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$1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 8 NO. 47 14 AV 5768 ibj,tu ,arp AUGUST 15, 2008

INSIDE FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK MAYORAL HOPEFULS MEET

Navigational Issues B Y LARRY GORDON Hannah Reich Berman 26 MindBiz Esther Mann, LMSW 28 The Debate Goes On Dollars And Sense While newspapers and taken issue with in the pro- Steven Genack 54 other media outlets are duction plant over the last few forums for discussion and months. Even though a great The Hock Of The Rock debate, one would like to deal of what happened there Eli Shapiro 57 think that these forums could has not been thoroughly adju- possibly, as time goes by, dicated, that does not seem to Jewish Partisans effectuate some change and stand in the way of observers Marissa Brostoff 60 improvement. from a distance chiming in Consider the ongoing situa- with their opinions about tion at the Rubashkin family’s what happened and what Congressman Anthony Weiner of New York, a prospective candidate for New Agriprocessors company in should or should not be done. York City’s mayoralty next term, and Rabbi Meir Porush, a member of the Postville, Iowa, and the labor Knesset seeking to be Jerusalem’s next mayor, met in New York on Wednesday practices the authorities have Continued on Page 6 at Tavern on the Green. See Story, Page 24 TO RUSSIA WITHOUT LOVE HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE

BY RABBI YAIR and Agudath Israel of America Summer Singles HOFFMAN at the Brooklyn home of the Vaad chairman, Barry Hertz. BY LARRY GORDON I’ve been contemplating A gift for Shaare Zedek The invasion of Georgia by Reporters for the Yated Jewish singles: summertime is See Page 31 Russian forces sent by Prime Ne’eman, the Five Towns Of all the subjects covered the season of singles. Or at Minister Vladimir Putin this Jewish Times, and Hamodia in this space, perhaps not least it used to be, before sin- past weekend is, of course, were present at the meeting. enough has been said about gles season was called off. directly affecting the Jewish The situation was evaluated the state of Jewish singles. It Today there is no longer a sin- community. The activities of by those who attended the seems that, aside from the gles season—or maybe singles Lubavitch shlichim have been meeting, who heard a report subject of Israel, you, the season is all year round. As adversely affected, as well as from Rabbi Ariel Levin, the reader, like to read about sin- you know, the state of frum those of other kiruv organi- official Chief Rabbi of gles—or the shidduch scene Jewish singles is pretty sad. Of zations. An emergency meet- Georgia, who has left Tbilisi, or “parshah” or whatever you course, if you are a young ing was called on Monday the capital of Georgia. enjoy calling it—more than Jewish man or woman who evening by the Vaad anything else. LeHatzolas Nidchei Yisroel Continued on Page 16 And here’s another reason Continued on Page 4

Avigdor’s Helping Hand. See Page 45 Breakfast Of Champions New Mosque WELCOME Planned In (PART III) Hewlett Our Aliyah Chronicle, Part 90 BY SHMUEL KATZ BY 5TJT STAFF For those of you who have A hearing has been sched- wondered where I have been uled for Thursday at 2:00 these past few weeks, I had a p.m. by the Town of ten-day business trip to the Hempstead to hear a request U.S. and had written—but P h o t

o for permission to convert a not gotten the articles in by B Jewish Music Night y I r a house on Peninsula Boule- deadline time. Some of the T h o

in Cedarhurst Park. m a

s vard in Hewlett to an Islamic following is a bit old, but… C r See Page 70 e a t

i mosque. The house is locat- Somehow, we have made o n s ed at 437 Hamilton Avenue, the Nefesh B’Nefesh welcom- CANDLE LIGHTING Above, at the Priority-1 Legislative Breakfast on Wednesday, August 13, which is at the corner of ing ceremony for new olim an Congressman Steve Israel (D-LI) was presented with the National Leadership August 15 – 7:34 PM Award by Rabbi Yitchok Knobel (at left) of Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Peninsula and Hewlett, a annual event for us. As new August 22 – 7:23 PM Towns and Rabbi Shaya Cohen of Priority-1. See More Photos, Page 69 Continued on Page 10 Continued on Page 20 s”xc

2 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 3 HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE of the last 30 or so years, has long lost on which, as the Talmud recounts, the idea of making Shabbos Nachamu into Continued from Front Cover its true meaning. Sometimes it seems young ladies of Talmudic times would the premier annual singles event was that an entire generation of Jewish dress in white; they would go out into derived. The Gemara further teaches recently got married or is engaged, young people think that “nachamu” the forests or the woods (or wherever us that on this day, all the women then you might not understand what in really means “singles,” and that they hung out in those days) with the would borrow clothes from one anoth- the world I am talking about. “Shabbos Nachamu” means “singles express hope of being noticed by the er for a variety of reasons. First and Everything is great; things have never weekend.” young men in town. foremost, young ladies of greater been better. Right? stature and standing would borrow But if you are one of the 5,000 or clothing from those of seemingly less- so frum young ladies or young men er pedigree. The objective seems to between the ages of 24 and 28 who is have been to promote some type of single and lives in the New York area, Obviously we can’t in the snap of equality among the women, so that then you know exactly what I am they should not be judged by the men referring to. And with each passing exclusively based on the clothing they year, this group gets large numbers of a finger dredge up the Pioneer could afford. new recruits, essentially because the While this practice apparently was system by which these young people Country Club or Grossingers. sustainable in Talmudic times as an are supposed to be married off annual event, it does not seem to have involves a terrible—and, unfortu- successfully endured up to present nately, largely corrupted—process. times. Today, if young ladies were But it wasn’t always like that. It used encouraged to dress up and go out into to be that summertime was the natu- What really happened is that as it The Talmud, at the end of Taanis, public places to be noticed by yeshiva ral setting in which boys and girls comes in the aftermath of the Three states: “On the 15th of Av…the maid- boys, we might have a major scandal met, fell in love, got engaged, and Weeks period of mourning and its ens of Israel would go out and dance in on our hands. Our rabbis would con- then married. extensive variety of social and other the vineyards. A tanna taught: demn this kind of behavior as border- The thing that really struck this restrictions, Shabbos Nachamu has Whoever lacked a wife would turn ing on the promiscuous. Populations chord with me is Shabbos Nachamu, become a breakout Shabbos of sorts. there to find one.” So this just might in our seminaries and other institu- which, as a result of the singles scene In addition, the 15th of Av is the day be the place from which the original tions of learning would experience a major shift. The only crisis that might be alleviated is the one where there are 5,000 women and men in critically single condition, with dimmed hopes for the future. So what am I suggesting? Obviously we can’t in the snap of a finger dredge up the Pioneer Country Club or Grossingers, which hosted Orthodox singles summer after summer for about two decades. Countless shidduchim resulted from those weekends, which were largely con- ducted in an amiable and civilized atmosphere. It is only the advent of the so-called shidduch scene that has led to the dissipation and disappear- ance of these types of weekends. Today, young men and women who attend one of these weekends may be branded as something other than a desirable shidduch candidate. The shidduch system, for those who don’t know, works something like this: A third party—sometimes independent, though usually not— thinks of bringing two people together for a date, a meeting, a whatnot. This person calls or speaks to the young man’s parents about young lady X, filling him in on an array of details about the young lady and her family and friends. Ideally, up to this point the young lady does not even know that someone out there is discussing and analyzing her. Once filled in with what has become affec- tionately known as “information,” the young man or his parents have to decide whether he is interested—not in pursuing a relationship, but just in going out on the non-committal first date. Rendering a decision of this preliminary magnitude can sometimes take weeks. The reason is that intelligence information is being gathered and analyzed, which is a very time-con- suming task—especially for people with no professional intelligence training. Here are some of the things that these young men and their families need to know about these young ladies before committing to setting

Continued on Page 8 4 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 5 FROM THE EDITOR the doubt coming from within our FEATURES Continued from Front Cover own community. In fact, the Op-Ed piece by At this point, after the general Washington, DC–based Rabbi Around The Five Towns 40 P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 media has roundly condemned Shmuel Herzfeld made it in to the 516-984-0079 employment and other practices at the New York Times, of all places—not [email protected] Ask The Sensei [email protected] plant and a great deal of damage has surprisingly, because it declared that Warren Levi 58 been done to their ability to fulfill the some of the suspected labor practices LARRY GORDON ESTA J. GORDON Publisher/Editor Managing Editor kosher meat and poultry needs of the themselves are sufficient to render Classified Ads 64 YOSSI GORDON, YOCHANAN GORDON observant community in the United the product produced by Sales Managers States, the government is now taking a Agriprocessors as less kosher or per- Halachic Musings second look at what took place there. haps not at all meeting minimal CHANA ROCHEL ROSS Rabbi Yair Hoffman 61 Editorial Assistant SIDI BARON Hock Of The Rock YAKOV SERLE JERRY MARKOVITZ Why is it that condemnation and Eli Shapiro 57 Sales Representatives SHMUEL GERBER MICHELE JUSTIC Insights On The Torah Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor criticism creates so much of an echo, Rabbi Yanki Tauber 34 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah 38 Irwin H. Benjamin, Hannah Reich Berman while words of defense or even a call for Anessa V. Cohen, Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg Letters To The Editor 51 Toby Klein Greenwald, Michele Herenstein Rabbi Yair Hoffman, Miriam Horowitz Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky equanimity are shunned? Luach 10 Shmuel Katz, Phyllis J. Lubin, Esther Mann Rochelle Miller, Martin Mushell, Naomi Ross MindBiz Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, Eli Shapiro, Ari Sher Esther Mann, LMSW 28 MICHAL WEINSTEIN, BINYAMIN RHODES The authorities reviewing the case kashrus standards for the customers DOV GORDON seem to feel that the coordination they serve. Staff Graphic Artists between immigration officials, prose- Nathan Lewin, an Agriprocessors Mother’s Musings IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS cutors, and the judicial system in attorney and an Orthodox Jew, picked Phyllis J. Lubin 37 Staff Photographers Iowa did not lend itself to a fair or apart Rabbi Herzfeld’s damaging dec- FRANKEL & CO. unbiased process in the roundup and larations, in fact calling into serious Nutrition Counts! Design & Production quick trials and convictions of those question some of the rabbi’s asser- Miriam Horowitz, RD 33 TALIYE CORLEY accused of working illegally at the tions as being wholly unfounded (see Art Director plant. Somehow, any journalistic sidebar). It just may be that more Real Estate SUZETTE LEE reports that cast aspersion on or con- than anything else here we have this Anessa V. Cohen 30 Assistant Art Director demned Agriprocessors and their seemingly innate desire to jump into The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly news- owners quickly made it into print, the fray—or, as it is called in football, That’s The Way It Is! paper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not while those seeking to defend the piling on. Hannah Reich Berman 26 responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or company and the family were quickly establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times. marginalized—with a great deal of Continued on Page 14

6 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 7 HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE biding her time until the man of her long—two years, five, ten; what will and you didn’t discover some things Continued from Page 4 dreams walks into her life? the market bear? Some young ladies about your new wife or your mother- And what about the parents? Who (commonly referred to as “girls”) in-law until years later. Sure, you up a date: They have to know her are they? We need to know the moth- only want boys who are already in might have thought that had you name, of course, though not neces- er’s maiden name, what school she college and pursuing a career. Others known, you would have done this or sarily in all cases. But they do always went to, who her friends are or were, insist only on boys who will remain that differently; but that’s part of life’s have to know where she lives, what whether she works, whether she has committed to long-term, full-time intrigue and mystery. If we knew every high school she attended, if she an advanced educational degree, and Torah study, which very often means exhaustive detail about everything and attended post-high-school seminary so on. And where does the father go living in Israel. everyone, life would be dull. in Israel, and which one. The semi- to shul? Does he go to shul every day? These are all fine and good and So now we have shidduch organiza- nary in Israel is usually very telling Does he study Torah every day? What important. But the point of all this is tions, shidduch groups, and shidduch and very revealing about the intellec- kind of work does he do? Is he suc- not that the end result of these inves- meetings—and emergency shidduch tual capacity and academic goals of cessful? Was he once successful? Is tigations and deliberations—which meetings. They meet once a month the young lady. Was she in Israel to he smart? Is his wife smarter than frequently lead to the beautiful while some of our finest young peo- pursue advanced Torah knowledge or him? And what about the other chil- result of two young people coming ple’s lives are in crisis daily. There is mostly to consume the exquisite ice dren? Where did they go to school? together as a new Jewish house- tea and coffee and good things to eat, cream dishes served at Café Rimon Are they older or younger? If they are hold—is usually problematic. Rather, and it is said that they are pretty nice on Ben Yehuda Street in Jerusalem? married, who did they marry—and it is the process that creates a log- social events—but not too much gets Apparently amongst the great array of why or why not? jam—or let’s call it Yidlock—extend- done. The lists of young people who seminaries in Israel, the mere names Once these inquiries are made and ing over months and years. The need shidduchim—now known as of these various institutions have answered, then the young man gets result, unfortunately, is that thou- “cases”—grows with every meeting. become synonymous with different to decide—or in some cases his par- sands of our finest young people are The growth in the number of young student-in-Israel lifestyles. ents decide for him—whether he not married, because the system is at adults out there who are finishing high Beyond the seminary, we have to wants to meet the young lady. And best stuck or at worst completely school and will join the ranks of “the know what she is doing now. Is she that’s not the end, but rather the broken down. scene” pretty soon is explosive, just studying Torah here in a local semi- beginning. Once having received an While the system has evolved so jamming up the system a little more. nary? Is she pursuing a degree (or affirmative response, the young lady as to assure maximum dignity and One more thing. The fact that it is just doing time) in any of our local and her family swing into action, respect for all parties involved, a problem is in and of itself a prob- colleges? Is she in Touro College, doing their research and analysis something is not working right lem. Becoming an adult and finding which has separate classes for men about the young man. somewhere. I’m not suggesting your life partner and building a beau- and women on alternating days and Many of the questions are similar. abandoning the system and creating tiful home and family should be the nights, or is she in Brooklyn or They perhaps veer off slightly onto a free-for-all. Nor do I think the most exciting adventure of one’s Queens College, which feature a the subject of whether the young answer lies in the innovation known young life. That it has been reduced coeducational environment? What man (usually called “the boy”) is as “speed dating,” where an organi- to strategizing and analyzing spread- does she do when she’s not in school? planning to stay in yeshiva after he is zation brings boys and girls together, sheets and odds has extracted all the Does she work? Full time? Is she married and is seeking financial sup- introducing eight boys to eight girls fun out of being a frum single, find- making money? Does she plan on port for an extended period from his in one hour to see if there is any ing your intended match, and moving quitting school and ceasing work new in-laws, his parents, his new basis between the parties to advance to the next stage of life. Where did once she gets engaged and married? wife or a combination thereof. If he to the next stage—namely, that the fun go? O In other words, is the college and wants to stay in yeshiva full time, the famous first date. Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at working thing just a facade, a way of discussion becomes focused on how Years ago, you met and got married [email protected].

8 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Summer Singles Revisited

B Y LARRY GORDON

I wrote “Summer Singles” about ten years ago, and it is among the hundreds of columns in my computerized archive that at least I never get tired of reading. I’m not going to go out on a limb and say that it was prophet- ic in any way, shape, or form. More likely is that very little has changed in the field of singles and shidduchim over the last decade or so, hence this column’s continued relevance and air of contemporariness. Just to set the record straight, I will note that the article was written years before any of my children were married. I knew what I was looking forward to at the time, but I attempted with all my emotional and cerebral might to approach that future with seri- ousness, good humor, and abun- dant measures of faith. So far, I’m pleased to report, we’ve made it through half of them, with three to go. Just as a matter of invento- ry, the remaining three are all boys, two teenagers and one who is 22 years old and has put us on notice that he will be ready to date after the summer—a time which, lo and behold, is nearly here. I started dating when I was somewhat younger than that. Interestingly, I do not recall notifying, informing, or threat- ening anyone with that impend- ing decision. I’ve observed people who, perhaps intentionally, are uninvolved in their children’s shidduchim, for better or for worse. It seems that their feeling is that even though it’s a tough market, so to speak, their children are adults and therefore responsible for whatever happens to them. If they get married in their early twenties (as is socially anticipated), then so be it. If not, I guess they figure, then they just won’t be married. I watched the Paysach Krohn video this Tishah B’Av at a local shul, and a large part of what he had to say dealt with the shidduch situation in our communities. He is convinced that the solution to the current problem lies in encouraging young men to consider marrying girls who are a few years older than themselves. He said that he personally knows of over one hundred matches that have occurred in the last two years where the boys have been younger than the girls. That might be a good idea and even part of the solution, but I don’t think that’s the key to solving this so-called problem. I think that somehow we have to reduce the obstacles and taboos Continued on Page 12 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 9 Mosque In Hewlett could contribute to the already dan- xenophobia they are encountering, filed by Charles E. Lapp of the Law Continued from Front Cover gerous traffic situation on Peninsula although the Rasheeds are apparently Offices of Lapp and Lapp in Boulevard. The mosque building quite amiable people. “They attempt- Cedarhurst. Mr. Lapp stated, “They rather busy intersection around the itself has 1,300 square feet of living ed to use local businesses when they just want to use the location for block from the Yeshiva of South space. Built in 1950, the house has moved in,” remarked a real-estate morning and evening worship and Shore. The house has been operating seven rooms and two bathrooms. agent familiar with the property. perhaps on weekends for activities as a mosque for approximately one for the children.” year already, although no variance Another concern voiced by a has been issued to deal with the neighbor is that people driving to the issues of parking. This is the first mosque make illegal U-turns on mosque in Hewlett; the first regis- A petition signed by about a dozen Hamilton Avenue to get to it. A peti- tered mosque in all of Long Island was established in 1974. “During the Islamic holiday sea- neighbors expressed opposition on sons, such as Ramadan, the parking and traffic situation has been getting the grounds that too many cars CALENDAR pretty serious,” remarked someone who works near the property. One LUACH neighbor, who wished to remain would cause congestion. anonymous, expressed frustration with the parking problem. August 15-August 23 The variance being requested seeks permission to remove the Sitting on a lot measuring 55 feet by According to the agent, the house has ZIP Code: 11516 garage now on the premises to make 155 feet, it is owned by Mr. Etal been neglected in the past. “There 14 Av space for a small parking lot with Eqbal Rasheed; two brothers of Mr. are wires hanging from the place, and Friday, August 15 room for about four cars. Concerns Rasheed, Afroz and Mamoon, are no work has been done on it for a Daf yomi: Gittin 35 have been raised by some residents also listed on the application. while,” remarked the agent. Z’manim*: that cars backing out of such a lot There seems to be a certain level of The request for a variance was Earliest tallis/tefillin: 5:07 am Sunrise: 6:06 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 8:56 am Gr’a 9:32 am Candle Lighting: 7:34 pm 15 Av – Shabbos (Tu B’Av) Saturday, August 16 Shabbos Parashas Va’eschanan Shabbos Nachamu Avos: Ch. 3 Shabbos ends**: 8:35 pm 72 min. 9:03 pm 21 Av Friday, August 22 Daf yomi: Gittin 42 Earliest tallis/tefillin: 5:16 am Sunrise: 6:13 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 8:58 am Gr’a 9:34 am Candle Lighting: 7:23 pm 22 Av – Shabbos Saturday, August 23 Shabbos Parashas Eikev Avos: Ch. 4 Shabbos ends**: 8:24 pm 72 min. 8:53 pm * from MyZmanim.com ** add a few minutes for tosefos Shabbos according to your minhag Municipal Calendar For 5 Towns and NYC Friday, August 15 NYC alternate-side parking regulations suspended.

For the next issue, deadline for reserving ad space is Monday, August 18 at 5:00 P.M.

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Call 516-984-0079 10 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES tion signed by about a dozen neigh- a desire to improve themselves, they than a thousand subway cars in New prime character witnesses for Sheikh bors in the immediate area expressed may take the religious theology and York City this coming September. The Omar Abdel-Rahman, who was con- opposition on the grounds that too practice more seriously than their campaign has angered numerous rid- victed for the first World Trade many cars would cause congestion, parents’ generation did. ers, who have organized a protest. Center bombing in 1993, which killed especially in an area where there are Of course, the tragic events of Siraj Wahhaj, one of the backers of six people and injured more than a children playing. September 11, 2001 have left many the subway campaign, is the imam of thousand people. Mr. Wahhaj was on When Mr. Lapp was asked which people nervous and edgy about any a Brooklyn mosque and was the first a list of 170 potential co-conspirators particular Islamic sect the mosque perceived rise in Islamic fundamen- Muslim religious leader to lead a in the case, but in the end no charges was to cater to, he replied that the talist worship. According to recent prayer before the United States were made against him. O Rasheeds were Indian Muslims, but reports, a new campaign promoting House of Representatives. The prob- Comments and questions for the author may be that the mosque would be open to all Islam is scheduled to appear on more lem is that he was also one of the submitted via the publisher at [email protected] sects and the mosque would not be affiliated with any particular brand of Islam. Next to Hinduism, Islam is the second most popular religion in India, where approximately 13 percent of the population is Muslim. Long Island is home to approximately 75,000 Muslims, with 20,000 of this number coming from India. The slow but steady influx of Muslims from Asian countries is mostly due to the change in United States immigration law in 1965. Muslims are required by their religion to attend a mosque for prayer services each Friday. In addition, according to strict Islamic law, Muslims must pray five times per day. (Professor Louis Ginsburg once theorized that this Muslim practice originated with the Jewish require- ment to pray three times a day.) According to some experts, many of the descendants of immigrant Muslims have increased their obser- vance of Muslim customs in this country. Perhaps due to a sense of isolation they feel as strangers in the community, they tend to fall back upon religious rituals from home. In

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 11 Singles Revisited Continued from Page 9

that have been created which make it a bad thing, something that is seriously discouraged, for men and women to meet in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. In fact, aside from getting men to marry women who are a few years older, there has been a movement by some major (right-wing) Jewish organizations to create venues where young men and women can interface on a mature social level. Indeed, that’s the fash- ion in which many of our parents and grandparents met—on their own, in the course of everyday life, and perhaps even in a situation or an atmosphere without today’s social intensity. That seems to be the direction in which our leadership is trying to move things in an effort to solve the crisis a bit. The point is that there are ways for boys and girls to meet without being branded as stepping out in some irre- sponsible way, and we seem to be headed back in that direction. So I guess this “Summer Singles” column may be all about the past, but it could also very well be about our very near future. O

You, O G-d, have begun to show Your servant Your greatness (Devarim 3:24) Moshe was G-d’s faithful servant, the greatest of the prophets, the recip- ient of the Torah from G-d.Yet after 120 of the most G-dly life ever lived, he sees himself as only having begun in his relationship with G-d! (Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov)

12 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 13 FROM THE EDITOR good enough, or there were not effec- movement in the direction of separate Continued from Page 6 tive or sufficient role models for their everything the culprit that has dramat- A Reply To Rabbi child, or the institution lacked ample ically worsened the singles situation? What is it about so many of us who discipline. The yeshivas and those Many say that it’s time to bring down relish the fall of a giant and seem to advocating for yeshivas maintain the the walls that separate the men from Shmuel Herzfeld naturally flow along with the negative exact opposite position. The yeshiva, the women on certain occasions. momentum of the process of picking they claim, is only a temporary, part- Others insist that Jewish law dictates BY NATHAN LEWIN someone apart? Why is it that condem- time custodian of the young person’s that wherever possible—and even nation and criticism creates so much life, and most of their habits are beyond—there be a separation. In a front-page article asserting of an echo, while words of defense or learned at home or are things they Should our single men and women that minors had been hired to work even a call for equanimity are shunned picked up from a parent or older sib- be seated together at weddings or in an Iowa kosher meat-packing or quietly set aside for consideration at ling or some other relative. should we stick exclusively to separate plant and in an editorial calling the some later time? There may not be any definitive seating at these functions, with many plant the modern equivalent of Do you think that it’s about the right or wrong on this issue, but that peering around walls to see who is Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle, the New attention that being negative or criti- won’t stop those who harbor differing present at the simcha, what they look York Times joined the media frenzy cal garners, while the opposite seems opinions from seeing to it that their like, and the initial impression they that has, over the past two months, not stimulating and u.ninteresting to position prevails. It is indeed quite may make? with very little basis in fact, pilloried the public at large? That brings us to possible that some kids are more In all of the above situations, there Agriprocessors, the country’s leading another topic discussed in these prone to pick up the negative aspects are convincing arguments on each kosher slaughterer and packer of pages over the last few weeks, deal- of what they observe, with some side. Perhaps the most apt truism is beef, and driven federal and local ing with what has become known as being more sensitive to what they see the one that resonates and is com- law-enforcement personnel to our “at risk” population and the way at home while others are influenced monly heard on the lips of those threaten dire consequences to its some young people act up, or “act more deeply by their experiences in working with the “at risk” kids—that owner and employees. Insult was out,” in a number of different or school. one size does not fit all. And that’s heaped on injury when an Orthodox aberrant ways. Is it the outside secular influences true of both sides in the rabbi in Washington, DC, joined the This debate revolves around who it that impact so negatively on kids today, Agriprocessors debate, in the at-risk vigilantes and published an Op-Ed is that bears responsibility for the and is it our personal as well as profes- youth area, as well as in our current piece in the Times of August 6, claim- growth of this population in the sional duty to protect them from being shidduch situation. ing that the news accounts “call into Orthodox community over the last exposed to those things? Or should we I wonder if instead of making question whether the food processed decade or so—the families they were be teaching them how to coexist with definitive declarations that either this in the plant qualifies as kosher.” raised in, or the yeshivas they spend these outside influences, how to inter- or that is the only way to go on an This nationally published chal- most of their days attending during face with them and how to subdue and issue, we might try a different lenge to the kashrus of the these vital formative years? And the conquer them? approach. We might all be better off Agriprocessors product contradicts debate rages and has been doing so We’ve also featured some stories if instead of closing ourselves off to the unanimous opinion of highly for years. and letters lately about shidduchim, the other side, we try to open our respected and universally recognized For many families at a loss to dating, and the growing number of minds a little more to something we kashrus-certifying agencies that have describe how their son or daughter young people who are now older and reflexively do not agree with. Now repeatedly endorsed—even while the became a chain smoker or a drinker, still single. The debate has raged for that would be progress. O media attack was ongoing—the ritu- there is often no choice for them but years now: Should we encourage al acceptability of Agriprocessors’ to assign blame to the yeshivas. They greater openness and socialization Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at product. Nonetheless, Rabbi Shmuel might say that the education was not between men and women, and is the [email protected].

14 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Herzfeld of Ohev Sholom Synagogue plant.” Rabbi Herzfeld says that “this in Washington (where the author of calls into question the reliability and this response has been a member for judgment of the rabbi in charge of the past 40 years)—a young rabbi who making sure the food was kosher.” If, in has achieved great success in reviving, fact, the “rabbi in charge of making for Jewish residents, a neighborhood sure the food was kosher” did assault that had been abandoned by its Jewish an Agriprocessors employee, I would population and has electrified the share Rabbi Herzfeld’s doubts regard- entire Washington Jewish community ing that rabbi’s “reliability and judg- with innovative programs—raised ment” on issues relating to kashrus. “questions” about Agriprocessors’ Third, Rabbi Herzfeld points to the kashrus in this widely read forum. arrest of “two workers who oversaw the Rabbi Herzfeld’s column cites the poultry and beef division” for “helping following three grounds for question- illegal immigrants falsify documents.” ing the religious suitability of He says that if these supervisors “were Agriprocessors’ meat: First, he says that willing to break immigration laws, one “there is precedent for declaring some- could reasonably ask whether they thing nonkosher on the basis of how would be likely to show the same lack employees are treated.” The precedent of concern for Jewish dietary laws.” he cites is that Rabbi Yisroel Salanter This is a reasonable question if, as one (the highly respected 19th-century might assume from Rabbi Herzfeld’s founder of the “Mussar Movement”) is, description of the arrests, the arrested according to Rabbi Herzfeld, “famous- supervisors had any responsibility ly believed to have refused to certify a whatever for Agriprocessors’ compli- matzo factory as kosher on the grounds ance with “Jewish dietary laws.” that the workers were being treated But it takes a little digging beneath unfairly.” Rabbi Yisroel Salanter is as the surface of Rabbi Herzfeld’s asser- gold-plated an authority as one can tions to demonstrate how fallacious imagine. If he actually said that unfair they are. treatment of workers renders a product First, the Reb Yisroel Salanter story nonkosher, one would have to give that that he describes as “famous” does not ruling great weight. appear in any biography of Rabbi Second, Rabbi Herzfeld cites allega- Salanter that I have been able to find. tions in an affidavit filed by the immi- Rabbi Hillel Goldberg’s marvelous his- gration authorities who raided the tory of the Mussar Movement, titled Agriprocessors plant in Iowa on May The Fire Within, which has a compre- 12 to arrest illegal aliens employed hensive section on Rabbi Salanter, tells there. He says that the affidavit alleges only of his having advised his students “that an employee was physically abused by a rabbi on the floor of the Continued on Page 17

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 15 To Russia Without Love will return to normal. The Lubavitch el there to study for the year. Kiruv uation for 150 children in Tbilisi in Continued from Front Cover center, through a network of Jewish operations in Tbilisi have ceased on Eretz Yisrael; logistics of transporta- communities, caters to thousands of account of the crisis, but it is antici- tion and housing for refugees in a “The status in Georgia is currently a families throughout Georgia,” he said. pated that they will start up again once worst-case scenario; establishing developing situation, and it is antici- At the Vaad meeting, Rabbi Shmuel the crisis has passed. liaisons with governments and with pated that, in the event of any further Bloom, of the executive committee of “There are currently 300 refugees other Jewish organizations to establish deterioration, funding will be needed Agudath Israel, stressed the importance from the city of Gori, about one hour’s joint operations and programs; and to address needs of food, transporta- of laying down the communications driving distance from Tbilisi, that have establishing an infrastructure for tion, and housing. The soup kitchen infrastructure with the State sought refuge in the country’s capital. emergency fundraising should the operations have already been stepped Department and to inform them about A number of these refugees have been worst-case scenario develop. up,” remarked Rabbi Boruch Lovett, the Vaad’s staff and their safety con- taken into the Vaad’s yeshiva in Mordechai Avigdor discussed the the Vaad’s new executive director. cerns. An Agudah staff member was Tbilisi,” reported Rabbi Levin to those political situation behind Russia’s The Lubavitch organization is also contacted by Rabbi Bloom at the meet- in attendance at the emergency meet- sudden invasion and a call was made very active in Tbilisi, with the Avner ing and instructed to alert contacts in ing. The city of Gori was entirely over- at the meeting to Congressman Day School run by Rabbi Meir the State Department. Rabbi Bloom run by Putin’s forces. Fifty of the Gori Anthony Weiner in which Vaad lead- Kozlovsky and his wife, Tzipporah. had canceled plans to travel to Chicago evacuees received visas immediately to ers requested Mr. Weiner to obtain a They also run the Bnei Menachem so he could attend the meeting. travel to Israel as soon as the travel report from the Georgian Desk at the school and a Gan Israel day camp. “We are concerned, we are moni- arrangements can be made. State Department. Making an analogy Although the work they do is crucial— toring the developments closely, and “It must be stressed that the situa- with the traditional stance of U.S. for- in running a school, a Jewish commu- we are in touch with our people on tion in Tbilisi has currently stabilized, eign policy in relation to Cuba, nity center, and various chesed proj- the ground,” said Vaad chairman with no food, water, or electricity Mordechai Avigdor said, “Basically, ects, the shlichim have been instructed Barry Hertz. The Vaad, however, did shortages,” said Rabbi Mordechai Georgia is Russia’s version of Cuba.” to travel to Israel during the crisis. The immediately cancel a scheduled sum- Neustadt, founder and honorary Foreign-policy experts say that part of Kozlovsky family was unable to make mer chizuk and kiruv program in chairman of the Vaad. At the meeting, the reason Russia responded so force- the El Al flight. “They will b’ezras Georgia that was to be manned by however, rabbinic and lay leaders out- fully to Georgia’s attempt to take back Hashem arrive on the Georgian flight several yeshiva students from New lined contingency plans in case, South Ossetia is that the United this evening in Israel,” said Rabbi York and Israel. Also, one Vaad shali- chalilah, the situation deteriorates States and Europe had been asserting Kozlovsky’s mother in Israel. ach has already left Georgia through further. The Vaad currently has a soup themselves in Russia’s backyard. Josh Runyan, editor of Chabad.org Armenia by automobile and has trav- kitchen in operation, and plans were Western support for Kosovo’s declara- based in Beit Shemesh, told the Five eled to Israel. made to expand operations should the tion of independence from Serbia has Towns Jewish Times that most of the Currently, there are more than need arise. “The Vaad budget in served to alienate Moscow, and the families who had children in the 12,000 Jews in Tbilisi and the situa- Tbilisi is approximately $55,000 per Russians are also angry about school or in the camp have evacuated tion is being carefully monitored by month. This includes, of course, edu- American plans to put a missile to Israel. Despite the news of the the Vaad and Agudah representatives. cation, housing, and food costs borne defense system in Poland, as well as cease-fire, people were headed to the The Vaad itself has a yeshiva in Tbilisi in the soup kitchen,” said Rabbi by American moves to encourage airports in armored convoys. He said with over 150 students, as well as a Boruch Lovett. Georgia and Ukraine to join NATO. that Tuesday morning a minyan was kollel, and five shlichim still currently In addition to expanding the soup In discussing the crisis, President held in the shul on 10 Shevshenko at their post. Eight students from the kitchen operations, contingency plans George W. Bush said that it appeared Street. On Monday, most people yeshiva in Tbilisi have been accepted were discussed for the following Moscow sought to overthrow the elect- stayed at home. “As it appears now, the to yeshivas of higher learning in Eretz issues: Obtaining visas for, transport- war has ended, with the hope that life Yisrael and have been planning to trav- ing, and locating a camp or yeshiva sit- Continued on Page 18

16 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Reply To Herzfeld rabbi whose job was “making sure the Continued from Page 15 food was kosher.” The term “rabbi” is used interchangeably throughout the that, when they were preparing matzos affidavit with the term “Hassidic Jew.” for Passover, they should not overwork Obviously, any employee on the floor of or make excessive demands of the the Agriprocessors plant who had a female workers who were kneading the beard and wore a yarmulke was dough and otherwise preparing for the described by the government’s matzah baking. That same account Guatemalan informant as a “rabbi” or appears in a Hebrew volume titled “Hassidic Jew.” If one such Jewish “Bikkurei Shai,” written by the Chief employee—with no responsibility for Rabbi of Givatayim, Israel. kashrus—abused an employee, it does I e-mailed Rabbi Hillel Goldberg to not “call into question the reliability ask him whether he had ever heard and judgment of the rabbi in charge of that Rabbi Salanter had refused to cer- making sure the food was kosher.” tify the kashrus of a matzah factory Third is Rabbi Herzfeld’s reliance on because it was unfair to its workers. the arrest of two supervisors. Would the He replied that the only story on this arrested supervisors—who, one subject that he knew of was the one assumes from Rabbi Herzfeld’s ques- that had appeared in his book. He tion, are either certifying rabbis or, at added that it was not likely that Rabbi least, Hassidic Jews responsible in Salanter would ever have given a certi- some manner for kashrus—show the fication (“hashgachah”) on matzah same disdain for Jewish dietary laws as because he “famously” avoided acting for American immigration law? Rabbi as a community rabbi. And I myself Herzfeld does not tell us that the two wonder whether it is not an anachro- arrested supervisors were named Juan nism for Rabbi Herzfeld to ascribe to Carlos Guerrero-Espinoza and Martin the mid-19th century the community De La Rosa-Loera—supervisors at practices of today. At a time when all Agriprocessors whose concern or lack matzos were being hand-baked (and of concern for Jewish dietary laws is as the rabbinic controversy over the irrelevant as one can imagine. kashrus of machine-made matzos was At a time of the year when we recall still several decades in the future), that vicious reports to authorities led to what matzah “factory” was seeking the the destruction of the Temple, Rabbi “certification” of Rabbi Salanter? Herzfeld might take a more careful look at Second, a closer look is warranted at the grounds for his public allegations. O Rabbi Herzfeld’s assertion regarding the case of the abusive “rabbi.” Nathan Lewin is a Washington attorney who has represented Agriprocessors in the past and Nowhere in the government’s affidavit is currently participating as counsel in the is any accusation reported against any defense of the company and its owner.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 17 To Russia Without Love Continued from Page 16 Rav Shteinman ed government of Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, and he warned Blesses War- that a “dramatic and brutal escalation” of Russia’s push into the smaller coun- Stricken Country try would jeopardize relations with the West. “Russia has invaded a sovereign neighboring state and threatens a dem- BY NETA SELA ocratic government elected by its people. Such an action is unacceptable in Georgian Premier Vladimir the 21st century,” Bush said. Despite “Lado” Gurgenidze asked of Rav the warnings, however, the situation on Aharon Leib Shteinman to bless the ground has gotten worse. Georgia, and the rabbi did indeed “Thus far, food supplies in all the deliver. On Tuesday he voiced the supermarkets are being hoarded, but blessing, intended for the war- there are no current shortages,” was stricken country’s Jewish residents the report heard from the shlichim “and all who live in that place.” in Tbilisi as reported by Rabbi Levin. It all started last winter when a Rabbi Levin, who was born in delegation of rabbis from the Vaad Tbilisi, travels back and forth L’Hatzolas Nidchei Yisroel met between Tbilisi and Jerusalem. His with the premier in his office in most recent trip to Tbilisi ended just Tbilisi, where they bestowed upon before this past weekend. But he him a special letter from Rav remains in touch with each of the Shteinman. In the letter, Rav shlichim daily. Gedolei Yisrael are Shteinman blesses Georgia, which being consulted as to what to do he dubs “a kingdom of grace,” and with the five current shlichim in its people. Gurgenidze hung the Tbilisi in the event that the situation letter respectfully on his wall. deteriorates. On Tuesday, during Shacharis, Those who wish to donate to the Rabbi Shimon Brook of the Vaad Vaad fund can call 718-252-5974 or received a phone call from none send a check to “Vaad Hatzolah other than the Georgian prime Nidchei Yisroel” at 1566 Coney Island minister. “You brought a letter Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11230. The from an old rabbi. Is he still envelope should be marked “Georgian alive?” the premier asked. When Relief Fund.” O he received a positive answer, he

The author may be contacted at Continued on Page 21 [email protected].

18 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 19 Our Aliyah Chronicle ones are thrilled to finally have “local” choice and in encouraging others to (and heard a tremendously heart- Continued from Front Cover cousins (we live on a block with tons of follow our lead. warming story of the oldest olah on the young families, and many of them have We woke up nice and early to get to plane, a woman who had been turned olim two years ago, we were over- local relatives). the airport before 7 a.m., as recom- back from making aliyah aboard the whelmed by the support and raw joy No matter what the reason, the mended by NBN. It was a good thing Exodus—only to fulfill her dream so we were showered with upon our countdown began quite early on, and we did; the plane landed a half hour many years later). And, of course, we arrival. I do not think that we will ever the kids never tired of asking how early. They made some changes to the headed out to greet the olim as they enjoy a flight to Israel as much as we many more weeks and days were left program and ceremony. Most of them got off the airport buses just outside enjoyed that flight. until the big day. My brother came to were slight changes that didn’t really the welcome terminal. Last year, we joined the crowd and town for a pilot trip in the spring. make a big difference one way or However, we were not alone. My welcomed former Five Towners Kiki Helping him find a place to live and another (OK, I have to admit the kids parents were able to watch the same and Gary Schickman, whose son identify the right schools and pre- enjoyed the iced-coffee machine). scenes via the Internet. They had been Gabey was our son Mordechai’s best school for his kids gave us a small role However, the most significant change at JFK saying goodbye the day before, friend through preschool. Seeing the in the process, as well. is one you can all be a part of. and after arriving back home in ceremony as greeters instead of partic- Chicago they logged on to their com- ipants gave us a totally different per- puter, and there we were. Live and on spective. It was great being there. I camera, they got to see some of us as would definitely recommend that Live and on camera, they got to see we waited and then my brother as he everyone, even if for some crazy reason arrived. They got to watch the entire you do not move to Israel, attend a welcome and share in the moment— welcoming ceremony at least once to some of us as we waited and then my even though they were so far away. witness the emotion and outpouring of There is no doubt that seeing how they love displayed. brother as he arrived. They got to watch are embraced here helped ease some This summer the countdown began of the pain of letting go. quite early. On a trip to Chicago last They got to watch the reunion of a winter, my youngest brother, Ozer, and the entire welcome. man (whom they had met at the air- his wife, Jenny, told me that after sev- port) who was going to live with his eral years of planning, they were going daughter who has lived here for 30- to finally be making aliyah this sum- It is hard to be that older brother Using the wonders of technology, plus years. We were just across the mer. The news was hush-hush at first, sometimes. I found myself wanting to rather than having the greeters sit aisle as he walked through the crowd but eventually it went public and the have him follow in my footsteps and around waiting for the olim to make and was halted by a scream of “Abba!” excitement began to build—especially make decisions similar to those we their way from the plane to the cere- and mobbed by his daughter and fami- at the Katz house. made—schools, doctors, city to live in. mony building, NBN had set up largely. Goldie and I could not help but I have an older sister and younger I think part of that desire comes from screen televisions and were broadcast- think of the same moment happening brother already living here, so these a need to have someone else affirm ing the entire welcome live to the in our lives as we wait in the hope that are not our only relatives in Israel. our decisions as sound and appropri- whole world. For us in the airport, it our parents (especially her father, who However, my brother will be living ate choices. We all have similar feel- helped build anticipation. We saw pic- has dreamed of living in Israel his right down the block from us, and that ings about the schools our kids go to tures of the departure from New York entire adult life) will join us here. really fired the kids up. The oldest or perhaps the shul we are members and then watched the landing and taxi- After the ceremony, which is ones are looking forward to babysitting of. I think it is a major part of why ing of the plane. We got to see the dis- and helping out, while the younger olim are so passionate about their embarking of the first few passengers Continued on Page 22

20 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Rav’s Blessing Continued from Page 18 made his request. “I hear he is a holy man, and I ask that he pray for our country.” The Vaad has been active in the countries of the former Soviet Union for over 30 years, and in Tbilisi its programs include schools, a yeshiva, and shuls. The activities are led by organization representatives who grew up in Georgia, left in order to receive an American education, and returned in order to edu- cate the Jewish community in the country. In light of the recent battles plaguing the countries, the Georgian Jewish leaders have been in constant contact with the Vaad to receive orders on how to act in this dangerous situation. Thus, following the premier’s request for a blessing and the Jewish leaders’ requests for orders, Rabbi Brook went to visit Rav Shteinman in Bnei Brak on Tuesday. The latter, despite being ill, agreed to see the guest and even granted Gurgenidze’s appeal, blessing the war- torn state. He also answered questions directed to him by the Jewish leaders in Georgia. Brook also asked Rav Shteinman if the Vaad should send a delegation to help strengthen the Jewish community in Georgia, but to this the great rabbi answered, “Don’t go there—there is fire there.” Other rabbis were convinced that Rav Shteinman had an auspicious effect on the battles in the region. “You can’t ignore the fact that during the precise moments in which the meeting took place at Rav Shteinman’s house, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev announced a cease-fire,” the Vaad’s public-relations representative, Betzalel Kahan, said. (Ynetnews.com) O

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 21 Our Aliyah Chronicle works here. We remember being in last minute I was able to postpone my my trip. I think I may be developing an Continued from Page 20 those shoes not too long ago. departure for a week to help Goldie allergic reaction to being outside of Watching this young family adapt with the arrival and help everyone Israel (and I only say that half joking- becoming shorter each year, we head- and assimilate, we are constantly adjust to their new routine. I was in ly). With a full schedule of alumni ed home and welcomed them once events and meetings, I popped a few again as they arrived from the airport. antibiotic pills and headed off (via For the next several weeks they will be Delta’s new service to Atlanta—which living with us, waiting for their con- I hated) to experience the galut in its tainer to arrive from the U.S. Because That sense of peaceful coexistence is fullness once again. of the tremendous increase in Although it was an eventful trip, I exports, their shipment was delayed especially want to share a single for a couple of weeks and they aren’t something that we seem to have lost, yet thought that came to me while I was sure when their things will arrive. here. It is something that many peo- While many families arrive here alone you here in galut seem to have retained. ple had tried to impress upon me and sleep on air mattresses and use before I made aliyah but I hadn’t real- toaster ovens until their belongings ly understood until I experienced it arrive, we are happy to provide them myself. It is how severely we Jews of with a softer landing. reminded of how far we have come in Chicago and New York for ten days, Israel lack the sense of achdus that It is interesting to watch as they just two short years. and there is one thing that I can say used to be one of the showcase attrib- open bank accounts, choose cell- I was actually supposed to leave for with certainty: There was not any snow utes of our country. phone plans, and express their a trip to the U.S. on the same day that while I was there this time! In the days of old (25 to 60 years befuddlement at how the world Ozer and Jenny arrived here. At the As usual, I was sick the day before ago) we did not fight as much among ourselves. Chareidi, religious Zionist, non religious—no matter what your religious beliefs were, we all stood together. Our national sense of grati- tude at simply being alive gave us a shared sense of purpose that allowed us to coexist in harmony (at least for the most part). That sense of peaceful coexistence is something that we seem to have lost, yet you here in galut seem to have retained. I am not saying that everyone in Israel always got along, nor that there are no divisions between Jews in the Diaspora. Clearly there are disagree- ments and hard feelings all around, and there have always been such. However, you are able to set aside your differences much more easily than we are and still get along and care about each other. This hit home on erev Shabbos as my niece and I spent a few hours together picking up our American “supplies” on my kids’ shopping list. We had stopped at a local Teaneck restaurant to have a salad lunch and I could not help but wonder at the broad range of “religiosity” of the clientele and the fact that they all seemed to know each other and get along. It didn’t matter how modestly one or the other was dressed (or not) or what yeshiva their kids go to or what shul they daven in. The Diaspora communities—in their isolation from the sense of being a Jew that we enjoy in Israel—maintain a much stronger sense of “loving your brother” than we do in Israel. It is clearly a product of our no longer being outcasts or different from the mainstream society in which we live. Here in Israel, we belong. We are mainstream society. And we take it for granted. You, on the other hand, have been and always will be viewed as different, no matter how welcoming your hosts are or how deeply you integrate into the society. Their holidays will still never be yours (no matter how much your holidays are “recognized” by society) and their values will always be different. This displacement gives Diaspora Jews a common sense of unity. No matter how different you may be from each other, you are still more closely related to each other than you are to the general public. For that, I envy you. I believe that it is that sense of communal love that is our worst deficiency and our greatest 22 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

danger. Although I do not look for- I wasn’t thrilled to sched- ward to having another oppor- ule travel during the Nine tunity to do so ever again and Days, but I traveled to Israel would prefer to see a rebuilt To Advertise in the and planned to either be Beit HaMikdash, I am com- working in the Beit mitted to continuing to be at HaMikdash as a practicing Har HaBayit every year— kohein or be davening in the preferably to be in the Beit O 5 Towns Jewish Times Kotel plaza and reading a HaMikdash. chapter of Eichah there on Shmuel Katz is the director of Tishah B’Av. While I ended Yeshivat Eretz HaTzvi in the Katamon up doing the second alterna- neighborhood in Jerusalem. Shmuel, his wife Goldie, and their six children Call 516-984-0079 tive, being here affords me made aliyah in July of 2006. Prior to the opportunity to do so. I his aliyah, Shmuel was the executive read Eichah at the Kotel last director of the Yeshiva of South Shore in Hewlett. You can contact him at year and it helped me inter- [email protected]. nalize the true loss we suffered, since I was literally sitting within a hundred feet of the site of the destroyed Beit HaMikdash. Last year there were literally thousands of people there when we arrived, and the crush was somewhat impres- sive. This year, we managed to arrive about 45 minutes after the end of Shabbos and before most other people. It was still an awe-inspiring experience. After 2,000 years it is so hard to relate to the loss we suffered, but being on the site and mentally forming some kind of picture of what may have once been has added to my Tishah B’Av spiritual connection. If there is a future Tishah B’Av before Mashiach comes, I recommend the experience.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 23 gage crisis in the United States has NY And Jerusalem Mayoral Candidates Meet effected a drastic decline in the dollar, which has caused a possible permanent shift in the relationship between BY BEN NATHAN city. Porush responded that the status the only airlines willing to send in the shekel and the dollar. If the dollar quo in Jerusalem will still be kept and planes to evacuate the area. Weiner does not rise again soon, the Israeli Exclusive to the Five Towns Jewish quoted the verse in Yeshayah (56:7), imparted the latest military informa- economy will look to the euro as the Times—On Wednesday, August 13, two “Ki beisi beis tefilah l’chol ha’amim— tion that verified media reports of stable currency of the West. mayoral candidates of sister cities New And My House shall be a house of activity both in the Georgian city of Congressman Weiner then asked York and Jerusalem met at Tavern on worship for all the nations.” Gori and outside of Gori. Rabbi Porush to pray for his welfare the Green in Manhattan. Congressman Congressman Weiner was satisfied The two candidates then spoke and success at the Kotel HaMaaravi Anthony Weiner (Democratic Party) that Rabbi Porush would continue in about various municipal issues, such (the Western Wall). Rabbi Porush and Member of Knesset Rabbi Meir the same manner as Jerusalem’s as housing, sanitation, and govern- asked the congressman for his mother’s Porush (Agudath Israel) were brought departing mayor, Uri Lupoliansky. ment services. Both cities do have Hebrew name (her name is “Chaya”), together by Mordechai Avigdor of the and promised that indeed he would Agudah and Michael Landau, pray for him. Congressman Weiner Chairman of the West Side Jewish then asked Rabbi Porush to obtain for Community Council, for discussions him a red bentel. He promised that in about the situation in Georgia and exchange he would procure for the other timely issues. Weiner promised that he would Knesset member a special “I Love NY” Rabbi Porush had arrived in New button to wear on his lapel. York earlier this week and had just procure for the Knesset member a The meeting concluded with Rabbi left a breakfast in the Five Towns Porush inviting Congressman Weiner to benefitting Priority-1, a kiruv organ- City Hall in Jerusalem after the ization that works primarily with special “I Love NY” button to wear November 11 election (and after an troubled youth. Rabbi Porush was at Agudath Israel victory in that election). one point the Deputy Mayor of on his lapel. Congressman Weiner reciprocated the Jerusalem before he became a invitation to Rabbi Porush but remarked Member of Knesset. Rabbi Porush is that it would take him longer to invite 52 years old and has 12 children. him to Gracie Mansion, since the New Anthony Weiner is 43 years old and York City elections will not be held until is single with no children. The two politicians then spoke about housing shortages that require innova- January 10. Most importantly, however, Rabbi Porush, who referred to the situation in Tbilisi and in the rest tive solutions. As the conversation con- Congressman Weiner told Rabbi Porush Congressman Weiner as “Chaim of Georgia, and the ramifications of the tinued, both candidates expressed that if he required any assistance Dovid Weiner,” invited the congress- recent events on the indigenous Jewish amazement as to how similar the regarding the developing situation in man to come to Jerusalem on a path- community and Jewish outreach efforts issues affecting the two cities actually Georgia or in regard to any other matter finding mission. Weiner in turn spoke there. Rabbi Porush noted that a large are—notwithstanding how different affecting Jewish affairs to please be sure to Rabbi Porush about his long-stand- number of refugees were still being the cities are and how far away they to contact him. Mr. Weiner promised ing family roots in Jerusalem. Weiner evacuated out of Georgia, notwith- are from each other geographically. that he would assist Rabbi Porush in then questioned Porush if he was standing Russia’s declared ceasefire. The conversation then turned to the any way that he can, including with his planning to make Jerusalem a chareidi He further noted that El Al is one of state of the global economy. The mort- contacts in Washington. O

24 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 25

That means that I need to remember lives (or at least our car trips) have the direction I took on each of them if become more pleasant and less I hope to find my way home. fraught with anxiety and argument. A worst-case scenario occurs when For some reason, whenever we would a navigationally challenged woman is get lost, each of us would blame the married to a man who is similarly other. It didn’t matter who was the challenged. And here, I know from pilot and who was the navigator; we whence I speak. Unfortunately, I and always thought the other one was to Navigational Issues my husband, Arnie, are two of a kind. blame. “I told you I don’t have a good We once arrived two hours late to a sense of direction.” “Then why did you wedding in New Jersey because we got tell me to stay on the highway when Some people have built-in radar. the moon—and back—without help. I lost. And that was with following the the card said we should have gotten They automatically know which way include the phrase “and back” for the printed directions on the small card off?” “The exit sign wasn’t clear.” is north, south, east, or west. I have a following reason: the fact that a navi- that was tucked into the invitation, That’s what would happen when friend like that. She can find her way gationally challenged individual is able which came straight from the catering Hubby was piloting and I was navigat- to any location. I think of her as a to get himself to his destination with- hall. I don’t know what it is about ing. To me, an exit sign is not clear human GPS. This might not impress out getting lost does not guarantee those cards, but they never work for when it doesn’t read exactly on the everyone, but it impresses me. I that he will be able to find his way us. The authors of those cards fail to sign as it does on the card. “Queens- belong to a group of people who are Midtown Tunnel” has to say so. If the lucky if they can remember left from sign reads only “Midtown Tunnel,” right. The affliction is a common one, that confuses me. It’s hard to believe, and we who suffer from it offer a stan- but that’s the way it is. dard explanation: “I have no sense of A worst-case scenario occurs when a The first time I used our GPS, I direction.” That says it all. Listeners didn’t realize that there are language never question the statement, options. For instance, the female because everyone knows at least one navigationally challenged woman is married voice programmed into our GPS was person who couldn’t find his way a British one. I was driving and the around the corner. to a man who is similarly challenged. yenta with the clipped British accent The odd thing about people with a directed me to something which, to total lack of navigational skills is that my Americanized ears, sounded like we always make the wrong choice. I’m “the mo-tah-way.” I was stumped. In a not sure why that is. The law of aver- panic, I yelled, “Arnie, quick, what’s a ages should dictate that 50 percent of back home. If I’m alone in the car on a realize that some people need mo-tah-way?” Not believing that he the time we would make the correct return trip home, I talk to myself. “If I specifics. Hubby is somewhat better had heard me correctly, he gave me a choice. But it doesn’t work that way. turned left onto 168th Street from than I am, but not by much. For me, really strange look and said, This is not a gender-based issue. An Union Turnpike when I was coming it’s not enough to say “Southern “Hannah, she’s saying ‘motorway’— equal number of men and women have here, then I need to turn right onto Parkway” when one means “Southern it’s the highway!” That is exactly the the problem. If a person with zero Union Turnpike now.” And so on and State Parkway.” Arnie grasps that. I do way it went down. I am not making it sense of direction is lucky, he or she so forth. This is of course a very small not. Actually I don’t grasp anything up. I couldn’t possibly! will be married to one of those wisen- and simplistic example of what I do. that involves traveling directions. But that was a year ago, and by now heimers who can find his or her way to Often a trip involves multiple turns. With the advent of the GPS, our I’ve become accustomed to the British

26 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES accent that barks out instructions. The pens on occasion. fact is that my yenta buddy and I have People like me don’t actually make become fast friends. I’ve even given wrong turns, per se. As a rule, we don’t her a name. I refer to her as Margaret, go left when we should go right. The a name that has a bit of a British ring more likely scenario is that we don’t to it. Sentimentality prevents me from get onto, or off of, a motorway (this in switching to a male voice, or even to deference to Margaret) when we’re another female voice sans British supposed to. This is due to a fear that accent. I remain loyal to Margaret. She paralyzes us and causes us to stay the and I are a team, and we’re in it course, never veering from it—even together for the long haul. She takes when we should. But now, when that me where I need to go, and she gets happens, we can always count on me home again. There’s no more Margaret to give us a second chance— guesswork, no more relying on mis- or a third or fourth chance, if neces- leading directions printed on a small sary. She will keep at it until she gets card, and no more using guidelines us where we’re supposed to be. A nav- posted by MapQuest. But, most impor- igationally challenged soul couldn’t tant, there are no more discussions or ask for anything more. O accusations between me and Hubby as to which of us is responsible for mak- Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a licensed real-estate broker associated with ing the wrong turn. Note: Even with Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at Margaret’s assistance, that still hap- [email protected] or 516-902-3733.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 27 So how do I get Yank and Joe to consequences that these ugly traits make peace and get along? What bring upon individuals and the world should I say that I haven’t said or do at large. It’s an age-old problem that that I haven’t done? If I could only doesn’t seem to go away. resolve this problem in my life, I think From the little you’ve told me, it I would be so happy. Meanwhile, I feel sounds as though your brother and torn in two pieces. your husband are dueling over you. Torn They both want to feel that they are Dear Esther, ago Joe and Yank got involved in some number one in your life and that you My brother and I are 13 months kind of business dealing. I really don’t Dear Torn, are truly devoted to them first and apart. He is older. We were almost know many details about it, but it Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we foremost. Though I believe you when raised like twins. We always got along ended very badly, with both of them could all just get along? How many of you say that your brother is a wonder- beautifully, and I always thought of accusing the other of trying to deceive us have uttered those words in refer- ful human being, it seems to me that him as my best friend. For some rea- him. Since then, they can barely look ence to various relationships that the closeness the two of you felt son, I was pushed ahead in school at one another. growing up may have gotten out of early on, and though we went to differ- When there is a family simcha or hand. It’s a beautiful thing when two ent schools, we wound up in the same some other event, I feel so uncomfort- siblings consider one another their grade. We went to Israel the same year, able. I really don’t know where to put best friend. But, as with most good we celebrated our bar and bas mitzvahs myself. If I spend all of my time sitting Neither of them has things, there is usually a cutoff point at about the same time, and we basi- with my husband, my brother will be where it goes from great to out-of- cally experienced most of our mile- angry, and if I spend too much time a right to control. For all I know it may have stones together. I love him dearly and talking to my brother, my husband will started earlier, but certainly when think he is one of the most terrific peo- get annoyed with me. I feel like I have comment on your you were dating, I believe your broth- ple I’ve ever known. to clone myself in order to enjoy being er was too involved in the process. I We got married within a few years at family get-togethers. It’s all very don’t think it should have been his of one another. I like his wife and have stressful for me. spending time with duty to decide who was good enough always gotten along well with her. The Yes, I have tried telling each of for you. I’m assuming that there were problem is that my brother—I’ll call them, on separate occasions, to do the other one. parents on the scene capable of man- him “Yank”—does not get along with their best to get along. I’ve pleaded, aging this job responsibly. my husband, whom I’ll call “Joe.” I begged, tried everything. But it seems At that point already, the stage was think their relationship got off to a like the hatred between them has got- set for a certain amount of rivalry. It rocky start when I began dating Joe, ten so intense, neither of them will affect our lives and bring us and so may be that you played a part in this and suddenly I wasn’t very available to listen to me. many others down? And yet for some unhealthy scenario. Perhaps you Yank. I think he also felt that Joe was- Obviously, these are two of the most of us it seems so simple, so attainable enjoyed all the attention; or maybe n’t good enough for me. Mind you, important people in the world to me, by any clear-minded individual. But not. The point is that the natural peck- whomever I dated before Joe was also and yet they are making me miserable. not for everyone. Unfortunately, the ing order of loyalty became muddled. not good enough, and sometimes I Sometimes I get so angry and fed up world is filled with so many angry Though I would love for you to have think that maybe no one in the world that I want to tell both of them to take people. People who feel resentful and a wonderful and healthy relationship would have been good enough, a hike. But I know that isn’t the jealous, people who are filled with with your brother, and a loyal one at according to Yank. answer, because my life would be rage. Having just observed Tishah that, once you get married, your loyal- To make matters worse, a few years empty without either of them. B’Av, we are all well aware of the dire ty should be toward your husband. He

28 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES is the one you should be sitting next to s”xc at a family gathering. However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be able to walk over to your brother and enjoy a bit of chit-chat. Most of us know that we cannot “make” anyone like another person. In fact, there is very little we can make another person feel or do—certainly once they are grown up. Therefore, you can’t make Yank like Joe, or make Joe like Yank. So you can forget about that dream for now. However, what you can do and absolutely have the right to do is to request—and, if necessary, demand—that both Yank and Joe respect your right to have appropriate relationships with both of them. Neither of them has a right to comment on your spending time with the other one, assuming it is done appro- priately and reasonably. Furthermore, you have the right to demand from each of them that they behave like adults, act maturely around the other one, and never embarrass you or make you feel as though you are being pulled into pieces. That is your right. Things change. People mature and mellow. Ideas that once seemed monu- mental in importance eventually sub- side or go away altogether. I’m guess- ing that your brother and your husband are still young. Though their feelings seem grossly intense at the moment, they may totally vanish some- time down the road. So don’t give up on the idea that one day all of you may blend into one big happy family. In the meantime, ask for the respect and peace that you deserve, accept who they are in this moment, and stay focused on all of the wonderful traits they both possess that have made you so fond of each of them. Esther

Esther Mann, LMSW, has a private practice in Lawrence. Esther is a psychotherapist and life coach and can be reached at 516-314-2295 or [email protected]. She works with individuals, couples, premarital couples, and families.

And from there you will seek G-d your G-d, and you will find Him

(Devarim 4:29) The Torah stresses that when you seek G-d from there, from your place of exile “among the nations,” you will find Him. For G-d is to be found everywhere, and every corner of His creation can serve as the vehicle to reach Him. If divine providence has dis- patched you to a certain place and life, your surest path to Him is from there.

(Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 29 A Year Later, Where Are We?

It is very interesting that as I write drop some more, should also reevalu- this article, loud thunder can be heard ate their priorities, since waiting may outside, obviously preparing us for an cost them more money in the long run interesting storm in the making. At as interest rates on mortgages contin- least the thunder is giving us a warning ue to climb and mortgage qualifica- of what is to come, so we can plan tions for new borrowers get tougher. accordingly for the rest of the day. The same cannot be said of what has transpired in the real-estate market during the last year, nor can it real- The interest rates, ly prepare us for what direction the real-estate market will take for the rest of this year. No warning was given of together with new what transpired in the real-estate market or the mortgage markets, and most program guidelines, people were ill prepared for the direction those markets would take them in. That the tables have turned, I think we have taken them all know. Homes are selling slower than any time in the immediate past, out of the market. and are going for prices considerably reduced from the last two or three years, to the regret of homeowners presently trying to market their homes. How should a seller deal with this Sellers are slowly coming to terms with new situation? Accept the reality of the fact that this new real-estate mar- your local market and make sure you ket, as well as a restructured mortgage price your home realistically. Look market, has created a firm repricing of carefully at the closed sales prices of home values, and they have started homes similar to yours that have sold lowering their expectations to meet the within the last three months. Looking new reality. Buyers, thinking maybe to wait and see if real-estate prices may Continued on Page 32

30 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES A Bat Mitzvah Gift For Shaare Zedek

A play area in Wilf Children’s Hospital Nephrology Department was dedicated as the result of a joint Bat Mitzvah project of Elizabeth Berger, Briana Feirstein, Joanna Greenberg, Danielle Kramer, Rebecca Rychik, Tamar Siri, and Amanda Solomon. These girls, all students at HAFTR, organized a hockey chesed event in honor of their Bat Mitzvahs. The fun-filled evening was attended by the girls’ classmates from the Five Towns and Merrick. The girls raised over $15,000 to benefit Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem.

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 31 REAL ESTATE Continued from Page 30

at closed sales prices from nine months or twelve months ago will not give you a realistic idea of where your house will sell. Those closed sales prices are from a different market, gone for the immediate future. If you are going to price your home based on last year’s market or on your hunch that everything is going to turn around within the next few months and prices are going to go up 50 percent, you are going to be sitting with a dream and not going anywhere. Losing all that time and energy, only to wind up with the same price or lower than you would have had if you had priced your home correctly the first time, is not only disappointing, but can be frustrat- ing, expensive, and emotionally drain- ing. Don’t get upset if you don’t get an offer for your asking price within 24 hours of putting your home on the market. Selling a house is a process that may take some time even if it is priced well, due to circumstances other than the price you are asking for. Today’s market pricing is also a result of a very volatile situation in the mortgage markets. Many buyers looking to purchase homes are finding that even when they find a home they are ready to buy, the mortgage program they were approved for just months ago may have disappeared, or, because of changes in mortgage guidelines, they may no longer qualify for the same amount of mortgage—or even worse, they may no longer qualify for a mortgage at all. During the last year, I have met buyers who were sure that time was on their side, only to hear from them now, tearfully, that the interest rates, together with new program guidelines, have taken them out of the market after months of shopping for a new home with a mortgage pre- approval in hand, and they wished they hadn’t sat back and waited. The key to this new market is not whether it is a seller’s market or a buyer’s market, but rather that the sellers and buyers be astute and realistic in their goals. Sellers need to price their homes correctly, and buyers need to be savvy enough to take advantage of the already lowered prices to purchase and close before the mortgage conditions for approval change. O

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

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? WE WANT TO KNOW! E-MAIL US AT [email protected] OR UPLOAD YOUR COMMENTS AT www.5tjt.com

32 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES should receive all the essential vita- product is always in question. mins and minerals from diet. With all these negatives, you may be Nutrition Counts! With busy lifestyles, how many of us wondering why my answer is yes to are actually achieving this goal? Is the daily multivitamins. quality of our food good enough to The reason is clear: most of the meet these needs? The answer to these daily multivitamins provide a large Daily Multivitamins Furthermore, even nutrients that were questions is variable. Some days are percentage of the DRIs for the essen- once found in the foods are dimin- surely better than others. People often tial vitamins as well as different ished due to the processing. flip-flop based upon time constraints, amounts of some minerals. Some B Y MIRIAM HOROWITZ, The USDA has guidelines for the stressors, and social obligations as well products provide much more of specif- RD, CDE recommended amount of vitamins and as financial limitations. ic nutrients. Multivitamins are to be minerals. Termed DRI (Daily Ideally, balancing your daily diet with used as a supplement. They are not “Should I take a multivitamin Recommended Intake), scientists have fresh produce of all different colors complete; for example, most of them daily?” is a question I often receive. analyzed what the average person (which provide different vitamins and contain little calcium. Almost always, my answer is yes. requires for many vitamins and miner- nutrients)—at least five servings per We must all strive for the ideal. Most of us do benefit from a daily Work daily to improve your overall multivitamin supplement. This supple- intake to receive all the vitamins and ment can be viewed as a “cushion” that minerals from your diet. Then, take helps ensure that our diets are ade- the multivitamin daily as a cushion for quate. Look at the product label of a Take the multivitamin daily as a your poor days or for the days that are typical multivitamin; the list of compo- just incomplete. nents is very long. Next, examine your Multivitamins are a multimillion-dol- typical daily food intake. Are you mak- cushion for your poor days or for lar business. There are countless brands ing the right food choices consistently and subsequently an abundance of to provide for all the essential vita- products on the market. Choose a mul- mins, minerals, and trace elements our the days that are just incomplete. tivitamin from a large, reputable compa- bodies depend on? ny, not a generic brand. Hopefully, their Despite heightened awareness reputation will keep them honest, so regarding preventive health care, prop- that what is printed on the label truly er nutrition, and “supernutrients,” als. For some minerals, DRIs do not day—whole grains, low-fat dairy prod- exists in the product. most people are lacking essential vita- exist; we are given a new term, AI ucts, and lean protein (from both ani- Remember, even the best supple- mins and minerals in their daily intake. (Adequate Intake), which is defined as mal and plant sources) would be the ment on the market is just that—a Convenience foods, fast food, take- enough of the nutrient necessary to best “first line” source of daily vitamin supplement. It is not a replacement for out, frozen, canned, and processed avoid deficiency. Based upon the above and mineral needs. Surely, we get more proper daily nutrient intake. O foods are all part of the problem. terms and values, the USDA recom- from the “whole food” than from pill These foods are often devoid of many mends the proper balance of food as form. We benefit from the fiber, phy- Miriam Horowitz is a registered dietitian vitamins and minerals, although they depicted in the updated Food Guide tonutrients, and other nutrients still not (American Dietetic Association) and a certified diabetes educator (National Certification may contain vitamins that were added Pyramid, termed “My Pyramid.” The discovered when we eat fresh fruits and Board for Diabetes Educators) with a private back to the food, such as enriched presumption is that if you follow the vegetables. In addition, due to the lack practice for adults, adolescents, and children focusing on weight loss, health management, flour (with iron and folic acid) or calci- recommendations in this pyramid of government regulation of vitamin and preventative care. She can be reached at um-enriched orange juice. (available at www.mypyramid.gov), you supplements, the quality of the vitamin [email protected] or 917-774-3253.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 33 that there are no gods other than force in existence. To say that there is Hashem. “I,” the mind will insist, a god with the power to create and “the body I occupy, the table it is sit- destroy universes, punish the wicked ting at, and the computer screen I am and reward the righteous, and cause looking at certainly exist. These vers- galaxies to spin and crops to grow, but es, then, are only affirming the basic that there also exists a single pebble tenet of Judaism—that there is but a with a power independent of His—be single, singular Creator and ruler to it only the power to exist—is to deny the universe.” His exclusive divinity and power. From The Chassidic Masters Not so, say the Kabbalists and the So when the Jew daily declares Chassidic masters: “there is none else” “Hear O Israel, G-d is our G-d, G-d is means that there is none else. Indeed, one,” this is more than an affirmation The Inexistence Of The Universe they explain, to maintain that there are that there is but one deity. It is a state- existences other than G-d is ultimately ment on the inexistence of all else save Groping for a transcendent word in most radical truth expressed by the the same as maintaining that there are His one being. a vocabulary generated by our physical Torah: the inexistence of the universe. other “gods” beside Him. What real lives, we seize upon “light.” Light is Twice in Chapter 4 of Devarim difference is there between saying that Real In Relation our metaphor for the incorporeal, the (verses 35 and 39) the Torah makes the universe is governed by thousands Yes, we perceive our own existence spiritual, the Divine. We speak of an this amazing statement. “You were of gods, or by a god of good and an and the existence of the myriads of era of “enlightenment” dispelling dark objects and forces we call “the uni- ages of ignorance and ignominy, of a verse.” But this is our finite and sub- “ray” of hope penetrating the black- jective perception of reality. If we ness of despair, of the Divine “light” could observe reality from the all-tran- that bathes the virtuous soul. To say that there is a single pebble with a scendent perspective of the Creator, Light straddles the defining line that we would see a “world” devoid of self- runs between the physical and the power independent of His—be it only the hood and being. In the words of the spiritual. Sans weight, sans mass, sans Tanya: “If the eye were allowed to see just about any of matter’s properties, power to exist—is to deny His exclusive the life and spiritual content flowing light is the most ethereal of physical from the utterance of G-d’s mouth “things.” Perceptibly real, yet free of divinity and power. into every creation, we would not see the qualities we ascribe to the objects the materiality, grossness, and tangi- of our perceptible universe, light bility of the creation, for it would be serves as a bridge of allegory between a utterly nullified in relation to this mind grounded in a material environ- shown to know that G-d is the G-d, equally potent god of evil, or by a very Divine life-force…” ment and the metaphysical abstrac- there is none else beside Him… powerful god who (almost) always tri- Modern physics demonstrates the tions it contemplates. Know today, and take onto your umphs over a much weaker Satan, or relativity of apparent absolutes such heart, that G-d is the G-d, in the by a great and mighty god who per- as time and space. An object or event None Else heavens above and the earth below, vades every iota of existence save for a cannot be said to possess an intrinsic In the Tanya, Rabbi Schneur there is none else.” single cubic centimeter of space? size or duration—these are always a Zalman of Liadi employs the metaphor The ever sensible mind may per- Ultimately, one is saying that there is matter of perspective. The same of light to explain what is perhaps the haps interpret these verses to mean more than one independently potent object may be an inch in length as

34 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

observed from point A, and a hundred miles long as observed from point B; the same event can be said to tran- spire over the course of a second or a thousand years, again depending on the position and velocity of the observer. The mind may have to bend over backwards to assimilate a vision of reality so radically different from its first-hand experience of its environment, but every high-school science student has read of the experi- ments and seen the diagrams that demonstrate this truth. But the Torah has a more demand- ing task for the mind: to comprehend the relativity of existence itself—to understand that even the very “I” that is making the observations are also a matter of perspective, and that while the created reality perceives itself as real, there is a higher perspective from that reality, the truth that “there is none else beside Him.” Where, in our experience of the universe, is there an example of this sense-defying truth, an analog that may aid us in achieving this tremendous leap of mind? What model have we for the relativity of a thing’s very existence? Light. Light exists. We regard light as an entity distinct of its emitter, distin- guishing between a luminous body and its luminescent expression. An observer on Earth, for example, perceives both the sun and the light that extends from it, and hence our dic- tionary includes both the term “sun” and “sunlight.” But what would be the perspective of an observer within the sun? Would he, too, perceive “sunlight” as an existence distinct of the sun? Obviously not. Light, by defini- tion, has a source and a destination, an emitter and an observer; light is information—a communication from one thing to another. Light, then, exists only in relation to that which is outside of its source, but not in relation to the source itself. If sunlight is defined as “the sun’s luminescent expression” then it cannot be said to “exist” within the sun, where the very notion of “expression” is superfluous and meaningless. Does this mean that the entity we call light “begins” outside of the sun? Again, the answer is obviously not. The sun itself is not dark; the lumines- cence that extends from it certainly pervades it. It is just that the concept of “light” has validity and meaning only to an observer outside of the light’s source. Lacking substance of its own, light exists only insofar as it serves its function: to carry information and effect from its emitter to that which lies outside its emitter. Where it has no function (i.e., within its emitter), it does not exist—not because it is any less “there,” but because it lacks the context that defines its existence. Light, then, both exists and does not exist at the same time, depending on the context in which it is viewed. It goes from non-existence to existence not by undergoing any intrinsic change but simply by being observed from a different vantage point—a point in relation to which its function has significance.

Continued on Page 36 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 35 FROM THE CHASSIDIC MASTERS step further, pointing out an important The View From Sinai shroud Himself; your eyes shall behold Continued from Page 35 difference between the sun/sunlight As cited above, the Torah twice reit- your Master”; a world in which “the analogue and the Creator/creation erates the exclusivity of G-d’s exis- world shall be filled with the knowl- So, explains the Tanya, light is the relationship it illustrates. With the tence, twice in the same chapter pro- edge of G-d as the waters cover the metaphor through which we can try to sun, we identify two distinct areas in claiming that “there is none else” other sea” (Yeshaya 30:20 and 11:9). The understand the relative existence of whose context the “existence” of sun- than Him. For there are two paths by world of Mashiach—when, as the the universe. Our world is “light” emit- light is considered: outside the sun, which man may come to appreciate Zohar puts it, “G-d will take the sun ted by G-d: an expression of His and within the sun. Outside the sun, the nature of his reality vis-à-vis the out of its sheath” and obliterate the omnipotence and a revelation of His sunlight exists; within the sun, it is Divine: from the top down, and from concealment that effects the percep- majesty. (Thus, light is the first cre- non-existent. Regarding the Al-mighty, the bottom up. tion of a reality outside of His. ation, and the exclusive creation of the however, the existence of this “second The first verse (Devarim 4:35) is Bracketed between the revelation at First Day, for light is existence in its perceptive” is also only a matter of per- referring to the day that “G-d Sinai and the revelation of Mashiach, most basic form.) As “light,” the creat- spective. In truth, there is no “area” descended on Mount Sinai” in a uni- we live in a world in which our Master ed reality has no substance of its own that is outside of G-d’s infinite reality; lateral revelation of His all-pervading does shroud Himself—a world in and no intrinsic being; its “existence” the “vacuum” into which G-d truth. On that day, Moshe reminds which the sun remains sheathed and is defined solely by its function—to emanates His light is a vacuum of per- the assembled community of Israel we are not “shown to know.” It is express and reveal its Emitter. So the ception, real only from our mortal per- 40 years later, “you were shown to regarding this world that the Torah world exists only as observed from spective. In other words, G-d did not know that G-d is the G-d, there is enjoins us, in the second verse cited without its Creator and Source. As create a reality outside of Himself, but none else beside Him.” On that day above, to “Know today, and take onto seen from G-d’s perspective, it does only the perception of a reality outside you were raised above the arc of your your heart” that “in the heavens above not merit the term existence—again, of Himself. So the “light” of creation subjective vision of self and existence and the earth below, there is none not because it is any less “there” (G-d, is, in truth, “sunlight within the and accorded a glimpse of reality else.” The knowledge is there, embod- after all, tells us in His Torah that He sun”—that is, non-existent light. To from His perspective. ied in the heavens above and the earth created a world) but because in rela- us, the world exists only because we The revelation at Sinai was a brief below: in every blade of grass, in every tion to the Divine “sun” the defining perceive ourselves as being “outside of “foretaste” of a future world—a world sunset, in the depths of our minds and function of the sunlight of creation is the sun”—a perceived vantage point in which all masks and superimposed in the sublimity of our hearts. In this utterly insignificant. from which “sunlight” is perceived as “perceptions” will fall away. A world in world the onus is upon us to unearth (Rabbi Schneur Zalman takes this a an “existence.”) which “your master shall no longer this truth, comprehend it, and incor- porate it into our hearts and lives. This explains the difference between these two verses. When we are shown the Divine truth, there are no details and no mention of “the heavens above and the earth below.” As viewed from the supernal perspective, the particulars of creation fade to insignificance. One does not even see the distinction between the spiritual (“the heavens above”) and the material (“the earth below”)—only the singular truth that “there is none else beside Him.” But when our quest begins from the bottom up, it is precisely these details and distinctions that build our knowledge and appreciation of the Divine truth. The more we delve into creation’s components, the more we recognize them as rays of Divine lumi- nescence. We recognize that creation is “light,” an existence defined not in terms of self-being but as the bearer of a higher truth. (Chabad.org) O

Based on the talks of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Shavuos 5745 (1985) and on other occasions; adapted by Yanki Tauber. Courtesy of MeaningfulLife.com.

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36 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES indulgence of discussing you in my but you don’t really need luck, just Another Mother’s Musings column. I couldn’t help it! I couldn’t some warm clothes! O let this opportunity go by without pub- Phyllis Joy Lubin is an attorney with Rosenfeld & importantly, he will miss seeing you licly wishing you luck in your new Maidenbaum, LLP, who resides in Cedarhurst Adieu every day! We will all miss seeing you endeavor. So, good luck to you, my with her husband Leonard and six children: Naftali, Shoshana, Rivka, Rochel, Yosef, and every day! eldest daughter (please note that I Lea. She welcomes your questions and comments I hope you will forgive me this have still not revealed your name)— at [email protected]. BY PHYLLIS J. LUBIN

It’s happening. She’s actually leav- ing—moving on. On Tuesday we begin our trek to Binghamton University, where my eldest daughter will be attending school this year. Is she ready for her foray into the world of independence? Am I prepared for life without her on a day-to-day basis? How will our family dynamic change with her absence? My daughter has a January birth- day. She was either going to be “old for her class” or “young for her class.” We chose to push her ahead. Why? Perhaps because we thought she was capable of the work at the time (kindergarten), and more importantly some of the reasons given by “educators” to keep her back were seemingly ridiculous! “She is very petite—the kids in kindergarten will tower over her!” That was actually a “reason” one “educator” in another school gave for keeping her back. She’s still petite—just 5'2." Is that a reason not to begin college? “She can’t draw pictures of people well.” That was actually another “reason” to keep her back. I wish that “school psychologist” could see her art now! I think her portraits of “people” are museum-quality! Somehow she caught up artistically! “She will miss the cut-off for transportation for kindergarten and you will have to transport her to school every day!” They argued. “What about her intelligence?” we asked. “Do you think she can’t do the work?” No response. We took her to another school, where they proceeded to give her an admission test. I do not want to embarrass my eldest daughter, but she happens to have (we were told at age four) a genius IQ. And they said, “Do not worry that she is petite; so are many other four-year-olds.”… And they said, “Don’t worry about the pictures of people; not everyone can draw people.”… And, finally, they said, “Although the school district deems her too young for busing, we will bus her to school at our expense.” At the tender age of four, this school recognized her value. My darling daughter, we have always known your value! You were my little genius way before any IQ tests! I know you will succeed at anything you put your mind to, because that is the kind of person you are! When I have any medical question I come to you. You always seem to know all the answers (yes—a 5 on the biolo- gy A.P.). It’s scary sometimes to see how much knowledge you have attained in 17 short years. It’s frighten- ing to divulge that I, the mother, come to you for advice in many aspects of my life—even parenting! You have insight that I don’t think I had at your age. The patience you have for Yussie is amazing. He will surely miss your nightly bonding, watching the game shows that you both enjoy! More 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 37 Mishnas Chayim On The Parashah The Benefits Of Suffering

If you’re like most people, you prob- difficulty. ably like it when good things happen The question is: How? Obviously, and don’t like it when bad things hap- life would be blissful if one were able pen. Often, however, the Torah enjoins to accept all pain and suffering with us to try and rise above mere instinc- equanimity; and there are tzaddikim tive reactions. One’s attitude to life’s who have indeed mastered such a lofty challenges is no exception. level of emotional self-control. Our parashah contains the well- However, for the rest of us, the adop- known passage of K’rias Shema. Based tion of such an attitude may seem like on a pasuk from the Shema, the a daunting prospect. Mishnah in Berachos (9:5) teaches The Chofetz Chaim (Machaneh how, ideally, one should react to the Yisrael, ch. 13) provides an illustration “cards” Hashem deals him. The which—if internalized—could aid in Mishnah states: “A person is obligat- making this ideal somewhat more ed to bless on misfortune, just as he attainable to all who strive for it. blesses on success, as the verse states Why going in for root canal (Devarim 6:5), ‘You shall love Hashem should put a person in a great mood your G-d, with all your heart, all your (although, of course, we don’t wish it soul, and all your means…’ ‘All your on anyone). A Jew of modest means means (me’odecha)’ implies that one had an arrangement with a certain should praise Hashem in response to nobleman. The latter owned much any measure (midah) with which he property, and would rent out houses at is treated.” reasonable rates. This particular Yid As Rashi (Berachos 54a, s.v. ‘Davar was renting a house at $300 per year acher’) explains, a person must react (a significant but affordable sum in positively to any experience he under- those days). goes, be it one of success or one of It came to pass that this aristocrat

38 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

had to embark on an extended jour- by the report. He immediately sum- the Chofetz Chaim, will play itself out able the suffering really was—people ney to a faraway place. He appointed moned his employee and rendered in the future for each and every one of will remark, “If only things had been a replacement to collect the rents in swift justice. “For every strike,” he told us. When a person is confronted with twice as severe!” the interim. the Jew, “my disgraced appointee must suffering in this world, by and large, Perhaps the knowledge of this idea Now, this replacement was made of pay you a $100 fine. As he struck you he’d rather not deal with it. However, can strengthen our forbearance, revi- much different stuff than the sensible 20 times, that amounts to $2,000. in truth, these difficulties are afford- talize our hope, and help us realize nobleman. In short order, he abused Now, his fancy estate is worth $4,000. ing him the greatest of benefits; in that there really is light amongst the his office, and would cruelly exploit Therefore, I hereby grant you half of fact, they are actually quite (spiritual- darkness. his charges in order to build up his the property.” He issued the Jew an ly) profitable! According to the To be continued… O personal fortune. And so, he raised the official document with an attestation Midrash (Yalkut 942), in exchange for rent of the hard-working Jewish ten- to this effect. every moment of pain or suffering that Kindly take a moment to study Mishnas Chayim in the merit of Pesya bas Hershel, a’h, a fellow ant to $500, a sum that was well Jew who passed away with no relatives to arrange beyond his means. Torah study on behalf of her neshamah. Mishnas Chayim is brought to you by Chevrah The Jew scraped and scrimped, but Lomdei Mishnah, a network of Torah scholars even with the extra back-breaking dedicated to bringing the merits of Mishnah labor he took on was unable to come study to the greater Jewish public. Encompassing “I don’t get it,” his perplexed wife Mishnah, Gemara, and a variety of other servic- up with the funds. The day of payment es, Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah primarily assists arrived, and he was still $20 short. All mourners interested in acquiring the merit of Torah study for their loved ones. They can be of his pleading for an extension fell on remarked. “This is wonderful. We’re contacted at 732–364–7029 or at www.society- deaf ears. formishnahstudy.org. “For every dollar that you are missing,” the cruel rent-collector told him, rich! Why are you so despondent?” “you will be whipped. Since you’re $20 short, that’s 20 lashes!” The hapless Jewish tenant came And I beseeched G-d home that day broken in body and When the Jew’s wife saw him, she a person experiences in this world, he at that time humiliated in spirit. saw that his face was sullen. “What’s is granted tremendous reward in the Things continued in this manner for the matter?” she asked with concern. World to Come. (Devarim 3:23) some time, with the unscrupulous sub- The Jew showed her the document. “I For now, Hashem chooses to keep stitute amassing a small fortune on the don’t get it,” his perplexed wife His calculations hidden; we put our Moshe prayed 515 backs of the local populace. remarked. “This is wonderful. We’re trust in Chazal, who tell us that prayers—the numerical Eventually, he purchased for himself rich! Why are you so despondent?” “Everything Hashem does is for the an elegant estate, worth a hefty sum “Don’t you see?” said her husband. good” (Berachos 60b). When the time value (gematria) of (for those days) of $4,000. “I was stricken 20 times, so we comes, however, Hashem will reveal va’eschanan,“and I When the original landowner finally received $2,000 worth of property, the greater plan. At that point, it will beseeched”—to be allowed returned from his sojourn abroad, the which is half the estate. But if he just be clear how every heartache, every oppressed Yid wasted no time. He would have hit me twice that amount, hardship that transpired during one’s to enter the land. immediately rushed to the nobleman’s we could have gotten the whole thing! lifetime, actually helped him tremen- quarters to fill him in on the vicious Oh, if only he would have given me dously in some way and brought ines- (Midrash Rabbah) behavior of the substitute collector. another twenty blows!” timable merit and benefit in its wake. The fair-minded official was horrified The exact same scenario, concludes At that point—seeing just how valu-

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 39 councilman, then something is wrong life partner and a system for assessing a with the system,” LaPaglia said. relationship’s lifelong viability. Camella defended the mayor, saying Linda Sapadin, Ph.D., psychologist that although he overstepped his and author, describes the book as fol- bounds, he’s not sure the nickname lows: “Every Pot Has a Cover is a fasci- constitutes anti-Semitism. nating guide to understanding why cer- But Bader disagrees. “When a person tain personality types attract one anoth- Mayor Refuses To Apologize recalled. LaPaglia acknowledged that he in anger says these kinds of things, it er. The book provides a personality pro- For Slur often uses colorful nicknames, such as means something,” said Bader, who has file that will help readers evaluate Woodcliff Lake, NJ—Mayor Joe dubbing the four Republicans on the served nine years on the council. “He’s whether any given relationship has a LaPaglia is refusing to apologize after council “the quartet.” called us all names before, but never high probability of long-term success or making what council members and “I’m not 100 percent politically cor- about our religion. He crossed the line.” failure. Dr. Salamon’s book describes residents are calling an anti-Semitic Gary Schaer, an assemblyman and illuminating research, engaging case slur. Republican Councilman Jeff acting mayor of the city of Passaic, said studies, and valued strategies for devel- Bader and Democratic Councilman that if any public official makes dis- oping and maintaining successful love Robert Rosenblatt say LaPaglia paraging remarks about someone’s relationships.” crossed the line when he referred to race, religion, or ethnicity, he would Every Pot Has a Cover intends to them as the “temple twins.” The coun- sign on the dotted line to “have that help individuals achieve the insight cilmen demanded a public apology, but person impeached. That attitude needed to find and keep a suitable life the mayor refused. undermines the core of American val- partner. There is finally solid research The brouhaha comes on the heels of ues. It’s one thing if your neighbor that indicates why some marriages are the New Jersey Supreme Court’s deci- makes a disparaging remark, but if your successful and others are not—the key sion that workers who are taunted public official makes it, it’s absolutely is compatibility. A successful marriage about their religion are entitled to the unacceptable.” (VOS IZ NEIAS) O demands a commitment to under- same legal protection as victims of standing one’s own unique personality racial and ethnic harassment. The Every Pot Has A Cover profile and realizing that while oppo- court determined that members of the Just in time for Tu B’Av, Dr. Michael sites have certain attractions, life- Haddonfield Police Department were J. Salamon’s new book, Every Pot Has a mates should share many similarities. guilty of harassing a Jewish patrolman. Cover: A Proven System for Finding, This book explains current research The two Woodcliff Lake councilmen Keeping and Enhancing the Ideal and enables readers to assess levels of acknowledged that tensions have escalat- Relationship, has been published. Dr. personality compatibility. ed in recent weeks as the council made Salamon’s recent book, The Shidduch For over 20 years, Dr. Salamon has decisions that the mayor opposed. Woodcliff Lake Mayor Joe LaPaglia Crisis, described a system that has “gone worked as a clinician and researcher LaPaglia said he has been frustrated with mad” and offered sound advice to sin- whose primary interests have been per- Bader and Rosenblatt, who supported a gles, parents, and shaddchanim. This sonality relationships and life satisfac- police contract he didn’t want. Council rect,” he said. “But I’m not an anti- new book is more proactive—offering tion. As a result, this book focuses main- President Paul Camella said the mayor Semite.” He added that the councilmen singles advice about stepping up to the ly on the following areas: an under- called him to attempt to persuade him to are using the issue to cover up the poor bat and assuming some responsibility. standing of personality traits, attributes, vote down the contract. During the con- decisions they are making on the coun- His new book includes both a system for and disorders and how they impact rela- versation, LaPaglia advised him not to cil. “If I can’t even be blunt in a private singles to assess themselves honestly tionships, a test to measure personality side with the “temple twins,” Camella conversation with a fellow Republican and realistically before searching for a compatibility, and how to strengthen a

40 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES relationship once there is compatibility. ment officer of OHEL, and Glen Ross Michael J. Salamon, Ph.D., is the Golish, LUTCF, CSA, president of founder and director of the Adult Golish Financial Group. Developmental Center, a multilevel- OHEL thanks Rabbi Marc Schneier, practice mental-health center in founding rabbi, and Rabbi Avrohom Hewlett. He is the author of the Life Bronstein, assistant rabbi, for arrang- Satisfaction Scale and the Addiction ing this special OHEL weekend at the and Dependency Scale. Dr. Salamon is Hampton Synagogue. Special thanks a fellow of the American Psychological also to Elaine and Bernie Schickman, Association, on the governing board of longtime foster parents and friends psychologists in long-term care and on and supporters of OHEL for coordi- the editorial board of several profes- nating this Shabbos. sional journals, and is currently co- Hundreds Join Siyum and BBQ for chair of the Professional Advisory OHEL’s Children and Families. Board of P’TACH. O Shloime and Libby Dachs hosted their Seventh Annual Summer BBQ to OHEL Happenings And News Guests at the OHEL Summer BBQ included (L-R): Moshe Wieder, Moshe Zakheim of OHEL’s benefit the children and families of Joint Shabbat Nachamu Concert Board, Assemblyman Dov Hikind, Shani Hikind and Elly Kleinman, CEO of Americare. OHEL. Over 300 friends and family at The Hampton Synagogue. OHEL members joined for a special siyum on will present speakers on timely topics Maseches Sotah and enjoyed a special on Shabbos and Sunday and is most seudah that Shloime dedicated as a pleased to co-present the OHEL and thanks to Hashem for his own refuah Hampton Synagogue Shabbat from a medical crisis one year ago and Nachamu Concert entitled “The that of a close friend who needs a Beauty of Contemporary Chassidic refuah sheleimah. Music.” Shloime Dachs, Gershon The BBQ this year was termed the Veroba, and Yehuda Green will be the “Bar Mitzvah Que.” Proceeds of the featured performers and will perform evening were earmarked to OHEL’s music and songs from the legendary R’ Simcha Fund, which allows OHEL Shlomo Carlebach and their own children and families to celebrate bar musical compositions. mitzvahs, weddings, b’risos, upsherins, The concert is sponsored by Florence and other celebratory milestones. The and Michael Edelstein, longtime friends Bar Mitzvah Que proceeds and several and supporters of OHEL. The concert Presenting the K’Ish Echad B’Lev Echad Award to Shloime (L-R): David Mandel, OHEL CEO; more friends and supporters of OHEL will be followed by refreshments in the Rabbi Yitzchok Fleischer, Board Member; Norman Gildin, CDO; Moshe Wieder, Board Member; will allow a young man who lives with Edelstein Hall of the Kaylie Center in Shloime Dachs; and Moshe Zakheim, Chairman of the Board. an OHEL foster family to have a bar The Hampton Synagogue. mitzvah just like his friends—that During Shabbos, David Mandel, includes tefillin, bar mitzvah lessons, CEO of OHEL, will speak at a Friday- and Can’t Say to Your Grandchildren.” “Creating Additional Wealth for You clothing, a kiddush, and small seudah night dinner in the Edelstein Hall of On Sunday morning, OHEL will pres- and Your Family.” Co-facilitators will the Kaylie Center on “What You Can ent an estate-planning seminar on be Norman B. Gildin, chief develop- Continued on Page 42

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 41 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 41

for family and friends. For the second time the event was held in Agudas Yisroel Bais Binyamin in Brooklyn, a.k.a. Agudah of Avenue L, thereby allowing many more friends and neighbors to enjoy the evening. Attendees were treated to a delicious seudah catered by Main Event and arranged by New York Party Central. Morris Katz joined for the evening and attendees enjoyed viewing his art and many purchased his paintings—proceeds benefited OHEL. The highlight of the evening was the drawing of many raffle prizes including electronics, dining out, his-and-her packages, a children’s package, and more. The grand prize for a simcha package raffle included catering, music, photography and videographer, party favors, and more. The package was donated back to OHEL by the winner for use by an OHEL bar mitzvah bachur! Shloime and Libby are proud to host this event each year so that the Flatbush community continues to learn about the services provided to thousands of individuals helped by OHEL Bais Ezra every day. The evening brought together two of Shloime and Libby’s passions—enjoying time with family and friends and reaching out to help their OHEL Bais Ezra family! Shloime encouraged all those who attended to become more active and involved as friends and supporters of OHEL, as well as to consider volunteering or becoming foster parents. Shloime also noted that nearly everyone in the room probably knows someone who is benefiting from OHEL Bais Ezra’s services. Shloime and his wife, Libby, regular- ly open their home to the men and women who live in OHEL Bais Ezra’s community residences in the nearby community. Many of these men and women were present for the siyum and BBQ. OHEL Bais Ezra is proud to count Shloime Dachs—a Jewish music superstar and entertainer as well as an active board member—as one of its closest friends. He donates his time and energy to many OHEL events throughout the year and considers OHEL clients as his friends. OHEL and Shloime thank the many sponsors of the evening including Fairmont Funding, the Americare Companies, Main Event Caterers, Ossie’s Fish, Magnificent Marble, Kushner Roofing, and many more supporters from the community. Moments In Time. Fifty people were gathered in shul for the b’ris of a baby boy. A proud mother handed her son to a young woman, who passed the baby to her husband, who then handed the baby to his father. The sandek, the paternal grandfather, and the mohel, fulfilled their part in the b’ris and the baby was named. The baby was then returned to his mother, who lovingly held and comforted him. It was a magnificent and beautiful moment, one that seemed quite typical of a customary b’ris. However, this was far from any ordinary b’ris. It had hastily been organized in under two hours. The baby was a two- month-old foster child; the mother and father were OHEL foster parents. The kvatter was the child’s caseworker, the 42 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES sandek was the foster grandfather, and, until that moment, the child had been nameless. Chaim—who had been placed in foster care shortly after birth and was listed as “baby boy” on his birth certificate—finally had a name. Chaim’s biological Jewish mother was, tragically, drug-dependent and was unable to care for him safely. While OHEL was exploring other resources, the baby was placed with a safe, loving, and nurturing Jewish family. Due to the complexities of his foster-care status, it had taken several weeks to obtain permission to complete the b’ris. OHEL’s rav instructed the agency that the b’ris needed to occur before shekiah the day approval was granted. The room was still as the b’rachos were read aloud. The baby’s cries pierced the silence, and the emotion in the room was palpable. A b’ris is a special moment in a boy’s life where the community gathers for a simcha that represents our covenant with G-d, as first spoken to Avraham, our father. Perhaps it is that very sentiment that contributed to the additional emotion in the room. For in the typical path of a Jewish boy, the b’ris signifies the beginning of his future as a member of his family and community. It is the natural expectation that this tiny child will need ongoing guidance and direction from his parents. How do foster parents fit in this context and why is there such a need for foster or adoptive parents in the Jewish world? Foster care provides a temporary and safe environment for a child. When there are concerns about the safety of a child, the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) in New York State acts automatically, and places that child into foster care—and, when the baby or child is Jewish, they will contact OHEL, a licensed Jewish foster-care agency in New York State. The reasons why a child may be removed include parental drug abuse, a severe psychiatric condition, child neg- lect, or even abuse. While comparatively speaking there are far fewer cases in the Jewish community, there are unfortunately still many—and OHEL is responsible to work with the biological parents to have the child eventually returned home. If that is not possible, then OHEL is entrusted to explore other “in the family” options, (such as grandparents, uncles, and aunts of the biological parents) and if that fails, then the child might be placed for Jewish adoption. On that ordinary Monday afternoon, the couple responsible for Chaim’s well- being were his OHEL foster parents. Chaim had been in foster care for only a few weeks and his future was uncertain. Would he be returned to his parents? Would he be moved to a relative? If he wouldn’t be staying with this new foster family, then was this poignant experience as meaningful and significant as it might be for a biological parent? Foster parenting is temporary and foster parents may wonder about the impact they have made in a short period of time. If a child is very young, a foster parent may wonder if he or she will remember the experience. Perhaps the child will move to an environment with completely different values and rules. In the scope of an individual’s life, what

Continued on Page 44 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 43 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS children’s lives. Become an OHEL fos- ensures that all of the painstaking work Continued from Page 43 ter parent. Call 718-851-6300, e-mail that Acheinu kiruv workers have invest- [email protected], or view stories at ed over the year is not rendered obsolete long-term effect can a few months or a www.ohelfamily.org/child. O by an unstructured summer vacation. few years in foster care really offer? There are many spiritual pitfalls that an A foster family has the ability to pro- Acheinu Launches Summer unstructured two months of summer vide a loving and caring home for what- Learning Program Across Israel vacation can pose for these boys. Even ever period of time the child needs to be By Chaim Gold boys who have been sufficiently moti- placed, whether it is a few months, a The school year in Israel was all but vated to undertake the decision to go to year, or a permanent placement. It is over. Yet Acheinu was working full force a yeshiva can regress terribly in the sum- less about the length and more about in eighth-grade classes in more than 50 mer. That regression can, chas v’shalom, the quality of the time. If life is a series Torah schools across the length and make their earlier decision to attend of moments and our future is unclear, breadth of Eretz Yisrael. One of the pri- then the most we can do is maximize mary missions of Acheinu, the kiruv arm those moments in the present. That of Dirshu, is to enroll as many eighth- moment—being held in the loving arms grade graduates as possible in yeshivah of his foster mother; his devoted foster ketanas—yeshivos for high-school-age father at midnight cuddling and singing teens—throughout Eretz Yisrael. a comforting lullaby to soothe the typi- The completion of eighth grade in cal cries of any normal baby—will forev- Torani schools in Eretz Yisrael—Torah- er be a part of that child. observant schools that serve the tradi- For the series of moments at his tional, but not necessarily fully obser- b’ris, Chaim was part of a community, vant, public in Eretz Yisrael—constitutes part of a family, and part of a ritual, a defining moment in the lives of the like every other Jewish boy. His future graduates. Will the graduate go on to may be uncertain, but what is clear is learn in a yeshiva kedoshah where he will that two extraordinary people have cre- ultimately develop into a ben Torah, or ated a loving home for him, and in attend a government high school where those moments he received what every his spiritual future will be in jeopardy? other Jewish boy needs. No matter In fact there are times when an Acheinu Acheinu’s summer yeshivos in Israel. what his future holds, this family has kiruv worker may need to pay many vis- made a difference in his life. its to the parents of the eighth-grader to yeshiva untenable. neshamos are prepared both academical- While the permanent names of his have informative discussions with the These summer yeshivos fill each day ly and spiritually for their lives as final father and mother may be parents in an attempt to counter any with a critically important spiritual bachurim attending yeshivos kedoshos. unclear, Chaim has a name—“life”— suspicious, negative, or stereotypical structure. This includes preparing the Of course, the greatest hatzlachah and like many other Jewish children in impressions that they may have of the boys for their entrance exams into and satisfaction is derived when walk- need of foster or adopted homes, he chareidi community or chareidi yeshivas. yeshivos by learning and reviewing the ing to numerous yeshivos kedoshos dur- too seeks a life of warmth, love, and One of Acheinu’s most innovative pertinent Gemara with them and ensur- ing Elul z’man and observing the shin- nourishment—an expectation too and spiritually life-saving ideas is the ing that they are accepted into the ing faces of so many former eighth many of us take for granted. special summer yeshivos that they have yeshivos that are most appropriate for graders who were assisted by Acheinu Help with the moments in other instituted for eighth-grade graduates. It each individual student. These precious over the past year, bent over their

44 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Gemaras, on their respective paths to formed with one overall question in lives as true b’nei Torah! O mind: How can we ease the pain and suffering of these families? It is with this Third Annual Labor Day Barbecue goal that Avigdor’s Helping Hand has set For Avigdor’s Helping Hand, off on a mission to provide immediate September 1 emergency financial and non-financial On Monday, September 1 (Labor relief to families who have sustained the Day), Avigdor’s Helping Hand plans to loss of their primary wage earner. host its Third Annual Labor Day Please join our community in sup- Barbecue to benefit orphans who porting this vital project by attending require financial assistance for mar- the Labor Day Barbecue on Monday, riage in the near future as well as fam- September 1, at 7:00 p.m. at the Moradi ilies who have recently suffered the residence, 72 Muriel Avenue in loss of a primary wage earner. Lawrence. Readers who would like to Avigdor’s Helping Hand was formed help Avigdor’s Helping Hand in any two years ago by the family and friends capacity, as well as anyone wishing to of Avigdor Glaser, z’l, after his untimely Members of the Glaser family for Avigdor’s Helping Hand: Sruli and Shandi Glaser, Yitty Glaser, make reservations or obtain additional petirah at the age of 30. Since its incep- Mrs. Tauba Birnbaum, Shmuly Glaser, Frumi Glaser, Atara and Moshe Perl, and Eli Glaser. information, should call 718-568-9720 tion, Avigdor’s Helping Hand has been or visit www.avigdorshelpinghand.org. able to assist over 120 families—more Tizku l’mitzvos! O than 40 families who have recently suffered the loss of a primary wage earner Touro College To Offer New Joint and more than 80 chassanim and kallos, B.S./M.S. Degree In Physician who, after tragically losing a parent, Assistant Studies needed financial assistance in making Touro College’s School of Health their weddings. In total, Avigdor’s Sciences will offer a joint bachelor of Helping Hand has given over $720,000 science/master of science degree in to these families in the course of twelve physician assistant studies beginning months, in an attempt to ease their dif- fall semester 2008. The new program, ficult situations. to be offered at the school’s midtown Avigdor’s Helping Hand has Manhattan campus, will reflect the rig- embarked on the mission of making the orous nature of the professional physi- wedding day for orphans as special as it cian assistant curriculum, which follows should be. Should a child who no longer a medical model, and will enhance the has a father or mother suffer the addi- AHH volunteers, (L-R) Dov Elias, Mikey Biderman, Daniel and Estie Wolfson, Mindy and professional status of its graduates. The tional pain of not being able to afford Shmuly Glaser. revised professional curriculum will walking down the aisle? Avigdor’s emphasize research, scholarship, clini- Helping Hand addresses this by provid- cal, and leadership skills. ing funds for qualified orphans, thereby Unfortunately, we hear of too many their loved one in addition to finding The non-traditional, intensive 32- helping to relieve the unfortunate stress young people passing away, with the themselves in a precarious financial sit- that can disrupt their happy occasion. spouse and children left with the loss of uation. Avigdor’s Helping Hand was Continued on Page 46

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 45 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Touro’s physician assistant program, Upgrading the professional program who they are. Takes place on Continued from Page 45 added, “Physician assistants have from an undergraduate to a graduate- Wednesdays. For further information, become key players in our health-care level curriculum reflects Touro College’s please contact Lisa Barnett (ext. 210) month program leads to a B.S. in system, as they expand and extend the continuing commitment to the field of or Chana Pfeifer (ext. 213). There will health sciences and an M.S. in physi- role of physicians at a lower cost. physician assistant education. O be no program on August 20. The cian assistant studies. The first 16 Working together, doctors and physi- August 27 program will include a trip months entails evening and weekend cian assistants can treat twice the A Selection Of JCC August to Eisenhower Park for a summer con- scheduling of coursework in the basic number of patients, many in under- Events And News cert. Stay tuned for more details. sciences, clinical medicine, behavioral served communities.” Adult Singles With Disabilities. On Cathy Byrne Delivers Keynote sciences, and research methodologies. In addition to serving the health- Sunday, August 17, 3:30–5:30 p.m. Speech at International Holocaust The following 12 months constitutes care needs of the people of New York there will be a barbecue at North Conference. Recognized as an innova- the clinical phase, which entails rota- State, graduates will be able to partici- Woodmere Park. Join in for an end of tor in the field of geriatric care for tions at sites such as hospitals, clinics, pate in research and scholarly endeav- summer, delicious barbecue with glatt Holocaust survivors, Cathy Byrne, and private practices, in a traditional ors and to make contributions in the kosher hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, M.S., R.N., director of older adult full-time format. The concluding four academic arena. The new curriculum soda, and more. The fee is $9 and reg- services at the JCC of the Greater Five months include both instructive and will replace the current B.S. in the istration is required in advance. On Towns, was the recent keynote speaker clinical coursework. physician assistant program, conclud- August 26, 7:00–9:00 p.m. “Sock Hop at a conference for social workers and “By elevating the level of education ing with the Class of 2010, which was to Disco,” will feature music from the program staff who work with to a master’s degree, we will be culti- admitted in fall 2007. ’50’s through ’70s in Cedarhurst Park. Holocaust survivors throughout North vating more sophisticated physician Touro College has been a leader in Bring a lawn chair or blanket and join and South America. The event was assistants with expanded skills. This physician assistant education since in for pizza and soda at a live concert sponsored by the Conference on will enable our graduates to better help 1972. In 1999, to broaden access to in Cedarhurst Park. Pre-show starts at Jewish Claims Against Germany. doctors and patients by making their health-care career opportunities, the 7:00, concert at 8:00. Registration is Addressing over 400 participants own contributions from a significant Manhattan campus physician assistant required in advance, and the fee is $5. that attended the conference, which scientific perspective,” said Dr. Joseph program was established, utilizing an Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) group was held at the Jewish Federation Weisberg, dean of the School of innovative, non-traditional format. Over at Sons of Israel in Woodmere. The goal building in Los Angeles, Ms. Byrne Health Sciences. the past eight years, this program has is to offer a safe haven where clients spoke about the needs of aging Dr. Nadja Graff, program director of earned a reputation for excellence. and family members feel accepted for Holocaust survivors and a treatment plan for those with dementia. “I focused on the need and benefits of social day-care,” said Ms. Byrne. “The Five Towns JCC has created several innovative programs to serve this treas- ured population and it is our responsibility as professionals to help them.” The JCC of the Greater Five Towns offers a number of highly acclaimed programs for Holocaust survivors which provide social and recreational activities, health monitoring, group

Cathy Byrne

therapy, short-term counseling, crisis intervention, home visits, and entitle- ment assistance. Through collabora- tion with South Nassau Communities Hospital Mental Health Counseling Center, the JCC also helps survivors cope with post-traumatic stress disor- der through group therapy sessions. In addition, there are programs that are aimed at the children of Holocaust survivors with the goal of providing support and tackling issues of mutual interest, as well as teaching future generations about the Holocaust. The Jewish Community Center of the Greater Five Towns serves the communities of Cedarhurst, East Rockaway, Far Rockaway, Hewlett, Inwood, Lawrence, Lynbrook, Malverne, Valley Stream, West Hempstead, and Woodmere. For more information, please contact the JCC at 516-569- 6733 or visit www.fivetownsjcc.org. O 46 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Dental Health Watch allow for highly accurate computer-sim- By Miles Yacker, D.D.S. ulated surgeries to be planned before Dental Implants and Their the actual implant surgery—allowing for Applications a safer, faster, and more accurate Most dental implants are made from implant procedure. titanium alloy and are designed in the shape of a screw. A local anesthetic is given for patient comfort and the dental implant is surgically placed. The implant serves as a foundation to support prosthetic replacement teeth. Before the modern era of implantology, if an individual would lose some or all of his teeth, either a removable or fixed (doesn’t come out of the mouth) prosthesis to replace the missing teeth would be fabricated. The fixed prosthesis would necessitate modifying natural teeth with dental drills and, in some cases, overstressing these teeth to gain support for the artificial teeth, or fabri- Patients often ask me, in my private cating a removable prosthesis that in office as well as at the university where I some instances required additional sup- teach: How long have implants been port that wasn’t available. around, and are they predictable? The With the advent of dental implants, answer to this question is that implantol- instead of utilizing surrounding teeth or ogy is not new. What is new is that the other oral structures alone, a significant technology and research have made this degree of support for the tooth replace- treatment modality highly predictable in ment prosthesis can be achieved. People most instances. A detailed diagnostic today can enjoy a higher level of com- workup is an essential step in the deliv- fort, confidence, and function than ever ery of quality implant dentistry care. Not before due to the many technological only can patients today enjoy the func- advancements in implantology. Today, tional benefits of implant dentistry, but with cone-beam computed tomography, they can also help preserve the support- which allows us to take detailed images ing bone via a dental implant. The nor- of the jaw bone structure with minimal mal loss of bone in the oral cavity after radiation (a safety feature for patients), tooth extraction via bone remodeling coupled with advanced interactive soft- appears to be slowed down when a ware, an entire surgical and prosthetic patient receives a dental implant. This is treatment plan can be formulated. These interactive software programs Continued on Page 49

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 47 The Message Of The Missing Spices

Reflections From Yet Another comforts our loss). Tishah B’Av Thus, when left pondering what the Reflecting on Tishah Ba’v 5768, I Havdalah of Tishah B’Av should have am left wondering why the normal looked like, I would have guessed that Havdalah routine was so awkwardly motzaei Shabbos should have had the thrown into disarray. Don’t get me fire and besamim, while the berachah wrong; it’s not that I have an insatiable and the drinking of the wine should yearning for the sweet melodies of the wait till Sunday night. However, this Havdalah. I just enjoy routine and was not the case. The halachah is that order, and this past Havdalah was simply chaos and confusion. But, before delving into Havdalah on Tishah B’Av, we must first under- For three weeks we stand the source of Havdalah on a normal motzaei Shabbos. We make a increased our mourning berachah on the flame because doing and when the Beis work on Shabbos is prohibited, and thus we symbolize that with this HaMikdash was burning Havdalah work is now permitted. We make a berachah over a cup of wine down, we reversed step because the rabbis said that all berachos should preferably be said over a and lightened up? Isn’t cup of wine. Finally, we smell the that the least bit odd? besamim, or spices, as a comfort for our lost neshamah. As the Gemara records, on Shabbos we are given an extra neshamah which joyfully lifts us on motzaei Shabbos there is only fire, up throughout Shabbos and sadly and on Sunday night there is only departs from us once Shabbos ends. wine; where are the besamim, though? The loss of our neshamah is offset by The Mishnah Berurah says that due the aroma of the besamim. Knowing to the sadness of Tishah B’Av, one is this, we can now understand and required to limit his physical pleas- explain why there is no fire at ures. The Gemara imposes on every Havdalah after yom tov (because cook- Jew five discomforts on Tishah B’Av; ing—a melachah—is permitted on yom however, it is incumbent on each Jew tov) and why there are no besamim on to extend those discomforts to other a motzaei Shabbos that is a yom tov (because the happiness of yom tov Continued on Page 50

48 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS money but squander it imme- exercise, healthy food, socialization; prioritizing; per- ly keeps in mind that knowledge Continued from Page 47 diately. You must then make patience, unconditional love, sonal hygiene; value of money and skills are not enough for use of your power of distribu- understanding, acceptance, and material things; first-aid; teaching; creativity, kindness another benefit dental implants tion, budgeting your income being positive, and learning the personal communication skills; and plenty of patience, as well offer. Bone grafting is also an for all your necessities. art of listening and body lan- healthy cooking and proper as enthusiasm and charisma, go area of intensive research and These principles will be guage all enhance one’s ability nutrition and use of vitamins; a long way when it comes to development for the patient taught in a creative way to the to learn and to perceive one’s hydrotherapy pool; animal ther- being a successful educator. who lacks an adequate quantity girls, by way of drama, fun, and environment. The school will apy; sewing and clothes design; The teaching will take place of bone for an implant. Today, challenges. They will learn to also emphasize learning that is how to save money; how to in a unique and revolutionary bone grafting may offer added solve problems and to handle fun and challenging; the mate- pray; family purity; modesty in way, using tools such as hands- advantages for the patient in their resources efficiently. rial will be taught enthusiasti- behavior and clothes; relax- on methods of sound, touch, need of implant therapy. As It will be emphasized that cally. The end result is to create ation; teaching a trade; and smell, sight, acting, and mirror- technology and research con- experiences are vital, and going a healthy, happy person—phys- poise and manners. ing; teaching deeply how to lis- tinue, new fields of study through the journey—not the ically and emotionally. In short, The school will employ a ten carefully and think clearly emerge—opening new oppor- actual destination—is the main a successful human being. highly professional, loving, using proper judgment in chal- tunities for the advancement in point. We are not in a race to To be more specific, the and patient staff, in addition lenging situations. oral health. get to the finish line. The girls unique program consists of to renowned behavior modifi- For further information or to Dr. Miles Yacker can be will be shown meaningful jour- self-discipline and self-control; cation specialists as well as schedule an interview, call reached at The Long Island neys, and through them they organization; goal-setting; con- top psychiatrists, psycholo- 011-972-52-5100766 (Israel) Center For Dental Specialties will absorb life lessons. sistency; commitment; self- gists, social workers, home- or Mrs. Wexelman at 1-718- in Lawrence at 516-239- How can one refine one’s esteem; acceptance of oneself; opaths, and other holistic 275-8000 (U.S.). Limited 7432. Dr. Yacker is a clinical senses, so that perceptions are patience; how to learn to listen treatment specialists. scholarships are available upon associate professor at the clear? Clean air, a good diet, carefully and hear correctly; The administration constant- request. (See ad, page 10.) O Ashman Department of Post Graduate Periodontology and Implant Dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry, a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics. He is also an inventor and lectures both nationally and interna- tionally to dentists on various fields and specialties in dentistry. He has a private practice in Lawrence. O

Life-Skills School In Israel For Teenage Girls A professional life-skills hands-on program in Israel will actively teach coping skills for Orthodox teenage girls who have learning disabilities and behavioral problems. The girls will be taught in a real-life setting to prepare them to survive the hectic world effectively as responsible adults. What is this unique school of life all about? It is about creating healthy girls, with healthy bodies, minds, and souls, through teaching by way of joy, creative expression, and hands-on life experiences. For example, let’s talk about money. Rebbi Nachman says one must use one’s same powers with money as one does with food. These powers are: acceptance, retention, digestion, distribution, and expulsion. When you eat, you make use of your power of acceptance; you also make use of your power of retention, hold- ing the food so it does not immediately leave your body. You then use your facility of digestion and distribution, delivering the food to all the limbs of the body. Following this, you make use of your power of expulsion, excreting the unusable portion of the food. All this is well known. Money requires these same powers. You must use your power of retention and not spend the money immediately—not like those who acquire 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 49 Message any aromatic spice. Perhaps we can HaMikdash was burning down, we However, when we see that our loving Continued from Page 48 say that just as yom tov is a comfort reversed step and actually lightened Father has mercifully decided to take for our neshamah, so too is Tishah up? Isn’t that the least bit odd? out retribution on stones and wood, facets of his life. Thus, even though B’Av. Now obviously there are great Imagine the following: You are a lit- instead of our bones and soul, we smelling the besamim is not one of the differences between any yom tov and tle child and your prized possession is begin to feel a little relieved. We real- five discomforts, it is not proper to be Tishah B’Av; one represents happi- a dollhouse. You play with this toy ize on Tishah B’Av that as long as we enjoying such a pleasant aroma. So, ness and joy, while the other is deso- house incessantly. Your loving parents are around, we have the chance to the Chofetz Chaim explains why the lation and mourning. So how could it have to pry you away from it because rebuild those shattered stones and besamim are left out of the Havdalah— be that Tishah B’Av is a comfort for they feel you have more important splintered wood back into a Temple of one cannot smell besamim on motzaei our neshamah? needs (like eating and sleeping). This love for our Father, for Hashem. Shabbos because of the severe pain of In order to answer this question, let dollhouse is your life. Until one day, It is for this reason that there were Tishah B’Av and the loss of our dear us first ask another question. Starting you do something so unthinkable, so no besamim in Havdalah this past Beis HaMikdash, and obviously there with Shivah Asar B’Tammuz, we slow- unimaginable—you curse your parents motzaei Shabbos. Not because of the is no point to smelling them on Sunday ly increase our customs of mourning. and spit in their faces. You dash into sadness, as the Chofetz Chaim points night because the extra neshamah left From the Three Weeks, to the Nine your room, hide under your covers, out; rather, it is based on the love. On already on motzaei Shabbos. Days, to the Shavua she’Chal Bo, cul- and pray—hoping your life won’t come yom tov, we gathered in the Beis The Magen Avraham, however, minating at Tishah B’Av, when we to an end, as you hear retribution HaMikdash to rejoice and reunite with seems to argue. He says that it is not actually sit on the floor like mourners knocking on your door. Those foot- our brethren and with our Father. prohibited to smell besamim on who have just lost a dear relative. steps seem to get louder as you hear Surely, being in the presence of Tishah B’Av, as the Gemara makes no However, at right about noon, we start your parents tip-toe into your room. Hashem is a much greater cause for mention of such a prohibition. to lessen the customs of mourning. We Your body begins to clench up in fear happiness than being granted a piece Further, the Gemara even discusses begin to sit on chairs, we put on tefill- of pain. You peer out from under the of an extra neshamah. Tishah B’Av potentially allowing one to taste food in, and certain melachos become per- covers and see your father’s unswerv- holds within it this same message. that will be eaten after the fast to mitted. What happens that leads to ing hand reach out. But, he’s not aim- Granted, we are sad about the loss of make sure it is ready. If the Gemara this alleviation? ing for you. He grasps the dollhouse our “dollhouse,” but more importantly could ponder allowing one to taste The question gets even better. The and calmly places it into the garbage. we reflect on and appreciate the love, food, how can it be said that smelling Gemara writes that had Rebbe Fast-forward 20 years. You are no mercy, and compassion our Father has something is assur? Yochanan been alive when the Beis longer resentful of your caring parents for each of us. The Magen Avraham leaves this HaMikdash was destroyed, he would for throwing out your precious doll- Is there a greater happiness than question without a solid answer. have decreed that we fast on the tenth house; rather, you shower them with knowing Hashem loves you and cares However, I would like to offer an of Av, because the burning of the Beis love because you realize they could about you? It is this message that explanation of my own. HaMikdash did not begin until the have done so much worse. lingers within me and that I felt As we mentioned earlier, when a ninth right before dark, and it contin- For three weeks we prepared to obliged to share with you. Hashem yom tov falls out on Sunday, there are ued to burn through the tenth. So, as mourn. But it is not the mourning for still loves us and, no matter how bad no besamim at the Havdalah on we were relaxing from our customs of the Beis HaMikdash that we were we are, He is standing there in the motzaei Shabbos. The lack of besamim mourning, the Beis HaMikdash had preparing for. It was the mourning for distance with arms wide open waiting is not due to the sadness of the yom actually begun to be destroyed. For the Jewish nation. We, as the Jewish for us to return. He is yearning to tov day; rather it is the happiness of three weeks we increased our mourn- nation, deserved to be destroyed by our give us a precious hug, a hug we can the day that takes the place of the ing to properly appreciate what it loving Father, Hashem, for the count- all relish. O besamim. Yom tov is a better comfort means to lose a Beis HaMikdash, and less crimes and atrocities we did to our loss of the extra neshamah than when the time comes that the Beis against Him and against each other. The author wishes to remain anonymous.

50 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

are being denigrated with claims of it answer as to why there are at-risk being a mitzvah. teens and why teens go off the Esther Mann, LMSW, in the same derech, because one size will never issue, addressed the internal conflict fit all. But then he goes on to blame of a young man who, while confined to the modern world, the TV monitor the yeshiva “fishbowl,” believed him- (forget about TV itself), PlayStation, self above outside influences, only to Xbox, and even going to ballgames. succumb when “released into the In other words, he is stating that all We Need Self-Control, If a boy comes from a TV-free wild.” He did not know how to deal of Modern Orthodox teenagers are at Not Brick Walls home, visits a friend with a DVD play- with the “big, bad world,” as he was risk and have a good chance of going Dear Editor, er, and slips on the banana peel of out- never taught how to in yeshiva. That is off the derech. This obviously In last week’s Five Towns Jewish side exposure, there is something lack- not the yeshiva’s responsibility. includes the Young Israel movement, Times, there was a letter by a boy, once ing in his upbringing. Watching a Educating the young about derech the Orthodox Union, and Yeshiva “at risk,” who attempted to explain movie does not snowball into drug and eretz, the ways of the world, is a University, along with Orthodox from where the problem arises. While alcohol abuse. We did not survive for parental province and predates yeshiva Zionism and all of the rabbis associ- I do agree that blame cannot be placed millennia by sealing ourselves off in education. Self-control is what should ated with the aforementioned. This upon the yeshivas, and that parents underground bunkers; rather, we bent set us apart from the outside world, also includes much of the yeshivish must certainly become more active, I to our surroundings in order to pre- not a brick wall. world. It is amazing how a 19-year- do not think that a “fishbowl” mentali- vent breakage. Sincerely, old person, with all of his worldly ty is the solution. The writer belittles underage ine- Lea Weiss experience (two years in Eretz A psychologist friend of the family briation by saying that playing the Yisrael!) can put down a whole seg- once said that “at risk” surfaces when worst video game out there is a thou- ment of the Orthodox population and a sensitive child is exposed to sand times more corruptible. What have it published in a respected hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is not “The rebbi does one have to do with the other? Don’t Blame The Modern World newspaper. said this while my parents do that.” Neither should be acceptable! One For Teens’ Behavior What is even more amazing is one Judaism is not a strictly black-and- shouldn’t be flippant about drunken- Dear Editor, sentence in his letter in which he white religion, as we have seen ness; it is a serious, non-Jewish pas- In last week’s letter by Harry Esen, throughout the centuries. Hypocrisy is time, and Purim and other holidays he states that he can’t give the Continued on Page 52 “My parents say this yet my parents do that.” If a child hears around the Shabbos table, “Everyone must be dan l’kaf zechus,” only to have the parents launch into a judgmental testimonial about their neighbor, the child hears. When a parent says, “Never embarrass someone,” yet abuses the clerk behind the store counter, the child sees. When a parent says, “Of course we have to be kind,” then sneers at the cleaning lady, a child observes. When a parent says, “You must respect me,” yet avoids visiting their elderly mother, the child notices. TV, movies, and PlayStation are products of an outside world. But they are part of a world that we cannot avoid or change, for it is everywhere, every time one goes to the office or goes shopping. As for corrupt values, we have been amongst them before. Jews have been around for a long, long, time, from Egypt to Babylon to Greece to Rome to … (shall I continue?) which weren’t exactly squeaky clean. And there is a vast difference between Super Mario and Grand Theft Auto. Parents, in terms of upbringing, can’t be expected to close out the world forever; it will always be there, for all of galus. But what about values that have dealt us well in the past— discipline, politeness, dignity, stead- fastness, or awareness? The generations of not so long ago displayed the qualities necessary for their children to receive the correct Jewish message. The “at risk” motivation of “enjoyment—and no one will stand in the way” is not a sudden spiritual crisis. It manifests over years, when self- satisfaction is encouraged amongst children. It is erroneous to equate the blood- fests of the ancient Roman “games” to going to Yankee Stadium. Yes, there may be salty language uttered by fans, but that is no different than the language spoken on the streets, by employers, by college classmates, even by some shul members. A fence is not a solution. Individual strength of purpose must be considered a priority of parents. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 51 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Continued from Page 51

states “…then why shouldn’t he talk to girls, or smoke up, or drink, or do anything else...” I would like to inform him that there is no issur in talking to a girl, neither halachically nor according to the secular government. Most of his parent’s generation met because they spoke to girls. I would like to know if he plans to get married (to a girl) and talk to his kallah before (and after) his marriage. What is Judaism coming to, if we can put talking to a girl in the same context as smoking, drinking, or anything else (that is wrong)? Sincerely, Mark Rubin

Candidate Obama Dear Editor, It is absolutely insane. The American people are getting ready hire a new president that doubles as commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Where are the criteria of who can and who cannot be considered for such a high position?The common practice of filling a vacant position in private establishments or filling a vacancy at a government agency is to submit a résumé listing previous jobs, positions, and accomplishments. When hiring a contractor, it is pru- dent to see the work done by the contractor on previous jobs. When hiring a housekeeper most jobs require, in addition to a résumé, references to prove one’s diligence, honesty, and trustworthiness. Barack Hussein Obama material- ized on the national scene as an unknown one-term senator from Illinois. He has no résumé and has accomplished nothing worthy of mentioning. One cannot deny his references from “illustrious personali- ties,” including his Pastor Jeremiah Wright, a bigoted clown with a big mouth that spews racial hate and anti-American lies. Senator Obama was a member of this church for some 20 years yet told us that he never heard the ugly dia- tribe coming from his pastor. Does he really believe that we the people are stupid enough to believe that? I understand that the anti-Semite Louis Farrakhan also supports Mr. Obama’s presidential quest for the White House. As for Farrakhan, books can be written with little substance and a lot of hate. I will not dignify this character by writing about him. Among Senator Obama’s references for the job he seeks, one can find Iraqis, Germans, Syrians, and a host of other despots that hate us, including the terrorists of Hamas. One of his supporting pillars in this election is a woman (his wife) that never was proud of the United States yet she too is promoting Mr. Obama for president of our beloved country. Aside from having a gift of gab, Mr. Obama has nothing to offer that will improve our way of life, and with a background like his, there is just no way Mr. Obama will get my vote. Sincerely, Joseph Ceder 52 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES German Death Camps, Not ‘Polish’ Dear Editor, I am sure that your refer- ence in last week’s article “March Of The Living: Honorary Co-chairs Named” to so-called “Polish death camps” in the first paragraph was inadvertent, but it is nev- ertheless incorrect and an insult to millions who died at the hands of the German administration that conceived, built, and operated the death camps on their own territory and on the Polish territory that they had conquered and occupied. To recognize that your blunder is not trivial, please review the statement issued by American Jewish Committee Executive Director David A. Harris on January 30, 2005, which reads, in part, “We would also like to remind those who are either unaware of the facts or careless in their choice of words, as has been the case with some media outlets, that Auschwitz- Birkenau and the other death camps, including Belzec, Chelmno, Majdanek, Sobibor, and Treblinka, were conceived, built, and operated by Nazi Germany and its allies. The camps were located in German-occupied Poland, the European country with by far the largest Jewish population, but they were most emphatically not ‘Polish camps.’ This is not a mere semantic matter. Historical integrity and accu- racy hang in the balance… Any misrepresentation of Poland’s role in the Second World War, whether inten- tional or accidental, would be most regrettable and therefore should not be left unchallenged.” Further, David Peleg, Ambassador of Israel to Poland, wrote in a letter to a newspaper: “We, being Jews and Israelis, with reject res- olutely terminology such as “Polish concentration camps.” These prejudicial and erroneous phrases rep- resent primarily testimony about ignorance and lack of understanding of fundamen- tal historical truth. Every thinking man knows that it was the Nazis who selected Poland for central site for dreadful genocide of exter- mination of European Jews. On the Polish soil the Germans built terrifying camps where they systemati- cally murdered 4.5 million Jews (including 3 million Polish Jews) and other nationalities including thousands of Poles.” John Halucha, Sault Ste. Marie, Canada 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 53 obsessive infatuation of gain- After a process of intro- money into changing behav- ing wealth. In a recession, spection, a person learns ior.” Money should be used as Dollars And Sense career changes become com- about their true talents and a vehicle of change for the monplace, since a person, for what job would give them good. Spending it on ameni- BY STEVEN GENACK tance of money and whether it the first time in his life, inves- genuine satisfaction. Bill ties is OK, except that it serves as their true source of tigates what he really loves. As Gates, who has a net worth of would be absurd to think that In a recession, people begin happiness. The dollar the wise Epictetus says, “First $58 billion and is ranked as amenities can change one’s to look within themselves. becomes less important than say to yourself what you the third wealthiest man in core values. Only once a per- The diminishing dollar forces the soul. In such times people would be, then do what you the world, has been quoted to son lives comfortably within people to evaluate the impor- often take a recess from their have to do.” say, “We’ve got to put a lot of his own skin and changes his behavior for the good can he spend his money wisely. Otherwise life is reduced to dollars and cents, not dollars and sense. These two issues—first of knowing who you are and second of using money as a vehicle of change—are addressed in Parashas Va’eschannan. The first theme (knowing who you are) relates to Moshe’s recounting of B’nei Yisrael’s experience of receiv- ing the Torah at Mount Chorev. The acceptance of the Torah at Mount Chorev was an awesome event that gave us immediate knowledge of our purpose. Once we knew our purpose, we could embark upon the essential goal of fulfilling the com- mandments of the Torah. We could say with surety that we knew who we were. The second theme (using money as an agent of change) can be understood from the portion of the Torah that discusses k’riyas Shema. The final words of the first line in k’riyas Shema say, “Love G-d with all your resources.” This is difficult to understand, because typically the Torah presents a series as a progres- sion from easiest to hardest. Here, the order is: Love G-d emotionally (“heart”), and even be willing to give up your life if necessary (“soul”), and even be willing to spend your money, too. Serving G-d with all your resources is so powerful that it trumps the emotional battle of dedicat- ing both inclinations to his service and dying to sanctify his name. Wealth is quite positive, since it enables one to help others. Those that use their wealth to help the poor will be blessed by G-d (Devarim 15:10, Yeshayahu 1:17–19, Mishlei 19:17). Wealth, peace, and long life are rewards from G-d for obeying G-d’s laws (Vayikra 26:3–13, Devarim 11:13–16, Devarim 25:15, Mishlei 22:4). Wealth is seen as “comely to the righteous and comely to the world” (Avos 6:8), and affluent people who used their possessions to help others were respected by the Talmudic sages (Eruvin 86a). There’s a well-known verse (Tehilim 89:3), “The world will be built with chesed.” Using this new para- digm—that one must know 54 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

who he is before he embarks on arguments for the sake of Heaven? spending the dollar and viewing • Heivanta davar mitoch davar? Did money as an agent of change—we you seek deeper meaning in life? can solve a question proposed by Tosefos asks a striking question. A Tosefos. The Talmud teaches us that Gemara in a different section of the when we die, we will meet G-d in the Talmud addresses the same issue but hereafter and be asked six questions gives a different ordering of the first about our life. two questions. The Gemara says that Rava, one of the great voices of the first a person will be asked about Talmud, declared that these would be whether he fixed time for study and the six questions (Shabbos 31a): second whether he faithfully engaged • Nasata v’natata be-emunah? Did in business practices. (In this Gemara you deal faithfully with people in your the first question relates to Torah business practices? study; in Shabbos 31a, the first ques- • Kavata itim la-Torah? Did you fix tion relates to business dealings.) time for study? I believe that the contradiction can • Asakta bifria ur’viah? Did you be solved by investigating the words invest in the continuity of the Jewish used by the Gemara itself (Shabbos people? 31a). Regarding the first question • Tzipita liyshuah? Did you live with about business, the Gemara in hope in your heart? • Pilpalta b’chochmah? Were your Continued on Page 56

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 55 Dollars And Sense The Gemara in Shabbos is exercise his larynx in order to versed in the Torah will have as an agent of change. He Continued from Page 55 referring to the questions that be respected by his peers. to answer to G-d whether he must set up a specific time will be asked to a talmid The other questioning earnestly, without any ulteri- to study. He must be creative Shabbos says “Nasata v’natata chacham, not a businessman. relates to what the business- or motives, engaged in the with his time and use it be-emunah.” In regard to the Therefore his line of ques- man will be asked upon study of Torah. He is on such properly. He must use his second question, about fixing tioning in Heaven will first money to help the poor and time to study, the Gemara relate to his business deal- support those who engage in says “kavata itim la-Torah.” ings. It would be unnecessary Torah study. The same words that are to first ask a talmid chacham In conclusion, if one understood to refer to busi- about whether he sets aside knows himself, he will plan ness can also refer to the time to learn Torah. It’s obvi- Wealth, peace, and long life judiciously and follow the study of Torah. All those who ous, since for him studying is correct path in serving G-d. have dedicated to learn the his trade. Therefore the ques- are rewards from G-d for He will gain satisfaction in Talmud on a full-time basis tion to the talmid chacham is his pursuits whether they are familiar with a term whether his nasata v’natata relate to spiritual endeavors known as shakla vetarya— (give and take—shakla obeying G-d’s laws. or monetary undertakings. meaning give and take. This vetarya) was done in earnest. Then, when one acquires refers to the give and take In essence, the question to money, he must use it as an that every student of the the talmid chacham is agent of change. He must Talmud must engage in to whether his debate and war of entrance to Heaven. The first a high level that he will be view it as a gift to help the pierce the veil of the words were expressed to solve question is appropriate: Did tested on the honesty of his poor, embolden the Talmudic Talmudic edifice. a Talmudic difficulty or to he set up a specific time to learning. Once a talmid scholar, or enrich the com- study Torah? It would be chacham realizes that the munity. It’s important to illogical to first ask him in the honesty of his nassata v’nata- know who you are and how area of business. His area of ta is being scrutinized by to use your money to bring expertise is in commerce. G-d, he can work on himself about change. Using this for- However, the challenge for and create a plan to fulfill mula, it can be said of you the businessman is to set spe- these duties properly. that you aren’t just about cific times for Torah study. The businessman is told dollars and cents but dollars In solving the question of that his money must be used and sense. O Tosefos, we come to understand the need to understand oneself and the way in which money must be used. A talmid chacham who is well-

56 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES having her sheitel cut to a new look. have noticed as I pass them on my way Upon arriving at the stylist she placed to the Shell or Sunoco station up the her sheitel on the counter and waited block that they appear to be busy. her turn. When her turn arrived she N NN picked up the sheitel from the counter Speaking of customer service… If and placed it on her head. Noticing that you’re like me (and why wouldn’t you she really didn’t like the way it looked be?), you hate with a passion having to she opted for an extremely drastic go to the Home Depot in Valley Stream. Cutting Costs that in the face of a $6.5 billion budget change which involved lots and lots of It is always an awful experience trying to deficit, the state legislature will also be cutting. Well, the new look was, shall we find someone in the aisle that you need If you are reading this column while examining ways of cutting expenditures. say, new. However, upon completion of help in. You ask the customer service standing, I suggest you sit down. If Families also seem to following this pat- the cut, it was noticed that her sheitel desk to page an employee to come to you’re driving, pull over. If you’re drink- tern of cutting, and according to many was still sitting on the counter and the your location. No one comes. Finally ing something, swallow first, because reports there will be a significant sheitel on her head actually belonged to you see a flash of an orange apron at the this is big news. In fact this may be the decrease in summer family vacations as someone else. Oops. I think that the end of the aisle, only to find he has dis- most important piece of news informa- a result of the economy. take-home lesson from this story is that appeared by the time you get there. tion to ever be published in this col- Finally tracking down an orange apron, umn. Nay, perhaps the biggest piece of you find out he doesn’t work in the sec- news information ever published in this tion that you need something from and fine paper. I am pretty sure I have the It appears that in the corporate world therefore is incapable of assisting or just exclusive on this one. Otherwise this is unwilling to even attempt to assist. And a tremendous amount of unnecessary after an hour, you find out that they hype. Well, either way, the news is that there is some sort of relationship don’t have the product that you want or our very own Starbucks on Central need, but they do have an excellent sale Avenue in Cedarhurst is one of the 600 between conducting ongoing on electric hedge trimmers. Yay! Starbucks stores nationwide slated for Great happiness and joy filled my closure. Despite a significant amount of business and profits. Go figure. heart when I noticed the sign on effort by your dedicated and mild-man- Rockaway Turnpike indicating that nered reporter, I have not yet been able Lowe’s home improvement will be to find out how Starbucks corporate opening a location in the Lawrence determined that our Starbucks should All this cutting reminds me of a story it is important to be sure that we are shopping plaza. If I never have to go be closed. On condition of anonymity, that happened right here in the greater careful with what we choose to cut. back to the Valley Stream Home one barista summed it up in one Rockaway/Five Towns area. Now, I’m no Which makes me wonder how the Depot, it will be too soon. (I never word—profits. expert in women’s hair accessories and Exxon station on the corner of really understood that phrase, but it It appears that in the corporate world products, but apparently after wearing a Rockaway Turnpike and Burnside seems to fit here.) there is some sort of relationship sheitel for many years, some women opt Avenue consistently charges 10 cents Anyway, Lowe’s is truly a nechamah between conducting ongoing business to cut their full-length sheitel into a more for a gallon of gas than a number for the suffering of Home Depot. and profits. Go figure. But this doesn’t shorter and more manageable pony-tail of stations just a few feet farther up That’s it for now—stay safe, etc., seem to be limited to the major corpora- sheitel. Apparently one such woman, the road. Perhaps they excel in the etc. O tions. Recently, New York State unhappy with the look of her sheitel, area of customer service and that justi- Eli Shapiro can be reached at his group “I love Governor David Paterson announced went to her stylist with the intention of fies the additional expense for many. I hock of the rock” on facebook.com.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 57 AskBY WARREN The LEVISensei

Does the color of your karate belt blossom, and bear fruit. have a symbolic meaning? Brown—Earth. The color of the The karate belt is used to hold the gi earth and of solidity. The brown belt (karate suit) closed and is also an indi- indicates one whose technique has cation of the level of skill and knowl- become competent and strong. edge of the karateka (karate student). Black—Strength. The fusion of all The color of the belt does indeed have the colors. The black belt indicates a symbolic meaning. one who has gained from all of the tri- White—Innocence. The beginner’s als and training and has grasped the color, the color of innocence. It sug- necessary skills to surpass the obsta- gests that one knows rather little of cles encountered in the first years of karate technique—your karate cup is karate. Black is also the color of night, empty. suggesting that the “daylight” (which Yellow—Light. The color of the began with the yellow belt) is over, that sun, of light, and of newfound riches. a new day is dawning, and a new jour- The yellow belt suggests that the ney has just begun! “light” has begun to shine, that under- In my karate school we teach that a standing and skill are dawning. “black belt is a white belt who never Green—Growth. The color of quit.” For additional information on growth, of grass, and of the forests. how to become a black belt, call 516- The green belt suggests one whose 569-0808. You can also visit www.war- learning and skills has started to grow, renlevikarate.com. O

That goodly mountain and the Levanon (Devarim 3:25) “The goodly mountain”—this is Jerusalem;“the Levanon”— this is the Holy Temple.

(Rashi)

58 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

himself again wandering between car- avans? I don’t know… ‘I Want To Ask Forgiveness’ I ask myself many times, How could we do such a thing? How is it possible A LETTER FROM A FEMALE ISRAELI SOLDIER to tear from their homes women and TRANSLATED BY TOBY KLEIN GREENWALD pidity and ignorance, for the fact that dropped out of schools, and many of children, men and youth, with such you spoke and explained and cried and the members of the community are cold-heartedness? How did my physi- August 6—To the people of Gush screamed and I didn’t listen, didn’t broken and depressed without income. cal hands obey the mind? Katif, I’m sorry that I evacuated you. even try to listen—locked in my opin- I know that this may be extreme, but I Perhaps the answer is—the I took families out of their homes for- ions and my viewpoint. feel that every broken home that was “Disengagement.” Disengagement ever, I put them on buses that took them Where is the mutual caring? not rebuilt, that every child that needs between the brain and the heart. It to nowhere. I sinned against them. I was educated in a school and in a psychological help, that every family appears that this plan was really named I remember every picture that I took youth movement where they taught us that was not financially rehabilitated— for the alienation that it will cause down from the walls of their homes in about mutual caring toward all parts of they are on my conscience. between those who carried it out, and Gush Katif. I remember every girl, the population. Where was this educa- How did I, as a little person who between the State of Israel and its values. every young woman and mother who I tion in the Disengagement? In the blind never built anything in my life, dare to I’m only 24, and already with a scar instructed to leave her home forever. obeying of an immoral command? come and destroy with my own hands like this. I understand that I was a Now, three years later, I, a soldier of I am not denying the responsibility entire lives that people built with such young and confused soldier, eager to the evacuation forces, was discharged for my actions, even though I did great labor? carry out orders, and when it was a long time ago from the IDF, but I still these things not as a private individ- Ethiopia, Kfar Darom. I remember over—months later—I was shattered. haven’t freed myself from the ual but as a representative of the gov- one Ethiopian family that I evacuated. We were all shattered. All of my Disengagement. Therefore I write my ernment of Israel. When I put the The father of the family gave candies friends, even my commanding officers, feelings today. evacuated residents on buses, I to his little daughter the entire time, were devastated there in the Gush. On the third anniversary of the believed that they had somewhere to to give to us, only in order that she not Only when I returned home and I evacuation of Gush Katif, I want to ask go. To my sorrow, today they can be be afraid of soldiers. He asked to began to absorb what I had done did I forgiveness. I am sorry that as a soldier defined as “refugees.” The govern- speak with us and to explain to us that allow myself to cry. in the Israel Defense Forces, I took an ment of Israel, the same government since he came from Ethiopia on So please forgive me. active part in removing Israeli citizens that sent me to take them away, forgot Operation Shlomo (Solomon), he Today, as a citizen, I see it as my from their homes. them—and its own values. wandered in Israel from one caravan duty to help you in any way that I can I want to ask forgiveness from you, I am ashamed that I did not check camp to another and only here, in to extract yourselves from the distress the families who were removed, forgive- out these things before the Kfar Darom, did he finally succeed in into which I, as a representative of the ness from the precious women who I, Disengagement, that I didn’t know establishing his family. He asked that state, have plunged you. I want to with my own hands, removed “with that my friends and I were putting we not remove him by force, that he strengthen you during the long and determination and sensitivity” [the them on buses to nowhere. Today the wanted to walk out on his own. He painful rehabilitation that was forced expression used by the Israeli govern- facts are clear. A very large percentage took the hand of his little daughter upon you. I am writing in order that no ment – TKG] from their homes, forgive- of the people removed from Gush Katif and his suitcase, but when he reached soldier will ever again agree to carry ness from the earth, the blossoming were not settled in permanent commu- the threshold of the door he collapsed out such a command in the future, a fields, the green lawns, and the homes nities, a very large number of them in tears and cries; he grabbed the command that is totally immoral. They filled with life, from whom her sons and needed then and still need now psy- doorpost and simply could not let go. always talk among us about humanism daughters were torn in one fell swoop. chological treatment and rehabilita- Where is he today? Has he overcome I want to ask forgiveness for my stu- tion, many families fell apart, children what we did to him? Has he found Continued on Page 60

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 59 Were Jewish Partisans Depicted In New tigated case,” the report concludes. Defiance remains to be seen. The Robert Bielski, Tuvia Bielski’s son, Variety story appeared briefly on the Hollywood Movie Murderers Or Heroes? said that his problem with the IPN magazine’s website but is no longer report and the subsequent Gazeta accessible because, according to the BY MARISSA BROSTOFF of history,” Tec said. Wyborcza article was twofold. “The publication’s editor, Dana Harris, it The controversy comes on the heels Bielskis were not in Naliboki in May of had not been properly edited. A new movie about a band of Jewish of a Lithuanian government investiga- ’43,” he said. “But,” he added, “even if As for the movie itself, shooting was partisans who fought the Nazis during tion into allegations that Jewish parti- it were true, which I know it’s not, the completed last year, before the IPN the Holocaust has led some in Poland sans committed war crimes during 128 people are in no way close to the released its report. Judging from the to suggest that the group may also World War II. That investigation has millions of people that the Polish peo- film’s trailer, there was no question in have been murderers. In anticipation been met with dismay on the part of ple herded towards the Germans so the minds of the filmmakers that Tuvia of the December release of Defiance Jewish communal leaders inside and they could be extinguished. I believe Bielski and his followers deserve to be starring Daniel Craig, a Polish newspa- outside Lithuania, who note that only it’s just a consistent Polish anti- celebrated. (Haaretz) O per ran an article headlined, “A three Lithuanians have ever been pros- Semitism and the Poles are sloughing Hollywood Movie About Heroes or ecuted for wartime crimes against Jews. off their own crimes of being an enemy Murderers?” The reinvestigation—or, as some of the Jews during World War II.” The article in Gazeta Wyborcza con- former partisans and historians claim, The IPN declined to comment on Forgiveness trasts the film’s portrayal of Tuvia the revision—of what happened in the the controversy, citing the ongoing Continued from Page 59 Bielski as a Moses figure leading town of Naliboki in May 1943 began nature of the investigation. But Piotr frightened women and children in 2001, when the massacre was first Gluchowski, the Gazeta Wyborcza toward our neighbors, the Arabs, but through the forest, with a recently being studied by the Institute of reporter who co-wrote the article on what about our neighbors, the Jews? released report from a Polish govern- National Remembrance, a Polish gov- the IPN report, was more forthcoming. Are we not one society that should ment investigative body. The govern- ernment agency known as IPN, that is Gluchowski wrote in an e-mail that he take care of all of its people? ment report suggests that Bielski and devoted to prosecuting “crimes against was sure the Bielski partisans were not I do not forgive myself. I hope that his followers may have participated in the Polish nation.” The agency’s involved in the massacre, but that, on you, dear evacuees, will forgive me. a massacre of civilians in the eastern report, which has thus far been limited the other hand, the IPN “are no ama- I hope that you understand why I Polish town of Naliboki. to a short brief released this year, teurs. This is a government organiza- don’t make my name public. I have The tarnishing of the Bielski parti- claims that on the morning of March tion, a very serious thing.” created an e-mail address and I will be sans has infuriated a number of people 8, 1943, Soviet partisans shot 128 According to both Gluchowski and happy to hear from you. O with historical ties to the group. Some civilians outside their homes. the detractors who found his article of those people have also been involved About two-thirds of the way in, the unsympathetic, the Bielskis are known The author, a member of a kibbutz who served as with the production of the movie, report brings up the Jewish partisans in Poland only to the extent that some a soldier in the Nahal brigade in the summer of 2005, worked at the evacuation of B’doloch and directed by Ed Zwick (Legends of the affiliated with Bielski and his three Polish nationalists have seized upon Kfar Darom. Her full name and her details are Fall, The Last Samurai). Nechama Tec, brothers, noting that though some the idea that a Jewish partisan group known to the editors of Ynet.co.il. The full version of the letter was read on August 6 on the who wrote the historical account of the accounts by witnesses and historians collaborated with the Soviets to kill show “Hitorerut” of Yedidya Meir on Radio Kol Bielski partisans on which the film is place the group at the scene of the Polish civilians. The IPN itself is cur- Hai. based, told the Forward that allegations attack, these accounts have not been rently dominated by members of The translator wrote extensively on the situation of Gush Katif both before and after the connecting the partisans to the mas- verified. “Therefore the fact of partici- Prawo i Sprawiedliwosc, a rightist Disengagement, and researched 15 reports on sacre were “total lies.” Those allega- pation of partisan soldiers of the Bielski party, Gluchowski said. the subsequent state of the communities that were used by the state comptroller, ministers, tions “underline the anti-Semitic ten- Unit in the attack on Naliboki village is Whether the debate over the Bielski Knesset members, and the media. She can be dencies of the writers and the distortion merely one of the versions of the inves- partisans will disrupt the reception of reached at [email protected]

60 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Wine, Louis Pasteur, and Halachah

Halachic Musings scribed. If we recall from our high forbidden wine uproots his soul from never enacted their prohibitions. Since B Y RABBI YAIR HOFFMAN school world literature class, the place that it was rooted in holiness cooked wine is highly uncommon, the Pontonous, the king’s squire in and loses his share in the World to enactment was never made. Is the Louis Pasteur (1822–1895), one of Homer’s Odyssey, “mixed the honey- Come.” This is also clearly indicated in Rosh’s explanation the authoritative the founders of microbiology, was a hearted wine, and served it to all. And the Zohar. The Chida writes (Shiurei halachic explanation? Does this French chemist responsible for they poured forth as a libation before Berachah 123:2) that the punishment leniency still apply? Also, how do we remarkable breakthroughs in the caus- the blessed gods that keep the heavens for violating the prohibition of stam define the term “cooked”? es and preventions of numerous dis- wide…” This is a classical example of yeinam is so severe the violator is rein- The Shulchan Aruch states that it is eases. He was best known for invent- what the Torah was discussing. The carnated as a jackass. (Clearly, a num- considered mevushal—cooked mishe- ing a process, called pasteurization, second prohibition involves rabbinical- ber of Israeli politicians were not care- hirtiach al gabei ha’eish—when it gets that increases shelf life and prevents hot on the fire. The Vilna Gaon seems milk and wine from causing disease. to understand these words as equiva- This process involves heating up the lent to yad soledes bo—when the hand liquid for the purpose of destroying becomes singed on account of the bacteria, protozoa, molds, and yeast How this information will affect sales is anyone’s guess. heat—as he references Rishonim that lurking in the liquid. There is a differ- derived these parameters from the ence between pasteurization and ster- Will wine sales go up, because so much wine will now cooking of liquids on Shabbos. Rav ilization, however. Moshe Feinstein, zt’l (Igros Moshe Sterilization is designed to kill all be rendered invalid? Or will sales go down, because peo- Yoreh Deah, Vol. II No. 52 and Vol. III microorganisms. The purpose of pas- No. 1) rules in accordance with this teurization is to reduce the number of ple don’t want the wine to become invalid? view, as does Rav Ovadiah Yoseph viable pathogens so that disease will (Yoreh Deah section of his Yabia be highly unlikely. Why not use steril- Omer, Vol. 8 No. 15.) This is the view ization? It all boils down to taste (pun, of the Rosh and the Geonim, too. The of course, intended). Sterilization ly forbidden wine. The rabbis forbade ful in the halachos of stam yeinam.) Shach (subparagraph 7), however, severely affects the taste and quality the consumption of wine that was But here we have an interesting excep- rules that the volume of wine must be of most foods. poured or touched by a gentile. (The tion. The Gemara (Avodah Zarah, 30a) detectably reduced on account of the How does pasteurization affect the majority of poskim hold that the reason quotes the opinion of Rava that the cooking process. He rules in accor- kashrus of wine? There are two prohi- for the prohibition was to prevent prohibition upon gentile wine does not dance with the view of the Rashba and bitions on wine: The first prohibition intermarriage; see for example Tosfos apply when the wine was previously the Ran in this regard. Rav Elyashiv involves biblically forbidden wine. The Avodah Zarah 29b “VeYayin.”) cooked. This is the halachah as codi- (Kovetz Teshuvos, Vol. I No. 76) rules Torah forbids the use of wine that was It is important to note that the rab- fied in the Yoreh Deah section of in accordance with the Shach, as does poured as a libation in the religious binic prohibition of stam yeinam is Shulchan Aruch (123:3). the Tzelemer Rav here in the United worship of foreign deities. The prohibi- indeed a serious one. Rabbi Ada The Rosh (in his halachos of tractate States. tion is quite strict in that any benefit Danziger writes (Chochmas Adam Klal Avodah Zarah 2:13) explains that when whatsoever from this wine is pro- 75:1), “One who drinks rabbinically a situation is uncommon, the rabbis Continued on Page 68

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 61 62 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Your Ad Could Be Here.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 63 SERVICES SERVICES PROVIDED PROVIDED

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64 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HELP HELP REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE WANTED WANTED FOR SALE FOR SALE

Assistant college grad, extremely Why beg to be noticed? organized, computer literate, experi- COME HOME to OCEANSIDE enced with Outlook, Hotmail, Excel and Where every family feels welcomed, Word for 2 busy executives in Lynbrook. connected and involved. Salary negotiable. E-mail [email protected] Beautiful, affordable homes as low as $400K Teacher — General Studies, Certified– Call Robert Manel at Hal Knopf Middle School, P.M. Session. Also seek- Realty 516-458-4847 ing Certified UPK Teacher, Full Day To enjoy a Shabbos in Oceanside and/or A.M. session in Modern Orthodox and see why so many young families Co-Ed Yeshiva. are buying homes here. Fax resume to 718-444-5851 Call David C. Welner 718-928-4775 Bnos Bais Yaakov’s Pre-school in Far Rockaway is looking for assistants who Law: Hi Ranch. Must see, 4br, 2.5bth, love working with children. Also looking fam rm, CAC, 2 car garage, large prop for subs. Please fax resume to 718-337- ...... $800sK 9160 - Attention Pre-school. Far Rockaway: 2 Family. All NU, TAG HS has an opening for a teacher of Ced: Nu2Mkt, 2Fam, 3br/3br, 2fpl, deck, 3 over 1 Bdrm, 3 full baths. Great American History. Applicant must have Web designer/Secretary all new, grt loc, full bsmt...... $795K Location ...... $599K Investment firm seeks motivated indi- a relevant degree and experience teach- Cedarhurst: CH col., new quality con- Call 516-322-3555 vidual to maintain our website, and help ing. Fax resumes: 718-327-2315 struction. 7 bedroom, 4.5 bths, den, LR, with some secretarial functions (answer e-mail: [email protected] DR, oversized gourmet, granite EIK, Woodmere/Cedarhurst Oppty! phones, bank deposits). E-mail resume 12,000 sq. ft. approx. 90’x150’, Colonial, [email protected] huge FDR, 9' ceiling, finished basement 17 rooms, full bsmt. with hi ceilings, or fax 516-374-8443 Experienced secretary wanted for elec- prime location. Asking ...... $1.25M clean 2 car garage plus storage, 6 space trical business in Hewlett area. F/T. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Looking for staff for exciting new "Last Hebrew speaking a plus. parking, 2 family, professional use, accountant, Esq., medical and/or educa- Hurrah!" Program in North Woodmere Fax resume to 516-812-7607 Kings Point Delray Beach condo for tional and religious uses. Grand colonial Join Ohel Bais Ezra's brand-new End of sale 1,100 sq. feet. 2 BR, 2 bths, new with charm and great possibilities. Summer Program in North Woodmere European kitchen and appliances, Available at once . . . $875K Negotiable serving children and young adults with updated bath, new carpets, 24-hour REAL ESTATE Owner 516-322-3555 developmental disabilities. Program guarded community. Golf, theater, dates are August 18- 28, including FOR SALE library ...... $199,999 Lawrence — 18 Berkley Place Sunday. Positions Available: Call 631-664-0075 Center hall col., 4 BR, 3 bths, stunning Counselors, Group Leaders, Adaptive cul-de-sac, best location ...... $850K Sports, Martial Arts, and Nurse. Send Call 516-902-0936 resume to Ohel Bais Ezra, phone 718-686-1350 ext. 7568, fax 718-853-5463 Attention: Large property, corner attention Na'ama, or e-mail Cedarhurst and Woodmere 150x100 apx. [email protected] 13 large rooms, 3 baths. Good for kindergarten, elementary school, yeshiva, synagogue, or other institution. Parking garage for 4 cars and 2 buses. Your Real Estate, Immediate. Reasonable. Service, or Owner 347-439-8234 N. Wdmr: Open House 1-3pm 6/22 732 University St...... $739K Help Wanted Ad Nu 2 Mkt, MIC, Deco Dream, Nu Granite EIK, Nu Bths, Wtrvu, 4 BR, 2.5 Here Bth, spa in yd. Every Thursday 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Far Rockaway: Coop, 3Br, 1Bth 100,000 readers Lr/Dr, Walk to All ...... $179K look forward to Call 516-322-3555 what’s happening in the North Woodmere (Sale-Rent) (Extended Woodmere 400). Price drasti- 5 Towns by reading cally reduced! 7BR, 3FBA, Finished Basement, Lg property 84x100, Walking The Five Towns to 4 shuls...... $639K Jewish Times. Call 917-238-0098

Far Rockaway: 2 Fam. All NU 3 over 3 Br. 4Fbth, Dr, Full bsmt Deadline is Monday All features ...... $779K at 5:00 p.m. Call 516-263-6417 Lawrence: OURS ONLY!! 1 Week ...... $35 BRICK, C/H COL, Stately BRICK, w/old world charm, Hi ceilings, 6Br, 4.5 2 Weeks ...... $60 BTHS, KOSHER Eik, LG. Lr W/FPL, Lg. FDR, Library, Fin. Bsmt., Lg 4 Weeks...... $100 Prop., WALK ALL. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710

Weekly Ads of up to 25 words Far Rockaway/Lawrence: House For Sale 2 BR/ 2 BA, Newly Renovated, Dead-end street, Price ...... $539K Call: 516-569-0502 Call Owner: 516-750-9257

Fax: 516-977-0608 West Lawrence — Best block. 5 BR ranch. Granite kitchen and bathroom, Or E-mail ads to: deck, finished basement, extras, large property. Mint. 917-847-7767 [email protected] Classified Ads are Include payment info. Continued on the Next Page. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 65 CLASSIFIED ADS REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Continued from Page 65 FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR RENT

Miami Beach — Tower 41. Ocean View. Woodmere — Open House, Sunday, 8/17 3 BR apt for rent. 2.5 bths, large EIK, REAL ESTATE 1 bdrm, 17th floor. Stunning. 11 AM-1 PM. 545 Clubhouse Drive LR/ DR, own driveway, front and back- FOR SALE 732-522-0813 Brand new construction in the heart of yard, large deck off kitchen, near all Woodmere Park. Contemporary style shuls, Reads Lane area. 516-643-9204 Lawrence — NU 2 Mkt. Col., Brk., home. 6 BR, 4 Bths, Radiant Heat, Alarms, Camera equipped, 85X100. Large property, near ALL, 5Br, 3.5Bth, Rockville Center — 3,500 sq ft, fully Luxurious apartments: Penthouse in Buyer has ability to customize interior wired for WEB, partitioned, will divide. Den, full bsmt ...... $1.9M Bucman, Modiin. 5 BR, balconies, before completion ...... $1.799M Call 516-322-3555 Shabbos elevator, 2 sinks, 2.5 bths. Call 516-322-3555 Woodmere Park — Brand new ...... $350K Mediterranean style construction. 6 BR, Hewlett — Col. MIC, 4br, 2bth, 2fpl, full West Hampton beach condo Dune Road Villa 6 BR, c/ac, parking, storage, back- 3 Full Bths, 91X100, Radiant heat, deck, wood flr, Lg. den. Walk to all. yard ...... $550K on beach, end unit, 2 floors, 2 br, 2 bths, Alarms , Camera equipped. Buyer has ...... $729K Call 718-471-8888 LR/DR combo, 4 decks, pool. . . . $849K ability to customize interior before com- 5 TOWN HOMES 516-322-3555 Call 516-785-5664 pletion ...... $1.799M North Woodmere — Relocating. New to Hewlett — Brand new construction, 5 Far Rockaway — Lg. Hse Rental: 4br, market. Expanded 5 BR, 2.5 bths, high Valley Stream: Nu 2 Mkt. Brick ranch, bedrms, 2.5 baths, office, wood flrs, 2bth, bsmt., hi-ceilings, NU bths, W\D. ranch, updated large rooms, all sys- great condition, quiet street. Nu EIK, CAC, Laundry room on 2nd flr . . $699K Call 516-322-3555 tems, large deck, parklike fenced yard, LR, Den, Lg Prop ...... $439K Woodmere — Sprawling ranch on deep property 4 bedrms, 3 baths, Master low taxes, near shuls ...... $619K For Rent ...... $2,500 Cedarhurst — House Rental; kit, den, suite, walk to all . . . . . $999K Reduced. Owner 516-791-2884 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 3br., 2.5 bth. bsmt ...... $2,400 Very motivated seller. Weissman Realty Group, LLC 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 516-791-6100 Far Rockaway — Walk-in Apt on Beach 9. Newly renovated. Close to syna- gogues ...... $675 including all FOR RENT Call 646-342-4030 or 718-350-6303

Bayswater — 1 BR apt, private house, washer/dryer, new kitchen, new appli- Cedarhurst — House Rental LR/FDR, ances, nice frum neighbors, private den, 3br, 2.5bth, Fin. Bsmt . . . . . $2,300 Call 516-322-3555 entrance. 516-374-3635

Beach 3rd — newly renovated, new Far Rockaway — 2 Huge Office Spaces. kitchen, 4 BR, 2.5 bths, big yard, drive- 6,000 and 2,500 Sq Ft. 2nd Floor. Near way, access to private beach . . . $2,500 Subway & LIRR. Build to Suit. Can be Call 718-782-7089 divided. Owner 917-359-9776

Yerushalayim – Rechavia/Shaarei Chesed Cedarhurst: Office rental: Executive 2 Spacious 2 BR apt, newly renovated, Bths, Fully Web wired, 1,250 sq. ft., available for weekly rental. Please call 845-517-4222 ext. 15 CAC. 5TGR 516-322-3555

66 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES FOR RENT FOR RENT

Miami Alexander Hotel — Short or long Ced. — 3+ br apt, 1.5 bth, lg FDR, new term rental. 2 BR, 2 bths, luxury, EIK, on quiet street, walk to all . . $2,200 Shabbos elevator, swimming pool, bal- N Wdm. — house rental. Hi-ranch in cony, parking, beachfront. MIC. 4 br, CAC, den, on quiet street. Call Zeev Kolman 212-245-1715 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 or 917-287-5858 Far Rockaway/West Lawrence — Far Rockaway — Apartment available. Apt and rooms for rent. Private house, Brand new construction. Furnished or good location, near Shor Yoshuv, syna- unfurnished. 3 BR, 2bths. Cleaning and gogues, yeshivos, and public transporta- laundry services available. Perfect for the elderly. Call Sherri 516-569-5450 tion. Good for office. Call 718-337-5753 or 347-263-4638 Lawrence — 18 Berkley Place Center hall col., 4 BR, 3 bths, stunning cul-de-sac, best location. $4K monthly LOST AND FOUND Call Irene 516-652-7099

House for rent. Den, LR, DR, kitchen, 3 BR, 1.5 bths, balcony, driveway and Honda minivan car keys left at garage, completely renovated, Beach 9 Bellyssima with Wheels to Lease key area. Call 718-846-7736 or 718-350-6303 tag. If yours, please call 516-374-2065

Woodmere/Cedarhurst — 1 BR available. Secure buildings, updated EIK, Shabbos elevator close to all and train MISCELLANEOUS station. Call Sherri 516-297-7995 Far Rockaway — 1 BR and 2 BR apartments. some balconies. New DIRECTV Free 4 Room System! All kitchens, lots of closets, 24 hr doorman, 265+ Channels Free 4 Months! 95 HD security cameras. Close to White Shul, Channels! Ends Soon, Ask How! Free Shor Yoshuv and train. DVR/HD! Packages Start $29.99/Month! Call Sherri 516-297-7995 No Start Costs! We're Local Installers! Heart of Far Rockaway — Brand new 1-800-973-9027 construction. 3/4 bedrooms, 2 full baths central air, laundry hook up, parking. No Rental Fee. Classified Ads are Call Avromy, 347-752-0948 Weissman Realty Group, LLC Continued on the Next Page. 516-791-6100

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 67 CLASSIFIED ADS Wine heated wine is recovered through Continued from Page 67 Continued from Page 61 sealed pipes. The taste, therefore, is And I beseeched G-d not significantly altered. So now we have defined the term Notwithstanding the fact that there at that time “cooked.” It is a debate between are many experts who can distinguish (Devarim 3:23) MISCELLANEOUS poskim as to the exact temperature; the tastes, Rav Shlomo Zalman according to the lenient opinion writes that the majority of wine Prayer is called by ten 175°F will suffice; according to the drinkers cannot. He, consequently, names: cry, howl, groan, stricter opinion the temperature is at ruled that pasteurization is not con- Ocean Corp. Houston, Texas. Train for song, encounter, stricture, New Career. Underwater Welder, boiling point. sidered “cooked,” but for different Commercial Diver, NDT/Weld Inspector. In modern times when cooked wine reasons than Rav Elyashiv. prostration, judgment, and Job placement and financial aid for is commonplace, does the Talmud’s Is it just gentile wine that is forbid- those who qualify, 1-800-321-0298. leniency still apply? Also, is pasteuriza- den? What about a Jew who has beseeching. tion to be considered equivalent to the turned his back on Judaism? This too [These synonyms for prayer Get A New Computer! Brand name, Talmud’s notion of “cooked wine?” Rav is the subject of debate. The Chasam Laptops & Desktops Bad or No Credit are derived from Sh’mos No Problem Smallest weekly payments Elyashiv is of the opinion that the Sofer (in his novellae to Yoreh Deah avail. Call NOW 1-800-840-5439 exception of cooked wine is no longer chapter 124) rules that the wine of a 2:23-24,Yirmiyah 7:16, applicable because most wines are Jew who has rejected his religion is Tehillim 18:6, Devarim 9:25, A New Computer Now! Brand name, now being cooked. In Koveitz Teshuvos not forbidden, since there is no pro- Bad or NO Credit No Problem Brand (1:75) he writes that the exception is hibition of intermarriage in such a Tehillim 106:30 and name Smallest weekly payments avail. Call NOW 1-800-804-6016 no longer valid. According to Rav case. He writes that Rabbi Caro did Devarim 3:23.] Elyashiv, housekeepers and waiters do not include a Jew who has rejected Free DIRECTV 4 Room System! All not mix with wine. Obviously, Rav his religion in the prohibition in (Midrash Rabbah) 265+ Channels Free 4 Months! 95 HD Moshe Feinstein disagreed. Shulchan Aruch, because in essence Channels! Ends Soon, Ask How! Free (How this information will affect it is permitted. On the other hand, Prayer is called by [thir- DVR/HD! Packages Start $29.99/Month! No Start Costs! We're Local Installers! sales is anyone’s guess. Will wine sales the Shach in the Nekudas haKeseph teen] names: cry, howl, 1-800-306-1953 go up, because so much wine will now in Yoreh Deah chapter 124 writes be rendered invalid? Or will sales go clearly that they are included. The groan, stricture, song, pros- down, because people don’t want the consensus of rabbinic thought is that tration, encounter, judg- For the next issue, wine to become invalid?) one can be lenient only in the follow- ment, entreaty, standing, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, zt”l ing three situations: Where darchei appeal, and beseeching. deadline for placing (Minchas Shlomo, Vol. 1, responsum shalom is involved, in a case of seri- 25) argues that pasteurization should ous monetary loss, or in a situation [The additional synonyms in a classified ad is not even be considered cooking at where Jewish outreach is involved. In all, since the taste is not significant- a nutshell, the microbiological devel- this Midrash are from Monday, August 18 ly changed. He cites the Rashba, opment of Louis Pasteur has given Bereishis 25:21,Tehillim Meiri, Sdei Chemed, and Kneses rise to a plethora of halachic thought 106:30, and Sh’mos 32:11] at 5:00 P.M. HaGedolah, who back up the idea and analysis. O that the leniency of cooking is based (Sifri) Call 516-569-0502 upon altered taste. The pasteuriza- The author can be reached at tion is a flash pasteurization and the [email protected].

68 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Breakfast Of Champions Photos By Ira Thomas Creations

More than 350 people attended the inaugural Priority-1 Legislative Breakfast on August 13 at the Lawrence Country Club. Top left (L–R): District 15 school board trustee Dr. Asher Mansdorf and school superintendent John Fitzsimons. Bottom left (L–R): Ezra Friedlander, Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz, Rabbi Shaya Cohen, Congressman Steve Israel, Israeli MK Meir Porush, Rabbi Yitzchok Knobel, and Rabbi Reuven Bernstein. Other participants included Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, Republican Majority Leader Dean Skelos, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, and MK Yoel Hasson.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 69 All’s All Right At Jewish Music Night

The summer concert series at Cedarhurst Park continued this past Tuesday night as the Neshoma Orchestra, featuring Shimon Kramer, played to an overflow crowd. Pictured above, concertgoers (Top row, L–R) Shimon Gross of Cedarhurst; Nesanel Feller of Lawrence with his son, Zevi; and Cedarhurst trustee Myrna Zisman, Cedarhurst Mayor Andrew Parisi, Jesse Mistero of Inwood, and Nassau County Supervisor Kate Murray. (Bottom row, L–R): Political activist Izzy Wasser of Cedarhurst; the 5TJT’s Esta Gordon and yoga master Andrew Kahn of Peaceful Presence Yoga of Cedarhurst; and a bunch of local kids singing and dancing on a beautiful summer night.

70 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES August 15, 2008 71 72 August 15, 2008 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES