Passover Diary: Rabbi Binyomin Moskovits on Tuesday at 1:00 P.M., Will Spend Shabbos in on the Streets of St

$1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 6 NO. 31 30 NISAN 5766 APRIL 28, 2006 INSIDE FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK REMEMBRANCE DAY MindBiz Esther Mann, LMSW 24 Good Business, Or Betrayal? It was heartening to see the just as a consequence of Welcome Back Hannah Reich Berman 26 outpouring of support just bureaucratic bungling, almost prior to Pesach for the so- a year later the back of what Halachic Chips called refugees of Gush Katif. was the strength and core of Rabbi Ben Nathan 28 People came out and respond- the settler communities has ed generously to the call of been broken. Thousands—

Satmar Rebbe, zt’l leading rabbis here and in even those who left peacefully Photo By Ivan Hl. Norman Hillel Fendel 35 Israel to do what they could to and long before the govern- help these people and their ment established deadlines Being Left Behind? families, who have been merci- last summer—are living in Heshy Shayovitz 57 lessly uprooted from their makeshift homes and in A capacity crowd filled Congregation Beth Sholom in Lawrence on Tuesday homes, their communities hav- squalor. Many of the strongest night to remember those who perished in the Holocaust and to stand with ing being destroyed, and, for all Gush Katif communities have those who survived, who lived to see a new day and make a bright Jewish future possible. Above: Mrs. Mildred Seidenfeld of Borough Park, Brooklyn, intents and purposes, just been broken apart and now, a survivor of Auschwitz, with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, about abandoned by everyone. Chavi Seidenfeld, Devorah and Raizy Taub, and Sheri, Moshe, and Eliezer Whether intentionally or Continued on Page 4 Seidenfeld. See More Photos, Pages 70-71 RAMBAM H.S. STUDENTS HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE PROTEST ON YOM HASHOAH Passover Diary: Rabbi Binyomin Moskovits On Tuesday at 1:00 p.m., will spend Shabbos in On The Streets Of St. Pete Lawrence. hundreds of students from the See Page 10 Rambam Mesivta High School rallied outside the offices of BY LARRY GORDON the Ukrainian mission to the UN, demanding that Ukraine Passover, in all its illustri- immediately extradite Jakiw ous and caloric glory, has Palij and Jaroslaw Bilaniuk, the arrived and now moved on. As last two Nazi war criminals liv- a result, people everywhere ing freely in New York. The were on the move, going anywhere from the corner grocery Continued on Page 6 to the nearest and most con- Photo By Taliye Corley Schools Election Heats Up Continued on Page 11 Rafi Ohana of GFI Mortgage Bankers. See Page 36 PESACH OF ’06 Why We Are

BY MICHELE Making Aliyah HERENSTEIN BY SHMUEL KATZ It’s been only two weeks since I left my apartment in In the last few weeks, as Manhattan for Passover, yet the news of our impending since then I’ve slept in three move has gotten out, my wife different places, eaten in Goldie and I have heard that Photo By Five Towns Jewish Times excess of six different types of same comment over and over: cake, and worn more than “You’re making aliyah? But seven different pairs of shoes. you’re not the type.” The truth Rabbi Manis Friedman, featured My adventures began erev is, we have no idea what “the speaker at the Chabad Pesach, when I did last-minute type” of person is who choos- Shabbaton. See Page 36 BY LARRY GORDON school-board elections. This errands around the Five es to move to Israel. We only year’s election takes place on Towns. I went from store to know who we are and what CANDLE LIGHTING The month of May is just a the Jewish holiday of Lag store searching for much-need- brought us to this point in our Apr. 28 – 7:29 PM few days away, and around BaOmer, Tuesday, May 16, ed brown heels (although lives. May 5 – 7:36 PM here that means it’s time for the annual school-budget and Continued on Page 44 Continued on Page 14 Continued on Page 16 2 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 3 FROM THE EDITOR speaks forcefully for positions identi- last year or so is that there is indeed a ficult decisions when it comes to fied mostly with those who value and method in the madness of these politi- money. After all, many were already Continued from Front Cover are committed to the Biblical land of cally strategic machinations. An living in poverty while receiving myri- with all this time behind us and like so Israel. To say that Netanyahu repre- important part of this maneuvering ad government subsidies for rent, many other things that we cannot do sents the right or that Sharon became starkly reveals the connection between food, education, and other living too much about, just about forgotten. the candidate of the left or that some the political, the economic, and the expenses. They couldn’t make ends It’s easy to blame much of what hap- other personality represents the cen- religious in Israel. As you know, eco- meet under those “desirable” circum- pened on the misguided vision of what ter is void of meaning today. In Israel, nomic belt-tightening has wreaked stances; what could they do when so might have been at the time a mental- in the aftermath of the illusory intoxi- havoc, particularly in Israel’s yeshiva many of these avenues of assistance ly impaired Prime Minister Ariel cation with the blurred visions of communities. Child subsidies have were dramatically curtailed? Sharon. The former prime minister peace, left and right have become been drastically reduced, as has aid to What does all this have to do with now lies in a vegetative state, while his indistinguishable from one another those who have made Torah study on a evacuating Gush Katif last summer? political heirs fall over one another try- and may not even exist anymore. full-time, full-day basis their life’s On the surface it seems that one thing ing to bring the former Israeli leader’s This is perhaps more noticeable in work. Life has become so economical- has nothing to do with the other; but dream, which has caused so much what was once the settler movement ly hard-pressed in many of these com- just a half-inch beneath the surface damage, to fruition. than anywhere else in Israel’s political munities, to the point that a few they are seemingly very tightly con- But blaming Ariel Sharon, now system. To have thought years ago that months ago the Belzer Rebbe issued a nected. Speaking at a reception for removed from the political scene, is there would be elements in this move- call to his chassidim to become trained the Gush Katif refugees in the begin- just the easy way out. There are oth- ment in favor of removing settlements, in professions and to seek out employ- ning of April in the Five Towns, and ers, both in and out of politics—many eliminating communities, and forcibly ment opportunities. He said that only again last week in Florida, Rabbi still vital and influential—who bear moving people would have been anath- those who possess an intense pen- Paysach Krohn said that across the almost as much responsibility for what ema to all involved. In the aftermath of chant or those whose scholarship is on board, the people he had spoken to the wrongful Sharon vision has the Madrid conference—which led to a very high level should remain in who are living in temporary cramped wrought. Among those are people like Oslo and then to Camp David—the yeshiva full time. quarters (at best) were betrayed by Benjamin Netanyahu, who heads up most alarming and even contradictory As a result of the changes in the fis- just about everyone they dealt with. the once-powerful but now hanging- ideas became possible. cal landscape in Israel, the chareidi They were lied to by the Israeli gov- by-a-thread Likud party. Netanyahu What has become apparent over the leadership has had to make some dif- ernment, the YESHA council bungled the entire operation that opposed the evacuation, and the rabbis told most not to move and that an evacuation would never take place. CALENDAR LUACH April 28 – May 6 ZIP Code: 11516

30 Nissan – Erev Shabbos Friday, April 28 1st Day Rosh Chodesh Iyar Daf yomi: Pesachim 101 Omer: 15 Z’manim*: Earliest tefillin: 4:59 am Sunrise: 5:58 am latest Shema: M. Av. 8:49 am Gr’a 9:25 am Candle Lighting: 7:29 pm 1 Iyar – Shabbos Saturday, April 29 Shabbos Parashas Tazria-Metzora 2nd Day Rosh Chodesh Iyar Pirkei Avos: Chapter 2 Shabbos ends**: 8:34 pm 72 min. 9:01 pm 5 Iyar Tuesday, May 3 Israel Independence Day 7 Iyar – Erev Shabbos Friday, May 5 Daf yomi: Pesachim 108 Omer: 22 Earliest tefillin: 4:49 am Sunrise: 5:49 am latest Shema: M. Av. 8:44 am Gr’a 9:20 am Candle Lighting: 7:36 pm 8 Iyar – Shabbos Saturday, May 6 Shabbos Parashas Acharei Mos–Kedoshim Pirkei Avos: Chapter 3 Shabbos ends**: 8:42 pm 72 min. 9:08 pm * from MyZmanim.com (EDT) ** add a few minutes for tosefos Shabbos/Yom Tov according to your minhag 4 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES This is where the economic situa- terrorists launch missiles into Israel. reach out to others to help you repair wholeness of the Land of Israel. We tion comes into the picture. The sad And now, nine months down the the very situation you created? It’s like are in the immediate aftermath of the reality of this situation is that some of road, representatives of these and the old line about the man who mur- holiday that marked and celebrated the religious parties in Israel had the other figures in Israel are sending peo- dered his parents, asking the court for our Exodus from Egypt, that had us up power last summer to stop the Gush ple to reach out to the American mercy because he is an orphan. into the early morning speaking about Katif evacuation from taking place. For Jewish community to help the families As unbelievable as all this is, what is the miracles from Hashem that saved a while, they walked a fine line that have been thrown into disarray— even more unreal is that the same exact us as a people from overwhelming mil- between endorsing and rejecting and in some cases broken apart— scenario is about to be re-enacted with itary and other opposition at the time. Sharon’s commitment to yanking these because of what happened to them in the same players. The new Kadima gov- It becomes a bit more understand- people out of their homes. The lack of Gush Katif last summer. One of the ernment under Ehud Olmert has made able why Hashem allowed us to take commitment in opposing the with- all of Egypt’s treasures with us when drawal was based on the fact that a we left servitude there, and why the substantial amount of money—tens of treasure increased measurably when millions of dollars—was offered to The sad reality of this situation is that some of the the chariots carrying the Egyptian their rabbinical and political leaders in forces were overwhelmed by the waves exchange for not coming out too vocif- of the Red Sea. It seems that Bnei erously against the evacuation. Led by religious parties in Israel had the power last summer Yisrael had to have enough money to United Torah Judaism, which takes its function without coming up with con- direction from Rav Elyashiv, and Shas, to stop the Gush Katif evacuation from taking place. voluted ideas about how take matters which is led by Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, into their own hands so as to somehow both groups were convinced to look produce an income. Who knows what the other way while other people’s they would have come up with if they yeshivas and shuls were bulldozed and major concerns is the disenchanted it abundantly clear that it intends to weren’t so Divinely well-supported, erased from the face of the earth. youth, who were once the cream of an evacuate more communities, this time fed, housed, and clothed while in the Certainly no one I’ve spoken to in outstanding generation of young peo- in the Shomron, with the long-term desert? Israel going back more than a decade ple committed to both Torah and Eretz plan to transfer upwards of 50,000 It’s difficult to place oneself in the has expressed opposition to making sac- Yisrael. Many of them feel misled and Jews from their homes. You cannot be a position of people who make individ- rifices if it would bring real and genuine even betrayed, having given so much part of Olmert’s coalition unless you ual decisions in Israel today. But those peace to the people who live in Israel. of themselves for so many years so as agree to significantly shrink Eretz who make decisions that have broad Residents of Gaza and the Shomron to safeguard the heartland of Israel. Yisrael in the coming several years. and long-lasting implications should told me years ago that if they could be It’s true that it’s possible to say that This has not stopped Shas or United be looking at things with a more dis- convinced that leaving their homes taking the money from Sharon was a Torah Judaism from joining his govern- cerning eye. What does it say to Jews would bring peace, they would leave calculated move: People were in des- ment. All this says is that their con- everywhere who have fought, with great sadness but would do so will- perate straits and these communities stituents need money and that every marched, protested, demonstrated, ingly. As we have seen, unfortunately, were probably going to be evacuated and any move is justified in order to get supported, and lived in Eretz Yisrael the Gaza withdrawal has created the anyway, so we might as well get $50 or that government money allocated in when attitudes and approaches that opposite of anything resembling peace. $60 million for the yeshivas so that they their direction. are thousands of years old are neglect- In fact, the very grounds where these can pay their students who are married Sadly, this philosophy and approach ed and set aside for a few bucks? great communities once stood are now and raising families. But once you con- defies everything we’ve come to value Actually, it says a lot. ❖ used as training facilities for terrorists tribute, in whatever way, to creating a and cherish about a knowledgeable Larry Gordon is Publisher and Editor of the and as grounds from which Palestinian situation, how can you turn around and Jews approach to maintaining the Five Towns Jewish Times.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 5 Students Protest Continued from Front Cover protest was timed to coincide with Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 516-984-0079 Day. “It’s not sufficient to merely [email protected] remember and reflect upon the atroci- [email protected] ties of the Holocaust, but we must feel LARRY GORDON a sense of moral outrage that compels Publisher/Editor us to bring these murderers to justice,” ESTA J. GORDON said Rabbi Zev Friedman, dean of Managing Editor Rambam. YOSSI GORDON Ukraine was notorious for its willing Director of Sales and active participation in the liquida- CHANA ROCHEL ROSS tion of tens of thousands of Jews. In Editorial Assistant Babi Yar alone, close to 35,000 Jews SIDI BARON, YAKOV SERLE, JERRY MARKOVITZ Sales Representatives were shot to death in killing pits. Rambam students demonstrating in Manhattan on Yom HaShoah. SHMUEL GERBER Despite the active participation of Chief Copy Editor thousands of Ukrainian Nazi collabo- MICHELE JUSTIC, YEHUDIT SANDERS rators during the Holocaust, the November 3, 1943. Both entered the States does? Where is their sense of jus- Copy Editors Ukraine has, to date, never put a single U.S. under false pretenses, claiming tice?” asked Rabbi Friedman. CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Nazi war criminal on trial. In fact, that they were farmers during the war. In his remarks, Rabbi Friedman Irwin Benjamin according to the Simon Wiesenthal “It’s time for the Ukrainians to face implored the Ukrainian government to Hannah Reich Berman center, the Ukraine is notorious “for its their past and aggressively pursue and face their history of anti-Semitism. He Rabbi Arye Z. Ginzberg Yochanan Gordon total failure to address the issue of punish the killers of their own citizens, recounted the hundreds of thousands Michele Herenstein Holocaust perpetrators.” who happened to be Jews,” said student of Jewish victims whose blood drenches Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky Protestors called upon the rally organizer Zoli Honig, a senior at the Ukrainian countryside. “Remember Esther Mann Rochelle Miller Ukrainian government to demand the Rambam. Members of Congress have Babi Yar! Remember the Chmelnitski Arye Nisonson immediate extradition of Jaroslaw also echoed this sentiment, and accord- massacres of 1648!” said Friedman. Paula L. Simmonds Bilaniuk and Jakiw Palij, the last two ing to Congressman Joseph Crowley, “it Referencing the fact that Chmelnitski’s DOV M. GORDON known Nazis living in New York City. is time for these men who aided and statue stands prominently in the Operations Director Both were born in the Ukraine in 1923 participated in Nazi atrocities to be held Ukrainian capitol of Kiev, Rabbi IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS in the town of Piadyki. Both served as accountable for their actions.” Friedman wondered “How come this Staff Photographers armed guards at the notorious “The Ukrainians have the moral man is recognized as a national hero?” FRANKEL & CO., CREATIVE DESIGN LLC Tranwiki Labor camp. Both guarded responsibility to take immediate action Rabbi Yotav Eliach, principal of Design & Production prisoners held under inhumane condi- in bringing these murderers to justice. Rambam, emphasized that the purpose TALIYE CORLEY tions and prevented their escape. Both Our government has already initiated of the rally was to confront the Art Director The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly news- participated in an operation, SS code proceedings against these two, actually Ukrainian government and urge them paper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not named “Operation Harvest Festival,” ordering Palij to be deported for his role to do the right thing. “The Justice necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not brutally slaughtering the entire inmate in World War II atrocities. Why don’t the responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times. population of some 6,000 Jews on Ukrainians care as much as the United Continued on Page 8

6 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 7 Students Protest Continued from Page 6

Department has found cause to deport these men. They are convinced that these men are war criminals. The only thing that remains is to extradite them and try them for their crimes.” Rabbi Eliach noted that “we are not looking for a show trial. We want the people of Ukraine—and the world in general—to be educated as to what occurred during the Holocaust, so they can do their part to see that such horrors are never committed again.” During the speeches, students broke out in rhythmic chants, making clear their demands of the Ukrainian government. “Take them back!,” “Do what’s right. Extradite!,” and “What do we want? Justice!” echoed throughout the crowd. The rally hit its high point when a passerby stopped and asked to address the students. This man, a physician who immigrated from Kiev, was a survivor of Ukrainian anti- Semitism. His grandparents were slaughtered in Babi Yar. He applauded the students and urged them to press their case. In keeping with the theme of Yom HaShoah, Rabbi Peretz Hochbaum, associate principal of Rambam, underscored the significance of holding the rally on this day. “We are deeply moved by the events of the Holocaust and the memories of the souls whom we mourn today. But feeling bad is not enough. We are here today to turn our emotions into actions,” said Hochbaum. He then concluded his remarks by reciting the Yizkor prayer in memory of the six million Jews who perished in the Shoah. The rally concluded with Rabbis Friedman and Eliach knocking on the door of the Ukrainian mission and asking for a meeting to express the importance of their cause. The rabbis were not admitted to the mission, but that did not deter them. “We will keep at it as long as it takes,” said Rabbi Friedman. “We will continue to press their government and we will take up the issue in Congress, as well.” Rambam students have a long record of activism and involvement in public policy. These efforts, born out of the school’s philosophical commitment to “U’viarta hara mikirbecha—You shall purge evil from your midst,” have led to demonstrations and rallies against Nazi war criminals, Saudi-sponsored terror, French anti–Semitism, human rights violations, and more. “Rambam students have been influential in shap-

Continued on Page 10 8 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 9 again,” said Rabbi Eliach. In fact, in Students Protest 2002, Rambam played a significant Continued from Page 8 role in getting the governments of Latvia and Australia to cooperate in Above, left: Rabbi Zev Friedman, Rosh Yeshiva of Rambam Mesivta, leads Rambam students in ing governmental policy toward Nazi the extradition and trial of Konrad Holocaust Remembrance Day demonstration. Above: Rabbi Yotav Eliach, Rambam principal, criminals in the past, and we can do it Kaleijsa, a Nazi war criminal. ❖ addresses students demonstrating against Natzi war criminals this week in New York City. Midrash Shmuel’s Rosh Yeshiva To Spend Shabbos In Lawrence

Rabbi Binyomin Moskovitz, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Midrash Shmuel in Jerusalem.

The American alumni of Yeshiva Midrash Shmuel of Jerusalem are delighted to welcome Reb Binyomin Moskovits, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Midrash Shmuel, to Lawrence this coming Shabbos, Parashas Tazria–Metzora. Yeshiva Midrash Shmuel is located in the Shaarei Chessed neighborhood of Jerusalem and is currently home to over 200 bachurim from across the globe, along with a kollel of nearly 100 avre- ichim. Founded over 13 years ago by Rabbi Moskovits, a disciple of the Ponovezh Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Shmuel Rozovsky, zt’l, the yeshiva is focused on giving young, English-speaking men the tools they need to develop into Torah scholars. The rosh yeshiva, assisted by a high-caliber staff, creates a warm and caring environment that fosters in each individual a love of Torah and his fellow man, enabling the students to be part of the greater Torah community. For further information or to apply for admission, please contact either R’ Akiva Hershkowitz at 917-533-0954 or R’ Ben Goodman in Eretz Yisroel at 972-525-526-647. 10 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE a new experience, as we joined Dr. ing to myself and wondering, “Where a mini-tour of this area of downtown St. Norman and Mrs. Zahava Goldwasser do they hide these places?” The impor- Pete. A young man—probably no more Continued from Front Cover of Miami, who over a year ago began to tant thing was, though, that we were than 19 or 20 years old—walked by us venient continent. For those involved plot and plan a unique and cutting- there and would begin to get acclimat- as we stood waiting and seemed to in compiling this column, Pesach land- edge Pesach program. They included in ed to our new environs. mumble something in our direction. ed us in St. Petersburg, Florida at the the mix more than just a few top-of- The first matter of business was to One of my sons could not make out Bayfront Hilton at the edge of the Gulf the-line lecturers and leading rabbis, become acquainted with the immediate what he was saying and asked him what of Mexico on this state’s western edge. and everything about what they area in which we were situated. Mostly it was that he said. At that point he lift- And it was indeed a spectacular cel- ed his forearm over his head and non- ebration of this very special time of chalantly uttered the words “Heil year on the Jewish calendar. To recog- Hitler.” Apparently it was his way of wel- nize what the things are that make an I asked, “And what’s your last name?” coming some out-of-towners to his city. event of this magnitude possible, one I had to then explain to my 13- and 11- has to look just about everywhere and We were on the same page, it seemed, because year-old children what this young man’s acknowledge everything, the little greeting was all about. I told them that items along with the big ones. his very quick retort was, “It’s not ‘bin Laden.’ ” the kid himself probably didn’t under- For me, St. Petersburg looks like a stand the implications of what he was boating and surfing town where the saying; that the hate speech was proba- water that seems to surround us is wor- planned to offer and did indeed offer there were boats; some docked, others bly part of his DNA. I explained that, shipped as a deity. Regardless of my was first-class all the way. The world- sailing off somewhere between the upon closer examination, they would holiday walks around the nearby marina class presenters were led by Rabbi shore and the horizon. The hotels, office probably find that he was more full of or the many times that I passed by the Paysach Krohn and Rabbi Aryeh Z. buildings, and even the private resi- drugs and alcohol than hate. St. Petersburg Yacht Club, to me this Ginzberg, who both fascinated and dences are all festooned in bright, sum- That street episode was quickly for- town will continue forever to be syn- intellectually titillated their audiences. mery Florida colors and usually topped gotten, as there was the matter of excite- onymous with the New York Mets and Like so many other remote areas of off with Spanish-tile roofs that punctu- ment of an upcoming Seder to antici- spring training—despite the fact that the world, this spot on the map is just ate their impressive appearance. Early pate and deal with. As we decorated the baseball’s expansion has wreaked havoc magnificent. Those first few days I had on erev Yom Tov, all of us in the family on the things that used to provide sta- this somewhat stunned feeling think- were waiting at a nearby trolley stop for Continued on Page 12 bility to baseball. That means that right here in St. Pete and on the border with neighboring Tampa, there is a spank- ing-new stadium which plays host to the Tampa Devil Rays. The Mets spring facility has set up shop in Port Saint Lucie. This becomes pertinent to this narrative because one of the family activities we indulged in last week on Chol HaMoeid was as spectators of a ball game between these Devil Rays and a bunch of similarly unknown and obscure ball players from the team that hails from Kansas City. Despite the personalities involved, I have to note for the record that this was probably—to the best of my recol- lection—the third game I had ever attended on the intermediate days of Pesach in my half-century spent col- lecting experiences on this planet. Frankly, had you asked whether this was my first or my tenth game during this time of year, I would have had to respond that I was uncertain which number it may have been. But then, when we began to get a little hungry during the game and became painfully aware of the Passover restriction on ingesting any questionable foods or drinks—even water—that’s when the brief history of games attended under these circumstances popped into mind. I suppose you can attribute the clarity of those recollections to the hard- boiled eggs, matzah, and apple juice. I think we’ll get back to the ball game in a few moments, but prefer to first, as a matter of exposition, set the stage more accurately so that you, the reader, understand with some clarity where it is the writer is coming from. This is being composed during Chol HaMoeid Pesach in the warm confines of western Florida. It is about 85 degrees each day and, even more important than that, is the startling and profoundly deep blue of the afternoon sky that houses the sun that seems to bake everything in its path. Pesach away is an important change of pace for us. We look forward to it for many weeks prior to the Yom Tov’s arrival. It’s our getaway, our change of routine, and a way for us to figure out a fashion in which to recharge our bat- teries. This year was also going to bring 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 11 HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE there were also families from Miami, Los Angeles, Israel, London, and Continued from Page 11 Mexico City, amongst others. Led by Seder table with the holiday accouter- Rabbi Krohn and Rabbi Ginzberg, the ments—including the Seder plate, the schedule featured a litany of virtually wine goblets and, of course, the tradi- non-stop shiurim along with inspiring tional food staples of the Seder table— and motivational lectures. the opportunity presented itself to meet And then there was the matzah and with the dining staff; in particular, the the hard-boiled eggs that took me back to waiters who would play a pivotal and 1963. (By the way, I also met a man who prominent role in our Seder, which fea- told me he was upset about something tured 18 participants. The gentleman my father wrote in the Yiddish paper he that would be the waiter that evening edited in 1957.) Perhaps it was lack of approached and extended his hand to preparation or maybe I had just forgotten introduce himself, as once the Seder about what natural allies Pesach and started we would be spending some six major-league baseball are. The first time or so hours together. “Hello, how are I ate matzah and eggs inside a major- you?” he said, “My name is Osama.” I league ball park, Mickey Mantle hit a two was thrown, but only for a moment, as I run home run, Roger Maris played right tried to estimate whether he was kid- field and Whitey Ford was pitching. At ding or not. There was a silence for a that first Chol HaMoeid game, the Yanks moment and then I heard myself say to were playing the Baltimore Orioles. Boog him, “Your name is Osama?” To that he Powell was playing first base for the reiterated his response and said, “Yes, Orioles, as I sat there wondering what Osama.” Again there was a short, awk- kind of parents name their child “Boog.” ward pause and then in an effort to Somewhere during those mid-game lighten it up a little I asked, “And what’s innings, we began to peel our eggs and your last name?” We were on the same break off little pieces of matzah that we page, it seemed, because his very quick held inside personalized plastic bags. All retort was, “It’s not ‘bin Laden.’” We around us the vendors were hawking beer both had a good laugh. and pretzels, hot dogs and cotton candy. From there on, Yom Tov sailed by And while even during the rest of the sea- smoothly and enjoyably. The Tampa son we would rarely partake of anything Bay–St. Petersburg area features out- offered except the soda, Pesach, I felt, iso- standing weather most of the year, and lated us even more than at any other this Pesach was no different. The Hilton game during the year. I’ll always remem- hotel here did an outstanding job deliv- ber those fairly good seats in Yankee ering a perfect Pesach to its clientele, Stadium and the decision to dump the which featured families who gathered egg peels in the exact same place that from around the world. Of course there everyone else was throwing their peanut were people here from New York, but shells—underneath our seats.

12 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES The next time after that on which baseball, eggs, and matzah made an s”xc appearance in my life was during Pesach of 1991. We were at Sam Lasko’s magnificent Bonaventure Hotel in Fort Lauderdale and, as the fate of New Yorkers for Pesach in Florida would have it, Pesach came out that year right in the middle of the spring training season. Could there possibly be anything materially more gratifying than Pesach away in Florida with the Yankees playing the Mets on a Chol HaMoeid Sunday? The only thing lacking was that it was not a double-header. The then-Yankee Stadium in Fort Lauderdale was as intimate as a baseball stadium can get. Seating capacity was only about 3,000. We were so close, it was easy to analyze the looks on some of the players’ faces. Again, we had our Pesach equipment with us: the tradition- al boxed lunch featuring two of those seasonal hard-boiled eggs, some matzah, a piece or two of cheese, and some apple juice to wash it all down. The different worlds that we are challenged to exist in seemed to collide at the time. There they were together—the chomping on she- murah matzah side by side with Darryl Strawberry taking batting practice. Frankly, I had almost forgotten how good those things taste with baseball until last week when, once again, the Yom Tov and the MLB schedule brought us to Tropicana Stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida for a Sunday afternoon game between the local Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the Kansas City Royals. The Devil Rays are a relatively new team and are still navigating their way toward maturity as a team. This was the first time I was inside of a baseball stadium with a dome covering it. Considering that it only rains about 10 days a year in Tampa, an occasional tourist has to wonder “Why the dome?” with all this good weather all year round. And further wondering whether we’d be better off with the dome in New York, where it has been known to snow on opening day. You quickly realize, however, that the dome is quite necessary for one very non-New York type reason. And that is that the temperature in Tampa–St. Pete exceeds 100 degrees just about every day of July and August. So, it’s “Turn on the air conditioning, and play ball!” So there we sat again with the vendors around us selling beer, chips, hot dogs, and pretzels. Every time one particular vendor working our area yelled out, “beer here,” I thought of the little container of apple juice I had tucked away in my bag under my seat. It was Pesach—an opportunity to celebrate perhaps history’s greatest departure with a little departure of our own on a number of levels. My guess is that this was the first time matzah, hard-boiled eggs, or kosher-for- Passover apple juice was consumed in Tropicana Field. Our commentators on the Haggadah say that amongst the reasons why the Jewish people had to be enslaved in Egypt was that there were sparks of holiness present there from the time of creation. They add that as a prel- ude to our ultimate redemption as a nation, all these particles of holiness will have to be absorbed by Jews living through the generations. Maybe there were a couple of those sparks in Tampa–St. Pete. If there were, I think we EXP. 5/31/06 got them. ❖ 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 13 Pesach Of ’06 activities that not everyone partakes in. Continued from Front Cover The one thing that everyone seemed to be in agreement upon that day was “much-needed” may sound a tad bit dra- the awesomeness of being able to find matic, I suspect most women will a spot on Central Avenue in front of understand where I’m coming from) to any store you chose at any time of the match a brown skirt I recently bought. I day. I am not a fan of parallel parking, finally wandered into Jildor, a shoe store and was happy that I didn’t have to use in Cedarhurst, carrying an iced coffee. I that particular underdeveloped skill. peered at my watch and realized that I Later that afternoon, my parents and had to dispose of the coffee quickly, I drove to New Jersey to spend the first because in two minutes I “officially” days of Pesach with one of my brothers couldn’t own chametz anymore. Jildor and his family. It took us a very long was almost devoid of customers, but the three hours to get there, and it seemed salesmen were chatting and laughing. as if the whole New York was celebrating They asked if I needed assistance and I Passover at someone else’s house. Over told them that I needed to throw out my the phone, my dad walked my brother iced coffee ASAP. They nodded in through the special instructions on how understanding, as if this once-a-year to make delicious charoset. I know, you concept was familiar to them. One all think it’s so simple, but according to super-friendly salesman told me that my dad, making charoset is an art form. he’d take the coffee from me and would The most astounding part of the time accept ownership of it as well, as long as spent in Teaneck was not the ’80s songs he could take a sip. We laughed. The that my sister-in-law and I sang (at the coffee became his, and in a few short top of our lungs, with spoons as micro- minutes, a new pair of brown shoes phones) while washing and drying the became mine. dishes, but the amount of cakes my sis- My mom and I went to get a mani- ter-in-law made. She is a wonderful cure, and as we left the store, the Asian cook and baker, but her kids (and I) are women called out to us, “Chag even better cake eaters. Twenty-three Samei’ach.” They pronounced the “ch” cakes were gobbled up in just three sound perfectly. My mom and I burst days. I kid you not! And yes, that is why out laughing, because nothing about the I am now undertaking a starvation diet Five Towns surprises us anymore, not until the next Jewish food fest, Shavuot. even the bonfire that burned that morn- On Sunday morning of Chol ing by the Cedarhurst fire station. Many HaMoeid, my parents and I flew to families went there to burn their Florida. Being in Miami Beach was very chametz, and the firefighters kept watch relaxing, consisting of a lot of eating, over the fire. It’s wonderful to see how reading, and family time. Each day I residents of the Five Towns can bond would take a very long walk on the with and help each other, even with boardwalk or the beach. On the last full

14 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES day of our vacation, which came out on s”xc Shabbat, many Five Towners stopped me during my walk to ask how I would portray my Pesach experience in an arti- cle. I smiled at them and teasingly replied that they would have to pick up a copy of the Five Towns Jewish Times if they wanted to satisfy their curiosity. You might wonder why, on erev Yom Tov of Chol HaMoeid I was sitting on a bed in a stranger’s hotel room at the Wyndham Hotel on Collins Avenue. Well, actually it’s pretty simple. Two very business-savvy hairdressers, who work on Central Avenue, come down to Florida every year on Passover to blow out women’s hair for the holiday. They probably make a good deal of money, and many women are beauti- fied in the process. But it wasn’t all perfect. Walking up and down eleven flights of stairs each time I wanted to get to my apartment in the Alexander, waiting one and a half hours to get two slices of pizza on motza- ei Yom Tov, and having my room fan fall out of the ceiling while I was in bed are just some of the trials and tribulations of celebrating Pesach away from home. This morning, my last day in Florida, I went to see a Holocaust memorial. I’ve been to many Holocaust museums, but have never shed tears so quickly or had my heartstrings tugged so strongly. The memorial was a statue consisting of people, many of whom were children, clinging together and crying, mouths open in a silent plea, hanging on to a 70-foot-high yad (hand). Hands were reaching out for help. This memorial definitely grounded me after enjoying so much sun, sand, and sky. I suppose the lesson I took away is that life can be extremely enjoyable, and, at the same time, sometimes horrific. We don’t understand the reasons why things happen, but we always go on living. That is the Jewish way. I’m on an airplane now, flying home to New York. There are always various frustrations on a trip, such as a delayed flight, no air conditioning on the plane, and a one-and-a-half-hour wait for my luggage. And yes, these were just some of the many annoyances I endured on the trip home. All in all, however, Pesach was a joy. Much of it was spent with family—laughing, teasing, and of course, eating. I managed to finish five novels, avid reader that I am. And my diet won’t begin until after I have my Delta airlines snack, which will consist of a Diet Coke and a—oops, I forgot, Delta doesn’t serve snacks anymore. So I guess it’ll just be a Diet Coke. Tomorrow morning it’s back to work, after a full two weeks’ absence. As much as I love the holidays and vacation, I also love getting back into a routine. And as much as I love staying in hotels, I love sleeping in my own bed more. And as much as I love eating, I love fitting into my own clothes way more. I’m going to sign off now, since the airplane is experiencing turbulence, but first I’d like to thank my family for making my Pesach so special. And I really hope that all of you, my readers, had a great Pesach and, if you were away, I hope you returned home safely. Until next time. ❖

Michele Herenstein is a freelance journalist working in New York. She can be reached at [email protected]. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 15 Aliyah who had issues and concerns. We are citizens in order to avoid military serv- children, I doubted that a yeshiva ele- Continued from Front Cover obviously a team, and Goldie knew ice. Even more people use yeshiva mentary school administrator could when we married that I was unpre- exemptions. (I in no way intend to dis- find a job in a country where all the Looking back, we both came from pared to make the move. But I knew parage any of the people in those two schools are public schools and I don’t families that are pro-aliyah. Our par- that the minute I said to her, “Let’s go,” groups—they make their choices speak the language like a native. ents raised us both with an under- that she would be busy packing up. based on what they feel is best for Much as I may have wanted to, I just standing of the kedushah of Eretz That’s not to say that I didn’t want to them.) However, Goldie and I both felt didn’t think we could do it. Yet there was Yisrael and the z’chus that people have live in Israel. I love Israel and I always that if we were to live in Israel, it always that nagging voice in the back of in living there. We both spent our first loved the thought of eventually settling would be as citizens. In our hearts we my head that kept saying, “What if…?” year after high school learning there. there at some point. But I was con- felt a moral obligation that our chil- Last Shavuos, we spent the Yom Tov I have an older sister who went to in Teaneck with Goldie’s brother and his Israel right after high school and family. We spent most of the Yom Tov essentially never came back, and a meals talking about these issues and younger brother who made aliyah It was easy to say, how difficult they were for us. But I almost six years ago; my youngest started to think about it more seriously. brother plans to make aliyah in the I began to speak with my siblings next couple of years when he finishes “If only I could find a job, about the cost of living in Israel and his MBA. Goldie’s father lived in Israel what I would need to earn to support my for a year in 1961, in an attempt to I would really consider it.” family. Goldie and I discussed how such move there before returning to a move would impact our kids, especial- America to marry and start a family, ly the teenagers. We really thought and her older brother has planned to about how nice it would be, and what a make aliyah ever since I have known cerned about the safety of our kids. I dren do their part in protecting our difference it would make in the way our him, and may actually join us in the wasn’t prepared to put them (as I put it country (as part of a Hesder family would develop. Looking back, it next couple of years. then) in harm’s way, either as civilians yeshiva/army program) before they was that Yom Tov that really gave us the In truth, Goldie has always been 100 or as members of the Israeli army. started their chosen career paths. first push to really consider it. percent in favor of making aliyah ever Yes, I knew that there are many who Aside from the safety standpoint, I Of course, I was safe in these mus- since we first met; I was the person live in Israel without ever becoming also worried about finances. With six ings, since I was fully convinced that there was no way I would find a decent job there. So it was easy to magnani- mously say, “If only I could find a job, I would really consider it.” Then, just after the yamim nora’im, two things happened that dramatically altered my outlook on the whole situation. First, my sister-in-law sent me an e- mail about an Israeli yeshiva’s search for an administrator/fundraiser. I immediately thought that this was my prime opportunity to put the whole thing to rest. I reasoned that once they showed no interest in me, that I could legitimately say to everyone that I tried, but there really is no work for me in Israel. Although the job eventually went to someone else, the interest that this particular yeshiva showed me really opened my eyes to the opportunities that are available if you only look for them. I realized that I might be able to find something if I really wanted to, and that I had to decide what I wanted. So we talked about it—a lot. I was unsure what I wanted; I still had concerns about the situation in Israel and its long-term security as a home for our family. Then tragedy struck. Not me or my family, but in such a way that I took it deep to heart. You see, someone with whom I had developed a close friendship in the last five years or so lost control of his car while driving home one night in a heavy rainstorm, and was, tragically, killed in the accident. He was a young guy, with so much to live for. He had a wife and three children to whom he was devoted. He was extremely suc- cessful in his profession. Anyone who knew him understood that he was just a genuinely nice guy, with a heart of gold. And he was my friend. I took the news of his passing very hard. It really shook me. The tragic wastefulness of it hurt. I kept telling myself that there is a grand plan, and this was part of it. That I had to have emunah that this was what Hashem wanted and that this was the way things are supposed to be. That it was simply “his time” to go. This was when it hit me that the same thing applied to our making 16 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES aliyah. Of course, we don’t rely on miracles and only an idiot walks voluntar- Pullout Line Won’t Be Seen As Final Border ily in the middle of an active shootout. BY SHMUEL ROSNER However, I thought about all the tain a united European-American Americans were waiting, “trying to see things we say about emunah, and front on the issue. how international pressure affects about the Yad Hashem and about His The United States will not recognize “We need them for too many things, Hamas’s conduct, and if it succeeds in plan for the world. I thought about the a border created after a unilateral we won’t get into a conflict with them moderating it.” fact that if your time is up, it will be up withdrawal from the West Bank as over this issue,” an administration In interviews ahead of Israeli elec- no matter where you are, be it on a bus Israel’s permanent border, senior source said. tions, Olmert said he intended to in Yerushalayim or driving down the administration members said in unof- If the Israeli withdrawal receives the determine the final borders of Israel by highway. I realized that if chas v’shalom ficial conversations. blessing of the international community, 2010. In a speech by video to members tragedies are to befall us, worrying Prime Minister-designate Ehud “it will be assuming that any reduction of of the Anti-Defamation League, about them won’t prevent them; we Olmert, who is due to arrive in the U.S. the occupation is good for both sides, but Olmert said he would carry out his must do everything we can to ensure capital during the third week of May, it certainly won’t be support for a new plan after obtaining broad agreement our safety and security and understand has not presented the administration border,” a source in Washington said. in the international community and that, as always, the end result is in with a detailed plan for the second with- Any reasonable interpretation of the U.S. to the border line. Hashem’s hands. drawal he promised voters, and sources international law, a legal expert said, Specific problems have been raised Internally, I made peace with myself in the administration say discussion of “cannot allow recognition of a border with regard to Olmert’s plan. For and my concerns. I saw a glimpse of this is at a very preliminary stage. that was determined unilaterally.” example, Olmert has said he intends the emunah that powers the dedication However, a number of sources said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice the Jordan Valley to be Israel’s “securi- of those who live in Chevron and the unofficially that they believed the has said the U.S. would prefer an ty border”; sources defined as “low to cities of the West Bank. I understood administration would probably support agreed-on solution but that if there is no nil” the chance that such a line would just a little of how they decided to put such a withdrawal, but would not rec- partner, the U.S. would support one- receive international recognition. themselves in Hashem’s hands, leaving ognize it as one “after which there sided withdrawal. She noted that the The U.S. is likely to support a with- Him to safeguard and protect them would be no more need for negotia- Gaza disengagement started as a unilat- drawal because it wants to show some from harm. tion,” according to one source. eral move but in the end was coordinat- progress and “there aren’t a lot of other I saw what Goldie had seen all Sources in Washington said they ed with the Palestinian Authority. options on the table,” a source said. along: That if we were supposed to believed the U.S. would want to main- An administration source said the (Haaretz) ❖ make aliyah, things would work out. That our kids could grow up safe and secure in Israel. That we could achieve the same success that others have before us, if we put forth the serious effort to make things happen as much as we could. And we decided that we would try to put together a plan for it to happen this year, and that if we could work out the job issues, the teenage transition issues, and a zillion other issues, that we would actually do it. Sell our house. Move our family. Make aliyah. Next week I will try to encapsulate the past six months of actual planning that we have done regarding a job, moving, and other details. I will introduce you to Nefesh B’Nefesh and the wonderful things that they have done to encourage aliyah; I don’t think we’d be making aliyah if it were not for this organization and their staff. Thereafter, I will try to keep a journal of sorts so that you can “live through” the aliyah process and get a sense of what it is that olim go through—from our trip in a couple of weeks to find a house, all the way through what is certain to be a tumul- tuous first year in getting settled. ❖

Shmuel Katz is the executive director of the Yeshiva of South Shore. His wife, Goldie, is the controller at Bnos Bais Yaakov. Together with their six children (ages 1 to 15), the Katzes will iy’H be making aliyah this July. If you have a specific question (beyond “Are you out of your mind?”), please feel free to e-mail Shmuel Katz at [email protected].

Deadline for Advertising in the Next Issue is Monday, May 1 at 5:00 P.M. Call 516-984-0079

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 17 18 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 19 20 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 21 Nassau County Legislator Jeff Toback (D-Oceanside) presented Nassau County citations to nine Number Five School students in Cedarhurst for their achievement in ranking first in New York for the 35th Annual Knowledge Master Open. Top row (L–R): Sarah Essner, Stephanie Kendal, Anita Kassof Minor (teacher/coach), Mr. Toback, Alexandra Tse, Ruth Enriquez, and Ravneet Sandhu. Bottom row (L–R): Eric Hsu, Benjamin Breban, Kathleen Regan, and Matthew Brinsmead.

22 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 23 Dear Messed Up, you have the courage to connect with On an affirmative note, you are cor- each and every person whom you hurt? rect about the fact that long holidays Are you capable of exposing your vul- are often fraught with tension and anx- nerability in an attempt to find forgive- iety. When a lot of people get together ness? Are you ready to take responsibil- under one roof for an extended period ity for your behavior? of time, fireworks are bound to ignite. My guess is that this is what your Maybe not among all families; some wife is hoping for and anything less Dear Esther, myself getting annoyed at just about people have gentler natures than oth- will merely be a Band-Aid, while the So Pesach is over, and I’m not naive everyone. On the last day of Yom Tov, ers. But it sounds as though you and true infection is still festering. Perhaps enough to think that I’m the only per- my brother-in-law said something your wife’s family are way out there I sound melodramatic. Perhaps you’re son who had issues and problems over about one of my children and I just with your feelings and opinions. sorry you even wrote in to me. You Pesach. It seems that every year there’s lost it. I laced into him without mercy. I often suggest to people who are should know that I feel very strongly a blow-up of some sort. And when I And while I was at it, I told everyone anticipating a difficult Yom Tov to con- that no one has the right to intention- talk to friends, I learn that I’m not off. Everything that I had been think- sider what the predictable hot buttons ally hurt another human being. We’re alone in experiencing tension and ing the entire Pesach managed to are and to go into the holiday with a all just trying to get through the day. problems. come out of my mouth—like I was pos- game plan. Anticipate the stressors, And whatever tension you were experi- But this year really took the cake. I sessed or something. prepare for them, and be ready and encing over Yom Tov was surely experi- think I cooked my goose and don’t As I was shouting, I knew that I was able to handle them when they enced by everyone there, but somehow know if there is any way out. I feel like making a big mistake, but I just could- inevitably arise. Obviously you did not they all managed to hold it together. I’m hated by a lot of people who are n’t help myself. I felt like a seltzer bot- have a plan for how you would handle If you choose to take my advice, I important to me, and I have only tle, spraying all over the place. I certain difficult situations. It sounds wish you much luck and believe that myself to blame. glanced at my wife and saw a panic- as though by the time you responded, you will earn the respect of all, includ- My wife and I, along with our three stricken look on her face. you were already way out of control. ing—most importantly to you—the children, spent Pesach at my in-laws. The rest is a blur. Yom Tov managed So here you are, like a little boy who respect of your wife. They have a big house out of town that to end, we got home, and I’ve been had a tantrum, and you don’t know how Incidentally, I don’t think part of the is within driving distance from us. We apologizing to my wife ever since. The to make it all better. There is an adult solution is to never stay by your in-laws always go there for this particular hol- problem is that she won’t talk to me. concept called “making amends.” When for future holidays, but rather to go iday. My wife’s sister, her husband, and I’ve never seen her this angry at me a person truly crosses the line, and they prepared with a plan for dealing with their newborn were also there, as were and I just don’t know what to do. I care enough to right their wrong, it is the crowd and the issues that will my mother-in-law’s parents. So it was a brought her flowers for Shabbos and incumbent upon them to go over to each inevitably arise. And always try to full house. she barely looked at them. and every individual who was attacked remember what really matters: family, We are not a quiet, easygoing fami- I know I was out of line and should and sincerely apologize for the bad love, respect, and closeness. You don’t ly. In fact, everyone seems to have an probably never go to my in-laws again behavior. Often an apology is not quite have to all agree, but you have to be opinion, and a strong one at that. for a holiday, because it never ends enough; some sort of explanation is respectful and tolerant of one anoth- Some people would say we are a lively well. But I’m wondering if you have often needed, and sometimes even a er’s different opinions. If you can do all bunch, but it’s lively bordering on some suggestions for me as to how to promise of change becomes the clincher. that, you’ll be far ahead of most. argumentative. right the wrong with my wife, who is This is not easy for most people to Esther Though we tried to get out during understandably very embarrassed by do. It takes some soul-searching and Esther Mann, LMSW, has a private practice in Chol HaMoeid, there was way too me and angry at me. honesty, and a true desire to change Lawrence. She can be reached at 516-314-2295 much “together time,” and I found Messed Up future behavior. It takes courage. Do or by e-mail at [email protected].

24 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 25 ing back on Friday, but our flight was unbelievable. Following those observa- delayed six hours and it was too close to tions came the single Pesach reminis- Shabbos, so we had to stay two extra cence that has been discussed most days.” It’s imperative for travelers to be often in the past quarter of a century. able to share their experiences—both Remember the year there was an unex- the good and the not-so-good. pected snowstorm erev Yom Tov and Pre-Pesach there was one unfortu- people couldn’t get to where they were nate scenario that nobody bargained going? The salon was a beehive of Welcome Back, Pilgrims for. A few hours before the first Seder, excitement. Everyone had questions, as I sat relaxing by my manicurist, a comments, and, as always, memories This week we who remained home When people return home, conversa- sudden news bulletin hit the air. This of Pesachs past. welcomed back our brethren who fled tions open with, “How was the weath- broadcast didn’t come via radio or tel- By the time this is in print people will to the four corners of the earth for er?” Weather is a big thing with our evision; it came from a local girl who know, or think they know, how the fire Yom Tov—or at least to those corners tribe. I was home on Long Island during shouted, “Did you hear what happened started, where the guests ultimately that had matzah and other Pesach Pesach, and a friend of mine spent the last night?” as she burst through the went, and whether the building actually provisions. week in Teaneck—a distance of less door of the nail salon. Simultaneously, burned to the ground or was just badly Portions of the following paragraph than 50 miles; still, we asked each other 11 heads swiveled in her direction, and damaged. Since Pesach is over, most of appeared in my last column. And I how the weather was. And boasting isn’t we waited with bated breadth to hear us have lost interest in the details. But repeat it here only because those who an issue, because when discussing a the news. “A Pesach hotel had a fire there was one comment made that day didn’t get to read it are the very people that has remained with me. As the news to whom it pertains. sank in and speculation drew to a close, I can’t speak for all Passover travelers, one girl said, “That’s why my husband but those who travel to Florida have the It’s imperative for travelers to be able doesn’t like to go away. He always says, same discussions each year. As soon as the ‘What if at the last minute we can’t go? socializing begins, the number one ques- What will we do then?’” tion is, “How much did you pay for your to share their experiences—both the good Many people choose to remain ticket?” Matriarchs and/or patriarchs, home for Passover, and explanations who might spend upwards of $20,000 to and the not-so-good. aren’t necessary. But if one does feel take a large extended family away for the the need to explain, that “what if week, have been known to go berserk if something should happen” line of rea- they discover they paid $10 more for soning really takes the cake. Hopefully their airline ticket than a fellow traveler. Passover trip, people tell it exactly as it last night, and the guests are being it will take the pesachdikeh cake. The number two question is, “What air- was. This is the modern-day version of sent to other hotels.” But that’s what was said that day in line were you on?” And, finally, question Avadim Hayinu. Relaxation period was over! What the nail salon. And as every woman number three is, “When is your flight Hotel stories range from “our hotel followed was endless speculation, knows, what’s discussed during a man- back?” Question one is asked out of a sin- was great, but the weather was crummy” because women relish a good story—a icure session is the Word. cere desire to know that one didn’t over- to “the place looked nice, but the serv- good story being one that’s sad but that Welcome back, pilgrims! ❖ pay for his ticket. No one cares about the ice was horrendous.” And travel stories poses no threat to life or limb. Within Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a answers to questions two and three. The go something like this: “Our return seconds the place was abuzz. Isn’t every licensed real-estate broker associated with inquiries are made out of sheer boredom, flight was overbooked and people we kosher hotel booked? What are all those Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at or for lack of any other inspiring topic. knew got bumped.” Or, “We were com- people going to do? How awful! It’s [email protected] or 516-902-3733.

26 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 27 Sefirah, Halachic Chips, And Moral Development

BY RABBI Many gentiles and Reform would behoove them to first BEN NATHAN and Conservative Jews can be examine the evolution of a TIFERET HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS found literally with jaw agape certain type of medical equip- at the contrast. How can these ment. In the late 1980s and Walk into B&H Photo in people in the store be so famil- early 90s, a piece of equip- Manhattan, and you will see a iar with such concepts as ment known as a defibrillator fascinating sight. You will see lumens, pixel ratings, and was manufactured. It basical- the wizardry of modern tech- fiber-optic digital connections, ly sent 200 joules of electrici- nologies explained by people yet look so 19th-century in ty through a patient’s heart if who look as though they have their outward appearance? the patient’s heart had walked out of the pages of a How can they be so technolog- stopped. If it didn’t work the Roman Vishniac photograph- ically advanced, and yet also be first time, you did it again. ic essay of some unsophisti- so committed to the “antiquat- The third time you cranked cated Hungarian shtetl of 100 ed institution” of halachah? the machine up to 360 joules. years past. To resolve their quandary, it The old defib certainly saved lives, but there were problems associated with it. Well-meaning but uneducated laymen would abuse the defibs and could often damage the hearts of heart-attack victims when they used it improperly. Indeed, a cardiologist friend of mine was so horrified by this abuse that he decided to dedicate much of his precious leisure time to educate others as to the dangers involved in abusing this delicate piece of machin- ery. Laws were passed proscrib- ing the use of this machine unless under the direct supervi- sion of a medical doctor. But in the late 1990s that all changed. Someone discovered that one could program a tiny silicon chip to control the impulses and only activate the electricity when the heart actually needed it. The new defib could now be safely used by laymen—because that little chip was there—to serve and protect. Our B&H chassidim— indeed all Jews who are committed to halachah—also possess built-in tiny chips. And these “built-in halachah chips” make those people in whom they are firmly installed much more technologically advanced. They ensure that we do not go off or stray from the behavioral and moral norms that the Torah wants us to possess. In fact, they even cultivate within us the noble ideals and virtues that the Torah and Judaism’s prophets espoused. Dr. Kevin B. MacDonald, a psychology professor at California State University– Long Beach who is well-known for his anti-Semitic views, attributes the extremely low murder rate by Jewish people to the intricacies of the laws of shechitah and bedikah. We do not kill animals by ourselves— it is a complex process involv- ing a mastery over myriad halachos. He claims that the fact that Jews have avoided killing animals except under very specific and careful conditions has 28 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES suppressed and eliminated any blood-shedding tendencies. Halachic chips are meant to evoke thoughts within us. Not just thoughts, but feelings. Emotions. Responses. Indeed, they are there to evoke change. Let’s examine the idea of sefirah. Halachically-committed Jews mourn during this period between Pesach and Shavuos. They do not listen to music, do not take haircuts, and do not get married during the period of mourning held during sefirah. Why? To mourn the 24,000 students of the great Torah sage Rabbi Akiva, who all died in a devastating plague—a plague brought on by Hashem because of their own lack of sensitivity toward each other, as infinitesimally subtle as that lack of sensitivity may have been. And that’s the point. The mourning rituals and halachos in essence prod us to mourn the subtle behavioral breach toward others. The students of Rabbi Akiva did not fully accord each other the respect due them. This we mourn. It evokes thoughts within us. How are our own behavioral sensitivities? Do we treat each other properly? Do we treat our rabbanim properly? Do we treat our spouses and parents properly? The mourning evokes feelings—deep feelings—within our selves. We feel a sense of guilt. Are we delaying the ultimate redemption because of our own insensitivities toward others? The feelings turn to emotions, and eventually, we hope, they evoke change. The same notion can be seen from one of the reasons that we cover the challah by Shabbos meals. The berachah on the challah comes after the blessing on wine. According to one interpretation, we cover the challah so as not to embarrass it when the blessing on the wine is recited first. Even though they are inanimate objects, the idea is to imbue within us the notion of not embarrassing anyone. But this is only if the carbon- based units (i.e., people) possess the “internal chip” of halachah. Without the halachic chip, there are no internal stops, and we are likened to the old version of the defibrillator. We are bereft of the internal guide that makes sure we remain within safe norms. And we do not have a chip that guides us as to just the right amount of joules that are necessary to “literally move hearts.” It is not that halachah necessarily defines or guarantees our morality; the Gemara (Berachos 33b) tells us that

Continued on Page 30 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 29 Sefirah, Halachic Chips moral abyss. A case in point is a certain incredibly lofty plateau of morality ing the ultimate redemption process, he Continued from Page 29 person mentioned in the Talmud which the Chofetz Chaim stood upon. develops a more mature, broader out- (Menachos 44a). He wished to sin with The Gemara in Shabbos tells us of a look. But again, the entire process is ha’kol biydei Shamayim chutz mi’yiras a woman. His halachic “microchip” of bet that two men made to see if Hillel, rendered ineffective when we are not Shamayim—all is in the hands of tzitzis stopped him. the great sage, could become angry. committed to halachah. Without the Heaven except for fear of Heaven. There is also another factor, which is The experiment failed. Hillel did not commitment to halachah we become Moral choice is something that is the moral ecological environment of the lose his temper once. Rashi tells us outside observers—fat, aging members solely and entirely up to man. Rather, Jewish people in general. To understand that Leah named her son Reuvein in a of an audience outside the arena, who halachah can be viewed as an aid—a this factor, we must examine the notion prophetic moment. “Re’u vein” means just watch and comment about the necessary aid—that prods us to the of suicide. Suicide is a moral ill which “look at the difference.” When Esav Olympic contender inside the arena. insights and truths of the way things must be eliminated from society. The lost his birthright, he let out a loud and The ideal benefits of the “halachah ought to be. The Talmud in Gittin halachah tells us that suicide victims do bitter scream. Not so Reuvein, when chip” and its concomitant influences 59b tells us kol haTorah kullah not receive Jewish burials. The laws of he lost his birthright; the Torah tells us upon the neshamah of the individual, mip’nei darchei shalom—roughly shivah are set aside for suicide victims. “Vayidom—he was silent.” Truly a lofty however, cannot be achieved through a translated, this means that an integral These are examples of where the ecological moral level. forced coercion. For example, if a aspect of halachah is the moral virtue halachah assists in the purification of All this can shed light on why there is police officer were to handcuff an indi- that it teaches. the moral ecology of Klal Yisrael. This an obligation to study both the details of vidual for unruly behavior, the fact that When the halachah is internalized, it factor, however, possess its own dynam- halachah as well as the reasons for it. he is not lashing out at the officer is teaches virtue—if the person learning it ics. Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt’l, ruled that There are also kabbalistic concepts not a consequence of the moral influ- already possesses the requisite midos when it is clear that the suicide was involved in the performance of ence of the handcuffs. It is only a prac- and virtue to grasp it. Even people who motivated by mental instability, the mitzvos, which with the confluence of tical result of him being unable to do have not reached an internal level of Jewish burial is implemented, and the the notion of a halachic moral chip, so. It will have no long-lasting effect virtue can, through acculturation, be laws of shivah are, in fact, observed. have a remarkable impact effecting upon his midos. prodded into conformance, which can This ruling too, cultivates the moral even greater technological advance- A recent issue of the Jewish Observer and will enable them to become more ecological environs of Klal Yisrael in that ment: Briefly, when Hashem created was entirely dedicated to the issue of virtuous. The Gemara in Pesachim no streak of cruelty is allowed to enter. the world it was necessary for Hashem “at-risk children.” A number of issues (50b) summarizes this concept with the Taking this particular factor even to cause a tzimtzum—a figurative con- were re-examined as to how effective words, “Mitoch shelo lishmah ba further, it can be said that halachah is striction of Himself “from Himself to they may or may not have been. But lishmah.” Perhaps this is one of the rea- capable of cultivating a super-ecologi- Himself.” The process perforce these issues of teaching the philosophy sons why our sages explain that it is cal environment as well. A few cases in involved a moment of cosmic disloca- behind halachah, and discussing the imperative for a person to both know point: The Chofetz Chaim was once tion or brokenness. Divine sparks, nit- benefits of the “halachah chip” have and understand the reasons for the called as a character witness in a trial. zotzos, were flung throughout. The not, in this author’s opinion, been ade- mitzvos to the best of his or her abilities. The lawyer, introducing this illustrious world is thus in need of tikkun, repair. quately explored. Of course, it cannot The Gemara (Kiddushin 30b) tells us: witness to the judge, related a story of When a mitzvah is performed, the be done in a vacuum, but must be “Barasi yetzer ha’ra, barasi Torah tavlin— how as a shopkeeper the Chofetz Divine sparks are returned and a accompanied by including them in an I created an evil inclination; I created Chaim once chased a young thief a few tikkun (repair) is made. The perform- atmosphere where halachic observance Torah, its cure.” When someone choos- kilometers to inform him that he for- ance of the mitzvah accelerates the is highly respected. es to do wrong, there is often an accom- gave him. The judge responded to the ultimate redemptive process. A number of years ago, the leaders panying further self-corruption that fol- lawyer in sheer and utter disbelief. But When a person reflects upon this of Reform Judaism came to a startling lows. The guidelines of the Torah help we know that the story is true, and that kabbalistic concept and realizes that revelation. They have lost out—enor- stop the treacherous descent into the the Torah way of life cultivated this cosmic forces are at play here, includ- mously—because of their eroding

30 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES to keep hidden even through a possession on Pesach becomes was in his possession on Pesach. very thorough bedikas chametz. forbidden. However, bubble Marty writes that tossing the After Pesach, Marty’s rebbi gum is not chametz. At worst it baseball cards meant that commented that chametz contains kitniyos or kitniyos “twenty-five years later I would which remains in a Jew’s pos- derivatives, which may remain in never be able to use them to session over Pesach is prohibit- our possession on Pesach. pay for my son’s education or ed. Not only can one not eat Moreover, even if the gum did to make a wedding for my the chametz, but he also can- contain chametz, the cards are daughter.” I know how he feels, not derive benefit from it. not food, so they would not be because as a teenager I gave Dear Editor, tells how, in his childhood, his Marty asked if one was permit- forbidden. And even with true away my rookie Tom Seavers I enjoyed reading “Bedikas father looked askance upon ted to smell the chametz, and chametz, the halachah is that and Nolan Ryans, but Marty Baseball” (April 11), but baseball cards and did not per- his rebbi told him that even “reicha lav milsa,” scent is incon- should have kept the cards. whereas the author describes mit Marty to collect them. this was forbidden. Marty went sequential, and so one would be Avi Goldstein, his story as “basically true,” Nonetheless, Marty had a hid- home and detected the smell of permitted to smell chametz that Far Rockaway albeit with embellished facts, den stash of such cards, which gum on the cards. Deciding I think it is necessary to cor- came packed with a piece of that he could not benefit from rect the halachic implications bubble gum. Marty threw out the cards, he threw them out. that emerge. the gum but kept the cards, The halachah is indeed that The author, Marty Benson, which he somehow managed chametz remaining in a Jew’s

commitment to halachah. of the mainstream yeshivos. It is principle of our days, and with Perhaps it was just a fleeting my understanding that he near- them we shall conduct our- thought on their part, but ly got his head handed to him. selves day and night: “Ki heim they resolved to do more in Our Torah homes and chaiyeinu ve’orech yameinu, this area. By and large, how- yeshivos must foster within our u’vahem nehgeh yomam ever, the benefits of halachah children a healthy respect for valailoh.” In the centuries of and the study of its philoso- halachah, its reasons, and its Jewish history it can most cer- phy and reasons have been benefits and effects upon our tainly be said, “More than the lost upon the vast majority of neshamos. Done in the “forced Jew has kept halachah, Reform and Conservative down the throat method,” it halachah has kept the Jew.” Jews. can undermine its incredible So the next time we come Even in right-wing religious effects. Done properly, with across a person who clearly circles, the issue is not neces- effort taken to allow the beau- has a halachic chip firmly sarily appreciated. A guest lec- ty of halachah to be appreciat- installed, let us marvel at the turer at a major yeshiva in the ed, it has remarkable benefits. ingenuity of its technological New York metropolitan area In the blessing before the achievements—socially, made the unorthodox sugges- recitation of the Shema we say, morally, and historically. ❖ tion that the Sefer HaChinuch “They constitute the primacy To contact Rabbi Ben Nathan you become part of the curriculum of our life and the ordering may e-mail [email protected].

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 31 The entire Academy of Heaven said: and perfect than it. Whenever we expe- “It is impure.” rience awe, humility, devotion, and Said they: “Who shall decide it for us? Rabbah bar Nachmeini. For commitment, we are settling—affirm- Rabbah bar Nachmeini had declared: ing our connection to our existence; to ‘I am singular in the laws of tzara‘as…’ ” our place in the world and our mission They dispatched a messenger [to bring in life. Ratzo drives us to climb a moun- him to heaven]… Said [Rabbah]: tain, shov to build a home; ratzo to pray, “Tahor! Tahor!—Pure! Pure!” shov to do a mitzvah. (Talmud, Bava Metzia 86a) In the spiritually healthy soul, the will vacillates between ratzo and shov From The Chassidic Masters Flight From Self like the rise and fall of a well-balanced To understand the meaning of this pendulum; like the contraction and debate between the Holy One and the expansion of a smoothly beating heart. The Runaway Soul Academy of Heaven—and why a mor- The constraints of our place in the tal human being was called upon to world, the finiteness of our nature and The Torah sections of Tazria (Vayikra tzara‘as is if the white patch subse- decide between them—we must first body, the boundaries of our very 12–13) and Metzora (14–15) discuss quently caused (at least) two hairs in understand the nature of the tzara‘as being—these impel us to escape them, the laws of tzara‘as, a spiritual illness its area to turn white. Regarding this disease in general, and the significance to strive for the unbounded and the whose identifying mark was a white law, there is a remarkable passage in of the white patch and the white hair infinite. But our very escape brings us patch or patches appearing on the skin the Talmud that recounts a debate tak- in particular. to a place from which we better appre- of a person, on the walls of a home, or ing place in the “Academy of Heaven”: Chassidic teaching explains that the ciate the beauty and necessity of our on a cloth or leather garment. It was debated in the Academy of human soul is driven by two contrary existence. Thus the ratzo peaks and Not every white patch indicates Heaven: If the white patch precedes forces: the drive to run or escape provokes a counteraction of shov, of tzara‘as. There are several secondary the white hair, it is impure; if the white (ratzo), and the drive to settle (shov). return to oneself and one’s place in symptoms that determine whether the hair precedes the white patch, it is Every time we are overcome by excite- the world. person (or house or garment) should pure; but what if there is doubt (as to ment, love, ambition, or yearning, we Tzara‘as is the condition in which this which came first)? be declared tamei (impure). In the are running—escaping the self to reach crucial balance in disrupted, in which The Holy One, Blessed be He, said: human body, one of the signs of “It is pure.” for something greater, more beautiful, the pendulum of the soul ascends in its ratzo arc but fails to swing back in shov. The will escapes the self but fails to return, leaving behind a vacuum in which all sorts of undesirable elements can now take root like weeds in an abandoned garden. This is the significance of the white patches and the white hairs that are the symptoms of tzara‘as. A patch of white skin indicates that life and vitality have departed from (this part of) the body. Still, a white patch alone does not mean that the will’s failure to settle has resulted in any negative developments in the character and behavior of the person. But when we see white hairs sprouting in the white patch—when we see dead things feed- ing on this dead place—we have a full- blown case of tzara‘as. On the other hand, the existence of white hairs, in and of themselves, do not indicate tzara‘as. These might rep- resent the ordinary garbage that we lug through life, the run-of-the mill negative traits and experiences which actually have the positive function of chal- lenging us and provoking our finest tal- ents and most potent energies. It is only when the white hairs are caused by the white patch that something serious is afoot. Such a condition indicates that the person has run away with his escapist impulses so high and so far that he has completely abandoned his commitments to life and productivity, leaving behind a hollow and lifeless self that is a breeding ground for what is worst in human nature. Hence the law that a white hair is a symptom of tzara‘as only when the white patch precedes the white hair, indicating that this dead growth is the result of a certain area of the person’s life having been drained of its vitality.

Two Visions Of Man What is the root cause of tzara‘as? Ratzo is the escape from self, while shov is the return to self. It would therefore seem that tzara‘as—ratzo without shov— derives from excessive selflessness. In truth, however, the very opposite is the case. Ratzo is what the soul desires to do, while shov is what the soul is committed to do. Escapist 32 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES behavior is the ultimate self-indul- gence, while settling down is the ultimate submission. Tzara‘as, then, derives from a lack of humility; from the failure to yield one’s own will to the will of one’s Creator. This explains the aforementioned debate between The Holy One and the academy of heaven. The Kabbalists speak of two types of Divine energy that nourish our existence: a Divine “light that fills the worlds,” entering within them to relate to the individual character of every creature; and a Divine “light that encompasses the worlds”—a transcendent energy to which we can relate only as something mystical or spiritual; something that is outside of ourselves. Of course, the Divine essence is neither “filling” nor “encompassing.” Ultimately, G-d’s relationship with our existence cannot be defined as internal or external—it is neither and both, for the Divine reality is beyond such dis- tinctions and characterizations. But G-d desired to relate to us in a manner that is consistent with our reality. In our experience, there are things that are internal—things that we can understand and empathize with—and things that are encompassing, meaning that they are beyond the parameters of our understanding. So He, too, relates to us via these two channels, making Himself available to us via rational and apprehensible media (e.g., the laws of nature), as well as through mystical and spiritual vectors. There are numerous differences between these two modes of Divine energy and their effects upon us, discussed at length in the works of Kabbalah and Chassidism. One basic difference is that the Divine light that fills the world gives credence to our sense of reality and selfhood, while from the perspective of the encompassing light, which transcends the parameters of our existence, our reality has no true validity and our sense of self is little more than an illusion. The “Academy of Heaven” is an allusion to the filling light, while “The Holy One” (kedushah, holiness, meaning transcendence) connotes the encompassing light of G-d. So regarding the case in which there is doubt as to whether the white hair came before or after the white patch, the “Academy of Heaven” is inclined to declare this a case of tzara‘as. For this is the Divine perspective on man that recognizes man’s selfishness. If tzara‘as is a possi- bility, we must suspect that it has indeed occurred. “The Holy One,” however, sees man as an essentially selfless being. From the standpoint of the encompassing light, tzara‘as is an anomaly. If there is clear and conclusive evidence that a person has indulged his escapist desires to such an extreme, the laws of tzara‘as apply. But where there is doubt, this Divine perspective is inclined to declare him pure.

The Verdict Who might decide between these two Divine visions? Only one who is in touch with the overriding vision, with the singular truth that transcends both

Continued on Page 35 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 33 over seven decades of excellence in car- 6733, ext. 219, for more information. diovascular surgery. The National Health Leadership award went to Rebbitzen BasSheva Kanievsky Princess Yasmin Aga Khan for her tire- Calls Lawrence less fundraising efforts for the Living in an era of high-tech, we are Alzheimers Association. all busy upgrading our computers and The New Parkway Hospital is proud getting the latest-model cell phone. It is Parkway Doctors Attend National Housekeeping, Redbook, Ladies Home to be affiliated with doctors who have hard to believe that in Israel exists a Physician Of The Year Awards Journal, Town and Country, and New been chosen by this prestigious organi- tzadik who, because of his extreme dili- On March 15, a group of doctors from York Magazine, just to name a few. zation to be listed in their guides. “We gence in learning Torah, has never spo- The New Parkway Hospital were guests Each year, Castle Connolly receives constantly are striving to recruit the ken on a phone in his life! Such is the at the first annual National Physician of thousands of nominations from physi- best doctors and provide the best health life of Rav Chaim Kanievsky, shlita. It the Year Awards, hosted by Castle cians and hospitals across the United care because of our unwavering dedica- seems, however, that Rav Chaim’s wife, Connolly Medical Ltd. All the attending States as part of the selection process tion to our community,” said Robert J. Rebbitzen BasSheva does take to the physicians from The New Parkway used to identify America’s Top Doctors. Aquino, MD, The New Parkway phone—recently placing a call to Hospital have been noted in Castle The selected physicians, who are spread Hospital’s President and CEO. Lawrence. What was the reason for this Connolly’s America’s Top Doctors. across all 50 states and are involved in unprecedented phone call? As nation- Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. pub- more than 70 medical specialties and JCC Group For TBI wide efforts to save the youth of Gush lishes the prestigious and widely subspecialties, are chosen for their clin- A group for people who have sus- Katif gain momentum, word has spread acclaimed Top Doctors guides: ical excellence as well as their “unwa- tained Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) that Lawrence has taken the initiative America’s Top Doctors, Top Doctors: vering dedication to their patients and will meet on Thursday, April 27, at by hosting the inaugural kickoff event. New York Metro Area, and America’s to medicine as a whole.” 7:00 p.m. at the JCC, 207 Grove Held just before Pesach in the Renov Top Doctors for Cancer. Over the course of the evening, spe- Avenue in Cedarhurst. Special guest home, everyone present was shocked In addition, they are the leading cial awards were presented for “Lifetime Judy Talit, a Reiki Stress Reduction into action by the firsthand accounts partner for feature articles on top doc- Achievement” and “National Health Therapist, will lead in stress-reduction describing the present dangers affecting tors and top hospitals in national and Leadership.” The Lifetime Achievement and -management techniques. Please our neglected brothers and sisters. Esti regional magazines, such as Good award went to Dr. Michael DeBakey for call Lisa Barnett, LCSW, at 516-569- Stahler, among the main forces in the Lawrence committee, received a personal phone call from Rebbitzen Kanievsky, blessing her warmly for her efforts on behalf of Kehillot HaGush, the emergency relief efforts for the uprooted residents of Gush Katif. Kehillot HaGush was formed at the behest of Rav Chaim, and all project allocations are according to his decision. On a recent visit to Israel, Rabbi Dovid Weinberger of Congregation Shaaray Tefila was shocked to hear Rav Chaim cry out to him, “This is pikuach nefesh!” (life threatening). Understanding the urgency of these emergency efforts, the entire town’s rabbanim have endorsed it. Building dedi- cations are now available. For information, please call 347-407-2524. Tax- deductible contributions should be made out to Kehillot HaGush and sent to Ushi and Esti Stahler 17 Beechwood Drive, Lawrence, NY 11559.

Remembering Religious Holocaust Victims Religious heroes of the Holocaust will be honored this Sunday through a documentary film, V’nikdashti, that presents testimony of these survivors, who defied the Nazis through spiritual resistance and sacrifice. The film, which was previewed to rave reviews by hundreds of yeshiva students around the country on Asarah B’Teves, was produced by Torah Umesorah’s Zechor Yemos Olam program in con- junction with the Rabbi Leib Geliebter Memorial Foundation. It features firsthand testimonials against a backdrop of World War II footage. The V’nikdashti documentary will be presented for the first time to a community-wide audience in the Five Towns/Far Rockaway area this Sunday, April 30, at 9:30 a.m. at Congregation Shaaray Tefila, located at 25 Central Avenue (corner of Lord Ave) in Lawrence. Although the Nazis stripped victims of their identities by tattooing numbers on their arms, names are critically important to the international Jewish community. The Rabbi Leib Geliebter Memorial Foundation is actively

Continued on Page 36 34 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Satmar Rebbe Niftar At 91

BY HILLEL FENDEL the Redemption process. The Satmar community has New The Satmar Rebbe, Grand Rabbi York assets valued at close to a half-bil- Moshe Teitelbaum, passed away lion dollars, and the Satmar private- Monday night at the age of 91 at school system is the fourth-largest Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. school system in New York State. Many thousands of people attend- The Rebbe did not publicly choose ed the levayah on Tuesday morning, a successor in his lifetime, leading to which closed down streets in stiff competition between two of his Manhattan and Brooklyn. He was sons, Rabbis Aaron and Zalman buried in the Satmar community in Teitelbaum, and their respective fol- Kiryas Yoel, in Orange County, New lowers. His will, read aloud at the York. funeral, designated Rabbi Zalman as The Satmar Rebbe headed what is his successor, but the definitiveness apparently the fastest-growing of the will is in dispute, and the ques- Chassidic group in the United States, tion of succession may find itself numbering an estimated 60,000 in being taken up in secular courts, New York, including over 35,000 in where a number of claims have Williamsburg and another 15,000 to already been filed by both sides. 20,000 in Kiryas Yoel. There are sever- Rabbi Zalman’s son, Rabbi Chaim al other communities, in Jerusalem, Tzvi Teitelbaum, heads the Jerusalem Bnei Brak, London, and elsewhere. branch of Satmar, while a son of The Rebbe, author of Berach Moshe, Rabbi Moshe’s daughter, his oldest survived the Holocaust, though his wife child, heads the Bnei Brak group. and children did not. When he arrived in (Arutz Sheva) ❖ The Satmar Rebbe, Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum, zt’l. New York, he married again and began a new family, which now numbers six children and approximately 85 of their descendants. The rabbi’s first great- great-granddaughter was born the day he died. He succeeded the previous Satmar Rebbe, Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum, zt’l, the author of the seminal Satmar work VaYoel Moshe, in 1980. Satmar Chassidus is staunchly anti- Zionist, but should not be confused with the pro-PLO Neturei Karta sect. The previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yoel, explained that unlike Neturei Karta members, he would not meet with Yasser Arafat because he does “not meet with murderers.” The Satmarers do believe, however, that the State of Israel is a violation of Jewish Law, in that it is a forbidden attempt to hasten

INSIGHTS ON THE TORAH Continued from Page 33 the filling and the encompassing modes of Divine relationship with reality. Rabbah bar Nachmeini was “singular in the laws of tzara‘as.” He was a human being, but a human being who had so thoroughly devoted himself to G-d’s Torah that he had uncovered its singular core; he had uncovered the Divine vision of reality as it relates to the very essence of G-d rather than to the “filling” or “encompassing” elements of His light. When Rabbah bar Nachmeini pon- dered the laws of human selfishness and selflessness, he saw man as G-d Himself sees him: as a creation utterly devoted to the will of its Creator. A creation who, even if touched by the pos- sibility of the malady of shov-deficien- cy, is invariably declared, “Pure! Pure!” (Chabad.org) ❖

Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Courtesy of MeaningfulLife.com.

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 35 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS visit www.chabad5towns.com or call 516-295-2478. Continued from Page 34 On May 1, join Chaya Franklin at involved in Yad Vashem’s Names 8:15 p.m. in a kabbalistic evening class Project—a campaign to register the for women. On May 3, at 9:15 a.m., names of each and every Holocaust vic- meet at Chabad to join an exciting tim through “Pages of Testimony.” As excursion for women. Explore the the generation who survived the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens with Holocaust diminishes in size, the mem- noted tour guide Mrs. Chana ory of millions of Holocaust victims Sharfstein and visit Lubavitch World who perished al-Kiddush Hashem may Headquarters in Crown Heights. be lost unless their names are recorded Later on May 3, at 8:15 p.m., the for future generations to remember. Jewish Learning Institute III begins “Pages of Testimony” forms will be “From Sinai to Cyberspace.” Examine available at Shaaray Tefilah during the development of the oral tradition the V’Nikdashti presentation on April and its relationship with our written 30 and afterwards, and can be sub- texts. (For men and women.) Call to mitted to the shul office by survivors, Rafi Ohana register. Rabbi Manis Friedman relatives, or friends of victims. On May 5–7, treat yourself to a fun Participating in this project will Building on Atlantic Avenue. family getaway at the Grand ing for women at the home of Mrs. Rivki ensure that the memory of the Rafi Ohana has extensive residential Waterbury Hotel in Connecticut. Bortz, 64 Meadow Drive, Woodsburgh. kedoshim will be honored for eternity. mortgage and commercial lending Enjoy a spiritually uplifting Shabbaton To obtain the forms, contact Shaaray experience. His service excellence, with Rabbi Manis Friedman. Mesivta Ateres Yaakov Of Greater Tefilah at 516-239-2444. For assis- coupled with his broad product knowl- On May 11, at 8:15 p.m., Chabad Long Island Third Annual Banquet tance completing the forms, contact edge, results in unparalleled client sat- will hold a farbrengen for men in honor Mesivta Ateres Yaakov of Greater the Rabbi Leib Geliebter Memorial isfaction. Born in Israel and raised in of Pesach Sheini. Long Island, the Ruth & Hyman Foundation at 718-338-0679. New York, Rafi has been in the real- Join in a special Lag BaOmer cele- Simon High School, will celebrate its estate business for over 15 years and bration in Cedarhurst Park on May 16, Third Annual Banquet on Wednesday The Mortgage Go-To Guy has closed over half a billion dollars in 5:30–8:00 p.m. On May 22, at 8:15 evening, May 10, at the Sands at Rafi Ohana of GFI Mortgage loans. Rafi is friendly, personable, and p.m., Chabad will hold a weman’s pro- Atlantic Beach. Mesivta Ateres Yaakov, Bankers, Inc., is the man you want to a pleasure to deal with. To reach Rafi, gram, “Beautify your Shavuot Table!” under the dynamic leadership of its go to for straight talk and uncomplicat- call him at 516-561-6300 or e-mail Create a flower cake with floral design- menahel, Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe, ed processing of your next loan, [email protected]. er Alla, of Jerusalem Florist. Learn Ph.D., has shown continued growth whether residential or commercial. about the spiritual significance of the over the past three years, not only in While Rafi oversees a rather large Chabad’s May Events upcoming holiday. its enrollment but also in the many office staff, he always has time to sit Chabad of the Five Towns invites May 27 is “Birthday Shabbat” at learning opportunities it offers— with clients and take them through the the community to attend its upcoming Chabad. At 11:45 a.m., children will including a night seder program, guest process in a patient and well-thought- May events. Unless specified other- share their Jewish birthday with Chabad lecturers, learning mishnayos right out manner. Rafi’s office in Lynbrook wise, all events take place at 74 Maple friends born during the month of Sivan. after Shacharis during breakfast, a is just several minutes away from the Avenue in Cedarhurst. To RSVP or Finally, on May 30 at 8:15 p.m., there mock trial team, and much more. The heart of the Five Towns, in the Karako learn more about any event, please will be a rosh chodesh farbrengen gather- Mesivta provides an all-encompassing

36 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES limudei kodesh education as well as a Touro College. She is a best-selling Poland; a Days of Remembrance book sale will take place at Bachurei New York State Regents-approved author who has written three books: Ceremony at the United States Capitol Chemed Synagogue, 210 Edwards general-studies curriculum. It is a Jewish Soul On Fire (William Morrow), Rotunda; and a Founders Luncheon at Boulevard in Long Beach, from 12:00 remarkable achievement that in such The Committed Life, and The the United States Department of State. to 6:00 p.m. Books range in price from a brief period Mesivta Ateres Yaakov Committed Marriage (HarperCollins) 25¢ to $3, and customers will get to has become known throughout the and is currently working on her fourth Used-Book Sale: Proceeds To choose from a list of charities, includ- Five Towns, Queens, Brooklyn, and book, to be published in November. Benefit Charity Of Choice ing Meir Panim, a food pantry for the other nearby communities as a makom She has the longest-running Jewish TV When Estie Goldstein first came up poor; Camp Simcha,a camp for chil- Torah par excellence. program, in which she teaches the with the idea—a book sale to benefit dren with cancer; Magen David Adom; Much of the spirit and love of Torah Bible, and is a columnist for The Jewish charities—she decided to give it the American Heart Association; and will be evident at the upcoming Gala Jewish Press. a test-run. She posted her ad on a few the American Cancer Society. All Banquet, as they recognize and honor The swearing-in ceremony will take websites, and was shocked by the checks are tax-deductible. For more those individuals who have maintained place at the Holocaust Museum and response. Jews and non-Jews alike, information, please call Estie a continuous and deep involvement will be officiated by Margaret when they found out the books would Goldstein at 516-431-8676. with the mesivta. The banquet chair- Spellings, United States Secretary of be sold to benefit charities, offered men, Dr. Steven Kadish and Michael Education, and Fred. S. Zeidman, boxes and boxes of their used books. A Emunah Media Event Salzbank, along with the journal chair- Council Chairman of the museum. mother of seven and a full-time Emunah will be hosting an event man, David Portal, Esq., are pleased to This ceremony will be part of the teacher with the New York City Board featuring an appearance by Michael join with the entire community in “2006 Days of Remembrance Events” of Education, Estie spent her nights Tuchfeld, the world-renowned news extending gratitude to Itzi and Irene sponsored by the United States and weekends driving all over New editor, anchorman, and chief commen- Laub, Guests of Honor; Leibel and Holocaust Memorial Council and will York with her husband and children, tator on Israel TV2—the Knesset Myrna Zisman, Grandparents of the include a reception by Klaus Scharioth, picking up boxes of donated books and channel. The event will take place this Year; Rabbi Menachem and Mrs. Leah German Ambassador to the United sorting them at home in the basement. Saturday night, April 29, at 9:30 p.m., Brick, Parents of the Year; Barry and States, at the residence of the ambassa- She has collected approximately 4,000 and will benefit Emunah of America, a Robin Picker, Amud HaTorah dor, a tribute dinner at the Ritz-Carlton books since she first came up with the national Jewish organization to help Awardees; and Baruch and Susie Hotel, where the program will include a idea one year ago. families. It will take place at the home Singer, Amud HaChesed Awardees. keynote address by Aleksander On Sunday, May 28 and Monday, The banquet honorees are all won- Kwasniewski, former president of May 29, the Used Books 4 Charity Continued on Page 38 derful examples of the Mesivta Ateres Yaakov family. They all possess the val- ues and virtues, the mentchlechkeit and the dedication, that truly merits the honor that will be bestowed upon them at the banquet. They are all pillars of their respective communities and pillars of the mesivta, who reach beyond their own personal lives to enrich the future of the mesivta and its students. For reservations and information about the Gala Banquet, please call Chani Lonner at the mesivta, at 516- 374-6465, ext. 2.

President Appoints Rebbetzin Jungreis To Holocaust Council President George W. Bush has appointed Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. The appointment is of five years’ duration and will extend into the next administration. The council oversees the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC. The rebbetzin is herself a Holocaust survivor. Born in Hungary to one of the most illustrious rabbinic dynasties, the rebbetzin and her family were inmates of the infamous Bergen-Belsen Con- centration Camp. In 1947 she came to the United States with her parents and siblings and settled in New York, where her father, Rabbi Abraham Jungreis, founded a synagogue and yeshiva. In 1955, she married a fourth-cousin, the late Rabbi Meshulem Jungreis, and later founded Hineni, one of the first outreach movements in the world. The rebbetzin has won acclaim for her tire- less efforts in inspiring multitudes to greater Jewish commitment. In addition to her outreach work in the Jewish community, the rebbetzin has also addressed members of the U.S. Army and Navy, and delivered the benediction at the Republican National Convention in Madison Square Garden. She was also part of the presidential delegation to the dedication of the new wing of the Yad V’Shem Memorial in Jerusalem. The rebbetzin has been accorded recognition by many organizations and groups, including an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 37 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS fouls, which got her to the line with the bench, and her man-to-man defense the RAMAZ Rams. The teams were game tight and converted on 8 of 12, stopped anyone in her way. introduced with big cheers, but the Continued from Page 37 finishing with 14 points. Her rebounds These seven seniors will be sorely biggest reaction from the crowd came of Limor and David Decter, 106 were generally converted into fast missed. Their talent is unreal, and when as a visibly moved Dani Ross (’06) was Monroe Street, in Lawrence. For more breaks. Captain Rachel Genuth was a you watch them play together they are a called to the court as a member of the information, call 516-655-5297. formidable opponent for MDY, her pleasure to watch. They are unselfish starting lineup. As members of each tenacious defense and quick hands pro- and all trust each other on the court. team sang along with the American and Sports Plus ducing many steals and she finished The bench, the core of next year’s squad, Israeli national anthems, one could SKA Wins Eleventh Title In A Row! with 9. Naomi Kramer was a presence combined for 12 points. Special hakarat sense the palpable tension in the air. By Eliezer Cohen in the middle—pulling down 15 hatov to Coach Esther Oppenheimer. The game began with DRS immedi- SKA’s seniors came out strong, want- rebounds, which anchored SKA on the ately taking control, taking several ing to win their last game and a champi- defensive end, leading to second-chance DRS Sweeps Hockey Championships shots on goal, though the RAMAZ onship. No one wants the 104-game baskets on the offensive end. Her By Aryeh Sklar (’08) goalie held on. Suddenly, two penalties school winning streak to end on their defense and rebounds were key to the and Jason Strauss (’07) were called against DRS and the watch. SKA led by 15 at the half, but win. Captain Deena Klein walked away Few teams ever make it to the cham- Wildcats faced a 4 on 2. However, Magen David Yeshiva came out strong with the MVP award—Deena has been pionship. Even fewer get there twice. It superb penalty killing by Yoni Fein, in the second half and started chipping a key player all season—leading the was therefore very special that many of Eitan Schreier, and Captain Steven away—but it wasn’t enough. MDY’s team on every fast break with her many the members of the varsity hockey team Genachowski prevented the Rams Linda Nissim scored 14 in the second steals. Deena doubled as a point guard got their second shot in two years to from capitalizing. The rest of the first half (17 for the game) and Molly Beyda when needed. She has a deadly 3-point win it all. Last year, the JV won in dra- period was deadlocked, as both teams scored 8. There was no one superstar shot and was high scorer for the season, matic style against the SAR Sting. This took shot after shot without success. for SKA. Seven seniors, seven under- with 151 points. Off the bench, seniors year, a team that was thought to be Going into the second period tied 0–0, classmen were all superstars. Captain Gabrielle Graber and Danielle Todfeld champions two years ago finally came DRS took it up a notch. The fans got PG Lisa Ogorek was pressured by come out strong. Gabrielle’s long arms together and formed what could be the louder and the ’Cats got more aggres- MDY’s full-court press but never let it make it very difficult for anyone to shoot greatest yeshiva league team in years. sive until Yoni Fein scored the first goal get to her, and she had 13 assists along over, and her 5-foot jumper from the Hundreds of fans wearing green packed of the night a few minutes into the with her 14 points. Jaclyn Ramras was side is a killer shot. Her freshness and into the Lawrence Middle School gym period. With just seconds left of this powerful down low and drew numerous speed gave the team a push off the to cheer on the Wildcats as they took on 12-minute stanza, Max Ganz delivered a great pass to Yoni Orlofsky, who then scored the second DRS goal, ending the period at 2-0, Wildcats. The next period began the same way the last ended, with a goal by Elie Margulies, last year’s MVP. Exactly half way through the last period of regulation, Daniel Litton scored a goal by slap-shooting a long ring length bullet into the upper-right corner of the RAMAZ net. Not long after, Elie Margulies came through again with his second goal of the night. Giving up only one goal, Yehudah “Newman is a Wall!” Newman made 21 saves on Sunday night, nearly every one an incredible block. With the score 5–1 in favor of DRS, fans counted down to the end and rushed onto the court for the pile-on and celebration. Players, parents, fans, and teachers congratulated each other on the victory and a great championship season. DRS students from the “Greenhouse on the Road” lifted up Newman, chanting “MVP, MVP” knowing that no goalie or player deserved the award more. Not surprisingly, Newman was named the 2006 Yeshiva League Playoff MVP, and Coach Larry Gross and his deserving team were presented with the trophy of champions.

Champions! By Yair Saperstein (’08) The JV Hockey team shut out TABC in the “clash of the undefeated.” The crowd was pumped, cheering wildly. The DRS team ran out to the court as the crowd went crazy. Sruli Beitler scored the first goal 26 seconds into the game. He had two goals and one assist. Sam Schertz had a shutout as goalie, and Rafi Goodman and Zack Englander each scored a goal. Burry Klein was hailed for his amazing instinctive defense. Post- game, there was a “pile on” where the enthralled members of the hockey team all jumped on top of each other. They were thoroughly elated, as Sruli Beitler was announced as MVP. This is the second year in a row that the JV are celebrating as champions. We wish them a Mazel Tov on an unbelievable perfect 13–0 season! ❖ 38 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 39 Weld Outlines Plan For State Constitutional Convention

BY STUART W. MIRSKY Liberty Caucus, a national group dedi- the status quo, Spitzer’s supporters are Named the most fiscally conserva- cated to building libertarian con- already scoping out their new offices in tive governor in the nation by the Wall Former Massachusetts Governor sciousness within the GOP. Albany as they urge donors to kick even Street Journal during his tenure, Weld Bill Weld has his work cut out for him. Still, whoever wins the impending more cash into their sizable campaign oversaw an unprecedented triple Entering the New York gubernatorial Republican primary will have a tough kitty to enable a Spitzer rout this upgrade in his state’s bond rating and sweepstakes this year, the former gov- fight ahead of him, with Democrat November. Reached by phone on April changed Massachusetts from one of ernor must convince badly divided Attorney General Eliot Spitzer appar- 17, Weld appeared undaunted. “I’m the most highly taxed states in the Republicans to throw their support to ently beating all comers in early polling. making my run on my record,” he said, nation to one of the lowest. Many him in a tightly contested primary would agree that that kind of medicine against one-time Republican State is what’s needed in New York State in Assemblyman John Faso. Although 2006, as well. Weld has gained the support of New Weld changed Massachusetts from one of the Accused by some of being a York State GOP Chair Steve Minarik, Massachusetts carpetbagger, Weld, in Faso seems to have the much-coveted most highly taxed states in the nation to one of fact, is a born-and-bred New Yorker Conservative Party line in the bag, a who currently makes his home on line without which Republicans have the lowest. Many would agree that that kind of Long Island’s south shore and in the been unable to win statewide office medicine is what’s needed in New York. Adirondacks. Explaining his determi- since 1974. nation to make history and seek the Perhaps partly to offset this disad- governorship of a second state, Weld vantage, Weld has indicated an inter- notes that “New York needs someone est in other third-party nominations, Benefiting from the name recognition “a record that includes balancing six with a proven track record in bringing including that of the Libertarian Party, he’s built up during a high-profile state budgets in a row in Massachusetts down spending and who’s not part of and has already secured endorsement tenure as the state’s chief legal officer without raising taxes or borrowing a the current political culture.” by the libertarian-oriented Republican and extensive public disaffection with cent to meet operating needs.” “In other words,” he says, “an out- sider.” But how do you bring costs down, given the historic resistance to this, which has seen the state’s debt burden surge to an anticipated $56 billion by 2010? “You start with stopping the runaway spending,” says Weld. Noting his intention to enforce “zero-based budgeting” on state agen- cies, he emphasized his plan to demand that state bureaucrats account for every dollar they need, every year, and not just expect to be funded based on past expenditure levels. “But,” he agreed, “New York isn’t Massachusetts, and there are a lot of things we don’t have yet that will have to be implemented if we’re to finally get runaway spending under control.” Among other things, Weld wants to see that New Yorkers get the same capability the electorate has in certain other states to vote directly for change. Unlike Massachusetts and California, New York voters do not currently have the ability to place initiatives on the ballot for voter referendum. This, he says, will require a change to the state’s constitution. In fact, adds Weld, “I’d like to see a state constitutional convention called to make a broad range of critical changes that will help make New York State government more flexible and fiscally responsible.” Outlining his proposal, he listed 10 key constitutional items he wants to see written into a revised document. Beginning with a call for a voter referendum initiative that would allow valid petitions of five percent of the state’s voters to place items on the ballot for direct voter decision-making, Weld went on to call for a clause that would impose spending limits on legislators to prevent annual budgets from exceeding the previous year’s expenditures, with half of any tax-revenue surplus in the current year reverting back to the voters and half getting squir- reled away in a state “rainy day” fund. “It’s the voters’ money, after all,” he noted, “not the government’s.” He also called for a “constitutional collar around property taxes at a maxi- 1 mum of 2 ⁄2 percent of the total real- estate valuation in a community annu- 40 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ally.” This, he said, will help rein in the for all state elected officials, since legislature. And gerrymandering needs changes, too, and that’s got to carry a often out-of-control property tax incumbency is one of the main causes to be done away with. He wants redis- lot of weight with legislators.” increases that have been driving up of stultification and bureaucratic iner- tricting, one of the prime contributing In the meantime, Weld is pushing homeowners’ tax bills in the state and tia. “New York,” he says, “already has factors to the drag of perpetual incum- ahead on all fronts. “Tolls and other prompting many New Yorkers to seek enough of that.” bency, to become the function of a state levies aren’t immune either,” he fiscally friendlier environs. What other changes could a state non-partisan commission instead of promised, saying he intended to do a The proposed constitutional con- constitutional convention help bring those state legislators who currently sweeping review of statewide tolls once vention, he noted, should also look at about? Weld wants to see a restriction benefit from it. And he would seek a elected, just as he did in eliminating the Blaine Amendment on the use of state debt to cover annu- redefinition of the death penalty that Massachusetts, to “roll back any which which currently limits the state’s abili- al operating expenses, one of the ways would not prevent its use in heinous have long since paid for the roads, tun- ty to assist private religious schools. government spending seems to invari- cases but would prevent its sometimes nels, or bridges they’re collected on. Such schools, he notes, “often provide ably end up spiraling out of control. controversial restriction by the courts. There’s no excuse,” he said, “for keep- cost-effective educational alternatives And he wants changes in the state What are the chances of Weld get- ing a bureaucracy functioning just for and can spur a competitive environ- employee pension system, another cur- ting his proposed constitutional con- the sake of keeping it functioning.” ment, which makes all schools better.” rent big contributor to the massive and vention? “Not as unlikely as you This last item ought to resonate Although he endorses Governor growing state debt problem. He’d urge might think,” he told me candidly. with voters on the South Shore, partic- Pataki’s education tax-credit proposal, a constitutional provision establishing While the legislature must agree to ularly in Rockaway, where two toll Weld notes that one of the most suc- a new Tier V in the pension system for call such a convention and the voters bridges, both of which have long since cessful initiatives he undertook in this future public employees that would must ratify this, “I’d be using the paid for themselves, connect us to the area in Massachusetts was actually follow modern business practices in bully pulpit of the governor’s office,” rest of New York City. Weld himself cost-neutral for the public-school sys- creating a defined-contribution plan to he said, “to build support. Besides, was scheduled be in the area on April tem and involved no additional govern- replace the current defined-benefits Republicans already control one of 25, hosted by the Rockaway ment outlays at all. Parents in system that is growing more and more the two legislative houses in the Republicans at the old Belle Harbor Massachusetts were simply given the costly and unwieldy each year. state,” he added. He went on to note Yacht Club. He was the fourth major right to send their children to any pub- Raising taxes, he adds, should also that he was making his 10 constitu- statewide candidate since last lic school in any state district that had be constitutionally restricted. He tional changes a key part of his cam- November to come out to the peninsu- room for them. While siphoning no wants all tax increases to henceforth paign. “If people vote for me,” he la at the invitation of the recently money out of the overall public school require a two-thirds majority of the said, “they’ll be voting for these formed Rockaway Republicans. ❖ system, the resultant competitive pressure that was created within the system, he notes, prompted remarkable improvements in individual schools. “Constructive competition,” he says, “worked wonders in Massachusetts, and there’s no reason it can’t do the same here.” Weld also wants to see term limits of no more than two four-year terms enshrined in a new state constitution

If the hair in the plague is turned white (Vayikra 13:3)

It was debated in the academy of heaven: If the white patch precedes the white hair, it is impure; if the white hair precedes the white patch, it is pure; but what if there is doubt (as to which came first)?

The Holy One, Blessed be He, said:“It is pure.”

The entire academy of heaven said:“It is impure.”

Said they:“Who shall decide it for us? Rabbah bar Nachmeini.” For Rabbah bar Nachmeini had declared: “I am singular in the laws of tzaraat...” They dispatched a messenger [to bring him to heaven]... Said [Rabbah]: “Tahor, tahor (Pure, pure).”

(Talmud, Bava Metzia 86a)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 41 42 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 43 Schools Election tration, Hatten brings a much-needed passed. First, they tried a large his job.” He said that policy is the Continued from Front Cover and valuable know-how to the school increase, in the hope that they would responsibility of the board, and that the board. Uri Kaufman is an attorney with get lucky and be able to sneak it by vot- superintendent should be responsible with a record turnout expected as resi- extensive business and money-manage- ers. Then they proposed a figure even for implementing that policy. dents cast votes that can redefine and ment experience. In addition to his legal below what they would receive in an Candidate Uri Kaufman sees things set on track the future of School District expertise in education and constitutional austerity budget; the thinking was very much the same way as Mr. Hatten. #15, the Lawrence schools district. law, Kaufman carries a stellar reputation that, under this type of formula, the “I think they are spending money with- Those running for office are all first- for innovation and creativity in the busi- budget would be passed and the out any focus,” he said. “Look at this time candidates with varying degrees of ness community for the myriad of proj- spending restrictions under an austeri- year’s budget proposal, which calls for experience on school issues. Many resi- ects that he has spearheaded throughout ty budget would be lifted, enabling the setting aside over $5 million in a dents automatically perceive the school- New York State and elsewhere. school board to regain unfettered dis- reserve account when the budget is board candidates as being aligned with Together, these two candidates pres- cretion over expenditures. But the dis- already bloated and oversized.” Mr. either public-school interests or private- ent voters with the dynamism and inno- trict’s voters saw right through this and Kaufman added that according to school interests. However, this election vation that this school board has desper- rejected last year’s budget as well. information released at a recent board will be the first in which two candidates ately needed for so long. They are being “I think it’s clear that voters just do meeting, there is already over $7 mil- draw the support of private-school par- opposed by Tom Rizzo, of Inwood, and not have any confidence in this board,” lion in school reserve accounts, and the ents and carry the torch for all children Michael Brooks, of Cedarhurst. Mr. said candidate Michael Hatten in a district has been left with surpluses of of the district, bringing with them exten- Rizzo is a building inspector for the phone interview this week. “And,” he several million dollars in each of the sive and broad public education and Village of Lawrence and Mr. Brooks is in added, “ I don’t believe this board can past few years, including an estimated business experience. the construction business. put an acceptable budget forward.” He $8 million surplus from the current Michael Hatten, of Cedarhurst, is a Also on the ballot each year is the said that after observing and studying year’s budget, which could not be spent professional licensed educator who is the Peninsula Public Library budget, the board these last several months, he because the district has been operating president and administrator of two adult which is traditionally passed by voters. believes that what it lacks mostly is lead- under an austerity budget for the last post-secondary business schools, one in The school budget, by contrast, has ership. “I think very highly of schools several years. “How long can we con- Manhattan and the other in Far been resoundingly rejected by voters superintendent John Fitzsimons,” he tinue to augment our reserve accounts Rockaway. With his knowledge and expe- for the last several years, during which said, “but this board allows the superin- and ask residents for more money? If rience in the areas of contracts, curricu- time the school board has attempted a tendent to conduct planning and set there are surpluses in every budget, lums, and all aspects of school adminis- series of strategies to get their budget policy, and that is not and should not be shouldn’t we be asking voters for less money and focus on restoring voter confidence?” he said. Both Hatten and Kaufman pointed out to the Five Towns Jewish Times that the impending sale of the Number One School on Central Avenue in Lawrence will ultimately result in a windfall to the district of about $20 million. In addition, as the public-school population continues to dwindle in the district, there is talk of further consolida- tion, and such a proposal has even been set forth by Dr. Fitzsimons, which could mean selling off more buildings—netting additional millions of dollars for the district. These are tens of millions of dollars that belong to all the taxpayers of the district, and it’s essential that a responsible school board is elected to ensure that these funds are spent properly and provide relief for the district’s overburdened taxpayers. In light of the fiscal misman- agement highlighted by the New York State Comptroller’s audit report last year, it is apparent that many of the present school-board trustees are ill equipped to deal with these tasks. The budget to be voted upon on May 16 calls for a 5.3% increase on an exist- ing $88 million budget. At present, there are approximately 7,500 students residing in the district, with over 4,200 of them attending private schools. Lawrence teachers have been working without a contract since last July, and are seeking raises and an increase in benefits though they are already one of the highest-paid group of teachers in Nassau County. The majority of the 400 Lawrence teachers earn over $90,000 per year. With over $23,500 per year spent by the district to educate each public-school student, the Lawrence school district now leads all 56 districts in Nassau County in the state’s ranking of expenditures per student. Still, the district has been ranked in the 47th percentile for its graduation rate, with only 77 percent of students graduating in 2005. Indeed it is an unusual and unprecedented situation that needs to be handled innovatively and creatively, which to date the current board has failed to do. The most important aspect of this 44 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES annual process is to get out been reluctant to speak for remind everyone in your family 16—Lag BaOmer—to help lots, or any other information and vote, and make certain fear of having their children’s and all your friends and neigh- make a difference. regarding the school-board that eligible family members go special-education programs bors to contribute 15 minutes For information or voter-reg- election, please send e-mail to out to vote. For years, the rhet- altered further. In previous of their day on Tuesday, May istration forms, absentee bal- [email protected]. ❖ oric has been bandied about years, the district’s legal fees regarding serving all the chil- have been about $300,000. dren of this diverse and fasci- This week, signs have gone nating district. However, time up on lawns in Cedarhurst, and again the school board has Lawrence, and other areas of made attempts to create obsta- the district urging voters to cles for those opting for pri- cast their votes for Mr. Brooks vate-school education for their and Mr. Rizzo, lauding them children. Over the last several as “the public school candi- years there have been propos- dates.” That’s an unusual way als to curtail busing for yeshiva to describe candidates hoping students both in the early to be elected in a district with morning and for those who a majority of students in pri- return from school late in the vate schools. What happened afternoon or in the evening. to the talk of seeking to serve Additionally, repeated attempts “all the children of the dis- have been made to limit and trict”? Have these candidates even deny private-school chil- abandoned that goal? On dren access to local school Monday, May 1, there will be a facilities like gyms and ball candidates’ night at the fields, with those fair-minded Lawrence Middle School, individuals in the school beginning at 7:30 p.m. It’s an administration, such as Dr. important event and an oppor- Fitzsimons, countering and tunity to judge first hand and even reversing those attempts. up close to whom you, the In the current fiscal voter, want to delegate the year–and while operating responsibility of overseeing under contingency–the district the future of this district. is on track to spend nearly Most importantly though, if $800,000 on legal fees, mostly you care about your communi- on efforts to challenge applica- ty, your children, your finances, tions for special-education and the betterment of our services for developmentally school district, please make disabled children in the dis- sure that everyone in your fam- trict, who are associated with a ily (18 or older) and all of your particular segment of the com- friends and neighbors are regis- munity. Those involved have tered to vote. And please

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 45 46 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 47 Teen Wakes After Nine-Day Coma

A 16-year-old American tourist, critically wounded in last week’s suicide bombing in Tel Aviv, woke up on Tuesday for the first time since the explosion. Daniel Wultz, a high-school student from Weston, Florida, was in Israel with his parents to visit relatives during Passover. He and his Israeli-born father, Tuly, were lunching near Tel Aviv’s central bus station on April 17, when a Palestinian suicide bomber ignited 10 pounds of explosives at the entrance of the restaurant. The bomb killed nine people and wounded dozens. On Tuesday, Daniel regained con- sciousness, said Yael Tsubary, spokes- woman for Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital, where the youth is being treated. He is not yet able to speak, she said, but he can communicate with his eyes. Although the teenager’s condition is still listed as critical, Tsubary said he is likely to recover. Tuly Wultz sustained moderate injuries and was pronounced “out of danger” by hospital officials on Monday. Daniel’s parents, who declined to speak to reporters, asked his school and the family’s congregation in Florida to pray for him. This request was also posted on the Internet, where it reached Naomi Ragen, a U.S.-born Israeli novelist. She shared it with her 10,000-person e-mail list, leading people worldwide to pray for the teenager. (AP) ❖

Deadline for Advertising in the Next Issue is Monday, May 1 at 5:00 P.M. Call 516-984-0079

48 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 49 50 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ASpecial Eden Tours Pesach In Florida Photo By Guy Orman

The just-completed Pesach holiday was celebrated in high style and with deep meaning, courtesy of Eden Tours under the direction of Dr. Norman and Mrs. Zahava Goldwasser of Miami Beach, Florida. Eden Tours presented an impressive Pesach program that featured internationally recognized scholar Rabbi Paysach Krohn and Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg. The program was held at the Bayfront Hilton in Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida. (L to R): at a Chol HaMoeid reception held on a cruise ship in Tampa Bay, Dr. Goldwasser, Rabbi Ginzberg, 5TJT Editor Larry Gordon, and Rabbi Krohn.

Cedar wood... and hyssop (Vayikra 14:4) Because he has exalted himself like a cedar... he should humble himself like a grass. (Midrash Tanchuma)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 51 Look Out, India: Jerusalem Fighting For Its Share Of The Call-Center Market BY DINA KRAFT The city’s main selling point is its high- and Dutch. ing it the largest call center in ly educated expatriate and immigrant Meanwhile, the Jerusalem munici- Jerusalem, and one of the city’s largest Pacing the floor of his cubicle, a population who share a native tongue pality is offering tax breaks for compa- employers. The firm is also planning to young man in Jerusalem speaks into and cultural affinity with their clients. nies, and rent subsidies for new open other locations in Israel. his headset to an American client This is what sets Jerusalem apart employees who move to the city. Opening a call center in Jerusalem named Brandy over 6,000 miles away from the call-center powerhouses of The Israeli government, keen to was the idea of IDT’s founder, Howard and convinces her not to terminate her India and Ireland, according to indus- bring down high unemployment rates Jonas. Jonas, an observant Jew and American Online membership. try executives here. in the capital city and in southern Zionist, was dismayed by the level of Around him, hundreds of other “We market ourselves as a boutique Israel, is also helping underwrite part of unemployment in the city during a visit agents are hustling to find and keep after the outbreak of the second intifada. clients at IDT Global Services, Israel’s He soon opened the Jerusalem largest call center. Some are working office, which has since become the with disgruntled AOL clients seeking to Re-creating an American-style corporate headquarters of his other call centers end their membership, others are tele- in New Jersey, Mexico and Ireland. marketers selling subscriptions to the structure, there are also clear advancement “People feel comfortable with the Wall Street Journal in Europe, arrang- environment, working within their ing appointments to show apartment tracks and benefit packages. own language and culture,” said Gary rentals in New Jersey, fund-raising for Heller, 29, who immigrated to Israel Jewish federations, or selling baseball from South Africa and supervises a tickets to Minnesota Twins games. telemarketing team selling Wall Street “It is one of the only places outside of call center,” said Janine Kutliroff, the hiring costs for companies estab- Journal subscriptions. the U.S. that you have this type of con- CEO of IDT Global Services. lishing call centers and outsourcing. Employees at IDT are drawn from centration of highly skilled native” Another key selling point is that “The real challenge now” is promot- all segments of society—students and speakers of American English, said Yoel labor costs are roughly 40 percent to ing Jerusalem to companies around those approaching retirement, reli- Keren, 34, who immigrated to Israel 60 percent cheaper in Israel than in the world, said Eli Kazhdan, a business gious and secular. from Oklahoma and works in the com- North American and European cities, consultant who has been in involved in Weekly recruitment sessions often pany’s AOL department. “That is the although the costs are more expensive promoting the outsourcing industry in draw large crowds. edge you cannot get that anywhere else.” than in India. Jerusalem. Employee retention, however, is a Investors in businesses in At IDT Global Services, most of the IDT Global Services, the Jerusalem challenge. One factor in this is the Jerusalem and city government offi- business is done in English by workers subsidiary of IDT, one of the largest hours—many employees must work cials are trying to find their niche in from North America or England, but telecom providers in the United States, evening or overnight hours. Also, some the multibillion-dollar international there are also departments that work opened in 2002 with 20 employees. It call center and outsourcing industry. entirely in German, French, Spanish now has close to 1,000 workers, mak- Continued on Page 55

52 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 53 IDF? For them, Israel is the only prism Pharaoh that organized and executed Overcoming Kadima And through which they can fathom reality. the most horrific persecution in the They were born into this first Jewish history of mankind, we are in the spiri- army since the times of King David. tual Sinai desert that our Torah spoke There are many causes that con- about thousands of years ago. The Challenge Of Sinai tributed to the spiritual bankruptcy, the Let this holiday-filled month be a lack of historical understanding and starting point. Let us look at our lives BY JEREMY GIMPEL AND desire to shed their IDF uniforms and Biblical ignorance of the Israeli masses, with courage and intellectual honesty, ARI ABRAMOWITZ leave Israel for good. but the first step to solving this crisis is however painful that may be. If we Could Ehud Olmert be right? Have to acknowledge and understand it. find ourselves living in a self-imposed A tiny Jewish army equipped with we given up on the dream? Having celebrated the biblical exile, raising our children in a nation little more than spitballs and sling- As always, we turn to the Bible and Genesis of the Jewish nation this not our own, we must ask: is the pay- shots defeated a massive Arab coalition Jewish teachings for inspiration and Passover, we must focus on the future off worth the price? Have we relegated united in their unwavering passion to understanding. We have just conclud- ourselves to a life of mediocrity and destroy our beloved Jewish state. In ed the holiday of Passover. As Sabbath compromise, backed by justifications short, that about sums up the War of commemorates the creation of Heaven The Torah is the spiritual and rationalizations? Independence. The nations feared and and Earth, Passover marks the cre- We are not prisoners to the past and respected the Jewish people, and we ation of the Jewish people as a nation. blueprint of the universe, we are not prisoners of the present. walked upright and proud. When the Jewish people emerged Each moment is a new creation, and 58 years later: “We are tired of fight- from hundreds of years of slavery in and when studied our greatest gift is that we have the ing. We are tired of being courageous. Egypt, they trekked through the desert free will to make it our own. We are tired of winning. We are tired as G-d tended to their every need. As a correctly, we are given It is our decision. Are we the generation of defeating our enemies,” says Ehud fire led them by night and a cloud dur- the key that opens the of slaves who perish in the desert, fearing Olmert. And a prime minister was ing the day, their food was miraculous- change and the unknown, or are we a free elected on that platform. ly delivered in the form of manna door to the secrets of people meriting to enter the land flowing How could we have sunk to such falling daily from the heavens. with milk and honey? Let us prove Ehud depths? Where is our resolve? Imagine a young child born in the our existence. Olmert wrong and show him that we are During our service in various infantry desert who has never seen a tree bear not tired of fighting, because unlike him, units of the IDF, we encountered a com- fruit or his father work the land. When we understand who we are and what we prehensive cross-section of Israeli socie- his food fell from heaven he saw no of our people. We should not sit next are fighting for. (Arutz Sheva) ❖ ty and there was one terrifying theme: miracle; just nature in action. For this to friends at our tables, but next to Jeremy Gimpel and Ari Abramowitz host A Light No one knew who the first King of Israel desert Jew, manna falling from the sky children. We should go out of our way Unto The Nations on Israel National Radio. was. King David would have been flat- was just as natural as an apple falling and invite those who are less connect- Together they founded Admil, a Hebrew acronym tered at his popularity, but even more from a tree. ed to our heritage, to teach them and for Admat Yisrael—The Land of Israel. Consisting of immigrants from around the world disappointed that his beloved flock did- Unfortunately, this is the condition inspire them. We must make things who have served in various IDF combat units, n’t know of his predecessor, King Saul. of so many of our brothers and sisters real, not abstract. their purpose is to strengthen the emotional and spiritual connection of Jews and other lovers of Our fellow soldiers, upon discover- living here in Israel. Surrounded by The Torah is the spiritual blueprint Israel around the world to the Land of Israel. ing that we volunteered for our service Jews their entire lives, speaking only of the universe, and when studied cor- They travel the world speaking in synagogues on in the Israeli army, began to question Hebrew, they don’t see the blatant mir- rectly, we are given the key that opens Saturday and churches on Sunday spreading the beauty, depth, and dimension of Judaism, striving our sanity and beg us for our American acle of the State of Israel. How can the door to the secrets of our existence. to fulfill the divine role of the Jewish People in passports, expressing their deepest one not be honored to serve in the After surviving the reign of a modern the world as a light unto the nations.

54 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Look Out, India language course. Continued from Page 52 “It’s a soft landing for people who have made aliyah,” said Judy Lowy, new immigrants take the firm’s tele- director of recruitment for the company. marketing jobs out of necessity when The company also offers outsourc- they arrive in the country, and quit ing services to its clients, including when they find employment more suit- legal and financial services, translation ed to their education and training. work and graphic art design. A fervently Orthodox man who gave Its legal services department, called only his first name said his customer Outside Counsel Solutions, occupies a service job with one of IDT’s long dis- hushed swath of rooms. There, tance phone providers has been one of American-trained lawyers, several of the best jobs he has had since emigrat- them trained at Ivy League schools, ing from the United States more than work on corporate transactions, regula- 25 years ago. tory and tax law as well as research for Natan, a father of six, had been major law firms in the United States. unemployed for four years before tak- For its some 20 lawyers, immigrants ing the IDT job. from the United States, many of whom “Management understands the have not passed the Israeli bar, the workers’ needs and make it easier for work is a good fit. Meanwhile, their us,” said Natan, citing the bus fare to American clients get top work done at work provided by the company. about one-third to half the cost. Michael Barnett, director of market- “It’s like a virtual law firm,” said ing for IDT Global Services, joked that Joseph Shmidman, the CEO of the four floors of a shimmering office Outside Counsel Solutions. tower where the business is located is Shmidman recounts the pitch he “Little America.” gives potential clients. It’s almost entirely an English- “These are the same attorneys they speaking work environment and there would be working with in Los Angeles, is even a barbecue on July 4, U.S. New York or Chicago but because they Independence Day, he said. got the crazy bug to make aliyah and The company provides some live 6,000 miles away, they are going to American-style perks in the office cost much less,” he said. (JTA) ❖ building, including an indoor pool, Dina Kraft is JTA’s news and features correspon- gym and video games, the latter dent in Israel. offered in a cafeteria that serves fresh salads, sushi and pizza. Re-creating an American-style corporate structure, Coming Soon! there are also clear advancement tracks and benefit packages. www.5TJT.com There is also an intensive Hebrew-

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 55 For Israelis, Singapore Is A Gateway To ‘Dream’ Markets, Like Indonesia

BY GUY SHARETT ket—access to adjacent Indonesia and Malaysia,” said Shirley Refuah-Hasson A talking children’s book, a box that of the foundation. “We try to make the sends an alert to parents if their Israelis understand it would be very dif- teenage child starts driving recklessly, ficult for them to reach those markets a passport photo that conceals impor- without regional partners.” tant data—these are a few of the inventions Israeli entrepreneurs showed recently at an international “I tell them that I’ve been exhibition in Singapore. But the attraction of Global to Israel and that there’s Entrepolis isn’t just that it allows Israeli inventors to meet potential no reason to be afraid.” investors who could help develop and sell their products. Singapore also is a regional hub for sizable markets like There also are cultural hurdles to Indonesia and Malaysia, Muslim contend with. countries that do not have diplomatic “Most Singaporeans do not under- relations with the Jewish state. stand the difference between Jewish The most populous Muslim country and Israeli. The image of the Jews here in the world with more than 220 mil- is that they are smart but very shrewd, lion people, Indonesia often is per- so many people are afraid to be associ- ceived as the Israelis’ dream market. ated with them,” said the foundation’s Malaysia also does not allow trade William Koo. “I tell them that I’ve with Israel, but Malaysian business- been to Israel and that there’s no rea- men at Global Entrepolis showed son to be afraid.” interest in Israeli technology. The Israeli Trade Ministry’s Tnufa During the past seven years, the project helps entrepreneurs develop Singapore-Israel Industrial Research archetypes of their products and even- and Development Foundation has tually get to exhibitions like Global helped 50 companies from Israel do Entrepolis, which was held in late business with Singaporean companies. September. “Very often the Israelis are disap- In the Israeli booth, attendees were pointed with the Singaporean side’s able to see an invention called technological capabilities, but what the Singaporeans give is mainly the mar- Continued on Page 58

56 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Finally, with time, these words are put So get up, get a computer, and get The Computer Revolution: together and form real sentences. yourself into the 21st century. Don’t Talking is a skill that takes time to mas- spend a lot. Last year’s model will work ter, but most anyone can do it. fine for the things you use it for. Or Are You Being Left Behind? (Sometimes I wish talking weren’t so even better, buy one off a friend. easy, but that’s for another time.) Once Perhaps someone’s business is getting BY HESHY SHAYOVITZ recipe, communicate with a friend in you know how to talk, computers are rid of older computers. Israel, or at least pick up new interests. almost easy. It may take time, but the Maybe your eight-year-old neighbor The computer revolution is in full Almost all jobs nowadays involve the key is to learn a few skills at a time. can also help you install it. If not, you swing. Are you a part of it? Can you use of computers. I’m not talking There’s no excuse. “I’m too old; too can try it yourself. If the plug goes in avoid it? Where do you start? about programming positions. I’m talk- young; I just don’t understand these then you don’t need to worry. Make sure So what is this e-mail, Internet, and ing about receptionists, secretaries, things” just don’t hold up these days. all parts are connected with the base Web that everyone is talking about? Your office managers, and everything in A few years ago, I trained a 62-year- computer (CPU) and that the monitor neighbor’s eight-year-old knows more between. You don’t have to be a fast old woman, Hanah, to use a computer and CPU (and sometimes speakers) are about computers than you do. Even typist; you only need to know a few for her job. Throughout the training, plugged into the wall. Save the wall your coworker’s grandmother is using it. plugging till the end and then press the Let’s face it: Everyone knows something power button, and hear the sweet sound about computers—except you. It has of the CPU turning on. come to the point where you can’t even There’s no excuse.“I’m too old; too Now that your computer is func- have a conversation nowadays without it tioning, start by experimenting with it. coming up. If you’re thinking this fad Don’t be afraid to break it. Remember, will go the way of hula-hoops and vinyl young; I just don’t understand these unless you throw it on the floor, there records, I can’t reassure you. is no damage you can do to it at this Maybe it’s time to take a second look. point that can’t be fixed. Take a class at Computers are everywhere; they are things” just don’t hold up these days. a local community college. When you affecting every aspect of everyday life, get into the “cyberworld,” as they call and you are in danger of being left it, send me a note, saying “I was not behind. At first you were in denial: basic skills about computers and you Hanah was cursing the computer and left behind.” ❖ “What do I need them for?” or “They’re can improve your marketability— complaining about why her job couldn’t Heshy Shayovitz is president of Metropolitan an expensive toy.” At this point, your maybe even make a few extra dollars. still be done on a typewriter. She even Computer Solutions. He also publishes worst fears are coming out: “They’re too I won’t say that computers are easy to threatened to retire early. With time, JewCentral.com, a website with helpful, infor- mational, and self-help articles to help Jewish hard to learn” or “I’ll break it.” But I’m use. It’s like saying talking is easy. Sure, through trial and error, she learned how professionals succeed. He can be reached at here to tell you that those are just excus- now that you can talk, it’s easy. Picture to use the computer. A few months later, [email protected]. es, and they can be easy to overcome. a little baby: he opens his mouth and when she came back from a vacation in It’s important to realize that com- nothing comes out. With time, he can California, she told me that she actually WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? puters can’t do everything. A computer make a few sounds, to the delight of the missed the computer! Of course Hanah won’t help you cook for Shabbos. It parents—until the noise gets too loud. will never be an expert, but she doesn’t WE WANT TO KNOW! won’t help you learn a new language. It Later, he figures out how to say a few have to be. She uses it to do whatever E-MAIL US AT won’t make you a millionaire—no mat- words. With “Mama,” “Dada,” a few tasks she needs to get her work done ter what the popular press says. But other key words, and some pointing, he faster. Java, Shmava; the underlying [email protected] maybe it will help you find a good can communicate almost anything. technology makes no difference to her.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 57 Singapore Continued from Page 56

“Protector,” which can locate a car in motion, send an SMS alert to the phone of the car’s driver or owner with the vehi- cle’s location and serve as the car’s black box in case of acci- dents. “There was a businessman who asked me to come tomorrow to Malaysia to meet his partners, but I can’t do it with my Israeli passport,” said Erez Koren, of the company—also called Protector—that developed the product. “But we will find a way to do it through a third party. The fact that there are no diplomatic relations will not stop us.” The talking children’s book, which was developed in Kibbutz Barkai, allows kids to touch words and hear them in a different language. It also received a lot of attention in Singapore. “There was interest by busi- nessmen who export to China products that help young children learn English,” said William Krukowski of Edu- Barkai. Concealogram—another Israeli company with an international name—exhibited its technology that can encrypt a hidden image within a visible image. The invention could be used in passport photos: It allows the authorities to encrypt invisible data in a photo, such as name, age and nationality. If someone uses the photo in a forged passport, or uses a new photo without the encryption, the immigration clerk would be alerted that the details don’t match. “There are numerous problems in the marketing process of a new invention. Many times we have to be tough with inventors who do not understand they are bad marketing people,” said Jacob Fisher, Tnufa’s director. According to Fisher, some 20 percent of the inventions that pile up on his table eventually make it to market. (JTA) ❖

Deadline for Advertising in the Next Issue is Monday, May 1 at 5:00 P.M. Call 516-984-0079

58 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Iran’s Nukes Could Tempt Other Middle-East States B Y ZE’EV SCHIFF constitutes an existential threat to Israel. The committee finds that if Iran A military-civilian committee has gets nuclear arms, other Muslim, found that other Muslim countries in Middle Eastern countries will try to the Middle East could follow Iran in follow suit. The report comments on a equipping themselves with nuclear proposed Israeli response to Iranian weapons. The committee, chaired by nuclear testing. The committee recom- former minister Dan Meridor and mends that Israel maintain its policy of appointed by former prime minister “nuclear ambiguity.” Ariel Sharon, recommended to Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz on Sunday that Israel should maintain its policy of nuclear ambiguity, that as Iran is capable of Jordan has strategic importance for Israel, its stability should be supported, kindling the entire and that the National Security Council should become the government’s cen- Middle East and tral military planning authority. The comprehensive 250-page report, constitutes an existential addressing strategic issues for the next decade, is considered top secret; only threat to Israel. an elite few will be allowed to read its entire contents. After it has been redacted, it will be highly classified. It has not been decided if portions of the In a chapter on decision-making, report will be published to familiarize the committee determines that the the public with the Israeli defense out- government does not provide adequate look. The report recommends that and complete planning on defense defense premises be reexamined at matters. The report recommends the five-year intervals and that a mecha- NSC become the central planning nism be established to monitor the authority for the government and implementation of recommendations. include a small agency for national A substantial chapter addresses the intelligence. The committee recom- nuclear threat to Israel. Iran is capable of kindling the entire Middle East and Continued on Page 61

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 59 Or maybe it’s not upside down. Maybe, in some way, those animals hold with- The Meaning Of Making Money in them a divine spark that is far beyond anything the human can attain BY TZVI FREEMAN all. We want to discover that selling widg- how can there be any nexus between on his own. Maybe the deeper you go ets is actually a path to higher conscious- this and your personal spirituality? into the earthiness of planet Earth, the “If life is full of meaning, why am I ness and that true enlightenment doesn’t We have to reexamine what business brighter the sparks become, so that the spending it hustling other people for have to be accessed in serene meditation is all about. Perhaps business, too, is greatest sparks are found in the earth- their money?” about discovering meaning. About dis- iest places. Which means that the real Don’t think the question was invent- covering jewels in that mud. reason we eat is not for ourselves, but ed by our bourgeois-bohemian, save- The master Kabbalist, the “Ari” for the sake of our food. To uncover the-world-and-get-rich-too generation. Eating, the Ari explained, (Rabbi Isaac Luria, 1534-1572), had those sparks and connect them back to It’s been around since G-d handed must be treated as any our question 500 years ago—but on a their source—and to one another. Adam a hoe and kicked him out of the more basic level: If man is a spiritual Which is just what the Ari and his stu- garden. Just that most of Adam’s chil- other spiritual activity, being, why must he eat? Animals, it dents taught: That all of human endeav- dren worked that hoe with their hands. would seem, are less spiritual than peo- or is meant to be a way to reconnect the Today, we are all plowing the earth with composure, with ple. Vegetables seem even lower—and world and reveal its G-dly power. with our heads. And that can mean a the earth, air and sunshine would There is a caveat, however, to this pretty muddy head. mindfulness— appear to be at the rock bottom. Yet veg- process: In order to rescue a spark Some of us like mud. Some think as a human being. etation is nurtured by those “inanimate” from its captivity within your food, you mud is disgusting and run away from elements (indicating that they possess a need to stay one step above it. If you’re it. A lot of us try to compromise—we’ll vital force which it itself lacks), animals “grabbing a bite,” the bite is grabbing just get a little bit dirty and try to wash are nurtured by both those elements you. Meaning that if it’s the food that’s up often. In which case we end up remote from humanity—you can grab it and the vegetation, and human beings demanding, “You need me. You must with a bifurcated life in which our from a corporate desk overlooking down- rely on all three. Why, the Ari asked, is eat me. Eat me now!” and you stoop principal occupation is making money town Atlanta. Maybe even a law firm. the pyramid turned upside down? and obey—then it’s not the spark that’s and finding meaning is a pastime. But if widget sales are all about get- The real reason we eat is not for being lifted up, but you that’s being What we really want is a way to have it ting hold of other people’s money, then ourselves, but for the sake of our food dragged down. Eating, the Ari explained, must be treated as any other spiritual activity, with composure, with mindfulness—as a human being. Just like Adam with that hoe uncovered the power of the earth to produce bushels of food, so the widget seller has discovered a way to enhance human life with a simple array of wires and plastic. The systems analyst, too, is constantly in the process of digging value out of the abyss into which it has fallen. The orthodontist uncovers enhancement to human life so that no young lady need go without a pretty smile. Turns out that business really is about finding meaning—about finding and exposing the secret power of the world around us. And not only the power to enhance human life, but also the power of miracles and wonders and beautiful deeds. The infinite light hidden in finite places. The widget guy found that infinite light hidden in an inner city high school, when he realized how his widg- ets could be used as a tool for teaching cooperation and literacy. The Atlanta executive revealed it in his own office when he arranged for a weekly lunch ‘n learn session with a local rabbi who discusses Talmudic business ethics. As for the orthodontist, she finds it every day, in the wonderful smiles she brings to young people, especially the ones from underprivileged families, who she takes as clients pro bono. The deeper we enter the caverns of mundane life, the more brilliant are the jewels we find—as long as we stay above while we enter within. Meaning: As long as we remember that the purpose of our occupation is not the obvious one of making money, but a deeper, higher purpose. Because we are all, in truth, spiritual beings navigating a material world. As the Psalmist writes, “Those who go down in ships to the sea, who do their craft in the mighty waters; they are the ones to see the works of G-d, catching His wonders in their net.” (Chabad.org) ❖

Vancouver-born Tzvi Freeman is the author of Bringing Heaven Down to Earth and Be Within, Stay Above—two collections of medita- tions based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe—and numerous articles and essays on Jewish mysticism, philosophy and practice. 60 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Nuclear Middle East members on several subjects including Continued from Page 59 terror and how Israel should define it. The committee debated strategic-theo- mends minor cuts in the defense budg- retical issues such as defining “victory” et, and setting a five-year defense and “deterrence.” In a discussion of all budget based on the assumption that the types of wars, the committee pro- economic growth will continue. posed adding to “deterring,” “warning” The report indicates that Israel and “decisive,” a major chapter on the faces major, rapid strategic changes various aspects of “defense.” including technological changes. Efforts were made in the past to According to the report, Israel faces summarize Israel’s defense outlook new risks—the non-conventional under the direction of then Defense weapon threat and terror. The commit- Ministry director general David Ivri, tee noted that terror deterrence is but that committee’s work was essen- complex and difficult, particularly in tially stopped when Ehud Barak was territory that lacks governmental hier- elected prime minister in 1999. archy or against organizations without (Haaretz) ❖ territory, instead of states. The report’s overall approach recommends greater emphasis on firepower—particularly remote firepower—over troop move- Deadline for ments. It also recommends greater emphasis on intelligence and operations from outer space. Advertising Formally, the Meridor Committee was established by Mofaz. However, Sharon approved the appointments, in the vetoing with no explanation former defense minister Moshe Arens and for- Next Issue is mer Shin Bet chief Ami Ayalon. The report has been submitted for comment to Chief of Staff Dan Halutz, Monday, May 1 Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin, Mossad chief Meir Dagan and Atomic Energy at 5:00 P.M. Committee director Gideon Frank. The committee met 52 times over 18 months before submitting its Call report, during which Israel disengaged from the Gaza Strip, and Hamas won the Palestinian Authority elections. 516-984-0079 Disputes arose among committee

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 61 62 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 63 SERVICES SERVICES PROVIDED PROVIDED

Simchas Naava Complete Construction Share your simcha flowers! Be All home renovations (interior as well m’sameach other simchas! Donate as exterior). Brooklyn/Five Towns your fresh flower arrangements! We Poor man’s prices…rich man’s work. will match your simcha date with Call 917-349-9471. simchas following yours or deliver them to nursing home residents. To Experienced Tutor available for donate or obtain flower arrangements, this summer. Give your child the call 516-239-6066. opportunity to work with a highly In memory of a special friend, skilled Rebbe/teacher who will break down even the hardest sub- Naava Wassner Katlowitz jects so that it’s easy to understand. Plumbing and Heating: Sundial Please call 718-778-9137. Plumbing. Boilers/water heaters serviced and installed. All leaks fixed. Bathrooms, kitchens, basements. No HELP job too big or small. 718-252-1234. WANTED

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64 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HELP HELP REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE WANTED WANTED FOR SALE FOR SALE

Rapidly expanding girls West Lawrence Best location 4+1 Elementary School – 5 Towns Principal – NY elementary yeshiva bedroom, cape style, 3 full baths, full 5 TOWN HOMES Seeking experienced teachers - seeks General Studies Principal fin. basement, C/A, deck, 60x100, 516-569-5710 Grades 1-3. General Studies & who will lead our team of talented, must sell. $839K. Limudei Kodesh. Fax resume: experienced teachers in a warm and Call 917-642-3179. 773-346-4294. caring learning environment. An HWLT: Open House - 4/30 excellent opportunity for a commit- Hewlett—Open House April 30 Jewish organization looking for 100 Catlin Pl., 12-2 p.m. Lg. C/H ted educator to further develop a Sunday 2-4 PM 37 Franklin Ave. full or part-time direct care Col. 4Br, 3Bth, & more...$779K. stellar General Studies program. Make this your next home! Diamond workers to work on Long Island with Email [email protected] or fax 7 BR, 4 bath, colonial, LR/ Fple, DR, people with special needs. Must drive. 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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 65 CLASSIFIED ADS REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Continued from Page 65 FOR RENT FOR RENT FOR RENT REAL ESTATE Far Rockaway Reads Ln and Lawrence – summer rental, newly FOR SALE Far Rockaway – Lg. Hse Rental: Empire Ave. apt. for rent! 4br, 2bth, bsmt., Hi ceil’g, NU bths, renovated, 7 bedrooms, 5 baths, EIK, W\D. Call 516-322-3555. Woodmere–Academy area. New 2 Large Bedrooms, Large LR/DR huge Living & Dining rooms, Listing. 4BR brk Col. Brand new Area. Lots of closet space, Washer/ Warehouse space for rent large/beautiful property, private, quiet kitch, C/A, many new extras. Walk to Lynbrook up to 5,000 sf available. LIRR and many shuls. Reasonably Dryer Hookup. Walking Distance to cul de sac, flexible dates, cover costs. Office space also available. priced. By owner. 516-569-6646. LIRR. Call 718-471-1825. Call 516-395-1933. Call Teddy at 917-842-8721. Far Rockaway/West Lawrence Five Towns commercial space(s) New waterfront luxury townhouse. 5 TOWN HOMES Lawrence – Rental: 2Br, all nu APT., own ht. Call 917-757-9351. 3,800 square feet. 5 BR, 2.5 BTHs, 516-569-5710 for rent - prominent locations - from LR, DR, spare room, two car garage, Huge, beautiful garage for rent 850 to 3,500 square feet depending two zone AC/C. $755K. WDMR: Col. Hse: 3br, 2.5bth, Call 917-696-9073. 40x20 vacant driveway in on needs. If interested please contact: Fin. Bsmt…$2,500. Far Rockaway Bearch 3rd. 646-387-3438. Woodmere – By owner Call 718-926-9231. School District 14, high ranch, 4 bedrooms, 3 bath, central air, sprinklers, 5 TOWN HOMES House For Rent Brooklyn Far Rockaway Bright Apartment new roof, new siding, all redone 516-569-5710 Madison Area—Immaculate 3 bed- 2 Bedroom, Living Room, Dining inside, pristine condition, low $700s. room duplex, Large LR, DR, EIK. Room, Large Kitchen, Dinette, 2 Full Call 516-569-5437. Looking to come to the Five Towns Move-in condition!! Front/back porches. Hardwood floors. 718-645-0214. baths. Call 718-471-5884. House for sale Far Rockaway for the summer of 2006 seeking to 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Lannett rent furnished house. Ave. $495K. Call after 8pm Call 212-724-2369. 718-868-3066. Deadline for Advertising Condominium for sale, Far Far Rockaway – 2 bedrooms, semi- Rockaway, Reads Lane property, basement, washer/dryer, carpet, all in the Next Issue is Monday, May 1 ground floor of a two unit dwelling, 3 1/2 bedrooms, eat-in-kitchen, living new, Beach 12 Street/Lanett Avenue, at 5:00 P.M. room/dining room, 2 bathrooms, cen- private house, light and airy, quiet tral air, spacious yard, low taxes and maintenance, near schools and shuls. block, easy parking. $1,150 Call 516-984-0079 Please call 917-613-1399. Call 718-539-4472.

66 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 67 Eitan Addresses Knesset For First Time BY SHEERA CLAIRE said Eitan. “The world must grace and a slap in the face to citizens of the state because declared that anti-Semitism FRENKEL understand that ‘anti- those fighting anti-Semitism they are Arabs, because of the no longer existed just among Semitic’ and ‘anti-Israel’ are worldwide,” said MK Uri Ariel color of their skin,” said a- neo-Nazis and skinheads, but It may have been his first the same thing. They are tied (NU-NRP). The prime minis- Sanaa. “He spews venom. If that it was now being spread speech in the Knesset and united.” ter should introduce before anyone else would say against by Muslims, among them Bin Monday, but the plenum Although more than one- the Knesset his goals in the Jews what Lieberman says Laden, Ahmadinejad, and regarded MK Rafael Eitan third of the MKs gave speech- war on anti-Semitism.” [against Arabs] he would be Hamas. with solemn respect as he Although this year’s spoke of the capture of Nazi Holocaust Day comes amidst war criminal Adolf Eichman. a decrease in anti-Semitic “I am still emotional think- “The world must understand that incidents worldwide, Foreign ing back on that day,” Eitan Minister for Diaspora Affairs said during a special Knesset ‘anti-Semitic’ and ‘anti-Israel’ are the same thing. MK Rabbi Michael Melchoir session on international anti- (Labor-Meimad) warned that Semitism in honor of the reduction should not lead Holocaust Day. “That moment, They are tied and united.” to exaggerated complacency. when I realized he had been “I congratulate the data and captured, I felt that in the the decrease, but anti- name of all of Israel a giant es and lingered to listen to While other MKs pointed branded an anti-Semite.” Semitism is a complex, deeply- stride against anti-Semitism others discuss the issue of to growing anti-Semitism in A-Sanaa urged Olmert to rooted social process of demo- had been taken.” global anti-Semitism, Eitan other places—from Russia to keep Lieberman’s party out of nization,” said Melchoir. “On Eitan was the head of the was one of the few party lead- South America—Arab MK the coalition, as its inclusion the eve of Holocaust Mossad operation that cap- ers to address the plenum. Talab a-Sanaa said that he would “legitimize its extreme Remembrance Day we must tured Eichman in 1960. As the Acting Prime Minister Ehud found racism much closer to and unacceptable views.” remember that Auschwitz was current leader of the Olmert, Labor Chairman Amir home. Afterwards, a-Sanaa also con- not built in one day.” Pensioners Party, Eitan also Peretz, and Likud leader The Russian party Yisrael demned Iranian President On Tuesday, the Knesset noted the number of Binyamin Netanyahu were all Beitenu was a racist and anti- Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for held a special ceremony entitled Holocaust survivors living in absent from the plenum Semitic party, said a-Sanaa. his “unacceptable and despi- “Every person has a name,” in dismal economic conditions. Monday, inciting criticism “[Yisrael Beitenu Leader cable” statements. which the names of Holocaust “We cannot look only at from rival parties. Avigdor] Lieberman is an anti- Several hours later, MK survivors were read on the anti-Semitism against Jews,” “[Their absence] is a dis- Semite who incites against Zevulun Orlev, (NU-NRP) plenum floor. (JPost.com) ❖

68 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES April 28, 2006 69 5 Towns Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony At Congregation Beth Sholom Photos By Ivan H. Norman

Above, left: Ben Englander, chairman of the Yom HaShoah Committee, addresses the over 1,000 attendees at the Annual Five Towns Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony on Tuesday night at Congregation Beth Sholom in Lawrence. Mimi Borowski, winner of the Above, right: Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm, keynote speaker and former President of Yeshiva University. 2006 Yom HaShoah Writing Contest. The Broken Flight Of Memory

BY MIMI BOROWSKI SOPHOMORE, TORAH ACADEMY FOR GIRLS

One yellow star six million faint blue numbers endless looming railroad tracks the distant tolling of death’s bell are the testaments, the witnesses like the mountain of shoes gray striped uniforms and a single tear that from a child fell One mother’s plea as six million cries forever ring out stormy skies, angels weeping upon the shaved heads of innocents the holy ones, bearded white stare with clouded, empty eyes while blood overflows in unmarked graves heads bowed in final penitence One withered flower the flesh of six million people becoming dust in the wind so many angels fly beyond the eternal rain voices herald souls departed singing forgotten lullabies in the night can we hear them still? can we feel their pain? One rising star as six million pave the road garbed in white and gold leading the way to the moonlit sky the testaments, the witnesses slowly, softly fade to gray the weeping stills, so few remain rising to heaven are the whispers of the last goodbye

70 April 28, 2006 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Above: Holocaust survivors, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren step forward to each light one of the six candles memorializing and representing the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. This annual event is chaired by Ben Englander of Cedarhurst; other committee members include Josh Kalter, Miriam Slomovits, Dr. Jeff Frieling, Allan Lebovitz, and Jason Hagler (a junior at DRS).

Above and at left: Members of the HALB choir performed under the direction of Sandy Shmuely at the annual Yom HaShoah event.

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