Fathers and Sons Heard in the Bagel Store B Y Rav Aryeh Z

See Page 33 See Page 50

$1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 9 NO. 36 27 SIVAN 5769 jka ,arp JUNE 19, 2009

INSIDE FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK A CHANGE OF HEART MindBiz BY LARRY GORDON Esther Mann, LMSW 26 Victorious At Last Bibi’s Speech Hannah Reich Berman 28 One of the most genuine would care for the political Travel Section 31 self-sacrificing activists for comparison. But it is precisely Israel over the years was Rabbi the brutal Kahane-type hon- New Beginnings Meir Kahane, o.b.m. Sure, esty that Bibi employed in his Phyllis J. Lubin 58 you may have thought that his two-state speech Sunday night pronouncements were too that has caused our Palestin- P

Daf Yomi Insights h

extreme, and they made many ian peace partners to reject o t o

Rabbi Yosef Sebrow 73 B y

of us uncomfortable. Although the prime minister’s recom- D u d i V

long gone, at diplomatic junc- mendations so thoroughly. a k n i tures such as the one now So I suppose if, philosophi- n evolving, Kahane’s voice par- cally, Kahane and Netanyahu Former President Jimmy Carter made a first-time visit to the community of ticularly resonates. Prime have anything in common, it is Neve Daniel in Gush Etzion last Sunday, where he met with the region’s mayor, Shaul Goldstein. Surprisingly, Carter said that he did not envision Minister Netanyahu is not this part of Israel, liberated in 1967, as being part of any future Palestinian Kahane—and neither of them Continued on Page 10 state. See Story, Page 63 FATHERS AND SONS HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE B Y RAV ARYEH Z. cle was not about the strain of Rav Simcha Kook GINZBERG the relationship between the Wedding of Aviva Thau CHOFETZ CHAIM TORAH CENTER new governments in Eretz BY LARRY GORDON and Meyer Chill. Yisrael and Washington; nor Simcha Supplement In Memory Of Yonah was it about the threat coming If you love Eretz Yisrael— Page 36 Baumel, a’h out of Iran that grows more the Land of Israel—then you A recent brief article in one frightening with each passing just have to love Rav Simcha of the weekly Jewish newspa- day. Rather, it was a mere few ha’kohen Kook, Chief Rabbi pers so disturbed me that it lines that announced the of Rehovot in Israel. The caused me to have at least one passing of Yonah Baumel, rabbi—who was recently in sleepless night, and at least several restless days. The arti- Continued on Page 12 Continued on Page 55

Moving Up And Out? Manicures CHILDREN

Political leaders at the Israel & Halachah MOVE ON Day Parade. See Page 57 BY RABBI YAIR HOFFMAN Our Aliyah Chronicle, Part 118 What Torah mitzvah might B Y SHMUEL KATZ be involved in getting a mani- cure? (Hint: An acronym for This is going to be a tough the mitzvah is beis, tav, sin.) week to write. I had original- Before you read further, go ly intended to discuss ahead and take a break. Ask changes in my life, both per- around and see if people you sonal and professional. know are aware of the answer. However, my denial of events Representatives of the Orthodox Jewish Community of Norfolk, VA, speaking The Chofetz Chaim, in his work couldn’t stop time, and our Hosting the governor in with participants in the Orthodox Union’s Emerging Communities Fair, Lawrence. See Page 9 held last week at Touro College in Manhattan. See Page 64 Continued on Page 22 Continued on Page 14

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8 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Statewide Support For Dov Hikind Photos By Eli Blachman

Governor David Paterson was the featured speaker at a reception last week to benefit Assemblyman Dov Hikind’s reelection campaign. The event was hosted at the home of Lawrence resident Daniel Lipschitz. Top left (L–R): Mrs. Shani Hikind, Governor Paterson, Assemblyman Hikind. Top right (L–R): Mr. Daniel Lipschitz; his father, Joseph; and Assemblywoman Audrey Pfeffer. Bottom (L–R): Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Mr. Hikind, Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, Assemblywoman Pfeffer, and Mr. Lifschitz.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 9 FROM THE EDITOR FEATURES Continued from Front Cover Editor’s Note: Comments of the editor interspersed in an interview outright Arab rejection of their proposals with Malcolm Hoenlein (“From the Around The Five Towns 70 P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 for peace. Yes, Kahane did advocate Editor’s Desk: Natural Growth,” 516-984-0079 clearly and unashamedly that Arabs who June 5) may have appeared to be [email protected] Classified Ads 78 [email protected] do not want to live as law-abiding citi- attributed to Mr. Hoenlein. In addi- zens in Israel should be transferred out tion, Mr. Hoenlein did not mention LARRY GORDON ESTA J. GORDON Daf Yomi Insights Publisher/Editor Managing Editor and relocated elsewhere in the Arab any organizations in his comments. Rabbi Yosef Sebrow 73 YOSSI GORDON, YOCHANAN GORDON world. Netanyahu would not and cannot We regret any misrepresentation or Sales Managers utter anything resembling those senti- any misunderstanding. The Dish ments, but his conditions for setting up CHANA ROCHEL ROSS Elke Probkevitz 52 Editorial Assistant a Palestinian state alongside Israel are in do anything resembling that, either. SIDI BARON direct contravention to everything the The words that were being thrown Five Towns Simcha YAKOV SERLE Arab world has been hoping for and around about sharing sovereignty were Special Supplement 36 JERRY MARKOVITZ fighting for over the last several decades. just a way to get a civilized process Sales Representatives The fact is that Netanyahu’s posi- going. The objective was always to get Insights On The Torah SHMUEL GERBER MICHELE JUSTIC tions are really not different than those the human aspect of the talks under Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor of Ariel Sharon, Ehud Olmert, Ehud way, and then the parties could Rabbi Yanki Tauber 60 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Barak, or Tzipi Livni. Believing other- attempt to seek some common ground R’ Ben Tzion Shafier 62 Hannah Reich Berman, Anessa V. Cohen, Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg, Toby Klein Greenwald, wise requires subscribing to a special where they might be able to meet and Rabbi Yair Hoffman, Miriam Horowitz, brand of intellectual dishonesty. The move forward from there. Letters To The Editor 33 Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Shmuel Katz, only differences between those past Both parties maintain positions that Phyllis J. Lubin, Esther Mann, Rochelle Miller, and possibly future leaders of Israel are maximalist, the Palestinians more Luach 8 Martin Mushell, Elke Probkevitz, Naomi Ross, Rachael Schindler, Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, and Netanyahu are the word combina- so than the Israelis. The process as it Eli Shapiro, Ari Sher tions they use and possibly the things has existed from the start of the Oslo MindBiz Esther Mann, LMSW 26 DOV GORDON, ELISHEVA ELEFANT they utter in private with their accords in 1993 has always had an Staff Graphic Artists Palestinian counterparts. unworkable and corrupted dimension Mother’s Musings IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS What Benjamin Netanyahu did to it. The lopsided equation called for Staff Photographers more than anything else in his Sunday Israel to move around and uproot peo- Phyllis J. Lubin 58 FRANKEL & CO. night speech was broach the subject of ple from their homes, while all the Design & Production peace with the Palestinians with more Palestinians had to do was make an Real Estate TALIYE CORLEY candor and penetrating truth than any effort—without any success Anessa V. Cohen 30 Art Director other prime minister in a long time. required—to rein in terror and try to SARAH GREENBAUM No prime minister of Israel—not even suppress anti-Israel incitement in their That’s The Way It Is! Assistant Art Director Rabin or Peres—was going to award schools and other institutions. A cou- Hannah Reich Berman 28 The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly news- East Jerusalem to anyone as a capital ple of years ago, when it became inter- paper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not of some future Palestinian state. You nationally acceptable for the Arab side necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not Travel responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or can rest assured that neither Olmert to fulfill its obligations to dismantle Rachael Schindler 31 establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times. nor Livni, if she had been successful in her run for the top office, was going to Continued on Page 12

10 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 11 FROM THE EDITOR city of Hebron, said in a published probably match in complexity the Fathers And Sons Continued from Page 10 piece that while he thought originally design of a nuclear power plant. After Continued from Front Cover that Netanyahu presented himself and all these years, it may now be starting to terror organizations by re-labeling ter- his positions well, upon reflection he become clear that the conditions and o.b.m., the father of IDF soldier rorists as “security forces,” it became has second thoughts. He said that the circumstances for the creation of a new Zacharia Baumel, who has been miss- clear even to those observing from a reality is that while the Netanyahu state as envisioned by Palestinian and ing since June 10, 1982. Zacharia, distance that these latest efforts to government is relatively new, Arab leaders will most likely never come along with several of his fellow sol- bring peace were not going to work. Netanyahu will not be prime minister to fruition. Additionally, just two weeks diers, was captured during the The other day, when asked to com- forever. The peril, he writes, is in the following his groundbreaking remarks Lebanon war, in the terrible battle of ment on the elections in Iran last week, on the Middle East, President Obama Sultan Yakoub, and is listed in IDF President Obama said that he preferred is probably also coming to the realiza- records as “missing in action.” not to get involved in the election tion that he spoke out of great naiveté. My first and really only encounter process of the Iranian people. No soon- Israelis chose a Both positions—those of the Israelis with Yonah was close to 15 years ago, er than he uttered those words he must and the Palestinians—are disingenu- when he came to the U.S. on one of have realized that taking that position on right-wing government ous. It is the Arab side, however, that his many travels to bring public aware- Iran made him look pretty silly following because the majority of wins the day for being more deceitful. ness to the tragedy of his missing son. on the heels of his pronouncements the It starts with their refusal or inability I was part of a small group of rabban- week before, following his meetings with the citizens want to accept Israel as a Jewish state as im from Queens who met with him to Mr. Netanyahu and the PA’s Mr. Abbas. expressed in the declaration of its cre- hear his story. He was ready and will- It’s absurd for an American president to settlements and settlers ation by the United Nations in 1948. ing to travel to the ends of the world if demand or even request that a free dem- And it continues with the completely it would help bring him some closure ocratic country take steps to inhibit the to remain exactly false and groundless assumption— to this deep pain that weighed so heav- natural expansion of its population. where they are. held as well by Mr. Obama and oth- ily on his heart and on his soul. He was Israelis chose a right-wing government ers—that there is any real traceable not a sad or broken person (at least as because the majority of the citizens want connection between the city of he presented himself to us), but he was settlements and settlers to remain exact- Jerusalem and any people of the world an extremely determined individual. ly where they are. They want Jerusalem fact that his pronouncements of last other than the Jewish people. The He had a drive that can only come to be united under Israeli sovereignty week will go down in history as a right- attempts to create a falsified reality— from that deep and unbreakable bond and are apparently tired of the backward wing prime minister and a right-wing even supposedly in the interests of of a father and son. double-talk about suggestions on divid- government acknowledging that a peace—cannot be sustained. He was ready to talk to anyone that ing Jerusalem when they know that it’s Palestinian state ought to be created in So how do we know that Bibi’s could possibly help to open up a new nothing but rhetoric without substance. the midst of the Jewish State. Wilder speech was good? Unfortunately, one line of communication for him. At the While most Israelis seemed pleased says that one never knows in Israel of the best signs of progress or the time I had a strong personal connec- with the refreshing honesty in Bibi’s when the Right will be voted out of lack thereof is that people involved tion to the chief of staff of New York speech, his most rightist supporters office and the Left will come marching start scratching their heads wonder- City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. I asked him believe he made a terrible mistake by back in, twisting and contorting the ing what to do next, and the to arrange a meeting between Mr. agreeing to the establishment of a best intentions of Mr. Netanyahu and Palestinian leadership starts threaten- Baumel and the mayor. Two days later, Palestinian state not just alongside but his government. ing violence. It may sound a little we were invited to a breakfast meeting within the very central portions of the There is no question that while the wild, but that’s progress. O at Gracie Mansion. Following some current state of Israel. David Wilder, requirements declared by Bibi may be Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at the communications director of the obvious and uncomplicated, the details [email protected]. Continued on Page 24

12 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 13 Aliyah Chronicle Continued from Front Cover

oldest son has left the nest— a change that was expected yet still traumatic. Chaim boarded a plane on Monday night and headed back to America, this time quite possibly for good. We’ll still see him for vacations and on our trips to the USA, but he is entering college in the fall and has expressed his desire to live his life there. No matter where he ends up, this was our last full-time experience with him being home. Had we stayed in America, he would of course be coming to Israel this fall with the rest of his American peers. After a year or perhaps two, he would have returned to the USA, and gone to university. Had he chosen a dormi- tory university, we would have seen him only on Shabbatot and vacations, yet he would still have been based at home until he either took his own apartment or got married. Here in Israel, his peers are heading to either a year of preparatory college (in advance of university) or straight to the army. They too will come home for fur- loughs and weekend breaks. They will certainly set up their own lives once they finish their military service, yet the country is so small that it is much easier to maintain that parent/child connection that is so vital to us as parents. Of course, it is possible that Chaim would have decided to stay in Israel for the long term (as did my sister, who only came back for brief visits after her year in Israel). This is not unheard of, and in a family of six children there is a good chance that this would have happened to us with one of our kids anyway—although perhaps not at 18, and not in this direction (moving from Israel to the USA). We are actually a bit lucky that he was here for this year at all. His original plan was to go to college following a single year of post- high-school learning. Having earned his high- school degree quite early, he had intended to go to YU at 17, and he only decided to stay for a second year of learning late in the year. He was convinced to stay an additional year partially by his friends but also by the university itself, whose representatives expressed their concern about a 17-year-

Continued on Page 18 14 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 15 16 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 17 Aliyah Chronicle Continued from Page 14

old’s maturity and ability to handle a rigorous schedule. I am sure that many of you have already experienced this feeling of pride and sadness and can probably tell me that this is the way things go. Doesn’t make it any easier, though. He goes with our hopes and dreams, all our wishes and plans for who he will become, the life he will lead and the family he will grow. He leaves having been a superstar in dealing at age 15 with a life-altering move of 6,000 miles to a land he never wanted to live in. He lost his friends and everything that was com- fortable in his life, yet he somehow found a new life and a new existence here in Bet Shemesh. An emerging love for Israel was just the icing on the cake. He has his own dreams and, for the time being, they do not intersect with ours. Despite all the hardship and struggles he went through in coming here, I think he is a much stronger person. He has devoted the past two years to his Torah learning and has become much more of a mentsch than we deserved for him to be. He will follow his own path, and we look forward to continued pride in him wherever he goes and whatever he does. The departure was traumatic for some and not much of a big deal for others. Moshe, the baby, thinks that Chaim went to “Damerica” for a couple of days and will wonder where he is at the end of the week when he hasn’t come home. Mordechai was much more upset, saying, “I don’t want him to go!” and “If he goes, I go!” Batya was also quite upset. Aliza and Chaya were a little sad, but the tears only began to flow in earnest when Chaim went to say goodbye to Goldie, who did not take things well at all. She refused to go to the airport, because she didn’t think she could handle it, so she said goodbye at the door. With all the crying going on, I myself was able to remain pretty calm about the whole thing. But I definitely felt the passing of time and the realization that we are entering yet another stage in our growth. My sister Bluma’s son had his own transition this past week, as well. Her third son, my nephew Idan, became a bar mitzvah last Monday and, for the first time ever, my entire family was able to participate in the simcha. In fact, my brother Ozer noted later that it was the first time since my wedding that all the Katzes were in the same room at the same time. There was someone missing for all subsequent s’machot, be it my brother-in-law or Goldie or our kids. My brother-in-law Arieh is of Tunisian descent, so we had a really Sephardi celebration. Having been through this a couple of times, I am prepared for the constant barrage of candy from the women, the “Kooooolooloolooloolooloolooloo” yodels that serenade each person’s

Continued on Page 20 18 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 19 Aliyah Chronicle Continued from Page 18

ascent for his aliyah, and even the different cantillations and nigunim. The only thing that makes me crazy is the amount of TIME they spend on davening. Everything is said out loud by the chazzan. Each word. One thing I remind myself at each simcha is that I simply do not have the patience to be a Sephardi. My brother-in-law has a terrific family. Twelve brothers and sisters, and they really represent all walks of Israeli society, yet they are accepting and loving of one another in a way that is truly inspirational. I have come to know some of them, and their encouragement and support to us, both in making aliyah and in all the trials we have had since coming here, has made us feel so loved. On Shabbat, my sister’s sisters-in- law all said to her, “You cannot serve or help in any way”; they wanted her to enjoy the simcha without having to worry about the details. It is apparently an unwritten rule in their family that you might need to work like a dog in preparing for the simcha, but once the day arrives everyone else pitches in so you can enjoy. Goldie had such a terrific time with them that she asked Bluma if it might be possible for her (Goldie) to be adopted into the Uzan family (especially the ones with Temani spouses who were really the most fun of all the siblings) so that she could enjoy them all the more. Of course, as generally happens, “when it rains it pours.” So, we missed the bar mitzvah of Yehoshua Rosner (Rabbi and Mrs. Rosner’s son), the first bar mitzvah in our shul—although we did get to the Sunday-night party in Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalayim and got to visit with former Five Towners Gary and Kiki Schickman, Martin and Debbie Rothman, Gary Wallin, and Bonnie Polansky, who we don’t usually see, as well as shul members Mutty and Penina Eichler, Josh and Daniella Rudof, and Jon and Sarah Paley. We also missed the bar mitzvah of Chaim Jacobs (son of Zvi and Amy) in the USA. I remember Chaim as a teeny tiny kid posing with me as the extra-small and xxx-large models for a Yeshiva of South Shore sweatshirt (he was standing on a table and still only came to my shoulder). We apparently missed my cousin Shua and Devorah Ray’s daughter Kayla’s bat mitzvah in Chicago last month (our invite got sent back in the mail, taking over two months to make the round trip from Chicago to Israel and back; mail service here is spotty at best) as well as the birth of her newest younger sister Libby last week. Mazal tov to them all. For those who we were able to share in their simcha, we were glad to be there and celebrate together. For the others: Why are you still in America? O

Shmuel Katz is the director of Yeshivat Eretz HaTzvi in the Katamon neighborhood in Jerusalem. Shmuel, his wife Goldie, and their six children made aliyah in July of 2006. Prior to his aliyah, Shmuel was the executive director of the Yeshiva of South Shore in Hewlett. You can contact him at [email protected]. 20 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 21 Manicures worker’s very soul and it is like killing Continued from Front Cover him. Clearly, this is a very serious issue. Of course the mitzvah applies not entitled Ahavas Chesed (ch. 9), writes only for the manicurist. It can apply to that the mitzvah of paying workers on the dry cleaner, the shoe repairer, the time does not just apply to a daily work- vacuum repairer, the car rental, the gym, er; it applies to anyone who provides a the cabbie, and even the babysitter. The service for you that involves payment for Ketzos HaChoshen (Choshen Mishpat that service. For example, writes the 339:1) rules that it even applies to one’s Chofetz Chaim, if a cobbler has fixed landlord when one pays rent. Not every- your shoes, you must pay him or her on the day that you pick up those shoes. (The obligation begins then because of the concept called ein sechiras ela leba- There were great sages sof—the obligation falls at the end of the in Yerushalayim who period, when the work is done.) There are actually two mitzvos made it their business to involved, a positive one and a negative one. Lo salin pe’ulas sachir it’cha ad get their shoes polished boker (Vayikra 19:13) is the negative prohibition. Beyomo titein secharo (Devarim by a worker in order to 24:15) is the positive mitzvah (alluded to fulfill this mitzvah by the hint given above). There is another caveat to this mitzvah. We rule that in order to fulfill a Biblical mitzvah, the intention to do so one agrees with this Ketzos, but if there is required. (In Hebrew this is termed are furnishings involved in the rental “mitzvos tzerichos kavanah.”) Therefore, (even a fridge, for example) then all one has to have in mind that he or she agree that the mitzvos apply, both the is performing the Torah mitzvah of pay- positive mitzvah and the negative one. ing workers on time. So when does it not apply? It does The Torah is very stringent in regard to not apply to the sale of goods. this mitzvah because of the plight of the According to Hagaos Rabbi Akiva Eiger daily worker. The Talmud (Bava Metzia (Choshen Mishpat 339:6), when a serv- 112b) states that the worker is depend- ice person is hired who supplies the ent on the employer for his very life. The parts needed to make a repair, the Ramban in Parashas Ki Seitzei writes that transaction may be considered a sale at times the worker does not even have and therefore not subject to the laws of what to eat and can literally starve. beyomo titein secharo. Other authori- Rabbeinu Bachya (Devarim 24:15) writes ties disagree in cases where the sup- that delaying payment is like delaying the plies are integrated into the product

