Darkness and Light in Florida INJURED?

February 22, 2018 | Published Bi-Weekly | 7 Adar, 5778 Issue #71 See ad on page 19

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WESTCHESTER DAY SCHOOL Darkness and Light in Florida pre passover boutique 3 • 18 • 18 | FROM 1-6 PM and happiness. And yet, this past out of insanity and evil. W ESTCHESTER DAY SCHOO 6 ORIENTAWESTCHESTER AVENUE • MAMARONECK, N Wednesday, a day we will never for- Each one of these horriﬁ c E YOUR PASSOVER WINE! EXICTING VENDORS FEATURING W , HOLIDAY CLOTHINGDAY FORSCHOOL CHILDREN AND ADULTS,BE get, Stoneman Douglas High School school shootings strikes us and UDAICA,DELICIOUS FOOD, HOME GOODS AND MUCH MORE OU• SHOP 856 INDULGE ORIENTA IN SOME TEXAS BBQ AVENUE FROM THE WANDE • R in Parkland, just 20 minutes from breaks our hearts, but this one hap- EVENT CO-CHAIRS: ALKA• HELFT MAMARONECK, • AYALA LALLOUZ WOLF• NYARIELLE • WOL here, became a place of inconceiv- pened in our backyard. If we don’t able and tragic devastation. Seven- SSeeee aadd oonn ppageage 1144 teen lives cut short, abruptly ended CONTINUED ON P. 6 YI of Harrison Bakes for the Troops

Pascack Hills High School freshmen Jazzy Bachman, Anna Lewis, Arielle Solomon and Nicole Litt, all from Woodcliff Lake and former classmates to Alyssa Alhadeff , led the memorial service for Alyssa, on Thursday, Feb. 15, by SSeeee aadd oonn ppageage 3333 lighting the memorial candle in her memory. PHOTO COURTESY OF VALLEY CHABAD By Rabbi Efrem Goldberg When we send our children to school, we take for granted we BRUCE BACKMAN’S Adapted from the sermon Rab- will see them at the end of the day. PESACH in the bi Goldberg gave last Shabbat to School is supposed to be a safe ORTHEAST his congregation, Boca Raton Syna- place, a nurturing environment N gogue. Reprinted with permission. that promotes learning, growth WE ACCEPT AIR MILES CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION YIOH holiday packers and bakers. CREDIT: YAEL FRAENKEL

By Judy Berger hamantashen and packed mish- Discover West Orange! loach manot for American sol- On Sunday, February 4, the diers. the area who have heard the buzz Young Israel of Harrison hosted a ”When planning a Purim activ- See ad on page 23 and had their interest piqued, there pre-Purim event called “Bake for ity for the youth of Harrison, we will be a Discover West Orange the Troops.” Around 20 members shabbaton the Shabbat of March 16- of the Harrison community baked CONTINUED ON P. 29 17, Parshat Vayikra, Shabbat HaCho- desh, and all are welcome. Schools Rabbi Marc Spivak, spiritual WTA and He’Atid leader of Congregation Ohr Torah, said, “Our shul has welcomed over a Journey to Summit See ad dozen new families this year. West on page 39 Orange is really growing. What’s By JLBWC Staff In the spring of 2012, a group special is that we are close-knit as of community leaders decided the a community; we do a lot of pro- time was right to create academic 201-343-6100 grams that include all the commu- institutions which would provide nity shuls.” high quality and affordable Jew- Rabbi Eliezer Zwickler, spiritual ish education for all. To attain this PRE PESACH leader of Congregation AABJ&D, goal, the group brought on board BLOW The Trenk family of West Orange. added, “We have had an infl ux of professionals, lay leaders and ed- young families who have moved ucational leaders to design an in- OUT By Jill Kirsch to town. They found our real estate novative model to meet the needs prices attractive and saw West Or- of all learners. Recognizing that SALE!! Things are happening in West ange as a place you’d want to raise tuition increases in independent Orange. The community is grow- a family.” schools outpaced income, these Sari's Wigs ing, and so is excitement about the After 15 years in the communi- Pictured at the Summit Leadership leaders made the decision to des- Choose from Three Amazing Offers township. New families are moving ty, Rabbi Zwickler has seen many Training in CA, from left to right ignate a fi xed tuition rate. This Off Any Sari Supreme in, in much larger numbers than in kids grow up there, and fi rmly be- are: Rav Tomer Ronen of YH, process culminated in the estab- Buy One $350 OFF FREE wig past years, and they are telling their lieves that “there is just something Deganit Ronen of WTA, Nellie lishment of Yeshivat He’Atid (YH) Get One makeover 50% OFF purchase with purchase See adof onone wigpageof a 33new wig friends to follow. For those outside CONTINUED ON P. 24 Harris of WTA and Dr. Hope February 25th Blecher of YH. CONTINUED ON P. 36

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Amid Tensions With U.S., Abbas charge of Palestinian refugees, which he Elovitch, who was also arrested in connec- of its embassy by repeatedly emphasizing Addresses Security Council said the United States “helped establish”— tion to the case. “our” in the phrase “our embassy.” (Sean Savage/JNS) Palestinian Authority while criticizing Trump for threatening to In the deal Filber signed, he will give Nonetheless, Haley said that the U.S. President Mahmoud Abbas took to the in- shutter the Palestine Liberation Organiza- testimony against Netanyahu in exchange was determined to pursue peace, telling ternational stage this week to call for a con- tion’s offi ces in Washington, D.C. for a guarantee not to serve prison time. Abbas, “I sit here today offering the out- ference to advance peace efforts. He added that Palestinians would step stretched hand,” and noted that American “We call for the convening of an interna- up efforts for full membership at the Unit- At Security Council, Haley Tells negotiators were sitting right behind her, tional peace conference in mid-2018, based ed Nations. Abbas: ‘I Will Not Shut Up’ referring to White House senior adviser on international law and relevant U.N. reso- (Algemeiner) U.S. Ambassador to the Jared Kushner and Middle East envoy Jason lutions, with broad international participa- Communications Director to Turn U.N. Nikki Haley upbraided Palestinian Au- Greenblatt, both of whom attended the Se- tion including the two concerned parties, State’s Witness Against Netanyahu thority President Mahmoud Abbas at the curity Council session. and the regional and international stake- (JNS) Israel’s Ministry of Communica- U.N. Security Council this week, saying, “I holders,” Abbas said in a 30-minute-long tions Director-General Shlomo Filber, a will not shut up,” and vowing American Iranian Official Threatens speech to the U.N. Security Council. longtime associate of Prime Minister Ben- recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital Netanyahu: ‘We Will Level Tel Aviv’ Abbas’s speech comes amid ongoing jamin Netanyahu, signed a deal this week “will not change.” (JNS) An Iranian offi cial has warned that tensions between the Palestinians and to become a state’s witness in a growing Haley spoke following a lengthy speech Tel Aviv will be “leveled to the ground” if Washington, with Abbas stating that he no corruption investigation involving the Is- by Abbas in which he denounced the U.S. Israel attacks the Islamic republic, adding longer considers the United States to be an raeli premier. Jerusalem move as a violation of interna- that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Net- “honest broker” in Mideast peace and call- Filber is expected to testify in what is tional law and demanded it be suspended. anyahu would be personally targeted. ing for an alternative to the U.S.-led process. being dubbed “Case 4000,” in which Netan- “You don’t have to like that decision,” The threats come following an ex- The P.A. leader also took aim at the yahu told him to provide regulatory bene- Haley said, addressing Abbas, who was ab- change from the podium at the Munich Se- Trump administration’s threats to cut off fi ts to the Bezeq telephone company in ex- sent from the chamber, “but know this, curity Conference between Netanyahu and aid to the Palestinians. He additionally cit- change for positive coverage of Netanyahu that decision will not change.” Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad ed the administration’s decision to slash and his family from the Walla news site. She emphasized that the U.S. had a right Zarif. funding for UNRWA—the U.N. agency in Walla and Bezeq are both owned by Shaul to make its own decisions on the location Netanyahu called out Iran while wav- ing a piece of wreckage from a drone Israel shot down over its airspace on February 10. OUR 60th YEAR Netanyahu rhetorically asked, “Mr. Zarif, do you recognize this? You should, it’s yours. You can take back with you a message to PASSOVER 2018 the tyrants of Tehran—do not test Israel’s resolve!” Zarif responded at the conference that 6 Spectacular Pesach Destinations Netanyahu’s display was a “cartoonish cir- cus” and said it “doesn’t deserve the digni- PHOENIX, ARIZONA BOCA RATON, FLORIDA RYE BROOK, NEW YORK ty of a response.” Arizona Boca Raton Hilton Biltmore Resort & Club Westchester CONTINUED ON P. 5 A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT JEWISH LINK BRONX, WESTCHESTER & CONNECTICUT

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World Newsbriefs ﬁ ght for it,” said Netanyahu. Sgt. Eshto Tespo were also killed when a Speaking during a tour of the Gaza bor- CONTINUED FROM P. 4 The Jewish brothers Mitch Schwartz large truck smashed into a Jeep convoy re- der area along with Deputy Chief of Staff of the Kansas City Chiefs and former NFL turning from a routine training exercise in Maj. Gen Aviv Kochavi, and General Eyal Bill Advances to Withhold player Geoff Schwartz presented Netanya- the north. Ten soldiers were injured. Zamit, head of the IDF Southern Com- Tax Collections to PA hu with jerseys with his nickname “Bibi” Six separate individuals received do- mand, Liberman said that Hamas deputy Over Terror Funding on them. nated organs from Siman Tov. The soldier’s leader Salah al-Aruri, who is based in Bei- (Yona Schnitzer/TPS) The Foreign Af- The seven NFL players on the group heart, lungs, liver and two kidneys were rut, has traveled frequently to Tehran to fairs and Defense Committee unanimous- were Josh Norman of the Washington Red- transplanted, with a liver lobe given to a “coordinate operations” and added that ly approved for a ﬁ rst reading a bill that skins, Chris Harris Jr. of the Denver Bron- 2½-year-old girl. “most of Hamas’ money today comes from would deduct payments made to terror- cos, Vic Beasley of the Atlanta Falcons, Uzi Siman Tov, Shilo’s father, eulogized Iran.” ists and their families by the Palestinian Avery Williamson of the Tennessee Titans Shilo as a “special boy,” and noted that he With regard to Saturday’s incident in Authority from taxes collected by Israel and Austin Seferian-Jenkins of the New had been able to speak with his son, but which two IDF soldiers were seriously in- for the PA. York Jets. that his condition deteriorated rapidly on jured by a IED on the border fence that “As long as the Palestinian Authori- Friday. was planted under cover of a disturbance ty pays money to terrorists, and as long Third IDF Soldier Succumbs to by dozens of Palestinians the previous day, as that money goes through us, we in the Wounds After Traffic Accident, Lieberman: Hamas Has Joined Lieberman said Hamas was using civilians Knesset and in the Committee can’t turn Donates Six Organs Iran-Hezbollah ‘Axis of Evil’ as “live ammunition.” a blind eye!” said Committee Chairman (JNS) The number of IDF soldiers killed (TPS) Hamas has opted to join forces “When Hamas sends civilians to clash MK Avi Dichter (Likud). “We will not be a in a deadly highway accident on February with the Iran-Hezbollah “axis of evil,” De- with the IDF on the border fence, it un- funnel for channeling funds for terror,” he 13 rose to three on Monday, as Staff Sgt. fense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said this derstands very well what the cost can be added. Shilo Siman Tov succumbed to his inju- week. and it uses those civilians to prepare ter- The Palestinian Authority pays roughly ries. “Hamas is part of the same axis of evil; rorist attacks under cover of the demon- $300 million annually to Palestinians con- Siman Tov, a Golani combat soldier, from our perspective it is clear that Hamas strations,” Lieberman said. “From our per- victed of terrorism and the families of Pal- passed away at Sheba Medical Center in Tel and Islamic Jihad are part of the Iran-Hez- spective, this is unacceptable and we will estinian terrorists killed carrying out at- HaShomer. Staff Sgt. Bar Yakubian and Staff bollah axis,” Lieberman said. not continue to play the game.” tacks against Israeli targets. Pilot of Downed F-16 Released From Rambam Hospital in Good Condition (Rambam Health Care Campus) The Isra- el Air Force pilot whose jet was shot down by a Syrian anti-aircraft missile after a strike deep in Syrian territory last week against Iranian infrastructure was released from the Rambam Health Care Campus. The 35- year old pilot was seriously wounded, but after treatment was able to leave the hospital in apparent good condition after Book an life-saving surgeries. Rambam and the IDF enjoy a very close appointment relationship for treatment of wounded soldiers and many other forms of coop- today! eration. “As the largest hospital in Israel’s northern region, and reputation for trauma and emergency care, Rambam stands at the frontline of Israel’s defense and security,” said Rick Hirschhaut, national executive director, American Friends of Rambam Med- ical Center. Before his release the pilot met with the IDF soldier who was wounded last week in the West Bank city Jenin where she accidentally entered with a military vehicle and was promptly assailed by an angry mob. She is being treated at Rambam for injuries incurred during that incident. You can afford to smile with implants Netanyahu Asks Visiting NFL Players to ‘Fight’ for Israel from Touro Dental Health.

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Darkness and Light most impossible to say, but that refl ect the a world unto themselves. Children who which innocent children are murdered in CONTINUED FROM P. 1 deepest faith, Dayan Ha’emet, God is the were described as angels in their kindness cold blood, why should we maintain faith Judge of truth. and compassion. Adults, including heroes in the world, why should we believe it is know students or staff at the school direct- As the funeral began, it occurred to like Scott Beigel, who was murdered be- safe to send our children to school? ly, we all know people who know someone me that normally parents light a Shab- cause he unlocked his classroom door to I want to share with you an incredible who goes there or has a connection to the bos candle each Friday night for each of let more students in, and Aaron Feis, a midrash (Esther Rabbah 7:13): school. their children. However, this past Friday coach who died while pushing a student Yesterday, my daughter and I went to night, rather than light a Shabbos candle out of the way and jumping between her the funeral of 14-year-old victim Alyssa Al- corresponding with Alyssa’s life, her bright and the shooter. hadeff. Neither of us ever met Alyssa or her light, her mother was going into Shabbos Seventeen, mostly children, fi lled with family, but we felt drawn to grieve with her having lit a shiva candle—to mourn her potential that will never be fully realized, community and to show solidarity with dark passing. contributions we will never benefi t from, her friends and family. Their rabbi, my At the funeral we learned about how dreams and aspirations that will never be friend Shuey Biston, introduced me to the mature Alyssa was, how she excelled in actualized. Their lights have been extin- parents and all I could say was, “You have soccer and was a leader among her friends. guished and the world is a darker place as never met me, but I am here representing She wanted to be a doctor and help peo- a result. my community to let you know how ter- ple. She was fun-loving and a great big sis- How do we maintain any hope in the ribly sorry we are and that we are here to ter. Alyssa’s mom said that when she would future? How do we not become pessimis- do absolutely anything in the world to give lock the door at night, Alyssa, who was fun- tic, fatalistic, lose our faith in humanity you strength and comfort during this pain- damentally positive and optimistic, would and in God? Friday was the 10th anniversa- “When this decree was signed and de- ful time.” say, “Mom, why are you bothering to lock ry, a decade since the Mercaz HaRav mas- livered to Haman, he and all his associ- Our hearts broke as we watched Rabbi the door? Nothing bad ever happens in sacre. Eight yeshiva boys, guilty only of ates began rejoicing. As it happened, Mor- Biston tear keriah, not only on Alyssa’s par- Parkland.” the crime of learning Torah, were gunned dechai was just then walking in front of ents but on her two young brothers, and We heard one story, but each of these down and murdered in their yeshiva. him. He saw three children coming from then recite with them words that are al- 17 victims is a unique expression of God, When one learns of these incidents, in school and ran after them. They followed Mordechai to see what he would ask the children. When Mordechai came up to them, he asked one of them to repeat what Avi & Shneur Faskowitz verse they had just studied. He said: ‘Be present not afraid of the sudden terror or of the destruction of the wicked when it comes.’ The second one followed and said, ‘Plan a conspiracy and it will be annulled, speak Po2018 your piece and it shall not stand, for God is with us.’ Then the third spoke up and quoted the verse: ‘Even when you age, I remain unchanged; and even till your ripe old age, I shall endure. I created you and I will bear you; I will endure and rescue.’ When Mordechai heard this, he smiled and was exceedingly glad. Haman said to him, why are you so happy over these words of these children? Mordechai an- swered: Because of the good news they have given me, that I need not fear evil that you have formed against us. Haman got angry and declared he would lay his hands on the children fi rst.” The Vilna Gaon (Kol Eliyahu) explains that the verses the children recited cor- respond with three times that Amalek attacked us and three separate methodolo- gies they employed, and yet, here we are, sort & Spa Fo still standing, not only surviving, but thriv- Beach Re rt Lauder estin dale ing. W The Maharal explains that when Mor- dechai saw that the children continued to learn, that they were quoting verses and drawing from Judaism, he was confi dent and optimistic in the Jewish future. When Mordechai was feeling despond- ent, when he was anxious about what would be and where he would fi nd the apiro • NATHAN J. DIAMENT •¬ELIZABETH DIAMENT • D strength to continue, he looked to the rc B. Sh R. JOSE Aliza Nugiel Designs 917.273.0392 • Prof. Ma PH SHATZK KELMAN ES •¬DEEN children, the school children, who despite BBI JAY A HADA •¬RA R • the grave threat and the horror they faced, maintained an incredible degree of optimism, hope and faith. At Alyssa’s funeral, a few of her friends spoke in addition to her family and I was so impressed by how the message was not one of anger, bitterness or politics, but a call for honoring her memory by being kind, optimistic, good and caring to others. Rabbi Biston quoted the Rebbe, who taught that when we are struck by extreme darkness, our mission is to respond with extreme light. Our children are watching and listen- Our 718-969-9100 ing to how we react to events like this 16 [email protected] week. Does it make us grow cynical, angry, hardened, pessimistic or negative? Does it Year www.majesticpassover.com CONTINUED ON P. 7

6 February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM WORLD/ISRAEL NEWS Israel Strikes Gaza Targets in Response to Increasing Aggression By Israel Hayom Staff Sunday’s strike was carried out after an Meanwhile, Amos Kates, whose home the community was reeling from the incident. explosive device planted by terrorists near in Kibbutz Or Ha’ner sustained a direct “There’s an ‘aftershock’ after these types The Israeli Air Force struck multiple ter- the Gaza border wounded four Israeli sol- rocket hit on Saturday, recounted the tense of events. We, as a community, try to pro- ror targets in the Gaza Strip overnight, in- diers on Saturday. moments when the rocket struck. vide support through social workers and a cluding what military offi cials called “un- A military offi cial said one of the targets “The children know exactly what to hotline. You can’t get used to this situation. derground infrastructure,” after a rocket hit by Israel was a terrorist tunnel under do when the Color Red [alert] sounds. We We want to feel safe,” he said. was fi red from Gaza into southern Israel on the al-Zaytun neighborhood in southwest- don’t wait, we run directly to the secure Also on Sunday, Shaar Hanegev Regional Sunday evening. ern Gaza near the Israeli border. Other sites room. Luckily, we had a little more than 15 Council opened the doors of its newly reno- The rocket hit an open area in Shaar Ha- targeted included military compounds, seconds [to seek shelter]. I had to run to the vated, fortifi ed community resilience center. negev Regional Council and no injuries or weapon-production sites and two observa- other side of the house to get my son, who The center, renovated at a cost of damage were reported. The previous day, tion posts. was asleep, and run to the secure room. The $500,000, offers counseling to traumatized a rocket fi red from Gaza struck a house in Palestinian sources reported that Mon- explosion happened just as we closed the residents. Kibbutz Or Ha’ner, with the inhabitants for- day’s strike targeted an open area near the door,” Kates said. Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, president of the tunate to escape injury. defunct Dahaniya airfi eld, at the southern- He said it was the fi rst time one of the International Fellowship of Christians and A statement by the IDF Spokesperson’s most point in Gaza. One source said more homes in the kibbutz had sustained a direct hit. Jews, which donated funds for the reno- Unit said, “Israel holds Hamas responsible than 10 missiles were fi red at that location. “Unfortunately, my home was the fi rst vation, said, “The situation in the commu- for everything that transpires in the Gaza A statement by Hamas said the organiza- to be hit. Our kibbutz was spared over the nities next to Gaza requires a great deal Strip, above and below ground. The IDF tion holds Israel responsible for the recent years and I certainly hope this was the fi rst of investment in the well-being and resil- will continue to ensure the Israel public’s security escalation in the southern sector. and last rocket to hit us. I can tell you that ience of the residents. Yesterday [Saturday] security by all means at its disposal.” Hazem Kassem, a spokesman for the this will leave its mark on some of the peo- we were again reminded of the complex According to some sources, Monday’s terrorist group, told Palestinian media that ple here. We lived through Operation Pro- routine here. We salute the residents for strike targeted at least 10 Hamas sites and Hamas “has no plans to relinquish its duty tective Edge [in 2014]. Recovering from it is their courage and composure given recent followed an airstrike that targeted 18 Ha- to protect the people in Gaza. We will act not a matter of days or weeks,” he said. events and we are proud to stand by them mas sites in Gaza the previous day. responsibly to counter any aggression.” Or Ha’ner spokesman Nir Ben-Israel said in times of peace and war alike.”

Darkness and Light which our rabbis teach (Shemot Rabbah the belief and innocence in our children, davening by invoking the faith, optimism CONTINUED FROM P. 6 35:2) aino oseh peirot, does not produce and the faith, optimism and hope of the and resilience of the children who gave fruit. We can have beautiful structures, children in us. chizuk to Mordechai and who continue to cause us to lose our faith? They are look- buildings and walls, the nicest classrooms Each day, we remind ourselves of the inspire us today. ing to us, but the midrash reminds us that and most ornate furniture, but without three verses these children chose in com- The events of this week were trag- in these moments, we should be looking children they rot, decay and disappear. municating to Mordechai their faith. In ic, but we must respond with increased to them. We should emulate their child- Walls cannot produce continuity, only the 16th century, R’ Shlomo Alkabetz, au- faith and extreme light. Seventeen can- like positivity, their faith and belief that children can. Buildings don’t provide faith thor of Lecha Dodi, writes that based on dles in our backyard were extinguished. all will be good. and a future, only children do. V’shachanti this midrash there is a custom to say these We owe them our best effort to make our In our parsha, we are told that the b’tocham, Hashem tell us He dwells in peo- three verses right after Aleinu each time light burn brighter and to illuminate the wood that was used for making the Mish- ple, in children—not in walls and build- we recite it. Chabad sings them, but we darkness caused by the absence of their kan came from atzei shittim, acacia trees, ings. It is so important that we preserve all have them in our siddur. We end our light.

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 7 EDITORIAL JEWISH LINK Remembering Amalek Through BRONX, WESTCHESTER & CONNECTICUT Co-Founders/Co-Publishers the Eyes of a Killer David Winter The horrifi c tragedy that took the lives Persia all the way through the contempo- nearing its borders in civil war-ravaged Syria. Moshe Kinderlehrer of 17 students and teachers last week in rary mullahs and revolutionary guards of We are reminded almost daily as we Mark (Mendy) Schwartz Florida, fi ve of them Jewish, has cast a dark- today’s Iran. Nothing has changed, and peo- read the news coming out of the Middle Associate Publisher/Editor ness over our entire nation. ple still hate and kill Jews because we are East. But if we need an even bigger spiritual Elizabeth Kratz Just a week until Purim, facing Parshat Jews. heads-up, we can look no further than this Founding Partner, Zachor, we see on our screens the hate of The same courageous spirit of Queen Es- week when we read Parshat Zachor, where Jewish Link Design Group Amalek’s pervasive purpose refl ected in the ther and Mordechai that will come to life in we are reminded what Amalek did to the Adam Negnewitzky eyes of this confessed killer. our reading of the Megillat Esther is need- weakest of our people. Sort of like using an The eternal enemy of our people con- ed again as our brothers and sisters in Isra- assault rifl e on teenagers and those tasked Senior Editor nects on a timeline through Haman and el face a growing physical threat from Iran to protect them and teach them. Jill Kirsch Associate Editors Phil Jacobs Watching the Alcohol This Purim Tamar Weinberg Joyful observance of Purim is what we this year for alcohol and substance abuse, more than enough. Community Editor do together with family and friends at our and more than ever we read of tragedies Share with them that joy that will car- Yvette Finkelstein seudah table. Giving charity for matanot caused by distracted driving that usually ry them all the way through Pesach and l’evyonim, hearing the Megilla and giving involves alcohol or texting while driving, Shavuot. Zemirot, stories of our holidays Advertising Director mishloach manot should give us and oth- or sometimes both. We fear what could and heritage, good foods, giving tzedakah Yaakov Serle ers overwhelming joy as well. happen if Purim were truly a time of and simply being together build strong Production Editor We know that joy doesn’t mean out- unrestricted, irresponsible drinking for Jewish communities of character. And Jennifer Hoff er of-control inebriation. It’s fi ne to raise a young people. these communities of character are exact- Offi ce Manager glass or two toasting Queen Esther and We want our neighbors to be safe this ly what strengthens us despite the best ef- Dena Kinderlehrer Mordechai and all that the demise of Ha- Purim, but we recognize the need for our forts of Amalek and its modern-day surro- man represents. But we hasten to note children to build on their Jewish experi- gate, Iran. Bookkeeper that our children, especially our teenag- ence with positive memories. Drinking Chag Purim sameach from The Jewish Gila Negnewitzky ers, are watching. In our own communi- should not be the prevailing symbol of our Link to you, our families. May this be a sea- Sales Development ty, teens have been disciplined publicly Purim joy. Being unifi ed before Hashem is son of joy! Ken Goff stein Sales Representatives LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Josh Bernstein Risa Lefkowitz A Heartfelt Plea to Save a woman’s life should be zoche to all the bra- its nuclear might. Russia expanded into the Rachel Ashendorf Young Woman’s Life chot of the Torah. Middle East (Syria and Iran) and completed Avi Koenig A close family friend and young mem- HaRav Reuven Feinstein building a chain of self-suffi cient Arctic mil- Simon Worman ber of a community close to our hearts suf- HaRav Dovid Feinstein itary bases on all islands from Murmansk to Database Coordinator fers from kidney failure and must have a Kurile. Chukotsky peninsula (across the Ber- Moishie Rosenberg kidney transplant, blood type A or O. Can Coincidences of Purim ing Strait from Alaska) remains completely Our family friend is associated with Civil Dates Be Meaningful? closed military zone as it was in 1953. The Sports Editor Steve Gutlove internationally renowned transplant In 1953 Purim fell on March 1. That day US hardly will start a war in March—the centers. The medical teams at these murderous Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin col- president has too much on his plate. But Proofreader/Copy Editors centers strongly believe a kidney trans- lapsed of stroke (or poison) and died with- something big may happen during the year Rivky Bergstein plant will not only save her life and make out regaining consciousness four days lat- (or almost happen, like in 1953). Ruth Brody daily eight-hour sessions of peritoneal di- er. The happening on Purim 1953 was not a Most of the data from opened Russian Contributors alysis and weekly emergency visits unnec- random coincidence but a summit of a mas- archives, new interviews (not previous- Rachel Berger • Judy Berger • Shneur Garb essary, but will also place her on a stabiliz- sive anti-Jewish campaign known as “Doc- ly published in English) and results of my Jenny Gans • Josh Warhit ing trajectory to have a normal life, marry tors’ Plot.” While Stalin ordered his hench- research in National Archives will be pub- Adam Samuel and have a family. men to arrest and deport millions of Jews to lished in English this year. Early history of Rabbi Gidon Rothstein • Rabbi David Walk After exhausting her options for fi nd- deadly camps, he did not publicly support this research and references are in www. The Jewish Link of Bronx, Westchester ing a donor among her family members, the campaign. He planned to arrest his ex- purim-stalin.webs.com. Anyway, all Jews & Connecticut she turned to an organization of volunteers ecutors, accusing them in Nazi-like excess- should commemorate the deliverance of PO Box 1027 called Renewal that is involved in making es, and pose as the savior of devoted-to-him 1953, as prescribed by the 800-year-old rab- Bronx, NY 10471 matches for kidney transplants, and is also Jewish Stalinists and sending them with binical tradition. All others, valuing West- Phone: 718-564-6710 involved with both the donor and the re- commandos to Israel as “fi fth column” to ern democracy, probably should commem- Email: [email protected] cipient of the kidney, including reimburse- fi ght for expansion of his power and Mid- orate the escape from becoming Stalin’s Advertising: [email protected] ment for any potential loss of earnings and dle East oil, crucial for NATO defense. Do- slaves in 1953. Subscriptions/Home Delivery: expenses of the donor. ing it on Purim could signifi cantly increase Dr. Alex Rashin [email protected]

popularity of the “savior” among the world Teaneck The Jewish Link of Bronx, Westchester & Connecticut, an independent Jewry and in Israel. He simultaneously pre- publication, promotes honest and rigorous conversations about Juda- pared for a massive invasion of Western Eu- Can Cultural Shift Help ism, Israel and issues aff ecting our community. The opinions refl ected in articles from our contributors do not necessarily refl ect JLBWC’s rope, massive drop of armies of paratroop- Prevent Mass Shootings? positions, and publishing them does not constitute an endorsement ers over the Bering Strait to Alaska and The school shooting in Florida is a from JLBWC. We simply off er food for thought. We reserve the right to accept or refuse submissions and edit for content and length. We My brother, HaRav HaGaon Rav Dovid one-way atomic bombing of most Ameri- horrifi c tragedy by any standard. Unfor- also reserve the right to refuse advertising that in our opinion does not Feinstein, shlita, rosh yeshiva of Mesiv- can cities with his 1,000 copies of the Amer- tunately, mass shootings have been a refl ect the standards of the newspaper. We are not responsible for the tha Tifereth Jerusalem, and I join in writ- ican Flying Fortress. More than likely, Sta- staple in America for a long time. In the kashrus of any product advertised in the Jewish Link of Bronx, West- chester & Connecticut. ing this appeal letter to the world at large. lin’s death saved not only Russian Jews but aftermath of these events, there are the in- This family has been osek b’tzarchei tzib- the entire Western civilization. Thus, Purim evitable questions of why they occur and bur for many years and is beloved and con- of March 1 is a huge Jewish and world event. how to prevent them in the future. There agents, bombs, rockets etc. sidered ovdei l’sheim shamayim by their In 2018 Purim also falls on March 1. This is always the knee-jerk reaction for better The main problem is not guns, but cul- community. had not happened even once for 65 years gun control as the main focus. Of course, ture. When people are determined to kill To show his commitment, her father, between 1953 and 2018. It is the largest in- gun control should be high on the list of other people, where there’s a will there’s a who is not a match for his daughter, has terval between two consecutive March preventive measures, but should not stop way, even without guns. Israel is a good ex- agreed to be part of a kidney swap arrange- 1 Purims in 300 years. It still can be just a there. Americans seem to forget that the ample. Because of the constant assault on ment to try to save someone else’s life. coincidence. However, the internation- two most horrifi c mass killings in their its citizens by terrorists, so many Israelis car- To learn how you can save this bas Yisra- al situations in 1953 and 2018 are very sim- history occurred without the use of fi re- ry weapons, even openly. Despite this, mass el’s life, or for more information about kid- ilar. There was a Korean war in 1953 with N. arms: the 9-11 twin tower attacks using shootings by Israelis are virtually unknown. ney donation, call Renewal at 718-431-9831, Korea supported by Russia (USSR) and Chi- airliners, and the Oklahoma bombing us- This is because they are taught that these email [email protected] or go to their na. Similar war seems almost unavoidable ing a truck laden with fertilizer and fuel weapons are for the purpose of preventing website at www.renewal.org. All inquiries now. Russia started its western expansion oil. So many other attacks in America and mass murders, not committing them. are confi dential and without obligation. occupying parts of Ukraine and threatening the rest of the world were carried out us- Max Wisotsky Whoever is able to save this young its former Baltic republics and NATO with ing knives, explosives, vehicles, biological Highland Park 8 February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM COMMENTARY Talking With Teens About a Sad Day in Florida By Phil Jacobs that happen in schools. their kids for the last time when they the Florida shooting can stay important One lone student insisted, howev- dropped them off in the morning or that and relevant, and not drop out of the na- It was ridiculous- er, that when it comes to this issue in teachers were going to school to protect tion’s discussion, replaced by a presiden- ly warm outside late particular, that a person’s emotions and their children from gun shots,” said one tial tweet, the stock market or God for- Tuesday afternoon. feelings are as important as the facts. student. bid, another mass shooting. And the last thing We learned of one student who said There was also no question—they “We’ve got to keep talking about my Jewish day school her father was more impacted by these agreed that digital gaming has desensi- this,” said one student. “And no matter high school students mass shootings than when he learned of tized many members of their generation. what happens, we have to bring it up wanted to do was stay inside on a bright, JFK’s assassination as a fi fth grader and again, and again and again. We can’t stop balmy February 75-degree afternoon. later the murders of Bobby Kennedy and talking about it. We owe it to those teen- They asked if we could hold class out- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as an eighth Sadly, we all know agers and their teachers.” side. It was too beautiful to stay in. grader. Their memory cannot die with time, With permission granted, they ran Why? what just saying agreed the students. How else will we outside as free as birds or as free as hap- The availability of visuals on social “Florida” means in learn to never let it happen again? py teenagers should be. media—that’s what many around these The bell rang ending the period, and When we crowded around two pic- two picnic tables concluded. To see the these recent days. ironically the students, locked out of the nic tables, there was some kvetching images come from a smartphone of a school, had to be admitted back in. about sitting in the sun. There were traf- Douglas student in hiding and hearing For that hour outside we were sup- fi c noises coming from the parking lot, the gunshots nearby has perhaps a great- At that point another class was walk- posed to be learning about the Enlight- and a huge black bird glided against a er impact than anything the JFK Zaprud- ing by. A couple of students from that enment. beautiful blue sky backdrop. And I took er fi lm frames could show. class wandered over to see what we Based on the mature level of what out my lesson plan on the European “I never wanted to look at school in were discussing. these high school students said, it seems Jewish Enlightenment, better known as such a way that parents were hugging We were wondering out loud how as if we had. the Haskalah. But the students had something else on their minds. They clearly wanted to discuss Florida. Sadly, we all know what just saying “Florida” means in these recent days. These are honors Jewish modern history students who wanted to talk about their fellow high schoolers at the Mar- jory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the site of last week’s mass shootings of 17 students and faculty members by an armed, deranged young man. “We’ve got to keep talking about this,” said one student. “And no matter what happens, we have to bring it up again, and again and again. We can’t stop talking about it...”

Around a picnic table where students are more likely to be eating lunch or chatting, these students engaged one another in diffi cult, yet respectful dialogue. Their parents and teachers would have been proud to have witnessed such intuitive thinking. Whether they agreed or disagreed with one another, they weren’t necessarily seeking what was probably an impossible measure of closure. No, instead, they wanted to be heard. It wasn’t about agreeing or disagreeing. This discussion was more about seeing one another as young adults who will one day vote, pay UPSCALE MUSIC FOR AN UPSCALE EVENT. taxes and even parent their own children. There was the girl who believes in the right to own guns and who chal- lenged the rest on whether the Florida shootings was even a gun-control issue. There was her classmate who suggested strongly that the discussion be ORCHESTRA & PRODUCTIONS focused on how mentally ill people can be prevented from purchasing fi rearms. 718.256.7200 | AARONTEITELBAUMPRODUCTIONS.COM Most of the students wanted to talk about the facts and statistics connect- ed with mass shootings, especially those 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 9 WORLD/ISRAEL NEWS Delegation of American Jewish Leaders Finds Budding Ally in the Emirates By Alex Traiman/JNS ing a campus of New York University and bein, chair of the Jewish Council for Pub- men,” said Julio Messer, past president of a branch of the renowned Cleveland Clinic lic Affairs and a member of the Conference the American Friends of Likud (Israel’s rul- A large delegation of American Jew- academic medical hospital. of Presidents executive council. “The peo- ing political party) nonprofi t organization. ish leaders spent two days in United Arab “We engaged in serious dialogue, with ple were warm to us as Americans and as “But I leave the UAE convinced of their sin- Emirates this week in search of moderate long conversations, some that lasted an Jews. I am optimistic about increasing our cerity in combatting intolerance, extrem- Arab counterparts working to fi ght against hour-and-a-half each. We asked tough ques- friendship with them.” ism and terrorism in the region, as well as the forces of radical Islamic extremism, tions. Our interlocutors saw that we are an “We are working on building a relation- actively supporting the U.S. globally.” and who are also willing to improve private informed and infl uential community,” said ship that can be sustained,” Hoenlein told “The visit offered an important oppor- and public relations with Israel. Hoenlein, who noted that the government JNS, while cautiously noting that “only in tunity to engage with the leaders of a coun- “The United Arab Emirates are a coun- ministers they met with each stressed the time will we see whether the inroads we try that is playing such a transformational try that can have an expanding role with potential of the relationship between the made on this trip will pay dividends.” role in the region,” added Mariaschin. the State of Israel. They are a country that Emirates and Israel. One such measuring stick will be “Hosting us was important gesture,” is trying to counter the forces of extrem- Conversations focused on major threats whether or not the Emirates will accept an said Hoenlein, demonstrating the Arab ism,” said Malcolm Hoenlein, executive faced in the region, including Iran’s efforts Israeli delegation to the upcoming World country’s willingness to engage with the vice chairman of the Conference of Presi- to become a nuclear power and a region- Expo 2020 in Dubai, something the hosts Jewish community. “This trip is not invis- dents of Major American Jewish Organiza- al hegemon. “We dealt with issues that af- said they were open to considering. ible, and this year we had a larger delega- tions, the group that organized the delega- fect Israeli security and regional stability,” The group also met with the U.S. Am- tion than usual.” tion. reported Hoenlein. Topics discussed in- bassador to the Emirates Barbara Leaf. The According to Hoenlein, the Emirates According to B’nai B’rith CEO and Ex- clude growing extremism in Yemen, Qa- Emirates have strong military ties with the went out of their way to accommodate the ecutive Vice President Dan Mariaschin, tar and the Gaza Strip, as well as the ongo- United States, including the joint operation delegation, noting that “one of the main “Through its realistic worldview on the ing inability of Israelis and Palestinians to of the Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi. Ad- restaurants in Dubai koshered their entire threats to stability posed by both state and reach a formal peace agreement with Pal- ditionally, the Emirates maintain strong fi s- kitchen to provide meals,” so that everyone non-state actors in the Middle East and the estinians—an issue of concern to the Emi- cal ties with the United States, and accord- in the group could dine together, including [Persian] Gulf, and with its proactive partic- rati leaders. ing to Hoenlein, “have a $19 billion trade observant Jews who only eat strictly kosher ipation with the U.S. and others in coun- The delegation also raised their own surplus” with America. food. tering those threats, the UAE seems very ideological concerns with their hosts, in- “They want to see the United States ful- The Conference of Presidents travels much a part of the solution—and not part cluding combatting extremism embed- ly engaged in the region, and they see us to a Middle Eastern country each year be- of the problem—in the region.” ded in the education system, Holocaust as an infl uential channel that will push for fore arriving in Israel for a three-day con- The group visited with businessmen, denial and preserving Jewish culture in that involvement” when the delegation re- vention, where they meet with senior-level government ministers and infl uential Arab lands. The Emirates houses a nas- turns to the United States, stated Hoenlein. Israeli offi cials, often including the presi- sheikhs, including the Minister of State cent Jewish community of several hun- Participants in the delegation were gen- dent, prime minister and high-ranking min- for Tolerance Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubar- dred Jews. erally encouraged by openness expressed isters, as well as journalists and security ex- ak Al Nahyan. Participants also learned “The Emirates’ openness to other cul- by their hosts, which is uncommon among perts. about some of the Emirates’ Western in- tures, and their priority to bringing toler- Middle Eastern countries. Meeting with the leaders of countries in frastructure, such as a U.S. military base, in ance throughout their society, was truly “I’m always skeptical of what I hear the region, affi rmed Hoenlein, “has paid off addition to private infrastructure, includ- a welcome eye-opener,” said Cheryl Fish- in English from Arab leaders and spokes- in almost each .”

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10 February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary in conjunction with The Abraham Arbesfeld Kollel Yom Rishon and Millie Arbesfeld Midreshet Yom Rishon present a Pre-Pesach Yom Iyun CommemoratingCti the 25th Yahrtzeit of 2018/5778 Rabbi Joseph B. Riverdale Soloveitchik zt”l

Community Breakfast Sunday, March 11, 2018 • 24 Adar, 5778 Yeshiva University’s Wilf Campus CHESED SHEL EMET AWARD Furst Hall 501 • 500 West 185th Street, New York, NY 10033 Shira Gordon and Phil Shaw

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Rena and Jonathan Boniuk 9:30 a.m. 10:15 a.m. 11 a.m. Sunday, March 11, 2018, 9:30 AM Rabbi Menachem Rabbi Aharon Rabbi Hershel Genack Rakeffet-Rothkoff Schachter Hebrew Institute of Riverdale Rosh Yeshiva, RIETS Rosh Mesivta, Yeshiva University Rosh Yeshiva and 3700 Henry Hudson Parkway CEO, OU Kosher Israel Kollel, RIETS Rosh Kollel, RIETS Hallel at The Hagadah & the Rav’s The Rav’s Insights CHAIR the Seder Art of Teaching Torah into the Hagadah Andrea Harris Open to men and women • Complimentary parking available RSVP: 212-239-1662 or go to For more information, please contact: [email protected] • 212.960.5400, ext. 6171 www.hebrewfreeburial.org/riverdale

th 25 Commemorating the Torah Legacy of Yahrtzeit Rav Yosef Dov Halevi Soloveitchik zt”l

ALIYAH: IT’S YOUR MOVE

OUR BIGGEST MEGA EVENT YET! SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2018 MORE SESSIONS • CHILDREN’S PROGRAM (AGED 5-10) JOHN JAY COLLEGE • 524 W. 59TH ST, NYC ISRAELI VENDORS • COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES FOOD COURT • AND MORE! WWW.NBN.ORG.IL/NYC2018

Check-in & Registration Times: Retirees & Empty Nesters 10:00am Medical Professionals 10:00am General Programming 11:00am Students & Young Professionals 1:00pm SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 11 COMMUNITY NEWS YINR Hosts Jewish Medical Ethics Scholar-in-Residence By Judy Berger

Young Israel of New Rochelle welcomed one of Israel’s noted Jewish medical ethics experts as a scholar-in-residence on Shabbat Parshat Mishpatim, February 10. Dr. Alan Jotkowitz is a professor of medicine at the Ben Gurion Uni- versity Faculty of Health Science in Beer Sheva, associate director for academic affairs of their School for Internation- al Health and senior physician at Soroka University Medical Center. He is the director of their Jakobovits Center for Jew- ish Medical Ethics, which is named for the late Lord Immanuel Jakobovits, who served as chief rabbi of the United King- dom and was one of the world’s foremost experts on Jewish medical ethics and its relevant halachot. Prior to making aliyah, Dr. Jotkowitz studied at Yeshivat Har Etzi- on, Yeshiva University and Yale Universi- Alan Jotkowitz, MD CREDIT: BEN GURION UNIVERSITY FOHS ty School of Medicine. The YINR program included a Friday who should receive care. When there was night oneg, attended by many of the com- only one kidney dialysis machine in the munity’s medical professionals and other U.S., located in Seattle, a controversial eth- members, and was titled “Can DNA Testing ics committee was formed to select who Tell Us Who is a Jew?” Dr. Jotkowitz cited would be granted access to this “new” many Judaic sources, from the Rambam life-saving device. and the Kuzari to modern-day rabbinic The other session on Shabbat morning leaders, including his center’s namesake, as was called “What Can Jewish Stories Teach well as Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (also a former Us About Modern Medical Ethics?” In the chief rabbi of the UK) and Yeshiva Universi- well-known story of Rabbi Chanina Ben Keep your day job. ty chancellor Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm. Tradyon, which is part of the Yom Kippur Mitochondrial DNA is only passed from Musaf liturgy’s 10 Royal Martyrs (the Asara mother to child. Given that matrilineal de- Harugei Malchut), his execution was fi rst Earn your MS in Taxation at night. scent determines one’s halachic status as a prolonged and then expedited. Dr. Jotkow- Jew, every cell in the human body contains itz showed how the four seemingly con- this DNA, which can only be inherited from trasting expressions by the condemned one’s mother. A recent Israeli rabbinic court rabbi centuries ago mirrored the modern case regarding an immigrant from the for- “fi ve stages of grief” popularized by Dr. Eliz- mer Soviet Union used this medical fact to abeth Kubler-Ross. A One-Year MS in Taxation from have the woman declared a Jew. In the closing session, the conversation Sy Syms School of Business There were two talks given on Shabbat dealt with “A Jewish Perspective on End-of morning. The hashkama minyan discussed Life Care.” This is one of the most debated “Whom Do We Save First? A Halachic Per- subjects in medical ethics, and many have This innovative, affordable, 30-credit program can spective of Triage.” Featuring a mishna in written on this subject. the tractate Horayot and many commen- Dr. Jotkowitz will be returning to New be accomplished in one year, two nights per week, taries that have been written on it, Dr. Jot- York this summer as a participant in To- and completes the 150-hr requirement for the CPA kowitz outlined the longstanding criteria rah-in-Motion’s annual Jewish Medical Eth- in previous generations that used gender, ics conference, to be held in August in Syr- exam. Taught at our Midtown campus, this exciting fi nances and social position to determine acuse, New York. program allows you to attend classes, study for the CPA exam and advance your career at the same time! OU Press Announces Publication of Keep your day job, while preparing for a better one. Megillat Esther With Commentary Apply before the deadline for the fall 2018 term! by Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik (Courtesy of OU Press) OU Press, the pub- around the world. Rabbi Soloveitchik fi nds lishing division of the Orthodox Union, an- in the Megilla not only a story of political nounces the publication of “Megillat Esther intrigue but a timeless drama of Jewish, Mesorat HaRav,” published in conjunction and indeed human, existence. In addition, with Koren Publishers, Jerusalem. this volume also includes a section of reshi- Apply Now! “Megillat Esther Mesorat HaRav” con- mot, with more extensive halachic analyses tains, alongside the text of Megillat Esther based on the Rav’s learning, and a drasha by and the Maariv service for Purim, a running the Rav on the nature of Purim. commentary drawn from the teachings of “Megillat Esther Mesorat HaRav” will www.yu.edu/ms-taxation Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, collected from be a welcome addition to Jewish librar- a variety of published writings, notes and ies, both as an original perspective on the lectures. The Megilla itself is presented in Purim holiday and as part of the grow- Koren’s distinctive typeface with a new, con- ing body of the Rav’s works. It joins oth- temporary translation by Jessica Sacks. er high-quality works on Megillat Esther Rabbi Soloveitchik, known to all as “the from OU Press, including “The Megillah: Rav,” was a towering rabbinic fi gure of the Majesty and Mystery” by Rabbi Dr. Nor- 20th century whose dazzling brilliance and man Lamm, and “The Queen You Thought profound philosophical insight left an en- You Knew: Unmasking Esther’s Hidden during impact on Jewry in America and Story” by Rabbi David Fohrman.

12 February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM COMMUNITY NEWS Westchester Celebrates Israel’s 70th Birthday By JLBWC Staff will be a grand exhibition community shli- of Israeli products and Ju- cha (Israeli emis- The Westchester Jewish Council invites daica for sale as well as in- sary) at Israel@ you to be a part of its spectacular county- formational tables for or- wjcouncil.org or wide celebration to mark Israel’s 70th an- ganizations. Helene Schon- niversary. The celebration will be held on The lead sponsor of this brun, event co- April 15, 12 p.m.-5p.m. at Schechter West- wonderful day is UJA-Fed- ordinator at chester Upper School, 555 W. Hartsdale Av- eration of New York. Spon- helene@wjcoun- enue, Hartsdale, NY 10530. Cost for the day soring partners include AJC cil.org. is $10 per adult before April 1 and $20 per Westchester, Friends of Is- The West- adult after. Children 18 and under and col- rael Defense Forces (FIDF), chester Jewish lege students with ID are free. Tickets are Jewish National Fund Council compris- available online at www.westchesteris- (JNF), Lisa and Michael es 160 Jewish or- raelat70.com. The festival will take place Leffell Family Founda- ganizations, syn- rain or shine and will have activities for all tion, StandWithUs, Amer- agogues and ages. ican Jewish Joint Distribution Commit- and elected offi cials visiting for the day. schools and represents Westchester Coun- The day’s activities will pay tribute tee (JDC), Anti-Defamation League (ADL), This event is open to the entire West- ty’s 150,000 Jewish residents. Westchester to the great achievements of the Jewish Israel Bonds, Hadassah Westchester, AI- chester community. Kosher dietary laws County ranks eighth in Jewish population homeland and will include appearances by PAC and Tel Aviv-Yafo Foundation. Corpo- will be observed. More details and tick- in the U.S. The Westchester Jewish Coun- a number of special guests including Miss rate, individual and family sponsorships ets are available online at www.westches- cil connects these Jewish communities and Israel 2013, Yityish Titi Aynaw, as well as a are also available. Sponsors will enjoy a terisraelat70.com. For more information strengthens relationships with other eth- variety of exhibits, speakers, interactive VIP reception from 12:15-12:45 where they contact The Westchester Jewish Council nic and faith-based groups, elected offi cials, workshops, performances, children’s activ- can mingle with the day’s special guests at 914-328-7001 or email Oshra Rosenberg, Israel and the community at large. ities and, of course, great food. Kosher food will be available for purchase, including Jewish Mediterranean cuisine that is repre- sentative of the region, such as falafel, Is- raeli salad and shakshuka, as well as kosher food trucks serving burgers, hot dogs, pizza and other family-friendly fare. There will be something for everyone— activities throughout the day will include a musical performance of the children’s book “Ella’s Journey to Israel,” a lecture about the history of Israel through song, a Krav Maga (Israeli self-defense) session and a photo ex- hibit showcasing the moving work of pho- tographers documenting the diversity in Is- rael today. Take a virtual hike through Israel on “Shvil Yisrael” and participate in a communal art project, “My Tie,” a collaborative art project using ribbons to express personal feelings about Israel, which is being done by communities throughout the U.S. and Israel. Israeli hi-tech will be experienced up close through Start Up Nation exhibits and presentations. Distinguished speakers are scheduled, including David Harris, CEO of the Ameri- can Jewish Committee, who was honored 15 times by governments across the globe for his international efforts in defense of human rights, and Shahar Azani, executive director, StandWithUs (Northeast Region), an international nonprofi t pro-Israel education organization dedicated to supporting Israel around the world. Prior to assuming this role, Mr. Azani was the consul for media affairs and spokesperson at the Con- sulate General of Israel in New York. Also speaking will be Sivan Ya’ari, recognized by Forbes Israel as one of the “50 Most Infl u- ential Women in Israel” and founder and CEO of Innovation: Africa, an organization that has changed the lives of 1 million Afri- cans by bringing Israeli technology to their villages. A toddler room containing age-appro- priate activities will provide respite for the very young and their parents. Snacks and entertainment will be available at the Machane Yehuda shuk (reminiscent of a traditional Israeli open-air marketplace), where there will be opening and closing ceremonies, including greetings from dignitaries. In addition to snack stalls, and non-stop entertainment through the afternoon—music, dance, a photo booth, children’s face painting and spray tattoos—we will also have “Midrash Manicures” (Isra- el-themed nail decals and nail polish designs) and infl atables. In addition, there 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 13 COMMUNITY NEWSBRIEFS

Miriam Krupka to Discuss on each other to create a third narrative be- Bronx Jewish Center Throws Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Linked Narratives of Ruth, tween the lines: the third Megilla of Shir Free Purim Party Riverdale (CSAIR), 475 West 250th Street, Esther and Shir HaShirim HaShirim. Taking a mostly textual look at The Bronx Jewish Center invites you to Bronx, New York. their story arcs, language and characters, a Purim party that will dazzle your mind! The free, one-hour program will be pre- she will explore questions about philoso- The Purim party entertainment will fea- sented in a sensory/autism-friendly and re- phy, politics, leadership, democracy, chaos ture a mentalist that will amaze you! En- laxed setting. Everyone is welcome. It is an and what it means to build a society. The joy a hot buffet dinner, mishloach manot, informal and interactive exploration of se- lecture will incorporate some classical liter- gifts for the children and music to dance lections of great music live and up close ary and philosophical sources. the night away. Join the fun on Thurs- with the musicians of Intimate Voices, who Ms. Krupka holds a B.S. in fi nance from day, March 1, at 5 p.m. at the Bronx Jewish have performed in venues all over the Unit- the Sy Syms School of Business at Yeshiva Center, 1969 Haight Avenue in the Bronx. ed States and abroad as soloists and in en- University and an M.A. in modern Jewish This event is free and open to all—just sembles ranging from major string quartets history from the Bernard Revel School of show up and have fun!! To RSVP, please to the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and the Jewish Studies. She completed an M.A. in call 718-812-1701or email offi ce@bronxjew- New York Philharmonic. They also teach at Jewish Philosophy from Columbia Univer- ishcenter.org. schools and conservatories, and love work- sity, where her thesis work focused on the ing with kids. messianic writings of Isaac Abravanel. Ms. Bronx Purim Party Is Designed for ages 5 and up, this pro- Krupka has lectured widely to adult audi- Free and Open to All gram can also be enjoyed by younger chil- ences in a variety of venues. The Young Israel of Pelham Parkway dren who especially love music, and by Please visit www.yinr.org/wijs to view and The Jewish Community Council of Pel- adults. This event is part of the Intimate the complete WIJS schedule or email wijs@ ham Parkway invite the community to join Voices Community Outreach, which also yinr.org for more information or to be add- them at their annual Purim Party on Thurs- brings music to area rehabilitation and ed to our mailing list. day, March 1, at 3:00 p.m. The event will nursing facilities and to school children Miriam Krupka, dean of faculty and take place at 900 Pelham Parkway South, in with special needs. chair of the Tanach Department at the Stein Yeshiva to Hold Annual the Bronx. This is a free event and a deli- The 2017-2018 season of Intimate Voices, Ramaz Upper School, will present “The Dinner on Tuesday, March 20 cious dinner will be served so please send its ninth, is supported in part by a gener- Linked Narratives of Ruth, Esther and Shir Stein Yeshiva is celebrating their annual in reservations if you plan to attend. Please ous grant from New York-Presbyterian/The HaShirim” on Tuesday, March 6, at 8 p.m. at dinner on Tuesday, March 20, at the Young RSVP to 718-792-4744 before February 23. Allen Hospital. Young Israel of New Rochelle. The lecture, Israel of Scarsdale at 6:30 p.m. This year’s Are you ready to have fun? Music and mag- sponsored by the Women’s Initiative for deserving honorees are Shaya and Brachie ic show for the kids and words of Jewish in- Fleetwood Synagogue Jewish Studies, is free and open to women Eisen; Josh and Lesley Herbert; Dani and spiration. Hosts Open House and men. Adina Wizenfeld, Parents Awards; Meir and On Sunday, March 4, at 10:00 a.m., the Purim, Pesach and Shavuot all revolve Shevy Kaplan, Hakaras Hatov Award; Jef- ‘Intimate Voices’ Presents Fleetwood Synagogue will host an open around strange “romances,” in which the frey Greenwald, Teacher Award, and Beatty Free Sensory/Autism- house at the shul at 11 Broad Street in East woman’s unique relationship with her Schwartz, Community Service Award. The Friendly Family Program Mount Vernon. A delicious dairy brunch male partner is indicative of something popular Chinese auction is held every year Intimate Voices, a Riverdale-based will be served. Come learn about a grow- deeper about society and how it is struc- at the dinner, adding to the festivities. If chamber music series featuring world- ing community, with incredibly affordable tured. Ms. Krupka will analyze how the you would like to participate in their jour- class musicians, will present its annual housing, only 25 minutes away from Grand stories and language used in Ruth and Es- nal or attend the dinner, call 914-965-7082 or free family program on Sunday, March Central Terminal. Kindly RSVP to Rabbiros- ther compare, contrast and actually build go to steinyeshiva.org. 4, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at its home, the enfelt@fl eetwoodsynagogue.org. WESTCHESTER DAY SCHOOL pre passover boutique 3 • 18 • 18 | FROM 1-6 PM WESTCHESTER DAY SCHOOL 856 ORIENTA AVENUE • MAMARONECK, NY PURCHASE YOUR PASSOVER WINE! EXICTING VENDORS FEATURING WORKOUT APPAREL, HOLIDAY CLOTHING FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS,BEAUTIFUL JUDAICA,DELICIOUS FOOD, HOME GOODS AND MUCH MORE! WHILE YOU SHOP INDULGE IN SOME TEXAS BBQ FROM THE WANDERING QUE EVENT CO-CHAIRS: MALKA HELFT • AYALA LALLOUZ WOLF• ARIELLE WOLF

14 February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM COMMUNITY NEWS Westchester District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino to Be Honored by Fleetwood Synagogue (Courtesy of Fleetwood Synagogue) Fleet- vice,” said Irwin Davison, co-chair, Fleet- ing the Westchester Jewish Council, in Judge Fredman has led an illustrious ca- wood Synagogue will honor Westchester wood Synagogue’s annual benefi t. “Raised addition to his many civil and philanthrop- reer as an attorney, judge and arbitrator. He County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpi- in Mount Vernon, District Attorney Scarpi- ic activities, has greatly benefi ted our syna- focused on matrimonial law and is a mem- no, Jr. on Sunday, March 11, at 4 p.m. at the no grew up on Rockridge Road, just three gogue, congregants and our fellow citizens ber of the prestigious American Academy of synagogue’s annual benefi t cocktail recep- doors from the home of the late Jack and of Westchester.” Matrimonial Lawyers. Judge Fredman also tion. The Honorable Samuel G. Fredman, Evelyn Braverman who were active mem- District Attorney Scarpino’s distin- served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of who served as Justice of the Supreme Court bers of our congregation. Young Tony and guished career includes his membership the State of New York, Ninth Judicial Dis- of the State of New York, will also be recog- Jack developed a close friendship that in the judiciary as well as his service in law trict. Active in numerous professional, com- nized with a Lifetime Achievement Award. evolved into years of weekly Bible study enforcement. He has served as a Mount munity, charitable, religious and political The fundraising event will take place at the sessions. Our tribute to the district attor- Vernon City Court Judge, Westchester organizations, Judge Fredman is past chair- synagogue, located at 11 East Broad Street in ney celebrates our special connection with County Court Judge, New York State Su- man of the Westchester County Democratic Mount Vernon. him. We also acknowledge longstanding preme Court Judge and Westchester Coun- Committee and co-founder and former pres- “We are delighted to honor two of West- Westchester resident Judge Samuel Fred- ty Surrogate’s Court Judge. In 2016, District ident of the Westchester Jewish Council. chester County’s most exceptional public man for enhancing Jewish life in our com- Attorney Scarpino was elected Westches- For more information, contact Ilene Da- citizens for their years of passionate ser- munity. Judge Fredman’s work in co-found- ter County District Attorney. vison at [email protected]. Young Families Make Breakfast Bags for the Hungry By Yvette Finkelstein

Harrison, Purchase, Rye and Rye Brook families came together on Sunday, Febru- ary 11, at the Jewish Community Center of Harrison to decorate and pack 120 breakfast bags fi lled with cereal, non-perish- able milk, fruit and other items. Event chairs Rikki Javitch and Shelby Nhais- si, both of Harrison, along with Jill Ar- nold and Jenny Schenk from Harrison and Amie Eglit of Rye, reported that more than 60 UJA-Federation of New York volunteers, both adults and children, packed the bags, which were donated to the Young volunteer shows food pantry at the Mary J. Blige Center Rikki Javitch and Shelby his artistic chops on a bag Decorated and packed bags are for Women, run by UJA’s partner agency, Nhaissi, event co-chairs. before it is fi lled.ready for distribution. Decorating bags is a family aff air. Westchester Jewish Community Servic- es. The Yonkers center helps women and to crises close to home and far away and girls in the areas of early childhood devel- help shape Jewish futures by helping opment, parenting, after-school support those in need. Working with hundreds of and academic and job readiness. non-profi t partners, synagogues and oth- For over 100 years, UJA-Federation has er Jewish organizations, UJA-Federation inspired New Yorkers to act on their val- is the world’s leading local philanthro- Friends don’t let ues and invest in our community for the py. Its reach extends from New York to Is- biggest impact. Through UJA-Federation, rael to nearly 70 other countries around more than 50,000 donors address issues the world, touching 4.5 million people that matter most to them, pooling their each year. For more information on how resources to care for Jews everywhere. to donate or volunteer, please visit www. friends drink New Yorkers of all backgrounds respond ujafedny.org. ‘Intimate Voices’ to irresponsibly Present Third and Final Concert of Ninth Season on Purim. (Courtesy of CSAIR) Intimate Voices, a lin) will be joined by Renée Jolles (violin), Riverdale-based chamber music series fea- Dov Scheindlin (viola) and Sophie Shao turing world-class musicians, will present (cello). the third and fi nal Saturday-evening con- Intimate Voices Saturday-evening concert of its ninth season on Saturday, March certs include complimentary refreshments, 3, at 8:00 p.m. at its home, the Conserva- an informal post-concert reception with tive Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale the musicians and the popular Tastings@ (CSAIR), 475 West 250th Street, Bronx, New IntimateVoices. A pre-Passover wine-tasting York. specially selected and generously provided The series presents chamber music in by Skyview Wine & Spirits will be the fea- an intimate and acoustically excellent set- tured offering at the March 3 concert. ting at CSAIR and though outreach events Doors will open at 7:30 for wine-tast- in the community. The participating mu- ing, coffee and tea, and the concert is set to sicians have performed in venues all over begin at 8:00. Tickets are $30, $25 for sen- the United States and abroad as soloists iors and $15 for students and those under /OrthodoxUnion as well as in ensembles ranging from ma- 30. For more artist/series details, and to or- /OrthodoxUnion jor string quartets to the Orpheus Chamber der tickets online, visit www.intimatevoic- Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. es.org. Tickets are also available at the door The concert will feature Beethoven’s by cash/check. String Quartet in D Major op. 18 no. 3, as The Intimate Voices 2017-2018 season Safe Homes. Safe Shuls. Safe Schools. well as works by Arriaga, Kodaly and Lei is supported in part by a grant from New Liang. Music Director Sheila Reinhold (vio- York-Presbyterian/The Allen Hospital. 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 15 COMMUNITY NEWS Young Israel of Stamford to Commemorate Rav’s 25th Yahrzeit By JLBWC Staff Israel of Stamford, 69 Oaklawn Av- issues facing the Orthodox enue, Stamford. community, such as religious Twenty-fi ve years ago, during Pesach, At 6 p.m., preceding the panel Zionism, women studying To- the Jewish community lost one of the discussion, the shul will sponsor a rah, rabbinical training, inter- greatest thinkers of the 20th century, Rab- post-Pesach chametz-fest, featuring faith dialogue and interde- bi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, z”l. pizza and other leavened carbohy- nominational issues, among To mark the occasion of his yahrzeit, drates. others. Rabbi Helfgot will dis- the Young Israel of Stamford Family Beit At 6:30 p.m., Rabbi Carmy will cuss whether the Rav’s in- Midrash Program will present an impor- open the discussion and speak fl uence in these areas still tant panel discussion on Sunday night, about the religious philosophy of Rabbi Joseph B. Rabbi Shalom Carmy Rabbi Nathaniel remains, or whether the April 8, on “The Legacy of Rabbi Joseph B. the Rav. Soloveitchik, z”l Helfgot Modern Orthodox commu- Soloveitchik.” “The Rav authored some of nity has gravitated away The panel will feature two of his dis- the most important Jewish philosophi- his philosophy. He will also address what from his approach to these communal is- tinguished students: Rabbi Shalom Carmy, cal works of the 20th century: ‘Halach- the Rav’s philosophical approach can still sues. He will also touch on the question of assistant professor of Jewish philosophy ic Mind,’ ‘Lonely Man of Faith’ and ‘Hala- teach us, given the current challenges in whether the current generation of rabbin- and Bible, Yeshiva University, and editor chic Man,’” said Michael Feldstein, who is today’s Orthodox world.” ical school graduates still views the Rav’s in chief of Tradition Magazine, and Rabbi chairing the program. “Rabbi Carmy will At 7 p.m., Rabbi Helfgot will address the impact as strongly as their predecessors, Nathaniel Helfgot, chair of the department discuss whether the major philosophical issue of the Rav as a posek and Modern Or- and how the Modern Orthodox communi- of Talmud and rabbinics, SAR High School, principles outlined by the Rav in his writ- thodox leader. ty can fi ll the void that was left when the and spiritual leader of Congregation Netiv- ings have been adapted by the Modern Feldstein said, “While he was alive, Rav died.” ot Shalom in Teaneck. Orthodox community today, or wheth- many Orthodox rabbis and institutions The program is free and open to the en- The program will be held at the Young er the community has moved away from turned to the Rav for guidance on critical tire community. WJC to Recognize Volunteers at Julian Y. Bernstein Distinguished Service Awards (Courtesy of WJC) The Westchester Jew- ing organizations are: New Rochelle resident Mark Silver, Beth Tzahal Shalom of Northern Westchester ish Council will recognize 19 outstanding New Rochelle resident Sarra Lorbert, El Synagogue of New Rochelle New Rochelle resident Marc Klee, United community volunteers at the 2018 Julian Westchester Day School White Plains residents Stephen and Synagogue of Conservative Judaism – METNY Y. Bernstein Distinguished Service Awards New Rochelle resident Ron Burton, Joan Kass, Congregation Emanu-El of West- The Julian Y. Bernstein Distinguished (JYBDSA) ceremony on Thursday, March 8, American Jewish Joint Distribution Com- chester Service Award is named after Julian Y. Bern- at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Center of White mittee (JDC) Briarcliff Manor resident Fred Shul- stein, z”l, a former Westchester Jewish Plains, 280 Mamaroneck Road, White Plains. White Plains resident Bobbi Baker, Bet man, Congregation Sons of Israel Briarcliff Council board member, who was a vision- The 2018 recipients and their nominat- Am Shalom Synagogue Harrison resident Steven Chill, Congre- ary communal leader. gation Sulam Yaakov “This evening is an opportunity for the Cortlandt Manor resident Mark Stern, Westchester Jewish Council, the connect- First Hebrew Congregation ing body for 160 Jewish organizations across Scarsdale resident Deborah S.K. Jagoda, Westchester, to honor a very special group Greenburgh Hebrew Center of individuals who make their own com- Yorktown Heights resident Robert Fis- munities stronger through their volunteer- cher, Hebrew Congregation of Somers ism and dedication,” said Lisa Roberts, pres- Rye resident Jonathan Franklin, Hillels ident of the Westchester Jewish Council. of Westchester The evening will include a kosher Mount Kisco resident Edward Sperling, dairy dessert reception. This event is free Pleasantville Community Synagogue and open to the public. RSVP requested at JOIN US Scarsdale resident Adar Gurvitch, Solo- www.wjcouncil.org. FOR AN mon Schechter School of Westchester For more information, please contact Scarsdale resident David Shatz, Stand- Donna Bartell at [email protected] or WithUs (914) 328-7001. Children’s Purim Carnival Brewster resident Evelyn Cohen, Tem- The Westchester Jewish Council con- ple Beth Elohim nects Westchester’s Jewish communities Mahopac resident Joel Greenberg, Tem- and strengthens relationships among Jew- THURSDAY, MARCH 1ST | 12:30-2:30 PM ple Beth Shalom ish organizations and other ethnic and Briarcliff resident Richard Leroy, Tem- faith-based groups, elected offi cials, Israel CARNIVAL GAMES & RIDES | AGES 4-12 ple Shaaray Tefi la of Westchester and the community at large. For more in- Mount Kisco resident Mindy Unger, formation, visit www.wjcouncil.org. OBSTACLE COURSE . INFLATABLE WORLD SPORTS GAMES (FOOTBALL-SOCCER-BASKETBALL-BASEBALL) . 40’ INFLATABLE SLIDE . PHOTO BOOTH . RING TOSS . ARCADE BASKETBALL . XBOX WITH KINECT . PRIZE TABLE & MORE!

PURIM TOTS SECTION | AGES 0-3 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM | PURIM TOTS COSTUME PARADE 1:15 PM - 2:30 PM | BOUNCY HOUSE . ARTS & CRAFTS & MORE! Saturday March 3, 8:00 pm FOOD COURT Beethoven, Kodaly‘ and more for string quartet, trio and duo POPCORN . COTTON CANDY . OMELET & PANCAKE BAR . SNOW CONES . SOFT DRINKS... REGISTER ONLINE AND SAVE TIME AT THE DOOR! $18/CHILD* | $50/FAMILY** | $12/CHILDREN 3 AND YOUNGER* * INCLUDES UNLIMITED GAMES/RIDES & 1 RAFFLE TICKET ** INCLUDES UNLIMITED GAMES/RIDES & 3 RAFFLE TICKETS

CHILDREN WITH SENSORY SENSITIVITIES Sunday March 4 , 2:00-3:00 pm | FREE There will be early carnival access for children with sensory sensitivities from 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM. Sensory/autism-friendly , interactive, informal Family Program - All are welcome! Rides will be accessible without loud music and with fewer children. REGISTER @ WWW.THEBAYIT.ORG/CARNIVAL HEBREW INSTITUTE OF RIVERDALE - THE BAYIT | 3700 HENRY HUDSON PKWY, BRONX, NY 10463 | 718.796.4730

16 February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM Passover 2018

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 17 DIVREI TORAH Criminal Profi ling By Rabbi David Walk types of serial crimes or with Amalek geno- we shall presently see, Amalek attacked hind. However, upon arrival, the other cidal anti-Semites. Now, with Amalek, pro- those not ready for war because his weap- Philistine leaders don’t trust David in the Zachor 5778 fi ling is crucial, because we can’t use DNA. on was false imagination. Amalek tried to heat of battle, and he and his men return In 1998, I made Our Sages have taught us that the Assyrians replace any attempt at fi nding order in to their families. a recruiting trip for not only exiled the 10 tribes, but mixed up the world with chaos and nihilism. The Meanwhile, back at Tziklag, Amalek my yeshiva to the all the gene pools of the Middle East (Bra- true battle against Amalek is in spirit. has attacked. They killed no one. Amalek States. It was a spec- chot 28a). There no longer exists an Amal- Amalek wants to sow doubt and despair. burns down the camp and captures all the tacular failure. How- ek genome. So, we’re really discussing The fi ght is to hold onto reason and faith. women and children to be sold into slav- ever, I had a wonder- Amalekism rather than Amalekites. All these positions can fi nd support ery (possibly back to Egypt, again to undo ful time. I spent Shabbat at University of First up is the contribution of Rav Ye- with a careful perusal of the times we God’s deliverance of the Jews, I Samuel Pennsylvania, and had a pre-Shabbat run hudah Amital, ob”m, of Yeshivat Har Etzi- fought Amalek. The fi rst case, of course, at 30:1-3). The men are distraught. Amalek fol- up the Rocky Steps at the art museum. I on, whom I quoted last week. He sug- Refi dim, and in Devarim it’s described like lows his pattern: demoralize, sow doubt. gave shiurim at Harvard, Brandeis, Prince- gests that the critical word in the text to this: Remember what Amalek did to you David rallies the troops by consulting the ton, Columbia, U of Maryland and YU. I teach us about Amalek is karcha (Deuter- on your way out of Egypt. How he hap- kohen’s breastplate, similar to the encour- just didn’t actually recruit many students. onomy 24:18). This term can be translated pened upon you and attacked the weakest agement from seeing Moshe’s hands raised But here’s the point I want to make: In 12 as “happened upon.” They believe there in the rear when you were tired and wea- to heaven in Refi dim. They catch up with days in America, I fl ew 11 domestic fl ights. is no plan for the world. Things just hap- ry (Deuteronomy 25:17-18). His battle tac- the Amalekites, rout them and reunite with On eight of them I had my luggage “ran- pen. He goes on to say that this kind of tics were basically war crimes. This pat- their families. Again, Amalek’s behavior is domly” checked. That’s a lot of random- thinking is characteristic of the post-mod- tern continued in the second encounter. psychological and tactics are war crimes. ness. The TSA didn’t exist yet, but airport ern movement in which there are no ab- After the edict to remain in the desert for The evil of Amalekism is powerful. Its security checked me almost every fl ight. solutes or standards. 40 years for the sin of the spies, some Jews ability to debilitate a population is based They were always courteous and assured Going back in history, the Ramban decided to go to Israel anyway. This des- on psychology rather than weapons. The me that they do no profi ling. Right! I still (1194-1270) points out another phrase in perate, demoralized group was cut down strategy is to raise doubts about the exist- don’t know what set off the bells—may- that same verse, “and did not fear God.” by Amalek in the desert (Numbers 14:44-45). ence of goodness and morality. The pur- be because I was traveling alone from the When Amalek fi rst attacked a few weeks But we see their MO most clearly in the pose is to question the existence of a Di- Middle East, perhaps the fact that I had out from Egypt, the whole world was in story of Tziklag. This story toward the end vine plan for humanity. The ultimate goal a lot of luggage (gifts for my kids); could awe of God. The events surrounding the of I Samuel clearly described the behavior is to weaken God’s power and presence in have been my beard. I’ll probably never plagues and the splitting of the sea im- of Amalek. By the way, I would have this the world. Our strategy must display two know. I’m not complaining. They always pressed all the surrounding areas, but story as the haftarah for Parshat Zachor, tactics. First, fi ght them with all our might. made sure I made my fl ight, and, to be not Amalek. As the verse (Exodus 17:8) rather than the story of Shaul’s failure to Secondly, to live lives that are replete with honest, I think profi ling is a good idea. Is- records: Amalek came and fought at Re- kill Agag, but nobody asked me. This story empathy, spirituality and love. May God rael does it. So, this week I’d like to try to fi dim. Amalek had a nose for weakness. begins in Chapter 29: David is hiding from grant us the strength to soldier on. compile a profi le for Amalek based on a When they saw an opening, like the fall- Shaul among the Philistines. He’s living number of observations by our commen- ing out with God over water at Refi dim, in Tziklag in the Negev with 600 warriors Rabbi David Walk, who has recently made aliyah, was a teach- taries and the stories themselves. they charged into the breach. They didn’t and their families. One of the fi ve leaders er at the Bi-Cultural Day school as well as Congregation Agu- Profi ling is the collection and analysis fear God; they were warriors of opportu- of the Philistine nation, Achish, asks David dath Sholom’s education director. He continues to be a tireless of a person’s psychological and behavioral nity. to bring his warriors to Afek in the north teacher and educator. For over 30 years, he has taught students from third grade and up and conducted many classes characteristics to help predict capabilities There’s a fascinating approach from to help conquer the city. for teens and adults. Prior to joining CAS, he served as director or even future behavior. It’s often used by Reb Tzadok of Lublin (1823-1900) in his David complies and sets out with his and teacher at Yeshivat Hamivtar in Efrat, Israel. police to help track perpetrators in certain sefer Resisei Layla. He suggests that, as men, leaving the women and children be- Parshat Tetzaveh Is When We Meet the Kohanim By Rabbi Gidon Rothstein the role they played. Ramban agrees with ing of their function. Remember that the between the words. We were taught the Rashi that the Shem HaMeforash, the most choshen itself had 12 stones, engraved on simple way to read the Torah, but there In Shemot 28:1, explicit version of Hashem’s Name (Ram- which were the names of the 12 tribes plus were other ways that also had meaning. Hashem lays out the bam identifi es that as the four-letter Name other words to ensure all the letters of This is another example of his focus on process for inducting often written in English as YHVH or Yah- the alphabet were represented. Ramban the many possibilities within language). Aharon and his sons to weh, neither of which is accurate and is thinks the kohen who wished to consult To get to the correct reading, the ko- the priesthood. Ram- why I allow myself to write them), was in- with Hashem on behalf of the king or the hen would turn his focus to the Tumim, ban points out that serted into the folds of the breastplate. To Jewish people would ask a question, and whose power made the kohen’s heart the sons had to be in this ceremony, that him, that’s why the Torah never tells us the power of the Urim would cause letters whole (Tumim from tamim, whole) in the Aharon’s investiture did not turn all his liv- how the craftsmen made them, whereas to light up [hence the name Urim¸ lights]. understanding of the message. He would ing descendants into priests. A baby born verses expound at length on the making He gives us an example. The book of immediately know in his heart (again, for to a kohen father is a kohen (barring cer- of other garments, such as the ephod and Shoftim, Judges, starts with the nation ask- Ramban this is not a physical matter) what tain disqualifi cations), but having a kohen the choshen. ing Hashem who should lead them into Hashem was saying. father does not do it. The Torah also refers to them as the battle against the Canaanites. They asked It is, he summarizes, a level of access That distinction mattered only for that Urim and the Tumim, with an identify- the kohen the question while he direct- to the Divine Spirit, lower than prophecy fi rst generation, but some living members ing letter hei, where the other parts of the ed his focus to the Names of the Urim [he but greater than a bat kol (a Divine Voice), of that family did not become kohanim Mishkan are called “an” (e.g. ve-asita Aron, does not tell us what physically distin- which was the way that Jews of the Sec- (such as Pinchas, for whom the priesthood you shall make an Ark). To Ramban, that’s guished the Urim from the Tumim, since ond Temple era received communication is part of his reward for his zealotry in the because Moshe made these, based on secret both were Names of Hashem]. from Hashem, after prophecy and the story of Zimri, later in the Torah). Ramban communication from Hashem, or Hashem Ramban says the Urim lit up the letters Urim ve-Tumim were lost (a reminder that does not offer a reason, so I will not spec- Himself did it—as was true of ha-keruvim le-einav, to his eyes, meaning this was not a bat kol was also not a purely physical ex- ulate. But it niggles at me, why Hashem in Bereshit, the angels set at the entrance a purely physical process; someone oth- perience, it was a quasi-prophetic one). chose that way. For another time. to the Garden of Eden after Adam and Cha- er than this kohen would not have seen va were expelled. There, too, the identify- those letters light up [which complicates An Anticipatory Chatat The Mysterious Urim ve-Tumim ing hei shows that this was a special item, the story, since a non-believer could claim In 29:14, the Torah tells us that any In 28:30, Hashem tells Moshe to put specifi cally made by Hashem. it didn’t happen, or the kohen gave the an- parts of the par (bull) not put on the altar the Urim and Tumim into the breastplate swer he, the kohen, wanted to give]. should be burnt outside the camp. This worn by the kohen gadol, the high priest. Light, Then Understanding par was offered as a chatat, a sin-offering, Those Urim ve-Tumim were somehow to Ramban thinks Moshe inserted this Another Form of Divine Inspiration on behalf of the new priests; as Rashi not- be contained in that breastplate, and were writing into the choshen once Aharon Nor is that the end of the story, since ed, this is the only example of a chatat to be on the kohen gadol’s heart when he was wearing it, which implies it had to be the letters lit up all at once, creating mul- chitzonah, a sin-offering whose blood is went before Hashem. A verse also tells us added to an already functioning choshen tiple options for how to read them (Ram- not sprinkled inside the Mishkan/Mikash, the kohen gadol will carry the people’s (it also makes it a separate item from the ban gives examples of other possible word that is burnt. mishpat, their judgment, on his heart, ta- choshen—were the Urim ve-Tumim to be combinations of the answer in Shoft- The reason Ramban gives for why mid before Hashem. [Tamid means either lost, that signifi cant loss would not take im, which was Yehudah ya’aleh, Yehudah this was true yields a bit to Rashi, who all the time or regularly.] away from the functioning of the chosh- should go up. In his introduction to the thought the Mishkan’s origins lay in the Beyond that, we are not told what these en itself). Torah, Ramban also held that the whole Urim ve-Tumim were, how they worked, Then Ramban gives us his understand- Torah was given without clear distinctions CONTINUED ON P. 20 18 February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM EDUCATION Lev HaTorah Receives Hesder Yeshiva Status By Yvette Finkelstein plained his love of Yeshivat Lev HaTorah as Ramat Beit Shemesh as well, as the yeshi- “being a place where its students are able va students embark on chesed projects to Yeshivat Lev HaTorah, located in Ramat to explore the depths of the Torah...and it meet the existing needs of the community. Beit Shemesh, Israel, is the fi rst Anglo ye- also becomes a home away from home for For further information about Yeshivat shiva to be accepted into the Organization its students.” The rabbis welcome students Lev HaTorah or Lev LaChayal, please vis- of Hesder Yeshivot (Igud Yeshivot HaHes- into their homes and families and create it https://www.facebook.com/levlachayal/ der). The signifi cance of this designation is lifelong relationships with their students. or www.levhatorah.org or contact Noam that any student at Lev HaTorah can now The welcoming, family-like atmosphere White at 052-684-6400 or noam.s.white@ decide to serve in the IDF as part of the Hes- of the yeshiva impacts the community of gmail.com. der track. This track requires students to learn for a year and a half before beginning their army service, then serve in the army for a year and a half, followed by learning serves as the assistant director of develop- for two additional years in yeshiva. (Israe- ment and night seder rebbe. White grad- lis’ standard tour of service is three years.) uated from SAR High School in Riverdale In the past, Anglos who wanted the Hes- and studied at Lev HaTorah for two years der track had to learn in an Israeli yeshiva, prior to serving in the IDF as a special forc- while now they can learn in an Anglo yeshi- es sniper in Gadsar Givati. He completed va (Lev HaTorah) and still participate in the his undergraduate degree in Middle East- Hesder program. ern studies and is currently studying for Four years ago, Lev HaTorah introduced his master’s degree in Jewish History at Bar a secondary, smaller program, Lev LaChay- Ilan University, where he is also enrolled al, which specifi cally caters to the needs of in its semicha kollel program. White ex- religious Anglo lone soldiers. Lev LaChay- al is designed to provide comprehensive training for Anglos intending to draft into the IDF, including high-level Torah study, IDF-designed physical training and advanced Hebrew Ulpan and tours of the country, in addition to providing living ar- rangements to the students during their service. Each individual receives the spiritual, ideological and physical preparations nec- essary to allow him to make his maximum contribution to the IDF. Lev LaChayal offers personal guidance for each student as he navigates the potentially bewildering Experience Camp Shalom - A Summer of Fun the Torah Way! military bureaucracies and assists with any diffi culties he may encounter during his service. Participants are offered comforta- ble apartments where the refrigerators are fi lled with food and amenities generously provided, with the students becoming part of a community that not only appreciates their service, but embraces their participation on Shabbat and Chagim. Mahal volunteers, IDF volunteers who wish to serve in the army without making aliyah, can also IST EG ER participate in Lev HaTorah’s programs, both R studying in yeshiva and serving in the IDF. summer The government of Israel and Igud Yeshiv- ot Hesder awarded Yeshivat Lev HaTorah its Hesder status in recognition of the pro- 2018 gram’s importance to its participants. Rav Boaz Mori and Rav Benjy Kwal- N wasser, co-founders of Yeshivat Lev HaTo- O W rah, studied together at the Gruss Kollel and were active in kiruv work for NCSY. In the fall of 2001 they established their yeshiva, joined by well-known rabbis such as Rav Jake Vidomlanski, Rav Netanel Leb- owitz, Rav Asher Friedman, Rav Mordechai Kaplan, Rav Yehoshua Fass, Rav Natan Slifkin, Rav Mordechai Machlis, Rav Men- achem Leibtag and Rav Asher Altshul. Rav Dudi Winkler, the director of Lev LaChay- al, as well as Rav and Dayan Yehuda Odess- Sports track for your athletic all-stars er, head of the halacha program, all con- Art track for your marvelous Monets tinue to serve in the IDF reserves. Starting with just 19 students, the yeshiva’s current Drama track for budding actresses class consists of 80 fi rst-year students and 21 second-year students, with 12 of those Tae Kwon Do & Ceramics for the all-around camper students set to enter the army next month. There are currently 10 lone soldiers on active duty from the yeshiva. Most of the Programs for Ages 3-13 students are from the US and Canada— including several students from Westches- Sports - Science - Music - Tae Kwon Do - Pilates - Ceramics ter, Connecticut and the Bronx—with ad- Zumba - Ultimate Game Show - Fun With Fashion - Movement - Drama ditional young men from England, South Ceramic - Woodworking - Cartooning - and more! Africa and Australia. Noam White from New Rochelle is CampShalomNJ.org @campshalomnj the co-founder of Lev LaChayal. He also 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 19 PURIM DO YOU OR HIR Asks: ‘Need a Costume?’ ONE OF YOUR CHILDREN HAVE GAUCHER DISEASE?

By Adena Blickstein tumes and volunteers helped to sort them. If you did not have a costume to donate, no This year’s annual HIR Purim costume problem; “make a donation, volunteer your swap was another phenomenal success. time or pay it forward” read the fl yer. For a limited time, National Gaucher The event, help on February 4, was organ- Besides for being economical, the event ized by Kathy Goldstein. Although Gold- was itself a costume fashion experience. Foundation is providing FREE, stein has been organizing summer and Two girls adorned in pink fabric, wild wigs, winter clothing swaps for the past two shining costumes and beaded accesso- DISCREET AND CONFIDENTIAL years, this was Goldstein’s fi rst “Purim” ries showed off their creative fashions for costume swap. The goal of the event is the participants during the event. Another testing for Gaucher disease in the to “recycle, be economically mindful and child tried on a cardboard box for size. “I provide a community service,” as indicat- was thinking I should be… a table,” she ex- ed on the fl yer on the Hebrew Institute’s plained to Goldstein as she was scanning comfort of your own home. bulletin. The event was free and open to internet pictures for box-costume ideas. If the community. you could not decide on which costume to Don't miss this opportunity to find out On the third fl oor of the Hebrew In- choose, on the last table was also pre-cut stitute of Riverdale, pink princess dresses, fabric for a costume DIY project. if others in your family have Gaucher ninja and pirate costumes were sprawled If you missed your opportunity to pick disease so they can receive the treatment across tables and organized by size. An ac- up a costume, no worries. The remainder cessory table displayed hats, wigs, shawls of the costumes will be shared for an ad- needed. and necklaces of various shapes and colors. ditional costume exchange closer to Purim. If you liked what you saw, it was yours. Kudos to Goldstein for another phenome- Participants came in carrying bags of cos- nal idea! COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS INCLUDE: Parshat Tetzaveh who were not yet kohanim but should ` Enlarged liver and/or spleen have been implicated in a threat of kilui CONTINUED FROM P. 18 banim.] ` Low platelet counts and Anemia This reminds me of an assumption need to fi nd a vehicle to atone for the common to many Jewish sources that our ` Easy bruising and chronic nosebleeds Golden Calf. Ramban had disagreed, as we individualistic world often forgets. Ram- saw last time. But he concedes that this ban here, and many other sources, such as ` Bone pain sacrifi ce was to atone for the Golden Calf. when the verse describes Hashem as visit- That raises interesting questions about ing the sins of forefathers on generations ` Osteopenia and Osteoporosis free will that Ramban does not pause to of descendants who continue those ways, address [if Hashem was so sure Aharon sees the sons as parts of Aharon himself. If ` Joint pain, arthritis, and joint damage would sin such that this sacrifi ce was al- the sons died, that would be destruction ready in place, could Aharon have not? of Aharon, not just a personal tragedy. What would this sacrifi ce have meant in We are all links in a chain, and what the alternative universe where Aharon re- happens down the chain matters back to sisted long enough for Moshe to come us as well. Cutting off the chain destroys down from Sinai before the Calf was wor- us, even if we live a long time after that. shipped?]. So neither will we. The priesthood started with fi ve individuals, not a whole clan. Some of those The Definition of Destruction kohanim would access answers from the Once the chatat responds to the Gold- Urim ve-Tumim, a step below prophecy. 5410 Edson Lane 1200 51st Street en Calf, why would Aharon’s sons need For them and for us, our ability to con- Suite 220 PO BOX 190781 semicha, placing their hands and weight tinue our chain of generations is a part of Rockville, MD 20852 Brooklyn, NY 11219 on the sacrifi ce as symbolic investiture not being destroyed. Some of the lessons of their persons? The answer starts with of Parshat Tetzaveh for Ramban. Devarim 9:20, which says that in reac- To learn more, visit: tion to the Golden Calf, the Divine wrath gaucherdisease.org/mysymptoms was kindled against Aharon le-hashmido, Rabbi Dr. Gidon Rothstein has served in the community rab- enough to destroy him binate and in educational roles at the high school and adult If you suspect you or a loved one has Gaucher disease, Ramban defi nes that destruction as level. He is an author of Jewish fi ction and nonfi ction, most recently “We’re Missing the Point: What’s Wrong With the Ortho- please call us at kilui banim, killing his children, so they 718.669.4103 needed the protection/atonement of this dox Jewish Community and How to Fix It.” He lives in Bronx, sacrifi ce as much as their father. [Ramban New York, with his wife and three children. ignores the other descendants, the ones 20 February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM PURIM Hamantashen: The Debate Continues By Judy Berger offerings. “In addition to the traditional fl avors, we also make a chocolate cookie Hamantashen, the traditional triangular dough with raspberry fi lling, and one with cookie of Purim, commemorates Haman’s a chocolate fi lling. These are a great com- three-pointed hat. It really is a simple pro- bination!” cess to create hamantashen. One must cut David Heisler, of Heislers Bakery in New circles from a sheet of dough and place a Rochelle, adds chocolate chip, caramel, fi lling in the center of the circle. The baker chocolate dough and chocolate-dipped op- will then fold the sides of the circle, creat- tions. “I happen to love the prune haman- ing a triangle. The familiar fi llings are pop- tashen all year long,” Heisler revealed, “and pyseed, prune, apricot and raspberry, but we can even make a milchig version on spe- there are no halachic requirements regard- cial request.” ing one’s choice of fl avors, nor do restric- Offering tips to potential home haman- tions exist as to when hamantashen may tashen bakers, The Kosher Dinner Lady sug- be eaten. gested, “Don’t get frustrated. Sometimes, On the other hand, famed chef and the dough needs tweaking, sometimes you “Joy of Kosher” author Jamie Geller disa- S’mores hamantashen from the Kosher Dinner Lady. CREDIT: DANIEL BERGER need to wet the edges of the dough circles grees. “This is an exclusively Purim cookie with egg white or some water to help keep in my house.” This year, Jamie will be mak- piest, coziest memories from growing up ing—maybe next year!” them closed. The biggest frustration for ing a savory pizza hamantashen as well as and most fun pastimes for me and my chil- The Kosher Dinner Lady also recalls people, I think, is when they open the oven “Candyland” hamantashen. “To be honest, dren.” baking with her mother. “She used a yeast door and the triangles have opened up or I don’t love hamantashen like I love some The Kosher Dinner Lady, Rachel Berger, dough which tasted like a danish—when the shape isn’t perfect.” of the other Jewish holiday classics and so also only makes hamantashen for Purim. baked, most of them wouldn’t stay closed, Geller also advised, “Follow the dough that’s what pushed us to get creative. I real- Adding to the prune and apricot selections, so we got to eat them!” recipe to a T. It’s not like cooking where ly am loving our pizza and Candyland cre- the Kosher Dinner Lady has some original All of the local kosher bakeries bake you can riff and improvise. It’s much more ations.” ideas. “I’m making lemon meringue, be- the traditional fl avors of apricot, raspber- chemistry-based and exacting and way less Geller continued, “My Aunt Zahava was cause lemon meringue is my favorite, and ry, prune and poppyseed. Honey Banin, of forgiving.” a Hebrew school teacher and a great bak- halva, because I bought a ton of it on a re- Riverdale’s Gruenbaum’s Bakery, explained, “I love making them with other peo- er. She always invited me over before each cent trip to Israel and thought it would “We also make chocolate chip hamantash- ple,” explained Berger. If you follow her on holiday to do a project and bake.” Geller work for hamantashen. I also tried mak- en. We even make a special triangle bread Instagram or Facebook, you will fi nd pic- noted, “Baking in the kitchen with your ing a new type of dough, which tasted like for Purim.” Banin describes the two types tures of her baking with many young fam- kids in anticipation of the holidays is an pie crust, so I was inspired to make cher- of dough found in her hamantashen: One ily members. incredible way to foster love for our tradi- ry pie hamantashen. The possibilities are is a cookie dough and the second a danish When asked what is the best way to en- tions and religious celebrations, an incredi- endless!” The Kosher Dinner Lady also in- dough. Further, she explained that most of joy hamantashen, Berger suggested, “Hot, bly visceral way to pass our passion for our troduced a s’mores hamantashen this year. their customers use her hamantashen for right out of the oven! The fi llings are su- culture onto the next generation and gen- She continued, “I have also been working mishloach manot. per-hot, so be careful!” Geller suggested, erally produces so many great bonding mo- on a carrot cake with cream cheese fi lling, Lee Kaufman, manager of the White “Standing up…because then the calories ments and memories. It’s one of my hap- but have not perfected the dough to my lik- Plains Bake Shoppe, described their unique don’t count.”

718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 21 PURIM Are Purim Customs a Guide for Being a Good Person? By Catherine Green that giving a gift of food promotes ble giving year round on a personal level? feelings of good will towards one Thanks to the combination of this age-old Human nature is a funny thing. At the another, there is another element of tradition and technology there’s now an root of our being we have a list of basic care that can be found in the detail App on the market to fi ll the need of being needs that range from interconnectivity, of giving readily edible gifts. You can able to give more easily, securely and quick- purpose and personal growth to egocen- fi nd the same idea of caring in the ly. The TzedakaApp is designed to replace tricity, survival and selfi shness. How does way that organizations like Yad Ezra cash donations to collectors, and provides one balance these to fi nd a satisfactory V’shulamit give. Not only does this users with the ultimate donation experi- equilibrium? food bank provide boxes of food to ence by allowing them to easily transfer The answer to fi nding the sweet spot families in need year round, they funds, track their giving and confi rm the of the nuanced and complex aspects of hu- have a focus on providing hot daily collector’s identity, and it provides a tax de- man nature can be found in a somewhat meals to children. It’s the difference ductible receipt. By simply downloading hidden place—the story and customs of between placing a bag with carrots, the app and following set-up instructions, Purim. onions, celery and chicken bones users can manage and maximize their do- in front of someone or a hot bowl nations in the palm of their hand. Megilla—Reading the Purim Story: of chicken soup. One is “nice”; the We start the evening and daytime cele- other is personal, caring and warm. Mishteh—A Festive Meal brations by gathering together to hear the Mishloach Manot therefore push- In contrast to the fasting we did to uni- story of Purim. A story that in itself inspires es us to go beyond giving with our fy us as a nation in the story of Purim, we unity and personal growth. Beyond gather- of mishloach manot, matanot l’evyonim hands to giving with our hearts. end the Purim celebrations with a festive ing to listen, we are instructed to hear each and mishteh teach us the lessons integral meal, but not any ordinary meal. A meal and every word of the Megilla, forcing us to both personal satisfaction and being a Matanot L’evyonim— that we share with family, friends, neigh- to rely on one another to be respectful and good person, there are numerous organiza- Charity to the Poor bors and even strangers. We invite them forcing ourselves to be conscious and con- tions that provide a way for us to incorpo- Giving charity is in its essence an act of in wholeheartedly offering delicious food siderate of those around us. The reader, rate these principles year round. social responsibility. On Purim we are in- and hearty drink in the name of enhancing too, must be aware of his position, staying From the One Jewish People Project, structed to give to our brethren, an act that the joy of Purim and the unity its customs in tune with the people listening around whose mantra is “Making the world a bet- promotes personal connectivity. Why? Per- teach us. him, stopping if someone needs to cough ter place, together,” to Yad Ezra V’Shulamit, haps because when we give one-on-one to As Jews, the things that unite us will or sneeze, reading loudly and clearly and an organization that sends gifts to nourish someone in need we learn to be grateful for always be stronger. The One Jewish Peo- taking breaks for us to join in the occasion- poverty-stricken families in Israel with bas- being on the giving side, humbled by our ple Project, an initiative promoting acts of al outburst of noise, when we unanimous- kets of food and much more. brethren’s plight and united with each oth- kindness and mutual support, is helping to ly join forces to stomp out the common er to bring altruism, kindness and mercy keep this theme of unity going by harness- enemy, Haman, and all the selfi shness, in- Mishloach Manot – into the world. ing the strength of the Jewish People like dulgence and greed he represents—aspects Sending Gifts of Food On Purim we give without judgment the story that inspires change and unity. that we, too, must stomp out of our hearts On Purim we are instructed to give food or questioning the validity of the hand When we come together, we have the pow- in order to be good people and make the to at least one person, with at least two food held out by our door; we’re prepared with er to overcome all our enemies, including world around us better as well. types represented, ready to eat and ideally change on hand to give. But how can we the ones within ourselves. By doing so we While the following Purim customs given via messenger. While one aspect is set ourselves up to continue with charita- help bring goodness and joy to the world.

RIVERDALE PELHAM HOW CAN I Cafeccino 269 West 230th Street The Young Israel of Pelham Parkway 900 Pelham Parkway South Carlos and Gabbys 5685 Riverdale Ave Delicious on Lydig 746 Lydig Avednue GET A COPY Chabad 535 West 246th Street MT VERNON Conservative Synagogue 475 West 250th Street Fleetwood Synagogue 11 Broad Street Eeast Corner Café 3718 Riverdale Ave NEW ROCHELLE OF THE Geshmake Fish 513 W 236th St Cong. Anshe Sholom 50 North Avenue Glatt Shop 3540 Johnson Avenue Eden Wok 1327 North Avenue Gruenbaum's 5663 Riverdale Ave Heisler's Bakery 1321 North Avenue JEWISH LINK? Hamakolet 3714 Riverdale Ave New Roc Glatt 77 Quaker Ridge Road Hebrew Home for the Aged 5901 Palisade Avenue Westchester Torah Academy 1000 Pinebrook Blvd Hebrew Institute of Riverdale 3700 Henry Hudson Parkway Young Israel of New Rochelle 1149 North Avenue Signup for Kai Fan 3 717 Riverdale Ave SCARSDALE Kingsbridge Center of Israel 3115 Corlear Avenue Jewish Community Center 999 Wilmot Rd free home delivery Kinneret Day School 2600 Netherland Avenue Sammy's Bagels 1461 Weaver Street Menchies 3555 Johnson Ave Seasons 1066 Wilmot Rd at: www.jewishlinkbwc.com Moss Cafe 3260 Johnson Ave Young Israel of Scarsdale 1313 Weaver Street Mother's Bakery 548 W 235th St MAMARONECK Pizza Block 5663 Riverdale Ave Westchester Day School 856 Orienta Avenue Pizza Plus 3718 Riverdale Ave HARRISON Riverdale Jewish Center 3700 Independence Avenue Young Israel of Harrison 91 Union Ave 3706 Riverdale Ave Pick up a copy at any Riverdale Judaica WHITE PLAINS Riverdale Kosher Market 5683 Riverdale Ave Hebrew Institute of White Plains 20 Greenridge Ave Riverdale K Grill House 5693 Riverdale Ave Young Israel of White Plains 135 Old Mamaroneck Rd Y 5625 Arlington Avenue of the following locations: Riverdale STAMFORD SAR Academy 655 West 254th Street Bi-Cultural Day School 2186 High Ridge Rd. SAR High School 503 W 259th St Cong. Agudat Sholom 301 Strawberry Hill Ave Second Helping 3532 Johnson Avenue Six Thirteen 108 Prospect Street Skyview Wines 5681 Riverdale Ave Soosh 2701 Summer Street Van Cort Jewish Center 3880 Sedgwick Avenue Stamford Jewish Community Center Yong Israel of Riverdale 4502 Henry Hudson Parkway WASHINGTON HEIGHTS 69 Oaklawn Ave Young Israel Ohab Zedek 6015 Riverdale Avenue Mt Sinai Congregation 135 Bennett Ave EINSTEIN Yeshiva University 2501 Amsterdam Ave. Albert Einstein Synagogue 1925 Eastchester Road Apt. 1B YONKERS Lincoln Park Jewish Center 311 Central Park Ave Northeast Jewish Center 11 Salisbury Rd Stein Yeshiva 287 Central Park Avenue

22 February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM NEWS FROM ISRAEL ALEH’S ‘Tikkun Olam’ Program Teaches Israeli Teens the Importance of Inclusion (Courtesy of ALEH) In September 2016, ALEH (www.aleh.org), Israel’s network of care for children with severe complex disabilities, joined forces with Israel’s Ministry of Education to launch “Tikkun Olam,” an experiential education program that expos- es Israeli high school students to peers with disabilities and imparts the importance of acceptance and inclusion through lectures, workshops and hands-on volunteering op- portunities. Building upon the success of its 2016-17 pilot program, ALEH will enhance Tikkun Olam’s offerings during the 2017-18 school year, beginning with the roll out of special programming to mark Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) at schools across the country. Geared towards students entering the ninth grade, Tikkun Olam was established to bring about a change in societal attitude towards individuals with disabilities “This project is incredible, and we are al- key to moving our society forward,” said through youth leadership and communi- ready seeing a change in the way that our Avi Ben-Torah, a national service volunteer ty engagement. In its fi rst year, more than students talk about and interact with indi- who assists with the Tikkun Olam program 10,000 Israeli students from 60 schools par- viduals with disabilities,” said Tamar Megi- at ALEH’s rehabilitative village in the Ne- ticipated in the program, leading to a no- don Sharett, the social education coordina- gev. “I can see the changes in the students ticeable spike in youth-led volunteerism tor at the Na’amat Hasharon Technological as they learn about inclusion and begin to and social activism initiatives. High School in Hod Hasharon, a Tikkun understand why giving is so much better “We couldn’t be prouder of this pro- Olam participant. “It has made them more than receiving. By teaching them these les- gram, which is the fulfi llment of a dream sensitive and empathetic and they are ex- sons while they are young and providing for ALEH. Working together with the Min- cited to give of their time to help others.” them with these important growth expe- istry of Education, we are educating to- Following the educational seminars at riences before they become self-absorbed, wards change on a grand scale and seeing their respective schools, classes are invited we will change Israeli society for the bet- immediate results countrywide,” said Avi to take part in “fi eld activities,” opportuni- ter.” Wortzman, director general of ALEH’s re- ties to assist peers with disabilities in fun To learn more about ALEH and the Tik- habilitative village in the Negev and the and educational settings, in the hope that kun Olam program, arrange a site visit in Is- brains behind the Tikkun Olam program. these outings will serve as a springboard rael or donate, please visit www.ALEH.org. “For more than three decades, we have for volunteerism. Thus far, the students’ ex- mobilized our dedicated staff, internation- citement to participate has far exceeded ex- al volunteers and donors and local leader- pectations. ship to improve the lives of the hundreds In November, after volunteering at BRUCE BACKMAN’S AT THE LUXURIOUS of children with disabilities in our care and the Harim School for Special Needs in Gi- promote inclusion in the communities we vat Ada, students from the Hebrew Reali in the serve. Now that every participating school School in Haifa made a plan to run the 2.5 PESACH MARRIOTT in Israel has become an ALEH satellite and kilometer race at the Haifa Half-Marathon WESTFIELDS a megaphone for the cause, our ability to Event together with their new friends. Led RESORT impact the public and spread the messages by their physical education teacher, 50 He- NORTHEAST of acceptance and inclusion has increased brew Reali School students ran the race Chantilly, VA tenfold and we are making a real differ- with 20 students from the Harim School. WE ACCEPT AIR MILES ence for individuals with disabilities well One student even ran while singing in or- CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION beyond the walls of our own residential fa- der to provide encouragement to a young cilities.” man named Rafi who can only communi- To increase Tikkun Olam’s geographic cate through song. reach and professional depth, ALEH part- Earlier this month, close to 400 ninth nered with nonprofi t organizations Ma- graders from the Interdisciplinary High ZIKA FREE kom L’Kulam (“A Place for Everyone”) and School in Hadera accompanied students Negishut Yisrael (“Access Israel”), both lead- from the Neve Etgar School for Children ing voices in the fi ght for disability rights with Special Needs in Kibbutz Lehavot Ha- HIGHEST RATED AND MOST TRUSTED PESACH PROGRAM IN THE NATION’S CAPITOL in Israel. Together, the three organizations viva for a Tu B’Shevat tree-planting activity. have traversed the country, bringing spe- While planting saplings and enjoying sea- FEATURING cially designed educational modules to sec- sonal fruits together, the two groups of stu- SENATOR JOSEPH LIEBERMAN ular and religious schools across Israel. dents formed strong bonds, and the class- MRS. HADASSAH LIEBERMAN At every school, the Tikkun Olam pro- es from Hadera decided that they wanted RABBI SIMON JACOBSON gramming begins with a lecture by a disa- to do more. In the days since, they have vis- RABBI EPHRAIM BUCHWALD bility care professional that introduces the ited Kibbutz Lehavot Haviva to run a mu- •••••• students to the various types of disabilities, sic circle and craft activities on their own BENNY FRIEDMAN the concept of accessibility and the impact initiative. 8TH DAY’S BENTZI MARCUS of inclusion on society at large. Students Tikkun Olam’s special JDAIM program- WORLD FAMOUS POPOVICH then participate in a variety of workshops ming comprises 15 events, including educa- COMEDY PET THEATER that range from meetings with teenagers tion seminars with new participants, fi eld FEATURED AMENITIES: and adults with disabilities who explain activities at ALEH centers and a fully acces- Indoor & Outdoor Horseback Riding how they navigate their worlds on a dai- sible Purim carnival at Yeshivat Bnei Akiva Pools Excursions ly basis to informational videos about spe- Lapid in Modiin, where 80 students from Tennis Spa Services cifi c visible and invisible disabilities to the Harim School will be the guests of hon- Basketball Golf hands-on “disability experiences,” such as or. HOME TO THE “BEST FOOD IN THE BUSINESS” Professional Children’s Programming navigating an obstacle course in wheel- “Like most high school students, I was CHOLOV YISROEL chairs, walking the school grounds with very self-centered. I only cared about per- RESERVE NOW GLATT KOSHER blindfolds and canes, experiencing a sen- sonal satisfaction and my own achieve- SHMURAH MATZOH 774.353.0170 sory overload and conversing in sign lan- ment. But I have since realized that giving NON-GEBROCHTS PESACHINTHENORTHEAST.COM guage while wearing noise-cancelling head- of myself and loving unconditionally is not phones. only the key to my own happiness, but the 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 23 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Discover West Orange na Turk, who moved to town with her hus- CONTINUED FROM P. 1 band, Adam, and two children in August. A random Shabbat with friends this past special about a West Orange kid.” He says summer brought Esti and Jason Buskin and that children who grow up in West Orange their two sons to town. After a Shabbat are just “different than other kids. They are where “person after person came up to in- conscious of their responsibility to the Jew- troduce themselves and to welcome us,” ish community and to mankind. There is a the couple met with Rabbi Zwickler, who commitment to Torah and mitzvot and just “made himself available and spent a signif- a good overall feeling.” icant amount of time with us.” The very Rabbi Yosef Sharbat, the spiritual leader next day, they “went to see Kushner. With- of the Sephardic minyan at AABJ&D, noted, The Buskin family. The Mandelbaum family. out sitting through any other school open “There’s a lot of interest from people look- houses, we immediately knew that it was ing for a Sephardic minyan outside of the cessibility of these yeshivot, but also the fi - said. “We wanted a Modern Orthodox com- a very special place…a place that would New York area. A lot of people are looking nancial incentives that they, the shuls, and munity that was affordable. That and the uniquely help to establish both the reli- to New Jersey now, they are leaving Great the local JCC offer newcomers to the com- incentive programs were big selling points.” gious and secular foundations we wanted Neck and Brooklyn.” He continued, “A lot munity. The New Family Incentive pro- “The beauty of West Orange is there for our children.” The Buskins immediately of the young people have quickly gotten gram offers families who move to West Or- is no one specifi c factor that stands out put a bid on the one house they had looked involved in shul leadership. They want to ange, join one of its shuls and send their above the others. It is a combination of fac- at, and moved in a few months later. “We help out as much as they can.” children to one of these yeshivot fi nancial tors; it checks all the right boxes. Whether may have landed here almost by accident, “We have a number of families where incentives amounting to over $50,000. it be the affordability, the high achieving but it may well be the best decision of our one spouse is Ashkenazic and one is Se- Chavi and Chesky Trenk and their three schools or the warmth of the community, lives,” they concluded. phardic, and they want to hold on to both children moved to West Orange at the end all of these together make West Orange a Yolin agreed with Rabbi Sharbat that traditions. We offer that inclusiveness,” he of the summer from Staten Island. “We fantastic place to raise a family,” said Ila- what these new families have in common added. were looking for a new school; I looked at is a desire to participate and help out. “Peo- “West Orange is hot; it’s growing, and Kushner and just fell in love. I asked at the ple understand that they are helping build people want to be part of it,” said Andrew school where most of the kids lived. We al- the community, not just in terms of expan- Yolin, one of the shabbaton co-chairs. “We ready had friends who lived in West Orange sion, but in terms of the future,” he said. have had over 25 new families in the last and they invited us for a Shabbos,” Cha- Like Rabbi Zwickler, Yolin believes that couple of years and that growth doesn’t vi said. “I didn’t even know a community one thing attracting families is the real es- seem to be slowing down.” like this existed; you can just be yourself, tate. “The housing costs are affordable at Yolin agreed with Rabbi Zwickler that it’s down to earth, nobody judges you,” she different price points.” He said people like the community is great for families, em- continued. “There are plenty of kids for my the fact that “you get more for your money phasizing the Lauren Elise Bier Nursery kids to play with. It all just came together.” here than in some other communities,” and School at AABJ&D and the nearby yeshiv- Sorahleah and Joey Mandelbaum and he is excited at the fact that “Jewish fami- ot, Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy/Rae their daughter moved to town from Brook- lies are moving into areas of the town that Kushner Yeshiva High School, located in lyn in December of 2016 (a son has since weren’t previously Jewish,” in essence, wid- the adjacent town of Livingston, and The joined the family). “We were looking for a ening the Jewish presence within the town. Jewish Educational Center, located in near- community where people knew each oth- by Elizabeth. He discussed not just the ac- er and you could get involved,” Sorahleah The Turk family. CONTINUED ON P. 25

24 February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM THE WORLD ACCORDING TO SCHMUTTER Haman Haman Haman By Mordechai Schmutter down on the table and not touch it for two to stomp during Haman. At jump out of your skin, whole perakim. Or hold his arm steady so least I assume so, because you may halachically be They say that part he doesn’t accidentally shake it until Ha- that’s what all older people allowed to punch him in of what keeps Yiddish- man shows up. And you can’t tell him why, I’ve seen seem to do. I guess the face. Ask your rav. keit going for all these because we’re not allowed to talk. that’s how they grew up. And Point is, you can real- generations is that That’s always been the challenge: We their parents were like, “This ly get creative and bring every social deviant have to make noise during Haman, but is too noisy. When I was grow- things in, as long as those has some kind of re- we can’t talk during the Megilla. We have ing up, everyone used to just things are not more inap- lease. Think about it: Pesach is for adults to get creative. How do you make noise frown.” So everyone stomped. propriate for shul than a with OCD, Tisha B’Av is for people who without saying anything? Can I say “Boo”? Some people used to write 15-pound fl ail, an air horn want to bring beach chairs to shul, Yom I’ve defi nitely heard some people saying, Haman’s name at the bottom or nose blowing. Kippur is for people obsessed with diet- “Boo,” during Haman. The jeering kind of of their shoe, which is fun- And if you sit next to ing, Rosh Hashanah is for people with a boo, not like the kind where you’re trying ny, because Purim’s the day an outlet, your possibili- major sweet tooth to the extent that even to scare someone. that you’re most likely to get ties are endless. Like you their fruits need honey, Shavuos is for in- “Haman!” drunk and lose a shoe some- can bring in a blender. somniacs and Purim is for people who like “Boo!” where, and its only identifi ca- By the end of the Megil- to bang on the table in shul. I know there “Aaah!” tion is the name on the bottom. la, if you do this effi ciently, you can have are a lot of you out there, because every “Who is this Haman character? He’s smoothies for everyone. Bring some ha- Rosh Chodesh, right before Shemoneh Es- sure losing a lot of shoes!” mantaschen along, and you have shalach rei, six different guys bang, and I’m left Whereas nowadays, there seems to be manos. there silently wondering what six things I this ongoing contest where everybody has The whole situation is very interesting, have to add to my davening. to make the loudest noise during Haman. though. People talk about the hilarity of So on Purim, we get to bang every time There could be a crashing din of a million bringing newcomers to a Pesach seder and we hear Haman’s name, because we want things happening at once, but if the entire having them sit around for all of Maggid to blot him out. After all, Haman was the room doesn’t hear your noise personally, wondering when all the food is coming, or one who plotted the wholesale murder you’re not yotzeh the minhag. if the potato was it. But no one talks about of our people, which is bad news, even I usually win with the nose-blowing bringing him to Megilla. He’ll be sitting si- though it has the word “wholesale” in it. thing. lently and thinking, “Everyone is dressed The reason we bang is to drown out the One way people attempt to win is by, up like it’s a party, but they’re all just sitting name of Haman, even though there’s a hala- So can I say “Boo”? If I wash and haven’t every time Haman’s name is said, trying still. What’s happening here?” cha that you have to hear every word of the eaten challah yet, I can’t talk, but I could to set off the smoke detectors. But when “Haman!” Megilla, and Haman is like 54 of them. Also, say, “Noo,” right? I was younger, I used party snappers. For “Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! (Nose blow- no one technically bangs until after the guy But that’s not really the challenge. The like a quarter, you could get 50 snappers ing) Choo choo! Tekiyah! Bang! ‘Yaaleh says, “Haman,” so we don’t really drown him challenge is that every year I have to wait in a nice bag of itching powder. Fifty par- v’yavo!’ Grog grog grog grog—‘Ow!’ Air hor- out, and anyway, after we bang, he usually for Haman to blow my nose. ty snappers, 54 mentions of Haman. Co- (Punch). Blend blend blend… ‘Boo!’ ‘Aaaah!’ says, “Haman” again. So basically, because Okay, that sounded weird. Haman’s not incidence? Maybe. Gematrios can’t really Ba-dum cccssshhh! ‘What? Oh.’ Rattle rat- we bang, we hear Haman’s name at least an blowing my nose. What I meant was that be four off. But then when you’re throw- tle.” extra 54 times. So huge victory there. every year right after leining starts, I realize ing party snappers at carpet, you have to And then suddenly everyone’s back to In fact, hearing Haman’s name is the rea- that I really need a tissue, but I also don’t re-throw a few, and you might even end sitting still like nothing happened. son most little kids show up. Kids love mak- want to make noise. So I have to wait until up with leftovers. Unless you’re throwing And yes, I miss party snappers. But I ing noise in shul. They come to shul with everyone bangs for Haman and try to time them at the wall. don’t know why we just have to bang for their costume and their groggers and their my nose-blowings so they’re not longer (This is not advised if you don’t sit near Haman during Megilla. Why can’t we bang Megilla made out of coloring pages in a than the banging. Which means I blow a wall.) for Haman all day? Pringles can, all excited for legalized shul harder, which means they’re loud. But in But then many of the foot-stomping So here’s a fun thing to try: This Purim, shrieking, and then they have to sit around the meantime, I’m holding back sneezes crowd started putting their feet down, so let’s try to get into conversations with peo- for the fi rst two perakim (Haman shows up until Perek Gimmel while trying to hold to speak, and they decided that party snap- ple about inyanei d’yoma, and every time late to his own Megilla) until they totally my kid’s grogger steady so it doesn’t rattle. pers were inappropriate for shul, though someone mentions Haman, make some forget why they’re there, and that fi rst Ha- Sure, some people use those big, clas- arguably all of the noise is generally inap- noise. You can even set off a fi recracker. man totally takes them by surprise. sic, wooden groggers. You know—the ones propriate for shul, so where do we draw But don’t call attention to it—just keep “What? Oh.” that weigh 15 pounds and you spin them the line? And eventually a lot of shuls schmoozing afterward like nothing hap- A lot of these kids show up with grog- over your head and knock out your neigh- banned it. pened. gers they made in school, where you put bor who stands for Megilla? I was very upset about it, but the truth Or maybe, instead of throwing things (if raw cholent beans between two paper Why is that the classic grogger? Those is that it really brings out people’s creativi- that’s been disallowed in your house), you plates stapled together. This is why beans things are actually weapons! ty. People bring in all kinds of things for Ha- can turn it into a drinking game. are called “the musical fruit.” Probably. I guess in the old days, when the Goy- man now, including pots and pans, drum Oh wait, we do. But the thing about those groggers im heard us blotting out Haman’s name, sets and train whistles, and there’s always Mordechai Schmutter is a freelance writer and a humor col- is that the beans keep moving. You can’t they got upset. So they marched into shul, one guy in every shul who brings an air umnist for Hamodia, among other papers. He also has fi ve touch the grogger without it making noise. and when they saw us all holding those big, horn. And if he sits right next to you and books out and does stand-up comedy. You can contact him at The teachers don’t really think this through. heavy things, they ran. keeps it in his bag until that fi rst Haman [email protected]. So you have to convince the kid to put it Okay, so in the old days, everyone used and then surprises you with it and you

Discover West Orange weekly, and a mikvah that is maintained at Orthodox shuls [in town], people identi- Please email discoverwestorange@gmail. CONTINUED FROM P. 24 the highest halachic standards. In addition, fy themselves more as West Orangers than com for details. Registration is required kosher food and shopping is easily accessi- by their shul afﬁ liation.” for the shabbaton. For more information Deena Rubin, a real estate consultant ble in and around the township’s borders, This is an exciting time for West Or- or to register, please visit the website at at Keller Williams Suburban Realty, com- with more than a dozen kosher eateries ange. Don’t miss out. Parlor meetings will www.discoverwestorange.com. For ques- mented, “I have seen the community grow and shopping establishments available. be held in Riverdale and Forest Hills on tions, please email discoverwestorange@ into a vibrant Modern Orthodox commu- And, noted Rabbi Zwickler, the best February 25 at 8 p.m in private residences. gmail.com. nity that offers something for everyone, is yet to come. With a goal of opening its including affordable, spacious housing doors this Memorial Day weekend, Aron’s that is within walking distance to a shul.” West Orange is coming to town. This The township is located within 15 full-service kosher supermarket will be a Northeast Jewish Center Holds miles of New York City, giving commut- “game changer,” Rabbi Zwickler said. “The Monthly Women’s Yoga Class ers easy access via bus, train and PATH. For upcoming opening of Aaron’s West Orange families needing access to Manhattan or is a game-changer for our community that All women in the community are in- June 13, July 11 and August 15. The cost is elsewhere, the township provides jitney will take us to the next level as an attrac- vited to join Emily Herzfeld, CYT-200, $10 a class. All levels are welcome. Partici- service to and from NJ Transit stations in tive potential home for families seeking a and rejuvenate body, mind and soul with pants are asked to bring a mat or a towel. nearby towns. full-service Orthodox community.” Shal-OM yoga. This monthly yoga class Northeast Jewish Center is located at 11 Beyond the shuls, schools, housing and Shabbaton co-chair Michael Diamond will be held on the following Wednes- Salisbury Road, Yonkers, NY. Please RSVP at accessibility to NYC, the community has said, “What we love about West Orange days at 7 p.m.: March 14, April 18, May 16, www.northeastjewishcenter.org/contact. a recently expanded eruv that is checked is that, while there are multiple Modern 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 25 FEATURES Inspiration at the Vatican By Rabbi Gideon Shloush

Serving as the president of the New York Board of Rabbis has been quite an experience. In this capacity, I have had the privilege to visit the West Wing; engage in dialogue with leadership of other faith communities; interact with our governor, mayor and police commissioner; meet with the state of Israel’s top decision mak- ers; sit down with the secretary general at the United Nations; and interact with ambassadors from around the world. But last week’s visit to the Vatican and meeting with the Pope was certainly a rare Sessions at the Italian Foreign Ministry. and unique opportunity. Kudos to our Executive Vice President years old. At the end of the war I was 7½ Rabbi Joseph Potasnik for his extraordinary years old. For those six years, the only lan- work in cultivating critical partnerships Rabbi Shloush standing near the Great guage I knew was Polish. And all that time, that enable the NYBR to represent the Jew- Synagogue of Rome. there was one word which constantly ish community in an impactful and mean- rang in my ears. In the camps, in the ghet- ingful way. emy against which we fi ght is not only ha- to, in the trains, in the snow, all I could To be honest, I dreaded returning to tred in all of its forms, but even more fun- think about was this one word. ‘Lachergo?’ Rome. I remember being there a decade damentally, indifference.” He spoke about ‘Why?’ Why is this happening to me? What ago and I recall the unsettling feeling. Af- “responsibility” and he said “we are respon- did I do? What did my people do wrong? ter all, this is the place of our galut. Rome sible when we are able to respond.” He Did we threaten them? Did we have pis- is the symbol of the crushing of Jerusalem went on to quote text from the Nostra Ae- tols?” and our people’s enslavement. tate saying that “the Church, mindful of the Rabbi Lau then said: “I listen to all your Nevertheless, I was there because the patrimony she shares with the Jews and speeches, representing your respective leadership of the NYBR was invited to par- moved not by political reasons but by the countries. You’ve each delivered passionate ticipate in a major international confer- Gospel’s spiritual love, decries hatred, per- speeches about the dangers of anti-Semi- ence focused on anti-Semitism. How ironic. secutions, displays of anti-Semitism, direct- tism. I lived through it!!! Tell me, what did The Romans ransacked Israel, the Catholics ed against Jews at any time and by anyone.” we do wrong? What did I do wrong? A 7½ The ark in the Great Synagogue of Rome. were responsible for endless persecutions Upon conclusion of his words the Pope year old boy? of our people and here we were in Rome greeted each one of us personally. “Some told me ‘You are foreigners here. the Jewish community of Rome and dis- talking about anti-Semitism. The main conference took place at the If you had a land of your own, you’d be cussed a range of issues such as the bans We were attending the Internation- Italian Foreign Ministry and included sever- fi ne and we’d leave you alone. Your contri- on circumcision and shechita that are cur- al Conference on the Responsibility of al hundred participants. The morning pres- bution to mankind is amazing, but we op- rently in place in four countries in Europe. States, Institutions and Individuals in the entations focused primarily on the foreign pose you because you are a people without In refl ecting on this visit some will say, Fight Against anti-Semitism organized by ambassadors of each country sharing aloud a land.’ why bother? Of what use are these confer- the world’s largest regional security organ- three-minute statements condemning dis- “Today we have a land. Exactly 70 years ences? Personally, I feel that thank God at ization, the OSCE Organization for Securi- crimination, intolerance and anti-Semi- ago the United Nations decided to fi nally least the Europeans are having these con- ty and Cooperation in Europe. There are tism. Countries such as Sweden, France, give us a land. Do you love us now? We are versations. The issue is being addressed. 57 member countries in the OSCE and re- Switzerland, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Be- intelligent people. We have much to offer Furthermore, when European anti-Sem- markably, foreign ministers from near- larus, the Netherlands and countless others the world. I hear all your speeches and this itism is being discussed, it is critical for the ly every one of these countries were in at- each declared that “there is no justifi cation makes no sense. Europe is burning. Look American Jewish community to be at the tendance. for anti-Semitism.” Even the ambassa- what’s going on in your countries. Jews table. We need to stand with our brothers. Last month the Italian government as- dor from the Vatican said “anti-Semitism fear for their safety. European Jewry has de- And we need to be ready. Because, America sumed the leadership of the OSCE and is completely contrary to Catholic princi- creased by more than 20 percent in the last could very well be next. their government felt strongly that this ples.” 10 years. Anti-Semitism is illogical. It’s irra- There is no question that anti-Semitism year’s conference should address the alarm- Upon conclusion of nearly two hours tional. It’s madness. is completely irrational. And the Torah tells ing issue of the rise of anti-Semitism in Eu- of these prepared statements, Holocaust “You didn’t like the Jews in Poland be- us this outright! Hen Am Levadad Yishkon. rope. Fittingly, this conference took place survivor and former Chief Rabbi of Isra- cause they had beards and black coats. “You are a nation that dwells alone.” Nev- in conjunction with International Holo- el Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau was handed the Some told me, ‘If you’d be like us and look ertheless, Yaakov prepared for his meeting caust Remembrance Day. microphone. He gave a stinging response like us, we’d appreciate you.’ Yet, look at with his brother Esav in three ways: with The day began with a visit to the Vati- that stilled the entire room. Rabbi Lau said: Germany. We didn’t have beards. We spoke gifts, prayers to God and readiness for bat- can. I prepared extensively for my visit. “Two years ago the Holy See came to Yad a beautiful German. Many of us were actu- tle. Thus, clearly gifts and words of friend- I have always been cognizant of the hala- Vashem and made a comment that I’ll nev- ally completely assimilated. Did you em- ship should not be ignored. In Yaakov’s cha of not entering into a church and I was er forget. Quoting God in the story of Cain brace us there? I ask you. Please. Decide. case, gifts and prayer were enough for that not going to change that now. There I sat in and Abel he asked ‘Ayeka?’ Where are you? What do you want from us? Lachergo? particular moment. Consistory Hall of the Apostolic Palace next Pope Francisco said that this is the ques- Why? What did we do to you? Ask the peo- Throughout Jewish history we have to Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni, the chief rabbi tion that has to bother us always.” ple in your countries. Share the question seen rabbinic leadership meeting with au- of Rome, and Daniel Mariaschin, the CEO Rabbi Lau went on to say: “Where were with the Pope. Ayeka? Where are you? We thorities to build healthy relationships on of Bnai Brith. Of all places, it was in the Vat- you during the War? Kristellnacht? Baba Jews love everyone. We appreciate every- behalf of the Jewish community. Rabbi Ye- ican where I met the chief rabbi! Yaar? Look at the newspapers in each of one. Please just let us live. See the fruits huda HaNasi would visit in Rome. Abar- Mr. Mariaschin commented to me how those countries on the day after atrocities that we can contribute to society.” banel was close to the King of Spain. Mai- important it is—in this moment—to re- took place. Barely a comment let alone a Rabbi Lau’s words were so intense and monides was a physician to the Sultan in fl ect on the words of Dayeinu as we visit condemnation! Where were you? Why did the moment was so powerful that it took Egypt. Jewish leaders throughout history with the Pope in the Vatican. He said: “Look you keep silent? several minutes for the complexion in have been advocating for the Jewish peo- how far we’ve come. Consider how much “Pope John Paul II told me that he knew everyone’s faces to be restored. ple. anxiety and persecution our people have my grandfather. During the War John Paul And while it was wonderful to hear We look back at the painful history of endured due to edicts that emanated from II was a priest and my father was a rabbi in countries like Austria, Hungary, France and hatred and we pray that through commit- these very walls. And here we are today, sit- the same town. John Paul II would see my Jordan articulate their opposition to any ment and collaboration a new chapter of ting in a meeting with the Pope. We can father walking to shul every Shabbat. Each form of anti-Semitism in their countries, inclusion and understanding will be writ- comfortably wear kippot on our heads. We time, my father took 47 children with him one couldn’t help but feel shaken by Rabbi ten. are welcomed—as dignitaries—by a sitting to shul. How many of those children sur- Lau’s riveting words. Pope who discusses the Shoah and respon- vived? Just fi ve. Yet time and time again we The next day featured a tour of the Jew- sibility. For this reason alone, we should are told that the church is committed to ish Museum of Rome and a visit inside the Rabbi Gideon Shloush is the president of the New York Board say Dayeinu. Yes, there is more to be done. our ‘older brother’ the Jewish People. The magnifi cent Great Synagogue of Rome. of Rabbis. He serves as the rabbi of Congregation Adereth El in But be mindful of how far we’ve come with United States sent back the Saint Louis. We also had an opportunity to meet with Midtown Manhattan. He is an adjunct professor at Stern College this institution.” Ayeka? Where were you? Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni, the chief rabbi of for Women and trains rabbinical students at the Rabbi Isaac El- In his remarks Pope Francis said “the en- “When WWII broke out I was just 2 Rome in his offi ce. There we learned about chanan Theological Seminary (RIETS). 26 February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM Thinking of traveling?

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 27 CAMPS Camp Slapshots Eagerly Anticipates 16th Summer at New Yavneh Academy Location By Adam Samuel strong staff. “I think one of the hallmarks of the Camp Slapshots, a religious sports day camp is that we spare no expense to bring camp founded in 2003, is moving its base in the best staff,” Rabbi Malitzky said. “It’s a of operations to Yavneh Academy this year. combination of experienced adults, coach- Run by a staff dedicated to teaching life es who’ve worked in the yeshivas, and high skills and the importance of sportsman- school students who are great at sports and ship, the camp is open to elementary and can serve as role models for the campers.” middle school boys entering third through A typical day starts at 8:30 a.m. with eighth grade. With hockey, basketball and davening and ends at 4:15 p.m. In between fl ag football being the camp’s primary Campers taking a break from the games with there is a period dedicated to Torah learn- sports, Camp Slapshots is eagerly awaiting a cold drink. CREDIT: CAMP SLAPSHOTS ing, with the rest of the time spent in its upcoming summer sessions. Camp Slapshots campers having fun on the league games, clinics and tournaments. A According to the website, “Camp Slap- courts. CREDIT: CAMP SLAPSHOTS ers the fi rst year. The goal from day one was kosher lunch is also provided. shots has provided hundreds of camp- to emphasize sportsmanship, playing the Camp Slapshots is broken up into three ers with the opportunity to improve their tivities, such as skills workshops, league right way, and the many values that can be week-long sessions that take place over the hockey and basketball skills, learn prop- games, competitions and Torah learning. gained from sports. Additionally, skill build- course of the last month of the summer. er sportsmanship and play competitive Rabbi Sariel Malitzky, the camp’s founding, competition and having fun are things This year the fi rst one will be from July 30 games, all while having a blast!” In addition er and director, said he had just fi nished that are high on our list of priorities.” to August 3. The second will be from August to sports, the camp places an emphasis on college and was getting ready to start semi- As for what Rabbi Malitzky feels makes 6 to August 10, and the third from August davening and learning groups. Throughout cha at Yeshiva University when he decided Camp Slapshots so enjoyable for the camp- 13 to August 17. Savings will be applied to the day campers will enjoy a variety of ac- to open a summer camp. “I had spent time ers, he attributes its success to having a those who choose to sign up for more than in sleepaway camps when I was younger, one session. in college and in high school,” Rabbi Malitz- Camp Slapshots is currently accept- ky shared in an interview with The Jewish ing applications for prospective campers. Link. “All the local [summer camp] options If you are interested in registering a child, for the second month were not religious you can do so on the website, http://www. programs. I have teaching and camp expe- campslapshots.com. Questions and con- rience. So I decided, why not?” cerns can be directed to Rabbi Malitzky at For Rabbi Malitzky, along with it being [email protected]. a fun opportunity, he saw Camp Slapshots as a chance to use sports as a way to teach Adam Samuel is a journalist from Teaneck. When he isn’t busy kids important life lessons and sportsman- reading the daily news, he divides his time between manag- ship. ing his blog, adamssoapbox.blog, and gradually learning how Campers showing off some cool trophies “I rolled the dice and opened the camp,” A Camp Slapshots counselor having fun with to play piano. they’ve won. CREDIT: CAMP SLAPSHOTS Rabbi Malitzky explained. “We had 14 camp- some campers. CREDIT: CAMP SLAPSHOTS

28 February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM CHESED

YI of Harrison Bakes for Troops the youngest age to teenager left with a big CONTINUED FROM P. 1 smile knowing that they’ve done the beautiful mitzvah of giving and make someone thought it would be more meaningful for happy!” the children to give instead of get. What Emma, a 6-year-old who attends Sol- better way to do that than express our ap- omon Schechter, attended this event be- preciation to the soldiers who protect our cause she likes baking and would like to country every day? We hope this brings joy tell the troops: “Be safe!” to their holiday,” explained Atara Marcus, Clara, also age 6, commented, “I atone of the event coordinators. tended so I can show how much I love Upon arrival, the bakers found dough the soldiers and thank them. I wanted and rolling pins waiting for them at their to send this message: ‘Happy Purim and workstations. The group prepared and thank you for helping us and fi ghting for baked 250 hamantacshen in many fl a- us.’” vors, including strawberry, apple, choco- Another 6-year-old student of Solomon late chip, chocolate spread and sprinkle. Schechter, Rachel, wanted to let the sol- Once the baking portion was completed, diers know that “we thank them for pro- the participants packed mishloach manot tecting us and that we are praying for them boxes. In addition to their freshly baked ha- they may not be in the company of oth- packing. It was all about making mishloach every day.” mantashen, each box was also fi lled with er Jews, they are still a part of the Jewish manot for the soldiers, even though it was Overall the group created 30 boxes, other sweet treats, a gragger and a hand- community and that community will al- hard not to take anything home after hav- which will be shipped to Jewish soldiers made card by the children of Harrison. ways try to support them,” explained Wil- ing worked so hard. Every single kid from serving in the U.S. armed forces. “One of the central themes of Purim is liam Fraenkel, president of Young Israel of achdut. The Jews in the time of Mordechai Harrison. and Esther were saved because they all Sandy Giusi, another event coordinator, came together and cried out to Hashem as explained that she was approached to work one. We wanted a project that would con- on this project and was asked “if I was in- vey this message to the children. We want- terested in preparing the hamantashen ed something that would enable the kids batter and then helping the kids making to reach out to Jews they did not know, the hamantashen. I loved this idea and of and are likely never to meet, to help them course I was in!” She continued, “I have to gain an understanding that we are all thank my daughters Méora, Shély and Eléa bound up together as a single people, as for helping me so much in the kitchen. We a single entity. Similarly, we hope that the made six batches of dough.” recipients of these shalach manos, who Giusi stated, “It’s important not to for- may be Jews with only casual connections get that we are one big community and we with Yiddishkeit, understand that the Or- don’t want to leave anybody behind, espe- thodox community has not and will not cially people who can’t celebrate with their forget them. We want them to remem- families like our troops. I hope they feel all ber that no matter where they are, even if the love the kids put into their baking and

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 29 F OD & W NE LINK BRONX, WESTCHESTER & CONNECTICUT THE KOSHER DINNER LADY Cooking Is Risky Business By Rachel Berger ways, is to thoroughly read the recipe from beginning to end. Then read it again. Make It’s risky to cook sure you know what you need to do before new things. Even you start doing it. Next, gather all your in- though you want to. gredients together, measure them out and You really do. But you group them in the order in which they will never know how it will be used. Trust me, a little work up front turn out. Using new in- makes for a very smooth production. And gredients, new spices, don’t forget the friend! new cooking methods, you never know if With Purim dead ahead, take the risk anyone will be willing to eat it. And you and try something new. If you are hosting certainly don’t know if anyone will actual- the seudah, chicken pastilla makes for an ly like it. So is it worth the risk? impressive and delicious starter. It’s also Of course it’s worth the risk! But some- easy to make ahead of time to bring to thing that can actually help you get over the someone else’s seudah. You can make it in fear is to cook with a friend. Cooking with individual portions, as described below, or 1 lb. phyllo dough, at room temperature surface, stack phyllo leaves fl at. Cut cross- a friend is defi nitely more fun. Because to- as one larger pie, to be sliced. It would defi - Confectioner’s sugar for dusting wise into thirds. Work with one third at a gether, you can be adventurous. Togeth- nitely make a wonderful and different ad- 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon time and leave the remaining dough cover you can choose a new recipe, or some- dition to your Purim meal. In a heavy saucepot, combine chicken, ered with a damp towel. Take out 3 sheets thing you have always been afraid to make, onions, oil, parsley, cilantro, saffron, pep- at a time with the narrow end facing you. or too intimidated to make by yourself. And Chicken Pastilla (adapted from per, cinnamon stick, cloves, ginger and tur- Brush top leaf with oil. Place 2 tablespoons then at least the risk of failure is reduced. “The Kosher Gourmet”) meric. Add 1 C. water and bring to a boil fi lling in the center, and roll over. Fold sides Because together, it is doable. Especially if 1 3½-pound raw chicken, cut up into over high heat. Reduce heat to medium; toward center and continue to roll up all one of the friends has made it before. pieces cover and simmer for 1 hour, or until chick- the way. So wanting to try a chicken pastilla, a 4 medium onions, peeled and chopped en is cooked through. Place seam side down on greased bak- Moroccan dish of shredded chicken and ¼ C. vegetable oil Uncover and increase heat to high. Stir ing pan. Repeat with remaining phyllo and spices baked inside phyllo dough, I recruit- 1 bunch parsley, chopped constantly until all liquid evaporates, about chicken fi lling, always brushing top leaf ed a friend. She was willing and happy 4 cilantro sprigs, chopped 5 minutes. with oil before fi lling. Brush tops of all the to cook with me, and even showed up at 1 pinch saffron threads Remove pot from heat and discard cin- rolls with oil. Bake about 35 minutes, or un- my house with all of the ingredients. (Yes, 1 tsp. ground black pepper namon stick. Remove cooked chicken and til very lightly brown and crisp. Sprinkle a good friend indeed!) The pastilla turned 1 2-inch cinnamon stick set aside. Stir eggs into pot until they look with confectioners’ sugar and cinnamon. out delicious and not too diffi cult at all. ½ tsp. ground cloves set and mixture has thickened. Serve hot. As I would have never attempted it on my ½ tsp. ginger Remove skin from chicken and cut own, I appreciated the opportunity to learn ½ tsp turmeric chicken into small pieces. Discard all skin, Rachel is a recovering Real Estate attorney, currently recruit- to make something new. I wondered how 2 eggs, lightly beaten bones and gristle. In a large bowl, combine ing friends to cook with her! Follow her on Facebook and Insta- many more recipes we could cook togeth- 1 C. blanched almonds, lightly toasted chicken and contents of pot. Add chopped gram @TheKosherDinnerLady. You can contact her at Rachel@ er, as it turned into quite the fun playdate. and coarsely chopped almonds and sugar, mixing thoroughly. thekosherdinnerlady.com. The key to trying a new recipe, as al- 2 Tbsp. sugar Preheat oven to 375. On an oiled work Foolproof Hamantashen By Dina Silverberg in the oven. As delicious as hamantashen any recipe to help keep my hamantashen are (no matter how they look), you can’t ex- looking beautiful even after baking. Baking hamantashen for Purim is a fam- actly show them off on Facebook if they’ve • Roll out your dough as thin as possible. ily tradition for many of us. Also a family opened like a regular cookie. But please I roll mine out to 1/16 of an inch. If you tradition for many of us is quickly eating don’t be discouraged this year! I’ve found a aren’t questioning whether the dough is all the hamantashen that have spread open combination of two tricks that work with too thin, it’s probably not thin enough. • After fi ling with jelly, smash those corners together until there’s no seam. Don’t even think about them as corners, www.edenwoknr.com just mash them together. Once they’re 10% combined, then you form the corners to OFF! give them their hamantash shape. Hamantashen CASH ONLY. Instagram-ready hamantashen. CREDIT: DINA NOT VALID ON SUNDAYS, 1 C. sugar SILVERBERG MONDAYS AND HOLIDAYS. 1 C. margarine MUST PRESENT COUPON. EXPIRES 6/30/18. 2 eggs cles and place on parchment paper-lined 2 yolks baking tray. Add a drop of natural strawber- We Now Deliver to Riverdale and Westchester. ½ C. orange juice ry jam to center. Fold over sides and pinch The Finest Glatt Kosher Chinese Restaurant and Sushi Bar 1 tsp. vanilla corners together until they don’t resemble 5 C. fl our corners. Now form into corners. Bake for 8 2 tsp. baking powder minutes. Pinch of salt Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. 1327 North Ave Under Strict Kashruth of the Phone: 914-637-9363 Cream the margarine and sugar togeth- Dina Silverberg is obsessed with the art and science behind New Rochelle Vaad Harabonim of Queens Fax: 914-637-9371 er. Next, add the wet ingredients. Last, mix baking and loves developing and perfecting recipes. She also New York 10804 E-mail: [email protected] in the fl our, baking powder and salt. sells chocolate and cinnamon babka to order for Shabbos. Roll out to 1/16th of an inch. Cut into cir- 30 February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM PREDICTABLE

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 31 THE SIMCHA LINK BRONX, WESTCHESTER & CONNECTICUT Irvington Teen Renovates Youth Lounge at Local Residential Treatment Facility By Yvette Finkelstein ate a colorful underwater-themed mural. to create a mitzvah group. This showed me “Rebecca’s passion for helping others that they are starting to see that they can In honor of her bat mitzvah, Rebecca was clearly refl ected in her enthusiastic de- have a positive impact in this world and Strauss, of Irvington, singlehandedly de- votion to this project,” said Donna Divon, that they have value to offer.” signed and renovated the youth lounge at UJA-Federation’s manager of community The Sally & Anthony Mann Center is a the Sally & Anthony Mann Center in Haw- and volunteer services. “I was delighted to 64-bed facility for adolescents who are in thorne, a residential treatment facility for help guide her and her family through the need of an open, loving and supportive set- girls ages 12 to 21 with severe emotion- process of working with our partner agen- ting. An average stay at the Mann Center al challenges, run by The Jewish Board of cy, The Jewish Board, in creating a special is between nine and 11 months, during Family and Children’s Services (The Jewish and safe space for the young clients at the which time adolescents participate in in- Board). Mann Center. Rebecca voiced her hopes tensive milieu therapy; individual, family Through the project, created with the that the lounge would be a place for these and group psychotherapy; pharmacothera- help of UJA-Federation of New York’s Give young women to relax, build friendships py; special education; and vocational train- a Mitzvah-Do a Mitzvah program, Strauss and fl ourish.” ing. The treatment teams strongly encour- prepared design ideas that she presented to Inspired by the new space, the residents Rebecca Strauss age participation from both the family and the girls living at the center, which included named it the “Empowerment Lounge” and the resident in developing and reviewing vibrant purple walls, furnishings and deco- started their own mitzvah club to give back Center staff, as well as among my friends treatment plans. This inclusive approach rative touches such as stuffed animals and to the community. and the girls, and recruiting others from the empowers the residents as they become ac- throw pillows. She then set about design- Refl ecting on her experience with her community, such as my Hebrew school and tive participants in their own recovery. ing the space, selecting samples and raising project, Rebecca said, “I am developing re- through UJA-Federation. I was so touched For further information, please visit funds. Strauss also recruited friends to cre- lationships with the girls and the Mann to hear about how the girls were inspired http://jewishboard.org. The Becher Aims to Properly Commemorate Destruction of Temple (Courtesy of The Becher) We’ve all been While we acknowledge that the wed- that is broken is meaningless to the groom, there. Sitting at a nice restaurant, enjoying ding day is still going to be one of the hap- the bride, and all of the guests. At the last the company of family and friends, when piest days of this young couples’ lives, it is minute, the caterer grabs an extra glass that the waiter accidentally drops a glass off of specifi cally during this joyous time that we nobody cares about, so while smashing the their serving tray. They make a valiant ef- make sure to take a moment to commem- glass is supposed to remind us of our loss- fort to try to catch it, but to no avail. orate our losses as a nation, before contin- es, it intrinsically has no value, and there- Shatter goes the glass. uing with the wedding festivities. It’s al- fore does a poor job of invoking this prop- Mazal tov! Cheer the patrons. most routine at modern weddings to hear er sense of loss. It’s a common scene, but few people the groom smash the glass, and have it im- That’s where the Becher comes in. stop to think about its signifi cance. Why mediately be followed by the crowd yell- The Becher is given as a unique gift for are the restaurant patrons excited about ing out “mazal tov!” to celebrate the freshly a new bar mitzvah, who is newly responsi- this broken glass? Why are they all enthusi- minted couple. ble and obligated to fulfi ll all of the mitzv- astically shouting mazal tov? When the waiter drops a glass, this shat- ot (commandments). This new bar mitzvah This “custom” comes from the modern tering sound is reminiscent of the end of will say kiddush every Shabbos and every day chuppah/marriage ceremony, where the wedding, when the groom smashes yom tov, and he will use this special glass immediately after the bride and groom are that cup, and therefore the customers all Becher. He will say thousands of kiddushes offi cially wed, the groom smashes a glass joyfully shout mazal tov. This silly and ad- over the years, and every time this new bar cup with his foot, to commemorate the de- mittedly fl ippant attitude is a testament to mitzvah says kiddush he is becoming holi- struction of the Bais Hamikdash, the holy the lack of solemnity with which we treat er to Hashem, and more intertwined with temple. the broken glass under the chuppah, which the Jewish people. He will develop his connection to Judaism and to Israel through his weekly kiddush and will look forward .Classical, Jazz & Jewish Music to using his new Becher to fulfi ll this mitzvah. .Beginners to Advanced Many years later, after saying kiddush . thousands of times, this new bar mitz- Children & Adults vah will walk up to the chuppah on his . wedding day. The glass that will give this Encourages Creativity man the greatest sense of loss is this spe- .Enhances Motor Skills cifi c glass Becher that he received as a boy, because he has invested himself into .Improves Memory it through every kiddush that he’s made. The feeling of loss under the chuppah will Piano & Keyboard Lessons therefore be genuine and sincere. . We acknowledge that while the loss Weddings Yisroel Fishbain is supposed to represent the temple’s de- will feel sincere, it is only for a brief mo- . by struction. ment, as he begins the next chapter of his Bar Mitzvahs While this lack of solemnity is a prob- life, and his crucial role in the continuation .Orchestra 718.790.8659 lem, there is a diagnosable reason for it, of the Jewish people. and luckily, a simple solution. To order the Becher for a new bar mitz- .One Man Band yisroelfi[email protected] The reason for the lack of sincere pain vah that you know, please visit www.the- under the chuppah is simple—the glass becher.com. 32 February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM SIMCHA LINK Top Seven Hair or Sheitel Mistakes That Age You By Sari Friedbauer go lighter, opt instead for a warmer hue. If and too long in the back—this cut is dated you’re a cool ash color such as dark brown, and ages you. Be sure to keep the side layers You cut your hair/ choose a creamier warmer chocolate color no more than half an inch shorter than in sheitel too short. A pop- instead to soften your overall look. the back with the overall length proportion- ular question I get Your blonde is too light or too ashy. As you al and about the same around your head. from my clients is, “Am age your skin loses color. As blondes ma- You’re too afraid to try bangs. Many cli- I too old to wear this ture they should move away from the plat- ents are hesitant to try bangs, especially length?” As clients ma- inum or ashy tones that wash in a sheitel, since they ture, particularly when they turn 40, they them out. Instead, opt for the don’t grow back. Bangs start wondering how long they can wear warmer, more golden blonde have many advantag- their hair at its current length. They want look. Many blondes falsely es; they generally make to avoid looking like they are trying too believe that the more blonde a person look young- hard at looking young. Many feel they must the better, but be careful: As er. Full bangs that reach go shorter. If you feel like you have to go Blonde bob with fl ared ends for mature you age, being too blonde can the center of your brow shorter, be sure to look for a modern, up- women. make your skin pale and pasty give a younger look than dated look that incor- looking. Going a slight shade a wispy bang. Bangs are porates a good cut and and cuts with asymmetrical darker, or adding lowlights also great at hiding fore- color that will work for angles and layers take atten- with deeper-warmer tones, head wrinkles! Sweep- your facial bone struction away from wrinkles. will counteract this. ing them to the side ture and skin tone. Keep- You never changed your You choose too extreme of a draws attention to the ing your hair a bit shaggy hair color. Many of my cli- color and or cut. Too bold of a outside of your cheek- on the ends will require ents mistakenly believe that color and/or cut is equivalent bones, which give the il- less maintenance on real sticking to their original hair to trying too hard by wear- lusion of having a wid- hair and gives a sheitel a color will make them look ing way too trendy clothes er face, creating the more modern and natu- best. Keeping the same dark for your age or overdoing Trendy long bob for 40s. illusion of youthful- ral look. shade that you have had since your makeup. It’s best to pick ness. Avoid bangs that Your hair is too long. you were younger is one of photos of celebrities your age with simi- create a harsh straight line, a look that is Regardless of your age, the biggest mistakes women lar facial bone structure for guidance and a too severe on mature women. Although overly long hair drags make. As you age, hair thins. point of reference of what could work for you don’t want bangs in your eyes, be sure facial features down. Messy chocolate bob with blonde Having dark hair against a you. Bring these photos with you to your not to make them too short. The shortest Too long hair that is not highlights. thinning and graying scalp stylist who can help you choose the look strand should be below your eyebrows to cut and styled correctly accentuates the thinness and that suits you best. allow for an easy “swept across your fore- can overwhelm any type of body and face. makes thinning more visible. Dark hair Your layers date you. Having multiple head” look. Avoid hair that is parted down the middle also puts a shadow on your skin, making short layers create the fullness and volume that is overly long and shapeless, as it draws wrinkles look more pronounced. The best that your face loses as one ages. These lay- Sari Friedbauer is the owner of Sari’s Wigs. 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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 33 SCHOOLS Carmel Academy’s Rabbi-In-Residence Launches Popular Parsha Class for Parents On a recent Monday morning, a diverse New York City as a way to enable Manhat- class has given her an opportunity to con- group of Carmel Academy parents gathered tan-working parents to be part of the con- verse with fellow parents in a new way. at the Greenwich school to delve deeply versation. “Studying Torah with Rabbi Soffer has been into parshat hashavua, the weekly Torah “The series explores deep and resonate not only great for my soul but it has af- reading. questions, without demanding any prior fi rmed my feelings that the parents at Car- The group was studying verses about knowledge of the text,” said Rabbi Soffer. mel are deeply thoughtful, bright and di- redemption from Egypt, sparking a robust “My goal is twofold. On one hand I hope to verse in their thinking. I feel blessed to conversation about how the establishment encourage parents to be role models as life- learn alongside fellow parents,” she said. of a modern State of Israel may affect an- long learners for their children and, second- SaNogueira said class also gives her a way cient Jewish ritual and practice. ly, to give a platform for parents to explore to model something important for her own The discussion, the varying points of Jewish issues in a sophisticated, but unas- children. “Carmel has fostered a sense of cu- view and the deep thought were exact- suming space.” riosity in my children and it’s my responsi- ly what Carmel Academy’s Rabbi-in-Resi- “I don’t think people often focus on Soffer believes the learning series has bility to show them that Jewish learning is dence Jordan Soffer had hoped for, he said, what it means to be a lover of learning gained traction among the school’s adult a lifelong endeavor. Thankfully Rabbi Sof- when he launched a Torah study group for as an adult, but we are inheritors of such community because its unique focus. “It is fer has provided a wonderful opportunity parents earlier this year coined “Parsha for a rich canon. People are hesitant to ap- not your grandma’s parsha class,” he said. to learn from a dynamic educator.” Parents,” which is open to Carmel parents proach it often because they feel intimidat- “Participants are able to look at text and Upcoming study sessions will take and adults from the wider community. The ed. What has been wonderful about this se- see the modern relevance. We are choosing place February 26, March 19 and May 7 at hour-long class has become so popular that ries is our ability to protect the specialness one theme and fi nding a universal ques- Carmel Academy, 270 Lake Avenue, Green- Rabbi Soffer took his teaching on the road, of our text while breaking down any barri- tion to delve into.” wich. For more information, please email hosting a “Parsha for Parents” lunch in ers to entry,” he said. Carmel parent Cori SaNogueira said the [email protected]. Stein Yeshiva Completes Yonkers Tech Grant Stein Yeshiva is the recipient of a three- tory of Stein Yeshiva through research, pic- year Yonkers history technology grant tures, and interviews. Professors from the called Project Yonkers. The fi rst year of the Center for Technology and School Change grant, Stein students focused on learning at Teachers College/Columbia University the fi ne points of geocaching throughout are working with the students this year to Yonkers, fi nding all the hidden “treasures” familiarize them with the computer pro- and learning about the importance of co- gram, Adobe Spark, among other programs. ordinates. Year two found the students se- They are currently creating a video project lecting two historical places to research, about Stein Yeshiva with Adobe Spark that the Yonkers Police Museum and the Under- will be focusing on past, present and future meyer Gardens, and preparing a multi-di- of Stein Yeshiva. The elementary students mensional research project that was pre- are very engaged with this project to the sented before many Yonkers’ schools. Year point that they want to skip lunch and re- three, the students are researching the his- cess to work on it! Kinneret Fourth Graders Pay Tribute to Jewish Heroes The fourth grade at Kinneret Day of their hero. Parents joined for the fi na- School completed their unit on Jewish he- le at which the books and sculptures were roes with their annual Jewish Heroes Wax displayed and the children acted out their Museum. roles in costume, speech and song. Each child chose a Jewish hero and re- Under the guidance of fourth grade searched them. The students wrote a book teacher, Ayelet Cogan, the students dis- about their hero and created their role cover the important role that our people which they acted out in the show. Addi- played in shaping the world in which we tionally, the children learned sculpting live. techniques in art and created sculptures WTA Goes Full STEAM Ahead SAR High School Builds Bridges Westchester Torah Academy recently SAR HS hosted students from Universi- It was an eye-opening experience for stu- held its inaugural STEAM Night. Students ty Heights High School and Fieldston for dents to hear their stories told by others and in grades 1-5 and their parents enjoyed a di- the fourth Building Bridges meeting of the to tell the stories of their peers. In the words verse range of STEAM activities involving year. The last time they met with each oth- of participants, “It forced me to reconsid- light, fl ight, bubbles, density and animals. er, the activities, discussions and debrief er my identity as I heard my story told by What type of different materials fl uoresce centered around issues of race, class, pow- someone else;” “I felt pressure to do jus- in UV light? What makes paper planes fl y er, privilege and identity. During this meet- tice to my partner’s story and experience;” the farthest? Can we make bubbles in dif- ing, students shared a personal story with “I was struck by the fact that while our spe- ferent shapes? By the end of the evening, a partner that related to these issues. Then, cifi c struggles were different, we all strug- students were able to answer these ques- in larger groups, each student told the sto- gled with something;” “I loved the fact that tions and so much more. ry of their partner, in fi rst person, taking on while we have different identities, we could their voice. all laugh and play together at the end.”

34 February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM ISPurim COMING SOON!

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 35 SCHOOLS SAR Students Attend Panel on BRCA-Related Cancer Risk By Tobie Brandriss and Bob Goodman, able experience,” said Yonatan Perla. Science Dept Chairs Amalia Stulbach noted, “ I liked how it wasn’t just one doctor talking to us, but On Thursday evening, January 25, 11 SAR three and two women who have been or HS students, accompanied by Tobie Bran- are cancer patients. A memory that will driss and Bob Goodman, science depart- stay with me is when Tia and I spoke to Dr. ment chairs, had the privilege of attend- Domcheck. We asked her questions that ap- ing an On the Brink panel discussion at the plied to what were are learning in science 92nd Street Y entitled, “Knowledge is Pow- and to the discussion. She responded on er: Understanding and Managing BRCA-Re- our level, and when we were done talking lated Cancer Risk.” she told us to stay in school and to keep BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations learning.” greatly increase the risk of breast, ovari- “I was really glad I went because I an, pancreatic and prostate cancers. Jews BRCA, Dr. Mark Robson of Memorial Sloan “I truly enjoyed attending the BRCA learned about something I otherwise of Ashkenazic ancestry are disproportion- Kettering’s, community educator Nicole gene talk at the 92 Street Y. It was amaz- wouldn’t have had exposure to… I loved ately impacted, but anyone can be affect- Schreiber-Agus, PhD. and author Elizabeth ing to hear from physicians and research- Elizabeth Wurtzel,” said Gabriella Mogilner. ed and pass on the gene mutations, includ- Wurtzel. ers who are top people in their respective “I am glad that I went to the BRCA gene ing men. The students heard from leaders The panel members raised many of the fi elds. I now understand the prevalence of talk … It was very informative about the in the fi eld of hereditary cancers. issues involved in testing for BRCA and in- the BRCA gene in our world and specifi cally danger of the BRCA gene and that it is im- Joan Lunden, an award winning jour- volved some heated back and forth discus- in the Ashkenazi community. Hearing how portant to be tested for it…It was interest- nalist and health and wellness advocate, sion. SAR is so grateful that the 92nd Street Y complex the issue is…was quite surprising. ing to hear about the different views every- moderated the discussion. The speakers has made possible for its students to attend So many factors, such as insurance, priva- one had, and if there were to be a follow were Susan Domchek, MD, executive di- this enriching event. Some students expressed cy, children and religion all tie into this. It up talk about the gene, I would defi nitely rector of Penn Medicine’s Basser Center for how much they appreciated being there: … was both a highly educational and enjoy- want to go,” said Lucy Hecht. Kinneret Shakespeare Society Brings in Stage Combat Expert Kinneret Day School’s do several workshops with and the art that goes into creating it. Every graphic design, lighting and sound effects, Shakespeare Society is work- the cast, where Gross taught small bit of violence you see has layers of and how it all ties together to set a mood. ing hard on their production the cast and crew some ba- safety rules built in to keep the actors safe. I Mrs. Israel adds, “Theater is a wonderful of Macbeth, to be performed sic techniques, modeled ba- love teaching stage combat to kids because way for students to express themselves and this coming June. Directed by sics of (plastic) sword safety, it imbues a sense of ‘grown-up’ confi dence, really learn to listen to one another. Shake- Assistant Principal Allyson Is- and choreographed several of responsibility and respect for their peers speare can be very intimidating, but being rael, the Shakespeare Socie- the sword fi ghts. Gross shares, while telling dangerous stories more effec- exposed to the beauty and timelessness of ty is a wonderful way for stu- “A common adage in the stage tively. Plus its fun!” his tales at an early age, and given the right dents of divergent age groups combat community is that ‘vi- The enthusiastic cast and crew, which scaffolding, students will fall in love with to bond, collaborate and build olence occurs when words consists of students from fourth through his works. Macbeth is an incredible story on a common interest in theat- are no longer enough’ and eighth grade, is working diligently on devel- that has a lot of moral implications that tie er. As a special treat, Mrs. Isra- Macbeth is a perfect example oping insights into characters, honing pub- in with the Torah. Given the right environ- el arranged for Rebecca Gross, of this. We have all seen staged lic speaking skills, improving reading fl uen- ment, students can easily engage with the a certifi ed actor combatant with the Soci- violence in fi lms and maybe on stage, but cy and developing an appreciation for “The text, and Kinneret Shakespeare Society is ety of American Fight Directors (SAFD), to most people don’t think about the training Bard.” Students are learning about blocking, giving them just that opportunity.”

WTA and Yeshivat He’Atid during the implementation of similar pro- leaders were introduced to the program CONTINUED FROM P. 1 jects. It also provides an avenue for YH to over a rigorous four days of training in New work closely with WTA, with each school Jersey, with leadership provided by Sum- and Westchester Torah Academy (WTA). sharing its progress with the other in a true mit Learning staff members. YH and WTA Two schools on the opposite sides of symbiotic relationship. participants joined educators from the tri- the Hudson River bridged the distance by During the leadership training, leaders state area for these one-on-one workshops. forming a partnership. YH, in Teaneck, and from YH and WTA learned about how Sum- At the beginning of the 2017-2018 school WTA, in New Rochelle, have since collab- mit Learning prepares students for success year, parents had the opportunity to learn orated and are committed to forging the in high school, college, career and life, and more about the Summit Learning program pathway to facilitate students’ success. In to be thoughtful, contributing members as it launched at YH and WTA. Through- the fi nal week of June 2017, leaders from of society. This is accomplished through a out the school year, both school leadership both schools were invited to join a special philosophy and practice that gives students teams continue to hold information ses- program called the Summit Learning Lead- the opportunity to own and be masters of sions and personalized sessions for parents. ership Training in California, whose mis- their own education. By receiving daily Parents can log in to the Summit Learning sion is to “dramatically expand the scope personalized support, students engage in Platform in order to explore the curriculum and scale of efforts to provide every stu- making choices and identifying and work- discuss the crafting of vision statements, and projects and also learn how to explore dent with a customized education.” By joining through challenging educational tasks. communication pathways, cognitive skills, their child’s progress pathway. With much ing the Summit Learning organization, the The faculty are excited to investigate dif- schedules, a grading system, the person- excitement, both schools look forward to two schools became even more committed ferent topics through project-based learn- al learning platform and educational fo- continuing this journey that will transform to deepening the educational opportuni- ing and various literacy and digital resourc- cus areas. All of this was done with the in- future Jewish generations. ties available to students and staff. es. Through engaging in real-world projects, tent of providing The Summit network of imaginative, students build essential cognitive skills and educators with the dedicated and experienced practitioners receive support from personalized instruc- tools they need to has already begun to share its powerful re- tion that meets their academic needs. better understand sources. In an interview with “Education In preparation for the launch of this and respond to the Week,” Deputy U.S. Secretary of Education educational platform, members of each academic needs of James H. Shelton, president of the initiative, school’s administrative team dove into the each student, em- said, “We’ve got to dispel this notion that Summit Learning training for school lead- ploying a holistic personalized learning is just about technol- ers. Rav Tomer Ronen, Dr. Hope Blecher, approach that fo- ogy. In fact, it is about understanding stu- Deganit Ronen and Nellie Harris worked cuses on the entire dents, giving them agency and letting them side-by-side with the Summit Learning per- student, ensuring do work that is engaging and exciting.” Cur- sonnel to explore the depth and breadth of for each child’s per- rently, YH is using the Summit Learning this educational approach, which ensures sonal social, emo- Program in grades fi ve and six, while WTA that children and teachers become more tional and physical has implemented it in grade fi ve. This ar- engaged in their studies and translates to development. At the rangement allows the two schools to share better performance. They also networked end of July, teachers their experience and support each other with educators from across the country to and other school 36 February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM SPORTS Hustle & Heart Sports and Yisrael Feld Launch a New Program (Courtesy of Hustle & Heart Sports) A Cohen, coach of HAFTR and DRS; Michael Morasha, and looks to provide a frum, new and exciting boys post-summer camp Courtney, coach of SAR; Rabbi Andrew Is- wholesome and meaningful experience basketball program will take place from Au- raeli, Talmud faculty at Frisch and senior that is certain to raise each player towards gust 19- 22, run by Hustle & Heart Sports. staff at NCSY Kollel; and Yogev Berdugo, his greatest potential. H&H’s boy’s basketball camp director, Te- owner and director of Step It Up Basketball The boys camp launches on the back aneck native Yisrael Feld, has put togeth- and former assistant coach at Yeshiva Uni- of a very successful girls camp in 2017. The er a tremendous staff to fulfi ll the camp’s versity. completely separate girl’s basketball camp mission: to enhance Jewish basketball and Hustle & Heart invites all players who is back for a second summer under the di- foster the growth and development of Jew- are looking to improve their game and rection of Shana Steinmetz, taking place ish basketball players both on and off the compete against the top talent in and from August 21-24. For more information court. around the league to join this elite four day on the girl’s program, visit HustleHeart- Players entering fi fth through 12th intensive basketball camp experience. The Sports.com/girlscamp. grades will have the opportunity to train program will be fi lled with clinics, drills, Registration for the boys camp is cur- and learn from some of the top basketball league games, tournaments, skill contests rently open. To register, visit HHBoysCamp. coaches and role models. Staff members and much more. The program will take com. For more information, email camp@ joining Feld this summer include Moshe place on the beautiful grounds of Camp hustleheartsports.com. Yisrael Feld

SCHOOLS SPORTS Kitah Alef Students at Escape From Alcatraz Westchester Torah Academy By David Roher Celebrate Chagigat Siddur Part I After participating in fi ve Ironman tri- An amazing milestone was reached by athlons in seven years, I decided I need- WTA fi rst graders as they received their ed a new challenge. Skydiving? Done that. fi rst siddur on Sunday, February 4. Stu- Ice climbing? Did that, too. Swimming with dents have been studying how to read di- sharks? Funny you should mention that... rectly from a siddur, how to treat a siddur Soon after I made this decision, I got a and how we can relate to tefi llah in a joy- lottery spot in one of the most prestigious ful manner. The Chagigat Siddur began as triathlons in the world. students entered with their hands clapping So it’s not an Ironman? No, but it does ready to perform before an audience of parents, grandparents and friends. They per- degree water. So you will be warm in a formed fi ve different scenes about tefi ll- wetsuit. Did I mention the sharks? Ok, ah in Hebrew that also included song and in a wetsuit you will look like a seal. dance before receiving their fi rst siddurim Been nice knowing you. at this momentous event. I am reminded of the expression, “You don’t have to swim faster than the shark, you just have to swim faster than the guy next to you.” You mentioned a bike? 18 miles through the hills of San Francisco. How do you train for that? 9W here in New Jersey has plenty of hills. Do you ride outside in winter? No, but I will run outside in winter. This race also has a run in it? It wouldn’t be a triathlon without a run.

have a swim, a bike and a run. How far is David Roher is a USAT Certiﬁ ed Marathon and Triathlon coach. the swim? It’s a 1.5 mile swim. No biggie, He can be reached at [email protected]. that’s shorter than an Ironman swim. In 50

The SAR wrestling team at the Wittenberg tournament.

718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 37 REAL ESTATE Asbestos in Roofs, Roofi ng Materials and In the Home By Vivian J. Oleen and fi replaces, and to stop electrical 1930s warned of the correlation between contacts. It was valued for its plia- airborne asbestos fi bers and deadly lung Asbestos is a naturally occurring stone- bility and was used in applications diseases, manufacturers knowingly contin- based collection of materials that was demanding high heat and as a seal- ued to manufacture and to sell these prod- widely used in roofi ng and in other exte- ant in high-pressure steam and gas ucts, thus allowing workers to continue rior and interior building materials. Once lines. Look in your basement and ex- to produce and to install them. For exam- touted as a miraculous solution to assorted amine the material wrapped around ple, workers who installed, cut, taped and construction drawbacks and diffi culties, as- your heating pipes: It may be fi lled sealed sheetrock put themselves at risk be- bestos has proven to be a dangerous com- with asbestos fi bers. cause all of the products with which they ponent of construction materials. Yet, due Roofi ng manufacturers incor- worked contained asbestos fi bers. Because to its many virtues, for many years it was porated two kinds of asbestos fi b- there is an incubation period of perhaps 10 added to an assortment of common prod- ers into roofi ng materials: chrysotile to 50 years before mesothelioma becomes ucts, from exterior siding to the tiles in or white asbestos, and amphibole, manifest, workers are still becoming ill. your basement. the latter being the more dangerous Thanks to the EPA and OSHA, in 1989 The use of asbestos fi bers is not new: of the two. Amphibole fi bers have the Asbestos Ban and Phase Out Rule They have been known for at least 2000 sharp and spiny structures. Chrysot- banned the incorporation of asbestos fi b- years. Beginning in the late 1800s, asbes- ile fi bers, also known as serpentine ers in roofi ng products. Asphalt shingles tos was added to cement and asphalt, and asbestos, are long, twisted and have are now reinforced with fi berglass or cel- by 1907 it had become a leading additive soft edges. lulose. in asbestos-asphalt shingles in the Unit- In the home, until its use was Asbestos incorporated into other prod- ed States and was also used in cement-as- banned, asbestos was widely used. ucts in the home is generally safe un- phalt shingles. Eventually, almost all pe- Prior to the 1980s, and beginning in til it becomes old and brittle, becomes troleum-based roofi ng components once the 1940s, almost all sheetrock prod- dust and is released as fi bers into rooms included asbestos fi bers.Unlike other roof- ucts used in the United States con- and duct systems; thus, asbestos fi bers in ing products such as asphalt shingles and tained dangerous amounts of asbes- the air is especially dangerous in homes wood shakes, asbestos is not fl ammable; it tos. Asbestos was valued because with forced-air heating systems when is resistant to insect damage; it is not heavy Asbestos it lightened the weight of sheet- dried wallpaper and delaminated drywall like concrete tile; it does not rust like met- rock, was durable and was fi reproof. crumble, releasing tiny inhalable parti- al; it is lightweight, thereby solving struc- came part of other roofi ng materials such Most United States buildings construct- cles. (Chrysotile asphalt fi bers were main- tural problems caused by heavy roofi ng; it as caulking, fl ashing, cement, vents, felt, un- ed between 1950 and 1980 contain asbes- ly used in wallpaper.) Danger to home in- is an insulator; it does not react to heat; it derlayment, roofi ng tar and asphalt liquids. tos-based sheetrock. habitants also occurs when demolition does not conduct electricity; it is chemical- Chrysotile asbestos was incorporated into It is not uncommon to fi nd vinyl fl oor occurs, when old asbestos-containing seal- ly inert; it resists corrosion; it is durable; it sealants such as caulking and adhesives, and ceiling tiles containing lethal amounts ants are removed and when other asbes- protects against temperature extremes in which were easily injected into cracks and of asbestos fi bers in homes today. Asbes- tos-containing materials crumble. When roofi ng material; it is readily obtainable onto porous surfaces. Thus it can be found tos was used because it is fi reproof, it in- sealants dry out, they become friable and and is cost-effi cient. in chimneys, boilers, water pipes, roofs and creased tiles’ strength and durability, it microscopic asbestos particles become air- In addition to its incorporation into exterior walls. Asbestos was used as a fi re- made tiles easy to clean, it weighs less than borne and deadly. roofi ng shingles, this miracle worker be- proofi ng component in boilers, furnaces petroleum asphalt tiles, it has insulating Asbestos shards can lodge in the lungs, qualities that reduce heat loss and it ab- peritoneum and pericardium causing pleu- sorbs sound. Most tiles have blends of both ral, peritoneal and pericardial mesothelio- FFEATUREDEATURED HOMEHOME types of asbestos; some tiles are composed ma. These shards cannot be expelled, nor of as much as 50 percent asbestos. Howev- do they break down like organic com- er, many ceiling tiles are composed of as pounds. The asbestos fi bers lodge in the much as 80 percent chrysotile, creating a outer tissue linings of these organs in the “popcorn” effect—great for insulation and thin layer of cells known as the mesotheli- soundproofi ng. um. The fi bers infl ame the surface of these Until the mid-1980s, asbestos fi bers membranes to produce scar-tissue plaques were used in vinyl wallpaper rolls to make that become cancerous tumors. the wallpaper sturdier, washable, strong, Although it eventually became illegal fl exible and fi re resistant, and to retain to manufacture asbestos-containing prod- color and pattern indefi nitely. This wall- ucts, it is sad to note that some stores con- paper weighed less, was a natural insulator tinued to sell vinyl-asbestos wallpaper until and was inexpensive to produce. they had exhausted their inventories. As we now know, the use of asbestos If you suspect that any materials in your 3.5 elegant bathrooms, beautiful modern presented grave dangers to those who man- home contain asbestos fi bers and you want Van Cortlandt Crest, Yonkers at the kitchen, spacious and sunny great room ufactured and worked with asbestos-con- to remove these materials, then hire profes- with dining area, den with pellet stove, taining products. Although some insur- sionals to do the work. Riverdale, N.Y.C. border recreation room or offi ce with sepa- ance companies refused to insure asbestos ASKING PRICE REDUCED! rate entrance, large garage plus drive- workers as early as 1918 and physicians and Vivian J. Oleen is an associate broker at Sopher Realty. $999,999! way. Central air conditioning. Located other health professionals as early as the 5 Bedrooms / 3.5 Bathrooms in the upscale Yonkers Van Cortlandt Sopher Realty Crest community, convenient to River- (718) 601-4000 ext. 127 dale’s amenities, including transporta- For Sale/Rent by Owner: 914 Columbus Drive, Teaneck A very special home, just steps from tion, shopping, SAR Academy, and shuls. Riverdale! Winner of the 2009 Yonkers Low property taxes--only $10,243.36/ Best offer over $700,000 or $4400/month Greenie Award for Renovation. This en- year! Shown only by appointment. Viv- 4 Bed / 3.5 Bath side hall colonial on ergy-effi cient solar home is in move-in ian Oleen, Associate Broker, Sopher Real- condition and was completely renovat- ty, 718-601-4000 ext. 127 or msopherco@ large corner lot, 3 blocks from ed and enlarged in 2009. Five bedrooms, aol.com. Country Club’s Young Israel. Large living room and formal dining room, eat-in kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances, and glass doors to XL deck and back property. 1/2 basketball court and fenced in yard. Den with gas fireplace. Spacious bedrooms with large closets. Finished 8,740 Sq Ft basement with office/full bath and plenty of storage. Oversize attached 2 Rona Rubin 917-885-9745 car garage, sophisticated security and sprinkler, and central air.

38 February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM REAL ESTATE Taking All the Credit By Shmuel Shayowitz last December have fi nally been able to your average age of credit and available The closer the aggregate and individual boost his credit rating considerably. The credit. The advice here is to make sure account balances are to your limits, the I am far from a cred- improvements that he was able to make you use all available credit accounts – more the score drops. Try not to co-sign it-scoring expert, but will save him at least $200 per month if he even the small gas-station cards and the for any credit unless you are in control I have learned a few moves forward with the house he is con- department-store cards a few times per of making the payments and monitoring tricks over the years templating. It might be even more of a sav- year, just to keep them active. balances. that have come in very ings if he chooses to put down less than As I tell all my clients, no credit situa- handy for my clients 20% and requires mortgage insurance. Establishing New Credit tion is hopeless because credit should im- from time to time. In the mortgage world, I was thrilled that the recommenda- It’s true, obtaining new credit can prove as time goes by, assuming the per- as you can imagine, credit is everything. tions I made had such an impact in a rel- decrease your score. The reason is that son is not late with any new tradelines. Granted, someone with a credit rating be- atively short period. There are certainly when you open a new credit account you When there is a derogatory account, “dis- low a certain threshold will still get ap- credit agencies that specialize in credit re- are making the total average age of your puting” it is not always the answer, so proved for a mortgage, but it can sure- pair and guidance, and they should be uti- credit lower. This will have a negative im- speak to a mortgage or credit expert be- ly be costlier because of that lower score. lized in extreme circumstances. There are pact on your established credit history. fore you go that route. With the guid- But knowing your “mortgage score” ver- however many quick-fi xes and do-it-your- The older your credit tradelines and his- ance of a professional you can benefi t sus your “consumer score” is not always self tips to help increase your credit score tory, the better it is for your score. The signifi cantly in interest rate impairments as simple as it seems. In fact, anyone with without any added expense. I thought effect is not merely because there was a – which can translate into thousands of a credit card or outstanding loan is most I would discuss a few easy but valuable new “hard inquiry” on your profi le, be- dollars over the life of your loan. likely being targeted for credit monitoring ones. cause that in of itself will also cause the services or other types of credit services credit to drop. Before opening any new to help them maximize their credit rating. Maintain Credit Usage credit, take into consideration the timing Shmuel Shayowitz (NMLS#19871) is President and Chief Lend- However, many of these subscriptions are There are still many who are of the of any pending home or auto purchases, ing Offi cer at Approved Funding, a privately held local mort- “ok” at best, but most are watered-down misconception that using credit cards or possible refi nancing, which might be gage banker and direct lender. Approved Funding is a mort- versions of the real thing. are harmful. Even worse, there are those have an impact as a result. gage company off ering competitive interest rates as well I have written about the credit report- who again wrongly subscribe to the phi- specialty niche programs on all types of Residential and Com- ing and scoring topic in the past, but a re- losophy that you should close accounts Manage Balances Diligently mercial properties. Shmuel has over 20 years of industry expe- cent call from someone I spoke with over that are not being used. In fact, if an ac- It goes without saying that you should rience including licenses and certifi cations as certifi ed mort- a year ago helped remind me how vital count does become inactive for an ex- stay current on all your credit accounts. gage underwriter, residential review appraiser, licensed real and confusing this subject can truly be. tended period, creditors might proac- Whenever possible pay your credit cards estate agent, and direct FHA specialized underwriter. He can be My caller was proud to tell me that many tively close it. This is harmful for credit down to 7 to 10% of the limit, and try reached via email at [email protected]. of the suggestions that I told him about scoring because it will negatively impact to keep a balance on fewer credit cards. Rabbi Eytan Feiner Praises New Ramat Givat Zeev Project in Israel (Courtesy of Ramat Givat Zeev) Ramat gether to provide the spiritual guidance Givat Zeev recently hosted Rabbi Eytan for the neighborhood. He emphasized Feiner, shlita, the esteemed spiritual lead- the importance of having strong spiritual er of the Five Towns community in Long leadership, which provides the founda- Island, one of the most well-known frum tion for the community’s well-being. With kehillas in New York. After hearing that that in mind, he promised to help guide many people from his community had the founding of the Ramat Givat Zeev’s in- purchased properties in Ramat Givat Zeev, stitutions. he decided to take a fi rsthand look at the Chish Nofei Israel was thrilled to wel- luxurious neighborhood. Rabbi Feiner come such an important leader of Ameri- was extremely impressed with the quali- can Jewry to their project and praised Rab- ty of the neighborhood, lauding the beau- bi Feiner for his supportive stance on the ty of the new homes and parks. He voiced growing numbers of Jews making aliyah his desire to see a forum of rabbis band to- from America. 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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 22, 2018 • 7 Adar, 5778 39 'UVCDNKUJGFt/QTTKUCPF/CTKN[P5QRJGT

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