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SEE PAGE 30 Candle-lighting/Shabbos Ends Friday, May 4: 7:37/8:41 Kew Gardens Hills • Kew Gardens • Forest Hills • Hillcrest • Briarwood • Jamaica Estates • Holliswood • Fresh Meadows Great Neck • Rego Park • West Hempstead • New Hyde Park • Five Towns • Long Beach • Oceanside • Plainview • Catskills Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) May 3, 2018 • 18 Iyar 5778 Free MMereditheredith FFarrellarrell OOU’sU’s CitiCiti FieldField TTorahorah NNORPACORPAC 22018:018: RRememberedemembered BByy CCommunityommunity PProgramrogram DDrawsraws 22,000,000 TThehe OOrthodoxrthodox AAttendeesttendees WWorldorld IInteractsnteracts WWithith MMiddleiddle AAmericamerica

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SEE STORY ON PAGE 27 SEE STORY ON PAGE 32 SEE STORY ON PAGE 28 The Possibility Op-Ed From Our Rabbinic Consultant Your Say Poignant Principle And True Save Our Kotel Toirah Iz Die Beste Dear Editor: Aliyah Thoughts By Miriam Rollhaus, LCSW Schoireh By Del Simcha Regarding the front page “Apol- ogy” (Issue 257): No need to fl ag- By Cheryl Miodownik ongratulations to Prince By Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld ellate yourselves. Most people Harry and Meghan Markle ince its formal establishment did not catch the questionable Con their upcoming mar- as a modern state in 1948, Isra- visual in the ad. Mistakes happen. ix years ago, when our daugh- riage. Since beginning their court- Sel has always been governed have written more than once A more modest mea culpa inside ter Shayna made aliyah, I ship in 2016, Harry and Meghan by traditional Jewish concepts of my issues with organized would have suffi ced. Let’s keep Sshared some thoughts about have coordinated clandestine –Shabbos and all Yamim Tovim IOrthodox Jewry. Now it is my things in perspective; this was how we felt, foremost among them dates, traveled to Botswana, and are publicly observed, the laws of pleasure to write of one of their not the end of the world. Please pride and joy. Last week, one of grown their relationship in exotic kashrus are implemented in the great achievements. don’t turn us into Brooklyn. Shayna’s friends, Yael Raden, wrote and private locales. When I imag- Israel Defense Forces, and the com- There is an old Yiddish saying, Regarding “Where’s My Gen- of her feelings about being a recent ine their relationship, a dreamy plex laws of marriage, divorce, and “Toirah iz die beste schoireh,” which eration?” (Issue 257): Kol ha’kavod olah in Israel. What you are about

CONTINUED ON P. 21 CONTINUED ON P. 24 CONTINUED ON P. 5 CONTINUED ON P. 13 CONTINUED ON P. 57 SEE PAGE 63 SEE PAGE SEE PAGE 60 SEE PAGE

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 1 2 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 This is where it all begins

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Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 3 4 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 MMessageessage From Our Rabbinic Consultant R’ Yoel Schonfeld Toirah Iz Die Beste Schoireh CONTINUED FROM P. 1 Knicks basketball players hung incongru- ously from the rafters, was an experience literally translated is “Torah is the best busi- I shall never forget. The same held true ness.” Cynically, this can come to refer to the for subsequent gatherings in the Garden price of matzos at $39 per pound. Or a lulav- and Nassau Coliseum, former home of and-esrog set for $150 (on the cheap). hockey’s New York Islanders. But what this really means is that there is Yet later came the Siyum HaShas in nothing as precious to Jews as the study of MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, home of Torah. Of all the places, some of the most cov- football’s Jets and Giants. Who can forget the eted sports arenas have put this on full dis- feeling of despair as the rainy day fulfi lled the play in recent years. It was somewhere in the weather forecaster’s prediction of all-day pre- late 1980s that Agudath Israel of America, un- cipitation? Then, as though on cue, precisely der the leadership of Rabbi Moshe Sherer z”l, at 7:00 p.m., at the start of the program, the announced that, for the fi rst time, the siyum clouds saluted farewell and the siyum went of the Daf Yomi program (the Siyum HaShas), on as scheduled. Clearly, Hashem gave a nod

Enough with political discussions and meaningless resolutions OOUU PresidentPresident MMoisheoishe BBaneane ((R)R) aandnd EExecutivexecutive VVPP AAllenllen FFaginagin about the “future of Judaism.” Jews want tachlis Torah study with illustrious presenters. And of Judaism.” Jews want tachlis. They want to all was done in a timely, orderly, and magnifi - deal with substance. Nothing is more sub- cently organized manner! (Yes, we Jews can stantive to the People of the Book, than the which marked the completion of the entire to his loyal children celebrating His Torah do that!) My purpose here is not to detail the study of the Book. Talmud Bavli by Jews throughout the world, down below. program, which will be done elsewhere in As one participant told me: “The only thing would be held in a major sports arena, Madi- On Sunday, April 29, a related event was this paper. I can complain about it that there is nothing son Square Garden. The unimaginable was to held, this time in the inner sanctum of Citi What is so noteworthy about the program to complain about.” happen! Field, home to the New York Mets. The Ortho- is that this was conceived by OU President A great yasher koach is due to Moishe Bane I remember attending that event with dox Union organized a day of Torah study for Moishe Bane (a KGH native) as a replacement and Allen Fagin, OU’s Executive VP (also a my young son Simcha at the time, and men and women, given by men and women for the traditional convention held by the OU former Queenser), for making this special walking away with a feeling that I had on almost every conceivable Torah-related on a biannual basis. Mr. Bane correctly envi- event a reality. As trained lawyers in the busi- just experienced heaven on earth. It was topic. My guess is about 2,000 Jewish peo- sioned that what Torah Jews want most is… ness world, they hit upon the best business a surreal feeling of Jewish pride and spir- ple participated in this Torah extravaganza. Torah! Enough with political discussions and model for the Torah community. And it was itual bliss. Celebrating a monumental Daf Yomi, Musar, Hashkafah, Medicine and meaningless resolutions about the “future Die Beste. achievement in Torah study with 20,000 Halachah, Archeology and the Bible, Bibli- well-behaved Jews in a most orderly and cal Personalities, Responsa, etc., etc., were Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld is the Rabbi of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, former President inspiring fashion as the jerseys of great all part of a very comprehensive program of of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens, and the Rabbinic Consultant for the Queens Jewish Link.

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 5 Community PUBLISHED BY Calendar – Rebecca Wittert ...... 43 Queens Jewish Link, LLC Recent Happenings – Sergey Kadinsky, Susie Garber, QJL Staff ...... 6-39 RABBINIC CONSULTANT Snapshots – Shua Katz ...... 33/40 Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld Classifieds & Real Estate ...... 62/63 MANAGING EDITOR Naftali Szrolovits General Interest SENIOR CONSULTANTS Forecast Financially Forward - Gerald Harris ...... 17 Yaniv Meirov Style & Living Cynthia Zalisky FRI • MAY 4 TUE • MAY 8 Beauty Briefs -Risselle Naimark ...... 54 Helen Hoffman Dating Today – Goldy Krantz ...... 51 Estate and Wills – Monet Binder ...... 55 Rebecca Wittert 81° 67° Foodie Adventures - Bracha Serle ...... 59 Sergey Kadinsky Interior Design for the 99%– Zisi Naimark ...... 47 60° 52° On the Road – Terri B. Kalker, Esq...... 48 ADVERTISING MANAGER Real-Life Reflections - Sarah Newcomb ...... 58 Yaakov Serle Style Myths Debunked - Meira E. Schneider-Atik ...... 53 Partly Cloudy Showers COPY EDITORS Light & Fun R’ Yisroel Benedek Musical Notes – Susie Garber ...... 56 Rivky Bergstein SAT • MAY 5 WED • MAY 9 Snippets of Strange – QJL Staff ...... 14-16 Emily Cohen The Fun Side – QJL Staff...... 60/61 73° 66° Elissa Epstein Mental Health & Physical Wellness STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER 55° 52° Hooked on Healing – Caroline Schumsky ...... 22 Shua Katz SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Opinion Partly Cloudy Partly Cloudy As I See it - Cynthia Zalisky...... 18 Rachel Goldsmith Blue and White – Shmuel Sackett ...... 23 For What it’s Worth – Warren Hecht ...... 19 SUN • MAY 6 THU • MAY 10 Frontlines – Joseph Frager ...... 44 Message from Rabbinic Consultant – R’ Yoel Schonfeld ...... 1 66° 67° Your Say ...... 1 Torah/Tefilah/Parshah 51° 54° [email protected] Halachic Highlights – Rabbi Epfraim Glatt ...... 45 Rabbi’s Musings & Amusings – R’ Dani Staum ...... 11 718-880-2622 Partly Cloudy Mostly Sunny A Shabbat Thought – R’ David Algaze ...... 8 147-25 70th Ave. Flushing, NY 11367 The Shmuz on the Parshah – R’ Ben Tzion Shafier ...... 10 www.QueensJewishLink.com Stories of Greatness – R’ Dovid Hoffman ...... 7 MON • MAY 7 FRI • MAY 11 Weekly Tefilah Focus ...... 45 Design by Design2pro.com Special Articles Design & Production 64° 65° The Possibility Principle - Miriam Rollhaus ...... 1 MICHAEL KUROV • Art Director 51° 53° Poignant and True Aliyah Thoughts - Cheryl Miodownik ...... 1 Save Our Kotel – Del Simcha...... 1 Distributed by Meredith Farrell Remembered by Community - Sergey Kadinsky ...... 27 Prime Media Distribution Partly Cloudy Showers NORPAC 2018 - Abe Fuchs ...... 28 OU’s Citi Field Torah Program Draws 2,000 - Sergey Kadinsky ...... 32

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6 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 SStoriestories Of Greatness R’ Dovid Hoffman Maritime Miracle he following story was told to a rav in The sailor then explained to the rav began, the ship was smashed by a Hezbol- Israel while he was sitting on a bus. A where he was when it all happened. He lah missile. The sailor explained several Tsailor of the Israeli Navy boarded the had been very tired and his next shift of possible scenarios that should have hap- bus and sat down next to the rav. Soon, the duty was to begin at 12 a.m. that night. He pened. First of all, the size of the missile and bunk melted to ashes from the heat two were involved in a deep conversation, was planning to skip the dinner and take should have sunk the ship. A big enough of the fi re. He personally knew what his with the sailor relating that he was a chozer a nap to be re-energized for his shift. How- hole would have been created to sink the fate would have been had he taken that b’t’shuvah, a Jew who returned to the fold ever, when he heard that everyone was vessel, but the missile hit a huge anchor be- nap – had the big Shabbos meal and dav- of observant Judaism, after he witnessed eating together, he decided to pop in for ing stored on the deck that absorbed much ening not taken place. But there’s more to many open miracles. He explained that a few minutes. He walked in while they of the impact. He also explained that the the story. Upon searching the ship after the he was a crewmember on the INS Chanit were in middle of davening and was im- ship caught fi re and tons of stored fuel in missile attack, crewmembers found a Sefer when it was damaged on July 14, 2006, by a pressed to see Israelis of many different close proximity to the fl ames could easily Tehillim that was opened to chapter 124. missile fi red by Hezbollah. The fl ight deck points on the religious spectrum answer- have exploded. Miraculously, they did not. The words of the p’sukim are astounding: “A caught on fi re and crippled the propulsion song of ascents, by David. Had not Hashem system inside the hull. Four crew members been with us .... when men rose up against were killed during the attack. If the crew had eaten according to their normal schedule, tens of us, they would have swallowed us alive, It was a Friday night, and several of sailors would have been on deck and most likely injured or killed when their anger was kindled against us. the religious Israeli sailors on the ship ap- Then the waters would have inundated us; proached the captain with a request. It was the current would have surged across our crucial for the success of their mission, ing Kaddish and singing Lecha Dodi in uni- Then the most obvious miracle of all: If the soul. Then they would have surged across they said, if the entire crew ate the Shab- son. Following Kabbalas Shabbos, they all crew had eaten according to their normal our soul – the treacherous waters. Bless- bos meal together. They begged the cap- sat down to eat the Shabbos meal togeth- schedule, tens of sailors would have been ed is Hashem Who did not present us as tain to not only permit this request, but to er. Usually Navy meals are eaten in shifts, on deck and most likely injured or killed. prey for their teeth. Our soul escaped like allow the entire ship to join in. They un- often a bit rushed. Similar to eating lunch They were saved due to the fact that the en- a bird from the hunter’s snare ... Our help derstood that such a request – to have all in the middle of a workday, these sailors tire crew was eating together in one room is through the Name of Hashem, Maker of the crew members of a war ship eating a have many responsibilities and cannot eat on the opposite side of the ship – far away heaven and earth.” meal together – is not standard operating leisurely. This Friday night, however, they from where the rocket hit. Looking at the rav with gleaming eyes, procedure. Under normal circumstances were all laughing, eating, enjoying, and The sailor ran down to his quarters the sailor declared, “I have become a reli- the crew ate in shifts so as not to be vulner- singing for several hours. When the meal and found his entire room, belongings, gious Jew from this experience.” able to the enemy at any point. This, how- ended, they started to recite the Birchas ever, was not a normal circumstance, and Hamazon out loud. Rabbi Dovid Hoffman is the author of the popular “Torah Tavlin” book series, fi lled with perhaps it was what was needed to invoke The sailor told the rabbi on the bus that stories, wit and hundreds of divrei Torah, including the brand new “Torah Tavlin Yamim Divine protection on the ship. The captain he ended up staying for the entire meal and Noraim” in stores everywhere. You’ll love this popular series. Also look for his book, “Heroes granted the religious sailors their wish, in- the blessing afterward. His plans to sleep of Spirit,” containing one hundred fascinating stories on the Holocaust. They are fantastic sisting, though, that four men must remain were foiled. However, he now has a great gifts, available in all Judaica bookstores and online at http://israelbookshoppublications. on the deck at all times as a security pre- appreciation to Hashem that he missed com. To receive Rabbi Hoffman’s weekly “Torah Tavlin” sheet on the parsha, e-mail To- caution. that nap. Moments after Birchas Hamazon [email protected]

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 7 A SShabbathabbat Thought R’ David Algaze Dead Or Alive “Hashem said to Moses: Say to person has a higher status than a body, from a useful and neces- beauty inside when he is alive, quently, the higher the state of the kohanim…Each of you shall not dead one. The purpose of the crea- sary tool of the soul into a source passes away – he becomes the se- contamination will be. contaminate himself to a [dead] tion of Man was to have his soul of impurity and contamination verest source of contamination. This is also the reason that, ac- person among his people.” guide and rule the body. Once the shows unequivocally that there That is the reason that kohanim cording to Rabbi Shimon bar Yo- (Leviticus 21:1) chai, Jewish graves contaminate but the graves of non-Jews do ***** Even among the atheists and those who deny the Torah in their thought or deed, not. Since the latter do not have a he Torah highlights the spe- the Divine spark remains special spiritual role in the world, cial obligations devolving their passing away does not mean Tupon the kohanim who, such a great descent and, therefore, due to their special stature, had soul departs, the inert body loses is a very signifi cant difference are not allowed to enter cem- their dead bodies are not regarded particular responsibilities. One of its value because its usefulness whether one is dead or alive. eteries, hospitals where there is as sources of impurity. Just as a the unique laws pertaining to ko- was only to serve the soul. Even This is especially so in the case of a dead patient, or any other lo- kohen has special privileges and hanim is the prohibition against more so, the body becomes a Jews who have such a high mis- cation where a corpse may lie. obligations, so a Jew has special contamination from the dead. source of impurity. sion in the world. When a Jew, The higher the value of one’s life, duties and functions in the world This law teaches us that a living This transformation of the who carries the Torah and all its the greater is the loss and, conse- that make his role in life more meaningful. The kohanim are in- structed, “They shall be holy” (ibid. 5), meaning that they may not re- sign from their high position. In a similar vein, Jews, who have been given special responsibilities, are not to resign from their roles in the world. That appears to be logical when speaking about people endowed with great qualities and whose loss is irreparable. Their absenting themselves from the world can cre- ate a great depression and impurity in the spiritual realm. However, this may not be so in the case of the corpse belonging to someone who did not live according to its mission and whose mission in the world re- mained incomplete. Would their bodies become sources of impurity, as in the case of the bodies of the righteous? Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch, in his book Taam veDa’at, answers positively and notes that this is an anomaly. The corpse of a Jew who is an atheist and an apostate brings impurity just as much as the corpse of any oth- er Jew. This teaches us that the Jewish soul never loses its high caliber. Even when such a soul is not properly cared for while in the body, it is still a Jewish soul, a neshama, carved from a High Source. Thus, even when it abandons the human body we can feel its absence. This teaches that even among the atheists and those who deny the Torah in their thought or deed, the Divine spark remains. That spark does not evaporate even when they act against the Torah. Therefore, we should never give up on any Jew and we should not despair about them. May we be privileged, with G-d’s help, to rekindle the divine spark in the countless assimilated and unaffi liated Jews who will cease to live the life of common creatures – animals – and rise to function as human beings en- dowed with G-d’s spark and His guidance.

Rabbi David Algaze is the founder and Rav of Havurat Yis- rael, Forest Hills. He is a noted public speaker and author and is the President of the international Committee for the Land of Israel.

8 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 9 TThehe SShmuzhmuz On The Parshah R’ Ben Tzion Shafier S’fi ras HaOmer: Why We Count, What We Count “And you shall count for yourselves from They had no life. They couldn’t own prop- How could anything in the world be more Every human has inborn understand- the day after the rest day, from the day erty, choose their own destiny, or protect desirable to the Jews than freedom? How ings. Oftentimes, they are masked and when you bring the Omer of the waving – their own children. They didn’t even have could it be that anything, even something subdued. Whether by environment or seven weeks, they shall be complete.” the right to their own time. A Mitzri could as great as receiving the Torah, could mean by desire, the human spends much of — Vayikra 23:15 at any moment demand a Jew’s utter and more to them than being redeemed from his life running from the truths that he complete compliance to do his bidding. If a slavery? deeply knows. When the Jews in Mitz- ***** Jew walked in the streets, it was every Mitz- rayim experienced Hashem’s power and Sefer HaChinuch: The Torah commands ri’s right to whisk him away, without ques- What the Jews Experienced goodness, they understood the purpose us to count the Omer so we can relive the tion and without recourse, and force him by Living Through the Makos of Creation. They knew that we are crea- Exodus from Mitzrayim. Just as the Jews into slave labor for whatever he saw fi t. The answer to this question lies in un- tions, put on this planet for a reason. We back then anxiously anticipated the great day Waking in the early morning to the derstanding the great level of clarity that were given a great opportunity to grow, when they were to receive the Torah, so too crack of the Mitzri’s whip, the Jews were the Jews reached by living through the Ma- to accomplish, to mold ourselves into we count the days till Shavuos, the Yom Tov who we will be for eternity. We have a that commemorates the giving of the Torah. few short, precious years here, and then To the Jews then, accepting the Torah on Har The more a person focuses on his purpose in the world, the more forever we will enjoy that which we have Sinai was even greater than their redemption accomplished. Because they so clearly from slavery. So we count each day to bring he values the Torah. He recognizes it as the formula for human experienced Hashem, their view of exist- ourselves to that sense of great enthusiasm, perfection ence was changed. They “got it.” as if to say, “When will that day come?” Because of this, the currency with which they measured all good changed. ***** pushed to the limit of human endurance kos and the splitting of the sea. They recognized that the greatest good With these words, the Sefer HaChinuch till late at night when they fell asleep in For ten months, each Jew saw with ev- ever bestowed upon man is the ability to defi nes the mitzvah of S’fi ras HaOmer. The the fi elds. Without rest, without breaks, er-increasing clarity that Hashem created, change, to mold himself into something diffi culty with this is the statement that the Jews lugged heavy loads and lifted huge maintains, and orchestrates this world. different, so that he will merit to cling to “to the Jews then, the receiving of the To- rocks. Sweat, tears, and bloodshed were With absolute certainty, they experienced Hashem. They recognized that everything rah was even greater than being freed from their lot. In the heat of the sweltering sun Hashem’s presence in their lives. This un- that we humans value as important pales slavery.” It seems hard to imagine that and in the cold of the desert night, at the derstanding brought them to recognize cer- anything would be greater to a slave than risk of life and limb, the Jew was oppressed tain core cognitions. CONTINUED ON P. 31 being freed. This concept is even more per- with a demon-like fury. A beast of burden plexing when we envision what it was like is treated wisely to ensure its well-being, Born and bred in Kew Gardens Hills, R’ Ben Tzion Shafier joined the Choftez Chaim Ye- to be a slave in Mitzrayim. but not the Jew. He was pushed beyond all shiva after high school. Shortly thereafter he got married and moved with his new family to limits. Finally, when Pharaoh was asked to Rochester, where he remained in for 12 years. R’ Shafi er then moved to Monsey, NY, where he A Life of Suffering and Bloodshed let the Jewish people go, he increased their was a Rebbe in the new Chofetz Chaim branch there for three years. Upon the Rosh Yeshiva’s The life of a Jew in Mitzrayim was one load, taking it from the impossible to the request, he stopped teaching to devote his time to running Tiferes Bnei Torah. R” Shafi er, a of misery and suffering. They had no rights. unimaginable. happily married father of six children, currently resides in Monsey.

10 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 RRabbi’sabbi’s MMusingsusings & Amusings Rabbi Dani Staum

Late Bloomer

or those of us living on the East Meanwhile, here in New York, we are Coast, it’s been a long and harsh still unable to recite it, as of yet. Fwinter. Ironically, this was the fi rst This week, we have seen the fi rst time in a few years that we had relatively hints of spring, including the welcomed pleasant 50-degree weather on Purim. buzzing of bees and insects, chirping Since it is a pre-leap year and Purim was birds, and some color returning to the on March 1, it was welcomed and appre- still nascent trees. ciated. But as soon as Purim ended, the Someone at our Shabbos table asked weather dropped precipitously, herald- this week if the lengthy duration of ing in a Shushan Purim snowstorm. That winter is any indication that it will be a was followed with a few more March particularly cool summer. The response snowstorms and generally cold weather. was that it is not an indication at all. In This year, March came in like a lion and fact, it is likely that during a scorching left the same way. Even on Pesach, it was July day we will hardly remember our cold and snowy. desperation to see the sun in late April.

“All children have gifts; some open them later than others.” So often, those we thought had little imagination. chance of making something of them- It’s hard to envision budding trees selves defy all predictions. and fl owers in the dead of winter. But I once heard a beautiful statement: we all know that it will happen. We just This week, the sun has fi nally re- As adults, we all have experienced “All children have gifts; some open have to have the patience to wait for it. turned from Florida. We are all hoping great surprises about how life turned out them later than others.” The great par- We need to have that perspective with it will stay a while. Still, we are holding for people we knew in our youth. Often ent and educator is one who sees the our children as well. We need to daven our breath, hoping it doesn’t snow on those people may even be ourselves. child not as he/she is, but for who he/ for patience and for the wisdom to see Shavuos or on Tish’ah B’Av. During our formative years, we make she can become. That requires vision the greatness within, even if it hasn’t In Eretz Yisrael, the special brachah assumptions about who will be success- and foresight, and at times even a bit of blossomed just yet. recited once a year on the blooming of ful later in life. Many school yearbooks the trees was recited weeks ago. I saw contain articles predicting the future of Rabbi Dani Staum, LMSW, is the Rabbi of Kehillat New Hempstead, as well as a rebbe pictures of great rabbis standing in front the graduates. At times they are accurate, and the Guidance Counselor at Heichal HaTorah in Teaneck, New Jersey, and Principal at of beautiful trees under the bright Ye- but often they are not. The only predict- Mesivta Ohr Naftoli of New Windsor. Rabbi Staum is a division head at Camp Dora Gold- rushalayim sun reciting the blessing be- able thing about life is life’s unpredict- ing. He also presents parenting classes based on the acclaimed Love and Logic methods. His fore Pesach. ability. email address is [email protected]. His website is www.stamtorah.info.

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 11 12 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 YYourour SSayay • Readers Write

CONTINUED FROM P. 1 Dear Editor: We just got back from a Safe Kids NYC Day as usual to Mr. Kadinsky for his thoughtful in Fresh Meadows. The event was co-spon- piece. I am not from KGH but I see that you sored by Councilman Barry Grodenchik, As- also have this problem. Just today someone sembly member Nily Rozic, Congresswoman was telling me how the excellent Yom HaAtz- Grace Meng, and Safe Kids NYC. The draw to maut program at YIQV was devoid of younger this event was a bicycle helmet for everyone people. Does it tie in with Rabbi Schonfeld’s who learned about bicycle safety. essay several weeks back about the lack of We arrived about an hour after the passion in the (modern) Orthodox commu- playground opened. It looked like there nity? I recently heard an askan from the OU were over 300 people, young and old name “lack of spirituality” as one of the fi ve or alike, fi lling out waivers and reading bi- so intractable problems challenging us. Alas, cycle safety pamphlets. More people kept the other four are equally dismal realities. arriving and the giveaway was going to

Let’s keep things in perspective; this was not the end of the world. Please don’t turn us into Brooklyn

Perhaps, though, it might be that too last another two hours. There were 15 many in today’s generation are satisfi ed to fi tting stations where we were individu- glide along by holding onto the shirttails of ally measured, given a helmet, and taught their parents and grandparents, who built how to wear and adjust it. the amazing Jewish infrastructure that we While waiting on line, Vision Zero staff take for granted today. They don’t appreci- worked the line, answering questions, ate that not so many decades ago our sta- handing out age-appropriate fl yers, work- tus in America was far different than today. books, and activity pamphlets. Our Coun- Overt quotas and anti-Semitism were more cilman and Assembly member were there the order of the day as the post-Shoah com- in person talking about the event to their munity struggled to survive, let alone gain constituents. a foothold in the new world. This type of event is organized once a By the way, Rabbi Berel Wein’s address year for our community and it is a wonder- last week at the Young Israel of Jamaica ful service. Estates, available on TorahAnytime, makes I am sure that next year’s will be even this point – excellent food for thought more popular if the event can be held on a along with his wry humor. Let us appreci- Sunday afternoon so that yeshivah students ate the miracles of every day, including and other religious people can attend. your wonderful publication. Sincerely, Esther Arenberg Jack and Rachelle Meth

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 13 SSnippetsnippets Of Strange

Shadow-Boxing Tough Guy fering it for sale. But some people have had doubts about how effective it might be. Could Protect Home-Alone Actually, the image is nothing more than In particular, criminals might sooner or later a projected shadow, but one that a Japanese work out that a “man behind the curtain” who Women In Japan apartment management company hopes spends his whole time shadow boxing, actually will help protect and reassure women liv- means a woman is alone inside. ing by themselves. “If projecting a shadow makes a woman Still in the prototype stage, “Man on the Cur- an easy target by showing criminals there’s tain” uses a smartphone connected to a projec- nobody home, that would put the cart be- tor to throw a moving shadow of a man doing fore the horse,” he said. Offi cer Darcy Workman was assisting various energetic activities onto a curtain. “So we’d like to commercialize it once the fi re department with an EMS call at Customers can choose from a dozen dif- we add variety, such as releasing a new a local hospital when the patient became ferent scenarios that show their man boxing, video every day.” physically violent. doing karate, or even swinging a baseball bat. Police said in a Facebook post that To mix things up a bit, the man can calm Workman got her Taser out while trying to down and do more mundane things like Police Officer Apologizes get the patient under control and “acciden- get dressed, chill out with a guitar, or even tally shocked” fi refi ghter Rickey Wagoner. ehind the apartment’s curtain, a do some vacuuming. With ‘Sorry I Tased You’ Cake The department shared photos of Work- tough guy is boxing, throwing left The system was developed for security at n Ohio police offi cer made amends man apologizing to Wagoner by presenting Band right hooks and jabs, and lung- buildings run by a management company. with a local fi refi ghter by present- him with a cake. ing forward - enough to make any passing Queries from the public prompted the Aing him with a cake reading: “Sorry “Sorry I tased you,” the cake reads, along criminal think twice before breaking in. company to think bigger and consider of- I tased you.” with the image of a frowny face. Goose Attacks High School Golfer

teen golfer playing in a Michigan high school tournament found Aout how “exciting” the sport can be when he was attacked by a territorial goose. A series of photos posted to the high school’s twitter account shows the golfer in a physical confrontation with a goose. “And you thought golf was boring?” the tweet said. The golfer said only his pride was in- jured. “At no point in my life, I never thought golf would be fun or exciting till yesterday. We have a great group of kids on the golf team and had some excitement on the course yesterday,” he wrote in a Facebook post. Suspect Flees Police On Motorcycle With ‘XFELON’ License Plate

olice in Oregon said a suspect led police on a chase while riding a sto- Plen motorcycle with a vanity license plate reading “XFELON.” Police said the suspect was recognized by an offi cer in a store parking lot. The offi cer determined the man, a con- victed felon, had a warrant for his arrest on a parole violation related to unauthor- ized use of a motor vehicle, but the man

CONTINUED ON P. 15

14 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 SSnippetsnippets Of Strange

CONTINUED FROM P. 14 telling the clerk to throw the ticket in the The couple said they plan to use the trash. money to pay off debts and take a fam- sped off on a motorcycle while the offi cer Man Told Clerk To Throw Kenny McGuire said he bought a Power- ily vacation. McGuire said he also plans to waited to be joined by a patrol offi cer in a ball ticket and put it in his wallet. share some of the money with the store marked car. $50,000 Powerball Ticket He checked the ticket when he re- clerk who sold him the ticket and declined The offi cer followed the suspect in an turned to the store 10 days later with his to throw it away. unmarked car and made note of the “XFEL- ‘In The Trash’ wife. ON” license plate, which bore expired “I handed the ticket to the clerk. He North Dakota tags. scanned it, and he told me that he couldn’t Flaming Cheese Dish Sets Off The patrol offi cer joined the pursuit and cash the ticket,” McGuire said. the man fl ed at speeds of between 85 and “I told him, ‘Well, if you can’t cash it, Restaurant’s Sprinklers 100 mph down side streets until he reached throw it away,’” McGuire said. diner at a Greek restaurant in Balti- a dead end and got off the vehicle. Thankfully, the clerk explained the prob- more captured video of the moment Police arrested the man, who claimed he lem wasn’t that the ticket wasn’t a winner - Aa fl aming cheese dish triggered the hadn’t been riding the motorcycle. Police it was that he had won too much to redeem eatery’s sprinklers. discovered the bike had been reported sto- at the store. A man named James said he and a large len in June 2017. The McGuires visited lottery headquar- group of colleagues were at the restaurant The XFELON plate had not been on the ters recently to collect their winnings. last week when they ordered the saganaki, motorcycle at the time of the theft, “lead- “She keeps joking with me, saying things a cheese dish that is commonly ignited at a ing us to believe whoever stole the bike Missouri man who won $50,000 like, ‘You had $50,000 in your wallet for 10 diner’s table. put the plate on it,” a police spokesperson from a Powerball drawing said he days and didn’t tell me? How selfi sh are said. “Since these guys make license plates Aalmost made a terrible mistake by you?’” McGuire said. CONTINUED ON P. 16 in prison, you would think he would be a little more creative.” Wet Paint During Rush Hour Leads To Mess On New York Subway

ew York subway riders said an ill- timed paint job at a Brooklyn sta- Ntion led to yellow footprints spread- ing around the station - and inside trains. Commuters shared photos on social me- dia showing the footprints that resulted from the paint used to put yellow track- side lines on the ground still being wet dur- ing peak riding hours. “Someone just put down a fresh coat of yellow paint on the subway platform edge... at 9:30 on a Wednesday morning,” one rider wrote on Twitter. “This platform is going to be a mess of yellow footprints by the end of the day. What is going on.” He said the paint job was poorly planned. “People just don’t think. They’re not thinking about the consequences their de- cisions are going to have, and we’ve ended up with a transit system that refl ects those priorities,” he said. “It’s incredibly frustrat- ing.” Photos snapped by commuters show the yellow footprints spread to inside the trains. “It’s a hazard by me. Being a nursing aide, I think it’s very hazardous for people to walk through wet paint, because they’re asking for a lawsuit,” another subway rider said. “They can slip through it, they can fall, they can fall on the track. There’s so much going on.” The MTA blamed the wet paint on hu- midity. “We successfully do paint work day in and day out at our 472 stations without any issues whatsoever,” the MTA said in a state- ment. “This is an extremely rare example of very humid weather slowing the drying process after off-hours work and extra care will be taken to make sure it doesn’t hap- pen again.”

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 15 SSnippetsnippets Of Strange couldn’t go back to school now. The assisted living center where he lives “I’m going to be proud to hang that di- is planning a big graduation party for over ploma on the wall and think about the 100 people. Barger stocked up on a dozen “We’ve always preached safety fi rst with friends behind it,” he said. “I found out bottles of vodka, whiskey and scotch. that dish,” he said. without friends, this old world wouldn’t be He jokes that he now wants to fi nd “a He said damage from the sprinklers was worth living in.” cushy job where I can play golf.” minimal and the viral video has actually The university took a look at Barger’s old been good for business. school records because of a friendship he “We’ve gotten people coming in and ask- struck up with Haraz Ghanbari, the school’s Florida Police Capture Pony ing for it, they’re bringing it up, they’re talk- director of military and veteran affairs. ing about it,” he said. They met fi ve years ago when Ghanbari, Running Loose a Navy Reserve offi cer, asked Barger to of- fi ciate his promotion to lieutenant. On The Highway CONTINUED FROM P. 15 WW II Veteran Ghanbari later found out that Barger The group ended up ordering several of never graduated from the university, even the dishes, and Hughes’ video shows serv- To Graduate 68 Years though he took a full load of classes from ers igniting four cheeses at once, immedi- 1947 to 1950. ately causing the ceiling sprinklers to spray After Leaving College “We actually had to go into the archives fi re retardant. to fi nd his transcripts,” said Barbara Kopp “When the sprinklers initially went Miller, dean of University College at Toledo. off, we couldn’t stop laughing. It was just The records showed Barger completed 83 olice in Florida said an offi cer earned so shocking, and we were having such a credit hours — about 20 more than what’s the nickname “Pony Whisperer” great time all night that we couldn’t help required for the associate’s degree. University Pwhen she captured a small horse but laugh,” James said. “The staff treated us offi cials say they don’t know of anyone older running loose on a highway. amazing all night, very attentive, and made ever graduating from the school. Offi cers responded to a report of a horse for a memorable night, even without the “It’s the right thing to do. He deserved. He running loose on the highway and arrived sprinkler fi re.” ike so many American soldiers re- earned it,” Kopp Miller said. “It’s so cool to to fi nd the pony galloping next to cars on The restaurant’s owner said saganaki is turning home from World War II, honor a member of our greatest generation.” the road. one of the eatery’s most popular dishes, but LBob Barger started working a new Barger was a pilot in the Navy, enlist- “After a short foot pursuit and offi cers this incident was the fi rst time the sprin- job and going to college. Once he settled ing after seeing an advertisement that said realizing they need to step their cardio klers activated. into his career and raising a family, fi nish- “join the Navy and get an education.” game up, we successfully took the pony ing school was no longer a priority. He never gave much thought about not into custody,” the department said in a Fa- Now, 68 years since he last sat in a class- graduating until just recently. When he was cebook post. room, Barger is set to graduate from the Uni- told in January that he would fi nally get a Police said the offi cer who captured the versity of Toledo this week after a review of degree, he let out a hearty laugh. “I can’t equine has been dubbed the department’s his transcripts from the late 1940s showed he believe this. I’m 96 years old,” said Barger, “Pony Whisperer.” completed enough courses to quality for an whose wife died in 2011. “Pony was processed for Fleeing to associate’s degree - a two-year diploma not of- Members of the university’s Student Vet- Elude an offi cer,” the department joked. fered when he was still in school. erans of America chapter bought him a cap The pony was escorted back to its pas- “It was something I never dreamed and gown that he tried on last week. “I fi t. I ture, where it was reunited with its fellow of,” the 96-year-old Barger said. “I knew I guess I look pretty good in it,” he said. ponies.

16 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 FFinanciallyinancially Forward

Gerald Harris

Waste Not, Want Not ere is an amazing fact: Approxi- resources, including water, land, energy, mately one-third of all the food labor, and capital. Hproduced in the world every year – 1.3 billion tons – is wasted. Precious And Irreplaceable The magnitude of this number is easier Growing up on the Lower East Side, I be- to understand by putting it in dollar terms: came very conscious about how important $680 billion of food goes down the drain food was, and the idea of wasting it became in industrial countries every year, and $310 unthinkable. As a child I remember going billion more in developing ones. with my family one Shabbos afternoon to This number is not referring to lefto- visit an aunt, and my parents telling us re- sion on my face, was not pleased with gold, and numerous people suffered from vers – food that has not only lost its taste peatedly not to eat anything there because my reaction. He regaled me with stories hunger in those days. Some still do. and appeal but may even be risky to eat. It she was extremely poor and couldn’t afford about the importance of food: how at Given all the food that’s wasted, are we refers to high-quality items – bread, meat, the cost. This relative, a lady to whom hach- times relatives in Europe had not eaten forgetting the lessons of the recent past? fi sh, vegetables, fruits, and cereals – fresh, nasas orchim was very important, sliced a for so long that they were too weak to Have we become careless and unapprecia- nutritious servings that are suitable for banana and offered a piece to each of us. get out of bed; how other relatives in the tive of the food we are blessed with? the most distinguished people and that ap- When we declined, I caught a look of relief camps were ecstatic if they were fortu- CNN estimates that up to 40 percent of peal to the most discriminating taste buds. on her face. nate enough to get hold of slivers of rot- the food in the US is wasted, and some put And this is happening at a time when an this number even higher. There is less but estimated one out of three Americans can’t still signifi cant wastage of food in other afford to purchase quality food and when American families throw out between 14 and 25 percent of the countries, including some that are poverty this percentage is even higher in some oth- food and beverages they buy, and the costs of this per family stricken. er countries. Individuals waste lots of food but they range between $1,365 to $2,275 annually Starting On The Farm are not the only ones who do so. So do su- Wasting and needlessly disposing of food permarkets, restaurants, schools, and virtu- has become not only acceptable but fashion- ally every other institution where food is On another occasion we visited my ting food; and how he and my uncles and able. For example, farmers don’t bother pick- purchased and used in bulk. grandparents, and my grandmother gave aunts were so poor when they came to ing fruits and vegetables that don’t have a A UN study found that “if just one-fourth me a piece of bread and butter. The bread New York that they searched through gar- perfect shape and color, and as a result leave of the food currently lost or wasted glob- slipped out of my hand and landed butter- bage in a desperate hope of fi nding some more than half of their crops on the fi eld. ally could be saved, it would be enough side down on the fl oor. When I picked it morsels of usable food. Unfortunately, to feed 870 million hungry people in the up, the butter, yellow just a moment be- the streets in the US were not paved with CONTINUED ON P. 42 world.” fore, clearly was not so anymore. Needless The study added that waste is not lim- to say, it no longer looked appetizing. Gerald Harris is a fi nancial and feature writer. Gerald can be reached at geraldhrs@ ited to food; it also spills over to other My grandfather, noticing the expres- yahoo.com

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 17 AAss I See It Cynthia Zalisky Anti-Semitism On The Rise At Our Colleges

ost Americans would be sur- suppresses the predecessor Arab popula- prised to learn that the colleges tion residing there. It implies that the Mand universities that many of Arabs came fi rst and denies the fact the us hold in high esteem in the United Jews have been living in Israel for over States have become safe havens for an 3,000 years. Israel is perceived as an in- increasingly noticeable anti-Semitism terloper who has no legitimate right to that has produced a hostile environ- live in the land. It is bad enough when ment of bullying, intimidation, and fear the non-Jewish population believes the for Jewish students and academics. The Arab propaganda devoid of the actual Jewish kids are being attacked and spat historical facts, but sadly most of our upon, and pro-Israel forums are being Jewish students who only attended He- US State Department guidelines in de- er state legislatures will follow South forced to shut down at campuses across brew School for bar/bas mitzvah purpos- termining which types of speech are in- Carolina’s lead.” the country. Data collected by various es have no concept of Biblical or mod- tolerable. The defi nition included in the The South Carolina initiative has been anti-Semitism watchdog organizations ern Israeli history and do not have the bill is similar to the one used by the US well received by groups very involved have documented a steady increase in wherewithal to combat the deceptions State Department and the Internation- in this arena. According to the Louis D. incidents targeting Jews on college cam- thrown at them. I have written several al Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Brandeis Center for Human Rights, un- puses, especially when they speak up for times that we must continue to inform working defi nition of anti-Semitism der the Law, “there has been an alarming Israel and/or other Jewish causes, where the public over and over again of the that has been adopted by 31 countries. increase in anti-Semitism nationwide they become subject to abuse. “Some- and particularly in our nation’s college how it became the cool thing to do, to campuses. This bill gives South Carolina be anti-Zionist on the college campus,” “Somehow it became the cool thing to do, the tools to protect Jewish students and said 20-year-old Esther Bildirici. “I have to be anti-Zionist on the college campus” all South Carolina students’ right to a a very hard time ever admitting that I’ve learning environment free of unlawful been to Israel and I’ve studied in Israel.” discrimination. The South Carolina bill The circumstances at those schools truth, and debunk the Arab revisionist That defi nition states: “Anti-Semitism will help break down the barriers in the espouse a predominant multicultural history until it is ingrained in their col- is a certain perception of Jews that may fi ght against anti-Semitism by provid- left-wing ideology that supports the Pal- lective consciousness. be expressed as hatred toward Jews, rhe- ing educators and administrators with estinian cause and declares Israel as its To stem the tide and rectify this unac- torical and physical manifestations of a clear and uniform defi nition to recog- public enemy. Accordingly, Israel is ac- ceptable situation, the state legislature anti-Semitism that are directed toward nize anti-Jewish bigotry.” cused of being an oppressor state that of South Carolina has become the fi rst to Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or StandWithUs CEO Roz Rothstein said, has imposed its “apartheid” regime in pass legislation defi ning anti-Semitism. their property, toward Jewish commu- ”This bill adopts the State Department Palestine that erroneously states that it The bill requires state universities to use nity institutions and religious facilities.” defi nition of anti-Semitism and gives The issue is important because of the law enforcement an important tool for diffi culty in differentiating anti-Semitic protecting students against unlawful speech from legitimate criticism of Is- acts motivated by prejudice. With a clear rael. With no agreed-upon legal defi ni- defi nition of anti-Jewish bigotry, law en- tion, Jewish students were vulnerable to forcement [personnel] and administra- the whims of their accusers. Rep. Alan tors will be better equipped to prosecute Clemmons, a Republican member of and prevent hate crimes.” South Carolina’s State Assembly and the This is not the fi rst time Rep. Clem- bill’s author and key sponsor said, “In mons, himself a Mormon, championed the past, far too many college adminis- legislation for which Jewish organiza- trators have been able to sweep hatred tions lobbied. In 2015, he was the key of Jews under the carpet. This law will sponsor of a bill that barred South Caro- require all state-supported schools to ad- lina from doing business with compa- here to the defi nition and use it when nies that support the BDS movement there is an allegation [of anti-Semitism]. against Israel. It was among the fi rst It’s not something they will be able to such bills to be introduced. Since its pas- hide.” Although campuses in South Car- sage, nearly half of the states have en- olina have suffered less from this than acted similar laws. schools in other parts of the country, Rep. Clemmons said that he hopes “oth- CONTINUED ON P. 55

Cynthia Zalisky is the Executive Director of the Queens Jewish Community. She can be contacted at [email protected]

18 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 FForor WWhathat It’s Worth Warren S. Hecht

Bush League ometimes, we become so complacent and dignity were requirements of the pres- about how things are and forgot how idency. He always acted presidential. He Sthey used to be. Then there is an event treated people, including those who dis- that reminds us how it was and how far we agreed with him, with respect. Mrs. Bush have fallen. The event I am referring to is understood her role as fi rst lady and acted they used on occasion. It was for family more than one billion dollars for charities the recent death of Barbara Bush. accordingly. While serving as fi rst lady, she and friends to stay at. It was not a commer- supporting literacy and fi ghting cancer. It She and her husband were from the founded the Barbara Bush Foundation for cial enterprise. was a devastating loss for George Bush to generation who saved the world. For that Family Literacy. The Bushes acted appropriately in their lose the election to Bill Clinton. Like any generation, the motto was “What can I do The Bushes were not poor, but they did private lives. They were married for 73 years, campaign, some nasty comments were for my country?” Now it is “What can my not fl aunt their wealth. For example, Mrs. the longest marriage of any fi rst family. made. The Bushes were able to get over the country do for me?” Bush wore fake pearls to the inauguration. The greatness of the Bushes was shown campaign and later became friends with President Bush understood that respect The Bushes had a vacation home, which after his presidential term. They raised the Clintons. It has been 26 years since the Bushes left, and look where we are. We have a president who has total disregard for the prestige and the tradition of the presiden- cy. He is using his position as president to obtain outside income. For example he uses Mar-a-Lago, a commercial enterprise that he owns, as his second White House (see maralagoclub.com). People pay for ac- cess. The money does not merely go to the campaign but goes into the Trump family coffers.

The greatness of the Bushes was shown after his presidential term

Trump has been involved in personal conduct which, in the past, would have destroyed a candidate for the presidency. I remember in 1988 that Gary Hart’s presiden- tial campaign ended because it was alleged that he was involved in monkey business. None of these things matter to the Trump supporters. All that matters are the policies. To them, if he is one of us, we sup- port him, no matter what. How did we get here? In 1992, Bill Clin- ton won the presidential nomination for the Democratic Party and then defeated George Bush in the general election. At that time, it was looked at as the changing of the guard. Bill Clinton was the fi rst baby boomer to be elected president. Clinton again won in 1996, defeating a World War II hero, Senator Robert Dole. It turned out to be more than a gener- ational change. Clinton won despite his shady business dealings before he became president and his immoral personal behav- ior. People did not care, since they liked his policies and the country was doing well. Bill Clinton did not vary from his pre- decessors in his public duties as president. Nevertheless, Clinton’s election lowered the bar of what people are willing to accept from their president. We have become like France, whose prior leaders have had a his- tory of improper behavior. The Clintons did not change after Bill was no longer president. He made money post presidency by using his prior position as president to line his pockets. Trump just started early. Hillary Clinton did a good job as NY senator, much better than her succes- sor, but has been accused of misconduct for acts while she was secretary of state. There have been questions about the Clin- ton foundation. Despite the baggage, Trump and Hillary Clinton defeated challengers who did not

CONTINUED ON P. 42

Warren S. Hecht is a local attorney. He can be reached at [email protected]

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 19 20 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 The Possibility Principle

CONTINUED FROM P. 1 luxury, the pair has undoubt- ticles have been published with edly struggled as well. To grow salacious commentary about sigh comes to mind as I picture the their love they have wrestled the pair. Articles have falsely couple clinking champagne glasses with the unavoidable chal- insinuated that Prince William on a balcony that overlooks a ver- lenges of merging two lives frowns upon the union and dis- dant sculpture garden as the sun and surely stayed present dur- likes Prince Harry’s public state- sets in the background. The sky is ing many uncomfortable argu- ments about his relationship. streaked with an array of colors – ments. And even more than Other articles have highlighted colors that exemplify the vibrancy the predictable relationship Meghan’s unsuitability for the of their relationship, a visual cel- challenges, the duo has also role of princess, noting her age, ebration of their love. endured scrutiny and pressure racial background, profession But beyond the glamour of from the media as well as from as an actress, and divorced sta- falling in love surrounded by the general public. Countless ar- tus. Historically, the royal fam-

ily may not have welcomed Meghan into their family, yet it seems they are now eager to ad- mit her into their inner circle. I want to take this opportunity to recognize the message that this couple exemplifi es: the message that (despite challeng- es) everyone can get a prince. Be it an actual prince, or the ful- fi llment of one’s dreams, if you believe it is a possibility then it indeed becomes a possibility. Oftentimes people make decisions with a deprivation mindset. This means that deci- sions are made while thinking that options are limited. Some classic examples include staying in an unsatisfying job because looking for a new position does not guarantee securing new and gainful employment; selecting a mate because you believe there is nobody better out there; or settling for unfulfi lling friend- ships simply because those in- dividuals live nearby. Thinking that the possibility of success is minimal makes it so – because if you are not shooting for the moon it is impossible to land among the stars. The love story of Harry and Meghan shines a light on the opposite mindset, a mindset of possibility. De- spite their personal histories of romantic disappointments and the obstacles related to the royal family, Harry and Meghan always believed that their love could exist. They focused on the potential of what could be, rather than all the factors that could tear them apart. This positive attitude will not protect you from the in- evitable disillusionments that we all experience throughout life. But a mindset of possibil- ity does create the potential for greatness, the opportunity for our deepest dreams to be real- ized. So next time you have a decision to make, believe that an ideal outcome is possible. Know that while attaining your goals is not guaranteed, your commitment to your dreams will carry you toward them. Picture the sky streaked with bright colors, a visual celebra- tion of your success. It is time for sunrise, after all.

Miriam Rollhaus, LCSW, is a Queens-based psychotherapist in private practice. To schedule an ap- pointment, please call 347-688-2165. Initial session is offered at a reduced rate.

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 21 HHookedooked On Healing Caroline Schumsky, LCSW, MS

Silence: The Hardest Argument To Refute hank you so much for that loud, Silence calms the body and leaves space If you sit silently and allow your atten- noise-making toy you got for for us to turn the volume up on our inner tion to travel where it will, you may be “Tmy child,” said nobody ever. life. Where can we fi nd that pocket of still- surprised to see some inspiration show Oh, gosh, that constant clamor – the ear- ness? Would you believe me if I told you up, perhaps even a solution to an age-old splitting drone of sirens, leaf blowers, and that two minutes of silence can be even problem. It is now in your power to notice lawnmowers that are fi lling our ears with more relaxing for your body than listening things around you for the very fi rst time. music, podcasts, TV, and news – not to to relaxing music? We simply cannot close Shutting off our speech actually height- Clearing out the head by simply learn- mention the non-stop chatter going on all our ears as easily as we close our eyes. So ens awareness in other areas. And speak- ing to be still can offer us tranquility and day in our heads. Car horns, construction let’s learn how. ing of speaking, next time you’re aching inner peace that we have never known. If drills, people yakking and yakking. Do we How many hours a day do you spend on to share that opinion…Pause. Ask yourself: you are present enough, you might just feel city-dwellers ever get some good ole peace decision making and problem solving? Talk Does anyone benefi t from my words? Are the pulse of the Universe. If you cannot go and quiet? about depleting, distracting, and draining. they kind? Do I really need to say this? up on a mountain, or into a fi eld or forest, Let’s just start with our body and brains. Now imagine yourself taking a quiet walk What are the themes that control your simply head to the nearest park. Feel the Simply put, lots of loud noise is not good in Nature. Your overworked mind fi nally life? Memories, insecurities, the need to be cleansing breeze blow right through your for your health. People who live right near has a chance to let its guard down. Perhaps liked? troubles. Nature is truly the only Zen mas- highways, train tracks, and airports have you never viewed daydreaming, meditat- You say you can solve all problems in ter you need. been known to have higher blood pres- ing, or just letting your mind wander as your head? Okay. Try imagining the Moon’s So by all means, give your mind a quiet sure. Being subjected to loud sounds regu- particularly productive. But what better refl ection in a lake. But wait. The water is time out. A ten-minute breathing medita- larly can cause heart disease, sleeplessness, way to refl ect on your life, tap into your in- full of ripples and waves. If you did not tion may be just what the doctor ordered. and hearing loss. Even your neighbor’s dog ner bank of memories, feelings, and even know that it was the Moon, chances are you Play a game with the kids: See who can be barking incessantly can raise your stress creative ideas. So you switched your phone would never fi gure it out, because it looks quiet the longest. Ratchet down the ruckus levels way up. to silent mode during the Broadway show? nothing like that big white sphere in the to your precious ears. Stand back from the So how are ya? “Oh, crazy busy, be- Sorry, that doesn’t count. sky. The same holds true of our thoughts, chaos of your life for a bit. You will be sur- tween work, the kids and all my social But if it’s too quiet in here, Caroline, I feel my friends. Since our minds are constantly prised at how many unexpected connec- obligations…geez.” I know, your mind is lonely and alone. How do we learn to spend cluttered and even disturbed with our day- tions you may make. And remember: like a browser with 3,675 tabs open. All some time with just our thoughts or even to-day drama, how can we possibly get clar- Silence is golden when you can’t think the time. Whew…how about you give your anticipate and appreciate the gift that silence ity about our lives or issues? of a good answer. pre-frontal cortex, solution-oriented brain can bring? Well, fi rst things fi rst: We need a rest, sweet friends. Well, you know what to make a conscious choice to entertain si- Caroline is a licensed psychotherapist, crisis counselor, and writer with an offi ce in Queens. She they say: “Silence is golden, except when lence. After all, whose mind cannot use a bit works with individuals, couples, and families. Appointments are available throughout the week coming from children. Then you better go of calming, and who does not need to have and weekends. She can be reached at 917-717-1775 or at [email protected] or at face- check what’s broken.” their balance restored just a tad? book.com/pages/Safe-Haven-Healing.

22 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 BBluelue AAndnd White Shmuel Sackett that the day would come when they would “Each night, my father would tell me about breathe the air of Jerusalem. Those four a city he did not know, nor that he even saw words kept them going and – no matter what in pictures, whose description passed from – they never let the haters and anti-Semites father to son. The city was Jerusalem. It had The 2,000-Year-Old Prayer take it from them. The words “Next Year in trees that dripped with honey and milk… Jerusalem” were their prized possession. Each time he pronounced the word ‘Yerusha- ews all over the world have been saying T’rumah and Maaser – are merely intellectual An excellent example of this came last layim’ my father would press two fi ngers to these words for 2,000 years. Millions exercises until our reality changes. We pray week in a speech by Miriam Peretz, the moth- his lips and murmur its name with a sense of Jof tears have been shed, clinging to the three times each day for Hashem to rebuild er of two IDF soldiers killed in battle. Despite sanctity, while kissing each letter.” hope that – one day – these words would the Beis HaMikdash and allow us to take the unimaginable pain of losing two sons, She then said a line that gave me chills come true. Incredibly, after all that has hap- these concepts and turn them into actions. Uriel in 1998 in a battle in Lebanon and Eliraz up and down my spine. “In 1964, my father’s pened to our Nation, Jews are still begging However, while all that is true, I remain with in 2010 while fi ghting Hamas in Gaza, this dream was fulfi lled and we came to Jerusa- Hashem for this prayer to come to fruition. my original point that the words “L’Shanah incredible woman travels the world speak- lem – a transit camp in Beersheba where we In English, it’s just four words, and every HaBaah BiYerushalayim” – Next Year in Jeru- ing and giving strength to others. Her posi- lived until 1969.” child knows it by heart. What is this special salem – means something else. tive message about Israel and Jewish unity Let me summarize those few lines. Miri- t’fi lah? Simple: “Next Year in Jerusalem.” The So what does it mean? The answer is sim- is something we must all listen to and apply am Peretz’s father never saw Jerusalem – not problem, however, is that while we all say it, ple, because the prayer is simple. For 2,000 to our lives. Instead of focusing on the nega- even in pictures! Although he was living in very few actually understand what it means. Casablanca, Morocco, he prayed every day: Without a doubt, the overwhelming ma- “Next Year in Jerusalem” – and when he jority of Jews will tell you that it is a prayer What would our grandfathers and grandmothers have done if said that last word, he pressed his fi ngers for the Beis HaMikdash. Some 2,000 years “Next Year in Jerusalem” could have meant simply purchasing an against his mouth and kissed them! To top ago, the focal point of our service to Hashem it all off, not only did the word “Jerusalem” was destroyed and, since then, we have been airline ticket? not mean the Beis HaMikdash (as I stated begging our King to restore Jerusalem to its above), it didn’t even mean Jerusalem! That splendor and glory. This sounds nice, and we years, Jews have begged Hashem for one tive and the pain, Miriam Peretz motivates word meant “Israel” – he was praying, dream- defi nitely want the Beis HaMikdash rebuilt thing: to bring us back to Jerusalem – to kiss and inspires. Last week, the State of Israel ing, hoping, and yearning that the day would as soon as possible, but I have bad news for the holy stones and roll in its dust. Jews in awarded her with the Israel Prize, and she come where he would leave Morocco and you: That’s not what “Next Year in Jerusalem” Turkey, Yemen, Poland, and Russia had one delivered a powerful speech during the fes- simply come to Israel. means at all. dream: to walk the streets of Jerusalem. That’s tivities on Yom HaAtzmaut. She spoke about That is exactly my point. For 2,000 years, I will write it again so that this point is it. Yes, they also wanted the Beis HaMikdash her childhood in Morocco (in the early 1960s), Jews begged Hashem, “Please, our Father – very clear. Yes, we want the Holy Temple and, and the Sanhedrin and the return of the and how her father spoke about Jerusalem. bring us back to your holy city. Yes, Father, without it, our Torah is incomplete. The Ko- Davidic dynasty, but that would be steps 2, Allow me to quote a few sentences from her hen Gadol, the sacrifi ces, the incense, the Me- 3, and 4. The beautiful Jews who held on to amazing speech. CONTINUED ON P. 42 norah, the singing Levites, plus all the laws of the Torah, despite the persecutions, crusades, “Tum’ah and Taharah” (impurity and purity) blood libels, and pogroms, did so because Shmuel Sackett is a 100% product of Queens. He was born in Middle Village and moved are diffi cult for us to comprehend until we they hoped for something far simpler: that to KGH shortly before his bar-mitzvah. He graduated from YCQ (1975) and YHSQ (1979). He live them on a daily basis. Hundreds of pages one day they would see the sun rise in Jeru- was Havurat Yisrael’s fi rst Youth Director (4 years) and started the fi rst 2 NCSY chapters in the Talmud – which discuss the intricate salem. Even as these Yidden were thrown out in Queens. Shmuel made aliyah in 1990 and co-founded Manhigut Yehudit, together with details of the korbanos, the gifts brought to of Spain, gassed in Auschwitz, or beaten in Moshe Feiglin. His website is www.JewishIsrael.org Sackett is married with 6 children and 4 the Beis HaMikdash and concepts such as the streets of Syria, they held on to the dream grandchildren. He lives in Herziliya Pituach.

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 23 FFeatureeature Story Save Our Kotel

CONTINUED FROM P. 1 conversion are scrupulously administered by the rabbinate, among many other religious matters. Today, however, Israel faces an existen- tial crisis of its collective soul. The nefari- ous forces of illegitimate strains of pur- ported “Judaism,” such as the Reform and Conservative movements, have brazenly exercised their infl uence in their ultimate quest to radically transform Israeli society into a wholly secular culture, completely devoid of adherence to Hashem’s will and his Torah mandate. Shomrei HaKotel (www.saveourkotel. org) is a new organization whose mission it is to boldly confront the multifarious legal challenges targeting the holiness of Israel by such well-funded organizations such as the Israel Religious Action Center (an affi li- ate of the Reform movement in the United LL-R:-R: RavRav CChaimhaim DDovidovid ZZwiebel,wiebel, RRavav DDonieloniel MMoskowitz,oskowitz, RRavav YYechezkelechezkel MMoskowitz,oskowitz, MMKK BBezalelezalel SSmotrich,motrich, YYanivaniv MMeirov,eirov, AAlanlan MMessner,essner, States), the Conservative branch of Judaism, YYitzieitzie FFuchsuchs and the Women of the Wall group who have coalesced on a professionally coordinated pronged campaign to lobby the Israeli gov- the agenda of the Reform and Conserva- agenda is far-reaching in terms of imposing campaign for total acceptance of “egalitarian” ernment and to present cogent petitions tive movements, it is abundantly clear that liberal, secular values on Israeli society,” he prayer at Jerusalem’s Western Wall. to the state’s judiciary in order to make the their quest to secularize prayer is only a added. In a March 6 article that appeared on case that the vigilant adherence to the core smoke screen for their ultimate objective IRAC also states that another agenda is- the Times of Israel website, Israel’s Attor- values of the Jewish people is essential to of removing Hashem, Torah, and all ves- sue of theirs is “fi ghting racism and advanc- ney General Avichai Mandelblit penned a our survival as a people and a unifi ed na- tiges of morality from Israeli society.” He ing a shared society between Jews and Ar- highly charged response to the High Court tion. added, “As a matter of fact, I would go even abs in Israel.” Moskowitz notes, “Tragically of Israel ruling that the southern section of Rabbi Dan is of the fi rm belief that if the further and say with great assuredness that this is the most dangerous precept that they the Western Wall should be designated as courts and those in power in the govern- their goal as political and religious liber- promulgate. This is about championing not a “holy site” for pluralistic prayer, and the ment could be awakened to the realization als is to decimate the Jewish character of only a two-state solution to the Israeli-Arab [Orthodox] Chief Rabbinate should not that there are deleterious consequences the State of Israel.” From his perspective, confl ict, but they are calling for widespread have any control over the area. to critical decisions that will impact gen- the liberal progressive Jews seek to create assimilation and intermarriage as they pro- The article indicated that the attorney erations to come, perhaps they grant this a multi-national entity with Muslims and mote their globalist agenda. This is beyond general’s statement came “in response to matter the gravitas it deserves prior to le- Christians defi ning the political and cul- pernicious, as they want to severely dilute several ongoing High Court petitions, com- gitimizing a resolution that brazenly fl ies tural nature of the country. To Moskowitz and ultimately eradicate Jewish identity ing from both sides of the issue of egalitar- in the face of time-honored Jewish practice – and from his understanding, other obser- and religious devotion in Jewish life.” ian prayer at the Western Wall. Among the and customs. vant Jews – this movement represents an As to what can be done on a pragmatic petitioners are the major non-Orthodox As such, Rabbi Dan has used his innate insidious scourge that is comprised of ad- level to curb the perilous onslaught of the Jewish movements, the Women of the Wall talents to gather a professional cadre of versaries within our midst. Their campaign Reform, Conservative, Women of the Wall, (and its splinter group, which calls itself lawyers whose mission it is to present solid may begin with the issue of prayer but does and other egalitarian groups? To Moskow- the Original Women of the Wall), and the legal challenges to the state and the court not end there. It is a movement that must itz, the answer is to bolster a strong Jew- Women for the Wall, who are against wom- system, with the ultimate goal of seeking be consistently challenged in courts of law ish national character in Israel. According en’s Torah-reading at the Western Wall.” justice for tradition. and in the court of public opinion. to Moskowitz, “Each of us, every Jew who In November of 2017, an ugly incident Moreover, in order to gain public con- Moskowitz also stated that it is note- persistently clings to the derech of Hashem occurred at the Western Wall when “Rabbi” sensus, Rabbi Dan mobilizes over a thou- worthy to be aware of the fact that such ad- and maintains a truly observant Torah life Rick Jacobs, the head of the Reform move- sand men and women throughout Israel vocacy organizations as the Israel Religious in spirit and deed, needs to dedicate their ment, attempted to bring a Torah scroll to come to the Kosel at strategic times to Action Center (IRAC) and its ideological off- time, energy, and resources to ensuring through the Western Wall plaza’s main en- vocally protest the Women of the Wall’s shoots are nothing more than clever subter- that the mounting legal battles that we trance. His objective of holding a Reform monthly Rosh Chodesh “prayer” demon- fuges in which to implement their agenda. face each day to preserve the sanctity of the service led by women “rabbis” was met strations. “These organizations are essentially proxy Kosel and in Israeli society can be fought with opposition from Orthodox Jews and Joining Rabbi Dan in his mission to pre- NGOs (non-governmental organizations) with dignity and purpose. We need to edu- area guards who sought to prevent a pos- serve the holiness of the Kosel is Yechezkel with overt ties to the Reform movement,” cate our families, friends, and community sibly violent altercation. Moskowitz, a devoted volunteer from the he said. “And let’s not be fooled by their members of the abysmal situation that is The area in which the Reform, Conserva- New York City area. well-crafted propaganda either. Such per- gripping us today in Israel and, beyond tive, and Women’s prayer groups seek to es- In an exclusive interview granted to this sonalities who have dominated the head- that, we need to know that participation tablish egalitarian prayer is located within reporter, Moskowitz ruefully observed, “As lines as of late, such as Women of the Wall in challenging the forces of secularism is the Davidson Archaeological Park in an one who has done extensive research on leader Anat Hoffman, are people whose indeed a kiddush Hashem.” area called Robinson’s Arch. It is separated We ask that Orthodox rabbis dedicate from the main prayer area of the Kosel by their Shabbos sermons to highlighting the the ramp leading up to the Mughrabi Gate, egregious agenda of the Reform movement which is the only entrance for non-Mus- and the Women of the Wall group. We ask lims to the Temple Mount. The Israeli Con- that both children and adults are afforded servative movement has used the Robin- an accurate education on the contempo- son’s Arch area for their rendition of prayer rary history of the Kosel as they are infused since 2000. with the teachings of our rabbis of yester- year and today. We ask that synagogues Preserving the Sanctity of the Kosel organize committees that exclusively focus Stepping up to challenge the incessant on letter-writing campaigns, prayer vigils, onslaught of those organizations whose rai- special panel discussions, educational sem- son d’être is to fundamentally revise tradi- inars, and local demonstrations in order to tional Orthodox prayer at the Kosel is Rabbi sway public opinion,” said Moskowitz. Mati Dan, the founder of Ateret Cohanim, Moskowitz also exhorted those who an organization dedicated to redeeming deeply care about the future of the Kosel to Jewish homes and property throughout the join the work of Shomrei HaKotel through Old City and resettling Jews there. learning more and playing a personal role With a spirit of unfl agging dedica- in ensuring the preservation of the sanctity tion, Rabbi Dan has spearheaded a multi- of the Kosel.

24 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 25 RRecentecent Happenings A Talk With Councilman Rory I. Lancman

By Susie Garber Yaniv Meirov, Operations Manager of Chazaq, noted, “Councilman Rory Lancman ouncilman Rory Lancman’s work on has always been there for us.” Mr. Lancman behalf of the Queens community is visited Chazaq offi ces and met with its Cgreatly appreciated. After his recent staff on Thursday, April 12, to discuss the visit to the Chazaq offi ces, this writer con- organization’s good work, and to talk about cluded that it was time to interview the what more can be done for the commu- councilman. nity. He stated that he was impressed with Councilman Lancman’s decision to go the growth and progress of the organiza- into politics began when he was a teenager. tion this past year. Councilman Lancman He grew up in a rent-stabilized apartment noted, “Chazaq is an extraordinary organi- in Kew Gardens Hills where he lived with zation that started from nothing and is his mother. One day, they were notifi ed of a now reaching tens of thousands of lives in huge rent increase, which they couldn’t un- Queens,” he stated. They need the help “of derstand. His mother sent him to the ten- the government to fund and facilitate their ant’s association meeting. He was chosen growth. I love Chazaq. I admire Yaniv Mei- to be the president of the association, even rov and the whole staff. I am proud to be though he was just a teenager. At that time, associated with this organization.” he saw how outside forces can impact Chazaq’s afterschool program for public our lives. Councilman Lancman stated, “I school students has grown exponentially. wanted to have as much infl uence in what Many more students were added since last happened as I could, and this led me to get- year. Chazaq brings programs to shuls in Kew ting involved in community organizations. CCouncilmanouncilman RRoryory LLancmanancman wwithith YYanivaniv MMeiroveirov Gardens Hills, Kew Gardens, Forest Hills, Ja- I saw the power of local politicians and I maica Estates, Hillcrest, Great Neck, Long wanted to be in a position to affect what Councilman Lancman stressed that it is im- attention from community leaders and Island, and more. It is expanding across the happens.” portant to constantly communicate with politicians.” country. It recently ran programs in Florida. When asked to compare his work as an the Jewish community leadership about Councilman Lancman shared that he is Thanks to grants through Rory Lanc- assemblyman and as a councilman, Coun- their needs. Families in Kew Gardens Hills, proud of his role in getting Jewish and other man, over the past two years Chazaq ran cilman Lancman noted that on one level for example, need larger homes to accom- private schools extra security. He is also proud a community-wide carnival in June, which you are working with the same people in modate growing families. He helped pass of helping pass the anti-BDS (Boycott, Divest- it plans to host again this year. Council- the district, and the same neighborhood zoning laws to help with this concern, so ment, Sanctions against Israel) resolution. man Lancman noted that Chazaq brings concerns; and you oversee the budget and young families will stay in Kew Gardens This stopped BDS in its tracks. It’s important so much pride and happiness to the com- you pass laws. However, in other ways Hills and not move away. There is concern to stand for Queens values and expose BDS munity. it is very different. As councilman, it is about infringement on practicing religion. for what it really is, which is anti-Semitism. Chazaq recently began a senior program more hyper-local than being in the State There is concern about the cost of yeshivah He mentioned also how he played a role in with grants from Councilman Lancman. Assembly. Seniority doesn’t matter in City education and there is concern about the exposing the director of the Queens Museum They ran two successful senior programs. Council, so right off the bat you get a lot safety and security of Israel. “I focus zeal- who wanted to stop the commemoration of There was a senior self-defense program of responsibility to shape city policy. The ously,” he stated, “on these concerns.” the 1947 United Nations declaration of Israel at the Queens Library and a nutrition class biggest difference is that the City Council Fortunately, he has a good relationship as a sovereign state. It is very important to held at the Young Israel of Queens Val- member has more direct involvement with with his Muslim constituents. “They’ve him to stand up for Israel and the rights of ley. Chazaq’s mission is “From children to city agencies. welcomed me fi guratively and physically. the Jewish people. teens, singles to couples, millennials to Councilman Lancman spoke about the It’s a positive relationship, which is some- Last year, Councilman Lancman had the baby boomers, and for our cherished sen- district he represents, which is extraordi- thing very special about our city and our opportunity to meet with visiting mem- iors, Chazaq offers programs for all!” narily diverse. He represents the largest Or- country.” Councilman Lancman noted, bers of the Knesset. He sat down with a It is inspiring to speak to community thodox Jewish community in Queens and “There is something in the sauce in Amer- delegation from the Likud and Labor par- leaders like Councilman Lancman and a large Muslim community. “My responsi- ica that allows individuals of different ties. The whole spectrum came to visit the Yaniv Meirov, who do so much for our com- bility is to represent them all with effec- faiths and communities to go about their City Council. “It was a special opportunity munity. May Hashem continue to bless all tiveness. I’ve known the leaders of these lives in their communities peacefully,” he to meet with Knesset members and talk their efforts and our community. Thank respective communities for many years.” noted, “This secret sauce requires constant politics and religion,” he said. you! Yom HaZikaron Commemoration At Queens Museum Honors Israel’s Fallen eventy years ago, in 1947, the historic opment of a sophisticated website where UN Resolution 181 was passed, recog- visitors could “adopt” one or more of the Snizing the State of Israel in the build- fallen and perform a positive action of ing that is now the Queens Museum. chesed, Torah study, or tz’dakah in their On Yom HaZikaron, April 17, the day des- memory. More than 35,000 actions were ignated to remember Israel’s fallen soldiers, recorded by Yom HaZikaron. The Afi kim Foundation held a commemo- The Evening of Remembrance included ration at the Queens Museum to remember a “soldier memorial experience” within a the 23,632 service men and women who darkened room, with soldiers’ stories pro- died defending and protecting the State of jected on the Panorama wall, a short video Israel. of the 1947 UN vote for Israel in the Muse- The event was the culmination of the um Theater, student video testimonials in Yizkereim – Honor Israel’s Fallen campaign, the gallery, and a Program in the Great Hall an Olami project in partnership with The with a welcome by Afi kim President Rabbi Afi kim Foundation and Israel’s Diaspora Raphael B. Butler, remarks from several and for Israel by Cantor Chaim Dovid Ber- its people. And for the parents, the broth- Ministry. The initiative included the devel- former IDF soldiers, prayers for the fallen son, and the premiere of the original fi lm ers and sisters, grandchildren, and friends “Every Day a Memory” – a meaningful com- of the fallen, they feel loved and appre- pilation of interviews from people whose ciated and know that their sacrifi ce and loved ones became fallen heroes. heartache is shared by all of us.” “Honor Israel’s Fallen campaign has Although the event was the culminating been immensely powerful for all in- global Yom HaZikaron commemoration, volved,” said David Markowitz, COO of the website www.HonorIsraelsFallen.com Olami. “For Jews outside of Israel, to will be up and live throughout the year for learn about Israel’s fallen soldiers, their visitors to continue to honor Israel’s fallen, lives, and the families they left behind, as we continue to enjoy the land for which has strengthened their bond to Israel and they gave their lives.

26 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 FFeatureeature Story Meredith Farrell Remembered By Community By Sergey Kadinsky

beloved member of the Kew Gar- dens Hills community succumbed Ato kidney failure on Tuesday, April 24, leaving behind memories of the chesed that she had done throughout her life that was paid forward by countless individuals. Meredith Farrell, 40, died at the hospital in Pittsburgh where she received a pair of donated lungs after waiting years for a transplant, living as a patient in proxim- ity to the only hospital willing to make the procedure. “She was a life force that could light up a room,” said Aliza Berenholz Peled, a longtime friend. “She loved to give and make people happy.” The North Woodmere native settled in Queens as a student at Queens College, where she majored in art therapy, and joined Kehilas Ishei Yisrael, a shul com- prised largely of young singles and couples. “What I remember most about Meredith Robin Farrell is her always upbeat and bright attitude towards life,” wrote Avi From. “Through it all, she was always mak- ing people smile, especially on Purim with her out-of-the-box themes.” Avi From made the Facebook post under the hashtag #For- getMeNotFriday, a day after many of her other friends posted their memories under #ThankfulThursday. Such online campaigns defi ned the last MMereditheredith aatt DDaveave & BBuster’suster’s iinn PPittsburgh.ittsburgh. WWithith hherer nnephewephew DDovid,ovid, nniecesieces CChavihavi aandnd DDina,ina, aandnd DD&B&B eemployeemployee QQuinnuinn ((whowho hhadad jjustust present-resent- six years of her life as her health deteriorat- eedd MMerer wwithith a 66-foot-tall-foot-tall sstuffedtuffed bbearear oonn bbehalfehalf ooff hherer nnephewephew aandnd nnieces)ieces) ed and she fought back with positive sto- ries, humor, and inspiration. A gifted artist, sang in a women’s a cappella group and she applied her talent not only to the Purim acted in the college’s rendition of the play costumes and wedding shticks but in her Grease. “It was the most fun I’ve ever had,” line of work as a child life specialist at Elm- said Steiner. hurst Hospital Center. “One of the warmest Farrell was inspired to work with hospi- people you’ll meet. She was always able to talized children by her own experience as get it done and was personally involved,” a patient at age 14. Lying in bed after hav- said Yehoshua Solomon, who was also ac- ing a tumor removed from behind her left tive in planning many Ishei Yisrael events. eye, she kept calm through art. In October “Even in Pittsburgh, she put everybody else 2012, Farrell contracted pneumonia in both before herself.” lungs, and adenovirus, an upper respiratory Andrea Steiner was involved in Queens tract syndrome. Initially, she continued College Hillel together with Farrell, leading working, and then stayed in her home, rely- to their friendship. “She was an amazing ing on breathing tubes, while remaining ac- person, very energetic, driven, motivated. tive in community events. Her friend Tsip- At Jewish communal events, I watched her pa Atkin made meals for her and shared her work the room; she started conversations life’s ups and downs with her. “Sometimes, with anyone.” Alongside her art, Meredith when I’d ask her how she was doing, she

MMereditheredith aandnd hherer bbrotherrother SScottcott aatt UUPMCPMC CChildren’shildren’s HHospitalospital aafterfter hherer bboneone mmarrowarrow ttransplantransplant would respond, ‘I want to hear how you’re On a personal level, there is a couple with doing,” said Atkin. four children that are the result of Farrell’s In April 2014, Farrell relocated to the motivated actions. “She made sure that eve- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center rybody was taken care of,” said Michali Lax. for her lungs and bone marrow trans- “My brother-in-law Moti Lax and his wife plants. Shortly before her relocation, Orit met at a barbecue that Meredith had set she started the Friends of Meredith blog, up. Everybody knew that they were being set where she shared updates on her medical up, except the two of them.” condition, #ThankfulThursday posts, and The barbecue took place nearly 16 years impressions from her mother Sandi and ago. “She apparently created several mar- brother Scott. “She wrote about things ried couples,” said Moti Lax. “She stacked we don’t think about being thankful that barbecue with people we know and for,” said Steiner. Her mother relocated instructed them not to talk to us so that we to Pittsburgh as well, to be close to Mer- would talk to each other.” He recalls Far- edith. Her friends also took the trip to rell as selfl ess and positive. “She instilled Pittsburgh, to give the sense of connec- humor and laughter in bad situations. We tion that cannot be felt online. Tsippa At- are thankful to Hashem for having shared kin and her husband Jonathan visited her, Meredith with us. Her legacy continues MMereditheredith backback atat herher PittsburghPittsburgh aapartmentpartment aafterfter hherer ddoubleouble llungung ttransplant.ransplant. WWithith hherer nnephewephew this past Pesach, not knowing it would be through the families that she created. She their last time with her, in person. was a giver.” DDovidovid andand niecesnieces ChaviChavi andand DinaDina Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 27 FFeatureeature Story NORPAC 2018: The Orthodox World Interacts With Middle America

By Abe Fuchs

hile it may sometimes be said that the Orthodox may seem Winsular at times in terms of in- teracting with the rest of the country, the experience of 1,000 Orthodox from the tri-state area going on a NORPAC trip to Washington, DC, certainly belies that. This, my sixth trip as part of that entou- rage, was again fulfi lling and productive. On my trip we met with staff from three congressional offi ces: Nebraska, Michigan, and Kentucky. As one of the leaders of NOR- PAC, David Steinberg has noted that repre- sentatives from all over the country can and often do show interest and care about the State of Israel. Now, all we have to do is get more of our own youth, both religious and irreligious, to do the same (a joke, but true). LL-R:-R: MosheMoshe SSteinberg,teinberg, YYaakovaakov SSerle,erle, CCongressmanongressman SSanderander LLevinevin ((D-MI),D-MI), MMosheoshe SShur,hur, TTzvizvi FFishmanishman On such trips, not only do we get the politicians to hear about Israel-related is- at the forefront, is weaponizing world sues in more detail, they get to have a sense sentiments of classic anti-Semitic themes of what Jewish people, who care about the in the form of a boycott of all businesses State of Israel, are like and there is a gen- that operate beyond the 1949 Armistice erally productive exchange. As a bonus, Agreements, or the Green Line. This area we are compelled to study the Israel-US would include the Western Wall, which relationship better and how our govern- Israel’s hostile enemies say should not ment can do things to better the situation belong to the Jewish state. Unfortunate- for both countries, and even more broadly, ly, liberals in Europe and in this country how we can make this a better world and feel they are being progressive when they defang the evil and destructive countries entertain the tyranny of the “underdog” that want to do Israel, the US, and the and “downtrodden” Jihadi Islamic world- Western world in general harm. view. They don’t realize they are feeding The Darth Vader in most of these sce- a beast of hatred that is being drummed narios is Iran. It has ambitions to control into the minds of children more than an- the entire Middle East with its sick theoc- ything else in the “occupied” territories. racy and is building a land bridge to Israel Little do the pathetic militant Jihadis or through Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza to their complicit Western liberal dupes real- wage war – whether through its proxies ize that they are their own worst enemies. or directly – with Israel. It has sent in an With Palestinian (I’ll call them that) coop- armed drone into Israel’s air space, which, eration, they and Israel could have thriv- with Hashem’s help, Israel was able to ing economies next to each other. Instead, shoot down. Iranian Revolutionary Guard our liberal progressives want to tear Israel Corps (IRGC) had set up a large military down so that no one will achieve any ful- base in Syria that Israel destroyed. Hez- fi llment and productivity in life. and congressmen who are lending their sphere of control with regard to interna- bollah (a proxy of Iran) is poised with Fortunately, there are good forces at support to punish the IRGC by cutting off tional commerce. Finally, our legislators 150,000 missiles to attack Israel from Leb- work too here in America. And to his credit, their funding sources by rendering their are countering the pressure from the UN anon. Hamas, again funded and trained by even our past president, Barack Obama, business contacts ineligible to do busi- Human Rights Council (of which Syria is a Iran, is sending tens of thousands of civil- agreed as an MOU (Memorandum of Un- ness with the US. Similarly, there is much member, if that doesn’t say it all) and the ians, with terrorists among them, to cross derstanding) to up the funding for Israel’s congressional support to grant states the (pathetically liberal) European Union to the border into Israel, and when Israel, security for military equipment and tech- federal shield and imprimatur to legally be label businesses that operate over the 1949 confronted by their sheer force, some- nological improvements of its missile air able to sever ties with companies that boy- Green Line as being illegitimate. We are be- times has to fi re with live rounds, Hamas defenses – to a total of $38 billion over cott Israel without the liability that states ing successful in pushing back on the evil considers that a win for them as well – the next 10 years, starting from the (fi scal) are usurping their state authority by acting and ignorant forces in the world, and NOR- a propaganda coup. Iran, most assuredly year of 2019. Also, there are many senators in the realm of the federal government’s PAC is a good example of that.

A mezuzahmezuzah onon thethe doorpostdoorpost ofof CongressmanCongressman LeeLee ZeldinZeldin NNewew YorkYork NORPACNORPAC pparticipantsarticipants bboardoard a bbusus ttoo WWashingtonashington

28 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 29 30 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 RRecentecent Happenings

Community Crime Alert

n awful crime took place in serious leads, but the Special Victims Kew Gardens Hills on Monday Division is investigating this crime to Amorning, April 30, at about 8:30 the fullest extent. Offi cer Motta ad- a.m. Near the corner of Kissena Boule- vises all to be vigilant, exercise cau- vard and 72nd Road, a 52-year-old wom- tion, and to be fully aware of their an returning from taking her child surroundings. to school was brutally assaulted and Police are looking for surveillance beaten beyond recognition. Sources video in the neighborhood and are say that the victim was of Asian back- asking anyone with information to ground. As of this writing, we are glad come forward. to report that the victim is making Anyone with information in re- progress and is no longer critical. She gard to this incident is asked to call is now in serious but stable condition. the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at Hopefully, when she recovers, she will 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can be able to supply some information also submit their tips by logging onto on the culprit, leading to his arrest. the Crime Stoppers website or by tex- Tommy Motta of the 107th Pre- ting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then cinct’s Community Affairs Division enter TIP577. All calls are strictly con- tells us that as of now there are no fi dential.

S’fi ras HaOmer: Why We Count, What We Count CONTINUED FROM P. 10 The value system now becomes honor, power, career, or creature comforts. That is in comparison with the opportunity to what he views as good, and that is what he grow close to Hashem. Because they un- desires. The more a person involves himself derstood this point so vividly, to them the in these, the more important they become, greatest good possible was the receiving and the less precious the Torah becomes. of the Torah – G-d’s word, the ultimate Our natural appreciation of Torah becomes spiritual experience. clouded over by other desires and an ever- And so, while they anxiously anticipat- changing value system. ed the redemption from slavery as a great However, the more a person focuses good that would free them from physical on his purpose in the world, the more oppression, they valued the reason they he values the Torah. He recognizes it as were being freed even more. They were to the formula for human perfection. He receive the Torah. now sees the Torah as the ultimate gift given to man because it is both the guide Davening Is Me Talking to Hashem; and the fuel to propel his growth. With Learning Is Hashem Talking to Me this changed perspective, the very value This concept has great relevance in our system with which he measures things lives, as we have the ability to tap into this changes, and now his appreciation, love, instinctive knowledge of the importance of and desire to learn increase until fi nally learning. When a person gets caught up in he becomes aligned with that which the temporal nature of this world, the cur- Hashem created him for – perfection and rency with which he rates things changes. closeness to Hashem.

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 31 FFeatureeature Story OU's Citi Field Torah Program Draws 2,000 Attendees

By Sergey Kadinsky “The generally quoted source is Bava Basra: ‘If G-d loves poor people, why doesn’t he home of the Mets professional He make them rich?’” This line addresses baseball team had an all-star lineup not only the lack of material comfort, but Tthis past Sunday of speakers on also the diffi culties that many women face Jewish topics covering a wide range of in fertility, despite the vow to Avraham halachah and hashkafah, with twice as Avinu that his descendants would populate many participants as last year’s Torah New the earth. “You are G-d’s servant. We inter- York event by the Orthodox Union. “The fere with the world for the better,” said importance of this event is enormous. It Rabbi Weitzman as an introduction into is an opportunity to bring together thou- the latest medical advances. He also added sands of people from all segments of our the famous gemara in B’rachos, where the community,” said OU Executive Vice Presi- Navi Yeshayahu spoke to King Chizkiyahu dent Allen Fagin. “We’ve brought here more on the prophecy of his future children. “If I than 30 of the most remarkable teachers of have a genetic abnormality, am I obligated Torah in the community.” to have children?” The king was advised to From morning to evening, the fi eld was have a son, despite the prediction that he empty while the conference rooms and would be a wicked one. hallways beneath the seats buzzed with the Before speaking of an acceptable solu- sounds of a cappella t’hilim and prayers, tion, Rabbi Weitzman argued against anon- lecturers providing insights on the interac- ymous sperm donation on the grounds tion of halachah and modernity, and net- that it would discourage marriage and two working among participants. “There’s To- parents in a child’s life, a widely accepted rah, Tanach, halachah; Jewish subjects that position among poskim. “It is immoral for a PPhotohoto creditcredit fforor aallll ppictures:ictures: KKruterruter PPhotographyhotography speak about personal growth and learning. baby not to have a father. It means that she LL-R:-R: OUOU PPresidentresident MMoisheoishe BBane,ane, NNYY SStatetate SSenateenate MMajorityajority LLeadereader JJohnohn FFlanigan,lanigan, There’s something here for everyone,” said has given up getting married.” Fagin. Noting the display tables at the en- OOUU ExecutiveExecutive VViceice PPresidentresident AAllenllen FFaginagin Rabbi Weitzman spoke in favor of freez- trance to one lecture hall, he referenced ing eggs as a way of ensuring a healthy publishers of s’farim, a shidduch initiative, birth even if the mother marries at a later Israel programs, and those for people with age or develops cancer. “Fertility preserva- disabilities. tion gives hope for the future.” He went on At one such table, Los Angeles high school to disprove arguments used against freez- teacher Atara Segal purchased a dozen Ge- ing eggs. “It increases chances of fi nding a mara study cards for her students. “To come partner. It provides a positive psychologi- here and learn Torah is an incredible experi- cal effect. The mother is still regarded as ence; and to do it here – I’m a Mets fan.” Ear- a b’sulah. It should be commended.” With lier in the day, Segal delivered her lecture on more women in at his lecture than men, the space that women carved for themselves Rabbi Weitzman noted that while men are for their own personal and professional commanded with p’ru u’r’vu, women do growth, and as safeguards against toxic rela- not need such a divine reminder, as it is tionships. Making sure that the historic and their natural desire. “Women run to do it, halachic discussion relates to current events, although they are not obligated,” he said, Segal billed it as “Finding our Places and paraphrasing a source in the Gemara. Spaces in the #MeToo Era,” suggesting a Jew- The political star of the event, former ish approach towards combating workplace Connecticut Senator Lieberman, spoke in harassment. “You have to make sure that a conversational format with Rabbi Mena- you’re relevant, that there’s quality, and you chem Genack, who advised President Bill can connect with people,” said Segal. RRabbiabbi MMenachemenachem GGenackenack wwithith SSen.en. JJoeoe LLiebermanieberman Clinton. Both have books on the connec- It was not easy to choose which lecture tion of Torah topics to Washington politics. to attend, but for two hours in the middle When food was not available, their gemara Yitzchak Yisraeli, Chief Rabbi of the Bukhar- “Rabbi Genack encouraged Senator Lieber- of the event, everyone was brought togeth- provided comfort. ian Rabbinical Association and a columnist man to write about Judaism,” said George er for the plenary program that served as a Rabbi Hauer was followed by an uplift- at the Bukharian Jewish Link, our partner Srolovits, who listened to their back-and- spiritual refresher and reminder of where ing speech by Charlie Harary, a familiar publication. He spoke on the potential of forth discussion. “His book about Shabbos to prioritize as educators, parents, and as name to many of our readers, having been money to bring comfort to one’s life and at has been his bestseller.” observant Jews. “It’s not about the rabbis; raised in Queens, and as a frequent lecturer the same time that it should come through The retired lawmaker, who presently it’s about the fathers and mothers,” said for Chazaq. Rabbi Efrem Goldberg of Boca honest means. lectures at Yeshiva University and is a sen- Rabbi Moshe Hauer, reminding parents Raton reinforced the message of a Torah- In choosing between former Sena- ior counsel at Kasowitz Benson Torres, that schools alone are not enough in shap- based lifestyle by reminding participants of tor Joseph Lieberman and Rabbi Gideon spoke of the respect that came with being ing the next generation. “The next chapters the true meaning of “tikun olam,” or repair- Weitzman of Modiin, I chose the latter. the lone Orthodox Jew in the Senate. When of Jewish history, like past chapters, are ing the world. “It’s not about repairing the It is not too often that one can hear in a policy conference in Munich confl icted written by how the Torah is lived, in allow- world as we think it ought to be. It is about person about a topic that affects many with Shabbos, Lieberman spent Friday ing it to forge our personality, blend with bringing G-d’s presence to a world that is members of my generation from a hala- night having a traditional meal. His Arizona us, and become our life.” The Baltimore- pushing it away. It is to spend the day re- chic expert on fertility, who serves as the colleague Senator John McCain joined him based pulpit rabbi and editor of Klal Per- newing and refreshing our mission.” director of the Puah Institute in the US so that he would have company. spectives spoke of his father who survived Along with Harary, another speaker and a visiting professor at the Albert Ein- Rabbi Genack and Sen. Lieberman noted the concentration camps with a chavrusa. familiar to Queens audiences was Rav stein College of Medicine. the contrast between Pesach and Shavuos: one yom tov nearly universally known to all Jews, and the other only to the religious- ly observant. Seeking to raise awareness of Shavuos and the S’fi ras HaOmer that con- nects the two holidays, he co-authored With Liberty and Justice: The Fifty-Day Journey from Egypt to Sinai, with Rabbi Ari D. Kahn. The book offers 50 lessons from Tanach and rabbinic literature, American politics and legal theory, Jewish humor, and American folklore. “Every session has been amazing, in par- ticular the plenary speakers” said Kew Gar- dens Hills resident David Steinberg. “I felt spiritually inspired.”

32 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 Shua Katz is a Queens-based photographer who currently works Community Snapshots for the Queens Jewish Link and is a photographer at Yaakov Katz Studios. Photo Credits: Shua Katz OU’s Torah New York at Citi Field Sunday, April 29, Flushing

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 33 RRecentecent Happenings Rabbi Berel Wein Speaks In Jamaica Estates

By Susie Garber said, at the outside 50 years. How could it last? It was run by atheist socialist anti- n Sunday evening, April 22, Rabbi traditional people. Today,” Rabbi Wein Berel Wein electrifi ed a large audi- stated, “It’s a Jewish state. That was not so Oence at the Young Israel of Jamaica in 1948.” Rabbi Wein recalled, throughout Estates, where he spoke on behalf of Chaz- his adolescence, his parents sending scrip aq. to Israel so people there could get food. In his inimitable way, Rabbi Wein He pointed out how 600,000 Jews from brought fascinating historical perspective Muslim countries all came at once to Isra- with warmth, humor, and stunningly per- el. All with different cultures, no housing, ceptive Torah ideas. no jobs, and no food; and somehow, their “We live in a miraculous time as far as children and grandchildren are develop- Jewish history is concerned,” he stated. “It back. We lost our nation. We should not tional, Rabbi Wein pointed out. The world ing computers, becoming roshei yeshivah, resembles no other time in the last two make a fuss about keeping Jewish tradi- is irrational, he stated, “and human beings owning cars, and taking Pesach trips. It’s millennia.” tions and customs. We’ll be Persians of Mo- are irrational.” People want what they don’t pretty miraculous. He explained that “an individual, a na- saic persuasion. Reform Jews said the same have. Haman wanted the one person who Africa, he shared, has so much resource, tion, or a society to whom miracles occur thing later in history. We’ll be Germans of didn’t bow to him to bow to him. yet it is a complete basket case. “Look at doesn’t recognize it as being miraculous.” Mosaic persuasion. The whole plot unraveled for Haman, the Muslim world. How destroyed it is. He pointed out that “it would be too awe- Rabbi Wein continued: “The Navi had and the Jews were saved. The name of G-d It has everything it needs naturally. You some for us if we realized how miraculous a prophetic vision that night and Hashem was never mentioned in the Megillah. Any- have a little country that the world sees things were; but at certain moments we asked, “What happened today.” The Navi re- one living during that time could say what as a major player. America’s best ally,” he should stop and consider what has hap- sponded that the Elders of Israel said, “We an interesting set of circumstances. Morde- stated. pened to us.” He shared, “The task of rabbis quit. We’re like goyim.” Rabbi Wein com- chai points out at the end of the Megillah The United States sold F-35 [stealth is to remind us how abnormal our time is, mented on our times at this point. “What that there were Jewish scholars who did fi ghter jets] to Israel. The Israeli Air Force so we can appreciate what’s happening and should you tell people who think the fu- not see it as a miracle. general expressed its thanks and then he what we are supposed to do.” ture of the Jewish people is dependent on Rabbi Wein then said, “Let’s transpose to added subtly, “Of course we’ll have to make The Jewish people, he noted, have expe- our attitude towards transgender children? our times, how we see events. We are cele- a few improvements.” They did, Rabbi rienced miracles throughout history. We We’re speechless.” brating 70 years since the founding and cre- Wein shared, and then sold them back to have two holidays commemorating mira- G-d said, “Tell them to forget it. They’ll ation of the State of Israel. In all of human the United States. cles, Chanukah and Purim. The miracle, we never be like other nations. I will rule history, there are no comebacks. Greece Rabbi Wein opined, “We have great see in hindsight. At the time it happened, over them with an upright hand. I’ll show is gone. Rome is gone. Britain will never problems, but we have unbelievable suc- people didn’t realize it was a miracle. The you that you can’t be like goyim.” Within have Hong Kong again.” Against all odds, cess. After 75 years of communism and no Hellenist Jews said the Chanukah miracle two decades, we had the story of Purim. we came back after the worst of times Jews contact with Judaism, one million Russian was phony and not a miracle. Rabbi Wein Rabbi Wein said, “Here comes Haman. had known for millennia.” Rabbi Wein Jews picked up and left.” He stated, “They taught, “Only with the perspective of time, Here comes Hitler. Here comes Stalin. shared that there was depression in the are the most successful aliyah in Israel. Jewish people believed Chanukah was a Here comes Arafat. Here comes the whole Jewish world in 1948. People advertised that Many are Jews in the fullest sense of the miracle.” gang.” He questioned, “How can you be the Arabs will throw the Jews into the sea. word.” He then spoke at length about the mira- a member of the United Nations? Israel In Chicago, there were two frantic drives. Rabbi Wein concluded, “The 70th anni- cle of Purim. The Megillah, he shared, ap- is the only country in the world that One was to raise funds for arms for Israel versary of the State of Israel is one time we pears like a series of disjointed events. A doesn’t belong to any regional group in and the second was to bring refugees out should have at least a fl ash. It’s miraculous. king kills his queen. There’s a beauty con- the UN, so Israel can never serve on the of the Jewish state because they were go- We live in extraordinary times. We have op- test. An unlikely woman is chosen. Her Security Council.” Hashem is saying, “You ing to be destroyed. The drive was to bring portunities that were not present for mil- uncle becomes an informer on people plot- wanted to be like everyone else; I’m not 200,000 Jews out because Jews didn’t want lennia for Jewish people. Each and every ting against the king. Haman is appointed going to let it happen.” to sit idly by, as what happened during the one of us has an obligation, an ability, and as a high leader and he arranges to kill all “So,” Rabbi Wein taught, referring back Holocaust. an opportunity to help build the Jewish the Jews. to Purim, “Jews face destruction, then all Rabbi Wein taught, “All of a sudden, people, to help build Torah, and to help Rabbi Wein pointed out that in the time sorts of strange things happen.” He summa- something happened. Against all odds, build the State of Israel to fulfi ll the dream of Yechezkel HaNavi, Jews came to him rized the miraculous events in the Purim against all wisdom, the state arose.” Great – the promise – that the L-rd made for us, and said we are never going to get our land story. Haman’s plan with the gallows is irra- people said it wouldn’t last 15 years. Some unfolding before our very eyes.” MTJ Comes To YIQV By Sergey Kadinsky his parnasah,” said Rabbi Schonfeld. “He struggled to fi nd a heter.” The compassion hen Rabbi Peretz Steinberg was that the Rosh Yeshiva extended to the con- seeking a haskamah for a sefer tractor’s workers was an example of this Whe was writing, the fi rst authori- mitzvah concept. “My father said that this ty he approached was Rav Moshe Feinstein sounds like a Conservative rabbi,” as he zt”l, Rosh Yeshiva of Mesivta Tifereth Jeru- sought a leniency in a Shabbos-related mat- salem. “Give it to me in the summer, when ter. “The difference is that people are still I have more time,” is how Rabbi Steinberg learning from his s’farim and halachos. He MTJ as a teenager, struggling to lein the par- the bank discovered the security breach. recalled his answer. The book was returned left a y’rushah.” shah. On one such Shabbos, he was walk- “What a genius,” he quoted the father say- with the endorsement letter around the While studying for his s’michah at Yeshi- ing home and was called to come back. ing to his son. “You admire the mind of a following Shavuos, testifying to the atten- va University, Rabbi Marcus often stayed “The Rosh Yeshiva wishes to see you.” He crook. What is your priority?” tion that Rav Moshe gave to Rabbi Stein- for Shabbos on Staten Island, having the was given chizuk for his leining, giving him Throughout his life, Rav Feinstein has berg’s sefer. opportunity to ask questions from Rav Reu- confi dence to continue practicing and im- been hearing stories from people who had At a fundraiser breakfast last Sunday at the ven Feinstein. The youngest of Rav Moshe proving in his reading. interactions with the Chofetz Chaim at his Young Israel of Queens Valley, Rabbi Stein- Feinstein’s children, he was the only one Rav Reuven Feinstein addressed donors home in Radin, each example serving to berg and Rabbi Shmuel Marcus, his successor born in America and assisted his father in to the Yeshiva by noting that those who demonstrate bein adam l’chaveiro in prac- as mara d’asra of the shul, along with Rabbi founding the Yeshiva of Staten Island in win lotteries really do not need the money, tice. “One of the kids around his house was Yoel Schonfeld, welcomed Rav Moshe’s son, 1966, an offshoot of the Manhattan-based especially among those with amounts in blind and announced that he had become Rav Reuven Feinstein, to Queens, speaking of MTJ. “To be chozer yom va’laila, you become the millions. “The things we give over to a chasan. But how could he get married the perek in Pirkei Avos, learned on the pre- poseik ha’dor,” said Rabbi Marcus, relating our children is the attitude. Kids look at if he couldn’t see the kallah? There was a vious Shabbos, that relates to the mitzvos of to how Rav Moshe returned to chapters the appearance,” said Rav Feinstein. As one heter. The Chofetz Chaim became the me- bein adam l’chaveiro. that he had learned many times before example, he recalled a father who read in sader kiddushin,” so that there would be “Rav Moshe dealt with the issue of a as a method of reinforcement. “It wasn’t the news about a 15-year-old who hacked no doubt to the validity of the marriage. As contractor who worked on Shabbos. Rav only his gadlus b’Torah but also his gadlus the network of a major bank, siphoning off this story demonstrates, “The kids pick up Moshe said that many people depended on b’midos.” Rabbi Marcus’ father davened at millions of dollars, with three years until your bitachon.”

34 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 35 What’s New IInn SSchoolchool

AAssemblymanssemblyman DanielDaniel RosenthalRosenthal sstarstars aatt a ffundraiserundraiser hhostedosted bbyy tthehe JJFKFK CClublub aandnd tthehe SStevensontevenson CClublub aatt tthehe JJewishewish CCenterenter ooff KKewew GGaarrdensdens HillsHills tthishis ppastast SSunday.unday. AAlsolso pictured:pictured: JeffJeff Kohn,Kohn, PresidentPresident ooff JJFKFK CClub;lub; AAaronaron CCyperstein,yperstein, MMetet CCouncilouncil

Adventures At Governors Island Opens For The 2018 Season

dventures at Governors Island re- challenging skills and fears on the Climb- turns for the 2018 season, as New ing Challenge; and have fun navigating or AYork City’s favorite outdoor sum- getting lost in the Amazen’ Maze. mer attraction. Adventure seekers of all “The great family experiences so many ages and skill levels can take fl ight on the enjoyed last summer are back on Gover- the Flywire Zipline; reach new heights nors Island. Complementing the world class recreation and leisure that defi nes Kids and adults can sharpen their navi- the island, Adventures at Governors Island gation skills, as the maze runners must brings affordable, interactive family fun locate various checkpoints, then exit as for all visitors.” says Beau Berni, Managing quickly as possible! Director. Guests can purchase tickets individu- Flywire Zipline: Channel your inner su- ally per attraction or save by buying the perhero and soar to freedom on the most ultimate trifecta: The Adventures Combo anticipated zip line in New York City. The Ticket ($22), which includes one ticket per Flywire Zipline allows two people to zip attraction per person. Special group rates down our 300+ feet long cable side by side are available for groups of 20 or more, as and reach up to 21 mph. well as private rentals for corporate team- Climbing Challenge: Gone are the days building exercises and events. of traditional rock climbing. Scale your Adventures at Governors Island launch- choice of 3 unique 25 foot walls that fi t es into the 2018 season on May 5 and will your ability. With a self-guiding belay sys- be open on weekends from 10 a.m. – 6 tem, each climber can choose their line p.m., and daily starting June 1. For more in- and begin at their own pace. The wall chal- formation, visit www.adventuresgovisland. lenge is fun for all ages. com. Amazen’ Maze: A giant maze nearly Follow Adventures on Facebook & Ins- 3,600 square feet will challenge your sense tagram for more fun updates. of direction and problem-solving skills. Adventures at Governors Island is lo- Families can compete with each other or cated across from the Liggett Terrace Food with others through this timed course. Court.

Solution to this issue’s puzzles

36 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 37 What’s New IInn SSchoolchool

Shevach Students Run Carnival to others, a feeling that is different from any other. The best part of the whole day was when it hit me that I had a part in the At Montefi ore Children’s Hospital happiness that was so evident on the faces of the children. You just feel so great, and it ednesday, April 18, may have be greatly rewarding. The excitement in the air was palpable makes you want to do even more.” been an ordinary day for most On that Wednesday morning, 11 sen- as the young patients arrived. The children Thank you to Shifra Abrakhimov, Sara Wpeople. But for the children at iors came into school, fully equipped with were able to enjoy an afternoon of crafts, Braverman, Chavi Davidowitz, Tali Feld- Montefi ore Hospital in the Bronx, it was costumes and smiles. They were ready to games, and even get to meet some famous stein, Avigail Kramer, Sori Max, Perel an extraordinary day. When the students spread joy and ensure a great time to chil- sports players who came to the event. It Schwartz, Zarine Shamilzadeh, Chanie of Shevach High School heard about an dren who, through no fault of their own, was not only the children who had a great Weinberg, Tamara Yushanayev, and Sara opportunity to run a carnival in the hospi- are denied the opportunity to go out often day that Wednesday. The Shevach girls Zinn for volunteering their time and en- tal in order to cheer up children confi ned and have fun. After all the preparations who volunteered their time felt that their ergy to make such a worthwhile endeavor there, they immediately jumped at the op- were fi nished, including decorating the day was just as incredible as that of the pa- possible. Kudos to Mrs. Judy Freud from portunity. As with all chasadim conducted designated area, the carnival was ready to tients. In the words of Shevach senior Sara Chute Plus for organizing this wonderful by the Shevach girls, this too promised to begin. Zinn, “There is a joy that comes with giving chesed. HANC High School Boys’ Torah Bowl Team Wins The National Championship t is with great pride and exhilaration get off to a slow start but, by the end of that we announce HANC High School the fi rst quarter, they found themselves in Ias the 2018 Yeshiva High School Nation- second place, down by fi ve points. At the al Torah Bowl Champions. half, HANC took the lead by one point. On Monday, April 23, the HANC High The competition was fi erce, with the School Boys’ Torah Bowl Team headed to lead going back and forth for the rest of the Brooklyn to take on Mesivta Ateres Yaakov, match between HANC and Kushner. At the Kushner, and RTMA for the Torah Bowl end of regulation, HANC and Kushner were championship. deadlocked in a 40-40 tie. Jonah Rocheeld Coming into the match, HANC fi nished successfully answered the tie-breaking both the regular season and the playoffs question to secure the victory for HANC, undefeated – defeating HAFTR, Flatbush, bringing home the championship for the Magen David, and North Shore for the Divi- third time in six years. sion Championship. With great pride, HANC High School The Championship match saw HANC Principal Rabbi Shlomo Adelman remarked,

CCoachoach RabbiRabbi ShimonShimon CChrein,hrein, AAdamdam SSpeiser,peiser, JJonahonah RRocheeld,ocheeld, MMosheoshe WWieder.ieder. FFront:ront: RRabbiabbi MMairair Wolofsky,Wolofsky, CoordinatorCoordinator aandnd FFounderounder ooff tthehe MMetropolitanetropolitan TTorahorah BBowlowl LLeagueeague iinn 11995995 “Winning a Torah Bowl championship for a the championship match an even more third time in six years demonstrates a sus- memorable one. tained commitment to excellence in Torah Mazal Tov to coach Rabbi Shimon scholarship. I cannot be prouder of Rabbi Chrein and to team members Jonah Chrein and his devoted team of budding Rocheeld, Adam Speiser, Moshe Wieder, Ar- talmidei chachamim.” yeh Livieim, Eli Matatov, Yaakov Kohanim, The team celebrated their win in style at Aytan Masturov, Aaron Namdar, Daniel Rami’s Pizza Shop in Brooklyn. The achdus Hayimov, Daniel Salim, and Mordechai Bal- and hard work from all four teams made akhaneh. SKA Welcomes Class Of 2022 nticipating starting a new school and enthusiasm displayed on SKA’s Yom can be intimidating, but not for the Chaverut, Sunday, April 22, was outstand- Aincoming freshmen of the Class of ing! 2022 of the Stella K. Abraham High School The incoming Ninth Graders were wel- for Girls. The warmth, camaraderie, comed by Mrs. Helen Spirn, Head of School,

Associate Principal, Mrs. Bluma Drebin, GO members. Principal, General Studies, Associate Prin- Eighty-six eighth graders originating cipal Ms. Elana Flumenhaft, Rabbi Yosef from 15 elementary schools bonded over Zakutinsky, Director of Student Program- team-building activities and enjoyed a ming and Admissions Liaison Ms. Lisa Fo- delicious lunch and ice cream. This was gel together with Grade Level Advisors Mrs. a wonderful way of welcoming our new Sheila Leibtag, Mrs. Estee Engel, Mrs. Rikki grade and easing their transition into high Ash and the SKA student ambassadors and school.

38 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 What’s New IInn SSchoolchool HANC Elementary School Salutes Israel At 70

ANC’s Samuel and Elizabeth Bass Golding’s Elementary School in HWest Hempstead was transformed into a time capsule of the State of Israel’s proud and momentous history. The theme of this year’s Yom HaAtzmaut celebration focused on Israel’s past, present, and future. All of the students in grades Kindergarten through Sixth Grade spent weeks learning and researching about all aspects of Israel’s history, culture, government, currency, dis- coveries, and innovations. As a culmination of everything they learned, each grade created an interactive display or experience to bring their re- search alive for the other students in the school. Beginning in the time of our fore- fathers, the children walked from room to room, experiencing the times and events of different periods of our people’s histo- the lunchroom was transformed into a This spectacular day concluded with The students also had the opportunity to ry. During the course of the morning, the time tunnel, which refl ected the research school-wide singing and dancing to cel- discover that so many products that we use students visited Avraham’s tent, watched that the students have been doing about ebrate this momentous 70th anniversary of today, including SIM cards in cell phones, a movie highlighting the beauty of Eretz Israel’s 70-year history. Each grade level the establishment of the State of Israel. De- USBs, exoskeleton devices that help crippled Yisrael, visited a market under Wilson’s studied a decade in the life of Israel and spite the unfavorable weather, the children people walk, and many more, have been de- Arch, sifted sand to fi nd old coins that were focused on the major events, inventions, were joined by their parents and danced veloped in Israel and contribute to enhanc- found by archaeologists in ancient Yerusha- and personalities from that time period. A to the exhilarating music of HANC’s music ing the lives of millions of people throughout layim, crawled through the tunnels under timeline from 1948 to 2018 was created, and teacher, Rabbi Mordechai Shapiro, with tre- the world. As HANC’s principal, Rabbi Yaakov the Temple Mount, and even saw a live play it included one major event from each year. mendous joy and energy. Watching several Sadigh put it, “It was a day of experiential about why the Temple was destroyed. The children learned about the United Na- generations of families dancing and sing- learning that left a lasting imprint on the After eating an Israeli lunch, complete tions Partition Plan of 1948, utilizing an ing together in celebration of this tremen- hearts of the children, and deepened their with falafel and blue and white doughnuts, augmented reality app on iPads. dous milestone was truly inspirational. love of our homeland, Eretz Yisrael.” Yom HaZikaron And Yom HaAtzmaut At HANC Middle School

By Ori Baer The next day, we once again made our way to an assembly, not to mourn, but to n Wednesday, April 18, HANC Middle celebrate. This time the Middle School and School participated in a Yom HaZi- High School had a joint assembly, only mak- Okaron Assembly, which was led by ing it more exciting. An hour of music and Morah Aronowitz. It was a well-organized joy whizzed by, leaving us breathless and and moving Tekes. Mar Sharoni played a soft smiling. Right before the end, we came to- tune on his guitar to introduce the proces- gether in a slow circle and sang slow songs sion of the 8th Grade presenters. The students together. Looking around, I remember feel- gave several presentations, all heart-felt and ing a strong sense of pride, not just of HANC, fi lled with emotion. All focus was on the but that I was able to be a part of Israel and soldiers, and one by one, we spoke about the Jewish people. Then to cap an amazing fallen soldiers and their lives and how they day, we gathered again and Morah Aronowitz were killed. Yizkor, Mi SheBeirach, and T’fi lah presented a fi lm about the accomplishments LiMedinat Yisrael were read. We read poems, of the nation of Israel. The highlight of the each one sadder and more beautiful than the assembly was defi nitely a movie made by last, and then watched a heart-wrenching my fellow classmates and me, in which we fi lm about a mother mourning her two sons. wished Medinat Yisrael a happy 70th Birthday. Both were enlisted in the IDF and fell in All around it was a wonderful and creative combat. Around the room people cried, and display. Without a doubt, the Yom HaZikaron I like to think that even though we are across and Yom HaAtzmaut programs were the best the globe, we truly got an insight of the daily I’ve ever participated in, and they were some- struggles of the citizens of Israel. thing that I will remember for years to come.

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 39 Shua Katz is a Queens-based photographer who currently works Community Snapshots for the Queens Jewish Link and is a photographer at Yaakov Katz Studios. Photo Credits: Shua Katz OU’s Torah New York at Citi Field Sunday, April 29, Flushing

40 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 What’s New IInn SSchoolchool Meaningful Week Of Speakers At Bnos Malka about the place they were visiting, and re- t was a week fi lled with meaningful ceived stamps in their “passport” to make guest speakers and activities at Bnos sure they had visited all the important plac- IMalka. Rabbi Dr. Joseph Sungolowsky, es. As a follow-up activity, students will cre- a Holocaust survivor, shared his experi- ate a “brochure” of the places they visited ences with the girls in the middle school. which describe the location in Hebrew. Growing up in France, hiding in different On Thursday, grades 1-4 created hanging locations, and eventually hiding in Switzer- mobiles of four very holy cities in Eretz land, his stories demonstrated how clearly Yisrael. Students were delighted to get crea- the hand of Hashem was present in his life. tive in making a memorable craft to help Rabbi Simcha Loiterman spoke on Yom them keep the important places foremost HaAtzmaut to the middle school, where he in their minds. emphasized the sense of gratitude we must Executive Director Michael Salzbank in- have for Eretz Yisroel, even if just for a vited State Senator Joseph Addabbo to the visit and the spiritual opportunities it pre- school for what has become an annual vis- sents. “What we have is amazing, but our it. “It is a privilege for us to have him visit desire for spiritual growth must inspire us the school and speak to our 8th grade class.” to reach higher and for more. We want to Mr. Addabbo spoke about how important have the Bais Mikdash too.” Rabbi Loiter- each person’s voice is in government and man spoke of combating sinas chinam and the difference they all can make. He related that we must strive to see each Jew as a Eretz Yisrael for the past two weeks. Stu- Flight” to Israel and “visited” many inter- to the girls how 11- and 12-year-olds actu- brother or sister – to feel their pain. dents engaged in various activities to learn esting places, like Yerushalyim, Chevron, ally redesigned a skate-park and that if not In honor of Yom HaAtzmaut, grades 1-4 about different aspects of Eretz Yisrael. Beis Lechem, and Tzfas. Students engaged for their input the city would have wasted spent time studying about the chashivus of In second grade, students took an “El-Al with peers in collaborative groups to learn over $500,000. Liberty Science Center Returns To YTM

he Liberty Science Center has re- turned to Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe T with two amazing programs. Kin- dergarten through Grade 2 met a little dragon with a tummy ache because he ate too much. Some of the boys climbed through teeth down an esophagus into a stomach fi lled with balls and into tun- nels representing the small and large intestines. The boys learned how our food gets broken down in our digestive systems and the benefi ts of eating and di- gesting healthful food. Grades 3-6 had a special program about Flight. The boys learned about the four boy sat on a hovercraft as the forces of air boys ran a race, but one had weights on dent sat on a chair and forced it forward by forces that affect how an airplane fl ies. underneath lifted and spun it around. Drag him which dragged on the fl oor, slowing releasing carbon dioxide behind him. Every Gravity pulls the plane down while Lift slows down the plane’s forward motion as him down. Thrust propels a plane forward. force has an action and a reaction. What an counters gravity to push the plane up. One friction of air pushes the plane back. Two The boys watched fuel explode. One stu- amazing ride! HALB Lev Chana Celebrates Olympian Israel’s 70th Birthday AJ Edelman Visits HALB he daylong celebration began as our fi rst stop was Yerushalayim, where they gave he students of HALB had the children arrived at HALB Lev Chana, tz’dakah, davened at the Kotel, and left kvit- honor and pleasure of meeting Tshowing off their blue and white at- lach asking Hashem for a r’fuah sh’leimah, Tand hearing from Olympic ath- tire and staring in amazement at the multi- shalom al Yisrael, or simply saying “Thank lete AJ Edelman on Yom HaAtzmaut. tude of Israeli fl ags on the walls, windows, you.” Next, our children meandered slowly AJ is an American-Israeli four-time and doors of their classrooms. They boarded through the cobbled streets of Tzfat, gazing Israeli National Champion in the El Al Flight 70, davened Shacharis, and ate at the beautifully colorful artwork created skeleton event, and competed for Is- delicious snacks. Their t’fi los and Hallel were by their friends. After a “long bus ride,” our rael at the 2018 Winter Olympics in even more meaningful as they talked about children relaxed on the pristine beaches of Pyeongchang, South Korea. Our stu- how important the Land of Israel is to them Eilat, and took a glass-bottom boat ride so dents were privileged to hear about and the world. they could gaze at the many colorful fi sh. AJ’s failures and accomplishments, Each of our Kindergarten classes created a They refreshed themselves with oranges at struggles, and triumphs and how he detailed diorama as they focused on a specif- Kibbutz Lev Chana, helped milk a cow, and held the responsibility of being a Jew ic city/place in Israel. The children did a mag- helped pick some vegetables and fruit. Our close to his heart at all times. nifi cent job preparing and decorating the children went home with souvenirs to re- Before each race, AJ told the stu- Lev Chana multi-purpose room so that their member the places they visited. What a great dents that he would thank Hashem friends could experience fi rsthand a trip to tour! for giving him the opportunity to Eretz Yisrael. Our fi rst stop was Arrivals and Throughout the day, we smelled the de- represent Israel, and davened that he Customs at Ben Gurion Airport, where our licious aromas of baking pita bread, frying would make his parents and nation tourists were questioned as to their purpose falafel balls, and cut-up Israeli salad. They proud. AJ referred to his kippah as a in visiting and how long they intended to tasted as yummy as they smelled! Could a neon sign that said, “I am different” stay, all done in Ivrit. After having their pass- Yom HaAtzmaut celebration be complete and understood that all of his actions ports stamped and answering questions at without blue and white cupcakes and the needed to be in line with represent- Security, they hopped on a bus to visit three melodious music of Gary Wallin!? Our chil- ing am Yisrael in a positive light. The stu- peak into the life of someone very similar of the main cities in Eretz Yisrael: Yerushalay- dren and Morot danced, swayed, and sang dents were inspired by AJ’s open, honest, to them who turned his love for athletics im, Tzfat, and Eilat, as well as a kibbutz. Their together. and raw stories, which allowed them to into something quite impressive.

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 41 Waste Not, Want Not Bush League ed like a person who knows how to act CONTINUED FROM P. 17 ple reason, what’s the big deal if some of CONTINUED FROM P. 19 presidential. We can debate who is worse. it gets tossed? Since Trump is president, his conduct is A great deal of food in the distribution But in truth, tossing good food is a big have the same moral and fi nancial issues the one that really matters. His public chain that should be refrigerated isn’t, deal and a big part of this problem could in a hard-fought campaign and became and private persona has been an embar- spoils, and is junked. The US Dept. of Ag- be resolved if people would simply shop their parties’ nominees. rassment. These are the people whom we riculture estimates that $15 billion worth more carefully, plan their meals better, The election is over; but more than a chose to be our president and whom we of fruits and vegetables are lost this way and accept that not every tomato, cucum- year later, both Trump and Hillary Clinton are stuck with. each year. There are supermarkets that ber, and apple we purchase has to be ab- are or may be investigated for their al- We have gone from Bush to bush league throw out as much as $2,300 worth of solutely perfect. leged misconduct. Neither one has sound- and have no one to blame but ourselves. foods each day because they have neared Some people and places are aware of their expiration dates – despite the fact this problem and are trying to do some- that many of those can be safely eaten thing about it. In 2015, a cafe in Britain even well past their expiration dates. was determined to salvage food typically The 2,000 Year Old Prayer According to The Washington Post, din- thrown away and turned it into perfectly ers in restaurants leave 17 percent of their edible meals; the idea has since caught on CONTINUED FROM P. 23 grandmothers have done if “Next Year in Je- food uneaten. The policy at McDonald’s is and has spread to several hundred cafes rusalem” could have meant simply purchas- that all fries left over seven minutes after in countries around the world. France has even though that city does not have the ing an airline ticket? They cried while we they were made are thrown out. And this passed a law banning supermarkets from Beis HaMikdash – at this time – and even if play. They dreamt about Jerusalem, while is true not just for fries; about one-tenth wasting food. A law in Massachusetts, that city is called Netanya or Ashdod, help we dream about the Bahamas. They saved of all fast foods are junked even though which forbids disposing of eatable food us leave the lands of the goyim. We realize every penny to (hopefully) send one fam- they are perfectly eatable. American fami- in landfi lls, will help reduce the amount that things in the land are not perfect, but ily member to Israel, while we waste thou- lies throw out between 14 and 25 percent of both food waste and solid waste and bring us there and we will work the land sands on useless gadgets and golf outings. of the food and beverages they buy, and could serve as a model for other states. to make it better! We will plant trees, build The time has come for us to bring the the costs of this per family range between Nevertheless, these good intentions homes, and return the greatness of Torah to dream to life! Say what you mean and mean $1,365 to $2,275 annually. and efforts don’t even begin to make a Zion. Please, answer our prayer: Next year what you say. “Next Year in Jerusalem” – for The Guardian reports that when fac- dent in the amount of food that is need- in Jerusalem!” every Jew in the world! It’s four simple toring in the food left to rot in the fi elds, lessly discarded. Clearly people, industry, Dearest friends, only one question re- words that can – and will – change Jewish given to livestock, or taken directly to and government need to get involved on mains: What would our grandfathers and history forever. landfi ll because of very slight cosmetic a much greater scale. imperfections, Americans throw away al- Maybe the time has come to consider most as much food as they eat. more carefully all the food we buy – and Send your simcha notices to How could this problem have mush- to consider much more carefully all the SSimchaimcha Section [email protected] roomed to the extent that it has? The food we throw away. National Resources Defense Council ex- Sources: businessinsider.com; fao.org; plains that many foods are (relatively) fastcompany.com; foodforward.org; msnbc. BBIRTHSIRTHS cheap and readily available. So, most peo- com; quora.com; washingtonpost.com. Zachery and Bella Grossman upon the birth of a daughter. Mazel tov to the grandparents, Sam and Suzanne Grossman. Special Mazel Tov to the great-grandmother, Rozy Grossman

EENGAGEMENTSNGAGEMENTS Yoni and Sheri Platovsky on the engagement of their daughter Dina to Gershon Ackerman Yanky and Shirley Schwartz on the engagement of their grandson Moshe Shulman to Debbie Bernstein from Monsey

MMARRIAGESARRIAGES Allen and Jacqueline Herman upon the marriage of their son Ari to Arielle Rosenberg of West Hartford, CT. Special Mazel Tov to the grandparents, Abe and Thelma Wadler

Donald and Sara Zalkin on the forthcoming marriage of their granddaughter Esther Rivka Rubin of Israel to Nachum Rakow of Manchester, England

Send your simcha notices to [email protected]

42 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 Community Calendar Compiled by Rebecca Wittert THE CALENDAR FOR ALL EVENTS IN QUEENS

Hyatt Hotel (109 East 42nd Street, NYC). Gardens Hills. Tax deductible donations to At 8:45 a.m., Yeshiva MAY Guests of Honor Rabbi Zvi and Dr. Efrat go for Tammy’s medical costs. Chofetz Chaim of At 7:30 p.m., the Sobolofsky. Parent Honorees Dr. Barry & Queens - Rabbinical Queens Village Re- Marcia Levinson and Dr. Daniel & Michelle Following Minchah Seminary of Ameri- publican Club will Berman. Tribute to the Memory of Rabbi at 7:00 p.m., the ca will hold its an- hold its monthly Meyer Kramer. To make an online reserva- Young Israel of Kew Sunday 3 nual Community meeting at Knights tion, please visit www.yu.edu/rietsgala. Gardens Hills will Breakfast at the

Thursday 3 of Columbus/St. For more information, please call 212-960- hold its annual 2nd Young Israel of Queens Valley (141-55 77th Monday 21 Anne’s Council (263- 5400 (X-6133) or email [email protected]. day of Shavuos fo- Avenue, Kew Gardens Hills). 15 Union Turnpike, Glen Oaks). Meet Re- rum. The topic will publican candidates for ofÓ ce including At 7:30 p.m., Congregation Etz Chaim of be “The Chareidi System of Chinuch and At 9:00 a.m., JEP will David Bressler running for State Assembly Kew Gardens Hills will present its Shiur Its Impact on the Broader Community in hold its annual 26th AD, Joe Holland running for Governor, HaChodesh for Women by Women at Etz New York and Israel.” With speakers As- Queens Breakfast at and Jonathan Trichter seeking the Republi- Chaim (147-19 73rd Avenue, Kew Gardens semblyman Daniel Rosenthal and Mrs. the Young Israel of can Party nomination for NYS Comptroller. Hills). Rachel Friedman will give a shiur Debbie Spero. Hillcrest (169-07 Jew- Sunday 10 on “Rising from the Valley of Doom: Ye- el Avenue, Hillcrest). At 9:00 a.m., the chezkel’s Prophecy of Hope.” Suggested Ohel will hold its Honorees Rabbi Queens Jewish Cen- donation $5. fourth annual Camp Chaim & Sunni Pearl, Albert & Ilana Aran- ter (66-05 108th Kaylie Extreme baev, Solomon & Susanna Matatov, Azariy Street, Forest Hills) At 8:00 p.m., Chazaq Challenge in Worts- & Avital Yusupov, Shmuli & Leah Burger, Sunday Sunday 6 will hold a breakfast and Torah Ohr will 27 boro, New York. Uriel & Shifra Nashofer. For more informa- in beneÓ t of the Ye- present a talk by Please register at tion, please visit JEPQueens.com or call shiva University-RI- Rabbi Gavriel Fried- www.oheloxc.org. 781-544-5213. ETS-Rabbi Israel Klavan Scholarship Fund. man on the topic, Sunday Featured speaker Rabbi Marc Penner, Dean 13 “When the Going of RIETS. Guest of honor is Mrs. Chana Ho- Gets Tough, Grab a chman. For information, please call 718- Shovel! Climbing Har Sinai” at Torah Ohr JUNE JULY 459-8432 or visit www.MyQJC.org. of Roslyn (68 Mineola Avenue, Roslyn). Men and women welcome. Admission Yeshiva Chofetz At 6:30 p.m., Queens At 9:15 a.m., Yeshiva Kesser Torah will hold free. For more information, please call 718- Chaim of Queens - Hatzolah will hold its annual breakfast at the Yeshiva of Cen- 285-9132 or email [email protected]. Rabbinical Semi- its Premiere Men’s tral Queens (147-37 70th Road, Kew Gardens nary of America will Event at the Queens Shabbos 2 hold its annual Kew Museum. Lavish Hills). Guests of honor Dr. Fred & Darya At 6:00 p.m., Nish- Monday th Gardens Hills Shab- 23 barbecue, wine tast- Bassali and Bruce & Debra Schonfeld. Di- mat will hold its 28 vrei brachah by Rabbi Moshe Turk. Admis- annual gala dinner bos of Chizuk for in the community with ing, rafÔ es. Perfor- sion $75 per person. Parking available. at Espace (635 West guest speakers from the Yeshiva in com- mance by Ohad. $180 per person. To RSVP, 42nd Street, New York munity shuls. please call 917-717-2131 or visit queenshatzo- Monday 14 lah.org/bbq. Park East Synagogue will hold a musical City). For reserva- celebration of the 70th anniversary of the tions and scroll of State of Israel. Featuring Chief Cantor Yitz- honor, please call 646-378-5895 or email chok Meir Helfgot. [email protected].

At 1:00 p.m., Yad At 8:00 p.m., Shuvu will hold its annual L’Yad will present a Queens reception in the home of Ari and lecture for women Devora Hoch (138-27 78th Road, Kew Gar- by Irina Lozanska- dens Hills). Guest speaker Rabbi Ephraim ya, the Senior Physi- Eliyahu Shapiro. For more information, Tuesday 8 cal Therapist, Dept. please call 718-692-36434 or email info@ of Orthopedics and shuvuusa.org. Rehabilitation Medicine of NewYork- Presbyterian/Queens on fall prevention and balance exercises. At the Young Israel Your business can sponsor TO ADD YOUR EVENT of Hillcrest (169-07 Jewel Avenue, Hillcrest). the QJL Community Calendar. TO OUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR, PLEASE EMAIL THE EVENT, DATE/TIME, PLACE, $2 members, $4 non-members. To make Please contact Yaakov at 718-880-2622 or e-mail AND A BRIEF DESCRIPTION TO: reservations, please call Carol at 718-487- [email protected] [email protected] Tuesday Tuesday 15 16 3703. Wednesday

At 7:30 p.m., NewYork-Presbyterian/ Chazaq will hold a Charidy Campaign. De- Queens and Congregation Etz Chaim tails to follow. will host a free event with Jonathan Sie- DDailyaily ZZmanimmanim gel, MD, vice chairman of the Department At 8:00 p.m., Chazaq Week of Wednesday May 2- Tuesday May 8, 2018 of Emergency Medicine at NewYork-Pres- Five Towns and WED THURS FRI SAT SUN MON TUES byterian/Queens and assistant professor Shaare Emunah will Dawn 4:19am 4:18 am 4:16 am 4:15am 4:13 am 4:11 am 4:10 am of Emergency Medicine at Weill Cornell present a talk for Earliest talis & tefillin 4:57 am 4:56 am 4:54 am 4:53 am 4:51 am 4:50 am 4:49 am Medicine on “How to stop the bleed when women by Reb- Sunrise 5:52 am 5:51 am 5:50 am 5:48 am 5:47 am 5:46 am 5:45 am responding as a bystander in a medical Thursday 17 betzin Tzipora Har- Latest shema 8:36 am 8:35 am 8:34 am 8:33 am 8:32 am 8:32 am 8:31 am emergency.” At Congregation Etz Chaim, ris on “Shavuos – Magen Avraham 147-19 73rd Avenue, Kew Gardens Hills. For The Gift of Clarity” at Shaare Emunah Midday 12:52pm 12:52pm 12:52pm 12:52pm 12:52pm 12:52pm 12:52pm more information, please visit www.nyp. (Sephardic Congregation of the Five Earliest mincha 1:27pm 1:27pm 1:27pm 1:27pm 1:27pm 1:27pm 1:27pm org/queens. Towns, 539 Oakland Avenue, Cedarhurst). Plag hamincha Gra 6:25 pm 6:25 pm 6:26 pm 6:27 pm 6:28 pm 6:29 pm 6:29 pm Refreshments will be served. Admission & Baal HaTanya At 5:00 p.m., the free. Sunset 7:52 pm 7:53 pm 7:54 pm 7:55 pm 7:56 pm 7:57 pm 7:58 pm Rabbi Isaac Elchan- Nightfall - 3 stars 8:37 pm 8:38 pm 8:39 pm 8:40 pm 8:42pm 8:43 pm 8:44 pm an Theological Sem- At 8:00 p.m., there will be “Tea for Tammy emerge inary will hold a at Matan Toraseinu” with Guest Speaker Nightfall - 72 minutes 9:04 pm 9:05 pm 9:06 pm 9:07 pm 9:08 pm 9:09 pm 9:10 pm Gala Evening of Rabbi Paysach Krohn and the new Tam- Friday May 4, 2018: Candle lighting 7:36 pm 9 nd Shabbos May 5, 2018 ends 8:41 pm; ends 9:08 pm R’Tam Wednesday Tribute at the Grand my Karmel Video. At 139-03 72 Road, Kew

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 43 Lag BaOmer: Rabbi Akiva’s Golden Rule Rabbi Moshe Rabinowitz students suffered a painful death. That is ebration of Lag BaOmer is not so much that chain of the mesorah of klal Yisrael. Rabbi why this period is a time of mourning. the students of Rabbi Akiva ceased dying; Akiva’s fi rst students neither internalized fter diligently counting 32 days of The day of Lag BaOmer is special be- rather, it is a celebration of Rabbi Akiva’s this lesson nor practiced it; therefore they the Omer, we arrive at the 33rd day, cause on this day the students of Rabbi strength to persist and ensure the continu- couldn’t be the disseminators of Torah for Acommonly known as Lag BaOmer. Akiva ceased dying. There are two opin- ity of Torah. that generation. However, Rabbi Akiva’s On Lag BaOmer, regardless of which cus- ions regarding this: Either the plague had Lag BaOmer is also a time to remember fi ve later students took this lesson very tom one keeps in relation to the laws of ended, or the day provided a brief res- a vital teaching of Rabbi Akiva, a lesson much to heart and were successful in be- mourning during the S’fi rah period (the 49 pite amidst the plague, which resumed that was internalized by his fi ve new stu- coming integral links in the great chain of days between Pesach and Shavuos), it is a afterwards. Regardless of whether the dents, which prevented them from meet- our mesorah. day of celebration. plague ended on Lag BaOmer or contin- ing the same end as their predecessors. One possible lesson that can be taken Why do we celebrate on Lag BaOmer? ued through to Shavuos, it resulted in the The lesson is that of V’ahavta L’rei’acha from Lag BaOmer and the entire S’fi rah is In order for us to understand the celebra- death of all of Rabbi Akiva’s students. In Kamocha. the lesson of V’ahavta L’rei’acha Kamocha. tion, we must fi rst understand why there that case, what is the cause for celebra- Rabbi Akiva teaches us that the words in The forms of mourning we practice dur- is this period of mourning. Our sages tion? the Torah of “V’ahavta L’rei’acha Kamocha” ing this time remind us of the fi rst stu- explain that 1900 years ago there lived a dents of Rabbi Akiva, their fl aw, and their great sage, one of the greatest sages who downfall. The celebration of Lag BaOmer ever lived: Rabbi Akiva. Rabbi Akiva was The celebration of Lag BaOmer is the positive aspect, the message is the positive aspect, the message of Rab- unique among the sages in that he began of Rabbi Akiva and his five remaining students and the power of bi Akiva and his fi ve remaining students his meteoric rise to greatness at the age and the power of treating one’s friend of 40, having studied little Torah before treating one’s friend with the proper respect with the proper respect. Having mastered that time. the attribute of V’ahavta L’rei’acha Kamo- The Talmud in Tractate Y’vamos (62b) The answer is alluded to in that same – You shall love your fellow as yourself – cha, these fi ve students were able to suc- tells us that Rabbi Akiva had 24,000 stu- portion of the Talmud. “Rabbi Akiva said: is the “klal gadol baTorah” – the great rule ceed in carrying the burden of teaching dents. They were the greatest sages of If a man studied Torah in his youth, he of the Torah. What Rabbi Akiva meant, ac- klal Yisrael where 24,000 sages had failed. their generation. They just had one fl aw: should also study it in his old age; if he cording to many commentaries, was that May we all internalize this message, They did not respect each other prop- had disciples in his youth, he should also in order to fully acquire Torah and be a thereby acquiring the tremendous power erly. The Talmud tells us that because of have disciples in his old age.” The Talmud disseminator of Torah, one must behave of unity that will enable us to accomplish this fl aw, they were punished, and they explains that after this tremendous tragedy in the proper manner to one’s colleagues. great things, both in the physical realm all died in a plague. The plague occurred befell Rabbi Akiva, he went on to teach fi ve If you can’t do that, then it is not befi tting and in the spiritual realm, far beyond that between Pesach and Shavuos, and during more students, from whom disseminated for you to be a disseminator of the Torah, which we could accomplish alone. that time, each of Rabbi Akiva’s 24,000 the Oral Torah as we know it today. The cel- it is not suitable for you to be a link in the Chag Samei’ach.

FFrontlinesrontlines Joseph M. Frager Time For A Coherent Syria Strategy

ccording to the best estimates, an opportunity to step in to fi ll the void for Israel, too. It is time for a coherent Syria is waiting for a diplomatic solu- over 500,000 Syrians have per- before Russia and Iran did so. Early on, strategy in Syria. The United States and tion. This can be achieved because the Aished since 2011 in a civil war Assad could have been replaced, but that its President must be prepared to take President is leading from strength and that seems to have no end. President is not the case any longer. Once Russia the lead. I agree with selective bombing a bolstered military. A special envoy Trump should be commended for try- along the lines of a Kissinger should ing to stop Bashar al-Assad from using bring all the angry and warring parties chemical weapons. The President has Syria is waiting for a diplomatic solution. together. This may be easier said than sent a solid and important message to This can be achieved because the President is leading from done. The United States has to take the the global community. The President lead on this. Only America can stop the also deserves kudos for dealing a severe strength and a bolstered military war in Syria. Enough innocent people blow to ISIS. have died. Much of the responsibility for the and Iran bailed him out, the United of Syrian targets, which both the United Cool heads have to prevail. It will genocide in Syria falls on the watch of States could do little to replace him. States and Israel have engaged in. The take some innovative ideas and maneu- President Obama. Many opportunities The presence of Russia and Iran now pressure cannot be let up until Assad is vers, but if the President can bring North to change the dynamics in Syria were complicates the dire situation. Hezbol- brought to the negotiating table. I sin- Korea’s Kim Jong-un to the table, he can missed by the former president. Unfor- lah has gained strength and its troops are cerely believe this is possible. bring Assad there as well. tunately, the situation in Syria has fur- hardened by the confl ict. All of this spells ther deteriorated. President Obama had trouble not just for the United States but Joseph M. Frager is a physician and lifelong activist.

44 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 Weekly TTefilahefilah FFocusocus

Ahavah Rabah 11 Unifi ed Against Our “Friend” – the Yeitzer HaRa v’yacheid l’vaveinu l’ahavah u’l’yirah es Mishpacha Magazine, written by Mrs. Sha- that stubborn child, without parnasah dif- student will improve his skills and become sh’mecha ni Mendlowitz on the mitzvah of Yichud fi culties and other ordeals, we would not the best boxer he can be. This is where it …and unify our hearts to love and fear Hashem (see also Ahavah Rabah 3) [credit be as refi ned, as humble, and as “connect- gets strange. Every time the coach knocks Your Name to reprint was granted by Mishpacha Maga- ed” to our Creator. down the student, he yells at him! And ***** zine]: This is why it is the yeitzer ha’ra, of all when the student knocks the coach down, e ask Hashem to unify our ***** creations, that is referred to as “tov m’od.” It there is nobody in the world happier than hearts (in the plural) to a single When the enemy is on your side, it’s a is he who prods us along the path to eter- the coach himself! Wgoal to love and fear His Name. win-win situation! nal life. He may seem like our enemy, but The yeitzer ha’ra is not an external force This means that all of our thoughts, Do you know your enemy? How would he is not really engaged in a battle against opposed to Hashem; it is Hashem’s messen- words, and actions in life should have you describe the yeitzer ha’ra? Evil, cun- us. As incredible as it sounds, in a sense, he ger, a mal’ach created by Hashem to help one unifi ed, designated purpose – to love ning, relentless? The Creator says other- is actually on our side. He would be better us grow. As Rabbi Yitzchak Berkowitz puts Hashem and to love Him so much that it: When you feel tempted to sin, don’t im- we are afraid to say or do anything that agine that the yeitzer ha’ra is telling you, would cause damage to His honor in the Do you know your enemy? “Sin!” Instead, listen for his true voice: The world. This is why we say fear after we How would you describe the yeitzer ha’ra? yeitzer ha’ra is saying, “Overcome my temp- say love. The levels are fear of punish- tation; defeat me!” Indeed, Rav Shimshon ment (not included in our phrase), love, Pincus explains that when we hurl the and, ultimately, fear of His exaltedness wise. “And G-d saw all that He had created, described as our coach and, perhaps, even sa’ir lazazel off the cliff, we are declaring and of committing any sin, which causes and behold it was tov m’od, very good.” The our cheerleader. that the purpose of the yeitzer ha’ra is to damage to His honor and His world. This Midrash expounds that “tov” is the yeitzer Recently, an e-mail circulated, titled, “A be dismembered. Like the boxing coach, he highest level stems from loving Hashem ha’tov; “tov m’od” is the yeitzer ha’ra. Letter from the Yeitzer HaRa.” Here is an is happiest when you knock him down, for so much that we cannot fathom doing How do we reach perfection? Every- excerpt: this is his true mission. anything that would cause damage to His thing in Hashem’s world leads toward this Most people think that my job is to As part of our new Mitzvah Series, daily honor or world. goal: Torah study, mitzvah performance, make sure that they fail in all aspects of recordings of less than two minutes each day We are asking here to eventually reach life circumstances – and, surprisingly, the mitzvos, and that I rejoice every time they are available. Sign up by sending an email the level where everything we say and do yeitzer ha’ra itself! There is no growth with- sin. This is the furthest thing from the to [email protected] and put the word is purely to serve Hashem and not to fulfi ll out challenge; there is no perfection with- truth. Did you ever watch a boxing coach “Subscribe” in the Subject line. In addition, our own personal desires. out struggle. The diffi cult child teaches us train his student? The coach will put on we now have a daily one-minute recording The plural language is used here for patience, the rigors of earning a parnasah gloves and fi ght against him. At fi rst, he on Tefi lah and we are starting Shemoneh heart. This indicates serving Hashem with train us in bitachon, a neighbor’s insult- won’t hit him so hard, or throw his best Esrei now. both the yeitzer ha’tov and the yeitzer ha’ra. ing remark tests our self-control, and the punches. But, as the student gets better To access Audio, Video, and Archives of We serve Hashem through the yeitzer ha’ra temptation to lie or cheat fl exes our hon- and better, the coach will start to fi ght him previous Tefi lah segments, please visit www. by not listening to his seductions and at- esty muscles. Everything in our lives was harder and harder. He does this so that the WeeklyTefi lahFocus.com. tempts to get us to sin. The following are sent to us by Hashem to push us to grow, excerpts from an article that appeared in achieve, and attain perfection. Without You can direct any questions or comments to Eliezer Szrolovits at 917-551-0150.

T’fi lin #10 HHalachicalachic Highlights (For p’sak halachah, please ask your own rav.) Rabbi Ephraim Glatt, Esq. Fallen T’fi lin Question: What should you do if your when t’fi lin (that are not in the box) fall on The Tzitz Eliezer (5:1) rules that you do stead, he should give tz’dakah equal to the t’fi lin fall on the fl oor? What if you see your the fl oor. If t’fi lin are in the box, then noth- not need to fast or give tz’dakah if you see cost of eating for one day. friend’s t’fi lin fall on the fl oor? ing needs to be done. your friend’s t’fi lin fall on the ground. In- The Riv’vos Ephraim (6:14) notes that deed, the only reason you need to fast or NEW SUBJECT NEXT WEEK: Zimun Short Answer: The minhag is to fast for many do not fast nowadays, and instead give tz’dakah when your t’fi lin fall is be- Next week’s topic: Is the Birkas Zimun one day (preferably, that day) if your t’fi lin quotes the opinion of Rav Chaim Kanievs- cause it is a “sign” to you that you need to (that we say before bentching when three fall on the fl oor. Some allow you to give ky to accept upon yourself a “taanis dibur” do t’shuvah. or more men eat together) a Biblical com- tz’dakah or perform other acts of t’shuvah when t’fi lin (that are not in the box) fall on Finally, the Sheivet HaLevi (5:5) rules mandment or Rabbinic creation? Also, is instead. However, you do not need to fast if the fl oor. that a sofer does not need to fast if the t’fi lin this question merely academic, or does it you see your friend’s t’fi lin fall on the fl oor. Additionally, Piskei T’shuvos (40) brings he is making/writing falls on the fl oor. In- make any practical difference? the sefer Mara DiShmaasa that suggests Explanation: that one should instead learn a daf of Ge- Rabbi Ephraim Glatt, Esq. is Assistant to the Rabbi at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills and a mara with the peirush of Rashi. practicing litigation attorney. Questions? Comments? Email [email protected]. I. The Source The Gemara in Mo’ed Katan (26a) discuss- III. What is Considered “Falling”? es what to do when a person sees a sefer This whole question only applies where Torah that is burning, and concludes that the t’fi lin themselves fall on the fl oor. As he should make two “rips” on his clothes. noted by the Avnei Yishfeh (2:1), you do not The Gemara subsequently contrasts this to need to fast or give tz’dakah if the t’fi lin are a case where t’fi lin are destroyed, and rules in the plastic container when they fall on that you do not “tear” in such a case. the fl oor. Nevertheless, the Magen Avraham Further, the Riv’vos Ephraim (1:30) states (Orach Chayim 44:5) brings the Mishp’tei that you do not need to fast or give tz’dakah Shmuel who holds that one should fast in the case where you fall on the fl oor and when t’fi lin (that are not in the box) fall you are wearing t’fi lin. on the fl oor. Likewise, the Riv’vos Ephraim implies (6:14) that you do not need to fast or give II. Practical Halachah tz’dakah if the t’fi lin fall on a carpet, as the The Mishnah B’rurah (40:3) codifi es the carpet has the same status as a chair or ta- Magen Avraham, and rules that one should ble. fast when t’fi lin (that are not in the box) fall on the fl oor. If t’fi lin are in the box, then IV. Seeing Your Friend’s T’filin Fall tz’dakah should be given. What about if you see your friend’s t’fi lin However, the Aruch HaShulchan (44:3) fall on the ground? Do you need to fast or rules that one should fast OR give tz’dakah give tz’dakah?

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 45 46 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 IInteriornterior DDesignesign For The 99% Zisi Naimark Pleasant Home

everal years ago, I went with my mother to Furs by Kurt in Brooklyn in order to It’s a sofa, a bed, and a work of art, and its $550 from World Market. You can totally use facilitate the choosing of her new birthday gift with my impeccable taste. While it primarily as a bed in a girl’s room. I would do that myself. S there, I noticed another woman trying on a heavy brown fur. It was sable, one of the most luxe furs legally available. That coat has a collar so wide that it elegant- ly draped the wearer’s shoulders. An incorporated belt cinched the small waist and avoided the bulk of old-fashioned coats. The length was perfect; it hit just below the knees, with a few inches of standard-issue black skirt showing beneath. And yet. This woman was also in the store with a daughter; based on her face and her daughter’s age she was in her late 50s. Her daughter was mouthing hopeful and encouraging words, but a critical furrow appeared between cynical eyes. And there it remained for the entire fi tting. Deep trenches of discontent ran from the corners of her mouth to her nostrils. That beautiful coat looked awful on her, because her miserable face was accessorizing it. I think of this memory all the time when I am trying on clothing and seeing other peo- ple try clothes on. The clothes don’t just have to be beautiful and well-made; they have to suit your face and personality too. (Sorry, Meira, for encroaching on your territory. I’ll be veering back onto my own track shortly, honest.) It’s been in more recent years that I’ve realized how homes absorb personality as well as clothing. No, you are not about to read about traditional-minded people picking traditional fur- niture. That’s not always the case anyway. Some of the most risqué entertainment person- nel live in the most traditionally designed homes. Pleasant people have pleasant homes. This has nothing to do with interior design. It’s no secret that most people accrue fur- niture in an unscientifi c method, inheriting this and fi nding that on sale, getting the table along with the house and fi nding chairs they loooove that don’t exactly match. It’s quite rare that anyone in the range of the Queens Jewish Link’s distributors picked all their The Sven is $1,799 from Article, a great price for genuine leather. Just keep the windows furniture with uniform taste and informed design intention. open for a day after this arrives. The leather smells fresh from the tannery. I speak from And despite all this, readers, your homes are so, so pleasant. personal experience, my friends. There’s a new car smell that comes with the sofa. And You bought that hideous toddler bed in order to make your sweet son happy, and his that high you get from sniffi ng it is not excitement; it’s brain cells dying from toxins. smile accessorizes the place beautifully. Some homes that I know of have child-free areas, where the sofa upholstery is so light colored and precious that few people may touch it. These people don’t realize that the sofa actually owns them. But here, children are allowed on the sectionals and everyone feels at home. What custom-made upholstery can compare with that beauty? So for heaven’s sake, please stop apologizing for your worn-out sofa, mismatched chairs and paint color that the previous owner chose. Your homes are beautiful, you hear me? They’re smiling, welcoming, comfortable places. They’re perfect. And in case you are interested in some new sofas, here are a few options: The Bacchus is $800 from Joss & Main and is a very nice sofa, even if it is named after a very not nice mythological character.

The Arno sofa is $995 from Contemporary Furniture Warehouse. And it comes in more practical colors, too, so you can own the sofa without it owning you.

If your kids will throw around the cushions anyway, then you may as well get this sleeper convertible for $740 from Overstock.

Zisi Naimark holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The New York School of Interior De- sign and has been working for professional design fi rms since 2012. She lives in Kew Gardens Hills, where she is tolerated by her husband and sons. She can be reached at [email protected].

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 47 On TThehe RRoadoad NNewew Feature!Feature! Terri B. Kalker, Esq. Traffi c Tickets: The Ins And Outs or most people, their only encounter type of hyper-enforcement can lead to the with law enforcement will be in re- conclusion of it being a reverse generating Fgard to a traffi c violation. Sit around initiative. any table at a simchah or on a random Summonses issued for failing to yield Shabbat, mention receiving a ticket, and to a pedestrian in the crosswalk (a three- invariably someone else will have a story point violation) has increased exponen- to recount. Their experience may differ tially in the past few years. There is a as to the specifi cs involved, but each one section of law that addresses the situa- will have similar elements: the acts that led tion when traffi c control signals are in up to the police having stopped them, the place and another where they are not. A interchange at the actual car stop, and the pedestrian walking with a walk signal in subsequent steps taken to ultimately re- the crosswalk has the right of way over

Summonses issued for failing to yield to a pedestrian in the crosswalk (a three-point violation) has increased exponentially in the past few years solve the ticket. I will delineate some com- a vehicle turning onto that street. While mon moving violations, the procedures in this seems intuitive, in Manhattan a driver place to fi ght them, and consequences if can wait through many cycles of his light convicted. yet never have a break in pedestrian traf- one can often conference the case with a highlight weaknesses in the case presented It is not unusual to fi nd police crack- fi c. This leads to a situation where a judg- prosecutor or the offi cer who issued the against you. downs resulting in a quantifi able increase ment call has to be made. Factors such as ticket in hopes of a plea deal. Many people If you have specifi c questions you would of summonses written for a specifi c viola- the speed of the vehicle, the size of the choose to retain an attorney to act on their like answered, please forward them to me. tion. This may last a predetermined length intersection, the exact position of the pe- behalf to maximize their chances of a fa- I plan on addressing them in future articles of time or until whatever social pressure destrian when the driver began his turn, vorable outcome while not having to miss and FAQ. Topics will include: point values, demanding it begins to subside. It can of- and often whether the pedestrian yielded work. There are many nuances involved, es- how points are assessed and for how long, ten be at the directive of the mayor or gov- to the driver in a hand gesture can be con- pecially in New York City, which would re- and about other consequences on being ernor as a perceived corrective measure for sidered. quire cross-examining the police offi cer to convicted of a moving violation. an increase in accidents resulting in seri- If you were issued a ticket, you have the ous injury or fatality. There is no doubt that right to plead not guilty. If you received the Terri B. Kalker, Esq., is the principal lawyer of the Law Offi ce of Terri B. Kalker, a law fi rm that, for the vehicle and traffi c law was enacted as a ticket in New York City, you would need to the past 25 years, concentrated on criminal and traffi c law. The fi rm is reachable via email at tbkesq@ public safety measure. Unfortunately, this schedule a trial. Outside of New York City nyticketlaw.com or phone: 718-793-1900.

48 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 49 50 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 DDatingating Today Goldy Krantz Taking Your Advice, Part II

few weeks ago I published a asked if he would be interested in try- because it wouldn’t be fair to go into excited that I took the chance. Because letter from Nechama. She had ing to date again. The silence on the the situation halfheartedly – not fair of my newfound confi dence, I asked A said that she was never a take- other end of the line was killing me! It to the girl or to him. I agreed and said for a raise at work and, while I didn’t charge kind of woman – she allowed seemed to go on forever! Avi said that that I wouldn’t expect any less from receive it on the spot, I was told that it her mother and shadchanim to take the he was shocked by the call, never ex- anyone. But I was disappointed. Avi was “going to be considered.” lead in terms of shidduchim. After read- pecting to hear from me in a million added that he was very impressed that Thank you, Goldy. One little step has ing some of my articles, Nechama said years, and if he ever did hear from me, I called him and it probably took a lot led me to take another and then an- that she felt empowered to call Avi, a he thought it would be through a third of courage to do it. I agreed. Fast-for- other. I wish you all the best and please fellow whom she had dated a year or so party. I explained that I am shocking ward two (long) weeks later: Avi called share this with your readers. They earlier, and to ask him if he would like myself by doing this, but I am more and said that things with the other girl shouldn’t be too scared to do anything, to go out with her again. Nechama said because they will only be left with re- that, looking back at the situation, she grets and “What ifs” if they do nothing. thinks that she made a hasty decision Avi called and said that things with the other Your fan for life, about ending the relationship, but she girl didn’t work out and he had thought things over and wanted to Nechama felt confi dent now to “take the bull by the horns” and call Avi. She said that no give me a second chance! Nechama, thank you so much for your matter what Avi’s decision is, she won’t update! I too am “over the moon” for you regret being the one to call and taking and Avi. No matter how things turn out, you some of the power back and being her self-assured than I was a year ago and didn’t work out and he had thought took a chance and it has been working out own advocate in terms of shidduchim. decided to make the call myself and ac- things over and wanted to give me a thus far. I’m proud that you took a chance I had asked Nechama for an update on cept his decision. I actually said that! second chance! I was over the moon! I with Avi and at work. Good luck with get- what Avi’s answer was. Here it is: Avi said that he needed a day or so screamed into my pillow. ting a raise at work. to think it over, but that he had just It’s been a few weeks, and Avi and I My articles may have given you the fi nal Dear Goldy: agreed to go out with another girl a few have been out a few times and we are push to take action, but it was you who was It’s Nechama, the girl who decided to hours before my call (bummer), but he having a very honest relationship, tell- willing to take the chance. It was all inside take charge of her (dating) life and call would call me back the next day. ing each other what we think and how of you; I just helped to bring it out. Give the guy I had broken up with a year ago Long story short, Avi called me the we feel and what worries we have…I yourself a lot of credit. I hope your story em- to see if he wanted to go out. You had next day and said that he made a com- can’t say if Avi and I are going to build powers some of the readers to take a chance asked me for an update and this is it. mitment to the other girl and was pre- a bayis ne’eman b’Yisrael together (al- in their lives; whether in dating or at work. To say that Avi was surprised to hear pared to see it through, and if things though I hope so), but for now I am so Hatzlachah to you all! from me is an understatement. I quick- didn’t work out, he would give me a ly reminded him of who I was and said call to talk, not just agree to date again. Goldy Krantz is an LMSW and a lifelong Queens resident, guest lecturer, and author of that I may have made a hasty decision He said that he was going to put his the shidduch dating book, The Best of My Worst and children’s book Where Has Zaidy about not dating him anymore. I then whole self into dating this other girl Gone? She can be contacted at [email protected].

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 51 52 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 Style Myths DDebunkedebunked Meira E. Schneider-Atik

Parties, Part 1: For Others Myth: When you’re going to a party to celebrate someone else, it’s okay to come as you are. Truth: Not quite.

ow we start dealing with the fun and JBTK (just below the knee). Both stuff. of these are universally fl attering. But N If you’re going to bridal show- straight is fi ne if that works for you. ers or birthday parties, then you’re like- Same with lengths that fall past the calf. ly still in the mindset of “it’s not about Just avoid fl oor-length. That one is best me.” And you’d be right. But at these oc- for seriously dressy events. Denim is casions, you still need to really be there fi ne if it’s dark and evenly washed. So and show yourself. Dressing the right are other fabrics that can give you the way can help you do that. shape and structure that you may need. From me, you get the truth. On top, make sure your top has good With a showstopper necklace It’s true that if you’re going to a party sleeves and a neckline that fl atters you. like this, don't add too much else to celebrate someone else, like a shower Three-quarter sleeves are universally or birthday party, then it’s about that fl attering, but longer sleeves are fi ne guest of honor and not you. Therefore, too if you like those. If the weather is the buzzwords of clean, neat, and re- cold, layered tops are fi ne. Jackets, car- fi ned do apply. But subdued or muted digans, and button-downs are all great This dark purple is a do not apply. Sloppy never applies. In- with shells. Or you might want to wear secondary neutral, so it can stead, you want to add “festive” and a sleeveless blouse over a long-sleeved work for a party “happy.” Here your statement should be shell and that’s fi ne. If you’re going that a more casual version of “I’m so happy route, make sure your overtop is either to be here and celebrate with you.” sleeveless or has elbow-length sleeves. too sleek or sculpted; that’s too much. and give you some height. Snoods don’t From the ground up… Short sleeves, even when worn with a Same with a sheitel. If you’re like me work until you use an oblong scarf to Heels are not necessary here, but if shell, are tricky. and don’t wear a sheitel, go ahead and create the ponytail effect. you’re okay with heels, go no higher You must add a large pop of color. wear a hat, beret, or mitpachat. If you When you’re attending a party, it’s a than 1 ½ inches. Pretty fl ats are perfect, Even if you’re already wearing colored/ wear layered mitpachot, you can add a happy occasion. If you dress happy, fes- especially if they have that extra ½ inch printed shoes, you have to add some- colored/printed one as an accent with a tive, and fl attering, you’ll feel festive of lift to support your feet. Sneakers or thing near your face. This means that neutral one. Pre-tieds only work if the and happy to join in the celebration. other ultra-casual shoes are not good. either your shell or overtop must be in tails are long enough to wrap around Have fun! For your shoes, classic neutrals are easi- a fl attering color. If the weather is warm est, but it’s also okay to wear a fun color and you’re only wearing one top, then or print (as long as your base outfi t is you must add a brightly colored scarf or solid). Fun shoes are great conversa- necklace. This is what makes your out- tion starters, so they’re especially good fi t festive and makes you feel happy. If at parties where you may not know a you wear a showstopper necklace, avoid lot of people. Do not wear socks. If the similarly dramatic earrings. If you wear weather is warm, it’s okay to skip hose a scarf, skip the necklace and add dra- entirely. If you prefer, you may wear matic earrings. If your showstopper is “peds” or “shoe liners” with your fl ats. bracelets, you can add a scarf, no neck- If the weather is colder, wear hose or lace, and small-to-medium earrings. No tights as needed. Keep them black with matter what, make sure that your pop- a dark outfi t or nude with a lighter- color items are fl attering to your face colored outfi t. and your coloring. For your base outfi t, it’s best to go It’s okay to carry a bag for these with a neutral base. You can wear ei- things, especially if you have to travel ther dark neutrals (like black, navy, or to get to them. If it’s a very casual party, charcoal) or light neutrals (like beige, then it’s okay to bring your work pocket- ivory, or white) head-to-toe. As long as book. But in general, it’s better to carry a the value (lightness or darkness) is the large clutch to hold only what you abso- same from top to bottom, you’ll get a lutely need. If you like, it’s okay for your long line that will elongate and fl atter clutch to be colored or printed, but if your body overall. It’s best to avoid mid- you’re already wearing colored or print- tone neutrals (like tan or taupe) because ed shoes, stick with a neutral clutch. those are inherently casual and won’t For any kind of party, you must not come off right. If you prefer, it’s okay to go barefaced. There isn’t a woman alive wear a secondary neutral (like burgundy, who really looks her best without a lit- forest green, or soft pastels) especially if tle makeup. A basic face is fi ne: even out you wear the same color or same value your skin, use concealer as needed, de- head-to-toe. Just don’t wear head-to-toe fi ne your eyes, and add subtle color to brights; those come off a bit too much cheeks and lips. for an occasion that is not about you. If you’re wearing hair, make sure it’s You may wear either a dress or skirt- in a simple, fl attering style that you can and-top outfi t as long as the items fi t easily wear down and natural if you pre- you properly and fl atter your body type. fer. Of course, if you like ponytails or up- Your best bets for your skirt are A-line dos, go for that. Just don’t do anything

Meira E. Schneider-Atik is a wardrobe organizer, personal shopper, jewelry designer, and fashion writer/blogger and speaker. She helps women look great while saving time, effort, and money, all within tznius guidelines, and she’ll add to that with custom-de- signed jewelry. Read more about her ideas on her blog- www.truetzniutistruebeauty.word- press.com. She also has a YouTube channel, “Look Your Best in Mitpachot,” where she does head-wrapping tutorials, and she is also available for private demonstrations. She can be reached at (718) 644-6135 or at [email protected].

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 53 BBeautyeauty Briefs Risselle Naimark

Beauty Tips For Seasonal Allergies o your eyes constantly tear since frequently before touching your eyes and you suffer from spring’s seasonal introducing more allergens. Dallergies? You’re not alone, because It’s diffi cult to deal with eye makeup millions of Americans have to deal with and lenses when your eyes are tearing puffy, red eyes, also known as allergic con- continuously. Skip the lenses and instead junctivitis. opt for a beautiful pair of eye-enhancing It seems grass, trees, weeds, and pol- glasses to give you that chic look. To cover lens are the worst offenders, so fi rst fi nd the dark under-eye circles, which are often out what actually triggers your allergies. a sign of allergies, apply a hypoallergenic When the pollen gets very high, try to and long-lasting concealer to stay in place stay indoors, keep windows closed, and despite the runny eyes. You can even apply turn on the A/C so that your symptoms it on top of the eyelid as a base instead of don’t worsen. Also, be sure to wear sun- an eye primer. This will help serve as a bar- glasses to cover your eyes when heading rier between your eyes and the allergen. outdoors. Be sure to go low key on your eye makeup Those with seasonal eye allergies may and eliminate bottom eyeliner, so it won’t experience itching, tearing, blurry vision, have the opportunity to streak when your swollen eyelids, a burning sensation, and a eyes begin to tear. This is also a good time sensitivity to light. You may also encounter to try something new, like playing up your eye allergies alone or in conjunction with other features to detract attention from the nasal allergies and eczema. A doctor can de- eyes. You can emphasize your cheekbones termine if your symptoms are indeed due by using a soft and pretty blush color and to allergies. incorporating a highlighter and bronzer When eyes are exposed to allergens to enhance your bone structure. Another such as pollen they become red because option would be to choose a vibrant and the eye cells, which are known as mast sensational lipstick to captivate most of cells, release histamines and other infl am- the attention. When your allergies subside, matory chemicals. This will result in itchy, you can go back to having your eyes be the red, and watery eyes. Be sure to maintain focal point. a hands-off policy and do not rub your Over-the-counter eye drops generally eyes, which will only worsen the symp- have the same medications as those uti- toms and cause the mast cells to release lized for nasal allergies. Antihistamines more chemicals. Also, wash your hands and mast cell stabilizers block the release

of histamines your body produces, while eyes and make you quite drowsy. Allergy decongestant drops shrink the blood ves- shots, known as immunotherapy, are an- sels in the eyes, which in turn calms the other option for those with severe allergies. redness. On the other hand, tear substitutes After a long and endless winter and a wash away the allergens and keep the eyes yearning for milder weather, let’s try to ap- well lubricated. preciate the warmer temperatures in spite Oral decongestants may also help con- of spring’s seasonal allergies. Enjoy the trol symptoms but can also dry out your beauty of a new season.

Risselle Naimark is a Professional Freelance Makeup Artist and Skincare Consultant. She carries an extensive line of personalized skincare, cosmetics, and anti-aging products. Risselle is also available for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, makeup lessons, and all of your beauty needs. She can be reached at 718 263-5517.

54 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 EEstatestate & Wills Monet Binder, Esq.

strict requirements. As jointly state and federally funded, expenses covered under The Planning We Are Not Thinking About (But Need To…) the Medicaid program include doctor bills, hospital bills, skilled nursing facilities, and om falls unexpectedly and breaks cept to imagine and acknowledge. Unfor- not enough available to cover the neces- in certain circumstances, in-home care. her hip. Dad has a stroke and tunately, many people are in denial about sary costs. Many elderly and disabled individuals Mneeds care all day and night. They the prospect of needing some type of care can qualify for benefi ts to pay for long- both desperately need to be in a nursing and do not plan at all. The notion of hav- Cost of Care term care. It is also possible for them to home but are told that even with their ing to rely and depend on others for things The costs of long-term care can be cata- be eligible without spending all of their modest bank accounts they still have “too such as preparing food, eating, bathing, strophic. Few people have saved suffi cient- money and sacrifi cing everything they’ve much income” or “too many assets” and are personal hygiene, and transportation may ly, or have enough of their own resources, worked so hard to obtain throughout their not able to qualify for benefi ts that would contribute to the unwillingness to plan for to pay for needed long-term care. lifetime! cover their costs. Families like this one the possibility of needing long-term-care With private caregiver costs, which can With proper planning, using legal tools have some diffi cult decisions to make: assistance later in life. range between $20-$30 per hour depend- and strategies, assets can be reallocated Should the home be sold? What if it sits There is widespread confusion about ing on the level of care provided, and nurs- and income streams modifi ed in order to on the market too long when an elderly Medicare, Medicaid, and private health in- ing home costs, which can cost more than fall within Medicaid’s income and asset person needs help now? Will the senior requirements. With a comprehensive le- be forced to pay out of pocket and “spend gal plan in place, qualifi cation for benefi ts down” everything that was intended to be There is widespread confusion about Medicare, Medicaid, and is possible and worrying about becoming left to children and perhaps grandchildren? private health insurance coverage for long-term-care assistance a burden to loved ones or running out of Should assets be transferred and mon- money to pay for ongoing care will not be etary “gifts” made in efforts to reduce the necessary. amount of assets, with hopes to not attract surance coverage for long-term-care assis- $140,000 a year, without planning, it is not Family members can also enjoy the attention or violate the law? What happens tance. A common misunderstanding is that surprising that families can exhaust their peace of mind knowing that assets and in- to a spouse who may be still at home while Medicare will cover the costs of long-term entire savings and run out of money during come streams can be preserved for a healthy the other is in a nursing home? Will taking care. The truth is that Medicare will not pay the fi rst one to three years of care. spouse or child(ren) with special needs still these steps force them into poverty? How for ongoing long-term custodial care. living at home. The family’s inheritance does will they manage? How will they survive? Most private health insurance plans Solution not need to be depleted due to nursing home As an estate-planning and elder-law at- are not designed to cover long-term care Medicaid is a program designed to assist costs, and instead may be transferred safely torney I have seen these trying situations services and will not pay for a nursing people who need custodial or skilled nurs- to those people who matter most. occur too often. Most studies are consist- home or ongoing care provided at home ing care. It is a need-based program with You just need to plan! ent in showing that one in two people will by a home health care aide, licensed or need some type of long-term care. The type, otherwise. Without planning, those who Monet Binder, Esq., has her practice in Queens, dedicated to protecting families, their lega- frequency, and percentage of people who fi nd themselves in need of long-term care cies, and values. All halachic documents are approved by the Bais Havaad Halacha Center in will need long-term care appear to increase may try to pay for it out of their savings Lakewood, under the direction of Rabbi Dovid Grossman and the guidance of Harav Shmuel signifi cantly for persons over age 70. or income from their retirement, along Kaminetsky, shlita, as well as other leading halachic authorities. To learn more about how a When it comes to aging, the possibility with help from family members. Often, power of attorney can help you, you can send her an email at [email protected] or call of loss of independence is a diffi cult con- even with family contributions there is 718-514-7575.

The information in this article is intended solely for your information. It does not Anti-Semitism On The Rise At Our Colleges constitute legal advice, and it should not be relied on without a discussion of your specifi c situation with an attorney. CONTINUED FROM P. 18 puses that should be friendly to Israel. Barnard and NYU are but two schools But the problem is not just in the – there are many more experiencing South. Closer to home, at New York this phenomenon all over the country. University, a resolution targeting Is- We must resolve to stop this scourge. rael was recently signed by 53 student We must unite in purpose and stop this groups (among 300 on campus), which overt form of bigotry. The type of hate was spearheaded by NYU’s chapters of that anti-Semitism brings is unhealthy Jewish Voice for Peace and Students for for everyone. College donors should Justice in Palestine. In addition to call- also step up to the plate and threaten to ing on the university to boycott com- withhold their funds to any institution panies that do business with Israel, the that does nothing to stop anti-Semitism. groups have pledged not to co-sponsor Despite the liberal protestations, Jew- any events with two Israel advocacy hatred is not a bone fi de form of free campus groups – Realize Israel and speech; it is un-American and a vehicle TorchPac – as well as eight off-campus to bring upon violence and unrest. We groups, including Birthright Taglit, the must prevent this once and for all. American Israel Public Affairs Commit- I am intrigued by what Germany (of tee, and the Anti-Defamation League. all places) just did by having Germans The NYU resolution is part of a cam- of all faiths don kippot to protest anti- paign on college campuses by BDS activ- Semitism. More than 2,000 Jews and ists to isolate Israel and its supporters. non-Jews marched at rallies in several To their credit, the NYU administration German cities. It was fascinating see- criticized the resolution, whose signato- ing pictures of Muslim women wearing ries included such far left-wing groups their hijabs and placing yarmulkes on as the Asian American Women’s Alliance, top of them. The marchers took to the the Black Students Union, and the Mus- streets to protest an anti-Semitic attack lim Students Association. NYU President in Berlin and express fears about grow- Andrew Hamilton denounced BDS at a ing hatred of Jews in their country. public forum last Friday. The kippah protest was triggered by Barnard College, a women’s college the daytime assault last week of two affi liated with Columbia University, young men wearing skullcaps in an up- has also entered the fray, saying that scale neighborhood in Berlin. It was the two-thirds of the students voted to ask latest of several anti-Semitic incidents the administration to divest from eight that have many Jews wondering about companies doing business with Israel. their safety in Germany. With the irony What is very troubling is that both Bar- of Germany setting a positive example nard and NYU have large Jewish student for action, it is incumbent on all of us populations, suggesting that the anti- here in America to demand an end of Israel bias has permeated even at cam- the intolerable

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 55 MMusicalusical NNotesotes (Fiction Serial) By Susie Garber Chapter 4: Moving into the Dorm Recap: Devori had a very scary fl ight to I stepped onto a shiny white tile fl oor. I come good friends. “Did you sew that?” I asked. Israel. A Middle-Easterner tried to hijack the found my room and stepped inside. Sun- “You’ve gone here for all of high school?” “My mother did. She made one for each plane but he was stopped. After an emergency shine spilled into the room. There were two I asked. of us.” landing in England so that the terrorist could very slim beds, two dressers, and two desks. I She smiled. “Oh, yes. I’m a Bnos Chavah “It’s stunning.” be removed by security personnel, they take started unpacking my s’farim fi rst. There was girl.” “Thank you. So, your family?” off again and fi nally land in Ben Gurion Air- a knock on the door. A petite girl with glasses “So where are you from? You don’t sound “Not much to tell. I grew up in Arizona. Do port in Israel. and long, curly, auburn-colored hair stepped Israeli.” you know where that is?” into the room. “You’re right. Guess,” she said as she un- “It’s a state in the west. I’m not uneducat- e pulled up to a large building “Hi,” she said, smiling at me. “Vera.” She zipped one of her oversized suitcases. ed you know.” with a Jerusalem stone facade. had an accent but it wasn’t like a typical Is- I went through Belgium, France, and “Sorry.” I was making my bed now, too. I had WEveryone clamored off the bus, re- raeli accent. She was pulling a very large suit- South America. I was about to give up when a plain gray quilt, nothing hand-sewn for me. trieved our luggage, and thanked the driver. case on wheels. When she smiled, she had a she said, “It’s in the Mid-East. Actually, my “Terribly offended,” she laughed. “And A large sign in the front of the building read, dimple on her left check. family’s from Iran. We moved to Israel when brothers or sisters?” “B’ruchim HaBa’im to Bnos Chavah High I hesitated. I always did when people School.” asked me that question. I had a brother. We strolled into the lobby of the dormito- If it never made it to the news in America either, how did my father Should I say that I did have an older brother? ry. There was a tan leather couch and some find out about what happened? I could tell her about my brother, but then, brown easy chairs near the front window. no, I didn’t want to get into all of that now. Girls lugging suitcases converged into the We just met and it reminded me of too many lobby. There were shouts and hugs as friends “Hi,” I said. “I’m Devori Diamond. Can I I was a little girl.” other painful things. reunited. I felt out of the loop. I reminded help you?” Vera had 11 siblings – four sisters and sev- “Just me.” myself that it takes time to meet new friends. “Oh, this is just my fi rst. I have two more en brothers. Her family lived in the Gush in “Wow, and your parents let you come all A dorm counselor appeared. “Girls!” She in the hallway. I like your name, especially Rosh Tzurim. the way here and you’re the only one?” tried to be heard over the din. the diamond part.” “What about you?” she asked. She was “Yeah,” I whispered. My father had sent She waved a list. “I have your room assign- Together we pushed the suitcases into the making her bed with a beautiful set of linen me here on purpose to be far away from all ments.” Slowly the crowd quieted down. room. We were both huffi ng and puffi ng and and a handcrafted patchwork quilt. The aqua “Welcome back, everyone,” she said. “A ended up giggling. and purple and blue were dazzling. CONTINUED ON P. 62 special welcome to the ninth-graders.” “Wow, you really brought a lot.” She began calling out names and room “Well, a girl has to be prepared,” she said. Susie Garber is the author of Denver Dreams (a novel, Jerusalem Publications, 2009), Memora- numbers. I was in room 3D. My roommate I liked the sound of her voice: It was soft ble Characters…Magnifi cent Stories (Scholastic, 2002), Befriend (Menucha Publishers, 2013), The was Vera Ginger. I looked around the room and melodious. She had a sparkle of joy in Road Less Traveled (Feldheim, 2015), fi ction serials and features in various magazines including to see who she was, but I couldn’t tell from her gray-green eyes. A Bridge in Time – historical fi ction serial (Binyan Magazine, 2017). She writes for the community all the commotion. I headed to the stairs and It was amazing how I felt comfortable column for the Queens Jewish Link and she writes the Queens page for Hamodia. She works as dragged my heavy suitcase up three fl ights. with her right away. I hoped we would be- a writing consultant in many yeshivos and she teaches creative writing to students of all ages.

56 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 Poignant And True Aliyah Thoughts know a particular word mentioned and Even after these most diffi cult years, I diate family for help. The friendships I’ve CONTINUED FROM P. 1 then I become lost. I feel lost in a place still have no regrets about my decision. I created with Israelis and with those who I am trying to make home. And there are am now part of the history of the Jewish have made aliyah like me have gone far to read is a sentiment that is common to the moments where I just don’t understand state. After the First Temple was destroyed beyond what I knew a friendship could be- young people who have made aliyah. Many things at all; I don’t understand how many and Jews were given the opportunity to re- come. My friends here are my family. I’ve among our children’s generation have availed things work in Israel – and that feeling of turn to their homeland, many decided to learned I can trust others and I’ve learned themselves of the opportunity, denied to many being a 26-year-old educated individual stay in their places of comfort. I am able to give that much-needed sup- generations of Jews before them, to take that who is not able to fi gure out what should But during this time period of Jewish his- port to others as well. It’s an incredible fi nal step back to our homeland. While they be the simplest of things can be hard. tory, I am part of the group that has returned, thing to create a real family with people are not “chayalim bodedim,” lone soldiers I cry a lot. Crying has become more than and I am very proud of myself for that. who don’t necessarily share your DNA. I fi ghting at the front line, they are “olim bod- just an occasional emotional reaction to Life in Israel is diffi cult, but in a way am grateful Israel has given me that. edim” – and this piece is a tribute to their cour- circumstances and is now more of a dai- it makes it all that much more worth it. I think that, as Jews, no matter where age for fi ghting to make a life for themselves ly activity for me. Life in general is hard. Challenges really make a person stronger, we are, we are proud of our country, of Is- in Israel. Straight from a place deep within, her But when you don’t have family nearby to and every day I feel a newfound strength rael. When we hear about Israel’s creativ- words pierce the heart. As one of Yael’s corre- ity and innovation we proudly say, “That’s spondents wrote: “So proud of you for sharing my country!” When we hear about Israel’s something that a lot of people struggle to put Sometimes I think we forget – or at least I do – that Israel is only as commitment to helping other nations into words.” Here are Yael’s thoughts: during times of disasters we say, “That’s amazing a country as it is solely because of those living in it my Israel!” When we hear that an Israeli As I celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut while has received yet another Nobel Prize, or on vacation in Vietnam: run to for support, I think it makes life’s within me. My favorite moments in Israel has sold another million-dollar idea to the I’m currently on an 11-hour bus ride, and rougher moments even harder. are when I’m sitting with my friends who US, we say, “That’s my homeland!” as I try to pass the time I fi nd that my mind I miss my family. I miss my mom. I miss have also made aliyah and we talk about But sometimes I think we forget – or at is quickly racing with so many thoughts. It her hugs she would give me after a diffi cult life, complain, poke fun at things, cry, and least I do – that Israel is only as amazing a feels that restraining those thoughts inside break-up. I miss having heartfelt conversa- say countless times, “What are we doing country as it is solely because of those living my head is going to make my brain explode, tions with my dad, often over a steak dinner here and what were we thinking?” and in it. Israelis, both Sabras and those who have so I just wanted to let some of them out to which he would treat me to try to cheer me then we always end our conversations moved here, are inspiring people. The creativ- here – and here is the result of this: up. I miss my grandma and grandpa and my with a smile and an “only in Israel” remark. ity, the new ideas, the yearning to help other Not being in Israel while the country saba and savta, all Holocaust survivors. I miss And even though I’ve cried so much, nations stem from the people who live in Is- celebrates its 70th birthday is hard. How- my younger sister. It’s hard not being with my I’ve smiled that much more. It’s true – af- rael. When we say we are proud of Israel we ever, sometimes I feel that just being in family during smachot. I cried after both of my ter every diffi cult moment, after every cry, are really saying we are proud of the people Israel itself, in general, is also really hard. brothers’ engagements, having to wake up the I’ve smiled. I am in a country for which the of Israel. The people are the reason we have a I made aliyah two and a half years ago – next morning to videos and pictures of my Jewish nation has been yearning for a very Jewish homeland today, a country for all Jews and they have been the most diffi cult years family celebrating without me. long time. One of the fi rst things a Jewish to enjoy, and in which to feel safe. The peo- of my life so far. It’s been very tough trying Recently I heard my family bought the child learns is about this yearning for Is- ple here are the ones protecting and defend- to fi nd my place, fi guring out exactly where game “Codenames” and they’ve been play- rael. Every holiday is themed “Next Year in ing this homeland that we all cherish as our I belong here. In America, the path my life ing every weekend. Can you imagine how Jerusalem.” Today we have it – we actually own. And I am really proud of myself for now would take seemed so clear to me, but I left diffi cult it is to know that your mom and have Jerusalem – and it’s unbelievable liv- joining my people in my land. I am proud of that clarity and moved to Israel; I needed to dad and all your siblings are playing one ing, even mundane, everyday basic living, all my incredible friends who have also made align my reality with my beliefs. of your favorite games without you? (My and just being in a place for which we’ve aliyah. I am proud of all the incredible Israelis I still feel like an outsider sometimes. parents never play games.) been yearning and praying for so long. whom I’ve met who continue to live, work, I practice my Hebrew every day but there Anyway, I’ve never written a post this I love Israel. I love what the country has and defend my homeland for me and for Jews are plenty of moments when I struggle to long, so I’m not sure if there’s a word limit, taught me about myself. I’ve learned that everywhere around the world! Happy 70th and understand a conversation, and then my but I hope not because I need to tell you my nation can be my support system, and many more to come! mind drifts for a second, or when I don’t the good thoughts too. that I don’t need to rely only on my imme- Just a few more hours to go... Kaituz Bridal Collab Launch Event

By Gitty Tyrnauer graced with Pink linens and black and white candelabras. ou’ve read the articles, spoken to Aside from creating Avant garde table friends and heard the buzz about a Decor, Devorah set the hall in a dreamy way Yrevolutionary concept: the Kaituz that brought all the vendors together ele- Bridal Collab. gantly. The background was lit to perfection The evening of April 16 witnessed a new by Naomi Cohen of @eventplannerny1 with phenomenon that redefi ned elegance and a projection reading “Will you marry me?” expertise. A dream team of experts unifi ed Adding to the décor and capturing every in a fabulous way to help simplify and guide perfect moment and minute detail was through the often unnecessarily stressful famed photographer Eli Robinson. Walking wedding planning process. Created by Mar- through his gallery showcased the creativity, lene Kolangi of Kaituz, she conceptualized talent and personality that is synonymous taking bridal gowns walked the runway, comes next.” the Bridal Collab after years of speaking to with the Robinson Studios brand. each one more magnifi cent than the next, @primetimeparent expressed her amaze- and dealing with brides. A purveyor and de- Catered by Avant Edge, each display was modesty never being compromised. Mar- ment of the elegance portrayed together as a signer of couture gowns, Marlene wanted to inventive and artfully arranged. Every set- lene created a diverse collection that stayed team. “It is quite obvious that wedding plan- create a space where brides and their fami- ting featured a different dish, showcasing true to her catchphrase, “for every bride, for ning with Kaituz Bridal Collab is the only lies could plan the entire wedding in one the cutting-edge creativity elegance that every woman.” way to go. It makes me want to get married appointment. Instead of stress overwhelm- makes them extraordinary. After the event, Marlene and her dream all over again!” ing the magic of the engagement, the Bridal Floral fantasies came true via the fabu- team were besieged by hundreds of newly- At the end of the night, a grand raffl e was Collab team is dedicated to keeping dreams lous team at Hostess International. They minted fans of the Bridal Collab. In the drawn, and the winner got to put $11,000 to- alive and enchantment intact. created the magnifi cent bridal mannequins words of @carpefashiondiem, “I love the ward their dream wedding with the Bridal Walking into the charming Woodmere peppered throughout the tablescapes and concept of a one stop shop for all your wed- Collab team. Club, one was greeted by an exquisite wedding brought to life Kaituz’s signature gold angled ding needs. There are many people who Marlene’s sentiments when she kicked gown magnifi cently fashioned out of fl owers. arches for the runway show. The white-cov- don’t know where to start when it comes her heels off at the end of the night? “We Twinkling throughout the hall, expertly placed ered runway was the object of anticipation, to weddings and this is a great way to make are very grateful to all of you that came out lighting and décor created an ambiance of ele- Kaituz’s Bridal 2018 Fashion Show had the the planning process easier and more enjoy- and showed your love, support, and excite- gance and the pianist’s melody was a welcome air electrically charged. Chroma Music had able…” About the dresses, “…I love the col- ment for Kaituz and the Kaituz Bridal Col- accompaniment. Spread throughout the main DJ Brosky playing fun and interactive music lection, the dresses were truly marvelous I lab. Thank you for all the Instagram love and ballroom were a variety of tablescapes. Event throughout the evening, creating a vibe that love that the gowns were completely differ- beautiful messages. Thank you to all of our Planner Devorah Deutsch impeccably captur- was exciting, relaxing and inviting. Women ent styles and how you tackled each genre sponsors and collaborators. ing the themes. A rustic tablescape was further like @thefl atbushgirl @carpefashiondiem amazing. There were modern dresses, ro- We are open for business and excited to enhanced with greenery and earthy fl owers and @primetimeparent came to witness Shi- mantic, chic, elegant and more. I especially meet with you!” created by Hostess International. Another ta- mi Adar host the runway show, and eagerly love the Gatsby one. you’re a very talented Available every day by appointment. Simply ble all white, chrome and bridal modernity , waited for the dresses to be revealed. Breath- designer and I look forward to seeing what call 718-544-8632 or email [email protected].

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 57 RReal-Lifeeal-Life Reflections Sarah Newcomb A Positive Midlife Crisis ife is full of highs and lows. This sider this: When I have helped even ing as well as who and what are in my week, so many of you offered me one person and I’ve been told it was so life today, including my connection to Lbrachos for a bright future and many more, I am gratifi ed that sharing Hashem and what I eat. There is a song sent messages of love, praise, and ma- my struggles and successes have helped, “People Who Need People.” That is me – zel tov. I heard the song “Didn’t We Al- that it made a difference to someone gratefully. We all stand to gain. most Have It All.” I have never been an else’s life. That is why I write. At a shiur A fellow told me he considers it im- “almost” kind of person. I was always in the Five Towns someone said, “You portant in a relationship to know how ambitious, even as a young child, with are a briah chadashah – the same face to fi ght, make up, and forgive. It was the difference being mostly driven for but entirely different persona.” I said an interesting insight as I am gener- others’ benefi t and now pursuing my yes, it’s because now I am happy and ally not a fi ghter. Someone else told me own million dreams. Past circumstances content. Serenity 101. I had a headache that deep connections are not common limited my pursuits. Many others ben- the other day and lay down. I awoke to and therefore deserve a chance. Some- ing someone who did that. Alternatively, efi ted though, and now I am taking the see my two favorite people. My daughter one else said “I love seeing you,” which a seller told me they trust me completely bull by the horns on my own behalf. had a fl ower in her hand she had bought touched me deeply. Another told me on something that most might not. An- Thriving, not just surviving. I just hap- for me and said, “I love you.” How bless- they do not have the “faith” they see in other seller told me they knew from the pened on the song “The Greatest Love ed I felt! me and that I am lucky to have such trust beginning I had a plan and trust my judg- Of All” live. The singer was stunningly Bill Cosby’s guilty verdict brought in Hashem and siyata dishmaya. That ment on the culmination of the prop- beautiful and soulful. A child came up me tremendous joy. One woman cou- was in response to my sharing about my erty sale. Another seller signed all the on the stage, whom she embraced and rageously started it and ended it. There experience at the Ribnitzer kever at the contractual forms with me without even kept touching and connecting with all were dozens in between. As a commu- Vishnitz cemetery. looking. Because I am a trusting person while singing passionately. It brought nity we can no longer afford to bury I had interesting experiences in the I am not surprised by this, but there are me to tears, which is not hard to do, but our heads in the sand. We are all unique world of real estate this week regarding those suspicious ones or dishonest folks this touched me deeply and spiritually, persons. Hashem pulls strings yet we trust. I showed an engaged couple a rent- to be cautious of for sure. Fortunately, especially since both she and her daugh- choose to go for the ride and take chanc- al and was told by the owner that they I can pick and choose who I work with ter tragically died young. Being “on fi re” es or not. We must have patience for the waited until I left and then approached and even who I have friendships with and living fully means that when I hear destined outcome. I am having a midlife the owner and tried to rent it directly. and avoid drama at all costs. shiurim I take those messages to heart. crisis of sorts, except that being on fi re is My loyal owner refused. If I was the That is why it takes me time to process leading me toward greatness, not in the kallah I would think twice about marry- CONTINUED ON P. 59 after an emotional connection. I take it other direction. I saw a billboard sign: in forever and internalize it. “No one gets a diploma alone.” Yes, it Sarah Newcomb, Queens Realtor Team, and the Newcomb family have been New York State Someone in my 12-step meeting said takes a village. licensed realtors for over 16 years. They specialize in Kew Gardens Hills and serve all areas in the we must keep coming to meetings pre- I read that exercise lowers the risk fi ve boroughs and Long Island. They hold several specialty certifi cations and are members of the ventively and not just in times of crisis. of depression, which does not surprise Long Island Board of Realtors and the Multiple Listing Service of Queens and Long Island, and No one ever knows what is really going me because my daily routine opens up have won multiple awards from RE/Max NY and RE/Max International. They are proud members on in somebody else’s house. There is my mind instantly. Practicing mindful- of the Kew Gardens Hills community. You can reach them at 917-459-7549, Sarahnewcombtoppro- always another side to the story. Con- ness allows me to notice fl owers grow- [email protected], or Queensrealtorteam.com.

58 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 FFoodieoodie Adventures Bracha Serle Duck Confi t

onfi t: when duck or meat is cooked in its own fat. Original recipe: C We have taken this term and ap- A few sprigs of fresh parsley plied it to many other foods. One of those 3-4 leaves of fresh basil is garlic. But instead of cooking it in garlic 20-30 cloves fresh garlic fat (not sure that exists) we cook it in grape A pinch of black pepper seed oil. Yes, I use grape seed oil and not ol- A pinch of pink Himalayas salt ive oil because it has a higher smoke point Grape seed oil to cover everything and therefore doesn’t break down and be- come toxic from high heat. In general I In a small pot bring oil to a boil and use fresh herbs in my garlic confi t, but this boil till the garlic gets some color. Once week I couldn’t fi nd any prechecked so I golden brown lower fl ame and let sim- used the cubes. To my surprise it came out mer for about a half hour. amazing! I’ll give you both recipes. Serve hot. Note: Garlic confi t is best served warm on hot bread/challah. I leave it on the blech This week’s recipe: before Shabbos and take it off right before 20 cloves fresh garlic Kiddush on a typical Friday night. If there 3 tablespoons crushed garlic are any leftovers you can save it and store 4 cubes frozen parsley it in the fridge. The leftovers are best used 4 cubes frozen basil within the week of making it. You can add Grape seed oil to cover. the garlic confi t to just about anything! (Dressing, roasted vegetables, rice, eggs, Same directions as above recipe. chicken...)

Bracha Serle works as a private chef specializing in healthy cooking such as gluten-free, dairy- free, sugar-free, nut-free, and other dietary restrictions or allergies. She also does end-product mar- keting for kosher food companies and supermarkets, teaching consumers how to use new food products on a daily basis. Bracha gives clean-eating healthy cooking classes and demonstrations. You can check out her work on Instagram @shesthechef and can be reached via email at serle. [email protected].

A Positive Midlife Crisis CONTINUED FROM P. 58 our own greatest show. We can do this together. At any age. On fi re. Living with I had the pleasure of spending Shab- intent. bos lunch, along with my family and The rabbi in shul said that we must closest friend, with one of my fellow reset the way we think. Don’t think we Queens Jewish Link writers who is a kin- are just one, but rather an extension of dred spirit, has a beautiful family and is Hashem. We overcome hardships and full of sincerity and depth, and a great grow and emulate Hashem. This is the time was had by all. On fi re for me means path to holiness. From songs: “A mo- seizing all the many opportunities being ment in the soul can last forever” and thrown at me now and being present. “It’s blinding, outshining anything you Today somebody well-connected and in know, just surrender, let me give you a powerful public position asked after freedom to dream and it will wake you hearing me speak if I would agree to be up.” Patience is clearly my test and I interviewed on public talk radio and also am embracing it head on, learning to do a podcast. He said so many people manage my own fi re. I will not tell you would gain. I said sure. In fact, I am now that there’s nothing concerning on my embarking on building a blog and ven- mind. I will tell you though, that de- turing into public speaking and coaching spite that I feel like the luckiest woman since so many of you have asked me to in the world – with love in my life and a do so. I see that my message of empower- spiritual connection. One day at a time. ment, resilience, and hope is needed and Praying for siyata dishmaya. With the I am thrilled to share it and spread the serenity prayer in mind: G-d grant me love. My experiences with teenage girls the serenity to accept the things I can- is enlightening as well. They continue to not change, the courage to change the convey their love for me and share their things I can, and the wisdom to know secrets. We must make our own lives the difference.

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 59 Trump is hosting Emmanuel Macron. Trump loves Macron because when he speaks English, Trump closes his eyes and pretends it's the candlestick from "Beauty and the Beast." - Jimmy Fallon President Trump tweeted that he may pardon someone because Sylvester Side-Splitting Stand-Up Stallone asked him to. The pardon is for the guy who wrote "Rocky V." -con A man who was bitten by a shark, Amazon is working on a robot that follows its owner around the house. It's basically an Alexa on wheels. This is going to be a hot item. Here's how you a bear, and a rattlesnake in less than four years get one: You leave your Alexa and your Roomba alone in a bedroom and let and survived. The man thanked G-d he's still alive, nature take its course. - James Corden while G-d said, "What do I have to do to nail I Is this something we asked for? Did anybody really ask for this? A robot this guy? I mean, come on." that follows you around all day? Nobody was saying, "You know, I like my - Jimmy Fallon Alexa, I just wish it would follow me into the bathroom and stare at me while I shower." A lotlot of people were betting on the name - James Corden of people were A woman was given an apple on her fl ight home from Paris, she put it in her ooff thethe newn royal baby. And those bett ipeopleng on t hhavee a name too ew royal baby. A name bag as a snack for later and forgot about it, and now she's facing a $500 fi ne for nd those people — they'rethey'r called gambling addicts. have a name to not declaring it at customs. One single apple ended up costing her $500. That's e called gam o ridiculous. If she wanted to pay $500 for an apple, she could've just shopped at bling addicts. - JimmyJimmy FallonFallon Whole Foods. - James Corden I heard there's a new Amazon Alexa coming out that's made just for kids. to open After an hour of answering your kid’s nonstop questions, it just puts on a Old Navy has announced plans to open movie to shut them up. - Jimmy Fallon 60 more stores this year. This is great news for Subway just announced they are closing 500 restaurants. People were stunned. guys who say, "I love khakis, but I just wish They were like, "Subway considers itself a restaurant?" they fell apart faster." - Jimmy Fallon - Conan O’Brien Today Americans celebrated national Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day. Tomorrow kids will celebrate New Appreciation for Going to School Day. - Jimmy Fallon

60 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 See solution in this issue By: Yoni Glatt, [email protected] Down “Musical Translation” Difficulty Level: EASY 1. NYC financial newspaper 30. Mike’s predecessor 2. ___rina (instrument) 31. Queen in 4-Down 3. The Clippers, on the scoreboard 33. Offended 4. 2013 Disney blockbuster 36. “Jeopardy!” response: Abbr. 5. Australia’s most successful band 37. Shalom or shamayim 6. Rage predecessor (in song) 7. Gas station abbr. 38. Black Sea nation: Abbr. 8. Donald’s predecessor 39. Rachel, to Judah 9. Ethically indifferent 40. Where Bryce Canyon 10. Bodybuilding buildings is located 11. 1987 Best Picture winner, with 44. Became a member ‘The’ 45. Provide counsel 12. Marlon who famously yelled 46. Engulfed in fire “Stella!” 47. Assembled, with “together” 13. Add one’s name to a guest book 48. Kind of digital code 18. Like Jezabel 51. Emeril Lagasse word 23. Islamic pilgrimage 53. Slightly open 24. Where “it’s fun to stay” in a 1978 54. Toddler’s often make one hit 57. Eloise’s creator Thompson 25. UN worker placed between 58. Suffix with “salt” or “carb” warring parties 59. One of its letters stands for 26. Los Angeles football team “optimization” 27. Arctic coverings 60. “Couple” for 30-Across 28. MBA hopeful’s exam 61. Hush-hush govt. group

Across 1. “Big bad” pig harasser 29. Blessing follower 50. They need to have fins and 5. Auto collision safety device 30. Walter Matthau’s frequent co- scales to be kosher 11. Abbr. on a dumbbell star 51. Painful experience, often 14. “Lion King” villain 32. Ronald Reagan Washington 52. “___ Got Rhythm” 15. Peanut butter choice National Airport’s code 53. Oktoberfest drink 16. “Exodus” hero Ben Canaan 33. Plate needed for scoring 54. Adam, literally 17. 2014 NL Rookie of the Year on 34. Swimming distance 55. Puppy’s bite the Mets 35. Explorer who knew a lot about 56. He won an Emmy for playing 19. Droop 50-Across Rabbi Hyman Krustofski 20. Efron of “The Greatest 41. Where Switz. is 62. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem dir. Showman” 42. ___ question (say part of Ma 63. ___ to an end 21. “___ Poetica” (Horace) Nishtana) 64. Cincinnati athletes 22. Spike TV, once 43. Slump 65. Actor James Van ___ Beek 23. Promoted aggressively 44. CNN anchor 66. Changes the color again 26. Costa follower 48. ___ fide 67. “Judge me by my size, do you?” 28. Ein ___, Israel 49. Adoring poems speaker DIFFERENCES? 10 CAN YOU SPOT

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 61 Chapter 4: Moving into the Dorm CONTINUED FROM P. 56 I felt big and heavy compared to her. Well, I did need to lose weight. It was just so the problems, but I wasn’t going to share hard. that either. The dining room was the sunniest Last spring, my father had told me that room. I liked it. “We do our shows and I had a choice of a far-away high school production here,” she said. for 12th grade. He said, “You can go to Bal- “Over here is my favorite room.” She timore or New York or Israel.” pointed to a small room with a piano and I chose Israel. a music stand. “This is the music room.” I liked how Vera stopped asking ques- “Oh,” I said backing away. tions when she sensed my reticence. She “I play violin. I practice here.” wasn’t the nosy type. She was just friendly “It’s nice.” interested. “Do you play anything?” After we unpacked everything, Vera in- I hesitated. “Uh, no.” vited me to taste some of her Persian spe- I used to play piano but that was be- cialties she’d brought in a large red cooler. fore… “Thank you.” … There were chunks of lamb, red pep- Later that night, I was taking a walk pers, green peppers, tomatoes, and onions and I spotted Yael with some friends. “Hi,” on skewers on a bed of brown rice. Yael said. “How’s it going?” We enjoyed it together. “This is deli- I told her that things were going well. cious.” Then she shared, “When I was telling my “Thank you. I made it last night. I al- parents what happened on the plane, they ways like to bring extra food just in case.” told me it wasn’t on the news. My father “How is the food here?” edits Yeshiva World News and he reads ‘“It’s okay.” all the Jewish papers. He said it wasn’t in “You don’t sound so convincing.” even one Jewish paper or in any secular “No, really it’s not bad. I’m just used to ones.” Persian cooking. You will come with me “Maybe it wasn’t considered big news?” for Shabbat and meet my family. You’ll I asked. love the food.” “I don’t know. I think it was pretty big “That would be so nice.” I had a feel- news. You don’t have something like that ing Vera and I would be good friends. She happen every day.” seemed so open and easy to talk with. Vera “Oh,” I said. Suddenly, my heart skipped offered to give me a tour of the school a beat. If it wasn’t on the news anywhere building, which was really just classrooms in Israel and, apparently, according to downstairs, and a kitchen and dining hall. Yael, it never made it to the news in Amer- She fi lled me in on the rules and how ica either, how did my father fi nd out things generally went at this school. She about what happened? moved so lightly on her feet, like a dancer. To be continued…

62 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 Classifieds & RRealeal EEstatestate 120 character ad 1 week $15 2 weeks $21 4 weeks $36 160 character ad 1 week $20 2 weeks $30 4 weeks $48 In the heart of New York City is Ramaz - a Modern Orthodox Day School with a rich history of 200 character ad 1 week $25 2 weeks $40 4 weeks $60 Jewish education, academic distinction, and nurturing of individual abilities and aspirations. An- chored in the teaching of Torah and mitzvot, students’ lives are enriched by an exceptional, devoted faculty. Join us. Make a difference in their lives and yours. EMPLOYMENT Queens’s office looking for full time responsible Seeking Junior High School teacher of Sci- secretary/office assistant – knowledge of excel The Ramaz School is seeking teachers for fall 2018 in the following areas: ence and SS for a warm, supportive yeshiva in is a must. Fax resumes 347-338-2056 • Early Childhood Queens. Please call 917-742-8909 or fax resume • Lower School Hebrew Language/Judaic Studies, General Studies Classroom, Math, Reading, to 347-571-2287. REAL ESTATE Music and an Assistant Teacher Please send cover letter and resume to [email protected] Wonderland Jewish Preschool looking Summer Rental-Monsey/Spring Valley area • Middle School Tanakh, Hebrew Language, Math, English, and History for Teacher’s assistant (New Hempstead): Please send cover letter and resume to [email protected] please call 718-255-6262. Beautiful 4 bedroom colonial with 2.5 baths and a full finished basement is available for rent this Immediate opening for a Director of Alumni & Constituent Relations. Hamaspik is seeking community Habilitation staff summer. Park-like backyard with wooden swing Please send cover letter and resume to [email protected] to work day hours, evenings and weekends in the set, trampoline and gas grill. Brand new spacious Five Towns, Queens, Far Rockaway & long Island, kitchen with two of everything. Close to Shul. For details please visit www.ramaz.org/careers. We look forward to hearing from you. with high functioning developmentally disabled For more information call 845-558-8141. adults, children and teens. Shabbos staff also needed for Cedarhurst, Far Rockaway & Lawrence. HOUSES FOR SALE—NASSAU Drivers’ license a plus. Mileage will be reimbursed. North Bellmore - Young Israel; Nassau Cnty; Please call Yehudis: 718-408-5417 for more details Affordable Homes; Erev, Mikvah; Nrby Yeshivot; Hwys, LIRR; Call: Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe is seeking passionate, en- (516) 826-0048 thusiastic, and amazing general studies teachers See Facebook/Website: YINB.ORG to join our collaborative team of professionals. Excellent opportunity for creative and dynamic Send in your Classified ads to educators to work in a premier Yeshiva setting. Please email resume to [email protected] [email protected] Office Coordinator The Beth Din of America, located in Manhattan a few blocks from Penn Station, is looking to hire an office coordinator. Full job description is at www.bethdin.org/job. Fridays off, nice work environment, very interesting work. Resumes can be sent to [email protected].

Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 63 64 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) • May 3, 2018