Afar Rockaway Boy in Iraq

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$1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 11 NO. 29 26 ADAR ll 5771 ghrz, ,arp APRIL 1, 2011 See Page 4 INSIDE L.I. WELCOMES MAYOR OF ITAMAR FROM THE EDITOR Who Is A Jew? David J. Seidemann, Esq. 26 B Y LARRY GORDON E Is For Etiquette Presidential Hannah Reich Berman 38 Double News From The Hills Chanita Teitz 78 Standard A Centennial Kaddish Rochelle Maruch Miller 88 President Obama laid out an impressive argument on Rally For Israel Monday night as he belatedly Larry Domnitch 104 attempted to explain to Americans the nature of the involvement of U.S. military muscle in Libya. There is no Moshe Goldsmith, the mayor of Itamar in the Shomron region of Israel, with his wife, Leah, at the doubt—except amongst some Hebrew Academy of Nassau County on Wednesday. The Goldsmiths also visited Shalhevet and are speaking at the White Shul in Far Rockaway on Thursday, March 31. See Page 62 Continued on Page 10 A FAR ROCKAWAY BOY IN IRAQ HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE

B Y ARYE NISONSON Confronting Addiction

They are a family known for BY LARRY GORDON These two occasions plus the SKA joins I-Shine. their hard work and community association of drinking with the See Page 58 involvement. For her part, Mrs. Purim—and the imbibing of celebration of Simchas Torah, Batya Travis has made an indeli- intoxicating beverages that along with Kiddush clubs in ble imprint on the Far accompanies the celebration of shuls, open bars at our bar mitz- Rockaway and Five Towns com- the holiday—has come and vahs and weddings, and the munity with her organizational gone. The next stop along simi- emphasis on drinking as a skills and singing that are show- lar lines is the drinking of four demonstration of machismo, cased before exclusively female cups of wine that is incumbent have landed an inordinate num- upon us at the Passover Seder in Continued on Page 18 Chaplain Ephraim Travis less than three weeks. Continued on Page 12 White Shul Celebrates 89 Ice-Storm THE SEMINARY Insight SELECTION PROCESS Sgt. Sharon Weiss of North RABBI AVI SHAFRAN B Y TALMIDAH X Bellmore. See Page 58 There are surely many stories It starts at the end of 11th that can be told about the chal- grade, when in the midst of lenging winter from which we recuperating from SATs and APs are (we hope!) emerging. Mine is and getting ready for finals, you about as mundane as they begin to hear snatches of con- come. But it came with a lesson, versations. “So do you think I at least for me. would like seminary Y?” or It was the morning after a maybe the more assertive “Oh, I Rabbi Eytan Feiner, Chaim Leibtag, Rabbi Ralph Pelcovitz, and Motti Schwartz at this week’s annual dinner for Kneseth Israel. See Page 62 Continued on Page 32 Continued on Page 35

Rabbi Oppen visits with HAFTR alumni. See Page 69

CANDLE LIGHTING April 1 – 7:01 PM April 8 – 7:08 PM 2 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 3 FEATURES

Around The Five Towns 58 P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 516-984-0079 Classified Ads 90 [email protected] A Clever Title Goes Here [email protected] Mordechai Schmutter 48 LARRY GORDON ESTA J. GORDON Publisher/Editor Managing Editor Daf Yomi Insights R’ Avrohom Sebrow 22 YOSSI GORDON, YOCHANAN GORDON Sales Managers The Dish CHANA ROCHEL ROSS Elke Probkevitz 56 Editorial Assistant Five Towns Simcha SIDI BARON DAVID FOX Marc Mattel 107 DOV GORDON YAKOV SERLE Sales Representatives Insights On The Torah R’ Meir Orlian 46 SHMUEL GERBER MICHELE JUSTIC R’ Ben Tzion Shafier 20 Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor R’ Yanki Tauber 28 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Letters To The Editor 30 Hannah Reich Berman, Anessa V. Cohen Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg, Yoni Glatt Luach 19 Toby Klein Greenwald, Rabbi Yair Hoffman Ron Jager, Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky MindBiz Shmuel Katz, Phyllis J. Lubin, Esther Mann Esther Mann, LCSW 43 Rochelle Miller, Rabbi Meir Orlian, Elke Probkevitz Mother’s Musings Dr. Rachael Schindler, Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow Phyllis J. Lubin 50 David J. Seidemann, Rabbi Ben Tzion Shaﬁer Rabbi Avi Shafran, Eli Shapiro, Dr. Ari Sher News From The Hills Samuel Sokol Chanita Teitz 78 ELISHEVA ELEFANT Other Side Of The Bench Staff Graphic Artist David J. Seidemann, Esq. 26 IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS Staff Photographers Puzzle Yoni Glatt 93 FRANKEL & CO. Design & Production Real Estate Anessa V. Cohen 40 TALIYE CORLEY Art Director That’s The Way It Is! Hannah Reich Berman 38 The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly newspaper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not Tidbits From Israel necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not Ron Jager 54 responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times. Travel 103

4 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 5 6 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 7 8 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 9 FROM THE EDITOR kinder and perhaps gentler— themselves. Mubarak, to his words “State of Israel.” mitments in Iraq and Continued from Front Cover brought up for questioning or credit, was so motivated by the On the surface, I thought that Afghanistan. Rightfully so, he possibly rudely interrupted. billions of dollars he was able to Mr. Obama’s speech was well said that America was unlike of our coalition allies—that Other dictators in the region, pocket, he even kept a fragile written and articulately deliv- any other country in the world Muammar Gaddafi is a corrupt and he as its leader was not pre- leader who has to be forced out pared to stand by while inno- of office. This should have hap- cents are murdered by their pened a long time ago. Is there something less innocent about own leader or anyone else. The most efficient and thor- While this is a brave and ough solution to the Libya prob- noble stance for Mr. Obama to lem would be the elimination of Israelis under attack than Libyans (who take, it contradicts several posi- Mr. Gaddafi, who certainly qual- tions he has taken in analogous ifies as a murderer and fits the may be supported by Al Qaeda) under situations. As these lines are description of a war criminal. being written, Bashar Assad in He has been complicit in killing Syria is daily having his own Americans as well as the wan- assault from Gaddafi’s forces? people murdered as he cagily ton slaughter of his own people. reshuffles the diplomatic deck. Some members of the coalition, Dismissing his cabinet and however, especially those who appointing new members of his rule some Arab countries, are like Mr. Mubarak in Egypt and peace deal with Israel together ered. He spelled out exactly why government is the closest thing somewhat disturbed by the Mr. Ben Ali in Tunisia, mostly for over 30 years while the other the U.S. was militarily engaged to a political game of three-card notion of having their own minded their own corrupt busi- Arab despots are still having in Libya despite the exhaustive, monte. After all is said and done, despotic rule—albeit somewhat ness while personally enriching trouble with enunciating the debilitating, and ongoing com- it is Assad who hands out the money and other goodies and calls all the shots—literally and figuratively. Just last week, President Obama called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to compli- ment him on the restraint being demonstrated by his government in the aftermath of the bombing of a bus stop in the center of Jerusalem and 60 missiles being shot from Gaza into Israel’s population center. Several were injured by the rockets while there was extensive property damage inflicted on homes and businesses over a scattered area in the south of Israel. One missile landed just ten miles from Tel Aviv—so this may be getting kind of serious someday soon. In the bus bombing, Mary Jane Gardner, a British national who was living in Israel, was killed, and six Americans were amongst the more than 30 injured. While the free and democratic world con- demned the bombing, there wasn’t that much outrage in either the U.S. or Britain. After all, their nationals should know better than to be found in such dangerous places. And all this followed by just a few days the savage murder of the Fogel family in Itamar. The move that received more attention than the bombing, the missiles, or the killing of the Fogels was Israel’s announcement that in the aftermath of the murders they would authorize the building of 500 new homes in territo- ry that the world still fantasizes will someday be part of a Palestinian state. It was the move that completed the puzzle, the post facto move to build that explained everything else that preceded it. The more pressing question is why Israel is urged to use restraint when its citizens’ lives are threatened with weapons intended to kill, while Libyan citizens deserve protective military action that calls for the use

Continued on Page 16 10 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 11 BAGEL STORE dependencies that frequently wreaked havoc with his life This was the first time in three the grandchildren of well-known Continued from Front Cover work in tandem with one before his extended family direct- months that he was alone, and roshei yeshiva, over the last year. another, but also include gam- ed him to Beit Hatikva. As Robert he could not help noticing that He emphasizes that addiction is a ber of people in a great deal of bling and addiction to pornog- Kohn explains it, addictions are across the hall of the terminal hereditary disease that needs to desperate trouble. raphy. Beit Hatikvah follows a not curable but can be held in where he was sitting was a be confronted and dealt with. Granted that those who conventional 12-step program check for extended periods, fre- lounge with people sipping One needs to learn how to love become addicted are in the like the one created by quently over a lifetime, if certain drinks even at that early hour. himself if he is going to be capa- minority. But the stigma and Alcoholics Anonymous founder routines are maintained and the He reached for his cell phone ble of loving others. discomfort, along with the trou- Bill Wilson (or Bill W., as he was addict has the proper support to to call one of the counselors at Of the vices that Beit Hatikvah ble and hardship generated by widely known), a format that deals with, the impression exists these abuses, have grown to incorporates a level of spiritual- that because of the fashion in something of crisis proportions ity according to Torah law, which alcohol and wine are a in the Orthodox Jewish commu- which most of those in the When you are a gambler, it is easier to part of Jewish ritual, it is exces- nity of late. treatment center are familiar sive drinking that is the most That’s where Beit Hatikvah with, having come from that remain composed and normal on the common problem. Robert Kohn comes into the picture. type of environment. Nothing is says that this may have been the According to the founder of this forced on the residents; some- outside even when your inside is in turmoil. situation in the past. He quotes Palm Beach, Florida, recovery times the addictions that young Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twersky, who and rehabilitation center—a for- people in particular suffer from said recently that gambling has mer addict himself, whom we’ll are a result of the repressive become a greater problem in our refer to as “Robert Kohn” to pro- environments they may have help him or her through the Beit Hatikvah but the call imme- community than alcoholism. tect his privacy—it has changed been raised in. weak and vulnerable moments. diately switched to voicemail— It can be somewhat evident many lives for the better since The stories we hear about Our subject in this episode it was too early in the morning. when a person is an alcoholic or its founding less than a year ago. some of those treated at the cen- was dropped at the airport at 5:00 He tried a friend in California a drug user, Kohn says. When It is the only addiction-recovery ter are both heartbreaking and a.m. for a 6:00 flight to the West that he had been speaking to you are a gambler or even a sex center in the United States that dizzying. But they are also filled Coast. As he sat there, he heard an throughout his treatment peri- addict, it is easier to remain is shomer Shabbos and glatt with success and the recon- announcement over the public- od, but it was 3:00 a.m. there, composed and normal on the kosher and caters to males from structing of lives and families address system that his and that call also went right to a outside even when your inside the frum community. that had completely tattered. Continental Airlines flight had recording asking that he please is in turmoil. I had a detailed discussion Last Thursday, a 35-year-old been delayed for two hours. As leave a message. He felt the Kohn, who is 33 years old and with Kohn the other night on man from California completed the minutes on the clock slowly onset of a panic attack and a lives in New Jersey, has endured the phone. He explained that three months of intensive rehab ticked away, he became increas- looming and imminent relapse his own personal ordeal. He was the addictions that Beit Hatikva at Beit Hatikvah and was ready to ingly fidgety, nervous, and anx- after all that time and effort. moved to open Beit Hatikvah treats people for are not limited return home to his wife and chil- ious. He didn’t know what he At that point, he went up to because he knew of four men to alcoholism or drug abuse, dren. His alcoholism had was going to do with the time. the airline agent at the terminal under the age of 30, married counter and asked that she with children, who passed away please page someone for him. He over the last few years because asked that she announce: “Will of alcohol and drug abuse. the friend of Bill W. please report Perhaps it’s a new phenome- to the Continental Airlines non not heard of or probably counter.” It took two or three just not dealt with in the past. minutes for three separate peo- Maybe it’s the supersonic way in ple to come forward and say to which news and communica- our subject, “Hi, my name is Joe tions travel these days that and I’m an alcoholic.” Our sub- makes these issues seem more ject, Mr. Kohn reports, was back prevalent than in the past. More home for Shabbos and all is well likely it is just the fact that there with him and his family. are a steadily increasing number It’s a never-ending battle, of serious issues along these warns Kohn. Over the last half lines that are threatening to year, he reports that close to 60 people’s lives and their families. men have passed through the For a community that consid- doors of Beit Hatikvah, most ers itself mostly immune from with yeshiva and frum-commu- these challenges and hardships, nity backgrounds, and have left there is now an exclusively strong and healthy with another shomer Shabbos and glatt kosher chance at life. treatment center that is the first And the cases are legion and step for many in a new and troubling. There was an 18-year- important direction. O old from Israel who was involved Comments for Larry Gordon are in a rape, a man on his way to welcome at [email protected]. jumping off a New Jersey bridge because he had lost over $300,000 in sports betting, and a Editor’s Note man who attempted to kill his In last week’s Five Towns friend on Purim because he Jewish Times we suggested the mixed some dangerous drugs possibility that the popular with the alcohol he was ingesting. Kosher World Supermarket on In all, once at Beit Hatikvah, Cornaga Avenue in Far the men receive 40 hours a Rockaway was facing an uncer- week of intense counseling over tain future in the aftermath of a series of months. The cost of the departure of its longtime the rehabilitation program is store manager. That assertion about $35,000 per month, a was premature and an error, great deal of which is covered by and we are assured by super- most insurance plans. There are market owner Zelig Goldstein 28 staff members at the center that the store, now marking its dispensing a broad variety of 13th year of serving the com- therapies to restore the addic- munity, is looking forward to a tive personality back to func- very busy Pesach shopping sea- tionality and health. son, with innovations and new Kohn says that the center has services for the community in hosted a number of people from the future as well. prominent families, including 12 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 13 14 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 15 FROM THE EDITOR process. But, sad to say, today even some Continued from Page 10 who are firmly identified with the right in Israel—like Mr. Netanyahu himself— of the most sophisticated and technolog- have bought into the idea about the lack ically advanced weapons that pepper the of complete innocence on the part of Libyan landscape with all sorts of collat- those who choose to live in the land of eral victims and damage. There is some- Israel as opposed to citizens of any other thing terribly wrong with this picture. country. If Barack Obama were honest and con- This is the time to openly, loudly, and sistent, and if he really meant and proudly reject this way of thinking. The believed what he said, he would have Palestinian Authority has said they hope either supported or encouraged Israel to the United Nations will declare a state for rout the terrorist leaders of Hamas them this coming September. The votes instead of urging that Israel demonstrate are there in the General Assembly for this inaction in the face of a rocket assault to happen. Also this week, UN Secretary- upon her people. General Ban Ki-Moon said that Jerusalem There is an international movement must be divided in some fashion with the afoot that features those who have suf- city serving as the capital of two states. fered oppression for decades, some It’s a longstanding and senseless idea, longer, who are now stepping up and unworkable and without precedent in speaking out for some form of freedom. history. How will Israeli leadership, Now is not the time to compromise with which cowers when President Obama terrorists. As George W. Bush said in the speaks, stand up and reject this danger- aftermath of 9/11, you are either with us ous notion? or you are with the terrorists. My dear friend Chaim B. Shenker of Despite Obama’s eloquence the other Far Rockaway suggested this week that night, he set aside a place where terrorism President Obama has unfortunately over- can be understood and tolerated. Israel looked the solution to the current crisis aggressively defending her people is not in Libya. The answer is right there before the same as America and a NATO coalition him, and it is still not too late to imple- being just as militarily aggressive so as to ment it. What Libya needs is a two state protect innocent Libyans. Am I missing solution, that is a state for Gaddafi and a something, or is there something less state for the rebels. Libyans would cer- innocent about Israelis under attack from tainly agree on the division of the capital wild people bent on terror than Libyans city of Bengazi. (who may be supported by Al Qaeda) Mr. Obama needs to be taken to task under assault from Gaddafi’s forces? unabashedly by Israeli leaders and asked It’s one thing for the leftist American to explain and reconcile his dangerous president to see things with this twisted double standard. O view, but quite another for Israelis to sign Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at on to the same irresponsible thought [email protected].

16 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 17 Far Rockaway Boy Continued from Front Cover audiences for entertainment as well as to raise funds for important local organizations. So while it may have been just a bit surprising, it did not come as a huge shock that if there was a young man out there who felt compelled to serve his country and people in some unique fashion, he would carry the Travis name. And that’s where we found 34-year-old Ephraim Travis last week, in, of all places, Iraq. He is serving as a chaplain in the U.S. Army, and in our communica- Chaplain Travis interfacing with the troops on a base in Iraq. tion by e-mail throughout the last few days, he described to me his experiences since enlist- Five Towns Jewish Times began Marla Turk), Chaplain Travis is These contain the very basics, n’t help but think that they qual- ing last year. We couldn’t talk by last Sunday as she reached out hoping that the community in and he believes or at least hopes ify for ma’os chitim as well as phone for security reasons or to ask whether we could recom- which he was born and raised that people on the outside like ma’aser k’safim,” Travis says. for reasons of official policy, mend where her son, Chaplain will be able to put together the us will be able to help out to As we go to press, we received and he had to have my ques- Travis, could turn in order to put foodstuffs to make this year’s enhance the yom tov experience word from the management of tions and his answers cleared by together the necessities for a Seder under his direction that for those serving to defend and Gourmet Glatt in Cedarhurst higher-ups in the military chain Pesach Seder for his troops in much more meaningful for the protect our country. that they are responding to the of command. Iraq beyond the bare minimum men and women in the service “Whatever the community call of duty and assembling Ephraim will be in Baghdad provided by the government. who will be joining him on can do would be a tremendous Passover foodstuffs for the for Pesach, where he will be While they will receive she- Pesach night. chesed,” he says. “I am not a rav Travis group and will be ship- conducting Sedarim for about murah matzah courtesy of the Travis says that the military or a talmid chacham,” he adds, ping the goods out over the next 100 soldiers (most of them Aleph Institute (throughout provides him with kosher MREs “but when I heard of the chal- few days. Jewish, of course). The exchange the year they receive challah (meals ready to eat) as well as lenges that the Jewish person- Of his own situation minis- between Batya Travis and the from Cedarhurst resident kosher-for-Passover MREs. nel face to have a Seder, I could- tering to the troops on his

18 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES base, Travis describes himself as fairly them that if they have a problem with Asked to describe what the average regardless of race, religion, or gender. comfortable and safe. “However, some me they should address whatever is Jewish soldier he’s encountered is like, My job is to perform and provide for of those who will be attending the bothering them directly with me. I he says, “I don’t know if there is a proto- the free exercise of religion as stated in Seder in Baghdad put their lives on haven’t heard a further word about the typical Jewish soldier, as there isn’t a . . . the U.S. Constitution. Secondary to the line every day. May I humbly sug- matter.” prototypical Jew. We come in all shapes that function is my responsibility to gest that the community do what it Ephraim Travis was living in and sizes, although being in the military the Jewish personnel in theater and/or can as a small gesture of gratitude” to Savannah, Georgia, with his wife and it is closer to one size and shape. [on] base.” the soldiers?” children until he was divorced several However, I would say that if there is one Chaplain Travis, as he stated previous- In our exchange of e-mails, I asked ly, has an excellent chaplain’s assistant Ephraim what it’s like being an obser- who is very protective of him. He vant Jew in an Arab country. “It’s defi- described a time a week or so ago when nitely interesting,” he writes. “I try to “If there is one thing that brings out their he had to go to another base in Iraq to always maintain situational awareness. cover for a chaplain that was on leave. I am a battalion chaplain for a wonder- His chaplain’s assistant had to hand him ful group of men and women. They identity in the service if it hasn’t already over to one of her counterparts on the have graciously accepted me with open other base. “She said to her counterpart arms and do what they can to take care emerged, it is the yomim tovim.” with tears in her eyes that he had better of me as I take care of them. take care of her chaplain and that he “I have soldiers here of very diverse really needs to pay close attention backgrounds and faiths, some with no because Chaplain Travis is the only rabbi faith at all. I respect every single one of years ago. He enlisted in a chaplaincy thing that brings out their identity in in Iraq and he is my chaplain.” He says them and I appreciate their service, program—the Chaplain Basic Officer the service if it hasn’t already emerged, that he is so very grateful that she takes commitment, and sacrifices as they Leadership Course—at Fort Jackson, it is the yomim tovim.” her job so seriously, and that he consid- appreciate me by giving it their all to South Carolina, and graduated in Ephraim Travis points out that while ers himself extremely fortunate that she safeguard me. For example, some of the December 2010. He was deployed to Iraq he is visibly an observant Jew, he does is his teammate. O personnel from other units seemed a lit- about seven weeks ago, so it is still quite not minister only to the Jewish sol- tle unnerved about my wearing a yar- a new experience. He enlisted for a three- diers. “I am a battalion chaplain, which Note: You can write to Chaplain Ephraim Travis mulke in the dining room. Some of year stint. means I minister to all my soldiers at [email protected]. them talked to my chaplain’s assistant and told her that I should remove it. Baruch Hashem she is a strong-willed person that stood her ground. She told

CALENDAR LUACH April 1–April 9 ZIP Code: 11516

26 Adar II Friday, April 1 Daf yomi: Menachos 23 Z’manim*: Earliest tallis/teﬁllin: 5:45 am Sunrise: 6:39 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 9:13 am Gr’a 9:49 am P’lag ha’minchah: 6:00 pm Candle Lighting: 7:01 pm 27 Adar II – Shabbos Saturday, April 2 Shabbos Parashas Tazria Parashas HaChodesh Blessing of Chodesh Nissan Shabbos ends**: 8:02 pm 72 min. 8:33 pm 1 Nissan Tuesday, April 5 Rosh Chodesh Nissan 4 Nissan Friday, April 8 Daf yomi: Menachos 30 Earliest tallis/teﬁllin: 5:33 am Sunrise: 6:28 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 9:06 am Gr’a 9:42 am P’lag ha’minchah: 6:05 pm Candle Lighting: 7:08 pm 5 Nissan – Shabbos Saturday, April 9 Shabbos Parashas Metzora Shabbos ends**: 8:10 pm 72 min. 8:40 pm * All times from MyZmanim.com ** add a few minutes for tosefos Shabbos according to your minhag 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 19 to be slaughtered on the 14th of Nissan. Where is the justice? It seems that They were then to take the blood of the Rashi is saying that had a Jew remained in korban and smear it on their doorposts as his house that evening, he would not a sign to protect them. have been killed, and had he left his Additionally, they were told that since house, he might die—not because he was all first-born Mitzrim were to be killed, guilty of any sin, not because he deserved no Jew should leave his house that night. to die, but because once the destroyer is Rashi explains that even though blood on given permission to kill, anyone in his It’s Not Fair! the doorpost was a sign that that house path is in danger.

And they shall take of the blood and the Jews would not be stricken by Makas place it on the two doorposts and on the Bechoros. Din cannot be ignored, and there lintel on the houses in which they will eat When Moshe instructed the elders [the Paschal lamb] . . . And the blood will regarding this, he said, “And you shall take be a sign for you on the houses in which a bundle of hyssops and dip it in the are times and situations where it you are, and I will see the blood and I shall blood in the basin, and you shall touch it skip over you and there will not be a to the lintel and the two doorposts . . . comes into full force. plague among you, to destroy, when I and you shall not go out, no man from strike in the land of Egypt. the entrance of his home that night, until —Sh’mos 12:7–13 the morning” (ibid. 22). In Parashas HaChodesh, we read of Great affront to the Mitzrim. After Hashem’s commandments to Moshe months of witnessing Hashem’s mastery belonged to a Jew, if a Jew were to walk This Rashi is quite difficult to under- regarding the Korban Pesach that the B’nei over nature, the Jewish people were com- in the street, he would be in danger. stand. If someone is innocent, then Yisrael were to bring in Mitzrayim, and manded to commit the ultimate affront “Once permission is given to the destroy- how is it possible that he would die? how Hashem would pass over the houses to the Mitzrim: to take their very god (the er to destroy, he doesn’t distinguish The basis of our entire belief system is on which its blood was smeared, so that lamb), tie it to the bedpost, and prepare it between innocent and guilty.” that there is no power in this world other than Hashem. We accept that all decisions are directly guided and carried out by Him alone. So how is it possible that someone undeserving of death would have been killed anyway, just for going outside that evening? Where is the justice? Immutable laws of nature. The answer to this question is based on the way that Chazal understand the system of Creation. Hashem formed this world with definite and distinct laws: heat tends to rise, gases tend to expand, and heavy objects tend to fall. These laws are the bedrock foundation for all of physicality. Just as Hashem created laws for the physical world, so too, He created laws for the spiritual world. These are specific and exact, and carry throughout Creation. Before Hashem created the world, He thought, kavayachol, to create it with the Middas HaDin—strict justice. However, the world couldn’t exist if it operated according to this system, so Hashem created the world using the Middas HaRachamim—the system of mercy. The operating principle then became compas- sion. The way that actions were weighed and people were judged was now with a different scale and measuring rod. However, since Hashem acts with complete honesty, justice cannot be ignored. It is mitigated and guided by kindness, but it still demands its due. The Mesillas Yesharim explains that pure Middas HaDin would demand instant punishment for a sin. After all, in this world, you are a creation, a visi- tor in the King’s land, created by and supported by Him. The King gave you laws for your good, and if you have the audacity to violate the express command of the King, even a slight transgression should be immediately punish- able by death. The middah of mercy allows for a different way of judging an act: a sinner is given time to repent, the punishment isn’t as severe, and there is a system of teshuvah—of somehow undoing the sin itself. However, din cannot be ignored, and there are times and situations where it comes into full force. For reasons that we humans will likely never understand, Hashem runs this world in cycles. 20 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES There are times of greater leniency, and unscathed. So, there are no issues of “it’s times that demand more scrutiny in not fair.” The only question is why in one judgment. We are advised to daven on case it seems that din is in operation Yom Kippur with extra fervor because it more than in another. And because there is a time of greater rachamim. The same are so many factors that affect the bal- amount of regret and teshuvah on our ance, we humans may never know the part will accomplish more. The middah answer to these global questions. of rachamim is in greater force. However, the question of Hashem’s “cru- Times of strict judgment. This seems elty” never applies. to be the answer to the question on Using the middah of mercy. Even more, Rashi. When Hashem was taking retri- these concepts affect our relationship to bution on the firstborns of Mitzrayim, Hashem. When we understand what justice was being served, and so there strict din is, we understand that our very was a global shift in the middah in oper- existence is dependent upon mercy. We ation. Din went into effect. As such, it can then tap into one of the most power- was a very dangerous time. Now man— ful forces in Creation. Even a slight any man—would be judged with the change in the amount of mercy Hashem system of din, and very few individuals uses in judging me can have a fantastic would be able to pass as innocent. difference in the outcome. The question I Therefore, K’lal Yisrael were warned, have to ask is: how do I awaken the mid- “Do not go out from your home.” The dah of mercy? destructive angel was given permission One of the keys is to utilize the to act in a manner different than under power of tefillah, to ask Hashem for normal circumstances. A person who help—not based on my merit or any- might be innocent under the normal thing that I have done, but out of sheer mercy system would now be found mercy. Another method is to act toward guilty and might warrant death. Because other people with mercy. Chazal tell us of that, the Jews were advised to avoid that the way that a person is judged the situation. mirrors the way he judges others. Since Understanding the middah of din. he established the criteria, that itself is This concept has great applications to justice, and in Heaven that is the scale our lives. In many situations, we are used. tempted to ask questions on Hashem. Understanding these ideas greatly “It’s not fair! Why should that person suf- impacts the way that we approach others fer? Why do bad things happen to good and the way we approach life itself. O people?” Yet when we focus on what man is capable of accomplishing, we For more on this topic, please listen to Shmuz #163: Only the Good Die Young. understand that there are very few indi- The new Shmuz book, Stop Surviving and Start viduals who truly live up to their poten- Living, is now in print! It is a powerful, inspiring work that deals with major life issues. Copies are tial. If the middah of din were exacted, available in stores, at www.TheShmuz.com, or by there would be few who would escape calling 866-613-TORAH (613-8672).

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 21 kodshim (sacrificial food). The time aside, the Midrash Rabbah in Emor allowed for consumption of the lechem quotes this very mishnah. The pasuk ha’panim was therefore Shabbos day and states, “And he, the son of an Israelite motzaei Shabbos. However, even they woman, went out—and he was the son agree that any bread left over for Sunday of an Egyptian man …” (Vayikra 24:10). The morning was not allowed to be eaten. verse is referring to the illegitimate son of According to the Rishonim that differ Shlomis bas Divri who lost a legal dispute with the Rambam, even if the kohanim and cursed Hashem. The Midrash Fresh Bread: The Original Baker’s Dozen fasted Shabbos day, they could still eat expounds many different interpretations the lechem ha’panim on motzaei Shabbos. of the phrase “And he went out.” One pos- One of my daughters loves the vah of eating the lechem ha’panim. The So why does the song state that the sibility is that he went out of the World Shabbos zemer “Ki eshmerah Shabbos keil exception was when Yom Kippur fell out kohanim couldn’t fast because of the to Come. In other words, he lost his share yishmereini, os hi l’olmei ad beino u’vei- on Shabbos. That Shabbos they were not lechem ha’panim? Does the Ibn Ezra fol- in Olam HaBa by cursing Hashem. ni…” It was written by Rav Avrohom Ibn allowed to eat the showbread. low the shitah of the Rambam? The Another interpretation offered is that Ezra. For some reason, some bentchers This song would seem to fit with the Mishnas Chayim says that possibly even the Torah is informing us the root of his leave out this particular zemer. We have a opinion of the Rambam. The Rambam in according to the other Rishonim the transgression. How did this man stray so fancy set of bentchers that does not have his commentary on the Mishnah writes preferable time to eat the lechem ha’pan- far that he ended up cursing G-d? The this song. I find myself augmenting our answer is he went out from the previous table with alternative bentchers. In any parashah. The Torah earlier was dis- case, there is a line that I must have recit- cussing the lechem ha’panim. The lechem ed many times without understanding ha’panim was always at least nine days the proper meaning: “Does a king eat fresh bread or nine-day- old before it was consumed. It was baked “Rasham b’das ha’keil chok el s’ganav, on Friday and placed on the Shulchan on bo la’aroch lechem panim b’fanav, al kein old bread? Why is the service performed Shabbos. It was not eaten until the fol- l’hisanos bo al pi nevonav asur, l’vad lowing Shabbos. Counting the day it was miYom Kippur avoni—He inscribed in the for Hashem with stale bread?” baked and the day it was consumed, the G-dly law a decree for his priests that on total comes out to nine days. it [the day of Shabbos] they prepare This individual started poking fun at showbread before him. Therefore it is for- this halachah. “Does a king eat fresh bidden to fast on it by order of his under- bread or nine-day-old bread? Why is the standing sages except for the day when that the kohanim were permitted to eat im was Shabbos day. Only if that was not service performed for Hashem with stale my sins are atoned” (translation courtesy the showbread only on Shabbos day. possible should it be left over for motzaei bread?” Of course, the Gemara says that of ArtScroll). Consequently, if there was some bread Shabbos. Zerizim makdimin l’mitzvos. the bread miraculously stayed warm and The twelve loaves of lechem ha’panim left over on motzaei Shabbos it was for- Why wait until the last minute? So even fresh, but this individual chose not to stayed on the Shulchan from Shabbos to bidden for them to eat it. The kohanim according to those Rishonim, the kohan- believe that. This little joke set this man Shabbos. On Shabbos the old batch couldn’t fast Shabbos day, because that im couldn’t fast on Shabbos because then on a slippery slope that eventually led would be removed and a new batch put was the only time available for eating the they would not be able to eat the lechem him to spiritual ruin. on. The kohanim were then commanded lechem ha’panim. ha’panim in the preferred time. We realize that of course it was improp- to eat the old batch. Hence, they couldn’t However, other Rishonim disagree. The Mishnah (Menachos 100b) bolsters er to make fun of the Torah, but was it real- fast on Shabbos because then they would They say that the lechem ha’panim fol- the opinion that the lechem ha’panim be derelict in their fulfillment of the mitz- lowed the same laws as other kodshai could be eaten on motzaei Shabbos. As an Continued on Page 24

22 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 23 DAF YOMI INSIGHTS Friday, then they had to bake the bread Continued from Page 22 on Wednesday. From Wednesday until the following Shabbos, including both ly a big deal to ridicule one halachah? those days themselves, is 11 days. Could that really lead him to blaspheme Rashi asks how they could have eaten Hashem? Pinnacle of Creation, a sefer pub- the lechem ha’panim on the following lished by ArtScroll, discusses this very Shabbos. If the first day of Rosh topic and offers the following (p. 172): Hashanah falls on Thursday, then the fol- “We tend to overlook and sweep under lowing Shabbos is Yom Kippur! Rashi the carpet the small, relatively minor infrac- answers that they ate the lechem ha’pan- tions in our daily rush and routine. ‘Those im on motzaei Shabbos/motzaei Yom little things don’t count anyway,’ soothes Kippur. This is not considered a 12th day, the rationalizing voice inside us. However, because in matters of eating kodshim, the Chazal teach us that these seemingly minor night follows the day. Rashi clearly per- habits can have a decisive impact in shap- mits the lechem ha’panim to be eaten on ing our own lives and actions . . . Tiny mis- motzaei Shabbos as well. O deeds, little compromises of halachah, can sow the seeds of catastrophe.” Rabbi Sebrow leads a daf yomi chaburah at Eitz Chayim of Dogwood Park in West Hempstead Back to our topic. The and runs a high-school program in Brooklyn Mishnah/Midrash continues that on called TIA–Torah In Action, designed to make Torah more exciting through weekly outings to occasions the bread was 11 days old. If see halachah come to life. He can be contacted at Rosh Hashanah fell on Thursday and [email protected].

24 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 25 leftover chametz, and at the end of every “I’m telling you,” said the girl’s mother, December we give her all of the non- “all I remember are crosses everywhere Who Is A Jew? kosher wine and fruitcakes delivered to and attending church multiple times a our offices from clients and vendors week. We did not do anything Jewish. wishing us holiday cheer. The only thing my grandmother ever did From The Other Side Of The Bench two large and one small. He told me that When Easter or X-mas fall on her that was Jewish-like was to light candles B Y DAVID J. SEIDEMANN, ESQ. he was out of smalls and that I should cleaning day, she is given the day off. We every Friday night. She said it made the take three large ones, as the sweatshirts have always respected her religious prac- house warm.” In my column a few weeks back, I “run small.” When I returned two hours tices, and she is very respectful of ours. And so mother and daughter are in the described the various emotions I experi- later for the fourth sweatshirt, I told him Even when it is not the holiday season, throes of a huge identity crisis. Suddenly enced on my recent trip to Israel. I refer- that I needed another large. He said that she attends church three times a week. everything they have seen in the mirror enced the exhilarating feeling of being in he was out of larges and suggested that I Two weeks ago, her daughter wasn’t over the years has changed. Suddenly the the presence of the leading Torah sages of take a medium, as the shirts “run large.” feeling well and presented herself at her graffiti on the walls is about them. our time and the fear of being surround- “My dear friend,” I said, “two hours doctor’s office. Blood was drawn, and Suddenly bombs in Jerusalem and rock- ed by a group of Arabs in an open field. ago you told me that the shirts run when the results were received, the doc- ets in Ashdod are meant for them as well. One emotion I did not share was the small, and now you’re telling me that the tor told the young girl that she had a rare Suddenly a past that was concealed is cre- dismay, hurt, and disappointment I felt as shirts run large!” blood disorder “that only affects ating an entirely different future. I rounded a corner in a certain neighbor- Without batting an eyelash, he turned Ashkenazi Jews.” No, I doubt they will ever become hood in Jerusalem and saw graffiti spray- religious, or Zionists for that matter. painted on a stone wall. The words read, They might never contribute to the UJA “Tzioni lo Yehudi.” or attend a rally on behalf of Israel or Loosely translated, it means that a become advocates for tuition tax cred- Zionist is not, or cannot be, a Jew. I would “Please, Mom, I need to know who its or lobby for an eiruv in the argue just the opposite and at the very Hamptons. They probably won’t listen least would remind those that subscribe in our family was Jewish.” to the Nachum Segal radio show or read to that position that but for the Israeli this paper. government and the Israeli army, they But one thing I feel comfortable believ- would have no water, no electricity, no ing. If they ever do become practicing subsidies, no health care, and no soldiers Jews, I don’t believe they would ever vili- to take a bullet for them. to me and said, “This is Israel. Everything “Impossible,” said the girl; “we are as fy those that are members of their former My response to the graffiti was to changes in a matter of moments.” Catholic as Catholic can be.” faith. And if they ever did become practic- march myself to Ben Yehuda Street and Some changes are more dramatic than “Go home and ask your mother,” ing Jews, I don’t believe they would ever purchase a Tzahal (IDF) sweatshirt for others and, as you are about to read, are replied the doctor. “Ask your mother turn on members of their own faith—for my daughters, who presently wear them life-changers. who in the family is Jewish.” Our clean- any reason, over any issue. with pride. I purchased three of them for For the last 18 years or so, the same ing lady was stunned at her daughter’s And I say this because there is a cer- three of my daughters at around 2 Polish lady has been cleaning our offices. question, telling her that she went to tain refinement of character and atti- o’clock and then returned two hours She appears like clockwork once a week church three times a week, her mother tude that the mother possesses that later after deciding to purchase one for at 4:45 p.m. with her tools of the trade, four times a week, and her grandmother leads me to opine that she would never my fourth daughter. her house robe, and a huge silver cross five times a week. vilify a Rubashkin, a Pollard, a Zionist, When I bought the first three, I hanging around her neck. “Please, Mom, I need to know who in or a chareidi. informed the proprietor that I needed Every erev Pesach we give her all of the our family was Jewish.” She and her daughter are in the middle

26 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES of a monumental upheaval of their reali- s”xc ty. And, my friends, we are caught in sim- ilar conundrums more often than we realize, albeit not as severe. We look in the mirror and at our brethren and sometimes have to make split-second decisions. Are we going to stand by their side as they struggle and languish, or are we going to “hang them out to dry,” adding an unnecessary voice to the chorus of “hang the Jew”? Do we understand that regarding all Jews—those that have known it from birth and those that discovered it only yesterday at a doctor’s office—our guid- ing principle is to never leave them alone, to never abandon them when they are experiencing a crisis (identity or otherwise)? Do we understand that a Jew never turns his back on any Jew or on the Jewish State and never makes it easier for others to say, “Yeah, it’s the Jews”? Jews don’t paint graffiti or hand the spray can to those that revel at the opportunity. So this time my response was to purchase sweatshirts. Perhaps next time I’ll have the conviction to take out a bucket and a sponge and cleanse the wall of its poisonous message. Perhaps in all neigh- borhoods, on all walls, if anything at all is painted it will be these words in Genesis said by Jacob’s sons: “We all are the children of one man.” O

David Seidemann is a partner with the law firm of Seidemann and Mermelstein and serves as a professor of business law at Touro College. He can be reached at 718-692-1013 or [email protected].

And G-d spoke to Moshe, saying: … A woman who shall seed and give birth (Vayikra 12:1–2) Rabbi Simlai said: Just as mans creation was after that of cattle, beasts and birds, so, too the laws concerning his [ritual impurity and purity] come after those concerning [the impurity and purity of] cattle, beasts and birds. Thus it is what is written (Vayikra 11:46—47), This is the law of the beasts and of the fowl and of every living creatureto differentiate between the impure and the pure ; and immediately thereafter,A woman who shall seed Why was man created last among the creations? So that if he is not meritorious, we say to him: A gnat preceded you, a snail preceded you. (Midrash Rabbah; Rashi)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 27 Flight From Self climb a mountain, shov to build a home; To understand the meaning of this ratzo to pray, shov to do a mitzvah. debate between the Holy One and the In the spiritually healthy soul, the will Academy of Heaven—and why a mortal vacillates between ratzo and shov like human being was called upon to the rise and fall of a well-balanced pen- decide between them—we must first dulum; like the contraction and expan- understand the nature of the tzara‘as sion of a smoothly beating heart. The disease in general, and the significance constraints of our place in the world, the of the white patch and the white hair finiteness of our nature and body, the From The Chassidic Masters in particular. boundaries of our very being—these Chassidic teaching explains that the impel us to escape them, to strive for the human soul is driven by two contrary unbounded and the infinite. But our The Runaway Soul forces: the drive to run or escape (ratzo), very escape brings us to a place from and the drive to settle (shov). Every time which we better appreciate the beauty we are overcome by excitement, love, and necessity of our existence. Thus the The Torah sections of Tazria (Vayikra impure.” ambition, or yearning, we are running— ratzo peaks and provokes a counterac- 12–13) and Metzora (14–15) discuss the Said they: “Who shall decide it for us? escaping the self to reach for something tion of shov, of return to oneself and laws of tzara‘as, a spiritual illness whose Rabbah bar Nachmeini. For Rabbah bar greater, more beautiful, and perfect than one’s place in the world. identifying mark was a white patch or Nachmeini had declared: ‘I am singular it. Whenever we experience awe, humili- Tzara‘as is the condition in which patches appearing on the skin of a per- this crucial balance is disrupted, in son, on the walls of a home, or on a which the pendulum of the soul cloth or leather garment. ascends in its ratzo arc but fails to swing Not every white patch indicates back in shov. The will escapes the self tzara‘as. There are several secondary symp- A white patch alone does not but fails to return, leaving behind a vac- toms that determine whether the person uum in which all sorts of undesirable (or house or garment) should be declared mean that the will’s failure to elements can now take root like weeds tamei (impure). In the human body, one of in an abandoned garden. the signs of tzara‘as is if the white patch This is the significance of the white subsequently caused (at least) two hairs in settle has resulted in any negative patches and the white hairs that are the its area to turn white. Regarding this law, symptoms of tzara‘as. A patch of white there is a remarkable passage in the developments in the character and skin indicates that life and vitality have Talmud that recounts a debate taking departed from (this part of) the body. Still, place in the “Academy of Heaven”: a white patch alone does not mean that It was debated in the Academy of behavior of the person. the will’s failure to settle has resulted in Heaven: If the white patch precedes the any negative developments in the charac- white hair, it is impure; if the white hair pre- ter and behavior of the person. But when cedes the white patch, it is pure; but what if we see white hairs sprouting in the white there is doubt (as to which came first)? in the laws of tzara‘as…’” They dispatched ty, devotion, and commitment, we are patch—when we see dead things feeding The Holy One, Blessed be He, said: “It is a messenger [to bring him to heaven]… settling—affirming our connection to on this dead place—we have a full-blown pure.” Said [Rabbah]: “Tahor! Tahor!—Pure! our existence; to our place in the world case of tzara‘as. The entire Academy of Heaven said: “It is Pure!” (Talmud, Bava Metzia 86a) and our mission in life. Ratzo drives us to On the other hand, the existence of

28 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES white hairs, in and of them- eters of our understanding. So than an illusion. clear and conclusive evidence had uncovered its singular selves, do not indicate tzara‘as. He, too, relates to us via these The “Academy of Heaven” is that a person has indulged his core; he had uncovered the These might represent the ordi- two channels, making Himself an allusion to the filling light, escapist desires to such an Divine vision of reality as it nary garbage that we lug available to us via rational and while “The Holy One” extreme, the laws of tzara‘as relates to the very essence of through life, the run-of-the mill apprehensible media (e.g., the (kedushah, holiness, meaning apply. But where there is doubt, G-d rather than to the “filling” negative traits and experiences laws of nature), as well as transcendence) connotes the this Divine perspective is or “encompassing” elements of which actually have the positive through mystical and spiritual encompassing light of G-d. So inclined to declare him pure. His light. function of challenging us and vectors. regarding the case in which When Rabbah bar Nachmeini provoking our finest talents and There are numerous differ- there is doubt as to whether the The Verdict pondered the laws of human most potent energies. It is only ences between these two modes white hair came before or after Who might decide between selfishness and selflessness, he when the white hairs are caused of Divine energy and their the white patch, the “Academy these two Divine visions? Only saw man as G-d Himself sees by the white patch that some- effects upon us, discussed at of Heaven” is inclined to declare one who is in touch with the him: as a creation utterly devot- thing serious is afoot. Such a length in the works of Kabbalah this a case of tzara‘as. For this is overriding vision, with the sin- ed to the will of its Creator. A condition indicates that the per- and Chassidism. One basic dif- the Divine perspective on man gular truth that transcends both creation who, even if touched son has run away with his ference is that the Divine light that recognizes man’s selfish- the filling and the encompass- by the possibility of the malady escapist impulses so high and so that fills the world gives cre- ness. If tzara‘as is a possibility, ing modes of Divine relation- of shov-deficiency, is invariably far that he has completely aban- dence to our sense of reality and we must suspect that it has ship with reality. declared, “Pure! Pure!” O doned his commitments to life selfhood, while from the per- indeed occurred. Rabbah bar Nachmeini was and productivity, leaving behind spective of the encompassing “The Holy One,” however, “singular in the laws of Based on the teachings of the a hollow and lifeless self that is light, which transcends the sees man as an essentially self- tzara‘as.” He was a human Lubavitcher Rebbe; adapted by Yanki a breeding ground for what is parameters of our existence, our less being. From the standpoint being, but a human being who Tauber. Courtesy of MeaningfulLife.com via Chabad.org. worst in human nature. reality has no true validity and of the encompassing light, had so thoroughly devoted Find more Torah articles for the whole Hence the law that a white our sense of self is little more tzara‘as is an anomaly. If there is himself to G-d’s Torah that he family at www.chabad.org/parshah. hair is a symptom of tzara‘as only when the white patch precedes the white hair, indicating that this dead growth is the result of a certain area of the person’s life having been drained of its vitality.

Two Visions Of Man What is the root cause of tzara‘as? Ratzo is the escape from self, while shov is the return to self. It would therefore seem that tzara‘as—ratzo without shov—derives from excessive selflessness. In truth, however, the very opposite is the case. Ratzo is what the soul desires to do, while shov is what the soul is committed to do. Escapist behavior is the ultimate self- indulgence, while settling down is the ultimate submission. Tzara‘as, then, derives from a lack of humility; from the failure to yield one’s own will to the will of one’s Creator. This explains the aforemen- tioned debate between The Holy One and the Academy of Heaven. The Kabbalists speak of two types of Divine energy that nourish our existence: a Divine “light that fills the worlds,” entering within them to relate to the individual character of every creature; and a Divine “light that encompasses the worlds”—a transcendent energy to which we can relate only as something mystical or spiritual; something that is outside of ourselves. Of course, the Divine essence is neither “filling” nor “encompassing.” Ultimately, G-d’s relationship with our existence cannot be defined as internal or external—it is neither and both, for the Divine reality is beyond such distinctions and character- izations. But G-d desired to relate to us in a manner that is consistent with our reality. In our experience, there are things that are internal—things that we can understand and empathize with—and things that are encompassing, meaning that they are beyond the param- 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 29 school to a private school. munities as well. I would like to recommend that the I attended a board meeting and sug- school be converted into a BOCES gested that the state recommends bus school, since the program has been can- transportation to a 15-mile radius for pri- celed in the Lawrence district, and the vate-school students. I believe that we cost per child to send to a BOCES school provide transportation up to 20 miles. $9 elsewhere is over $7,000. This school million of the $10 million appropriated should be open not only to public- for transportation expenses goes to pri- Vacation “Woes” title is insensitive to a large segment school students but also to all private- vate school busing. Why not follow the Dear Editor, of your readers. Complaining about school students, and because of budget state guidelines as a prudent way to save I will preface this letter with some vacationing . . . constraints this program should be money? praise for you. I do know firsthand that I do not feel sorry for you for your offered to Hewlett and Lynbrook stu- Barry Ringelheim you are a gomeil chessed. vacation woes. I do feel sorry that you dents as a joint venture, should they not Now, regarding your article entitled have lost touch with those Jews around have a BOCES program. G-d’s Red Light “Exhausting Vacations,” [FTJT, January 14], you; Pollard, Rubashkin, among others, I think this could be an intelligent Dear Editor, I did not read the article yet, but the title would love an exhausting vacation. service that caters to all the needs of pub- It was an emotional and exhausting reminds me of a conversation I once Vacationless lic- and private-school students. I hope morning. My search for the “right” overheard when I was a struggling stu- that the government officials that also apartment was now finally over. As I sat dent. I was sitting in a waiting room and Turn School 6 Into BOCES receive this letter will contact the in the lawyer’s office waiting to sign all I overheard one lady complain to anoth- Dear Editor, Lawrence School Board to promote and the necessary papers and trying to er that her contractors were taking too I would like to share with you that I discuss this idea as an alternative to their negotiate a better deal (the dollars slip- long to renovate her bathroom. If I personally believe that the Lawrence personal goals. ping by the second even as we spoke), I remember correctly, the wrong tiles were School Board in the May budget will tell I am personally not in the education realized that I was now really cement- ordered. I remember thinking that if only the public to vote for the sale of the field, but this sounds like a good idea for ing my commitment to this country, to I could afford a house, and if only I could Number 6 School, which has been closed the district to investigate as soon as pos- this city, to my children and friends. It afford to renovate—something. for the past two years. I believe the sible. I believe that this would be cost- was exactly one year ago this week that I would love to have a vacation. school board, based on their previous efficient not only for solving our district’s Even if it is exhausting. Already your thoughts, will want to sell or lease the needs but those in our surrounding com- Continued on Page 32

30 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 31 Ice Storm dining-room table. I took out my siddur There are two seemingly unrelated at the end of “Korbanos.” This list, cited Continued from Front Cover and davened. things that are both called “Yud Gimmel in Rabbi Yishmael’s name in the Sifri, It was a deliberate, unhurried tefillah. I Midos”—literally, “Thirteen Measures.” enumerates the hermeneutical rules by night that had layered a sheet of ice over was able to say every word in Pesukei One is a list of thirteen aspects (or, as which halachos are derived from the much of 20 states, including New York. I d’Zimra and Tachanun distinctly, able to commonly rendered, “attributes”) of Torah’s pesukim. Some of that methodol- arose earlier than usual, to allow extra pay closer attention to the Amidah, to Hashem’s mercy, based on words in ogy, which is more descriptively known time to get to shul for Shacharis. I bun- stop and think at each of its berachos, to Sh’mos (34:6–7) that begin with Hashem’s as the “Thirteen Midos Through Which dled up, opened the door, and stepped The Torah Is Interpreted,” is logical, outside. After three steps, I turned on my some of it not obviously so; all of it, heels and—slowly, gingerly—returned to though, comprises a sacred part of Torah the house. Shebe’al Peh itself. During one of the season’s previous The house was quiet and I took Isn’t it odd that both the expressions eruptions of inclement weather, I had of Hashem’s mercy and the hermeneuti- hurt my back shoveling snow. I was in my time donning my tallis and cal principles number thirteen, and both excruciating pain for weeks thereafter, are described as “midos”? weeks that included the day of the ice Most of us have paused at the fact storm. I realized that were I to hazard tefillin at the dining-room table. that, at least from our limited perspec- even the block-and-a-half walk to the tive, Hashem seems to present two very closest shul, the chances of my slipping different “faces”: on the one hand, He is and falling—with repercussions to my the Merciful Lifegiver, the Forgiver of sin back I preferred to not imagine—were and Bestower of blessings; on the other, considerable. truly connect in a way that so often name stated twice (with a pause signaled the Lawgiver. “Well, this, too, is for the good,” I con- eludes me in shul. I recited Kiddusha between them, representing, the Gemara The Creator is both “Avinu” and soled myself, invoking Nachum Ish Gam- d’Sidra and Aleinu more slowly than I had says, one’s different relationship to “Malkeinu,” our Father and our King— zu’s credo as I retreated in defeat. And, in in a long time. Hashem “before he has sinned and after both merciful Parent and summoning its way, it was. And yet, it was without a minyan. he has sinned and repented”). Sovereign. The house was quiet and I took my Which is not the way a Jewish man The other “Thirteen Midos” refers to a That may be the subtle implication of time donning my tallis and tefillin at the should ideally daven. list recited daily before Pesukei d’Zimra, the “Thirteen Midos” oddity—that the Source of mercy and forbearance is the very same Source of law and obligation. Divine mercy and Divine law are inseparable facets of the same Unity. The demands of Divine law are born of Divine love, inseparable from it; they reflect Hashem’s concern for our own ultimate well-being. And so, while my minyan-less morning brought me to a feeling of closeness to the Divine that I too seldom manage, the requirement of davening with a quorum remains incumbent (even if, on occasion, it cannot be managed). Were Hashem only an av, a father, then I would choose to worship Him at home. But He is a melech, a king, too, and has decreed otherwise. So now what I have to strive toward— and analogies, I imagine, abound for us all in our individual daily lives—is to bring some of the specialness of my ice- storm davening into every tefillah recited, less leisurely but more properly, with a minyan in shul. O

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Continued from Page 30 I officially became an ‘olah chadashah’ and yet it was in signing these very documents in front of me that I truly felt my feet firmly planted in the holy ground beneath me. I ached to be here for many years and when the time was right I did all that was necessary to divest myself of anything and everything that kept me away. I arrived Erev Yom Kippur 2005 after having spent the last six months of my father’s life by his side in Montreal. Life was relatively calm in Israel. The walls surrounding us were successfully keeping the homicide bombers out and it was business as usual. Politics was politics, Israelis were who they were, and I was suffering from “the Jerusalem Syndrome.” In my mind, “it was all good.” Even the 5:00 a.m. garbage pick- up under my bedroom window was a holy daily occurrence which I wel- comed with a shrug and love of every- 32 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES thing having to do with this land and I was stopped at a red light in back of with my Jewish “family.” The lessons I another car. Suddenly I heard a loud learned that first year, however, were pop. It was a sound I had never heard difficult and painful, yet it made me before and at first I thought it was a car stronger and wiser and perhaps a bit that had backfired. And then—silence. more like the Israelis but still managing Within what seemed like seconds, to be me. I learned a lot about what it sirens screamed from everywhere. The means to be here. Really be here, and all rush of ambulances shrieking their des- that it entails. The good, the bad, and peration to get through the traffic. The the ugly. And then the rockets began to police yelling. The soldiers appearing fly into S’derot and I wondered why we from what seemed out of nowhere, weren’t doing anything to stop them. shouting at the throngs of people to get And Lebanon. How could we stop in back, trying to redirect traffic away from midsentence and expect a victory? So the scene. I knew, and at the same time many questions unanswered, but still, didn’t want to believe, that what I was this is my country no matter what and now experiencing for the first time was even though I strongly oppose many of what my people had been going the policies, there is nowhere else I’d through for so many years during the rather live or die. bloodshed years of the ‘pyguim.’ I began Yesterday, I understood only too well to shake as the reality before me was the meaning of “if Hashem wants you, unfolding. I was blessedly far enough He will find you anywhere.” He doesn’t away so as not to see the carnage only a want me yet. Perhaps He feels I still few yards ahead of me. And then I real- have work to do in this world. ized that had the light changed to green After an unusually busy morning seconds before, I would have been in signing papers at law offices, bank the center of it all. It is too horrifying to offices, and some quick lunch gobbled contemplate and although it is the up standing in my kitchen, I packed up morning after that I am writing down my car and headed out to Lisa’s house to these thoughts, I am still shaking, my babysit my grandson. It was getting throat as dry as the Sahara that no close to rush hour and I was ready for amount of water can quench. I am pro- the grueling ride with discs of jazz and foundly aware of the enormity of yester- Chopin Nocturnes slipped into my bag. day’s meaning to me. My physical, emo- I knew I would need some of my tional, and spiritual commitment to this beloved music to keep me company on land I call home remains strong. I am a what could possibly turn from an hour small part of what makes this country and a half ride into a two and a half or work and I am proud to be an Israeli. three hour ride. I began to leave And I thank Hashem for putting His red Jerusalem and called my friend Barbara light in my way and saying, “Not yet.” to catch up and tell her my good news of the apartment I now proudly owned. Suzie Frankel

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 33 34 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Selection Process send their most dynamic rebbeim and Continued from Front Cover teachers to visit schools and convince potential students to come to their semi- am definitely going to seminary Z. My sis- naries. Sessions are held in which the ter’s best friend went there and she loved school’s representative will typically talk it!” With these words, the process of about the seminary and give a d’var Torah. choosing a seminary officially begins. I found these sessions to be informative, Below, I am outlining my own experience with the representatives being straight- of the Israel decision-making period and forward about what their schools expect hope to give you a greater understanding from their students and what they are of how to navigate the process. willing to provide to them. If you are Meetings with the Israel guidance undecided between two (or more) differ-

If you are undecided between two schools, do not be afraid to ask the speaker what the difference is between their school and the other.

counselor are arranged at the beginning ent schools, do not be afraid to ask the of senior year. Even if you think you speakers what the difference is between know exactly where you want to go for their school and the other ones during an seminary and already have everything information session with the seminary. I planned out (maybe you and a friend did this with both of the schools I looked already agreed to be roommates!), it is into, and the answers the representatives recommended to still meet with your gave helped me to decide which school school’s Israel guidance counselor. These was my first choice. advisors are usually very well informed When choosing a seminary, remember about the different seminaries, and they that it’s all about the fit. Just because you might think of other programs that fit hear from people that a certain seminary you even better than the one that you is wonderful does not mean it is the right originally thought of. During November, the Israel schools Continued on Page 36

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 35 Selection Process for you. rate a lot of chesed and touring conduct interviews for their part. Usually, a Tanach is opened Continued from Page 35 How do you choose a semi- into their daily schedules, and applicants. Some words of and you are asked to read some nary? This is a very individual they may have art, dance, and advice on these interviews: pesukim chosen at random, one for you! Ask those same question. The main factors that music programs. Some girls pre- 1. All the interviewer really accompanied by a meforesh or people what makes that semi- girls looking at potential semi- fer to attend a seminary in wants to do with you is two. You cannot prepare for nary so wonderful and if they naries take into account are Yerushalayim, because they feel schmooze. This is supposed to this. When the interviewer asks would recommend it specifical- hashkafah, level of learning, and that this location will really be a two-sided conversation; the you to read, take a deep breath ly for you. location. Hashkafah is the most enrich the experience of living school representative is just try- and do it to the best of your abil- I know a few girls who were personal factor, and it should be in Israel. Others prefer to be ing to get a greater sense of who ity. The learning part of the very influenced during the deci- discussed with your parents and away from the social aspect of you are. interview may have relatively sion process by the stereotypes your Israel guidance counselor. Yerushalayim and instead 2. Dress with care. While it little to do with your accept- associated with the different It is critical to make sure that choose to visit there often on is important for the interviewer ance, as the school will deter- seminaries. Beware of stereo- the schools to which you are Shabbatot and chagim. There is to note that you came in look- mine your academic history types! A seminary that is “too applying are acceptable to you a wide variety of seminaries ing neat and presentable, it is mainly by looking at your tran- frum” for one may be “too liber- and to your family on a religious available, and there is a program going to have a larger impact script and talking with your al” for another. Personally, I level. Do you want a program for every girl. on yourself. Wearing extra-spe- principals and teachers. tried to ignore what I consid- that offers courses in Gemara? Applications are due in early cial clothing or actually run- Acceptances usually arrive in ered superficial descriptions. Do you mind a uniform? It all December, and they usually ning a brush through your hair January or February. It is excit- Not once did I hear a stereotype depends on what you are com- require an essay about why you can do wonders for your sense ing to receive acceptance letters convey any sort of positive fortable with. want to spend a year in Israel. of confidence and maturity, and to have a more concrete message about an institution. Not every seminary will have Soon after the applications are and that can only help you in idea of where you will be going Do your research and trust your you sitting and learning for submitted, more representa- an interview. next year. The excitement of gut instinct about what is best most of the day. Some incorpo- tives from seminaries come to 3. Don’t sweat the learning acceptances is somewhat damp- ened by rejection letters, which can be hurtful. A girl who is rejected can start to ask herself why she just isn’t “good enough.” These feelings are amplified when her friends and classmates ask her if she was accepted (and sometimes this personal question will be screamed across the hallway for everyone to hear). Except for a few close friends, I did not ask my classmates about their acceptances. I decided that it just was not worth the possible embarrassment. If you are not accepted to a seminary that you applied to, do not lose hope! It is likely that the seminary is not the right place for you anyway. Have a positive atti- tude, and talk to your Israel guidance counselor and your principals to get advice and support. After sending out acceptances, Israel schools give students some time before they have to decide which seminary they will be attending. I would sug- gest using this time wisely, and not pushing off the decision- making until the night before the deadline. Making a hurried decision is never optimal. Sometimes you can have as many as ten classmates who decide to attend the same seminary that you have chosen. It is nice to arrive at a new school with some people you know and maybe even feel pretty comfortable with. However, if you are the only person from your school going to a seminary, that’s great too! It’s a rare chance to be able to go somewhere and start off with a clean slate. Mazal tov! You have made your decision about next year! Attending a seminary is a start to shaping a wonderful future for yourself, and although spending the year in Israel has become an expected event for our community, it is still a privilege and should be regarded as such. So get excited for an amazing and wonderful year ahead of you! O

“Talmidah X” is a high-school senior living in the Greater New York area who plans to attend seminary in Israel. 36 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 37 haired dude who wears his sunglasses at Both Guy and Paula love to eat. Not only the nape of his neck. This is pure fascina- do we get to see the food in their mouths, tion for me, because it makes me think we are also privileged to see some bits of that my mother was right; some people food on their faces. And for this these two do have eyes in the back of their head! are paid the big bucks? And Paula Deen is a delightful Southern No one pays me a sou for eating while lady who cooks, bakes, and eats her food talking! And that’s a shame, since I love to in front of a television audience. eat and I love to talk. Both are second Unfortunately, both of these people con- nature to me, which occasionally pres- E Is For Etiquette tinue to speak as they eat. ents a challenge when I’m tempted to do Television programming inevitably both at the same time. Although my comes with time constraints, so hosts mother is no longer here to remind me Rules are not made for everyone; some importance, displaying good manners is and hostesses of cooking shows not only about the necessity of swallowing before people appear to be exempt. But I am not another reason why people shouldn’t eat have to cook and bake, but, to sustain a speaking, I’m lucky enough to have sub- one of them. My mother always told us and speak at the same time. A full view of level of interest, they must also simulta- stitute instructors. In fact I have several. never to speak with our mouths full. One partially masticated food isn’t what any- neously speak to their television audi- That would be my children, who, upon might think that she was concerned with one wants to see. But there seem to be ence. But why does eating have to be part occasion, take over my mother’s job. manners, but it wasn’t quite that. Manners some exceptions. And the exceptions are of the act? As children mature into adulthood were of course important to Mom, but it they become smarter than their parents. was safety that she was thinking about At least they think they’re smarter, when she instructed us to swallow before which amounts to the same thing. And speaking. She was, quite simply, afraid that Standing in my kitchen gave me my offspring are no different than most. talking or, even worse, laughing while eat- They have zero trouble letting me know ing might cause us to choke. when I’m doing something wrong. This My memory of things I heard as a the sensation of being on a is a real comfort to me in my rapidly child is somewhat dim, but somewhere approaching old age. in the deepest recesses of my mind I highway during a blizzard. Guy Fieri cooks alone, but what I can’t remember hearing about my mom’s figure out is why Paula Deen’s two sons mother, my grandmother, who suffered a don’t clue her in. One or the other of her near-deadly bout of choking because she It was a total whiteout! boys often cooks and bakes with her on did just that: she talked and laughed her television program, and neither one while eating and suddenly began to admonishes her. Since they just let her go choke. And, given that the Heimlich on yapping while eating, the obvious con- maneuver was unknown back then, she reserved for well-known and often-seen Instructional cooking shows are quite clusion to be drawn is that as long as the was fortunate to have recovered. I wasn’t television personalities, a man and a popular these days but, happily, most of big bucks keep rolling in, Paula can do as there at the time, but my guess is that woman who commit this egregious the chefs and cooks manage to do their she pleases. someone whacked her hard on her back social error in front of millions of people. job without eating. (Note: the basic differ- I haven’t cooked or baked with my and told her to hold her arms over her I’m referring to Paula Deen and Guy Fieri. ence between a cook and a chef boils children since they were little. My most head. Today, that gimmick doesn’t work, For those who don’t watch The Food down to an issue of snobbery, with most recent experience of that nature was but back then it did! Go figure. Network channel, let me explain who cooks preferring to be known as chefs.) last month, when I made hamentaschen While safety, of course, is of primary they are. Guy is a totally affable spiky- But not everyone abstains from eating. with five of my grandchildren. And

38 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES what an experience it was! The good news is that it will serve as a reminder for me never to attempt this again with more than two youngsters at a time. By the time we were finished with this grandmother/grandchildren bonding experience, there was flour everywhere. Standing in my kitchen gave me the sensation of being on a highway during a blizzard. It was a total whiteout! My kitchen table and chairs were covered with flour, the floor was pure shmutz, and a quick accidental look at my reflec- tion in the glass door of the oven told me that I bore a strong resemblance to the Pillsbury Dough Boy. During the entire episode, all I heard was, “Savta, she mixed more dough than me.” Or, “Savta, you let him crack more eggs than me.” And, “Savta, she got to make more circles than me.” But the kvetch that came closest to giving me a nervous breakdown was the following plea: “Savta, I don’t like my shapes. They don’t look like hamentaschen. I want to undo them and start again.” I had a quick vision of attempting to scrape filling off of dough and starting from scratch. That vision was strong enough for me to give a geshrai—“No, we don’t need to do that, sweetheart. Your shapes look just fine.” I didn’t have the heart to tell her the truth, which was that no self-respecting person (not even Haman) would wear a hat shaped like her hamentaschen. And it is said, after all, the hamentaschen are so called because they’re meant to replicate the shape of Haman’s hat. Frankly, I never understood that. Why in the world would we honor a monster such as Haman by making little cakes to resemble his hat? As it happens, a close friend recently set me straight. My friend, Gaye, informed me that the Yiddish word for “pockets” is “taschen” and the word for “poppy” is “mohn.” Hence, since what we make are actually mohn pockets, they’re called hamentaschen or “the mohn pockets”! Of course, the other story is catchier. It appeals to the imag- ination of youngsters, and quite possibly to those adults who grew up with this fable— that the triangular hamentaschen are shaped as such to resemble Haman’s hat. So the likelihood is that the hat story explanation will stick. Whichever version is preferred, the important thing to remember is not to eat them, or anything else, while talking! O

Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a licensed real-estate broker associated with Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at [email protected] or 516-902-3733. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 39 money. (What courses are they teaching owned and only Yaakov had a right to in first grade these days?) buy. Chaim proclaimed that since he Eventually, as the game continued, wanted it, he could make a deal with each of the kids bought a variety of prop- Yaakov to take Chaim’s money to pur- erties and then decided to start negotiat- chase the property and that Chaim would ing back and forth on selling or buying add extra money for Yaakov’s profit in each other’s properties. Chaim asked taking care of the transaction for him, Yaakov to sell him a property Yaakov had and then after Yaakov bought the proper- purchased for $200. When Chaim offered ty he could flip it to Chaim. Taking A Break From Real him $400 for the property, Yaakov yelled Now here I was an experienced real- out, “Sold!” Suddenly they were selling estate broker, but I had no idea if it was Estate And Mortgages properties back and forth based on how legit for Chaim to front Yaakov the much profit they could make and how money in order to purchase it for Chaim’s You would think that a hard-working daughter and find out where this little much money they had left in their pos- ownership, plus the extra for Yaakov’s gal would be able to take a few hours off one is getting his information. session. I was thinking that when we profit on this transaction, and there was during a weekend from having to concen- The game began with Yaakov (the were young and played Monopoly, the definitely nothing in the Monopoly rules trate on real estate and mortgages. With other 6-year-old) landing on a property, only thing we tried to do was make sure to guide me on this quandary. “fun time” in mind, I picked up three of my which according to game rules he was the other players were never allowed to I sat back as I realized that the quiet grandsons and brought them to my house entitled to buy. I asked him if he would get three matching properties; this was fun of this game was now becoming a for some old-fashioned game playing. like to buy the property and was taken way beyond the old Monopoly rules. déjà vu of what I had to work with during “Choose any game that you guys want aback when he said, “First tell me how As the game progressed, Yaakov landed the week, and I was back to dealing with to play,” I said. “Monopoly!” they cried in real estate with no chance of any break— unison. “Oh no,” I muttered to myself— especially if this game was to continue more real estate, but this time with an 8- for hours, the way that Monopoly typical- year-old and two 6-year-olds. “Savti, you Now here I was an experienced real-estate ly does. I knew I had to do something. be banker,” they again cried in unison, “Who wants ice cream?” I suddenly and so the game began. broker, but I had no idea if it was legit, and called out. “There are also sprinkles and It started with doling out the money sauces to put on the ice cream, and we that each player was entitled to. Chaim, there was definitely nothing in the can make sundaes.” First there was five the 8-year-old, did not like small bills and seconds of quiet, and then a mad dash for wanted to change all of his small bills Monopoly rules to guide me. the kitchen, the game forgotten. “Ah, yes,” into large bills so I could give him change I thought; “It works every time!” O when the opportunity arose—he liked getting change. Elimelech (one of the 6- Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a year-olds) took all of his money, put it much rent I get from this property, and on a property Chaim wanted but Yaakov licensed real-estate broker and a licensed N.Y.S. mortgage broker with over 20 years of experience, together in a wad, then folded the wad in then I will decide if it is worth it.” I told did not have enough money to purchase. offering full-service residential and commercial half and put it in his back pocket. When I him it brought in $14 if someone landed Chaim said, “You buy it, and I will give real-estate services (Anessa V Cohen Realty) and mortgaging services (First Meridian Mortgage) in asked him why he was doing that with on his property, and his answer was that you the money.” Yaakov said, “How much the Five Towns and throughout the tri-state area. the money, his answer was that this was it was not worth it and he would save his money will you give me?” I looked up She can be reached at 516-569-5007 or via her website, www.AVCrealty.com. Readers are what you were supposed to do when you money for buying the railroads and high- and asked them how they were negotiat- encouraged to send questions or comments to had a lot of money. I must talk to my er-priced properties that brought in more ing on a property that neither of them [email protected].

40 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 41 42 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Dear Readers, because he didn’t get a shalach manos It is with great excitement that I intro- from a classmate. I wanted to ask him duce you to my new guest writer, who how he felt about it and I couldn’t find will be answering your questions once a the words. So I told him what I usually month in the MindBiz column. Her name tell my kids, which is that everything is is Jennifer Mann and she has recently fine and not to be so upset. These feelings received her LMSW and promises to be a I’m having are new to me and I don’t wonderful addition to the field of psy- know what to do with them. chotherapy (and she is also my daughter- Superficial in-law). Her unique insights, extreme sen- Dear Awakened, sitivity, and vast intelligence are sure to I refuse to refer to you as “Superficial,” impress all of you. So sit back and enjoy! because from what I have gleaned in your NNN letter you are anything but. It seems as Dear Jennifer, though you have a real sense of family, I have been feeling for quite some time community, and doing for others. You are like something is wrong … something is missing in my life. I could never put my finger on it. I have a solid marriage and great kids. I am very active in my chil- Perhaps unknowingly, dren’s schools. I have a part-time job that I find very fulfilling. I have siblings whom you’ve given off the vibe I speak with numerous times a week. I am a devoted daughter to my aging par- of “emotions not ents. I also have an active social life and feel very much part of my community. welcome here.” If you And most importantly, I have my health. haven’t been real with Very recently, I picked up a magazine that had an article about the importance others, why would of human connection and the human spirit. I usually grab the gossip magazines, others feel comfortable but something pulled me in the other direction. The article conveyed a clear being real with you? message to me: “Your life is empty! You fool!” I realized I have been going through the motions for so long. Do I really know any of my friends? Sure, we invested in your roles as mother, daugh- do Chanukah boutiques for school and ter, and wife, and you are a woman who organize the shalach manos in shul, meet finds joy in her employment. Nowhere in for lunch, and whatnot, but what do I your words was there any mention of really know about them and what do jealousy, social climbing, or that your they really know about me? best friends bought the new Prada bag I have recently stopped calling because before you did. You certainly don’t come I can’t talk about one more school func- across as superficial. I have taken the lib- tion or the latest salad on Central Avenue. erty of renaming you “Awakened.” I’ve been thinking about my relation- The first 40 years of your life have ships with my husband, my children, and been lived according to a set of values my entire family. Quite frankly, they are and norms that have been evolving shallow. My husband and I talk, and we since you were a child. Who really go out alone and with our friends, but I knows how you got here? There is no feel lately that it’s all superficial. I feel this magic formula to interpret the root of way even about my children, whom I an individual’s behavior or personality. adore. Perhaps you grew up in a home where I am pushing 40 and I don’t think I’ve intimacy and emotion were scoffed at ever had a real intimate relationship in and viewed as a sign of weakness so you my life. The impetus for this letter came avoid it at all costs. Or perhaps you were when I was sitting at the kitchen table with my young son. He was very upset Continued on Page 45

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 43 Passover Cholent

B Y MARTY LEVIN EXECUTIVE CHEF MAUZONE’S CATERING BY CELEBRATION

Yields 8 Servings

Ingredients: 2 onions, quartered 2 1/2 pounds fatty 2nd cut brisket, cut into large chunks 1 pound potato kugel 3 cups matzah farfel 6 oz. Passover kishke 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into six 2–3 qt. water to cover 2 1–oz. packages dry beef base 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh garlic 2 Tbsp. onion powder 2 Tbsp. paprika 1 tsp. white pepper to taste place over the onions and garlic. Place matza farfel and kishke over Directions: potatoes. Rinse brisket well under I usually start cooking my cholent cold water, then place in crock-pot Friday afternoon. I do not soak the beans over the potatoes. and barley, but they should be rinsed and Pour spices over the meat, Try to checked for stones and dirt. spread spices evenly on top of every- Spray the Crock-Pot with a cooking thing. Afterwards, pour boiling water spray on the bottom and sides to prevent into the Crock-Pot to 1/2 from top above sticking. Turn Crock-Pot on high (assum- the ingredients. ing it’s a 6 qt. Crock-Pot). Start on high and check before Before placing anything into the Shabbos to see if you may need to add a Crock-Pot, I recommend boiling water little more water. Shortly before Shabbos, in a kettle to pour into the Crock-Pot adjust the Crock-Pot to low setting. O after all the ingredients are put in. This will speed up the cooking process. Follow Chef Marty on Facebook at Chef-Martys- Slice onion and garlic and spread Kosher-Kitchen or visit www.chefmartyskosherkitchen.com. For along the bottom of the crock-pot. Passover, Chef Marty will be at Matza Fun Tours. Cut potatoes in halves or thirds and For information, visit www.matzafun.com.

44 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES MINDBIZ don’t you see if they enjoy the anything you have ever imag- Continued from Page 43 new you. For all you know, ined. The research shows the these friends may go deeper importance of children grow- raised in a highly enmeshed when you’re not around. ing up in an emotionally environment where your every Perhaps unknowingly, you’ve expressive and warm home. I feeling was picked apart and given off the vibe of “emotions am so glad that you have cho- analyzed from head to toe, not welcome here.” If you sen to walk down this path, leaving you feeling suffocated haven’t been real with others, not only for your own benefit, and running for your life. Or why would others feel comfort- but for the benefit of your maybe you had an upbringing able being real with you? Call children and your husband. that most children could only up a girlfriend and tell her some- Their lives will be much richer dream about. How you got to thing personal. Even better, try because of you. this place might be worth it with your husband! If you’re So, Awakend, shake things up exploring in a therapeutic envi- cringing at the thought, go back a bit! People in your life may ronment, but for the purposes to exercise #1. surprise you. You have nothing of this column, I want to stay Realizations such as the one to lose and everything to gain. in the moment and focus on that you had are intimidating Sincerely, change. You’re stuck and you’re and sometimes downright Jennifer yearning for something new frightening. But if you perse- and different, and you want it vere and see this through, the Esther Mann, LCSW, is a now! You’ve had a personal rev- fulfillment, peace, and con- psychotherapist in Lawrence. Esther works with individuals and couples. elation, but you don’t have the tentment you experience may She can be reached at tools to take action. be exponentially greater than [email protected] or 516-314-2295. Before I give you some prac- tical suggestions, let me give you my definition of intimacy. Firstly, intimacy need not be confined within the context of your spousal relationship. Intimacy is the part of any relationship, including those with friends and children, that allows you to take off your social mask and expose yourself, warts and all. It is knowing that if you choose to wear your heart on your sleeve, you will not be judged for what you’ve shared but accepted and loved in return for who you are. There are those of us who feel it is not worth the effort or feel too ashamed to be real. For others, such as yourself, it is as fundamental to the human condition as air. I would like you to participate in a small exercise. Fill in the blank in the following statement. “If I share a private thought or emotion with someone, I am afraid that ______.” Your personal answer may be the beginning of an internal dialogue that helps you achieve intimacy by becoming more familiar with yourself. What exactly is it that is holding you back? A second exercise you can do is to envision yourself one year from now with deeper relationships. You are grabbing lunch with a girlfriend and telling her about your most recent stressor or heartbreak. Next Purim (though I’m sure it won’t happen again), instead of telling your son that he is fine, you allow him to express his pain by saying, “Tell me about it.” Now, how did you get there? What steps did you take to make that possible? Take cre- ative license and make it up. You’re the author, so write it down! And then do it. It seems as though you have had it with your friends. Just because a relationship has been a certain way until a point, does not mean it cannot blossom into something more. Before you throw everyone away, why 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 45 Already Taken

BY RABBI MEIR ORLIAN and cakes all around. “What’s going on BUSINESS HALACHA INSTITUTE here?” he asked. “Someone making a party?” “We’re trying to get rid of the chametz,” Pesach was fast approaching, and the Gadi explained. “My mom told me to give Levins were trying to use up their out the extra cookies and cakes from chametz. The cookies and cakes they had mishloach manos.” received from mishloach manos didn’t help the situation. “Gadi, take these packages to yeshiva and give them out to your friends,” Mrs. “I already took the Levin told her teenage son. “I’m sure they’ll be able to finish them.” cookies for my brother,” “No problem,” said Gadi. “They’ll be said Yisrael. gone in a wink!” Gadi stuffed the cookies and cakes “I can’t give them away into a shopping bag and took them with him to yeshiva. He met his friend Yisrael without his permission.” and asked: “Would you like a cake or box of cookies?” “Sure,” said Yisrael. “What’s the occasion? “We’re trying to finish the chametz “I’m starving,” laughed Ari. “I could before Pesach and have loads left over really use a package of cookies now!” from mishloach manos,” Gadi explained. “Sorry,” said Gadi, “but I just gave the “I’m glad to help,” Yisrael smiled. last box to Yisrael for his brother.” Gadi gave him a cake, and gave out the “For his brother?” questioned Ari. remaining packages to other classmates “Where’s his brother?” who were present. “Almost finished,” he “He’s home,” said Yisrael. “I’ll bring it announced. “One box left.” home with me tonight.” “Can I have it for my brother?” Yisrael “Would you mind giving it to Ari?” asked. Gadi asked Yisrael. “Ari’s my best friend “No problem,” Gadi said. He reached in and he’s here now. Your brother won’t the bag and handed Yisrael the box of even know he missed anything.” cookies. “Here, take this for your brother,” “I already took the cookies for my he said. brother,” said Yisrael. “I can’t give them Just then, Gadi’s best friend, Ari, entered away without his permission.” the room. He saw the packages of cookies “But they’re not his yet,” said Gadi. “The

46 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES cookies are still mine until your brother “A person cannot be forced to accept receives them, so you can give them to Ari.” something against his will,” replied “I’m not convinced that they’re still Rabbi Tzedek. “Therefore, the recipient yours,” replied Yisrael. has the ‘upper hand’ and can choose Just then Rabbi Tzedek walked in. either to uphold the gift retroactively or “Let’s ask Rabbi Tzedek,” suggested Ari. to refuse it.” The three boys approached Rabbi “Does that mean that every time I ask Tzedek. “I gave Yisrael a box of cookies to you to bring something to a friend it take for his brother,” said Gadi. “I would becomes his already?” asked Gadi. like him to give it now to Ari, though. Can “The application of zachin l’adam Yisrael give it to Ari or does it already depends on the language used,” Rabbi belong to his brother?” Tzedek concluded. “The language must Rabbi Tzedek ruled: “Yisrael already indicate that the person was meant to acquired the cookies for his brother and acquire the item immediately on behalf he has no right to give it to Ari without of the recipient, such as: ‘Acquire [or take, his brother’s permission.” or accept] for so-and-so (zechei).’ Rabbi Tzedek then explained: “This However, if Gadi had said to Yisrael, case is an example of the halachic con- ‘Deliver [or bring] the cookies to your cept of ‘zachin l’adam shelo b’fanav’—it is brother, (holeich)’ the language does not possible to acquire on behalf of a person indicate immediate acquisition on behalf not in his presence. When a person of the recipient. In that case, Yisrael’s accepts a gift on behalf of someone else, brother would not acquire the cookies the recipient of the gift acquires it imme- until he received them. The term ‘give to diately. The one who gave it can no so-and-so (tein)’ is questionable, and sub- longer back out or give it to someone ject to dispute” (C.M. 243:2–3; 125:6–7). else” (Choshen Mishpat 243:1). The boys thanked Rabbi Tzedek. Yisrael “What is the basis of zachin l’adam?” pulled out the cake he had taken for him- Yisrael asked. self and handed it to Ari. “Here,” he said. “The Gemara (Kiddushin 42a) derives “You can eat this and I’ll ask my brother to this concept from the division of the share his cookies with me.” O Land of Israel, in which the leaders of each tribe received a portion on behalf of This article is intended for learning purposes and not to be relied upon halacha l’maaseh. There are the entire tribe,” explained Rabbi Tzedek. also issues of dina d’malchusa to consider in “Tosefos explains further that zachin actual cases. Rabbi Meir Orlian is a faculty member of the l’adam is an extension of the law of she- Business Halacha Institute, which is headed by lichus, agency. The person accepting the HaRav Chaim Kohn, shlita, a noted dayan. For gift serves as an agent to receive the gift questions regarding business halacha issues, or to bring a BHI lecturer to your business or shul, on behalf of the recipient (Kesubos 11a; please call the confidential hotline at 877-845- see, however, Ketzos HaChoshen 105:1). 8455 or e-mail [email protected]. To receive BHI’s free newsletter, Business Weekly, “What if Yisrael’s brother is not inter- send an e-mail to ested in the cookies?” asked Ari. [email protected].

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 47 sit down for this again) special belts that off at night until finally the whole thing can be adjusted based on how fat the just splits in half, lengthwise. Trimming The Fat wearer is at any particular moment. But this becomes a serious problem Basically, the way it works is that men when it comes to cholent. Men love are in total denial about their weight. If cholent, especially at a kiddush. Hands BY MORDECHAI cially to those of us who, when we sat a man buys a belt, and the first time he down, the best way to eat cholent is SCHMUTTER down a couple of paragraphs earlier, puts it on the pin fits in the third hole, standing up and holding your bowl. So made a loud exhaling noise and adjusted then that man will wear the belt with sometimes your shul will have a kid- I know this column doesn’t usually our pants. But what’s really shocking is the pin in the third hole for as long as dush, and of course you’ll eat the cover major news, but I’ve recently come that they’re only just now coming up he owns that belt. He will wear it that cholent, because you’ve been smelling it across a press release so utterly shocking for almost three hours, and there’s no that I just have to share it. In fact, you way you’re going to go home without might want to sit down for this. having some. And then you go over to a Are you sitting? Good. Now hold on to kiddush of one of your friends, and he something. It’s a good thing you can’t gain has cholent as well, which you of course It turns out that, according to a study have to sample, because you’ve just at the University of Ulster (in Ireland), weight from things you eat off walked all the way across town for this. published in a recent news release, sci- And then you go home, and even entists have now proven that—get though you’re content to sit around and this—eating large portions of food someone else’s plate. digest for a little while, your wife wants makes you fat. to eat lunch right now because she’s Whoa. Remember where you were sit- starving, because it turns out she didn’t ting when you first read this. eat a thing at either kiddush. (“WHY?!” I I bet most of you are slapping your with this study. Didn’t we already know way for years, and he never has any rea- don’t know.) And she’s going to be foreheads and going, “Oh my goodness! this? How else would scientists explain son to switch it, because the poor hole insulted if you don’t eat her cholent, This changes everything! Why didn’t they the existence of cholent belts? is always stretched out to his current after you’ve already proven that you figure this out sooner?” For those of you who don’t know, waist size. But meanwhile, the belt will eat everyone else’s cholent. So you Okay, so it’s not really shocking, espe- cholent belts are (and you may want to bentches gomeil every time he takes it have to eat that, too, for shalom bayis. And by the time you’re done, you feel like someone has to roll you back out to the living room. Hence the adjustable cholent belt. The point of a cholent belt is that it doesn’t have holes. Instead, it has a million little grooves, and the wearer has no idea which groove he wears it in, so he can wear it in a different groove every day. It’s basically a belt that fights denial by not letting the guy know that he’s gaining weight until the belt doesn’t make it all the way around him anymore. But my point is that, what with the existence of such a miracle of modern technology, I’m pretty sure we all figured that science already knew that eating more makes you gain weight, right? Typical scientists. They don’t believe in anything until they prove it themselves. Sure, we’ve been guessing that there was a link for years, but they didn’t want to say anything until they’d veri- fied it scientifically. To understand how this all works, think of your body as a car. If you put in fuel, it goes. If you don’t put in fuel and try to go, it will start to shut down pretty quickly, and give you a “Low Fuel” warning light. An example of this warning light is when you go shopping on a fast day, when you have no strength to do so, and your body subconsciously puts one of everything in the entire store into your cart. But on the other hand, if you put fuel in the car three times a day and then don’t drive anywhere, there will eventually be no more room in the tank, and you’ll have to put some of that fuel in emergency storage cans in the back seat. To conduct the study, the scientists kept a group of 43 people in controlled conditions for four days; they fed half of them large portions of food, and the other half standard-sized portions. By the end of the study, they found that the standard-portion group had eaten the large- portion group. Not really. What they found was that everyone gained some weight, because they were all kept in a closed area where they could do nothing but eat; but the large-portion group had gained one to two pounds more than the stan- 48 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES dard-portion group. On the other hand, we can probably assume that the amount they ate more than the other group came out to more than two pounds, and the food was free. So it was definitely worth it. Also, this was Ireland, so I’m guessing there were a lot of potatoes involved. Professor Barbara Livingstone, who ran the study, said that in the past few decades, there has been more and more overeating, due in part to inventions that allow us do less running around and burn less energy. And what do we do with the time that we save? We eat. Another possible reason for overeating, Professor Livingstone said, was that “consumers tend to eat what they are served, even if it’s an inappropriate amount for their energy needs.” Personally, I think this is your mother’s fault. When you were a kid, your mother made you eat everything on your plate, right? Even though she was the one who put it there. And even though, as kids, our bodies were still in tune enough to tell us exactly how much we needed to eat, and as soon as we had enough energy, we ran into the living room to play. But then our mothers yelled at us to come back and finish what was on our plates. Why? So we could have more energy? But then who ate the food that was left on our plates? Our parents. They originally took as much food as they needed to give them energy, and now they’re eating more than they need to. It’s a good thing you can’t gain weight from things you eat off someone else’s plate. And how about eating things that you wouldn’t normally eat, just because you have to get rid of them for Pesach? We never remember these things in the store. Shoprite had a “Can-Can Sale” in January, wherein they sold boxes of noodles (don’t ask me why) for 50 cents each. I piled my cart with them before I remembered that Pesach is in April. So now I have a ton of noodles. I’m going to be so sick of noodles by the time Pesach comes around, I’m not going to be able to look at them for a week. I’m eating noodles with cheese, noodle kugel, noodle soup, and even, in an effort to maybe lose some weight, noodle salad. Because apparently, noodles becomes a vegetable when you add mayonnaise. It’s a good thing we have to run around cleaning. Hey, why are you sitting down? O

Mordechai Schmutter is a weekly humor columnist for Hamodia and has written two books, both published by Israel Book Shop. He also does freelance writing for hire. You can send any questions, comments, or ideas to [email protected].

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 49 “I was thirsty last night—but must be saved nonetheless don’t worry, I will throw it out; until I do or until I think of just it’s only an empty soda can.” the right person. How do we qualify garbage? To me, anything that shouldn’t still be in existence in the house—in other words, it has That seems to no value to anyone anymore— should be considered garbage be the story of and therefore thrown out into a Almost Cleaning garbage receptacle and then my life— removed from the house. I’m almost cleaning for “Is there a reason why there it can be eaten almost any- Doesn’t that make sense? moving things Pesach. If I tell my kids that we is an open package of licorice by where? Where have I gone Of course, clothes that have are cleaning for Pesach they will your bed?” I inquired last night wrong that my kids do not been outgrown can never be from place A to become overwhelmed—as will of one of my elder children. understand that eating in places thrown out. Somehow they are I! But if I simply take little “Oh—I forgot about that. other than the kitchen or dining amassed in huge bags until I place B without opportunities to look through Don’t worry, I will throw out the room is just not acceptable? have a chance to bring them to drawers randomly, without the garbage … and do not fear—it is “Why is there an empty can Goodwill. Of course, the “good” a final hint that I have ulterior motives not crumby!” I was assured. (at least I hope it’s empty) of outgrown clothes must be behind my brief investigations, I What’s with this unwritten soda under your bed?” I asked saved for someone else. When resolution. do not meet with as much anxi- law they think exists that as one of my other children just I will see this elusive “someone ety on both ends. long as something isn’t crumby this morning. else,” I do not know, but they

“What is the huge bag of clothes sitting in my trunk?” Word to the wise—if you want to put things in a vehicle so that you remember to dis- pose of them appropriately, do not put said things in your husband’s car. These bags must be placed in your own van’s trunk if need be, otherwise your “system” will be found out. That seems to be the story of my life—moving things from place A to place B without a final resolution for some time. And I seem to have let my faulty system rub off on my kids. “Where is yesterday’s mail?” I asked Sunday morning. It was no longer on the dining-room table, where I saw it last. “Check the old dining-room table,” one of my daughters recommended. When we first married 24 years ago, we purchased an adorable dining-room set—a glass table and four big black chairs from the late, great Seaman’s Furniture store. With the passage of time and the increase in the number of kids in our family, sadly, the big black chairs did not survive. The glass table, however, has been with us through two apartments in Brooklyn and to its current resting place in our house in Cedarhurst. The glass table lives on in our “den area” and is used as a catchall spot for various mail and such, and is still referred to by its honorary title of “old dining-room table.” Somehow, whenever something is misplaced in the house, it’s always a good idea to check the “old dining-room table.” Between that spot and the newspaper pile in the living room, you have a good chance of finding what you are looking for. Does everyone have a newspaper pile in their house? We have a fireplace in the living room, and along with the fireplace, we have a firewood holder. We have yet to ever actually 50 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES use said fireplace (we have been living Pesach that table gets thoroughly cleaned here 17 years), but somehow the firewood yet again and covered for my favorite holder has been another catchall spot for time of year, when everything is fresh weekly newspapers and assorted miscel- and clean! laneous items that don’t make it to the I almost cleaned off the top of old dining-room table. Rochel’s dresser completely yesterday, Fortunately, Purim comes a month and I plan on almost cleaning out the before Pesach, and it gives me the oppor- refrigerator fruit bins later this after- tunity to clear off the old dining-room noon. Wish me luck! O table to have a spot for our shalach Phyllis Joy Lubin is an attorney with Rosenfeld & manot. When we finish our shalach Maidenbaum, LLP, who resides in Cedarhurst manot, I have the chance to see a clean with her husband Leonard and six children: Naftali, Shoshana, Rivka, Rochel, Yosef, and Lea. glass table—until we amass yet more mis- She welcomes your questions and comments at cellaneous items. But do not fear; before [email protected].

Your Ad Could Be Here. Call 516-569-0502

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 51 52 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 53 the Libyan civil war or the Rewriting The Middle East Narrative events leading to Egypt’s implo- sion. Syria, a nation ruled by a small minority over a Sunni Tidbits From Israel East. The glue that brought selves claiming that Israel is at ing a convenient common majority, is soon approaching a BY RON JAGER together all the different vying fault for the Middle East’s denominator for the Arabs and violent regime change. Lebanon sects, religions, tribes, nationali- regressive state, that the Arabs helping them avoid looking in is being cooked in its own juices, As it turns out, the ties, and minorities till now was are preoccupied with the strug- the mirror. Yemen is reaching boiling point, Palestinian-Israeli conflict is not Israel, but this glue no longer gle against Israel, and should Many of our own political Saudi Arabia is shaking, and the core conflict of the Middle sticks. The Arab masses who Israel’s conflict with the Arab leaders have fallen into this Bahrain is a battleground East and is not the key to region- have demonstrated for the past world be resolved, cosmic tran- trap. To this day, this false doc- between Shiites and Sunnis, as al stability. The lack of basic two months have proven once quility and eternal peace will trine guides many political lead- are Tunisia and Algeria. The for- human rights and the lack of and for all that the Arabs living sweep through the region, ush- ers, such as Shimon Peres, who mer colonial powers that estab- democratic structures in all of within Israel enjoy the very ering in progress, prosperity, continue claiming that a solu- lished all the current borders of the Arab nations is the reason democratic and human rights and happiness. tion to the Palestinian Arab con- the Arab nations, disregarding that chaos has erupted. No Arab that are lacking in all of the Arab This inherently incorrect doc- flict will serve to stabilize the tribal and ethnic differences, nation will evade this awaken- nations of the Middle East. trine allowed world leaders to whole region. President planted the original seeds of the ing or be able to ignore the Since the establishment of go along with the charade, Obama’s close associates contin- current chaos we are witnessing. demand for basic human rights. Israel, we have gotten accus- blaming Israel for all of the ue pressing for the establish- All of this has absolutely nothing For almost half a century, we tomed to hearing assessments region’s ills—meanwhile, allow- ment of a Palestinian Arab state, to do with Israel. have been led to believe that by global political experts, ing the flow of oil quietly to as though that would bring sta- Many Western politicians and Israel is the single cause of media personalities, news com- reach its destination. This doc- bility to the Middle East. media commentators, unable to everything wrong in the Middle mentators, and the Arabs them- trine was inherently false, secur- Israel has nothing to do with adjust to the fast pace of change, are having a tough time coping with the collapse of the “Israel is at the heart of the Middle East conflict” theory. The implication is that Israel, which until now was perceived as a problem, is turning into a sort of solution. As opposed to the sea of tribes, sects, and religions in the Middle East, Israel is a stable, reliable, credible, and democratic force. One can work with Israel and trust Israel to serve as the bastion of Western, democratic, and international interests. Once upon a time, people would say that there are some pro-Western rulers in the Middle East. Yet where are they today? Ranging from Mubarak to Ben Ali and from Gaddafi to the kings of Jordan and Saudi Arabia, they have all evaporated or have become greatly weak- ened. From now on, they shall keep their distance from the “disloyal” West that encouraged the Arab masses to revolt against their rule and that pub- licly humiliated Arab leaders. Israel is now not only the West’s most reliable regional ally, but the West’s only ally. With Israel now clearing itself of the “root of all evil” blood libel and the demonization that surrounded it, the Jewish State can look the West straight in the eyes, hold its head up high, and resume its relationship with the world on a new basis. We must repeat this new status everywhere. We must expose those that continue to speak in terms of what was in the past. It has been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that the old doctrine, whereby the Israeli-Arab or Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the key to Middle Eastern stability, is (and always has been) false. O

Ron Jager is a 25-year veteran of the Israel Defense Forces, serving as a field mental-health officer. Prior to retiring in 2005, he served as the commander of the central psychiatric military clinic for reserve soldiers at Tel-Hashomer. Since retiring from active duty, he has been providing consultancy services to NGOs, implementing psychological trauma treatment programs in Israel. To contact him, e-mail [email protected]. 54 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES “Stop Surviving, Start Living”

BOOK REVIEW BY GITTY LEVINE

Since the invention of the printing press, thousands of books have prom- ised to contain the secret to life’s most elusive goal: happiness. In the secular world, they call them self-help books, but in our world, we know that the Torah view is the place to look for answers. But with so many out there, which one to choose? My suggestion is “Stop Surviving, Start Living” by Rabbi Ben Zion Shafier. It’s a hashkafah book with a difference.

What makes “Stop Surviving, Start Living” so unique? Its tone. Written in accessible language, it reads like a casu- al conversation with a friend—except this conversation is deceptively deep and spiritual. Thematically, I would divide the book into three sections. The first is about happiness. Does more money equal more happiness? If not, where can I find it? All around you. Just open your eyes. I’d classify the next section as “spiritual psychology.” What is the neshamah? Why do we need a yetzer ha’ra? Lest you think you’ve heard this from other sources, I urge you to read the chapter called “The Princess and the Peasant” for its literary quality alone. Lastly, Rabbi Shafier takes on the issue most of us would prefer to avoid: death. “Is death depressing?” he asks. Not when you read what he has to say about it. Between the story of a cancer survivor, the medically documented account of a woman’s near-death experience, and a mussar exercise I won’t dare spoil for you, the final chapters left me soaring. Anyone familiar with theshmuz.com, knows what makes Rabbi Shafier’s message so effective. For change to work, it has to speak to us. If it seems too lofty, too complex, or too daunting, we might begin with the best of intentions, but eventually, we give up. When mussar addresses life as we know it and manages to be entertaining besides, then that’s a recipe for success. The Shmuz on Life is short enough to be finished in a few hours, engaging enough to keep you reading, and most of all, spiritual enough to move your soul. To obtain this book, please contact www.theshmuz.com or call 866-613- TORAH. O 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 55 A Guide To Cooking Fish

Fish is ever growing in popularity as a fish are more rich and robust with a choice for diners and cooks alike. It can meatier flesh. Lean fish include flounder, be served in an elegant restaurant or pre- halibut, and snapper; examples of fattier pared quickly at home for dinner. It is so fish are salmon and tuna. Make sure to versatile and there are so many types and choose a fish that is fresh and does not techniques to prepare that one can hard- smell “fishy,” so it won’t have a fishy taste ly get bored with all the options available. when cooked. It might be intimidating for some, since it Here are some common techniques for is the most delicate of all the proteins, yet cooking fish: so as not to overcook it and dry it out. mixture you choose and fry in a hot pan with a little skill and care not to over- Poaching. Cooking slowly in a lightly You need to make sure to keep the fish coated with oil to achieve a golden cook, your seafood meal can shine. simmering liquid is a wonderful way to moist when cooking in the oven. This brown crust. Then you can serve with a Everyone has heard about the health maintain the texture of the fish while method is good for cooking whole fish squeeze of lemon or create a pan sauce to benefits of fish, containing Omega-3’s and imparting a lot of flavor. Create a poach- or thicker fillets. drizzle on top. healthy essential oils. It is also an excel- ing liquid out of anything from broth to Pan-Frying/Searing. This simple tech- Cooking in parchment. For this simple lent source of protein. There are two cat- wine with herbs, spices, and citrus. nique takes little effort and is very quick. and elegant method of cooking fish, all egories of fish: lean and fatty. The leaner Roasting/Baking. Keep an eye on You can dredge the fish—filleted or you need is to create a pouch out of fish are lighter and flakier, while fattier your fish when roasting it in the oven, whole—in seasoned flour or any coating parchment paper; place whole fish or fillets along with fresh herbs and other aro- matics and seasonings; seal; and bake. The parchment pouch seals in the juices, steaming the fish and keeping it moist. Grilling. Grilled fish is delicious and simple, and almost any fish can be used. Simply coat with olive oil and season. There are special grilling baskets you can use so that the delicate fish does not fall apart on the grill, or you can seal it in aluminum foil. O

Pan-Seared Flounder With Slivered Almonds and Lime Ingredients: 6 pieces skinless flounder (or tilapia), 5–6 oz. each 1/2 tsp. salt pepper to taste 1/2 cup of flour 2 Tbsp. canola oil 3 Tbsp. butter substitute 2 tsp. slivered almonds 2 limes, zested and juiced Directions: Pat fish dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour. Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in large nonstick skillet over moderately high heat. Sauté three pieces of fish at a time, turning once, until just cooked through and golden brown, about 4–5 minutes. Sauté remaining fish in another tablespoon of oil. Lower heat and add butter to melt. Add almonds and cook 30 seconds. Add lime zest and juice. Pour over fish and serve.

Want to learn how to cook delicious gourmet meals right in your own kitchen? Take one-on-one cooking lessons or give a gift to an aspiring cook that you know. For more information, contact Take Home Chef personal chef services by calling 516-508-3663, writing to [email protected], or visiting www.TakeHomeChef.net.

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56 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 57 Shushan Purim Carnival With SKA And I-Shine By Rebecca Hagler and Shoshana Kaminetsky Shushan Purim was an especially happy day for I-Shine participants when the students of the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls set up their gym for a Purim carnival. All the children and volunteers came dressed in costume for the occasion. There were moon bounces and tons of fun booths for all to compete in.

The food options spanned Carlos and trip, before deciding to make aliyah and Gabby’s, cotton candy, popcorn, and a join the IDF. She currently serves in table full of candy for everyone to partake southern Israel as an infantry meteorolo- in! The volunteers had an amazing time gist for the Artillery Corps. giving the children of I-Shine a little taste For many, the idea of an “infantry of Shushan Purim simcha. O meteorologist” may sound strange. Nonetheless, Sharon’s position is crucial No More White Picket Fence for the forces that rely on her calcula- By Tammy Habteyes tions. She explains, “We inflate a huge As I stand outside the IDF’s Kirya base balloon with a device attached that meas- in central Tel Aviv, I see an unusual sight: ures atmospheric parameters. We raise a young woman wearing a worn-out uni- the balloon to a certain altitude and form and carrying an M-16 walking begin measuring air pressure, wind gusts, toward me in muddied army boots. This humidity, and temperature. After we get soldier is 23-year-old Sgt. Sharon Weiss, the most accurate results, we report back female combat soldier in the IDF. to the forces.” Sharon was born and raised in Nassau Sharon explains that the data that the County, and visited Israel a number of crew gathers enables artillery to be more times, including on an Oranim Birthright accurate. The IDF is very careful with its

58 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ammunition, how and where to launch shells during a battle or operation. Every launcher in any military activity has its own meteorology crew. This crew reports to the artillery forces about weather conditions that may cause a rocket to miss its precise target. Sharon has now been in the army a year and seven months including basic training on the Shivta base deep in the Negev desert. “I didn’t know any Hebrew and there were no Americans in my basic training. So I had Hebrew lessons once a week and my commanders sometimes helped me. I had one commander who would tell our platoon to do something and if I didn’t understand she would repeat in English.” The daughter of a nurse and computer technician, Sharon studied applied mathematics and statistics at Stony Brook University. “My parents told me I

IDF Sgt. Sharon Weiss could choose to do whatever I want after college. So I told them I wanted to join the IDF.” “I wasn’t born Israeli and I come from a religious background, but that didn’t stop me from giving my time and energy to help the army which is protecting the only country in the world for Jews,” explained Sharon, whose parents are members of Young Israel of North Bellmore. Sharon wanted to serve in a combat position in the army because she wanted to feel she was really giving to her new country. She enlisted for three years— though girls in non-combat positions serve for only two years—and she may have to serve in reserves until the age of 45. “I don’t mind. Every day, I am thankful that I’m here doing this. The hardest part is when I am out in the field. I feel so dis- connected from my family and friends because I have no computer or phone to contact them.” What keeps Sharon motivated? “When I went to Yad Vashem, I realized why I am here. I was wearing my IDF uniform and I thought to myself, ‘In the end the Nazis didn’t win, we did.’” O

Continued on Page 60 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 59 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS bined scholarship money, March Mitzvah Maccabiah Continued from Page 59 including seven DRS students Madness given full tuition scholarships. The HANC Samuel & 18 DRS Applicants Win These students will attend the Elizabeth Bass Golding Early Scholarships at YU’s Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Childhood Center in West Honors College Program Honors Program within Yeshiva Hempstead got into the spirit It was a banner year for DRS College, where they will be of March Madness with a applicants planning to attend exposed to an intense curricu- nursery aleph March Mitzvah Yeshiva University’s Honors lum that focuses on extensive Maccabiah. Nursery aleph stu- College Program. Eighteen DRS writing, research, and analysis, dents were doing mitzvos applicants were accepted to and provides opportunities for from the moment the Yeshiva College’s Honors unique academic experiences, Maccabiah started. In order to Program. In recognition of including courses abroad, gain admission into the their excellent academic per- research positions, and intern- Maccabiah, each child had to formance and leadership abili- ships. DRS congratulates its stu- put an item into a donation ties, these students were award- dents and alumni and is proud box for the West Hempstead ed over $1.6 million in com- of their accomplishments. O Food Bank. Once inside the HANC nursery school miztvah maccabiah.

Maccabiah arena, students Congregation Yagdil Torah went from station to station In Detroit Celebrates 10th performing mitzvos. The sta- Anniversary Of Kollel tions included a relay race to Dirshu give tzedakah, and climbing The city of Detroit is known over and under an obstacle around the world as the “Motor course in order to get to a City” for helping launch the food so the student could American automobile industry make a berachah while the over a century ago. Today, rest of the class answered Detroit is the driving force “Amen.” The students were all behind another movement that first place winners and is rapidly changing the world. received medals and trophies Thirteen years ago, HaRav for their participation. Go Dovid Hofstedter founded L–R: DRS students Ilan Portnoy, Shalom Rosenbuam, Shalom Wilner, Dovid Freilich, Yechiel Auman, David Silber, Mitzvah Madness! O Dirshu—a worldwide move- Benjy Kantowitz, Adam Moisa, Judah Max Abbitan, Yehuda Isaacs, and David Weitz.

60 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

ment dedicated to encouraging and rein- munity of Chicago and then to Cleveland. forcing Torah among those learning in As they say, “The rest is history.” yeshivas and kollelim, as well as ba’alei On Thursday, March 10, Congregation batim. The organization’s many different Yagdil Torah celebrated the 10th anniver- learning programs readily attracted thou- sary of Kollel Dirshu in Detroit at the sands of participants in cities across Eretz annual banquet. Over 20 people from the Yisrael, Europe, and North America, but kollel made a siyum. Participants in the had not yet caught on in many smaller amud yomi program celebrated the com- communities in the United States. pletion of Maseches Eruvin. Those in the It was in Southfield, Michigan—a com- daf yomi program made a siyum on munity of just 1,000 frum families— Maseches Zevachim. where Dirshu first took root a decade ago Hundreds of people, including roshei and the place that HaRav Dovid yeshiva, rosh kollelim, and rabbanim were Hofstedter would affectionately come to in attendance. The kehillah was greeted call, “Dirshu’s gateway to America.” by HaRav Dovid Hofstedter, who flew in Since its inception, Kollel Dirshu has specifically for the event and addressed had an incredible impact on members, the assembly. In addition to music and the entire Detroit community, and com- dancing, a special highlight of the evening munities in surrounding cities. When was an audio/video presentation on local L–R: Rabbi Moshe Twerski, Rabbi Chaim Aaron Weinberg, Rabbi Naftulie Weiss, Kollel Dirshu was first established in and global Dirshu programs. Mr. and Mrs. and Shimmie Ehrenreich. Congregation Yagdil Torah, Rabbi Eli Igor Yeverovich were the guests of honor Yelen and the founding ba’alei batim at the banquet for their longtime support anticipated starting with 15 participants. of Yagdil Torah and Torah programs. Leah Steinberg, Mrs. Gloria Pearl, Mrs. ner on Sunday, April 10, 5:00 p.m. at Beth Yet, on the first morning, over 30 people The event helped fuel the continued Tali Abramzon, and Mrs. Esther Helfgot, Sholom, 390 Broadway in Lawrence. turned out at 6:00 a.m. to join in the growth of Torah in Detroit and gave among other leaders and educators. Marcia and Moses Z. Berman: Guests learning—an unprecedented turnout in chizuk to all members of the communi- Aid for low income families. On March of Honor. Mr. Berman, an active member the relaxed, “out-of-town” atmosphere of ty in motoring on to reach their goals 24, Agudath Israel of America delivered of Beth Sholom for over 50 years, has suburban Michigan. in learning. O testimony before the New York City served as a member of the board of Over the years, as many as 40 people Council’s Committee on General Welfare trustees and has been honored by being a have participated at any one time. Agudah News And Events regarding Mayor Bloomberg’s proposed chasan on Simchas Torah. Mrs. Berman Around 10% of all the men in the commu- Funding for special education. The spe- budget for the city’s Agency for Children’s has worked on many sisterhood projects nity have participated at some point in cial education affairs division of Agudath Services. Included in the mayor’s budget including Purim shalach manot. The one of the kollel’s programs. Dirshu also Israel of America staff brainstormed with proposal is the elimination of approxi- Bermans have been involved in many inspired the shul to start a night learning educators on the best approach to mately 17,000 child care slots from community activities. Mr. Berman was program, which has now been going improve the process of funding for chil- Priority 5, which helps low-income fami- one of the founders of the Young Israel Of strong for over eight years. The entire dren with special education needs. The lies where both parents are working. O Woodmere, a vice president of the Hillel community has been instrumental in the meeting was held at Yeshivat Ateret School (now HAFTR), and was honored success of the kollel, as over 60% of the Torah, on March 23. In attendance were Congregation Beth Sholom Annual by Israel Bonds. Mrs. Berman has chaired funding comes from the local communi- Rabbi Moshe Twerski, Rabbi Chaim Dinner, April 10 the Chabad dinner and was active at the ty. Once Dirshu took root in Detroit, it Aaron Weinberg, Rabbi Naftulie Weiss, Congregation Beth Sholom will be spread quickly to the neighboring com- Shimmie Ehrenreich, Richard Altabe, Mrs. holding its 59th annual testimonial din- Continued on Page 62

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 61 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS have also helped establish the first kosher solidarity with the people of Itamar. The nity comes from the grave of Itamar, the Continued from Page 61 shelter on Long Island. Goldsmiths were touched and took sever- son of Aharon, mentioned in parashas RSVP by calling 516-569-3600 ext. 21 or al bracelets back with them, to bring the Shemini. The community is built on a Brandeis School. visiting www.bethsholom.us. O message to others in their community strong foundation of Torah values and Felice and Todd Soifer: Guests of that we are with them. Torah roots. They shared the details of Honor. Drs. Felice and Todd Soifer are a Mayor Of Itamar The slogan on the bracelet could not how the terrorists were able to breach the dynamic couple who bring excellence Comes To Shalhevet have been more apt: the Goldsmiths town’s security. But mostly they had a and creativity to everything that they do. The students at Shalhevet heard from came not to bring a message of death or positive message about the town of Todd serves as a gabbai, has coached the Rabbi and Mrs. Moshe and Leah the tragedy of the Fogel family, rather one Itamar and its people. Beth Sholom little league, and is captain Goldsmith last Friday. Rabbi Goldsmith is of the lives of the people of Itamar and Over the past few days, Shalhevet has of the shul’s softball team. Todd is also a the mayor of Itamar, the town in the their goal of building a strong Eretz been privileged to hear from three differ- Tomchei Shabbos volunteer and was hon- Shomron where the Fogel family was so Yisrael, a mission the Fogel family was a ent speakers from Israel. The message of ored on Simchas Torah with chasan brutally murdered last Shabbos. Prior to part of. “Israel is about chiyut, the life and each was the same: we are one nation, maftir. Felice has served on the sister- speaking, Mrs. Eisenman gave the continuity of the Jewish people,” said and those who sacrifice do so for the sake hood presidium where many new and Goldsmiths several “Live Strong Itamar” Mrs. Leah Goldsmith. They showed a of the continuity of the nation. We must innovative programs were introduced, bracelets that the girls commissioned, video in which several members of the not stand down in the face of terrorism including the first Beth Sholom distributed, and were wearing. She community were interviewed. They gave but continue to live and be strong. O mother/daughter bat mitzvah workshop. explained that the goal of the bracelet the history of the community, going all She is also an active member of the Beth was twofold: to raise money for the Fogel the way back to the times of Tanach, The White Shul Celebrates 89 Years Sholom executive board. children but, more importantly, to show explaining that the name of the commu- On Monday, March 28, Congregation Beverly and Ted Lowenthal: Com- Kneseth Israel–The White Shul celebrat- munity Chesed Award. Beverly and Ted ed its 89th anniversary barbeque dinner. Lowenthal have dedicated themselves to The event brought over 300 guests to acts of chesed for over 40 years. Together, the shul’s main ballroom to pay tribute they have organized the Hatzilu lunch- to the shul and its guests of honor, eon which brings Jewish poor together Freda and Michael Harbater. The for a taste of Yiddishkeit. Every Tuesday, evening began with a wine and scotch you can find them at the Sisterhood/JCC tasting from Royal Wines and Chateau Café Europa making sure that all the sen- de Vin and continued with a lavish buf- iors in the Five Towns benefit from this fet by Sharmel Caterers and music by wonderful program. They are active in Akiva Palmer. The program included a Beth Sholom’s Bikur Cholim, always avail- welcome from shul president Motti able to visit the sick and cook for the Schwartz and was followed by Rabbi infirm. Mr. Lowenthal has been honored Ralph Pelcovitz, rabbi emeritus, who on Simchas Torah with chasan Bereishis. presented the “Man of the Year” surprise The Lowenthals started the first shomer award to a very surprised Chaim Shabbos cub scout and girl scout troops at Liebtag. The program continued with Beth Sholom over 30 years ago. Presently, divrei berachah from the mara d’asra, they are active members of C.E.R.T., the Rabbi Eytan Feiner, who presented community emergency response team, Freda and Michael Harbater with their trained for emergency situations. They Mayor Goldsmith at HANC. award. There was a video presentation

62 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES of the many adventures of the Harbater family, included images of the Harbaters flying planes, scuba diving, whitewater rafting, dog sledding, RVing, waterski- ing, cattle driving, and much more. Mr. Harbater thanked his family, Rabbi Feiner, and Rabbi Pelcovitz, and made special mention of the young families that over the past few years have had such an impact on the unprecedented growth and energy that has become syn- onymous with the White Shul. A truly special feeling pervaded the evening where the rich history of the White Shul was being honored while a new chapter of that history is being written. Young and old gathered together to celebrate the continued growth of the community and the community shul. O Guests of Honor Freda and Michael Harbeter with Rabbi Eytan Feiner. NYC Comptroller John Liu NYC Comptroller Wearing A Different Hat At Masbia New York City Comptroller John Liu cooked on a daily basis with an emphasis visited the Masbia soup kitchen on on fresh produce from the New York City Coney Island Avenue. As chief fiscal offi- Food Bank and City Harvest. cer for New York City, Liu experienced Masbia soup kitchen started as a grass- firsthand the plight of New York’s unfor- roots charity to feed the hungry. Over the tunate and the effect that the current past five years, Masbia served over state of the economy has on real people. 250,000 meals, which means thousands The soup kitchen guests, who arrived of people (many of them children) have for dinner, were greeted by surprise vol- gone to bed with food in their stomachs, unteer Liu dressed in a Masbia apron and full and content. Masbia opened with the ready to serve them a hot, nourishing hope that people in the community meal. The site opened in November 2009 would support its efforts to fight hunger as part of the Met Council and UJA and relies largely on private donations. response to the economic crises. It is one Liu’s visit comes as the Metropolitan of three soup kitchens opened during the Council on Jewish Poverty (Met Council) recession. The kitchen on Coney Island and Masbia are gearing up for Passover, Avenue serves as the central kitchen and with preparations for large-scale distribu- prepares 500 dinners a day, which get dis- Man of the Year Chaim Leintag with Rabbi Emeritus Ralph Pelcovitz. tributed to the four sites. Meals are Continued on Page 64

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 63 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS golfers to participate in the Ohel Florida Continued from Page 63 Golf Invitational on Chol Hamoed Pesach, April 22, at the beautiful Doral Golf Resort tions of food for the hungry. “On Passover & Spa in Miami. The event is once again we say ‘Everyone in need should come sponsored by Meridian Capital Group. and eat,’ but at Masbia we say this all year Ohel’s host, Eden Tours and the round,” said Alexander Rapaport, execu- Goldwasser Family, will provide a deli- tive director of Masbia. cious lunch and refreshments all day. This Passover season, Met Council is Braman Motors of Miami are also proud gearing up to feed an estimated 50,000 sponsors of the event. Mordy Sohn serves Jewish families in need, distributing over as the chairman. 2.5 million pounds of food. Necessities Great giveaways, awards, raffle prizes, such as matzah, grape juice, tuna, oil, and and a delicious lunch for golfers will fol- other kosher for Passover items will be low the tournament when fabulous distributed to seniors and families in prizes also will be presented. The event need—helping them make this a bounti- will be played on the white course that ful and festive Passover season. originally was designed by international- “With increasing food prices and ly famed golfer Greg Norman. The reduced government aid, more house- course is the only one of its kind that holds than ever are turning to their local utilizes coquina crushed shells as the food pantries for assistance,” said Met primary design element on every hole. Council CEO William E. Rapfogel. “The The signature course is one of the most enormous amount of food that we are beautiful and aesthetically designed able to distribute across the city will make courses in the country. a huge difference in the lives of thousands Proceeds of the event are earmarked of New Yorkers this Passover season.” for the Ohel Camp Scholarship fund “In a tough time like we are faced which allows children and young adults with these last few years, Masbia is with disabilities to attend an Ohel day absolutely what we need. In fact, it is so camp, sleep-away camp, or participate in good here at Masbia that it’s just a mat- the end of summer program. ter of time before Tim Zagat gets here To register for the event or for more and rates this place for his guide,” said information about the Ohel Florida Golf Comptroller Liu. O Invitational, visit www.ohelfamily.org or call 718 972 9338. O Golf Event At The Doral Golf Resort & Spa To Benefit Ohel, Reviving The Mesorah April 22 “I’ve spoken for hundreds of different As the warmer days draw near, golfers’ events and organizations, but this touch- thoughts turn to the beauty and the chal- es me in a special way more than any- lenge of the game. If you’re in South thing else,” Mrs. Pearl Benisch repeated Florida over Pesach, Ohel invites all emotionally. “It brings me back, more

64 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES than 70 years ago, when I myself give, you have to possess. And ShabBatya (Batya Shabbaton) fun-filled night for all. With live a pediatrician in the Five ran Batya groups. I can’t believe you have to know what you pos- held in Lakewood on March 26. music by students Shlomo Feit Towns for many years, I tried you today are bringing that back sess. Be proud of it! You don’t Finally, as the evening rounded (violin), Yossi Koppel (keyboard), to rent out the office after the again, running groups called even realize how much you to an end, she made her way and David Ziff (base), and a group who bought the practice Batya for Jewish girls.” have; how great you are!” out showering the girls with sumptuous buffet, even those moved to their own building. A While most of our world Mrs. Benisch reminded the berachah and hatzlachah and who didn’t win a prize enjoyed beautiful young couple came today is familiar with Bnos group that it’s not arrogance to promising to be back as often themselves immensely. to look at the office and then groups, not too many are aware be proud of who you are—it’s a as she can. Executive Director Michael asked to see the house that Sarah Schenirer established necessity. It’s the only way to With its uniquely warm and Salzbank remarked, “Of course although it was not for sale. another youth group known as grow and to give. accepting atmosphere, Baty, an we are extremely grateful to all They loved the house as well as Batya. Mrs. Pearl Benisch was a How truly inspiring to hear a affiliate of JEP Long Island, is an of our generous sponsors and the office and when I saw how leader of the Batya groups in woman blessed with so many attraction to tens of teenage to Gourmet Glatt, our corpo- much they cared and how their Poland and it was her publica- years say, “I am young. I may not girls in the tri-state area. The rate sponsor. We really appreci- dream was to raise their family tions that inspired the name for be a youngster, but I am young. girls gather on a weekly basis for ated so many people from the and to educate healthy, happy Batya of today. We are all young and we will fun activities, one to one learn- Ateres Yaakov family, and out- children, I sold them both the Founded on the principles stay young. Because that means ing, and group discussions all siders, coming to support the house and the office. Sarah Schenirer taught, that we’re still growing, we’re still conducted in a very chilled, cozy yeshiva, despite Shabbos end- Years later, one of the every Jewish girl can belong and producing.” environment. The relationships ing so late.” O Wolowiks’ precious children grow in Judaism when exposed The branch leaders were that are created and the positive ascended to the throne of the to its warmth and beauty, Batya treated to incredible stories exposure to Judaism keep the Two Special Souls Most High. His wonderful, nowadays reaches out to those from before the war, from dur- girls coming back for more and Come Together extraordinary parents decided who were not privileged to be ing the war, and from after the has inspired them to enhance By Marcia Hain Engle to perpetuate his name and his raised in Torah homes. war. They heard Frau Schenirer’s their Jewish knowledge and Heaven and earth blurred dreams by establishing a library, With branches in seven dif- particular advice to Mrs. observance. For more informa- the boundaries for a few pre- which would welcome children ferent communities, Batya has Benisch when she struggled tion, visit www.batyagirls.org. O cious hours this past Sunday at and families with interactive 12 weekly programs involving with how much time to invest the Levi Yitzchak Library as technology, books, and research over 200 teenage girls in the tri- in a girl in her Batya group who MAY Chinese Auction they hosted their first simcha— materials. Families can enrich state area. Each of these pro- was not from a Shomer Shabbos Mesivta Ateres Yaakov held its the upsherin of little David their lives by visiting and sup- grams is run by dedicated home. “When the kerosene first Chinese Auction, Afikoman Ruben Hain. porting this one-of-a kind facili- branch leaders and staffed by lamp burns, it makes the glass 2011, this past motzaei Shabbos to To appreciate how G-d ty. For a nominal membership devoted reps, all volunteers chimney turn black and you can the delight of well over 200 peo- works in mysterious ways, per- fee, you can borrow books to from local communities who no longer see the light. But you ple. With a dedicated crew of mit me to share some history. read at your leisure. The wel- selflessly give of their time and need to take that lamp and parent and student volunteers, Almost 20 years ago, after hav- come is always warm, the ener- energy to share with others. wash it, get rid of the black—the headed by auction chair Mrs. ing suffered the death of my Recently, the branch leaders garbage from the outside Renee Jeret, the mesivta hosted a beloved husband, David Hain, Continued on Page 66 from New York and New Jersey world—and you’ll see the light gathered for a night of apprecia- inside still shines brightly!” tion, chizuk, and planning in Yes, like every great person in Khal Keser Yisroel Mordechai in Klal Yisrael, like every concept Flatbush. They received the rooted in Torah, the advice from treat of a lifetime when the “the great Frau Schenirer to the nonagenarian Holocaust sur- little Perele” (to quote Mrs. vivor and renowned speaker Benisch!) was still so applicable graciously joined for the to the young girls sitting in the evening. A compelling orator, shul today. We need to persist, Mrs. Benisch brought the girls to see the light shining under- back in time to prewar Europe neath the black coating of the and the greatness of her mentor, shallow world we live in, to Sara Schenirer. Her words were wash the soot off so the flame so targeted and powerful, she of their neshamos can burn kept the audience riveted for brightly and light up the world. over an hour. When she finished speaking, “If you want to live, you have Mrs. Benisch was so moved and to give,” the veteran lecturer inspired by seeing girls who declared. “If you stop giving, you were continuing her mesorah, are no longer living. You are just she insisted on staying and par- existing.” She didn’t just exhort, ticipating as the leaders she empowered. “In order to planned for their upcoming

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 65 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 65 gy is always bright and inviting, and the spiritual sustenance defies description. Two precious souls were honored guests at the library last Sunday—David Hain, a’h, who rejoiced with Levi Yitzchak, a’h. Both were in attendance in spirit as David Ruben Hain, my three-year-old

Rabbi Wolowik at the upsherin of David Ruben Hain.

grandson, the son of my children Samantha and Joseph Hain, had his first ritual haircut—his upsheren. Father and son both wept—although little David cried because he wanted to get back on the computer. What a wonderful place to share a milestone event. There were balloons and special crafts for the children, and a place that felt very much like home, only better. It was as if we were embraced by our surroundings and the wonderful people who came to participate and share our joy. A gorgeous and scrumptious buffet brunch, lavish and expansive, was served at Qcumbers which shares space with the library. I will never forget this magical day and the knowledge that two special souls are continuing and will continue to impact the lives of their families, friends, and the wider community. My husband cared night and day for the youngsters in the Five Towns, often ministering to the children and even grandchildren of patients. If you read Levi Yitzchak’s journal at the library’s entrance, you will see that he too sought to reach out and help others. Both succeeded and are succeeding. Thank you Chanie and Rabbi Wolowik for reaching across time and space, joining the here and the hereafter, yesterday and today, and projecting all the way to forever! Thank you also to my children for choosing this special, wondrous setting to celebrate this awesome occasion. If you find yourself in Cedarhurst, please walk in and visit the library. It is an experience you will never forget! To learn more about the library, visit Lylibrary.org or stop by 564 Central Avenue in Cedarhurst. O

Kutsher’s: Taking It To The Next Level . . . And Then Some! By Y.S. Haber For most Pesach program operators, the season starts and ends with Pesach (save the occasional weekend event or 66 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES organizational retreat). Few (if any) view ‘opportunity” programs will attest to), the Pesach as a “starting point”—a.k.a. the staff at these programs—while extremely “big event” that jumpstarts an almost professional and polished, is often less yearlong season of world-class resort fun, than experienced in the sometimes enjoyment, and excitement—or as Yossi unique needs of a kosher vacationer. Zablocki and “Team Kutsher’s” call it “Even when it’s not a Shabbos or yom “Business As Usual.” tov stay, today’s Jewish vacationer is “When you think about it, the ready for a destination that’s about deliv- Jewish/kosher vacationer has no dedicat- ering a seamless vacation experience.

The Kutsher’s grounds. ed destination they can call their own. Let’s face it, no matter the level of fit and Yes, there are “opportunity” programs— finish at your destination, if part of your hotels that get “rented out” to take advan- vacation is spent coordinating delivery tage of a specific holiday or weekend, but of your kosher meals and ensuring your none that are there for people who want kids are being cared for in the right envi- to vacation on their terms—not those ronment, those are the vacation memo- dictated by a caterer or tour operator. Furthermore, (and as any guest of these Continued on Page 68

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 67 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS more Chassidic pop/contemporary Continued from Page 67 and classic rock. In between them, we have the ability to cover virtually ries that’ll be accompanying you back every musical genre. home as well. Are we trying to compete Could we have gone with lesser with a tropical island paradise? name acts? Yes. But delivering less Obviously not. But in today’s ‘value-cen- isn’t what makes Kutsher’s Kutsher’s. tric” market, where everything is part of From the politically charged Dov the decision when it comes to how to Hikind to the world renowned spend those family vacation dollars, Nachum Segal, who will be joining us we’ve been working around the clock to for the entire holiday and broadcast- ensure that an all-inclusive Kutsher’s ing live from our lobby, our program- vacation is way more appealing to more ming is designed around the “some- couples, groups, and families than ever thing for everyone” theory. We want as before.” Zablocki explained. many people as possible to identify That’s why our Pesach has to be per- with us as often as possible. We want fect. If it’s anything less, we don’t have the what we’re doing to resonate with as luxury of a whole year to do “damage con- much of the Jewish market as possi- trol” and start again. If we deliver any- ble. We’re not looking to align our- thing less than 111% it may affect our Kutsher’s lobby. selves with a particular demographic spring, Shavuot, summer, etc. business. To or particular group—unless that group us, perfection isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessi- calls itself “Jews in search of a superi- ty,” Zablocki pointed out. or all inclusive vacation experience,” Considering the fact the hotel is Zablocki said smilingly. well on the way to a sold out Pesach If at first this vision seems overreach- (despite a late start this year), it’s clear ing—especially in today’s era of segment- this commitment to excellence isn’t ed Jewish demographics, one needs to lost on consumers. “No matter what look no further than the Sephardic you enjoy, you’ll find it at our Pesach Experience Pesach program to confirm program—and at every Kutsher’s stay that Zablocki is on the right track. “When as well. Entertainment wise we’ve got it comes to chagim, Pesach is the one everyone from Dudu Fisher (whose with the most distinction between return to Kutsher’s is a much antici- Ashkenaz and Sephardic customs. Yet pated event in its own right) to when we were approached by the Gershon Veroba. Both are, to say the founders of the Sephardic experience, least, legendary performers with they felt that despite our overall broad, though decidedly different ‘Ashkenaz” cultural mindset—our inclu- audience appeal. Dudu is cantorial sive ‘world view’ made for a unique (aside from his show he’ll also be lead- opportunity for them to deliver a very ing the communal Seders and tefillot) special Pesach to their market. and musical theater while Gershon is Inside a guest room. While Zablocki demurred in terms of

68 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES the logistical specifics involved in “catering” to two distinct cultures at the same time, he did say that the guests who will be coming as part of the Sephardic experience will be every bit as amazed (and satisfied) as their Ashkenaz counterparts in terms of their stay. “There’s a reason that Ashkenaz programs outnumber Sephardic ones by about 15 to 1. The reason we’re confident in our ability to make it happen is because all operational elements are being handled on our own turf by our people—we have no learning curves to deal with in terms of personnel or property, we’re ready to hit the ground running from day one and when it comes to delivering a superior Pesach (or vacation in general) that makes all the difference in the world. Rabbi Oppen visiting Israel. For more information or to experience all the above firsthand, please call 212-354-4682. While Pesach is over 90% OU Passover Guide, The Gold Passover by the OU. such as aluminum foil, candles, cleansers, sold out, partial stay and select areas Standard For All Your Passover Declared Rabbi Nachum Rabinowitz, and paper goods, where the regular OU may still be available. O Questions editor of the OU Guide to Passover and symbol is sufficient for year-round use. Those charged with cleaning the senior rabbinic coordinator for OU The guide also discusses halachos of HAFTR In Israel house for Passover, shopping for Seders Kosher, “The OU Guide to Passover con- dealing with the sick, elderly, and small Rabbi Gedaliah Oppen, HAFTR High and eight days of breadless meals and tains a wealth of information, both regu- children; basic frequently asked ques- School Judaic Studies Principal, snacks, and cooking and baking those lar features and features especially pre- tions on Passover; a basic guide to prepar- recently visited more than 20 differ- meals would be a lot more frantic and pared for this year’s guide. This guide and ing for Passover, including a guide to the ent yeshivos and seminaries where frazzled if not for the annual OU Guide to OU Kosher represent the collaborative Passover Seder; Passover recipe substi- many HAFTR alumni are studying and Passover. A special issue of Jewish Action, effort of hundreds of kashrus profession- tutes; and a primer on kashering common experiencing growth and maturity in the family magazine of the Orthodox als, the world over.” items around the house. Israel. Among them are: Hakotel, Torat Union, this year’s guide, for 5771/2011, is The guide has two basic lists: one with Some of the new feature articles that Shraga, Ohr Yerushalayim, Midreshet now available to help facilitate Passover items that must have an OU-P appear on appear in this year’s guide are: “The Lindenbaum, Midreshet Moriah, preparation and observance. the label, such as baking mixes, baked Question of Quinoa,” by Rabbi Avi Juravel; Michlelet Esther, Tomer Devora, Netiv There are also many new and interest- products, beverages, candy, condiments, “Immersing in Tevilat Keilim,” by Rabbi Aryeh, Reishit, Machon Maayan, ing features with beautiful photos accom- dairy products, matzah products, meat Moshe Zywica; “Dishwashers and Tiferet, Lev Hatorah, Shvilei, panying them. The heart of the guide and poultry, olive oil, snack food, wine Microwaves for Passover,” by Rabbi Eli Sharfmans, Midreshet Amit, Bar Ilan remains the same: listing food and other and liqueurs; and one with items that do University, and more. O products that are certified kosher for not need a special Passover certification, Continued on Page 70

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 69 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 69 Gersten; and “All in Good Measure: Shiurim for Passover,” by Rabbi David Bistricer. These contributors are rabbinic coordina- tors at OU headquarters; Rabbi Zywica is OU Kosher director of operations. The guide, with a press run of close to 75,000 copies, will be available at ShopRite at the customer service desk and at many smaller kosher supermar- kets as well. Yeshiva/day schools and OU synagogues have also received copies of the guide, and it will be directly available through the mail to all OU members and Jewish Action subscribers. View online at http://images.ou.org/files/Pesach2011.pdf. To order individual copies for $3 each, contact [email protected] or 212-613-8125. O

HAFTR Claims Third Place At YU’s Team HAFTR 2011 Sarachek Tournament Five days of basketball and friendly competition among yeshiva high school Campus in Washington Heights. and, of course, food. Pesach in Lancaster grams, Pesach in Lancaster offers a sepa- teams from across the United States and The tournament is named for the not only touches all of those bases, it hits rate teen division with specialized activi- Canada are over. In a game that was late Red Sarachek, a legendary YU bas- a grand slam! When it comes to program- ties and shiurim, on site special events closely contested from the tipoff, the ketball coach who earlier in his career ming, everything starts at the top with such as amusements and carnivals, a HAFTR Hawks defeated California’s helped to integrate professional bas- Yitzchak Neger of Sabra Tours and the uniquely designed KidZone (modern Valley Torah Wolfpack 60-58 to claim ketball. To learn more about Red Jewish Heritage Center bringing a com- indoor children’s playroom), trips to third place at Yeshiva University’s 2011 Sarachek, click on yu.edu/radio for a bined 55 years of Jewish travel and pro- major local attractions e.g. Hershey Park Sarachek Tournament. podcast of a March 17 interview with gramming experience. Experience is (open chol hamoed Sunday!), and top SAR High School of Riverdale, NY, Coach Johnny Halpert (begins at something that simply cannot be bought. notch nightly entertainment including took home the winning trophy after 33:35), who played for Sarachek and It is an intangible, often unnoticed, abili- Dovid Stein and Michoel “Pruz” defeating Yeshiva University of Los has himself coached YU’s basketball ty to plan for every detail and foresee Pruzansky (for Shabbos and Motzaei Angeles 43-36 before a packed gym on team for 39 years. O every potential need. When this experi- Shabbos). The program is packed with Monday afternoon. The SAR-YULA game ence is combined with a caring and warm dynamic and renowned speakers and capped a long weekend that included a Pesach In Lancaster: staff, the results are priceless. maggidei shiurim including Rabbi Moshe Shabbaton for the players and saw a A Unique Experience Pesach in Lancaster offers something Turk and Rabbi Naftali Portnoy of the steady stream of visitors to the Max The perfect Pesach program is a combi- for everyone. In addition to professional- Stern Athletic Center on YU’s Wilf nation of place, people, programming, ly run full day camp and preschool pro- Continued on Page 72

70 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 71 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 70 Jewish Heritage Center, Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein of Ohr Naava, and Rabbi Y. Zvi Weiss of Ohr Hachaim, Baltimore. There will be a full array of inspiring talks and shiurim of substance. Special shidduch programming includes numerous professional shadchanim from different communities. The sports enthusiast will never lack for activity with an on-premis- es 18-hole professional golf course, tennis, basketball, volleyball, bike and jogging paths, outdoor and indoor pools (separate swimming only), and a fitness center. There are golf and tennis clinics, women’s dance and exercise classes, massages by appointment, and many more activities for both children and adults. Surrounded by lush greenery, tranquil lakes, and rolling hills, and featuring a beautifully manicured private 18-hole golf course voted amongst the best by Golf Digest, Lancaster Host Resort & Conference Center offers the amenities of a five-star hotel. Centrally located in the heart of Pennsylvania, it is only a 2 1/2 hour drive from New York City, an hour from Baltimore, and an hour from Philadelphia. Numerous nearby attractions include Amish Country, Hershey Park, outlet centers, and malls. Having recently completed a $10 million top to bottom renovation, the resort boasts oversized rooms and suites all located on the ground floor or one flight up. Most rooms have private patios or bal- conies. The expansive nature of the facil- ity, with two full floors of spacious ball- rooms, numerous smaller dining rooms, and multiple lobby areas, means that it is never overcrowded, and has wide open spaces for children to enjoy without being constantly underfoot. Pesach in Lancaster draws a frum crowd from throughout the United States. Family oriented, friendly, and fun, they create a warm environment where old friendships are solidified and new friendships are made. People often list the “crowd” as a prime reason for returning. Pesach in Lancaster prides itself on its partnership with the world-renowned, five-star Greenwald Caterers. Amongst the premiere glatt kosher caterers in the tri-state area, Greenwald Caterers consistently provides unparalleled gastronom- ic delights, impeccable service, and accommodates individual dietary needs under the strictest of rabbinical supervision. Non-gebrokts, hand shemurah matzah, chassidishe shechitah, and chalav Yisrael are used exclusively. Their guests enjoy elaborate Kiddushim, gourmet five-course meals, lavish buffets, spectacular Viennese desserts, and inviting all-day tea rooms. Recognized for world-class cuisine that is consistently first rate in taste, presentation, and service, Greenwald Caterer’s commitment is to meet your desires and exceed your expectations. Service throughout Pesach is orchestrated by the well-known Freddy Levitz, formerly the Pesach maitre d’ at the Friar Tuck Inn for more than a decade. Freddy is a seasoned maitre d’ with an ability to serve large crowds and accommodate each individual, always with a smile. With everything that Pesach in Lancaster has to offer—five-star resort, five-star programming, and five-star cater- 72 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

ing—you would easily expect to pay 30- All of the learning on Shabbos is NBN And The Jewish Agency To a special presentation by veteran olah, 50% more than current rates. How does l’zchus refuah sheleimah Shoshana Basya Hold Mega Aliyah Fairs Denise Bar-Aharon, founder of the Pesach in Lancaster offer so much for bas Rochel Devora. O As part of Nefesh B’Nefesh’s ongoing Israeli branch of the Make-a-Wish such a reasonable price? The Jewish initiatives to provide comprehensive Foundation and advisory board mem- Heritage Center is not a “business”; it runs Croton Football League aliyah information, guidance, and inspi- ber of the Fashion Institute of seasonal yom tov programs for the frum Scores ration to potential olim, the organiza- Technology. Denise also works as a community to support its year-round out- Muchentuchen 17, Hoizentragers 0 tion is holding a week of mega aliyah fashion buyer for Gap, Anne Klein, and reach programming. By reducing advertis- Simcha Squad 37, Team Zez 0 events together with the Jewish Agency other high profile fashion labels, and ing and doing away with excessive TripleNet 14, DogTickets 6 in Toronto, Montreal, South Florida, and will talk about how to “follow your overindulgences, they are able to provide The Ship 17, The Situations 0 New York through April 3. These incor- dreams in Israel.” a top level program at surprisingly low porate aliyah-related seminars and This year’s fairs will include special prices. Their combination of a superior Playoffs workshops, as well as personal consulta- programming for those making Pesach program with reduced pricing is (1) Simcha Squad vs. (8) Hoizentragers tions with Nefesh B’Nefesh and Jewish aliyah in 2011, on preparing for the why Pesach in Lancaster has been sold (2) TripleNet vs. (7) The Situations Agency staff. Representatives from vari- Israeli school system and budgeting out each year and why they are nearly (3) Muchentuchen vs. (6) DogTickets ous Israeli ministries, health funds, and in Israel. Additionally, for the first sold out already for this yom tov. (4) The Ship vs. (5) Team Zez shippers will also be present. time, the Montreal event will feature Pesach in Lancaster is not just a get- The 1,200 attendees expected at the a French-speaking aliyah counselor away; it’s an experience of a lifetime. For Sponsors fairs will be able to participate in work- who will be available for questions more information, visit www.pesachin- Thank you to Ezra Pharmacy, David’s shops and seminars on various topics and consultations. lancaster.com or call the Jewish Heritage Famous, ABN Energy, Shula’s, Gameday such as: finding a job in Israel, financial To date, Nefesh B’Nefesh has assisted Center at 718-575-8500 or Sabra Tours at Tickets, and Personal Training Institute. planning, taxes, and budgeting, the Israeli over 27,000 olim and more than 47,000 800-231-4111. O Visit www.CrotonFootball.com for more healthcare system, navigating Israel’s edu- North American and British Jews have information. cation system, introduction to the aliyah attended Nefesh B’Nefesh pre-aliyah Rabbi Yerachmiel Milstein At process, aliyah rights and benefits, and informational seminars throughout the CBEY, April 1–2 Softball the Go North Program. Express aliyah U.S., Canada, and U.K., including spe- Congregation Bais Ephraim Yitzchok, The May 2 Softball Season will soon be meetings on a range of aliyah-related top- cially tailored programs, events, and more commonly known as the Island starting. E-mail Commish@CrotonSoftball ics will also be available. Avenue Shul, under the leadership of for more information. O The New York event will also feature Continued on Page 74 Rabbi Tzvi and Rebbetzen Paghit Ralbag, welcomes Rabbi Yerachmiel Milstein as the scholar in residence this Shabbos, Parashas Hachodesh.

Rabbi Milstein

Rabbi Yerachmiel Milstein is an exciting, accomplished, and sought-after speaker known for his prominent roles in Jewish outreach and education. He has been a senior lecturer for Aish Hatorah’s Discovery Seminars for the past 20 years and currently serves as executive vice president of Project Chazon. Friday night oneg at 9:30 p.m. at the home of Daniella and Chaim Wieder, 366 Barnard Avenue. Topic: how to get your prayers answered. Shabbos morning derashah at 9:00 a.m. minyan. Topic: what really happened at Har Sinai. Kiddush after davening sponsored by the community in honor of Rabbi Ralbag’s birthday. Shiur for women at 4:00 p.m. at the home of Deena and Sruli Muller, 603 Derby Avenue. Topic: the Jewish unity presentation. Shiur for men in the shul at 5:50 p.m. Topic: the six constant mitzvos: G-d’s six point plan for success. Melaveh malkah for men and women at 9:30 p.m. at the home of Nechama and Steve Landau, 45 Derby Avenue. Topic: the five levels of pleasure. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 73 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 73 individual counseling sessions. For a full listing of programming, visit the Nefesh B’Nefesh online calendar, www.nbn.org.il/nbncal/main.php. O

YU Hosts Annual Celebration Of Judaic Art Over 100 women studying in Israel for the year came together for “A Celebration of Judaic Art,” Yeshiva University’s fourth annual S. Daniel Abraham Program Art Competition. The event, a symbol of YU’s philosophy of Torah U’Maddah (the synthesis of Torah and secular knowledge), allows young women to foster their skills for expression in different visual media within a Jewish framework. Each unique piece of artwork had to connect to Jewish textu- Above left (L–R): Elana Levy, Rachel Jackson, and Nechama Zobin 1st-place winners for their Megillat Esther manuscript. al, cultural, or historical themes and was Above right: Chana Tzirel Zaks, 3rd-place winner for her oil painting of a blooming rose and Rachel Sterman, 2nd-place winner for her oil evaluated by three recognized Israeli painting “A Rose Amongst the Thorns.” artists based on criteria that included composition, use of color, technical skill, creativity, and expression of the displayed at Yeshiva University’s Beren First place (awarded $250 from the Elana Levy (Plainview, NY), Rachel theme. All the winning pieces will be Campus in the fall. Sophie Freeman Art Enrichment Fund): Jackson (Newton, MA), and Nechama Zobin (Jerusalem, Israel) for their Megillat Esther manuscript with handwritten (safrut) words, borders, and illustrations. Second place ($150): Rachel Sterman (New Rochelle, NY) for her oil painting of an Israeli man praying towards the Old City of Jerusalem with a rose in the fore- ground entitled K’Shoshana Bein Hachochim (translated as “A Rose Amongst the Thorns”). Third place ($100): Chana Tzirel Zaks (Silver Spring, MD) for her oil painting of a blooming rose. O

Women Open Their Homes In Support Of Women’s Health In Israel Across the U.S., women from California, New York, and New Jersey opened their homes to friends and neigh- bors in concern for the health and well- being of their sisters in Israel. Ladies gathered to show their appreciation and support for the work of ‘Bishvilaych,’ the Jerusalem-based nonprofit organization that promotes Jewish women’s health throughout Israel. The only organization of its kind in the Middle East, the Bishvilaych women’s health organization was founded in 2006 in response to the concerning rates of illness and mortality among Israeli women, particularly in religious communities. Bishvilaych’s initiatives encompass direct medical care, community education, medical referral and consultation, physi- cian and health professional trainings, as well as lobbying government and kupot cholim administrations for better women’s healthcare in Israel. Bishvilaych operates a ‘woman-to- woman’ medical center in Jerusalem, named for Evelyne Barnett, ob’m, providing comprehensive, prevention-based medical exams—care found nowhere else in Israel. Bishvilaych’s medical staff is trained by a women’s health pioneer, Dr. Diana Flescher, whose patient-centered, whole person approach is highly regarded. In addition, Bishvilaych’s widespread community outreach programs, under the direction of Dr. Elisheva Langner, has impacted over 700 women in the past year and continues to affect change particularly in the area of early detection and prevention of women’s cancers. 74 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES At the recent evenings of support in Commemorating the yahrtzeit of the the U.S., Sarah Siemiatycki, founder and Rebbe Rashab. director of Bishvilaych, shared women’s Women’s Evening Class with Mrs. stories from the clinic and outreach pro- Chaya Franklin. April 5, 8:30 p.m. grams, highlighting the urgency and Monthly women’s class explores parashas scope of Bishvilaych’s activities. She is Bereishis in a Kabbalistic view. Fee: $10 especially appreciative to the gracious suggested donation. hostesses who opened their homes and Friendship Circle Moms’ Night Out. hearts to women in Israel: Mrs. April 6, 8:30 p.m. Mothers of children Batsheva Svei of Lakewood, Mrs. Reva with special needs meet to socialize and Borgen of Cedarhurst, and Mrs. Tamar network together. This month’s feature Rechnitz and Mrs. Chana Gelb both of presentation is “Why organizing works.” Los Angeles. Learn some great techniques from the For more information about expert to help you get your home clean Bishvilaych’s activities in Israel or to and ready for Pesach! Fee: $5 suggested make a dedication in their new women’s donation. medical center in Jerusalem, visit Family Trip to the Ohel. April 10, 11:00 www.bishvilaych.org or write to a.m. Join Chabad as it notes the auspi- [email protected]. O cious day of the birth of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, ob’m, at the Ohel which has April Events become a focal point of personal prayer. At Chabad Of The Five Towns RSVP required. Meet at Chabad, 74 Maple Chabad of the Five Towns is located Avenue. at 74 Maple Avenue in Cedarhurst. To Pesach Story Time. April 13, 5:30- learn more or to register for an event, 6:30 p.m., Pesach stories will be read. call 516-295-2478 or visit www.chabad A special time before going to bed. 5towns.com. For Friendship Circle Crafts and puppets—what a treat! For events, contact Batsheva ext. 13 or bat- a special story we will meet. For boys [email protected]. and girls ages 4–7. Birthday Shabbat for children who cele- Farbrengen for Men. April 14, 8:15 p.m. brate their birthday in Nissan. April 2, In honor of the birthday of the after morning services. Meet at Chabad Lubavitcher Rebbe, ob’m. to celebrate your special day with friends, Communal Pesach Seder. April 18, 8:00 family, and cake. p.m. Whether you are a Seder veteran or a Friendship Circle-Sunday Circle Model curious explorer, the Chabad Seder offers Seder. April 3, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Sing-a-long a stimulating and satisfying experience. model Seder with Sholom Jacobs & Experience the deeper meaning of Friends, a Passover program for children Passover in a warm, inspirational envi- with special needs. Sibs welcome. Fee: ronment complete with a delicious $10 per child Farbrengen for Men. April 5, 8:15 p.m. Continued on Page 76

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 75 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 75 catered traditional Seder dinner, insights, four cups of wine, and matzah galore. Prepaid reservations are a must. Limited space. Fee: $54 per adult; $36 per child under 10 years. Meal of Moshiach. April 26, 6:30 p.m. Chabad marks the Baal Shem Tov’s tradi- tion of acknowledging Moshiach’s spirit on the last day of Passover. Join for inspirational stories, songs, matzah, and wine. Led by Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, chairman of the International Conference of Chabad Lubavitch Rabbis. All are welcome. Birthday Shabbat for children who celebrate their birthday in Iyar. April 30, after morning services. Meet at Chabad to celebrate your special day with friends, family, and cake. Friendship Circle Shabbat Party. April 30, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat for children with special needs and their siblings. Program includes games, songs, and snacks; to take place at the Lubin home, 236 Grove Avenue, Cedarhurst. O

A Happy Do All Traveler By B. Greenstein Trips to Eastern Europe to visit the kevarim of tzadikim are no longer what they used to be. In the past, these trips were almost strictly the domain of the Yiddish speaking population. For the yeshivish, the baale batish, the modern- Orthodox, and even the more American Chassidish, there were few comfortable options. Do All Travel has changed that. Mr. Geiger and his staff custom design these trips to each of their customers’ needs and sensitivities. On Motzaei Shabbos Parashas Shemini, Mr. Geiger led a full flight of Jews of various backgrounds on the annual pilgrimage to the grave of the holy tzaddik, Reb Elimelech of Lizensk. With the yahrtzeit falling on Sunday, those who did not want to spend Shabbos in Poland had no opportunity to be at the gravesite on the day of the yahrtzeit. Any flight from New York leaving after Shabbos would have arrived in either Krakow or Warsaw on Sunday afternoon. From either destination, a four hour drive made it impossible to arrive in Lizensk before nightfall. Enter, Do All Travel. A direct flight from New York’s JFK was chartered. Buses collected travelers shortly after Shabbos from Williamsburg, Boro Park, Lakewood, Monroe, and Monsey. Every consideration was given to each traveler. The staff at Do All contacted each traveler on Friday to ensure that transportation to the airport was arranged. On the flight, melaveh malkah was served and Jews from differing backgrounds ate and sang together. Davening was a beautiful mix of yarmalkas of vel- vet, suede, and of knitted patterns. All were welcome, all were relaxed. The achdus was enveloping. Eight buses with eight distinct itiner- aries were waiting in Poland to take each customer on his or her personalized tour. Some chose to spend more time in Lizensk, others visited Bobov and Sanz, while yet others enjoyed some downtime at a hotel. Each was accorded their preference. No pressure, no anxiety—an enjoy- able and spiritually elevating trip for every Do All Travel customer. O 76 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 77 for the Hamans! looking forward to their return In the streets, traffic was con- to get their impressions for my News From The Hills stantly snarled with cars, buses, readers. I hope to hear from the and pedestrians out in full force. Queens girls and will print their The cool thing was seeing the thoughts about the trip in the BY CHANITA TEITZ 20 minutes. Secondly, he didn’t come outside. Slowly, from all bus drivers in costumes! It’s next few weeks. stop at all for even one Haman the surrounding buildings, peo- Purim for everyone, young and Shushan Purim in and nobody seemed to care. I ple came out and started danc- old alike, and the merriment Past Events Yerushalayim was an amazing began to clop for the first ing. And slowly, from other was palpable, but I was dis- The Manhigut Yehudit experience. First, while every- Haman and stopped when I saw parts of the neighborhood, peo- turbed seeing so many boys Dinner took place on March 21, one else in the country was cel- that no one else was. I would ple started walking over until smoking, drinking, and driving. Shushan Purim, at Terrace on ebrating Purim, we had an extra have completely lost my place the parking lot was filling up After our seudah, we went to the Park in memory of Herbert day to prepare our shalach had I continued. and everyone was dancing. Cars Darchei Bina, the seminary Zweibon, founder and chair- manos and cook for the seudah. After we got home, we were and buses were stopping to where my daughter-in-law man of AFSI, Americans for a On Sunday night, I went to relaxing in the living room look. It was one big simcha in teaches and where my kids go Safe Israel. Guests of honor one of the local shuls in Maalot when we heard music outside. the street! every Purim to join in the seu- were Jonah and Jo Bruck of Dafna to hear the megillah with The music kept getting louder Later that evening, my hus- dah and where our son says a lit- Chicago, Eretz Yisrael awardees my daughter-in-law at a special and louder so I went out on the band and I headed for Bayit tle “Purim Torah.” were Dr. Isaac and Sandra reading for women. I was really mirpeset (balcony) to investi- V’Gan to our other kids and in At 3:00 a.m. the morning after Braverman of Lakewood, and surprised at how fast the ba’al gate. A truck decorated with col- the morning I went with my Shushan Purim, Darchei Bina the Eishet Chayil award went to koreih read. I had to concentrate ored lights had pulled into the granddaughter to megillah read- went on their annual Poland Gila Rollhaus of Kew Gardens and focus carefully to follow building’s parking lot playing ing. This time the reading was a trip. There are several girls there Hills. We missed the dinner every word. We were finished in music and inviting everyone to bit slower and we banged away this year from Queens and I am because we were still in Israel, but Gila told me a little about Moshe Feiglin’s remarks and his philosophy. He feels that we need new leadership, to make Israel a truly religious country and politically to stop apologizing to the world for our existence. Israel has to stop relying on America or anyone else to help us. And we must stop believing in Land for Peace. The Arabs don’t care about the land; they just want to get rid of the Jews. Feiglin is working through the Likud party because the religious parties are small and splin- tered and Likud is a right wing party, large enough to have clout and get things done with the right leadership. The Yeshivas Ohr HaChaim Dinner was held this past Sunday night, March 27, at Terrace on the Park. The guest of honor was Rabbi Yitzchak Twersky, and the alumnus of the year was Rabbi Moshe Bamberger.

Upcoming Events Vaad Harabanim of Queens is having an Evening of Learning at Cong. Etz Chaim on April 4 at 8 p.m. Rabbi Noach Isaac Oelbaum and Rabbi Shmuel Marcus will be speaking on the Haggadah. The Yeshiva Ketana of Queens Dinner will take place on April 6 at the Sands of Atlantic Beach. Guests of honor are Dov and Devorah Elias in memory of Mrs. Genia Horn. The chinuch recognition awardee is Rabbi Shlomo Dovid Pfeiffer, parents of the year are Sruly and Rochel Leah Neuman, and kesser shem tov awardees are Yehoshua and Jasmin Levian. Don’t forget to send me your announcements of upcoming events, mazal tovs, and any other news of interest for our Queens readers. O

Chanita Teitz is a real estate broker at Astor Brokerage with offices in Kew Gardens Hills and Fresh Meadows. For all your real estate needs in Queens call 718-263-4500 or e-mail [email protected]. 78 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 79 80 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 81 offer of an extended ceasefire based on will be up to the next generation to Norwegian Ministry Paper a withdrawal from East Jerusalem and decide. Hamas has offered a hudna and, the West Bank. on the basis of the sources quoted in this Endorses Hamas “Peace Plan” “In terms of security,” he averred, “it is report, they are serious about it. They are difficult to see what the risks are of tak- still waiting for a response.” BY SAMUEL SOKOL cannot be fully agreed upon at this ing the offer seriously…The questions is, The basic concept behind the Hamas stage, but that does not mean that the is Israel willing to pay the political price offer is that while the group has stated The foreign ministry of Norway has alternative is war.” for a hudna?” that it will never extend recognition to sponsored an endorsement of Hamas’ Seemingly dismissing the Oslo para- Concluding the government spon- Israel or set aside their “right” to “resist- “hudna” ceasefire plan, the Five Towns digm of bilateral talks leading to mutual sored report, Tuastad quotes Hamas’ ance,” it is willing to grant Israel a truce Jewish Times has learned. for a number of decades in exchange for The unofficial endorsement came in territorial withdrawals and the establish- the form of a research paper published by ment of a Palestinian state. the Norwegian NGO the Peace Research Speaking with this correspondent Institute, Oslo (PRIO) in 2010, entitled “In terms of security,” he averred, from his house in Sur Baher last year, “Hamas’s concept of a long-term cease- Hamas MP Ahmad Atoun explained how fire: a viable alternative to full peace?” a hudna might be implemented. The report was published as part of a “it is difficult to see what the risks According to the MP, who is currently ministry of foreign affairs funded project residing in the Red Cross’ Jerusalem head- entitled “The Rule of Hamas in Gaza: are of taking the offer seriously.” quarters to avoid arrest by security forces, Rethinking the Prospects for Peace.” negotiations for a ceasefire will only be In the report, researcher Dag Tuastad possible after an Israeli withdrawal. An championed the Islamic concept of extended ceasefire, he said, could last as hudna, or temporary truce, as the solu- long as thirty years. tion to the current deadlock in Israel- concessions and recognition, and ulti- Lebanon branch head Osama Hamdan, Israel’s foreign ministry was quick to Palestinian Authority talks. mately ending in the establishment of a writing that “in 10 years, if there is trust condemn the use of Norwegian govern- Tuastad wrote that accepting a hudna Palestinian state, Tuastad asks why and people are happy, then there will be ment funds to sponsor the paper. “entails accepting that the final status Israelis have not taken Hamas up on its peace. If not, there will not be peace. It In a statement to the Five Towns Jewish Times, the ministry noted its dis- approval of “official Norwegian monies go[ing] to promote Hamas politics,” a move that the ministry described as “extremely unsuitable.” Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor further noted that the issue of the indirect endorsement will be raised in a future dialogue with Norwegian officials regarding their relationship with Hamas, which he said is “contrary to Quartet policy.” Frode Andersen, speaking for the Norwegian ministry of foreign affairs, told the Five Towns Jewish Times that “this research project is supported finan- cially by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” Andersen dismissed allegations that his country was promoting Hamas’ political agenda, stating that “when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, the Norwegian position remains support for a negotiated two state solution.” “In Norway, decisions of governmen- tal financial support to social science research projects are based on the quality of the projects, not the conclusions the researchers reach in the end. The conclusions of any given paper cannot be read as indicative of Norwegian government policy.” O

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82 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Slice Of Life

B Y EILEEN GOLTZ

As Pesach draws near, thoughts turn toward all things spiritual and religious, and inevitably the ultimate culinary question of the holiday rears its ugly head: will it be floaters or sinkers in the chicken soup this year? For close to 40 years, my friend and short-order-cooking alter ego Dan and I have carried on a running debate as to which is the ultimate, supreme, and, dare I say it, best kind of matzah ball. I contend that my mother’s sinkers are the closest thing to manna that we mere mortals will ever taste. He scoffs and touts his lighter, fluffier, and oh so less filling floaters. (He’s wrong.) I will leave the ultimate disposition of which variety is the best to my readers (Hillel and Shamai having never rendered an opinion on this topic) and give you the best information I know of to help you in your quest to find the best.

I contend that my mother’s sinkers are the closest thing to manna that we mere mortals will ever taste.

Flavor and texture can be built in several ways. For texture, the most common method is to use plenty of stiffly beaten egg whites, which adds fluffi- ness. You can roll the balls to make them slightly compact. Alternatively, you can use fewer eggs and add baking powder (not my preference but some people swear by it) for an extremely light texture. In my opinion, adding water or seltzer to a recipe doesn’t really contribute anything substantial taste- or texture-wise. The following recipes are all family-and-friend-tested and run the gamut from classic to really way out there. The truth is there is only one truth when it comes to matzah balls— floater, sinker, baked, boiled, or stuffed, they’re all delicious when shared with family and friends.

Julie’s Bubby’s Matzah Balls Ingredients: 4 eggs 1/2 cup club soda 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil or chicken fat (schmaltz) 2 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley salt freshly ground black pepper 1 cup matzah meal Directions: In a bowl, whisk eggs until just blend- ed. Add club soda, vegetable oil or schmaltz, salt, and pepper. Go easy on the

Continued on Page 84 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 83

Slice Of Life salt, and pepper. Stir in matzah meal and then bring to boil. Moisten hands with Directions: Continued from Page 83 herbs. Cover and refrigerate the mixture 2 cold water. Form dough into 10 to 12 Grease cups of a 12-cup muffin pan hours. With wet hands, shape matzah medium-size balls and drop them into and set aside. In a medium bowl, beat salt. Blend in the parsley and matzah balls into 2 1/2” balls. Boil 4 quarts of the boiling water. Reduce heat, cover, eggs and oil together. Stir in the matzah meal. Cover and refrigerate this mixture water or broth and add the matzah balls and simmer 20 to 30 minutes. Remove meal, salt, and parsley. Add the chicken for about 1 hour. to boiling hot soup or water. Cover and carefully with slotted spoon. Makes 10 to soup or water. Refrigerate 1 hour or Bring about 5 quarts of water to boil. simmer the matzah balls for about 15 12 matzah balls. more, to absorb the liquid. Meanwhile, Rub vegetable oil on hands and form minutes (don’t peek). Makes 14 to 16 make the filling. Fry onion in oil or matzah balls with about two table- matzah balls. Stuffed And Baked Matzah Balls chicken fat over medium heat until it is spoons of mixture. Drop in boiling water Ingredients: very crisp. Cool slightly and then mix in and simmer covered and don’t peek Low-Cholesterol Matzah Balls Vegetable oil for greasing muffin pans 2 tablespoons matzah meal and egg (okay, maybe once or twice), for about 25 Ingredients: 4 large eggs, slightly beaten yolk. Season to taste with salt, pepper, to 35 minutes. 1 cup matzah meal 2 Tbsp. oil and cinnamon. Submitted by Julie Materberg, salt 1 cup matzah meal Dip palms of your hands in cold water. Pittsburgh PA 1/4 tsp. black pepper 2 tsp. salt Form 12 matzah balls from the refrigerated 1 package egg substitute equal to 4 eggs 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley mixture, making them about the diameter Herbed Matzah Balls 1/4 cup low-fat chicken broth 6 Tbsp. chicken soup or water of a 50-cent piece, wetting your hands as Ingredients: 1 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley, needed to keep them from sticking. Spoon 4 large eggs, beaten optional Filling: a heaping teaspoon of filling into the mid- 6 Tbsp. seltzer or club soda Directions: 1 onion, chopped extra fine dle of the matzah ball and close well. 1/4 cup vegetable oil Place matzah meal in medium bowl 2 Tbsp. oil Fill a 6-quart pot with a lid with salted 1 cup matzah meal with 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. In 2 Tbsp. matzah meal water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a sim- salt and pepper to taste another bowl combine the egg substi- 1 egg yolk mer and drop in the matzah balls. Cover 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley tute, broth, and parsley. Pour the egg salt and freshly ground pepper pot and cook just at a simmer for 30 min- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh dill substitute mixture over the matzah meal dash of cinnamon utes or until plump. Remove matzah balls 1 tsp. ground ginger and mix well. Cover and refrigerate 1 water with a slotted spoon and put them in the Directions: hour or longer. Fill large pot with 4 to 5 oil greased muffin tins. Coat each matzah In a bowl, combine eggs, seltzer, oil, quarts of water. Season to taste with salt, 12 cups chicken soup ball with a little oil and bake in preheat- ed 350° oven for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown. To serve, place one matzah ball in the center of a soup bowl and spoon chicken soup over. Makes 12 matzah balls or 6 servings.

Potato Leek Matzah Balls This is a very different kind of matzah ball! Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb. potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 4 cups chopped leeks (white and pale green parts only; from 4 large) 1 1/2 cups chicken broth 2 cups matzah meal 1/3 cup olive oil 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper 6 large eggs 1 Tbsp. salt Directions: Steam potatoes until very tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer potatoes to large bowl and mash well. Combine 2 cups leeks and broth in heavy medium saucepan; bring to boil over medium- high heat. Cover and cook until leeks are tender, about 5 minutes. Uncover and boil until mixture is reduced to scant 1 1/4 cups, about 7 minutes. Transfer to proces- sor and blend until smooth. Add to mashed potatoes. Add matzah meal, oil, and pepper and blend very well. Using electric mixer, beat eggs and salt in medium bowl until thick, about 8 minutes. Fold egg mixture into potato mixture in 3 additions; fold in remaining 2 cups leeks. Brush 15” x 10” x 2” glass baking dish generously with olive oil. Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Using wet hands, form 1 rounded tablespoon potato mixture into ball; place on sheet of moistened foil. Make about 17 more and drop into water. Cover tightly, reduce heat to medium, and boil until matzah balls are cooked through and tender, about 35 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer matzah balls to prepared dish. Refill water in pot if necessary; add more salt and return to boil. Repeat with remaining potato mixture. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cool slightly, cover with foil, and chill. Steam 10 minutes or bake covered at 350° for 25 minutes to re- warm.) Makes about 36. O 84 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES A Conversation With Lea Davidson Of Puah Institute

B Y FERN SIDMAN added Mrs. Davidson. Puah supervisor is the only person with congregants. The Orthodox Jewish community has a key. An alternative is a stainless steel “I first got involved in Puah when I “What a wonderful kiddush Hashem it long had a cautious relationship with case with dime sized holes in it, known lived in Israel and then when I moved to is to be part of an organization that helps reproductive technology, illustrating the as a Puanite box. The material is placed New York years ago, I found that there bring more Jewish neshamos into the age-old schism that pits modern versus inside the container, which is then was nothing in the way of an organiza- world,” declared Lea Davidson, executive ancient, science versus religion. Yet, after locked with a plastic or metal tie tion that deals with the complex nature director of Machon Puah (Puah Institute) years of contentious debate, fertility embossed seal with the supervising orga- of Jewish infertility,” intoned Mrs. in New York. treatments such as in vitro fertilization nization’s insignia and placed on one of Davidson. She is proud to add that, Founded in 1990 at the behest of the and artificial insemination are today per- the incubator shelves. The case can only “When Puah first opened its doors here late Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, zt’l, (the missible within most rabbinic circles, be opened by snipping the tie. in the United States we only had one former chief rabbi of Israel), Puah allowing otherwise childless couples to “Just like rabbis supervise the produc- supervisor and now we have 30 supervi- Institute is an Israel-based, international fulfill the Torah’s chief commandment to tion of kosher food, we supervise the fer- sors. Mrs. Davidson says that the supervi- organization that assists Jewish couples sors are frum, married women who are with problems relating to infertility and totally dedicated to the couples that they serves a vital role in bridging the gap work with. “For example, last year on between fertility treatment and halacha. Purim we had two couples in two differ- “Rav Eliyahu was deluged with ques- An Orthodox man or woman ent labs and when genetic material is tions pertaining to infertility and being feeded, supervisors needed to halacha and he believed that more con- spend the whole day there. Rather than crete research was necessary. He then must oversee all aspects of the spending the day with their families, our appointed Rabbi Menachem Burstein to supervisors gladly spent Purim with the go to the labs and to speak to medical in-vitro fertilization process. couples in need,” she said. professionals to ascertain whether Mrs. Davidson said that today, “99.9 infertility reproductive medicine could percent of all fertility clinics in Israel be reconciled with Jewish law,” said have Puah sponsored supervision and the Mrs. Davidson. Equipped with a back- organization works with 50 cooperating ground of specialization in research be fruitful and multiply. tility process,” explained Bracha labs in the United States. She adds how- concerning the interface between Torah An Orthodox man or woman must Friedman, a New York-based supervisor ever that not all infertile couples will and science, Rabbi Burstein then estab- oversee all aspects of the in-vitro fertil- with Puah. “It’s not that we don’t trust the have to take the in-vitro fertilization lished Puah Institute. ization (IVF) process, including sample labs, but this is the only way this process route. “One out of every six people will “In any field of science, there is always washing, centrifugation, freezing and is halachically sound.” experience fertility problems, but 95% of the possibility of human error, of mixups, loading of pipettes. If the clinic can Puah’s educational department works these people can find alternative solu- and because halacha takes the concept of spare it, the lab will have a dedicated to educate medical professionals to bet- tions that don’t require these kinds of verifiable lineage very seriously, the incubator or storage tanks for the Puah- ter understand the religious lifestyle and procedures,” she said. Puah assists these majority of Orthodox rabbis have ruled supervised couples. That particular incu- restrictions of the Orthodox Jewish people in acquiring the appropriate that Jewish law requires an outside super- bator, unlike those containing the repro- patient and to educate rabbanim in the method for each individual case. visor present to monitor the procedure ductive material of non-supervised cou- comprehension of the medical chal- and storage of the genetic material,” ples, is locked with a latch and key. The lenges and options confronting their Continued on Page 86

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 85 Puah out the help of Puah. “Recently, we had that assist in sensitizing them to the the Fifth Avenue Synagogue. “Most of our Continued from Page 85 two sets of triplets born to two couples. needs of the Orthodox Jewish communi- operating expenses are raised through One couple lived on the west coast and ty. “We have been received in the most fundraising events such as the selling of “Puah is a unique organization in that one lived on the east coast and they respectful manner by those in the med- raffles and other charitable events,” said it works with all Jews from diverse back- were helped by the same doctor! Both ical field and they truly appreciate our Mrs. Davidson. grounds and levels of religious obser- sets consisted of two girls and a boy and input, and for that we are exceptionally Those wishing to contact the Puah vance. That is what I love most about it. one set was born on a Monday and the grateful,” she said. Institute in New York can visit www.pua- About 20% of those Jews who seek our other set were born on Tuesday. It was “Every year, we hold our international honline.org, visit their offices at 1709 help are non-religious but want to fol- quite miraculous.” conference in Jerusalem that draws over Kings Highway in Brooklyn, or by calling low the halachic mandates. For our reli- In addition to supervision and coun- 1,500 people and it always takes place on 718-336-0603. O gious clientele, we don’t poskin for seling, Puah also provides a veritable the Wednesday before parashas Sh’mos. them, but with them. If they follow a plethora of resources to help allay the We chose that time of the year, when we certain shitah, we respect that and work stress that couples often endure during begin reading Sefer Sh’mos as representa- closely with their rabbanim. Every Jew the fertility process. “We have instituted tive of our namesake, Puah, who, as we At 5TJT.com is treated with the utmost of respect informative classes for the entire com- know was Miriam, the sister of Moshe you can enjoy articles and that is the greatest kiddush munity and that means the imparting of Rabbeinu and the most loving and com- Hashem,” said Mrs. Davidson. knowledge to rabbanim, chasanim, and passionate midwife,” said Mrs. Davidson. in 3 ways: Puah Institute also provides supervision kallah teachers and community rabbis Upcoming Puah events include a spe- 1. Read and counseling services in Israel, Europe, and rebbetzins,” said Mrs. Davidson. cial musical melaveh malkah to take 2. Print Australia, South America, and Canada. Puah is also licensed in the field of con- place at The Shul in Bal Harbour, Florida With great joy, Mrs. Davidson relates tinuing medical education and as such, on March 12 and their annual dinner in 3. Email the narrative of two couples who sought holds courses for medical professionals New York which will be held on April 5 at

86 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 87 nation,” David Von Drehle wrote in organization’s role in burying victims of Triangle: The Fire That Changed America the fire and in tens of thousands of sub- A Centennial Kaddish: (Grove Press, 2003). Most of the victims sequent funerals over the past 123 years. were young, underpaid, immigrant “It’s really hard to see these graves and women who worked long hours in not be moved to tears, because you’re Hebrew Free Burial Association unhealthy, unsafe conditions. The fire led talking about young girls and young men to major changes in workplace labor laws who died in such a horrific way, having Remembers Triangle Factory Fire Victims and fire safety laws. no one to save them,” said Ms. Koplow, “During those grief-filled days in who had led the visit to the cemetery. BY ROCHELLE MARUCH are unable to repay this kindness. It is the March 1911, the Hebrew Free Burial “Our hearts have to go out to them.” MILLER only agency in the greater New York met- Association was on the front lines, pro- She spoke about the lives of the infer- ropolitan area dedicated to assuring that viding consolation however its members no’s 22 victims, more than half of whom Blustery winds whipped around the 50 every Jew, regardless of financial means could by arranging dignified burials for were just teenagers. Ms. Koplow told people who stood huddled together or religious affiliation, receives a digni- Jewish victims as well as providing care about each life that had been lost and under deceptively sun-drenched skies on fied, traditional Jewish burial. and assistance to non-Jews,” said execu- gave details with utmost grace and dig- a recent morning. Braving bone-chilling On March 25, 1911, 146 people died in tive director Amy Koplow. “We marked nity. She read each person’s Hebrew temperatures, these intrepid individuals the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory the yahrtzeit on March 1—the 25th of name and told how long each victim trekked across Mount Richmond fire in Greenwich Village, and on that day, Adar—and we were offered a second had been in America. Ida and Sarah Cemetery in Staten Island, paying no Brodsky were two cousins whose names heed to the mud beneath their feet. Led had been on the list. At that time, the by Rabbi Shmuel Plafker, the cemetery’s burial association’s records had been in chaplain, they had converged on that By reading their names, Yiddish. Many of the victims were March morning to recite the Kaddish and recent immigrants from Europe and commemorate the 100th yahrtzeit of the Ms. Koplow provided each person could not yet speak English. By reading Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire’s victims. their names, Ms. Koplow provided each Twenty-two of the victims are buried at person with an identity and honored the cemetery, which is owned by the with an identity and honored their existence. Hebrew Free Burial Association. Ms. Koplow also spoke of how the The Hebrew Free Burial Association their existence. workers worked for endless hours, six was established in the 1880s to provide days each week, barely bringing home a Jewish burial and a final resting place for $6 paycheck. Of their paychecks, many indigent Jews. Since its inception, the sent half back to their relatives in Europe. organization has buried more than one century later, New York remembered opportunity March 25 to pay tribute to On that late Adar morning, the crowd 60,000 people in New York, and today the tragedy with a series of events and the victims, each by name, whom we listened reverently on the hilltop as continues to bury more than 300 people exhibits. The fire, which came a year after buried 100 years ago.” Rabbi Plafker intoned the full Hebrew a year. It is the largest free burial society a largely unsuccessful workers’ strike in Led at Mount Richmond Cemetery by names of the four men and 18 women outside of Israel. Its services are integral the garment industry, “was the crucial Rabbi Shmuel Plafker, the burial associa- buried there. As the wind whipped the to poor Jews and their families. moment in a potent chain of events—a tion’s chaplain, the yahrtzeit ceremony, as pages of his siddur, he recited the Kel HFBA devotes its resources to perform- chain that ultimately forced fundamental well as the March 25 event, was attended Molay Rachamim. Then, Rabbi Plafker ing chesed shel emes—the ultimate act of reforms from the political machinery of by families of many of the victims. Ms. and Ms. Koplow stopped to put stones loving kindness—for the deceased who New York, and, after New York, the whole Koplow also shared reflections on her atop each of the 22 graves. O

88 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 89 SERVICES SERVICES PROVIDED PROVIDED

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92 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5TJT Puzzle: Shabbos Menu

BY YONI GLATT

Across 1. Name often associated with baseball’s 63. It goes well with 17-Across Steroid Era 65. Red or Black 5. Kabbalistic beings 66. Seinfeld role 11. PC alternative 67. Gawk 14. Jewish name meaning “oak” 68. Place for RNs 15. Like a Jew in Babylon, once 69. Common cars 16. Talmudic or Mishnaic 70. Ed Sullivan hosted a “really big ____” 17. Part of many a Shabbos meal 19. Hot car? Down 20. Famous 52-Down 1. Droops 21. Well-known Scottish body of water 2. Immigrant in Israel? 22. Perform silently 3. Living-room staple 23. Cash letters 4. Bring to life 25. Animal residence 5. Receive 27. They go well with 46-Across 6. Sacrificial animals 31. Ear part 7. Sentencing for Madoff (essentially) 32. Snapple ingredient 8. Kings’ navi 33. Sour 9. Prayer book for Christians 37. A primary number 10. Timetable (abbr.) Solution to appear in the next issue. 38. It pretty much goes with all the 11. Quality foods in this puzzle’s theme 12. 46-Across might have a pleasant one 41. Tree runoff 13. Trainee 36. (Less than popular) letters on many 51. Not as usual 42. Salk cured it 18. Skating jump gas stations 52. Sea World attractions 44. A necessity 22. Abbr. for a variety 38. Kind of salmon 56. Huge piece of land? 45. Second part of a popular 24. Arithmetic 39. Fib 57. I Am Sam star Manischewitz snack 26. Yada 40. Secretary of Education Duncan 59. Near, to the Bard 46. Part of many a Shabbos meal 27. Singular 43. Long range intercontinental 60. Emerald ___ 50. How some lawyers work 28. Slain Genesis figure projectile (abbr.) 61. Masticate 53. Electric swimmer 29. Abbr. for Disney’s endings 45. Spain and Ohio locales 63. Contraction for man? 54. Hurt 30. Famed Moabite king 47. (Comfy) shoe part 64. High or low follower 55. A Kellogg’s mascot 31. Chop 48. Author Joseph 58. Relating to DNA 34. Poor-tempered Genesis figure 49. Videogame maker 62. Rainbow shape 35. Common handicap need 50. Part

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 93 Solution To Last Week’s 5TJT Puzzle: Kosher 101

Puzzle appeared on page 89 of the March 25 issue.

94 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 95 96 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 97 98 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 99 Palestinian Maan News Network, identi- to keep in touch with them.” 5TJT Exclusive: Exiled Gunman fied Jeara as Abu Udai in response to a When queried whether he was query by the Five Towns Jewish Times. involved in a still-active faction of the Speaking to the Five Towns Jewish Times Brigades, Jeara told the Five Towns Jewish Threatened Resumption Of Violence Prior To by phone from his home in Ireland, Times that his organization now has “a Jeara confirmed that he is indeed Abu ceasefire with the Israelis” in order to Itamar Attack, Violates Terms Of Sanctuary Udai, an identity that he has used while “give a chance for our president and our speaking on behalf of the Al Aqsa prime minister and to show the world A 5TJT EXCLUSIVE Brigades,” asserted that unless Israel Martyrs Brigades over the past several that we are looking for peace.” BY SAMUEL SOKOL accepted Palestinian demands, restored years. “It’s me,” he said, taking credit for “We still are still giving a chance to MIDDLE EAST CORRESPONDENT the “rights of return” [sic] and ceased the Qudsnet statement. our prime minister and our president “Judaizing Jerusalem,” then the In addition, the former Bethlehem- but I mean what I said before,” he Ramallah. Jihad Jeara, a former offi- Palestinians would be forced to “resume based gunman confirmed that he was emphasized. “If the peace fails, it will cer of the Palestinian Authority’s armed attacks against Israeli targets in still involved in resistance against Israel. bring the people to fight.” Preventative Security Service and a the occupied Palestinian territories.” “I never broke the law in Ireland,” he Many gunmen affiliated with the member of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, Jeara stated that the brigades had explained, “but it is my family and it is brigades laid down their arms in the armed wing of Fatah, threatened “stopped the armed struggle against the my land in Palestine, and of course I will exchange for an amnesty offered by the renewed violence several months occupation” in response to the “request be always looking and care to have our Olmert government in 2007. Jeara pre- before the recent murder of the Fogel of the Palestinian leadership, headed by freedom [sic] and I will do all my might dicted that the Palestinians will soon family in Itamar, the Five Towns Jewish Abu Mazen, to give the opportunity for and I will have all my power to continue resume operations against Israeli targets. Times has learned. the political process.” However, the exiled about what I start.” In a statement possibly foreshadowing Jeara was exiled to Ireland as part of a militant warned that if Israel does not Jeara said that he was still in touch last weekend’s murderous terrorist attack deal to end the siege of the Church of the respond “to the demands of our people,” with his old comrades from the Al Aqsa on a family in Itamar, Jeara told the Five Nativity in Bethlehem in 2002. In a state- the Arabs will “return to armed opera- Martyrs Brigades, telling the Five Towns Towns Jewish Times that Israel “will not ment quoted on the Arabic news website tions against the occupation.” Jeara Jewish Times, “They are not just freedom stop killing our kids, our people” and that Qudsnet in November, Jeara, using the asserted that Israel understands “only the fighters; they are friends, they are family, “their lives, their kids, they are not more nom de guerre of Abu Udai and cited as a language of force.” they are my brothers and, of course, I important than our people.” “leading figure in the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Raed Othman, the director of the keep in touch with them and I am proud Jeara declined to disclose the size of the faction that he claims to represent but did say that he is still a member of Fatah and is connected to Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah party. Nevertheless, Abu Yazzan, a former spokesman for the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades told the Five Towns Jewish Times that Jeara no longer represents the organization. “Abu Udai doesn’t represent the brigades,” Abu Yazzan said. “His statements don’t represent the brigades, and currently they don’t make any statements.” Jeara responded with disbelief that Abu Yazzan would deny his connection to the West Bank terrorist organization. He subsequently expressed anger and outrage during a follow-up interview, claiming that he had spoken to Abu Yazzan and that the former spokesman had denied speaking to the media and saying that Jeara was not a leader of the brigades. General Adnan Damiri, political commissioner and general spokesman for the security forces of the Palestinian Authority, speaking to the Five Towns Jewish Times several weeks ago from his office in Ramallah, denied that there are any independent militias operating outside of PA control in the West Bank. “We have one force, one arm. We don’t have militias in the West Bank. We don’t have any groups, military groups or weapon groups, in the West Bank, and I don’t know if there is one whose name is Abu Udai or not.” Damiri is also a member of the Fatah revolutionary council. The Brigades has never been a mono- lithic and strictly structured organization. In addition, the Fatah movement’s own fragmentation raises the likelihood that a small splinter faction engaging in terrorism could emerge. The Al Aqsa Brigades of Imad Mugniyeh initially claimed responsibility for Friday night’s violence, a claim which other members of the group later retract- ed. In addition, Jeara denied any connection to the tragic events. Nevertheless, Rami Kamel, a compa- triot of Jeara and a fellow exile in Ireland, expressed approval of Friday’s

Continued on Page 105 100 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES COLOR

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 101 Why Did Israel Release Images Of Slain Family?

BY NIR HASSON

On June 18, 2002, a suicide bomber blew himself up on the Number 32 bus at the Pat Junction in Jerusalem, killing 19 people. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon arrived at the scene of the attack and asked the people from the Zaka organization (which retrieves body parts after terror attacks) to arrange the body bags in a row, enabling the press to photo- graph them in a way that would convey the enormity of the horror. The Zaka personnel, who place the dignity of the dead before any public-relations consid- erations, agreed (reluctantly) to the request, as it did not involve exposing the corpses. The next time dead bodies were used for such informational purposes was in January 2004, after the terrorist attack on the Number 19 bus on Jerusalem’s Gaza Road, when the Foreign Ministry released footage taken at the scene before the corpses were removed. Last week, the Ministry of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs released horrific photographs from the scene of Friday night’s terrorist attack in Itamar. The photos show the stabbed and bleed- ing bodies of the members of the Fogel family, with only the faces blurred, as per their relatives’ request. Yuli Edelstein, Minister of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs, is the one who made the unprecedented decision to release the photos, which he explained as follows: Q. Do you think this sort of publicity can change Israel’s image? A. People who deal more with information sent quite a few supportive mes- sages. I know that on the Internet the images are really catching on and circulat- ing. It’s hard to talk about in terms of success, because we all understand that this is an unbelievably heinous crime. But it does have an important impact. Q. How did the decision to publish the photos come about? A. From Saturday night, when I found out about the terrible event and everything that happened, we started checking to see if there was any documentation and what has happening with it. I started receiving reports that the family apparently would not object [to publish- ing the images]. I sent messengers to the family to make sure that nothing was done in the heat of the moment. The family had some deliberations and they decided to agree. On Sunday morning, we held a professional consultation with people from the Foreign Ministry and from the Prime Minister’s Office. Not everyone thought the way I did, that the photos should be published, but everyone was starting to realize that, in this case, it was necessary to act in an unusual manner. The majority felt that since all red lines had been crossed, it would be impossible to just carry on normally, and so we decided to publish the photos. 102 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Every time the topic of pub- whose purpose is to incite here, with an understanding that Israel is “an apartheid I’m certain that this had an lic relations and information more than to shock. that words can kill and there state” and “a state of occupa- effect, and these are the people in Israel and abroad is raised, I also don’t put it on Israeli must be a response. tion” can lead murderers to who shape public opinion. I I’m always asked, “Why don’t television and ask everyone to Recently, a kind of dia- think that, by carrying out am sure that whoever has not we publish the photos?” I say watch it. I have no problem logue has emerged to the their murderous crimes, they lost their humanity, will in the with a bit of cynicism that I with a journalist who decides effect that IDF soldiers are are freedom fighters. future be more careful with can already answer this ques- not to print the image, but I clearly murderers, rapists, Q. Do you know if the media regard to Israel. tion in several languages. I want him to deal with it on his and looters. This is the feel- around the world used the Q. In the event of another ter- always explained that there own and always remember the ing that exists around the photos? rorist attack, should we expect was the matter of the family picture. If he doesn’t remember world and I’m not speaking A. The emphasis is on the the publication of such photos? and a desire not to cause fur- it, then he is less of a person about [just] the Palestinian foreign media. I know that in A. Definitely not after every ther suffering, and also that we than I thought. Authority. In this atmos- Israel, apart from a few people attack. First of all, the family’s are not like them, we are not Q. There have been numerous phere, of wild incitement for whom not everything wishes will be the determining like the Palestinians. horrific attacks in the past. Why against and demonization of makes sense, you don’t have to factor, and every case will be Q. So are we like the specifically after the attack in Israel, there needs to be a convince anyone to use horrif- considered separately. But at Palestinians now? Itamar was the decision made to shocking reaction [to the ic images. I also knew that the same time . . . we will have A. No, there is a huge differ- distribute the photos? attack] that will cause people because of the disaster in to think about the specific sort ence. They have no problem A. It is true that we have to recognize the reality here. Japan and the barrage of of documentation. The photos issuing such photos a few min- experienced quite a few hor- We are not doing this out of reports from there, it would taken this time were taken for utes after the incident, without rors, but at the same time, hysteria and panic, but in a not be a lead photo on the the purpose of the investiga- asking the family and without slaughtering an entire family thoughtful way—to convey front page of the New York tion, not for the needs of the blurring anything out. It is also in their sleep, including chil- this image to the same peo- Times. The possibility that the press. Next time—let there needless to say that, in some dren and an infant is, thank ple who think that words do images would not be pub- never be a next time and let it cases, fabricated images are G-d—even according to the not kill. lished was also considered. But never happen—I hope we will released too. standards of these wicked peo- I don’t think that every the mere fact that an editor or be prepared with a photogra- Q. Israel always criticizes the ple—something out of the politician who says that senior analyst would receive pher who has a media-oriented Arab press for airing photos of ordinary. There also appears to Israeli policy is militant the photos and look at them approach, instead of [just] an damage from IDF attacks in an be an accumulation of things incites murder, but the cries and carry out a discussion— investigative focus. (Haaretz) O endless loop, which leads to incitement and hatred. What is the difference here? A. There is a big difference. I remember photos of a girl being brought into a hospital in Gaza—without a stretcher, of course. They held her in their arms so that everyone would see her and air the picture over and over, as a kind of background image. This is something that causes hatred,

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION April 1, 2011 103 many passersby headed down Jewish Experience, Human New Yorkers Rally for Israel Second Avenue. Rights Coalition Against The event was sponsored by Radical Islam, Dor Chadash, B Y LARRY DOMNITCH attended the rally in support of Gardner, who was killed in the a host of Jewish organizations, Jewish International Israel’s right to protect its citi- Jerusalem bombing. which includes Amcha: Connection New York, Fuel For The Israeli Consulate on zens against Arab terror and as Israeli flags and posters Coalition for Jewish Concerns, Truth, One Heart Global, Second Avenue and 42nd Street a memorial to the victims of declaring support for Israel Americans For a Safe Israel, AmbassaDor, and IsraAmerica. was the scene of a major show the most recent terror were held high to cheers, well Zionist Organization of Rally main organizer Hillary of support for Israel on Sunday, attacks—members of the Fogel wishers, and supportive honk- America, Stand With Us, Markowitz, of Amcha, named March 27. Over 200 people family of Itamar, and Mary Jean ing of automobile horns from ZSTREET, Russian American those injured in the recent bus attack, and asked, “Where is the outrage?” “Where is the outcry?” “Where is President Obama?” Markowitz continued, “We are here to say that the Jews will stay in Israel. And that we will not sit by quietly.” Leah Goldsmith, the wife of Itamar’s mayor, stated, “We are at war when men come on Shabbat to slaughter men, women, and children. President Obama has asked the Israeli government to remove the soldiers from the Tapuach Junction near us, which protected the Jerusalem-Shechem road. So you got the butchering of a family, then a bombing at a bus stop because the White House thinks that checking Arabs is a human rights violation.” Emphasizing the impor-

Continued on Page 110

104 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION Violence Threatened Continued from Page 100 attack and said that it was to be expected. “What happened today is something normal to happen after all what the Israelis [are] doing.” Kamel said the night following the attack. “More [such] things will happen.” He confirmed that the faction that had taken responsibility for the attack was indeed a part of the Brigades. “Actually, [it’s] all one group, Al Aqsa Brigade,” he said, “but you know how they work. Each [local branch on each] side of the country, it work[s that] if you have a chance to do anything, you do it straightaway.” Fatah officials were unable to either confirm or deny Jeara’s current involvement in the movement. Secretary General of the Fatah Revolutionary Council Amin Maqboul was unable to give a definite answer as to whether Jeara represented the Brigades or the Fatah movement. Jibril Rajoub, deputy general secretary of the Fatah Central Committee, denied any knowledge regarding Jeara. The former West Bank strongman and commander of the exile’s former outfit of the preventative security service said that the purview of his office is now limited only to matters of sport. When asked for the terms of the deal that sent Jeara and Kamel to Ireland and for the exact terms of the 2007 amnesty granting continued freedom to many Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades fighters, a spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office responded, “Neither are public documents.” Prime Ministerial spokesman David Baker followed up by saying that the PMO has “no public comment” regarding this matter. However, despite the lack of documentation as to the exact terms of the exile agreement, there exists some suspicion that Jeara’s statements on Qudsnet may place him in violation of whatever agreement was signed. Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor told the Five Towns Jewish Times that if Jeara has indeed been “sending out threats of violence, this is a very serious breach of the terms of his stay in Ireland, and Irish law enforcement authorities should deal with this problem at once.” According to an Irish government official quoted by Joshua Hammer in the New York Times in 2009, the Garda, Ireland’s national police service, “keeps a close eye” on Jeara. When contacted by the Five Towns Jewish Times, Garda spokesman Gerry Curley stated that the police “do not comment on named individuals.” Likewise, a representative of the Irish Justice Department told the Five Towns Jewish Times that “it is not the practice to comment on security matters.” “Nevertheless,” the spokesman said, “the activities of individuals who may be of interest to law enforcement authorities are monitored. Furthermore, where evidence exists of any breaches of Irish law, including any offences under the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act of 2005, these will be fully investigated by An Garda Síochána (the national police force).”

Continued on Page 108 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION April 1, 2011 105 The Silicon Emperor’s New Soul

BY RABBI AVI SHAFRAN edge in a broad array of areas. Named humans, of course) to do, Watson Hosannas sounded from all directions. “Watson,” the computer brought to the zeroed in on key words in the clue, The accomplishment was hailed as a “A donkey loaded up with books.” podium a 15-terabyte data bank of facts. combed its mega-memory for associa- quantum leap in artificial intelligence, That’s the term the Chovos HaLevavos And it answered questions (or, better, tions, and, if its program rated the result the holy grail of some scientists who (Rabbeinu Bachya ibn Pekudah) uses believe that a machine can be construct- to describe a scholar who has memo- ed that is indistinguishable in its cogni- rized much information but lacks the tive abilities from a human being. judgment, character, and human What Watson made me think of, insight to transform what he carries It presupposes that humans are not oddly, was PETA, “People for the Ethical into wisdom. Treatment of Animals.” Donkeys bray and they smell bad. qualitatively special beings—that, in our The silicon scholar and the extreme Computers whir (at least if they have animal-rights group might not seem to fans or rotating hard drives) and are odor- essences, we ourselves are just fantasti- have anything to do with each other. But less (though some keyboards are redo- both foster the same disturbing and lent of coffee). But donkeys and comput- cally well-engineered pieces of software. deeply wrong notion: that human beings ers share two things in common: each are not a unique part of creation. can hold much, and neither approaches PETA morally equates animals with being human. humans. Its “Holocaust on Your Plate” The media minions were gushing of campaign compared the killing of chick- late over the performance of an IBM supplied questions to proffered answers sufficiently likely to be correct, sounded ens and cows to the murder of men, computer that bested a pair of bright or hints, the conceit of the game show, the game buzzer in a fraction of a sec- women, and children. Its president mem- and well-versed human beings in a game Jeopardy!) with aplomb. ond. The flesh-and-blood contestants orably lamented that “six million Jews show competition that tested knowl- Just as it was programmed (by didn’t really stand a chance. died in concentration camps, but six bil- lion broiler chickens will die this year in slaughterhouses.” Watson’s inventors and promoters exhibit no such mental aberration. For all I know, they may well enjoy a good steak. But all the same, a subtle offense lies in the artificial-intelligence crowd’s notion that a sufficiently advanced computer could achieve consciousness, sentience, self-awareness. Because it, too, presupposes that humans are not qualitatively special beings—that, in our essences, we ourselves are just fantastically well-engineered pieces of software. But we’re not. We may share our basic biologies with the animal world; and elements of our information-processing abilities may be mimicked (even bested) by machines. But we are neither walla- bies nor Watsons. We don’t just feel; we emote. We don’t just compute; we con- ceive. We don’t just act; we choose. Our reflections in a mirror mimic us too. But they’re not us. There’s a connection here to the recent commemoration of Purim: Amalek stands for meaninglessness. From an Amalekian point of view, the world is, as they say, what it is; nothing more. It offers no reason to imagine that we are something beyond animals that speak and wear clothes, and analyze things (though not even as well as computers). No reason to consider that there is good and bad, right and wrong, or some plan for history. K’lal Yisrael stands for the very opposite, the conviction that human beings are the pinnacle of creation, that they can consider and communicate not just wants, like animals, but ideas, concepts, truths. And that a nation was chosen to be an example to the world of a human being’s highest aspiration, holiness. And so let’s be wary of Watson, or at least of Watsonism. And, amid all the cheering of the silicon emperor, let’s declare unabashedly that he has no soul. O © 2011 Ami Magazine. Rabbi Shafran is an editor at large and columnist for Ami Magazine.

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106 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION

Photo By Marc Mattel A Five Towns Simcha

Sharona Fiskus of Jamaica Estates celebrated her bat mitzvah on Sunday, March 27, at Young Israel of Jamaica Estates with her parents, Rachel and Michael Fiskus, her siblings, Jonathan, Daniel, and Jacob, and her friends from YCQ. Sharmel catered the event; entertainment was provided by Azamra DJ/Jeff Neckonoff.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION April 1, 2011 107 Violence Threatened continues to use violence as a means to Continued from Page 105 achieve its political and ideological objec- tives, and has carried out recent and spe- A veteran Palestinian journalist, who cific attacks that meet the definition of a spoke to the Five Towns Jewish Times on terrorist act under New Zealand’s TSA.” condition of anonymity, explained that Commenting on the implications of Jeara “sometimes publishes stuff to keep Jeara’s statements, Hillel Frisch, a senior being relevant.” research associate at the BESA Center for “Officially, the Aqsa Martyrs Brigades Strategic Studies, told the Five Towns announced that they dismantled two- Jewish Times that Jeara’s behavior “is cer- and-a-half years ago and even the attacks tainly contrary to the spirit of what asy- that were carried out were carried out by lum is supposed to mean.” individuals and not by the organization “Once again we have an example of as an organization with cells,” he told the the dangers of releasing professional ter- Five Towns Jewish Times. rorists, of fragmentation in Fatah that In a statement that seems to indicate would facilitate a Hamas takeover should that Jeara was involved in terror activity Israel permanently withdraw from Judea since his arrival in Ireland, if not exactly and Samaria as part of a peace agree- recently, and that his involvement in the ment,” Frisch stated. Brigades is not as clear cut as one might The Brigades has taken credit for sev- imagine, the journalist said that “the Al eral attacks in the West Bank in 2009 Aqsa Martyrs Brigades is a jungle. Saying and 2010, including the December 24, that Jihad Jeara is involved is true, but it 2009 murder of Meir Avshalom Hai of is not true on the other hand, and there is Shavei Shomron, as well as multiple nothing that he was involved in [during] rocket attacks emanating from the the last three years.” Gaza Strip. “Now he is involved in trying to organ- Kamel says that the Gaza branch of the ize the movement in the political process B rigades is still connected to the branch that has been taking place in the move- operating in the West Bank. Khaled ment,” he said, “but on the ground there Jabare Abu Walid, a spokesman for the is nothing that is being carried out by the Brigades in Gaza, refused to comment on organization so he can say yes he did it or a possible link between the Brigades in he was part of it.” Gaza and in the West Bank. O Not everybody believes that the brigades are defunct, however. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key desig- nated the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades as a terrorist organization in December. Visit us at According to a statement provided to 5TJT.com the Five Towns Jewish Times by the New Zealand embassy in Ankara, “The group

108 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION April 1, 2011 109 Rally For Israel Continued from Page 104 tance of Itamar and the surrounding region to Israel’s security, and the need for Jews to become more proactive, she added, “Itamar is a mountain. We look out onto skyscrapers of Tel Aviv. To the west we can see Tel Aviv, to the east, the Jordan Valley. Do you want us, or Hamas, on that mountain?” The mayor of Itamar, Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith, spoke of the difficulty of leaving Itamar during these difficult moments but stressed the need for every Jew to stand up and speak out. “Israel

“To the west we can see Tel Aviv, to the east, the Jordan Valley. Do you want us, or Hamas, on that mountain?”

needs every Jew to stand with us. We have for a long time given our lives to build Itamar. The entire world knows Hashem gave the land to the Jewish people. The deed to the land is in the Bible. Mayor Goldsmith added, “For the sake of Zion, we shall not be silent. For every attack, we will build.” Jacob Kimchi, the son of 2002 victim of Arab terror Rami Kimchi, the cofounder of One Heart Global whose mission is to assist victims of terror, stated, “I’d like to know if the presidents of the U.S., Russia, or European countries would allow missiles to bombard their capitals, or suicide bombers to target their civilians.” Avital Azulai, of Likud USA, spoke of Code Red warnings of missile attacks in Israeli cities and the dangers Israelis face on a daily basis because of missiles fired by Hamas. She called on the rally participants and all American Jews, to “defend Israel as she would defend you.” It is time, Azulai asserted, “to wake up for Israel and tell the truth.” Prayers were offered for Jonathan Pollard and on behalf of those Israeli soldiers held by Hamas and Hezbollah. Helen Freedman, the chairperson of AFSI, spoke of the need for Israel not to appease or fear world opinion when it comes to protecting its citizens. Eliana Benador, a Jewish activist, also addressed the participants. As some of the many measures that can be taken in support of Israel, Markowitz reminded participants to purchase B.I.G. (Buy Israeli Goods) products to counter the anti-Israel boycotts, and that rally participants visit and support the mock art show on display in Washington Square Park on Monday. The one and a half hour event concluded with prayers on behalf of the State of Israel followed by Hatikvah and the National Anthem. O

Donations earmarked to the surviving members of the Fogel family can be sent to www.FriendsofItamar. 110 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 1, 2011 111 112 April 1, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES