The 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 23 a Mother’S Musings Let’S Call It a Night

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INSIDE FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK NORPAC MAKES AN IMPACT Praying Like Angels BY LARRY GORDON Yochanan Gordon 26 MindBiz Esther Mann, LMSW 28 Is Losing Winning? Loose Lips What happened to acknowl- into disarray. Hannah Reich Berman 30 edging defeat—not necessarily At this point in the failure, but just that you may Democratic party competition Daf Yomi Insights have been bested or that the for the nomination and oppor- Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow 73 next guy won and you didn’t? tunity to run for President of You don’t have to say you the United States, it certainly World Of Real Estate lost, but at least accede to the would have been in the party’s Anessa V. Cohen 86 notion that you may not have interest for someone to with- Nearly 1,000 people from Jewish communities around the U.S. went to won. This idea of declaring draw—that is, Mrs. Clinton— Washington DC last week as part of the annual NORPAC mission to victory—that is, some kind of and, even if hesitantly and Washington. The event engages senators and congressmen on agenda items including Israel and other subjects important to the American Jewish triumph—regardless of the begrudgingly, support her sen- community. Pictured above (L–R): Shevy Cooperberg, Jodi Cooperberg, reality of defeat is relatively Rabbi Yotav Eliach, Senator Joseph Lieberman, Caroline Stern, David Klatt, new, and it throws a great deal Continued on Page 5 and Trudy Stern. See Page 91 BONFIRES HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE The Book Of Numbers Our Aliyah Chronicle, Part 85 CBEY farewell dinner for BY SHMUEL KATZ BY LARRY GORDON have the time or patience to Rabbi and Mrs. Rosner. sit calmly and read while See Page 90 Lag BaOmer is a big deal I have to admit that most of indulging in it. here in Israel. The entire the time I don’t even think But there I was on that par- country becomes a huge bon- about it. But for some reason ticular morning perusing the fire with almost everyone par- it struck me. There I was, sit- pages of the New York Times, ticipating—religious and non- ting at my kitchen table early nibbling and sipping and read- religious alike. That is part of one morning, sipping a cup of ing. I was reading about the the thrill of living here, know- coffee and working on a small devastation, the loss of life, ing that almost the entire dietetic chocolate muffin. the prospect of even greater country has a similar heritage While a cup of coffee (or sev- loss of life, the starvation, and and, believers or not, they eral cups of the stuff) is part the onset of rapidly spreading of my morning ritual—it’s the Continued on Page 10 American way—I don’t always Continued on Page 18

Singing and dancing for Israel. See Pages 72, 87 Nothing Like Shalva LAWRENCE TO Olmert Not RAMAT GAN Resigning

BY TOBY KLEIN Prime Minister Ehud GREENWALD Olmert does not intend to step down from his post, as Benji Gabler grew up in Defense Minister Ehud Lawrence and went to school Barak called for him to do on at DRS. He came to Israel six Wednesday morning. “I have years ago as a single young no intention at all of resign- man and served in the army as ing, and I am not going any- Gabriel DuBow landed a a spokesman for the American where,” the prime minister position as bat boy for a day at press. It was an exciting job. said Wednesday evening. He Shea, courtesy of Kulanu. “Before they do any kind of also claimed again that he See Page 68 operation, they also coordi- has done nothing wrong and nate with the spokesperson, that the claims of the media CANDLE LIGHTING including before they plan to are untrue. May 30 – 8:00 PM At the Shalva Center in Jerusalem, mentally and physically challenged assassinate a terrorist, so as Earlier, a source in Olmert’s June 6 – 8:05 PM children and their families receive much appreciated education and support in programs that have become worldwide models. See Page 65 Continued on Page 20 Continued on Page 23 2 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 3 4 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

FROM THE EDITOR Continued from Front Cover atorial colleague Barack Obama for the nomination. From the perspective of the party and party unity as well as the drive to win back the White House, that would probably be the wise thing to do. But that does not seem to be happening, nor does it look like it will be happening any- time very soon. I believe that it’s clear that neither Mrs. Clinton nor Mr. Obama are really or deeply concerned about what’s best for the country. The fashion in which they are conducting themselves in this campaign says that they certainly do want what’s in the best interest of the American people—but not if it obstructs or eclipses whatever it is that is best for themselves. In Israel it seems that Prime Minister Olmert con- ducts his private as well as governmental business along the same lines. The top priority is what is best for Mr. Olmert; his comforts, his desires, the way he sees Israel’s future. Then, only after that, do the best interests of the people of Israel come into consideration. If Olmert accepted cash payments from an American busi- nessman, is that the only one that he either solicited or accepted money from? What about other philanthropists or businesspeople, and those from other parts of the world? Both the Clinton–Obama situation and the Olmert affair are rapidly becoming events that are more about self- centeredness and personal interests than anything else. There’s no question in my mind that being persecut- ed or prosecuted has its supporters and fans. All you have to do is hang in there long enough and the tide begins to turn; a segment of the public begins to empathize with your circumstances, even turning their opinions around to where they begin to tell pollsters that the person in question should be given another chance. Look at the case of Congressman Vito Fossella of Staten Island. Stopped by police while driving under the influence of alcohol, Fossella was arrested and then bailed out by a woman from a Virginia suburb outside of Washington DC. Soon after that it was learned that Fossella, who is married and has three young children on Staten Island, also had a child with the woman in Virginia. He quickly held a press con-

Continued on Page 6 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 5 FROM THE EDITOR Continued from Page 5

ference to apologize and later said that he would not seek reelection in the fall for his seat—the only Republican seat in the New York Congressional delegation. But then the poll numbers began to turn for Fossella. So, he had two families; he didn’t have three families, just two—one more than most people. So, some won- dered, why shouldn’t he run? He’s otherwise a good man, and who doesn’t make a mis- take in judgment every now and then (sometimes again and again)? Fossella became emboldened and is now planning on going to court to claim that he was not intoxi- cated when he was stopped by police and that the breath- alyzer used to gauge his blood alcohol level had malfunc- tioned. Here’s the pattern: Mess up, get caught, claim you’re the victim, and then declare victory. Is there any wonder that there is no quality leadership today, here in the U.S. or in Israel? The Democrats have this country believing that the last eight years, the entire tenure of the administration of George Bush, has brought the biggest disaster upon this country. Starting with the war in Iraq and ending with the uncharted territory of a volatile economy with—for the first time ever—gasoline prices way over $4.00 per gal- lon and only going up further. From a Democratic perspective, the country desperately needs to change course, to redirect the entire philosophical thrust of where we are headed. But the Democrats are bogged down in a personal struggle between two people who feel they’ve been destined by whatever it is they believe in, aside from themselves, to lead. Olmert’s story is not that much different. We’ve learned through recent testimony that he was a man who liked to enjoy himself— preferably at the expense of others—and it mattered little how high the cost was. In fact, it seems (if the testimony was accurate and not meant to mislead) that Olmert really cared deeply about little else. He may have been temporarily sidetracked by the Gaza withdrawal in 2005 and the Second Lebanon War in 2006, but that didn’t get in his way of insisting on money to fly first- class, stay in the finest hotels, take an expensive vacation to Italy—and who knows what

Continued on Page 8 6 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 7 FROM THE EDITOR was elected to lead. How long he stays FEATURES Continued from Page 6 on will be a barometer of how brazen he is and how little he thinks of the else is still to be revealed. people of Israel. Around The Five Towns 61 P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 The notion of the State of Israel as Leaders like Olmert in Israel and 516-984-0079 a physical and emotional refuge for Clinton and Obama in the States need Classified Ads 80 [email protected] [email protected] Jews the world over has been serious- to conduct themselves responsibly. ly hurt. These issues of illicit high The exploitation for one’s own benefit Daf Yomi Insights LARRY GORDON ESTA J. GORDON Publisher/Editor Managing Editor finance never showed up on the radar or aggrandizement of the responsibili- Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow 73 YOSSI GORDON, YOCHANAN GORDON screen when Menachem Begin or ty entrusted to him or her by the peo- Sales Managers Insights On The Torah CHANA ROCHEL ROSS Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah 33 Editorial Assistant Rabbi Yanki Tauber 85 SIDI BARON These issues of illicit high finance never YAKOV SERLE Israel At 60 JERRY MARKOVITZ Sales Representatives showed up on the radar screen when Special Supplement 37 SHMUEL GERBER MICHELE JUSTIC Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor The Keen Capitalist CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Menachem Begin or Yitzchak Shamir were Martin Mushell 22 Irwin H. Benjamin, Hannah Reich Berman Anessa V. Cohen, Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg Letters To The Editor 20 Toby Klein Greenwald, Michele Herenstein prime minister. Rabbi Yair Hoffman, Miriam Horowitz Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky Luach 10 Shmuel Katz, Phyllis J. Lubin, Esther Mann Rochelle Miller, Martin Mushell, Naomi Ross MindBiz Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, Eli Shapiro, Ari Sher Yitzchak Shamir were prime minister. ple is a violation of trust that we Esther Mann, LMSW 28 MICHAL WEINSTEIN, BINYAMIN RHODES Since then, Israel has unfortunately should not have to tolerate—neither DOV GORDON become less of an ideological entity here nor there. O Staff Graphic Artists valued by its citizens, leaders, and A Mother’s Musings Phyllis J. Lubin 24 IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS Jewish people the world over and lit- Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at Staff Photographers tle more than another business [email protected]. FRANKEL & CO. opportunity. Nutrition Counts! Design & Production I’m sure that today Ehud Olmert Miriam Horowitz, RD 31 TALIYE CORLEY simply sees himself as having placed WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? Art Director too many eggs in the wrong basket and Real Estate SUZETTE LEE that his crack team of high-priced (I WE WANT TO KNOW! Anessa V. Cohen 86 Assistant Art Director wonder who’s paying them) attorneys The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly news- will somehow interpret the law and be That’s The Way It Is! paper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not E-MAIL US AT necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not able to argue with some conviction on Hannah Reich Berman 30 responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or his behalf. In the meantime, he has [email protected] establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times. lost the confidence of the people he

8 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 9 Our Aliyah Chronicle Continued from Front Cover

identify with that heritage in significant ways. Wood, a precious commodity throughout the year, becomes a highly sought-after item in the weeks following Pesach. Since all the teens and pre-teens want their own medura (bonfire) for their group of 12 to 30 (sometimes more) participants, they all go scroung- ing for any scrap of wood that they can find. Piles of wood begin to appear in backyards and driveways (in some houses more than one pile appears, depending on how many kids they have and how they split the booty). Unfortunately, they are sometimes a little too zealous in their search and take things like sukkah panels or tabletops that had been stored outside, without realizing that those items were actually

Continued on Page 13 CALENDAR LUACH May 30 – June 7 ZIP Code: 11516

25 Iyar – Erev Shabbos Friday, May 30 Daf yomi: Sotah 6 Omer: 40 Z’manim*: Earliest tallis/tefillin: 4:21 am Sunrise: 5:27 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 8:33 am Gr’a 9:09 am Candle Lighting: 8:00 pm 26 Iyar – Shabbos Saturday, May 31 Shabbos Parashas Bamidbar Blessing of Chodesh Sivan Avos: Ch. 5 Shabbos ends**: 9:09 pm 72 min. 9:32 pm 28 Iyar Monday, June 2 Yom Yerushalayim 1 Sivan Wednesday, June 4 Rosh Chodesh Sivan 2 Sivan Thursday, June 5 Yom HaMeyuchas 3 Sivan – Erev Shabbos Friday, June 6 1st of Sh’loshes Yemei Hagbalah Daf yomi: Sotah 13 Omer: 47 Earliest tallis/tefillin: 4:17 am Sunrise: 5:25 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 8:33 am Gr’a 9:09 am Candle Lighting: 8:05 pm 4 Sivan – Shabbos Saturday, June 7 Shabbos Parashas Naso Avos: Ch. 6 Shabbos ends**: 9:14 pm 72 min. 9:36 pm * from MyZmanim.com ** add a few minutes for tosefos Shabbos according to your minhag 10 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 11 12 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Our Aliyah Chronicle They make huge bonfires. They use Continued from Page 10 logs and set up very impressive wood tepees in very open areas. They need to someone’s property. The mall and super- be in open areas, since the resulting fire market garbage areas are also raided for is incredible. I am talking about flames the wooden pallets that are used in the shooting higher than the roof of five shipping of goods. A quick 14-year-old story apartment buildings, and fire so can reduce a wooden pallet to a nice hot and intense that anyone closer than pile of firewood in about five minutes 20 or 25 feet away can get burned by the with a sharp hatchet. Some people go to heat. They also have special tefillot that the woods (which surround Bet they say at the bonfires; for them Lag Shemesh on all sides) looking for fallen BaOmer is a major event. trees or deadwood to use. The celebrations at Meiron are a top Two or three days before Lag attraction, with over 200,000 people BaOmer, the chareidim begin to build attending this year, although we did not their bonfires. This is one area in go there. This year, with Lag BaOmer which they are expert. Most of our bon- coming on Friday, the celebration fires are pretty small, with an occasion- stretched through Shabbat as Meiron al group looking to show how “cool” and neighboring Tsfat were filled with they are by making a larger tepee style bonfire. Not for the chareidim. Continued on Page 14

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 13 Our Aliyah Chronicle Continued from Page 13

people taking advantage of the long weekend. It was (reportedly) a highly uplifting experience, one that I know many of our students truly enjoyed. Our personal Lag BaOmer celebration was also a lot of fun. Last year, Lag BaOmer came out on Saturday night, the week before Goldie’s surgery. Having not seen the kids for three

There were marshmallows on skewers to be toasted on the fire, hot dogs for grilling, s’mores being made.

weeks, and knowing that it would be another few weeks before I had the opportunity to see them again, I decided to fly to Israel for the weekend to visit them and thus had the chance to experience Lag BaOmer personally and enjoy the kids. I sent Goldie pic- tures of them, but it wasn’t the same, and she was very excited to be here in person this year. Our block has a special kids’ meduraj which is organized by our neighbors Yossi Bienenstock and Jon Duker. This year, with the completion of the construction across the block from us and the removal of all the building materials from the street in front of our house, we were asked if it could be held at the dead end right in front of our house, and we readily agreed. The bonfire (as always) was a huge hit. Having the kids enjoy it together as a group really enhanced the experience for them. With over 100 kids joining in, it was an active, cheerful, excited, and awestruck group. There were marshmallows on skewers to be toasted on the fire, hot dogs for grilling, s’mores being made—one family even brought and baked their own potatoes. It was heartwarming to see so many mothers and fathers bring and share the treats so freely with all the kids. Batya, Mordechai, and Moshe were enthralled, and it was more special to them because they were with their friends. Of course the marshmallows and hot dogs helped (Moshe must have eaten 50 marshmallows). The demographics of our block are

Continued on Page 16

14 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 15 Our Aliyah Chronicle very hard this year, focusing all her Continued from Page 14 efforts on being successful within the Israeli educational system in her school very interesting. Most of the families so that she can stay in the school she is are very young, with a bunch of little currently attending rather than have to kids. I would say that 70 percent of the go to a GED school. She really loves the children who live on our block are school and her friends there. grade 4 or lower. There is also a group With the exams only a couple of like us, of middle-aged parents with weeks away, she decided to skip the older kids and teens, but we are definitely the significant minority. At times, and this was one of them, we feel like we (the minority group) could be the grandparents of these kids (in one case this actually applies). I guess we all grow up some time. Our older kids each did their own thing. Chaim decided (for some unknown reason) that Efrat was the place to be and went with a friend to Yerushalayim and then Efrat for an all- Mordechai roasting marshmallows. night meduraj there. He came home early the next morning, tired but telling us he had a great time. bonfires altogether in favor of studying, stuck to her decision, and we appreciat- Chaya has bagruyot exams coming and she spent the night babysitting one ed the maturity it took for her to remain up. These are similar to regents exams of our neighbor’s children and studying. so committed to her academics, coming and she needs to pass them in order to We tried to push her to go to a bonfire out to the little kids’ bonfire for only 5 qualify for a diploma. She has worked Round one for Moshe. for the sake of the experience, but she minutes just to say hi and help roast a few marshmallows. Aliza was invited to join a group a couple of blocks from our house. I’m not sure just how many kids were there, but what made our minds rest easier was that several parents rotated supervision of the group, making sure things did not get out of hand (a group of 12- and 13- year-olds with fire—scary). The firetrucks are out in full force all night, putting out the fires that were set in the middle of dry grass and spread too far or had just simply gotten out of hand. I am sure that the firemen are the one group who isn’t really thrilled on Lag BaOmer, having to run around all night, but I didn’t hear of any major incidents, which is a good thing. By Friday, the whole country smells of smoke. In fact, all the community email lists were filled before Lag BaOmer with reminders to keep your windows closed. I can tell you firsthand that an open window makes for a smelly house. Last year we missed one bathroom window and the smell of fire lasted for a week. We were therefore very careful this year to make sure all the windows were closed. As a child, Lag BaOmer was always the bow and arrow holiday; I am not sure why. Here, I didn’t notice even the slightest allusion to them. Yet another difference from our old culture to our new one. O

Shmuel Katz is the director of Yeshivat Eretz HaTzvi in the Katamon neighborhood in Jerusalem. Shmuel, his wife Goldie, and their six children made aliyah in July of 2006. Prior to his aliyah, Shmuel was the executive director of the Yeshiva of South Shore in Hewlett. You can contact him at [email protected].

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16 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 17 HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE munities completely obliterated? This immediate help? tered access to all the damaged areas. Continued from Front Cover type of profound destruction can only Bialik explores what possible uses We seem satisfied knowing how many summon up visions of Sodom—the there are for the information that is died, how many were injured or missing, diseases in Myanmar. A military junta ancient Biblical city also yanked from bandied about regarding how many and not much more. rules the country, formerly known as the map by some great upheaval in died, how many were injured, and how I really don’t want to write this but I Burma. On the weekend of May 2– what I used to imagine were much many are missing (other than its gossip just have to ask—why is it when there May 3, that nation, with a population simpler times. value). He writes, “Death tolls calibrate would be a bus bombing or a café bomb- of about 50 million people, was hit by Interestingly enough, back then there ing in Israel (may they never again hap- a cyclone. Cyclone Nargis moved was also somewhat of a numbers game pen), our major concern was always across the southern portion of the that took place, in a dialogue recorded with how many were killed or how many country, with high winds and flooding in the Torah between G-d and Avraham were hurt? Who trained us to think this that devastated much of the Irrawaddy Avinu, our forefather Abraham. We Israel, Myanmar, way and to respond with this type of Delta and Yangon (Rangoon), the know that, not unlike sections of emotional reflex? Why don’t we react by country’s main city. Myanmar and areas of China, Sodom China—either the asking who survived and how we can At that point I felt that my coffee was completely destroyed. We don’t help them? Yes, that is also our reaction had cooled, so I gently placed it in the know, however, how many people were numbers are too to an extent; but that usually occurs microwave to heat it up a bit. It was killed in Sodom at the time of whatever later on in the process. sunny outside, though the top corner miraculous meteorological or geological small to matter or too Why is it that if there is a shooting, of the Times’s front page said that I event occurred. We do know that or in the days of the bombings, if should expect showers later that day, Avraham attempted to negotiate the sur- large to comprehend. “only” two or three people were mur- so I made a mental note of that fact. vival of the city in the merit of any right- dered or less than a dozen injured, it My eyes shifted over to the left side eous people who may have resided seemed that after a few hours it was as of the same front page, where I start- there. Once again there was the injec- if nothing at all had happened? Israel’s ed reading about the havoc and tion into the process of a discussion of news coverage, which builds public terrorist enemies know that there is a destruction caused by the recent numbers: “What if there were only fifty awareness and, in turn, drives dona- threshold of acceptance in these earthquake in China—7.9 on the righteous people in the city of Sodom?” tions. The estimates also are recorded in attacks, and they try desperately not to Richter scale. (I had a rebbe named and so on, until it was negotiated down history books and serve as rankings for exceed the quotient of tolerance that Rabbi Richter in sixth grade; I won- to “What if there were only ten?” If only disasters. They are also used to build has been unofficially established that der…) Entire cities were destroyed, there were. software models for quickly assessing allows the Israeli government—and tens of thousands of people were Writing in last weekend’s Wall Street earthquakes’ damage.” He points out many of us, too—to accept them. killed, and hundreds of thousands Journal, Carl Bialik, in his “The that unlike earthquakes, storms are How many times have we heard injured, but it is pointed out some- Numbers Guy” column, analyzes why more variable and therefore harder to officials in Israel say that if a Kassam where between the lines that these it is that the one thing we get to know measure by assigning a number that can rocket hits a school bus or strikes a numbers only represent a tiny fraction and know well about these horrendous express the magnitude of the event. preschool in S’derot and 20 or 30 of the overall Chinese population. disasters are the numbers involved in Perhaps that’s why the military dicta- children are killed, G-d forbid, then The numbers are shocking and even the death and destruction associated tors that control Myanmar know that Israel will have no choice but to react unfathomable. How do people deal with the event. How is knowing that the world is only mildly interested in the with force? How did it happen that if with such losses—their families (par- 100,000 people died in Myanmar’s news about aiding survivors, and there- an elderly woman is killed or a young ents, husbands, and children all gone cyclone or that 75,000 died in China’s fore they do not have to bother exposing boy loses his legs in one of these in some cases), their homes and busi- earthquake going to help anyone who their corrupt and probably merciless nesses, and any remnant of their com- survived and is in desperate need of practices to the world by allowing unfet- Continued on Page 21

18 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 19 Lawrence To Ramat Gan Benji and Pnina and son live in an Continued from Front Cover apartment in Ramat Gan. “I like the simplicity that people live in,” he says. soon as something happens and CNN “We live in a simple community. People calls, we already know exactly who was are satisfied with what they have.” killed and where,” says Benji. Regarding his neighbors, he says, He has been studying at Bar Ilan “There are lots of Yemenites who wake University, in the Community Social up at 5 in the morning and daven at Pelosi And The Jews his first son—Nancy Pelosi’s older Work department. The difference the beit knesset next door.” There is a Dear Editor, brother—Franklin Roosevelt D’Alesan- between this and regular social work, hesder yeshiva across the street, where The recent Jewish Telegraphic dro. Yet he supported the Bergson he says, is that “instead of helping a some of his friends study, and Benji Agency interview with Nancy Pelosi, Group even though it was publicly chal- single parent, for instance, you help and Pnina have other friends from the Speaker of the U.S. House of lenging FDR. And he continued to back single parents as a whole, try to school. “All the guys who made aliyah Representatives, noted that “her the Bergson Group after the war, even empower them to do things on their father, Thomas D’Alesandro, raised though its campaign for Jewish state- own so they recognize they have the money for Jewish refugees from Nazi hood often clashed with the policies of ability to fare for themselves.” Europe, she discovered recently.” the Truman administration. Why did you make aliyah? It is important to note that Congress- For a junior Democratic congressman “All the cool people were doing it. man D’Alesandro’s involvement in to publicly side with Jewish activists Just kidding! But seriously, I wanted to Jewish affairs in the 1940s came at con- against two Democratic presidents took raise my family in the place that the siderable risk to his political career. political courage. He knew that by defy- Jewish People will be in for eternity, Documents which the David S. ing Roosevelt and Truman, he might be b’ezrat Hashem.” Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies making enemies in the White House. In Benji met his wife, Pnina Edelstein last year located among D’Alesandro’s 1947, at the very moment he was break- of Hollywood, Florida, in Israel, and papers, and provided to Speaker Pelosi, ing ranks with Truman over Jewish state- they married a year and a half ago at revealed that during the 1940s, he had hood in Palestine, D’Alesandro decided the White Shul in Far Rockaway. been one of the Congressional support- to run for mayor of Baltimore. If the Today they have an eight-month-old ers of the Bergson Group, a maverick White House had chosen to retaliate son, Uriel Zvi. They have a cousin in The Gabler family. Jewish political action committee that against him for his dissent on Palestine, Zichron Yaakov. Pnina is studying pressured the Roosevelt administration he might never have been elected. And if Tanach at Bar Ilan. to rescue Jews from the Nazis. The that had happened, his daughter Benji’s parents, David and Gail on their own created their own social Bergson activists held rallies, organized Nancy—who has said she learned her Weinstein, live in Lawrence Bay Park. circle, and those friendships take over a march by 400 rabbis to the White politics at her father’s elbow—might David, his stepfather, was the principal the role of family.” House, and placed more than 200 full- never have embarked on a political of DRS and now he’s a math teacher in Do you have any advice for college- page ads in newspapers around the career of her own. She was fortunate to HALB elementary school; his mother age students regarding aliyah? country. Some of those ads featured lists have as her role model a man who coura- teaches math at a yeshiva in Queens. “It’s important to be spontaneous, of celebrities, prominent intellectuals, geously put his humanitarian principles What did you do in the Five Towns roll with the punches, and look at and members of Congress who support- above his narrow political needs. before you made aliyah? every experience as something new ed the group—including D’Alesandro. Rafael Medoff, “Well, five years ago I was on the front and exciting, as opposed to frustrating D’Alesandro was a staunch supporter Director, David S. Wyman Institute for page of the Five Towns Jewish Times for of President Roosevelt, and even named Holocaust Studies, Washington DC earning the Eagle Scout award!” Continued on Page 23

20 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE Continued from Page 18 attacks, it is treated as if nothing at all has happened? Israel, Myanmar, China—either the numbers are too small to matter or too large to comprehend. We have our own historic tragedies that are particularly relevant at this time of year and that are still commemorated despite the fact that it happened to people we didn’t know and it occurred in the very distant past. This is the period of sefirah, when, amongst other things, we commemorate the deaths of the 24,000 scholarly students of Rabbi Akiva. How is it that we can so gingerly and easily digest this fact of the demise of those holy Torah scholars who, we are told, suffered this fate because they failed to sufficiently respect one another and possibly begrudged their fellows’ beliefs and accomplishments? In the aftermath of the Holocaust and the most inconceivable death and destruction ever wrought on our people, I suppose if our intellects can somehow soak in the fact of the mur- der of six million Jews, then somehow our minds can be stretched to absorb anything. It seems that sometimes the emphasis on the numbers themselves is something of a replacement for dealing with the emotion of the real-life experience back then and indeed with what is taking place today. Perhaps we can say that the numbers themselves are numbing. And all this comes to us as we place one volume of the Chumash back up on the shelf and take the next one down and turn the page to begin reading Sefer Bamidbar—known otherwise as the Book of Numbers. And the book was probably assigned that name because at the very outset it describes how G-d counted, or took inventory of, the Jewish People. Rashi explains that G-d counts the Jewish People “all the time” because of “the love of Israel that is in His visage.” At the same time, the commentators explain that there are ten times in the history of the Jewish People that there was a headcount. Among these countings were following the Exodus from Egypt, following the sin of the Golden Calf, and so on—a total of nine previous times, with the tenth such inventory to be taken in the future, to coin- cide with the arrival of Mashiach and the final redemption of the entire Jewish People. But those specific countings seem to be in contravention to Rashi’s declaration that He counts us all the time. Apparently there is a significant difference between the way the statisticians and the news media count and a Divine counting. The first is there to mostly tit- illate, sensationalize, and distract one from the true tragic pain and suffering inherent in these events. It is suggested that when G-d counts, He achieves the opposite. His purpose is to indeed count the masses while infusing each with a spirit of individuality that sets us apart even as a census is being taken to analyze us all as one large and very complete unit. This type of counting is anything but a numbers game. O Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at [email protected]. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 21 boring sectors were beverages and begin to raise their profit forecasts, we energy. Their stock prices essentially can begin to jump back into the water. The Keen Capitalist stalled until the economies of Brazil, Financial stocks may stagnate for a Russia, India, and China experienced short period of time, but if you buy extraordinary growth. those with a decent dividend, you can BY MARTIN MUSHELL the S&P 500. Granted, most of those Furthermore, the expansive growth collect it while waiting for the stock gains have been wiped away over the of the global economy has been made price to appreciate. past 12 months, but we should look for- possible through American financial While the greatest investors are The Recovery ward to the recovery. institutions. For example, Citigroup those who have the gumption to invest It seems that all we have been hear- To believe that a bump in the road is has approximately 144,000 full-time at a time when everyone else is scared ing from the financial sector the past going to stall America’s engine is pre- employees in the United States and to, timing the market is almost impos- 12 months is bad news related to hous- posterous. Business cannot expand approximately 183,000 full-time sible, and betting on when the bad ing, the economy, and credit defaults. without financials and, dare I say, employees outside the United States. news will end can be a daunting task. Large corporations such as Citigroup financials are the key to capitalism. Try As much as one would like to dwell on As Benjamin Graham wrote in the and UBS have set aside billions to starting a business or buying a car or a Citi’s sub-prime blunder which cut its Intelligent Investor, “Profit from mar- cover past and future sub-prime losses. house without a loan from the bank. ket folly rather than participate in it.” Last week, a major hedge fund manag- Furthermore, a major company cannot The market is like a vendor, approach- er’s questioning of the validity of some expand its business without the ing you every day with the same prod- of Lehman Brothers’ assets sent the financing of an investment bank. One needs to have the uct at a different price. If you are wise stock down another 8.9%. Lehman is Just because things seem gloomy you will purchase the product at a now off 55% from its 52-week high, or now does not mean that things will be foresight to capitalize on price below what you believe it is $25 billion in market value. like this forever. The story of Rip van worth, but not get too greedy and miss At this juncture, conventional wis- Winkle illustrates this point. As the developing trends. out on a buying opportunity. dom would dictate that we should all story goes, he falls asleep before the Currently our financial sector has run from this sector, as the news will American Revolutionary War. After 20 taken a beating, but it will ultimately only get worse. Maybe this is the case, years, he awakes to a country free from stock price in half, we should concen- rise again. One needs to have the fore- but all solid corporations become high- British rule and hails himself a loyal trate on all the business they are sight to capitalize on developing ly valuable at a certain point and some subject of King George III, not knowing obtaining internationally. trends. We can liken this to planting a have a very bright future. It is incon- that in the meantime the American For all these reasons and more, I tree which may not look like much at ceivable to think that investment bank- Revolution has taken place. Similarly, believe that anyone buying a financial first. Given the right climate and care, ing, trading, and asset management in 20 years from now we will read on exchange traded fund or a mutual fund those small seeds we put in the ground will never be in high demand again. our 10-ounce laptops how there was a will come out ahead in five years. can grow into a blooming tree bearing This was the feeling many had during time when the financials were strug- However, the most prudent time to buy fruit. If you position yourself strategi- the tech bubble which began to deflate gling and those keen enough to recog- is not while this sector is tumbling. As cally, nurture your investments, and in 2000 as the financial sector was hit nize the opportunity saw it as an ideal they say, don’t try to catch a falling track their progress patiently, you will very hard, and which did not see its next time to invest. knife. There are still many issues to profit from the market’s recovery. O bull run until 2003. At that point, finan- The general rule is, when buying a work out, including mortgage losses, cials came back with a vengeance, and stock, think of how business will the junk bond market, and lack of Martin Mushell has seven years of valuation what didn’t kill them only made them expand long term. Before the recent investment banking revenues. Once experience, and currently manages personal portfolios of stocks, bonds, and retirement stronger. For the next three years, this globalization that we have experienced the bad news has ceased for at least accounts for LPL Investments. He can be reached sector was one of the best performers in the past few years, some of the most two quarters (six months) and banks at [email protected] or 646-283-1685.

22 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Olmert & Barak Olmert corruption scandal began. A “one does not need a magnifying glass Lawrence To Ramat Gan Continued from Front Cover year ago, shortly before he was elected to see the difference” between the two Continued from Page 20 to lead the Labor party, he said that in cases. He did not elaborate. office sharply criticized Barak’s call light of the Winograd Report criticiz- Barak further told his party col- and stressful,” says Benji. that Olmert resign following the inves- ing Olmert’s performance during the leagues that Labor, as the second- Benji interns at Beit Issie Shapiro tigations against him. “Barak’s call [to Second Lebanon War, Olmert should largest party in the Knesset, need not (www.beitissie.co.il), a non-profit Olmert] is a cynical attempt to control reach personal conclusions and resign be dragged along behind the initiatives organization that offers many services Kadima’s agenda,” a source in Olmert’s from office. Barak said then, “If on of others, but should rather lead its to children and adults with diverse office said. “He is not the one to deter- March 28 I am elected chairman of own political moves. special needs, including developmen- mine who will be at the head of Kadima the Labor party, and the prime minis- The ball is now in Kadima’s court, tal delays and mental retardation. and won’t. Since the beginning of the ter has yet to reach personal conclu- where either the prime minister him- What are your professional goals for investigation [against Olmert] and the sions, I will act to form a wide consen- self will make an announcement, or the future? prime minister’s facing up to the public sus in my party and with the faction party members will take actions of “To give people the ability to recog- and announcing his innocence nothing leaders to determine an appropriate their own against or in favor of Olmert. nize that G-d has given them the abili- has changed.” and agreed date for elections.” The party leadership, including Livni, ty to deal with any situation that The source emphasized that the tes- However, Barak never acted to Mofaz, Sheetrit, and Dichter, will have they’re in and to give people the tools timony given by New York financier advance the elections, and in fact to come up with an agreed-upon to grow through any situation that G-d Morris Talansky on Tuesday, who said backtracked from his demands. approach regarding either Olmert’s has put them in.” he has given Olmert $150,000 of his Despite very public pronounce- remaining in office or the identity of Benji says that he feels it is impor- own money, did not change the prime ments by Barak’s own former cam- his replacement, or a modus vivendi tant to give hakaras ha’tov to the rab- minister’s situation. “Calling on the paign manager that Barak himself is no for choosing one. banim of his shuls, Rav Dovid prime minister to resign on the basis of stranger to the culture of “money- Within Labor, MK Yoram Marciano Weinberger and Rav Yehoshua Kalish. one man’s one-sided testimony is a stuffed envelopes,” Barak is reported criticized Barak for not calling imme- And he concludes, “My family has flawed norm. Barak’s media trick to have expressed, in meetings with diately for new elections. “He acted been living in the Five Towns for about served only the press’s lust for drama,” Labor Party colleagues, “disgust” at as if he has no confidence that Labor three generations, and I think it’s the source said. Olmert’s behavior. Barak, during the can win, and rather called on Kadima appropriate to thank the community “Barak, from the marble-tiled Akirov press briefing, addressed this point, to choose its new leader,” Marciano for its education and positive influ- Tower and with his own problematic calling it “nonsense,” but adding that said. (Arutz Sheva) O ences on my family.” O past should not preach morals to us,” the source added, hinting at Barak’s upscale Tel Aviv residence and investigations carried out in the past regarding irregularities in Barak’s campaign funds when he himself was running for prime minister. Earlier on Wednesday, Barak called on Olmert to step down due to the illicit funding investigation against him. “In the wake of the current situation and considering the challenges Israel faces, including Hamas, Hezbollah, Syria, Iran, the captured soldiers, and the peace process, the prime minister cannot simultaneously lead the government and conduct his personal affairs,” Barak told a press conference in the Knesset. (JPost.com) O

Barak Calls On Olmert To Step Aside

BY HILLEL FENDEL

Israel’s defense minister, Ehud Barak, called on Wednesday afternoon for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to remove himself from office. Barak heads Labor, the government coali- tion’s second-largest party. His announcement followed a long meeting between Olmert and Barak, called by the prime minister. Barak said that if Olmert does not step down, “we will act to advance the elections.” He did not specify a date, and said, “We are not standing with a stopwatch, but it should happen very soon.” The Labor Party leader said that Olmert can choose any one of several options: resignation, vacation, temporary suspension, or the like. He also called on the members of Olmert’s Kadima party to “make a self-reckon- ing” and choose its way: “If they choose a replacement, we will consider further cooperation with Kadima, but if Kadima does not act, and if a government that is satisfactory to us is not formed, then we will work to advance the date of the elections.” Barak has previously called on Olmert to step down, before the 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 23 A Mother’s Musings Let’s Call It A Night

B Y PHYLLIS J. LUBIN down Central Avenue and continued on to Cedarhurst Park. All the speech- It was 7:20 p.m. on Monday es were quite moving, as our soldiers evening, and I decided to take a risk. and victims of 9/11 were properly In the light of day, I opted to convince memorialized. both Yussie and Lea to go to sleep. I And most importantly, Yussie loves a felt that the day had been full and even good parade! Plus, he enjoys seeing I could fall asleep at that point. They people come together at the park for had both risen by 6 a.m. and had been various occasions throughout the year. quite active since then. Just a couple of weeks ago we celebrat- That morning, after they both got ed a “Picnic in the Park” with the dressed and ate breakfast, we were off Number Five School (which Yussie to watering the crops in the backyard. attends). Last Sunday we enjoyed the The swings looked inviting in the quiet Kulanu carnival. And, most recently, of the early morning, and that kept on Thursday night we celebrated Lag them busy until it was time to escort BaOmer with the Chabad of the Five Daddy to the post office to mail out Towns. So Cedarhurst Park has enter- various bill payments. They each took tained Yussie and the Lubin clan quite turns opening the mail box and plop- a bit in the past few weeks, and we ping the mail inside. Then there was a eagerly await the Cedarhurst summer little downtime, so I allowed them to concerts in the park this season! take in a quick “Barney” episode. By Please keep in mind that the 10:30 a.m. we were all ready to walk to Cedarhurst Memorial Day parade and the Memorial Day parade on Central ceremony in the park was just the Avenue. morning schedule for Yussie! That was It warmed my heart to see how followed by a delicious pizza lunch at much of the community came out to Shula’s. honor our departed soldiers. We really When we arrived home, Yussie decid- felt that small-town feeling as we ed that it was time to have Shoshana watched the various marching bands practice her driving with Daddy (and, of and assorted dignitaries, including the mayor of Cedarhurst, as they paraded Continued on Page 84

24 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 25

to tefillah as existing in the higher with love from one to the other, to Praying Like The Angels realms and people treating it imperti- exalt their Creator with a spirit of nently. It seems as though this has pleasantness, with explicit praise, and been a problem for all eternity. We do a holy sweetness and they all unite and not use the word “return,” since we proclaim ‘Holy, Holy, Holy…’” BY YOCHANAN GORDON is important to understand that the have never attained the apex of We are asking G-d that we should more time we invest and effort we prayer. be able to unite in prayer and assist If we would truly realize the power exert in understanding the concepts In the Kedushah, during the chaz- each other in bringing Him pleasure, in effect while standing in service of and meditative aspects of prayer, the zan’s repetition of the Shemoneh which is the greatest pleasure for us as G-d, we would approach prayer with a greater the depth of feeling we will Esreih, we plead before G-d that our well, and the key to effective prayer. It more serious demeanor and our attain. It is impossible to fully master prayer should be like the prayers of the seems that while we indeed stand in prayers would be that much more the art of prayer. angels. But the Gemara says that the prayer prior to the angels, there is effective. I think the fact that we do In the fifth blessing of the angels in Heaven do not extol G-d in something about their demeanor in not realize the levels that we are capa- Shemoneh Esreih, we recite, “Allow us prayer until we, down here, have prayer that we are lacking in ours and ble of attaining in prayer causes a lack- during that moment of truth we real- luster mindset towards our time spent ize the flaws in our conduct. We wish in shul on a daily basis. to draw nearer to G-d and so we ask Rabbi Ephraim Wachsman, shlita, for Divine assistance in reaching our once related a story that happened to As different as we are, we can ultimate goal. him when he was four years old. Rav Kook, in his commentary to the While stepping off of the school bus, Siddur, writes that more than under- he noticed a red box attached to a tele- be no further opposites than standing the prayers, it is important to phone pole with the letters “FDNY.” feel the need to pray. It is possible that After thinking for a moment, he real- some people go to shul because they ized that pulling the lever on the box fire and water. are afraid of being branded an outcast! was supposed to send a signal to the The only way to realize and internalize fire department and send them hurry- the need to pray is through humility. If ing to the location of the alarm. we allow ourselves to be overcome by However, he had a hard time under- to return, O Father, to Your Torah and prayed to G-d. So, if anything, the haughtiness, then how effective can standing how pulling a lever attached draw us near to Your service and bring angels should pray as we pray, and not our prayers be? If we struggle with to a pole could send a signal to the fire us back in complete repentance the opposite! This difficulty can be arrogance, then what is the purpose of department—or to anyone else, for before You.” What seems a bit per- answered as follows: We should pray in praying amongst a minyan? While that matter. He pulled the lever, and plexing is that regarding Torah, the the manner that the angels use when there are ten different expressions of in a matter of minutes he realized the word “return” is used—implying that they pray to G-d. How do the angels prayer, the Talmud teaches that Moshe consequence of his actions. at one point in the past we had pray? At the outset of Shacharis every Rabbeinu only utilized tachanunim. It Needless to say, prayer is a lot more reached that stage. This refers to morning we say, “The name of the says in Pirkei Avos, “Do not make your powerful. We will never begin to Adam before he sinned in Gan Eden merciful, great King, who is both prayers keva, rather supplication understand the loftiness of prayer and the Jewish Nation before the sin strong and awesome is Holy—And all before G-d.” Our Sages explain that we unless we invest more time into under- of the Golden Calf. However, regard- of them (ministering angels) accept are supposed to beseech G-d in a man- standing every word, every line—even ing prayer, the words “draw near” are upon themselves the yoke of Heaven ner befitting a pauper. Rav Nachman in between the lines. Before we start, it used. The Gemara in Berachos refers one from another and give permission of Breslov explains “keva” to mean

26 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES force—by way of making demands of they unite when we unite. Chassidus G-d. If we are making demands of G-d, teaches us that every mitzvah that we it seems that we are able to hold our perform creates an angel above on our own without his intervention and that behalf. One of the commentaries we can tell Him what to do. However, explains on the passage “He who being that we are totally dependent on makes peace in the heavens, he will Him and we cannot live for a second make peace on us” that this is refer- without His willing us into existence, it ring to the angels of fire and water only makes sense that we show Him coexisting in the Heavens. As differ- who and what we really are—nothing. ent as we are, we can be no further While our nation comprises many opposites than fire and water. If G-d different sects and people of various can make peace between them, then levels of observance, we are in essence we surely have hope. one people united before G-d. We may Our angels want to unite. They want be spread about the world, but we are to bring the ultimate redemption, but still one nation that unites in joy and they can’t extol and exalt G-d until we sorrow and feels the happiness and do so down here. The reason, it occurs sadness of our fellow as if it were our to me, is that the angels do not exist own. But if we could only take that without our prayers and our mitzvos— step and carry that feeling over and the stronger our intention and sin- towards our day-to-day life and relate cerity, the greater the angel. Let us all to each other like the angels in unite, feel our sense of dependence Heaven, we would then be that much and responsibility to others, learn from closer to G-d. The differences between our peers, and make this world a better us in the larger scheme of things are place together. O minute. We have to realize that we share a common goal and are responsible one for another. We should all strive to get closer to G-d through prayer and learning Torah—be it Remember that article? halachah, mussar, Talmud, or Kabbalah. There are many routes that Visit our archive section lead to G-d and who is to say which and find any issue of the route is better and which is worse? The Talmud states that every blade 5 Towns Jewish Times of grass has an angel above that com- pels it to grow. In the Torah, we are online @ often compared to a “field.” Every liv- www.5TJT.com ing creature also has an angel in Heaven, our ambassadors to the King, that represents us as individuals—and

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 27 knowing that we just had a fight with Where’s Your Safe Place? our husband, we’re worried about a It occurred to me yesterday—as I sat sick relative, or the bills are piling up in one of my favorite spots at and we’re not too sure how they will Sunflowers, an adorable millinery bou- get paid. But for the most part, we tique on Central Avenue, enjoying the smile, chit-chat, and present what peo- dependable company, wisdom, insight, ple expect us to present—a “together” and fun that I can predictably expect individual who has got things pretty from the owner, Amy—that we all need much under control. And there we a safe place to go to. I say this because stand, feeling very alone. life can often feel lonely. But “alone” is not a great place to

There is something about human nature that requires intimacy—being heard and understood, being known.

Though we go through our days be. There is something about human smiling at our friends and acquain- nature that requires intimacy—being tances, wishing them a good day or heard and understood, being known. hearing about their Shavuos menus or On a gut level, most of us crave this their children’s strep throats, we’re connection. And perhaps even more often not really connecting to anyone vital, we crave love: that uncondition- in any sort of meaningful way. As we al kind of love that feels safe and free wave goodbye and say, “Have a great of judgment; the type of love where day,” internally we may feel very alone, someone can actually enjoy your suc-

28 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES cesses more than you, and feel your So I ask you to ponder this question: pain just as deeply as you do. Where’s your safe place? Is there Philadelphia Yeshiva Benefit Spending time with this type of somewhere—and, more importantly, Photo By Ivan H. Norman individual is what a “safe place” is all someone—to visit where you can put about. A safe place may be in your your sack of worries down, gain mother’s kitchen, your best friend’s insight, and feel hopeful? A place den, standing around a BBQ flipping where time practically stops, an hour burgers with your close buddy, or feels like five minutes, and your even that weekly appointment biggest concern is that you shouldn’t around a backgammon table. It’s find a ticket on your car (since you predictable, satisfying, and it never could have sworn that you just parked lets you down. If you suddenly need and can’t understand where the two to share something of major impor- hours went). tance, you know your friend will If such a place exists for you, treas- drop everything, look you in the ure it and take advantage of it. Don’t eyes, and pull from a reserve of love let too much time pass between vis- and smarts to help you problem- its. Renew yourself just by showing solve, wanting only the best for you. up, so that you avoid the trap of When I walk into Amy’s store, I falling into a funk, which can happen know that there will always be a big to anyone who feels alone and doesn’t smile waiting for me, a yummy hug, have adequate support. If you can’t and a meeting of the hearts. If Amy is think of any such place, try to figure busy with customers, I can always play out why you’re alone in this crazy dress-up, trying on her beautiful collec- world. Why haven’t you reached out tion of stylish hats. But when it’s quiet for the emotional nourishment that Mr. and Mrs. Simon Pluchenik of Lawrence hosted a parlor meeting to and it’s just the two of us, magic hap- everyone needs so desperately? benefit the Yeshiva of Philadelphia. Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetzky, pens. It’s so interesting to me how two Furthermore, can you offer up this Rosh HaYeshiva, and Rabbi Benyamin Kamenetzky graced the event this people from different backgrounds and experience to someone else? Do you past Sunday, May 25. life experiences can—seemingly from have a lonely neighbor, or a nephew out of the blue—recognize a kindred who seems isolated? Or maybe even spirit within each other. All I can say is your own spouse! We’re all so busy that it happens. But in order for it to running around with our lists all day For the next issue, deadline for reserving happen, one has to be real, honest, and long, just trying to keep up, that we totally free of pretense and absolutely can easily lose sight of what human ad space is Monday, June 2 at 5:00 P.M. open for the experience. Being present beings need first and foremost—love when the opportunity shows its face is and connection. O All graphics for ads must be in by the ultimate freedom. That’s where Tuesday, June 3 at 5:00 P.M. true living happens—not in yesterday’s Esther Mann, LMSW, has a private practice in regrets or tomorrow’s fears, but in the Lawrence. Esther is a psychotherapist and life coach and can be reached at 516-314-2295 or Call 516-984-0079 actual moment of just being and taking [email protected]. She works with individu- in the good stuff. als, couples, premarital couples, and families.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 29 incredibly stupid or he’s taking naiveté just love that nonsense? to new heights if he thinks there’s any- I don’t particularly care how they do thing he can say to change the mind of it. He can be president and she can be a meshugana. Maybe he doesn’t recog- vice-president, or vice versa. All I care nize a meshugana when he sees one. about is that the country isn’t left in Nothing could be worse than having a the hands of someone who’s willing— naive president with zero experience in possibly even anxious—to sit down and international diplomacy. talk to the Iranian crackpot with evil Loose Lips What I wonder is: Why doesn’t the intentions. Maybe, as VP, Hillary will rest of the country see that? I know I be able to rein him in. can’t be alone with these concerns. Not too many people are wringing It is said that loose lips sink ships. running campaign in political history. There are people out there who share their hands and moaning, “Ohhh, why Hillary did just that. With her foolish Who among women wouldn’t love to my point of view. What I don’t know is couldn’t Hillary have kept her mouth reference to RFK’s assassination in the see one of our own in the White why so many other U.S. citizens, dele- shut,” because, truth be told, she wasn’t month of June, she seems to have sunk House—not as a spouse to the presi- gates, and superdelegates are missing it. doing too hot even before that thought- her own ship. The operative words dent, but as the president? And to be So Hillary said something stupid. So less comment about RFK. Still, she’s here are “seems to have,” because one sure, Hillary has far more experience in what? Who among us hasn’t? Especially unquestionably worse off now. can never be sure. Women, in general, international diplomacy than her cur- after doing so much speaking! So But the good news is that the public are a determined lot, and few are more rent opponent. I wouldn’t be quite so Hillary is a woman. Who cares? So she’s doesn’t have a long memory, so eventu- determined than Hillary. Still, it’s defi- bent out of shape at the prospect of her a scrappy fighter. What of it? It’s hard ally she’ll climb back up and get her- nitely not looking good. losing—but for the fact that the for a woman to win unless she is a fight- self back onto the fast track. Then Considering the millions of words Democratic candidate would then be er. The bottom line is that if Obama gets maybe she and Billy Boy, who probably that both she and Obama have uttered Obama. That guy is scary. He takes this nomination, we’re in deep trouble, has the distinction of being the only over the course of this long-running issue with the fact that McCain (also because he may be our next president. Rhodes Scholar to do so many dumb campaign to secure the Democratic not a favorite of mine) does not negoti- Face it: not too many Americans are things, can move back into 1600 nomination, it’s a miracle this hasn’t ate with terrorists. Obama’s exact words going to vote for McCain, who recently Pennsylvania Avenue. happened sooner. Clearly it’s got a lot were, “He doesn’t speak with this one, proclaimed that we’ll stay in the war for- By the time this is in print, Hillary to do with the law of averages. The and doesn’t speak with that one.” Well, ever if we have to. Politically, it was not may have already flapped her lips once more one talks, the better the chance what’s wrong with that? Actually, that’s one of his shining moments. again—this time to capitulate and to that he or she will mess up. I know this one of McCain’s better ideas. It’s almost June. The contest is near- join team Obama. All of which means from sad experience. Obama went on to say that if he is ly over, and any day now Obama and we’ve got trouble on the presidential From time to time I’ve slipped and elected president, he will—unlike John Hillary will be claiming to be the very front. But no one will have more trou- misspoken, only to find myself in hot McCain—speak to everyone. Please best of friends. Whichever one wins, ble than I, because I can’t always keep water. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s tell me he doesn’t actually plan to the other will be standing right behind his name straight. Now and then I for- no picnic when it does. The conse- speak with the evil maniac known as him/her and raising clasped hands high get if he’s Barack Obama or Obama quences, however, are far less serious Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Would he in the air. It happens every time. For Barack. But either way, I don’t want for me than for Hillary, since I’m not have tried to reason with Adolf Hitler, many long months, candidates feud bit- him as my president. O running for political office of any kind. Idi Amin, or Saddam Hussein, to name terly, say any mean-spirited thing that One can only imagine what kind of a few of the modern-day sadists? I’d comes to mind, criticize the other’s lack Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a licensed real-estate broker associated with trouble I would be in if I were. Mine love to know how those conversations of experience and expertise, and then— Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at would undoubtedly be the shortest- would have gone. This Obama is either suddenly—they’re a team! Don’t you [email protected] or 516-902-3733.

30 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Nutrition Counts! Mushrooms: Friendly Fungi

BY MIRIAM HOROWITZ, room extracts have successfully RD, CDE strengthened immune systems, have prevented recurrence of cancer in Recently I have been asked: Are patients, and play a role in preventa- there any nutritional benefits to mush- tive health. There is some Western rooms? The answer is yes. research-based evidence that supports There are many types of edible these claims. mushrooms. Among the most popular There is growing evidence in animal are white “button” mushrooms, cremi- studies that specific properties in ni, portobellos, shiitakes, oysters, mushrooms—specifically in shiitake, enokis, porcini, and maitakes. These maitake, and reishi mushrooms—stim- are only a fraction of those that exist in ulate immune response, especially nature, both cultivated and wild. against cancer and tumor cells. Some Mushrooms are a nutritious “veg- researchers believe mushrooms can aid etable” (yes, actually they are fungi). in reducing cholesterol (by blocking They provide nutrients including B the absorption of cholesterol in the vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, seleni- blood). This research is very exciting um, and potassium. Mushrooms are and promising. More evidence is nec- extensively studied for their antioxi- essary to support the routine medicinal dant benefits. Many mushrooms are use of mushrooms. Currently, there is believed to contain powerful immune no federal regulation of mushroom modulating agents (meaning that they supplements; therefore, the quality of help support the immune system). the supplements available is variable. Mushrooms have been used in So, should mushrooms be included Chinese and Japanese remedies for in daily diets? We know that mush- centuries. Mushroom extracts are rou- rooms are low in calories and sodium, tinely utilized in Japan in conjunction and are virtually fat-free. Mushrooms with chemotherapy in cancer patients, are a source of fiber and contain both to inhibit tumor growth and to essential vitamins and minerals. The reduce chemotherapy side effects. selenium found in mushrooms pro- These extracts are being studied in vides antioxidant benefits. Selenium is Western medicine, as well. The Japanese doctors claim that the mush- Continued on Page 32

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 31 NUTRITION COUNTS! Continued from Page 31

only one of many antioxidants already isolated in mushrooms. Based on these attrib- utes alone, mushrooms qualify as an “all the time” food. The added proposed immune benefits and cardiovascular benefits are a potential bonus that can only improve one’s health. Furthermore, mushrooms offer great flavor, texture, and aroma. They are a great accompaniment to many different main dishes, soups, sauces, and salads. Choosing a variety of fresh or dried mushrooms is important, as they offer different properties. Shiitake mushrooms are among the most studied and have proven health benefits. The following are great ways to include mushrooms into typical meals: • Toss large and juicy porto- bello mushrooms on the grill for a delicious meaty side dish that is low in calories or as a burger alternative. • Add sautéed sliced mushrooms to brown rice or kasha. • Stir-fry shiitake mushrooms with some garlic and mix in some multigrain angel- hair pasta. • Top some chicken breast or fish fillets with sautéed mushrooms and onions. • Add mushrooms to egg whites for a great-tasting omelet. • Mushrooms work great in red sauce; include them in your marinara sauce or favorite meatball recipe. While it is unknown to us now how many fresh or dried mushrooms one must eat to actually gain the potent immune responses, clearly mushrooms are worth eating on a regular basis. So experi- ment with the variety of fresh and exotic mushrooms available. It may prove more than just delicious in years to come. O

Miriam Horowitz is a registered dieti- tian (American Dietetic Association) and a certified diabetes educator (National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators) with a private practice for adults, adolescents, and children focusing on weight loss, health management, and preventative care. She can be reached at healthy- [email protected] or 917-774-3253.

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32 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Mishnas Chayim On The Parashah Food For Thought

The practice of bloodletting— Blood, Demons, And Shavuos wherein the extraction of a quantity The Rema (Orach Chayim 468:10) of blood from an individual was con- records the custom to refrain from sidered to be therapeutic—used to bloodletting on any erev yom tov. From be commonly accepted. The pros the Gemara (Shabbos 129b), it is

What danger does the Tavuach pose today, when the question of accepting the Torah is no longer on the table?

and cons of employing such a apparent that the real “problem” stems method are not the subject of our from erev Shavuos, when bloodlet- discussion here; rather, an important ting—normally beneficial—is consid- halachah surrounding the issue ered to be particularly dangerous. As a reveals some interesting things safeguard, the rabbis proscribed blood- about the upcoming yom tov of Shavuos. Continued on Page 34

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 33 MISHNAS CHAYIM Continued from Page 33

letting on any erev yom tov. What is the danger? The Gemara (ibid.) explains that on erev Shavuos, a certain pernicious demon known as “Tavuach” (from the Hebrew root tes- beis-ches, which means “slaughter”) is granted temporary ascendancy. His mandate is to meander around with an eye on the actions of K’lal Yisrael. If they accept the Torah, well and good; if not, the Tavuach may proceed (chas v’shalom) to wreak havoc upon them by rending their flesh and spilling their blood. In order to minimize the danger, Chazal instructed us to refrain from bloodletting so as to avoid presenting the Tavuach with any opportunities to cause harm. This appears to be a very queer situation, for the following reason: Such a restriction would be under- standable preceding the original Mattan Torah at Har Sinai, when the Jews had not yet received the Torah. However, the issue becomes apparently moot concerning every Shavuos after that. Why not pay a visit to one’s local bloodletter on erev Shavuos 5768? After all, the Jewish people already accepted the Torah thousands of years ago; what danger does the Tavuach pose today, when the question of accepting the Torah is no longer on the table?

Striving For A Favorable Outcome Perhaps the Mishnah can shed light on this subject. The Mishnah in Rosh Hashanah (1:2) discusses the different time periods in which the world is sub- jected to judgment: “The world is judged at four junc- tures throughout the year. During Pesach, judgment is rendered on the produce for that year (i.e., the quality and quantity of the crop is determined at that time); on Shavuos, the judgment concerns the output of fruits of the tree; on Rosh Hashanah, all people pass in review before Hashem’s scrutiny, just as sheep who pass, single file, before the shepherd who inspects them…; and on Sukkos, the world is judged for water.” Quoting Rabbi Akiva, the Gemara (Rosh Hashanah 16a) describes the special offerings and practices of each of the aforementioned yamim tovim as corresponding to the timely judgment. On Pesach, when the judgment focuses on produce, the Torah mandates the bringing of the meal- offering known as the Korban Omer. Brought from the barley crop, this offering reflects a plea to Hashem to decree that the upcoming crop should be a bountiful one. Likewise, on Sukkos a special libation of water was offered on the Altar, in the hopes of tipping the scales towards a judgment of plentiful rainfall. The unique prayers and shofar-blowing of Rosh Hashanah are similarly intended to grant us a favorable remembrance before the Ultimate Judge. The Shavuos offering, known as the sh’tei ha’lechem, was a wheat offering apparently unrelated to the fruits which are judged at that time. To properly understand the timeli- 34 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ness of the Shavuos offering, it is s”xc necessary to make a brief trip back in history.

Eating Smart One of the remarkable trees in Gan Eden was the Eitz Hada’as, the Tree of Knowledge. The Gemara in Berachos (40a) records a three-way dispute regarding the type of fruit that grew on the Eitz Hada’as (sorry, not one of the Tannaim says that it was an apple tree). According to Rabbi Meir, it was actually a grapevine; Rabbi Nechemiah is of the opinion that it was a fig tree; while Rabbi Yehudah maintains that the “tree” produced wheat. On Shavuos, two loaves of wheat- bread were brought as an offering, corresponding to the judgment concerning “fruit of the tree.” As we have seen, Rabbi Yehudah is of the opinion that wheat is actually classified as such, since it comprised the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. What connection does wheat in particular have with Shavuos? The Maharsha (Rosh Hashanah, ibid.) explains that wheat has certain wisdom-generating properties; hence its association with the Tree of Knowledge. The wheat offering is particularly well timed, therefore, as it coincides with the festival of the giving of the Torah—the ultimate manifesta- tion of Divine Wisdom. A quick recap of the facts highlights the true essence of this yom tov. The Torah mandates an offering of wheat specifically at this time, as it increases one’s intellectual capacity. If the yom tov of Shavuos was little more than a commemoration of the events that occurred many years ago at Har Sinai, what need is there for a special device to improve the IQ? Emerging from the Maharsha’s insight is the following revelation: Each and every year, the Torah is granted anew to the Jewish people. In other words, Mattan Torah was not a one-time event which took place at a particular point in history. The requirement to bring the wheat offering on a yearly basis—to transform the individual into a receptacle for Torah knowledge—is testimony to the fact that the Torah is presented each year at this time to the Jewish people. We can now appreciate the pre- cautionary measures taken annually against the Tavuach on erev Shavuos. Since another Mattan Torah is about to take place (same Torah, obviously, just a renewed transferal), the Tavuach once again rears his ugly head to see whether the Jews will accept it. Let us continue to disappoint him this Shavuos through a renewed acceptance of, and commitment to, the Torah and Torah learning. O

Kindly take a moment to study Mishnas Chayim in the merit of Shlomo ben Leibel, a’h, a fellow Jew who passed away with no relatives to arrange Torah study on behalf of his neshamah. Mishnas Chayim is brought to you by Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah, a network of Torah scholars dedicated to bringing the merits of Mishnah study to the greater Jewish public. Encompassing Mishnah, Gemara, and a variety of other services, Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah pri- marily assists mourners interested in acquiring the merit of Torah study for their loved ones. They can be contacted at 732–364–7029 or at www.societyformishnahstudy.org 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 35

A Five Towns Simcha Photo By Ivan H. Norman

Rena Chill, daughter of Rabbi and Mrs. Shaul Chill of Far Rockaway, married Dani Neuman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Aharon Neuman of Teaneck, NJ, at Ateres Chynka on May 26. Mazel Tov!

36 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES s”xc

Special Supplement: Israel At 60 CELEBRATING ISRAEL’S INDEPENDENCE AND THE REUNIFICATION OF JERUSALEM MAY ’08

FEATURING

Jerusalem’s Defenders Larry Domnitch 41 Yeshivat Har Etzion Rav Amnon Bazak 42 Celebrating In Jerusalem, Suffering In Ashkelon Dina Kraft 48 Comfort And Consolation Rabbi Berel Wein 49 1948 Volunteer Soldiers Reunite Dina Kraft 50 Taking The Temple Home Rabbi Dovid Rosenfeld 52 Israel At 60 5TJT Staff 53

Showcasing In The Five Towns Jewish Times Special Supplement: Israel At 60 Holyland Properties, Israir, Yigal Jewelers, Magen David Adom, AMIT, EL AL, Israel Day Concert, Isroyal, Emunah, Ateret Kohanim, Hertz, Jerry Meyer Studio, MediGuard, Rambam, Do-All Travel, Har Etzion, Jerusalem Pizza, Shoshanim, YourIsraelHome.com, Traveler's Choice, World Class Travels, Ezer Mizion, Orthodox Union, Strauss Ice Cream, Shlomie's Fund, Klein's Monuments, Hesder Yeshiva of Sderot, Simcha Hall, Standing Together, Project Inspire, Karako

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60 May 30, 2008 37 38 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60 May 30, 2008 39 40 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60

defenses. All the settlements of the area were besieged, and they valiantly managed to repel the enemy. Thirty- Jerusalem’s Defenders five members of the Haganah, en route to reinforce the settlements, were detected and ambushed. They BY LARRY DOMNITCH communities were religious Zionist; borders of the newly proposed Arab all fell in battle. They came to be Ein Tzurim was composed of members state. Despite the precariousness of known as the Thirty-Five. In the winter of 1943, a decision of the HaShomer HaTzair youth move- their own situation, the Jewish The residents and soldiers were in a made by a few idealistic and brave pio- ment. By the autumn of 1947, the Agency’s plan for them was to remain, strategic location, but their presence neers impacted the very future of region’s Jewish population rose to 457. and they abided. was even more unwanted, since they Israel. In Kfar Pines, members of the Once again, the Biblical hills which War was imminent, as all attempts had obstructed the movements of the religious Zionist youth movement, surround the “path of the patriarchs” would be made by the Arabs to pre- Arab Legion en route to Jerusalem by Bnei Akiva, mulled over a recommen- were inhabited by Jews. The greatest vent the creation of the Jewish State. firing upon their convoys. In order for dation by the Jewish Agency that they Arab forces in the region to join the resettle Kfar Etzion, an abandoned fight in Jerusalem, the main road had kibbutz located about two miles east of to be clear, and thus the Gush had to the Jerusalem-Hebron road. They all In order for Arab forces in the region be completely defeated. The kibbutzim understood that the task at hand was were under continual attack by forces immense—the area was isolated and under the regional command of Abdul heavily populated by Arabs—but they to join the fight in Jerusalem, the main Khader al-Husseini, brother of the nevertheless courageously decided to infamous Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj take the challenge. road had to be clear, and thus the Gush Amin al-Husseini. The hilly Gush Etzion region is Thousands of troops from the Arab located several miles south of Legion, along with irregulars, Jerusalem, near the city of Bethlehem. had to be completely defeated. launched repeated attacks upon the It had been settled initially decades settlements of Gush Etzion. The earlier, but efforts to populate the area defenders heroically managed to keep with Jews were thwarted during Arab challenges would soon emerge. Due to its location within the bound- the enemy at bay. By managing to riots in 1929 and in 1936. Both times, United Nations Resolution 181, aries of the newly proposed Arab block the main road linking Hebron the region was evacuated. This third passed on November 29, 1947, pro- state, as well as its proximity to and Jerusalem, they significantly con- return of pioneers to the region was vided for the partition of the Land of Jerusalem, Gush Etzion was a priority tributed to vital victory in the heralded throughout the yishuv. Israel; but the proposed borders would target for Arab forces. Jewish convoys Jerusalem Katamon neighborhood. As expected, the conditions were exclude Gush Etzion (Etzion Region). transporting supplies to the area were Thousands of Arab troops were kept rough, but the young pioneers persist- In total, 30 settlements throughout regularly attacked. One attack near out of that battle as a result. The last ed and their ranks increased. By 1945, the land were affected by the vote, and Neve Daniel resulted in many casual- commander of the defense of Kfar Kibbutz Massuot Yitzchak was estab- the city of Jerusalem would be inter- ties. By early January, most of the Etzion, Moshe Silberschmidt, termed lished, named in honor of the chief nationalized. The builders of Gush women and all the children of Gush the mission “Netzach Yerushalayim,” rabbi, Yitzchak Herzog. Soon, Etzion celebrated the news as the rest Etzion were brought to safety in Jerusalem Eternal. One of the defend- Kibbutzim Revadim and Ein Tzurim of the nation did, but had to face their Jerusalem, while the men, along with were established. Three of the four own grim prospect—being within the soldiers of the Haganah, prepared the Continued on Page 44

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60 May 30, 2008 41 behind the unique phenome- The strength of the yeshi- Aharon Lichtenstein, one of Yeshivat Har Etzion: non of Yeshivat Har Etzion, va’s influence begins, in my the rashei yeshiva, who is con- which has produced a large opinion, with the high level of sidered, even in the ultra- number of rashei yeshiva of learning and the intensity Orthodox world, as one of the This Is Just The Beginning different types of yeshivas, that exists there. Without outstanding Torah scholars rabbis of cities, and teachers tests or grades, the students and thinkers of our genera- and educators throughout know that the personal tion. The yeshiva’s computer- BY RAV AMNON Jewish world in general. What Israel, as well as leaders in the responsibility incumbent ized library, which contains BAZAK is the yeshiva’s secret, with realm of economy and law, upon them is extremely high. approximately 70,000 titles, thousands of alumni in Israel settlement and media, science The level of the lectures in is one of the largest Torah R’M AT YESHIVAT HAR ETZION libraries in the world, and it enables every student access November 2007—Yeshivat to almost every possible edu- Har Etzion, the hesder yeshiva The confrontation with different personalities with diverse cational source. One of the in Alon Shevut, is now mark- ways in which the Torah of ing the beginning of the 40th philosophical worlds will allow each student to choose the path Yeshivat Har Etzion manifests anniversary since its establish- appropriate for him. itself is in the many books ment. From the perspective of and journal articles, in all dis- 40 years’ time, it is possible to ciplines of Torah, written by take a break and assess the the yeshiva’s rabbis, students, enormous contribution of the and around the world who are and technology, who integrate the various disciplines of and alumni. “Gush” to the religious Zionist continuing in its path and car- Torah and their professions in study is influenced by the Alongside all of the above, world in particular and to the rying its banner? What is their daily lives? path and personality of Rav the belief in diversity and intellectual openness is one of the yeshiva’s unique banners. Rav Yehuda Amital, rosh yeshiva and founder, developed his spiritual world in light of Rav Avraham Yitzhak HaKohen Kook’s philosophy. Eventually, after Rav Amital enlisted Rav Aharon Lichtenstein as his co- rosh yeshiva, the philosophy of Rav Lichtenstein’s father-in-law and mentor, Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, zt’l, was added to the yeshiva. The yeshiva’s educational message is that every person has his own unique personality makeup and therefore it is specifically the confrontation with different personalities with diverse philosophical worlds that will allow each student to choose the path appropriate for him. Not only is the multiplicity of opinions not considered negative, but on the contrary, in that way each student learns to respect different opinions, and those with different, radically distant philosophies can reside together in the same beis midrash. Thus, in contrast to the situation in other yeshivas, in Yeshivat Har Etzion there has never been internal “politics,” conflicts, or fights. In a step that was rare in its integrity, Rav Amital, upon reaching his 80th birthday, established a committee that would recom- mend his successor. The committee recommended two of the yeshiva’s rabbis, Rav Yaakov Medan and Rav Baruch Gigi. The appointment of Rav Yaakov Medan, one of the heads of the Judea, Samaria, and Gaza Council, to that position—despite the tremendous philosophical differences that exist between him and Rav Amital—was received quite naturally, and it was only outside the yeshiva that some eyebrows were raised, by people far removed from the yeshiva’s philosophy.

