The Jewish Star

Serving the Orthodox communities of the South Shore

VOL. 7, NO. 9 FEBRUARY 29, 2008 | 23 ADAR I 5768 SOSUA: A DOMINICAN HAVEN MAKING A MONTAGE Museum exhibit explores refugee experience Your guide to creating the perfect slide show Page 3 Special Issue Page 10

IN MY VIEW No deal on ban Blue Fringe Rabbonim and producer fail to reach Human Jewish band’s music appeals agreement on ‘Big Event’ at MSG to wide audiences BY MAYER FERTIG assistance organization Nechomas Yisroel, apparently problems set out to shut Schmelzer Producer Sheya Mend- lowitz was hoping Tuesday down. He convinced nearly afternoon to get the final go- three dozen rabbonim, ahead to resurrect his “Big including some of America’s Event” concert, scheduled for most revered contemporary It’s only a Jewish problem March 9 at Madison Square Charedi leaders, that if it’s ignored Garden but, at the last Schmelzer should be reined minute, talks fell apart and in. the concert was cancelled. In a statement, Schmelz- The final details of the er said he has decided to dis- continue performing any BY RABBI YAKOV HOROWITZ agreement were being ham- mered out Tuesday afternoon. music of non-Jewish origin. In keeping Schmelzer off ognitive dissonance: “The uncomfort- Minutes before The Jewish the stage, Friedman appeared able tension that may result from hav- Star went to press Mendlowitz to have met his primary goal. ing two conflicting thoughts (cogni- said it was over. On Monday someone C tion) at the same time ...that conflicts A deal would have with direct knowledge of the with one’s beliefs (dissonance is defined as capped a week of talks situation described Friedman, ‘lack of agreement, consistency, or harmo- between Mendlowitz and who is not a rabbi, as “a kanoi ny’)... In popular usage, it can be associated BY YAFFI SPODEK ish orthodox weddings is to feature Blue Fringe’s many of the 33 rabbonim [zealot] and a loose cannon” with the tendency for people to resist infor- songs as background music. One is “Eishet Chay- who, last week, issued a kol who aligned himself with mation that they don’t want to think about, The Backstage club in Woodmere was rock- il,” which Blue Fringe composed as an original korei –– as a rabbinical pro- [others] who have an ax to because if they did it would create cognitive ing when Blue Fringe performed there for fans on melody with English lyrics and combined it with nouncement is known in the grind “with Lipa and the Jew- dissonance. They Motza’ei Shabbat and Sunday. But the band’s the chorus of a well-known traditional tune of the Charedi world –– to prevent ish music industry.” usually have at music resonates far beyond the Five Towns, since Friday night song. The second song is the band’s popular Chassidic singer Lipa Contacted by The Jew- least partial aware- their songs can now be heard on Continental air- own version of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach’s Schmelzer from performing. ish Star for comment, Fried- ness of the informa- lines and will soon debut on national television. “V’shamru,” which Rosenblatt described as being Critics apparently disap- man said he would first have tion, without hav- “Two songs from our newest CD, ‘The Whole “a little more Death Cab for Cutie than Car- prove of his humorous on- to consult his Da’as Torah. A ing moved to full World Lit Up,’ will be played on Current, Al Gore’s lebach.” stage antics and the non-Jew- short time later he called back acceptance of it, cable TV channel,” disclosed guitarist Dov Rosen- Death Cab for Cutie is just one of many ish musical influences incor- to say, “The gedolei yisroel and are thus in a blatt, the group’s lead singer and composer. porated in his act. One Brook- don’t want that issue [to be state of denial In March, a segment on Current about Jew- See BLUE FRINGE, Page 10 lyn man, Asher Friedman, who also heads the tuition “It took a few about it” (Encyclo- See BANNED, Page 6 pedia Britannica). deaths of frum In the late kids from drug 1990s, shortly after I began writing and overdoses for lecturing about the topic of at-risk Shidduch Community our community teens, a colleague to get their informed me that Orthodox kids were hearts in sync selling significant lecture short concert notes quantities of drugs with the facts.” to other frum chil- Courtesy NYPD dren. Here’s basical- many benefits Mothers meet Tatiana Timoshenko (left) poses with her son’s ly the way it on solutions portrait, painted by artist Jodi Reznik (right). worked: if you were Musical event to raise money an adult or teen Mixed-seating weddings, who wanted to purchase drugs, you would for Zev’s Fund Art as consolation go to designated pay phones in the Boro mingling encouraged BY MIKE CAPUTO Orthodox artist reaches out Park/Flatbush sections of Brooklyn and pre- BY YAFFI SPODEK tend to make a phone call. Then, using pre- Debra Shershow and Gary Schall never to mother of slain officer arranged signals, you would indicate the type The shidduch crisis is a serious issue that our met Zev Wolff, a cancer-stricken boy from of the drug you wanted to buy. For example, BY MAYER FERTIG born in Belarus, arrived in the community is not willing to deal with, said Dr. Woodmere. Yet, both collaborated to orga- U.S. in the early 1990s, when placing a hand in your left pocket meant that nize an upcoming benefit concert for Wolff, Michael J. Salamon, addressing hundreds of people After New York City Police he was 9. He had been on the you wanted to purchase ecstasy pills, while a to fund research to help find a treatment for at the Young Israel of Woodmere on Monday night. Officer Russel Timoshenko was job just 18 months when he hand in your right pocket signaled that you the disease he has fought for the last two However, he offered no practical advice about how to murdered last summer, artist was shot twice in the face on were looking for marijuana. Then, after you years. solve the problem that is plaguing the community. Jodi Reznik couldn’t get the July 9, 2007 during a routine would flash hand signals informing the push- In the School District 15 community, “As a community, we’re not doing enough to 23-year- old out of her mind. traffic stop in Crown Heights. er of the exact quantity you requested, some- sometimes marked by differing educational help singles,” confirmed Rookie Billet, Rebbitzen of “I kept seeing his face,” He died five days later. one would approach you and close the deal. opinions, the concert at Lawrence High the shul, who was the second speaker of the evening. she said. So she decided to The painting hung in After verifying from several sources that School on Sunday, March 2, is expected to “I don’t have the answers...we all need to pray paint him. Reznik’s workshop, next door the ‘intel’ was correct, my colleague was reap benefits beyond its philanthropic mis- and put in our hishtadlut,” she recommended. “It was just the only way I to a barber frequented by faced with a dilemma: what to do with the sion. Dr. Salamon is the founder and director of the could deal with this beautiful police officers who kept asking information? After all, by going to the “It takes children to bring people Adult Developmental Center, Inc., a psychological young boy’s murder,” Reznik about it. Finally, she decided to authorities, he would be committing mesir- together,” said Shershow, who referred to consulting practice in Hewlett, N.Y., and the author of said. give the painting to the young ah, turning fellow Jews in to the police. Addi- members of both the public and private “The Shidduch Crisis: Causes and Cures,” a book She downloaded his officer’s mother, Tatiana. tionally, we were raised to avoid anything school communities. which attempts to explore the problems that exist photo from the Internet –– a “I wanted to communicate that might cause a chilul Hashem –– and Shershow, a music enthusiast from Far with dating and matchmaking in the orthodox com- thumbnail of him in his uni- in some way and art really having observant boys arrested for drug Rockaway, and Schall, Lawrence High munity. In the lecture, he cited rising divorce rates as form. bridges all cultures and all lan- School’s music director, recently met by See VIEW, Page 5 proof that people are getting married for the wrong “He just looked so hand- guages,” she explained. chance in a local music store. When Schall reasons, choosing spouses based on availability rather some, so young and so fresh. Police Commissioner Ray told Shershow about the concert, she felt Rabbi Yakov Horowitz is the founder and than compatibility. People also make these decisions I’m a mother. I have five kids. I Kelly’s office arranged for the based on the unrealistic and superficial criteria found two women to meet in the Menahel of Yeshiva Darchei Noam of See COMMUNITY, Page 6 have a son-in-law about his Monsey, and founder and Director of Agu- on the ubiquitous “checklist” of so-called qualifica- age. It was a catharsis for me.” office of Chief Joseph Fox, dath Israel's Project Y.E.S. See SHIDDUCH, Page 6 Timoshenko, who was See ART, Page 6

Opinion ...... 4 Sports ...... 8 Candlelighting: 5:27 p.m. ■ Shabbat ends: 6:28 p.m. Inside Calendar...... 7 Classified ...... 9 Shabbat Torah reading: Parshat Vayakhel 11530 PRST STD PERMIT NO 301 GARDEN CITY NY US POSTAGE PAID PAID US POSTAGE Sign up for FREE* home delivery of

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recently for work on health care emergency room which includ- backs were turned and we in the U.S., I took the opportuni- ed a battery of testing and a thought we were home free, the SOUTH SHORE ty to watch “Sicko,” the Michael complete work-up. Thank G-d, I woman behind the counter said, Moore documentary. While thought, that the patient was “Excuse me, but you have a $50 ESTATES, INC. Moore’s choice of footage and insured. Tens of thousands of co-pay.” subjects were deliberately cho- dollars in bills were racked up in sen to elicit feelings of frustra- a matter of hours, but because MLW SALES & tion from the audience as to the of the thousands of dollars plight of the insured (not even spent on annual dues and pre- DEVELOPMENT the uninsured) in this country, miums, all would be taken care Dear That’s Life, EDITED BY MIRIAM L. Looking For The Perfect Home? Imagine Yourself in a New Construction Call Susan Hollander for a professional consultation 51 they certainly accomplish the of — isn’t that what all of this is Overheard last week from View Plans for Arbuckle Ave./ Cedarhurst & Sealy Drive/ Lawrence - New Custom Designs WALLACH goal. for, anyway? the disgruntled parents behind I myself, one of the millions We were asked to visit the a curtain in NYU’s Day Surgery of Americans who are fortunate discharge office before leaving recovery room: Dear That’s Life, to have health insurance, have the hospital. Bags in tow, coats “Would you like Mommy to My sixth grader recently had insurance claims rejected already on, we answered some hold you while Daddy goes to returned from a friend’s house and could therefore empathize more questions (hadn’t we yell at someone?” and asked me to buy frozen with those featured in the film. already answered these?), pizza crust. He had watched his The moment I enjoyed most in signed some more paperwork, MAYER FERTIG friend make pizza and wanted the film is when Moore visits and rose to leave. And as our to try it as well. On the night he the cashier in an English hospi- decided to make his own pizza, tal. Believing he can find some- he lined up the ingredients he thing wrong with the universal health care system of certain Did something funny E-mail submissions needed. Out came the frozen happen to you? to letters@thejew- crust and the grated cheese, and industrialized countries, he vis- Something outra- ishstar.com, with then he stood in front of an its England in hopes of catching open fridge and called out to them ‘red handed’ and this is geous? How about your name and day- me, clearly searching for a main one of those moments. Why something that time and evening ingredient: “Mom, do we have would a hospital have a cashier, “could only happen phone numbers. any marijuana sauce?” he argues, if the English do not around here?” Type All decisions by the After I finished laughing, I have to pay for healthcare? He it up for That's Life, editors are final. All said, “No, but we have marinara thinks he has them, until he hit send and have a submissions become sauce!” And then I took the finds out that the cashier is chance to win a great meal at the property of The Jewish where patients get reimbursed opportunity to explain the dif- Burgers Bar! Each week the Star. Anonymous submissions ference between two words that for travel expenses. In effect, the hospital pays them. How best submission to That's Life will not be published. both begin with “m” but have will be selected by the edi- Burgers Bar is under the very different meanings. unique. Having sat with a family tors and awarded a $25 gift supervision of the Vaad DEBBIE SCHREIBER member last week in a New card to Burgers Bar on Hakashrus of the Five Towns Woodmere, NY York City hospital (man, was Central Avenue, one of the and Far Rockaway. that ER waiting room dirty), I area's newest and most pop- Dear That’s Life, could barely tally in my head ular restaurants. the cost of 24 hours in the Having done some research 6-569-4980 Wedding Magid (Brooklyn, NY)- Feb. 21, 2008 ■ Wedding of Sara Marks (Cedarhurst, NY) & Yehudah Schochet (Fair Lawn, NJ)- Feb. 17, 2008 Birth ■ Birth of Shoshana Rachel to Efrem & Engagements Shuli Popel- Feb. 21, 2008 ■ Engagement of Shani Sklar (Teanck, NJ) & Ariel Kopitnikoff (Elizabeth, NJ)- Feb. Bat Mitzvah

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Visit our Web Site Asking $749,000 WWW.CAHAL.ORG New Construction in the Heart of Hewlett. Close To All 21686 10527r The Jewish Star February 29, 2008 3 Sosúa: a Dominican haven for European Jews A new bilingual exhibition at the Museum of Jewish Heritage explores the Jewish experience in a foreign country BY LISA SCHIFFMAN unfamiliarity with the language entrenched anti-Semitism of and climate. State Department officials. It was recently discovered “There were two barracks However, this can also be attrib- that Sosúa, an abandoned and a few shacks, no electric uted to their fear that a “Fifth banana plantation on the north- lights, and the mosquitoes were Column” of spies could be lurk- ern coast of the Dominican humming,” said Kahane, noting ing among the settlers. Though Republic, was the site of a the primitive conditions. the Dominican Republic was refugee haven for European Before going to sleep, set- willing to issue visas, the State Jews during World War II. This tler Barbara Steinmetz Department’s unwillingness to discovery was made by the con- described having to check under procure the necessary transit stituents of N.Y. State Senator her bed for tarantulas. As and exit visas stymied many set- Eric Schneiderman, who com- urban, middle class Jews, most tlers’ attempts to bring family prise the largest Dominican of the settlers had no agricultur- members to Sosúa. One population in the United States. al background, and limited poignant example on display is Subsequent research revealed knowledge of the Spanish lan- a letter sent by settler Franz Blu- that in response to pogroms guage. Homesickness for the menstein requesting that his against Russian Jews, the European culture they had left wife and son be allowed to Dominican government extend- behind compounded their mis- come to Sosúa. ery. By war’s end, most Sosúa ed an invitation to European Life in Sosua, the Jewish community of the Dominican Republic, which served as a refuge for European Jews Over time, with the help of settlers left to rebuild their lives Jews to resettle there. during World War II. Children going to school, above. A shul, below. Traveling to Sosúa in 2004, their Dominican neighbors and in the U.S. or Israel to find miss- the senator saw stacks of boxes DORSA, the settlers cultivated ing loved ones, to engage in Dominican and Jewish commu- with documents pertaining to the land, transforming their set- their pre-war professions, and nities, Senator Schneiderman Sosúa at the Jewish museum tlement into a thriving commu- to give their children greater said. He hopes that the story of there. “There was a long and nity, complete with a school, opportunity for education. Kohn Sosúa will serve to bridge these completely unprecedented histo- hospital, meat and dairy coop- and her late husband left for the two vibrant yet diverse commu- ry in terms of a commitment on erative, shops, cultural activi- U.S. with their son in 1951. Oth- nities. the part of the Dominican ties, and a synagogue. Kohn, ers decided to stay. Today, a “The Dominican Republic Republic to get Jews to come to who trained as a nurse at 16, small yet diverse community has a unique history when it their country,” he told The Jew- worked in the hospital. “One still exists there. Yet, whether comes to the shrugging off the ish Star. “I knew I had stumbled hundred children were born in they left Sosúa or stayed, the influence of anti-Semitism onto something of deeper cul- Sosúa,” she said with pride. settlers expressed overwhelm- when it permeated the world in tural significance.” The exhibit also explores ing gratitude and affection the early 19th and 20th cen- Realizing that few people the shifting allegiance of the towards the Dominican people turies,” he emphasized. “This is in the Dominican or Jewish U.S. State Department. Initially, for embracing them without a story of bravery, generosity, communities knew about Sosúa, they supported the then thwart- prejudice for being Jewish. compassion and mutual respect Senator Schneiderman became ed settlers’ efforts to bring rela- So far, the exhibit has gen- between these two peoples.” determined to get the word out. tives to Sosua, partly due to erated excitement in both the In 2005, in cooperation with the Senator’s office, the American Jewish Congress, The Museum of Jewish Heritage, the 10th Anniversary Chizuk Mission to Eretz Yisrael Rosh Chodesh Nisan 5768 / April 2008 CUNY Dominican Studies Insti- tute, and the SOSUA Jewish Museum, the Sosúa Project was launched. That effort resulted in a new bilingual exhibit in Eng- lish and Spanish –– Sosúa: A Refuge for Jews in the Domini- You’ve spent countless evenings staying up can Republic –– which opened last week at The Museum of Jewish Heritage. Through archival film, pho- late for Limud HaTorah... tos, original documents and set- tlers’ videotaped testimony, the exhibit explores the Jews’ expe- riences from 1940 to 1945, highlighting the role of the Dominican government in wel- coming the refugees. The Amer- ican Jewish Joint Distribution Committee recruited the th refugees and supported the Dominican workers who helped the Jewish immigrants build an agricultural settlement there. “It’s a wonderful possibility to tell the story of a country Anniversary willing to take in Jewish refugees when others didn’t,” said museum curator Ilona Moradof. Despite Hitler’s rise to power and the escalating vio- lence in the 1930s, the Nazis still allowed Jews to emigrate. ...JOIN US At the Evian Conference in 1939, the Dominican Republic, led by the country’s dictator, General Rafael Trujillo, renewed an offer he had made back in 1935 to resettle Euro- FOR A MOST pean Jews. Trujillo’s offer was quickly embraced by President Franklin