22 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES itself as part of the repair and lose reason is that the worker does not nec- see that people can make conditions mitzvah to fulfill that, unfortunately, their own significance (such as in the essarily expect to be paid at the time when they hire workers in regard to food. few people actually end up fulfilling. case of fixing a shoe). However, regard- that the work was completed. Is a check considered money or is it The fact that the mitzvah is not being ing the repair of something that Another exception can be found in the just considered an IOU? If the check can fulfilled is not for lack of opportunity, requires a component to be replaced Shach (C.M. 339:2, citing the Sefer be deposited and treated as cash, then it but for lack of knowledge. The mitz- (as in an electronic device, for exam- HaChassidim). The Shach rules that if a would seem that one does fulfill the mitzvah is no different than the mitzvah ple), there is a wider controversy as to condition was made by the employer vah with a check. If the employee has no of tekias shofar on Rosh Hashanah or whether the laws of beyomo titein prior to the hiring that payment will not ability to immediately cash or make use arba minim on Sukkos. O secharo apply, since it involves the sale be made on time, then the condition is of the check, then it would seem that one of an identifiable significant compo- valid. This is not making a condition on does not fulfill the mitzvah. The author can be reached at nent. The Aruch HaShulchan 339:7 what is written in the Torah, because we In summary, this is a relatively easy [email protected]. deals with this issue. What if one does not have the money to pay on time? The Chofetz Chaim (Ahavas Chesed 9:10) rules that he is obligated to make a partial payment. The rationale is that each penny consti- tutes an obligation in and of itself. Therefore, he will at least fulfill his obligation to pay the portion that he can. What if someone hired a worker to work at night? If one called a plumber in the middle of the night (or even at the beginning of the night), when must he pay him in order to fulfill the mitzvah? The Rama 339:3, citing the Nemukei Yosef, rules that the time period ends at dawn, alos ha’shachar. There were great sages in Yerushalayim who made it their business to get their shoes polished by a worker in order to fulfill this mitzvah, notwith- standing the fact that they could have shined their shoes themselves. Are there any exceptions (let’s try to avoid using the word “loophole”) to the mitzvah? The Shulchan Aruch (C.M. 339:7) rules that when the worker was hired by someone other than the actual employer, the mitzvos of lo salin and beyomo titein secharo do not apply. The

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 23 Fathers And Sons Continued from Page 12

brief small talk, Mayor Giuliani got straight to the point. He asked Yonah, “Do you have definite proof that your son is still alive?” As Yonah hesitated for a moment before answering, I took the liberty of jumping in and said to the mayor, “I have definite proof that Zacharia is alive.” With everyone’s eyes on me, I explained my outburst with the following words: Our rabbis teach us that gezeirah hi she’ha’meis mishtachach min ha’lev, there’s a Divine decree that a loved one that dies is forgotten from the heart. This means that in G-d’s infinite chesed to mankind, time heals the pain of the death of a loved one. Evidently the pain lessens with the passing of time, and forgetfulness sets in. This allows those left behind to move on with their lives. However, if the pain does not lessen over time, and it is as intense as if it happened yesterday, then this is living proof that the person has not died. This is learned from the story of Yaakov Avinu and Yosef. Despite the passage of time since Yosef disappeared, his father Yaakov’s pain was as intense as ever—proof that “od Yosef chai,” Yosef is still amongst the living. I explained to the mayor that the fact that more than a decade has passed and Yonah’s longing and pain for his son Zacharia was as intense as on that fateful day of June 10, 1982, was proof that he was still alive. The mayor seemed pleased with my response and asked what he could do to help. He then agreed to use his contacts with the State Department to open up new channels of communication. That was the last time I met Yonah Baumel. Like everyone else, I went back to my busy life, as Yonah continued his fatherly journey in a lonely and frustrating search for his beloved son, although every once in a while I would hear about some press conference or some other attempt for closure, and I would wonder how he was holding up. How painful it was to read the excerpt of an interview that he gave to a reporter several months before his passing, this past Shavuos, when he explained how he would deal with the constant pain and search for his son. He said, “It is truly very difficult. What can I tell you? It’s like having a knife stuck in your side all the time. It’s like having a hand or foot cut off—you walk around bleeding; the wound refuses to heal.” These painful words are very similar to the words expressed by another father who has the unfortunate and distinct ability to fully comprehend the depths of Yonah’s daily pain, and that is Noam Shalit. When he was in New York recently, people asked him how he copes with his situation. He answered, “I don’t. You cannot get used to this painful situation; it’s one continuous nightmare.” Yonah himself once expressed a glimpse of his suffering to a friend and said, “I have not slept one full night since my son’s capture in 1982, and I don’t expect to be able to

Continued on Page 53 24 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 25 message through our clothing that we your being and satisfy your creative are professionals, young at heart, fol- edge? There are many ways to express lowers, leaders, or just women who one’s talent and flair—for example, couldn’t care less about the clothing through the way someone decorates we put on our backs? one’s home, cooks a meal, or other For some women (and some men), hobbies that require a creative soul. If clothing is not a big deal. For someone you committed to something like that, like yourself, it is an extension of the perhaps you might feel less resentment Dear Esther, don’t buy them. creative individual that you are. And over the lack of freedom you feel about I’m 27 years old and happily mar- I feel like I’m not being true to clearly, you’re finding it harder and your wardrobe. ried. My husband and I grew up in myself, that I’m pushing down my harder to ignore the imaginative side I would also suggest that maybe at very Orthodox homes and continue to honest expression of who I really am. to your being. home, when you feel it is appropriate, live a lifestyle very much like the one It’s not like I want to walk around in So my first thought is whether you you could slip into something more we grew up with. The world that I immodest clothing. It has nothing to are assuming too much judgment. If reflective of who you are. Or when you feel I belong to has certain expecta- do with that. I just want to show my you actually showed up in shul one day are away on a vacation and away from tions regarding how women dress. creative side through how I dress and wearing red heels, would it be as cata- familiar judging eyes, you can feel a lit- Basically, no one will be seen wearing look. I want to be me. I don’t want to strophic as you seem to believe? tle freer to go out in that yellow hat or very loud colors, extreme accessories, look like someone else’s idea of what a Perhaps not. Is it possible that some bright floral skirt. or super-stylish hats, etc. There is a twenty-something woman is supposed individuals wouldn’t even notice? And Ultimately, most of us find our- look that almost appears to me like a to look like. If I fall in love with an some might think you are brave and selves balancing our own ideas and uniform: lots and lots of black, partic- outrageous hat, I want to buy it and have fabulous taste, and maybe there desires versus the expectations of oth- ularly at weddings. The feel is serious wear it with pride. I don’t want to have will be a few who snicker to them- ers, community groupthink, and our and somber. to question every purchase I make and selves with judgment. Should that personal old “tapes” playing in our I’ve always seen myself as a very cre- then ultimately buy something that I matter? I would suspect that the judg- heads, telling us we are good or ative person. I love color, fashion, and don’t really love but feel is more ing is worse than any pair of shoes naughty. Finding a healthy harmony trends; I view the way a woman dress- appropriate. could be. Are you actually doing any- that allows us to feel we are respectful es as an expression of who she is as an Although I think my question to you thing wrong here? As you mentioned, of others, but also respectful of who individual. I have always been drawn is really a psychological one, it has reli- you are cognizant and respectful of we truly are, is a lifelong process. to bright colors, though my mother gious overtones: How do I find fulfill- modesty issues, so then what is really Maybe that’s a good thing—it keeps us would never allow me to buy anything ment in this area of my life and still the problem? Sometimes we have to focused and attentive to doing the that’s too loud. I’ve always loved quirky not ruffle any feathers? figure out what is halachah and what is right thing (whatever we ultimately accessories and fun clothing. Trendy “shtick.” But I really don’t want to go decide the right thing is). Growing up, of course, I always Dear Trendy, down that road. I hope that you can figure out how played by the rules; I really didn’t have I agree with you that how we dress Going down a different road, you to remain true to yourself with confi- much of a choice. But now that I’m an and present ourselves to the outside say that you are a creative individual dence and serenity. adult and a mother myself, I’m feeling world is a reflection of who we are who is not given free access to your Esther very repressed. When I walk into a and how we are feeling about our- artistic side. Have you thought about store and spot a pair of red shoes that selves. Do we have an artsy side? Do other ways to fulfill that part of your- Esther Mann, LMSW, has a private practice in I would love to own, I feel like if I we view ourselves as originals, self? Have you ever taken any painting, Lawrence. Esther is a psychotherapist and life coach and can be reached at 516-314-2295 or dared to purchase them and walk out- women who enjoy having fun with pottery, or other classes that might [email protected]. She works with individu- side in them, I would be judged. So I our clothing? Would we like to send a enable you to tap into that piece of als, couples, premarital couples, and families.

26 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 27 Oddly, I found just what I was looking tional, but it also added charm to an for in a hardware store. The man said already pastoral scene. he had a birdfeeder in the shape of a Unfortunately, my gardener stands little wooden house. I headed over five-foot, four-inches tall, and the there to buy it. only branch he was able to reach, As I was plunking down my money even while standing atop an eight-foot for the feeder and the birdseed, the ladder, happened to be a very short clerk warned me that squirrels often limb that extended a mere six inches Victorious At Last eat the seed intended for the birds. from the tree’s trunk. So there he “Oh? And how do I prevent that?” I hung it. And neither of us realized it asked. I got my answer when he looked would be a problem. The squirrel saga, continued… not long ago, as I sat observing my upward and pointed to a green umbrel- Sure enough, the birds remained in The swallows have returned to fine feathered friends while simulta- la-shaped shield hanging overhead. the trees and went nowhere near the Capistrano—or, to put it more accu- neously chatting on the phone, that I Designed to prevent squirrels from feeder. It was puzzling at first, but the rately, the squirrels have returned to mentioned the beautiful birds outside getting into the feeder, it has a slippery reason soon became clear: A squirrel the Bermans’ place. my window. “Really?” my friend surface that provides no traction and was fressing to its heart’s content from Our backyard is awash in vibrant asked. “Do you have a birdfeeder?” causes the critters to fall to the the birdfeeder, and the birds didn’t green foliage. It’s a small yard, but Until that moment I never knew what ground. The shield is hung from a tree want to go near the rodent. Apparently, what there is of it is filled with bushes, the squirrel is smarter than my garden- shrubs, and several large beautiful er—and me. He figured out that all he trees. Never having been a nature had to do was climb the tree, up to the lover, it surprised me to realize that I level of where the feeder hung, and had developed an interest in and an A squirrel was fressing to its heart’s stick the upper half of his torso out a appreciation for the beautifully col- few inches in order to get his mug ored birds that nest in our trees. close to the food. And that’s exactly It all started because of the work I content from the birdfeeder, and the what he did. do on my computer. My computer is When I saw it, I rapped my knuck- located in a room with a large picture birds didn’t want to go near the rodent. les hard on the window. But it was a window that faces out into the yard, wasted effort, because squirrels no and when I take a break from the longer fear humans. When I was a monitor I often gaze outside. I love child, a squirrel would look at a seeing robin redbreasts, cardinals, and human and run as fast and as far away an occasional blue jay. And recently a birdfeeder was. “Uh, no…no I branch and the birdfeeder is hung as his little feet would carry him. No I’ve taken to studying the sizes, don’t,” I answered. “Well just imagine beneath the shield. I bought it! more. The squirrel didn’t give me so shapes, and colors of the less colorful how many birds you would get back Being well past the age where much as a glance. Next, I opened the birds that are brown, gray, or pale there if you had one,” she said. That either Hubby or I will stand on a tall window and screamed in rapid suc- blue. Not long ago they all looked the was all I needed to hear. ladder, I waited until my gardener cession, “Boo! Scat! Go away! Get out same to me, but no more. I, an avowed The next day I called every garden showed up two days later. Upon my of here!” I used any brilliant little non-nature-lover, am now hooked on store and nursery in the local phone request, he filled the feeder with seed phrase (plus a few epithets) that came bird-watching. book looking for a feeder. I wanted and then hung the shield and feeder to mind, thinking that the squirrel And so it was that early one evening one with a charming appearance. from a branch. Not only was it func- would get the point. The little creep

28 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES didn’t move an inch. s”xc This happened on a Shabbos afternoon, and I was worried that someone might hear me. Our grand palace is located next door to a school, and parents bringing their children to play on the swings in the schoolyard pass within 20 feet of my back window and within easy hearing of my voice (a voice that is not known for having sweet dulcet tones to begin with). Thanks to a fence and a multitude of trees, leaves, and tall shrubs, no one can actually see me hanging out the window. But I knew they could hear my raucous ranting. Two more weeks passed, and I still didn’t see a single bird fly anywhere near the feeder. Even when there were no squirrels in attendance, my fine feathered friends avoided my offerings like the plague. There had to be a reason. Is it possible they didn’t see it because it was hanging too close to the trunk of the tree? Or maybe it wasn’t hanging high enough to be visible. However, as my gardener is a fellow in his thirties, he’s unlikely to have a growth spurt any time soon—he had hung the birdfeeder as high as he was ever going to be able to. I decided to enlist the help of my eldest grandsons, all of whom are taller than my gardener. We needed to find a higher limb, and it had to be a long one so the feeder wouldn’t hang too close to the trunk. Only that would prevent a squirrel from partaking of the seed meant for my avian friends. At the same time, hanging the feeder higher would make it more visible. The day following my window-rap- ping mania, before I had time to call and ask any of my grandsons to come over, my son stopped by for a visit. He was happy to help and, since he stands just shy of six feet, when he climbed the ladder he was able to reach a branch that was a good deal higher than the one the gardener had hung the birdfeeder on. And it was a long branch. He hung up the equipment. And it worked like a charm. Maybe I’m a sadist at heart, because it gave me great pleasure to see a bushy-tailed rascal climb the tree, trot out onto the limb, and then jump onto the umbrella-shaped protector, only to slide right off the slippery surface and fall to the ground. And all this without getting so much as a single seed in his mouth. Oh joy! Victory at last! Right this minute, I hear birds chirping as they perch in the trees and I see others flocking to the feeder. The sounds and sights are a pleasure, but what I’m enjoying most of all is the knowledge that I have finally out- smarted a squirrel! For now… O

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

Deadline for Advertising in the Next Issue is Tuesday, June 23 at 5:00 P.M. Call 516-984-0079

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 29 stronger down payment, it is still a nec- pricey (8%–9% interest rates); but, as the essary loan offering and I expect it to be saying goes, “still a bargain” for anyone very popular and sought after by those that needs it and has no other way to who can afford a mortgage and have purchase a house. assets, but who cannot document the One of the more chaotic conditions income necessary to qualify for those that was experienced during the course full-documentation loans. of this mortgage meltdown over the last How About A Mortgage? plentiful even with down payments of No-income/no-asset loans, a category two years was the sudden closing and We have stood leaning half way off a 10% or 20% before (in the case of a refi- we all thought would be completely shut employee layoffs of entire wholesale cliff for the better part of the last two nance, 80% or 90% of the appraised down as of now, what with all the nega- mortgage departments within some of years. We’ve waited to see how the value of your house), have all but disap- tive publicity surrounding those loan the larger banks, causing havoc with mortgage industry would end up in this peared. Left in their wake are a few products over the last two years, has mortgage applications already sitting in upside-down economy, and where the lenders with portfolio offerings of stat- managed to survive, even if only one or processing or underwriting within those rest of us would fit in when we needed ed-income loans showing competitive two of those “true no doc” loan programs departments. Mortgage brokers and mortgages in a radically different envi- rates only slightly higher than full docu- are still being offered. The product that mortgage banks with mortgage packages ronment. mentation loan offerings, but with is left bears a close resemblance to the lost in this chaos would find themselves The waves of life and the mortgage scavenging to find someone who wasn’t industry seem to be finally settling fired or laid off still operating within down from the tsunamis they were. At those banks with the ability to finish the last we can re-educate ourselves, since approval process and coordinate clos- most of the old values of how to get a Sometimes the rates offered by the ings before those particular banks mortgage have gone out the window, as closed those departments for good. to “how to get a mortgage?” and “what Because you never knew which kind of mortgage is available for me?” mortgage bank are cheaper than the rates mortgage division in which bank would Some of the changes, especially be next (they usually gave you no when it comes to conforming loans offered through their retail branches. notice, but fired entire departments (mortgages less than $417,000), have and then sent you an e-mail notifying not been radical, although the bank you that you had 60 days to close out guidelines require stricter verification the rest of your loans before they and stronger documentation than they closed up shop), the ability to provide have in the past. Whereas in the past it stronger collateral—meaning at least old Greenpoint Bank (now extinct) no- borrowers with secure loans from was enough to submit a copy of your 40% down, in place of those previous income/no-asset loans: no questions these major lenders (even after com- tax returns, signed for verification of 10%–20% down payments, or in the about employment, income, or assets, mitments had been issued) became a income, today the underwriters will go case of a refinance only 60% or less of but an emphasis on the appraisal of the major juggling act, with more than further and send requests for verifica- the appraised value of your house. house as well as the credit scores of the triple the time usually involved just sit- tion to the IRS to certify as true any Whereas previously these programs borrower—and of course, a minimum ting on the phone trying to figure out tax return information you have sub- were open to everyone, now the few requirement of 40% down or, in the case who still worked there and could committed to them. Needless to say, these lenders offering them are restricting of a refinance, only 60% of the appraised plete the loan packages. extra measures add time to the mort- them to self-employed individuals only. value of your house. Since few lenders Obviously, responsible mortgage bro- gage application process. Even with these restrictions, and are willing to take a risk on this loan pro- Stated-income products, which were though this loan product now requires a gram, it has made this mortgage a little Continued on Page 34

30 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION

S.O.S. III—Special Occasions And Situations: Travel a spike in insulin. In total, there are 22 different amino acids. Fourteen of these can be made by BY RACHAEL SCHINDLER different. The primary function of food order food wisely, and always have the the body itself and are considered “non- MA, MS, CAI, CPT is to provide energy to fuel all bodily right food on hand, wherever you go. essential.” The other eight amino acids functions, including walking, thinking, You will have the knowledge—and the can be obtained only through food and Jean Kerr once said, “I feel about air- maintenance and repair of cells, and power—to eat well and be fit! are called “essential.” Proteins derived planes the way I feel about diets. It one’s heartbeat. Nature did not antici- First, in order to understand nutrition from animal sources (meat, eggs, cheese, seems to me that they are wonderful pate the recreational eating common in you need to understand its counterparts. and fish), are considered complete and things for other people to go on!” With the 21st century! Our leaner ancestors In simple terms, there are two types of contain all 8 essential amino acids. Only summer just around the corner, many of had fewer food choices and did not go nutrients: macronutrients and micronu- a handful of plant foods have all the us are making vacation plans. While home to pantries and refrigerators trients. Macronutrients—protein, fat, essentials—they include soybeans (e.g., going away is fun, traveling for some can packed with sugar-laden snacks, soda, and carbohydrates—provide us with edamame) and soy foods. Most plant be a food challenge for a variety of rea- and assorted junk food. energy. Micronutrients are the vitamins sources of protein, such as legumes and sons. Some of the popular ones are less In the early 20th century the typical and minerals required to run the body, nuts, contain some but not all of the access to the foods you usually eat, and local grocery store stocked a few dozen but they need to be consumed in relative- essential amino acids. Vegetarians must getting to your destination can be stress- staple items; today there are more than ly small quantities. Without the micronu- complement foods in order to form ful. Also, your usual routine is disrupted, 50,000 varieties of food sold in super- trients, macronutrients could not be bro- “complete” proteins (e.g., rice and beans mealtimes may be irregular, and you may markets. But more isn’t necessarily bet- ken down and utilized by the body. I will together will give you all eight essential be exposed to a variety of tempting foods ter. There’s row upon row of chips, explore more of these nutrients in amino acids). So, now that we see how or drinks. To complicate matters, some sugar-rich cereal masquerading as upcoming articles, but now I will focus necessary protein and good nutrition is, individuals may find it relatively easy to breakfast, and endless amounts of cakes on protein, e.g., lean meat, chicken, eggs, how do you balance the endless opportu- maintain their healthy eating efforts for and cookies. Not to mention all the fast- fish, tofu, and cheese (only 4 calories per nities on vacation to either strengthen a while, only to slip up after a few days food restaurants selling high-fat, high- gram and about 7 grams of protein per your resolve not to overindulge, or to just and gain weight. How do you relax on calorie, supersized meals. ounce). The word protein dates back to give in and splurge? vacation, without being too lax with your Therefore, a major pitfall to dieting the ancient Greek word protos, which In my view there are two types of eating and fitness plan? and eating healthy today is that food is means “first.” They got it right! Protein is trips. One where there is a dizzying In previous articles I discussed many overabundant and easily available. vitally important and it is literally the array of delicious foods being offered at aspects of emotional eating. In today’s Therefore our survival and our belt size stuff from which we are made. During a resort/hotel, where you have to skip society, we use food to celebrate, reward depend on our ability to become dis- digestion, protein is broken down into food offerings because otherwise you good behavior (“I just exercised, so I can criminating food consumers. In this smaller units called amino acids which would literally be in the dining room have that ice cream cone!”), stave off article I will give you the tools you will combine in various ways to form cells (or tea room) all day (or even at a mid- boredom, soothe hurt feelings, relieve need to make good food choices wher- and body tissue. Amino acids can also night buffet). The other, where you go stress, and elevate mood. Nature, however you eat. Armed with this informa- provide energy if the body needs it, but ever, intended for something completely tion you can shop in any supermarket, unlike carbohydrates they don’t produce Continued on Page 32

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 31 Travel prepared ones, and make due there is an overabundance of fruit) or a large lunch (salad, whole one, or bites of a few Continued from Page 31 with snacks you pick up any- food, it is important to plan fish, quiche) or dinner (soup, that in total would be one. Get where (airport, candy store) which meal you would want to steak, veggies, potatoes) and the menus for lunch or dinner out to nice local restaurants along the way. indulge in. Some prefer a large even a dessert! That’s right, one in advance, since breakfast is for meals, or bring your own In the first scenario, where breakfast (eggs, pancakes, dessert per day max! Either one usually the same every day, and figure out which meal is more “worth it” for you. Make sure you fill up on healthy salads without all the hidden calories and fat from dressings. Ask for balsamic vinegar and a little oil and mix with salt and pepper. Then eat what you planned. Try to make veggies and then protein your biggest staple. However, if you want to indulge in a yummy pasta dish or something that is more laden with fat, like egg- plant parmigiana, go ahead. Just lighten up the rest of the day or just eat half the portion and fill up with free foods like steamed veggies or salad, beforehand. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and drink all day long (it helps your metabolism get revved up). Take a water bottle with you everywhere or add a Crystal Light pouch to it for flavor. Avoid tea rooms in the after- noons if you can’t help it but eat the cake when you see it. Have a family member bring you a plate of fruit or some nuts (not a cupful, and not the chocolate-covered kind). If you don’t see it, you don’t want it, and there’s plenty of food to eat during the meals.