Continued on Page 44 42 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60 May 30, 2008 43 Jerusalem’s Defenders the other kibbutzim of Gush Etzion families returned to celebrate Rosh College, and thousands participate in Continued from Page 41 also surrendered. Hashanah and officially reestablish the Tanach Study Days that are held The Haganah radio station, Kol the kibbutz. annually at the yeshiva. ers wrote in his diary, “Our readiness HaMagen HaIvri, reported, “Today at 1 The sacrifices of Kfar Etzion’s Yeshivat Har Etzion was among the for self-sacrifice will preserve the a.m., the enemy took Kfar Etzion by builders resonate there today, where leaders of the movement of intensive 600,000 Jews of this country.” storm. The defenders fought a coura- thousands are living their dreams— Torah study for women in our genera- The final Arab assault on Kfar geous hand-to-hand struggle until they building their lives on the area’s majes- tion, motivated by recognition of the Etzion began on May 12. The careful- were overwhelmed.” tic hills which overlook the splendid significance of enhancing the spiritual ly planned attack severely weakened The defenders of Gush Etzion self- city of Jerusalem, the eternal capital of world of women. At Kibbutz Migdal Oz the kibbutz’s defenses, as thousands lessly took all risks to ensure that Israel. As Yom Yerushalayim, the day the yeshiva established The Stella K. attacked, supported by heavy bom- Jerusalem remain in Jewish hands. that celebrates the unification of Abraham Beit Midrash for Women, bardments. Supplies were being For the next 19 years, the Jewish sec- Jerusalem, is celebrated, how fitting which has had the privilege of educat- depleted and manpower was short due tion of “West Jerusalem” thrived, that their sacrifices and immense con- ing hundreds of students. The Beit to the many casualties. Attempts by while the Gush Eztion region was tributions be remembered. O Midrash for Women teaches Gemara the other settlements to come to their desolate and abandoned. Upon the in-depth together with intensive study aid would not turn the tide. The ruins of Kfar Etzion, a Jordanian in all Torah disciplines. prospects for those in Gush Etzion army camp was built. Only a memory One can add to the above the VBM were grim, but their mission was clear remained of what was once estab- Yeshivat Har Etzion (virtual beis midrash), with the thou- and it was carried out to its utmost. On lished there. Yet that situation was Continued from Page 42 sands of shiurim that are sent out May 13, they received the following merely temporary. each week, the tens of thousands of message: “The provisional government The Arab attack on Gush Etzion An additional area in which the subscribers and surfers, who turn it and the entire yishuv are following helped save Jerusalem in 1948; in yeshiva has left its mark on the public into the largest beis midrash in the with awe and anxiety the unequal bat- 1967, during the Six Day War, the in Israel is in the study of Tanach. The world. It is worth noting the 500 fam- tle that is your fight. Your stand in pre- Jordanian attack on Jerusalem helped “Tanach revolution” that was created ilies of the yeshiva’s overseas students vious battles has not only been glori- lead to its liberation. Despite pleas in the yeshiva and in its affiliate, who have made aliyah and established ous, it has helped directly and indirect- from Prime Minister Levi Eshkol not Herzog College for Teacher Training, their homes in Israel. It is also worth ly to save Jerusalem.” to attack Israel, Jordan’s King Hussein led by Rav Mordechai Breuer, of mentioning the variety of projects in As the battle for Kfar Etzion was began shelling West Jerusalem on the blessed memory, and Rav Yoel Bin- which the yeshiva students and alum- waged, its defenders could no longer first day of the war—forcing Israel into Nun, may he live and be well, restored ni participate in acts of volunteerism, hold on. On May 13, two days before another front. Two days later, on June the intensive study of the Book of kindness, and community activity and Israel declared its independence, Kfar 7, as victorious Israeli soldiers stood in Books to the Jewish people. The recog- involvement. Etzion was forced to surrender. Yet the awe at the Western Wall, the hills of nition of the significance of the study Forty years, the yeshiva hopes, repre- white flag of surrender did not prevent Gush Etzion also were liberated, giving of the plain meaning of the text, sents just the beginning. The many enemy troops from continuing to fire the people of Israel additional reason together with the historical and challenges facing the Israeli public spur upon Jews, adding to the Jewish casu- to rejoice on that day. archaeological background that the yeshiva to continue with its various alty count. In the final two-day battle, The sons and daughters of those became possible with the return of the activities, to deepen, broaden, and 151 defenders of Kfar Etzion fell. who had, during those fateful days, Jewish people to its land, led to new, expand its impact upon the people more Only a few survived. Following the sacrificed all on behalf of Gush Etzion fascinating insights in the study of and more over the coming decades. O surrender, a message was sent to approached Prime Minister Eshkol, Tanach. The greatest teachers of Jerusalem: “The queen has fallen.” who gave his consent to rebuild Kfar Tanach of our generation have This article previously appeared in Hebrew in The day after the fall of Kfar Etzion, Etzion. Just months later, the first emerged from the yeshiva and Herzog Yediot Achronot online news, November 19, 2007.

44 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60 May 30, 2008 45 46 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60 May 30, 2008 47 Celebrating In Jerusalem, Suffering In Ashkelon

BY DINA KRAFT People Policy Planning Institute, the rocket. The strike was a harsh and the most suspect Israeli prime think tank that organized the confer- reminder that the ongoing attacks minister, as if there were no tomor- A crush of world leaders and their ence. “People from all walks of life from Hamas-led Gaza on southern row. Everyone talks about hope, security details mixed with Buddhist have come here and enriched our Israeli communities are growing ever peace, and the future. Whereas an monks, rabbis, novelists and Internet curiosity and knowledge,” Peres said wider, bringing more Israelis within hour and a half’s drive away, injured entrepreneurs at Israel’s splashy, in an address to the conference. the range of the terrorists’ rockets. people are transported from a mall in high-profile 60th anniversary celebra- The celebration in Jerusalem “Millions of light years separated yes- the center of town to the hospital. tion two weeks ago. The festivities at included a showy tribute to the U.S.- terday between the ‘Facing ‘Tomorrow’ is the great, real love of the “Facing Tomorrow” conference in Israel relationship, featuring songs, Tomorrow’ conference in Jerusalem Shimon Peres. He is already there. Jerusalem stood in stark contrast to The tragedy is that we are still stuck the destruction that Wednesday in here, in today.” Ashkelon, where two people were Such cynicism was absent from the wounded seriously in a rocket attack conference, where participants said from the Gaza Strip on the city of But while diplomats and Jewish leaders the forum served as a good place for 120,000. lively, important debate on some of The preponderance of so many dig- the most pressing issues facing the nitaries and top thinkers—Jewish and toasted each other in the capitol, world, including the potential threat non-Jewish—under one roof in of a nuclear Iran. Again and again, Jerusalem was part of Israeli ambulances in Ashkelon congregated speakers said Iran’s nuclear drive President Shimon Peres’s vision for should be approached as a global his conference. It was meant to bring problem, not just a problem for Israel. together people of influence and outside the destruction at a mall. A nuclear Iran would “tip the balance know-how for serious discussion and of the entire region towards extrem- reflection about how best to ism,” said Stuart Eizenstat, a cabinet approach the world’s most pressing member in the Clinton administration problems, particularly those of the effusive speeches, and standing ova- and the events of ‘today’ in Ashkelon,” and a former U.S. ambassador to the Jewish world and Israel. tions for the guest of honor, President Ben Caspit wrote Thursday in the European Union. It’s about “generating new ideas at George W. Bush. Israel daily Ma’ariv. Peres’s gala was preceded by a pre- a time when the world faces the para- But while diplomats and Jewish “Here, world and Israeli leaders conference summit of 120 top minds doxes of both opportunity and pro- leaders toasted each other in the gather in dark suits, fancy evening of the Jewish world. Academics, for- found threats,” said Dennis Ross, a capitol, ambulances in Ashkelon con- dresses, with burly security guards,” mer statesmen, and others mapped out former U.S. Middle East envoy and gregated outside the destruction at a he wrote. “In the audience they smile coherent strategies to challenges such the founding president of the Jewish mall struck by a Palestinian-fired at the most hated American president as confronting radical Islam and keeping young Jews in the fold. The summit issued several recom- mendations, including the creation of a Jewish youth service corps modeled after the Peace Corps, a Jewish leadership academy in Jerusalem, and the establishment of a secretariat to imple- ment key issues of Jewish communal consensus. The Peres conference attempted to showcase the best of Israel, with Israeli technology companies on display boasting inventions ranging from algae-produced biofuel to insulin in a pill. Israel’s accomplishments in science and technology are among Peres’s favorite topics. He says this is how Israel can contribute to the world. (JTA) O

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48 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60 Yitzchak and consoles him after mind of the mourner on what the death of his father Avraham. is yet to be accomplished in the Comfort And Consolation Judaism always demands of us future. The ache in one’s heart imitation—copying the ways of over the personal loss of loved BY RABBI BEREL Solomon in Koheles, but “a gen- in the continuity of family, the the L-rd. The mourner has to ones may be dulled by time, WEIN eration arrives,” as well. strengthening of Judaism and hear from others about the but it never completely disap- Solomon concludes the verse by Jews, and advancing the cause importance of life, the value of pears. But that ache can in Judaism has a formula for saying, “And the world stands of Torah, morality, and good- time, the challenge of family itself become the impetus for dealing with tragedy when it forever.” It continues to require ness throughout the world. and continuity. The visitors who further achievements and strikes. That formula is con- nurturing and protection, inspi- That is what the prophet strengthen the mourner in his accomplishments in life. One tained in the halachah of ration, and progress. There is Yeshayahu meant when he for- or her moment of grief and should always ask, “When will aveilus, mourning. The recogni- no justification to wallow in mulated the words of Jewish bereavement allow the mourner I achieve the status and tion of death and tragedy as one’s own sorrow when there is consolation: “And with to be raised from grief and to accomplishments of those who being inescapable parts of one’s so much yet to do and accom- Jerusalem shall you be comfort- see the opportunities that yet lie have gone before me?” That is life experience is what forms plish in one’s life span. ed.” Our task was and is to ahead. It is because of this certainly a much more mean- the underpinnings of that The periods of mourning are always build and strengthen inspiring goal of emotional and ingful and positive question process of halachah, which limited by halachah—a week, Jerusalem and all it represents. spiritual uplift that banalities, than merely asking “why?” eventually leads to the ability to 30 days, 12 months for parents. That will be our eventual conso- clichés, and unnecessary words May we all find comfort in move forward in life even The Shulchan Aruch warns us lation and comfort. should be avoided when visiting ourselves and our behavior and though one’s heart may be for- not to grieve excessively no mat- The mitzvah of visiting and and speaking to mourners. achievements. (RabbiWein.com) O ever irreparably broken. ter how bitter the loss. Rather, comforting the mourner is Remembering what was Judaism realizes the futility one should achieve consolation Biblical in its origin. G-d accomplished by the past gen- Originally published in the of asking “why?” The Torah in positive accomplishments— Himself, so to speak, visits eration can help focus the Jerusalem Post. itself told us that “no living creature can ever see [understand] Me.” Job’s pursuit of an answer to “why” is answered by G-d’s thunderous statement of man’s inability to comprehend the infinite. Better not to question, for the answer to such things lies beyond our realm of compre- hension and competence. It is only the arrogance of a generation of technological greatness somehow coupled with a society that often sinks into moral depravity that assumes that it can know the answer to the question “why.” The great philosophy exam at a noted university consisted of only one question: “Why?” The two possibly correct answers were: “Why not?” and “Because.” That pretty much sums up the attitude of Judaism towards this troubling matter, one that has vexed all humans from time immemori- al. All human answers to this question are superficial and artificial. Only G-d knows the true correct answer to the question “Why?” The halachah requires the mourner to sit low and accept visitors for the better part of seven days. The conversations are to be limited to memories, hope, consolation, and comfort. No one is to overly bemoan the fate of this particular event or of tragedy generally in human experience. Rather, the emphasis is to be on how to continue—how to grow spiritually and emotionally from the experience, bitter as it may be. Therefore the words of consolation are couched in the remembrance of Zion and Jerusalem, destroyed but yet remembered and to be rebuilt and eventually restored to their previous glory and status. Tragedy is never the last act in the human drama. The challenge of human life, especially of Jewish life, is to rise from tragedy and proceed onwards, to build and teach and inspire. “A generation leaves,” said King 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60 May 30, 2008 49 men and women from countries as diverse as Canada, Chile, and 1948 Volunteer Soldiers Reunite Switzerland. Volunteer fighters came from 43 countries. BY DINA KRAFT their fallen comrades. began. He brought experience from Derek Bowden, a non-Jew who White-haired and mostly in their World War II as a captain in the served with the British army in “We called them the bomb chucker- eighties, some walking with the assis- British infantry who fought in the Palestine in the late 1930s, made outters,” says the silver-haired octoge- tance of canes and walkers, the volun- King’s African Rifles in battles in many Jewish friends during his time narian, laughing. Smokey Simon, 88, teers retold the stories of the days that Ethiopia and North Africa. here. So, after fighting in Germany is talking about flight officers in the shaped their lives and the country’s nascent Israeli Air Force in 1948—a history. They were members of force that initially had no military air- Machal, a Hebrew acronym for foreign craft. The officers had to carry the volunteers. In 1948 they constituted a bombs on their laps and hurl them force of 3,500, both Jews and non- from their small civilian planes when Jews who served with the fledgling the target was identified. “We had to Israeli forces during the war. When

He recalls fighting in Latrun 60 years ago, commanding a platoon of Holocaust survivors from Poland straight off the boats.

tie them in so they did not fall out they decided to leave their comfortable Smokey Simon, center, is flanked by two of his grandsons at a May 7, 2008 reunion in Israel of with the bombs,” he says. lives far away for a war in the Middle volunteers who fought in the country's War of Independence. Simon volunteered to help start East filled with danger and uncertain- the Israeli Air Force after flying for ty, the memory of the Nazi genocide in five years in World War II for South Europe was still painfully raw. In Latrun, near the famous Burma and Syria during World War II—even Africa and Great Britain. He was “I came because of the Holocaust,” Road—which some of the volunteer serving time in the Bergen-Belsen con- among the few hundred former vol- says Stanley Medicks, 82, echoing the fighters helped secure to break the centration camp as a prisoner of war— unteer fighters in Israel’s 1948 War sentiments of many of his comrades. “I Arab siege on Jerusalem in 1948— he returned to Palestine to help the of Independence who gathered on wanted a homeland for the Jewish peo- stands a stone memorial for the Jews found their state. “I heard the Wednesday, May 7, Israel’s Memorial ple. And I wanted to help create a Machal soldiers who were killed in Arab speeches about what they were Day, in a clearing of pine and olive state.” Medicks, a Kenya native, came the fighting. During Wednesday’s cer- going to do, so I decided to come,” says trees in central Israel to remember to Israel just a month after the war emony their names were read aloud— Bowden, 86. “Once a soldier, always a

50 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60 soldier, I suppose,” he adds with a after retiring, vividly remembers the Palestine. At the time, his father was and handed over to the Jewish fighting shrug. A member of the airborne first anniversary of Jewish statehood in serving in the British Mandate govern- forces for a tidy fee. infantry in the British army, Bowden May, 1949. “The streets were full of ment. Although he was an officer in the One of his more vivid memories is conducted the first parachute jump of people, the feeling was wonderful, a tank brigades of the British army, he was fighting a battle in one of those tanks the Jewish fighting forces in Palestine, real esprit de corps,” he said at the not allowed to serve in Palestine during in Rafah along the Gaza-Egypt border. established its first paratrooper regi- reunion. World War II, because he was a Jew. He fought with a Canadian command- ment, and eventually wrote the Israeli For Dan Samuels, 83, coming to fight After he was demobilized, he came to er, a Chilean who served as the wire- army’s first paratrooper manual. for Israel was, in a way, a homecoming. Israel in 1948 and helped operate a pair less radio operator, and the gun loader, Looking around the forested land- He was born in Jerusalem, the grandson of British Cromwell tanks that were and a Czech driver. The times were scape of Latrun, he recalls fighting of Sir Herbert Samuel, the first high “taken,” he says—looking for a polite heady, he says. “So many things were here 60 years ago, commanding a pla- commissioner of British Mandate word—by two British army deserters happening.” (JTA) O toon of Holocaust survivors from Poland straight off the boats from Haifa, still wearing heavy clothes despite the sweltering Middle Eastern heat. Bowden spoke no Polish; they spoke no English. So he instructed them in how to use their weapons with physical gestures. “It was chaos,” he says with a rolling laugh. Bowden says the battle for the Burma Road was mayhem. “There was no water. There was supposed to be, but there was no organization to get supplies.” Lee Silverstein, 80, originally from Los Angeles, didn’t know what to expect when he left his studies at UCLA to join the fighting effort in the newborn state in August 1948. Silverstein, who made his way on a ship with more than 400 Jewish refugees from Europe and North Africa, worked in intelligence for the new air force. (It was the air force in which the volunteers perhaps made the greatest impact: About 95 percent of the pilots and airmen were volunteers, mostly veterans of the American, British, Canadian, and South African air forces.) Silverstein, who made aliyah

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60 May 30, 2008 51

ordinary lives and routines. And this is no small feat: We must take the les- Taking The Temple Home sons we have learned—of a living, all- powerful G-d—and bring them home with us. As the months of the daily BY RABBI DOVID revealed to us as it had once been. We there were no soldiers stationed along routine grind on, we may well forget ROSENFELD could see Him guiding and nurturing the border while the rank and file were the G-d we saw in Jerusalem. Those us in our special and unique land, but off partying in the capital. How could Jews who were fortunate to live in the In this week’s section of Pirkei Avos it would require some effort. We we get away with this? How could we days of the Temple—and those of us (5:7), we learn of the ten miracles would no longer see G-d as we once leave ourselves so vulnerable? Did G-d who will merit to see the future which regularly occurred in the Beis had—and the Jew might feel that G-d really neglect such an obvious detail? Temple as well—are thus given the HaMikdash (the Temple). is just a bit further removed from his Yet the Torah promises: “No man will occasional reminder of G- d’s Presence The miracles of the Temple were or her life. covet your land when you ascend to be and are told to take it with them and to an integral part of Jewish life in For this the Temple served as a seen in the Presence of the L-rd your live with that G- d the entire year. Israel. When the Jews dwelled in the reminder. Practically the entire Nation G-d three times a year” (Sh’mos 34:24). I feel that this is one of the most desert after the Exodus, their lives of Israel was commanded to appear Our enemies would not dare touch the important messages of the Torah. We were supernatural. They lived con- before G-d three times a year—during property of G-d’s sacred servants at so all have those greater-than-life experi- stantly with G-d, Who sheltered them the festivals of Pesach, Shavuos, and sacred a time. Thus, these three times a ences, those moments in which we with Clouds of Glory, sustained them Sukkos. We were commanded to come year we were asked to commune with sense G-d’s Presence in our lives. with the manna, and gave them drink to the Temple, bring special holiday G-d in ways we would never imagine Sometimes it’s that trying moment from a well which followed them in offerings, and rejoice in our blessings. the rest of the year, witness to His mir- when only Divine Providence pulled us the desert. And it was more than rejoicing; it was acles and sheltered by nothing other through, or sometimes we felt that lit- When they entered the Land of an encounter with G-d. We were to see than His own protective embrace. tle tingle of inspiration when G-d Israel, they began to live more “normal” and be seen by G-d in His revealed (Imagine millions of Jews converging at Himself was drawing us towards Him. lives—plowing, planting, harvesting, glory and witness the open miracles the Temple with no security guards and G-d does make appearances within our fighting wars, levying taxes, collecting that happened in the days when G-d no baggage check at the entrance. No lives, but they are rare. the garbage, running businesses, hag- chose to dwell among man. wonder so many people were able to Few among us merit G-d’s visible gling over prices, etc. In truth, Israel But it was even more than just see- come on a single day.) Presence at all times. But when we do was and is a land like no other. It is a ing miracles and wonders. We were Thus, we would reach a “high” on experience it, the Torah’s obligation land in which the physical realm func- almost asked to propel ourselves to an our holidays, seeing visible demonstra- speaks to us: “Go home.” Don’t pre- tions in complete harmony with the unnaturally high level of closeness to tions of a living G-d dwelling among tend you will be at this pinnacle at all spiritual. If we serve G-d, the rain will G-d. Man is not truly able to live in the us. But there was an additional obliga- times. Go home and continue with come in its time and the land will yield presence of a G-d Who performs open tion. The Torah commands us to “go life. But take that message and that its bounty; if we rebel against G-d or miracles. The experiences of the desert home” the morning after the holiday sensation with you and make them a serve Him with indifference, the land were not ones that we were ever to (Devarim 16:7). Well, of course we’ll part of your life. We will not always itself will refuse to respond to our return to or would ever again be able go home afterwards! Why would we sense G-d’s Presence as we do at such needs, and it will eventually reject us as to maintain. have to be told? special moments. But we can and we it “vomited out” the wicked nations This is further evidenced in the I heard Rav Yitzchak Berkovitz of must remember. Hold on to that mem- which preceded us. Torah obligation that we leave our bor- Jerusalem explain that the Torah gave ory. For it alone can carry you through Even so, Israel was not a place of ders unprotected while we’re away in us a special obligation to “go home”— the easy and the difficult moments open miracles. G-d’s Hand was not Jerusalem. Every Jew would come; to return after the holidays back to our that life is sure to bring. (Torah.org) O

52 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60

don’t do anything. around the world about Israel, and cre- Said Schindler, “Moms for Israel ated new communities so that Jews from aims to help relieve mothers’ stress, around the world would have a place to ISRAEL AT 60 to help give children a respite from call home. JNF pioneered drip irriga- these attacks, and to help put a tion and new means of growing plants smile back on S’derot’s residents’ under arid conditions, bringing green to faces.” the desert, and its 200 reservoirs and A five-day summer camp experi- water recycling centers have increased ‘Moms For Israel’ To Give Respite hear that the mothers in S’derot are ence costs $500 per child. This Israel’s water supply by 10 percent. To Sderot’s Children keeping their children inside, depriv- includes round-trip transportation, As a United Nations NGO, JNF Beginning June 3, Jewish women ing them of normal childhood activi- hiking, activities, food, accommoda- sponsors international conferences on from across the country and around ties in the hopes that they will be tions, traditional camp activities, desertification, shares afforestation the world will gather in their homes safe from the barrage of rocket and—best of all—respite and a techniques, and funds research on to raise money to send “our chil- attacks.” chance to be a kid. For more infor- arid land management. JNF is restor- dren” in S’derot to summer camp. To “We are a partnership of women, mation or to donate, visit ing northern Israel, making it home date, more than 50 homes have banding together at the same time to www.jnf.org/momsforisrael or call again to its residents and is support- signed on to host meetings in New help our children in S’derot,” said 888-JNF-0099. ing Israel’s newest generation of pio- York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Berkman. “It’s a very powerful feel- Jewish National Fund (JNF) began neers by developing the Negev Desert, Palm Beach, Baltimore, Washington ing, a very powerful message.” in 1901 collecting coins in blue boxes Israel’s last frontier. JNF is a regis- DC and Cincinnati, as well as cities From the time a siren goes off to purchase land and return the Jewish tered 501(c)3 organization. O in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and indicating an incoming rocket, people to their homeland. In over 106 Arizona—even Paris and Hong Kong, S’derot’s residents only have 15 sec- years, JNF has evolved into a global An Evening Of Chesed And Song too! onds to make their way to a bomb environmental leader and become the Under The Stars With Ezer The goal is to send all of S’derot’s shelter—not enough time if you’re a central address for the land and people Mizion 3,000 school-age children to sum- young child playing outside with of Israel. To date, JNF has planted 240 Imagine a fellow Jew being told mer camps in other parts of the friends or riding around the neigh- million trees, built over 1,000 parks that he has only months to live. But country for at least five days of borhood on your bicycle, or really and recreational areas, constructed respite. “As summer was nearing and doing anything that kids do. So they security roads, educated students Continued on Page 54 we started getting our kids ready to go to camp, we realized we just had to something for the children of S’derot,” said New York resident Meredith Berkman, who approached the Jewish National Fund to be an anchor partner in the campaign. In just a few short weeks, the campaign was mobilized and other major Jewish organizations—UJA- Federation of NY, JAFI, Art for Israel, and One Family Fund—have signed on as partners in this initiative. Berkman and her friend Sarah Sternklar—both mothers themselves—who founded Art for Israel during the war with Hezbollah, also raised money last summer to fund a Magen David Adom Emergency Services Center in S’derot. When they went for the dedication just recently and saw the desolate streets with no sign of normal everyday activity, they knew they had to do more. “When parents in S’derot kiss their children good night, they can never tell them, ‘don’t worry, it will be all right,’” said Sternklar. “That realization had a profound effect on us.” S’derot first came under rocket fire from Palestinians in 2001, but since Israel withdrew from Gaza the number of rocket attacks has risen significantly. In recent months, rocket fire has become an almost daily event. There have been days that 50 rockets were launched from Gaza into S’derot. Studies have shown that at least 75 percent of children ages 4 to 18 in S’derot suffer from post-traumatic stress, including sleep disorders and severe anxiety. They suffer night- mares, loss of appetite, and problems in school. Some 120 children are currently undergoing long-term mental-health therapy. “The ‘Moms for Israel’ campaign is designed to appeal to women,” said Elisa Schindler, JNF’s national director of the women’s campaign for Israel and special campaigns. “Women—mothers, grandmothers, and aunts—can relate when they 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60 May 30, 2008 53 ISRAEL AT 60 Ben-Gurion University The research group assessed 70 Ben-Gurion University of the Researcher Identifies Early Continued from Page 53 young children, aged 12 to 26 Negev is a world-renowned institute Cardiac Risk Factors In months, whose OSA was confirmed of research and higher learning, with one thing can save his life. His doc- Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients by polysomnography. The children campuses in Beer-Sheva, Sede Boqer, tors search for it. His friends search A research team led by Aviv were scheduled to undergo adeno- and Eilat in Israel’s southern desert. for it. It must be somewhere…they Goldbart, M.D., of Ben-Gurion tonsillectomy (T&A) to remove It is a university with a conscience, search further. He waits in hope…he University of the Negev has discov- enlarged tonsils and adenoids. On where the highest academic standards waits in tefillah. Time passes. His ered that obstructive sleep apnea the morning of their surgery, the are integrated with community body weakens. If you knew of his (OSA) can manifest cardiovascular children were tested to determine involvement and where the pioneer- plight, wouldn’t you help in the complications in young children as it levels of N Terminal pro B type ing spirit of discovery flourishes, ful- search? does in older children and adults. Natriuretic Peptide (NTproBNP), a filling David Ben-Gurion’s dream to Many cancer patients are told by This study—whose results were pre- peptide marker for inflammation. make the desert bloom. their physicians that their survival is sented at the American Thoracic Compared to matched controls, Founded in 1972, American dependent on a bone-marrow trans- Society’s 104th International 46 children with OSA had signifi- Associates of Ben-Gurion University plant. To be successful, it must be a Conference in Toronto, Canada, last cantly higher levels of NTproBNP marks its 36th year of support, help- good genetic match. Jews genetically week—is the first to examine the and of CRP (C-reactive protein). ing BGU develop the bold new vision match Jews. In 1998, Ezer Mizion’s relationship between systemic Three months after surgery, 20 chil- for the Negev: the focus of the future International Jewish Bone Marrow inflammation and cardiovascular dren were evaluated. The average of Israel and the world. O Registry was born to meet the need morbidity in children. levels of NTproBNP and CRP had of the many cancer patients looking OSA is a common disorder in dropped below that of the control AMIT Generations-In-Israel for a donor who is a match for them. which a person has one or more group. Luncheon Celebrates Israel’s The registry maintains a database pauses in breathing or shallow “It is important to determine how 60th Year of over 350,000 potential donors. breaths while asleep. Breathing closely related these two factors are The Sabra Chapter of AMIT is to But it’s not enough. The registry pauses can last from a few seconds in young children,” said Dr. host its annual Generations-in-Israel must be increased so that each to minutes, and often occur 5 to 30 Goldbart. “It allows us to test for the Luncheon on Monday, June 2, at the request can be met with an immedi- times or more an hour. OSA is the inflammatory factor much earlier Sephardic Temple, 775 Branch ate yes—before it’s too late. leading cause of daytime sleepiness, and to monitor the children in case Boulevard in Cedarhurst. The lunch- Genetic testing is expensive. Jews and, if left untreated, can lead to surgery may be needed to correct the eon will begin at 12 noon, preceded everywhere are urged to support the increased risk factors of high blood disorder and avoid debilitating car- by a boutique at 11:00 a.m. This registry, as it acts as an insurance pressure, heart attack, obesity, and diovascular conditions later in life. year’s event will celebrate Israel’s policy for Jews around the globe. So diabetes. Increased levels of CRP in children 60th anniversary as well as mark please support Ezer Mizion at an “OSA starts from the first year of with OSA may require cardiovascu- Yom Yerushalayim. Friends and sup- evening of chesed and song under life, yet very little is known regarding lar assessment. But further studies porters of AMIT from throughout the stars, a celebration of Israel at the cognitive, cardiovascular, and are needed first to determine the the Five Towns are expected to 60. This event, featuring Yaakov other medical consequences,” need to diagnose and treat OSA at a attend. Lemmer, will iy’H be held on explained Dr. Goldbart, who is a very young age.” All proceeds will be earmarked for Monday, June 2, Yom Yerushalayim, member of the Faculty of Health Goldbart plans to conduct a fol- a scholarship summer program for at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Mira Sciences at Ben-Gurion University low-up study to determine if abnor- the 120 children at AMIT Frisch Nakash in Belle Harbor. For further of the Negev and a pediatric pulmo- mal cardiovascular function in these Beit Hayeled in Jerusalem. AMIT information call 718-853-8400. O nologist and sleep specialist at children puts them at greater risk for Beit Hayeled is a home for children Soroka University Medical Center. cardiovascular morbidity as adults. in foster care where their physical,

54 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60 educational, and emotional than 20,000 children come Judaism. lies in the United States and award this year was the pres- needs are met and where from economically disadvan- AMIT also has established hundreds of volunteers in entation on the occasion of they also receive uncondi- taged and/or troubled fami- a Girls High School for Israel, working together on Israel’s 60th anniversary. tional love, support, and lies—homes facing hunger Science and Technology in behalf of Israel’s most pre- Professor Yuli Tamir, encouragement on an indi- and poverty or scarred by vio- Haifa, affiliated with the cious resource, its children. Israel’s minister of educa- vidual basis. lence and domestic turmoil. Technion, and is the sole AMIT can be contacted at tion, informed Liora Minka, Dr. Jordana Topp, wife of Yet AMIT students also provider of religious Zionist 817 Broadway, New York, NY Emunah’s Israel chairper- Rabbi Kalman Topp of the reflect all of Israel: religious education in the cities of 10003; 212-477-4720 or son, of the selection of Young Israel of Woodmere, and secular, Ashkenazi and Beersheva and S’derot. The 800-989-AMIT; or info@ Emunah as a recipient of is the event’s scheduled fea- Sephardi, sabra and new most recent additions to the amitchildren.org. To learn the award. “It is a tremen- tured speaker, on the topic immigrant. All students are AMIT Network are the reli- more, visit www.amitchildren dous source of pride to our of Jerusalem. For further welcome in AMIT’s educa- gious school system in .org. O organization, which has information and reserva- tional environment, and tol- Ma’ale Adumim, a city of been in the forefront of tions, please call 212-477- erance, respect, and the unity 30,000 on the outskirts of EMUNAH Awarded meeting the needs of the 1207. of the Jewish people are basic Jerusalem, and the religious Prestigious Israel Prize Israeli people for over 70 About AMIT. Since 1925, tenets of AMIT’s philosophy. school system in Afula. For 2008 years,” said Minka. AMIT has nurtured and AMIT is proud that more AMIT’s programs are rec- Emunah was awarded the “Emunah’s activities center educated Israeli children to than 95 percent of its gradu- ognized for their effective- prestigious Israel Prize 2008 on education and social wel- become productive, con- ates serve in the Israel ness and success. during the Yom Ha’atzmaut fare, strengthening the fam- tributing members of socie- Defense Forces or perform Additionally, AMIT high ceremonies in Jerusalem on ily unit, and cultural and ty. Its more than 70 schools, national service. schools are consistently rated May 8. This distinguished chesed programs. But our youth villages, surrogate The newest schools and among the top ten high award was established to role goes further. We family residences, and other programs established by schools in Israel in studies recognize those who have respond immediately to any programs, located in 22 AMIT include the Stone conducted by the Ministry of made major contributions to emergency, any crisis, facing cities and communities Nechalim residential facility Education. Despite their Israeli society. In bestowing the Israeli people.” throughout Israel, provide a for developmentally chal- often impoverished or immi- the award, the committee Three major women’s continuity of values-based, lenged youth; a select pre- grant backgrounds, AMIT recognized Emunah for its organizations—Emunah, academic excellence from army program for young students have won numerous lifetime achievements and WIZO, and Na’amat—were kindergarten through junior men; a post-high-school pro- awards in national and inter- vital role in humanitarian, given awards this year. All college. gram for young women from national science, technology, social, cultural, and educa- three organizations were Recently, AMIT has been abroad; and a science and and Bible competitions. A tional services. lauded for working together devoting considerable technology school at the higher percentage of AMIT Presented at the official in their common goals of resources to S’derot, where AMIT Kfar Batya Youth students successfully pass state ceremony, the Israel advancing social, cultural, it has six schools and pro- Village, which offers, like the important bagrut (matric- Prize (Pras Yisrael) award and educational issues. grams and almost 2,000 stu- the AMIT Ginsburg ulation) examinations than ceremony marked the clos- Over 10,000 children from dents, helping the children Technologi-cal Institute on the national average. ing of the Independence all walks of life are cared for of the community deal with the campus of Bar Ilan With headquarters in New Day events. The entire lead- and educated in Emunah’s the daily onslaught of University, a curriculum of York City and offices in ership of the country came educational network, which Kassam rockets from across advanced scientific study Jerusalem and Petach to pay their respects to the includes 135 day-care centers the border with Gaza. within the time-honored Tikvah, AMIT is supported winners of the prize. Adding A majority of AMIT’s more framework of traditional by more than 40,000 fami- extra significance to the Continued on Page 57

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60 May 30, 2008 55 56 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60

ISRAEL AT 60 Continued from Page 55 and multipurpose day-care centers, 5 children’s residential homes, crisis and emergency centers for children at immediate risk, 6 high schools, the Emunah College of Art and Technology, 13 family counseling centers (with the last recently opened in S’derot), batei midrash, and community centers for women’s issues. O

Children In EMUNAH Western Negev Nurseries Reeling From Barrage Of Rocket Fire Every day, children in the western Negev stand on the front lines, a symbol of Israel’s security and of the nation’s determination not to succumb to terror. They are playing a role that children should not have to assume—that of bellwether of the state of the Jewish State. Acting on orders of the Ministry of Defense, for the past eight months the children from the Emunah Kfar Maimon Day Care Center have been housed in a local yeshiva. This building, ill- equipped for little children, is their shelter while the entire modern Emunah Day Care Center building is being reinforced to withstand all rocket attacks. This town, only 6 kilometers from Gaza, has been living in constant fear of Kassam rockets. Most of the residents rely on the Emunah Day Care Center to provide their children with safe and secure day care while they work, trying to survive the difficult emotional and economic challenges they are facing. There was recently a direct hit on Moshav Bet Hagedi, adjacent to Kfar Maimon. In what has become a tragic routine, the terrorized children were rushed to the yeshiva shelter. The caregivers have a brief 15 seconds to get the children, some as young as three months of age, from any unsecure part of the building to safety. It is a har- rowing experience, and the young children are exhibit- ing the effects of trauma. The problems are only getting worse throughout the western Negev. Having “upgraded” to Grad missiles, Hamas has been firing these larger, longer-range missiles toward Ashkelon. One hit the shopping center in Ashkelon with tragic results. The area is also threateningly close to one of the two Emunah Ashkelon

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Day Care Centers. At Emunah’s recently opened Crisis and Intervention Center in S’derot, Tami Beck, the center’s director, related that while she was leading a support group for victims of terror, a Kassam rocket fell near- by, cutting off the power in the center. “The group sat in the dark. Some were hysterical, but all took strength one from the other,” recalls Tami. “It is eerie to be treating trauma victims while the cause of the trauma is literally at your door.” Ten Emunah facilities located in the western Negev are facing the danger of rocket attacks: the Crisis and Intervention Center in S’derot, two Emunah day-care centers and a counseling center in Ashkelon, the Kfar Maimon Day Care Center, Emunah Day Care Center and Family Counseling Center in Netivot, Counseling Center and Community Center in Netivot, and the Emunah Day Care Center in Sdot Negev. At the recent opening of Emunah’s Crisis and Intervention Center in S’derot. In constant contact with the Home Front authorities, Emunah staff is acting on official orders, (previously there was a 3-minute standard bearer for the resilience of the western Negev, Emunah Israel is adding personnel, safeguards, and warning period before a rocket hit; the citizens of Israel. And while asking for help to assist the children emergency equipment and supplies. this has been reduced to 15 sec- Emunah is determined to make life and families in the southern part of the The staff has expressed the urgent onds), additional games and toys for just a little easier, a little less trau- country, says Liora Minka, chairman need for an additional eight social the children in the shelters, and matic, the organization can only be as of Emunah Israel. If anyone would like workers, a full-time child psycholo- funds for more psychological coun- effective as the support it is given by to help the families by contributing to gist for the day-care children, help seling for families. the Jewish people throughout the the Emunah western Negev emer- to refurbish shelters and to bring Each time a “Code Red” sounds, world. gency campaign, please call Emunah them up to the new safety standards there is a child who becomes the In light of the terrible situation in at 212-564-9045 ext. 303. O

58 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60 May 30, 2008 59 60 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Special Supplement: ISRAEL AT 60

Zev’s Fund was created by Helen “Can I keep it?” he begged in earnest. and Ranan Wolff as an independent The outpouring of support was organization to raise money for a num- remarkable with bowlers of all ages arriv- ber of research and drug development ing with stacks of checks they’d collect- projects which will bring Zev and other ed and others requesting addressed kids with neuroblastoma closer to a envelopes to send in continued dona- cure. Its poignant and informative tions. An eight-year-old showed up at the Zev’s Bowlathon: Fighting For A rare and aggressive form of cancer called website at www.zevsfund.org keeps check-in table and handed in three quar- Cure One Strike At A Time neuroblastoma. In the past three years family and friends informed and pro- ters, two dimes and a nickel. “It’s for he has been through multiple surgeries, vides donation information. Although Zev.” He said proudly. And that summed May 18 was a drizzly Sunday with radiation, and chemotherapy in an effort currently under temporary mainte- up the evening pretty well. It was for Zev. spotty showers and a low cloud cover. to win the battle over his cancer. nance while being updated, the web- Checks can be made out to Zev’s Yet, the inside of Maple Lanes Bowling “He just loves life.” Helen Wolff, site will be back up within the month. Fund and sent to P.O. Box 58, Alley was filled with laughter, cheering, Zev’s mother, remarked as Zev The cost of clinical trials and med- Cedarhurst NY 11516. and the clatter of bowling pins. Over exchanged high fives with AY Mernick, ical research runs into the millions of Please continue to daven for Zev 100 people came together in an amazing his counselor from Camp Simcha. dollars, and throughout the Five Eliezer ben Chaya Shaindel l’refuah show of generosity and support to help “I knocked down four pins!” Zev held Towns numerous fundraising projects shelaimah. O raise nearly $25,000 for Zev Wolff. up four chubby fingers, his face lighting have been arranged over the year from Zev Eliezer ben Chaya Shaindel is a up as Meir Fried, one of the organizers concerts, to speeches, marathons, and Boro Park Nurses Receive Special six-year-old boy from Woodmere with a of the event, began chanting his name. bake sales. High schoolers, grown-ups, Recognition From Gift Of Life grandparents, and kids alike have all Nurses who are responsible for the joined together in Zev’s fight. cord blood recruitment program at The Bowlathon began as a random Maimonides Medical Center in idea after a counselor from Camp Brooklyn and the Boro Park OBGYN Simcha met Zev on a trip to Disney office received special recognition by the World and later read a letter his grand- Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation mother sent in to the local paper about on May 6 at the start of Nurses Zev’s Fund. “When I realized the boy Appreciation Week. Officials of Gift of in the article was the same one I sat Life visited with the nurses to express next to on the plane ride I felt this their personal thanks to “the everyday incredible need to do something.” said heroes” who will be responsible for sav- Chaya Goldstein. ing many lives, said Jay Feinberg, A couple of e-mails later, that some- founder and executive director. thing turned into Zev’s Bowlathon. Cord blood remains in the umbilical The program began with a buffet cord and placenta following birth after spread catered by Sub-Express and then the cord is cut. Although usually dis- led to hours of bowling, socializing, and carded, cord blood is an extremely valu- good natured competition. Zev’s able resource because it is rich in blood favorite part of the evening? Definitely forming stem cells. After a baby’s birth, Event organizers, Meir Fried, Chaya Goldstein, Tzviya Lubinsky and Penny Routberg along with the T-shirts that were generously donat- Zev, his mother, Helen Wolff to his left, and his sister Elisheva. ed with his name stenciled across them. Continued on Page 62

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 61

AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS the obstetrician’s office would serve as Continued from Page 61 a recruitment site for Gift of Life’s cord blood program. Boro Park OBGYN this blood can be collected and frozen to serves a large clientele of Orthodox potentially save a life in the future. Jewish women in Brooklyn, the ideal The Gift of Life Bone Marrow community for Gift of Life’s cord blood Foundation launched its walk-in cord program. “The partnership between blood donation program in conjunc- Gift of Life and Boro Park OBGYN is tion with Maimonides Medical Center one that I could not refuse,” said in November 2007. In this “walk-in” Schwartz. She explained that her dedi- program, Gift of Life cord blood coor- cation to this project stems from a dinators are permanently stationed at chance meeting with Feinberg in 1995 the birthing center at Maimonides, at the Seattle Hospital where Jay facilitating the procedure for the received his own life-saving bone mar- expectant mothers to donate their row transplant. Schwartz was there babies’ cord blood. with her sister who was suffering and The day of appreciation started out at eventually passed away from leukemia. Maimonides Hospital with a breakfast The partnership has since been named to show recognition for the nurses. in her memory: the Leah Gottlieb Through the Maimonides walk-in pro- Sattin Recruitment Program. gram as well as the Boro Park OBGYN The day ended with Gift of Life rep- office, Gift of Life has already success- resentatives returning to Maimonides fully stored 1,000 units of cord blood hospital to thank the night shift of and has already used two of these units nurses who are also involved in the for life-saving transplants to two babies. cord blood program at the hospital. Carol Kidney, RN, director of nursing at Gift of Life facilitates bone marrow, Maimonides Hospital, thanked Gift of blood stem cell, and umbilical cord Life for their partnership with blood transplants for children and Maimonides as well as the nurses for adults suffering from life-threatening their continued commitment to the illnesses globally. Its services include project. Feinberg presented the nurses transplant coordination, donor recruit- with a plaque praising their dedication ment, patient advocacy, and public edu- and hard work with this project. cation. Through targeted recruitment Gift of Life continued the day of in Jewish communities throughout appreciation with a sponsored lunch at North America, Gift of Life strives to the Boro Park OBGYN office. Gift of overcome the loss of bloodlines follow- Life’s partnership with Boro Park ing the Holocaust, a consequence that OBGYN began in 2004 when Feinberg has made the search for genetically approached the executive administra- matched donors particularly difficult tor, Fran Schwartz, with the idea of for Jewish patients. For more informa- creating a unique partnership whereby tion please visit www.giftoflife.org. O

62 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Zeh LaZeh: Supporting Widows And Orphans In Israel For over a decade, Zeh LaZeh, “From One to Another” has provided thousands of widows and orphans from every part of Eretz Yisrael with a personal support system, often from the moment of loss. Zeh LaZeh is an unusual organization, sensitive to the needs of the individual while providing unconditional service 24 hours a day—which means that the widow and her children will get, for as long as they are in need, everything they require from one source. Rebbetzin Rottenberg, who calls the widows her sisters, plays a major role in the lives of these widows, whom she treats like her own family. Through raising and educating the children and marrying them off, to assisting during medical emergencies and making yom tov, Rebbetzin Rottenberg is a “rock solid support system.” She is even there to mediate uncomfortable situations between family members and solve problems before they get out of control. To learn more or donate to Zeh LaZeh, write to 1579 47th Street, Suite 1-C, Brooklyn, NY 11219, call 718-686-0111, fax 718-686-0112 or visit www.zehlazeh.org. O

Jerusalem Weight Loss Initiative Adding its weight to the struggle against obesity, the Jerusalem municipality has decided to place scales outside shopping centers and next to fast food stands, to remind residents that whatever the cost of the food, the price is also paid in calories. The Yediot Ahronot reported that the solar-powered scales are part of a plan by Mayor Uri Lupolianski which will also see some 40 walking paths paved in the city, each one with an exercise machine. The municipality hopes the machines will serve as a reminder to Jerusalemites to eat healthier food and engage in more sports. Falafel, a popular Israeli fast food containing deep-fried chick peas and salads served in pita bread, can contain up to 550 calories if it is served—as it often is—with humus, tehinah, and fries. Another popular Israeli fast food fare, schwarma—chopped lamb or beef in a pita with salads—can also contain up to around 500 calories, depending on whether it is also served with humus, tehinah, and fries. (VOS IZ NEIAS) O

Ezer Mizion Success Story Yungerman in Israel Saves Life of Yeshiva Bachur in California. An invisi- ble bond stretches across the ocean from California to Israel. Two yeshiva students smile in the knowledge of their newly created blood relationship. Inspired by Ezer Mizion’s publicity campaign, Moshe Price had registered with Ezer Mizion’s International Jewish Bone Marrow Registry. His blood was genetically tested to await the possibility of a lifesaving match for a Jewish cancer patient. And Moshe Price went on with his life. Meanwhile, during a stint of volun- teering in Eastern Europe during the summer of 2005, Yosef Eliezrie developed “the flu which just didn’t go away.” He was flown on an emergency aircraft back to his home in California, where the suspected diagnosis was confirmed:

Continued on Page 65 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 63 64 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS familial challenges to attend this pro- Continued from Page 63 gram, succeed, the school assigns a personal proctor to each student. Michal leukemia. It was touch and go for Kalangel, a 21-year-old mother from awhile. But prayers were answered and Gush Etzion, appreciates attending a his condition was stabilized. He religious institution that “considers the returned to his studies at yeshiva after a needs of married women with children.” battle with chemo, but within a few Her mother, a nurse at Hadassah months, Yosef and his parents faced the Hospital, has been her lifelong role doctor whose grim expression told it all. model; her first year of nursing school The cancer had returned. “A bone mar- solidified her belief that the profession row transplant is his only chance to combines cure and care in the best way. live,” they were told. The rich resources available to JCT, Without any compatible donors both in the domain of Jewish studies among family members, the Eliezries and the technological sciences, enable a were advised to contact Ezer Mizion. synthesis of “Hi-Tech, Hi-Touch.” Ezer Mizion’s registry is enriched with Summing up her experience, Bat-Tzion many varied Jewish ethnicities. In Yosef Eliezrie and Moshe Price. Landesmen says, “The atmosphere is addition to the general population, conducive to both spiritual and academ- IDF recruits are routinely tested, ic growth, and I feel that this program is bringing the current total of registrants prayers, the two blood brothers greeted After earning her bachelor’s degree in one of the best decisions of my academ- to a total of over 350,000. Ezer Mizion each other for the first time. Yosef America, Ms. Landesman sought a ic career.” Ms. Landesmen looks for- is the largest Jewish registry and the showed Moshe his bed and they rejoiced nursing program that would provide ward to 2011 when she, Michal fourth largest registry in the world. together that “he was no longer there.” excellent academics while nurturing her Kalangel, and their 43 classmates An application to Ezer Mizion was Contributions to Ezer Mizion may be religious beliefs. Unlike many other expect to assume their places as highly made by Yosef’s physicians… Moshe sent to 1281 49th Street, Brooklyn, NY Israeli nursing schools, JCT’s program trained nurses who are ready to treat, Price, who had long forgotten about 11219. To learn more, visit www.ezer offers a four-year academic degree. “The heal, and comfort those in their care. O his registration, received a phone call. mizion.org or call 718-853-8400. O Jerusalem-based program offers several “You have the opportunity to save the other unique aspects,” explains Dr. Prayer And Passion: life of a fellow Jew. Are you willing to JCT Nursing Students: Chaya Greenberger, the school’s direc- The Story of Shalva donate bone marrow?” Hi-Tech, Hi-Touch tor. “Our holistic approach addresses all The parents of a one-year-old baby One year later. Yosef Eliezrie has Bat-Tzion Landesman, a recent olah aspects of bio-psycho-social care.” The with Down Syndrome were deeply returned to the world of Abbaye and to Israel, is one of 45 women who are college’s curriculum is unique in that it concerned about his seemingly slow Rava, a world that he shares with Moshe about to complete their first year of is the only one of Israel’s eight nursing development. When the father asked a Price. During the Pesach vacation this nursing school at the Jerusalem College schools that requires each student to social worker in the large Jerusalem year, Moshe Price’s family arrived in of Technology’s (JCT) new Academic complete an original technological hospital-clinic about when he might California to spend the yom tov with rel- School of Nursing. The nursing school research project. It is also the only nurs- see some advancement, he was told, atives. Moshe and Yosef met in the hos- was launched in October 2007 in direct ing school that mandates a yearlong “You must think of your son as a stone. pital in California where Yosef had response to the Council of Higher course in Jewish medical ethics. Anything more is considered progress.” fought a battle to live. With arms around Education’s appeal for the establish- To ensure that the students, many of each other and tears of joy watering their ment of an academic nursing school. whom are overcoming personal and Continued on Page 66

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Understandably, the parents were devastated. This heartbreaking story—and thousands like it—are the spiritual bricks upon which Shalva–The Association for Mentally and Physically Challenged Children in Israel, was built. The despair that envelops so many parents of disabled children when they learn that their original hopes and expecta- tions will never be realized was a challenge that Malki Samuels could not ignore. Herself the mother of a severely disabled child, she knew all too well the frustration and sadness which mark so much of day-to-day life. The story began in 1977 when per- fectly healthy eleven-month-old Yossi Samuels was taken to a Jerusalem health clinic to receive a routine DPT vaccination which, horrifically, left him blind, deaf, and acutely hyperac- tive. Yossi’s disabilities took their toll on his family. Providing him with constant, devoted care, they became exhausted and isolated. Many professionals and well-intentioned friends suggested placing him in an institution. But Malki refused and vowed to G-d that if He helped Yossi, she would dedicate herself to helping other special needs children and their families. Several years later her prayers were answered. When Yossi was eight years old, a deaf special-education teacher named Shoshanna Weinstock penetrat- ed his wall of silence via Hebrew finger spelling into his hand in much the same way that Annie Sullivan had reached Helen Keller. Shoshanna taught Yossi his first word—shulchan, Hebrew for table—and, almost overnight, the walls of his personal prison collapsed. Malki remembered her promise and, together with her husband Kalman, in 1990 established Shalva, which means “peace of mind” in Hebrew. Beginning with an afternoon program in a small apartment, ten local children arrived after a full day of special education and therapeutic activities emphasizing socialization and life skills. Word of the program spread, and other families began knocking on Malki’s door. Shalva expanded rapidly. The current center, Beit Nachshon in Jerusalem, opened in 1998 and six years later a satellite facility in Alon Shvut was established. Shalva’s goals haven’t changed in 17 years: Providing respite for parents of special-needs children, allowing them to address other needs of the family; imparting daily living skills for these children, helping them reach full potential and optimum independence, enabling them better integration into normative society; to serve as an information center for parents that offers encouragement, support, and empowers them with the skills to best advocate for their challenged child and the entire family; to encourage acts of volunteerism and community service; to serve as an international example that shares resources, research, and community services for the special-needs population; and to establish and maintain relationships with academic institutions for research- ing Shalva’s methodology and ensuring that the information evolves into educational programs and therapies. 66 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Shalva’s revolutionary programs offered round-the-clock, seven-day-a- include the celebrated “Me & My week guidance and respite for the entire Mommy” early intervention program, family. All of this is provided at no cost to rehabilitative day-care center, the orig- the family. inal afterschool activity center, sleep- Every year almost 300 young women over overnight respite program, gradu- vie for a Shalva placement as part of ate social club, and summer day and their national service requirement. For sleepaway camps. many of them, the relationship contin- Shalva has established educational ues long after their obligation has ended alliances with universities and other and they’ve married and begun families medical training programs in the inter- of their own. They stay in touch with one est of promoting advanced instruction another and remain committed to in the respective fields. Addressing the Shalva both in liaison capacities and need for further societal sensitivity for with continued financial support. the needs of the disabled, they offer a In response to the critical needs of series of programs designed for post- challenged children in Greater graduate students, professionals, vol- Jerusalem, and based on Shalva’s unteers, and lay practitioners who impeccable track record, the Jerusalem wish to learn from the Shalva model. City Council voted to award them with Shalva has become a model in the a magnificent tract of land—the largest field of disability education and family wellness. For 18 years, Shalva has Children with special needs enjoy their time at Shalva. Continued on Page 69

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 67 Bat Boy For A Day At Shea

Gabriel DuBow, a 10th grader in Rambam, was a bat boy for the Florida Marlins in a Memorial Day game against the Mets at Shea Stadium. The prize was won in a Kulanu Chinese Auction. Because of his outstanding performance the Marlins won 7-3.

68 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 67 remaining property in the city for non-profit use—to erect a new national center. What happened to the baby boy who was referred to as “a stone” by the hospital social worker? He was transferred to Shalva and immediately placed in the early-intervention programs. His progress was painfully slow. Having never shown any inclination to feed himself, one morning—seven months after he arrived—he suddenly took the spoon from the aide who was feeding him and put the food into his own mouth. He did it two more times before leaning back to rest. The teachers and national- service women were stunned. After alerting the supervisor, they gathered around the tele- phone to call the parents. The mother took the call and shouted with excitement to her husband. When he heard the news, he fainted! It seemed that only that morning he had prayed for a sign— any sign—to let him know that there was hope for his son. The call from Shalva was the answer to that prayer. Shalva–The Association for Mentally & Physically Challenged Children in Israel is located at Rehov Even Denan 6, Jerusalem 91344, Israel. For further information, please visit www.shalva.org or, to arrange a visit, please call Andrea Simantov at 972-2-651-9555. O

Chabad Of The Five Towns JLI Retreat, July 2–6 The Rohr Jewish Learning Institute is expecting greater attendance as compared to last year for the third annual National Jewish Retreat held on July 2–6 at Park City, Utah. The Canyons provides luxury accommodations, kosher gourmet dining, scenic gondola rides, breathtaking hikes, an expansive array of mountain bike trails, and live music concerts. The jewel in the crown is the Grand Summit Resort Hotel, a AAA Four-Diamond property that pampers guests with an outdoor heated pool, kosher gourmet dining, and slopeside location. Also, located just steps away is the Silverado Lodge. Both properties boast a variety of luxury-appointed, family-friendly lodging options. The retreat will provide attendees the opportunity to explore new ideas and expand horizons, and the impact of the retreat will extend far beyond the class- room. A great feature of the retreat is its ability to intrigue and delight. The theme this year, “Advantage 3000,” looks at the

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power of the tradition to continue to inspire fresh thinking. NJR will have a wonderful evening concert and fireworks show planned for July Fourth and a special program planned exploring the theme of leadership and mentorship from a personal perspective. Also planned are creative workshops, meditative walks, and much more! The retreat will offer a fabulous intersection of learning, community, and recreation. The Rohr Jewish Learning Institute offers courses in over 250 locations in 200 cities around the world. Chabad of the Five Towns is proud to be part of the JLI community of learners for the past six years. During that time, the JLI name has become a guarantee of excellence. Chabad is sure that this five-day retreat will be an exceptional opportunity for personal connection, intellectual stimulation, and spiritual inspiration. For further information and to make reserva- tions, visit www.jretreat.com or call 1-877-JRetreat. O

Rambam–HAFTR Ice Hockey At Machon By Avi Herschman In yet another successful Machon HaTorah fundraising event, students from Rambam Mesivta and HAFTR High School gathered on Sunday, May 18 to play in a charity ice hockey game at Long Beach Ice Arena. This event, led by Machon HaTorah students Maurice Levy, Mordechai Mosseson, Josh Blisko, and Daniel Levinson, raised almost $7,500 for Hatzalah of the Rockaways and Nassau, in memory of Mark Davidman, ob’m, a distinguished member of the Hatzalah family for many years. Benjy Davidman, a HAFTR alumnus, spoke before the puck was dropped, expressing his gratitude for the commemoration and honoring of his father. He then thanked the event sponsors, Burgers Bar, the Maleh family, and Edelsberg Garage Doors, as well as the parents and players for collecting and donating money. Sammy Davidman, a student at HAFTR Middle School, dropped the ceremonial first puck and the game began. Rambam, coached by Mr. Yehuda Mosseson, put up a great fight, but in the end, HAFTR, coached by Mikey Davidman, won the game by a score of 10–5. It was a great event for both schools and was enjoyed by all who attended. Throughout the year, Machon HaTorah students have been taught to channel their tal- ents and natural interests toward 70 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES (Yachad); college life (Seif (Seymour J. Abrams Israel need for another symbol to rep- JLIC); shul life (Karasick Center), and even more,” resent the impact that the OU Department of Synagogue wrote David Olivestone, OU has on all these areas of Jewish national director of planning life,” he explained. and communications, in the After considering a variety Spring 2008 issue of the of designs, the OU chose the Orthodox Union magazine, work of Josef Tocker, the Jewish Action. Mr. Olivestone graphic artist who has also is the OU senior executive designed new logos for NCSY, who was most prominently IPA, and Yachad. The new involved in the planning and logo has recently begun to At the Machon HaTorah charity ice hockey event. design of the new logo. appear in OU newspaper ads, “Therefore, while you will program brochures, and other still be seeing the OU kosher materials. A new tagline, greater goals; this game was the number of kosher-certified certification mark on all OU- perfect venue to do so. O Heinz canned goods, an addi- certified products, we felt the Continued on Page 72 tional new logo has been OU’s New Logo To Reflect designed to reflect the reality Enhanced Role OU logos, past (above, bottom) and that the organization does present (above, top). It is one of today’s most much more than certify food famous and venerable symbols, products. “Today, although it ranking up there with the is still best-known for kashrus, Services); community life Good Housekeeping Seal of the OU is celebrated for its (Department of Community Approval and similar iconic work in many other fields— Services); the public square designs. It is the Orthodox youth (NCSY); special needs and world Jewry (IPA); Israel Union logo—the letter U inside the letter O—and not only does it adorn more than 400,000 products certified as kosher by the OU, but in another form, with the Hebrew words Torah U’Mitzvot (Torah and the commandments) added, it appears on OU publi- cations, letterheads, publicity material, and everything that the organization disseminates to the outside world. Now, some 80 years after the OU symbol was established to be placed on a small

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“Enhancing Jewish Life,” will also fre- quently appear with the new logo, according to Mr. Olivestone. The Orthodox Union, now in its second century of service to the Jewish community of North America and beyond, represents the fastest growing segment in Jewish life. For more, visit www.ou.org. O

15th Annual Israel Day Concert In Central Park, June 1 Approximately 20,000 men, women, teenagers, and children are expected to attend the annual Dr. Manfred R. Lehmann Memorial Israel Day Concert in Central Park to be held on the 27th of Iyar 5768, the eve of Yom Yerushalayim, at the Summer Stage, entrance on Fifth Avenue and 72nd Street, rain or shine, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., after the Salute to Israel Parade. The concert is dedicated to a united Jerusalem, subsequent to its reunification 41 years ago during the miracle of the Six Day War, the memory of the eight murdered Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva students, Hy’d, the safe release of the Israeli captured soldiers, the release of Jonathan Pollard, and to the brave citizens of S’derot who have withstood more than 7,000 rockets and missiles since the year 2000. It is also dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel, the heroic Israel Defense Forces, and the brave U.S. Armed Forces who fight courageously against tyranny and terrorism. Always in our thoughts are the heroic displaced families who lived in Gush Katif and the Shomron who were uprooted from their homes and still not properly compensated. Once again, the concert is being organized by Dr. Joseph Frager of Jamaica Estates, and the chairpersons are Dr. Paul and Drora Brody of Great Neck. Meyer and Esther Chetrit and Jacqui and Tamar Ekstein, all of Manhattan, are serving as this year’s concert co-organizers. The concert is being presented in association with Young Israel Chovevei Zion, with special thanks to the National Council of Young Israel. The concert is in memory of Dr. Manfred R. Lehmann, z’l and in memory of Rose and Reuben Mattus, z’l. Many individuals, families, and organizations have joined together to support the largest event of its kind outside of Israel, many to honor or memorialize loved ones. All supporters have been listed in a beautiful concert poster created by Sholom Greenzweig Associates of Brooklyn. The community of Great Neck deserves a special thanks for its extraordinary support. Major corporate sponsors include CBS Insurance Group, Meridian Capital, Winick Realty, and Prime Grill (which will have its delicacies available at the concert). The crowd will be treated to the music of special Israeli entertainers being flown in from Israel, along with local singing superstars. The musical talent coming from Israel includes Chassidic singing sensation Yechiel Lichtiger, accompanied by pianist extra-

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capable and ready to be my partner.” tion. In other words, at the time of The last time I heard him speak, he conception a Heavenly voice decrees Daf Yomi Insights said that in fact some people from his which girl the boy will marry. earlier audiences called to tell him that Many commentators wonder why they took his advice. They let their son the male child is referred to as ploni, BY RABBI girls. To help alleviate the problem date older girls and a number of shid- John Doe, and the female child is AVROHOM SEBROW somewhat, Rabbi Krohn began his own duchim were made. referred to as bas ploni, the daughter crusade lecturing people that it is okay Before continuing on this topic, let of John Doe. The Gemara should use for a boy to marry an older girl. Many me go back to the Gemara in Sotah. the term plonis, Jane Doe. Advice For The Ages families are reluctant to accept this Rabbi Yehudah said in the name of There is a halachah that a father may Mazel Tov to all those who finished idea. However, Rabbi Krohn constant- Rav, “Forty days before the formation marry off his minor daughter. The Iyun Maseches Nazir! Daf Yomi participants ly relates what Rav Samson Raphael of the child, a Heavenly voice pro- Yaakov said perhaps this is why the term everywhere began learning Maseches Hirsch said. When asked why he mar- claims bas ploni l’ploni—the daughter bas ploni is used. The power of her mar- Sotah this week. The very first blatt dis- ried a girl older than himself, he of so-and-so will marry so-and-so.” The riage is in her father’s hand until she cusses several items relating to shid- replied, “There is so much I need to Drisha 194:5 writes that a child is con- duchim: (1) Hashem makes shidduchim accomplish and I need a wife who is sidered formed forty days after concep- Continued on Page 74 according to a person’s actions. Rashi explains that a tzaddik will merit marrying a modest woman. (2) Making shidduchim is as difficult as the splitting of the Red Sea. (3) Forty days before the

Rabbi Yaakov Moshe Hillel therefore wrote that a boy may lechatchila marry an older girl.

formation of a child a Heavenly voice proclaims, “The daughter of so-and-so will marry so and so.” What’s so ironic is that so much of the fodder for sheva berachos speeches comes from the first blatt in Sotah, the very maseches that is named for an unfaithful wife. Though, honestly, I’ve never heard a person begin his sheva berachos speech by saying “It says in Maseches Sotah…” So, the question is really obvious: Just why are these items mentioned on the first page of Maseches Sotah? The answer is readily apparent in the Gemara itself. The Gemara says that when Reish Lakish would begin expounding Maseches Sotah he would say, “Hashem only arranges shidduchim in accordance with their actions.” The Gemara in Sotah begins with this discussion because that is how Reish Lakish began his Sotah shiur. But just why did Reish Lakish begin his shiur that way? The Radal explained that Reish Lakish was teaching husbands a profound lesson: If a husband feels that his wife is heading down an immoral path, he must look at himself first. If the shidduch was preordained based on spiritual levels, then his spir- ituality must be wanting as well. Perhaps if he does teshuvah and improves his own character first, his wife will do so as well. The very first step in preventing marital infidelity is not for a husband to warn his wife, but to work on his own soul. Once the Gemara began by quoting Reish Lakish’s introduction to Maseches Sotah, a discussion on the topic of shidduchim ensued. Over the past year, I was zocheh on a number of occasions to hear Rabbi Paysach Krohn speak. I think that on each occasion he mentioned the current shidduch crisis. Apparently, there are not enough frum boys for eligible 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 73 Daf Yomi Insights not in existence yet at the time heavenly announcement won’t older than Kalev! Further, AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 73 of the boy’s conception. She be made until the boy is con- Rabbi Hillel points to the Continued from Page 72 does not have her own identity ceived. So Rabbi Krohn is safe! Gemara in Sanhedrin (104a), reaches maturity. So she is and can only be referred to as HaGaon Rabbi Yaakov where Rava says in the name ordinaire and lyricist Shlomi born as a bas ploni. No such the future daughter of so-and- Moshe Hillel, rosh yeshiva of of Rabbi Yochanan, “The cus- Aharoni, super rock band Yood, equivalent halachah exists so. This approach would seem Yeshivas Ahavas Shalom, tom was they would marry a klezmer group Simply Tsfat, regarding a boy. He may not to indicate that at the time of points out that the Torah is young girl to an older man, and Israeli fusion band marry before maturity. So the boy’s conception his bash- filled with references to men and an older girl to a younger HaMakor. Local talent when he is first eligible to ert was not yet conceived. So if marrying older women. man.” (See the commentators includes the heartfelt father marry he is under his own aus- a boy wanted to marry his bash- Yocheved was born when there for the reason.) and son duo of Dr. Meyer and pices; he is already a ploni. The ert, he should marry a girl who Yaakov Avinu’s family entered Rabbi Y. M. Hillel therefore Baruch Abittan, international Iyun Yaakov suggests a second, is younger than himself! Egypt. Yet Amram is not wrote that a boy may star Shlomo Haviv, soft rock novel approach. Perhaps the However, the Maharsha counted as one of the people lechatchila marry an older girl. artist Shloimy Bluth with mov- shidduch is not totally preor- explains that Tosfos was refut- who went down to Mitzrayim. I wonder if people that fol- ing lyrics by Reuven Stone, the dained. This boy’s bashert is a ing this very notion. Tosfos says By marrying Amram, Yoche- lowed the advice and ruling of always electrifying Piamenta daughter of ploni, but no spe- that it is true the announce- ved must have married some- Rabbi Hillel and Rabbi Krohn Band, singing star Chaim Kiss, cific daughter is announced. ment about a potential shid- one younger. A little later in sent them shadchanus! and the battle of the bands However, there is a third duch comes at the time of the Sotah (11b) the Gemara says Good Shabbos. O winner Yaakov Chesed. approach mentioned by the boy’s conception. Nonetheless, that Kalev married Miriam. Hatikvah, as well as Kel Rabbi Sebrow leads a daf yomi Maharsha. The girl is referred this announcement will come Miriam was 96 when she left chaburah at Eitz Chayim of Dogwood Maleh Rachamim for the to as bas ploni because she was whether or not the girl was Mitzrayim. Yet Kalev was only Park in West Hempstead and is a eight murdered yeshiva stu- rebbi at Machon HaTorah-Rambam not conceived yet. She cannot already born. Even if she was 40 at the time the spies were Mesivta. He can be contacted at dents and for concert stal- be called plonis because she is already born before the boy, the sent out! Miriam was much [email protected]. warts who have passed on, will be sung by the renowned Jerry Markovitz. The singers will be accompanied by the fabulous Neginah Orchestra. The backdrop of the stage will include the original largest Israeli flag in the world—created several years ago specifically for the concert. A special attraction will be the onstage display of the “Flags of the 12 Tribes” created by the United Tribes of Israel Foundation. Rabbi David Algaze of Havurat Yisrael in Forest Hills will represent and introduce the World Committee for the Land of Israel, an organization formed recently to create public awareness of issues affecting Israel, most notably a united Jerusalem and the struggle to retain the Land of Israel in its entirety. Other important Jewish leaders who will be present are Member of Knesset Dr. Arieh Eldad, founder of the HaTikvah Party; Morton Klein, president of the ZOA; Rabbi Shlomo Hochberg, president of the Rabbinical Council of America; Shlomo Z. Mostofsky, president of the National Council of Young Israel; Daniel Luria of the Jerusalem Reclamation Project; Shmuel Sackett, international director of Manhigut Yehudit; and Rabbi David Fendel of Yeshivat Hesder of S’derot. Political leaders delivering messages to the audience will include NYS Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, NYS Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, U.S. Congressman Anthony Weiner, NYS Assemblyman Dov Hikind, and NYC Councilman David Weprin. The concert will be emceed by Nachum Segal and produced into a show by Zev Brenner of Talkline Communications. It will be broadcast by Arutz Sheva. For concert information, visit www.IsraelDayConcert.com. O 74 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Pensioners Faction Head: If Gaydamak Can Buy A Knesset Party, So Can Nasrallah

B Y SHAHAR ILAN both the 17th and the 18th Knesset, in chocolates as a gift asks the ethics Party voters from all socio-economic addition to funds supplied by the gov- committee to approve or reject it. levels, and especially from the weaker Pensioner’s Party faction chairman ernment by law. It is also stipulated Since there is gossip regarding a gift of sectors of society, have been swindled by Yitzhak Galanti warns that if the party that any ministerial position will be an Audi A-8 vehicle, or any other vehi- MK Sharoni without so much as a bat of established by three MKs who broke offered to MK Sharoni first.” cle, to be used by one of the MKs or the eye. These are traitors who without away from his party is approved by the “Gaydamak’s Party ‘Social Justice’ one of his relatives, the question must hesitation traded their social platform Knesset, the move could result in promises to deposit into the party’s be asked: Is this not a violation of the for a platform of wealth (literally), and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah or joint bank account a sum equal to the rules of ethics?” crowned as king a thorny bush, an oli- Iranian President Mahmoud government party-financing funds and Galanti also mentioned that “there is garch who doesn’t understand the Ahamdinejad also buying a Knesset fac- Pensioners Party voters’ language, nor tion to represent their views. does he understand their culture or Galanti was referring to the incident their past, and never took an active part several weeks ago when Knesset mem- in Israel’s struggle for independence.” bers Elhanan Glazer and Sara Marom These are traitors who without “On the backs of the Pensioners Shalev followed in MK Moshe Party voters,” Galanti continued, “the Sharoni’s footsteps to establish a fac- hesitation traded their social traitors, headed by Gaydamak, will tion to be known as Justice for receive air time for the next elections Pensioners. The new faction will rep- and will enlist every imbecile and every resent the political party of billionaire platform for a platform of wealth. greedy golddigger, who will put them Arcadi Gaydamak, who is believed to in the country’s leadership, in the have “bought” the party. Knesset and its committees, in In a letter addressed to the Knesset exchange for a fistful of dollars.” committee set to decide whether or to pay the salaries of the 22 Social a more than likely possibility that The letter also said, “For two years, not to approve the new faction, titled Justice Party employees that will be Gaydamak will split additional Knesset Sharoni has displayed sick megaloma- “the decline of the Israeli democracy selected by the Justice for Pensioners factions (it is already common knowl- nia fashioned after [former Romanian into political prostitution,” Galanti party members.” edge that intensive talks are underway leader Nicolae] Ceausescu, or, if you wrote that approval of the new party Galanti asked in his letter, “Is this between Gaydamak and central MKs will, Caligula, who recommended his will pose a “danger to democracy, to not a form of overt bribery in exchange who do not belong to the Pensioners horse for the position of consul in the society, and to Israel’s security.” for legal representation in the 17th Party). A nod from the Knesset commit- Roman senate. Back then, it was the Galanti mentioned in the letter that Knesset and its committees? Isn’t this a tee could give Nasrallah, Ahmadinejad, first step in the final dismantling of in the agreement between Sharoni and conflict of interest or immediate/future or our enemies from within, endless the senate. Will this be the oligarchy the Justice for Pensioners Party it was compensation for a bribe?” ideas of buying political parties, fac- of wealth’s first explicit step in “stipulated explicitly that Gaydamak The letter went on to say that “an tions, and even individual MKs.” destroying the Knesset and assuming will fund the party’s institutions in MK that receives a pen or a box of According to Galanti, “Pensioners power?” (Haaretz) O

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 75 In Qatar, Muslim, Jewish Clerics Meet More than a dozen Jewish rabbis, no contact with.” Forum in Britain, commended Qatar jeopardizes our identity,” said one including two from Israel, were in “For some it’s their first chance ever to for “being brave” by holding the con- preacher at the local Fanar Islamic cen- attendance as this conservative hear, not only an Israeli but to hear a ference. “We know that hosting rabbis ter, speaking on condition of anonymity Muslim sheikdom opened one of the Jewish rabbi speak… And so one of my and an interreligious forum can be because of the sensitivity of the subject. Gulf’s first scholarly centers dedicated responses is trying to tell them the story controversial in the region,” said But other Qataris consider this and to interfaith dialogue. other changes made by Sheik Hamad The rare meeting of Muslim, bin Jassem bin Jabr al Thani as pro- Christian, and Jewish scholars in the gressive and credit him for social and heartland of conservative Islam is economic reforms since 1995. Two another sign of Qatar’s efforts to present In March, the Saudi king then made months ago, the country also allowed a moderate image as it bids for the 2016 the opening of its first-ever Catholic Summer Olympic Games. It’s also part an impassioned plea for dialogue church. It has had low-level ties with of a broader push by Arab governments Israel through a trade office for 12 for interfaith dialogue, even though years although it does not recognize most still do not recognize Israel. among Muslims, Christians, and Jews. Israel, and recently also invited Israeli “The talks were not entirely smooth, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni to speak and politics and disputes over the at a conference on democracy. Palestinian issue did inevitably Ibrahim al-Nuaimi, the director of the intrude,” said Rabbi David James of the Jewish people, which often they Gluck, whose group is based in a part interfaith center sponsored by the ruling Lazar, leader of a synagogue in Tel Aviv. have not heard,” he said. of London where Jewish and Muslim family, said the goal is to “promote joint Yet, the benefits for him were huge, “I hear their story as well,” he said. communities sit side by side. studies of academics from three faiths to he said—especially the ability to make “It’s an exchange of stories.” Some Qataris did criticize the gather- foster understanding and peace.” personal connections with Arabs and Another attendee, Rabbi Herschel ing. “This openness to other faiths cre- Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, who Muslims “who otherwise I would have Gluck, chairman of the Muslim Jewish ates confusion among our people and heads the Vatican’s council for inter-religious dialogue and attended the conference, praised Qatar’s efforts to include Jews. “As religious leaders, let us promote a sound pedagogy of peace, which is taught in the family, mosques, syna- gogues, and churches,” Tauran said. Efforts at interfaith dialogue got one of their biggest boosts when Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah met with Pope Benedict XVI last November at the Vatican. In March, the Saudi king then made an impassioned plea for dialogue among Muslims, Christians, and Jews—the first such proposal from a nation with no diplomatic ties to Israel and a ban on non-Muslim religious services and symbols. The moves, however, come amid ris- ing tensions in the region and with peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians stalled. Many also believe there is a growing gap of understanding between the Muslim Arab world and the West. Muslims have been angered by cartoons published in European papers seen as insulting the Prophet Muhammad and by the pope’s baptiz- ing on Easter of a Muslim journalist who had converted to Catholicism. The specifics of the Saudi king’s initiative—and who would participate— still remain unclear, in particular whether Israeli religious leaders would be invited to a Saudi-brokered dialogue. It also is unclear if the Saudi efforts would have any political component, or any eventual impact on stalled Arab- Israeli and Palestinian peace talks. Lazar, the Tel Aviv rabbi, said he is no politician but will carry his warm impressions from the conference back to his students and synagogue—as he hopes Muslim clerics will, too. Lazar said one Palestinian researcher at the conference confronted him about Israeli textbooks that were, in his words, promoting hatred of Palestinians among Israeli Jewish children. “My challenge to him was, let us meet together…and together we’ll look at our textbooks, the Jewish textbooks, the Muslim textbooks, and the Christian textbooks in Palestine and Israel—and together we’ll find if they’re educating children toward hate,” he said. (AP) O 76 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Recipient Of Cash May Not Touch Golan

GIL HOFFMAN AND STAFF signed a petition against relinquishing Ze’ev Boim, of Olmert’s Kadima, said Golan Heights “tomorrow,” on the con- the Golan and they won’t allow the prime he was “on principle against withdraw- dition that Damascus would be ready to “The recipient of cash envelopes will minister to continue the process.” ing from the Golan Heights; however, lease the land to Israel for 25 years, not touch the Golan,” Likud faction Former foreign minister Silvan one must hear how the negotiations during which the Assad regime would chairman MK Gideon Sa’ar said in Shalom (Likud), who himself had con- are being conducted and on what top- need to prove its ability to live in peace response to the announcement by the tacts with Syria, said in response to the ics they focus.” Boim said he thought a alongside Israel. Prime Minister’s Office confirming that announcement that “this will not allow Another Kadima minister said in indirect peace talks with Syria were being Olmert to be safeguarded from the closed conversations that he was going conducted via Turkey. “The prime minis- investigations against him. Olmert is to visit the Golan Heights next week to ter’s announcement confirms that there giving a prize to the Syrians for their He was ready to give emphasize that the territory must stay is no end to this cynicism in playing with extremism, at a time when they are Syria control over the in Israel’s hands forever. Israel’s strategic assets for the sake of hosting Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, and Yisrael Beiteinu, meanwhile, Olmert’s personal survival,” Sa’ar said. Hamas and when the United States Golan Heights announced it would submit a no confi- Olmert “doesn’t have a majority for mak- opposes talking to them. This is not the dence motion in the Knesset. ing concessions on the Golan—not in the way to remove Syria from the axis of “tomorrow,” on the Labor’s Defense Minister Ehud Knesset and not among the public,” he evil. The way to do that is stop their Barak, who is himself eying the prime added. “Shas needs to leave the Olmert gov- weapons smuggling from Iran. They say condition that Damascus minister’s position, issued a statement ernment immediately.” Likud MK Gilad they want peace with Israel while they would be ready to lease through his office saying “Barak wel- Erdan charged that “Olmert has finally are trying to kill us.” comes any effort to remove Syria from proven that he is willing to sell everything, Among left-wing MKs, Ran Cohen of the land to Israel for the axis of evil,” adding he was “a long- including Israel’s security, in order to cause Meretz praised the Prime Minister’s time supporter of talks with Syria.” us to forget the severe criminal offenses that Office for the announcement. Cohen 25 years. A source close to Olmert denied that he is suspected of.” “If Shas, (Foreign said that he encourages the representa- the talks with Syria had anything to do Minister) Tzipi Livni, and (Defense tives of both sides “to continue bravely,” with distracting the public from the Minister) Ehud Barak do not quit his cor- and that this “will assist in stabilizing peace agreement could be reached if case involving American Jewish finan- rupt government forthwith then they are the region and in isolating Iran.” Syria would cease all support for terror cier Morris Talansky. The source said fully complicit in selling the Golan and Education Minister Yuli Tamir (Labor) including Hezbollah, cease its strategic that two weeks before the Talansky relinquishing our defense,” he continued. also expressed her approval of the move. dependence on Iran, and if the issue investigation emerged, Olmert told him Likud MK Yisrael Katz, who is the “I’m pleased regarding the opening of would be dealt with over a long period in closed conversations that the diplo- head of the Golan Lobby in the Knesset, negotiations with Syria, which can stabi- of time, with the preference of creat- matic process with Syria was advanc- also lambasted the PMO’s announce- lize peace in our region,” Tamir said. “We ing a blueprint for leasing the land. ing, including serious practical steps. ment. “The prime minister and the pres- must break the Iranian-Syrian axis and Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit, who “The people who know what is happen- ident of Syria must thoroughly under- arrive at a comprehensive peace agree- has declared his candidacy for the leading in the diplomatic process with Syria stand that there is a clear Knesset major- ment with the Syrians in exchange for a ership of Kadima in case Olmert resigns know that there really is no connection ity against an Israeli withdrawal from the withdrawal from the Golan.” following the investigation, said that he [with the investigation],” the source Golan,” Katz said. “More than 61 MKs Construction and Housing Minister was ready to give Syria control over the said. (JPost.com) O

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Looking for a mature and responsible high school girl to be a mother's helper for a frum family in Atlantic Beach this summer. Call 516-695-9743 Far Rockaway: 2 Family. All NU, 3 over 1 Bdrm, 3 full baths. Great Warm, enthusiastic boys' elementary Location ...... $599K Call 516-322-3555 yeshiva looking for secular studies teachers for next year. Please call North Woodmere (Sale-Rent) 917-742-8909 or 718-969-1000 or fax (Extended Woodmere 400). Price drasti- resume 718-969-9600 or e-mail cally reduced! 7BR, 3FBA, Finished [email protected] Basement, Lg property 84x100, Walking to 4 shuls...... $639K Local yeshiva looking for elementary Call 917-238-0098 secular studies teachers for Sept '08. Please fax resume to 718-868-3003 or Hewlett — Col. MIC, 4br, 2bth, 2fpl, full e-mail [email protected] deck, wood flr, Lg. den. Walk to all...... $729K Lawrence — NU 2 MKT. Legal 3FAM. Looking for top teachers; experienced Lg. 3Br/2/2, Full FIN. bsmt., walk to all. with degrees, for a new innovative boys NYU sep. mtr, htg & Wtr . . . . . $949K mesivta in Queens-Five Towns area. 9th 5 TOWN HOMES 516-322-3555 grade general studies: Math, Biology, Global 1, English Language Arts, and Ced: Nu 2 Mkt. Col, 4Br, 2.5bth, All NU, Computers. Beginning September '08, Den, Mrbl EIK, Full Fin. Bsmt, walk to excellent pay and working conditions. all...... $799K Phone: 718-393-7738 leave message. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 email resume to [email protected] Luxurious apartments: Penthouse in Bucman, Modiin. 5 BR, balconies, Shabbos elevator, 2 sinks, 2.5 bths. F/T P/T entry-level positions available ...... $350K at local office. Must have good comput- Villa 6 BR, c/ac, parking, storage, back- er skills, be organized, and be good with yard ...... $550K people. Please call 718-868-0818 or Call 718-471-8888 fax resume to 718-868-9161 Attention: Large property, corner Local yeshiva seeks P/T Bookkeeper Cedarhurst and Woodmere 150x100 apx. exp. in Quick Books. Flexible hours. 13 large rooms, 3 baths. Good for Email resume to: kindergarten, elementary school, yeshi- [email protected] va, synagogue, or other institution. Parking garage for 4 cars and 2 buses. Teachers and Assistants— F/T, P/T Immediate. Reasonable. Special Ed teachers and assistants for Owner 347-439-8234 Elementary and HS classes for Sept. 08. 5 Towns/Far Rockaway yeshivas, Classified Ads are Judaic, and Secular studies. Fax resumes to CAHAL 516-295-2899 or Continued on the Next Page. e-mail [email protected] 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 81 CLASSIFIED ADS REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Continued from Page 81 FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE For sale by owner. Woodmere — For Sale In Jerusalem Lawrence Open House Sun 5/18 12-2 Beautiful & Bright 4BR, 2.5B, Split BAKA - Penthouse! 150 sqm on 2 floors. 110 Barrett Rd.— 4br 3ba ranch, pool, Level w/Den and Gunite IG Pool many Private Shabbat elevator! Separate ...... $1M+ Far Rockaway: 2 Fam. All NU built-ins and Hardwood Flrs . . . . $709K entrance, Parking, Sukkah Terraces. Condo— Lrg 1br 2ba $500sK 3 over 3 Br. 4Fbth, Dr, Full bsmt A Must See! Call 516-569-4115 Fabulous Views!! Shaarei Chesed— Cedarhurst —3br colonial. Large rooms All features ...... $779K Adorable 2+ bedroom. Ground floor, ...... $499K Call 516-263-6417 Cedarhurst — Lovely 2 flr stucco on Sukkah patio, steps to the "Gra" Shul. Woodmere— Colonial 4br 2.5ba.. $600sK 60X100. Prime loc., 4BR, 2bth, FDR, LR Distinctive Properties, +972-544-553- All new 3br ranch...... $549K w/fpl, updated EIK, lg den, deck, very 649, 1-516-620-0668 + 7 HOURS Smolinsky Properties 516-295-4444 Loch Sheldrake Bungalow Colony for pvt back yard. Walk to all . . . . . $595K [email protected] sale. 17 units +Bais Medrash, 32 acres, No Bkrs. Owner 516-239-8873 beautiful lake part of colony, needs ren- Far Rockaway — House For Sale Woodmere — Brand new construction ovation, Walking distance to Yeshivas 3 Bdrm, 2 Bath plus guest room. Woodmere/Cedarhurst Oppty! on Clubhouse Road in the heart of Nachlas Yaakov, recommended for Renovated w/New Kitchen, New Yeshiva or Camp. $499K negotiable, 12,000 sq. ft. approx. 90’x150’, Colonial, Woodmere Park. Contemporary style Bathrooms. Huge Master Bedroom. cash deal. 347-243-1983 /347-522-4174. 17 rooms, full bsmt. with hi ceilings, home. 6 BR, 4 Bths, Radiant Heat, Price...... $499K Also two 1-BR bungalows avail in a clean 2 car garage plus storage, 6 space Alarms, Camera equipped, 85X100. Chasidishe colony $25K each. parking, 2 family, professional use, Buyer has ability to customize interior Call Owner 917-836-6838 347-551-3872 accountant, Esq., medical and/or educa- before completion tional and religious uses. Grand colonial ...... $1.899M Miami Beach — Tower 41. Ocean View. Call Avi 917-512-5442 Far Rockaway: Coop, 3Br, 1Bth, Lr/Dr, with charm and great possibilities. 1 bdrm, 17th floor. Stunning. Woodmere Park — Brand new Walk All ...... $179K Available at once . . . $875K Negotiable 732-522-0813 Mediterranean style construction. 6 BR, Call 516-322-3555 Owner 516-322-3555 3 Full Bths, 91X100, Radiant heat, Far Rockaway/Lawrence: House For Alarms , Camera equipped. Buyer has Why beg to be noticed? Cedarhurst — 288 Leroy Avenue. Mint Sale 2 BR/ 2 BA, Newly Renovated, ability to customize interior before com- COME HOME to OCEANSIDE condition, large center hall col., 5 BR, 3 Dead-end street, Price ...... $539K pletion...... $1.899M Where every family feels welcomed, bths, EIK, large den with built-ins, Call Owner: 516-750-9257 Call Avi 917-512-5442 connected and involved. FDR, finished basement, central AC, in- Cedarhurst — New to the market. Won't ground sprinkler, huge outdoor porch, Beautiful, affordable homes as low as N. Wdmr: HiRanch, 4Br, 2.5Bth, Nu Last! Beautiful 5 Bdrm Split located on low taxes. $775K by owner. 551-206-1187 $400K Kit, Lg. Den, deck, Overlg Property. a Cul-De-Sac block. New roof, windows, Reduced ...... $659K working fireplace, and a sunroom with Call Robert Manel at Hal Knopf Kings Point Delray Beach condo for 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 a skylight off a spacious Eat-In Kitchen. Realty 516-458-4847 sale 1,100 sq. feet. 2 BR, 2 bths, new Walk to all. Call Jackie 516-526-8841 To enjoy a Shabbos in Oceanside European kitchen and appliances, Atlantic Beach — Magnificent center Hewlett — Brand new construction, 5 and see why so many young families updated bath, new carpets, 24-hour hall colonial just few blocks from bedrms, 2.5 baths, office, wood flrs, water! 8 BR, 2/5 bths, Jacuzzi, beautiful are buying homes here. guarded community. Golf, theater, CAC, Laundry room on 2nd flr..... $699K finished basement. Must see. Call David C. Welner 718-928-4775 library ...... $199,999 Call Jackie 516-526-8841 Asking ...... $999K Call 631-664-0075 Woodmere — Sprawling ranch on deep Woodmere — Col. 5 BR, 3.5 bths, FDR, property 4 bedrms, 3 baths, Master North Woodmere — NU 2 Mkt, MiC, Lawrence — NU 2 Mkt. Col., Brk., LR, study, breakfast room, den, hard- suite, walk to all...... $1.250M Deco Dream, Nu Granite EIK, Nu Bths, Large property, near ALL, 5Br, 3.5Bth, wood floors, basement, IGP, 2-car Call Jackie 516-526-8841 Waterview, 4Br, 2.5Bth, SPA in yard. Den, full bsmt ...... $1.9M detached garage, .4 row acres. Weissman Realty Group, LLC ...... $799K Call 516-322-3555 Owner 516-295-0504 $1M+ 516-791-6100 5TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710

82 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE The deadline

Woodmere — Lovely colonial on dead Cedarhurst — House Rental LR/FDR, Free DIRECTV 4 Room System! 265+ end street, 4 Bdrm, 4 Baths, large FDR, den, 3br, 2.5bth, Fin. Bsmt . . . . . $2,300 Channels! Starts $29.99 Free HBO + for placing skylit den, huge master, office, finished Call 516-322-3555 Showtime + Starz! Free DVR/HD bsmt. with wood built-ins, 60x100, close Receiver! 95 HD Channels! No Start Up Cedarhurst — House Rental; kit, den, classified ads to Shuls, train, MIC ...... $679K Costs! Hurry, Ends Soon! We're Local 3br., 2.5 bth. bsmt ...... $2,400 Installers! 1-800-306-1953 Broker/Owner. Must See. 516-569-2156 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 in the next issue Woodmere/Cedarhurst — 1 and 2 BR DIRECTV Free 4 Room System! 265+ available. Secure buildings, updated Channels! Starts $29.99 Free HBO + FOR RENT EIK, Shabbos elevator close to all and Showtime + Starz! Free DVR/HD train station. Call Sherri 516-297-7995 Receiver! 95 HD Channels! No Start Up of the 5TJT is Far Rockaway — 1 BR and 2 BR Costs! Hurry, Ends Soon! We're Local apartments. some balconies. New Installers! 1-800-973-9027 2-3 BR rental apt 2 family house 2 BR, kitchens, lots of closets, 24 hr doorman, Monday, June 2 lg LR, DR, EIK, den, quiet location...... $2,200 security cameras. Close to White Shul, 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Shor Yoshuv and train. Call Sherri 516-297-7995 FOR SALE at 5:00 P.M. Far Rockaway — 2 Huge Office Spaces. Weissman Realty Group, LLC 6,000 and 2,500 Sq Ft. 2nd Floor. Near 516-791-6100 Subway & LIRR. Build to Suit. Can Be Call Divided. Owner 917-359-9776 Back Lawrence— Carriage house 2 BR, One day sell-out. Gorgeous Nava rarely available. Lakeside, loft style, Design custom crib sets. Clearing out, Miami Alexander Hotel — Short or long 1100 square feet, washer/dryer, fur- unbeatable prices. Monday, June 2, 516-569-0502 term rental. 2 BR, 2 bths, luxury, nished, parking for 2 cars, available 11 AM-1 PM and 8 PM-10 PM. Shabbos elevator, swimming pool, bal- June 1, $1600 broker. Call Dov 211 Harborview North, Lawrence. cony, parking, beachfront. 347-893-5470 Call 516-884-0878 Call Zeev Kolman 212-245-1715 or 917-287-5858

Office space for rent. Central Avenue. Includes utilities, AC, alarm, internet. Call 516-569-4949 x104

Ced. — 3+ br apt, 1.5 bth, lg FDR, new EIK, on quiet street, walk to all . . $2,200 N Wdm. — house rental. Hi-ranch in MIC. 4 br, CAC, den, on quiet street. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710

Miami Beach-The Dalano Effect — Stunning millionaire's row, panoramic view, beach block, 2 BR, 3 bths, approximately 1,700 square feet, white porce- lain floors, vessel sink, gorgeous pool, state-of-the-art gym, valet parking. Rent $3,800, Sale $675K. Call 917-301-0104

Far Rockaway — Lg. Hse Rental: 4br, 2bth, bsmt., hi-ceilings, NU bths, W\D. Call 516-322-3555

Far Rockaway — Apartment available. Brand new construction. Furnished or unfurnished. 3 BR, 2bths. Cleaning and laundry services available. Perfect for the elderly. Call Sherri 516-569-5450

West Hempstead — Large apartment. Own thermostats, separate entrance, all included, pets ok, near shuls. 1 spacious bedroom and living room. Asking $1,400 Call 917-640-3028

Far Rockaway — Walk-in Apt on Beach 9. Newly renovated. Close to syna- gogues ...... $675 including all Call 646-342-4030 or 718-350-6303

Far Rockaway— House for rent. Annapolis St. (b/w Beck & Almont Rd) Prime loc— beautiful block full of young families with kids. 1 block from Agudah, Shor Yoshuv and White Shul. 2- 3 bedrooms on 2nd floor, 1 bedroom 1st floor, playroom & bedroom with bathroom in basement. Call Owner at 917-617-0768

Your Classified Ad Could Be Here.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 83

A Mother’s Musings After dinner, it was time to unwind. Yussie from the time he was born until But I digress. It’s 8:00 p.m. and Continued from Page 24 Big sister Rivka volunteered to be on we expanded the house when Yussie Yussie and Lea are out again. “It’s day,” bath duty for Yussie, with Lea, of was two, deserved a room of his own. Yussie explains. (Thanks, Miss course, with Yussie overseeing from the course, assisting, while Hubby and I The pairing of Yussie and Lea won’t Gutman, for differentiating “day” from back seat of the car). At that time, I had scooted over to a very windy Atlantic work forever for obvious reasons, but “night”!) I make a futile attempt to a few moments available to take Rochel Beach boardwalk for a quick shpatzier right now it works for us. Interestingly explain that although it is still light and Lea to purchase much-needed (stroll). Upon our return, silly me out, it’s time for bed anyway. “floaties” for the summer season. Upon thought we could get away with an I give up—let’s let Shoshana, Rivka, our return we set up the sprinklers in abridged version of our traditional and Rochel help them watch a nice the backyard. As Yussie and Lea night of “Emeril Live” and put the So, my little risk-tak- “Deal or No Deal” rerun and leisurely try changed into their bathing suits, kinder to sleep by 7:20! again by 9:00 p.m. As my kids rarely give Shoshana and I rushed out to get an That worked out surprisingly well ing of trying to put up an opportunity to lounge in our room “emergency” camera that Shoshana until 7:35 p.m., at which time Lea to watch TV, my ploy works. I have come needs for her summer job. After that announced that Yussie needs the bath- them to sleep by 7:20 downstairs to continue my “musings” as task was completed, it was time for room, and by the way, she needs it too. Leib and I share some forgotten barbe- some fun in the sun! Of course Yussie And so ends round one of going to turned into over an cue watermelon and blueberries. At this and Lea were the only ones brave sleep. By 7:45 I try again. I restart the point it is way past my bedtime! enough to frolic in the chilly sprinklers, Uncle Moishy tape and remind both hour and a half I always tell people not to try to call as the rest of the household prepared Yussie and Lea that they have already my house past 8:00 p.m. After all, I for an impromptu barbecue. said Shema for the night a few minutes preparation for sleep. have small children and the phone Sunday night was our official first ago. All quiet at 7:50 p.m. might wake them! Truth be told, the barbecue of the summer, complete Yes, Yussie and Lea share a room. We phone might wake me! I rarely can with both sets of grandparents. For expanded the house when Lea was a enough, if Yussie wakes up in the mid- keep my eyes open past 9:30 or so. Monday’s barbecue we utilized what- couple of months old and I felt that I dle of the night, he doesn’t wake Lea, That’s not to say I always get a good ever wasn’t cooked on Sunday. A wanted both Yussie and Lea close to me and the reverse is true, as well. Of night’s sleep. Lea enjoys waking in the hodgepodge of various franks and (their room is next door to ours). Plus, course, when any of my children awak- middle of the night for a variety of rea- meats—a good way to finish off the hot I felt that my eldest son, Naftali, who en in the middle of the night, the only sons (she “needs a drink,” etc.). Or, dog and burger buns! had selflessly shared his room with person to wake up is me! many times I think of something important that I must do that can’t wait until morning (throwing in a load of laundry, etc.). And so, I have a weird system: I fall asleep early and awaken quite early. If it’s 2 in the morning I can hear a pin drop, but at 10 p.m. I can fall asleep to the blaring of the tel- evision with the light on! Time flies, and somehow my little venture to the kitchen for some watermelon earlier in the evening turns into a huge chunk of time and I find myself sneaking past Yussie and Lea’s room at 11:00 p.m.—truly way past my bedtime. Somehow the girls must have gotten them to sleep by 9 o’clock after all! Now it is 8:35 a.m. on Tuesday and my children are all off for school (aside from my eldest, who has just returned from shul and is preparing to go to work). I have a minute to conclude my “musings” before I venture off to work myself. So, my little risk-taking of trying to put them to sleep by 7:20 turned into over an hour and a half preparation for sleep. Why do we do that? Why do we set ourselves up for failure? In my heart of hearts, I knew that it was too early to put them to bed. Had I only waited it out until at least 8:00 in the first place, all this could have been avoided. But that is what we Mothers do. We take risks. Like on Friday. Somehow I thought that I could take Yussie to Weight Watchers as a “fun” activity to do on his day off from school. Silly me—it worked for about five minutes until Yussie realized that the Weight Watcher’s leader wasn’t putting on a show for him! But I knew that would happen, and I did it anyway. It would be no fun if we never took risks. Well, tonight Leib and I have a wed- ding to attend, so the task of putting the youngest to sleep will fall into someone else’s noble hands. Frankly, as long as they are asleep when we return and the house in a somewhat normal condition, I will be satisfied. Until next time, enjoy! O

Phyllis Joy Lubin is an attorney with Rosenfeld & Maidenbaum, LLP, who resides in Cedarhurst with her husband Leonard and six children: Naftali, Shoshana, Rivka, Rochel, Yosef, and Lea. She welcomes your questions and comments at [email protected]. 84 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

From The Chassidic Masters Counting Souls

In Hebrew, it’s called Bamidbar (“In 108,100; and 157,600 pitched their the Desert”) and also Sefer HaPekudim tents in the Camp of Dan. (“The Book of the Countings”); in the And 26 chapters and 39 years later, English-speaking world, this is the we’re still in the Book of Numbers, in Biblical section known as “Numbers.” the midst of another census. Again, we And yes, there are many, many numbers get the total figure (now 601,730) and in the fourth of the Torah’s five books. the numbers for each tribe. We notice In its opening chapters, we learn that Shimon has been tragically that one year after the Exodus, there reduced (22,200, down from 59,300), were 603,550 adult Israelite males while Menasheh’s ranks have swelled between the ages of 20 and 60, of to 52,700 (a gain of 20,500). But most whom 22,273 were firstborn; a sepa- of all, we notice how G-d’s passion for rate census counted 22,300 Levites counting His people has not waned. age one month and older (7,500 For, as G-d says to Moshe, we’re not descendants of Gershon, 8,600 of just counting people. We’re “raising Kehas, and 6,200 of Merrari). We are their heads.” also given the figure for each of the When a census is taken, the count twelve tribes, from Yehudah’s 74,600 will include scholars and boors, profes- to Menasheh’s 32,200. Then the Torah sionals and vagabonds, philanthropists tallies the number in each of the four and misers, saints and criminals. Yet “camps” into which the twelve tribes each counts for no more and no less were divided: Yehudah’s camp, which than “one” in the total number. The also included the tribes of Yissachar count reflects only the one quality they and Zevulun, totaled 186,400; the all share equally: the fact that each is three tribes in Reuvein’s camp totaled 151,450; Ephraim’s camp included Continued on Page 86

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 85 basement, upgrading the plumbing and the best way to go about making any tax- electric, putting on a new roof, adding a related decisions about your home. O deck, constructing additional room(s), etc., may also be eligible for deduction. Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a licensed real-estate broker (Anessa V Cohen Records are needed to utilize these Realty) and a licensed N.Y.S. mortgage broker deductions, so it is always advisable to (A.C. Action Mortgage Corp.) with over 20 years maintain expense records and receipts of experience, offering full-service residential and commercial real-estate services in the Five Towns How does a seller figure out what Yep, that’s great—except $800,000 to substantiate all costs. and throughout the tri-state area. She can be their tax situation is when they sell minus $100,000 equals $700,000 in Of course, all of these calculations reached at 516-569-5007 or via her website, www.AVCrealty.com. Readers are encouraged to their home? This problem has as many capital gains. They subtract the should be done in consultation with send questions or comments to solutions as a Rubik’s Cube. $500,000 exclusion from the capital your tax adviser, who can advise you of [email protected]. Individuals selling their principal res- gains, but are still left with capital idences can exclude the first $250,000 gains of $200,000. Figuring that the in profits from capital-gains taxes; mar- capital-gains tax right now is 15 per- FROM THE CHASSIDIC MASTERS roaring flame. ried couples filing jointly, $500,000. cent, it seems that they would be liable Continued from Page 85 So when G-d instructs that we be To qualify, a taxpayer must have for taxes of $30,000. Mr. and Mrs. counted, it is an expression of our owned their home for at least two Homeowner would prefer to find a way an individual human being. greatest commonalities. On the Divine years and used it as a principal resi- to keep this money in their pocket, so So, is a headcount an expression of census sheet, our differences are tran- dence for two out of five years before they take the next step. Out of storage the lowest common denominator in a scended to reveal the simple fact of they decided to sell. A taxpayer could come all of their records and receipts collection of individuals? The answer our being—a fact which expresses theoretically sell a principal residence of purchase, for various kinds of stuff, depends on how one views the essence what is best in us, and from which once every two years, without having paid for over the years to improve their of humanity. If man is basically neutral stems all that is good in us. to pay a tax on capital gains. home. They also take out all of the or worse—if we all begin with zero and G-d counts us not to know our num- This sounds wonderful and exciting closing documents and receipts that make of ourselves what we are—then ber (which He obviously knows) or in theory—where can you find as great they put away from the original pur- what unites us as individuals is indeed even to get in touch with the quintes- a return, with prices going up, as with chase of their home. the least of our qualities. G-d, howev- sence of our souls (which He obvious- selling and buying a principal resi- These are strategies that can assist a er, has a different perspective on the ly is); He counts us to accentuate our dence, each time banking the capital seller in mitigating their capital-gains “huddled masses” of man. soul of souls—to give expression to its gains from the sale without having to tax liability. Selling costs, including As G-d sees it, the soul of man is a essence and to make it more accessible pay any taxes? real-estate commissions, legal fees, spark of His own fire—a spark with the to our material-bound lives. Here comes the problem! In the case title fees, money spent preparing the potential to reflect the infinite good- Therein lies the deeper significance of sellers who have owned their houses house for sale, etc., are among the ness and perfection of its source. of the idiom “raise the heads” in G-d’s for many years, the difference between items that can be deducted. In addi- Human life is the endeavor to realize instruction to Moshe to count the peo- what they bought the house for and tion, costs associated with the original what is implicit in this spark. Indeed, a ple of Israel. When G-d counts us, He what they are realizing from the sale of purchase of the house, including title person may lead a full, accomplished, is stimulating the highest and loftiest their home usually goes way beyond costs, recording fees, attorney fees, and righteous life, and yet barely part of our being, the spark of Divinity the $250,000/$500,000 exclusion. inspection fees, survey fees, etc., may scratch the surface of the infinitude of which lies at the core of our soul. For instance, 30 years ago Mr. and also be deducted. his or her soul. Another person may (Chabad.org) O Mrs. Homeowner bought a house for Major improvements made over the blunder for a lifetime in darkness and Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher $100,000. Today, their beautiful home time of ownership of your home to iniquity, and then, in a moment of self- Rebbe; adapted by Yanki Tauber. Courtesy of has received an offer for $800,000. increase its value, such as finishing a discovery, fan their Divine spark into a MeaningfulLife.com.

86 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ‘Dead Gazan’ Alive And Kicking 15th Annual Israel Day Concert Photo By Barry Brown Studios B Y MEITAL YASUR-BEIT OR for Human Rights said. “Usually, the organization receives information from Stayin’ alive: Muhammad al-Harrani, the families and from the hospitals, but a father of six from Gaza diagnosed with in this case the information was cancer who reportedly died while waiting received from the family and was not for a permit to enter Israel, miraculously confirmed by the hospital.” “came back to life.” This was not the result of a miracle, but rather, just part of the tactics used by al-Harrani’s family in a bid to secure a permit for him. Al-Harrani is currently awaiting an Not even a entry permit into Israel, so that he can undergo head surgery at Tel Aviv minimal inquiry Sourasky Medical Center and receive radiation and chemotherapy treatment. At the end of April he was summoned to into the facts was a questioning session at the Erez Crossing as part of the permit process, conducted. but the session was postponed by a week. On the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day, al-Harrani’s story was published. His family reported to Meanwhile, the Shin Bet sent the the “Physicians for Human Rights” organization an angry response: “We organization that he had died. “The sick view these harsh accusations on your man could not withstand the wait for the part with great severity; not even a permit,” claimed Ran Yaron, director of minimal inquiry into the facts was con- the Occupied Territories Department ducted.” The Shin Bet noted that due The 15th Annual Israel Day Concert in the Park will take place June 1 who blamed the Shin Bet for adopting to the suspicion of his involvement in at Central Park's Summer Stage, at 72nd Street and 5th Avenue, from cruel policies against cancer patients. terror activities, al-Harrani was indeed 2:30-6:30 p.m. It is dedicated to a united Jerusalem, the eight murdered However, the next day, the organiza- called in for a security check, and it tion discovered that al-Harrani was was indeed postponed by a week. Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva students, freeing Jonathan Pollard and the Israeli still alive. Members of the group esti- Since al-Harrani did not arrive at MIAs, and ending the assault on S’derot and other parts of Eretz Yisrael. mated that his brother, who reported the questioning session, “he will have The event, which is the largest of its kind outside of Israel, will feature the death, “killed” him so he does not to bear the consequences or future talented Israeli and American performers and greetings by important report to the questioning session. damage that may be caused to him, in politicial and Jewish leaders. Admission is free and the event will be “This is a rare case where a family line with his refusal to cooperate in the member knowingly provided false infor- procedure,” the Shin Bet said. held rain or shine. The concert is, once again, being organized by mation to the organization,” Physicians (YNetNews.com) O (L-R) Dr. Joseph Frager and chaired by Dr. Paul Brody and his wife Drora.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 87 88 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES only kept somewhat at bay by my sense (Not Quite) Colossal Cave Adventure of adventure and my optimistic approach that we would get out, and what a great story this would make. BY LAURA BEN-DAVID her into, and from the beginning was one through a ridiculously narrow sec- We doubled back and tried another planning for our early departure. tion that had us all shimmying on the route, one we were sure we could see a I always wanted to go to the Haritun Of course there was no way I was dusty ground, bumping uncomfortably faint glow of light at the end of. And Cave. A natural wonder located right going to miss the Haritun, so I dragged over stones and rocks, and getting cov- we were right. After crawling on our in Gush Etzion’s Tekoa, it is the largest her along. By the time we had hiked ered in chalky dust that was also hov- hands and knees, watching the light cave in the Middle East. With all the along the side of a mountain to get to ering in little clouds wherever we grow, our hearts lifted. We finally opportunities I have had over the six the entrance of the cave, she was at breathed. Someone up ahead yelled, “I arrived at the opening, savoring the years since I’m here, it somehow just the end of her rope and begged me to hope no one is claustrophobic!” I had- fresh air and light, to discover we were never worked out. So when I heard go home. I felt torn between my n’t been before, but the power of sug- about 10 feet above where we had that a group was organizing a trip to parental responsibilities to my tired gestion can do wonders. With all that, entered, which was a fairly narrow Herodion and the Haritun Cave, I child, and my childish urge to explore the rocks, the dust, even the tight tun- precipice to begin with. Not exactly a jumped at the opportunity. the cave. Urge trumped responsibili- nels, I was actually having fun. Shira good place to attempt a jump. There’s nothing like going on a trip ties (as usual…) and I convinced Shira wasn’t. She wanted to go home. Suddenly we heard an unmistakable that someone else organizes. The fact to just try it, we could always turn Well, at that point you can’t say I British accent, and realized that our that this trip was planned for singles back. That was not a good plan. didn’t experience Haritun. I gave in, friends on the trip, Robbie and Libbie and young couples did not daunt me in We entered the cave towards the we said goodbye to our new friends— (an actual young couple), were stand- the slightest. While I am not single, rear of our group, flashlight in hand. or at least to the three people in the ing below at the entrance. We called and ‘young’ is even questionable, I After a bit of crouching through an near vicinity who could hear us—and out to them, feeling as though we were thought I’d pair myself with my 18- increasingly black tunnel, we entered a we turned around, armed with Shira’s saved. Well, not quite, but at least we year-old daughter Shira, our average cavern that was large enough for all of River Rock flashlight and the blessed knew they would send help if we didn’t age definitely pulling us into the us, yet so incredibly dark that the dark- rope on the ground to guide us. emerge. Nothing like being lost in a ‘young couple’ category; well sort of. ness seemed to swallow up the light of We crawled back through the tun- cave when no one knows you’re lost. And so, joining the 35 singles and our flashlights. I must say that Shira’s nel, my hand never straying from the Hopeful, we crawled back in, deter- young couples, I was able to reclaim exceptionally powerful River Rock guide rope, Shira’s flashlight blazing mined to head in the direction that we my youth for the day… flashlight was a big hit with everyone, our trail. We arrived at the huge cav- now knew the exit to be in. This time We started with Herodion, a 2,000- and before long the cave walls were ern. So far so good. When we prepared luck was with us! The very next path year-old castle built into a hollowed fleetingly adorned with shadow pup- to exit the cavern we discovered to our we tried brought us right to the exit. out mountain top by King Herod him- pets. Good thing we had it for we were alarm that we were at the end of our We dashed over to a worried Robbie self. A landmark of eastern Gush going to need that flashlight for a lot rope—literally! We had simply assumed and Libbie, and we all breathed a deep Etzion, I’ve not only been there, I can more than amusement. the rope would take us all the way to sigh of relief. I smiled thinking that at see it from Neve Daniel. But I was About this time we noticed a rope the exit. We looked through the black- last I had been to Haritun Cave—and happy to go along with this first part of on the ground, which seemed to snake ness, Shira’s flashlight, as good as it I definitely got a good story out of it. O the trip if it got me to the Haritun along the route as a guide. I vaguely was, only giving us a tiny view at a time. Cave in the end. Shira, however, was thought about Hansel and Gretel, and We went the way that we thought was Laura Ben-David began writing when she made anything but happy. Having gotten very the rope gave me a sense of calm I correct, only to come to a dead end. I aliyah in 2002, and hasn’t stopped. She is the little sleep the night before, she was in hadn’t realized was missing. We con- began to be aware of fear and panic author of MOVING UP: An Aliyah Journal no mood for a hike that I had roped tinued on, leaving the cavern one by brushing the surface of my thoughts, (Mazo Publishers).

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 89 CBEY Farewell Dinner Photos By Ivan H. Norman Israel And Syria To Launch Indirect Talks

B Y BARAK RAVID 1967 Six Day War. The U.S. government had asked Israel and Syria are set to begin Turkey to increase efforts to advance peace negotiations brokered by negotiations between Israel and Syria, Turkey, the prime minister’s bureau according to a report published by the and the Syrian foreign ministry has London Arabic daily Al-Hayat on confirmed. “The two sides have begun Saturday. According to the report, the indirect talks under Turkish aus- U.S. request comes in light of the pices,” Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s recent political crisis in Lebanon, and office said in a statement. U.S. assessments that peace between “The sides have declared their Israel and Syria will help distance the intention to conduct the talks without country from Hezbollah. The report prejudice and with openness,” the quoted a source as saying that statement said. “They have decided to Washington has hinted to Israel more conduct the dialogue in a serious and than once the importance of progress continuous manner with the aim of in talks with Syria. reaching a comprehensive peace.” The source added that the U.S. Olmert’s aides Yoram Turbovitz and said they are ready to participate in Shalom Turjeman, have been in talks between the countries if Turkey Ankara holding indirect talks with is able to achieve a breakthrough Syrian officials under Turkish media- between them. tion. According to the messages passed Ankara would like both sides to between the two sides, Syria is ready to commit to a signed declaration as a begin peace talks. The foreign ministry starting point for talks. According to in Damascus confirmed the report, one report, Turkey decided to post- shortly after it was released in Israel, pone the proposed sit-down after the Turkey, and Syria. Syrians revealed Jerusalem’s stated At its dinner, Congregation Bais Ephraim Yitzchok of Woodmere bid farewell Israel and Syria last held peace willingness to withdraw from the to its beloved rabbi and rebbetzin, Rabbi Shalom and Dr. Tamar Rosner talks in the United States in 2000 but Golan Heights in exchange for peace. they collapsed after the two sides The Syrian leadership was assuaged by (left), as they leave to make aliyah. Rivki and Ashi Elefant (top right), and failed to reach an agreement on the Olmert’s refusal to deny or backtrack Fraidy and Mayer Maltz (bottom right) were the honorees at the dinner held fate of the Golan Heights, a territory from the claims when word reached at the Lawrence Country Club. that Israel captured from Syria in the the news media in Israel. (Haaretz) O

90 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

It felt like all our years of work developing relationships and our repu- NORPAC Convoy To Washington tation had finally paid off. Our recep- tion, by and large, was gracious and BY BEN CHOUAKE our members over the last six years. that day). The rest of the meetings on warm. The members of Congress and When we got over 60 Senate appoint- Capitol Hill were with members and their staffs were interested to hear It was late afternoon on Wednesday ments, we turned on the peer pressure. staff of the House of Representatives. from us and appreciative of the May 21. Rabbi Genack called to tell Our efforts resulted in appointments This year, we advocated for an insights we were able to give them. me the news. Most weeks, the rabbi with 97 senators. The three offices left increase in foreign aid to Israel to One of the senators my group met with and Senator Joe Lieberman learn was Jack Reed from Rhode Island. together over the phone. This week the This senior senator would rarely co- senator called the rabbi to tell him how sponsor any legislation. So I brought exciting the NORPAC mission was for out the big guns—I let my mother him and the other members of When I saw NORPAC volunteer advocates present our case to him. Given that the Congress. There was a buzz on the Hill senator was a West Pointer, an Army about the size and scope of what is packing a major facility under a six-story Ranger captain, Harvard Law School now the second largest Jewish mission graduate, and two-term senator, my to Washington in the country. The sen- atrium that I thought, mom, who saw the face of evil in ator was impressed; after all NORPAC WWII, was the only person on our is such a young and relatively local “Maybe we have something here.” mission who had the credibility to organization. change his mind. She spoke of how her It started that morning at 5:30 a.m. father was deeply worried after reading at the various pickup spots. Twenty- Mein Kampf. She reminded the sena- two buses filled with members who out were Robert Byrd, Judd Gregg $2.55 billion, three pieces of legisla- tor that most people did not believe volunteered to train to meet with (who has never met with us), and Thad tion to impede the financial ability of Hitler was serious about his words. Congress—twelve buses from Cochran (whose office had some Iran to complete their nuclear She warned him that Ahmadinijad is a Englewood-Teaneck, two from West staffing problems and apologized for weapons program, and funding for the Orange, two from Edison, two from their inability to accommodate a visit US-Israel Energy Cooperation Act. Continued on Page 94 Manhattan, one from Queens, and one from the newest chapter in Long Island. They prepared to discuss the issues of importance to US-Israel rela- tions in depth and advocate for specific legislation. NORPAC Mission Chairman Mort Fridman and his two Co-Chairs, Richard Schlussel and Jeff Weinstein, set a high bar for a successful mission this year. They wanted 1000 people to attend. I mentioned that this was a stretch, given most of the major organizations struggle to get 200 people. However, knowing Mort’s enthusiasm is a force of nature, the committee said, “Let’s try and see what happens.” When we were done, the NORPAC mission had participants from 10 states plus DC. Among the 980 who registered were 40 rabbis and Jewish professionals and over 300 students. We increased our attendance by 30% over last year. We rented a federal facility, the Mellon Auditorium, for the event. Although I have been doing this for a while, it was only when I saw NOR- PAC volunteer advocates packing a major facility under a six-story atrium that I thought, “Maybe we have something here.” The morning started with the Star Spangled Banner and Hatikva, followed by speeches from Mission Chairman Mort Fridman, Senator Mary Landrieu, Senator Robert Menendez, Senator Ted Stevens, Congressman Steve Rothman, and AIPAC Policy Director Esther Kurtz. Finally, I tried giving our advocate-citizens some words of encouragement before sending them off to the Hill. The pressure during the mission preparation was immense. We needed to get 500 appointments with members of Congress, so each of the 125 NORPAC groups could have four meetings. We made thousands of calls to get those appointments. We ended up with 491 meetings and hope to improve our record next year. We were first determined to see as many senators as possible. It helped that about half of the Senate members had already been in the homes of one of 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 91 92 May 30, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES May 30, 2008 93 NORPAC Continued from Page 91

repetition of history, and we need to find a way to stop him before he also carries out his threats. The senator decided to co-sponsor one of the two Iran bills and promised to revisit the second one more carefully soon. During our meeting with Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, we were assured that Congress would find a mecha- nism to fund the extra $150 million for Israel to the $2.55 billion level, even if the budg- et moves forward only by continuing resolution. Of all our meetings, one did stand out as a problem. That took place in the office of Senator Jim Webb of Virginia. This group meeting, although we took great pains to send his own constituents there, was particularly cool and unreceptive. This is worri- some because Senator Webb is being circulated as a potential candidate for the Democratic Vice-Presidential nomination. After our meetings on Capitol Hill, the members came back to the Auditorium for the afternoon speakers. The afternoon session was filled with several speakers, including Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Senator Norm Coleman, Senator Roger Wicker, Congressman Elliot Engle, and Ambassador Sallai Meridor. As we drove back north, NORPAC participants spoke of the long but gratifying day, as each person had the opportunity to address the bus and describe their meetings. It is hard to conceive that some 900 attendees, 500 meetings, 125 groups, 22 buses, training sessions, meals, sound and lighting, talking points, and event hall preparations were all done with volunteers (and one full- time and three part-time staffers). Yes, we have much to be proud of. O

Ben Chouake, MD (Dr Ben), is the President of NORPAC, the largest multi-candidate political action committee committed to strengthening the US-Israel relationship.

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