Roosevelt and American Jewish 718.377.4567 Bottom Line Marketing Group: philanthropic organizations. SPECIAL EVENING The Dominican Republic Settle- ment Association (DORSA), a subsidiary of the New York- based American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, was established. Through their fund- Learning, kollelim, yeshivas, bechinos, stipends. . . from all corners of the map in celebration of ing, the first group of European Jews arrived at Sosúa in 1940, Dirshu has always been more than the sum of its Dirshu’s 10th Anniversary and to strengthen limud with the goal of establishing an parts. It is a family, a vision, a movement and a Hatorah in all of Klal Yisroel. œis milestone event agricultural settlement. By the war’s end in 1945, 500 Jewish revolution that has energized limud HaTorah will honor the phenomenal accomplishments refugees had found a safe haven there. throughout the world. Your commitment to of Dirshu members, including over 10,000,000 “We didn’t know where to learning is the Dirshu ideal. œat is why we hope blatt Gemara and more than 100,000 simanim go –– no country would take us,” recalled settler David you will join Dirshu members and lomdei Torah of Shulchan Aruch learned and tested. Kahane. Sosúa offered the only chance for salvation. Travel doc- uments on display reveal the harrowing trip the settlers took from Europe to The Dominican Including a special address by Republic, which often took weeks or months. Hagaon HaRav Matisyahu Solomon, Shlita, Ruth Kohn, 81, of Passaic N.J., who emigrated there from who will be joining Dirshu for this historic event. Germany with her family in 1940, described her experience being strip searched at the French border. “My parents had no money –– we left Germany with $10,” she recounted. Not allowed to bring valu- ables, Kohn wiped away tears as she spoke of how her father per- suaded a border guard to let him bring the family’s silver Shabbat candlesticks, which she still has. Call 1-888-5-DIRSHU for more information. The exhibit also depicts the Special reduced travel rates are available in limited quantities. difficulties settlers had upon If you are unable to attend and are interested in a video hookup of the Dirshu Tenth Anniversary Kinnus near you, please call 1-888-5-DIRSHU. their arrival, including their 21582 4 The Jewish Star February 29, 2008 O PINION What Lipa has in common MAYER FERTIG Publisher, Editor-in-Chief YAF F I S P ODE K Assistant Editor with Death Cab for Cutie PAUL SHAPIRO rt bears the power to inspire and Sports Editor Editorial recently released tune he does a compe- HELENE PARSONS AND KENNETH GOFFSTEIN to inflame. As if we’d ordered tent job as a lounge jazz singer –– and them up on demand, several sto- that has definitely rubbed some people Account Executives interview, a band member cited an RABBI AVI BILLET, FELISA BILLET, MALKA EISENBERG, A ries in this week’s issue –– in the wrong way. obscure West Coast group called Death CIPI EISENBERG-SIMMS, MICHAEL FRAGIN, ALAN JAY which we take a modest look at aspects Reporting that story was disconcert- GERBER, RABBI YAKOV HOROWITZ, LISA SCHIFFMAN, of arts and entertainment in today’s Cab for Cutie as an influence. Strange ing; asking follow-up questions of a RABBI AVI SHAFRAN, DAVID SEIDEMANN, JONAH STEIN- Jewish world –– allow us to compare name perhaps, but the music it inspired man recognized as a Gadol b’Torah is a METZ, MIRIAM L. WALLACH, CHANANYA WEISSMAN and contrast opposing points of view. –– a new take on an old Carlebach tune delicate balancing act between studious Contributors The key question about art in the –– is beautiful. derech eretz and professionally ALYSON GOODMAN Orthodox world concerns the influ- On the other hand, our lead story required persistence. Earlier that same Editorial Designer ences that are brought in to create looks into the background of a ban day, another rav, also considered a ■ issued by a group of respected rabbon- The Jewish Star is an independent community newspaper. All opinions expressed something uniquely Jewish. Put anoth- Gadol, hung up as soon as the intended are solely those of The Jewish Star’s editorial staff or contributing writers. er way, if the influences aren’t uniquely im that shut down a tzedakah concert subject matter was made clear. ■ before the curtain ever went up. Just 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 Jewish, is the finished product sacred Also in this issue, a philharmonic (516) 569-4000 E-mail: [email protected] or, somehow, profane? before press time we learned that a deal performance –– certainly not a uniquely fax: (516) 569-4942 Two opposing points of view are to save the show had fallen apart and Jewish art form –– will soon raise clearly staked out on the front page. the event was cancelled. money for a sick child, as will a yeshiva The Jewish Star is published weekly by the The Jewish Star LLC, 2 Endo Most fans of the popular Jewish The focus of the controversy is a theater group; paint and canvas bring Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530. Postmaster send address changes to The chassidishe singer named Lipa Schmelz- Subscription rates: band Blue Fringe are well aware that comfort to a bereaved mother, and a Jewish Star, 2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530. $36 er who has a lot more in common with for 1 year, $60 for 2 years, $72 for 3 years within Nassau County. All other sub- beneath the lyrics from Tanach and major museum exhibit examines a Jew- scriptions $54 per year. Newsstand price: $1 . Major Credit Cards accepted. themes such as emunah, love for the Blue Fringe than you might suspect, ish community where you might not Copyright © 2008 The Jewish Star LLC. All rights reserved. land of Israel, and kibud av v’em, to were you to line him up next to the four have known that there was one. name a few, lie some very varied musi- Y.U. guys in the band. He draws on a Thanks for reading. cal influences. For example, in our variety of musical influences –– in one Letters

the responsibility of running the Optimism turns household falling to the father, he EYE ON ALBANY many areas topped 40 percent, tragic, local family in is unable to earn wages to suffi- and one even had a 50 percent ciently support the family. Also, turnout, among registered need of help again the need to hire daily health aid to Democrats, the 48th boasted a care for the boy in lieu of his turnout of just slightly over 20 mother made matters direr still. percent. That means that other To the Editor: Beware of buyer’s remorse Construction has halted. While communities had at least twice Last year a Far Rockaway fami- the original goal was comfort for It wasn’t sup- phenomenon of Suozzi repeatedly challenged as much say in selecting the ly received considerable attention the family within a suitable envi- posed to turn out Barack Obama. Clin- Spitzer’s credentials as an exec- Democratic nominee. for a unique fundraising campaign ronment for a young boy stricken this way for Hillary ton’s team is trying utive saying that he was ill pre- We can put forward myriad launched on its behalf. The family with disease, the issue now is the Clinton. With desperately to bring pared to run New York State. excuses why our community sought financial assistance to buy family’s survival. money, organiza- everyone back down John Faso repeated the same did not vote. Perhaps voters a home in relative proximity to There are many things our tion, endorsements to Earth so that they line in the general elections. didn’t like the choices, maybe Yeshiva Darchei Torah, where community cannot do for this fam- and a demoralized can examine Obama However, Spitzer’s lofty rhetoric they don’t care about the issues, their son, a young man with ily. We cannot cure their son’s dis- Republican Party, based on record and and sterling reputation as an or maybe they felt that they Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a Michael Fragin ease nor assure the mother a com- Hillary was sup- not rhetoric. agent of change led him to a prefer to wait for the general terminal degenerative disease that plete refuah. And we cannot add posed to take her The anger of the landslide victory. election. All of these seemingly causes a progressive loss of muscle hours to the day for the father to place as Clinton 44 as the book- Democratic base, demonstrated In saying “Day One every- valid excuses are a profound function, attends. sufficiently provide for his family. end for Bush 43. In addition, by record turnouts in the pri- thing changes,” Spitzer placed disservice to the klal. It is an The fundraising goal included But we can bolster the family’s situ- she had a great asset in the per- maries and caucuses of many an impossible hurdle before existential mistake to decline a down payment, retrofitting for ation: relieve the unbearable pres- son of her husband whose pop- states, has been fueled by anti- himself. That hurdle has served your right to vote. When wheelchair accessibility, and a sure weighing on the father, pro- ularity among Democrats sur- incumbent furor directed most- as a stumbling block for the experts from all political per- pool of funds for the family’s vide the mother peace of mind passes any other party figure. ly at President Bush and the Governor, as seen in a new suasions comb over the results, monthly mortgage payments. needed to focus on her health, and Instead, it now seems as if war. That fervor has had the Siena poll which shows that a they will look carefully at who Since last year, the boy’s dis- grant them a measure of comfort everything has gone wrong for effect of spilling over against clear majority of New Yorkers voted and who did not more ease has progressed; he is com- and security they desperately need. the junior senator from New anyone viewed as part of the have buyer’s remorse over their than they will look at whom pletely wheelchair bound. But the Every dollar they receive York; despite wins in many of establishment like Senator Clin- 2006 choice and prefer some- they voted for. campaign, which was a huge suc- makes a difference. No doubt you the biggest states in the nation, ton. Democrats have become one else in 2010. Will voters Much has been written cess, provided the parents comfort are compelled to help. Simply act- her campaign has been relegat- increasingly enraptured with feel the same about a future about the perception of the and security, even as they witness ing on your desire will save this ed to Rudy Giuliani pre-Florida the call for change espoused by Obama presidency when power of an Orthodox bloc their son’s rapid deterioration. family. status of “must wins” and fire- Barack Obama. The question to changing Washington proves to vote. If the Orthodox communi- Unfortunately, a number of Kindly direct donations to: walls. She has replaced her answer is: what does that be far greater a task than ty continues to prove that vote unforeseen setbacks, financial and Yeshiva Darchei Torah, and write campaign manager and her change entail? changing Albany? to be an illusion we will see a medical, have transformed their “Mortgage Fund” in the memo. deputy campaign manger. Her Voters should learn some significant decline in the tentative optimism into deeper ■ ■ ■ Please mail checks to: staff has been fighting openly in caution from the campaign and amount of attention paid to its tragedy. Yeshiva Darchei Torah the press. Even Bill Clinton has slogans of our own Governor needs. First, several earnest donors fell c/o Mr. and Mrs. Mayer Gold turned into a campaign liability. Spitzer, who clearly realizes This week, the Board of victim to the shifting economy and 917 Plainview Avenue I am developing some sym- after his first year of governing Elections released the official Michael Fragin is a veteran of became unable to fulfill their sub- Far Rockaway, N.Y. 11691 pathy for Clinton these days. It that change is easy to call for, numbers for the Feb. 5th pri- many political campaigns, at all stantial pledges. Then the boy’s is clear that the public, the pun- but far tougher to accomplish mary. The Brooklyn numbers levels of government, who mother suffered a major medical CHAIM & JUDIE HYMAN dits, and the media have effectively. During the Democ- point to an alarmingly low served in the administrations of event, which is ongoing, severely Marine Park, Brooklyn become enamored with the ratic primary of 2006, Tom turnout in the Orthodox com- Governors Pataki and Spitzer. taxing the family’s budget. With munity. The 48th Assembly Dis- He is now in the private sector trict, encompassing Borough and serves as a political advisor Park and Flatbush, came in at Bottom Line Marketing dead last in turnout in the Group. He lives in Lawrence. M whole of Brooklyn. Whereas g P n 2 i ! - N M n E P e P 2 p O 1 Y O W A d O D N N n L U a E S r D E O S G U M O H N E P O

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FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BENCH should be this country’s official language, the fears of the less fortunate and immi- pandering to the large Hispanic audience grants, Senator Clinton said, “I do not in Texas, both candidates said that English think that we should be in any way dis- should not be the country’s official lan- criminating against people who do not Demanding accountability guage. speak English, who use facilities like hospi- Senator Barack Obama’s answer was tals, or have to go to court to enforce their couldn’t find a needle to has promised that no nation digms of democracy in the East and the a little bit more digestible, when he rights.” stick in my eye, nor could will destroy us. I wonder, West, find themselves bending over back- remarked that everyone should learn Eng- Name one. Name one heart attack I find any iodine or rub- however, if that promise wards to provide cover and opportunity to lish, as well as a second language, but that victim brought to any hospital, anywhere I bing alcohol to pour on extends to Israel not to the very people bent on destroying them. English should not be the official language. in the United States, who was forced to an open cut. Instead, I destroy herself. I actually Israel provides electricity to people whose Senator Hillary Clinton’s answer sent take the SATs before being hooked up to watched a Democratic presi- believe that only Israel can life objective is to kill her inhabitants. The me running for the alcohol. “English an EKG. It didn’t happen. And if it would dential debate on television. destroy Israel, and that there United States, in a similar vein, turns a should remain our common unifying lan- have happened, you would have heard No matter how many differ- is a greater chance that Amer- somewhat blind eye to porous boarders. guage, but not the official language,” she about it. There would have been a law David Seidemann ent questions were asked, the ica will implode from within The Torah commands us to keep the said. She boasted of having voted against suit, and someone (with hopefully me as candidates always seemed to than be obliterated by an out- laws of one G-d and to “live” while per- efforts that would make English our offi- the attorney) would be a billionaire. veer back to the one answer they wanted side enemy. forming the commandments. Yet, if con- cial language. What does it mean for Eng- Similarly, I have appeared in court to give. It didn’t matter that their favorite If I ever became really smart, I’d write fronted with idol worship, as Jews, we lish to be the common language but not hundreds of times over the last 20 years. answer was unrelated the question. a book about democracy entitled “Democ- must give up our lives. Why? Because the official language? Commoners should I’ve represented criminal defendants that As an attorney, I ask a lot of questions. racy Misunderstood.” In it, I would trace when your behavior stands in direct con- speak English and Officials should speak spoke all different languages. Each and When the witness is unresponsive, I ask the origins of the movement towards tradiction to the principles that you are Spanish. If everyone has to learn English, every defendant was provided with an again and again, until I receive the desired democracy by our founding fathers and supposed to live by, you are, in essence, then why the heck not make it the official interpreter who not only spoke their lan- response. The moderators of the debate, how it continues to be perverted and mis- not living. language? guage, but their dialect. No one received however, refused to press the candidates to applied as time moves on. When the Jew, the source of “We have 70 languages in New York, an appointment with the electric chair answer the questions posed. Had they When the application of life, liberty monotheism, worships an idol, the contra- so English can’t be the official language,” because they couldn’t read English. done so, there might have been some real and the pursuit of happiness results in poli- diction renders his life a non-life. When she continued. Why not? And why Span- Politicians will never change what memorable exchanges. I would love to cies that encourage or sustain elements democracy leads you down the path of ish? Why not change the street signs in they are serving us unless we change what read transcripts of old debates –– the ones that don’t want you to live, don’t believe in providing aid and comfort to those who each community depending on the popu- we are ordering. They will not be account- involving our founding fathers –– to see if liberty and don’t want you to have happi- wish to destroy democracy, the result is a lation of that community? Just think of able unless we demand accountability. they were more substantive. It seems as if ness, you are not living in a state of democ- non-democracy. The result is the antithesis how many languages you can learn dri- Until then, I will keep my needles and rub- history marches on, repeating itself, with racy. Instead, you are living in a state of of democracy and the creation of non-life, ving from here to Monsey. Why not rotate? bing alcohol within close proximity. only the names of the players changing. denial. You are not living in freedom; you non-liberty, and non-happiness. Chinese one week, Yiddish the next and Because I believe that, I’m not particu- are living in fantasy. Then there was the absolute silliest Creole the week after that. David Seidemann is a partner with the law larly worried about Nasrallah’s recent com- It is a slippery slope, this democracy exchange in the debate, when I actually But the line of the night, which had firm of Seidemann & Mermelstein. He can ments that Israel’s disappearance is thing, leading to the ironic reality that the began looking for a needle to stick in my me begging my wife to poke me in both be reached at (718) 692-1013 and at inevitable and only a few years away. G-d United States and Israel, the two para- eye. Asked by the panel whether English eyes, was served up as follows. Playing on [email protected].

were presenting a clear and pre- issues when lives are threatened. while –– and a few deaths of frum How can the negative information contact me with them. But in the IN MY VIEW sent life-threatening danger to the And although I did not raise the kids from drug overdoses –– for we hear about compete with the meantime, I will continue to write public and must be stopped at all issue of abuse in that meeting, I people in our community to get superb things we see? these essays, as I feel that straight Continued from Page One costs. Then, like a Sanhedrin, they did receive clear and unequivocal their hearts in sync with the facts Additionally, there is a virtual talk and education is the only way each rendered their p’sak, unani- p’sakim from gedolei rabbanim that their eyes and ears were telling media ban in our charedi papers to significantly improve things. pushing would certainly be a colos- mously agreeing with Rav Pam. that verified abusers must be them. It was a classic example of on any negative news. Few things In the darkest moments of sal one. My colleague shared the reported, as that is the only way to cognitive dissonance. After all, we add to the disconnect and cogni- our agonizing saga with the drug We decided that I would rep- information with the appropriate ensure public safety. (Note: I am were raised with the notion that tive dissonance more than hearing issue, I received a small measure of resent him and present the authorities, an investigation was not issuing a p’sak, merely sharing these things just don’t happen in frightening things about an event comfort and chizuk from a non- quandary to the leading gedolim of launched, and within six months the ones I received. As with other our Torah community. So, when we such as the arrest of a frum drug Jewish police officer who saw me our generation, among them my several frum kids were arrested matters, every individual who has were faced with irrefutable evi- dealer or pedophile in the secular close to tears during our discus- great rebbe, Reb Avraham Pam z’tl, along with the ringleader, a 50- a sheilah should ask his Rav and dence to the contrary, part of our media, while our papers complete- sions. “Rabbi,” he said softly. “Your at a meeting that was to be held year-old Charedi man who was not rely on second-hand p’sakim.) minds just shut down, not willing to ly ignore its existence. We ought to community is close-knit and fami- later that month on an unrelated caught selling the drugs in the Another issue of great impor- accept the harsh truth. But, as we be enormously proud of the first ly-oriented, so you were lucky to matter. During their [private] basement of a Boro Park shul, of tance was the reaction of our com- are painfully realizing, the problems factor, but I suggest that we must avoid the drug problem for an meeting, I presented the informa- all places. The arrests made head- munity to the arrests –– which, I we face don’t shut down while we end the practice of the second. entire generation. The [19]90s for tion and was asked thoughtful, lines in the New York tabloids and am sad to say, was a collective, struggle to adjust to new realities. The only way to combat cog- you is what the 60s was to us. This probing questions by the gedolim were the lead item on virtually “Wow, can you believe that? ... In addition to the ‘standard’ nitive dissonance is to discuss these isn’t a Jewish problem, Rabbi. It is on a broad range of issues related every radio station in the New York Please pass the salt.” It is notewor- cognitive dissonance described matters in our public squares, a human problem. It only becomes to this matter. metropolitan area. thy that for many months before above, two factors contribute painful as it may be, which is why a Jewish problem when it is After a few moments of I mention this story in the the arrests, several of us lectured to greatly to its staying power in our publications like this one deserve ignored.” silence, the gedolim turned to Rav context of the “Protecting our Chil- standing-room-only crowds in community. The first is the fact our appreciation for publishing Pam, who was the eldest of the dren” series, ‘The Monster Inside’ Brooklyn practically shouting that that we are, Baruch Hashem, sur- these columns. Trust me, I wish This column originally appeared in group and revered by all. With and ‘Safe and Secure,’ for two rea- frum people were pushing drugs to rounded by evidence of the there was a more discreet way to Mishpacha Magazine. great pain in his eyes, he softly but sons. Firstly, to make public the our children. astounding successes of our Yeshi- do this, and if any of our readers (c) 2008 Rabbi Yakov Horowitz, firmly said, “Zei ale hobin a din da’as Torah of our gedolim as it We kept speaking about it, but va/Beis Yakov systems: thousands have any suggestions for creating all rights reserved rodef,” meaning that the pushers pertains to setting aside mesirah people didn’t seem to get it. It took a of wonderful, spiritual teenagers. venues for this dialogue, please Don’t Miss These Upcoming Special Sections in

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follow the lead of Israeli colleagues Tzion, a group that makes wed- for the loss of a child. But you want to know that BANNED and enact a sweeping prohibition dings for orphaned brides and ART AS CONSOLATION there’s something that you can give them.” against Jewish music. grooms in Israel. Fox said he and his colleagues have almost a des- Continued from Page One In an interview with The Jew- Rabbi Avi Shafran, a Continued from Page One perate, helpless feeling, in trying to console and help ish Star, Rabbi Shmuel Kamenet- spokesman for Agudath Israel of the Timoshenkos. “It’s one of those things in life, you commanding officer of the NYPD’s Patrol Borough discussed] on the radio and in zky, a rosh yeshiva in Philadelphia America, said he couldn’t explain don’t what it is until you experience it,” he said. “We Brooklyn South. Meeting Reznik and her husband, newspapers. It doesn’t belong for who signed the ban, said, “It is very why the text of the ban would have can never do enough for Tatiana.” Jeff, who is her business manager, said Fox, reminded the public to decide on issues that general, you’re right, but I don’t been released without removing Now the families of other slain New York City him that police officers are not all alone in an uncar- belong for Da’as Torah.” think it will refer to all concerts. You references to last year’s concert ban police officers will see their loved ones memorialized ing world. He refused to disclose the have to have an outlet for kids.” in Israel, or why rabbonim would in paint, as well. The Rezniks have committed to deliv- “Russel Timoshenko’s [murder] was a horrible names of rabbonim he consulted. Rabbi Kamenetzky confirmed have risked jeopardizing their repu- ering a painting every number of months of an officer tragedy and it becomes part of the scar tissue that we “When we went out with the that he had spoken to Friedman tations by signing a document not killed in the line of duty, known within the depart- deal with,” he said. “And sometimes we, in the police kol korei, every rosh yeshiva was and said that he had understood carefully vetted for inaccuracies. ment as a Fallen Angel. community, think that we’re alone. We’re not. The tortured and made crazy — people that the request for the ban original- A second performer, Shloime “With G-d’s help we’ll only go backwards,” said way that they were so personally touched is quite were threatening them,” Friedman ly came “from rabbis in Eretz Yis- Gertner, was said to have dropped Jeff Reznik. “We hope never to go forwards. Jodi has moving to me.” claimed. Pressed for specifics about roel. We didn’t want to differ with out immediately, according to made a commitment to the police. The police have Recalling when the two women met, Chief Fox his claim of threats, he maintained them. It was expressed that certain Hamodia, a Charedi paper that already brought us two more pictures.” said, “Like true art, it cannot be described until you see that “it would be a chilul Hashem to performers...upset some people.” announced the ban. News of his The Rezniks sell Jodi’s paintings as fine art and as it. No words can describe the pain, the emotion and write about it.” The Rosh Yeshiva was asked withdrawal proved premature. As unique gifts, and also offer custom framing services, love –– mother to mother –– when Jodi and Tatiana “Everything a person does has whether anybody had confirmed of Monday he was still in, although and art classes, from their studio at 1305 E. 17th St. at locked eyes.” to be through Da’as Torah. Every- the origin of the request. his name was removed from the Ave M. in Flatbush, Brooklyn. Their web site is The slain officer’s mother “put out her hand to thing I do, I make sure to have Da’as “It seems that it was a request concert web site on Monday night. www.jreznikstudios.com. touch the picture,” he recalled. “Her fingers were, per- Torah backing me,” he claimed. from mouth to ear and everyone There’s definitely a mystery On cold days, officers assigned to foot posts in the haps, a sixteenth of an inch” away from the picture. It seemed clear that Friedman went along with them,” he respond- here,” said Shafran. “It wouldn’t neighborhood can often be found in the Reznik’s stu- “She didn’t quite touch it, perhaps out of respect for risked embarrassment to the rab- ed. “What they said was that it was make sense for the rabbonim to say dio, warming up for a few minutes. the art. She said, ‘It’s him, it’s him.’” bonim he claims to revere, as the a request from Rav Elyashiv and that somebody had pulled out if The Rezniks are “friends of the NYPD, and “When I met with Tatiana, it was almost like text of the ban was identical to that Rav Steinman. I didn’t confirm they are just setting themselves up friends of mine, forever,” said Chief Fox. “They gave us being menachem aveil,” Reznik recounted. “There’s of a ban enacted in Israel last year, that.” to be disproved.” a few minutes of feeling like we were part of bringing nothing you can really say to a person to console them which succeeded in shutting down Asked if it is unusual for distin- Late Tuesday afternoon Yeshi- something good to Tatiana in honor of Russel.” a joint performance of Mordechai guished rabbonim to sign a kol va World News (www.theyeshiva- Ben David and Avrohom Fried. It korei on the say-so of one person, world.com) reported that Schmelz- included references to Israel and Rabbi Kamenetzky was candid: er has also cancelled a concert called for a complete end to Jewish “Usually we meet together. This scheduled for London in April. tions that are often raised. music concerts. That made it time, with time pressing, we did not Schmelzer, who lives in the COMMUNITY CONCERT Schall, a Woodmere resi- unclear if the document was intend- get together. And maybe it was not Monsey, N.Y., area, was well Continued from Page One dent who also leads the ed to apply only to the Madison the right thing.” received as the featured performer Lawrence Philharmonic, was Square Garden event, or if Ameri- The concert was supposed to at a benefit performance in Hewlett compelled to participate in the approached by Mansdorf about can Charedi rabbonim intended to have been a benefit for Simchat Bay Park last year. event planning process. the idea while organizing the “It is a nice way to show group’s schedule for this year. asserted. “This kind of approach sible solution, which was suggested people you can raise money forces us to refuse to deal with reali- by a woman in the crowd: mixed He happily obliged. SHIDDUCH through music,” she said. “There are so many levels ty.” seating. Wolff, a five-year-old Continued from Page One Dr. Salamon was advocating “If we make mixed seating at to how this event serves the kindergarten student at HAFTR, community,” Schall said. “I fully Zev Wolff has been battling neu- for the natural approach, saying weddings for singles, that is one suffers from neuroblastoma, a roblastoma for the last few years. tions, he said. that there should be more venuea small step in the right direction,” appreciate an event like this Dr. Salamon believes that sem- disease resistant to conventional [that] demonstrates how music available at which singles can meet said Rebbitzen Billet. “If more peo- drug treatments. Former school inaries and yeshivas in Israel are and mingle on their own in an ple start doing it, it will become can build bridges in the commu- those with strict religious partly to blame for teaching their board president Dr. Asher Mans- nity.” requirements. appropriate setting, without the acceptable.” dorf, a neighbor of the Wolff’s, students that there is no such thing interference of a third party media- Another woman in the audi- Led by Schall, the Lawrence The event will be held in as chemistry, and that the person helped spearhead a recent effort Philharmonic headlines the con- the Lawrence High School Per- tor or matchmaker. ence blamed the rabbonim and to raise money for medical only needs to match up to a laundry He also questioned the widely roshei yeshiva for perpetuating the cert, entitled “The Joy of Jewish forming Arts Center, 2 Reilly list of predetermined criteria. research that may develop a Music.” Yuval Waldman, an Rd., on Sunday, Mar. 2. The pre- accepted practice of monogamous shidduch crisis by discouraging new drug to help save Zev’s life “The checklist does not look at dating: “I’d like to know the halacha mingling in natural settings. “The internationally renowned com- concert will begin at 2:30 p.m., personality,” he observed. “It looks and the lives of other young poser and violinist, is also set to followed by the philharmonic that says you can only date one per- rabbis need to give permission for patients. at something totally divisive, such as son at a time. According to the deci- people to meet naturally,” she said. appear as a guest conductor and concert, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. how frum a person is.” On Dec. 25, a “Day of performer. The tax-deductible admis- sion theory, a person needs to have But, there is still the problem Learning” at the Young Israel of The speaker also expressed his options in order to make decisions.” of singles who are not willing to The Lawrence Philharmon- sion will be $5 for adults, $3 for disdain for the types of questions Woodmere raised more than ic, which enters its 14th year, the first two children, $2 for the “We are allowing our children attend these events in the first place, $160,000 for a charity effort that are asked by the parents of sin- to do this, and we are making no because of the taboo associated comprises a group of communi- third child, and $1 for any child gles when evaluating a potential that exceeded $600,000 within ty musicians that range from thereafter. attempt to deal with this in a realis- with them, another woman pointed a month’s timespan. date. He cited examples such as tic fashion,” Dr. Salamon continued, out. age 14 to 89. It is known as an Youth musicians from pre-K whether or not the boy wears jeans, Mansdorf described the “inter-generational” group and through college are encouraged saying that much of the responsibili- “It is up to the parents to teach District 15 community as “car- if the girl davens in a minyan, and if ty to rectify the situation rests with their kids what love is all about,” is one of only a handful in exis- to audition for the pre-concert they plan to have a television in ing” and hopes events like the tence, Schall explained. performances. the parents. Rebbitzen Billet concluded, refer- upcoming concert can be a step their future home. After taking questions and encing “The Art of Loving” by Erich Shershow and Schall For more information or to “We have given our children to toward displaying the nature of worked together to create a reserve tickets in advance, call comments from the audience, Reb- Fromm. “Love is not a feeling; it’s a “what the neighborhood really systems in which we haven’t kept bitzen Billet did encourage one pos- decision...It is hard work.” comfortable environment for all the Lawrence Philharmonic at checks and balances,” Dr. Salamon is” and dispel negative percep- audience members, including (516) 295-7084. Making a Simcha? Interior Designer No job Decorator PLATTERS too big or Discount •Fish •Deli On Staff • •Vegetable Fruit small! Call me today to hear about these new optional features: New Fabrics •Cake Car Replacement, Accident Forgiveness and Deductible Rewards. 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ON THE March 4 at 8:00 p.m. At this event, out March. Rabbi Jonathan Muskat Sharing you can buy a raffle to win one will speak on “Taanit Esther - hour of organization time, valued Happy Day Or Sad Day?” on at $75. This evening will include a Wednesday, March 5 from 8:00 to the Calendar PowerPoint presentation as well as 8:45 p.m. Rabbi David Friedman will handouts to use at home. The speak on Wednesday, March 12 Young Israel of Oceanside is locat- from 8:00 to 8:45 p.m. Rabbi Ozer horrors of Cedarhurst - The JCC of the Lawrence - The JCC of the Greater record. This is a NYS-DMV approved ed at 150 Waukena Ave. in Glickman will speak on Tuesday, Greater Five Towns Teen Chessed Five Towns “Magic of Caring” fami- six-hour course and all principal Oceanside. For more information, March 18 from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. Corps presents the award winning ly entertainment series presents vehicle operators, regardless of call (516) 764-1099. Men and women are invited to Sderot film Paper Clips on Saturday, “Magic Beyond Imagination” with violation or accident record, are attend. The Young Israel of BY MALKA EISENBERG March 1 at 8:00 p.m. The film will Bob McEntee on Sunday, March 2 eligible. Checks and payments Oceanside is located at 150 Cedarhurst - The JCC of the be followed by a question and at 3:00 p.m. at Temple Israel. This should be made out to Waukena Ave. in Oceanside. For Greater Five Towns Kosher Culinary Alon Davidi was blunt. answer session with selected unique program combines fun, Congregation Ohr Torah, located at more information, call (516) 764- Institute will host cooking classes “I am here to bring the story members of our Holocaust magic, comedy, musical routines, 410 Hungry Harbor Road in North 1099. of Sderot to all the Jews of Survivors Group, who participated storytelling and audience partici- Woodmere. For more information, throughout March. “Magically North America,” he said. “We in this monumental project. Light pation with an emphasis on posi- contact Zamira Neuman at zneu- Transformed Leftovers” with need to feel that you care, that refreshments will be served. The tive values. Please bring a small [email protected] or call (516) Naomi Ross will take place on Merrick - The Chabad Center for all the Jews will be beside us JCC is located at 207 Grove Ave. in magic trick or gift to be included 791-7989. Wednesday, March 5 from 10:00 Jewish Life of Merrick/Bellmore and they will say ‘you are our Cedarhurst. For more information with Mishloach Manot that will be a.m. to 12:00 p.m. “Cold Buffet” hosts Tots ‘N Challah, an exciting or to register, call Sharona Arbeit distributed by our Teen Chesed with Riki Fishbein will take place program for Moms & Tots, on hero.’” Belle Harbor - Congregation Ohab at (516) 569-6733, ext. 218. Corps. The fee for this event is $6. on Wednesday, March 12 at both Thursdays until March 13 from Davidi, a resident of Sderot Zedek will host of a visit by Alon Temple Israel is located at 140 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. The JCC is 10:30-11:30 a.m. Join with your child and the chairman of the Sderot Davidi, Sderot resident and chair- Central Ave. in Lawrence. For more located at 207 Grove Ave. in and other moms in celebrating Security Committee, is on a mis- Long Beach - The Young Israel of man of the Sderot Security sion to present the worsening information or to register, call Cedarhurst. For more information , Shabbat through Challah baking, Long Beach will host its annual Committee, to discuss the worsen- situation in his town to Jewish Sheryl Wyszkowski at (516) 569- call Sheryl Wyszkowski at (516) story, song and art activities. Robert Chiger Scholarship on ing horrific security situation for communities in North America. 6733, ext. 222. 569-6733, ext. 222. There is no admission fee for this Motzaei Shabbos, March 1 at 8:30 the people of Sderot Israel on His goal is to garner emotional event. All are welcome. The Chabad p.m. The concert will feature the Sunday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. This Center for Jewish Life is located at and monetary support. Lawrence - The JCC of the Greater He’ll join Rabbi Avi Weiss renowned musical entertainer North Woodmere - Congregation event is sponsored by AFSI and 2083 Seneca Gate in Merrick. For Five Towns Israeli Film Series con- and Rabbi Etan Mintz at a Baruch Levine, child prodigy Ohr Torah will host a Defensive American Physicians Fellowship for more information or to RSVP, call tinues with “King of Beggars” on demonstration in front of the Simcha Levinstein and Benny Amar Driving Course on Sunday, March 2 Medicine in Israel. Congregation Chanie at (516) 833-3057 or visit Wednesday, March 5 at Temple United Nations and the Israeli who will entertain the audience at 10:00 a.m. The cost for this Ohab Zedek is located at 134-01 www.ChabadJewishLife.org. Israel at 8:00 p.m. Temple Israel is consulate in Manhattan at 12:30 with their vast repertoire of popu- course is $50. Upon completion of Rockaway Beach Blvd. in Belle p.m. on Mar. 2. lar Chassidish Jewish music. It will this Defensive Driving/Accident Harbor. For more information, call located at 140 Central Ave. in That evening, Davidi take place in an intimate setting at Prevention Workshop, participants Mike Frogel at (917) 478-7047. Lawrence. For more information or Cedarhurst - The JCC of the intends to bring the horror and the YILB Social Hall, located at 120 will receive a certificate that will to register, call Sheryl Wyszkowski Greater Five Towns’ Book Review Long Beach Blvd. in Long Beach. entitle them to get a 10 percent at (516) 569-6733, ext. 222. will meet to discuss “Pearl” by trauma of the ongoing war in Oceanside - The Young Israel of For more information or to order discount on auto liability, personal Mary Gordon on Thursday, March 13 Sderot to the doorstep of Jewish Oceanside will host guest speaker tickets, call Rabbi Chaim Wakslak injury protection and collision from 10-11:30 a.m. The JCC is locat- communities on Long Island and Cynthia Braun as she spends two Oceanside - The Young Israel of at (646) 285-5301. insurance for three full years, as ed at 207 Grove Ave. in Cedarhurst. on the Rockaway Peninsula. hours helping the audience learn Oceanside will host a pre-Purim well as reduce up to four violation For details, call Sheryl Wyszkowski He’ll make his pitch at Congre- how to “Organize Your Life!” on three-part lecture series through- gation Ohav Tzedek, 134-01 points from your NYS driving at (516) 569-6733, ext. 222. Rockaway Beach Boulevard, in Belle Harbor at 7:30 pm. “We need the support of all the kehilot,” he said. “It’s not just THE ZONE DIET  ATKINS  SOUTH BEACH  CALORIE CONTROL money. Do a mission to Sderot, not just to Jerusalem.” Established in 1951, Sderot has absorbed immigrants from Kurdistan, Iran, Morocco, Roma- nia, Russia and Ethiopia. It is 900 meters from the Gaza Strip. Since the first Kassam rocket was fired toward Sderot on Apr. Look Great for Pesach! 16, 2001 nearly 7000 Kassams have been fired into the western Negev; over 400 rockets were fired in the two months of this Discover Kosher Diet Delivery year. Thirteen people have been killed. The emotional and eco- nomic toll on the people is dev- astating. In a follow-up conversation with The Jewish Star, he noted osher Diet Delivery is the original Five Towns diet sensation that that during an earlier interview a 10-year-old boy was seriously makes it easy and enjoyable to lose weight, eat healthy and look and injured by a Kassam that scored a direct hit to the boy’s house. feel your best. Our mouth-watering meals are prepared with love in Davidi, who was born in Be’er Sheva, learned in the Hes- our glatt kosher kitchen and delivered right to your doorstep every der Yeshiva at Karnei Shomron and served as an officer in an Kmorning by 5AM! In each delivery, you’ll find all of your freshly prepared, elite unit in the IDF. He and his wife, Nurit, moved to Sderot 12 never frozen kosher meals for the day including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and in- years ago. He is a winner of the Jerusalem Conference Prize for credible snacks and deserts! 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Sponsored by Americans for a Safe Israel and American (800)354-3122 Physicians Fellowship for Medi- cine in Israel. For more informa- tion go to: www.apfmed.org or There is only one Kosher Diet Delivery. www.natesderot.co.il. Donations Please don’t be fooled by our imitators. may be sent to: One Israel Fund “Sderot”, 1175 West Broadway, Suite 10, Hewlett, NY 11557. * Free week offer limited to new clients. Limit one per household. Limited time offer. Other restrictions apply. Call for details. 20776 8 The Jewish Star February 29, 2008 Ogorek leads Wildcats to first round win Senior guard drops 28 versus cross-town rival BY ARI MIRZOEFF leading to odd man rushes and easy in the DRS Green House lay-ups to extend the DRS lead to as and the coaching staff, but Stars sneak past Normally when a team plays five many as 18 in the first half. Going to he looked to Ororek as the Wildcats in JV contest games in five days, they get worn out. halftime, the Wildcats were on top 33- key to this win. However, the DRS Wildcats were a 16, led by Ogorek’s 22 first-half points. “The leadership that fine-tuned machine on Monday night To start the third quarter, the Stars Ogorek took upon himself BY JONAH STEINMETZ when the North Shore Stars came to went on a 6-0 run to cut the lead to 33- as soon as the game started the Green House. 22. But the Wildcats didn’t let the quick was incredible, from start to DRS and North Shore played From the opening tip, this game start by North Shore slow them down. finish,” the senior center another game earlier this week – a first was all DRS. Captain Mordy Ogorek DRS went on 14-5 run, which essential- said. round junior varsity playoff matchup seemed to be everywhere in the first ly ended the game and North Shore’s Ogorek refused to take on Sunday night. This was an extreme- quarter. The Wildcats’ star guard nailed season. The Wildcats went on to win all the credit. “[The seniors] ly low scoring game, with neither team four three pointers in the first quarter this first round playoff game 62-43 and knew what was at stake,” he reaching the 20-point mark until the alone to give DRS an 11-point lead may have proven to themselves and the said. “And we knew at the fourth quarter. The Stars led through- going into the second quarter, 20-9. league that they are for real. Ogorek get-go that we had to get out the game, finally eking out a 27-26 In the second quarter, it was more led all scorers with 28 points and cen- going early on [in order to victory, behind the solid play of leading of the same for the Wildcats. The team ter Yehuda Williams added 15 for DRS. beat a team like North DRS’s Mordy Ogorek during Monday’s 62-43 win over the scorer Andrew Haft and a great defen- defense continued to cause turnovers, Williams attributed many things to Shore].” North Shore Stars. sive effort from Nissim Nigri, who had the Wildcats’ victory, including the fans three blocked shots in the afternoon. Wildcats win second straight DRS-HALB Invitational Tournament BY ARI MIRZOEFF Woodmere on the Wildcats’ School from Cleveland on Fri- Led by the Wildcats’ big home court, had a nationwide day, and, finally, the Wildcats three — seniors Mordy Ogorek, Over the weekend, DRS feel with yeshivas from Balti- defeated Rambam from Balti- Yehuda Williams and Daniel won the 2nd annual DRS-HALB more, Cleveland, and Memphis more on motzei shabbos. Schindelheim — DRS coasted to Invitational Tournament. The making the trip to Long Island. Going into Sunday’s cham- a 72-55 win. Williams led all tournament, which was held in On the first day of the tour- pionship game against Ram- scorers with 18 points and nament, DRS routed Cooper bam-Baltimore, DRS had beaten Schindelheim followed with 12. Tournament MVP Mordy Ogorek from Memphis. The team then all of the other competition. The Ogorek was named the tourna- alongside Yehuda Williams cele- escaped in a tight match up Wildcats now needed to stop a ment’s most valuable player. brating the perfect weekend. against the Fuch’s Mizrachi team looking for some revenge.

Playoff Results Boys Varsity Basketball No. 3 North Shore Stars 27, No. 5 North Shore Stars The Association No. 8 DRS Wildcats 62, No. 2 DRS Wildcats 26 No. 9 North Shore Stars 43 Boys Varsity Hockey of Jewish Camp Operators Girls Junior Varsity Basketball No. 6 HAFTR Flames 2, Boys Junior Varsity Basketball No. 4 Kushner defeated No. 11 Magen David Warriors 1 presents the

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PARSHAT VAYAKHEL: All of these people are WORDS TO PLAY BY: unquestionably rooted in a reality People of The Book of being “wise at heart,” what Net- ziv claims is the Torah’s phrase for BY RABBI AVI BILLET ing retirement phase now works depicting a G-d-fearing person. No only three days a week, what he one should be judged by any HAFTR student writes script Sometimes quotes are taken does in his spare time. His answer human for how they seek to go out of context to bring a person was very unsettling to me. “Noth- about relating to God in personal down. Sometimes the same is done ing.” You don’t read? “I like the observance. loosely based on ‘Amadeus’ to make a striking point. This week sports pages in the paper.” What But the Torah’s comment is a we will examine how the most off- about a book? A novel? “I don’t challenge to everyone to never be Senior’s directorial debut to take place in less than two weeks handed comment could be the have patience to read a book.” Do satisfied with what you currently most profound cry for the value you do anything to stimulate your know. We must have a drive to be BY PAUL SHAPIRO and need for Jewish education. mind? “I see a movie every now seekers of knowledge, to read In the context of describing and then.” I changed the subject. whatever we can get our hands on, A new play entitled “Venn” will debut at HAFTR who will assemble the vessels of For many years the Jewish be they written in Hebrew, English, High School on Sunday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. Written the mishkan, chapter 35 verse 10 people have been known as “the Aramaic or whichever language by senior Rafi Abrahams, it is loosely based on the states: “And every person who is people of the book.” This appella- appeals to us, as long as they stim- play “Amadeus.” wise of heart among you will come tion refers firstly to a commitment ulate our minds and help us grow “It’s about the innovation of the Venn diagram, and do all which G-d has com- to The Book, the Torah and the from the process. though it kind of takes on the plot of ‘Amadeus,’ said manded.” rules set by its commandments, Relying on others to dictate Abrahams, who will direct the play as well. “It paro- but also refers to the Jewish habit how we should live our Jewish While the so-called “chakham dies it and instead of being about Mozart, it’s about Ben Kaye, Eli Steinfeld and Shaine Abbani (left to lev” is defined by Netziv to be a of building large personal libraries lives is an insult to God’s gift to us, this guy John Venn.” “Y’rei shamayim” –– an individual and reading. the capacity of our own intellect. Venn’s diagram of overlapping circles is used to right) rehearse for “Venn,” opening March 9 at HAFTR who fears God –– the simple inter- There are different ways peo- Reading should be done, conversa- illustrate all of the possible mathematical or logical High School. pretation of this term, as in fact ple may go about living out their tions should be had, but ultimately relationships between sets or groups of things. involved on the technical end of the production. offered by the Netziv in his com- commitment to “the Book.” Some every decision, whether it be made Abrahams came up with the idea for the play at “The fact that we’re all friends and we’re all close ments on 31:6, is a person who has have a strong base of knowledge in consultation with a friend or a the end of his junior year; he wrote the script in three assures that we’re going to have a good time putting common sense. To understand the and behave according to what they rabbi, should be an informed one weeks. [the show] on,” Abrahams said. value of common sense, consider know. But the knowledge base rather than a “blindly following “I’m a fan of theater and movies and it just hap- Tickets for the play are $10 in advance and $12 Solomon’s description of it in does not grow. what I was told” decision. pened over the summer,” he said. “During those long at the door. All the proceeds will be going to Zev’s Proverbs 20:15: “There is [much] Some attend shiurim, classes, Netziv concludes his com- days, I felt that I should be productive and I started Fund, which raises money for Zev Wolff, a five-year- gold and pearls [in the world], but go to lectures, and engage in con- ments on this verse in our parsha writing it. The play came out pretty good.” old who has been battling neuroblastoma, a cancer the most precious vessels are the versations based on the things they by saying “Whomever has been About 20 students, mostly seniors, are involved in with a high rate of relapse, since age three. lips of the wise (i.e. common hear. Some have personal learning touched by fear of G-d in his heart all aspects of the “Venn” production. Abrahams held Steinfeld, a senior playing the part of Venn’s son, sense).” schedules and are real “lamdan- will come and do, and G-d will be tryouts and the turnout was more than he could have is Zev’s cousin. “It’s really not much of a big produc- Common sense is not neces- im,” lay-scholars who have a thor- with him with the help of heaven.” hoped for. tion financially, so here was a chance to make a lot of sarily a gift which comes naturally. ough grasp of Jewish knowledge Indeed, “the person who is “A lot of my friends are involved in the school money and do something good with it,” Abrahams We all know people who have and are capable of answering wise of heart among you,” who theater, so I was pretty sure they’d be interested so we said. excess in the common sense many questions which may come has come to understand this way held tryouts for the cast,” the senior explained. “We The students are putting in many hours of their department, while others are up through their own ability to of life through a commitment, real have a small group of dedicated kids, which is all we own time on Sundays and during after school prac- severely lacking in the same. It is a weed through sources. These indi- study and informed decision mak- need.” tices, planning and rehearsing for this chesed event. skill which, for some people, must viduals, for example, will usually ing, “will come and do all which G- The play’s actors and actresses — Shaine Abbani, “We’re spending a lot of time working on [the be learned. turn to a rabbi with very difficult d has commanded.” And will be a Sammy Carp, Jeremy Chubak, Edward Gavrilov, play] and it looks like it’s going to be a good produc- In the Jewish community, we halakhic questions or for discus- better person and a better Jew Matthew Goldfinger, Ben Kaye, Ian Miller, Noah tion,” Abrahams said. “I’d really like people to come have a very unique opportunity on sions of deep hashkafic and philo- because of it. Moskowitz, Aaron Neufeld, Alex Ramek, Jenna Rose, because it benefits a great charity and it will be a fun a daily basis. We have an obliga- sophical issues. Danielle Snyder, Eli Steinfeld and 8th grader Adina night.” tion to not let our minds lay idle, to A flip side (though not a Avi Billet is a mohel based in the Adler — are looking forward to opening night. Other challenge ourselves to build our reversal) are people with either Five Towns. His web page is students — Lawrence Brazin, David Chadow, Jacob For more information about “Venn,” please call knowledge base and to constantly limited learning skills or limited mohelformyson.bravehost.com. Decter, Michael Heino and Jacob Steinerman — are HAFTR High School at (516) 569-3807. seek to know more. base knowledge who turn to a I recently asked my non-Jew- rabbi to guide every aspect of their ish barber, a man who, in his near- lives. Self-defense primer in Cedarhurst CLASSIFIEDS BY MALKA EISENBERG advised. At work, park close by, near a light if you leave at night. 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you and your child like. Your job is to with a scene of the girl playing piano, and match the music to the images on screen. soon after we see her drawing. Later in Sometimes the themes of the songs or the film, I showed her baking cookies The ABCs of montage making the styles of the melodies dictate where with her brothers and her mom. Inter- they are most appropriate. In most mon- spersed between these moments and the Photographer and filmmaker Judah S. Harris shows you the steps tages of the length we are discussing, you family photographs were a number of should have three or four songs in mind. interview segments. I really wanted the to create a winning montage for your next family celebration. Don’t feel you have to use all of the song, audience to get to know the girl and to A slide show is a perfect entertain- ing. shown. from start to finish. Fade in and out at hear from her in her own words as she ment addition to any occasion, be it cele- Try to select any point. In one montage, I mixed a shared her interests in music, art, gym- bration or special event. Using one of sev- the photos that will country folk singer together with a Car- nastics, and her feelings about becoming eral software programs, including Power- best serve the mon- Sequencing: lebachesque rendition on acoustic guitar, a Bat Mitzvah. Point, anyone can create an original slide tage. For a 10-minute Generally you’d want to and added the Yeshiva Boys Choir’s “V’a- A few days before the event, I show, and even children can be involved presentation you’ll start off in the earlier havta” at the end. showed the finished film to the girl’s in the production process. With a little need at least 120 pho- years of your child’s life One of the important things you’ll mom at the family’s home. We watched practice and a lot of patience and creativi- tos. Figure about four and progress from there. need to do once you have the music down on a laptop together, and though I had ty, you can combine photos, text, and or five seconds on But, if you want to be is adjust the pacing of the slides. You want seen the film 18 or 20 times already, music into something fun for your guests screen for each photo- clever, you can start off to change on the beat, so it’s best to leave there is always an excitement I feel when to enjoy and learn from. graph. But since you today, to establish the the transitions until a later stage. presenting something to someone for the It’s crucial to keep the entire audi- want to vary the pace of present, and then first time. After I hit “play,” I watched ence in mind. Limit the length to 10 min- the show, some pho- return to the earliest both the screen and the mother almost utes, not 15, and make things interesting tographs will be on times in your child’s Are we done yet? simultaneously. Her reaction was one by applying some of the following tips: screen for less time, life and proceed for- When your slide show is completed, that makes all of the hours that goes into maybe two to three sec- ward. When sequenc- it’s time to take a break for a couple of these projects totally worthwhile. Structure your montage: onds. The music might ing photographs, try days and then come back to it with fresh Create a great montage for your Every story has a beginning, middle dictate a quicker pace or to include different eyes. You may discover changes, even event and you’ll be able to experience the and an end. When you arrange your pho- you may be running types of shots, some subtle ones, which will improve the pre- same thing. tos, try to create a few or more “chap- through a series of images taken from further sentation. Titles and credits are also part ters,” which are different in content or in that can be digested quickly. away and some of a montage. Credit the creators of the Judah S. Harris is a photographer, film- pace. Look for ways to divide the mon- As a viewer, I want to closer up. montage and the musical artists who maker, speaker and writer. His work can sang or played in the background. tage into sections. Switch the music when meet your son or daughter Photo and design by Judah S. Harris be seen at www.judahsharris.com/visit the sections shift in subject or mood to in the montage. I’d like to get Check the specs of your particular and in a semi-frequent e-mail newsletter, signal this change to the audience. to know a bit about who they Transitioning between slide show software for information combining essays and photographic pro- are and how they spend their time. Take photographs: about making DVDs of your finished jects, that circulates to thousands of read- montage. Some programs even let you some new photographs for the montage Software applications used to create ers. Readers can contact him at upload directly to YouTube, iPods and Finding good photos: that portray unique aspects of your child’s slideshows offer many types of effects [email protected]. As you wade your way through BlackBerrys. personality or interests. and transitions. You can change the col- albums, shoeboxes and envelopes, or digi- Another idea is to have your child ors of your photos, flip them, overlay tal files in virtual folders, try to choose the write down some of their feelings about type, and do all sorts of fades and wipes What I do: This piece is a short excerpt from photos that look the best to you. Search this milestone. Choose some of these and other types of alterations. My person- Slide shows can be very effective a longer article. To learn more for pictures that have good expressions, a meaningful words and expressions and al philosophy is to use effects minimally and very moving, but I also like the idea details about making the perfect captured moment, and a clarity that is insert them as title slides at later points in and transitions modestly. of combining slides with video. For one montage and to get additional tips discernible in the print or in the digital the montage. The audience will appreci- Bat Mitzvah girl’s celebration, I made a from Judah, connect with him file. Pictures that are out of focus or ate hearing from your child and the text 10-minute film that included lots of fami- online at www. judahsharris. stained can be included if they are still on screen will provide an occasional alter- Music: ly photos, four hand-picked songs, and com/montage-making. able to impart a feeling. The presentation native to the many photographs being Your best bet is to choose songs that does not need to be perfect, only interest- original video footage. I opened the film

Hoffman sings harmonies for nal music, it is a derivative of tra- styles and musical taste, so that’s everything,” said Rosenblatt. “We called “Fools for April.” Danzig BLUE FRINGE the band, along with Rosenblatt. ditional melodies, like those of part of our unique sound that try to play as many shows as we and Zwillenberg currently are Rounding out the musical quartet Carlebach,” Rosenblatt explained. comes from a combination of our can while working on new materi- enrolled in graduate school. Continued from Page One is Hayyim Danzig on the bass, “Our intention was to modify unique styles — funk, pop, and al.” “It’s been quite a trip to play and drummer Danny Zwillen- those tunes.” rock — and when we combine all In May, Blue Fringe has a gig in front of people who have really bands which serve as role models berg. With each of their albums, those genres, it helps,” added scheduled in London. They have been into what we’re doing and for Blue Fringe, and which span Since their inception in 2001, the band has been experimenting Rosenblatt. also performed in Israel, Australia, the art we’re creating,” enthused the spectrum from Moshav to the Blue Fringe has produced three with different sounds. The group has already start- and South Africa, and across Hoffman. “What we all like best is Beatles to Dave Matthews. CDs. Their first, “My Awakening” “Overall we are just maturing ed working on their fourth CD, North America as well. making great music. We appreci- “We very much identify with debuted in 2003, and included a lot, and coming into our own “which will go back to original The band members are also ate everyone’s support and feel other bands who inspire us and the popular song “Flipping Out.” and learning from each other’s songs,” Hoffman confirmed. “Peo- pursuing other careers, both with- lucky to be able to enrich as many who have taken the same route as Their second, “70 faces,” was influences,” said Hoffman. “As our ple can look forward to some- in the music industry and outside people’s lives as we can. We don’t us with what they’ve done and released in 2005. “The Whole tastes grow and change, our thing coming out soon.” of it. Hoffman gives music take it for granted because not with the views that they express World Lit Up” came out in Decem- music is representing those “Since we’re not on a record lessons, teaching kids how to play many people get the opportunity through their music,” said gui- ber and “was very different changes and developments.” label, we work on our own time guitar, while Rosenblatt is work- to be as lucky as we’ve been.” tarist Avi Hoffman. because as opposed to being origi- “All of us have such different to make sure we are happy with ing on a folk pop genre of music

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