Continued on Page 34

32 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Political Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Political Chronic Fatigue Dear Editor, Syndrome: A Response Since Mr. O’Doul has always come Dear Mrs. Weiss, across as being filled with boundless Maybe you are right and maybe it energy, I was disturbed to read of his was the long, non-productive campaign exhausted dejection last week [June for the HAFTR Logo Patches which 12]. Mr. O’Doul? Never! left me exhausted. Still, this charlatan And, to add to my shock, I read the allegedly leading our country, is pretty source of his depletion was not from much of an “O’Bummer.” And, he real- the usual avenues; not from pulling a ly increases my strong Zionist tenden- Shavuos all-nighter, not from week- cies (or as Rev. Wright calls us “them long nighttime thunderstorms, not Jews”). I think “them Jews” with a even from the swine flu. functioning brain should consider No, Mr. O’Doul blamed his depressed aliyah in the immediate future. Canada state on, of all things, the government. is not going to be safe. Come come, Mr. O’Doul! As Jews, there For all other “witless” Five Town are many things we can be discouraged Hebrews: Jildor is having a really big and brought low about. Two thousand summer sale. years of exile, during which myriads of Sincerely, nations were able to tax and kill us at The Legendary Danny O’Doul whim, most recently that which my grandparents survived. This wonderful nation has provided us with shelter, food, freedom, dignity, and infomercials, so I will not let it be maligned in any way. WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? I was always taught that the everyday Jew cannot concern or worry himself WE WANT TO KNOW! with national politics, as that is in the hands of the Almighty. E-MAIL US AT Arise, sir, from thy low state! For if [email protected] you do not find hope in tomorrow, you can always move to Canada. Lea Weiss

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 33 Travel as you go, the best advice is to not go too easy with any one of the veggie burgers mend it daily.” Continued from Page 32 long without eating, otherwise studies you can buy frozen. They are fully cooked Last but not least, sleep! Studies have shown that you are more likely to and don’t need heating up. Frozen din- have shown that sleep loss alters hor- I always pack baby carrots, light overcompensate at meals. You must pack ners from home can be ordered light too, mones that control hunger and yogurt, chummus, and bran crackers as a snacks with you just in case you get tied with yummy Portobello mushrooms or increase appetite for calorie-dense light snack just to have ready in my room. up, you are touring, or even get lost and grilled veggies as a great side dish. Or for foods such as cookies, candy, chips, If you are the type to order one of every there’s no food in sight. From home I the restaurateurs, the rule is, eat smart and bread. A study from the National main dish just to taste, make sure you pack some sugar- and fat-free mini for your heart! Enjoy your protein-laden Public Health Institute in Finland consume only one complete meal. That muffins, low fat all natural peanut butter, meal and eat starches or fried foods spar- found that sleep disturbances and lack means, cut portions off the mains to visu- tuna packets, and sugar free jelly on ingly. Try not to eat too late and chew of exercise increased the risk of abdom- ally total only one plate. If you do wind every trip. I find that when you go out of gum or suck on a candy as often as your inal obesity in men and women. So up eating an unplanned food, don’t use it the country it’s much harder to find sweet tooth knocks. A glass of wine a day whether you watch what you eat, exer- as an excuse to continue eating. Just light/diet foods, so I bring my favorites. is ok too; after all, it works for the French cise moderately, or take a nap, the feel- remember, if you overeat at the begin- When I arrive at my destination I check and is antioxidant-rich. ing of accomplishment and satisfaction ning of your trip you might gain a little out a local supermarket and stock up on Aside from food choices, choose to be that you will feel that you didn’t pack weight, but if you continue to overeat, fruit and veggies such as cherry toma- active some of the time. At a resort, take on another ten pounds along with the you might gain a lot of weight. toes, Persian (no peel) cucumbers as well a great yoga class or have fun working luggage, is priceless! As one of my Sometimes it’s worth the caloric and fat as nuts and dairy (e.g., yogurt) which are out with your spouse. If you are not ski- clients always says, “Nothing tastes expenditure to taste a delectable food, easy to eat and/or carry. I eat something ing or snorkeling, find a way to move for better than not gaining!” O (for example, croissants in Paris) so enjoy small (usually something high-protein at least an hour a day, (aside from walk- in moderation, allow yourself to taste, which lasts longer) approximately every ing to and from the dining room). You Rachael E. Schindler, MA, MS, CAI, CPT has over 18 years experience in exercise physiology, but don’t have the mindset that you three hours to keep me going. In restau- don’t need fancy equipment, so walking Pilates, nutritional counseling, and teaching, as “cheated” and blow away all self control. rants, try to just taste (not eat) the rich or jogging on the boardwalk is a super well as multiple degrees in forensic and develop- Taste, enjoy, and stop. Remember you dishes or appetizers, and eat your snacks way to increase your fat burn and calo- mental psychology to offer you the best of both body and mind. With her specialties in food and can’t “treat” yourself every minute all day. like baby carrots before you go so you are rie expenditure (as well as your tan)! As behavioral issues for both children and adults, After all, you would never give treats to not starved. I like to eat a light breakfast, Zig Zagler once said, “People say that you get the right combination of diet, exercise, and support all in one stop! Insurance is accept- your kids all day either! such as an egg and two whites with motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither ed. Feel free to e-mail her at In the second scenario, where you eat cucumbers/tomato and coffee. Lunch is does bathing—that’s why we recom- [email protected], or 917-690-5097.

REAL ESTATE Continued from Page 30

kers and mortgage bankers changed many of the ways they did business with these banks since then, in order to make sure they could guarantee their borrowers stability and security even with the larger banks in such turmoil. Ironically, after firing all those experienced mortgage employees and cleaning out entire mortgage divisions from their books, these same major banks decided to offer mortgages on a retail basis from their branches. The joke was on them, since other than handing a customer forms to fill out, none of their retail branches have a clue how to put a mortgage together, and only have the ability to collect the filled-in forms, send it through the now lightly manned system, and hope for the best. These lightly manned systems tend to take 5 to 6 weeks longer than sending those same packages with personal assistance through a mortgage bank to the same lender, and sometimes the rates offered by the mortgage bank are cheaper than the rates offered by the same bank through their retail branches. That being said, in order to continue to give my existing and future clien- tele the best mortgage products, service, and interest rates out there, all of my mortgage services will now be offered through a mortgage bank— First Meridian Mortgage. By joining First Meridian, I am now able to offer widespread mortgage offerings secure- ly, not only in New York but in many other states—all at super-competitive rates, service, and reliability. Please do not hesitate to call me for any of your mortgage needs. O

Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a licensed real-estate broker and a licensed N.Y.S. mortgage broker with over 20 years of experience, offering full-service residential and commercial real-estate services (Anessa V Cohen Realty) and mortgaging services (First Meridian Mortgage) in the Five Towns and throughout the tri-state area. She can be reached at 516-569- 5007 or via her website, www.AVCrealty.com. Readers are encouraged to send questions or comments to [email protected]. 34 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 35 cha Supplement Sim I June 19, 2009 i P P h h o o t t o o B B y y I I v v a a n n H H . . N N o o r r m m a a n n

The marriage of Rivky Flaum, daughter of Rabbi and Mrs Tzvi Flaum, The marriage of Aviva Thau to Meyer Chill, to Yosef Sourkes, son of Rabbi and Mrs. Zvi Sourkes, took place at son of Rabbi and Mrs. Shaul Chill Ateres Chynka. Rabbi Flaum, the father of the kallah, was the mesader kiddushin. of the Young Israel of Far Rockaway, took place at The Sands of Atlantic Beach.

36 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT June 19, 2009 37 38 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT June 19, 2009 39 40 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT Striking The Right Chord, The Nafshenu Way

BY MICHELE JUSTIC Bayles, and other top talents, what’s not to like? Aaron explains, “With As my sixth wedding anniversary one of these very sought-after vocal- approaches, I think of my love for ists, we can assure you we have my husband, my beautiful children, somebody who can meet your musi- and…the band we had at our wed- cal needs.” In addition to a strong ding. Yes, I still remember that time background in simcha music, in the oh-so-distant past and the Nafshenu features musicians who beautiful music that served as the have earned acclaim in the secular perfect accompaniment to our spe- world, as well. Their talents can be cial day. I’m sure I must drive my seen on Broadway, film, and televi- dear husband crazy when we attend sion. These versatile performers other weddings and I comment, “Do have worked with Frank Sinatra, you remember how perfect Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion, Tony Nafshenu was? They knew just what Bennett, and many other well-known to play and when—the fun music in entertainers. the beginning and the slow music to Nafshenu will accommodate all wind down with…” (At this point, styles of music, including simcha my husband feigns a deep interest in dancing, heimishe/chassidish, classi- the cars in front of us and the near- cal, klezmer, Sephardic, Mizrachi, by billboard.) Persian, classic rock, motown, disco, So, with three small children at jazz, and even current top 40. As one home and an anniversary-night date becoming more of a questionable The Nafshenu brass section. Continued on Page 42 prospect, I decided to catch up with

Everyone, both young, old, and in between, loved the music.

my favorite band and see what has changed and what has remained the same since 2003. I began with a search of the website (www.nafshenu.com). I could have ended there, since it really has just about any information you could want: bios of the highly talented and experienced crew, song samples, a listing of their comprehensive services, and more testimonials than you can imagine, sorted by year. Still, I long for the personal touch, so I called Aaron Appelbaum, as I did so many years ago. He and Jonathan Rimberg are the directors of Nafshenu in New York, and David Kerzner coordinates affairs in Toronto. Far from mere number- crunchers, these men also bring their many musical talents to ensuring that each member of the crew gives a sensational performance. They also work with clients to provide a musical experience that perfectly comple- ments their special day. I remember meeting with Aaron and giving him a four-word description of my musical tastes. Based on that, he put together the most sensational music I had ever heard. All of our guests—from chassidish to non-Jewish—were entertained as never before and raved about the experience. And with vocalists and band leaders such as Jeff Braverman, Ethan Leifer, Tzvi Silberstein, Yankey Goldenthal, Moshe Kiss, Yossi 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT June 19, 2009 41 The Nafshenu Way Hawaii, and played at ven- Even with a full perform- Continued from Page 41 ues such as the Mandarin ance schedule—Nafshenu Hotel in Washington DC performs at several hundred client marvels, “Is there any and the Madison Square occasions a year—the event style music you guys cannot Garden Theater, the Waldorf planners at Nafshenu still

Aaron Appelbaum Mo Kiss Yankey Goldenthal Nafshenu performing with a forty-piece orchestra at the Grand Hyatt. play?” They have traveled all Astoria, the Pierre Hotel, make each client feel that played, how you were able to montages, and karaoke. The over the United States, and Lincoln Center in New their affair is the one of feel the crowd, the level of list of instruments they per- including Alaska and York City. greatest importance. They sound, it was all perfect!” form on would baffle even meet with each client per- Returning customers may the most astute music afi- sonally and get a handle on be surprised that Nafshenu’s cionado: sitar, tabla, dumb- musical tastes and restric- list of services has kept up ek, and didgeridoo in addi- tions. They accommodate all with the times and now tion to the classic piano, vio- requests. They have as much offers DJs and MCs, dance lin, trumpet, etc. respect for your preferences motivators, lighting shows How does it all sound in as a family member would— and visual effects, party the end? Clear, not loud. OK, more. Their unparal- favors, a cappella groups, Aaron notes, “We have our leled customer-service expe- magicians, multi-talent per- own in-house sound company rience results in repeat and formers, jugglers, multime- providing state-of-the-art even multigenerational cus- dia presentations, virtual sound equipment that you tomers. One customer reality games/sports, game wrote, “The mix of songs you shows, comedians, video Continued on Page 44

42 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Family Taking Part, Without Taking Over

BY TOBY KLEIN GREENWALD

After the b’rit milah of one of our sons, one of my daughters asked, “How come some people only said ‘Mazal Tov’ to you and Abba? We’re celebrating, too!” This feeling of connection is not a fluke. When children grow up taking an active part in every family simcha, those are bonus fibers weaving them into the life of their family. How can the whole family take part in the preparation for the bat/bar mitzvah, without taking over? The first rule to remember with the bar/bat mitzvah learning and celebration, as with every other experience, is to “educate the child according to his style” (Mishlei).

The Learning Process Use the quality time of Shabbos meals to get the family involved. In addition to divrei Torah of the parents and from school classes, the kids can use books and even the Internet to find short stories, quizzes, and games to help the family get to know the parashiot, especially those that will “belong” to your children in the years to come. Create your own activities. Ask: “What significance does this parashah have for our family? For the bar/bat mitzvah boy or girl?” Turn it into “dinner theater,” as the children role-play the various characters. Have a different sibling prepare something each week, whether a special food, a game, or a quiz. (Try lentil soup, Chutes and [Yaakov’s] Ladder, or Match the Sheivet with the Mother.) Invite family members and guests to share one intriguing item they learned or event they experienced that week. Ask them to find an ingen- ious way to link it to something in the bar/bat mitzvah (or current) parashah. Share in the technical side of the bar/bat mitzvah. Cater part of your own Kiddush, or have the chil-

Continued on Page 49 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT June 19, 2009 43 Five Towns Simcha Gallery Photo By Ira Thomas Creations Photo By Azamra Events

Mazel Tov to Gregg and Dawn Ackerman on the bat mitzvah of their daughter Stephanie. Mazel Tov to the Wasser family on the bat mitzvah of daugher Kayla. The event was held at the Entertainment was provided by Azamra Events and catering was provided by Josh Albert. Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst, with entertainment provided by Azamra Events and catering Stephanie attends HALB. provided by Mauzone. Kayla attends HALB.

The Nafshenu Way Continued from Page 42

will find only in the top theaters. We are always sensitive to the volume concern that many clients have and will accommodate just the right volume control.” Listening to the top performers playing music personalized for your tastes at the perfect volume— that’s the Nafshenu experience. Yet, they make sure to offer all of this at a price you can afford. Aaron explains, “We are very sensitive to the state of the economy right now and are willing to work with people and try to help them.” He notes that the philosophy of the band is to “keep the customer happy at any cost.” “We go above and beyond to per- sonalize the affair, meet personally with every client, and even accommodate last-minute changes.” Ahh, I can hear those horns now…Wait, that’s the baby crying. OK, I’ll return to my own “simcha” here at home. But if you’re planning a real simcha, go call Nafshenu at 516-371-6660 or visit www.nafshenu.com for an experience you’ll never forget. O

For the next issue, deadline for reserving ad space is Monday, June 22 at 5:00 P.M.

All graphics for ads must be in by Tuesday, June 23 at 5:00 P.M.

Call 516-984-0079

44 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT Jerry Meyer Comes To Town

BY MICHELE JUSTIC

Lights! Camera! Action! Jerry has come to town, sur- rounded by cameras and attracting crowds. Through- out his career, he has brought smiles to millions. Yes, Jerry Meyer has opened a state-of-the-art photography studio right here in Cedarhurst.

Each event has a supervisor to coordinate all the details, making sure everything is seamless and that the guests of honor feel, well, honored.

This multigenerational family business began 46 years ago. Cameras certainly looked different back when Jerry’s father began, and they will likely be very different when his 10-year-old grandson, Zachary, will iy”H take over. But the principles of customer service remain the same throughout the ages. Perhaps even beyond the artistry and the use of the latest technology, the Jerry Meyer difference is in the people. Each event has a supervisor to coordinate all the details, making sure everything is seamless and that the guests of honor feel, well, honored. Jerry Meyer, along with wife Essie, son Jason, and associate Neil, take time for details—before, during, and after your event. Whether it means bringing the kallah a glass of water, retouching the photos, or completing the album after a mere two weeks, Jerry Meyer Studio does it all to please the client. Jerry explains, “When they come to Jerry Meyer Studios,

Continued on Page 48 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT June 19, 2009 45 46 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT June 19, 2009 47 Jerry Meyer His new studio in Cedarhurst is a Avenue in Cedarhurst. They are have a supervisor helping out and Continued from Page 45 veritable museum of the future of offering a raffle for free sittings. doing whatever was needed. He was photography, also featuring digital The Meyers have learned a few there every minute—making sure no they’re dealing with people who have designers, custom framing, and a things from having photographed hair was out of place, that we caught feelings towards the event of that day, the best time of day to shoot outside, which can be stressful. Other photog- that everyone smiled at the right raphers can make people more nerv- time, and countless other things I ous by intruding on the action. Our probably didn’t even know about. top-caliber photographers and staff And what do we have to show for all are understanding and compassion- I am certainly glad we spent a the time, effort, and money spent on ate.” that day? A beautiful album with pic- Let’s face it: just about anyone few extra dollars here and there tures we picked out one by one with can buy a camera, press some but- the help of our supervisor, and a tons, and save and print the files. DVD featuring all the latest techno- Doesn’t your simcha deserve more? A to produce such beautiful logical offerings. Sadly, those pic- discerning eye, subtle lighting, tures are the last ones I have of my someone to ensure the subject is father, a”h, and I showed them to portrayed in the best fashion…this is pictures to help remember his everyone at our shivah. I am certain- what makes Jerry Meyer “the pho- ly glad we spent a few extra dollars tographer’s photographer” and why enthusiastic smile. here and there to produce such beau- many in the event-planning business tiful pictures to help remember his choose the Jerry Meyer Studio for enthusiastic smile. their own events. With a track Fast-forward—sorry, that’s “old record like that, does Jerry take a school”; skip to the next scene—I am breather? Never! He makes sure to beautiful portrait studio. The new over 7,000 smachos. I am proud to gawking outside the windows of the keep up to date with the latest studio has also been used for com- admit that one of those was my own new studio and reading the ad for equipment and techniques to ensure mercial work. Jerry invites everyone affair, six years ago. With all that was portrait sittings. My husband and I the highest quality pictures. to visit the studio, at 84 Columbia happening on that day, it was nice to took advantage of the offer and were highly impressed with the equipment and space. We even got to see Jason, who by now feels like a family friend. He had cutesy things for the children to be photographed with, and thankfully, they offer retouching that promises to make us look like the chasan and kallah we once were. We’re not stopping there—we hope to use Jerry Meyer for our bar and bat mitzvahs as well, and I encourage everyone to visit www.jerrymeyerstu- dio.com, call 1-888-MEYER-10, or e- mail [email protected]. To capture your moment in style, Jerry goes the extra mile. O

For the next issue, deadline for reserving ad space is Monday, June 22 at 5:00 P.M.

All graphics for ads must be in by Tuesday, June 23 at 5:00 P.M.

Call 516-984-0079

48 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT Bar/Bat Mitzvah Continued from Page 43 dren use their computer, calligraphy, or art skills on the invitations or centerpieces.

Use Teamwork To Inspire The Star One of our sons, David (all of my children’s names have been changed in this article), although he is a gifted child, couldn’t get into learning the leining (Torah reading) for his parashah. Even though my husband, a ba’al k’riah, tried hard to prepare him, we finally commissioned a neighbor to help. David’s teacher taped his portion, and soon all our other children could sing it in their sleep. Every day they sang David’s lines to him (and still do, when that parashah comes around). It worked.

I gave out scripts to David’s classmates, and instructed them about when to join in as townspeople.

Three days before the party, when speech anxiety was high, I turned the derashah on its head and called in the rest of the family. “You are all going to perform!” I told them. “Why should David have all the fun?” We subsequently turned the story he had planned on explaining (from Masechet Taanit, 20a–b, which he had studied with my husband and on which he was doing a siyum) into a short play. In the story, Rabbi Elazar is riding a donkey at a river’s edge, very happy that he had learned so much Torah. He encounters a very ugly man. The man says to him, “Shalom aleichem, rabbi.” Rabbi Elazar doesn’t answer, but comments on how ugly the man is and wonders if all the people of his city are so ugly. The man replies, “I don’t know, but go and tell the Creator, ‘How ugly is this vessel you created.’ Rabbi Elazar understands that he has sinned, so he disembarks from the donkey, kneels down before the man, and says, “Forgive me.” The man replies, “I won’t forgive you until you say to the Creator, ‘How ugly is this vessel you created.’” Rabbi Elazar follows him till they reach the town. The townspeople come out and say to Rabbi Elazar, “Welcome, our teacher and rabbi.” The ugly man asks, “Whom are you calling ‘rabbi’?” They say, “He who follows you.” He says, “If that one is a rabbi, there should not be many like him in Israel.” They ask, “Why?” He tells them what hap-

Continued on Page 50 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT June 19, 2009 49 Bar/Bat Mitzvah plays based on the Tanach, I’ve joyfully at his own seudat mitzvah— from the Torah—is absent. Continued from Page 49 received many phone calls from fami- certainly a highlight for his friends. Our eldest, Sara, prepared a slide lies who have asked to borrow Joseph’s show with soundtrack (today it would pened. They say, “In spite of it, for- colored coat, tunics, or Noah’s animal Bat Mitzvahs have been a PowerPoint) composed give him, for he is great in Torah.” costumes for their celebrations. Bat mitzvahs are trickier. When we of interviews with three wives of He says, “For you I forgive him, as Prisoners of Zion. Sara interviewed, I long as he doesn’t do it again.” photographed, and all the kids joined Then Rabbi Elazar gives a in as we put the show together. The derashah and says, “A man must siblings also helped with the presen- always be supple as a cane and not We asked everyone to bring a toy tation’s finale—a medley of slides hard as a cedar tree. Because the from family trips. cane is supple, we use it to write the Pnina’s bat mitzvah had historical sefer Torah, tefillin, and mezuzot.” with them to donate to a tzedakah significance. The real date fell dur- Our children played the different ing the first Gulf War, in late roles. My husband played the flute. January, 1991, so we postponed the Our daughter Rachel played the gui- that delivered food to poor party. But just as the synagogue gab- tar. I gave out scripts to David’s bai announced a Mazal Tov to our classmates, whom I invited to sit family, at shul on Friday night, the upstage, and instructed them about families in Jerusalem. siren sounded, sending everyone fly- when to join in as townspeople. The ing home to their sealed rooms. event was an incredible hit and (Everyone lived close by.) Pnina was everyone was convinced we had a good sport and everyone offered rehearsed it for weeks. her special blessings at our next fam- The same strategy can be used Four years later, when it was Zvi’s were younger, religious girls didn’t ily meal. She finally had a “real” when the characters are from the turn, our family accompanied his have bat mitzvah celebrations. Today, party on Shavuot, when she spoke parashah itself. Have the older siblings speech with flute, harp, guitar, per- many of them do, but the challenge about the story of Ruth, which we or grandparents help with the costume cussion, and keyboard. Zvi was is how to give them meaningful con- had studied together. sewing. As a co-author and director of already a master drummer and played tent when the main event—reading In the week leading up to Rachel’s bat mitzvah, I was overseas with a photography exhibit, and it was the family who pulled it all together. I arrived home literally two days before the party (again, self-catered) to discover everything beautifully under control. A neighbor did the photography, a friend played the keyboard, my other children prepared a choir. Rachel had studied for it with my husband—the topic was giving one’s life al kiddush Hashem, for the sake of heaven. It was held on Chanukah, and we asked everyone to bring a toy with them to donate to a tzedakah that delivered food to poor families in Jerusalem. Two days after her bat mitzvah, all the kids piled into the car and we drove together to deliver the toys. Children who are trained to give within the family, and beyond, will carry that lesson—and those blessings—with them for the rest of their lives. O The author is a founding partner of Bible Arts Productions, Ltd. (www.bible-arts.com).

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50 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT June 19, 2009 51 PERSONAL CHEF

Eating For Energy caloric intake as the day progresses— Really good food entices many sens- beginning with a big breakfast and end- es at once, with aromas and flavors that ing with a small dinner—to rev up your can bring you comfort and pleasure metabolism and give yourself enough with every bite. Although some people energy for the day’s tasks. Don’t waste live to eat, food is fuel for the body and calories on a giant dinner or dessert. we must eat to live. It’s wonderful to For overall energy and health, eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Someone who is very active or exercises regularly needs to fuel up on complex carbohydrates before a While too much fat can workout. To lose weight while main- taining energy, the same rule always weigh you down, a applies: you must burn off more calo- modest amount of ries than you take in. Here are some great high-energy healthy fat can protect foods that are good for you: Bananas. In addition to providing cise regularly should generally stick to your oatmeal with dried or fresh fruit, your heart and provides valuable nutrients, including potassium, low-fat or skim milk products for easi- milk, and nuts. vitamin C, and vitamin B6, bananas are er digestion and to limit saturated fat. Meat (in moderation). You can sustained energy. a good source of carbohydrates. Along Peanuts, nuts, and nut butters. indulge in meat but not have too much with peanut butter and honey, bananas Nuts and nut butters provide fuel and of it. A meal should consist of a good, are simple, high-energy, and easy to sustained energy. They are one of the healthy carbohydrate, plenty of veg- digest. A plain banana makes the perfect best diet foods around when exercis- gies, and a little bit of protein. An eat food that is appealing and tasty, but pre-workout snack. For something more ing, because nuts and nut butters have Asian stir-fry over rice, pasta and meat- at the same time you can be nourishing substantial, mix into a smoothie, spread a combination of protein and carbs, balls with a big salad, or a small piece your body with quality ingredients to with nut butter, or use overripe bananas while their healthy, heart-protecting of fish with a sweet potato and snap give you energy for your daily life. to make a quick bread. fats keep you going and energized. peas are all great complete meals. Whether you are trying to maintain Milk and yogurt. Milk, as well as Oats and oatmeal. Oats are digest- All-in-one salads. Add some lean energy to get through your busy day or milk products such as yogurt, are an ed slowly and give sustained energy. A protein for sustained energy and muscle trying to lose pounds and inches, you excellent source of carbohydrates and packet of instant oatmeal is a good repair and toss in some carbs for a com- need to eat right. A good plan is to fuel protein, plus calcium to help build choice for a quick and easy energy by day and diet by night: decrease your strong bones. Those who do not exer- boost. For more substance, “pump up” Continued on Page 59

52 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT

Fathers And Sons Continued from Page 24 sleep until I know my son’s fate.” Two fathers, two sons—one shared experience of pain and suffering that never seems to allow for a moment’s respite. And so when I read of Yonah’s passing, it so deeply affected me. I was troubled by how little this man’s close to 30 years of suffering and longing for his son affected my life. How many times did I have him in mind when praying for a “refuas ha’nefesh” over these last years? On how many Friday nights, when I am truly blessed with the opportunity of bentching my sons before Kiddush, did I think of Yonah, who was longing to do the same for his beloved son Zack? Just a few days ago, my teenage son went with some friends from yeshiva to a sports game and was going to travel back by train a little bit later than usual. When my wife couldn’t reach him for about half an hour and was unsure of his whereabouts and feared for his safe- ty, panic set in. A short while later, when we realized he was home safe and the battery on his cell phone was just in need of a recharge, there was an over- whelming feeling of relief. I thought for a long time that night about Yonah Baumel. I tried to imagine what it must be like to have anxiety for a son, not who is late exiting a train, but possibly in the hands of what the Torah describes best, as a nation of “pere adam.” And not just for half an hour, but for close to 30 years! I cannot possibly imagine what type of pain is involved in that. None of us can, except for those like Noam Shalit and the father of Ron Arad. With Yonah’s passing, his quest for closure has come to an end, though not in the manner that he had hoped for. The fate of Zacharia and his fellow soldiers are no longer a mystery to Yonah, as they are still to us. While Yonah has closure, we do not—and should not. We should take up Yonah’s life’s mission over the last 27 years and not give up until every last soldier is accounted for and every father is reunited with his son. As our focus in this article is about fathers and sons, allow me to share with you one other story of a father who mourned for his young son his entire life and, while he wasn’t missing, the pain was no less intense. It demonstrates the depth of pain that a father has over the loss of a son. Just last week was the 18th yahrzeit of the great gaon HaRav Yisroel Zeev Gustman, zt’l (niftar 18 Sivan 5751/ 1991), the rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Netzach Yisroel in Yerushalayim. Rav Gustman was a child prodigy, an illui. At the age of 20, he was appointed to the position of chaver beis din in the court of the gadol ha’dor, Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski, several years before the war. He suffered greatly during World War II and was even referred to by other gedolim as the “Iyov of the generation” (I believe it was Rav Yitzchak Hutner, zt’l, who gave him that description). One of the most tragic episodes of that period of his life took place when

Continued on Page 54 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 53 Fathers And Sons received a glimpse of the deep pain Meir is a kadosh, he is holy; but your day of my life. I see them every night Continued from Page 53 that the great rosh yeshiva carried with- Shlomo is a shaliach tzibbur in that before I go to sleep.” in him with such great strength. heavenly minyan.” There is a special deep bond he was running in the forests away He said, “I am sure that you don’t Again Rav Gustman was silent for between a father and son. Why does it from the approaching Nazis. A bullet know this, but I once had a young son several moments and then said, take such painful experiences of long- directed at him killed his only son, named Meir. He was such a beautiful “Please, my friend, I never had the ing for a son, as Rav Gustman did for Meir, whom he was carrying in his child and he was killed in my very opportunity to sit shivah for my his little Meir or as Yonah Baumel, arms. And while he mourned his whole arms. I survived, and I even bartered beloved son Meir. May I sit here with o.b.m. did for his son Zacharia, to life for his son who was taken so bru- my son’s shoes so that I and my wife you just a little longer?” underscore the depth and the impor- tally from him, he rarely spoke about and remaining daughter would have Professor Aumann, with great emo- tance of that relationship? his experiences. Several times as a food to eat. But I was never able to eat tion, said to Rav Gustman, “I thought Those of us whom HaKadosh young yeshiva bachur, I came to his the food; I gave it all away to others. I could never be comforted, but rebbi, Baruch Hu has indeed blessed to have yeshiva to hear a shiur and to talk in My little Meir is a kadosh, he is pure you have indeed comforted me.” our sons at our side and their where- learning, and though we at times tried abouts known to us should express our to talk to him about his experiences (to hakaras ha’tov to Him each and every learn from them), he never would day, and should work on ourselves to respond. Professor Aumann, with great emotion, build on that relationship and that Except once. Rav Gustman was a bond of father and son until the two brilliant talmid chacham. On souls are bound into one. Thursdays, people from throughout said to Rav Gustman, “I thought I could May K’lal Yisrael be zocheh to wit- Eretz Yisrael—roshei yeshiva, heads of ness the reuniting of fathers and sons batei din, Talmud professors, even a never be comforted, but rebbi, you have wherever they may be. And may the Supreme Court justice—would travel years of longing and pain that Yonah to his yeshiva in Rechavia and partake indeed comforted me.” Baumel, alav ha’shalom, carried with in a Talmud shiur that often lasted him each and every day since his son’s four or more hours. One of the regular disappearance be a meilitz yosher for attendees at that shiur was a professor him, his family, and the entire family at Hebrew University, Robert Aumann and holy—he, along with all the six Several years later, one of the stu- of K’lal Yisrael. O (later the recipient of a Nobel Prize in million who died with him.” dents who was present at that shivah economics). Rav Gustman stopped for a few house built up the courage to ask Rav In 1982, amongst the many who lost moments deep in thought, and no one Gustman to share with him some of their lives in the Lebanon war was a in the room dared say a word. Finally his memories of his son Meir and the Remember that article? young soldier named Shlomo Aumann, he continued: “I will tell you what is shoes that he had spoken about. But Visit our archive section the son of Professor Aumann. Rav transpiring now in the Olam HaEmes. Rav Gustman said he was unable to do Gustman participated in the levayah, My son Meir is now welcoming your so, for he was awaiting the opportuni- and find any issue of the along with the entire yeshiva, and then son Shlomo into the minyan and is say- ty to one day meet with his Creator 5 Towns Jewish Times continued on to the home of Professor ing to him, ‘I died because I am a Jew, and open the floodgates of his soul and Aumann to be menachem avel. He but I wasn’t able to save anyone else. review all that had happened in those online @ entered the home, sat down next to But you, Shlomo—you died defending terrible years. However, he did say to www.5TJT.com Professor Aumann, and asked if he the Jewish people and Eretz Yisrael.’” that student, “You should just know could speak. All those assembled then Rav Gustman continued, “My beloved that I think about those shoes every

54 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES BAGEL STORE Continued from Front Cover

New York for a three-day visit, during which I had a chance to spend a couple of hours with him—exudes a sweetness and a way about himself that is simply captivating. Rav Kook embodies the spirit and the eternal hopes of modern-day Israel, but he also clearly understands and carries the burdens of hardship in his heart and on his shoulders that today is so reflective of the contempo- rary Jewish experience. Though the load he carries for the people of Israel is great, he does so with a positive energy, a deep faith and optimism that is difficult to replicate. And those burdens range from the struggles of Israelis in Rehovot and beyond with their commitment to Torah and mitzvos, to the ever-evolving (as well as devolving) problems with budget deficits and the cash crunch faced by the Torah schools in Israel. Rav Kook’s message is fundamental at its core—the future fate of Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael are inextrica- bly bound and attached to Toras Yisrael. The rabbi’s lifelong mission is to effectively communicate that message to the point of implementation. The next step in the process is to find the resources to sustain this never- ending campaign and the natural resistance it encounters. The informal meeting with Rav Kook that I attended took place at the home of Barbara and David Martin in Lawrence, the night before Rav Kook was scheduled to return to Israel. He touched on a few subjects that are obviously near and dear to him, matters that speak to the heart and soul of the Jewish people wherever they can be found in this day and age. The talk was supposed to be on ahavas Yisrael—the love of one Jew for another—and to an extent it was precisely that, but the interactive nature of the discourse led the discussion in multiple directions. Early on, Rav Kook talked about the pain he felt and still feels today for the people who were forcibly extracted from their homes in Gush Katif nearly four years ago. He recounted his involvement in the days leading up to the Gaza withdrawal and the impact and influence he had on what was at the time the Sharon government’s intention to raze the shuls that had served the Jewish settlement towns prior to the evacuation. Rav Kook’s position, and that of other rabbinical authorities in Israel, was that it was forbidden as well as ill-advised to destroy synagogues. Rav Kook testified before the appropriate Knesset committee and indicated that there were and are shuls around the world located in places hostile to Judaism and Israel. Somehow, though, those synagogues have endured and survived even the most hostile regimes. Was Israel going to set a precedent and destroy shuls where so many other governments have not? The argument apparently won over Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, and

Continued on Page 56 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 55 BAGEL STORE nationalistic Zionism was a dimen- enemy. But Rav Simcha Kook is right was badly injured. The campaign to Continued from Page 55 sion of the heavenly plan to herald there with them and their families, distribute the tzitzis was accelerated, the messianic era. counseling them, educating them, and as was the Spiritual Partners project as while the homes of the residents of While Rav Simcha Kook is two gener- in difficult times sitting with them and Israelis stared into the unknown that Gush Katif were bulldozed, the shuls ations removed from his great-uncle, to absorbing some of their pain. awaited them as they encountered a were allowed to remain standing. a large extent he lives in that aura that At one point in his recent talk, he cagey enemy. Subsequently, as was widely reported, carries the prestige of the Kook name digressed from his intended remarks to Rav Kook explained that the loca- the Palestinians in Gaza—in those around the world. Rav Simcha Kook, illustrate a point about the desperate tion of one of the main air force bases days it was still controlled by the so- now in his mid-seventies, seems to be need for unity amongst Jews and the is his city of Rehovot. From this base called moderates in Fatah, led by very much in touch with every aspect magic that national togetherness can the fighter jets and helicopters lift off Mahmoud Abbas—went about alight- and need of Israel’s society on all levels. create. He related that during the and head toward the war zone. Rav ing three of the shuls, completely It was through his initiative both recent Gaza war, a campaign was inau- Kook explained that he is a frequent destroying them. Rav Kook points out, during the Second Lebanon War and gurated to get all soldiers—regardless visitor to the base, offering shiurim however, that there were eighteen the Gaza operation of this past winter of their level of observance—to don and words of encouragement to the shuls in Gaza when Israel left. Today, that he introduced the Spiritual tzitzis, which are understood to provide troops, regardless of their level of those fifteen other shuls still remain, Partners of Soldiers program. The a level of “shemirah” or protection for religious observance. Rav Kook says. He added that they After the war, the rabbi said, he might be used for storage or even as heard a remarkable story from one of barns for animals, but the fact is that the commanding officers, which he they are still standing. wanted to share with us. It was one of Rav Simcha Kook is closely identified The CO told the rabbi that the Rav Kook’s classic ways of retelling with the noted personality of his great- events that emboldens the heart and uncle, Rav Avrohom Yitzchok Kook, brings Am Yisrael closer to one another whom many consider to be the founder events as retold were true, but not as well as to G-d Himself. Apparently a of religious Zionism. Educated at the number of Israel’s forces were in the premier European yeshivas, the elder the entire story. process of capturing a strategically Rav Kook came of age with his Torah located building as part of their move brilliance recognized when he was a stu- into Gaza. A small group of IDF men dent at the Volozhin yeshiva, which was were on the roof of the building when then led by Rav Naftali Tzvi Yehuda they spotted an Israeli helicopter cir- Berlin, also known as the Netziv. concept was quite simple: Jews the individual, not unlike that provided cling overhead and lowering itself in The Netziv is recorded in books of around the world would sign up and by a mezuzah for a home or office. their direction. that period to have said of Rav Kook: receive the name of one Israeli sol- About 40,000 sets of tzitzis were Watching the armed helicopter “If the Volozhin yeshiva was created dier at war and keep that particular procured and distributed during the descend in their direction, the young only to educate Rav Kook, it would IDF member in his or her tefillos, first days of the war, says Rav Kook. men were painfully aware of what had have been worthwhile.” In 1904, Rav praying that he make it through the On the first night of the action, Israeli happened a few days before in the A. Y. Kook moved to Palestine and war safe and unscathed. forces sought to penetrate their way “friendly fire” incident that killed four. became a rabbi in Jaffa. He believed Of course we all feel the anxiety of into Gaza and there was an awful acci- Perhaps it was not unexpected that that the establishment of the State of the families whose children are in dent. An Israeli unit fired a tank shell Hamas might be wearing Israeli uni- Israel had profound theological sig- Israel’s army, protecting her borders at a group mistaken for Hamas terror- forms; combined with the fact that the nificance and that secular and from an insolent and intractable ists. Four soldiers were killed and one start of the incursion may have had its

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56 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES share of chaos, the men on goes to and the efforts and the rooftop felt they were very energy he expends to improve Leading The Big Parade vulnerable to assault. At that the life of Am Yisrael and peo- Nassau County District moment, one of the men had ple around the world knows Attorney Kathleen Rice the idea for them to reach no bounds. It seems that as (right) joined New York City underneath their uniforms the years go by, Rav Kook gets Mayor Michael Bloomberg and pull out the tzitzis they busier and undertakes more and Council Speaker were wearing. They waved projects. His work crosses Christine Quinn at the head of the city’s Salute to Israel them frantically in the direc- religious, cultural, and social parade on May 31. The tion of the personnel on the lines in Israel and he sets a parade down Fifth Avenue helicopter. Another tragedy beautiful example of what it paying tribute to Israel drew was thankfully averted. means to be a tireless worker an estimated 100,000 Rav Kook says that after for K’lal Yisrael. O supporters, making this the war, on one of his army annual celebration of Israel’s base visits, he wanted to con- Comments for Larry Gordon are independence the largest of firm the details of this event welcome at [email protected]. its kind in the world. with the commanding officer at the base. The CO told the rabbi that the events as retold were true, but not the entire story. The officer explained to the rabbi that the men in the helicopter were uncertain of their target and radioed back to their base for assistance. They were told by their commanding officers that the men on the roof wearing IDF uniforms were definitely identified as Hamas terrorists and should be immediately eliminated. That’s when the helicopter drew in closer, and that’s the exact moment when the men started waving their tzitzis. This story is truly remarkable, but its retelling is only a small glimpse into the everyday life of Rav Simcha ha’kohen Kook. The extent that he

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 57

her patience with her younger siblings is remarkable. Her dedication to help- Another Mother’s Musings ing out at the Kulanu Sunday program is truly commendable. She actually began her “work” at Kulanu eight years New Beginnings speeches from people I had never met, shul was filled to capacity. Hundreds ago, before Yussie was old enough to B Y PHYLLIS J. LUBIN and the attendance was so huge that of smiling faces watched their loved attend, as a “friend” to other children there was no way I could spot my par- ones. A new tradition began this year, with disabilities at Kulanu. A beautiful dress was chosen. The ents or any familiar smiling faces. as alumni of the school were invited to For the past month, since my dad’s hair was cut and styled perfectly. Graduation from junior high school personally present the diploma to their injury, Rochel has been by my side on Everyone involved knew the date and was much more intimate. It was con- loved ones. As my husband and I are countless trips to the hospital, and time to be there. The excitement was ducted in the school gym on both alumni of this fine institution, we now, thankfully, to visit him at home. building all day. The babysitter was Washington Avenue in Lawrence. My were both called to the front to present She knows just the right things to say due to arrive in time for us to get good graduating class comprised about 30 Rochel’s diploma personally. I had my and do to cheer him up. In fact, she seats (neither Yussie nor Lea would be students (compared to almost 100 in moment again, as I had so many years enjoys helping him with the laptop able to stay awake so late). Rochel computer to enable him to use e-mail needed to be there an hour early, so and stay in contact with life outside his her dad was available, of course, to get house. Rochel knows just the right way her there on time. And everything to cheer anyone up when they are worked out perfectly. Rochel knows just the right way to cheer down. Her enthusiasm is contagious! In the one day that has passed since According to the dictionary, gradua- Rochel’s graduation, many thoughts tion is the “conferral or receipt of an have gone through my head. anyone up when they are down. academic degree or diploma marking Somehow, after all these years, I can completion of studies.” I think I would still remember my junior-high-school Her enthusiasm is contagious! like to add another facet to this defini- graduation. (We called it “junior high tion: “Conferral or receipt of an aca- school” then, not “middle school.” I’m demic degree or diploma marking a not sure why the change was made, new beginning in life.” A promotion, if but perhaps somehow “middle” is now you will, to another level in the course deemed more appropriate.) My junior- Rochel’s graduating class). Everyone before, to see my mother’s smiling face of a lifetime. As a high-school student, high-school graduation stands out in knew everyone else’s name, and I cer- before me, although this time with an even more will be expected from our my mind more so than my college tainly got to see the smiling faces of added ingredient—my amazing daugh- graduates, and I have the faith, along graduation. I never had a high-school my parents, grandparents, uncle, and ter Rochel. with Rochel’s entire family, that she graduation, since the “fad” at the time brother as I received my diploma. I cannot complete this column with- will use the skills that she has acquired was to go to college on early admis- Fast-forward a few decades, to June out shepping a little nachas. My daugh- to succeed at anything she wants in sions; and I missed my law-school 14, 2009. My 13-year-old daughter, ter Rochel is indeed special. She has life! Mazel tov! O graduation, since I gave birth to my Rochel Raiza Lubin, has reached this blossomed into the mature young Phyllis Joy Lubin is an attorney with Rosenfeld & eldest son, Naftali, the day before that milestone. Too big a crowd to meet in high-school woman she is today. Her Maidenbaum, LLP, who resides in Cedarhurst big day. College graduation day was the school gym where I graduated, we kindness and caring towards her with her husband Leonard and six children: Naftali, Shoshana, Rivka, Rochel, Yosef, and shared with hundreds of other gradu- gathered at Congregation Beth grandparents, siblings, parents, and Lea. She welcomes your questions and comments ates that I didn’t know, listening to Sholom (next door to the school). The friends is known by all. Specifically, at [email protected].

58 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES THE DISH nutrient density, and easy-to- food that is also good for you. 1 cup chocolate chips, spray; heat over medium heat. Continued from Page 52 access carbs make it a healthy optional Working in batches, pour bat- 1 1 choice for longer activities Banana Oatmeal Pancakes ⁄4 cup ( ⁄2 stick) unsalted ter by 1/3 cupfuls onto griddle. plete high-energy meal. Create such as hiking and biking. Ingredients: butter, melted Cook pancakes until bubbles an all-in-one salad by adding Add them to trail mix, granola 1 cup old-fashioned oats Directions: form on top and bottoms are beans, corn, beets, and toasted bars, and oatmeal. 1 cup all-purpose flour Whisk first six ingredients golden brown, about 2 min- 1 croutons with your choice of Good fats. While too much ⁄4 cup (packed) golden in medium bowl. Whisk utes. Turn pancakes over and chicken, salmon, or beef. fat can weigh you down, a brown sugar yogurt, milk, eggs, and vanilla cook until bottoms are golden 1 Beans. Beans are a great modest amount of healthy fat 1 ⁄2 tsp. baking powder in another medium bowl to brown, about 2 minutes. 1 source of protein and carbs in like olive oil, fish, avocados, ⁄2 tsp. baking soda blend. Whisk dry ingredients 1 Eating quality, delicious meals is easy a heart-healthy and inexpen- nuts, and seeds can protect ⁄4 tsp. ground cinnamon into yogurt mixture just until when all the work is done for you. 3 sive package. Toss them into your heart and provides sus- ⁄4 cup plain yogurt blended. Add in mashed Hire a personal chef to prepare your 3 dinners, Shabbos meals, or small par- salads, soups, stews, chilis, tained energy. ⁄4 cup milk bananas, chocolate chips, and ties. For more information, contact and pasta dishes, or serve with Remember, you don’t have 2 large eggs 1/4 cup melted butter. Take Home Chef personal chef servic- 1 es by calling 516-596-8865, writing quick-cooking brown rice and to choose between health and 2 tsp. vanilla extract Spray nonstick griddle or ⁄ to [email protected], or jarred salsa for a super-fast good taste. You can enjoy good 2 ripe bananas, mashed skillet with nonstick cooking visiting www.TakeHomeChef.net. supper. A great snack is hum- mus and pita, because it com- bines legumes, healthy fats, and carbs into one very portable package. Dried fruit. People sometimes shy away from dried fruit because it can pack a lot of calories, but its portability,

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 59 ing report and caused the people to from the conspiracy of the spies” lose faith in G-d’s promise of the (Rashi, Bamidbar 13:16). So why did Land of Israel as their eternal her- he send them? And if, for whatever itage. The entire generation was then reason, he thought it necessary to deemed unfit to inherit the land, and send them, why did he not at least it was decreed that they would live bless them as he blessed Yehoshua? out their lives in the desert. Only 40 Even more amazing is the fact that a years later did Moshe’s successor, generation later, as the Jewish People Yehoshua, lead a new generation finally stood at the ready (for the sec- From The Chassidic Masters across the Jordan River and into the ond time) to enter the land, Yehoshua Promised Land. (Yehoshua and Kalev dispatched spies! That time, it The Vacuum Of Choice were the only two spies to speak in worked out fine; but why did he again favor of conquering the land, and the initiate a process which had ended so only two of that entire generation to tragically in the past? On whose initiative were the spies him, “Send you men…” to imply: Send enter the land.) Obviously, Moshe was well aware sent? The way the story is told in Parashas them as dictated by your understand- Up until that time, G-d had impart- of the risks involved when embark- Sh’lach, it was by Divine command: ing. I am not telling you what to do. ed specific directives to Moshe and ing on a course of “do as you see And G-d spoke to Moshe, saying: Do as you see fit. (See Rashi on the People of Israel virtually every fit.” For man to strike out on his “Send you men that they may spy out Bamidbar 13:2.) Thus, the spies’ mis- step of the way. The case of the spies own, without precise instructions the land of Canaan, which I am giving from On High and with only his to the Children of Israel. One man, one finite and subjective judgment as his man, per tribe shall you send, each a compass, is to enter a minefield prince among them…” strewn with possibilities for error —Bamidbar 13:1–2 The case of the spies was the first and failure. Yet Moshe also knew But when Moshe recounts these that G-d was opening a new arena of events 40 years later, he tells the human potential. People of Israel, instance in which G-d said, “I’m not And you all approached me, and Free Choice said: “Let us send men before us, that A most crucial element of our mis- they may search out the land and bring telling you what to do—do as you see fit.” sion in life is the element of choice. us back word regarding the road by Were G-d to have created man as a which we shall go up and the cities we creature who cannot do wrong, then shall enter.” And the thing was favorable He might as well have created a per- in my eyes; and I took twelve men from sion, while receiving Divine consent, was the first instance in which G-d fect world in the first place—or no amongst you, one man per tribe… was a human endeavor, born of the said, “I’m not telling you what to do— world at all. The entire point of G-d’s —Devarim 1:22–23 desire of the people and dispatched do as you see fit.” Should this not desire in creation is that there exists The commentaries reconcile these because “the thing was favorable” in have set off a warning light in the a non-perfected world, and that we two accounts of the sending of the Moshe’s eyes. mind of Moshe? choose to perfect it. It is precisely spies by explaining that the initiative The result was a tragic setback in Indeed, it did. Our Sages tell us the possibility for error on our part indeed came from the people. Moshe the course of Jewish history. The that Moshe sent off Yehoshua with that lends significance to our then consulted with G-d, who said to spies brought back a most demoraliz- the blessing, “May G-d deliver you achievements.

60 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES The concept of choice exists on two When we enter this arena, the risks es the superiority of Moshe over levels. When G-d issues an explicit are greater: the possibility to err is Yehoshua, the latter being but a pale Let the power of instruction to us, we still have the greater, and the consequences of our reflector of the former’s light; on a choice to defy His command. This, error more devastating. But when we deeper level, this alludes to the depth my Lord be great, however, is choice in a more limited succeed in discovering, without of the bond between the greatest of according as sense. For, in essence, our soul is liter- instruction and empowerment from teachers and the most devoted of dis- ally “a part of G-d above” and, deep Above, the optimum manner in which ciples. As the moon has no lumi- You have spoken, down, has but a single desire: to fulfill to enter the Holy Land and actualize nance of its own but receives all of the Divine Will. In the words of Rabbi the Divine Will, our deed is infinitely its light from the sun, so had saying: G-d is Schneur Zalman of Liadi: “A Jew is more valuable and significant. Yehoshua completely abnegated his long-suffering… neither willing, nor is he able, to tear self to his master, so that everything himself away from G-d.” When it The Self Of Yehoshua he had, and everything he was, (Bamidbar 14:17–18) comes down to it, each and every one This was why Moshe dispatched the derived from Moshe. of us desires only to do good, as spies, though fully aware of the haz- For Moshe to bless Yehoshua was When Moshe ascended to defined by the will of G-d. The only ards of their mission, without so much not to empower Yehoshua with some- heaven, he found G-d sitting choice we have is whether to suppress as a blessing that they be safeguarded thing that was not himself: our innate will or to express it in our from the pitfalls of human endeavor. Yehoshua’s entire self was Moshe. and writing “long-suffering.” daily life. Were he to have blessed them—to Armed with Moshe’s blessing, Said Moshe to G-d:“Master Up until the episode of the spies, have imparted to them of his own spir- Yehoshua was truly and fully on his this was the only choice offered the itual prowess to succeed in their mis- own—this was his essence and self, of the Universe! Long-suf- Jewish People. G-d provided unequiv- sion—he would have undermined the rather than something imposed on fering to the righteous?” ocal guidelines for each and every uniqueness of the opportunity that him from without. issue that confronted their lives. G-d had granted by consenting that Thus it was Yehoshua, who had Said G-d:“Also to the They had the choice to disobey, but to their mission be by his understanding. successfully negotiated the arena of wicked.” Said Moshe:“Let do so would run contrary to their The entire point was that both Moshe true and independent choice, who deepest instincts. (in deciding whether to send them) led the People of Israel into the land the wicked perish!” Said The second level of choice was and the spies (in executing their mis- of Canaan. For the conquest of G-d:“See now that you will introduced with G-d’s reply to Moshe sion) be entirely on their own, guided Canaan and its transformation into a regarding the spies. When Moshe and empowered solely by their own “Holy Land” represents our entry need this.” When Israel heard G-d saying, “Do as you see fit,” understanding and humanity. into a place where there are no clear- sinned, G-d said to Moshe: he understood that G-d was opening The only one to receive Moshe’s cut Divine directives to distinguish another, even deeper and truer dimen- blessing was Yehoshua, who was good from evil and right from wrong, “Did you not tell Me to be sion of choice in the life of man. By Moshe’s “faithful servant…never and our independent discovery of long-suffering only toward creating an area in which He, the cre- budging from [Moshe’s] tent” how to sanctify this environment as a ator and absolute master of the world, (Sh’mos 33:11). The unique relation- home for G-d. O the righteous?” Said Moshe states, “I am not telling you what to ship between Moshe and Yehoshua is to Him:“Did You not say to do,” G-d was imparting an even greater described in the Talmud with the fol- Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe significance to human actions. Here, lowing metaphor: “Moshe’s face was (Sefer haSichos 5749, vol. II, pp. 536–540); me,‘Also to the wicked’?” and only here, is the choice truly real; like the face of the sun; Yehoshua’s adapted by Yanki Tauber. Courtesy of MeaningfulLife.com via Chabad.org. Find more (Talmud, Sanhedrin 111a) here, and only here, is there nothing to face was like the face of the moon.” Torah articles for the whole family at compel us in either direction. On the most basic level, this express- www.chabad.org/parshah.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 61 from a lack of trust in Hashem. When ha’ra? The Rambam defines lashon they entered the land, they saw giants ha’ra as words that hurt, words that occupying fortified cities. They wit- damage. Whether they cause a per- nessed people dying left, right, and son embarrassment or loss of center. In their minds, if the Jewish income, or sully his reputation, the nation attempted to conquer this land, very definition of lashon ha’ra is they would be slaughtered wholesale— words that cause harm. That is the man, woman, and child. reason the Torah forbids us to speak Clearly, they were lacking in bita- it—not because the Torah is so strict, chon. Their faith in Hashem was defi- but because words can have such a The Shmuz On cient. But they weren’t guilty of speak- harmful effect. ing lashon ha’ra. First off, there is no To appreciate the damage that prohibition against speaking lashon words can cause, imagine that I dis- The Parashah ha’ra about land. Land is inanimate. cover a cloak of invisibility. When I put We are forbidden from derogatory this cape on, I can walk around freely speech about people—not rocks. without anyone seeing me. Imagine for The Power Of The Spoken Word would have learned from what hap- Of even greater significance, once a moment that after I find this cloak, I BY R’ BEN TZION SHAFIER pened to Miriam, and that would the meraglim made their mistake and decide to have some fun. As I walk have prevented them from giving concluded that Hashem wasn’t pow- around the beis midrash, I take a sefer Send forth men, if you please, and their negative report about the land. erful enough to bring us into the from one fellow and turn it upside let them spy out the land of Canaan However, says Rashi, “These wicked land, what they then spoke wasn’t down. Oh, his reaction when he sees that I give to the Children of Israel… people saw what happened and didn’t lashon ha’ra at all. In their calcula- it! Then I walk over to another fellow (Bamidbar 13:2). and close his Gemara. “Hey! What Timeline of the meraglim. The happened?” Next, I see a pair of parashah of Sh’lach opens with the charvusahs who are standing up for a story of the meraglim. Rashi notes that moment. I walk over and put both of the previous parashah ended with the The meraglim’s sin was a their Gemaras back on the shelf. story of Miriam getting tzara’as and I am having a jolly time! being sent out of the camp because After a while, I get a bit bolder. As she spoke lashon ha’ra about Moshe. lack of bitachon, not speaking someone is walking by, I leave my foot Since this parashah begins with the in the aisle. “Heyyyy!” he yells as he meraglim, it implies that these two falls to the floor with a crash. events are connected. But Rashi is lashon ha’ra. “This is fun,” I think to myself. And bothered by the fact that they did not now I really start to get into it. happen in chronological proximity; the As a fellow walks by, I give him a events of the Korach rebellion were punch in the stomach. “Ohhhh!” The sandwiched in between. learn from it.” tion, they were saving the Jewish peo- next guy, I smash in the back. Rashi explains that the Torah took The meraglim’s sin wasn’t lashon ple from utter destruction, in which “Aggggh!” And before you know it, these two events and juxtaposed them ha’ra. The problem with this Rashi is case it wasn’t forbidden speech; it there are guys falling, getting smashed, to teach us a lesson: Had the that the meraglim’s sin had nothing to was a mitzvah. meraglim not been so wicked, they do with lashon ha’ra—it emanated Why does the Torah forbid lashon Continued on Page 67

62 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Or perhaps that Israelis are not actually human? But of course Israel has Presidential Seal Of Approval always been held to a different standard than the rest of the world. Why BY LAURA BEN-DAVID brood like Annie Oakley? Of course I immediately stop building their homes should this be any different? Europe know exactly what the question means. and send all of the Arab builders away, had colonialism; United States had When I was eight years old I was But do they? Most likely, if they asked unemployed, at Obama’s behest. Manifest Destiny; and Israel? We build going to grow up to be President of the the question, they do not. For the purpose of this article, I settlements on land we won, in a war United States. When that dream was Since Obama’s famous Cairo looked up “settlement” in Wikipedia. I we didn’t want, and we are Occupiers? hatched, Jimmy Carter was president. address the settlement issue has found it rather interesting that there is Mind you, the land was won from Not that he, in particular, was my role become a very hot topic. Obama’s an entry for “human settlement” (per- Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. Not one par- model—that was more likely Lincoln demand for “these settlements to stop” manent community where people live) cel was won from a country called or Washington. However Carter inhab- has caused quite a commotion on our and a different entry for “Israeli settle- “Palestine”…but I digress. ited the office at the time and was While I never made it to the Oval therefore someone of great achieve- Office, many from the Oval Office ment—certainly to an eight-year-old. have made it to Israel. But, to the best Many more dreams and aspirations of my knowledge, they have never later I find myself living one of my come to visit a “settlement”. It was biggest dreams—dwelling in the Land therefore with a feeling of astonish- of Israel. It was neither political nor ment and guarded optimism that I ideological motives that led us to heard about former President Jimmy choose Neve Daniel, in the Gush Carter’s impending visit to our little Etzion region, as our new home neighborhood (a.k.a. settlement) of almost seven years ago. The red- Neve Daniel. roofed villas nestled on a mountain- I was amazed and impressed that top; the stunning views, warm com- Carter was going to be visiting Shaul munity, proximity to Jerusalem, as well Goldstein, the mayor of our region of as the excellent school district were all Gush Etzion, and a personal friend of chief factors in our decision. And so, it ours. It seemed to come from left field. P h o t

never fails to shock me when the occa- o Carter, a known settlement critic, was B y Y sional person will react to where I live a coming out to meet with Shaul? At his r d e n by puckering their lips as if they just F house, in my neighborhood? Regard- r a n k tasted a lemon, and asking, “Ooh, is l less of my feelings about Carter and that a settlement?” Former U.S. President James E. Carter in a Gush Etzion settlement. his track record, this unlikely meeting I’m never quite sure how to answer was exciting. Many were worried that that politically charged question. What no good could come out of such an does the answer “Yes” mean to them? side of the Atlantic. Everything from, ment” (communities inhabited by event, but always the optimist, I felt That I’m a hippie living in a commune “Who is he to demand anything from Israeli Jews in territory that came that if anyone could make something of caravans? That I live on land that I us?” to “You go, Obama! You da man!” under Israel’s control as a result of the constructive out of such a meeting, it stole from Arabs? That I pitched a tent has been heard over here. I cynically 1967 Six-Day War). Is this to say that in the hills, and I stand guard over my wondered if my neighbors would Israeli settlements are not permanent? Continued on Page 68

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 63 In Search Of Jewish Life Outside The New York Area BY JUDAH S. HARRIS rant, an easier time getting a minyan weekday mornings, or a Jewish high I learned a lot during my undergradu- school option for boys or girls, or both. ate years at Yeshiva University, but it was Actually, although I feel like one, I during the three years that followed, don’t think I can call myself a native while employed as an assistant director New Yorker. I didn’t grow up in of undergraduate admissions, that I Manhattan or Queens, or in a Flatbush finally got to know Jewish America. neighborhood with a letter-named street

I didn’t get to know all of Jewish a half a block away. I only got to Teaneck P h o t o

America, but through personal experi- in the mid-70s, and for a couple of years B y J u ence—which means lots of traveling prior to that, home was in the Pelham d a h S . during that time—I grasped that there Parkway section of the Bronx. H a r r i was a Jewish America; there was life My trek started north of here, out- s outside of the New York area, diverse of-town in a place called Rochester, communities that offered Jewish NY. Up there, alongside Lake Ontario. nentially, when I started to travel as our area. The OU’s Emerging Jewish opportunity. These places were in part I was born there, lived the first five one of the assistant directors of admis- Community Fair, which took place for comprised of transplanted New years of my life there, and after that, sions at YU to speak to students, their the second year on June 14 at Lander Yorkers, but often there were many our family made a stop in Philadelphia parents, and the Jewish high school College for Women in Manhattan, drew natives who were born there, grew up for a few years. My dad was teaching faculty about Yeshiva College and Stern close to 800 people over the course of a there, and had stayed (or left but then in university, so we got to move College for Women. The “Admissions full afternoon, and each attendee had a came back after their schooling in around a bit. Each time we changed Years” were when I got to know Jewish chance to meet with community mem- New York or anywhere else). places, I made new friends. I helped America. Knowing means appreciating. bers, shul rabbis, school principals, and The New York area was long ago unpack my toys. Our family’s travel For three years, I visited the schools, even real estate specialists, to learn crowned the center of American Jewish itinerary included summer vacations met the families, ate in the restaurants about life on the West Coast, down Life, and with that, smaller communi- along the East Coast, no further south (if they had them), drove the roads and south, or even an hour or two drive from ties, stylistically different and often than one summer trip to Virginia highways, and spoke to community New York. having less Jewish “abundance” to offer Beach (Florida was not part of our rabbis and school principals. Los The motivation for exploring was job their residents, received the long-last- experience), and we did get to Detroit Angeles was different than Kansas City, opportunity, affordable housing, lower ing title “out-of-town.” Whether com- a couple of times to see cousins. My and Seattle was not Chicago. tuition costs, a change of lifestyle, and prised of 40 families or even 4,000 post-high school year in Israel was my Those specific cities weren’t present a chance to see and experience a dif- families, they have not been able to first real time away. The rest of Jewish at the OU Fair, but representatives from ferent place—and different types of shake it. Many residents of these America? I knew about it, but it wasn’t 22 established or “emerging” Jewish people, and to feel a more active part places remain pleased and proud familiar to me. communities from across the country of the community. enough not to want to, though in some That changed somewhat during col- arrived in Manhattan to meet with fam- Amy and Jordan Hiller of North modestly sized communities they still lege, as I participated as an adviser on ilies and individuals looking for a new Woodmere had come to the fair for at dream of an additional kosher restau- some youth programs, and then, expo- home and job opportunities outside of least some of these reasons. They visited

64 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES many of the community booths (actual- community is very much back on its together with his wife, has come as part our observance. We were very impressed ly tables), though I first caught up with feet. They’ve done strategic planning of the area’s volunteer team for today’s with Rabbi Weil.” them as they were in discussion with and (something that will pique the program. He’s a therapist in private Detroit also has an established Rabbi Chaim Silver of B’nai Israel attention of ambitious families looking practice; she’s a journalist formerly with yeshiva community along with the Congregation of Norfolk, VA. According for this type of opportunity) the city is the Detroit Free Press and now working more Modern Orthodox one. Its assets to a medium-sized sign mounted on an teeming with entrepreneurs.” on a freelance basis. They joined the include the Akiva Hebrew Day School, easel, you can live in Norfolk for At the Detroit table, the communities Oak Park community 12 years ago, and a nationally known Vaad Horabonim, peanuts, and to reinforce that point and a serious appreciation for Israel. Rabbi Silver was giving out souvenir Many community members, says sponge peanuts, stress-relievers that you David, choose to make aliyah. “It’s a clench in your hand, as he spoke ani- strong Zionistic community… It’s a matedly about the community located “There are from jeans to streimels nice place to raise a family.” in the Ghent neighborhood and all it Still, these days, Detroit might have has to offer Jewish families. He person- more chocolate to offer than econom- ally discovered this when he arrived in in our shul. The denominations all ic opportunity. The automobile indus- Norfolk after spending nearly 10 years try is clearly shaken. But David, who’s as rabbi at the Young Israel of Phoenix. get along…for the most part.” spent his entire life in town, even if not Jordan is an attorney and has in the suburbs, feels secure. He sees “a worked in real estate management, lot of possibilities for Detroit in the and Amy is a teacher but is presently future” and believes strongly that spending time at home with their three there’s going to be a “paradigm shift,” children, ages 2 to 7. Both are from of Southfield and Oak Park were giving credit Rabbi Steven Weil, the OU’s basic attitudinal changes that will the New York area but they don’t feel away individual chocolates. I reach into incoming executive vice president, but probably envelop all communities and they have to stay here. the glass bowl, past the miniature then the rabbi of the Young Israel of not just his. In the immediate future, I ask them whose choice it was to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and take a Oak Park, for enabling their Jewish he points out, for potential newcomers come today. Amy points a finger verbally: miniature Hershey’s Dark Chocolate, growth. “We moved because of Rabbi the “housing is dirt cheap.” “Jordan’s always been interested in see- and then another. I stop after three, but Steve Weil,” says David. “We had just ing what’s out there,” she says. Jordan I continue listening to David Sklar, who, gotten married and decided to notch up Continued on Page 66 suggests they both have it in them. He tells about when they first got married: “We took a few road trips. We had opportunity to see some of the Jewish small communities.” He identi- fies special things in these communities. “It’s nice for kids to grow up out of town… From my experience, the people I’ve met in New York who are from out-of-town and small communities have a different set of values and a different comfort level with themselves and with their Judaism.” This impress- es Jordan and he’d like to bring his family a lot closer to the source, wherever that might be on the map. Amy appreciates this, but needs more con- vincing, for a reason heard so often: “I am very attached to family.” More than 1,000 miles away but only a number of seconds of carpet walking on this particular afternoon, Rabbi Uri Topolsky stands by the New Orleans booth. He and a number of individuals have come to greet the fair attendees and to speak about the rebirth of the Jewish community as a component of the general rebirth of the New Orleans area after Katrina. Rabbi Topolsky, his wife Dahlia, and their two boys, are recent arrivals in New Orleans, having settled there only two years ago. They previously spent time in Riverdale, where he was the associate rabbi of the Hebrew Institute, working alongside Rabbi Avi Weiss. This relationship, and Rabbi Topolsky receiving his semichah from Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, an institution known for instilling strong commit- ments to Jewish activism in its graduates, directed him to an area of the country that still needs lots of help. “My wife and I were looking for a place out of New York. New Orleans is one of the only places you can go right now where you can reshape the community, rebuild the synagogue, and be a part of an entire city.” After Katrina many of the shul families, who had located elsewhere initially for temporary shelter, never returned. “We lost about a third of the population… the housing shortage is still here.” But Rabbi Topolsky, upbeat, sounds some very positive notes: “The Jewish 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 65 Jewish Life ing it more reasonable for many. Rebbetzin’s Husband: “That my family is under the leadership of Rabbi Dr. Continued from Page 65 Alan J. Wiener’s family has raised leaving is largely a function of the Moshe Bomzer since 1984, nearly a seven generations in Allentown, those absence of a Jewish high school, but for quarter-century. “What’s kept you Interestingly, Hershey’s chocolate fig- before him and also his kids and grand- those for whom high school is not yet a there?” I ask him as he approaches ures into another community’s presen- kids, he tells me. Billy Joel’s 1982 hit factor, Allentown is worth a look, and the table where I’ve been catching up tation. Bryan Reid, a physician from song laments the fall of the steel indus- then some!”). The shul is now interview- with a college friend, Rabbi Moshe Harrisburg, thinks that their Jewish try in the area (though Levittown, Long ing candidates. Other families have also Mirsky from Congregation Beth community, with a population of 6,000, Island, where the singer grew up, was left, but for Israel. “Three or four fami- Israel in Schenectady. He offers an has become known in part because of the original title and focus until Joel, lies are commuting,” Alan explains. unexpected answer: “A lovefest,” he travelers making Sukkot visits to stuck on what to say about his home- “They have their own businesses.” This says. Rabbi Bomzer is a community Hershey Park, just 20 minutes away. town, read about Lehigh Valley’s plight), interesting scenario is a relatively recent rabbi, a chaplain, a Jewish educator “It’s in our backyard,” he says. It’s also and the theme still holds true. phenomenon that’s become available, or for all age levels, and a rabbinical en route to many driving destinations. “Industries have evaporated and there’s necessary, for some aliyah-minded fami- personality known well beyond the “Everybody comes through Harrisburg. no more textile manufacturing,” says lies. Work is here, but the family life they Upstate NY region. It’s 1.5 hours to Philly, 1.25 to Alan, “but medicine is a growth area.” want is found there. Corporations such as GE and AMD Baltimore, and 3 hours to New York.” He stresses the community members’ For those who’d like to keep at least (Advanced Micro Devices), which is Rabbi Akiva Males of Kesher Israel involvement with one another across part of the New York name on their involved in microchip manufacturing, Congregation, with 175 families, echoes the religious spectrum. “The school is a return address labels, the Upstate offer thousands of job opportunities in that and calls Harrisburg a “full-service community school, the mikvah is a com- communities of Albany, Schenectady, the sciences and engineering. But with community, close enough to keep in munity mikvah… There’s frequent and Troy offer solid job markets, ample new momentum, there’ll be real need touch…” but with a cost of living that’s interaction between the synagogues.” kosher food, Jewish day school educa- for non-technical employees in a a lot lower than other options. Alan’s own synagogue, Congregation tion, and a good drive time to the larg- whole range of support services too. Another Pennsylvania community, Sons of Israel, is looking for a new spiri- er communities of Boston, New York, For recreation, Rabbi Mirsky sug- but one even closer to New York, is tual leader. Rabbi Mordechai Torczyner, and Montreal. In addition, there’s his- gests the nearby Adirondacks. “Lake Allentown. Driving time used to be two who’s been at the shul since 2001, and tory, 170 years of it. George is an hour away. Frum people hours, but when a section of Interstate who offers Torah education online via a Albany’s Modern Orthodox go there in the summer.” 78 opened up in the area in 1989, the couple of original websites, will be leav- Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob Folks looking for other scenery options commute was cut by a half-hour, making (he explains on his blog, The was founded in 1838 and has been can consider Denver and its unique mountain vistas. Susie Sharf is originally from Flatbush but together with her husband moved to Denver in 2000. She con- trasts it with New York, and stresses the benefits of raising kids there, not having to deal with New York driving, and the opportunity to be involved. Out of town, she says, “you’re on three boards, there’s no sitting back and letting the community run by itself.” Her husband, Joshua, is an MBA grad and made a run for local office. Susie has shunned campaign posters, but is active in fundraising for the school and also involved with the local mikvah. In her professional life, she’s a web designer, and we talk for a brief moment about Flash websites (which Susie doesn’t favor except for headers or select parts of the site). She introduces Rabbi Daniel Alter, a RIETS graduate and formerly assistant rabbi in West Orange, NJ. He’s been in Denver for 10 years and has served as the founding rabbi of the DAT minyan that’s based in the Denver Academy of Torah day school (where Rabbi Alter is also head of school) and has hopes to build on the same campus. There are “from jeans to streimels in our shul,” says Susie, and even beyond the shul walls. “The denominations all get along…for the most part,” she quickly adds. Susie points out Scott Friedman, a real estate broker with the Herman Group, who’s standing behind a table talking to some prospects. She men- tions that families have moved from California, New York, and New Jersey. “You can get a house here for $300,000—three bedrooms, two baths—and that’s inside the eruv!” She pulls over a one-sided color sell- sheet with six listings. The one on the top right, at $267,500, catches my eye. It’s a turn of the century farm- house. 1,770 sq. ft, with four bedrooms, two baths. Later I read the fine print; “it needs mechanical and cos- metic updates… Priced accordingly.” There are also a couple of Tudors on the page (in the $875,000 range). I’ve always liked Tudors. Not everyone attending the OU’s Emerging Jewish Communities Fair 66 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES was there to consider relocation or to THE SHMUZ of the power of the words and the to themselves, “Before we bring back offer a nice place to do so. Some were Continued from Page 62 damage they can cause. That is why this report, are we sure? Are we a hun- there to assess if this fair would be the they are forbidden. dred percent certain that the Jewish right venue for their own community and really getting hurt. The joke is no The power of speech. The answer people will die trying to conquer this to display the next time around. longer funny. to this question on the meraglim seems land? Didn’t Hashem bring us out of One such person was Rachel The Chofetz Chaim points out to us to be that they should have seen what Mitzrayim? Didn’t Hashem split the Horwitz who’d walked over to the San that the Torah reserves a curse for one happened to Miriam and learned one sea for us?” Francisco table. A young woman in who “hits his neighbor while hiding.” lesson from it—the power of speech. Understanding the power of speech her mid-20s, she’d accepted an Chazal explain that this refers to some- They should have thought to them- would have caused them to think about assignment from her parents who are one who speaks lashon ha’ra about his selves, “If such a tzadeikes said some- the consequences, and the results active in Wynnewood, PA (just out- friend. Why am I so cavalier about what thing only slightly questionable about might well have been very different. side the Philadelphia city line) at I say about him? Because he isn’t here. her brother, whom she loved and This concept has great relevance in Congregation Beth Hamedrosh. If he were standing right nearby, I revered, and had to be sent out of the our lives. Most of the damage that we Their shul is looking to grow, so today would never say what I said. I say it only encampment for seven days to suffer do through speech isn’t malicious or Rachel is doing some scouting, and because he isn’t around. And in that embarrassment and public humilia- with bad intent. We speak without also shares that on a personal level sense I am hitting him while hiding. tion, what does that tell us about the thinking about the consequences, she’s looking for a job. She’s an archi- One of the reasons that we have dif- impact of her words? Why did Hashem without contemplating the results. tect, interested in finding something ficulty controlling our speech is that act so harshly with her? It must be that The Torah is teaching us the power of in city planning. She presently lives we don’t see it as truly damaging. what she did was far more egregious those words and how careful we have in Washington Heights which was “What is the big deal if I tell an inter- than we realized. It must be that her to be with what we say, not because not represented at the fair, though it’s esting story or two?” we say. While I words—while merely speech—are a the Torah is machmir when it comes probably still “emerging” for the hun- would never dream of physically harm- powerful force.” to sins of speech, but because of the dreds of recent Orthodox college ing you, when it comes to ruining your Had the meraglim learned this les- effect that speech has to help or to grads that are drawn to the more reputation, damaging your business, or son, they would have been far more harm—because of the power of the affordable options in Northern causing you harm in the way that peo- careful in their speech. They would spoken word. O Manhattan compared to the pricier ple perceive you—then I am much less have thought many times about the The Shmuz, a life-changing mussar shiur, is ones found on the Upper West Side. concerned. The Torah is teaching us consequences of their words, and that available online at www.TheShmuz.com or on Rachel is speaking with Jonathan that lashon ha’ra is forbidden because would have made them stop and think Kol HaLashon at 718-906-6400 (press 1,4,1). Esensten, a med student and today’s San Francisco rep, who’s happy to tell about the place where he lives and equally glad to have been chosen for “a free trip to New York.” Rachel moves a table away to Dallas, where David Zoller (originally from New Orleans, and you can hear it a little bit in his voice) is listing statis- tics. There are 60,000 Jews in Dallas, 200 Modern Orthodox families, 180 yeshiva families, and six kosher restaurants. David works in commercial real estate. He’s been in Dallas since 1989 so he knows the place. “We have 31 flavors of Judaism… we coexist in every beautiful way.” Rachel listens and watches as David turns on the small monitor to play a school video that was made by one of the junior high school students, an 11-year-old. It’s hard to hear (I couldn’t), but his display is an impressive one. Though most of the community tables had adequately impressive printed materials, his was not the corrugated board variety of display, rather a sturdy crafted one, the foldable, transportable kind you see at real trade shows. “Kiruv. What do you do in terms of outreach?” Rachel asks him. She wants to know, because her parents’ shul is looking to get very involved in kiruv, seeing it as an important synagogue activity and also a chance to strengthen the shul financially, to build a stronger base. In reality, each one of the many communities represented at the OU’s Emerging Jewish Communities Fair was here to do outreach. They’d come to New York to introduce, educate, inspire, and attract Orthodox families and individuals to a place they believe in. At the same time, they were looking to help themselves become stronger as a community, to find not just new residents to live in their neighborhoods, but hopefully some new and motivated builders to join them as they create an even better home. O Judah S. Harris is a photographer, filmmaker, speaker, and writer. His work can be seen at www.judahsharris.com/visit and in an enjoyable e-mail newsletter that circulates to thousands of readers. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 67 Carter have now joined the Obama band- Continued from Page 63 wagon demanding an absolute freeze on even natural growth in all the was Shaul Goldstein. Israeli settlements. I wonder, what My optimism did not prepare me for about all of the pregnant women who the positive outcome, when Carter famously declared, “This particular settlement is not one that I envision ever being abandoned, or changed over I wonder, what about into a Palestinian territory. This is part all of the pregnant of the close settlements to the 1967 line that I think will be here forever.” women who live in Now mind you, I am not naïve enough to imagine that what an 85-year-old them, myself included, former president says will have any real effect on the policy of the half-his- who have our own age current president who just laid impending natural down his very hard line on the subject. But it can’t hurt. And quite honestly, it growth? was a breath of fresh air. How exactly did it come about? Shaul told me that he explained to Carter the history of Israel from bibli- live in them, myself included, who cal times until today, including all of have our own impending natural Judea and Samaria. He told him his growth? Shall we manage our popula- personal story, and he told him about tion the Chinese way? Or can our the people who live here. And he told population grow provided we all keep him how different we are from how we our status-quo living conditions, even are perceived. He told him the four if it means putting 4, 5, or 6+ kids basic principles we follow: We do not into one bedroom? hate Arabs; we are not afraid of them; As I watch my personal natural we never take their privately held land; expansion, and wonder what the and we provide them the opportunities future holds, I think back to my child- to support themselves with dignity. hood dream. This future child that I’m Finally, he told him that it’s a shame carrying, while he will be a U.S. citi- that more people do not come to visit zen, will be born in Israel. Now that to see what it is really like here. One may disqualify him from ever being way or another, somehow he managed president of the United States; but to garner Carter’s approval. who knows? He just might grow up to Of course this does not solve the be the president of Israel. Now that problem that many world leaders would be a great achievement. O

68 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 69 Camp Nageela Cholent Bowl summer with love and affection from Winner Announced dedicated counselors. They have the By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow time of their lives while developing a Recently, the Five Towns experi- real appreciation for Judaism and eth- enced its first ever JEP-LI/Camp nic food. The evening was dedicated to Nageela Cholent Bowl. At stake were raising money for the scholarship bragging rights for the best cholent of fund, so underprivileged Jewish chil- the Five Towns. Many gathered at the dren can partake of this awesome sum- home of Moshe and Rivky Majeski to mer experience as well. vote on the best cholent and also to While the voters were sampling the support Camp Nageela. various cholents, Rabbi Ralbag, of the Camp Nageela is a camp where Island Shul, told of a moving incident unaffiliated Jewish campers can expe- that happened during the Yom Kippur Ari Grunzweig, the chef at Brach’s, winner of the Camp Nageela Cholent rience cholent for the very first time in War. During those desperate times, Bowl, next to his assortment of kugels. their lives. The best way to reach a Rabbi Chaim Shmulevitz took his Jewish child’s heart is through cholent. talmidim to daven for salvation at Yad If that doesn’t work, then usually pota- Avshalom. His talmidim expressed Avshalom, who had tried to depose sion on us, His children. to kugel will do the trick. As a last their surprise at his choice of location. him, was killed. If a mortal can have Rabbi Ralbag noted the obligation resort, gefilte fish is employed. As an R’ Chaim Shmulevitz explained that such intense feelings for a child who we have to care for all of Hashem’s added bonus, in Camp Nageela the Dovid haMelech cried bitterly when he attempted to assassinate him, then children. He said that the work that campers also experience a fun-filled heard the news that his rebellious son certainly Hashem can have compas- Camp Nageela does with Hashem’s children is legendary, and we should do whatever we can to help. A former Camp Nageela camper who is now in kollel in Sh’or Yoshuv spoke next. (R’ Moshe Glaz’s speech will be the subject of a future article, be’H.) Finally, the participants were entertained with a lively kumzitz led by Rabbi Dov Keilson, mashgiach ruchani of Mesivta Chaim Shlomo. It was so lively that spontaneous dancing erupted. Chances are you are reading this article to find out who won the cholent contest. The competition was fierce, and we thank all the establishments that participated. This year the contest only included varieties of take-out cholent. All the cholents were fabulous, but only one could be crowned the best cholent. The winner was (insert drum roll here) Brach’s! I must tell you that there were some irregularities in the contest. The only permissible submission was cholent. If you define cholent as some variety of meat, potatoes, and beans, then at least one entry would have to be dis- qualified! However, I think the con- sensus was that all the entries looked like cholent and that was settled. What exactly was the irregularity? You’ll see soon. I met up with Ari Grunzweig, the chef at Brach’s. I was really curious to find out what was special about his cholent. He said that any cholent tastes better on Shabbos, and we obviously only sampled the weekday variety. I asked him to what he attributes the winning taste of his cholent. As was clear from his answer, Ari takes his cholent very seriously. He starts with his own proprietary mix of beans. He doesn’t use the bagged “cholent bean” mix. There is no added oil in his cholent. Flanken is the meat of choice, but it is first immersed in a secret marinade. The cholent cooks with his own fresh-made kishka. He said that his cholent only cooks in an oven and always on low. He feels that this is perhaps the biggest mistake people make when preparing their own cholent: to cook it on high. Ari feels that cholent should never be cooked on high for 70 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

any amount of time, period. The cholent that was used for the entry in the contest was cooked in an oven with a tem- perature of close to 200°F for 13.5 hours. It was then kept in a 180° warmer until showtime. Now, we all know that potatoes are potatoes. But there are different varieties, and I’m sure to some people it makes a difference—so, which variety does Ari use? It’s scan- dalous to even write this: He doesn’t use any! When I remarked that there was more to his cholent that meat and beans, he said that it was kishka. Instead of potatoes, he uses chunks of kishka! As I mentioned above, the voters still considered this to be cholent, so Brach’s entry is still valid. I had to ask Ari the obvious question: “Who cooks the cholent in your home—you or your wife?” He said that his wife does all the cooking at home, but the cholent is made using his recipe. He said his secret cholent hasn’t changed much in the past 20 years. When he was 17 he became the chief cook at HASC, which was located in Bronxville at the time. People liked his cholent then and still like it now. In fact that is how he ended up at Brach’s; Shia Mendlowitz sampled his cholent at an upstate establishment and was so enam- ored with it that he recom- mended Ari to his friend Yanky Brach. (The only thing that rivals Ari’s dedication to his cholent is his pride in his huge assortment of kugels, as you can see in the picture.) Congratulations to Brach’s, and a yasher koach to all those who supported the Camp Nageela scholarship fund. O

Lido Beach Synagogue Preschool Open House, June 21 The Lido Beach Synagogue is having a Torah Time preschool/Hebrew school Open House on Sunday, June 21, 10:00-11:30 a.m. The school is for children ages 2-10. The Lido Beach Synagogue is located at 1 Fairway Road in Lido Beach. For more information, call 516-889-9650. O

JCC Upcoming Event The JCC of the Greater Five Towns has a central location in Cedarhurst at 207 Grove Avenue and several satellite locations around the community. The central phone number is 516-569-6733. Long Island Friends’ Experience (LIFE). Members are invited to attend an

Continued on Page 72 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 71 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS was temporarily interrupted by the Continued from Page 71 Holocaust. We are today enjoying the sweet fruit of its rejuvenation. evening at the Big Apple Circus on Today’s Munkaczer Torah institu- Wednesday, June 24, 6:00-8:45 tions worldwide are a continuation of p.m., at Eisenhower Park, Hempstead the vast and elaborate network inaugu- Turnpike. Discount tickets for this rated by the previous Munkaczer event cost $20. Pre-registration is Rebbes and are being continued and required. No transportation will be expanded by today’s much respected provided. O Munkaczer Rebbe. Rabbi Moshe Leib Rabinowitz, the current Munkaczer Five Towns Breakfast Reception Rebbe. He is the worthy grandson of Supporting Yeshiva Chaim Rabbi Chaim Elazar Spira, zt”l (1872- V’Shalom Munkacz, June 21 1937), renowned author of Minchas On Sunday morning, June 21, at Elazar; son of Rabbi Zvi Hirsh Spira, 9:30 a.m., the community will gather zt”l (1840-1913), Munkaczer Rebbe at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Yussie and author of Darkei Tshuvah; son of Ostreicher at 184 Wildacre Avenue in Rabbi Shlomo Spira, zt”l (1831-1893), Lawrence to participate in the break- Munkaczer Rebbe and author of Shem fast celebrating the holy work of Shlomo; son of Rabbi Eliezer Spira, Yeshiva Chaim V’Shalom Munkacz. TheMuncaczer Rebbe, shlita. zt”l (1808-1864), Lantzuter Rebbe and This year’s function will be graced by author of Yodai Bina; son of Rabbi Zvi the presence of the Munkaczer Rebbe, Elimelech Spira, zt”l (1785-1841), shlita who will deliver divrei Torah and is preparing scholars who will lead us The Torah world wishes to emulate its Munkaczer Rebbe and paragon author chizuk. into the future. It is developing the phenomenal success. of Bnei Yesoschor. One of today’s leading Torah educa- Torah scholars of tomorrow today. It This success has its history rooted in Before the Holocaust, the Minchas tional institutions in Boro Park is has already achieved universal recogni- the city of Munkacz where Torah lead- Elazar, zt”l served as the fountainhead Yeshiva Chaim V’Shalom Munkacz. It tion and is being studied and analyzed. ership blossomed for 200 years and of Torah for the large Jewish community in Munkacz. The principles upon which the world-famous Yeshiva Darkei Tshuva was established in Munkacz by the Minchas Elazar in 1918 and continue to serve as the foundations of Yeshiva Chaim V’Shalom Munkacz of today. Today’s Munkaczer Rebbe, his grandson, serves as a worldwide beacon of Torah leadership, as did his grandfather, the holy Minchas Elazar. Yeshiva Chaim V’Sholom Munkacz, a jewel in the crown of today’s Munkacz Torah institutions, is led by Hagaon Harav Yosef Horowitz, shlita, who nobly serves as its rosh yeshiva. Rabbi Yosef is the son-in-law of the Munkaczer Rebbe, shlita and son of Rabbi Yechezkel Horowitz, zt”l, beloved Viener Dayan of Boro Park. Rabbi Horowitz, the rosh yeshiva, imbibed Torah at the feet of Torah giants such as Rabbi Yitzchok Soloveitchik of Brisk and Rabbi Elya Ber Wachtfogel of South Fallsburg. Thus, he absorbed the yeshivishe derech that enlarged his Chassidishe warmth. This unique blend of Torah and ahavas Yisrael ignites the hearts of his students. This special combination reflects that of his holy father-in-law, the Munkaczer Rebbe, shlita, who, in his youth, ingested Torah learning in the Telshe Yeshiva as well as at Beis Medrash Elyon in Spring Valley. Rabbi Horowitz’s leadership of the holy yeshiva is in the tradition of the great yeshivas of yesteryear. While the sun has yet to rise, the students of the yeshiva are already at their Gemaras together with their study partners reviewing yesterday’s learning and preparing for what will be learned on that day. They will embark on a quest of achieving multi-leveled Torah insights through a bekias shiur, a b’iyun shiur, a halachah shiur, and a mussar shiur that will fashion them not only into scholars but also into caring and sharing personalities. The Minchas Elazar developed a close bond with each individual talmid. He endearingly addressed his students as zeesa kinderlech, sweet

Continued on Page 75 72 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Daf Yomi Insights

Special Supplement: for them or set up markets for based on the drachm, which Talkin’ Taklin (Part 2) them. Both are necessary for was in turn based on the quar- B Y RABBI YOSEF the full functioning of society. ter-shekel of the Phoenicians. SEBROW It’s possible that the 100 kesit- We find in Tanach (Shmuel I, tahs paid were his way of show- 9:8) that Shaul’s servant has (Continued from last week) ing the value of set coinage. in his hand a quarter-shekel Phoenician lead weight from the time of the Shoftim (above, left). In Parashas Vayeishev piece to pay the seer for Viking silver ingot (above, right) made from melted coins. More Biblical Examples (37:28), we find that Yosef’s advice. (The Phoenicians did- Silver ingots were more tradable than coins during the Dark Ages. Of Money brothers sold him for twenty n’t care for small coins like Pictures above are not to scale. During the European Dark pieces of silver. What was this the ma’ah, as it wasn’t worth Ages, Vikings melted down silver coin? The Yerushalmi in their time to make such small grams. Weights have been a scale, and writing two legal coins and turned them into sil- Maseches Shekalim (Ch.2, coins. Small transactions found in Israel dating back to documents—the deed of sale ver ingots, breaking off pieces Halachah 3) says that this was were conducted in barter, or the first Temple era corrobo- and a confirmation by judges for trade. (The more things the smallest coin used by the in weighed but unshaped sil- rating this standard. that the sale was valid, in case change, the more things stay Phoenicians of Tyre—the ver. Coins had to be manufac- In Parashas Naso, we see it was contested. This was the same—“Ein chadash tachas quarter-shekel, with a weight tured by hand.) the nesi’im offering large ves- right before Jerusalem was ha’shemesh.”) of about 3.5 grams of silver. In Parashas Ki Sisa, the sels of gold and silver of pre- conquered by the Baby- In Parashas Chayei Sarah Each brother received two Torah defines a “holy shekel” cise weights. Such utensils lonians. (Bereishis 24:22) we also find coins, the equivalent of half a as 20 gerahs. Onkelos trans- were used throughout history Hashem tells Yirmiyah another form of early money— shekel, for a total value of five lates “gerah” as “ma’ah,” the as money for paying ransoms (ibid. 32:44) that men shall ring and jewelry money. Gold shekalim for the twenty smallest silver coin usually in and war debts. buy fields for money, inscribe and silver were formed into jew- pieces. (Corresponding to circulation, or an amount of When the Jews entered deeds of sale, and appoint wit- elry of precise weight that could this, each Jew would give half silver equal to it. The term ancient Israel, they used the nesses. In other words, Israel be both worn as jewelry and a shekel per year, and bechoros itself comes from the Hebrew holy shekel standard of 11.5 will once again become a traded as money. Eliezer gave are redeemed for five shekels, for the word “grain” or “seed.” grams per shekel. Yirmiyah bustling country, with the Rivkah a nose ring weighing half as Yosef was considered a It is equal to approximately (Yirmiyah 32:10–11) describes usual legal customs and a shekel (a little under 6 grams, bechor.) 0.583 grams (2.91 carats), purchasing a field from his a little less than one-fifth of a The Roman dinar was making the holy shekel 11.5 cousin, weighing the silver on Continued on Page 74 troy ounce), as well as a bracelet with a weight of 10 golden shekels (115 grams, or a little under 4 troy ounces of gold). Ring money was common in Egypt and early Celtic societies. Cautionary note: In today’s society, the use of nose rings for kiddushin is no longer nor- mative practice. One should consult with the rabbi before trying to do kiddushin with a nose ring. In Parashas Vayishlach, we find Yaakov Avinu (ibid. 32:15) sending gifts of chattel to Eisav, spread out to make it look like more. Clearly, their equivalent in silver and gold just doesn’t make the same impression as flocks of sheep, cows, donkeys, etc. coming down the road. The really interesting (from a historical- monetary point of view) part of the parashah comes a chap- ter later (33:18–19), when Yaakov purchases the land for 100 “kesittahs.” Rashi quotes a Midrash that the word “kesittah” means “ma’ah,” a tiny amount of silver weighing about 0.58 grams. Targum Onkelos translates kesittah as “churfan,” sheep. (Rashi says that Onkelos means that the coins were “charif,” easily accepted. However, the Midrash here, Bereishis Rabbah 79:7, con- firms the literal meaning of Onkelos.) Finally, the Targum Yonasan ben Uziel translates kesittah as “pearls.” Pearls were similar to gold and silver in that they had an ornamental value and were easily portable. Incidentally, the Gemara in Shabbos 33b says that Yaakov Avinu set up a coinage system 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 73 Daf Yomi Insights Empire) was there to give them the denominations. It is not clear what the history when logic dictates otherwise. Continued from Page 73 ticket. The Jews returned to Eretz Phoenicians called any of their denom- (Sometime after I originally wrote Yisrael with Ezra and others. Eretz inations except for the shekel. the previous paragraph, I sent an e- necessities of a stable, functioning Yisrael was now known as Yehud There were no bronze coins, as mail to David Hendin, who literally society. Lawyers and legal technicali- Medinasa, a Persian satrapy ruled by a bronze coinage had not come into exis- wrote the book on Jewish coins, with ties are not of much use in a wasteland governor. This period is referred to as tence yet. Coins were manufactured for this theory of mine. He responded that or in a war-torn country. This is proba- the Second Commonwealth. international trade, paying mercenar- his next book will, in fact, refer to the bly the first time in recorded history ies, or paying taxes. Small bronze Yehud “obols” as gerahs or ma’ahs, and that the presence of lawyers was men- Shivas Tzion: Persian Power! coinage to facilitate local trade just was- the Yehud drachms as quarter-shekels, tioned as a good thing. This is also the The Jews, when living in Eretz n’t a priority. Bronzes would take off based on research done by Yigal Ronen first time we see contrarian invest- Yisrael under Persian rule, used when kings realized that bronze coins, of Ben-Gurion University. Yigal ing—being greedy when others are Persian coinage. The main units con- which were essentially a token curren- Ronen’s research, published in Near fearful. Buying at the low when sisted of the Daric (a gold shekel, cy, would now be accepted based on the Eastern Archaeology, 61:2, 1998, is nobody else is interested is a great way weighing 8.33 grams—a Babylonian fiat of a king. There was a lot of money obviously a lot more comprehensive of making a good return. However, it shekel) and the siglos (a silver coin, to be made in issuing bronzes. than mine, and carries much more was only because the Jews would be named after the Babylonian shekel, Modern archaeologists refer to the academic weight. Ronen’s research returning that it was a good deal. worth 1/20 of the Daric, although it small Yehud coins as “obols” instead of indicates that these coins were com- Buying land in a depopulated country was lighter than the Babylonian shekel “ma’ahs,” which is the Greek name for pletely Jewish, based on the Jewish that will remain that way is not a good at 5.6 grams). At this time, the gold- coins of the same size. There is also a gerah system. Hendin’s new book will deal. So buy at the low, but do your silver ratio was about 1:10. The Jews famous Yehud quarter-shekel, called a finally free the Yehud coins from the research. (Legal disclaimer: The pre- also used specially minted local coins “drachm,” located in the British Hellenists who defiled them.) ceding paragraph was meant academi- with the word “Yehud” written on Museum. However, most Yehud coins We have already mentioned that the cally, and should not be viewed as a them in either k’sav Ivri or Aramaic predate the Greek takeover. word “shekel” comes from “weight” recommendation to buy stocks or lettering. They did contain objection- Furthermore, the Phoenician coins, and that the word “gerah” comes from other investments during a recession. able Persian imagery, but that is to be which are of the same denomination, the Hebrew word for “seed.” What This author does not have a Series 6 or expected when the minting was done are not defiled with Greek names. about the words “ma’ah” and “zuz”? Series 7 license. Furthermore, the by the goyim. Finally, the Yehud coins are not of the Ma’ah, according to Jastrow, means lawyer reference was not meant to be a Most of these coins are really small same weight as in the Athens coin sys- “grain of sand.” “Zuz” either alludes to disparaging comment about lawyers. silver issues: gerahs or ma’ahs (~0.58 tem, as best as I can tell from pub- the idea that the coin moves around Please don’t sue.) grams, sometimes smaller), half-ma’ahs lished specimens. (zuz in Hebrew means “move”) or that The Jews were exiled to Babylonia (0.29 grams), and even quarter-ma’ahs It’s probably fair to say that the it’s a “cut” or “division” (Akkadian- for 70 years. They learned a new lan- (0.15 grams)! The existence of such Greek obol was based on the Babylonian etymology) of a shekel. guage (Aramaic), a new script unusually small silver coins may Phoenician ma’ah, as per many experts To be continued… O (Ashuris), and a new shekel, the archaeologically corroborate the ram- on early Greek coinage. The Greeks Babylonian shekel, or “tekel,” consist- pant poverty mentioned in Nechemiah. learned trade and the alphabet from Rabbi Yosef Sebrow is a musmach of Mesivta ing of 8.33 grams. (The plural of tekel By contrast, the aforementioned the Phoenicians. The Yehud coins are Tifereth Jerusalem and an alumnus of Yeshiva is taklin; hence the title of this supple- Phoenicians were minting huge shekels probably a simple continuation of the Chofetz Chaim. He is currently the IT Director at Star Financial and can be reached at ment to “Daf Yomi Insights.”) The and double shekels at the old Tyre stan- Phoenician-Canaanite silver weight or [email protected]. He thanks his wife for her Babylonian Empire’s parking meter dard of about 14 grams per shekel, coinage system, not an importation of patience while he composed and researched this series and for all of her support. She is truly an expired after 70 years, and Koresh along with smaller “ma’ah,” “half- the Greek system. There’s no reason to eishes chayil, though she never gave a belt to a (Cyrus the Great of the Achaemenid shekel,” and “zuz” (quarter-shekel) subscribe to the Greco-Roman bias of Canaanite.

74 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

The Phoenicians The Graduates

BY RABBI YOSEF Amarna tablets of the 14th SEBROW Century BCE. Their land was, in fact, slated to Some questions: be conquered and controlled by 1. Who were these Phoenicians? Shevet Asher, but it was not to be. (The ancient ones, not the modern Roman historians record that even ones in a city in Arizona.) in the times of the Punic wars 2. Why do they get to define our almost 1,000 years later, the coinage and money standards? Phoenician’s descendants in 3. In the Torah, we find Yehudah Carthage referred to themselves as marrying the daughter of a “Chanani.” “Canaanite.” Onkelos translates Tyre was one of their main city- “Canaanite” as “merchant,” as states, and it was a major commer- Yehudah would never marry a real cial center. They minted coins of Canaanite. Why were the two terms very pure silver, which trade better synonymous? than debased silver coins. They 4. In “Eishes Chayil” (Mishlei gave their coin and weight standard 31:24), we refer to the wife as mak- to the Greeks, according to modern ing a cloak and selling it, and giving scholarship. Their Phoenician a belt to a Canaanite. Why is she alphabet (K’sav Livona’a) became giving a belt to a Canaanite? the source for both the Jewish In the north of Israel and Bayis Rishon alphabet known as Lebanon resided a people known K’sav Ivri (Sanhedrin 21b, and by the Greeks as the Phoenicians. Maharal in Tiferes Yisrael ch. 64, These people were great seafaring Appendix A to Rabbi Elie Munk’s merchants who sailed all around Wisdom of the Hebrew Alphabet) the Mediterranean Sea (and, and the Greek alphabet hundreds according to some like Mark of years later. Tanach is replete McMenamin, to America) to make with references about the a shekel. The name “Phoenicians” Phoenicians and their love of trade was given to them by the Greeks on and wealth (Yechezkel 27, This week marked the graduation of the 8th grade class of the Yeshiva account of the purple dye they Nechemia 9, et al.). It is thus Darchei Torah elementary school. Congratulations to all. sold. The name they called them- understandable that the word Top (L-R): Grandfather of graduate Nachi Gordon, Rabbi Hersh Nudell; selves was, of course, the “Canaani” became synonymous Mr. Feivel Gottlieb and his grandson, Shaul Cohen. Canaanim, as attested to by the with the word “merchant.” O Bottom (L-R): Esta Gordon and her son Nachi, with daughter Dini and Dini’s husband, Eliezer Franklin.

AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS generations. Continued from Page 72 Following the breakfast, members of the community will have the unique children, teira kinderlech, precious opportunity to speak with the Rebbe children. This shared deep love in and have a chance to hear his much pursuit of Torah learning was magi- sought after advice and receive his cal. In today’s threatening culture brachos. The final preparations are that prevails outside, this special underway to ensure that this visit will bond between rebbe and student is be remembered by the members of our the super ingredient that serves as community for a long time. This is the strong adhesive instilling the definitely an event you won’t want to desire to learn another blatt, another miss. O Mishnah, another halachah, and yet more and more Torah. Within the OHEL Father’s Day Ride, June 21 yeshiva walls, this love of learning Azriel Ganz, an OHEL foster par- Torah infused by the rosh yeshiva, by ent, will celebrate Father’s Day on example, propels students to surpass Long Island by putting his feet up— themselves on a daily continuing and then down and then up again, basis. Emulating such role models as round and round—as he pedals 62 the Rebbe and his son-in-law, the miles on OHEL’s upcoming Father’s rosh yeshiva, shlita, is the aspiration Day Ride. And he’ll be in great compa- of every talmid. Each student knows ny. More than 200 riders are expected, that by dedicated pursuit of learning, including prominent community lead- they can reach higher and higher lev- ers, friends of OHEL, of all ages. Ganz els of understanding and themselves plans to raise $25,000 to benefit be role models for younger students. OHEL’s services for foster children Inside the portals of the yeshiva, only and people with disabilities, and many the calendar has changed. The Torah have already sponsored him. atmosphere is that of the Minchas To participate in this fun family Elazar, the Darkei Tshuvah, the Shem event, riders choose a target distance Shlomo, the Yodai Bina, and that of of 10, 20, 36, or the full 62 miles the Bnei Yesoschor. (100 km). Sponsorship at all levels of Participants at the breakfast will participation is available from $1 per become partners and learn in detail mile for an individual rider to corpo- the workings and accomplishments rate opportunities with major recog- that are being achieved literally on a nition. All proceeds benefit OHEL daily basis. Those that share in this Bais Ezra’s summer camp program holy work will have the privilege of for foster children and children with knowing that their participation and disabilities. Healthy snacks and bev- assistance will directly translate into the Torah leadership of our future Continued on Page 81 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 75 Your Ad Could Be Here.

76 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 77 SERVICES SERVICES PROVIDED PROVIDED

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Kollel Yungerman available to learn Help Wanted Ad with your son Gemora or Mishnayos. Review class material or undertake a Here Every Thursday challenging project. Available after Yeshiva and some hours during 100,000 readers Yeshiva. Call 917-842-2587 look forward to Yara’s Cleaning Service We pay attention to every detail and leave your home, what’s happening in the office, or store spotless at an affordable price with expert reliability and trust- 5 Towns by reading worthy service. Call 917-578-3240 The Five Towns Study with Steve. One-on-one tutoring. SAT Math prep, regents, high school Jewish Times. and elementary math, high school physics. Call 516-371-5522 Deadline is Monday “Used or Abused” Before you buy a used car, come in for a free frame at 5:00 p.m. (structural) check. Precision Auto Body 691 Burnside Ave, Lawrence. 516-371- 1 Week ...... $35 1137. Friends don’t let friends drive junk! 2 Weeks ...... $60

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Services Provided Law: Hi Ranch. Must see, 4br, 2.5bth, Far Rockaway — New To Market. West Lawrence / Far Rockaway Open Private Investigator fam rm, CAC, 2 car garage, large Brick side hall colonial, prime location, Houses Sunday 12-2 p.m. NYS Licensed and Bonded Ret. NYPD prop ...... $800sK 5 BR, full finished basement, wrap Condos, new construction Sale or Rent Matrimonial/ Undercover Surveillance Ced: Nu2Mkt, 2Fam, 3br/3br, 2fpl, around porch, deck, pretty property, . 156 Beach 9 St — Luxurious 2/3 BR, 2 Person/ Witness Locator deck, all new, grt loc, full bsmt $795K ...... $790K neg. bths steps to beach Personal/ Executive Protection Cedarhurst: CH col., new quality Lawrence — New to market. 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Offices in LI and NYC offer experienced Asking $799K Sacrifice sale. Woodmere/Cedarhurst Oppty! brokers exceptional growth opportunity. Lawrence — 18 Berkley Place 12,000 sq. ft. approx. 90’x150’, Colonial, Center hall col., 4 BR, 3 bths, stunning High Payout. Latest tech and research. 516-901-9770, 516-647-0045 17 rooms, full bsmt. with hi ceilings, cul-de-sac, best location ...... $850K Benefits. Kings Point Delray Beach condo for clean 2 car garage plus storage, 6 space Call 516-902-0936 516-374-0002 or fax 516-374-8443, parking, 2 family, professional use, [email protected] sale 1,100 sq. feet. 2 BR, 2 bths, new European kitchen and appliances, accountant, Esq., medical and/or educational and religious uses. Grand colonial COMMERCIAL REAL Intern needed for busy midtown office. updated bath, new carpets, 24-hour with charm and great possibilities. Responsibilities include: Spreadsheets, guarded community. Golf, theater, ESTATE FOR SALE Available at once . . . $875K Negotiable Mass e-mailings, scheduling appoint- library ...... $199,999 ments, cold calling. Must be proficient Owner 516-322-3555 Call 631-664-0075 in MS Office. E-mail resumes: Far Rockaway commercial space. [email protected] 14 Hazel Place, Woodmere By Owner. Brand new construction. Ideally suited Far Rockaway: 2 Family. All NU, Expanded Ranch, 4 BR, 3 Baths, EIK, 3 over 1 Bdrm, 3 full baths. Great for medical professional offices or com- Jewish daycare seeks highly qualified, D/R, Den, IGS, CAC, Oversized Location ...... $599K munity facility. High ceilings. Very exp. & warm Early Childhood lead Property Quiet Street, Mint Condition, Call 516-322-3555 teacher (P/T) and assistant (F/T). Walk to worship ...... $549,000 bright and airy. Many amenities, ocean Competitive salary, excellent working 516-232-3321 No Brokers. views, reasonable rent. Call Lawrence: OURS ONLY!! environment. Send resume to Weissman Realty Group, LLC 516-791-6100 BRICK, C/H COL, Stately BRICK, w/old [email protected] or call 516-833-3057 North Woodmere — Open House world charm, Hi ceilings, 6Br, 4.5 Sunday, 6/21 534 Bunker Court 12-2 BTHS, Kosher Eik, Lg. LR W/FPL, Lg. Shevach High School seeks teachers for Tropicana. Large. 5BR, 3bths/ Jacuzzi, FDR, Library, Fin. Bsmt., Lg Prop., September ’09- Spanish, AP Biology, large foyer, EIK, FDR, FLR, large den. WALK ALL. Oversized prop. Cul-de-sac . . . . . $619K FOR RENT Living Environment, Earth Science. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Also for rent. Master’s degree preferred. Fax resume Cedar Bay Park — Large. 3BR, 2.5bths, to 718-263-3759, or email to finished basement, new EIK/ CA/ HW/ Valley Stream: Nu 2 Mkt. Brick ranch, Nicest house rental in Far Rockaway. [email protected] Roof ...... $639K great condition, quiet street. Nu EIK, Beautiful, Ready to move in, 5 BR Dalia Fritz Realty 516-374-4411 Salesperson Needed Urgent! LR, Den, Lg Prop ...... $439K house on excellent block in Far Rockaway. Brand new kitchen and very Fashion couture company seeking expe- Woodsburgh/Woodmere — Ranch-sized For Rent ...... $2,500 spacious backyard. rienced and motivated salespeople with co-ops. 3 huge BR, 3 full bths, large 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Call owner 917-617-0768 contacts to boutiques, synagogues and EIK, huge foyer, grand FDR, huge LR, hat stores preferred. Send resume: pillars, 9-foot ceilings. Must see . $500K Far Rockaway — Lg. Hse Rental: 4br, [email protected], 516-792-3599 Far Rockaway, Reads Lane — New to reduced! Let’s talk. Realtor’s co-op 2bth, bsmt., hi-ceilings, NU bths, W\D. market!Brick c/h colonial. 4 BR, LR, 516-295-7776 Call 516-322-3555 General Studies positions available, ele- DR, kitchen, dinette, den, 2-car garage, mentary and JH. BBY of Far near all shuls and schools. Open House By appointment Cedarhurst: Office rental: Executive 2 Rockaway, September ’09-’10, min. 2 Call 718-327-1721 Lawrence — for Rent $9000/mo neg. 1.2 years experience. Mon-Thurs, 12:20-4:30 acre Palatial 8000ft contemp. 6br, 7ba, Bths, Fully Web wired, 1,250 sq. ft., pm. Fax resume 718-337-9160 att: Mrs. golf+ tennis avail. CAC. 5TGR 516-322-3555 Lawrence — NU 2 Mkt. Col., Brk., Katz. Phone: 718-337-6000 ext. 320 Lawrence — First show. Desirable. 4br, Large property, near ALL, 5Br, 3.5Bth, 3ba, colonial ...... $895K Room for rent in lovely home in Den, full bsmt ...... $1.9M Woodmere — New construct 5br, 4ba, Cedarhurst. Perfect for college or semi- We are seeking professional & experi- Call 516-322-3555 col ...... $1+M nary girl or older female adult. Price is enced inside salespeople with cold call- Woodmere — 3br ranch, Mint cond. . . negotiable. For more information, call ing experience. $30k plus commission. Woodmere — House for sale by owner...... $400K’s 516-792-5950 Great potential. Long Island. ABC streets, north of Peninsula. 4 BR, Hewlett Harbor — Ours alone. 4br col Call 718-852-1822 or email resume 3.5 bths, mint condition, 65x100, water- ...... $900’s [email protected] front, 2-car garage. Asking $699K Lawrence — 2br Condo for sale: The Classified Ads are Carlyle. 516-569-8887 We are seeking aggressive & profession- Smolinsky Properties 516-295-4444 Continued on the Next Page. al outside salespeople with a track Far Rockaway: 2 Fam. All NU record of success 30-50k plus commis- 3 over 3 Br. 4Fbth, Dr, Full bsmt sion call 718-852-1822 or email resume All features ...... $779K [email protected] Call 516-263-6417

Miami Beach — Tower 41. Ocean View. REAL ESTATE 1 bdrm, 17th floor. Stunning. FOR SALE 732-522-0813

Cedarhurst: Nu to Mkt. Handyman Hewlett — Col. MIC, 4br, 2bth, 2fpl, full deck, wood flr, Lg. den. Walk to all. Special/ Builder, 50'x100',Quiet Block, ...... $729K Prime loca'n, Quick Sale: . . . . . $329K 5 TOWN HOMES 516-322-3555 5 Town Homes 516-569-5710 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 79 CLASSIFIED ADS Continued from Page 79 FOR RENT FOR RENT FOR RENT

Cedarhurst — Central Avenue. Two Far Rockaway — 2 Huge Office Spaces. Cedarhurst: Garden apt. Nu 2 Mkt. FOR RENT executive offices for rent. 200 and 120 6,000 and 2,500 Sq Ft. 2nd Floor. Near 2BR. 2Bth, Mint, 1st Flr, heat & prk square feet. Offices available together Subway & LIRR. Build to Suit. Can be incld ...... $2,500 or individually. Windows overlooking divided. Owner 917-359-9776 5Town Homes 516-569-5710 Central. Call Lauren 516-569-5959 Inwood — 8 offices available for rent. North Wdm. — house rental. Hi-ranch Total 3000 square feet. Newly renovated. Cedarhurst — NU House, CH Col., LR, Can also be used as a warehouse. in MIC. 4 br, CAC, den, on quiet street. MISCELLANEOUS FDR, Kosher EIK, Den, 4BR., 3BTHS. For more information, Danrich Realty 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Bsmt ...... $3,200 718-441-28008 5 TOWN HOMES Cedarhurst — All new, bright 3 BR, 1.5 516-569-5710 Free DIRECTV 4 Room System! 265 Lawrence — New to Market. Pristine bths, ground floor apt in 2-family house, Channels! Starts $29.99/month. Free house on quiet cul-de-sac. 5 bed 4 full LR, FDR, EIK/ w new appliances, new Lawrence — 18 Berkley Place HBO + Showtime + Starz! Free carpet, w/d included, yard and parking. bath. Oversized master suite with Center hall col., 4 BR, 3 bths, stunning DVR/HD! 130 HD Channels! No Start Jacuzzi. Cac. Walk to all. $4,500 Neg. cul-de-sac, best location . . $4K monthly Walk all ...... $2,250 Up Costs! Local Installers! Avromy 347-752-0948 Call Irene 516-652-7099 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 DirectStarTV 1-800-306-1953 Weissman Realty Group, LLC 516-791-6100 DIRECTV Free 4 Room System! 265+ Vacation Village — 2 fl, 4 BR, LR, 3 Lawrence — Beautiful 4 BR new gran- Channels! Starts $29.99/month. Free Far Rockaway —apts for rent. 4 BR, new bth, playrm/den, fireplace, WD, ite kitchen, 2.5 new bths, asking $3800 HBO + Showtime + Starz! Free new construction. Near all. New appli- beautiful view July/Aug. Reasonable with option to buy. DVR/HD! 130 HD Channels! No Start ances. First floor includes backyard rent. 516-967-8370 Basement 2 BR, LR, and kitchen, large, Up Costs! DirectStarTV Local $1,900. Second floor $1,750. 516-445-4048, light, real nice, separate entrance, Installers! 1-800-973-9027 ask for Barry. parking. Asking ...... $1295. Modern office suite for rent by owner 516-901-9770, 516-647-0045 in Inwood 2000 Sq Ft. Just renovated, 2 Ocean Corp. Houston, Texas. Train for Rockville Centre — 3,500 sq ft, fully executive offices, reception area, large New Career. Underwater Welder, wired for Web, partitioned, will divide. Cedarhurst — House Rental LR/FDR, open area, kitchen etc. Reasonable rent Commercial Diver, NDT/Weld Inspector. Call 516-322-3555 den, 3br, 2.5bth, Fin. Bsmt . . . . . $2,300 includes utilities. 516-902-8686 Job placement and financial aid for Call 516-322-3555 those who qualify, 1-800-321-0298 Newly renovated 4 BR/ 3 bth Colonial Woodmere/Cedarhurst — 2 BR avail- house in Cedarhurst with fully finished/ Cedarhurst — Nu House CH Col. LR, able. Secure buildings, new EIK, close newly carpeted basement & large deck FDR, Kosher EIK, Den, 4BR, 3BTHS. to all and train station. 1 month’s free Deadline for Advertising available for rent immediately. Bsmt. For Rent ...... $2,500 rent! $1600 Call Sherri 516-297-7995 Avi 917-860-5154 Far Rockaway listings: 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 in the Classifieds Far Rockaway — Open House every Far Rockaway — Large One Bedroom Sunday 12-2 or BA Brand New Building for the Next Issue is Far Rockaway/West Lawrence —Studio by the Beach Luxury Apt. Rentals 1 & 2 Apartment for rent. Beautiful elevator apt for rent. Private house, good loca- Monday, June 22 at 5:00 P.M. bldg. Nice tenancy. Great location at tion, near Shor Yoshuv, synagogues, beds, Granite kitchens, balconies with Neilson and Cornaga, near Shor Yoshuv, yeshivos, and public transportation. water views, shabbos elevator, W/D Call 516-569-0502 transportation, and shopping. Good for office. 718-337-5753 or hookup, parking. Asking $1,100. Call 718-692-2525 ext. 180 347-461-6034 Weissman Realty Group, LLC 516-791-6100

80 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS ited to no government funding for requesting a Jewish education for their Mrs. Carmela Reiz looked understand- Continued from Page 75 camp programs. children, and we’ll say no? How can we ably extremely troubled in her office in “This is a great way to celebrate live with ourselves? We have an opportu- the Shuvu headquarters in Jerusalem this erages will be provided at fully family, kick off the summer, and do nity to teach Jewish families from Russia past week. As a former refusenik and stocked rest areas and all cyclists will something important all at once,” said who know nothing about Yiddishkeit, and author of the book “Blue Star over Red receive free cycling socks! Riders and Duvi Simon and Dr. Norman we’ll turn them down? There is no way Square,” she well understands the conse- pre-registered family and friends will Kupferstein, chairpersons of the event. we can say no to these families! There quences of Shuvu schools closing. enjoy a post-bike ride feast. “Every turn of the bike wheel brings will be a Shuvu school in Akko and in “When I visit the Shuvu classes Ganz has an extra special reason to one child with disabilities that much Natzeret, and the Shechina will dwell throughout the country I like asking the celebrate this year. Last month he and closer to a great summer. We can’t there!” The rest is history, as with siyata students why Hashem took us out of his wife, Sara, adopted their daughter think of a more meaningful way to d’shmaya Rav Pam’s prophecy became a Egypt. The answer I always receive is who initially joined their family spend Father’s Day. We are grateful to reality in both Akko and Natzeret. “to receive the Torah, to serve Hashem through OHEL’s services as a foster OHEL for making it possible for us to However, tragic as it may be, Shuvu and then to bring us to Eretz Yisrael.” child four years ago at just 10 weeks ride but more importantly for giving us is again on the verge of having to turn “I tell the children that the same is old. The Ganzes also have four biolog- and so many others the opportunity to away Jewish families. And this time it now,” Mrs. Reiz continued. “Hashem ical children. A member of the OHEL help OHEL’s children.” even involves closing existing schools. brought us—you and me—to Eretz Father’s Day Ride organizing commit- The ride begins and finishes at the The economic crisis has hit Shuvu with Yisrael from Russia so that we should tee, the Woodmere resident and long- Elly and Brochie Kleinman OHEL full force, and the devastating facts are serve Him. Your parents have the mitz- time OHEL friend and supporter rec- Regional Family Center at 156 Beach that Shuvu is faced with having to close vah and the zechus to send you to ognizes the important work OHEL 9th Street in Far Rockaway. down no less than six schools this com- Shuvu. They didn’t get this in Russia!” does every summer and all year long to Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. for ing school year. Six holy mosdos located Mrs. Reiz looked down sadly. “By bring shelter and support, care and 62/36-mile riders and at 8:00 a.m. for in Ashkelon, Kfar Saba, Nahariya, closing Shuvu schools you’re losing not comfort to our communities. 20/10-mile riders. Special prizes, Rechovot, Tel Aviv, and Yerushalayim only the children but parents too, since OHEL’s Bais Ezra summer camp family rates, and dozens of sponsor- where 1,366 children learn Torah. Six the children teach their parents after- program provides day and sleep-away ship opportunities are available. For holy mosdos where tinokos shenishbu wards. It’s scary for me to think what camp opportunities to children from more information about OHEL Bais have been returning to the Yiddishkeit will happen if the Shuvu schools will all over the United States who might Ezra’s summer camp and end-of-sum- observed by their sacred grandparents close and the children will go to secular otherwise miss the fun, new friend- mer programs, information about the in Russia. schools. It’s like bringing them back to ships, and all the special experiences Father’s Day Ride, or to pre-register, Shuvu has been desperately seeking Russia! The children have come so far. every child deserves in the summer- please call 718-972-9338 or visit solutions for its financial bind. As the Can K’lal Yisrael allow the process to time. From sports to special Shabbos www.ohelfamily.org. O first measure, tuition has been raised stop in the middle? And for the young experiences, OHEL provides special- for next year despite the difficulty ones who haven’t yet even begun their ized services for children with disabil- Gedolim Call On K’lal Yisrael To involved for many families. studies—can K’lal Yisrael not allow the ities in summer camping and end-of- Save Six Shuvu Schools Professionals have also been hired to process to begin?” summer programs. OHEL pays full It was at the Shuvu parlor meeting recommend ways to cut costs. Anything And indeed the process that began 18 camp fees for children in the foster back in 1999 when Rav Pam, zt”l, made possible that could be cut without years ago is still continuing with gusto. care program or living in the OHEL one of his historic rulings. At the time affecting the chinuch of the children The eleventh-grade boys in the domestic abuse shelter. Many chil- there was a question whether to open has already been done. But there is still Akko-Nahariya high school were tested dren with disabilities also attend two new Shuvu schools, in Akko and in a large deficit. The devastating conclu- orally on eight blatt in Maseches camps and are provided with gener- Natzeret. Rav Pam was astounded. sion: without additional help there is no ous OHEL scholarships. There is lim- “Parents are knocking on our door choice but to close down schools. Continued on Page 82

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 81 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS family had no idea that you can’t eat the Jewish spark in each Jew and turn Continued from Page 81 milk and meat together. We even ate it into a large flame that burns and will chazir! Now my family knows what always burn forever, Be’zeras Hashem. Kiddushin, and displayed brilliant kashrus is all about and we only buy Thank you again, bekiyus in the material. Almost half the products with hechsherim. The seventh- and eighth-graders of class received 100 on the bechina and Mrs. Weinberger continued, “How Shuvu Ashdod no one received less than 80! One stu- can K’lal Yisrael look itself in the face if As Shuvu Director in Israel Rav dent, Lior Shafrin, stood out in partic- Eera is deprived of the Jewish educa- Gutterman pulled out this letter he ular. Lior has now been frum for two tion she so desperately seeks? Without exclaimed, “This is from last week— years and learns Gemara on his own. Shuvu, Eera and her family would be just one of so many examples. Is it After the bechina, the head tester eating chazir! And similarly with oth- fathomable to think that Shuvu will turned to Lior and asked him to prom- ers! Without Shuvu, Igor would not be not continue providing these boys ise that he’ll go learn in a yeshiva since fasting on Yom Kippur! Without Shuvu, with a Bar Mitzvah and tefillin and he has such great potential to be a true Anna would be eating chometz on siddurim? Moreinu Harav Pam, zt”l, talmid chacham! Mrs. Reiz continued, Pesach! Can K’lal Yisrael stand back at once said to us, “How can we cele- “Can we allow Shuvu to close the door this time? “Lo ta’amod al dam re’echa!” brate Bar and Bas Mitzvahs for our in the face of boys like Lior? Now Lior We can’t sit back and watch a Jew own children when we are not helping is destined for gadlus in Torah, but drown in the sea, and we can’t sit back these children celebrate their sim- without Shuvu, he could have turned and watch Yiddishe neshamos drowning chas?” Is it fathomable to think that out chas veshalom, mechalel Shabbos in the sea of secularism!” The next day this letter arrived at Shuvu will not continue supplying befarhesya!” Two days before Shavuos this year the Shuvu headquarters: them with a spiritual backing to lead Mrs. Brocha Weinberger, Shuvu’s the bar mitzvah age boys throughout We, the seventh- and eighth-grade them and accompany them through- educational director, was aghast at the the Shuvu network congregated in students at the Shuvu school in out their lives?” prospect of closing the schools. “This Yerushalyim for a communal Bar Ashdod, would like to thank the Shuvu In an effort to encourage Shuvu, past week I asked the sixth-grade girls Mitzvah celebration. The peak of the administration for the emotional Bar Hagaon Harav Shteinman, shlita, visit- in Kfar Saba what impact Shuvu has spiritual day was arriving at the Kosel, Mitzvah celebration. We feel that our ed the Shuvu Akko school this past had on your family. One girl, Eera, davening Mincha together and receiv- entire spiritual acquisition is thanks to Monday. The Akko school is home to answered: Until I came to Shuvu my ing pairs of tefillin from Shuvu. Shuvu, and you were zocheh to ignite over 500 students. The rosh yeshiva said a kapitel of Tehillim together with the boys for the success of Shuvu and witnessed their bekius as they answered beautifully to questions posed to them on perek “Eilu Mitzios”. Rav Shteinman ended the visit with giving the students his brachah that they should be able to continue learning in Shuvu and grow to be true talmidei chachamim. One of the most active rabbonim helping Shuvu is Rechovot Chief Rabbi, Hagaon Harav Simcha Hacohen Kook, shlita. Rav Kook has taken a personal and active part in fighting for Russian aliya and in helping Shuvu. Last week Rav Kook met with a special delegation of Shuvu board members in the home of Mr. Elly Kleinman in Flatbush. The Rav gave words of chizuk and told them to do everything in their power to avoid closing down schools. Shuvu Rechovot eighth-grader Esther Ponomariov wrote a letter to Rav Kook which he took with him to the States. In the letter Esther describes how Shuvu has transformed her and her family religiously. “We feel reconnect- ed to Am Yisrael by performing mitzvos which we learned about in school such as fasting on Yom Kippur, Shabbos, tefilla, brachos, shofar, matzah, kashrus and more …” Esther then adds a plea to Chief Rabbi Kook: “I turn to you, K’vod Harav, in the name of all the students of the school, to help the school with all your might so that the Jewish religious educational process will not cease. We will not be able to receive what we received here elsewhere! Although I know that the financial situation is now very difficult, please, do everything possible to allow us to continue enjoying our Shuvu school which is like a home to us.” In response to Shuvu’s plight, the gedolim in Eretz Yisrael, Maran Harav Yosef Elyashiv, shlita; Maran Harav Aron Leib Shteinman, shlita; Maran Harav Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz, shlita; and Maran Harav Chaim Kanievsky, shlita, have called out to all yirei Hashem to come to Shuvu’s aid at this critical juncture. We must all heed their call! O 82 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES June 19, 2009 83 84 June 19, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES