Problems in Paradise? Heard in the Bagel Store

See Page 68

See Pages 3, 4 & 5 $1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 10 NO. 37 13 TAMMUZ 5770 ekc ,arp JUNE 25, 2010

INSIDE FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK CONG. SHAARAY TEFILA AT 100

No Good Deed BY LARRY GORDON Hannah Reich Berman 26 MindBiz Feeling Rubashkin’s Pain Esther Mann, LMSW 34 When the sentence was The ‘Going Rate’? reported on the news sites, I sat Sima Menora 53 staring at the computer screen A Blessed Curse in stunned disbelief. How could R’ Meir Orlian 67 it be? Today, Sholom Rubashkin faces 27 years in federal prison. P h o

Under federal guidelines, the t The Words Of Bilam o B y I v

earliest he could be released a

Larry Domnitch 68 n H . N

under the sentence would be o r m a after serving about 23 years, and n after being released he would Congregation Shaaray Tefila of Lawrence marked its 100th anniversary have to serve an additional 5 in a gala festive weekend that featured guest speakers and a Sefer Torah years of supervised release. Of dedication. A dinner in observance of this historic milestone was held on June 17 at the Lawrence Country Club. Guests of honor were Rabbi and course, awful mistakes were Mrs. Dovid Weinberger. Above (L–R): Sam Davies, president of the shul; Rabbi Weinberger; Shimon Felder, mayor of Lawrence; and David Malek, Continued on Page 10 chairman of the shul. See Page 71 PROBLEMS IN PARADISE? HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE

Halachic Musings Yeshiva. Some young men stay Yeshiva Superstructure Bat Mitzvah of BY RABBI in rented apartments. Others, Gabi Nachman. Y AIR HOFFMAN however, stay in this unofficial BY LARRY GORDON See Page 71 dormitory. The boys in the dorm Some young American must pay a monthly rent of $130. I walked through the long, bachurim studying in the Brisker In addition, every two months, high-ceilinged stone corridors Yeshiva run by Rav Avrohom the costs of all the utilities are the other week with Rabbi Yehoshua Soloveitchik, shlita, in divided up and shared by all the Baruch Rothman of Yeshiva Yerushalayim have just raised an dorm boys. The meals are pro- Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway. intriguing problem. A building vided just across the street. On Calling this place a building across the street on Rechov the bottom floor is a beis would be an understatement. It Press, in the Geulah section of midrash which is rented out to a is actually four buildings, set Yerushalayim, once belonged to yeshiva for Yerushalmis. alongside each other, with an the Ner Yaakov Yeshiva and The low cost, the nearness of inch or two between them. Kollel. The building was recently the yeshiva meals, the close Walking within the shell of sold and is now the “unofficial The soon-to-be-completed dormitory” of the Brisker Continued on Page 17 Continued on Page 18 Yeshiva Darchei Torah.

Shuvu Lawrence breakfast. See Page 35 New Seminary A Big Hit A Visit, MAKE A STIR A Memory, THIS FALL And A Wish BY RABBI AVI BY RICHARD ALTABE SHAFRAN How much longer can we, as My wife, our daughter, and I Jewish supporters of Israel, recently spent a Shabbos on the stand idly by while we watch sprawling campus of the Ner American support for our home- Israel Rabbinical College, near land evaporate into thin air? Baltimore. The yeshiva might Each week the situation wors- P h o t o better be described as a town: ens, and our enemies continue New VP at YU. B y E l i

S scores of rebbeim and kollel fam- to become more emboldened See Page 50 h a p i r o ilies live in on-campus apart- by an administration that refus- More than 40 young women attended a special shiur delivered by ments and townhouses, and es to even recognize the term CANDLE LIGHTING Rebbetzin Aviva Feiner on Tuesday night at Congregation Kneseth Israel hundreds of talmidim reside in Islamic fundamentalism. Are we (The White Shul) as a kick-off event for Machon Basya Rochel, the new June 25 – 8:11 PM Five Towns/Far Rockaway seminary of which Rebbetzin Feiner is the on-campus dormitories. to simply sit back and wait for a July 2 – 8:11 PM educational director. Classes are to begin in September. See Page 46 Continued on Page 16 Continued on Page 20 2 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 3 FEATURES

Around The Five Towns 32 P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 516-984-0079 [email protected] Aliyah Chronicle [email protected] Shmuel Katz 28 LARRY GORDON ESTA J. GORDON Publisher/Editor Managing Editor Ask The Sensei YOSSI GORDON, YOCHANAN GORDON Warren Levi 38 Sales Managers CHANA ROCHEL ROSS Classified Ads 62 Editorial Assistant SIDI BARON The Dish YAKOV SERLE Sales Representatives Elke Probkevitz 39 SHMUEL GERBER MICHELE JUSTIC Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor Five Towns Simcha CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Suri Adams Photography 71 Hannah Reich Berman, Anessa V. Cohen, Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg, Toby Klein Greenwald, Health 39 Rabbi Yair Hoffman, Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Shmuel Katz, Phyllis J. Lubin, Esther Mann, Rochelle Miller, Letters To The Editor 56 Elke Probkevitz, Naomi Ross, Dr. Rachael Schindler, Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, Luach 15 Rabbi Avi Shafran, Eli Shapiro, Ari Sher, Samuel Sokol MindBiz DOV GORDON, ELISHEVA ELEFANT Staff Graphic Artists Esther Mann, LMSW 34 IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS Staff Photographers Puzzle FRANKEL & CO. Yoni Glatt 51 Design & Production TALIYE CORLEY Real Estate Art Director Anessa V. Cohen 30 COREL THEUMA Assistant Art Director That’s The Way It Is! The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly news- Hannah Reich Berman 26 paper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or Travel 44 establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times.

4 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 5 6 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 7 8 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 9

FROM THE EDITOR this one is tantamount to a life sen- They feel that there are significant beyond excessive, it is patently offen- Continued from Front Cover tence—then how far away are we really grounds to appeal the convictions and sive—especially for a nonviolent crime in from flogging and stoning people who now the sentencing, and they intend to a case where the defendant had no prior made and crimes were committed, commit certain types of offenses? get busy doing that immediately. criminal record,” as reported in The though it would seem from all the mate- It’s counterproductive and downright Surprisingly, the judge paid no atten- Jewish Week. In a statement released by rial floating around these last few days silly to label what took place as having tion to the letters sent her by six former Agudath Israel of America, Rabbi Chaim that most of these costly errors were shades of or overtones of anti-Semitism. U.S. attorneys general and two solici- Dovid Zwiebel wrote, “It is a dark day for made under great duress and in the heat First of all, it most likely does not. tors general who commented on the American justice. . . . There is something of battle, so to speak. Beyond that, there is an extremely flawed severity of the sentence that the gov- very wrong with this picture. It is a dark It’s important to say right up front sentencing protocol that different judges ernment was seeking, which at first was day, as well, for American Jewry. While here that it is wrong to mistake the react to in a variety of ways. Judge Reade life in prison. Instead, Judge Reade none of us condones any wrongdoing by Orthodox Jewish community’s support could have been much more lenient and resorted to sentencing guidelines to Mr. Rubashkin, the extraordinary severity for Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin as an of the sentence imposed upon one of our expression of the desire that he go Jewish brothers sends chills of shock and unpunished or that his punishment be apprehension down our collective spine. lessened because he is one of us. It U.S. immigration tried twice to This is a horrifying development.” seems that sentencing guidelines in this Mr. Rubashkin’s attorneys feel that country have over the years been distort- insert an agent as an underage there are very good grounds for success- ed way out of line and are used, as they ful appeals. In addition to Judge Reade’s were this week, not to administer pun- lack of compassion for the Rubashkin ishment for crimes committed but employee at Agriprocessors, but each family was also the fact that damaging rather to devastate a man and his family. testimony on the charges of employing While that may not have been Judge time the agent was turned away. underage alien workers at the plant was Linda Reade’s objective in announcing allowed into the fraud trial. The underage such an extreme and drastic sentence employment charges were either dis- for Mr. Rubashkin, she must certainly be missed by the government, or Mr. aware that this will be the result. considerate with Rubashkin. The fact is which judges are no longer bound by Rubashkin was found not guilty of the What is the relationship between a that his life as a businessman is ruined. law to adhere—and indeed which were additional accusations in this area. Still, man mismanaging his business, indeed Restricting his business activity in the ruled as unconstitutional by the the information was allowed to float indulging in fraud for financial purposes, meatpacking industry would certainly Supreme Court in 2005. Not only that, inside the case the prosecution made and a prison sentence of over a quarter have been sufficient to achieve the but she tacked on two years more to the against Rubashkin. century? Certainly Sholom Rubashkin is judge’s objectives. sentence than what the prosecutors in Speaking to this charge, Guy Cook, the nothing near a dangerous criminal who So there is shock at the size of the sen- the case recommended. lead trial attorney for Sholom Rubashkin, has to be segregated from society for safe- tence and the apparent desire to inflict In Rubashkin’s favor should have been added that the U.S. immigration enforce- ty purposes. The judge is an intelligent hardship and pain on this family. That the fact that he had no prior criminal ment agency tried twice to insert an woman, and the discretion handed her as aside, Mr. Rubashkin’s attorneys, Nathan record and did not indulge in these fraud- agent as an underage employee at a judge should be used to administer the Lewin and Guy Cook, feel that what was ulent practices to personally enrich him- Agriprocessors, but each time the agent type of justice that meets the needs of on display here was “inexplicable prose- self. Criticism of the harsh sentence came was turned away because his papers were our society and enables it to function cutorial and judicial overzealousness,” from many quarters. Ben Brafman, a not in order. Rubashkin had worked dili- without upheaval. If sentences of this said Mr. Lewin in a telephone news con- noted attorney who was not involved in nature are going to be handed out—and ference following sentencing on Monday. the case, said, “A sentence of 27 years is Continued on Page 12

10 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES them and looking for ways to champion Leave The Calculations To G-d their struggle. While the legal technicalities and possible loopholes and appeals are very important from a worldly per- BY YOCHANAN GORDON addressed from an ethical perspective. undermine, conceal, or taint these very spective, it would be best left for the legal As Jews we have been dubbed rach- attributes in an attempt to obscure our experts who are paid to navigate these While the majority of the case against manim b’nei rachmanim, which points to sublimity over the rest of creation, get- details towards mediating a more pleas- Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin has contin- our innate character as merciful and com- ting us to ultimately abandon our firm ing verdict for the client. In times of war, ued to spiral downward, leaving very little passionate human beings. Furthermore, connection to the righteous among us the Torah utilized the ambiguous term to rejoice over, the recent acquittal of the our rabbis have taught the very indica- who are the pillars of the world, our rela- eleph lamateh, eleph lamateh (1,000 per child labor case had given us all a little tion of a Jew is his mercy, bashfulness, tionship with G-d, and our sentiment of each tribe, 1,000 per each tribe). Some hope. As inherent believers in G-d, the and benevolence. It would therefore dic- homage to each individual Jew whom we commentators explain that the reason unexpected acquittal of all 67 counts tate that a person who is outwardly cold are commanded to love as we do our- for employing this redundancy was to alleged against him stirred within our and accusatory calls his or her Jewishness selves. teach us that one tribe went out to fight very essence that feeling of hope that the and the other sat on the very same battle- tide was about to turn. Many returned to field and waged a spiritual war trying to their Tehillim and continued their good champion the physical war through spiri- deeds on his behalf hoping that each one tual means. One could ask why didn’t the would continue to tip the heavenly scale Nothing brings more solace to a second tribe analyze the strategy of those in his favor. But on Sunday, the 21st of involved in the combat? There is nothing June, many unexpectedly learned of the constructive about someone on the out- harsh sentence handed down by Judge family in distress than knowing that side analyzing a war, or any situation for Linda Reade, condemning Sholom that matter, if it is not going to achieve a Mordechai to 27 years in prison, two years the entire world is backing them. positive outcome on any level. If we were beyond the request of the prosecution. being honest with ourselves, it’s just our In the days and hours leading up to the way of trying to be like the newscasters sentencing, the speculations abounded. and reporters. Many focused on the pressure on the Many have quoted the Baal HaTanya judge to continue in her obstinate and into question. It’s interesting to note Following such a harsh sentence, one who was apt to say, “mir darf leben mit di harsh path, others hoped that the previ- however that the first letters of the words that caught many of us off guard, instead voch.” Our prescription for life should ous acquittal would have shed a positive rachmanim, bayshanim, and gomlei of sitting and analyzing the legal details come from the Torah portion which we light on Rubashkin’s overall persona and chasadim combine to spell the word and making sense over why exactly a read each week. One who goes through force her hand to deal leniently in the gever which connotes inner moral clearly anti-Semitic judge ruled the way the parashah in depth could find hints to sentencing over the 86 counts of federal strength as in the Mishnah in Pirkei Avos, she did, we should be sitting in prayer certain occurrences that have happened. bank fraud. And now following the “Eizehu gibor hakovesh es yitzro.” So while and trying as best we can to ease the bur- This is no surprise since the Torah is the heartrending 27-year verdict many con- these are inborn character traits, in some den on the family through attending ral- blueprint for this world. On that note we tinue to analyze and speculate about the cases a little inner strength is necessary in lies and prayer vigils, donating money, or have recently read about the Jews’ travels legal decisions of the judge and the possi- order to bring these virtues to the fore. In setting aside time to daven, learn, or do through the desert following their exo- bility and probability of a successful or other words, being that these are strong mitzvos on his behalf. Nothing brings dus from Egypt and their incessant com- otherwise unwise and unsuccessful indicators of the overall Jewishness of the more solace to a family in distress than appeal of this verdict. This needs to be person, the yetzer hara will attempt to knowing that the entire world is backing Continued on Page 12

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 11 FROM THE EDITOR cutorial and judicial errors in pursuing the geous. He is deeply learned and religious, Leave The Calculations Continued from Page 10 case. The judge allowed the jury to hear and he understands that whatever is hap- Continued from Page 11 evidence of allegations that were eventual- pening to him is a manifestation of G-d’s gently with his human-resources depart- ly dismissed. These allegations were preju- will, and he hopes that the same G-d plaints to Moshe and Aharon to provide ment in an effort to keep out undocu- dicial to Mr. Rubashkin’s case. And then Who has gotten him to this point will for them meat, water, and all of the mented and underage employees. The there is the real travesty here—the sen- see him through whatever it is that lies amenities that they enjoyed in their pre- government knows very well, Mr. Cook tence. It is understood that there are guide- ahead for him. vious life in Egypt. What’s more disturb- said, that employees that are underage lines, but it is also well-known that the In an age when there is so much talk of ing than their longing for food and drink and here in this country illegally domi- judge had a great deal of latitude in consid- disproportionality when it comes to is the lack of faith and trust in G-d dis- nate the meatpacking industry. It was ering the details of the case in its totality. Israel, there seems to be no such issues played by their unceasing complaints to only in this case that a decision was made The lawyers, at this point, are confi- when it comes to a 27-year prison sen- Moshe. This led Moshe to hit the rock to take such extreme measures. dent of success in the appeals process, tence for bank fraud. Regardless of how which resulted in him being denied the Rubashkin was aware that the govern- merit of crossing the Jordan into the ment was on the verge of cracking down Land of Israel. on Agri and retained the firm of Baker & While we may not be that same dor McKenzie to help navigate the company According to the experts, dei’ah, we do read the parashah and some through a period of cooperation with the of its commentaries enough to try to government so as to come into enhanced something unusual has taken place detect similar inconsistencies in our own compliance with employment require- personalities. We can ultimately weed ments. Despite the fact that other such out the negative influences of a morally companies to this day operate similarly here—something outside the realm depraved and more or less atheistic socie- to the way that Agri was once operated, ty from amongst us and cleave to G-d and the government still looks the other way of acceptable judicial practice. His Torah. If we were being morally and while having destroyed Agriprocessors historically honest with ourselves, we and now on the verge of doing the same would approach our study of Torah with thing to Mr. Rubashkin. more profound introspection and earn Yet it doesn’t help the situation to say but the way the court will react to argu- you feel about the details of the case, now our right to ask these questions on the that Agriprocessors and Rubashkin were ments in an appeal process is unpre- is the time to unite as a people because— dor hamidbar instead of asking them targeted for prosecution or ruination. It dictable. A few weeks ago, 3,000 people according to the experts—something from a strictly intellectual level—which doesn’t help either to speculate that assembled in Monsey to express their unusual has taken place here. Whatever it is not what G-d had intended with his giv- there was resentment on the federal support for Mr. Rubashkin and his family. is, it is something outside the realm of ing us the Torah, as it says “Lo nitnah level for the way the management of Over $100,000 was raised that evening. A acceptable judicial practice. Love him or haTorah ela ltzaref bahem es habriyos.” Agri came in and reshaped the economy few days ago, there was a similar rally in dislike him, right now there is a Jew in The goal is to purify our moral compass- as well as everyday life in otherwise Boro Park that over 10,000 people attend- trouble. Today, Sholom Rubashkin and his es and internalize and actualize the mes- laid-back and simple Postville, Iowa. ed, and over a half-million dollars was family need our help. It behooves us to do sages that we glean on a weekly basis Needless to say the city is not what it raised. An event is being planned for the whatever each one of us in our own per- from the Torah and daily from the daf or used to be anymore. Now, the only hope Five Towns–Far Rockaway community sonal ways can do. And the sooner and any other mesechta or limud that we have for Mr. Rubashkin’s future are the during the latter part of July. the more, the better. O devoted time to. appeals being prepared. Those I’ve spoken with who know As Jews we have been repeatedly sub- Both Cook and Lewin feel that there Sholom Rubashkin say that he is of Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at jected to the negative side of journalism were significant and even extreme prose- course humbled but also very coura- [email protected]. in many of the world’s leading daily

12 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES newspapers. Sometimes in their igno- rance, and many times purposely, portray us collectively in an undesirable way to the world that religiously reads and reacts to their stories. When this happens, we stand together and voice our protests calling for a fair and two sided approach to their reporting instead of resorting to bias and anti-Semitism. In our reporting, we should respect the sen- sitivities of the parties intimately involved and the readers who express their concern and raise their voices in prayer in support of the victims and ourselves become vocal and active supporters of our own kin—leaving the rest of the case and its legal technicalities in the hands of G-d. Last week we read the parsahah of the red heifer. The parah adumah is the quin- tessential chok—a mitzvah which we as mortal human beings cannot compre- hend. Shlomo HaMelech writes that the reason surrounding the red heifer remained distant from his comprehen- sion. Still, our allegiance to G-d is to perform mitzvos not because it makes sense to us, but rather out of subordination to the King of the Universe. Rav Dovid Eibischitz in his sefer Arvei Nachal (also the author of the Levushei Serad com- mentary on the Shulchan Aruch) writes that the Satan tries to cunningly coerce the Jews not to perform such mitzvos, saying, “It completely defies all rationale.” We are supposed to confront him and say that we perform the mitzvos out of subservience and not because we understand why we are being commanded to do such. He continues and says that G-d’s very counterargument against the Satan and his ilk in order to justify bringing our salvation at a time when we do not deserve it is a result of our perform- ance of His commandments which defy reasoning. G-d is in control of every minute detail of our lives. G-d has been present throughout this entire ordeal. And while it seems according to nature that the Rubashkin family is climbing a steep legal hill and the chances of reversing any judgments against him seem farfetched or bleak, there is no sense in stating it. Doing so just reveals the limited level of faith in the heart of the one who makes such a declaration or prediction. As G-d said to Moshe, “Is the hand of G-d limited in what it can accomplish”? We are asking anyone who has doubts in the unlimited power of G-d to keep it to themselves and not ruin it for people who look long- ingly and faithfully in His direction hoping that he will nod in approval and grant Sholom Mordechai and his wife, family, and ardent supporters the verdict that we have all been waiting for. May we merit to hear the good news very soon. O

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 13 in jail, if she had accepted the compari- Analyzing The Rubashkin Sentence son between Spero and Rubashkin. She chose not to do so. There are also subtle threats in her rul- BY AVI GOLDFARB been 210 months in jail. The defense argued U.S. v. Spero. The judge rejected this ing that warn the defendant not even to try that it was not reasonable for Rubashkin to request and, in this writer’s view, erro- an appeal. On page 46 she writes, “Although It is clear to anyone who read Judge have seen that the whole company would neously stated that there were other fac- an upward departure would be permitted Reade’s 50-page sentencing memoran- go under. The judge ruled that the figures at tors in that decision, not just the son’s under USSG §5K2.0(a)(3) and § 5K2.21, the dum that she is aware that she needs to stake were in excess of $20 million regard- needs. However, if one reads the Spero court declines to depart upward . . . [I]n the explain herself. This is perhaps why she less of what happened later. decision, it is clear that this was the only event the court is required to re-sentence released the sentencing memorandum a Judge Reade also claimed that factor in the downward departure. Defendant, it reserves the right to revisit day in advance. Judge Reade does, in fact, Rubashkin perjured himself willfully by In the Spero case, the judge knocked the these upward departure provisions to attempt to explain herself, stating that stating that he never asked Hendry to cre- offense level down by eight points. Had determine whether their application there are sentencing guidelines that need ate false invoices. For this she added two Judge Reade not rejected the similarities would be appropriate.” to be followed, and that there is a system more points, which would have translat- between the Spero case and the Rubashkin Then again on page 50 we read, “Were here that works with something called ed as an extra three years and six months case, the eight-point difference would have the court to vary, the court would vary “Offense Level Points.” upward to take into account additional The question is whether or not Judge criminal conduct involving harboring of Reade could have exercised more leeway illegal aliens, which was charged in over in her sentencing memorandum to give 70 counts of the Seventh Superseding Mr. Rubashkin a less draconian sentence. There are also subtle threats in her Indictment and were later dismissed.” For federal prison sentences, let us recall, She further writes on the same page, there is no parole. These figures are real ruling that warn the defendant not “The court notes that, even if it inadver- —and quite painful. Also, after a while, tently erred in computing the advisory people tend to forget about those who Guidelines sentence, it would still languish in federal prisons. even to try an appeal. impose a sentence of 324 months of There were three major issues underly- imprisonment after considering the facing the 27 years that the judge stated that tors in §3553(a).” the guidelines direct: the amount of We must also recall that she did money involved, the issue of whether Mr. if she had used the Rubashkin figure of translated into a much more palatable sen- choose the lower end of the spectrum of Rubashkin committed perjury, and the $4.5 million instead of the government tence of 70 months—5 years and 10 months. the 324-to-405-month guideline. She request for a downward departure based figures. The sentence would thus have Indeed, even if she had kept the per- could have given him 33 years and 9 upon the undue hardship affecting his been 15 years and 6 months. jury charge, accepting the precedent for months. Nonetheless, as six of our former autistic son. The third issue, however, is the most downward departure with the defen- attorneys general have written, the sen- The first issue is that the government significant. Rubashkin’s lawyers also dant’s numbers for the amount at issue tence is draconian. The sentencing guide- claimed that the offense involved fraud of argued for a downward departure in would have reduced the sentence to 9 lines have to be revised, especially in light over $20 million against two different offense points based upon the fact that years in jail. of the fact that there still is large dispari- banks. Rubashkin’s lawyers claimed that Rubashkin has a special relationship with She could also have kept the govern- ty in such cases. No one is suggesting that only $4.5 million was at stake. Had the his autistic son and that his son desper- ment figures of $20 million, and have Rubashkin go unpunished, but the length judge accepted the figures from the defense ately needs him. His lawyers cited prece- also kept the perjury issues, and still only and scope of 27 years is just mind-bog- team, the minimum figure would have dent for such a downward departure in have assigned him 11 years and 3 months glingly excessive. O

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 15 Ner Israel Tsfat in the 15th century and used as a York Times at the time, Gustav Niebuhr. room—bare-headed, looking far from Continued from Front Cover greeting by many Jews today—would He had never seen a yeshiva before. Jewish (which he isn’t), and armed with fit so well. One of the yeshiva’s administrators only a pen and a pad—and went from (Full disclosure: My wife and I have Life on “Yeshiva Lane”—the campus gave us a short tour of the campus and one pair of students to another. At each three sons studying at Ner Israel, and address—revolves around the two large then took us to the main beis midrash. stop, the students stood up to welcome my brother is a rebbi teaching Talmud batei midrash, one used by the nearly When a door to the cavernous but the visitor, pulled up a chair, and invited and Holocaust studies in the yeshiva’s 250 high-school boys, the other by the crowded room was opened, my guest him to sit down. Several such conversa- high-school division. I spent formative more than 600 young men in the yeshi- surveyed the scene—several hundred tions later, the reporter returned, his years studying at Ner Israel; the literal va gedolah and kollel divisions. Aside young men (mostly in chavrusa-pairs) pad filled with notes, and his eyes, it meaning of alma mater—“nurturing from the apartments and townhouses, surrounded by piles of books, loudly seemed, with wonder. mother”—for the yeshiva’s relationship the campus includes an administration and animatedly arguing. He was visi- He remarked to us how deeply to me is apt.) building, dining hall, basketball court, bly intrigued. Actually, taken aback impressed he had been “with the sincer- Located in a rural area of Maryland, and, of course, classroom buildings. might be a better description. It was ity and idealism” of the students he had amid rolling hills and verdant fields, met. Most of the young men with Ner Israel is a rare, perhaps unique, whom he had spoken had been raised place, an oasis of both natural and in frum families; the fathers of many Jewish beauty. As we took a stroll late had studied at Ner Israel decades earlier Friday night, the dulcet sounds of har- There are few places on earth where (the yeshiva was founded in 1933). monizing voices floated on the air. The Several, though, had come to singing emanated from homes of the Orthodoxy along with their families, or rebbeim, who are traditionally visited the phrase “Shabbat Shalom,” on their own. One talmid who particu- on Shabbos evenings by their talmidim larly impressed him had been a for sharing Torah thoughts, discus- “Sabbath of Peace,” would fit so well. Hollywood writer before becoming sions, and song. observant and enrolling in the yeshiva. The next day, after davening and the The article the reporter later wrote for Shabbos meal, the parking lots— his newspaper about Ner Israel well evi- where, of course, not a car moved— dences the positive impact the yeshiva were quickly filled with children at But the batei midrash are the twin probably quite different from what and its students had on him. play, the music of their laughter and hearts that pump the lifeblood of Torah the phrase “study hall” likely recalled I have been an assiduous monitor chatter accompanied by the percussion study throughout the campus. On to the Oxford alumnus from his uni- of the media, especially the Jewish of small feet running and skipping Shabbos as during the week, each of versity days. media, for nearly two decades. And it rope. A small playground hosted the large halls is filled with talmidim The administrator invited the pains me when media tend to focus younger children and their mothers. poring over their seforim, reading, argu- reporter to walk through the beis on aberrations within the chareidi Some parents sat on the balconies of ing, understanding—and adding links midrash and interview students at his community—real, magnified, or ficti- their homes, watching the kids at play, in the Jewish Torah-chain stretching whim. He seemed hesitant to take up tious. That focus often yields a nega- learning Torah, or just relaxing. The tra- back to Har Sinai. the offer, reluctant to take the young tive image and, when it does, gravely ditional Shabbos greeting in a yeshiva Learning with one of my sons that men from their studies, but the admin- misleads. like Ner Israel is “Good Shabbos,” but Shabbos in the high-school beis istrator’s encouragement and the At those times, I find myself wishing there are few places on earth where the midrash, I was reminded of a day trip I reporter’s own natural curiosity won that every Jew could spend a Shabbos, phrase “Shabbat Shalom”—“Sabbath of made to Ner Israel a number of years out in the end. or even just a few hours, at a place like Peace,” introduced by the kabbalists of ago with the religion editor of the New I watched as he gingerly entered the Ner Israel. O

16 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Halachic Musings tance himself from this—espe- Do we compare a shul to the too. There is one caveat, though, the halachos of amen found in Continued from Front Cover cially in the section above the azarah in the Beis Hamikdash, and it is an important one. Orech Chaim Chapter 55. He heichal. And of late, this has in which case the upper sec- The Mishnah Berurah states, explains that “even though an proximity to the Brisk Yeshiva become a widespread problem. tions do not retain a state of (as does the TaZ) that a use iron wall will not prevent where they learn—this is utter With few exceptions, yeshiva holiness? Or perhaps do we which is extremely unseemly prayers from reaching our Father paradise! What could possibly after yeshiva has built a floor compare a shul or beis would also be forbidden even in in Heaven, this stuff will.” be the problem? above the beis midrash that is hamidrash to the heichal of the circumstances where the upper Would it be OK if it is several The problem is that the dor- used for dorm facilities. Even Beis Hamikdash itself, in which building was built at the same floors above the beis mitory is on top of a beis though the Rema permits it, the case the upper sections would time as the shul or beis midrash. hamidrash? The Avnei Naizer in midrash. The Shulchan Aruch Mishnah Berurah tells us that we retain a state of holiness? Examples of extremely unseem- OC #32 says that it is not. O.C. (151:12) writes as follows: should distance ourselves from it. It is also interesting to note ly activities are ones that smell One might point out that One must be careful to avoid The Shulchan Aruch’s ques- that if the upper section was horrible and if a gentile is per- surely this is not a new ques- using an aliyah (an attic or section in Part B about other types built at the same time as the forming avodah zarah there. tion. The building must have ond floor) that is above a beis of activities is explained by the shul or beis hamidrash then it is These things prevent the tefillah been used as a dormitory haknesses [this also includes a Mishnah Berurah as being based certainly permitted. This is the from travelling up to heavenly beis hamidrash] regularly for a upon the following question: ruling of the Mishnah Berurah realms. The TaZ compares it to Continued on Page 22 use which is “legnai”—indeco- rous or unseemly. The Shulchan Aruch cites sleeping or lying down as an example of an unseemly activity. He further writes in Part B of this halachah that there is a question as to whether other types of activities are permitted in such a location. The Rema writes that this halachah only refers to a shul which was initially established as a shul. However, in a building that was originally built as a regular building and only afterward established as a shul, one may indeed lie down. The Rema’s leniency stems from a ruling of the Piskei Mahari. On this Rema, however, the Mishnah Berurah (OC 151:42), citing the Magein Avrohom who cites the Kneseth HaGedolah, remarks that, nonetheless, one who is concerned for his soul should dis-

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 17 Yeshiva Superstructure Continued from Front Cover what will be the new yeshiva on Beach 17th Street in Far Rockaway is a fascinating walk through the future. I can tell that when Baruch looks at this place, what he sees is a completed yeshiva with classrooms occupied with students and teachers going about their educational business. That’s because Rabbi Rothman, my guide on this particular walk-through, has been taking peo- Architect’s rendering of the new Yeshiva Darchei Torah complex. ple like me on a tour of this building plenty of times, and in his mind’s eye this job is done. September, yeshiva classes actually here trying to get this done,” Rabbi Shabbos subcontractors are busy with These buildings are expansive. In fact, begin in late August. Not being an Rothman says. He adds that, in fact, as detailed infrastructure just about every- standing on the street in front of the expert on construction by any stretch the buildings near completion, the zon- where you turn. building(s), it is impossible to cast your of the imagination, I cannot see how ing laws allow the contractor to add While this will certainly be an eyes on the entire structure. One must these buildings are going to be ready for more people to the job so as to meet award-winning school facility, all pan one’s head from side to side to effec- action in eight weeks. But, then again, deadlines and, in this case, get the stu- involved concur that the design as tively take it all in. this entire project is the result of a far- dents into their new classrooms for the well as the construction is about the The plan is to have the building reaching vision that features a number start of the new school year. Whether educational services that will be dis- ready for use come this September. of unique educational innovations that in fact it will be delivered on time seminated inside its walls. For many Well, because of this year’s nuance in cannot be strictly subjected to the limi- remains to be seen. In the meantime, of those involved in the development the Jewish calendar, with Rosh tations of convention. the construction site is truly something and construction of this yeshiva Hashanah beginning in early “We have a lot of people working to behold, as the mostly shomer- superstructure, the vision of the finished product means an assortment of things. To Lloyd Keilson, the chairman of the YDT Board of Governors, it is almost the realization of a surreal- istic dream. “As I gaze upon the grandeur of the new campus, I see it through the eyes of a six-year-old who began first grade in the ‘A’ building of HILI more than 50 years ago on this very campus,” Keilson said. “I am humbled as I think of those visionaries who created the first bastion of Torah in what was a veritable desert in the ’40s. I think of a Yisroel Bloom, a’h, YDT founder who dreamt the unimaginable and brought to life the unattainable. I see a community which has had a Torah metamorphosis which is unparalleled, and thus I am driven to declare, ‘Mah tovu oholecha Yaakov, mishkenosecha Yisrael.’” Indeed, Yeshiva Darchei Torah had very humble and uncertain begin- nings. Communities don’t change with a blueprint or a timeline. Such change is only something that can be viewed in retrospect as part of what one could only hope would be a proud and powerful history. No one could have known that a yeshiva which, for iden- tification purposes I would say features mostly “black hats” and jackets, would make such inroads in areas like Far Rockaway, Lawrence, Cedarhurst, and Woodmere. Many of the influential personalities in the yeshiva’s accomplishments to date assign credit to a great extent to the rosh yeshiva, Rabbi Yaakov Bender. Determined and always full of energy, Rabbi Bender has within him the capaci- ty to grasp every aspect of the new project in addition to the standing and accomplishments of nearly each and every one of the young men who study Torah and are educated in these hal- lowed halls. “I always felt we are the beneficiaries of the best parent body, staff, b’aalei batim, and, of course, talmidim east of the Rockies,” Rabbi Bender says. “Most of all, we are grateful to HaKadosh Baruch Hu for the tremendous siyata d’Shmaya that He constantly showers upon us. We cannot take the hatzlachah of our yeshiva for granted, and must never forget that no matter how large 18 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES the yeshiva becomes, we will continue to take care of each individual talmid. That is our credo.” As I walked through the building a couple of weeks ago with Rabbi Rothman, we stopped to marvel at the front hallway; a floor devoted entirely to administration; an extraordinarily large area that will be the beis midrash; an extended area to serve as the cafete- ria, where daily meals will be served to students; and more. For the small children, there is an indoor play area where they can assemble on rainy days without being concerned about the inclement weather. And probably the favorite of most parents will be the fashion in which dropping off and picking up students will be conducted on days that there is no bus service. If, like me, you’ve ever been a parent at YDT, then you are quite familiar with the challenges of waiting for your son to come out of school on a Sunday or holiday afternoon. For all the years that I was there, you had to hope you could get close enough to the parked cars so that others passing through Beach 17th Street could squeeze by. At the same time, it was always interesting to observe how so many elementary- school rebbis became adept at direct- ing traffic and dispatching cars as soon as their car-pool participants were loaded on board. In this new building, that feature will become a thing of the past, as an area off the sidewalk and on the school property has been set aside to alleviate this neighborhood burden. Among the additional amenities at the new Yeshiva Darchei Torah will be two advanced technological science laborato- ries, two state-of-the-art computer labs, and a vastly expanded Rabenstein Learning Center. Over these last few years, YDT has grown a lot and has attempted to accommodate the demand for space from around the New York area and around the country while having classes scattered around town. Even as most of the students are on the Beach 17th Street campus, many are still being housed in temporary caravans set up as classrooms. “Being all together on one comprehensive campus,” says Baruch Rothman, “will greatly enhance the educational environment in the school.” The fact is that if you haven’t had a chance to walk through this shell of a building—even as the wiring is being finished and the walls closed up—you are missing a unique opportunity. The new YDT is going to be the size of, and will even have the population of, a small American city. In fact, I suggested to Rabbi Rothman that he might look into the possibility of the school acquiring its own zip code. Whether that happens or not, what is certain is that this place is being built rather quickly, with marked changes being obvious almost each and every week. Even if the post office idea does- n’t fly, it is still certain that when it comes to Torah education in American yeshivas, Darchei Torah delivers, and delivers on time. O

Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at [email protected]. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 19 Midterm Elections no voice nationally. er, in the Five Towns, she has been widely That political calculation is supported Continued from Front Cover I attended the OU’s Mission to supported as she has contributed to local by our own lack of political will or Washington recently, and it certainly was causes over the past few years. action. Even the NY State GOP refuses to new Final Solution (chas v’shalom)? heartwarming to see that we have quali- Times are very different now. Ms. invest in any of the candidates who may Barack Obama received 78% of the fied people in Washington who represent McCarthy as a Democrat has to support oppose her in November. I have spoken Jewish vote in the United States in 2008. our views. However, politicians read the her president. Unfortunately supporting with many GOP political operatives of He enjoys a majority in both Houses of numbers, and the numbers speak volumes. the president and supporting Israel at late and all feel that we would be Congress and is basically able to push There may be under a million the same time can be a political chal- unable to mount any serious challenge through almost any initiative without Orthodox Jews in the United States, but lenge. Our Congresswoman tried to walk at this time. any serious pushback (see healthcare). we happen to reside in key states and in a careful tightrope between the presi- I think otherwise. The district includes The media still adores the man and views largely Democratic strongholds. While dent and Israel and did not react initially the 5,000 voters who voted for the him as the Messiah, the ultimate liberal more and more Orthodox Jews have to defend Israel after the Gaza flotilla Orthodox bloc of candidates in the past hero who transcends race and is bringing been voting Republican of late, we still incident. It should therefore be no sur- school board election. It also includes the us to the ultimate utopia where we can many Orthodox voters in Woodmere, all live in harmony and peace. Hewlett, Long Beach, and West Hempstead. Mr. Obama will be our president at A flip of 10,000 votes from Democrat to least until January 2013. While he may not A flip of 10,000 votes from Republican in the next election would be be reelected, there would seem to be little enough to unseat the incumbent. to do until then except to wait and pray Such an action this November would that Israel survives the current onslaught. Democrat to Republican in the next forcefully remind our leaders in the I am all for tefillah. It certainly is our Democratic Party that we are not a con- best weapon. But we have others in our election would be enough to unseat stituency to be trampled upon. arsenal that we have not utilized and we Furthermore, the liberal left wing Jewish are paying for our inaction dearly. leadership that defines our position on I am speaking about voting. We have the incumbent. national issues would also need to seen that our unified political power has include our viewpoint if they intend to been able to define our community when speak on behalf of American Jews. In needed. School board politics locally were short it would move Orthodoxy from the transformed forever when the community vote overwhelmingly as Democrats. If prise that Rabbi Heshy Billet made a stir “fringe” of the political arena to the front organized a voting bloc capable of electing every Orthodox Jew participated in the in the political world when his brief e- and center where it belongs. candidates who were able to speak for our electoral process, we would quickly mail accused the Congresswoman of Now of course you may disagree. And of interests and our institutions. The result has become a force to be reckoned with. “deafening silence” on the issue of the course you may be content to keep your been an end to wasteful spending, selling of Take our local congressional district. Gaza flotilla. His brief statement caused political view parochial and local. But I for unneeded school buildings, and an For many years in the 1960’s and 70’s the such a stir that within one day the one cannot be content reading Caroline improved leaner and meaner school district. district was Republican. Carolyn McCarthy Congresswoman issued a press release Glick each week and sighing with resigna- While we turn out for school board changed that dynamic when she success- repositioning herself in favor of Israel on tion at the current state of affairs. elections, our community has been lack- fully ran for office in 1996. Though she has the flotilla controversy. Let’s organize. Let’s act. Let’s force the luster in voting on election day and we won reelection every time she has run, she We can make an even bigger stir in GOP to send us a candidate that reflects are not alone. Orthodox Jewish turnout has never enjoyed more than 60% of the November. Nationally, Ms. McCarthy’s our views and let’s help turn the tide of nationally is estimated to be a mere 20- vote because there are many Republican seat is considered safe, meaning that Congress in 2010 so we can resist our pres- 30%. That means that politically we have strongholds in the district. Locally howev- her reelection is considered inevitable. ident’s effort to isolate our homeland. O

20 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 21 Halachic Musings Sheivet HaLeivi has a similar leniency in Continued from Page 17 his responsa Vol. I #27. Both opinions seem to accept the Aruch HaShulchan’s beforehand. Surely there is room for underlying rationale. Indeed, the leniency then. What was the rationale of Mishnah Berurah himself seems to reject the previous tenants or owners? part of the TaZ’s halachic structure in There is one opinion that must certain- comparing this to the case of avodah ly be central to any lenient position zarah and activities that smell horrible. espoused. The Aruch Hashulchan writes Dayan Weiss, zt’l, in Minchas Yitzchok that the issue is not a fully halachic issue, Vol. II #48 seems to be stringent, however. but rather a question as to whether one An interesting story comes to us from should make a commemoration of every one of our readers in Kiryat Sefer: “I mikdash me’at to compare it to the moved into Kiryat Sefer the day it opened heichal. This position would indicate that almost 17 years ago. For quite a few years there certainly is room to be lenient. all the shuls were in miklatim [bomb shel- The TaZ, however, in Orech Chaim 151:4 ters] and there were some serious acci- writes that when he was younger he and dents, cholim, etc. We went to Rav Chaim his children lived in his beis midrash in Kanievsky [the son of the Steipler Rav the city of Cracow, above a shul. He mentioned earlier] and asked him what writes that he was punished severely and type of tikkun [rectification] we can do. lost his young son [apparently in a fire]. He asked us where the shuls are. Telling He placed the blame on the fact that he him that most of the shuls were located in lived above a shul. the miklatim under apartments, he men- The TaZ’s very sad narrative seems to indi- tioned that his father was very makpid on cate that he is not in agreement with the this. Together with the builders of Kiryat position of the Aruch HaShulchan and that Sefer and the gabbaim, a date was set for he holds that this law is not a mere com- all shuls to be moved into temporary car- memoration, but actual binding law. The lan- avans or permanent buildings. guage of the Kneseth HaGedolah is also some- “I cannot tell you exactly how long ago what frightening. He writes, “Whoever I have this was . . . at least 12 years ago. It gave us seen who has made a beis hamidrash in his a push to get the shuls built. Also, until we house and he uses the floor that is above this did move out, Rav Chaim told us to cor- beis midrash did not succeed. Of them, some don off the exact area where the bath- have lost their wealth, some have died, and room was located on the floor directly some did not merit to be built.” above the shul and not to daven there. Rav Is there no hope then for the young Shteinman was also involved with this men on Press Street in Geulah? The p’sak . . . I know that he was also pushing Steipler Gaon, zt’l, in Kreina D’Igrasa Vol. for us to move out of the miklatim.” The II #86 addresses the issue and writes that conclusions? There is room to be lenient, in our times in the big cities people are especially on a third floor. However, one lenient and we may apply the expression, who wishes to be stringent, a blessing will “The masses have already trampled here certainly come upon him. O and Hashem watches fools…” Rav The author can be reached at Ovadiah Yoseph, shlita, has a responsum [email protected]. (Yabia Omer OC VI #26) that one can be lenient on a third floor or above. The The Proper Place To Pray

BY RABBI ARON end of the remnant of Yisrael?’” MIROCZNIK Hashem’s answer was (ibid 11:16) “I will be to them a miniature sanctuary in the Whatever a Jew does has to be based countries where they shall come.” on halacha, especially when we build a What, then, are the halachos and the shul, a makom tefilah. The Torah states requirements of a miniature sanctuary? the requirements. First of all it must be a Rava, son of Mechasya, said on behalf of replica of the Beis Hamikdash, the holy Rav Chomoh bar Gurya, who said on temple in Jerusalem. This is derived behalf of Rav, that any town whose roofs from the verse “chol hamakom asher are taller than the shul will ultimately be azkir es sh’mi avo alecha uveirachticha” destroyed, since it is written (Ezra 9:9) to (Exodus 20:21). In every place where I raise up the house of Hashem and to will cause My name to be mentioned, I repair the ruins thereof and to give us a will come to you and bless you.” fence for protection in Yehuda and in Rashi quotes a Mechilta Sifre (Nasso Jerusalem (Shabbos 11a). This teaches us 39), “Etain l’cha reshus.” This means that if the temple or shul is elevated above where I will give you permission to all the other houses in town, they merit mention My Explicit Name, there I shall the protection of Hashem. If, chalila, they come to you and bless you. This place are not, the converse is true. The Gemara refers to the Beis Hamikdash. goes on and says, “This teaching applies to The Talmud in Megillah 29a states, roofs of houses, but regarding the roofs of “Rabbi Yitzchak said, ‘What is the mean- towers and turrets, there are no problems ing of the verse: I will be to them a because the Talmud stresses roofs, since miniature sanctuary?’” This refers to the people do not use the roofs of towers and shuls and study halls in the Diaspora. turrets for any purpose.” What Rabbi Yitzchak said was a According to this interpretation, only response from Hashem Blessed Be He to houses whose roofs are sloped or not the outcry of the prophet Yechezkel used for any daily chores take on the (11:13) where the navi says, “Then I fell same rule as towers and turrets. upon my face and cried loudly and said, ‘O L-rd G-d, are you about to make an Continued on Page 24

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Proper Place To Pray can be issued. For example, if the es the sanctity of the synagogues and only then can they daven in a place where Continued from Page 22 halacha is disputed in the Gemara, and study halls, bring down the TaZ, in order someone lives above. This heter is based the Gemara does not decide whose opin- to stress and teach us that one should be on the condition, even in times of emer- Therefore, we can live in houses that are ion should be selected, then they leave it scrupulous and not live above a shul. gency, that the one who lives above makes taller than shuls. However, the law is that open for future gedolei Yisrael to decide. The Minchas Yitzchak was a contempo- sure that all actions within this apartment a house that is taller than the shul, and is Thus, if for many years K’lal Yisrael rary of our generation and the rosh beis are done with cleanliness, according to the a separate entity, even if it is ten blocks accepts and follows one of the opinions, din of the Neturei Karta in Yerushalayim. Torah. Otherwise it is forbidden. away, and the roof is used for daily chores, and later on an emergency arises, the He was asked if one is allowed to daven in From this Ramah we learn that not no one can live in the entire house. Since gedolei hador can decide to follow the a shul that is in a multiple dwelling, where only is it not permissible to live above a the Gemara is so stringent about a sepa- other opinion. However, if the Gemara the shul is below occupied apartments. shul, but it is prohibited to daven in such rate building, it is crystal clear that no one says that this is the halacha, then no His answer, found in his sefer (siman 49), is a place. Thus, he is not only addressing can live directly above a shul. emergency can change the decision. that no one is allowed to daven in a shul the dweller but the mispallelim as well. Rabbenu Tam, Rabbenu M’Nuremberg, In Shulchan Aruch O.C. (151:4), the TaZ where people live above it. He even says Therefore, the only heter is if there is a the Rosh, the Ran, the Tosfos Yeshanim, says that when he was a young man, the that poskim say that such prayers may not dire emergency. In conclusion, in the and the Ritva agree to the heter that if the kehillah in Krakow offered him to live in be accepted by Hashem. This is true espe- United States of America, thank G-d, roof of the house appears to be like a a flat above the shul. He accepted the cially if the shul is in a multi-dwelling there can be no such heter. tower which cannot be used, then we are offer. Then tragically two of his children apartment house, since people who live From the Gemara in Brachos (3a) we see allowed to live in such a house, even if it died. He writes that he is sure that this above the shul may possess symbols of the greatness and holiness of a place of is taller than the shul. calamity happened because he dared to avodah zarah. prayer. The Talmud relates that when Jews Although Rabbenu Tam rules that our live above a shul. I am sure that the holy The question then arises, what about enter the synagogues or houses of study, present-day houses are like towers and tur- TaZ did not use the room above the aron shuls in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabil- and say, “May His great Name be praised,” rets because one does not use the roofs, yet kodesh. That room was locked and itation centers, or shiva places? This Hashem shakes His head and says, he cautioned his relative who built a house closed to daily activity. halacha can be proved from the Mishnah “Fortunate is the king who is praised like taller than the synagogue to add or con- This punishment is perplexing and Berurah. It appears that people in these sit- this in His house.” Rashi explains that the struct one of the corners of the shul to be requires explanation because according uations are confined there with the hope term “in His house” refers to the Beis taller than the house. This rule is found in to the Gemara in Megillah (28b) Rava that with the help of Hashem they will Hamikdash, the holy temple in Hago’os Maimonides in Hilchos Tefilos 11:3: says, Torah scholars and their pupils are recover quickly and leave the temporary Yerushalayim. Since our shuls and study The Hago’os Maimonides says that Rabbenu allowed to use the synagogues for their and transitory facilities. Therefore, accord- halls are considered by Hashem as a minia- from Nuremberg agrees with Rabbenu personal use, since Rabbi Yehoshua Ben ing the Mishnah Berurah, the shuls in ture sanctuary, and these places remind us Tam. The Mishnah Berurah agrees but says Levi explains that when the shul is these places are not a makom kodesh. of our longing for the rebuilding of the that one should be very careful in using called a Bei Rabbanan, this means the Rather they are momentary necessities. It Beis Hamikdash and the geulah shleima, Rabbenu Tam’s heter, because the Talmud house for Torah scholars. Based on this can be compared to someone davening the redemption, therefore, it is necessary is very, very stringent in this matter. halacha, that Torah scholars are permit- alone in one’s apartment, or making to do so in the appropriate place. O There is not a single authority in the ted to use the synagogue, the TaZ cer- Kiddush, or bentching. Rabbi Aron Mirocznik is the Rav of the Young Gemara who disputes this prohibition. It tainly could do so. The answer is that the The only heter to live above a shul is, as Israel of Ocean Parkway, in Brooklyn. He is a musmach of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath, he was a is unanimously accepted that no one is Gemara intended scholars and their the Ramah says: (siman 150:2) Only when Gemara Rebbe at Yeshiva of Brighton Beach, allowed to live above a shul. No heter or pupils, not scholars and their families. there is an emergency, for example when Chaim Berlin, and Yeshiva University High School for Boys in Brooklyn (BTA). He has a B.A. and M.A. permission could be found. The acharon- It is noteworthy to mention that all there is a governmental decree that Jews from Brooklyn College and an M.S. from Adelphi im in Yoreh Dei’ah explain when a heter the acharonim after the TaZ, who discuss- cannot build or daven in a shul, then and University.

24 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 25 Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Malka’s house. lesson number two. The trouble started On the appointed day I showed up—with on Sunday, when Miriam called to ask if my Mah-Jongg set, as no one else owned her friend Nechama could join us. one. As I exited my car and opened my Nechama had heard that I was giving les- trunk to get the set, I reminded myself of sons and she was anxious to be part of my pediatrician who, back in the 1940s, the group. made house calls and always entered I wasn’t overjoyed, because it would with his black medicine bag in hand. be more difficult to teach five than to I spent three hours with the four gals, teach four, and also because Nechama after which, although not everyone had would be a true beginner, having missed No Good Deed known everyone else beforehand, we had my first class. But I couldn’t, wouldn’t, all become fast friends. Mah-Jongg makes and didn’t say no. So we would be six It is often said that “no good deed goes friends, Malka and Miriam, express an strange bedfellows. women crowded around the Mah-Jongg unpunished.” The aphorism was penned interest in learning to play the game; I Teaching is not one of my skills, but table. So what? by the well-known Clare Boothe Luce. called them and got an enthusiastic yes teaching mature women has to be signif- If only the complications had ended While I’m not anxious to give credit to from both of them. They would be icantly more challenging than teaching there. But they didn’t. The following day, the woman, because she was perceived as thrilled if I would teach them. young children. Nevertheless, each of Monday, I received a message from Malka anti-Semitic, I must admit that she was So I called Batya back and, after pro- these women is bright and accomplished, stating that she had a doctor’s appoint- right about doing good deeds. I recently viding her with the phone numbers of so I plowed ahead. By two in the after- ment at noon so she would be able to learned that nothing could be truer. And I Malka and Miriam, I told her to get to noon I was so exhausted I was ready for a stay only until 11:45. I called her back and, found this out the hard way. as an accommodation, I said I would ask It started two weeks ago, when my the other gals if they would mind starting friend Batya called to ask if I would mind the lesson an hour earlier. Three phone teaching her and her friend Briendle to calls later, having settled on the new play Mah-Jongg. Did I mind? Of course I Are you with me so far? time, I called Malka back with the good did. Teaching is not my favorite thing in news. She was elated. life. But would I do it? Certainly I would. I’m not even with me! On Tuesday morning, Malka called Batya is a good friend. again, this time to inform me that her But the one caveat, as I explained it to doctor’s receptionist had called to say Batya, is that I wouldn’t teach two people. that due to an error in scheduling, the I agreed to do it only if I could teach four appointment needed to be postponed. I at a time. That was how I came to suggest work. She agreed to call those two, as rest home. Lest it appear that I’m delicate, told Malka that was nice, but that we that she and Briendle find two other peo- well as Briendle, and to find a time let me explain. I was on my feet the would leave the time at 10:00. I wasn’t ple who wanted to learn. Batya made that was convenient for all four of entire time, walking around the table to anxious to make three more calls. some noise about not knowing anyone them. First, of course, I told her which stop at the side of each player and bend- Later that very same day, Miriam called else who wanted to learn. But hearing days and evenings I was free to provide ing over to arrange their tiles on their to say she had forgotten that she had a some disappointment in her voice I said, the instruction. I should have had my racks to show them different “hands” on 9:30 doctor’s appointment on “Okay, let me see what I can do. I will try head examined. the Mah-Jongg card. Easy, it was not! Wednesday. (Since none of us is under to find two others to learn with you.” And All went well at first. Batya called back Now it was week two, and all was the age of 60, frequent doctor’s appoint- 30 seconds after I got off the phone I to tell me the four of them had come up ready. We were to meet at my house, ments are a fact of life.) Miriam asked if it remembered having heard two other with the idea of meeting on a specific again on a Wednesday, and I would give would be okay to start at 10:30 instead of

26 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES THAT’S THE WAY IT IS! Continued from Page 26 10:00. Given the fact that this would accommodate both her and Malka, I once again said that it was fine with me but that I would call the others. As before, three phone calls later we had settled on the new time and I called Miriam with the good news. Are you with me so far? I’m not even with me! At 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, the day of the lesson, Malka called to say she had gotten a call the night before and learned that she had to be in West Orange, New Jersey, some 90 minutes away (as the crow flies), to pick up an important package that was being delivered there for her husband. The package was due to be there at 9:00, and she was reasonably sure she could be at my place on time, but she might be a few minutes late. If only that had been the end of it! It was not. Two hours later, Malka called from New Jersey to alert me to the fact that there was a problem and that the package wouldn’t be arriving until 10:00 a.m. after all. She said the likelihood was that she would miss most of my class. I told her we would probably be playing/learning until well after 2:00 p.m. and that she should just get to my place when she could. Fine! But an hour later I received yet another call. The messenger delivering the package was delayed and would not be arriving until late afternoon after all. After all that, Malka would be a no- show. In a manner of speaking, it worked out well, because we had Nechama learning/playing in the place of Malka. In yet another manner of speaking, it didn’t work out quite so well, because I was wiped out. I’m not certain what tired me more, the teaching or the phone calls. But it doesn’t matter. I love these gals and I love the game—but remind me never to do this again! O

Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a licensed real-estate broker associated with Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at [email protected] or 516-902-3733.

For the next issue, deadline for reserving ad space is Monday, June 28 at 5:00 P.M.

All graphics for ads must be in by Tuesday, June 29 at 5:00 P.M.

Call 516-984-0079

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 27 No Pomp And Circumstances? I had anticipated writing an article this degrees earlier in the day, I was quite week about the events surrounding the thankful that it was an outdoor ceremo- community of Emanuel. I have seen so ny. Even with A/C, an indoor room full of many opinions and assumptions on this people on such a hot day would have issue, which quite frankly has disgusted been impossible to sit in. There were no me. I was ready to wade right in, with caps or gowns, no pomp and circum- some choice words of my own but I am stance, no processions, and very little for- so tired of the whole thing that I will only mality. Although the mayor did attend L–R: Shira Keningsberg, Miriam Kinberg, Chaya Katz, Sarah Fuchs, make one comment. and say some nice things. Leah Fingerer, and Ayelet Gross. Since I believe that both sides are The mayor had something like five arrogantly manipulating their con- graduations that night. He showed up stituents in order to make a political late and subsequently the graduation graduating) spoke. The head of the par- A major part of the graduation was point and that both sides are guilty of started an hour after the scheduled ents’ council spoke. A student spoke. the awarding of diplomas. Each girl misinformation, I am outraged at the time. The mayor spoke. The head of the There was no valedictorian or academic was called up, a Mishnah quote was manner in which they have sidetracked given over (hopefully a quote that my country into a circus. Neither side reflected upon the character of the is “right” and both should be ashamed girl), and then a personal message was of themselves. I have no faith that any- read to each girl. She then hugged the one involved is being truthful, and it is I cannot imagine how hard it was for principal, the assistant principal, the a disgrace. homeroom teacher, and the guidance Thankfully, this space primarily serves counselor. Then she posed for a pic- as a journal of our experiences here in her, having moved to a new country ture. With 52 girls in the grade this Israel as olim and this was a very special took well over an hour. week for us. After four years of high and made new friends at age 13. We were incredibly proud that school here, our oldest daughter, Chaya, Chaya was able to reach this milestone. graduated with outstanding grades. It was such an accomplishment on her The graduation ceremony was incredi- part that the principal made special bly different from anything we would mention of her at the graduation. Then, have expected in the U.S. We arrived at school system spoke. The head rav of address. Most of the speeches consisted in a video about the students, she also 8:00 p.m. and went home at midnight. the school spoke. The principal spoke. A of divrei Torah and personal messages or said, “Chaya Katz literally did the Even though it had been almost 110 city councilman (whose daughter was charges to the girls. impossible!”

28 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

In the U.S., Chaya was an indifferent student at best. We always felt that she simply did not care about grades and was more interested in being a friend or help- s”xc ing hand. Her grades were good, not great. We hoped that she would pick up a bit as she got to high school and possibly college, but assumed that we were getting the most out of her at the time. After coming on aliyah, she did not do much to dispel that notion. Not having spoken Hebrew as a language (beyond learning Torah in school), she struggled to understand what was going on in class. Her principal told us not to worry about things for the first year, because Chaya needed to learn the language and develop friendships with her peers before she could successfully pass her classes and earn a bagrut certificate (similar to a Regents diploma) and graduate. She built a program for Chaya (and another new olah) to study independently with tutors and experience some classroom instruction as well. The first year, true to expectations, was a disaster. At the end of the year we met with the principal to craft a plan for the upcoming year, Grade 10. She told us that in her opinion, Chaya was too linguisti- cally challenged to continue in the school. Although Chaya had made tremendous progress socially, she did not think that Chaya would be able to pass the bagruyot (examinations). Rather than have to face angry parents after a wasted Grade 10, she advised us to find another school that might be able to cater to her needs so that she could graduate. Chaya was devastated. She had become attached to her friends and the school and did not want to leave. I cannot imagine how hard it was for her, having moved to a new country and made new friends at age 13. Yet, she was being told that she would have to go through the whole process a second time, with a new group of girls. Girls, who like her, could not make the grade. We had a simple goal: we needed to make sure that Chaya could go to college if she chose and that our aliyah would not cripple that possibility. Our oldest son, Chaim, had just finished a year-long program and gotten a GED (high school equivalency degree). We liked the program, and knowing that Chaya was having academic difficulties, we had already spoken to the coordina- tors about enrolling Chaya. Unfortun- ately, they would not take students below Grade 11, so we knew that we would have to wait a full year before Chaya was eligible to enroll. So, in the meeting, after Chaya had tearfully expressed her sincere desire to stay in the school, I made a proposal to the principal. Work with us, I asked. I told her about the GED program and that we were prepared to send Chaya to that program for Grade 11, if need be. All we asked was that Chaya be allowed to remain in the school for Grade 10 to see if she could make the grades and pass the tests. I specifically told her that we would have no complaints against the school if Chaya could not keep up and that we had a backup plan if things did not work out. The principal agreed. She turned to Chaya and told her that if she wanted to truly stay in the school, she would

Continued on Page 44 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 29 es, but buyers are becoming more aggres- downsizing of the real-estate market, and sive in those parts of the country experi- buyers feeling they want to try and encing heavily depressed real-estate mar- squeeze every possible concession out of kets, particularly where home sale prices the deal they make. The result is not have dropped 40 percent or more. always pretty and the deals do not always Things seem to be getting so dicey hold together, because of all the emo- between the sellers and buyers in those tions generated by this situation. depressed areas that the negotiating lev- Is this something we are experiencing els are causing tempers to flare and deals in the Five Towns? Not to that extent, for Squeezing Out The Last Drop to fall apart over the bickering that con- sure, although we are seeing a real-estate The real-estate market has been a little marketplace of buyers essentially all try- tinues even after these deals are already market that has dropped considerably more bizarre than usual in our neck of ing to squeeze out the most they could in contract. from several years ago, and we do have the woods. Lots of buyers out there look- buyers wanting to benefit from the ing for homes are expecting to find amaz- reduction in home prices and take ing deals at never-before-seen sales prices, advantage of the lower prices now avail- due to the national economic situation. A The deals do not always hold able. Are we in the Five Towns communi- good deal is just not enough; it must be ty seeing the same squeezing of every an astounding deal, figuring in all the possible advantage as this article por- amenities that could not be had even for together, because of all the emotions trays in the weaker segments of the tens of thousands of dollars more just a country? Sometimes, but like everything couple of years ago. generated by this situation. else in life, everything is relative. Seeing all this, imagine my surprise The individual buyers coming here when I opened the New York Times last may have different preconceived Thursday (June 17) to find a front-page impressions of the price drop percent- article titled “As Buyers Get Picky, the ages as they pertain to our area, prior to Housing Market Slows.” Definitely this their having shopped for homes in the was an article I was ready to read with my from a deal. Some of the demands are not You have sellers feeling that they are Five Towns. In our community, where coffee. The article went on to describe a usually seen in common home purchas- being taken advantage of due to the the drops are smaller and the pools of buyers are higher as compared to, let’s say, someplace like Ohio, the buyers are being careful. And they are taking their time—sometimes a long time— trying to get the best deal they can under new circumstances. At the same time, they are finding that for all the homes that seem to be on the market, there are not unlimited choices out there, especially when broken down into individual price ranges, as they might have anticipated when they first started looking. As the buyers start to realize that the home sale market might not be as advan- tageous as they had hoped, the result becomes one of a much more compro- mising nature in what they are seeking. This of course is not to say that they are not getting wonderful buys of homes at cheaper prices than several years ago, but that those homes may not be as big or as renovated or located in the hot spots they wanted for the prices they had originally hoped to attain. When all is said and done, bad economy or not—the Five Towns is still the Five Towns, and we do not necessarily sway to the drumbeats of the rest of the country. O

Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a licensed real-estate broker and a licensed N.Y.S. mortgage broker with over 20 years of experience, offering full-service residential and commercial real-estate services (Anessa V Cohen Realty) and mortgaging services (First Meridian Mortgage) in the Five Towns and throughout the tri-state area. She can be reached at 516-569-5007 or via her website, www.AVCrealty.com. Readers are encouraged to send questions or comments to [email protected].

30 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 31 posium. She volunteered for Tomchei this readiness, the commitment to combin- Shabbos, the Kulanu lunch buddy program, ing Jewish and secular scholarship, the ded- and was Deah vice-president. She was ication to preserving Israel and defending awarded the Frederick Douglass and Susan its essential relationship with the United B. Anthony Award, and was president of the States, than this remarkable university.” Hebrew Honor Society Yeshiva League While Oren admitted that life after Model Congress—gavel and chairperson. O graduation would pose difficult challenges and questions, he told graduates HAFTR Top Honors Science Institute, and volunteered with Ambassador Oren Advises that the decision to stand with or even HAFTR would like to congratulate the emotionally and physically challenged YU Graduates To Stand With Israel move to Israel was something they would 2010 graduates! youngsters. Addressing the more than 5,000 people never be questioned about. Jessica Lovett of Woodmere was the Alana Warhit of Woodmere was the salu- in attendance at Yeshiva University’s 79th “Here, I know that you know the valedictorian with a GPA of 98.85. She tatorian with a GPA of 98.72. She intends to commencement, Israel’s Ambassador to answer—intrinsically, intellectually, and intends to move on to the University of move on to Columbia University to study the United States, Michael B. Oren, spiritually. You have always known the Pennsylvania to study biophysics. At mathematics/pre-med. At HAFTR, Alana declared that the bond between his coun- answer . . . examine any facet of Israeli HAFTR, Jessica conducted research in played on the tennis team, was debate try and the U.S., as well as between Israel life—in governance, finance, academia, colon cancer at Roswell Park Cancer team co-captain, conducted independent and YU, is inextricable. defense—and you will find Yeshiva gradu- Institute, served as captain of the debate math research (gold medal), and was “Whenever difficult decisions had to be ates,” he said. “And little wonder. Every year, team and president of model congress, involved in Write On for Israel, the Garcia made and intrepid answers rendered, reli- 600 of you study in Israel under Yeshiva’s conducted math research, played on the Science Research Program, and the gious Zionists were ready,” said Oren. “And auspices, and 15 percent of all of you receiv- basketball team, was involved with the Princeton Arts and Humanities Sym- in America, no institution better represents ing degrees today will make aliyah, enrich-

Alana Warhit Jessica Lovett Ambassador Michael Oren

32 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Fay Burekkhovich ing and strengthening our State.” With the same emphasis on preserving and expanding Jewish and Israeli heritage through a Yeshiva University education, President Richard M. Joel said to the graduating class, “Yeshiva University’s success lies not in what it can become, it rests in what you are. For you are the blossoming flower of our tomorrows, of your parents, your people, your loved ones, and your children.” Oren was one of four nota- bles in the Jewish community who received an honorary doc- torate at commencement from YU President Richard M. Joel. The other recipients were Rabbi Moshe Gottesman, a respected Jewish educator who served as dean of Hebrew Academy of Nassau County (HANC) for 16 years; Alfred Henry Moses, a phi- lanthropist, communal leader, and former U.S. ambassador to Romania, and Zygmunt Wilf, Yeshiva University trustee and chairman of the Minnesota Vikings. Dr. Sylvia Wassertheil-Smoller, professor of social medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a renowned researcher, was awarded the Presidential Medallion in recognition of her groundbreaking work in medicine. The commencement honored undergraduate students from Yeshiva College, Stern College for Women, and Sy Syms School of Business. Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, whose daughter received a bachelor’s degree from Stern College, delivered the invocation. “This unique university has educated these graduates so well in timeless values of Torah Judaism, the thrilling opportunities of a modern secular knowledge, and the ways in which these two streams can be com- bined,” said Lieberman. Fay Burekhovich, valedictorian of Stern College spoke of the way that Yeshiva University had provided countless opportunities for students to showcase

Continued on Page 36 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 33 whole idea is ridiculous. and your husband are truly caught Well, it seems that George’s parents between a rock and a hard place, since don’t think it’s such a crazy idea and have George’s parents somehow think that it’s told them that if we are not willing to a good idea for them to marry. make them a wedding, they would be Have you tried getting together with happy to figure something out so that George’s parents and presenting your con- they can marry. They don’t believe in long cerns to them? Maybe they are the type of dating periods, they think George and Eva people who are easily swayed by the latest Dear Esther, Right now they are both totally starry- are an adorable couple, and they don’t person they’ve spoken to. Maybe after My 18-year-old daughter, “Eva,” met a eyed and can only think and talk about have a problem encouraging the marriage. speaking to Eva and George, they got young man, “George,” about six months getting married. When we ask them how So it looks as though this is meant to be. caught up in the fairy-tale quality of their ago. They met on their own and became they expect to survive financially, they My question is as follows: though we relationship and got swept along. Perhaps immediately hooked on one another. He say that they’ll figure it out. believe from the bottom of our hearts that a practical conversation with you and your seems like a nice enough guy, but Besides the fact that my husband and I this union is doomed to failure, we won- husband will help bring them back down absolutely immature. My daughter is are not rich people and certainly aren’t in der whether, since they are planning on to earth and enable them to see the obvi- equally on the immature side, as she is a position to support them, George’s par- marrying anyway, we should make them a ous flaws in this plan. By being asked in my youngest child and has always been ents, I’m under the impression, have even nice wedding. If we don’t, will they be for- concrete terms exactly how they see this babied by everyone. less than we do. But that’s not as impor- ever angry at us for holding back? Do we marriage working, they will be forced to tant as the fact that they are two babies! just get with the program and hope for the look a little deeper into their own beliefs They know nothing about what it takes to best? Do we hold our ground? And for and maybe recognize some fatal errors in Though we believe that have a mature relationship, run a home, what purpose, since the other side is plan- their cognition. be responsible. Nothing. It seems like they ning on giving them a wedding? But if we If such a conversation comes about and this union is doomed to just want to play house together. decide to play hardball, do we even show George’s parents still seem stuck in their Unfortunately, there is some divorce up at the wedding? way of viewing the kids, perhaps the deed failure, we wonder in my family, and so I worry about such Confused may be as good as done and this marriage whether, since they are things. I see this situation as a divorce Dear Confused, will take place, with or without your waiting to happen. Marriage is hard This is a tough challenge for you and approval. I still think you should try and planning on marrying enough when you are two adults with your husband to work through. I agree stall for time. Maybe you can bribe them in some experience under your belt. But that Eva and George are too young for some way. Perhaps tell them that if they anyway, we should make what possible shot can two babies have marriage, and in terms of having a life wait a year or so, or whatever period of at a successful marriage? plan are seriously unprepared. And it’s time sounds realistic to you, you’ll help them a nice wedding. We told Eva and George that we have obvious that they are clueless. They are them lease a car (if that’s something you no intention of making them a wedding infatuated with one another and can’t can do) or help them with some other at this point. We believe that they should imagine holding off with their desires to meaningful purchase . . . in addition to To my and my husband’s horror, they both go out with other people, since they marry ASAP. Maybe they are both used to making them a beautiful simcha. Or you sat us down for a talk last week and told are the first people either of them has getting what they want, when they want could play the reverse card. Are you us that they want to get married. George, ever dated. After having that experience, it. Maybe they both have poor impulse presently providing Eva with money for you should know, is not yet 20 years old. if they feel as though no one else can control or a lack of patience to wait this her clothing, tuition, cell-phone bills, etc.? He has one year of college under his belt, compare, then they are free to date each thing out until they are both more Do you want to try some tough love and and my daughter is supposed to start col- other, grow up a little, figure out a life mature and also capable of supporting lege in September. plan, and then we’ll talk. But for now, the themselves. Whatever the logistics, you Continued on Page 48

34 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Shuvu Lawrence Breakfast

The annual Lawrence breakfast for Shuvu took place at the home of Abe and Daniel Wolfson, Abe Biderman, Rav Matisyahu Salomon, and Yussi Hoch. Sherre Belsky on Sunday, June 13. The guest speaker was Rav Matisyahu Salomon.

Rabbi Shmuel Bloom, Abe Biderman, Shabse Fuchs, and Abe Belsky. Larry Gordon, Abe Belsky, Sender Schwartz, Alex Edelman, and Boruch Belsky.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 35 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS and said, “Long before I officially became Continued from Page 33 part of Shalhevet, I heard wonderful things about this school. Tonight’s dinner their talents and to go out as leaders of confirms my impressions of my visits to their nation, while her closing remarks the school—that Shalhevet truly is a spe- echoed Ambassador Oren’s call for Jews cial place. I look forward to being part of to come together as one nation, no mat- the future and growth of Shalhevet.” ter where they are. Shalhevet’s program is dedicated “Too many categories serve to separate towards inspiring each girl to succeed us; instead, we need bridges that bring us and achieve their life’s dreams all within together, irrespective of where we origi- a framework of Torah u’mitzvot. nated, how we conduct ourselves reli- Shalhevet will be entering its third year giously, or even how we act towards oth- with the admission of its new freshman ers,” she said. “We need unity not because class in September 2010. O of our similarities, but so that we can appreciate our differences with greater Blanket Express: clarity, so that we recognize the inherent Less Hassle, Less Stress! beauty in having so many different types L–R: Stacey Zeitz, Esther Eisenman, and Judy Wagman. By Rochelle Maruch Miller of Jews working together for the sake of With the increasing cuts of luggage the common good.” space and weight that airlines allow today, In all, more than 2,000 graduate stu- Shalhevet. The dinner paid tribute to accompanying music was prepared by trust Blanket Express to save the day! It’s dents in the fields of law, medicine, social Judy and Scott Wagman, guests of honor, ninth-grade student Yehudis Gallis and easy, devoid of hassle, and saves much work, education, Jewish studies, and psy- and Stacy and Robbie Zeitz, parents of was shown at the dinner. One got a true needed suitcase space. chology, as well as undergraduate stu- the year, “who are always available, flavor of the school as they saw pictures Blanket Express pioneered the concept dents from Yeshiva College, Stern College whenever, wherever to help out,” said of the girls participating in chesed proj- of “buying it here and delivering it there” for Women, and Sy Syms School of Rabbi Friedman. Shoshana Wagman, a ects, learning, dancing, hearing from vari- for overseas students and young couples Business, are being awarded degrees this tenth-grade student at Shalhevet, present- ous speakers, rallying, and glowing in the going to Israel, specializing in their bed- commencement season. O ed an award to her parents and said, presence of each other’s company. ding and bath needs. Customers are “Despite the fact that you were always In accepting the award, Judy Wagman afforded the opportunity of purchasing Shalhevet Holds busy helping get things done, and I said, “Realizing what a warm and wonder- their bedding and bath needs securely First Annual Dinner missed spending time with you, you have ful place Shalhevet is and how much it online and having them delivered direct- Parents and supporters gathered given me the greatest gift imaginable . . . means to my daughter, it is my zechus to ly to their school or home in Israel. together on May 26 to celebrate Shalhevet!” The Zeitzes were presented do whatever I can.” This sentiment was Blanket Express has been providing its Shalhevet’s first annual scholarship din- with an award by their daughter, Kayla, a echoed by Stacy Zeitz who said “Shalhevet superb service to hundreds of satisfied ner. Rosh hayeshiva Rabbi Zev Friedman ninth-grade student in Shalhevet, who is an amazing and unique school. It com- students and newlyweds over the past introduced the evening by paying tribute said that even when she was in seventh bines educational excellence with warmth several years. Their prompt and on-time to the entire team of Shalhevet adminis- grade she knew she wanted to come to and caring in a noncompetitive atmos- delivery to almost anywhere in Israel trators, teachers, and parent body in gen- Shalhevet. “I hadn’t even started high phere. It truly is a sister school to Rambam ensures that your customized package eral and two outstanding couples in par- school yet but I knew that this was the Mesivta, where my son, Ari, attends.” arrives at its destination, hassle free, ticular, for their tireless work, dedication, only place for me.” Newly appointed menahelet, Mrs. before you do. Guaranteed. and commitment on behalf of Midreshet A beautiful photo montage with Esther Eisenman, spoke to those present Blanket Express is a small, service-ori-

36 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ented, and customer friendly business, run “Mesamche Lev is one organization that by an American-émigré kollel family from is true to its name,” she read. “They bring Brooklyn. After founding the company in joy to so many hearts.” 2006 in Jerusalem’s Sanhedria Murchevet Mrs. Kviat presented a special tribute neighborhood, they now live in and work to the family of Mrs. Esther Rivka Paskes, from Beitar Illit. Their prices are as low as a’h, who dedicated the dinner, l’illuy nish- those being charged by local Israeli stores masah. The tribute was accepted by Mrs. and they feature only quality items. The Paskes’s mother, Mrs. Toby Greenfeld. quality of their products ranges from very Mrs. Paskes’s sister, Mrs. Chanie Schiff, good to superior. The only added cost is spoke poignantly about Esther Rivka’s the shipping and handling fee. short life and her tremendous dedication Blanket Express takes immense per- to her family and to others. She described sonal pride in each order, ensuring that her great kindness, wisdom, and unshake- you receive what you want, precisely able emunah in the face of adversity. when you want it. Acclaimed for their Mrs. Kviat announced that the unique and highly personalized service, almanos and yesomim fund was being they are convenient, reliable, and take per- named Yad Esther Rivka, l’illuy nishmas sonal care in packing and tracking every Mrs. Esther Rivka Paskes; and that in order. They happily service everyone, honor of the dinner, 477 almanos who from seasoned, well-organized parents to receive assistance from Mesamche Lev anxious “first time” moms (Blanket received a 1,000 NIS check. Proceeds from Express’s counseling is free!) This warm, the dinner married off 52 orphans. customer-oriented approach has, baruch She introduced the honorees, who Hashem, earned the company a sterling spoke with great warmth about the reputation since its inception. Arguably, organization and the great zechus of sup- Blanket Express is the definitive word in porting it. Mrs. Miriam Berger, ahavas bedding and bath necessities; they are a chesed awardee, spoke about her first- veritable wellspring of information on hand connection to Mesamche Lev, as the advantages of every luxurious pillow mechuteniste of the organization’s and comforter they carry. founders, Rabbi and Mrs. Zalman “Having our customers recommend us Ashkenazi, shlita. She described Rabbi to each other, year after year, is perhaps Ashkenazi’s ability to raise major funds the most rewarding aspect of the busi- singlehandedly, by knocking on doors ness,” says owner Dovid Weiss. “We do our and speaking to people with great sincer- absolute best to provide the best customer ity about Mesamche Lev. She described service that we can. Baruch Hashem, the one occasion, when Rabbi Ashkenazi feedback from our customers has been enlisted her husband’s help on a Friday very positive. Many have told us how won- afternoon in the Catskills. derful our service is, as well as how com- “They went from one bungalow colony fortable our products are!” to the next, until a half hour to Shabbos. This year, Blanket Express introduced Every minute was precious because it “the Superpack” which is a package that could help another Yid, another almanah.” covers the overall basic bedding and Mrs. Suri Brach, kesser shem tov towel needs of a student at a small dis- awardee, spoke about Mesamche Lev’s count. “We’re always open to new ideas,” massive annual shoe distribution, where Dovid Weiss explains. “We try to be very 60,000 poor children receive brand new, helpful on the phone, helping the cus- quality shoes. She drew a parallel between tomer decide which items are best for his the piles of shoes in Auschwitz that have needs, even if it means trying to convince come to symbolize the six million them what not to buy! We also offer a kedoshim, and Mesamche Lev’s shoes, that free pick-up service at the end of the year symbolize life and joy to 60,000. for donating any of the products to the Mrs. Frieda Schlesinger, hakaras hatov poor and needy. This way, you don’t have awardee, spoke about her connection to any space problems going back home Mesamche Lev and her husband’s close either. The student just needs to call us friendship with Rabbi Ashkenazi, which two weeks before going home and we’ll gives her a close-up view of the organiza- take care of everything.” O tion’s inner workings. She marveled at the greatness of spirit that defines every- Thousands Attend Landmark thing Mesamche Lev does, and the way Heartstrings Dinner they give so much to the poor, with such By Frimet Blum dignity and attention to detail. She On Monday, June 7, thousands of thanked all Mesamche Lev volunteers women gathered at the Heartstrings din- and Heartbuilders, saying that they all ner at the Tiferes Rivka Ballroom in Boro deserve a hakaras hatov award. Park, to join Mesamche Lev in helping The dinner was highlighted by guest the poor of Eretz Yisrael. The dinner was speaker Rebbetzin F. Teitelbaum, wife of a remarkable success. The community Hakadosh Harav Aryeh Leibish thronged to partake in the event, and to Teitelbaum, Hy’d, who perished al kid- take advantage of the final opportunity dush Hashem in Mumbai. Rebbetzin to purchase tickets for the landmark Teitelbaum spoke about her personal Heartstrings Thirteenth Avenue Auction. experience with Mesamche Lev, and the The auction offered participants the way the organization offers generous chance to win a shopping spree along an assistance, with dignity, to tens of thou- entire block on Boro Park’s famous sands of Jews. She then took the guests Thirteenth Avenue. on her personal journey, “From Tragedy The dinner was a magnificent event. to Triumph,” and inspired the audience Guests viewed the Heartstrings display, a with the tremendous emunah and spirit museum-quality depiction of Mesamche that guides her and enables her to face Lev’s impact on the poor in Eretz Yisrael. life with joy, despite her tremendous loss. They were greeted by mistress of cere- She concluded her story by singing a stir- monies, Mrs. Hindy Kviat. In her remarks, ring song of emunah and hope. Mrs. Kviat read from a letter she had Mrs. Kviat then called upon Mrs. Rivky received from a friend who personally benefitted from Mesamche Lev. Continued on Page 38 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 37 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Reinhold, Leah’le Rieger, Ruchie Schiff, Continued from Page 37 Chaya S. Schiff, Zlaty Schwartz, Chani Schwimmer, Devorie Srulovic, Devoiry Preizler, head of the Heartbuilders com- Tirnauer, Miram Weiser, Chany Wercberger, mittee, to present the Heartbuilders Chana M. Wertheimer, and Ruchy Zelcer. awards honoring a group of women The evening concluded with a heart- whose dedication and commitment to warming video of Mesamche Lev’s activi- Mesamche Lev helped make Heartstrings ties, and with the Heartstrings auction draw- Body Transformation: and self-esteem. such a remarkable success. Mrs. Preizler ing. The winners were announced with Fitness And Nutrition Solution • Carefully constructed exercise rou- presented awards to Heartbuilders com- great fanfare, but there was no denying that Q. What is this new revolutionary tines that are unique and exciting, cus- mittee members Tziri Ashkenazi, Pessy every guest at the dinner and every partici- Body Transformation: Fitness and tomized to transform your entire body. Brettler, Chanie Elias, Gitty Englander, pant in the auction won the inestimable Nutrition program that you’re launching? • Personal one-on-one nutrition coun- Chany Gluck, Chani Heller, Dini Klein, zechus of supporting Mesamche Lev. O A. First, let me say how excited we are seling designed to enhance your metabo- Freida Schlesinger, and Ruchele Steif. to launch this program. We are the first in lism. Nutrition sessions include meal She then presented awards to the Scaturro Defends the market to come up with this concept plans, weigh-ins, measurements, and Heartbuilders, Leah Appel, Yides Ruchy Israel Blockade Actions of working in conjunction with select expert advice on combating appetite- Ashkenazi, Rivky Ashkenazi, Devora Frank Scaturro, Republican candidate restaurants so that their menus are com- stimulating foods. Bergman, Suri Brach, Baila Burger, Etty for United States Congress (NY-4), takes patible with our program. • Body Transformation approved Eisenberg, Pearl Gitty Englander, Chayala issue with a recent statement from Rep. Body Transformation is a program that menu choices will be available at select Feig, Toby Feig, Peri Feldheim, Malky Carolyn McCarthy. In response to the customizes your fitness and nutrition restaurants. Freund, Chanie Getter, Tzipah Glick, Chaya recent instigation and provocation program with the help of our dedicated We are so excited to begin this journey Rivky Gombo, Zissy Grussgott, Rivky against Israel on the flotilla heading instructors and nutritionist in order to with you. Please call to find out more Gutwein, Rivky Hersko, Rifka Reizy towards Hamas-held territory in Gaza, achieve your goals. about this great program! O Hoffman, Chayale Horowitz, Chana Bashy Rep. McCarthy said, “I want to express my This comprehensive program features Kaff, Baila Mindy Katz, Rivky Kaufman, deepest condolences to the families that Warren Levi holds a 6th-degree black belt in the following benefits: shotokan karate. He has a bachelors degree in Malky Landau, Rifky Meisels, Yides lost loved ones, and my thoughts remain • Intense fitness classes that builds physical education/exercise physiology. He has Mendlowitz, Tziri Moscowicz, Bruchie with those that were wounded and are won numerous world titles. Shihan (Master) lean muscle (in areas that you didn’t even Warren can be contacted at Parnes, Mattel Leah Parnes, Shavy still being treated . . .” know existed) and also increases stamina [email protected] or 516-569-0808. Scaturro responds, “To talk about the results of instigation without acknowledg- ment of the instigators is to ignore the entire moral dimension of what tran- spired. With every shred of evidence indi- cating that this flotilla intentionally sought a confrontation with Israel, ignoring orders to dock at Ashdod for cargo inspection, the so-called ‘peace activists’ aboard beat and savagely attacked Israeli troops who board- ed the ship. Rep. McCarthy’s sympathy seems focused on one side: that of the attackers. In a week that saw an international maelstrom of condemnation against the Jewish state, the congresswoman should have expressed solidarity with Israel and that no matter how hard Israel’s enemies try, they will never succeed at delegitimizing that nation and their right to self-defense.” O

Yeshiva Madreigas HaAdam: Getting It Just Right Meet Sruli. He attended a typical yeshiva high school and was a fairly good student. After high school, he went to Eretz Yisrael to study in yeshiva. There he excelled, growing in Torah and yir’as shamayim. Consequently, his parents gave him permission to return for shana bet. After two serious years of learning, he returned to America to begin his college career. Because Sruli took his college plans seriously, he arranged a college schedule that reflected that mindset, one that would allow him to take the courses required for his intended major and minor, with the best teachers. Having completed all the necessary paperwork to enroll and register, Sruli set about his next task, finding a yeshiva. His rebbeim in Eretz Yisrael impressed upon him the importance of enrolling in a serious yeshiva in America while attending college. The first yeshiva he visited would not accept him since he was attending college in the afternoon, during the yeshiva’s afternoon seder. The second yeshiva would not accept him either because he had a morning class three days a week from 11:00–11:50 a.m. He realized that the third yeshiva he visited would not be practical for him since his commutes between home, yeshiva, and college

Continued on Page 40 38 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Make Over Your Refrigerator

Sometimes a refrigerator can be a scary refrigerator raises its interior temperature. place to visit. You don’t know what you’re Instead, let foods cool at room tempera- going to find in there. Even though it is ture for at least half an hour before storing. packed, your family stands in front of the Toss it. Have a regular day when you fridge with the door open, complaining will throw out your unused, out-of-date, that there is nothing to eat. You go to the or spoiled food. Some people do this on grocery store and purchase jam, only to garbage day. I do it right before I grocery find there are two more jars hidden in the shop. That way, I can add last-minute fridge. If you’d like to have more space in items to my list, and I can put the food your fridge, keep your leftovers from away more easily in a clean fridge. spoiling too quickly, and find things Clean as you go. If you notice a spill, more easily, then follow these tips to help wipe it up with a wet cloth and a bit of you organize your fridge. antibacterial cleaning solution. Wipe off First, it’s important to know in which condiment jars before storing. Make sure zones in your fridge to keep what. the bottom of leftover containers have Knowing which section of your refrigera- been wiped off before putting on a shelf. tor is appropriate for each type of food Now that you know where to put will help you keep food longer and find everything in the fridge and how to keep what you need faster. Keep the fridge it organized, you’re sure to save time between 34° F and 40° F so the food does- looking for ingredients and save money n’t spoil but doesn’t freeze either. on repurchasing items you have or that The shelves on the door are the have spoiled prematurely. And you’ll take warmest place in the refrigerator, so keep- pleasure in opening a neat and organized ing butter in the butter compartment is refrigerator. not the best idea. The bottom interior shelf should hold your butter, cheese, and Golden Pan-Fried Fish other dairy products. Putting eggs in the With Roasted Chips built-in egg carton is also not necessary. Eggs are best left in the foam cartons so you can see the expiration date, and they stay colder on the bottom shelf along with your dairy products. The meat drawer is designed to be the coldest area of your refrigerator and is the best section to store meat. When your meat is prepackaged, just store it in the original packaging until you are ready to cook it. This reduces the risk of contami- nation from the package being handled by shelvers and other shoppers. If the package is dripping, you can wrap it in foil or a plastic zipper bag to avoid making a mess in the meat drawer. Jams, jellies, soda, beer, salad dressings, and condiments like ketchup, barbecue sauce, and mustard can be stored in the shelves on the door. These items aren’t as Ingredients: 1 easily spoiled in warmer temperatures. Plus, 2 lb. halibut fillets, 1 ⁄2" thick 1 you can easily see if you need to buy more 1 ⁄2 cups panko crumbs jam on your next shopping trip. The crisper (Japanese breadcrumbs) drawer is the most humid area of the fridge 1 Tbsp. finely chopped and is designed for your produce. The fresh Italian parsley humidity helps prevent produce items like 2 tsp. kosher salt celery stalks from wilting quickly. Apples, 2 tsp. finely grated lemon peel 1 though, should be stored in a paper bag. ⁄2 tsp. cayenne pepper Here are five tricks that can help you 3 large egg whites 1 free up space and keep the food fresh ⁄4 cup dark ale or non-alcoholic beer longer, which will save you time and 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil money at the store. prepared tartar sauce Quick and tight. Put away your leftover and lemon wedges for serving food as soon as possible. The quicker it is Directions: 1 refrigerated, the less chance there is for Cut fish into 4" x 1 ⁄4 rectangular sticks. bacteria to grow. And using a tightly seal- Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Combine ing container ensures that bacteria don’t next five ingredients in large bowl. Whisk have any air to use, either. egg whites and ale in medium bowl. Add Let it cool. Don’t put your vegetable fish to ale mixture and turn to coat. soup straight from the stove into the refrigerator. Putting warm foods in the Continued on Page 41 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HEALTH SECTION June 25, 2010 39 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS been helping young men like Shimmy Continued from Page 38 reach their potential and maximize their growth. The rosh hayeshiva, Harav Moshe would be almost an hour each. Having Faskowitz, mara d’asra of the Torah Center run out of ideas, Sruli pursued plan B, and of Hillcrest and a renowned lamdan, arranged a chavrusa with a friend he met meya’eitz, and motivator, and the menahel, in Eretz Yisrael. Since their differing sched- Harav Avraham Yitzchak Berman, a veter- ules provided only a short mutual win- an mechanech from Far Rockaway, togeth- dow, they agreed to learn three days a er with several other talented rabbeim and week for 40 minutes, on the college cam- talmidei chachamim, have molded young pus. Their seder was uneventful for two men such as Shimmy and imbued in them weeks. On the third week, however, Sruli a desire to maximize their spiritual growth had a big test in his hardest course and he in their available time, without undue missed their seder for two days to study. pressure. When talmidim of Yeshiva In the following week, Sruli’s chavrusa Madreigas HaAdam leave the four walls of had a paper to write so he skipped seder to the yeshiva, they take with them the tools do research and to write. By the time to be successful ba’alei batim: learners and midterms arrived, their seder was history. earners, who contribute to their commu- With no significant Torah study to anchor Rabbi Moshe Faskowitz and Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Berman nities in every way; young men of princi- him, Sruli spent more time with ‘friends of Yeshiva Madreigas HaAdam. ples and integrity, who are equipped to of friends.’ By the end of his first semester, help mold the future of Am Yisrael. his two years in Eretz Yisrael were but a Yeshiva Madreigas HaAdam is located memory, and Sruli continued to slip. since college is so close to the yeshiva, would help him bolster his learning skills; at 165-14 69th Avenue in Hillcrest, just a This scenario repeats itself quite con- Shimmy could still arrive in yeshiva by sessions on responsibility, shidduchim few minutes from Touro College (Queens) sistently. What other options did Sruli 10:30 on those days and join his chavrusa and marriage; and a wonderful chevrah. and from Queens College. For more infor- have? for most of shiur, and musar. In short, Shimmy discovered exactly mation, visit the yeshiva office, located at Meet Shimmy. He, too, was fortunate On the first day of the zman, Shimmy what he, his parents, and his rabbeim in 69-13 172nd Street in Hillcrest, or call the enough to learn in Eretz Yisrael, albeit for went to ‘check out the yeshiva’ and found Eretz Yisrael wanted for him and knew he office at 718-969-8501. O only one year. Having returned to exactly what he was looking for: a yeshiva needed: a yeshiva that will encourage America, Shimmy is a serious yeshiva stu- of fine, clean-cut young men like himself, him to develop his mind, his skills, and Palmach War Hero Begins dent, learning and growing in Torah and who were excited about growing in Torah his personality, and at the same time give Speaking Tour For Jewish Youth yir’as shamayim while attending college. and yir’as shamayim, while pursuing their him the space and the spiritual strength- Apprehensive about the lack of pride What did Shimmy do differently than college careers seriously; a warm, nurtur- ening he needs to excel in college. Having and sense of mission among Jewish teens, Sruli? Shimmy called Yeshiva Madreigas ing environment, serious but not ‘oppres- finished his first year in Yeshiva a veteran of Israel’s War of Independence, HaAdam before he registered for the sive’; a rosh hayeshiva and rabbeim he Madreigas HaAdam and college, Shimmy Palmach commander Mordechai semester. The menahel, Rabbi Berman, could respect and who appreciate him is the perfect example of a young man Schwartz has begun a speaking tour with gave him pointers on arranging his sched- and could relate to him; a Shacharis min- who was given a chance to succeed and his son, Rabbi Avi Schwartz, to revive the ule so that he could have a cohesive seder yan that was just right—no talking, not rose to the challenge of becoming a great spirit of dedication latent within in the yeshiva. All his classes except one too fast or too slow; a yeshiva with shi- mature and responsible adult. Jewish youth. The third generation were in the afternoon; he had a morning urim on several levels, including his level; For over a decade, Yeshiva Madreigas Jerusalemite, Schwartz fought in some of class twice a week, from 9:00–10:15. But a musar seder with his rebbi; a rebbi who HaAdam, located in Hillcrest, Queens, has Jerusalem’s most ferocious battles such as

40 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HEALTH SECTION Bab el Wad, Katamoun, and Mount Zion. one memorable act that personified the build normal and stable homes that will THE DISH He was invited to speak at a special Yom purity of the Jewish warrior. produce generations of Torah Jews. While Continued from Page 39 Yerushalayim observance sponsored by During a successful commando raid to their success is directly the work of dedi- four West Hempstead synagogues. “borrow” weapons from a British army cated staff across Eretz Yisrael, it would Shake off excess, then turn fish in panko “All of Israel is holy, but Jerusalem is camp, Schwartz and his comrades were not be possible without the ongoing and mixture to coat all sides. Place on plate. the crown, the jewel atop the crest,” said assisted by a Jewish painter working in precious underpinning of chesed of all Heat 3 tablespoons oil in large skillet event organizer David Scher. “This event the army camp. The Jewish painter who their supporters. over medium-high heat. Add half of fish should give us a better appreciation in helped the fighters carry out their scheme NNN sticks. Cook until golden and just opaque quashing the idea of giving away was shot in the stomach by a British sol- Ezra P. was brought by his mother in center, about 2 minutes per side. Jerusalem.” And so began the evening. dier guarding the ammunition house. from Ramat Dan. Aside from what he was Repeat with remaining fish sticks, adding Presenting his father’s battles, the Schwartz confronted the soldier with an wearing, he arrived without a stitch of more oil to skillet as necessary. Transfer younger Schwartz recounted his father’s ax, but instead of taking a life for a life, he clothing. He comes from a single-parent, to paper towels to drain and sprinkle experiences verbatim. Rabbi Schwartz’s turned the ax on its blunt side, and sim- poverty stricken home. His mother is with salt and pepper. Serve with lemon dynamic and moving portrayal inspired ply knocked the soldier unconscious. nominally religious and said that she real- wedges and tartar sauce. the audience. “A real speaker, charismat- “Can you imagine a 19-year-old having ized that only in a makom Torah is there Ingredients & Directions for Chips: ic and powerful, Rabbi Schwartz has a that type of moral composure? That’s any possibility that her child will not 2 large unpeeled Yukon Gold potatoes, way to move people. I never saw the sit- how one act demonstrated the Jewish become a street-child. He needs to see cut into 6–8 wedges uation of 1948 before like this. I can’t soul,” said his son. Kiddush, to feel a life of Torah, and to 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil believe it. The Palmachnikim were Recounting the heroic deeds of his receive loads of love. She heard that there 2 tsp. sea salt teenagers. The amount of mesiras nefesh teenage comrades as the Palmach faced was a mossad that could supply all three Preheat oven to 450°. Toss ingredients (self-sacrifice) they did for other Jews nearly insurmountable odds, Schwartz and and that has never turned a child away. in medium bowl to coat. Arrange on was astounding,” said Aaron Cohen, a his son have that rare ability to make audi- With tears streaming down her cheeks rimmed baking sheet with points facing member of the audience. ences, especially the young, place them- she begged Rabbi Yakov Frankel to give up. Roast 20 minutes, then reduce heat to “In the desert, there was a new kind of selves within the historical period while him a home. Just to witness his sheer 400°. Roast until wedges are tender and Jew. They did not see themselves as sec- inspiring them to recognize their potential. delight when he was given his own space golden, about 30 minutes. ond-class citizens,” recounted Rabbi “The way they took care of each other is and closet brought tears to the eyes of Schwartz. “It was something we did not incredible.” said an audience member.” Rabbi Frankel who has seen it all. Eating quality, delicious meals is easy when all the work is done for you. Hire a personal chef to experience in 2,000 years.” “We must step “The mission of the Palmach is to serve the N NN prepare your dinners, Shabbos meals, or small back one minute before the state was Jewish people. Our job now is to inspire May-July has been a hectic time for parties. For more information, contact Take Home Chef personal chef services by calling 516-858- declared and realize the mindset of that the youth and help them realize their great Rabbi Frankel. Any parent knows that for 0215, writing to [email protected], or time. The Palmachnikim, though most potential, said the elder Schwartz. their eighth graders it is a tense time visiting www.TakeHomeChef.net. were not religious, felt a deep responsibil- To book the Palmach commander about getting into and getting ready for a ity of fulfilling their forefathers’ dream of please contact [email protected]. O new yeshiva. Bechinos, fahrherren, and returning home and redeeming the souls ‘checking out’ different places—Is it suit- of the victims of the Shoah. Remember Chesed L’Avraham Success Stories able? Will my boy be happy there? Will the nation was overwhelmed with grief Below are just a few of the briefs of he make friends? WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? and shock. The honor of Hashem’s name children in the Chesed L’Avraham homes. Well, multiply that attention and con- E-MAIL US AT and the Jewish People was at stake.” Each child has his story and each one cern by 10, 12, or 15—all at the same time! A commander in the elite Portzim unit, comes with his pain. The aim of Chesed Another group of eighth graders from [email protected] Mordechai Schwartz was given the name L’Avraham is to give them faith and secu- Motzke HaGarzen, the Ax Man, due to rity so that can become bnei Torah and Continued on Page 42

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HEALTH SECTION June 25, 2010 41 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS came to Chesed L’Avraham from a broken Junior Division Championship Game, arate seating for men and women. Merkaz home in Bnei Brak. By the time she was Kingsway defeated Shaare Zion. O HaSimcha is wheelchair accessible. Continued from Page 41 bas mitzvah, she was well on her way to This year’s annual Flatbush Tishah B’Av Chesed Bnei Brak is due to move on to becoming a bas Yisrael in the fullest sense Rabbi Dovid Weinberger To Speak program will be held Monday night, July yeshiva. It is no small move. They are of the word. And that was when, for an At Flatbush Shivah Asar B’Tammuz 19 and Tuesday, July 20. The Tishah B’Av about to leave the safety of Chesed unknown reason, her mother took her Program, June 29 Kinus is being moved back to Ateres L’Avraham which has been their home for away and the Chesed staff never heard By Daniel Keren Chynka, 129 Elmwood Avenue (near over six years—at least half their lives. from her. This summer, when the Chesed Rabbi Dovid Weinberger and Rabbi McDonald Avenue). For more informa- They each need to be in an appropriate L’Avraham day camp began, she arrived, Hanoch Teller will be speaking on the fast tion, please call 718-998-5822. O environment and Rav Frankel fulfills the threw her arms around the em habayit day of Shivah Asar B’Tammuz, Tuesday, role of a loving father to the nth degree. and amid sobs and smiles she said that June 29 at Merkaz HaSimcha, 1898 Bay Touro Colleges Award 682 Degrees Like in any family, yeshiva placement she was back until she walks under the Avenue (near Avenue M and East 18th At 36th Annual Commencement can often be not only a challenge, but full chupah. It took two years for her to per- Street) in Flatbush. The program, organ- Touro College recognized 682 candi- of surprises as well. Chaim H. had been a suade her mother to permit her to return ized by Torah Connections and hosted by dates for graduation at its 36th annual Chesed challenge. Over the years there to Chesed L’Avraham. Merkaz HaSimcha, will begin with commencement exercises, held the have been so many changes for the better, N NN Minchah at 6:45 p.m. evening of May 30 at Lincoln Center’s and he was on the way to becoming a true Rachel S. comes from Bet Shemesh Rabbi Weinberger, the mara d’asra of Avery Fisher Hall. ben Torah. Rabbi Frankel had researched a where her father is a tzedakah collector Congregation Shaaray Tefila in Lawrence, At the ceremonies, 578 baccalaureate good yeshiva for the coming school year and is never at home. Chesed has given will speak after Minchah at about 7:15 p.m. and 104 associate degrees were awarded and signed him up. However, just a week her life a purpose, and she has been at on the timely topic of “Zeicher L’Churban to graduates from five of Touro’s schools before the summer vacation he decided Chesed for over five years. Shlomo K, a in Halacha and Agadita.” Rabbi Teller, dedicated to preserving and enhancing that he didn’t want to go to this yeshiva. wonderful bachur from Petach Tikva, was renowned author, producer, and educator Jewish heritage: Lander College of Arts So, like a tatte, Rabbi Frankel began afresh learning in Yeshiva Kfar Ganin with Rav from Yerushalayim will follow with a talk and Sciences in Flatbush, Lander College and found him another yeshiva. Chaim Greineman. The mashgiach at the yeshi- on “Perspectives for the Three Weeks.” for Men in Queens, Lander College for cannot wait for the new year. va, who learns in the afternoon kollel of The purpose of the Three-Week pro- Women-The Anna Ruth and Mark Hasten N N N Chesed L’Avraham in Bnei Brak, made the grams (Shivah Asar B’Tammuz and Tishah School in Manhattan, the School for “I don’t want my Baruch to leave shidduch. On Monday of Parashas B’Av) which have been conducted in Lifelong Education, and Machon Chesed L’Avraham,” wept his mother in Pinchas the tanaim took place and last Flatbush by Torah Connections for more L’Parnasa-Institute for Professional front of Rabbi Frankel. “I know he is fin- Thursday the latest Chesed wedding took than 25 years is to sensitize the Jewish Studies. Taken together, the schools edu- ishing the eighth grade, but where will he place amid great simcha. O community to the causes and conse- cate close to 2,000 students. go. He has no father. You, Rav Frankel, quences of our long exile from Eretz The program began with remarks from and the av and em habayit are really his YI Of West Hempstead Basketball Yisrael, and our responsibility to take Dr. Mark Hasten, chairman of the Board of parents. Yes, I gave birth to him, but you On Sunday, May 23, The Young Israel of steps to end the galus quickly. Trustees of Touro College and Touro have given him life.” Rav Frankel prom- West Hempstead Basketball team won Admission to the Shivah Asar University, who paid tribute to his long- ised her that no matter in which yeshiva the 2010 National Council of Young Israel B’Tammuz program is $10 per person or time friend and partner, Touro’s founding Baruch will be enrolled, he and the Basketball Championship—Senior $30 per family. To help subsidize the enor- president Rabbi Dr. Bernard Lander. Dr. Chesed staff members would keep in Division, by defeating Lev Bonim in a mous costs of organizing the Shivah Asar Lander passed away in February at the age touch with him and give the emotional thrilling game by the score of 42-39. In the B’Tammuz and the Tishah B’Av programs, of 94. He then introduced the new leader- and other support that he needs. Intermediate Championship, the Young sponsorships from members of the com- ship with great enthusiasm and confi- NNN Israel of Jamaica Estates defeated Beth munity are welcome. The entire commu- Ora C. was ten years old when she Shalom in a very exciting game. In the nity is invited to attend. There will be sep- Continued on Page 45

42 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 43 ALIYAH CHRONICLE wasn’t even in doubt. including the various family crises She was a true partner with us in making Continued from Page 29 She has not only passed, she has which should have made it impossible Chaya’s journey so fulfilling. She went excelled. She has certainly earned the for her. She can be difficult at times (I through so much with Chaya and with have to buckle down and get incredibly diploma that she was awarded, and she think that is the Katz side), but has an us, and we are grateful to her. serious about academics. She could not did it by wholeheartedly embracing her intensely beautiful soul. But most importantly, we are proud of afford to play games with school any- new school, her new friends, and her new She could not have done anything our terrific kid. She goes about her busi- more, she needed to focus on learning life. She is proof that you can be a teenage without the support of a terrific group of ness in a very unassuming way, avoiding and studying. Together, they outlined a olah and still be successful. friends at her school, Ulpanat Gila. I attention and shying away from acco- series of mandatory classes that Chaya We are excited for Chaya, who has thank them for being so open to Chaya, lades. I normally avoid talking about her, needed to pass in order to graduate; been the trailblazer for her younger sib- for making her a part of their lives, and but she will be in the U.S. for the next she was exempted from the majority of lings. She has so much to look forward to for being such terrific friends. Mazal tov month and I know she will see this paper the electives. (when you see her, please feel free to We did not know what to expect. We wish her a mazal tov). hoped that Chaya would work hard So Chaya, I want you to know how enough to pass. We were prepared to aug- We had a simple goal: we needed to make proud we are of you. We know how ment her studies with tutors (as do most much you have been through these parents) and give her whatever assistance sure that Chaya could go to college if she past four years. Each time we thought we could to prepare her, but knew that it we were over the hump, another curve- all depended on Chaya’s ability to do ball came our way. Yet, you have perse- what she had never really done before— chose and that our aliyah would not vered and risen to the challenge and excel academically. filled us with wonder at your accom- Chaya blew us all away. I have never cripple that possibility. plishments. We look forward to so seen such an outstanding transforma- much more from you and your siblings tion. She worked incredibly hard and was and hope you are a rebuke to all those more focused on school than we had any in the U.S. who say that teens cannot reason to expect. She studied and stud- and so much to experience along the to Sarah Fuchs, Leah Fingerer, and be success stories. They can, and you ied, and the work paid off. She wasn’t just way. She will be the first of our children Miriam Kinberg (all former Five Towners) are. Way to go, strawberry girl! O passing her exams—she was scoring in to fulfill national service (she will be as well as Ayelet Gross and Noa Aronson. Shmuel Katz works at Machon Puah, a non-profit the 90s on them, regularly. working in a senior citizen’s residence We hope that your families all enjoy your fertility organization that provides, worldwide, At the end of Grade 10, we went for a this upcoming year) and will be the first wonderful success. free halachic and medical counseling, year recap meeting with the principal. one of them to go to an Israeli university I also need to make a special mention independent supervision of fertility treatments, and educational programming. Shmuel, his wife At the meeting, remembering the dis- (we hope). of her principal, Mrs. Yael VanDyke. Goldie, and their six children made aliyah in July cussion from the year before, I asked She has flowered here. She has Israeli born, she trained herself to speak of 2006. Prior to his aliyah, Shmuel was the executive director of the Yeshiva of South Shore in her if Chaya would be allowed to stay in become such a complete person, American English without a trace of an Hewlett. You can contact him at the school for Grade 11? She laughed. It despite all the trials and tribulations, accent, because she wanted to get it right. [email protected].

44 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION

AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS aged the new graduates to remain opti- resigned themselves to the status quo, my people all around the world have been mistic and to “retain a commitment to the father, brimming with confidence and learning two mishnayot every day with Continued from Page 42 purpose of our existence,” adding their full of faith, never stopped building. the aim of completing the entire Shas (all dence: Alan Kadish, M.D., who succeeded purpose is not “individual self-improve- Where others advocated compromise six sedarim of the Mishnah). The Mishnah Dr. Lander as president and CEO, and Rabbi ment, but rather the need to build a moral and change, my father remained strong Yomis learning program covers and Doniel Lander, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Ohr and superior society. You have been given and steadfast. His optimism never waned, includes every tractate of the oral law, the tools to help do this. As you move his faith never wavered, and his drive to including those masechtos without toward the future, always be aware of the strengthen Jewish life globally and to Gemara (Talmud Bavli or Yerushalmi). past—the past of the great Jewish ethical, respond to all of the needs of all people Many of those tractates are rarely learned moral, and scholarly traditions.” never diminished.” as part of the curriculum in formal yeshi- Touro’s new chancellor, Rabbi Doniel Valedictories were presented by four stu- va study, and their study is thus of very Lander, then spoke movingly about his dents: Leah Lederer, Lander College of Arts great value. Plus, Mishnah Yomis study father and offered encouragement and and Sciences; Azriel Halberstam, Lander incorporates subjects that deal with every inspiration to the new graduates: “In you, College of Arts and Sciences; Yossi Teichman, important aspect of Jewish law, holiness, my dear graduates, my father saw the ful- Lander College for Men; and Miriam Levy- and Eretz Yisrael, areas frequently not fillment of a promise. Young men and Haim, Lander College for Women–the Anna studied by even very learned individuals. women who will enter the workplace Ruth and Mark Hasten School. The Mishnah Yomis learning was initiated confident and committed. To be sure, By the end of the commencement sea- by the leading Torah sages as the most there will be challenges ahead, but you son, Touro College will have awarded a total appropriate remembrance for the one will meet them head-on with determina- of 5,240 doctor of philosophy, doctor of and a half million children who were tion in the public arena as well as in your osteopathic medicine, juris doctor, master’s, murdered by the Nazis, yemach shemam private lives.” baccalaureate, and associate degrees. O vezichrom, during the Shoah (Holocaust). In introducing a video honoring his Those participating in this holy endeavor father, Rabbi Lander told the audience: Mishnah Yomis Gala Siyum are studying the tractates that those pure “Where others saw an unfavorable out- And Community Celebration little souls never had the opportunity to come and accepted defeat, my father saw By Rabbi Aaron E. Glatt, MD learn themselves. a positive result and opportunities for For nearly six years now, since the Rabbi Doniel Lander, Rosh Yeshiva of growth and rebirth. Where others 22nd of Tishrei 5765 (Oct. 7, 2004), Jewish Continued on Page 46 Yeshivas Ohr Hachaim, paying tribute to his late father, Dr. Bernard Lander.

Alan M. Kadish, M.D., presiding over one of his first commencements as newly appointed president and CEO of Touro College and Touro University.

Hachaim in Queens, as chancellor. President Kadish spoke eloquently about Dr. Lander’s vision and achievements in building Touro into a multi-faceted glob- al network of colleges and institutions. “Today is the first Touro graduation without Dr. Lander. He was the essence of our institution—a brilliant, tireless visionary who in the latter part of his life exemplified the ful- fillment of the vision that G-d passed on to our ancestors—to build the world,” the president said. Turning to the graduates of 2010, he observed they are leaving college at a time of many paradoxes. “In some ways, we are in a better place than we have ever been,” the president said, noting the study of Torah has blossomed, society has witnessed inconceivable technological advances, and modern day Israel represents “a remarkable place where Jews can live and learn freely for the first time in two millennia, and where Torah, science and entrepreneurship thrive.” At the same time, he reminded the graduates that they face immense challenges, citing high unemployment, stag- nant wages, ethical scandals, and continued anti-Semitism. The president encour- 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION June 25, 2010 45 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS with Minchah, which will then be fol- Machon Basya Rochel and others. Course offerings will Continued from Page 45 lowed by a siyum shalosh seudos, given by Hosts Shiur For Young Women include machsheves Yisrael, Tanach, the magidei shiur of the Mishnah Yomis at On Tuesday June 22, Machon Basya halachah, and more. There is just one week before the the Young Israel (Elliott Platt, Jonathan Rochel, the seminary of the Five Towns Machon Basya Rochel is seeking stu- Jewish Torah world completes the latest Polansky, Avi Schreier, and Dr. Yonie and Rockaways, hosted a shiur for girls dents striving to maximize their knowl- cycle of Mishnah study on the 24th of Zinberg) as well as other Mishnah Yomis returning from their year in Israel. edge, awareness, and commitments as Tammuz (July 3, 2010), but the Five Towns learners. Everyone in the community is Seminary Menaheles, Rebbetzin Aviva Jewish women at this pivotal time in their community is getting an early jump on most welcome to attend all or part of the Feiner, spoke on the topic of “Leaving the lives. An optional midyear trip to Eretz the celebration. Because the July 3 program, and more importantly, to pre- land of kedushah, while maintaining Yisrael will provide an exciting opportuni- Shabbos is not the best time to have a pare to start the next cycle of learning your kedushah” to over 40 young women. ty to draw inspiration from its Torah per- community event as many people might themselves with the first two mishnayos Mechanechet Debra Green was also on sonalities and mekomos kedoshim. Other be away, the entire Jewish community is of Brachos, on July 4. What a way to cele- hand to answer questions about the special events, guest speakers, and invited to a very special Shabbos celebra- brate your independence from the upcoming inaugural year of Machon Shabbatonim will enhance the warm and tion this Shabbos afternoon, Parashas ungodliness of the world! Basya Rochel. inviting atmosphere that students experi- Balak, at the Young Israel of Woodmere, The beauty of the Mishnah Yomis pro- Machon Basya Rochel is opening in ence each day at the seminary. 6:45–8:00 p.m. Please join your fellow gram is that it is for everyone, regardless response to the needs of our local young Rebbetzin Feiner, an internationally community members from all shuls in of background in learning and time con- women, especially recent high school recognized lecturer, brings years of expe- the neighborhood to show kavod straints. Those with the time and ability graduates and those returning from Eretz rience at seminaries in Eretz Yisrael, hav- haTorah, respect and honor for the to do in depth intricate learning are of Yisrael. Machon Basya Rochel will pres- ing taught and guided students for many Torah—even if you haven’t (yet!) complet- course the optimal participants who will ent a unique program of intellectually years at B’not Torah Institute, Bnos ed this learning yourself. gain the most out of the program, But, stimulating and challenging courses Chava, Darchei Bina, and other institu- This special Shabbos will be a wonder- even those with only five minutes a day with practical application in mind. In tions. She is the co-founder of the highly ful chance for Jews from the entire neigh- to spare also complete the study cycle in Rebbetzin Feiner’s words: “We are look- successful post-seminary Chochmas borhood to exhibit tremendous Torah the same six years. All you need to do is ing to enhance each young woman’s Nashim learning program in Jerusalem, achdus (unity) in the service of Hashem. find a few minutes each day out of your commitment to a Torah life as well as her where she lectured weekly on Tanach. The event is co-sponsored by all of the busy schedule, and pick the method of skills in Hebrew textual learning, and She is currently the Rebbetzin of shuls of the community, and many rab- learning of your choice—iPod, Internet, view each student as a unique individual Congregation Kneseth Israel (“The White bonim in the community will address the CD, tape, chevrusa, shiur, or English or with her own personal talents, struggles, Shul”) in Far Rockaway. In addition to her crowd. The one hour program of divrei Hebrew translation of the Mishnah, to and aspirations.” many duties at the shul, Rebbetzin Feiner Torah and chizuk will include amongst the secure your share of olam ha’ba. By learn- Since the initial announcement, the serves as a kallah teacher, organizes com- speakers (in alphabetical order) Rabbi ing just two mishnayos a day, you will response has been remarkable. There munity events, and cooks gourmet for a Hershel Billet, shlita, (rav, Young Israel of slowly but surely gain a basic knowledge has been an outpouring of interest both constant flow of Shabbos and yom tov Woodmere), Rabbi Yitzchak Frankel, shlita in all of the six sidrei Mishnah. In less here and abroad by young women inter- guests. She earned her B.A. in psychology (rav, Agudath Israel of the 5 Towns), Rabbi than six years, you too can become a true ested in joining the seminary. MBR from Queens College, a master’s degree in Simcha Lefkowitz, shlita (rav, Congegation learner of all Shas! boasts a dynamic and talented faculty special education from Johns Hopkins Anshei Chesed), Rabbi Zvi Ralbag, shlita Please make every effort to participate including Rabbi Dovid Weinberger, Mrs. University, and studied in Bnos Chava (rav, Congregation Bais Ephraim Yitzchok), in this great siyum in some way. The terri- Debra Green, Mrs. Elisheva Liss, and Seminary in Israel. and Rabbi Shaya Richmond, shlita (rav, ble disruptions in our unity that cause so Mrs. Yocheved Shonek and guest lectur- MBR Mechaneches Mrs. Debra Green Congregation Beis Tefillah). much trouble for the Jewish people are ers that include Rabbi Eytan Feiner, is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and The formal divrei Torah component of best healed by communal Torah study— Rebbetzin Bryna Bender, Rebbetzin has been a resident of Far Rockaway for the afternoon program will conclude the ultimate unifier of Klal Yisrael. O Tehila Jaeger, Mrs. Debbie Greenblatt, 15 years. She is a graduate of the Bais

46 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION Yaakov of Baltimore and Michlalah economic fabric of our communities. Mr. Getter, Amanda Jacobs, Rivka Jodlo, Jerusalem College for Woman where she Sienov represents the highest caliber of Tziporah Kanal, Laureen Nacco, Leah earned a certificate in teaching. She direct-support professional.” Rappaport, Ruby Rappaport, Natan earned a BA from Yeshiva University The ANCOR award is judged on criteria Santacruz, Johnny Segal, Leonid Stern College for Women and is a candi- in concert with the overall philosophy of Shmukler, Carly Traiman, Nechama date for a masters in Jewish history from ANCOR’s national advocacy campaign. Yadgerova, and Avital Wellerstein. Each of Touro College. Among other criteria, nominees are the graduates was presented with HASC Mrs. Green has taught Judaic studies, judged on their effectiveness in building Center certificates of recognition by Judy served as the senior mechanechet, and social networks, meaningful and produc- Golowa, director of staff training and was the director of Israel guidance for tive participation in the community for development. girls at the Hebrew Academy of the Five person(s) served, and advocating or effect- HASC Center is a not-for-profit agency Towns and Rockaway for the past 14 ing change on behalf of people with dis- serving the needs of people with develop- L–R: Gavriel Sienov, recipient of the NYS years. She keeps connection with her ANCOR award; Shmiel Kahn, executive abilities. mental disabilities. It touches the lives of numerous alumni, being a contact and director of HASC; and Dr. Chaim Wakslak, “ANCOR evaluated 231 nominations of hundreds of people every day through its guide as they navigate their next stage in clinical director of HASC. highly qualified DSPs in selecting the residential programs, day programs, voca- life. She also devotes her time to being a national and state winners,” said ANCOR tional training opportunities, case man- kallah teacher for local girls. CEO Renee Pietrangelo. “Mr. Sienov’s agement services, family support pro- Mrs. Green and her husband have been lectual disabilities. Thanks to these indefatigable commitment to improving grams, respite services, at-home residential involved for many years in chinuch and professionals, people with disabilities people’s access to and participation in the habilitation, and medical/rehabilitation kiruv in the neighborhood. Their home is are able to live fulfilling and independ- community-at-large is worthy of public services and therapies. HASC Center has a welcome place for their students and ent lives and be active participants in recognition as well as our utmost regard served people with developmental disabili- Mrs. Green’s kochos, both in and out of their communities. and respect.” ties for over 40 years, offering a standard the classroom, will play a key role in “It is important to recognize the vital Also recognized at this reception were of excellence that aims to “build futures, developing a new level of chinuch for services provided by Mr. Sienov and employees who spent 500 hours com- one person at a time.” For more informa- seminary-aged girls in the Far Rockaway direct-support professionals throughout pleting the “college of direct support” tion about HASC Center call 718-535-1953 and Five Towns communities. the country,” said Peter Kowalski, presi- core curriculum. The graduates are or visit www.hasccenter.com. O It is appropriate that Machon Basya dent of ANCOR. “They make an incredibly Deborah Ashenfarb, Glenn Cushman, Rochel is named after Rose Edelman, important contribution to the social and Joseph Friedman, Jennifer Garber, Chava Continued on Page 49 mother of Lawrence community member Alex Edelman. A woman of uncommon courage, she was known to have saved many lives during her time in concentration camps. She serves as a role model for young Jewish women everywhere. For more information and to request an application e-mail [email protected] or call 718-355-8900. O

HASC Center Announces Award-Winning Employee HASC Center hosted an employee recognition reception in honor of Gavriel Sienov, the recipient of ANCOR’s (the American Network of Community Options and Resources) New York State 2010 Direct Support Professional of the Year award. Gavriel Sienov works in HASC Center’s Ditmas Avenue residence. “This honor is a reflection of Gavriel’s commitment, dedication, and selflessness as well as the quality services provided by HASC Center,” said Shmiel Kahn, executive director. Dr. Chaim Wakslak, clinical director, thanked all of HASC Center’s dedicated support professionals on behalf of the entire agency. “This is only a small token of appreciation for all that our staff does, for the time, the care, the love, and the enthusiasm that they bring to their job each day,” stated Dr. Wakslak. At the reception, Surie Englard, director of day services, recognized all of HASC Center’s nominees for this award, representing many of the diverse programs offered by HASC Center for adults with disabilities. The nominees for this award are Sol Elfassy, Flatbush Day Program; Dovid Fohrman, Day Program Without Walls; Yoeli Friedman, Williamsburg Day Program; Rimmah Gorenbukh, Avenue H Residence; Yuti Kluger, 50th Street Residence; Sara Nathan, East 35th Street Residence; Linda Spira, Young Women’s Chayeinu Day Program; and Dovid Bloom, Young Men’s Yeshiva Day Program. Surie Englard spoke about each nominee’s kindness, professionalism, and total devotion to the individuals they serve. Direct support professionals—often referred to as caregivers, personal assistants, and direct-care workers— provide daily support services for individuals with developmental and intel- 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION June 25, 2010 47 MindBiz Continued from Page 34

tell her that if she marries without your approval, she’s totally on her own financially? You’re free to take a stand, though it’s not always so easy. Regarding the wedding, I would not encourage you to make it at this time. If George’s parents make something, I would show up as a guest, assuming you’re invited, put a smile on your face, and get through the event. But that’s as involved as I think you ought to be with the entire shindig. Otherwise, you’re sending mixed messages. I think it’s important to be true to yourself and con- sistent with your message. Namely, that our actions have con- sequences. That we can’t always get what we want, when we want it. There are often compelling reasons why we need to look at the big picture and practice patience. Eva and George may not get it now, but trust me—as soon as those first bills start showing up, and the stress of maintaining a home and a relationship starts affecting their good times, they will quickly begin to understand what you were trying to explain to them. I know this is very hard for you and your husband. I’m sure you’ve always pictured Eva’s wedding as a time that would be filled with pure joy and excitement. I’m sure you anticipated planning the wedding with Eva, down to every last detail, happily sharing the most wonderful day of her life. And now something so precious has turned into something stress- ful and disconcerting. And so goes life when we least suspect. Though I encourage you to stick to your guns and stay true to your belief system, I do want to add the fact that marriage is a funny thing. Like most aspects of life, it’s often full of surprises. We try to do it right from the get- go, but sometimes even when we think we’ve done all our homework properly we still get burnt and the marriage fails to thrive and succeed. And sometimes, just sometimes, people marry when they are still very young, hardly even knowing what they are doing, but somehow manage to build a fabulous and happy life together as a couple and ultimately as a family. That’s what we call mazel, and we see it all the time. So should Eva and George go ahead with their plans shortly, with or without your blessings, remember that although it may not make any sense to you, there is still the chance that it will work out and they may live happily ever after. Stranger things have happened. Esther

Esther Mann, LMSW, is a psychotherapist in Lawrence. Esther can be reached at 516-314-2295 or [email protected]. She works with individuals, couples, and families. 48 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 47 Croton Softball League, Week 7 By Evan Blachman Sunday Crew 12, Meridian/Triple Net 0. 7:00 p.m. start sharp! By 7:30, Meridian/Triple Net only had four guys and were forced to start. Going down 1…2…3… they headed to the field. Luckily three more showed up. Sunday Crew easily went up 4-0 but then all the stars of Meridian/Triple Net arrived. With Sunday Crew leading 4-0, I still would have put my money on Meridian/Triple Net with nine players, however it’s a good thing I didn’t. Dov Snow finally got his doctor’s approval and was back in form, going three for three and knocking in four RBIs. Sorry boys but this one ended with a mercy rule. 5TLobos 7, Hitmen 5. From the beginning to end this was a close one. A few early runs and the Hitmen seemed to cruise as usual. 5TLobos really wanted this one as they exploded for six runs in one inning to take this rubber match game. An excellent game by pitcher Ushi Rosen, as he was mowing down guys all night. O

Court Throws Out 1.4 Million Shekel Suit Against Yad L’Achim Missionaries in southern Israel were handed a resounding defeat last week when the Be’er Sheva Magistrate’s Court threw out their suit against Yad L’Achim and Be’er Sheva’s Chief Rabbi, Rav Yehuda Deri. Not only did the judge reject the missionaries’ demand for NIS 1.4 million in compensation, he ordered them to pay Yad L’Achim and Rav Deri NIS 1,000 each and to cover their legal expenses, which, the missionaries themselves say, topped $40,000. In their suit, the plaintiffs claimed that Yad L’Achim had learned of a baptism ceremony to be held for Jews on Shabbos and disrupted the event using violence. Yad L’Achim was accused of trespassing, vandalism, and inciting others to riot at the scene. Rav Deri, who was notified in advance of the event by Yad L’Achim and conducted a public tefillah outside the facility where the baptism was to be held, was similarly accused of trespassing, vandalism, and incitement to violence. In his lengthy ruling, the judge pointed to several contradictions and outright lies in the missionaries’ claims: In their original suit, they said Yad L’Achim had falsely claimed that a baptism was being held in the facility. During the trial, they retracted that charge. The missionary, Howard Bass, claimed that Rav Deri had entered the premises of the Messianic congregation, but later admitted that he never saw the rav inside the facility. He conceded that his “knowledge” of the rav’s whereabouts came from the radio and Internet. Bass also claimed that Yad L’Achim incited the crowd against him and his cult and that all the damages resulted from this incitement. His “proof” was a newspaper article publicized after the event on Yad L’Achim statements regarding the dangers of missionaries. Bass had no logical answer to the judge’s question of how an article appearing after the event could have incited violence at the facility. Moreover, the judge said the mis-

Continued on Page 50 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 49

AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS MKs and demand that they amend the enjoyed delicious ice cream and milk- program will be administrated by the missionary law in Israel in a way that bans shakes, a reward for a job well done. O Department of Social Services at 40 sites Continued from Page 49 all missionary activity throughout Israel.” throughout the county. sionaries failed to prove any connection For more information visit www.yad Rabbi Josh Joseph Appointed As County Executive Mangano stated, “I between Yad L’Achim and that article. lachim.org or e-mail [email protected]. VP, Chief Of Staff At YU realize there is a hunger problem in Nassau The judge further ruled that the mis- Yad L’Achim is located at 4018 18th Avenue President Richard M. Joel has appoint- County, and I am committed to the coun- sionaries had failed to verify the extent of in Brooklyn, NY, 11218. Call 866-YAD-LACH ed Rabbi Josh Joseph as vice president in ty’s ongoing participation in the summer damages they allegedly incurred. They (923-5224) or fax 718-633-0235 for more. O addition to his role as chief of staff of lunch program. We need to do more to claimed NIS 1.4 million, but could prove Yeshiva University. ensure our children receive daily nutritious only damage to a projector and glasses, Rambam Talmidim Present A native of Montreal, Rabbi Joseph meals throughout the year and that no which totaled NIS 7,000. Their Own Shiurim worked on Wall Street for several years child in Nassau County ever goes hungry.” The judge asked why the missionaries By Elisha Pearl and as a community rabbi. He completed The summer lunches will be provided didn’t sue the people they claim were This Thursday, the juniors and seniors his undergraduate degree, majoring in at no cost to children 18 years and directly responsible for the damages, in Rabbi Ziskind’s advanced beis midrash diplomatic history, with honors at the younger who attend either an approved rather than Yad L’Achim and the rav of the shiur at Rambam Mesivta had the distinct University of Pennsylvania ’93, received camp or community-based program city. They had no answer. honor of presenting shiurim to some of his rabbinic ordination from YU-affiliated July 5–August 20. Camps and programs Not one of the plaintiff’s witnesses the foremost rabbonim in New York City. Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological that provide the free lunches had previ- could prove a connection between those These presentations were the culmina- Seminary ’00, while simultaneously com- ously enrolled with the county to who allegedly caused damage and Yad tion of a year filled with intense but pleting a master’s in Jewish philosophy at become a summer feeding site. L’achim and Rav Deri. rewarding study. YU’s Bernard Revel Graduate School. He According to DSS commissioner John The judge ruled that the transfer of In the morning, the talmidim present- also spent four years learning at Yeshivat Imhof, “Nassau County and DSS are com- information between Yad L’Achim and ed shiurim to Rav Hershel Schacter, rosh Har Etzion in Israel. mitted to this project, and expect to con- Rav Deri—regarding an upcoming bap- yeshiva of Yeshiva University. After- Rabbi Joseph had previously served as tinue it for years to come. No child should tism of Jews in Be’er Sheva—is legitimate. wards, Rav Schacter delivered an inspira- director of special projects for YU’s Center go without daily nutritional meals.” He also made two rulings on general tional talk to the entire mesivta, fol- for the Jewish Future, and before that as As camp and agency schedules vary, matters of principle: lowed by a fascinating Q&A session with executive director of the Orthodox anyone interested in the summer food Messianic Judaism is a religious stream the rosh yeshiva. Caucus. He resides in Lawrence with his program is encouraged to call Mr. Carl within Christianity, and this stream is not At noon, Rabbi Ziskind and the wife Julie and their three children: Zach, DeHaney Jr., special assistant to the com- recognized as a group within Judaism; talmidim traveled to Yeshivas Chofetz 11; Ozzie, 9; and Marsha, 7. O missioner, at 516- 227- 7406. O one of the main tenets of the Messianics Chaim in Queens where they presented to is missionary activity. the rosh yeshiva, Rav Akiva Grunblatt. The Nassau County Social Services To Yad L’Achim chairman Rav Shalom Dov entire class enjoyed Rav Grunblatt’s keen Provide 94,000 Meals This Summer Lifschitz praised the ruling but added that sense of humor and inspirational words County Executive Edward P. Mangano At 5TJT.com “we mustn’t become complacent in the after they presented their shiurim. After announced that Nassau County is expect- you can enjoy articles face of the ongoing efforts of the mission- leaving Rav Grunblatt, Rabbi Ziskind and ing to provide 94,000 meals during the aries, even as they are licking their the talmidim traveled to Brooklyn and annual summer food services program, in 3 ways: wounds from this loss. This ruling encour- presented to Rav Avraham Schorr, who an increase of 25,000 meals compared to 1. Read ages us to continue to fight them with all serves as rav of Kahal Tiferes Yaakov. 2009. Provided through coordinated the legitimate means at our disposal.” After the presentations, Rav Schorr funding support from the United States 2. Print Rav Lifschitz urged Jews in Israel and delivered powerful words of encourage- Department of Agriculture and the New 3. Email around the world to “write to religious ment to the talmidim. Later, the talmidim York State Education Department, the

50 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5TJT Puzzle: 17 Tammuz

B Y YONI GLATT

Across 55. First person you know 1. Roll (of dough) 56. Perfection 4. Tasteless 57. Major massacre site of 17 Tammuz, 9. Major star 1391 13. Plan 61. Piggies 15. Apparently it’s having the moon in 63. Give the waiter money a second time your eye like a big pizza pie 64. Famous aliyah leader 16. Deer and fish eggs 65. Drunk 17. Stuff 66. Desire 18. Kind of shirts 67. It went extinct in 1681 19. Places for some cons 68. Curvy road 20. This was no longer offered on 17 69. Pale Tammuz 70. Joke ender, perhaps 23. Run out of energy Down 24. ___ be ok 1. Thing to light erev Shabbos 25. 6th sense 2. Skillful 26. This puzzle and 10 Tevet 3. Shortage 28. They were no more on 17 Tammuz 4. Crunch of cereal fame 31. Vicious with a brief career 5. Wear ___ helmet on a ___ cycle Solution to appear next week. 32. ___haw 6. Sweet sassy follower 33. Be deaf but still hear? 7. Propelled 34. Lead in to ble and mored 8. ______can! (Self-encouragement) 37. Some trains 9. Address letters 39. Pat gently 10. Place for many antiques 41. Break a glass? 11. Half-step 34. Prepare for war 49. Fictional tree creature 42. Meter or chamber 12. Evaluated 35. Sea sick 50. Escarole (leafy salad item) 44. Forerunner to the EU 14. Walks leisurely 36. Roominess 51. Place to order . . . almost anything 46. “Say” yes 21. Role for Michael Caine or Jude Law 38. Those from Catan 52. Beehive or mushroom, e.g. 48. Apostomos the Rasha did this on 17 22. iPod mode 40. Explosions 58. Shamu is one Tammuz 27. Play part 43. Genetic material 59. Say ahhhh 53. One from Siberia, technically 29. Was on a recliner, e.g. 45. Fast cat 60. Israeli footwear 54. X 30. Was on a recliner 47. Hung curtains 62. Not he

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 51 Vitamin D Deficiency—A Silent Epidemic?

BY ELIEZER GRUBER, CN the variety of health conditions which latter part of the pregnancy and is the journal Lancet, issues related to manifest in later life (see previous marked by high blood pressure along bone development. Part III columns), many pediatricians and med- with a high level of protein in the urine Vitamin D deficiency during pregnan- The last column concluded with gener- ical researchers believe this is still far too and, in many cases, swelling of the hands, cy also seems to increase the risk of den- al information regarding optimal vitamin low a dosage. Dr. Heany believes that a feet, and legs. If left untreated, pre- tal problems in children, according to evi- D levels and how to be properly tested for daily dosage closer to 1000 IU daily for eclampsia can cause premature delivery dence presented at the meeting of the vitamin D deficiency. This week’s column infants would be more beneficial. and other serious complications. International Association of Dental will discuss the vitamin D “epidemic” as it Dr. Helen Pappa, MD, a pediatric gas- According to senior study author Dr. Research held in Toronto. relates to children and pregnant/nursing troenterologist at Children’s Hospital in James M. Roberts, even a small decline in A Final—and Extremely Exciting— mothers. Boston, is of the view that levels below 20 vitamin D concentration more than dou- Word on D and Fertility. After a recent Shocking Findings About D Deficiency ng/ml in children should be considered bled the risk of pre-eclampsia. He also call from a young woman in Israel who in Children. Approximately 70 percent of vitamin D deficient and warrant a supple- noted that because a newborn’s vitamin wanted to know if there was a possible children in this country have low levels of ment dosage of 50,000 IU of D2 a week (a D stores are completely reliant on vita- connection between vitamin D defi- vitamin D, according to a nationwide study doctor’s prescription is necessary for a min D from the mother, low vitamin lev- ciency and infertility, I decided to find reported in the online edition of Pediatrics. dosage that high) for five weeks and a els were also observed in the umbilical out if there was any ongoing research The study, headed by Dr. Michal L. retest of blood level values after five cord blood of newborns from mothers about this intriguing topic. My efforts Melamed of the Albert Einstein College of weeks. For children whose levels are with pre-eclampsia. were well-rewarded: A well-known and Medicine of Yeshiva University, linked the between 20 and 30 ng/ml, she recom- Another study, this one authored by highly prestigious medical center is deficiency to poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, mends 2000 IU daily for five weeks, and a Dr. Michael Hollick of Boston University now conducting a study that’s looking and lack of sunshine. That shocking find- follow-up retest. Medical Center, showed a possible link at the link between vitamin D deficien- ing came on the heels of an earlier study by Important note: Not all D supplements between vitamin D deficiency and an cy and PCOS, which can affect fertility. Dr. Catherine Gordon and her team at are alike. Dr. Heaney and other experts increased risk of Caesarean delivery. The results thus far are extremely Children’s Hospital in Boston, suggesting recommend D3 (a natural form of the Emerging research also suggests that promising. that infants and toddlers are not getting vitamin), which is four to ten times more vitamin D status during pregnancy has I will report the results of the study enough vitamin D. Here the deficiency was potent than D2 (a synthetic form of the a crucial effect on fetal development. A in full detail as soon as they become attributed to low levels of the nutrient in vitamin). study reported in the Lancet, for exam- available. O mother’s milk, which results, according to The D Advantage During Pregnancy ple, showed that children born to moth- Eliezer Gruber, CN, educator, researcher, and vitamin D expert Dr. Robert Heaney, from and Fetal Development. Pregnant women ers with insufficient vitamin D blood founder/developer of the Nutri-Supreme Research deficiencies in the mothers themselves. need to be especially vigilant about main- levels had weaker bones when they line of supplements, lectures widely on the role of In light of these findings, the taining adequate levels of vitamin D. A were nine years old. And researchers in nutrition in achieving and maintaining optimal health. Mr. Gruber’s recommendations are based American Academy of Pediatrics recently recent study at the University of Pittsburg Europe have concluded that the fetus on cutting edge science and ongoing upped its recommended dosage of vita- Schools of the Health Sciences, for exam- of a mother deficient in the nutrient communication with leading medical experts. Nutri-Supreme acts as official nutritional min D for these groups from 200 IU to ple, showed that vitamin D deficiency may have a predisposed factor for the consultant for Kof-K Kosher Supervision. 400 IU daily. Yet, given the growing and early in pregnancy is associated with a future development of numerous Nutri-Supreme is pleased to introduce a new nutrition/vitamin hotline that will be answered extremely exciting body of research five-fold increased risk of pre-eclampsia, a immune system diseases, such as by Mr. Gruber and an RN from a prestigious showing a link between D deficiency and serious condition that strikes during the Diabetes Type 1, and, as was reported in cardiac center. For information, call 718-853-0644.

52 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES meter, grossly overpriced. Right? Well, not so fast! This is where our What Is The Going Rate? behind-the-scene research comes in: Since the beginning of 2009 homes in Talbieh were sold anywhere from around B Y SIMA MENORA ment home in the future. Their son, we’ll galore. There are two full bathrooms, $5,500 per meter up to over $17,000 a meter! call him “Jack,” who lives in Israel, is their with a small kitchen and a decent-sized So we can take the average price per I hear this question most often in my buying representative here and until ear- living/dining area. And the best part . . . a meter of everything sold, which we did, job. Everyone wants to be an educated lier this week has been my only contact wrap-around 120 square meter garden! but that still doesn’t tell us anything. How consumer. In the real estate market, with with the family. He’s been a great client— The garden is not officially listed with the can you compare the price per meter of a its huge range of possibilities and almost giving me as many details as possible so apartment but it is totally private and no fourth-floor walk-up on a busy street with nothing being equal, this is a most diffi- as to lessen our search time. Among the one else has access to it. nearby construction, with a totally reno- cult accomplishment. list of requirements were two bedrooms The apartment is being rented out as a vated, quiet, ground floor apartment with a It is just another reason people place on a low floor, on a quiet block in short-term rental, so for a few bucks they huge garden and no construction nearby? their trust with experienced realtors. As a Talbieh. And a garden would be fabulous. could actually purchase all of the furni- The answer is: you can’t. What we did realtor I do my best to come up with the find is the closest match to our garden right answer. apartment, another garden apartment of The best definition I can find online 70 meters on a quiet block in Talbieh, and for “going rate” is “The current standard How can you compare the price per meter of a compared the price. The garden was or usual price, rate, or salary for some- much smaller, and the apartment wasn’t thing.” The best consensus I have found fourth-floor walk-up on a busy street, with a newly renovated, but the apartment went for the “going rate” of anything seems to for $8,441 per meter. be that the going rate for the tooth fairy totally renovated, quiet, ground-floor apartment So what did we tell my clients? We averages $1-$2 nationwide (which may or gave him the facts. may not include the Five Towns). with a huge garden and no construction nearby? As for the question of whether their But the “going rate” for real estate potential purchase is overpriced? They seems to be harder to determine, and as The answer is: you can’t. need to decide. such is something that we take great It is a great apartment which they efforts in our office to analyze on an don’t want to lose. So, we recommended ongoing basis. We’ve culled all available to them to put in as high an offer as they information on home sales since 2008 Well, two days ago, I found the perfect ture and not have to worry about design- would like to spend on it, and wait and and constantly run the numbers in every home for this family. I knew even before ing a new home. see what happens. possible configuration, in order to be able I showed it to Jack that this could be their The size is about 55 meters, and the In the meantime, the sellers are con- to pass on this information to our clients. “dream pied.” It is a lovely, newly renovat- asking price is 1,890,000 NIS (New Israeli tinuing to show the apartment . . . and the The question of the going rate ed apartment on the ground floor of a Shekel), or at this week’s exchange rate market will determine the “going rate” for resounded especially loudly in my brain building on Achad Haam street. This $490,000. this particular gem. O this week. First, a little background: street is charming and quiet, yet at the Now, for the client’s big question . . . My clients from New Jersey are look- end intersects with bustling Keren well, what is the going rate? Somebody Sima Menora is a realtor in Jerusalem specializing ing for a “pied a terre” in Jerusalem. It’s Hayesod street. It gives them the quiet told my client in New Jersey that the going in sales of wonderful existing homes and exciting new developments. Feel free to call her at 718-989- going to be used as a vacation place for life they’re looking for, with walking rate in Talbieh is $7,000 per meter, making 3939, e-mail [email protected], or, if now, and will hopefully be their retire- access to the city center, and bus stops the price of this apartment, at $8,750 per you happen to be in Wolfson, stop by to say hi!

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 53 Israel To Ease Gaza Blockade Unwarranted Warrant: B Y SAMUEL SOKOL Khan Yunis. 10 Days Until Israeli Yeshiva May Be Demolished ISRAEL CORRESPONDENT Prime Minister Netanyahu also announced that operations at existing BY ZE’EV BEN YECHIEL tag” policy adopted to punish area resi- In a move that some in Israel are inter- land crossings will be significantly dents and students for conflicts with preting as a capitulation to external pres- expanded. According to the IDF July 4, 2010 marks the demolition the IDF and for alleged acts of retribu- sure, the Netanyahu administration has spokesman’s office, the amount of goods date for the Od Yosef Chai yeshiva in tion against nearby Arab towns. declared that it will ease the blockade on to be transferred to Gaza will be Samaria. According to a hotly contested Another theory for the government’s Gaza. Rather than ban all goods not on an increased by as much as 30 percent. order imposed by the IDF’s Civil about-face is that by successfully demol- approved list, Israeli authorities will “lib- On Sunday, the Coordinator of Administration, the 11-year-old building ishing a structure with a higher level of eralize the system by which civilian Government Activities in the Territories in the town of Yitzhar is not sufficiently authorization than most settlements in goods enter Gaza” and allow the import informed the Palestinian Authority that authorized, despite amply documented Judea and Samaria, the court system of all supplies not expressly forbidden for Israel increased the amount of trucks government authorization and funding will have a precedent for uprooting security reasons. transferring humanitarian aid into the

The amount of goods to be transferred to Gaza will be increased by as much as 30 percent. P h o t o c

Weapons, war material, and dual-use Gaza Strip to 140 a day. “Israel is prepared o u r t e s items described as “problematic” will for the transfer of goods, including goods y o f O continue to be confiscated. However, the that were not permitted to enter the Gaza d Y o s e

importation of dual-use materials intend- Strip so far, such as kitchen utensils, cer- f C h a ed for approved PA-authorized projects tain food products, and furniture,” i will be expanded. In order to assure that COGAT announced. materials such as concrete are not appro- Israel currently inspects and transfers for its construction. other buildings and settlements. priated by Hamas forces, Israel will between twelve and fifteen thousand Yeshiva staff, students, and support- Writing on the yeshiva’s website, Rabbi require international supervision of con- tons of humanitarian supplies a week ers, shocked by the May 9 order, have Pesach Lerner, executive vice-president struction efforts, such as the U.N. hous- mobilized to prevent the destruction, ing development being completed in Continued on Page 59which many claim to be part of a “price Continued on Page 55

54 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES of the National Council of Young Israel, of construction throughout all of “when a host of government offices ceive as a nuisance,” he said. emphasized that “legally speaking, the Israel, including Judea and Samaria. He helped us, and when this is how the Menachem Gottlieb, spokesman for building’s status is better than several cited a study conducted last year of 200 entire State of Israel was built, is sim- the Honenu civil rights organization, others in Judea and Samaria, and even towns, some of which were established ply to lie and deceive.” highlighted a historic irony: “The cur- entire villages, such as Ofra.” as far back as the 1980s. The study Israel’s Minister of Science, Prof. rent yeshiva building was constructed Ironically, the building has been found that “every single one of them Daniel Hershkowitz (Bayit HaYehudi- to replace the old Od Yosef Chai build- deemed illegal because it has not was first built, and only years later Jewish Home) met recently with sen- ing at Joseph’s Tomb in Shechem. That received its final approval from the received final approval.” ior officials in the Ministry of yeshiva was destroyed by the Arabs,” he defense minister, currently Ehud Goldstein stresses that Barak’s deci- Defense. “They admit that the demoli- noted. “Now Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who himself helped establish sion is politically motivated. “To tion warrant is a way for them to Barak has set his crosshairs on the the yeshiva as prime minister and who accuse us of building illegally,” he said, threaten the yeshiva, which they per- same institution.” O initiated the recent demolition order. “We plan to use this period to gather all the documentation showing how many government offices were involved in the construction of the yeshiva, as well as to pressure . . . Ehud Barak” to rescind the order, Itamar Posen, the yeshiva’s executive director, told Israel National News. The ruling to raze the yeshiva cites an 11-year-old work-stoppage order, which nobody at the yeshiva has any record or recollection of, according to Posen. He estimates that the government has invested some 3-4 million shekels in building the 13,000 square foot facility since the onset of construction in 1999, meaning that the original stop-work order claimed in the May 2010 demolition notice took place at the same time that issuers of the order were funding the work. The 13,000 square foot facility “was built with the aid of the Ministry of Housing and was approved by the various authorities to serve as an educational institution,” adds Lerner. Gush Etzion Regional Council Chief Sha’ul Goldstein notes that “build first, approve later” has long been the model

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 55 homey, and not pushy, which, in my ting the past, but remembering it and let- opinion, was very refreshing and encour- ting it go. It’s about facing our greatest aging. For no matter what comes out of fears, looking them straight in the eye, this past Shabbos, we all enjoyed deli- and then turning them over to a power cious l’kavod Shabbos meals together greater than ourselves. with our fellow Jews on a regular Holding onto childhood resentments Shabbos in a beautiful community—a way into adulthood is like wanting to no-lose situation. give the other person poison and taking it Mayor Felder Says Thanks and have truly become a bit jaded by Thank you, yourself. The healing comes when we’re June 18, 2010 most. However, this one left me with, if Name Withheld able to take an honest look at how our Dear Mr. Gordon: not a match from heaven, at least a strong unhappy childhood is affecting us today. I feel grateful and am humbled by the positive experience. The concept was Making Peace With The Past When we are sincerely able to ask our- overwhelming support and turnout dis- that families would host eight singles Dear Editor, selves that question and answer with played at last week’s Lawrence election. I (four male, four female) and facilitate the Regarding last week’s MindBiz column complete candor, the healing will begin. find it to be an affirmation of my efforts meal in the comfort and warmth of a by Esther Mann: That is when we will be able to see our on our citizens’ behalf and a mandate Shabbos home. Justifiable resentments kill. They rob parents in a different light. from our constituents to continue serv- The hosts were gracious and the set- us of our peace of mind and serenity; It’s possible one’s parents didn’t do ing this illustrious community. ting was as natural and unintimidating as worst of all, they turn us into the same the best they could; maybe they just did I also wish to give recognition to the any singles event could get, while main- people we resent. Many of us grew up in what they knew. Seeing your childhood Lawrence Association and to all those in taining a “kosher” feel and focused goal. I less than acceptable circumstances, in from that perspective is a softer, more the printed media who supported my must thank the organizers of this; I do homes of neglect, physical and emotion- realistic way of understanding how candidacy. not even know their names so cannot al abuse, or sexual abuse. We like to think some people could act neglectfully or I look forward to working in a cooper- thank them personally. It was obvious we are immune to such behaviors, but we even harmfully. Children have an ative, constructive and respectful manner that a lot of effort was put into this, and I in the Orthodox Jewish community are inalienable right to be protected and with the new administration. hope whoever was behind it is reading no exception. cared for. There comes a point in each of Thank you my fellow Lawrencians. this article. Sexual abuse cuts to the core of your our lives to pull ourselves up by the Sincerely, The hosts too were kind, warm, sensi- very being and affects every fiber of your bootstraps, tell ourselves that life’s not C. Simon Felder tive, “chilled”—and served great food and soul. There are men and women all always fair, and move on by creating a Mayor had the most sincere of intentions to around you that live with this shame, new life for ourselves. help. I heard the same reports from other and unless addressed it is carried from Believe me, it’s not easy; but from per- A Table For Eight friends of mine who were placed at meals generation to generation. I am not one sonal experience I know it’s possible. Life Dear Editor, at other homes. I hope this event encour- to submit an article to a paper, but was must go on, or we remain victims. By fac- I just returned from a Shabbos spent ages other communities to take hold of drawn to write this due to the recent ing our demons we become more than on the Far Rockaway/Lawrence border. similar initiatives as well as recognize topic of forgiveness. One would think just survivors; we thrive and the ripple Two of my Shabbos meals were organ- that it is difficult, as a single, to be thrown it’s impossible to ever forgive an abuser, effect changes generations. All this starts ized by some “phantom” group which into a singles event—which can take on yet without forgiveness the healing with one small prayer, “Hashem help me calls itself “Table for Eight.” An e-mail had the persona of an impersonal “meat mar- never comes. heal.” Through the forgiveness of our- been circulating to singles across the ket” environment—and to expect them Forgiveness is not as much for the selves and others, may we all be zocheh to N.Y.–N.J. area inviting singles of all ages to to maintain their dignity while expecting other person as it is about menuchas the coming of Mashiach bimheirah partake in this unique event. sparks to fly. ha’nefesh for oneself. Forgiveness is a gift b’yameinu, Amen Selah. I have attended many singles meets The Shabbos feeling was familiar, we give ourselves; it’s not about forget- Name Withheld

56 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Hachnasas Sefer Torah In Memory Of HaGaon HaRav Henach Leibowitz, zt’l

BY RABBI HAYIM SCHWARTZ dedications were made. EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, The morning began under beautiful YESHIVA CHOFETZ CHAIM sunny skies with the final kesivas ha’osiyos at Khal Nachlas Yitzchok, Harav The grand hachnasas sefer Torah of Noach Isaac Oelbaum’s shul on 73rd the Torah which was written by Yeshiva Avenue in Kew Gardens Hills. Aron’s Chofetz Chaim in memory of the rosh Kissena Farms, a local supermarket, gra- yeshiva, Rav Henach Leibowitz, zt’l took ciously donated fruit platters and cake place on Sunday, June 13, Rosh Chodesh for the final kesivah. Harav Oelbaum, Tammuz. This project had been almost shlita, is a close friend to the yeshiva and two years in the planning, and the actu- to the roshei yeshiva, shlita and he him- P h al klaf of the Torah was taken around self hosted an event for this sefer Torah o t o B y the world, from Eretz Yisrael to America, last year, drawing dozens and dozens of S h i m o to give talmidim and those who have people to his home. n G i f t e benefited from the rosh yeshiva’s teach- Many of the community rabbonim and r ings a chance to participate. This is truly many of the families who had dedicated (L) HaRav Akiva Grunblatt and (R) HaRav Dovid Harris dancing with the Sefer Torah. a Torah for all of Klal Yisrael by all of parshios in the Torah had the opportuni- Klal Yisrael. ty to write a letter in the Torah, with the The campaign was coordinated by the assistance of the sofer, Rabbi Heshy ters in the Torah! But we know that possible he belonged in an earlier genera- yeshiva’s director of development, Rabbi Pincus of Tiferes Stam in Brooklyn. Then there are only slightly more than tion. But our generation needed him and Eliezer Grunberg. Baruch Hashem, the the nearly finished scroll was brought 300,000! Where have all the rest gone? his message more, so Hashem gave him efforts of many individuals were met outside the shul, where a special table Answers the Imrei Emes, the missing let- to us. ” He also said that when a person with success, and besides the Torah itself had been set up on a stage. Three close ters are the spaces in the Torah, those davens, he speaks to Hashem. When a being a most meaningful and eternal trib- friends of the yeshiva—Mr. Eugen Gluck, unlearned Jews who have not yet been person learns Torah, Hashem is speaking ute to the rosh yeshiva’s memory, the Mr. Rubin Schron, and Mr. Irving taught to appreciate Torah. The rosh to us. Thus, it is exceptionally appropriate campaign generated a tremendous kid- Langer—wrote their letters. yeshiva’s mission, which continues until for a Torah like this to be housed in a dush Hashem. Many dear friends of the At this point in the program, Harav today with the current roshei yeshiva yeshiva—not just in a beis haknesses— yeshiva stepped forward to take special Noach Isaac Oelbaum, shlita was asked and beyond, is for all the yeshiva’s where there is two-way communication dedications. Naming the Torah was by to address the crowd. He spoke moving- talmidim to spread the light and beauty with Hakadosh Baruch Hu. Mr. and Mrs. Norton Foxman in memory ly about the yeshiva’s impact upon Kew of Torah wherever Jews are to be found.” After the Rebbe finished his remarks, of Yisrael ben Nissan and Fayga bas Gardens Hills and upon the landscape of The next and featured guest speaker he wrote a letter in the Torah, followed Moshe. Chumash dedications were by the Torah Jewry in the United States. He was Harav Yaakov Perlow, shlita, the by the roshei yeshiva, Harav Akiva Wolfson family, Mr. and Mrs. Rubin asked a question from the Imrei Emes: Novominsker Rebbe, who spoke moving- Grunblatt, shlita, and Harav Dovid Schron, the Kukin family, Eugen and Jean “It is said that there is a letter in the ly about the rosh yeshiva’s singular drive Harris, shlita, who wrote the last two Gluck, and Dr. Jack Katz. All 54 parshiyos Torah for each of the Jews who stood at to be a marbitz Torah, especially when it were dedicated and various other special Har Sinai. There should be 600,000 let- was not in vogue to do so. He said “It is Continued on Page 58

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 57 Sefer Torah new sefer Torah. The moment for over 60 years in the life of the parade was underway. An demonstration of kavod Continued from Page 57 had finally come—mazel tov! his rebbi, the rosh yeshiva, zt’l. estimated 2,000 people accom- haTorah and Kiddush Hashem. The atzei chayim of this new His son, Rabbi Aryeh Zev panied the new sefer Torah the Hundreds of women watched osiyos. With the assistance of sefer Torah had been dedicated Ginzberg, was called up to do five blocks to the yeshiva’s and clapped and escorted the the local police precinct, 73rd by the children of Rabbi and hagbaah with Rabbi Avraham Kukin Campus on 76th Avenue Torah from the sidewalks— Avenue in front of the shul was Rebbetzin Avraham Ginzberg, Ginzberg doing the gelilah. The and 147th Street. The procession strollers and toddlers in tow. closed to vehicular traffic and in honor of their parents’ many gartel of the Torah was dedicat- was led by preschool and ele- The children were waving flags hundreds upon hundreds of decades of devotion to the ed by the extended Yachnes mentary-aged boys from RSA- and enjoying peckelach with people gathered outside to yeshiva. Rabbi Ginzberg was family in memory of Rabbi affiliate Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe sweets, donated by await the completion of this the eitz hachaim of the yeshiva Chaim Yachnes, a’h, a talmid of carrying torches, followed by a Wasserman’s Supermarket, a the rosh yeshiva. A grandson huge truck with live singers. All local kosher merchant. A true and member of the kollel, R’ traffic came to a halt on normal- simchas haTorah! Moshe Aryeh Yachnes, repre- ly busy Main Street as this mas- When the procession sented the family in putting on sive crowd crossed to the other reached the yeshiva almost an the gartel. The kesser Torah was side. Hundreds of current yeshi- hour later, they were anxiously dedicated by the Davidowitz, va students linked arms with greeted on the front plaza by Fromowitz, and Schlesinger alumni from across the decades, all the yeshiva’s other sifrei families in honor of Mr. and together with hundreds of men Torah, brought outside to wel- Mrs. Shlomo Schlesinger. Mr. from the neighborhood, singing come their new arrival, to join Schlesinger and his son had the and dancing the Torah to its them in the aron kodesh. The honor of placing the silver new home. The tremendous singing and dancing reached a crown upon the Torah. feelings of simcha were evident crescendo as the sifrei Torah The music then began and on everyone’s face, in this huge were all brought into the Foxman Beis HaMidrash, which had been cleared of all tables and chairs to make room for the exuberant dancing that would ensue, and a live band was set up to play in the beis hamidrash. For almost an hour, the singing and dancing continued, circles surrounding circles, next to other circles, with the hanhalas hayeshiva joining in this great simcha. The sifrei Torah were finally put away into the yeshiva’s large aron kodesh, and Harav Akiva Grunblatt, shlita, addressed the crowd now seated in the cavernous beis hamidrash. He spoke about the positive and negative effects of fear, how it can motivate you and how in too great a measure it can immobilize you. While it is hard to go on without our rebbi, we must continue. He continued to speak about the importance of being shoel eitzah—asking advice. We lost the rosh yeshiva, our greatest meya’eitz, but we must continue. The rosh yeshiva, zt’l, left a legacy. The sefer Torah which was written is a connection to that legacy. The Torah that we learn, the Torah that we teach is a connection to that legacy which will be perpetuated ad biyas go’el. Following Harav Grunblatt’s speech, the crowd went down- stairs for refreshments in the Yeshiva’s Schron Dining Room. A slideshow of pictures from the various kesivah events played in the lobby. The weather reports had predicted rainstorms, but all the rain held up until everyone got home safely. All in all, it was a beautiful day, a true Kiddush Hashem on a massive scale. If anyone would like to participate in the sefer Torah campaign, there are still a number of desirable dedication opportunities available. To participate on any level please e-mail [email protected] or contact Rabbi Eliezer Grunberg at 718-268-4700, ext 123. O 58 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Blockade Eased Continued from Page 54 through land crossings in the Western Negev. The Netanyahu administration stated that the current plan to ease the blockade was under discussion for some time and that it was not in response to diplomatic pressure following the deaths of nine passengers aboard the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara. Nine people were killed by security forces following an attempted lynching of Israeli naval commandos sent to commandeer their vessel when it attempted to run the blockade. Israel has come under intense censure for its actions in stopping the Gaza-bound flotilla and subsequently came under international pressure to ease or repeal the blockade. Many nations, including the United States and the European Union, have called the blockade ineffective in loosening Hamas’ hold on the coastal territory. However, some Israeli officials disagree, with the Jerusalem Post reporting that defense officials are claiming that the “government’s decision to ease the blockade on the Gaza Strip will make it difficult for Israel to use its leverage over Hamas to free Gilad Shalit, cease terrorist activity, and hold reconciliation talks with Fatah.” When asked if he felt that Israeli restrictions helped to further Israeli policy goals, President Shimon Peres told the Los Angeles Times that “I can’t answer that, and I don’t know if that’s even important. We’d hoped for more. We’d hoped that once out of there, we would be out. But once we left Gaza, we couldn’t understand why they were bombing us.” According to a recent Fafo poll, support for Hamas, while still significant, has been declin- ing in Gaza. O

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60 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Your Ad Could Be Here. Call 516-569-0502

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For Sale Far Rockaway Oceanside — Brand new construction. New to Market Brand new construction Beautiful CH col. Large 4 BR (1 level), 2 family house 5 over 3. 5 full baths. 2.5 bths, granite EIK, FDR, den with fp, Very spacious. Upper is a Duplex W/D full bsmt, in cul-de-sac, walk all, best price ...... $675K hookup. Water views and beach rights. 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Huge basement for Storage. Central air

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Congregation Kneseth Israel seeking a 100x100 prop ...... $900’s REAL ESTATE ...... $729K P/T administrator; must have strong Woodmere 5 TOWN HOMES 516-322-3555 management; office software skills; FOR SALE 1103 Fulton St — Mint 8BR, reduced must be available mornings; construc- ...... $599K Woodmere, North — Updated, spacious, tion/plant experience a plus. E-mail 976 Dartmouth Lane — 4BR Col. 3-4 pm bright, airy 4 BR, EIK, 2.5 bths, high resume [email protected] Far Rockaway— 2 houses. Brand new ...... $539K ceiling, basement, 2-car garage, den, construction. Milky Forst Properties Inc 516-239-0306 Shevach High School seeking a General deck, low taxes Hurry Mid $500’s Detached 1 family house, 3BR, 2.5bths, Renah Century21Yve.com, 516-295-2227 Science teacher for school year Hewlett — New to market. Beautiful 5 beautiful kosher kitchen, private drive- 2010/5771. Masters Degree required. Fax BR, 3 bths, split. All updated, in SD#14. way, full basement, porch +2 balconies, Far Rockaway — House for Sale by resume to 718-263-3759 or e-mail to: Separate entrance can be M/D with convenient location. Priced to sell. Owner. Newly constructed 5BR/ 3Bth [email protected] proper permits. Owner motivated, pres- Townhouse w/ 2-car-garage. Close to all $479K ent all offers...... $550K shuls. Rent $2,950. 212-500-0042 FT general help wanted mini mart/ 2 family 3/3, 4.5bths, beautiful kosher 5 Towns Home Realty 516-569-5710 butcher shop. Stock/ cashier/ deli kitchens, parking, full basement. Only counter. Need valid driver’s license. $599K Woodmere — Open House 6/27 1-3 PM. Woodsburgh/Woodmere — Exquisite Co- Shomer Shabbos. Fax 516-280-4122 Far Rockaway— New to Market. 918 Midway. op. A room for every occasion. Huge DR, library, EIK, huge LR, 3 BR, 3 Spacious Newly Constructed Town Waterfront, 5-level split, 6BR, 5Bths, bths, For the discerning buyer. House, 3 Floors, master bedroom suite EIK, FDR, LR, 2 Dens, separate REAL ESTATE Motivated. Esther Walfish 516-476-7764 w/ Jacuzzi tub. 5BR 3.5bath, Stainless entrance, for M/D, w/permit, plus fin- FOR SALE ished bsmt, all updated...... Red. $400,000’s+ Steel kosher kitchen, Den, lots of closets $900’s Dalia Fritz Realty 516-374-4411 and storage, high ceilings and skylights. Private beach rights. $650K Cedarhust — New house Young contem- 5 Town Homes 516-569-5712 Law: Hi Ranch. Must see, 4br, 2.5bth, Cedarhurst: NU 2 Mkt. Lg LR, DR, Far Rockaway/ Lawrence—833 Central porary col. high ceilings, large win- fam rm, CAC, 2 car garage, large EIK, Den, 5BR, 3bth, Skilits, Cabana, 1BR co-op, huge LR/DR, updated dows, bright and light, 4 BR (1 level) prop ...... $800sK Lg prop, IGPool, Walk to all . . . $659K kitchen, 24-hour doorman, Shabbos ele- LR, FDR, large EIK, den, full finished Ced: Nu2Mkt, 2Fam, 3br/3br, 2fpl, vator, low maintenance. basement, large fenced yard. Walk all. Lawrence — Ours Alone!! deck, all new, grt loc, full bsmt Lawrence— 1 Roslyn Place— 1 BR apt, ...... $3,000 Brick, C/H COL, Stately brick, w/old ...... $795K 1 bth, LR/DR with terrace overlooking Five Towns Realty 516-569-5710 world charm, Hi ceilings, 6Br, 4.5 bths, 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Central Ave. Low maintenance, possibil- Kosher EIK, Lg. FDR, Library, Fin. Cedarhurst — Motivated seller. Tudor ity of two parking spots. Asking price Lawrence — Wonderful c/h col. house Bsmt., Lg Prop., walk all. oversized rooms, great street, walk to $199K Please call Ari 516-521-8870 on the nicest cul-de-sac there is. Brand 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 all ready to deal ...... $455K Weissman Realty Group, LLC 516-791-6100 new kitchen, finished basement. Woodmere — “Deal down” Incredible Bayswater — AAA location. By owner. Asking ...... $875K C.H. Col. Totally Redone, 6 BR, 3 bths, 4BR, 3bth, detached, large prop. brand Call 516-902-0936 Open house Sunday, June 27th, 12-2 Designer Magazine kitchen, walk to all, new EIK, finished basement, tons of 150 Willow Rd. Woodsburgh Cedarhurst — Co-op. 2BR, 2bths, eleva- 1-of-a-Kind ...... $1.1M storage, 8 years old. 718-337-2991 Contemporary home with gorgeous den. tor building, underground parking, Levine Realty Group, LTD 516-295-4700 Exceptional master suite. Full finished recently updated, new granite kitchen, Far Rockaway: Coop, 3Br, 1Bth basement...... $1.2M Far Rockaway — Quiet Cul-de-sac off hardwood floors and A/C throughout, Lr/Dr, Walk to All ...... $179K www.havesrealestate.com Reads Ln. 5 BR 3 Baths New Kitchen & loads of closets, close to all. Call 516-322-3555 Baths. Opt. apt rental. Reduced. Priced [email protected] Call for information. Lawrence — New to market. Spacious to sell ...... $799K 516-650-6005 Woodmere/Cedarhurst Oppty! 5BR, 3.5bth split, large LR with fire- 917-747-4346 12,000 sq. ft. approx. 90’x150’, Colonial, place, FDR, large EIK, den, oversized Far Rockaway — 2 Family. All NU, 17 rooms, full bsmt. with hi ceilings, property on quiet tree-lined street. Walk North Woodmere— Open House 6/27 BA. 3 over 1 Bdrm, 3 full baths. Great clean 2 car garage plus storage, 6 space all shuls...... $1,050M 732 University Street. Location ...... $599K parking, 2 family, professional use, Decorator’s Dream. Beautiful bi-level, 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 Call 516-322-3555 accountant, Esq., medical and/or educa- large granite kosher EIK, FDR, large tional and religious uses. Grand colonial Far Rockaway: 2 Fam. All NU LR, den, 4BR, waterview, all systems, Classified Ads are with charm and great possibilities. 3 over 3 Br. 4Fbth, Dr, Full bsmt walk all shuls. Owner motivated. Available at once . . . $875K Negotiable All features ...... $779K Present all offers. Continued on the Next Page. Owner 516-322-3555 Call 516-263-6417 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 63

CLASSIFIED ADS REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL REAL Continued from Page 63 FOR SALE ESTATE FOR RENT FOR RENT REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Open Houses 6/27 Rockville Centre — 3,500 sq. ft., fully Far Rockaway — Reads Lane/ Empire Woodmere — 336 Midwood Road 12- wired for Web, partitioned, will divide. Blvd. 3BR, 2bths, EIK, FDR, FLR, w/d 1:30. Col. Expansions possibilities. Call 516-322-3555 hookup, upper floor 2-family house. Large rooms, huge den, near all. $629K Open Houses — 6/27 Cedarhurst — Office rental: Executive Available immediately. *539 Derby Ave. — Woodmere — North Woodmere— 825 Flanders Drive 2 Bths, Fully Web wired, 1,250 sq. ft., Call 917-216-4608 or 917-769-8566 11-1pm Totally renovated 3BR ranch, 12:30-2. Priced low. 3BR split, large CAC. 5TGR 516-322-3555 great yard, walk to all. $599K deck, make offers,...... low $5’s. Cedarhurst Co-op — 288 Cedarhurst Far Rockaway — Beautiful 6.5 rooms, 3 787 West Broadway — Woodmere — Glendale/Ridgewood, NY — 5,500 sq. Ave. E3 12-1:30. First floor, Large 2BR, BR, 2 baths, new kitchen, separate 12-2PM Brick 4BR s/h colonial— ft. available for immediate. High ceil- 2bth, FDR, w/d, Florida room . . $269K Finished basement, great yard. Totally ings $5.50/sq. ft. Call 917-841-1580 entrance, own thermostat. Best block in updated. Walk to Aish. — $799K BA Far Rockaway. 718-868-1153 3 Ike Street — Woodmere — Woodmere — 3BR. 2bth ranch, huge By appointment. Mint 5BR, Expanded den ...... low $5’s Cedarhurst — Nu House CH Col. LR, Ranch on huge double buildable lot — Hewlett — Mint redone 5BR split $699K FOR RENT $899K Cedarhurst — Large 2BR, Fab new FDR, Kosher EIK, Den, 4BR, 3BTHS. 637 Branch Blvd — Cedarhurst — EIK, 1bth ...... $239K Bsmt. For Rent ...... $2,500 By appointment. Huge high ranch. Woodmere — Priced low. Huge 2BR. Far Rockaway — House for Rent by 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Reduced $499K 1bth, elevator building...... $218.5K Owner. Newly constructed 5BR/ 3Bth 372 Argyle Road — Cedahurst — Sue Schachter Realty 516-295-1860 Townhouse w/ 2-car-garage. Close to all Valley Stream — First show! Lovely 4 By appointment. Totally renovated and shuls. Sale $639K. 212-500-0042 BR, 2 bths, in SD#14, LR, DR, den, on Reduced to $519K large property, walk all, ...... $2,350 Cedarhurst — 2 BR, 2bth. Ground floor COMMERCIAL REAL Far Rockaway — 1BR, EIK, LR, full Apt for rent. Call for details. ESTATE FOR SALE bth, access to backyard. Near beach, 5 Towns Home Realty 516-569-5710 Classic New construction — prices near shuls. Reasonable rent. from $995K Call 718-868-0068 Cedarhurst — All new, bright 3 BR, 1.5 Lawrence/ Cedarhurst — New Cedarhurst — Central Ave. corner 1 bths, ground floor apt in 2-family house, Construction. Grand entry, 6BR, CH story retail building for sale. 1100 sq. ft. Woodmere — Luxury 4BR house. Fully LR, FDR, EIK/ w new appliances, new colonial. w/bsmt. Call for details. Great location...... $469K remodeled. Near all shuls. Granite carpet, w/d included, yard and parking. $1.450M Call 917-704-2950 kitchen, LR, den, 3bths, finished base- Walk all ...... $2,150 Cedarhurst — New Construction. 5BR ment, best location, quiet street, drive- 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 colonial w/bsmt on 175’ deep property. COMMERCIAL REAL way and garage. Option to buy. $995K 917-681-9500 Cedarhurst — Garden apt. Nu 2 Mkt. Woodmere — 2 New Constructions. ESTATE FOR RENT 2BR. 2Bth, Mint, 1st Flr, heat & prk Classic 5BR CH colonial. Large proper- Far Rockaway — Reads Lane. Large incld ...... $2,300 ty. Walk to YI of Woodmere. 3BR apt. Separate sinks, separate dish- 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Hewlett Neck — Half acre Far Rockaway — 2 Huge Office Spaces. washers, built-in w/d. beautiful view. No New construction spectacular 6BR, 2- 6,000 and 2,500 Sq Ft. 2nd Floor. Near Valley Stream — Ranch house. 3BR, story, entry foyer, 9’ ceilings. $1M+ Subway & LIRR. Build to Suit. Can be brokers. Available as of 7/15. . . . $2250/ new EIK, quiet street, SD24, walk all. South Shore Estates 516-569-4980 divided. Owner 917-359-9776 month. 516-996-9894 $2250 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710

64 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

BUSINESS FOR RENT FOR RENT OPPORTUNITY CARS FOR SALE

Nicest house rental in Far Rockaway. Lawrence — 18 Berkley Place Become an Acai Berry Juice distribu- 2009 Pontiac G6 — V6 engine, 7K miles, Beautiful, Ready to move in, 5 BR house Center hall col., 4 BR, 3 bths, stunning tor and earn commission immediately. blue, black cloth interior, CD player, on excellent block in Far Rockaway. cul-de-sac, best location . . $4K monthly Online trainer, work from home, no Satellite radio capable, power windows Brand new kitchen and very spacious Call Irene 516-652-7099 investment, e-mail [email protected] and door locks $13K. Call Rob 516-317-4217 backyard. Call owner 917-617-0768 Valley Stream — All new beautiful large Fish store for rent. Next to Kosher Lawrence — Coop Rental. 1BR. 1NU 2 BR, EIK – FDR, upper of 2 family World in Far Rockaway. Fully LEGAL NOTICE Bth, LR, DR, EIK...... $1,300 house, quiet residential street, includes equipped. Call 718-544-2302 5Town Homes ** 516-569-5710 heat and parking...... $1,700 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Notice of Formation of Addison Slope Far Rockaway — Large One Bedroom MISCELLANEOUS Cedarhurst — All updated charming Apartment for rent. Beautiful elevator Products LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Col. New granite EIK, FDR, LR with bldg. Nice tenancy. Great location at NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 3/15/10 fireplace, 4+ BR, CAC, in the heart of Neilson and Cornaga, near Shor Yoshuv, The Ocean Corp. 10840 Rockley Road, Office location: Nassau County. SSNY is Cedarhurst. Walk all. transportation, and shopping. Houston, Texas 77099. Train for a New designated as agent of LLC upon whom Call 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 Asking $1,100. Call 718-692-2525 ext. 180 Career. *Underwater Welder. process against it may be served. SSNY Commercial Diver. *NDT/Weld Far Rockaway rentals: shall mail process to: 420 Central Ave., Flatbush AveN/E4 — Newly renovated, Inspector. Job Placement Assistance. 1, 2, and 3 BR apartments. some bal- Cedarhurst, NY 11516. Purpose: any 4BR, 1Bath, LR, DR, EIK, W/D, in pvt Financial Aid available for those who conies. New kitchens, lots of closets, 24 qualify. 1-800-321-0298 lawful activity. house. Near all. Call 917-929-3118 hr doorman, security cameras. Close to Lawrence/Far Rockaway — 833 Central White Shul, Shor Yoshuv and train. Ave. Jr 4 (2 BR) Spacious doorman/ ele- Call Sherri 516-297-7995 Deadline for vator building, walk all ...... $1,500 Weissman Realty Group, LLC 516-791-6100 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Classified Advertising Special Prices At Sand Castle For North Wdm. — house rental. Hi-ranch in 5TJT Readers — Studios for $895. MIC. 4 br, CAC, den, on quiet street. Includes utilities. No brokers’ fee! HW in next week’s issue is 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 floors, big windows, fully-equipped kitchens, cable and internet connectivi- Monday, June 28 Far Rockaway — Lg. Hse Rental: 4br, ty, closets. Gym, gourmet market, phar- 2bth, bsmt., hi-ceilings, NU bths, W\D. macy, Rabbi Korn's shul, and laundry at 5:00 P.M. Call 516-322-3555 facilities in BLDG. 711 Seagirt Ave. on Inwood — Beautiful 1BR first floor apt. the beach - convenient to subway, LIRR, Call 516-569-0502 Full bth, EIK, LR/DR, private entrance. and Q113 bus. www.sandcastleny.com. Call 718-954-0413 Weissman Realty Group, LLC 718-471-2593

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 65 South Shore Business Group Network Photos By Jerry Meyer Studios

James Cari from Peninsula Wines (behind the bar, pouring wine) and Renee Alster, Bernard Kenner (in gray suit) from the Royal Leon Howler, Elliott Cohen, Adam Zalta, and David Meisel. grand-prize winner. Wine Company supplied the wine and expertise.

Members of the South Shore Business Group. Back row (L-R): Daniel Samson, co-Vice President; Nelson Behar; David Meisel; Jeffrey Feder, co-Vice President; Nissim Begelman; David Cohen; Larry Chorne; Jan Koegel; Marc Elefant; Adam Zalta; Ken Altman; Yaakov Bodner; and Gary Marcus. Seated (L-R): Aryeh Markovitch; Dr. Joan Altman-Neumann; Susan Nusman; Brandi Begelman, president and founder; Helene Parsons; Shoshana Halpern; and Burt Hochstein. Not pictured: Adam Kaufman, Danny Kay; Deborah Kaminetsky; and Jason Meyer.

The South Shore Business Group held an evening of business networking and kosher wine tasting on June 9. The group offers the opportunity for business owners to connect with new customers and clients to expand their businesses. The event was held at Traditions. Renee Alster was the grand-prize winner of an Acer netbook computer. For more information, please call 516-902-5327 or e-mail [email protected]

66 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES both agreed. if Yehuda would succeed in rescuing the Rabbi Tzedek ruled: “Benjy has to pay a bag, whereas for the attempt he is willing A Blessed Curse reasonable fee for trying to rescue the to pay only a reasonable fee (C.M. 264:4 bag, let’s say $20. However, Yehuda can- and Nesivos 264:3). If Yehuda wanted to not demand the $100, since he did not secure the $100 payment regardless of the BY RABBI MEIR ORLIAN bag sank. Yehuda dove in after it, but to stipulate that Benjy should pay even if he outcome, he had to stipulate this explicit- BUSINESS HALACHA INSTITUTE no avail. The bag was gone. fails to rescue the bag.” ly” (SM’A 264:11). Yehuda returned defeated. Meanwhile, NNN NNN Bilam was hired for a hefty price to his own bag was also gone. He helped Rabbi Tzedek explained: “A worker is This analysis explains, perhaps, why curse Israel, but Hashem turned his curs- Benjy right his kayak, and they set back to entitled to payment if he fulfilled his Bilam constantly stressed that he could es into blessings. Did the exasperated shore. duties responsibly, even if the employer only speak what G-d put into his mouth. Balak owe Bilam payment for his failed Two weeks later, Benjy showed Yehuda did not ultimately benefit from his serv- It may not have been motivated by sub- services? another camera. “It’s much simpler, but I ice. For example, a person who is hired to mission to the Divine will, but rather by NNN couldn’t afford to buy another expensive represent a client or run an election cam- the greedy desire for payment even if he “Hi, Benjy!” It was Yehuda, his best one,” he said. paign is entitled to pay even if the client would fail in his mission. He therefore friend. “How about boating in Island Park “I’m sure it takes pictures just fine,” loses” (Chavas Yair No. 154). stipulated that he was coming on condi- tomorrow?” Yehuda said encouragingly. “By the way, On the other hand, a person who was tion that he would speak whatever G-d “Sure,” answered Benjy. what about the $100 you promised me?” contracted to accomplish a certain goal is put in his mouth! O “Pack lunch and a change of clothes; Benjy startled. “Why should I pay? You not entitled to payment unless he accom- Rabbi Meir Orlian is a faculty member of the I’ll bring the nosh and some balls,” said didn’t save my bag.” plishes it (ibid.). If a serviceman is con- Business Halacha Institute, which is headed by Yehuda. “So what,” responded Yehuda. “You tracted to fix something and is unable to, HaRav Chaim Kohn, shlita, a noted dayan. This article is intended for learning purposes and knew that I might not be able to rescue it, he is not entitled to payment, unless he not to be relied upon as halacha l’maaseh. There and I gave up mine trying to save yours.” stated that he charges for labor or that is are also issues of dina d’malchusa to consider in “I agreed to compensate you if you the common practice. Because of this, actual cases. To receive BHI’s free newsletter, Business Weekly, send an e-mail to “My bag looks like would save mine, but you didn’t help most servicemen now stipulate that the [email protected]. For questions me,” argued Benjy. “I lost $400, and now initial charge is for the visit itself. regarding business halacha issues, or to bring a BHI lecturer to your business or shul, please call it’s about to sink,” you want me to pay another $100?!” In our case, we assume that Benjy the confidential hotline at 877-845-8455 or e-mail “Let’s ask Rabbi Tzedek!” they agreed to pay the excessive amount only [email protected]. Yehuda called back. “If I get yours, mine might sink by the time I get to it!”

Benjy met Yehuda the next morning, and they drove to the park. “I have a good camera that is waterproof,” said Benjy. “We’ll be able to take pictures on the water.” After some ball-playing and lunch, they headed to the water and rented kayaks. They put on life vests, tucked their bags into the boats, and set out. “I’ll race you to that buoy over there and back,” said Benjy. “With pleasure,” laughed Yehuda. “One, two, three. Go!” The kayaks surged forward, rolling in the waves. They reached the buoy together. “Let’s go, sharp turn!” shouted Yehuda. As they leaned over to make the turn, a strong wave rolled across . . . “Splash!” The kayaks capsized, tossing the two of them into the water. After a few attempts, Yehuda managed to right his kayak and mount it. He came to help Benjy, but he said, “You’d better get the bags before they sink. I can wait a few more minutes.” The bags had floated off in opposite directions and were already filling with water. Yehuda paddled away to pick up his bag. “My camera!” Benjy suddenly cried out. “You’ve got to rescue my bag first!” “My bag looks like it’s about to sink,” Yehuda called back. “If I get yours, mine might sink by the time I get to it!” “I can’t afford to lose that camera,” yelled Benjy. “It cost almost $400! Please go get it.” Yehuda thought quickly. In his bag were a change of clothing, an MP3 player and some balls, worth about $100 alto- gether. “If you’ll pay $100 to cover my bag, I’ll go rescue yours.” “Deal!” said Benjy. Yehuda set off after Benjy’s bag, with strong, swift strokes. He was within ten feet when the final air seeped out and the 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 67 The Words Of Bilam

BY LARRY DOMNITCH

Count Sergei Uvarov, the Russian minister of education during the era of Czar Nicholas I (1825–1855), was on a mission under the auspices of the czar to assimilate the Jews through education reform. Uvarov sought to introduce government-sponsored schools to the Jewish community. By replacing the time-honored rebbi with Judaic teachers from the Haskalah (enlightenment) move- ment, the czar’s minister sought to secularize the youth of the shtetl. While Uvarov’s plan had the support of the czar and the maskilim, the Jewish community at large clung to their traditions and resisted. Uvarov sought Jewish communal support, setting up a commission of two rabbinic leaders, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (Tzemach Tzedek) and Rabbi Yitzchak of Volozhin, along with two community leaders and chosen maskilim. Uvarov summoned members of the commission to a meeting in St. Petersburg in May 1843. Progress in creating government schools was limited, due to the lack of cooperation by the Jewish community. The minister sought to accelerate the process. The Tzemach Tzedek publicly expressed opposition to the aims of the commission, for which he was later arrested. Rabbi Yitzchak also had no intention of helping to facilitate the new education system. The meeting’s proceedings were not recorded, except for one moment when Uvarov, presum- ably in a moment of exaspera- tion, turned to Rabbi Yitzchak and asked derisively, “Why did G-d ever create such a weak and despised nation?” R’ Yitzchak responded with laughter. He explained that he had been waiting to hear such a question, for it was predicted by Bilam: “In due time, it shall be said to Yaakov and to Yisrael, ‘What has G-d done (by creating such a nation)?’ [Bamidbar 23:23].” Uvarov had probably expressed his frustra- tion at the Jews and their obstina- cy. In his drive to reform the Jews, for the most part they, despite the pressure, did not comply. In the face of the dangers posed to traditional Jewish life by the Haskalah, Russian Jews pulled together. That is not to say that they were left unscathed by these immense challenges, but large segments of the Jewish community did manage to maintain their values and educational system. Non-compliance might evoke the rancor of others. They may demand, accuse, coerce, and even threaten. But ultimately there are times when there is no choice but to stand firm. O 68 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 25, 2010 69 70 June 25, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Shaaray Tefila Hachnasas Sefer Torah Photos By Ivan H. Norman A Five Towns Simcha Photos By Suri Adams Photography

Gabi Nachman, daughter of Tzvi and Naomi Nachman, celebrated her bat mitzvah on Sunday, June 6 at Ateres Nechama Liba Simcha Hall. The event was catered by Traditions. Azamra DJ provided the entertainment.

Hundreds turned out last Sunday on the streets of Lawrence to participate in a Sefer Torah dedication in honor of the 100th anniversary of Congregation Shaaray Tefila. Top: The shul’s rav, Rabbi Dovid Weinberger.

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