The 5 Towns Jewish Times

$1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 7 NO. 5 12 CHESHVAN 5767 lk lk ,arp NOVEMBER 3, 2006 INSIDE FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK THE LIGHT AT THE Thanks, Teeth BY LARRY GORDON 26 END OF THE TUNNEL Hannah Reich Berman Talking With Gourmet Glatt MindBiz Esther Mann, LMSW 30 Dean Skelos vs. The Vaad Kashrus Square Rooted Rabbi Yair Hoffman 52 State Senator Dean Skelos At this point, most readers are knows the Five Towns, Long aware that last Friday afternoon Aliyah Chronicle Island, and most of New York the Vaad HaKashrus of the Five Shmuel Katz 55 State better than just about Towns withdrew its certification anyone. Next week he is once of Gourmet Glatt Food IDF Death In Gaza again up for reelection, this Emporium in Cedarhurst. The Amos Harel 76 time against a dynamic Demo- letter delivered to Gourmet Glatt cratic challenger, Lawrence (see page 12) informs the owners resident Odelia Goldberg. of Gourmet Glatt that because of While the polls are pre- a violation of a clause in their

Continued on Page 7 Continued on Page 10 WITHOUT HAPPINESS, WE’RE ALL ‘AT RISK’ PhotosByIraThomasCreations Mosholu Rebbe will be in the Five Towns next week. BY RABBI underlying problems, but See Page 50 Top: Rabbi Pesach Lerner delivering the daf shiur aboard the 7:49 a.m. SHAYA COHEN merely devastating symptoms Far Rockaway train to Penn Station. Standing next to him is Rabbi Eliezer of an inherent lack of happi- Cohen; seated are (aisle) Aryeh Markovich and (center) Rabbi Shmuel You’ve seen those aimless, ness—the common denomi- Bloom. Above: The daf participants on the Far Rockaway platform getting listless Jewish kids walking nator among children we call ready for their mobile Siyum HaShas. See More Photos, Page 23 the streets and avenues. “at risk.” What’s behind their anger? The shoresh (root) of the BY LARRY GORDON sometimes complex piece of Rebelliousness and hopeless- word “osher,” meaning “good Gemara in the time it takes to ness? Drugs? Alcohol? Add- fortune; advanced manifesta- The concept never ceases get from Far Rockaway to iction to pleasure? to amaze: a class in Talmud Pennsylvania Station—about Sorry. These are not the Continued on Page 13 that meets each and every 48 minutes. morning in the back of a train and manages to navigate a Continued on Page 14 Dov Schwell of OCS Jeanine Pirro Endorsed in Jerusalem. See Page 62 On Rabbinic ADOG’S LIFE Leadership: BY MICHELE A Response HERENSTEIN BY RABBI PINCHAS I decided to look up the CHATZINOFF word dog in the dictionary to see how one is described. The My esteemed colleague, exact definition is just what Rav Aryeh Zev Ginzberg, shli- you’d think: a four-legged ta, wrote beautifully in last domesticated animal related week’s issue of this publica- to the fox and the wolf. Maybe tion of the necessity for the the part about being related to community to trust in the the fox and the wolf is what Rabbi Joseph Singer, a’h. halachic decisions of its rab- has always freaked me out. I See Page 37 binic leadership. Rav Ginzberg mean, come on—foxes and The Far Rockaway Jewish Alliance announced its endorsement of the correctly identified a phenom- wolves are fearsome crea- CANDLE LIGHTING Republican candidate for New York State Attorney General, enon within our kehillos: peo- tures. But more interesting Nov. 3 – 4:31 PM Jeanine Pirro, the DA of Westchester County. Pictured above with Mrs. ple skeptically question the were all the added definitions Nov. 10 – 4:23 PM Pirro are alliance members (L–R) Avi Keilson, Richard Altabe, Boomie Pinter, Eli Shapiro, and Dr. Shmuel Reisbaum. See Page 43 Continued on Page 16 Continued on Page 18 2 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 3 4 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 5 6 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES FROM THE EDITOR - SKELOS Kanka in New Jersey, I worked very New York State. Inspector General to fight fraud at closely with Megan’s mom, Maureen, I’ve continually worked to strengthen every step in the billing process. Continued from Front Cover and Polly Klass’s father, Marc, to enact Megan’s Law by writing the Campus This year, I created the $25 million dicting a decisive victory for Mr. Megan’s Law in New York State. Registry and Workplace Registry laws, HELP program to make housing more Skelos, elected officials never take In 1999, I wrote the law eliminating expanding the list of registerable offens- affordable on Long Island and provid- anything for granted. the unfair commuter tax—saving Long es and, this year, creating lifetime regis- ed $60 million to build Long Island’s I met with Dean Skelos last week in Island commuters over $120 million tration for all level-two and level-three new state-of-the-art research centers his office in Rockville Centre, where he each year. offenders and doubling the registration in homeland security and alternative meets with constituents when he is not I led the effort to make college period for level-one offenders. These energy technology. in Albany. Skelos is well spoken and pos- tuition tax-deductible for all Long laws also authorize community notifica- I’m also proud of delivering record sesses an extremely thorough knowl- Island families, regardless of income tion of all offenders, preventing sexual state school aid for Long Island’s edge about a number of issues that or college choice, saved Nassau predators from living near schools and school districts, creating the STAR affect our communities. Our talk, which County from bankruptcy by delivering child care centers, and the posting of program, and providing every home- is excerpted below, lasted about an hour over $900 million in direct state aid information and photos for level-two and owner with a School Property Tax and covered a wide variety of topics: and assistance (including the law cre- level-three offenders on the Internet. Rebate check this fall. How long have you been in the State ating the Nassau Interim Finance This year, I delivered a new Empire Can you please describe your contri- Senate? Authority and $105 million in cash), Zone for Nassau County and wrote the butions to the Five Towns? I was elected to the State Assembly and developed a $75 million public- law eliminating the five-year statute of I’m proud of the funding I’ve deliv- in 1980. I lost my first bid for the State private investment in Nassau County’s limitations in cases of rape and violent ered for the Five Towns. As the Senate in 1982, but won in 1984. growing biotech economy. I also wrote sexual assault, and I wrote the Senate’s representative on the MTA For my first 10 years in the State new tax laws providing incentives to Medicaid Fraud Reform Act, creating Senate, I chaired the Senate’s Aging create high-paying technology jobs in an independent Office of Medicaid Continued on Page 8 Committee. In 1995, I was appointed Deputy Majority Leader. What are your most significant accomplishments? Early in my career, I wrote the law creating the state’s Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program (“EPIC”). Enacted in 1986, EPIC was the nation’s first program designed to lower the high cost of prescription drugs for seniors. Since then, I’ve worked to expand EPIC to include more middle-income seniors. EPIC has saved hundreds of thousands of seniors over a billion dollars on their medications. In 1994, I wrote one of the nation’s first sex-offender registration laws, which was passed by the Senate. Following the tragic death of Megan

P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 516-984-0079 [email protected] [email protected] LARRY GORDON Publisher/Editor ESTA J. GORDON Managing Editor YOSSI GORDON Director of Sales CHANA ROCHEL ROSS Editorial Assistant SIDI BARON, YAKOV SERLE, JERRY MARKOVITZ Sales Representatives SHMUEL GERBER Chief Copy Editor MICHELE JUSTIC Copy Editor CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Howard M. Adelsberg, Esq. Irwin Benjamin, Hannah Reich Berman Jamie Geller, Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg Yochanan Gordon, Michele Herenstein Rabbi Yair Hoffman, Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky Esther Mann, Rochelle Miller, Naomi Ross, Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, Eli Shapiro YOSEF BROWN MICHAL WEINSTEIN Staff Graphic Artists IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS Staff Photographers FRANKEL & CO., CREATIVE DESIGN LLC Design & Production TALIYE CORLEY Art Director

The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly newspaper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 7 FROM THE EDITOR - SKELOS elected officials and community leaders archives with $200,000 in state fund- lion in additional state school aid we Continued from Page 7 from New York State to Israel. In the ing each year. received this year. past, I traveled to Israel with the Jewish I’ve also provided funding for pro- I will fight any plan that reduces Capital Program Review Board, and Community Relations Council and to grams and organizations, including the Long Island’s share of state school aid Long Island’s only voice on this impor- the former Soviet Union with the Long Anti-Defamation League, AJC, and build upon the record state school tant panel, I’ve secured funding for Island Committee for Soviet Jewry. Conference of Jewish Organizations, aid increases we’ve enacted. new train stations (and surrounding Can you please describe your accom- KULANU, Hebrew Academy for In addition, I will work to increase improvements) in Cedarhurst and plishments that specifically benefit the Special Children, and Jewish Services the school property-tax rebate checks Hewlett and parking-lot renovations in Jewish community? for the Aged. that every homeowner received this Woodmere. I’ve provided hundreds of This year, I worked with local rabbis What are your priorities for the com- fall, provide parents more relief for thousands of dollars for the Central to write a new law enabling non-public ing year? their educational expenses, and con- Avenue Revitalization Project in schools to require prospective employ- High property taxes are the most tinue strengthening Megan’s Law. Cedarhurst and Lawrence and funding ees to submit fingerprints to the state significant challenge confronting Long I will also fight to provide fare relief for community organizations through- for criminal background checks and, Island. for LIRR commuters, continue my out the Five Towns. in September, I worked to improve Because school taxes are 65 percent fight against Medicaid fraud, and cre- One of my most meaningful grants security and police presence at area or more of our total property-tax bill, I ate more high-paying technology jobs preserved early-morning and late- synagogues and Jewish organizations will continue to protect Long Island’s on Long Island. afternoon bus service in the Hewlett- during the High Holy Days. share of state school aid. When people On the issues, what are the major dif- Woodmere School District. When the Recognizing the burden that educa- endorse the CFE court decision, they ferences between you and your opponent? District proposed the elimination of tion costs impose on families, I worked are endorsing a plan that sends 43% of She would eliminate the STAR pro- this service, I worked closely with com- with religious leaders to create the new Long Island’s new state school aid to gram and the new rebate check program munity leaders to provide the $35,000 Education Tax Credit—saving families New York City. that are providing some relief to proper- necessary to pay for these bus routes. of school-age children up to $330 per In the Five Towns, the Lawrence ty taxpayers. Her education plan would This preserved uninterrupted service child every year. School District and the Hewlett- redirect 43% of Long Island’s new state for those families who rely upon theses In the past, I led the effort to enact Woodmere School District would have school aid into New York City. buses to send their children to yeshiva. the Hate Crimes Law, imposing tough lost $105,494 and $18,073, respec- I’m opposed to these plans. Between Because of Federal Railroad penalties on those who commit crimes tively, in state school aid this year. This the $710 million we save through Administration regulations, train motivated by bigotry and intolerance, would have been an actual $123,567 STAR, the $215 million in rebate noise has become a significant issue the Workplace Religious Freedom Act, reduction in state aid from 2005-06. checks we received and the $60 mil- in the Five Towns. I successfully lob- and a law ensuring the quality of Instead, the Lawrence School lion in state school aid that her plan bied the LIRR to remove one train kosher food. District received $435,362 in new would have taken away from Long bell from the Cedarhurst station last To help address specific health con- state school aid, $101,331 in new Island, if she had her way, Long week and the federal government to cerns in the Jewish community, I deliv- High-Tax Aid and $1,067,772 in unre- Islanders would have paid about $1 cut in half the number of horn blasts ered $5 million to alleviate the cost of stricted capital funding. The Hewlett- billion more in property taxes this year. required at each station stop. In addi- expensive infertility treatments and Woodmere School District received Each year, I lead the fight in Albany tion, I’m working with the LIRR to $500,000 to offer specialized care for $51,121 in new state school aid, to stop those who want to take school permanently lower the decibel level Jewish children with eating disorders. $95,769 in High-Tax Aid and aid away from areas like the Five for its train horns. I also wrote laws expanding the $1,014,896 in Excel capital funding. Towns and send it to New York City. Could you please describe your trip to Center for Jewish History in Long Island-wide, Long Island They seem to forget that “high wealth” Israel last summer? Manhattan and providing this national would have received $80 million in areas like ours are also high-tax and Last summer, I led a delegation of repository for Jewish literature and new state aid, instead of the $157 mil- that we shouldn’t be required to pay

8 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES more than our fair share. While we differ on a number of issues, such as her support for a new state mandate that would increase housing density in our communities without any local input, the major difference is that I will always lead the fight to lower property taxes, protect our share of state school aid, and pre- serve our quality of life. ❖

Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at [email protected]. CALENDAR LUACH Nov. 3 – Nov. 11 ZIP Code: 11516

12 Cheshvan – Erev Shabbos Friday, November 3 Daf yomi: Beitzah 7 Z’manim*: Earliest tallis/tefillin: 5:32 am Sunrise: 6:28 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 8:26 am Gr’a 9:02 am Candle Lighting: 4:31 pm 13 Cheshvan – Shabbos Saturday, November 4 Shabbos Parashas Lech-Lecha Shabbos Ends**: 5:31 pm 72 min. 6:01 pm 19 Cheshvan – Erev Shabbos Friday, November 10 Daf yomi: Beitzah 14 Earliest tallis/tefillin: 5:40 am Sunrise: 6:36 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 8:31 am Gr’a 9:07 am Candle Lighting: 4:23 pm 20 Cheshvan – Shabbos Saturday, November 11 Shabbos Parashas Vayeira Shabbos Ends**: 5:24 pm 72 min. 5:53 pm * from MyZmanim.com ** add a few minutes for tosefos Shabbos according to your minhag Municipal Calendar For 5 Towns and NYC Tuesday, November 7 Election Day. Public schools – no classes. NYC: Alternate-side parking regulations suspended; other parking regulations remain in effect; no garbage collection. Friday, November 10 Veterans Day (observed). Lawrence public schools – no classes. Local post offices closed. NYC: Alternate-side parking regulations suspended; other parking regulations remain in effect; no garbage collection.

Because of an error, the ad for the HAFTR Early Childhood Open House was erroneously printed in last week’s issue. The event has been rescheduled for a later date. Please watch for future advertisements.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 9 FROM THE EDITOR - VAAD pit rabbis in the community would be able Orthodox Union and oversaw the OU cer- Bolender family, the owners of Gourmet Continued from Front Cover to disseminate the information to their tification at slaughterhouses and meat Glatt, was recently told by the Vaad that it congregants gathered in shul over Shabbos. plants around the United States before would like the family to sell the business contract, the Vaad would not be able to Over the last several weeks, Gourmet Glatt leaving in 1996 to build still-functioning by February 1, 2007; otherwise, the certi- continue kashrus supervision of the store. has been advertising in the local press that kashrus organizations in both Miami, fication would be withdrawn at that time. The Vaad letter cites the provision that con- they were to be endorsed for kashrus by two Florida and Mexico City, Mexico. The recruiting of Rabbi Kravitz by the tracting with an additional kashrus super- world famous certifiers—the Five Towns Information over the last several weeks supermarket is seen by the Vaad as an vising agency without prior consent of the Vaad and the newly hired K-1 Kashrus centered around the imminent withdrawal affront and a breaking of ranks with Vaad is not permissible. organization run by Rabbi Yehuda Kravitz of the Vaad’s endorsement of Gourmet Vaad-endorsed stores in the neighbor- The timing of the delivery of the letter to of Brooklyn, New York. Rabbi Kravitz is a Glatt. The pulling of the hashgachah was hood; and it is seen by the Bolenders as a Gourmet Glatt was apparently so that pul- former rabbinic coordinator at the not expected to take place so soon, as the move toward self-preservation, as they would be jeopardizing their business if the Vaad pulled out and they were left without supervision. An added dimension to this latest event is that two concessions—that are, in effect independent businesses—have been sorely impacted by the Vaad’s move. Ossie’s Fish, which functions in Brooklyn with three hashgachos (OU, Star-K, and Rav Yechiel Babad) main- tained a fourth hashgachah in Cedarhurst with the Five Towns Vaad. Ossie’s owner, Robbie Schonfeld, had decided not to open on Sunday until his relationship with the Vaad HaKashrus could be clari- fied, although Ossie’s itself is well-super- vised and is only physically located in Gourmet Glatt. Korn’s Bake Shop, on the other hand, decided to open as scheduled on Sunday morning and has remained open. At press time, a solution to the Ossie’s problem was being worked on, whereby all work on fresh fish would be done in Brooklyn and sold already pack- aged at their concession in Gourmet Glatt with Five Towns Vaad approval. Some of those involved said that no such plan had been proposed. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the still-unfolding events is the fashion in

10 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES which the news of the canceling of the cer- s”xc tification was delivered in congregations throughout the Five Towns and Far Rockaway. Most rabbis simply delivered the news straightforwardly from the pulpit on either Friday night or Shabbos morning, announcing that the Vaad had withdrawn its supervision, before going on to other communal announcements or the weekly sermon. Others seemed to go a step, or several steps, further, urging congregants to boycott the store completely. Some even went so far as to inform their members that while the store’s kashrus certificate had been revoked, there was no need to kasher utensils or to declare a fast day, as was done by some rabbis in Monsey after the Shevach Meats debacle was discovered at the end of the summer. Rabbi Yosef Eisen, the director of the Five Towns Vaad, related through an inter- mediary that he has been instructed by his directors not to speak to or answer questions from the press and was therefore not available for comment. Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg, the rav of Chofetz Chaim Torah Center (and a contributing editor for the Five Towns Jewish Times) and a prominent activist member of the Vaad responded to the question as to whether under any cir- cumstances there could be talks between the Vaad and Gourmet Glatt, saying: “There was much discussion amongst the rabbis in an attempt to avoid this situation, but previous suggestions made to Gourmet Glatt over an extended period of time were all turned aside by Gourmet Glatt.” He added that at some of the meetings as many as 50 community rabbis participated, and that the current policy enjoys the full support of the rabbis in the community. Rabbi Ginzberg said that at this point the only way he can see the Vaad going back into Gourmet Glatt is either with new ownership or a change in manage- ment. “There are many reliable kosher supermarkets where the owners are not necessarily also the day-to-day managers.” On the issue of the new hashgachah at the store, Rabbi Ginzberg said that the group feels that by coming into a community with an organized and efficient vaad hashgachah, Rabbi Kravitz has “demonstrated a blatant lack of respect for the rabbinical leadership as well as for the community.” As for the situation with Ossie’s and Korn’s bakery, Rabbi Ginzberg related that at the time that both companies opened their concessions in Gourmet Glatt they were told that there may be a problem in the near future with the hashgachah and that they should take that fact into consideration before opening. That assertion could not be corroborated by the parties involved, and, as of Wednesday evening, the Ossie’s Fish department at Gourmet Glatt was not open for business. While there is at this point in time a great deal of uncertainty about how the situation will ultimately be resolved, the sen- timent on some blogs has been somewhere between wild and out of control. One observer commented that the way people are behaving on one blog in particular—the Orthomom blog—seems to be “emotionally perverse.” The words with which the integrity of some of our kashrus personali- ties and rabbinical leaders are being vilified is beneath the dignity of any civilized community. On Tuesday night, the blog master at Orthomom asked those submitting com-

Continued on Page 12 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 11 FROM THE EDITOR - VAAD contained kitniyos. The Bolenders contend Continued from Page 11 that the order in question was supposed to be delivered after the holiday and that it ments to tone down the rhetoric or be sub- was nonetheless checked into the store by ject to having comments censored. the mashgiach on Pesach. What the pro- For now, there seem to be no less than ducer was doing delivering the said product three positions and directions that events on Pesach is another issue, for which no may follow in the days and weeks ahead. answers have, as of yet, been forthcoming. From the perspective of the Vaad, the hope So where does all of this leave us as con- is that the Bolenders will feel subdued and sumers and supporters of a strong and uni- agree to sell the business. At this juncture, fied Vaad HaKashrus? As of this week, the and after talking with Chaim and Andrea situation is still unfolding. Both the Vaad Bolender, they seem determined to make and the store want to see how shoppers will the new certification work and are indeed respond. Will they indeed stay away? And working on acquiring an additional super- will those who do stop shopping there be vising agency to work alongside Rabbi balanced out by those who begin to shop Kravitz. The third avenue is rapproche- there now, feeling that the store is being ment and the hope that the emotions will unfairly targeted over issues that do not for subside with the passage of time and that the most part deal with kashrus? some neutral broker will be able to inter- From the perspective of the Vaad, there vene in the dispute and bring the Vaad and had to be a strong and definitive stand Gourmet Glatt back together with some taken, so that kashrus in the Five Towns new set of safeguards and understandings does not become splintered—and, as a (though in view of the current positions, result, weakened and unreliable—as it is in that seems unlikely). some other communities. It would be nice Lost so far in the entire process is what if the parties could somehow get together, should be the main focus of all the interest- iron out their differences, and implement ed parties—and that is whether or not new policies and safeguards that would there were any substantive kashrus viola- make everyone involved comfortable. At tions committed by the store that would this time, it doesn’t look like either party is warrant the removal of the hashgachah. ready to give any ground or even back up an Some of the rabbis involved in the Vaad, inch and agree to a meeting without pre- who have not been authorized to comment conditions and without any promise of on behalf of the Vaad, have told the 5TJT progress. Right now it’s not a pretty situa- that there is a file of violations, including tion. There’s a lot of pain and bruised feel- the alleged mislabeling of a Cornish hen, ings on both sides. Hopefully someone will the placement of some products on store emerge shortly as a peacemaker or a deal- shelves that did not have acceptable inde- maker and help to alleviate what is not a pendent supervision, and the now-famous very good situation. ❖ acceptance of a meat order on Pesach with- Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at The letter circulated in the community announcing the withdrawl of the Kashrus certification at out the “P for Passover” marking and that [email protected]. Gourmet Glatt by the Five Towns Vaad.

12 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES We’re All ‘At Risk’ Continued from Front Cover tion of happiness,” is aleph-shin-reish or “asheir”—“validate.” In Lashon HaKodesh, the shoresh defines the essence of a word. Indeed, here, Hakadosh Baruch Hu, the architect of Lashon HaKodesh, hints at something of unfathomable value: validation is the root of happiness. If we feel validated—if our lives have validity—then we feel happy. Validation is the essence of the human spirit. A person who doesn’t feel validated sees little purpose in his or her existence. As a result, he or she senses a deep void. Ultimately, without intervention, this void gets filled with addictive substances, pleasure-seeking, and fierce rebellion.

For a child failing history or science, there’s always math. But if a child feels he is not good at being Jewish, where can he run?

Several occurrences predispose children toward feeling invalidated. Knowing what they are helps us recognize the risk and define solutions— before it’s too late. Learning disabilities. Children who have difficulty learning feel acute failure, which is excruciating and debili- tating. They stand out. They feel infe- rior. They feel no validity. Divorce, death, and family conflicts. Disrupting the sanctuary of the home leads to deep feelings of uncertainty, guilt, and invalidity. Questions such as “Why me?” or “Did I cause this?” can have devastating consequences on a child’s self-esteem, confidence, and personal validity. Psychological or medical issues. Children with psychological or medical issues (ADD and ADHD are common examples) are predisposed to behaviors that, if not addressed and treated early, may lead to chronic feelings of invalidity. Overly demanding, critical, or con- trolling parents and teachers. Children who are constantly criticized, corrected, and rebuked don’t feel secure or validated. Intense, unrelenting pressure. Parents or teachers who demand that children perform past their threshold of personal ability create a pressure- cooker environment, feelings of inade- quacy, and a predisposition to failure and invalidation. So how do you recognize problems early on? One clue is when a child is engaging in behaviors uncharacteristic of his or her age; such behaviors can be recognized as early as five years old. Crying, tantrums, and rebelliousness are the symptoms to look for. How do you prevent problems from

Continued on Page 15 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 13 HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE morning. The rear car of the the group’s inception. home, while you walk on the daf lecturers on the daily 7:49 a.m. train from Far Studying words and con- way, when you retire and trains into the city, studying Continued from Front Cover Rockaway chug-a-lugged its cepts of Torah is the fulfill- when you arise.” Clearly, the the daf with his traveling class Aryeh Markovich of way into the commercial cen- ment of a challenge we greatest difficulty in fulfilling has always been exciting and Lawrence introduced the idea ter of the greatest city in the received as a people from the this directive deals with how fulfilling. “Aside from the vital about 15 years ago. As an lessons and words of Torah, I owner of a printing company, think we are all aware that we he found himself sitting in the have taken something mun- relative comfort of the Long A shiur member borrowed a public-address system from B&H Photo dane and routine like a car of Island Rail Road traveling to a train and turned it into a the city during the week. for the event, which was used for concluding Tractate Sukkah and study hall for almost an hour a Most of the people around day,” he said. As the executive him were either reading the then to blast some music that accompanied the celebratory dancing director of the National morning paper with a cup of Council of Young Israel, Rabbi coffee or catching up on in the narrow aisles of the train. Lerner is additionally chal- much-needed sleep prior to lenged to maintain the conti- beginning the workday. nuity of the class because of Today, a decade and a half his heavy travel schedule. As a later, there have been two cel- world for another day of work Torah itself. We are told in the to study while, “you walk on result of that schedule, it is ebratory conclusions of the for the scores aboard the first paragraph of the Shema the way,” which today is trans- imperative that he have a study of all of the Talmud on Talmud car. Some of those to “Teach them thoroughly to lated into travel time. stand-in or two who can study the LIRR, the second one tak- present on the back car of this your children and speak of For Rabbi Pesach Lerner of the daily page of Talmud with ing place just this past Friday train have been there since them while you sit in your Far Rockaway, one of several the travelers if and when Rabbi Lerner cannot make it. One of the main understudies, so to speak, is Eliezer Cohen of Woodmere. For those who do not make the 7:49 a.m. train, there are two other shi- urim on board, given by Rabbi Shmuel Bloom, executive director of Agudath Israel of America, and Rabbi David Kadosh, a businessman who resides in Lawrence. Last Friday morning, the LIRR study group finished its last page of Talmud with the conclusion of Tractate Sukkah and immediately began the next volume of Beitzah. While approximately 25 people usually attend the daily lecture, on this day the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) arranged for the entire back car of the train to be dedicated to the exclusive use of the daf ceremonies. The LIRR also sent a representative from its marketing department to receive a plaque commemo- rating the 15 years of Talmud study on the LIRR. Several participants commented to a reporter that they are proud to be able to say that this was the second time they’ve completed the study of the full Talmud by studying during their morning commute. One member of the group reminisced about how it all got started with the request to the railroad authorities to be allowed to hold such a group. Since the MTA is government-run there were potential Constitutional issues dealing with the interaction between government and religion. This participant said that when notified, officials with the MTA asked one question—whether there was a plan to charge a fee for the class. Upon being informed that there was no fee, permis- sion was granted, and the rest is Talmudic history that has now begun its third cycle. On this festive Friday,

Continued on Page 16 14 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES We’re All ‘At Risk’ able” behavior. And when they do, Continued from Page 13 don’t criticize. Speak—without judgment—to explain your point of view, spiraling out of control? Seek, find, while showing respect, validating their and work with appropriate mental- feelings, and making them feel loved health professionals. Concurrently, and valued. seek, find, and work with appropriate Our experience with “at-risk” teens religious leaders. Why? Because chil- shows that these children do not feel val- dren feeling frustrated with their reli- idated; they do not feel happy. But we, as gious community suffer the ultimate parents and educators, can start making invalidation. After all, for a child fail- a difference by becoming educated. ing history or science, there’s always Just as young couples attend chasan math. But if a child feels he is not good and kallah classes before marriage, and at being Jewish, where can he run? just as expectant parents go to birthing This frustration ultimately becomes classes, we must popularize parenting rebellion and estrangement. classes for new Jewish parents. Conversely, a child who feels secure Priority-1 has developed a series of and satisfied with his home, family, courses that easily demonstrates how friends, and religious environment to implement the ideas contained won’t need or seek outside temptation. above. Through such lessons, parents Religion is a critical factor of happi- and teachers will have a chance to ness in Jewish children. Being part of a reduce the risk that we face—as Jews, meaningful system is the ultimate val- as parents, as teachers, and as individ- idation. Kids have to feel successful at uals. After all, if we can’t create happi- Yiddishkeit. They have to feel loved ness, then we are all truly at risk. ❖ and valued by Hashem. That is how they can feel ultimate validation. Rabbi Shaya Cohen is the rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Zichron Aryeh in Cedarhurst and the How do we help children feel con- founder and dean of Priority-1, a multifaceted nected to Hashem? Talk. Listen. educational movement that addresses the needs of youth at risk and whose mission is to unlock Answer questions. Identify the pres- the infinite potential of Jewish youth. He can be ence of Hashem in the world. Elevate contacted at 516-295-5700. the concept of hashgachah p’ratis. Rejoice in mitzvos. Demonstrate joy in being Jewish and serving Hashem. Deadline for Advertising Without these, children sense point- lessness and purposelessness to the in the Next Issue is whole religion—and invalidity. Monday, November 6 Listening to what goes on in their minds helps make them comfortable at 5:00 P.M. discussing how they feel even when Call 516-984-0079 their feelings deviate from “accept-

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 15 HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE Torah, the city represents so much of G-dly light was stored away for use in Rabbinical Leadership Continued from Page 14 the darkness and difficulty of this the future, during the Era of Continued from Front Cover world. That day after day the penetrat- Mashiach. there were at least 100 people in the ing brightness of Torah makes its way This also explains why the first was judgments of rabbanim on issues of rear car of the 7:49, and some even down those same loud and garbage- described as Day One instead of the halachah and communal matters— brought their families along to witness strewn tracks demonstrates the ability first day. Day One describes a state of most recently regarding the kashrus of this historic moment. A shiur member of Torah to bring a little of its illumina- complete oneness, where the full local establishments (some of which who works for B&H Photo and tion into what is literally and figurative- capacity of the new light shone in such have recently lost local Vaad Electronics borrowed a public-address ly a very thick darkness. And our rabbis a fashion so as to demonstrate that all HaKashrus supervision). Rav Ginzberg system from his employer for the tell us that, in essence, this is the very the manifestations of creation were defended the authority of the rab- event, which was used for concluding reason for creation itself—G-d’s desire indeed all-encompassing and truly one binate, and chastised those who are Tractate Sukkah and then to blast for a holy abode in a lowly material and unit. That light had to be decreased to uninitiated in the ways of p’sak some music that accompanied the cel- physical world, carved out and made make way for the free choice that halachah and question the motivation ebratory dancing in the narrow aisles holy by the Nation of Israel. would be installed in the soon-to-be- of rabbinic decisions by dismissing of the train. In a commentary on the very begin- created man. them as “just politics.” On the surface, it would seem that ning of Bereishis (Genesis), at the end It might be that the Friday-morning Much of what Rav Ginzberg wrote this daily Torah exercise is only an of the narrative about the creation of daf celebration aboard the train caught is true, but a much deeper analysis is opportunity for a couple of dozen peo- the first day, the Torah describes the a small glimpse of that future light. As called for. Why do people question ple to utilize what would otherwise be events as those that unfolded on “Day the train moved down the tracks, it the authority, accuracy, or even, chas useless downtime for something of One,” instead of on “the first day.” This occasionally swayed from side to side. v’shalom, the integrity of their rab- immense value. But on some levels, it variation may at first seem insignifi- Outside the windows on this rear car banim? Is this just part of the skepti- is indeed much greater than that. cant—perhaps even trivial—but it there was a swirling autumnal wind. cism of modern man? Is this a func- There is the important and even fasci- speaks volumes about the existence of People stood on street corners waiting tion of the yetzer ha’ra that propels nating matter here of Torah—the blue- the holy daf on a mundane inbound with their children for school buses, people to rebel against halachic print and guidebook of creation— train. We only understand this refer- others rushed to work, and drivers authorities or to snipe at their deci- being studied in the last car of a train ence on the second day of creation, searched for parking spaces. On some sion-making? All these may be factors making its way into the heart of a city where we are told that Hashem creat- of the rooftops that we passed, there in bringing about the phenomenon that represents the pinnacle of materi- ed the light and then he separated the was evidence of the newly arriving cold described by Rav Ginzberg. al indulgence, greed, and the need for light from the darkness. In the previ- weather in the form of thin sheets of What may also be true is that we, as the accumulation of wealth. New York ous pesukim, however, we are told that ice that had formed overnight. rabbanim in our community, could do City, for all its fame and greatness, darkness covered the earth and then Inside our car, there was the more to educate our kehillos about the stands at the summit of world atten- that Hashem created light, which warmth and joy that accompanies painstaking process that comprises our tion for all that emanates from its con- denotes that there already was a sepa- reaching a milestone in Torah study. As halachic decision-making. This would fines. Whether it’s Wall Street, the ration between the darkness and the the Kaddish was recited, proclaiming not only garner more respect for our Empire State Building, the United light. So, the question is, why the addi- the greatness of Hashem, and as the halachic decisions, but for our very Nations, or Ground Zero, the eyes of tional announcement that Hashem morning commute came to an end, it communal leadership, as well. the world are focused on this city separated lightness and darkness? became clear to everyone present that Certainly, our community is blessed around the clock, seven days a week. Rashi explains that the original light there was indeed a very special light at with many rabbanim who are talmidei For all its hustle and bustle and all was so revealing that it was too much the end of this tunnel. ❖ chachamim, erudite speakers, gifted that it has to offer for so many, in the for modern man to fathom, appreciate, Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at teachers, and organizational wizards. final analysis from the perspective of or absorb; as a result, the original [email protected]. Yet, we must confess that there are

16 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES areas in which we could be even more attention on these most critical mat- mity of the yeshiva tuition crisis? What bility, and loyalty in Jewish homes in exemplary in our leadership and guid- ters, but we must rally our kehillos and initiatives have been undertaken to our community. Have we applied the ance of our kehillos. If we could remind and encourage our people so address the effects of extreme financial great minds and hearts of our rabbinic accomplish this goal, then perhaps we that we can shepherd them to success- pressure and the consequent cracks in leadership to this modern doomsday could create a better environment of ful resolution. the armor of financial integrity of too weapon of the forces of evil? respect for our decisions and actions. One instance in which the road- many young families? Have we, the To be a spiritual leader, and not In the realm of halachah, we rab- blocks seem overwhelming has been rabbanim, done enough to champion just a clergyman, means to direct the banim have a continuing opportunity the recent effort to intensify the con- and support the fledgling efforts to lives of the kehillah toward spiritual to do more than just “get it right.” We trols and standardize the practices at save our youths at risk—not just at the goals. Enhanced emunah and bita- need to foster confidence in the certain local community facilities. schools, but on Central Avenue at mid- chon, tefillah, Torah study, and process by displaying for the halachic Rabbanim in the Five Towns have been night on motzaei Shabbos? These ques- chesed must be paramount in all our inquirer the sensitivity to all sides of in consultation on this vital issue since tions alone can leave rabbanim shak- lives; remodeling, building, expan- an issue that we surely have. A young sions, new cars, and vacations must ben Torah recently told me of a ques- be secondary. As rabbanim, we must tion he posed to a rav regarding the remind the members of our kehillos propriety of a certain delivery of When we rabbanim have exerted ourselves to the to ask themselves, before undertaking cooked fleishige food. The rav permit- any project that may consume time, ted the food, and when the ben Torah point of exhaustion in these true areas of energy, or money: “How will this asked the rav his reasoning, the rav enhance my avodas Hashem?” There told him that he had no time to is no rav in this community who does explain himself: “This is my p’sak; leadership, we will have dealt communal not ask it of himself, and thus, each take it or leave it!” No doubt that rav rav must show the way and be cre- was under the same excruciating time skepticism a great blow. ative and committed to directing each pressures we all face, but explana- of our baal habatim—each of our tions are a valuable part of the talmidim—on the path to a stronger process (even if deferred). Many of bond with our Father in Heaven. our community’s rabbanim use June, when there was a unanimous ing, and may fuel the fires of latent When we rabbanim have exerted halachic decision-making as a vehicle resolution that changes were needed. community skepticism. ourselves to the point of exhaustion in to show people great patience and Yet, almost five months later, no Some rabbanim also must find a these true areas of leadership, we will support, and that may be a model for changes have been made, as the way to bring their considerable talents have dealt communal skepticism a all of us to emulate when directing process has bogged down. Of course, to bear on a number of unspoken great blow, and, indeed, few skeptics our kehillos in halachah. to the uninformed and uninitiated, the crises, those great troubles that have will remain. When we invigorate our- More troubling, though, is the great delay may seem like mere politics. Not invaded so many of our community’s selves to complete an authentic com- challenge of leadership confronting only should we be conscious of the homes. So many in our community munal spiritual leadership, then we rabbanim, including many instances earnestness of our efforts, but also of are struggling with marital crises— will no longer have to puzzle over those in which our burning desire to tri- their appearance. even abusive situations—and would who question our authority or motiva- umph over these challenges still Many other obvious crises are welcome the Torah leadership that tions. Our leadership—at its most cre- comes up short. There are numerous enveloping the religious community of our rabbanim can provide. We have ative and transparent potency—reveals issues that are shaking our communi- the Five Towns, all in dire need of rab- now become painfully aware of the the purity of our motivations. ❖ ty. For a variety of reasons, we alone binic leadership. How have we guided devastations of online gambling and Rabbi Pinchas Chatzinoff is the mara d’asra of cannot dispose of them. We can focus our kehillos as they confront the enor- the Internet, eroding the sanctity, sta- the Tifereth Zvi minyan in Cedarhurst.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 17 A Dog’s Life With all that said, it must be good to Sometimes, I can’t even get a spot dogs in the United States, and dogs Continued from Front Cover be a dog. No, really; I kid you not. on the elevator because a dog (or two) bite more than 4.7 million people Dogs in Manhattan are treated really is taking up space. Who is leaving in annually. Of those, almost 800,000 of the use of dog in various forms. The well. At this point in my life, no one is the morning to go to work to make bites require medical attention. dog days of summer are the hottest waiting at home to see me at the end money to pay the rent, me or the dog? Getting bitten by a dog is the second days, when you just can’t stand it any- of the day. I have to feed, clothe, and Well, me, obviously, although some- most frequent cause of visits to emer- more and want to pull your hair out. entertain myself. But a dog owner is times I wonder. Sometimes while gency rooms. According to the U.S. Dog-eared is when the pages of a book crazy about seeing his/her dog. A dog is rushing to the subway to avoid arriving Postal Service, more than 2,800 mail are worn down. Dogfight is close com- looked after, fed, clothed, cuddled, late for work, there’s a guy walking carriers per year are bitten. What’s so bat between fighter and aircraft, or a taken care of, and really loved— four or five dogs, basically taking up interesting as to be scary is that the rough fight. Dogfish is a kind of small majority of dog attacks happen at shark. Doggerel is a poor or trivial home or in a familiar place. And, the verse. Dogbane is any of a genus of vast majority of biting dogs belong to mostly poisonous herbs with milky We can’t deny that we eat something the victim’s family or a friend. juice and often showy flowers. A doggy Ian Dunbar, a respected animal bag is the leftovers you take home from behaviorist, had this to say about dogs a restaurant. To be in the doghouse is with the same name as an animal people at a recent dog trainer’s conference: to be in disgrace, disfavor, or in trou- “When they’re upset, pissed off, or ble. And “go to the dogs,” or “gone to annoyed, they don’t call their the dogs,” is slang for “to be ruined.” profess to love and care for. lawyer…they bite. That’s what they These are pretty much all negative do.” He also said that about half of all connotations of the term dog. Then dogs will have an aggressive encounter there are the expressions that my fam- with humans in their lifetime. ily and friends use on a daily basis, unconditionally. There is definitely the entire sidewalk. I say “Excuse me,” Okay, I can attest to the aggressive such as, “I’m so hungry I could eat a something wrong with this picture. but there’s nowhere for the dog-walk- encounter part. Dogs have been chas- dog,” “I’m working like a dog,” “I’m Why are dogs in my building er to go. His priority is walking his ing me ever since I was old enough to tired like a dog,” “I’m sweating like a dressed ten times better than I am? I dogs and making sure they’re comfort- say the word dog. I’d look a dog in the dog,” saying to someone, “you dog,” couldn’t get a pretty skirt and sweater able. But hey, who’s making sure I’m eye, he’d look at me, and the chase etc. Again, none of these are particu- for the price of a fancy dog’s outfit in comfortable? would be on. I’ve never been bitten, larly flattering to a dog. NYC. I was in the elevator of my apart- While surfing the web, I came but I attribute that to my skills at out- Some movies have the word dog in ment building recently, when I said to across some “disturbing” tales of bad running and outmaneuvering the dogs their titles, such as Dog Day Afternoon a woman, “Nice sweater.” She looked dogs. John Grogan wrote a memoir that have been out to get me. And (1975), which is about a robbery that down at her dog’s sweater, and this year about his “feisty yellow believe me, there have been many. turns into a hostage situation, and responded, “Thank you.” I didn’t both- Labrador retriever who came into his And then people get to show off Wag the Dog (1997), which is about a er disabusing her of the notion that I life to terrorize and torment.” Movie their dogs at real live dog shows. How spin doctor and a Hollywood producer wasn’t praising her dog’s sweater. I rights to this dog’s life have been sold, crazy is that? Every year there’s a show who “join efforts to fabricate a war in honestly don’t understand why dogs and Grogan has a website where peo- at Madison Square Garden where dogs order to cover up a presidential sex are dressed, anyway. Where are they ple can post their “bad dog” stories. are rated. This year will be the scandal.” Why do movies with the going? On a date? To the movies? No, And boy, are there a lot of them. Westminster Kennel Club 131st word dog in their titles often have neg- they’re going to relieve themselves and I found some pretty alarming statis- ative connotations? then they’re going home again. tics about dogs. There are 65 million Continued on Page 22

18 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 19 20 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 21 A Dog’s Life What has this world come to when we name as an animal people profess to sure to be a jaw dropper. Years ago, Continued from Page 18 have lawyers who specialize in helping love and care for. friends of mine, Bob and Cindy, got a victims of dog bites? Phillips is in fact I can’t ignore the guys who say to dog and named him Fluffy. Whenever Annual All Breed Dog Show. Different the leading authority on dog-bite law. their friends, “She’s such a dog.” We Fluffy would see Bob, he would bark at breeds and varieties—165 of them—of He’s appeared on CNN, NBC, CBS, all know that this is not a compliment. him and then run and hide in a closet dogs will be judged on two consecutive ABC, MSNBC, Fox News, and Court To be called a dog does not mean or another room where Bob couldn’t nights. And yes, you have to actually TV, and he has been called “the dog- you’re beautiful. However, in today’s find him. This went on for years, pay to watch dogs being judged. I think bite king.” When we succumb to hav- society, if you’re called a “dawg,” where Fluffy wouldn’t go near Bob. I’ll pass, thanks very much. ing “dog-bite experts,” I think that you’re probably pretty cool. A testa- Bob and Cindy were told by friends to What about the fact that on the ’net means we, as people of this very great ment to this is Randy Jackson, a judge take Fluffy to a dog psychiatrist. I is an expert on dog-biting law? His country, are in very deep trouble. on TV’s highly rated show American know you’re waiting for me to tell you name is Kenneth Phillips, and he is an To top it all off, we “eat dogs.” Idol, who calls his favorite contestants that this isn’t true. Not gonna happen. attorney and the owner of the website Granted, they’re hot and we top them “dawgs.” We don’t really know what it Bob, Cindy, and Fluffy went to meet called “Dog Bite Law.” And yes, I am off with a liberal amount of mustard means, but we think it’s something the dog psychiatrist. “Dr. Dog” made totally serious. He represents only peo- and sauerkraut, but we can’t deny pretty good. recommendations for what Bob should ple who have been bitten by a dog. that we eat something with the same Still not shocked? Here’s one that’s do to cure Fluffy’s anxiety/fear of Bob. Uncomfortable with the doc’s suggestions, Bob paid the $50 fee and went home with Cindy and Fluffy. It took many more years before Fluffy became truly comfortable and happy with Bob, no thanks to “Dr. Dog.” Is there another animal word in the English language that has as colorful a history as dog? There are so many meanings, connotations, uses, and various forms of the term dog. But it seems to me that most are negative. Yes, I’m sure there are nice dogs. I’m sure there are friendly dogs. And I’m sure there are cute and cuddly dogs. But the dogs who have played a role in my life have been none of those things. Please, dog lovers, don’t attack me for the reality I am portraying. I just don’t want you to be one of those people who gets bitten by a family dog, has to be flown to the ER, prayed for by family, friends, and the entire Jewish community, and then has to hire a dog expert to sue for injuries (emotional, physical, and psychological). I would never want you, my readers, to be harmed. So go about your lives. But just remember: Dogs are everywhere—in our homes, on our streets, in dog shows, in movies, and in our food. Just be super vigilant and you should be okay. Good luck to you all, and I wish you a doggone good day. ❖

Michele Herenstein is a freelance journalist living and working in New York City. She can be reached at [email protected].

Not a thread nor a shoe-strap, nor I shall take anything that is yours (Bereishis 14:23)

In reward for Avraham’s saying,“Not a thread nor a shoe-strap,” his children merited two mitzvos: the thread of blue [in the tzitzis] and the strap of the tefillin.

(Talmud, Sotah 17a)

22 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Aboard The Daf Yomi Train Photos By Ira Thomas Creations

Standing (L-R): Mayer Fertig, newly appointed publisher and editor of the Jewish Star, and Larry Gordon of the 5TJT aboard the Daf Yomi train last Friday morning. The ride was a tax- deductible business expense for both.

LIRR Daf participants listen intently as Rabbi Pesach Lerner completes the study of Shas for the second time in 15 years.

Following the shiur, breakfast was served, courtesy of Silver Creek caterers.

Students and children of some of the participants joined in a special section of the Daf car to take part in the historic event. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 23 24 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 25 where none previously existed. And how to do the mouth-vacuum trick, everyone knows what happens to these but that’s no great loss, because, like open spaces. They fill in—with food! the tongue pointer, it doesn’t work. As a courtesy to my readers, I here- And the sound one makes while try- by warn those of you with a delicate ing the suction trick is not pretty. I constitution, or those of you who are have one friend whose adult children, faint of heart, not to continue reading should they be standing next to her this piece. While it’s not overly graph- when she does it, tell her to stop ic, there is just so much one can elim- making that awful noise. This pal is Thanks, Teeth inate when discussing the subject of too kind to respond but, when she dental problems and dental care. mentioned it to me, I thought to Once upon a time I looked forward food; my teeth are the problem. My new best friend is a little den- myself, “I’d tell my kids that if they to that gastronomic experience My choppers look okay, thanks to tal brush in a plastic holder. I never wait a few years, they’ll know what known as a kiddush. I still enjoy this my childhood orthodontist, who took leave home without it, just in case I I’m going through.” event, but I currently view it from a pains (and my father’s hard-earned should happen to consume so much Eventually most people give up on different perspective. For me, a kid- money) to align them, and to my cur- as a single morsel of food while on these useless gimmicks and seek out dush is now exclusively for socializ- rent dentist, who whitened them. the outside. I’ve learned the hard way a waitress to request a toothpick. If a ing. Fressing—or, to phrase it in a Between the braces and the bleaching, how uncomfortable it is to have any- waitress is nowhere to be found, more genteel fashion, noshing—is out I have a perfectly acceptable smile, if I thing wedged into a space between some folks resort to creativity. of the question. I pace myself, stroll They’re not necessarily discreet, around the room, and interact with mind you, but they are creative. I’m the other guests, all the while making referring to the enterprising souls a conscientious decision to go who employ all manner of objects in nowhere near the food-laden tables. Although my after-dinner nosh an effort to remove trapped food Why should I look at the food? It’s from a nesting place. When a tooth- not as though I can eat any of it. pick is unavailable, some folks have Some people are wary of these cock- was a piece of fruit, still I was been known to use a fingernail (an tail-hour-style scenarios because of unsightly scenario if ever there was dietary restrictions related to sugar, “punished” for it. one). Others opt for the corner of salt, and fat. While it’s true that I share the matchbook cover to try to dis- these same considerations, in the past lodge trapped food. On Shabbos and I tossed caution to the wind and Yom Tov (which is when most people enjoyed the food served at a kiddush. make a kiddush), matchbooks are a But those days are gone! Blood pres- do say so myself. Nevertheless there is teeth. The first time it happened I no-no, but a place card can get the sure, diabetes, and cholesterol are not a situation with my teeth, and that sit- tried turning my tongue into a point- job done. Matchbook cover or place the issues. Weight isn’t the considera- uation lies with newly acquired spaces. er in order to push the offending card, it doesn’t matter—an attractive tion either, since it’s unlikely that one Over time, teeth tend to disassociate material out. But that didn’t work. look it is not. Flossing is permitted can do much damage to a diet in a sin- themselves from one another. That is Next I tried creating a suction vacu- on Shabbos, but the floss has to be gle hour (an hour being the usual to say, they have a mind of their own as um in my mouth in the hope of get- precut, and most people don’t length of a kiddush). No, none of the they go their separate ways. Yes, sadly, ting the job done. There’s no way to above keeps me from enjoying the teeth shift and move, leaving openings adequately (or acceptably) describe Continued on Page 28

26 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 27 THAT’S THE WAY IT IS! souls retreated to the privacy of a after-dinner nosh was a piece of fruit, get it out, but nothing worked. The restroom to tend to oral needs. still I was “punished” for it. (Punish- tiny piece of floss, which by then had Continued from Page 26 Caution: If it’s a piece of dental floss ment was always a big thing in my shredded, wouldn’t budge, and, as remember to do it in advance. that you’re carrying and planning to house, so whenever something goes small as the piece was, it felt like Some of these tricks work, and oth- use, beware! The only thing worse wrong, I tend to view it in that vein.) there was a brick wedged in there. ers don’t, so it’s more sensible to than having food caught in between In any case, I ate the apple (like a bad Putting my embarrassment aside, I carry a small plastic toothpick, or the the teeth is having dental floss break girl), and although I flossed (like a called my dentist at his home and aforementioned dental brush in the off and get stuck in that spot. I know good girl), apparently the flossing did- begged for help. Chances are he was holder. Most people hate to leave the from whence I speak. n’t make up for the sin of late-night somewhat less than delighted to get a room during a kiddush, but it certain- It happened about 9 o’clock one eating. Whammo! The floss broke off phone call at home at 10:00 p.m., but ly would be a lot nicer if suffering night after snacking. Although my in my mouth. I tried for 30 minutes to he never let on. Instead, he responded politely, “Okay, Hannah, come on over to the house.” Possibly he had been in a similar fix himself at one time; dentists are not known to be immune to these things. Unless one has had this experience, one can’t possibly know the relief of having that tiny bit of material removed. As for those kiddushes, I remain vigilant. Since the likelihood of getting food caught in newly acquired spaces is ever present, it makes sense not to indulge. Abstention is a two- fold solution: it ensures that I’ll avoid discomfort and that I won’t have to be faced with the dilemma of how to take care of the problem. I’ve discovered that abstaining isn’t a bad thing. It makes me feel virtuous and gives me more time to walk around with a smile on my face, chat with old friends, and occasionally make some new ones. Looking at the situation in a positive light, my shifting teeth are indirectly responsible for an enhanced social life. ❖

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

28 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Dear Editor, keep the hechsher until January 31 I hate to disagree with Rabbi Aryeh and pull it on February 1? Zev Ginzberg, since we grew up as We live in a day when kashrus neighbors in Forest Hills. supervision has become a very prof- Nevertheless, his article “Rabbinic itable industry. One national company Leadership or Just Politics?” (Five put a hechsher on dog food, not real- Towns Jewish Times, October 27, izing that there are poor people who front cover) is against the thrust of eat dog food because it is cheaper. halachic reasoning of the past 1,500 Naturally, the meat in the dog food years. “Because we said so” is an was not kosher. Then there is the answer parents give small children, national company that put a hechsher not an answer for adults. Rabbi on rubbing alcohol. G-d forbid any- Ginzberg and I both have many vol- one should see the hechsher and drink umes of responsa in our homes (I am the alcohol—it is poisonous. And sure he has more than me) which what of the Monsey rabbi who put his would require much less space if the hechsher on the store that sold treif logic of the decision were omitted meat? Where was the outcry from the and the answer was given as yes or kashrus industry against him for sign- no, with the only justification being ing his name on a hechsher without “because I said so.” proper supervision? No one is criticizing the rabbis for If the rabbis, knowing that their offering their opinion, but a halachic words are being discounted as politi- decision must cite sources and logic, cal, have no better justification than or else it is mere opinion. I have no “because we say so,” they lend cre- expertise on what the specific prob- dence to the charge. Moshe Rabbeinu lem that Rabbi Ginzberg is referring spoke in the name of Hashem and to is, but if it is the issue that was brought miracles to back up his claim. written up in the Jewish Week, the Does the current generation say “Thus Vaad’s position makes no sense. If sayeth the L-rd!”? If they are not rely- there is a problem that requires the ing on halachic sources, then my opin- pulling of a hechsher, then pull the ion is as valid as theirs. I am entitled to hechsher. What conceivable halachic reasoning would go into a decision to Continued on Page 41

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 29 tant their concern is at times like friends and family have remained this—especially during the holidays steadfast in this support, but it sounds and Shabbosos during such a difficult as though the community at large transition. Any sincere overture would leaves much to be desired. be greatly appreciated. For those of you who have ever Anonymous uttered phrases like, “If there is anything I can do for you please let me Dear Anonymous, know,” or “Drop by anytime,” you Dear Esther, married men. Sometimes I feel like a Though you are not actually asking should know that it is almost insulting I moved to the Five Towns area pariah, even though I am told that a specific question or seeking advice, I to the person you say it to. Those types about six or seven years ago with my “there are a lot” of divorced men and am pleased to publish your letter of phrases are throwaways, meant to husband and children. It took me a women in our community. because I think that you make some cover yourself but, in essence, reflect- little while to find a shul in which I I would like to mention that, on the valuable points that need to be heard ing no desire to actually come through felt welcomed—a problem I had other hand, I have had an outpouring by the community and to be addressed. in any way. So don’t even bother. If you anticipated. After some searching, I of support from community leaders. First let me say that I’m sorry truly want to help a divorced woman finally found a shul in which I Several very important issues have you’ve had to go through what you’ve and her children, there are many con- became an active member and creat- crete things you can do for them. ed many friendships. Consider them before every Shabbos Unfortunately, a year ago we started and Yom Tov (and, frankly, whenever the very painful process of getting Sometimes I wonder whether women think possible). Think about whether they divorced. It has been a difficult and might want to hear kiddush or hav- contentious situation (which is not divorce is contagious in some way, as I’ve noticed dalah from a male. Do they have an the subject of this letter). As people in invitation for every meal? Be specific my community learned about the situ- that some women head for the hills when they when you invite them. Don’t offer ation, many offered their token sym- vague, open-ended invitations. pathies (“If there is anything I can do hear that someone is getting divorced. See if there is any way that you can for you please let me know…”), but as help with the children, since a single time has gone by, I have become very mother has her hands full. If you’re disappointed and hurt by people’s sen- running to Costco, for instance, check sitivities. I found over Yom Tov, espe- been raised, and the rabbis and been going through this past year, in with them in case they can use a few cially, that people who I considered schools I have needed have been won- and I hope that you find yourself in a things. Include these women in the friends did not even bother calling to derful in assisting me in whatever way happier, calmer place in the near same way you once did. True, their find out how I am faring in this situa- they could. I have been very grateful to future. I wish for you and your chil- marriage status has changed, but they tion. Especially with custody issues all who have helped me. It has really dren much success in whatever haven’t. If they were good company to involved, I am occasionally without made me proud of our greater Five awaits you down the road. G-d will- hang out with before the divorce, my children; I find that hardest. These Towns community leadership and of ing, the best is yet to come. chances are they are still good compa- are friends with whom I have being a resident here. I have also been Having said that, your present jour- ny. Perhaps you’re afraid they’ll sound exchanged meal invitations in the lucky to have a truly wonderful family ney could and should be easier if your too needy. Be grateful that it’s not you past, but now they shut me out when and some very close friends who have “friends” understood on a deeper level who is, for the moment, the needy I need them most. I even had some really been there to support me. what it really means to be a friend. I’m party. Basically, take the time to con- inappropriate attention from some Please let people know how impor- thrilled to hear that your closest sider what it might feel like to walk in

30 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES the shoes of a divorced woman and fig- ure out what you might need if you were that woman. Sometimes I wonder whether women think divorce is contagious in some way, as I’ve noticed that some women head for the hills when they hear that someone is getting divorced. Or perhaps there is a fear that one’s status might be impacted negatively if she is associated with a divorced individual. If either of these possibilities rings true for you, the reader, wake up! It’s time for a reality check and to get off your high horse and put another person’s sensitivities before your own. Regarding the “inappropriate attention from married men,” this is a scenario that I’ve heard mentioned before. Men, you know who you are. Shame on you! Get help. Hitting on a divorced woman is disgraceful on so many levels, it takes my breath away. I hope that I’ve managed to open up a few hearts and minds. If so, I have succeeded. In the meantime, I wish you much success and support as you navigate the challenging roads that lie ahead. You sound like an intelligent and wise woman. I hope that you find all that you are looking for and deserve. Esther

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

Go you from your land, from your birthplace and from your father's house, to the land, which I will show you (Bereishis12:1)

“From your land” — from your will (eretz, the Hebrew word for land, is etymologically related to the word ratzon—will). “From your birthplace” — from your emotional and behavioral self (which is the product of a person’s environment).“From your father's house” — from your intellect (In the terminology of Kabbalah, the intellect is referred to as the father within man, since it is the progenitor of, and authority over, his feelings and behavior patterns).

(The Chassidic Masters)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 31 It occurred to me recently that real-estate market. Many of them have when reading articles concerning real grown up in the area, have family in estate or mortgage financing, most of the area, and want to stay here. the subject material addresses private- The second category consists of home ownership as opposed to apart- buyers whose children are now out of ments. I therefore decided to take the house, who are ready to trade the some time this week to discuss the dif- large space of a house, with all of its ferent types of apartments buyers are required maintenance, for an apart- looking for and how they are financed. ment with low maintenance. This cat-

It can all be done to the owner’s needs and taste while creating additional value in the apartment.

Although in Manhattan there are egory might also include buyers who many types of apartments as well as now spend winters in the sun and many differences in what buyers are summers here in the north. They also looking for, I am going to focus more usually have children in the area and on what is going on in the Five want to be able to walk to them on Towns/Far Rockaway area. Shabbos and Yom Tov. In our community, buyers are more By purchasing an apartment, be it a or less divided into two categories. co-op or a condo, they are able to have The first category consists of young their own place as well as a real-estate couples or singles starting out who asset. An apartment owned is one that want to own something in the neigh- you can invest in and still enjoy. borhood as a hold on their place in the Whether it’s updating kitchens and

32 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES baths or installing closets, closet sys- and also is subject to the financial tems, carpentry, or other special detail- position of the entire co-operative ing, it can all be done to the owner’s project as well as the buyer’s personal needs and taste while creating addi- financial situation. tional value in the apartment, much Once buyers have filtered through the same way as in a house (but on a the different choices available—with smaller scale). co-ops and condos as well as mortgage Compare this to a rental apart- financing—and have realized owner- ment, where they are living in a space ship in an apartment, they have also that belongs to someone else. Most attained the “homeowner” status, the people do not want to invest their same as buyers of private homes. Now own money in a rental other than to they can enjoy full ownership of their paint or put down a piece of carpet- own space and decorate it or update ing. “Putting down roots” in a rental it—or do nothing but enjoy it to their unit is also an unknown in many hearts’ content. ❖ ways. Here are some questions you Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a might ask: “How long will I be able to licensed real estate broker (Anessa V Cohen stay here? Can I get a lease for longer Realty) and licensed N.Y.S. mortgage broker than one or two years? How much (A.C. Action Mortgage Corp.) with over 20 years of experience offering full-service residential and will the rent go up when my lease is commercial real-estate services and mortgage over?” These are all factors over services. She can be reached at 516-569-5007. Readers are encouraged to send any questions or which you may have no control. their own interesting anecdotes by e-mail to “What about the differences [email protected]. between apartments? Should I consider a co-op or a condominium (condo)?” A co-op tends to be cheaper than a condo, although a condo gives you an actual real-estate asset, WHAT’S YOUR as opposed to a co-op, which gives you an apartment as a benefit of the share you hold in the building (as in OPINION? shares you might own of a stock corporation) in the building. (Hence the WE WANT TO KNOW! name “co-operative.”) What about getting mortgaging on a co-op or a condominium? Condo E-MAIL US AT mortgaging is priced by lenders very similarly to that of one- or two-family [email protected] houses. Co-op mortgaging is a little more varied; it can be similar, but more often is slightly higher priced

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 33 grievously, and the wisdom of that gen- and swear by; the wiser ones among eration’s wise men was confused; them believed in the stars and constel- Enosh himself was among those who lations that these images represented; erred. Their error lay in that they but none recognized or even knew of believed that it would be pleasing to the Creator except for rare individuals G-d if they were to venerate the forces such as Chanoch, Mesushelach, of nature which serve Him, as a king Noach, Shem, and Eiver. And so the desires that his ministers and servants world turned until the pillar of the uni- be venerated. Soon they were erecting verse, Avraham Avinu, was born.” From The Chassidic Masters temples and altars to the sun and the “No sooner was he weaned—and he stars, offering sacrifices and hymns of was but a small child—that his mind praise to them, believing all this to be began to seek and wonder: How do the History Of Monotheism the will of G-d.” heavenly bodies orbit without a mov- In later generations, Rambam con- ing force? Who moves them? They tinues, “there arose false cannot move themselves! Immersed The essence of Judaism is the belief (Maimonides) in his Mishneh Torah,in prophets…and other charlatans who amongst the foolish idol-worshippers in the One G-d. Indeed, all monothe- a 12-chapter section entitled “Laws claimed to have received communica- of Ur Casdim, he had no one to teach istic faiths trace their origin to Concerning Idolatry and its Customs,” tions from the various heavenly bodies him anything; his father, mother, and Avraham, the discoverer (or re-discov- where he defines idolatry and examines as to how they are to be served and countrymen, and he amongst them, all erer) of this truth. the various forms of idol-worship and its which images are to represent them. worshipped idols. But his heart The Jewish belief in G-d is accompanying practices, the penalties As the years went by, the venerable and sought, and came to know that there is expressed in the first two of the Ten one G-d… who created all and that in Commandments. The first affirms the all existence there is none other than truth of His being. The second is the He. [Avraham] came to know that the complement to the first—the disavow- entire world erred… al of idolatry. Idolatry is not necessari- It is a faith implanted in the core “At the age of 40, Avraham recog- ly a lack of belief in G-d; indeed, the nized his Creator… He began to debate second of the Ten Commandments of our souls, which endures also with the people of Ur Casdim… He begins, “You shall have no other gods smashed the idols, and began to teach before Me…” Rather, idolatry also the people that it is only fitting to serve includes any denial of G-d’s oneness— when logic ceases to function. the one G-d… He continued to call in his absolute singularity, unity, and a great voice to the world, teaching exclusiveness of being. To ascribe any them that there is one G-d for the divisions or compartmentalizations to entire universe, and that Him alone is it the Divine being, or to believe that G-d they carry, the status of an idolator, etc. awesome name of G-d was forgotten fitting to serve. He carried his call from has any partners or intermediaries in In the first of these chapters, from the lips and minds of humanity; city to city and from kingdom to king- His creation and sustenance of the Rambam outlines the history of man’s no longer were they aware of Him at dom… Many gathered to ask about his universe, is to transgress the prohibi- recognition of the truth of the One all. The common folk knew only the words, and he would explain to each tion of idolatry. G-d: Originally, man knew his Maker, wood or stone image in its stone tem- according to his understanding until he The particulars of the laws of idolatry but “in the generation of Enosh ple which they had been trained from had shown him the path of truth. are spelled out by Rambam (Adam’s grandson), humanity erred childhood to bow down to and serve Thousands and then tens of thousands

34 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES joined him…and he implanted this great principle in their heart and wrote many books on it. After Avraham’s passing, Yitzchak, and then Yaakov, continued his work, until Yaakov’s descendants, and those who joined them, formed a nation that knew G-d. “However, when the People of Israel dwelled in Egypt for many years, they regressed to learn from the behavior of the Egyptians and to worship idols with them…just a little longer, and the great principle implanted by Avraham would have been uprooted, and the descendants of Yaakov would have reverted to the error of humanity and their contorted ways. But out of G-d’s love to us, and His keeping of the oath He made to Avraham…G-d chose Israel as His, crowned them with mitzvos, and instructed them the way in which to serve Him, and the laws concerning idolatry and those who err with it.”

History As Law Thus Rambam concludes the first chapter of “Laws Concerning Idolatry.” In the next 11 chapters, he proceeds to spell out the legal particulars of “idolatry and those who err with it.” The Mishneh Torah is a purely halachic, or legal, work. On the rare occasions on which Rambam digresses with a historical fact or a philo- sophical insight, it is always revealed, upon closer exami- nation, to be a legally instruc- tive point. The same is true of the opening chapter of “Laws Concerning Idolatry”: every detail of this lengthy history is a halachah, a crucial component of the Torah’s prohibition of idolatry. In this essay, we will dwell on two of the important points that Rambam is making in this chapter. Rambam’s first point is that idolatry is not only a religious sin, but also a rational error. Enosh’s generation “erred grievously and the wisdom of that generation’s wise men was confused”; humanity was deceived by false prophets and charlatans. Avraham arrived at the truth of G-d’s oneness not by Divine revelation or supernatural powers, but in a process by which “his mind began to seek and wonder…until he comprehended the truth and understood the righteous path by his sound wisdom.” He gained adher- ents to his faith not by working wonders or prophesying in the name of G-d, but by explaining to each according to his understanding, until he had shown him the path of truth. Rambam does not men-

Continued on Page 36 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 35 INSIGHTS ON THE TORAH commentaries suggest, there is no con- form a life, convince thousands, and ond of the Ten Commandments obli- tradiction between these accounts— found a nation. But it is only as strong gates the Jew that his mind, not only Continued from Page 35 each represents another level of recog- as the human self of which it springs. his convictions, should negate the pos- tion G-d’s many revelations to nition achieved by Avraham; indeed, It can be distorted and suppressed by sibility of other gods. He must not only Avraham (see Bereishis 12:1, 12:7, Rambam himself informs us that his the tribulations of life: break the per- accept that this is so, but also compre- 15:1–21, et al.); he also makes no quest began “soon after he was son, and you have invalidated his or hend that, rationally, it cannot be oth- mention of the many prophesies and weaned, and he was but a small child.” her ideas. The exile and hardship expe- erwise. Every Jew is commanded to miracles that accompanied the devel- Why, then, does Rambam choose to rienced by the Israelites in Egypt develop the recognition of Divine truth opment of the nation that knew G-d in speak particularly of the recognition almost destroyed the nation that knew attained by Avraham—a recognition so its formative years. For even if none of Avraham attained at age 40? Indeed, of G-d. If G-d had not revealed Himself absolute that it can, by the force of rea- this had come to pass, man could still what halachic significance is to us at Sinai, the great principle son alone, dispel a universally have come to recognize the oneness of Avraham’s age at all? But Rambam implanted by Avraham would have entrenched doctrine and convince G-d—and would have been expected wishes to again underscore that been uprooted. thousands to transform their lives. to do so. Idolatry is irrational; man, Avraham’s refutation of idolatry was a On the other hand, a person might using nothing more than his capacity rational one. Forty is described by our Mind And More take this to the other extreme, and say: to reason, can discern its fallacy and sages as “the age of understanding”— In the first chapter of “Laws “The oneness of G-d is not a matter of discover the truth. the point at which a person’s cognitive Concerning Idolatry,” Rambam is faith, it’s a fact. The nature of reality (This is also emphasized by powers attain full maturity. Thus, the instructing us how the mitzvah “You attests to it—I can prove it to anyone. Rambam’s statement that “At the age level of discovery Avraham achieved at shall have no other gods before Me” is It is the revelation at Sinai that is irrel- of 40, Avraham recognized his age 40 represents his ultimate under- to be observed. evant. Monotheism is a rational truth, Creator.” There exist several accounts standing of the Divine truth.) It is not enough to say: “G-d supported by irrefutable arguments.” as to the year of Avraham’s discovery. On the other hand, near the end of revealed Himself to us at Sinai and told That may be so, Rambam is saying, The Talmud states that Avraham rec- the historical account, Rambam makes us that there are no other deities or but the Jew’s denial of alien gods is ognized his Creator at age 3; other the very opposite point: without Divine forces that are partner to His being and more than an irrefutable philosophy. sources cite his age at the time as 4; intervention, the faith founded by His rulership of the universe. So I It is a faith implanted in the core of other as 50. Rambam’s source seems Avraham would not have survived. know that it is so. If He said so, that’s our souls, which endures also when to be a variant version of the Midrash Human reason is not enough. It can enough for me; the logic of this truth is logic ceases to function and reason is that states that he was 40. As many expose fallacies, discover truth, trans- irrelevant.” No, says Rambam. The sec- rendered impotent. To truly believe one must comprehend, but compre- hension alone is but the mortal shadow of immortal faith. The philosophy- faith of Avraham barely survived Egypt; the suprarational faith we attained at Sinai—where G-d chose Israel as His, crowned them with mitzvos, and instructed them the way in which to serve Him—has survived a hundred Egypts and every madness of history. ❖

Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe; adapted by Yanki Tauber. Courtesy of MeaningfulLife.com.

And G-d spoke to Avram (Bereishis 12:1)

There was once a person who was traveling from place to place and he saw a palace in flames. Said he: “Can it be that there is no master to this palace?” So the owner of the palace looked out to him and said to him:“I am the master of the palace.” By the same token, because Avraham would go around saying, “Can it be that the world has no master?” G-d looked out and said:“I am the owner, the master of the world.”

(Midrash Rabbah)

36 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES for kiddush and for coffee— care was too mundane, no con- enveloped your very being? As on Shabbos and throughout cern was brushed away. an adult I finally began to Rabbi Joseph Singer, a’h: the week. Stories were told of And who but the Al-mighty understand that this was the your days as a diamond cutter, knows all of what you accom- vortex that drew people to A Tribute To Humility, An Ode To Greatness but in my mind you did not plished in this world? Your you—the rich, the poor, the earn a living in the traditional heart was always open for the writers and artists, Jews and BY TOBY MOSKOVITS sense. You were a person who pain and sorrow of all people, non-Jews alike, the local drug wanted nothing of this world, wanting to ease their suffering dealers and police captains. Dearest Zaidy, dedicating your life to ensur- with money, food and shelter, All of your life your actions How do I describe the holi- ing that the world be a more a kind word, and acceptance. spoke louder than words, and ness and the majesty that was hospitable place for the down- And how, with the burdens of when you had no more words you? Some called you Yossele, trodden and the despondent. so many people on your shoul- to share with us, holiness was others Rabbi Joseph Singer, You were not a community ders, did you maintain the vis- still etched on your face, but to me you were just Zaidy. leader or elder in the tradition- age of serenity, the spirit of embedded in the depth of your From a young age I under- al sense. You strove not for equanimity, that was etched stood that you were not simply position or power, nor did you on your soul and which Continued on Page 38 my grandfather; you were seek a grand pulpit. To watch grandfather to the world—Jews you was to witness selfless ded- and non-Jews alike. You were Rabbi and Rebbetzin Singer. ication to all man, to witness a the rav of a shul on Stanton great soul whose only desire Street on the Lower East Side their need—material or spiritu- was to fulfill the word of G-d of Manhattan that was on its al—you conjured it up, provid- and to do good for all people. face as humble as you were. ing all whom you encountered In the growing silence of Chipped paint and dusty wood- with whatever they were lack- recent years, as your ability to work did nothing to diminish ing. Whether an apartment, speak diminished, all we the warmth that you infused food, clothes, immigration could do was look into your within those walls. Yours was a papers, or a school for their clear blue eyes and touch the Yiddishkeit steeped in the meso- children, you made sure their depth of your righteousness rah of generations of your rab- lives were better for having met by witnessing and experienc- binical ancestors combined you. And when what they were ing the serenity of a person at with a willingness to accept all lacking was a caring word or an peace with the world. who cared enough to try. Under understanding heart, you stood And now, when I close my your guidance, the Stanton in and played the role of father, eyes and picture you, Zaidy, Street Synagogue was a beacon mother, and friend. once more I hear your voice, in of light for all of those who As a little girl, I used to crisp, clear tones, and the passed through its doors. You accompany you in your work meaning and message of your drew people in with a cup of caring for the lonely and the life is ever so clear. Each coffee and a piece of potaton- sick, serving meals at the moment, each breath, was ick, and kept them close with Educational Alliance, and focused on making the world a the concern you showed for the preparing food for the men kinder, gentler place for those burdens they carried. Whatever and women who stopped by whose lives you touched. No

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 37 Rabbi Singer my head on those Yom Kippur nights Continued from Page 37 when, as a little girl, I slept in your bed and Bubby was in the bed nearby, while eyes and your soul, and continued to you stayed up all night praying and tell your story. For decades the lessons learning for your community and for you taught were through actions, and your people. And, most vivid of all, I feel when you were too weak to fulfill your the soft felt of your hat and rough wool holy mission in the streets of the Lower of your coat in my hands, as Bubby and East Side—to share stories and guid- I stood at the door awaiting your depar- ance—your silence taught us the great- ture from shul on those Shabbos morn- est lesson of all. ings, watching you move around in the In my mind’s eye, I see you in your shul’s basement preparing countless seat in recent months at the head of the meals to warm the hearts and minds of table, weak but determined, leaning over those whose lives you touched. the siddur and Tehillim that was never Zaidy, now that you are no longer with far from you. And I am sure that the us, when I close my eyes once again I angels hovering close heard, with every conjure up a picture of your present as painstaking word of prayer you whis- vivid as my memories of your past. I see pered, the sweetest song fall from your you in the Bais Midrash shel Ma‘alah, lips, like the prayer of Hallel you sang on playing the role you perfected on earth. holidays past. But now, you are in the most elegant beis And when your shul as we all knew it midrash, and your congregants are the was no more, you brought the holiness greatest of tzaddikim. Now, it is no trou- and warmth with you wherever you ble for you to draw a minyan, and the were. In your final years, we learned prayers and words that flow from your that you did not create a Mikdash me‘at lips are as crystal clear as the light that wherever you went; instead it was you shines from your face. And were you to who was the Midkash me‘at. have only nine in your quorum, I am And now, your presence on this earth sure the Al-mighty himself would serve is no more. But when I close my eyes I in your honor, as did the Torah those still hear your voice. I feel your soft hand times when your entreaties were unsuc- on my eyes, splashing my face with cessful at pulling in a full ten for a lone- water for negel vasser from the worn ly minyan on Stanton Street. metal cup in your unadorned kitchen at Zaidy, I pray that we find it within our- 540 Grand Street. I feel your hand in selves to perpetuate the righteousness mine as we walk through the early and humility that was your life. For you morning cold, underneath the train were an angel on earth, while we are of tracks (with a twinge of fear in my heart, flesh and blood; but we have lived in your but confidence in your stride) through shadow, and that has inspired us to try. the drug-infested park behind your shul. Your granddaughter, I feel the warmth of your pillow under Toby

38 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES There are behaviors that denominator among all is to Chinuch In Turbulent Times empower and strengthen; be generous in your praise. there are behaviors that inca- The more you praise and pacitate and weaken. We acknowledge, the more your BY RABBI DOV BREZAK rassed. It is obvious that a above. The chief methods would be wise to choose from child will respond positively, DIRECTOR OF PROJECT KAVEY, child of school age is includ- used were a combination of those behaviors that build if be’ezras Hashem. JERUSALEM ed. The only reason it would “The whale can’t fail” along we wish our interpersonal With positive reinforce- be permitted would be for the with strong positive rein- relationships to be successful. ment, you Shamu, Candu, Namu benefit of the child. Still, it’s forcement. For chinuch success, this is • Express your approval of No, this is not an incanta- very common that the dam- Initially, the rope Shamu crucial.” Among those behav- the action. This can be done tion, nor are these the names age is greater than the bene- was to jump over was placed iors that build, positive rein- verbally: “I’m really of African tribal leaders. fit. One can influence more in the water right next to him forcement stands out as one impressed with what you These are names that may successfully through respect- in such a way that he could of the most powerful. did”; “I like what you did”; serve us well in the chinuch of ful and pleasant ways” not help but go over it. Every There are a variety of and similar remarks. Or it our children. (Atarah LaMelech, p. 90). time the whale went over the ways to reinforce a desired A parent related to me Still, let me state that I am rope, he received positive behavior. The common Continued on Page 41 what he had been told in a in partial agreement with the reinforcement. He was fed recent parenting workshop. words of the parenting men- fish, patted, played with, and The mentor noted that there tor mentioned above: “If given other forms of positive is a Torah prohibition against your children act like ani- support. As Shamu began to embarrassing another person. mals they should be treated choose going over the rope “It can be compared to as such.” It might be worth- more often than going under spilling blood,” he said. He while to treat our children as it, the trainers at Sea World then proceeded to say that animals. But first let us begin to raise the rope. Little with regard to children, this make sure we understand by little the rope was raised prohibition does not apply. how animals are treated. until eventually it reached a “In fact, if your children act Take Shamu for instance. height of 22 feet out of the like animals, they should be Shamu is a 19,000-pound water. treated as such.” whale. Candu and Namu are What happened when To be sure, this is not the his children. The trainers at Shamu failed to go over the Torah view. Harav Pam, zt”l, Sea World have been success- rope? Absolutely nothing. writes, “To embarrass another ful in getting Shamu to jump There was no punishment at Jew is a Torah prohibition, as 22 feet out of the water and all. The unwanted behavior it says, ‘Thou shalt not bear perform tricks. What tech- was not acknowledged in on him sin.’ This includes niques are effective in helping any way. We see that the children, as the halachic rul- this animal accomplish such a main techniques used to ing states that when one task? Extreme discipline and spur the whale to success embarrasses a child, he must harshness? Electric shock or were: (1) make it (ridicu- pay for the embarrassment as other means of force? lously) easy to succeed; (2) long as the child is old Surprisingly, the training consistently strengthen the enough to become embar- course contained none of the desired behavior.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 39 erator only to find a black potato kugel! al salt or pepper is needed (it should Ahh…the power of oxidation). taste slightly salty). • Heat your oil before adding it to Carefully remove the pan from the Cooking Concepts the potato mixture. This will help pro- oven and pour the potato mixture into duce a crispier kugel. the pan, spreading it evenly. Place the • Use a rigid baking pan (or a frying pan back in the oven and bake for 10 The Great Potato Kugel Debate pan) to bake the kugel, not disposable minutes. Lower heat to 350° and con- aluminum. (I know this is anathema, tinue to bake for 1 hour or until the BY NAOMI ROSS “Oh.” [Long pause.] “I make my potato but it will conduct heat better and pro- top is golden brown. kugel a bit differently.” Ouch. duce a better kugel). Naomi Ross teaches Cooking Concepts, courses My husband has never liked my There are a number of things it If there was ever a potato kugel that on the fundamentals of cooking and Jewish potato kugel. This is not my opinion; could have been that she did different- I closed my eyes and dreamed of, it homemaking. For more information, visit her website at www.jewishcookingconcepts.com. it’s a fact. And I take no offense at his ly, but the most controversial one is would have to be that of Rebbetzin Naomi can be reached at dislike…everyone’s allowed to be probably the choice of whether to Batya Goodman of Far Rockaway. She [email protected]. wrong about something. As you’ll see, grate by hand or by food processor. likes it coarsely grated, too, and was within the realm of potato kugel, ten- A friend once told me that in her kind enough to share her secrets for sions run high. I have noticed that in family it wasn’t a real potato kugel making a great potato kugel. Enjoy! ❖ this area people can be pretty unless someone lost some skin! Many And Sarai had an adamant, and, much as a Southerner contend that a hand-grated potato Potato Kugel Egyptian handmaid, takes personal pride in his grits or fried kugel is the only way to go, and that it Serves 6–8. chicken, so too Ashkenazim take their comes out different if you use the food Ingredients: whose name was potato kugel rather seriously. processor. However, in today’s busy 6 potatoes, peeled Hagar At the heart of the debate lie two era, most women simply don’t have the 1 large onion issues: how you like it and how you time for hand grating. Try both ways 2 eggs (Bereishis16:1) make it. Allow me to explain. and you can be the judge! 1/2 cup oil There are two kinds of people in this No matter which side of the debate 2–3 tsp. salt world: There are those who like their you find yourself on, there are some 1/2 tsp. pepper Hagar was Pharaoh’s potato kugel coarsely grated, almost “tried and true” tips for producing Directions: daughter.When Pharaoh shredded (I fall into this category…we great potato kugel, and here they are: Preheat oven to 350° F. Put oil in saw what was wrought like to taste the actual potato), and • Always grate your potatoes together 10" frying pan and place pan in oven to then there are those who like their with your onions. This will keep the pota- heat the oil (the oil should be very hot upon his house for Sora’s kugel like a mush—finely grated or toes’ bright white color from darkening. when added to the potatoes). sake, he took his daughter even puréed (my husband likes it this • Never delay baking your kugel Meanwhile, grate the potatoes and and gave her to her, saying: way, and drenched in a pool of oil). once it has been prepared. (One of the onions together. Drain off any residual “Better that my daughter And never the twain shall meet; I don’t first times I made potato kugel, it was liquid that gathers on the bottom. expect anyone who falls into the latter getting late on a Thursay night. I fig- Remove pan from oven and pour the be a maid in this house, category to cross over to the other side. ured the smartest thing to do was to hot oil into the potato mixture. Return than a mistress in a That is simply preference, but it gets prepare the kugel and bake it in the the empty pan to the oven and raise different house.” much more personal. “That’s how you morning so that I wouldn’t have to wait the heat to 410°. Stir the mixture to make it?” I overhear a more experienced up for it to finish cooking. The next blend, and then add the eggs, salt, and (Midrash Rabbah) kugel-maker say to another ballubusta. morning came, and I opened my refrig- pepper. Season to taste if any addition-

40 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Chinuch quick to compliment. We may LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Kook, zt’l (the great uncle of land in Eretz Yisrael, is leg- feel, “Why should I compli- the present rav), spent consid- endary. It comes as no sur- Continued from Page 39 Continued from Page 39 ment a child for doing what erable time, energy, and prise to see the rav’s nephew, can be expressed in actions, he should be doing?” At the know their halachic sources, efforts to educate and Rav Simcha HaKohen Kook, such as a pat on the back, a same time, we maintain a or I can discount their opin- enhance the Yiddishkeit of the continue in his family’s smile, an encouraging ges- double standard, because ions as “politics as usual.” new pioneers arriving to derech. The program of Elef ture and so on. whenever a child does slip up, Rabbi David Willig Palestine from Europe. The L’Mateh is a valuable project • Praise the action, offering even a little bit, we point it Bayside Jewish Center rav visited the new yishuvim to be continued and adopted compliments such as, out to him. and taught about the by shuls and yeshivas. It is an “Excellent! That was a job Please realize that you Dear Editor, kedushah of Shabbos, the opportunity to reconnect well done”; “You did that create your child’s definition Thank you for sharing with mitzvos of the land, and a those who live in America well”; “These challos are deli- of success. If you consider your readers the activities that proper Torah chinuch to the with acheinu kol beis Yisrael cious”; “That’s very responsi- even small things a success, were initiated by the Chief children. The rav’s supreme who are daily sacrificing for ble of you”; “You chose very your child will learn to be Rabbi of Rechovot, HaRav ahavas Yisrael to all Jews, Klal Yisrael. nice colors.” happy with small successes. Simcha HaKohen Kook dur- especially those who sacri- Mrs. C. V. May • Show appreciation: “I If you acknowledge even the ing the summer war against ficed to come and work the Brooklyn, NY really appreciate your helping small things a child does, Hezbollah and continuing me”; “Thank you for cleaning and even the things he has to presently. In the early 20th up and taking out the do anyway, you are in effect century, the great rav, HaRav garbage.” lowering the rope (as with Avrohom Yitzchak Hakohen • Acknowledge the action: Shamu) and turning every- “I see you began to clean up thing the child does into a your room.” success. This is a tried and Look now • Acknowledge the effort: “I true method that leads to see you really worked hard”; greater success. toward heaven or, “I see you really tried You are a good parent! and count the hard.” Hang in there! Don’t give up! It is a common misconcep- Slowly but surely, you will see stars So shall be tion that we should reinforce a difference, be’ezras Hashem. your progeny only behaviors that took extra Sincere wishes for your effort. Our children’s unusual success and siyatta (Bereishis 15:5) or extraordinary actions diShemaya. ❖ receive our positive attention When they rise, they while normal good behavior Rabbi Brezak’s bestseller, Chinuch in Turbulent Times, can be ordered will rise as high as often goes unnoticed, because directly from ArtScroll/Mesorah or we take it for granted. When a purchased at your local bookstore. the heavens; when child listens to us, does his Rabbi Brezak’s tape series, Chinuch Concepts 1 & 2, can be ordered they fall, they will fall homework, gets along with through Irgun Shiurei Torah at 718- as low as the dust. siblings for a few hours, 851-8651. Questions for Rabbi Brezak can be submitted by fax at behaves nicely at the dinner 718-732-2522 or by e-mail at (Pesikta Zutrati) table, and so on, we are not so [email protected].

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 41 Five Towns Simcha Gallery Photos By Captured Images

Bat Mitzvah of Bar Mitzvah of Daniella Bodoff Avi Leff took place Sunday, took place Thursday, October 22, at October 19, at Chosen Island. Oldak Catering. Music was provided Music was provided by Yoel Hecht Music. by Buchwald Music.

42 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Acclaimed Jewish Author Dara experience as a successful prosecutor, Horn To Speak In Forest Hills the FRJA enthusiastically endorses Considered one of the leading Jeanine Pirro for NYS Attorney young Jewish novelists writing today, General. Despite a recent leak of con- Dara Horn’s books have topped “best fidential information regarding Mrs. book of the year” lists at one major Pirro’s personal life, the overwhelming newspaper after another. On Tuesday, feeling amongst community leadership November 14, at 1:30 p.m.(please is that her professional record speaks note the new, corrected date), Dara for itself and that her qualifications for Horn will speak on her very popular the position are unmatched. and critically acclaimed new novel, As Westchester County’s first The World to Come, at the Central female judge from 1990 to 1993, she Queens YM & YWHA in Forest Hills. developed a strong philosophy of jus- Dara Horn’s talk is one in a series of tice and earned the respect of her col- Meet the Author events sponsored by the leagues and community. In 1993 she Hevesi Jewish Heritage Library in the was elected district attorney for Central Queens YM & YWHA, at 67-09 Westchester County and during her 12 108 Street in Forest Hills. All events are years in the position established an open to the general public, with a $4 vol- impressive 99 percent conviction rate untary donation suggested. For more for felony criminals and a 100 percent information, call 718-268-5011, ext. 151 conviction rate of over 100 pedophiles. or contact [email protected]. She has aggressively pursued legislation and criminal action against bias Far Rockaway Jewish Alliance crimes including the painting of Endorses Jeanine Pirro swastikas on public and private prop- In a meeting with the Far Rockaway erties. In 1994 she organized nearly Jewish Alliance (FRJA) Jeanine Pirro, 2,000 community members to march the Republican candidate for New in support of community unity and to York State Attorney General pro- let the county know that bias crimes claimed her commitment to protect would not be tolerated. the residents of New York to the fullest During the meeting she told of an extent of the law. Considering her long occasion where she received a phone history as an advocate and protector of the average citizen and her extensive Continued on Page 44

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 43 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS torial experience and a lifetime of com- required surgery, and bruised ribs. Travel Arrangements In Israel munal sensitivity and empathy, Jeanine Although the fracture was repaired Travel Deal Israel announced the Continued from Page 43 Pirro is the right choice to be the top after surgery, she had to be hospital- opening of its New York office this call from a Jewish community leader in counsel of New York State. ized again for a serious infection. week, to supplement the services pro- Westchester where an autopsy was Currently she is recuperating at home vided by its Israel headquarters. The about to be performed on a young Former State Senator Files while on intravenous antibiotics. expanded hours will enable travelers to Jewish girl. Mrs. Pirro personally went Million-Dollar Notice Of Claim Prior to the fall Mrs. Berman was Israel to get the best rates on hotels to the office of the medical examiner Against LIRR And MTA a very active senior citizen who and car rentals throughout the country to stop the autopsy. According to Pirro Carol Berman, a former state sena- enjoyed playing golf with her hus- for a consecutive 16 hours. “the beliefs and observances of reli- tor, filed a $1 million lawsuit against band Jerry. The fall caused her to Under the direction of Shlomo gious groups must be protected.” the Long Island Railroad and become wheelchair bound and she is Scholnick, Travel Deal Israel helps indi- She went on to discuss the risks of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority currently unable to walk more than a viduals and groups traveling to Israel. internet and how websites like for negligently allowing gaps between few steps. This year, one of its feature attractions is myspace.com continue to fail to protect the train and the platform to exist at Berman, who rode the LIRR into the Ohr Somayach Pesach Mission, children from being accessed by danger- the Lawrence New York LIRR station. the city about twice a week prior to which will be hosted concurrently in ous predators. She cited numerous cases The train’s door does not meet the this incident said, “I am surprised that two hotels in Jerusalem: The Jerusalem of children being exploited and harmed platform The suit is to cover serious when the LIRR contracted for new Pearl and the Sheraton. by people they thought were their own physical injuries and pain and suffer- trains that there were no specifications For more information, please call 1- age. She passionately expressed that ing that resulted to Carol Berman as a put in place that would eliminate the 866-376-6716 (toll-free to Israel) or 1- websites like myspace.com have moral result of her falling in the gap between gap problem. I am anxious to see the 877-583-1070 (direct to New York). and ethical liability for their failure to the train and the platform while exit- contract that the LIRR entered into implement safeguards to protect children ing the train. There was also a loss of with the train manufacturer.” Chabad November Events and that “if there isn’t there should be” consortium and companionship on Berman’s attorney Saul Bienenfeld Chabad of the Five Towns will be legal liability for the reckless behavior of behalf of Seymour J. Berman due to was shocked to learn that the LIRR had sponsoring the following events in these websites. the extensive and serious injuries sus- known about the “gap problem” for November. Unless otherwise noted, all When questioned about the issue of tained by his wife Carol Berman. years and did absolutely nothing to events will take place at 74 Maple tax credits for private school tuitions, On September 28, 2006 Carol repair this defective condition. “The fact Avenue in Cedarhurst. For more infor- she was clear that this was an issue she Berman exited an LIRR train at the that the gap problems were repaired at mation, please call 516-295-2478 or supports and believes to be constitution- Lawrence station at approximately 4:00 Shea Stadium in a short time prior to visit www.chabad5towns.com. al in New York State. While it would be p.m. At that time there was a 10-inch the Mets playoffs proves that the LIRR Saturday, November 4, 7:30– up to the NYS legislature to put such gap between the door and the station was keenly aware of the problem, can fix 9:00 p.m.: Mother–daughter melaveh credits in place, she believes that NY platform. The sun blinded her as she the problem in all stations but chooses malkah. families have the right to choose schools stepped off of the train and she fell four not too. The lack of concern for all of its Monday, November 6, 5:30–6:30 for their children and the state should feet onto the tracks. She was injured customers is shocking and borders on p.m.: Storytime for Children (ages help in whatever way it can. there, the suit claims, due to the defec- criminal behavior.” 4–7). According to FRJA President tive design, construction, maintenance Carol Berman’s husband, Jerry is Tuesday, November 7, 8:15 p.m.: Richard Altabe “Judge Pirro is supreme- and repair of the station in general and quite concerned about his wife’s Evening kabbalah class for women, ly qualified for the position of Attorney this platform in particular. health and does not understand why with Mrs. Chaya Franklin. General and will effectively represent Mrs. Berman was hospitalized countries all over Europe have trains Wednesday, November 8, 7:00– and protect the needs of our communi- immediately after her fall to the tracks. without any of the gaps that are found 8:00 p.m.: The Intergenerational ty.” With over three decades of prosecu- She suffered a fractured leg, which with the LIRR trains. Knitting Circle begins.

44 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Friday, November 10, all weekend: Singles’ Shabbaton. Saturday, November 11, after services: Farbrengen for men, in honor of the 20th of Cheshvan. Sunday, November 12– Wednesday, November 15: “Week of the Jewish Woman” (see article below). Sunday, November 12, 10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m., at the Ohr Torah ballroom (410 Hungry Harbor Road in North Woodmere): Women’s Lunch- eon “Oasis.” Tuesday, November 14, 9:30–10:30 a.m.: The Paren- ting Hour. Monday, November 20, 8:15 p.m., at 330 Derby Avenue in Woodmere: The Women’s Circle: “Positive Parenting” Tuesday, November 21, 8:15 p.m.: Farbrengen for men, in honor of Rosh Chodesh Kislev Saturday, November 25, after services: Birthday Shabbos for children born in the month of Kislev. Thursday, November 30, 8:15 p.m.: Farbrengen for men, in honor of the 9th of Kislev.

“Week of the Jewish Woman” at Chabad. Calling all women! Have you wanted to get away from it all, even if only for a few hours? If so, Chabad of the Five Towns invites you to its annual women’s luncheon. This year’s theme, “Oasis,” will explore Torah and kabbalah as an oasis for women being pulled in all directions on a daily basis. On Sunday, November 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., join the ladies from the community at the Ohr Torah Ballroom (410 Hungry Harbor Road in Woodmere) as they engage in some learning, schmoozing, dancing, and, most of all, relaxing. The day begins with some light refreshments and a first peek at the Chinese auction. At 10:15, Rebbetzin Malka Touger will speak about “Creating an Oasis Within: Practical methods for achiev- ing inner peace through Torah and Kabbalistic teachings.” At 11:15, Rebbetzin Chaya Teldon will speak about “Women’s Role in General, Women’s Role as General: Our mission to fortify our families to survive the outside elements.” Following lunch, Ms. Laurie Zimmet will speak about “Torah, the Naval Reserves, and the Art of Survival.” Ms. Zimmet serves in the Naval Reserves and was on active duty in Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. In this stirring lecture, Ms. Zimmet dis-

Continued on Page 46 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 45 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 45 cusses her unique perspective on par- ticipating firsthand in the liberation of the Iraqi people. She shares details about her role in the war and what steps she took as a Jew to ensure her safety while at the same time conducting a Pesach seder and leading Torah discussions. She also tells of her con- stant communications with her Chabad rabbi, and provides a riveting account of her first Shabbat—a clan- destine experience of lighting candles and saying kiddush in secret so as to go undetected by the Saudis who surrounded her dwelling. Finally, Mrs. Rivkah Krinsky, an international singer and composer, will make sure the ladies work off some of that delicious lunch and dessert with some great song and dance. The couvert for the event is $54. Other payment options to ensure reserved seating include $100 to sponsor or $180 as a chai sponsor. RSVP is required. Other programs. Of course, Chabad of the Five Towns features exciting women’s programs all year long, including these programs taking place during the Week of the Jewish Woman, at 74 Maple Avenue in Cedarhurst: On Monday, November 13, Rebbitzen Rivkah Kotlarsky will lead her weekly class, “Food for the Body and Soul,” beginning at 10:30 a.m. Later in the day, Mrs. Leah Muller will lead her weekly class, “Connection to the Source—Serving G-d with Joy,” beginning at 2:45 p.m. On Tuesday, November 14, as it does every week, Chabad gets transformed into a Jewish Women’s University for one-on-one chavrusa learning beginning at 8:00 p.m. On Wednesday, November 15, beginning at 9:30 a.m., meet at Chabad to travel together to the Center for Jewish History led by tour guide Mrs. Chana Sharfstein. For those who decide to stay in Cedarhurst, Mrs. Shimona Tzukernik will lead her weekly class, “A Tale of Two Souls—Fundamental Insights From Tanya,” beginning at 10:30 a.m. Later on in this very busy day, the Knitting Circle will meet at 7:00 p.m. Women are invited to share “purls of wisdom” with their knitting partners. For more information on any of these events, visit www.chabadfive- towns.com or call 516-295-2478.

Beis HaMikdash Program At YILB The Young Israel of Long Beach (120 Long Beach Boulevard) is proud to present a 70-minute 3-D animated virtual journey depicting the glory and splendor of the Beis HaMikdash. The showing will take place on motzaei Shabbos, November 4, at 8:00 p.m. Come for the opportunity to see the Beis HaMikdash as it has not been seen in nearly 2,000 years, feeling the emotional pull as you “walk” through the gates, the lishkos, the Azarah, the Kodesh, and even the Kodesh HaKadashim. Study the design, function, and purpose of its structure, utensils, and instruments. Experience the history, hashkafah, and majesty emanating 46 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES from Hashem’s earthly abode. But most of all, gain a new appreciation for the concept of “Tzipisa L’yeshuah,” as the longing for the coming of Mashiach and the third Beis HaMikdash takes on renewed meaning and relevance. This will all be accompanied by stimulating narration and stirring melodies. The program was produced by Chaim Shmuel Friedman and is being shown in conjunction with the Commission on Torah Projects of Agudath Israel of America. For further information, please call 516-889-2427.

Chabad Sponsors Bikur Cholim Suite At Mercy Medical On Tuesday, October 24, Chabad of the Five Towns had the opportunity to dedicate a bikur cholim suite at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre. In a ceremony attended by nearly 40 hospital staff and Chabad visitors, Torah selections were read and plaques were posted marking the dedication. This suite will serve as a place of hospitality for family members and friends of hospital patients who need to stay over Shabbos or Yom Tov. Whether celebrat- ing a birth or recovering from illness, the suite is open to all—complete with a fully equipped kosher kitchen stocked with food and accommoda- tions for at least four people. According to Sister Marie Alice, thanks to this new suite, a husband was able to spend Shabbos with his dying wife. He stayed in the newly established guest room and ate in the completely kosher kitchen. Chaim and Tovah Brill, shul members of Chabad of the Five Towns, were instrumental in making it all possible. As a pharmacist at Mercy, Tovah has always wanted to make Mercy, a hospital in the vicinity of the Five Towns, more “frum-friendly.” Tovah relates, “We had been working on this for years. One of our first steps was getting kosher TV-style dinners sold in the coffee shop. Before this, however, if you came on a Friday afternoon, you could be there wandering the halls for 25 hours. It’s such a nice thing that you don’t have to walk back home or spend Shabbos with nowhere to go.” Chaim Brill remarked how it was apropos that Rabbi Levi Gurkow of Chabad of Oceanside chaired the event, representing Chabad of the Five Towns, because some years back, Chaim had been hospitalized for a Shabbos, and Rabbi Wolowik of Chabad of Five Towns asked Rabbi Gurkow to pay him a visit. Even though Rabbi Gurkow did not know Chaim, he walked almost four miles in the rain to visit him. The two bedrooms and the kitch- enette were all sponsored by Chabad in memory of Victor and Lillian Brill, Joseph Veroba, and Carol Susan Brooks, respectively. Chaim and Tovah contributed to the suite and Mak and Corey Steinbock donated the beds and chairs. Tovah proudly relates how the engineering and housekeeping staff at the hospital lovingly painted and refurbished the rooms, thus bringing the project to completion. Chabad would like to thank Ms.

Continued on Page 48 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 47 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS of our yeshiva. We are most proud of Bat-Yam Awards Jonathan Pollard service and volunteerism were also our alumni who have flourished in Honorary Citizenship honored at this event. Among them Continued from Page 47 their Torah learning and who have As part of its 80th anniversary cele- were the founders of such notable Nancy Simmons, Executive Director of built upon the foundation which they brations, the City of Bat-Yam (south of institutions as Castro Industries and Mercy, for her assistance in this project. received at Kerem B’Yavneh.” Tel Aviv) awarded Jonathan Pollard hon- the Shekel Center for Mentally For further information, call the Mercy Yeshivas Kerem B’Yavneh was orary citizenship. The award was made Handicapped Children. One of the Medical Center at 516-705-2438. founded by a gifted educator and one October 30 in Bat-Yam at a special fes- city’s original founders, Rabbi Bilof of the great scholars of our genera- tive assembly held in the town theater. (101 years old) and the first Jew to Kerem B’Yavneh Reception In tion, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Goldvicht, The event featured video presentations blow shofar at the Kotel in the modern Lawrence, November 12 zt’l. HaRav Goldvicht was responsible and live entertainment, interspersed State of Israel, was similarly honored. The Five Towns Friends and Alumni for a new generation of Torah schol- with the presentation of awards. The centenarian rabbi blessed Esther of Yeshivas Kerem B’Yavneh will be ars who are involved in all facets of Esther Pollard was invited onstage and Jonathan Pollard publicly, wishing hosting a breakfast reunion and recep- life in Israel and abroad. HaRav to receive the award on behalf of her them all blessings for a happy, healthy, tion at the home of Lance and Rivkie Mordechai Greenberg, shlita, who husband, Jonathan. She was warmly productive, and fruitful home and Hirt (71 Muriel Avenue in Lawrence) assumed the position of rosh yeshiva received in front of a filled-to-capacity family in Israel. on Sunday, November 12 at 9:30 a.m. in Elul 5755 upon the retirement of audience by Mayor Shlomo Lechmani Following the ceremony, the hon- The featured speaker will be Rabbi Zvi Rabbi Goldvicht, is continuing and and Deputy Mayor Uri Bouskila. orees and Esther Pollard reassembled Sobolofsky, rosh yeshiva at the Rabbi expanding the fine tradition of the Mayor Lechmani spoke with on stage for a group photo. Each of the Isaac Elchonon Theological Seminary yeshiva. warmth and conviction of the great honorees individually took the oppor- of Yeshiva University. In addition to his Yeshivas Kerem B’Yavneh, the first love and respect that the people of tunity to approach Esther to bless daily shiur in Gemara, Rabbi hesder yeshiva combining Torah learn- Bat-Yam feel for Jonathan. He Jonathan and to express solidarity. Sobolofsky also teaches Yoreh De‘ah for ing with service in the Israel Defense expressed admiration for Jonathan’s Esther was similarly besieged by good semichah students and has taught at Forces, has just begun its 54th year. selfless service to the State of Israel wishes and blessings for Jonathan’s Stern College for Women. Rabbi Shortly after its establishment, the and his devotion to the People of release by individual citizens of Bat- Sobolofsky’s topic will be “Transmitting yeshiva inaugurated a unique pro- Israel. Lechmani and Bouskila blessed Yam after the event was over. She the Har Sinai Experience.” gram for students living outside of Jonathan for a speedy release and for expressed her and Jonathan’s thanks In addition to hearing Rabbi Israel. The thousands of alumni of health and success. Lechmani blessed and appreciation to this special city Sobolofsky, the participants will view a this program have an impressive Esther to receive Jonathan at home in and its people. special presentation entitled “KBY record, occupying major positions in Jerusalem “sooner than you expect!” Jonathan Pollard is now an honorary Soldiers in Lebanon: The yeshiva’s role Jewish education, community leader- The theater resounded with thun- citizen of Gush Katif, Hebron and in the community.” KBY alumni will be ship, and the professional world. derous applause and cheers as Mr. Kiryat Arba, Efrat, Bet-El, and Bat-Yam. able to reminisce over an additional Through Kerem B’Yavneh graduates, Lechmani presented Esther with a video presentation of photos taken yeshiva values are exerted and their beautiful bronze plaque of Honorary …Like A Diamond In The Sky during the last 50 years. impact is felt in an ever-expanding Citizenship for Jonathan. Mr. Bouskila By Rabbi Avrohom Walkin “The visit to the Five Towns com- sphere of activity. presented Esther with a beautiful bou- “Vayotzei oso hachutzah vayomer, munity is generating a great deal of For further information about the quet of flowers and expressed the ‘habet-na ha’shamaimah u’sphor interest,” said Rabbi Marc S. Volk, reception, please contact the American appreciation of the people of Bat-Yam ha’kochavim im-tuchal lispor osam!’ executive director of American Friends Friends of Yeshiva Kerem B’Yavneh, for the work that she is doing on behalf Vayomer lo, ‘koh yihyeh zar‘echa” of Yeshivas Kerem B’Yavneh. “We are 1418 Avenue N, Brooklyn, NY 11230; of her husband. (Beresihis 15:5). most grateful to our alumni and call 718-645-3130; e-mail [email protected], A score of Bat-Yam citizens distin- “And He (Hashem) took him friends for their advocacy and support or visit www.kby.org. guished by their outstanding public (Avram) outside and said, ‘Look, please,

48 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES toward heaven, and count the stars, if you can count them!’ And He said to him, ‘So shall be your offspring.’” Hashem tells Avram that his descendants will be like the stars in heaven; yet we see in later pesukim that Hashem describes to Avram and the other avos that their offspring would be like the sand on the ocean floor. Has Klal Yisrael ever been—or can they be—as numerous as the billions of stars in heaven (we are the smallest of nations)? What was the purpose of sending Avram outside to prove to him that the stars are incapable of being counted? Avram was well aware of this impossibility! The Baal Shem Tov, zt’l, explains that Hashem wished to convey to Avram a deeper message than just “counting.” Stars are seen from great distances and thus appear to be mere tiny specks. In reality, though, each is extremely large (most larger than Earth itself). When viewing a fellow Jew, consider and “count” him as a star. He may seem to be small and unassuming—but with deep understanding and keen awareness, notice the great potential inherited in each unique person. When seen through this perspective, you will develop a newfound respect and appreciation towards each individual. Through this, they will gain respect for themselves, enabling them to live up to their potential greatness. The Jewish public-school clubs sponsored by the New York NCSY (a division of the Orthodox Union), under the leadership of R. Nachum Zak and Rabbi Moshe Zucker, reach close to 1,000 teens weekly through clubs, community chapters, chesed programs, learn-a-thons, tutoring programs, and Shabbatonim. These programs have strengthened and imbued Jewish teens with greater self worth and their Jewish identity. Countless teens have become shomer Shabbos u’mitzvos, are keeping kosher, and have influenced their families to do the same. This motzaei Shabbos, Nov. 4, New York NCSY is holding its 15th annual auction. Please attend and support this important organization so we can reach thousands of more teens and their families. You may contact NCSY, days and evenings, at 718-461-1200, 718-377- 0936, or 718-692-0987. There is also a 24-hour fax number, 718-762-6279. The mailing address is 64-41 Utopia Parkway, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. The website is www.nyncsy.com or www.ou.org.

HAFTR Senior Chosen At Westinghouse Competition—Again Jacob Loewenstein, a senior at the HAFTR division of Machon HaTorah, has been selected as a regional finalist in the Siemens–Westinghouse Competition in Math, Science, and Technology, the most challenging and prestigious research-based high-school science contest in the United States. This distinction recognizes exceptional achievement in students selected from thousands of entrants, from American high schools across 50 states and overseas, who have completed independent research projects. Jacob’s entry consist-

Continued on Page 50 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 49 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS environmentally benign alter- The competition will con- named HAFTR student of the well-remembered. natives to halogenated flame- tinue at Carnegie Mellon year 2005–2006, and was cited The Rebbe will be coming Continued from Page 49 retardant polymers, and he University in Pittsburgh, with a gavel award at Yeshiva to the Five Towns to meet ed of a 20-page, highly detailed currently holds a patent on November 16–19, where League Model Congress. He is with individuals and couples written description of scientific these polymer blends. Loewenstein and Kugler will the son of Dr. and Mrs. Joel from our community, speak research, and represents a This past summer at the participate in a presentation Loewenstein of Lawrence. with people on an individual commitment of months of Garcia MRSEC laboratories, and defense of their project. level and, ultimately, help and work in the Garcia MRSEC Jacob partnered with Brienne This research was conduct- Mosholu Rebbe to Visit inspire us. Even if you do not laboratories at Stonybrook Kugler, a senior at Jericho High ed under the expert mentor- Lawrence ordinarily “seek out rebbes,” University, with lengthy days School, to develop a method to ships of Dr. Miriam The Mosholu Rebbe, Rabbi you are encouraged to meet and nights often stretching control metal/polymer adhe- Rafailovich, Chairperson of the Usher Mordechai Rosenbaum, this special individual, the into the early-morning hours. sion, enhancing microlithogra- Department of Material shlita, will be coming to Mosholu Rebbe. Jacob and his partner were phy and enabling the forma- Science at Stonybrook Lawrence for an inspirational On the weekend of among the top five teams in the tion of nanowires. By altering University, and Mrs. Rebecca and spiritually uplifting November 11–November 14, region selected, which repre- polymer surface topography Isserof, science research advi- Shabbos, Parashas Vayeira. The the Rebbe will be conducting sents less than five percent of with supercritical carbon diox- sor at Machon HaTorah. Both an inspiring tish on Friday the contestants who entered ide, they designed a method to Isseroff and Rafailovich devot- night at the home of Mr. Alex the competition. fabricate complex microsized ed countless hours, days, and Edelman. The Rebbe’s tish is Last year, Jacob was select- circuit boards and nanowires. weekends to the development always a moving and heart- ed as a semifinalist in the Previous methods were expen- of the project. warming experience. Imbued Siemens-Westinghouse sive, environmentally unfriend- Loewenstein’s work has with chassidishe nigunnim and Competition for his design of ly, and time-consuming. been published in the the Rebbe’s profound divrei Material Research Society’s Torah, the tish will radiate an quarterly journal, and his aura of kedushah and a gen- research has been presented uine oneg Shabbos. at the Fall Meeting of the The Rebbe is a selfless Yid society’s annual convention in who gives of himself tirelessly Boston. An abstract is being to help troubled teenagers, submitted for publication in breadwinners in distress, and the journal of the American singles seeking their bashert. Physical Society’s spring An educator par excellence, meeting; Loewenstein and he is renowned for his ability Kugler plan to travel to to innovatively find solutions Denver, Colorado to present Mosholu Rebbe. to issues arising in the world their research at the meeting. of chinuch ha’banim. At HAFTR, Loewenstein is The Rebbe will be available captain of Varsity College Rebbe’s arrival presents a rare for private meetings and Bowl, captain of Debate, presi- opportunity to meet with a k’vitlech reading on a limited dent of the Science Research unique individual who is visit- basis, by appointment only. Institute, editor of Bioscope ing our community at the invi- Please call 516-668-7008 to Magazine, and president of tation of his chassidim. Many set up an appointment. Model Congress. He was may well recall the exhilarating The Shabbos will be escort- awarded a third-place (bronze) Shabbos spent with the ed on motzaei Shabbos by a medal last spring at the Long Mosholu Rebbe last year. The grand melaveh malkah seudah, Island Math Fair, received an memory of that Shabbos brings accompanied by music and award of excellence at the along with it many pleasant rec- soul-stirring niggunim. Those Harvard Model Congress, was ollections—the inspiring tish, who have participated in The the beautiful, uplifting tefillos, Chanukah mesibah will not along with the inspiring want to pass up partaking in speeches and divrei Torah. The this event. The Rebbe will Rebbe’s wise counsel to count- enhance the night with divrei less individuals on a variety of berachah v’chizuk and inspir- issues including shidduchim, ing sipurei tzaddikim. health, parnassah, and other Additionally, the Rebbe will difficult decisions have been distribute apples, known to be beneficial, supportive, and a segulah for parnasah. ❖

50 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Will they? Probably not. Is that so then. Such is a dangerous assumption, terrible? I do not think so. and a dubious attempt. Do photogra- The wedding with all the thoughts, phers as a rule, try to get that shot? and prayers at that moment are what’s Yes. Do we always get it? No. Does try- important. For me to consider moving ing to control that moment improve Photo Prose up, suddenly tapping, touching, or results… rarely. But if the thoughts at talking to anyone, and moving back, is that moment are negative towards the At the Wedding, Part 2 when they might not be able to see, the height of disrespect for the photographer, how could his action be BY GARY GERSHON due to at least one photographer, one moment. For the many who are emo- considered a positive in the long run? RABENKO videographer and possibly more crew. Mostly, it creates an environment Since that shot involves being back where all those around get nervous To a photographer, there are many about 10-20 feet (depending on what that you will keep interrupting. If the illogical assumptions at a wedding. A other persons should be included, Why is it that in thoughts at that moment are a positive family will ask in the middle: “We standing nearby). It won’t be possible towards the photographer who did not haven’t had a portrait in a long time. to nudge, remind, or request anyone to many cases where push and direct the wedding, then how Could you just take a quick picture?” move out of the way at the very instant could the result of not getting the shot Later they will care how they look. of glass-breaking. Yet nudging a second we can get the glass- later be considered a negative? “That is what the professional did?!?” early will be ignored and a second later breaking shot, it is not Being an artist is more than just Some photographers strive to do the is too late! using that word. It involves giving best that can be done. Most, instead of An idea: Everyone knows there is a chosen for the book? much thought to every moment, and analyzing, just do what they always photographer present and understands considering options. Many emotional have been doing, what they were that the client would like the shot. The things are happening all around. I taught by others who always did what photographer is not invisible, and have been known to choose to remain they were doing, or what they were while not blocking the audience yet, tionally involved at the moment, this behind the chupah when they are fac- told they should do. the angle needed is pretty obvious. So necessary sudden movement would be ing in that direction. For the moment So, you have a lot of photographers those involved could be sure to allow a distraction. Eye contact and body the groom chooses to break the glass, doing the same thing, and a lot of peo- the audience (and thereby the cam- language could work, but only if those ple planning very special, and unique eras), an opportunity to see. involved want to be distracted just Continued on Page 54 events, who later will feel that the photography is nothing special. Worse, a few photographers are concerned, creative, and caring, and instead of being appreciated, they are being criticized, and misunderstood. Should the photographer be unobtrusive, or control the wedding? Most readers, will say, NOT to control the wedding, and that they hate pushy photographers. I agree. So the photographer is to do the best that can be done at each stage of the way? Right? Or did I misunderstand? While singing “If I Forget Thee O Jerusalem,” parents alternate between glancing heavenward, and at each other. Some have tears; some cannot wait to hear the glass shattering, and are already watching for that moment. I stand where the audience cannot see. The couple—with their backs to the audience—are emotionally expressive, and involved in so many ways. My photos are priceless. A small table holds the wine and glasses, blocking all view of the groom’s feet. Those watching expect that I will fly all the way around the chupah, squeeze through, and somehow come to the audience’s side, to get the “breaking of the glass.” Will I see faces? Few? Usually the couple’s faces are not visible, as they do not turn 90 degrees to each other. Parent’s faces? More likely one or more will be blocked by decorative foliage. Of course, there is the likelihood that a rabbi, witnesses, or even the caterer’s assistant, who readies the glass for that moment, either moves in, or fails to move out at that moment and will block the shot. What is the shot? Is it a man’s shoe, poised above a white wrapped orb on the floor, or is the shot really the entire crowd’s focus on that area? Will a close up of just the foot and glass suffice? You laugh at the idea! You want to see faces. So do I. I could continue to paint this moment. But here is the reality. If getting that shot is absolutely vital, then the people who might easily block it from view should understand when asked in advance, to move. The audience watching should understand 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 51 and certainly these 35 rabbis, unani- Is there a time when we shouldn’t Kashrus Square Rooted mous in their decision. (The Meiri, in judge someone favorably? The Meiri the Chibur HaTeshuvah, states that the (Sanhedrin 26a) writes that when it sin is much worse when we are dealing has become clear that an aveirah, a BY RABBI YAIR HOFFMAN His first response was a verbal repri- with chachamim as opposed to ordi- sin, is being performed, then it is for- DEAN, TIFERET HIGH SCHOOL, mand: “He said, ‘They are ma’aminim nary people.) bidden to judge the person favorably. THE CAROL TEPLER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS b’nei ma’aminim—believers, the chil- We also find in Pirkei Avos (1:6) And in his commentary on Mishlei dren of believers. But you will end up three sayings of Rabbi Yehoshua ben (21:12), Rabbeinu Yona writes that we not believing.’” The second response Prachyah: “Make for yourself a only apply the maxim to a person By now, pretty much everyone is was the sign that Hashem chose for teacher; acquire for yourself a friend; whose root intent is on the proper aware that the Vaad HaKashrus has Moshe—a physical affliction, as and judge each person favorably.” path. Also, during legal deliberations, removed its supervision from a local Moshe’s hand was stricken with tzara‘as. The inclusion of this third maxim judges should not judge favorably, but establishment. There are a number of The verse in Vayikra (19:15) states with the other two indicates the import should be impartial (Tosfos Yom Tov, questions, halachic issues, and extra- the obligation of “Betzedek tishpot of the issue. Its inclusion with the pre- Pirkei Avos 1:8). These are the excep- halachic issues that are on many people’s amisecha—With righteousness shall vious fundamental socioeducational tions. But for us, and in the back of minds. Why did the Vaad discontinue shuls (and, lehavdil, exercise gyms), the supervision? Did the Vaad overreact? the maxim remains fully operative. Is this politics? Is the Vaad overreacting We may ask, “So what if we misinter- because of the incident in Monsey? Is it Judging one’s friend favorably is one of six pret the Vaad’s intent? Is it so signifi- appropriate for a kashrus agency to dis- cant?” As mentioned in the Gemara in continue supervision for reasons other Shabbos quoted above, Reish Lakish than kashrus? Is there an obligation on practices for which a person eats the fruits concludes from the episode of Moshe our part to assume that the members of Rabbeinu that “ha’chosheid bichsheirim the Vaad acted appropriately? lokeh begufo—one who suspects the As Torah-observant Jews, we are obli- in this world and retains the principal innocent is struck corporally.” The gated to follow the Torah’s formula for Chasam Sofer explains that, generally how we must think and respond to these reward for himself in the World to Come. speaking, when we sin, Hashem first issues. We begin with a shocking account inflicts punishment via our possessions in Sh’mos (4:1–6): Moshe Rabbeinu him- or property. Not so regarding this sin; self is told by Hashem to inform B’nei Hashem takes it out on our physical Yisrael that Moshe was sent to redeem you judge your fellow man.” Rashi’s principles indicates that the maxim to bodies. It is a scary thought. If we’ve them. Moshe responds to Hashem, second explanation is “hevei don es judge others favorably must be a fun- ever gotten our finger slammed in a car “They will not believe me.” In this state- chaveircha le’chaf z’chus,”—to give damental motif, as well. The door, chas v’shalom, let’s think about ment, at least to some degree, Moshe your friend the benefit of the doubt. Bartenura says that even if we are whom we may have judged unfavorably. violates a cardinal principle of Torah There are 35 rabbis responsible for unsure of where a person stands, we We find another case when some- behavior—judging others favorably. The the kashrus decision mentioned above. should judge him positively. If, howev- one judged another in a negative light, Gemara (Shabbos 97a) explains These men are the best scholars and of er, there is a history of incorrect behav- in Navi (Shmuel I, Perek 1), regarding Hashem’s two responses to Moshe’s neg- the finest character. If we are to judge ior, the maxim does not apply. The the incident of Eili (the Kohein Gadol) ative judgment of B’nei Yisrael: a mere friend with the benefit of the members of the Vaad have an untar- and Chanah. She prayed fervently for a “It was revealed before Hakadosh doubt, as our sages tell us to do, then nished and pristine record. The child, and Eili accused her of being Baruch Hu that Israel would believe.” we should certainly do so for a rabbi— Bartenura’s words clearly apply. drunk. She responded (1:15), “Lo,

52 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Adoni…—No, my master; I am a saying, in effect: No! The motivation of view the driving force behind Pinchas’s that we are up against are we able to woman of aggrieved spirit. I have Pinchas was not on account of his idol- actions as anything but the pure impe- deal with it effectively. The bravest of drunk neither wine nor spirits. Rather atrous forebear… His lineage was to tus that it was? warriors will lose in battle to the I am pouring out my heart before Aharon HaKohein—the seeker of We see from this Rashi the perni- weakest of opponents when taken by Hashem.” Her response is analyzed in peace. In killing Zimri, Pinchas sought cious nature of our evil inclination. surprise. However, if we are aware of the Gemara in Berachos (31b), which to soothe Hashem’s wrath against the Man possesses a seemingly unremit- how strong and intense this tendency seems to tell us (as one explanation) Children of Israel. He bears the same ting tendency to view the motivations is within us, then we can know to that Chana’s response is that the feature characteristics of his illustrious of others negatively. The yetzer ha’ra watch for it when it begins to sow Ruach HaKodesh and the Shechinah grandfather—Aharon HaKohein—and does its best to induce us to ignore seeds within us. The spiritually ele- must not be resting with Eili if he is a seeker of peace. our Torah mandate of judging others vated people of the Dor De‘ah must could commit this grave transgression What is perplexing about Rashi’s favorably. All are now victim to this have been unaware of this nature of judging someone negatively. words here is how these critics could trap set by the yetzer ha’ra—even the within us; therefore, they failed. We, In a similar vein, we have to reflect ever have laid these charges in the first holy tribes of Israel. And no one is however, can succeed if we know to within ourselves if our suspicions are place! Our sages tell us that this gener- safe from our vicious assaults—nei- watch ourselves and to remember the that the members of the Vaad were ation—the Dor De‘ah—was the great- ther a Pinchas ben Elazar, nor a words of our sages to judge each per- either overreacting, acting out of poli- est generation that ever lived; even the Moshe Rabbeinu, nor our current son favorably. tics or kavod, or just plain acting inap- lowliest maidservant among them was rabbinic leaders. So what now? How do we make propriately. Perhaps, as the Gemara privy to visions far beyond that of the The question now arises: Is the situ- amends with the people we have mis- seems to read, the thought is indicative prophet Yechezkel ben Buzi. If so, how ation hopeless? Is there nothing we judged? The P’nei Yehoshua (Berachos that the Shechinah is somewhat lack- is it possible that these holy members can do to safeguard ourselves from 31a) says that we should appease them ing within us. of the tribes of Israel attributed attributing unfavorable motivations to and give them a berachah. Another The Machzor Vitri, a siddur written derogatory and degrading motivations the actions of others? If the people of question arises, too. Is this something by one of the students of Rashi, lists to the righteous actions of Pinchas? the Dor De‘ah failed, how can we ever that we have to ask mechilah for? The the notion of judging others unfavor- We must further recall that Pinchas hope to succeed? answer depends upon whether the sin ably as one of the 24 things that pre- was the scion of the most illustrious The response to this last question is bein adam l’chaveiro or bein adam vent us from doing teshuvah. The family in Israel, which merited the involves one of the most fundamental l’Makom. The aforementioned Meiri explanation is that when a person com- ultimate honor of serving Hashem principles of mussar thought: Only mits this sin, he thinks it is a minor (or directly. How then could they dare when we are aware of the yetzer ha’ra Continued on Page 54 even non-existent) violation. “What am I doing wrong? Nothing!” is the thinking. Nothing could be further from the truth, and the sinner cannot do teshuvah because he doesn’t even think he has done anything wrong. If we do judge people favorably, what is the reward? The Gemara (Shabbos 127a) says in the name of Rabbi Yochanan that judging one’s friend favorably is one of six practices for which a person eats the fruits in this world and retains the principal for reward himself in the World to Come. In other words, the worldly rewards of this type of philosophy are perceived most readily in this world; we will actually see tangible results if we adopt the practice of judging people favorably. Also, we see from the Eliyahu Zuta (16) that if we judge others favorably, Hashem judges us favorably. What could be a greater motivation than that? The benefits, however, do not end here. Judging others favorably is also one of the 48 ways in which to acquire Torah (Eliyahu Zuta 17); without this philosophy, we cannot truly acquire Torah. The question can perhaps be asked, Where does this bad habit come from? Why is it that we suspect people—even great people—improperly? The answer to this question may lie in the words of the pasuk in Bamidbar (25:10–11): “Pinchas, the son of Elazar, the son of Aharon HaKohein turned My wrath away from the Children of Israel in that he was very jealous for My sake among them.” Why did the Torah feel a need to trace Pinchas’s genealogy to Aharon HaKohein here? We all know who Elazar HaKohein was! Rashi answers that, in tracing the genealogy, the Torah is setting to rest certain charges and criticisms laid upon Pinchas by the tribes of Israel. Rashi explains that the tribes mocked him, saying, “Have you seen that son of Puti, whose mother’s father [Yisro, called Putiel, literally “fattener for a god”] fat- tened calves for idolatry, who killed a prince of a tribe of Israel?” The Torah is addressing the remarks of these critics, 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 53 Photo Prose unlikely stereotypical shot, much Kashrus release of the woman who had informed Continued from Page 51 more meaningful and emotional Continued from Page 53 on him to the Romanian authorities, his shots can be obtained. jailers! When asked how he could do his face, and the faces of those watch- Frankly, the rare photographer who seems to indicate that the prohibition such a thing, he judged her positively. ing, are more expressive than a boring is sensitive enough to think about all is bein adam l’Makom, since the judg- “Imagine,” he said, “what she went black and white action shot. Keep in this, and who must be sure to be up to ment was not voiced to the other per- through, what she herself was subjected mind, that even a “perfect” breaking the challenge technically and artistical- son. The Rif and the Rosh (Berachos to, before she informed on me.” shot, does not prove the glass broke. ly at every moment, both evenings and 31b) indicate that it is bein adam A lofty level, to be sure—but one that This is not the video. You see the weekends, might not want to hear that l’chaveiro. This means that teshuvah is characterizes the spirit of Klal Yisrael. ❖ raised shoe. Did it make contact and the most important picture was missed. not possible until we ask the other per- get results? On Wednesday afternoon, nine months son for forgiveness. Tiferet Chaya, located in Woodmere, needs housing options for some of its students. If you I had been taught by very experi- after he has lost most memory of all the Do a Google search on “judging oth- are able to do this enormous mitzvah, please enced photographers years ago, that details of the event, the client comes to ers favorably,” and you will find some- contact Rabbi Hoffman at [email protected]. invariably the most important shot is finally choose their photos for the book thing amazing: every resulting website, the one missed! It sounds cynical, but and says, that the most important without exception, refers to Jewish that is the way it often seems. Why is photo of the whole wedding, is not sources for this concept; it is as though And Avram traversed it that in many cases, where we can get there! How could that be?!? this phraseology does not exist in secu- the glass-breaking shot, it is not cho- Always being thrust into an un- lar circles. Being don le’chaf z’chus is a the land sen for the book? Then, when we do winnable situation makes one cynical. prototypically Jewish ideal. (Indeed, (Bereishis 12:6) not get the shot, but we have incredi- Why not discuss what the photograph- this could help explain a difficulty ble emotional and meaningful shots of er’s job is before the event! When you posed in the Gemara cited above the rest of the ceremony, then sudden- pay more for a concerned and qualified [Shabbos 127a]: the Mishnah does not Everything that happened to ly, the breaking shot is “the most artist, you get much more than a picture include “judging others favorably” in the Patriarchs is a signpost important!” “You got to have it!” “Every taker. Your photographer should want to the list of those practices for which a album I have ever seen has it!” do justice to the event, its participants, person enjoys the fruits in this world! for their children.This is So wouldn’t it be good, if there was and the craft that only a few photogra- The Gemara answers that it is included why the Torah elaborates its some thought about this before the phers have worked hard to perfect. within the ones listed, i.e., judging oth- account of their journeys, wedding? If it is so important, should- Knowing what your goals are, and ers favorably is included in gemilus their well-digging and the n’t everyone involved be sure to help understanding that they may not chasadim—the practice of which is one the photographer to get it? Can he be always be about getting the stereotypi- of the distinguishing characteristics of other events [of their excused, and even expected to push, cal shots, but rather ones which truly the descendants of Avraham Avinu.) lives]....These all come as an and prod to get that all important shot, make your event, and you special, may Yonasan Rosenblum tells the story of instruction for the future: even if he does distract, disturb, and help you appreciate most what you the late Skulener Rebbe, who was for when something detract from the beautiful, sacred, and have, that the glass is really half full, imprisoned by the Romanian authorities spiritual moment? not missing. for continuing his religious activities happens to one of the three I do not believe your event should Next week: Interrupted dancing and under Communism. After pressure was Patriarchs, one understands become a pushing and shoving press the unobtrusive photographer. ❖ put on the Romanian government to from it what is decreed to conference. Photographers need to Gary Gershon Rabenko may be reached at secure his release, he came to the occur to his descendants. be sensitive to many things, and to [email protected]. Questions regarding United States, where he worked dili- photographic philosophies are welcome. make important value judgments. Rabenko Photography & Video Artists is located gently to release other Romanian (Nachmanides) Often, by choosing not to attempt an at 1001 Broadway in Woodmere. refuseniks—even helping to secure the

54 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES urim, sometimes the lack of available perks. I doubt I will get upgraded, but “hands” makes everyday activities it is a definite possibility. The perks I The Traveling Jew more difficult. am looking for are the special check-in I spent the beginning of the week counters. Instead of having to wait in getting ready for my Monday night line, Gold and higher members of El Al Our Aliyah Chronicle, Part 26 the U.S. and shipped to a few locations flight, preparing lists, packing materi- get their own special ticket counters, BY SHMUEL KATZ since we had very little time available. als, and putting together the least where the lines move much quicker. Additionally, our yeshiva scheduled amount of clothing I could, so that Gold members also get a larger We are entering into one of the our first major fundraising event there would be room to bring back stuff weight allowance. While this wouldn’t busiest times of the year for yeshivot like (Chicago parlor meeting) for the last for the kids. Good thing I did that. really affect me on the way out of ours. Each November, recruiting season week in October. This was to be my My flight to the U.S. was much bet- Israel, my trips become much more begins with three weeks of “Israel first major event with the yeshiva, and ter than the previous one. I definitely productive when I have the opportuni- nights” in the various yeshiva high I approached it with some trepidation. prefer the night flight. Everyone is ty to bring more stuff home. schools across the U.S. Each yeshiva In order to properly prepare for the much quieter and you have a chance to Another thing I am looking forward to has to send representatives to the vari- fundraiser, I made plans to travel to sleep (although I gotta find out about is qualifying for electronic immigration ous high schools to address the students control in Israel. Israeli citizens have an and parents, telling them something option to file their passport information about their yeshiva and why it is a good and handprints with the border police. choice for them for the upcoming year. “Sir, go back behind the white line, and Then, each time they enter and leave the One of my responsibilities is to country they can bypass the passport coordinate our PR efforts, including when you approach my station I will have control lines and, using their handprints, the publication of our recruitment electronically register their entries and brochure. In consultation with our to fine you $1,000 if I see you talking on exits from Israel. administration, I radically redesigned Unfortunately, this option is only the brochure, opting for a less complex the cell phone.” available to Israeli passport holders, of design with more pictures of happy, which I am not one. I know this learning students. sounds a little silly since I am an We almost didn’t have the brochure Israeli citizen, but I cannot get an ready on time. The yeshiva’s graphic Chicago early in the week. I needed sleeping pills because I can only catch Israeli passport until I have been an artist is my boss’s wife, and I was sup- time to make sure that all the prepara- two to three hours). Arriving in Newark Israeli citizen for a full year. Until posed to work with her on this project tions were moving forward as needed was much, much better than JFK—the then, I travel on something called a during the summer. Unfortunately, he and to set up some private meetings process was so much smoother. teudat ma’avar (traveling certificate). was in the army during the summer, with our larger donors. There are three things that would The teudat ma’avar is something that and I felt that it was inappropriate for Of course, since I was taking the improve my outbound flights. They are is used only by olim. It looks just like a me to intrude upon her life while she rosh yeshiva and the menahel klali with really matters of convenience more than passport. Essentially, it is a document was worrying about her husband. me for the parlor meeting, the fact that anything. The first is getting to the Gold that is only used for the Israeli border By the time things settled down, we several staff members were also status of El Al. It will be close for me, control; for entry and exit into other were late in producing a proof and had to preparing to leave on recruiting trips since I calculate that I will be within a countries, the oleh has to use his pass- really scramble in order to get the made our absences all the more diffi- round trip of getting there by the end of port from the country he came from. brochure printed in time for recruitment. cult for the yeshiva. While there are my first 12 months in the program. We actually had the brochures printed in always substitutes available to give shi- Gold status comes with certain big Continued on Page 56

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 55 Aliyah Chronicle Of course, since I had only slept take advantage of her. I feel bad, kids express about wanting to come to Continued from Page 55 three hours on the plane from Israel, because this makes my trips that much NY or Chicago is that they want to see and I had spent the entire day running harder for her to handle. all their cousins. The flight went pretty well, the only around NY and was extremely tired, it During these trips the inevitable On Motzei Shabbat I had the oppor- glitch was using my cell phone. The only made sense that my flight to homesickness for America hits one of tunity to visit with Steven Kirshner, flight crew of El Al constantly remind- Chicago would be delayed two hours. the kids. This time it was Mordechai’s one of my oldest friends from Chicago. ed us in flight that cell phones cannot By the time we got on the plane I was turn. He came home crying that he Steve was in Chicago visiting his fami- be used until the cabin doors open. So, totally exhausted, and once we were in doesn’t want to go to school in Hebrew. ly, and although he lives no more than as I got off the plane, I whipped out my the air, I fell asleep until ten minutes He wants to be in America and play a half hour drive away from us in phone to call Goldie and let her know before landing. with his best friend Gabey—in English! Israel, this was the first time we had I had arrived safely. Leaving Israel is weird. There are so While that moment passed, and he seen each other since we made aliyah. Apparently, cell phones cannot be many mental adjustments I have to went to school and returned to normal, Steve works on the other side of used until after luggage is retrieved make. There is no birkat kohanim each these things pop up from time to time, Yerushalayim from our yeshiva, and and you pass through customs. When day. The day seems so much more and we will most likely be dealing with since we have been so overwhelmingly I got to the immigration officer, he said rushed in America. But the biggest them for the next few months. busy trying to not be busy, we have had to me, “Sir, go back behind the white adjustment has to be the change in tem- Goldie also has a much harder time very little time to actually get away line, and when you approach my sta- perature. It is so cold in America. Each sleeping with me out of the house. She from the house to visit people since we tion I will have to fine you $1,000 if I time I come here I am astounded at the says that she feels unsafe without me moved. Every night is a school night, see you talking on the cell phone.” differences between our climates. there. It is flattering for me to hear it, and just when things look like they are In my subsequent discussion with Meanwhile, as you would expect, but I hate how tired she sounds when about to calm down, I go on a ten day him I discovered that they always seem my absence from the house was a per- I talk to her. trip overseas. to have cell phone issues with El Al fect opportunity for things to go We expected things to be like this. Hopefully, this will be my last trip passengers. When I told him that the wrong. By the time I got to America After all, I specifically looked for a job until we change the calendar. Goldie is flight crew gave us erroneous informa- two kids had strep throat and the hot that had a major travel component, so scheduled to be in New York (for an tion, we both realized why. Although I water heaters stopped working. Of that I could visit our family and friends accounting audit with the school she am not sure exactly why this rule is in course, by Friday it started to rain on a regular basis. Yet, I wish there was worked for in America) for a week in effect—after all, what can we do with a heavily and there were three leaks in a way I could make it easier for her. December, so we will still have some cell phone between the time we get off the house (expected when you have On the other hand, having the ability topsy-turvy time next month, but we are the plane and the time we get through new construction) as well as a ton of to buy certain things we could not pos- hoping that by Chanukah even the customs—I wish the U.S. officials mud for the kids to play in since our sibly get in Israel is a definite benefit. overseas trips will cease being a novelty would notify the airline what the policy grass has not yet been planted. Despite the overwhelming amount of and we will finally have our lives on an is so that people could avoid trouble. Chaya (age 13) needed to have a stuff my mother-in-law got us, I still even keel. ❖ I had scheduled a 10-hour stopover tooth pulled and will be going for new needed to get some (more) paper blinds, in NY in order to have meetings with braces next week. It seems like we will and some toiletries that are not sold in Shmuel Katz is the director of Yeshivat Eretz HaTzvi in the Katamon neighborhood in some potential donors. Since I would never be free from braces; Chaim’s Israel (somebody should import those Jerusalem. Shmuel and his wife, Goldie (the be in NY, Goldie’s mother took the braces were removed just last week blinds—they would make a killing). telecommuting controller at Bnos Bais Yaakov of opportunity to “fill my suitcases.” By after three years. I spent a very nice Shabbat with my Far Rockaway), and their six children (ages 1 to 15) made aliyah on July 5. Prior to his aliyah, the time I got to the airport to check in The kids knew I was gone and tried cousins in Chicago. Thankfully, my Shmuel was the executive director of the Yeshiva my bags, I was glad that I had packed to push Goldie as hard as they could. family is very supportive of our aliyah, of South Shore in Hewlett. If you have a specific question (beyond “Are you out of your mind?”), lightly, since my bags came in only one They assume that she is too busy and and we enjoy spending time together. I please feel free to contact him at pound below the airline’s weight limit. lonely to notice that they are trying to know that one of the only things our [email protected].

56 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 57 58 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 59 60 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 61 Inside Outside: In Israel, Legal Outsourcing Is In

BY ARYE NISONSON

When Dov Schwell was a partner in the law firm of McDermott, Will & Emery, his office overlooked Rockefeller Plaza—prime New York City real estate in almost anyone’s book. A little more than two years ago, however, Dov, who grew up in Far Rockaway and Woodmere, decided to make a move. No, not the move from big-firm corporate partner to in-house counsel. Dov made the move—he, along with his family, made aliyah from Teaneck to Eretz Yisrael. Dov traded the glitz of Rockefeller Plaza for the inspiration of the hills of Yerushalayim.

Dov Schwell.

Surrounded by those hills of Yerushalayim sit the offices of Outside Counsel Solutions, where Dov and over a dozen other American- trained attorneys continue to practice in their legal fields. OCS makes available lawyers who graduated from top law schools including Harvard, Yale, Columbia and NYU. They worked in the biggest and best law firms such as Wachtell Lipton, Skadden Arps, Weil Gotshal and Milbank Tweed, to name a few. OCS attorneys provide services in the same areas as any of these top law firms—mergers and acquisitions, corporate, securities, litigation, real estate, tax, employment and employee benefits, intellectual property and entertainment. They have even developed a niche practice for not-for-prof- it companies. OCS attorneys have advised clients on investments, complex transactions, and large and small litigation matters. Although OCS attorneys may practice in the same fields as their American-based big firm counterparts, they are uniquely different in that they all have made aliyah to Israel. It goes without saying that those who make aliyah do so with hopes, dreams, and prayers. They want their day to be more than the mundane humdrum of everyday life. Their pri- mary goal of living as Jews in our Land emboldens them against the inevitable challenges that come along

Continued on Page 67 62 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 63 64 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 65 66 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Inside Outside Continued from Page 62 with aliyah, while their vision of what could be keeps them focused on what it’s all about. When it comes to such vision for the Land of Israel, IDT Corporation is certainly at the forefront. So, when IDT decided to develop a revolution- ary legal outsourcing company in Israel, Dov was a perfect fit to help make that vision a reality. There was a trend of companies looking to cut down costs by outsourcing services. There was also a budding trend of Jewish professionals, including attorneys, making aliyah (a trend which OCS has helped grow and encourage exponentially). Why not bring the two trends together to offer companies and law firms top-school educated and top-law firm experienced attorneys at a fraction of the cost they would pay in the States? That was the challenge. That was the vision. That is Outside Counsel Solutions. The advantages of outsourcing are obvious. The advantage of professional outsourcing to Israel, where there is a unique pool of talented, intelligent, US-educated and trained professionals, is also obvious. OCS is not your typical outsourcing operation, where relatively straightforward tasks are sent overseas to be accomplished by less qualified people. By working only with attorneys who are at the top of their fields and who are native English speakers with significant U.S. experience, OCS avoids the negatives people associate with outsourcing and off- shoring. “OCS attorneys’ experience is often more extensive than the law firms and in-house counsel that are their clients,” says Ira Greenstein, President of IDT Corporation and a key person in developing and growing OCS to where it is today. In addition to companies and individuals, OCS makes its lawyers available to law firms. Smaller firms that otherwise might have to turn away a potential matter due to capacity con- straints or lack of the proper experience can turn to OCS attorneys to expand the range of matters they can handle. Larger firms tap OCS’s experienced lawyers when they are short on manpower or are looking to outsource certain tasks, but prefer attorneys like OCS’ as opposed to temps or less qualified service providers. Current technology has made the world a much smaller place. Clients can reach their OCS legal team instantly by e-mail or dialing a U.S. phone number. The time difference can make for some late night activity on the OCS end, but OCS attorneys are ready and available 24/6. OCS, as well as its clients, contin- ues to benefit from the continued growth of the outsourcing and aliyah trends. This summer alone, a number of attorneys, who have worked at the highest level of the legal profession, joined OCS, including Louis Barr and Michael Charish. Louis, who was a partner at Venable in Washington DC and specializes in ERISA, executive compensation and employee ben-

Continued on Page 70 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 67 always heard about the dangers of salmo- improve her voice. I never tried it, but let’s nella. After I was married, I discovered suppose it works; Is it permitted to eat raw that raw eggs are an ingredient in choco- eggs before davening? The Shulchan Daf Yomi Insights late mousse and parve ice cream. This Aruch (89:4) writes that it is forbidden to past Shabbos, when my children were eat and drink before davening. This BY RABBI AVROHOM that on Shabbos the hen that laid the egg unusually unruly, I took the parve ice halachah applies to Shabbos, as well. SEBROW is generally muktzeh, since it can not be cream out of the freezer and served it to (Drinking coffee, tea, and water is permit- slaughtered on Shabbos; consequently, them. My wife asked me “How could you ted.) The Mishnah Berurah (89:21) writes When I was a high-school student in the egg that it lays is also muktzeh.On feed that to the children? It has raw eggs!” that even a minute amount of food may Queens, raw eggs were plentiful at this Yom Tov, ritual slaughter is generally per- I discovered that raw eggs are okay for not be consumed before davening. Our time of year. The dormitory students were mitted, so the hen is not muktzeh itself, adults, just not for children. I did some Chazal tell us that someone who eats told to stay indoors after nightfall; the because it has a permitted usage. We research, and found that 1 in 30,000 eggs before davening has the following pasuk yeshiva was considered a good target by might have therefore thought that the egg is contaminated with salmonella. It seems applied to him: “And you have cast me the locals. In the morning, we would find that it lays is also not muktzeh. The mish- that the risk of contracting a disease from behind your back” (Melachim I, 14:9) It is yellow stains and eggshells on the build- nah teaches us that Beis Hillel holds the salmonella poisoning in raw eggs is quite considered arrogant to satisfy one’s ing. Shaving cream was sprayed all egg is muktzeh even on Yom Tov. low. There was a bachur in yeshiva whose appetite first and only then to pray. around. I don’t recall any serious damage Other commentators give a different father was a doctor and did not allow him However, a sick person is permitted to eat to my yeshiva building occurring. So how answer. The question of eating a newly to use generic versions of OTC medicines before davening if he feels the need to. apropos is it that this week daf yomi start- laid egg on Shabbos is not so relevant, as like Advil, Tylenol, and Benadryl. This is not considered arrogant, since his ed Maseches Beitzah! cooking is prohibited on Shabbos; even if However, he used to always taste the cake motivation is for health reasons. So, too, The very first mishnah teaches us that the egg were permitted to be consumed, it batter (with raw eggs as an ingredient) in someone who is extremely hungry and Beis Hillel holds that an egg laid on Yom would have to be eaten raw. HaRav Yisroel the yeshiva kitchen, saying that his father cannot concentrate properly on davening Tov cannot be consumed. Presumably, Reisman in his ArtScroll commentary didn’t mind if he ate raw eggs. is permitted to eat before davening. The the same halachah is true on Shabbos. thereby comments “most people would I have frequently heard that some chaz- Yeviah Omer (Vol. 4, O.C. 12:16) writes The question arises as to why the mish- decline the opportunity to eat a raw egg.” anim swallow raw eggs before davening to that similarly, the consumption of a raw nah didn’t teach us this halachah in Apparently, though, the use of raw eggs improve the quality of their voices. egg, which is meant to enhance the chaz- regard to Shabbos, which occurs weekly, as an ingredient is quite common. I was Mercedes McCambridge, a well-known an’s voice for tefillah, is permitted. It isn’t instead of Yom Tov. The Meiri answers taught that raw eggs are bad for you. I actor, was known for eating raw eggs to considered an act of haughtiness, since his intentions are for Hashem’s honor. Does one make a berachah on a raw egg? Rabbi Binyamin Forst, shlita, writes in the Laws of B’rachos (p. 139) that one does. Since a raw egg is considered “edi- ble with difficulty” and it provides nutri- tional benefit, a “shehakol” is required. I kindly request that married women (especially my wife!) stop reading the article at this point. As I was researching this article, I came across an interesting comment by HaRav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, zt’l. In Sefer Tefillah KeHilchaso (Chapter 6, notes 36–39) the following question is discussed: Is one permitted to prepare children’s meals before davening? I had always assumed that it was permitted. I cannot count the number of bowls of oatmeal I’ve prepared while the children were screaming for food and their mother was resting peace- fully. (Of course, overall, she cares for them more than I do.) Excited about the possibility that making the children breakfast might be forbidden before davening,I investigated further. The Shulchan Aruch (92:10) writes that it is a proper practice to give charity before davening. The Mishnah Berurah (92:36) writes that the custom is based on the following pasuk in Tehillim (17:15): “In righteousness I shall behold Your face.” On this point, HaRav Shlomo Zalman elaborates that the Shulchan Aruch is not only referring to charity; one may fulfill the dictum of the Shulchan Aruch by perform- ing any act of kindness. Sefer Tefillah KeHilchaso writes that serving meals to your own children is considered an act of kindness; they rely on you to feed them, and feeding them is considered “cheftzei Shamayim,” a heavenly pursuit. So not only is one permitted to feed his children before davening, it is meritorious to do so. One thereby fulfills the custom of doing chesed or charity before praying. Of course, husbands who do get up early appreciate an expression of thanks now and then. Regarding the mess that father makes in the kitchen, the mother has to decide if the extra sleep worth it. Till neggst week. Have a good Shabbos. ❖

Rabbi Sebrow delivers a nightly shiur on the daf yomi at Priority-1. He can be contacted at [email protected]. 68 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 69 Inside Outside Continued from Page 67 efits, and Michael, who spent nine years as a civil and white-collar-criminal litigator at Wachtell Lipton, have added to the talent to the OCS team. Tzvi Gherman also joined OCS this past summer. Tzvi, along with his family, made aliyah in July after four and a half years in Cedarhurst and close to six years in the M&A department of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy. Tzvi traded his lower Manhattan view of the Hudson for the holy hills of Yerushalayim, trading in a Wall Street address for an office a short distance from the Western Wall. “OCS is a dream come true— literally. What Jew doesn’t yearn to return to Israel, to fulfill the words of the navi, ‘v’shavu banim l’gevulam’? We daven for it every day. We learn about it in yeshiva. But there are obstacles in getting here, one of which is finding a job. For many of us, OCS has removed that obstacle and instead has provided a workplace that is filled with enthusiasm, purpose, camaraderie, and vision. The OCS environment is one where people enjoy coming to work and can continue to do what they’ve been trained to do at the highest level of quality and intellectual challenge. And all of this in the Promised Land!” OCS is more than just a way for clients to receive superior legal services at significant cost savings. OCS is a home within our home for Jews from Woodmere, Cedarhurst, Teaneck, Bergenfield, Passaic, Flatbush, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and other Jewish communities. OCS attorneys can maintain their high level of legal practice while living and working in the Land that provides the highest level of kedushah. All of which helps provide a smoother life and career transition from the U.S. to Israel. OCS also provides those living in chutz la’aretz with a unique opportunity. We are often asked by organizations from Eretz Yisrael for financial assistance, which we give wholeheartedly. It is not so often, however, that we have the opportunity to actually hire our fellow Jews living in Israel. OCS provides that opportunity without any sacrifice or compromise on quality of service. It is an opportunity that allows us to connect to each other and to Eretz Yisrael, at a time when that connection is so important. You can find out more about Outside Counsel Solutions by visiting its website at www.outsidecounsel.net. ❖

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70 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES shadchanim present. Attendance will Then when they get older, different Lo Tov Heyos Ha’adam Levaddo: be limited to between 40 and 50 men issues get in the way. Guys want and women (Modern Orthodox mach- younger women or won’t go out with mir to yeshivish), so an early response divorcées or women with children. A New Frum Approach To Matchmaking is required. A fee of $25 includes wine This line of thinking only perpetuates and cheese, a chalav yisrael meal, more years of staying single. Also, the speakers, games, and entertainment. investigative time one uses to research BY MICHELE JUSTIC pays special attention to the shid- The music of Azamra DJ will surely a prospective match often ends up duchim of our avos and imahos, includ- enhance the night, as well. with the other party already dating oth- If you visit JDate.com, you’ll see ing Eliezer’s role in matching Yitzchak Organizers Devorah Taitz and Lisa ers and/or getting engaged. The men religious categories ranging from and Rivkah and the many hurdles Balch are both intimately familiar with are known to have long lists of women, “Hassidic” to “unaffiliated,” with Yaakov had to clear in order to create the shidduch crisis. Lisa describes the whereas the women are lucky to have “another stream,” “will tell you later” his large family. event as “trying to allow individuals to one or two that they may be pursuing and “any” also listed as options. When Clearly, the frum community need- meet others in a low pressure, user- (researching).” asked about “Temple,” categories ed to step in and reverse this trend and friendly environment—which is what According to Rabbi Aryeh Ginzberg include “never” and “sometimes.” ensure compliance with Torah man- we are attempting to create.” Devorah of Chofetz Chaim Torah Center, This would turn off any frum single (I dates and shalom bayis all around. And describes the origin of the event: “I “There is nothing more important met my husband via this website a few that is exactly what Chabad of the Five realized that everyone needs more than helping out, and there is no bet- years ago and am amazed at how it Towns is doing. On November 11, avenues in order to meet frum singles. ter time spent than being involved in has gone downhill since then). Orthodox single women (ages 22–27) Matchmaking is not the answer for bringing people together for this Though JDate is the largest, other and men (ages 23–29) are invited to everyone, nor do those that choose endeavor.” Other rabbanim to endorse niche dating sites, including Saw You attend a fun-filled, exciting event at that avenue always find their bashert.” the event include Rabbi Zalman At Sinai and Frumster, try to accom- the Chabad of the Five Towns (74 Devorah elaborates, “The shidduch Wolowik of the Chabad of the Five modate a more frum crowd, but non- Maple Avenue). They are holding a crisis is a deeper problem than one can Towns and Rav Moshe Weinberger of frum singles manage to appear there, wine- and cheese-tasting singles’ musi- imagine. Young adults are pressured Aish Kodesh. Tovah Brill, creator of A as well. The world of online dating, cal dating melaveh malkah. The event into thinking that they have to marry Good Life Matchmaking, describes supposedly created to help ease the will be conducted in a tzniusdik and by some magical age or else they may shidduch crisis, has arguably made kosher manner, with facilitators and turn into a pumpkin or something. Continued on Page 73 things worse by offering the picky single thousands more options to pro- crastinate with. Not to mention the rising fees charged for all of these sites, which have become their own industry and introduced a balagan in its own right. According to Heshy Shayovitz, creator of jewishdatingre- view.com, new sites are springing up all the time, and it’s hard for him to keep up. Of course, many marriages have been created this way, so eligible singles should not shy away from it, even given its current flaws. Presumably, these sites came into existence as a service for those fed up with the party scene and the shadchan scene. The party scene of yesteryear is no longer. My parents speak of parties in which traditional Jews would meet. They were rather “G”-rated as far as the entertainment and the dress and behavior of the partygoers. Now, those parties do exist but tend to attract those who have already failed at everything else. The majority of parties involve drinking, mixed dancing, and other non-frum activities. I cannot imagine anyone finding a true bashert under these conditions. On the other end of the spectrum, we have the world of shadchanim.I have never dealt with a shadchan, but have heard horror stories of some rejecting singles based on the color of their Shabbos tablecloths and the type of shoes they wear. I assume shadchanim have good intentions, but should probably consider being less restrictive to help ease the well-known “shidduch crisis.” According to the 2000 National Jewish Population Survey, while rates of those pursuing higher education are rising, the number of children in each household is falling in the Jewish community—arguably partially due to singles getting married later in life. This is clearly a neglect of the Torah’s many commandments encouraging family. Sefer Bereishis, in particular, has the commandment of “p’ru u’rvu—be fruitful and multiply” (1:28, 9:1, 9:7) and Hashem’s statement that “lo tov heyos ha’adam levaddo—It is not good for Man to be alone” (2:18), and also 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 71 The Jerusalem You Do Not Want To Know BY DAVID HA’IVRI mate ages of 13 to 21. Shimon told us before some historical attraction (or in our settlements. These youngsters tell that usually there are more. Over the a zoo). Shimon pointed at specific passers-by that they are stuck and need 11:00 p.m. Saturday night, on the last few years, Shimon has been work- groups of kids and areas of the square, money to get home. The alcohol bought day before Yom Kippur, thousands of ing as a “hearing aid” for at-risk youth giving the breakdown of who they are with this money is then split between the Jews were making their way to the two groups. Thus, a partnership is born. Western Wall to take part in the last The young “religious” kids are more gathering of Selichot before the holi- appealing for their “fundraising” abilities day. As the police in Jerusalem were There is also a square down the and the anarchists are privileged with the blocking main roads and re-directing ability to purchase alcohol because of traffic because of the congestion, I too their age. Shimon tells us these anar- made my way into the center of the road known as “Crack Square” chists lying on the street in dirty, torn holy city. Along with 20 of my col- clothes are very intelligent, and when leagues, all youth directors in the where the “richer” kids hang out. they are not drinking they spend their Jewish towns of Samaria, we set out time reading literature and discussing for a very different experience, a spe- sophisticated philosophies. cial sight-seeing tour that should stand There was another group of kids we as a wake-up call to all of us. who hang out at the Square. We stood and what they are doing. saw, also from settlements, but better We gathered at Zion Square near on the platform at the top of the steps There are groups of Russian “anar- categorized as “hilltop youth.” Like the midnight to meet our guide, Shimon. leading to Bank Hapoalim, overlooking chists,” who literally live in the streets other settlement kids, many were creat- The area was packed with thousands the square like a group of tourists and drink cheap vodka that they buy with ed by the Gush Katif destruction, when of boys and girls between the approxi- would stand with their tour guide money collected by younger kids from their rabbis and leaders told them that if they pray enough, their homes won’t be destroyed. Disillusioned and disorient- ed, these hilltop youth have drifted to this insane meeting place to drink these poisoned waters of the city. Many are regulars who meet here in the square and drift to alleyways of deserted build- ings nearby to get high by using airplane glue, air-conditioner gas and cigarettes soaked in poisonous insect repellent. All of these cheap and easy ways to get high cause serious damage to the brain. We are talking about many kids from good Jewish homes in the settlements, many

Continued on Page 74

72 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Matchmaking Continued from Page 71 the difficulty she faces in arranging shidduchim in her spare time: “It’s hard. Every single person I set up involves at least three hours of work. After preparing everything, sometimes when I call to follow up, they tell me they did- n’t go out. It’s frustrating. I’ve invested two hours a day for the last four years, but have helped create four successful marriages.” I suppose considering it is said that Hashem considers the arrangement of shidduchim harder than the splitting of the sea, everyone’s frustrations are understand- able—but they’re worthwhile if in the end it helps ease the crisis. Describing the future of this initiative, Devorah says, “After this pilot event, we plan to make the Chabad House a place where single people of all ages—at different times, of course—can meet one another on a regular basis. We want to have a kosher atmosphere with a relaxed environment and, on a regular basis, a place for anyone from any- where to meet. I have decided to help out and be there to make it happen.” Considering the inordinate amount of singles and the more recent spread of “singledom” into the frum world, initiatives created with such good intentions, positive preparations, and careful consideration should be welcomed by all in the community, including singles, parents of singles, and community rabbis. For more information about the upcoming melaveh malkah or for a profile/application, please contact Lisa Balch at [email protected] or 516-569-2147, or Devorah Taitz at [email protected] or 516-668-6870. ❖

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 73 Jerusalem station, drugs and sex are sold freely— going on in Zion Square in the center them because we can’t deal with this? Continued from Page 72 and boys with black kippot are seen of Jerusalem. Our most precious treas- If we can’t, how do we expect them to? coming and going. ure is being poisoned before our eyes. They need someone to talk to, some- of whom have become disillusioned and The police are around, but for the Yes, we have been very busy, dealing one to hear them out without judging lost due to broken expectations follow- most part they are just there. Shimon with incredibly important issues. And them, and then gently but firmly point ing the destruction of Gush Katif and told us how he saw a policeman’s arm we have been through some really them in the right direction. the pogrom in Amona. broken as he tried to interfere with an hard times over the past few years; we I, for one, am going to do my best to But Zion Square is not the end of interaction on the street. have lost our dearest friends to terror- be there for them. I am open to sug- the story. There is also a square down Several groups run by the municipal- ists and have been beaten and thrown gestions and will be glad to cooperate the road known as “Crack Square” ity and private organizations try to offer off our land by our own corrupt lead- with others who understand the where the “richer” kids hang out. these kids a warm atmosphere, in order ership. We haven’t had a lot of time to importance of keeping insect repellent These kids deal with some expensive to pull them in and let them talk about look around and see what’s going on. and other toxins out of the brains of substances like crystal meth. The kids their problems, and to try to help them. But, let’s not forget; these kids have our youth. (Arutz Sheva) ❖ there mostly speak English (guess Unfortunately, it seems that at this been there all along. They are hurting where they are from). At a not-far-off point the beast is greater then the few no less than the rest of us, and maybe David Ha´ivri is the author of Reclaiming the Temple Mount and publisher of the Ideas in location on both sides of the local hands who are trying to fight it. much more. We must now pull our- Action newsletter and books teaching Jewish police headquarters, teenage girls rent Surely, a great part of the problem is selves together and win this war. pride and faith in Hashem. He has set a goal to out their bodies for cash; and in a park that we have been so occupied with If, G-d forbid, we lose this battle, we put the Jewish people back on the footpath of our fathers and build a proud and strong nation on the other side of the open mall, the battles that we have been losing in might not have with whom to win the whose national policy is based on Jewish values. teenage boys do the same. In an Judea, Samaria, Gaza and Lebanon battles ahead of us on the other fronts. He lives with his wife Molly and their seven children in Kfar Tapuach in the Shomron where unmarked store just around the corner that we haven’t realized (or don’t want These are our kids and they need help. he serves as the town youth counselor. He can be from the Russian Compound police to acknowledge) that there is a battle Are we going to turn our backs on reached at [email protected].

74 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 75 Hanun, and that the operation's goal IDF Soldier, Eight Palestinians is to disrupt and prevent the launching of Kassam rockets into Israel. According to the IDF, 300 rockets have been fired at Israel from the Killed In Northern Gaza Strip Raid town since the start of the year. Fourteen Palestinian militant BY AVI ISSACHAROFF AND its offensive in the Gaza Strip, and Sources identified the slain policeman groups took responsibility for attacking AMOS HAREL that the current operation should as Mohammed Zuweidi. IDF troops. During the operation, the continue. Hospital officials in northern Gaza IDF carried out three aerial attacks An Israel Defense Forces soldier Palestinian witnesses said an Israel warned that the death toll could rise against armed gunmen approaching and seven Palestinians were killed Air Force strike in Beit Hanun because IDF troops were blocking the forces and planting explosives in Wednesday in an IDF operation in the Wednesday evening killed one access to a building where an undeter- the area. In one incident, forces fired northern Gaza town of Beit Hanun, as Palestinian and wounded three others. mined number of additional wounded at two gunmen who had fired anti-tank militants in Gaza pelted the western Earlier Wednesday, Palestinian securi- were located. missiles at the soldiers. Negev with Kassam rockets. ty sources said a Palestinian police- IDF infantry troops and armored One strike targeted an armed gun- The slain soldier was identified man who was approaching the IDF as Staff Sergeant Kiril Golenshein, troops operating in the area, and the 21, of Shekef. Golenshein, a mem- second targeted a group of armed mil- ber of the IDF 'Sting' canine unit, itants who were placing an explosive was killed when the IDF forces The operation’s goal is to disrupt device near the troops. came under fire from Palestinian Palestinian hospital officials said the gunmen as they approached a home wounded included a woman and an in the area. His death was the third and prevent the launching of 11-year-old boy. The others were IDF fatality in the Gaza Strip since almost all armed militants, they added. since Gilad Shalit was kidnapped in Kassam rockets into Israel. The military spokeswoman said that late June. Palestinians fired an anti-tank missile At least five of the slain Palestinians at IDF troops in the area, causing no were identified as militants. Over 50 injuries or damage. Palestinians were wounded in the IDF sources said the operation is operation, Palestinian officials said. man and two gunmen, including one vehicles entered Beit Hanun before expected to last several days, and Despite the raid, Palestinian militants from Hamas, were killed in a separate dawn, sparking heavy exchanges of does not represent a significant in Gaza fired at least nine Kassam strike. Three other Hamas gunmen fire with Palestinian gunmen. Army departure from previous operations rockets at the western Negev on were killed by tank fire and in clashes, Radio said the exchanges of fire were in the strip carried out since the Wednesday. Three of the rockets land- witnesses said. still ongoing Wednesday morning. capture of Shalit. ed in Sderot, spraying shrapnel and Palestinians said that the dead The operation is the largest IDF The IDF massed dozens of armored wounding a young boy. included the bodyguard of a Hamas incursion into the strip since the vehicles close to southern Gaza late Meanwhile, the security cabinet, cabinet minister, Hamas members June 25 abduction of IDF Corporal Tuesday, and called on residents of a meeting Wednesday in Jerusalem, Hussam Abu Hirbid, and 18-year-old Gilad Shalit. part of the southern Gaza town of agreed that the IDF should proceed Ahmed Shaadat, and Islamic Jihad The IDF confirmed Wednesday Rafah to evacuate their homes, Israel with preparations for an expansion of member Mohammed al-Masri. that troops were still operating in Beit Radio reported. (Haaretz) ❖

76 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES How can the Israeli government, Americans Shocked To Learn That One-Third Of and the Joint, and the Jewish Agency, and the Federations that make up the UJC Emergency Dollars Designated For Arabs United Jewish Communities turn their backs on needy Jews while they placate Arabs who are part of the plot to BY HELEN FREEDMAN and a one-line answer, where Jews, do for themselves what the govern- destroy Israel? It makes no sense. Druze and Arabs are all in the same ment has failed to do. If the United Please make your voice heard in loud So you thought your money was category of “vulnerable populations.” Jewish Communities doesn’t respond protest to such actions. going to the Jewish children and their When examining errors of commis- from their projected half-billion dollar Write to Howard Rieger, President parents who spent the past summer in sion, there are also errors of omission. fund-raising campaign, who will? and Chief Executive Officer of UJC: bomb shelters. Or you believed that Nowhere, in the projected expendi- To rub further salt into the wounds, [email protected], or call him at: 212-284- your donation was going to rebuild tures of the UJC is there any recogni- a Y-net report tells us that the Israeli 6500. Insist that money donated by homes in the north of Israel that had tion of the 10,000 Jewish refugees government is now promising a third of Jews to help the Jews of Israel be used been destroyed by Hezbollah rockets. from Gush Katif/Gaza, who were their aid to the north to the Arabs. The for that purpose. At the very least, Or perhaps you were thinking of the forcibly expelled from their homes by Y-Net report by Sharon Roffe-Ofir tells there must be full disclosure, up front, elderly, or school and camp programs. the Israeli government in August, us that an additional $343.3 million that donations to the Emergency Whatever your thoughts might have 2005. More than one year later, none will be added by donations raised by the Campaign go to Arabs and Druze as been, did you think that a huge part of of them have received their full com- JDC and the Jewish Agency. That’s your well as Jews. At least then, Jews can your donation would be given to the pensation for their destroyed homes money, folks and please note that the determine whether to continue donat- very Arabs who supported Hezbollah and businesses, all of them are still in government money takes no note of the ing their money to UJC, or to give it and danced on their rooftops in cele- temporary homes, few of them have needs of the Gush Katif refugees who more specifically to individual Jewish bration whenever word came of Jewish found employment, all of the young- don’t even have homes and businesses causes where the money goes directly soldiers or civilians killed? Probably sters have been shifted from one to be rebuilt. Their communities were to help Jewish needs. Information not. Therefore, the following informa- school to another, often expected to totally destroyed and must be re-creat- about direct giving to needy Jews can tion should be of interest to you. adjust to six or seven different schools ed, in new locations, from scratch. That be secured by contacting Americans I contacted United Jewish in this one year period, all of them are includes schools, synagogues, shops, For a Safe Israel/AFSI, 212-828-2424; Communities through e-mail and desperately in need of money to try to farms, hothouses, and homes. [email protected]; www.afsi.org. ❖ requested a breakdown of the millions of dollars raised in the Emergency Campaign. I received a copy, with three pages of detailed programs, activities, beneficiaries, allocations and monies paid so far. The very first item is: Activities for non-Jew sector in confrontation area. The organization designated for this concern is JAFI— the Jewish Agency for Israel. The “activity” is: Support to non-Jewish children in community centers. The allocation is $3,300,000. Community Center-Emergency Outreach Programs is the next item. The organization in charge is the Joint Distribution Committee/JDC. The money allocated is $3,000,000 and 25,299 Arab children are the beneficiaries. The School Readiness Day Camp Program, solely for non-Jewish children, received $2,640,000 and the summer camp for kids, including 10,000 non- Jews, received $17,300,000. The list goes on and on, but it is clear that Arabs are benefiting substantially from the generosity of Jews. What’s to be done about this? There are those who will take the high road, declaring that Israel is a “democracy” and must treat all its citizens the same; therefore funds for restoring the north should be handed out in a “democrat- ic” fashion. That is undoubtedly the argument you would get from the UJC. Indeed, on their website: www.ujc.org, they write the following: Is there a fundraising goal? A half billion dollars or more may be required and we are currently assess- ing the needs. Do donations go only to Jews? No: we are helping all vulnerable populations, including Israeli Arabs, Druze and Jews. So there you are folks. One question

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 77 He explained, as well, “We have warm relations with Hezbollah, which helps Immoderate Fatah: A Responsible Palestinian with some of the training programs…The Sinai (where he Representative Would Be Helpful, But There Just Isn’t One explained that Hezbollah has cells) is an excellent ground for training, the exchange of information and weapons BY ARLENE KUSHNER acceptable “partner for peace.” Then, shortly after that, Ahmed and for meetings on how to turn every As it happens, recent news concern- Qurei, as Prime Minister of the piece of land into usable territory for a Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice ing the “moderation” of Fatah makes Palestinian Authority, stated in an inter- confrontation with Israel.” Hezbollah is currently in the Middle East. As has the stipulations of the Prisoners’ view with London’s Asharq al-Awsat: assistance, it seems, includes develop- been the case in the past, one of her Document suddenly appear modest. ment of bunkers inside of Gaza similar goals is to “strengthen” the “moderate” Back in 2000, the wily Yasser Arafat, to those used by Hezbollah in Lebanon. Mahmoud Abbas. Her desire to do so who founded Fatah along with deputy So the questions must be asked: is all part of a complex scenario; Rice Mahmoud Abbas, had a need, as head “We are importing rockets Is the Secretary of State aware that and her boss, President Bush, have of the Palestinian Authority, to appear an arm of the Fatah party, which she their eyes on Iran. anti-terrorist, if not exactly pacific. He and the knowledge to seeks to promote as moderate, is being The State Department has let it be thus fostered a spin-off from Fatah: launch them and we are assisted by the proxy for Iran? known on more than one occasion that The Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades. This Might it be that she is genuinely putting together a coalition of moder- enabled him to play the good cop-bad also making many plans unaware of what Al Aqsa Brigades is ate Arab states that will stand against cop routine he so excelled at: “Who doing these days? Iran requires signs of progress with me? I’m against terrorism; it’s that for battle.” And, as she proceeds in building that regard to “peace negotiations” between other independent group that commits anti-Iran coalition (oh irony of ironies), Israel and the Palestinians. Why this those terrorist acts.” would it truly matter to her if she did should be the case is not altogether Over time, however, fairly know? Would she find the courage and clear, for it is in the best interest of irrefutable proof emerged that Al Aqsa “We have clearly declared that the Aksa integrity to call a halt to the refashion- Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, et al., to was linked to Fatah: Martyrs Brigades are part of Fatah. We ing of Abbas as a “moderate”? participate in such a coalition whether In 2002, Brigades leader Maslama are committed to them and Fatah bears That would require putting it Israel negotiates peace with the Thabet declared. “The truth is, we are full responsibility for the group.” straight to the projected members of Palestinians or not: the radicalism of Fatah itself, but we don’t operate Now Aaron Klein of WorldNetDaily the coalition: The threat of Iran and its Iran threatens them. Yet this condition under the name Fatah. We are the has released an interview he held with proxy is even greater than we had has been asserted in certain quarters. armed wing of the organization. We a leader of Al Aqsa Brigades, Abu imagined. Forget that illusionary If Israel is going to negotiate with the receive our instructions from Fatah.” Ahmed, who told him, “We are turning “peace process” and let us proceed Palestinians, it must be with Abbas of In 2003, a payment of $50,000 from Gaza into south Lebanon. We learned with what is most important to all of us Fatah. Clearly, Hamas will not do. And Fatah to Al Aqsa was uncovered. Just a from Hezbollah’s victory that Israel before it is too late. ❖ so, Abbas must be transformed into a little over two years ago, the anchor- can be defeated if we know how to hit “moderate,” in spite of his willingness to man of the official PA station “Voice of them and if we are well prepared. We Arlene Kushner, who was born in New Jersey, lives now in Jerusalem, where she works as an sign on to the Prisoners’ Document with Palestine,” Nizar al-Ghul, referred to are importing rockets and the knowl- investigative journalist and author. She has Hamas: a document that doesn’t recog- “the Brigades of the Martyrs of Al Aksa edge to launch them and we are also written Disclosed: Inside the Palestinian Authority and the PLO, as well as several nize Israel’s right to exist and seeks “right that is part of the Fatah movement” making many plans for battle.” reports on UNRWA for the Center for Near East of return.” He must be seen as an (translation by Michael Widlanski). And that’s not all Abu Ahmed said. Policy Research.

78 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 79 80 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Your Ad Could Be Here.

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Bakery aid 2nd shift manager (shomer shabbos). Bagel Island. Call 718-285-5555. 82 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HELP REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE WANTED FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE

West Hempstead CPA firm seeks part Far Rockaway—Newly constructed Lawrence Bay Park — Totally or full time experienced accountant. 5 TOWN HOMES town houses for sale 3/4 BR, 2 car redone. Beautiful, sunny splanch, 4 Flexible hours. Full benefits available. 516-569-5710 garage, hardwood floors, stainless large BR, 2.5 bths, LR, FDR, large Fax 516-485-9603. steel appliances, cac, and much more den, oversized property. New wood LAWRNCE: OPEN HOUSE 12-2pm starting at $625K. No deposit, owner Administrative Assistant floors, bathrooms, carpeting, roof, 280 Bdwy...... $800sK duties required: inventory control, will finance. Call Equishares and ask landscaping. Move right in. 1.25 mil. Hi Ranch, 4Br, CAC, 2 gar. invoicing, and shipping documenta- for Janet at 516-295-2703. Call Miriam at Pugatch Realty LAWRNCE: NU Construc’n, 6Br, tion. Knowledge of Excel, Word, Far Rockaway—Newly renovated 4 516-902-3802. 5Bth, Lg. prop, Walk all, With all bookkeeping using Quickbook. BR, 2 bths, house for sale. Stainless goodies. Plans can be seen in office. Office in Lynbrook. steel appliances, granite counter tops, Inwood/Westville Park—Beautiful [email protected] new windows and fireplace, access to 4 BR house, inground pool, CAC, CEDRHRST: NU Construc’n, C/H a private beach. $499K. Owner will new kitchen, 2 full bths, FPL, and Salesperson P/T for Cedarhurst Col. 7Br, 4.5Bth, Lg EIK, Prime consider any reasonable offer. womans boutique. Flexible hours many extras. Must be seen. $625K. loc...... $1.250K Call Equishares and ask for Janet at Wednesday afternoons/evening and No deposit, owner will finance. Call 516-295-2703. CEDRHRST: NU Renovt’d, S/H Sunday a must 11-5. Positive attitude Equishares and ask for Janet at Col. 5Br, 3Bth, 2 dens, Lr w/fpl, full & discreet. Experience in sales & Lawrence Co-op: NU 2 Mkt, 1st 516-295-2703. computer. Call 516-295-4488 Flr, 3Br, 2Bth, Fdr, Lr, Patio, W/D, lo bsmt, quiet street. Reduced..$700’sK Cedarhurst — Owner Made Aliyah. please leave message. maint $439K. 5 TOWN HOMES CEDRHRST: NU2Mkt, Col. Mic, 516-569-5710. 3 bdrm, 2.5 bth, split w/att garage, Granite kosher EIK, Lg Fdr, Lr, Seeking people who are organized, low taxes. Hearing all offers...$429K 3+bed, den and skilit, Lg Prop. energetic, and have experience with ANESSA V COHEN REALTY ...... $669K the developmentally disabled popula- Your Real Estate, 516-569-5007 tion: Escort Coordinator – Recruit, CEDRHRST: 2Fam, 3Br/3Br, 2Fpl, hire and train volunteers to work with Service, Lawrence — House for sale. All new Deck. All Nu, Great location, DD population (some evening hours). renovated 2 BR, 2 full bths, all new Full bsmt...... Bring Offers Motzei Shabbat Coordinator – For or Help Wanted Ad appliances, access to a private beach. recreational program for young adults CEDRHRST: LgLr, Dr, EIK, Den, Here Every $550K. Call Equishares and ask for with special needs, winter months. 5Br, 3bth, Skilits, Cabana, Lg prop., Janet at 516-295-2703. Responsibilities include hiring and Thursday IG Pool...... …$699K supervising staff and planning pro- Long Beach co-op for sale. Shore gram activities. Group Leaders, N. WDMR: HiRanch, 4br, 2.5bth, nu 50,000 readers look Road Ocean view, 2 BR, 1.5 Bth, ter- Counselors and Volunteers For: After kit, lg den, deck, over lg prop...$679K race, parking, pool, low maintenance, School Recreation Program Sunday forward to what’s includes all utilities. $399K Program Bnos Chavivos (Shabbat 5 TOWN HOMES happening in the Topper Realty 516-889-6677 afternoon program) For more infor- 516-569-5710 mation please contact Ohel Bais Ezra 5 Towns by reading Far Rockaway — Brick, Legal 2, 1st Human Resources at 718-686- Condominium for sale Fl. Lr, Dr, EIK, 3Br, 1Bth, Laund 3102, fax to 718-851-6428, email The 5 Towns Jewish Times. Far Rockaway, Reads Lane property, Rm. 2nd Fl. Lr, Dr, EIK, 3Br, 1Bth, [email protected]. ground floor of a two unit dwelling, Deadline is Monday Laund Rm, Fin. Bsmt: Sep Ent. 3 1/2 bedrooms, eat-in-kitchen, living Lr/Dr, Kit, 2Br, 1Bth. $659K at 5:00 p.m. room/dining room, 2 bathrooms, cen- REAL ESTATE Lori & Associates FOR SALE tral air, spacious yard, low taxes and 1 Week ...... $35 516-791-8300 maintenance, near schools and shuls. Please call 917-613-1399. Woodmere — By owner. Center of Bayswater — newly built 2 Weeks ...... $60 Move in condition. Expanded ranch, 1 family house. Private street. 4 BR, 2 5 BR, 2 bths, first floor master suite, Classified Ads are full bths plus Jacuzzi, 2 half bths with 4 Weeks ...... $100 near shuls, low taxes. $675K. Continued on the Next Page. ceramic tiles, Kosher EIK, DR, LR, Call Beth 516-791-0652. finished basement with ceramic floor, Weekly Ads of up to 25 words hardwood floors, central A/C. $600K Call 917-853-9682. Call: 516-569-0502

Center of Bayswater —Newly Fax: 516-977-0608 renovated from basement to top floor. Or E-mail ads to: 3 floors. Huge 2 family house. Private street. Can be rented for 3 legal [email protected] tenents. New kitchen, bathrooms, Include payment info. floors. Call 917-853-9682.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 83 CLASSIFIED ADS REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Continued from Page 83 FOR RENT FOR RENT FOR RENT

BUSINESS Rockville Centre — Retail/Office 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 New basement apartment in FOR SALE 5,000 sf, ALL NU, hi traffic, GRT for Cedarhurst — House Rental - FDR, Bayswater. Beautiful block next to the bay. high ceilings, 2 BR, kitchen, financial or furniture. Will divide. Kit, Den, 3br, 2.5bth, Bsmt. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 central heating, and A/C, Call 516-322-3555...... $2,500 Law/Inwd: Estab. Gift, Lotto and washer/dryer (optional), separate

Cell Store. Heavy traffic, Invent., Cedarhurst — Office For Rent Plaza Uniondale daily minyan in entrance, windows, lots of light. fixt’s, avail., long lease. Available Nov 5. Must see. 1,000 sf, all services, grt location, building 1-7 desks in semi-retired attorney's office includes file space, Call 718-552-6080. Business for sale—5 Towns Deli GOOD rent. Call 516-322-3555. phone system, etc. Best building in Newly renovated restaurant. Plenty of Far Rockaway — Beautiful 6 1/2 Far Rockaway—Legal 2 Family, Nassau County. Call 516-317-9214. free parking. Seats up to 150 people. rooms, 3 BR, 2 bths, new kitchen, 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Lr, Dr, Priced for quick sale $150K. Cedarhurst — House Rental separate entrance, own thermostat EIK, laundry room, hardwood floors. Call 718-675-8327. LR/FDR, den, 3br, 2.5bth, Fin. Bsmt. and laundry room. Best block in Far Lori & Associates 516-791-8300. BUSINESS $2,500. Call 516-322-3555. Rockaway. Call 718-868-1153. OPPORTUNITY Lawrence — 2 Br, LR, 1 Bth, all nu apt., own heat. 917-757-9351. A life of your dreams! Earn the Deadline for Classified Advertising Far Rockaway – Lg. Hse Rental: income of a fortune 500 CEO from 4br, 2bth, bsmt., Hi ceil’g, NU bths, Home. Part-Time. Believe it…you can in the Next Issue run a successful business from home. W\D. Call 516-322-3555. is Monday, November 6 Our team of Entrepreneurs is looking Far Rockaway—Apt for rent. for three success-minded individuals. Ground floor, two BR, newly renovated, at 5:00 P.M. If you feel like you deserve more and are ready to run your very own busi- $1,150/month. No broker fee. Please Call 516-569-0502 ness. Call 1-800-460-6566. call 516-792-9444.

84 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 85 a vote in the ministerial committee for legislation, that the Cabinet Gov’t Votes To Change Political System would back the legislation—but the narrow vote was contested by Labor’s BY HILLEL FENDEL way into the government. switch to a presidential system, in Eitan Cabel, and a full Cabinet vote Even the issue of the political sys- which the president is elected every was therefore held. Kadima voted in In its weekly Cabinet session, the tem was no longer a deal-breaker for four years and is not dependent on a favor, while Labor and Shas were government voted narrowly, 12-11, to Lieberman. “There is not necessarily majority in the Knesset. The changes against. The Pensioners continued back legislation calling for a change in a connection between the govern- also include a stipulation that their mixed approach on the bill, the political system. ment’s vote on the law,” he said Cabinet ministers cannot serve expressing opposition but voting in The vote paves the way for the entry favor; one of its two ministers voted into the government coalition of for the bill, while the other one Yisrael Beiteinu, the party that made abstained. this bill a condition for its entry into After more than 50 years of statehood, Shas Chairman Minister Eli Yeshai the government coalition. said that efforts to stabilize the ruling Just seven weeks ago, Yisrael system is desirable, “but it should be Beiteinu leader MK Avigdor let us not make superficial changes that done in coordination with all the Lieberman announced that he would Knesset factions. After more than 50 join a national unity government only years of statehood, let us not make on five conditions. These included a will take us another 50 years to repair. superficial changes that will take us change in the political system, the another 50 years to repair.” establishment of an official investiga- Prof. Arik Carmon, head of the tive committee into the mishandling of Israel Institute for Democracy, wrote the recent war in Lebanon, and the beforehand, “and our decision simultaneously as Knesset Members, in B’Sheva last week that a presiden- non-destruction of Jewish outpost whether to join the coalition. It’s not and a rise in the minimum voter sup- neighborhoods in Judea and Samaria. the decisive consideration.” port that a party needs in order to be tial system in Israel “is not an option, Most of these conditions are not being The main feature of the proposed represented in the Knesset. as it has grave dangers for democra- fulfilled, yet Lieberman appears on his changes, as voted upon recently, is a It had been previously decided, by cy.” He feels that unlike in the U.S., where the president’s powers are balanced by the individual states’ powers, in Israel, too much power will be invested in one man, disenfranchising the supporters of the many small parties and worsening the gaps between the sectors. Prof. Moshe Koppel of Bar Ilan University was also asked by B’Sheva to opine on the proposed changes. “We are far from being the United States,” he wrote, “which is almost the only country in which the presidential system has succeeded. Unfortunately, our political culture and the blurred borders separating between the military and civilian [sectors] are more reminiscent of South America, where the perpetual ten- sions between the legislature and the president, without appropriate release-points, has led to dictator- ships (in Ecuador, for instance) or to military coups (such as in Chile). If we want stability and a separation of powers, there are simpler and better solutions than changing over to a presidential system. Making it harder to dissolve the Knesset would bring stability, and passing the Norwegian Law, according to which an MK must resign from the Knesset before he can become a minister, would bring about a separation of powers.” Dr. Reuven Hazan of Hebrew University wrote for B’Sheva:“We can list several aspects of a demo- cratic country: rule of law, control over corruption, representation for various social sectors, political par- ticipation, fewer social gaps, and more. If we take the world’s 60 leading democracies, half of which are parliamentary democracies and half of which are presidential, we will see that by and large, the presidential systems receive lower scores than the parliamentary states in every parameter… True, the average duration between elections in a presidential system is 3.8 years, instead of 3.4 years for a parliamentary system— but this is the only parameter, and only saves a few months between elections…” (Arutz Sheva) ❖ 86 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES November 3, 2006 87 88 November 3, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES