical violence against Jews, 1938 evangelical Christians—“our best “History is a fickle teacher,” Fein said. has a greater resonance. Author and friends and closest allies.” He brushed at 5:00 P.M. “If we do not probe what lies behind translator Hillel Halkin offered the off concerns about their supposed the windows that are open, those win- remote possibility that vast Jewish ulterior motives—converting Jews and dows will close and we will have only migration from the West could fore- advancing Armageddon—as a “figment Call 516-984-0079 fetid air to breathe.” stall the demographic threats to Israel of, if I can say it, this liberal, Jewish,

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 75 76 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Your Ad Could Be Here.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 77 AUTOS SERVICES FOR SALE PROVIDED

Cars are 4-Door and automatic shift Too Much to Type? Too Much to Do? unless specified. Most cars have a 1- College Reports, Simcha Lists, year bumper to bumper warranty. Secretarial Support. Call Gold Star 2006 Nissan Sentra—white, 9K Typing Service for help. Reasonable factory warranty, mint condition rates. Call 718-471-9712...... $11,900 Master Teacher Tutors 2004 Ford Taurus—silver, 20k Limudei Kodesh/Secular Subjects power everything...... $7,900 Specialize grades 1-8. Adults; 2003 Infiniti I35—39k miles, pearl Boys; Girls. Call 718-868-3968. white leather,sunroof,power..$12,900 2001 Chevy Lumina—38K miles, Kollel Yungerman available to learn white, ABS traction power..... $5,500 with your son Gemora or Mishnayos 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix—57k Review class material or undertake a challenging project. Available after miles, brown, power everything, alloy Yeshiva and some hours during wheels...... $5,500 Yeshiva. Call 917-842-2587 2000 Honda Civic—54K miles, green LX, power windows...... $5,500 The Computer Place — 1999 Ford Contour—46K miles, Computer Consultants, Technical red, 4 cylinder, power, excellent Support, Network, Internet Solutions. condition...... $4,300 Call 800-613-2634. 1999 Ford Taurus—53k miles, Herman Brothers Multimedia silver, sunroof, power all...... $4,800 Services. Wedding/Bar Mitzvah tape 1999 Ford Taurus—43k miles, conversions to DVD, Duplication of blue, CD changer, power everything DVDs or CDs 10-1000 disks, CD & ...... $4,700 DVD printing, Web preparation of 1999 Mercury Sable—52K miles, video. For more information, call blue, leather, sunroof, power every- 516-791-7014. thing...... $4,900 Plumbing and Heating: Sundial 2002 Mitsubishi Galant GTZ— Plumbing. Boilers/water heaters 47K miles, white, leather, sunroof, serviced and installed. All leaks fixed. V6, side airbags...... $7,900 Bathrooms, kitchens, basements. No 1996 Nissan Altima—80K miles, job too big or small. 718-252-1234. black, power windows...... $2,500 Automaven 516-996-5555 "Maid 4 You Agency" We can help. Call and you'll have a maid. We provide full / part-time or temporary help. SERVICES Housekeepers / Babysitters / Day Workers / Elder care 917-574-2306 PROVIDED Located in the 5 Towns. Study with Steve. One-on-one Simchas Naava tutoring. SAT Math prep, regents, Share your simcha flowers! Be high school and elementary math, m’sameach other simchas! Donate high school physics. your fresh flower arrangements! We Call 516-371-5522. will match your simcha date with Lev Tov Moving. Local and long dis- simchas following yours or deliver tance moving. Residential and com- them to nursing home residents. To mercial. Special care for senior citi- donate or obtain flower arrangements, zens. Licensed and insured. call 516-239-6066. Call 718-377-5656. In memory of a special friend, Naava Wassner Katlowitz HELP Making a Simcha? Let Herman WANTED Brothers produce the emotional Simcha Video you desire for your child's Bar/Bat Mitzvah or for that New salon looking for experienced: very special birthday or anniversary. Hair dresser/Sheitel macher, We give you the memory that you will Make-up artist, Manicurist, Masseuse in central Cedarhurst treasure forever! For more informa- area. Please call 516-791-2520 or tion call 516-791-7014. 648-270-3381 Wallpapering/painting. Every home Teachers, General Studies needs a woman's touch. Department Sept 07/08, due to opening new classes, grades 2,3, and 5, Consultations available. Wallpapers, Junior High subjects, minimum 2 painting, and borders for any room of years experience a must. Also teachers your house. 20 years experience in assistant positions available, BBY of the area. Call Sasha at Far Rockaway Monday-Thursday, 12:20-4:30p.m. Transportation from 516-812-0089. Brooklyn provided. Fax resume: 718- 337-9160 Att: Mrs. Chavie Katz. Handyman — Large and small home Call 718-337-6000 ext. 320 improvements and repairs. Call Steve at ISA. Licensed and insured. Investors needed for great opportu- 516-812-0089. nity to venture with construction company for real estate development New Table and Chair Gemach for and projects. For more information, short-term simchas. 740 Mador Ct. call Sherri 718-413-8614 or Far Rockaway. Call 718-471-0368. 516-569-5450 78 May 11, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HELP HELP REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE WANTED WANTED FOR SALE FOR SALE

Salesperson needed for women's Secretary/School, Bnos Bais Yaakov Investment property for Sale. 4 Vacant land for Sale in center of boutique. Cheerful, professional, and of Far Rockaway, Efficient in organi- Family House 242 Beach 13th St. Frum area in Far Rockaway—over detail-oriented. Sales experience Most rent paid directly to landlord 14,000 sq ft. Call 718-858-9805 needed. Full or p/t positions. For zational and office management, from social services. Next door to more info call Amy at 516-374-1095. updated computer and correspon- what will be next year a renovated Choice Jerusalem Properties— Fax resumes to 516-295-7287. Yeshiva Building. Asking...... $699 dence skills needed. Experience only, Please e-mail Eva Aviad Realty website: www.avi- adrealty.co.il. Call 917-660-1465. Yeshiva of Belle Harbor looking for Mon-Thurs 11:00 AM-5:00 PM. [email protected] for more information. Specializing in the sale of properties nursery-grade 5 English and Fax resume: 718-337-9160 Att: in Rechavia, Talbia, German Colony, Hebrew teachers. E-mail your Mrs. Chavie Katz, include references. 343 Hewlett Parkway. Move right Hertzalia, and Raanana. resumes to [email protected]. in. 4 BR, 2.5 bths, hardwood floors, Seeking Limudei Kodesh teachers. new roof, new security, walk to YIH North Woodmere ranch, 4 BR, 3 Teachers: General Studies for Five Towns girls' elementary school. and YSS. Just reduced $610K. Make full baths, new c/ac, near park, walk September 2007. Queens Yeshiva Exp., dynamic, and caring. Lower your best offer. Weisman Realty seeks experienced General Studies grades. Warm and professional envi- 516-791-6100 or 516-297-7995 to YI and Shteible. $640K. Owner. teachers for the following positions: ronment. Fax resume: Call 516-791-0027 lower elementary grades (Mon-Thurs 516-295-0242, E-mail: Vacation Village, Loch Sheldrake, noon to 4PM, Fri 11-1PM), Jr. High [email protected] NY-Zehava Estates Section—5 BR, Far Rockaway—Great investment 2.5 bths, wrap-around deck, cathedral opportunity. All new construction. 2 Science grades 7&8 (Mon-Thurs ceiling with fan, C/AC, fireplace, 2- 2:15-5PM) Experienced only. Reply Office manager needed for growing, huge 3-family 3 BR with master BR, frum, life insurance brokerage firm to sink kitchen, large lot...... $335K by fax or e-mail to Principal: Yeshiva Call 845-661-2076 2 bth, LR, DR, kitchen and outdoor learn and manage the business. patio. $849K each. Also available: 2 Tifereth Moshe. Fax: 718-441-3962. Tremendous room for growth, great E-mail: [email protected] atmosphere. Fax resume to Cedarhurst house for sale. Located huge 2-family with 3 BR including 718-504-6304 or e-mail near major shuls and walking distance master BR, 2 bths, LR, DR, and out- Seeking experienced sales agents to [email protected] to town. 5 BR 3.5 bths, finished base- door patio...... $689K each. ment, principals only. join our growing real estate firm. Our Call Sherri 718-413-8614 or Office position available for auto Call 516-510-7880 office offers competitive compensa- 516-569-5450 tion and a pleasant work environ- entry/customer service. Computer Far Rockaway: 2 Fam. All NU ment. Applicant must have a min of 2 skills a plus. Will train. Pleasant 3 over 3 Br. 4Fbth,Lr, Dr, Full bsmt Law: Hi Ranch. Must see, 4br, years work experience in either com- office environment. Please call All features...... $829K 2.5bth, fam rm, CAC, 2gar, lg prop. mercial or residential real estate. and 718-439-9387 Call 516-263-6417 must be a team player. Please fax ...... $800sK resume to 516-726-6186 or e-mail Far Rockaway: 2 Fam. All NU Law: Nu Construc’n, 6br, 5bth, resume and cover letter to: REAL ESTATE 3 over 3 Br. 4Fbth, Dr, Full bsmt lg prop, walk all, with all goodies. All features...... $779K [email protected]. FOR SALE Call 516-263-6417 Plans can be seen in office. Ced: Nu2Mkt, 2Fam, 3br/3br, 2fpl, Counselors and Lifeguards. Beaver N.Wdmr: HiRanch, 4Br, 2.5Bth, Nu Lake Estates, a Modern-Orthodox Kit, Lg. Den, deck, Overlg Prop. deck, all new, grt loc, full bsmt. $795K community with day camp, pools and F.R./ W. Lawrence. Open house Wdm: Reduced. Ranch, 3br, 3 bth, lg Sunday 5/13 11-12:30. Reduce...... $659 lake, separate and mixed family swim 860 Central Avenue. Charming brick 5 Town Homes 516-569-5710 prop, grt loc, walk all...... $749K schedules seeks counselors and life- C/H colonial 4 BR, 2.5 bths, FLR, Oceanside: Col, renov’d, lr, dr, nu EIK, guards. Counselors call 484-770- den, FDR. MIC. $645K. Kings Point Delray Beach condo den, 3br, fin bsmt. Best Buy! $439K 4460 or e-mail beaverlake05@hot- 718-337-4039 for sale 1100 sq. feet. 2 BR, 2 bths, 5 Town Homes 516-569-5710 mail.com. Lifeguards call 201-837- new European kitchen and appli- North Woodmere ances, updated bath, new carpets, 8059 718-753-5235 —Extended or . Woodmere 400 24-hour guarded community. Golf, 7BR, 3FBA, finished basement, large theater, library. $199,999. REAL ESTATE property 84x100, walking distance to Call 631-664-0075 4 shuls...... $825K FOR RENT Call 917-238-0098 Far Rockaway: 2 Fam. All NU Your Real Estate, 3 over 1 Br. 3Fbth, Grt Far Rockaway — 1 bedroom apart- Service, 359 Malboro, NU quality con. Location...... $599K Call 516-322-3555 ments. some balconies. New Custom-extra Lg. C/H Col, granit Eik, or Help Wanted Ad Kitchens, lots of closets, 24 hr door- 7Br,4.5 Bth, den, Fin. Bsmt. Prime Commercial Building For Sale in man, Security cameras. Close to Here Every Location...... $1.25 Lynbrook— 36,000 SF. Office and White Shul, Shor Yoshuv and train. 5 Towm Homes 516-569-5710 manufacturing use. Amazing location Thursday on Broadway. $3,000,000 [email protected] 100,000 readers look EquiShares Real Estate 516-791-6100 Are you yearning for a community 516-792-9888 forward to what’s that treats you like family and where Warehouse Space in you can make a real difference? Come Woodmere/Cedarhurst Oppty! Hewlett/Woodmere — 1150 happening in the Home To Oceanside… the Warm, 12,000 sq. ft. approx. 90’x150’, Broadway 5,000-30,000 avail. Will 5 Towns by reading Friendly and affordable community Colonial, 17 rooms, full bsmt. with hi with homes starting in the low ceilings, clean 2 car garage plus stor- divide. 516-792-9444 The Five Towns $400s. Come for a Shabbos and see age, 6 space parking, 2 family, profes- EquiShares Real Estate why so many young couples are look- sional use, accountant, Esq., medical Jewish Times. ing and buying homes here. Five and/or educational and religious uses. Lawrence — Brand new 6 bedroom young families purchased in just the Grand colonial with charm and great house for Rent in Lawrence - Deadline is Monday last month. Call Robert Manel at Hal possibilities. Available at once. $6,500/month. Call 917-337-0962 Knopf Realty 516-458-4847 or $875K. Negotiable. at 5:00 p.m. David Welner 718-928-4775 Owner 516-322-3555 Lawrence — 2 Br, LR, 1 Bth, all nu 1 Week ...... $35 apt., own heat. 917-757-9351 2 Weeks ...... $60 Bayswater — 1 BR, frum block, new 4 Weeks...... $100 everything, washer/dryer, first floor, private entrance, plenty of parking, Weekly Ads of up to 25 words $800. Call 516-374-3635 Call: 516-569-0502 Far Rockaway — Office for rent. 500 square feet. Parking. Newly Fax: 516-977-0608 painted. Great for insurance companies, psychiatrist, etc. $800 Or E-mail ads to: 516-374-3635 [email protected] Include payment info. Classified Ads are Continued on the Next Page.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 11, 2007 79 CLASSIFIED ADS REAL ESTATE Continued from Page 79 FOR RENT REAL ESTATE Far Rockaway — Lg. Hse Rental: FOR RENT 4br, 2bth, bsmt., Hi ceil’g, NU bths, W\D. Call 516-322-3555.

Bayswater —"Forget Far Rockaway". Private office space in Move to this cozy Bayswater 1 BR Hewlett/Woodmere — All utilities apartment. Furnished or unfurnished, included, Conference room, On-site private entrance, washer and dryer. parking, 24/7 Access. $600 P/M. Call 516-374-3635. 516-792-9444 EquiShares Real Estate Cedarhurst — House Rental; kit, den, 3br., 2.5 bth. bsmt.$2,400 Ced.—3 br apt, 1 bth, lg EIK. $2,200 5 Town Homes 516-569-5710 N Wdm. — house rental Hi-ranch in MIC. 4 br, CAC, den, on Cedarhurst — House Rental quiet street. LR/FDR, den, 3br, 2.5bth, Fin. Bsmt. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 $2,300. Call 516-322-3555. Cedarhurst—600SF Office for rent Far Rockaway — Apartment avail- next to parking lot, ideal for 2 man able. Brand new construction. professional,...... $1,200 Furnished or unfurnished. 3 BR, 516-374-5530 2bths. Cleaning and laundry services available. Perfect for the elderly. Far Rockaway—Furnished one bed- Call Sherri 516-569-5450. room apartment large and bright rooms available June through Far Rockaway — Legal 2 Family, September. Call 347-401-3044 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Lr, Dr, EIK, laundry room, hardwood floors. Lori & Associates 516-791-8300. Deadline for classified Far Rockaway — 2 Huge Office advertising in the Spaces. 6,000 and 2,500 Sq Ft. 2nd Floor. Near Subway & LIRR. Build to next issue is Suit. Can Be Divided. Monday, May 14 Owner 917-359-9776. at 5:00 p.m. Woodmere—1 BR apartment for rent. Near railroad. Kesef Holding Ask Call 516-569-0502 for Sonya 516-284-0262.

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